CONTENTS OF VOL. XV.

NUMBER XCV.

I. Ou the Anatomy of Zolis, a genus of Mollusks of the order Nu- ee

dibranchiata. By Autsany Hancock and Dennis Emeveton, M.D.,

F.R.C.S.E., Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology in the Newcastle-

upon-Tyne School of Medicine. (With five Plates.) ...........seceessees 1

If. Memoirs on Geographic Botany. By Ricuarp Brinstey Hinps,

NE EEN at Rien ROL), DIED acca pon shane as ee o maces coppers apstelespeton er: 11

III. On the Occurrence of the genus Pollicipes in the Oxford Clay.

By Joun Morais, Esq. (With a Plate.) ........ccescseeeeeee Perr eee 30

IV. Description of some new species of the genus Ancyloceras. By

Joun Morris, Esq. (With a Plate.) .....ccccccsecssseesees eget » 31

V. Descriptions of a new genus and some new species of Homopte-

rous Insects from the East in the Collection of the British Museum.

By Avam Wuire, Assistart Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus. ........cs.sseeceseeseee 34

VI. Descriptions of two apparently new species of Lamellicorn

Beetles. By Avam Wuirtt, Assistant Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus. ......... 38

VII. Description of a new species of Melanogaster. By C. E.

ee paar caty «aries si gpcnanoe op nwa cenap ug'aclewa sacha oe 41

VIII. On the Laws which regulate the Geographical Distribution of

Littoral Mollusca. By M.’Atcipe p’ORBIGNY ...e0008 San spantn ane cen ane 42

New Books :—Elements of Comparative Anatomy, by Rud. Wagner,

M.D.; translated from the German by Alfred Tulk, M.R.C.S.E.. 45

Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Botanical Society of Edinburgh ;

Geological Society .......-.00000. apa yenawanbntage nessnsmevaseadened 46—68

Submarine Explorations by M. Milne Edwards; Observations on some

Polypes ; Food of the Australian Natives; Mr. Schomburgk’s Col-

lections in Guiana; Meteorological Observations and Table ... G8 —72

NUMBER XCVI.

IX. Description of some Animals found amongst the Gulf-weed. By

Hasgr DoS. Goons. WS." CWith a: Plates) 43 edatinc, tote wates err 73

iv CONTENTS.

Page

X. On the Anatomy of Zolis, a genus of Mollusks of the order Nu-

dibranchiata. By Ausany Hancock and Dennis Emsieton, M.D.,

F.R.C.S.E., Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology in the Newcastle-

upon-Tyne School of Medicine ..... ab. Giozeb east MSRIGSL oo 2 ik dewow a ORIG TAOMY 77

XI. Memoirs on Geographic Botany. By Ricuarp Brinstey Hinps,

Surgeon R.N., F.R. Coll. Surg. (Continued. 0.0... .cccecedevecuseeesees we. 89

XII. On the Preservation of Objects of Natural History for the

Microscope. By the Rev. M. J. Berxeney, F.L.S. o...cieiveeeceeeee 104

XIII. A Century of new Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants.

Characterized by Professor TINDGEY (c+: .sc¢.ns0sg04ea 00 eens =aaeere eee eseedeee 106

XIV. Description of an apparently new species of Longicorn Beetle

from Mexico in the Collection of the British Museum. By Apam

Wuirer, Assistant Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus. (With a Plate.) ..........0006. 108

XV. Note ona British Shell of the genus Circe. By Wittram Kine,

Curator of the Museum of the Natural History Society of Northumber-

land, Durham, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne .........eecaceeeeeee on} dee rey 112

XVI. Note on the Boring Apparatus of the Carnivorous Gastero-

pods, and of the Stone- and Wood-bwrowing Bivalves. By ALBany

SPANCOGR, Masse ecedeoceto ees es cateeeere eas at ph nde up Sayc'st aisb Wea ee vnot renee 113

XVIT. On a new species of Platycercus. By Joun Goutp, F.R.S. 114

XVIII. On the Means by which various Animals walk on the Ver-

tical Surfaces of highly polished Bodies. By Joun Buackwatt, F.L.S. 115

XIX. Remarks on the Synonyms of a Homopterous Insect described

in the last Number of the ‘ Annals.” By Apam Wuirs, Assistant Zool.

Dep Birt Nts. Wee. steetetes tose eet eke ostre costes CE Soe Storr nee pecuieiie 119

Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh ; Zoological Society ;

Geological Society ; Botanical Society of London ............ 121—140

Notes in Natural History, by G. Clarke, Esq., Mauritius; Ehrenberg’s

Researches on Infusoria ; Occurrence of the dnoplotherium in the

lowest layers of the Tertiary period of the Paris Basin, by M. E.

Robert ; Description of anew Australian Bird, by J. Gould ; Biblio-

graphical Notice; Meteorological Observations and Table... 140—144

NUMBER XCVII.

XX. Miscellanea Zoologica. By Georcre Jounston, M.D., Fellow

of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. (With a Plate.) ...... 145

XXI. On the British Desmidiee. By Joun Ratrs, Esq., M.R.C.S.,

Penzance. + «( With Plates) oosd... cs ORD I. Gee Pbee cused bnke de 149

XXII. On the Morphology of the different Organs of Zoophytes. By

R: Q..Coucs, M&R.C.S.L. »+ (With:a Plate.) ent). okt. c08.. 0b e ec ae 161

XXIII. Ornithological Notes. By Joun Buackwatt, F.L.S. ...... 166

XXIV. On the “ Nigger’ or ‘“ Cotton Spinner” of the Cornish

Fishermen. By Cuarues Witiiam Peacu, of Goran Haven, Cornwall

(Wath‘a Plate. )\w<i. vcs) sncbagenescosentncens naritaka tee aee tennessee eee 171

CONTENTS. Y.

XXV. On the Import of the inferior Pale of the Grasses. By

Huco von Mont. (With a Plate.) ..ccccccsssccecnscccvves Bi tdarcetee babes 174

XXVI. Botanical Notices from Spain. By Moritz Wittkom™ .,. 178

New Books :—Die Kieselschaligen Bacillarien oder Diatomeen, von

Dr. F. 'T. Kiitzing.—The Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur,

by G. Bentham, Esq.—Alge Hibernice, by Wm. M°Calla.—

Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, editore et pro

parte aucture Alph. DeCandolle ..........sseresssecerseesscerens 185—190

Proceedings of the Linnzan Society ; Zoological Society; Royal In-

stitution ; Geological Society ........secseceeeeeseene ar SaenAsae 190—213

Falco Islandicus ; On the Origin of the Corms of Colchieum ; Infusorial

Deposits in America; Meteorological Observations and Table 213—216

NUMBER XCVIII.

XXVII. On the Penetration of the Cuticle into the Stomata. By

Huco von Mout, Professor of Botany at the University of Tubingen . 217

XXVIII. Researches into the Structure, Functions and (economy

ofthe draneidea. By Joun Brackwa tt, F.L.S. ........eececessceceeees 221

XXIX. On the Preservation of Objects of Natural History for the

Microscope. By Wixrtam Reckitt, M.R.C.S.0. 2. .c ec sececeecececeeee 242

XXX. On the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra. By P. J. Van

Beneven, Professor at the University of Louvain ..........ssssseseeeeees 244

XXXI. Description of a new species of Pecten. By Tuomas Ep-

MGNDETONA Esky bss Oe Lie scecon ce ctees occa vosrcecolaceeeen eeheeierecne Seces 250

XXXII. Account of a Dredging Excursion. By the Rev. Davip

PAMDBBOROUGH eaccccecccscnanasFonccccessssenacnccssats¥areie: ceecserweeceeeeces 251

XXXIII. A Century of new Genera and Species of Orehidaceous

Plants. Characterized by Professor LINDLEY ......ccceecsevescsseersessens 256

XXXIV. On the Animal of Spirula. By J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S.

(With a Plate.)

XXXV. On Cyanocitta, a proposed new genus of Garruline, and on

C. superciliosa, a new species of Blue Jay, hitherto confounded with

C. ultramarina, Bonap. By H. E. Stricktanp, M.A...........cceeerneee 260

XXXVI. Note on Mr. W. 'Thompson’s Paper on the Ova of the

Large Spotted Dog-fish. By Capt. Portnock, R.E, .cc.escscasceeeseeees 261

XXXVII. Note on Euplocamus, Triopa and Idalia. By Josuva

Anges Bate: 5.5% «pao eaves eeby ontarnstiy oped deterwanlinteons} Wendt epilove's i4-7-%- 262

XXXVIII. On the Occurrence of Phytozoa in Phanerogamous

Plants. *By Dr. A. GmrerQaemyl 03... 2th. sennphinie ie becigdeb lade 264

XXXIX. On the Rats, Mice, and Shrews of the Central Region of

Nepa’. By B. H. Hopson, Esq., late British Resident at Nepal ... 266

vi CONTENTS.

Page

XL. Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland. By Frepericx M‘Coy,

Esq-,-M:G.S.D. ..CWith:a, Plate.).4....dcesbctce sachs bans» -pantonarn nanan . 270

New Books :—lIllustrations of Indian Ornithology, by T. C. Jerdon.—

Salictum Britannicum exsiccatum. Fasc. 1. and II1., by the Rev.

JB Lieefe ss és: Suincg sidacteahupes sew ammenies Be seat Onataets sieusiideate sais 274—277

Proceedings of the Royal Society ; Linnzan Society ; Zoological So-

PARE casas sila instsine Memaing eta welt ofan sea an aie SqesceeaadoScasse wee 277—292

On the Metamorphoses of the Strepsiptera, by Dr. Siebold; Descrip-

tion of a new species of Nymphon, by H. D. Goodsir, Esq. ; De-

struction of the Orange-trees in the Azores; Meteorological Obser-

vations and Table .........ccessscseeeeees sdownvicb dwaceanatics asym avian 293—296

NUMBER XCIX.

XLI. Description of a new genus of Calcareous Sponge. By J. 5S.

BowEknank, F.R-SS 1:8. &e. (With’a Plate... (2: .c.ccncec-aseseeta sci 207

XLII. On the Structure of the Cocoon of a Leach. By J. S. Bower-

BANK, PVRS. b5>06C." (CWILW & PAEG) 202 cs. cecctevertecsest= stream ent 301

XLIII. Description of three new species of Rubus. By T. Berx

Sinan, mV irte Lis ouseckitacars stieomecies A ec lath ee aeeaines ate ea Se seictiohiatste 305

XLIV. Additions to the Fauna of Ireland, including descriptions of

some apparently new species of Invertebrata. By Wittiam Tuompson,

Pres. Nat. Hist. and Phil. Society of Belfast. (With a Plate.) ...... «-. 308

XLY. On the correct Nomenclature of the Lastre@a spinosa and

LL. multiflora of Newman. By Cuarzes C. Basrineton, M.A., F.L.S.,

EV Ge rSc ese eleislelretalntalelntatelettale efetetersleelataiejserisialsleerelotteialeiseteleissicletelelelstelelealyls(=='=ielett- tetera 322

XLVI. Characters of six new species of Nepalese Birds. By Brran

H. Hopeson, Esq., late British Resident at Nepal ......... Sanaa eee 326

XLVII. Notice of some Rarities found on the West Coast of Scot-

land. By the Rev. Davin LANDSEOROUGH <.ce..cmnsssvockaonessuneneneeee 327

XLVIII. Notes on the Synonymy of the Genus pion, with Descrip-

tions of Six new Species, &. By Joun Watton, Esq., F.LS. ......... 331

XLIX. Further Notice respecting Cyanocitta superciliosa, a sup-

posed new species of Blue Jay. By H. E. Srricxianp, M.A. ......... 342

L. Note on Mr. H. E. Strickland’s Paper on the genus Cardinia

(Agassiz). By Capt. Portiock, R.E. ...... side siotete ote esGeant siete cneeeenS 343

LI. Further Notice respecting the Ova of the Large Spotted Dog-

fish (Scyllium Catulus). By Capt. Portiock, R.E. ..cccscsececeseeeeeee 345

LII. Generic Characters of Gasterochisma melampus, a Fish which

inhabits Port Nicholson, New Zealand. By Joun Ricuarpson, M.D.,

BRS Gle.. .ovicsbansctceneseautece satjers Geees ceaneanaapener ne eanaes nt ae bec asain 346

New Books :--Recherches sur l’Embryogénie des Tubulaires, et 1’ His-

tuire naturelle des différens Genres de cette Famille qui habitent

CONTENTS. vil

Page

la céte d'Ostende, par P.-J. Van Beneden.—Mycologia Britannica,

or Specimens of British Fungi, by Ph. B. Ayres, M.D....... 346—349

Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh; Zoological So-

CLEEY vicscscescseceeececctcecesceseeeusceuaeseeceeeeeetcesseceeseerens 350—371

Abundant Occurrence of Rare Infusoria in the Scallop; amatococcus

sanguineus, Ag.; Observations on the Formation of Capillaries, by

E. A, Platner ; Reproduction of Lost Parts in the Articulata; De-

scription of a new species of Solarium, by R. B. Hinds, l’sq., R.N. ;

Meteorological Observations and Table ............e00...06- we. S71—376

NUMBER C.

LIII. Descriptions of some Gigantic Forms of Invertebrate Animals

from the Coast of Scotland. By Harry D.S. Geoopsitr, M.W.S. (With

SNECEN Asai cnkanusipdadwamas screen Sard emdiandanad paen en pal eis a kane rnones ve teas xe 377

LIV. A Century of new Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants.

Cmaracterized by Professor DIN aLey ....-saveecccvessscwnesusctacdcsbacnsune 383

LV. Ona Monstrosity of Gentiana campestris. By G. Dickiz, M.D.,

Lecturer on Botany in the University and King’s College of Aberdeen. 387

LVI. Notes on the Synonymy of the Genus Apion, with Descrip-

tions of Six new Species, &c. By Joun Watton, Esq., F.L.S.......... 392

LVII. On the British Desmidiee. By Joun Ratrs, Esq., M.R.C.S.,

ag 0 WR SUMO once « to nin a atten ppte'nn Geanvdinnnandants yaa sauce 401

LVIII. Note on Mr. Bowerbank’s Paper on the genus Dunstervillia

(Bowerbank), with Remarks on the Jschadites Konigii, the Tentaculites

and the Conularia. By Tuomas Austin, Esq., F.G.S. ..........0e0000- 406

LIX. On the Formation of Aérial Tubers in Sedum amplexicaule,

eee Wer ery SPEAR EG, oi sc wes cas cicnastinnstanl aaah arn apasaae t-pain 408

LX. Anatomical and Organogenical Researches on Lathrea clan-

PR. BAe SPOT AGO aap s aan teunseenassonaseien ween iaennganien 410

LXI. On the Growth of the Stem of Palms, and on the Decurrence

mune eaves, By M. vom MARting .. ...csconespaasoncdgos odpiyevdstudnaaeos 415

LXII, Botanical Notices from Spain. By Moritz WitiKomm...... 417

New Books :—Contributions towards a Fauna and Flora of the County

of Cork.—Musée Botanique de M. Benjamin Delessert, par A.

Laségue.—Classification der Saugethiere und Végel, von J. J.

Meta eae cert hccnccenacigecnnscas sacie saxacdasesaccs op seh tasaatcan 419—423

Proceedings of the Linnzan Society ; Botanical Society of Edinburgh ;

Zoological Society ; Entomological Society .....-......:0200 423—442

On the Fossil Cycade@ in general, and especially on those which are

found in Silesia, by Prof. Geeppert ; Extract of a Note from J. E.

Gray, Esq., relative to his paper on the Animal of Spirula, p. 257 ;

vill CONTENTS.

Page

On the Development of Doris, by C. W. Peach; On the Nidi of

Buccinum reticulatum, by C. W. Peach; Obituary; Meteorolo- .

gical Observations and Table ..........cscssseccesesesceessccees 442—448

NUMBER CI. SUPPLEMENT.

LXIII. Notices of various Mammalia, with Descriptions of many

new Species. By Epwarp Bryrn, Esq., Curator of the Asiatic Society’s

IMATE 0703. Sanaa asbacnocnacscnasodsacdooas Seatecccteeetemeeesceeee wees coeeesncmaae,

Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Linnzan Society ......... 475—498

PRGEX ow casssacwaceasisascwces nce ences saanank sp hits yaten=evnchevkas> Mussina santo iiaee 499

PLATES IN VOL. XV.

I1I. }Anatomy of Eolis.

VI. New species of Pollicipes and Ancyloceras.

VII. Animals from the Gulf-weed.

VIII. New species of Longicorn Beetles.

IX. British Nereides.

XI. $ British Desmidieze—Staurastrum.

XIII. Morphology of Zoophytes.—Morphology of Grasses.

XIV. The “ Nigger.” —Development of Doris.

XV. Animal of Spirula.

XVI. New Itish Echinodermata.

XVII. Dunstervillia.

XVIII. Structure of the Cocoon of a Leech.

XIX. New Irish Mollusca.

XX. New British Invertebrata.

The Binder is requested to substitute the half-sheet at the end of No. 100,

in place of pp. 8301—3808.

THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

§© eceeseeseceeeeee per litora spargite muscum,

Naiades, et circlm vitreos considite fontes :

Pollice virgineo teneros hic carpite flores ;

Floribus et pictum, diva, replete canistrum.

At vos, 0 Nymphz Craterides, ite sub undas ;

Ite, recurvato variata corallia trunco

Vellite muscosis e rupibus, et mihi conchas

Ferte, Dez pelagi, et pingui conchylia succo,””

Parthenii Ec. 1.

No. 95. JANUARY 1845.

I.—On the Anatomy of Eohs, a genus of Mollusks of the order

Nudibranchiata. By AtBpany Hancock and Dennis Em-

BLETON, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., Lecturer on Anatomy and Phy-

siology in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne School of Medicine. ‘

[ With five Plates. ]

THE Nudibranchiate Mollusks are divided into two families,

the Doride and the Tritoniade ; the anatomy of the former was

fully vestigated by Cuvier, that of the latter, however, was only

partially examined by that illustrious physiologist ; and the Eo-

lidine*, a very extensive division of it, were left totally unex-

plored, but were nevertheless considered to agree in organization

with Zritonia Hombergit, the typical form of the group.

Recently however the attention of zoologists has been drawn

to the subject by M. Milne Edwards, who was the first to point

out that the Kolidine deviate in a very striking manner from the

rest of the family. He found in the genus Calliopea a ramified

digestive apparatus. This curious organ was supposed by that

gentleman to perform the double function of digestion and cir-

culation, and consequently to have analogy with the gastro-vas-

cular system of the Meduside on the one hand, and on the other

with the Nymphon, on account of the czecal prolongations of the

digestive organ that penetrate the exterior branchial papille.

Since this discovery there has appeared in the ‘ Annales des

* We use this name to designate the subfamily of which Zolis is the type.

Ap~ Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv.

2 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis.

Sciences Naturelles’ a very elaborate article by M. A. de Quatre-

fages on what that gentleman considers a new generic form, to

which he has given the name Eolidina paradoxum ; this he states

differs from the typical organization, not only in its digestive

apparatus, but also m many other respects, and im some instances

in the most extraordinary manner.

The subject of M. de Quatrefages’ memoir however does not

vary in any external characters from Hollis, to some of the British

species of which it is closely alhed. We should therefore expect

the anatomy of Eolidina paradoxum to coincide pretty accurately

with that of Holis, at least not to deviate from it to any extent

in the more important organs ; yet very considerable deviations

do exist, if the observations of M. de Quatrefages be correct.

Several of these observations however we are disposed to question.

Previously to the publication of the memoir just named, we had

investigated the anatomy of Holis in company with Mr. Joshua

Alder, and although many of our results were borne out by those

of the French naturalist, yet in several important particulars we

found that we entirely disagreed with him. We have therefore

reinvestigated the matter with much care, and particularly with

reference to the points in dispute, and have been able to corro-

borate our original views in the most satisfactory manner.

The subject is of considerable interest, as it 1s principally on

his views of the anatomy of Holidina and two other allied species

that M. de Quatrefages has proposed his order Phlebenterata.

It is therefore desirable that the anatomy and physiology of

the Eolidine should be fully ascertained.

With a view to this we now publish the results of our researches,

hoping that they may have the effect of fixing the attention of

others more able than ourselves to inquire into the matter.

We would premise that, in the following paper, where no au-

thority is given after the name of any species mentioned, it must

be understood that that species has been described by Messrs.

Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock.

We have chiefly turned our attention to Holts papillosa, John-

ston, probably EZ. Cuvierii of French authors, Pl. I. fig. 1; not

more on account of its general resemblance in form to Eolidina

paradoxum than for the advantages presented by its great size,

which has enabled us to ascertain by actual dissection almost

every point of importance.

Of this species we have had numerous specimens, both alive

and in spirits, and in all stages of growth, from two lines to two

inches in length.

It is slightly depressed, tapering more abruptly than usual to

a point behind; both the dorsal and oral tentacles are simple,

short and conical; the branchial papille are slightly compressed

EEO eee _-

_ i

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis. 3

and taper to a point ; they are arranged down the sides of the

back in about twenty transverse series of from twelve to eighteen

papillz each ; the foot is broad, and slightly produced at the sides

in front.

We have not however confined ourselves to this species, but

have extended our inquiries to several others, for the purpose of

showing how far the internal organization varies in the group.

E. olivacea, P\. 1. fig. 3, is thus frequently alluded to. It

closely resembles the species described by M. de Quatrefages,

and is in fact, accordig to the generic characters given by him,

with the exception of a posterior dorsal anus, an Kolidina. It

is generally about half an inch long, has four simple, slightly

conical tentacles ; the anterior part of the foot is rounded at the

sides, or only slightly angulated ; the branchial papille are cylin-

drical, and arranged down the sides in about seven transverse

rows of four or five papillee each.

E. coronata, Forbes, Pl. I. fig. 2, has also been examined with

the same view. This species differs from the two former as much

perhaps as any of the genus, and is therefore well calculated for

our purpose. It is sometimes one inch and a half long, the body

is almost cylindrical, and terminates in a fine point behind; the

anterior lateral angles of the foot are somewhat produced; the

oral tentacles are long and simple, the dorsal annularly laminated ;

the branchial papill are cylindrical, and arranged down the sides

in six or seven clumps.

Besides these three, we have had upwards of twenty other spe-

cies, to some of which we shall occasionally refer. A few of these

have the anterior angles of the foot produced into tentacular

points, as described by Cuvier ; and others have the large vase-

shaped branchial papillz resembling those of the genus Ampho-

rina of M. de Quatrefages.

During our investigations, we have used in the dissection of

the organs the simple lens, and for the examination of the mi-

nuter parts of the organs, the tissues and fluids, one of Powell and

Lealand’s best compound microscopes. We have avoided using

the compressor as much as possible, being aware that it is a great

cause of error in studying the structure of animals so complicated

and delicate as the Eolidine. These mollusks invariably contract

themselves greatly when subjected to pressure, and the various

organs are confusedly crushed together, so that it is quite impos-

sible to distinguish any of them with precision. We have never

succeeded in tracing in this manner the whole of any of the vis-

cera, though we have several times made the attempt, and we can

easily conceive that the compressor has led to many of the errors

which we believe M. de Quatrefages has committed, though we

give him full credit for the amount of information that he has

4 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis.

really gathered from the very limited number and minute size of

his specimens.

We propose to treat of the anatomy of Eolis by describmg suc-

cessively the various organs, beginning with those of digestion,

which will form the subject of the present article. The physio-

logy will be found incorporated with the anatomy.

In Pl. V. tig. 16, is given a general view of the viscera of E.

papillosa, the dorsal skin having been removed.

Organs of Digestion.

These consist of

1st. An outer and an inner lip, leading to

2ndly. A buccal mass, composed of a pair of horny plates, pro-

vided with strong cutting-edges, and inclosmg a spmy prehen-

sile tongue, having strong muscles adapted to produce all ne-

cessary movements. From the posterior part of the dorsal

aspect of this mass passes backward,

8rdly. A short constricted cesophagus, which ends in

4thly. A ramified digestive cavity; the ramifications continued

into the branchial papille, and developed into a more or less

complicated follicular apparatus for the bihary secretion,

being at the same time continued into ovate vesicles which

open externally at the apices of the papill.

5thly. A short intestinal tube coming off from the posterior part

of the dorsal aspect of the bulb of the stomach, and ending in

an anus placed on the right side of the body.

6thly. Minute salivary glands.

The mouth, in Eolis papillosa (an anterior view of which, from

a specimen that had been in spirit, is shown in PI. V. fig. 14),

opens on the inferior surface of the head and in front of the an-

terior border of the foot. It is provided with an external pair of

large soft lips, Pl. I. fig. 4a, that divide vertically on the median

line. A little within these there is a strong, firm, somewhat com-

pressed, muscular layer—the imner lip, Pl. I. figs. 4, 6, and 8 8,

surrounding an oval vertical space, through which two strong,

brown, hornylaminz, the cutting-blades of the jaw, Pl. Il. fig. 2a,

are visible. These blades are seen to be separated by a vertical

fissure (Pl. V. fig. 14.c) opening into the cavity of the mouth.

An inferior view of the mouth of E. olivacea in its natural state

is seen in Pl. V. fig. 15.

The buccal mass itself, Pl. I. fig. 7, is composed of a pair of

large corneous plates, a tongue, and the muscles necessary for

the movements of these organs. It is a large and apparently

compact body of a subtriangular form, with the sides a little com.

pressed. The corneous plates, PI.I. figs. 44,9 aa, Pl. JS, 7, Ses

are nearly co-extensive with the general mass, on the sides of

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis. 5

which they are placed, partially imbedded in the muscles. They

are of an irregularly elliptical form, slightly concave internally

and convex externally, and are gradually thinned to a fine edge

at their inferior and posterior margins. From the superior mar-

gin of each plate near its anterior part projects inwards a trian-

gular process, PI. I. fig. 9 6 and Pl. II. fig. 7a; these processes are

united at their apices on the median line by a strong lgament,

forming a hinge-like joint or pivot on which the horny plates

move easily. Below and a little im advance of these processes

project downwards the two large arched cutting-blades, PI. I.

fig. 9c, Pl. Il. 5, and 76; these blades form the anterior edges

of the corneous plates, and end inferiorly in long pointed pro-

cesses, which are kept together by muscular insertions.

The upper surface of the processes for the hinge is divided un-

equally by a slight ridge, PI. I. fig. 9 a and Pl. II. 7c, mto two

parts ; these give attachment to transverse muscles which move the

horny plates upon the pivot: the muscle in front of the ridge,

Pl. I. figs. 6c, 7d, 10c, and PI. 11. 2 4, is also in front of the pivot,

and has the office of closing the jaws; that behind the ridge,

Pl. I. figs. 6 d, 7e and 104, is the opponent of the former and

opens the jaws. The latter is much larger than the former and

consequently stronger, and extends backwards as far as the ceso-

phagus. There is however another transverse muscle, Pl. I.

figs. 6e, 10d and PI. II. 2c, the duty of which is to assist in closing

the cutting-blades. This muscle is seen attached to the edge of

the horny plates at their anterior inferior aspect below the cut-

ting-blades. The closure of the jaws is further materially pro-

moted by a sphincter muscle which forms part of the lips, and

will be described further on.

On the upper aspect of the buccal mass, behind, and partly

covered by the transverse muscle that opens the jaws, and run-

ning on each side of the cesophagus backwards and then down-

wards, is a well-defined muscular layer, Pl. I. figs.5 a, 7 fand 9e,

having its origin from the inner border of the horny plates. The

fibres which arise the furthest forward form the inner edge of

each muscle, and unite on the median line immediately behind

the cesophagus ; those which come off behind these pass parallel

to them, and are united also on the median line at points suc-

cessively further behind and below the former, and the fibres

which are last in origin are prolonged and become lost upon the

under aspect of the buccal mass. All the fibres of this muscular

layer, besides uniting with each other, are attached by their an-

terior surface to the muscles of the tongue upon which they lie.

One office of these muscles appears to be to pull forwards the

cesophagus so as to close its orifice; their principal function we

will explain when we come to the tongue.

6 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis.

On removing these muscles there is brought into view a very

thin stratum of glistenimg muscular fibres, Pl. I. fig. 9 f, attached

to the opposed edges of the horny plates and converging towards

the cesophagus, upon which they pass, forming at once a coating

of longitudinal fibres for that tube, and the attachment of it to

the skeleton of the mouth. This delicate layer lies upon the

ling membrane of the mouth and cesophagus.

On cutting through the hinge and separating the horny plates,

we obtain a view of the interior of the mouth, Pl. I. fig. 8; here

we find in the median line the arched prominent ridge of the

tongue c, extending from before backwards, formed of seventeen

or eighteen transversely curved imbricated plates, Pl. II. fig. 1, their

posterior free edges thickened, of a dark chestnut colour, and

presenting about forty spines slightly bent, and having their

points directed backwards. This ridge is supported upon the

curved apex of a wedge-shaped muscular mass, Pl. I. figs. 6 fand

8 d, that rises from the posterior inferior wall of the mouth, and

is much thicker behind than before. A lateral view of this mass

shows two sets of muscular fibres: one, by far the stronger and

larger, arising from the inner surface of the inferior posterior

margin of the horny plate, and radiating to all parts of the curved

ridge, where they are inserted into the ends of the transversely

arched plates which sustain the spines ; the other set, much less

strongly marked, and crossing obliquely over the former, arise

from the posterior extremity of the curved ridge of the tongue,

and thence pass forward to be inserted successively into the ends

of all the transverse plates of the ridge from back to front ; the

upper fibres are consequently the shortest, the lower the longest.

The former set of fibres, when acting as a whole, will carry

downwards and backwards the entire ridge of the tongue. When

the muscles of the two sides act alternately, the tongue will

be moved from side to side; when the anterior and posterior

borders of the muscles act alternately, as it may be supposed

they can, the alternate advance and retreat of the spmy ridge will

be assisted. The degree of curvature of the tongue and the

situation of the curve will materially depend upon the former, as

well as upon the latter set of fibres.

On removing the muscles just described from off one side of

the tongue, a very beautiful piece of mechanism is brought into

view ; we find, corresponding to the base of the tongue and the

under surface of the buccal mass, two strong semicircular bands

of muscle; one, the inferior, Pl. I. fig. 5 4, arises from the mfe-

rior pointed extremity of the cutting-jaws e, directly above the

inferior transverse muscle that assists to close the jaws; and

thence passes In a curve backwards and upwards, and is inserted

into the posterior extremity of the ridge of the tongue. It is to

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 7

the under and posterior surface of this band that the muscle (a)

we have mentioned, as coming down from the upper part of the

buccal mass by the side of the cesophagus, is attached. The use

of this inferior band is to pull the posterior end of the ridge of

the tongue downwards, and thus assist in the rotatory motion

of this organ backwards, by which food is carried to the opening

of the cesophagus. The other, the superior band, PI. I. fig. 5 c,

lies within the curve of the former, and has its ends fixed to the

ends of the spiny ridge of the tongue, which it will serve to ap-

proximate ; but it will more particularly pull downwards and back-

wards the anterior end of the tongue, being the main agent in its

rotatory motion forwards, on account of the muscles which come

down from the upper part along the posterior surface of the buccal

mass pulling upon the inferior semicircular band to which they

are attached, and thus making the posterior end of the tongue a

fixed point.

Of the three muscles here last mentioned, the posterior a, and

the superior ¢, are associated together in action, and are opposed

by the inferior b, which is also in part intermediate in situation

between the others. Altogether they are the chief instruments

in producing the rotatory backward and forward motions of the

tongue, whilst the muscles that overlie them laterally assist in

the rotation, and regulate the place and degree of curvature of

the ridge, whilst they can depress the tongue in totality. Now,

the nearly circular space that is left between the concave border

of the upper semicircular muscle and the concavity of the ridge

of the tongue is filled up by a mass of stout, short, transverse

fibres d, which appear to give strength and stability to the lin-

gual mass, binding strongly together the lateral muscles to which

they are fastened, and forming at the same time a firm support

to the spiny ridge, and a fulcrum as it were for the semicircular

muscles that rotate it.

The inner concave aspect of the horny plates which form the

lateral walls of the cavity of the mouth is uncovered for about

one-third of its extent at the upper and anterior part, Pl. I. figs. 6

and 8 aa, Pl. III. fig.6b. The rest of the surface is lined by a

thick, strong muscular mass, Pl. I. figs. 6 g and 8 e, and Pl. II. 4.

Pl. ILI. fig. 6c, the fibres of which are inserted into nearly the

whole of the lower half of its internal aspect, just above the in-

sertion of the external lateral muscles of the tongue, with which

they are blended. From this attachment the fibres pass obliquely

upwards, the inner ones being the longest and inclining forwards,

and a thick body of muscle is formed, which is terminated above

by a flat and broad border, PI. I. fie.8 fand Pl. IL. 44, Pl. III. 6d,

that is free for some distance, lying nearly in contact with the

8 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis.

horny plate: the muscles from the two sides meet together in

front of the tongue, and are attached to the inferior pomted ex-

tremity of the cutting-jaws, Pl. I. fig. 8g, Pl. II. 4c, Pl. III. 6e,

blending there with the muscles that rotate the tongue back-

wards. On the outer surface of the free part of this cheek-mass,

as it may be called, is a thin layer of fibres, Pl. III. fig. 6 f,

passing at right angles to the bulk of the muscle, and extendmg

from the lower extremity of the cuttig-jaws to the side of the

cesophagus. At the inferior border of this thin layer lie the sa-

livary glands and duct (a).

The use of this mass of muscle appears to be that of accom-

modating itself to the action of the tongue and assisting it in

carrying the food backwards into the cesophagus. May the free

edges not be the organs of taste ?

The whole of the muscular walls of the buccal cavity are lined,

and the wedge of the tongue is covered by a strong membrane

continuous with that which lines the cesophagus, and which forms

one or two distinct folds, Pl. I. figs. 8 and 64, over the pos-

terior part of the tongue below the entrance to thé cesophagus,

but which does not appear to line the horny plates where they

are uncovered by muscle, nor to coat the cutting-jaws, and which

consequently is not continuous with the membrane which lines the

channel of the mouth. It is most probably a mucous membrane.

Lips.—These consist of longitudinal and circular fibres: the

longitudinal fibres of the imner lip, Pl. I. fig. 11 b, take their ori-

gin from a ridge, Pl. IT. fig. 5 a, on the external surface of the

anterior edge of the horny plates, where these become continuous

with the cutting-jaws ; the fibres arise all the way from the upper

to the under margin of the horny plates, inclosing in an elliptical

space the cutting-jaws. With these are blended the circular

fibres.

The lip thus formed is coated on its inner and part of its

outer surface by the lining membrane of the channel of the

mouth, so that it projects by a free border, Pl. I. figs. 4 and 66

and 11 ¢, which is wrinkled, into the channel leading to the buccal

cavity. This imer lip acts as a sphincter to the orifice of the

mouth, and will regulate and assist the approximation of the

cutting-jaws ; it will also take an active part in the prehension of

aliment, which it will carry backwards to the cutting-blades.

The outer lips are prolonged into a tube, PI. I. fig. 4 e, which

is the channel of the mouth ; they inclose the inner lip. Their

longitudinal muscular fibres, Pl. I. fig. 6 2, arise from a ridge,

Pl. II. fig. 5 c, on the sides of the horny plates, immediately be-

hind the origin of the longitudinal fibres of the imner lip, and

pass forward to be blended with the integuments at the external

7% “9%

ee ee eee

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 9

orifice of the mouth. The circular fibres are to be traced from

end to end of this tube, but are most abundant at its posterior

part, where they form a strong belt or sphincter, PI. 1. figs. 4f

and 6’. The use of the outer lips appears to be chiefly confined

to sensation, for they are abundantly supplied with nerves, and

are retracted by means of their straight fibres when the animal

takes its prey.

From the circular belt at the base of the outer lips pass back-

wards series of fibres, Pl. I. fig. 4g g, the strongest and longest

of which are below, corresponding to the foot. These fibres are

inserted into the fleshy foot and into the common integument of

the sides and top of the body, to which they attach the whole

buccal mass, and their office is to retract that mass : this they will

do most efficiently when the foot has firm hold of the ground.

From the same belt are seen passing backwards and lying

against the external surface of the corneous plates, fiat, shining,

semitransparent bands of muscle, Pl. I. figs. 4/4, 7b, and Pl. IT. 3a,

which unite and divide irregularly as they are continued to their

insertions along the upper and posterior borders of the horny

plates. These bands appear to be antagonists to the last-men-

tioned, and may advance and rotate the buccal mass, during the

prehension and cutting of the prey, and probably may assist in

retracting the outer lip.

The general characters and the muscular arrangement of the

buccal mass do not appear to vary materially throughout the ge-

nus KHolis. [See that of E. coronata, Pl. I. fig.3.] The lips are

nearly the same in all. There are corneous plates and spiny

tongue in all. In E£. coronata however, PI. II. figs. 6 and 8,

the jaws are slightly modified in form. The tongue also varies,

and is composed of a single longitudinal row of large, strong, re-

curved spines or teeth which are minutely pectinated on each

side.

In E. nana the same compound tooth is found, PI. II. fig. 10

and Pl. ILI. fig. 3.

In E. alba the tongue is composed of a single longitudinal row

of twenty large, simple, recurved spines, Pl. II. figs. 11 and 12,

and in £. olivacea there are between fifty and sixty transverse rows,

each containing about twelve stoutish, almost straight spines,

Pl. II. figs. 13 and 14.

The spines of these tongues are very minute, and in F. papil-

losa are not more than one-sixth the thickness of the ordinary

hair of the human head. They were often observed to be broken

off abruptly, but never bent or partially fractured ; hence we were

led to suppose that they were not composed of horny tissue, and

were induced to try the effect of some reagents upon them.

Neither acetic nor nitric acids produced any change in them, but

10 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis.

hydrofluoric acid in the nascent state corroded them extensively,

leaving little doubt in our minds that the spines are composed of

siliceous matter.

It is difficult to understand how M. de Quatrefages could have

mistaken the buccal mass for the stomach, and yet there is no

doubt that he has done so in Kolidina. From his diagram it ap-

pears clear that he has not understood the parts, and his de-

scription sets the matter at rest. At page 284 of his memoir,

after describmg as the oesophagus the channel that leads

through the lips to the buccal mass, that gentleman goes on to

say, “ En arriére de l’cesophage, on apergoit une masse oblongue,

formée par des fibres musculaires entrecroisées. La cavité ceso-

phagienne se continue dans son intérieur en s’y rétrécissant au

moins dans l’état de vacuité ot était cette portion de l’appareil

digestif chez les individus que j’ai examinées. Peut-étre est-ce la

le lieu ot se fait la digestion des substances avalées par Panimal.

Du moins, dans un autre mollusque fort voisin de celui-ci, et que

jai rencontré également & Saint Vast, je trouvai dans un organe

entiérement semblable un petit poisson, dont toutes les parties

molles avaient entiérement disparu, et dont la colonne vertébrale

elle-méme commengait & se dissoudre par Paction des forces di-

gestives.” And in the next paragraph adds, “Au-dela de ce

bulbe stomachale, si Yon peut s’exprimer ainsi, commence le véri-

table intestin.” It appears to us that this naturalist has here

drawn a hasty conclusion from an imperfect observation. But

afterwards, in a paper on his proposed order Phlebenterata, he re-

cognises the tongue of Act@on elegans, which also at first sight

he mistook for the back-bone of a small fish. Now the tongue of

Acteon resembles closely that of several small species of Kolis, so

that we trust that by this time M. de Quatrefages has come to a

recognition of the true signification of the parts in Kolidina pa-

radoxum.

The account however of the anatomy of this latter animal in

the ‘Annales des Sciences’ for May and June 1843, shows at

once that M. de Quatrefages has mistaken the outer lip for the

mouth, the channel of the mouth for the cesophagus, the mouth

itself for the stomach, and the stomach for the “ véritable

intestin.”

In minute specimens of the Holidine the microscope is neces-

sary for the detection of these parts, and the compressor must be

adjusted carefully with reference to them: great pressure is re-

quisite to show the tongue. In large specimens the same parts

can be dissected out either with or without a lens.

[To be continued. }

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. ll

I1.— Memoirs on Geographic Botany. By Ricuarn Brinsiey

Hinps, Surgeon, R.N., Fell. Roy. Coll. Surg.

In the ninth volume of the ‘Annals of Natural History’ I have

dwelt with some detail on the agents which constitute climate,

more particularly as they influence vegetation. It will there be

seen that a great number of different climates are produced by

the repeated changes in the relations which the constituents bear

to each other, and every portion of the globe, of any extent, will

produce a state of things influencing its climate, which perhaps

it would not be possible to match exactly at any other place.

Whether vegetation obeys minutely these movements in climate

is yet to be determined, but it is not improbable that there is a

very powerful connexion between the flora of any particular re-

gion and surrounding circumstances ; as not only every continent

has its own peculiar forms, but even different portions of a con-

tinent have an assemblage of forms which are repeated feebly

elsewhere. Before, however, adverting to the varieties which

vegetation presents, there are some other circumstances for our

consideration.

The earliest mention of the vegetable kingdom is contained in

the sacred writings ; we are there informed that the earth brought

forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yield-

ing fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind. Further than

this they do not acquaint us with any facts on the subject, ex-

cepting that we find that it occupied one of the earliest of the

omnipotent labours, preceding in its existence all other organized

beings. Our curiosity as to the early state of vegetation, its

amount, or how the whole world has been covered with its mem-

bers, remains still unsatisfied. These were left for the subse-

quent inquiries of man, and perhaps also for his happiness,

since experience has taught us the pleasure to be derived from

the exercise of our intellectual faculties and in the gradual ac-

cumulation of knowledge. Nor on the other hand can we per-

ceive, though the information is scanty, that there is room for

any of those restricted ideas which have been entertamed by some

as to the limited number of vegetable beings at first called into

existence, or of the very confined region they were supposed to

occupy. The world had been long peopled before we find any

additional information, and this is contained in the writings of

those philosophers whose names have descended to our times with

many of their works.

At that period very limited ideas prevailed respecting the nu-

merical amount of the flora of the world, which has since been

discovered to be so vast. The imperfect knowledge of geo-

graphy then prevailing, and the small amount of accumulated

12 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

information, must account to us for not above a thousand differ-

ent species being recorded. The ancients at the same time were

not remiss in availing themselves of the properties of plants in

the healing art, or for domestic purposes. To some extent the

amount of known plants is an index of the advancement of the

science, and on examination this will be found to have proceeded

most irregularly ; indeed none worthy of attention was made till

the time of Linneus. Subsequently a rapid advance took place,

gradually increasing to the present time, when the progress out-

strips all precedent.

Whilst the first naturalists were recording such plants as their

exertions brought before their notice, none appear to have

hazarded an opinion on the total amount of the vegetation of the

world, till Ray ventured to fix it at 18,000. Though this amount

may seem small, it most probably appeared at the time it was

first promulgated of a more astonishing magnitude than the great

amount to be presently mentioned, as in our opinion likely to be

an approximation to the total flora of the earth, will to us in the

present day. In the following details the first column expresses

the amount known to or noticed by each authority, and the second

column the total number of species which were, at the time spe-

cified, considered as existing on the globe :—

Supposed

Known. ‘Total.

a.c. 800 Theophrastus, History of Plants . 500

ap. 70 Pliny, History of the World f 1000

1580 Dodoneus, Stirpium Historia. 1330

1623. bauhims Pinay a5 ast oie te teas 6000

L690 Raye i. «cy assayien hte itp Beriaeodaambe 18,000

Tournetorts | «civ. iksd) ee OLE

1753 Linneus, Species Plantarum, Isted. 7300

1762 3 3 s 2nded. 8800

1796 Gmelin, Systema Vegetabilum . 16,635

1806 Persoon, Enchiridum . . . . 27,000

Eumboldticuuss, inmost bate bite rates 4.4,,000

1814 Brown, Flinders’ Voyage . . . 37,000

1820 DeCandolle, Théorie Elémentaire 50,000 100,000

1824 mS Prodromus . . . 50,000

1827 Sprengel si das shy 37,000

1830 Balbi, Géographie . . .. . 80,000

1835 Lindley, Introduction to Botany . 86,000

Perhaps no botanist ever conducted his researches on any class

of plants without discovering that their amount exceeded all his

expectations. This was particularly the case with ourselves when

attempting to estimate the number of species spread over the

world. As a foundation for these speculations, I took the num-

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 13

ber of species described in the first four volumes of DeCandolle’s

‘Prodromus Regni Vegetabilis,’ a work unequalled for the cor-

rectness and copiousness of its details. Exactly one hundred

families are described, and they comprehend 20,100 species*.

The publication of this work commenced in 1824, and for the

period intervening to the present time I have allowed 5000 more,

imcluding those which have been since described, orwhichare known

to or in the possession of botanists, and have not hitherto been

published. After looking back at the rapid progress of botany

during this century, I feel pertectly justified in making the most

liberal calculations, feelings by no means decreased on inspecting

those portions of the globe as yet unexplored, and which do oc-

casionally contain districts supposed to be as fertile as any known

countries elsewhere. There remains to be included in this work

from 150 to 200 natural families, for which I allow double the

above number, or 50,200. The cryptogamic plants are not yet

included ; the estimate of these amounts to 13,870, which I con-

sider as about the quantity either known from descriptions or

existing in herbaria. The great total obtained from these is then

the amount of plants at the present time in the hands of botanists,

either from description or as dried specimens.

My conclusion as to the entire amount of vegetation rests on

the hypothesis that two-thirds are at present known ; and should

any objections be raised to this, as leaving a far too liberal num-

ber undiscovered, it may be observed, that even in our own well-

explored island additions are frequently made to the native flora,

and the same is continually occurring throughout Europe. But

setting Europe aside, it will not be easy to discover any other

country, the vegetable productions of which have been thoroughly

explored. India certainly has not ; in Africa and Australia much

has to be done, and no portion of either of the Americas has been

examined with anything approaching precision, excepting the

United States, and even in these many discoveries may yet be

made. A great part of foreign countries are only examined at

particular seasons, and often during those less favourable to the

vegetation. In the tropics the wet season is the period for the

prevalence of sickness and fatal fevers, and then vegetation as-

sumes all its rank luxuriance; many are the herbaceous plants

which are only then to be met with, and the traveller is usually

deterred from visiting them—if not his own fears, the repeated

warnings of the inhabitants compel him in the end to desist.

Nature has been as bountiful to some parts of Africa as any other

country, vegetation is wonderfully beautiful and luxuriant on the

* The numerical distribution of these families will be found given in de-

tail for the six great divisions of the globe in the ninth vol. of the Ann. of

Nat. Hist. pp. 415, 416.

14 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

western coast, and British travellers speak of it in raptures; but

whilst. the climate continues so highly prejudicial to Europeans,

we can only hope to draw feebly from its stores. Of thirty-five .

travellers on this coast of Africa, twenty-two have fallen victims

to the malignity of the climate, four have been murdered by

the natives, and nine have returned. The Asiatic cholera, which

so startled the world at its first appearance, carried off an msig-

nificant proportion compared with this*.

Thus then I feel at liberty to conclude, that a third of the

vegetable kingdom has yet to find its way into the collections of

botanists ; and recapitulating our deductions in a tabular form,

they will stand as follows :—

Number of species described in the first four volumes

of DeCandolle’s Prodromus ..... - 20,100

Allow for species since described or known to other

poLranists > 1% 5,000

Allow for Vasculares yet to be described in the above

WOR Ot SE eke on eae a nt ee

75,300

Cryptozamous plants ~~. . ee ee

89,170

Undiscovered species . . . - - » » + + = 44,080

Total, . suite mo koremeas

It is highly important that the amount of the vegetable world

should be ascertained, as it becomes the basis on which numerous

* In the ‘ Historical and Descriptive Account of British India,’ published

in the ‘ Edinburgh Cabinet Library,’ vol. iii. p. 162, is the following paragraph

from the pen of Dr. Greville :—‘ Itis extremely difficult to form an estimate

of the probable extent of the Indian flora, the vegetation of many parts of the

country being entirely unknown, and almost everywhere very imperfectly

explored. In fact, in the remote districts, little more has been done than

to follow the courses of rivers. ‘lhe herbarium in the Museum of the East

India Company contains about 9000 species, including those known and de-

scribed by Roxburgh in his manuscript catalogue, most of which were at that

time new. To this amount remain to be added a considerable number of

new species in the collection of Dr. Wight. * * * Dr, Wallich obtained,

from his own personal exertion, in the valley of Nepaul, and within an area

of about sixty miles in circumference, upwards of 2500 species. ‘T'welve

months was the space of time devoted to this labour, and it cannot be sup-

posed that he succeeded in discovering all the vegetable productions of that

district. From these and other data it has been calculated by Dr. Wallich

that we are not acquainted, at the present moment, with more than the eighth

part of the flora of India; an estimate by no means improbable, but which

gives to India itself as many species of plants as we find described in bota-

nical works.”

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 15

calculations are to be raised. In fixing it at 134,000 species, we

have attempted to do for botany what Swainson has done for zoo-

logy ; but in a comparison between the two, the number of plants

is found to be considerably less than that of animated beings. The

great amount of the latter is however chiefly composed of insects,

the above author limiting them at 550,000, whilst he computes

the rest of the animal kingdom at 27,600; the whole clothing

the surface of the globe with 711,600 different and distinct forms

of organized matter.

The following will give some idea of the distribution of vege-

table forms in round numbers, in the six natural divisions of the

world, and their relative amount to the extent of surface :—

Square miles.

Barope,) 4: «¢ 4 911,200... .. 2;795,000

AaB slabs i (O00 born L211 8,000

PS een | «! PO,COOL eo, DOLL

North America . 14,400

South America. 40,000 f° ° 11,146,000

Australasia . . 7,200 . . 98,100,000

134,000 37,657,000

As might be expected, by every one the least acquainted with

the physical conditions of these sections of the world, there is no

connexion between the extent of surface and the proportion of

vegetation it supports. From the gross result it appears that for

every species there is a superficies of 281 square miles of dry

land ; a space amply sufficient for the repetition of species in the

form of individuals, the very numerous multiplications of which

clothe the land with vegetation, and is a character which must

not be undervalued, as plants vary much im the number of indi-

viduals which are comprehended under different species, and

whose abundance constitutes the value of the latter.

linneus was the first naturalist who ventured an opinion as

to the manner in which the earth was originally covered with spe-

cies; he imagined them to have spread from a common centre.

There is no ground for supposing otherwise than that all the

kingdoms of nature had a similar origin and distribution, and

that the laws obeyed by one were common to all; the views of

Linnzus extended to all of them equally. Several theories have

been since proposed, but they all may be regarded as one great

theory, gradually formed as information accumulated, and step

by step enlarging to suit the new facts continually brought to

light. The earth being furnished with vegetation at the period

mentioned in the sacred writings, no event occurred likely to have

a material influence on it, and the botanist, being once acquainted

as to the manner of the first distribution, has every reason to re-

16 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

main satisfied with his knowledge. With the zoologist it is dif-

ferent ; the catastrophe of the deluge necessarily swept all ani-

mated beings from the surface of the earth, excepting those pre-

served in the ark; an opinion strengthened by geologists, who

regard the deluge as having been universal. At the subsiding of

the waters the animals emerged from a focus, whence they were

to spread to all regions. As it is allowed that plants and animals

were distributed by the same laws, and the universality of the

deluge bemg also allowed, there is wanting something in the hi-

story of animals and plants to place them under the same condi-

tions. As we shall presently see, plants did not spread from one

or several centres, but simultaneously covered everywhere the dry

land. The inferences urging this conclusion are numerous and

satisfactory, and this poimt once established to the conviction of

botanists, the animal kingdom must be left to the inquiries of the

zoologist.

It was imagined by Linnzeus that all plants, birds and beasts

diverged from one centre ; indeed, that all organized beings were

created in one spot, whence they spread far and wide to beautify

and people the earth. This region enjoyed a mild and lovely cli-

mate, and to secure those varieties of temperature necessary for

the existence of many, it was provided with a range of mountains

and intervening valleys, where each could enjoy that climate most

congenial to its habits. It would be useless to attempt to refute

this, as its Imaccuracies are evident on the slightest imspection ;

even the facts adduced for its support cannot be admitted at the

present day. It is evidently the offspring of the imagination of

the author, which always adorned his conceptions and writings,

but im this, as in other instances, was destitute of the necessary

solidity. Perhaps no similar class of men were ever so devoted

to science as the pupils of Linneus ; many of them were travellers,

and by their researches in distant countries the study of plants

became greatly extended. As facts poured in, the hypothesis of

Linnzus gradually lost ground, for it was discovered that the

state of botany in different countries did not bear it out. Instead

of one centre it was now maintained that there had been several,

whence all organized beings were disseminated, more particularly

plants. Willdenow was the most conspicuous promoter of this

view, but it was merely a transition to the opmions received at

present. It was however still maimtamed that those centres were

mountain-chains, now regarded rather as barriers to a flora than

fit surfaces for its diffusion.

The present state of our knowledge invites us to the conclusion,

that wherever there existed a suitable combination of cireum-

stances, there vegetation sprung up. Whatever might have been

the state of the surface, whether valley, mountain or plain, it made

a ss

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 17

no difference ; if no unfriendly agents were at hand the soil was

covered with plants. It seems highly probable that plants like

animals are furnished with constitutions, having a nice perception

of external circumstances, and though the inquiry assumes a mi-

croscopic tendency, we do not despair of discovering some very

interesting facts, when a minute inquiry shall be instituted on

the state of the different regions of alpine vegetation and the in-

fluences under which they flourish. On the other hand, if plants

were diffused from one or more mountain-chains, the mquiry

would end totally unproductive. Those circumstances which tend

to establish the present view may be advantageously considered

in detail.

1. The authority of the sacred writings.—The language of the

Bible is brief, but there is no reason for limiting its meaning ; the

earth is stated, and why should not the whole earth be received ?

as bringing forth herbs and trees. That omnipotence which could

call life into existence and cluster it around one centre was equally

capable of spreading it over the whole earth.

2. The physical impediments presented by the distribution of

land and water to the diffusion of species.—Since man has been

an inhabitant of the globe, the changes in the relation of the seas

and continents have been trifling, no event having occurred to

disturb it ; as they were at the creation they may be looked on

as being now. That this disposition is such as powerfully to hmit

vegetation we shall presently see. Linnzus rested his hypothesis

chiefly on the facilities, as he supposed, with which plants can

be dispersed. He called to mind the great number of seeds and

seed-vessels furnished with appendages presenting surfaces to the

winds, and it must be acknowledged that the number of plants

which nature has provided with organs for the diffusion of their

seeds is very considerable. Nor can it be denied for an instant that

Erigeron canadense was spread over Europe in every probability

by the winds, assisted by the favourable structure of its seed-

vessel ; and next it may stand the fact, that Canna indica, though

unprovided with any suitable organization, has been found a na-

tive alike of Asia, Africa and America. These however are but

casualties, instances of departure from a general law, the excep-

tions which give birth to a rule; they are not the models repre-

senting the diffusion of species generally. There is every reason

to suppose that the surface over which these plants are spread is

confined, in spite of their highly favourable organization. It has

often appeared to me, that birds, though furnished with such

admirable organs for rapid locomotion, are very local in their

habits. Every sportsman is acquainted with this circumstance,

and is influenced by it in his search for game. If birds then

with great locomotive powers are confined within restricted limits,

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. C

18 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

what may not be expected from plants, even though assisted by

a favourable structure? Among these plants mstances may be

found which enjoy a very contracted habitat ; Carduus cyanoides

is one of these, and is found on two spots only in Germany.

This plant has attached to its seed-vessel a brush of bristly

hairs, like many other of its congeners, the use generally as-

signed to which is to assist diffusion, and which it often admira-

bly accomplishes, though not in the present mstance.

Numerous instances are related of seeds being carried by cur-

rents on the swell of the ocean across extensive seas from tropi-

cal coasts to the shores of northern countries. Fruits have often

been picked up on the coasts of Scotland, Denmark and Sweden,

which there is not the least doubt were shed within the tropics.

Nor does the sea-water in all cases destroy the power of germi-

nation, as plants have occasionally been reared from them in our

own country, and on the sandy beaches within the tropics the

seeds of Mucuna pruriens are sometimes found im quantities im

active germination, yet washed about by every rising tide. A

more powerful agent has been man, who in his migrations has

spread a number of plants in every place where he has fixed his

residence; the proportion of these to the flora is however small,

and they have seldom given a character to the vegetation*. It is

therefore only in a few cases that it can be admitted plants have

been thus diffused; the mass of vegetatien has not moved over

the world by this or similar methods.

A shght mspection of the tracery on a globe exhibits a certain

relation in the distribution of water and dry land: towards the

north a mass of land occupies the Arctic circle extendmg around

the pole; traversing the globe on all sides towards the equator,

divisions in the surface are gradually observed, increasing im size

as they descend, and when arrived within the tropics, mostly en-

larged into seas and oceans. The intervals between the masses

of land beyond the equator more resembling processes shooting

into the ocean, still increase, and towards the south are lost in a

vast encircling sea. The tropical portions of each of the great

divisions of the world are nearly isolated, whilst in the northern

regions the consolidation is considerable, and the whole admits

of a comparison, perhaps rather a rough one, of the manner in

which the spread fingers are united at their base to the palm of

the hand. In each of the divisions the vegetation of the tropics

is rich and varied, but the identity in the productions of one with

* At Valparaiso in Chili, among a vegetation where they were in every

respect strangers, I found the following plants :—Linum catharticum ; Son-

chus oleraceus ; Polygonum persicaria ; Geranium molle, G. dissectum ;

Rumex pulcher ; Mentha pulegium ; Viola odorata ; Equisetum palustre,

Similar instances are frequently mentioned in the writings of travellers. —

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 19

the other is extremely slight ; nor does this increase as we ad-

vance to the south. ‘To the north, on the contrary, there is a

gradual increase in the number of species occurring in the dif-

ferent divisions, and where the union of the land is great, many

of the species have wide ranges of growth. It is stated that of

the native flora of the United States, upwards of a seventh of the

phanerogamic plants are common to Europe, and still further to

the north the proportion is much greater. In the visits of Cap-

tain Beechey to Kotzebue’s Sound in the Blossom ship of war, 233

species were collected ; of these 117,or as nearly one-half as is pos-

sible, are met with in the north of Europe. Hence it appears

that the large seas have been barriers to the diffusion of the pre-

sent flora of the earth.

3. In confirmation of the views just expressed, we will men-

tion some of the statements made by botanists respecting the

frequency with which species are repeated, or in other words, the

value of duplicates in those portions of the earth which have been

subject to their investigations.

It is not unusual to meet with passages like the followmg im

the narratives of even the most distinguished navigators. The

author, the unfortunate La Perouse, is speaking of the vegetation

around Port de Frangais, in 58° 37! N.L.: “Among these pot-

herbs we saw almost all that are common in the meadows and

mountains of France ;”’ and again in the same page, “ No vege-

table production of this country is unknown in Europe.” The

latter part of this is so far from being the case, that on this coast,

and very near Port de Frangais, new species may still be dis-

covered. It is most true that the general character of the vege-

tation is strikingly like that of France, England, or the North of

Europe, and the traveller recognizes with much pleasure very si-

milar plants to what he has been accustomed to see in his own

country. But on a minute inspection, characters are discovered

which distinguish many of them from their European represen-

tatives ; whence we learn the importance of accurate and skilful

observation in ascertaining what plants are to be considered as

distinct from, or identical with, those of another country. In

many instances this task is so difficult as to require all the judge-

ment and experience of a practised botanist. It is only m the

writings of the most sagacious travellers that we can hope to find

that correctness in details worthy of implicit confidence.

The world may be divided into six sections, constituting so

many distinct provinces of the vegetable kingdom, and having

the watery barrier which separates them more or less complete.

Europe is the first of these, and the isolation is less than in any

of the others; Asia with its islands; Africa, meluding Madagas-

ear and some islands ; North America, extending as far south as

20 Mr. R. B. Hinds oa Geographic Botany.

the isthmus of Panama; South America, with which are in-

cluded the West India islands and the barren Falklands ; Au-

stralasia, composed of New Holland, New Zealand, and the Poly-

nesian islands. Each division possesses certaim characters pecu-

liar to itself which distinguish it from the others, and may be con-

veniently regarded as a source of comparison.

No travels of modern date are better known than those of

Humboldt and Bonpland in Equinoctial America, and none have

been attended with such copious and accurate observations ;

though they frequently encountered, especially on elevated sta-

tions in the Andes, species of genera common in Europe, yet

throughout their whole travels they never saw one exogenous

plant which was found equally in the old and new world. Twenty-

four species alone were discovered which occurred in the latter,

and all these were Graminee or Cyperacee. Among 4160 spe-

cies met with in New Holland by Dr. Brown, 166 were to be

found in Europe ; 15 of these are Hxogene ; 121 belong to Cryp-

togamia, being nearly two-thirds of the number ; and 30 to Gra-

minee or Cyperacee. On a portion of the north-west coast exa-

mined by Mr. Cunningham he collected 1500 plants, and only

52 of these were repeated either m India or South America.

Adanson in his ‘Voyage to the Senegal’ mentions, that he only

saw two plants im the neighbourhood of that river which he had

seen in Europe, tamarisk and purslain. At another river on

the same coast, the Congo, of 600 species collected, Dr. Brown

has stated that about a twelfth only were met with in South

America and India. In high latitudes alone do we find that ex-

tensive diffusion which refuses to every restricted spot its own

flora. A list of 409 species belongmg to Greenland contains

only nine peculiar to that country.

So far then we find little reason to conclude that vegetation

originated in one or a few centres, since there is so little identity

among plants of different countries.

4. Had the migration proceeded from a few localities, we

should have expected to find, in all situations with similar

climates, the identically same species of plants.—That such is

not the case is evident from the preceding, but a few moments

will be well occupied in showimg what does happen here. It is

a fundamental principle in geographic botany, that everywhere

under similar circumstances similar, but not identical, species

exist ; this is a well-known fact, which the daily acquisitions to

our knowledge continue to confirm. There is a marked resem-

blance in their productions, though the localities under compa-

rison may be widely separated; the productions of the Asiatic

tropic strongly resemble those of the American; the temperate

extremity of Africa has many points of similarity with the tem-

#. L. a

ee ee Le

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 21

perate portion of New Holland; and the southern extremity of

America possesses many circumstances to remind the botanist of

the North of Europe or America.

Occasionally these characters are conveyed by the presence of

natural families, and their value increases inversely to the num-

ber of species they contain. A small family, composed but of a

few species, has less means of being represented in different loca-

lities than a more bulky one. The closest connexions are fur-

nished by genera, these being founded on a more minute view of

their organization, and on characters shared by a smaller number

of vegetable forms. A variety of remarkable instances are con-

tained in botanical works* exhibiting lists of plants in one tropic

or temperate region having kindred species in others, differing in

a slight degree only, yet possessing those distinctive marks with

a tenacity which makes it extremely difficult to arrive at any

other conclusion than that they are separate species. Some

of the natural families are very generally diffused; as the most

remarkable may be mentioned—Leguminose, Malvaceae, Ranun-

culacee, Caryophylleea, Crucifere, Umbellifere, &e. The genera

of some of these are also extremely ubiquitous ; Trodlius has been

often cited as a remarkable instance, and as it is a genus of few

species, the case is more striking. No genus of equal extent

surpasses Senebiera in the wide diffusion of its species; it com-

prises eight species, two of which are European, whilst the Cape

of Good Hope, St. Helena, Madagascar, Monte Video, Quito and

Egypt, has each its peculiar kind.

5. Those islands which are so far removed from the nearest

mainland, that their vegetation may be considered to be inde-

pendent of it, have much that is peculiar in their flora—Though

there is not the least objection to consider many of them as the

summits of submarine chains of mountains, it is not probable

that they should have been so many centres of vegetation. If

the latter were so numerous as to embrace even these, the theory

must be regarded the same as that which maintains an universal

creation. Some islands are but specks on the globe, and yet we

find them with numerous peculiar species. The vegetation of St.

Helena is almost altogether its own, having very few plants com-

mon with Africa or America. Among 239 plants collected at the

Sandwich islands, exactly 100 have not hitherto been found else-

where, not even in the other Polynesian islands. The Society

islands have also a number of their own. Notwithstanding the

immediate vicinity of the Canary islands to the coast of Africa,

there were found to be thirty peculiar of sixty-four collected.

It is only on islands situated as Malta, and originally extremely

* Willdenow, Introduction to Botany; Sprengel, Philosophy of Plants,

22 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

barren, that the flora is altogether that of the adjacent continents ;

or in some of the coral groups in the Pacific, such as the Radack

chain, perhaps within no distant period first emerged from the

ocean, which have received their plants from neighbourmg

islands.

6. The absence of any circumstances tending to support a

change in the condition of the vegetable kingdom, such as the

production of new species, or the disappearance of others.—Lyell

has used considerable ingenuity in his attempt to prove, “ that

the species existing at any particular period must, in the course

of ages, become extinct.” A conclusion of this kind was highly

desirable to establish his views, but we cannot help placing a dif-

ferent estimate on the speculations of Brocchi. It is quite gra-

tuitous to suppose, that species ke individuals might advance in

age, from “ certain peculiarities of constitution conferred on them

at their birth.” I may venture confidently to affirm, that as far

as experience yet goes, we have no reason to conclude that plants

have disappeared ; nor can we allow that new species have ap-

peared, hybrids seldom occurring in nature, and when produced

by art only continuing through two or three generations.

These facts vary im the value to be attached to them severally,

but collectively they form a powerful argument in support of the

theory, that the earth was everywhere, at the same moment, fur-

nished with a vegetation in accordance with the physical cireum-

stances which prevailed. The exact state in which vegetation

first existed, whether springing up from seeds, or in flowers and

fruit, whether originally assuming the weakest phase in the cir-

cle of its existence, or appearing at once in the full vigour of its

growth, this is needless for us to inquire. It is most probable,

that as the wants of man were suddenly created, the means of

gratifying them were co-existent; such is the conclusion to be

drawn from the sacred writings ; and if ever we were gratified by

a knowledge of this minute particular, it would be of no service

to us, being a solitary circumstance and without any connexion

with the subsequent state of the origmal flora of the world.

Many of the natural families are so widely diffused, that they

are represented in nearly every portion of the globe. More than

a third of the whole have members in the six divisions already

stated, a greater number still in five of these, and so on, till we

find but a few left which occupy or are confined to a solitary di-

vision. Among the ten agamic families there is only one, Mar-

sileacee, not found in them all. Those which are confined to one

province are,—in Europe, Globularinee, Ceratophyllee ; im Asia,

Dipterocarpee, Aquilarinee, Camelliee, Hydroceree, Moringee,

Stiilaginee ; n Africa, Bruniacee, Brexacee, Belvisiacee, Pene-

acee; 11 North America, Fourquieracee, Sarraceniee ; m South

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 23

America, Rhizobolea, Monomiee, Simaroubiacee, Vochyacee, Ca-

lyceree, Escalloniee, Humiriacee, Lacistemea, Papayacee, Gillie-

siew, Gesneree ; in Australasia, Tremandree, Baueracea, Epacri-

dee, Goodenovie, Stackhousee, Bruniacee ; bemg thirty-one in

number, or an eighth part of the whole.

In addition to the geographical divisions here followed, there

is another which may be regarded as accessory to it. In the

present instance the distribution of heat has been the leading

consideration, which is well known, as a general rule, to diminish

from the equator to the poles. The first region extends from the

equator to the limits of the tropic in the northern hemisphere,

or 23° 28’N.L. The second is comprehended in the space be-

tween this and the parallel of 40° N.L., and is called the sub-

tropic; the next extends from 40° to 60° N.L., being the tem-

perate ; and the last or arctic comprises all the surface north of

60°. As the regions are repeated in the southern hemisphere,

the whole are necessarily eight in number; the north tropic,

south tropic, north sub-tropic, south sub-tropic, north temperate,

south temperate, arctic and antarctic. The last is scarcely more

than a nominal region, though it still claims a few terrestrial

plants and some Algze, which make its existence necessary.

Inquiries have sometimes been made as to what are the most

prominent sources of difference in the character of the vegetation,

or of the composition of the respective floras, of the two hemi-

spheres. To afford some illustration of this, those families are

here enumerated which are more particularly distinguished for

having the mass of their numbers in one or the other. Those

families already mentioned as confined to one division have been

omitted, as the repetition would only occupy useful space. The

south tropic families are usually to be found in the Brazils,

whilst the south sub-tropic, as Oxalidee, Diosmee, Proteacee,

Polygalee, are chiefly from the Cape of Good Hope, New Hol-

land and South America. The list might be very easily enlarged,

but our object is only to furnish the most striking.

In the northern hemisphere are predominant, Acerinee, Au-

rantiacee, Artocarpeea, Amentacee, Berberidee, Boraginee, Caryo-

phyllee, Cistinee, Crucifere, Conifere, Cupulifere, Campanula-

cea, Caprifoliacee, Dipsacee, Eleagnee, Fumariacee, Grossulacee,

Hypericinee, Hippocastanee, Hamamelidee, Maynoliacee, Ona-

graria, Orobanchee, Papaveracee, Rosacea, Ranunculacee, Ruta-

cee, Resedacea, Saxifragee, Umbellifera, Vaccinee, Alismacee.

In the southern hemisphere are predominant, Atherospermee,

Cactee, Crassulacee, Capparidee, Diosmee, Dilleniacee, Ficoidee,

Geraniacee, Heliotropiacee, Myrtacee, Melastomacee, Myoporinee,

Malpighiaceea, Oxalidee, Pittosporee, Polygalee, Proteaceae, Sce-

24 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

volee, Spigeliacee, Stylidee, Tropeolee, Amaryllidee, Hemodo-

racee, Iridee, Restiacee.

As has been stated, a considerable number of the natural fami-

les are represented in all the six divisions, and, ceteris paribus,

those with the largest amount of species may be justly supposed

to be in this respect the most prominent. With increased num-

bers not only are the means of repetition multiplied, but there is

greater scope for variety of habit and predilection; the former

displayed in the diversity of herbs, shrubs and trees, and the

latter m peculiarity of constitution. Those most distinguished

for a large amount* of species, as Crucifere with 990, Myrtacee

715, Leguminose 3875, Umbellifere 1009, Cinchonacee 1681,

Caryophyllee 759, have the most extensive range. It does not

appear that the habitat is influenced by the number of genera, as

might at first be supposed, since there are comparatively few in

Malvacee, Caryophyllee, Leguminose and Geraniacee ; about the

average number in Crucifere, but below it in Cinchonaceea. Of

the hundred natural groups previously referred to, thirty-three

are distributed through all the divisions, whilst

Europe has representatives of. . 52

Aesid SITAR TERR SOLER IRS

Atriea Aer ipitt Wf” Sane r TE eibZOnsy

Northy America!’ 97 1) < est ata

SouthtAmerica h 76 yt ter oer by mans

Australasiaore D1, ¥o, DADINS Rss

Confined to a single division . . 9

The number of genera composing the families varies con-

siderably ; those of tropic or sub-tropic regions appear to have

more than others of temperate regions in proportion to the spe-

cies; but the tropic families do not abound generally either in

genera or species. Leguminose with 272 genera, Cinchonacee

215, Crucifere 100, Umbellifere 160, are among the largest.

Some consist only of one or two genera and scarcely more species ;

others with a large amount of species have but few genera, as

Geraniacee with 490 species and only five genera; Loranthacee

330 species and four genera; Oxalidee 159 species and also four

genera. As instances to the contrary are Aurantiacee with forty-

four species and twelve genera; Olacinee seventeen species and

eight genera; Droseracee forty-five species and eight genera ;

with Bombacee, Meliacee, Magnoliacee, Flacourtianee. Taken

collectively, the whole amount of natural families possesses an

average of upwards of eighteen genera each, or more correctly

* The numbers stated are obtained from DeCandolle’s ‘ Prodromus Regni

Vegetabilis.’

——— ee a ae

Pa ee ee ee ee ee

— oe

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 25

18:8. Proceeding in the same manner to estimate the number

of species in each genus, they will be found to average upwards

of ten to each, or 10°6. As the value of the group or assemblage

depends on the amount of its component parts, so we must re-

gard the value of a natural family or genus as governed by the

number of its constituents ; 18°8 is then the average value of a

family, and 10°6 of a genus.

A discrepancy of opinion is not unlikely to arise respecting

what should be considered as the division of the globe to which

a natural family belongs. Each of the latter is formed by the

aggregation of two classes of constituents, of different value and

number, these being inversely to each other. The genera, as

originating in characters of greater value, may on the one hand

be considered to determine this, and on the other the great nu-

merical proportion of species may be regarded as conclusive.

Many of the families which possess the greatest proportion in

one division are represented by a superior number of genera in

some other, where the amount of species is smaller; to which

then of the two does the group essentially belong? In reply we

must confess that frequently it is extremely difficult to decide,

and in some cases altogether impossible, since the characters ap-

proximate so closely in value. An analysis of Byttneriacee will

more clearly explain this: if the number of species alone are re-

garded, the mass of the family is African, and afterwards South

American ; but if guided by the genera it is essentially Asiatic,

whilst Australia follows with very few species.

Byttneriaceze :—Genera 35, Species 221.

Europe. Asia. Africa. |N. America.) S.America.| Australia.

Genera “ 22 7 7 8 9

Species

Magnoliacee is another instance; and in this case we can

hardly venture to say which of the two, Asia or North America,

claims it most forcibly.

Magnoliacez :—Genera 9, Species 40.

Europe. Asia. Africa, |[N. Amexiea S. America,| Australia,

Genera ade 3 Mes 4 4 2

Species — 16 ne 12 9 3

The native country of a family or genus is evidently an imap-

propriate expression ; it assumes that some of its members have

migrated from their original place of growth, a circumstance

26 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

altogether at variance with an opinion already expressed. The

world alone is their native country, and North America is as

much the native country of Byttneriacee with only ten species,

as is Africa with eighty-eight. There is another term frequently

adopted, and within certain limits it is a correct one. Where the

greatest number of the species of a genus or family abound,

there is its metropolis ; but it expresses no more, and we are still

at a loss for a word to convey what is meant by the assemblage

of generic and specific characters as just mentioned. In this

case our ideas are best conveyed by using the adjective term of

the division wished to be expressed; thus if any family has the

preponderance of its constituents of genera or species, or both, in

Europe, it would be requisite to call that family European, as to

this province it essentially belongs.

Though the amount of individuals composing genera presents

a much smaller aggregate than is met with in the natural fami-

lies, still it is surprismg how widely their species are diffused,

and how comparatively rare it is to find them bounded by nar-

row geographic limits. The greater portion of those genera,

composed of any tolerable number of species, obey the law with

eagerness, to reappear wherever there may be a combination of

circumstances propitious to their growth. To illustrate this, let

us take that important natural group Ranunculaceae, and examine

how far its genera are circumscribed. Commencing with its

type, Ranunculus, we shall find that it has members in all of the

six divisions. The same will nearly apply to Clematis and Ane-

mone. Very few genera are confined to a single province, perhaps

Knowltonia may be cited as the only one, where the number of

species is sufficient to admit of a deviation; this genus has five

species, all inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope. In Crucife-

re, Capparidee, Umbellifere, Malvacee and Caryophyllee the ge-

nera have a similar diffusion. Crucifere is remarkable for con-

taining one extensive genus, Heliophila, of forty-seven species, all

from Southern Africa.

As genera then collectively manifest so slight a disposition to

range within narrow limits, it will be more satisfactory to exa-

mine those instances in which they exist under opposite aircum-

stances, or are comparatively circumscribed. The genera of

Myrtacee are remarkable for this, and omitting those which con-

tain but one or two species, there are about twenty which are

limited to one of the divisions. Australia, always peculiar in its

natural productions, claims the greater share, comprising all im-

portant from the number of their species, and the beauty or sin-

cular structure of their flowers. The most prominent of these

are Hucalyptus, Calothamnus, Melaleuca, Metrosideros, Lepto-

spermum, Calythrix and Callistemon. A few solitary cases occur

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 27

among these of species co-existing in other divisions, but are too

rare to be of importance. In the same family, and confined to

the South American province, are Myrcia with numerous spe-

cies, Calyptranthes, Lecythis, and nearly the whole of the exten-

sive genus Hugenia. Asia is less remarkable, having only a few

genera scanty of species, as Barringtonia, Stravadium, Sonneratia,

&e. Portulacee, by no means a large family, having only four-

teen genera and ninety species, presents Anacampseros with ten

species, Ginginsia seven, natives only of the Cape of Good Hope ;

Calendrinea fourteen, of South America; Claytonia twelve, of

North America and Siberia; Ay/meria two, of New Holland. If

Asia possess few of the restricted genera of Myrtacee, the defi-

ciency is amply supplied by a large share of Cinchonacee, the

amount of whose species, found in the hotter parts and in the

Malaisian islands, is very great. Still it must yield to South

America, The restricted genera are chiefly Wendlandia with

sixteen species, Mephitidea eighteen, Chasalia nine, Danais four,

to Asia; Cinchona, as limited to sixteen species, Coccocypselum

sixteen, to South America; Anthospermum with nine species to

the Cape of Good Hope; and Opercularia with thirteen species

to New Holland, including two species belonging to New Zea-

land. Leguminose contains a great number of genera, but none

of the larger have a limited habitat, excepting alone Aspalathus,

which with eighty-four species is confined to the Cape, omitting

a doubtful species. There are however a number of smaller ge-

nera, belonging chiefly to the suborders Sophoree and Lotee,

the greater portion of which are natives of the Cape of Good Hope

and New Holland, and comparatively a few from India and South

America.

Occasionally it happens that the sections into which many of

the genera are divided possess but a limited range. This occurs

with Acacia, which comprehends 258 species ; one of its sections,

consisting of sixty-four species, has that peculiar structure of the

leaf which is called phyllodium ; nearly the whole of these grow

spontaneously in New Holland and the Polynesian islands, a few

only being met with in Africa or Asia. The other sections with

pinnate leaves are distributed through South America, Africa,

Asia and Australia, especially the former. They have also a

little variety in the colours of their flowers, being yellow, white,

and sometimes pink; but the Australian species have all yellow

flowers. Vitis has two sections dependent on the union or sepa-

ration of the sexes in the same plant ; the hermaphrodite species

are natives of the warmer regions of Asia, whilst the dicecious

occur in North America. In Ceanothus the mamner of inflores-

cence, to some extent, co-exists with a limited geographic range

of the sections.

28 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

When a group of plants is discoverable only in one of the

great divisions or regions, it will be convenient to apply to it the

term monomie, as expressive of its geographic properties; thus

Vochyacee, being confined to South America, is a monomic

family ; and Cliffortia, whose shrubby species are all indigenous

to South Africa, is a monomic genus. On the other hand, a

natural family common to all the divisions, and these are about

a third of the whole, are called polynomic; and a genus with a

similar range, as Viola or Ranunculus, is a polynomic genus. If

a group is restricted to two or more of the divisions, the appro-

priate Greek numeral must be substituted; thus Acerinee, the

members of which are natives of the temperate and sub-tropic re-

gions of Europe, Asia and North America, is a trinomic family.

The value of the generic character is 10°6; an amount the re-

sult of an extensive estimate, though not of the whole vegetable

kingdom, which unfortunately is not within our reach at present

in a satisfactory form. This may however be considered as very

closely approaching correctness, and giving us a tolerable accurate

notion ef the importance of the genus ; compared with some of

the statistical details which have become current of late years, it

must be allowed to stand on a much firmer and broader founda-

tion, and therefore not less worthy of faith. If all the species

then were equally distributed among the genera, the share that

would fall to each would be about ten and a half; but the ge-

nera are not so regularly composed, and when studyimg a very

bulky or a small genus, the average shows us how far the group

under consideration departs from the standard. The smaller

genera greatly prevail, whilst some of the largest possess a great

multitude of species. Those which contain but a single species

bear a great proportion to the others, which I am disposed to

think will diminish when the affinities of the genera to each other

are better understood.

In Byttneriacee with . . 35 genera, 11 have only one species.

Carydplyiles )00 °°. eed 53 ii 2 <

Cruciferze ~ Mee itt od eee S| 3 a

Leguminose _,, PS Oi eater Ss %

Myrtacez PEER Re ADP E re ’» =!

Sapindacee __,, gee pura Ny repel ee ee

Terebinthacee, D. C. 2 55 ay or Lee : 2

Umbellifere SEG 102 a

At the same time that some of these trifling genera ‘become

merged into others, it is highly probable that the more extensive

will under 20 analysis, leaving the average proportions very slightly

affected, A few of the largest genera at present are, Pelargonium

with 369 species, Mesembry -yanthemum 316, Acacia 258, Loranthus

251, Astragalus 244, Silene 217, Cassia 211.

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 29

It is not possible to assign a value to species with that preci-

sion which can be adopted with families and genera; any attempt

to bestow on them a numerical amount must utterly fail, making

it requisite to adopt some other method. Some idea of their im-

portance may be obtained by taking a comparative view of the

relations they occupy towards each other, and to the whole mass

of vegetation. It would appear that every species of plant has,

on an average, somewhere about 281 square miles of surface to

increase and multiply on ; and making every allowance for those

tracts of country which local causes render unfit to support a

vegetation, we become highly sensible how infinitely multiplied

the species must be to clothe the earth with that abundance we

behold around us. The different species will vary in their power

of multiplying individuals, either from their organization or sur-

rounding causes; and there would also appear in some cases an

idiosyncrasy which refuses to perfect their increase or diffusion.

1. The value of species is smallest in plants existing in only one

or two solitary localities ; such for instance as the cedars of Le-

banon, which are indigenous alone in a circumscribed spot, and

are so few im number that they can be counted. Many others

are extremely local, especially of the Orchidacee of South Africa

and New Holland, which are often only to be met with in the

most solitary and secluded spots. The localities of some species

of Disa and Serapias at the Cape have become well known from

this very circumstance. Thunberg mentions that Codon Royeni

and Protea nana are both rarities at the Cape; Origanum Tour-

nefortit is alone found on the island of Amergos; Forstera sedi-

folia is a rare plant in New Zealand. These are instances where

not only the geographic range is small, but also the amount of

individuals. 2. The value is increased in those which have a

wide geographic range. Here is included the mass of vegeta-

tion, and-it comprehends all plants excepting those under the

next head. Some have a greater distribution than others ; it is

a general rule, that the more simple the organization the greater

is the diffusion; hence the frequency with which agamic species

are repeated. Aquatic plants have also a wide range; Lemna

minor is abundant throughout the northern hemisphere; Typha

latifolia is equally diffused; also the species of Nymphaa gene-

rally, and N. /otus beautifies alike the waters of the Nile and the

Ganges. Arundo phragmites, abundant throughout Europe, re-

appears in the marshes of the Macquarrie in New South Wales.

3. The value is at its maximum in those species, the individuals

of which are exceedingly numerous, and are so crowded together,

to the exclusion of all others, that they appear to require the so-

ciety of each other, and from this latter circumstance haye been

called social plants. ‘The Graminee@ are generally social, and in

30 Mr. J. Morris on the genus Pollicipes.

our meadows another eminently social plant, Polygonum persi-

caria, often struggles among them. rica vulgaris covers large

tracts in the temperate regions of Europe; Hricacee generally

consists of social plants. Filices, Musci, Leguminose, Composite,

and many other natural groups, contain numerous instances.

Within the tropics some species of Cactus, Aloe, Bromelia and

Agave become great nuisances from their social habits. Many

display this character simply because there is no check to their

mode of growth; this happens with the greater part of aquatic

plants, as Pontederia, Nymphaea, Nelumbium, Hydrocharis, Sa-

gittaria. Indeed plants are social from causes which are often

so trifling, that it 1s a character of little value, excepting occa-

sionally in Geographic Botany.

Yet after all, this presents but a feeble sketch of the vegetable

clothing of the globe.

[To be continued. }

III.—On the Occurrence of the Genus Pollicipes in the Oxford

Clay. By Joun Morais, Esq.

{ With a Plate. |

Tue fossil species of the family Cirrhipeda, hitherto recorded as

British, all belong either to the tertiary or cretaceous series ;

the pleistocene, marie and crag formations contain remains of

species belonging to the genera Acasta, Adna, Balanus, Clitia,

Coronula and Scalpellum. The upper marine, the London clay,

and the different members of the cretaceous system contain only

species of the genus Pollicipes, so that the addition of two new

species of the latter genus from the Oxford clay is an interest-

ing fact connected with its geological distribution.

Pollicipes concinnus. (Pl. VI. fig. 1.)

Testa subtrigona; valvulis lateralibus, anticis trigonis apice acumi-

nato, posticis subtrapeziformibus ; doxsali angustiori acuminata.

Pedunculo squamulifero, squamulis adpressis subquadratis, trans-

versim carinatis.

The compressed state of the specimen prevents the specific

characters from being more accurately defined. The anterior

valves are trigonal, the posterior somewhat trapeziform ; the dor-

sal valve appears to have been narrow and acuminate. The pe-

duncle is tolerably well preserved and consists of a series of small

closely pressed scales, somewhat quadrate in form, each of them

being regularly marked by a transverse carimated ridge, present-

ing a very neat and uniform appearance.

The figure (Pl. VI. f. 1.) represents an interesting group of

this species, consisting of three principal individuals, surrounded

Mr. J. Morris on some new species of the genus Ancyloceras. 31

at their bases by about twenty smaller ones, in different stages of

growth, all of them being attached to the dorsal portion of an

Ammonite, probably the A. Elizabethe; to the opposite side

of the Ammonite is attached a smaller but more imperfect series,

which it has been thought unnecessary to figure.

This specimen forms a portion of the valuable collection of

fossil remains belonging to Channing Pearce, Esq. of Bradford,

by whom it was obtained from the Oxford clay, near Christian

Malford, Wilts; and 1 cannot but bear testimony to the very

elaborate drawing prepared by Miss C. Sowerby, from which the

engraving was executed.

Pollicipes planulatus. (Pl. VI. fig. 2.)

Testa ?; valvulis lateralibus planulatis, anticis trapeziformi-

bus, longitudinaliter linea impressa divisis, posticis subelongatis,

trapeziformibus, ad basin suboblique truncatis, apicibus acutis,

marginibus anticis subcrenulatis.

These three valves differ both im proportion and form from

those of the preceding species, and are much flatter than is usual

in this genus ; the terminal or posterior valves are elongated and

truncated at the base, their upper portion being marked with a

slightly curved ridge running towards the lower edge or margin.

From the Oxford clay, near Christian Malford, with the last

species.

IV.—Description of some new species of the genus Ancyloceras.

By Joun Morris, Esq.

[With a Plate. ]

Tue genus Ancyloceras was established by D’Orbigny for certain

species of Cephalopoda having the general form of Scaphites,

but differmg from them in their spiral volutions being distinctly

separated from each other, as well as in some slight modifications

in the arrangement of the foliations of the septa. The British

species of Ancyloceras hitherto described have been arranged

under Hamites and Scaphites, all of them belonging either to the

lower portion of the cretaceous series or the Speeton clay* of

Yorkshire. Mons. D’Orbigny, in the ‘ Terrains Crétacés,’ p. 494,

mentions one species of this genus as characteristic of the in-

ferior oolite of Calvados, but has not yet detected it in any of

the superior deposits, until the commencement of the lower por-

tion of the cretaceous series, where, in the Neocomian strata, this

genus appears to attain its maximum of specific development,

* The true position of this deposit is not yet satisfactorily determined,

although considered as the equivalent of the Neocomian by some of the

French paleontologists, and of the Hilsthon of Hanover by M. Rémer. The

Hamites intermedius and Beanii (Phillips) belong to the genus Ancyloceras.

32 Mr. J. Morris on some new species of the genus Ancyloceras.

eleven species having been described therefrom, four of which

belong to the inferior and seven to the superior stage of this

formation, all of them being specifically distinct from those

of the British Isles. In England this genus also commences

with the inferior oolite, from which two species have been

obtained ; it is again found in the Kelloway rock, but attains the

full numerical development, as in France, im the lower part of

the cretaceous series, and does not reappear in any of the supe-

rior deposits. In the ‘Catalogue of British Fossils,’ the genus

Crioceras is mentioned as occurrmg in the Kelloway rock of

Wilts ; not having, however, at that period any specimens for

examination, and having recently entertained some doubts on this

point, in consequence of Mons. D’Orbigny stating that this

genus 1s peculiar to the cretaceous system*, [ have re-examined the

whole subject, and by the inspection of a fine series of specimens

kindly placed at my disposal by Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Channing Pearce

and Mr. 8. P. Pratt, it would appear, that the specimens generally

found in collections from the Kelloway rock, under the name of

Crioceras, are only the spiral volutions or chambered portion of

Ancyloceras, the produced or hooked parts containing the last

chamber being mostly wanting. There appears to be some diffi-

culty in distmguishing the genera Ancyloceras and Crioceras

when the chambered portion of the former is only preserved,

both of them agreeing in having the spiral volutions distinctly

separated from each other, and the lobes of the septa bemg

formed of “ parties impairest,” whilst in the genus Scaphites,

to which Ancyloceras is closely allied, the lobes are formed of

“ parties paires ft.”

Ancyloceras Calloviensis. (Pl. VI. fig. 3. a—d.)

A. testa oblonga, transversim zequaliter costata, costis acutis, latera-

liter tuberculatis ; dorsobi tuberculato; anfractibus compressius-

culis; apertura ovali.

Spire composed of three rather compressed volutions, f. 3 6,

each volution havmg about twenty-eight elevated ribs, shghtly

inflected posteriorly, and partially interrupted between the dorsal

tubercles; in well-preserved specimens there are traces of inter-

mediate smaller ribs. The ribs ornamented with two conical

tubercles on the dorsal part (f. 3d), and one nearly centrally

placed on the internal portion of each side. The last volution

produced into a straightish line (f. 3 a), which is recurved at

the extremity when in a perfect state.

Mouth oval or somewhat hexagonal. The foliations of the

* «Tes Crioceras ne paraissent avoir vécu qu’a la période crétacée—infé-

rieure. Ils se sont seulement montrés, jusqu’a présent, dans le terrain néo-

comien et dans le gault.’-—Terr. Crétacés, p. 458.

+ Terr. Crét., pp. 457, 492. t Ibid. p. 518.

Mr. J. Morris on some new species of the genus Ancyloceras. 33

septa appear to be more simple than in the cretaceous species, the

superior lateral lobe is a little longer than the dorsal one, the in-

ferior lateral lobe being nearly equal in length with the superior

these however vary slightly, according to the period of growth.

To Mrs. Lowe of Chippenham we were indebted for our know-

ledge of this interesting species, by whom it was obtained from

the Kelloway rock near that town, during the progress of the

works for the Great Western Railway. The figures are executed

from specimens in the collections of C. Pearce and 8. P. Pratt,

Esqrs.

Ancyloceras costatus. (Pl. VI. fig. 4. a, 6.)

A. testa elongata, transversim oblique costata, costis approximatis

obtusis, per dorsum interruptis; dorso rotundato ; apertura ovali.

On the produced part of this shell the ribs are simple, obtuse,

broader than the imtervening suleations, and increasing slightly

in thickness from the ventral to the dorsal margin, where they

are interrupted by a smooth space along the median line of the

back. The spiral volutions have not yet been discovered, and

the foliations of the septa are not shown in the specimen figured.

This species bears some resemblance to the A. furcatus (WOrb.)

in the abrupt termination of the coste on the dorsal margin, but

the ribs are of greater relative thickness and not furcate as in

that species.

From the inferior oolite near Bridport, in the collection of

Channing Pearce, Esq.

Aneyloceras Waltoni. (P\. V1. fig. 5. a, b, ce.)

A. testa elliptica, transversim equaliter costata, costis subacutis ;

anfractibus rotundatis; apertura ovali.

The surface of this shell is covered with a regular series of

somewhat acute ribs, which are slightly arched on the ventral

portion and are interrupted on the dorsal margin, where they ter-

minate with a bluntish tubercle. The superior lateral lobe is as

long as the dorsal one, the inferior lateral lobe is as wide and

even longer than the superior one. From the inferior oolite

near Bridport, in the collection of W. Walton, Esq. These speci-

mens so closely resemble a species obtained by Mr. Bunbury

from the inferior oolite of Calvados, that I feel some difficulty in

assigning to it a specific name, in consequence of Mons. d’Or-

bigny stating that one species only, the Ancyloceras annulatus,

is found in that deposit, of which I have not seen either a figure

or description. Should it, however, prove to be a distinct species,

I have proposed the name of A. Waltoni, as a tribute of respect

to a gentleman who has assiduously cultivated the study of the

oolitic fossils.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. D

34 Mr. A. White on some new Homopterous Insects.

Distribution of the genus Ancyloceras.

IN ENGLAND. IN FRANCE.

Lower Greensand. Neocomian superior.

A. gigas. A. brevis.

A. grandis. A. Duvalianus.

A. Hillsii. A. fureatus.

A. Matheronianus.

Speeton Clay. A. Renauxianus.

A. Beanii. A. simplex.

A. intermedius. A. varians.

A.? Phillipsii. Neocomian inferior.

Kelloway Roek. A. cinctus.

A. Calloviensis eI:

; ; A. pulchellus.

Inferior Oolite. A. Puzosianus. —

A. costatus, Inferior Oolite.

A. Waltoni.

. annulatus.

V.—Descriptions of a new Genus and some new Species of Ho-

mopterous Insects from the East in the Collection of the British

Museum. By Avam Wuirz, Assistant Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus.

Ancyra, White.

A new genus seemingly allied to Eurymela, from which it may

be at once distinguished by the shape of its head, which has not

the dilated cheeks (see magnified fig. of face), so prominent a

character in the New Holland genus. I can detect in Ancyra no

stemmata. The antenne are situated close under the eyes. Hem-

elytra finely veined, with a notch on the lower margin ; at the end

they are rounded and have a sort of knob, from which, in the

male, proceeds a longish narrow appendage, widest at the end,

and somewhat resembling the feathers on the head of Pteroglossus

ulocomus. Wings somewhat falcated, especially at the ends, which

are pointed and hooked. The legs are much dilated and com-

pressed throughout ; hind legs very long, with four spines on the

outer edge of tibia. Body at the end covered with a somewhat

waxy down-like secretion.

The species (Ancyra appendiculata) is of a rich deep brown

colour ; the hemelytra above are brown, spotted at the base with

Face magnified. Ancyra appendiculata.

white, and have two widish powdery bands of white ; the hem-

elytra beneath are of a mahogany-red colour ; the wings are of a

Mr. A, White on some new Homopterous Insects. 35

deep brown, almost black on the edge ; between the wings there is

a red-coloured space; body beneath yellow; legs black; in the

female the wings are more powdery than in the male. Length

4} lines ; expanse of wings, exclusive of appendages, 1 inch.

Hab. Moulmein.

The sketch, kindly made for me by Mr. Humphries, will show

the appearance of the insect better than any description. With

reference to the genus Eurymela, I may mention that Mr. Har-

rington of Bath informed me that in New Holland the different

species are named “ manna-flies.” They bore into the green bark

of the gum-trees (Hucalypti), the sap exudes, dries and falls to

the ground, sometimes in great quantities. This gum-tree

“manna” is very sweet to the taste.

Cercopis Proserpina—Head and thorax above of a yellowish

orange colour ; scutellum black, elytra black ; inner margin, outer

margin at the base, and veins in the middle of the same yellowish

orange colour as is the thorax; under side of body and femora

black; tibize and tarsi yellowish; end of hemelytra yellow. Length

11 lines.

Hab. Philippine Islands.

This and the five following species were collected by Mr. Cu-

ming, and are measured from the apex of the head to the tip of

the wings.

Cercopis Theora.—Black ; head, thorax above, broad inter-

rupted basal band of hemelytra, tip and small marginal spot be-

hind the middle, tarsi, end of tibiz and the tip of abdomen of an

olivaceous yellow. Length 11 lines. Very near C. Urvillei, Ser-

ville, Guérin’s Icon. pl. 59. f. 8.

Perhaps the male of a Cercopis near one described by Fabri-

cius under the name of C. nigripennis, which has the tip and a

narrow portion of the margin of the hemelytra yellow, the rest

being black ; in this the whole of the tibiz are yellow.

Hab. Philippine Islands.

Cercopis Charon.—Of a deep black, the thorax in some speci-

mens with a deep blue tinge. Legs and margins of abdominal

segments of a reddish yellow. Length 10 lines.

Hab. Philippine Islands.

Cercopis perspicillaris—Of a reddish yellow colour, a trans-

verse black line between the eyes, two longitudinal black lines

on the thorax near the margin. Hemelytra with two black spots

at the base, a broad transverse black band sinuated behind, and two

black spots near the apex ; body beneath black, the edges of the

segments narrowly margined with reddish. Length about 8 lines.

Hab. Philippine Islands.

Cercopis canthomelena.—Y ellow ; four black spots across the

hemelytra, two on each, one near the scutellum, the other in the

36 Mr. A. White on some new Homopterous Insects.

middle ; a transverse black band, broadest externally, extends

across the middle of the hemelytra, and has two yellow spots in

it behind ; sometimes there are three, in which case the central

one is very small. Apex of hemelytra of a reddish brown. Length

74 Imes.

Hab. Philippine Islands.

A species near C. spectabilis, Burmeister (‘ Noy. Act. Phys.

Med. Nat. Cur,’ vol. xvi. supp. p.304. t.41. f. 8.), of which it may

possibly be an extreme variety.

Cercopis mactans.—Cheeks and space between the eyes black ;

thorax with two broad longitudinal dorsal black bands not reaching

to the anterior margin ; sides of scutellum black, hemelytra black ;

outer margin yellow from the base to the middle, with a small

blackish spot midway ; inner margin at the base yellow, forming

a line which extends as far as the end of the scutellum ; behind

the scutellum there is a transverse yellow spot common to both

hemelytra ; end of hemelytra with three largish yellow spots, one

on each margin and another in the middle near the tip. Legs

and body beneath yellow ; body in the male spotted with black.

Length from 8} to 9 lines.

Hab. Philippine Islands.

Peciloptera Dianthus.—Pale, the wings of a milky white; hem-

elytra somewhat yellowish, especially at the base, rather broadly

margined with brownish black, a hook-shaped broadish black lne

extending from the base of hemelytra to beyond the middle ; be-

tween this and the outer margin there is a semicircular brownish

black line attenuated at each

end, a yellow point on the g===

shoulder of each hemelytron, &

and the posterior margin of (=

each at the base narrowly ~*

margined with yellow. Head

between the eyes with three

black lines, the middle one abbreviated. Thorax with at least

twelve black spots above and on the sides, placed in three trans-

verse rows. First and second pair of legs brownish except at the

base, where they are pale. The hemelytra are somewhat longer

im proportion than they are in Pwciloptera phalenodes, the head

in front is somewhat dilated, and there is a strong keel on each

side above the eye. Expanse of hemelytra 1 inch and 11 lines.

Hab. India; Java? There is a specimen in the collection of

James Wilson, Esq. of Edmburgh.

For the sketch I am indebted to the obliging kindness of Mr.

Humphries.

Peciloptera papilionaria.—Hemelytra light purplish brown,

spotted with white in the middle, at the base slightly yellowish

Mr. A. White on some new Homopterous Insects. 37

mixed with brown ; the fore margin to beyond the middle is pale,

and from the end of the pale part there is an oblique broad bar

abruptly broken off before reaching the middle of the hemelytron ;

between the end of the bar and the tip of hemelytra there is a

narrow white lunule. The wings are of a smoky gray, and slightly

iridescent.

Thorax yellow, spotted with black. Expanse of hemelytra

1 inch 1 line.

Hab. Java. James Wilson, Esq., F.R.S.E.; Stoll, Cigales, t. 7.

f. 33?

Aphena leucostictica—Hemelytra at the base darkish green,

with numerous blackish spots and dots, none on the anterior

margin ; end of hemelytra brownish yellow, with two or three mi-

nute white spots arranged in two outwardly bending lines. Wings

at the base bluish verdigris-green, palest at the end, with a few

black spots ; end and margin blackish brown, with several milk-

coloured dots. Head pale brown. Thorax with a greenish tinge.

Body at the end above verdigris-green; under side and legs

blackish. Expanse of hemelytra 1 inch 9 lines.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; collected by Mr. Cuming.

Aphena delicatula—Hemelytra very pale greenish brown ;

basal part with many black spots (at least twenty), six of them on

the anterior margin; the end darker brown, beautifully reticu-

lated with pale greenish brown ; wings at the base vermilion-red,

with largish black spots, irregular on either side (at least seven) ;

tip. widely black ; a large acutely-triangular sea-green mark on

fore-edge between the red and black parts. Antenne orange.

Head and thorax above of a pale brownish colour with a kind of

bloom over them. Body and legs blackish brown with a slight

bloom. Expanse of hemelytra 1 inch 7} lines.

Hab. China (Nankin) ; G. Tradescant Lay, Esq.

G. Tradescant Lay, Esq., in a note dated “ British Consulate,

Canton, 19th January, 1844,” referring to this insect, says, “The

gay Fulgoride were found in a grove not far from Nankin cling-

ing to the trunk of a tree. They were however so much on the

alert that it was very hard to capture them. I imagine they

take their food and their pastime during the night and spend the

day in sleep.” Both the above species come near the Aphena

variegata of Guérin-Meneyille in his ‘ Iconographie Régne Ani-

mal,’t. 5 8. f. 3.

38 Mr. A. White on some new Lamellicern Beetles.

VI.—Descriptions of two apparently new Species of Lamellicorn

Beetles. By Avam Wurtz, Assistant Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus.

Anoplognathus (Calléodes) Grayianus, White.

Supra lete metallico-virescens, flavo circumdatus, subtus ferru-

gineus metallico-tinctus. Long. lin. 12—13}.

Hab. Australia (Sept.?). Mus. Brit.

Domino Joanni E. Gray, Musei Britannici Zoologiz custodi inde-

fesso, species heec perpulchra dedicata est.

In another work, figures of the trophi and a more detailed

description of this beautiful subgenus of Anoplognathide will be

given ; it is allied to the typical genus, differing in the greater

breadth of the thorax, and in the elytra nearly covering the podex ;

the whole insect is flatter, more especially on ¢

the sides, and has a more Dytisciform appear-

ance even than the genus Repsimus, Macleay,

to which at first I thought it belonged. The

head is green and punctured, the shield yel- ,

lowish, the sides rounded and somewhat

straight im front, under side of head of a

bronzy ferrugimous. Thorax narrower than

elytra, sides slightly rounded so as to be almost

contimuous with the side line of elytra, pro-

jecting behind in the middle and notched over the scutellum,

lively glossy green, the sides broadly margimed with yellow.

Elytra much depressed, especially on the sides and behind, having

a wide but shallow sinus on the side; surface punctured, the

punctures generally running in striz, some of the rows placed

in slightly grooved lines ; it is of a lively glossy green, the sides

broadly margined with yellow. Legs and under side ferruginous ;

base of abdominal segments green, as are the tips of the femora

and all the tarsi; front edge of tibize of fore-legs without teeth,

hinder tibize moderate*,

* Through an oversight of the engraver, the tarsi in the above figure are

most inaccurately represented.

In the British Museum collection are two specimens of the A/ieronyz chlo-

rophyllus, Boisd., Faune de l’Océanie, ii. 188, Voy. Astrol. t. 6. f. 18. This

insect appears to me to connect the dreodide and Anoplognathide in Bur-

meister’s recently published volume of the ‘Handbuch’ (iv.). No notice is

taken of this New Zealand form, which is perhaps regarded by the philosophic

professor of Halle as belonging to a different family; the generic name stands

in preference to Schénherr’s. (See Gen. et Spec. Cure. vil. p. 313.)

I may here mention that the male of the Sisyphus Senegalensis, Dej., of

which a female only is in the British Museum collection, has the long process

attached to the hind-legs, as in the Sisyphus Bowringii from China, described

in the last Number of the ‘ Annals.’ Mr. Waterhouse has a male in his col-

lection. Mr. Charles Bowring of Queen Square, Westminster, informed me

that his brother, John Charles Bowring, Esq., found the Sisyphus named after

him to be a very common insect in Hong Kong.

Mr. A. White on some new Lamellicorn Beetles. 39.

Africa contains many curious Cefoniade, differing much from

each other in the armature of the head of the male. Into none

of the many divisions of this section given in the papers of Mac-

Leay, Gory and Percheron, Dupont, Hope, Laporte, Schaum,

Westwood, Burmeister, or Dr. T. W. Harris of Boston, U.8., does

the following insect seem to me admissible, and I accordingly cha-

racterize it as anew subgenus. The greatest number of the species

of Goliaths are indigenous to W. Africa from Senegal to the Congo.

Far up in the interior of 8. Africa Dr. Andrew Smith discovered

the beautiful species named after him by MacLeay, and subse-

quently in the same region, Mr. Burke, the Earl of Derby’s col-

lector, found the Cheirolasia Burket and Ceratorhina Derbiana of

Melly, figured and described in that useful Magazine for these

“notabiha ” of entomology, the ‘ Arcana Entomologica’ of West-

wood; in this work also is described and figured the Amaurodes

Passerinii, obtained by Mr. Melly from Mozambique, and now

from a part of Africa, which may yet furnish other species, I

have an opportunity of describing a species belonging to a small

collection made by Dr. Roth, the indefatigable naturalist who

accompanied Sir W. C. Harris on his embassy to the Court of

Shoa. For permission to do this I am mdebted to Dr. Horsfield of

the East India House, and it is after him that I would name this

apparently new form of Cetonia. It seems to me to come near

Dicronocephalus and Narycius, between which and Mecynorhina

it may be placed. To Jnca, the male has a considerable resem-

blance at first sight, and the British Museum collection has from

W. Africa a form closely resembling this Brazilian genus which

was shown to the Secretary of the Entomological Society, who

described and figured it in his ‘Arcana.’ Mr. MacLeay indeed

regards Inca and Dicronocephalus as somewhat allied, unlike Bur-

meister, who places the former nearer Trichius. The species be-

low is probably the insect referred to in the appendix of Harris’s

‘ Highlands of Ethiopia,’ vol. ii. p. 411, as “ one notable Jnca, the

male of which is armed with a powerful head excrescence, and

lives principally on the sap of wounded trees.”

Goliathus (CompsocEPHALUS, subg. White).

Head of male (figs. 1, 2) with the clypeus elongated and turned

up; the clypeus isvery deeply divided as far as the middle(somewhat

as in Narycius, Dupont), the two divisions are slightly angulated,

and each is distinctly notched at the end: over and in front of

the eyes, the sides of the head are elevated, and the antennz

spring from a notch under this raised part. In female (fig. 3) the

head is quadrangular, the edge of the clypeus in front abrupt,

shghtly sinuated in the middle, the sides somewhat dilated. Tho=

40 Mr. A. White on some new Lamellicorn Beetles.

rax margined, that of the male slightly quadrate and considerably

convex above, the surface irregular, and having two depressions in

the middle, the sides slightly sinuated, anterior angle rounded ;

in front the thorax is lobed, (a very distant but yet decided ap-

proximation to the elongated frontal process on the thorax of

Gol. rhinophylius, Wied. (Mycteristes, Laporte) and Phedimus

Cumingii, Waterhouse,) the margins on each side of the lobe con-

siderably sinuated, and allowing as it were the side of the thorax

to be seen; under side of thorax on the side behind much exca-

vated for the reception of the femora of anterior legs: this cha-

racter is very prominent in the female also, which has the thorax

more depressed and very slightly lobed or sinuated in front.

In the male the femora of hind-legs fit into the slightly excavated

sides of the metathorax. Legs of the male, especially the anterior

pair, strong, with six irregular teeth on the tibie, three on external

edge and three on internal; in the female the fore-legs are less

strong, and the tibiz have three strong teeth on the outside, the

interior apical one only being present. Tarsi of fore-legs of male

very large and compressed, the terminal joint beneath, at the end

projecting, but apparently hardly spmed.

Scutellum more pointed in male than in female. Elytra in

both sexes ciliated ; lateral margin slightly smuated near the

shoulder. Pygidium of male edged with hairs and bluntish, of

female more elongated. Other characters might be added, but,

with the figures*, I think the above may suffice to separate this

Abyssinian Cetonia from any of the described subgenera.

G. (Compsocephalus) Horsfieldianus, White (figs. 1, 2, 3).

Viridis, thorace, scutelloque ferrugineo-fuscis, thorace viridi margi-

* For the sketches of this Goliath I am indebted to the obliging kindness

of G. Ford, Esq. The extended legs are shown considerably fore-shortened,

and the specimens are represented unset.

Mr. C. E. Broome on a new species of Melanogaster. 41

nato, elytris ochracescenti-viridibus, corpore subtus pedibusque

metallico-viridibus, rubro-tinctis. Long. d unc. 1], lin. 4; ? une.

1, lin. 3.

Hab. Abyssinia.

& 2in Mus. “ Hon. E. Ind. Co.”; ?in Mus. Brit. T. Horsfield,

M.D. Hoc insectum in honorem Thome Horsfield, M.D., Faunze

Floreque Javanice insularumque orientalium aliarum scrutatoris

celeberrimi, nominavi.

Male.—Head above brown, on under side in some lights of a

brilliant deep blue or bluish grecn; the clypeus excavated on

under side at base of fork. Thorax and scutellum above of a rich

deep rusty brown colour, the former narrowly margined with

bright green, growing fainter where the thorax joins the scutel-

lum ; sides and under side metallic green. LElytra of a faded

yellowish green, the surface dimpled ; on the suture and near the

scutellum lively green.

Female.—Head and thorax rich rusty brown, posterior half of

the latter rather paler. Elytra plainer than in male and of a more

lively green with the suture golden ; lateral edge of elytra as in

the male, with many light-coloured cilia which extend to the apex ;

the shoulders and a spot near the apex brown; under side and

legs of a bright coppery red, segments slightly margined with

green ; tarsi of all the legs and tibiz of fore-legs brownish.

ViI.—Deseription of a new species of Melanogaster. By C. E.

Broome, Esq.

To Richard Taylor, Esq.

Str,

May I be permitted through the medium of your Journal to de-

dicate to my friend the Rey. M. J. Berkeley, to whose unwearied

researches mycology is most deeply indebted, a pretty, new spe-

cies of Melanogaster which I have lately met with in this neigh-

bourhood? The characters are as follows :—

Melanogaster Berkeleianus, n.s. Parvus, globosus, longe radicatus ;

peridio sericeo albo, tactu gilvo fusco, intus pallide flavo ; sporis

minutis oblongo-ellipticis hyalinis albis, binucleatis.

The single specimen hitherto found was about the size of a

pea, furnished with a long white root, which, as well as the silky

white globose peridium, changed on the touch, or exposure to the

air, to a pink-brown; the interior is of a delicate pale yellow,

which is permanent ; the texture of the walls of the cells is loosely

cellular ; spores elliptic-oblong, hyaline, containing two or some-

times three globose nuclei. In the form and colour of the spores

this species very much resembles Octaviana aphrodisiaca of Mon-

42. M.A. d’Orbigny on the Distribution of Littoral Mollusca.

tagne. Some of the spores appeared to be uniseptate, but this

might arise from ocular deception. It grew in a loose soil in a

wood composed of hazel, beech and firs, in October last.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

Wraxall, near Bristol, C. E. Broome.

23rd December, 1844.

VIIL.—On the Laws which regulate the Geographical Distribution

of Littoral Mollusca. By M. Aucrps p’OrRgIeny*.

Tue author in the first place urges the importance of investiga-

tions on the geographical distribution of the coast mollusca, as

applied to general palzeontology. It is, in fact, in the laws which

at present regulate the geographical distribution of creatures that

we must logically seek by comparison for light upon the suc-

cessive animalization on the surface of the globe at all geological

periods, in order to substitute well-ascertained facts for doubtful

theories.

The author selected, as the theatre of his observations, South

America, where he resided for eight years. Being at first of

opinion, @ priori, that the configuration of that continent, with

relation to its latitude, the abrupt or very gradual slopes of its

coasts, and the general currents which wash them, must have an

immense influence upon this question, he points out particularly

the characters which distiguish that part of the world, assisted,

for these currents, by M. Duperrey’s important map of the move-

ment of the waters, without which he would have been unable

to explain the anomaly of some facts. He presents im a table

the name and habitat of 362 species of littoral mollusca, which,

divided according as they belong to either of the two oceans, give

156 species peculiar to the Atlantic ocean, 205 species peculiar

to the Pacific, and a single species common to both seas.

He examines separately the local faunas of the Atlantic and of

the Pacific. In the first he finds that the Falkland islands

have a peculiar fauna, that the fauna of the temperate regions

is more numerous than that of the hot regions, and that each of

these regions possesses from four to six times more peculiar than

common species. The Pacific presented identical results rela-

tively to the number of species peculiar and common to the hot

and temperate regions; but the currents have there more influ-

ence on the partition of the species and on the separation of the

local faunas where their action ceases.

His observations of the influence due to the orographic confi-

guration of the coasts upon the zoological composition of the re-

* From the ‘Comptes Rendus,’ Noy. 18th, being an abstract by the author.

M. A. d’Orbigny on the Distribution of Littoral Mollusca. 43

spective faunas which inhabit them, led him to the following re-

sults :—In ninety-five genera cited, fifty, or much more than half,

are found only on one side, whilst forty-five only are common to

the two seas. From this he concludes, that the configuration of

the two coasts of South America, the one abrupt on the side of

the Pacific, the other rising in a gentle acclivity from the Atlan-

‘tic, have a greater influence upon the whole than the parallelism

of the zones of latitude which the local faunas of the two oceans

traverse equally.

In a fourth chapter, devoted to general deductions and con-

clusions, the author considers separately the action of the cur-

rents, the temperature, and the orographic configuration.

The general currents tend, by their incessant action, to diffuse

upon all the points where they pass, the mollusca which can bear

a great difference of temperature. In fact, in the Atlantic twelve

species extend over nineteen degrees, and in the Pacific fifteen

species are distributed over twenty-two degrees of latitude, tra-

versing several different zones of heat, and cease to exist at the

furthest northern limits of the currents, as is seen at Brazil and

to the north of Callao (Peru). Thus we must, without any doubt,

attribute to the general currents that influence of unequal value

which carries the littoral mollusca of the cold regions in the At-

lantic as far as the tropic only, and in the Pacific as far as eleven

degrees more to the north.

The author finds the currents to have two opposite influences :

by their continual action they tend evidently to diffuse the litto-

ral mollusca beyond their natural limits of latitude ; but when

they are distant from the continent, as at the Falklands, when

they double a cape advanced toward the pole, as at Cape Horn,

or when they abruptly leave the coasts, under the hot regions, as

at Payta, they then serve to isolate local faunas.

The effect of temperature is to confine species within more or

less restricted limits; the proof of which lies in the number of

mollusca peculiar to the different zones of heat traversed by the

general currents, and above all in the sudden difference which is

remarked between the composition of the local faunas of Payta

and that of the parts situated to the north of Rio Janeiro. In

fact, as soon as the action of the currents ceases to be felt, the

temperature at once resumes all its influence, and a fauna pecu-

liar to the hot regions begins to appear.

The orographic configuration of the coasts is marked by the

different zoological forms which are observed between the two

oceans: in fact, dependent of the numerical amount of the ge-

nera which have been spoken of, it is easy to convince ourselves

that the genera which predominate in the Pacific live principally

on the rocks, whilst those of the Atlantic, which are wanting on

44 M.A.d’Orbigny on the Distribution of Littoral Mollusca.

the southern side, inhabit only the sandy bottoms. It is seen

that the difference of orographic configuration of the coasts of the

two oceans which wash South America exercises, by these condi-

tions of existence more or less favourable which it offers to the

littoral mollusca according to their genera, an immense influence

upon the zoological composition of the faunas which inhabit

them.

The author states it as a negative fact, that the greatest afflu-

ents, the Plata for example, which at its mouth is 128 kilométres

wide, have absolutely no influence upon the composition of the

marine faunas of their environs.

M. @Orbigny deduces from the facts observed by him the fol-

lowing conclusions, which apply immediately to the paleontologic

faunas of the tertiary deposits :—

1. The faunas of two neighbouring seas, having an intercom-

munication, but separated only by a cape ady anced toward the

pole, may be distinct.

2. There may exist, at the same time, by the sole action of the

temperature, in the same ocean and on the same continent, di-

stinct faunas, according to the different zones of temperature.

3. Under the same zone of temperature, upon coasts in the

neighbourhood of one and the same current, the currents may

determine particular faunas.

4. A fauna distinct from the fauna of the nearest continent

may exist upon an archipelago when the currents isolate it.

5. Distinct faunas, or at least differmg much among them-

selves, may exist upon neighbouring coasts, by the sole action of

orographic configuration.

6. When the same species are found over an immense extent

of latitude, in the same basin, the currents will be the cause

of it.

7. The identical species between two adjoming basins indicate

direct communications between them.

8. The greatest affluents have absolutely no influence upon

the composition of the neighbouring marine faunas ; thus all the

deductions which have been drawn from them, in the case of the

tertiary basins, become illusory.

The author concludes by a final palzontological comparison.

He has said that, with the exception of one species common to

the two American oceans, all the others were, in the actual fauna,

peculiar either to the Atlantic or to the Pacific, and the ensemble

of the genera was very different in the two seas. The compari-

son of these results with the deductions drawn from the totality

of the fossil shells of the lowest tertiary beds of South America,

proves that these last, although differmg specifically, are never-

theless in the same geographical conditions as the actual fauna.

Bibliographical Notices. 45

Might we not conclude from this, that at the epoch when these

tertiary beds were formed, the latitude, the currents, and the oro-

graphic configuration, had the same influences as at the present

day? Thence it may be allowable to imagine that the Cordilleras

had, at that geological epoch, sufficient height to form, upon a

vast scale, a barrier between the two seas, and that, since that

epoch, the south continent has not changed its form.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Elements of Comparative Anatomy. By Rud. Wagner, M.D. ; trans-

lated from the German by Alfred Tulk, M.R.C.S.E.

Tue greatest naturalist of modern times was also the highest autho-

rity in comparative anatomy ; even as the first and greatest of natu-

ralists in ancient times was also well-versed in the internal structure

of the animals he classified. Cuvier and Aristotle had alike an

intimate conviction of the necessity of comparative anatomy to the

accomplishment of the zoologist. But comparative anatomy has still

higher tendencies than those it possesses as guiding the zoologist in

his arrangements: the form and structure of the living things that

people and that have peopled this earth are intimately associated

with its history, so that the geologist and paleontologist are scarcely

less interested in a knowledge of comparative anatomy than the zoo-

logist. More than this: function is identical throughout the animated

realm of nature, and the physiologist, and, as a derivative from him,

the physician and the surgeon, are all alike interested in possessing

a comprehensive knowledge of the organs by which the specific func-

tions, whose sum constitutes the life in each particular species of

animals, are performed. Hence it comes that comparative anatomy

has often been the preparative to the highest eminence ever achieved

in the medical profession. We need only quote Mr. John Hunter

in proof of the fact.

We had been for some time without a good elementary treatise

on comparative anatomy in the English language. Strange as it

may appear, it must still be allowed that there are certain subjects

upon which we do not seem destined ever to possess perfectly satis-

factory rudimentary works by native authors: comparative anatomy

is one of these. The old standard was Blumenbach, which, trans-

lated by Mr. Lawrence, came to a second edition under the revision

of Mr. Coulson. ‘Then we had Carus, with the extent of whose suc-

cess among us we are unacquainted. Now we have Wagner, a

work which we cannot but regard as a great improvement upon all

its predecessors. The grand features of the subject are in fact pre-

sented in the elements of comparative anatomy with the hand of a

master, and the minor details are also there, just to the point that

comes short of tediousness. ‘The book is truly excellent, and we

recommend all our readers to procure a copy, to interleave it, and

have it at hand as the repository of any observations which they

themselves may make.

46 Zoological Society.

The four parts already published, each complete in itself, comprise

the anatomy of Mammalia, Birds, Reptiles and Fishes,—of the ver-

tebrate animals therefore, and may be bound separately as a work

perfect in itself. One word in reference to the translation : this we

find faithful, and, like the original, terse and to the point; admirable

for reference upon particular subjects, if less agreeable to read in the

way we do a novel. Mr. Tulk is himself an excellent anatomist and

naturalist, and deserves the thanks of all true friends of natural hi-

story for the pains he has taken in giving them a compendious guide

to the very elements of all zoological science.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

April 23, 1844.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.

A continuation of Mr. Sylvanus Hanley’s paper on new Telline was

read, containing the following descriptions :—

Tevuina sincera. Tel. testd 'T. carnarie simillimd, sed majore,

latiore, compressd et albidd; striis tenuioribus ; ligamento valde?

angusto ; natibus paululim ad latus anticum spectantibus ; margine

ventrali tantiim subarcuaio ; dentibus lateralibus conspicuis, sub-

equidistantibus. Long. 1°20; lat. 1°40 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming, Metcalfe.

Extremely like 7. carnaria, but larger, broader, and more flattened.

The oblique striz are minute, and almost entirely disappear in aged

specimens.

Teviina Senecatensis. Tel. testd T. splendid simillimd, sed

striis sulcisqgue exilioribus magisque confertis ; extremitate etiam

posiicd, striis arcuatis obliquis in utrdque valvuld, ornatd ; super-

Jicie internd purpured, albo posticé biradiatd. Long. 0°80; lat. 1

poll.

Hab. Senegal.

An extremely common shell, bearing some slight resemblance to

carnaria, and has probably been hitherto neglected, from its close

approximation to the splendida of Anton.

TeELuina 1ncaRNnAta. Tel. testd obovatd, subobliqud, inequilateral,

ventricosd, solidd, incarnatd aut albido-rosed, impolitd ; striis ele-

vatis concentricis tenuissimis, sirias radiantes elevatas confertis-

sime decussantibus ; margine ventrali arcuato, postice sursiim

acclwviore ; dorsali anticé declivi et prope nates paululiim incurvato,

postice elevatiore subarcuato et subitd declinante ; ligamento infosso ;

superficie internd flavescente, margines versus subrosed ; dentibus

lateralibus maximis. Long. 0°70; lat. 0°95 poll.

Hab. San Nicholas, Zebu; sandy mud, low water.

This graceful species is allied in sculpture to the decussata of

Lamarck, but the shape and colouring easily distinguish it, In

almost every adult specimen the tips of the beaks are chalky white,

the umbones yellow, and the ligamental edge rosy.

Textuina Lyra. Tel. testd ovali, tenui, compressd, nitidiusculd,

Zoological Society. 47

albd, striis concentricis elevatis ornatd, interstitiis levigatis ; mar-

gine ventrali ad utramque extremitatem arcuato, medio convexius-

culo; dorsali postice altiore, convexo satisque declinante, antice

prope lunulam excavatam, aut horizontali aut leviter acclivi ; latere

antico paululim longiore, rotundato ; extremitate posticd obtusd ;

natibus acutis, prominentibus ; flecurd obsoletd ; dentibus latera-

libus distinctis, antico approximato, postico parvo, remotiore.

Long. 1°80; lat. 2°60 poll.

Hab. 'Tumbez, Peru.

This most exquisite shell will probably prove inequivalve, but as I

have never met with any but left valves, I can only judge so from

analogy. Although very different in shape, its texture and the ex-

cavated dorsal areas remind us of Burnetti. The ventral fold is obso-

lete, and the situation of the umbonal ridge is indicated by a linear

carina, which is only separated from the dorsal edge by a narrow

concavity.

TELLINA PHILIPPINARUM. Tel. testd ovatd aut subovatd, tenui,

subequilaterali, intus extusque candidd, nitidd, concentricé et tenu-

issime striatd ; margine ventrali arcuato, postic? sursiim acclivi ;

dorsali antico brevi, recto, subdeclivi; latere postico subcunet-

Sormi ; ligamento prominulo ; extremitate anticd obtusd ; cardine

dente laterali (in junioribus subobsoleto) antico subapproximato.

Long. 0°70; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. St. Nicholas, isle of Zebu, and Jimmamailan, isle of Negros.

This shell, which appears to be common throughout the Philippine

Islands, reminds us by its shape of the 7. solidula. It is rather vari-

able in its proportions, and but rarely attains the assigned dimen-

sions. In aged specimens the vicinity of the umbones is usually of

a flesh-colour or tawny orange.

Texturna Listert. Tel. testd obovatd, solidd, ventricosd aut sub-

ventricosd, equilaterali, glabrd, extus intusque candidd ; margine

ventrali medio subrecto ; dorsali antice arcuato paululiimque de-

clivi, postice recto, declivi ; latere antico dilatato, obtuse rotundato ;

postico obtusissime biangulato ; ligamento magno, infosso ; natibus

obtusis ; umbonibus plerumque subplanulatis ; cardine dente late-

rali antico subapproximato. Long. 2°3; lat. 3° poll.

Hab. Senegal. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

This species appears to be represented in Lister’s ‘ Historia Con-

chyliorum,’ plate 288. fig. 235. Although in general shape it is

approached by many of its section (Telling with a single lateral tooth),

its superior size and solidity render it remarkable.

Texuina pumita. Tel. testd T. philippinarum simillimd, sed an-

gustiore ; margine ventrali medio subrecto ; dorsali utrinque recto

aut subconcavo, antic? paululiim declivi, latere postico cuneiformi ;

margine antico recto, verticali. Long. 0°60; lat. 0°90 poll.

Hab. Valparaiso; sandy mud, from seven to thirty fathoms.

Easily to be confused with 7. philippinarum, but is decidedly nar-

rower and the margins less convex. ‘The front dorsal edge, which

48 Zoological Society.

is longer and less sloping than in that species, forms an angle with

the straight and direct anterior margin.

Tevuina Cutter. Tel. testd parvd, ovatd, inequilaterali, tenuius-

culd, convead, nitidd, intus extusque aurantio-rosed, levigatd ;

margine ventrali antice arcuato, postice sursim acclivi; dorsali

antice magis minusve convexo satisque declivi, posticé recto et valde

declivi ; latere antico producto, ad extremitatem oblusé rotundato ;

postico acuminato ; natibus acutis ; ligamento vix prominulo ; flexurd

venirali obsoleta ; cardine dente laterali antico parvo, approzi-

mato. Long. 0°35; lat. 0°55 poll.

Hab. Cagayan, province of Misamis, Mindanao; twenty-five fa-

thoms, sandy mud.

This species is closely allied to the tenuis of our own shores, but

may be distinguished by its acuminated extremity. In young speci-

mens there are indications of concentric striz near the front of the

ventral margin.

Teviina Corsutorpes. Tel. testd subovali, inequivalvi, solidd, sub-

veniricosd, sublevigatd, roseo-incarnatd (intus plerumque aurantio-

rubra) ; margine ventrali sinistre valvule, ultra marginem conver-

iusculum alterius, prominente ; latere antico breviore, obtus? acumt-

nato; extremitate posticd rotundatd; ared dorsali posticd in

adultis subplanulatd ; natibus obtusis ; flerurd ventrali distinctd ;

cardine dente laterali, parvo, approximato, antico.

Var. Testd extus intusque candidd. Long. 0°80; lat. 1:20 poll.

Hab. Catbalonga, isle of Samar; ten fathoms, soft mud.

The general appearance of this shell gives us the idea of a Corbula.

It is covered when fresh with a thin fugacious epidermis, which re-

flects the most brilliant prismatic colours.

Teviina Cycrapirormis. Tel. testd parvd, rotundato-subtrigond,

tenui, ventricosd, intus extusque incarnatd aut pallide rosed, sub-

levigatd ; margine ventrali convexo ; dorsali utringue declivi, con-

vexiusculo ; latere antico retundato et paulld breviore ; extremitate

posticd obtuse subangulatd ; ligamento prominulo ; flexurd costdque

umbonali obsoletis ; cardine dente laterali parvo, approximato, an-

tico. Long. 0°20; lat. 0°25.

Hab. St. Nicholas, Zebu.

Not unlike pisiformis, but destitute of oblique striz.

Teviina inscutpra. Tel. testd oblongo-elongatd, solidiusculd, com-

pressd, equilaterali, extus intusque candidd ; sulcis confertis con-

centric? exaratd, striisque tenuissimis radiantibus (presertim pos-

tice) decussatd; margine ventrali elongato, subrecto ; dorsali

utringue subrecto, subdeclivi; extremitate posticd subbiangulatd ;

flecurd ventrali distinctd ; cardine dente laterali quamplurimum

approximato, antico. Long. 1; lat. 2 poll.

Hab. Chirigui, West Columbia; sandy mud, three fathoms.

‘This unique and elegant shell possesses the shape and general ap-

pearance of a Psammobia. The single anterior lateral tooth is so

close to the primary ones, that the hinge appears to be composed of

Zoological Society. 49

three cardinal teeth in the left valve. Beyond the almost obsolete

umbonal ridge the concentric sulci become broken into small scales.

The delicate radiating striz are quite obsolete in front. ‘The shell

seems slightly inequivalve.

Tetuina in#quauis. Tel. testd subovatd, vald? inequilatcrali,

solidd, convexd, candidd, tenuiter striatd ; striis supern? obliquis,

inferne concentricis, flecuosis ; supra costam umbonalem inconspi-

cuam, rugis erectis fleruosis, asperatd ; margine venirali conver-

issimo ; dorsali antic? subincurvato et valde declivi, postic? brevi,

recto, subdeclivi ; latere antico producto, ad extremitatem attenuato,

rotundato ; extremitate posticd obtusd ; natibus acutis ; lunuld di-

stinctd ; superficie internd candidd, aut flavescente ; cardine dente

laterali magno, subremoto, antico. Long. 0°90; lat. 1:20 poll.

Hab. Ceylon. Mus. Cuming.

An unique specimen of this curious shell is in the museum of Mr.

Cuming, and reminds us in many particulars of the Tellina Gargadia ;

but that species is neither so narrow nor so greatly inequilateral, its

oblique striz do not extend over the posterior portion of the shell,

and its hinge is clearly provided with two lateral teeth. The elevated

flexuous wrinkles radiate down the umbonal slope in three distinct

lines.

Teviina Fetrx. Tel. testd subovali, solidiusculd, valde inequilate-

rali, convexiusculd, nitidd, levigatd, intus extusque rosed ; margine

ventrali vix conveaxiusculo; dorsali antice vir declivi, convexo,

postice valde declivi ; latere postico brevissimo, obtus? subiruncato,

inferne subangulato ; extremitate anticd rotundatd ; costa umbonali

et flerurd ventrali subobsoletis ; cardine dente laterali magno,

approximato, antico. Long. 0°38; lat. 0°80 poll.

Hab. Panama; sandy mud, six to ten fathoms.

This elegant little shell approximates in form to the British Dona-

cina, but differs as well in colouring as in sculpture and teeth.

TELLINA coLUMBIENSIS. Tel. testd ellipticd aut oblongo-ellipticd,

compressiusculd, subtenui, levigatd, intus extusque albidd, epider-

mide tenuissimd, fulvo-cinered indutd ; margine ventrali medio

conveviusculo, utringue arcuato; dorsali utrinque convexo, antic?

paulld, postice satis declivi; latere antico longiore, rotundato ;

extremitate posticd acuminatd ; flerurd subobsoletd ; dentibus pri-

mariis minimis, lateralibus nullis. Long. 1°70; iat. 3 poll.

Hab. Monte Christi, West Columbia; sandy mud, twelve fathoms.

Its more compressed valves and minute teeth will distinguish it

from the few species which are allied to it in outline. The hinge-

margin is very short and rather broad. ‘The general shape is that of

T. Soverbii.

Tevumna Sovureyetr. Tel. testd oblongd, tenuiusculd, convexo-

depressd, intus extusque albidd, levigatd ; margine ventrali magis

minusve convexo ; dorsali antice convexiusculo et subdeclivi, pos-

tice subrecto aut subretuso et valdé declivi; flexurd costdque um-

bonali distinctis ; ligamento infosso ; natibus acutis ; latere antico

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. E

50 Zoological Society.

longiore, rotundato; extremitate posticd subrostratd; dentibus

lateralibus nullis. Long. 0°75; lat. 1°25 poll.

Hab. St. Nicholas, Zebu; sandy mud at low water.

I have named this species in honour of my friend M. Souleyet,

whose investigation of the Pteropoda promises to be of high interest

to natural science.

Tetuina unpuLata. Tel. testd oblongd, tenuissimd, compressd,

impolitd, intus extusque albidd, suboblique et concentrice undulata ;

margine ventrali convexo; dorsali antice subrecto et vix declivi,

postice incurvato, satisque declivi; latere postico brevi, attenuato,

rostrato; flexrurd costdque umbonali distinctis; natibus acutis ;

dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long. 0°40; lat. 0°80 poll.

Hab. St. Elena, West Columbia; sandy mud, six fathoms.

The oblique waves are chiefly conspicuous in front of the shell,

and become concentric posteriorly. This character is so distinct

that the species cannot possibly be confounded with any of this genus.

The general shape is that of crucigera; the fold is very distinct and

the ligament sunken.

TeLiina micans. Tel. testd subovali, tenui, nitidissimd, compressd,

nived, levigatd ; margine ventrali convexo ; dorsali antice convex-

iusculo, subhorizontali; latere antico longiore, ad extremitatem

rotundato aut obtuso ; postico cuneiformi ; flecurd costdque umbo-

nali obsoletis ; natibus obtusis ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long.

0°50; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. Catbalonga, isle of Samar, and Bias, isle of Negros.

Bears a close resemblance to the margaritacea of Lamarck, but

that species is not devoid of lateral teeth. It is a glassy-looking

shell and highly polished; the surface too is sometimes slightly opa-

lescent.

Trxiurna cuspis. Tel. testd ovatd, solidiusculd, convexd, nitidius-

culd, rosed, anticé et inferné substriatdé ; margine ventrali arcuato ;

dorsali utringue subdeclivi, antice convexo, postice recto aut subre-

tuso ; flexurd costdque umbonali distinctis ; latere antico paululim

longiore, rotundato ; postico subacuminato, subrostrato ; dentibus

lateralibus nullis. Long. 1°20; lat. 1°85 poll.

Hab. ?> Mus. Cuming, Walton, Metcalfe.

A beautiful shell, whose general appearance is that of an abbre-

viated specimen of the J. depressa of Lamarck, which latter must

resume its prior appellation of incarnata, being decidedly the species

so designated by Linnzus.

«‘ Descriptions of Marginelle collected during the voyage of H.M.S.

Sulphur, and from the collection of Mr. Cuming,” by Mr. Hinds.

MarGinetyia, Lamarck.

Section I. Phenospira.

MaRrGINELLA PIPERATA. Mar. testd obovatd, maculis parvis nigris

et albidis, interdum longitudinaliter coalitis, confertim ornatd ;

spird retuso-conicd, obtusé ; anfractu ultimo rotundate angulato ;

Zoological Society. 51

spird lined unicd comitatd ; labro incrassato, extis nigro maculato,

intiis levi; columelld quadriplicatd. Axis 9 lin.

Hab.

Cab. Cuming.

Marcinetyua scripta. Mar. testd parvd, retuse ovatd, cinered,

lineis nigris longitudinalibus valde angulatis (zic-zac) sparsim

maculatis ; spird retusissimd ; labro intis denticulato ; columelld

quinqueplicatd, duabus superioribus transversis. Axis 3+ lin.

Hab. Straits of Macassar ; in eleven to fifteen fathoms, coarse sand.

Cab. Belcher.

MareInetia tivipa. Mar. testd ovata, pallide cerulescente, ob-

solet? trifasciatd ; spird retusd; labro albido, valde incrassato,

intits levi ; columelld lat? callosd, supra spiram ascendente, quadri-

plicatd. Axis 64 lin.

Hab. Cuba.

Cab. Griiner.

Shell ovate, dull pale blue, indistinctly banded by a darker colour ;

the face covered by a white callosity spreading over the columella,

ascending along the spire, and running into the labrum, which is

thus thickened even beyond what is usual; the back shouldered and

slightly angular.

It is to the liberality of M. Griiner that I am indebted for the op-

portunity of including this shell in these descriptions.

MarcinELta Nopata. Mar. testa elongate ovatd vel subfusiformi,

luteo-olivaced, lineis nigris subjlexuosis longitrorsum ornatd, punc-

tis concoloribus conspersis ; spird elongatd, inconspicue plico-

costatd ; labro incrassato, intis denticulato ; columelld quadripli-

catd. Axis 10 lin.

Hab. Cape Blanco, west coast of Africa; in from twelve to fifteen

fathoms, among sand.

Cab. Belcher.

With the general aspect and character of M. Cleryii, but somewhat

larger, more broadly shouldered, the longitudinal lines studded at

intervals with dark spots, and which are somewhat regularly disposed

in the transverse direction ; and lastly, the spire is less elongated and

furnished with rather indistinct pliciform ribs.

MarGIneELLA Musica. Mar. testdé ovatd, cinereo-olivaced, lineis

nigris transversim ornatd ; spird retuso-conicd ; labro paululim

incrassato, intis levi ; columelld quadriplicatd. Axis 8 lin.

Hab. Cape Blanco, west coast of Africa; in thirty-five fathoms,

sand.

Cab. Belcher.

Readily distinguished from any species hitherto recorded by the

transverse, somewhat distant, and regularly disposed dark lines.

Marcinetta Betcuerst. Mar. testd concinn? ovatd, albd, lineis

eleganter punctatis raris, frequentioribus, vel confertis transversim

dispositis, interdum albo fasciatd ; spird mediocri, conicd ; labro

incrassato, albo, prope medium subdilatato, intis levi; columelld

quadriplicatd. Axis 9 lin.

52 Zoological Society.

Hab. Cape Blanco, west coast of Africa; in from twelve to fifteen

fathoms.

Cab. Belcher.

This very beautiful species displays considerable variation in the

character of its markings. In some individuals the exterior is nearly

white, with a few scattered transverse lines, composed of elegant

minute dottings, and these are perhaps the older shells; from this

they gradually become more and more covered with them, till in some

the whole surface is quite darkened. In this latter case irregular

lines become conspicuous in the longitudinal direction. In many

specimens the transverse lines are separated by intervals, which per-

mit the ground-colour of the shell to show through like milk-white

bands. The outer lip seems in all cases to retain its uniform white

colour, and at its upper part is slightly emarginate, but becomes

thickened at and a little beneath the centre.

MARGINELLA SAPOTILLA. Mar. testd elongate ovatd, fere subcy-

lindraceo-ovatd ; cinered vel glaucescente, concolore ; spird retuso-

conicd ; apertura intis fusca ; labro incrassato, recto, albo, postice

Sulvo, intis levi ; columelld quadriplicatd. Axis 11 lin.

Hab. Panama; in from five to thirteen fathoms, sandy mud.

Cab. Belcher et Cuming.

The American analogue of MW. cerulescens, or more correctly M.

prunum, than which it is of smaller size, more cylindrical in shape,

whence result its straight outer lip, less fullness and roundness of the

shoulders, but without any disposition to that obscure banding which

is visible in some specimens of M.prunum. Both species present a

rich brown colour within the aperture, and in general appearance

they are remarkably alike.

MareineLua constricta. Mar. testd albidd, obscure trifasciatd ;

spird retuse conicd ; anfractu ultimo prope medium coarctato ; labro

incrassato, medio incurvato, intis levi, superné ad spiram adscen-

dente ; columella quadriplicatd. Axis 8 lin.

Hab. ?

Cab. Cuming.

MarGInELLA Nivosa. Mar. testd ovatd, cinereo-fuscd ; maculis

lacteis laceratis super lineas longitudinales dispositis ; spird retusd ;

labro subrecto, incrassato, albo, ad spiram adscendente, intis infra

medium leviter denticulato ; columelld quadriplicatd. Axis 9 lin.

Hab. ?

Cab. Cuming.

A full-shaped oval shell of a fawn colour, with longitudinal lines,

as if marking the periods of growth, on which are aggregated small

irregular milk-white spots ; these are generally clustered on the lines,

but a few occupy the intervals between them. ‘The outer lip is of

an uniform white, and beneath its middle are a few rather indistinct

denticulations ; above it ascends to the spire, which it renders cal-

lous on that side. Within it is of a pale fawn-colour.

MARGINELLA PRUINOSA. Mar. testd ovatd, coarctatd, albidd, obso-

leté trifasciatd, maculis parvis lacteis conspersd ; spird conico-

Zoological Society. 53

retusd, subcallosd; labro incrassato, paululim incurvato, intis

leviter denticulato; aperturd angustd ; columella quadriplicatd.

Axis. 6 lin.

Hab. West Indies.

Cab. Cuming.

In some respects similar to the foregoing, but, in the place of its

full rounded form, this is contracted towards the middle of the body-

whorl. ‘The fasciation is constant on all the specimens, but always

very faint and indistinct, and the small milk-white spots are scattered

with little regularity over the surface.

Mareinevxa austrauis. Mar. testd retus? ovatd, albidd vel pal-

lidé corned ; spird conico-retusd ; labro incrassato, pone albido,

intis levi; columelld quadriplicatd, versus basin albo fasciatd.

Axis 34 lin.

Hab. North-west coast of Australia; in coral sand at low water.

Mr. Dring, R.N.

Cab. Cuming.

The characters of this little shell are quite unobtrusive, if we ex-

cept the white base of the columella; and this may serve to distinguish

it from any species hitherto on record.

Marcinetra virrea. Mar. testd coniformi, hyalind, nitidd ; spird

valde retusd ; labro paululim incrassato et reflexo, intis levi ;

columelld plicis quatuor gracilibus. Axis 3 lin.

Hab. West coast of Africa.

Cab. Belcher.

Mareinetzia Fusirormis. Mar. testd fusiformi, albidd vel pallide

corned ; spird elatd, obtusd ; anfractu ultimo gradatim attenuato ;

labro paululiim incrassato, intis levi ; aperturd lineari ; columella

quadriplicatd. Axis 3 lin.

Hab. Straits of Malacca; in seventeen fathoms, mud.

Cab. Belcher.

This species departs so far from the usual outline of the genus as

to become decidedly fusiform. The recent shell is most probably of

a delicate horn-colour, though the prevailing number of our speci-

mens are white, shining and glossy, and, there seems little doubt,

have lost their original colour.

The following species belongs to a section of this genus, which

might with much propriety be separated as a subgeneric group, under

the name of Volvarina. They are all delicate and rather thin shells,

with an apparent spire, the labrum never varixed, and usually not

even thickened, with a sharp edge, always bent in on the aperture.

The columellar folds are nearly constantly four in number, slender,

and more or less oblique. M. avena, Valenciennes, is a typical spe-

cies.

MARGINELLA NITIDA (Vozvarina). Mar. testa elongate ovata,

Suscd, politd, nitidd, concolore ; spird conicd, obtusd ; labro tenui,

acuto, inflexo, pallido ; columella quadriplicatd. Axis 4 lin.

Hab.

Cab. Cuming.

54 Zoological Society.

Section II. Cryptospira.

MArRGINELLA TRicINcTA. Mar. testd obeso-ovatd, cinereo-cerules-

cente, fusco trifasciatd, labro incrassato, luteo, intis levi; colu-

melld sexplicatd, ad basin albd ; plicis tribus superioribus trans-

versis, supremd paululim obsoletd. Axis 11 lin.

Hab. Straits of Macassar ; in eleven fathoms, coarse sand.

Cab. Belcher.

ManrGinELLA BLANDA. Mar. testd ovatd, tenui, sardonychid, obso-

lete fasciatd ; spird viv occultd, pallidd ; labro subincrassato et

subreflexo, intis levi; columella albidd, sexplicatd, plicis superi-

oribus evanidis. Axis 9 lin.

Hab. Cape Blanco, west coast of Africa; in twelve to fifteen

fathoms.

MarGIneLia impricata. Mar. testd ovatd, albidd, maculis rufis

quadratis prope medium unifasciatd, aliter punctis transversis or-

dinate vestitd ; apice puncticulato ; labro reflero medio et cum basi

columelle ustulato ; columella subcallosd, quadriplicatd. Axis 5 lin.

Hab. Acapulco. Col. Moffat.

Cab. Cuming.

In one specimen the tessellated band which encircles the body-

whorl is broken up iuto a number of small spots and punctations, so

that though these markings present usually a nearly square shape,

they are most probably disposed to vary. The shell in some respects

approaches M. interrupta.

MarGIneLLA MuRALIS. Mar. testd elongate ovatd, fere subcylin-

draced, lacted, nitidd ; maculis pallidé rufis quadratis transversis

ornatd, interdum albo marginatis, majoribus per series tres dispo-

sitis; labro vie incrassato, subinflexo, intiis sulcato ; columelld

plicis tribus inferioribus distinctis, obliquis, alteris superioribus

obsoletis transversis. Axis 54 lin.

Hab. ?

Cab. Cuming.

This is a remarkably pretty glittering species, and the specific

name seems justified by the appearance of the pale red regularly-

disposed square markings, which resemble the extremities of the

bricks in a wall. The labrum is not merely toothed within, but di-

stinctly suleate. It approaches M. Kiener’s M. maculosa, but the

ornation is quite of a different character, and it has no angular ele-

vation on the body-whorl.

Mareinetia sacirrata. Mar. testd retuso-ovatd, pallidd, lineis

rufis sagittatis transversis, alteris longitudinalibus confluentibus,

ornatd ; apice puncticulato ; labro subinflexo, intis levi ; columella

vie quadriplicatd. Axis 5 lin.

Hab. Brazils : Humphreys.

Cab. Cuming.

Shell shortened, ovate, the ornation consisting of reddish brown,

transverse, arrow-headed markings, disposed in regular series and

connected by waved longitudinal lines. The labrum is not the least

—

Zoological Society. 55

thickened, and slightly inflexed, and the superior fold of the columella

is scarcely distinguishable.

May 14.—Rev. John Kirby in the Chair.

The conclusion of the paper by Dr. Falconer and Capain Cautley

on the Gigantic Fossil Tortoise of India was read :—

**On a former meeting we went through the anatomical characters

presented by the remains of the Colossochelys Atlas. Commencing

with the plastron, we traced the modifications of form through the

costal elements of the carapace and the dorsal vertebre, all of which

bear the closest resemblance to the ordinary type of the Chersite Che-

lonians, or true land tortoises. A like result followed the examina-

tion of the extremities, which, as exhibited in the remains of the

humerus, femur and ungueal phalanges, were seen to be constructed

exactly on the plan of Testudo, with columnar legs and truncated

club-shaped feet, as in the proboscidean Pachydermata. The same

direction of affinity was observed throughout the conformation of

the head. The only portions of the skeleton from which more or less

direct evidence was not derived, were the neck and tail vertebra, of

which there were no specimens in the collection. The general re-

sult of the examination showed that the Colossochelys Atlas was

strictly a land tortoise in every part of its bony frame; and the im-

pressions of the horny scutes proved the like in regard to the arrange-

ment of its dermal integument.

“The principal distinctive characters were found in the sternum,

which is enormously thickened at its anterior extremity, along the

united portion of the episternal bones, and contracted into a narrow

neck, so that the width of the combined episternals does not much

exceed their thickness : this thickened portion bears on its under side

a deep massive cuneiform keel, which terminates upon the commence-

ment of the entosternal piece. There is more or less thickening of

this part in all the species of Testudo, and the amount of it is very

variable in different individuals of the same species; but there is

nothing approaching the same degree of contraction in reference to

the thickness, nor aught like a developed keel, in any of the existing

land tortoises which we have either had an opportunity of examining,

or seen described in systematic works on the tribe. The keel in the

fossil is feebly shown in the young animal, but strongly marked in

the adult. Conceiving that generic distinctions are only legitimate

in the case of well-defined modifications affecting some of the leading

characters in the organization of an animal, we do not consider our-

selves warranted in attaching a higher systematic importance to the

Colossochelys than as a subgenus of Testudo, which may technically

be defined thus (the distinction resting mainly on the form of the

sternum) :—

Subgen. CoLossocHEtys.

Testa solida, immobilis, sterno antic? in collum vald? incrassatum,

subtis carind crassd cuneiformi instructum, angustato. Testudo

terrestris, statura et mole ingenti (inde nomen kodoaads et yédus)

56 Zoological Society.

sui tribus prodigium! Olim in Indiz orientalis provinciis sep-

tentrionalibus degebat. :

** Colossochelys Atlas.—The first fossil remains of this colossal tor-

toise were discovered by us in 1835 in the tertiary strata of the Se-

walik Hills, or Sub-Himalayahs skirting the southern foot of the great

Himalayah chain. They were found associated with the remains of

four extinct species of Mastodon and Elephant, species of Rhinoceros,

Hippopotamus, Horse, Anoplotherium, Camel, Giraffe, Sivatherium,

and a vast number of other Mammalia, including four or five species of

Quadrumana. The Sewalik fauna included also a great number of

reptilian forms, such as crocodiles and land and freshwater tortoises.

Some of the crocodiles belong to extinct species, but others appear

to be absolutely identical with species now living in the rivers of

India: we allude in particular to the Crocodilus longirostris, from

the existing forms of which we have been unable to detect any dif-

ference in heads dug out of the Sewalik Hills. The same result

applies to the existing Hmys tectum, now a common species found

in all parts of India. A very perfect fossil specimen, presenting

the greater part of the evidence of the dermal scutes, is undistin-

guishable from the living forms, not varying more from these than

they do among each other. Prof. Thomas Bell, the highest living

authority on the family, after a rigid examination, confirms the result

at which we had arrived, that there are no characters shown by the

fossil to justify its separation from the living Hmys tectum. There

are other cases which appear to yield similar results, but the evidence

has not yet been sufficiently examined to justify a confident affir-

mation of the identity at present.

«The remains of the Colossochelys were collected during a period

of eight or nine years along a range of eighty miles of hilly country :

they belong in consequence to a great number of different animals,

varying in size and age. From the circumstances under which they

are met with, in crushed fragments, contained in elevated strata

which have undergone great disturbance, there is little room for hope

that a perfect shell, or anything approaching a complete skeleton, will

ever be found in the Sewalik Hills. It is to be mentioned, however,

that remains of many of the animals associated with the Colossochelys

in the Sewalik Hills have been discovered along the banks of the

Irrawaddi in Ava, and in Perim Island in the Gulf of Cambay, show-

ing that the same extinct fauna was formerly spread over the whole

continent of India.

“This is not the place to enter upon the geological question of

the age of the Sewalik strata ; suffice it to say, that the general bear-

ing of the evidence is that they belong to the newer tertiary period.

But another question arises: ‘ Are there any indications as to when

this gigantic tortoise became extinct? or are there grounds for

entertaining the opinion that it may have descended to the human

period?” Any d-priori improbability, that an animal so hugely

disproportionate to existing species should have lived down to be a

contemporary with man, is destroyed by the fact that other species

of Chelonians which were coeval with the Colossochelys in the same

Zoological Society. 57

fauna, have reached to the present time; and what is true in this

respect of one species in a tribe, may be equally true of every

other placed under the same circumstances. We have as yet no di-

rect evidence to the point, from remains dug out of recent alluvial

deposits; nor is there any historical testimony confirming it; but

there are traditions connected with the cosmogonic speculations of

almost all Eastern nations having reference to a tortoise of such gi-

gantic size, as to be associated in their fabulous accounts with the

elephant. Was this tortoise a mere creature of the imagination, or

was the idea of it drawn from a reality, like the Colossochelys ?

“Without attempting to follow the tortoise tradition through all

its ramifications, we may allude to the interesting fact of its exist-

ence even among the natives of America. The Iroquois Indians

believed that there were originally, before the creation of the globe,

six male beings in the air, but subject to mortality. There was no

female among them to perpetuate their race ; but learning that there

was a being of this sort in heaven, one of them undertook the dan-

gerous task of carrying her away. A bird (like the Garida of Vishnoo

or the Eagle of Jupiter) became the vehicle. He seduced the female

by flattery and presents : she was turned out of heaven by the supreme

deity, but was fortunately received upon the back of a tortoise, when

the otter (an important agent in all the traditions of the American

Indians) and the fishes disturbed the mud at the bottom of the ocean,

and drawing it up round the tortoise formed a small island, which

increasing gradually became the earth. We may trace this tradition

to an Eastern source, from the circumstance that the female is said

to haye had two sons, one of whom slew the other; after which she

had several children, from whom sprung the human race.

“In this fable we have no comparative data as to the size of the

tortoise, but in the Pythagorean cosmogony the infant world is repre-

sented as having been placed on the back of an elephant, which was

sustained on a huge tortoise. It is in the Hindoo accounts, however,

that we find the fable most circumstantially told, and especially in

what relates to the second Avatar of Vishnoo, when the ocean was

churned by means of the mountain Mundar placed on the back of the

king of the tortoises, and the serpent Asokee used for the churning-

rope. Vishnoo was made to assume the form of the tortoise and

sustain the created world on his back to make it stable. So com-

pletely has this fable been impressed on the faith of the country, that

the Hindoos to this day even believe that the world rests on the back

of a tortoise. Sir William Jones gives the following as a translation

from the great lyric poet Jyadeva: ‘The earth stands firm on thy

immensely broad back, which grows larger from the callus occasioned

by bearing that vast burden. O Cesava! assuming the body of a tor-

toise, be victorious! Oh! Hurry, Lord of the Universe!’

“The next occasion in Indian mythology where the tortoise figures

prominently is in the narratives of the feats of the bird-demigod

‘ Garda,’ the carrier of Vishnoo. After stating the circumstances of

his birth, and the disputes between his mother Vinita and ‘ Kudroo,’

58 Zoological Society.

the mother of the serpent, it is mentioned that he was sent on an

expedition to bring ‘Chundra’ the moon, from whom the serpents

were to derive the water of immortality. While pursuing his journey,

amidst strange adventures, Gariida met his father Kishgiifa, who

directed him to ‘ appease his hunger at a certain lake, where an ele-

phant and tortoise were fighting. The body of the tortoise was eighty

miles long—the elephant’s 160. Gartida with one claw seized the

elephant—with the other the tortoise, and perched with them on a

tree 800 miles high.’ He is then, after sundry adventures, stated to

have fled to a mountain on an uninhabited country, and finished his

repast on the tortoise and elephant.

“In these three instances, taken from Pythagoras and the Hindoo

mythology, we have reference to a gigantic form of tortoise, com-

parable in size with the elephant. Hence the question arises, are

we to consider the idea as a mere fiction of the imagination, like the

Minotaur and the chimera, the griffin, the dragon, and the cartazo-

non, &c., or as founded on some justifying reality? The Greek and

Persian monsters are composed of fanciful and wild combinations of

different portions of known animals into impossible forms, and, as

Cuvier fitly remarks, they are merely the progeny of uncurbed imagi-

nation ; but in the Indian cosmogonic forms we may trace an image of

congruity through the cloud of exaggeration with which they are

invested. We have the elephant, then as at present, the largest of

land animals, a fit supporter of the infant world; in the serpent

Asokee, used at the churning of the ocean, we may trace a represen-

tative of the gigantic Indian python; and in the bird-god Garuda,

with all his attributes, we may detect the gigantic crane of India

(Ciconia gigantea) as supplying the origin. In like manner, the

Colossochelys would supply a consistent representative of the tortoise

that sustained the elephant and the world together. But if we are

to suppose that the mythological notion of the tortoise was derived,

as a symbol of strength, from some one of those small species which

are now known to exist in India, this congruity of ideas, this har-

mony of representation would be at once violated ; it would be as legi-

timate to talk of a rat or a mouse contending with an elephant, as of

any known Indian tortoise to do the same in the case of the fable of

Garuda. The fancy would scout the image as incongruous, and the

weight even of mythology would not be strong enough to enforce it

on the faith of the most superstitious epoch of the human race.

«But the indications of mythological tradition are in every case

vague and uncertain, and in the present instance we would not lay

undue weight on the tendencies of such as concern the tortoise. We

have entered so much at length on them on this occasion, from the

important bearing which the point has on a very remarkable matter

of early belief entertained by a large portion of the human race. The

result at which we have arrived is, that there are fair grounds for

entertaining the belief as probable that the Colossochelys Atlas may

have lived down to an early period of the human epoch and become

extinct since :—Ist, from the fact that other Chelonian species and

Zoological Society. 59

crocodiles, contemporaries of the Colossochelys in the Sewalik fauna,

have survived ; 2nd, from the indications of mythology in regard to

a gigantic species of tortoise in India.

** Some of the bones were analysed with great care by Mr. Mid-

dleton, and yielded a large proportion of fluorine, the constituents

being,—

Phosphate of lime .......... 64°95

Carbonate of lime ....-..... 22°36

Fluoride of calctum ..,..... 11°68

Oxide of iron .... inne 1600

A trace of chloride of soda. -——-

99:99

“‘ Other Sewalik fossil bones were at the same time subjected to

analysis, such as the Mastodon elephantoides, Camelus sivalensis, Horse,

Ruminants, &c., and the whole of them yielded similar results, with

a proportion of fluoride of calcium varying from 9 to 11 per cent.

This is much above the usual quantity found in fossil bones ; the

utmost that has been met with having been in bones of the Anoplo-

therium from the Paris basin, 14 per cent.”

May 28.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

The following extracts were read from a letter from Robert Tem-

pleton, Esq., M.D., Corr. Mem., Royal Artillery, Colombo, Ceylon :—

«You will be glad to learn that I yesterday heard of a new mon-

key, which I imagine, from the description, must belong to the same

genus as the Wanderoo. Every day brings some novelty to my no-

tice, but I regret to say that although I have many promises from

officers at out-stations, I do not receive specimens as fast as I could

wish.

“You may announce to the Society that I had an accouchement

in my house of a Loris, the affair occupying about half an hour, at

the end of which a little naked object was fully in the world, about

two inches long, like a young mouse, perfectly without covering, a

large head, attenuate body, and excessively slender legs; the face

and eyes were proportionally much smaller than in the older animal.

It clung to the mother so tenaciously, that I believe it would have

almost parted with its legs rather than let go its hold. The mother

died on the following night and the young one immediately after, so

that I had little time for observing them. You will perceive from

the half-finished sketch I enclose that it is not at all entitled to the

usual appellation of dog-like, which has been derived I presume from

the drawings having hitherto been made from stuffed specimens.

** The loss of the ‘ Memnon’ has been a matter of serious concern

to me, as she carried a paper which cost much trouble, and of which

I foolishly destroyed the copy; unfortunately, since that time I have

had neither leisure nor specimens from which to work out another.

In the meantime I wish you to inform the Society that there is found

in the alpine regions of Ceylon during the rainy season enormous

worms, reaching from twenty to forty inches in length, and about

60 Zoological Society.

an inch or 14 inch in thickness. From the size and colour I have

adopted the name of MreGascoLEx CHZRULEUS.

«* The body is composed of 270 rings, the sexual organs occupying

the 16th, 17th and 18th; between this part and the head it is some-

what ventricose, but at the 17th ring there is a decided narrowing.

Each ring is dilated in the middle of its length into a ridge, which

carries on it, except in the mesial lne of the back, minute conical

mammille, 100 in number, each surmounted with a minute bristle,

arched backwards; the dermoid covering is striated in opposite di-

rections diagonally, to admit of the contractions of the muscles be-

neath ; dorsally the depressed parts of the rings are deep bright blue,

which becomes gradually narrowed as it descends the sides, and ter-

minates abruptly, leaving the inferior parts orange-yellow, but the

absolute ventral part is pure yellow.

«« The intestinal canal is very large, extending to within an eighth

of an inch of the surface, and supported on all sides by a series of

membranous partitions, attached externally to the edge of each ring.

The walls of the intestine are composed of strong but fine membrane,

which is separable into layers, but is without any distinct appearance

of fibres; exterior to this are the muscular bundles, which serve for

the progressive movements of the animal ; they are compound,

whitish, shining fibres, collected into longitudinal fasciculi, separated

by tolerably strong cellular membrane, and are deficient, as far as I

am aware, only in one position.

“In all works which I have examined it is stated (I think origi-

nally by Sir Everard Home) that the respiration of this tribe is car-

ried on through a system of pores on the sides of the animal, as in

the leech. This is a complete mistake; the facts are as follows :—

Along the middle line of the back, as I have before noticed, the

mamumillary projections are deficient for a space about one-tenth of an

inch broad, and in the interval between each ring in this situation

is a small transverse narrow ridge, in the centre of which, and occu-

pying its whole breadth, is the orifice of the respiratory apparatus,

a narrow oval; they are first visible in the interval between the 14th

and 15th ring, and terminate between the 17th and 18th from the

tail, being most developed at half the length of the animal, or rather

a little nearer the tail. The artery runs along the whole back of the

worm, sending off lateral branches at the position of the septa, and

at the place where the respiratory orifices open externally it forms

the inferior boundary of a little quadrangular space, shut up on all

sides by cellular membrane, so as to present the appearance of a

little sac like a reticule, with a rectangular bottom; the sides of this

space are formed as follows: the muscle becomes deficient there,

taking a new attachment, and having a new origin beyond the orifice,

the profile being arched rather abruptly, and thus we have an ante-

rior and posterior wall; the lateral are formed by the muscular bun-

dles of either side, and the shape must necessarily be more or less

quadrangular, in fact nearly square: the membrane forming the im-

mediate walls of the sac is so fine and so loose that I failed in all

attempts to trace its form inside, but I satisfied myself of there being

Zoological Society. 61

a distinct cavity, by introducing from the outside a small blunted

wire, with which I gently pressed the sides; it seemed however not

so extensive anteriorly, posteriorly, and at the angles, as I should

have supposed from the form of the more solid supports outside.

“The rest of the anatomy of this animal I must leave until I can

procure more specimens and have more leisure.

*‘ When I first got the Megascoler I was sure I had obtained an

animal which would break down the old division of Abranches seti-

geres and A. sans soies, for the bristles are so minute that I did not

in the first instance perceive them. As to its being a true Lumbricus

there could be no doubt. I was much gratified when I discovered

that the separation of the tribes, founded on a character which in-

dicates their respective terrestrial and aquatic habits, was correct,

and gave due credit to its proposer.”

** Monograph of the genus Myadora, a small group of Acephalous

Mollusks of the family Myaria,” by Lovell Reeve, Esq.

Genus Myapora, Gray.

Testa trigono-ovata, inequivalvis, valvd sinistrd plus minusve con-

cavd, dextrd pland, rard concaviusculd ; inequilateralis, latere

postico rotundato, antico leviter fleruoso, coarctato, infern? ple-

rumque truncato, depressione plano-concava sub umbones. Cardo:

dentibus in valvd dextrad duobus lateralibus, elongatis, rudibus, ab

umbone divergentibus, quorum posticus planus, subobsoletus ; invalvd

sinistrd projecturis sulcatis duabus lateralibus, dentes recipientibus.

Ligamentum internum in foved trigond centrali inter dentes inser-

tum, appendice testaced concavd sep? interne protectum. Valve

intus margaritacee, pallii impressione musculari anticé sinuatd.

The genus Myadora, introduced by Mr. Gray in his account of the

‘Shells of Molluscous Animals,’ in the ‘ Synopsis of the Contents of

the British Museum,’ is one that cannot fail to be appreciated ;

nothing indeed can more fully demonstrate the necessity for a new

generic allotment of certain species, than the circumstance of their

having been transported at different times from one genus to another

by the same author*.

The Myadore partake of the characters of Anatina and Pandora,

and as they have been referred at times to both of those genera, it

is important to describe with some minuteness the differences which

entitle them to generic distinction. In Anatina the hinge is com-

* “In an Appendix to a Catalogue of Shells collected in the Australian

and Polynesian group, by Mr. S. Stutchbury,” says Sowerby, in his account

of the genus Pandora, ‘Species Conchyliorum,’ Part 1, “I have described,

under the name of Pandora brevis, a shell (Myadora brevis, nobis) which Iam

now convinced is rather an Anatina, inasmuch as its flat valve is destitute

of the blunt tooth which characterizes the Pandore@; it differs also from

them in having a sinus in the muscular impression of the mantle, and in

being possessed of a small testaceous appendage attached to the ligament.”

This shell it will be seen however has not the spoon-shaped processes of

Anatina.

62 Zoological Society.

posed of two hollow spoon-shaped processes, containing the liga-

ment, protected in some species by a moveable testaceous clavicle,

which crosses the dorsal axis of the shell on the posterior side, as in

the Anatina truncata, for example, a species now commonly obtained

with the accessory hinge-piece complete.

In Pandora, which is too flat and compressed a shell to admit any

structure like the spoon-shaped processes of Anatina, the ligament

is lodged in a cicatrix, protected on the posterior side by a single

central oblong tooth in the right valve only ; the clavicle is dispensed

with, but the loss is in a degree supplied by a thickening and folding

over of the dorsal margin.

In Myadora, which being a thicker shell requires a hinge of more

solid structure, the peculiarities above noted in Anatina and Pandora,

the clavicle of the former, the folded margin of the latter, are united

in the following modified condition. The dorsal margin of the right

valve of Myadora becomes consolidated into a tooth-like ledge or

projection, diverging from, on each side, the umbo, fitting into grooved

projections of similar construction in the left valve; and by the di-

verging of these tooth-like projections a compact triangular cavity

is obtained for the insertion of the ligament, which in some species

is walled in, as it were, internally, not laterally as in Anatina, by a

moveable testaceous clavicle forming an angle with the diverging

ledges.

The clavicles of Anatina and Myadora, it may be observed, are

very differently situated with respect to the ligament, the one being

a side appendage, extending across the dorsal axis of the shell; the

other an internal appendage, parallel as it were to the dorsal axis.

Of the following ten species, which I propose to refer to this genus,

the grand type, Myadora striata, is an inhabitant of Port Nicholson,

New Zealand, and the remainder are for the most part collected by

Mr. Cuming in the Philippine Islands.

1. Myapora crassa. Anatina crassa, Stutchbury, Zool. Journ.

vol. v. p. 100; Tab. Supp. xlii. f. 5 and 6.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 1.

Hab. ?

This short rounded species is the only one at present known in

which the right valve is concave.

2. Myapora tricona. Myad. testd trigond, valde plano-depressd,

usque marginem concentrice striatd, striis prominentibus, quasi

carinulatis, prope marginem anticam undatis ; umbonibus acutis-

simé mucronato-elevatis.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 2.

Hab. Catanauan, province of Tayabas, island of Luzon.

Four odd valves only of this interesting little species were collected

by Mr. Cuming at the above-mentioned locality.

3. Myapora prana. Myad. testd trigono-oblongd, antice subtrun.-

catd, planissimd, concentrice striata, striis subdistantibus, valve

sinistre prominentioribus.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 3. a and 6.

Zoological Society. 63

Hab. Baclayon, island of Bohol, Philippines (found in sandy mud

at the depth of seventeen fathoms) ; Cuming.

This species is chiefly distinguished from its congeners, the Mya-

dore tincta and trigona, by its more oblong shape.

4. Myapora ovata. Myad. testd ovatd, subtriangulari, valvd

sinistrd ventricoso-concavd, dextrd leviter converd, concentric?

striatd, striis elevatis, prope marginem anticam subobsoletis, valve

dextre numerosis, confertis, sinistre prominentibus, subdistantibus,

umbonibus depresso-incurvis.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 4.

Hab. San Nicolas, island of Zebu, Philippines (found in sandy

mud at the depth of six fathoms) ; Cuming.

This species exhibits a greater disparity in the sculpture of the

valves than any other, the striz of the right valve being very fine and

close-set, whilst those of the left are almost keel-like and compara-

tively distant.

5. Myapora tincta. Myad. testa trigond, antic? subtruncatd,

usque marginem concentric? striatd, striis elevatis, prominentibus ;

Suscescente tinctd.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 5.

Hab, Island of Ticao, Philippines (found in coral sand at the depth

of six fathoms); Cuming.

The Myadora tincta scarcely differs from the Myadora plana, ex-

cept in being of a less oblong and more triangular form.

6. Myapora striata, Gray, MSS. British Museum; Pandora

striata, Deshayes.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 6. a, b, and c.

Hab. Port Nicholson, New Zealand ; Swainson.

This is the grand type of the genus, and of much larger size than

any other species.

7. Myapora erevis. Anatina brevis, Stutchbury, Zool. Journ.

vol. v. p. 99; Tab. Supp. xliii. f. 1 and 2.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 7.

This is a very interesting form, and the striz of the left valve are

peculiarly wrinkled.

8. Myapora ostonca. Myad. testa trigono-oblongd, antic latis-

sim? truncatd, concentrice striatd, striis elevatis, regularibus, prope

marginem anticam angulatis.

Conch, Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 8.

Hab. Island of Mindoro, Philippines ; Cuming.

The anterior side of this species is the most broadly truncated of

any.

9. Myapora curvata. Myad. testd curvato-oblongd, valvd dextrd

convexiusculd, antice subindistincté fleruoso-costatd, concentric

striatd, striis elevatis, angustis, regularibus.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 9.

Hab. Island of Corrigidor, Philippines ; Cuming.

This species differs also in form rather than in variety of sculpture.

64. Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

10. Myapora Panvora#rormis. Anatina Pandoreformis, Stutch-

bury, Zool. Journ. vol. v. p. 99; Tab. Supp. xliii. f. 3 and 4.

Conch. Iconica, Myadora, pl. 1. f. 10.

The Myadore striata, brevis, and Pandoreformis are the only spe-

cies of the genus at present known to have the clavicle.

The Secretary called the attention of the Meeting to a specimen

of the Two-toed Sloth, Bradypus didactylus, which was now in the

Gardens, and requested Mr. Ball, Secretary to the Royal Zoological

Society of Ireland, to communicate such particulars connected with

the habits and manners of this curious animal as had fallen under

his observation.

Mr. Ball regretted that it was out of his power to state the exact

locality from which the animal had been obtained ; however, he had

reason to believe that it was brought from Demerara.

Its general food was sea-biscuit and water; of fruit it partook

sparingly, but he had observed it pick the young buds of the haw-

thorn flowers and eat them with great avidity.

While in the Zoological Gardens at Dublin its favourite position

was where it was supported partly by the branch to which it clung,

and partly by an adjoining branch on which its back could rest.

In lapping water, the great length to which its tongue was pro-

truded was very remarkable, thereby showing its affinity to the other

Edentata of South America.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

This Society held its first meeting for the session on Thursday

the 12th of December 1844, Dr. Seller in the Chair.

Numerous donations to the library and museum were announced,

particularly from Dr. Fraser, Algoa Bay, eleven volumes of botani-

cal works and specimens of Cape woods and plants. From the Rev.

J. E. Leefe, the second Fasciculus of his ‘ Salictum Britannicum Ex-

siccatum.’ From Dr. Dewar, Dunfermline, plants from the river

Congo, &c. From Mr. Charles Lawson, jun., plants from the Rocky

Mountains, &c. The thanks of the Society were voted to the re-

spective donors.

The following communications were read :—

1. “ Notice of the discovery of Alsine stricta in Teesdale,” by

Messrs. J. S. Gibson and J.’ Tatham, jun.

2. «On the genus Spirulina,” by Mr. Ralfs. One species only, the

S. tenuissima (Kutz.) was described. [This paper will shortly ap-

pear in the ‘ Annals,’ and in the forthcoming series of the Society’s

Transactions. ]

3. ‘ Notice of the discovery of Cirsium setosum, Bieb.,nearCulross,”

by Dr.Dewar. [Notices of the discovery of this and of Alsine stricta

have already appeared in the ‘ Annals of Natural History.’]

4. ‘‘ Journal of a Tour through part of the United States and the

Canadas”’ (continued), by Mr. James M‘Nab.

In the last part of this paper, read before the Society, Mr. M‘Nab

Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 65

gave an account of the botanical features of the country in the neigh-

bourhood of Stillwater, and concluded with an examination of the

woodland grounds in the vicinity of Whitehall; the present portion

embraces the journey from the latter place to Montreal.

“ The southern extremity of Lake Champlain is winding and nar-

row, having considerable tracts of level ground extended on each

side. ‘The woods for the first sixteen miles are very various, the

principal trees being the wild cherry (Prunus virginiana), elms, wal-

nuts, sugar-maple, and the aspen poplar (Populus tremuloides). The

rocky grounds overhanging the lake were densely clothed with the

Arbor vite. After having fairly entered upon the expanse of the lake,

the appearance of the lofty white or Weymouth pines (Pinus Strobus),

towering above the deciduous trees, along the rising grounds at the

base of the hills, was remarkable; most of them being destitute of

branches, which gave them more the appearance of palms than pines.

About Essex, half-way along the lake, it widens, and all at once the’

wooded rocky land by the water's edge is changed for a rich champaign.

The fields of the different farms being laid off in squares, and each

farmstead having a large orchard attached to it, render this tract very

interesting. ‘The soil seemed a light-coloured clay, and the wood on

the lower grounds was not very plentiful; but the rising grounds

behind were closely studded with scraggy pines.

“Near the northern extremity the lake contracts: by this time

we had entered upon Lower Canada. ‘The country here presented

a totally different appearance, owing to the dense dark masses of

pines, elms and spruces, which covered a vast extent of the country,

and having every here and there, along the edge of the lake, rustic

but picturesque log-houses, inhabited by French Canadians, employed

in felling the timber, dressing and carrying it to the lake for the pur-

pose of being floated down to the harbour at Lapraire, on the St.

Lawrence river, for exportation. On reaching St. John’s, the north-

ern extremity of Lake Champlain, the forests presented the same

appearance as they did when we first entered the lake, with the addi-

tion of the balm of Gilead fir, Abies balsamifera : numbers of this tree

were seen covering the drier grounds ; the largest observed did not

exceed thirty feet in height and four feet in circumference. On the

dry surface of these woods, the spice-root, Dalibarda repens, formed

exceedingly beautiful tufts, resembling in its ground-clothing pro-

pensity the Hpigea repens, as seen in the New Jersey forests. The

sugar-maple, Acer saccharinum, is here in greater quantities, and

attains a larger size than hitherto noticed, and notwithstanding the

great mutilation to which they are yearly subjected in spring, for

their sap, which is here extensively used in the manufacture of sugar,

appears in the most perfect state of health.

‘“‘At St. John’s we picked in the swampy grounds and in the shal-

low water by the edge of the lake, luxuriant flowering specimens of

the sweet flag, 4corus Calamus, Iris versicolor and Utricularia vulga-

ris. In drier soil, the Eupatorium verticillatum was the chief plant

in flower, and covered a great extent of ground.

«Passing onwards to Lapraire, the only tree of any interest and

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. F

66 Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

deserving of notice was the canoe birch, Betula papyracea. Several

compact masses of these trees, evidently of the second growth, oc-

cupied the lower grounds ; but from their closeness none had attained

a great size. Large trees must exist in the neighbourhood, although

we did not fall in with them, as many of the canoes in this district

were made from the bark of this tree ; although the greater number

were scooped out of the trunks of the fir tribe.

“On crossing the St. Lawrence to Montreal, we were much sur-

prised to see the great difference which the Canadian winter pro-

duces upon the species of ornamental trees: as examples may be

mentioned the Ailantus glandulosa, the trees here being quite small

and stunted; the osage orange, Maclura aurantiaca, seemed barely

alive; mulberries were small and unhealthy; weeping willows are

almost always killed in winter, although in the neighbourhood of

New York the stem of this tree is seen averaging from eight to fifteen,

and sometimes twenty feet in circumference. None of the Catalpa

trees and Magnolias, which prove so ornamental in the pleasure-

grounds both of New York and Philadelphia, can be made to thrive

here, with the exception of Magnolia glauca; and even these are in

a very unhealthy condition. The deciduous cypress, Cupressus disti-

cha, is also much dwarfed. Evergreens, with the exception of the

fir tribe, were rarely to be seen. On visiting the gardens and nur-

series in the neighbourhood, we were much gratified at finding them

so well managed. On the garden walls we observed healthy trees

of peaches, apricots and nectarines, having well-ripened wood, and

every appearance of affording plentiful crops. Gooseberries and

currants were in great abundance, with high-flavoured fruit, which

is seldom to be met with in the gardens of the United States ; apples

were plentiful, but pears rather scarce. Vines trained on espaliers

had a promising appearance.

“In the nursery-grounds the fruit and flower departments seem

to receive the most attention. Few of the indigenous plants are

cultivated, although considerable quantities of the genera Cypri-

pedium, Trillium, Orchis, Habenaria, Goodyera, Calypso, Pagonia and

Sarracenia, procured from their native habitats when in flower, lay

stored in boxes for sale and barter with the British merchants.

«« We next proceeded to the Montreal Mountain, situated to the

north-west of the town. A number of fine specimens of the sugar-

maple were seen,with a great mixture of shrubby plants. The lime-

trees, Tilia americana, had a singular and beautiful effect, from the

large size of their foliage; some of the leaves measured thirteen

inches long and eleven broad. Very few herbaceous plants were

obtained, owing to the penetrating rays of the sun having scorched

everything. In very shady places, particularly on the north and east

side of the mountain, we procured a few good specimens, in flower,

of Orchis macrophylla, Corallorhiza multiflora, Aralia hispida and ra-

mosa, Aster acuminata, Aspidium bulbiferum, which, with the Cyperus

retro-fractus from the most exposed places, formed the most inter-

esting part of our collections. After some difficulty we reached the

summit, and the view as seen around was truly grand. We beheld

Geological Society. 67

the St. Lawrence winding its way through a vast extent of level

country, while in various parts extensive wooded islands were seen

obstructing its course. On descending the south side of the moun-

tain, which is closely wooded, the thermometer indicated 89° of

Fahrenheit. The exertion caused by ascending and descending was

severe ; and owing to the parched state of the ground, and the flaccid

vegetables with which it was covered, walking was rendered nearly

as difficult as over sea-weeds on a rocky shore.”

At this meeting the election of office-bearers for the ensuing year

took place, when Dr, Douglas Maclagan was chosen President; and

Professor Graham, Drs. Lowe, Greville and Seller, Vice-Presidents.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Noy. 20, 1844.—A paper was read ‘‘ On the Geology of Gibraltar.”’

By J. Smith, Esq., of Jordan Hill.

The great rocky masses terminating Europe on the S.W. and

Africa on the N.W., and cut through by the Straits of Gibraltar, con-

sist of siliceous sandstones, associated with limestone, chert, shale and

coal, all apparently of the oolitic formation. The Gibraltar limestone

contains casts of Terebratula fimbria and T. concinna, species found in

Britain in the lower oolite. ‘The covering of the older rocks consists

of soil, river alluvium, post-tertiary marine sands, and local patches

of diluvium. Wherever the covering is removed, the surface of the

rock beneath is seen to be water-worn. The rock of Gibraltar is 1470

feet high. ‘The southern extremity is marked by a triple series of

terraces and inland cliffs, formed by the sea at former levels. Its

northern terminates in a perpendicular cliff. The elevated part is

divided into three distinct eminences, the effects of different local

upheavals. ‘The northern of these (the rock gun) does not appear

to have undergone any derangement in its stratification since its first

upheaval, although it must have been subjected to many elevations

and depressions of level. Its older beds (those of the limestone) dip

west at an angle of 20°, and those formed since the elevation are

horizontal, remaining in their natural position. In this state the

whole of the rock must have remained for a lengthened period, until

a second upheaval broke it across, leaving the northern portion in its

original position, but lifting the whole of the southern 20° more, so

that its beds, which formerly dipped 20° west, now dip 40°; and the

fresh deposits, formerly horizontal, 20°. On these deposits, others,

formed after the upheaval, rest unconformably. A third upheaval in

the same direction, but still further to the south, lifted the rock there

about 20° more, leaving the northern and middle hills in their former

position, but inclining the southern 60°. Thus we have four distinct

epochs; of the deposits formed during each we have remains, and at

Martin’s Cave the whole may be seen in juxtaposition. Immediate-

ly under O’Hara’s tower, the highest peak, the inclination of the

beds to the west is nearly 80°, and a short way to the south of it,

they are vertical. Under this point there is, at the height of about

68 Miscellaneous.

50 feet, sloping inwards 11°, beds of sandstone in a sea-worn cave,

proving at least one other disturbance in addition. Subsequent to

these great disturbing changes, there occurred a series of elevations

and depressions, indicated by mixed beaches and sea-bottoms at dif-

ferent levels and by the surface of the rock perforated by Lithodomi

and sea-worn to the very summit, indicating that the amount of

change of level in these comparatively modern times—for the fossils

in these deposits are in every case identical with species now living

in the neighbouring seas—exceeded the height of the mountain, or

1470 feet. There are evidences, also, of a series of movements of

depression. All these changes must have preceded the historical

period, as previous to the last change, Gibraltar must have been an

island, of which there is no record; the most ancient accounts de-

scribing it as it is now. The upheaving forces must have been deep-

seated, as there are no erupted igneous rocks near.

MISCELLANEOUS.

SUBMARINE EXPLORATIONS BY M. MILNE EDWARDS.

M. Mitne Epwarps in a communication to the French Academy

states, that having for some time been oceupied in studying the lower

marine animals, particularly Zoophytes, Mollusca, Vermes and Crusta-

cea, in their living state, on the northern and eastern coasts of France,

and being desirous of also entering upon a comparative study of species

peculiar to warmer regions, he had visited with this view the shores

of the Mediterranean, where their habitats not being rendered access-

ible as on the coasts of the Channel and the Atlantic by the alterna-

tions of the tide, he had availed himself of the apparatus invented by

Colonel Paulin for a course of submarine exploration. He then de-

seribes the apparatus, which is a sort of helmet with glass eye-

holes, and a flexible tube for a supply of air; and states, that by

its aid, in Provence, Italy, Sicily and Algeria, he often explored

the habitations of a multitude of these animals, remaining under

water more than half an hour, and at a depth of more than seven

metres.

‘«‘Explormg by these means,” he adds, “‘ the rocks and the bottom

of the port of Milazzo, I procured an immense number of the eggs

of mollusks and annelides whose development I wished to study.

Besides, I was enabled to catch in the irregularities of the bottom the

minutest animals that remain fixed, and cannot be obtained in any

other manner. I saw perfectly all that surrounded me, and it was

rauscular fatigue alone that hindered me from walking at the bottom

of the sea just as 1 could do on the shore.

‘« The questions to which I had especially directed my attention re-

late to the embryology of the Annelida and of the Mollusca, to the

circulation of the blood in the latter animals, as also in the Crustacea,

and to the organization of the Stephanomie, and of the Ciliograde

Acalephe in general; but whilst following out these investigations I

had occasion to make various observations on subjects of secondary

Miscellaneous. 69

interest: thus I have succeeded in tracing the mechanism of the sin-

gular motions discovered by M. Sieboldt in the interior of the audi-

tory capsule of the Mollusca; I have convinced myself in the most

positive manner of the existence of hermaphrodism in the Anatife,

a fact which had been rendered doubtful by the observations of Mr.

Goodsir on the alleged males of the Balani. I have observed that

in the Haliotides the sexes are separated as in the Patelle, and that

consequently it is at present less possible than ever in my opinion to

admit as the basis of classification of the Gasteropod Mollusca, the

distinction of these animals into monececious, hermaphrodite, and

dicecious. I have discovered a new fact which shows how little

physiological importance should be attached to the colour of the

blood, so constant in the Vertebrata, in the inferior animals, a con-

clusion which already resulted from my observations on the Vermes.

I have found in fact, in the neighbourhood of Palermo, an Ascidia

with red blood. I shall in conclusion notice another zoological fact

which of itself is of no importance, but will furnish a further proof

of the errors which might be committed by placing too much con-

fidence in the invariability of the relations which appear to exist be-

tween the organization of the lower animals and their external cha-

racters. M. Savigny, in showing how much the internal structure

of the compound Ascidie differs from those of the Halcyons and other

polypes with which they had up to that time been confounded,

pointed out the existence of six tentacula in the one and of eight in

the others, as being the external character the most fit to distinguish

them without the aid of the scalpel; and in truth never more than

six tentacula had hitherto been found round the mouth of the com-

pound Ascidie, while the Halcyons and other zoophytes constructed

after the same type, always present eight; but this empirical cha-

racter now loses its entire value, for I have found in the Mediterra-

nean a compound Ascidia having eight of these appendages.”

The author promises to give an account in a future communica-

tion of his observations on the development of the Annelida.

From the Comptes Rendus for Nov. 25, 1844.

OBSERVATIONS ON SOME POLYPES.

Dr. Reid has detailed several new observations he has made upon

certain polypes when carefully examined by the microscope : he men-

tions some appendages to the polypidom in the Cellularia scruposa

and Cellularia reptans which had not been previously described. At

the anterior part of the outer side of each cell in the Cedlularia scru-

posa, and immediately in front of the tooth-like process there attached,

are two pretty long spines and a rounded process, which tapers

slightly from its fixed to its free extremity. This rounded process

is open at the top, and is hollow in dead specimens: but when alive

it is full of a contractile substance. In this contractile substance

the end of a hair-like curved filament, about the length of the cell, is

immersed. ‘This hair-like filament is moved about by the contractile

substance attached to it, generally in jerks after intervals of repose,

and in its movements sweeps the anterior and posterior surfaces of

70 Miscellaneous.

the cell to which it is fixed. These movements continue for a

considerable time after the animal inhabiting the cell has been dead.

A hollow rounded process, with a hair-like curved and moveable fila-

ment projecting from it, is also fixed upon the corresponding part of

each cell of the Cellularia reptans. ‘These moveable hair-like fila-

ments are analogous to the moveable bird-head process attached to

each of the cells of Flustra avicularis.—Proceedings of the St. Andrews’

Lit. and Phil. Soc., Nov. 1844.

FOOD OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIVES.

Mr. Hodgkinson, in his ‘Australia, from Port Macquarie to More-

ton Bay, with Description of the Natives, their Manners and Customs,’

&c., gives a somewhat elaborate account of Australian field-sports,

and of the Aborigines. On the immediate banks of the MacLeay

river, he says, there are no fewer than six distinet tribes; besides

several others near the sources of the river among the mountains.

All these tribes are able to get an abundance of food with very little

trouble, and add the reptile kingdom to the ordinary sources :—

« All the larger varieties of snakes are eaten by them, but they will

never touch one that has been killed by a white man. Guanas, and

a short thick kind of lizard called the dew-lizard, are also much

relished by them. However repugnant the idea of eating reptiles

seems to us, it is from a real liking for their flesh that the Australian

savages eat them, and not from the great scarcity of better food ;

for I have on two or three occasions known them, when employed

by me in assisting at the cattle-musters, pulling maize, &c., and well-

fed on bread and beef, carefully preserve any snake they chanced to

kill, and cook and eat it at the next fire. Induced by curiosity, I

have on several occasions tasted the flesh of every one of the reptiles

just mentioned, and although nothing but the most extreme hunger

could make me conquer my aversion so as to dine on them, I must

nevertheless own, that not one of them possessed any disagreeable

taste. The flesh of the black snake in particular was rich and juicy,

somewhat resembling in flavour the flesh of a sucking-pig, whilst

that of the guana was whiter and drier, and more approximated to

fowl. Besides, these savages are not the only race of men who eat

reptiles, for the common water-snake of England (Natrix torquata)

is eaten in several parts of the continent of Europe; and every one

knows that the guana of the West Indies (a much more hideous ani-

mal, by-the-by, than the guana of Australia) is considered very

gocd eating by the planters in some of the islands.”

MR. SCHOMBURGK’S COLLECTIONS IN GUIANA.

It appears from the report of the Chev. Schomburgk, read at a

recent meeting of the Geographical Society, that notwithstanding

the great difficulty of conveying collections of natural history over

such a country as that traversed by him, and the frequent loss of

objects collected with great pains, he has deposited in the British

Meteorological Observations. 71

Museum 2500 specimens of dried plants, 100 specimens of woods,

dried fruits, a flower and young leaf of the Victoria regalis, and se-

veral other botanical specimens preserved in spirits, a collection of

bird-skins, upwards of 100 specimens of fishes in spirits, a geological

collection, and an ethnological collection. The Royal College of

Surgeons has been presented with some skulls, a perfect skeleton,

and a number of plaster casts. ‘The model-room of the Admiralty

has received a collection of woods ; the Royal Garden at Kew several

living plants; and presents of curiosities from Guiana have been

made to different scientific societies and institutions.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR NOV. 1844.

Chiswick. Nov. 1. Overcast: boisterous, 2. Constant heavy rain : boisterous

at night. 3. Cloudyand fine. 4, 5. Cloudy. 6. Overcast. 7. Rain: cloudy.

8. Overcast: heavy rain at night. 9. Hazy clouds: fine: clear. 10. Clear and

fine: rain. 11, Densely clouded: fine. 12. Rain: drizzly : boisterous, with rain

at night. 13. Heavyrain. 14, Rain. 15. Cloudy. 16. Hazy: clear. 17.

Foggy. 18, 19. Overcast, 20. Hazy: clear and fine. 21. Foggy throughout.

22. Hazy. 23. Foggy. 24. Hazy: cloudy. 25. Cloudyand fine. 26. Clear

and frosty. 27. Sharp frost: foggy: clear and frosty at night. 28. Foggy:

cloudy. 29, Easterly haze: foggy. 30. Overcast.—Mean temperature of the

month 0°85 above the average.

Boston.—Nov. 1. Cloudy. 2. Stormy: rain p.m. $3. Rain: rain early a.m. :

raine.M. 4. Rain: rain early a.m.: showery afterwards. 5. Cloudy: rain early

Aa.M.: showery afterwards. 6. Rain: rainearly ,.M.: rain a.m.ande.m, 7. Fine.

8. Cloudy: rain e.m. 9. Cloudy. 10. Fine:rain p.m. 11. Fine: rain early a.m.

12. Cloudy: raine.m. 13. Cloudy: raina.m.andr.m. 14. Fine. 15. Cloudy:

rainearly a.m. 16. Fine. 17—20. Cloudy. 21. Fine. 22. Cloudy : first ice

thismorning. 23. Cloudy. 24. Cloudy : total eclipse of the moon visible 11 Pp.

25. Cloudy. 26,27. Fine. 28—30. Cloudy.

Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Nov. 1. Cloudy. 2. Damp. 3. Bright: clear.

4—7. Fine. 8. Showers. 9—I11. Rain. 12. Cloudy. 13. Frost: fine:

cloudy. 14. Frost: fine: cloudy: frost. 15. Rain. 16. Rain: drizzle. 17,

18. Cloudy. 19. Bright: hazy. 20. Showers. 21. Bright: cloudy. 22.

Bright: clear: aurora. 23. Bright: clear. 24. Clear. 25. Cloudy. 26.

Bright: rain. 27. Cloudy: damp. 28. Cloudy: clear. 29. Rain: clear.

30. Bright: clear.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire—Nov. 1. Fair: wind high. 2. Very slight

shower. 3. Very slight shower: clear. 4, 5. Fair, but threatening. 6. Cloudy

and damp. 7. Fair and fine. 8. Dull a.m.: rain. 9. Fair, but dull. 10,

11. Cloudy a.m.: raine.m. 12. Rain. 13, Fair and mild. 14. Heavy rain:

flood. 15. Fair andfine. 16. Fairand fine, though cloudy. 17. Damp: slight

shower. 18. Rain p.m. 19. Fair and fine. 20. Fair and fine: frost a.m. : fog.

21. Fair and fine: frost. 22. Slightrain. 23. Fair, butdull. 24. Fair: frost.

25. Fair: slight frost a.m. 26. Fair, but cloudy. 27. Cloudy a.m.: rain p.m.

28. Fair, but dull. 29. Shower. 30. Fine: frost a.m.

Mean temperature of the month ..........seseeeee.ee 43°°6

Mean temperature of Nov. 1843 ........sseeeeeees 41 °7

Mean temperature of Nov. for twenty years ...... 89 °9

Mean temperature of spring-water ..............s00 47 ‘0

Mean temperature of ditto Nov. 1843... 44 ‘2

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THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 96. FEBRUARY 1845.

_——_—_—_—_- -——-_ —_ —-

1X.—Description of some Animals found amongst the Gulf-weed.

By Harry D. 8, Goopsir, M.W.S.

[With a Plate. ]

Tue animals described in the following communication are

chiefly Mollusca and Crustacea, and were all found attached to

the Gulf-weed, Fucus natans.

I am indebted to my friend Professor Edward Forbes of King’s

College, London, and Mr. A. G. Melville, Assistant Demonstrator

of Anatomy in the University of Edinburgh, for the opportunity

thus afforded me of examining the creatures found in such a ha-

bitat. The contents of the bottle received from Prof. E. Forbes

were taken between the parallels of 25° and 36° north, and in

about 40° west long. ; and the specimens received from Mr. Mel-

ville were all taken about 40° north lat. during the course of one

day’s sailing. It will be observed that the animals from both of

the above districts are generically and in most instances specifi-

cally similar.

Nautilograpsus minutus, Kdwards. PI. VII. fig. 1.

Inter-orbital space slightly hollowed in the mesial line, serrated

very minutely, the teeth being only seen with a magnifier. In-

ternal orbital angles rounded, external projecting forward in the

form of spines and very acute ; lateral edge of the carapace armed

with a single blunt tooth shortly behind the external orbital

angle.

Description —The whole body of a straw-yellow, with shades

of a reddish blue colour on the carapace ; tips of the eyes black.

Carapace almost square, the anterior or inter-orbital space

projecting, the posterior part of the lateral edges contracting

shghtly, the latero-posterior edges of considerable length, and

the posterior hardly so extended as the anterior. Dorsal sur-

face of the carapace shining, slightly convex, and with the sculp-

turing hardly perceptible, but very delicately grooved transversely

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv, G

74. Mr. H. D. Goodsir on some Animals

with punctured lines running almost parallel to one another.

Ambulatory legs of considerable length ; the anterior pair large,

the arm extending beyond the lateral edge of the carapace, and

having its internal edge very much depressed and thinned, at the

anterior angle of which are several strong spines; the remainmg

legs are all depressed, with the edges of the last three jomts

armed with long, thick-set haus, and especially the superior

edges. The internal antennze consist of four segments, the last

being multiarticulate, and a strong articulated spine arises from

the imternal edge of the third articulation near its distal extre-

mity. The external pair of antenne arise from the internal

angles of the orbit, are multiarticulate and very minute. The ex-

ternal foot-jaws are large, but have their internal edges so formed

as to leave a lozenge-shaped space between them. The abdo-

men in the male of this species is narrow and of a triangular

shape ; that of the female large, rounded, and covering almost all

the lower surface of the body. It appears to have been found im

great numbers both by Mr. Williams and Mr. Melville.

2. Hippolyte ensiferus. Pl. VII. fig. 2.

H. with one short tooth projecting forwards from the base

of the rostrum; rostrum slightly curved upward with four or

five spies at the tip, the third of which from the dorsum is

longest. Peduncular scale of external antennz not so long as

the rostrum almost by one-third. External foot-jaws not so long

as the peduncle of the external antennz ; with the terminal jomt

flattened, serrated at the apex and on its internal edge.

Description.—The whole animal about 1 inch in length, of an

ochrey yellow colour except the tips of the eyes, which are black.

The internal antenne with the peduncle 3-jointed ; the scale of

the external pair very thin and narrowed at the tip, which is also

bifurcated. The external foot-jaws have the external edge of the

last jomt smooth and rather thickened. The first pair of thoracic

legs are short, thick, smooth and didactyle; those of the second

pair are long, filiform, spined, and also didactyle ; the third arti-

culation is very slender. The last three pairs of legs are much

longer than any of the preceding, filiform and spined. The mid-

dle plate of the tail not so long as the second, armed with two

pairs of spines at the tip.

Found in considerable abundance between the parallels of 25°

and 30° north, and 4° west long., by Mr. Wiliams. Almost every

specimen infested with Bopyrus squallarum.

3. Palemon natator. Pl. VII. fig. 3.

P. with the rostrum lanceform, having cleven or twelve large

distinct spines on its superior edge, and two small rather indi-

found amongst the Gulf-weed. 75

stinct ones on its inferior edge near the tip. Two spines on each

side of the carapace near or on the anterior edge. Middle plate

of the tail with three obsolete spines on each side and two long

spines from the extremity.

Description —The whole animal of a yellow colour ; rather

more than an inch in length and very robust. Rostrum about

the same length as the peduncular scales of external antennz,

lanceolate, being rounded and narrowed at the base and dilated

near the extremity before ending in a point. The peduncular

portion of the superior antennz 4-jointed, the basal joint being

large and hollowed out superiorly for the reception of the eyes ;

each of the segments of the peduncle end externally and ante-

riorly in a spe which projects forwards and outwards. The

outermost of the three terminal filaments is the thickest. The

peduncular scale of the external antennz does not terminate in a

point, but is obliquely truncated ; the terminal filament is longer

than those of the superior antenne. First pair of legs very

slender, reaching a little beyond the peduncle of external antennz,

didactyle. Second pair much stronger, and although the first

four joints are delicate, the hand is large and ovate, didactyle ;

claws slender and almost straight. The last pair of legs slender.

4. Amphitée pelagica. P\. VII. fig. 4.

A. with peduncle of superior antennz about half the length of

the inferior antenne, being almost the same length as the first

three jomts of the peduncle of the lower antenne. First pair of

legs small, second pair with the wrist very much enlarged, and

the claw sickle-shaped and moveable, inferior edge having a small

tooth with a slight notch on either side of it near the distal ex-

tremity ; claw as long as the wrist and tapering very gradually to

a point.

5. Bopyrus squillarum. PI. VII. figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

B. with posterior edge of last abdominal segment perfect.

Description—Male minute, about 1 line in length or hardly

so long, near. Head small, and about half as long as its greatest

breadth. First thoracic joint larger than any of the succeeding.

Ambulatory legs very short and chelate. Female broad, flat-

tened and pyriform, very much contracted posteriorly and dilated

anteriorly. Young almost globular. From beneath carapace of

Hippolyte ensiferus.

6. Anatifa sulcata. Pl. VII. fig. 13.

The peduncle of this Anatifa is so short as not to be seen

without separating the animal from its attachment. The shape

is triangular, and the peduncular extremity of the animal is

76 On some Animals found amongst the Gulf-weed.

slightly concave, with the posterior edges of the latero-peduncu-

lar divisions serrated ; the posterior and abdominal angle of this

part of the shell is curvated and pointed, and its external sur-

face is deeply sulcated, the sulci all radiatmg from the posterior

abdominal angle to the dorsal edge of the division, where they

form small but very distinct serrations. Dorsal division of the

shell smooth, extending almost the whole length of the dorsum,

and reflected upon the posterior dorsal angles of the latero-pe-

duncular division. A small obsolete tooth may be observed upon

the dorsal edge near its anterior extremity. The antero-lateral

are much smaller than the peduncular divisions of the shell, and

are also sulcated, the sulci radiating from the anterior point to-

wards the abdominal edge : the ridges formed by these sulci are

armed in both divisions with minute teeth, the pomts of which

in the peduncular portion all project towards the dorsum, those

in the anterior towards the abdomen. Attached to a portion of

Fucus natans.

The species now described differs im some points from the

figure given by Quoy and Gaimard im the ‘ Voyage de l’Astro-

labe,’ which beautiful work I have been able to see through the

kindness of Mr. Grut; I thought it unnecessary however to give

another specific name.

Several specimens of Scyllea pelagica were in the bottle, and

the spawn (Pl. VII. fig. 14) of this animal was attached in several

places to the Fucus in rather irregular coils; the central extre-

mity adhered to a stem of the Fucus, the succeeding parts sur-

rounding it in coils, the external extremity being attached im the

same manner as the central one.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE VII.

Fig. 1. Nautilograpsus minutus, nat. size.

Fig. 2. Hippolyte ensiferus, mag. three times.

Fig. 3. Palemon natator, mag. twice.

Fig. 4. Amphilée pelagica, enlarged.

Fig. 5. Bopyrus squillarum, female, magnified.

Fig. 6. , young.

Fig. 7. —_—__—_-, male.

Fig. 8. The abdominal surface of the head of male Bopyrus.

Fig. 9. One of the ambulatory legs of male Bopyrus.

Fig. 10. One of the ambulatory legs of female.

Fig. 11. Last abdominal segment of female Bopyrus, showing the entire

segment.

Fig. 12. Drawing of an ovum, a cluster of which were attached to the Fucus.

Fig. 18. Anatifa sulcata, magnified, attached to a portion of the Gulf-weed.

Fig. 14. Spawn of Scyllea pelagica.

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 77

X.—On the Anatomy of Eolis, a genus of Mollusks of the order

Nudibranchiata. By AtBany Hancock and Dennis Em-

BLETON, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., Lecturer on Anatomy and Phy-

siology in the Neweastle-upon-Tyne School of Medicine.

[Concluded from p. 10.]

The esophagus, P\. 1. figs. 4c, 6 and 8 4, Pl. II. fig. 9, and

Pl. III. figs. 1, 2 and 4c, passes from the posterior dorsal aspect

of the buccal mass, and is a much-constricted canal. It is short,

longitudinally plicated, and usually bent into the form of an S$,

so that the apparatus of the mouth can be advanced with facility.

It is generally colourless, but in E. coronata and two or three

other species it is of a deep rosy hue, appearing as a stain of that

colour, immediately behind the dorsal tentacles. It consists of lon-

gitudinal and circular fibres, the former of which have been no-

ticed in the description of the muscles of the buccal mass. The

plicee seem to be formed by the lining membrane, which we take

to be a mucous one, and by the muscular coat.

The stomach, P\. 11. fig.9, and Pl. ILI. figs. 1,2 and 4d, through-

out the entire group is a large pyriform pouch which hes diagonally

in the body, the lower end approaching the left side; it is continued

in the form of a wide, tapering canal, Pl. II. fig. 9, and Pl. III.

figs. 1, 2 and 4g, along the median line immediately below the

dorsal skin, and terminates near the posterior extremity of the

body ina blind sac. From the pouch and its continuation branches

are given off in pairs, not however in perfect symmetrical order, but

always more or less alternating. These branches give off smaller

tubes which are continued into the branchial papille. From the

upper surface of the posterior extremity of the stomach, just where

it is continued into the great central canal, is given off a short

intestine, PI. I. fig. 9, and Pl. III. figs. 1, 2 and 4 e, which passes

backwards, outwards and to the right side, then running for a

short distance along the side, turns outwards and upwards and

ends abruptly in a nipple-like anus f, generally concealed among

the branchial papillee.

In E. papillosa, P\. 11. fig. 9, the anus is situate immediately

behind the ninth row of papille, and the intestine is considerably

dilated a little before its termination: this dilatation is not so

conspicuous in other species. In £. coronata, PI. III. fig. 1, the

anus is placed amidst the papillz in the second clump and close

behind the fourth row, and in #. olivacea, PI. III. fig. 2, the

nipple is seen about midway between the third and fourth rows.

In E. despecta, Johnst., Pl. III. fig. 4, it is between the first and

second branches.

This portion of the digestive apparatus, 7. e. the intestine and

78 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis.

the anus, appears to have been entirely overlooked by M. de Qua-

trefages in his Eolidina paradoxum, in which he says there is a

very small anus at the termination of the central channel. In all

the species we have examined we have not been able to detect

such an orifice, but have found the true anus and intestine as

above described in at least fifteen examples of the Holidine.

The stomach, Pl. III. fig. 7, is composed of three coats, a mu-

cous, a muscular, and an external one, which we suppose to be

serous. The immer surface of the bulb, of the great central

channel, and of the primary and secondary branches, is beset

with fine numerous longitudinal rugz or plice, that appear to be

formed by projections of the muscular coat covered over by the

mucous membrane. In specimens that have been some time im

spirits, the mucous coat presents merely a minutely granular ap-

pearance ; but we have every reason to think that in the living

state it is lmed with a layer of ciliated epithelium. The mus-

cular coat consists of minute flattened fibres, passmg in nearly

all directions, the longitudinal and transverse fibres bemg most

distinct. The serous coat appears to be of more homogeneous

texture than the others, and much thinner.

In E. papillosa, P\. I. fig. 9, the branches forming the ante-

rior pair arise from about the middle of the dorsal surface of the

gastric pouch, and are the only ones which come off anterior to

the intestine ; they soon bifureate, the anterior portion is subdi-

vided into four branches, the posterior is continued on without

further division ; the second pair have their origin in the upper

posterior surface of the stomach, and bifurcate like the first pair ;

the anterior portion remains undivided, the posterior bifurcates :

the two anterior pairs of branches however are not always sym-

metrical, as will be observed by referring to the diagram ; indeed

we have scarcely seen them alike in any two individuals. The

remaining four pairs of branches arise from the central canal,

and simply bifurcate. These branches at their origin are all

pointed more or less backward ; after their bifurcation they in-

cline obliquely forward along the side of the body, lying nearly

parallel to each other. From the whole of these branches con-

stricted ducts lead into the interior of the branchial papille. In

this species there are from twelve to twenty of these ducts given

off from each row or branch.

In E. coronata, Pl. III. fig. 1, the ramifications of this curious

digestive apparatus are somewhat modified. The anterior pair

arise from the superior aspect of the lower extremity of the sto-

machal bulb, close in frent of the origin of the intestine, and

each trunk passing forward gives off seven branches, the poste-

rior of which is the largest and supplies about seven papille.

There are five or six other pairs, all of which originate in the

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 79

great central trunk, and divide in the same way as the anterior

pair, but the branches diminish in number and in size towards

the posterior extremity of the body. It may be remarked, that

the first and second pairs of branches in this and in most other

species are more widely separated than the rest, and in the in-

terval the heart is usually placed.

Another modification is seen in E. olivacea, Pl. III. fig. 2; in

this species there are six pairs of branches, all of which are sim-

ple except the first or anterior pair ; these arise as usual from the

stomach, and are each divided into three branches. In £. de-

specta, Pl. ILI. fig. 4, the arrangement is still more simplified :

after the branches of the first pair come off in the ordinary way

from the stomach and pass on undivided, each to a single pa-

pilla, the central trunk passes to its termination in a zigzag di-

rection, giving off a branch at each angle to a large clavate pa-

pilla. There are in all four of these papillz on each side ; they are

not in pairs however, but alternate.

Other slight variations might be cited, but the above are the

chief modifications, and are perhaps sufficient to show to what

extent the digestive system varies im the genus Eolis.

We have searched in vain for the lateral vessel described by

M. de Quatrefages, and have little hesitation in pronouncing its

non-existence in the genus. We have seen several species with

the ramifications coloured, and in none of them have we observed

the slightest indications of such a vessel. In dissecting E. pa-

pillosa we made every endeavour to detect it, but without success ;

and in a small specimen of that species we have since seen the

very terminations of the branches, and are quite satisfied that they

are isolated : the branches mostly ended in free blind sacs of va-

riable length ; others had their ends prolonged, bent outwards and

received into small papille, which seemed to be in process of de-

velopment ; hence we inferred, that the glandular apparatus in

the interior of the papille was formed originally from the free

ends of the branches from the stomach. We are also of opimion

that when the animal is mature, the ends of all the branches will

be found to enter papille. We have observed the termination of

branches in papillz m a species which had their minute ramifi-

cations coloured: this species belongs to that portion of the ge-

nus of which £. coronata is the type. It is therefore probable

that M. de Quatrefages has been deceived by the doubling of the

skin at the sides of the body, caused by the pressure necessarily

used during the mode of investigation adopted by that gentle-

man: we have seen under such circumstances what might be

readily mistaken for a vessel.

The prolongations of the branches from the gastric cavity that

are continued into the papille are considerably modified in form

80 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis.

in the various species, and from the variety and brilliancy of their

colouring form the chief attraction of these very elegant animals.

These prolongations appear on a superficial examination to be

ceca, but when investigated under favourable circumstances and

with a lens, they are found to be tubes with more or less compli-

cated follicular walls, Pl. LV. fig. 9a: the upper extremity of the

tube, where the follicular structure ceases, becomes suddenly deli-

cate, transparent and minute, fig. 9d, and is continued on to com-

municate with a minute ovate vesicle, fig. 9 ce, which les within

the extreme apex of the papilla, and opens externally by a minute

circular foramen, fig. 9d: the inner surface of the follicular or

glandular part, which we take to be the liver, is lined with a gra-

nular matter.

The simplest form of this peculiar organ is met with in Z. con-

cinna, P|. 1V. fig. 1. In this species it is a mere dilated tube with

its wall slightly waved, and having the imner surface sprinkled

with darkish granules. In E. Farrani, fig. 2, it still maintains a

considerable simplicity of structure, but becomes decidedly sac-

culated, and with some degree of regularity. The complexity of

this organ is however much increased in E. olivacea, fig. 3, in

which it is deeply and regularly produced into follicles or saceuli,

which are much and variously puckered ; but m £. papillosa,

fig. 4, it appears to atta its highest development. The central

channel is somewhat tortuous, and gives off on all sides variously

sized, regularly shaped blind sacs, which are crowded with little

compound follicles. The whole of the inner surface of this com-

plicated biliary organ is lined with a thickish layer of what ap-

pears to be a granular substance through an ordimary magnifier,

but which on examination with the microscope is found to be

composed of large irregular vesicles or globules, Pl. V. fig. 7,

disposed without any manifest arrangement, and filled with nu-

merous granules. These last when submitted to a still higher

magnifying power are seen to be transparent, rounded, and of

various sizes, and nucleated, fig. 8. The larger bodies or glo-

bules have a diameter of ;;';5th of an inch. The largest of the

granules measure about 5,5,th of an inch in diameter.

The compound follicular nature of this gland is best observed

in the living papilla fresh plucked from the animal, and submitted

to a slight action of the compressor. In papille that have been

some time in spirits the gland is somewhat contracted, its divi-

sions approximated, and thus a more uniform surface of follicles

is presented.

In describmg this gland or liver M. de Quatrefages has the

following passage: ‘ Mais les ceecums qui partent des branches

de Vintestin pour pénétrer dans les cirrhes s’entourent, en en-

trant dans leur cavité d’une espéce de fourreau irrégulier formé

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 81

@une substance granuleuse bien moins transparente que le reste

des tissus. I] m’a semblé reconnaitre en outre l’existence de trés

petits orifices s’ouvrant dans Vintérieur du cecum.” Now in the

numerous species we have examined, we have seen nothing to war-

rant the idea here laid down. From our statement above it will be

seen, first, that we believe these prolongations of the branches

of the digestive cavity not to be cca, and secondly, that they are

not simple tubes having a granular substance coating them, but we

find that the walls of the tubes are more or less bulged or thrust

outwards into the form of simple or compound follicles, and that

the walls are /ined throughout by the granular matter we have

already described; in fact, that each papilla contains a perfect

gland of distinctly follicular type. Pl. 1V. fig. 5. shows a lon-

gitudinal, and Pl. IV. fig. 7. a cross section of a papilla of EL. pa-

pillosa ; a in each represents the great central channel from which

on all sides branch off large canals that end in small imperforate

diverticula.

The whole internal surface of this compound gland is furnished

with minute vibratile cilia, as likewise the small canal that leads

to the oval vesicle ; the cilia do not appear to be continued into

the vesicle. We have however seen, on examining these parts

under pressure, small granules which had accidentally passed

into the tube, driven by the ciliary motion into the vesicle.

Having described the glandular apparatus, we now pass on to the

vesicle at the extremity of the papilla. This vesicle is of an ovoid

form ; its long diameter in the largest specimens measures about

zaoths of an inch, its narrow end lyimg within the very apex of

the papilla; both ends are perforated ; the narrow end opens ex-

ternally through a round aperture in the skin covering the apex

of the papilla, the opposite extremity communicates with the

gland by means of the slender tube, of variable length, which

has already been noticed.

The walls of the vesicle, which are seen of an opake white in

those species which have transparent skin, is fused with the inte-

gument of the papilla round the external orifice ; and below this

stout muscular bands, Pl. IV. fig. 9 e, attach the vesicle to the

skin, so that during the contractions of the papilla the vesicle is

held secure in its position. In E. papillosa the wall of the vesicle,

Pl. V. fig. 12, consists throughout of a strong thick layer of finely

interwoven circular muscular fibres. The contents appear to be

arranged in longitudinal masses, as represented in the longitu-

dinal section, Pl. V. fig. 1, which in a cross section, Pl. IV. fig. 8,

have a triangular outline, the apices not quite reaching the axis

of the vesicle. There is therefore a free space corresponding to

the long axis. If we take out a portion of the contents of the

vesicle and place it under the Zth-inch object-glass of the micro-

82 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis.

scope, we find it to consist of numerous transparent, long, narrow,

slightly bent, elliptical bodies, Pl. V. fig. 11, having a double

longitudinal faint marking extending from one end nearly to the

other; and globules of various sizes, Pl. IV. fig. 6, contaiming

either one nucleus or several small granules in their interior.

These are imbedded and adhere to a tenacious, obscurely granular

mucus-like matter. The largest elliptical bodies measure in length

toaths of an inch, the smallest soooth of an inch. The largest

globules have a diameter of s3lgpth of an inch.

On placing a papilla recently severed from the living E. papillosa

in a compressor, and establishing a slight degree of pressure, there

were observed to be ejected at intervals from the terminal ori-

fice, little transparent ellipsoidal membranous bags, Pl. V. fig. 9,

containing half a dozen or more of the elongated bodies already

spoken of. Immediately after expulsion most of these bags burst,

and the contained bodies becoming scattered, each shot forth from

the end that first appeared a slender hair-like filament, fig. 10 aa,

with astonishing velocity to a length far exceeding the diameter

of the field of the microscope. Other bags did not become rup-

tured till a second or two after thei expulsion ; from these the

filaments proceeded very slowly and in a perfectly regular serpen-

tine line, so that their advance could be followed by moving the

stage of the microscope, and was observed to resemble closely the

progression of many small Annelida. These filaments becoming

stationary retained a serpentine form, fig. 10 4 4; other filaments

were minutely spirally twisted at their junction with the elliptical

body, fig. 10 ce. The faint double lme seen im the interior of

the elliptical body we suppose to be the part that contains the

filament.

The elliptical bodies pressed out from papillee which had been

in spirits were never observed to emit filaments ; we presume

therefore that this phenomenon is a vital manifestation.

These bodies we find to differ in form in different species : thus

in E. coronata, Pl. V. figs. 2 and 3, they are slightly bent, but

shorter and thicker than in H. papillosa, and enlarged at their

posterior extremity ; they are provided with a similar filament at

one end.

The bags, fig. 6, contain a considerable number of these, and

also numerous other bodies of much larger size, of elliptical form,

flattened and transparent, but having in their interior a peculiar

marking which is repr esented in fig.5. In #. olwacea the bodies

with filaments, fig. 4, are rather stouter, but strongly resemble

those of E. coronata.

On several occasions we have witnessed the expulsion of these

bodies from the living animal, which at the time was suffering

slight pressure, so slight indeed that the animal was able to move

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 83

its papillz, and in one instance an E. Drummondi crawled from

one side of the compressor to the other. The expulsion was ef-

fected by the walls of the vesicle, and recurred at intervals ;

small masses of the bodies were ejected with considerable force,

and to some distance. We do not feel ourselves at present in a

position to decide upon the true nature of these bodies, but we

may say that they resemble Spermatozoa more than anything

else ; we may add, that we have obtained bodies to all appearance

Spermatozoa from the genital organs of EL. papillosa, which dif-

fered only from those obtained from the papille in being more

rounded as to their bodies, and altogether mnferior in size. They

are shown in Pl. V. fig. 13, as seen under deficient magnifying

ower.

We shall now revert to the follicular gland of the papilla. We

think there can be no doubt of its being a secreting organ pour-

ing its secretion into the digestive cavity, and we agree with M.

de Quatrefages in the opinion that the entire series of these

glands represents the liver, which in the Mollusca is characteris-

tically large, but in the Kolidine has disappeared from the abdo-

minal cavity. The central canal of the gland opens inferiorly by

a short duct, Pl. IV. figs. 2, 3, 4a, into one of the ramifications

of the digestive cavity, and superiorly by the delicate canal before

described into the ovate vesicle. We have no doubt that by the

lower opening the secretion of the gland finds its way into the

gastric ramifications ; but as to the nature of the communication

or connexion between the gland and the ovate vesicle, we confess

our entire ignorance.

To give a general idea of the digestive apparatus, we should say

that the compound follicles of the papille represent the liver ; the

small tubes leading from them are their ducts, by which their

secretion is carried into the gastric organ consisting of the pyri-

form pouch, the great central canal, and their main branches.

In some species however the structure and functions of the se-

veral parts seem somewhat modified. In E. despecta the central

canal, all the ramifications and the glands of the papille are co-

loured and granulated alike ; it is therefore probable that the

whole of these parts perform the same function. The stomach

and intestine are the only parts that are transparent in this re-

markable species. In E. gracilis, E. rufibranchialis, E. Northum-

brica and others, either the extremity of the great central canal

or the ends of the lateral ramifications are slightly coloured like

the glands of the papille.

* This view of the matter is somewhat corroborated by what is

observed to take place during digestion. The food enters the

stomachal bulb in large masses, and is there broken up and mixed

81 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Eolis.

with the fluids of the digestive cavity. In this state it is driven

throughout the alimentary system by the alternate contractions

of the pyriform pouch and the great trunks leading from it.

These contractions are only of a nature to produce an oscillatory

motion which serves to promote that imtimate mixture of the ali-

mentary matters with the hepatic and other secretions neces-

sary to the process of digestion.

We have watched this action with great care in E. coronata,

and have observed on several occasions in individuals that were free

and moving about at pleasure, and in which the action of the

parts was natural, currents passing rapidly backwards and for-

wards through the stomach, and larger ramifications obeying the

various contractions of the parts, and holding in suspension large,

crude, irregular particles varying in size and shape. We had the

satisfaction also to see more than one individual take its food,

which we have found to be always of an animal nature, and could

perceive the lumps as they were lopped off by the jaws pass along

the cesophagus and enter the stomach. We have hkewise fre-

quently seen the track of the ¢rwe intestine marked out by the

dark colour of the feces it contained, and have witnessed also the

expulsion of the same from the anus.

M. de Quatrefages supposes that the refined products of di-

gestion pass into the branchial ceca as he terms them, and also

into the ovoid vesicle, though in the latter he has seen no float-

ing corpuscles. Through the walls of the ceca, and especially

through those of the vesicle, he believes that the chyle for the

support of the body transudes. Again, he makes the branchial

ceca surrounded by a granular mass performing the office of liver,

thus cumulating in the same organ function upon function. We

have already stated that we agree with M. de Quatrefages in

taking the glands of the papillz, as we term them, to represent

the liver, and we now subjoin, that we see no reason to believe

them to be also the organs by means of which the chyle is con-

veyed from the digestive to the circulatory system. We have our-

selves seen crude particles of the alimentary matters mixed with

regular corpuscles pass into the glands of the papill, and on one

occasion even a large angular fragment was forced through the

narrow duct at the base of a gland, entering its cavity and after-

wards passing out again. But in all these cases, our specimens,

as well as those of M. de Quatrefages, were suffering considerably

from the action of the compressor, and consequently the fluids of

the stomach and other parts may have been forced into unnatural

channels. We do not put much faith m examinations conducted

in this way, and indeed the only satisfactory method of investi-

gating this subject is to watch the progress of digestion when the

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis. 85

animal is moving freely about ; and until this be done, all theo-

rizing appears to us idle, and likely to lead to error and confu-

sion.

Salivary glands.—These in Eolis are very small and difficult

to detect; they lie concealed between the corneous plates and

the muscular mass of the cheek, as previously noticed. On

removing either of the corneous plates in E. papillosa, the gland

will be found lying exposed in a depression on the wpper third

of the external surface of the cheek-mass, corresponding to about

the centre of the corneous plate, Pl. III. fig. 6 a. The gland is

composed of a small cluster of roundish, yellow, irregular folli-

cles, fig. 5, and frequently a little way in advance of this there

is a smaller one made up of two or three follicles. The two parts

are connected by a long slender duct, which passing backwards

opens into the mouth at the commencement of the cesophagus.

We have likewise detected this gland in E. coronata.

This gland differs conspicuously in size, position and character

from the same organ in Kolidina, figured and described by M. de

Quatrefages. All we can say is, that in our researches we have

observed nothing like the representation given by him of the

salivary glands of that species. It is certainly not likely that in

animals so closely allied these organs should be so widely different.

We would suggest therefore the possibility of that naturalist

having mistaken some portion of the generative organs for them.

We are inclined to do this the more since he has entirely mis-

understood the sexual apparatus, and figured and described only

a small portion of it, and since we have sometimes observed, when

examining these animals in the compressor, portions of that ap-

paratus not altogether unlike M. de Quatrefages’ figure of the

salivary glands of Kolidina paradoxum.

Since writing the above, we have had much satisfaction in

gathering from the Observations of M. Souleyet on the Gaste-

ropod Mollusca, forming the proposed order Phlebenterata of M.

de Quatrefages, translated in the November Number of the ‘An-

nals,’ that, our views have been almost altogether verified.

With respect however to the anatomy of the gland of the pa-

pill, M. Souleyet appears to adopt the opinion of M. de Qua-

trefages, who states that the prolongation of the digestive cavity

into the papilla is coated with a granular layer—the liver. We

have shown above that this view is inaccurate, and in confirma-

tion of this we may as well state, that on the papille being sub-

jected to pressure, the granular structure of the gland invariably

becomes ruptured internally; but if the view taken by these

gentlemen be correct, we should apprehend that the rupture

would take place externally into the vascular canal surrounding

the gland.

86 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of EKolis.

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES.’

Puate I.

All the anatomical figures in this plate are from E. papillosa.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

Eolis papillosa, Johnst., a little above natural size.

E. corenata, Forbes, nearly double naturai size.

E. olivacea, Alder and Hancock, four times natural size.

Section of the lips with buccal mass attached: a, outer lip; b, inner

lip ; c, cesophagus; d, corneous plates of buccal mass; ¢, channel

of mouth ; f, circular belt of muscle at the attachment of outer lip ;

gg, muscles passing from the circular belt to foot and skin of head ;

h, muscular bands passing from circular belt to posterior margin

of horny plates ; 2, foot.

Vertical section of buccal mass, showing the muscles of the tongue,

the external layer being removed: a, muscle which assists in ro-

tating tongue forwards, arising from upper margin of horny plate,

and passing downwards to inferior surface of 6, muscle which ro-

tates the tongue backwards, being inserted by its ends into the

posterior end of tongue and into the inferior extremity of cutting

blades e; c, muscle attached to both ends of tongue, which it will

approximate ; it will also assist @ in rotating the tongue forwards ;

d, strong layer of short transverse muscles which bind together the

external layers of muscle, and form a fulcrum for the semicircular

rotators; f, esophagus ; g, corneous plates ; h, ridge of the tongue ;

i, cutting-jaws ; &, the hinge or fulcrum of horny plates; 7, anterior

extremity of muscular cheek-mass.

Nearly vertical section of buccal mass: a, horny plate ; a', cutting-

edge; b, inner lip; c, hinge or fulcrum ; c’, transverse muscles that

close the jaws; d, transverse muscles that open the jaws; e, inferior

transverse muscles that assist in closing the jaws; f, wedge-shaped

mass of tongue, supporting spiny ridge and showing the two ex-

ternal layers of muscles ; g, muscular cheek-mass ; /, fold of lining

membrane of mouth; 77, outer lip; 4%, circular muscular belt at

base of outer lip ; 7, cesophagus.

Fig. 7. Upper aspect of buccal mass: a a, corneous plates ; 6, muscular bands

Fig. 8.

Fig. 9.

on the external surface; c, cesophagus; d, transverse muscles be-

fore fulcrum ; e, transverse muscles behind fulcrum; the dark line

between the two sets of muscles indicates fulcrum ; ff, muscles

arising from upper part of horny plates, and passing down behind

mass of tongue marked a in fig. 5.

View of cavity of buccal mass from above, the fulcrum being divided,

and the horny plates aa drawn apart ; a’ a’, cutting-edges of jaws ;

b, inner lip; ¢, spiny ridge of tongue; d, wedge-shaped muscular

mass of ditto; e, muscular cheek-mass; f, flat upper border of

ditto; g, anterior attachment of ditto to cutting-jaws ; h, folds of

lining membrane of mouth; 2, fulcrum of horny plates; 4, ante-

rior and posterior transverse muscles ; /, oesophagus.

Upper aspect of buccal mass with superficial muscles removed :

a a, corneous plates; b, triangular process forming fulerum ; ¢, cut-

ting-edges of horny plates; d, ridge dividing surface of fulcrum

into anterior and posterior parts; e, muscle of left side which

passes down to be attached below to tongue-mass, fig. 7 ff; f, thin

layer of muscular fibres which pass from edge of horny plate, con-

verging to form longitudinal fibres for cesophagus, g.

Fig. 10. Lateral aspect of buccal mass obliquely viewed, with part of the

muscles removed : a, exposed surface of corneous plates; 6, poste-

Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Holis. 87

rior transverse muscles to open jaws; ¢, anterior ditto to close

jaws; d, inferior ditto to close jaws.

Fig. 11. Same view as fig. 10: a, corneous plates; 5, muscles of inner lip ;

c, inner lip.

Puate II,

All the anatomical figures in this plate are from EZ. papillosa unless other-

wise stated.

Fig. 1. Two views of transversely arched plates from ridge of tongue, mag-

nified, to show the spines.

Fig. 2. Anterior aspect of buccal mass, with lips and lateral muscles re-

moved: a, cutting-edges of jaws; b, superior anterior transverse

muscles; ¢, inferior ditto; d, tongue appearing between cutting-

blades.

Fig. 3. Lateral view of buccal mass of £. coronata.

Fig. 4. Muscular cheek-masses inclosing a, the tongue; the horny plates

have been removed ; 4, flat upper free border of masses; c, ante-

rior pointed extremity of muscular masses attached to lower end

of cutting-blades ; d, cesophagus.

Fig. 5. External lateral view of horny plate, all muscles removed : a, ridge

giving origin to muscles of inner lip; c, portion of same giving

origin to muscles of outer lip ; 6, cutting-blade.

Fig. 6. Same view of horny plate of Z. coronata.

Fig. 7. Interior view of horny plate of Z. papillosa: a, fulcrum or hinge ;

b, cutting-blade; c, line dividing the origin of the anterior and

posterior superior transverse muscles.

. Front view of horny plates of EZ. coronata.

. Digestive apparatus of £. papillosa, the glands of the papille re-

moved: a, buccal mass; 6 4, corneous plates of same ; c, cesopha-

gus; d, bulb of stomach ; e, true intestine ; /, anus; g, great central

canal leading from stomach and ending posteriorly in a blind sac ;

h, a primary branch from digestive cavity ; 2, secondary branches ;

k, ducts from glands of papille.

Fig. 10. Teeth of EZ. nana.

Fig. 11. Spiny ridge of tongue of £. alba.

Fig. 12. Upper aspect of three plates of same.

Fig. 13. Portion of spiny ridge of E. olivacea.

Fig. 14. Upper aspect of two plates of same.

Prate III.

Fig. 1. Digestive apparatus of EZ. coronata ; the letters correspond to those

of fig. 9, Pl. II.

. Digestive apparatus of LZ. olivacea ; letters as above.

. Upper aspect of two plates of spiny ridge of tongue of EZ. nana.

. Digestive apparatus of Z. despecta; letters as in fig. 9, Pl. II.

. Salivary gland and duct of Z. papillosa, highly magnified.

. Lateral view of buccal cavity and cheek-mass of £. papillosa, one

horny plate removed: a, salivary gland; 6, horny plate; c, part

of cheek-mass attached to horny plate; d, flattened upper border

of cheek-mass; e, anterior extremity of cheek-mass passing to its

attachment to inferior points of cutting-blades; f, free part of ex-

ternal surface of cheek-mass.

Fig. 7. Stomach of £. papillosa laid open, showing rugze of internal sur-

face of bulb, central canal, primary and secondary branches.

Prats IV.

Fig. 1. Papilla with gland of £. concinna.

Fig.

D Or Co bo

88 Messrs. Hancock and Embleton on the Anatomy of Kolis.

Fig. 2. Papilla with gland of E. Farrani.

Fig. 3. Ditto ditto of £. olivacea.

Fig. 4. Ditto ditto of £. papillosa.

Fig. 5. Longitudinal section of papilla of Z. papillosa, showing interior of

gland, &c.: a, great central channel; 8, diverticula therefrom.

Fig. 6. Globules from ovate vesicle, highly magnified.

Fig. 7. Transverse section of gland of papilla of E. papillosa: a, great cen-

tral vessel; 5, diverticula from it.

Fig. 8. Transverse section of ovate vesicle.

Fig. 9. Highly magnified representation of a papilla of Z. papillosa: a, the

gland ; 4, fine vessel leading from gland to ovate vesicle ¢ ; d, ori-

fice at apex of papilla; e, muscles attaching vesicle to wall of pa-

pilla; ff, external wall of space in which the blood circulates in

contact with the external surface of the gland; g g, muscular bands

inclosing cellular spaces between ff and the skin of the papilla;

h, skin of papilla ; 2, vibratile cilia on external surface of ditto ;

kkk, circular and longitudinal muscular fibres of skin.

Puate V.

Fig. 1. Longitudinal section of ovate vesicle.

Figs. 2 and 3. Spermatozoid bodies from ovate vesicle of EZ. coronata.

Fig. 4. Spermatozoid bodies from ovate vesicle of E. olivacea.

Fig. 5. Elliptical bodies inclosed in bags or utriculi with the spermatozoid

bodies of /. coronata.

Fig. 6. Utriculus or bag from ovate vesicle of E. coronata, containing ‘the

two kinds of bodies mentioned under fig. 5.

Fig. 7. Vesicles or globules containing granules from the gland of papilla

of E. papillosa.

Fig. 8. The granules more highly magnified.

Fig. 9. Utriculi from ovate vesicle of Z. papillosa, containing the sperma-

tozoid bodies.

Figs. 10 and 11. Spermatozoid bodies from same: aaaa, bb, cc, different

appearances presented by the filaments or tails of the spermatozoid

bodies of E. papillosa.

Fig. 12. Part of a transverse section of the wall of ovate vesicle of E. papil-

losa, showing the interlacing muscular fibres.

Fig. 138. Spermatozoa from generative organs of E. papillosa.

Fig. 14. Anterior view of Eolis papillosa from spirits: ¢, cutting-jaws;

6, inner lip; d, folds of lining membrane, &c. of channel of mouth ;

e, outer lips; f, fold of integument external to outer lips; g, labial

tentacles; /, dorsal tentacles; 2, anterior margin of foot.

Fig. 15. Inferior view of head of £olis olivacea in its natural state. The

letters in this fig. as far as they go are as in fig. 14,

Fig. 16. General view of viscera, &c. of Eolis papillosa from above, the

dersal skin alone having been removed: a, buccal mass ; b, cere-

bral ganglia with the nerves passing off from them; c, ganglia at

the base of dorsal tentacles, supposed to be olfactory ; d, cesophagus ;

e, stomachal bulb; f, great central canal; ggg, primary and se-

condary branches from ditto; , true intestine; 7, anus; 4, por-

tions of male generative organs; /, ovarium ; m, ventricle of heart,

with aorta passing forwards from it; , auricle of heart.

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 89

X1.— Memoirs on Geographic Botany. By Ricnarnp Brinsiey

Hinps, Surgeon, R.N., F.R. Coll. Surg.

[Continued from p.30.]}

Ir it has been ever the reader’s fortune to traverse an extensive

ocean, he must have felt at the end of the voyage that all his

previous ideas respecting space had undergone a considerable

modification. During the voyage he has often gone on deck to

view the vessel hastening through the water, and to gaze on the

unchanging horizon ; day after day he beholds the vessel hurrying

on, but the scene ar ound remains the same. As his observations

extend, he compares the velocity of his ship and the unchange-

able nature of the scene, till he becomes insensibly impressed

with the extent and vastness of the surface over which he has

travelled. He has had a practical proof of a circumstance, which

it is very true his reason might have partially displayed to him,

but it has made a much firmer impression on his mind than any

effort of mtelligence could have produced, and the importance is

proportionately increased. In fact, he concludes his voyage with

his ideas of space greatly enlarged, and the world he inhabits

seems to him larger than he ever thought it was before.

A very similar feeling possesses the traveller as he penetrates

an extensive forest. Every morning he commences his journey,

patiently pursuing the winding pathways through interminable

multitudes of trees and shrubs, till, when evening arrives, he is

hardly less fatigued with the monotony of the scene than with

the exertions of the day. His feelings are the same as those at

sea,—he is surprised at the interminable character of the scene,

and his ideas of space are measured by a greater standard. He

wonders at the vast multitudes of vegetable beings ; whence they

could possibly have drawn nourishment to rear such solid struc-

tures ; he speculates on their age, and lastly on their use. In both

cases the ideas of space are the same, but they have received an

impulse from the novelty of the scene; perhaps assisted also by

the perfect stillness which reigns so completely i in deep forests,

and during the heat of the day the silence is more painful than

on the wide ocean. The chief difference between the two is,

that one is a sea of waters, the other a sea of trees.

The reader who has confined his travels to his own country, I

would recommend to open a map of the two Americas. Let him

trace them throughout from north to south, and he will scarcely

find a spot which does not support a vegetation of some kind or

other; the deserts and ungenial spots bemg few and limited.

A great part is covered with forest-trees of unequalled growth,

and where a smaller vegetation prevails, the number of individuals

is greater than ever. It is not merely the tropic regions which

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. H

«90 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

are prolific; the temperate regions have also their dense and

gloomy forests ; in fact it is beyond all human possibility to form

any numerical estimate of the amount of the vegetable kingdom ;

it would be like counting the sands of the Gr eat Sahara. Let the

imagination picture all “it can of multitude, space, and prolific

mcrease, and some conception may be conveyed to the mind.

Every botanical region of the globe possesses a flora having

features which proclaim relations with other regions; these

vary according to the nature of the relationship and the circum-

stances under which the respective floras exist. The value of the

points of connexion fluctuates as the comparisons are drawn from

groups of plants umted by general characters, or from others

less common and more intimately connected with their existence.

The modes of relation are three in number, corresponding in a

general manner with the three assemblages of vegetable forms

known as families, genera, and species. By the families are esta-

blished the most distant and general resemblances, constituting

analogy ; by the genera a closer approximation, or affinity ; and by

the species the most perfect accordance of characters, or identity.

Generally these modes of resemblance comeide with the paral-

lel groups ; but there are instances of analogy and affinity, which

must be admitted as such, and yet are not so closely limited.

As an instance of this kind, as regards analogy, may be men-

tioned the existence of Ficoidee chiefly in South Africa, and of

Cactee almost entirely in the two Americas. The analogical re-

semblance arises from the great succulence met with im these

two families, together with a certain correspondence in their

organic structure. A further illustration occws in the alpine

flora of the Canaries and Mount Etna; in the former Semper-

vivum has numerous species, and not one is indigenous to the

latter, where Sedum is nearly equally abundant. Whilst then it

is admitted that there is some difficulty in fixmg the precise

limitation of these terms, they may be considered, as a rule, to

display the comcidence expressed above.

Whenever an analogy exists, it by no means follows that there

should be a further connexion by affinity or identity, for the na-

ture of the analogical resemblance does not require this. On the

other hand, when there is an affinity between two regions, it

presupposes also an analogy ; and when the relation is so timate

as to establish an identity, there is necessarily both an analogy

and an affinity.

The sources of analogy being derived from natural families,

and the latter as we have seen usually widely diffused, they are

abundant in all vegetable regions, founded on latitude, which

approach each other. In the tropical regions throughout, there

is a great similarity in the families, those: existing In one or more

being often common to the others. In the subtropic and other

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 91

regions it is the same, from the general similarity of controlling

circumstances, Sometimes an analogy will be established be-

tween two regions not parallel, when external circumstances are

peculiar : the temperate (Iroquois) region of North America

presents some analogous features to the subtropic portion of

Europe ; the tropics also establish an analogy with temperate and

subtropic Europe and America, by the latter possessing indige-

nous species of Palme and Cinchonacee, these families being

chiefly tropical. Between corresponding regions in the north

and south hemispheres the analogy is also great, since under

similar circumstances we everywhere find a similar assemblage of

plants.

When tracing affinity, a closer view of vegetable organization

is required, since its existence is drawn from genera. Generally

it is found to follow analogy in similar regions; thus we find

it strongly developed in parallel regions in the same hemisphere,

and in analogous regions in different hemispheres. The latter

offer some highly interesting comparisons, as also do the resem-

blances of affinity between regions which are not parallel. Punica

granatum, originally indigenous on the northern shore of Africa,

though since spread over the warmer portions of the globe,

acknowledges a congener from Guiana, P. nana; the lated

being an inhabitant of the European subtropic region, the latter

of the American north tropic. In this instance the value of

the relation is increased, smce none are found elsewhere and

the means of affinity are few, Punica having but two species.

Nowhere is affinity so admirably maintained as between different

mountain ranges, the resemblances in their different alpine floras

being so extensive and so similar in widely-spread ranges. The

genera existing on one of these is frequently repeated by kindred

species on others, whilst the whole contents of a zone will bear

a close comparison with those of a similar zone elsewhere. Alpine

vegetation, alw. ays fascinating, is again linked by interesting affi-

nities with various regions : “if on elevations within the tropics,

the zones passed through in ascent will respectively resemble the

subtropic, temperate, ‘and arctic regions. Draba has several

species in the mountains of Mexico, connecting the flora with

the temperate regions of Europe and Asia where the species are

abundant.

In the relation of identity we possess the closest resemblance

in the productions: as the word implies, it consists in the co-

existence of some of exactly the same forms in different regions,

some of the species of one being indigenous to another. Between

parallel regions the identity is of course greatest, but the different

parallel regions vary in the intensity of this character. From ob-

servations on a great number of species, the average of duplicates

H 2

92 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

in the six great divisions or provinces is 1 in 825, and the amount

fluctuates in different countries on both sides of this estimate, ac-

cording to physical circumstances. Within parallel tropical regions

the amount is smallest, and increases as we advance towards the

north, through the subtropic and temperate regions, till the max-

imum is attained in the arctic. This progressive increase in the

northern hemisphere is no doubt due to the configuration of the

land, the large continental masses here closely approximating,

and forming almost a continuous surface about the arctic circle,

assisted also by the great similarity of climate. In the southern

hemisphere there is precisely an opposite distribution of land

and water, the continents gradually growing narrower towards

the south, and yielding to the ocean of waters, which at the ant-

arctic circle is scarcely broken by land. Of 233 species col-

lected in Kotzebue’s Sound one half are found in Europe, whilst

a similar proportion crosses Behring’s Straits, and are repeated

in Siberia. Though the affinity between similar regions in the

two hemispheres, or between distant mountain chains, is strongly

characterized, the relations of identity are extremely slight ; in

the latter particularly so, where it is rare to meet with species

identically the same as those of the plains.

It is by these three methods of relation that the flora of one

region or country is to be compared with another, and an ana-

lysis established, conclusive and satisfactory, whence its import-

ance as an isolated flora, or compared with others, is ascertaimed.

Alpine vegetation judged by these characters loses some of its

importance, its relation being chiefly that of affinity, the species

belonging to genera whose maximum exists near the level of the

sea; hence peculiar groups, as genera and families, are very

rarely limited to them. ‘The features of the vegetation of the

lowlands are repeated in accordance with controlling circum-

stances, marked and peculiar characters being seldom met with.

To illustrate more fully these different relations, we will sketch

an outline of the flora of the Sandwich islands, which, from their

solitary situation in a wide ocean, are well adapted for this pur-

ose.

These islands, eleven in number, including two which are

scarcely more than rocks, stretch obliquely across a point inter-

sected by 21° N.L. and 157° W.L. They are distant 2900 miles

from America, 3500 from Asia, and nearly the same from the most

projecting part of New Holland. Numerous islands mtervene be-

tween the two latter of these continents, but those towards the

Sandwich islands are mostly small and unimportant. The climate

is extremely equable and not disagreeably warm; in 1888 the mean

temperature was 77°, and the range of the thermometer from 85°

to 66°, being nineteen degrees. Much rain falls in some of the

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 93

deeper valleys, but varies greatly in quantity in different situations

and different islands. On the plain on which the capital is built,

twenty-one inches fell in the above year ; but this is considerably

less than what falls more towards the interior of the island, and on

the elevated parts. The surface is very irregular, has but little level

land, and consists chiefly of mountain ranges of moderate height,

intersected by numerous deep and fertile valleys ; the superficies

of the whole is about 7000 square miles. The soil, resulting

from the decomposition of several varieties of lava, is very fruit-

ful, but requires much water ; supplied with plenty of the latter,

its productiveness is wnlimited.

Their geographical position bestows on them a tropical flora,

whilst the irregularities of surface ensure variety. For the present,

however, we are confined to the plains. Cinchonacee, Guttifere,

Sapindacee, arborescent Euphorbiaceae, tree-ferns, and a solitary

representative of Palme, omitting the cocoa-nut, with other

families equally tropical, but not quite so abundant, stamp its

general features. The relations of the flora to the American and

Asiatic tropic are so nicely balanced, that it 1s difficult to decide

of which it most partakes; the sources of analogy are perhaps

most numerous with the Asiatic. With more distant regions

it has also relations through some members of Cruciferae, Saxi-

fragee and Umbellifere, families abounding in temperate regions,

and presenting an analogy the tropics do not often display. Each

of these families is but feebly represented: Crucifere has two

species of genera belonging to the European temperate region,

hence an affinity with that portion of the globe: this is further

supported by an umbelliferous plant, Hydrocotyle interrupta,

which is regarded in the islands as originally a native plant, and

is also widely diffused elsewhere: the genus supplies another

affinity to temperate regions, whilst the species acknowledges an

identity with several others. The saxifrageous plant, Broussaisia

arguta, supplies an analogy alone; the genus and species are

found only in the Sandwich islands. Like other islands they

have a multitude of ferns. An analogy, stronger than usually

prevails in tropical countries, is established with subtropical re-

gions through shrubby Composite, Labiate, and some others.

The affinities are numerous, and very equally distributed be-

tween New Holland, Asia and ‘America: In common with Asia

are the genera Cy yrtandra, Santalum, and Eleocarpus ; with Ame-

rica, Clusia, Brunellia, and Heliotropium ; and with New Holland,

Metrosideros, Cyathodes, Pittosporum, and Exocarpus. Few of

their species are the same, the relations ceasing chiefly with the

genus.

The repetition of species indigenous elsewhere is also consider-

able: taking one hundred and sixty-five of the phenogamous,

94 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

fourteen were found to be American, twelve Asiatic, thirteen

common with New Holland, twenty with the other Polynesian

islands, and thirteen with Europe. Some of the ferns are Ame-

rican, a few Asiatic. Of the whole flora, about a moiety of the

species are found beyond the islands. Much of the vegetation

is thus identical with other countries, but is distributed among

them with surprising impartiality.

The grounds on which its peculiarities rest, and on which its

individuality as an independent flora depends, may be briefly

hinted. The islands are without any plants which are hkely to

confer on them an exclusive natural family. Cyrtandracee and

Scevolee they possess in comparatively greater imtensity than

others. Their only considerable genus is Kadua; it has eight

or nine species. There are besides a few other genera limited to

the islands, but they have chiefly a solitary species each, rarely

as many as two or three. About one half the species as yet

known are confined to their own shores, but as a further acquaint-

ance is gained with the flora, this number will be most probably

increased. Those extensive compact forests of bulky and lofty

trees, which it is customary to find in tropical countries, have no

existence in the Sandwich islands. Their trees are not usually

of large growth, and they crowd up the sheltered and moist val-

leys. The plains are comparatively bare or only thmly wooded,

the trees preferring the precipitous sides of the mountains. Nor

has the vegetation that variety of shades of green to be expected ;

the leaves are of a dull lurid colour, generally they are small in

size, and more or less entire. The flowers are equally inconspi-

cuous for size, and do not possess much richness of colours:

the xanthic varieties greatly prevail, often rendered dull by a

greenish hue. Leguminose are said to be proportionately rare in

the Polynesian islands; in this group they are far from abundant.

As far as is yet known, no Orchidacee are indigenous, a circum-

stance the more remarkable, since they are not uncommon in the

Society islands.

We look in vain to these islands for evidence of the migration

of their flora. Though their own proper vegetation is below the

average, and is mixed largely with species common to other lands,

the number still remains sufficiently great to place any ideas of

its individuality beyond a doubt. They must be regarded as

possessing an original vegetation, which, whilst it has received

species from other countries, has sent occasionally some of its

members abroad to colonize the coral islands as they gradually

emerge from the ocean. In all probability, the solitary species

of Kadua found on Romanzoff island has wandered from its na-

tive soil; and Chamisso collected fifty-two species on the Radack

chain, a third of which are found on the Sandwich islands.

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 95

The part which vegetation performs in the economy of nature

is in every way capable of exciting our admiration at the harmony

and mutual dependence existing among the several kingdoms.

In the connexion of the latter with each other, it is not easy to

discover a point where it can be said these cease or begin. We

learn that a portion of the earth became dry land, and was thus

prepared for the clothing of vegetation with which it was imme-

diately invested. The heavenly bodies were rolled into their sta-

tions, and that variety of light and temperature required by plants

was bestowed on them. The vegetable kingdom left in this con-

dition would have flourished in boundless luxuriance, but without

any very apparent use, and another host of organized beings was

soon added, to keep its vigour in check, and to derive nutriment

from it. Among the countless myriads of animals now called into

existence, it is impossible to say how far they depress the exube-

rance; the multitudes of insects constantly feeding on the foliage,

the flocks of birds always on the search for seeds, and the

herbaceous animals tearing the branches from the trees and the

roots from the soil, must cause vast quantities to disappear.

Even with all these, however, a very slight impression can ever

be made, and a limit to.its excess is derived from the property

of all plants to run through a certain course and then die.

Plants, like all organized beings, have a determinate period to

their existence. This varies greatly; some scarcely survive be-

yond a few hours, others a few months, and some extend through

many years, even through ages, each in its existence performing

an assigned set of functions. Every species is endued with a

certain period of vitality which it receives from its organization.

Among trees, the ash and the elder do not attain the longevity of

the oak. Individuals, besides the specific attributes conferred on

them, are liable to casualties which may extend or contract their

duration. Among the natural causes are, the varying influence

of climate within the range of their growth, situation, whether

in the interior or margins of forests, and certain injuries to which

they are exposed from animals. The removal of plants from one

climate to another is capable of converting annuals into biennials

and the reverse, and cultivation will sensibly protract the life of

others. The larger vegetation when assembled in masses will be

observed to carry with it certain appearances indicative of age,

and in this state of things climate seems the chief agent. Two

spots on the same latitude, and with coeval forests, may in one

have every appearance of great age and longevity, and in the

other all the signs of youth and vigour.

Dissolution at length overtakes all organized beings, the prin-

ciple of life is withdrawn, and they are resolved into their consti-

tuents. With the removal of life organization ceases, chemical

96 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

affinities assume activity, and the inorganic kingdom claims the

rest: this is now the magazine whence future plants are to draw

their food, and derive vigour to pursue their functions.

With regard to the chemical effects it is capable of producing,

these are perhaps but slight. Vegetation has a salutary mfluence

over the atmosphere by the removal of carbon; this agency is

confined to the green organs, those parts coloured giving it out,

but not in the same proportion. A positive prejudicial action is

sometimes exerted over the health of man: the rank luxuriance

of the vegetation of warm climates, where there is abundant

moisture, creates a malarious atmosphere which fully balances

its otherwise good effects. It cannot be concealed that some

countries are so extremely fatal to human hfe, as to make them

almost uninhabitable. When the vegetation of an unhealthy spot

is removed, and the soil exposed for a time to the sun’s heat, it

becomes comparatively healthy, as has been the case at Sierra

Leone.

Man has without doubt been powerfully affected by the nature

of the vegetation. It is so often combined with climate that it

is not easy to estimate the power of each separately, and yet there

is a wide difference between the herbivorous man of the South

who scarcely ever touches animal food, and the carnivorous being

of the North, whose frame requires the stimulus of a large pro-

portion of meat. The Indian of the Pampas lives on horse-flesh,

and sometimes beef; his disposition is as untameable as his food

is gross. The Hindoo is usually content with vegetable food, and

presents in every respect a strong contrast of character. The

pastoral habits of the tribes of Asia Minor, the adjacent countries,

and of some portions of North America, are forced on them by

the nature of the vegetation. To prevent the chances of starva-

tion for themselves and their flocks and herds, they traverse the

plains in pursuit of vegetation. But how much does this imply !

every circumstance around them must be adapted to their migra-

tory habits—limited personal property, hardihood, patient en-

durance, skilfulness in resources, and a recklessness which emi-

nently fits them for the vicissitudes of their checkered life.

We shall now conclude by referring briefly to some of those

external characters of vegetation which contribute towards its

physiognomy.

The surface of the globe presents a great diversity in its fea-

tures, attributable to the extremely irregular physical distribu-

tion of its parts, and its unequal exposure to the heavenly bodies,

especially the sun. Throughout the kingdoms of nature this

variety is distinctly marked, and the general impression conveyed

is so universally acknowledged, that any person, totally unac-

quainted with the principles of natural history, feels no hesitation

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 97

in pointing out the native country of any quadruped, bird, or

insect, with distinctive general characters. With plants it is the

same ; only a little closer observation is required, since they do

not fix themselves so firmly in the mind as the animal kingdom.

Still a well-informed person will form a correct judgement of the

part of the globe whence many of the plants im a collection of

exotics may have been obtained; he will easily separate the

plants of the tropics from those of colder regions, and not un-

likely will discriminate between the plants of different continents

in the same parallels. The varieties which are thus so generally

evident become multiplied in the eyes of a botanist after a little

examination, and he can trace certain points of distinction and

resemblance, which render them highly mteresting and often

important to our subject.

In the vegetable kingdom, the peculiar organization which

gives rise to this diversity of appearance in different regions

does not originate in those characters which are taken for the

purposes of classification, but is due to others of a more general

kind, and which we shall attempt to explain. It depends also on

a more extensive view of the flora, influenced by the method of

grouping, the general outlines of individuals, and their shades of

colour. The impressions conveyed by these constitute what has

been termed the physiognomy of vegetation ; expressive of its

powers of giving a bias to a scene or landscape. It must be con-

fessed, that though the eye catches any peculiarities, and can

convey to the mind a correct impression of the same, it is often

extremely difficult to express them in language, and in fact they

are so deficient of positive characters, that any words we have

cannot express them. Who is there that would pretend to de-

scribe in language the exact grouping of a mass of clouds, or give

a shape to the waves of the ocean, or to the foam they dash from

their crests? The painter however can do this ; he can closely

represent the clouds and waves, whilst he also can express on

canvas the physiognomy of a landscape. If we turn to the rural

scenes of our best artists, what delight do they convey from their

correctness, and from portraying to us so exactly what we may

every day see in nature! How faithful are the landscapes of

Titian and Claude Lorraine, and how happily have they caught

and expressed the outlines and groupings of vegetation! Not

merely have artists succeeded in representing a particular land-

scape, but certain species of trees and shrubswith such correctness,

that they are evident on the slightest inspection. But it must

be acknowledged, that while the artist does seize many of these

features with his brush, which the naturalist is unable to describe

with his pen, the former is enabled to select his subjects from the

98 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

whole vegetable world, whilst every plant claims equally the atten-

tion of the latter.

It may be interesting to mention a difficulty of this kind which

I experienced ; and I shall give it in the same words I used at the

time, when a luxuriant tropic vegetation was before me, and the

impressions were fresh on the mind. After some experience

among tropical vegetation, the duties of my profession removed

me to high northern latitudes, and I thought a return to the

tropics a particularly favourable opportunity of seizing the more

prominent features, without the mind being induced to picture too

freely from the novelty of the subject. A portion of my remarks

was as follows :—‘ After looking on the vegetation of high lati-

tudes for some months past, I felt more alive on our return to

the tropics to the characteristic features of their vegetation. It

is very plain that this has peculiarities easily distinguishable by

the eye, but which it has puzzled me to find adequate language

to express. The most prominent circumstance is its superior

denseness, added to which there is, when lookmg on distant

masses, a roundness and fullness of outline not shared with floras

of other regions. Of course I now speak only of its pictorial

characters as seen from a distance, and the general features it is

capable of giving to a landscape. What are generally called

tropical views contain some near representation of particular ob-

jects, as palms, tree-ferns, &c., and form no part of what I wish

to express. I expected to find a greater richness of colourmg,

but I do not discover that the tropical forests surpass in the least

the rich deep-green fir-forests of North-west America illumined

by a mid-day sun. The only ground of surpassing excellence is

the occasional variety of tints, and the green generally presents

that shade which artists obtain by a greater admixture of yellow.”

Perhaps it is owing to the variety in the shades of green,

in plants of different latitudes and places, that artists have sue-

ceeded so well in representing them. Every region wil offer

some difference in this, to some extent confined to itself. The

deep-green forests of the North are peculiar to them; those of

the tropics have a yellower or more autumnal tint ; in the sub-

tropic regions the shade of colour of the leaves is of an olive-green;

maritime vegetation also has its glaucous hue. Physiologists have

attempted to account for these different tints: Mustel, Chevreul,

and Senebier represent that, though carbon is apparently black,

on examination it will really be found to be blue. The latter also

maintains that the vegetable tissue is not exactly white, but of a

pale yellow; hence, as in similar cases, it 1s easy to comprehend

how the mixture of the blue and the yellow produces the green.

To support this opinion, he cites the green which is obtamed by

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 99

mixing together China ink and gamboge, and that by varying

the proportions, all the shades of green are produced which are

found in the foliaceous organs of plants. DeCandolle adds, that

though this explanation is somewhat mechanical, it is very likely

to be correct.

The Chinese, with that practical application of facts to pur-

poses of utility which so pre-eminently distinguishes them as a

nation, have availed themselves of some of these features in their

landscape gardening. ‘To convey the appearance of distance,

trees of the loftiest and largest growth with foliage of the deepest

green are selected for the foreground. Others of smaller stature

and more subdued shades are placed in the distance ; whilst to

vary the surface and increase the apparent extent, groups of

suitable trees, selected also with a due regard to the influence of

the seasons, are judiciously scattered about. To aid the effects

produced by vegetation, representations of old ruins, receding

walls, and time-worn rock-work, are all made available.

All the species which enter into the flora of a country do not

equally assist to give a certain physiognomy ; and they will vary

considerably among themselves as to their power of doing so.

Trees and shrubs from their size will surpass herbaceous plants,

whilst these also will excel each other according to any pecu-

liarities of organization they may possess. The prevalence of

certain families in particular regions will often be highly charac-

teristic : none would feel at a loss when surrounded by Crucifere

and Umbellifere ; or when traversing a plain covered with Eri-

cace@, a grove of Chamerops palmetto, or a thicket of Melastoma.

When plants become gregarious, especially those of larger growth,

they deeply impress features on the scenery around them. An

impression of this kind is also lable to occur from an opposite

cause. Supposing in a forest where the trees possess a similar

aspect and manner of growth, there occur one or two, or more

individuals of a totally different character; these latter will

obtain a prominence which is not due to them from their num-

bers, but from their peculiarities. A circumstance of this kind

strongly impressed me in the Brazilian forest, when encountering

a few individuals of Araucaria braziliensis in the midst of trees

not distinguished for their physiognomy.

To obtain some numerical value for those plants which appeared

to give a character, | assembled a number of different species in

Devonshire, and after carefully examining them, and making the

freest allowances, I came to the conclusion that in 100 species,

forty-eight might be considered as contributing to the physio-

gnomy of the flora, and fifty-two were too insignificant to assist in

this. It occurred to me to repeat the observation within the

tropics, where I found the numbers very similar, though the pro-

100 Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany.

portions were reversed: in 100 species they were respectively

fifty-three and forty-seven.

The general contour of the stems of trees, with the mode of

division of their ramifications, often present peculiarities. In tem-

perate regions there are many trees thus distinguished, as the

species of Quercus, Populus and Salix, to which may be added

Pinus and Cupressus, which are so eminently expressive in a land-

scape. Omitting the more tropical forms, as palms, huge her-

baceous Hndogene, and others which are equally unique, this

region contains trees of singular habits of growth. It would be

difficult to fix on the most marked. Some might select many of

the species of Ficus, and pomt out the complex appearance of

their main stems, the immense horizontal extension of their

branches, with the great proportionate lowness of the whole tree;

and what seems more curious than all, the immense number of

smaller stems in every stage of development, some just pro-

truding from the horizontal branches, others pendent midway

between the canopy and the soil, displaying on each thick rounded

extremity an enormous spongiole; many too have reached the

soil, and having attained strength and size, act as columns to

support the whole structure. The tropical forest abounds with

these in every variety of growth and apparent distortion. Again,

there is the gigantic Bombazx ceiba: the trunk of this tree re-

sembles a cone greatly elongated, and stretching above the sum-

mits of all the other trees, whilst from its base spread huge

processes diverging on all sides, and taking a powerful hold of

the earth; where these are lost in the trunk it is of great girth,

and continues upwards gradually diminishing im size, and some-

times enlarging for a space, till high in the air it sends forth its

branches, chiefly in a horizontal direction. The greater part of

the year these are destitute of leaves, and support a number of

pendent pods, filled with the silky threads surrounding the seeds.

Humboldt speaks of a forest of Cactus, not mere herbaceous

plants, but tall trees with stems yielding wood suitable for do-

mestic purposes. Equally characteristic and far more beautiful is

a forest consisting of bamboos. There is one kind of palm which

must present a strange appearance to the botanist, accustomed

to regard the straight naked stems of this tribe: this is the

dourn palm (Cucifera thebaica) of Egypt and Abyssinia, whose

trunk is branched in a dichotomous manner. I should perhaps

hardly appreciate the novel feature this must present to the

traveller, had I not seen in Mexico a tall full-grown palmetto,

forked at about the middle of its length, and remember the mo-

mentary surprise I felt at the circumstance. Subsequently, in

New Ireland, I twice noticed this circumstance in a Cycas.

Leaves are characteristic from several circumstances :—

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 10]

1. They vary greatly in their size or dimensions.—The largest

leaves are found among Endogene, where they are frequently

distinguished for their extent of surface. Aquatic plants have

often large leaves. Among terrestrial plants, some of the species

of Magnoliacee, Melastomacee and Solanee are remarkable.

Lappa glabra, Heracleum spondylium, and Panax horridum have

large leaves for high latitudes. Within the tropics a great num-

ber of the leaves of shrubs and trees are compound, and very

frequently composed of a multitude of small leaflets, which give

a most pleasing appearance ; the numerous species of Mimosa and

Acacia usually possess them. In others these organs hardly

deserve the name of leaves: in Erica they are much contracted,

and in Pinus and Abies more resemble petioles destitute of

lamine, being in fact needle-shaped. In Tamariscinee, Casua-

rina and Ephedra, the leaves are reduced to scales or mere points.

2. The outline, or method in which they are separated into

lobes or divisions.—Very striking is the appearance of that useful

tree the Artocarpus incisa, with its large leaves divided into deep

and numerous lacinize. Clustered as this tree is in groves around

the habitations of the natives, it conveys an aspect to the scenery

strictly Polynesian. As further instances may be mentioned

the species of Platanus, some Sterculie, and the characteristic

Carica papaya.

3. As to consistence.—The leaves of herbaceous plants, espe-

cially those of the wet season of warm climates, are frequently

very soft and flaccid, and filled with a quantity of aqueous juice.

Evergreen trees have their leaves chiefly of a tough and leathery

consistence; many of the trees and shrubs bearing this kind of

leaves are natives of subtropical regions, as the evergreen oaks,

many Phillyree, and Olea europea. In some the mesophyll is

more than usually developed, as in Hoya carnosa; and in the

members of Crassulacee and Ficoidee it is carried to excess in

their shapeless and succulent leaves.

4. It would be difficult to describe the numerous shades of

green, though, when masses of vegetation are contrasted, they are

thrown out and become prominent. During the vigour of yege-

tation other shades are occasionally developed. In some species

of Fuchsia, Begonia and Amaranthus, the leaves possess a very

decided pink. Some have a silvery hue on their under surface,

though this appearance may be sometimes dependent on the

presence of hairs. It is chiefly in the autumn that leaves take

on their different colours, and which are often excessively varied ;

but as vitality is then ceasing, these appearances are rather

attendant on disorganization.

5. As to the direction of their surfaces.—It is usual with ex-

162 Mr. R. B, Hinds on Geographic Botany.

ogenous plants to have their leaves horizontal, thus forming a

right angle with the stem, or with their points inclining towards

the horizon. Some depart from this, as the Salix babylonica, and

the weeping variety of Fraxinus excelsior. In endogenous plants,

on the contrary, the leaves generally tend towards a vertical po-

sition, which perhaps their weight prevents them from attaming ;

so that it is customary to find them forming an angle of 45° with

the horizon. The mixture of the large herbaceous Endogene with

a vegetation chiefly exogenous, conveys a remarkable character to

the physiognomy.

Besides the peculiar features offered by leaves, there are others

which will be occasionally prominent. They may be found in

the unusual development, or some idiosyncrasy, of the various

organs, and are perhaps only discoverable in particular instances.

Sometimes the inflorescence is the source ; at others the flowers,

fruit, or floral appendages. Very different is the appearance of

the trees of some species of Cassia laden with their long slender

black pods and light pale foliage, from a grove of Hibiscus and

Psidium in the Pacific, or of Melastoma in the Brazils.

A general impression is conveyed by the prevalence of certain

colours in flowers ; in some situations nothing but yellow flowers

are seen, In others only white or blue, till the repetition is almost

tiring. The varieties of colours, being dependent on the presence

of heat and light, alter with the latitude ; hence a relation between

the two can be established. For the same reason there will exist

a similar relation with the seasons of the year. Colours have

been arranged by Schubler and Funk under two series which

they have called oxidized and deoxidized ; but DeCandolle pro-

posed to call them respectively xanthic and cyanic, from the ge-

neral prevalence of the coloursin each. This arrangement * ap-

pears to have been chosen with considerable happiness, since

most flowers range themselves under one or the other, and it

affords a basis by which colours can be compared and their re-

lative importance ascertaed. There is one variety of coloration

which they take no notice of further than to give their reasons

for not assigning it a place in their series, and this is white. The

reasons seem good and philosophical in theory, but in practice it

will sometimes be impossible to assign every white flower to some

particular colour, as is recommended; I shall therefore venture

to use it as a colour for the present, according to general opinion.

White or pale-coloured flowers prevail over all others ; they are

* These series are developed in their ‘ Untersuchungen iiber die Farben

der Bluthen,’ 1825. Some details may be met with in DeCandolle’s ‘ Phy-

siologie Végétale,’ tom. ii. pp. 901-924, and in the Library of Useful Know-

ledge, Botany, pt. 4. pp. 120-124, by Dr. Lindley.

Mr. R. B. Hinds on Geographic Botany. 103

abundant in all latitudes particularly high ; among the plants of

the spring they are more numerous than those of the autumn.

Though common in the tropics they are rarer than m northern

latitudes, and are more frequent im alpine situations than in the

plains. The xanthic series of colours are most numerous in situ-

ations exposed to the heat and brilliancy of the sun’s rays ; hence

their comparative abundance within the tropics in the autumn,

and in the plains over the mountains. This latter circumstance

seems to have been noticed by the inhabitants of Peru, for we are

told that in referring to the colours of the flowers, it is com-

mon for them to say, Oro en /a costa, plata en la sierra (gold on

the coast, silver in the mountains) ; im the truth of which they

are borne out by nature. Yellow is frequent in some natural

families, as Composite, where it very generally prevails. Though

flowers of the cyanic series are plentifully mixed with the xanthie,

their preponderance is in other latitudes or different seasons.

Some of the intense blues and violets delight in the clear skies of

subtropic regions, whence might be inferred a partiality to a clear

transparent atmosphere over one, though warmer, yet often teem-

ing with aqueous vapour. Myrtaceae, essentially a tropical family,

has not a single blue flower. Fruits, coloured branches or stems,

the internal woody structure, can all be ranged under these two

heads; thus the number of xanthic woods within the tropics is

considerable.

I could not neglect the opportunities which have occurred to

me to obtain some statistical details respecting the colours of

flowers, and a portion of my observations are subjoined in the

Table.

Central |Sandwich PRESS Califor-| New |Hong Kong, |

Colours. America, | Islands, L. 37° N|_ nia, Guinea, China,

L. 10° N.|L, 21° N. L. 25° N.| L. 3° S.| L. 22° N.

January.) June. July. Noy. | August.} February.

RR aetna th vec ctasnledeae sce: Lod bers ee 1

| Greenish-blue ...

LE EMNIO eS yccejace eps 1 2 8 5 1 2

cree Wirnlet=DilGe sce scslasadacess 2 4 5 Z 2

BM AOIOY, pad ccxcavens 1 1 1 3 1 1

Violet-red ...... 10 7 12 12 7 8

Redes ik 2 1 kde Te AR 3

. (Orange-red ...... 1 1

+E | Orange.........+- 4 A Wea 4 3 4

= 4 Orange-yellow...| 5 3 4 3 | 6 5 |

5S | Yellow ........0.0. 14 12 6 11 7 11

Yellow-green ...| 4 10 BOs etiaay Me Ay

W hikos.52.03 8 7 11 6 15 10

| —le

S07 50-150; | 20. | WS@r |. 50e | ~

| |

104 On the Preservation of Objects of Natural History.

Or—

Cyanic. Xanthic. White.

Central America .........00- DOS cen seed -OOb« coeceatne 8

Sandwich Islands............ 12. Seccccute 84 Dei esa seer 7

PNIASHKA icncacaccacseveccteces QO ictcosbece TO cowenctae 1l

Galiforniale.s.cceccssccascet DO”. Seckeedes PO ase cses 6

New? Guin ba.ct tececcdeseteecs UD AGE aoe DOM es Bees: 15

Honp Rong pc5.c..5 sete eu ES.) waneeecas PE er 10

In a practical view these colours may be regarded under the

three heads of cyanic, xanthic, and white or blanched. The last

will be found to bear an unusual proportion in New Guinea,

even among its autumn flora, and at a season when the xanthic

series 1s predominant ; and this is also important at Hong Kong,

but there the month of the year must be taken into considera-

tion. In the high latitude of Alashka, as might be expected, the

blanched flowers are numerous, and the cyanic series prevails,

though in the midst of summer. In California the superiority

of the cyanic series over the xanthic is worthy of remark, consi-

dering the time of the year, the brilliancy of the atmosphere, its

general dryness, and the exposed character of the vegetation ; and

still more, as some limited observations made two degrees to the

south give an excess to the xanthic series. In Central America

January is a month of the dry season and the xanthic colours

prevail ; and the same occurs at the Sandwich islands, notwith-

standing the general tameness of the flowers of their flora.

XII.— On the Preservation of Objects of Natural History for the

Microscope. By the Rev. M. J. BerKetey.

To Richard Taylor, Esq.

My DEAR Sir, King’s Cliffe, Dec. 28, 1844.

I wap an opportunity a few days since of mspecting Mr. Thwaites’

collection of Algze at Bristol, and as his mode of preparing the

specimens is not perhaps generally known, and as regards utility,

is far superior to any other I have seen, I think it may not be

disagreeable to some of your readers to have a short notice of it

in your Journal. The distinguishing peculiarity of the collection

is, that the specimens are ready mounted for the microscope, and

preserved in a liquid which retains all their characters perfectly,

so that at a moment’s notice any species is ready for inspection m

as great perfection as when it was first gathered ; and if any un-

usual structure occur, the portion of the plant may be set up and

re-examined at pleasure, a pomt which was impossible in many

cases before. The value of this method will at once be appre-

ciated by all practical algologists, who know that scarcely any

On the Preservation of Objects of Natural History. 105

tribe of plants suffers so much by drying as Algz, especially the

freshwater Alge. The complicated endochrome, for instance, of

Zygnema and allied genera is entirely destroyed by drying; whereas

by Mr. Thwaites’ method every peculiarity of structure is admirably

preserved, even to the cytoblasts which occur in some species.

The method is simple and requires only a little delicacy of ma-

nipulation, which indeed may be said of all microscopical prepa-

rations. Slips of plate glass of a size convenient for the micro-

scope are the best recipient for the specimens. On the centre

of these a little square area is insulated with gold size, which

must be laid on of greater or less thickness, so as to build up a

little wall according to the thickness of the specimen to be

mounted. Anumber of these should be prepared ready for use.

A solution is then to be made consisting of

1 part alcohol,

14 parts water,

and to be accurately saturated with creasote. This should then be

filtered through prepared chalk, and the solution allowed to stand

for a month in case any precipitate should form ; it must then be

decanted for use and kept in a stoppered bottle, and the small

portion wanted from time to time should be passed through a

piece of linen to prevent any impurity from spoiling the clearness

of the preparation.

When then it is requisite to mount a specimen, a drop or two

of the fluid is placed in the insulated area, the edge having been

first lightly retouched with gold size and the specimen floated in

the fluid, care being taken to remove all air-globules ; a slip of tale,

or, what is better, microscopic glass,a little exceeding the size of the

area, is then dropped upon it and pressed gently upon the size, by

which means the specimen is hermetically sealed ; a coat or two

of gold size is then put round the edges for greater security, and

when the whole is perfectly dry, a coat of sealing-wax varnish.

Care of course must be taken that the glass, especially that which

covers the specimen, is perfectly clean. The slips are all made

precisely of the same size, and are placed vertically in little

drawers, on the sides of which grooves are made for their recep-

tion. A box of the size of a common writing-desk will hold about

250 specimens.

Mr. Thwaites finds this solution answer best for freshwater

Algz ; for marine Algz he uses generally Goadby’s solution, the

formula for which is given in the ‘ Microscopical Journal’ for

1842, p.183. It consists of

A ounces of bay salt,

2 ounces of alum,

4 grains of corrosive sublimate,

2 quarts of boiling water.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. I

106 Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants.

This does not answer however for freshwater Alge. Some of the

specimens of marine Algze, mounted in Goadby’s solution, such as

Codium tomentosum, Helminthocladia vermicularis, &e., are adiuni-

rable.

This method of preparing Aleve certainly requires some little

expenditure of care and patience, but it will be found so satisfac-

tory in its results as amply to compensate any additional pains ;

and when once the requisite arrangements have been made, the

trouble in the case of individual specimens from time to time will

not be found so great as might be expected.

It may be remarked that the method is equally applicable to

other microscopical objects, and especially to those of vegetable

physiology.

I am, my dear Sir, faithfully yours,

M. J. BerKeey.

XITL.— <A Century of new Genera and Species of Orchidaceous

Plants. Characterized by Professor LinpLEY.

[ Continued from vol. xii. p. 398. ]

Decade 3.

21. Prruroruatiis Hartwegit ; caule medio laxe et longe vaginato,

folio oblongo sessili amplexicauli, spatha obtusa carinata coriacea,

spicis plurimis erectis rigidis secundifloris folio subzequalibus, se-

palis disjunctis falcatis intus pubescentibus, labello cordato ovato

obtuso basi auriculato (v. trilobo lobis lateralibus brevibus rotun-

datis) juxta sinus bilamellato.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Very like P. macrophylla. Stem a foot and more high. Leaf a span

long. Spikes eighteen to twenty.

22. PLeuROTHALLIS levigata; caule angulato medio laxe et longe

vaginato, folio oblongo sessili amplexicauli vernice quasi inducto,

spatha acuta carinata coriacea levigata, spicis plurimis erectis ri-

gidis secundifloris folio brevioribus, floribus omnino P. Hartwegii

sed duplo majoribus.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Very like P. Hartwegii, but the leaves are more polished, the spikes

often shorter, and especially the flowers are twice as large. Perhaps

it is a mere variety.

23. Srexis maxima ; folio oblongo obtuso, spica recta basi spathacea

triplo longiore, bracteis amplexicaulibus cuspidatis internodiis

brevioribus, floribus ventricosis disepalis, sepalis multistriatis con-

RRVISS See

At the foot of Mount Tunguragua, at the height of 11,000 feet

(Hartweg).

Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants. 107

A beautiful species, with flowers almost half an inch long, and

apparently purple. It would be a P/eurothallis if its petals were not

truncated and dwarf.

24. Srexis brevilabris; caulescens, folio lineari-lanceolato mucro-

nato, spicis quadruplo longioribus solitariis erectis secundis strictis,

bracteis cuspidatis internodiis brevioribus, sepalis lateralibus acutis

supremo oblongo brevioribus.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Related to St. ascendens and lamellata, but easily distinguished by

the drooping, ringent, almost 2-lipped flowers. Can it be St. elon-

gata, H. B. K.? but the description does not agree.

25. Prevrorsax.is convoluta; folio coriaceo convoluto, spicis plu-

ribus folio brevioribus erectis, floribus levibus, sepalis marginatis

lateralibus ultra medium connatis, petalis duplo brevioribus obtusis

diaphanis, labello longiore complicato apice spathulato acuto infra

medium utrinque dilatato rotundato.

Popayan (Hartweg).

26. PrevrorHat.is galeata; caule medio longe et laxe vaginato,

folio petiolato cordato-oblongo obtuso, spatha subcoriacea obtusa,

spicis filiformibus plurimis nutantibus folio brevioribus, sepalis la-

teralibus semiconnatis angustis erectis dorsali antico galeato mem-

branaceo, petalis linearibus sepalis paulo brevioribus, labello cucul-

lato rhombeo angulis rotundatis utrinque bilamellato apice crasso

calloso.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Near Pl. macrophylla.

27. PacuyrHyLium squarrosum ; foliis recurvis squarrosis, labello

obsolete trilobo callo a marginibus Jonge distante.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Much like P. distichum, except in the leaves and the form and

callosity of the labellum.

28. Drauissa, gen. nov. Steli proximum. Calyx tubulosus, bilabiatus,

antice ventricosus ; labio altero bifido revoluto. Petala nana. La-

bellum indivisum, rectum. Columna nana, recta, biauris. Pol-

linia 2.

Drauissa pulchella, Spithamea et ultra, cespitosa. Caules teretes,

monophylli, vaginis tubulosis membranaceis glabris vestiti. Fo-

lium petiolatum, lanceolatum, striatum, acutissimum, tridentatum ;

racemo striato, basi distanter vaginato triplo brevius. Bractez

3 pollicares, falcate, acutissime, perfoliate, canaliculate, glabre,

distiche, floribus glabris equales. Sepalum supremum subcorda-

tum, erectum. Petala rhombea. Labellum spathulatum, rotun-

datum, linea transversa elevata.

Popayan (Hartweg).

+ 29. Gasrropopium violaceum. Ramosum, distiche foliosum, foliis

carnosis linearibus obtusis mucronulatis, vaginis striatis transverse

108 Mr. A. White on a new species of Longicorn Beetle.

rugosis. Racemi breves, sessiles, terminales, cernui. Flores parvi,

membranacei, violacei. Bractez subulate, membranacez. Sepala

conniventia, ovata, libera. Petala lanceolata duplo minora. La-

bellum c. columna connatum, ventricosum, ovatum, callo tripar-

tito ad basin. Columna brevis pyramidalis, partis liber margi-

nibus latis crassis truncatis. Clinandrium nudum. Anthera plana,

membranacea, 4-locularis. Pollinia 4, oblonga, collateralia, om-

nino sejuncta, filis totidem rectis, nec replicatis, levibus, apice con-

natis colligata. Ovarium cuniculatum, antice ventricosum.

Popayan (Hartweg).

This genus is near the true species of Diothonea, and like it in

habits. It differs in its naked anther-bed and in the structure of the

pollen masses.

30. Resrrepra cucullata ; foliis oblongo-linearibus coriaceis acutis

pedunculis filiformibus erectis brevioribus, sepalis lateralibus in

unum lineari-lanceolatum connatis supremo angustissimo, petalis

duplo brevioribus linearibus acuminatis, labello carnoso oblongo

levi tricarinato, columna cucullata.

Popayan (Hartweg).

XIV.—Description of an apparently new species of Longicorn

Beetle from Meaico in the collection of the British Museum.

By Avam Wuirs, Assistant Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus.

[With a Plate. ]

In M. Delessert’s ‘Souvenirs d’un Voyage & I’Inde, a very in-

teresting account has been given by M. Perrotet, his companion,

of the habits of the Dorysthenes montanus of Guérin, with which

I shall commence this paper, more especially as the sect about

to be described would be arranged close to it by many authors

(such as Laporte de Castelnau), although at present we have no

means of ascertaining whether the Prionacalus of this memoir,

and Psalidognathus ot Mr. G. R. Gray, like the East Indian genus

alluded to, and unlike the majority of the group to which they

belong, live on the ground in elevated places destitute of large

trees. The D. montanus begms to appear above the surface of

the ground about the end of April, and comes up in immense

numbers till the beginning of the ramy season, which lasts from

the end of May or during June. They appear in such swarms

that the highways and by-paths are covered with them m some

places, and it is said that the bears of the country, at the season

when they abound, get up to the mountains to feed on them.

They have been observed by MM. Delessert and Perrotet coming

out of their holes in the ground, especially in the neighbourhood

of Coonoor, Kotirgherris and other places amongstthe Neelgheries,

where they may be seen white, yellow and brown, accordingly as

Mr. A. White on a new species of Longicorn Beetle. 109

they have been for a short or long time out of the pupa state ;

they always keep to the ground and walk slowly. Amongst

the Prionide this group, containing Dorysthenes, Cyrtognathus,

Cacoscelis, and perhaps Acanthinoderus, Psalidognathus and Prio-

nacalus, resembles in habit Dorcadion and alhed genera among

Lamiade, as Guérin-Meneville very justly remarks (/. c. Mag. de

Zool., and Rey. Zool. Cuy. 1840, p. 39 Cyrtognathus). I may

here add, that the curiously curved jaws and very strong legs with

their slender elongated tarsi seem to fit them particularly for

getting into the ground, escaping from it and walking on its

surface*.

In a small collection of insects from Mexico, purchased last

year by Mr. Gray for the British Museum from M. Hartweg,

there are three specimens of a subgenus of Prionida, at first

sight with very considerable resemblance to the Psalidognathus

modestus, Fries, Vetensk. Akad. Handl. 1833, p. 327. t. 9. f. 3,

agreeing with that species in many particulars, but to me appear-

mg distinct.

From the genus Psalidognathus of Mr. George Gray (Griff. A.

K., Insects, ii. p. 115. t. 6. f. 14), as characterized both by Mr.

Gray and M. Fries, it differs in many particulars, sufficient, if

the established subgenera of Prionide be valid, to constitute a

new subgenus closely allied to Psalidognathus : in my description

any comparisons refer to this latter genus.

Prionvs, subg. Prionacalus, White.

36. Head behind the eyes without a prominent spine ; the la-

pier margin behind produced into a slight process directed back-

wards.

?. Head midway between the eyes and the posterior edge,

with a strong broad spine on each side.

3 ¢. Cheeks where jaws are inserted, without strong tooth on

the outside. (See Pl. VIII. fig. 1.) Labium very short (in Psa-

lidognathus the labium is elongated).

Jaws very strong (in female widest), with the upper surface

rounded, the ends bent downwards, the edges strongly toothed

and notched, the terminal tooth fittmg mto a groove in the other,

and the ends probably lapping over each other.

Palpi very prominent (PI. VIII. fig. laeand2a6). Maxillary

with terminal joint largest, securiform and much dilated, penul-

timate jomt much shorter than the third. Labial palpi with the

terminal joint much dilated. Antennz 11-jointed, with first joint

* The Euchroa dimidiata of Guérin-Meneville, Delessert, Voyage, p. 57.

t. 14, f. 1, and Mag. de Zool., is the Nir@us tricolor of Newman, Mag. Nat.

Hist. iv. 194 ; the original specimens, from Mr. Children’s collection, are in

the British Museum.

110 Mr. A. White on a new species of Longicorn Beetle.

scabrous and much thickened at the end, second jomt puncti-

form, third joint as long as the fourth and fifth together.

Elytra covering the abdomen, margined ; sides at the base

with a curved, somewhat hooked angle near the base ; the lateral

margmms bulge; elytra very short in the male compared with those

of the male of Psalidognathus, apparently soldered along the

suture, and both sexes seem to be apterous.

Legs of the male with the tibia and femur nearly equal in

length and very similar im general thickness ; inside of the tibize

flat and hairy. In the female, the legs, especially the femora, are

very large, strong, and compressed ; the tibie at the end 2-spined ;

tibice of fore-legs rounded above, inside flat and hairy, angular

beneath, and deeply notched or sinuated at the end ; tarsi of hind-

legs most elongated. The species I have named

Prionus (Prionacalus *) Cacicus, White.

Niger, antennis pedibusque rufis.

Hab. Mexico. ¢ $ (Pl. VIII. fig. 1, 2.) in Mus. Brit. (Theod.

Hartweg).

In the male the antennze, palpi and legs are rufous; the first-

mentioned are blackish at the base. Jaws, excepting at the end

and on the edges (where they are smooth), roughly punctured.

Head, thorax and elytra at the base somewhat roughly punctured,

the elytra becoming more delicately punctated towards the end.

In the female the antennze at the ends, the palpi, tibie at apex

and the tarsi are ferruginous ; head with the two keels above the

eyes shorter. Head, thorax and elytra very roughly vermiculated

and dotted, and with a shght shining metallic lustre.

M. Fries, in his memoir on Psalidognathus in the ‘ Vetensk.

Akad. Handl. 1833, p. 827, has described under the name of

P.modestus what appears to be decidedly a second species of the

subgenus above described}. He characterizes it as follows, and on

* The latter part of the name is the generic name applied by the late

lamented Dalman to the form previously described by Mr. G. R. Gray as

Psalidognathus: his species, Psal. superbus, seems to be distinct from the

P. Friendii of Mr. Gray. M. Nisser in 1827 sent four specimens from Sant

Remedios to the Stockholm Academy, and Dalman named the species

Acalus superbus, but was prevented by death from describing it; the name

Acalus has been preoccupied, otherwise I would assign it to the subgenus.

P. superbus seems to me to be the P. Friendii, var. viridis, of French authors,

which has a comparatively shallow groove between the antennz, and has the

tibiz in the male much more dilated, as well as other characters, which we

have not space to give here. Specimens of both are in the British Museum ;

Mr. G. Gray’s type specimen of P. Friend from Mr. Children’s collection,

and specimens of P. superbus from the collection of M. Buquet.

+ I am indebted to the obliging kindness of Mr. Jones, an assistant in the

library of the British Museum, for translating me the memoir from the

Swedish.

Mr. A. White on a new species of Longicorn Beetle. 111

the first examination I found myself rather doubtful whether the

P. Cacicus was not the same species. The following is the de-

scription of M. Fries : Psalidognathus (Prionacalus) modestus ; \a-

bium short, bifid.

M. Fries had only seen two specimens, a male and female ; the

former, from being very small, he imagines must be a very dimi-

nutive example of the sex, while he judges that the female must

be amongst the largest individuals of the species. In the male the

head is smaller than the thorax, with a little pomted spine on

both sides, and a sort of hook where the mandibles are attached.

Mandibles are as long as the head, resembling those of the

female of Psalidognathus superbus ; in the middle of the thorax

there is an excavation; the elytra have hardly any trace of the

reticulated and elevated lines; the humeral hook is very small ;

the wings together are as long as the body.

In the female the ridge of the head is less marked and ends in

a raised point ; the appendages on side of head are very short

and fine ; the mandibles as in the male; labrum at tip bent in

the same as the preceding (?); elytra more thick and firm,

without raised lines, deeply pitted and granular; there are no

wings.

M. Nisser found this very distinct species at Antiochia in

Columbia, and deposited the male and female in the Academy

Museum.

Jan. 16, 1845.

On the same plate are figured two Coleoptera from Xanthus in

Asia Minor, found by Charles Fellows, Esq., and now in the

Museum collection. Ina subsequent number of the ‘ Annals’

descriptions of these will be given. The smooth Carabus with

thick legs and dilated thorax was found close to the “ Horse

Tomb” as it has been called, but now more properly denominated

the “ Winged Chariot Tomb ;” it was the monument of Paiafa,

one of the satraps of Lycia: I have named it Carabus (Procrus-

ticus) Paiafa. There are characters that would separate it from

both Carabus and Procrustes. The longicorn may be an extreme

variety of Cerambyx Kehleri, L. Syst. Nat. 393. 31, between

which and C. Desfontainii, Fabr. 8. E. 274. 37. (Oliv. t. 23. f. 183),

it seems to come. Asa small compliment to the distinguished tra-

veller and archeologist who found it close to the “ Harpy Tomb,”

as well as to mark his fondness for entomology in his youth, I

have named it Purpuricenus Fellowsii : it is very common on the

trees about Xanthus.—A. W.

112. Mr. W. King on a British Shell of the genus Circe.

XV.—WNote on a British Shell of the genus Circe. By Witt1aM

Kine, Curator of the Museum of the Natural History Society

of Northumberland, Durham, and Neweastle-upon-Tyne.

Tae Linnean genus Venus has of late been very much subdi-

vided by some conchologists, so that in addition to Lamarck’s

Cytherea and Poh’s Artemis, we have now the genera Circe, Chione,

Meroe, and several others.

Chione, as its name implies, is represented by such shells as Cy-

therea Chione and C. Hrycina. Circe, according to some shell-labels

in the British Museum, is represented by Cytherea scripta and

C. dwaricata. Circe somewhat resembles Chione in its teeth, but

it differs from the latter in the pallial impression being slightly

inflected, and in the cartilage fulera being deeply sunk.

There appear to be three or more sections of the genus Circe.

In one the species have transverse ribs (C. (Cytherea) arabica) ;

in another they are furnished with diverging longitudinal ribs

(C. (Cytherea) dwaricata) ; and in the third they are very much

compressed, especially at the umbones (C. (Cytherea) scripta).

I have entered upon this note with the view of showing that a

British shell which has hitherto been called Cyprina triangularis*

belongs to the genus Circe. I was first led into this opinion from

examining some specimens belonging to Mr. J. Alder, who

dredged them in Oban Bay during the last summer.

The so-called Cyprina triangularis is decidedly a Circe, inas-

much as it possesses what appear to be the distimguishing cha-

racters of the genus, namely deeply-sunk cartilage fulcra, and a

slight smus in the pallial lime. I may even go so far as to say,

that it belongs to the section represented by the transversely

ribbed species. As regards the dental character of the Oban

shell, it is precisely that of the genus in general,—consisting of

three diverging cardinal teeth in each valve, and an anterior tooth

in the left one. It also possesses a well-defined lunette as in the

Venuses, with which it further agrees in the absence of an epi-

dermis.

In the deeply sunk cartilage fulera, and the dental character

just given,—in the possession of a well-defined lunettet, and im

the want of an epidermis, the Oban shell is essentially different

from all the true Cyprinas, either recent or fossilt. Leaving out

* Turton’s Shells of the British Islands, p. 136. tab. 11. figs. 19 and 20.

+ According to a figure in D’Orbigny’s ‘ Terrains Crétacés,’ pl. 271, a

species of Cyprina has a well-defined lunette.

t The genus Cyprina may be safely considered as represented by C.

islandica (recent), C. rustica (Suffolk crag), and C. angulata (greensand).

Many of the so-called Cyprinas do not appear to belong to this genus: Cy-

prina consobrina (D'Orbig.), notwithstanding its want of a pallial sinus, I

consider a Venus; and Cyprina Morrisii (J. de C. Sow.) has teeth after the

type of Cytherea Lamarckit.

On the Boring Apparatus of the Carnivorous Gasteropods. 1138

of consideration the anterior tooth which it possesses in common

with some other genera, Cyprina has only two cardinal teeth in

each valve : another difference consists in the left valve of this ge-

nus being provided with a posterior callous tooth which fits into

a broad depression in the opposite valve. The Oban shell may

be said to have a posterior tooth, as there is a small groove for

one of the kind in the right valve, but it does not differ from that

of many of the Venuses*.

The only character which the Oban shell possesses to induce

one to consider it a Cyprina is its slight pallial sinus ; but, as be-

fore observed, this is general to the Circes, and it even belongs

to some of the Venuses.

I am not aware who proposed the genus Circe; it is adopted

by Mr. J. E. Gray in the Catalogue of the British Museum, and

appears to be a good one.

XVI.—Note on the Boring Apparatus of the Carnivorous Gaste-

ropods, and of the Stone- and Wood-burrowing Bivalves. By

Arpany Hancock, Esq.

Durine the investigation of the anatomy of the Holide by Dr.

Embleton and myself, we ascertamed, as appears in the last

Number of the ‘ Annals,’ that the teeth of these animals are com-

posed of silex. Directed by this interesting fact, I was induced

to examine the nature of the instrument by which the carnivo-

rous Gasteropods pierce the testaceous covering of bivalve and

other shells. I found this apparatus in Buccinum undatum to be

composed of rows of stout, much-curved spines or teeth, of great

brilliancy, and as glossy and transparent as glass, and certainly

to have no appearance whatever of horny tissue. They are so

sumilar to those of Holis, that there could be little doubt that they

are formed of the same material; and accordingly, after subject-

ing them to the action of acid, such was found to be the case.

Their capacity to drill holes in calcareous matter is therefore

easily understood, without the necessity of supposing the aid of

a solvent requisite, as surmised by Cuvier.

This result was to be expected after the discovery of the sil-

ceous nature of the teeth of Kolis ; but that the wood- and stone-

burrowing Bivalves should work out their excavations by an in-

strument provided with the same material may, perhaps, appear

somewhat startling. Such however I believe is the fact; a fact

which if established will at once explain all the phenomena at-

tending this much-controverted problem. It is not my intention

* Tam acquainted with a greensand Venus which has a posterior tooth

and depression as large as in Cyprina.

114 Mr. J. Gould on a new species of Platycercus.

at present to enter into details; all that I now wish to commu-

nicate is the result at which I have arrived; and in a short time

I hope to have the pleasure of publishing, at length, my observa-

tions m connexion with this interesting subject.

The excavating instrument of Pholas and Teredo is formed of

the anterior portion of the animal, in the surface of which are im-

bedded siliceous particles. The particles penetrating the skin

give to it much the character of raspmg-paper. The whole forms

a rubbing surface, which being applied closely to the bottom of

the cavity by the adhesion of the foot, enables the animal to rub

down, and so penetrate, shale, chalk, wood, or even the hardest

hmestones and marble.

Sazicava rugosa is also furnished with a rasping surface co-

vered with siliceous particles. This surface, however, in this spe-

cies is formed entirely of the anterior portion of the mantle, the

margins of which beg united are much thickened, forming a

sort of cushion capable of considerable protrusion at the will of

the animal. The foot is smal, and passing through a much-con-

stricted orifice, gives origin to a byssus, which anchors the shell

close to the base of the excavation, and thus holds the rubbing

apparatus in immediate contact with the part to be excavated.

XVII.—On a new species of Platycercus. By Joun Govuxp,

F.R.S. &e.

DEAR Sir, 20 Broad Street, Golden Square, Jan. 11, 1845.

My collector, Mr. Gilbert, has lately sent me the description of

a new Platycercus discovered on the Darling Downs at the back

of Moreton Bay, on the east coast of Australia, and which he

states far surpasses in beauty every other species of the genus yet

discovered. I have therefore thought it of sufficient importance

to the ornithologist to send you a copy for imsertion in the ‘ An-

nals of Natural History.’

Band across the forehead half an inch in breadth, scarlet,

fading around the eyes, lores and cheeks mto pale lemon-yellow,

which again gradually blends with the green of the under surface ;

crown of the head and nape blackish brown ; sides of the neck to

the shoulders verdigris-green with yellowish reflexions ; back

grayish brown; rump and upper tail-coverts verditer-blue, the

longer coverts with a band of black at their extreme tip ; prima-

ries and secondaries black edged with bluish green ; shoulders

with a spot of rich vermilion ; under wing-coverts and edges of

the pinions verditer-blue ; two middle tail-feathers olive-brown at

the base, gradually passmg imto greenish blue at the tip with olive

reflexions ; the three outer feathers on each side with a narrow zig-

On the means by which Animals walk on polished Surfaces. 115

zag band of black at about half their length from the base, then

greenish blue to the tip, the imner webs fading imto white near

the extremity ; throat and chest yellowish emerald-green, each

feather tipped with verditer-blue ; middle of the breast and the

sides verditer-blue; abdomen and under tail-coverts scarlet ; ides

dark brown ; bill horn-colour, becoming blackish gray at the base ;

legs and feet yellowish brown.

Length about 12 inches ; bill }; wing 54; tail 7}; tarsi 3.

Nearly allied to Platycercus hematogaster. In habits it is a

truly grass-feeding parrakeet.

For this beautiful species I propose the name of Platycercus

pulcherrimus,

And remain, dear Sir, yours truly,

To R. Taylor, Esq. Joun GouLp.

XVII1.—On the Means by which various Animals walk on the Ver-

tical Surfaces of highly polished Bodies. By Joun Buackwau1,

F.L.S.

PERCEIVING among eminent naturalists and physiologists in this

country not only a disinclination to adopt the explanation of the

means by which animals of various species ascend the vertical

surfaces of highly polished bodies, published in the ‘ Transactions

of the Linnzean Society,’ vol. xvi. pp. 487, 767, but also a dis-

position to adhere to the old and exploded view of the subject,

which has been recently introduced into important works on zoo-

logy and physico-theology, in the course of last autumn I made

several experiments bearing directly upon the remarkable phe-

nomenon under consideration, the particulars of which I shall

proceed to state.

Having captured vigorous specimens of the following insects

and spiders, Coccinella vigintiduo-punctata ; the common earwig,

Forficula auricularia ; the hive-bee, Apis mellifica ; the common

wasp, Vespa vulguris; the house-fly, Musca domestica ; the large

flesh-fly, Musca vomitoria, Philodromus dispar, and Drassus seri-

ceus; and having ascertained that they could walk with facility

upon the perpendicular sides of a well-cleaned glass-jar, I put

into a perfectly dry and clean phial a sufficient quantity of nitrate

of silver in a very finely pulverized state to cover the bottom of

it to the depth of about one-twelfth of an inch ; then holding the

phial at various degrees of inclination to the plane of the horizon

and turning it round, I distributed in this manner many of the

finer particles of the caustic over the whole of its imner surface.

Into the phial thus prepared I introduced, in succession, the in-

sects and spiders named above, taking care to renew the nitrate

116 Mr. J. Blackwall on the means by which various Animals

of silver whenever its efficacy appeared to be diminished, and

after they had remained im it a sufficient time for the caustic to

act upon the pulvilli of the former and the tarsal brushes of the

- latter, they were removed into the glass-jar, the vertical sides of

which they had previously ascended without difficulty. The re-

sult was precisely such as my former researches had led me to

anticipate ; the insects and spiders were rendered quite incapable

of walking on the sides of the jar, and the cauterized papille

connected with the inferior surface of the climbing apparatus

never again resumed their function ; yet by the help of their

claws the animals were enabled to ascend with ease the perpen-

dicular sides of objects having a slight degree of roughness.

‘Satisfied that the cauterized state of the papille connected with

the climbing apparatus was attributable to the agency of the m-

trate of silver operating through the medium of a fluid emitted

from their extremities, an experiment occurred to me, which, if

carefully conducted, promised to render the fluid apparent to the

eye when aided by a powerful magnifier. By subjecting the femur,

tibia and tarsus of the large flesh-fly and the common house-fly

to a moderate degree of pressure, a change was invariably per-

ceived to take place in the appearance of the extremities of the

hair-like papille on the inferior surface of their pulvilli, which

assumed a silvery lustre, evidently occasioned by an increased

reflection of light. On passing a finger gently over the papillz

several times in succession, and again examining them under the

magnifier, the cause of the augmented brilhancy became obvious,

numerous granules of gelatinous matter being discovered upon

them, plainly consisting of the coagulated fluid emitted in mmute

quantities from their extremities, and accumulated together imto

particles of increased magnitude by the action of the finger, the

silvery lustre, at the same time, having disappeared.

Thus it is clearly demonstrable that the papill on the clhmb-

ing apparatus of two very common insects, remarkable for the

agility of their movements on polished perpendicular surfaces,

emit from their extremities in exceedingly small quantities a fluid

coagulable on exposure to the atmosphere ; and this deduction

- from direct experiment may be extended analogically to all those

insects and spiders which are capable of walking on the clean,

dry, vertical sides of polished bodies.

To these recently ascertained facts I add a succinct review of

those previously recorded, which have exercised the most decided

influence in removing the difficulties which surrounded the subject

of this inquiry, in the hope that such an accumulation of valid

evidence, when fairly tested by others, will be considered as esta-

blishing the conclusion, that various animals, capable of walking

on the clean, dry surfaces of highly polished bodies m opposition

walk on the Vertical Surfaces of highly polished Bodies. 117

to gravitation, are enabled to adhere to such surfaces, not by the

pressure of the atmosphere on their climbing apparatus, as is

commonly supposed, but by a viscous secretion emitted from the

papillee with which it is provided.

A large, clean, open phial of transparent glass, containing the

larvee of several species of insects, capable of moving upon po-

lished perpendicular surfaces without the help of lines produced

by a spinning organ, was placed in the receiver of an air-pump,

from which the air was then exhausted by the usual process ;

nevertheless, the larvee continued to traverse the inner surface of

the phial in every direction. This experiment was made in the

summer of 1827 ; in conducting it I was assisted by that distin-

guished philosopher and excellent man the late Dr. Dalton of

Manchester, who kindly allowed me to use his air-pump, and re-

marked, on witnessing the result, that it was physically impos-

sible that the larvee could be supported on the sides of the phial

by atmospheric pressure.

In the next place, I put specimens of the common house-fly

into the receiver of an air-pump, and, after having exhausted the

air, observed that they walked readily upon its inner surface as

long as their vital powers were unimpaired, and that some indi-

viduals ultimately died adhering to its sides, from which it re-

quired a slight degree of force to detach them. Here, as in the

case of the larve, it is evident that the insects could not be held

to the glass by the pressure of the atmosphere, so that this stri-

king fact supplies an eaperimentum crucis by which the imsuffi-

ciency of the popular hypothesis to account for the phenomenon

it is intended to explain is rendered manifest.

Having cleared the way for a more exact investigation of the

subject by the detection of this prevailing error, it occurred to

me, that as the adhesion of insects to the upright sides of an ex-

hausted receiver cannot be occasioned by atmospheric pressure,

or by any exertion of muscular force, some individuals remainmg

fixed even after life is extinct, it must be caused by the emission

of aviscous fluid from the papille on the inferior surface of their

climbing apparatus. In order to ascertain whether this is the

ease or not, I placed in clean phials of transparent glass, spiders

and various insects in the larva and imago states capable of

walking on their upright sides ; then breathing into the phials till

the aqueous vapour expelled from the lungs was copiously con-

densed on their inner surface, I found that the moisture totally

prevented the animals from obtaiming any effectual hold on the

glass ; and a similar consequence ensued when the flour of wheat

or finely pulverized chalk was thinly distributed over their inte-

rior surface, the minute particles of those substances adhering to

the tarsal brushes of the spiders, the pulvilli of the perfect in-

118 On the means by which Animals walk on polished Surfaces.

sects, and the under side of the feet of the larve, which had their

efficiency speedily restored, however, on the removal of the im-

pediment by the customary process of cleaning the parts em-

ployed by each species.

As a further confirmation of the accuracy of my opinion, I may

remark, that on careful and repeated examinations made with

lenses of moderately high magnifyig powers, in a strong light

and at a favourable angle, I never failed to discover visible tracks

left by spiders and insects in the larva and imago states when

moving in a vertical direction on clean glass. On submitting the

matter constituting the tracks to the direct rays of the sun in the

month of July, and to the action of brisk currents of air whose

drying power was great, I ascertained that it did not suffer any

perceptible diminution by evaporation under those circumstances ;

and it has been shown, in the recent experiments made by em-

ploying pulverized nitrate of silver instead of flour, or chalk re-

duced to powder, and by inspecting under a powerful magnifier

the feet of flies when the superior joints of their legs were sub-

jected to moderate pressure, that a fluid, coagulable on exposure

to the atmosphere, is emitted in minute quantities from the pa-

pillze on the climbing apparatus of certain animals having the

power of walkmg on the vertical surfaces of highly polished

bodies.

In my ‘ Researches in Zoology,’ p. 228, I have stated my con-

viction, founded on a minute inspection of specimens preserved

in spirit of wine, that tree-frogs, Hyle, and the lizards denomi-

nated Geckos, are enabled to move on the perpendicular sides of

polished objects by the agency of adhesive matter emitted from

papille situated on the inferior surface of their toes ; those of the

former resemble the papillze on the pulvilh of the house-fiy in

their distribution ; those of the latter beg disposed in transverse

fascize, somewhat in the manner of the papille on the palate of

the cow, but with less simplicity ; and whoever compares the two,

will be ‘led, by analogy of structure and arrangement, to infer,

upon physiological principles, that they perform a similar func-

tion, though from the different situations of the parts it cannot

be applicable to the same purpose.

Such is the brief survey which I proposed to give of the more

prominent facts elicited by my investigation of this interesting

subject.

It is not at all surprising that a considerable degree of unwill-

ingness should be felt to reject a generally-received opinion which

has long been regarded as established, or that a novel one sub-

stituted for it should be viewed with distrust or assailed with ob-

jections ; but it certainly is extraordmary that the evidence by

which the one is corroborated and the other subverted should be

Mr. A. White’s Remarks on Synonyms. 119

suffered to remain without examination. To the simple, satis-

factory, and easily-conducted experiments which supply that evi-

dence, I again respectfully solicit the attention of naturalists.

XIX.—Remarks on the Synonyms of a Homopterous Insect de-

scribed in the last Number of the ‘ Annals? By Avam Wutre,

Assistant Zool. Dep. Brit. Mus.

In the last Number of the ‘ Annals’ there are descriptions of some

Homopterous insects from the collection of the British Museum.

Since the memoir was published, I have seen, for the first time, the

text to Guérin’s admirable ‘Iconographie du Régne Animal’ (a

work which on the title-page bears the date of 1829-1838, although

I see on the wrapper it was not finished till 1844, through some

mistake of the printer [?]). I find an exceedingly: great number of new

genera and species of insects not figured in his plates, and on look-

ing over it among the Homoptera saw a description of the Pecilo-

ptera circulata, Guérin-Meneville, from the Malay coast, which is

certainly the insect I have long subsequently published as the Pe-

ciloptera Dianthus, so that this pretty species will now stand as

Peciloptera circulata, Guérin, texte Iconogr. du Régne An. p. 361.

P. Dianthus, White, Proc. Ent. Soc. 1843 (ined.), Annals and

Mag. of Nat. Hist. Jan. 1845, p. 36 (cum fig.).

Hab. Malay coast (Guérin), Java (Wilson).

To my description of Cercopis Charon (1. c. p. 35), 1 should have

added ‘‘ very near to, if not a variety of, Cercopis viridans, Guérin in

Belanger, Voy. t. 3. f. 7.”

In the text of M. Guérin’s work, under the head of the genus

Aphena, he complains of the system of changing generic names, such

as the one established by him, because not exactly properly com-

pounded. The distinguished professor of zoology at Halle, on this

ground, has given the genus alluded to the name Aphena, and in his

‘Handbuch der Entomologie,’ ii. (we confine ourselves to the por-

tion of his great work dedicated to Rhynchota), he has very fre-

quently for similar reasons changed the names.

As a student of Hemiptera and Homoptera I for one raise my pen

against this innovation, the more especially as it seems to have been

a principle adopted by one of™e best French entomologists, the able

and amiable Serville, in his Work on the Hemiptera in the ‘ Suites

a Buffon’; an admirable book, so far as it goes, the joint production

of MM. Serville and Amyot. If names are to be altered because

improperly compounded, then let the dictum pass into a law, and

many of the genera of Linnzus, Fabricius and Latreille, the fathers

of entomology, must be changed. A fit of radicalism seems to have

fallen upon most of the scientific describers of the present day : “ If

a name has been twice employed,” say some, “in botany or zoology,

the name last published must be changed ;” others say, ‘‘ No; if a

name be already employed both in botany and zoology, retain them

120 Mr. A. White’s Remarks on Synonyms.

both, but take care not to be guilty, if you can possibly help it, of

falling into such a mistake again.” If the former of these canons

pass as unquestionable /aw, I believe at least one-sixtieth part of the

names used in entomology, and even some of those employed for

Crustacea and Aptera, must be changed; and he who is bold enough

to publish his catalogue first, will find nobis a well-marked feature

onthe page. We are inclined to think, that even if there be (for in-

stance) two generic names (Urania) employed, one in botany and

the other in zoology, no confusion can result from letting them re-

tain their places, far less indeed to our view than must result from

changing them; and it is really a sad thing to see, as is not unfre-

quently done, the changer have to change Ais name, because he has

found that even it has been already used, so that we have sometimes

three generic names, where at all events, on the most latitudinarian

view of the subject, two would have been amply sufficient, and on

the most narrow calculation, one would have caused no confusion.

Thanks to the very useful ‘ Nomenclator Zoologicus’ of Agassiz and

his coadjutors, such mistakes are not nearly so likely to take place

as they formerly were. In the work of Hahn on the Hemiptera, the

name of Bellocoris has been applied to a genus; and this is one in-

stance out of many that might be adduced of names compounded,

and improperly compounded, of Latin and Greek words ; but if I go,

and not knowing whether M. Hahn means to say ‘‘ Pretty Bug ” or

“* War-Bug,” and change his name, if the former of these popular

paradoxes be the hemipterologist’s meaning, to ‘‘ Polemocoris,” I con-

ceive I make a most ridiculous blunder ; and changers of names, and

even those who too curiously pry into the designed or unintentional

etymology of scientific appellations, frequently fall into equally false

positions. Instances of this from the work above-quoted might be

copiously given ; and we are not sure, that if many of the exceedingly

uncouth, but often good-enough, Chinese, Arabic and Sanscrit names

imposed on Hemiptera and Homoptera by the truly scientific and

amiable Serville and his coadjutor, were strictly analysed by such

scholars as were Sir Wm. Jones, the Rev. Henry Martyn, Dr. Mor-

rison, or Professor Kidd, many of them would be found equally ill-

formed with Greek compounded names of other authors, which the

distinguished French entomologists seem to me to have most reck-

lessly changed. We wish to see an analysis of every zoological and

botanical work and memoir published annually, and really believe

that were any society here to join with the scientific societies on the

continent, and in America or Asia, a yearly volume of this nature

would tend to cement together naturalists, as it would assuredly

help to simplify a nomenclature which scientific synonyms, most in-

nocently bestowed, really make appalling to every student of zoology

and botany.

London, Jan. 9, 1845.

Royal Society of Edinburgh. 121

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

This Society held its first ordinary meeting for the season on

Monday the 2nd of December, 1844.

Read—l. ‘‘ Account of the late Earthquakes at Demerara.” By

N. H. Campbell, Esq. Communicated by M. Pouton, Esq.

2. «On the Existence of an Electrical Apparatus in the Flapper-

Skate and other Rays.” By Dr. Stark.

In this communication the author described a very peculiar organ,

which from its situation and structure he believed to be an electrical

organ. It ran along each side of the tail of the animal, forming

a large pad on each side of the lateral muscles. This organ was

much more developed in Raia Batis than in any of the other forms of

Ray, and less so in R. clavata. The minute structure of the organ

was described as consisting of numerous septa running in the longi-

tudinal direction of the organ and forming cones, in the following

manner, with intermediate septa

running in an opposite direction.

The spaces within the smaller

septa were filled with a gelatinous

matter, which the author described

as similar to the gelatinous matter

in the electrical organs of the torpedo and other electrical fishes. The

nerves for the supply of these organs were derived from the eighth

pair or great lateral nerve, and the terminal filaments formed large

regular ioops which were suspended in the gelatinous matter.

Dec. 16.—1. ‘On a possible Explanation of the Adaptation of the

Eye to Distinct Vision at different distances.’’ By Professor Forbes.

The author stated that the crystalline lens is loosely suspended

amidst the fluids of the eye, which are capable of conveying a uni-

form pressure to all parts of its surface. This pressure is the result

of the action of the recti muscles upon the exterior of the sclerotic

coat of the eye-ball, and is communicated to every part of its con-

tents. ‘The lens consists of a condensed nucleus surrounded exter-

nally by a softer and more gelatinous portion, so that the pressure

acting upon the softer and external parts diminishes the vertical dia-

meter of the lens, while that in the axis of vision may be increased,

thus increasing the curvature of the refracting surfaces and shortening

the focus.

2. ‘Notice of an Ancient Beach near Stirling.” By Charles

Maclaren, Esq.

This beach consists of a terrace of stratified sand and gravel about

two miles in length, extending from the foot of Abbey Crag west-

ward to Lecropt Church. It is nearly level on the top, which is ele-

vated about 85 feet above the low alluvial plain called the Carse of

Stirling. Adding 20 or 25 feet for the height of this plain above the

Forth at Stirling, the elevation of the terrace above the level of high

tide will be about 110 feet. The breadth of the terrace is about 200

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. Kk

122 Zoological Society.

feet at Lecropt Church, about 900 feet at Airthrey Mineral Well, and

nearly half a mile at Airthrey Castle. Several openings have been

cut in it by streams or other agents. The preservation of this por-

tion of the ancient sea-bottom may be attributed to the high trap

hill of Abbey Crag at its east end, which had protected it from the

action of the tide when the sea covered the Carse. A remnant of

another terrace at a corresponding level is found at the opposite side

of the Carse, two miles southward, near Whitehouse Farm, and small

portions of a terrace fifty feet lower are found at Stirling Castle and

near Causeyhead.

January 6, 1845.—1. ‘‘ Further Remarks on the Electrical Organs

of the Rays.” By Dr. Stark.

2. ‘‘ Observations on the same subject.” By John Goodsir, Esq.

Mr. Goodsir stated that he had examined the part described by

Dr. Stark, It was, as he had suspected, the posterior part of the

middle mass of the caudal muscles. The texture of this part differs

remarkably from the muscular; it consists of numerous compart-

ments formed by the aponeurotic septa of the muscle. Each com-

partment contains next its walls a rich festooned arrangement of

nervous loops, these loops being generally united three by three ;

the sling of each loop is enlarged and contains one or more nu-

cleated corpuscules, the limbs passing back into nervous tubes of

the usual size. With these nervous loops, blood-vessel loops simi-

larly enlarged are intermixed. The centre of each compartment con-

tains a gelatinous mass applied externally to the nervous loops, and

in its interior containing a vacant space. The gelatinous mass con-

sists of areolz formed by bars passing in all directions: these bars

are thickest where they meet one another: they consist of a series

of nucleated cells, which are plump and gelatinous in appearance,

and much larger at the points of junction of the bars. These larger

cells Mr. Goodsir considers as the germinal spots of the texture. The

bars, and consequently the whole arrangement of the gelatinous

mass, appear to be covered by a membrane presenting a most re-

markable appearance,—a series of grooves or lines, the general di-

rection of which is parallel to the bars, but generally slightly in-

clined. ‘These grooves resemble the grooves or lines of mother-

of-pearl, or the groovings on the dermal plates of some of the older

fossil fishes.

Mr. Goodsir concluded by stating that this organ had the general

appearance of an electrical organ, but that the evidence educed of its

electrical properties appeared to him to be insufficient.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

June 11, 1844.—George Gulliver, Esq., in the Chair.

«On the Blood-corpuscles of the Two-toed Sloth, Bradypus didac-

tylus, Linn.,” by George Guiliver, F.R.S.

From an observation which I have lately made, it results that the

Two-toed Sloth is one of the very few animals that has blood-discs

Zoological Society. 123

considerably larger than those of Man; its average size in vulgar

fractions of an English inch is 1-2865.

M. Mandl* discovered that the blood-corpuscles of the Elephant

are the largest at present known belonging to the Mammalia, and I

subsequently found that those of the Capybara were, as far as we

then knew, next in size, as noticed in my Appendix to Gerber’s

Anatomy, pages 5, 8, and 50.

But it now appears that the blood-corpuscles of the Sloth are

larger than those of the Capybara, and, among mammiferous animals,

second only in magnitude to the corpuscles of the Elephant.

For the sake of comparison, some of my measurements of the

average size of the largest blood-discs of Mammalia are here set

down in the order of the magnitude of the discs, and in vulgar frac-

tions of an English inch.

Elephas Indicus, Cuv. .......... 1-2745

Bradypus didactylus, Linn. ...... 1-2865

Balena Boops, Auct. .......... 1-3099

Hydrocherus Capybara, Erxl. .... 1-3216

Phoca vitulina, Linn. .......... 1-3281

Dasypus villosus, Desm. ........ 1-3815

Myopotamus Coypus, Desm....... 1-3355

Pithecus Satyrus, Geoff. ........ 1-3385

Dasypus sex-cinctus, Auct. ...... 1-3457

Numerous other measurements are appended to the English ver-

sion of Gerber’s Anatomy.

It has been said that the blood-corpuscles are larger in omnivorous

than in herbivorous and carnivorous animals. ‘To the facts which |

have elsewhere f shown to be at variance with this opinion, it may be

added that the oviparous Vertebrata, whatever may be the nature of

their food, have larger blood-corpuscles than Mammalia, and that

the size of the blood-corpuscles of many carnivorous birds exceeds

that of the corpuscles of several of the omnivorous species.

Finally, the Two-toed Sloth, which is a purely vegetable feeder,

has, excepting the Elephant, the largest blood-corpuscles hitherto

observed in any mammiferous animal.

“Mr. Hinds’ resumed description of new Shells, from the cabinets

of Sir E. Belcher and H. Cuming, Esq.”

Rineicuta, Deshayes.

RINGICULA GRANDINOSA. Rin. testd ovatd, retusa, levigatd, politd ;

anfractibus rotundatis, ultimo magno, subquadrato, rotundato ;

columella superné valde callosd, denticulatd. Axis 12 lin.

Hab. Bais, island of Negros; in six fathoms, coarse sand: Caga-

yan, island of Mindanao; in twenty-five fathoms, sandy mud: Cat-

* Anatomie Microscopique, Paris 1838, Prem. Liv. p.17. M. Mandl’s

observation refers to the blood-corpuscles of the African elephant; it was

those of the Asiatic species that I examined.

1 Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy, p. 4-5.

K 2

124 Zoological Society.

balonga, island of Samar; in ten to thirty fathoms, mud: Sorsogon,

island of Luzon :—all in the Philippines.

Cab. Cuming.

These little shells resemble each otlrer very closely, and it is only

by close attention to minute characters and the proportion and

form of the last whorl that they can be satisfactorily discriminated.

The present species is perfectly smooth, and the last whorl is large,

of a squarish form, and full and rounded. The upper portion of the

aperture is strongly denticulated.

RINGICULA PROPINQUANS. Rin. testd ovatd, retusd, striatd, nitidd ;

anfractibus rotundatis, ultimo magno valdé rotundato, concinne

striato. Axis 13 lin.

Hab. Sual, Philippines ; in five to seven fathoms, sandy mud.

Cab. Cuming.

Here the last whorl is not so square in shape, but very full and

rounded, and is neatly striated in a very regular manner, and the

spire is short. Till the light is thrown properly on them, these striz

are not very evident, but once discovered they will be found con-

stant.

RinGicuLta CARON. Rin. testd ovatd, acuminatd, striatd, nitidd ;

anfractibus rotundatis, ultimo subtransverso, rotundato, distanter

striato ; spird exsertd ; aperturd subabbreviatd ; labro corrugato.

Axis 12 lin.

Hab. Straits of Malacca; in seventeen fathoms, mud.

Cab. Belcher.

The greatest breadth of the last whorl is probably in the transverse

direction, and it is grooved with striz placed at regular distances

from each other. The spire also is proportionately lengthened.

Rineicuta ExseRTA. Rin. testa ovatd, acuminata, levigatd, politd ;

anfractibus rotundatis, levigatis ; spird elongata ; labro pone valde

incrassato. Axis 12 lin.

Hab. Camiguing ; in forty fathoms, sandy mud: Sorsogon, island

of Luzon; in six fathoms, coarse sand ;—both in the Philippines.

Cab. Cuming.

Compared with R. grandinosa, the last whorl is small, but agrees

in being quite smooth and round; the spire is elongated, as in R.

caron, and the labrum is even rather more reflected than is usual.

RinGIcuLA AUSTRALIS. in. testd ovatd, acuminata, levigatd, po-

lita ; anfractibus rotundatis, penultimo sensim minore ; spird elon-

gata, infra suturam fascid subalbidd cinctéd. Axis 14 lin.

Hab. Port Lincoln, Australia.

Cab. Metcalfe.

The only specimen before me has not attained its full adult age.

In its characters it is rather intermediate ; the spire is not so promi-

nently produced, and the penultimate whorl is more than usually

developed, so as to be more intermediate in size between the others.

All these species are of one uniform glassy semiopake colour, in

some individuals being more glassy, in others more opake.

Zoological Society. 125

Nera, Gray.

Nea#ra tyrata. N. testd suborbiculari, tenui, fragili, diaphand,

liris transversis sulcatd,. antic® rotundatd; rostro retusissimo ;

margine ventrali converd. Long. 4}; lat. 2; alt. 34 lin.

Hab. Basay, island of Samar, Philippines; in from five to seven

fathoms, sandy mud.

Cab. Cuming.

This species is to Ne@ra exactly what Mactra elegans is among

that group, the sculpture and outline of the shells being so very

similar. ‘This is of course comparatively a very miniature shell.

Nezra Tenurs. N. testd ovali, fragili, diaphana, striis concentricis

incrementis rugosd, antice rotundatd, postic? retusé rostratd ; mar-

gine ventrali antic? subemarginatd. Long. 43; lat. 2; alt. 32 lin,

Hab. Bais, island of Negros, Philippines ; in seven fathoms, coral

sand.

Cab. Cuming.

Less ventricose than is usual with the species of this group, poste-

riorly gradually attenuated into a short blunt beak, and on the ven-

tral margin slightly emarginate.

Ne#ra cocutearis. N. testd majusculd, oblongd, albidd, striatd,

prope umbones elevatiusculd, antic rotundatd, postice attenuate

nasutd, liris angustis, versus umbones respectantibus ; margine

ventrali vald? rotundato, postice emarginato. Long. 114; alt. 8

lin.

Hab. Bais, island of Negros, Philippines; in seven fathoms, coral

sand,

Cab. Cuming.

The description is drawn up from a single valve, but this is so

large, and the characters so marked, as to render its future identity

comparatively easy.

June 25.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

“Description of some new species of Birds brought by Mr. L.

Fraser from Western Africa,” by H. E. Strickland, Esq., M.A.

Mr. Fraser has placed in my hands for examination and description

a portion of the ornithological collection made by him during the

Niger expedition, and I now present the names and characters of the

new species. Mr. Fraser’s researches in Western Africa have made

us acquainted with several new and interesting species of birds, and

as he was only able to bring home very few, and in some cases only

one specimen of each species, it would be very desirable that full

descriptions, illustrated by figures, of these ornithological rarities

should be made public, especially as it may be long before the pesti-

lential shores of Western Africa are again explored by naturalists.

HirvunDINIDZ, CyYPsELINZE.

Cypselus parvus, Licht., Verz. Doubl. p. 58.

A specimen of this bird was brought by Mr. Fraser from Acra; it

is probably the smallest spe@ies of the genus, the total length being

126 Zoological Society.

only 6 inches, wing 43 inches, medial rectrices 1? inch, external

34 inches. Plumage uniform mouse-colour, chin whitish.

Acanthylis bicolor (Gray) ; Chetura bicolor, Gray, Zool. Mise. p. 7.

A specimen of this elegant little species was obtained in May 1842

at Fernando Po, where it was very common.

Turpip2, Maurine.

Prinia oxvivacea, Strickl. P. supra viridi-olivacea, remigibus

Suscis, olivaceo limbatis, caudd cuneatd, rectricibus duobus inter-

mediis fuscis, lateralibus albis, extis fusco marginatis, extimo toto

albo ; mento corporeque toto inferno albido, pallide flavo lavato.

Rostrum pedesque fuscescentes.

The aspect of this bird is that of a Phylloscopus, but the beak 1s

longer, more depressed at the base, the culmen carinated, the wings

short and rounded, the first quill subspurious, the fourth longest ;

tail much graduated, rectrices narrow; tarsi moderately long, acro-

tarsia scutate, toes slender, the outer longer than the inner. These

characters induce me to class the bird provisionally in the genus

Prinia.

Total length 45 inches; beak to gape 6 lines, to front 54 lines,

breadth 2 lines, height 1} line; wing 1? inch; medial rectrices 1 inch

10 lines, external | inch | line; tarsus 73 lines, middle toe 5% lines,

hind ditto 5 lines.

Hab. Fernando Po; June 1842.

Priya icTertca, Strickl. P. supra flavo-olivacea, loris, superciliis,

genis, margine alarum, tibiis, caudeque tectricibus infernis leté

flavis, mento, guild, pectore et abdomine albidis, pallidé isabellino

lavatis, hypochondriis flavo-olivaceis, rostro nigro, pedibus rubris.

This bird appears to belong to the same group as the last, but the

beak is rather more depressed, the tail shorter and less cuneate, and

the tarsi rather longer. In all other respects their structures corre-

spond. ‘They both have short rictal bristles and the nostrils are

large, oblong, and situated in a large membranous depression of the

beak. Possibly they may hereafter form a distinct genus of Malu-

rin@, distinguished chiefly by the depressed form of the beak.

Total length 32 inches; beak to gape 7} lines, to front 6 lines,

breadth 21 lines, height 14 line; wing 1 inch 1] lines; medial rec-

trices 1} inch, external 1 inch; tarsus 95 lines, middle toe 64 lines,

hind ditto 54 lines.

Hab. Fernando Po; June.

Mr. Fraser adds: “ Irides light hazel; note tweet, tweet, tweet, hop-

ping about the topmost branches of a small tree like a wren.” Ina

sketch of this bird by Mr. Fraser the tail is erect, as in Troglodytes.

TuRDINA.

CossypHa poENsis, Strickl. C. corpore supra fuliginoso-fusco,

remigibus fuscis, omnibus (la et 24 exceptis) basin versis rufo-

ferrugineis, sed scapis fuscis ; rectricibus fuscis, tribus externis

utringue albo terminatis (qui color in rectricts extime pogonio

Zoological Society. 127

externo oblique versus basin producitur), corpore toto inferno fer-

rugineo, guld obscuriore. Rostrum atrum, pedes flavescentes.

Seems to be a typical Cossypha, allied to C. reclamator (Vieill.),

with which it agrees in all essential characters. The specimen above

described is a male, and was procured at Clarence, Fernando Po.

Total length 7% inches; beak to gape 10 lines, to front 7 lines,

breadth 4 lines, height 24 lines; wing 4 inches 2 lines; medial rec-

trices 3} inches, external 3 inches 4 lines; tarsus 1 inch, middle toe

and claw | inch, hind ditto 8 lines, lateral toes equal.

Mr. Fraser adds that this bird “ feeds on the ground; when sitting

quiet in a naked bush it is with difficulty to be discovered. Irides

hazel.”

PYcNONOTINE.

ANDROPADUS LATIROSTRIS, Strickl. A. corpore supra olivaceo, re-

migibus fuscis, extis viridi-olivascente, intis albido, marginatis,

rectricibus fusco-brunneis, olivaceo limbatis ; corpore subtis olivas-

cente, lateribus menti, ale tectricibus infernis, et abdomine medio

stramineis. Rostrum corneum, marginibus pallidis, pedes ungues~

que pallescentes. Rostrum depressum, tomiorum dentibus obli-

quis 6 vel 7 utrinque ; illis maville distinctis, mandibule subob-

soletis.

In this species the beak is considerably depressed and formed like

that of a Muscicapa ; the teeth of the upper mandible are distinct and

regular, but disappear about the middle of the beak. The lower

mandible is also furnished with five or six serrations, but very low

and indistinct. The wing is much rounded, the fifth quill being

longest and the rest graduated. ‘The colour and texture of plumage

are much like that of the East Indian Pycnonotus flavirictus, Strick.

(Ann. Nat. Hist., June 1844.)

Total length 6? inches; beak to gape 11 lines, to front 7 lines ;

breadth 4 lines, height 2} lines; wing 31 inches; medial rectrices

3 inches; external 2? inches; tarsus ¢ inch, middle toe and claw 8

lines, hind ditto 6 lines.

The above description is taken from a specimen marked ‘“ female.”

In two other specimens in which the sex is not indicated the dimen-

sions and plumage are the same, but the yellow streak on each side

of the chin is wanting, and the lower mandible wants the serrations,

and exhibits only a small subterminal notch, ‘These are probably

younger individuals.

Hab. Fernando Po; June.

ANDROPADUS GRACILIROSTRIS, Strickl. A. corpore toto supra oli-

vaceo, remigibus primariis fuscis, extis olivascente, intis pallide

ochraceo limbatis, corpore subtis pallide olivaceo-cinerascente,

menio guldque albidis, abdomine medio crissoque pallide flavescen-

tibus, alarum tectricibus infernis pallide ockraceis. Rostrum

pedesque corneo-fusci ; rostrum longiusculum, turdinum, dentibus

maxille duobus, mandibule nullis.

This species differs from the former one in several points of struc-

ture ; the beak is considerably narrower at the base and more slender,

128 Zoological Society.

the upper mandible has only two dentations, with a faint trace of a

third, and the lower mandible exhibits only a slight subterminal

emargination. The wings also differ, being more pointed; the first

quill is subspurious, and the second, third and fourth nearly equal,

the third longest. ‘These two species, however, agree in the struc-

ture of the tail and feet, and in the texture and almost the colour of

the plumage, the rump-feathers being dense, long and downy, as in

the true Pycnonoti. ‘The specimen before me is a male; it exhibits

two or three slender nuchal bristles, like those of Pycnonotus and

Criniger, which are not traceable in A. latirostris.

Total length 7 inches; beak to gape 10 lines, to front 7 lines,

breadth 3 lines, height 24 lines; wing 33 inches; medial rectrices

3 inches 1 line, external 2 inches 11 lines; tarsus 94 lines, middle

toe and claw 9 lines, hind ditto 6 lines.

Hab. Fernando Po; June. ‘‘ Irides white; a pretty songster.”

Muscicaripm, Muscicarina&.

Muscrcara Frasenrt, Strickl. M. capite, dorso alisque fuscis, fer-

rugineo tinctis, remigibus fuscis, primariis extis basin versus ob-

scure ferrugineis, omnibus, 14 et 24 exceptis, pogoniis internis ad

basin pallide rufis, uropygio, caude tectricibus, corporeque toto

inferno rufo-ferrugineis, guld pallidiore, rectricibus fuscis, 6 in-

termediis strictissime, lateralibus large, rufo terminatis, externo

fere omnind rufo. Rostrum latum, nigrum, pedes pallide brunnet.

The rufous colouring of the plumage reminds us of Tchitrea, Less.

(Muscipeta, Auct.), but the beak is much shorter and more trian-

gular than in that genus. [n its general structure and proportions

this bird appears to approach the restricted genus Muscicapa more

closely than any other group. ‘The form of the beak is almost ex-

actly that of the Muscicapa latirostris, Sw., of India, and the legs

are much shorter than is usual in terrestrial birds. Notwithstanding

these characters, Mr. Fraser’s notes state that this bird ‘‘ feeds on the

ground; has the motions and plump appearance of a robin.” He

adds that the irides are hazel, and that it is a beautiful songster.

The beak is strong, depressed, very broad, the sides straight when

viewed from above, and the base furnished with bristles of moderate

length. The first quill is subspurious, 1 inch long; the second is half

an inch shorter than the third; the fourth is the longest. Tarsi

short, acrotarsia and paratarsia entire ; outer toe slightly longer than

the inner one, its first phalanx attached to the middle toe; claws

curved, compressed, sharp; tail rounded. The male and female are

alike, except that in the specimen before me of the female the narrow

rufous tip of the medial rectrices is wanting, and the dimensions are

rather less than in the male.

Total length 73 inches; beak to gape 9 lines, to front 6 lines,

height 24 lines, breadth at gape 6 lines; wing 3 inches 10 lines;

medial rectrices 3 inches, external 3 inches 1 line; tarsus 10 lines,

middle toe and claw 9 lines, hind ditto 7 lines.

Hab. Fernando Po.

I dedicate this species to Mr. Louis Fraser, naturalist to the Niger

Zoological Society. 129

expedition, who succeeded in bringing home many interesting addi-

tions to zoological science, notwithstanding the difficulties and dan-

gers by which he was surrounded.

LAnimpz, LANIIN#.

Tepnropornis ocreatus, Strickl. 7. capite supra genisque fusco-

atris, dorso toto alisque obscure fusco-plumbeis, remigibus rectri-

cibusque fusco-airis, extiis plumbeo limbatis, corpore toto inferno

albo, gutturis pectorisque plumis cinereo strict? marginatis, alarum

tectricibus infernis cinereis albo marginatis. Rostrum pedesque

atri, acrotarsiis integris.

This bird approaches sufficiently near to the Indian genus Tephro-

dornis to be classed with it, the only important structural differences

being that the acrotarsia are entire and that the tail is slightly rounded.

The beak resembles that of 7. Indica (Gray), but is a trifle shorter ;

the nostrils are concealed by incumbent bristly feathers ; the fourth,

fifth and sixth quills are nearly equal, the first three graduated, and

the outer toe longer than the inner.

Total length 6 inches; beak to gape 11 lines, to front 7 lines,

breadth 3 lines, height 24 lines; wing 3 inches 7 lines; medial rec-

trices 3 inches, external 2 inches 8 lines; tarsus 10 lines, middle toe

9 lines, hind ditto 7 lines.

Hub. Fernando Po; June. ‘‘Irides hazel, legs blue.”

Mr. Gould laid upon the table a number of Skins of Animals and

Birds, being part of a large collection which Mr. Gilbert had lately

forwarded to him from Australia. Mr. Gould characterized the fol-

lowing species :—

MAMMALIA.

Macrorus eracitis. M. infra incanescens et saturate fuscus ;

colli lateribus rufescenti-fusco lavatis ; genis, mento et guld ful-

vescente-albis, vellere molli, ad basin cinereo, exinde fusco, dein

albo, apice nigro ; pilis longis nigris crebreé interspersis.

feet in.

Length from tip of nose to the tip of the tail.. 2 6

etait see iccviiet bats o's de aah Rede | eS |

—-~- of tarsi and toes, including nails .... O 5

——— of arm and hand, including nails .... 0 34

——— of face from tip of nose to base of ear.. O 34

BER ieee. cand atte pst had x OS QO 23

Face and all the upper surface of the body grizzled grey and dark

brown, the grizzled appearance produced by each hair being greyish

white near its tip; sides of the neck and the outer side of the limbs

washed with reddish brown; margin of the anterior edge and the

base of the posterior edge of the ear buffy white; line from the

angle of the mouth dark brown; line along the side of the face, chin

and throat buffy white; under surface buffy grey; tail clothed with

short grizzled hairs, similar to the upper surface of the body, and

with a line of black on the upper side at the apex for about one-third

of its length; the fur, which is somewhat soft to the touch, is grey

at the base, then brown, to which succeeds white, the points of the

130 Zoological Society.

hairs being black ; there are also numerous long black hairs dispersed

over the surface of the body ; feet grizzled grey and rufous.

This is a very elegantly formed little animal, and is intermediate

in size between Macropus lunatus and Macropus frenatus.

Hyrsrprymnus ptatyors. H. facie magnopere latd; hdc, corpo-

risque lateribus, fuscescente-cinereis ; dorso rufescenti-fusco ; facie,

partibusque superioribus pilis longis, et flavido-albis inter vellus

crebré adspersis ; corpore inferiore fulvescente-cinereo.

feet in.

Length from tip of the nose to the extremity of the tail.. 1 7

= OF, Bellis sso vancansse tied ntsyatinn Heenan ee Catena A ener Need Oud

——— of tarsi and toes, including nails ...... citable 0 25

—— of arm and hand, including the nails.......... 0 25

——-— of face from tip of nose to base of ear ...-.... aires

—stOl, BAR Nib tsc.4 Gus, ccorthe Sta IR Le oe ae CE oe oe O Of

Face extremely broad, and, with the sides of the body, brownish

grey; back reddish brown; the whole of the face and upper surface

beset with numerous long yellowish white hairs, offering a strong

contrast to the darker colouring of the fur; all the under surface and

limbs buffy grey ; tail brown above, paler beneath.

‘Mor-da,’ aborigines of Western Australia.

The above is the description of a female received from Swan River.

PERAMELES ARENARIA. P. vellere rigido et cinerascente-fusco,

pilis longis nigris intermixto, his fasciam lateralem via distinctam,

notamque instar ephippii ad dorsum medium efficientibus ; auribus

ferrugineis ad basin, in medio saturate fuscis, ad apicem cineras-

cente-fuscis ; corpore inferiore fulvescente-albo.

inches.

Length from tip of nose to extremity of tail .... 144

LO) Birt eR A Ue 5 44

from tip of nose to base of ear ........ 3}

——— of hind-leg, tarsi and toes ............ 24

OP foreales” fie. oe ont wee Het recedes 25

ST grt a Se WEE CDRA ERA Ss ON ok ET 12

The fur is harsh to the touch and of a greyish brown hue, inter-

spersed with numerous long black hairs, which form a broad indi-

stinct band down the flanks, immediately before the hind-legs, and a

kind of saddle-like mark on the centre of the back ; ears rather length-

ened and of three colours—rusty red near the base, then dark brown,

and the apex of a light greyish brown; sides of the muzzle and all

the under surface buffy white; line along the upper surface of the

tail dark brown, the remainder buffy white; outside of the fore-legs

dark brownish grey ; feet and claws buffy white.

Hapatotis toneicaupaTa. HH. superne pallide arenacea, pilis

longis, nigris, ad caput et dorsum cum vellere intermiztis ; rostri

lateribus, et abdomine albis ; caudd pilis brevibus nigris ad basin

indutd, apicem versus nigris et elongatis ; apice extremo albo vel-

lere molli, adpresso et juxta cutem plumbeo.

Zoological Society. 131

inches.

Length from tip of nose to extremity of tail .... 16

NIG c ela ties hx: delet a/8u do Bh ws: 9

——— from tip of nose to base of ear ........ 13

of hind-leg, tarsi and toes ............ 2

EE PONCE ais peices waictnn meme e tp oo eS 12

Rae IS EE geet) whim ace breton ety «wits Pee ee 2 0

All the upper surface and the outside of the limbs pale sandy, in-

terspersed on the head and over the back with numerous fine black

hairs, which, becoming longer on the lower part of the back and ruinp,

give that part a dark or brown hue; ears naked and of a dark brown;

sides of the muzzle, all the under surface and the inner surface of

the limbs white ; tail clothed with short dark brown hairs at the base,

with lengthened black hairs tipped with white on the apical half of

its length, the extreme tip being white; tarsi white; whiskers very

long, fine, and black; the fur is close, very soft, and of a dark slaty

grey at the base, both on the upper and under surface.

This species is considerably smaller than Hapalotis albipes, but has

a much longer tail and longer hind-legs in proportion to the size of

the body.

‘Kor-tung’ and ‘ Goota-was,’ aborigines of Moore’s River, Western

Australia.

PuascoGaLE caLurus. Phasc. cinerea; subtis pedibusque albis,

indistinctissime flavo-tinctis ; caudd corpore longiore, dimidio ba-

sali pilis brevibus, rufis, apicali pilis longis nigris obsitd ; auribus

magnis ad basin pilis flavescentibus obsitis.

inch. lin.

Length from tip of nose to extremity of tail.. 10 6

SL a ee ne oer SRE MY ~

from tip of nose to base of ear...... in

SEITEN LOPE. es ac ians astae eae 0 11

DEIORE dere chile.) dratat ad pte wae nis shat 0 74

This beautiful species was procured in the interior of Western

Australia.

It is nearly allied to P. penicillata, but is of smaller size and has

the tail less bushy; the portion covered with short hair is extended

from the base nearly to the middle of the tail, and is remarkable for

its brilliant rusty-red colour; on the apical half of the tail the hairs

are long, being on an average about half an inch in length; all the

under side is black, very nearly to the root. The fur is soft and

moderately long, and its general colour is ashy grey externally, but

grey next the skin; the under parts of the body are white, tinted

with cream-colour, and this last-mentioned tint is very distinct on

the sides of the body; the eye is encircled by a narrow black line,

and there is a blackish patch in front of the eye. The ears are large

and very sparingly clothed for the most part with very minute dusky

hairs, but at the base, both externally and internally, are some long-

ish yellow hairs.

PuHascoGaLe crassicaunata. Phasc. supra cinerea flavo-tincta ;

132 Zoological Society.

corpore subtis, pedibusque albis ; auribus mediocribus, extern ma-

culd nigrd ornatis ; caudd brevi crassa.

inch. lin.

Length from tip of nose to extremity of tail .. 5 7

a OF tall aiaji is Sats OS ARIS ol Re Ne 2 —L

POL COL oo ne recess. a sieiw, meme te Sees 2 0 55

=—\fASE'ANC LOGS |». aiaiew ncuereyoe aise eee G7

Hab. Western Australia.

This species is about the size of the common mouse, and is not

unlike the Mus sylvaticus in its colouring; above grey with a wash

of yellow, and on the sides of the body distinctly tinted with yellow ;

under parts and feet pure white; tail much swollen, especially in the

middle, and clothed throughout with very minute pale hairs; ears

clothed with pale hairs, but with a largish black spot externally ;

eyes encircied with black hairs ; fur moderately long and soft.

AVES.

JERACIDEA OCCIDENTALIS. Jer. vertice et corpore superiore ferru-

gineo-fuscis ; singulis plumis strigd centrali nigrd angusté notatts ;

caudd fusco multi-fasciatd ; corpore subtis albo plumis lined fuscd

angustd notatis.

Crown of the head, back and scapularies rusty brown, with a nar-

row stripe of black down the centre ; rump deep rusty brown, crossed

by broad bands of dark brown, the tip of each feather buffy white ;

wings very dark brown; the inner webs of the primaries with a series

of large spots, assuming the form of bars, of a deep rusty brown near

the shaft and fading into buffy white on the margin; wing-coverts

tipped with rusty red; spurious wing with a row of rusty red spots

on either side of the shaft; tail dark brown, crossed by numerous

broad irregular bars of rusty red, and tipped with pale buff; ear-

coverts and a stripe running down from the angle of the lower man-

dible dark brown; chin, all the under surface, and a broad band

which nearly encircles the neck, white, with a fine line of dark brown

down the centre; thighs deep rust-red, each feather with a line of

black down the centre and tipped with buffy white; cere very light

greenish flesh-colour; irides wood-brown ; space round the eye pale

yellow, becoming brighter near the eye; base of the upper mandible,

the under mandible and gape, very light horn-colour; tip of the

upper mandible black.

Total length, 16 inches; bill, 14; wing, 124; tail, 73; tarsi, 25.

Hab. Western Australia.

ZEGOTHELES LEUCOGASTER. 4%. guoad colorem AX. Nov. Hollan-

diz consimilis, at grandior, rostro longiore, et abdomine albo.

Head black ; crown, lunar-shaped mark at the back of the head, and

a collar surrounding the neck, black, freckled with grey in the centre

of each feather ; back freckled black and white; wings brown, crossed

by numerous bands of lighter brown, freckled with dark brown ; pri-

maries margined externally with buff, interrupted with blotchings of

dark brown; tail dark brown, crossed by numerous broad irregular

bands of reddish buff, freckled with dark brown; ear-coverts straw-

Zovlogical Society. 135

white ; chin, abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; breast, sides of

the neck, and a narrow collar surrounding the back of the neck,

white, crossed by numerous narrow freckled bars of black; irides

dark brown; upper mandible dark olive-brown, lower white, with a

black tip; legs pale yellow, claws black.

Total length, 94 inches; bill, 1; wing, 52; tail, 5; tarsi, 1.

Hab. Port Essington.

Ma vurvus putcnerrimus. Mal. Mas: vertice, et fascid dorsali

splendidé violaceo-ceruleis ; orbitis et plumis auricularibus ex

erugine ceruleis ; guld indico-ceruled, nigro subtis indistincte

marginatd ; plumis scapularibus castaneis ; loris, nuchd, et dorso

imo holoserico-nigris. Foem.: fusca, subtis pallidior, orbitis ru-

bide fuscis.

Crown of the head and a broad band across the centre of the back

rich glossy violet-blue ; space surrounding the eye and the ear-coverts

verditer-blue ; throat intense indigo-blue, bounded below by an in-

distinct band of black ; lores, collar surrounding the back of the neck,

and the lower part of the back, deep velvety black; scapularies chest-

nut; wings brown; tail dull greenish blue, indistinctly barred with a

darker tint and slightly tipped with white ; abdomen and under tail-

coverts white ; bill and feet black; irides dark brown.

Female dull brown, paler beneath; tail-feathers like those of the

male, but less bright; bill and space round the eye reddish brown.

Remarks.—Very similar in its markings and general contour to

M. Lamberti; it may however be always distinguished from that

species by its larger size and by the deep indigo-blue colour of the

throat and chest, which parts are black in M. Lamberti.

Total length, 5} inches; bill, ;% ; wing, 2; tail, 31; tarsi, 13.

Hab. Western Australia.

Pacuyceruara Giipertit. Pach. Mas: colore saturate olivaceo-

fusco; capite plumbeo; loris nigris; gula ferrugined ; humeris

subtis, abdomine medio, crissoque arenaceis. Fem. differt, loris

non nigris, neque guld ferrugined.

The plumage dark greyish olive-brown ; the head dark slate-grey,

and the breast of a lighter grey; the lores black; throat rust-red ;

under surface of the shoulder, centre of the abdomen and under tail-

coverts sandy buff; irides light brown; bill and feet black. The

female is similar in colour, but is destitute of the black on the lores

and the red on the throat.

Total length, 62 inches; bill, 44; wing, 32; tail, 33; tarsi, 1.

Hab. Western Australia.

July 9th.— William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

“ Descriptions of a number of new species of Shells belonging to

the genus Cytherea,” by Sylvanus Hanley, Esq.

CyTuerea varians. C. testd ovato-cordatd, inequilaterali, subven-

tricosd, tenuiusculd, albii, maculis et lineis angulatim fleruosis cas-

taneis variegatd, concentric? (et antic presertim) sulcato-striatd ;

lunuld magnd, cordatd, lined impressd circumscriptd, albé, maculd

134 Zoological Society.

castaned aut livido-purpurascente basi ornatd ; pube castaneo venu-

latd ; superficie interna omnind albidd ; margine integro ; cardine

ut in C. leta. Long. 1; lat. 1°45 poll.

Index Test. Sup. t. 15. f. 33.

Hab. Brazil.

Easily distinguished from Jeta and obliquata by its lunule, and

from pellucida (to which in colouring and general contour it approxi-

mates) by its close and irregular groove-like striz.

CyTHEREA OBLIQUATA. C. testd ovato-cordatd (interdum oblongo-

cordatd), tumidd aut ventricosd, solidiusculd, sublevigatd, albidd,

lineis angularibus minutissimis brunneis aspersd ; margine liga-

mentali convexiusculo, subdeclivi; ventrali subarcuato; lunuld

magni, indistinctd, colorum experte ; natibus valde obliquis, candidis ;

ligamento angusto ; extremitate posticd obtusé ; superficie internd

albd aut albido-rosed ; margine integro. Long. 1°75 ; lat. 2°50 poll.

Index ‘Test. Sup. t. 15. f. 24.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming, Hanley, &c.

A species which for a long fame has been confounded with /eta,

whose dentition, lunule and general shape it possesses. It is how-

ever a broader shell, with the beaks still more oblique, and its surface

invariably speckled with minute scattered linear zigzags, which are

more closely congregated near the swollen umbones.

CyTHEREA PLEBEIA. C. testd suborbiculari, subquadratd, valde

inequilaterali, solidd, compressiusculd, squalide albida, fulvo varie-

gata (intus lividd), concentricé et confertissimé sulcata ; margine

ligamentali convexo et subdeclivi ; postico dorsali paululim subre-

tuso et valdé declivi; ventrali arcuato ; umbonibus haud compla-

natis et minimé striis divaricatis instructis ; lunuld lanceolatd,

alba ; margine interno subcrenulato. Long. 1; lat. 1°20 poll.

Index Test. Sup. t. 15. f. 37.

Hab. Catbalonga, Philippines. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

This species is allied to the type of its subgenus, the Circe scripta,

but the compressed umbones of that shell at once distinguish it.

Minute tawny zigzags adorn the whitish ground of the anterior sur-

face, whilst the fulvous hue predominates posteriorly.

CYTHEREA PHILIPPINARUM. C. testa cordatd, inequilaterali, ven-

tricosd, crassiusculd, pallide lividd, radiis et linets angulatim

flexuosis saturatioribus variegatd, concentriceé costellatd ; costellis

convexis, confertis ; interstitiis levigatis ; lunuld brevi, cordiformi,

alba; rimd livido purpurascente ; margine ventrali iniegro, arcuato ;

superficie internd albidd, maculd lividd sub umbonibus notatd.

Long. 0:80; lat. 1 poll.

Index Test. Sup. t. 15. f. 36.

Hab. Philippines. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

Very distinctly characterized by its crowded narrow ribs. The

dentition is that of its subgenus Chione, and the short white lunule,

equally with the narrow ligament, is bordered with livid purple.

CyYTHEREA DIEMENENSIS. C. testd oblongo-cordatd, convexrd, nitidi-

usculd, concentric? et obsolete sulcatd, carneo-fulvd ; radiis angustis

Zoological Society. 135

lunuldque lanceolata, colore tinctis saturatiore ; pube albd, strigis

flexuosis litteratd ; superficie internd albidd, radio fusco-purpureo

obliquo, sub umbonibus ornatd ; margine integro. Long. 0°80 ;

lat. 1°20 poll.

Hab. Van Diemen’s Land. Mus. Metcalfe.

Easily to be distinguished from those allied to it in form by its

internal ray. ‘The hinge is that of the section Chione.

CyruereA cor. C. testd cordato-trigond, intus extusque albd, con-

veaviusculd, undique concentric striata ; striis evilibus, regularibus,

confertissimis ; latere postico majore, subcuneiformi ; margine

ligamentali valde declivi, convexiusculo ; ventrali subarcuato ; nati-

bus acutis; lunuld oblongd, impressd ; margine interno integro.

Long. 0°80; lat. 1 poll.

Index Test. Sup. t. 15. f. 7.

Hab. Africa. Mus. Metcalfe.

Not unlike the Venus variabilis of Sowerby in shape and general

appearance. ‘The epidermis is of that white velvety texture which

we meet with in argentea.

Cyrurerea Hinpsi. C. testd trigond, ventricosd, solidiusculd, le-

vigatd, nitidd, subequilaterali, albidd, brunneo nebulosd, utrinque

obtusd ; latere antico paululim majore ; natibus incurvatis, pallidis ;

lunuld magnd, subinconspicud, omnind pallidd; pube fusco stri-

gatd ; superficie internd albida ; margine integro. Long. 1; lat.

1 poll.

Index Test. Sup. t. 15. f. 35.

Hab. Guayaquil. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

This and the succeeding species belong to the subgenus Trigona,

and are easily distinguished from the Mactroides of Born and Chem-

nitz by the absence of a purple stain upon the umbones.

Sept. 10.— William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

‘Descriptions of six new species of Voluia,”’ by G. B. Sowerby,

Esq. :—

Vo.tuta MAMMILLA, Gray. Vol. testd ovato-oblongd, tenui, lutes-

cente, apice mammillari, obtusissimo, subspirali; anfractibus

duobus, ultimo magno, ovali, maculis lineisque castaneis picto ;

aperturd magnd ; columella plicis tribus.

Shell ovate-oblong, thin, brownish-yellow, with a mammillary,

subspiral, very obtuse apex ; volutions two, the last of which is large,

oval, marked with chestnut-coloured spots and zigzag lines; aper-

ture large ; columella with three folds.

From New Holland; a single specimen, which appears to be only

a very young shell, is in the British Museum. This is a very re-

markable species, forming the link that unites Cymba with Melo, the

apex of this species being subspiral, while in Cymba the apex is

amorphous.

Voxuta pipeRiITa. Vol. testd obovatd, ventricosiusculd, crassius-

culd, pallescente, quinquefasciatd, fasciis posticd mediand et an-

ticd brunneo-puncticulatis, strigisque fuscis irregularibus ornatis ;

136 Zoological Society.

Ffasciis duabus intermediis pallidioribus, strigis nonnullis lividis,

cum strigis fuscis, fasciarum aliernarum continuis ; anfractibus

quinque, tribus primis papillam efformantibus, papilld levi, postice

subgranosd ; ultimo maximo, ovali ; aperturd elongatd, latiori, intus

aurantiacd ; columelld plicis 4, validis, labioque columellari auran-

tiacis.

Shell obovate, rather ventricose and thickish; of a pale colour,

with five bands, the posterior, middle and anterior of which are dotted

with brown, and ornamented with irregular fuscous streaks ; the two

intermediate bands are paler, with livid streaks, which are continuous

with the brown streaks of the alternating bands; volutions five, of

which the first three form the papulary apex, which is smooth, and

slightly granose posteriorly ; the last volution very large, oval ; aper-

ture elongated, rather wide, orange-coloured within ; columella with

four distinct folds, orange-coloured as well as the columellar lip.

A single specimen only is known, which is in Mr. Norris's collec-

tion.

Votuta Norrisu. Vol. iestd ovata, suboblongd, ventricosd, coro-

natd, levi, cinereo-fulvd, maculis parvis niveis aliisque fuscis ad-

spersd, fasciis duabus transversis fuscis, interruptis, hic illic lineis

interruptis, longitudinalibus notatis; spird brevi, apice papillari,

granoso ; anfractibus sex, ultimis duobus spinis brevibus acutis

coronatis ; aperturd magnd, oblongd, intus fusca ; columelld qua-

driplicatd, plicis duabus anticis validioribus.

Shell ovate, rather oblong, ventricose, coronated, greyish brown,

sprinkled with small snow-white and brown specks, with two trans-

verse brown interrupted bands, here and there marked with inter-

rupted longitudinal lines ; spire short, with a papillary granose apex ;

volutions six, the last two crowned with short sharp spines ; aperture

large, oblong, brown within ; columella with four folds, of which the

two anterior are prominent.

Found on the reefs at low water, on Dupuch’s Island, by J. C.

Dring, Esq., R.N. In Mr. Cuming’s collection. Wagner has figured

this species for V. nivosa.

Vouura MecasPrRA. Vol. testd fusiformi, turritd, tenuiusculd,

levi, rufescente-carneolatd, strigis maculisque castaneis notatd ;

spire anfraciibus sex, subelongatis, medio ventricosiusculis, primis

duobus apicem papillarem efformantibus, 3°, 4%, 5° et 6 obtuse

longitudinaliter costatis, ultimo magno, oblongo, antice attenuato ;

apertura oblongd, labio externo subrefiexo ; columella quinquepli-

catd, plicis posticis obtusis, parvis.

Shell fusiform, turrited, rather thin, smooth, of a reddish flesh-

colour, marked with chestnut streaks and blotches ; volutions of the

spire six, rather elongated and ventricose in the middle, the first

two forming the papillary apex, the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th with ob-

tuse longitudinal ribs, the last large, oblong, attenuated anteriorly ;

aperture oblong, outer lip slightly reflected ; columella with five folds,

the posterior of which are small and obtuse.

I have only seen a single specimen, which is in Mr. Cuming’s ex-

Geological Society. 137

traordinary collection; it is probably the same as Kiener’s V. lyri-

formis, but it is not the same as Broderip’s, which is identical with

Swainson’s Mitra lyriformis. Its papillary apex closely resembles

that of V. fulminata.

Voxrura Guitpinert. Vol. testd oblongd, crassd, fulvescente, line-

olis saturatioribus aliisque albis pictd ; spird acumiaatd, apice ob-

tuso; anfractibus 5 ad 6, subventricosis, longitudinaliter costatis,

interstitiis costarum transversim striatis, ultimo magno, leviga-

tiusculo ; aperturd mediocri, labio externo extus incrassato, albi-

cante, intus dente parvo instructo ; columelld plicis quinque ad sex

parvis, anticis duabus validioribus,

Shell oblong, thick, fulvous, marked with little white lines and

others of a darker colour; spire acuminated, with an obtuse apex ;

volutions five to six, rather ventricose, longitudinally ribbed, inter-

stices of the ribs with transverse striz, the last volution large, rather

smooth ; aperture middle-sized, outer lip externally thickened, whitish,

furnished with a small tooth internally; columella with five or six

small folds, of which the two anterior are more prominent.

This is the smallest known species of Volute; it was discovered

at St. Vincent’s by the late Rev. Lansdown Guilding. In Mr. Cu-

ming’s and Mr. Metcalfe’s collections.

Voxura Cyxtirnirormis. Vol. testd parvd, ovatd, crassd, levius-

culd, albicante, maculis parvis flavicantibus sparsim ornatd ; spird

subconicd, anfractibus sex, postice coarctatis, ad suturam gra-

nosis, antice longitudinaliter costatis, ultimo magno, antice trans-

versim striato ; canali parvo, refleco ; aperturd oblongd, labio ex-

terno extus incrassato, margine interno intus dente parvo instructo ;

labio columellari antic ruguloso, dentibus tribus parvulis munito.

Shell small, ovate, thick, rather smooth, whitish, sprinkled with

small yellowish specks; spire somewhat conical, with six volutions,

which are contracted posteriorly, granose at the sutures and longi-

tudinally ribbed anteriorly ; the last volution is large and anteriorly

transversely striated ; canal small, slightly reflected ; aperture oblong,

outer lip externally thickened, its internal edge furnished with a

small tooth ; columellar lip rugulose anteriorly, furnished with three

small teeth.

The only specimen I have seen of this curious little shell is in

the collection of W. Metcalfe, Esq. In general appearance it nearly

resembles a Cyllene.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Dec. 4, 1844.--A paper was read, entitled, ‘‘ Remarks on the

Geology of British Guiana.’ By the Chevalier Robert H. Schom-

burgk.

The geology of the district of British Guiana is chiefly confined to

primitive rocks. At the mouth of the Orinoco is an extensive delta

consisting of blue clay, which, when pierced, gives a supply of water,

and Artesian wells have been sunk here in many places with success.

Below the clay appear the remains of an ancient forest. The allu-

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 13

138 Geological Society.

vial flat is terminated by sand-hills, beyond which occurs granite in-

tersected by numerous greenstone dykes, and then commence the

savannahs, which are traversed by large beds of conglomerate often

containing iron ore, and pierced with lofty porphyritic hills. The

savannahs are supposed to be the bed of an ancient lake. A region

in which much jasper occurs next succeeds, and.then a remarkable

range of granitic mountains ; and the author directed especial atten-

tion to the insulated rocks of grotesque form abounding in the di-

strict. He also remarked on the probability of gold being found in

the river-courses, and on the appearance of the well-known diamond-

matrix of Brazil.

A letter was next read from Mr. Trevelyan, remarking on the oc-

currence of polished and scratched surfaces in the neighbourhood of

Conway, on the ascent of Moel Siabod, from Capel Carig, on Snow-

don, and in other localities in North Wales.

Dec. 18.—A paper was read ‘‘ On the Pipes or Sandgalls in the

Chalk and Chalk-rubble of Norfolk.” By Joshua Trimmer, Esq.

The observations recorded in the present paper were made in chalk

pits near Norwich, and the surface of the chalk was observed to be

furrowed by irregular cavities, or deep cylindrical conical pipes, en-

tering the chalk from the channeled surface. ‘The contents of the

furrows appeared to be fine sand mixed with a light-coloured amber

or yellow ochre, the former often filling up the cavities both here

and elsewhere. The author considers, that although chemical agency

may have assisted in the formation of these cavities and pipes, yet

that it is necessary to admit also mechanical action, and he refers to

several instances of the known effects of rain-water on cliffs, and ex-

cavations of basins in river-beds, in proof of the probability of his

opinion being correct.

Jan. 8, 1845.—The following communications were made :—

A paper by Mr. A. G, Bain “ On the Geology of the South-East-

ern extremity of Africa.”

The principal object of this paper was to describe the district in

which certain remarkable fossils had been obtained by the author and

forwarded to England. ‘The lowest stratified rock in this district is

ared sandstone containing fragments of plants, which seem to re-

semble a common carboniferous species (Lepidodendron Sternberg).

Over this rock, and conformable to it, is a conglomerate of claystene

porphyry containing pebbles, and to it succeeds clayslate. The next

is the fossiliferous rock, and it consists of a disintegrated sandstone

containing argillaceous matter in septarian nodules, the fossils being

found in the nodules.

A notice, by Prof. Owen, of one of the genera of animals (Dicy-

nodon) whose remains were forwarded by Mr. Bain. The most im-

portant character in this genus is the possession of two large tusks

like those of the walrus, but the general structure of the bones indi-

cates distinctly the reptilian character of the animal. The first of

the species described by Prof. Owen was named D. lacerticeps, from

its analogies with the lizards. In this species there is an exhibition

of unusual strength in the bones of the face, but there is no mark of

Botanical Society of London. 139

any other teeth than the two which give the peculiar character to

the animal. Prof. Owen considers that the whole of the anterior

part of the jaws was sheathed with horn in the same manner as the

Chelonians, and this is the more interesting from the other analogies

presented with the Chelonians. It appears indeed throughout, that

this singular animal united the character of the Lacertians, Chelonians

and Crocodilians. The second species described was named D. tes-

tudiniformis, and differed from the former in its greater resemblance to

the Chelonians. A third species, D. strigiceps, is chiefly remarkable

for the singular position of the tusks, placed far back behind the orbit

of the eye. The nearest analogue of this singular genus is the Rhyn-

chosaurus of the new red sandstone of England. An unexpected

point of structure exhibited in these animals is the existence of tusks

like those of mammalia, exhibiting no mark whatever of the pre-

sence of a succession of teeth, which in all other reptiles known

invariably exist. The tusks of the Dicynodon were probably used as

weapons of offence and defence, and the habits of the animal seem to

have been marine.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

Jan. 3, 1845.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair.

Mr. S. Gibson presented a specimen of Scirpus acicularis (Linn.)

with much longer stems than ordinary ; the culms formed a dense

tuft about 14 inches high.

Mr. Fitt presented specimens of an @inanthe commonly considered

CE. pimpinelloides by the botanists of Norfolk. It is the G2. Lache-

nalii (Gmel.) of Babington’s ‘ Manual,’ and the species confused

with or mistaken for the true pimpinelloides by most other English

botanists since the time of Hudson.

Four of the specimens were selected for the Society’s herbarium,

as showing variations from the normal character of the root. Some

of the tubers were branched ; some approximated to those of Smith’s

«« peucedanifolia”’ in being thicker and shorter than ordinary. On

one specimen the external fruits in the umbellules are very slightly

contracted at their base; the ridges being confluent and forming a

ring, much like the callous base of the fruit in the true pimpinelloides.

The specimens were located from salt-ditches near Yarmouth.

The Secretary called the attention of members to a series of spe-

cimens of Dryas octopetala (Linn.), which had been sent to the So-

ciety some years ago by Mr. Tatham from Arncliff Clonder, York-

shire. The sepals or lobes of the calyx varied considerably in length

and breadth ; on one specimen the length was scarcely twice the

breadth, while in another the length was four times the breadth.

The convexity of the base of the calyx also varied much. He re-

minded the meeting that Mr. Babington had described a second spe-

cies of Dryas (D. depressa, Bab.) found in Ireland, and distinguished

from the well-known D. octopetala by exactly the same characters

which these specimens proved to be within the range of variation of

the true D. octopetala. He had not seen any example of the D. de-

140 Miscellaneous.

pressa, described in Babington’s ‘ Manual,’ and could not speak with

certainty about its claims to be held a distinct species ; but the pub-

lished characters by which it was attempted to be distinguished from

the better known species were scarcely sufficient with these examples

before the Society. When a series of specimens of D. octopetala are

examined, it will be seen that the sepals are usually broader in those

which are more advanced in the fruiting stage, as compared with

others just opening into flower. Of the specimens before the Society,

the one having the broadest sepals was advanced in fruit. But it

was proper also to observe, that on this specimen a single sepal was

longer than the rest, and had apparently been white and petal-like

at its extremity; it might therefore be considered an aberration

rather than a healthy variation from the normal form.

MISCELLANEOUS.

NOTES IN NATURAL HISTORY™.

‘T nave been able to make scarcely any remark worthy of notice on

subjects connected with natural history since I left England. One

is of the growth of the ‘‘ Chicorée f,’’ as the shells I send you are

called, at Séchelles : they are found in the grassy weed which grows

on a somewhat muddy bottom, in which they bury themselves almost

entirely during the period in which the shell is tender. I send you

four, with the shells in progressive stages of development, which I

collected and packed with great care, and hope you will receive them

safe.

“In coming from Séchelles hither we touched at Juan de Nova,

where I had an opportunity of seeing for the first time an island of

purely coral formation. It is of a horse-shoe shape, about twenty-

one miles long, and from half to three-quarters of a mile broad, with

extensive reefs around it abounding with turtle. Dogs of different

kinds have been left there from time to time, and finding abundance

of food in the turtle-eggs, young turtle, and sea-fowl, have multi-

plied prodigiously, so that there are now some thousands of them.

I can testify from personal observation that they drink salt water,

and they have entirely lost the faculty of barking. Some of them

which have been in captivity several months had not yet lost their

wild looks and habits, nor had they any inclination for the company

of other dogs, nor did they acquire their voice. You may perhaps

have heard of this before; if so, my notice will confirm your know-

ledge; if not, I hope the facts, as being of my own ocular demon-

stration, will prove interesting. On the island the dogs congregate

in vast packs, and catch sea-birds with as much address as foxes

could display. They dig up the turtle-eggs and frequently quarrel

over their booty. The greater part of them droop their tails like

* Extract from a letter dated Port Louis, Mauritius, Oct. 2nd, 1844, from

G. Clarke, Esq. to Thomas Bell, Esq.

+ Murex saxatilis.

Miscellaneous. 141

wolves, but many carry them curled over their backs. ‘hey appear

to consist of spaniel, terrier, Newfoundland and hound, in various

degrees of mixture, and are of all colours except pure white or

brindled.

«A most tremendous epizootic has visited us, as you have perhaps

seen by the papers. From 10,000 to 12,000 head of bullocks have fallen

victims to it, and not three per cent. of those attacked have escaped,

nor have any preventive or curative measures whatever been found.

It seems to bea kind of catarrhal fever, and is generally fatal in three

or four days. Its ravages were fearfully rapid, herds of 200 or 300

being entirely finished in a single week. This calamity is the more

sorely felt from its occurring just at the beginning of crop, which is

remarkably heavy this year.”

EHRENBERG ’S RESEARCHES ON INFUSORIA.

M. von Humboldt, in a letter to M. Valenciennes (Potsdam, De-

cember 16), gives an account of M. Ehrenberg’s observations on the

Infusoria contained in the sea-water brought by Captain Ross from

various latitudes, and in the atmospheric dust sent to him by Mr.

Darwin (Annals, vol. xiv. p. 169). He adds, ‘‘M. Ehrenberg has

also found that the calcareous Bryozoa, of which ths of the chalk is

composed, descend below the Jura formation, in the United States

as far as the mountain limestone; but the species which occur in

these formations are different from those of the chalk. You also

know that notwithstanding the age of the chalk, half of the calca-

reous Bryozoa of this formation still live in the Baltic or in the

ocean.

«The pumice-stone contained in the trass of the Rhine (of vol-

canic origin) is filled with siliceous Infusoria. It is to be supposed

that the little animals inhabited the pumice-stone fallen into some

fresh-water lake, and that these fragments were afterwards enveloped

in a muddy ejection. As pumice-stone is formed from obsidian,

and as volcanoes are a reaction of that which is in the innermost

part of our planet against its outer crust, we cannot admit the pre-

existence of the siliceous Polygastrica in craters. We must begin by

collecting facts, hypotheses will come afterwards.’’— Comptes Rendus,

Dec. 23, 1844.

Occurrence of the Anoplotherium in the lowest layers of the tertiary

period of the Paris Basin. By M. E. Roserrt.

Amongst the numerous bones of the Lophiodon, crocodile, tortoise,

&c. associated with the stems of Yuccacee@, which I have collected at

different intervals in the central and upper layers of the calcaire gros-

sier of Nanterre and of Passy, I have hitherto only been able to sepa-

rate a jaw-bone of Anoplotherium leporinum; the rarity of such a

fossil might lead us to suppose that the Lophiodons are almost the

only ones which are tu be met with much lower than their congeners,

the Anoplotheriums and Palzotheriums, in the tertiary layers ; how-

ever, beneath the calcaire grossier and in the midst of the plastic

142 Miscellaneous.

clay, the workmen have laid bare at Montalets (commune of Meu-

don) a left thigh-bone, which, from its characters, appears to me to

belong to the most common of the species of Anoplotherium de-

scribed by Cuvier; it differs but a very little from it by being a

little longer in the bone, and will range under the varieties mentioned

by that illustrious paleontologist. The proportions compared to those

of the commonest species are :—

Commonest species Meudon

(Cuvier). species.

Length between the head and the inner condylus... 0,36 0,40

Breadth between the head and the great trochanter 0,12 0,118

Breadth from one condylus to the other ............ 0,10 0,085

Great'diameteriofithte Mead st--cercseeccs sence cert eee eens 0,047 0,053

Diameter of the bone at its mean part .........00... 0,053 0,053

This bone, the largest and best-preserved perhaps which has been

found in the inferior layers of our tertiary system, is of a dark brown

externally as well as throughout its compact substance; but the

spongy tissue is incrusted with iron pyrites ornamented with the

richest colours ; the tissue is moreover penetrated with very small

crystals of sulphate of lime, which mineral incrusted all the bone

with lenticular crystals, even disputing the place with some impres-

sions of carbonized plants. It will perhaps also be interesting to

learn, that in the neighbourhood of its site and a little above it, in the

midst of a grayish clay abounding in seeds of Chara transformed into

hydrate of iron, a large number of nodules of amber were gathered,

as pure and transparent, but more fragile than that found on the

coasts of the Baltic.—Comptes Rendus, Dec. 23, 1844.

Description of a new species of Australian Bird. By J. Goutp.

Popicers Austrais. P. quoad colorem, P. cristato consimilis, at

cristé collari in medio latiis et saturatiiis castaned, et ad apicem

latius nigrd.

Crown of the head and occipital tufts black ; frill black at the outer

edge and chestnut in the centre, gradually passing into buffy white

on the face; upper surface and wings dark brown; scapularies and

secondaries pure white; all the under surface silvery white, stained

with brown and chestnut on the flanks; irides red; bill dark horn-

colour; upper surface of the tarsi and toes dark olive-green; under

surface pale yellow.

Total length, 24 inches; bill, 22; wing, 73; tarsi, 21.

Hab. Australia and Van Diemen’s Land.

Remark.—Nearly allied to P. cristatus, but differs in being some-

what larger in size, and in having the frill fuller and of a blacker hue

than in that species.—Proc. Zool. Soc. August 13, 1844.

BrIBLioGRAPHICAL NOTICE.

We are informed that Mr. King is preparing for publication a

portion of his Lectures on Geology. The subjects treated of may be

gathered from the following headings :—

A popular view of the production of coal from vegetable matter.

Meteorological Observations. 143

On the origin of the North of England coal-field.

On the cause of the crystalline structure of the magnesian lime-

stone of Sunderland.

On the various systems which have been adopted in classifying the

Animal Kingdom. ‘The principles of the Chronogenic classification as

applied by the lecturer to the Tetrabranchiate Cephalopods*, Reptiles

and Mammals in 1841.

An outline of the Comparative Histology of Plants. On the vege-

tation of the various geological periods.

An outline of the science of Conchology. On the Testaceous

Mollusks of the various geological periods. The Tetrabranchiate

Cey halopodous type traced throughout its principal generic modifi-

cations.

An attempt to graduate the principal reptilian and mammalian

groups of the various geological periods into existing forms according

to the principles of the chronogenic classification.

The work will be illustrated with numerous diagrams and figures ;

and it is intended to publish it by subscription.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR DEC. 1844.

Chiswick.— December 1—3. Overcast. 4. Cloudy and cold: sharp frost.

5. Frosty: severe frost at night. 6. Frosty and foggy: severe frost. 7. Hazy:

slight frost. 8. Dry and frosty: sleet. 9. Overcast. 10. Cold and dry. 11.

Dusky haze: clearand frosty. 12. Foggy: overcast. 13. Thick haze : overcast.

14. Hazy: densely overcast. 15. Slight thaw: foggy. 16. Foggy. 17. Dense

fog. 18. Foggy: fine atnight. 19. Drizzly: boisterous. 20. Overcast: clear

and cold: boisterous, 21, 22. Cold and dry: overcast. 23. Overcast. 24. Haz

and cold. 25. Overcast. 26,27. Densefog. 28. Fine: overcast. 29. Drizzly:

rain, 30, Foggy. Sl. Hazy.— Mean temperature of the month 6°*8 below the

average.

Boston.— Dec. 1. Cloudy. 2. Cloudy: very dark day. 3. Cloudy: rain

early a.m. 4. Cloudy. 5,6. Fine. 7. Cloudy. 8, Fine: snowr.m. 9—16.

Cloudy. 17. Foggy: rain early a.m. 18. Rain: rainr.m. 19. Cloudy. 20—

22, Fine. 23—25. Cloudy. 26—30. Foggy. 31. Foggy: rain early a.m.

Sandwick Manse, Orkney.— Dec. 1. Bright: cloudy. 2. Cloudy: drops. 3.

Cloudy. 4. Bright: clear. 5. Bright: cloudy. 6. Bright: frost: cloudy: frost.

7, 8. Bright: frost: hazy. 9. Showers. 10, 11. Showers: sleet. 12. Cloudy:

showers. 13—15. Snow-showers. 16, 17. Showers. 18. Showers: clear: frost.

19. Clear: frost: clear: showers. 20. Bright: clear: frost. 21. Clear: frost.

22. Frost: clear: thaw. 23. Cloudy: thaw. 24. Cloudy. 25. Cloudy : showers.

26. Cloudy: frost: cloudy. 27. Cloudy: frost: clear. 28. Cloudy: damp.

29, Fog: damp. 30. Bright: cloudy. 31. Showers: cloudy.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire— Dec. 1. Fair, but cloudy. 2, 3. Fair and

mild. 4—11. Frost. 12. Frost: slight fall of snow. 12. Frost. 14, 15. Frost:

cloudy. 16. Frost: very slight. 17. Nofrost. 18. No frost: rain. 19—21,

Frost. 22, Frost: very mild. 23—26. Frost. 27. Frost: mild and fine. 28,

Frosta.m.:raine.m. 29. Thick fog. 30, Frost: shower p.m. 31. Frost: fog.

Mean temperature of the month ..........ssseeeee.ee 33°°8

Mean temperature of Dec. 1843 —.......esceseeeees 46 °4

Highest temperature 27th day ............seseeeees 43 °5

Lowest temperature 20th day .......... sseeeeee Se eceu COU

Mean temperature of spring-water ...........0.ss00s 43 °6

Mean temperature of ditto Dec. 1843 ... 46 +1

* Vide Annals of Nat. Hist. Oct. 1844.

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THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 97. MARCH 1845.

XX.—Miscellanea Zoologica. By Grorce Jounston, M.D.,

Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

{ With a Plate. ]

British NEREIDES.

SyLuis, Savigny.

Cuar. Body linear-elongate, slender: head small, lobed more or

less in front: eyes four: antenne three, cranial, filiform, submo-

niliform, similar to the tentacular cirri, of which there are two

pairs: proboscis divided into two distinct portions, the aperture

plain, edentulous: segments numerous: feet undivided, armed

with jointed bristles ; the superior cirrus elongate, submoniliform,

the inferior short, unjointed: ¢ai/ with two moniliform styles:

branchi@ none.

1. S. armillaris ; pale yellowish-brown, unspotted ; head deeply

lobed in front, the lobes papillary; superior cirm four times

longer than the breadth of the body, submoniliform. (Plate IX.

figs. 1, 2, 2h.)

Nereis armillaris, Mill. Wurm. 150. tab. 9. fig. 1\—5, copied in

_ Encyclop. Méthod, pl. 55. fig. 13—17. Bosc, Vers, i. 168.

Turt. Gmel. iv. 86.

Hab. Among shells and stones in deep water. Berwick Bay.

Desc. Animal of a pale yellowish-brown colour, dusked in

some places from the earthy contents of the testine, very slender,

linear-elongate, tapered at the tail, somewhat compressed. Head

distinct, small, deeply lobed in front ; the lobes porrect, papillary,

coalescent behind, but separated by a line from the antenniferous

portion, which is rounded and slightly convex: antenne slightly

tapered, submoniliform, the medial originating from the vertex

and rather longer than the lateral: eyes placed in a semicircle,

the posterior pair more approximated than the anterior : proboscis

long, the outer portion shorter than the basal, smooth : post-

occipital segment not larger than the following, with two tentacular

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. M

146 Dr. Johnston on British Nereides.

cirri on each side, the superior longer than the inferior, submo-

niliform : segments very numerous, short, or about as broad as

long ; the foot obtuse, undivided, furnished with a single fascicle

of colourless bristles, which are joited and curved near the

pointed apex ; the spine conical, straight : superior cirrus at least

three times the breadth of the body m length, becoming gra-

dually shorter near the tail, shghtly tapered, submoniliform : in-

ferior cirrus not projecting much beyond the foot, conical, undi-

vided : styles of the tail elongate.

Length 2 inches ; breadth about a line.

This worm is not uncommon. The specimen figured was found

among some shells and stones which had been brought up from

deep water by the lines of the fishermen. It may be compared,

so far as external appearance goes, with the subterranean Geo-

philus: its motion is moderately quick and effected in the usual

way.

Po the Scyllis monilaris of Savigny this species is evidently

nearly allied, and indeed I find no characters to distinguish it

excepting the deeply-lobed front, and the greater comparative

elongation of the superior cirri, which, in the figure of S. monilaris

given by Audouin and Edwards (Hist. Nat. du Litt. de la France,

il. pl. 4B. fig. 1 —5), scarcely exceed the breadth of the body. By

the same characters S. armillaris is separated from the S. fulgu-

rans. I have no opportunity of comparing ours with figures of

any of the other species of the genus indicated by Audoum and

Edwards. Miiller’s figures of this species are very good.

Any one acquainted with Annelides will at once be led, from

their great development and form, to conjecture that the frontal

lobes of this worm are analogous to the exterior antennz of the

Nereis ; and it may be considered as giving support to the opiion

of Blainville, who had come to this conclusion from the exami-

nation of species in which their development is much less re-

markable, and where there was little coincidence in their figure.

Prats IX. fig. 1. Syllis armillaris, natural size. Fig. 2. The same mag-

nified. Fig. 2 4. The head more highly magnified.

2. S. prolifera; yellowish-brown, unspotted ; head semicircular

in front, entire ; superior cirri scarcely twice the breadth of the

body, very obscurely jointed, not moniliform. (Plate IX. figs.3, 4.)

Nereis prolifera, Mill. Zool. Dan. tab. 52. fig. 5—9, copied in

Encyclop. Méth. Vers, pl. 56. fig. 12—15. Turt. Gmel. iv. 90.

Bosc, Vers, i. 174. Audouin et Edw. in Ann. des Sc. Nat. xxix.

231. note 3; and Hist. du Litt. de la France, ii. p. 209. note 3.

Hab. Amongst corallines in deep water. Berwick Bay.

Desc. Body rather more than half an inch in length, scolo-

pendriform, roundish, of a yellowish-brown colour: kead small,

Dr. Johnston on British Nereides. 147

distinct, rounded and entire in front, with four eyes placed in a

square, the anterior pair more widely set than the posterior :

antenne three, elongate, filiform, clothed with minute cilia, un-

jointed: proboscis apparently without teeth or other armature :

segments numerous, narrow, incised at their junctions ; the post-

occipital with a pair of tentacular cirri on each side, one-half the

length of the antennz ; the cirrus of the followmg segment elon-

gate, antenniform : feet uniramous, short, entire, armed with a

single fascicle of retractile simple unjointed bristles ; the superior

cirrus longer than the breadth of the segments, obscurely marked

with a few transverse lines or wrinkles, but not in any degree

moniliform ; the inferior cirrus small, and not projecting much

beyond the foot: tail tapered, tipped with a pair of styles.

This little worm always kept its antennze twisted up in a spiral

manner, so that it was not easy to get a distinct view of their

number and location: they differ remarkably from those of the

preceding species in their greater development ; and it was easy to

see, with a magnifier of no high powers, that they were clothed

throughout with fine cilia.

Prate IX, fig. 3. Syllis prolifera of the natural size. Fig.4. The same

magnified ; 4, the head and anterior segments ; 45, the middle segments ;

4 t, the posterior extremity and styles.

Grycera, Savigny.

Cuar. Body lumbriciform, attenuated at both ends, the rings

numerous, narrow: head conical, bulged at the base, prolonged

into a sort of annulated horn with four minute equal antenne on

the apex: tentacular cirri none: mouth inferior; the proboscis

very large, clavate, two-jointed ; the terminal jomt smooth, the

basal jot elongate, villose with minute papille: feet uniform,

obsoletely biramous, setigerous, with a short superior and infe-

rior cirrus, and sometimes branchial papillary processes : tail with

a pair of short styles.

In all the Nereides which we have hitherto described, the head

is to be readily distinguished by its enlarged form and its dissi-

milarity from the first segment; but in the Glycera there is no

marked line of separation between these parts. The head has the

appearance of a small pointed horn, and is indeed so like the an-

terior end of the earth-worm, that we cannot but perceive, in this

sameness of character, a certain approximation to a junction be-

tween the families to which the Glycera and earth-worm respec-

tively belong. Yet though this is unquestionable, still the Gly-

cera is not the nearest connecting link, for there are other Anne-

lides errantes which partake more of the habits and character of

the Terricola.

1. G. alba; body most attenuated anteriorly ; jaws four ; supe-

148 Dr. Johnston on British Nereides.

rior ramus of the foot pointed on the dorsal aspect, rather longer

than the cirrus ; branchie none. (Plate IX. fig. 1—9.)

Nereis alba, Miill. Zool. Dan. Prod. 217. Zool. Dan. tab. 62. figs. 6,

7. Aud.et Hdw. Litt. ii. 243. Turt. Gmel. iv. 89. Bosc, Vers,

1172.

Hab. \n sandy places between tide-marks under stones. Berwick

Bay, not uncommon.

Desc. Body vermiform, round, or rather somewhat flattened on

the ventral surface, Vers anteriorly to a sharp point, less ta-

pered at the tail, 21 inches long, smooth, indistinctly annular, of

a yellowish-white colour, stained with the contents of the intes-

tine, and marked with a red vessel down the back. Head cor-

nuted, the apex surmounted with four minute antenne only visible

with a magnifier. Proboscis very large, faimtly striate in a lon-

gitudinal direction ; the teeth brownish-black, corneous, falcate,

divided into three processes at the base, inserted into a sort of

tubercle forming a square round the plain oral aperture. Seg-

ments very narrow, equal and numerous. Feet papillary, obscurely

biramous, obtuse, pointed above at the outer angle; the carrz

short, the inferior almost obsolete: bristles colourless, jomted near

the apex; the spines straight, setaceous, pellucid. Anal segment

rounded, apodal, termmated with two mmute styles, which are

frequently cast off in the animal’s struggles.

Glycera alba lives under stones, sometimes buried in the gravel

or sand, but the worm never penetrates far below the surface. Its

motions in the water and in the sand are slow, but when irritated

the contortions of the body are violent, and it very often twists

itself so as to form a short spiral column, as we have attempted

to show in the first of our illustrative figures.

Savigny considers his G. wnicornis to be identical with the Nerezs

alba of Miller. It is more probable, however, that the British

species is the same as the Norwegian; the more especially as

there is nothing in the description to create any doubts of their

identity. The G. unicornis is remarkable for its want of jaws,

affording a striking proof that organs of vast importance in the

higher classes are here only of secondary consequence, and do

not even afford a good generical character.

Puate IX. fig. 1. Glycera alba, natural size, and in a favourite position.

Fig. 2. The same, with the proboscis protruded. Fig. 3. The head mag-

nified. Fig. 4. A view of the proboscis fully extruded. Fig. 5. The apex

of the proboscis viewed in front to show the jaws. Fig. 6. Three views of a

jaw detached and magnified. Fig. 7. A side-view of a foot from near the

middle of the body slightly compressed. Fig. 8. A view of two feet from

above. Fig. 9. A bristle highly magnified. ‘Fig. 10. The tail magnified.

[To be continued. |

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidice. 149

XXI.—On the British Desmidier. By Joun Raurs, Esq.,

M.R.C.S., Penzance*.

{ With a Plate.)

SraurastRuM, Meyen.

Fronds simple, constricted in the middle; end view angular, or

circular with the margin lobato-radiate, or in a few instances

compressed with a process or mucro at each extremity.

Fronds minute, simple, more or less constricted in the middle,

so as to form two segments, which are often somewhat twisted,

generally broader than long, and in most of the species elongated

laterally into a process, so that the constriction on each side is a

roundish or angular sinus ; in other respects the front view shows

the segments quite entire.

The end view varies in form; in most of the species it is tri-

angular or quadrangular, and the angles are either rounded or

elongated into rays; in a few it is circular, with five or more pro-

cesses forming marginal rays; and in three species it is compressed,

and the extremities terminate in either a process or a mucro.

Ehrenberg in his great work has distributed the plants which

I shall describe here among different genera, according to the

number of angles or processes seen in an end view. Thus he

refers those with three angles to Desmidium, and those with four

to Staurastrum. He formed his genus Pentasterias for the recep-

tion of a plant with five rays, and placed one with two processes

in his new genus Arthrodesmus. But this arrangement appears

unnatural, not only because it separates nearly allied forms, but

also because the number of rays are not constant even in the

same species, as Meneghini remarks; whilst Professor Bailey says,

when describing an American species, “ The number of arms is

usually three, but 1 have met with specimens in which one cor-

puscle had ¢hree and the other four arms, others in which both

had four, and others again in which doth had five arms ;” I have

myself seen a frond of Staurastrum paradoxum, one segment of

which had four and the other only three rays. 1 have generally

found the Pentasterias margaritifera of Ehrenberg having six rays,

but not unfrequently five, and occasionally indeed even seven rays

to each segment.

In the following description of this genus I have taken as my

guide Meneghini’s ‘ Synopsis Desmidiearum,’ the best work on

this family which I have seen. Besides the species placed in this

genus by Ehrenberg, I have cluded in it his Pentasterias, and

those plants which he has improperly united with Desmidium, and

* Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, May 9, 1844.

150 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiexe.

also a plant which he refers to Arthrodesmus. This last plant 1

was at first inclmed to keep distinct, but am unable to do so, as

one undoubted species (S. ¢etracerum) has also compressed fronds ;

whilst another compressed form added by Meneghini (8. Incus)

in its front view so much resembles Staurastrum mucronatum, that

I am not sure it may not be a variety of it.

A little care will distinguish Staurastrum from the other ge-

nera in this family, although some of its species appear at first

sight to approach forms which belong to them. It differs from

Desmidium im never forming a filament; the species with com-

pressed fronds differ from Cosmarium im the front view by having

a process or mucro at each side of the segment. Some species have

a considerable resemblance to species of Xanthidium, but mm Xan-

thidium the spines are always situated on the convex surface of

the segments, whilst in this genus the rays are elongations of

their angles.

I have divided Stawrastrum into four sections.

In the first, the front view is truncate at the ends, and the an-

gles of each segment, prolonged in straight processes, diverge from

each other.

In the second, the front view shows the processes, if any, of the

one segment, either parallel to or converging with those of the

other ; the end view is triangular or quadrangular.

In the third, the front view also shows the processes, if any,

parallel or converging ; but the end view is circular, with five or

more marginal rays or lobes. This section also has the central

circular portion more distinct from the rays and slightly pro-

duced beyond them.

In the fourth, the processes, if present, are in the front view

converging ; but the end view is compressed, and terminated at

each extremity by a process or mucro.

* In the front view the elongated processes of one segment diverge from

those of the other.

1. S. tetracerum. Fronds rough; front view with four slender di-

verging processes which are entire at the apex; end view com-

pressed, with a process at each extremity. Stawrastrum paradoxum,

Ehr. Infus. p. 143. tab. 10. fig. 14; Pritch. Infus. p. 185. figs. 102,

103. Micrasterias tricera and tetracera, Ktz. Synop. Diatom. in

Linnea 1833, p. 602. figs. 83, 84 and 85.

In pools, Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds very minute; front view nearly square; the angles

elongated into straight, slender processes, which diverge from

each other; frequently, however, a segment may be so twisted

that one of its processes is situated behind its companion, and is

not seen until carefully looked for; m this case the frond ap-

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez. 151

pears to have only three processes in a front view, which seems

to have misled Kiitzing, who has made another species of it.

The end view is much compressed, and terminated both ways by

an elongated process. The frond is rough with minute granules,

which form transverse lmes on the processes, and give them a

jointed appearance. The colouring matter is very pale.

Ehrenberg and Meneghini unite the “ Micrasterias tetracera”

of Kiitzing to the “ Staurastrum paradovum,’ Meyen; but the

latter plant has four processes at each end, whilst the present has

only two, which, if I am correct in my view of the following spe-

cies, differ also in their entire extremities.

Prate X. fig. 1. Staurastrum tetracerum: a, front view; 8, end view;

c, side view.

2. S. paradorum, Meyen. Fronds rough; front view with elongated

diverging processes which are minutely trifid at the apex; end

view quadrangular or sometimes triangular. Meyen, Nov. Act.

Leop. Holm. vol. xiv. p. 48. figs. 37, 38; Menegh. Synop. Desmid.

p. 227. Micrasterias Staurastrum, Ktz. l. c. p. 599.

In pools and slow streams, Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds very minute, green, generally much constricted in the

middle, the ends truncate ; each segment has generally four elon-

gated processes diverging from the processes of the other seg-

ment. The end view is sometimes trilateral, but generally qua-

drilateral, and shows the angles elongated into rays ; I have also

seen a specimen in which one segment had four and the other

only three rays. In the front view the frond generally rests on

one of its sides, when each segment appears to have only two

processes, as the other two are covered by them ; sometimes only

one process is thus hidden, and occasionally all four may be seen

at the same time. The processes are elongated, colourless, and

being rough with minute granules arranged in transverse lines

acquire a jointed appearance ; each terminates in three minute

points.

When only two processes are seen at each end in the front

view, this species bears much resemblance to the preceding ; but

its frond is more constricted, larger, of a deeper green, and its

processes are thicker and not entire at the apex.

In the newly-formed segment the processes are merely conical

projections.

Puate X. fig. 2. S. paradorum: a, front view; b, newly-formed seg-

ment; c, end view ; d, end view of new segment; e, front and end views of

three-rayed variety.

3. S. bifidum. Frond smooth ; front view with thick diverging pro-

cesses which are deeply trifid at the apex; end view triradiate.

Desmidium bifidum, Ehr. Infus. p. 141. tab. 10. fig.11.

In boggy pools: rare. Dolgelley and Penzance.

152 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidice.

Fronds minute, smooth, scareely constricted in the middle,

truncate at the ends; each segment has three elongated, straight

processes, which diverge from those of the other segment ; fre-

quently im the front view only four processes are visible, as one of

those at each end is concealed behind another. The end view is

triradiate, the rays hyaline, stout at their base and gradually

tapering. In this view, as the frond is generally twisted, the rays

of the lower segment may be faintly seen between those of the

nearer one. The processes are really deeply trifid at the extre-

mity, though in certain positions they appear bifid, im which case

the diverging points are forked like the tail of a swallow.

This species, even in the front view, may always be known

from the two preceding ones by its smooth and divided processes.

Piate X. fig. 3. S. bifidum: a, front view; 6, frond dividing; c, end

view ; d, newly-formed segment.

** Front view without diverging processes ; end view triangular or

guadrangular.

4. S. orbiculare, Mgh. Fronds smooth; front view suborbicular ;

end view bluntly triangular. Mgh. /. ¢. p. 225. Desmidium orbi-

eulare, Ehr. Infus. p. 141. tab. 10. fig. 9; Pritch. Infus. p. 183.

In pools and slow streams. Weston Bogs near Southampton ;

Rackham Common, Sussex, and Jack’s Wood Spring near Tun-

bridge Wells, Mr. Jenner ; Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds rather large, smooth, deeply constricted m the middle ;

the segments, broader than long, are generally in close approxi-

mation for their entire breadth, and hence by their union form a

suborbicular frond; their sides are rounded and have no processes.

The end view is triangular, with sides straight or slightly concave

and angles rounded.

Staurastrum orbiculare may be recognised by its smooth frond,

angles very blunt and destitute of processes, and the orbicular

form of its front view.

Prats X. fig. 4, S. orbiculare: a, front view; 6, end view; c¢, frond di-

viding. :

5. S. mucronatum. Fronds smooth ; end view three-lobed; lobes in-

flated, blunt, mucronate.

a. In the front view the segments are transversely elliptic, and the

mucro straight.

8. Segments lunate, mucro curved outwards.

y. Mucro curved inwards.

In shallow pools, not uncommon. Weston Bogs near Southamp-

ton; Ashdown Forest, Sussex, Mr. Jenner ; Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds smooth, deeply constricted in the middle ; segments

broader than long, rounded at the sides, which are furnished with

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidice. 153

a mucro. In a. andy. the segments are transversely elliptic, but

in 8. they are lunate. The end view shows three mammillate

lobes or rays, each of which is terminated by a hair-like mucro.

The smooth frond, the peculiar inflated or mammillate form of

the lobes in the end view, and the terminal hair-like points, well

characterize this species.

P.S.—During the past summer I several times observed, scat-

tered amongst various Desmidice, orbicular spinous bodies, the

colouring matter of which formed a dense green mass, which

tested by iodine assumed a dark blue colour, showing its vege-

table nature. On careful examination I found that each of these

bodies was usually accompanied by two empty fronds of Stauras-

trum mucronatum, and was placed between them, though not in

actual contact. Still it appeared so unlike any sporangium I was

acquainted with, that I arrived at the conviction that it was the

reproductive organ of the Staurastrum, only after repeated obser-

vations and tracing the formation from the commencement.

I then transmitted specimens to Mr. Jenner. He also at first

doubted the connexion between the fronds and the spinous body,

but after a minute inspection he confirms my observations in the

followmg words: “I think I can say positively that I have traced

them from the first conjugation to the full-formed spinous body,

and I now feel satisfied that they are the spores or sporangia of

the Staurastrum.”

The difficulty in detecting the connexion between the empty

fronds of the Staurastrum and the sporangium depends upon the

tenuity of the connecting membrane ; the fronds also are gene-

rally at a considerable distance, and soon become detached.

In the conjugated specimens the fronds are always smaller

than usual; I have already noticed a similar fact respecting Tet-

memorus granulatus.

In Staurastrum mucronatum the conjugated fronds are at first

closely connected by the formation of a bag-lke receptacle which

is colourless and very thin, and therefore difficult of detection.

As this enlarges the fronds become more remote from each other,

their segments partially separate at the constriction on the inner

side, the endochrome of both passes out, unites and forms an or-

bicular body between them. In this state it resembles the spo-

rangium formed in some species of Closterium. At first it is in-

closed in an orbicular membrane larger than itself, but as it in-

creases in size and density, fine hairs make their appearance on

the surface and gradually become stout spines, the membrane

lastly disappears and the sporangium acquires its perfect state,

covered with conspicuous acute spines.

In this stage the empty fronds of the Staurastrum seem

scarcely connected with the sporangium ; except that they are on

154 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez.

opposite sides of it, have an opening towards it, accompany it in

its movements, and always retain the same relative position.

The fronds of the Stawrastrum in an end view had sometimes

three and sometimes four rays; i conjugating a four-rayed va-

riety would often unite with one having three rays, and occa-

sionally a frond might be seen having four rays on one segment

and three on the other. These facts are another proof that the

number of rays on a segment cannot constitute a generic di-

stinction in these plants.

It is probable that, under fayourable circumstances, conjugation

takes place in all the Desmidiee. It is not uncommon in various

species of Closterium ; I have seen it in this genus and in Tetme-

morus, and Meneghini mentions its occurrence in Desmidium*.

That the sporangia are not more frequently detected may be

partly owing to their minuteness, but I believe that once formed

they descend to the bottom of the pool and become mixed with

the mud. It is well known that in the Conjugate, when all the

sporangia are formed, the plant smks to the bottom ; and I may

remark in support of the opinion I have advanced, that in a small

pool at Dolgelley after a shower I could not obtain a single spe-

cimen of the Staurastrum in a conjugated state, although the day

before the sporangia were abundant. In a few days the Stauras-

trum was again plentiful, but I no longer met with any conju-

gated specimens, although I frequently sought for them.

Puate X. fig. 5. S. mucronaium: a, front view; 6, end view. Fig. 6.

a, fronds conjugated ; b, endochrome uniting between the fronds in order to

fue the sporangium ; ¢, d and e, different stages of the sporangium; f, per-

ect state.

6. S. muricatum, Breb. Fronds muricated; end view triangular

with convex sides. Mgh. /.c. p. 226. Binatella muricata, Breb.

Alg. Fal. p. 66 (1835). Desmidium apiculosum, Ehr. Infus. p. 142 ;

Pritch. Infus. p. 184.

f. Fronds furnished with numerous short spines. Xanthidium del-

toideum, Corda, Obsery. Microscopiques sur les Animalcules de

Carlsbad, p. 29. pl. 5. figs. 38, 39.

In small pools. Cheshunt, Mr. Hassall; Weston Bogs, Hants ;

Rackham Common near Pulborough ; Piltdown Common near Uck-

field; Mayfield and Heathfield, Sussex, Mr. Jenner; Dolgelley and

Penzance.

B. Sussex, Mr. Jenner ; Dolgelley.

Fronds deeply constricted in the middle; segments broader

than long, transversely elliptic, but frequently both are in close

apposition for their entire breadth, and by their union form a

* Speaking of the joints he says, ““demum Diatomatum more secedant,

hasque simul e latere copulare in speciebus nonnullis detexit cl. Brébisson.”

—Menegh. 1. c. p. 2038.

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez. 155

suborbicular frond ; the sides are rounded and have no processes.

The end view is bluntly triangular, with convex sides and rounded

angles. In both views the frond is copiously furnished with

scattered apiculi ; when it is young these are merely rough points,

but in the mature plant they resemble short hairs or bristles.

The former state may be mistaken for Stawrastrum tricorne by

those not familiar with that plant, but the convex sides in the

end view distinguish S. muricatum at all stages of its growth.

In this and the two preceding species, as the segments are not

much twisted, the angles only of the adjacent segment are seen

in the end view ; they also agree in having rounded angles which

are not prolonged into processes in either view.

At Dolgelley I once gathered the conjugated state of this spe-

cies before the sporangium was formed.

Puate XI. fig. 1. S. muricatum: a, front view; b, end view; c¢, fronds

conjugated ; d, empty frond; e, front and end view of variety,

7. S. tricorne, Mgh. Fronds rough ; end view triangular with con-

cave sides and blunt entire angles. Menegh. l.c. p.225. Bina-

tella tricornis, Breb. Alg. Fal. p.57 (1835). Desmidium hexaceros,

Ebr. Infus. p. 141. tab. 10. fig. 10; Pritch. Infus. p. 184. fig. 99.

In shallow pools. Weston Bogs, Hants; Rusthall Common near

Tunbridge Wells ; Piltdown Common near Uckfield; Rackham Com-

mon near Pulborough ; Ashdown Forest and Mayfield, Sussex, Mr.

Jenner ; Barmouth, Rev. T. Salwey; Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds rough with minute granules, deeply constricted in the

middle, the constriction forming a rounded sinus on each side ;

segments obtuse at the sides, about twice as broad as long, trans-

versely oblong. The segments are twisted, and in the front view

one of them appears shorter and thicker at one of its sides in

consequence of the blending together of two of the angles. The

end view is triangular, with concave sides and very obtuse entire

angles.

The conic granules, arranged in transverse lines at the angles,

are generally very minute, but in some Sussex specimens gathered

by Mr. Jenner they are large, and on the margin produce a den-

tate appearance.

Staurastrum tricorne connects the three preceding with the two

following species. It agrees with the former in having rounded

entire angles, but in other respects more nearly approaches the

latter. It may be known from all states of S. muricatum by the

rounded sinuses of its front view.

Prate XI. fig. 2. S. tricorne: a, front view ; b, end view; c, empty seg-

ment,

8. S. gracile. Fronds rough; segments in the front view elongated

on each side into a slender process, which is terminated by three

156 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidice.

minute points ; end view triradiate. Huastrum, No.13, Bailey in

American Bacillaria, pl. 1. fig. 2—5.

Boggy pools, Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds rough with minute granules, deeply constricted in the

middle ; segments two or three times longer than broad, and taper-

ing on each side into a slender, straight and colourless process,

which is terminated apparently by three minute pomts: Mr. Jenner,

however, informed me that the processes really terminate in four

points, although this can only be ascertained when a process is so

situated as to present its extremity to the observer. On the pro-

cesses the granules are more conspicuous and arranged in trans-

verse lines. The end view is triradiate, and the colouring matter

is confined to the centre, and forms three rays which often appear

bifid.

Staurastrum gracile differs from S. tricorne in its slender pro-

cesses, minutely trifid at the apex. The end view somewhat re-

sembles that of S. paradoxum, but this species is easily distin-

guished by the parallel processes of its front view.

Prate XI. fig. 3, S. gracile: a, front view; 6, end view; c, empty seg-

ment.

9. S. aculeatum, Mgh. Fronds spinulose; segments in the front

view with a process on each side, terminated by three minute

spines ; end view triradiate. Mgh. /. c. p. 226. Desmidium acu-

leatum, Ehr. Infus. p. 142. tab. 10. fig. 12; Pritch. Infus. p. 184.

$. End view quadrangular, with four distorted rays.

In pools and slow streams. Cross-in-Hand, Sussex, Mr. Jenner ;

Dolgelley.

6. Woking Common, Surrey, and Piltdown Common, Sussex, Mr.

Jenner ; Penzance.

Fronds spinulose, much constricted in the middle; segments

broader than long, and having at each side a hyaline process

which is terminated by three minute spines and frequently dis-

torted. The end view is triradiate.

The acute, conic spines, scattered over the surface, sufficiently

mark the present species.

Prater XI. fig. 4. S. aculeatum: a, front view; b, frond dividing; c, end

view ; d, end view of four-rayed variety ; e, empty frond.

10. S. dilatatum, Ehr. Fronds rough; end view with four short,

broad, truncate and entire rays. Ehr. Infus. p. 143. tab. 10. fig. 18;

Pritch. Infus. p. 185. figs. 100 and 101; Menegh. J. c. p. 227.

In pools amongst aquatic plants. Rusthall Common near Tun-

bridge Wells, and Rackham Common near Pulborough, Sussex, Mr.

Jenner ; Dolgeliey.

Fronds very minute, rough, with minute granules, deeply con-

stricted in the middle, the sinuses rounded ; segments trans-

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez. 157

versely oblong, twice as broad as long, obtuse at the sides and

not elongated into processes. In the end view, which is qua-

drangular, the sides are concave, and the angles form short, very

broad, truncate rays, on which the granules are arranged in

transverse lines.

All the specimens of S. dilatatum which I have examined have

agreed with the above description, but Meneghini describes the

end view as showing from three to five rays. The broad, trun-

eate and entire rays of this plant will always distinguish both its

three-rayed state from all the preceding species and its five-rayed

variety from S. margaritaceum.

Prate XI. fig. 5. S. dilatatum: a, front view; 6, end view ; c, empty

frond.

*** Front view without diverging processes ; end view circular, with

Jive or more marginal rays or lobes.

11. S. Arachne. Fronds rough; segments suborbicular with elon-

gated, slender, incurved processes; end view with five slender

rays.

Boggy pool near Dolgelley: very rare.

Fronds minute, deeply constricted in the middle; segments

about as long as broad, having on each side an elongated process

which is hyaline and incurved, and appears as if transversely

striated on account of the minute granules. When the frond is

viewed obliquely, so that three or four of the long curved pro-

cesses are seen at the same time, its resemblance to an insect is

considerable. The end view is circular with five slender rays.

This plant is remarkable for its slender processes, which will

easily distinguish it from S.margaritaceum. It cannot be a five-

rayed variety of S. gracile, for the rays are longer, more slender,

remarkably incurved, and also entire at the extremity.

Prate XI. fig. 6. S. Arachne: a, front view; 6, end view.

12. S. margaritaceum, Mgh. Fronds rough; front view with short,

lateral, converging processes which are entire at the apex; end

view with five or more narrow, short, obtuse rays. Meh. J. c.

p- 227. Pentasterias margaritacea, Ehr. Infus. p. 144. tab. 10,

fig. 15 (1838); Pritch. Infus. p. 185. fig. 104.

a. Rays five.

B. Rays six.

y. Rays seven.”

In peat pools near Dolgelley, J. R.; Ashdown Forest, Sussex,

Mr. Jenner.

Fronds rough with minute granules; in the front view the

segments are convex at the ends and slightly attenuated where

they are connected, and on each side is a short, linear, obtuse and

158 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidie.

entire process which is gencrally somewhat incurved. The end

view is elevated in the centre, and has from five to seven short,

narrow, obtuse marginal rays.

In the front view this species differs from all the preceding by

its segments being of a subglobose form and attenuated at their

junction, and by the short, lear, obtuse, lateral processes which

also appear more distinct from the body of the segment ; its end

view may be distinguished from that of their many-rayed varie-

ties by the elevation of the centre, and the short, narrow, entire

rays.

Prate XI. fig. 7. S. margaritaceum: a, front view ; 6, end view.

13. S. Jenneri. Segments in the front view with a toothed angle at

each side ; end view circular, with five or six broad, short, toothed

~ lobes or processes.

Mayfield, Sussex, Mr. Jenner.

Fronds large, rough, with conic granules which give a den-

tate appearance to the outline ; segments about as broad as long,

produced into a toothed angle on each side, where also a trian-

gular sus is formed between the angles. The end view is cir-

cular and elevated in the centre, and has five or six broad, short,

toothed marginal lobes. The transverse view has a large central

opening surrounded by a row of large granules.

Prate XI. fig. 8. S. Jenneri: a, front view; b, end view; c, transverse

view of empty frond.

**4* Wront view without diverging processes ; end view compressed,

and having « process or mucro at each extremity.

14. S. convergens, Mgh. Fronds smooth ; in the front view the seg-

ments are elongated at each side into a conic spine which is curved

inwards ; end view compressed with a spine at each extremity.

Mgh. /. c. p. 228. Arthrodesmus convergens, Ehr. Infus. p. 152.

tab. 10. fig. 18; Pritch. Infus. p. 190. figs. 112 and 113. Eu-

astrum, Bailey, American Bacil. pl. 1. fig. 11.

In pools. Brambletye near East Grimstead, and Rackham Com-

mon near Pulborough, Sussex, and Rusthall Common near Tunbridge

Wells, Mr. Jenner; Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds smooth, deeply constricted mm the middle; segments

broader than long ; their spine-like processes, by curving wards,

converge towards each other on the same side.

This plant was placed by Ehrenberg in Arthrodesmus (Scene-

desmus) ; but it has no affinity with the true species of that genus.

Prats XII. fig. 1. S. convergens: a, front view; b, end view.

15. S. Incus, Mgh. Fronds smooth; in the front view the segments

are lunate and have a mucro at each angle; end view elliptic, with

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez. 159

a mucro at each extremity. Mgh. J. c. p. 228. Huastrum, Bailey,

Amer. Bacil. pl. 1. fig. 12?

Shallow pools. Weston Bogs near Southampton ; Rackham Com-

mon near Pulborough, Sussex, Mr. Jenner ; Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds very minute, smooth, deeply constricted in the middle ;

segments externally lunate, about twice as broad as long, their

angles with a mucro which is generally curved outwards. The

end view is elliptic with a mucro at each extremity.

The front view of this species bears a considerable resemblance

to that of Staurastrum mucronatum, but the end view is very

different.

Puate XII. fig. 2. S. Incus: a, front view; b, frond dividing; c, end

view.

16. S.? octocorne. Fronds smooth, compressed ; segments broader

than long, with four angles, each terminating in aspine ; end view

subelliptic, with a spine at each extremity. Arthrodesmus octo-

cornis, Ehr. Infus. p. 152.

Boggy pools near Dolgelley : rare.

Fronds minute, deeply constricted in the middle ; segments

broader than long, having four angles, each of them terminated

by a slender spine, the intervals between them concave. The

spines diverge from each other. Endochrome pale.

The newly-formed segments at first have only two spines, and

in this state somewhat resemble those of Staurastrum Incus, of

which indeed this plant may eventually prove a variety. But S.

Incus has only two spines on each segment, and its end is not

concave but truncate.

Meneghini refers the Arthrodesmus octocornis, Ehr., to Micras-

terias ; but if the plant above described be identical with Ehren-

berg’s, of which I have little doubt, it cannot be placed in a ge-

nus distinguished by its deeply lobed and incised fronds, and I

therefore presume the Micrasterias octocornis, Mgh., must be a

different plant from the Arthrodesmus octocornis of Ehrenberg*.

The characters of Stauwrastrum are not strictly applicable, but

I have placed this plant in that genus because it cannot be sepa-

rated from S. Jncus. Further examination has indeed led me to

doubt whether the two preceding and allied species do not equally

require removal, but as their description is already in the press,

I must here content myself by stating the change in my views

respecting them.

* “ Arthrodesmus octocornis. Corpusculis viridibus, leviter compressis qua-

drangulis binis singulis quadricornubus,” Ehr.

“ Micrasterias octocornis, cellulis inciso-radiatis, radiis quatuor, attenuatis,

acutis, divergentibus ; e latere elongato-ellipticis, medio compressis, super-

ficie levi.” —Mgh. /. e. p. 216.

160 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez.

In all three species the frond is compressed, and the acute

subulate spmes seem more like those present in some species of

Xanthidium than the processes which terminate the angles in

Staurastrum. They may therefore form a section of Xanthidium,

or what is perhaps better, a distinct genus, for which Ehrenberg’s

name Arthrodesmus should be retained.

_ Prater XII. fig. 3. S. oetocorne: a, front view; b, frond dividing ; ¢, end

view.

Analysis.

Front view with straight, diverging processes ......... 2

Front view with the processes, if any, parallel or con-

VOF PUP cnc. csc or cues neue ite dank vadsaesduactansuamessueceenye 4

Processes smooth, deeply divided at the apex ......... bifidum.

Processes rough with minute granules, entire or ter-

minated by three minute pOints.......ccceeseeceeeeees 3

End view compressed and having an entire process at

3 EACH. OXUPCINILY.: -sas.n-ncanaacossesses Aa Pee ce tetracerum.

"| End view with three or four rays, each terminated by

three minute points............0+5 BEE asee ee ee «.. paradoxum.

End view compressed and having a spine or mucro at

4 CCH OXtEeTMIEY o Bi oun tecga ccbndaat succes Baas sofabeiner 5

End view with five or more angles or rays ........ cove 6

5, { Segments with four spines ............ tesecaces mane ences ... octocorne.

3 i ralain ~

Segments with two spines .........-...esssecsenee Sasdactns 5

Segments transversely elliptic: spines incurved ...... convergens.

5* 4 Segments with truncate ends; spines generally directed

DUE ALAN rae cteces adie ddthseeh acces saneeey ses sessccascesss ICUS.

End view with three or four angles or rays ............ 7

End view circular, with five or more marginal rays or

|e] CREEPER weccencreces MaSSh SEAS ocr cenceeess oe 18

End view with three angles or rays, each of which is

End view with four broad, truncate, entire rays ...... dilatatum.

‘f

either rounded or else terminated by minute spines. 8

8 Each ray terminated by three minute spines ......... 9

End view with rounded and entire angles ..........+. 10

9 Eronds spinnlose terre .cscdcya. teats sacscehe' Bes ceeee sees aculeatum.

Fronds rough with minute eranules hockes seat twesceretes gracile.

10 Fronds muricated, or rough with minute granules...... 11

ETGHGS SMO | cocci ct van ycnanans Siac canine Be eee

11 End view with convex sides ...... Boones encckscaccocnsoade MURICUIUME.

End view with concave Sides ..........s.sseeeeee eeoeeeaee tricorne.

12 Angles inflated, mucronate ........... ten 508 seveeees Mucronatum,

Angles neither inflated nor mucronate ............0ss00 orbiculare.

13 End view with broad, toothed lobes ...........eeeeceeees Jenneri.

End view with entire rays ........es..00. edie seoweenotes 14

14 Processes short, stout........ Sooncopnconecade SOcbdaccosacHed margaritaceum.

Processes long, slender ‘Fi. i..cseccscsccssccccssecctscesetes, APGCMMen

Mr. R. Q. Couch on the Morphology of Zoophytes. 161

XXII.—On the Morphology of the different Organs of Zoophytes.

By R. Q. Covcu, M.R.C.S.L.*

[ With a Plate.)

Tue subject which I haye to bring under the notice of the So-

ciety today is, if it proves true, one of great beauty and unusual

interest, inasmuch as the lowest forms of animal life will in the

development be found to be governed by the same laws that

govern the growth of flowering plants. The vegetable law to

which I refer is the metamorphosis of the leaf into the various

organs which constitute the perfect plant. This law is now so

well established and so generally allowed that nothing is required

to be said of it ; on the present occasion I shall therefore proceed

to discuss its application to the animal kingdom. To Professor

E. Forbes belongs the merit of first promulgating the theory of

the morphology of the reproductive system of the Sertularian

Zoophytes and its analogy with the reproductive organs of flow-

ering plants. This he did at the late meeting of the British As-

sociation held at Yorkt+. It is an opimion I have long enter-

tained, and in elucidation of which | have for some time been

examining almost all the species found on our shores. The views

were so new that I hesitated to adopt them, and had I not found

that they were held and published by others, I should not now

have brought them before this meeting. I do so to show how far

the theory of Professor E. Forbes is supported by inductive ob-

servations ; and that though we pursued in a great measure dif-

ferent paths, we yet arrived at similar conclusions. As Professor

Forbes confined his observations to the genera Sertularia and

Plumularia, they are the ones which will be referred to here,

though the same observations may be extended to several genera

of the Ascidian Zoophytes ; Crista and Cellularia for instance. In

making these observations I shall refer to their growth ab ovo, and

trace the different parts through their development to the fully

formed character. These creatures resemble plants in their ar-

borescent appearance, rooted character, and the transient nature

of their reproductive organs. The Sertularian genera have an

external horny, elastic and irritable sheath, and this incloses a

central granular pulp which extends into all the ramifications and

from which all the other parts are formed. On the branches are

numerous variously shaped and variously arranged cup-like cells ;

but their arrangement and shape are always alike in the same,

but different in different species. These are the polype cells, in

* Read before the Natural History Society of Penzance, Dec. 3, 1844, and

communicated by the author.

t As reported in the Atheneum. The entire paper, illustrated by a plate,

was inserted in our Number for December 1844.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. N

162. Mr. R. Q. Couch on the Morphology of Zoophytes.

which the polypes or prehensile portions are situated. The

polypes are attached inferiorly to the central granular pulp which

ramities through the centre of the trunk and branches, and are

indeed formed of it. These are the only portions of the creatures

exposed to the influence of the surrounding water, and by these

the food is taken, digested, and the nourishment distributed to

all the other parts. In many species the polypes are exceedingly

numerous, but though they are entirely independent of each other

as regards their individual hfe and nourishment, yet they can-

not be considered as distinct animals ; for the whole production

seems to be but one compound creature, derived from the same

source, the pulp and all tending to carry out the same object. In

this respect they resemble trees; each branch is independent of

all the others and may be cut off without injury to the whole,

and yet all together they constitute the perfect polypidom. At

particular seasons, extending from the middle of summer to

autumn, and in fine weather to the early parts of winter, there

are other and differently shaped cells developed, which are larger

than those previously mentioned as containing the polypes. These

are the ovigerous vesicles, which after having performed their

function drop off and disappear. In this they differ from most

other animals, in which the reproductive organs are, in duration,

coextended with the hves of the creatures, and offer a remark-

able analogy to similar parts in plants both in their decay and

periodical re-appearance. “ These organs,” Professor Forbes says,

‘in their nature, have often been discussed but never explained.”

By their nature the Professor cannot mean the function they

perform in the ceconomy of the creature’s existence, since that is

established by numerous and accurate observations ; but rather I

presume the nature of the type from which they have undergone

their zdeal metamorphosis. In this he is certainly correct, and

the present observations are intended to elucidate this, and in

some measure to extend it. The reproductive gemmules are very

minute globular bodies, surrounded by numerous vibratory cilia

which are in constant action. The mode in which they are

formed will be briefly described hereafter. As soon as they have

escaped from the ovigerous capsule ito the surrounding water,

they move about with great rapidity in a revolving manner, like

the earth on its axis. While examining them in a bottle I could

perceive that they occasionally stopped, and then again would

rapidly move from spot to spot. In this way they move about

from one hour to nearly two days, depending apparently on the

temperature and the nature of the surrounding surfaces. They

would occasionally rest on the glass for a few minutes, and then,

as if the spot was an unfavourable one, again start off and revolve

as rapidly as before, frequently changing their form from the cir-

cular to the oval ; sometimes acquiring an hour-glass contraction,

Mr. R. Q. Couch on the Morphology of Zoophytes. 163

and at others assuming the appearance of having an enlarged

head and a narrow and contracted tail. But having once fixed

itself, it remains rooted ever after. From the period it first be-

comes fixed it speedily undergoes a change in tint, but this how-

ever would hardly be perceptible except to a practised eye.

When this has taken place small fibres are given out from the

base, or all that portion in contact with the glass. These consti-

tute the roots by which the creature becomes fixed. From this

point it quickly rises into the arborescent form of the adult. This

is a remarkable change ; for here we see a creature in its youngest

form moving about with almost the irregularity of voluntary mo-

tion, yet in a short time becoming rooted and taking on so much

of the vegetable form and appearance, as to have required, at the

hand of Ellis, repeated observations and accurate demonstrations

to persuade us to the contrary. The seed being fixed, the upper

portion becomes elongated without any distinction of parts, and

the first joint of the creature is formed. Taking the sea-thread,

Laomedea geniculata, as an example best caleulated to show the

analogies between the formation of the polype cells and ovarian

vesicles, the central pulp of the seed becomes the central gra-

nular pulp of the adult. After the ovule has become superiorly

elongated to a distance equal to the usual length of the cell and

its footstalk, it enlarges and becomes bulbous. All is now one

undefined mass; but in the course of a few hours the stalk be-

comes shrivelled, and the bulbous termination acquires a deeper

tint towards the centre and lighter towards the circumference.

At first this central shade is slight and indistinct, but it soon be-

comes darker and more defined. As this condensation or orga-

nization advances, the pulp becomes more transparent at its cir-

eumference, and darker towards the centre. At this stage the

transparent circumference appears to be drawn into transverse

folds, as if from a force acting towards the centre, and leaves be-

hind a transparent horny covering which eventually forms the

walls of the future cell. In this way the whole of the pulp be-

comes separated from the investing sheath. This being effected,

the upper edge of the bulbous portion of the pulp acquires a ser-

rated edge, which in a short time becomes more and more di-

stinct and enlarged, and finally is produced into finger-like pro-

longations forming the tentacula of the polype. It is by an ex-

tension of development that the horny cell is opened, and not by

any mechanical pressure as has been supposed, since the only

source of pressure is from the polype, and that is not in contact

with it at the time. In this the polypes are formed from the

central granular pulp in all the Sertularian species, having but

very slight modifications in the different genera. The prolon-

gation of the stem is formed in precisely the same manner, but

164 Mr. R.Q. Couch on the Morphology of Zoophytes.

without a bulbous termination. The granular matter or pulp,

which is at first diffused, becomes condensed or organized to-

wards the centre, leaving the investing sheath in its annular

form, and no further development goes on. It is this cessation

of growth for the purposes of organization that regulates the

length of the mternodes both of the trunk and branches. Hence

also arise many of the irregularities so frequently observed. If

growing in a variable situation, some of the internodes are short,

while others are nearly double the usual length, depending on

the vigour with which each portion is developed. These varia-

tions are more observable in Sert. pumila than in the Sea-thread

(Laomedea).

The formation of the ovarian vesicle, in this genus at least,

occurs in a very similar manner to what has been described in

the polype cell and trunk. The ovarian vesicles are cells formed

during the summer and autumn in situations varying with the

different species ; and these having performed their function of

reproduction are periodically shed, to be replaced by others at

some future time. Their first appearance are small protube-

rances or elongations of the part on which they rest. At first a

darker appearance of the pulp and sheath is observed on the part

in which the vesicle is about to be produced. | This is prolonged

precisely in the manner noticed in the formation of the polype

cell and trunk, and the separation of the pulp from the sheath

occurs also in the same manner. It increases in length to the

usual length of the vesicle, and with the exception that its axis is

larger, resembles a branch in everything. But instead of being

produced into a polype as in the polype cell, the surface becomes

marked with circular lines, which, as development goes on, as-

sumes the form of small graims or globules, more or less em-

bossed according to the stage of advancement. They rapidly

become more and more defined and separated from each other,

but remain attached to the central pulp by an umbilical cord. .

This also becomes more attenuated and finally gives way, and

the gemmule remains free in the horny case. These gemmules

have a central granular pulp surrounded by a semitranslucent

zone or case, and have their surfaces covered from a very early

stage of their formation with numerous vibratory cilia. In this

free state they remain in the case a short time, for the upper

portion of the vesicle opens and the remarkably active gemmules

revolve rapidly from spot to spot, as has been previously described.

From this it will be perceived that the function of these periodic

vesicles is reproduction, and therefore, when Prof. Forbes says

that their nature is unknown, he can mean only the deal form,

from which he supposes them changed during their develop-

ment.

Mr. R. Q. Couch on the Morphology of Zoophytes. 165

From the foregoing observations it will appear, that in the

earliest stages of growth, the stem, the polype cells and the ovarian

vesicles of the Sea-threads, Laomedea, ave precisely alike, and that

at a particular point of their development each assumes its indi-

vidual character. The stem advances to one point and is there

arrested in its organization ; the polype cell advances to the same

point, but instead of being arrested, the pulp becomes developed

into a polype and the sheath into a cell. This however seems to

be only the case when the termination is bulbous ; for m many

instances I have seen that where the pulp was not bulbous, but

of the same diameter throughout, and about the size of the stem,

that no polype has been developed, but merely a distorted branch.

Where specimens grow in unfavourable situations, such distor-

tions are not unfrequently to be found; and most of them I be-

lieve are attributable to this cause. This malformation is most

frequently to be seen in Sert. polyzonias, rosacea, and a few other

kindred species.

The ovarian vesicle also advances as the branch and cell, but

instead of being of equal diameter throughout, as the former, or

bulbous at its extremity, as the latter, it is enlarged or bulbous

throughout its extent, and is united to the branch or trunk by a

narrow and short peduncle. Instead of the vesicle being arrested

in its growth at the same point as the stalk, or organized into a

polype as in the cell, it becomes developed into numerous minute

globes covered with vibratory cilia as previously mentioned. Here

then we see a great similarity between the different organs of

these creatures,—a similarity so great as to warrant the supposi-

tion of their primary identity and subsequent individualization,

even if there were no others. In Sertularia polyzonias I have

several times seen a polype cell terminate in a distorted branch ;

and on the other side I have seen a branch terminate in a polype

cell, showing a convertibility into each other.

In all my examinations I have never seen the ovarian vesicle

occupied by a polype. Ellis, however, has figured something like

this with the polype protruding, but he says nothing of the kind

in his text, and I am unacquainted with any one who has wit-

nessed anything of the sort, though observers have become nu-

merous since Dr. Johnston’s work has been published. I have

however seen a cell, apparently designed for a vesicle, small in

its growth and occupied by a polype. This form of vesicle has

been selected for my illustration, because, if I understand Prof.

Forbes, it is the one about which he had doubts. At some future

time, when I have a little more leisure, I should like to offer a few

so on others and diversified forms of these transitory

cells,

166 Mr. J. Blackwall’s Ornithological Notes.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIII. A.

Fig. 1. Earliest state of branch. Fig. 8. Perfect form of fig. 2.

Fig. 2. Earliest state of polype cell. | Fig. 9. Perfeet form of fig. 3.

fig. 3. Earliest state of ovarian ve- | Fig. 10. Showing a cell of Sert. poly-

sicle. zonias converted into an

Fig. 4. A second state of fig. 1. imperfect branch.

Fig. 5. A second state of fig. 2. Fig. 11. An abortive branch of Seré.

Fig. 6. A second state of fig. 3. polyzonias converted into a

fig. 7. Perfect state of branch fig. 1. polype cell.

Chapel Street, Penzance, Dec. 3, 1844.

XXIITT.—Ornithological Notes. By Joun Buackwaut, F.LS.

The Osprey, Pandion Haliaétus.

On the 2nd of November 1844, Lord Edward Thynne obligingly

sent to me a specimen of the osprey, which had been shot by

Mr. Griffith Jones of Glyn, on the same day, near the banks of

the Lleder, a small river in Caernarvonshire, which flows past the

village of Dolwyddelan. It was a male bird, and measured five

feet and an inch from tip to tip of the extended wings ; twenty-

two inches from the point of the bill to the extremity of the tail ;

and weighed three pounds and a quarter, after the remains of a

bull-trout, which, when newly captured, must have weighed about

two pounds, had been taken from its craw.

Several days previously to the 2nd of November this bird had

been seen flying about the river Conway in the vicinity of Bettws

y Coed, and it is a remarkable fact, that three years since another

individual of the same species was killed within a hundred yards

of the spot where this was shot.

The Tawny Owl, Syrnium Aluco.

A hole in a decayed tree is usually selected by the tawny owl

for the reception of its eggs; but in the neighbourhood of

Llanrwst, where this species is numerous and decayed trees are

comparatively scarce, it frequently deposits its eggs in an old nest

of the carrion crow.

In May 1844 one of a brood of young owls bred in a crow’s

nest accidentally fell to the ground before it was fledged, and was

as carefully attended to by the parent birds under this change of

circumstances as those were which remained in the nest, bemg

abundantly supplied with miee and small birds. When any per-

son approached the spot where the young owl stood, one of the

parent birds, probably the female, invariably made its appearance,

and with looks and gestures expressive of the utmost solicitude

reiterated a loud sharp ery, and snapped its mandibles together

by way of menacing the unwelcome intruder.

Mr. J. Blackwall’s Ornithological Notes. 167

Possessing a voice susceptible of considerable modulation, the

calls of the tawny owl are, perhaps, more varied than they are

generally supposed to be; the cry termed hooting, by which it is

most familiarly known, may be heard to the distance of a mile

and a half or even two miles under very favourable circumstances,

and is attended by a peculiarity deserving of notice. In the first

imstance a plain hoot is ejaculated, which is soon followed by a

tremulous one, and in the interval between the two a low abrupt

note occurs, which immediately precedes the latter ; such is uni-

formly the order of succession when nothing unusual happens to

interrupt it.

Some years ago a pair of barn owls reared their young in the

deserted nest of a magpie, built in a spruce fir growing in a wood

at Blackwall, the family estate, in Derbyshire.

The Pied Flycatcher, Muscicapa luctuosa.

In my ‘ Researches in Zoology,’ p. 166, I have succinctly no-

ticed the fact that the pied flycatcher breeds in Gwydir woods,

near Llanrwst. From more extended observations subsequently

made in the same district, I may now add, that this interesting

species is to be seen every summer sparingly dispersed throughout

the entire extent of the valley of the Conway.

For a long series of years a pair of pied flycatchers had incu-

bated their eggs and nurtured their young in security in a small

aperture close by the portico to the principal entrance of my

father’s residence, Hendre House, Denbighshire, undisturbed,

apparently, by the frequent passing and repassing of its immates.

The lively effect of the well-defined and strongly-contrasted black

and white plumage of the male, his short but pleasant song, and

the confiding habits of both sexes rendered them objects of great

interest to all the members of the family, who did not allow them

to be molested on any pretext whatever. Unfortunately, on the

18th of June 18438, a swarm of bees discovered the aperture,

which then contained a brood of nestlings nearly fledged, and by

hurrying in and out of it and flying about the entrance im large

numbers, seemed determined to dispossess the rightful owners.

Whenever the parent birds attempted to approach the spot for

the purpose of feeding their young, they were instantly attacked

and repelled by the excited bees, from which they took refuge

among the branches of an oak growing near, and there mani-

fested their anxiety by notes and actions expressive of extreme

uneasiness. After having been severely stung, the nestlings

fluttered to the mouth of the aperture and descended to the

ground, where they all perished, their bodies bemg much

swollen.

Towards the close of April 1844, the same pair of birds re-

168 Mr. J. Blackwall’s Ornithological Notes.

turned to their favourite breeding haunt, and repeatedly visited

the aperture so long occupied by their nest ; but being again as-

sailed by the bees, which had removed to a parallel aperture on

the other side of the portico, it is probable that the incident re-

called the destruction of their progeny in the preceding year, for

they eventually deserted the place, and selected a hole in a low

stone wall by the side of the avenue leading to the house, in

which they constructed a nest and brought up their young.

This instance, and other eases might be adduced, evidently

tends to show that the pied flycatcher resorts annually to the

same locality for the purpose of continuing its species, and that,

like its congener the spotted flycatcher, it is a very familiar bird

during the breeding-season.

The Carrion Crow, Corvus Corone.

It is evident from repeated inspections of the mdigestible parts

of objects swallowed by the crow as food, which, like the magpie

and birds of the order Raptores, it ejects from the mouth, that

vegetable substances form no inconsiderable portion of its ali-

ment ; it devours fish also, particularly eels, in pursuit of which

it wades into the shallow water of rivers and brooks that flows

over beds of stone and gravel, seizing the object of its search

with the bill and conveying it to land, where it is eaten at leisure.

Crows thus occupied may frequently be seen by the salmon-fisher

when following his exciting diversion on the banks of the Conway

in the picturesque valley which derives its name from the stream.

The Rey. John Boulger of Llanrwst informs me that in June last

he saw a crow on the wing with a fine living eel in its bill; the

contortions of the fish as it endeavoured to escape from its formi-

dable enemy and the varied gesticulations of the bird, occasioned

by its efforts to retain a prey so muscular, flexible, and slippery,

were very grotesque and amusing; at length the eel extricating

itself from the grasp of the crow fell to the ground, and as there

was not any water in the immediate vicinity, Mr. Boulger availed

himself of the opportunity to examine the fish and satisfy his

mind that it was not a snake.

Though of a much less social disposition than the rook, never-

theless the crow is not so solitary in its habits as it is generally

represented to be in works on ornithology. When the breeding-

season is over, and the young birds are capable of providing for

themselves, the crows belonging to this district assemble in large

flocks about the close of day, preparatory to repairing to their

roosting-haunts in the higher parts of Gwydir woods; they

are very clamorous on these occasions, and do not finally retire

to rest till it is nearly dark, but frequently after they seem to

have settled for the night, rise suddenly in a body, renewing

Mr. J. Blackwall’s Ornithological Notes. 169

their vociferous calls and wheeling about in involved curves, as

they are joined by newly-arrived groups, or even without any

apparent cause whatever. This habit of congregating in an

evening continues till the next breeding season, and I have some-

times observed betwen 100 and 200 individuals in a flock.

The Rook, Corvus frugilegus.

Bewick, in treating upon the rook in his ‘ History of British

Birds,’ yol. i. p. 71, has remarked that he is inclined to consider

the naked condition of the base of the bill and the anterior re-

gion of the head in this species as an original peculiarity, appa-

rently intending to intimate thereby a belief that at no period of

its existence are the parts in question covered with feathers, a

construction of the passage which is countenanced by his having

omitted to notice the fact that young rooks, before their first

moult, do not exhibit this deficiency of plumage. Now as young

rooks, when they quit the nest, have the base of the bill and the

anterior part of the head amply provided with feathers, the ques-

tion naturally arises, How is the nudity of these parts in old birds

occasioned ?

On referring to my ‘ Researches in Zoology,’ p. 174-175, it

will be seen that in the year 1834 I advocated the opinion pre-

valent among ornithologists, that the loss of the feathers alluded

to above is attributable to the habit which the rook has of thrust-

ing its bill into the ground in search of food.

An extensive examination and comparison of specimens had led

me to observe that the nudity extends further and is more com-

plete in some individuals than in others; that the more promi-

nent and exposed parts are first deprived of feathers, and that

short filiform processes, bearmg a close resemblance to new

feathers enveloped in membrane, frequently occur on the less

prominent and less exposed parts, particularly on the flaccid skin

which occupies the angle at the base of the lower mandible. In

addition to these facts, | may remark that an opportunity had

presented itself of mspecting a rook whose mandibles were so

greatly curved in opposite directions, and, consequently, so much

crossed at the extremities, that it could not possibly thrust its bill

into the ground, and the base of that organ and the anterior part

of the head did not manifest the least deficiency of plumage.

With such evidence in its favour, I was induced to adopt the

popular hypothesis, which I now abandon in consequence of

having recently proved by experiment that it is erroneous.

Being supplied by George Davies, Esq. with two young rooks

taken from a nest in his rookery at Cyffdu on the 17th of May

1843, I put them into a large wooden chicken-pen, purposing,

when they could take their food without assistance, to remove

one of them to a garden enclosed with walls, where it might have

170 Mr. J. Blackwall’s Ornithological Notes.

an opportunity of employing the means of procuring sustenance

common to the species, and to let the other remain in the pen.

This plan was frustrated by the unexpected death of one of the

young birds soon after it came into my possession; but the re-

sult of the experiment, as will be seen in the sequel, was not at

all affected by this untoward circumstance. In the month of

August the surviving rook lost only a few feathers from various

parts of its body, but did not moult regularly till July and August

1844, when the feathers at the base of the bill and on the ante-

rior region of the head were cast off, and have not been renewed

to the present hour, though the bird has always been remarkably

healthy and has never on any occasion been suffered to leave the

pen foramoment. That rooks in a state of liberty usually moult

im the autumn of the year in which they are disengaged from the

egg may be inferred from the fact, that although numerous indi-

viduals, whose shrill voices evidently denote that they are young

birds of the season, may be seen in the months of June and July

with the base of the bill and anterior part of the head abundantly

supplied with feathers, yet for several months prior to the breed-

ing-season not one can be perceived, at least as far as my own

observations extend, which has not those parts denuded.

From what has been stated, it is evident that the phenomenon

under consideration has a physiological, not a mechanical cause,

though the removal of the plumage may be facilitated by the

frequently repeated act of thrusting the bill to the ground, and

the circumstances which seemed to support the opposite conclu-

sion admit, for the most part, of an easy explanation upon this

view of the subject. The difference observable im the extent and

completeness of the nudity at the base of the bill and the anterior

part of the head of the rook probably depends upon the progress

which has been made in moulting, especially among the younger

birds; and the earlier denudation of the more prominent parts

may be occasioned by the friction consequent upon the manner

in which the bill is employed in procuring food. The short fili-

form processes so common on the depressed and less-exposed

parts present a difficulty of which no satisfactory solution sug-

gests itself; but the state of the plumage on the head of that rook

whose mandibles were greatly crossed may be accounted for on

the supposition that it was a young bird which had not moulted.

Had the experiment recorded by Mr. Waterton in his ‘ Essays

on Natural History,’ p. 186-139, been successful, this question,

upon which public opinion has been so long divided, would have

been settled some years earlier ; unfortunately, however, both the

young rooks selected for the purpose of deciding it met with un-

timely deaths, one before it had begun to moult, and the other

soon after it had commenced moulting. On Mr. Waterton’s re-

turn from Bavaria, his gamekeeper, to whose care the latter bird

Mr. C. W. Peach on the “Nigger” or “Cotton Spinner.” 171

had been consigned, informed him that at the period when its

existence terminated “ the lower mandible had begun to put on a

white scurfy appearance, while here and there a few feathers had

fallen from the upper one.” It is to be regretted that the issue

of this experiment was not more satisfactory, as from the nature

of the case it was impossible to determine whether the feathers

lost from the base of the bill would be renewed or not, though

feathers shed from other parts in the act of moulting are known

to be reproduced.

The rook visits orchards and gardens when cherries and wal-

nuts are ripe, for the purpose of feeding on those fruits; it also

devours grain of various kinds, and frequently commits depreda-

tions in potato-grounds by abstracting the newly-planted sets ;

but I entirely concur with those naturalists who maintain that

the injuries it inflicts on the farmer and gardener are vastly more

than compensated by the benefits it confers upon them by the

destruction of noxious insects.

XXIV.—On the “ Nigger” or “ Cotton Spinner ” of the Cornish

Fishermen. By Cuartes Wixi1aM Pracu, of Goran Hayen,

Cornwall*.

[With a Plate.]

TuroveH the kindness of Mr. Couch of Polperro, some time ago,

I was gratified with a sight of Professor Forbes’s ‘ History of the

British Echmodermata.’ In that interesting work, at page 241,

he says, “ We have as yet no representative of the typical Holo-

thuria with twenty tentacula in the British fauna.” It is gra-

tifying to me to be able to present to your notice that link, which

was then wanting,—a Holothuria with twenty tentacula ; and as

it is a new and interesting subject, I trust I shall be pardoned in

giving you a lengthened history of its appearance, habits, &c.

This Holothuria is very common in deep water off the Dead-

man in certain localities (rocky ground), and is called by the fisher-

men a “ Nigger,” and at times a “ Cotton Spinner” ; it is held by

them in great detestation, from its throwing out what they call

“cotton,” of which more by and by, and from its slimy nature,

and also because where the “ Niggers” are numerous and get

into the crab-pots, it is very rarely that either crabs or lobsters

are caught, and therefore they kill all they come near with their

knives, because they do not like to touch them. This is not

wonderful, for their appearance is anything but prepossessing ;

yet they are interesting objects to me, and no doubt will prove so

to others, after I have described them.

* Read before the Royal Polytechnic Institution of Cornwail, and com-

municated by the author.

172 Mr. C. W. Peach on the “ Nigger” or “Cotton Spinner”

First, then, their appearance, when closed up, very much re-

sembles a small cucumber, the back being dark—almost black at

times—and the under part light yellowish green, which, with

the thorn-like appendages on the back, make the appearance more

complete. On being handled they stain the hand light green:

this colour is not easily washed out. The head is furnished with

twenty tentacula, which surround the mouth ; the opening is to-

lerably large, and can be very much expanded ; and it is amusing

to watch the motions of the tentacula acting as feeders; they

place them one by one over the mouth, and when one is about to

leave the mouth another may be seen bending to supply its place.

The tentacula vary in colour as well as the animals. Some are very

dark brown, and indeed all shades from sienna to rose-colour

and delicate pmk. If the tentacula are viewed from the upper

part they are club-shaped on the top, this club being placed on a

foot-stalk an inch in length, which is retractile, and is invariably

of a lighter colour than the top. When seen from the under side,

(Pl. XIV. fig. 2,) they appear like the umbels of the elder, and are

beautifully branched and tipped, much in the manner of the elder

flowers ; indeed they might be mistaken (if large enough) for that

flower, only the foot-stalk is so much thicker in proportion. There

is a dark spot at the junction of each fork of the umbel, each di-

vision is thrice-branched, and a similar dark spot may be ob-

served at the lower part of each tentacle. They can completely

close in their tentacula, which they do on being disturbed ; and

they use them at times as organs of locomotion. Outside the ten-

tacula is a border of spines like processes on a skin, which reaches

a short way up the tentacula, and serves as a covering when these

are withdrawn. These spines very much resemble the thorns of

the brier ; the back and sides are covered with similar ones, but

not i rows. Near the tip of each spine is a small calcareous

piece which is again tipped with dark. The under side is fur-

nished with feelers in very great numbers; these feelers are i

four rows, the two centre ones being nearest together. The feelers

being in four rows only is singular, being a departure from the

usual numbers in the Echinodermata, namely five. Still I saw

only four rows in several. It is a most difficult matter to be able

to count the rows, from the slimy and decomposing nature of the

animal. I will follow this up and try to set the matter at rest ;

at present I am satisfied they have only four rows. They very

much resemble those of an Echinus, but are not m equal num-

bers in each row, being from one to four, side by side, across the

row. These feelers they stretch out to a great length, and attach

themselves firmly by them; so much so, that in trying to detach

them the feelers have been frequently left behind. Each feeler

has a small, round, calcareous plate at the tip, which, under the

of the Cornish Fishermen. 173

microscope, shows that it is composed of innumerable plates, an

object of great beauty; these plates effervesce with acid, and so

do the plates of the mouth and tips of the processes.

When the softer parts of the feelers are cut transversely, they

are composed of fine tubes, and when magnified have very much

the appearance of some of the corals. The animal is covered with

a dark slimy mucilaginous skin, which peels off freely ; under-

neath this it is light gray, and has a reticulated appearance, re-

sembling bird’s-eye maple. They are of various sizes and lengths,

often nearly a foot in length and thick in proportion ; they some-

times draw themselves almost into a ball, at others are much

inflated in the centre. At times they lie motionless, but generally

they are in motion. So much for the external appearance.

The jaws are composed of five strong calcareous plates, to these

the tentacula are attached, and from the under side in the inte-

rior of the animal extend five broad muscles, which reach the

whole length. These are again held together by a great number

of smaller ones placed transversely, until nearly reaching the

lower part, when they are diagonal, no doubt for the purpose of

closing the opening at the opposite end to the mouth.

They eat portions of dead fish, shells, &c. (I have reasons for

believing Terebella). I have found in their intestines a Buccinum

incrassatum, with the animal in it, portions of Balani, Echini,

Nullipora, sand, &c. The feces are thrown out with a jerk, and

are of an oblong-oval shape, strung together like the eggs of a

snake, and are of a dark mud-colour.

There is one circumstance connected with these things of in-

terest,—they are enveloped in a film so tenacious that it is a dif-

ficult matter to rub them to pieces in the water ; on exposure to

air they lose their tenacity and crumble to pieces. The circum-

stance I allude to is, that this tenacious covering will explain in

some measure the preservation of the coprolites of the ancient

Saurians found in the blue has; for in all probability they were

enveloped in a similar tenacious covering.

In Professor Forbes’s work there is a question how the water

which is found in the interior enters. If I understand it right

this is a doubtful matter ; probably the following may in some

measure explain it:—Theyraise the opening at the opposite end to

the mouth, open it wide, and I expect create a vacuum ; the water

then flows into it freely. After a short time they close this, and

by a muscular motion it may be observed as if passing towards

the head. This taking in the water is repeated several times

with short intervals, and after a little rest the whole of the water,

by the same orifice, is thrown out in a continuous stream. It

then commences again to take in more.

It is extremely irritable, and on being touched or disturbed,

throws out a bunch of white tapered threads about an inch in

174 Prof. Mohl on the Import of the

length and one-eighth in thickness ; these soon become attenuated,

either by the agitation of the water or the coming into contact

with something, and are drawn into very long threads of great

tenacity ; they stick to everything they touch, and from these the

animals are called “cotton spinners” by the fishermen. This

small bunch is drawn into a large mass of threads, so small that

the finest sewing-cotton is not equal to it, and is no doubt one of

the means of defence provided for its preservation ; for I have

seen a crab so completely entangled in it as not to be able to

move, and a fish only able to get away after a long struggle. If

much irritated they throw out the whole of their intestines ; this

is invariably the case after being kept in confinement two or

three days; and even after they have done so they have lived

three days, and their tentacula performed all their offices as if the

animal was strong and healthy. They soon decay when dead if

left out of the water, and from their peculiar construction it is a

difficult matter to preserve or dissect them. To the physiologist

they offer a rich treat. I know nothing of this science ; I regret

it: my object has been to watch their actions and habits, and I

fear I have too long occupied your time. I would here just

mention that this Holothuria differs from the Psolus Forbesui of

Mr. Couch, noticed in the second part of his ‘ Cornish Fauna,’ in

having twenty tentacula instead of eighteen, and the suckers are in

rows, which was not the case in his. I therefore claim it as new to

the British fauna, which latter circumstance Professor Forbes con-

firmed at the late meeting of the British Association at York.

The annexed engraving, Plate XIV., represents the “ Nigger”

of the natural size; fig. 2, the head with the mouth downwards,

showing the tentacula spread out.

XXV.—On the Import of the inferior Palee of the Grasses.

By Huco von Mout*.

[ With a Plate.j

TueERre are few points in vegetable morphology respecting which

so great a difference of views prevails as that relating to the

origin of the floral envelopes of the Grasses. To remove this dif-

ference of opinion, at least with respect to one of the poimts in

question, it is above all requisite to ascertain with certamty

whether the inferior palea takes its origin from the same axis as

the superior palea (or, according to Robert Brown’s view, the two

leaves composing the upper palea), or whether the two result

from different axes. In the first case we undoubtedly accede to

¢ From the Botanische Zeitung for Jan. 17,1845. Translated and com-

municated by W. Francis, Ph. D., F.L.S.

inferior Palew of the Grasses. 175

the representation of the inflorescence of grasses which Robert

Brown (General Remarks, p. 580) has advanced,—not, it is true,

as the only one possible, but as the most probable,—viz. that the

two leaves which have cohered to form the superior palea and the

inferior palea, notwithstanding the oblique direction of its in-

sertion, form a trimerous verticil and the outer leaf circle of a

perigonium, the inner circle of which is constituted by the scales

(lodicule) ; but if, on the contrary, it can be proved that the infe-

rior and superior palez belong to two distinct axes, it is thus shown

that the inferior palea must be considered a bract from whose axis

the floral axis takes its origin; a view which has been adopted

with various modifications by several authors, and which has been

explained in a most lucid manner by Doll (Rhein. Flora, p. 58).

The circumstance that a difference of opinion has prevailed on

this fundamental point in the morphological consideration of the

inflorescence of the Gramineae, undoubtedly proves that the exa-

mination of the normal flowers of grasses does not afford suf-

ficiently certain and convincing proofs to decide with positive

certainty the question respecting the derivation of the palez ; it

appears, therefore, to be safest in this case, as m so many other

morphological questions, to look out for monstrosities from which

we may be able to deduce the normal structure ; and if I am not

very much deceived, the variety vivipara of Poa alpina, so widely

diffused in the Alps, is fully adapted to solve the doubt existing

on the above question. I trust, therefore, that a description of

this monstrosity, drawn up with reference to the morphological

relations of the spicula of grasses, will not be without interest.

In the viviparous spikes of the Poa alpina I have found the

two calycine valves (Pl. XIII. B, fig. 1 to 4.¢ ¢) always perfectly

normal, and only the palee deformed; the deviation from the

normal structure is generally less in the most inferior flower than

in the succeeding one, so that frequently the lowest is still per-

fectly normal (fig. 2), or approaches more to the normal structure

than the flower situated higher up (fig. 4).

The axis of the spicula exhibits the least variations. It is, as

far as it bears abnormal flowers, more or less thickened, full of

sap, presents an unlimited growth superiorly, and frequently

small rootlets shoot out from its inferior internodes ; in short, it

has assumed the characters of an axis of vegetation, and perfect]

resembles with its leaves a small culm of grass (P1. XIII. fig. 1) ;

while its inferior portion, which bears the calycine valves and

forms the petiole of the spicula, is of the same small diameter as

in the normal spicula, and, like the fruit-bearing spicula, dries

up after the flowering season, which admits of the falling off and

independent vegetation of the upper deformed portion.

In the monstrous flowers the inferior palea presents an increase

176 Prof. Mohl on the Import of the

in size, and a more or less perfect metamorphosis into the form of a

vegetative leaf. Generally, and especially upwards from the second

flower, this metamorphosis into a leaf provided with sheath, ligula

and lamina is perfect (fig. 4p", fig. 5 p'); while even when the

lowermost flower is partially abnormal, its inferior palea (fig. 4:p/,

fig. 5 p') frequently forms an intermediate stage between the nor-

mal form and that of a vegetative leaf. The latter cases are na-

turally best suited for allowing us to obtam an insight into the

manner in which the metamorphosis of the palea into the vege-

tative leaf takes place. It is seen by the comparison of several

such intermediate stages that the normal palea does not solely

correspond, as we might at first be inclined to admit, to the

sheath of the vegetative leaf, and that the metamorphosis of the

palea into a leaf does not consist ma budding forth of the lamina

from the apex of the palea, but that a separation of the various

parts of the palea, which are intimately fused together, takes

place, and a dismemberment of them one from the other re-

sults. The normal palea possesses five nerves, of which the central

one extends to the apex of the palea, while the lateral nerves are

lost withm the transparent scarious membrane. On its meta-

morphosis into a leaf the palea becomes elongated ; its inferior

portion surrounds the superiorly-situated portion of the spicula

in the form of a vagina, while its upper portion bends more or

less outwards and becomes changed into the lamina of the leaf

(Pl. XIII. B, fig. 1, fig. 2 to 5p"). Inthose palez in which this

metamorphosis is merely indicated, the palea still retains nearly

its proper form and the reddish colour which is diffused over the

normal palea, and it is only its apex which has become thicker,

of a greenish colour, uncinate and recurved superiorly (fig. 4p’,

fig. 5 p'): a separation into vagina, ligula and lamina is not yet

indicated. When the metamorphosis has advanced further, the

whole palea is lengthened considerably, its upper portion has be-

come thicker, green and leaf-like, while the lower portion has re-

tained its more delicate texture, transparency, and likewise fre-

quently the reddish colouring ; the nerves, which are still present

to the number of five, have acquired a more parallel position in

consequence of the elongation of the leaf, and become confluent

towards the uncinately-curved apex of the latter. The margin is

scarious as in the normal palez. The separation into the various

parts of the vegetative leaf now begins, and is terminated by the

development of the hgula and the transverse separation between

the upper green and the lower brighter-coloured parts of the

alea.

; The formation of ligula frequently occurs only at one part of

the leaf, in its central line, or on one of the lateral halves, or on a

part of one of these, while in the other portion lamina and vagina

inferior Palee of the Grasses. 177

still pass immediately into each other (fig. 6—8). The ligula is

formed by the elevation of a transparent scale on the upper sur-

face of the leaf in a transverse or somewhat oblique direction.

Very frequently it is developed only on the central portion of

the leaf, and has then usually a crescent shape (fig. 7) ; in other

cases this incipient ligula is only met with on one of the sides of

the leaf (figs. 6, 8); very frequently it does not extend to the

margin of the leaf, and every trace of its auricle is still wanting

(figs. 7, 8); in other cases the auricle is developed without the

central portion of the ligula being present. The development of

the auricle takes place in the following manner: the scarious

margin of the leaflet, which extends at a less advanced stage of

transformation to its apex, retracts itself as it were from above

downwards, and instead of gradually becoming acute and dis-

appearing in the green-coloured margin of the leaf (fig. 6), now

projects in the form of a rounded prominence on the margin of

the leaflet, and passes into a scale projecting on the upper sur-

face of the leaflet (fig.6 a). In this manner the ligula appears,

not as a part foreign to the leaf and adnate with it, but as an ex-

uberant growth from it like the corona of the petals of a pink.

Simultaneously with the perfect development of the ligula occurs

the formation of the node between the vagina and lamina, and

thereby a distinct separation of the two parts of the leaf.

Far more important is the consideration of the base of the

metamorphosed palez, as regards the question which principally

occupies our attention. While the base of the normal palea al-

ways surrounds only a portion of the axis, and consequently leaves

it doubtful whether the palea is the product of the primary axis

of the gramineous flower, or whether it forms a verticil with the

two leaves composing the superior palea, not the least doubt can

exist respecting this point in the metamorphosed palea; for not

only does its base surround the stem entirely, but both its mar-

gins cohere towards its lower extremity (fig.5 yp’). Now it is

perfectly evident in this case, that the axis which is surrounded

by the leaflet, and from which this takes its origin, is the pri-

mary axis of the spicula, and that the superior palea belongs to

the floral axis, situated in the axis of the inferior palea; conse-

quently that the inferior palea must not be considered as a peri-

gonial leaf, but as a bract.

In proportion as the above-described metamorphosis of the

palea into a vegetative leaf advances, the flowering organs de-

crease in size. In the axis of the palea of the lowest flower of a

spicula, we generally find the whole of the floral parts in a crip-

pled state ; the superior palea is generally still very large in com-

parison to the other flowering organs, and bifurcate at the apex,

but not separated into two distinct leaflets. In the axis of the

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv.

178 Botanical Notices from Spain.

paleze transformed into perfect vegetative leaves of the flowers

situated higher up, all the flowering organs have generally disap-

peared without leaving a trace behind them.

XXVI.— Botanical Notices from Spain. By Morirz WittKomM*.

No. I. Vaxencra, middle of May 1844.

On the first days of my stay in Valencia, where I arrived on the

5th of May, my operations were confined to making acquaintance with

the scientific institutions and the surrounding neighbourhood of the

town. I was the more invited to do this, since the continued rainy

weather offered an obstacle to longer excursions. Indeed the Valen-

cians themselves could scarcely remember it to have rained so abun-

dantly and uninterruptedly, and this weather was even a subject of

public discussion in the newspapers. The temperature was almost

to be called cool; since at this time of year the mean daily tempe-

rature is usually 20°C., and it amounted then barely to 15°-—17°C.

One of my first walks was to the Botanical Garden by the Puerta de

Cuarte: into this you enter through arather insignificant building in

which the lectures on botany and agriculture are delivered. The

garden, laid out in a magnificent style, occupies a very large space,

and considering the glorious climate and the uncommon fertility of

the soil, might, under the direction of an able man, become one of

the most important gardens in Europe, if the government would do

something for its maintenance. It has it is true the appearance ofa

botanical garden, since one sees many rows of labels, but the plants

are wanting. What plants there are, are the remnant of those placed ©

there through Cavanilles, and exotic shrubs and trees of a still earlier

date. ‘The fault of this lamentable decline of so well-arranged an

institution is partly to be laid to the deficiency of interest on the

part of the government in all that relates to science, partly and

chiefly to the want of a well-informed director. Considering how

luxuriantly everything grows up in this happy land in a few years,

without any care, much might be accomplished with very little

money. Of plant-houses there is no trace; they are indeed super-

fluous, since a great number of tropical plants may be cultivated very

well here in the open ground; at the utmost only a green-house

would be necessary in the short winter. The present director of the

garden is named Don José Pezcuerda, so far as I may judge, a tole-

rably ignorant man, whose whole knowledge of literature is confined

to little more than the works of Linneus, Cavanilles, Clemente,

Lagasca, Buffon and DeCandolle. Of Germany he knew almost

nothing; neither does he possess a herbarium. Nevertheless the

garden is in somewhat better condition in his hands than under the

direction of his predecessor, the present Cathedratico of agriculture,

Don Joaquin Carrascosa, formerly Archdeacon in Alicant. Although

* Translated from the Botanische Zeitung, Aug. 9, and Oct. 18, 1844,

and communicated by A. Henfrey, F.L.S,

Botanical Notices from Spain. 179

Don Antonio Blanco, the occupant of the post before him, a younger

but very well-informed man who had prosecuted his studies partly in

Paris, had begun to arrange the plants according to DeCandolle, Car-

rascosa re-introduced the sexual system, which Pezcuerda has re-

tained, and has here displayed his ignorance in the grossest blunders

against system, since, for instance, he arranges Leguminose in the

nineteenth, Crucifere in the sixth class, &c. At last, as Carrascosa had

suffered two show-plants of the garden, avery large old specimen of

Sophora japonica and another of Parkinsonia aculeata, to be cut down

—he having taken them for mulberry-trees (!), it was too out-

rageous, and Carrascosa was removed from the directory of the gar-

den. The directory was taken from Prof. Blanco last year on political

grounds, which is much to be lamented. Of the present condition

of the garden, little can be said. ‘The interior is divided into regular

compartments, surrounded by orange-hedges ; these are sufficiently

watered by means of stone water-courses, and separated from each

other by an elegant trellis-work of Spanish cane. Each plant, or place

where once one has been, is furnished with a label of fire-glazed

white clay, on which the number stands, but no name. The names

of the classes and orders of the sexual system are marked on larger

labels in the Spanish language. ‘here is a special quarter for water-

plants, where however I saw only Canna indica and one other appa-

rently determined as a fern, but which was only Péeris aquilina cul-

tivated. Enormous cypresses, great trees of Cassia corymbosa, Pista-

cia Terebinthus, Acacia Farnesiana, Bignonia Catalpa, Melia Azeda-

rach, Schinus molle, shrubs of arborescent Malvacee, of Solanum Bo-

nariense, Bignonia radicans and other exotic vegetables, ornamented

the borders of the garden,—remnants of former splendour! Especially

worthy of mention are a beautiful date-palm, and, particularly, an old

specimen of Chamerops humilis with a stem 10 feet high, as also a

showy Yucca gloriosa with a stem about 6 feet high and nearly 1 foot

thick, which were just in full bloom.

More directly interesting is the rural or agricultural garden,

which is situated behind the botanical garden, and was established

six years ago. Its present director is the already often-mentioned

Carrascosa, to whom however the credit of having established the

garden is not due. Although it has only been laid out six years,

there are transplanted into it trees and shrubs already so large, that

one would take the garden to be much older,—an evidence of the Inx-

uriant fertility of the soil. ‘The garden is divided into twelve com-

partments. ‘Iwo of these are designed for officinal plants, and sur-

roanded by a hedge of Cactus Opuntia, L. (sp. Nopal). Here are

collected the dye-plants, which are arranged according to the differ-

ent colours, the plants which yield soda and potash, as also those

used in the manufacture of textile fabrics. Under the latter the ce-

lebrated Esparto (Macrochloa tenacissima, Kth.) is especially to be

mentioned, which, growing on many of the hills situated near the

sea, forms a not unimportant article of trade in South Spain, since

this tough grass is used partly for the plaiting of coverings for rooms

and balconies, and for making various sorts of baskets, especially

180 Botanical Notices from Spain.

panniers for mules, chairs, and the peculiar sandals which are worn

all over the kingdom ; and partly worked into ropes which are in

great request, and for instance, are manufactured in great quantity

in Marseilles. In two other quarters of the garden, 400 varieties of

apple- and pear-trees are in cultivation, chiefly brought over from

North America; also in another, a collection of 95 varieties of apricots,

peaches and the like. In one division, surrounded by 86 varieties

of almond-trees, are 308 kinds of Spanish vines, which are arranged

according to the classical work of Don Roxas Clemente (Hnsayo

sobre la vin comun). Other quarters are designed for the fodder-

plants, for trees and shrubs, which are to be used partly for planting

forests, partly for gardens and parks. ‘The back part of the gar-

den is closed in by a very long hedge of Agave americana, L. (sp.

Pita), behind which stand the collected varieties of olives and algar-

robas (Ceratonia Siliqua, L.). ‘The first ground for this garden was

laid out in the year 1835; however the money was insufficient to the

purchase of the required area, which was first accomplished in the year

1839. ‘There is here a theatre for the lectures on agriculture, also a

collection of instruments and models. ‘The chair of agriculture was

established by royal command in the year 1884. Since that time

nothing more has been done by the government for natural science

in the university of Valencia, although this is among the most fre-

quented of the Spanish universities, since it numbers at present

1800 so-called students and some 60 professors.

The immediate neighbourhcod of the city, known and famous as

the Huerta de Valencia, is very astonishing to every foreigner. The

fertile plain watered by the Rio Turia (in the midst of which hes the

city about a mile distant from the sea), is, in a circuit of from three to

five miles round, converted by the indefatigable activity of the Valen-

cians into a garden verdant throughout the whole year. Innumerable

water-courses traverse the Huerta, and numerous water-wheels con-

duct this element, so precious in Spain, into all the fields and gardens.

The culture of wheat forms the chief branch of agriculture ; besides

which, a particularly large quantity of hemp, and westward of Va-

lencia, toward the lake of Albufera, a great deal of rice is also grown.

The fields are surrounded with rows of mulberry-trees, and in the

east and north the Huerta presents extended plantations of olives,

which are here much larger and more beautiful than the dwarf shrub-

like olive-trees of Provence. It has also many fig, citron and orange

trees, especially in the neighbourhood of the country-houses, while

the roads and streets are ornamented with rows of elms, Populus ca-

nescens, nigra and monilifera. ‘The date-palm is rather a rare object,

although it attains here a height of as much as 40 to 60 feet. They

are seen most abundantly in the gardens and courts of the numerous

monasteries in and around Valencia. For instance, I have seen in

the court of the monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes twelve, in

that of the Cartucha Ara Christi, not far from Murviedro, about

thirty high-stemmed palms. ‘The private estates in the Huerta are

mostly surrounded with a hedge of Arundo Donaz, L., which in damp

places in the warm region grows wild everywhere, or of Tamariz gal-

Botanical Notices from Spain. 181

lica, L., in the neighbourhood of the sea, as well as of Agave ame-

ricana and Cactus Opuntia. ‘The last is also cultivated in many gar-

dens for the sake of the cochenille, although it occurs everywhere

wild on stony, sunny places in the warm sea-region ; for instance,

the whole south and east slopes of the castle of Murviedro are co-

vered with impenetrable bushes of a man’s height, in which stems of

4 or 5 inches diameter are frequently seen. Of herbaceous vege-

tables are grown in the Huerta very many strawberries, artichokes,

onions, garlic, beans, peas, Vicia Faba, L., and especially the Garbanzos

(Cicer arietinum, L.), so much loved by the Spaniards. ‘The water-

courses are almost universally decked with Jris Pseudacorus, and

filled with our species of Lemna and Potamogeton. A pretty red-

flowered Silene is not uncommon, and on the walls Hyoscyamus alba

grows everywhere in luxuriant abundance, while the hedges are over-

run with Fumaria capreolata, L., and Rubiacee. All sandy places,

particularly the shore of the Rio Turia, are covered with Plantago

Coronopus, L., Calendula officinalis, Erodias and Euphorbias.

As soon as the weather permitted, I made an excursion to the

lake of Albufera, which is situated about two leagues westward of

Valencia, and is connected with the sea by a narrow canal. Almost

the whole of its shores are covered with rice-fields, yet the strip of

land, about three-quarters of a mile broad, which separates it from

the sea and which is little else than a mound of sand, is occupied by

a wood of Pinus Halepensis, Mill. This little wood is one of the

spots richest in plants in the neighbourhood of Valencia, on which

account I have often visited it. The ground is covered with a low

underwood which is chiefly composed of Quercus coccifera, Myrtus

communis and Chamerops humilis; beneath these frequently occur

bushes of Juniperus Oxycedrus, L., Rhamnus Lycioides, L., Erica ar-

borea, L., Rosmarinus officinalis, L., Ruscus aculeatus, L., Pistacia

lentiscus, L., &c. On the shore of the Albufera in loose quicksands

are pretty frequently found great bushes of Solanum Sodomeum, L.,

with stems as thick as a man’s arm, and Trizago Apula, Col., f. versi-

color, Lagurus ovatus, L., &c. clothe the more grassy places. In the

interior of the wood occur many Helianthema, Coronilla juncea, L.,

Urospermum picroides, Desf., and frequently Eleoselinum fetidum,

Boiss., which however was not yet in fruit. In the thick bush grows

very rarely Lonicera implexa, Ait., and in the neighbourhood of the

coast the beautiful Jris filifolia, Boiss., but also very sparingly. The

numerous shallow lagoons which occur between the Albufera and

the sea are filled with Charas and Potamogetons; these also cover

the bottom of the Albufera, and Juncus acutus, L., the margin. The

grassy sand-hills in front of the pine-wood are covered over and over

with Cistus albidus, L., and C. salvifolius, L., while the bare sand-

downs near the sea are overgrown with Asphodelus fistulosus, L.,

Euphorbias, and Passerina hirsuta, L. In the neighbourhood of the

sea Ononis Natrix is pretty well scattered, and a silky-haired Lotus.

In the Albufera also the Vallisneria spiralis presents itself, which

Cavanilles, and, quite lately, Blanco have found here ; I however have

182 Botanical Notices from Spain.

not met with it, although I have often taken a boat on the lake on

purpose to look for it.

No. II. Vauencra, end of May 1844.

Sierra de Chiva.

The Sierra de Chiva, so called from the market-town of Chiva,

situated four leagues north of Valencia, like all the mountains of

the kingdom of Valencia, belongs to the limestone formation, and

indeed is chiefly composed of Muschelkalk. It consists of a number

of parallel mountain ridges extending from west to east, which are

divided by deep cross-valleys (in Spain called Barrancos) ; it is of

very considerable breadth, and rises gradually to a height of 6000

feet from the great plain, which is bounded eastward by the Sierra

de Murviedro, westward by the Sierra de Cullera and other moun-

tains, and is traversed by the Rio Turia. This thinly inhabited, but

very romantic mountain district was, it is said, in former times co-

vered with dense pine-forests, of which remain only isolated trees of

Pinus Halepensis, Mill., and another species of Conifer called by the

people Pino Roveno, which however is said to be very rare (I have

only seen one low shrub of it). At present the whole of this moun-

tainous region is entirely bare, or only covered by a low underwood,

which at different heights is composed of different species of plants.

The highest peaks want even this, and especially on the north and

east aspects, where the moist cliffs are clothed with grasses and her-

baceous vegetables. ‘True meadows however are wholly absent here.

The whole mountain tract is uncommonly dry ; even in the valleys

we find a little brook but rarely ; although there is no want of springs

on the declivities, their water wholly evaporates before it can reach

the bottom of the valleys. The cause of this is, the very elevated tem-

perature produced by the reflexion of the sun’s rays from the white

limestone rocks which form the walls of the valleys. Hence the ve-

getation in the valleys is far more scanty than on the slopes of the

higher mountains ; and even where a brook runs through the valley,

the banks are overspread with a broad deposit of sand and pebbles,

devoid of vegetation, which makes its first appearance at the foot of

the slope bordering the valley. From the investigations of the con-

dition of vegetation which I was enabled to make during my fort-

night’s sojourn in this mountain district, I am inclined to admit the

five following regions in the Sierra de Chiva, which may perhaps be

applicable to the other mountains of the province of Valencia; I will

endeavour to describe their vegetation as briefly as possible.

1. Lower warm region, to a height of about 500 feet, characterized

by the culture of Ceratonia Siliqua, L., and the presence of Agave

americana, L., and Cactus Opuntia, L.—To this region belong the

immediate environs of Chiva, Cheste and Bunol, as also the plains

and outlets of the valleys at the foot of the Sierra. Besides the al-

ready-mentioned St. John’s bread-tree, olive, fig, and mulberry trees

are universally eultivated, also wheat, hemp, maize, and in hilly

Botanical Notices from Spain. 183

places, vines. The streamlets coming from the Sierra and many other

springs water this soil, in itself fertile (and, as may be conjectured

from its general red colour, containing much oxide of iron), calling

forth a tolerably rich vegetation, which however contains no rari-

ties. The sandy places on the roads and under plantations are

overspread with the splendid Convolvulus altheoides, L., which of

itself is quite characteristic of this region; the vine-hills with An-

chusa italica, L., Cynoglossum cheirifolium, L., Psoralea bituminosa,

L., Gladiolus segetum, Gawl., Mercurialis tomentosa, L., FHelianthema,

Silenes, Salvie and Cichoracee. 1 observed here also a flesh-co-

loured Orobanche, which however appears more abundant in the

higher regions. Among the corn, Arthrolobium ebracteatum, DC.,

occurs plentifully in company with Scorpiurus vermiculata, L., Hy-

pecoum procumbens, L., Papaver Rheas, L., and a Bupleurum. On

shady, moist walls, Telephium Imperati, L., is not uncommon, with

other Crassulacee, and Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, L., thrives every-

where in the crevices. Under luxuriant hedges of Rubus fruticosus,

Rosa canina, Lonicera Caprifolium, Punica Granatum, L., Pistacia

Lentiscus, L., Myrtus communis, &c., are found Vinca media, L.,

Hyoscyamus albus, L., Smilax aspera, L., and other plants, matted

together with Rubiacee and Fumaria capreolata, and overgrown with

Arundo Donar and Agave americana, which in many places had al-

ready shot up a flower-stem from 6 to 8 feet high. I also found

pretty abundantly in such shady hedges an Aatirrhinum, which ap-

pears to be different from A. majus and molle, since it has very slender,

linear, channeled leaves, and a very long, almost twining stem; it

must therefore be the variety angustifolium of molle, discovered by

Boissier in Granada. The banks of the streamlets are densely co-

vered with thick bushes of Myrtus communis, Nerium Oleander, Ficus

Carica, L., &c.; while the hillocks are clothed with Chamerops hu-

milis, L., Erica arborea, L., Daphne Gnidium, L., Retama spherocarpa,

Boiss., various dwarf oaks, Ulex australis, L., and Rosmarinus offici-

nalis, L.

2. Upper warm region, from 500 to 2000 feet high, to the limit of

Chamerops humilis.—Of cultivated plants, olives, wheat, and espe-

cially the vine, are universally grown. ‘To this region belong the

calcareous uplands of the Sierra as well as the lower part of the

mountains. The soil is far less fertile, mostly very dry (as there are

few or no springs in this region), and clothed with low bushes, chiefly

composed of Rosmarinus officinalis and Chamerops humilis, and under

these Rhamaus lycioides, L., Juniperus Oxycedrus, L., Retama sphe-

rocarpa, Boiss., Pistacia Terebinthus, L., Erica arborea, L., Linum

Sruticosum, L., Cisti and Helianthema. Of herbaceous plants occur

everywhere here, Stipa juncea, Ait., Mucrochloa tenacissima, Kunth

(not yet in flower), the above-mentioned Orobanche plentifully, Bi-

scutella saxratilis, Boiss., y. angustifolia (B. levigata, L., var.), a La-

vandula, Linum, Leguminose and Crucifere. On some places (castle

near Chiva, Barranco de Ballestero) I found Digitalis obscura, L.,

and on very sunny slopes under bushes Dictamnus Frazinella, Pers.,

Ruta montana, L., and a Passerina, but all three very sparingly ; while

184 Botanical Notices from Spain.

in the valleys in moist shady spots Cerinthe major, L., many Lathyri,

a Nigella, Bellis, &c. occur abundantly.

3. Lower mountain region, from about 2000 to 4000 feet high, to

the limit of the cultivation of olives and wheat.—Only on the decli-

vities of the mountains, in the vicinity of the here tolerably nume-

rous springs, are tracts of cultivated land now found, belonging to

retired country-houses ; all else is untilled mountain land. ‘To this

region belong the upper part of all valleys, the lower peaks of the

Sierra, and the wide, waste table-land that stretches between the

mountain ridges. ‘The ‘ Monte bajo,’ as the so-often-described

dwarf underwood is called in Spain, is here composed of pretty much

the same plants as in the preceding region, except that here appear

the first fir-bushes and shrubs of Juniperus phenicea, L. (here called

Sabina), while Juniperus Oxycedrus, Pistacia Lentiscus, Retama sphe-

rocarpa and Chamerops humilis are no longer to be met with. In

this region occur not unfrequently shrubs of Frazinus excelsior, L.,

Arbutus Unedo, L., many oaks, especially a peculiar form of Quercus

Ilex, . Many Labiate, the already-mentioned Lavandula with L.

Spica, L., a golden-yellow Teucrium, Thymi, Marrubium sericeum,

Boiss. ?, numerous Leguminose, especially at a height of 3000 to 4000

feet, a blue-flowered prickly Astragalus, species of Ononis and Hip-

pocrepis, also Convolvulus sazatilis, Vahl., Silenes, Centauree, and on

the higher slopes Orchis mascula, L., and Asphodelus ramosus, L.

(which here first began to flower), grow under and among these

shrubs. In the neighbourhood of the springs, on damp declivities,

occur also meadow-like grassy places, chiefly made up of Agilops

triuncialis, L., and species of Medicago and Lotus, which however

offer no remarkable vegetation.

4. Upper mountain region, from about 4000 to 5500 feet.—To this

are to be referred the higher peaks of the Sierra, as la Casoleta, el

Cerro la Grana, Pico de Pascual, Monte de los Ajos, &c., which are

void of all culture. Isolated firs, and a ‘ Monte bajo’ chiefly com-

posed of Ulex australis and Juniperus phenicea, L., characterize this

region, in which however solitary springs are still met with. Of

herbaceous plants occur, particularly, a Jasione (perhaps foliosa,

Cavan.?), an almost shrubby flesh-coloured Anthyllis, Iberis nana,

All. ?; on the declivities Salvia officinalis, L., Orchis mascula, L., and

an Ophrys ; and on very rocky places, a Bunium with tubers very

deeply implanted in the crevices. About the springs I observed

Nasturtium officinale, as it is chiefly in this region that many of our

commonest plants appear, ex. gr. Malva sylvestris, Euphorbia Helio-

scopia, Lamium amplexicaule, Capsella Bursa-pastoris, Papaver Arge-

mone, &c.

5. Alpine region.—This includes in the Sierra de Chiva only the

upper part of the highest mountain, called Monte de la Santa Maria.

On the very steep and damp eastern slope of this mountain, I found

of woody plants chiefly Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Adans., not yet in

flower, and Turus baccata, L., abundantly, more rarely a Cotoneaster.

A proper ‘Monte bajo’ is wholly wanting here. A Saxifraga

thrives in luxuriant tufts on the damp mould at the foot and in the

Bibliographical Notices. 185

crevices of the limestone cliffs which encompass the summit, as also

on the steep slopes, which were, besides, covered with Asphodelus

ramosus, L., the before-mentioned /beris and Anthyllis. Here too

occurred, although but very few specimens, in the region of the Saxi-

frages, a pretty Tulipa, which appears to be new, since it differs

from 7. Celsiana, which it resembles in the colour of its flower, by

« foliis reflexis, flore nutante (nec erecto) et perigonii segmentis lanceo-

latis (nec oblongo-lanceolatis),” setting aside the difference of ha-

bitat, since J. Celsiana only presents itself in the warm region.

Lastly, on the highest rocks of Sta Maria flourish Muscari botry-

oides, and especially Armeria alliacea, W., in great abundance.

The very small number of Cryptogamia, even in the mountain and

alpine regions, is striking. The bark even of the older trees is ge-

nerally quite bare, or at the most covered with a layer of Parmelia

parietina ; the rocks also are for the greater part devoid of all

Lichens. In the springs a Chara is found, yet no Alge, and of

mosses and ferns, very few occur in the upper mountain and alpine

region. Of ferns I have observed, on the rocks of Sta Maria, only

Ceterach officinarum, Asplenium Trichomanes and A. fontanum; of

mosses, besides some barren Hypna, only an Encalypta and Frullania

hispanica, N. ab Es.; the latter indeed, like the liverworts of our

mountains, in thick tufts. The cryptogamic flora is said to be more

considerable in winter.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Die Kieselschaligen Bacillarien oder Diatomeen. Von Dr.F.'T.

Kutzing: Nordhausen, 1844. Tab. 30. p. 152.

Tue beauty and correctness of the plates in the ‘ Phycologia Ge-

neralis,’ which we have already reviewed in our Journal, has excited

the admiration of all who have noticed or consulted the work. Those

of the present are equally deserving of praise, and maintain the re-

putation of the author as an excellent draughtsman and accurate ob-

server. A certain proportion of the figures are professedly copies,

but wherever the author has been able to prepare the illustrations

himself he has not failed to do so, and the instances to the contrary

are not so numerous as to detract from the originality of the work.

Dr. Kiitzing, to whose kindness we are indebted for our copy, has

profited by all the materials which came within his notice, and

if we mistake not also by the criticisms to which his former work

was subjected, not indeed as regards the illustrations but in respect

of its plan, and especially of his notions of genera and species. In

the present instance the species are all defined, the principal syno-

nyms noticed, and some details given under each generic head, in all

which points the ‘ Phycologia’ was very deficient. It is we under-

stand his intention to publish the Desmidiacee in a similar form, and

we do not doubt that we shall find the same progressive improve-

ment which we so gladly hail in the present instance. He will we

know be most grateful to those who have studied this curious and

186 Bibliographical Notices.

interesting group for the communication of any new or rare British

species. We are also rejoiced to hear that he contemplates pre-

paring a ‘ Phycologia Germanica,’ a work which cannot fail to prove

most instructive.

The points of interest which are presented by the minute objects,

of which so many species are here illustrated, are surpassed perhaps

in scarcely any order of created beings, and the results which have

arisen from their study, which is but yet in its infancy, are as im-

portant as unexpected. Not only is the question of their nature and

affinity a very interesting one, and the variety and beauty of form

most striking, but the study of these organized atoms bids fair to

afford the geologist quite a new resource in his investigation of the

comparative age or identity of strata. They exist in all climates, and

in situations where neither other animals nor vegetables (to which-

ever class we assign these beings) can exist. Above 120 species

were discovered by Dr. Hooker in very high latitudes, and by sound-

ings far beyond the limits of ordinary vegetable or animal forms, and

many of these when sent to Dr. Ehrenberg after a long voyage were

all but alive. Whole strata are formed of their siliceous skeletons,

and it seems that sometimes they are propagated to a certain extent

in subterranean strata at the present day.

Authors have been much divided as to their nature, and while Dr.

Ehrenberg doubts not they are animals, and believes that he has dis-

covered within them a digestive apparatus and other organs such as

exist in acknowledged infusoria, others, amongst the number of whom

we must confess ourselves to be, as decidedly incline to consider

them Algz, and as constituting a most important link in the series.

This question, like others relating to the group generally, is well dis-

cussed by Kiitzing, and we think it may be acceptable to our readers

to offer them a translation of his remarks.

The following arguments are brought forward by Ehrenberg in

favour of their being animals :—

1. They have, in part, a peculiar spontaneous motion which is

effected by particular organs.

2. Many have a lateral opening, reand which are seated globular

bodies, which, like the czeca of Infusoria, become blue in an infusion

of indigo in water, and must therefore be regarded as stomachs.

3. The shells of many Diatomee remind us by their structure and

form of that of Gastropods and similar Mollusca.

As regards the first it may be remarked, that spontaneous motion

also takes place in lower vegetable forms, which likewise is effected

by peculiar ciliary organs. Witness the observations of Unger on

the spores of Vaucheria clavata, and those of Flotow on Hematococcus

pluvialis*. And I may here mention my own in the ‘ Phycologia

Generalis’ on Ulothrix zonata and other Alge, which show that in

all these lower forms appearances of motion are exhibited, which can-

not be distinguished from those which take place in the Infusoria.

* To these may be added various observations of Thuret and Decaisne,

not only in the lower Algze, but in the acrosperms of Fuci.

Bibliographical Notices. 187

The animal nature then of Diatomee is not proved by such spon-

taneous motion.

As regards the so-called stomachs, I have before proved, that their

coloration by indigo is possibly a mere mechanical effect, and that

the assertion therefore that they are really stomachs is unauthorized,

and the more especially as these parts are so often wanting.

As to the third point, the shell has indeed in many cases a great

similarity with that of Mollusca in form, structure and marking, but

this is not constantly the case, and we find, in the higher families of

plants, cells, which in marking, form and other points present simi-

lar appearances. Witness the various forms of pollen, in which the

angles, spines, openings, &c. are not wanting. In this respect, then,

the approximation of Diatomee to different vegetable forms is as great

as to that of animals.

On the other hand, the following points speak for their vegetable

nature :—

1. The great similarity of the compound forms to the Alge and

their origination by division.

There are indeed also compound Infusoria, for example compound

monads and polypidoms ; but these are themselves questionable ani-

mals, and there is in them this great difference, that the individual

animal extends itself freely beyond its cell, while the Navicule in

Encyonema, Schizonema and Micromega and similar genera grow in

the inner substance, and increase there as the cells of plants, and

vegetate only as cells. And the individuals in Fragilaria, Melosira,

Himantidium, &c. are as confined and unfit for the exhibition of ani-

mal motion.

2. The internal soft organic parts, which I have indicated as go-

nimic substance, possess, as well in their chemical comportment as

in their mode of development, peculiarities which are identical with

those of the contents of the cells in conferva-like Alge.

This is especially shown in the genus Melosira and its allied ge-

nera, which not only in the form but also in the chemical properties

of their contents (through the presence of chlorophyll, which is in-

deed present in all Diatomee) perfectly agree with Conferve.

3. The formation of seed or fruit takes place similarly in different

Alge, never in true animals.

4. The Diatomee, and especially the free motile Navicule, deve-

lope under the rays of the sun oxygen, like other decided plants.

The evolution of oxygen is indeed remarked also in green monads

and Kuglena, yet this proves nothing in favour of the animal nature

of Diatomee, but makes the real nature of those beings very doubtful,

and the more so as late observations show the origination of lower

vegetables from monads and Huglene.

The weight of argument is we think certainly on the side of Dr.

Kiitzing, whatever may be thought of particular points, and the

whole seems to show, as Dr. Kiitzing had already distinctly stated

in a separate pamphlet, and as indeed was indicated in the ‘ Glean-

ings of British Alge’ many years since, that there are beings in

which vegetable and animal life are so intimately combined, that

188 Bibliographical Notices.

according as the animal or vegetable element is predominant, they

can at one time exhibit an animal, at another a vegetable life, without

altering their originally received form.

In the genus Micromega the author has made some observations,

which, if confirmed, are of very great importance, and more than any

other point will tend to establish the true position of these beings in

a natural system. He informs us that he has seen the naviculz or

frustules in this genus metamorphosed into green globular spores.

An Alga was discovered by Dr. Dickie at Aberdeen, which was al-

luded to before in this Journal, which seems to confirm these views ;

but Mrs. Griffiths, than whom no one is able to form a better judge-

ment, or whose opinion is entitled to greater weight, and Mr. Ralfs

are inclined to think that the appearance is produced by parasites of

the genus Cocconeis and similar productions. The point cannot

therefore be received at present as established, though we ourselves

are persuaded that Dr. Kiitzing’s views will be found correct.

Our British coasts abound in species of Schizonema and Micro-

mega, and we regret much that Dr. Kutzing had not the command

of better materials as regards the British species. We fear that some

communicated by Binder were not authentically named, and this is

the more to be regretted, as far the greater part of the species de-

scribed in Harvey’s ‘ Manual’ are well understood by the author,

and especially by Mrs. Griffiths, who has so largely contributed to

the illustration of the genus. In this indeed our friend Dr. Kiitzing

is not to be blamed, but the writer of the present remarks is rather

inclined to reproach himself for not having, by some inadvertence,

communicated specimens when it was in his power to do so. Our

only reason for calling attention to the subject is to induce due cau-

tion in the examination of this part of the work.

We trust that it will receive the support it deserves, and we have

little doubt that it will do so, as it is no less indispensable to the

geologist than to the botanist.

The Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur. Edited by R. B. Hinds,

Esq. ‘The Botanical descriptions by G. Bentham, Esq. Nos. 2,

3; 4.

We have already noticed the first number of this valuable work,

of which three additional numbers have recently reached us. The ex-

pectations which were raised by an examination of that number are

fully answered by these. Indeed it seems to us that the plates have

improved in the successive numbers. The description of the plants of

California is concluded, and the remaining portion is occupied with

those of Western Tropical America.

Several new genera are described and very many new species. It

is quite unnecessary to add that these descriptions possess great ex-

cellence ; the name of Bentham is a sufficient security on that point.

Such books as that now before us are the strongest proof of the

value of the assistance of late afforded by Government for the publi-

cation of the results in natural science obtained by officers on board

Bibliographical Notices. 189

of Her Majesty’s ships; and the general approbation of the scientific

world will we hope cause similar applications of small portions of

the public money in future.

Alge Hibernice. By Wm. M‘Calla, Associate of the Edinburgh

Botanical Society. Vol. I. Dublin, S. B, Oldham, 8 Suffolk

Street, 1845. .

Under this title Mr. M*Calla has just published a very handsome

volume in large-sized quarto, price 1/., containing beautifully pre-

served specimens of fifty different species of Irish Alge ; and pro-

poses in future similar volumes to edit the remainder of our species,

as well freshwater as marine. The volume is bound in strong boards

covered with purple grained cloth, and the specimens are fixed on

peculiarly stout and thick paper, so that they may be turned over

with great facility and without danger of injury. ‘Those in the pre-

sent volume have been collected chiefly in Roundstone Bay, county

Galway, a locality well known to science by Mr. M°Calla’s very

numerous zoological and botanical discoveries, and are as follows :—

1. Griffithsia multifida, 4g. 26. Ulva bullosa, oth.

2. ————- corallina, Ag. 27. Conferva rectangularis, G,

3. Callithamnion plumula, Lyngb. 28. Hutchinsize, Dill.

4, pedicellatum, 4g. 29. Kaneana, M*C.

5. —— Hookeri, 4g. 30. Fucus balticus, 49.

6. ——-———_ corymbosum, 4g. 31. Mackaii, Zurn.

7 — tetragonum, 49. 32. Gigartina Griffithsiz.

8. ——- Arbuscula, 49. 33. Lyngbya majuscula, Harv.

9. ——_——_—. Daviesii, 4g. 34. Schizonema quadripunctatum.

10. —————-— polyspermum, 4g. 35. Chylocladia clavellosa, //ook.

11, —————— byssoides, dra. 36, Rhodomenia bifida, Grev.

12. Delesseria ruscifolia, Li. 37. Porphyra vulgaris, dg.

13. ————. Hypoglossum, Lz. 38. Ralfsia deusta, Grev.

14. Berkeleya fragilis, Grev. 39. Haliseris polypodioides, 4g.

15. Cheetophora tuberculosa, Hook. 40. Helminthocladia virescens.

16. Gloiosiphonia capillaris, Carm. = 41. ————— Griffithsiana.

17. Nitophyllum punctatum, Grev. 42. Rivularia nitida, 4g.

18. Striaria attenuata, Grev. 43. Ceramium 2

19. Batrachospermum atrum, //. 44. Polysiphonia byssoides, Gr.

20. —————-—— moniliforme, 4g. 45. —————— violacea, Grev.

21. ———_ vagum, dy. 46. Bryopsis hypnoides, Za.

22. Dasya Arbuscula, 4g. 47. Sporochnus rhizodes, 4g.

23. Mesogloia multifida, 4g. 48. Laurencia obtusa, La.

24. Gelidium corneum, La. 49. Enteromorpha intestinalis, LA.

25. Ulva erispa, Lightf. 50. Bangia fuscopurpurea.

Several in this list are of great rarity, and others very local.

Among the first we may mention Gloiosiphonia capillaris (of which .

Mr. M°Calla’s specimens are the finest we have ever seen), Striaria

attenuata, Batrachospermum atrum, Conferva rectangularis, Haliseris

polypodioides, Helminthocladia Griffithsiana and Bryopsis hypnoides

(very fine); and among the latter, Callithamnion pedicellatum, C. Ar-

buscula, Berkeleya fragilis, Dasya Arbuscula, Conferva Hutchinsie,

Fucus balticus and Fucus Mackaii. Besides these rarities there is

one entirely new species, Conferva Kaneana, M°C., a delicately beau-

190 Linnean Society.

tiful plant resembling in many respects Conf. gracilis, Griff., but

much more slender, and indeed nearly as soft and fine as an Ecto-

carpus. This is dedicated to Mrs. Kane, lady of Professor Kane,

who was present at its discovery, and who some years ago published

an Irish Flora.

Much praise is due to Mr. M°Calla for the zeal and ability with

which he has explored the west coast, and the creditable manner in

which he has edited the present work. His future volumes will, we

doubt not, contain an equal number of interesting plants. He pro-

poses, we understand, shortly to visit our northern shores, so famous

for the magnificent growth of Floridee, and his second volume will

be ornamented with the finest of these. We heartily wish him the

success which so praiseworthy an undertaking deserves.

Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, editore et pro parte

auctore Alph. DeCandolle. Vol. ix. Paris, 1845.

We have just received the new volume of this valuable work, which

is far too well known to require any praise from us. The orders

Loganacee, Gentianee, Bignoniacee, Cyrtandracee, Polemoniacee, Con-

volvulacee, part of Boraginee, and a few lesser orders are included in

this volume. A considerable portion is from the pen of the elder

DeCandolle, and is illustrated by notes from his son’s hand ; the re-

mainder consists of the labours of well-known botanists, each upon

that order with which he is best acquainted. ‘The additional observa-

tions appended to the specific character of each species seem to be

rather fuller than in former volumes. It is stated that vol. x. is in

the press.

Works gust PUBLISHED.

Descriptions of the Grasses of Britain, illustrated by 210 Figures drawn

and engraved by the author, Richard Parnell, M.D., F.R.S.E.

The work contains a figure and description of every grass found

in Britain, with their agricultural uses, &c.

Cornish Fauna, being a Compendium of the Natural History of the

County. Part 3: Zoophytes and Calcareous Corallines. By R.Q.

Couch, M.R.C.S.L.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

LINNZAN SOCIETY.

June 18,1844.—The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair.

Read the conclusion of Mr. Griffith’s memoir ‘‘ On the Root-

Parasites referred by authors to Rhizanthee, and their Allies.”

This extensive memoir, or series of memoirs, commences with

«An Attempt to analyse Rhizanthee,” as established by Prof. End-

licher and by Prof. Lindley, from which the author deduces the in-

ference, ‘‘ that in the construction of the group called Rhizanthee, a

Linnean Society. 191

remarkable diversity of characters has been sacrificed to an appear-

ance resulting from parasitism on roots, and to an assumed absence

of any ordinary form of vegetable embryo.”

In arriving at this conclusion, his line of argument is summed up

as having especial reference to the three following points: ‘ In the

first place,” he says, ‘‘ I have endeavoured to extend the objections

urged by Mr. Robert Brown, founded on the presence of a vascular

system, and the absence of any abstract peculiarity in the embryos

of these plants. I have also attempted to show that these plants are

not similar in their parasitism, and that even in those which [ have

examined, there would appear to be two remarkably different types

of development of the embryo. Secondly, I have alluded to the op-

position presented, as it seems to me, by Rhizanthee to the system of

Nature, a chief point of the plan of which seems to me to consist in

an extensive interchange of characters, either positively by structure

or negatively by imitation of structure. ‘Thirdly, I have adverted to

a want of uniformity in opinion of the founders regarding its rank

or value, incompatible, as it appears to me, with any group of the

system of Nature. And in conclusion, I beg to add that my impres-

sion is that Rhizanthee are an entirely artificial group, not even

sanctioned by practical facility, which is the only merit of an arti-

ficial association, and that its adoption is a retrograde step in the

course of philosophical botany.”

To the family of Rafflesiacee, Mr. Griffith adds a new genus with

the following characters :—

SaPRIA.

Cuar. Gex.—Flores dioici. Perianthium duplici serie 5-partitum, zsti-

vatione imbricativum; faux corona forat& clausa; tubus intis 20-cari-

natus. Mas: Anthere 20, uniseriatim infra caput columne fungiforme

verticillate, discretze, 2—3-loculares, apice porose. Ovarii cavitas

nulla. Fam: Anihere castrate. Ovarium 1-loculare ; placente inde-

finite, parietales; ovula indefinita. Columne apex fungoideo-dilatatus

(e medio conum verrucosum exserens, disco piloso). /’ructus

Planta parasitica, habitu Rafilesie. Flos magnus, carnis colore, odore

putrido.

Sarria Himacayana.

Hab. in Jugi Himalayani Montibus Mishmee Assamiz Superioris ad lat.

Bor. 27° 50), long. Orient. 96° 27', altit. pedes 3000—5000.

The description of this plant is accompanied by observations on

its mode of parasitism, on its vascular structure, on the plicz of the

inside of the tube of the perianthium (which the author suggests may

perhaps be considered to represent a second series of stamina), on

the inner membrane of the cells of the anthers, on the obstacles to

independent impregnation, and on the natural relations of the ge-

nus, and the characters by which it differs from Raffesia and Brug-

mansia, between which Mr. Griffith places it.

Mr. Griffith next proceeds to offer some observations on Cytinee,

and on the genera Hydnora and Cytinus. He believes that the dif-

ference in the direction of the nuclei of the ovula in Cytinee and

192 Linnean Society.

Raffiesiacee may perhaps be of some use in discriminating them ;

but thinks it necessary to observe that in Nepenthes distillatoria of the

Calcutta Botanic Garden, the most marked instances of ovula ana-

tropa and antitropa are to be met with in the ovaria at their mature

state, to which circumstance he attributes the discrepancies in the

accounts of the direction of the radicle of the ripe seed of that genus.

His observations on Hydnora were made on specimens of H., africana

both in the dry state and in pyroligneous acid sent to him by Mr.

Harvey from the Cape of Good Hope. He regards the anthers as

indefinite, and describes the stigma as ‘‘ discoideum, trilobum, e la-

mellis plurimis in placentas totidem pendalas undique ovuliferas pro-

ductis,” a structure which, if correctly determined, appears to him

to present another objection to the placentary hypothesis of M.

Schleiden. He also notices the apparent opposition of the lobes of

the stigma to the lobes of the staminal column. In regard to the

composition of the pistillum he hesitates between regarding it as

highly compound and analogous to Papaver and Nymphea, the space

between each lamella corresponding with a carpellary leaf, and each

Jamella itself being compound, or considering it as made up of only

three parts, to which latter opinion his own observations and those

of Mr. Harvey would lead.

Mr. Griffith’s observations on Cytinus are derived from specimens

of C. divicus, Juss., also sent to him from the Cape of Good Hope

by Mr. Harvey. He follows Jussieu and Endlicher in referring the

Cape species to the genus Cytinus. He regards the terminal teeth

or lobes of the staminal column as productions of the connectivum,

and not as rudiments of stigmata; and believes the anthers to be

unilocular.

To his remarks on Cytinee Mr. Grithith appends an account of two

Asarineous plants, natives of Malacca, Thottea, Rottb., and Asiphonia.

To the description of the former of these given by Rottboll from

Keenig’s MSS. he adds several particulars. Of the latter, discovered

by himself, he gives the following generic character :—

ASIPHONIA.

Perianthium zequale, rotatum, tripartitum, tubo nullo. Stamina 8—10

. . 2 . a . e . . . “

uniseriata; filamentis nullis. Stigma discoideum, sinuoso-lobatum.

Pericarpium siliqueeforme, 4-loculare, 4-valve, polyspermum. Semina

trigona, rugoso-papillosa.

Frutex subscandens, facie Piperis fruticose cujusdam ; arliculis tumidis.

: pet Sake ‘iri aes bet Me Hi

Folia venatione melastomaceo-piperoided. Corymbus terminalis ; spicis

paucifloris ; floribus sursim secundis bibracteolatis.

ASIPHONIA PIPERIFORMIS.

Hab. in Provincia Malacea, ad margines sylvarum primevarum, copiosé

versus Ayer Punnus Rhim.

Mr. Griffith points out the near relationship of this genus to Bra-

gantia, Lour., from which it is chiefly distinguished by the absence

of any tube to the perianthium, its cordate sessile anthers, and dis-

coid sinuate stigma. He suggests, however, that it may possibly be

Linnean Society. 193

regarded as only a subordinate modification of that genus, and gives

an arrangement of the known species in conformity with that view.

In connexion with these genera Mr. Griffith gives his views of the

nature and composition of the stigma, which are essentially similar

to those published by Mr. Brown in the second part of Dr. Horsfield’s

‘Plante Javanice Rariores,’ to which work Mr, Griffith refers in a

note stating that he did not become acquainted with it till several

months after his own observations were written. He defines the stigma

to be ‘ the external communication of the conducting tissue, which

itself communicates with the placentz, and is in several cases at least

(as in Trewia nudiflora) manifestly a continuation from them.” Of

its theoretical origin he desires to speak with caution, but notices

two distinct cases of monstrosities affecting two Leguminous plants,

in which the stigmatic surface is evidently a continuation of the pla-

cental margins of the carpellum. ‘The ordinary relations may, he

thinks, be obscured by several causes ; such as separation of parts

usually cohering, cohesion of parts usually distinct, division of the

stigmatic part of the style, and division of the style of the simple

carpellum. ‘The stigmata of each carpellum may be distinct from

each other or from those of the next carpellum ; or adhesion may

take place between stigmatic surfaces ordinarily distinct, whereby

the stigmata so resulting appear to alternate with the styles. In-

stances of the former occur in Luhalus ; of the latter in Orobanche,

if the author’s observations are correct, in Papaveracee, aad perhaps

in all cases in which the stigmata, being apparently equal in number

to the placentz, are said to be opposite to them.

The succeeding portion of Mr. Griffith’s memoir relates to Mystro-

petalon, Harv., referred by Sir Wm. J. Hooker to the order Rhizan-

thee, group Balanophoree. Mr. Griffith, on the contrary, who de-

scribes the Mystropetalon Thomii from specimens obtained from Mr.

Harvey, regards it as a plant sui ordinis, having no relation to any

other plant admitted into Rhizanthee except Cynomorium, to which

it seems to him to present considerable resemblance in the structure

of the stamen and of the female flower. It also offers, he thinks,

curious agreements with Loranthacee, and he would at present con-

sider it (doubtfully) as the homogeneous-embryo form of that order

which he takes to include Proteacee, Santalacee, &c., and which

nearly agrees with Prof. Lindley’s alliance Tubifere.

Sarcophyte also is described from specimens transmitted by Mr.

Harvey. Mr. Griffith regards its affinities as very obscure ; he ob-

jects to its being placed either in Cytinee, Cynomoriacee, or Bala-

nophoree, and suggests that on the whole the general tendency of the

plant is towards Urticee.

Mr. Griffith next examines the family of Balanophoree, and gives

distinctive characters of Balanophora, Langsdorffia, Pheocordylis,

Helosis and Scybalium. The following are the characters which he

assigns to Balanophora and Pheocordylis :—-

Bauanopuora, Lorst.

Sexus diclines, rarissimé monoclines. Flores masculi bracteati. Perian-

Ann, & Mag. N, Hist. Vol. xv.

194 Linnean Society.

thium 3—5-sepalum, estivatione valvatum. Stamina totidem opposita,

monadelpha, bilocularia (in unica specie multilocularia). Flores foemi-

nei: Ovaria stipitata, receptaculis apice incrassato-glandulosis aftixa,

nuda, Stylus setaceus, persistens. Sigma inconspicuum. Fructus

pistilliformes, sicci.

Puexocorpytis, Griff.

Sexus diclines. Flores masculi ignoti. ores feeminei: Ovaria in axi

sessilia, nuda, pilis paraphysiformibus immixta. Stylus filiformis, ex--

sertus, deciduus. Stigma subcapitatum. Fructus compressi (striati) apice

subpapillosi.

Of Balanophora he describes as new five species with the follow-

ing characters :—

B. surMAnnica, squamis laxé imbricatis, bracteis truncatis parm cana-

liculatis, perianthio masculo extis carneo demim sanguineo, columna

staminum elongata, antherarum locellis basi discretis,

Hab. in Regno Burmannico, ad fl. Salueen.

B, arrinis, squamis et bracteis preecedentis, floribus (masculis) pallidis,

columna staminum brevi subrotunda, locellis antherarum basi conflu-

entibus.

Hab. in Collibus Khasiyanis.

Preecedenti minor; an veré distincta ?

B. aLvEOLATA, squamis arcté imbricatis, bracteis profundeé canaliculatis

inter se favi instar dispositis, columna staminum subrotunda.

B. dioica, R. Br. in Royle, Iilusir. p. 330, t.99?

Hab. in Collibus Khasiyanis.

B. picra, squamis distantibus laxis (luteis), spica foemined obscuré san-

guinea.

Hab. in Montibus Mishmee jugi Himalayani.

B. (PotypLeria) POLYANDRA, columna staminea brevi lata, antheris inde-

finitis 1-locularibus.

Hab. in Collibus Khasiyanis.

With reference to these species Mr. Griffith enters at considerable

length into their anatomical and external structure, and in the course

of his observations directs attention to the resemblance of the pistilla

to the pistilla of Musci, and more especially to those of some evaginu-

late Hepatice, and to the effects produced by the action of the pollen

on the styles. ‘‘ Indeed,” he observes, ‘‘ in the development of the

female organ, the continuous surface of the style before fecundation,

and its obvious perforation after, Balanophora presents a direct affi-

nity to a group of plants, with which otherwise it has not a single

analogy.’’ On this ground he objects to the association of Balano-

phoree with such highly developed families as Rafflesiacee and Cy-

tinee. ‘As a mere hypothesis,” he adds, “I would consider it as

the homogeneous-embryo form of Urticine, forming a direct passage

in one, and usually the more perfect, structure to Musci and Hepa-

tice.” ;

Of Pheocordylis (a name used by him to prevent confusion, as he

has not sufficient knowledge of Dr. Wallich’s plant to determine

whether his genus is the same as that doubtfully proposed in Dr.

Wallich’s list under the name of Sarcocordylis) he describes and

Linnean Society. 195

figures a single species, Pheocordylis areolatus, collected in the Kha-

siya Hills. He compares its structure with that of Balanophora, no-

tices several curious peculiarities, and adverts to the structure of the

hairs in which the fruits are imbedded as presenting a remarkable

analogy with the paraphysiform appendages of Drepanophyllum and

certain Neckere, and also with the bodies which he suspects to be the

male organs of Ferns.

Lastly, Mr. Griffith adds the description of a new genus which he

dedicates to the memory of Mr. Thomas Smith, referred to by Mr.

Brown in terms of high commendation in his remarks on Kingia.

This genus is characterized as follows under the anagrammatized

name of

THISMIA.

Cuar. Gen.—Perianthium superum, campanulatum (caducum), 6-parti-

tum ; laciniis 8 exterioribus (brevibus) oblongis, 3 alternis interioribus

(longissimis) subulatis ; fauce annulo semiclausi. Stamina 6, fauci in-

serta, perianthii laciniis opposita, deflexa insuper parietem tubi inter-

num ; filamenta brevia, discreta; antherae (maxima) secus margines

connate, membrana bilamellosa terminatz, biloculares, loculis parvis

distantibus adnatis. Ovarium inferum, 1-loculare; placentz 38 parie-

tales, supra medium ovuligerz; ovula indefinita, anatropa. Stylus

brevis. Stigmata 3 bifida. Fructus carnosus, truncato-turbinatus, apice

pericarpii cireumscisso dehiscens, 1-locularis. Semina indefinita, pla-

centis 3 parietalibus demtm liberis affixa. Lmbryo indivisus, homo-

geneus.

Planta pusilla, aphylla, radicum parasitica, aspectu cereaceo. Perianthium

lutewm, coecineo pictum.

Tuismi1aA Brunonis,

Hab. ad pedes Bambusarum in humo ligno semiputrido farcto prope

Palar Ore Tenasserim, ad grad. lat. bor. 12° 50‘, long. orient. 98° 20'.—

Flor. et fruct. lect. Mense Octobris, 1834.

Some observations follow on the mode of venation of the perian-

thium, on the dehiscence of the fruit, and on the position of the plant

in the natural system, which the author regards as intermediate be-

tween Taccee and Burmanniacee. He adds that he is disposed to

consider it as a Monocotyledonous form of the albuminiform homo-

geneous embryo, and as the analogue of Rafflesiacee and Cytinee of

Dicotyledons.

Associated with Thismia grew a species of Salomonia and a species

of Burmannia, both having the ordinary appearance of plants para-

sitic on roots. ‘The former is characterized as

SALoMONIA APHYLLA, parasitica, floribus pentandris,

The paper was accompanied and illustrated by an extensive series

of coloured drawings.

November 5.—E, Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Joshua Clarke, Esq., presented specimens of Galium Vaillantii,

DeC., gathered by himself at Saffron Walden, in the county of Essex.

James Backhouse, jun., Esq,, and G. S. Gibson, Esq., presented

specimens of Spergula stricta, Swartz, from Widdy Bank, Teesdale,

196 Linnean Society.

Yorkshire, and of Hqguisetum Drummondii, Hook., from Winch Bridge,

Teesdale ; both species gathered for the first time in England.

William Borrer, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of Leersia ory-

zoides, Sw., discovered by himself in Sept. 1844, fringing the ditches

in Henfield Level, Sussex.

Read, a memoir ‘‘ On the Medusa proboscidalis of Forskahl.”’ By

Prof. Edward Forbes, F.L.S. &c.

The author met with this Medusa on the coast of Asia Minor, and

communicates the result of his examination of its form and structure.

The umbrella of the specimen described measured two inches and

three quarters in diameter, and was perfectly hemispherical and trans-

parent, ‘lhe margin had a pink border, from which sprung at regular

intervals six very long extensile tentacula, at the base of each of

which is a minute ocellus. Opposite and above the origin of each

of these tentacula, and on the inner surface of the bell, is a phylli-

form space, of a different tissue from the rest of the umbrella: these

have hitherto been described as stomachs, but are in reality the ova-

ries; through the centre of each runs a narrow canal, and between

each in the interspace are seven lanceolate, truncate markings. From

the centre of the inferior surface springs a proboscis or peduncle,

four inches in length, down which the gastric vessels run; this pe-

duncle is marked by six longitudinal bands of pinkish contractile

tissue ; at its extremity it bears a hollow bell-shaped body, bordered

by six triangular lips; the cavity of this is the true stomach; the

gastric vessels Spring from it, and go to open into a circular vessel

surrounding the margin of the umbrella.

The author’s observations, demonstrating the true position of the

stomach and reproductive organs in this animal, do away with the

anomalous definition formerly given of the genus Geryonia, to which

it belongs, and require the substitution of a new generic character,

which may be expressed as follows :—

Geryonia, Eschscholtz.

Umbrella hemispherica: ovaria plura phylliformia in circuitu disci:

cirrhi marginales distantes: ocelli nudi: pedunculus elongatus, pyra-

midatus, ventriculim parvum in extremitate gerens; ore lobato, fim-

briato.

Type, Geryonia proboscidalis.

November 19.—R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Read a Note by William Griffith, Esq., F.L.S. &c., to his paper

«On the Ovulum of Santalum, Osyris, Loranthus, and Viscum,”

printed in the last Part of the Society’s Transactions.

In this note Mr. Griffith states, that ‘“‘ having had opportunities,

after my revised examination of Santalum album, of examining a

Malacca species of Osyris (belonging to a section characterized by

a quinary number of parts of the flower, a less tendency to separation

of the sexes, and habit), I find full grounds for believing that the

mode of development of the ovulum of Osyris napalensis is altogether

like that of Santalum album, the only difference being the unim-

Linnean Society. 197

portant one of the short anterior prolongation of the embryo-sac

outside the nucleus. ‘The minuteness of the ovulum, and the rapidity

with which the anterior exserted part above the septum becomes

filled with albuminous tissue, during which the proper membrane of

this part of the sac becomes incorporated with the albuminous tissue,

must be my apologies for this additional and very important error.

‘‘[ may take this opportunity of stating, that this Malacca Osyris,

deducting the great minuteness of the ovulum, has given me as good

evidence as Santalum in my opinion has, of the non-existence of any

cell or body of or in the embryo-sac, from which the embryo is de-

rived, independent of the pollen-tube. ‘The vesicle from which the

embryo is to be derived does not appear to exist before the applica-

tion of the pollen-tubes to the sac, it being in fact, so far as my

means of observation enable me to go, the anterior extremity of the

pollen-tube itself.”

Read also a paper ‘‘ On the Development of the Ovulum in Avi-

cennia,” by William Griffith, Esq., F.L.S. &c., containing a more

detailed description of the process than the note referred to in the

‘Annals,’ vol. xii. p. 209.

Mr. Griffith states that Avicennia has, like Santalum and Osyris,

a free central placenta with pendulous ovula; the same posterior

elongation takes place in the embryo-sac; and the embryo is, at least

when matured, external to the nucleus or body of the ovulum. The

ovula of Avicennia appear to be nucleary; their central tissue first

becomes denser than the rest, and in this denser tissue, at a period

antecedent to fecundation, is found the embryo-sac, having usually

an enlarged apex or head and a subcylindrical body. Subsequent to

the application of the pollen-tubes to the apex of the sac, and the

formation of cellular tissue, the head of the embryo-sac acquires a

short prolongation posteriorly in the direction of the axis of the ovu-

lum, and its subcylindrical body is also prolonged posteriorly within

the inner side of the same organ. While the albuminous tissue in

the head of the sac increases in bulk, and the rudiment of the future

embryo is developing, the head enlarges and passes out of the apex

of the ovulum, and the prolongation of the subcylindrical body con-

tinues to increase in length. Atasubsequent period there is formed

on the anterior surface of the albuminous mass, now become external

to the ovulum, a curved furrow or groove, corresponding with the

points of the cotyledons of the young embryo; and the posterior

prolongation of the body of the sac passes backwards into the pla-

centa, within which it is divided in a digitate irregular manner. In

the next stage the points of the cotyledons protrude through the

groove, and as the embryo increases in size they become more and

more exposed, the part of the albumen situated between the inner

cotyledon and the body of the ovulum becoming at the same time

enlarged and flattened, and increasing in length equally with the

cotyledons themselves. In the mature embryo the radicle alone re-

mains imbedded in the albuminous tissue, the cotyledons being quite

naked.

198 Linnean Society.

“It is curious,” Mr. Griffith observes, ‘‘ that this prolongation

[of the embryo-sac] has only been observed in association with a

particular form of the free central placenta. So far as I know,” he

adds, ‘it is the only instance of an embryo-sac prolonged posteriorly,

it may be said, from two points of its surface.’ And further: ‘In

all the really analogous instances in which the albumen is exterior

to the ovulum, it is a/ways exterior, that part of the embryo-sac in

which it is developed being protruded long before any albuminous

tissue has been developed*.”

In conclusion, Mr. Griffith refers to the observations of Mr. Brown

on the ovula of Avicennia in the ‘ Prodromus Florz Nove Hollandiz,’

and in Dr. Wallich’s ‘ Plante Asiatic Rariores,’ and states that

the most important difference between this last account and that

which he has given is, that he finds the embryo only to be erect.

‘* The embryo, in its earlier stages of development, undergoes a degree

of change of direction, but only sufficient to enable it to pass up out-

side the ovulum in the same direction it would have maintained had

it been ordinarily developed.”

The paper was illustrated by a series of coloured drawings.

December 3.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Read, some ‘‘ Remarks on Vegetable Physiology.”” By Mr. James

Main, A.L.S.

Mr. Main’s object in the present paper appears to be the reproduc-

tion before the Society of the leading ideas on vegetable growth con-

tained in his ‘Illustrations of Vegetable Physiology,’ published in

1833, and to state his objections to some received theories on that

important subject. He denies the descent of the sap, and asks, ‘‘ Who

has met with sapless branches in winter, or surcharged roots at the

same season?” He states that ‘‘ the spring movement of the sap

* Ina Memoir by M. Planchon, published at Montpellier, 1844, “ Sur les

développements et les caractéres des vrais et des faux arilles, suivi de con-

sidérations sur les ovules de quelques Véroniques et de l’Avicennia,” it is

shown that in two species of Veronica (V. hederefolia and V. Cymbalaria)

(and consequently in plants with the ordinary form of placenta) the nucleary

ovula are furnished with embryo-sacs, acquiring during the progress of their

growth two tubular prolongations, one from near each extremity, the upper

of which passes into the placenta, and there becomes digitately divided. In

these plants also the albuminigerous portion of the embryo-sae becomes,

during the progress of its development, external to the nucleus, In other

species of the same genus (Ver. agrestis and V. arvensis) the oyula are

equally reduced to a nucleary form; but the embryo-sac is much less de-

veloped at its extremities, and a tegument derived from the nucleus con-

tinues to enclose it up to the complete maturity of the seed. Comparing

these observations on Per cilieh with the description given in 1818 by M. A.

de St. Hilaire of the development of the ovulum of Avicennia, M. Planchon

comes to the conclusion, that “ 1] devient impossible de ne pas considérer,

avee Brown, comme l’ovule lui-méme le corps oblong pris [par M. A. de

St. Hilaire] pour un cordon ombilical, et de ne pas voir dans le tubercule

arrondi qui sort de lafente du corps oblong, un sac embryonnaire analogue a

celui de la Véronique, et destiné, comme ce dernier, a accomplir, hors du

nucelle, toutes ses évolutions.”—SEcR.

Zoological Society. 199

begins (and necessarily must begin) at the top of the tree, and its

fluxion is generated gradually downwards until the whole is in mo-

tion.” It is by means of this descending fluidity, and not by any

descent of the sap itself, that he explains the callosities or swellings

observed above a ligature, on the upper edge of a wound, and in

various other circumstances. Instead of attributing the formation of

the tissues of the plant to the organizable property of the elaborated

sap, he believes that the membranes and every other organic part or

constituent of the plant have rudimental existence and identity before

development. He regards the cambium as the seat of vegetable life

and the origin of all vegetable growth. From this living body (which

he calls the indusium or vital membrane) he believes that the axis of

wood is annually enlarged in diameter, and the bark is thickened ;

from this, and this only, buds and roots are produced; and wounds

are healed by its gradual extension. The paper concludes by a

reference to the opinions of Bonnet, DeCandolle, Mirbel, and Du-

trochet.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY,

July 9, 1844.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

“« Descriptions of new species of Tritons, collected chiefly by H.

Cuming, Esq. in the Philippine Islands,’ by Lovell Reeve, Esq.

Triton GaLuinaco. Trit. testd abbreviato-claveformi, varicibus

duobus, rotundis, solidis ; spird breviusculd, acuminatd ; anfracti-

bus superne ungulatis, tuberculorum serie unicd ad angulum armatis,

tuberculis peculiariter plano-vellicatis, acutis, anfractis ultimi

valde irregularibus ; anfractibus infra costatis, costis crenulatis,

sub tuberculis fleruos? nodulosis, costarum interstitiis elevato-

striatis ; alba, varicibus aurantio-fusco vivide tinctis ; columella

rugoso-plicatd, aperture fauce albd, labro intus fortiter denticu-

lato ; canali subelongato, ascendente.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 2. f. 5.

Hab. Cagayan, province of Misamis, island of Mindanao, Philip-

pines (found in sandy mud at the depth of twenty fathoms) ; Cuming.

The ribs of this delicate species are noduled, and more strongly

developed on the varices than on the body of the shell; and the cen-

tral dorsal tubercle of the last whorl is unusually prominent, with all

the appearance of a double tubercle. The canal is much shorter

than that of most of the club-shaped Tritons, and is particularly

curved or bent upwards.

Trirron Ranetxorpes. Trit. testd Ranelleformi, varicibus decem

nodiferis ; spird elevatd ; anfractibus, superficie totd subtilissime

reticulatd, superne depressis, infra nodis grandibus biseriatim, an-

fractu ultimo triseriatim, cinctis, nodis inferioribus minoribus ;

luteo-albidd, fuscescente varid, teniis subtilissimis fuscescente

alboque articulatis, lineis fuscis fortioribus inter nodos, cinctd ;

columella macula purpured albirugosd superné tinctd ; aperture

Sauce albd, labro intus leviter denticulato ; canali brevissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 3. f. 10.

200 Zoological Society.

Hab. Matnog, province of Albay, island of Luzon, Philippines

(found on the reefs) ; Cuming.

Partaking as this shell does in almost equal proportion of the

characters of both Triton and Ranella, it has been a matter of some

difficulty to decide to which of the two genera it might with the

greater propriety be referred,

Triton exitis. rit. testd claveformi, varice unico parvo ; spird

breviusculd ; anfractibus superne angulatis, inferne coarctatis,

transversim subirregulariter costatis, costis liris parvis longitudi-

nalibus decussatis, tuberculatis, tuberculis grandibus, prominenti-

bus, subcompressis ; albd, aurantio-fusco sparsim tincta ; columella

plicatd, plicis superioribus valde majoribus, aperture fauce albd,

labro intus rugoso-denticulato ; canali longissimo, superné peculi-

ariter contorto.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 4. f.. 11.

Hab. San Nicolas,island of Zebu, Philippines (found in sandy mud

at the depth of ten fathoms) ; Cuming.

This highly interesting species has been erroneously published by

Mr. Sowerby in his ‘ Genera of Shells,’ and by myself in my ‘ Con-

chologia Systematica,’ vol. ii. plate 243. fig. 3, for the Triton clavator,

and demonstrates how necessary is the examination of an entire

genus by comparison for the proper discrimination of the species.

No question as to the specific difference of these two shells could

however be urged, for they vary materially both in form and detail

of sculpture. The Triton clavator is comparatively full and ventri-

cose, with the upper ribs only moderately tubercled ; the Triton ea-

ilis is small, peculiarly contracted round the lower part, with the

tubercles very prominently developed entirely across the whorls: in

the former species there is a varix on the penultimate whorl as well

as upon the last whorl; in the latter species, as in the Triton cana-

liferus, there is no varix upon the penultimate whorl; lastly, the

mouth of the former species is either yellowish or yellowish scarlet,

whilst that of the latter exhibits not the slightest indication of colour,

and the stains of orange-brown with which it is marked externally

are of a character not to be misunderstood.

Triton Prerrrertanus. Trit. testd fusiformi, varicibus septem

prominentibus, acutangularibus ; spird elatd ; anfractibus subirre-

gulariter convolutis, convexis, superne plano-depressis, leviter

canaliculatis, transversim costulatis, costulis irregularibus, nunc

angustis, nunc latioribus, striis elevatis longitudinalibus noduloso-

decussatis, anfractuum parte mediand nodosd, nodis distantibus,

longitudinaliter subplicatis ; fuscescente, fusco pallide varia ; colu-

melld rugulosd, labro intus rugoso-denticulato ; canali subelongato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 4. f. 14.

Reeve, Pro. Zool. Soc., 1844.

Hab. ?

This species may probably be recognised as one of not uncommon

occurrence, though not hitherto described ; its leading features are

the rude manner in which one whorl is deposited on the other, the

Zoological Society. 201

prominent sharp-angled structure of the varices, and the delicate

granulated sculpture of the ribs where they are crossed by the raised

strie ; and its general appearance is altogether peculiar.

I take the liberty of dedicating this characteristic species to Dr.

Pfeiffer of Cassel, Germany, on account of the diligence that gentle-

man has exercised in arranging the synonyms of the genera Triton

and Ranella in his ‘‘ Memoir of the genus Tritonium,” Revue Zoolo-

gique de la Société Cuviérienne.

Trrron Savutix. Trit. testd elongato-conicd, tubeformi, paululim

contortd, basim versus subangulato-attenuatd, varicibus novem

decemve plano-depressis ; spird acuminata ; anfractibus subangu-

latis, nodorum prominentium seriebus duabus infra angulum arma-

tis, subtilissime liratis, liris apicem versus minutissime crenulatis ;

albido aut lutescente, rubido-fusco variegatd et maculata ; epider-

mide tenui; columella levi, obsolete plicata, plicd alba unicd su-

pern? munitd’; labro intus denticulato ; aperturd angulato-ovatd,

Sauce cerulescente-albd.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 5. f. 17.

Hab. Matnog, island of Luzon, Philippines ; Cuming.

I was about to figure a somewhat discoloured specimen of this

shell, collected by Mr. Cuming at the above-mentioned locality, when

a smaller but very richly painted example presented itself for com-

parison from the collection of Miss Saul. It is unquestionably di-

stinct from any of the trumpet-shaped species, though curiously in-

termediate between the Triton variegatus and australis. I now de-

dicate it with great pleasure to a much-esteemed collector, whose

cabinet bears interesting testimony of her excellent discrimination of

species.

Triton stnensis. Trit. testa elongato-claveformi, varicibus duobus

rotundis ; spird subelata ; anfractibus costis duplicibus subdistan-

tibus undique cinctis, strid unicd elevatd interveniente, costis supe-

ris leviter nodosis, costis interstitiisque subtilissime crenulatis ;

albidd, lutescente tinctd, varicibus inter costas lutescentibus ; colu-

melld multirugosd ; labro denticulato ; aperture fauce albd ; canali

elongato, subcontorto.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 6. f. 18.

Hab, China.

This shell is not uncommon in collections, though it appears to

have been singularly neglected by naturalists. It presents a most

remarkable modification of the Triton canaliferus : the entire sculpture

of the two species—such as, for example, the double rib, the inter-

vening raised line, the two only varices, the profusely wrinkled colu-

mella, the long slightly twisted canal, &c.—is the same in both; but

the canaliculated structure of the sutures, which forms so very im-

portant a specific character in the Trifon canaliferus, is wanting.

The Triton sinensis might therefore be recognised as an example of

the Triton canaliferus with the spire pushed out as it were; or one

in which the whorls have not been subject to that peculiar depression

which forms so deep and characteristic a channel round the suture.

202 Zoological Society.

Triton GRANDIMACULATUS. JTvit. testd ovato-turritd, crassd, in-

Serne coarctatd, varicibus tribus ; spird subobtusd ; anfractibus

superne angulatis, transversim eviliter striatis et liratis, liris su-

peris tuberculato-nodosis ; fuscescente-fulvd, varicibus et columelle

parte superiori maculis grandibus nigerrimo-fuscis ornatis ; colu-

melld levi vel obsolete plicatda ; labro intus dentato, dentibus niger-

rimo-fuscis ; aperture fauce alba; canali breviusculo, subascen-

dente.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 6. f. 20.

Hab. Matnog, province of Albay, island of Luzon (found on the

reefs) ; Cuming.

This shell appears at first sight to be nothing more than a casual

variety of the Triton lotorium; it will be found, however, upon ex-

amination to differ materially. The large tuberculated humps of the

Triton lotorium are here represented by regular series of small rounded

knobs, which impart a kind of cancellated structure to the earlier

whorls which is very characteristic ; the lower part of the shell is not

distorted, and the varices, especially at the back, are vividly painted

with large distinct brown blotches.

Triton sarcostoma. Trit. testd subabbreviato-claveformi, varici-

bus duobus, rotundis, solidiusculis ; spird brevi, apice subdepresso ;

anfractibus superne angulatis, transversim costatis, costis noduloso-

crenatis, costarum interstittis subtiliter crenato-liratis, costis su-

peris tuberculatis, tuberculis grandibus, prominentibus, subcom-

pressis ; spadiceo-fuscescente, costis inter tubercula albimaculatis ;

columelld superne et inferne leviter corrugatd, labro intus fortiter

rugoso-denticulato ; columella labroque carneo eximie tinctis.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 7. f. 21.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs) ; Cuming.

This shell has somewhat the aspect of the Triton cynocephalus ; it

differs in being much less ventricose, and in having very prominent

tubercles round the upper part of the whorls. The mouth is stained

with a pale flesh-tint without any indication of dark colour on the

columella.

Triton aquatitis. Trit. testd fusiformi-turritd, varicibus septem

octove rotundis, prominentibus ; spird elatd ; anfractibus convezis,

transversim costatis, costis duplicibus, subdistantibus, liris undatis

tuberculiferis longitudinaliter decussatis ; pallide rufescente-fuscd,

fusco maculata et variegatd ; columella et aperture fauce carneo-

tinctis, albirugosis, labro intus albidenticulato ; canali brevi, ascen-

dente.

Conch, Icon., Triton, pl. 7. f. 24.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs at low water) ;

Cuming.

The longitudinal waved ridges which adorn the surface of this

interesting species have, in the fine specimen before me, a beautiful

ripple-like appearance which is very characteristic. The columella

and interior are covered with enamel of a bright uniform flesh-tint,

and the varices are very round and prominent. I have seen several

Zoological Society. 208

examples of this species in different stages of growth, all exhibiting

the above peculiarities with remarkable specific distinctness.

Trivon tritingatus. Trit. testd clavato-fusiformi, varicibus tri-

bus ; spird breviusculd ; anfractibus superne angulatis, ad angulum

compresso-tuberculatis, transversim plano-liratis, liris subtilissime

crenulatis, interstitiis lineis tribus elevatis sculptis ; albidd, fusco

variegatd, varicibus fusco-maculatis ; columella lutescente-albd,

costatd ; canali subelongato, leviter ascendente ; labro fortiter den-

ticulato-costato ; aperture fauce albd.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 10. f. 31.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

This is a strongly marked species, with the denticulated sculpture

of the lip extending into the aperture after the manner of ribs; and

the body of the shell is crossed by flattened ridges, between each of

which are three very characteristic raised lines.

Triton acrotus. Trit. testd subpyriformi, varicibus validis duo-

bus ; spird acutd ; anfractibus supern? augulatis, transversim cos-

tatis, liris minutis tribus vel quatuor inter costas decurrentibus,

costis superis tuberculatis, tuberculis inferne evanidis ; albidd,

Fuscescente maculata ; columelld plicatd ; canali subelongato, sub-

ascendente ; aperture fauce alba ; labro intus denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 12. f. 42.

Hab. China.

Care must be taken not to confound this shell with the Triton tri-

lineatus, in which the dorsal tubercles are more strongly developed,

and which has no varix on the back of the penultimate whorl.

Triron ENcausticus. Trit. testa pyriformi, varice unico depres-

siusculo ; spird rotundato-depressd ; anfractibus transversim cos-

tatis, tuberculorum sericbus plurimis longitudinalibus armatis,

inferioribus minoribus ; albidd, fusco varie tinctd ; columelld levi,

crassissimé encausticd, aurantio-lutescenie ; canali elongato, ascen-

dente ; labro aurantio-lutescente, intus denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 12. f. 43.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs); Cuming.

The enamelled character of the mouth of this shell is somewhat

like that of the Triton tuberosus; the form is that of the Triton re-

tusus.

Triton rwwens. Trit. testa elongato-ovatd, subfusiformi, solidius-

culd, distortd, varicibus quingue sexve subindistinctis ; spird acu-

minatd ; anfractibus liris angustis elevatis prominentibus distantibus

eleganter clathratis, liris transversis duplicatis ; cerulescente-albd,

epidermide sericd indutd; columella fortiter rugosd, aurantio

tinctd ; canali breviusculo, viv ascendente ; apertura parvd, coarc-

tatd ; labro intus fortiter dentato, albo, aurantio marginato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 12. f. 46.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

Although this species exhibits little more than a modification of the

characters of the Triton cancellinus, the difference is of good specific

204: Zoological Society.

importance. ‘The cancellated sculpture is wider and more prominent,

whilst the ridges are more sharply noduled in crossing over each

other. ‘The wrinkles and denticulations which surround the aper-

ture are much more strongly developed, and the orange-stained co-

louring of the enamelled disc is peculiarly characteristic.

Triron Tuersites. Trit. testd subfusiformi, varicibus quatuor ;

spird exsertd ; anfractibus transversim granoso-liratis, angulatis,

ad angulum tuberculatis, tuberculis validis, valdé prominentibus,

anfractuum totd superficie subtilissime granulosa ; columella alba,

subexcavatd, leviter rugosd, callositate superne armatd; canali

longiusculo, subascendente ; labro intus leviter denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 13. f. 48.

Hab. "

Several shells have been named after the rude enemy of Achilles

as significant of their deformity. The Triton under consideration,

though it has quite a hump-backed appearance from the prominence

of the dorsal tubercles, is however beautifully granulated, the granu-

lated ridges being especially neatly sculptured in passing over the

tubercles and varices.

Trrron Moritinctus. Trit. testd ovato-oblongd, ventricosd, varice

unico elevato ; spird depressd ; anfractibus superne plano-angulatis,

transversim crenulato-cosiatis, ad angulum fortiter tuberculatis,

tuberculis acutis, inferne evanidis, transversim subtiliter sulcatis ;

rubidd, varicibus albimaculatis ; epidermide subsetosa ; columelld

rufo-aurantid, macula grandi, nigricante-purpured, albirugosd,

tinctd ; canali subelongato, subcontorto; aperture fauce rufo-

aurantid ; labro intus fortiter dentato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 13. f. 49.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

This shell, which is not uncommon in collections, approximates

very closely to the Triton cynocephalus ; it is however specifically di-

stinct. ‘The whorls of the Triton moritinctus are very strongly tu-

bercled, the tubercles being disposed in waved longitudinal rows,

whilst in the Triton cynocephalus the tubercles have more the appear-

ance of regular nodules.

Triton Exaratus. Trit. testd subtrigono-fusiformi, varicibus

duobus ; spird elevato-turritd ; anfractibus superné planissimo-

angulatis, ad angulum subnodosis, transversim liratis, liris com-

pressis, duplicatis, crenulatis, interstitiis excavato-sulcatis ; albidd,

fuscescente ceruleoque varie tinctd ; columelld alba, subrugosa ;

canali longiusculo ; apertura rotundd ; labro intus dentato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 13. f. 50. a and 6.

Var. 3B. Testd nigricante-fuscd, albibalteatd.

Hab. North coast of New Holland.

This is a very characteristic species, with the transverse ridges

standing out in bold relief, and the upper part of the whorls pecu-

liarly flat and indented at the sutures.

Triton Ficorpes. Trit. testa trigono-ficiformi, varicibus quinque ;

Zoological Society. 205

spird brevi, obtusd ; anfractibus dorsim tumidiusculis, transversim

liratis, liris nodosis, super varices duplicatis ; columelld nodosé et

rugosd, inferne luteo-sanguineo tinctd ; canali brevi ; labro intus

fortiter dentato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 13. f. 51.

Hab. Africa.

M. Kiener should have been sure of this shell being the Ranella

caudata of Say, before he ventured to question the generic appropri-

ation of that species. It is quite another thing, and I much doubt

if a shell of such bright’and vivid colour were ever found within the

latitude of New York. The Ranella caudata belongs to a small group

of Ranelle, of which the R. Muriciformis is the type.

Triron acuminatus. Trit. testd subfusiformi, varice nullo ; spird

acutissime acuminata ; anfractibus numerosis, transversim elevato-

striatis, longitudinaliter costatis, costis subobliquis, crebriusculis ;

columelld subtilissime rugosa; canali breviusculo, ascendente ;

aperturd parvd, rotunda ; labro intus denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 14. f. 54.

Hab. China.

The Triton acuminatus is another very aberrant form, though be-

longing to that interesting section of the genus of which the Triton

niveus is the type.

Triton eracilis. Trit. testa gracili-fusiformi, varicibus tribus ;

spird subelata ; anfractibus tuberculato-nodosis, liris parvis subti-

liter decussatis ; lutescente-albd, vel fuscd, albibalteata, epidermide

tenui subsetosd induta; columella fortiter rugosd, albd; canali

subelongato, ascendente ; aperture fauce alba ; labro intus peculi-

ariter rugoso-denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 15. f. 58.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

A delicate little species, in which the outer lip is peculiarly fully

wrinkled within.

Triton ELoneatus. Trit. testd elongato-fusiformi, varice unico

subindistincto ; spird acuminata ; anfractibus supern? leviter angu-

latis, transversim liratis et striatis, liris striisque granuloso-

crenatis, equidistanter nodulosis ; cinered, liris livido-purpureis ;

columella excavatd, rugosd, callositate superné armatdé; canali

elongato, subcontorto ; labro intus dentato, dentibus binis.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 15. f. 59,

\ Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

‘This shell approximates very closely to the Triton vespaceus; so

closely indeed, that I may be thought rather venturous to describe

it as anew species. ‘The differences however are as follows: the

canal is much more elongated, the whorls are not tubercled, and the

beaded ridges are of a peculiar livid-purple colour.

Triton cemmatus. rit. testd elongato-oblongd, varicibus quatuor

vel quingue ; spird subobtusd ; anfractibus liris, pulcherrime gem-

matis, cingulatis, interstitiis striis elevatis longitudinalibus et trans-

versis eximie clathratis ; aurantio-lutescente ; columelld rugosa,

206 Zoological Society.

callositate superne armatd ; canali breviusculo ; labro intus dentato,

dentibus binis.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 15. f. 60.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found under stones at low water) ;

Cuming.

Var. 3. Testd albd, varicibus duobus ad sex ; liris subnodosis.

Hab. Island of Annaa (Chain island), South Pacific Ocean, and

island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones in both localities at

low water) ; Cuming.

The sculpture of this shell is very similar to that of the Triton

rubecula ; the beaded ridges are however wider apart, and on the

varices have three smaller ridges between them.

Triton opscurus. Tvit. testd elongato-turritd, varicibus unde-

cim ; spird acuminatd ; anfractibus transversim granulosis, longi-

tudinaliter subobsoleté sulcatis, sulcis creberrimis ; fuscescente,

Fusco pallidé balteatd, maculis fuscis quadratis perpaucis seriatim

pictd, varicibus fusco maculatis ; columelld levi, crassissimé en-

causticd ; canali brevissimo, labro intus denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 16. f. 63.

Hab. East. Indies; Lieut. Babb.

This shell may have been probably confounded with the Triton

maculosus; it differs however in not being traasversely grooved, in

having a different arrangement of the varices, and in other minor

particulars.

Triton crispus. Trit. testd ovatd, subfusiformi, varicibus duobus

vel tribus ; spird breviusculd ; anfractibus liris crispis prominen-

tibus, subdistantibus, decussatis, liris ad decussationem nodulosis,

interstitits striis crispis elevatis subtilissime cancellatis ; cinereo-

cerulescente, varicibus lirisque albidis ; columella excavatd, rugosd,

callositate superné armatd ; canali breviusculo ; labro intus fortiter

denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 17. f. 68.

Hab. ?

Quite distinct from any hitherto described species.

Triton EpuRNEUS. Trit. testd ovato-oblongd, varicibus tribus vel

guatuor remotiusculis ; spird brevi; anfractibus liris parvis ob-

tusis creberrime decussatis ; intus extusque albd; columella exca-

vatd, inferne subrugosd ; canali brevissimo ; labro intus denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 17. f. 69.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

This shell has somewhat the form of the Triton Quoyi?, an inter-

esting little New Holland species, which M. Kiener thought to be

the recent analogue of Lamarck’s fossil Triton viperinum.

Tairon verrucosus. Trit. testd subpyramidali-oblongd, varicibus

quatuor vel quinque ; spird mediocri ; anfractibus superneé impressis,

transversim striatis et liratis, liris longitudinalibus prominentiori-

bus decussatis, ad decussationem nodosis ; aurantio-fuscescente,

Zoological Society. 207

anfractuum parte inferiori fusco inter nodos articulatd ; columelld

excavatd, vie rugosd ; canali brevissimo,

Conch, Icon., Triton, pl. 17. f, 71.

Hab. E

Care must be taken not to confound this shell with the lesser New

Holland species, Triton Quoyi.

Triron rortuosus. Trit, testd oblongo-turritd, subangustd, vari-

cibus octo oblique invicem subsequentibus ; spird tortuosd ; anfrac-

tibus granulis parvis subtiliter reticulatis ; lutescente, maculis

Suscis grandibus, longitudinaliter undatis, eleganter pictd ; colu-

mella excavatd, subgranulosd ; canali brevissimo, recurvo,.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 17. f. 74.

Hab. Island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

This interesting species approximates very closely to the Triton

distortus ; it differs in being of a more delicate and slender form, in

the granules being less prominent, and in the peculiar waved style

of the painting.

Triton scuupritis. Trit. testd oblongo-turritd, varice nullo ; spird

exsertd ; anfractibus longitudinaliter costellatis, costellis angusiis,

interstitiis striis elevatis cancellatis, anfractds ultimi parte infe-

riori conopeo carineformi prominente peculiariter ornatd ; albida,

suturis fuscis ; columelld levi ; canali brevissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 18. f. 76.

Hab. Island of Capul, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

In addition to the above account of this beautiful species, it may

be noticed that the transverse striz are brown upon the ribs and

white in the interstices ; the sutures are brown in consequence of the

whorls being encircled with a brown line just at the point where one

whorl lodges in its spiral growth upon the other, over the basal

canopy, as if to mark out the exact plan of convolution.

Triton eximius. Trit. testd oblongo-turritd, varice nullo; spird

acuminata ; anfractibus costellis minutis eximié cancellatis, longi-

tudinalibus majoribus, valde remotioribus ; albd, fuscescente obscure

Fasciatd ; canali brevissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 18. f. 77.

Hab. Lord Hood’s Island, Pacific Ocean (on the reefs), and island

of Capul, Philippines (under stones at low water) ; Cuming.

A neatly cancellated, almost colourless, shell.

Triton ecrecius. Trit. testd elongato-ovatd, varice nulla; spird

acutd ; anfractibus longitudinaliter costatis, striis elevatis trans-

versis cancellatis ; albd, costis medio albis, supra et infra fuscis ;

canali brevi, recurvo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 18. f. 78.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found under stones at low

water); Cuming.

The style or arrangement of the sculpture not much unlike the

preceding species; the shell is however larger, more globose, and

208 Zoological Society.

has a very pretty appearance, arising from the dark brown upper and

lower portiuns of the ribs being crossed by white striz.

Triton stpHonatus. Trit. testd fusiformi-turritd, varicibus novem,

subindistinctis ; spird acuminatd ; anfractibus creberrimé reticu-

latis, ultimo antice quasi siphonato; roseo- aut c@eruleo-albidd,

aurantio-fusco sparsim maculatd ; lamind columellari tenui, levi ;

aperturd elongato-ovata ; labro subtilissimeé denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 18. f. 81.

Hab. :

Chiefly distinguished by its anterior extension.

Triton pecaritatus. Trit. testé elongato-turritd, varice nullo;

spird decollata ; anfractibus longitudinaliter concentricé costellatis,

costellis angustis, numerosis, confertis, transversim striatis ; lutes-

cente, fusco subindistincteé maculatd ; costellis aurantio-fuscis,

lined lutescente anticé interruptis, anfractu ultimo lineis lutescen-

tibus duabus ; canali brevissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 18. f. 85.

Hab. Island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

Care must be taken not to confound this species with the Triton

truncatus, in which the ribs are larger and wider apart, and the colour

not interrupted.

Triron pigiraLe. Trit. testa oblongd, varice nullo; spird acumi-

natd; anfractibus seriatim granulosis, granulis numerosis, confertis,

obtusis ; albidd, fuscescente sparsim punctatd ; canali brevissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 86.

Hab. Island of Capul, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming,

The sculpture of the shell is much like the granular surface of a

thimble.

Triton concinnus. Trit. testd oblongd, tenuiculd, varice nullo ;

spird subacuminatd ; anfractibus longitudinaliter concentricé cos-

tellatis, transversim creberrimé striatis ; lutescente, aurantio-

fuscescente peculiariter pictd, apice roseo-purpureo ; canali bre-

vissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 87.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

The bright orange-brown painting is peculiarly festooned, as it

were, round the upper part of the whorl next the suture.

Triton aneuLatus. Trit. testd oblonga, turritd, vurice nullo ;

spird acuminatd ; anfractibus superne angulatis, longitudinaliter

costellatis, transversim striatis, striis prominentibus, confertis ;

luted, aut lutescente-albd, rubido-fusco alboque sparsim punctatd ;

canali brevissimo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 88.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

Chiefly distinguished by the angular structure of the whorls next

the suture.

Zoological Society. 209

Triton Lativantcosus. | Trit. testd oblongd, solidi, subcompressd,

varicibus tribus vel quatuor latis ; spird subobtusd ; anfractibus

longitudinaliter concentric? costellatis, costellis solidis, subdistan -

libus, transversim creberrim® strialis ; canali brevissimo.

Conch, Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 90.

The varices of this shell are unusually broad, and the ribs are

wider apart on the back of the whorls than on the side.

Taivon Tessettarus. Trit. testd elongatd, varice nullo ; spirit

acuminatd, acutd ; anfractibus striis longitudinalibus et transversi3

sublilissim® reticulatis; albidd, maculis grandibus rubido-fuscis

subirregulariter tessellatd ; canali brevi, subrecurvo.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 91.

Hab. Island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

This shell may be easily recognised by its rude tessellated spots.

Triton Bacitium. Trit. testd elongato-claveformi, solidd, varici-

bus duobus ; spird elongatd, subretusd ; anfractibus obtuso-granu-

losis ; cerulescente-albd ; canali brevissimo, recurvo ; aperturd

breviusculd.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 94. Hab. ?

This is the only species of Triton I have noticed with a single

varix on each side.

Triron carpuvs. Trit. testa globosd, ventricosd, varice nullo ;

spird brevi, acutissimé ; anfractibus longitudinaliter costatis, trans-

versim striatis, striis valde elevatis, costas super submuricato-

nodosis ; albidd, fuscescente varid; columella excavatd ; canali

brevi.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 19. f. 95. Hab.

A rather thin shell, of very sharply cancellated sculpture.

Triton pacopus. Trit. testd pyramidali-ovatd ; spird acuminato-

turritd, varice nullo ; anfractibus subventricosis, superne angulatis,

transversim creberrim? elevato-lineatis, longitudinaliter costaiis,

costis compressiusculis, subdistantibus ; alvidd, rubido-castaneo

multifasciatd ; canali brevi, valdé recurvo ; apertura rotunda ; labro

intus elevato-striato.

Conch. Icen., Triton, pl. 20. f. 97.

Hab. Bay of Montija, West Columbia; Cuming.

This species partakes more of the character of Nassa than the pre-

ceding; it might be referred indeed to that genus with almost as

much propriety as to Triton.

Triton pictus. Trit. testd oblongo-ovatd ; spird subacuminatd,

varice nullo ; longitudinaliter creberrimeé costatd, transversim ele-

vato-striatd ; rubido-fusco alboque tessellatd ; canali brevi ; aper-

turd parva, fauce albd.

Conch. Icon., Triton, pl. 20. f. 97.

Hab. Gallapagos Islands (found under stones at low water); Cu-

ming.

An interesting species tessellated with white and very rich dark

brown, in which the latter colour greatly preponderates.

Triton peciriens. Trit. tes!d elongato-ovatd, subfusiformi, dis-

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv.

216 Royal Institution.

tortd, varicibus quingue sexve indistinctis ; anfractibus liris an-

gustis elevatis clathratis; albido-lutescente, epidermide sericd

indutd ; columella profunde excavatd, rugosd, subobsoleté umbili-

catd, callositatibus plurimis superné armatd, rufo-aurantid ; labre

plano-concavo, rufo-aurantio radiato, intus fortiter rugoso-dentato.

Conch, Icon., Triton, pl. 20. f. 102.

Hab, Island of Mindanao, Philippines ; Cuming.

I have long hesitated to consider this shell any other than a variety

of the Triton cuncellinus: the differences, though slight, seem how-

ever to remain constant. It is uniformly of smaller size, the trans-

verse ridges are not duplicate, and the colour and wrinkled denticu-

lations of the columella and outer lip are of a peculiar and distinct

character.

ROYAL INSTITUTION.

Feb. 14, 1845.—W. R. Hamilton, Esq., V.P. and Treasurer, in the

Chair.

Professor E. Forbes delivered a lecture “‘ On some important Ana-

logies between the Animal and Vegetable Kingdoms.”

The Professor commenced by briefly adverting to the distrust with

which, as he was well aware, speculations on the analogies of ani-

mated beings were regarded, especially among British naturalists.

He stated his own firm persuasion, however, that the transcendental

philosophy of natural history was one of the most important deve-

lopments of that science.

He proceeded to represent the relations on which he was about to

discourse as consisting,—1. Of the relation of analogy, depending on

the manifestation of common laws relating to animals or vegetables

composing a species, or else to the groups under which species are

assembled ; and 2. Of the relation of polarity, depending, not on the

resemblance, but on the opposition or divergence of beings composing

the animal and vegetable kingdoms. This relation of polarity was

thus illustrated. ‘The animal is superior in structure and function

to the vegetable ; yet, from whatever point of the vegetable kingdom

we may begin, we cannot proceed by a series of continually advan-

cing organisms to the highest point of the animal. Thus, instead of

finding, as we might expect d@ priori, the most perfectly developed

vegetable bearing the closest resemblance to the lowest animal form,

we find, on the contrary, that it is at the lowest points of both sy-

stems (the Sponges, &c. in the one, and the marine Fuciin the other)

that the closest resemblance exists. Reverting to the relation of

analogy, the Professor noticed that every composite organism, as, for

instance, a plant in flower, was not a single being, but a combination

of individuals ; that each leaf, in its ordinary form, was an individual,

serving one purpose (that of maintaining the existence of the plant),

but that, for the purpose of reproduction, it was transformed into

flower, petal, stamen, pistil, &c. This metamorphosis was first de-

clared by Linnzus in the ‘ Philosophia Botanica,’ then maintained

by Wolf, and still later by the poet Goethe; and as this principle of

morphology had been generally accepted by botanists, the Professor

now applied it to zoology. Among the lowest zoophytes there are

Royal Institution. 211

found, as the relation of polarity prepares us to expect, animals so

nearly resembling sea-weeds, as often to be confounded with them,

These are found to be a multitude of individuals, arranged in a defi-

nite form on acommon axis. ‘To these branch-like beings, constitu-

ting the entirety of the zoophyte, vesicles are suspended, containing

eggs, in cup-shaped bodies of various and beautiful forms. Professor

Forbes discovered, from a series of elaborate researches in the genus

Plumularia, that there was the same analogy between this polype-

vesicle and the creature which produces it, that there is between the

green leaf and the flower and fruit of the plant. ‘This proposition

the Professor illustrated by instancing six orders of zoophytic form,

in which this metamorphosis was distinctly traceable.

Having thus developed his views on morphological analogy, that

of combination, Prof. Forbes entered upon what he admitted to be a

more doubtful part of his system—the analogies between parallel

groups. Having noticed that organized beings are grouped in types,

the members of each type being formed on the same model, he de-

clared his opinion that the members of every type which differ from

the typical form, differ by adopting the characteristic of the nearest

type. ‘Thus, assuming the Mollusca and Annelida to be parallel

types, the Pectenibranchous gasteropod, which is typical of the

former, comes into the same group with the shell-less, worm-like

nudibranch, which possesses so many of the external characteristics

of the latter. [The Professor here laid great stress on the difference

between analogy, which chiefly regards form,—and affinity, which

respects structure and function. ]

Again, in the case of species, whenever any individual of any spe-

cies of one group becomes monstrous as to number, this monstrosity

is shown by assuming the dominant number of the corresponding

group. Thus, the Arachnoderms and Echinoderms are in this rela-

tion of parallelism (the former having their organs arranged in mul-

tiples of four, the latter in multiples of five). Now, according to

Prof. Forbes, whenever a monstrous example of either tribe occurs,

the number assumed is that of the parallel tribe (four in the case of

Echinoderms, and five in that of Arachnoderms).

Again, throughout the parallel groups of nature there is a mutual

representation of each other’s characteristics. Thus, the animal is

characterized by concentration of essential parts, and by being or-

ganized with a view to the development of the individual: the vege-

table is characterized by elongation of essential parts, and by being

organized with a view to extensive reproduction of the species. In

proportion as the animal approaches the vegetable, it does so by as-

suming the vegetable characteristics. Thus, while there is a ten-

dency to concentration (animal characteristic) in Vertebrata, there is

a tendency to extension (vegetable characteristic) in Articulata.

Again, there is an universal tendency to the formation of an endo-

skeleton in Vertebrata, and of an exo-skeleton in Articulata; so, in the

higher plants, there is a tendency to an endo. skeleton and concentra-

tion in the erogens, to an evo-skeleton and extension in the endogens.

These principles were illustrated by these, among other examples :—

The Gasteropodous mollusca contain the Patella and Chiton ; the one

Q 2

212 Geological Society.

characterized by concentration, the other going off to the articulated

type byextension. In fishes, the osseous have the strong endo-skeleton

of Mammalia, while the cartilaginous have the feeble endo-skeleton,

compensated by a tough integument, the analogue of the evro-skeletox

of the Articulata. And, as an example from the vegetable kingdom,

the Professor finally noticed the parallel groups of Leguminose and

Rosacee, orders so truly parallel, that though easily distinguished by

habit and non-essential characters, the true line of distinction between

them was not made out until investigated by the profoundest of bo-

tanists, Mr. Robert Brown, where in the one the exo-skeleton in the

fruit is developed at the expense of the endo-skeleton; in the other,

there is the concentration of fruit and the development of the endo-

skeleton ; the representation of the two spheres being here manifested

in the reproductive system, characteristic of the vegetable kingdom,

even as in the animal instances it is chiefly exhibited in organisms

devoted to the nervous system, characteristic of the animal kingdom,

and progressive manifestation of intelligence.

In conclusion, the Professor gave the following abstract expressions

of the leading ideas which he had endeavoured to illustrate in this

communication :—

Ist. The unity of the transformations and combinations of indi-

vidual animated beings, with a view to physiological ends serving

the species.

2nd. The harmonious duality pervading the arrangements of the

animal and vegetable kingdoms.—Atheneum, No. 904.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Jan. 22, 1845.—The following communications were read :-—

‘* Geological Features of the country round the Mines of the Tau-

rus.” By W. W. Smyth, Esq.

The mines described in this paper appear to be worked in great

masses rather than beds or veins. They consist of two, one con-

taining ores of copper, and the other argentiferous ores of lead worked

for silver. The former at Arghaneh Maden is worked in igneous and

altered rocks in the neighbourhood of Diarbekr, the average annual

supply being about 3500 tons of ore, producing about 380 tons of

copper, but it is thought that the return of metal from the ore might

easily be doubled. There are several mines of silver and lead worked

at Kiebban Maden, the proportion of silver being about an ounce or

an ounce and a half per hundred pounds. About 900 lbs. weight of

silver are produced annually, and a small quantity of lead. ‘The

geological date of the formations in the Taurus seems to be, in most

cases, that of the cretaceous period, but there are also some meta-

morphic rocks of more ancient origin.

‘‘On the newer Coal Formations of the Eastern part of Nova

Scotia.” By J. W. Dawson, Esq.

The paper was an appendix to a communication made last year

before the Geological Society, and completed the account prepared

by the author of the Carboniferous Formation. The paper also con-

tained a notice of some footmarks observed in the sandstone, which

were considered by the author to be those of a bird. In an appendix

Miscellaneous. 213

a notice was given of the junction of the Carboniferous and Silurian

rocks at a locality called M‘Cara’s Brook.

Feb. 5.—A paper was read ‘‘ On Raised Beaches ard the Shells

found in them, occurring on the coast of Essex near Walton.” By

J. Brown, Esq., cf Stanway.

The object of this paper was to direct attention to the fact, that

low raised beaches exist on this part of the eastern coast, and that

they contain fossils, not only marine but freshwater, and confined to

a small number cf species, though individuals are very numerous.

It was also the wish of Mr. Brown to bring these raised beaches into

comparison with the beds called ‘‘ Till” in the Clyde valley.

A paper was next read ‘On the Geology of the vicinity of the

Wollondilly River, in Argyle County, in the colony of Sydney, New

South Wales.” By the Rev. W. B. Clarke.

The district described by the author is chiefly occupied by igneous

rocks, upon which sedimentary rocks of the carboniferous period

repose unconformably. ‘The igneous rocks consist of granite and

syenite, of porphyries, basalt and trachyte. ‘They pass into and

occasionally intersect one another, and are traversed by numerous

dykes of igneous rocks of various kinds. The sedimentary rocks are

not less violently disturbed, and have become greatly altered in every

place where they have been brought into contact with the granite.

A communication was also made by Dr. Fitton, ‘‘ On the Beds of

the Lower Greensand of the Isle of Wight.”

Dr. Fitton, after describing the general structure of the back of the

Isle of Wight, alluded to the numerous fissures or chines found in

these localities. He also described the different beds of the lower

greensand, and mentioned the fossils most characteristic of each of

them. He concluded by alluding to some of the fossils from the

Neocomian beds of the Continent, and mentioned the fact that these

foreign strata are strictly contemporaneous with the lower greensand

of England.

MISCELLANEOUS.

FALCO ISLANDICUS.

A specimen of the Iceland falcon (Falco Islandicus) was shot near

the North Tyne last week. It was a young male bird of the last

year. This species was for a long time considered identical with the

Gyr falcon of Greenland, until the difference was pointed out by

Mr. J. Hancock, during the week that the meetings of the British

Association for the Advancement of Science were held in Newcastle *.

It is a very rare species in England, few instances of its capture being

on record. In Iceland it appears to be not very uncommon during

the summer months, where it breeds, but its equatorial migrations

do not generally bring it so far south. ‘The flight of these birds is

powerful in the extreme. Montagu reckons that of the peregrine

falcon (which is a closely-allied species to the present, but smaller)

to be 150 miles an hour. At this speed, the distance from Iceland

to this country would be easily performed. The present bird, which

* Mr. Hancock's paper will be found at p. 241, vol. ii. of the ‘ Annals.’

214 Miscellaneous.

is now in the possession of Mr. Charles Adamson of this town, was

in good condition, weighing 25 pounds.— Morning Chronicle of Feb. 6.

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE CORMS OF COLCHICUM.

At the sitting of the Society of the Friends of Natural History of

Berlin on the 19th of November, M. Link exhibited a corm of Col-

chicum arenarium, on which a flower-bud and the traces of two stems

past flowering occurred, one of which was situated in the middle with

the root-fibres. This proves that the base of the flower whence the

root-fibres take their origin, and which during the flowering period

is very small, subsequently increases in size and forms the true corm,

traces of the stem of which, raised by the upward growth, are long

visible. The growth of the corm, in which many have expected to

find some regularity, is very irregular. Colchicum arenarium, which

developes more flowers at one time than C. autumnale, exhibits this

most distinctly.— Bot. Zeitung, Jan. 10, 1845.

INFUSORIAL DEPOSITS IN AMERICA.

** Charleston is built upon a bed of animalcules several hundred

feet in thickness, every cubic inch of which is filled with myriads of

perfectly preserved microscopic shells. These shells however do not,

like those beneath Richmond and Petersburg, &c., belong to the sili-

ceous infusoria, but are all derived from those minute calcareous-

shelled creatures, called by Ehrenberg Polythalamia, and by D’Or-

bigny the Foraminifera. You are aware that Ehrenberg proved chalk

to be chiefly made up of such shells, and you will doubtless be pleased

to learn that the tertiary beds beneath your city are filled with more

numerous and more perfect specimens of these beautiful forms than

I have ever seen in chalk or marl from any other locality.

«The following are some of the results I have obtained :—

«*], The marls from the depth of 110 feet to 193 feet are certainly

tertiary deposits, for I found them to contain Polythalamia of the

family Plicatilia of Ehrenberg (Agathestegens of D’ Orbigny), which

family, as far as is yet known, occurs in no formation older than the

tertiary.

«2. The beds from the depth of 193 feet to 309 feet contain so

many species in common with the beds above them, that although I

have not yet detected the Plicatilia, I still believe they must also be-

long to the tertiary formation.

«3. The forms found in these beds agree much better with those

detected by me in the eocene marls from Panumkey River, Virginia,

than they do with miocene Polythalamia from Petersburg, Va., and

I am consequently inclined to believe that they belong to the eocene

epoch.

Me 4. All the marls to the depth of 236 feet present the Polythalamia

in vast abundance, and in a state of surprising preservation. ‘The

most delicate markings of the shells are perfectly preserved, and some

of the forms are so large that they may be easily seen with a common

pocket-lens.

“5, The lithological characters of the marls from 236 feet to 309

Meteorological Observations. PAG)

{vet differ from those above ; and although the Polythalamia are still

abundant, and many of the species appear to be the same as in the

strata above, yet they are less easy to observe on account of the

greater compactness of the marls, and the adherence of crystalline

calcareous particles to the shells.

«© 6. ‘Lhe marls which you sent from the Cooper River, 35 to 38

miles above Charleston, also abound in Polythalamia, and so many

of the species are identical with those found beneath Charleston, that

they most probably belong to the same formation. ‘This place on

the Cooper River may be the outcrop of the very slightly inclined

beds which exist under Charleston. [In this conclusion Prof. Bailey

is correct.—J.L. S.]

«7. The Polythalamia, to whose labours South Carolina owes so

large a portion of her territory, are still at work in countless thou-

sands upon her coasts, filling up harbours, forming shoals, and depo-

siting their shells to record the present state of the sea-shore, as their

predecessors, now entombed beneath Charleston, have done with re-

gard to ancient oceans. ‘The mud from Charleston harbour is filled

not only with beautiful Polythalamian shells, but is also very rich in

siliceous infusoria.”—Eztract of a letter from Prof. Bailey to J. L.

Smith, in Silliman’s American Journal, Jan. 1845.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR JAN. 1845.

Chiswick.—January 1. Foggy. 2. Cloudy: frosty. 3. Frosty: cloudy. 4.

Overcast. 5. Rain. 6. Very fine. 7. Thick haze: very fine. 8,9. Foggy.

10. Thick haze: boisterous at night. 11. Boisterous, with rain. 12. Hazy:

rain: fine. 13. Overcast: clear. 14. Rain: drizzly: heavy rain. 15. lain:

fine. 16,17. Overcast. 18. Densely clouded: heavy rain. 19, Clear: hail-

shower at noon: constant heavy rain at night. 20. Boisterous. 21. Clear and

frosty. 22, Sharp frost: hazy : fine: overcast. 23. Overcast: rain. 24. Fine:

rain: frosty. 25. Clear and frosty : overcast: boisterous. 26. Boisterous : clear.

27. Rain: boisterous : cloudy. 28. Slight snow: fine, withsun: rain. 29. Over-

cast. 30. Hazy: frosty. 31. Frosty: cloudy: frosty.—Mean temperature of

the month 29°36 above the average.

Boston.—Jan. 1. Foggy. 2. Snow. 3,4. Fine. 5. Cloudy: rain early a.m.

6—10, Cloudy. 11. Windy : rain early a.m.: rain p.m. 12, Foggy. 13. Foggy:

raina.M. 14, Cloudy. 15. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 16. Cloudy. 17. Vine.

18. Cloudy: rainepm. 19. Cloudy. 20, Stormy: rainearly a.m. 21. Fine.

22. Rain. 23. Cloudy. 24,25. Fine. 26. Stormy, 27. Snow: rain a.m.

28. Fine: rain a.m. 29. Cloudy. 50, 31. Fine.

Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Jan. 1. Bright: cloudy. 2. Clear: frost: cloudy.

8. Clear : frost: showers, 4. Showers: rain, 5. Showers: cloudy. 6. Showers:

clear. 7. Bright: clear: aurora. 8. Clear: frost: clear. 9. Clear: cloudy.

10. Cloudy. 11,12. Bright: clear. 13. Cloudy: drops. 14. Cloudy. 15.

Bright: clear. 16. Clear: cloudy. 17. Showers. 18. Bright: cloudy. 19.

Bright: frost: clear: frost. 20. Bright: frost: clear: aurora. 21. Cloudy:

frost: drops. 22. Bright: showers: halo. 23. Showers. 24. Showers: clear.

25, Rain. 6. Showers: hail-showers. 27. Cloudy. 28. Snow-showers: clear:

aurora, 29. Snow-showers: drift. 30. Clear. 31. Showers.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire—-Jan. 1. Frost: dull. 2 Slight frost.

5. Thaw: frost a.m. 4. Frost a.m.: rain p.m. 5. Rain am. 6. Dry and mild.

7. Rain early a.m. 8. Fair, but dull. 9. Fair: slight frost. 10. Fair, but dull:

rain pM. 11. Heavy rain a.m.: flood. 12. Fair and mild. 13. Rain: frost.

14. Fair. 15. Dull and cloudy. 16. Frost. 17. Slight frost: thaw vm. 18.

Rain. 19. Snow: rain p.m. 20. Frost: clear, 21. Frost: thawrm. 22,

Thaw: fog. 23. Rain. 24. Rain early a.m. 25. Frost early a.m.: rain. 26.

Rain: flood. 27. Snow: slight frost. 28, 29, Frost, severe: snow lying. 30.

Frost, severe: snow. 31. Very hard frost.

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THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 98. APRIL 1845.

XXVIT.—On the Penetration of the Cuticle into the Stomata.

By Huco von Mout*,

THREE observers have nearly at the same time, and perfectly

independent of one another, discussed a point which, notwith-

standing the numerous investigations made respecting the sto-

mata, had hitherto been entirely overlooked in their anatomy ;

they are, however, far from agreeing in the descriptions they give

of the circumstance discovered by them.

Gugliemo Gasparrinit states, that beneath the stomata of the

stem of Cactee, in particular of Cereus peruvianus, of the stem

of Euphorbia officnarum, and of herbaceous leaves, there is situ-

ated a vesicular organ, which he terms Cistoma. Its walls are

said to consist of delicate fibres connected by a membrane, which

form a sphincter at the upper end of the cistoma, situated beneath

the closed aperture of the stoma. The vesicular organs the

author separated with the cuticle from the epidermis by boiling

the latter in dilute nitric acid.

Hartig, in his ‘ Lehrbuch der Pflanzenkunde,’ part 4, 1842,

describes the same organ as an appendage of the cuticle. To the

latter he ascribes a very complicated structure, separating it into

three different layers: 1. an external membrane, epichroa; 2. an

internal membrane, endochroa ; 3. a central mass situated between

these membranes, the central cement, mesocolla. It is stated of

the external membrane, that it extends over the entire leaf, pene-

trates into the area in front of the stomata, but nevertheless con-

tinues further over the stoma itself without interruption, while

the mner membrane is immersed in the form of folds between

the cells of the epidermis and penetrates in various plants, more

or less deeply into the subjacent cellular tissue, in which case it

then takes its course through the intercellular passages in the

form of vessels (intercellular vessels). In like manner the inner

* From the Botanische Zeitung for Jan. 3, 1845. Translated and com-

municated by W. Francis, Ph.D., F.L.S.

t+ Rendiconto delle adunanze e dei lavori dell’ Academia delle Scienze,

Napoli, 1842.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. KR

218 Prof. Mohl on the Penetration of the

membrane is said to penetrate through the stomata imto the

spiracles, clothe their walls, and extend thence, in the leaves of

Narcissus Jonquilla, in the form of vessels into the intercellular

passages.

Payen* states that the cuticle enters the stomata and, in Cac-

tus peruvianus, extends down through the layers of the epidermis

as a thin membrane in the form of a muff. This membrane,

like the cuticle itself, is said to be coloured yellow by iodine, and

to exhibit the same resistance to the action of sulphuric acid.

These statements induced me to institute some investigations

on the subject mm question. For this purpose I adopted the

method of soaking the sections of the leaves for examination in

tincture of iodine, washing them with water, and then submit-

ting them to the action of sulphuric acid. This latter not only

heightens the yellow tint of the cuticle coloured by iodine, but

it has especially this advantage, that the cells of the epidermis of

most plants are disintegrated with the production of a blue colour-

ing or entirely dissolved, according to the strength of the acid

employed, when the cuticle can be very readily distmmguished

and separated from them. From these investigations this gene-

ral result was obtained, that, as asserted by Payen, a direct con-

tinuation of the cuticle penetrates into the stomata and proceeds

down between the porous cells to the spiracles im the form of a

tube very highly compressed on both sides. No doubt can be

entertained, on a careful examination, that this tube is not closed

either at the entrance into the stomata or lower down between

the porous cells. Arrived at the mner termination of the sto-

matic aperture, this tube dilates into a smaller or larger funnel-

shaped expansion, which clothes the inferior surface of the epi-

dermis so far as it closes the spiracle externally.

Some differences occur with respect to this funnel-shaped ex-

pansion in various plants. Generally the expansion of the funnel

extends only as far as true cells of the epidermis form the outer

wall of the spiracles; and it is cut off short at the limit of the

outer wall and of the lateral walls of the spiracles formed of green

parenchymatous cells, so that the margin of the funnel presents

irregularities corresponding to the rounded-off lateral walls of

the parenchymatous cells. In general no appendages penetrate

from the margin of the funnel into the intercellular passages

running beneath the epidermis and connected with the spiracles ;

for instance, in the stem of Euphorbia officinarum, Cacalia Kleinia,

Lepismium Myosurus, in the leaves of Agapanthus umbellatus, Nar-

cissus Jonquilla, Pothos lanceolata, and in the leaf-like branches

of Ruscus aculeatus. In other cases, on the contrary, appendages

proceed from the margin of the funnel-shaped expansion through

* Mémoire sur le Développement des Végétaux.

Cuticle into the Stomata. 219

the intercellular passages on the inferior surface of the epidermis

to neighbouring funnels, and form in this manner connexions

with one another ; for instance, on the under side of the leaves of

Helleborus niger and viridis, and in the leaves of Euphorbia Caput

Medusa. Lastly, it occwrs in some plants, for instance, in the leaves

of Betula alba and Asphodelus luteus, that such appendages pene-

trate into all the intercellular passages situate beneath the epider-

mis, and extend in the form of a reticulate membrane over the

whole under surface of the epidermis, so that the epidermatous cells

are clothed on both sides by a true cuticle, in which the inner

cuticle does not, it is true, form a continuous membrane, not pass-

ing in between the epidermatous cells and the parenchymatous

cells adherent to them, but exhibiting at the place of connexion of

every parenchymatous cell with a cell of the epidermis, a void

corresponding to the size of the place of connexion. A similar

inner perforated cuticle may likewise occur without the epidermis

being interrupted by stomata; but this is rare, at least I have

hitherto found it only im the epidermatous cells of the upper

surface of the leaf of ielleborus niger and viridis.

When the epidermis consists of several superposed layers of

cells, as in Cereus peruvianus and Cactus Opuntia, the continuation

of the cuticle clothes the lateral walls of the portion of the spi-

racle situated in this thickened epidermis ; it consequently ap-

pears not merely in the form of a wide expanded funnel, but

rather in that of a tube, and then constitutes the organ described

and figured by Gasparrini under the name of cistoma. In this

ease the tube-like continuation of the cuticle hkewise terminates

with an open embouchure at the inferior limit of the epidermis ;

although it sometimes appeared to me to continue for a short

distance into the portion of the spiracle situated between the

green parenchymatous cells; for instance, in Cereus peruvianus

and likewise in Protea mellifera, whose leaves, moreover, possess

a simple epidermis.

This continuation of the cuticle penetrating into the interior

of the organs, is acted upon, as already observed by Payen, by

iodine and sulphuric acid precisely hke the cuticle situated on

the outer side of the epidermis. A composition of fibres, which

is ascribed to it by Gasparrini, can no more be demonstrated in

it than in any other vegetable membrane ; but just in like man-

ner as fibre-like thickened bands occur on the cuticle of many

plants, so do we find the same circumstance in some of the plants

I have examined ; for instance, Cereus peruvianus and Helleborus

niger, and likewise on the funnel-shaped membrane clothing the

outer side of the spiracles. As, moreover, the cuticle of most plants

does not admit of our distinguishing any composition of individual

pieces correspondent to the subjacent epidermatous cells, so is it

220 On the Penetration of the Cuticle into the Stomata.

likewise with their appendages situated in the interior of the leaf.

It is true they sink into the furrows proceeding between the adja-

cent cells, and are frequently provided at these places with pro-

jecting bands immersed in the furrows; but a composition of

originally distinct pieces is in so far incapable of being detected, as

it is impossible to separate them into the individual pieces cor-

responding to these divisions by the application of acids. This

circumstance will naturally be considered by those phytotomists

who, with Treviranus, Schleiden and Payen, look upon the cuticle

as a part distinct from the epidermatous cells, as a hardened se-

cretion, to support their view; but in reference to this point, it

is in my opinion requisite to take the greatest precaution not to

be led to a rash conclusion.

I have already in my memoir on the cuticle, ‘ Linnea,’ vol. xvi.,

not by any means denied that important reasons appear to speak

in favour of this view, and I am at present just as far from wishing

to deny the possibility that this view is correct and the one sup-

ported by me erroneous ; but nevertheless I still believe, that the

view according to which the cuticle is formed of the outer layers

of the epidermatous cells themselves is far more probable. If

the cuticle owed its origin to a secretion taking place at the sur-

face of the epidermis, it ought to be possible to find the primary

membrane of the epidermatous cells beneath it, and observe it

pass into the lateral walls of these cells. I have not succeeded

in doing this, but, on the contrary, I believe I have traced in

many cases the primary membrane of the lateral walls of the

epidermatous cells through the cuticle to the surface of the

latter, and [I thence concluded that the cuticle was not a

peculiar membrane distinct from the epidermis, but owed its

peculiarities to a metamorphosis of the substance of the outer

layers of the epidermatous cells themselves. Undoubted ana-

logies may be adduced in support of such metamorphoses of in-

dividual parts of the cell-wall (or according to the views of Payen,

in favour of a deposition of organic substances in the cellulose

of the original cell-wall, whence this acquires different proper-

ties). I would especially call to mind, in this respect, the nature

of the primary membrane of the prosenchymatous cells of most

woods, which membrane originally exhibited all the characters of

pure cellulose, while in the developed wood it presents the same

property as the cuticle, of bemg coloured yellow by iodine and

of resisting the action of sulphuric acid. I would moreover call

to mind the brown-coloured parenchymatous cells which inclose

the vascular bundles of ferns, and in which, im some cases, not

all the walls, but only that directed towards the vascular bundle

and a portion of the lateral wall, undergoes that metamorphosis

into a thickened brown substance resisting the action of sulphurie

M r. Blackwall on the Functions and Gconomy of Araneidea. 221

acid. But whatever be the case with regard to the origin of the

cuticle, I must certainly protest most decidedly against Hartig’s

representation that the cuticle consists of three layers, and that

the membranes penetrating into the interior of the leaf are a

continuation of only one of these layers, the innermost, and that

they form hollow, vessel-like tubes in the intercellular passages,

since I have not observed a single circumstance that would afford

a confirmation of any one of these statements.

XXVIII.—Researches into the Structure, Functions and Uico-

nomy of the Araneidea. By Joun Buacxwatt, F.L.S.*

In essaying to give an epitome of some investigations recently made

in this country relative to the organization, physiology and ceconomy

of the Araneidea, I shall endeavour to accomplish the undertaking

in as compendious a manner as may be deemed compatible with a

perspicuous statement of the various facts to be detailed, distinguish-

ing those already before the public from such as are not by refer-

ences to the works in which they have appeared.

Without further preface, I proceed to the consideration of those

remarkable appendages termed scopule or brushes, with which the

tarsi of numerous species of spiders are provided. This apparatus,

consisting of coarse, compound, hair-like papille either distributed

along the inferior surface of the tarsi or situated immediately below

the claws at their extremity, bears a close analogy to the tarsal

cushions of insects, enabling its possessor to ascend the perpendicular

surfaces of highly polished bodies and even to adhere to smooth

objects in an inverted position by the emission of a viscous secretion.

The different plans according to which the papillee are disposed upon

the tarsi are respectively represented by two common British spiders,

Drassus sericeus and Salticus scenicus.

Some of the spiders belonging to the families Theridiide and Epéi-

ride have the sides and lower part of the tarsi, at their extremity,

supplied with several small, curved, dentated claws, in addition to

the three larger ones common to them all. Apéira quadrata, Epéira

apoclisa, and, indeed, most of the larger species of Epéire indi-

genous to Great Britain, exhibit this structure to advantage under

the microscope ; they have, besides, a strong, moveable spine, in-

serted near the termination of the tarsus of each posterior leg, on

the under side, which curves a little upwards at its extremity, and

presents a slight irregularity of outline at its superior surface. These

spines, which have been denominated sustentacula, subserve an im-

portant purpose. By the contraction of their flexor muscles they are

drawn towards the foot, and are thus brought into direct opposition

to the claws, by which means the animals are enabled to hold with a

firm grasp such lines as they have occasion to draw from the spinners

* From the Report of the Meeting of the British Association held at York 1844.

+ Transactions of the Linnzan Society, vol. xvi. pp. 768, 769. Researches in

Zoology, p. 289.

222 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

with the feet of the hind-legs, and such also as they design to attach

themselves to *.

There are on the superior part of the metatarsus of the posterior

legs of all the Ciniflonide two parallel rows of moveable spines com-

mencing just below its articulation with the tibia and terminating

near its lower extremity. In a state of repose, the spines composing

both rows are directed down the joint and are somewhat inclined to-

wards each other ; those of the upper row have a considerable degree

of curvature and taper gradually to a fine point, those of the lower

row being stronger, more closely set, and less curved. Employed to

transform, by the process of curling, certain lines proceeding from

the spinners into the small flocculi characteristic of the snares of the

Ciniflonide, the double series of spines has received the name of

calamistrum.

When a spider of this family purposes to form a flocculus, it

presses its spinners against one of the glossy lines constituting the

foundation of its snare, and, emitting from them a small quantity of

liquid gum, attaches to it several slender filaments, drawn out by

advancing the abdomen a little, and kept distinct by extending the

spinning mammule laterally. The posterior legs are then raised

above the plane of position, and the tarsal claws of one of them are

applied to the superior surface of the metatarsus of the other, near

its articulation with the tarsus, and the calamistrum is brought im-

mediately beneath the spinners, at right angles with the line of the

abdomen. By a slight extension of the joints of the posterior legs

the calamistrum is directed backwards across the diverging extre-

mities of the spinners, which it touches in its transit, and is restored

to its former position by a corresponding degree of contraction in

the joints. In proportion to the continuation of this process the in-

flected lines of the flocculus are produced, the spider making room

for them as they accumulate by elevating and at the same time ad-

vancing the abdomen a little, which it effects by slightly extending

the joints of the third pair of legs and contracting those of the first

and second pairs. When the requisite quantity of inflected filaments

is obtained, the spider again applies its spinners to one of the glossy

lines and attaches the flocculus to it. In this manner it proceeds with

its labours, occasionally employing both calamistra, till the snare is

completed. The modus operandi appears to be this. The points of

the lower row of spines in passing over the extremities of the spinners

draw from them lines which run into numerous flexures in conse-

quence of not being kept fully extended, and the purpose subserved

by the spines of the upper row is the detachment of these lines from

the spines of the lower row by a motion upwards +.

If the metatarsus of one of the posterior legs of Ciniflo ferox, a

spider of frequent occurrence in the interior of buildings, be ex-

amined under the microscope with a moderately high magnifying

power, the arrangement of the spines composing the two rows which

constitute the calamistrum will be apparent.

* Transactions of the Linnean Society, vol. xvi. p. 476; vol. xviii. p. 224, note *,

t Ibid. pp. 471-475; vol. xviii. pp. 224, 606,

and Ciconomy of the Avaneidea, 223

Four, six, or eight mammulz, somewhat conical or cylindrical in

figure, and composed of one or more joints each, constitute the ex-

ternal spinning apparatus of the Araneidea: they are usually closely

grouped in pairs at the extremity of the abdomen, and are readily

distinguished from each other by their relative positions. The pair

situated nearest to the anus may be denominated the superior spin-

ners; that furthest removed from the anus, the inferior spinners ;

and the mammule placed between these extremes, the intermediate

spinners ; distinguishing them, when there are two pairs, by prefixing

the terms superior and inferior. Exceedingly fine, moveable papillz

or spinning tubes, for the most part dilated at the base, occur at the

extremity of the mammule, or are disposed along the inferior surface

of their terminal joint, whence issues the viscous secretion of which

all the silken lines produced by spiders are formed. The papille

connected with the mammule vary greatly in number in different

species of spiders, and also differ considerably in size, not only in

individuals of the same species, but often even on the same mam-

mule.

Among our native spiders, the larger species of Epéire have the

mammulz most amply provided with papille; it is probable, how-

ever, that the total number does not greatly exceed a thousand even

in adult females of Apéira quadrata, whose weight is about twenty

grains, and in many other species it is much smaller. In Tegenaria

civilis the total number of papillae does not amount to four hundred ;

in Textrix lycosina and Clubiona corticalis it is below three hundred;

in Segestria senoculata it scarcely exceeds one hundred ; and in many

of the smaller spiders it is still further reduced.

A difference in the number and size of the papille connected

with the several pairs of mammulz in the same species, and with

similar pairs in different species, is also very apparent. In spiders

of the genera Epéira, Tetragnatha, Linyphia, Theridion and Se-

gestria, they are generally much more numerous and minute on the

inferior spinners than on the superior and intermediate ones; the

last are the most sparingly supplied with them, and in the case of

Segestria senoculata each has only three large papille at its extre-

mity. An arrangement nearly the reverse of this takes place in some

of the Drassi, and is conspicuous in Drassus ater, which has the

intermediate spinners abundantly furnished with papille, those on

the inferior spinners being very few in number and chiefly of large

dimensions, emitting the viscous secretion copiously. The papille

connected with the short terminal joint of each inferior spinner of

this species vary in number with the age of the animal ; the young, on

quitting the cocoon, are provided with four only ; individuals which

have attained nearly a third of their growth have five or six ; those

about two-thirds grown, six or seven; and adults, which have ac-

quired their full complement, eight ; two of them, situated on the

inferior surface of the spinner, at a greater distance from its extre-

mity than the rest, are minute and almost contiguous. It is a fact

deserving of notice, that the papille are not always developed simul-

taneously on these spinners, six, seven, or eight being sometimes ob-

224 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

served on one, when five, six, or seven only are to be seen on the

other; and this remark is applicable, not to the inferior spinners

alone, but to the intermediate ones also, which, in mature individuals,

are further modified by having the extremities of the terminal joints

directed downwards at right angles to their bases. The same law of

development holds good as regards the papillae connected with the

inferior spinners of Drassus cupreus and Drassus sericeus, and

though their number is not uniformly the same even in adults of

either of these or the preceding species, yet the two minute ones

belonging to each mammula are present invariably *.

The superior spinners of many spiders are triarticulate ; and when

the terminal joint is considerably elongated, thickly clothed with

hairs, and tapers to a point, the papillee, in the form of hair-like tubes

dilated at the base, are commonly distributed along its inferior sur-

face, as in the case of Agelena labyrinthica, Tegenaria domestica, and

Textrix lyeosina. ‘This deviation from the prevailing structure has

induced Lyonnet, Savigny, Treviranus, Audouin, and other skilful

zootomists, who have failed to detect the papilla, to regard the su-

perior mammule, thus modified, as anal palpi, and to deny that they

perform the office of spinners; but if these parts be carefully ex-

amined with a powerful magnifier in living specimens during the ex-

ercise of tieir function, the fine lines of silk proceeding from the

papillz cannot fail to be discerned, and a correct knowledge of their

external organization may thus be obtained. Not being aware, ap-

parently, of the publication of this discovery in the ‘Report of the

Third Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of

Science, held at Cambridge in 1833,’ p. 44.5, Baron Walckenaer, in

the Supplement to the second volume of his ‘ Histoire Naturelle des

Insectes Aptéres,’ p. 407, has aseribed it to M. Dugés, whose obser-

vations on the subject in the ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles,’ se-

conde série, t. vi., Zoologie, p. 166, were not published till 1836.

One of the most striking peculiarities in the structure of the Czmz-

flonide, which serves to distinguish them from all other animals of

the order Araneidea at present known, is the possession of a fourth

pair of spinners. These spinners are shorter and further removed

from the anus than the rest, being situated at the base of the inferior

intermediate pair, by which they are almost concealed when in a state

of repose. ‘Their figure is somewhat conical, but compressed and

truncated, so that the base and apex are elliptical with long trans-

verse axes. Consisting of a single joint only, each is connected with

the other throughout its entire length, the extremity alone being

densely covered with exceedingly minute papillz, which emit the

viscous matter that is formed by the ea/amistra into a delicate tor-

tuous band constituting a portion of every flocculus in the snares of

these spiders, and chiefly imparting to them their most important

property, that of adhesion+.

Arachnologists have not bestowed that degree of attention on the

* Transactions of the Linnzan Society, vol. xviii. p. 219-224.

+ Ibid, pp. 228, 224, 606.

and Giconomy of the Araneidea. 225

palpi of spiders to which their diversified structure and important

functions undoubtedly entitle them.

Much difference is observable in the relative proportions of the

several joints of the palpi of female spiders, not only in species con-

stituting the same family, but even in those belonging to the same

genus ; while, on the other hand, it frequently happens that females

belonging to different genera bear a striking resemblance to each

other in this particular. It is among male spiders, however, that

these peculiarities are the most marked, and to them may be added

structural differences and resemblances both of the palpi and sexual

organs still more conspicuous.

A great similarity in the form of the organs of reproduction, in the

simplicity of their structure, and in the manner of their connexion

with the digital joint of the palpi, which has no cavity opening ex-

ternally, may be seen in certain males of the family Dysderide ; in

Dysdera erythrina, Dysdera Hombergii, Segestria perfida, Segestria

senoculata, and Oonops pulcher, for example; and this similitude is

extended to the males of various species belonging to the family

Mygalide.

Between the males of Pachygnatha Clerckhii and Tetragnatha ex-

tensa there is a near approximation in the structure of the palpi and

sexual organs, yet these spiders are not included in the same family,

the former belonging to the Theridiide, and the latter to the Epéi-

ride.

If the spiders constituting the genus Clubiona be compared with

those of the genus Drassus, and those of the genus Linyphia with the

species comprised in the genus Neriéne ; or, extending the investiga-

tion still further, if the genera Walckenaéra, Theridion, Epéira, Eve-

sus, Salticus, Thomisus, and Philodromus be compared together,

numerous instances of correspondence in the relative proportions of

the joints of the palpi will be perceived immediately ; at the same

time, striking contrasts will present themselves to the eye of the

observer, not as regards proportion alone, but organization also, even

among nearly allied species. \

As the full development of the palpi and the organs of generation

connected with them indicates a state of maturity in male spiders, the

skilful arachnologist is enabled, by attending to this circumstance,

not only to distinguish adult males from females, but likewise from

immature individuals of both sexes. This knowledge is useful in

preventing him from falling into the too common error of mistaking

young spiders for old ones, and of describing them, and the sexes

of spiders of the same kind, as distinct species. When any doubts

exist as to the specific identity of adult spiders of different sexes, they

frequently may be set at rest by placing the spiders together in cap- /

tivity and noticing whether they pair or not. C

The great diversity of structure observable in the palpi and sexual

organs of male spiders supplies excellent specific characters, and, in-

deed, frequently presents the only available means of distinguishing

species of similar colours and dimensions from each other ; but when

it is borne in mind that this diversity of structure extends to spiders

226 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

connected by the closest relations of affinity, it is, perhaps, in vain

to expect that it will ever be applied with much success to the esta-

blishment of genera.

From remarks on the structure of the palpi to the consideration

of the functions they perform the transition is easy and natural.

Many spiders employ their palpi in assisting to collect the slack

line which results from their operations when engaged in ascending

the silken filaments by which they have lowered themselves from

stations previously occupied, or in drawing in such as have been

emitted from the spinners for the purpose of facilitating a change of

situation in some other direction. The silk collected on these occa-

sions is formed into a small heap, which is either attached to some

fixed object, or is transferred to the maxille, and, after having been

mixed with saliva and reduced in volume by repeated acts of com-

pression, is ultimately allowed to fall to the ground.

In conjunction with the mandibles, the palpi are employed by

females of the species Dolomedes mirabilis and Dolomedes fimbriatus

to retain their cocoons under the sternum, in which situation those

spiders usually carry them wherever they move. The Lycose@ also

avail themselves of the same parts in regaining possession of their

cocoons when detached from the spinners.

Certain spiders belonging to the genus Mygale have the inferior

part of the tarsi furnished with a dense brush of hair-like papillze for

the emission of a viscous secretion, which enables them to ascend

bodies having smooth perpendicular surfaces. Now, as the females

of these species usually have the under side of the digital joint of

their palpi, which are remarkably long and powerful, supplied in

like manner with papilla, analogy would lead to the conclusion that,

in harmony with their organization and distribution, they also con-

stitute a climbing apparatus.

Various species of Salticide, to which distinctness and accuracy

of vision are of the utmost consequence, as they do not construct

snares, but capture their prey by springing suddenly upon it from a

distance, have the terminal joint of the palpi abundantly supplied

with hairs, and constantly make use of those organs as brushes to

remove dust, or any other extraneous matter, from the corneous coat

of the anterior eyes.

The palpi appear to afford direct assistance likewise to spiders in

general in securing their prey, in changing its position while they

are feeding upon it, and in restraining the action of the wings of all

their victims which happen to be provided with them*.

With regard to the function exercised by the remarkable organs

connected with the digital joint of the palpi of male spiders there

exists some difference of opinion. ‘Taking anatomy as his guide,

Treviranus arrived at the conclusion that the parts in question are

used for the purpose of excitation merely, preparatory to the actual

union of the sexes by means of appropriate organs situated near the

anterior part of the inferior region of the abdomen. This view of

* Report of the Twelfth Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement

of Science, held at Manchester in 1842; Transactions of the Sections, pp. 67, 68.

and Economy of the Avaneidea. 227

the subject, which is very generally adopted, is opposed to that de-

rived from physiological facts by Dr. Lister and the earlier systema-

tic writers on arachnology, who regarded the palpal organs as strictly

sexual.

Rejecting the opinion of Treviranus, Baron Walckenaer has given

his support to that entertained by Lister and the physiologists, having

endeavoured to establish its accuracy by pursuing the imperfect

method of investigation employed by the latter, which chiefly con-

sists in examining the condition of the palpal organs when applied

by male spiders to the vulva of females and carefully noticing the

changes they undergo ; but as it is possible that such females, should

they prove to be prolific, may have been impregnated at a former

period, and as other organs than those connected with the digital

joint of the palpi may have been instrumental in producing the result,

observations of this description appear to be quite inadequate to effect

the object proposed.

An attempt to relieve the inquiry from objections so weighty is

recorded in the ‘ Report of the Third Meeting of the British Asso-

ciation for the Advancement of Science, held at Cambridge in 1833,’

pp- 444-5, and the result arrived at has a direct tendency to confirm

the truth of the opinion promulgated by Dr. Lister. Since that time,

researches in connexion with this subject have been greatly extended

and varied, and it is satisfactory to add, that they supply a body of

evidence which appears to be conclusive as to the agency of the

palpal organs.

The following is a concise summary of the more important par-

ticulars elicited by this investigation.

It is an admitted fact, that female Aphides, when impregnated, are

eapabie of producing females which, without sexual intercourse, are

prolific through several successive generations. In order to deter-

mine whether this is the case with spiders or not, young females of

the species Tegenaria domestica, Tegenaria civilis, Agelena laby-

rinthica, Ciniflo atrox, Drassus sericeus, Theridion quadripunctatum,

Segestria senoculata, &c., were placed in phials of transparent glass

and fed with insects. Most of these individuals remained in cap-

tivity from one to three years after they had completed their moult-

ing and attained maturity ; yet three only, an Agelena labyrinthica,

a Tegenaria domestica, and a Tegenaria civilis, produced eggs, and

they proved to be sterile, though several of the others, to which adult

males were subsequently introduced, laid prolific eggs after coition.

It is worthy of remark, that the spiders which produced unfruitful

eggs deposited them in cocoons and bestowed the same care upon

them as if they had been fertile.

This preliminary point being settled, attention was directed in

the next place to spiders in a state of liberty, when it was perceived

that the males of various species do not bring any part of the abdo-

men near the vulva of the females in the act of copulation, and that

this is the case with the Zycos@ in particular ; for example, the male

of Lycosa lugubris, after having made the customary advances,

springs suddenly upon the back of the female with his head directed

towards her spinners and the anterior part of the inferior surface of

228 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

the abdomen resting upon her cephalothorax; then placing the first

pair of legs immediately behind her posterior pair, the second pair

between her second and third pairs, the third pair between her first

and second pairs, and the posterior pair before her first pair, he thus

embraces her, and applies the palpal organs to the vulva by inclining

to one side or the other as the occasion may require. In this situ-

ation the male remains till the act of union is consummated and

then quits it with precipitancy, so that his abdomen is not even

brought into contact with that part, much less with the vulva, of the

female.

Precisely the same manner of proceeding is pursued by Lycosa

agretyca, Lycosa saccata, Lycosa pallida, and Lycosa obscura; and

females of the last species have been seen to receive the embraces

of several males in immediate succession, and to copulate even at the

time they had cocoons containing newly-laid eggs attached to their

spinners, which circumstances serve to support the opinion that

some spiders pair oftener than once in the course of their lives.

When in captivity, the sexes of Lycosa lugubris sometimes con-

tinue paired more than four hours, during which period the male

applies the palpal organs several hundred times to the vulva of the

female.

Notwithstanding the important bearing of these observations upon

the physiological problem under consideration, something was still

wanting to complete its solution, and recourse was had to direct ex-

periment to supply the desideratum.

On the 4th of May 1842, an adult male Zegenaria civilis was pro-

cured, and, being held by the legs in an inverted position, the in-

ferior surface of the abdomen was moistened by applying to it a

camel’s hair pencil which had been dipped in water. The entire

interval between the plates of the spiracles, supposed by Treviranus

to be the seat of the sexual organs in male spiders, and even a con-

siderable space below that interval, was then covered with strong,

well-gummed writing-paper cut into a suitable form and closely ap-

plied, and when the paper became thoroughly dry and firmly at-

tached, the spider was placed in a phial with a female of the same

species, which had been in solitary confinement from the 2nd of

June 1841, and had cast its skin twice during its captivity. With

this female the male paired on the same day he was introduced to

her, applying the palpal organs to the vulva in the usual manner,

and immediately after the union was completed he was removed from

her. On the 23rd of May she deposited a set of eggs in a cocoon

spun for their reception, and on the 11th of June she constructed

another cocoon in which she laid a second set of eggs. All these

eggs proved to be prolific, the extrication of young spiders from the

first set commencing on the 26th of June, and from the second set on

the 13th of July, in the same year. Without renewing her inter-

course with the male, this female deposited a set of eggs in a cocoon

on the 2nd of April, the 9th of May, the 4th of June, the 22nd of

June, and the 9th of July 1843, and on the 22nd of April, the 30th

of May, the 29th of June, and the Ist of August 1844, respectively,

nine sets in number, all of which produced young.

and (Economy of the Araneidea. 229

Another male Z¢genaria civilis, after undergoing the same treat-

ment exactly as that in the preceding experiment, was introduced,

on the 6th of May 1842, to a female of its own species, which had

been in solitary confinement from the 25th of January 1840, and

had east its skin three times during its captivity. This female re-

ceived the embraces of the male as soon as he was admitted into

the phial to her, and laid a set of eggs on the 27th of the same month,

all of which were productive, the young beginning to be disengaged

from them on the 27th of the ensuing month.

In stating a further repetition of this experiment with spiders of

the same species, it is only necessary to premise that the female had

cast her skin three times in captivity, and that the male had but the

right palpus, the other having been removed by amputation. They

were placed together on the 16th of May 1842, paired the same day,

and were separated as soon as their union was accomplished. On

the 19th of June the female deposited a set of eggs in a cocoon,

which began to be hatched on the 24th of the following July, and

all produced young. Without further sexual intercourse, in 1843

she enveloped a set of eggs in a cocoon on the 7th of April, the 5th

of May, the Ist of June, the 18th of June, and the 3rd of July, re-

spectively, from all which young were disengaged.

Promptness in accommodating itself to the restraint of confine-

ment, together with the certainty of being able to procure specimens

whenever they might be required, led to the selection of Tegenaria

civilis as a suitable subject for the foregoing experiments, from which,

conjointly with the preceding observations, the following inferences

may be deduced :—

Ist. That female spiders are incapable of producing prolific eggs

without sexual intercourse.

2nd. That females which have not been impregnated occasionally

produce sterile eggs.

3rd. That the female of Tegenraria civilis, when impregnated, is

capable of producing several sets of prolific eggs in succession with-

out renewing its intercourse with the male*, two years or more oc-

casionally elapsing before all are deposited, and a period of ten

months nearly intervening sometimes between the deposition of two

consecutive sets.

4th. That spiders of various species copulate without the abdo-

men of the male being brought into contact with that of the female.

5th. That male spiders, in which the part, stated by Treviranus

to be the seat of the sexual organs, is entirely covered with strong,

well-gummed writing paper closely applied, nevertheless possess the

power of exercising the function of generation unimpaired.

6th. Lastly, that males so cireumstanced invariably consummate

the act by applying the palpal organs to the vulva of females, plainly

demonstrating thereby the interesting truth, that those organs,

however anomalous their situation may be, are the only efficient

* Tegenaria domestica (Aranea domestica, Linn.), Avelena labyrinthica, and

Epéira cucurbitina are endowed with similar powers of production. Vide the Re-

port of the Third Meeting of the British Association, p. 445,

230 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

instruments employed by male spiders in the propagation of their

species.

Before they arrive at maturity spiders change their skin several

times: the manner in which these moults are effected may be illus-

trated by describing the proceedings of an individual of the species

Epéira calophylla. Preparatory to casting its integument, this

spider spins some strong lines in the vicinity of its snare, from which

it suspends itself by the feet and a filament proceeding from the

spinners. After remaining for a short time in this situation, the

coriaceous covering of the cephalothorax gives way laterally, dis-

uniting at the insertion of the legs and mandibles ; the line of sepa-

ration pursues the same direction till it extends to the abdomen,

which is next disengaged, the extrication of the legs being the last

and greatest difficulty the spider has to overcome. As the suspen-

sory filament connected with the spinners of the exuviz is consider-

ably shorter than the legs and does not undergo any sensible altera-

tion in length, the abdomen, during the process of moulting, be-

comes gradually deflected from its original horizontal direction till

it assumes a vertical position nearly at right angles with the cephalo-

thorax. By this change of posture, attended with numerous contor-

tions of the body, and alternate contractions and extensions of the

limbs, the spider is ultimately enabled to accomplish its purpose.

When it has completely disengaged itself from the slough, it remains,

for a short period, in a state of great exhaustion, suspended solely

by a thread from the spinners, connected with the interior of the

abdominal portion of the cast skin, which is much corrugated. After

reposing a little, the spider further attaches itself to the suspensory

lines by the claws of the feet, and when its strength is sufficiently

restored, and its limbs have acquired the requisite degree of firm-

ness, it ascends its filaments and seeks its retreat*.

Recent observations establish the fact, that the number of times

spiders change their integument before they become adult is not

uniformly the same as regards every species. A young female

Epéira calophylla, disengaged from the egg on the 30th of March

1843, moulted on the 8th of the ensuing month in the cocoon, which

it quitted on the Ist of May; moulting again, in the same year, on

the 4th of June, the 22nd of June, the 12th of July, and the 4th of

August, respectively, when it arrived at maturity, having cast its

skin five times.

An egg of Epéira diadema, hatched on the 14th of April 1843,

produced a female spider, which moulted in the cocoon on the 24th

of the same month; on the 3rd of May it quitted the cocoon, and

moulted again on the 21st of June, the 10th of July, the 3rd of

August, and the 23rd of August, in the same year. On the 28th

of February 1844 it died in a state of immaturity after having com-

pleted its fifth moult.

On the 27th of June 1842 an egg of Tegenaria civilis produced

a female spider, which underwent its first moult in the cocoon on the

10th of the ensuing July ; quitting the cocoon on the 21st of the

* Transactions of the Linnean Society, vol xvi. p. 482-484.

and Ciconomy of the Araneidea. 231

same month, it moulted again on the 17th of August, the 4th of

September, and the 26th of September, in the same year; and on

the 26th of January, the 9th of April, the 24th of May, the 21st

of June, and the 5th of August in 1843, when it arrived at maturity,

having changed its integument nine times.

A male Zegenaria civilis, extricated from the egg on the 27th

of June 1842, also moulted nine times, casting its skin in the cocoon

on the 10th of the following July; on the 21st of the same month

it abandoned the cocoon, moulting again on the 13th of August, the

10th of September, and the 13th of October, in the same year ; and

on the Ist of February, the 25th of April, the 17th of June, the 13th

of July, and the 17th of October in 1843, when its development

was complete.

Modifications of food and temperature exercise a decided influence

upon the moulting of spiders. A young female Zegenaria civilis

disengaged from the egg on the 24th of July 1842, on the 2nd of

the following August moulted in the cocoon, which it quitted on the

12th of the same month, casting its skin again on the 29th of Au-

gust, and the 10th of October, in the same year ; being scantily sup-

plied with nutriment, it increased very little in size, and died on the

4th of July 1843, having changed its integument three times only.

Another female of the same species, which was extricated from the

egg on the same day as the foregoing individual, and was well-fed, on

the 13th of July 1843 had moulted seven times. It is apparent also

from the particulars already stated, that the intervals between conse-

cutive moults are much shorter when the temperature of the atmo-

sphere is high than when it is low.

Immature spiders infested by the larva of Polysphincta carbonaria,

an insect belonging to the family Jehnewmonide, which feeds upon

their fluids, never change their integument*.

Like certain animals of the class Crustacea, spiders possess the

property of reproducing such limbs as have been detached or muti-

lated, and this curious physiological phenomenon is intimately con-

nected with the renovation of the integument, as it is observed to

take place at the time of moulting only. Exveriments illustrative of

this interesting subject have been multiplied to a very great extent ;

in introducing some of them to notice, such have been selected, as

from the novel and important conclusions deducible from them are

best deserving of attention.

1. A young male Teaxtrix lycosina had half of the terminal joint

of each superior spinner amputated, and the posterior leg on the

right side detached at the coxa, on the 3rd of August 1838. It

moulted on the 10th of September, reproducing the detached parts,

which were small but perfect in structure. On the 23rd of Febru-

ary 1839 it moulted again and became adult; at the same time a

sensible increase took place in the bulk of the reproduced parts,

which, nevertheless, were still defective in point of size.

2. On the 23rd of August 1838 a young female Tegenaria civilis

* Annals and Magazine of Natural History, vol. xi. p. 1-4.

232 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

had the anterior leg on the right side and the third leg on the left

side detached at the coxa, the terminal joint of the superior and in-

ferior spinners on the right side beirg amputated at the same time.

This spider moulted on the 27th of September, when the detached

parts, of a smaller size than the curresponding parts on the opposite

side, but perfect in structure, were reproduced. On the 6th of No-

vember it changed its integument a second time, and on the 16th of

June 1839 a third time, when it arrived at maturity. The reproduced

parts advanced perceptibly in growth at each successive moult, but

did not ultimately acquire their full dimensions.

. 3. A young male Vegenaria civilis had the digital joint of the left

palpus, which was very tumid, detached on the 6th of October 1838.

It moulted on the 17th of June 1839 and reproduced the left palpus,

which, though small, had the radial joint provided with the apophy-

sis characteristic of a state of maturity in this species. The sexual

organs, however, were altogether wanting, and the digital joint was

slightly modified in size and form by this circumstance. It is scarcely

necessary to remark that the sexual organs connected with the right

palpus were fully developed.

4. The digital joint of the left palpus of a young female Segestria

senoculata was amputated on the 18th of May 1839. This spider

cast its integument on the 8th of July, the left palpus, of a small size,

being reproduced. It moulted again on the 28th of June 1840, when

the reproduced palpus had its dimensions enlarged and the spider

arrived at maturity. On the 12th of December 1842 it died, having

existed nearly three years and a half in captivity.

5. On the 8th of June 1839 a young female Agelena labyrinthica

had the terminal joint of each superior spinner amputated. Bring-

ing the extremities of the tarsi of the posterior legs to the mouth, it

moistened them with saliva, and repeatedly applied them to the mu-

tilated parts. On the 2lst of the same month it moulted, and the

superior spinners, of a small size, were reproduced. It moulted

again on the 12th of the ensuing July, when the reproduced spin-

ners were increased in size, and it arrived at maturity.

6. A young male Textrix lycosina had the terminal joint of each

superior spinner amputated, and the third leg on the right side de-

tached at the coxa, on the 25th of July 1839. This spider cast its

integument on the 6th of the ensuing August, when the stumps only

of the mutilated parts were produced. On the 2nd of December, in

the same year, it moulted again; the superior spinners and third

leg on the right side, of a small size, were then reproduced, and it

arrived at maturity.

7. The left palpus of a young male Tegenaria civilis, the digital

joint of which was very tumid, was amputated at the axillary joint

on the 15th of January 1840. On the 22nd of June, in the same

year, it moulted, reproducing the left palpus, which was of small di-

mensions. The radial joint was provided with an apophysis, indica-

ting the mature state of the spider, but the digital joint was some-

what modified in size and form, and the sexual organs were not repro-

duced.

and Ciconomy of the Avaneidea. 233

8. A young male 7egenaria civilis had the right palpus amputated

at the axillary joint on the 15th of January 1840. It moulted on the

2nd of the following June, when the detached part, of a sinall size,

was reproduced and the digital joint became very tumid. On the

12th of August, in the same year, it moulted again ; the right palpus

was augmented in size, the radial joint was furnished with an apo-

physis, and the sexual organs, complete in their organization, were

developed ; these several parts, however, were still decidedly smaller

than the corresponding parts of the left palpus.

9. On the 25th of January 1840 the left palpus of a young female

Tegenaria civilis was amputated at the axillary joint. This spider

moulted on the Ist of the ensuing May, at which time the detached

part, of a small size, was reproduced. On the 20th of June and the

6th of August, in the same year, it moulted again and arrived at

maturity, the left palpus receiving an increase in size at each suc-

cessive moult.

10. A young male Ciniflo ferox had the cubital, radial and di-

gital joints of the left palpus amputated on the 26th of May 1840.

It moulted on the 18th of the following June and reproduced the

left palpus, which was small, with the digital joint very tumid. On

the Sth of August, in the same year, it moulted again, when the left

palpus was enlarged, the apophyses of the radial joint were produced,

and the sexual organs were developed. Though the several parts of

the left palpus were smaller than the corresponding parts of the right

palpus, yet they were perfect in their organization.

11. The left palpus of a young male Ciniflo atrox was amputated

at the axillary joint on the 28th of May 1840. This spider changed

its integument on the 27th of the following June, and reproduced

the left palpus, which had the digital joint very tumid. On the 11th

of August, in the same year, it moulted again, when the apophyses

of the radial joint and the sexual organs, perfect in structure, were

developed, but all the parts of the left palpus were smaller than the

corresponding parts of the right palpus.

12. A young male Linyphia cauta had the right palpus at the

axillary joint, the cubital, radial and digital joints of the left palpus,

and the tibiz and tarsi of the first, second and third legs on the left

side amputated on the 30th of May 1840. On the 25th of the en-

suing June it moulted, when the stumps only of the palpi were pro-

duced, but the mutilated legs, of small dimensions, were reproduced.

It moulted again on the 21st of July, in the same year, and though

the palpi still were not reproduced, yet the newly-formed legs were

augmented in size and the spider arrived at maturity.

13. The digital joint of the left palpus of a young male Linyphia

cauta, which was very tumid, was amputated on the 20th of July

1840. The spider moulted on the 19th of the following August,

reproduced the left palpus, of a small size, with the digital joint

considerably modified, and at the same time arrived at maturity ;

but the sexual organs were not reproduced.

14. A young male Tegenaria civilis had the right palpus ampu-

tated at the axillary joint on the 9th of June 1841. On the 13th of

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xy. S

234 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

the following July it cast its integument and reproduced the right

palpus, which, though small, had the digital joint very tumid. It

moulted again on the 20th of August, in the same year, when the

dimensions of the right palpus were augmented, the radial joint was

provided with an apophysis, and the sexual organs were developed.

The organization of the right palpus was perfect in all its parts, but

they were smaller than the corresponding parts of the left palpus.

15. On the 25th of June 1841 a young male Drassus sericeus had

the cubital, radial and digital joints of the left palpus amputated, the

digital joint being very tumid. It. moulted on the 16th of the en-

suing August and reproduced the left palpus, of a small size; the

radial joint was provided with an apophysis, indicating the mature

state of the spider, but the sexual organs were not reproduced.

16. A young male Cinzflo ferox had the right palpus amputated

at the axillary joint on the 2nd of July 1841. On the 19th it

moulted, but the stump only of the mutilated part was produced.

On the 28th of the same month the left palpus was amputated at the

axillary joint. The spider moulted again on the 28th of the ensuing

August, when both the palpi, of a small size, were produced.

17. The anterior leg on the left side of a young female Tegenaria

civilis was amputated at the coxa on the Ist of September 1842.

This spider was dissected on the 14th of the following October, when

on the point of moulting, as was evident from the deepened hue of

the integument and from the perfect structure of the tarsal and pal-

pal claws, visible through it. The anterior leg on the left side, which

was reproduced, was complete in its organization, ,/;ths of an inch

in length, and was curiously folded in the integument of the old

coxa, which measured only ;;th of an inch in length.

18. A young male Tegenaria civilis had the posterior leg on the

left side amputated near the middle of the tibia on the 24th of April

1843, when it moistened the tarsus of the third leg on the same side

with saliva and repeatedly applied it to the mutilated limb. Being

about to moult, this spider was dissected on the 5th of the ensuing

June ; the posterior leg on the left side, which was reproduced, was

found to have its tarsal and metatarsal joints folded in the undetached

half of the integument of the old tibia.

A recapitulation of the more remarkable results obtained from

the experiments, elucidated in several instances by additional facts

and observations, will not, it is presumed, be deemed superfluous.

Physiologists, in conducting researches relative to the reproduc-

tion of the limbs of spiders, seem to have limited their investigations

to the legs of those animals ; whereas, in the experiments detailed

above, the palpi and spinners, as well as the legs, were operated

upon; and all these parts are found to be renewed, and afterwards

to have their dimensions enlarged at the period of moulting only ;

it appears also that if a part of a limb be amputated, as the tarsus

of a leg or the digital joint of a palpus, the whole is reproduced, all

the joints of the new limb, though small, being proportionate to those

of the corresponding limb on the opposite side, with the exception of

the digital joint of the palpi of male spiders when the sexual organs

and Ciconomy of the Araneidea. 235

are not reproduced, which is usually somewhat modified in size and

form by that circumstance.

At the penultimate moult of male spiders the digital joints of the

palpi become very tumid, in much the greater number of species, by

a sudden and rapid advance towards development in the sexual or-

gans, and should those parts be detached during the interval which

elapses between that and the succeeding moult, though the palpi,

indicating by their organization that the animal has arrived at ma-

turity, may be reproduced, yet the sexual organs are always absent.

(See experiments 3,7,13,15.) Adult males of the species Lycosa

obscura, Dysdera Hombergii, and Philodromus dispar have been found

in a state of liberty with the palpi unequal in size and the smaller

one entirely destitute of the sexual organs.

When the palpi of male spiders, which had been amputated be-

fore the penultimate moult, are reproduced, the sexual organs, per-

fect in structure, are reproduced also (see experiments 8, 10, 11, 14);

unexceptionable evidence in support of this singular fact is to be

found in their reduced dimensions and integrity of form, but it will

scarcely be denied that the original germs of those organs must

have been removed with the detached palpi. That the function of

the sexual organs is not in the least affected by their reproduction

there exists the most satisfactory proof. In the last of those expe-

rimeuts, having for their object the determination of the seat of the

sexual organs in male spiders, recorded in this report, the male Tege-

naria civilis, stated to have possessed the right palpus only when in-

troduced to the female, is identical with that which was the subject

of experiment 8 in the foregoing series ; consequently, its sexual or-

gans had been reproduced, yet the fertility of its mate bore ample

testimony to the unimpaired efficiency of their generative agency.

If experiments 6 and 16 be referred to, it will be seen that the

stumps only of mutilated parts are occasionally produced at the fol-

lowing moult, and that the entire parts, of a small size, are some-

times restored at a subsequent moult.

Experiment 12 presents an extraordinary case of the stumps of the

palpi being produced at two consecutive moults after they had suf-

fered mutilation, though several legs of the same spider, mutilated at

the same time, were renewed at the next moult after the infliction

of the injury.

The fact, that reproduced legs, immediately antecedent to the

process of moulting, are folded in the integument of the undetached

portion of the mutilated limbs, is clearly established by experiments

17 and 18.

With some spiders the duration of life does not exceed the brief

space of twelve months, whereas it may be safely inferred from ex-

periment 4 that Segestria senoculata does not even complete its se-

veral changes of integument and arrive at maturity in less than two

years. The individual there stated to have had the digital joint of

the left palpus detached on the 18th of May 1839 was then about

two-thirds grown, and must have been disengaged from the egg in

the summer of the preceding year, as this species breeds in the

236 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

months of May and June in North Wales. On the 28th of June

1840, the third summer of its existence, it underwent its last moult

and became adult. Subsequent experiments made with both sexes

of this spider tend to corroborate the accuracy of the above con-

clusion.

Variations in the colour and size of spiders of the same kind, re-

sulting from differences in age, sex, food, climate, and other condi-

tions cf a less obvious character, as they conduce largely to the in-

troduction of fictitious species, have long engaged the attention of

arachnologists, while those arising from extraordinary organic modi-

fications, in consequence, perhaps, of their less frequent occurrence,

have been almost entirely overlooked. The importance which cases

of the latter description possess in relation to physiology and syste-

matic arrangement will be best illustrated by a few examples.

1. A supernumerary eye, situated between the two small ones

constituting the anterior intermediate pair, has been observed in an

adult female Theridion filipes. The total number of eyes possessed

by this individual was nine and their arrangement symmetrical.

2. An immature female Thomisus cristatus had the two lateral

pairs of eyes only; the four small intermediate ones were altogether

wanting, not the slightest rudiment of them being perceptible even

with the aid of a powerful magnifier.

3. A short but perfectly formed supernumerary tarsus, connected

with the base of the tarsal joint of the right posterior leg on its outer

side, has been noticed in an adult female Lycosa campestris.

4. Deficiency of the right intermediate eye of the anterior row

has been remarked in an adult male Lycosa cambrica.

5. The left intermediate eye of the posterior row was perceived to

be wanting in an adult female Epéira inclinata, and the right inter-

mediate eye of the same row was not half the usual size.

6. An adult female Ciniflo atrox was found to be without the left

intermediate eye of the posterior row.

7. The right intermediate eye of the posterior row in an adult fe-

male Epéira inclinata had not one-eighth of the natural size, being

merely rudimentary.

The particulars stated in the foregoing cases, which serve to esta-

blish the fact, that spiders, in common with many other animals, oc-

casionally 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 reference 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.

As spiders with four eyes have not yet been found, it is a matter

of some consequence to caution observers against mistaking a mere

defect in structure, like that recorded in case 2, for such a discovery.

Whether there are species provided with an odd number of eyes or

not is at present conjectural ; should such exist, symmetry in the ar-

rangement of their visual organs certainly may be expected to ob-

and Ciconomy of the Araneidea. 237

tain; 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 ; as no such objection, however, can be urged

against case 1,a solution of the difficulty it presents must be sought

for in a more accurate acquaintance with the species.

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 preternatural variations in

size as well as number.

The obscurity in which the cause of these remarkable organic mo-

difieations is involved, careful investigation, conducted upon sound

philosophical principles, can alone dispel *.

Argyroneta aquatica, Dolomedes fimbriatus, and Lycosa piratica

are known to descend spontaneously beneath the surface of water, the

time during which they can respire when immersed depending upon

the quantity of air confined by the cireumambient liquid among the

hairs with which they are clothed. There are, however, some spi-

ders of small size, Hrigone atra and Savignia frontata, for example,

which, though they do not enter water voluntarily, can support life

in it for many days, and that without the external supply of air so

essential to the existence of Argyroneta aquatica under similar cir-

cumstances. It is probable that this property may contribute to their

preservation through the winter, when their hybernacula are liable

to be inundated +.

Spiders, though extremely voracious, are capable of enduring long

abstinence from food. A young female 7heridion quadripunctatum,

captured in August 1829, was placed in a phial and fed with flies till

the 15th of October, in the same year, during which period it accom-

plished its final moult and attained maturity. It was then removed

to a smaller phial, which was closely corked and locked up in a book-

case, its supply of food being at the same time discontinued. In this

situation it remained till the 30th of April 1831, on which day it

died, without receiving the slightest nourishment of any description.

Throughout its captivity it never failed to produce a new snare when

an old one was removed, which was frequently the case; and it is a

fact particularly deserving of attention, that the alvine evacuations

were continued, in minute quantities and at very distant intervals, to

the termination of its existence t.

When about to deposit their eggs, spiders usually spin for their

reception silken cocoons displaying much diversity of form, size, co-

lour, and consistency. Those of the Lycose have a lenticular, or

spherical figure and compact structure, with the exception of a nar-

row zone of a delicate texture by which they are encircled. In con-

structing their cocoons, these spiders slightly connect the margins

of the two compact portions, beneath which the thin fabrie of the

zone is folded. This simple contrivance affords an admirable pro-

* Annals and Magazine of Natural History, vol. xi. p. 165-168.

+ Report of the Third Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement

of Science held at Cambridge in 1833, p. 446.

¢ Researches in Zoology, pp. 302, 303.

238 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

vision for the development of the young in the fetal state by an en-

larged capacity in the cocoons consequent on the margins of the

parts becoming detached by the expansive force within. the

eventual liberation of the young being effected by the rupture of the

zone.

Theridion callens fabricates a very remarkable balloon-shaped co-

coon about one-eighth of an inch im diameter. It is composed of

soft silk of a loose texture and pale brown colour, inclosed in an

irregular network of coarse, dark red-brown silk ; several of the lines

composing this network unite near the lower and smaller extremity

of the cocoon, leaving intervals there through which the young pass

when they quit it, and, being cemented together throughout the re-

mainder of their extent. form a slender stem, varying from one-tenth

to half of an ich in length, by which the cocoon is attached to the

suriace of stones and fragments of rock, resembling in its figure and

erect position some of the minute plants belonging to the class Cryp-

togamia. The eggs are large, considering the small size of the spider,

five or six in number, spherical, not agglutinated together, and of a

brown colour *.

An elegant vase-shaped coccon, composed of white silk of a fine

compact texture, and attached by a short foot-stalk to rushes, the

stems of grass, heath, and gorse, is constructed by Agelena brunnea ;

it measures about one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and contains

from forty to fifty yellowish-white, spherical eggs enveloped in white

silk connected with the interior of the cocoon contiguous to the

foot-stalk. Greatly to the disadvantage of its appearance, the entire

cocoon is smeared with moist soil, which drying serves to protect it

from the weather, and as an additional security, the extremity is

closed and directed downwards.

Theridion riparium fabricaies a slender, conical tube of silk of a

very slight texture, measuring from one and a half to two and a

half inches in length, and about half an inch in diameter at its lower

extremity. It is closed above, open below, thickly covered externally

with bits of indurated earth. small stones, and withered leaves and

flowers, which are incorporated with it, and is suspended perpendi-

cularly, by lines attached to its sides and apex, in the irregular snare

constracted by this species. In the upper part of this singular do-

micile the female spins several globular cocoons of yellowish-white

silk of a slight texture, whose mean diameter is about one-eighth of

an inch, in each of which she deposits from twenty to sixty small

spherical eggs of a pale yellowish-white colour, not agglutinated

together. The young remain with the mother for a long period after

quitting the cocoons, and are provided by her with food, which con-

sists chiefly of ants7.

Oonops pulcher constructs several contiguous, subglobose cocoons

of white silk of a fine but compact texture in the crevices of rocks

2nd walls, and among lichens growing on the trunks of trees; each

* Transactions of the Linnzan Society, vol. xviii. p. 629.

+ Researches in Zoology, p. 356.

and Economy of the Avaveidea. 239

measures about one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter and usually

comprises two spherical, pink eggs, not agglutinated together. It

may be remarked, by way of contrast, that Hpéira quadrata fre-

quently deposits between nine hundred and a thousand spherical

eggs of a yellow colour, in a globular cocoon of coarse yellow silk

of a loose texture, measuring seven-tenths of an inch in diameter,

which is attached to the stems of heath, gorse, and other vegetable

productions in the vicinity of its haunts.

Among the silken snares fabricated by spiders for the purpose of

capturing their prey, the most elegant are those constructed with the

appearance of geometrical precision in the form of circular nets.

They are composed of an elastic spiral line thickly studded with mi-

nute globules of liquid gum, whose circumvolutions, falling within

the same plane, are crossed by radii converging towards a common

centre, which is immediately surrounded by several circumvolutions

of a short spiral line devoid of viscid globules, forming a station

from which the toils may be superintended by their owner without

the inconvenience of being entangled in them. As the radii are

unadhesive and possess only a moderate share of elasticity, they must

consist of a different material from that of the viscid spiral line, which

is elastic in an extraordinary degree. Now the viscidity of this line

may be shown to depend entirely upon the globules with which it is

studded, for if they be removed by careful applications of the finger,

a fine glossy filament remains, which is highly elastic, but perfectly

unadhesive. As the globules, therefore, and the line on which they

are disposed, differ so essentially from each other, and from the radii,

itis reasonable to infer that the physical constitution of these several

portions of the net must be dissimilar.

An estimate of the number of viscid globules distributed on the

elastic spiral line in a net of Epéira apoclisa of a medium size, will

convey some idea of the elaborate operations performed by the

Epéire in the construction of their snares. The mean distance be-

tween two adjacent radii, in a net of this species, is about seven-

tenths of an inch; if, therefore, the number 7 be multiplied by 20,

the mean number of viscid globules which occur on one-tenth of an

inch of the elastic spiral line, at the ordinary degree of tension, the

product will be 140, the mean number of globules deposited on

seven-tenths of an inch of the elastic spiral line; this product mul-

tiplied by 24, the mean number of circumvolutions described by the

elastic spiral line, gives 3360, the mean number of globules contained

between two radii; which multiplied by 26, the mean number of radii,

produces 87,360, the total number of viscid globules in a finished

net of average dimensions. A large net, fourteen or sixteen inches

in diameter, will be found, by a similar calculation, to contain up-

wards of 120,000 viscid globules, and yet Apéira apoclisa will com-

plete its snare in about forty minutes if it meet with no interruption.

In the formation of their snares the /péire appear to be regu-

lated solely by the sense of touch, as various species when confined

in spacious glass jars placed in situations absolutely impervious to

240 Mr. J. Blackwall on the Structure, Functions

light construct nets which do not exhibit the slightest irregularity

of plan or defect of structure *.

Dr. Lister supposed that spiders are able to retract the lines they

spin within the abdomen, and whoever minutely observes the Epéire,

when fabricating their snares, will almost be induced to entertain the

same opinion. The viscid line produced by these spiders in their

transit from one radius to another is sometimes drawn out to a much

greater extent than is necessary to connect the two, yet, on ap-

proaching the point at which it is to be attached, it appears to re-

enter the spinners, till it is reduced to the exact length required.

This optical illusion, for such it is, is occasioned by the extreme

elasticity of the line, which may be extended greatly by the applica-

tion of aslight force, and on its removal will contract proportionally.

By this property the viscid spiral line is accommodated to the fre-

quent and rapid changes in distance which take place among the

radii when agitated by winds or other disturbing forces, and by it

insects, which fly against the snare, are more completely entangled

than they otherwise could be without doing extensive injury to its

frame-work +.

Complicated as the processes are by which these symmetrical nets

are produced, nevertheless, young spiders, acting under the influence

of instinctive impulse, display, even in their first attempt to fabricate

them, as consummate skill as the most experienced individuals.

Although spiders are not provided with wings, and, consequently,

are incapable of flying, in the strict sense of the word; yet, by the

aid of their silken filaments, numerous species, belonging to various

genera, are enabled to accomplish distant journeys through the at-

mosphere. These aérial excursions, which appear to result from an

instinctive desire to migrate, are undertaken when the weather is

bright and serene, particularly in the autumn, both by adult and

immature individuals, and are effected in the following manner.

After climbing to the summits of different objects, they raise them-

selves still higher by straightening the limbs; then elevating the ab-

domen, by bringing it from the usual horizontal position into one al-

most perpendicular, they emit from the spinners a small quantity of

viscid fluid, which is drawn out into fine lines by the ascending cur-

rent occasioned by the rarefaction of the air contiguous to the heated

ground. Against these lines the current of rarefied air impinges, till

the animals, feeling themselves acted upon with sufficient force, quit

their hold of the objects on which they stand and mount aloft.

Spiders do not always ascend into the atmosphere by a vertical

movement, but are observed to sail through it in various directions ;

and the fact admits of an easy explanation when the disturbing

causes by which that subtile medium is liable to be affected are taken

into consideration. A direction parallel to the horizon will be given

by a cusrext of air moving in that plane; a perpendicular one, by

* Zoological Journat, vel. v. p. 181-188. Transactions of the Linnzan Society,

vol. xvi. p. 477-479. Researches in Zoology, p. 253-270.

+ Researches in Zoology, pp. 267, 268.

and (iconomy of the Araneidea. 241

the ascent of air highly rarefied ; and directions intermediate be-

tween these two will, in general, depend upon the composition of

forces. When the horizontal and vertical currents are equal in force,

the line of direction will describe an angle of 45° nearly with the

plane of the horizon ; but when their forces are unequal, the angle

formed with that plane will be greater or less as one current or the

other predominates.

The manner in which the lines of spiders are carried out from the

spinners by a current of air appears to be this. As a preparatory

measure, the spinning mammule are brought into close contact, and

viscid matter is emitted from the ‘papilla ; they are then separated

by a lateral motion, which extends the viscid matter into fine fila-

ments connecting the papilla; on these filaments the current im-

pinges, drawing them out to a length which is regulated by the will

of the animal; and on the mammule being again brought together

the filaments coalesce and form a compound line.

Many intelligent naturalists entertain the opinion that spiders can

forcibly propel or dart out lines from their spinners ; but when placed

on twigs set upright in glass vessels with perpendicular sides contain-

ing a quantity of water sufficient to immerse their bases completely, all

the efforts they make to effect an escape uniformly prove unavailing

in a still atmosphere. However, should the individuals thus insu-

lated be exposed to a current of air either naturally or artificially

produced, they immediately turn the abdomen in the direction of the

breeze, and emit from the spinners a little of their viscid secretion,

which being carried out in a line by the current becomes connected

with some object in the vicinity, and affords them the means of re-

gaining their liberty. If due precaution be used in conducting this

experiment, it clearly demonstrates that spiders are utterly incapable

of darting lines from their spinners, as they cannot possibly escape

from their confinement on the twigs in situations where the air is un-

disturbed, but in the agitated atmosphere of an inhabited room they

accomplish their object without difficulty. Similar means are fre-

quently employed by spiders in their natural haunts for the pur-

poses of changing their situation and fixing the foundations of their

snares.

The webs named gossamer are composed of lines spun by spiders,

which on being brought into contact by the mechanical action of

gentle airs adhere together, till by continual additions they are ac-

cumulated into irregular white flakes and masses of considerable

magnitude. Occasionally spiders may be found on gossamer-webs

after an ascending current of rarefied air has separated them from

the objects to which they were attached, and has raised them into

the atmosphere ; but as they never make use of them intentionally in

the performance of their a€ronautic expeditions, it must always be

regarded as a fortuitous circumstance*.

* Transactions of the Linnean Society, vol. xv. p. 449-459. Researches in Zoo-

logy, p. 229-252.

242 Mr. W. Reckitt on the Preservation of Objects

XXIX.—On the Preservation of Objects of Natural History for

the Microscope. By Wii11aM Recxirt, M.R.C.S.L.

To R. Taylor, Esq.

Dear Sir,

Havine read in the present Number (February) of the ‘ Annals’

a paper by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley on the mode of mounting

objects of natural history for the microscope, I am induced to

offer for your perusal a few remarks on the same subject, and to

suggest to you what appears to me a surer and a better plan.

For the last few years I have been engaged in microscopical in-

vestigations, during which time I have frequently had occasion

to regret that many of my best preparations were rendered en-

tirely useless by preservation in balsam of Canada, the only me-

thod of mounting with which I was acquainted, which was entirely

unfitted for exhibiting the structure of vegetable tissues, as well

as the delicate parts of insects, frequently converting them into a

confused hyaline mass, in which nothing of their structure was

recognisable.

In the spring of last year I requested the publication of a few

remarks on the best mode of mounting in the ‘ Annals,’ which

was answered obligingly by the appearance of a paper on the

subject by Dr. J. W. Griffith. Consequently I set to work on the

plan proposed by that gentleman, but was much disappointed at

the length of time which was necessary to allow them to dry. I

then made a variety of experiments to invent a varnish which

would present the two grand desiderata of perfect fluidity, al-

lowing it to be easily applied, together with the property of dry-

ing quickly. All my endeavours to succeed in this would I be-

lieve have failed, had I not in my inquiries luckily stumbled on

a drunken painter, who suggested the employment of old black

japan. This, which can be obtained at any painter’s, I have used

ever since, and found to answer every expectation. It is abso-

lutely necessary that it should be old to ensure it drying speedily.

The object should be mounted in a cell in the way described by

the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, however minute it may be, as it pre-

vents the varnish from insinuating itself between the upper and

lower glasses ; the fluid should be soaked up to the margin of the

top glass by a small piece of blotting-paper, and then a very thin

delicate coating of black japan is to be applied with a fine camel-

hair pencil ; this will be perfectly dry on exposure to the atmo-

sphere in twenty-four hours, when another coating rather thicker

is to be applied, and on the third day another, which should have

two days allowed for it to dry im, when the slider may be papered.

T usually make a number of cells of different sizes at a time.

of Natural History for the Microscope. 243

These are made by merely painting the glass slider with a thin

coating of varnish so as to leave an empty clear space of the size

desired. These will be ready for use in twenty-four hours. If time

is an object, they may be placed on the fire “ hob,” and in a quarter

of an hour your cell will be ready for use. If a thick cell be re-

quired, a second or third coating should be applied : it is far better

to make deep cells by three or four coatings, letting the preceding

one be quite dry, than to form it at once by a single thick appli-

cation of the varnish. And now with regard to the fluid for pre-.

serving the objects in, Mr. Berkeley and Dr. Griffith recommend

Goadby’s solution. This does very well for animal substances,

but is totally inadmissible, so far as my experience goes, in a very

great number of vegetables. The endochrome of the Zygnema is

coagulated by it, and the beautiful spiral in the interior of the

cell is destroyed, and the same has been the case in other delicate

confervoids where I have tried it; in place of the bright green

in many of these, they have presented a dull leaden appearance.

Pollen tubes mounted in it are invariably spoiled. This obtains

equally where spirit of wie is made use of, even though used in

a very dilute state ; it has also the additional disadvantage of cor-

rugating and making opake.

The fluid I make use of is simply cold water ; perhaps it would

be better if previously boiled and allowed to stand for a short

time: filtermg im my opinion should never be had recourse to

with any fluid used for microscopical purposes, as the liquid in

passing through the bibulous paper will always carry with it small

flocci from the paper, and the presence of these materially inter-

fere with the beauty and perfection of the object to be viewed.

When the object is varnished down and all contact with the at-

mosphere is cut off, it is impossible that decomposition can take

place. In the case of marine Algze I make use of salt water which

has been allowed to stand for some little time in order that all

the impurities may subside. Many hundred objects have been

mounted by me in the manner described, which are as perfect

in every respect as they were on the day in which they were first

prepared, in shape, colour, &c.: probably the most delicate pre-

paration I possess is a slider of the cells of the anther of Chara

hispida, in which the spermatozoa are beautifully shown, some in

the cells, others in the act of quitting the cell, and some spread

over the surface of the glass im the cell. Now if decomposition

did take place in this method of mounting, it would doubtless

have attacked and destroyed long before this these delicate little

animalcules, animal matter being much more liable to the de-

structive process, ceteris paribus, than vegetable. Many months

have elapsed since they were mounted (in May last).

Every working microscopist examines with the object immersed

244 Van Beneden on the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra.

in a drop of water and covered with a top glass. Now it is a very

great advantage to be able at once to mount anything without

being obliged to shift the top glass in order to imtroduce a different

fluid ; in doing this the relative positions of parts are frequently

changed, or in the case of animalcules the latter may be lost, and

many a rare thing have I irrecoverably been deprived of by ha-

ving recourse to a different fluid before I was led to adopt my

present mode. If any person could discover a method of mount-

ing marine Algze so as to prevent the loss of the beautiful tints

in many of the more delicate, he would confer a great boon on

microscopists. I regret to say that every method of preserving

colour in the Griffithsie, the Calithamnia and Ceramia have with

me signally failed ; their delicate rose-coloured tints are soon lost,

even though the cell is allowed to dry and the preparation ever

afterwards kept in a dark place.

Inclosed I forward to you a cell, also a slider contaming a

portion of Batrachospermum vagum according to Sowerby, but

in my humble opinion a variety only of B. moniliforme, together

with the spiral vessels of the garden Nasturtium. These are

all prepared in the manner detailed above, have been mounted

nearly a year, and have suffered no change during this time.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

WiuraM Recxirt, M.R.C.S.L.

Boston, Lincolnshire.

XXX.—On the genera Hleutheria and Synhydra. By P. J. Van

BENEDEN, Professor at the University of Louvain*.

In order that physiological researches may extend the state of

2 :

our knowledge in zoology, it is requisite that the limits of the

genera and species composing the scale of beings should be well

determined. The object of the naturalist should be to become

acquainted with the animal im the different phases of its develop-

ment. A celebrated professor has said, that we do not know a

species, if we have not studied it from its exit from the egg up

to the period of its decrepitude.

M. de Quatrefages has communicated to the French Academy

of Sciences, a memoir on a new animal which he has called H/eu-

theria. While our work on the Tubularie was in the press, we

received this memoir+, and we could not but express a doubt

of the zoological value of this new genus. It might indeed be a

young animal, we said, which in the adult state would come to

* From the Bulletin de l’Acad. Roy. de Bruxelles, vol. xi. no. 10. Trans-

lated from a separate impression kindly furnished by the author.—Ep.

+ Annales des Sciences Naturelles, 2nd series, tom. xviii. p. 270.

Van Beneden on the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra. 245

be classed among the Tubulariade*. This subject seems to be

of sufficient importance for us to recur to it ; for the opinion which

we then advanced has been confirmed by subsequent researches.

The first idea of M. de Quatrefages, at the sight of the beings

which he has called Eleutheria, was, that they were in the state

of larvae; but on detecting eggs in the majority of them he had

no longer any doubt as to the perfect state of the new polyp ;

since it is only in the adult state that generally, or rather among

the superior animals, reproduction takes place.

If we had only the observation of M. Sars on the Meduset,

which are reproduced by buds in the state of larva, the import-

ance of this character would already be considerably lessened ;

but several authors have pointed out examples of larvze which

produce and lay eggs. It must however be admitted that these

facts were badly interpreted. In our memoir on the Campanu-

larie, and more particularly in that on the Tubularie, we have

endeavoured to explain these phenomena, by comparing the

ascertained facts with our own researches.

M. R. Wagner, one of the most able naturalists of Germany,

inserted in the ‘ Isis,’ in 1833, an observation of this kind which

he made on a Coryne from the Adriatic. Upon the side of the

body, M. Wagner observed a young Coryne developed of a form

quite different from that of its mother, and which produced eggs.

M. Lovén§, who has made so many beautiful observations of

late years on the inferior animals of the Baltic, has also furnished

an example of this kind of reproduction ; but instead of taking

the animal containing eggs for a young one, he regarded it, with

M. Ehrenberg, as an adult female. Figs. 12 and 13 A. illustrating

his memoir represent compartments in which are formed medusi-

form larvee, and, even in the midst of these larvee, ciliated eggs are

visible: figs. 2 and 7 B. furnish another example: the first con-

tains also eggs, the second represents a single larva. Cavolini||

had observed the same phenomenon ; he saw a young Pennaria

also produce ciliated eggs.

We thus find several polyps in their young stage containing

eggs, and the chief reason which has led the author of this ge-

nus to believe his animal perfect loses all its importance. We

repeat, with M. de Quatrefages, that we must guard against pre-

mature general conclusions, since we every moment see fresh

* Mémoire sur l’Embryogénie des Tubulaires. Bruxelles, 1844, p. 54.

i ei Sc. Natur. vol. xvi. 2nd series. [Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. viii. p. 48.

—Ebp.

t Isis, 1833, pl. 12. figs. 4, 6, 8.

§ Verhand. der Kénigl. Schwed. Académie, 1835. Wiegmann’s Archiv,

t. v. 1837. Annal. des Sciences Natur. 2nd series, vol. xv. 1841.

| Cavolini, Polyp. Mar., Napoli, 1785.

246 Van Beneden on the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra.

proofs of infinite variety im the works of nature. Although the

superior animals are only produced after their complete develop-

ment, we have thence no right to conclude that the lower ani-

mals are similarly circumstanced.

We have no doubt that the new animal named Hleutheria is

the first stage of a polyp allied to Tubularia. Even the other

characters peculiar to this genus furnish new proofs m favour of

what we have stated.

The Eleutheria has the eyes at the base of each of the tenta-

cles. Some years ago importance might have been attached to

this character, as in general larvee do not possess these organs ;

but the organ of vision has now been observed in several of these,

and even solely in this first stage. In the Campanularia we have

seen as many as eight eyes during the time that the polyp is free,

but in its medusa-like form these organs of relation disappear.

Thus here the reverse happens of what occurs generally in the

other classes. Bemg young, these polyps enjoy their full and en-

tire liberty ; they move about as long as they are larvee, but as

soon as they become perfect they only vegetate; they fix them-

selves on some body,—their condition becomes wholly passive ;

and the functions are limited, as in plants, to nutrition and re-

production.

The arms or tentacles have been investigated with great care

by M. de Quatrefages. As the author himself admits, they are

perfectly similar, with respect to their composition, to those of

the Syncorynes. These tentacles are bifurcate, and here we find

another relation with the EHudendrium. They become in fact di-

vided under our eyes in this genus, and the four become eight.

The Eleutherie approach the larve of the Syncorynes in general

form, but we have observed the separation of the tentacles only

in Eudendrium.

Each arm terminates in a kind of rounded cushion which we

have observed in the genera which we have just cited; but this

swelling has, in our opinion, no other object than to permit the

extension of the tentacle, and we have always seen them disap-

pear when this organ was completely expanded. They are in

reality merely the effect of the contraction and of the agglo-

meration of the cellules; this is at least the opmion we have

come to.

A difference which we have to indicate is, that we have not per-

ceived in any one of the genera the spiculiferous sacs which M. de

Quatrefages has noticed on the arms of the Eleutheria. He has

represented them as seen with a magnifying power of 900 dia-

meters. We have rarely employed a power of more than 300 or

400, and this is probably the reason we have not noticed them.

Whatever be the difference, it does not seem to us improbable

Van Beneden on the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra. 247

that the Eleutheria are the early stage of the Synhydra or of an

allied genus.

During late years we have seen several examples of animals \

which, after having escaped the most minute researches of natu-

ralists, are all at once discovered at the same time in countries

very distant from one another. We have lately had a very remark-

able example of this kind: the Branchiostoma lubricum, the most

curious being perhaps of the whole animal creation, was discovered

by Costa in the Bay of Naples, almost at the same time as MM.

Sundewall and Loven found it in the Baltic, and Yarrell on the

English coast.

We may ask if these animals make their appearance all at once

in different localities, as some seem to think, or whether it is the

state of science that leads to this result. We confess we are

strongly disposed to believe that it is an inevitable result of the

progress which science is constantly making. The attention of

naturalists is at the present day concentrated on these lower ani-

mals which have been so long despised ; for indeed their organi-

zation and their development must throw an important light upon Vas

the obscure functions of the higher animals.

We may point out here a further example of what we have just

said. In my memoir on the Tubularie I established a new ge-

nus in that family. In the month of January 1839, I discovered

it after a great storm in the midst of many objects cast upon our

coast. In the sitting of January 6th, 1841, 1 mentioned it, and

designated it by the name of Hydractinia.

After the publication of my notice, my friend M. Gervais re-

called to my recollection that we had observed during our stay at

Cette in 1838 a very closely allied polyp, probably of the same

genus, and of which he had preserved a rude sketch. He had

observed it whilst I was engaged in studying the embryogeny of

Aplysia. He has mentioned it under the article Zoophyte in the

‘ Dictionn. Pittoresque d’ Histoire Naturelle.’

In 1842 M. Philippi published a description in Wiegmann’s

‘Archiv’ of a new polyp under the name of Dysmorphosa conchi-

cola from the Bay of Naples. It only requires to cast one’s eye

upon the figure to see that it is the same animal which we ob-

served at Ostend.

At the meeting of the British Association at Cork in 1843,

Mr. Allman mentioned a new hydroid zoophyte which formed

the link between the Corynes and the Hermie. He calls it Cor-

dylophora*. The few words of the author leave no doubt that it

is the same animal which we had figured.

[* Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 328.—Ep.]

248 Van Beneden on the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra.

Just before the publication of my memoir I received the num-

ber of the ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles’ for October 1843,

which contains a memoir by M. de Quatrefages on the Synhydra

parasitica, a new genus of polyp allied to Hydra. M. de Quatre-

fages has observed this polyp several times at Saint-Vast-la

Houque (on the coast of Normandy), and once at Brehat, on the

coast of Brittany. This is again the same animal as our Hydractinia,

and we are surprised that this identity with the animal which we

had already figured in 1841 has escaped M. de Quatrefages.

If it is true (and we for our part do not doubt it), that in

the Synhydra the supposed ovigerous individuals have no mouth,

it is only the repetition of what we see in the Campanularie and

in other polyps. There are in fact in this genus compartments

which contain only a part of the common substance in which the

eggs are formed, and that part has been also regarded, but

wrongly, as female individuals without tentacles. The sole dif-

ference in this case is, that the stem, mstead of bemg erect and

ramified as in the Campanularie, is spread horizontally, forming

a crust, from the surface of which both the tentaculated polyps

and the fleshy bodies which produce the eggs rise. It is M. de

Quatrefages who observed that the mouth is wanting in those

which have eggs. But this fact is not general among the polyps

of this family ; in the Corynes the individuals which bear eggs

are as perfect as the others.

Our observations on Hydractinia scarcely agree with those of

M. de Quatrefages on the Synhydra, although it may be the

same animal, especially in all that regards reproduction. We

shall soon have occasion to return to this subject. The difference

in our results probably arises from my having devoted more time

in the investigation of the embryogeny of these animals in dif-

ferent genera.

The following is the synonymy of the new genus :—

HYDRACTINIA.

Hydractinia, Van Beneden, Recherches sur la Structure de l’CEuf

dans un nouveau genre de Polype. (Hydractinie), (Bulletin de

l’Académie Royale de Bruxelles, tom. vill. 1841, p. 89. pl. 1—5.)

Recherches sur ]’Embryogénie des Tubulaires. (Mémoires de

l’Académie Royale de Bruxelles, tom. xvii. pl. 6.)

Dysmorphosa, Philippi, Zoologische Beobachtungen, Wiegmann’s

Archiv, 1842, p. 33. pl. 1. fig. 2—8.

Cordylophora, Allman, Synopsis of the genera and species of Zoo-

phytes inhabiting the fresh waters of Ireland, British Association,

Thirteenth Meeting held at Cork in 1843. [Inserted in Ann. Nat.

Hist. vol. xiii. p. 328.]

Synhydra, Quatrefages, Mémoire sur la Synhydre parasite. Annales

des Sciences Naturelles, Octobre 1843.

Van Beneden on the genera Eleutheria and Synhydra. 249

We propose to divide the genera and the species of the Tubu-

larie as follows :—

The Hydre do not belong to this family, on account of their

arms or tentacles, which are hollow and in direct communication

with the digestive cavity. The tentacles are solid in all the Tu-

bularia. There are besides differences in the embryo. The Cam-

panularie are more nearly related to the Tubularia than to the

Sertularie. Their mode of reproduction is identical.

I. Genus Pennaria, Goldf.

Polyps with polypidoms ; tentacles of two kinds, of which the superior

ones are scattered and in several rows.

P. Cavolinii = Sertularia pennaria, Cavol.

Bay of Naples.

II, Genus Tusuraria, Pallas. |

Polyps with polypidoms ; tentacles of two kinds, in two rows.

T. calamaris, Pall. = Tubularia indivisa.

Coasts of England and Belgium.

T. coronata, Abildg.

Coasts of Belgium and Heligoland.

T. Dumortierii, Van Ben., nov. spec.

Coast of Belgium.

III. Genus Syncoryna, Ehrenb.

Polyps with polypidoms ; tentacles all alike, in several rows.

S. pusilla, Ehr. = Coryne pusilla, Geertner.

Coasts of England and Belgium.

S. Listerii, Van Ben. = Coryne, Lister.

Coasts of England and Belgium.

S. ramosa, Sars = Stipula ramosa, Sars.

Coast of Norway.

S. Sarsii, Loven.

Coast of Sweden.

S. Chamissonis, Ehr. = Coryne ramosa, Cham. et Eysenh.

Coast of England.

IV. Genus CorypENpDRIUM, nov. gen.

Polyps with polypidoms ; tentacles all alike, scattered.

C. parasiticum = Sertularia parasitica, Cavol.

Bay of Naples.

V. Genus Evprenprivm, Ehrenb.

Polyps with polypidoms ; tentacles in one row.

E. ramosum, Ehr. = Tubularia ramosa.

Coasts of Ostend and England.

E. brioides, Ehr. = Tubularia muscoides.

Coasts of Ostend and England.

Ann. & Mag. N, Hist. Vol. xv. T

250 Mr.T. Edmondston on a new species of Pecten.

FE. splendidum, Ehr.

Coast of Norway, by Ehrenberg.

E. racemosum, Ehr. = Sertularia racemosa, Cavolini.

Bay of Naples.

VI. Genus Coryne, Gertner.

Polyps without polypidoms ; tentacles all alike, scattered.

C, squamata, Miiller.

Coasts of Belgium, England, the Baltic, &c.

C. aculeata, Wagner.

Coast of the Adriatic.

VII. Genus Hypracrinia, nov. gen.

Polyps without polypidoms ; tentacles in one row.

H. lactea, Van Bened. = Synhydra parasitica, De Quatref.

Coasts of Belgium, Normandy, Brittany, the port of Cette? Bay

of Naples.

H. rosea, Van Bened.

Coast of Belgium.

We are not sufficiently acquainted with the genera Hehino-

chorium* of Hassall and Corimorpha of Sarst to assign their

place. We prefer simply to mention them.

Unless we are mistaken, the two proposed genera (Hleutheria)

and Synhydra should therefore not be inserted in the zoological

system, the one being a transitory form, a larva; and the other

having been already described under another name.

XXXI.—Description of a new Species of Pecten. By THomas

Epmonpston, F.B.S.E. & L.

Pecren MacGiuiivrait, Edmondston.

Sp. Char.—Shell orbicular, white, the upper valve with twenty,

the lower with eighteen ribs, which, with the interstices, are quite

destitute of longitudinal or transverse striz ; each interstice ter-

minates in two acute trigonal teeth.

This highly beautiful Pecten, which can never be confounded

with any other British species, and which, so far as I can ascertain,

is equally distinct from any hitherto described, is of a pure snowy

white colour, a slight tinge of pink near the umbo on the upper

valve alone excepted; the surface shining with a satiny lustre ;

the upper valve is more convex than the lower and has twenty

ribs, the lower valve has eighteen ; in both the ribs are rather de-

pressed and evanescent towards the umbones, which are acute ;

* Annals of Natural History, vol. vii. p. 37].

+ Beskivelser og jagttagelser. Bergen, 1835.

Rey. D. Landsborough’s Account of a Dredging Excursion. 251

the auricles are unequal and acute ; the intercostal spaces are, like

the ridges, destitute of strize or other markings, and each termi-

nates in two acute teeth ; internally the colour is pure white with

the muscular impressions large and well-defined. The substance

of the shell is singularly thin and delicate.

Length 13 inch; height Leap breadth ‘ee

It is difficult to say what species this highly elegant and inter-

esting shell is most allied to. In form it perhaps approaches

nighest P. opercularis, but from it, as will be seen, it differs in the

total absence of striz or other markings which are so constant

in all the varieties of the latter shell ; and in the mequality of the

auricles. The number of ribs furnish additional distinctive marks,

not to speak of the marginal toothing, which latter remarkable

character indeed, combined with the great delicacy and satiny-

hike surface of the shell, separates it from every other species with

which I am acquainted.

The single specimen from which the above description was

drawn up, was brought up by the fishing lines off Aberdeen in

the beginning of February 1845, and was given me by a Foot Dee

fisherman. The shell was quite fresh and perfect, and according

to the fisherman, contained the animal ; indeed a portion of the

adductor muscle still remained attached when I procured it. Its

natural habitat was probably gravelly, as it was accompanied by

Buccinum undatum and dead shells of Astarte elliptica and Tellina

proxina.

I have much pleasure in dedicating this beautiful shell to my

esteemed friend and master in science Dr. MacGillivray, whose

merits need no panegyric of mine, and who by the publication of

his admirable ‘ Mollusca of Aberdeenshire’ has set an example

which I should much like to see more extensively followed.

XXXIT.— Account of a Dredging Excursion. By the Rev. Davip

LANDSBOROUGH.

A CRUISE is rather an anomalous event in the life of a sober

country minister, and a dredging excursion is what seldom falls

to the lot of even zealous naturalists. Few have at their com-

mand the vessel, the sailors, and the dredging apparatus ; and

most of us are thankful if we can find time for an occasional

ramble for a few hours, in a wild glen, or on the mountain side,

or on the teeming shore of the beautiful sea. Great then was

my happiness in being invited to spend a few days in dredging

along with Mr. Smith of Jordan Hill, in his nice little yacht the

Raven ; a pleasure I had not enjoyed since I had been with him

in his still nicer yacht the Amethyst.

252 Rey. D. Landsborough’s Account of a Dredging Excursion.

Though the excursion proved a very delightful one, the weather

and the scenery being charming, it was not very productive ; it was

at first too calm for dredging, and latterly it became rather too

rough for the purpose. But dredging was not our only object.

Mr. Smith is well-known in the scientific world from what he has

y done for geology, especially for a branch of it which bears on “ the

last changes in the relative levels of the land and sea in the British

Islands.” In carrying on his researches he saw that it was of im-

portance to make a catalogue of the recent shells found at present

in our seas, as well as a catalogue of those that are found in our

most recent deposits, that they might be compared with each other.

At the outset he thought that all these comparatively recent de-

posits were of the same age ; but he has been led to conclude that

there are recent, and more recent deposits. The older of these

he calls by the usual name, the newer Pliocene, as it contains a

few shells not found at present in our seas. The other he calls

post-tertiary ; for though it contains no shell that is not at pre-

sent found in the adjoming sea, it has evidently been deposited

when the sea was on a higher level. I concur with him im the

propriety of this distinction. His lists of recent, newer pliocene,

and post-tertiary shells are now long, and I have had the plea-

sure of adding to all the three lists.

But let us begin with the sea. On the 13th of last August

we shot our dredge in the bay of Rothesay, and were in high

expectation of a rich haul, when, lo! all that was brought up was

a heather besom. Stil everything from the deep sea should be

regarded with a keen eye. I scrutinized it branch by branch ;

but all that I could discover were some small specimens of Pecten

opercularis and of Galathea squamifera.

From Rothesay we sailed up the Kyles, and had one haul of

the dredge before we came to anchor near to Ru-bodach. It was

not very productive. ‘There were hundreds of pretty Ophiure,

O. texturata, O. albida, O. rosularis, O. granulata, O. bellis ; but

as there seemed to be nothing rare among them they were re-

turned to the deep. There were some good specimens of Emar-

ginula fissura ; and two examples of a rare and beautiful Trochus,

found for the first time in this country some dozen years ago by

Major Martin on the Stevenston strand. As it was thought to

be a new species it was called Trochus Martini, but it has since

been ascertained that it is Trochus millegranus of Philippi.

We afterwards rowed to shore in the boat, and landed near

Balnacoolie, where Mr. Smith and Mr. Sowerby some years ago

had discovered a rich newer pliocene deposit. We had not been

long ashore until we found two or three specimens of Panopea

Bivona, a rare subfossil shell which we were chiefly in search of,

as it had been found for the first time in Scotland by Mr. Smith

Rey. D. Landsborough’s Account of a Dredging Excursion. 253

and Mr. Sowerby in this same locality. The shells are deposited

in thick clay. We got some from which the clay had been washed

away, and some more by digging. The predominant shells are

Mya truncata, Venerupis virginea, Cyprina Islandica, Panopea

Bivone, Nucula rostrata, Pecten Islandicus and Tellina proxima.

This pretty little shell is the most abundant, and marks the de-

posit as newer pliocene.

Next morning we set out in the boat for Ru-bodach, where

Mr. Smith and Mr. Sowerby got the first of the Panopzas, and

there also we got some more of all the species that we had obtained

at Balnacoolie.

We afterwards visited a vitrified fort discovered some years ago

by Mr. Smith on one of the little islands in the Kyles of Bute.

When, how, and why were these forts formed? We cannot give

any very satisfactory answer. History does not tell. A Roman

lamp in my possession, found in the vitrified fort at Dundonald

near the Roman camp, leads us to conjecture that they existed

when the Romans had possession of parts of ow country. The

one in the Kyles seems to have been a place of defence, in which

the inhabitants were secured not only by the firmness of the walls,

but by a surrounding ditch, the remains of which are still evident.

On returning to the yacht we dredged for some time ; and on

hauling the dredge we found it almost full of fine, black mud.

Among the mud we got some more Ophiure, and a specimen of

Laomedea dichotoma, and also of Antennularia antennina, var. ra-

mosa. And moreover, caught in the meshes of the dredge, we

got a fine large specimen of Brissus lyrifer, the fiddle heart-

urchin, first discovered by Professor E. Forbes, when a few years

ago he was dredging in the Kyles with Mr. Smith. This prize

being left at my disposal by Mr. Smith, I sent it to Mr. Bean of

Scarborough, who | knew would value it. It was 24 inches in

length by 2 inches in breadth. I kept it alive in a yase of sea-

water several days after I returned home.

After this we sailed for Arran and entered Lamlash bay in

the evening during a stiff breeze. In the forenoon of next day it

“ took off” a little, according to the phraseology of our sailors,

so as to allow us to dredge. To a naturalist it is exceedingly

exciting to see a well-filled dredge spreading its treasures on the

deck. On the first haul we had a considerable load of animal

and vegetable matter. On Laminaria saccharina 1 got good spe-

cimens of Lepralia annulata, which I discovered some years ago

on the Ayrshire coast, the first time that it had been found in

Britain, and which I was well-pleased to find here. There were

several large examples of Uraster glacialis; three examples of

the rarer Goniaster Templetoni, which I have found also on the

Ayrshire coast ; innumerable Ophiura, many examples of Echinus

254 Rey. D. Landsborough’s Account of a Dredging Excursion.

miliaris, one live example of Echinocyamus pusil/us, and the most

beautiful Sodaster papposa I had ever seen, so bright in the colours

and so beautifully shaded as to be well-deserving of the name of

-the sun-star. It had one defect. By some enemy, or by some

of the hard rubs of life, from which the inhabitants of the deep

are not exempted, it had lost one of its toes or fingers or rays ; but

the wis medicatriz of nature was hastening to make up the want.

The kindness of Nature’s God is very manifest even to these

inferior animals. They lose thew limbs; but it would appear

that they do not suffer much thereby, for in emergences they

. often throw them off of their own accord.

But as the time was now at hand when the steamer was to start

in which I was to be homeward-bound, we shot our dredge for

the last time. Up came some sea-weeds and abundance of sand.

Entangled among the roots of Laminaria saccharina I discovered

something that seemed new tome. Though when lurking among

the roots it seemed scarcely deserving of notice, when I had dis-

entangled it, and had returned it to its native element in a

tumbler of sea-water, I was delighted with its beautiful appear-

ance, and soon found that it was Comatula rosacea, the feather-

star. Let any person who has not seen it look at the graceful

figure of it in Forbes’s ‘ Starfishes,’ and he will have some idea of

its surpassing beauty when it is seen with its numerous scarlet

plumes waving in life. Myr. W. Thompson says that it is not

uncommon in Ireland ; Mr. Goodsir I observe has found it in

Shetland ; but I do not know that it had been obtained anywhere

else in Scotland till found in Lamlash bay.

But the puffing steamer was now sending up its volumes of

smoke, reminding me that I must quit the Raven; and what was

worse, must leave Mr. Smith, whose urbanity of manners, scien-

tific knowledge and great kindness had contributed so much to

my enjoyment of the excursion. There was not time to examine

the sand with which the dredge had been loaded ; but fortunately

before it was all swept back into the deep I remembered that

Mr. Bean had asked me to send him some shelly sand, and ac-

cordingly I made up a small packet of it for him. By applying

a lens to it I soon saw that it was valuable, and I sent half a

dozen handfuls of it to him and kept one for myself. He wrote

to me that it was the richest shelly sand that he had ever got, ex-

cept from Guernsey. Many of the shells it contained were very

minute, and as the study of microscopic shells was im some degree

new to me, I requested him to name for me those he found in his

larger portion of the sand, as well as the additional ones I found

in my handful. I shall subjoin the list. I have inserted Tere-

bratula aurita and Cardium medium which were found by me some

years ago in sand from the same delightful bay.

Rev. D. Landsborough’s Account of a Dredging Excursion. 255

Dredged in Lamlash Bay.

—

SEPNOMASL

—

a et

CONAGCRONs

top tw tro bo bo bo

OND i)

G2 69 to G8 Co Go tO

A SO eo co)

bo to

. re OS

. Dentalium trachea, Mont.

——— glabrum, Mont.

imperforatum, Mont.

bicorne, Flem.

intortum, Flem.

concentricum,

-————— oblongum.

. Renoidea oblonga, Brown.

. Nautilus crispus, Mont,

Auricula.

- Rotalia Beccaria.

Beccaria, var.

. Lobatula vulgaris, /’/em.

— vulgaris, var.

. Lagenula marginata.

striata.

globosa.

- Nodosaria linearis.

. Arethusa lactea.

. Vermilia triquetra, Lam.

- Serpula vermicularis,

. Pectinaria belgica.

. Spirorbis lucidus, Flem.

corrugatus.

heterostrophus, /’lem.

. Lottia virginea.

testudinalis, on stones in

shallow water.

. Chiton, species, only single valves.

. Bulla truncata, Mont.

pellucida, Bean.

. — hyalina, Turton.

mamumillata.

. Bulimina, species.

- Eulima polita.

86. Turritella unica.

37. —— ambigua.

38. Rissoa rufilabrum, Alder.

39 costata.

40. —— striata.

41. —— Beanii, Hanley.

42, —— striatula,

43. —— decussata.

44, ——. reticulata.

45. —— costulata, Alder.

46. —— labiosa.

47. —— Harveyi, Thompson.

48. —— semistriata,

49. —— vittata.

50. —— parva.

51. —— vitrea.

52. —— interrupta.

53. fulgida.

54, Balliz, Thompson.

Rockvale, Saltcoats, Ayrshire.

. Vermiculum subrotundatum, £4.

55.

56.

Rissoa minutissima, Bean.

Odostomia interstincta.

unidentata.

cylindrica, Alder.

. Skenea depressa.

divisa, Flem,

. Natica Alderi.

2. 'Trochus umbilicatus.

cinerarius.

millegranus, Phil.

subcarinatus,

Magus.

. Nassa macula.

. Cerithium reticulatum.

adversum.

. Parthenia turrita.

. Fusus attenuatus.

purpureus.

.—— septangularis.

retroversus, //em.; Peracle

Flemingii, Forbes.

. Cemoria Flemingii.

. Terebratula aurita, found at Lam-

lash some years ago.

. Pecten opercularis.

. Lima fragilis.

- —— tenera.

. Anomia squamula, Mont.

. Arca lactea.

82. Nucula margaritacea.

83 nitida, Sowerby.

84. minuta.

85. Cardium exiguum.

~ 86 nodosum.

87. fasciatum.

88. medium, one specimen

some years ago.

89. Mactra truncata.

90 solida.

91 — elliptica.

92. Kellia suborbicularis.

. Amphidesma, species.

. Tellina donacina, Moné.

. Lucina radula.

flexuosa.

—— spinifera.

. Cyprina minima.

. Cytherea sinuata.

100. Hiatella minuta, Turton.

101. Montacuta bidentata, Zurton.

102, Lacuna vincta.

103 — canalis, Turton.

104. Unknown.

105

106, ————.

256 Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants.

XXXIITI.—A Century of new Genera and Species of Orchidaceous

Plants. Characterized by Professor LinDLEY.

[Continued from p. 108.]

Decade 4.

31. Eprpenprum (Euepidendrum) piperinum ; caule ramuloso, foliis

distichis succulentis oblongis obliquis obtusis laxe vaginatis, pe-

dunculis brevissimis terminalibus subbifloris, sepalo dorsali peta-

lisque filiformibus erectis lateralibus ovato-lanceolatis carinatis

horizontalibus, labello ovato cochleato ecalloso venis radiantibus

in margine confluentibus.

Quito (Hartweg).

A small succulent species, when dried beautifully netted. It looks

like a Peperomia.

32. Epipenprum (Euepidendrum) orgyale; caule orgyali distiche

foliato, foliis ovato-oblongis margine vaginisque scabris, racemo

sessili erecto cylindraceo bracteis membranaceis subulatis, floribus

carnosis, sepalis ovalibus, petalis spathulato-linearibus serrulatis,

labello cordato serrulato callis duobus juxta basin unoque sulcato

minore sub apice.

Near Santa Fé de Bogota (Hartweg).

Stem 5 feet high. Flowers apparently yellow. The fistula of the

ovary inflated.

33. Microstytis tipuloides ; foliis pluribus radicalibus obovato-lan-

ceolatis, racemo longissimo laxo, petalis filiformibus reflexis, la-

bello multo majore ovato-lanceolato ciliato.

Popayan (Hartweg).

34. OponTocxiossvM revolutum ; foliis ensiformibus rigidis margine

revolutis seapo rigido apice paniculato brevioribus, bracteis laxis

acutis cucullatis, panicula subcorymbosa densa, sepalis petalisque

lanceolatis unguiculatis acutis, labello conformi sessili cordato la-

mellis 5 carnosis integris quarum tres superiores multo breviores :

lateralibus subulatis, columna aptera.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Scape above 2 feet long.

35. OpontoagLossum erispum; foliis lanceolatis scapo multifloro

paniculato (nunc brevi racemoso) brevioribus, sepalis ovato-lan-

ceolatis, petalis ovatis acutissimis crispis membranaceis, labello

subconformi dentibus duobus validis in fronte paucisque mino-

ribus utrinque versus lamin basin, columne alis rotundatis

laceris.

Bogota (Hartweg).

A most beautiful species, occasionally as much as 3 feet high and

more. Flowers large, yellow, with a purple centre.

36. MaspEVALLIA racemosa; caulescens, folio coriaceo lanceolato

Mr. J. E. Gray on the Animal of Spirula. 257

acuto petiolato, racemo elongato flexuoso multifloro, flore cylin-

draceo basi gibboso, sepalis lateralibus subrotundis semiconnatis

dorsali ovato acuminato breviore.

Popayan (Hartweg).

A charming plant. Flowers an inch and a half long, scarlet, ar-

ranged in a raceme of from four to eleven flowers.

37. Maspeva.uia rosea; folio lanceolato trinervi longe petiolato

scapo longiore v. breviore, flore cylindraceo tubo limbo quali,

sepalis lateralibus semiconnatis dimidiatis setaceo-acuminatis dor-

sali e basi triangulari setaceo equali.

Lowa (Hartweg).

Flowers pink, 2 inches long, very showy.

38. Maspevauia Meleagris ; foliis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis longe

petiolatis trinerviis scapo unifloro brevioribus, sepalis oblongis

abrupte in setam ipsis duplo longiorem productis.

Bogota (Hartweg).

The upper sepal banded with violet; the lateral ones smaller, ap-

parently without bands, but stained with rose-colour, 4 lines long be-

low their bristle. Leaves 3-toothed, about 2 inches long. Flower-

stalk the same length.

39. Masprvatuia /evis; foliis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis trinerviis

in petiolum ipsis equalem angustatis, scapo foliis breviore, sepalis

campanulatis antice infractis acuminatis lateralibus intus pubes-

centibus, petalis oblongis truncatis hine crassissimis, labello ob-

longo apice rotundato levi.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Flowers apparently purple.

40. Maspevat.ia coriacea ; foliis lineari-oblongis in petiolum sen-

sim angustatis corlaceis marginatis mucronatis scapi longitudine, -

sepalis acuminatis obtusis intus pubescentibus subringentibus, pe-

talis obovato-lanceolatis, labello oblongo unguiculato apice rotun-

dato intra apicem glanduloso scabro.

Bogota (Hartweg).

The flowers, which are yellow and an inch and a half long, corre-

spond with Humboldt and Bonpland’s figure of M. uniflora ; but the

leaves are quite different. I suspect that figure to have been made

up with the flowers of this M. coriacea and the leaves of M. levis.

XXXIV.—On the Animal of Spirula. By J. E. Gray, Esq.,F.R.S.

[With a Plate.]

To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History.

GENTLEMEN,

Mr. Cumrne has kindly placed in my hands for examination and

description the animal of the genus Spirula which he has just

procured from Mr. P. Earl.

258 Mr. J. E. Gray on the Animal of Spirula.

I need scarcely make any other remark on the great interest

of this animal, than to observe that there is every reason to believe

that it is the nearest recent ally of the Ammonites so abundant

and so numerous in kinds found in the different fossiliferous

strata.

The animal of this genus has only hitherto been known from

a figure in the Atlas of Peron and Lesueur, ‘ Voyages,’ t. 30. f. 4,

copied in Blainv. ‘Man. Mol. t. 4. f. 1, and in Rang. ‘ Man.

Moll’ t. 1. f. 4. A very slight sketch of it is engraved in the

‘ Encyclopédie Méthodique,’ t. 465. f.5, from a drawing made by

Tamarck with chalk to illustrate his lectures, and from a shell

with part of the skin of the mantle attached to it, which was

found by Cranch and brought home from the Congo expedition.

Lamarck’s figure above-mentioned gives a better general

idea of the animal than was expected. Peron and Lesueur’s

figure on the other hand erroneously represents the animal as

having ten arms of unequal length like the Sea-spiders (Octopus) ;

probably in his specimens the long arms had been broken off, as

in the one brought home by Mr. Earl, and the peduncles of these

arms were mistaken for short arms. Cranch’s specimen was so

imperfect that it only showed that the skin was lke that of other

cuttle-fish, and it appears to have an opening at the hinder extre-

mity of the body not found in cuttle-fish which could not be un-

derstood, but which is explained by Mr. Cuming’s specimen.

The long arms unfortunately have lost then termimal club.

The shorter arms are triangular, gradually tapering, flattish,

rounded, and without any fin-like edge behind or on the hinder

edges. Their inner surface is covered with numerous equidistant,

very small, slightly pedicelled, circular acetabula or suckers,

strengthened with an entire or very minutely denticulated horny

ring, placed in about six longitudinal series, and diminishing in

size as the arms become attenuated. They are equidistant, ex-

cept the two lower or ventral pair, which are separated by a broad

shallow groove on the lower side of the head; the lower pair on

each side are united together by a short membrane on the inner

and outer side, which together form a short sheath round the base

of the pedicel of the longer arm.

The animal has all the general external characters of the cuttle-

fish ; that is to say, it has a large distinct head with eyes on each

side, eight short conical arms with series of small discs on the

inner side, two long arms with elongated peduncles, and a bag-

like mantle with a process in the middle above, and one on each

side of the anal tube below; but it differs from the cuttle-fish in

being entirely destitute of any fins, beimg rather compressed be-

hind, and showing in the specimen under examination a part of

the whorls of the shell above and below; but from the ragged edges

Mr. J. E. Gray on the Animal of Spirula. 259

of the skin it appears as if this shell was covered with a skin when

the animal is alive, and that the exposure of the surface of the

shell has only been caused by the contraction of the animal, and

especially of the skin over the shell, from the animal havig been

placed in very strong spirits when it was first caught. The shell

is placed symmetrically, the larger part being on the hinder part

of centre of the back and the smaller whorls below on the hinder

part of a line drawn down the centre of the lower or anal surface of

the mantle ; the extremity of the body behind the shell is rounded

and covered with a large, round, rather thick gland with a circular

central cavity, and the line between the gland and the mantle is

covered with sandy particles probably attached to this place by

the secretion of the gland, and these particles are most abundant

on the side near the skin covering the shell,

In this specimen, which has been preserved in spirits, the head

and arms are reddish with a multitude of minute rusty spots ;

the mantle is nearly uniform pale yellowish, and the gland at

the end of the body is uniform reddish brown. It is to be ob-

served that the shell in this animal is placed on the animal in

the normal position, that is, on the dorsal surface of the body,

with the spire bent towards the ventral sides, as in almost all

other Mollusca but the Nautilus and the Patella.

The mantle is free from the body on all sides at its oral edge,

and without any cartilaginous ridges ; this edge is formed into

a point on the centre of the dorsal aspect, and into two mesial

processes, one situated on each side of the anal funnel on the ven-

tral side ; the funnel is quite free from the mantle.

The part of the shell which is exposed is covered with minute

rugosities and indistinct reticulations, somewhat like the surface

of a cuttle-fish bone, as figured in ‘ Ann. Sci. Nat.’ 2nd series,

eva. t.. 1131/9; 10.

I am informed by M. Clausen that he had several specimens

of this animal alive, and kept them some time im a vessel filled

with sea-water, and that they had the power of ascending and

descending at pleasure.

The Spirule will constitute a group of the Decapodous Cephalo-

pods, forming a passage to the Octopodide ; for, like the latter,

they are entirely destitute of any dorsal fins, and well-charac-

terized by the presence of a regularly chambered internal shell,

furnished with an internal marginal siphon.

The examination of this animal confirms me in the opinion

which I expressed in the ‘ Synopsis of the British Museum’ (1840,

p- 149), that the Ammonites, from their texture and the small size

of the last chamber, are internal shells, and should be arranged

with the Decapodous Cephalopods, being chiefly distinguished

from the Spirule by the siphon being always on the dorsal mar-

260 Mr. H. E. Strickland on a proposed new genus of Garruline.

gin of the whorls, and the septa being foliated on the edge. I

am aware that this opinion is not in conformity with the ideas of

many zoologists and comparative anatomists, for Mr. Owen, in

the last arrangement of these animals (Todd. Ency. Comp. Anat.),

though he places the Spirule with the Dibranchiate Cephalopods,

places the Ammonites with Tetrabranchiate next to Nautilus, with

the followmg character, “ animal unknown, presumed to resemble

the Nautilus.”

It is very desirable that other specimens of this animal should

be preserved and brought to Europe, that we may have the op-

portunity of examining its imternal structure, for I can fully sym-

pathize with Mr. Cuming in not wishing to have the single spe-

cimen which he possesses in any way injured or cut.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XV.

Fig. 1. The back of the animal.

Fig. 2. The ventral surface with the anal tube. :

Fig. 3. The side, showing the shell, the dorsal and ventral process of the

mantle and the anal tube.

Fig. 4. Extremity of the body, with the gland and its central aperture as

contracted in spirits.

Fig. 5. The figure copied from Lamarck’s sketch, ‘ Enc. Méthodique.’

Fig. 6. Animal and shell, copied from De Blainville’s ‘ Manuel.’

Fig. 7. The figure copied from Peron and Lesueur’s ‘ Atlas.’

XXXV.— On Cyanocitta, a proposed new genus of Garruline, and

on C. superciliosa, a new species of Blue Jay, hitherto confounded

with C. ultramarina, Bonap. By H. E. Srrickianp, M.A.

I natexy received from Prof. Brandt of St. Petersburg a bird

from California, labelled “ Corvus ultramarinus, Audub., pl. 362.

fig. 3,” but which was evidently distinct from the true C. uwltra-

marinus of the Prince of Canino. The latter species is found in

Mexico, and has received the synonymous names of Garrulus sor-

didus, Swainson, and Pica Siebert, Wagler. It is nearly uniform

blue above without any superciliary mark, and cinereous below,

becoming whitish on the belly and vent. In the bird from Ca-

lifornia on the contrary the dorsal feathers are cimereous brown ;

above the eye and ear-coverts is a narrow row of white dots ; the

cheeks are blackish with a bluish tinge on the lower part; the

chin and throat white, faintly streaked with gray, the sides of

each feather being margined with the latter colour. The blue of

the crown and nape descends on each side and forms a collar

around the white of the throat. The rest of the lower parts are

very light brownish ash-colour. The wings and tail are blue as

in C. ultramarina, with which it agrees in general form, except

that the wings are much shorter. Total length 11 inches ; beak

Capt. Portlock on the Ova of the Large Spotted Dog-fish. 261

to front 1 inch, to gape 1} in.; wing 43 in.; medial rectrices

5 in., external ditto 43 in. ; tarsus 1} in.

This bird is accurately figured by Audubon in his ‘ Birds of

America,’ pl. 362. fig. 3, and described in his ‘Ornithological Bio-

graphies’ and ‘ Synopsis of the Birds of N. America,’ but he erro-

neously refers it to the Garrulus ultramarinus of the Prince of

Canino. The Prince himself also appears not to have detected

this error, as he quotes Audubon’s plate under his Cyanocorax

ultramarinus in the ‘ Comparative List of the Birds of Europe and

North America.’ As however the present bird is clearly distinct,

and, as far as I am aware, unnamed, I would propose for it the

specitic name of superciliosa.

This species is more nearly allied in plumage to the Cyano-

corax floridanus than to the ultramarinus. The floridanus is

however distinguished, as Audubon remarks, by its smaller size,

more rounded tail, and whitish band on the forehead, extending

thence over the eye.

The birds of which I have been treating appear to be in want

of a generic name. They stand in the same relation to the South

American genus Cyanocoraz, typified by C. pileatus, and of which

Cyanurus, Swains., is a synonym, which Garrulus bears to Corvus,

being essentially Blue Jays, while the species pileatus, cristatellus,

peruvianus, azureus, cyanopogon, and one or two others composing

Cyanocoraz, are Blue Crows. Mr. G. R. Gray’s genus Calocitta

(typified by C. Bullocki, and perhaps including the Asiatic spe-

cies erythrorhynchus) is distinguished by great length of tail, and

there is consequently no generic name for these Blue Jays, which

I would therefore propose to name Cyanocitta, taking C. cristata,

Linn. sp., as the type, and including the species u/tramarina,

Bonap., superciliosa, mihi, floridana, Bartram, stelleri, Pall., coro-

nata, Swains., and probably a few others. The beak is much

more slender, more depressed, and the culmen straighter than

in Cyanocoraz.

XXXVI.—Note on Mr. W. Thompson’s Paper on the Ova of the

Large Spotted Dog-fish. By Carr. Portiocr, R.E.

Corfu, Jan. 23, 1845.

On receiving this paper, I turned to a large collection of the ova

of dog-fish which I had purchased from the fishermen in May

1844, and at the time classed as ova of Scyllium Catulus, the

large spotted dog-fish, both on account of the great difference

between them and the ova of either S. Canicula or of Pristiurus

melanostomus, and from the fact that the Scyllium Catulus is the

common species of Corfu. The resemblance in form between

262 Mr.J. Alder on Euplocamus, Triopa and Idalia.

Mr. Thompson’s drawings and these specimens is certainly very

great, though the anterior end in mine is rather more closed than

in his, by the bending over of the edges through which the ten-

drils of the two sides ‘have become entangled tozether. None of

the markings are so strong as in the fieures, thet transverse mark-

ings on the broad flat sides being scarcely perceptible in any of

the specimens, and the striz on the flattened edges not extending

in general very far from the posterior end, where they are in some

specimens tolerably strong and extend over the inner edge of the

rim as shown in the ficure. The dimensions in length, at least

of my specimens, were Yall less than those of Mr. Thompson, viz.

irre FEM oan eo... 5 cccnse ve ceenon cnet enna 4 inches.

WIRE. RPE ie Sek. Cee Ma daeeee: core seeee 1}

Thickness rather more than .........eceeeeeerees aes

The colour when fresh was a pale horn as usual, but becomes

brown by keeping.

As regards the period of protrusion, from May when I procured

my first specimens until the end of November and beginning of

December the fish became scarce, when they again appeared in

the market, and on the 27th of December I procured some fresh

eggs, one pair of which was said to have been taken from a large

female then lying opened before me. Others I saw subsequently,

and in one I observed the ovaries to contain eggs still in a soft

state and without their covering ; this was a large specimen, mea-

suring 28 inches. There can therefore be no doubt that the eges

of these fishes are protruded at least at two periods of the year.

XXXVII.— Note on Euplocamus, Triopa and Idalia.

By Josuua AupeER, Esq.

In the second volume of the ‘ Enumeratio Molluscorum Siciliz,’

Dr. Philippi under the head of Jdalia (to which he now refers his

genus Huplocamus) makes some strictures upon a notice that ap-

peared in this Journal (vol. vi. p. 217) from Professor E. Forbes,

stating that the lateral appendages of Huplocamus of Philippi

(Triopa of Johnston) had no vibratile cilia, and consequently were

not branchial. The same notice also stated that the lateral ap-

pendages of Tritonia and Kolis were ciliated, but the branchial

appendages of Polycera were not so.

To these observations Dr. Philippi makes several objections.

In the first place, after asking on what species of Euplocamus the

observations were made, he says that a mere inspection of the

figure of his £. croceus, without any microscopic disquisition,

will show that the lateral appendages serve the office of respira-

tion, and from this species, he adds, the transition is evident to

Mr. J. Alder on Euplocamus, Triopa and Idalia. 263

E. laciniosus. Upon this I would remark, that the function here

attributed to the lateral appendages of FE. croceus is probably

correct, yet not so self-evident but that it would be desirable to

bring them to the test of the microscope,—a mode of investigation

which this distinguished naturalist appears to hold in slight

esteem. With regard to the latter part of the observation, which

implies that if the appendages of Z. croceus are branchial those

of E. (Idalia) laciniosus are so also, I cannot assent to it. Indeed

Dr. Philippi would appear to have some doubts upon the point,

for, referring to his descriptions, I find that these processes are

called “ branchie” in E. croceus and E. ramosus; in I. cinigera

“branchie?”’ (with a query); and in J. laciniosa they are simply

called “ cirrhi,” the term branchie being properly reserved for

those processes surrounding the vent.

The animal examined by Professor Forbes was not one of the

Sicilian species, but the only British species referred to the genus

by Dr. Philippi (and which is also the type of Dr. Johnston’s

genus Triopa), viz. Doris clavigera of Miiller.

Dr. Philippi next asks, whether it is a fact that all the organs

serving for respiration are furnished with vibratile cilia, and says

he can scarcely believe that the branchiz of Holis are ciliated,

because they appear not to differ in anything from the lateral ap-

pendages of Euplocamus. It is unfortunate that the learned au-

thor has not been in the habit of using a microscope im the exa-

mination of these animals, as, had he done so, he could imme-

diately have satisfied himself of the fact, and thus have avoided

the disadvantage of offering an opinion in opposition to the tes-

timony from observation not only of Professor Forbes, but of se-

veral other naturalists who have lately written on the subject.

To the question, whether the branchial organs are always

ciliated, the concurring observations of anatomists will, I think,

Justify a reply in the affirmative ; at least I am not aware of any

case to the contrary. The absence of vibratile cilia therefore may

be taken as a fair presumption that an organ is not adapted for

respiration. Their presence however does not always imply that

function, as several other delicate tissues in the animal ceconomy,

especially when currents are required, are well known to be

ciliated.

The next question asked by Dr. Philippi is, whether the genus

Triopa is really the same as his Euplocamus ; and he infers from’an

observation of mine that “ Triopa Nothus of Johnston is probably

a Polycera,” that Triopa and Polycera are the same, and as Po-

lycera is different from Euplocamus, we must have very lax no-

tions of what constitutes a genus. “Cum iis, qui tales differentias

ad distinctionem generum non valere putant, litem habere nolo ;

sed iis adsentire non possum.”

264 Dr. A. Grisebach on Phytozoa in Phanerogamous Plants.

These conclusions are founded upon imperfect and erroneous

data that might have been avoided by consulting the papers on

Secttish Nudibranchiata in the first volume of this Journal. Dr.

Joknston there institutes the genus Triopa for the Doris clavi-

gera of Miiller, but while taking this species for his type he ac-

knowledges that he has characterized the genus rather loosely on

purpose to include in it another animal not very perfectly under-

stood, which I have since suggested may be the young of a Po-

lycera. Now from this circumstance it does not necessarily fol-

low that T’riopa clavigera is also a Polycera. Jn calling the latter

species an Euplocamus, Professor Forbes followed the opinion of

Dr. Philippi himself, who in describing the genus (Enum. Moll.

Sicilize, vol. 1. p. 104) says, “ Altera hujus generis species est Doris

clavigera, O. Fr. Miiller, Zool. Danica,” thus referrmg to his ge-

nus a species without lateral branchiz ; and he has since united

this genus with [dalia, Leuck., in which lateral branchiz are also

wanting.

If, as Dr. Philippi states, and I am inclined to believe, the ty-

pical Euplocami have lateral branchie, it is an interesting cir-

cumstance, as it will be the only genus in which the two kinds of

branchiz are known to exist in the same animal.

On this view of the subject, 1 should propose that the genus

Euplocamus be retained for E. croceus and E. ramosus, and that

Doris clavigera, Miill., be considered the type of the genus Triopa,

to which may perhaps be added Doris fimbriata and D. lacera of

the same author.

Idalia cerrhigera and I. laciniosa are very properly placed in

the genus of Leuckart.

XXXVIII—On the Occurrence of Phytozoa in Phanerogamous

Plants. By Dr. A. GrisEBacu*.

Tue observation recently published by Nageli, that the tailed

globules which occur in the antheridia of mosses are likewise

found in organs possessing a similar structure on the germ-leaf

of ferns, excited my interest, the more so as in this case it 1s requi-

site to abstract these globules entirely from any connexion with the

production of spores or with any process analogous to impregna-

tion in animals. I examined these organs first on a germinating

Adiantum concinnum, Kth., and had occasion to-confirm Nageli’s

discovery in every essential point. I will here mention the re-

markable phenomenon, that in Adiantum these organs, which, to

prevent any comparison with the anthers, I have called Corynidia,

* From the Botanische Zeitung, Sept. 20, 1844. Translated by W_

Francis, F,L.S.

Dr. A. Grisebach on Phytozoa in Phanerogamous Plants. 265

are not situated on the surface of the germinating leaf, but sunk

into its margin. Its position therefore as regards other ferns is

exactly in the same relation as the development of the spores on

the frond, which in general are situated on the surface, but in

Adiantum are on the margin. Now although in this case the

corynidia by no means project freely from the cellular tissue of

the germ-leaf, there will be seen, just as in all other cases, an outer

layer of cells, differing in the present instance by the absence of

chlorophylle globules from the other adjacent cells, and leaving the

inner sac in which the minute free cells occur, every one of which

encloses a phytozoon. The structure therefore is perfectly similar

to the antheridia of mosses, and | have found it precisely as de-

scribed by Nageli: the same with respect to the form of the phy-

tozoa, but not the motions, which I am not able to distinguish

from inorganic molecular motions.

The occurrence of phytozoa in decidedly vegetative parts of

plants increased my hope of detecting them in Phanerogamia. I

had frequently observed, in the investigation of leaf-buds, masses

of black particles in the drop of water on the glass stage, which

exhibited on being magnified 200 times a very lively molecular

motion. Their origin was unknown to me, but on recently ob-

serving them again in the buds of Rhamnus infectoria and pumila,

I immediately observed most distinctly with a magnifying power

of 410 that they were phytozoa accurately agreeing with those in

ferns. Like them they consist of long-tailed globules which are

individually inclosed in a very minute spherical cell, or swim freely

about in the water, oscillate in a lively manner, and sometimes

move the tail. Since there was no doubt of the identity of this

phzenomenon, it now only remained to see whence these globules

were derived. The place where the corynidia are situated was

soon found, and it now became evident that exactly the same

apparatus occurs here as in the ferns and mosses. In the Rham-

nee the stipules are formed very early, and we consequently find,

even in the youngest parts of the leaf-bud, each leaf inclosed be-

tween two membranous stipules projecting beyond it and arising

from a common basilary membrane: this, it may be observed en

passant, is an argument in favour of Robert Brown’s view that

the Rhamnee should be placed near the Malvacee, which exhibit

the same development of stipules, while the Celastrinea, as I find

at least in Euonymus, form their teguments from leaves and only

obtain stipules very late. At the basis of the two stipules in

Rhamnus, on the upper surface, is situated a group of clavate

bodies, which agree perfectly in their structure with the corynidia

of ferns and mosses, and like these, the phytozotic cells discharge

their contents by endosmosis. This phenomenon is quite common

in leaf-buds with dormant vegetation. Where no stipules exist,

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. U

266 = Mr. B. H. Hodgson on the Rats, Mice, and Shrews

they may sometimes be situated on the leaves themselves. Guet-

tard’s clavate glands appear to belong here. The object of the

corynidia with their phytozoa seems to be rendered only more

mysterious by their frequent occurrence in Phanerogamia.

XXXIX.—On the Rats, Mice, and Shrews of the Central Region

of Nepal. By B. H. Hopeson, Esq., late British Resident at

Nepal.

Tue Rats and Mice of the mountains of Nepal are as numerous

and troublesome both in house and field as they are in Europe.

Their forms are, in general, typical of the genus as now restricted,

and the most common species are closely related to those most

frequently met with in Europe; nor are there in the mountains

any of the Jumping Rats (Gerbillus) or other types more espe-

cially characteristic of the plains of India, though we have the

singular Bamboo Rats of China, Indo-China and the islands,

being one instance of many in which our fauna inclines rather to

China than India. With these few words of introduction I pro-

ceed to a summary description of the several species, which are

eighteen in number, viz. eleven rats and seven mice, to which we

will add the shrews, four in number.

Rats.

1. Mus nemorivagus, mihi.—A very large species, closely affined

to the bandicoot, if not identical with it. It is much rarer in

the mountains than in the plains, and is a house-, not wood-rat,

as I had supposed. General structure typical, but distinguished

by a preputial gland furnished with two pores, one placed on

either side, the penis close to its pomt, and whence is emitted a

quantity of thick yellow pus-like secretion of very offensive odour.

I have not noticed this organ im the other rats. General colour

very dark, brown-black above, hoary blue below ; the limbs dark ;

the fingers only pale. Long piles very abundant and lengthened,

but not rigid. Tail shorter than the body and head, nude and

annularly scaled as usual. Snout to rump 12 inches ; tail 93 ;

head 23; ears 15; palma with nail 1; planta 14; weight 17 to

20 oz.

2. Mus brunneus, mihi? Common House-Rat of Nepal.—As

nearly allied to decumanus as the last to the bandicoot. Above

rusty brown; below rusty, more or less albescent. Extremities

pale ; fleshy white nearly. Tail barely longer than the head and

body. Long piles sufficiently numerous, but not rigid. Snout

to vent 94 inches ; tail 93; head 21; ear 1; palma £; planta 13;

weight 12 to 15 oz.

of the Central Region of Nepaé. 267

3. Mus brunneusculus, mihi, Lesser Brown Rat of Nepal.—

Closely resembling the last but considerably smaller, as proved

by numberless specimens ; above rusty brown, below ae Ex-

tremities pale. Snout = vent 8} inches ; tail 9; head 24; ears 1;

palma —?; planta —?; weight 9 to 10 oz.

4. Mus rattoides, mihi, Black Rat of Nepal.—aAs similar to

the black rat of Europe as the foregoing is to our brown rat, and

bearing in Nepal the same relation the one to the other as in

Europe. Above dusky or blackish brown, below dusky hoary.

Limbs dark ; fingers pale ; tail decidedly longer than the body and

head ; long piles sufficiently numerous. Snout to vent 7} inches ;

tail 83 ; head 14; ears 7; palma 43; planta 1} ; weight 5 to 7 oz.

5. Mus niviventer, mihi, a House-Rat.—Proportions and cha-

racters of the last, but tail rather shorter and long piles of the

pelage rarer. Size less. Above blackish brown, shaded with ru-

fous; below entirely pure white, tail and all. Snout to vent 54

inches ; tail 6; weight 4 to 5 oz. Of rare occurrence.

6. Mus nitidus, mihi.mDistinguished for its smooth coat or

pelage, wherein the long hairy piles are almost wholly wanting.

Is a house-rat like the foregoing, but much rarer, and frequents

the mountains rather than the valleys. Structure nearest to rat-

toides, and colour very similar to that, or dusky brown above and

dusky hoary below. Long piles 44ths of an inch long ; basally

hoary, apically black. Short piles cimereous below, with bess

rufous tips. Snout to vent 63 inches ; tail 7+ ; head ln, ; ears 3 ;

palma (with nail as before) 14 ; weight 34 02.

7. Mus? Pyctoris, mihi. -“Tenants the woods only. Charac-

terized by its bluff face with short thick muzzle, and by its short

tail, one-third short of the length of the animal. Pelage of two

sorts, with the long piles sufficiently abundant. Colours of rat-

toides or dusky brown, with a very vague rufous tinge. Below

fulvescent ; long hairs all black ; rest with hoary bases and black

points. Inner vest mostly dusky. Snout to vent 7 inches ; tail

43; head 14; ears 13; palma 3; planta 14.

8. Mus? Myothrix mihi.—Tenants the woods solely. Re-

markable for its soft mouse-like pelage, and for its tail covered

with hairs, so as to conceal the annulated skin nearly. Dwells

in burrows under roots of trees, but not gregariously. Fur soft,

short, and of one kind only. Colours clear; above dull fawn,

below fulvescent. The piles above are dusky at their roots, black

in their centres, and red at their tips. The tail is still shorter

than in Pyctoris, being not two-thirds of the length of the ani-

pa Snout to rump 6 inches; tail 32; head 14; ears +4; palma

zz ; planta 1,4.

9. Mus? h ydrophilis, m mihi, Small Water-Rat of Nepal. —

Dwells in holes on the margins of ponds and rivers. Characterized

268 Mr. B. H. Hodgson on the Rats, Mice, and Shrews

by its small ears, which are hardly above one-third the length of

the head ; also by its short tail, and by a pelage that is short and

fine, though not so mouse-like as in the last. Above dusky brown,

below and the limbs nearly white. Long piles inconspicuous.

Head larger and muzzle thicker than in the common land-rats.

Snout to vent 33 inches ; tail 23; head 11; ears 2; palma i;

planta %.

10. Mus? macropus, mihi.—A water-rat like the last, but

twice as large. Distinguished by the largeness of its feet, and

also by the fine pelage and the proportions of the last, as well as

by a similar bluff face, though less so than in Pyctoris. Above

smoky black, below smoky gray. Legs dark ; toes pale. Snout

to rump 7+ inches ; tail 6; head 2/4, ; ears 1,4,; palma plus 1 ;

planta 143 ; weight 6 oz.

1. Mus Horeites, mihi.i—Dwells in houses and out-houses.

Is a small land species with fine pelage, and no peculiarity of

physiognomy or proportion. Tail longer than the animal. Co-

lour above sordid brown, below sordid white. Snout to rump

4 inches ; tail 44 ; head 14; ears 74 ; palma 3 ; planta 1}.

Mice.

12. Mus cervicolor, mihi, Common Field Mouse.—Structure

typical. Distinguished by its short tail. Above dull fawn, be-

low sordid white. Lining of ears and extremities pale. Snout

to rump 32 inches ; tail 27; head 1; ears =; weight 3 0z. Females

less and having ten teats.

13. Mus strophiatus, wihi.—Another field-mouse closely al-

lied to the last, but seemingly distinct. Bright fawn above, pure

white below; a cross or gorget on the breast. Snout to vent 34

inches ; tail 25% ; head less 1; ears ;% ; weight } oz.

14. Mus (Vandeleuria) dumeticola, mihi, Wood Mouse.—Te-

nants woods and coppices. Remarkable for the extreme length

of its tail. Above fawn-colour, below white. Snout to rump 2%

inches ; tail 4; head 4; ear 3; weight 4 oz.

15. Mus dubius, mihii—A house-mouse, but also found in

out-houses and gardens rarely. Allied to the last by its long tail.

Above dusky brown, touched with fawn; below sordid fawn. Snout

to rump 2+ inches ; tail 24; head 7; ears 3.

16. Mus homovurus, mihi, Common House Mouse.—Distin-

guished by a tail equal to the animal, being usually quite equal,

but sometimes rather less. Coloured like decumanus but purer,

or rufescent brown above and rufescent white below. Hands and

feet fleshy white. Snout to rump 3} inches ; tail 33 ; head ls;

ears ;%. ; palma —?; planta—?; weight 7 oz. It has eight teats

only in the females? The other mice have ten and the rats

twelve.

of the Central Region of Nepal. 269

17. Mus urbanus, mihi, City Mouse.—Species usually found

in the city of Katmandoo. Allied to dubius in its proportions

and colours, and possibly dubius may be the immature. Above

embrowned ruddy luteous ; below luteous, more or less rufescent.

Feet paler. Snout to rump 2% inches ; tail 87 ; head 1,'; ; ears

+s; palma $; planta 3 ; weight 3 oz.

18. Mus povensis, mihi, the Powah Mouse.—Procnred near

the Powah or Caravansery of Jaher Sing ; may be a house or cop-

pice species ; allied to dumeticola in proportions and in colours.

Distinguished by a tail much longer than the animal. Above

bright fawn, below pure white. Extremities nude and pale. Snout

to rump 2 inches ; tail3 ; head 43; ears 3; palma—?; planta—?;

weight +} oz.

SHREWs.

Shrews are rarer in the hills than in the plains, though in the

great valley of Nepal proper the species common to both (muri-

nus) 1s perhaps as abundant withm the mountains as without

them. There are four species with us ; whether the other three

are found in the plains I do not know.

19. Sorex murinus, the Common House Shrew of the plams

and also of the hills, up at least to 6000 feet.—It seldom or never

quits houses, is nocturnal, omnivorous, dwells and breeds in holes

and crannies and gutters: breeds frequently, and produces four

or five young at a birth, which are nude and blind. Its six teats

are inguinal and pubic. It has large anal as well as costal glands

and pores, whence issues the strong smell of musk for which the

animal is notorious. Its muzzle, ears and extremities are nude.

Its tail is covered only with scattered and divergent hairs. The

tail is but half the length of the animal, and is rounded and ta-

pers from a thick base.

Colour uniform slaty blue, with the nude parts fleshy white.

Snout to rump 6 inches; tail 33; weight 2 oz. ; head 13 ; palma

with nails 6 ; planta 1.

20. Sorex pygmaeus, mihi, Tmy Shrew.—Rarely found in

houses. Dwells in coppices and fields. Structure typical, save

that no odorous glands were detected, nor had the animal any

musky smell.

Colour sooty brown, paler below. Naked parts of a dusky

fleshy hue. Snout to vent less 2 ches; tail 1,3,; head 44;

pala + ; planta 2.

21. Sorex? nemorivagus, mihi.—Found only in woods and cop-

pices. Differs from both the above by a stouter make, by ears

smaller and less entirely nude, and by a longer and tetragonal

tail. Colour sooty black with a vague reddish smear; the nude

parts fleshy gray. Snout to rump 33 inches; tail 2; head 13;

palma 3 ; planta 11; weight less 1 oz,

270 Mr. F. M*Coy’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland.

22. Sorex? soccatus, mihi.—Size and proportions of the last

nearly, but distinguished by its feet bemg clad in fur down to

the nails, and by its depressed head and tumid bulging cheeks

(mystaceal region). ars large and exposed as in the first two

species (murinus and pygmaeus), and like them having a rounded

tapering tail, but somewhat longer in proportion than theirs.

Colour a uniform sordid or brownish slaty blue, extending to the

clad extremities. Size nearly of the last. Snout to rump 33

inches ; tail 24; head 1,4 ; palma } ; planta +2; weight 3 oz.

This animal was caught in a wood plentifully watered, but not

near the water. I never saw nor heard of it asa tenant of houses,

any more than the last-named. It had no musky smell when

brought to me dead. I did not examine its glands.

P.S.—The above paper completes the notices of Nepalese

Mammals published in India, and, like the papers written there,

has been composed without the aid of library or museum.

XL.—Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland. By FrepERiIcK

McCoy, Esq., M.G.S.D.

[With a Plate.]

Noricess of some of the following animals were read to the Na-

tural-History Society of Dublin at the June meeting for 1844.

The Invertebrata are a portion of a large series collected by Mr.

MCalla on the west coast of Ireland, and placed in my hands for

examination and description by my valued friend Dr. Scouler,

whose kindness I have before had to acknowledge for the liberal

manner in which he has always allowed me to examine and de-

scribe any specimens of interest either in the museum of the

Royal Dublin Society or in his own private collection.

MAMMALIA.

Vespertilio Natterert (Kuhl).—The singularly small number

of bats found in Ireland only amounting at present to three, of

which one (V. Daubentonit) has occurred but in a single instance,

renders any addition to their number of peculiar interest to the

Trish naturalist, or to those who take an interest im comparing

the fauna of Ireland with that of England. The present species,

the reddish gray bat of British authors, has not I believe been

hitherto recorded in Ireland ; a specimen however was brought to

me last summer by G. Mangan, Esq., and is now in the museum of

the Natural-History Society of Dublin; he killed it near that city,

and was of opinion that it was the common species in his neigh-

bourhood : whether the pipistrelle (the most common Irish bat)

might have been confounded with it on the wing, or whether it

Mr. F. MeCoy’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland. 271

is really a common species, I cannot say; I can only state the oc-

currence of the species, and so add it to the list of Irish animals.

AVES.

Tringa rufescens, Buff-breasted Sandpiper.—A specimen of this

rare bird, shot by J. Hill, Esq. near the Pigeon House, Dublin,

is preserved in the Museum of the Natural-History Society of

Dublin. The specimen is in the same plumage as those described

by Mr. Yarrell; the markings on the under side of the wings are

very beautiful. The specimen noticed is the only Irish one I am

aware of.

Sterna leucoptera (Temm.).—A specimen of this beautiful tern

was shot by J. Hill, Esq. on the Shannon in 1841, m company

with the black tern (8. nigra), with which it was confounded ; the

specimen was sent along with one of the latter species to the Na-

tural-History Society of Dublin, in whose museum they are now

preserved ; but from their general resemblance to each other, the

present species has remained there undistinguished till the present

time. As I believe this to be the first record of the occurrence

of this bird in Britain, I subjoin a short description of the spe-

cimen and a sketch half the natural size, to assist in drawing the

attention of British naturalists to it, as it will probably be found

not unfrequent. Measuwrement—Total length, to extremity of tail,

about 8 inches; bill from base 103 lines, from rictus 1 inch 5

lines ; greatest depth of both mandibles 23 lines ; middle toe, in-

cluding the claw, 11 lines in length ; tarsus 8 lines ; naked por-

tion of the tibia 4 lines. Colours—Legs and feet in the preserved

specimen pale yellow, probably red in the living bird, claws

darker ; bill dark blackish brown ; head, neck, breast, abdomen,

272 Mr. F. M°Coy’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland.

under wing-coverts and back deep glossy black ; small wing-co-

verts, tail, and upper and under tail-coverts pure white ; first

three quill-feathers black, with a broad longitudinal band of white

on their inner webs ; remainder of the wings ash-gray, becoming

darker towards the body.

The form, proportions and size of this species are very nearly

those of the black tern (S. nigra) ; like that species too the webs of

the toes are very deeply indented, being reduced to a mere rudi-

ment between the middle and inner toes. The two species are

however easily distinguished,—the under wing-coverts of the S.

nigra are white, of the S. leucoptera black ; the tail of the former

is dark gray, of the latter pure white ; in the 8. nzgra the throat

is white, breast and abdomen dark gray, and the back lead-colour,

while in the S. /eucoptera all those parts are black. I speak of

both species in their perfect plumage.

EcHINODERMATA.

Priapul us ? Pl. XVI. fig. 1—A species of Priapulus is

very common in the sand at low water mark in Connemara, and

occasionally found on the east coast : as it does not agree with the

figures of Miiller or Prof. E. Forbes of the P. caudatus, nor agree

exactly with their descriptions, | have made a drawing of a mo-

derate-sized specimen for comparison. In a great number of spe-

cimens I have examined, the characters seemed to present no

variation ; in all of them the trunk is transversely striated, the

general proportions thicker and more robust than in P. caudatus ;

the body uniformly cylindrical, not diated at the extremities ; the

posterior extremity, instead of being dilated and open, is narrowed

and closed ; there is no longitudinal striation in any of the speci-

mens at either end of the body ; the posterior extremity is irre-

gularly tuberculated ; the caudal appendage is much thicker and

more bushy than in the P. caudatus. As I have not seen living

specimens I have left the species an open question ; if it should

prove distinct from the species described by Miller and Prof.

Forbes, it might perhaps be called P. hibernicus. Specimens

are in the museum of the Natural-History Society of Dublin,

and a large series of them, of every age and size, in the museum

of the Royal Dublin Society.

Syrinx granulosus (M*Coy), Pl. XVI. fig. 2.—Sp. Ch. Body

nearly smooth, very minutely and uniformly granulated, and ob-

soletely striated transversely ; basal half of the proboscis and the

posterior extremity of the body roughened by deep concentric

rug and small crowded tubercles ; proboscis from the anal pore

to the mouth one-fourth the length of the body, posterior extre-

mity mucronate.

This fine species is intermediate in character between the S. pa-

Mr. F. MeCoy’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland. 273

pillosus and S. Harveii, the body being entirely without the di-

stinct distant papille of the former species ; while on the other

hand, instead of being smooth as in the S. Harveit, it is minutely

but regularly granulated, the granules being close together and

uniformly distributed over the body, except at the posterior ex-

tremity and basal half of the trunk, where the surface is rendered

rugged by larger tubercles and deep transverse irregular ruge.

Colour usually a uniform dull brown. Length about 7 inches ;

diameter of body about 9 lines. Very common at Roundstone

bay in certain localities.

Syrinz Forbesii (M°Coy), Pl. XVI. fig. 3.—Sp. Ch. Posterior

half of the body suddenly attenuated; extremity dilated, club-

shaped ; trunk slender, dilated towards the extremity, granulated

its entire length to the base of the tentacula, remainder of the

body perfectly smooth.

The form and proportions of this species are nearly those of

the S. nudus, from which it is distinguished by its smaller size,

perfectly smooth body, and in having the proboscis granulated to

the base of the tentacula. The extremity of the trunk is conical,

narrow, surrounded by a circle of short digitate tentacula, behind

which the trunk is rather inflated for a short distance and marked

with minute granules disposed in circular lines ; the remainder of

the proboscis, forming about one-fourth of the entire length of

the animal; is of a considerably smaller diameter and covered

with a minute crowded granulation ; with the exception of the

trunk, the entire animal is perfectly smooth: where the granular

portion ceases the body is abruptly dilated to nearly four times

the diameter of the trunk, and contimues cylindrical for about the

same length, when it again diminishes to about one-third its dia-

meter, and so continues to the posterior extremity, which is di-

lated into a pear-shaped knob. The anal pore is situated on the

dilated smooth portion of the body, a little below its junction

with the trunk.

Not uncommon at Roundstone bay, Connemara, from whence

there are specimens in the museum of the Royal Dublin So-

ciety.

Syrinz tenuicinctus (M°Coy), Pl. XIV. fig. 4.—Sp. Ch. Cylin-

drical, diameter of body from the base of the trunk to the poste-

rior extremity perfectly uniform; posterior extremity obtuse,

slightly mucronate at the tip; trunk about one-seventh of the

entire length ; tip obtuse, surrounded by a few rows of minute

puncta ; entire surface of the animal sharply striated concentri-

cally : with a lens the trunk and a small portion of the posterior

extremity are seen to be also marked with numerous faint, short,

rather distant, longitudinal strie.

It is only after much hesitation that I have ventured to cha-

274 Bibliographical Notices.

vacterize this pretty species. I had long been struck by its pe-

culiar uniform, cylindrical body, short proboscis, blunt posterior

end, and tough, finely striated, glossy tegument, the species

being very common on the west coast of Ireland. I was uncer-

tain whether the species might prove to be the young of the S.

granulosus which I have just described ; I have however recently

been able to examine so large a number of the latter species at

all ages, that my doubts are entirely cleared up. The adult length

of the S. tenuicinctus seems to be about three and a half inches:

young specimens of the S. granulosus of the same size may be readily

distinguished by their granulated body (which is proportionably

more distinct in the young than in the old individuals), and their

posterior extremity beg more gradually pomted and remarkably

roughened both by transverse wrinkles and granules. From the

S. Harveii it is distinguished by its tough striated integument,

blunt posterior end, the faint and peculiar character of the reti-

culation at the two ends of the body, and in the entire of the

trunk being marked in the same manner as its base. The colour

is usually a clear, uniform hair-brown; length about 3 inches;

diameter of body 3 lines ; diameter of trunk 1 line. The figure

given by Pennant of the Siphunculus nudus seems to belong rather

to this species; the Phascolosoma carneum figured by Ruppell

from the Red Sea is also similar, but is distinguished by its pmk

colour, perfectly smooth body and longer proboscis.

Specimens are in the collection of the Royal Dublin Society

from the west coast.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Illustrations of Indian Ornithology. By T.C.Jerdon. No. 1. 8vo.

Madras, 1848. London, Richardson.

Turs work is intended, when complete, to contain fifty coloured

plates of new or unfigured birds from the south of India. The pre-

sent number comprises twelve of these plates, ithographed and co-

loured by native Indian artists, and in a style which does them great

credit. With a few exceptions the designs are well-drawn, and the

colouring is executed with a far higher degree of finish than European

artists can generally afford to give to their publications. We under-

stand however that Mr. Jerdon, anxious to make his work as perfect

as possible, has made arrangements for the lithographs in the suc-

ceeding numbers to be executed in England, though we think that

with the resources which the native talent of India can supply, this

step was hardly necessary.

The letter-press is drawn up by Mr. Jerdon with much care and

attention, comprising ample descriptions of the species figured, with

Bibliographical Notices. 275

many interesting observations on their habits, and critical remarks

on the labours of other authors in the same field of research. The

latter department is one in which naturalists, writing like Mr. Jerdon

at a great distance from home, always experience much difficulty,

from the want of access to scientific libraries and museums. Never-

theless Mr. Jerdon has turned to good account such works on Indian

zoology as lay within his reach, and his identifications of species are

in general correct. We will proceed to notice briefly the contents

of the number before us.

Plate 1, Nisaétus grandis, Hodgson, a species which is now consi-

dered to be synonymous with the Aquila Bonelli of Europe. 2. Leu-

cocerca albofrontata, which, like the other species of Mr. Swainson’s

genus Leucocerca, it seems impossible to separate by well-marked

generic characters from Rhipidura. 3. Zanclostomus viridirostris,

Jerdon, a species which seems to be in fact a Phenicophaus, though

the compressed beak and diminution of the bare space round the

orbits indicate an approach to the nearly-allied genus Zanclostomus.

4. Accipiter besra, Jerdon ; this appears to be the young state of the

A. virgatus, Temm. 5. Picus Hodgsoni, a new and handsome spe-

cies, distinguished from the P. javensis, Horsf., by its white rump,

and referable to the genus Hemilophus. 6. Prinia cursitans, Frankl.,

a small bird closely allied to the Drymeca cisticola of Europe, and

generically identical with it. 7. Muscipeta paradisi; the specimen

here figured is interesting as showing a state of plumage interme-

diate between the chestnut-coloured bird called M. indica and the

pure white plumage of the adult M. paradisi, and thus proving their

specific identity. 8. Turdus Wardi, Jerdon, a rare and beautiful

thrush, typical in form, but anomalous in coloration. 9. Scolopar

nemoricola, Hodgson, a large species of snipe, presenting in many

respects an approach to the woodcock. 10. Pterocles quadricinctus,

the true quadricinctus of Temminck and indicus of Gmelin; but its

earliest specific name is fasciatus, given by Scopoli. 11. Phenicornis

flammeus ; this is certainly the true Muscicapa flammea of Temminck,

and consequently inhabits Java and Sumatra as well as Ceylon and

S. India; but it is not the Oranor of Levaillant, Ois. Af. 155, as Mr.

Jerdon supposes, that bird being the P. peregrinus. 12. Falco shaheen,

Jerdon, a handsome species long ago noticed by Brisson as a sup-

posed variety of F. peregrinus, and first defined specifically by Sun-

devall under the name of F.. peregrinator.

Such works as this of Mr. Jerdon are deserving of every en-

couragement, for they supply us at small cost with accurate deline-

ations and original descriptions of new species, and thus furnish sci-

ence with materials intrinsically as valuable as can be found in the

most expensive publications.

Salictum Britannicum exsiccatum. Fasc. II. By the Rev. J. E. Leefe.

We have recently received this fasciculus of Mr. Leefe’s very valu-

able collection of dried specimens of British Willows, and have much

pleasure in stating that it is fully as deserving of approbation as that

276 Bibliographical Notices.

which preceded it. The different forms contained in this fasciculus

are the following :~—

50. S. decipiens. 72. S. tenuior.

51. 73. S. laurina.

a2 | fragilis. 74. S. Davalliana?

53. 75. S, propinqua.

* Ls, Russelli (6-15. Weigelliana, E. B

55. f >: Russelliana. a . Weigelliana, Z. B.

a6: ic } S. Weigelliana, Forb.

OT. S alba 79.

58. 2 ae 80.

59. st fs, Crowiana,

60. 83

61. 2. 5. ni ;

a S. caprea. are nitens

65. 85. S. tetrapla.

63. S. caprea (androgyna). 86. S. fusca, repens.

66. S. caprea (sphacelata). 87. S. f. prostrata.

67. S. hirta. 88. S. f. ascendens.

68. 89. S. f. argentea.

69. aie ompee 90. S. arenaria.

70abe ee ee

vAle

Many of these plants are identified with those of Koch by the in-

spection of authentic specimens, but we are sorry not to see more

observations upon the rank as species or varieties which the several

plants are entitled to claim. The valuable synoptical table given

with the former fasciculus is not continued in that before us; for this

however there is one consolation, namely, that the author states his

intention of preparing a third fasciculus in which it will be con-

tained.

We take the present opportunity of publishing some valuable

notes upon Mr. Leefe’s Fasc. I. with which we have been favoured

by M. W. Sonder, the distinguished botanist of Hamburg.

Salictum Britannicum, Fasc. I.

1. Salix pentandra, L.!

2. S. pentandra, L.!

3. S. amygdalina = S. amygdalina 8, Koch!

4—8. S. amygdalina, Koch !

9. S. undulata, Hhrh.!

10—13. S. purpurea, Z., et var.

14. S. Lambertiana = S. purpurea, var.

15, 16. S. rubra, Sm.—15 varietas.

17—24. Omnes S. viminalis, Z.! Amenta mascula S. Smithiane

ab iis S. viminalis valde diversa sunt.

25, 26. S. Smithiana = S. Smithiana, Koch, et S. lanceolata, Fries !

27,28. S. Smithiana ?=S,. Smithiana, Koch, et S. lanceolata, Fries.

29. S. Smithiana ? Ramulos juniores a S. Smithiana distinguere

nequeo.

30. S. rugosa, Sm., est S. Smithiana, Koch, 2. glabrata, Sonder,

quz in ripa Albis prope Hamburg non rara.

Royal Society. 277

31—33. S. rugosa est S. Smithiana, Koch.

34. S. rugosa? var. stipularis = S. holosericea, Willd. Mihi gratis-

sima est; plantam foemineam antea nondum vidi.

35. S. ferruginea, And., folia—S. holosericea, Willd., valde similis,

sed incompleta.

36. S. ferruginea var. = Quoad folia et amenta valde affinis S.

Smithiane, Koch, sed tamen distincta videtur. Ab icone in

Eng. Bot. Suppl. t. 2665. preter squamas rotundatas non di-

stinguenda.

37. S. acuminata = An revera S. acuminata, Sm.? que ad sectio-

nem &. viminalis pertinet ? Amenta desunt. An forsan varietas

S. cinerez ?

388—42. Omnes forme et varietates S. cineree, L.

43. Salix—an S. aquatica? Longe diversa, est sine dubio forma

S. laurine, Sm., confer amenta. Eandem plantam ex hort. bot.

Berolinensi, et ex Silesia possideo.

44. S. oleifolia, Sm. ? = Pro var. S. cinereze, L., habeo, sed amenta

non vidi.

45. S. aurita, L. = Forma sylvatica apud nos frequens.

46, 47. S. aurita, L.!

48, 49. S. reticulata et S. herbacea.

W. Sonper.

Hamburg, March 19, 1844.

Mr. Van Voorst has just published a very useful “ Catalogue of

British Vertebiated Animals, the names derived from Bell’s British

Quadrupeds and Reptiles and Yarrell’s British Birds and Fishes: so

printed as to be available for Labels.” The label consists of the

English and Latin names and a reference to the volume and page of

the excellent works above-mentioned.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

A History of Infusoria, Living and Fossil: arranged according to

“ Die Infusionsthierchen” of C. G. Ehrenberg. By Andrew

Pritchard, M.R.1.

Microscopic Illustrations of Living Objects, with Researches concerning

the Methods of Constructing Microscopes, and Instructions for using

them. To which is added, a Supplement on the Verification of Mi-

croscopic Phenomena, and an Exact Method of Testing Microscopes.

By C. R. Goring, M.D. By Andrew Pritchard, M.R.I. Third

Edition.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

ROYAL SOCIETY.

March 21, 1844.—“ A description of certain Belemnites, pre-

served, with a great proportion of their soft parts, in the Oxford clay

at Christian Malford, Wilts.” By Richard Owen, Esq., F.R.S., &c.,

278 Royal Society.

Hunterian Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in the Royal Col-

lege of Surgeons.

The author describes, in the present paper, specimens of Belemnite,

discovered in the Oxford-clay at Christian Malford, Wilts, and

which are remarkable for the preservation of many of the soft parts

of the animal. After alluding to the various opinions promulgated

by different authors respecting the nature and affinities of this ex-

tinct animal, he adverts more especially to the discovery of the ink-

bag of the Belemnite, which was published in the Zoological 'Trans-

actions, vol. ii., and in the Cyclopedia of Anatomy and Physiology

(Art. Cephalopoda). This discovery led him, on the strength of

deductions from the physiological relations of this organ, to re-

move the Belemnite from the Polythalamacea of De Blainville, and

place it in the higher order of the naked Cephalopods.

The structure of the shell is next discussed, and the spathose dart,

or guard, is proved to be the result of original organization, both

by its microscopic structure and by the fact that the chambers of

the phragmocone have not been infiltrated by mineral substance in

any of the specimens described: the name phragmocone being applied

to the chambered and siphonated conical division of the compound

shell of the Belemnite; and the term alveolus being restricted, in

the present paper, to the socket or cavity at the base of the guard,

in which the phragmocone is lodged. A detailed description is given

of the sheath of the phragmocone and of the structure of the cham-

bers. The state of preservation of the present specimens has enabled

the author to describe the form and extent of the mantle—its con-

tinuation over the exterior of the shell, and the arrangement of its

muscular fibres. The animal is provided with two lateral fins of a

semi-oval figure, which are attached to the middle of the mantle, in

advance of the spathose dart.

The muscular fibres of the fins, the infundibulum and its muscles

are next described ; and also the head, the eyes, which are large and

sessile, and the cephalic arms, which are eight in number; together

with traces of two slender superadded tentacula. The ordinary arms

are furnished with a double alternate row of sharp horny hooks, as in

some existing species of Onychoteuthis, but the arms are relatively

longer. ‘Their muscular structure is traced in the fossil specimens,

and compared with that in the recent Decapoda. The ultimate, or

primitive fibres of the muscles of the Belemnite agree in size with

those inthe Onychoteuthis ; but the character of the transverse striz,

which is feebly developed in the primitive muscular fibre of the Ce-

phalopods, is not preserved in the fossil. Of the interior organs

of the Belemnite, besides the ink-bag and duct, which had been be-

fore discovered by Drs. Buckland and Agassiz, the remains of the

horny lining of the gizzard are preserved in the present fossils.

Thus the deduction that the higher, or dibranchiate type of Ce-

phalopodal organization is necessarily associated with the presence

of the atramental apparatus, is established by the demonstration, in

these fossil Belemnites, of a fleshy mantle, inclosing the shell, and

provided with a pair of muscular fins, of large and sessile eyes, and

of few, but large and complex cephalic arms.

Royal Society. 279

The author concludes by pointing out the more immediate affini-

ties of the Belemnites, and showing that it combines characteristics

which are now divided amongst distinct genera: as, for example,

first, a complex internal shell, divisible into the same principal parts

as that of the Sepia, but one of which has, secondly, the same essen-

tial chambered structure as the shell of the Spirula; thirdly, unci-

nated cephalic arms, as in the Onychoteuthis; and lastly, an ad-

vanced position of rounded fins, as in the Spirula and Lossia.

The paper is illustrated by drawings of the specimens described,

with microscopic views of the shell and muscular tissue, and a re-

storation of the Belemnite according to the data afforded by the pre-

sent fossils.

June 20.—“On the Structure of the Ultimate Fibril of the Muscle

of Animal Life.” By Erasmus Wilson, Esq., Lecturer on Anatomy

and Physiology in the Middlesex Hospital; ina Letter addressed to

Peter Mark Roget, M.D., Sec. R.S. Communicated by Dr. Roget.

By resorting to peculiar methods of manipulation, and employing

a microscope of more than ordinary power, the author, with the

assistance of Mr. Lealand, has succeeded in discovering the real

structure of the ultimate muscular fibril, in a specimen taken from

the arm of a strong healthy man immediately after its amputation.

He finds each fibril to be composed of minute cells, disposed in a

linear series, flattened at their surfaces of apposition, and so com-

pressed in the longitudinal direction as to leave no marginal in-

dentation on the surface; thus constituting a uniform cylinder,

divided into minute subdivisions by transverse septa, which are

formed by the adherent surfaces of contiguous cells. ‘The diameter

of the fibril, in the state of relaxation, is the 20,000th part of an

inch. The cells are filled with a transparent substance, to which

the author gives the name of Myoline, and which differs in its re-

fractive density in different cells. In four consecutive cells the

myoline is of greater density than in the four succeeding cells, and

this alternation is repeated throughout the whole course of the fibril.

In consequence of all the fibrils composing the ultimate fasciculus

having the same structure, and the cells, which are in lateral juxta-

position, containing myoline of the same density, they act similarly

on light, and the whole presents, to the eye of the microscopic ob-

server, a succession of striz or bands, dark and luminous alternately,

and transverse to the direction of the fasciculus; an appearance

which has been noticed by preceding observers, but of which the

cause had not hitherto been ascertained. A dark stria may occa-

sionally appear as a luminous one, and vice versd, when viewed by

light transmitted at different degrees of obliquity.

The structure here described, the author remarks, reduces the

muscular fibre to the simple type of organization exhibited in the

combination of a series of cells, associating it with other tissues of

cell formation, and will probably, he thinks, open new sources of

explanation of the immediate agency of muscular action, a power

hitherto’involved in the deepest mystery.

“On the Reproduction of lost parts in Myriapoda and Insecta.”

280 Royal Society.

By George Newport, Esq., F.R-C.S., President of the Entomo-

logical Society of London, and Corresponding Member of the Phi-

lomathic Society of Paris. Communicated by P. M. Roget, M.D.,

Sec. R.S.

It has long been known that the limbs of Crustacea and Arach-

nida, accidentally lost or designedly removed, are, in course of time,

replaced by the growth of new limbs; and the same power of re-

production has been stated to have been observed in the Phasme,

insects which undergo neither metamorphosis nor any change of

habits. But whether such a power exists in those insects, such as

the Lepidoptera, which undergo a complete metamorphosis, changing

not only their form, but also their food and mode of life, in passing

from the larva to the adult state, has been considered as very doubt-

ful. ‘The instances in which the reproduction of lost parts appeared

to have occurred in some of the Myriapoda, were attributed to im-

perfect or arrested development. With a view to determine these

unsettled points, the author commenced, in the summer of 1841 and

1842, a series of direct experiments on this subject in the Myri-

apoda; and in the present summer he has extended them to the

Lepidoptera. The results of his labours are given in the present

memoir.

In some specimens of Iulus, from which he had removed the an-

tenn and some of the legs, the lost organs were found to be com-

pletely reproduced after the next change of integument; differing

from the original organs only in their smaller size, and the incom-

plete development of some of their minuter parts. Thesame results

followed from similar experiments made on the Lithobris during the

earlier periods cf its growth. One individual of this genus, which

had already acquired the tenth pair of legs, was by accident deprived

of the eighth, ninth and tenth pair; at the next change of skin it

not only developed two additional pair of legs, but also reproduced

the three pair which had been lost. Some time after this it again

lost one of the legs of the twelfth pair; a loss which was repaired

at the next change by the growth of a new leg, while those pre-

viously reproduced acquired an increase of size.

The first observation which led the author to believe that true in-

sects might possess the power of reproducing lost parts, was that of

a specimen of Phasma in the collection at the British Museum, in

which the right anterior leg had evidently been reproduced. He

then instituted a series of experiments on the larva of the Vanessa

urtice, or common nettle butterfly, which belongs to the order

Lepidoptera, and undergoes complete metamorphosis. He removed

some of the true legs of the larva, sometimes in their tibial portion,

and sometimes at their base: in the first case, parts similar to those

removed were invariably reproduced in different states of develop-

ment, and in the latter, entire new limbs were formed ; in some in-

stances, at the second change of the larva, when it passed into the

pupa state; but in two or three instances no reproduction took

place. At first view, this difference in the results might appear to

favour the opinion that this reproduction of limbs depends on the

Royal Society. 281

existence of parts especially adapted to perform this function, and

which, in those experiments that had failed to exhibit the phano-

menon, had been themselves removed. But the author found that

in every instance of the mutilations thus practised, the perfect in-

sect possessed a coxa, or basilar part of the limb; and this was the

case even in those in which a new organ was not reproduced. From

this fact, taken in conjunction with the formation of new entire limbs

in the Iulidw after the removal of every portion of the previous

ones, the author infers that the power of reproduction resides in the

whole of the organized tissues.

The author found that each newly produced limb is, in every

case, composed of all its essential parts, namely coxa, femur, tibia,

tarsus and claw; but its development is scarcely ever entirely nor-

mal, being either deficient in some of the tarsal joints, or irregular

in the development of its armature.

The following are the general conclusions which the author de-

duces from his investigations. Slight wounds in the larva of insects

always heal, except when the viscera have protruded, or excessive

hemorrhage has occurred: severe wounds, such as those attending

the excision of a limb, also frequently heal. It is when the wound

is in the line of action of the principal muscles of the body that pro-

trusion of the viscera takes place. For the healing of wounds, the

first requisite is the arrest of the hemorrhage ; and this is effected,

as in the higher animals, by the coagulation of the blood, and the

formation of a clot; and then a complete union of the separated

parts takes place beneath the eschar formed by the clot. After this

union, the reparation of the injury is commenced by a development,

from the injured surface, of parts corresponding to those that had

been removed. For the production of a new limb, one change of

skin, at least, is necessary. The healing of the wound after the

removal of a part, and the subsequent reproduction, although they

do not prevent, yet certainly retard the natural changes. Lastly,

the author has established the fact, that reproduction of lost parts

takes place in metabolic as well as in the ametabolic articulata.

Feb. 6th and 13th, 1845.—“On the Structure and Development

of the Blood.—First Series. The development of the Blood-Cor-

puscle in Insects and other Invertebrata, and its comparison with

that of Maa and the Vertebrata.” By George Newport, Esq., F.R.C.S.,

President of the Entomological Society, &e. Communicated by P.

M. Roget, M.D., Sec. R.S.

The author commences his paper by remarking, that he was led

to the present inquiry by some curious facts relating to the blood of

insects, which attracted his notice while engaged on the last paper

he presented to the Royal Society, on the reproduction of lost parts

in insects and Myriapoda. Some of these facts lie is desirous of

making known at once to the Society, preparatory to his offering

them more extended researches on the blood of the Invertebrata, and

its comparison with that of the higher animals.

The chief purpose of the author in the present paper, is to show

the analogy which exists between the different corpuscles in the

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. X

282 Royal Society.

blood of insects and of the Vertebrata, to trace the changes which

the former undergo as compared with those of the latter, and to

show that in development and function they are analegous to secre-

ting cells.

In pursuance of this object, he premises a brief notice of what

little was already known respecting the corpuscle in the Articulata,

and of the different descriptions given of it by Carus, Spence, Wag-

ner, Bowerbank, Edwards, Baly and some later observers, all of

whom have described it differently, one only, Mr. Bowerbank, ha-

ving correctly indicated its form.

He then proceeds to state, that while engaged on other observa-

tions in June last, he found that the oat-shaped corpuscles which are

so abundant in the caterpillar state of the insect, almost entirely dis-

appear before the insect has arrived at the perfect, or butterfly state,

in which, a few days after the insect is fully developed, scarcely a

single oat-shaped corpuscle is to be found; but that in the place of

these, there are numerous very minute rounded bodies, spherules,

and also many flattened, obtusely oval or barrel-shaped, double con-

cave discs. Both these forms of corpuscle have molecular move-

ments, which are most energetic in the spherules.

He next makes some general observations on the composition of

the blood of the Invertebrata, and questions the accuracy of Profes-

sor Wagner's view in regarding the blood of these animals as analo-

gous only to the chyle of the Vertebrata, at the same time stating

his belief that it is not only analogous to true blood, but that it un-

dergoes a continued succession of changes through the agency of

the corpuscles. These minute bodies first derive nourishment, and

the means of growth and increase from the fluid portion of the bload,

and afterwards, when they have become fully developed, undergo

dissolution, and help to supply the waste of the fluid that has been

expended on the nourishment of the different structures, leaving

other little bodies, which also undergo development, to assist in the

further elaboration of this fluid. He states also, that the develop-

ment of these latter bodies appears to have a certain relation to the

type of each particular class of animals; and remarks that in the

Vertebrata the size of the corpuscle is perhaps in a ratio inverse to

that of the activity and extent of the function of respiration.

The author states that he has been led to these views, which ap-

pear to him to apply to animals generally, by an examination of the

corpuscles, and by watching the changes which take place in the

blood in lepidopterous insects, and he points out their accordance

with those of Wagner, Henle, and Wharton Jones, with regard to

the function of the corpuscles; but proposes to give the details on

which his own view respecting the size of the corpuscle is founded

on a future occasion.

He then enters more particularly on the consideration of the forms

of corpuscle in the blood in the Articulata, which he marks as four ;

although, he observes, these are in reality only so many stages of

development of one ultimate structure. These forms are,—/irst, the

molecules, which he regards as comparable to the molecules observed

Royal Society. 283

in the chyle of Vertebrata by Mr. Gulliver; secondly, the nucleated

or oat-shaped corpuscle, which he believes with Waguer are analo-

gous to the white or chyle corpuscles of Vertebrata; thirdly, the

spherules, ov minute rounded bodies developed from the oat-shaped

corpuscle, and which he believes are analogous to the free nucleoli

of Valentin, and probably to the very minute white, opake granules

constantly observed in the blood of Vertebrata; and lastly, the dises,

which are further developments of the spherules, and analogous to

the true red blood-dises of the higher animals, and which, as he

states in a subsequent part of his paper, in his examination of the

blood of the human foetus, he believes that he has also traced from

the white, opake granules or spherules.

The author then proceeds to describe these forms of the cerpuscle

in insects more minutely, and enters into considerable detail with

reference to the oat-shaped corpuscle, tracing it from its earliest

distinct form, before any nucleus is perceptible in it; and shows that

the nucleoli which constitute this body are gradually increased in

number, until the corpuscle has attained its full size, when it first

changes its form and becomes shorter, then rounded, and afterwards

entirely breaks up and liberates the nucleoli that have been deve-

loped within it. This change of form he shows always takes place

very rapidly in all the oat-shaped corpuscles, large and small, when

out of the body, and to this circumstance he attributes the diversity

in the descriptions that have been given by various observers of the

form of the corpuscle. He shows also, that, with reference to the

function of this body, the corpuscles are usually found in greatest

number during the act of breaking up, immediately before the larva

is preparing to change its skin, at which time the blood is extremely

coagulable ; and that there are fewest corpuscles, or that there is the

greatest number of small corpuscles of this kind, soon after the cater-

pillar has again begun to feed. When the insect has assumed the

pupa state, nearly the whole of these corpuscles are broken up. The

greatest abundance of them are found in the act of changing on the

third or fourth day of the pupa, after which the number of these

corpuscles is gradually lessened, until, when the insect has entered

the perfect state, very few remain. When the change to the perfect

insect occurs, there is another opportunity of watching the function

of this corpuscle. When the wings are being expanded and still

soft, a few oat-shaped corpuscles circulate through them; but as the

wings become consolidated, these corpuscles appear to be arrested,

and break down in the circulatory passages, supplying directly the

material for the consolidation of these structures, as appears to be

shown in the entire arrest of circulation in these parts, and by the

granular remains of the corpuscles which may be seen by transmitted

light in a wing completely denuded of its scales on the upper and

under surfaces. The spherules and dises of the perfect lepidop-

terous insect are then noticed, and some peculiar clavate or fiddle-

shaped bodies, which appear to be the transition forms between

spherules and discs, are pointed out as occurring in the blood of one

of the night moths, Xylophasia polyodon, and also in the butterfly

X 2

284 Linnean Society.

soon after it has left the pupa state. These facts are regarded as

proofs, by direct observation, of the function of the corpuscle, and

of its analogy, both in function and development, to the secreting

cells of glands.

In the second division of his paper, the author draws some com-

parisons between the blood-corpuscles of insects and the Vertebrata,

and gives the details of a series of observations on the blood of a

human fcetus that was born alive at the end of the sixth month.

The blood of the parent, and of the placenta, was examined, and

also of different parts of the body of the foetus a few hours after

death. The general results observed were, that the blood of the

parent contained a very large quantity of white chyle corpuscles,

and was extremely coagulable: the blood of the placenta contained,

beside an abundance of chyle corpuscles, red blood-dises of ex-

tremely variable sizes, the largest being one-third or one-fourth

larger than those of the mother, and the smallest scarcely more than

one-fourth as large as the largest. There were also an immense

abundance of molecules and nucleoli, from which latter the red blood-

discs appeared to be developed. ‘The blood of the vein and lungs

presented a similar irregular condition as to size of the corpuscles,

while that of the left auricle of the heart, aorta and arteries of the

cord was more uniform in its character. From these observations

the author concludes, that the blood of the Vertebrata is analogous

in its mode of development to that of the insects and other Inverte-

brata, and that the red blood-discs are the ultimate developments of

the opake white granules or nucleoli of the blood.

LINNZZ AN SOCIETY.

December 17, 1844.—R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Dr. Lankester, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen of an Agaric in which

gills were developed on a portion of the surface of the pileus, directly

over the stipes, resulting apparently from an extension of the growth

of the stipes, and a rupture of the external membrane of the pileus,

throwing up the internal or gill-producing membrane.

Read, ‘‘ Additional Remarks on the Spongilla fluviatilis.” By John

Hogg, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S. &e.

In this paper Mr. Hogg commences by claiming a priority to M.

Laurent in the discovery of the locomotive germ-like bodies of Spon-

gilla, and in comparing them with the spontaneously moving spo-

rules of Ectosperma clavata of Unger. In proof of this priority he

refers to his memoir, published in 1840, in the eighteenth volume of

the Society’s Transactions, in the first part of which, read before the

Society on the 18th of December 1838, those bodies are described

as having been observed by him in August 1838, and are compared

with the locomotive sporules of the Hctosperma. An abstract of this

part of Mr. Hogg’s memoir appeared in the ‘ Proceedings’ of the So-

ciety at the beginning of 1839, and was reprinted in the number of

the ‘ Annals of Natural History’ for March 1839. Of these several

publications Mr. Hogg states that no notice is taken by M. Laurent

Linnean Society. 285

in his recent work entitled ‘Recherches sur l'Hydre et I’ Eponge

d’Eau douce,’ Paris 1844, in which the discovery of the locomotive

germs of the freshwater sponge is apparently claimed by the author

as his own.

Mr. Hogg then proceeds to remark on the discrepancies of authors

with regard to the existence of cilia on these bodies, and on the

spores of the Ectosperma. He accounts for his having overlooked

them in the Spongilla, on the supposition that the germs which he

observed under a very high power of the compound microscope had

reached the period when, as M. Laurent states, “ils perdent leurs

cils pour toujours,” and notices that it appears, from M. Thuret’s

recent observations, that the same circumstance occurs in the spores

of the Ectosperma. This resorption or disappearance of the cilia

after a certain period will readily account for the denial of their ex-

istence by practised microscopical observers.

The existence of cilia subservient to locomotion is far from deter-

mining, in Mr. Hogg’s opinion, the question of the animal nature of

the bodies to which they belong, although the zoocarpic theory,

which he regards as most improbable, appears to be still gaining

ground. He believes the motive power of the cilia of the sporules

of Spongilla and the Alge, as also of the Sea-Sponges, to be depen-

dent on some peculiar organization not connected (as in the loco-

motive gemmules of a zoophyte) with any muscular apparatus; un-

less indeed, as he has before suggested, mere endosmosis and exos-

mosis should be found sufficient to produce it.

For these and other reasons which are detailed in his paper, Mr.

Hogg still believes both the River and Sea-Sponges to be vegetable

productions, and thinks that “ until they shall be discovered to pos-

sess a stomach or a gastric sac, no zoologist can possibly consider

them to belong to the Animal Kingdom.”

January 21, 1845.—R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

A Note was read, addressed to the Secretary, by John Curtis, Esq.,

F.L.S. &c., containing the description of a cocoon of the Emperor

Moth (Saturnia Pavonia-minor), which on being longitudinally divided

was found to have internally, in place of the chrysalis, a series of

cells so analogous to those represented by Mr. Curtis in the nine-

teenth volume of the Society’s ‘ Transactions,’ plate xxxi. fig. 5, as

to leave no doubt on his mind that the woolly masses there exhibited

are the cocoons of some large South American Bombyz, and that the

substance of the caterpillar has been converted into cells by the larva

of the Tenthredinidous insect. But although the theory of the nest

there figured having been constructed by an insect of that family is

thus set aside as erroneous, it is only to make evident a still greater

anomaly in its economy, viz. that its larve are parasitic. In the

present instance Mr. Curtis was unable, after the most rigid scrutiny,

to find any vestige of a perfect insect. A dried and broken maggot

was all that could be perceived, and its fragments on being put to-

gether bore more resemblance to the larve of the Ichneumonidae than

to those of the Tenthredinide.

286 Zoological Society.

Mr. Curtis states that the cells most analogous to these are those

formed by the Microgaster alvearia, which are as regular as those of

a honey-comb, and adds that it appears from a notice in the ‘ Trans-

actions of the Entomological Society,’ vol. iii. p. 35, that the pupze

of the Eggar-moths are also infested by parasitic Ichneumonide. A

sketch of the cocoon of the Emperor Moth and of the cells formed by

its parasitic inhabitants accompanied the note.

Read also, ‘‘Some Notes on the Natural History of Norfolk

Island,” extracted from the papers of Capt. Alexander Maconochie,

R.N., late Lieutenant-Governor of the island.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

August 13, 1844.—Professor Owen, V.P., in the Chair.

The following notes from Sir Robert Heron, on the Jerboas in his

collection, were read :—

«June 14th, 1844.—The Jerboas were received into this mena-

gerie in June 1843. They are in a box full of cotton: the box is in

a room five and a half feet by four and a half, floored with wood, and

warmed by a flue which has always been heated at night; the room

opens into a pen secured with wire, nine and a half feet by eight and

ahalf. They have been offered many kinds of food, but eat only

wheat and lettuce ; they have never been seen to drink, but from the

water diminishing and their parting with a considerable quantity of

urine, we have no doubt of the fact. On the 14th of May last they

produced two young ones; on the 12th inst. these young ones are

still blind and unable to walk, also nearly naked, but they are grown

and appear to be healthy: it is intended to make a pit in their abode

about two feet square, filled with earth, where they may burrow.

« June 29.—It was not till their fifth week that the young Jer-

boas appeared to have the use either of their eyes or limbs; they

had still little fur, but were a good deal grown. Now, being forty-six

days old, they are about three-quarters grown, are well-clothed and

active; they have been seen to eat corn, and are apparently quite

established. A second box has been put into their chamber, and last

night all four had removed into it. They have never been seen to

drink, but it is thought they do so, as the water is sometimes di-

minished.

« July 20.—The young Jerboas are now exactly like the old ones.”

«Description of the Felis Melanura,” by R. Ball, Esq., Secretary

to the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland.

“ Felis melanura, n. s. ?—Size larger than the Margay, but propor-

tionately slighter ; on the fore-toes are longitudinal black stripes, on

the hind-toes spots. Three irregular narrow stripes of white on the

sides, connected by anastomosing branches, divide the coloured part

into island-like irregular spaces, which are black on the edges,

shading into fulvous in the centre ; these island-like spaces are spotted

with black. The tail nearly touches the ground, is pointed and

black, save at the under part near the anus, where it is marked with

Zoological Society. 287

a little white, and shows as it were an imperfect attempt at annula-

tion. ‘The back is black, with a bright fulvous fleur-de-lis sort of

marking on the neck; a narrow band of fulvous crosses below the

scapule, from which run at right angles down the back to the rump

two indistinct stripes of the same colour, about haif an inch apart ;

the inside of the ears is fulvous, the outside black, with a white spot

on each; the belly white, beautifully but irregularly spotted with

black ; a very distinct black band crosses the chest ; a white spot on

the lower eyelid and another longer on the upper; the cheeks are ful-

vous, striped with black ; the forehead is fulvous, ornamented with

black, two stripes of which run up the forehead from the eyes, parallel

to each other; they are connected together above : immediately over

the eyes are four longitudinal spots ; above these may be traced three

more irregular, and over these three, two, the three sets of spots

being as it were ranged in ranks. The fulvous colour is chiefly con-

fined to the fore-part of the animal. It was presented to the Royal

Zoological Society of Ireland in the beginning of 1843 by Paymaster

J. M‘Creagh, of the 32nd Regiment. The foregoing description

was taken in January 1844, and the animal was presented to the

London Zoological Society in May 1844: when first obtained its

colouring was very indistinct and confused; since the description

was written some trifling change has taken place, particularly in the

extension of the white on the tail, which makes the name not quite

so applicable as it was.”

Mr. Prichard read his paper ‘On the Crania of the Laplanders

and Finlanders, with observations on the differences they presented

from other European races.”

*« Little has hitherto been done to elucidate the physical characters

of the Ugrian or Ugorian races, under which term late writers have

comprised the Finns and Lappes, the Magyars or Hungarians, and

several nations of Siberia*.

“This is owing to the fact that but few specimens of the skulls of

these nations exist in any of the collections in Europe, and few and

by no means perfect descriptions of them have been published.

Blumenbach has given in his ‘ Decades Craniorum’ a representation

of the skull of a Lappe, and he describes it as approaching altogether

to the Mongolian variety. Dr. Hueck gives an account of the ap-

pearance and general physical characters of the Esthonian Finns,

and sums up his observations by pointing out some very considerable

differences which he finds between theiu and the Mongolian form ;

in fact he says that he can discover nothing common to the Mongo-

lian and Esthonian skulls, except a certain squareness of figure, which

is not constant.

** From these statements we should be led to suppose that there is

a great difference between the skulls of the Finns and Lappes, and we

should be inclined to adopt the opinion maintained by Lehrberg,

that they are two separate and distinct races, his argument being

* Der Ugrische Volkstamm von F. H. Miiller.

288 Zoological Society.

founded upon the moral as well as the physical diversities between

them*,

** On the other hand, the history of the people, and especially the

great similarity of their languages, go far to prove a near relationship

between the Finnish and Lappish nations; nor is a greater or less

degree of civilization to be looked upon as a proof of diversity of

origin, although it may be the cause of all the moral, and possibly

of the physical differences also, which exist between the Finns and

Lappes.

“From this uncertainty it becomes much more important to ascer-

tain, by the examination of their skulls, what the physical character-

istics of each nation are, and whether they exhibit any points of

resemblance which may confirm the supposition that there is affinity

between them, or whether, on the contrary, a sufficient degree of

dissimilarity can be made out, from an accurate examination, to en-

title us to set them down as separate races, and to class them with

different grand divisions of the human species; whether, in short,

these differences, if any such are found, are more than can be ac-

counted for by the diversity of climate and modes of life which are

well known long to have existed between them.

‘The examination of these skulls for the purpose of furnishing an

accurate description of their appearance is interesting in another

point of view. In Scandinavia and in Denmark there are numerous

tumuli which contain osteological remains of former inhabitants, and

it is a disputed point whether they are the remains of a Finnish ab-

original stock or of Cimbrian or some unknown race, since they differ

from the old German remains. Now if we could establish a correct

notion of the Finnish description of skull, we should have no diffi-

culty in deciding whether the remains before mentioned belonged to

this stock.

** Having four specimens of these skulls, two of Finns and two of

Laplanders, which my father has received through the kindness of

Dr. Ilmoni and Mr. Daniel Wheeler, of Bristol, I have an opportunity

of examining their peculiarities and of comparing them with each

other and with the skulls of other Europeans, Chinese, American

Indian, and the Esquimaux, the latter of which is a most remarkable

specimen of the pyramidal and broad-faced skull.

“Upon taking a general view of these skulls, there are no remark-

able features which strike us so forcibly as those which we see in the

conformation of the Esquimaux. In fact, the only point worthy of

notice here, before we commence the particular description, is a de-

gree of general breadth in the face superior to that which is seen in

the European generally, which gives to the whole an appearance of

squareness when the lower jaw is attached, and causes the actual

shortness of the face, which is remarkable in these skulls, to become

still more apparent. The general resemblance between the Finnish

* Lehrberg, iiber die Wohnsitte der Jemen, ein Beitrag zur Geschichte

Neu-Finnlands, in Untersuchungen zur Erlaiiterung der alten Geschichte

Russlands.

Zoological Society. 289

skulls and those of the Lappes is as strong as between four average

European crania, even belonging to the same nation, and altogether

their contour decidedly approaches what Blumenbach calls the Mon-

golian form of skull, the head appearing, as it has been noticed by

an ocular observer, ‘ of the shape of a pent-house.’

“It will be found, however, that it is more especially in a close

and minute examination that differences are seen to exist between

the Lappes and Finns, on the one hand, and the European skulls on

the other.

“« Viewed from above and behind, there is a slight difference obser-

vable between the Finn and the Lappe : the posterior part of the Lappe

is larger than the anterior, while the form of the Finn is more regu-

lar and rounded ; that is, the line between the parietal protuberances

exceeds the transverse diameter of the forehead more in the Lappe

than in the Finn. I find, however, that there is equal difference

in this respect between two European skulls even of the same nation.

Again, from the same point of view the skulls of the Lappes present

a central eminence or ridge, upon looking at the outline of the fore-

head (being the line of junction of the two halves of the frontal bone),

which is much less marked, in fact scarcely discernible in the Finn,

and altogether absent in the European, being on the contrary very

strikingly prominent in the Esquimaux. Examined anteriorly, how-

ever, a general view of these skulls gives us exactly opposite results ;

for the sagittal suture, which is now the median line, and the con-

tinuation backwards of the frontal suture of early life, upon looking

at the outline or horizon of the skull, is seen to project decidedly

more in the Finn than in the Lappe; in both more than in other

Europeans. Hence we may fairly lay down, that the skulls of the

Finns and Lappes have (as far only as the vault of the cranium, ex-

clusive of any effect produced by the width of the face, allows us to

conclude, ) more tendency to the pyramidal form than the European,

but less than the Esquimaux.

« Examining these skulls anteriorly, taking into consideration the

face, the triangular form is very evident, partly in consequence of

the fact above mentioned respecting the vault of the cranium, and

partly in consequence of the great width between the external sur-

faces of the malar bones, which in actual measurement in the two

Lappes and the two Finns exceeds the length of the same diameter

in other Europeans by at least half an inch, and in one case by nearly

an inch, being equal to the same diameter in the Esquimaux ; in the

latter, however, which exhibits the pyramidal shape in a remarkable

degree, the form is owing as much to the shape of the forehead as

to the lateral projection of the anterior roots of the zygomatic pro-

cesses. This width across the face is, as has been correctly observed

by Dr. Hueck, not owing to the increased breadth or altered shape

in the malar bone, so much as to the altered width and direction of

the malar process of the superior maxillary bone.

«The outline of the external surface of this bone, viewed from a

point exactly in front of the skull; that is to say, the line which

runs from the furthest molar tooth that is visible from this point to

290 Zoological Society.

the suture connecting the malar and superior maxillary bones, is, in

the generality of European crania, either vertical, or sometimes even

inclined inwards and upwards in the first part of its course, after-

wards turning outwards to form the commencement of the zygoma.

In the Esquimaux this line runs obliquely upwards and outwards, at

an angle of 45° from its commencement; and in the skulls of the

Finns and Lappes it is intermediate to the two directions, being

however still inclined outwards. This obliquity is also decidedly

more marked in the Finns than in the Lappes.

‘Upon this the anterior view, more of the lateral aspect of the

lower jaw is seen than is ordinarily observed, in consequence partly

of the greater distance between the condyles, which will be again

noticed in the examination of the base of the skull, and partly from

the fact that the angles project more in a lateral direction, the entire

bone being apparently more developed than in other Europeans.

** With respect to some more minute points regarding these skulls,

the superciliary ridges are well-marked, the ossa nasi, and the ascend-

ing processes of the superior maxillary bones present a flatter and

broader anterior surface than the European, and the cavities and fora-

mina are well-marked. [In all these four skulls the supraorbital

opening for the frontal nerve and artery is a complete foramen upon

the left side, and merely a notch upon the right. ]

«In consequence of the greater width of the superior maxillary

bone, the shape of the circumference of the orbit is not so round as in

the generality of European skulls, where the external inferior angle

is the lowest, but it is square, with the angles rounded; and for the

same reason the space for the antrum is increased, while the depth

of the infraorbital or canine fossa is very materially decreased : in

one of the Finnish skulls this surface, from the inferior edge of the

orbit to the alveolar processes, is almost plane. There is nothing

remarkable in the nasal aperture. The shape of the orbit differs

materially from that of the Esquimaux, where it is almost round, and

from that in the skull of an Indian of the Sioux tribe, where it much

resembles the European.

«The distance from the inferior edge of the nasal aperture, that is,

from the anterior nasal spine to the margin of the alveolar process,

is in every specimen of these skulls of the Finns and Lappes decidedly

less than in any other European with which I have compared them.

The teeth are much ground.

«A lateral view of these crania shows that the forehead is some-

what more receding than in the generality of Europeans, although the

difference is not great, probably not more than is frequently seen be-

tween two specimens of the same tribe.

«The general shape of the head resembles that of the European

anteriorly, but the posterior part does not project so much. ‘There is

a marked difference between the posterior projection of the Finns

and Lappes and that of the Esquimaux, the latter being much more

prominent.

«‘ The line which represents the outline of the ossa nasi, &c., 7. e. the

profile of the face of the skull, presents much less marked irregulari-

Zoological Society. 291

ties than the European in general. ‘Thus although, as I have before

observed, the superciliary ridges are well-marked, the frontal bone

does not overhang the ossa nasi, as in the latter, where a decided

angle is formed. In the Esquimaux the line from the forehead to

the nose is nearly straight, and in the skulls of an Indian of the Sioux

tribe and a Chitamache Indian the curve is very regular and open.

The junction of the nose and forehead in the Lappes and Finns is

therefore more angular than either of the three last-mentioned crania,

but much less so than the European.

“Upon this the side view another remarkable fact is observed. The

occipital bone being not so much developed downwards as in other

Europeans (we observed just now that it had less posterior projection

also), and the posterior edge of the lower jaw, from the condyle to

the angle, being longer than in the latter, upon placing the skull

upon a table or any plane horizontal surface, the inferior maxilla

merely touches it by its angle, not resting upon the base of the jaw,

as we observe in the English, Irish, ancient Irish (cast), Sioux,

Italian and Mulatto skulls. The only ones which have this character

in common with the Lappes and Finns are the Negro and the skull

of a Hindu.

«The angle of the lower jaw is certainly more obtuse, seen upon

comparing skulls in which the molar teeth remain perfect. In the

form and direction of the coronoid process there seems to be no great

difference.

«‘The temporal fosse are well-marked, and in one of the Finnish

skulls the anterior inferior angles of the parietal bones are connected

to the great wings of the sphenoid by means of an os wormianum

upon either side. ‘This is not unfrequentiy the case in other crania.

*« The general shortness of the face which has been observed to exist

in these skulls, is more plainly seen by viewing them from the side,

when we find that the inferior edge of the malar bone is very little

higher than the edge of the alveolar process. This is owing not so

much to the want of development downwards of these processes,

although I have already noticed the shortness of the space between

the nose and the mouth, but to the great breadth (from above down-

wards) of the malar bone, measured from its free inferior border to

its junction with the external orbital process of the frontal bone;

and it is a remarkable fact, that this measurement, in all the speci-

mens of the skulls of Finns and Lappes, considerably exceeds that

of any of the other specimens of European nations, and is equal to

that of the Esquimaux and American skulls. The breadth of this

surface of the malar bone in one Finn much exceeds that of any

which I have had an opportunity of measuring.

“Thus the shortness of the face is more apparent upon the lateral

view of the cranium, in consequence of the additional width of the

malar bone.

“The general shape of the basis cranii presents nothing very stri-

king, with the exception of the zygomatic arches. The foramen

magnum is of a more oval form than usual, and there appears to be

scarcely as great a development of the occipital bone. This agrees

292 Zoological Society.

with what we observed when considering the lateral aspect of these

skulls, and with what has previously been noticed by Dr. Hueck re-

specting the space for the cerebellum, which, upon an examination

of the interior of the cranium, is said to be small, in consequence of

the slight concavity of the inferior occipital fossa. The condyles of

the occipital bone are remarkably large, being, in three out of four

of these skulls, an inch in the long axis, and in one of them (the Finn)

longer. They are not unusually broad. This is not the case in any

other European cranium which I have examined, but is seen in the

Hindu, Chitamache Indian, and to a certain extent in the Esquimaux.

There must doubtless have been a much greater freedom of motion

backwards and forwards in these joints than is usually the case.

«The zygomatic arches, which are best seen at the base, are much

more curved than in the other Europeans, slightly less so than in

the Esquimaux ; and the anterior projection of the alveolar processes

beyond the anterior termination of the zygoma is also intermediate

between the European and the Esquimaux.

«The glenoid cavities are flatter, more widely separated, and not

so well-defined as in the European generally, and a difference corre-

sponding to this is seen in the lower jaw, where the condyles, besides

being more widely separated from one another, are also more rounded

in form, allowing of a greater degree of lateral motion. In corre-

spondence with this fact we also find that the pterygoid processes of

the sphenoid bone, especially the external plates, are widened and

enlarged, extending farther outwards, affording a greater space for

the attachment of the pterygoid muscles, whose duty it is to perform

the lateral or grinding motion in mastication. I mentioned above

the corresponding fact of the teeth being much worn down.

«The ridges for the attachment of the muscles on the palate bone

are well-marked, and viewed from below it is seen that the alveolar

processes do not project so much from the horizontal part of the

palate; that is, that the entire hard palate presents a general curve

throughout, instead of being at first plane with a sudden bend, or

almost an angle, which is seen at the point where the alveolar pro-

cesses are given off in the generality of European skulls.

** These skulls of the Finns and Lappes are very solid and heavy.

** Although this description of the Finnish skulls corresponds in

very many respects with that given by Dr. Hueck, yet the examination

leads us to an exactly opposite conclusion, viz. that there are very

many points in common between the Finn and the races characterized

by the pyramidal-shaped skull, and the conclusion with regard to the

Lappe corresponds to that which was published by Professor Blu-

menbach. Weare hence able to lay down, that there is no important

difference between the skulls of the Finns and Lappes, but that, on

the contrary, there is a very great resemblance between them; that

altogether they are more nearly allied to the Hyperborean form than

to the European ; and that if any difference does exist between them,

it is that the Finns approach more nearly to this conformation of

skull than the Lappes.”

Miscellaneous. 293

MISCELLANEOUS.

On the Metamorphoses of the Strepsiptera. By Dr. S1zsoxp of

Erlangen.

Tue species on which Dr. Siebold has made his observations are

Stylops Melitta, and Xenos Rossii and Sphecidarum.

The diminutive, parasitic Strepsiptera, the giant of which scarcely

exceeds one-fourth of an inch in length, are of especial interest to

this Society. Discovered and first described by our venerable friend

Mr. Kirby, we have adopted the Stylops as our emblem; any elu-

cidation of its heretofore obscure natural history must therefore be

of particular interest to us. ‘This has been supplied by Dr. Siebold,

who now shows that the Strepsiptera undergo a singular metamor-

phosis ; that the males and females differ from each other, the me-

tamorphosis of the males being complete, they alone being furnished

with wings: the females, on the contrary, have neither legs, wings, nor

eyes, and greatly resemble larvee. ‘These females are viviparous, and

never quit the bodies of the Hymenoptera in which they live as para-

sites. The young Strepsiptera, at the moment that they burst the eggs

in which they are developed, within the body of the parent, have six

legs, and are furnished with organs of manducation. ‘These are the

diminutive objects described in Mr. Westwood’s paper, in a former

volume of our Transactions, as the parasites of Stylops; and as such

they were regarded at first by Klug and also by Dr. Siebold. These

little hexapodous larve infest the surface of the abdomen of bees,

within which their parent-mothers live and die. In this way the

young Stylops is carried into the nests of the Hymenoptera, and

escaping on the bodies of the larve, penetrate their soft skins, and

become parasites on them as their parents have been in the bodies

of the female bees. ‘These larve shed their skins, become apodal,

and move very slowly. ‘They have then a distinct mouth and jaws,

and a simple cecal intestine, but no anal aperture. The body is

formed of nine segments, of which the first is the largest, and may

be considered as a cephalothorax. In this state the males are

easily distinguished from the females. The cephalothorax of the

male larva is conical and arched, and the last segment of the body

is straight and pointed. In the females the cephalothorax is trun-

cated or rounded in front, and flattened, or scale-like, m the rest

of its extent, and the terminal segment of the body is large and

rounded.—From the Anniversary Address delivered at the Entomolo-

gical Society, Feb. 10, 1845, by the President, G. Newport, F.R.C.S.

Description of a new species of Nymphon. By H. D. Goopnsir, Esq.

Nymphon giganteum.— With the palpi twice as long as the rostrum,

and the last two joints of equal length; with the pincers of the man-

dibles very long, slender and linear; and with the oviferous legs

longer than the first four joints of the ambulatory legs.

Description —The whole animal of a straw-colour, except the

294. Miscellaneous.

proximal extremities of the joints of the legs, which are pink-co-

loured. ‘I'wo joints of the mandibles somewhat long and rather

powerful: the pincers are weak, slender, and almost linear. The

palpi are larger than the mandibles, five-jointed, slender, and the

first or proximal joint is about one-sixth the length of the second ;

the second rather longer than the third and clavate ; the fourth and

fifth equal, which last is ovate and slender. The rostrum is hardly

so long as the first joint of the mandibles, and is almost linear, ha-

ving a very slight dilatation about the middle. It is concealed alto-

gether on each side by the mandibles and palpi, and very sliyhtly

superiorly by the mandibles alone. The first segment of the body is

much larger than any of the following, and is very much dilated an-

teriorly, for the attachment of the organs just described ; posteriorly

it is also dilated, and gives attachment on either side to the oviferous

legs, and dorsally to the occeliferous tubercle, which is erect and

truncated. The oviferous legs are very strong, and have the two

middle joints robust and short; the distal joints are hispid. The

ambulatory legs are long and slender ; the two tarsal joints of equal

length, claw strong. Span of the legs 6 inches.

The above-described Nymphon is very similar in its characters to

Nymphon Johnstoni. 'The forms, however, of the mandibles, palpi and

oviferous legs are very different and sufficiently strong to justify the

formation of a new species.

Taken in the sea at Embleton.—From the Proceedings of the Ber-

wickshire Naturalist’s Club, vol. ii. No. xii.

DESTRUCTION OF THE ORANGE-TREES IN THE AZORES.

So complete have been the ravages of the Coccus of the orange-

trees, that one of the Azores, the island of Fayal, lost its entire pro-

duce from this cause alone. The usual exportation of fruit from Fayal

has been 12,000 chests annually, but in 1843 not a single chest

was exported. This injury has already extended to St. Michael’s, and

is still continuing; and the inhabitants of the whole of that group

of volcanic islands, depending almost entirely on the produce of their

orange-groves, and despairing of retrieving their prospects, are fast

turning their attention to the cultivation of other objects of com-

merce. This amount of injury to a whole population by a diminutive

and apparently contemptible insect has been the result of but three

years. The effects of this insect on a single article of luxury may

fairly be adduced to show that entomological inquiries are deserving

of full attention. The orange trade between this country and the

Azores gives employment to upwards of 200 sail of vessels; and, as

I am credibly informed, the orange trade alone returns to the re-

venue of this country an import duty of more than £50,000 per year.

M‘Culloch, in his ‘ Dictionary of Commerce’ (1844), has shown that

the amount of duty paid by the orange and lemon trade, on an

average of three years, ending with and including the year 1842, was

#70,833 per year. The number of boxes of fruit, imported for home

consumption, on which this duty was levied, amounted to 334,070,

Meteorological Observations. 295

» and the estimated number of the fruit at 217,172, 363! The support

of the numerous families, the fortunes of the merchants engaged in

this commerce, and even the revenue of this country, and the wealth,

ay, and even the very existence of a whole population, are thus

directly affected by the operations of a diminutive insect.—From the

Anniversary Address delivered at the Entomological Society, Feb. 10,

1845, by the President, G. Newport, F.R.CS.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR FEB. 1845.

Chiswick.— February 1. Sharp frost: snow-showers at night. 2. Clear and

frosty: cloudy: clear and frosty. 3. Hazy and drizzly. 4. Overcast: cloudy :

frosty. 5. Overcast: fine: clear. 6. Clear throughout: sharp frost at night.

7. Frosty: overcast: clear andfrosty. 8. Overcast: frosty. 9. Clear and frosty :

fine: slight frost. 10. Overcast: snowing. 11. Frosty: most intense frost at

night, the lowest being 35° below the freezing-point. 12. Intense frost, only 4°

above zero at 8 A.m.: dry air and frosty: bright sun: severe frost at night. 13,

Overcast : snowing: sleet and rain, 14. Thawing: clear and fine: overcast.

15. Clear and frosty. 16. Fine: densely overcast: frosty. 17. Foggy: fine:

clear and frosty. 18. Foggy: hazy clouds. 19. Overcast: clear: frosty. 20,

21. Clear and frosty throughout. 22. Snow-showers: foggy. 23. Snow: rain.

24. Cloudy and cold. 25. Frosty: fine: rain. 26. Clear: fine: densely over-

cast. 27, 28. Overcast.— Mean temperature of the month 8° below the average.

Boston.—Feb, 1. Cloudy: snow a.m. and p.m. 2. Fine. 3. Cloudy: rain

A.M. and p.m. 4. Cloudy. 5. Fine: stormy night. 6. Windy. 7. Fine.

8. Cloudy. 9. Fine. 10. Snow. 11,12. Fine. 13. Cloudy: rain and snow

A.M. 14, 15. Fine. 16. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 17,18. Fine. 19. Cloudy.

20. Fine. 21. Foggy. 22. Cloudy. 23. Snow: rainy.m. 24. Cloudy. 25.

Fine: rainr.m. 26. Fine. 27. Cloudy. 28. Fine.

The above you will find a very cold month; I think you will find nothing like

it since February 1838.

Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Feb. 1. Frost: cloudy. 2. Rain. 9%. Bright:

cloudy. 4. Cloudy: sleet-showers. 5. Snow-showers, 6. Snow-showers :

snow-drift. 7. Snow-showers. 8. Snow-showers: clear. 9, 10. Thaw: cloudy :

drops. 11. Clear: showers. 12. Cloudy: showers. 13. Showers. 14. Snow:

cloudy. 15. Showers: cloudy. 16. Fog: cloudy. 17. Bright: clear: fine.

18, 19. Fine: cloudy. 20. Showers. 21. Showers: clear: fine. 22. Showers :

snow-showers. 23. Showers. 24, Cloudy: clear: aurora. 25. Clear: cloudy.

26. Cloudy: clear: frost. 27. Bright: cloudy. 28. Cloudy: clear.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire.—Feb. 1. Frost. 2. Severe frost: rain p.m.

3. Fine thaw. 4. Frost: thaw ym. 5. Thaw a.m.: frost p.m. 6. Frost: clear

and fine. 7,8. Hard frost. 9. Snow. 10. Slight thaw. 11. Snow-showers.

12. Frost AM.: rain p.m. 13. Heavy rain. 14. Frost: shower: snow and hail.

15. Frost: thaw p.m. 16,17. Fine. 18. Fine spring day. 19. Frost: fine.

20. Slight frost: fine. 21. Fine: no frost. 22. Slight frost: snow. 23. Slight

frost: fine. 24. Frost: rain p.m. 25. Fresh: fine. 26. Frost a.m.: fine. 27.

Frost. 28. Frost: fine.

Mean temperature of the month .......s.seeseeeeeeee 34°°5

Mean temperature of Feb. 1844 —......seseeesenees S259

Mean temperature of Feb. for twenty years ...... 36 °0

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THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 99. MAY 1845.

XLI.—Description of a new genus of Calcareous Sponge. By

J. S. Bowersank, F.R.S., L.S. &e.

[ With a Plate.}

DuNSTERVILLIA.

Gen. Char.—Sponge calcareous, outer surface arranged in poly-

gonal plates or compartments. Body composed of simple, straight,

angulated canals radiating from the central axis of the sponge.

D. elegans.—Sponge sessile, sacculate, compressed ; ventral ori-

fice single, terminal, surrounded by a single or double fringe

of erect, simple, ashestiform spicula. External oscula indi-

stinet. Spicula of the body simple-double-pointed and tri-

radiate.

This interesting little sponge was attached to the stem of a

new species of Corallina, which I received among a valuable col-

lection of Sponges, Zoophytes and Fuci from my kind and libe-

ral friend Mr. George Dunsterville, surgeon of Port Elizabeth, Al-

goa Bay, after whom I have named it in acknowledgement of the

repeated contributions which he has made to our knowledge of

the marine natural history of that part of the world. It was

found on the beach at Cape Receif, about ten miles from the

town.

This smgular sponge would naturally fall under Dr. Fleming’s

Grantia, if we were to confine ourselves to the brief description

which he has given of that genus ; and even under the enlarged

generic character given by Dr. Johnston in his ‘ History of the

British Sponges,’ there is but a very slight distinction between

them. But however well the material may accord with that of

Grantia, the structural peculiarities are so strikingly distinct from

any species of that genus with which I am acquainted, that I

have ventured to make it the type of a new family ; and I have

been the more inclined to do so, as, although I know of no recent

analogue, yet there is one in the fossil state which is found in

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. tf

298 Mr. J.S8. Bowerbank on a new genus of Calcareous Sponge.

one of our oldest geological strata, to which I believe I shall

hereafter prove it to be very closely allied.

I possess but two specimens of the recent species ; one of them

is attached by a broad base to the stem of a Corallina, the other

was found detached, but appears to have been based in a similar

manner; so far therefore as I can judge from this limited num-

ber, the sponge is a sessile species. Plate XVII. figs. 1 and 2.

represent them of the natural size.

Both of them present the same compressed character, the elon-

gated one to a greater extent of the two; and this compression,

it is evident from the mode of disposition and the proportions of

the radiating canals, is natural, and not the effect of collapse

from drying.

The ventral orifice in the larger specimen is nearly closed, and

in the smaller one entirely so, by a thick fringe of long, attenuated,

asbestiform spicula, which converge towards a point opposite the

centre of the orifice ; surrounding the base of this terminal frmge

there is a second thin fringe of similar spicula based upon a rmg

slightly raised from the surface of the sponge. The latter radiate

at nearly right angles from the surface of the animal; but as

these appendages have evidently suffered much from mutilation,

it may be that the second one is but the outer portion of one

mass of spicula surrounding the great excurrent orifice.

The external surface of the sponge is composed of polygonal

plates or compartments, usually four-, five- or six-sided, as repre-

sented by Plate XVII. fig. 3. with a power of forty-five hnear,

and also by fig. 4. with a linear power of nmety-four. In many

parts of the surface they present the appearance of a quincuncial

arrangement.

Upon examining a section of one of these plates or compart-

ments made at right angles to the natural surfaces, the outer

portion was found to be composed of a layer of minute, simple-

double-pointed spicula, with their axes at right angles to the

outer surface of the plate ; and immediately beneath these there

is a mass of large triradiate spicula, many of which have one

ray much exceeding in length either of the other two ; and this

occurs more especially when they are in the neighbourhood of

the under surface of the layer of simple spicula, and in these

cases the long ray is usually imbedded amid the simple spicula

of the outer layer. Plate XVII. fig. 7. represents a portion of a

section of one of the plates, viewed by transmitted light, with a

power of 150 linear.

Beneath each of these plates or compartments there is a single

large angulated canal, usually four-sided, which passes in a straight

line towards the central axis of the sponge. The parietes of these

canals are composed of interlacing triradiate spicula, two of the

Mr. J. S. Bowerbank on a new genus of Calcareous Sponge. 299

rays of each spiculum being disposed at right angles to the long

axis of the canal, while the third projects into it in a diagonal

direction towards the outer surface of the sponge. This arrange-

ment presents one of the most delicate and beautiful interlace-

ments of spicula that I have ever observed. Plate XVII. fig. 6.

represents a view of four of the cells by the aid of a Lieberkuhn

and a power of 100 linear.

The large angulated canals terminate on the inner surface of the

sponge with open mouths, which are nearly circular and some-

what less in diameter than the cells, the diminution of the aper-

tures being produced by a greater accumulation and a closer dis-

position of the triradiate spicula. Plate XVII. fig. 5. represents a

view of a portion of the inner surface of the longer of the two

specimens by the aid of a Lieberkuhn and a power of 100 linear,

and figs. 8, 9, and 10. represent simple and triradiate spicula of

the outer surface of the sponge by transmitted light and a power

of 150 linear.

I could not detect the passages by which the incurrent streams

of water pass. In most of the plates or compartments near the

base of the outer surface of the smaller sponge there was a cen-

tral depression, but I could find no perforations. The greater

number of the plates in the larger specimen were convex to a

considerable extent.

When a piece of the sponge was placed in dilute hydrochloric

acid it efferyesced and the spicula dissolved rapidly, leaving a

small mass of animal matter, from which numerous portions of

minute vessels projected.

Professor Phillips in his ‘ Figures and Descriptions of the Pa-

leozoic Fossils of Cornwall, Devon and West Somerset,’ describes

and figures from Sir H. de la Beche’s paper in the ‘ Transactions

of the Geological Society,’ vol. ui. pl. 20, a fossil, Spheronites

tessellatus, the outer surface of which has a tessellated structure

very similar in appearance to Dunstervillia elegans. The Professor

and other authors have evidently felt much doubt as to the na-

ture of this apparently anomalous fossil, and under this feeling

he concludes his observations by saying, “ Meantime I wish to

include it in the group to which it bears the most obvious ex-

ternal resemblance, and therefore propose to name it for provi-

sional reference Spheronites tessellatus.”

The great similarity which exists between this fossil and Dun-

stervillia struck me forcibly immediately I saw the latter. The

external appearance of the plates or compartments in the fossil is

precisely that of the recent sponge, and like it, they vary in ha-

ving from four to six angles. In one specimen, which exhibits a

very complete view of the interior of the fossil, and for the loan

of which I am indebted to my friend Dr. Battersby of Torquay,

300 Mr. J.S. Bowerbank on a new genus of Calcareous Sponge.

the analogy is still further completed, and the distinction between

it and any known crinoidal or echinodermal form is strongly

portrayed. If it were a member of either of these two families,

it would exhibit on their internal surfaces the same form and

number of angles as they do at the external ones ; but this is not

the case with the fossil, the inner surface of which presents no

appearance whatever of tessellated structure; but in place of it

there is a series of raised lines or ridges running longitudinally,

and corresponding in their width and direction with the lines of

angular compartments on the exterior. The spaces formed by

these parallel lines are again divided, most frequently at right

angles, by a number of short raised lines, so that the interior sur-

face is covered with numerous, oblong, square, or occasionally

triangular sunken areas, presenting exactly the appearance that

we should have, supposing that the series of fragile cells, equi-

valent to those in the recent Dunstervillia, to be broken away

down to their bases, on the inner surface of the outer coat of the

sponge.

The microscopical examination of both the outer and imner sur-

faces of the fossil also strongly favours the idea of its spongeous

origin. While the surrounding matrix is solid and erystalline,

the fossil is exceedingly porous. From the regularity of its strue-

ture and the character of its interspaces, it presents strong traces

of the original organic arrangement of its parts, and like its re-

cent type, the outer surface of the plates is very much more close

and even in texture than they are immediately beneath ; and these

appearances are not peculiar to the specimen belonging to my

friend Dr. Battersby, but they exist also in an equal degree in a

second specimen presented to me by that gentleman.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XVII.

DUNSTERVILLIA ELEGANS.

Figs. 1 & 2. The sponges of their natural size.

Fig. 3. The specimen represented by fig. 1. viewed by direct light with a

power of 45 linear.

Fig. 4. A few of the quadrangular and pentangular plates of the same spe-

cimen as seen with a power of 94 linear,

Fig. 5. A view of the terminations of some of the large angulated canals at

the inner surface of the sponge with a power of 100 linear.

Fig. 6. A portion of a section of the sponge at right angles to the natural

surfaces, exhibiting the form and disposition of the angulated ca-

nals, seen with a Lieberkuhn and a power of 100 linear.

Fig. 7. A portion of a section of one of the plates seen by transmitted light

with a power of 150 linear.

Figs. 8& 9. Triradiate spicula magnified 150 linear.

Fig. 10. One of the simple-double-pointed spicula magnified 150 linear.

Mr. J, S. Bowerbank on the Cocoon of a Leech. 301

XLIT.—On the Structure of the Cocoon of a Leech. By J.S.

BowerBank, F.R.S., L.S. &e.

(With a Plate.)

Ar the first view, I believed that the very curious body which is

the subject of the present communication was one of the singular

aberrant forms of that exceedingly variable tribe the Spongiade,

and until I received a note from Professor Henslow, kindly in-

timating the probability that I had fallen into an error in thus

designating it, I entertaimed not the slightest doubt of its being

one of the numerous odd forms that abound among the sponge

tribe, and especially so from the remarkably abundant and de-

ceptive sponge-like tissue with which the body of the cocoon is

enveloped.

The distinct coriaceous body with its mammullated terminations,

so unlike the great mass of the Spongiade, would naturally have

made it the type of a new genus, and as such I had described it.

I am therefore the more anxious that this error should be repaired

as completely as possible, and to prevent the chance of its recur-

rence, I have thought it advisable to describe the structure and

peculiarities of this curious little body, although other cocoons

somewhat similar have already been to a certain extent made

known to the scientific world through the works of Dr. James

Rawlins Johnson on the Medical Leech, and of Dr. Noble. The first

of Dr. Johnson’s memoirs was published in the year 1816, and

the second in 1825, and that of Dr. Noble in the year. 1822. In

the latter treatise of Dr. Johnson we have engravings of! the co-

coon of the medicinal leech from drawings by Mr. Clift, and. also

from a cocoon sent to the author by Dr. Noble ; and in a subse-

quent portion of the work we have the cocoons of Hirudo vulgaris

figured and described ; but in neither of these can we recognise

the distinct and smgular sponge-like fibrous envelopment of the

species I am about to describe, and the cocoon of the latter spe-

cies especially appears from the figures to be completely destitute

of any such appendage. It is therefore probable that the subject

of the present memoir is the cocoon of Hirudo sanguisuga, the

common horse leech, an animal which differs very considerably

both in structure and habit from the before-named species ; or it

is a species, the cocoon of which has not hitherto been described.

Dr. Noble designates the cocoon which was the subject of his

observations as being of the size and figure of that of the silk-

worm, and as having the same appearance and density as a piece

of fine sponge, but although the description in the latter respect

agrees with the one I have to describe, the figure of it in Dr. John-

son’s work is evidently that of a different species.

302 Mr. J. S. Bowerbank on the Structure

The one which I am about to describe was found in a large

muddy ditch, which is on the left hand of the foot-path from

Tenby to Pimally, South Wales. It is of an oval form, and rarely

exceeds half an inch in length from one extremity of the fibre to

the other, and the central case is about four lines long. The

fibres are of a greenish amber colour, the case partaking of the

same hue, but much deepened by its greater degree of density.

Pl. XVIII. fig. 2. represents a specimen of rather more than the

average size. When carefully denuded of the surrounding fibre,

the case is found to be divided into numerous nearly equal-sized

polygonal areas, which are most frequently five- or six-sided.

These are produced by a raised network of fibrous structure,

partly imbedded in the surface. From the angles of these reti-

culations the surrounding open fibrous structure springs, which

preserves the same form of reticulation as that of the parent sur-

face. Pl. XVIII. fig. 1. represents the same specimen as figure 2,

but magnified ten diameters.

The case has frequently a deep sinus which extends entirely

across it, causing it to assume very much the same form as a

short, swollen grain of wheat, as represented by figure 4; and

under these circumstances the mamme are found opposed to each

other in the direction of, what is then, the short axis of the case,

and are situated just without the outer edge of the smus. When

there is no depression of this body, the mamme are found op-

posed to each other at the ends of the cocoon, as represented by

Pl. XVIII. fig. 3.

The sinus is produced by a partial state of collapse of the body

of the cocoon, caused apparently by the gradual dimimution of its

gelatinous contents.

The cocoon in almost every specimen that I have opened was

found to contain a dense opaline gelatinous matter. When re-

moved it readily separates in water into flaky masses, which, when

viewed by transmitted light with a power of 500 linear, appeared

to be composed of exceedingly minute granules.

Upon carefully examining the gelatinous contents of several

specimens which I cpened, I found in two of them small vesi-

cular bodies, which have every appearance of being the eggs or

embryos of the animal. In the gelatmous matter of one speci-

men [ found ten of these bodies, and in another six of them, ap-

parently im different stages of development. They are usually

pyriform, and have frequently a deposit of minute, dark, granu-

lated matter towards the smaller end. In both cases in which these

bodies occurred, they were found in greater quantities at one end

of the cocoon than at the other. Pl. XVIII. fig. 7. represents one

of the best-developed of these embryos by transmitted light and

a power of 300 linear. The network which covers the outer sur-

of the Cocoon of a Leech. 303

face of the body of the cocoon and bounds the deeply sunken

areas of its interstices rises from its surface in the form of a sharp

edge, and as the free fibres are given off at the angles where the

imbedded fibres meet, they naturally at this pomt assume the form

of a three-winged fibre, and this form they maintain throughout

the whole of their length, as represented by Pl. XVIII. fig. 8.

with a linear power of 94.

Every one is familiar with the horny cases surrounding the

ova of certain fishes, and of the finely-spun horny threads with

which they are fixed to the stems of Gorgonias and other bodies ;

but m these cases the fibre is simple and cylindrical, as might

naturally be expected, while in the fibrous tissue of this singular

cocoon it is three-winged, and anastomoses as regularly and as

beautifully as the fibres of the horny sponges of commerce. How

the animal produces this beautiful and complex structure, is a

question which it will be exceedingly interesting hereafter to solve.

The coriaceous substance of the body is of about the thickness

of a stout sheet of writing-paper, the centres of the areas being

much thinner than the other parts. When a section of one of its

thickest portions at right angles to its outer surface was examined

by transmitted light with a power of 94:linear, it appeared to be

composed of four or five layers of nearly equal thickness, as re-

presented by Pl. XVIII. fig. 10. When the exterior surface was

examined under similar circumstances with a power of 1000 linear,

numerous cytoblastic vesicles were observed irregularly dispersed

over its surface, but without the appearance of nuclei; but, on

the contrary, when the inner swrface was thus examined, it was

seen to be nearly uniformly covered with well-defined nucleated

cytoblasts, the nuclei in many cases being angular, as represented

with a power of 1000 linear by Pl. XVIII. fig. 9. From the la-

minated structure exhibited in figure 10, it is probable that the

production of tessellated cellular tissue is not continuous, but that

it occurs at intervals, and is produced by a series of efforts, in a

similar manner to that in which the successive layers of cartila-

ginous substance are produced by Helix aspersa when about to ex-

tend the lip of its shell in the spring of the year. But there is

an essential difference in the circumstances of the two cases. In

the shell the cytoblasts are developed and their peculiar office

performed while in contact with the living body whence they ema-

nate, while in the cocoon this cannot well be the case, as the ani-

mal immediately separates itself from it. Their presence and de-

velopment therefore appear to indicate that vitality to a certain

degree remains in the horny substance of the cocoon, and which

vitality may probably continue in action until the proper office of

the cocoon has been attained. Dr. Johnson, in treating of Hirudo

vulgaris, describes the singular mode of the production of the co-

304 Mr. J. 8. Bowerbank on the Cocoon of a Leech.

coon of that species in this manner. When the animal is about

to produce one of these bodies, it is observed to be greatly con-

tracted both above and below the uterus, a distension then takes

place between these constrictions, and a surrounding membranous

structure is thrown off which becomes of a milky white colour ;

into this the animal forces with some effort the whole contents

of the uterus. This done, it elongates the anterior portion of

the body, and withdraws its head as from a eollar. After the

animal has firmly fixed it to some substance, it fashions it with its

mouth until it presents an oval form.

This description enables us m some measure to account for the

mammeform appendages of the horny case of the species under

consideration, and which differs somewhat in the structure of

these parts from all the cocoons described by Dr. Johnson, m

which, instead of the protuberant mamme, we find simply cir-

cular orifices ; but it does not in any shape enlighten us upon the

mode of the construction of the extraordinary and complex spon-

geous tissue which surrounds our species of cocoon.

The mammeeform ends of the cocoon are of an oval form, and

project in about an equal degree beyond the inner and outer sur-

faces previously to their becoming perforated, and the length of

the oval is somewhat increased by a considerable thickening of

the substance of the body immediately surrounding them. The

communication between the inner and outer surfaces appears to

be effected in a very singular manner. In one case where I made

a section of one of these organs at right angles to the natural

surfaces of the body, it appeared perfectly solid; in another a

small cavity only existed near the mner surface of the ease ; but

in a third specimen the appearance presented was of an exceed-

imgly singular description. The outer end of this organ had a

small irregular perforation which led into an ovoid cavity imme-

diately beneath, and the long axis of which was in a diagonal

direction as regards the axis of the body of the cocoon, and the

inner surface of this cavity appeared to be furnished with three

or four ribs, as represented by Pl. XVIII. fig. 5. with a power

of 94 linear, and Pl. XVIII. fig. 6. with a power of 160 lmear.

Upon opening the cocoon I found that the opposite end of the

mamma had disappeared, and in lieu of solid substance there was

a large dome-shaped cavity, the top of which was separated from

the inner end of the ovoid cavity in the external end by a very

thin layer of horny structure ; and indeed at one spot there were

appearances as if a minute communication existed between them,

but from the oblique position of the ovoid cavity I could not de-

termine this with certainty. The other extremity of the cocoon

did not exhibit precisely the same appearances ; im this case the

entrance to the ovoid cavity was much larger on the outer surface,

Dr. Bell Salter on three new species of Rubus. 305

while on the inner one the entrance to the large cavity was closed

by an apparently stout membrane.

In other specimens which I examined, sometimes neither of the

mamme were perforated ; at others one would be slightly open,

while the opposite one was entirely closed. Whether the curious

conformation of these parts is the result of accident occurring at

the moment of the withdrawal of the leech from the young and

tender cocoon, or whether it arises from a vital action inherent in

this body and essential to the opening of this organ and the con-

sequent liberation of the young contained within it, it is difficult

to conjecture ; but I am inclined to believe in the latter idea, and

more especially so, as in by far the greater number that I have

examined no perforation existed, although, from Dr. Johnson’s

account of other species, this is evidently the point at which the

young effect their liberation.

XLITI.— Description of three new species of Rubus.

By T. Betz Satter, M.D., F.LS.

1, Rubus tenuis. Caule procumbente, tereti, subglauco aculeis

zqualibus, foliis ternatis, rarius quinatis, supra subglabris, subtus

pubescentibus ; foliolis obovato-acuminatis, duplo serratis ; latera-

libus extrorsum lobatis ; panicula decomposita, rarius cymosa ;

calycibus pubescentibus, lanceolatis acuminatis, fructui adpressis ;

fructu parvo, nigro, drupeolis paucis, magnis composito.

Var. 3. ferox, aculeis crebris, uncinatis.

Syn. Rubus affinis 6. W. et N. Rubi Germ. p.3. tab. 3b. Rubi cesii

et R. corylifolii pars auct. var.

Hab. in variis locis in Britannia australi. Var. (3. hab. ad “ Apes

Down” in Insula Vecte.

The habit of this bramble comes so near to that of Rubus ce-

sius, that there can be little doubt it may be often overlooked as

being the ordimary dewberry ; it is however readily distinguished

from that species by the absence of glands generally, and by the

absence of both glands and hairs from the growing shoot, and

also by the berry being black instead of blue as in the true R.

cesius ; the calyx embraces it precisely as in that species, but the

sepals are rather more broadly lanceolate. The flavour of the

fruit differs considerably, that of R. tenuis, though acid like that

of R. cesius, not having the peculiarly grateful lemon flavour of

that species. Rubus affinis (W. et N.) is described in the ‘ Rubi

Germanici’ as having the calyx reflexed, yet one of the varieties

is figured with the calyx embracing the fruit. As this is the

principal character which distinguishes the present species from

R. affinis, 1 can entertain no doubt that the variety (8.) there

figured is in fact the one now described as a distinct species. It

holds a near affinity both with R. cesius and R. affinis, but having

306 Dr. Bell Salter on three new species of Rubus.

closely observed it for many years, I am satisfied of its distinct-

ness, and have no doubt that the characters now given will be

found sufficient for it to be readily known. I have already found

it in Dorsetshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire, including the Isle

of Wight.

Var. 8. is a somewhat stouter plant, and very much more

prickly. It appears to be far less common, being hitherto only

observed in the Isle of Wight, at Apes Down near the Farm.

2. Rubus Borreri. Caule procumbente, tereti, aculeato, pilis paten-

tibus hirto; aculeis crebris, longis, tenuibus uncinatis; foliolis

quinatis, obovato-cuneatis, supra subglabris, subtus hirtis conco-

loribus ; panicula corymbosa, ramis inferioribus longis, decompo-

sitis, superioribus brevioribus, flore terminali subsessili; aculeis

panicule paucis, pedunculis pubescenti-hirtis ; bracteis lanceolatis,

hirtis, inferioribus ternatis aut dentatis, superioribus simplicibus ;

calycibus ovato-lanceolatis, longe acuminatis, pubescenti-hirtis,

fructum laxe amplectentibus ; fructu nigro, hemispherico, parvis

nitidis drupeolis composito.

Hab. in Insula Vecte.

This species is one most readily distinguished from any other.

It is a creeping plant of considerable length. Its nearest affinities

are with the A. villicaulis and R. sylvaticus of Weihe and Nees,

two forms very rightly considered as mere varieties of the same

species by Mr. Babington*: the nature of the hairmess of the

stem and the form of the thorns, together with a principal cha-

racter of the leaves, which are hairy, yet deep green beneath, as-

sociate it very nearly with those forms ; the stem however is both

more thorny and more hairy, and the leaves more slender. The

characters by which it is distinguished from all to which it is al-

lied are to be found in the parts of inflorescence and fructification.

The arrangement of the corymbose panicle as described above

gives the plant a very remarkable appearance, and at first sight

separates it widely from R. villicaulis and its varieties, the pani-

cles of which are slender and tapermg. The fruit and calyx pre-

sent still better discriminating characters. The hemispherical

form of the fruit and the clasping calyx distinguish it entirely

from all the other species allied to it.

The fruit is of a remarkably bright jetty appearance when ripe,

but prior to that it has a peculiar opake flesh tint ; this last cha-

racter was pointed out to me by my friend Mr. Borrer, who was

with me on the third occasion of my observing this plant. In

acknowledgement of his successful labours in this genus, and of

his assistance in discriminating the present species, I have adopted

for it his name.

* Manual of British Botany, p. 95.

Dr. Bell Salter on three new species of Rubus. 307

Except in a few spots in the Isle of Wight, I have never yet

noticed this species.

3. Rubus Babingtonii. Caule arcuato, tereti, sulcato, hispido ex

aculeis, et aciculis crebris in setas ineuntibus, sparsim glanduloso ;

foliis ternatis, rarius quinatis ; foliolis supra glabris, subtus parce

pubescentibus, rhomboido-cordatis, cuspidatis, duplo et inzequaliter

mucronato- et crenato-serratis ; stipulis linearibus, pubescentibus ;

panicula foliosa, multum ramosa, versus terram ut surculo induta,

supra tomentosa, aculeata, setosa; foliis panicule ternatis vel sim-

plicibus, ineequaliter mucronato-crenatis ; bracteis foliaceis, late

lanceolatis, pilosis glandulosis ; calycibus lanceolatis cuspidatis,

pilosis.

Hab. ad Selborne prope Week-hill.

This is one of the most remarkable of the genus which I have

yet met with. It is a bramble of extraordinary size, and I regret

not having measured a growing shoot, that I might give its di-

mensions ; the panicle is more than 2 feet in length. It isa matter

of difficulty to settle with which of our previous species it would

most naturally be grouped. Its prickly inflorescence, acecompa-

nied with glands, would associate it with the Koehleri group,

while the very tomentose clothing of this part would more nearly

associate it with R. leucostachys, from which however the presence

of glands at once separates it. The hispid shoot however is that

which best marks its true affinity, which must, I conclude, be

with the Rudis group, from all of which however it is distin-

guished by the leaves, though slightly pubescent, being green

beneath, and ternate instead of quinate. The peculiar margin of

the leaves, which are mucronato-crenate, or as Mr. Babington*

more minutely specifies it, “ serrato-apiculate towards the base,

and higher up crenato-dentato-apiculate,” at once distinguishes it,

not only from the jagged-leaved species of the Rudis group, but

from all other of our fruticose Rubi, while the existence of ternate

leaves on a bramble of such dimensions adds to the peculiarity of

its appearance. The shoot, though described above as sulcate, is

not angular, the margins of the grooves being rounded. Not-

withstanding the size of the panicle, the fruit itself is remarkably

small.

I have named this species after my friend Mr. Charles C. Ba-

bington, the learned author of the ‘ Manual of British Botany,’

in acknowledgement not only of his assistance in discriminating

its characters, but of his successful labours, as well in this as in

so many other difficult genera, and indeed im the whole British

flora.

* In a letter to the author of these remarks.

308 Mr. W.Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

XLIV.— Additions to the Fauna of Ireland, including descriptions

of some apparently new species of Invertebrata. By WiLL1aM

Tuompson, Pres. Nat. Hist. and Phil. Society of Belfast.

[With a Plate. ]

Species thus marked t before the names were indicated mostly by a ge-

neric name only, in my Report on the Invertebrate Fauna of Ireland, pub-

lished in the Reports of the British Association for the Advancement of

Science for 1843: those unmarked are subsequent additions.

Birps.

Vultur fulvus, Linn., Gyps vulgaris, Savigny.

Late in the autumn of 1843 Mr. Yarrell favoured me with the in-

formation that he had received a letter from Admiral Bowles, written

from the south of Ireland, in which this gentleman mentioned having

lately seen a living vulture at Castle Martyr, the seat of the Earl of

Shannon, and which was said to have been captured in the county

of Cork. The attention of Mr. R. Ball being called to the circum-

stance, he made inquiry of Lord Shannon, who replied, that the bird

was purchased by his steward for 2s. 6d. from a peasant, who stated

that he caught it on the sea-shore in that neighbourhood; its plu-

mage was in good order. His lordship politely offered the bird to

Mr. Ball for the collection in the Garden of the Zoological Society,

Dublin, but before arrangements were completed for its transmission

it died. The specimen was, by the directions of Lord Shannon, care-

fully preserved and stuffed and placed at the disposal of Mr. Ball,

who has added it to the collection in Trinity College, Dublin. It is

in adult plumage.

Although we cannot tell whether this bird may not have escaped

from some vessel, still it need not excite surprise if the Vultur fulvus

should wander to this island, inhabiting as it does (according to

Temminck) the mountains of the north of Europe, the Alps? and

Pyrenees. Another species of European vulture, the Cathartes per-

cnopterus, was once shot in Somersetshire*.

Flat-billed Sandpiper, Tringa platyrhyncha, Temm.; Gould,

Birds of Europe, “part 17”; Yarrell, Brit. Birds, vol. ii.

p- 638.

Of this Tringa only one specimen is recorded as met with in

* Pycnonotus chrysorrheus, Swainson.—At the meeting of the British

Association held at Cork in 1843, I exhibited at the Natural History Section

an example of this African species sent for inspection from the collection of

native birds, or those killed in Ireland, belonging to Dr. Burkitt of Water-

ford. The following particulars respecting the bird, though mentioned at

the meeting, have not been published. Dr. Burkitt “purchased it from a

country-lad who brought it into Waterford in January 1838 with a number

of blackbirds [ Turdus merula] and snipes, and who thought it was a hen

blackbird : he shot it at Mount Beresford, three and a half miles from Water-

ford.” There can therefore be no doubt of the specimen having been killed

in this country.

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 3809

Great Britain. It was noticed by Mr. Hoy in the first volume of

Charlesworth’s ‘ Magazine of Natural History’ as having been “shot

on the 25th of May 1836, on the muddy flats of Breydon Broad, Nor-

folk, in company with some dunlins and ring plover.” In a locality

of a similar nature—the oozy banks of Belfast bay—a Tringa platy-

rhyncha was killed on the 4th of October 1844, at the same shot

from a swivel-gun with eleven golden plover and seven or eight

dunlins,

It is a male bird, and larger than the English specimen, but of

about equal size with that described by Temminck. It is as fol-

lows * :—

in. lin.

Length (stuffed specimen) ......cccssscecsecceaceesescsssstereseere @-)L0

of wing from carpus to end of quills .....+eeeseesereeeees 4 34

GUAT ig Seahstddacaatenn acne sesh andepeeeGaernatbashosst tbe Osea

of middle toe and nail ..sreccecerescocerenverers Ssdpe nce 0 10

ob Tad toe AUG Nall, 17. p.wetenesedocessncanadeene ne valact = Orr

— of bill from forehead to point......ccceceseeseeeeeeeeeeeees roy or

Breadth of bill at base (now dried up) .......seseseeeeceeeesecees 0° 23

Height of bill from base of upper to that of lower mandible... O 4

Wibia Gare‘of feathets for about 12.4 aa NR, At 0} 4

Temminck’s descriptions (vol. ii. p. 616. 2nd edit.) of the plumage

of the young bird before its first moult and of the nuptial garb show

singularly little difference in a species belonging to this family, and

Mr. Yarrell having both the old bird in its breeding plumage and the

young bird of the year before him, remarks that ‘‘ the young bird so

closely resembles the parent in its plumage at this season that it is

unnecessary to describe it.” My specimen agrees with the descrip-

tions of these authors, excepting in what the ornithologist will be

prepared to expect of a bird killed in the month of October—that

the rufous tints throughout the plumage (margining the feathers,

&c.) have all but disappeared, and are replaced by white. ‘The

winter plumage I have not seen described, but fortunately the pre-

sence of a few winter feathers on the back and wings of the present

specimen sufficiently indicate that a change from black to gray, ana-

logous to the seasonal change which takes place in the dunlin, like-

wise occurs in this species. The hue of these feathers however

resembles more the pretty gray colour of the phalarope than the pale

brownish gray of the dunlin—or purre, as it has been termed in

winter garb.

The broad bill and the peculiar marking of the head are the most

obvious distinctive characters of this species. The dimensions of the

bill have already been given: the plumage of the head may be thus

described—from base of upper mandible to top of head a narrow

blackish brown band, which broadens towards the hinder part of the

head ; on either side of this from the bill to the upper part of the

eye, and continued over it is a white streak, bounded by a dark

* The taxidermist noted the specimen before being skinned to be in

length 62 inches, breadth 13 inches; weight 1 oz. 44 drachms.

310 Mr. W. Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

brown band, which reaches from the side of the bill to the eye;

throat white.

This is avery interesting species to the ornithologist from the cir-

cumstance of its presenting the characters of different genera. Its

general aspect—body plumage, delicate tarsi and feet—is that of a

Tringa, but in the form of the head, breadth between the eyes and

broad base of bill we are reminded of the genus Scolopag, or true

snipes, as we likewise are in the brown and white banding of the

head, in which latter respect it likewise resembles the whimbrel

(Numenius pheopus). The very small rudimentary membrane be-

tween the base of the middle and outer toe, mentioned by Temminck

as the chief character on which it has been raised to the rank of a

genus by MM. Koch and Naumann, is a most trivial distinction, it

being in the least degree only more developed than in the Tringa va-

riabilis and T. subarquata. Except in the head and bill, the whole

bird is in form and plumage an ordinary-looking Tringa.

In the continental countries south of our latitude in which this

species has been met with, it is considered very rare, nor was it

known to be otherwise in the north of Europe until Mr. Dann lately

visited Norway and Lapland for the purpose of studying the birds

which frequent those countries in the breeding season. In some

places he found this Tringa to be by no means uncommon, and to

Mr. Yarrell’s beautiful work on ‘ British Birds’ (vol. ii. p. 638) he

contributed a full and admirable account of its habits, which were

before unknown—the figure of the bird in this work is most charac-

teristic. Temminck mentions specimens having been sent from

Borneo, Sumatra and Timor.

American Wigeon, Mareca Americana, Wilson (sp.), Amer. Ornit.

vol. i. p. 109. pl. 69. Jardine’s edit.; Yarrell, Brit. Birds,

vol. i. p. 196.

Towards the end of February 1844, Henry Bell, an intelligent

man of middle age, who since he could carry a gun has been a

wildfowl- (and more especially a wigeon-) shooter in Belfast bay, and

for the last eight or nine winters has given up his whole time to the

pursuit, earning by it his livelihood, visited Strangford lough ‘ pro-

fessionally ”’ with his punt and swivel-gun. Hearing on a dark night

the call of wigeon*, he fired towards the place whence the sound

proceeded, and picked up a single bird, which differed in plumage

from any he had ever seen. Its form at once marked this bird

to his eye as a wigeon of some kind, but in a state of plumage un-

like that of the common species of either sex at any age: of this

he was a good judge from many hundreds having passed through

his hands, and from his being very observant of the species of birds

and the changes of plumage through which they pass. He de-

scribed it as a wigeon in the plumage of a teal. The large markings

* According to Wilson’s description of the call of the American wigeon,

it is very like that of the European species,

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 311

on the lower part of the sides of the neck and on the breast were,

instead of being roundish as in the teal, somewhat of a semicircular

form, and varied in size from ‘‘ one half to nearly the whole size of a

man’s finger-nail.” Like the old male wigeon it was whitish, but of

a purer colour, on the top of the head, and like it had the white

marking on the wing, both characters denoting an old male bird of

its species. On the figures of the American wigeon in the works of

Wilson (Jardine’s edit.) and Yarrell being shown to the shooter, he

felt confident that his bird was of the same species, the former repre-

senting its plumage the better of the two, and the latter its form, as

the neck was thicker than that of the common wigeon. Although

he thus noted the bird particularly, and with another shooter who

accompanied him to Strangford, held a kind of inquest on its

species, it was unfortunately sold with his other wildfowl, as from

having seen singular varieties of birds in the hands of bird-pre-

servers, he thought this might be a remarkable state of plumage

of the common wigeon :—of a second species he had not at that

time heard. He is certain of having killed other birds of the same

species in Belfast bay, but never any so far advanced towards adult

male plumage. Placing entire reliance on the discrimination and ac-

curacy of Bell, ] have not hesitated to add this bird to our fauna,

although other naturalists may not be inclined on such testimony to

admit its claim to be so recorded.

To the same shooter we are indebted for the specimen of Tringa

platyrhyncha just noticed ; he at once perceived that it was distinct

from the dunlins killed at the same time, and preserved it accord-

ingly.

FIsHEs.

Ray’s Sea Bream, Brama Ratt, Cuv. and Val.

To Dr. R. J. Burkitt of Waterford we are indebted for the posi-

tive addition of this species to our fauna, this gentleman having

lately contributed a native specimen to Mr. R. Ball for the Museum

of Trinity College, Dublin. The fish (of which a large and correct

drawing has been sent me) was taken at Tramore in the month of

October 1843. It is the first certain instance known to me of its

occurrence on our coast. Mr. Yarrell* gives it from M‘Skimmin’s

‘List of the Fishes of Carrickfergus,’ but as remarked in my Report

on the Vertebrata of Ireland, ‘‘ the propriety of the application of

the name to this species is doubtful.” All that is said of it by

M‘Skimmin is, ‘ Sparus Raii; hen-fish, a choice fish; rare.” The

term hen-fish is applied by our fishermen to one or two other spe-

cies of somewhat rare occurrence.

Mo.uvusca.

Doris obvelata, Johnst., Annals of Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 52. pl. 2.

fig. 4—7 (not of Miller).

In July last Mr. Hyndman procured a specimen of this Doris on

* Brit. Fishes, vol. i. p. 134, 2nd edit,

312 Mr. W. Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

Fuci at Skerries, Dublin coast. On its being submitted to the in-

spection of Mr. Alder, by whom the original specimen described by

Dr. Johnston was discovered in Berwick bay, he remarked, that the

species ‘‘ appears to be pretty generally diffused, but nowhere com-

”

mon.” He had obtained it last summer in Rothesay bay.

+Doris Ulidiana, Thompson.

On the 17th of February 1840, I procured three specimens of this

Doris among oysters brought to Belfast market from the neighbour-

ing coast of Down or Antrim, and after noting their general appear-

ance, colour, &c., set them apart as species unknown at least to the

British fauna. Mr. Alder having some time ago expressed a wish

to see my collection of Nudibranchiate Mollusca, it was placed in his

hands, and on this species coming under examination it was consi-

dered by him and Mr. Hancock to be new, and a description of it

drawn up for their own use was kindly communicated to me. This

is as follows ;—within parentheses are my notes on the colour of the

living Doris.

Doris Ulidiana.—* Length, from spirits, $ inch, breadth i inch;

ovate-oblong, rather straight at the sides, depressed [of a uniform

pale yellow, the intestines appearing through the skin of a dark co-

lour]. Cloak not extending much beyond the foot, rough with spi-

cula, and covered with large, unequal, obtuse tubercles, the spicula

collected in bundles in the tubercles and radiating at their base.

Tentacula [long and whitish], lamellated, without sheaths; the

edges of the apertures plain. Branchiz consisting of eleven [beau-

tifully white] pinnated plumes, set in a semicircle round the anus.

Foot rather broad. Veil above the mouth semicircular.”

On being put in diluted spirits of wine, the tentacula were en-

tirely withdrawn, and the branchial processes lost their beauty by

discoloration, which changed them to the same hue as that of the

body.

On comparing these specimens at the time they were procured

withthe most nearly allied species in my possession, the Doris mu-

ricata, Miller (Zool. Dan.), they were noted down as being cer-

tainly distinct from it :—in being of a more elongate shape, in ha-

ving the tubercles differently formed, and, in proportion to the dimen-

sions of the body, their being not more than half the size of those of

D. muricata. Messrs. Alder and Hancock made the following com-

parative observations : ‘‘ Comparing your D. muricata [a species they

had not seen before] with our D. aspera and your D. Ulidiana, we

come to the conclusion, so far as we can judge from specimens in

spirits, that these three are distinct, though nearly allied species.

D. Ulidiana differs from D. muricata in its much larger size, and

longer and more depressed form. ‘The tubercles appear to be more

depressed, and the branchial plumes larger. From D. aspera it dif-

fers also in size and shape; in having larger tubercles, the cloak

narrower, and the foot broader.”’

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 318

Polycera punctilucens, D’Orbigny, Guérin, Mag. Zool. 1887, p.7.

pl. 106.

Professor Allman obtained this Polycera in a pool at Courtmasherry

harbour, county Cork, in the month of August last. ‘I'he species was

originally described from specimens taken on the coast of France ;

it has not yet been procured on that of Great Britain. The speci-

men was submitted to the judgement of Messrs. Alder and Hancock,

and will be fully noticed in their forthcoming work on the British

Nudibranchiate Mollusca.

Eolis violacea, Alder and Hancock, Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. xiii.

p- 166 (March 1844).

Mr. Hyndman, when dredging on the 26th of August last off Castle

Chichester, Belfast bay, in 6 to 10 fathoms water, captured a speci-

men of this very beautiful Molis. It was brought to me alive, and

immediately afterwards despatched by post ina phial of sea-water to

Newcastle for Mr. Alder’s examination in a living state, but on

reaching its destination was unfortunately dead. Mr. Alder re-

marked that it was a very fine example of his F#. violacea, which

was described from a Cullercoats specimen smaller and less perfect

than this had been.

Aplysia nexa, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 8.

Animal elongate, deep carmine-red, mantle bordered with black.

Length 1 inch ; much elongated ; foot very narrow; two black

eyes anterior to, but a little distant from the base of the dorsal ten-

tacula.

Colour deep carmine-red, occasionally with a few minute white

spots; mantle and anterior tentacula bordered with black, dorsal

tentacula tipped with black.

Shell ?

The specimen of this Aplysia was dredged on the 26th of August

1844, off Castle Chichester, Belfast bay, by Mr. Hyndman—depth 6

to 10 fathoms.

The characters which this beautiful little Ap/ysia has in common

with A. depilans need not be given. Whether we consider it di-

stinct from, or a mere variety of that species, it differs from it in

being of a more elongate form, in colour, and in having the mantle,

&c. bordered with black. From a single example only I should not

venture to describe it as a distinct species, but on sending my spe-

cimen (its characters being first noted down) alive in sea-water to

Newcastle-upon-Tyne for Mr. Alder’s examination, he replied, that

an Aplysia similar in form and colour had been taken by him at

Torbay in Devonshire about two years before, but not having had

much opportunity of studying the genus, he felt uncertain whether

it should be considered a variety of an A. depilans or a distinct spe-

cies. Neither do I feel certain on this point until an equally small

A. depilans be had for comparison, but it seems to me better to describe

and figure the form in question and leave the matter of species for

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv.

314 Mr. W. Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

future decision than to be altogether silent on the subject. A co-

loured drawing of Mr. Alder’s specimen being kindly transmitted to

me, it was found to represent mine exactly, except in the very trivial

difference of having a few minute white spots on the sides instead of

being of a uniform colour. Specimens of A. depilans, which I have

often taken (but never of so small a size), differ in being occasionally

spotted as well as plain. But I have never met with this species of the

same form as 4. neva, of its fine deep-red colour, nor having any

black border to the mantle, &c.; nor has Dr. J. L. Drummond ever

done so, though great numbers came under his examination when

dredging at Donaghadee, on the coast of Down, in the summer of

1843.

Hab. Torbay, England; Belfast bay, Ireland.

Acteon viridis, Mont. (sp.), Quatrefages, Ann. Sci. Nat., March

1844. Aplysia viridis, Mont., Linn. Trans. vol. vii.

With a letter, dated from Glandore House (county Cork), Aug.

23, 1844, Professor Allman sent me a small phial containing speci-

mens of this 4cteon, remarking that he had just taken it there in con-

siderable numbers. He subsequently, at the meeting of the British

Association at York, gave an admirable account of the anatomy of

the species, illustrated by drawings of remarkable beauty, executed by

his sister, Miss Allman. In consequence of the Acteon being thus

brought forward, this brief note might be cancelled ; but as the spe-

cies had previously a place in my ‘ Additions,” it is retained with

this explanation. About the same time the Rev. Mr. Landsborough

informed me that he had taken this species on the coast of Arran,

Frith of Clyde.

+ Bulla producta, Brown, Ilus. Conch. p. 57. pl. 19. figs. 15, 16;

2nd edit.—pl. 38. f.15, 16; 1st edit.

Among shell-sand collected at Bundoran, on the western coast, by

Mrs. W. J. Hancock in 1840, and sent to Mr. Hyndman, was a spe-

cimen of this Bulla. Capt. Brown notices it merely as ‘found at

Dunbar by General Bingham.”

Utriculus, genus, Brown, Illus. Conch. pp. 58, 59, pl. 19; 2nd

edit.—pl. 38; 1st edit.

Having lately left with Mr. Alder a number of Bulle (obtained with

the last species at Bundoran) which he wished to examine critically, he

reported on them as follows :—‘‘ On examining the fine suite of Bulla

hyalina, I think I make out three of Brown’s species of Utriculus :

U. candidus being the full-grown shell; U. pellucidus the half-grown ;

and U. minutus the youngest state of B. hyalina. At least these

answer very well to his figures and descriptions.” The last two are

noticed by Capt. Brown as from Dunbar only, where they were found

by General Bingham, as was U. candidus also; but this is mentioned

as having been subsequently procured at Holy Island, off the coast

of Northumberland, by the author himself.

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 315

Volvaria subcylindrica, Brown, Ilus. Conch. p. 3. pl. 19. figs. 19,

20; 2nd edit.—pl. 38. f. 19, 20; Ist edit.

Among the Bundoran shells was one on which Mr. Alder made

the following remarks : ‘‘ Capt. Brown’s Volv. subcylindrica agrees

with it in outline, but he describes the species as smooth, while this

shell has both longitudinal ridges of growth and transverse strie.

The latter however are very faint, and in a worn shell neither of

them might be visible. I am inclined therefore to consider them the

same, but leave it to your own judgement to decide the question.”

To the better judgement of Mr. Alder I prefer to leave it ; his know-

ledge too of the British marine Mollusca is very complete, whilst

mine is very superficial, and must remain so, my eyes being now

unable without injury to bear even the lowest magnifying powers.

But that my friends kindly “‘ lend me their eyes,” I could not include

the minute species. All that Capt. Brown says of the locality of this

shell is—* discovered at Dunbar by General Bingham.”

Rissoa costulata, Risso, Alder in Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. xii. p. 324.

pl. 8. figs. 8, 9, May and June (figures) 1844.

When looking over the collection of Mr. Alder in October last,

he pointed out a specimen of this shell which had been given him by

Dr. Farran of Dublin, who procured it at Roundstone on the Gal-

way coast.

The specimens described in the ‘ Annals’ were from Torbay, De-

vonshire.

Rissoa Warreni, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 4.

On my submitting this species and the following (which I could

not find described) to Mr. Alder’s opinion, he believed them to be

new, and before returning the specimens, wrote descriptions and

made drawings of them for his own guidance. Having offered to copy

these for my use if desired, I gladly availed myself of the proffered

kindness, feeling well-satisfied that the descriptions would be better

than any drawn up by myself, and that the figures would be most

faithful.

Rissoa Warreni.—« Shell slender, tapering, thin, transparent yel-

lowish white, with six much rounded and deeply divided whorls ter-

minating in a rather fine point, the nucleus sunk in the apex. Aper-

ture oblong-oval : outer lip thin, without rib: inner lip not reflected,

but having a deep umbilicus behind it. The shell is slightly wrinkled

by the lines of growth, and is delicately striated spirally ; the striz

can only be seen with a good magnifier, and are most distinctly ob-

servable at the base. There are also some faint indications of small

obsolete ribs on the middle whorls. Length two-tenths of an inch ;

breadth one-twelfth.”’

Two specimens were found at Portmarnock (Dublin coast) by

T. W. Warren, Esq.

+ Odostomia crassa, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 5.

Of this shell a single specimen was sent me from Roundstone,

316 Mr. W. Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

Galway coast, in Oct. 1840, by Wm. M‘Calla. Mr. Alder describes

it :—

«Shell thick, conical, opake, of a dull dirtyish white, with five

flat whorls, the last occupying about two-thirds of the shell. The

apex is slightly oblique ; the upper whorls smooth, the last rugose,

bulging and rather flattened in the middle, having strong coarse

strie crossed by indistinct lines of growth. Aperture ovate, white

and polished internally : outer lip thick, acute at the edge : inner lip

reflected on the pillar with a deep impression behind it, but no um-

bilicus. Tooth strong. Length 1} tenth of an inch; breadth nearly

1 tenth.”

+Buccinum Zetlandicum, Forbes, Loudon’s Mag. of Nat. Hist.

vol. vii. p. 593. fig. 62.

A Buccinum taken on a long line in deep water near Bunowen,

county Galway, is considered by Professor Forbes to be his B. Zet-

landicum, though differing in its being a thin shell, &c.—he does not

now feel certain of this being more than a variety of B. undatum.

The specimen is in the collection of Dr. Farran, who states that

others were procured by similar means.

+Pleurotoma Farrani, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 3.

Shell fusiform, turreted, with nine volutions (well-marked), and

ten prominent ribs (on body whorl) ; closely-set deep strize extending

spirally over the whole shell.

Length 7 lines ; breadth just above aperture 2 lines; longitudinal

ribs very prominent, “‘ not continuous from whorl to whorl,” and

slightly angulated at summit; aperture occupying nearly 3 lines in

length, elongate ear-shaped, strong rib of body whorl appearing just

outside it; canal wide and long, turning a little obliquely to the left ;

outer and pillar lip smooth.

Colour pale yellowish brown, with numerous darker brown nar-

row bands equal in breadth to the lighter coloured space between

them, winding spirally round the shell, and giving it when magnified

a very handsome appearance ; a single brown band of a much darker

hue at the top of each volution. This species comes near P. Smithii,

Forbes, ‘ Annals of Nat. Hist.’ vol. v. p. 107. pl. 2. fig. 14.

Of this shell, handsome both in form and colour, two specimens

were obtained by Dr. Farran on the Irish coast, he thinks at Port-

marnock.

+Pleurotoma Ulidiana, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 2.

Shell fusiform, turreted, with eight volutions, eleven ribs (on body

whorl) with coarse deep spiral striz.

Length 7 lines; breadth just above aperture 2} lines; volutions

very slightly ventricose, rather flattened at top, but less so than in

P. turricola; ribs strong and coarse, ‘not continuous from whorl to

whorl ;”’ coarse cut striz across ribs and furrows ; aperture crescentic;

outer lip thin and in form of a bow; pillar-lip somewhat hollowed ;

canal very short.

Colour uniform dirty brown.

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 3817

This species—coarse in form and sculpture, and plain in colour—

closely approximates Pleur. brachystomum, Philippi, Enum. Moll.

Sicilia, vol. ii. p. 169. pl. 26. f. 10, from which I could not regard

it as distinct but for a single character possessed by that species in

raised spiral strie. ‘These are apparent in the profile of the shell as

figured by Philippi; they are much more numerous too than the deep

strie of Pleur. Ulidiana.

Three specimens of this shell were dredged from a depth of about

8 to 10 fathoms by Mr. Hyndman and myself in Oct. 1834 in Strang-

ford lough, county Down.

+Triton elegans, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 1.

Shell turreted, somewhat ventricose, about eight volutions, nu-

merous prominent ribs crossed by fine raised spiral strize.

Length 7 lines ; breadth just above the aperture 34} lines ; ribs on

each volution at regular distances from each other, except on the

body whorl, where within three lines of the outer lip they cease,

and substituted for them is one large varix equidistant between the

lip and last rib; number of ribs on body whorl twelve, but this

number may rather be individual than specific; ribs not continuous

from whorl to whorl; aperture oval; canal oblique, widening gra-

dually to base ; outer lip with slightly grooved striz within ; pillar-

lip smooth, except at top, where two ridges appear.

Colour greenish white with two double spiral lines of yellow, one

series above the top of aperture, the other rather below it.

This species is more handsomely formed, sculptured and coloured

than Triton erinaceus ; its canal is much shorter.

I have seen only a single specimen, which was found alive at

Portmarnock, on the Dublin coast, by Dr. Farran.

+Cardium Lovéni, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 7.

Shell of a somewhat rounded outline with about thirty ribs, set

with small scales ; height and length equal ; colour pure white.

Length 33 lines ; breadth 33; very thin and delicate ; ribs rounded,

about thirty in number and becoming beautifully fine towards the

beak, covered with minute closely-set transverse scales throughout,

but which are more numerous on the ribs at each side; furrows

about the middle of the valve smooth and shining, narrower than at

the sides, where towards the base they are crossed by transverse

scales, and towards the apex punctate—near the beaks they appear

in the form of a mere linear depression.

Colour pure white, with somewhat of a pearly lustre inside and

outside.

Compared with the British species of Cardium, this comes nearest

C. edule, but is more handsome in form, sculpture and colour. It is

more rounded (less truncate at the anterior end), has the beaks ter-

minating in a finer point, ribs more numerous and with the scales

on them more closely set, but less elevated, the furrows narrower.

Cardium scabrum, Philippi, Enum. Moll. Siciliz, vol. ii. p. 38.

pl. 14, fig. 16, comes so near my shell, that future investigation may

318 Myr. W. Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

possibly show that they should be brought together: C. scabrum

differs from it in having only twenty-six ribs, in the furrows being

equal and punctate, and in its exhibiting two obscure violet rays,

and having the beaks yellow ; but as my specimens were not seen in

a living state, stress need not be laid on the difference of colour.

This species was obtained in three localities* nearly about the

same time. In October 1841 numbers of it, but mostly broken, were

found by Dr. Farran in the stomachs of sole (Solea vulgaris) pur-

chased in Dublin market, and taken off our eastern coast; in June

1842 Mr. Hyndman dredged a very few specimens from a depth of

50 fathoms, off the South Rock, coast of Down; and specimens

which I have seen in Mr. Cuming’s unequalled collection were sent

him by Dr. Lovén in 1842 as a species unknown to him, and which

had been obtained on the west coast of Sweden. It is named in

honour of this distinguished naturalist.

+Amphidesma intermedia, Thompson. Plate XIX. fig. 6.

Shell oval-oblong, nearly equilateral, white with prismatic colours.

Length 2% lines ; breadth 4 ; thickness 14; beaks almost central ;

shell nearly equilateral, rounded at each end, more particularly at

the posterior; thin, semi-transparent, glossy, white with prismatic

hues.

This species is intermediate in form or outline between Amph. pris-

maticum and A. Boysii, and also in general characters, but on the

whole may perhaps be said to approximate the latter the more nearly ;

its form however at once marks it as distinct from A. Boysii, than

which it has the beaks more central, is broader and more equilateral,

has the apex rather more marked and pointed, and is beautifully

iridescent inside and outside—the teeth do not present any marked

differential characters.

* Should C. seabrum prove identical, in four localities—from Sweden to

Sicily—this has been discovered subsequent to the publication of Philippi’s

first vol. in 1886, and is for tle first time described in his second vol. which

appeared in 1844.

+Modiola vestita, Philippi, Enum. Moll. Siciliz, vol. ii. p. 51. tab. 15. fig. 12

(1844).

This Modiola is included in my Report on the Invertebrata of Ireland,

but without any specific name being applied to it. A reference to the above

work as soon as it appeared showed that the Irish shell is the M. vestita,

known to Philippi only as found on the shore at Malta.

In a letter from Mr. Alder written on the Ist of April 1844, it was men-

tioned that among shells lately sent from the Mediterranean to Mr. King,

Curator of the Newcastle Museum, were two specimens similar to the Irish

shell: they ‘‘ were imbedded in sponge, and one inch and one inch anda

quarter respectively in length, and a little thicker from being older shells,

but in all other respects the same.” In May last I saw Modiole of this spe-

cies from the Mediterranean in Mr. Cuming’s unrivalled collection.

The only Irish specimen of this shell yet known was procured some years

ago at Youghal by Miss M. Ball. It is described and figured in the second

edition of Brown’s ‘ Illustrations,’ p. 132. pl. 37. fig. 36, under the name of

Modiola Balli.

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 319

Two examples of this species were dredged from a depth of about

6 fathoms in Strangford lough near Portaferry in August 1837 by

Mr. Hyndman and myself; and two more were in like manner pro-

cured by us in July 1840 when with Mr. Edward Forbes and Mr. R.

Ball dredging in Killery bay on the western coast—depth from 3 to

12 fathoms,

Crustacea*.

Polybius Henslowii, Leach, Malac. pl. 9. Desmarest, Consid.

Crust. p. 100. pl. 7. fig. 1. (copied from Leach). Edwards, Hist.

Crust. vol. i. p. 439.

A crab of this species was obtained at Crook Haven, county Cork,

in August last by Professor Allman, who kiudly sent it tome. It

was remarked at the same time by its captor that the species appears

to be “‘ eminently natatory,” and that ‘‘ the one taken was swimming

with great ease near the surface of the water among shoals of Aca-

lephe.” It would appear, from the general work of Milne Edwards

on the Crustacea, that this is the only species of its genus known.

It was described by Leach from specimens taken on the coast of

Devonshire, and is given by M. Edwards as one of the species of

La Manche, these being the only localities noticed for it in the two

works.

Nymphon Johnstoni, Goodsir, Edin. Phil. Journ. January 1842,

p- 136. pl. 3. fig. 4.

The first specimen of this Nymphon which I have seen was taken

by Dr. J. L. Drummond at Macedon point, Belfast bay, upwards of

twenty yearsago. From 1834 to the present time I have occasionally

procured it on the north-east coast. From the ‘“‘ German Ocean”

Mr. Goodsir’s specimens were derived.

Nymphon spinosum, Goodsir, Edin. P. J. January 1842, p. 136.

pl. 3. fig. 3.

Examples of this species have been taken in Belfast bay, &c. No

locality is mentioned by Mr. Goodsir, but his specimens are probably

from the Firth of Forth.

Pasithoe vesiculosa, Goodsir, Edin. P. J. Oct. 1842, p. 365. pl. 6.

fig. 17.

My specimen of this rare form was dredged at Dalkey island, bay

of Dublin, in August 1840: R. Ball, E. Forbes, W.T.: Mr. Goodsir’s

was procured in the Firth of Forth.

ov Ireneus splendidus, Goodsir, Edin. Phil. Journ. Oct. 1843, p. 339.

. 6. fig.1—9.

2 Although this species is unknown to me as Irish, it seems desirable, from

its being as yet recorded only as inhabiting a part of the eastern coast of

Scotland, to mention, that it frequents the western coast of that country

likewise, several specimens having been captured by Mr. Hyndman in a

towing-net at the Kyles of Bute in the month of June last. Their green

colour especially attracted attention.

320 Mr. W. Thompson’s Contributions to the Fauna of Ireland,

My Pasithoe, together with the two species of Nymphon and the

Ireneus, have been seen by Mr. Goodsir.

Udonella caligorum, Johnston, Loudon’s Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. viii.

p- 496. f. 45.

Numerous parasites of this species were attached to a Caligus on

a gray gurnard (T'rigla Gurnardus), captured on the coast of Down

on the 22nd of June last by Mr. Hyndman.

ANNELIDA.

+Borlasia alba, Thompson.

Dec. 18, 1843.—Two worms, apparently of the genus Borlasia

(Johnston, Mag. Zool. and Bot. vol. i. p. 536) and of the same spe-

cies, were found on the beach a short way northward of Carrickfergus

by Mr. Hyndman and myself. They were lurking under stones be-

tween tide-marks. The species may be described as new, under the

name of Borlasia alba :—of a whitish colour throughout, excepting

behind the eyes on each side, where a reddish spot appears; eyes

fourteen ; the first four on each side near the margin of the body dis-

posed in a line, and at equal distances from each other ; considerably

behind them are three at each side disposed in a triangular manner,

the base towards the head of the worm: entire length

2 inches when stretched out so that its breadth is 1 line

or {5th of an inch. oe

The annexed outline shows the position of the 710 9\7

eyes.

1. Reddish spots.

Planaria cornuta, Mill. Zool. Dan. vol. i. p. 37. tab. 32. £.5—7;

Johnst. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. v. p. 344, with woodcuts.

Aug. 26, 1844.—Mr. Hyndman dredging today off Castle Chi-

chester, just within the entrance of Belfast bay, and at a depth of

from 6 to 10 fathoms, took three specimens on Laminarie. Although

the figures of this Planaria in the works cited differ a good deal, I

agree with Dr. Johnston in believing them to represent the same

species. The Irish specimens as observed at various times were more

round in outline than Dr. Johnston’s figures, and consequently quite

different from those of Miiller in that respect. The network of red-

dish “‘ vein-like ramifications ” on a cream-coloured ground renders

this Planaria viewed as a whole very beautiful : the multitude of dot-

like black eyes on a rich white ground too looked very elegant from

the contrast of the white to the general reddish hue of the animal. Its

progress, as Dr. Johnston remarks, ‘‘ for a worm”? is not slow: the

tentacula were always reflected backwards so as not to be visible in

a profile view. The species has been already so fully described that

further observations are unnecessary. One which I left gliding about

in sea-water apparently in perfect health, was when I looked at it

again after eighteen hours not only dead, but almost wholly decom-

posed,

with descriptions of some new species of Invertebrata. 321

Planaria rosea, Mill. Zool. Dan. vol. 11. p. 31. tab. 64. figs. 1, 2.

At the same time with Planaria cornuta two specimens of P. rosea

were taken. ‘This species has not yet a place in the British fauna,

but it was obtained on the coast of Anglesea last autumn by

Mr. M‘Andrew and Professor Edward Forbes when dredging there.

Miiller’s specimens were from the coast of Norway.

EcuHINODERMATA.

Holothuria [Cucumaria] inherens, Mill. Zool. Dan. vol. i. p. 35.

tab. 31. f. 1—7.

An example of this species, about three inches in length, or as

represented in the ‘ Zoologia Danica,’ was found by Mrs. W. J. Han-

cock, cast on the beach at Balbriggan (county Dublin) after a storm

in March 1843. This has not been noticed as a British species.

t+Chirodota digitata, Mont. (sp.). Holothuria digitata, Mont.

Linn. Trans. vol. xi. p. 22. pl. 4. f.6; Forbes’s Brit. Echino-

dermata, p. 239.

On the 18th of December 1843, an individual of this species,

which had hitherto been obtained only by Montagu in Devonshire,

was found lying on the sand between tide-marks near Carrickfergus

Castle during a search for natural-history objects by Mr. Hyndman

and myself.

ACALEPHA.

+ Velella subemarginata, Thompson.

Membranous base oblong, slightly cut round the edge, in length

2 inches 10 lines, breadth | inch 72 lines: crest almost crescentic in

form or obscurely pointed at highest part, thick in substance, with a

minute vein-like ramification appearing throughout : body proper or

skeleton, of a narrow oblong form, rounded at ends, in length 2

inches 4 lines, breadth 10 lines.

Colour when recent according to Professor Allman: ‘“ Disc, mar-

gin and tentacula fine sky-blue; sail light blue, nearly transparent,

margined with delicate violet. Skeleton colourless and transparent.”

This species differs from the ordinary Velella of the Irish coast in

its greatly superior size, in the margin of the membranous base being

slightly emarginate, in the crest being of a much stronger consist-

ence and of a more rounded outline.

The specimen here described was given to me by Professor All-

man, who saw great abundance of them on the shore of Courtma-

sherry harbour (county Cork) after a south-westerly gale late in the

autumn of 1838 or 1839, but preserved only one.

This description of aVe/edla from spirits must necessarily be unsatis-

factory, but it seems to me better that a species should, under such

circumstances, be noticed than passed over altogether—named it

perhaps should not be, but this has already been done in my Report

on the Invertebrata of Ireland: the specific name there is given er-

roneously marginata,

3822 Mr. Ch. C. Babington on the correct Nomenclature of the

ZOoOPHYTA.

Cellepora Skenei, Ellis and Solander (sp.) ; Johnst. Brit. Zoop.

p- 275. pl. 82. f. 6—8.

Among “‘corallines” taken in the trawl-nets in very deep water

off the eastern coast of Ireland, and preserved in Miss Ball’s collec-

tion, is a specimen of C. Skenei which was pointed out to me by that

lady in May last. Dr. Johnston, in his ‘ British Zoophytes,’ p. 276,

remarks—‘‘ Notwithstanding the apparent dissimilarity in habit of

the three preceding Cellepore [C. Skenei, C. ramulosa and C. pumi-

cosa], I cannot but suspect that they are merely different states of

the same species, for in these productions the ‘ fronti nulla fides’

receives many an apposite illustration.” This specimen tends to bear

out the correctness of the view that the three forms are not speci-

fically different : the form C. Skenei is rare ; C. ramulosa not common ;

C. pumicosa abundant: this last may perhaps be considered the base

of both the others. With this one specimen of C. Skenei, a good

deal of C. ramulosa was taken of small size adherent to Sertularia ar-

gentea.

Retepora cellulosa, Linn. (sp.); Johnston, Brit. Zoop. p. 297,

vignette no. 46. p. 283.

Professor Allman informs me that he has in his possession a spe-

cimen of this Retepora attached to a Pinna obtained by the long-line

fishermen in spring last at Cape Clear.

Iluanthos Scoticus, Forbes, Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. v. p. 183. pl. 3?

A number of specimens of an J/uanthos (and there is little doubt

belonging to this species, though from their not having been seen ina

living state a note of interrogation is added) were found by Mrs. W. J.

Hancock on the beach at Balbriggan, after a storm in March 1843.

The only other specimens recorded were taken in four fathoms

water at Loch Ryan, south-west of Scotland.

XLV.—On the correct Nomenclature of the Lastrea spinosa and

L. multiflora of Newman. By Cuarizs C. Basineton, M.A.,

F.LS., F.G.8. &e.*

Lastrea spinosaa—In Newman’s ‘ History of British Ferns’

this name is adopted for the plant usually known in England as

Aspidium spinulosum (Sw.), on account of Roth having been the

first botanist who, in Mr. Newman’s opinion, properly distin-

euished this plant from the fern known in this country by the

name of A. dilatatum, and called by Roth Polysticum multiflorum.

That Roth deserves the credit of very carefully distinguishing the

plants will be allowed by all who read his observations upon them, .

* Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, 10th April, 1845.

astreea spinosa and Li. multiflora of Newman. 2

Last 1] ltifl Ni 323

but I am not inclined to admit that he was the first who under-

stood them.

All the older writers who have noticed this plant refer to Weiss,

Crypt., who deseribes it most satisfactorily as Polypodium filix-

femina, y. spinosa, but states expressly that this and three other

varieties are “ unius solummodo speciei notabiliores varietates.”

His term spinosa therefore, bemg only employed to designate a

variety, has no claim of priority over one used specifically, for it

certainly is not imperative, although an excellent practice, to

adopt that name for a plant as a species the term by which it

was known as a variety. Weiss refers to Miiller’s ‘ Flora Fri-

drichsdalia’ for a description and figure of his plant: that de-

scription is very short but satisfactory, and the figure (which only

represents one pair of pinnee) cannot be doubted.

If now we refer to the earliest writers who have used the term

spinulosum as applicable to a species, we find Miller employing

it* in the ‘ Flora Danica’ in the year 1777, and Retz in his ‘ Flora

Scandinavie’ in 1795. The figure in the ‘ Fl. Dan.’ is far from

being satisfactory, as indeed is the case with many of the plates

in that work, but it, and Miiller’s own figure in his ‘ FI. Fridrich.,’

which is certainly our plant, are quoted as belonging to Asp. spi-

nulosum by all the best authorities. There cannot, I think, be

any doubt that Miiller, when applying the name of Polyp. spinu-

losum to the plate in ‘ Fl. Dan.,’ supposed that the artist intended

to represent the unnamed plant noticed by him in his ¢ Fl. Fri-

drich.” as Polypodium no. 841. This settles the point as to the

priority of the names, for spinosum was not applied to a species

until used by Roth in the year 1800.

Even if Miiller had been unacquainted with the plant named

Polysticum multiflorum by Roth, we should have had quite suffi-

cient proof that his Polyp. spinulosum is identical with the Polyst.

spinosum of Roth, and also that he well understood the ‘species ;

but if we turn to the ‘ Fl. Fridrich.’ we find upon the same plate

the representation of another pair of pinnz belonging to his un-

named plant Polyp. no. 845, and this is a very good figure of

Roth’s Polyst. multiflorum, being indeed referred by him to that

species. Miiller’s short description also is satisfactory. It seems

then that although Roth may have been the first who “ properly”

(that is I presume according to modern ideas) distinguished the

species, yet that thirty-three years previously Miiller had sepa-

rated them specifically, and described and figured them accord-

ing to the modes usually adopted at that date. Miiller having

* The assertion that “ spinulosum”’ here is a misprint for Weiss’s term

“ spinosum”’ is surely unfounded. Miiller’s name was doubtless suggested

by that of Weiss, and substituted, we may well suppose, as agreeing better

with the character of the plant.

324 Mr. Ch. C. Babington on the correct Nomenclature of the

afterwards given a name to one of them (but still anterior to the

publication of Roth’s work) ought not to have his name super-

seded, because the artist employed on the ‘ Fl. Dan, was not of

a high order of merit, or because he was careless enough to ad-

mit the bad figure engraved on tab. 707. to be a representation

of his previously unnamed species, and took that opportunity of

conferring a name upon it. That Miiller did not confound his

own plant (Polyp. no. 841, Fl. Fridrich.) with the P. cristatum

(Linn.) will be seen by attending to an observation upon p. 195

of his ‘ Fl. Fridrich.’ which is as follows : “Tria Polypodia, no.841,

844, 845, nullo modo cum Linneanis descriptionibus aut aliorwm

satis juste conciliare potui, hinc peritis descriptiones ac figuree

fohiolorum traduntur.” Of these plants no. 841. is Polyp..spinu-

losum (Miull.) ; no. 844. is Athyrium ovatum (Roth.), A. dentatum

(Hoffm.), which seems to form part of the A. molle of Newman ;

no. 845. is Polyst. multiflorum (Roth). Thus it appears that

Miller had endeavoured to refer his plants to a Linnzean species,

but without success, and that succeeding botanists have con-

firmed their separation from the plants of Linnzeus.

Having done my best to show that spznu/osum is the earliest

specific name belonging to Polyst. spmosan of Roth (who indeed

quotes both the ¢], Fridrich’ and ‘Fl. Dan,’ in his ‘Tent. Fl.

Germ.,’ but, apparently by accident, does not notice the specific

name given in the latter, although he had previously quoted it in

his ‘ Catalecta,’ pt. 1.), it 1s not. necessary to waste space upon

an examination of later descriptions of plants so named, some of

which describe the indusium as having a fringe of stalked glands,

and therefore probably refer to the Polyst. multiflorum (Roth),

and others expressly notice its absence. I find no reference to

these glands in the original authorities for Polyp. spinulosum, and

do not thmk that there is any P. spznulosum which possesses

them, and at the same time is specifically distinct from P. mul-

tiflorum (Roth). I possess three continental specimens named

Asp. spinulosum, in neither of which are there stalked glands to

be found. Two of them are from Prussian Saxony, and the third

is from Bitche in Lorrame. There does not seem to be the slight-

est reason to doubt these specimens being Polyst. spinosum (Roth)

and Polyp. spinulosum (Miull.), and they tend to confirm the opi-

nion that the true Asp. spinulosum of Germany is the same as

our plant (Lastrea spinosa, Newm.), and that it has not the

stalked glands on the edge of the mdusium.

The synonyms seem to be as follows :—

Polypodium, no. 841, Miill. Fl. Fridrich. 193. tab. 2. fig. 2. (1767).

Polyp. filix-foemina, y. spinosa, Weiss, Pl. Crypt. Fl. Gott. 316.

1770).

aay Sete Mill. Fl. Dan. 707. (text and probably figure, )

Lastrza spmosa and L. multiflora of Newman. 325

(1777). Retz, Fl. Scand. ed. 2. 250. (1795). Wither. Bot. Arr.

ed. 3. iii. 778. (1796). Wahl. Fl. Upsal. 345. (1820).

Polyp. multiflorum, . spinosum, Roth, Catalecta Bot. i. 135. (1797).

Polysticum spinosum, Roth, Tent. Fl. Germ, iii. 91. (1800). Catal.

Bot. ii. 149. (1800).

Aspidium dilatatum, (6. spinulosum, Wahl. Fl. Lapp. 282. (1812).

Asp. spinulosum, @. Wahl. Fl. Suec. ii. 675. (1826).

Nephrodium spinulosum, Kunth, Fl. Berol. ii. 418. (1838).

Lastraa spinosa, Newm. in Nat. Alm. for 1844; Hist. of Brit. Ferns,

209. (1844).

Lastrea multiflora—aAs to the supposed priority of Roth’s

name (Polysticum multiflorum), it may be remarked that Roth

having continued to employ his own specific name, given in the

‘ Catalecta,’ is no proof that he “claims for it priority,” as he

seems in other cases to prefer his own names to those previously

used by Hoffmann without assigning any reason. In the present

case he takes no further notice of Hoffmann’s name (Polyp. dila-

tatum) than by quoting it as a synonym of his own Polyst. mul-

tiflorum. Roth’s ‘ Catalecta Botanica, part 1, appeared in the

year 1797, whilst vol. u. of Hoffmann’s ‘ Deutschlands Flora’

(which I have not seen) was published in “1795.” It appears

therefore that the claim of priority is in favour of dilatatum, which

Roth (Tent. Fl. Germ.) gives as an undoubted synonym of his

multiflorum, and also quotes Miiller’s figure in the ‘ F]. Fridrich.,’

to which I have already referred. There does not seem to be

sufficient reason for any doubt beimg thrown upon the identity of

Hoffmann’s Polyp. dilatatum with Roth’s Polyst. multiflorum ;

and if they are identical, Roth’s admirable description is surely

not a sufficient reason for adopting a name which has not been

used by any botanist (as far as my observation extends) except

its author and Mr. Newman, and rejecting one of prior date, and

at least as good, which has been correctly employed by many

authors.

In the first part of his ‘ Catalecta’” Roth did not distinguish

this plant from the preceding, but included them both under the

name of Polypodium multiflorum. In the second part he sepa-

rated them, employing the name of multiflorum for the var. a,

and spinosum for the var. 8. of the former part. The ‘ Catalecta,’

part 2, was printed after vol. i. of the ‘Tentamen Fl. Germ.,’

which is quoted in it, and we must refer to the ‘ Tentamen’ for

the separation of the synonyms of the respective species, which

are mixed together in the ‘Catalecta,’ part 1, but carefully re-

ferred to the species to which they belong in the ‘ Tentamen.’

It is unnecessary to go further into an examination of the

synonymy of this species, as the whole question turns upon the

aboye points.

3826 Mr. B. H. Hodgson on six new species of Nepalese Birds.

In conclusion, it may be as well to add, for form’s sake, that I

now adopt the old names of spznulosum and dilatatum for these

species, from conviction that they have the claim of priority.

St. John’s Coll., Cambridge, March 1845.

XLVI.—Characters of siz new species of Nepalese Birds. By

Brian H. Hopeson, Esq., late British Resident at Nepal.

Parus jouchistos.—Back and wing-coverts gray, slightly tinged

with olive ; cheeks, breast, abdomen and tail-coverts rufous ; top

of the head shining black ; a line from the base of culmen extend-

ing over the crown of the head to the nape rufous white ; throat

eray; quills and tail blackish brown, margined with gray, and

the two outer tail-feathers with white. ¢

Length 44 inches ; bill from gape 4 lmes ; wings 2} inches ;

tarsi 9 lines.

Parus seriophrys.—Y ellowish olive ; coverts of wings, quills and

tail-feathers blackish brown, the former with pale tips, the two

latter margined with greenish yellow ; under surface yellowish

white ; a spot of bright yellow over each eye.

Length 4 inches; bill from gape 4 lines; wigs 23 inches ;

tarsi 8 lines.

Parus dichrous.—Cinereous ; forehead, cheeks, and throat

brownish white ; breast and abdomen pale rufous ; quills and tail-

feathers brown, margined with cinereous.

Length 42 inches; bill from gape 5 lines; wings 2% inches ;

tarsi 9 lines.

Oreocincla rostrata.—Upper surface uniform ochraceous brown;

beneath ochraceous white, the fore part of neck spotted with black,

the feathers of the breast and abdomen margined with black ; a

line from the nostrils through each eye white ; under tail-coverts

white with dusky edges on the outer sides.

Length 11 inches; bill from gape 14 inch ; wings 54 inches ;

tarsi 11 inch.

Tanthocincla (Trochalopteron) subunicolor—Olivaceous, tinged

with rufous on the lower part of the back, some of the feathers of

the upper part of the back margined with black ; quills black, basal

part of outer webs bright yellow, the other part gray ; tail with

middle feathers olivaceous brown, the outer feathers black, tipped

with white.

Length 81 inches ; bill from gape 9 lines.

Leiothrix (Proparus) chrysotis—Cinereous, tinged with olive

on the uropygium ; forehead blackish cinereous ; throat silvery

eray ; breast and abdomen yellow ; wing-coverts and quills black,

the latter margined internally with white, and exteriorly with

On some Rarities found on the West Coast of Scotland. 327

orange-yellow ; tail blackish brown, margined exteriorly with

yellow.

Length 4 inches ; bill from gape 5 lines ; wings 2 inches ; tarsi

9 lines.

XLVII.—Notice of some Rarities found on the West Coast of

Scotland. By the Rey. Davip LanpssBoroven.

In this lazy world a person is often much indebted to the eyes

and hands of others in helping him to observe and collect. How

helpful might colliers and fishermen be, the former being so often

in the bowels of the earth, and the latter by their lines and nets

coming so often in contact with the depths of the sea! But they

cannw be fashed. From one obliging fisherman in Milport,

island of Cumbrae, who has not learned to say “I canna be

fashed,” I have got many curiosities. He has sent me at least

half a dozen examples of Halichondria infundibuliformis, the

funnel-sponge. One of them is figured in Dr. Johnston’s inter-

esting ‘ History of British Sponges.’ The last, got a few months

ago, is the variety which ranked for a time as a distinct species

under the name of H. ventilabra, and is now in the well-stored

and liberally-yielding cabinet of Mr. Bean of Scarborough.

From the same quarter I got this last summer a piece of iron-

stone, which brought up with it some curiosities from the deep

sea. It was studded with Crania personata, so firmly cemented

to the stone that only the upper valve could be detached. There

was on the same stone a specimen of Serpula vitrea of rather rare

occurrence. And winding over the surface of the stone, there

was something like a flat sea-worm of a flesh-red colour, having

at intervals the appearance of round puckered mouths. I thought

I had seen its like before, but as I had mislaid the specimen with

which I wished to compare it, I sent it to Mr. W. Thompson, Bel-

fast, a kind resolver of doubts, who informed me that it was, as I

had suspected, Zoanthus Couchii.

From the same obliging fisherman I got, this summer, Psolus

phantapus, which was new to me; but respecting which I could

have no doubt, from its corresponding so well with the figure and

description given by Professor Forbes in his ‘ History of British

Starfishes,’ &c.

On the shore at Ardrossan I found this summer, among some

sea-weeds, what was new to me, and I believe is rare, Aplysia

punctata. Even Aplysia depilans is rare here.

Acteon viridis, Mont. (sp.).

In a little rocky pool of sea-water, about halfway betwixt Bro-

dick and Corrie, on the Arran shore, I discovered in July 1844

328 Rey. D. Landsborough on some Rarities found

an Alga which seemed new to me. I greedily laid hold of it, and

found it no easy matter to detach it from the rock to which it

firmly adhered. It turned out to be Codium tomentosum—not

rare I believe either in England or Ireland, but so rare with us,

that the only Scottish specimen I had ever seen, was one given me

by my intelligent friend Dr. Curdie (now in the wilds of Austra-

lia), which he had got in the island of Gigha, off Cantyre*. On

taking it out of the water I observed a greenish gelatinous ani-

mal on it; but being taken up with my rare plant, I cast the

animal into the pool again. I afterwards saw on the Codiwm two

more of the same species, but considerably smaller ; and observing

that they were beautifully mottled with azure spots, I deposited

them in my vasculum among the branches of Codium. When, on

reaching home, I put them into a tumbler of sea-water, I soon

saw that I had got a rare and beautiful mollusk, Aplysia, now

Acteon viridis, discovered by Col. Montagu on the Devonshire

coast, and described by him in the ‘ Transactions ’ of the Linnean

Society. Allow me to refer to his description as quoted by my

excellent friend Professor Fleming of Aberdeen in his ‘ British

Animals,’ a book which ought to be in the hands of every British

naturalist.

As I kept it for nearly a week in the tumbler, where it seemed

to browse with great satisfaction on the delicate woolly beard of

the Codium, I had every opportunity of observing it, and I found

that it was even more beautiful than from Montagu’s excellent

description I could have supposed. Its general colour is green,

betwixt grass-green and bottle-green ; but in certain lights it has

a considerable shade of rich puce colour of the finest velvet. It

is beautifully dotted with azure and with gold. The azure spots

are small and numerous on all parts of the body and of the fins,

and are precisely of the same brilliant azure as the lines on Pa-

tella pellucida. The golden spots were confined to the upper

parts of the body; they were few in number, but considerably

larger and less regular in form than the azure dots. Two of

them for instance were oblong, and extended from the ear-lhke

tentacula down to the eyes, which were placed on what we would

call the cuff of the neck, as if to keep watch against the enemies

from behind, while it was busy feeding on the rich pasture

afforded by the Codium.

The membrane which acts as fins is of the same colour and

substance as the body. When the fins are raised and meet above,

they give it the appearance of being gibbous on the back. More

generally however they are a little apart from each other, and in

* T have since learned from Mr. Thompson of Belfast, that he found se-

veral plants of it growing in the greatest perfection in a small rock-pool near

Ballantrae (Ayrshire) in the month of August 1839,

on the West Coast of Scotland. 529

swimming they extend horizontally from the body, and show, at

the base of the neck, betwixt the upper part of the fins, a whitish

protuberance bearing some resemblance to the shield on the back

of Aplysia depilans.

At the base of each fin, and pretty close to the back, there

could be seen, when the light was favourable, all along the in-

side, a line like the midrib of a leaf; and from this double mid-

rib there proceeded at intervals, ves in a slanting direction to

the upper margin of each fin ; so that when the two fins were ex-

panded, it was like a green-veined leaf. To this appearance it

may at times owe its safety by deceiving the eye of prowlers.

The description of the mouths given by Montagu suited my

specimens, except that in them the margin only of the upper lip

was black. The lower lip and part of the throat were quite white,

and were the only parts that had none of the azure or golden

dots. I may mention in conclusion, that when the animal was

held betwixt the eye and the light, the body and the fins seemed

full of darkish granules.

On mentioning to Mrs. Griffiths (a name dear to naturalists)

that I had fallen in with this green beauty, she informed me that

it was frequently found in Devonshire on the Codium tomentosum,

which seems to be its favourite pasture-ground ; and on which,

from similarity of colour, it may often escape detection.

Syrinx papillosus, Thomp.

In the month of March last, when my daughter Margaret was

picking up some Algz on the strand near to Stevenston Burn-

foot, she observed on the shore a number of gelatinous creatures,

blown up like little bags. Fortunately she brought one of them

home with her; and unfortunately she brought but one ; for it

turned out to be the rare Syrinx papillosus. I kept it alive for

some time and made some observations on it, which I sent,

along with its poor remains, to Mr. Thompson. He is a person

whom it is a pleasure and a privilege to consult in doubts and

difficulties.

I shall add the substance of what I wrote to Mr. Thompson

respecting Syrinx papillosus.

When found it was in the form of a soda-water bottle, about

an inch and a half in length, and about Zths of an inch in dia-

meter. On being put into sea-w ater, it aeniened very much the

appearance of the figure given by Forbes , being nearly 3 inches

in length. The concentric strize were rather faint ; but the lon-

gitudinal ones looked like ribs, about fifteen in number: and were

fully twice as distant from each other as the. concentric ones

which they crossed. It soon became flaccid, and contracted to

less than half an inch in diameter ; but it firmly adhered to the

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2A

330 On some Rarities found on the West Coast of Scotland.

glass by the short papille with which its body was covered. Its

colour was dirty white clouded with reddish brown. Next day

it was blown up again, had become more lively, and twisted itself

into various forms. It gave us no reason to think that it had a

proboscis. It only once displayed its tentacula, about twelve in

number, which were spread back and lay quite flat around the

mouth in the form of a little star. While we waited for a more

complete manifestation, it died in our hands, so that the figure

was taken by my daughter Margaret in very unfavourable cir-

cumstances*. The tentacula were broader at the base than they

are represented im the figure. When it put out only the tips of

them, they appeared round, obtuse, and marked with reddish

brown bands, somewhat like the single magnified tentaculum in

the figure. When it died it shrunk into very small dimensions.

The concentric corrugations, though still famter than the ribs,

were more evident than when it was alive. The reticulations as-

sumed a beaded aspect, so as to give the body of the creature, in

certam lights, a considerable resemblance to a small head of

Indian corn.

But let me not forget to mention among the memorabilia, a

Champagne bottle fished up last summer from the deep sea _be-

twixt Bute and Cumbrae! A bottle of Highland whisky could not

have been more prized by my friend James M‘Fee the fisherman,

nor a bottle of old Falernian more valued by myself. It seemed

quite a knowing, far-travelled, aristocratic bottle. Instead of a

cork, it

“ Had fix’d a scallop on its mouth before.”

Its sides were incrusted with Serpula triquetra, and its deep

concavity below was inwrought with Serpula tubularia. But what

did it contain? Ay, there’s the rub. It would take a wise man

to answer that question. I never attempted it. It was full, how-

ever, of some white, soft, dense substance. Having by dint of

assiduity extracted a little of it, I sent it by post to Dr. Sten-

house, a first-rate chemist im Glasgow, begging him to let me

know what treasure of the deep this marine vial contained. Ha-

ving done it all the honours of his laboratory, and having se-

cundum artem analysed the precious contents, he returned for

answer that “it was fat of some kind—probably tallow”!!!

“‘ Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.”

Asterina gibbosa.

In August 1844 I had the pleasure of finding Asterina gib-

bosa, or the gibbous starlet, in pools of sea-water on the rocky

shore of Arran, near to Lamlash. It has been found in several

* In consequence of this, the drawing has not been engraved.

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 331

places in England ; and Mr. Thompson, Belfast, has found it all

around the coast of Ireland; but the only habitat in Scotland

mentioned by Prof. Edward Forbes is the gneiss shore of Ross-

shire.

I may mention, that about five years ago, I found near the same

locality at Clackland Point, a little starfish which was quite new

to me, and for which afterwards I repeatedly looked in vain. I

found two of them alive, adhering to Halidrys siliquosa, but they

were lost by being deposited in a yasculum which had been so

injured that it could not be kept closely shut. This star/e¢ was

not more than #ths of an inch in length, and little more than $ths

in breadth ; and as it had only four rays, and as the angles were

not produced, it had quite the appearance of a miniature oblong

shield. It was ash-coloured above. It is possible that it might

be an abnormal variety of Asterina gibbosa, but this must remain

in dubia till it is found by some person with a securer vas-

culum.

XLVIII.—Notes on the Synonymy of the Genus Apion, with De-

scriptions of Six new Species, &c. By Joun Watton, Esq.,

F.L.S.

[Continued from vol, xiii. p. 457.]

37. Apion striatum, Marsh., Kirb., Steph. Manual.

— Pisi, Germ., Steph.

— atratulum, Germ., Steph., Schonh.

Tuts species may be distinguished from the following by having

the head rugose-punctate between the eyes, and the vertex with a

smooth shining transverse band adjoming the thorax ; this is a con-

stant character: the thorax has a distinct dorsal channel. The

majority have the elytra obcuneiform and very convex ; these may

be regarded as of the normal form ; but many individuals have a

tendency to become much shorter, and these varieties have the

elytra globose-ovate and subglobose ; others are narrowed poste-

riorly and less convex, having the forms oblong-ovate and oblong-

oval ; hence the difficulty of identifying species from descriptions.

Kirby and Stephens describe this species with the elytra globose ;

Germar and Schénherr as obcuneiform: when the extreme forms

are contrasted by placing them in juxtaposition, it is difficult to

believe that they belong to the same species ; yet in a long series

they are closely linked together by a regular transition from one

form to another, and by the natural character of the sculpture.

Small specimens are sometimes found less than half the magni-

tude of others, with intermediate sizes. The characters which

commonly distinguish the sexes are not very obvious in this and

2A2

332 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

the following species, and without some practical experience are .

rather difficult to determine.

I received four insects from Germar with the name Ap. atra-

tulum ; these are beyond all doubt the same species as Ap. stria-

tum of Marsham and Kirby.

Very common almost everywhere on the furze (Ulex ewropeus)

from February to November.

38. A. immune, Kirb., Steph., Schonh.

— Betule (Chevr. in Litt.), Schonh.

This species differs from the preceding in having the head di-

stinctly striated between the eyes, the vertex very coarsely punc-

tured adjacent to the thorax, the corresponding space in Ap. stri-

atum being smooth and shining ; the thorax with a large puncture

near the base, before the scutellum, sometimes obsolete or want-

ing. The thorax has been described as somewhat globose and

punctulated, whereas it is narrow and subcylindrical, laterally a

little dilated at the middle, very coarsely and thickly punctured ;

the elytra, at the sides, posteriorly much enlarged and rounded,

with the apex obtusely rounded, above very convex, and remark-

ably gibbous behind the middle. It is a smaller species than the

foregoing, and also variable in form and size.

M. Chevrolat forwarded to me two insects under the name of

Ap. Betule of Schonherr, which are very evidently small varieties

of this species.

In my former notes on the species of this genus, I have erro-

neously referred the present insect to the preceding, as its male ;

the possession of an extensive series recently collected in the south

of England has enabled me to correct this error, and to point out

the specific distinctions of both species.

This insect appears to be confined to the south of England and

is rather local; I found it plentifully on the broom (Spartiwm Sco-

parium) in Charlton sand-pits and in other localities in June and

September.

39. A. Sorbi, Herbst, Kirb., Gyll., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

Curc. viridescens, Marsh.

A. carbonarium, Germ. (¢), Steph. Ill.

The male of this species is of smaller size than the female, the

eyes are more prominent, the rostrum shorter and stouter, and

the elytra black.

Gyllenhal first identified the male of this insect, which he com-

municated to Kirby; afterwards both authors described the female,

and characterized the male ; since which (1817) Germar described

and figured an insect under the name of Ap. carbonarium, which

he subsequently recorded as the male of Ap. Sorbi*. Stephens

in his ‘ I|nstrations’ described an insect under the name of Ap,

* Germ. Mag. iii. App. p. 39.

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 333

carbonarium of Germar, which he has sunk in his ‘ Manual’ as a

variety of Ap. Sorbi, but with a note of interrogation; and the

error has not been corrected, as the name still stands in Curtis’s

‘Guide’ and in Stephens’s ‘ Nomenclature.’

Gyllenhal has erroneously referred the male to Cure. aterrimus

of Linnzeus : see notes on Ap. marchicum.

This fine species appears to be rare in the south of England.

Mr. S. Stevens captured a few specimens of both sexes at Bury-

hill near Arundel ; Mr. Wollaston found the female abundantly

amongst moss and dead leaves near Cambridge, and what is re-

markable, without a single male occurring ; I have also met with

the female very plentifully under the same circumstances in woods

and hedges near Knaresborough in Yorkshire in June, and both

sexes in company in the same neighbourhood on the black thorn

(Prunus spinosa) in September. According to my experience, the

males of Ap. subulatum are very rarely found with the female, and

when they occur together, the number of females is much greater

in proportion than the males. It is difficult to assign a cause for

these anomalies.

40. A. Ervi, Kirb., Gyll., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

— (6) Lathyri, Kirb., Steph.

Mr. Kirby confounded the sexes of this insect, and recorded

Ap. Lathyri as a distinct species ; Gyllenhal afterwards defined

the sexual characters, and cited Ap. Lathyri of Kirby as the male

of Ap. Ervi ; British writers have subsequently, upon the author-

ity of the latter author, upheld the name ; I have however pub-

lished* evidence of their identity which I need not repeat here.

This is a common species, widely distributed, and occurs al-

most everywhere on the Lathyrus pratensis from June to October.

41, A. punctigerum, Germ., Gyll., Steph., Schonh.

— sulcifrons, Kirb., Steph., not Herbst.

— punctiger, Payk., Gyll. vol. iii.

I have seen a foreign specimen of Ap. sulcifrons of Herbst in

the possession of Mr. Waterhouse, which is undoubtedly distinct

from the present species, and has not yet been discovered in

Britain.

I found this insect abundantly in the north, and also near

Dover on Vicia sepium, in company with Bruchus seminarius, in

June last. ,

42. A. Spencii, Kirb., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

— (var. 3, y.) foveolatum, Kirb., Steph.

— intrusum, Gyll., Steph.

— columbinum, Steph., not Germ.

The description of Ap. foveolatum by Kirby is taken from a

* Ent, Mag. vy. p. 13.

Bie Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

Swedish insect sent to him by Gyllenhal, which is now in the pos-

session of the Entomological Society : no doubt can exist as to -

the identity of this insect ; it is pinned with a long fine pin and

labelled with Mr. Kirby’s number 27 ; subsequently Gyllenhal

described the same species ; and it is very remarkable, that the de-

scriptions of the sculpture by these celebrated entomologists are

very discrepant. ‘The head between the eyes is described by Kirby

as having an impressed fovea, by Gyllenhal as flat, not impressed ;

the thorax is defined by the former as deeply punctured, by the latter

as obsoletely punctate. I have minutely examined the Swedish insect

above-named ; it has the head, between the eyes (when viewed in

front), evidently impressed, and the thorax distinctly punctured.

It has a very great resemblance in all its essential characters to

Ap. Spencii, and as the latter species is extremely variable, I have

hitherto regarded it as a male variety, but it appears to have the

rostrum a little shorter and rather less bent ; the antenne with

their articulations also appear to be rather shorter and a little

stouter ; these differences have caused me to hesitate in giving a

decided opinion. The British insect variety B, cited by Kirby

under the name of Ap. foveolatum with a note of interrogation,

“an idem ?” is beyond all doubt a male of Ap. Spencii; and va-

riety y. 1s decidedly a female variety of the same species. Gyl-

lenhal has referred the first (@.) to his Ap. intrusum, and I have

no doubt from his description it is synonymous with Ap. Spencii.

Germar has cited both the above varieties of Kirby (8, y.) under

his Ap. columbinum, but with a note of interrogation. I possess

a foreign example of the latter species from Germar ; it has the

habit of a female of Ap. Spencii with a narrow head, but appears

to be distinct from that species; it differs in having the head

longer and constricted behind the eyes, with a much deeper con-

cavity between them, the concavity profoundly sulcate ; the thorax

somewhat cylindrical, deeply rugose-punctate ; the elytra longer,

less convex, and of an oblong-oval form: I have never seen a

British specimen like it.

The typical examples of Ap. Spencii (27 2 3), now im the Kir-

bian collection, have the head with a distinct cavity or fovea be-

tween the eyes; it is very extraordinary that Mr. Kirby in his

description should have omitted to notice this important cha-

racter. The male has the rostrum rather shorter than that of the

female, filiform, and covered with hairs to the apex; in the latter

sex the rostrum is rather attenuated before the antenne, and

glabrous. Varieties of the female occur with very narrow heads ;

and the cavity between the eyes in both sexes is more or less

deep ; the foveze on each side of the dorsal channel towards the

base are sometimes obsolete or entirely wantmg. When a long

series of this species is closely examined, the characters will be

found to be extremely variable.

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 335

I have found this insect very abundant near Low Harrowgate,

Scarborough, and at other places in Yorkshire, invariably on Vicia

Cracca in the month of August ; and also at Lyndhurst. Taken

by Mr. S. Stevens near Edgeware, and at Hampstead in July.

43, A. virens, Herbst, Kirb., Germ., Gyll., Steph., Schénh.

— marchicum, Kirb. (3), Germ., Steph.

— eneocephalum, Gyll. vol. iii.

Mr. Kirby suspected that Ap. marchicum was but a sexual ya-

riety of Ap. virens; the male has the rostrum distinctly shorter

and stouter, with the antennz inserted at the middle ; I have no

doubt whatever that the former is the male of the latter.

It is rather a common species, and found in the north and

south of England on hedge-banks and amongst grass in the

spring and autumn.

44, A. Astragali, Payk., Karb., Gyll., Germ., Steph., Schénh.

I am indebted to R. N. Greville, Esq., for specimens of this

beautiful insect ; they were taken by him near Northampton in

June; it inhabits Astragalus glycyphyllus, and is found in June

and July. I have frequently examined that plant in the north

and south of England, but I never met with the insect ; it appears

to be extremely local and periodical in its appearance: Mr. Kirby

sought for it year after year, Astragalus glycyphyllus being abun-

dant near his residence, but never found it more than once.

45. A. Loti, Kirb., Germ., Steph.

— angustatum, Kirb., Gyll., Schénh.

— modestum, Germ.

— (var.) glabratum (Spence MSS.), Germ., Steph.

— (var.) civicum, Mus. Steph.

Ap. angustatum was described by Kirby from a Swedish in-

sect which is certainly a narrow female variety of Ap. Loti; ex-

amples of the latter, which I sent to Schonherr, were named by

that author Ap. angustatum ; and specimens previously forwarded

to Schénherr by Mr. Waterhouse were returned with the same

name. [ likewise sent specimens to Germar ; his note relative to

them is as follows: “ Ap. Loti of Kirby (¢) and Ap. angusta-

tum (2) are no doubt the same species; until the present time

I possessed only one injured specimen, presented to me by Mr.

Spence ; my Ap. modestum is identical with Ap. angustatum.” It

is upon Mr. Kirby’s authority that I have cited Ap. glabratum as

a synonym, from the followmg note in his manuscript book : “ gla-

bratum of Spence, var. Apion Loti, K.” This I communicated to

Germar in a note under dp. Loti, but he made no observation

upon it.

I have found this species rather abundant in Yorkshire, at

306 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

Birch Wood, Mickleham, and other places, always upon the Lotus

corniculatus, in July.

46. A. afer, Schonh. (1833).

— validirostre, Schonh.

— puncticolle (Waterh. MSS.), Steph. Manual (1839).

I possess eight foreign examples of this species, sent to me

by Schénherr, Germar and Chevrolat all under the first name ; I

have closely examined and compared these with a long series of

eighty-three specimens of Ap. puncticolle, and no doubt exists in

my mind that they are identically the same; M. Chevrolat and

Mr. Waterhouse agree with me in this opinion. It is an insect

that is subject to sexual and mdividual variation, and the va-

rieties in a long series gradually pass one into another, so that no

separation can be made.

According to Germar, Ap. validirostre of Schonherr is the male

of this species.

I met with a great number of this msect the begining of

July amongst grass on hedge-sides near Turner’s Wood, Hamp-

stead.

47. A. scutellare, Kirb., Germ., Schonh., Steph.

— Kirbii (Leach MSS.), Germ., Steph.

I sent specimens of this msect under the name of Ap. Kirbii

to Schénherr, who referred them to Ap. scutellare of his work.

Kirby origmally characterized it with the latter name, and I re-

gret that in strict accordance with the law of priority it cannot

be changed. The late Dr. Leach placed in the national cabinet

(at what period I have no means of determining) three insects

under the name of Ap. Kirbii, which undoubtedly belong to Ap.

scutellare. Germar has described* an insect with the name Ap.

Kirbii, and added this note: “ According to the description of

Ap. scutellare, Mon. 78, we should distinguish this insect as

being it, if Dr. Leach had not sent the same as a new species

under the above name ; but should this have been done through

mistake, this description will at least serve as an addition to that

of Kirby.”

I have found this imsect very plentiful on the furze (Ulex

europeus) near Lyndhurst, and in Windsor Forest in June, and

also at Shirley Common in October. On the furze, Ascot Heath,

in great abundance in July and August, Mr. 8. Stevens.

48. A. obscurum, Marsh., Kirb., Steph.

Two examples of this species were found amongst a parcel of

insects given to Mr. Marsham by A. B. Lambert, Esq., one of

* Germ. Mag. iii. App. p. 50, 1818.

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 337

which is now in the collection of Mr. Kirby, and the other in that

of Mr. Stephens ; these are the only specimens known.

49. A. flavipes, Fab. (1781), Herbst, Kirb., Gyll., Germ., Steph.,

Schonh.

Common on the white or Dutch clover (Trifolium repens),

Mr. Kirby.

50. A. nigritarse, Kirb., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

— Waterhousei, Schonh.

The typical example of the last-named insect being in the ca-

binet of Mr. Waterhouse, I have had ample opportunity of exami-

ning it; it is doubtless a female variety of the present species,

having the tibize obscure testaceous.

Found rather abundantly on various plants, which renders its

habitat uncertain.

51. A. assimile, Kirb., Germ., Gyll., Steph., Schénh.

— (var. b.) flavipes, Gyll. vol. ii.

Taken occasionally in profusion from April to October in red

clover fields, pastures, meadows, and on hedge-banks, frequently

in company with the two following species (Ap. Fagi and Ap.

Trifolit).

52. A. Fogi, Linn., Kirb.

Curc. Fagi, Mus. Linn.

A. apricans, Herbst, Germ., Gyll., Steph., Schénh.

— Fagi, Mus. Kirb.

— flavifemoratum, Kirb., not Herbst.

The law of priority requires that the name given by the illus-

trious naturalist should be restored to this species.

Mr. Kirby has demonstrated* that the original specimens now

preserved in the Linnean museum are “beyond all question ”

the true Curc. Fagi of Linneus. I have recently rigorously re-

examined and compared these specimens with all the yellow-

legged Apions that are liable to be confounded with them, and I

can now affirm, without the least hesitation or doubt, that they

are two immature males of Ap. apricans of Herbst : the form of

the rostrum being nearly straight ; the pale yellow basal joints of

the antennz, their shallow subremote punctures on the disc of

the thorax, the pallid or pale yellow trochanters and femora,

distinguish them from al) the other allied species.

Ap. Fagi of Kirby is described by him from the above-named

Linnzan examples. There is an insect in the Kirbian collection

of Apions with the name “ Fagi” ; it is fastened upon a piece of

paper with gum, and compressed to imitate the Linnean speci-

* Linn. Trans. ix. p. 41,

338 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

mens ; this I have many times examined, and always with the

same result, which is, that it is an immature male of Ap. apricans

of Herbst, synonymous with Ap. flavifemoratum of Kirby: the

latter author therefore appears to have described the same spe-

cies twice ; but I think the circumstance of Linneus having given

the habitat in “ Fagi foliis” has had a tendency to bias Mr. Kir-

by’s judgement, in considering it distinct from his Ap. flavifemo-

ratum: this (with many other species of the genus that I have

examined) has ample wings, and the imago is not always found

on the same plant that the larva feeds upon, but sometimes on

trees—see notes on Ap. Cracce ; it is therefore very probable that

Ap. Fagi of Linnzeus was found on a beech-tree.

This and the preceding species, from their extreme resemblance

to each other, are rather difficult to determine, but a knowledge

of their sexual dissimilarities in the form of the rostrum will

greatly assist in distinguishing them.

Ap. assimile may be known from Ap. Fagi by having the ros-

trum in both sexes distinctly more curved, and in the male at-

tenuated im front ; whereas the latter species has the rostrum of

both sexes filiform, nearly straight, and evidently longest in the

female. Ap. assimile has the basal jomts of the antenne dull

piceous ; the thorax closely punctulated, with the punctures con-

fluent. Ap. Fagi has the basal jomts of the antennz testaceous ;

the thorax above more convex, with shallow subremote punctures

on the disc ; and it is a larger insect than Ap. assimile.

I have foreign specimens of Ap. flavifemoratum of Herbst from

Germar, found in Saxony, which is a very distinct species and not

hitherto discovered in this country. I have also foreign examples

of Ap. apricans of Herbst from Schonherr.

I have frequently taken, in the spring and autumn, this and the

preceding species together in profusion in red clover fields (Tri-

folium pratense) near Mickleham, at Birch Wood, and other

localities, also in meadows and pastures where that plant grows.

53. A. Trifolii, Linn.

Cure. Trifolii, Mus. Linn. (Syst. Nat. iii. App. p. 224).

A. estivum, Germ., Gyll., Steph., Schonh.

— (¢) ruficrus, Germ., Schonh.

— (var. 3.) flavifemoratum, Kirb.

— (var.) Leachii, Steph.

I have the pleasure of reviving and re-establishing, by means

of the Linnean cabinet, the appropriate name of Linnzus to this

species.

There is an insect preserved in the Linnzean collection (which

it is very remarkable has been overlooked by Marsham and

Kirby) that is well secured with gum upon a piece of paper, on

which is inscribed “ Trifolii” by Linnzeus’s own hand ; the name

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 339

being written on the same paper which bears the insect, effectually

protects it against every casualty : this evidence is so strong and

conclusive, that not a shadow of a doubt can now exist as to its

identity. Moreover it agrees with his description in all its na-

tural characters; but the body is covered beneath with whitish

mould, which has been noted by the terms “ abdomen niveum,”

when in fact the species has a black, naked body: this error,

it is but fair to observe, may well be excused, since, accord-

ing to Kirby, Linnzus rarely used a lens. Cure. Trifolii, de-

scribed by Marsham (after Limnzeus) as having a white abdomen,

has long been immolated by Kirby. Schoénherr has cited Ap.

Trifolii of Linnzus as a mere synonym to Ap. Vicie, because the

latter species has a white abdomen; but Schduherr has injudi-

ciously applied the name to a species with very different cha-

racters, namely Ap. Trifolii of Limtz. We are informed by Lin-

neeus that his insect inhabits Trifolium montanum ; in England it

is found abundantly upon Trifolium pratense. I have many times

inspected the type of Cure. Trifolii of Linnzeus, and have not the

slightest doubt of its beg a female of Ap. estivum. I sent ex-

amples (¢ ?) of this species to Schénherr, who referred them to

Ap.estivum of his work. I likewise sent manyspecimens toGermar,

who has recorded his opinion of them as follows: “ Ap. estivum :

Kirby’s Ap. assimile is identical* ; the first jot of the antennz

is more or less red, and sometimes also the second ;” “but Ap.

assimile of Gyllenhal is unknown to me.” I cannot concur with

Dr. Germar that the British 4p. estivum is identical with Karby’s

Ap. assimile, because I think they are furnished with characters

sufficiently evident to entitle them to rank as distinct species ;

certainly the British Ap. estivum occurs with the basal joints of

the antennez more or less piceous, but they are generally black,

except the first jomt, which is red at its base. I must here ob-

serve, that specimens of Ap. assimile of Kirby, which I sent to

Schénherr, were identified by him as 4p. assimile of Gyllenhal.

I also forwarded to Germar examples of the same species.

I received an insect from Schonherr (symbolized ¢) with the

name Ap. ruficrus, referred by him to his work (v. p. 407. 100,

Germania). I wrote to Germar for specimens of Ap. estivum; he

sent me an example of “ Ap. ruficrus, Germ.” Schonherr now

appears to regard Ap. ruficrus as distinct from Ap. estivum, al-

though he has previously cited the former name as a synonym to

the latter+ ; Germar has recorded that “ Ap. ruficrus may perhaps

be only a variety of Ap. estivum ft.”

I have very carefully examined the German examples of Ap.

ruficrus, and have no doubt they are both males of Ap. Trifolit,

* Ent. Zeit., Stettin, no. 1. p.4, 1842.

+ Syn. Ins. i. p. 281. no. 70. } Germ. Mag. iii. App. p. 39.

340 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

Linn., agreeing with my specimens of the latter in every import-

ant character ; they differ however in having some parts of the

legs more intensely coloured ; their anterior coxze and trochanters

are totally black, and the four posterior femora more or less pi-

ceous and inclining to black. The msect received from Schénherr

differs from Germar’s in having the intermediate femora testa-

ceous : the German specimens appear to have the colour of the

legs inclining to black, the British incline more to rufous.

On examining a great number of this species, it will be found

to have a peculiar tendency to vary extremely in the colour of the

legs, and it is impossible to enumerate the shades of difference

which arise ; I shall therefore merely give a general description

of the range of varieties. The anterior paw of legs have their

coxee and trochanters testaceous, with the apex of each, and some-

times the base and apex, more or less dusky testaceous, or piceous

or black ; the trochanters are not unfrequently wholly piceous or

black ; now and then the coxe are black at the base and apex,

obscure testaceous in front and piceous black behind, clearly in-

dicating a propensity to become entirely black ; the anterior tibiz

are frequently piceous, sometimes rufo-testaceous, sometimes

black ; occasionally the base and the lower half are black, and

between the knees and the middle testaceous ; the four posterior

coxee, their trochanters, the joints, the tibize, and all the tarsi,

piceous black or black ; all the femora beneath rufous or testa-

ceous, now and then inclining to piceous above.

Ap. Trifolii may be distinguished from Ap. assimile and Ap.

Fagi by having the anterior trochanters pitchy and the four pos-

terior black, whereas the two latter species have all the tro-

chanters constantly rufous* ; Ap. Trifolit has the rostrum por-

rect and very little bent, a good character which will also distin-

guish it from Ap. assimile, the latter having the rostrum distinetly

curved: these characters, independent of other less striking dif-

ferences, are sufficient to discrimimate this species from its con-

geners.

I met with this insect in considerable numbers with the two

preceding in a field of red clover (Trifolium pratense) near Herne

Bay in Kent, at the beginning of last June.

* Mr. Kirby has very judiciously introduced into his descriptions the co-

lour of the coxe and trochanters, and has been followed by Mr. Stephens.

It is surprising that Gyllenhal, Germar and Schénherr should have disre-

garded the colour of these organs as a subsidiary specific character ; never-

theless it is a valuable auxiliary, not only in determining species, but also

the sexes: for example, the male of 4p. rufirostre has all the coxe and

trochanters yellow, the female has all the coxze black and the trochanters

rufous (first noticed by Mr. Spence) ; the male of 4p. difforme has all the

trochanters rufous, the female has them deep black ; the male of 4p. flavipes

has the anterior coxz rufous, in the female they are always black,

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 54]

54. A. Schoenherri (Waterh. MSS.), Schonh.

Black, glabrous and shining. Head short and broad; the frons

posteriorly convex and minutely punctured, between the eyes

striated, the strize more or less distinct ; rostrum short and stout,

attenuated in front and much thickened behind, a little bent,

punctulated. Antennz medial, about the length of the rostrum ;

the articulations short and robust, entirely black, except the first

joint, which is red at its base, and sometimes piceous at its apex.

Thorax narrow, oblong, subcylindrical, rather broader than the

head, very minutely punctured, the punctures frequently very faintly

impressed and indistinct, with a minute fovea before the base,

intersected by a faint short line, sometimes scarcely perceptible.

Elytra ovate, above very convex, arched, deeply punctate-striate,

the striz minutely punctured, the interstices rather broad, flat,

and coriaceous. Legs black, with the anterior cox and tro-

chanters testaceous, the base and apex of each or only the apex

more or less piceous ; occasionally the trochanters are entirely pi-

ceous ; the anterior tibize testaceous or fuscous, sometimes testa-

ceous in front and piceous behind ; the four posterior coxz black,

their trochanters piceous ; all the femora testaceous, now and then

rufous. ¢. (Length 1} line.)

The female differs in having the head in some examples di-

stinctly narrower ; the rostrum longer, slender and filiform ; the

antenne inserted behind the middle of the rostrum; the legs

more strongly coloured, having the anterior cox, trochanters

and tibize piceous.

This insect in the order of affinity ranks next to Ap. Trifolii ;

the female is very much like the same sex of that species, but di-

stinguished chiefly by having the thorax very minutely punctured.

One male specimen of this new and very distinct species was

first found by Mr. Waterhouse, and he has had the pleasure of

naming it in honour of one of the most distinguished and cele-

brated entomologists in Europe ; it was described in the work of

M. Schonherr by Professor C. H. Boheman from the specimen

above-named, and afterwards returned to Mr. Waterhouse ; it

appears to be unknown on the continent. I found the female

near Scarborough in August 1837, since which a few specimens

of both sexes were taken in the same month amongst short grass

near Arundel by Mr. S. Stevens and myself. It appears to be not

only very rare, but extremely local.

55. A. varipes, Germ., Gyll., Steph., Schonh.

— flavifemoratum, var. y. Kirb.

— flavipes, var. c. Gyll. vol. ili.

This species is nearly related to the four preceding, but it may

be readily known from them by its having the rostrum longer

842 Mr. H.E. Strickland on Cyanocitta superciliosa.

and much more curved, especially in the female ; the legs longer

and distinctly stouter ; with the lower half of all the tibize black,

the upper part rufous.

This insect is rather local and not frequently found ; I met with

it once rather plentifully in a red clover field near Birch Wood,

the beginning of June.

56. A. levicolle, Kirb., Germ., Steph., Schénh.

Mr. 8. Stevens has found this species common in three localities

near Arundel annually, in the month of August ; also near Ryde,

Isle of Wight. I met with many specimens on a sand-bank on

Windmill Hill, Gravesend, in July: it appears to prefer sandy

situations.

[To be continued. }

XLIX.—Further Notice respecting Cyanocitta superciliosa, a sup-

posed new species of Blue Jay. By H. BE. Strickianp, M.A.

In the last Number of the ‘ Annals,’ p. 260, I proposed to sepa-

rate the Blue Jays of America from Cyanocoraz, under the ge-

neric name of Cyanocitta, and I also pointed out a species of the

latter group which had been hitherto confounded with the C. ul-

tramarina of Mexico. When my paper went to press it happened

that I had not then received the March Number of Mr. G. R.

Gray’s excellent work the ‘Genera of Birds, which contains a

monographic summary of the subfamily Garruline. He there

follows precedimg authors in retaming the Blue Jays and the Blue

Crows under one genus, Cyanocorazx, of which he enumerates in

the whole twenty-one species. There can however be no doubt

that these two groups are deserving of generic separation, as they

not only differ in many points of structure and of colour, but also

in their geographical distribution, Cyanocorax proper inhabiting

the warm latitudes of South America, while Cyanocitta ranges

from Mexico to the colder parts of the North American con-

tient. The latter genus may be thus defined :—

Beak moderate, breadth at the base exceeding the height ; up-

per mandible depressed at the base, slightly compressed towards

the point ; culmen straight for #ths of its length, then gradually

curving down ; commissure almost straight till near the apex, then

curving downwards ; emargination nearly obsolete, gonys curved

upwards, height of each mandible nearly equal. Nostrils covered

by recumbent bristly feathers. Frontal feathers not forming a

rigid erect crest as in many species of Cyanocoraz. Total length

from 10 to 12 inches. Plumage more or less blue, especially on

the wings and tail, which are fr requently barred transversely with

black. Structure of the feet, wings and tail as in Cyanocoraz.

—— ss Se

Capt. Portlock on the genus Cardinia. 343

With respect to the species of Cyanocitta which I supposed to

be new, and which I denominated C. superciliosa, the synonyms

quoted in Mr. Gray’s work under C. ultramarina have induced

me to consult the ‘ Zoology of Capt. Beechey’s Voyage,’ and I

there find the species in question figured and described by Mr.

Vigors under the name of Garrulus californicus. The distinctions

between it and C. ultramarina of Mexico (Garrulus sordidus,

Swains.) are there correctly pomted out, although all subsequent

authors have continued to unite these two species. My proposed

specitic name of superciliosa must therefore give way to Mr. Vi-

gors’s prior appellation of californica, and the extreme difficulty

of obtaining ready access to every zoological work must be my

apology for “having added one more to the fen or twelve thousand

supertiuous specific synonyms which already exist in ornithology

alone.

I may add that the “ Pica Siebert” of Wagler is certainly a

synonym of C. ultramarina, not a distinct species as Mr, Gray

makes it.

L.—WNote on Mr. H. E. Strickland’s Paper on the genus Cardinia

(Agassiz). By Carr. Porriock, R.E.

Corfu, March 11, 1845.

Tue paper of Mr. Strickland* contains this passage : “ Some au-

thors have been disposed to extend the geological range of this

genus, by including in it those species from the coal-measures

which Sowerby and most other paleontologists have regarded as

true Unionide. Whether Agassiz originally proposed this exten-

sion of the genus | am not aware, having never yet been able to

meet with his translation of the ‘ Mineral Conchology,’ in which

the group is first defined; but in his last work on the subject,

the ‘ Etudes critiques sur les Mollusques fossiles, he seems to

regard Cardinia as exclusively confined to the lias and lower

oolite.”

Having before me the German translation by Agassiz of the

‘Mineral Conchology,’ I am enabled to remove this doubt of

Mr. Strickland, and to render his history of the new genus Car-

dinia complete.

To the generic description of the genus Unio (plate 33, Min.

Conch.) Sowerby appended this remark : “ Several species of this

genus are abundant in the iron-stone bed of Derbyshire, called the

mussel-band,” &c. ; and at this passage occurs Agassiz’ first note

upon the subject, the words of which are : “ These bivalves from

the stone-coal formation which have been classed by Sowerby in

the genus Unio are very different from it, as I have satisfied my-

* Annals, vol. xiv. p. 100.

344: Capt. Portlock on the genus Cardinia. —

self by a careful comparison of the casts of several living species

of the genus Unio with the fossil species of the stone-coal. The

internal casts of the true Uniones have, like Trigonia, a strong

anterior notch, and along the upper margin the impression of the

hinge-teeth is distinctly visible. In the fossil casts from the stone-

coal there are, on the contrary, two oblique furrows, the one an-

terior, the other posterior, which can only have originated from

widely separated hinge-teeth. I think that they would be better

placed in my genus Cardinia, which I have established from a

liassic species of the same type.”

Again, under Unio acutus, pl. 38. fig. 5, 6, 7, Sowerby states

that he had satisfied himself of the identity of the fossil with the

living genus Unio, by comparing a cast of the latter with several

fossil casts ; and the note of Agassiz upon this statement is as

follows :—

“ What Sowerby here states of the generic identity of the so-

called Uniones from the stone-coal formation with the species now

living in fresh water, merely proves that he recognised in the casts

both the principal characteristics of all elongated bivalves provided

with oblong hinge-teeth. But he has not thereby taken into ac-

count the great difference which the impression itself of these

teeth on the casts shows.” In referrmg to Unio crassissimus, U.

Listeri and U. hybridus, the first of which is stated by Sowerby

to possess peculiarities in the great thickness of its shell and the

tile-like structure of its surface, which might perhaps be elevated

into generic characters, Agassiz remarks, “These three species

belong to my genus Cardinia; see the preceding note, and my

‘ Etudes critiques sur les Mollusques fossiles.’ ”

Unio crassiusculus, pl. 185, and U. concinnus, pl. 223, are also

referred to Cardinia; but U. Solandri, pl. 517, and the several

Uniones figured in pls. 594 and 595, are stated by Agassiz to

belong principally to his new genus Pleuromya, for which he, as

before, refers the reader to ‘ Etudes critiques sur les Mollusques

fossiles.’

From these extracts then it is quite evident that Agassiz did

extend his genus Cardinia to the species of the coal as well as to

those of the lias, but whether he was correct in so doing can

scarcely be determined from the notes in question, as the actual

definition of the genus Cardinia is not given in them. ‘This de-

ficiency Mr. Strickland can doubtless supply, and by placing the

characters of the several genera here alluded to im comparison

with each other, determine whether the shells of the coal forma-

tion can be classed in the genus Cardinia, or should form the

type of another new genus.

Capt. Portlock on the Ova of the Large Spotted Dog-fish. 345

LI.—Further Notice respecting the Ova of the Large Spotted Dog-

fish (Scyllium Catulus). By Carr. Porriock, R.E.

Corfu, March 11, 1815.

In my preceding note (p. 261) I have stated the general coinci-

dence of the drawing given by Mr. W. Thompson with the speci-

mens I had obtained and observed of what I also considered the

ova of the large spotted dog-fish, but at that time I had been unable

to procure the fish still having the ova in their last state of de-

velopment prior to protrusion undisturbed within it. On the 17th

of February I was more fortunate, as I obtamed on that day from

one of the fishermen a very fine specimen, exhibiting the ova in

all states of development, the ovaries being loaded with ova of all

sizes, from the most minute up to those of three-quarters of an

inch in diameter, the latter being of course few in number, the

former abundant. Of the greater, or those equalling and exceed-

ing half an inch, there were at least eight, and it is probable

more, as the fish had been opened and the ovaries slightly rup-

tured before I got it, so that some may have escaped, as they

very readily did on my examination. These eggs were spherical,

and of a greenish yellow colour: when put into turpentine (as I

placed one), or left with the fish in a preservative mixture of cor-

rosive sublimate, they became flattened without further injury,

nearly to the thickness corresponding to the depth of the horny

case, which explains how bodies of such a form and size should

subsequently become invested with that covermg. Risso draws

a distimetion in this respect between the Seyllium Catulus (his S.

stellaris) and the S. Caniculus, stating the former to bear sphe-

rical eggs of various magnitudes of a pale yellow colour, and the

latter the horny quadrangular eggs, as also S. Artedi (Risso),

the black-mouthed dog-fish, and it is therefore probable he only

saw the fish immediately after the protrusion of the horny cases

from the oviducts. In my specimen they were still in situ, and

without removing them I could measure their length and breadth

and even depth. The length was in this instance almost exactly

that of Mr. Thompson’s specimens, viz. nearly 44 inches, mea-

sured to the extreme points, the breadth and depth the same as

those I have before stated ; the specimens appearmg to vary in

length, but to preserve nearly the same breadth and depth. There

can now therefore be no doubt that Mr. Thompson has figured

the ova of the great spotted dog-fish, although none of my spe-

cimens exhibit so rough a plaiting as his figure exhibits, and the

colour when fresh is uniformly a horny yellow, though soon dark-

ening when kept exposed. ‘The last specimens I have obtained

were fresh from the fish on the 27th of February.

P.S. Corfu, March 22.—A specimen of a female was brought

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2B

346 Dr. Richardson on Gasterochisma melampus.

to me this morning 2] inches long, in which the matured ova

can be felt by pressure on the abdomen: I retain it therefore un-

injured. This almost brings the time up to the period when I

obtained the ova last year, so that it would appear that from

January to May, rather than at two distinct periods, these fishes

deposit their ova.

LII.—Generic Characters of Gasterochisma melampus, a Fish

which inhabits Port Nicholson, New Zealand. By Joun Ricu-

ARDSON, M.D., F.R.S. &c., Medical Inspector of Naval Hospi-

tals at Haslar.

Piscis familie Scomberidarum.

Corpus valde compressum, clupeiforme. Cauda gracilis sine cari-

nis. Venter acutus, alte diflissus et in vagina ejus pinnas ventrales

thoracicas magnas recondens. ;

Linea lateralis inermis.

Pinne pectoris parve. Pinne dorsi contiguee: prima spinis gra-

cilibus membrana connexis instructa; secunda pinnaque ani pinnulis

spurlis comitate. Pinna caude bifurca.

Anus parvus sub finem vagine ventralis latens.

Squame tenere satis magne. Pectorale squameum nullum.

Dentes parvi setacel.

Radii membranz branchiostege arcte quinque.

Apertura branchialis ampla.

Obs. Species unica adhuc detecta Gasterochisma melampus in Mu-

seo Britannico hospitatur et a Domino Gray celeberrimo mihi benigne

communicata. Nomen genericum fissuram ventris denotat.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Recherches sur Embryogénie des Tubulaires, et l Histoire naturelle

des différens Genres de cette Famille qui habitent la céte d Ostende.

Par P.-J. Van Beneden, Professeur @ l'Université catholique de

Louvain. (From the Mémoires de l’Académie Royale de Bruxelles.

4to. Pp.72. Six Plates.)

Tuis interesting essay supports the well-earned reputation of its

distinguished author. It begins with a lucid and candid review of

what had been previously done by other naturalists towards a history

of the family ; a doubt of the correctness of some alleged fact being

sometimes interposed, but more frequently the comment is made to

reconcile observations which at first view are apparently contradictory

and subversive of each other.

We can do little more than indicate the contents. The first

chapter treats of the anatomy of the Tubularie. ‘The tentacula are

solid and composed of cells arranged somewhat after the pattern of

the cellular tissue of vegetables. ‘They are not organs of prehension

as in the Hydre, but are probably subservient to respiration. In the

Eudendrium they are the only parts of the polyp which come into

Bibliographical Notices. 347

direct contact with the circumfluent water; and when this is at rest,

all Tubularie spread wide their tentacular circle. But they are not

the sole organs of this function, for we may safely suppose that the

water, in penetrating into the common cavity of the polypidom, car-

ries with it the necessary oxygen. In these animals in fact the func-

tions of respiration and nutrition are so simple, and so intimately

blended with the circulation, that we can scarcely use separate terms

in defining them.

The stomach of every individual polyp communicates with the

cavity common to all the polyps of the same polypidom, the line of

separation being marked only by a sort of stricture; but in Coryne

this is not the case, for the stomach of every individual is isolated

and distinct.

The circulation of the granulous fluid in the common tube of the

polyps, first described by Mr. Lister, Van Beneden is inclined to

ascribe to the action of vibratile cilia, which, he admits, he could not

detect. The irregularity or inconstancy of this circulation seems to

us to be opposed to this explanation ; nor do we perceive any fitting

basis on which the cilia can be placed. A portion of the tube of a

Eudendrium, some lines in length, being cut away, and consequently

open at both ends, preserved its circulating power, the liquid moving

in its normal course. Lister says that the current does not penetrate

into the body or stomach of the polyp, but Van Beneden has plainly

seen it do so. In Coryne and Hydractinia there is no circulation,

because of the isolation of the stomach in these genera.

The second chapter, and principal part of the paper, describes the

“embryogeny.” ‘The origin and development of the reproductive

buds and eggs are traced with great minuteness, and illustrated with

a series of admirably explanatory figures. There is no distinction of

sex in the Tubularie; and nothing analogous to spermatozoa, not-

withstanding what has been said to the contrary. ‘The reproductive

buds, which originate from the bases of the tentacula, are hollow in

the centre in all the genera, and always communicate with the di-

gestive cavity. What have been mistaken for females are young in-

dividuals, which often contain eggs at an early stage even of their

development.

The Tubularie are reproduced (1.) by a bud continuous with the

animal whence it pullulates ; (2.) by a free or locomotive bud ; (3.)

by a simple egg ; (4.) by a compound egg or vitellus ; and (5.) bya

free bud and eggs simultaneously. Every species may be reproduced

by more than one or two of these modes, but it does not appear that

any has been observed to reproduce itself by all of them.

The first or gemmiparous reproduction is the simplest. By it the

embryo, after having become fixed in a proper site, evolves new in-

dividuals, and founds a colony where all are associated together.

2. The free bud originates near the tentacula. It appears at first as

a simple tubercle which soon divides successively into several tubu-

lar branchlets, in which a circulation goes on as in the main stems.

Within the swollen apex of each branchlet a distinct cell soon appears,

indicating the commencement of the formation of a new being. ‘This

2B2

348 Bibliographical Notices.

cell may be considered as the analogue of the yolk or rather of the ve-

sicle of Purkinje or of Wagner. It enlarges rapidly ; and soon there

is distinguishable underneath it a membrane which has its inferior

surface in contact with the circulating fluid. This membrane is the

source of the new polyp, the progress of which onwards from a little

cone to the time when it has assumed the form of a Beroé, and is

detached from its matrix and floats at freedom in the sea, is most in-

terestingly told. Van Beneden has not seen this nomade Beroé refix

itself, but he has seen it very soon afterwards ; and its transition from

the condition and shape of a medusa to that of its parent polyp ap-

pears as an uninterrupted sequence of development. He has never

discovered cilia on the young embryo, nor any organs of sense.

3. The development from a simple egg is the mest regular, and the

process which approaches nearest to that of the superior animals.

4, The development from a compound or divided yolk is the most

remarkable ; but when it is remembered that, in these polyps, every

portion of the body can give origin to a new individual, we need be

the less surprised to find that the vitellus should have the same qua-

lity. At first the process in the primary cell agrees with the other

developments, but a time comes when the surface of the vitelline

mass assumes an embossed or granular appearance, and instead of a

single vitellus there are as many as there are granules. In each of

these there is the vesicle of Purkinje, or at least a transparent central

vesicle. It seems that the embryos thus formed differ from the

others not only in bulk but also in shape, for in Campanularia M.

Lovén has seen them, covered with cilia, leave their cell, and move

about like infusorial animalcules.

5. This is the union of two of the preceding modes; the forma-

tion at one and the same time of a free bud and of a compound vi-

tellus organizing itself in the interior of this bud. It is the fact of

these buds containing these vitelli that has made them be taken for

pregnant females. ‘The eggs here, according to Lovén, are covered

with cilia; and when the embryo is born (for we should remember

that the polyps are viviparous) it has the aspect of a Planaria,—the

planule of Sir J. G. Dalzell.

Van Beneden next proceeds to prove, by a comparison of their

common resemblances, that the Campanularie and Tubularie are so

nearly related that they may almost be considered as members of the

same family.

Lastly, he reviews the family zoologically, giving its character in

detail, and the characters of the genera and species which he has ob-

served. This view has been already given in the ‘ Annals.” We

need only remark that his Tubularia calamaris is really not the T. ca-

lamaris of Pallas or T. indivisa of Linneeus ; and his 7. Dumortierti

is a common British species. M. de Blainville is not the first of

modern authors who recognised that the Syncoryne ought to be placed

near the Tubularie (p.51), as any one may see by referring to Lou-

don’s ‘ Magazine of Nat. History,’ vol. v. p.632. We question the

validity of the distinction between Syncoryne pusilla and Listerit ;

they are both British species, but the latter is the commonest. Van

Bibliographical Notices. 349

Beneden’s Eudendrium ramosum appears to us to be different from

the species usually so designated, and a new species. The polyp

on which Mr. Hassall founds his genus Hchinocorium must, we think,

be referred to Van Beneden’s genus Hydractinia, and is perhaps the

same as his H. lactea.

Such is our hurried notice of this valuable essay, which, it is to

be regretted, cannot be procured in a separate form. But we look

forward to the time—its object being better understood—when, by

means of the Ray Society, essays of this high degree of excellence

shall be diffused amongst us widely.

Mycologia Britannica, or Specimens of British Fungi.

By Ph. B. Ayres, M.D. W. Pamplin, 1844.

This is a welcome addition, especially to the admirers of Epiphyl-

lous Fungi, to the various collections of Fungi which have been pub-

lished in this and other countries. It is not at all probable that Mr.

Berkeley’s ‘ British Fungi’ will be continued beyond the Fourth Fas-

ciculus ; we shall be rejoiced therefore if the present work should be

encouraged sufficiently to ensure its continuance, so that it may take

its place. The specimens are neatly prepared and correctly named, and

we doubt not that in future numbers they will not be so much con-

fined to a single division. Acidium Galiatum, DeC., and 4. Scro-

phularie, DeC., are new to our flora, and 4. pallidum, a pretty spe-

cies on Galium Aparine, has been hitherto unnoticed. The specimens,

fifty in number, are so arranged that they can at pleasure be trans-

ferred to the herbarium.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION,

A work to be entitled, Fauna Antiqua Sivalensis, being the Fossil Zoo-

logy of the Sewalik Hills, in the North of India. By Hugh Falconer,

M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., and Proby T. Cautley, F.G.S.

The object of this publication is to make known, in a connected

and complete series, the numerous fossil animals which have been

discovered in the North of India, by the authors and other inquirers,

during the last twelve years ; and to develope the bearings of these

discoveries on the physical and geological history of India during a

great part of the tertiary period.

In order to secure to science the full advantage of the Sewalik

fossil researches, in a suitable form of publication, Her Majesty’s

Government and the Honourable Court of Directors of the East India

Company have been pleased to accord such an amount of aid in limine

as will ensure the successful progress of the work.

The work will appear in about Twelve Parts, to be published at

intervals of about four months, each containing from twelve to fifteen

folio plates, or an equivalent number of a larger size where the nature

of the subject may require it. The plates to be accompanied by royal

octavo letter-press.

350 Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Feb. 18, 1845.—Dr. Douglas Maclagan, President, in the Chair.

Dr. Herman Hoffmann, Giessen, was elected a Foreign Member of

the Society.

Various donations to the Library and Museum were announced,

and the following communications were read :—

1. Dr. Seller read a paper entitled ‘‘ Examination of the Views

adopted by Liebig on the Nutrition of Plants.”

He contrasted Liebig’s view of the mineral nature of the food of

plants with that which represents their food as organic. He traced

out the consequences deducible from this last hypothesis as affecting

not merely the vegetable but the animal kingdom also, the latter

being ultimately sustained solely by vegetable substances. He showed

that, whereas the view adopted by Liebig nowise restricts the dura-

tion of the organized kingdoms, as long as they remain exempt from

the influence of destructive agencies from without, the opposite view

involves the conclusion, that the whole of organic nature is hastening

rapidly to dissolution from inherent causes; and he affirmed, that

were certain data somewhat more carefully considered, the period of

the final extinction of plants and animals, in accordance with this

hypothesis, might be pretty nearly determined. He regarded this

question as one not merely of high interest in itself, but as bearing

expressly on the solution of the problem, whether the food of plants

be organic or mineral.

Dr. Seller calculates the annual conversion of the carbon of organie

matter into inorganic carbonic acid at not less than 600 millions of

tons ; and infers, on the most favourable aspect of the amount of soil

over the earth’s surface, that such an annual loss could not be with-

stood beyond 6000 years; and, on a less exaggerated assumption of

its amount, probably very near the truth, that the waste would ab-

sorb the whole of the existing organic matter of the soil in about 740

years.

Dr. Seller contends that the truth of these conclusions remains

unaltered, even if it be conceded that much of the carbon of plants

is drawn, not from the organic matter of the soil but from the inor-

ganic carbonic acid of the atmosphere, unless some inorganic source

of their hydrogen and oxygen be at the same time admitted. He

therefore regards Liebig’s view of the inorganic nature of the food

of plants as supported not merely by many special facts—for ex-

ample, by the increase of the organic matter of the soil, often ob-

served during the growth of plants,—but also by the general view of

the earth’s surface just taken, because there is nothing in its aspect

to warrant the idea that its means of maintaining the organic king-

doms are declining with the rapidity indicated in the statements

just made.

Dr. Seller next examined Liebig’s views of ammonia; Ist. as the

sole source of the nitrogen of plants, and thereby of animals; 2nd,

i ee

Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 351

as having its exclusive origin from the interior of the earth, and

never from the nitrogen of the atmosphere. In regard to these state-

ments he made it appear, as there is no evidence of ammonia being

thrown forth from the bowels of the earth at all times in quantity

proportioned to the waste of it necessarily sustained at the surface

by decomposition, as into uncombined hydrogen and nitrogen, that

Liebig’s view of ammonia infers the same limitation of the existence

of the organic kingdoms to a few thousand years, as is deduced from

the hypothesis of organic matter being the food of plants. Here

therefore he dissented from Liebig, contending that ammonia must

be produced from the nitrogen of the atmosphere*, and showing the

probability of what is taught by Professor Johnson, namely, that the

nitrogen of nitrates, formed from the atmosphere, is fixed by plants,

as well as the nitrogen of ammonia.

In conclusion, he reviewed the evidence of potassa, the phosphates

and the other saline matters of both organic kingdoms being derived

originally from the crumbling of rocks, and dwelt on the retardation

of vegetable physiology by the long scepticism of botanists on this

head, owing, as he believed, to their distrust in the conclusions of

chemistry, and went on to show that chemistry must be the ground-

work of vegetable physiology in its present stage, and that the fre-

quent changes in the aspect and nomenclature of chemistry did not

materially affect the facts which it daily affords for the elucidation of

the vegetable ceconomy.

2. A paper by Mr. Ralfs, of Penzance, on the genus Closterium was

read. ‘This paper will shortly appear in the ‘ Annals and Magazine

of Natural History.’

3. Mr. M‘Nab read a continuation of his Journal of a Tour through

part of the United States and the Canadas. The last portion read

before the Society gave an account of the journey from Montreal to

Kingston, and concluded with an account of a botanical excursion to

the eastward of the latter place :—

The woods to the westward of Kingston appeared very dense,

chiefly consisting of stately beeches, growing in rich vegetable soil.

Several very remarkable plants were observed, and among others the

Monotropa uniflora and M. Hypopitys: the former, which is abun-

dant in shady beech woods throughout the country, and always grow-

ing from amongst leaves, is known to the inhabitants by the name of

Indian pipe or bird’s-nest ; the latter is not so plentiful, but found

in similar situations. Here also Corallorhiza multiflora and Orcbanche

virginica were found, and at one place in a dense thicket the rare and

curious Pierospora Andromeda.

Near the confines of the woods in drier situations the white and

pink varieties of Phryma leptostachya occurred ; and on the dry lime-

stone ridges, which prevail in this neighbourhood, large quantities of

Triosteum perfoliatum, Gnaphalium margaritaceum, and Botrychium

obliquum were found; along the margin of Lake Ontario Serpicola

verticillata was noticed, its delicate flowers floating on the surface.

* This has been clearly proved by the experiments of Prof. Mulder: see

‘ Chemical Gazette ' for Jan. 1, 1845.—W. F.

392 Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

The beech, sugar, maple and white pine, from their quantity and

local situation, seem to have been the original inhabitants of this di-

strict; and mixed with them, but not so much in groups, were noble

specimens of the oak, elm and walnut. The sugar-maples bore evi-

dent marks of having been often pierced for their juices. Fringing

the edges of some meadow-land in this district, the stag’s-horn su-

mach, Rhus elegans, presented a most magnificent appearance from

the quantity of scarlet fruit.

He was agreeably surprised to see such a variety of native haw-

thorns, being convinced of their fitness for forming hedges, so very

much wanted in that country, and for which many of the inhabitants

expressed a great desire, instead of the unsightly snake fences which

at present separate the fields. Apparently they never thought that

the indigenous thorns would answer for this purpose, as they talked

of importing haws and white-thorns from Britain. Mr. M‘Nab gave

instructions to those individuals with whom he had an opportunity

of conversing upon the subject, so that they may raise thorns for

themselves, as an abundant supply of seeds may be annually procured

at no great distance from each settlement. As these instructions

may be interesting to others, we here repeat them :—

‘« The fruit should be gathered about the end of October, care being

taken to keep the seeds of the luxuriant growing sorts separate from

those of the dwarfer kinds. A pit should be prepared about a foot

and a half deep, into which the fruit is to be put with a mixture of

earth or sand. It should be turned several times during the season,

and if dry, a little water may be added; one or two inches of soil

being a sufficient covering to ensure the decomposition of the pulp.

During the following October a piece of good ground should be pre-

pared, and the seed sown as it is taken from the pit, pretty thickly,

in driils about a foot distant from each other, or in beds 3 feet wide.

In the succeeding spring the plants will begin to appear; at which

time, and throughout the season, they must be kept clear of weeds.

If properly attended to, the seedlings will attain a height of from 6

to 12 inches the first year. The following spring the strongest

plants may be either transplanted into drills, or placed where they

are intended to remain as a permanent fence. The smaller ones

should be left in the seed drills or beds for another year, when they

may be treated in the same manner. In forming a live fence, the

ground ought to be prepared as soon as the snow disappears, by

_ making a trench about 2 feet broad and a spade in depth. Along

the centre of this trench the young plants should be put about 6 or

8 inches apart, and afterwards well-watered and firmly trodden in.

Care should be taken to protect the young plants from cattle and

clear of weeds.

‘The second year after planting, the thorns should be headed

down to within six or ten inches of the ground, and each year after-

wards switched up on both sides to a centre ridge, so as to produce

the shape generally termed sow-backed; hedges trained in this

form being less liable to be destroyed by snow resting upon them

than when cut flat at the top.”

Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 353

If the method here recommended be properly attended to, Mr.

M‘Nab has not the least hesitation in saying that an excellent hedge

of native thorns may be acquired in five or six years after planting.

At several places he saw the indigenous thorns employed as a fence ;

at least they had been planted with that intention, and had attained

a considerable height, but from want of proper attention to pruning

and weeding, they were so slender that easy access might be obtained

between each stem. From such instances of mismanagement, an er-

roneous opinion seems generally to prevail that hedges will not suc-

ceed in America. ‘‘ But,” he very properly remarked, ‘if newly-

planted hedges in Britain were equally neglected, there can be no

doubt that they would soon degenerate, and become no better than

those which I observed in the United States and the Canadas.”

March 13.—Dr. Seller, V.P., in the Chair.

Robert Balloch, Esq., Glasgow, was elected a Non-resident Fel-

low of the Society.

Numerous donations to the Library and Museum were announced,

particularly from R. J. Shuttleworth, Esq., Berne, a collection of

North American plants, and the 14th Fasciculus of Meisner’s Plan-

tarum Vascularum Genera ; from the Imperial Academy, Nature Cu-

riosorum of Breslau, the Supplement to vol. xix., and parts Ist and

2nd of vol. xx. of the ‘ Nova Acta’; from Professor Graham, plants

collected in Jamaica by Dr. G. M‘Nab; from H. C. Watson, Esq.,

his Botany of the Azores ; from Mr. William Gardiner, jun., Dundee,

Botanical Rambles in Braemar, &c. Dr. Parnell presented a copy of

his beautiful work on the Grasses of Britain. The thanks of the

Society were voted to the respective donors.

The following communications were read :—

1. “On the genus Closterium (continued),” by Mr. J. Ralfs, of

Penzance.

2. “On Encyonema prostratum of Kiitzing,” by the same. These

papers will appear in the ‘ Annals of Natural History.’

3. Mr. M‘Nab read a continuation of his Journal of a Tour through

part of the United States and Canada. The last portion of this

journal read before the Society chiefiy related to the botanical aspect

of the country immediately to the westward of Kingston ; the indi-

genous thorns and their fitness for forming hedges being particularly

described. From Kingston the party crossed Lake Ontario to Ro-

chester, situated on the American side, a few miles above the mouth

of the Genessee river. Considerable tracts of shallow water extend

for some distance on either side of this river, in which the wild rice

grew more luxuriantly than had been hitherto observed. Proceed-

ing upwards the river becomes narrower but deep, having beautiful

banks rising about 150 feet on either side, wooded chiefly with oak,

elm, hiccory, beech and birch, interspersed with hemlock spruce,

white pine and arbor vite of large size. On the north bank the black

snake-root, Actea ramosa, was abundant, its long spikes of white

flowers having a singular effect beneath the shade of the trees. It

354 Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

was not seen on the south bank, but in its place considerable quan-

tities of Gerardia flava and G. quercifolia were noticed, all richly

clothed with flowers : here also several extensive groups of buckthorn,

Hippophaé canadensis, were observed ; each plant formed a large sil-

very-looking bush, and when backed by the dark evergreen trees

gave a picturesque effect to the landscape.

Crossing Lake Ontario again to Toronto, on the Canada side, a

great difference in the vegetation was remarked; here, for the first

time in Canada, healthy specimens of weeping willows, locust-trees,

and Canadian and Lombardy poplars were met with; and for the

first time in the country, a native forest of Pinus resinosa. The trees

composing this forest were very tall, but none of the stems which were

measured exceeded 2 feet in diameter. Many detached specimens

of the black birch or mountain mahogany, Betula lenta, were also

seen. It is described by Mr. M‘Nab as a finely-shaped tree with a

wide-spreading top, much resembling the beech-trees of Britain ; the

stems averaged about 2 feet in diameter. Here also Monarda fistu-

losa and Spiranthes tortilis were found ; the latter very sparingly and

for the first time.

They next directed their attention to the Peninsula of Toronto,

lying about 24 miles from the city, across an arm of the lake. The

soil is poor and sandy, interspersed with marshes. Several species

of trees of dwarfish growth were scattered about, the most remark-

able being the rose or conegall willow, Saltz conifera, of which many

fine specimens were observed, the branches generally terminating in

silvery, cone-like excrescences, supposed to be occasioned by insects ;

these, combined with the silvery whiteness of the foliage, gave the

plants a remarkable appearance. Several other species of willows

were noticed on the sandy plains, but none of them appeared to be

infested with insects, although the appearance here described is not

peculiar to the above species. The Arbutus uva-ursi covered consi-

derable tracts ; the Canadian plant is larger than the British, and even

differs slightly from that found in the United States ; it is called by

the Indians Sacacomis ; they smoke the leaves, and believe them to

possess excellent medicinal properties. Few herbaceous plants were

in bloom, with the exception of Rudbeckia hirta, which was in great

abundance, although described by American authors as an inhabitant

of the Southern States ; and Dracocephalum virginianum, which is by

no means an abundant plant in Canada, Niagara Falls being the sta-

tion given in botanical books ; but Mr. M‘Nab failed to find it there;

it principally inhabits the mountain meadows of Virginia and Caro-

lina; Linum virginianum, Cyperus flavescens and C. castaneus ; Silene

Antirrhina, Scutellaria parvula and Lathyrus palustris ; on dry loose

sand, by the edge of the lake, Huphorbia polygonifolia was abundant,

while in marshy places Lobelia Kalmii formed the greatest part of the

vegetation, and was profusely covered with its rich blue flowers.

Specimens of the most remarkable plants were exhibited to the

meeting.

Zoological Society. 35

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

August 13, 1844.—Professor Owen, V.P., in the Chair.

“‘ Descriptions of new species of Arca, chiefly collected by H. Cu-

ming, Esq. in the Philippine Islands,” by Lovell Reeve, Esq.

Arca optusa. Arca testd oblongd, Modioleformi, lateribus obtuso-

rotundatis, margine ventrali bysso paululim hiante ; albd, epider-

mide nigricante subsquamosd partim indutd ; radiatim striatd, striis

elevatis ; umbonibus depressiusculis, approximatis ; ligamenti ared

parvd, angustd, profunde declivi.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 12. f. 77.

Hab. Coast of Japan (found under stones) ; Dr. Siebald.

Very like a Modiola in shape, but not the recent analogue of the

fossil A. Modioleformis of Deshayes.

Arca cunrALis. Arca testd elongato-oblongd, lateribus supern?

angulatis, antico brevi, rotundato, postico elongato, angulato, carind

ab umbone ad marginem decurrente, margine ventrali bysso hiante ;

pallidé fusca, epidermide molli lamellatd indutd ; radiatim striatd,

siriis elevatis, fortiter granulosis, ared posticd subindistincte nigri-

costatd ; umbonibus subapproximatis, ligamenti ared latiusculd,

concavd, sulcis ligamentariis anticis posticisque, subdistantibus.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 13. f. 87.

Hab. Zanzibar (found under stones at low water) ; Thorn.

The sculpture of this species corresponds precisely to that of the

Arca mutabilis ; the form of the shell is more depressly elongated, the

anterior side is shorter, and there are ligamentary grooves on the

posterior part of the cardinal area as well as on the anterior.

ARCA TENELLA. Arca testd subcylindraceo-oblongd, Modioleformi,

tenui, subpellucidd, lateribus obtuso-rotundatis, margine ventrali

vix hiante ; pallide fuscescente, epidermide molli leviter indutd ;

radiatim subtilissime striata, striis granulosis ; umbonibus obtusis,

anticé incurvis ; ligamenti ared anticé latiusculd, postice lanceolato-

acuminata.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 14. f. 91.

Hab. Island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

A delicate light brown shell, beautifully striated, with a soft scat-

tered epidermis.

ARCA SETIGERA. Arca tesid subquadrato-oblongd, lateribus rotun-

datis, postico latiore, margine ventrali bysso vix hiante ; rubido-

fusca, epidermide fuscd setigerd indutd ; radiatim subtilissimé

striatd, striis elevatis, granulosis ; umbonibus subapprovimatis,

antice adjectis ; ligamenti ared angustd, declivi.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 14. f. 94.

Hab. Zanzibar (found under stones at low water) ; Thorn.

This species approaches very closely to Arca lacerata; it appears,

however, to be of an uniform smaller size, the posterior side is less

expanded, and the bristles are set in single rows.

356 Zoological Society.

ARCA VIRESCENS. Arca testd elongatd, lateribus rotundatis, postico

leviter angulato, antico subattenuato; viridescente, epidermide

tenui, ad aream posticam setosd, indutd; striis elevatis radiatd ;

ligamenti ared angustissimd, umbonibus approximatis.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 15. f. 97.

Hab. Catbalonga, island of Samar, Philippines (found under stones

at low water) ; Cuming.

A delicate greenish species, in which the epidermis lies on the

posterior area in rows of fine bristles.

Arca Fascrata. Arca testd oblongd, tenui, compressa, lateribus

rotundatis, superné attenuatis ; albidd, fasciis cinereo-purpurascen-

tibus indistinctis concentrice tinctd ; epidermide tenui, postice se-

tosd, induta; radiatim striata, striis elevatis, irregularibus, striis

transversis subtilissimis fimbriato-decussatis ; ligamenti ared an-

gustd, profunde declivi ; intus purpurascente.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 15. f. 99.

Hab. ?

This is a remarkably flattened shell, banded and stained with red-

dish and ashy purple both inside and outside.

Arca Lima. Arca testd elongato-ovatd, lateribus superné angulatis,

antico infra rotundato, postico angulato-rotundato, subextenso ;

fuscescente, fusco tinctd, postice fusco maculata, epidermide tenui

subtilissime setosd indutd, radiatim liratd, liris angustis, numero-

sis, confertis, granosis, perpaucis medianis duplicatis ; lateraliter

costatd, costis rudibus, subdistantibus, crenato-nodosis ; ligamenti

ared angustd.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 15. f. 101.

Hab. Islands of Burias and Corregidor, Philippines (found under

stones at low water); Cuming.

The sculpture of this shell is very similar to that of the Arca bul-

lata; it is, however, of much finer character, although the shell is

more elongated and altogether larger.

ARCA OCELLATA. Arca testd elongato-quadratd, lateribus superne

angulatis, latere antico brevissimo, infra rotundato, postico elon-

gato, infra acuminato, margine ventrali bysso latissime hiante ;

albidd, epidermide tenui, subsetosd, indutd ; radiatim striatd, striis

subtilissimé crenulatis ; umbonibus remotis ; ligamenti ared latis-

simd, rhombo ligamentario peculiariter ocellato.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 15. f. 102.

Hab. Singapore (found in sandy mud at the depth of seven fa-

thoms) ; Cuming.

This interesting little species exhibits a character which is quite

peculiar to the species. The dark ligamentary space between the

umbones is marked with a pair of oblique white oval spots, one on

each valve.

Arca Donacirormis. Arca tesid sub-Donaciformi, medio leviter

coarctatd, latere antico brevissimo, truncato, postico elongato, sub-

acuminato ; albidd, epidermide vix nulld, striis transversis et lon-

Zoological Society. 357

gitudinalibus elevatis fimbriato-decussatd ; ligamenti ared antic?

latiusculd, postice acuminatd ; ligamento brevi, ad posticam aree

partem solum adjuncto.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 104.

Hab, Mozambique Channel (found imbedded in madrepore) ;

Hankey.

The ligament and ligamentary area of this species present exactly

the same peculiar structure as those of the Arca pusilla (Byssoarca

pusilla, Sowerby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1833) ; the shell is, however, alto-

gether larger, more acuminated posteriorly, and the sculpture is of

a smaller pattern.

ARCA TENEBRICA. Arca testd oblongo-ovatd, lateribus angulato-

rotundatis ; fuscd, epidermide tenui indutd ; radiatim striatd, striis

elevatis, numerosis, confertis ; umbonibus albidis, approximatis,

antice adjectis ; ligamenti ared angustd, postice lanceolato-acumi-

natd.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 105.

Hab. Basey, island of Samar, Philippines (found under stones at

low water) ; Cuming.

The umbones in this species are very anteriorly situated.

Arca BuLLaTA. Arca testd ovato-quadratd, planiusculo-compressd,

lateribus superne angulatis, antico infra rotundato, postico angu-

lato-extenso ; fuscescente, epidermide tenui, subsetosd, setis in liris

longitudinalibus adjectis, indutd ; radiatim costatd, costis nodosis,

costis lateralibus grandibus, distantibus, crenato-nodosis ; ligamenti

ared angustd, elongatd, declivi.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 107.

Hab. :

The nodules of the radiating ribs are arranged in longitudinal rows

with so much regularity, that the shell has all the appearance of

being cancellated, the effect of which is increased by the bristles of

the epidermis being deposited only between the nodules.

Arca votucris. Arca testd subquadratd, gibbosd, naviculari, late-

ribus superne angulatis, antico infra rotundato, postico angulato,

carind acutd ab umbone ad marginem decurrente ; albidd, fusco

sparsim tinctd ; striis elevatis longitudinalibus et transversis decus-

satd, ared posticali costatd, costis latiusculis, crenatis ; umbonibus

mucronatis, incurvatis ; ligamenti ared latissimd, nigro unimaculatd.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 109.

Hab. Island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

This species belongs to that division of the genus of which the

Arca Noe is the type, and is nearest allied to the Arca imbricata.

Arca ca@LaTa. Arca testd ovato-quadratd, subcompressd, latere

antico brevissimo, rotundato, postico angulato, margine ventrali

bysso hiante ; alba; radiatim costatd, costis liris angustis elevatis

eleganter clathratis, interstitiis profunde excavatis, costis medianis

duplicatis, lateralibus confertim nodulosis ; umbonibus antic? ad-

Jectis ; ligamenti ared angustd, profundé declivi.

398 Zoological Society.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 110.

Hab. ? .

The sculpture of this shell is of the most exquisite description,

and reminds one forcibly of the delicate embossed carving of the

Chinese.

Arca cometa. Arca testd elongatd, latere antico brevissimo, at-

tenuato, rotundato, postico longissimo, plano-angulato; albidd ;

radiatim striatd, striis elevatis, posticis latioribus, prominentibus,

dislantioribus, subsquamosis ; umbonibus anticé adjectis ; ligamenti

ared angustd.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 111.

Hab. Sorsogon, island of Luzon, Philippines ; Cuming.

The posterior strize acquire almost the importance of ribs.

ARCA OLIVACEA. Arca testd ovato-quadratd, tenuiculd, suhequi-

laterali, lateribus rotundatis ; albida, epidermide olivaceo-fusca

tenui corned induid ; subtilissimé radiatim striatd, striis numerosis,

confertis ; ligamenti ared mediocri, umbonibus subcentralibus.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 16. f. 113.

Hab. San Nicolas, island of Zebu (found in sandy mud at the depth

of four fathoms) ; Cuming.

This shell is not much unlike the Arca lactea in general appear-

ance ; it will be found, however, on examination to be a much thinner

and more delicate shell, whilst the umbones are sharper and more

closely approximated.

Arca minuta. Arca testdé orbiculari-ovatd, subequivalvi, lateribus

superné angulatis, infra rotundatis ; albidd, subpellucidd, epider-

mide tenui molli indutd ; radiatim striatd ; ligamenti ared latius-

culd, ligamento parvo, centrali.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f. 112.

Hab. Philippine Islands (found in coarse sand at the depth of six

fathoms) ; Cuming.

A very minute species, which cannot be referred to any hitherto

described.

ARCA NAVICELLA. Arca testd quadrato-elongatd, subcompressd,

lateribus superné angulatis, antico infra rotundato, postico angu-

lato, carina ab umbone ad marginem decurrente ; radiatim striatd ;

albidd, fusco postic? sparsim strigatd ; ligamenti ared elongatd.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f. 114.

Hab. Calapan, island of Mindoro, Philippines (found in coarse sand

at the depth of ten fathoms) ; Cuming.

This is a little species of the drca Noe or naviform group.

ARCA LATERALIS. Arca testd oblique trapeziformi, lateribus superne

angulatis, antico brevissimo, postico latissimo, oblique expanso ;

radiatim costatd, costis numerosis, angustis, crenatis, epidermide

subpilosd indutd ; ligamenti ared parva.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f.115.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

The peculiarly oblique growth of this species renders it extremely

Zoological Society. 359

interesting. The posterior side of the shell is radiated with lines of

fine dark hair rising from between the crenulations of about every

third rib.

Arca symMetTrica. Arca testd subquadratd, gibbosd, lateribus

superne acut? angulatis, antico infra rotundato, postico angulato ;

viridescente ; striis longitudinalibus et radiantibus crenulato-decus-

sata ; ligamenti ared latiusculd, ligamento parvo, centrali.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f. 117.

Hab. Philippine Islands, bay of Manila; Singapore (found under

stones at low water) ; Cuming.

The ligament of this species occupies only a very small diamond-

shaped space between the umbones.

Arca scutrtitis. Arca testd oblongo-quadratd, lateribus superne

angulatis, infra obtuso-rotundatis ; albd ; striis longitudinalibus et

radiantibus elevatis subtilissime clathratd ; ligamenti ared latius-

culd,

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f. 118.

Hab. Baclayon, island of Bohol, Philippines (found in sandy mud

at the depth of seventeen fathoms) ; Cuming.

The engraved sculpture of this shell is of a more prominent cha-

racter than that of the preceding species.

Arca zeBuENsiIs. Arca testd subquadratd, gibbosd, lateribus su-

perne angulatis, infra oblique rotundatis ; fuscescente, epidermide

molli indutd ; radiatim subtilissimé striatd ; ligamenti ared latius-

culd, ligamento parvo, centrali.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f. 120.

Hab. Island of Zebu, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

The ligament, as in the Arca symmetrica, occupies merely a small

diamond-shaped space between the umbones.

Arca striata. Arca testa subquadrato-oblongd, lateribus obtuse

rotundatis ; fuscescente, epidermide molli indutd ; radiatim striatd,

striis elevatis, confertis, posticis distantioribus ; ligamenti ared

latiusculd, declivi.

Conch. Icon. Area, pl. 17. f. 121.

Hab. ?

This shell approaches very nearly to the Arca lactea, but it is yet

distinct; the posterior side is longer, it is a more compressed shell,

and the posterior striz are more widely spread.

ArcA PULCHELLA. Arca testd ovatd, gibbosd, lateribus superneé

attenuatis, antico brevissimo ; alba; laminis longitudinalibus pro-

minentibus, pulcherrime fimbriatis, ornatd ; ligamenti ared antice

latiusculd ; umbonibus anticis.

Conch. Icon. Arca, pl. 17. f. 122.

Hab. Algeria.

This species is well distinguished from any yet described by the

very beautifully fimbriated longitudinal lamine.

360 Zoological Society.

August 27.—Richard C. Griffith, Esq., in the Chair.

Mr. Fraser read a description of a new species of Crowned Pigeon

from New Guinea, now in the Gardens of the Society. In honour

of Her Most Gracious Majesty, the Patroness of the Society, he pro-

posed the name of

Lopuyrus Vicroria*. L. ptilose saturat? ceruleo-grisea ; singulis

plumis criste apice barbato ceruleo, albo marginato ; pectore cas-

taneo; tectricibus alarum majoribus cinereo-caruleis, castaneo

marginatis.

The general colour of this species is an intense blue-grey, becoming

lighter on the head ; the chest is deep chestnut; the larger wing-

coverts are light blue-grey, tipped with dark chestnut; the head is

surmounted with a crest, each feather of which is of a similar con-

struction as that of Columbus coronatus, but spreading into a spatu-

late form at the extremities, of a blue colour, bordered with white ;

there is also a dark mark passing through the eye; irides vermilion.

In size it is somewhat larger than C. coronatus.

Hab. New Guinea.

This lovely species is closely allied to C. coronatus, but differs from

that bird in having terminal points to the crest-feathers, in the darker

colouring, in having chestnut on the breast instead of the back and

shoulders, and in having the larger wing-coverts pale blue-grey, ter-

minated with chestnut, in the place of white, tipped with chestnut.

‘* Description of new species of Ranella,’”’ by Lovell Reeve, Esq.

RANELLA ALBIvARICOSA. tan. testd oblongo-ovatd, depressiusculd,

varicibus tuberculis subspinosis prominentibus armatis ; anfractibus

leviter angulatis, tuberculis subspinosis infra angulum biseriatim

armatis, transversim elevato-striatis, inferne liratis, striis lirisque

leviter undulatis, subtilissim? granulatis ; albd, rufescente-fusco

tinctd, varicibus niveis ; aperturd oblongo-ovali, utringue canali-

culatd, fauce pallid purpurascente ; labro dentato et sulcato.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 1. f. 2.

Murex rana, Linneus ; Martini, Conch., vol. iv. pl. 133. £.1270-71.

Hab. Ceylon.

How comes it to pass that this common and peculiarly character-

istic species has escaped the notice of so many good discriminating

conchologists who have written on the genus?

RAnELLA PusTuLosa. Ran. testd ovatd, subdepressd, ponderosd,

castaned; anfractibus pustularum grandium seriebus duabus tri-

busve livido-castaneis cingulatis ; varicibus granuloso-liratis ; colu-

melld granuloso-rugosd, rugis albidis ; labro planissim? fimbriato,

superne sinuato, fusco, radiatim albisulcato.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 3. f.11.

Hab. Ascension Island.

This shell approximates so closely to the Ranella celata in the

* “ Lophyrus, Vieill. (1816); Goura, Steph. (1819); Megapelia, Kaup

(1836) ; Ptilophyrus, Swains. (1837).” G. R. Gray’s ‘Genera of Birds.’

Zoological Society. 361

style and character of its sculpture, that a specimen or two of differ-

ent ages seem all that is necessary to exhibit a complete specific

connection between them ; it has however been demonstrated by the

researches of two gentlemen of perhaps the greatest practical expe-

rience, Mr. Cuming and Mr. Hinds, that no species of shell common

to the western coast of South America has ever been discovered on

the coast of Africa.

RaNELLA PonDEROSA. Ran. testd acuminato-ovatd, crassd, pon-

derosd, varicibus valdé prominentibus ; anfractibus superne leviter

angulatis, granulorum seriebus cingulatis, alternis granulis gran-

dibus, bipartitis ; rubido-fuscd, lutescente ; columella granulatd et

rugosa; canali brevi, subrecurvo ; labro plano-incrassato, granu-

lato, superne sinuato.

Conch. tem. , Ranella, pl. 8. f. 14.

Hab.

The Ly aan of this shell approaches very nearly to that of the

Ranella celata ; it only requires however a slight examination of the

specimens before me in different stages of growth, to see that they

are specifically distinct.

Rawnevra NoBiLis. Ran. testd oblongo-ovatd, depressd, crassius-

culd ; spird acuminatd, varicibus angustis, radiatim stellatis ; an-

Sractibus granuloso-liratis, precipue super varices, in medio tuber-

culatis, anfractu ultimo tuberculorum seriebus duabus armato ;

albidda, fuscescente subtiliter maculosd ; columella fortiter rugosd ;

apertura oblongd, utrinque canaliculatd, fauce albd ; labro fortiter

rugoso.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 4. f. 16.

The form of this noble species is somewhat intermediate between

that of the Ranella pulchra, or “‘ Finned Frog,’ and the ordinary type

of the genus, the varices exhibiting an indication of that peculiar

star-like radiation common to the former, whilst the aperture is of

an oblong canaliculated form, with the wrinkled lip and columella

of the latter. The sculpture most resembles that of the Renedla fo-

liata.

Raneiia corracea. Ran. testd oblongo-ovatd, depressiusculd,

spird subobtusd, varicibus rotundatis ; anfractibus undique creber-

rimé granulatis, transversim costatis, costis latis, interdum subobso-

letis,irregulariter tumido-nodosis ; aurantio-fuscescente ; columella

sparsim rugosa ; apertura ovatd, utringue leviter sinuatd; labro

intus radiatim denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 6. f. 26.

Hab.

This interesting species, which Mr. Cuming possesses in different

stages of growth, is the shell figured by Mr. G. B. Sowerby, jun., in

the ‘ Conchological Illustrations’ as a variety of his Ranella scrobi-

culator (Triton scrobiculator, Lamarck and others); I think, how-

ever, with M. Deshayes, that it is ‘“‘une coguille qui me parait tou-

jours différente ; j’en ai vu plusieurs exemplaires et plusieurs Jigures,

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv.

362 Zoological Society.

et j'ai observé des différences spécifiques constantes. Cette soi-disant

variété a plutét les caractéres des Ranelles que le Scrobiculator propre-

ment dit, et c’est sans doute ce qui explique pourquoi un certain nombre

de conchyliologues veulent que le Scrobiculator soit une Ranelle. Pour

nous, qui en avons vu l’animal, c’est un Triton.” Note in new edition

of Lamarck’s Anim. sans vert., vol. ix. p. 626.

RaneELia Livipa. Ran. testd ovato-turritd, spird acuminatd ; an-

Sractibus superné depressis, ad suturam granulatis, infra levibus,

transversim noduloso-liratis, in medio tuberculorum seriebus duabus

compressis armatis ; lividd, fuscescente varid ; columella subtiliter

rugosd ; aperturd ovatd, utringue sinuatd ; labro denticulato.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 6. f. 28.

Ranella granifera, Kiener (not of Lamarck).

Hab. Island of Annaa, Pacific Ocean (found on the coral reefs) ;

Cuming.

I do not see how M. Kiener can identify this tuberculated shell

with Lamarck’s description of Ranella granifera.

RaneEua piicata. fan. testd oblongd, sub-Muriciformi ; anfrac-

tibus rotundatis, scabris, longitudinaliter plicatis, in medio nodu-

losis ; livido-olivaced, zond albidd in medio cinctd ; columella levi,

canali longiusculo.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 7. f. 33.

Hab. ?

The plicated growth of this shell is developed with the neatest

regularity from the apex to the margin.

RANELLA VENusTULA. Ran. testd ovatd, crassiusculd, varicibus

valde obliquis ; anfractibus transversim costatis, granulatis et

punctatis, superne angulatis, prope suturam corrugatis, ad angu-

lum fortiter tuberculatis ; columella excavatd, nigricante-purpured,

albigranulosd ; aperturd rotundd, utrinque canaliculatd, fauce

roseo-purpured ; labro incrassato, nigro-purpureo.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 7. f. 37.

Hab. ?

This species is remarkably characterized by its rich dark purple

columella granulated with white.

RANELLA SIPHONATA. Ran. testd ovatd, crassiusculd, varicibus

perspicue canaliculatis ; anfractibus transversim rudé costatis et

tuberculatis, undique granulatis et punctatis, prope suturam cor-

rugatis ; luteold ; columelld viz rugosd, roseo-purpurascente ; aper-

turd rotundd, fauce roseo-purpurascente, utrinque canaliculata,

canali supero valdé elato-siphonato.

Var. 6. Testd albd aut luteold, nigro-cerulescente fasciata et punc-

tatd ; columella albd, aperture fauce albd.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 7. f. 38.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

I take this. shell to be quite distinct from the dark variety of the

Ranella bufonia to which it is allied.

RaNELLA TUBEROSISSIMA. Ran. testdé ovatd, varicibus perspicue

canaliculatis ; anfractibus transversim rude costatis, dorsim tube-

Zoological Society. 363

rosissimis, undique granulatis et punctatis, prope suturam corru-

gatis ; albidd, nigro-cerulescente punctatd ; columelld levi, croceéd ;

aperturd rotundd, vivide croced, utrinque canaliculatd ; canali

supero elato-siphonato, superne intus nigricante tincto ; labro for-

titer dentato.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 7. f. 39.

Hab. Philippine Islands ; Cuming.

An extraordinary humped shell with a yellow mouth.

RaNELLA TRIQUETRA. Ran. testd elongato-Muriciformi, varicibus

supern® mucronatis ; anfractibus angulatis, ad angulum tubercu-

latis, supra levibus, infra obsolete liratis ; livido-olivaced ; colu-

melld levi ; canali longiusculo ; aperturd parva ; labro vix denticu-

lato.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 7. f. 41.

Hab. San Diego, California; Nuttall.

Quite distinct in my opinion from the R. Muriciformis, which is a

flat pinnated shell.

RaNnELta wasTuLA. Ran. testd parvuld, sublanceolatd, depressd,

ancipiti ; anfractibus transversim granoso-striatis, lamellis elevatis

indistincte diadematis ; castaneo-fuscd ; columella levi; canali

brevi, recurvo ; aperturd parvd.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 8. f. 42.

Hab. ?

This little dark granulated shell, though less pyramidal, is of simi-

lar structure to the Ranella anceps.

RanELia RoSEA. Ran. testd pyramidali-ovatd, varicibus subobli-

quis ; anfractibus superne leviter angulatis, transversim striatis,

undique seriatim tuberculato-nodulosis, nodulis ad angulum bipar-

titis ; vivide coccineo-rosed, nodulis luteis ; canali breviter recurvo,

apertura parva.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 8. f. 46.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines ; Cuming.

This pretty little species exhibits a very agreeable contrast of co-

lour, namely, yellow nodules upon a bright scarlet-rose ground.

RaNnELLA cuspipaTa. Ran. testd acuminato-ovatd, crassiusculd,

solidd, varicibus obliquis ; anfractibus transversim noduloso-liratis,

tuberculis duobus obtusis inter varices ornatis; albidd, luteo-

aurantio plus minusve tincta ; columella levi; canali breviusculo,

recurvo ; apertura parvd, ovato-rotundatd.

Conch. Icon., Ranella, pl. 8. f. 48.

Hab. Islands of Capul and Ticao, Philippines ; Cuming.

This shell has somewhat the form and general character of the

Ranella bitubercularis, though it is of more solid growth and of a pe-

culiar orange-yellow colour.

“A continuation of a paper by Sylvanus Hanley, Esq., on new

species of the genus Tellina, chiefly collected by Hugh Cuming, Esq.

in the Philippine Islands and Central America” :—

Terirna Ropon. Tel. testd oblonga, tenuissimd, compressiusculd,

levi, nitidissimd, rosed, pellucida, valde inequilaterali, utrinque ro-

2C2

364

Hab.

Zoological Society.

tundatd ; margine ventrali conveviusculo ; dorsali antice vix declivi

et convexiusculo, postice subdeclivi ; latere postico brevi, subatte-

nuato ; flexurd obsoleta ; dente laterali approwximato, antico. Long.

0°38; lat. 0°83 poll.

? Mus. Cuming.

Allied to coccinea, but more elongated and glossy.

Tetiina tux. Tel. testd subovali, tenui, pellucidd, compressd,

nitidd, aurantid, sublevigatd, inequilaterali ; margine ventrali con-

vexiusculo ; dorsali utrinque subdeclivi, antic? convexiusculo, pos-

tice brevi et incurvato ; latere postico breviore obtusissime biangu-

lato ; extremitate anticd obtuse rotundatd; flecurd nulld ; dente

laterali antico, approzximato, distincto. Long. 0°55; lat. 0°80

poll.

Hab. Philippines. Mus. Hanley.

Two specimens of this rare shell, which possesses the general ap-

pearance of 7. psammotella, were selected by me from a large number

of T. Philippinarum.

TreLurya HILARIS. Tel. testé oblongo-cuneiformi, tenui, compres-

Hab.

siusculd, inequilaterali, nitidd, levi, rosed, albo biradiatd ; radiis

latis, submediis ; margine ventrali conveviusculo ; dorsali anticé

declivi, posticé subrecto et valde? declivi ; extremitate lateris antici

longioris rotundatd ; extremitate posticd brevi, cuneiformi; flex-

urd obsoletd ; dente laterali unico, parvo, subapproximato. Long.

0°37; lat. 0°62 poll.

? Mus. Cuming.

Possessing the general contour of T.. tenera, but more elongated

and wedge-shaped. The colouring is rich and peculiar, being deep

TOSE-

colour, adorned with two broad white rays, one leaning forwards

and the other with a posterior inclination. I suspect it comes to us

from the Philippine Islands.

TELLINA JUVENILIS. Tel. testd ovato-subtrigond, tenut, pellucida,

nitidd, compressiusculd, rubro-aurantid, levigatd, inequilaterali ;

margine ventrali convexo aut convexiusculo; dorsali anticé sub-

recto declivi, postice convexe et valde declivi ; latere antico longiore,

subattenuato, rotundato; postico brevi et obtuse subcuneiformi ;

costd umbonali et flerurd subobsoletis ; dente laterali parvo, an-

tico. Long. 0°45; lat. 0°60 poll.

Fab. Philippines.

Closely resembling the Mediterranean variety of T. tenuis.

Teviina vestauis. Tel. testd oblongo-angusta, tenuissimd, convexr-

tusculd, nitidd, levi, intus exiusque nived, inequilaterali ; margine

ventrali subrecto, paululiim convexiusculo ; dorsali antice minime

declivi et paululiim convexiusculo, postice prope ligamentum exca-

vato, deinde declivi ; extremitate lateris antici longioris rotundata ;

extremitate posticd subemarginatd, subattenuatd, obtuse biangulata ;

flecurd obsoleta ; dente laterali antico, approximato. Long. 0°60;

lat. 1°13 poll.

Hab. Isle of Negros; in coral sand, at seven fathoms: isle of Lu-

zon

; in sandy mud, at six fathoms.

Closely allied to the Tellinides truncatulus of Sowerby.

Zoological Society. 365

Teiuina verNALIS. Tel. testd subovali, tenuissimd, compressius-

culd, pellucida, levi, nitidissimd, albido-rosed, valde inequilaterali,

utrinque rotundatd ; margine ventrali convexiusculo ; dorsali utrin-

que paululim convexiusculo, postice declivi, antice vix minime de-

clivi ; latere antico producto, postico brevi ; flexurd obsoletd ; dente

laterali minimo, antico, subapproximato. Long. 0°40; lat. 0°63

oll.

Hab. Singapore ; soft sandy mud, at seven fathoms.

The outline is somewhat similar to 7. /uz, and both the texture

and colouring are most delicate.

TevLuina srecraBitis. Tel. testd ovato-trapeziformi, subtenui, ven-

tricosd, mavime inequilaterali, impolitd, intus extusque albidd,

concentrice striata ; striis rugosis, elevatis, tenuibus; margine ven-

trali paululim convexo ; dorsali antice convexo et declivi, postice

recto aut subincurvato et maximé declivi ; extremitate lateris antici

longioris obtusd ; extremitate posticd truncato-cuneiformi, obtuse

biangulatd; costd umbonali et flerurd conspicuis; ligamento

magno, haud prominente ; dentibus primariis minimis, lateralibus

nullis. Long. 2°15; lat. 2°75 poll.

Hab. Bay of Manila and island of Siquijor; on coral sand, at low

water. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

Allied to the ephippium of Spengler, but easily distinguished by

the extreme disparity of its sides.

TevLuina Granpis. Tel. testa ovali, subtrigond, solidd, converd,

subinequivalvi, levi, subimpolitd, intus extusque albidd, antice ro-

tundatd ; margine ventrali convexiusculo ; dorsali utrinque declivi,

postice recto aut subrecto, antice vix convexiusculo ; extremitate

lateris antiei brevioris obtusd ; flerurd costdque umbonali subobso-

letis ; ligamento magno ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long. 2°40;

lat. 3°30 poll.

Hab. Tumbez, Peru.

A large species, which assumes the appearance of a Lutraria. An

extremely thin greenish ashy epidermis is perceptible near the lower

margin.

Texiina Brueuiert. Tel. testd rotundato-trigond, solidd, subequi-

laterali, convexd, impolitd, intus extusque albidd, sublevigatd,

antice obtusa, postice rotundatd; margine ventrali convero aut

subarcuato ; dorsali postice elevatiore, valde declivi et paululim

convexo, antice arcuato et declivi; natibus prominentibus, antice

incumbentibus ; flexurd costdque umbonali obsoleiis; ligamento

infosso ; lunuld parvd; dentibus primariis maximis, lateralibus

nullis. Long. 1°50; lat. 1°80 poll.

Hab. Mlo-Ilo, isle of Panhay ; hard sand.

This species is evidently represented at plate 231. figure 2. of the

* Encyclopédie Méthodique,’ but as no name accompanies the deline-

ation, I have assigned to it its present one, in honour of the illustrious

author of the letter-press to that work.

TELLINA GuBERNACULUM. Tel. testa subovatd, subinequivalvi,

tenui, compressiusculd, levi, extus intusque albidd, valde inequi-

366 Zoological Society.

laterali ; margine ventrali convexiusculo, antice sursum acclinante ;

dorsali, antice magis minusve convexo et declivi, postice recto brevi,

et subito declivi; extremitate lateris antici longioris attenuato-

rotundatd ; extremitate posticd brevissimd, truncato-cuneiformi ;

flexurd costéque umbonali obsoletis ; ligamento infosso ; dentibus

primariis parvis, lateralibus nullis. Long. 1°45; lat. 1°90 poll.

Hab. Reai Llejos, Central America; in sandy mud, seven fathoms.

Closely allied to the truncata of Jonas, but that species is much

thicker and its shorter extremity simply wedge-shaped.

Trevtina Formosa. Tel. testa obovatd, convexiusculd, vald? ine-

guilaterali, albidd, radiis interruptis roseis, striisque minutis con-

fertis obliquis, undique ornatd ; margine ventrali convexo ; dorsal

utringue convexiusculo, antice subdeclivi, postice valde declivi ;

extremitate lateris antici producti rotundatd, postict brevissimi

obtusissime angulatd; flexurd subobsoletd ; dentibus lateralibus

nullis. Long. 0°43; lat. 0°55 poll.

Hab. Daleguete, Zebu ; sandy mud at ten fathoms.

The absence of lateral teeth, the general shape, the brilliant colour-

ing and minute oblique striz, unite in rendering this unique shell

easily distinguishable from any species of this genus.

Teiuna Sou. Tel. testd oblongo-ellipticd, solidiusculd, compressd,

nitidad, rubro-aurantid, alterd in valvuld concentricé substriatd,

alterd sublevigatd ; margine ventrali convexo, postice sursum ac-

clinante ; dorsali utrinque subdeclivi, convexiusculo ; latere antico

longiore, ad extremitatem rotundato ; extremitate posticd in juni-

oribus subacuminatd, in adultis obtuse angulatd ; natibus planulatis ;

ligamento infosso; dente laterali unico, antico, distincto. Long.

2°40; lat. 4°25 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming, Metcalfe.

This truly magnificent shell unites the aspect of the acuta of Wood

to the brilliant hues of 7. foliacea. The concentric strie are ex-

tremely fine and regular, but become stronger and more decided

towards the lower margin, where obsolete radiating lines are likewise

perceptible. The smoother valve of Mr, Cuming’s superb specimen

is rayed with paler streaks, but this is not the case in the few other

specimens I have ever beheld of this gorgeous species. The apex is

colourless and not rosy as in acuta.

Trevuina virco. Tel. testd ovato-oblongd, tenuissimd, planulatd,

nitidissimd, nived, pellucidd, striis obliquis flecuosis subremotis in

valvuld utrdque ornatd ; margine ventrali convexiusculo ; dorsali

antico magis minusve declivi, convexo ; latere postico breviore, sub-

cuneiformi ; flecurd costdque umbonali obsoletis ; ligamento satis

prominente ; dente laterali antico, parvo, subapproximato. Long.

0°55 ; lat. 0°92 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming.

Allied to the Jris of Say, but much larger. The remote oblique

strie entirely cease before arriving at the hinder extremity. It is

the most pellucid and glassy-looking bivalve I am acquainted with.

TELLINA IMBELLIS. Tel, testd ellipticd, inequivalvi, solidiusculd,

Zoological Society. 367

extus intusque albidd, nitidd, vald2 inequilaterali ; alterd valvuld

levi, complanatd ; alterd convexd et lineis concentricis elevatis,

postice striata ; margine ventrali convexo ; dorsali antico convex-

iusculo et paululim declivi; extremitate lateris antici longioris

rotundatd ; extremitate posticd obtuse angulatd ; ligamento promi-

nente; flexurd nulld ; dente laterali antico, minimo, approximato.

Long. 0°90; lat. 1°50 poil.

Hab. ?

Closely resembling a Psammobia, the minute lateral tooth being

scarcely visible.

Tretia Vattonis. Tel. testd ovato-oblongd, fragili, complanatd,

subinequilaterali, nitidissimd, pellucida, rosed, radiis geminis albi-

dis postic? ornatd, lineisque minutis concentric? substriatd ; mar-

gine ventrali convexiusculo; dorsali antico subdeclivi, convezxo ;

extremitate posticd paululim breviore, vir rotundato-angulatd ;

flexurd, costdque umbonali, obsoletis ; dente laterali antico, parvo,

subapproximato. Long. 0°53; lat. 0°72 poll.

Hab. ? Maus. Metcalfe.

I have named this shell in honour of W. Walton, Esq., whose rich

collection has proved of great service to me in my investigation of

the very numerous species of this beautiful genus. It differs from

ewilis by the absence of regular suboblique striule and by the hinder

extremity not being decidedly wedge-shaped.

Texirna Frriempa. Tel. testd ovali, solidiusculd, converd, inequi-

laterali, nitidd, albidd (intus candidd), levigaté, utrinque rotun-

datd ; margine ventrali convexo ; dorsali antico, subdeclivi, convexo;

latere postico plane breviore ; natibus inconspicuis ; flexurd, cos-

tdque umbonali, obsoletis ; dentibus primariis minimis, lateralibus

nullis. Long. 0°70; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. Kamtschatka. Mus. Petit, Hanley.

I am indebted to M. Petit de la Saussaye for the possession of this

rare species. It is closely allied to the edentula of Sowerby, but

the beaks are more prominent in that species, and its posterior ter-

mination more angular.

TELLINA ELONGATA. Tel. testd oblongo-angustd, subtenui, subven-

tricosd, intus extusque albd, laevigata, valde inequilaterali, antice

rotundatd ; margine ventrali medio subretuso, anticé sursum accli-

nante ; dorsali antice convexiusculo et vix paululiim declivi, posticé

producto, recto aut subretuso satisque declivi ; latere postico brevi,

truncato-acuminato hiante; ligamento subinfosso; flecurd sub-

obsoletd ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long. 1:12; lat. 2°20 poll.

Hab. Chiquiqui, West Columbia; in sand at three fathoms.

The extremely narrow shape, and the peculiarity of its upper and

lower edges being almost parallel, separate it from the majority of

its section ; it is however closely allied to the succeeding species.

Texirna assimiuis. Tel. testd T. elongate simillimd, sed magis

ventricosd, et extremitate posticd contortd, subrostratd. Long.

0°45 ; lat. 0°95 poll.

Hab. Isle of Luzon; in sandy mud, six fathoms.

368 Zoological Society.

TELLINA INORNATA. Tel. testd ovato-oblongd, subtenui, subventri-

cosd, impolitd, subequilaterali, sordid? albidd, epidermide tenui et

cinered induta, levigatd ; marginis ventralis parte medid recté aut

subretusd ; dorsalis parte anticé convexiusculd et paululiim declivi,

partie posticd subdeclivi; extremitate anticd rotundatd, posticd

attenuato-rotundatd ; fexurd, costdque umbonali, obsoletis ; dentibus

lateralibus nullis. Long. 0°82; lat. 1°30.

Hab. Conception, Chili; soft mud, six fathoms.

A fossil-like shell, which is devoid of striking characteristics, and

much resembles an elongated Hdentula.

TeLiina cyenus. Tel. testd ovatd aut ovato-oblongd, solidiusculd,

subequilaterali, convexd, extus nitidd, intusque candidd, concentric?

substriatd ; margine ventrali convevxiusculo ; dorsali antic® sub-

recto et paululim declivi, postice recto et valde declivi ; extremi-

taie anticad rotundato-oblusd, posticd cuneiformi, subrostratd ;

flecura ventrali distinctd ; ligamento infosso; superficie internd

submargaritaced ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long. 0°40; lat.

0°63 poll.

Hab. Bias, isle of Negros; coral sand, seven fathoms.

Closely resembling corbuloides in shape, but narrower, possessing

distinct concentric striz, and devoid of lateral teeth.

Tevurna DomBet. Tel. testd obovatd, inequilaterali, solidd aut

solidiusculd, converd aut subventricosd, impolita, levigatd, albidd,

natibus roseo tinctis; margine ventrali subrecto; dorsali antice

subdeclivi et convexo, postice subrecto satisque declivi ; extremitate

anticad rotundatd, posticd brevi, subangulatd ; ligamento infosso ;

costa umbonali et flecurd distinctis ; disco interno aurantio-roseo ;

dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long. 1°60; lat. 2 poll.

Hab. Panama; twelve fathoms, sandy mud.

Allied to the wmbonel/a of Lamarck, but with the fold and flexure

more distinctly marked.

Sept. 10.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

Continuation of a paper on the new species of the genus Tellina,

by Sylvanus Hanley, Esq. :—

Teviina Mites. Tel. testd T. cuspidi affini, sed oblongd, rostratd,

et magis compressd ; margine antico dorsali vir paululiim declivi ;

ventrali convexo ; valvuld alterd lineis elevatis concentricis uadique

striatd.. Long. 0°90; lat. 1°88 poll.

Hab. >? Mus. Metcalfe.

A beautiful shell, which reminds one slightly of the rosea of

Spengler, and closely resembles a produced and flattened specimen

of Tellina cuspis.

Tetiina Litrum. Tel. testd ovato-oblongd, tenuiusculd, subven-

tricosd, extus intusque albd, concentrice substriatd ; striis supra

costam umbonalem elevatis; margine ventrali subrecto; dorsalt

antice subrecto paululimque declivi ; latere antico producto, inferneé

lt es

Zoological Society. 369

ad extremitatem oblique rotundato ; latere postico, brevi, cunei-

formi ; dentibus lateralibus nullis.. Long. 0°50; lat. 0°80 poll.

Hab. Isle of Burias, sandy mud, low water; and isle of Negros,

coral sand, seven fathoms : Cuming.

One of the many species which are destitute of any striking cha-

racteristics.

Tevurna PLEBEIA. Tel. testd subovatd, converd, levigatd, intus

extusque albida, umbonibus hyalinis et rubro-aurantiis ; margine

ventrali convexo aut subarcuato ; dorsali, antice prope nates recto

et paululiim declivi, postic? recto satisque declivi ; latere antico lon-

giore, rotundato ; extremitate posticd obtuse angulatd ; ligamento

infosso ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long. 1:15; lat. 1°70 poll.

Hab. Real Llejos, Central America; sandy mud, seven fathonis.

Very closely allied to the umbonella of Lamarck.

Tetura Aurora. Tel. testd 'T. Psammotelle simillimd, converiore

autem, et umbonibus rubro-aurantiis ; ligamento infosso ; dentibus

lateralibus nullis. Long. 0°75 ; lat. 1°23 poll.

Hab. Panama; soft sandy mud, ten fathoms: Cuming.

Both this and the succeeding species are not unlike Chemnitz’s

figure of 7. oblonga, but the description by no means accords.

Teviina Lucerna. Tel. testd oblonga, subventricosd, levigatd,

albidd, umbonibus aurantiis, antice longiore et rotundatd, postice

obtuse cuneiformi ; margine ventrali subrecto ; dorsali, antice pau-

lulim et postice satis declivi, utrinque subrecto ; ligamento subin-

fosso ; disco interno aurantio ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long.

0-90; lat. 1°42 poll.

Hab. Isle of Negros and Isle of Misamis ; sandy mud, low water :

Isle of Panay, hard sand: Cuming.

TELLINA SCALPELLUM. Tel. testd oblongd, tenuissimd, compressd,

nitidissima, valde inequilaterali, rosed, pellucidd, sublevigatd ;

margine ventrali subrecto ; dorsali antico paululiim declivi et sub-

recto; latere postico brevi et obtuse subcunciformi ; extremitate

anticd rotundatd ; ligamento parvo, prominulo ; dentibus laterali-

bus nullis. Long. 0°25; lat. 0°50 poll.

Hab. Isle of Zebu ; sandy mud, low water: Cuming.

More produced than in the majority of the smaller species, and of

a peculiarly deep rose-colour.

Texturna Diana. T. testd T. Galathez simillimd, subovatd autem,

punctisque nullis ; margine dorsali etiam utrinque magis declivi,

ventrali convexiore, et extremitate posticd magis obtusd. Long.

1:05 ; lat. 1°50 poll.

Hab. Java? Mus. Hanley, &c.

Tevirma ancitia. Tel. testd oblongo-elongatd, converiusculd, ni-

tidissimd, candidd, concentricé substriatd, lineisque obsoletis radi-

antibus ornatd ; striolis supra costam umbonalem subobsoletam,

remotioribus, distinctis, subimbricatis ; margine ventrali subrecto ;

dorsali, antice subdeclivi et convexiusculo, postice subrecto et de-

370 Zoological Society.

clivi ; latere antico producto ; postico obtuse cuneiformi ; dentibus

lateralibus nullis. Long. 0°45 ; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. Lord Hood’s Island, on fine coral-sand : Cuming.

Tevurna Hiperna. Tel. testd oblongd, solidd, compressiusculd,

valde inequilaterali, subnitidd, candida, levigatd ; margine ventrali

subrecto ; dorsali antice convexiusculo et paululim declivi, posticé

primum convexo deinde subincurvato ; latere antico producto ; pos-

tico brevi, cuneiformi ; ligamento prominulo ; dente laterali antico

magno, approximato. Long. 0°45; lat. 0°75 poll.

Hab. Panama and Bay of Guayaquil; six to eleven fathoms, in

sandy mud: Cuming.

Closely allied to T. polita.

Textuina Desuayesit. Tel. testd T. Spengleri simillimd, sed al-

bido-rosed, et lamellis subremotis concentrice ornatd ; margine

etiam ventrali magis convero. Long. 0°60; lat. 1°55 poll.

Hab. Red Sea? Mus. Cuming, Deshayes.

However closely resembling T. Spengleri, it is nevertheless with

facility to be distinguished by its regular (and not oblique) concen-

tric lamelle.

Texiuina TuLipa. Tel. testd T. Donacine simillimd, sed subequi-

laterali, et margine dorsali rosei coloris experte. Long. 0°50;

lat. 0°95 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming, Walton.

Extremely like T. Donacina, but almost equilateral, and devoid of

the short vertical ray at the beaks and the rosy dorsal edges which

are characteristic of that species.

Trevtina Puaraonts. Tel. testd T. rostratze simillimd, sed solidd,

lineisque elevatis concentrice striata ; umbonibus aurantio-roseis ;

sinu postico distincto. Long. 1°20; lat. 3°20 poll.

Hab. Red Sea. Mus. Metcalfe.

This magnificent shell is one of the first fruits of the recent syste-

matic investigation of the fauna of the Red Sea.

Teiurna spinosa. Tel. testd ovatd, solidiusculd, impolitd, inequi-

laterali, convexiusculd, extus intusque albidd, striis minutis con-

fertissimis elevatis, concentrice asperatd ; margine ventrali arcuato,

postice sursum acclinante ; dorsali postice elevatiore convexo et

declivi, antice prope nates acutas subincurvato deinde subrecto et

subdeclivi ; latere postico brevi; extremitate anticd rotundatd ;

posticd seriebus duabus vel tribus radiantibus spinarum serratd ;

lunuld parvd, distinctd ; ligamento infosso ; dente laterali antico

subapproximato, postico remoto. Long. 0°60; lat. 0°80 poll.

Hab. Isle of Ticao, six fathoms.

Mr. Cuming’s unique specimen of this curious shell possesses cha-

racters which cannot readily be confounded with any other species.

It is to Gargadia, however, that it is most allied.

TrELLINA FIMBRIATA. Tel. testd obovato-rotundatd, solidd, converd,

candidd, striis concentricis confertissimis lamellosis fimbriatis, et

SS eee eer

Miscellaneous. 871

lineis radiantibus confertis, decussatd ; margine ventrali arcuato,

postice sursum acelinante ; dorsali utrinque convexiusculo, antice

subdeclivi, postice valde declivi ; latere antico longiore, rotundato ;

extremitate posticd brevi, angulatd ; costd umbonali vald? conspicud ;

ligamento infosso ; lunuld distinctd ; dentibus lateralibus subremo-

tis, subequidistantibus. Long. 1°25; lat. 1°42 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming.

In sculpture not unlike 7. decussata; in form more akin to T. os-

tracea.

Tevuina sustruncata. Tel. testd obovatd, valde inaquilaterali,

albidd, striis lamellosis fimbriatis confertissim2 ornatd ; margine

ventrali antic? arcuato, postice subrecto et sursum acelinante ;

dorsali utrinque magis minusve convexo, antice declivi, postice

maxime declivi; extremitate anticd rotundatd ; latere postico bre-

vissimo, subtruncato, angulato ; ligamento infosso ; dentibus late-

ralibus subequidistantibus. Long. 0°60; lat. 0°75 poll.

Hab. Isle of Bohol; on the reefs, low water.

I had almost regarded the first specimen of this rare shell in Mr.

Cuming’s collection as a monstrosity, but the examination of another

specimen in Sir Edward Belcher’s cabinet has satisfied me that the

seemingly diseased and stunted appearance is characteristic and not

accidental.

TEvLiInA PeRPLEXA. Tel. testd T. ostracex affinis, subovatd autem,

striisque ejus concentricis, magis confertis et superne haud lamel-

losis ; margine dorsali antico paululim declivi. Long. 1°20;

lat. 1°65 poll.

Hab. Bay of Manila; sandy mud, six fathoms : Cuming.

Rather a solid shell, which is apparently closely allied to the lin-

tea of Conrad ; but the curvature of the ligamental margin, as repre-

sented in the figure of that shell, by no means agrees with its direc-

tion in perpleza.

MISCELLANEOUS.

ABUNDANT OCCURRENCE OF RARE INFUSORIA IN THE SCALLOP.

To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History.

GrnTLEMEN,— The discovery some time since of the siliceous shells

and cases of animalcules in the stomach of recent Lepades, belonging

to many of the genera and some of the species which constitute a

large proportion of the miocene tertiary strata of Virginia, was an-

nounced in Dr. Mantell’s recent work the ‘ Medals of Creation.’ (See

vol. i. p.586.) This fact, so highly interesting in a geological point

of view, has since been fully established by many observers; and

among others by the Rev. J. B. Reade, who has communicated the

result of his examination of the oyster to the Microscopic Society.

Having subsequently extended my investigations to the contents of

ove Miscellaneous.

the digestive sac of other mollusks, it may interest your readers to

be informed that the common scallop (Pecten maximus) now in sea-

son, and therefore easily obtained, contains a richer assemblage of

the most beautiful siliceous carapaces of animalcules than any other

of the mollusca hitherto noticed.

So abundant and diversified are these forms in the scallop, that a

few grains of the undigested contents of the stomach, properly pre-

pared and mounted on a glass slide, exhibits many of the species

usually found in the Richmond earth, and indeed could not be readily

distinguished from a similar preparation of the fossil forms.

Another remarkable fact, also noticed in the ‘ Medals’ (see p. 233),

that of the occurrence of the mineralized bodies of Polythalamia, is

fully confirmed ; and when the eye of the observer becomes accus-

tomed to the appearances presented by remains of this kind, they will

be found abundantly in most chalk flints.. I discovered one species

in an atom of flint, in which the entire body of a Roéalia, except that

part of it which occupied the outer cell, is as beautifully preserved as

that of an insect in amber.

I am, Gentlemen, yours obediently,

Hamuin Lex.

Chester Square, Pimlico, April 21, 1845.

HAMATOCOCCUS SANGUINEUS, AG.

In a valuable packet of Algz lately received from Prof. Kutzing, I

was rejoiced to find a portion of an authentic specimen of the Alga

published under the above name in the ‘ Icones Algarum.’ It belongs

to the genus Microcystis of Meneghini, and may vie with any of the

curious forms published in his monograph. It proves identical with

the Tobermorey plant of Mr. Harvey’s ‘ Manual.’ ‘The Appin plant

has quite a different structure, and will be illustrated in Mr. Hassall’s

work, which will we hope shortly be published.—M. J. BerKe.ry.

Observations on the Formation of Capillaries. By E. A. PLatner.

As is well known, Schwann brought forward the view, that the

capillaries were developed from cells, the star-shaped appendages of

which became elongated. ‘This view was adopted by Schwann from

observations on the tails of young tadpoles, in which he found star-

shaped cells between the capillaries, and from which he thought that

they united to form capillaries. Schwann however never observed the

actual formation of capillaries from these cells, nor did it occur to

him that these cells are found in tadpoles of all ages, whilst, had his

view been correct, they would have been rare or entirely absent in

the older ones. During the past summer I have given my atten-

tion to this subject, and can now assert most positively, that capil-

laries are never formed from the stellar cells. From the examina-

tions which I made not only on young tadpoles, but also on young

tritons 1—13 centimetre long, capillaries do not appear to be

formed independently of the already existing vessels, but each new

capillary is a continuation of those already formed, as I subsequently

Miscellaneous. 373

found out had been observed by Prevost and Lebert. If the tails of

young tritons are observed, capillaries are readily met with, which

terminate suddenly and bluntly like a bag. The termination of the

vessel is completely closed, and no trace of a continuation can be de-

tected. At this spot in several, a very thin long projection may be

observed, which imperceptibly disappears, and in others, as if two

such projections had united into a common arch; it may likewise be

seen how this arch gradually increases in diameter. This arch is

undoubtedly a new loop of capillaries. It is at first much too narrow

to allow of the passage of blood-corpuscles. A fine granular matter

appears moreover to close it, and even to prevent the passage of the

liquor sanguinis. ‘The double contour of a separate wall may very

soon be perceived in it, especially at the point of its origin, but we

never perceive any cells or their nuclei. The nuclei, so distinctly seen

in the perfectly developed capillaries, which sometimes project inside,

sometimes outside, must consequently belong to a later period ; they

cannot be the nuclei of cells from which the capillaries had formed

by fusion.

Although I have convinced myself of this, 1 am at the same time in

doubt, whether the nuclei which occur in the muscular fasciculi and

the bundles of cellular tissue, from which, according to Henle, the so-

called nucleolal fibres are developed, have not belonged to previously

existing cells, and whether these nuclei do not owe their origin

rather to a subsequent new production. This subject therefore de-

serves further observation.— From Miiller’s Archiv, 1844, Part 5.—

J. W.G.

REPRODUCTION OF LOST PARTS IN THE ARTICULATA.

Amongst the subjects of physiological interest exhibited at our

meetings, I may notice an instance of Gynandromorphism in Arctia

Caja, by Mr. Evans ; specimens of Cossonus, found in abundance in a

recently opened barrow in Lancashire, by the Rev. W. Sibson; the

parasitism of Calyoxys conica on Saropoda furcata, by myself; and

the abnormal development and deficiency of jomts in both antennze

of Otiorhynchus picipes, by Mr. Walton. But that which has ap-

peared to me to be of the greatest interest is a subject that has

often been before this Society,—the reproduction of lost parts in the

Articulata. Ata meeting of this Society in March last, Mr. West-

wood exhibited a specimen of Cresus septentrionalis ‘‘ which had one

of the hind legs much smaller than the other, and which he regarded

as an instance of arrested development,” in accordance with some very

decided opinions formerly expressed by him. He also exhibited a

large apterous Phasma, which had one of the hind legs smaller than

the other; and this he regarded as an instance of reproduction. Both

these examples were precisely analogous to the instance of reproduc-

tion in Phasma described in Mr. Fortnum’s letter, and mentioned in

my Address last year. On exhibiting these specimens Mr. West-

wood expressed an opinion that the reproduction of lost parts can

take place only in those insects which undergo an incomplete meta-

374 Miscellaneous.

morphosis, and have active larvee and pup, similar to the imago.

He also announced his belief that those insects which undergo a

complete metamorphosis,—as, for instance, the Lepidoptera,—are in-

capable of reproducing lost parts. ‘To this very imperfect and par-

tial view of a most important subject,—a view so little in accordance

with the simple, uniform, and beautiful laws by which nature inva-

riably works,—I could not, as your President, afford my assent ; but

expressed my decided belief that a reproduction of lost parts may

take place in every Order of Insects, and throughout the whole of

the Articulata. Unwilling, however, that either opinion should go

forth to the world as that of the Entomological Society of London,

or of its President, or of its Secretary, unsupported by facts, I availed

myself of the earliest opportunity during the past summer of putting

these opinions to the test of actual experiment. Several series of

experiments were made on Vanessa Urtice and Vanessa Ié with

complete success, and the results of these experiments, the perfect

insects, with their diminutive and newly-formed limbs, were exhi-

bited to the Society at our last October meeting. Some of these

specimens are now deposited in the cabinets of the British Museum,

and others in the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Sur-

geons; and the details of the inquiries have been published else-

where ; so that this physiological question may now be regarded as

completely settled. Experiments similar to my own were also made

about the same time by one of our best physiologists, H. D. S. Good-

sir, Esq., on the Crustacea. An interesting account of them was

given by Mr. Goodsir to this Society when my own specimens of

Lepidoptera were exhibited; and it was gratifying to find, that al-

though some of the details of experiments on these two Classes of

Articulata differed slightly, the great principles in both were pre-

cisely the same.—From the Anniversary Address delivered at the

Entomological Society, Feb. 10, 1845, by the President, G. Newport,

F.R.C.S.

Description of anew species of Solarium. “By R. B. Hinps, Esq., R.N.

SoLarium FuLietnosum. Sol. testd orbiculato-conicd, levigatd,

fuligineo-fusco ornatd ; anfractibus inferioribus levibus, subtumi-

dis, superioribus longitrorsum plicatis, ared mediand pallidd, strigis

latis obliquis fuscis pictd; ad peripheriam carinatd, supra ared

angustd planulatd maculis fuscis quadratis articulatd ; ad basin

paulisper tumidd, pallidd, levigatd ; aperturd quadratd ; umbilico

patulo, crenis rectis fuscis armato. Diam. 21; umbilic. 5} lin.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming.

The only specimen which is known to us is about the size of S.

formosum, and is therefore materially smaller than the finer speci-

mens of S. perspectivum or S. trochleare. ‘The character of its orna-

tion is however so very distinct from either of these, that it would

mislead to push the comparison further. The species is perhaps rather

thinner and lighter than usual, the inferior whorls and base are some-

Meteorological Observations. 375

what more tumid, and at the same time smooth; but the larger

whorls are peculiarly decorated on their middle area with broad dark-

brown flames, and are oblique as they proceed from the inferior por-

tion upwards and forwards towards the left. The crenules are solid,

straight, and of a dark-brown colour.—Proc. Zool. Soc. October 8,

1844.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR MARCH 1845.

Chiswick.—March 1. Dry haze 2. Fine: cloudy. 3. Rain. 4. Sharp frost:

cloudy: clear and frosty. 5. Snowing : cloudy and cold: severe frost. 6. Severe

frost : cloudy and cold: frosty. 7. Cloudy and cold; frosty. 8. Cloudy and

cold: clear and frosty. 9. Coldanddry. 10, Overcast. 11. Fine, with clouds:

clear and frosty. 12. Overcast: cloudy: sharp frost. 13. Frosty: cold and

dry : severe frost at night. 14. Clear, with severe frost: cloudless, cold and dry.

15. Frosty: clear : cloudy: frosty. 16. Frosty: snowing. 17. Clear and frosty :

bright sun: clear and frosty, 18. Clear and frosty: fine: overcast. 19. Over-

cast: fine. 20. Clear, cold and dry. 21. Clear: fine: overcast. 22. Overcast:

slightrain, 23. Rain. 24. Cloudy: clear and fine. 25, 26. Cloudy and fine.

27. Overcast: boisterous. 28. Rain: boisterous. 29. Clear. 20. Clear : over-

cast: showery. 31. Cloudless and fine.—Mean temperature of the month 6° be-

low the average ; the coldest March since 1807.

Boston. —March 1. Fine. 2. Cloudy: snow early a.m. 3. Snow: large fall

ofsnow. 4. Cloudy. 5. Snow. 6,7. Fine. 8. Cloudy. 9. Fine. 10. Cloudy.

11, 12, Fine: snow p.m. 13. Windy. 14,15. Fine, 16. Windy: large fall of

snow. 17. Cloudy. 18. Cloudy: snowa.m. 19. Fine: snowr.m. 20,21. Fine.

22. Rain: rain early a.M.: rain a.m. 23. Cloudy: raine.m. 24, Fine: rain

early a.m. 25. Cloudy: rain p.m. 26, 27. Fine. 28. Stormy: stormy all

day. 29. Windy. 30. Fine. 31. Windy.—Not near so cold a March since

March 1837.

Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—March 1. Cloudy: rain. 2, Cloudy: rain: clear.

8. Frost: showers. 4. Bright: frost: aurora. 5. Bright: frost: clear. 6—8.

Cloudy. 9. Showers. 10. Showers: snow-showers. 11—14. Snow-showers.

15. Snow, deep: snow: clear. 16. Snow: cloudy: thaw. 17. Thaw: clear:

frost: clear. 18, Thaw: bright: snow-showers. 19. Snow-drift. 20. Snow:

bright: snow: cloudy. 21. Thaw: cloudy: drops. 22. Cloudy: rain. 23, Rain:

clear. 24. Clear: aurora. 25. Cloudy: clear. 26. Bright: clear. 27. Bright:

rain. 28. Rain: clear. 29. Clear. 30. Cloudy:rain. 31. Bright: cloudy.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire—March 1. Showers of snow. 2. Clear:

frost. 3. Dull. 4. Snow-showers, 5, Snow-showers: frosta.m. 6. Frost a.m:

slight snow. 7, 8. Slight frost. 9. No frost. 10. Rain pw. 11. Clear: frost

a.M. 12. Frosta.m. 13, Frost. 14,15. Frost: snow-showers. 16, 17. Frost.

18, Frost: shower: snow. 19. Frost. 20. Frost: clear. 21. Frost a.m.: thaw:

rainr.M. 22. Heavy rain. 23. Finespringday. 24, Fine. 25. Rain: mild:

growing. 26—28. Rain, and wind high. 29. Clear and bracing day. 30.

Heavy rain and high wind. 31. Fair and fine.

Mean temperature of the month ....... Seeeneesee es 36°°3

Mean temperature of March 1844 ..........eceeeees 38 8

Mean temperature of March for twenty-three years 39 ‘O

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THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 100. JUNE 1845.

LI11.—Descriptions of some Gigantic Forms of Invertebrate Ani-

mals from the Coast of Scotland. By Harry D.S. Goonpsir,

M.W5S.

{ With a Plate. ]

SERPENTARIA. Pl. XX. fig. 1, 2.

Gen. Char.—Anterior extremity of the body pointed, with the

proboscidean orifice obscure and imperfectly developed ; the male

generative apertures on each side; cloaca on the abdominal sur-

face immediately behind. Body depressed. The power of divi-

sion very great.

Description—The power which this animal possesses of so

easily casting off the various segments of its body renders it dif-

ficult, in fact impossible, to state its exact length. The longest

portion of three specimens which have at various times come into

my possession was about one yard in length, and when fully ex-

tended about Zths of an inch in breadth. The whole body was

of a bright slate-blue colour, with the exception of the proboscis,

which was yellow, and a narrow strip of the same colour down

each edge, which gradually became narrower on approaching the

posterior extremity. The anterior third of the body was much

larger and broader than the remaining portion, from which it

gradually tapered towards the distal extremity. The anterior ex-

tremity tapered very suddenly to a point (rostrum), which was

generally curved upwards.

As the animal has no true proboscis, the proboscidean orifice

is very smal] or imperfectly formed, which renders it difficult to

be seen. On each side of the rostrum there is to be seen a lon-

gitudinal narrow slit, generally closed, and communicating with

the male generative system.

Immediately behind these, and on the abdominal surface, is

another larger orifice, which the animal has the power of opening

and shutting at pleasure. When open it is of an ovoid shape.

The edges are serrated. This leads into a large longitudinal

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2D

378 Mr, H. D. 8. Goodsir, on some Gigantic Forms

cayity which runs through the whole length of the body, but for

a considerable extent anter iorly is continuous and very much di-

lated ; in the remainder of its extent it is more confined and in-

terrupted by the ovaries which lie, on each side of, it. All that

portion of the body. in which, the common cavity is continuous

and dilated consists of one annulus, but. the succeeding or ter-

minal is composed of a great many, each about, the eighth of an

inch in length. Each of these separated annuli contains all. the

elements of the perfect, or original animal,. viz..a,male and female

generative apparatus, the cavity common to the generative, di

gestive and respiratory functions, anda small dorsal vessel ana-

loans to the intestinalcanal of Nemertes.. _Serpentaria, therefore

isa: composite animal, each perfect individual consisting of nu-

merous-and appar ently still unformed or imperfectly formed in-

dividuals... That-we are. justified in.looking upon this animal, as

composite will. be ‘acknowledged from what will be. stated still

further when. referring to the physiological phenomena. it.pre-

sents to us.

When swimming this animal is very active, and advances with

considerable rapidity by means of an, undulatory serpentine mo-

tion. When. handled it throws itself into various: contortions,

and instantly casts off numerous annuli from the posterior part

of its body, each of which, immediately upon its separation from

the original, begins to moye in a similar manner.. The consist-

ence of the body when alive is soft, and gelatmous, and is covered

with a thick tenacious slime.

Nemertes., Pl. XX. fig. 3.

Gen. Char,—Anterior extremity of the body rounded, some-

what: quadrilobate, with the proboscidean. orifice in the centre.

Male generative apertures on each side.. Cloaca or abdominal

surfaceoimmediately behind. Body cylindrical... The power of

division not great.

< Deseriplion-—The whole body.of a dark umber colour with the

exception of a few narrow longitudinal. white lines.. The anterior

portion of the body is corrugated transversely. _It.is almost half

an inch in, breadth, and tapers from this very gradually to the

terminal extremity: ‘The anterior extremity is. slightly quadrilo-

bate; and:in:the centre there is a,small foramen through which a

long, narrow, extensile, trumpet-shaped proboscis. can..be pro-

truded:at the will of the animal. On each side of this are two

narrew longitudinal slits similar to, those in Serpentaria. . The

edges howeverare more rounded, and consequently not so closely

applied to one, another. These, as already. mentioned, are aper-

tures to the. male generative apparatus, which. consists. of two

long, narrow cellular tubes, ranning down each side ofithe body.

of Invertebrate Animals.) - 379

The cloaca on the abdominal surface ‘of ‘the ‘body is small and

rounded, and opens into an oblong eavity: similar to that) of

Serpentaria. The anterior extremities of the ovaries, or all that

lies in the continuous portion of the common ‘eavity, are very

slightly attached ; that again which belongs to the interrupted

portion of the cavity is more firmly bound ‘downto |

In the most perfect specimen I could obtam the posterior ex-

tremity was bifurcated, but the opening in it was so large that it

appeared to be only in process of filling’ up after the last oi gost

tion, and therefore in all probability was ‘not’ perfect:

The leading features in the structure of both ofthese animals

will be seen from the above deseriptions to be similar.. Owing to

the assistance derived from the comparison of the two, I think I

have been enabled to make out more satisfactorily than has been

hitherto done, the true structure of Nemertes and its congeners.

To begin with the large common cavity of the body, im both

species it would appear to be conimon to the respiratory, diges-

tive, and at the same time to the generative systems.“ The water

in which the animal lives is transmitted thro ugh this cavity, and

thus acts as a means of respiration.” In Serpentaria it acts I

would say almost altogether as an organ of digestion, and for'this

purpose its construction is slightly” different from that of Ne-

mertes, in which animal the structure approaches more to that'of

the true Planaria, in so fay as it is’ endowed with an: extensile

trunipet-shaped proboscis, which is continuous with a large puck-

ered-up tube running along the upper and central) part of the

common cavity, and which, contrar y to the supposition of Rathke

and other naturalists, 1s, according to the opinion already expressed

by Ehrenberg, the intestinal canal. "It is tied down at intervals by

a strong fibrous or museular band—imesentery, which, when un-

wound, “allows the intestine’to escape from its attachments, »'The

ovaries which run down on each'side’of the body have'no means

of throwing off the ova except into the common cavity: «It ap-

pears to me : ‘therefore that Ehrenberg is correct supposing that

cavity to be an egg-passage, and in Ser ‘pentaria this is more fully

shown than im Nemertes. In the former the ova are apparently

developed throughout the whole length of the ovaries, so that they

haye no way of escaping except by means of the eommion ‘cavity;

in the latter the ova are only being fully developed at ‘the poste-

rior extremity of the ovaries.

Quatrefages and others suppose that ‘the slender filaments

which run along each side of the body belong to the nervous

system, but from all the observations Ihave ‘made; there cannot

be a doubt that they are the testicles of the animal; besides, we

are bound by analogy to infer that none of the aititials belonging’

to this order are so highly organized ‘as to have a nervous System,

Zi?

380 Mr. H. D. 8S. Goodsir on some Gigantic Forms

at least so complicated. However this may be, the microscopic

structure of these filaments sufficiently proves that they are not

nervous, and at the same time points out their true characters as

already mentioned. With regard to the bundle of nervous fibres

seen by Rathke proceeding from the cerebral ganglion to the

narrow furrows on each side of the rostrum, that can easily be

accounted for from the furrows im question being the orifices of

the seminal tubes, so that consequently the tubes must be conti-

nuous.with them. I could not perceive the slightest vestige of

filaments proceeding from the so-called ganglion to the anterior

part of the body, and in the specimens which came under my

own observation neither eyes nor ocellated poimts could be seen.

Forpesia. , Pl. XX. fig, 4

The animal to which I have given the above name, and which

is now to be briefly described, is peculiar and very interesting

on account of its gigantic size; gigantic, masmuch as all the

herétofore known similar forms have been microscopic. When

the first specimen was brought to me, and from the cursory

observation which I then made, it appeared to belong to Vor-

ticella. Havmg been made acquainted by Professor Edward

Forbes, the godfather of the present species, with Sars’s paper on

Pedicellina, 1 was thus also enabled to compare it with that emi-

nent naturalist’s description of those animals*. After avery cur-

sory examination, however, it was found to differ very widely from

both of the above forms.

It is about six inches in length, the pedicel being five and the

body one inch long ; the body is about half an inch, and the pe-

dicel about 3th of an inch in diameter. The oral extremity of

the body is concave, with an oblong transverse aperture in the

centre. The lips which surround this aperture are thick and

fleshy, deeply serrated, and armed on their internal edges with a

double row of fleshy cirrhi.. Numerous spines of a clavate form

and horny structure are thinly scattered over the lower part of

the peduncle. A considerable number of fleshy papillze also arise

from a small portion of the body, forming a zone. The papille

from one portion of this zone are more numerous and more re-

eularly arranged than in the other part.

Until this animal has been more carefully examined, I am not

prepared to specify any characters, either generic or specific. The

opinion expressed by Professor Edward Forbes, that the polype

here described is only one torn from a polypidom common to

many, appears to be correct ; but until we are satisfied of this from

* T am indebted to Mr. Halket of Edinburgh for the translation of this

paper.

of Invertebrate Animals. 381

actual observation, it would be useless to characterize it. With

the view of assisting in the proper illustration of the animal, I

herewith append M. Sars’s description of Pedicellina.

The external appearance as well as the peculiar course of the

intestinal canal seem to bring this species near to the Vorticella ;

but it is distinguished from these by its distinctly developed ten-

tacles, which give it a greater resemblance to the Polypi. In fact,

it seems to be the link which connects the Infusoria just named

with the Polypi.

The Pedicellina exhibits itself in the form of several stalked

polypi of a sort of gelatinous substance, shooting straight up from

a round creeping (7) root. The stem terminates at the top m an

oblong, somewhat compressed knob, on the upper end of which,

in a hollow, the mouth is found, The hollowed upper surface of

this knob forms a sort of edge (or rim) round it, which does not

always preserve the same form, inasmuch as it sometimes dis-

tends itself to a size greatly exceeding the ordinary thickness of

the knob, and sometimes contracts itself very considerably. From

this cause proceeds the variety of form which the knob assumes,

being sometimes egg-shaped and sometimes cup-shaped. But it

is the stem which chiefly exhibits the movements of life. When

irritated it moves easily and actively in all directions. Round

the upper end or edge of the knob is a single row of cylindrical

tentacles, the inner side of which is furnished with numerous fine

and short filaments (cirrhi), which are in almost constant motion,

somewhat like the swimming-filaments of the Ribbemaneterne

(Acalepha Ctenophore, Eschs.), by which motion a current is

produced in the water, anda crowd of the Infusoria which serve it

for food are drawn into its mouth or are caught by the tentacles.

These last are sometimes thrust out, sometimes drawn, in or laid

back ; they can also be moved in a variety of ways.

One of the most singular phenomena about the Pedicellina is

the course of the intestinal canal. It is observed in the interior

of the knob proceeding from the mouth downwards along one of

the small sides, then expanding at the bottom of the knob into

an oval-shaped stomach, and thence turning upwards along the

opposite small side and running back towards the region of the

mouth. The mouth and the anus are thus close to each other

in the before-mentioned hollow. This formation‘is interesting and

totally different from the Polypi, with the exception of the Mustre

and the Corallines which are related to, them; unless mdeed we

agree with Rapp in excluding these from the Polyps.

We find in the Pedicellina a striking analogy with Vorticella,

according to Ehrenberg’s representation of their digestive organs ;

but I have never observed a plurality of stomachs. As regards

382 On some: Gigantic Forms of Invertebrate Animals.

the, propagation of the Pedicellina, it is accomplished by shoots

which come straight from the root, which seems also to be the

case with the Zoanthi: I have never observed amongst them

any other mode of propagation. .

Ist spec. Pedicellinasechinata—The long cylindrical stem is

everywhere equally thick, and provided all round with numerous

thin, pomted prickles. In some of them a few similar prickles

are observed on the knob. The knob itself is oval and compressed.

One of the small sides where the gut ascends is more convex than

the opposite one. The upper edge is furnished with a cirele of

24 tentacles, which number however varies in individuals from

20—22—24. These tentacles are about half the length of the

knob. Within are seen a longitudinal row of numerous trans-

parent: globules, The ascending gut-I have often:seen filled with

dark brownexcrement:avhich had gathered itself: into ‘oval par-

ticles. In the food-canal are sometimes seen a large number of

little grains in constant motion, which doubtless were infusoria

which they had swallowed, |, When the tentacles or any other part

of the animal is touched, it. shrinks from the irritating object,

turning the stem to.a side, bringing the tentacles together, or

drawing them.in and shutting its mouth. These contractions

howeyer-are performed slowly, while on the other hand the stem

moves quickly with the slightest touch. The whole length of the

animal isvabout 2, the knob 54." long and 2” broad... The colour

is whitish and transparent. ‘Vhis-sort as found: attached to va-

rious bodies, as Cochylia, Serpula, Sertularia, in the Fiord of

Bevifete-gnol ditw b ygisl 2

2nd spec. Pedicellina gracilis—The stem of this kind is quite

smooth and free from prickles ; it is also thinner and proportion-

ably longer than.the preceding one... The whole animal, however

is smmalley, about 1!slong, and the stem of the thickness of the

finest: hairs, The knob-is:less oblong than the preceding one, and

on the ends furnished with about 20 tentacles... The stem be-

low is a little thinner than above, but expands at the lowest end

into’ a’ short’ thiek eylinder: - The stem as a whole is of a more

firm consistence, except the knob and the lower thick part which

are softer. It appears therefore to bend only at these two places.

When irritated, therefore, either the upper part of the stem with

the knob moves, which gives the animal a nodding appearance, or

the whole stem bends, at the base, to the side or downwards. This

sort, like the former, were found on a conglomerate of Serpula, a

large number together. It doubtless also has similar creeping

roots, but I was not fortunate enough to find any of them torn

up; nor could they be distinctly seen, im consequence of the

minute dimensions-of jthe animal. Sometimes however a, small

\—

Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants. 383

continuation of the stem could be seen, probably a part of| the

root, ©

II.M. Ship Erebus, Woolwich.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XX,

Fig.l. Serpentaria fragilis reduced to one-half its natnral size. |

Fig. 2. Abdominal ‘surface of the anterior part of the body, showing the

‘cloaca. |

Pig. 3.: Nemertes gracilis, poser to one-half nat. size.

Fig. ts Forbesia formosa, natural size.

Lig..8. Pedicellina echinata, nat, size, and magnified after Sars.

LIV.—A Century of new Genera and Species of Orchidaceous:

Plants. Characterized by Professor Linpueyyoi) 210!

{Continued from p. 257. ]

Decades 5 and 6.

41. Lycasre barbifrons ; foliis oblongis in petiolum longum angus-

tatis plicatis, bractea suprema angusta ovario paulo longiore, sé-

palis petalisque subconformibus lanceolatis falcatis’ lateralibus in

mentum longum productis, labello oblongo basi concavo 5-lineato

appendice lata emarginata adnata; lamina oblonga plana basi fim-

briata apice rotundata laciniis lateralibus rotundatis, columna an~

tice villosissima auriculis apice faleatis.

Pert, (Hartweg),

Very near L. lanipes, but twice as large, and with long-stalked

leaves. It is also different in the form of the lip and in the shaggy

column,

42, Maxirrartra lepidota; acaulis, foliis solitariis ligulatis acutissimis

in petiolum angustatis, pedunculis unifloris acute vaginatis erectis

» dimidium folii quantibus, sepalis elongatis linearibus acuminatis,

petalis: setaceo-acuminatis duplo brevioribus, labello carnoso ob-

ovato trilobo apice carinato et utrinque, lepidoto lacinia intermedia

oyata lateraliumque margine anteriore crenatis, tuberculo angusto

vix medium labelli attingente.

Popayan (Hartweg).

43. Maxinraria proeurrens ; caulescens, pseudebulbis obovatis com-

pressis diphyllis, foliis ligulatis subsessilibus, pedunculis solitariis

squamoso-imbricatis, pseudobulbis. longioribus, sepalis petalisque

oyatis acutis, labello oblongo obtuse indiyiso juxta basin callo ob-

longo, aucto,., ;

Popayan, (Hartweg).

Very like MZ. platypetala.

44. OncrpiuM pentadactylon; pseudobulbis ovatis compressis idipliyliia,

foliis lanceolatis tenuibus scapo longissimo paniculato multo bre-

384 Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants.

vioribus, floribus plurimis abortientibus, sepalis lineari-lanceolatis

liberis, petalis lanceolatis, labello oblongo emarginato pandurato

lobis basilaribus intermedio subzequalibus, crista verrucosa proces-

subus 5 digitiformibus circumdata, columnz alis maximis obtuse

lobatis.

Quito (Hartweg).

This is near O. Wentworthianum in the colour and structure of the

flowers. Occasionally the principal part of them abortive, as in OQ.

heteranthum. ‘The panicle is occasionally 3 feet long or even more.

45. Oncrpium pyramidale ; pseudobulbis ovatis ancipitibus 2—3-phyl-

lis, foliis oblongis tenuibus basi angustatis scapo erecto rigido pa-

niculato pyramidali multo brevioribus, sepalis obtusis liberis dor-

sali ovali lateralibus linearibus, petalis duplo latioribus ovatis ob-

tusis, labelli lobis lateralibus amplexicaulibus intermedio bilobo

latioribus, crista antice excavata processubus 7 (?) linearibus an-

ticis longioribus, columna nana alis verticalibus lineari-cuneatis

sublobatis, rostello subulato.

Pasto (Hartweg).

Near O. excavatum, but with the rostellum of O. ornithorhynchum.

Scape a foot and a half high.

46. Oncrpivum (trifurcatum;...... sepalis lateralibus unguiculatis

spathulato-obovatis planis dorsali unguiculato rotundato crispo

duplo breviori, petalis oblongis crispis dorsali minoribus, labello

unguiculato tripartito laciniis linearibus truncatis lateralibus ca-

naliculatis, crista trilamellata, columna tetraptera alis superioribus

linearibus carnosis apice abrupte recurvis inferioribus rotundatis

tenuioribus, clinandrii dorso in dente antherifero producto, rostello

membranaceo bifido.

Peru (Hartweg).

I have only seen three flowers of this. They are 3 inches in dia-

meter ; the lateral sepals are whole-coloured, the dorsal, and the pe-

tals are bordered with yellow (?). It stands near O. serratum, Lindl.

47. Oncip1um cultratum (Il. tt * tt Ys KGS RGSs); pseudobulbis ova-

libus compressis, foliis solitariis lanceolatis basi canaliculatis scapo

humili xqualibus, panicula cernua simplici floribus quibusdam

abortientibus, sepalis petalisque oblongis subzequalibus reflexis, la-

bello bilobo, crista parva tuberculata, columnz alis maximis cul-

tratis obtusis integris.

Popayan (Hartweg).

As far as I can judge of O. olivaceum, which I have never been

able to see, it must be near this, which is a dwarf species with not

more than ten flowers inthe panicle. The flowers appear to be olive-

brown with a yellow lip.

148. PLevRoTHALLIS Cassidis ; caule anguloso medio vaginato folio

ovato-oblongo amplexicauli obtuso duplo longiore, spatha magna

coriacea, spicis plurimis rigidis erectis multifloris folio longioribus,

sepalis acutis supremo galeato lateralibus semiconnatis, petalis

Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants. 385

blongis obtusissimis dimidio brevioribus, labello nano oblongo

emarginato utrinque intra marginem bicalloso, columna minima.

Popayan (Hartweg).

Like P. macrophylla and its allies; but it must be placed in the

artificial arrangement among the species with ‘‘ elongated spikes.”

49. Sreuis parvilabris ; cespitosa, caulibus tetragonis, folio coriaceo

petiolato acuto tridentato racemis subgeminis longiore, bracteis

cucullatis ovatis perfoliatis acutis floribus brevioribus, calyce tri-

angulari bilabiato: labio altero ovato acuto altero angustiore et

breviore emarginato, petalis subrotundis,membranaceis, labello

minimo carinato rotundato tuberculo crenato in medio.

Popayan (Hartweg).

50. Drenta.crispata; caule diphyllo, foliis ovato-oblongis obtusis

pedunculo brevioribus, spica densa cylindracea, sepalis ,oblongis

obtusis, petalis linearibus, labello ovato indiyiso, capsule angulis

crispato-laceris.

Mezico (Hartweg).

Stem and spike, taken together, about a foot high.

51. ALTENSTEINIA virescens ; foliis radicalibus obovato-oblongis, va-

ginis caulis 2—3 inflatis herbaceis, spica densa cylindracea, brac-

teis concavis glabris, rachi sepalisque pubescentibus, petalis linea-

ribus obtusis ciliatis, labello oblongo concayo denticulato basi

pubescente, columne facie villosa.

Quito (Hartweg).

Flowers greenish yellow. In habit like A. funbriata.

52. Ponruteva rostrata; foliis oblongis acutis planis scapoque basi

glabris, inflorescentia tomentosa, petalis levissime ciliatis, labello

cochleato unguiculato in apicem rostratum producto.

Quito and Bogota (Hartweg).

Of this there are two varieties; viz. a. spicata With the flowers

nearly sessile, and (3. racemosa with the flowers distinctly stalked.

The former is from Quito, the latter from shady places near Bogota.

53. Pontruizva maculata; glanduloso-yillosissima, foliis, ovalibus

utrinque acutis, racemo laxo multifloro, bracteis ovatis acuminatis

pedicellis zequalibus, sepalis lateralibus maculatis dorsali latioribus,

labello oblongo canaliculato indiviso basi tuberculis duobus pro-

currentibus munito.

Bogota (Hartweg).

Flowering scape as much as a foot and a half high.

54. Cranicuis gibbosa; foliis radicalibus oblongo-lanceolatis petidlis

alatis longioribus, scapo basi folio uno alterove vaginisqué qui-

busdam distantibus apice patulis acutis aucto, spica secunda laxa

elongata, floribus glabriusculis, labello ovate cucullato basi saccato,

petalis calvis.

Quito (Hartweg).

386 Prof. Lindley on new Orchidaceous Plants.

55. Prescotria orchioides ; foliis lanceolatis in caulem ascenden-

tibus sensim in bracteas acutissimas ‘ciliatas floribus equales mu-

tatis, spica elongata multiflora, petalis basi ciliatis sepaloque dor-

sali adherentibus, lateralibus revolutis, labello erecto antico(!)

oblongo concavo unguiculato margine carnoso venis radiantibus

parum elevatis.

Mexico (Hartweg)),

Stem taken with the spike, which is a span long, about a foot and’

a half high.) The plant looks like some Platanthera.

56. SrenoruyNcuvs cernuus ; glaber, foliis radicalibus longe petio-..

latis ovatis acutis 5-nerviis, yaginis scapi 3 acuminatis laxis, spica

brevi densa cernua, bracteis linéari-lanceolatis floribus brevioribus,

labeHo Jineari-lanceolato unguiculato biauri ante stigma ventricoso

apice convoluto serrulato.

Quito: (Hartweg ).

57. Acrzxa triloba; foliis radicalibus lanceolatis glabris, scapo erecto

pubescente, spica ‘oblonga villosa, sepalis lineari-lanceolatis. vil-

losis, labello cucullato trilobo: laciniis lateralibus runcinatis gla-

bris intermedia multo minore ovata reflexa tomentosa.

Peru'(Hartweg),

58. Hapenaria pyramidalis ; foliis oblongis obtusis imbricatis reti-

culatis ad spicam pyramidatim ascendentibus, racemo longo denso

eylindraceo, bracteis foliaceis ovarii longitudine, sepalo dorsali

subrotundo lateralibus reflexis, petalis subrotundo-ovatis, labello

ensiformi basi utrinque unidentato, calcare stbfaleato’ ovario

longiore.

Mexico (Hartweg).

A showy plant with a spike a span long. Near H. petalodes.

59. AppenpicuLa micrantha ; foliis distichis ovato-oblongis obtusis,

spicis axillaribus: solitariis: nutantibus folio brevioribus, bracteis

subulatis reflexis, labello ovato acuto.

Philippines (Cuming).

This has the smallest flowers of any that I have examined. It is

near Blume’s App. reflexa, which is said to have an obtuse mucro-

nate lip.

60. Tricnoctortis philippinensis ; foliis subrotundo-ovatis emargi-

natis mucrone interjecto, sepalis oblongo-lanceolatis patulis, pe-

talis reflexis linearibus, brevioribus, labello. esaccato, pubescente

secus axin villoso oblongo convexo apice hastato-trilobo dentibus

baseos brevibus ‘rotundatis.

Philippines (Cuming).

A plant with the habit of a Vanda, but with very short, roundish,

leathery, somewhat imbricated leaves. The flowers are solitary in

the axils, an inch and a half from the point of the dersal sepal to that

of the labellum. The species differs from Blume’s figure and descrip-

tions in not having a very short spur or sac at the base of the lip,

but in nothing else that seems essential.

Dr. Dickie on a Monstrous Form of Gentiana campestris. 387

LV.—Ona Monstrosity of Gentiana campestris. By G. Dickie,

M.D., Lecturer on Botany in the University and King’s Col-

lege of Aberdeen *.

In August 1844 there occurred in the vicinity of Aberdeen se-

veral remarkable monstrosities of Gentiana campestris which ap-

pear. worthy to be reeorded. The plants were growing near the

sea in a soil of almost pure sand. In many of them all the

flowers were fully double ; in other cases the monstrous flowers,

the structure and arrangement of which are now to be described,

were growing on the same plant with those alluded to, but were

as frequently associated with others presenting the, usual. strue-

ture.

The monstrous flowers may be briefly described as. consisting

of a calyx, presenting the number and arrangement of parts com-

monly found in frentiong campestris ; the corolla was mostly na-

tural, but sometimes 5-cleft ; stamens four, sometimes more, in

most cases either partially or wholly petaloid, these’ three whorls

presenting the usual relation to each other. The greatest devia-

tion from the natural structure occurred in the central whorl.

Instead of a pistil there were frequently flower-buds, in one ease

no fewer than eight, in another six, five of these forming a regular

whorl round a, central bud ; and sometimes ovaries nearly natural

were, intermixed with. flower-buds.

The accompanying Table will show at a glance the general ar-

rangement in ten of these flowers.

iT Ofusual s usual structure: 7 flower-buds.

4-cleft, irregular.|4, petaloid.

2. Irregular. 5)

pieces, each 2-)5, petaloid! Pedunculated flower-

cleft. buds and ovaries.

\No. Cal, eee yes | Ore Corolla. Stamens. | Pistil.

es!

. Of nsual structure. 2 2 coroll, each 4-/4in eachcorolla,\In each 1 ovary.

cleft. partially peta-

Joid.

4. |Of usual structure. 4-cleft. 4, natural. 1 perfect ovary.

5. |Of usual structure.|4-cleft, 4, petaloid, 1flower-bud, its ovary

| inclosing another

flower-bud.

6. }Of usual structure.'4-cleft. 4, petaloid. 1 flower-bud, peri-

anth single.

7. (Of usual structure. 5-cleft. 5, petaloid. 8 flower-buds.

8. |Of usual structure. 5-cleft. 5, petaloid. 4 ovaries and 2 flow-

| er-buds.

9. |Of ustial structure./4-cleft. 4, petaloid. 6 flower-buds.

10. |Of usual structure.'5-cleft, None. 3 ovaries, 2° flower-

i, buds.

* Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, April 10, 1845.

388 Dr. Dickie on a Monstrous Form

In the first example mentioned in the Table the stamens were

converted mto petals, the central fasciculus of vessels in each bi-

furcating upwards, each branch losing itself m a small crested

process. The buds occupying the centre of the flower are worthy

of being described in detail.

No. 1. Calyx 4-cleft, very irregular, coloured blue; corolla

4.cleft ; stamens 3, their connectives prolonged each into a small

petaloid process ; ovary cleft half way and inclosing another which

was trifid at the apex, one of the pieces producing perfect pollen,

in its interior six rows of ovules.

No. 2. Calyx very irregular ; corolla 6-cleft ; stamens 5, alter-

nating with the divisions of the corolla; the place of the sixth

stamen occupied by an oyary, open half way at the outer side,

5-cleft at the apex, and bearing ten rows of ovules.

No. 3. Calyx 4-cleft, irregular ; corolla 4-cleft, regular ; sta-

mens four, petaloid ; instead of an ovary a corolla 4-cleft, having

five stamens and a small ovary bearmg ovules.

No. 4. Calyx 4-cleft, very irregular and petaloid ; corolla 4-cleft,

with four alternating stamens, some wholly, others partially con-

verted into petals; in place of an ovary a flower-bud with 4-cleft

calyx, corolla 3-cleft, stamens four, and ovary of the usual struc-

ture.

No. 5. All the parts petaloid.

No. 6. Calyx very irregular, 6-cleft ; corolla 2-cleft, with three

imperfect stamens ; ovary 3-cleft at apex, open half way down ;

ovules natural.

No. 7. Same as the preceding.

In flower No. 2. of the Table there were between the calyx and

corolla numerous bodies, some green, others blue, of various forms

mixed up with ovaries, bearing perfect ovules. The flower-buds

and separate ovaries, occupying the place of the natural ovary,

were pedunculated ; the ovules were mostly imperfect, bemg com-

posed each of a smgle tough cellular membrane, the cells with

abundance of starch globules; others were converted each into a

mass of lobed green cellular tissue. In one mstance a flat spa-

thulate leaf had its edges occupied by numerous ovules.

In flower No. 5. (see Table) the place of the pistil was occupied

by a flower-bud, its calyx of two large lobes (opposite the two

large divisions of the outer calyx), corolla of two diyisions alter-

nate with those of the calyx, one petaloid stamen, ovary partially

petaloid, of two divisions alternate with those of the corolla, on

its walls numerous ovules ; it inclosed also a corolla of, two divi-

sions, with two stamens and a perfect ovary.

In flower No. 8. of the Table the centre was occupied by four

oyaries and two flower-buds closely embracing another oyary.

These four ovaries were nearly of the usual form, each supported

of Gentiana cam pestris. 389

on a peduncle ; the smallest contained no ovules, another had only

a few ; one of the larger was open at the apex, which consisted of

four petaloid processes; the other was bifid at the apex, one of

the divisions leafy, the other of the usual structure ; it contained

numerous ovules ; these were confined to its lower half. One of

the flower-buds alluded to had its calyx 4-cleft of the usual strue-

ture ; corolla 5-cleft ; stamens five, some perfect, others petaloid ;

in its centre a solitary petal with one stamen and one ovary, these

two confluent ; on the walls of the ovary were numerous normal

ovules mixed with others converted into leaf-like bodies, and some

presenting the form of two green leaflets with an ovule in their

axil (fig. 1). The ovary already mentioned as being embraced

by the two flower-buds was half an inch in length, cleft half way

on one side, all the way on the other (fig. 2) ; on its edges were

numerous ovules; in its interior and continuous with the axis

there was present a corolla of two lobes, with one stamen and a

pedunculated ovary, containing a few ovules. The buds oecupy-

ing the centre of the flower in No. 9. of the Table are worthy of

detailed description.

No. 1. Calyx none ; corolla of ten petals ; stamens ten, alter-

nate with the petals ; the place of the ovary was occupied by two

flower-buds, each with single perianth, imperfect stamens, and

one ovary in each.

No. 2. Sepals five ; petals eight ; stamens ten, in two whorls;

ovaries two, almost natural.

No.3. Sepals three ; petals three ; stamens three, alternate with

the petals; ovary of three carpellary leaves with six rows of

ovules.

No. 4. Sepals five, an ovary adhering to the outside of one;

petals five ; stamens five, alternate with the petals; ovary of five

carpellary leaves with ten rows of ovules.

390 Dr. Dickie on a@ Monstrous Form

No. 5.) Sepals three ; corolle two, each of three petals ; stamens

three ; ovary single. ,

No. 6. The central flower: calyx none ; corolla 5-cleft ; stamens

five, petaloid ; ovary of three carpellary leaves, ovules in six rows.

In flower No. 10. (see Table) the eentre was occupied by three

ovaries and two small flower-buds. ‘One of the ovaries was much

compressed, of two carpellary leaves ‘open ‘half way, its ovules

perfect ; another of the same size and structure inclosed one like

itself, the ovules imperfect ; the other larger than any of the two

former, of five carpellary leaves inelosing ripe seeds, beside it a

small flower-bud with all the parts converted into leaves; the

other flower-bud had calyx, corolla and. stamens nearly ‘regular,

its ovary of two carpellary leaves, cleft half way ; in the upper part

of it were ripe seeds ; it mclosed a flower with 3-cleft calyx, co-

rolla of one petal, two stamens alternating with it, its ovary and

ovules quite natural. In some instances the place of the’ ovary

was occupied by a number of small green leaves. “In some the

calyx and corolla had the same colour and structure ; in one in-

stance imperfect flower-buds and separate carpels were developed

im the axils of the sepals ; the stamens in some were partially, in

others wholly petaloid ; the conversion of the ovary into a leaf and

of the ovules into buds was evident im several cases. Many of

the deviations from the usual structure here deseribed have been

already recorded by different observers and require no comment.

Iwould, however, particularly allude to the changes which the

ovarrum® and ovules present, and the imferences which may be

drawn from these.

A simple ovarium is considered to be a modified leaf folded

upon itself, the margms united, and these alone in‘ imost: cases

constituting the placenta (necessarily double) and producing

ovules.’ It was at the same time supposed that the stigma was.a

mere prolongation of the midrib of the earpellary leaf, and there-

foresingle:and terminal.’ The greatest botamst of this or any

age ’has'satisfactorily demonstrated (Annals of Nat. Hist. vol. x1.

p: 35) that each simple pistillum or carpel has necessarily two

stigmata, which are to be regarded, not as terminal, but lateral ;

the style where present being only a mere attenuation, in many

cases very gradual, of the whole body of the ovarium. Most

Gramineae, many Euphorbiaceae, several Iridee, &e. are stated as

illustrating this ‘point. The ovaria, in some of the monstrous

flowers already described, appeared to afford proof of the same ;

and) many carpels in the éarher stages of their development yield

ample evidence that the opinion alluded to is in strict accordance

with nature. :

Ovules have been compared to’ buds formed upon the margins

of: some true leaves, and declared “to be ‘analogous’ to thé in

of Gentiana campestris. - «| 391

structure... Professor Ienslow has, recorded; instances’ in/ the

mignonette of the ovules being transformed into leaves, either

solitary or rolled round an axis, of which the nucleus is the’ter-

mination., Others have maintained that in certain families the

oyules are parts of the carpellary leaves themselyes., ,.In) confir-

mation of this, M. Ad, Brongniart has publishedan account of a

monstrosity of Delphinium elatum.On the borders of the carpels

were observed all states, of transition from lateral. trifid. lobes of

the leaf to true oyules. . The lateral teeth of these lobules became

atrophied|; the middle part was hollowed and,curved upwards and

inwards in the form of a hood, so.as to, constitute the, primine.

The nucleus. was described.as originating, from a, cellular jexeres-

cence or papilla situated on the upper surfaces upon the median

nerve, of each lobe a little below its summit. , M.Brongniart con-

siders ita new production,.a cellular, papilla, developed on: the

superior face of the middle lobe of the, leatlet; and im the-cayity

which the latter had formed. Some, of the ovules observed:

the gentian appeared at first, to confirm thisopimion. ) In, exa-

mining its merits, however, it appears, necessary to take mto ac-

count two circumstances, the order of development of the: ovules,

and that. of their individual. parts... From careful examinations

made some years,ago, L have been convineed that in some carpels

whose ovules are numerous, the order of development is from the

base to the apex. In very early stages of the carpel; the ovules are

confined to the lower part alone, there being no,trace of them ito-

ward the upper portion of the placenta,,., At a more; advanced

stage they occur through the greater part of its-extent, but/still

there is a very evident difference. (previous; to; impregnation) /be-

tween the progress made by ovules from the, base of a placenta;

and those nearer to its apex; this is obvious, tothe unassisted

eye in regard to the development of the. membranes, but actual

measurement removes all doubt.. The Viola cantina may be men=

tioned as an, example within, the reach of those who-choose to

investigate this matter. _In regard to the second pointy, viz: the

order of development of the individual parts (reference! is diere

made to the three outer membranes only), it is unnecessary to say

much. . In the young capsules of the violet. alveady alluded to;

it will be found that each ovule first appears toward the lower

part of the placenta as a cellular papilla, the nucleus; the secun>

dine soon makes its appearance asa cellular ring aroundthe base

of the former.; and lastly, another ring, the rudiment of the prit

mine, appears on the outside of the secundine ;-the outer: mem-

brane, however, becomes rapidly developed; inclosmg) and. cons

cealing the other two. It may be also worthy of notice, that:the

oyules. make thei | appearance) while, the, carpel is, stall entirely

cellular, there, being no.,trace of any, vascular tissue til a more

392 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

advanced period. The nucleus therefore is not an organ neces-

sarily dependent (at least im its earlier stages) on the membranes

which surround it, nor developed subsequently to them, as would

seem to be implied in the account given of M. Brongniart’s opi-

nion, translated from the ‘Comptes Rendus’ (March 1844), and

published in a late Number of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Na-

tural History.’

LVI.—Notes on the Synonymy of the Genus Apion, with De-

scriptions of Siw new Species, &c. By Joun Watton, Hsq.,

F.L.S.

[Continued from p. 342.]

57. A. difforme, Germ., Curt., Steph., Schonh.

— compressicorne, De}. Cat.

THE anomalous structure of the antenne and the parts of the

legs, which eminently distinguishes the male of this species, is

entirely sexual. The female differs in having the rostrum slender

and longer; the antennz simple, inserted behind the middle of

the rostrum, entirely black ; the legs slender ; the basal joint of

the anterior tarsi short and not produced at the apex, the poste-

rior tibiee and tarsi much less dilated at their apices ; all the tro-

chanters, the tibiz and tarsi of a deep black; the epigastrium

simple. The male was originally described by Germar from a

specimen sent to him by the late Mr. Haworth; subsequently

My. Curtis figured and also described the male ; I succeeded in

capturing a great number of both sexes in October 1837, which

gave me an opportunity to identify distinctly the female. The

female has frequently been mistaken for Ap. Trifoli of Linnzus

(Ap. estivum of Germar), but it is mstantly distinguished from

that species by having, independently of other characters, the an-

terior coxee and trochanters always densely black.

This curious species was formerly considered to be very rare,

yet of late years it has been found m abundance m many loca-

lities in the south of England, but not in the north to my know-

ledge ; I found a great number of both sexes near Mickleham in

Surrey the lst of October 1837, and again at Hastings in Sep-

tember on the Polygonum Hydropiper abundantly. “ Common

near Brighton, Arundel, Birch Wood, and other places m the

autumn,” Mr. S. Stevens.

58. A. dissimile, Germ., Schonh.

Black and shining. Head very broad, the frons posteriorly

flat, rugose or rugose-punctate, between the eyes more or less

deeply excavated, the excavation with one or more irregular curved

ridge or ridges; eyes very prominent ; rostrum moderately long,

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 393

curved, rather stout, dilated on each side at the insertion of the

antenn, and gibbous beneath. Antenne medial, black, the basal

joint fulvous, longest, considerably dilated at the apex, forming

a pyriform club, the second oval, minute, three following exceed-

ingly minute, sixth and seventh very long, eighth stout, long-

obconic, the remainder forming an elongate club distinctly arti-

culated, the twelfth being minute, conic. Thorax subglobose,

dilated and rounded at the sides, above very convex, thickly

and deeply punctured, the punctures confluent, with a deep

dorsal channel. Elytra ovate, shiming blue-black, very convex,

punctate-striate, the interstices broad, flat and coriaceous. The

mucro of the epigastrium elevated and dilated, armed on each

side with an acute tooth. Legs fulvous, robust, with the four

posterior coxz, the lower half of all the tibize and the tarsi black ;

the anterior tarsi have the basal joint short and stout, armed at

the apex within with an acute tooth, the second joint at the

base within also armed with an acute tooth, which is parallel to

the first ; the four posterior tibize are distinctly stouter than the

anterior pair, bent, and each gradually thickened from the base

to the apex ; the two first joints of all the tarsi dilated ; the basal

joint of the posterior pair parallelogramical ; the three first joints

of all the tarsi, especially the posterior pair, concavo-convex, and

clothed beneath with a pulvillus. ¢@. (Length 1} line.)

The female differs im havmg the head generally narrower,

striated between the eyes, the frons posteriorly closely punctu-

lated; the rostrum longer, slender and filiform ; the antennze

placed behind the middle of the rostrum, the basal joint black or

piceous, slender, a little dilated at the apex, the second long-

ovate, the six following nearly of equal length, long-obconic ; the

legs comparatively slender; the four posterior tibiz as long as

the anterior, of equal thickness and nearly straight ; the two first

joints of all the tarsi slightly dilated; the anterior tarsi and the

mucro of the epigastrium simple.

This new and extraordinary species offers another example of

anomalous form peculiar to the male in the joints of the antennz

and in the construction of the legs. I first received a single ex-

ample with the collection of the late Mr. Millard of Bristol, which

I sent to Germar as a new species, and he retwmned it labelled

“ dissimile 2? 2’? Specimens of both sexes were afterwards found

near Arundel in August, and rather plentifully amongst grass in

a field adjacent to Birch Wood in September, by Mr. S. Stevens

and myself.

59. A. filirostre, Kirb., Steph.

— morio, Germ., Schonh.

The female of this species has sometimes a broad testaceous

ring at the apex of the anterior femora.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2E

394 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

Hitherto this sect has occurred but very sparingly, and may

be regarded as somewhat rare; Mr. 8. Stevens found it in the

autumn amongst grass in Arundel Park; also at Charlton, Dor-

king, and Birch Wood, but rarely ; | cannot recollect having taken

it more than once, and then but a few specimens, at Mickleham

in Surrey, the beginning of October: it appears to be confined to

chalky and sandy districts.

60., A, ebeninum (Gyll. in Litt.), Kirb., Gyll., Germ., Steph.,

Schonh.

— Kunzei, Schonh.

I forwarded to Schénherr four specimens of this insect, and

he reported of them as follows :—* Ap. ebeninum, Kirby (i. p.288.

n. 89.) non idem Ghl.—Kunzei Schh. v. p. 419. n.128. idem spe-

cies.” “ Patria Lipsie A. Dom. Kunze.” From this opinion I

was induced to think that we had two closely allied species,

namely Ap. ebeninum of Gyllenhal and Ap. Kunzei of Schonherr,

and that I had mistaken Ap. ebeninwm of Kirby, or that the latter

author had described a Swedish species which was unknown as

British, and had erroneously placed two mdigenous specimens in

his collection as identical therewith. It appears from a catalogue

of Swedish insects, dated the 6th of September 1805, in the

handwriting of Major Gyllenhal, now in the possession of the

Entomological Society, that Mr. Kirby originally received from

him an insect with the manuscript name of Ap. ebeninum, which

he described under that name, and refers to “ Mus. Dom. Gyl-

lenhal,” giving the habitat in “ Suecia. Anglia,” and records the

capture of British examples near Great Blakenham in the middle

of July 1806, after which he adds an observation, “‘ The male has

the rostrum shorter and more robust.” The Swedish typical spe-

cimen in Mr. Kirby’s collection, dicated by havmg number 34

fixed to the pin, is unfortunately mutilated ; the head and thorax

are wanting ; it is therefore useless for the purposes of comparison

and elucidation, but it corroborates the evidence that Mr. Kirby’s

description of Ap. ebeninum was drawn from this insect ; there

are two Kirbian specimens with the above-named type, one of

which has a male symbol fixed to the pin, which is doubtless the

specimen characterized above. Gyllenhal subsequently described

this species before he had seen Kirby’s description ; but their

descriptions of the sculpture do not agree: the part of the head

between the eyes is described by Kirby as not bemg very con-

spicuously striated, with some of the striz punctulated ; by Gyl-

lenhal, the frons between the eyes as bemg very mmutely pune-

tured: the thorax is deseribed by the former as distinetly punc-

tured with a deep furrow before the scutellum, which in some is

very much broader and deeper ; by the latter author, as sparmegly

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 5395

and very finely punctured, with a small round fovea before the

scutellum. I forwarded to Germar seven examples of Ap. ebe-

ninum of Kirby, and at the same time I solicited him to send me

specimens of Ap. Kunzei, as he had recorded in his ‘ Monograph ?

that he possessed examples of Ap. ebeninum from Kunze of Leipsic.

I received from him two insects named “ Ap. ebeninum of Ger-

mar” with the following note: “ Ap. Kunzei, Schonh., is un-

known to me ;” the specimens which I forwarded to Germar were

taken promiscuously from the same series as those I had pre-

viously sent to Schonherr, and were collected in the same locality ;

Germar, in prefacing his observations upon the British species of

Curculionides, presented to him by me for examination, observes,

that “all the species in which we concur are omitted,” and Ap.

ebeninum is one of that number. I have now im my possession

two insects which were sent to M. Schénherr by Mr. Waterhouse,

and returned in October 1837, named Ap. ebeninum.

I have been induced to re-examine the insects in Mr. Kirby’s

collection with the name of Ap. ebeninum, to examine carefully

the specimens of Mr. Waterhouse, and the two insects from Dr.

Germar, together with a long series of seventy specimens of my

own, found partly in the same locality as those I sent to M. Schon-

herr; and after a tedious and minute examination of so many

insects, I feel perfectly satisfied they all belong to the same

species.

This remarkable sect has very little affinity to any other

species, except its being of the same genus, and may be distin-

guished at first sight by its smgular form and peculiar sculpture ;

nevertheless the sculpture, particularly on the thorax, will be

found, when critically examined, to vary in many specimens, yet

they are so intimately linked together in a long series, that it

is impossible to regard them otherwise than as varieties. The

majority have the head with three impunctate striz between the

eyes, the central stria frequently deeply cut, sometimes faintly

marked, occasionally abbreviated, rarely entirely absent, with one

or two rows of minute punctures on each side, which are occa-

sionally confluent, the vertex smooth ; the greater part have the

thorax very minutely punctured, the punctures more or less scat-

tered, sometimes distinct, at other times obsolete, uniformly with

a fovea near the base before the scutellum, which is invariably

intersected either by a dorsal furrow or an impressed line, always

commencing at the base, and more or less abbreviated in front,

rarely continued to the apex; some have the furrows broad and

deep, extending nearly to the apex, almost obliterating the fovez ;

these varieties agree with the descriptions of Ap. ebeninum by

Kirby, and of Ap. Kunzei of Schénherr : other specimens have a

242

396 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

faintly impressed line terminating just before the fovea, with the

latter very distinct ; these agree typically with Ap. ebeninum of

Gyllenhal; the elytra are black and shining, the furrows very

deep, the interstices narrow and convex, finely coriaceous or

nearly smooth, with a tendency in some individuals to become

rather broader and less convex.

I have no doubt this insect inhabits Lotus major, having many

times taken it plentifully from that plant in June and July, in

several places in the north and south of England.

61. A. Vicia, Payk., Kirb., Gyll., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

— Griesbachii, Steph.

Gyllenhal furnished Paykull and Kirby with specimens of this

very distinct insect; the characters which distmguish the sexes

are analogous to those of Ap. Ervi. Ap. Griesbachii, described

by Stephens in his ‘ Illustrations,’ appears to have been sunk in

his ‘ Manual,’ on my authority, but with a note of interrogation ;

specimens were submitted by Mr. Waterhouse to the inspection

of Schénherr, who remarked that they were scarcely sufficiently

distinct from Ap. Vicia ; I think there cannot be any doubt of its

being a variety of that species. .

I found this elegant insect very common in Yorkshire on the

Vicia Cracca; but it appears to be rather local m the south; I

once found it extremely abundant on the 19th of June at Birch

Wood, on the same plant, but never upon any other.

62. A. Ononis, Kirb., Steph.

— mecops, Schonh.

This species has a considerable affinity in form and sculpture

to Ap. pavidum, but it differs in being more thickly clothed with

hair, and in having the head distinctly longer ; the vertex punctu-

lated; the rostrum thickly covered with hairs to the apex; the

antenne inserted before the middle of the rostrum, the basal

joints black or piceous, the clava ovate ; the thorax subcylindrical ;

and the elytra black (never blue, obscure green or greenish black).

The female differs in having the rostrum sparingly covered with

hairs to the tip, and the antenne inserted nearer the middle of

the rostrum.

Specimens of this insect were sent by Mr. Waterhouse and

myself to M. Schénherr, which were named Ap. mecops by that

author.

his species is very abundant in the south of England, and is

found upon the rest-harrow (Ononis arvensis) from -June to Qc-

tober. It is extremely local in Yorkshire, but very plentiful when

found.

Mr. J. Walton on the yenus Apion. 397

63. A. pavidum 8, Germ., Schonh.

— Ononis, Germ. ? non Kirb.

— cinerascens, Germ. *

— plumbeum, Schonh.

Black, rather broad, thickly clothed with einereous hairs. Head

short, subquadrate, the vertex, adjoining the thorax, smooth and

shining, the frons flat, posteriorly punctulated, anteriorly di-

stinctly striated, the central strize extending to the vertex; ros-

trum short, about twice the length of the head, porrect, a littie

bent, filiform, the apex smooth and shining ; eyes ciliated beneath.

Antenne inserted a little behind the middle of the rostrum, the

first and second joint and sometimes the third dull rufous, the

clava oblong, acuminated, black and pilose. Thorax as broad as

long, subglobose, laterally dilated and rounded, convex above,

closely and deeply punctured with a distinct dorsal channel more

or less abbreviated in front. Elytra obovate, very convex, pro-

foundly punctato-sulcate, the interstices rather broad and flat,

transversely rugulose, blue, obscure green or greenish black.

Legs very long, black. g. (Length 1 line.)

Mr. Waterhouse forwarded a British imsect to M. Schouherr,

which was returned with the name of Ap. pavidum of Germar. I

possess a foreign specimen from M. Schonherr which is labelled

“ Ap. pavidum, G. e Saxon. Schupp,” and I have another speci-

men of Ap. pavidum from Dr. Germar. Mr. Curtis has likewise

a foreign example of Ap. pavidum from M. Sturm. It is very

satisfactory to find four eminent entomologists all concurrmg in

one opinion as to the identity of this species ; but it is a curious

fact, that the four insects mm question are decidedly all males.

M. Chevrolat not having a duplicate specimen of Ap. plumbeum

of Schonherr, very liberally sent to me the type of that species

for my inspection ; this I find is also a male of Ap. pavidum of

Germar. Dr. Germar has sent me four insects with the name of

Ap. Ononis, which I have carefully examined : the male agrees in

every character with the male of Ap. pavidum; the female differs

in having the rostrum longer, before the antennz slightly atte-

nuated, glabrous and shining, the antennz placed behind the mid-

dle of the rostrum ; these are only sexual dissimilarities, and are

common to many other species; in other characters the males

and females agree. The four insects under consideration have

the sculpture very similar, and approximate rather closely in form

to Ap. Ononis of Kirby, but they are sufficiently distinct from

that species. See notes on Ap. Ononis.

The only British example of this species that I have seen is in

* Germ. Mag. iii, App. p. 38.

398 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

the collection of Mr. Waterhouse ; he has no distinct recollection

where he found it.

64, A. Waltoni, Steph., Curt. MSS., Schonh. in Litt.

— Curtisii, Schonh.

This msect approaches very closely to the preceding, but differs

chiefly in haying the vertex of the head adjacent to the thorax

thickly punctulated, the punctures frequently confluent, the frons

minutely punctured, the punctures arranged in rows, sometimes

confluent, rarely rugulose-punctate, and im having one fine im-

punctate stria in the centre, occasionally indistinct ; the basal

joints of the antennze black or inclining to piceous, the clava

ovate ; the thorax subcylindrical, shghtly rounded at the sides

and rather convex above, with a short dorsal line or a large punc-

ture at the base; the legs distinctly shorter.

Professor C. H. Boheman, in the celebrated work of Sch6n-

herr, has described a species under the name of Ap. Curtisii of

Stephens, taken from specimens forwarded by Mr. Waterhouse,

and returned to him; these have been placed in my hands for

examination, and it is very much to be regretted that they are

not the true Ap. Curtisii of Kirby’s MSS., but are undoubtedly

the species described by Mr. Stephens under the name of Ap.

Waltoni. I sent specimens of this sect to M. Sch6nherr named

Ap. pavidum of Germar, citing Ap. Curtisii of Stephens nec

Kirby as a synonym, which elicited the following observation :

“ Ap.Waltont, Schh., nova spec. forte—Apiont plumbeo proumum

—non pavidum, Germ. (vix Curtisi, v. p. 430. n. 163, mihi non ad

manum.”) I likewise sent specimens to Dr. Germar ; his opinion

of them is as follows: “ dp. Waltoni, Steph., a new species for

my collection.”

I found this insect rather plentifully on the chalky downs near

Brighton in the autumn. Taken by Mr. 8. Stevens near Brighton,

Arundel, Bury-hill and Dorking, from June to October ; it ap-

pears to be confined to a chalky soil.

65. A. vorax, Herbst, Kirb., Gyll., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

Curc. villosulus 2 , Marsh.

fuscicornis 8, Marsh.

A. pavidum, Mus. Steph.

The male differs from the female in being more pubescent, and

in having the rostrum shorter, filiform, and covered with hairs ;

the antennz and their articulations longer and distinctly stouter,

the four or five basal joints rufous; the mesostethium armed

where it terminates between the posterior coxze with an acute

tooth; the anterior tibize longer, compressed internally and ex-

ternally at the base, and in front and behind at the middle; and

the basal joint of all the tarsi longer.

Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion. 399

Kirby and Stephens appear to have described the female, and

to have ascribed the remarkable subflexuose appearance in the

form of the anterior tibize to that sex, but it 1s a character pecu-

liar to the male. It is a very active insect and runs with great

rapidity. Small varieties of the female occur which have a great

resemblance to the same sex of Ap. pavidum.

Plentiful near Knaresborough in Yorkshire, in woods and

hedges upon various plants, in June and July ; it also occurs not

uncommonly in the south, I believe generally in woods.

66. A. Pisi, Megerle, Fab., Germ., Schénh., Steph. Manual.

— punetifrons, Kirb., Germ., Steph.

— eratum, Steph.

Frequently taken in many localities in the north and south of

England, and found abundantly in the chalky districts of Kent

and Surrey upon Trifolium procumbens and Hedysarum Onobrychis

in June.

67. A, Aithiops, Herbst, Germ., Gyll., Schonh.

— subsulcatum, Marsh., Kirb., Germ., Steph.

— Marchicum, Gyll. vol. iii.

— subceruleum, Steph.

The sculpture of this very distinct species is subject to varia-

tion. Kirby and Stephens describe the head rugulose between

the eyes ; the thorax deeply punctured, with a very obsolete dorsal

channel; the elytra subsulcate: Gyllenhal describes the frons as

obsoletely striated; the thorax closely but obsoletely punctured,

with a small obsolete fovea before the scutellum ; the elytra deeply

punctate-striate.

Kirby has cited the following as varieties :—

Var. 8. the elytra sulcate with the interstices convex.

Var. y. the thorax without a fossulet or a line.

Var. 5. the head with three sulci between the eyes.

* Var. B. may be distinct, but it differs in nothing ini the

convexity of the interstices of the elytra.

“T took 6. upon the bean ; it may be distinet, but it differs i in

scarcely any point except the furrows between the eyes.

In my series of seventy specimens, the principal part have

between the eyes three or four very distinct sulci; some of

them are faintly or less deeply carved than in others, but with a

lens of a quarter of an inch focus, all have them more or less di-

stinct ; the thorax rather closely and deeply punctured, the pune-

tures varying in magnitude and depth, but always very distinct,

with a striolet or a large puncture before the scutellum, some-

times obsolete or wanting ; the elytra elegantly engraved, very

deeply and distinctly punctate-sulcate, the sulei catenulate-punc-

400 Mr. J. Walton on the genus Apion.

tate, the interstices broad, flat and coriaceous : varieties occur with

the interstices more or less convex and transversely rugulose.

Specimens of Ap. subsulcatum of Marsham and Kirby sent to

Schonherr and Germar were determined by them to be Ap.

Aithiops of Herbst. Gyllenhal and Schounherr’s having adopted

the latter name upon the authority of Germar, has induced me

to follow them.

Occasionally found in plenty in many parts of England ; near

Dover upon Vicia Sepium in June.

68. A. livescerum 8, Schénh.

— translaticium 9 , Schonh.

— Hedysari, Walt. MSS.

Plumbeous black, glossy, sparingly clothed with fine cinereous

hairs. Head subquadrate, the vertex adjoining the thorax smooth,

the frons posteriorly shghtly convex, closely punctured, between

the eyes commonly flat, sometimes depressed, longitudinally ru-

gose-punctate, with one to two impunctate striz more or less di-

stinct ; eyes prominent ; rostrum moderately stout, nearly as long

as the head and thorax together, curved, a little attenuated im

front, rather thickly punctulated throughout, black and slightly

glossy. Antenne medial, rather longer than the rostrum, totally

black. Thorax very little longer than broad, subcylindrical, broader

behind than before, the anterior margin elevated, laterally scarcely

dilated, convex above, coarsely and thickly punctured, posteriorly

with a deep dorsal channel more or less abbreviated im front,

plumbeous black and shining. Scutellum triangular, black.

Hlytra long-obovate, the shoulders nearly rectangular, the hu-

meral callus elevated, convex above, deeply punctate-sulcate, the

interstices flat, transversely rugulose, sometimes coriaceous, green-

ish blue, rarely blue or blue-black. Legs moderately long, black.

3. (Length 1;—12 Ime.)

The female differs in having the head narrower ; the rostrum

longer, slender, filiform and shinmg; the antenne mserted be-

hind the middle of the rostrum. :

Dr. Germar sent me six insects (¢ 2) with the name of Ap.

translaticium of Schénh., remarking that he had received this

species from M. Schuppel under that name, and from M. Aubé

for Ap. livescerum of Schonh. ; and that Ap. Hedysari of Walton

hkewise agreed with them. I received a typical specimen of Ap.

livescerum of Schénh. from M. Chevrolat, who informed me that

Ap. translaticium was synonymous. I have closely examimed the

above-named foreign specimens, and I am convinced they are

identical with the British species Ap. Hedysari.

Found m abundance im the chalk counties on the common

saittoin (i/edysarum Onobrychis) from June to October.

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez. 401

69. A. Gyllenhali, Kirb. ?, Gyll., Germ., Steph., Schénh.

— unicolor, Kirb. g, Germ., Steph., Schonh.

— Aithiops, Gyll. vol. iii.

This insect appears to be extremely rare in the south, and very

local in the north of England. I once found it abundantly, in

company with Ap. Spenci2, in a valley just beyond the White Nab,

on the sea-coast south of Scarborough in Yorkshire, upon Vicia

Cracca, the beginning of August 1837, which gave me an op-

portunity of identifying the sexes of both species beyond all

doubt, and the pleasure of supplying many cabinets with speci-

mens, since which I have never met with it, nor have I heard of

its capture in the south of England.

70. A. Meliloti, Kirb., Germ., Steph., Schonh.

— bifoveolatum, Steph.

Few cabinets contained this species until I had the pleasure of

supplying them. I met with it near Knaresborough in Yorkshire

in profusion upon the melilot trefoil (Zrifolium officinale) in Sep-

tember ; it occurs very sparingly in the south ; I have occasionally

found a few specimens in Charlton sand-pits upon the same plant,

and it is the only locality that I am acquainted with in the vici-

nity of London. Mr. 8. Stevens has taken it at Bury-hill near

Arundel in August, and also at Charlton m June.

I have a foreign specimen of Ap. aciculare from Germar, who

informs me that it is found in Germany upon Cistus Helianthe-

mum, but very rarely ; it has been recorded as British, yet I have

never seen an indigenous example.

LVIUI.—On the British Desmidiee. By Jonn Raurs, Ksq.,

M.R.C.S., Penzance*.

[ With a Plate.]

ScenepesMus, Meyen (AntuRopesmvs, Ehr.).

Fronds composed of few (two to ten), cylindrical, fusiform or ob-

long cells, arranged in one or two rows.

The cells are always entire and mostly fusiform or oblong, al-

though in some species the outer ones are lunulate. They are

few in number, varying from two to ten, and are placed side by

side in one or two rows and united by a hyaline mucus.

In this genus the specific characters depend on the number,

position and form of the cells. It however seems probable that

* Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, June 13, 1844.

402 Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiex.

some writers, by placing too much reliance on the arrangement

of the cells, have raised varieties to the rank of species*.

Scenedesmus differs from the preceding genera in the very dif-

ferent form of its cells, but Pediastrum forms a connecting link

between them. As in that genus, the frond in Scenedesmus is

composed of several cells, but differently arranged ; and the di-

vision into two segments, which, although modified, is still met

with in the outer cells of Pediastrum, is entirely absent m Scene-

desmus.

The endochrome is in general very pale, and starch granules

are much less conspicuous than in the other Desmidiece.

1. S. quadricaudatus, Breb. Cells generally four, oblong, rounded at

their ends, disposed in a single row; each extremity of the two

external ones terminated by a bristle. Breb. Alg. Fal. p. 66;

Menegh. Syn. Desmid. in Linnza 1840, p. 206. Arthrodesmus

guadricaudatus, Ehr. Infus. p. 150. tab. 10. fig. 16; Pritch. Infus.

p- 189.

f. External cells with a bristle at each extremity, and one at the

centre of the outer margin.

y. ecornis, Ehr. All the cells similar and without bristles. Scene-

desmus Leibleini, Kutz. Synop. Desmid. in Linnza 1833, p. 607.

fig. 98; Menegh. J. c. p. 207. Scenedesmus bijugatus, trijugatus

and minor, Kutz. J. c. p. 607. figs. 97 and 99.

In pools not uncommon. Storrington Common and Eastbourn,

Sussex, and Shoreham, Kent, Mr. Jenner ; Cheshunt, Mr. Hassall;

Dolgelley.

B. Dolgelley.

y. Weston Bogs near Southampton, Mr. Jenner; Bristol, Mr.

Thwaites; Dolgelley and Penzance.

Fronds composed of from four to eight oblong cells, which are

eenerally larger than in any other species of this genus ; they are

about three times as long as broad and rounded at their ends;

the external ones are usually more turgid, and the bristles at

their extremities are directed outwards.

The colouring matter is pale with minute scattered granules.

In £. the cells are smaller, and the external ones, besides the

usual terminal bristles, have another from the centre of the outer

margin.

The variety y. is described by several authors as a distinct spe-

cies, but I agree with Ehrenberg in considering it a state of this

* « Distributio cellularum constantissima et characteristica, forma in spe-

ciminibus bene evolutis pro unaquaque specie semper eadem.”

“Forma cellularum extremarum, a ceteris plerumque diversa, fines

frondis indicat, et errores a portiusculis earundem, frequenter oculis occur-

santibus, vitat.”—Meneg. Synop. Desmid. p. 206.

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidice. 403

species, from which it only differs in the absence of bristles on

the outer cells,

Prate XII. fig. 4. Scenedesmus quadricaudatus : b, variety 8; ¢, variety

y. ecornis.

2. S. dimorphus, Ktz. Cells acute, four to eight, placed evenly in a

single row; the inner cells fusiform, the outer externally lunate.

Ktz. l. c. p. 608; Menegh. J. c. p. 208. Arthrodesmus pectinatus,

Ehr. Infus. p. 150. tab. 10. fig. 17. Achnanthes dimorpha, 'Turp.

(1820).

Dolgelley, J. R.; near Bristol, Mr. Thwaites.

Fronds very minute, consisting of four to eight cells placed

evenly side by side in a single row; the inner cells straight, fu-

siform, attenuated and acute at each end, the outer ones externally

lunate.

The endochrome is pale bluish green.

Prate XII. fig. 5. Scenedesmus dimorphus.

3. S. acutus, Meyen. ‘Cells two to six, fusiform, acute at both

ends, unequally ventricose, arranged in a double, irregularly alter-

nating series.” Menegh. J. c. p. 207; Kutz. /. c. p. 609. fig. 96.

Arthrodesmus acutus, Ehr. Infus. p. 150. tab. 10. fig. 19. ¢, d.

I notice this species because the Rev. M. J. Berkeley has ga-

thered it near King’s Cliffe, and I have occasionally met with

specimens at Dolgelley which agree with Ehrenberg’s figures, but

as I omitted to draw up a description at the time, I have bor-

rowed the specific character from Meneghini.

The cells are fusiform, somewhat ventricose m the middle and

acute at the ends; they project more or less alternately on each

margin, and thus form two irregular series. When there is but

little irregularity and the cells are nearly in a single series, this

species has some resemblance to S. dimorphus, but in the latter

the cells are not ventricose in the middle and are arranged quite

eyenly side by side.

Prate XII. fig. 6. Scenedesmus acutus.

4. S. triseriatus, Mgh. Cells elliptico-fusiform, eight arranged in

two oblique series, in each of which the cells are in close apposition;

but the outermost one, which is lunate, is not in contact with any

cell of the other series. Menegh. /.c. p. 208. Arthrodesmus

acutus, Ehr. Infus. tab. 10. fig. 19. a, b, e (according to Mene-

ghini).

King’s Cliffe, Rev. M. J. Berkeley; in a cave near Bristol, Mr.

Thwaites.

In the perfect frond the cells are eight in number, arranged

obliquely im two distinct series. Each series has three cells which

are fusiform, equal, somewhat ventricose in the middle, acute at

404. Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiez.

the free extremity, and subacute or rounded at the inner one. As

the cells are not placed evenly, but each projects beyond its neigh-

bour, each row is oblique; their position with respect to each

other is such that the immer ends of two cells of the lower le be-

tween those of the upper row, whilst that of the third is outside

the end of the highest in the upper. Of the two remaining cells,

which are lunulate, one is placed beyond the outer cell in each

series, and is therefore not in contact with any cell in the other.

They however take the same direction as the other cells in the

series to which they respectively belong.

Meneghini, under his Scenedesmus triseriatus, refers to the

figures a, b, e of the Arthrodesmus acutus of Ehrenberg. Mr. Berke-

ley is convinced that our plant is represented in fig. 6. In this

opinion I fully concur; but I have great doubt whether it be di-

stinct from the Scenedesmus obliquus, Kutz., and by Ehrenberg

both are considered as states of S. acutus. It however seems di-

stinct from the S. acutus, as it has all the cells in a series closely

united ; but in all these plants their form is nearly the same, and

I have not sufficient experience to decide whether any interme-

diate arrangements of them may be found.

If distinct from S. obliquus, it must be distinguished by the

outer cells being lunulate and the extremities of all more acute,

for in Turpin’s figure of the obliquus the cells are arranged in the

same manner as in our plant. I strongly suspect that a better

acquaintance with them will prove the necessity of uniting these

forms. I subjoin the descriptions of both from Meneghini.

‘“‘ §, triseriatus, Mgh., cellulis fusiformibus exilibus octo, apicibus acutis,

duobus medianis rectis, ceteris extrorsum lunulatis in seriem triplicem al-

ternantibus, quarum mediana a duabus extimis formata.”

“ S. obliquus, Kutz., cellulis elliptico-fusiformibus ectonis, extremitatibus

rotundatis, in seriem duplicem obliquam dispositis. Kudz. lc. p. 81; Ach-

nanthes obliqua, Turp.” Menegh. l. c. p. 208.

Prate XII. fig. 7. Scenedesmus triseriatus.

5. S. obtusus, Meyen. Cells three to eight, ovate or oblong, with

rounded ends and arranged alternately in two rows. Menegh. /.c.

p- 208. Scenedesmus quadralternus, Kutz. l. ec. p. 608. fig. 94.

Scenedesmus octalternus, Kutz. 1. c. p. 609. fig. 95. Arthrodesmus

acutus, Bailey, American Bacil. fig. 18?

In boggy pools, Dolgelley.

Fronds minute, composed of from three to eight ovate or ovato-

oblong cells, arranged alternately m two rows. The endochrome

is very pale green.

The specimens I have examined did not agree in every respect

with the description and figures of this species, but they probably

belonged to it. The cells were ovate, the broad ends of the rows

placed alternately, the smaller ends being in different directions ;

Mr. J. Ralfs on the British Desmidiece. 405

sometimes the cells seemed only held together by the hyaline

matrix, in which state they appear to connect the Desmidica,

through Gonidium, Ehr., and Trochiscia, Kutz., with the Ulvacee.

The cells of one row are separated by the interposition of the

broader ends of the other.

Pirate XII. fig. 8. Scenedesmus obtusus.

Desmipium*, Ag. (Kutz.)

Filaments elongated, triangular or quadrangular, regularly twisted,

fragile ; the joints bidentate at the angles.

In my former paper on Desmidium 1 removed from that genus

all Ehrenberg’s species which do not form a filament, and re-

tained in it only those Desmidiee which have elongated jointed

filaments. Since its publication, Kutzing, im his ‘ Phycologia Ge-

neralis,’ has restricted the genus to the species with triangular

filaments, and as this arrangement meets with the approbation of

Mr. Berkeley, I am induced, in deference to their joint opinion,

to follow it in the present article, with a slight alteration of the

character which will enable me to include the plant described

below.

The transverse view is triangular or quadrangular, and the en-

dochrome has in one case three and in the other case four rays ;

these are frequently cloven.

1. D. Swarizii, Ag. Filaments triangular, equal, with a single lon-

gitudinal, waved, dark line formed by the third angle ; end view

triangular with the endochrome three-rayed. Kutz. Phycol. Ge-

neralis, p. 165 ; Menegh. Synop. Desmid. in Linnza 1840, p. 203 ;

Ralfs in Annals of Nat. Hist. vol. xi. p. 375. pl. 8. fig. 3.

I have only to add to my former notice of this plant, that it

has since been gathered near Cheshunt by Mr. Hassall, and in

many stations in Sussex by Mr. Jenner, also in Caragh Lake,

Kerry, by Mr. Andrews.

2. D. quadrangulatum. Filaments quadrangular, varying in breadth

from the twisting of the filament, and having two longitudinal,

waved, dark lines; the end view is quadrangular, with the endo-

chrome four-rayed.

In a boggy pool at Bologas near Penzance.

Mr. Berkeley and Mr. Borrer regard this plant as a variety of

D. Swartz, nor can I find any distinctive mark except those

which depend upon the filament being quadrangular in one case

and triangular in the other ; but Mr. Jenner informs me that the

* Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, July 11, 1844.

406 Mr. T. Austin on the genus Dunstervillia.

teeth in D. Swartzit have two angles, whereas they are rounded

in the present plant.

As there are three sides in one plant and four in the other,

whilst the sides in both are equal, the filament of D. guadrangu-

latum is stouter ; for the same reason, instead of one dark longi-

tudinal line it has two lines running from side to side and cross-

ing each other: the additional line of course depends on the ad-

ditional angle. When these lines approach the opposite margins

of the filament only one side is presented to the eye, and the fila-

ment is then of the same breadth as nm D. Swartzii, but as it is

regularly twisted its apparent breadth varies, being greatest where

the two dark lines cross each other im the middle. The end view

also has one more angle, and therefore the endochrome exhibits

four instead of three rays.

I must confess that I am inclined to agree with Mr. Berkeley

and Mr. Borrer, and to regard it as a variety of Desmidium

Swartzii; but as I have gathered it for two succeeding years

quite unmixed with that species, and as Mr. Berkeley well ob-

serves (in a letter), that “whether considered as a species or va-

riety it is a remarkable plant and well-deserving of notice,” I have

preferred to describe it as distinct.

Prate XII. fig. 9. Desmidium quadrangulatum.

[The following paragraphs, which should have been inserted in

the description of Xanthidium furcatum at p. 466 of the previous

volume, were omitted by accident. ]

Near the centre of each segment there is a curious projection

on each surface. In the front view, and especially before the

escape of the endochrome, these projections are hable to be over-

looked, and even in the empty fronds some attention is requisite

for their discovery.

The best method of detecting them is to adjust the microscope

for a view of the frond, and then gradually to raise the lens; as

soon as the frond becomes slightly indistinct, the projections will

be rendered visible. In this aspect they are circular with mar-

ginal teeth, somewhat resembling the peristome of a moss. In

a lateral view the processes are more distinct, rather broader than

high, and dentate at the end.

LVIII.—Note on Mr. Bowerbank’s Paper on the genus Dunster-

villia (Bowerbank), with Remarks on the Ischadites Konign, the

Tentaculites and the Conularia. By Tuomas Austin, Esgq.,

F.G.S.

Wuew reading in the ‘ Annals’ for the present month Mr. Bower-

bank’s very iteresting observations on a new genus of calcareous

Mr. T. Austin on the genus Dunstervillia. 407

sponge (Dunstervillia), discovered on the coast of Southern Africa

by Mr. G. Dunsterville, I was at once struck with the resem-

blance this mmute sponge bears to the Spheronites, even before

L had arrived at that part of Mr. Bowerbank’s communication in

which he states his conviction that the fossil known as Sphero-

nites tessellatus owes its origin to an allied genus of Zoophytes.

And I also came to the conclusion that this minute sponge would

throw considerable light on those hitherto puzzling fossils, the

Ischadites of the Silurian system.

On referring to the illustrations in the ‘ Annals,’ and compa-

ring them with Mr. Bowerbank’s very clear description, there can

be no room to doubt the correctness of his opinion that the Sphe-

ronites tessellatus is the calcareous skeleton of a spongiform body.

And if it is admitted that S. ¢essel/atus is the remains of an ex-

tinct species of sponge, there can be but little difficulty in proving

the Ischadites to be of similar origin, and not belonging to the

family of Ascidiea, as Mr. Konig imagined. In alluding to this

fossil in Murchison’s ‘ Silurian System,’ Mr. Komi says, “they

seem to form a group of globular, coriaceous, and it may be added,

pedicled bodies, for in one of them a cicatrix for the insertion of

the pedicle distinctly appears.” This cieatrix.is probably the

point where the zoophyte had been attached.

The manner in which the Jschadites are found associated to-

gether, and are compared in Murchison’s ‘ Silurian System? to

compressed figs, serves to show that the zoophytes were affixed

in groups to extraneous bodies, and that they lived and died on

the spots where their remains are now imbedded. The flattened

form in which they sometimes occur may be accounted for by the

fact that the internal supports (spicula) are either wholly want-

ing, or, if present, but little adapted to sustain the sponge in its

original form after the destruction of its vitality, so that the cal-

careous framework which still held together would become col-

lapsed and leave the remains in the shape we now find them.

The Spheronites have been heretofore frequently considered as

allied to the Crinoidea, but Mr. Bowerbank has, I conceive, clearly

removed the difficulty relative to this fossil, and which will, hence-

forth take its proper position in all future scientific arrangements

of organic remains.

I will now venture an opinion relative to two other fossils which

have caused considerable diversity of ideas respecting their nature

and origin, namely, the Tentaculites and Conularia.

On a careful examination of numerous specimens, I am of opi-

nion that the Tentaculite is the shell of a Pteropodous mollusk

allied to the recent Creseis, as the Conularia is that of an animal

allied to the Cleodore.

Bristol, May 14, 1845.

408 M. Treviranus on the Formation of Acrial Tubers

LIX.—On the Formation of Aérial Tubers in Sedum amplexi-

caule, DeC. By L. C. Treviranus*.

Ir we assume, what can scarcely be denied, that individuals

exist even in the vegetable kingdom, it may be asserted that eaeh

of them flowers only once. When a plant appears to do this

more frequently, it is accurately speaking no longer the same in-

dividual, but a different one, which has applied itself to or en-

grafted itself upon the first, or by whatever other name the con-

nexion which has become established between the two may be

designated. It is very distinctly evident that the flowermg plant

is a new one when the old one dies off after flowering, but pre- .

vious to this forms the basis of a new one in the form of a bud,

that is, a crude deposit of organic matter which remains connected

with the mother-plant for a period, at the same time putting forth

separate organs of nutrition, with the aid of which it becomes a

distinct independent individual, which flowers and propagates as

the parent one. Of several families-of plants in which this circle

of propagation and flowermg is perceptible m a strikimg manner

is that of the house-leeks (Crassulacee, DeCand.). In those

species of Sempervivum which constitute m Koch the subgenus

Jovisbarba, we often observe buds shoot out on thread-like pe-

tioles frequently an inch in length from the angles of the leaves

converging to form the rosette. At first globular, and only of

the size of a grain of millet, they soon become larger, and separate,

when they have attained the size of a cherry-stone or of a hazel-

nut, from the mother-plant, themselves sending down root-fibres,

with the aid of which they absorb nutriment and become deve-

loped. Ifa section of such a body be made, it is seen to consist of

a ground-work of compact cellular tissue, from which numerous

fleshy leaves take their orig. As soon as the mother-plant has

acquired the requisite size and development, it flowers and dies ;

the. same fate likewise attends the newly-formed plant.

In those species of Sedum which are herbaceous and perennial,

such as S. reflexum, sexangulare, album, &e., some short branches

densely clothed with leaves shoot out of the main body of the

plant during and after the flowering period; they contmue im

organic connexion with it by means of cellular tissue and ves-

sels until their turn comes to extend and to flower. But this

formation of new shoots takes place ina more remarkable manner

in Sedum amplexicaule, DeC., a species occurring in the south of

France, in Lower Italy, in Spain and in Greece, which bears our

winters very well if they are not too severe, even in the open

ground. It was named Sedum rostratum by Tenore, but ranged

* From the Botanische Zeitung for April 18th, 1845.

in Sedum amplexicaule. 409

under Sempervivum by Sibthorp and Lagasca from its generally

having eight pistils, and designated by the former as Semp.

tenuifolium, and by the latter as Semp. anomalum. A. P. DeCan-

dolle has given a very good figure of it in the second of his ‘ Mé-

moires p. serv. & Hist. du Regne Végét.,’ in plate 7. In this plant

the new shoots destined for the reproduction are very much

thickened at their apex for about an inch in length, and at the

same time the leaves in this place are-very close together, while

those on the lower portion of the shoot are very few and widely se-

parate. About the time of the solstice, when the plant has finished

flowering and formed its fruit, a complete arrest occurs in the

-growth of the plant. Not only the main body which had flowered

dies away, but likewise the shorter or longer lateral branches, the

thickened apices of which constitute the newly-formed living

shoots. If one of these shoots be examined at this time, we find,

wholly inclosed by the dried sheath-like lower portions of the

leaves, a cylindrical mass of cellular tissue, the cells of which con-

tain numerous starch-granules. Its axis is occupied by a small cir-

cle of fibres and vessels. At the apex is observed a bud consisting

of several incipient leaves, and on the surface some impressions in

regular order which the dried leaves have left behind where they

fell off. In fact, it is a true tuber which has formed above the

ground by the growing together of the lower parts of numerous

densely-crowded leaves.

In this state of rest and of apparent want of life the plant re-

mains until the middle of August, at which time new leaves are de-.

veloped from the apex of the shoot; and one, or several rootlets from

the lower extremity, which soon become long and much ramified.

The new leaves which clothe the stem of the future year, which

terminates in a flower, are cylindrical, or rather semicylindrical,

with a slightly acute termination, and provided at the base witha

small appendage as in Sedum reflewum, acre, and other species ;

they do not possess the sheath-like inferior portion which cha-

racterizes those by which the new tubers are enveloped; these

latter are therefore formed only in the early part of the summer,

and no longer in the later like the others. Consequently, what

renders the formation of new shoots for the vegetation of the suc-

ceeding year remarkable, is, on the one hand, that they assume

the shape of tubers which are formed within peculiar sheath-like

leaves, which soon dry but never fall off like the others, and serve

as a case for the tuber during its period of rest ; on the other hand,

that the vital connexion of this tuber with the mother-plant

ceases as soon as it has become developed.

The various authors who have described the Sedum amplezicaule

have noticed this kind of reproduction only briefly and with few

words. Sibthorp (Prodr. Fl. Greec. i. 355) and si (Elench.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2F

410 M. Duchartre on the Anatomy and Organogeny

Plant. n. 223) state that the plant has “ propagines cylindricz ;”’

but Tenore, observing more accurately, ascribes to it “surculi tu-

beriformes, in quibus folia basi in membranam dilatata, que in

caule florifero basi soluta.” (Syll. 288.)

DeCandolle (op. cit.) likewise mentions this difference in the

leaves, which is also exhibited in the above-mentioned figure, and

he states with reference to it, that “on est conduit 4 penser que

le petit appendice qu’on observe a la base des feuilles est une

espéce de rudiment de la gaine des feuilles.” (Loc. cit. p. 35.)

However, this formation of aérial tubers, if we may so express our-

selves, seemed to deserve closer attention, for no similar forma-

tion has hitherto occurred to me, or been observed to my know-

ledge, at least in Dicotyledons.

I will lastly observe, that Sedum amplexicaule differs from the

other species of this genus, not only in the number of pistils

and in the mode of reproduction, but likewise by the structure of

its calyx, each sepal being externally considerably excavated, while

a prominent angle reaches from each sinus to the base, giving

the calyx a septangular or octangular appearance. These cha-

racters deserve to be recommended to some manufacturer of

genera for the creation of a new genus.

LX.—Anatomical and Organogenical Researches on Lathrea

clandestma. By M. Ducuarrre*.

Tur complete history of a plant from its origin at the period of

germination to the moment when, after having given birth to

new seed, it has accomplished all the phases of its existence, is

still wanting in botany ; for the type studied minutely in all its

details, in an anatomical and physiological pomt of view, which

man furnishes to zoology, does not exist in the vegetable king-

dom ; numerous materials, it is true, have been brought together

for the history of some plants, but there are none in which some

gap does not remain which it is essential to supply.

The description of most plants is limited to that of their ex-

ternal forms with respect to the organs of vegetation, and the or-

gans of reproduction have alone been examined generally with

more detail. Among the phanerogamous plants, the madder is

perhaps the only one which has been the object of an mvesti-

gation of this nature, profound and almost complete, due to M.

Decaisne.

It would however be desirable, both for the interest of vege-

table anatomy in general and for the application of anatomical

* Abstract of a Report laid before the French Academy by MM. de Mir-

bel, Richard, and Ad. Brongniart, April 28, 1845.

of Lathrea clandestina. 411

characters to natural classification, that all the essential organs

of a certain number of the principal types of the vegetable king-

dom should be examined with care. Many facts considered as

general would lose this universality, and the greater or less fre-

quency of the exceptions would soon establish the value of cha-

racters and the importance of such or such a point of organiza-

tion.

The memoir of M. Duchartre on Lathrea clandestina is an ex-

cellent example of this kind of imvestigation, in which many

points are treated in a very complete and satisfactory manner,

and in which only a small number of gaps would remain to be

noticed.

But this memoir acquires an additional interest from the na-

ture of the plant which is the subject of it. The mode of exist-

ence of parasitical plants is always an interesting problem to solve,

and the anatomical examination of their organs must serve as a

starting-poimt for physiological researches.

Several of these vegetables have already been the object of

minute research, among which must be cited in the first rank

that of Mr. R. Brown on Rafflesia, then those of M. Unger on

parasitical plants in general, of M. Goeppert on the Balanophore,

and lastly, the researches of Mr. Bowman on another species of

the same genus Lathrea, viz. L. squamaria. But, if we except

the first of these memoirs, the other treatises have almost had

for their sole object the mode of implantation of the parasites on

the plants from which they draw their nourishment, or some pe-

culiar points of their organization. M. Duchartre, on the con-

trary, has proposed to study successively all the organs of the

curious plant which forms the subject of his researches ; he pre-

sents an anatomical monography of it, and this step has led him

to discover several important facts in the structure of this species.

We shall follow him in the examination of the various organs

of vegetation and reproduction, noticing rapidly the points by

which the organization of this plant appears to differ from that

of the vegetables which have already been studied by other ana-

tomists ; and we may observe, that we have been able to verify the

majority of the facts advanced by M. Duchartre, and represented

in the numerous drawings which accompany his memoir, by

means of fresh specimens, or specimens preserved in alcohol.

The structure of the stem is first studied by M. Duchartre ; he

finds in it, as in all the stems of Dicotyledons, the pith, the lig-

neous system and the cortical system formed of the liber and of

the cellular envelope ; but he notices two characters which appear

to remove this plant from the usual structure of these vegetables.

The first consists in the absence of a medullary sheath, that is to

say, of a first. interior zone of vessels of a different nature to those

2F2

412 M. Duchartre on the Anatomy and Organogeny

of the ligneous zone, and comprised between the pith and this

ligneous zone. It is these vessels which in the ordinary Dicotyle-

dons belong to the form designated by the name of true spiral

vessels or of unrollable spiral vessels, and it is in this position

alone that these vessels are found in the stem. Here nothing

similar occurs ; the vessels nearest to the pith consist of finely re-

ticulated vessels, similar, although finer, to those which exist in

the rest of the ligneous layer. There are no trachez with a con-

tinuous free and unrollable spiral fibre.

This character, however, although formimg an exception to

the most usual organization of dicotyledonous plants, is met with

in other vegetables of this class, and particularly in most parasi-

tical plants, although the unprecise manner in which authors ap-

ply the word spiral vessels may sometimes leave a doubt on this

oint.

: A second remarkable character of the ligneous body of this

plant consists in the complete absence of medullary rays. This

tact is well established by M. Duchartre, and is placed beyond ail

doubt. The ligneous zone is entirely formed of cells elongated

in the longitudinal direction of the stem and consequently parallel

to the pith, intermixed with more or less finely reticulated vessels,

and thus appearing most frequently radiated or punctated ; it is

not interrupted at any point by those lines of cells in a radiating

direction, which, extending from the pith toward the bark, con-

stitute the medullary rays.

An analogous structure had been already noticed by M. Bron-

eniart in a family very far removed from the Lathree, in the

Crassulacee *, in which the ligneous zone is equally unfurnished

with medullary rays, and is only constituted of tissues elongated

in the direction of the axis and perfectly continuous.

Having desired to ascertain whether, in the family to which the

Lathrea clandestina belongs, this character was found in any other

plant, we found that the Melampyrum sylvaticum presented the

same continuity in the elongated tissues of the ligneous zone, and

that there was also a complete absence of medullary rays.

We thus find in several Dicotyledons an organization of the

stem which we were far from suspecting some years ago, and which

deserves the attention of physiologists.

The bark presents, in its elongated internal tissue forming the

liber, the same continuity, in consequence of the absence of the

medullary rays which ordinarily extend from the wood into the

bark. The tissue which constitutes this internal cortical layer

has the greatest analogy with that which forms the non-vascular

part of the ligneous zone ; only it is more opake and more solid

* See “ Observations on the Internal Structure of the Sigillaria elegans,”

&e., by M. Ad. Brongniart. (Archives du Muséum, tome i. p. 437.)

of Lathreea clandestina. | 413

towards the exterior, more delicate, and at the sides thinner in

the internal part in contact with the exterior of the wood.

In no part has M. Duchartre been able to detect proper or

laticiferous vessels.

But if the zone of elongated ligneous tissue forming the wood

and the liber constitutes a continuous cylinder around the pith,

and not a series of distinct fascicles separated by the medullary

rays, as is usually the case, it is not less true that the vessels

there form separate fascicles and of a definite number. This

is shown by the researches of M. Duchartre on the successive de-

velopment of the stem and the.tissues which constitute it. The

vessels form at first four quite distinct fascicles ; they then divide

into a greater number, and we count eight, ten, twelve, and even

more ; lastly, the vessels appear dispersed with irregularity in the

whole of that zone, which itself, on old stumps of at least two

years, acquires a much greater thickness, and is often formed of

two distinct concentric layers.

Thus, notwithstanding these two essential points, by which the

stem of the Lathrea clandestina differs from the ordinary struc-

ture of Dicotyledons, the absence of spiral vessels and of the

medullary rays, its growth is effected according to the mode

proper to the totality of these vegetables.

The root, in its principal parts and even in its fibrils, presents

the same structure as the stem, modified, as is generally the case,

by the absence of the pith ; but the parasitism of the plant gave

a peculiar interest to the investigation of the extremities of the

radical fibrils by which it is fixed on the roots of trees, and most

frequently on those of the poplar.

This pomt however, which has been already examined carefully

by Mr. Bowman, in Lathrea squamaria, could present fewer

new facts; mdeed the differences between these two species in

this respect are very slight, and M. Duchartre has only been able

to add some details and to point out some secondary differences

between these two plants.

The L. clandestina attaches itself to the roots of trees by nu-

merous suckers terminating in radicles, or growing laterally along

these fibrils and representing spongioles. These suckers, nearly

hemispherical, are larger than those of Lathrea squamaria ; their

surface of adherence is plane or slightly concave, formed of a cel-

lular tissue of a peculiar form, elongated and directed perpendi-

cularly on the external surface. The small tubercle which the

sucker itself forms is essentially cellular, but traversed, especially

toward its centre, by numerous moniliform vessels with reticu-

lated sides, which however do not extend as far as the surface by

which the sucker is applied on the foreign root ; an arrangement

414. M. Duchartre on Lathreea clandestina.

which would thus differ from that stated by Mr. Bowman in

Lathrea squamaria.

The majority of the plants parasitical on roots are destitute of

true leaves, these organs being reduced to short scales which

seem to correspond only at the base of the petioles ; this is seen

in the Orobanche, Monotropa, and several exotic plants which

present the same mode of growth, and these reduced and abortive

leaves appear, as well as the stems, generally destitute of those

epidermal pores designated by the name of stomata.

The appendicular organs of the Lathrea present a very differ-

ent form and structure, although short and imbricated like scales ;

they are narrowed at their base into a sort of petiole, and present

a true cordiform fleshy limb, analogous to that of the leaves of

certain succulent plants. Mr. Bowman had already indicated

the large regular gaps which traverse the interior of these kinds

of leaves, but he believed these organs to be destitute of stomata,

and it was not till within a few years that Dr. Schleiden noticed

the existence of these pores on the leaves of Lathrea squamaria.

M. Duchartre had discovered these organs, not only on the cu-

ticle of the leaves, but on that of the stems of the L. clandestina,

and at a period when he could not know of the observation of

Dr. Schleiden, and had imsisted on this exception to a character

considered as general among the plants parasitica! on roots.

His memoir contains, moreover, a very complete anatomical

description of these rudimentary but complicated leaves, of their

nerves, of their parenchyma and of the empty spaces which regu-

larly occur in them, and of the papillz which clothe them ; finally,

the mode of evolution of these organs is carefully followed cut,

and it is one of the most complete chapters of the history of this

remarkable plant.

With respect to the organs of reproduction, the plant which

was the object of the examination of M. Duchartre did not pre-

sent any singularity which might lead us to presume anything

very peculiar in their structure ; but, as we have said at the com-

mencement of this Report, a complete anatomical description of

the different organs of a vegetable is still a thing so rare as to

offer considerable utility to science by the means of comparison

which it permits of our establishing at a later period.

In this point of view, the anatomical investigation of almost

all the parts of the flower of L. clandestina, such as M. Duchartre

has given, deserves great praise ; but the author has moreover

directed his attention in a special manner to the mode of deve-

lopment of the different floral verticils. Thus the mode of ap-

pearance of the calyx, the corolla, the stamina and the pistil, the

changes which take place in the anthers and the ovary have been

M. von Martius on the Growth of the Stem of Palms. 415

carefully traced, and some of the theories propounded on this

subject have been discussed on this occasion; but we do not

think it necessary to consider them here, as the L. clandestina

does not offer anything peculiar in this respect.

It is also to be regretted that M. Duchartre has not been able

to follow out the mode of formation of the embryo and its sub-

sequent germination.

Notwithstanding these slight omissions, the investigation of

M. Duchartre is not less one of the most complete on the ana-

tomy and organogeny of a particular vegetable ; it has appeared

to us very exact in all the points which we have been able to ve-

rify, the author is quite conversant with the modern labours re-

lative to the different subjects which he has treated, and we are

of opinion that it would be desirable for the progress of botany

that the science should possess several anatomical monographs

made with the same care. For these reasons, we propose to the

Academy to give its approbation to the memoir of M. Duchartre,

and to insert it in the ‘ Mémoires des Savants Etrangers.’

LX1.—On the Growth of the Stem of Palms, and on the Decur-

rence of the Leaves. By M. von Martivus*.

Permit me to present to you some pages of the Bulletin of our

Academy, in which I have stated the results of my researches on

the growth of the stem of Palms, and on the decurrence of the

fibres. These results may be reduced to the following points :—

1. The stem of Palms does not contain more fibres than are

destined to enter sooner or later into the leaves.

2. The fibres originate on the summit of the stem, in nucleo

gemma, vel in phyllophoro Mirbelii, between the new and plastic

parenchyma which there forms a peculiar conical layer, covering,

like a funnel, the more aged parts. They are always external with

relation to the others, which are already formed, and a little

higher.

3. The points of origin of the fibres are organically predis-

posed ; we find, in these points, the fibres situated obliquely, and

converging at their upper ends. They are elongated from the

two ends, that is to say, they grow from below upwards and from

above downwards.

4. The upper extremity of these fibres is directed towards the

base of the young leaf; the latter originates in the form of a cel-

lular fold (plica, crista) in the centre of the bud, and is conducted

toward the periphery on becoming enlarged.

* Being an extract of a letter to M. Flourens, Comptes Rendus for

April 7, 1845.

416 M. von Martius on the Growth of the Stem of Palms.

5. The lower extremity is obliquely prolonged below, and termi-

nates, in the form of an extremely slender and exclusively paren-

chymatous filament, on a peripherical layer. This layer is wholly

different from the liber of the Dicotyledons with relation to the

history of its development ; it may however be compared to that

organic system as regards its constituent elements.

6. The spot where the upper extremity of the filament enters

into the leaf, is either on the same side of the stem by which it

makes its decurrence, or on the side diametrically opposite. In

this second case the fibre passes throughout the stem.

7. There are necessarily decussations for each filament. Some

decussate the others in the central part of the stem; others by

bending suddenly to enter a leaf on the side of their origin.

8. The growth is effected in an organic solidarity between the

formation of the elementary organs and the laws of the position

of the leaves. It is especially this posztion and the succession of

the systems of phyllotaxis (which generally increase by specific

complications in each species of palm), that we must regard as

the conditions of the modifications in the decurrence of the fibres

and the formation of the wood*.

9. The oldest part of the filaments is not found at either their

upper or lower extremity ; they have their most complete deve-

lopment in the middle part of their decurrence. Below they con-

sist only of parenchymatous cells ; at their upper extremity they

are divided into several finer vessels which enter the leaves.

10. The lower extremity does not extend to the roots ; it does

not go beyond the collum, where is the organic separation of the

descensus and the ascensus.

11. The stem becomes more ligneous and harder by the growth

of the fibres which ascend and which make their decussations,

and likewise the parenchyma between the fibres becomes thicker

and harder. The hardening is effected in a direct ratio to the

age of the tree; and as the organic elements first formed and

homologous are grouped at the periphery, the stem is harder in

its circumference.

You see that these results are not in contradiction with the

ideas propounded by MM. de Mirbel and Mohl ; they however

differ in some less essential pomts. M. Mohl does not mention

in his memoir (De Structura Palmarum in Mart. Palm. Brasil.)

the passage of the filaments from one side of the stem to the

other ; nor has he explicitly declared that they grow in two di-

rections, swrsum and deorsum. With respect to the ideas of your

illustrious academician, M. de Mirbel, I quite agree with all that

* T have demonstrated in what manner the four forms of the stem of the

Palms, defined by M. Mohl, owe their different organization to the condi-

tion of the phyliotaxis, to the number and length of the internodes, &c.

Botanical Notices from Spain. 417

he has stated on the structure of the fibres; but I am not of his

opinion with regard to the first degree of the development of the

leaf, seeing that at the beginning it does not appear to me to

have the form of a hood, but rather that of a small crest (crista

or plica) with a vertical direction.

My observations have been especially made on the Chamedorea

elativr, the subterraneous caudices of which are ramified, and pre-

sent in their buds all the conditions necessary for the examination

of the origin both of the elementary organs and of the leaves,

branches and régimes. These observations have also convinced

me that the bicarinated leaf, which often commences the forma-

tion of the leaves in the branches of the Monocotyledons, and

which is repeated in the morphology of the spathelles of the Gra-

minee, is not formed by the coalescence of two leaves. It is only

a solitary leaf, furnished with an extremely thin lamina, and which

soon disappears. You are aware that the nature of these leaves

has long been a subject of discussion by MM. Turpin and Robert

Brown, and recently by M. Roper, whose results agree with mine.

LXI1.— Botanical Notices from Spain. By Morirz W1ttKomM*.

(Continued from p. 185.]

No. III. Aransvxz, 8th of July 1844.

On the 18th of June I left Valencia, which had detained me within

its walls longer than I wished. Immediately on leaving the charming

Huerta, you enter a wood of olive and St. John’s bread trees (Cerato-

nia Siliqua) with Kentrophyllum lanatum, DeC., growing in great plenty

beneath them, which accompanied us from here almost to Madrid.

So long as we were in the kingdom of Valencia, the country was

very fertile, well-cultivated, and clothed with timber ; the broad val-

ley of Incar filled with rice-fields, the view of the romantic Sierra de

Cullera, and the environs of the friendly town St. Felipe, were in

particular among the fairest regions I had hitherto seen in Spain. As

soon, however, as you have traversed the Pass of Almansa, you come

into a desert, treeless, thinly-peopled, elevated plain in the province

of Albacete, belonging to the kingdom of Murcia; low, uniform

hills of chalk alternating with wheat-fields and waste sterile plains

clothed with solitary specimens of an umbelliferous plant which ap-

peared to me to be Kleoselinum fetidum, Boiss., and with Retama

spherocarpa, Boiss. Still more desert and equally devoid of trees is

the country beyond Albacete, at the entrance into the poor province

of La Mancha, the villages of which lie so scattered that they resem-

ble heaps of stones and ruins more than human abodes. All this ren-

* Translated from the Botanische Zeitung, Nov. 8, 1844, and communi-

cated by A. Henfrey, F.L.S.

418 Botanical Notices from Spain.

ders more striking a pretty widely-spread wood of slender trees of

Pinus Pinea, L., lying between La Minaya and El Provencio, near the

Venta del Pinal. Generally speaking, the country is somewhat better

from hence, as the land is elevated in low hills, between which occur

here and there little isolated woods of Quercus Iler, L., and dwarf

plantations of olives. Beyond Ocana the soil is dreadfully sterile,

but on ascending an eminence, you suddenly discover the broad green

valley where flows the Tagus, filled with a forest of trees, with the

domes and towers of the palace of Aranjuez rising from among them.

I was prevented by want of time from halting then in this paradise,

and an hour later I found myself already on the arid shores of the

nearly waterless Manzanares, glad to have crossed the comfortless

upland plain of New Castile.

Interesting as the neighbourhood of the capital may be in spring

in a botanical point of view, it offers little in the summer months,

and I had not time to visit the Sierra de Guadarrama, though lying

quite near, and rich in plants. 1 confined myself therefore during

my fortnight’s stay in Madrid to making myself acquainted with

the scientific institutions of the Spanish capital, where the many

recommendations I had obtained to the most distinguished men

in all branches of natural science gave me the best opportunities.

Now that I dare permit myself to give an opinion on the present

condition of natural science in Spain, I can, alas! only say, that the

Spaniards, notwithstanding the numerous splendid collections of

all kinds, in every branch of natural science, the practical parts of

medicine included, are still very far behind the other civilized nations

of Europe. This is not merely owing to the small assistance ren-

dered by the government, but to the exceeding indifference of Spa-

niards to all that relates to science in general. This unhappy country

has come to such a pass, through the incessant civil wars, that no

one will interest himself in anything but politics.

With regard to botany, I devoted my attention particularly to the

botanical garden, which was open to me at all times, through the

kindness of the director, Prof. D. José Demeiro Rodriguez. This

extensive and well-kept garden, situated on the magnificent prome-

nade of the Prado, was the first real botanical garden I saw in Spain.

It has existed in this place and in this condition since the reign of

Charles the Third, the king to whom Spain owes all her scientific

and artistic institutions ; it was established here in the year 1781.

The first director of it was, if I mistake not, D. Casimir Gomez Or-

tega, who was followed by D. Antonio José Cavanilles, from whom the

garden came into the charge of his pupils, D. Mariano Lagasca and

the present director Rodriguez, a man whose well-known name is a

guarantee that it is in no unworthy hands. The plants, the number

of which is unknown to me, as no catalogue exists, are arranged ac-

cording to the Linnean system and provided with elegant labels, on

which are inscribed both the Latin and Castilian names. ‘The gar-

den, which is remarkably large, and is open daily to the public at

the time of the promenade, possesses many well-arranged plant-

houses, and an orchis-house has lately been built. Very few ferns

Bibliographical Notices. 419

are cultivated, but on the other hand there is a very rich collection

of Cacti and succulent plants, especially from the West Indies,

Mexico and South America. The botanical museum is in the garden,

and the lower part of this contains a spacious, very elegant theatre

for the lectures on botany and agriculture ; in the upper story are

the botanical library with the herbaria, as well as a room for a col-

lection of models and instruments of husbandry, woods and the like,

which is yet but insignificant, but for the enlargement of which the

present Professor of Agriculture, D, Pascual Asensio, labours with

great zeal. The richly-bound botanical library contains but few new

works ; however, the herbaria of Cavanilles, Ruiz, Pavon and others

are here, the first of which J studied particularly. From deficiency

of funds, the Madrid garden is in correspondence with no foreign

gardens except those of Paris and Montpellier. During my sojourn

in Madrid, I made a day and a half’s excursion to the famous Escu-

rial, situated at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, less for the

sake of botanizing than to see this palace so remarkable in historical

associations. From this excursion however to the richly watered,

in part well-wooded, granitic Sierra, next to the Sierra Nevada and

the Pyrenees the highest mountain of Spain, some parts being at

that time covered with snow, I am persuaded that it would well re-

pay a longer sojourn. In a single half-hour’s excursion which I

made in the immediate vicinity of the Escurial, I found many inter-

esting plants, of which I may mention Ranunculus Carpetanus, Reut.,

Dianthus laricifolius, Reut., Sedum gypsicolum, R., and Jasione ses-

siliflora, R. ;

On the 6th of July I left Madrid and betook myself to Aranjuez,

from whence I think of setting out this evening towards Granada.

Well would it recompense a longer stay, since both the very luxu-

riant vegetation of the neighbouring shores of the Tagus and the sur-

rounding gypsum hills promise a rich harvest. Aranjuez is parti-

cularly remarkable for its woods. Giant planes, innumerable elms,

limes, beeches, oaks and other dicotyledonous trees, clothe for leagues

the shores of the stream, on which occur, among other plants, Hel-

minthia echioides and Chlora perfoliata, L. Kentrophyllum lanatum,

DeC., Picnomon Acarna, DeC., Centaurea Calcitrapa, L., Carlina co-

rymbosa, L., are extremely frequent, in company with Heliotropium

europeum, L., and Tribulus terrestris, L., on waste places, while the

neighbouring gypsum hills are clothed with Frankenia pulverulenta,

Mill., Machrochloa tenacissima, Kth., many Resedacee and Labiate.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Contributions towards a Fauna and Flora of the County of Cork.

London, 1845. 8vo.

Tue appearance of the first local fauna and flora of a part of Ireland

gives us great satisfaction, since we trust that it will soon be fol-

lowed by similar accounts of other parts of the island, and that thus

420 Bibliographical Notices.

we shall attain that knowledge of its native productions of which

we are still so deficient. The volume before us is published by the

Cuvierian Society of Cork, and forms “‘ part of a series of communi-

cations on the local history of the county of Cork, which have from

time to time been communicated” to that Society, and were also

furnished to the British Association at its Cork meeting. They are

now published “in consequence of a wish which was expressed by

several Members of the Natural History Section of the Association.”

The contents of the volume are—

1. The Fauna, Diy. Vertebrata, by Dr. J. R. Harvey, recording—

Mammalia 24, Birds 167, Reptiles 1, Amphibia 1, Fishes 95—

total 288. Vultur fulvus, new to Britain, was taken in Cork har-

bour and kept alive for some time in Lord Shannon’s park: the spe-

cimen is now in the museum of Trinity College, Dublin. Turdus

Whitet, Glareola pratincola and Naucrates ductor are new to the Irish

fauna. The Black Rat (Mus rattus) is marked as “rare,” and the

Brown Rat (M. decumanus) is omitted. Can it be that the latter has

not found its way to Cork?

2. The Fauna, Div. Invertebrata, Classes Mollusca, Crustacea and

Echinodermata, by J. D. Humphreys, Librarian of the Royal Cork

Institution. It contains, of freshwater Mollusca, Gasteropoda 54,

Conchifera 5; of marine Mollusca, Gasteropoda 68, Acephala 106,

Annelida 9; of Crustacea 59; of Echinodermata 26.

3. The Fiora, under the title of ‘ The Botanist’s Guide for the

County of Cork,’ is written by Dr. Thomas Power, and records 885

Phenogamic and 936 Cryptogamic plants, forming a total of 1821.

We have thus a very rich flora, compared with the whole flora of

Ireland as shown in the ‘ Fl. Hibernica,’ where the number of spe-

cies is, Phenog. 994, Crypt. 992—total 1986. We have not space

to enter minutely into the examination of this list, which is so highly

creditable to the industry of the botanists of Cork. It is probable

that the Cuscuta europea found “ on flax,” and the C. epzlinum are

identical. Orobanche minor ‘‘ on ivy” is doubtless O. barbata. Pri-

mula elatior : is this the plant of Smith or Jacquin? Polygonum ma-

ritimum : all the Irish specimens so called which we have seen belong

to P. Raii ; may not this also be the case on the coast of Cork? Abies

excelsa is introduced upon the authority of the following quotation

from the works of the late Dr. C. Smith: ‘‘ Abies mas, Theophrasti :

this grows wild in the rocky mountains which divide this county

from Kerry.” That is a district well deserving of a careful exami-

nation, and should the botanical explorer indeed find the spruce in a

wild state, he will be gloriously repaid for his trouble. Trichomanes

speciosum : we understand that the locality given on the authority

of Mr. Babington is not correct, and that he did not find the plant in

the county of Cork.

In conclusion, we would recommend the work to those naturalists

who may purpose visiting the south of Ireland, and also to all who

are interested in the geographical distribution of our native animals

and plants.

Bibliographical Notices. 421

Musée Botanique de M. Benjamin Delessert. Par A. Laségue: Paris,

1845. 8vo.

This highly interesting volume of nearly 600 pages is devoted to

the description of the herbarium and botanical library of the justly

celebrated Delessert, and the plan which has been adopted by its

author is suchas to make it a most valuable addition to the library of

every botanist.

The herbarium and library of M. B. Delessert was commenced by

his brother, and has been so much enlarged since his death, as to

form one of the most extensive and valuable collections of specimens

and botanical works in existence, the whole of which is opened to

botanists with the greatest liberality.

In the earlier part of the volume will be found a very interesting

chapter upon the statistics of vegetation. From this we learn that

in 1546 Lonicer was acquainted with only 879 plants; in 1570 Lobel

knew 2191; in 1587 Dalechamp recorded 2731. ‘The interest of

these numbers is however less than that of the table of increase of

species since the reformation of botany by Linneus. We copy this

table.

4 4 Number of species.

Authors. Years. Phanerog. | r Cryptog. Total.

Linnzus...... 1753 5,323 615 ie = 8,938

Persoon ...... 1807 19,949 6,000 ~ 25,949

teudel ...... 1824 39,681 | 10,965 50,649

Steudel ...... 1841 78,000 13,000 } 91,000

Steudel ...... 1844 80,000 15,000 95,000

It is remarkable that the single order Composite is now known to

contain more species (8523, DeCand. Prod.) than the whole number

of plants known to Linnzus, and also that the relative proportion of

that order to the whole vegetable kingdom has continued nearly un-

changed to the present day, it being about one-tenth of the whole.

Tables are then given of the increase of the number of recorded ge-

nera and of natural orders. Also a series of calculations of the pro-

bable number of species inhabiting the globe, which M. Laségue is

led to estimate at from 130,000 to 150,000.

An account is next given of the mode of preservation and arrange-

ment adopted in M. Delessert’s herbarium, which contains about

86,000 species and 250,000 specimens, besides a large collection of

fruits. It is peculiarly rich in the authentic specimens of botanical

authors.

By far the larger portion of the work is occupied by a very full ac-

count of the voyages and travels which have been undertaken with a

view to the collection of specimens of plants. This we look upon as

peculiarly valuable information, since much of it was formerly scat-

tered through very numerous works, and was indeed unattainable

without much labour and research.

A short account is given of the principal herbaria of Europe.

The account of M. Delessert’s library is merely in general terms,

4.22 Bibliographical Notices.

from which we learn that it contains 4350 botanical works. It is

greatly to be hoped that an arranged and descriptive catalogue of

this library will be prepared and given to the public. We know of

few works which would be of greater service to botanists.

A copious index concludes the volume. The whole evinces in

every part the hand of a master, and does its author the greatest

credit. It only requires to be known to find its way into the hands

of all botanists.

Classification der Stéiugethiere und Vogel. Von J. J. Kaup. Pp. 144.

8vo. Darmstadt, 1844.

In this work the author endeavours to arrange the Mammalia and

Birds, and elaborates them into a quinary system, resembling in

structure but differing in detail from the quinary systems which

flourished for a time in this country. Like the British quinarians,

Dr. Kaup insists on a uniformity and constancy in the analogies be-

tween corresponding groups, while he follows Oken in extending

these analogies to the anatomical systems of organization which are

more or less developed in each animal according as it represents one

set of organs or another. Thus he makes his first subkingdom to

consist of—1. Mollusca, or generation-animals ; 2. Fish, or muscle-ant-

mals; 3. Amphibia, or bone-animals ; 4. Birds, or lung-animals; 5. Mam-

malia, or sense-animals. He then proceeds to ring the changes on

these anatomical structures, maintaining that the same set of ana-

logies pervade all the minor groups : that the Rasores are generation-

birds; the Natatores, muscle-birds; the Grallatores, bone-birds ; the

Insessores, lung-birds ; the Scansores, sense-birds, and so on. It is

needless to follow the author further in these far-fetched and vision-

ary analogies, which are so much more congenial to the German than

to the British mind, and which are still better adapted to the astro-

logers and alchymists of the middle ages, who compiled learned

volumes on the mutual analogies and influences between the seven

metals, the seven planets, the seven ages of man’s life, &c. &c.

The appendix of Dr. Kaup’s work is in our opinion the most valu-

able part of it. Laying aside his mysticism, he gives us some prac-

tical and useful remarks on several subjects connected with zoology.

In one of these essays he criticises the natural-history artists of dif-

ferent countries, pointing out the defects and mannerisms so promi-

nent in the French school, and the merits of Naumann among Ger-

man, and of Landseer, Bewick and Gould among British artists.

We do not however quite agree with Dr. Kaup in his preference of

etching (Radirung) over lithography for zoological subjects.

Our author next gives directions for preparing plaster-casts of the

heads of Mammalia, and especially of the Quadrumana. As these

animals lose so much of their essential characters by the ordinary

mode of preparation, a set of casts taken from them in a recent state

would be avaluable addition to our museums. He also recommends

naturalists when collecting in foreign countries to use various kinds

of traps and nets, as being far more efticacious than the gun, for pro-

Linnean Society. 423

curing mammals and birds, especially such species as are wild and

shy in their habits.

Another suggestion which seems likely to be of value to the prac-

tical zoologist, is that of a solution of arsenic, which Dr. Kaup states

to be effectual in preserving mammals and birds from the attacks of

every kind of insect. This preparation is made by dissolving in al-

cohol, of the specific gravity 0°86, as much white arsenic (arsenious

acid) as it will take up. The fur of mammals and the plumage of

birds (whether mounted or in skins) is to be thoroughly soaked with

this solution and then dried. To prevent the plumage from being

disarranged by this operation, Dr. Kaup recommends that the speci-

men should be wrapped in linen cloths, and then wetted with the

solution. We are inclined however to think that the mixture might

be more easily applied by a flat camel’s-hair varnishing brush, the

softness of which could do no injury to the specimen. Dr. Kaup

assures us that when every part of a specimen has been effectually

wetted with this solution, it is guaranteed for ever from the ravages

of insects, and that no further precaution against them is necessary.

Mr. Waterton some years ago recommended a similar solution of

corrosive sublimate in spirit of wine, but we have not found this pre-

paration to be in all cases efficacious, and we are disposed to think

that the arsenical solution proposed by Dr. Kaup is far more potent.

Our author further recommends a method of preparing specimens

of birds, which would be very advantageous in certain cases. The

only parts to be removed are the pectoral-and crural muscles, the

intestines and the eyes ; the whole interior is then to be well-sprinkled

with powdered alum and arsenic, and the cavities filled with cotton.

When dry, the plumage is to be saturated with the arsenical solution

above-mentioned and again thoroughly dried. This method, though

somewhat rude, has the advantage of being easily performed by un-

skilful persons, as well as by the practised naturalist when the saving

of time is an object ; it retains the proportions and true position of the

neck, wings and legs far better than the ordinary mode of preparing

skins, and what is of the utmost importance to science, it supplies

us with perfect skeletons of rare foreign species, which may be easily

separated from their integuments if necessary, and placed in the

osteological cabinet. We should rejoice therefore to see this method

introduced as an adjunct to the usual process of preparing ornitho-

logical specimens.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

LINNZZAN SOCIETY.

February 4, 1845.—R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Read the commencement of a paper ‘‘ On the Nervures of the

Wings in Lepidopterous Insects ; and on the genus Argynnis of the

‘ Encyclopédie Méthodique.’”’ By Edward Doubleday, Esq., F.L.S.

&e. &e.

424 Linnean Society.

Read also ‘* Observations on the immediate causes of the Ascent

of the Sap in Spring.” By Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S. &c>&e.

Mr. Henfrey thinks that none of the causes generally stated, viz.

1. Endosmosis ; 2. Capillary Attraction; and 3. Evaporation, are suf-

ficient to determine the first start of the sap. He objects to attri-

buting to the two first-named causes (endosmosis and capillary at-

traction) a primary part in the production of this phenomenon, that

they cannot act where there is no outlet above, and where conse-

quently no current can take place. As regards evaporation, he is

inclined to believe that it does not come into operation until a cer-

tain quantity of the sap has been absorbed and assimilated to the

new tissues. He refgrs to the precaution taken in the autumn to

cover up those portions of the plant which are exposed to the atmo-

sphere so as to protect them from its action, and to the fact that

buds burst forth, not from evaporation, but on the contrary, from

being gorged with moisture, as proofs that evaporation cannot be re-

garded as giving the primary impulse to the current of the sap.. The

true cause of the ascent of the sap must, he thinks, be looked for in

the chemical changes which take place in the materials stored up in

the cells during the autumn. The imsoluble grains of starch are con-

verted into soluble substances (dextrine and sugar) which are dis-

solved by the water always present in the tissues. A current is thus

produced by two concurrent circumstances, viz. the exhaust arising

from the syrup occupying less space than the materials from which

it was derived, and the endosmosis resulting from the increased den-

sity of the fluid contents of the cells, This chemical change Mr.

Henfrey believes to be brought about by the increase of temperature, ~

but whether it is immediately effected through the action of diastase

or other substances he is not at present prepared to give an

opinion.

February 18.—W. H. Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

Read a memoir “On Agaricus crinitus, L., and some allied spe-

cies.” By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S. &c. &c.

Mr. Berkeley refers to the Fungi of the Linnean herbarium as few

in number but in good condition, and comprising some remarkable

forms. Among these not the least interesting is the Agaricus cri-

nitus, which, together with a few allied species, it is the object of the

paper to illustrate.

1. Lentinus crinitus, pileo laté infundibuliformi repando badio-rufo fibris

innatis apice liberis vix fasciculatis regulariter striato margine reflexo,

stipite quali pallidé sericeo-farinoso, lamellis acutis integris rigidius-

culis subdistantibus glandulosis decurrentibus postic¢ anastomosan-

tibus.

Agaricus crinitus, Z. Sp. Plant, ed. 2. p. 1644.

Hab. in ligno in Americé Australi, Rolander in Herb. Linn.

The Agaricus crinitus of Swartz and Fries (figured and described

under the same name by Mr. Berkeley in the ‘Annals of Natural ~

History ’) is very distinct, and has since been named by Mr. Berkeley

Lentinus Swartzit.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 425

2. Lent. tener, pileo tenui regulari lat? infundibuliformi repando cervino

fibris fasciculatis subcrispis vestito subtis sericeo-striato margine sub-

suleato, stipite gracili zequali pallido granulato-furfuraceo, lamellis

subdistantibus pallido-ligneis opacis lato-denticulatis glandulosis decur-

rentibus posticé vix anastomosantibus.

Lent. tener, Klotzsch ; Fries Syn. Lent. p.6, Epicr. p. 389; Berk. in Hook.

Lond. Journ. of Bot. ii. p. 362. :

Hab. in ligno, in Mont. Organ, Gardner; ad Novam Aureliam, Klotzsch.

3. Lent. Schomburgkii, pileo tenui laté infundibuliformi repando cervino

floccis mollibus fasciculatis leviter crispatis vestito demiim medio sub-

glabrescente sericeo-striato, stipite aquali sublurido parcé furfuraceo

apice sericeo, ]amellis confertis tenuibus decurrentibus posticé anasto-

mosantibus pallidé cervinis eglandulosis acie denticulatis.

Hab. in ligno sicco, in Guiana Britannicd, Schomburg.

4. Lent. nigripes, Fries.

On the synonymy of this species, as well as of the two preceding,

Mr. Berkeley makes some observations.

5. Lent. Leveillei, pileo tenui laté infundibuliformi repando explanato

rigidiusculo floccis crispatis subfasciculatis rarioribus vestito, stipite

zquali nigro-furfuraceo, lamellis confertis fuscatis decurrentibus glan-

dulosis ochraceis acie granulato-dentatis posticé vix anastomosantibus.

Hab. ad Surinam.

March 4.—R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Read the commencement of ‘‘An Enumeration of the Plants of

the Galapagos Islands.” By J.D. Hooker, Esq., M.D., F.L.S. &c.

Read also some Additions and Corrections to his ‘‘ Monograph of

the Myriapoda Chilopoda” read during the last Session. By George

Newport, Esq. Communicated by the Secretary.

These additions have reference chiefly to the characters and habits

of the family Lithobiide, and to the genus Scolopendrella of M. Ger-

vais. This genus Mr. Newport had in his Synopsis Generum (Ann.

Nat. Hist. vol. xiv. p. 50) proposed to refer as a subfamily to Geophi-

lide ; but on a closer examination of its characters, he finds that they

indicate a much higher type of development and approximate it very

nearly to Lithobiide. He proposes therefore to establish Scolopendrel-

lide as a separate family, and to place them next after Lithobiide.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

April 10, 1845.—Dr. Seller, V.P., in the Chair.

A valuable donation of South American plants, from Robert Brown,

Esq., was announced, for which the special thanks of the Society

were returned.

The following communications were read :—

1. “ Ona monstrous variety of Gentiana campestris,” by Dr. Dickie

of Aberdeen. (See Annals, present Number, p. 387.)

2. ‘*On the correct nomenclature of the Lastr@a spinosa and L.

multiflora of Newman,” by Mr. Babington. (See p. 322.)

3. “‘ Account of a Botanical Excursion to the Mull of Cantyre and

Island of Islay in August 1844,” by Prof. Balfour of Glasgow.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2G

426 Zoological Society.

Io this tour Dr. Balfour was accompanied by Mr. Babington, Dr.

Parnell and several other botanists. They left Glasgow on the 10th of

August for Campbelton in Argyleshire, from which place they walked

by the eastern shore of Cantyre to the lighthouse at the Mull, and

returned to Campbelton by the western coast, the bay of Machriha-

nish and a strath in which coal is worked. No plants of great

rarity were observed ; those most worthy of notice were Ginanthe

Lachenalii, Sinapis monensis, Dryas octopetala on rocks not far from

the point of the Muil, growing with Sazifraga oppositifolia and S.

aizoides, and Spergula subulata.

On the 14th they returned to the west coast and followed it to Tay-

inloan and Porthullion at the outlet of W. Loch Tarbert, from whence

they embarked for Islay. Cuscuta epilinum was found in great abun-

dance in all the flax-fields in company with Camelina sativa. On the

sands of Lenanmore, Catabrosa aquatica, var. littoralis (see Parnell’s

Brit. Grasses, tab. 102) covered a great extent of surface. Thalictrum

minus, Convolvulus Soldanella, Scirpus Savii, Crambe maritima, Steen-

hammera maritima, Apium graveolens, Equisetum Telmateia, Lolium

temulentum, Pinguicula lusitanica, Radiola millegrana and Carum ver-

ticillatum were amongst the most interesting plants observed.

The total number of species noticed in Cantyre was—Phaneroga-

mous plants 425, Ferns 19—total 444.

The excursion in Islay commenced on the 16th of August, and

they were enabled, through the kindness of T. G. Chiene, Esq.

(Campbell of Islay’s factor), to examine the greater part of the

island. Near Kilchoman and Ardnave, Draba incana was found

growing plentifully upon sand-hills nearly at the level of the sea, in

company with Gentiana amarella, Convolvulus Soldanella, Equisetum

Telmateia and Mentha rubra (Sm.). In ditches near Loch Gruinart,

Rumex hydrolapathum (a very rare plant in Scotland) was gathered,

and on a limestone stratum near Islay House, Anthemis nobilis.

Ergot occurred upon several grasses, especially upon Anthoxranthum

odoratum and Phalaris arundinacea. Cuscuta epilinum was by no

means so abundant as in Cantyre. On rocks at the O’e, Beta mari-

tima was found associated with Ligusticum scoticum and Pyrethrum

maritimum. On the mountainous parts of the island, Arbutus uva-ursi

and Carex rigidu occurred.

The total number of Phanerogamous species seen was 451, of

Ferns 23—total 474.

Dr. Balfour accompanied his paper with a sketch of the geology of

Cantyre and Islay, and gave an account of some of the antiquities

noticed by the party, which returned to Glasgow on the 24th of

August, after a very interesting tour in districts almost unknown to

the botanist.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

October 8, 1844.—Richard C. Griffith, Esq., in the Chair.

Various Skins of Mammalia from Chile were laid before the Meet-

ing, and Mr. Waterhouse read some notes relating to them with

Zoological Society. 4.27

which he had been favoured, in a letter from Mr. Thomas Bridges,

Corr. Memb., who had formed the collection.

“The specimens,” Mr. Waterhouse observed, ‘‘ contained two

species of foxes, both of which were quite distinct from the Canis

Julvipes from Chiloe. ‘The one approaches most nearly to the Canis

Magellanicus, and might possibly be a variety of that animal, differ-

ing in having a more slender appearance; but this arises perhaps

entirely from its fur being shorter, a difference which would probably

arise from dissimilarity of climate, the C. Magellanicus being from a

colder, and humid part of South America. The Chile animal, in

having a more slender appearance, approaches considerably to the

Canis Azare; from this however it may be distinguished by the

absence of the black on the chin, in having the ears of a deeper and

richer rust-colour, and there is the same difference observable in the

colouring of the legs. The hind-legs want the black patch, which

is situated considerably above the heel, and is very conspicuous in

C. Azara. ‘The tail is longer and of a brilliant rust-colour be-

neath ; in C. Azar@ it is pale in the same part. ‘This, according to

Mr. Bridges, is the Culpeo of the natives, and is no doubt the animal

so called by Molina.

**The second species of fox of the collection Mr. Waterhouse re-

gards as the Canis Azare. It is smaller, Mr. Bridges observes, than

the Culpeo, and less common and mischievous ; more shy in its man-

ners, and, according to his observations, confines itself more to the

lower parts of the country, inhabiting the provinces of Valparaiso,

Aconcagua, and Colchagua, where it is abundant. It is well known

to the natives under the name of ‘ Chilla.’

‘* The following species of Rodents were also contained in the col-

lection, viz. Myopotamus coypus, Poephagomys ater, Octodon Cumingii,

Mus Darwinii, Mus megalonyz (a new species, the characters of which

Mr. Waterhouse pointed out), and the Mountain Viscacha (Lagotis

Cuvieri, Bennett). Several specimens of this last-mentioned animal

were procured by Mr. Bridges on the Chile side of the Andes, and

upon comparison they prove to be specifically identical with an indi-

vidual formerly sent by the same gentleman and which was found in

the vicinity of Mendoza. The Viscacha, Mr. Bridges’ notes state,

‘ confines itself to the elevated parts of the Andes, always inhabiting

rugged and precipitous mountains where there are natural caves or

immense stones rolled in confusion, amongst which it makes its

abode.’ It has a very extended range, he having found it in Bolivia

in south lat. 20° to 22°, whilst the specimens laid before the Meeting

were from the province of Aconcagua, near ‘Los ojos de Agua.’

Mr. Bridges further remarks that it seldom leaves its abode during

the daytime, but comes out to feed upon the herbage either before

sunrise or late in the evening.

‘Several specimens of Didelphis elegans were also sent home by

Mr. Bridges, who states that they were procured for him by the na-

tives in the province of Aconcagua, where they were caught in traps

baited with meat, and which were placed for that purpose in the

vicinity of old hedges and vineyards. Mr. Bridges also calls atten-

262

428 Zoological Society.

tion in his letter to the differences observed in the sexes of this ani-

mal, the female being considerably smaller than the male, and re-

markable for having the tail very thick and fleshy. It is known to

the natives by the names ‘ Comadrejo’ and ‘ Llaca.’”’

The following is Mr. Waterhouse’s description of the new species

of Mus (which he places in the section Hesperomys) contained in the

collection :—

HEsPEROMYS MEGALONYX. Hesp. supra cinerascenti-fuscus, subtis

cinereo-albus ; auribus mediocribus ; pedibus anticis unguibus mag-

nis armatis ; caudd brevi, pilis minutis obsitd. Wine! Hwy

Longitudo ab apice rostriad caude basin.... 4 4

Cubdiet TST SURES) 9AM. 2 1 6

wuribus 2239. U21I09 3: 206 DUA 0 34

tarsi digitorumque ...........++- 0 114

ab apice rostri ad basin auris .... 1 24

Hab. Chile.

This little mouse evidently belongs to the genus Hesperomys, but

it differs from any species hitherto described in having stronger fore-

feet, and these furnished with long claws, exceeding the toes in

length. ‘The inner toe or thumb is furnished with a distinct pointed

claw. ‘The fur is very soft, and in the upper parts of the body nearly

of a uniform grey-brown tint, though the hairs of the ordinary fur

are annulated with pale brown; at the base these hairs are of a deep

slate-grey colour. The under parts of the body are grey-white, but

the hairs are deepish grey at the root, and on the chest there is a

brownish mark. The chin is white; the feet are pale brown, but the

hairs on the toes are dirty white. The tail is clothed with short

brown hairs. ‘The ears, which are rather small, are well-clothed with

moderately long hairs, and these are variegated with pale brown and

dusky ; they are much hidden by the long fur of the head.

From Mr. Bridges’ notes I learn that this little animal was found

near the margin of the Lake of Quintero.

Mr. Waterhouse also characterized a new species of Octodon con-

tained in a former collection sent home by Mr. Bridges :—

Octovon Bringesit. Oct. corpore supra flavescenti-fusco nigroque

penicillato ; subtis flavescente; pedibus albis; auribus magnis

postice emarginatis; caudd, quoad longitudinem, corpus fere

@quante, nigrd, subtis sordide albd, dimidio apicali pilis longis

vestitd. une. lin. unc. lin.

Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caude basin.. 8 O vel 8 6

CORRE IEE, i Sere, eee 556 2 eS

tarsi digitorumque ........ Pe ee ers ay

GUIS oe nies +> cup ae ee 0 . G2. - 5. +07 6e

Hab. Chile.

The general hue of this animal is brownish, a tint produced by

the admixture of brownish ochre and black: the hairs of the fur are

deep slate-grey next the skin, and on the back black externally, but

most of them broadly annulated with deep ochre towards the point ;

Zoological Society. 429

the last-mentioned colour prevails on the sides of the body, where

numerous long interspersed white hairs are observable, as well as on

the rump. ‘The under parts of the body are of a cream-yellow. The

ears are rather large, deeply emarginated behind, and clothed inter-

nally with small pale hairs, excepting towards the margin, where they

assume a dusky hue; externally the ears are furnished with minute

dusky hairs, but at the base they are white. The head, in the region

of the ear, is very pale; the throat, inner side of the legs ana the

tarsi are white; the tail is about equal to the body in length; the

basal half is tolerably well clothed with short hairs, which are black

on the upper surface and dirty white on the under; on the apical

half the hairs are longer (averaging rather more than a quarter of an

inch in length) and almost entirely black. The fur is long and mo-

derately soft.

The Octodon Bridgesii differs from the O. Cumingii (or O. Degus,

as it should be called) in being considerably larger, of a less bright

colour, and in having the tail longer and less distinctly tufted at the

apex ; the feet moreover are white, or very nearly so.

The dimensions given are taken from two specimens, one in the

British Museum collection and the other in that of the Zoological

Society, which were brought to this country by Thomas Bridges,

Esq., a very zealous collector and good observer, after whom I have

named the species. The skulls of these two specimens agree with

each other, and differ considerably from those of the O. Cumingii.

In the first place they are about one-third larger, less arched above;

the nasal bones are narrower in proportion, the frontal bones smaller

and more contracted in front, and the palate is also more contracted

in front. The molar teeth of the upper jaw have the inner fold of

enamel deeper. In the lower jaw the molar teeth have the lateral

angles more produced, and their transverse diameter is consequently

greater in proportion. The coronoid process is distinctly larger in

proportion. Other differences of size and proportion will be per-

ceived upon comparing the following dimensions :—

O. Cumingii. O. Bridgesii.

in. lin. in. lin,

A CRAE ORO, CRATE ain oaice nicnt Say * + ge d 1 9

EIEN TALS | GEC aS San ARNON, 1 SOY 1» 1 Of

Length of nasal bones ............ in eoie ated, O 8}

Length of frontal bones.............+-+-.: O 6} O 62

MISE GEINLELOFDMAL EPACE. 56 wis aie vin vee OD 0 43

Total length of zygomatic arch .......... 0 8} Wy a)

Length from front of superior incisors to the 0 51 0 62

SEINE REIN So ais tots wanes et lo ate £ +

Length of the four molar teeth taken together 0 42 0 54

Width of incisor teeth of upper jaw........ 0 13 0-12

Width of palate between foremost molars 0 1} 0 14

Width of palate between hinder molars .... 0 2 0 22

Length of ramus of lower jaw ............ 0 11 1 1#

“Ni

Height of ditto in a vertical line, dropped 0

SUMP e CONN Le” es. bees ete ee

430 Zoological Society.

Mr. Waterhouse observed, that the skull in the genera Octodon

and Schizodon differs from that of the nearly allied genera of Abro-

coma and Poephagomys, as well as the Echymys group, in having a

small vertical plate of bone which rises from the upper surface of

the anterior root of the zygomatic arch, and which serves to protect,

externally, the infra-orbital nerve. The superior incisor tooth enters

the superior maxillary bone, and passes beyond the intermaxillary

suture by about one-sixth of the whole length of the tooth; whilst

in Adrocoma the incisor is shorter, terminating at the suture men-

tioned, and thus approaches the genus Lagofis, as well as in several

other characters which he had before noticed. Poephagomys is re-

markable for having the superior incisor tooth extended backwards

and outwards, covered by a thin fold of bone, and terminating on

the outer surface of the palatal portion of the skull, close to the third

molar tooth.

Notwithstanding the great superficial resemblance which exists

between these animals and the Muride, it will be evident upon

examination that they belong to a different section of the Rodent

order, a section the species of which is readily distinguished, as he

had elsewhere pointed out, by the structure of the skull and lower

jaw; it is not, however, in these parts alone that differences exist

between the Octodontide and the Muride, for there is a dissimilarity

in the form of the muzzle, which he should take an early opportu-

nity of showing by means of drawings and descriptions, made either

from the living animals or from specimens preserved in spirit, and that

not only the Octodontide, but the whole of the great section Hystri-

cina, established by himself chiefly upon characters furnished by the

crania, possess peculiarities which will serve to distinguish them

from other groups of Rodents. In this great section, moreover, we

find the tibia and fibula invariably distinct, and not echylosed, as in

the Muride, which should, I now think, embrace the Myozide, but

not the genus Anomalurus, which Prof. Wagner is inclined to place

in the last-mentioned section, that genus having the tibia and fibula

distinct, as in the Sciurme and Hystricine groups.

Mr. Fraser brought before the Meeting the following species of

Chilian Birds, not included in the former collection. (See Ann. Nat.

Hist. vol. xi. p. 498.)

Milvago megalopterus, Meyen; Synallazis flavogularis, Gould ; Stur-

nella militaris, Vieill.; Attagis Gayi, Less. ; Aphriza Townsendii, Aud. ;

Calidris arenaria, Ill. ; Cyanopterus fretensis, Eyton; Dafila Pyrogas-

ter, Eyton; Dafila urophasianus, Eyton; Phalacrocorazr albigula,

Brandt.

To the last-mentioned bird the following note was attached :—

«‘Guanayre of the natives. A very scarce bird; found along the

shores of Chile in rocky places. T. B.”

Mr. Fraser also described a new bird from Chile, for which he pro-

posed the name of Leptopus Mitchellii*.

* If the name Leptopus proves to have been previously used, I would

propose Leptodactylus in its stead.

Zoological Society. 431

LeEprorvs.

Rostrum longum, tenue, rectum ; nares basales ; ala: mediocres ; pri-

mariz tres fer equales, secunda longissima ; cauda subrotundata ;

tarsi mediocres; digiti longi et tenues; nullus digitus posterior ;

ptilosis junioris seniori dissimilis.

The bill of this bird is of the same formation as that of Totanus

chloropygius, Vieill., while the feet resemble those of Hiaticula tri-

collaris.

Lerrorus Mircuenitu. Lep. capite fuscescente lined albd circa

verticem ; collo ferrugineo ; corpore superne cinereo-fusco purpu-

reis metallicis coloribus ornato ; fascid albd apud pectus; subtis

Jasciis parvis albis et nigris alternis ; rostro saturate viridi ; tarsis

flavis.

Tot. long. 7; ale, 44; cauda, 21; rostrum, 1; tarsi, 7; digito

medio, 1 poll.

Hab. Chile.

Another specimen, which I take to be the young of the above, has

an undefined white line passing from eye to eye round the back of

the head, the whole upper surface barred and mottled irregularly

with ferruginous and blackish brown; cheeks and throat mottled

with soot-colour, barred on the breast in a similar manner to the

adult, which barring is almost lost on the beily; vent and thighs

white.

October 22.—Professor Owen, V.P., in the Chair.

A paper by Sylvanus Hanley, Esq., was read, containing descrip-

tions of new species of Cyrena, Venus, and Amphidesma.

Cyrena RADIATA. Cyr. testd rotundato-cordatd, crassd, solidd, in-

equilaterali, tumidd, subnitidd, concentric? et subimbricatim sulcatd ;

epidermide olivaceo-fuscescente, et marginem converum aut sub-

arcuatum versus, luteo-virescente radiisque nigrescentibus ornatd ;

margine dorsali postico declivi, convexiusculo ; lunuld nulld ; nati-

bus acutis, incurvatis, integris ; ligamento parum prominente ; su-

perficie interna purpured ; dentibus lateralibus distinctis, brevibus,

minutissime rugulosis (haud crenatis autem), antico approzimato.

Long. 150; lat. 1-70 poll.

Hab, Central America. Mus. Hanley, Cuming, Sowerby.

This and the variegata of D’Orbigny are remarkable for being the

only radiated Cyrene at present known to us. The latter species is

decidedly depressed, whilst the radiata is peculiarly swollen.

Cyrena sorpipa. Cyr. testd suborbiculari, crassd, subinequilate-

rali, ventricosd aut tumidd; epidermide olivaceo-fuscescente et

marginem ventralem converum versus, luteo-virescente, concentrice

rugulosd ; margine dorsali postico, convexiusculo, declivi ; natibus

erosis, satis prominentibus ; ligamento subinfosso ; lunuld null ;

superficie internd albidd; dentibus lateralibus brevibus obtusis,

antico magis approximato.

Index Test. Sup. t. 14. f.51. Long. 1°50; lat. 1°60 poll.

Hab. North America. Mus. Hanley.

432 Zoological Society.

The link between Carolinensis and radiata, uniting the interior and

membranaceous wrinkles of the former to the general outline of the

latter.

Cyrena Puitiprinarum. Cyr. testd mazximd, compressd, obovatd,

valde inequilaterali, ponderosa, antice plicato-sulcatd, epidermide

olivaceo-fuscescente, indutd ; margine ventrali convexiusculo ; liga-

mentali subdeclivi, et angulum obtusum cum margine postico for-

mante ; natibus integris, approximatis, incumbentibus ; ligamento

pergrandi, valde prominente ; superficie interna postice et inferne

purpured, superneé albido-cerulescente ; dentibus cardinalibus cras-

séssimis ; lateralibus supra crenatis aut denticulatis, antico valde

approximato.

Index Test. Sup. t. 14. f.60. Long. 4; lat. 4°75 poll.

Hab, Philippines. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

There are a few narrow diverging folds on the posterior slope, but

this character is by no means peculiar to the species, being equally

‘possessed by Keraudreni, obesa and rotundata. ‘The ligament is dull

yellowish, variegated with rich green. The young are of a uniform

bright grass-green, and exhibit more decidedly than the adult the

vestiges of an incipient lanceolate Iunule.

Cyrena PLACENS. Cyr. testd suborbiculari, subventricosd, inequi-

laterali, nitidd, concentricé sulcato-striatd, epidermide virido-fla-

vescente indutd ; margine ventrali convexo ; dorsali, utrinque declivi

et conveziusculo ; natibus erosis ; ligamento fulvo, depresso, an-

gusto ; lunuld nulld ; superficie internd purpured ; dentibus laterali-

bus minutissimeé rugulosis haud autem crenatis, antico brevi et sub-

approximato.

Index Test. Sup. t. 14. f.52. Long. 1°50; lat. 1°75 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Hanley.

A beautiful and rare species. of which I have never seen but my

own specimen and that in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris.. The

sulci are close and regular, and the outline of the shell, although not

very unlike that of radiata, is convex in front of the beaks, thus

rendering the front extremity broad and somewhat obtuse.

Venus susnoputosa. Ven. testd ovatd, crassiusculd, subequilate-

rali, satis converd, concentricé costatd ; costis confertis, antice me-

diaque obtusis, postice in breves lamellas conversis, undique a sulcis

radiantibus decussatis ; margine ventrali convero aut subarcuato ;

dorsali, utrinque subdeclivi; pube et lunuld oblongo-cordatd, pro-

minentibus ; ligamento infosso, angustissimo ; margine interno undi-

que crenulato ; superficie internd purpureo picté.

Var. a. Testd albidd, livido-brunneo variegatd.

Var. 3. Testd fulvo-fuscescente, natibus albidis ; suleis subremotis.

Index Test. Sup. t. 16. f.19. Long. 0°58; lat. 0°75 poll.

Hab. San Nicholas, Philippines. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

This species bears some resemblance in sculpture to V. Marica, but

the shape is quite different. The concentric ribs are rendered sub-

nodulous by the radiating grooves. Only a few specimens of this

rare shell were procured by Mr. Cuming in the Philippine Islands.

Zoological Society. 433

Venus Cuemnirzu. Ven. testd rhombeo-cordatd, crassd, ventri-

cosd, vald? inequilaterali, albidd, brunneo subradiatim maculatd et

strigatd, radiatim’costellatd, concentric lamelliferd ; lamellis nu-

merosis, brevissimis, undique crispis ; costellis angustis confertis-

simis ; margine ventrali convexo intusque crenulato ; dorsali pos-

tico subrecto et minim? declivi; latere postico superne angulato ;

antico brevi, attenuato, rotundato ; lunuld fuscd, cordatd ; liga-

mento angusto, infosso ; superficie interna albidd, immaculatd.

Index Test. Sup. t. 16. f. 20. Long. 1°75; lat. 2°50 poll.

Hab. San. Nicholas, Philippines (Cuming). Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

This beautiful species bears a strong resemblance to the shell de-

lineated in the sixth volume of the ‘ Conchylien Cabinet,’ fig. 384,

which is commonly quoted for the reticulata of Linnzus equally with

the two preceding figures ; although Chemnitz, without separating it

from that species, specifies the absence of the orange tinge upon the

teeth, the peculiar characteristic of that well-known shell. ‘There is

a slight shade of orange beneath the umbones internally, and the

teeth are similar to those of puerpera.

Venus LaceratTa. Ven. testd V. puerpere affini, minus autem ven-

tricosd et margine ventrali posticoque magis arcuatis ; margine

ligamentali subrecto et minimé declivi ; lamellis concentricis con-

Jertioribus, et postice asperrimis ; superficie externd albidd, lineis

Serrugineis aut brunneis angulatim strigatd ; extremitate posticd

intus extusque immaculatd,

Index Test. Sup. t. 16. f. 28. Long. 2°50; lat. 2°50 poll.

Hab, Moluccas? Mus. Hanley.

The fringed lamelle become so crowded at the hinder extremity

of this rare and beautiful shell as to form a kind of raised reticulation.

It is a much rounder species than the V., Listeri, to which it. also

bears a considerable resemblance.

Venvs scasra. Ven. testé ovato-cordatd, inequilaterali, subven-

tricosd, pallide brunned, radiatim costellatd; costellis confertis et

concentrice squamiferis ; margine ventrali valde arcuato ; dorsali

utringue convexiusculo et antice brevi; natibus acutis et antice

incumbentibus ; lunuld subinconspicud ; pube haud excavatd ; super-

jicie internd, lividd et postice saturatius tinctd ; margine interno

crenato.

Index Test. Sup, t. 16. f.24. Long. 0°50; lat. 0°70 poll.

Hab. Catbalonga, Philippines. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

A rare species, which is somewhat allied to decorata and ovata,

but distinguishable from either by the greater convexity of its lower

margin. ‘The radiating ribs are peculiarly strong upon the umbones,

from whence they separate into two or three smaller ones, which

become more densely armed with the concentric rows of scales as

they approach the lower margin.

Venus rosporata. Ven, testd cordato-trigond, solidd, valid in-

equilaterali, magis minusve ventricosd, albidd (intus purpureo

postice infectd), concentricé cingulatd ; cingulis multis, levibus,

obtusis ; interstitiis levibus ; margine ventrali arcuato (intus leviter

434 Zoological Society.

crenulato) ; dorsali postico convexo et valde declivi; lunuld pro-

Sundd, cordata ; pube levi, excavatd ; sulco radiante obtusissimo,

lunulam alteram, ad extremitatem anticam simulante.

Index Test. Sup. t. 16. f.25. Long. 1; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. Van Diemen’s Land. Mus. Hanley, Metcalfe.

Not at all unlike the dysera of Chemnitz, but the concentric ribs

are in that species distant and membranaceous, whilst in ours they

are thick, obtuse, and rather crowded.

Venus Lyra. Ven. testd rotundato-cordatd, ventricosd, valdé in-

equilaterali, albidd, lineis maculisque brunneis angulatim variegatd,

concentricé costellatd ; costellis confertissimis levibus, medio sub-

imbricatis, antice et postice membranaceis ; interstitiis glabris ; mar-

gine ventrali arcuato, intusque crenato; lunuld cordatd, brunned,

profundé impressd ; pube excavatd ; superficie internd albidd.

Index Test. Sup. t. 16. f.21. Long. 1°20; lat. 1°40 poll.

Hab. Gulf of Guinea (Rang). Mus. Hanley, Cuming.

In contour, colouring and general sculpture this rare shell ap-

proaches the cincta of Chemnitz (f. 387), but whilst that species is

girt with but a few broad belts, ours is adorned with at least forty.

It is sometimes called V. cingulata of Lamarck, but not only is the

expression ‘‘ annulis crenatis’’ utterly at variance with its character-

istics, but an examination also of the typical specimens of the Jardin

des Plantes has proved to me its complete distinctness from that

species. Its teeth are those of the section Dosina.

Venus pDeciIPIENS. Ven. testd parvd, rotundato-subtrigond, com-

pressd, inequilaterali, solidd, pallide fulvd, radiis latis rufo-

brunneis variegatd, concentrice costatd ; costis glabris, subremotis,

depressis, postice sublamellosis, et supra pubem impressam por-

rectis ; interstitiis subconcavis, levibus ; margine ventrali subar-

cuato, intusgue subcrenato ; dorsali, utringue declivi, postice con-

vexo, antice brevi, subrecto ; lunuld lanceolatd ; ligamento angus-

tissimo, infosso.

Index Test. Sup. t. 16. f. 22. Long. 0°75; lat. 0°90.

Hab. Australia? Mus. Hanley, Cuming.

So extremely like the young of fasciata as with difficulty to be

distinguished. Its form, however, is proportionably broader between

the lateral extremities, the valves are much more compressed, and

the interstitial spaces decidedly broader. The hinder terminations

of the lamellar ribs, which project beyond the escutcheon in com-

pressed tubercles, do not appear to become obsolete by age, as in

Sasciata.

AMPHIDESMA CARNICOLOR. Amph. testd suborbiculari, converd aut

subventricosd, subtenui, subequilaterali, albido-rosed aut carned,

undique concentricé lamellata ; lamellis multis, membranaceis, ad

margines earum serratis ; interstitiis rugis radiantibus minutis,

confertissime ornatd ; margine ventrali rotundato, intusque integro ;

dorsali, utrinque brevi, subrecto et subequaliter declivi ; pube im-

pressd ; superficie internd aurantid.

Zoological Society. 435

Index Test. Sup. t. 12. f.28. Long. 1; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. Philippines. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

Exquisitely sculptured, but so minutely as to baffle the unassisted

eye.

November 12.—Professor Owen, Vice-President, in the Chair.

Extract of a letter from the President, the Right Hon. the Earl of

Derby, to the Secretary :—

‘* Knowsley, Oct. 17.—A circumstance has just occurred here

which I cannot help flattering myself will tend to throw light upon

a matter in the history of the Macropodide which has been often

disputed. I allude to the manner in which the young animal after

birth attains its lodgement in the mother’s pouch.

«« My superintendent tells me that one of our female Bettongias

was seen to part with a young one. She was observed to place her-

self erect in one of the angles of the place where she was confined,

backing as it were into the corner, and in this situation produced the

young one, which after its birth she took up in her fore-paws and

deposited in the pouch. This latter process the superintendent wit-

nessed himself.

“She had received the male so lately as the 19th of September,

and the parturition took place on the 16th of October. We will

take particular notice when the young quits the pouch.

“Of course this is not a decisive proof that all of the tribe adopt

the same process, yet I think we may fairly conclude from analogy

that they do.”

«« Oct. 19.—It may be observed that the period of utero-gestation

is avery short one, even under a month. Something peculiar in the

manner of the animal placing herself in the corner was observed by

the person who fed her, he stopped and watched her, and thus wit-

nessed the birth, immediately after which she turned round to the

young one, and getting it up in her fore-paws, applied them to the

mouth of the pouch, opened it with them, and as soon as the little

one was deposited she put her head in after it; when her nose re-

appeared it was rather stained with blood. In five minutes she was

jumping about the place as if nothing had happened.”

Mr. Weaver, of Birmingham, exhibited and presented to the So-

ciety specimens of the following insects :—Hipparchia Melampus*,

Leucaria littoralis, Sperantia sylvaria, Cleodora ?

November 26.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.

Conclusion of a paper by Sylvanus Hanley, on the new species in

the genus Tellina :—

TexLuina vircuLaTa. Tel, testd T. Donacine simillimd, sed pau-

lulum angustiore, striisque exilioribus ornatd ; extus intusque al-

* Taken on the mountains of Perthshire, about 3000 feet above the level

of the sea.

436 Zoological Society.

bidd roseo pereleganter radiatd; radiis latis, haud interruptis ;

margine dorsali albido. Long. 0°30; lat. 0°70 poll.

Hab. ? (Cuming.)

Tevirna Owentt. Tel, testd ovato-oblongd, solidiusculd, subimpo-

litd, compressd, equilaterali, albidd, concentricé et confertissime

striatd ; margine ventrali valde arcuato ; dorsali utrinque subde-

clivi, antice subrecto, postice incurvato et lamellis subdentato ; ex-

tremitate anticd rotundatd ; latere postico acuminato, subrostrato ;

costd umbonali conspicud ; natibus acutis ; ligamento infosso ; disco

interno, aurantio ; dentibus lateralibus subequidistantibus. Long.

1°25.; lat..2 poll.

Hab. Africa. Mus. Zool. Soc., Brit. Mus.

A very rare and beautiful shell, whose contour is that of squalida

and sculpture that of Pharaonis. I have named it in honour of its

discoverer, Captain Owen.

Treritina seMEN. Tel. testd ovaid aut ovali, crassd, inequilaterali,

subventricosd, nitidd, albidd (intus submargaritaced), antice rotun-

datd, postice obtusd, concentricé striata ; strits antice subimbricatis

confertissimisque, postice remotioribus et elevatis ; margine ven-

trali convero; dorsali utrinque magis minusve convexo, postice

declivi, antice declivi aut subdeclivi ; latere antico multo longiore ;

ligamento minimo, prominulo ; flecurd subobsoletd ; dentibus late-

ralibus conspicuis, postico magis approximato. Long. 0°25; lat.

0°50 poll.

Hab. Corregidor ; sandy mud, twelve fathoms. (Cuming.)

Almost a Donar, but possessing a slight flexuosity which is not

to be met with in that genus.

TreLtina nosiuis. Tel. testd ovali, solidiusculd, convexrd, inequi-

laterali, nitidissimd, levigatd, intus extusque rosed ; margine ven-

trali convexiusculo, medio plerumque subrecto ; dorsali, antice vir

declivi et convexiusculo, postice subdeclivi et subrecto aut convex-

iusculo ; latere antico longiore, ad extremitatem obtuse rotundato ;

postico obtuse angulato ; natibus obtusis ; flexurd costdque umbo-

nali subobsoletis ; ligamento prominulo ; dentibus cardinalibus par-

vis, lateralibus nullis. Long. 1 ; lat. 1°50 poll.

Hab. Orion, province of Bataan, isle of Luzon; fine black sand, at

low water. Mus. Cuming, Hanley.

The extreme link between Tellina and Psammobia, and not readily

confounded with any of its division, owing to the general absence of

colour in those Tellens which are destitute of lateral teeth.

TELLINA PUELLA. Tel. testd obovatd, inequilaterali, tenui, ventri-

cosd, levi, nitidiusculd, extus intusque albido-rosed ; margine ven-

trali antice arcuato, postice sursum acclinante ; dorsali, antice con-

vexo, paululumque declivi, postice convexiusculo et valde declivi ;

latere antico longiore, rotundato ; postico brevi, angustato, angu-

lato ; costd umbonali subobsoletd ; flevurd ventrali, satis conspicud ;

natibus obtusis ; ligamento prominulo ; dentibus parvis ; lateralibus

remotis, subequidistantibus. Long. 0°5; lat. 0°6 poll.

Entomological Society. 437

Hab. Senegal. Cuming, Metcalfe.

Not very unlike a thin Solidu/a, but provided with lateral teeth.

Tecuina cuinensis. Tel. testd ovali, solidiusculd, converd, sub-

inequilaterali, impolitd, intus extusque candidd, levigatd ; margine

ventrali subrecto ; dorsali, antice convexiusculo et paululum declivi,

postice subrecto satisque declivi ; extremitate posticd obtusd ; latere

antico longiore, rotundato ; ligamento — ? ; costd umbonali obso-

letd ; dentibus lateralibus nullis. Long, 0°62; lat. 1 poll.

Hab. China. Mus. Britannicum.

Tevirna ava. Tel. testd ovatd, solidiusculd, subinequivalvi, sub-

equilaterali, nitidd, convexiusculd, extus intusque albidd (radio

brevi pallid aurantio in adultis ornatd), concentricé substriatd ;

margine ventrali magis minusve convexo ; dorsali antice convexo et

subdeclivi, postice declivi et prope nates subretuso ; latere untico,

rotundato, longiore ; postico angulato, subrostrato ; flecurd costdque

umbonali conspicuis ; ligamento subinfosso ; cardine, dentibus pri-

mariis parvis, et nonnunquam dente laterali antico rudimentali, in-

structo.

Var. Testd ovato-trigond, solidd, convexd, levi aut sublevigatd, ne-

quaquam subrostratd ; flevurd costdque umbonali subinconspicuis.

Long. 1°20; lat. 1°75 poll. Var. long. 1°20; lat. 1°50 poll.

Hab. Ceylon? Mus. Metcalfe, Cuming, Hanley.

An extremely variable species, with somewhat the aspect of Nym-

phalis, but easily distinguished by its lesser convexity, and in general

by the presence of a pale orange streak on either side of the umbones,

or in the young by the slight rostrum and the possession of regular

concentric striz.

Texiina Irvus. Tel. testd ovatd aut obovatd, crassd (in adultis),

subventricosd, subequilaterali, impolitd, extus intusque albidd, con-

centric? rugulosd ; rugis interruptis minimis, confertissimis, sub-

elevatis ; margine ventrali magis minusve arcuato; dorsali antice

convero et subdeclivi, postice convexiusculo, elongato et declivi ;

latere antico paululum breviore, rotundato ; postico inferne angu-

lato; lunuld (in adultis) parvd, profundd ; ligamento infosso ;

costa umbonali subobsoletd ; dentibus satis magnis. Long. 1°10;

lat. 1°40 poll.

Hab. ? Mus. Cuming, Walton.

Evidently a perforating species, and allied to the Petricola ochro-

leuca of Lamarck, the true Yellina fragilis of Linnzeus’s. own collec-

tion,

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 3rd, 1843.—George Newport, Esq., President, in the Chair.

Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited a case of New Holland insects,

some being of great rarity, including a new species of Rhipicera of

large size.

Mr. F. Bond exhibited some specimens of Pachyrhynchi from the

438 Entomological Society.

Philippine Islands, which had become discoloured by grease, but

which he had restored to brilliancy by immersing them in pure

naphtha and then covering them over with powdered chalk for twenty-

four hours. This plan was equally applicable to Lepidopterous insects

similarly circumstanced.

The following memoirs were read :—

Descriptions of some new Curculionide from the Philippine Islands.

By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq.

Continuation of a memoir on the Geotrupide and Trogide. By

Mr. Westwood.

May Ist.—George Newport, Esq., President, in the Chair.

Mr. Marshall mentioned that in the United Service Museum he

had observed an ant’s nest, stated to be from abroad, precisely similar

to one recently forwarded to the Society from Surrey as the con-

struction of the wood-ant.

He likewise mentioned that the rare moth, Ephyra pictaria, had

been taken in some plenty at Colchester in April 1842.

Mr. Evans exhibited some curious Crustacea recently received from

China, and Mr. Westwood various new and interesting Indian insects

of different orders, recently added to the collection of the Rey. F.

W. Hope, including a fine Gryllus, like G. Donovani, anew subgenus

allied to Derbe, some curious Chalcidide, two species of Celyphus,

&c., also a box of interesting Coleoptera and Hymenoptera which he

had received from the Berlin museum.

Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a living specimen of an Indian Harpa-

lideous insect resembling Platynus angusticollis, found in an impor-

tation of plants from Bombay. He also stated that a specimen of

Cermatia livida had been found alive on board a ship recently arrived

from Madeira.

Mr. Ingpen exhibited a fine specimen of the North American

Saturnia Cecropia, reared from the chrysalis state by the Rev. Albert

Badger.

The completion of Mr. Westwood’s memoir on the Geotrupide

and Trogide was read.

After noticing the views published by Macleay and Latreille as to

the relations and classification of the Geotrupide and Trogide, the

author proceeds to describe those genera which possess 10-jointed

antennez and exserted mandibles and labrum, and which respectively

belong to the two families above mentioned as thus characterized.

GEOTRUPIDE. TRoGID&.

Antennarum clava | articulo basali infundibu- | articulis liberis.

liformi,

Mazillarum lobi membranacei, potius cornei, supe-

ro ciliato-dentato.

Labii lobi plerumque porrecti, plerumque retracti.

Entomological Society. 439

GEOTRUPID2.

Antenne TI-ATGCUaue . 6... cn ccs ccs seers Geotrupes, &c.

Antenne 10-articulate.

Prothorax haud canaliculatus.

Tibiz anticz 3-dentatz.

Mandibule uncinate ..,........... Hybosorus.

Mandibule latiores.

Ungues bifidi.

Tibiz postice in medio dentate .. Coilodes.

Tibiz postice in medio inermes.. Silphodes.

Wagues eitapliers..3 .. 065. YG oo Cheetodus.

Tibize antic 2-dentate .............. Apalonychus.

Prothorax canaliculatus ................ Amnaides.

Trocip2.

Antenne 9-articulate.

RSRMMN GUE, IAVINIV S's Shs 5 oo 3 58's 5 be wpa Scales fEgialia.

Corpus longum, parallelum.......... ds 4p, TOM.

Antenne 10-articulate.

Corpus supra planum, mentum profunde incisum.. Cryptogenius.

Corpus plus minusve convexum, mentum haud

profunde incisum.

Caput sub pectus haud contractile, corpus haud

globosum.

Pedes mediocres, tarsis gracilibus.

Prothorax maximus, anticé subbitubercu-

TTT ge pe LA se et i aie ae vires « / CEDDIUS:

Prothorax mediocris haud anticé subbitu-

berculatus.

Prothorax anticé plus minusve retusus,

maxillarum lobus internus denticu-

latus.

Caput maris plerumque cornutum.

Mandibule 4-dentate .......... Orphnus.

Mandibule 3-dentate.......... Triodontus.

Caput inerme, mandibule 2-dentate Aigidium.

Prothorax et caput simplicia, maxillarum

lobus internus in spinam acutam pro-

OURAN Ste og So cate es See ~-»»-. Ochodeus.

Pedes abbreviati, tarsis crassis....... -.-»-. Lrox and Pho-

berus.

Caput sub pectus contractile, corpus globosum. Acanthocerus,

and the subgenera separated by Germar in Zeitsch. f. d. Ent.

The following new species are described in this paper :—

Hybosorus orientalis, Hope MSS. Niger, nitidus, clypeo puncta-

tissimo, marginato, thorace tenue punctato ; elytris striato-punc-

tatis ; tibiis anticis 3-dentatis. Long. corp. lin. 6.—Hab. India

orientali.

440 Entomological Society.

Hybosorus thoracicus, Hope MSS. Obdlongo-ovalis, piceo-rufus ;

thorace rufo, nitido ; capite thoraceque sub lente tenue punctatis ;

elytris striato-punctatis ; antennis luteis ; tibiis anticis 3-dentatis.

Long. corp. lin. 3}.—Hab. Senegallia.

Hybosorus pinguis, W. Latior, piceo-niger, elytris nigris, clypeo

punctato, thorace sublevi ; elytris striato-punctatis ; pedibus piceis,

brunneo-setosis ; antennis fulvis ; tibiis anticis 3-dentatis. Long.

corp. lin. 3~4.—Hab. Sierra Leone.

CorLropEes, W. Insecta Americana. Typus generis Hybosorus

gibbus, Perty.

Coilodes chilensis, W. Piceus, thorace 3 rufo-piceo, excavatione

magna antica, margineque antico in medio tuberculo prominenti

instructo. Long. corp. lin. 35.—Hab. Chili.

Coilodes castaneus, W. Piceo-castaneus, nitidus ; thorace maris

parim excavato ; elytris vic geminato-striato-punctatis ; pedibus

brunneis. Long. corp. lin. 23.—Hab. Columbia.

Cuztopus, W. Genus novum. Insecta Americe meridionalis

incole.

Chztodus piceus, W. Piceus, nitidus; capite thoraceque rude

punctatis ; elytris regulariter striatis, luteo-setosis ; pedibus valde

setosis ; antennarum clava lutea. Long. corp. lin. 3.—Hab.

Brasilia.

Cheetodus irregularis, W. Piceus, nitidus ; capite thoraceque grosse

punctatis ; elytris irregulariter striatis, antennarum clava obscu-

riort. Long. corp. lin. 24.—Hab. Brasilia.

Chetodus? basalis, W. Piceus, nitidus; elytris basi rufis, pune-

tato-striatis ; pedibus elongatis, gracilibus. Long. corp. lin. 2.—

Hab. Cayenne. (Caput deest.)

Srrpnopes, W. et AnarpEs, W. See Journal of Proceedings for

September 1841 for an abstract of the characters of these two

groups.

Apatonycuus, W. Species unica ex insula Cuba.

Apalonychus Waterhousii, W. Fulvo-castaneus, nitidus, levis, an-

tennarum clava lutea; elytris tenue et irregulariter punctato-

striatis, lateribus longé setosis. Long. corp. lin. 4.—Hab. In-

sula Cuba.

Crrprocenius, W. See Journal of Proceedings, September 1841.

Triopontus, W. Species unica. Orphnus nitidulus, Guérin,

texte de l’Iconographie. Ex insula Madagascar.

/Eaerp1um (Dej. Cat. sine descr.). Insecta Americana.

fXgidium Columbianum, W. Nigrum, capite thoraceque levibus,

nitidis ; elytris subpiceis, carinatis, et punctis ovalibus obsitis ;

& pronoto tuberculo frontali et excavatione magna dorsali, 3

pronoto canaliculato. Long. corp. g lin. 9; 2 lin. 74.—Hab.

Columbia.

fEgidium parvulus, W. Angustius, nigro-piceum obscurum, un-

Entomological Society. 44V

dique punctatum ; elytris bicarinatis, pronoto canali dorsali sub-

obsoleto, Long. corp. lin. 5}.—Hab. Insula Guadeloupe.

Kgidium Hedulus, Dej. Cat. Nigrum, nilidissimum ; pronoto &

in medio valde depresso-punctato, lateribus angulato-elevatis,

tuberculoque frontali in utroque sexu armato, 2 impressione seu

canali lato, minime profundo, frontali, elytris magis rotundatis

et punctatis, punctis in strias irregulares dispositis. Long. corp.

lin. 5—4.—Hab. Brasilia.

/Egidium? Guianense, W. Breve converum, castaneum, pronoto

postice pariim angustato ; mandibulis extis cornu obtuso armatis.

Long. corp. lin. 43.—Hab. Guiana.

Orphnus Mysoriensis, W. Brunneus seu nigro-piceus, tuberculo

elevato in medio marginis postici prothoracis ; elytris irregulariter

punctatis. Long. corp. lin. 5-44,—Hab. India orientali, Mysore.

Orphnus picinus, W. Piceo-niger, nitidus ; capite ¢ cornu erecto,

prothoraceque excavatione magna media, margine postico margi-

nato; elytris striis irregularibus, pariim impressis, Long. corp.

lin. 44-—4.—Hab. India orientali, Bombay.

Orphnus impressus, W. Piceus vel rufo-piceus, capite postice in

2 tuberculo parvo armato pronotoque antic? excavatione trian-

gulari instructo. Long. corp. lin. 33-4.—Hab. India orientali

centrali.

Orphnus nanus, W. Niger aut castaneus, nitidus, oblongus ; capite

3 cornu brevi, erecto, et pronoto semicirculariter excavato, exca-

vatione haud ultra medium pronoti extensa, lateribusque vix elevatis

et in tuberculo terminatis; capite pronotoque vage punctatis, ely-

trisque irregulariter striatis, punctisque majoribus in strias rudes

dispositis. Long. corp. lin. 2.—Hab. India orientali centrali.

Orphnus Meleagris, Dej. Cat. (ined.) Latus, castaneo-fulvus ; ely-

tris stria suturali punctisque irregularibus, capite cornu elevato,

conico, frontali pronotoque valde excavato, lateribus conico-elevatis,

versus caput rotundatis. Long. corp. lin. 5.—Hab. Senegallia.

June 4th.—George Newport, Esq., President, in the Chair.

Mr. 8. Stevens exhibited specimens of the larvee of Leucania stra-

minea (Nonagria Vectis, Curt.), tolerably well figured by Freyer,

which he had detected in the Hammersmith marshes feeding on the

leaves of reeds, and which spin an external web in which they un-

dergo their transformations ; also a very large living British species

of water-mite (/7ydrachna geographica).

Mr. Evans exhibited a specimen of the rare Agrotis puta, captured

on the evening of the meeting, in the Wandsworth road.

Captain F. Parry exhibited a box of Coleoptera from New Hol-

land, Africa and India, including a new and very flat Lamedl/icorn

insect belonging to the family Cetoniide, but having somewhat the

form of Platygenia, with singular-shaped middle feet, from tropical

Africa. /

Mr. Saunders exhibited specimens of a species of Polydesmus and

of Julus pulchellus, which he had found extremely destructive at the

roots of plants in gardens. The latter insect was stated by Mr.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. 2H

442 - Miscellaneous.

Newport to have been formed by M. Gervais into the genus Planiulus,

but with insufficient characters. He also stated, in reference to the

question of the habits of these insects and the best modes of their

destruction, that they deposit their eggs from March to May, after

which there is an interval of a few months, a second period of ovi-

position being in July and August. Mr. Ingpen doubted whether

these insects ever attack perfectly healthy plants, but Mr. Saunders

mentioned various instances of an opposite character.

The following papers were read :—

Monograph of the Dipterous genus Ceria. By W. W. Saunders,

Esq., F.L.S. (since published in the first part of the fourth volume

of the Transactions of the Society).

A notice respecting the Prizes offered by the Rev. F. W. Hope.

Observations on the sexual distinctions and mode of copulation

of an Indian species of Mutilla. By Captain Boys.

Mr. Westwood havmg suggested that one of the statements in

Captain Boys’s letter respecting the transporting of prey by a winged

Mutilla, appeared to him to apply to a winged female Scolia rather

than to a winged male Mutilla, as no male fossorial hymenopterous

insect had been hitherto observed to possess such habits, Mr. Double-

day stated that he had captured many specimens of Monedulain the

United States in the act of capturing gad-flies (Tabani), whence they

are termed horse-guards, and that all his specimens proved to be

males.

Mr. Westwood exhibited drawings of and made some observations

upon the portable nests of the larvee of different species of Chlamys.

MISCELLANEOUS.

On-the Fossil Cycadez in general, and especially on those which are

found in Silesia. By Prof. G@prrerr*.

Tuer author commences his memoir by observing that, notwithstand-

ing the considerable increase of late in the number of species which

compose the fossil Cycadee, the classification established in 1828 by

M. Ad. Brongniart, in his ‘ Prodrome des Végétaux Fossiles,’ still

suffices, with a few modifications, for the wants of the new interca-

lations.

The great majority of the fossil Cycadee known up to the present

time belong to the Jurassic formation ; those which the author col-

lected in Silesia are found in the deposits of argillaceous iron of

Upper Silesia, deposits which form part of the above-mentioned for-

mation. After passing in review the attempts which, since the pub-

lication of the ‘ Prodromus’ of M. Ad. Brongniart, have been made

to establish a new classification of the Cycadee, M. Geeppert enume-

rates the whole of these fossil vegetables, distributed according to

* Being an abstract drawn up by M. Tchihatcheff, and laid before the

French Geological Society, Nov. 18, 1844.

Miscellaneous. 443,

the method of M. Brongniart, re-uniting however the two genera Za-

mia and Zamites into one genus, and adding the genus Zamiostrobus

(Endlich.) to designate their fructifications.

Amongst the Cycadee hitherto known, and which M. Geeppert di-

vides into the four following sections, Cycadites, Zamites (comprising

the Zamiostrobus), Pterophyllum and Nilsonia, the following species

have been discovered by the author :—

Zamiostrobus (fruit) ovatus, Pterophyllum Braunianum.

crassus. Dunkerianum.

Sussexiensis, — Munsteri.

Pterophyllum Oeynhausianum (av. inconstans.

g.)- —— difforme.

Carnallianum (av. fig.). —— lunularifolium.

propinquum (av. fig.). Nilsonia compta,

—— gonorrhachis (av. fig.), Bergeri.

Preslianum. —— acuminata.

taxinum. —— Kirchneriana.

The result of the enumeration made by the author is, that the

total number of the different species of fossil Cycadee known up to

the present time and designated by a specific name amounts to 78,

amongst which are 9 stems or stipes, 65 fronds and 4 fructifications.

The genera which compose this total are in the following propor-

tions :-—

Stems. Fronds. Fructifications.

SIVGRNCEE soon nkacrapdans dene 11 4 7

PUAINILOR. comes caw aneces sia cas 28 5 23

Zamiostrobus .......se00- a se des +

Pterophyllum ............ 23 mb 23

INSISONIAY Gt. .Cosatccoseas ce: 12 aoe 12

Total number of species} 78 3 65 4

The species are thus distributed in the different formations :—

Carboniferous formation ... 4 J una); sey). dizact. add <ocdtos

Red Sandstone ..........00.- 1 Weald Clay, 43 awa csessch «obo, 5

Gres. DIZALTE » ine -copaasass oye 2 Greensand, 4.....5s saya icon 3

PRPUDCES igcnseadaaases iets sass 2 Chalets iiiicssseetees ae 2

REE Rs Ceres 19 DAG IES itis apart Ue ced 3

LI Rg oR NS oe ee cols 29 Unknown deposit ............ 3

Making a large allowance for the inevitable reproductions of the

same species under new names, as well as for the probability that

many fronds and stipes, described as different species, are only in

fact the integrant parts of the same individual, it is not less true that

on comparing the species of the fossil with those of the existing Cy-

cadee, the total number of which is generally estimated at 38, the

numerical advantage will infallibly belong to the first, so that their

number may always be placed at double that of the recent Cycadee ;

inasmuch as the influence of the causes which would tend to reduce

2H 2

44d Miscellaneous.

that proportion is greatly counterbalanced by the discoveries which

are continually going on of new fossil species.

The eleven species of Cycadites approach most in their stiff and uni-

nervous leaves to the recent species of Cycas, the number of which is

nearly equal to that of the fossil species ; a part of the genus Zamites,

and especially the species (nearly to the number of fifteen) the pin-

nules of which present a certain contraction at their base, correspond

to the genus Encephalartos, whilst the species (to the number of

eight) the pinnules of which are articulated at their base, and are

fixed to the frond in an oblique manner, might offer a pendant to the

Macrozamia. Lastly, the genera Zamiostrobus, Nilsonia and Ptero-

phyllum, composed of thirty-eight species, must be considered as ex-

tinct genera, and do not admit of any parallel with the Zamia, L.,

the pinnules of which are distinctly articulated, whilst those of the

genera in question do not at all present that peculiarity.

The author concludes his important work with a comparative table

of the geographical and geological distribution of the living and fossil

Cycadee. We submit it to our readers, not only because it is of great

interest, but also because it serves to render the extent of the labo-

rious investigations of the celebrated savant of Breslau appreciated.

Present Flora.

Cycus, L., composed of 10 species ;

tropical and subtropical Asia, New

Holland.

Macrozamia, Miq., 3 species; New

Holland and the Cape.

Encephalartos, Lehm., 15 species ;

the Cape, not far from the tropics.

Zamia, 10 species ; tropical and sub-

tropical America.

Genus partly extinct.

Genus wholly extinct.

Fossil Flora.

Cycadites, composed of 11 species ;

Sweden, Isle of Portland, France,

Bohemia, Saxe-Coburg and Hano-

ver.

Zamites, Brong. (incomplete ana-

logy); France, England, Baireuth,

Bamberg (Bavaria).

Reappears 15° further north, that is

to say, Isle of Portland, England,

Bamberg.

Wholly wanting.

Zamites, Geepp.; Isle of Portland,

England, France, Bamberg, Bai-

reuth, East Indies.

Zamiostrobus, England.

Pterophyllum, Brong., 23 species ;

Switzerland, Wurtemburg, Au-

stria, Bohemia, Bamberg, Bai-

reuth, Saxony, Schaoumberg, Si-

lesia.

Nilsonia, Brong., 12 species; Swe-

den, England, Saxe-Coburg, Qued-

linbourg, Bamberg, Baireuth.

Extract of a Note from J.E. Gray, Esq., relative to his paper on

the Animal of Spirula, p. 257.

To Richard Taylor, Esq.

My pear Srr,—While in Holland, my friend M. Milne Edwards

has sent me M. Laurent’s ‘ Annales d’Anatomie et Physiologie,’ con-

taining a paper by M. de Blainville describing the body of Spzruda,

Miscellaneous. 445

in which he shows that the animal is provided with a rudimentary

fin on each side of the terminal gland, which had been rubbed off or

otherwise destroyed, so that their base appears to form part of the

gland itself in Mr. Cuming’s specimen.

‘The paper above referred to, being published in a work chiefly

devoted to anatomy and medicine, had escaped my knowledge.

I will shortly send you a copy of the figures, with some other

particulars, for the purpose of completing the history of this interest-

ing genus. Believe me, my dear Sir, yours very truly,

15th May, 1845. J. E. Gray.

[The observations of M. de Blainville were noticed by Mr. Owen

in one of his Hunterian Lectures, published in 1843, of which the

following is an extract :—

“ ‘The genus in which the shell most nearly resembles that of the

tetrabranchiate Cephalopods, belongs to the Spirula. A few muti-

lated specimens which had reached this country during this present

century had demonstrated it to be an internal shell, and the more

perfect specimen dissected by M. de Blainville in 1839, proved it to

have the characteristic organization of the Dibranchiate order, and

to possess, as Péron had indicated, the eight short arms and the two

long tentacula of the Decapodous tribe.” —Ep. ]

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF DORIS. BY C. W. PEACH*,

{With a Plate. ]

Goran Haven, Cornwall, April 1845.

Havine in the early part of 1844 noticed white-spotted jelly-like

films suspended from the rocks in the cove near my residence, my

curiosity was excited to know what they were. On the 18th of

January of that year, I observed that they were more plentiful than

I ever before saw them, and on rocks considerably nearer high water

mark. I also found a great number of a small kind of Doris on the

same rock ; not having seen them there before, I began to suspect that

in all probability they had something to do with the above-mentioned

films. I took several of them and placed them in a vessel containing

sea-water ; the next morning I found that a pair of them had fixed

their ova to the side of the dish, in every respect agreeing with those

found on the rock, thus confirming my suspicions. They shed their

ova in pairs. I took also with the animal several pieces of their ova

from the rock and kept them in a glass of sea-water, and on the 5th of

February found that the young had come forth in thousands. I just

mention, that no mistake might be made, that I always filtered the

water I supplied the ova with through three or four folds of linen; and

moreover, I saw the young moving about in the ova long before they

came out, and also observed others there some time after their elder

brethren had left. These young are contained in a Nautilus-like

shell so small (indeed a mere speck), as not to be made out as such

by the unassisted eye. The animal is furnished with two arms of a

* Read at the last Annual Meeting of the Royal Institution of Cornwall.

446 Miscellaneous.

wheel-like shape, from which rise in a radiate form delicate cilia ;

these cilia move rapidly, and with them, after raising the shell on its

edge, the animal runs round, and at times darts across with surpri-

sing swiftness ; occasionally they lie on their side and then spin

round on the shell with the mouth going backwards, occasioned by

the position and rapid movements of the cilia. They frequently rest,

and withdraw altogether into the shell. The adult animal is tuber-

cled, about 13ths of an inch long, covered with dark brown and red

blotches intermingled with spots of white; it is furnished with two

horns, one on each side of the head ; these are leaf-like on the hinder

part. The branchiz are placed in a semicircular manner near the tail,

the two ends being turned in so as almost to touch the outside, the

open part being towards the tail ; on the outer part of the semicircle

are eighteen feather-like branchiz, with three on each of the parts

which turnin. They left the rocks in February, and I have not seen

one since; thus showing them to be inhabitants of deep water, and

that they only came in shore for the purpose of shedding their ova.

I succeeded in hatching the young from two different sets of ova se-

veral days between.

Up to March of the present year 1845, I have not seen a single

animal of the above Doris, or any of the ova: this is probably owing

to the severity of the weather. The first part of 1844 was much

more genial, and thus tempted the Doris in-shore. I merely throw

this out as a hint well worthy of notice.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIV.

Fig. 1. The embryo with its wheel-like arms displayed when raised on its

edge.

Fig. 2. Ditto on its side.

Fig. 3. Empty shell :—all highly magnified.

ON THE NIDI OF BUCCINUM RETICULATUM. BY C.W. PEACH*.

In your valuable publication for March 1844, p. 203, you inserted

an opinion of mine, that the nidus there described belonged to the

Buccinum reticulatum; I have since continued to notice them, and

all my observations completely confirm what I then stated. I suc-

ceeded in the spring, and again in August 1844, by keeping the nidi

in sea-water in my house, in hatching the young; thus showing

that, like the Purpura lapillus, they deposit their nidi all the year

round. ‘These young so much resemble those of the Doris, both in

shell and animal, that the former description will do for this. It is

a singular circumstance, that an animal which is naked at maturity

should require a shelly covering when young, as well as one which

always possesses a shell in all its stages of growth. It is one of

those interesting circumstances which meet the naturalist at every

step he takes; to me it proves design in providing a covering to

shelter it when in a weak and helpless state. Both these young

shells have myriads of enemies in the small infusoria, which may be

noticed with a powerful microscope hovering round them, and ready

* Read at the last Annual Meeting of the Royal Institution of Cornwall.

Meteorological Observations. 447

to devour them the instant weakness or injury prevents their keeping

in motion the cilia, which serve both for locomotion and defence. Let

these cease to move, a regular attack is made, and the animal is soon

devoured ; and it is interesting to observe several of these scavengers

sporting in the empty shell as if in derision at the havoc they have

made. ‘The shells are mere specks ; what must be the size of the

conquerors, when the speck-like shell will hold several of them !

Thousands of both of the young animals perish early—in a few hours

after coming into existence ; this must be the case, for if all came

to maturity that are hatched, our coast would be literally covered in-

stead of being only spotted.

Oxsirvary.—It is with much concern that we record the early

loss of a very distinguished cultivator of botanical science :

Died at Malacca, on Sunday the 9th of February, after a short

illness, William Griffith, Esq., of the Madras Medical Service, and

late Acting Superintendent of the Honourable East India Company’s

Botanic Garden at Calcutta, after having been antecedently employed

in the scientific missions sent into the Tenasserim provinces, to Assam,

to Suddujow and Ava, Bootan, Affghanistan, Khorassan, &c. He was

an active member of several scientific sucieties in Europe, and was

in his thirty-fifth year.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR APRIL 1845.

Chiswick.—April 1. Slight haze: clear. 2,3. Foggy: fine: clear. 4. Foggy:

cloudless. 5. ‘Thick haze; fine. 6. Clear and fine: sharp frost. 7., Clear and

frosty : very dry air: slight frost. 8. Densely overcast: cloudy: sharp frost.

9. Foggy: overcast. 10. Showery throughout. 11, Rain: dense clouds and

cold ; frosty at night. 12. Cloudy and fine: rain, 13. Showery : clear and fine.

14. Boisterous. 15. Boisterous, with slight rain. 16. Overcast: fine. 17. Fine.

18. Overcast: fine. 19. Overcast and cold: very fine. 20, Slight haze: very

fine. 21,22. Very fine. 23. Sultry. 24—26. Very fine. 27. Showery, 28.

Overcast. 29. Very fine. 30. Overcast.—Mean temperature of the month 1°

above the average.

Boston.—April 1. Cloudy. 2—5. Fine. 6. Fine: ice this morning. 7.

Cloudy, 8. Cloudy: rain a.m. 9, Fine. 10, Windy: rain xem. 11. Windy :

rain a.M. 12. Cloudy. 13. Cloudy: rainr.m. 14. Windy: rainr.m. 15.

Cloudy and stormy: rain early a.m, 16. Cloudy. 17. Fine. 18. Cloudy.

19—21. Fine. 22. Cloudy. 23—25. Fine. 26. Rain. 27. Cloudy. 28—

30. Fine.

Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—April 1. Bright: damp. 2 Bright: clear. — 3,

4. Clear: cloudy. 5. Clear. 6. Fog: clear. 7,8, Bright: clear. 9. Rain:

cloudy. 10,11. Bright: cloudy, i2, 13. ‘Cloudy: clear, 14. Rain: clear.

15. Clear. 16. Cloudy: drizzle. 17, Drizzle: fog. 18. Bright: fog. 19. Clear.

20, 21. Fine: clear: fine. 22. Fine. 23. Fine: fog. 24. Cloudy. 25. Bright :

cloudy. 26. Rain: damp. 27. Bright: cloudy. 28. Showers. 29, Bright:

clear. SO. Cloudy.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire.— April 1, 2. Fine: dry : hoar frost. 3. Re-

markably fine. 4. Very droughty: raw frost. 5. Very droughty, but milder.

6. Hoar frost. 7. Slight frost. 8. Rain and hail. 9, Slight showers. 10, Fre-

quent showers. 11. Clear: fair, butcold. 12. Cloudy: drops: rain. 13. Hail

and rain, 14, Slight showers. 15. Dry and cold. 16. Fair: fine: slight frost.

17. Very fine. 18. Fine. 19—22. Fine: drougbty. 23,24, Fine. 25. A few

drops: rain. 26. Heavy rain. 27. Heavy rain and flood. 28. Fair, but un-

settled. 29. Shower p.m. 30, Heavy rain p.m,

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THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

SUPPLEMENT TO VOL. XV. JULY 1845.

eee

LXIUI.—Notices of various Mammalia, with Descriptions of many

new Species. By Epwarp Bryvu, Esq., Curator of the Asiatic

Society’s Museum, &c.*

Part I.—Tur PRIMATES, Linn.

Simiade.—When last I had occasion to treat of this group, I

remarked (Journ. As. Soc. xii. 176), that at that time the only

ascertained species known to inhabit the countries bordering on

the Bay of Bengal to the eastward were the Hylobates Lar, which

I suggested to be the most common species of gibbon found in

the interior of the Tenasserim provinces, as alluded to by Dr.

Helfer; and H. syndactylus, which according to that author ex-

tends as high as 15° N. lat., a statement which however it would

be satisfactory to have confirmed. It now appears that the

H. Lar is dittused so high as Arracan, where Captain Abbott,

assistant to the commissioner of the province, and who is sta-

tioned in Ramree, is acquainted both with it and H. Hoolock as

inhabitants of that island (?). In Arracan however the Hoolock

is the prevalent species of gibbon, and extends thence over all

the hill-ranges of Sylhet and Assam}; while the Lar, or white-

handed species, is found southward to the Straits. The Society

has lately received a pale specimen of the Hoolock from Captain

Phayre (senior assistant to the commissioner of Arracan, and

stationed at Sandoway), which closely approaches to that in the

Zoological Society’s museum, which was described as a distinct

species by the name H. choromandus, being however a trifle

darker, and considerably darker than the very pale example from

Assam noticed in ‘Journ. As. Soc.’ x. 839. Another Hoolock

in this museum is again much darker than the Arracan specimen,

and we have retained a third of the usual intense black colour all

over, with the exception of the constant white band across the

forehead.

According to Mr. J. Owen, who resided upwards of two years

among the savage Nagas and Abors who inhabit the wooded

mountain-ranges to the eastward of Upper Assam, the Hoolock

* From the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, No. 66, New Series,

for 1844.

+ It is even found in some parts of Mymunseng. Buchanan Hamilton’s

ae upon the authority of Mr. Dick, formerly judge and magistrate of

ylhet.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol.xv. Suppl. 2I

450 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

abounds in those upland forests, associating in societies of 100

or 150 individuals, the combined noise of which may be heard

to an immense distance. In general they keep to the tops of

the highest Oolung and Mackoi trees (Dipterocarpi), to the fruit

of which they are very partial; but on several occasions, when

emerging from a footpath through the dense forest into the open

ravines formed by the action of the mountain rapids, Mr. Owen

mentions having come suddenly upon a party of them washing

and frolicking in the current, who immediately took alarm and

retreated into the jungle; but in one instance, as he was pro-

ceeding solitarily along a newly-made road through the forest,

he found himself surrounded by a large body of them, impelled

perhaps as much by curiosity at his Huropean dress and appear-

ance, as by resentment at the mtrusion of a stranger upon their

domain; the trees on either side were full of them, menacing

with their gestures and uttering shrill cries; and as he passed

on, several descended from the trees behind, and followed him

along the road; and he feels sure that they would soon have at-

tacked him had not his superior speed on the ground enabled

him to escape. Having at first, relates Mr. Owen, to cross a

number of felled logs, it was really no easy matter to get away ;

but the clear and open road once gained, he was not long in

distancing his pursuers. Upon his return, after this threatened

attack of the Hoolocks, Mr. Owen asked his Assamese interpreter

(who had been brought up in the hills) whether it was usual for

these apes to manifest so hostile a disposition; and he was in-

formed that only a few days before, as a party of Nagas were

proceeding along one of the tortuous jungle-paths, necessarily in

Indian file, the foremost man, who was a little ahead of the rest,

was actually attacked and severely bitten on the shoulder, and

would probably have been killed by his assailants had not others

of his party opportunely come to the rescue, upon which the

Hoolocks immediately fled. Indeed I can testify to the capa-

bility of these animals to inflict serious mjury, from having wit-

nessed a tame female of the Sumatran H. agilis suddenly attack

her keeper, by springing up at him, grasping his body with her

four limbs, and biting at his chest, when 1t was fortunate for the

man that her canines had been previously filed down, in conse-

quence, as was said, of her having occasioned the death of a man

at Macao*. According to Mr. Owen’s account, the Hoolocks

* From what I have seen of the Gibbon tribe when brought up tame, no

animals could be more gentle and good-tempered; but the lady in question

had good reason for the utter hatred which she hore to her keeper, who

used to make her display her wondrous activity a hundred times a day, in

swinging from bough to bough of a large artificial tree by means of her fore-

limbs only, by frequent application of the whip.

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 451

would also appear capable of destroying large snakes; for his

attention was once arrested by the noise which a party of them

were making on the tops of some lofty trees overhead, when after

a while he was startled by the fall of a Python snake, of about

six or seven feet in length, within a few paces. The reptile was

nearly dead, or for that matter might have been disabled by the

fall; but it had been severely bitten and lacerated, no doubt by

the Hoolocks above, who were unquestionably the cause of its

precipitation.

Of the Javanese species (H. leuciscus, F. Cuv.), the Society

has lately obtained a fine female specimen, the colouring of which

is somewhat remarkable, although nearly resembling that of a

male described and figured in the unpublished MSS. and draw-

ings of the late Dr. Buchanan Hamilton. General hue pale

grayish brown, or rather brownish gray, darker on the nape,

shoulders and limbs, and the inside of the thighs blackish ante-

riorly ; the outside of the thighs, and the legs and feet above,

are pale; the hands are washed with blackish; crown of the

head black; a whitish ring encircles the face; the throat, sides

of the throat, entire under-parts, and especially the lumbar re-

gion, are also whitish, but a dark brownish gray line extends

down each side of the breast and belly, commencing from the

armpits, and terminating in the blackish inner side of the thighs.

As compared with the Hoolock, this species has the coat very

much more close and woolly, the hair adhering in flakes, more

particularly on the back. That of H. Lar (the only additional

species we possess) is just intermediate*.

I also suggested, upon the same occasion, that the Tenasserim

* On the subject of Orang-utans, I took the opportunity before referred to,

to offer a few remarks. Since then the Society has fortunately recovered a fine

skull of the male Mias Rambi, presented by Major Gregory which had been

missing from their museum, and was consequently unnoticed in my remarks

on the genus. I have also lately received a letter from Mr. James Brooke

(of the Borneo settlement), wherein that gentleman notices the dark colour

of the Rambi as compared with the Pappan and Kassar. He remarks, “ I

concur in what you say regarding the Wurmbii aud Abelii being referred to

one class [species]. The Kassar in every specimen which I have seen is

of the same colour as the Wurm)ii or Pappan; but the Rambi is of a dark

brown in the two I have seen,—one an adult feinale, the other a young but

a large male. The Rambi is probably intermediate in size to the other two

species. I am aware how little general importance is to be attached to

colour, but among the very numerous specimens of the Pappan and Kassar

I never found one of this dark colour, whereas the only two specimens of

the Rambi which have fallen under my notice were both similar and both

dark brown. A little further personal inquiry would settle the matter be-

yond dispute; and I hope soon to have the countries open to me, when I

shall feel great pleasure in forwarding you specimens either of skeletons or

skins.”

212

452 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

Semnopithecus maurus of Helfer would probably prove to be the

S. obscurus, Reid; and the Society has now received skins of

the latter species from Captain Phayre, and some liymg young

specimens from Captai Abbott; and the skull of this animal,

compared with that of a skeleton prepared from a Tenasserim

specimen sent im spirits by the late Dr. Helfer (Journ, As. Soe.

vul. 669), leads me to refer the latter also to the same species,

which, it may be remarked, is the only member of its genus as

yet ascertained from Arracan southward to the Straits, where (im

the vicinity of Singapore) specimens of it were obtained by Mr.

Cuming.

The skins adverted to are those of full-grown animals, and

they accord very well with the description of the species furnished

by Mr. Martin; but two very conspicuous characteristics of the

living animal might pass unnoticed in these skins, namely, the

variegation of the face, which is of a leaden black, contrasting

with pinkish flesh-colour on the mouth and lips, extending to

the lming of the nostrils, besides which a large semicircular mark

of a paler and more livid tint occupies the inner half of each

orbit ; and secondly, a longitudinally-disposed erect crest upon

the vertex, rising abruptly from amid the rest of the hair of that

part, and being ‘analogous to that of the Sumatran S. cristatus

(Rafiles), with ‘which I should not be surprised to find the pre-

sent species identical. Raffles however says nothing of the varie-

gation of the face, and he remarks that ‘the young Chingkaus

are of a reddish fawn-colour, forming a singular contrast with

the dark colour of the adults,” whereas very young examples of

the present animal agree in colour with full-grown ones; he also

mentions that the under part of the body is merely “ paler,”

while in the Arracan animal this is dull white, and purer white

in the young. In adults, the whole hair of the crown is much

elongated, the tuft still rising up among the rest; and that

forming the whiskers stands far out on each side, forming lateral

peaks in addition to the vertical one. Five examples before me

(three of which are alive) exhibit scarcely any difference in shade

of colour, all being of an ashy dusky black, darkest on the head

and extremities, a Y zood deal silvered on the back, white under-

neath or in front, “and the tail more or less alhescent either at

base only, or for the basal half or two- thirds, or even the entire

tail; there is little trace of beard, and the shortish scanty hairs

growing upon the flesh-coloured lips are white. The young, be-

sides a “whining noise to express their wants, frequently emit a

mewing cry that might be mistaken for the mew of a eat.

To the same group of Semnopitheci belongs my S. pileatus

(Journ. As. Soc. xi. 174), a species which abounds on the skirts

of the Tipperah hills, retiring far into the interior durmg the

Mr. B. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 453

rains (as T am informed by F. Skipwith, Esq., judge and magis-

trate of Tipperah), and it would appear also to extend sparingly

upon the Naga range eastward of Upper Assam. A fine speci-

men of an old male has just been presented to the Society by

the Rey. J. Barbe, R. C. Missionary, which was shot by him

during his recent visit to the wild Kookie tribes of the Chittagong

hills; and the same gentleman had previously favoured us with

a more than half-grown male killed in Tipperah. These two

differ considerably in shade of colowr from the young female for-

merly described, having the whiskers, throat, chest and front of

the shoulder very deeply tinged with ferruginous ; the rest of

the under-parts, the legs all round (from the knee), and much of

the humerus, less so; and the head and back of a more dingy

ash-gray, being sullied with the prevalent rust-colour. The half-

grown female before described has merely a faint tinge of ferru-

ginous on its whitish under-parts, and the back and limbs are

very delicate pure gray*. In the old male, the tail is of the

colour of the back at base, becoming gradually black, which last

occupies the terminal third or more; the fingers and toes are

blackish, with an admixture of this on the back of the hands:

the long black superciliary hairs spread into two lateral masses

(in all three specimens) and are very copious, and between and

above them, immediately over the g/abella or inter-orbital space,

the hairs of the forehead are conspicuously tinged with ferrugi-

nous ; those on the crown are not elongated as in the preceding

species, nor is there any trace of vertical crest ; but they are a

little lengthened beyond those of the occiput, sinciput and tem-

ples, which they accordingly impend, and thus is presented some-

what the appearance of a small flat cap laid on the top of the head,

whence the specific name. The length of fore-arm and hand (of

the adult male) to tip of longest finger is above a foot ; knee to

heel nine inches; foot about seven inches; and length of skull

about five mches.

As a third continental species of this subgroup, I suspect must

be brought together the S. cephalopterus (Zimmerman), from

Ceylon, with which Mr. Martin identifies the lon-tailed mon-

key B, and the purple-faced monkey of Pennant, the Guenon

a@ face pourpre of Button, Simia dentata, Shaw, Cercopithecus lati-

barbatus of Geoffroy, Kuhl and Desmarest, C. /eucoprymnus, Otto,

Simia fulvo-grisea, Desmarest, Simia leucoprymna and S. cepha-

loptera, Fischer, S. Nestor, Bennett, and S. leucoprymnus and S.

Nestor, Lesson, and the S. Johnii, Fischer, from the Neilgherries,

to which Mr. Martin only refers the S. cucullatus, Is. Geoffroy.

* A half-grown male jyst received from Mr. Skipwith is intermediate in

its colouring.

454 My. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

From specimens now before me, I think there can be no doubt

of the identity of all of these, and that the species both inhabits

the Neilgherries and the mountains of Ceylon; but Mr. Martin

erroneously identified one specimen in the Paris museum with

the present species, as I have shown in ‘Journ. As. Soc.’ xii.

170, the animal in question being evidently my S. hypoleucos

(Journ. As. Soc. x. 839). The name cephalopterus would have

to be retained and the animal appears subject to considerable

variation of shade; a half-grown female before me resembling

Mr. Martin’s figure referred to S. cephalopterus, except that the

croup is pale gray as stated in the description, the hair there

being shorter; and there is an admixture of this on the thighs,

and slightly up the back; the whiskers, and hairs on the lips

and chin are dull white, and those of the crown dull chestnut-

brown, and lengthening on the occiput ; the tail of this is whiter

to the end. An old male, on the contrary, has dark dull chest-

nut-brown whiskers, concolorous with the hair of the crown, and

some blackish hairs growing in front of them, and his tail is

blacker to the end; the hair on the crown is all elongated, but

increasing in length to the occiput, where some of the hairs ex-

ceed five inches in length, and tend to be albescent,—a sort of

dingy isabella-colour prevailing, which is not easy to express in

words. On the short hair of the croup and upon the thighs the

same gray colour appears as in the young female specimen, but

is mingled with black and considerably less albescent. The

bodies and rest of the limbs of both are deep black, but picked

out a little with grayish in the young female. I consider these

two specimens to represent respectively the S. cephalopterus and

S. Johnii of Mr. Martin’s work, the latter (or old male) being

certainly from the Neilgherries, and the other I purchased alive

in Calcutta, and could not learn whence it had been brought ;

but I am quite satistied of the specifical identity of the two, and

have seen others variously intermediate. Upon these grounds I

venture to bring the two alleged species together.

The other Indian Semnopithect form a particular subgroup,

well-characterized by their physiognomy ; and all of them have

a radiating centre of hair on the forehead, a little behind the

superciliary ridge. They have been mostly confounded under

S. Entellus.

The most different from the rest is S. Aypoleucos, nobis

(Journ. As. Soc, x. 839 and xi. 170), which is characterized by

its comparatively small size, deep colouring, and black fore-arms

and hands, feet and tail, the head being of a dirty pale straw-

colour. Inhabits the Malabar range and Travancore.

Next, S. Entellus (verus), F. Cuv., is the representative of the

group in Bengal and Assam, extending (as I have been informed)

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 455

into Cuttack. It has constantly black hands and feet; the fore

arm and leg externally, with the croup, are of a pale chocolat au

lait colour, extending more or less over the back, humerus and

thigh; and the rest is of a light straw-colour, or pale isabelline,

with occasionally a tinge of ferruginous on the belly. It is

figured by the late Mr. Bennett in the ‘Gardens and Menagerie

of the Zoological Society.’

Very different is the S. Priamus, Elliot, of the Coromandel coast,

which has naught of the yellowish tinge, the whole back and

outside of the limbs, with the crown of the head, being nearly of

the chocolat au lait hue confined to parts of the former, but

having more of the dait in it, and as usual being most intense

about the croup; the hands and feet are pale and concolorous

with the rest of the limbs; the whiskers and occiput whitish ;

and a strongly marked peculiarity consists in having an abruptly

rising erect crest upon the vertex, analogous to that of S. erista-

tus (vel? obscurus).

The S. Anchises, Elliot, represents the former in the Deccan

and along the foot of the western ghauts. A skin presented to

the Society by that gentleman, with three examples of S$. Priamus,

resembles the darkest specimens of S. Hntellus in colour, but has

the leg from the knee whitish (perhaps not a constant distinction),

the hands mingled white and blackish, and the feet whitish, with

dusky black above the base of the toes aud on their terminal

phalanges ; but the coat generally is much longer than in S, En-

tellus, the hairs on the sides measuring four, five, and even six

inches in length; and those which grow upon the toes, and in a

less degree those of the fingers, which are very copious, are also

remarkably elongated, extending considerably beyond the tips of

the toes, which thus present a spaniel-like appearance. Mr.

Elhot, to whom the merit is due of first distinguishing these

species, and who is well-acquainted with both of them, will shortly

describe their characters more minutely.

The same gentleman has also forwarded for my inspection an

imperfect skin of a half-grown animal, received from the Coim-

batore district or its vicinity, which presents the colouring of the

true Lntellus, and has the black hands and feet well-marked ; but

the coat is different in texture, the hairs of it beg quite straight,

and not exhibiting the waviness which is constantly observable

in those of S. Lntellus of every age, causing the light to fall irre-

gularly on each hair of the latter species ; while on those of the

specimen in question, as in 8. Anchises, the shine 1s uniform, and

the same straightness of hair is observable in S. Priamus : this may

appear a trivial distinction, but it is nevertheless a well-marked

one, which at once characterizes S. Lntellus apart from either of the

others; and I incline to consider, for the present at least, the

456 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

skin under consideration to be a doubtful variety of S. Anchises,

the more especially as its coat is also longer than in specimens

of S. Entellus of corresponding age.

Another allied species, of which the description does not tally

with either of the foregoing, is the S. schistaceus, Hodgson (Journ.

As. Soe. ix. 1212), “from the Tarai forest and lower hills, rarely

the Kachar also,” of Nepal, and which would seem to approach

nearest to S. Anchises. It is described as “ dark slaty above;

below, and the entire head, pale yellow; mere hands and feet

somewhat darkened or concolorous with the body above ; tail also

concolorous: hair on the crown short and radiated ; on the cheeks

long, directed back, and hiding the ears: piles or fur of one sort,

neither harsh nor soft, more or less wavy; three to five anda

half inches long upon the body, closer and shorter on the tapered

tail, which is more or less tufted.”

The Mussoorie Lungoors have been thus described to me by

Capt. Thos. Hutton, from whom I hope shortly to receive some

specimens. “I fell in,” writes that observer (in a letter dated

Dee. 30th,), “with a whole lot of monkeys this morning, and

took a leisurely survey of them ; they were dark grayish, with pale

hands and feet, white head, dark face, white throat and breast, and

white tip to the tail. Thisis, I think, the Nepal and Sunla species.

The Macacus Rhesus is found here also, but I do not remember

it in the winter, though it may remain in some of the deep warm

valleys*,”. Elsewhere he remarks, “I have long thought that

the Lungoor of ow parts must be distinct from the S. Hntellus of

Bengal, on account of the different locality in which it is found;

for assuredly were the Entellus to occur here in summer, it would

retire to the plains on the approach of winter. Our species,

on the contrary, seems to care nothing for the cold; and after a

fall of snow, a glen on my estate which opens to the north-west 1s

crowded with them. In fact, I really believe they are more nu-

merous during the cold than during the hot weather. On the

Simla side I observed them also, leaping and playing about, while

the fir-trees among which they sported were loaded with snow-

wreaths. I have seen them at an elevation of little short of

11,000 feet even in the autumn, when hard frost occurred every

night, and that was at Hattoo or Whartoo mountain, ¢hree marches

in the interior from Simla. * * * It grows to a goodly size, and

is rather a formidable-looking fellow.” Captam Hutton’s sug-

gestion, that the Himalayan Lungoor must be different from the

* In Journ. As, Soc. vi. 935, Capt. Hutton states, of the IZ. Rhesus, “ This

species I saw repeatedly during the month of February, when the snow was

five or six inches deep at Simla, roosting? in the trees at night, on the side

of Jakui, and apparently regardless of the cold.”—Journal of a Trip to the

Burenda Pass.

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various; Mammatia. 457

Bengal Hoonuman because of the diversity of climate which they

inhabit, is in part nullified by the fact that the Macacus Rhesus

inhabits alike the Himalaya and the Bengal Soonderbuns ; and

it also remains to ascertain how high the S. Entellus may extend

upon the northern mountains of Assam: moreoyer it is by no

means clear, from the above description, that Capt. Hutton’s

Mussoorie Lungoor is identical with Mr. Hodgson’s Nepalese

species.

Returning now to the determination of the Simiade found

eastward of the Bay of Bengal, Dr. Helfer mentions two species of

Macacus, stating that “ the Cercopithecus cynosurus {cynomolgus ? |

inhabits chiefly the banks of rivers and the mangrove forests,

being chiefly fond of shell-fish ;” and that “another species of

Cercopithecus belongs to the rarest of this genus, and is found

chiefly in the northern parts upon isolated limestone rocks.”

There can be little or no doubt that the two following are the

species referred to; and to Capt. Phayre is due the credit of first

securing specimens of these animals for examination, the Society

being already indebted to that gentleman for numerous other

specimens of Arracanese mammalia, several of which are new, and

for nearly 200 species of birds, besides specimens in other classes,

to all of which he is continually fast adding.

Macacus nemestrinus (?).—A huge specimen of what I conceive

to be merely the common pig-tailed monkey of authors, nume-

rous in Sumatra, (where three varieties of it are alluded to by

Raffles, who terms the species Simia carpolegus,) if not also in

other parts of the Malayan archipelago and peninsula, differs

from ordinary specimens of its race, such as are commonly seen

in captivity, in the development of its coat of hair, especially on

the fore-quarters, in having the crown merely infuscated, instead

of black (or nearly so), and in the terminal tuft of its tail being

bright ferruginous; besides which, there is a strong tinge of

golden ferruginous about the shoulders. The coat is fine in tex-

ture, and upon the fore-quarters the hairs of it measure from four

to five inches long ; on the loms they scarcely exceed two inches,

and on the under-parts are comparatively scanty; the general

colour bemg that prevalent among the Macaci, or grizzled brown,

the piles annulated with dusky and fulvous; crown darker, and

the middle of the back posterior to the lengthened hair is also

darker, becoming black along the upper surface of the tail, which

has a bight ferrugimous tuft as before noticed; but there is no

trace of this upon a very young specimen also sent, which has like-

wise little appearance of annulation to its fur, and the colours

generally are subdued and much paler. A live example (of un-

doubted nemestrinus) which I possess, about a third grown, begins

to show the grizzling or annulation to the fur of its fore-quarters,

458 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

but no sign as yet of the rufous tail-tip. Upon the whole, the

very large fine specimen under consideration does not differ more

from ordinary domesticated examples of the pig-tailed monkey,

than does an unusually fine wild old male of the 7. Rhesus which

I procured some time ago in this vicinity, from such domesticated

specimens of the latter as must be familiar to the observation of

most naturalists who are conversant with the study of mammalia.

Capt. Phayre obtamed these animals im a mountaimous and rocky

situation, and it is doubtless Dr. Helfer’s second species of (so-

called) Cercopithecus. It belongs indeed (as does also M. Rhesus)

to the division Papio of Mr. Ogilby, which comprehends all the

short-tailed Macaci of Cuvier; but not, as I suspect, to the Papto

of Prof. Owen*, which I have reason to believe applies to the

long-tailed African Baboons, or the Cynocephalh, Auctorum, ex-

clusive of C. Mormon and leucopheus, or the mandrill and drill:

whereas the long-tailed Macact, such as the next species, together

with M. radiatus and M. sinicus of 8. India, are referred by Mr.

Ogilby to Cercopithecus. But the truth is, that if we once com-

mence dividing the group Macacus, as now generally recognised,

nearly every species of it might be selected as a subgeneric type

per se, presenting various peculiarities of its own (e. g. M. niger,

nemestrinus, Silenus, Rhesus, cynomolgus, radiatus with sinicus, and

perhaps others with which I am less familiar): and I certainly

much prefer the currently adopted system of restricting Cercopt-

thecus to the numerous African species which want the fifth tu-

bercle to the last mferior molar, and follow My. Martm im ap-

priating the name Cercocebus to those other long-tailed African

species which are known as the MMangabeys, or white-eyelid

monkeys, of which three have now been ascertamed,—an arrange-

ment which has the advantage of according with the geographical

distribution of these animals, and by which, too, any of them

may be classified at a glance at their exterior by those who are

familiar with the subjectt.

M. cynomolgus (?).—Though possessing living examples of

both the M. nemestrinus and M. cynomolgus, | have found great

difficulty in determining the skins sent by Capt. Phayre, which

I refer to these species, in consequence of the mode of prepara-

tion of them, the skulls having been taken out and the faces irre-

parably injured ; but after full consideration I feel confident that

the present one is correctly assigned, if not the other also. A

pair of skulls of this are sent, from which the following dimen-

sions are taken. That of an adult male measures four inches and

* Mentioned in the Report on British Fossil Mammalia, published in the

Report of the British Association for 1842, p. 55.

+ If I mistake not, the tail is in Cercopithecus and Cercocebus of con-

stant proportional length, being much longer than in any Macacus,

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 459

three-quarters in total length, inclusive of the protruding incisor

teeth ; greatest breadth (of zygomata) three inches ; vertical height

(including lower jaw) three inches and one-eighth ; length of bony

palate an inch and seven-eighths ; breadth of ditto three-quarters

of an inch. ‘The corresponding measurements of a female skull

are—four inches and three-quarters, two and seven-eighths, three

inches, one and five-eighths, and nearly three-quarters of an inch.

The upper canines of the male project nearly five-eighths of an

inch from the bony socket. Capt. Phayre sent the following

note respecting the habits of this animal :—“‘ These monkeys

frequent the banks of salt-water creeks, and devour shell-fish.

In the cheek-pouch of the female were found the claws and body

of a crab:” accordingly, there can be little hesitation in identi-

fying it with the other species of Dr. Helfer, to which the same

habits were assigned.

Of the species of this genus, one only appears to inhabit Ben-

gal, the M. Rhesus, which is numerous in the Soonderbuns, where

its habits, | suspect, pretty much resemble those of M. cynomol-

gus: it frequents thick jungly situations, particularly about the

borders of narrow gullies, and to escape pursuit will sometimes

plunge into the water from an overhanging tree, swim to some

distance beneath the surface, and then land and make off on the

opposite bank. The Hoonuman, on the contrary, would appear

never to enter the water. The M. Rhesus also occurs, as we have

seen, even on the Himalaya so far westward as Simla, and Mr.

Hodgson has sent it from Nepal, where | cannot help suspecting

that (in different phases) it constitutes both his M. oinops and M.

pelops (Journ. As. Soc. ix. 1213); and it is included in Dr. Walker’s

list of the mammalia of Assam (Cale. Journ. Nat. Hist. ii. 265),

together with another species discovered in that part by Dr. Me

- Clelland, and described as M. assamensis in Proc. Zool. Soc. 1839,

p. 148. Still further to the north-west, “monkeys” are stated by

Elphinstone to be found only in the north-eastern part of Affghan-

istan : but no Szmiade@ are included in an elaborate paper on the

mammalia of that country, prepared for publication by Capt.

Thos Hutton, nor have | seen any subsequent notice of their

occurrence in that vicinity. In the Indian peninsula generally,

the common species of Macacus is the M. radiatus, bemg the

only one included in the catalogues of Messrs. Sykes and Elliot ;

but M. sinicus is likewise found in the southernmost part and in

Ceylon, as is also the M. Silenus.

The following is a brief synopsis of the Indian species of Si-

miade, with those of Assam, Arracan, and the Tenasserim pro-

vinces, as far as they are at present ascertained :—

1. Hylobates syndactylus ; Simia syndactyla, Raffles. Stated

by Helfer to extend as high as 15° N, lat.

460 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

2. H. Lar. Common in the Tenasserim provinces, and extend-

ing northward into Arracan, and southward to the Straits.

3. H. Hoolock. Hill-ranges of Assam, Sylhet and Arracan.

4. Semnopithecus Entellus, ¥. Cuv. Bengal and Assam ; Cut-

tack ?

5.8. Anchises, Elliot. Central table-land of the Indian pe-

ninsula, and base of the western ghauts.

6. S. schistaceus, Hodgson. Nepal: the species of the western

Himalaya perhaps different.

7. 8S. Priamus, Elliot. Coromandel coast.

8. 8. hypoleucos, nobis. Travancore and Malabar range.

9. S. pileatus, nobis. Tipperah and Chittagong hills; Naga

range.

10. 8. cephalopterus (Zimmerman). Ceylon and Neilgherries.

11. S. obscurus, Reid (C. cristatus ? Raties). Arracan, Tenas-

serim, extending southwardtothe Straits, and probably Sumatra*.

12. Macacus Silenus. Ceylon, and neighbouring districts of

the continent of India.

13. M. nemestrinus (?). Arracan, Tenasserm.

14. M. Rhesus. Bengal, Assam, Nepal, Simla.

15. M. assamensis. Assam.

16. M. cynomolgus (?). Ayrracan, Tenasserm.

17. M. radiatus. Peninsula of India.

18. M. sinicus. Southernmost part of India, and Ceylon.

Although I have here followed the usual order of classifying

these three groups, I am nevertheless of opinion that the division

comprising the Cynocephali, Macaci and Cercopitheci (i. e. the

genera with cheek-pouches) should precede that of the Semno-

pithect and Colobi (or the genera with sacculated stomachs). The

facial angle can no longer be considered as a guide to the relative

elevation of these animals in the scale of bemg, now that the

adult Orangs, for example, are known to present so very promi-

nent a muzzle, while on the other hand, the lowest of all the

Simiade, or the American Marmozets, have the same so incon-

siderably developed; and it would seem that some trivial resem-

blance which the Semnotes bear to the Gibbons is now the chief

inducement that occasions the former to be still placed next to

the group of tailless Apes, and thus to precede the third great

division of old-world Monkeys and Baboons, which is character-

* The Semn. (or Presbytis) nobilis, Gray, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist.

1842, vol. x. p. 256, I cannot but regard as requiring confirmation as an in-

habitant of India proper.

+ This is doubtless the species noticed by Mrs. Graham in Ceylon, where

that lady mentions ‘‘ swarms of red monkeys playing in the trees overhead.”

(Journal of a Residence in India, p. 104.) I have reason to conclude also

that this, and not the Lungoor, is the /ollewai of the Singhalese.

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 461

ized by possessing cheek-pouches. But this third division un-

questionably presents a nearer structural approach to the first

than does the second; and, so far as I have observed, the intellect

is also decidedly of a superior grade. — 1 have next to describe an

apparently new species of the African genus Cercopithecus.

Cercopithecus chrysurus, Nobis.—This belongs to the particular

minor group exemplified by C. sabeus, and would seem to be

nearly allied both to that species and to the C. Tantalus, Ogilby,

P. Z. 8S. 1841, p. 33, the tail of which is stated im the Latin

diagnosis to be yellow at tip, while m the more detailed verna-

cular description this is said to be “ brown at the base, light gray

at the tip.” In the species now described, the terminal third of

the tail is bright yellowish ferruginous, as I believe in C. sabeus.

The specimen is a male, and measures about nineteen inches from

forehead to base of tail, the tail about twenty-four inches; from

elbow to tip of hand nine inches, knee to heel seven and a quar-

ter, and foot five inches. Colour grizzled yellowish brown, the

hair fine and soft at base, with the terminal half comparatively

coarse and rigid, and broadly annulated first with black, then

fulvous, and finally tipped with black; for the most part about

two inches and a quarter long, but exceeding three imches on the

sides towards the flanks: the whiskers, with the entire under-

parts and mside of the limbs, are dingy yellowish white: the

fore-arm. and leg grayer, or less yellowish than the parts above,

and the hands and feet infuscated. ace almost naked, having

only a few scattered hairs, but a narrow supercilium of long black

hairs across the brow. The upper surface of the tail is rather

darker than the back for the first two-thirds of its length, and

then passes into bright yellowish ferruginous, which on the under

surface of the tail is continued nearly to its base, weakening

however in intensity ; the extreme tip of the tail is wanting m the

specimen. Length of the skull four inches and a half, and

breadth across the zygomata two inches and three-quarters ; ver-

tical height two inches and five-eighths ; length of bony palate

an inch and a half, and breadth seven-eighths of an ch. Ha-

bitat unknown.

Lemuride.—The Stenops gracilis is usually assigned to Ceylon,

and the Nycticebus tardigradus to Bengal. The latter however

certainly does not occur in the lower part of Bengal, but may

perhaps exist in the hilly regions. Dr. Walker includes it in

his catalogue of Assamese mammalha; and upon referrmg to

the late Dr. Buchanan Hamilton’s MSS., I find what I consider

to mean this species noticed as occurring in Chittagong, where

it is said to be rare and solitary, inhabiting trees ; in Rungpore

also yery scarce, and said to have been seen in the hilly coun-

tries to the south and east of the Boorhampooter by some natives,

who recognised it by the Hindustanee name Shiriminda Billi,

462 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

“bashful or shame-faced cat,” a name which I have also heard

applied to it. The unobtrusive, nocturnal habits of this animal

would however always cause it to be little observed, I believe

that it is “the little Bradypus” of Dr. Helfer’s ‘ Note on the

Animal Productions of the Tenassernm Provinces,’ being com-

monly designated “Sloth” by Europeans; and the territories

eastward of the bay constitute, I suspect, its chief habitat. A

pair of the Stenops gracilis were offered to me in the Madras

bazar at the low price of a rupee; but I have seen no notice of

this species as an ascertamed imhabitant of the penimsula*,

Here in Calcutta, a dealer would ask at least ten rupees for a

pair either of them or of the Nycticebus, and 1m all probability

double as much}. They are, indeed, but seldom brought for

sale in this emporium ; and it is probable that the Nycticebus,

if found at all in Bengal, occwrs sparingly only a little within

the confines of the province.

Vespertilionide.—The only bat contained among Dr. Helfer’s

Tenasserim specimens was Pieropus javanicus, which, with Nye-

ticebus Temminckii, he stated to be ‘‘ amongst the rarer species

found in the provinces”; and he alludes vaguely to other species

of Pteropus, Phyllostomus (meaning probably Megaderma), and

Nyctinomus (or Dysopes). ‘The Society has received Pt. medius

(vel Edwardsii, Desm., apud Ogilby and others, though Ed-

wards’s specimen was from the Mauritius, and should therefore,

I suspect, be the Pt. edulis{,) from Arracan, Tipperah, and

Assam, where I cannot help considering the Pt. assamensis de-

scribed by Messrs. McClelland and Horsfield to present merely

an individual variation. The same appears to be Dr. Walker’s

opinion, as Pt. Edwardsii alone is included in his list of As-

samese mammalia. Mr. Hodgson has also sent it from Nepal as

his Pt. leucocephalus (Journ. As. Soc. iv. 700), together with the

Cynopterus marginatus as his Pt. pyrivorus (ibid.), which latter has

likewise been received by the Society from Assam and Arracan,

and both of these species appear to be common throughout

India; the former also doubtless constituting the large “flying

fox”? so abundant in the Maldives and Laccadives. The third

Indian species of frugivorous bat, Pé. Dussumiert (of which a

description will be found in Journ. As. Soc. xu., 176), is still

wanting to the Society’s collection.

Of Cynopterus marginatus, I have been keeping three live

* It is included in Mr. Elliot’s new catalogue of the mammalia of penin-

sular India.

+ A pair of the Stenops said to have been brought from Singapore, have

just been put up at auction at sixty rupees! The Nycticebus is common in

Arracan.

+ The Mauritius species is styled Pé. vulgaris, v. rubricollis, Geoff., in

P, Z. S. 1831, p. 45.

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 463

females for several weeks. They are exclusively frugivorous,

and take no notice of the buzz of an insect held to them ; which

I remark in reference to a statement of Mr. Gray, that the

nearly allied little Kiodote is partly insectivorous: this I doubt

very much. The Cynopierus is a very ravenous eater, and will

devour more than its own weight at a meal, voiding its food but

little changed as excrement, while still slowly munching away.

Of guava it swallows the juice only (though a soft mellow fruit),

opening and closing its jaws very leisurely in the act of mastica-

tion, and rejecting the residue. The flight of this bat is parti-

cularly light and buoyant, far different from the measwred

rowing, the direct and heavy flight of the large Péeropus; but

the general manners and the voice of the two are very similar*,

The other Indian Vespertilionide fall mto three principal

groups; viz. Rhinolophine, comprising the genera Megaderma,

Rhinolophus and Hipposideros, and Nycteris (which at least is a

Malayan genus),—Dysopodine, includmg Dysopes (with its va-

rious subdivisions, as Cheiromeles, &c.), Taphozous, and Rhino-

poma,—and Vespertilionine, or the ordinary Bats.

The Megaderma Lyra appears to be a common species through-

out India, and I have described its habit of preymg on smaller

bats, first sucking their blood, in Journ. As. Soc. x1. 255. ‘In re-

ference to that paper, Mr. Frith informs me that a number of

these bats were m the habit of resorting to the verandah of his

residence in Mymunseng, and that every morning the ground

under them was strewed with the hind-quarters of frogs, and

the wings of large grasshoppers and crickets: on one occasion

the remains of a small fish were observed ; but frogs appeared

to constitute their chief diet—never toads ; and of a quiet even-

ing these animals could be distinctly heard crunching the heads

and smaller bones of their victims. Other species of bats were

noticed to keep aloof from this retreat, but Mr. Frith had no

opportunity of confirmimg my observation, that the Megaderma

preys upon smaller animals of its tribe. The disproportion of

the sexes in the assemblages of this species in then diurnal

retreats is noticed in Journ. As. Soe. xi. 600 ; and indeed I think

that the same pretty nearly holds throughout the family. In

Mr. Elhot’s catalogue the name carnatica is proposed, with a

mark of doubt, for the Megaderma of 8. India, which however

is perfectly identical with that of Calcutta.

* After a while, the three caged females mentioned above attracted a

male, who used to be continually hovering about their cage of an evening,

and at length took up his diurnal residence hitching to a rafter above a dark

stairease close by, where one of the females who escaped immediately joined

him, and they continued to retreat there regularly for some days, when

both were caught.

464. Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

Rhinolophus, Geoff. and Cuv.—tIn preparing a notice of the

Indian species of this difficult genus, so far as I am acquainted

with them, I labour under the considerable disadvantage of not

having M. Temminck’s valuable monograph to refer to; but I

will nevertheless endeavour to review the history of the group,

so far as the means at my disposal will permit of. The first

endeavour at collating the species would appear to be that of M.

Geoffroy St. Hilaire, in the ‘ Annales du Muséum,’ tom. xx. pp.

25: et seg. (1813). Four species are there noticed, in addition

to, the two common in Kurope* ;\ and among the former is ‘a

species from Timor, the Rhinolophe cruménifére of MM. Péron’

and Lesueur, which I conceive to be erroneously identified with

the Vespertilio speoris of Schneider, described to inhabit India,

as it differs from the latter im its considerably larger size and (it

would seem) more rufous colouring.

In the second edition of Cuvier’s ‘Régne Animal’ (dated

1829), these six species only are referred to; but Dr. Horsfield,’

im his ‘ Zoological Researches in Java’ (dated 1824), had de--

scribed seven (alleged) species as inhabitants of that island, two

of which have since been brought together by Mr. Gray, after an

examination of the original specimens collected by Dr. Horsfield,

—Kh. deformis, Horsfield, beg thus identified with RA. insignis,

Horsfield.

Then followed M. Temminck’s Monograph of the genus,

wherein (if I remember rightly) several species were added to

those of his predecessors; of which, among perhaps others un-

noticed in Mr. Gray’s subsequent synopsis, I find mentioned by

authors a Rh. luctus, Tem., from Java, an alleged rufous variety

of which is described im the Zoology of the Voyage of La Favorite,

from Manilla; also a Rh. pusillus, from India, which appellation

is referred with a mark of doubt to a specimen in the Zoological

Society’s museum, in Mr. Waterhouse’s catalogue of the mam-

malia preserved in that collection, where also is mentioned,

but hkewise with a mark of doubt, Rh. insignis, Horsf., from

Ceylon.

Confining ourselves now to the deseribers of Asiatic species‘,

Col. Sykes, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for

1831, describes a Rh. dukhunensis, distinguishing this from the

Rhinolophe cruménifeére of Péron and Lesueur, which, it is added,

is the Rhin. marsupialis of M. Geoffroy’s lectures, and the Rh.

speoris of M. Desmarest, by its much smaller size, &c.; but this

* A third European species, found towards the South (in Dalmatia,

Sicily, &c.), also in the Levantine countries, and it would appear all Africa,

is the Rh. capensis, Licht., Rh. clivosus, Riipp., v. Rh. Geoffroy?, A. Smith.

+ The form is peculiar to the old world, inclusive however of Australia

(apud J. E. Gray).

Mr. BE. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 465

smaller size corresponds with the original description of Vesp.

speoris from India, the colour of which is however stated to be

- “pale yellowish ash-brown” (apud Shaw), which does not apply

well to either, though better to that of India: and I have little

doubt that Col. Sykes’s species is the true speoris, to which

dukhunensis would therefore be referred as a synonym, as like-

wise the subsequent names apiculatus, Gray, for the male, and

penicillatus, Gray, for the female.

Mr. Hodgson, in the Society’s Journal for 1835, next de-

seribed a Rh. armiger and Rh. tragatus from Nepal; but the

former of these appears to be identical with the Javanese Rh.

nobilis of Horsfield. The same naturalist more recently ob-

tained three other species from that province, and has described

one of them by the name perniger, m Journ. As. Soc. xii. 414;

but I suspect that this is identical with Rh. ductus of Temminck.

We now come to Mr. Gray’s “ Revision of the genera of

Bats, and descriptions of some new genera and species,” pub-

lished in the ‘ Magazine of Zoology and Botany,’ No. 12. In

this paper the Rh. vulgaris, Horsf., is mentioned as inhabiting

India; and besides the Rh. apiculatus and Rh. penicillatus, Gray,

both of which I have referred to speoris verus v. dukhunensis of

Sykes, two other species from India are described as new, from

specimens procured by Walter Elhot, Esq., Madras C. 8. ; and

these are also given in the latter gentleman’s valuable “ Cata-

logue of the Mammalia of the Southern Mahratta Country,”

published in the ‘ Madras Journal of Literature and Science,’

No. 24. pp. 98-99, one of them however by a different and

more appropriate name.

Such appears to be the amount of mformation hitherto pub-

lished relative to the Indian Rhinolophi, which I shall now pro-

ceed to reduce and classify, and enrich by the addition of several

new species.

The various Indian and Malayan members of this group fall

into two marked divisions, corresponding to Rhinolophus, Gray,

as restricted, (the Noctilio, apud Bechstein, according to Mr.

Gray,) and the Hipposideros, Gray, v. Phyllorhina, Bonap., apud

ray.

The former is exemplified by the three European species, and

by the Javanese Rh. affinis and Rh. minor, Horsf., in addition

to which only two species are indicated by Mr. Gray, the Rh.

megaphyllus, Gray (P. Z. 8. 1834, p. 52), from Australia, and

Rh. griseus, Meyer, habitat not ascertained. In this group, the

facial crests are more prominently developed, and termimate in

an angular peak above, within and anterior to which is a second

leaf of membrane, in general also peaked, and attached behind

by a vertical (7. e. longitudinally disposed) connecting membrane,

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol.xv. Suppl.

466 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

which last is sometimes developed beyond the lesser transverse

leaf, in front of it, and each undergoes considerable modification

in the various species: the nasal apertures appear linear, from .

being partly overlapped by membrane, which lines and surrounds

the centre of the facial depression, between the latter and the

nostrils ; outside of the nostrils the face is bordered by a layer

of membrane surrounding it im front im shape of a horse-shoe.

The ears in this group are large, ample, and apiculated, having

the point directed outward, and (as Mr. Hodgson remarks of the

Rhinolophi generally) are “tremblingly alive all over:” the

conch is continued round in front to form an anti-helix, which is

separated apart by an emargination, sometimes very deep, but

should not be confounded (as it occasionally has been) with the

tragus of various other bats. As many as six species inhabit

India, all of which (unless Rh. pusillus be among them) seem

different from those heretofore described.

The first is remarkable for havig a conspicuous transverse

leaflet with a septum behind and above it, situate upon the

larger or posterior peaked membrane, and considerably above

the lesser or anterior one ; but this is only a modification and

development of what is more or less observable in the others. The

posterior peak reaches to between the ears and even beyond.

1. Rh. mitratus, nobis.—Length four inches, of which the

tail measures an inch and a half; of anotber specimen three

inches and one-eighth, the tail an inch anda quarter. Uxpanse

(of the former) probably twelve inches ; length of fore-arm re-

spectively two and a quarter, and two and one-eighth ; of longest

finger three and one-eighth, and three inches; of tibia an inch ;

and tarse with claws half an inch. Lars large and ample, mea-

suring: an inch to point anteriorly; the anti-helix moderately

developed, but separated apart by only a slight emargination.

Fur of the upper parts a rich light brown, paler at base, exces-

sively soft and delicate, and rather long; of the under parts

shorter and much paler. Anterior nose-leaf subovate, or nearly

rounded, contracted at base, and a conspicuous lappet of mem-

brane is given off from each side of the centre of the facial de-

pression, overhanging the nostrils, and forming a round mesial

cup; vertical membrane posterior to the lesser nose-leaf little

developed, and supporting its base only; the uppermost or

hindmost peak triangular and acute at tip, reaching beyond the

base of the ears between the two, and divided by a mesial septum,

but little overlapped at the base by a second small transverse

lamina which occurs also m most of the other species, and is

placed beyond and above the vertical membrane which supports

the inner or anterior nose-leaf. This fine species was procured by

Capt. Tickell in the neighbourhood of Chyebassa, in Central India.

aS eH ee

Mr. Ey Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 467

2. Rh. perniger, Uodgson, Journ. As, Soc, xii. 414* —Distin-

guished by its large size, and delicately soft and long, curly black-

ish fur, having a slight ashy cast from the hairs being thus tipped.

A fine specimen which I saw in Dr. Griffith’s possession, from

Cherra-Poonjee (Sylhet), and which has smce been forwarded by

him to the museum of the Honourable Company in London,

measured five inches from muzzle to extremity of foot. The only

example now before me is too much mjured about the head to

permit of a description being taken of the peculiarities of its

facial membranes; and Mr. Hodgson’s account, excepting as

regards size and colouring, applies, for the most part, to the

species generally of the present subgroup. The length of the

fore-arm in the latter specimen (which was presented to the

Society by Mr. Hodgson) is two inches and three-quarters, and

of tibia an inch and three-eighths. Inhabits the centval region

of the sub-Himalayas.

3. Rh. tragatus+, Hodgson, Journ, As. Soc. iv. 699.—This spe-

cies was so named in reference to the development of its anti-helix,

as compared with the very slight imdication of one traceable in

Hipposideros armiger (v. nobilis?) ; but the appellation is far

from being felicitous, as the anti-helix (not tragus, as mdeed

was duly poimted out by Mr. Hodgson) is less developed than is

usual im the present subgroup. Mr. Hodgson described this

bat to be “uniform deep brown, with the tips paler and rusty ;”

but two of three specimens sent by him are certainly of a light

brown, and one of them more particularly has the upper parts

tipped with dull maroon, which produces a general shade of

this colour, as im several other species both of Rhinolophus and

Hipposideros.' The central nose-leaf is small and narrow, and a

little expanded at the summit; the nasal orifices are fringed

externally with a lappet of membrane; and the uppermost peak

of the membrane above the nose-leaf is inconspicuous, being

almost concealed by the fur of the forehead. Length of fore-arm

two inches and a quarter, and of tibia an inch and one-sixteenth.

Inhabits the central region of Nepal.

* Probably the Rh. luctus, Tem., of which [ can get at no description

though Mr. Gray alludes to it as stated to be black with an ashy tinge;

vide ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ vol. x. p. 257, where

Mr. Gray“describes a Rh. Morio from Malacca, Singapore. ‘ The front

central lobe of the nose-leaf large, three-lobed ; fur reddish brown. Very

like Rh. luctus in general appearance, and perhaps the colour may have

changed by the specimen having been taken from spirits.” Why therefore

impose a new name, or at any rate why not put a mark of doubt after the.

word Morio, and add Rk. luctus, Tem. var.? Most probably this is the

Rh. luctus, Tem. var. rufus, from Manilla, of MM. Eydoux and Gervais, in

sheiZealegy of the Voyage of La Favorite, Rh. luctus is described from

ava,

+ Misprinted torguatus in Mr. Gray’s “ Revision.”

2K2

468 Mr, E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

4. Rh. macrotis, Hodgson, MS.—This and the two succeed-

ing species are of small size, and one of them may perhaps be

the doubtfully cited Rh. pusillus of Mr. Waterhouse. In that

now under consideration, the anterior nose-leaf approaches in

form to that of Rh. tragatus, but is proportionally larger and

wider, nearly twice as long as broad, and rounded without ex-

panding at the summit, which is scarcely so high as the pointed

tip of the posterior vertical membrane that connects the nose-

leaf with the face ; behind or above this again are three succes-

sive lappets of membrane, the first of them incomplete, and the

last or hindmost peak is obtusely poimted: the nasal orifices

are oblong, or rather kidney-shaped, with no lappet of mem-

brane bordering their outer side, but the usual horse-shoe-shaped

development overhangs the upper lip. Mr. Hodgson deseribes

the species as follows :— General structure typical ? No pubic

teats. Distinguished by the large size of the ears, which are

longer than the head, broad, oval, with pomted recurved tips,

and large obtusely-rounded second ears [anti-helix]. Colour

sooty brown, much paler and dusky hoary below*. Snout to

base of tail an inch and three-quarters; head three-quarters of

an inch: ears from anteal base fifteen-sixteenths of an inch;

interval of ears a quarter of an inch; tail three-quarters of an

inch, completely enveloped in the square membrane: arm an

inch ; fore-arm an inch and a half; longest or second finger two

inches and five-sixteenths: femur eleven-sixteenths; tibia the

same; expanse nine and three-quarters ; weight one-third of an

ounce. Habitat Nepal.” The following are the dimensions of

one of the specimens presented to the Society by Mr. Hodgson:

from muzzle to base of tail an mch and five-eighths, the tail

exceeding five-eighths; ears anteally five-eighths ; fore-arm an

inch and five-eighths; longest finger two inches and a quarter ;

tibia exceeding five-eighths of an inch ; and foot with claws three-

eighths.

5. Rh. subbadius, Hodgson, MS. ; mentioned as Vespertilio sub-

badius, H.,in Journ. As. Soc. x. 908.—In this species, the anterior

nose-leaf is very small, oblong, and rounded above, but the ver-

tical membrane behind it is conspicuously developed, and pointed

posteriorly ; behind this again is a short and broad transverse

membrane, divided into two lateral lobes, and as usual some

long straight hairs grow from this part; and lastly, there is the

hindmost angular peak, the sides of which are slightly emar-

ginated towards the point: the nostrils are not externally fringed

with membrane ; and over the lip is the usual horse-shoe. Mr.

* This description does not apply, however, to the specimens with which

Mr. Hodgson has favoured the Society, and which are of a light, earthy

olive-brown (one of them verging on isabelline), and paler below.

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 469

Hodgson thus describes the species :—“ No pubic teats. Ears

no longer than head, tdtinbiited at tip, [or rather, they are some-

what obtusely pointed,] ovoid. Nasal appendage quadrate, not

salient, with a transverse bar nearly surmounting it towards the

head. Colour a medial clear brown, paler below, and especially

on the head and face. Snout to vent an inch and a half; tail

an inch and a quarter; head five-eighths of an inch; ears the

same; expanse seven and a half: fore-arm an inch and a quarter ;

longest finger two and a quarter ; the foot and nails three-eighths

of an inch. Habitat Nepal.” The admeaswrements of a speci-

men presented by Mr. Hodgson are—muzzle to vent an inch and

a quarter ; tail five-eighths of an inch; head the same; ears an-

teally half an inch ; fore-arm an inch and three-eighths ; longest

finger one and seven-eighths ; tibia nearly five-eighths of an inch ;

foot and nails five-sixteenths of an inch. Inhabits Nepal.

6. Rh. lepidus, nobis—A good deal allied to the last, but

distinguished by its much paler colour, longer fore-arm, and

especially by the uppermost and hindmost peak of the facial

membranes being much less evenly angular, having its sides so

considerably emarginated towards the tip, that the latter appears

as a narrow terminal prolongation, one-sixteenth of an inch in

length; the vertical membrane posterior to and adjoining the

anterior nose-leaf is also still more developed and obtusely angu-

lated behind; and there is a slight fold of membrane exterior to

the nostrils. Ears large, and of the usual form, measuring nearly

five-eighths of an inch from anteal base to tip, and having a well-

developed anti-helix. General hue pale isabella-brown, the fur of

the upper parts tinged with dull maroon towards ‘the tips, im-

parting a shade of that colour; under-parts still lighter, and the

fur shorter: membranes apparently dark. Length an inch and

three-quarters ; of tail half an inch more; and extent about nine

mehes: fore-arm an inch and five-eighths; longest finger two

and a quarter; and tibia above five-eighths of an inch. The

specimen (in spirits), and an injured skin of apparently the same

species, were both probably obtained in the vicinity of Calcutta.

Hipposideros, Gray.—This seems a perfectly distmet group,

characterized by a totally different form of facial crest from that

observable in the preceding series. The general form of this is

quadrate, surmounted by a short and broad transverse membrane

recurved along the edge, and over this in the males (I suspect

always) is a round sinus or cavity with a transverse semicireular

openmg. “ This cavity,” remarks Mr. Elhot, “the animal can

turn out at pleasure, like the finger of a glove; it is lied with

a pencil of stiff hairs, and secretes a yellow substance like wax.

When alarmed, the animal opens this cavity and blows it out,

during which it is protruded and withdrawn at each breathing.

470 Mr. B. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

Temminck notices it under the name of a siphon, or purse, in

Rh. insignis and Rh. speoris” (apud Geoffroy)*. The entire

facial crest has been well compared by Mr. Hodgson to “a coat.

of arms with double field”; the superior and inferior fields

separated by a trilobate fleshy ridge, below which are situate the

nostrils in a deep cavity, surrounded by the membrane which

forms the lower field, both within and exterior to which are, in

some species, additional laminee of membrane. The ears in this

group are, in general, less apiculated, and sometimes rounded,

and the conch is not continued round to form an ‘anti-helix.

Some have a more complex membrane surrounding the nos-

trils, and three small lateral fringes of membrane exterior to the

nose-leaf. |

1. H. armiger (Hodgson), Journ. A. 8. iv.699.—Very closely

allied to, if not identical with, H. nobilis (Horsfield). I cannot

however perceive that “ the hairs of the axilla, hypochondria, and

scapular marks are nearly white,” as stated of the Javanese

species. Colour uniform light brown, with dark maroon tips

to the fur of the upper parts. Length of fore-arm (of a large

specimen) three inches and five-eighths, and of tibia an inch and

a half. Inhabits the central region of Nepal. re

2. H. larvatus (? Horsfield)—A species which I have little

hesitation in identifying with this, has the fur of a brighter fer-

ruginous than is represented in Dr. Horsfield’s two figures, and

the under-parts more particularly are much deeper-coloured than

would appear from the second figure of the plate adverted to.

The fur of the upper-parts is vivid fulvous, more or less tinged

with maroon upon the back, and weaker towards the base of the

haus; that of the under-parts being somewhat less interise :

membranes dusky, but it would seem tinged with the prevalent

hue of the fur. Length about four inches, of which the tail

measures one and a quarter; fore-arm two inches and a half;

longest finger three and a quarter; tibia an inch and one-six+

teenth ; foot with claws five-cighths of an inch: ears angulated,

measuring anteally seven-eighths of an inch to tip, and three-

quarters of an inch broad; length of head an inch. Both m this

species and the last there is a minute false molar anterior to the

carnassier in the upper jaw, which appears to be wanting im those

which follow. Inhabits Arracan, whence forwarded to the So-

ciety’s museum by Capt. Phayre, to whom we are likewise im-

debted for the next species. |

3. H. vulgaris (? Horsfield) ; a species mentioned by Mr.

* It is probable that the development of this sinus, and also of the throat-

sac of the Z'aphozoi, depends much on season, like the infra-orbital cavities

of various Ruminants and analogous, glandulous follicles in many other

animals.

— ee eee

Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 471

Gray as inhabiting India. I[t differs from the last in being

rather smaller, and of a brown colour above, much paler at the

base of the hairs and at their extreme tips, and lighter-coloured

below: the ears more apiculated, or rather they appear so from

being strongly emarginated externally towards the tip; the tail

and interfemoral membrane would likewise seem to be shorter,

but the latter has been withdrawn from the skin in the dry spe-

cimen before me, which, as before mentioned, was received from

Arracan. Length of fore-arm two inches and a quarter, and of

tibia an inch; ears anteally three-quarters of an inch, and nearly

as much broad.

4. H. speoris: Vesp. speoris, Schneider, but evidently not of

M. Desmarest, which is Rh. marsupialis of M. Geoffroy’s lec-

tures, founded on the Rhinolophe cruménifere of Lesson and Le-

sueur: Ah. dukhunensis, Sykes, P. Z. 8. 1831, p. 99: H. api-

ceulatus, Gray, the male, and H. penicillatus, Gray, the female,

Mag. Zool. and Bot. No. 12. For description, vide Elliot in

Madras Journal, No. 24. p.98. Colour nearly as in H. armiger

(v. nobilis ?): length of fore-arm two inches, and of tibia an inch.

Inhabits Southern India.

This species is approximated to H. insignis (Horsf.) in Mr.

Gray’s paper, and it may be the doubtfully cited H. insignis from

Ceylon of Mr. Waterhouse’s ‘ Catalogue of the Mammalia in the

Zoological Society’s Museum.’

Others have the facial crests altogether less complicated, and

no fringes of membrane exterior to the nose-leaf.

5. H. fulvus, Gray, Mag. Zool. and Bot. No. 12; Rh. ful-

gens, Klliot, Madras Journal, No. 24. p. 99.—This is perhaps

the most vividly coloured of the whole class of Mammalia;

at least I know of no species which can at all compete with it

for brilliancy of hue. ‘The colour of the fur is here alluded to,

for that of the naked skin of the mandrill and of certain Cerco-

pitheci can searcely be surpassed. The general tint of the fur is

splendidly bright ferruginous, that of the upper parts being

slightly tipped with a darker shade ; membranes dusky. Length,

according to Mr. Elliot, an inch and nime-tenths; of tail nine-

tenths of an inch; expanse ten inches and a half; weight 4 dr.

20 gr.: fore-arm an inch and five-eighths ; longest finger one and

a half; tibia three-quarters of an inch; foot (minus claws) a

quarter of an inch; ears anteally eleven-sixteenths of an inch,

and the same across; their form scarcely apiculated. Inhabits

Southern India, where very rare.

6. H. murinus, Gray, ibid. ; Rh. murinus, Elliot, ibid—This I

have not yet seen, but shortly expect some specimens from Mr.

Jerdon, who informs me that it is common at Nellore. It closely

resembles the last in all but colour, but has the crest-membranes

AT 2 Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammata.

still. less developed. Colow: dusky brown, paler beneath. | In-

habits Southern India.

Taphozous.—Three new species of this genus have been de-

scribed by me m Jown. A. 8. x. 971 ef seg.; and in x. 784, 1

verified and gave a more detailed notice of the 7. dongimanus,

Hardw., Linn, Trans. xiv. 525, and distinguished the species

which | had previously referred with doubt to 7. /ongimanus, by

the appellation 7, Cantori. .'This last-mentioned. bat I have not

again obtained in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, but have re-

ceived a specimen from Mr. Jerdon, procured in the vicinity of

Nellore (on the Coromandel coast), where it would appear to be

not: uncommon. This species is easily recognised by its flatly

out-lying ears, recurved tail, little-developed gular sac, and by

the whiteness of the base of its fur, which shows conspicuously.

Another species from Southern India is my. 7. brevicaudus,

which is at once distinguished from all the other known species

by the shortness of its tail and imterfemoral membrane. The

specimen was from Travancore. |

Since my description of 7. dongimanus was published, I have

had several fresh specimens, and very recently obtained. thirteen

alive (of which two only were males) from the interval between

a pillar and the wall against which it was placed. Five others

escaped. . These bats clung with perfect facility to the smooth

mahogany back of a cage into which they were put, hitching

their claws in the minute pores of the wood, and creepmg tipon

it ina manner that was surprising. The females were each about

to give birth to a single offspring (early in August). Their size

was remarkably uniform, both sexes measuring four inches and

a quarter from snout to tail-tip, by sixteen and a quarter im alar

expanse; the tail protruding half an inch; nostril not closed,

but having a valvular kidney-shaped orifice, and tremulous, as

observable im various other bats (for instance, the Cynopterus

marginatus). The variation m colour was not great, nor: hadat

any relation to sex; but one or two were more hoary-tipped,im-

parting an ashy, appearance, and one only was marked ular

lowish or fulvescent.

I have also procured in this vicinity specimens of my T. fule

vidus, and supply the following description of a recent male that

was shot carly one morning, in bright daylight, creepmg upon

the stem of a palm. Length, to end.of tail, four imches, the

membrane extendimg three-quarters of an inch further ; tal

seven-eighths of an inch, and (as usual) wholly retractile within

the membrane ; alar expanse fifteen inches; length of fore-arm

two and three-eighths; tarse an ich; foot and claws half an

meh. General colour slightly grizzled chestnut-brown, puxer,on

head, and neck; the abdominal region covered with shorter hair,

Mv. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia. 473

weakly infuseated, and less tinged with chestnut ; axillary part of

the membrane, from between the elbow to the flank mclusive,

covered with longer and whitish hairs. Face, ears and mem-

brane washed with dusky; the portion of membrane between

the hind-leg and proximate finger narrowly edged with whitish.

One specimen purchased of a bazar shikarree is so much darker,

that before I had obtained a good series of 7. /ongimanus, I had

some doubt whether it ought not to be referred to that species ;

and such an example may have been the original /ongimanus of

Hardwicke, described as of a snuff-brown colour: but this name

had better now remain as I have appropriated it. In general,

the present species is of a tolerably bright chestnut hue. Like

the preceding one (to which it is closely allied), the male has a

very large throat-sac, the ears bend upwards, and the tail is

straight and rigid, not recurved asim 7. Cantori, and also as in

the following species. The specimens which I formerly described

had been long soaked im spirit, which seems to have discharged

the colour from the face and membranes ; and one of them which

1 have had taken out and stuffed, has the under-parts more uni-

formly coloured, the longer hair upon the membrane towards the

axilla, and that of the abdomen, scarcely differing m hue from

that of the breast ;; whereas in the recently procured examples

here deseribed, the difference of colour in these parts is very

conspicuous.

L. erassus, nobis.~This is a well-marked species, having the

recurved tail of 7. Cantori, and ears bending upwards as in /on-

gimanus and fulvidus. It is particularly distinguished by its

blackish colour, and the broad dull white margin of the mem-

brane between the tibia and proximate finger; this margin in-

ereasing much m depth as it recedes from the finger-tip, and

merging gradually imto'the black of the rest of the membrane,

becoming ‘at first mottled with the latter. Length to end of tail

four inches, the membrane reaching five-eighths of an inch be-

yond; tail three-quarters of an inch, the terminal five-sixteenths

protrusile and recurved; expanse fifteen inches and a half; fore-

arm two and five-eighths; first phalanx of longest finger two

and a half; tibia an inch; foot large, measwrmg with claws

eleven-sixteenths of an inch; the sac little developed. Ears five-

eighths of an inch apart at base anteriorly. Fur of the upper-

parts black, or dark blackish brown, a little hoary at the tips,

and light brown at the extreme base; under-parts inclining to

ashy black, and more grizzled ; membranes dusky, with the ex-

ception of the whitish margim described. On the particular

specmen before me are some pure white dashes on one side of

the back, being traces of partial albinism. The nostrils appear

to be:quite closed by a valve, which would open at the will of the

474, Mr. E. Blyth’s Notices of various Mammalia.

animal. ‘Taken at Mirzapore, and presented to the Society by

Major R. Wroughton, to whom it is also indebted for examples

of the Rhinopoma, and for numerous other interesting speci-

mens.

T. pulcher, Elhot.—A species from Southern India, recently

discovered by Mr. Elhot, who informs me that it is “ black-

brown above with white pencillings, and pure white below.”

That naturalist will give a more detailed description of it in the

‘ Madras Journal.’

Rhinopoma.—From descriptions with which I have been fa-

voured, | had long felt satisfied that a bat of this genus inhabited

the renowned fa at Agra, where great numbers of them would

seem to exist; and there can be little doubt that the species is

that marked Rh, Hardwickit, Gray, from India, in Mr. Water-

house’s catalogue of the stuffed specimens of mammalia in the

Zoological Society’s museum, and also that likewise referred to

Hardwickii i Mr. Elliot’s catalogue of the mammalia of the

Southern Mahratta country, as being found in old ruins to the

eastward of that province. But a specimen in the Society’s col-

lection received from England, and said to be African, differs in

no respect that I can perceive, and comparing both with the

figure of Rh. microphylla in the national French work on Egypt,

the only difference arises from what I presume is an maccuracy

in that figure, viz. that the caudal vertebre are not represented

to be sufficiently elongated. Even on comparison of the skulls

together, and with that figured by M. Geoffroy, | have been

unable to detect any diversity worthy of notice. The following

description is drawn up from specimens received from Agra and

Mirzapore. Entire length (of a full-grown male) to end of the

long slender tail, five mches and a half, the latter passing the

membrane by two inches and a quarter ; expanse twelve inches

and a half; (length of a female five inches, by eleven ches in

expanse ;) fore-arm two inches and a quarter; longest finger two

and three-quarters; tibia an inch and a quarter; foot with claws

five-eighths of an inch; ears from base anteally seven-eighths of

an inch, posteally half an mech, and width of the jomed pair,

from tip to tip, an inch and seven-sixteenths. Fur very fine and

delicate ; its general colour a soft dull brown, paler at base, where

inclining towards albescent ; the face, rump, and abdominal region

naked, the skin of the rump corrugated, and together with the

face and membranes dusky, having a tinge of plumbeous; the

skin of the arms underneath, and of the belly and nates in-

feriorly, is transparent, the latter covermg an enormous accumu-

lation of fat, which above reaches over the loins and along the

spine. Nostrils closed and valvular, forming obliquely transverse

slits in the truncated muzzle; the claws conspicuously white.

Zoological Society. 475

' Dysopes.—I know of but one Indian species of this genus»

which is the Vespertilio plicatus of Buchanan Hamilton, Linn-

Trans. v. 261; the Nyctinomus bengalensis of M. Geoffroy ;

and I am inclined to regard the D. murinus of Hardwicke’s pub-

lished drawings as no other, indifferently represented. I was

favoured with a live specimen of this animal by Mr. Ridsdale, of

Bishop’s College Press, and lately obtained another which flew in

ata window : Mr. Masters also has presented the Society with a

stuffed one: all of these being much of a “ snuff-brown” colour,

the fur of the under-parts tipped paler: but there is an old spe-

cimen of what may perhaps be another species in the museum,

the fur of which is remarkably close and velvety, and very dark

fuliginous brown above, with a shade of maroon, the under-

parts similar, but paler and somewhat reddish. So far as I can

judge from the state of the specimen, it presents however no

structural characters at variance with those of the other that can

warrant its being distinguished as a species; but I yet suspeet

that it is a different species from the plicatus*. The affinity of

this genus for Taphozoug is very apparent in the living or recent

Specimens, the present group having even the same peculiar

mode of folding the wings, which is not the case even with Rii-

nopoma, wherein there is merely a tendency or inclination to

that particular mode of duplicature of the wings.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

[, ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Dec. 10, 1844.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.

' Descriptions of new species of Mitra and Cardium, by Lovell

Reeve, Esq. :—

Carpium,

Carpium 1ncaRNAtTuUM. Card. testd gibboso-globosd, longitudina-

liter costatd, costis quatuor et viginti, rotundis, complanatis, mar-

gines versus medio obsolete brevispinosis, interstitiis angustis, sub-

profundis, transversim striatis ; pallide incarnatd, radiis roseis

transversis hic illic ornatd.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 1. f. 2.

Hab. Bay of Manila (found in sandy mud at the depth of six fa-

thoms) ; Cuming.

A warm flesh-tinted shell, of which Mr. Cuming collected a few

odd valves in the above-mentioned locality, and has lately received

several perfect pairs.

_ Carprum minpanense. Card. testd suboblique cordiformi, longi-

tudinaliter costatd, costis novem et viginti, squamiferis, squamis

* It is probably the Malayan D. tenuis, v. Nyctinomus tenuis, Horsfield.

476 Zoological Society.

numerosis, confertis, postice fornicatis, costarum interstitiis sub-

profundis ; albidd, fusco hic illic nebulosd; intus postice vivide

purpurascente.

Conch. Icon.,Cardium, pl. 4. f. 19.

Hab. Cagayan, island of Mindanao, Philippines (found eral

sand at low water) ; Cuming.

The vaulted structure of the scales in this species is about inter-

mediate in its character between that of the scales of the Cardia con-

sors and isocardia.

CARDIUM AUSTRALIENSE. Card. testd transverse ovatd, Donaci-

formi, medio subcontractd, postice flecuoso-angulatd, subrostratd,

anticé compresso-atienuatd ; dimidio postico radiatim sulcato, an-

tico levigato, nitente ; albidd, ared posticd strigis brevibus fuscis

utringque ornata.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 5. f. 24.

Hab. Port Lincoln, South Australia; Harvey.

This shell may be chiefly distinguished from the Cardiwm Donaci-

forme, to which it is in many respects allied, by the contracted flex-

uous prolongation of the posterior portion, and by the peculiarity of

one half of the shell being conspicuously grooved, whilst the other

half is smooth and shining.

CarpDIuM ovipuTAMEN, Card. testa oblique ovata, tenui, ventricosd,

radiatim tenuissimé striata ; nived, opacd, strigis lineisve rosaceo-

fuscescentibus exilibus undatis concentrice nebulosd, epidermide

pallida margines versus indutd ; marginibus intus subtiliter erenu-

latis.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 7. f. 36.

Hab. r ‘

The general appearance of this and the following species is very

like that of the Cardium serratum ; both however are of a less oblique

form, and the Cardium oviputamen under consideration is more ven-

tricose.

The concentrically waved pinkish brown marks above noticed,

though faintly indicated, are nevertheless characteristic, as distin=

guished from those of a different pattern, in the following species.

CarpiuM VITELLINUM. Card. testd oblique ovatd, tenuiculd, radi-

atim striatd ; lutescente-albd, maculis parvis numerosis rosaceo-

fuscescentibus umbones versus copiose lentiginosd, epidermide luted

indutd ; marginibus intus crenulatis.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 7. f. 37.

Hab. ?

This shell is of a less ventricose ovate structure than the preceding,

and farther distinguished by its different tinge and style of colouring.

Carpium uystrix. Card. testd subquadrato-cordatd, postice con-

cavo-angulatd, radiatim costatd, costis ad duas et triginta, an-

gustis, compressis, posticis squamulis brevibus, ceteris spinis

squameformibus erectis, umbones versus subinflewis, elegantissime

ornatis; costarum interstitiis striis elevatis transversim subtiliter

Zoological Society. 477

cancellatis ; albidd, costarum interstitiis pallide rosaceis, lined vivide

coccined utrinque pictis ; intus purpureo-rufescente.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 8. f. 40.

Var. 3. Testd extus omnind nived.

_ Hab. Island of Corrigidor, Philippines (found in coarse sand at the

depth of about seven fathoms) ; Cuming.

The exquisite delicacy and beauty of this shell is remarkable ; each

rib is surmounted with a close-set row of slender scale-like spines,

and the interstices are minutely cancellated; they are moreover

tinged with pink, and down each side of the ribs is a bright scarlet

line. '

There is another very beautiful small specimen of the Cardium

hystrix in the collection of Miss Saul; and Mr. Cuming is also in

possession of two of the swhite variety.

CarDIuM RUBICUNDUM. Card. testd oblongo-ovatd, vir obliqud,

radiatim costatd, costis acute convexis, septem et triginta, quarum

anticd squamoso-crenatd, mediand utringue obtuso-squamatd, posticd

tuberculatd ; rubicundd, umbones versus albicante rubido-fusco ma-

culatd ; marginibus intus vivide rubris.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 9. f. 44.

Hab. Zanzibar, east coast of Africa.

An extremely pretty species, remarkable for its vivid colouring

and for the elaborate character of its sculpture.

Carpium assimiLe. Card. tesid oblongo-ovatd, oblique radiatim

costatd, costis guingue et triginta, basi latis, approximatis, summi-

tatem versus attenuatis, anticis crenatis, postremis tuberculatis,

medianis levibus, lateraliter subtilissimé impresso-serratis ; pallide

purpureo-rufescente, umbones versus albicante, maculis sparsis

variegatd.

Conch. Icon., Cardium, pl. 9. f. 45.

Hab. Zanzibar, east coast of Africa.

This species approximates very closely to the Cardium subelonga-

tum, yet there are differences which cannot be overlooked; it has a

greater number of ribs and the ribs are of another structure.

Mirra.

Mirra Norrisut. Mitr. testa elongato-ovatd, crassd, solidd, spird

subobtuso-acuminatd ; striis transversis et longitudinalibus, elevatis,

confertis, undique subtilissime reticulatd aut clathratd, transversis

prominentioribus ; eburned, epidermide corned, tenui, nigerrimd ;

columelld sexplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 1. f. 6.

Hab.

I have much pleasure in dedicating this fine species, so entirely

distinct from any hitherto described, to Thomas Norris, Esq., a

worthy and esteemed patron of the natural sciences, whose magnifi-

cent collection of Mitres has so greatly contributed to the complete-

ness of my monograph in the work above referred to. It. is impos-

sible to convey an adequate idea of the finely reticulated sculpture

478 Zoological Society.

of this unique shell by a lithographed figure, it being so fine that

the interstices of the net-work resemble minute punctures,

Mirra Dennisoni. Mitr. testd fusiformi, spird attenuato-acumi-

natd, anfractibus subconcentrice costatis, transversim sulcatis,

sulcis angustis, costas super plus minusve obsoletis ; rubido-auran-

tid, zond unicd albidd cingulatd, cerulescente-olivaceo inter costas

peculiariter tinctd ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 3. f. 14.

Hab. Puteao, province of Albay, island of Luzon, Philippines cin

on mud-bafks at low water); Cuming.

I dedicate this fine species with much pleasure, at the particular

request of Mr. Cuming, to J. Dennison, Esq., a gentleman who has

acquired considerable fame in the conchological world on account of

the very choice and select character of his collection of shells.

Mirra Fioccata. Mitr. testd elongato-ovatd, crassiusculd, levigatd,

punctorum seriebus undique cinctd ; lutescente-spadiced, albo longi-

tudinaliter floccatd; columella quadriplicatd, labro prope basin

crenato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 3. f. 16.

Hab.

The specimen here figured, from the collection of Mr. Cuming, is

the only one of the species I am acquainted with.

Mirra souipa. Mitr. testd ovato-elongatd, crassd, solidd, spird

subturritd ; anfractibus numerosis, convexis, levigatis, transversim

sulcatis, sulcis angustis, striis subtilissimis prope suturas decus-

satis ; spadiceo-fulvd, albo sparsim et irregulariter floccatd ; colu-

melld quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 3. f. 18.

Hab. -——?

This interesting species may be recognized by its many convex,

deep-sutured whorls; and the whorls, being longitudinally striated

near the sutures, exhibit a slight cancellated appearance.

Mirra imnquinata. Mitr. testd fusiformi- oblongd, subangustd,

spird acuminatd, transversim impresso- -striatd, striis puncturatis ;

eburned, rubido-fusco longitudinaliter inquinatd ; columella quadri-

plicata.

Conch. logue Mitra, pl. 5. f. 29.

Hab.

Though a a of very simple character, it is quite distinct from

any hitherto described.

Mirra craciuis. Mitr. testd elongatd, spird valde productd, suturis

subpr ofundis ; anfractibus transversim subtilissim2 costatis, costis

angustis irregularibus, interstitiis liris obtusis minutissimis pul-

cherrimé decussatis ; albidd, fuscescente pallide fasciatd, costis

JSusco articulatis ; columelid quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 5. f. 31.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found in sandy mud at the depth

of six fathoms) ; Cuming.

Zoological Society. 479

A most delicately sculptured shell, with somewhat the character

of the Mitra granatina about it.

Mirra pecuivis. Mitr. testd elongato-turritd, basi truncatd, spird

acuminatd ; anfractibus supern® angulato-declivibus, levibus, trans-

versim evilissime impressis ; cinereo-carned, epidermide nigerrimd ;

columella quadriplicatd,

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 6. f. 44. -

Hab. ?

This shell appears to be quite distinct from the Mitra glabra; there

is no appearance of transverse brown lines, the whorls are angularly

bent next the suture, and the spire is more sharply acuminated.

Mirra coccinea. Mitr. testd elongato-fusiformi, spird acuminatd ;

anfractibus longitudinaliter obtuso-costatis, interstitiis transversim

elevato-striatis, anfractis ultimi costis subevanidis ; vivid? cocci-

ned aut lutescente, balteo unico albo cingulatd ; columella quadri-

plicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 7. f. 49.

Hab. Islands of Masbate and Luzon, Philippines (found on the

reefs at low water) ; Cuming.

This species may be easily recognized by its peculiarity of colour-

ing,—bright scarlet, encircled by a simple white belt.

Mirra tumipa. Mitr. testd abbreviato-fusiformi, spird brevi, apice

acuto ; anfractibus tumidis, superne plano-angulatis, longitudinali-

ter rude costatis, costis ad angulum noduloso-tumidis ; albidd aut

virescente, anfractibus ad angulum rufo tinctis, ultimo balteo nigro

latiusculo cingulato ; columella tri- aut quadriplicatd ; aperture

Sauce nigricante-fuscd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 8. f. 51.

Hab. New Holland.

A few specimens of this peculiarly swollen shell were lately brought

from New Holland in H.M.S. Beagle.

Mirra rupicota. Mitr. testd abbreviato-fusiformi, in medio obe-

siusculd, spird attenuatd; anfractibus supern? angulatis, costis

latiusculis obtusis longitudinalibus et transversis decussatis, ad de-

cussationem nodosis ; carned, epidermide fuscd, corned, crassd, ad

apicem erosd, indutd ; columelld triplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 8. f. 53.

Hab. St. Elena, West Columbia (dredged from a rocky bottom at

the depth of fourteen fathoms) ; Cuming.

A new and very distinct species, at present unique in the collec-

tion of Mr. Cuming.

Mirra BaLreouata. Mitr. testd fusiformi, spird acuminato-turritd ;

anfractibus transversim elevato-striatis, longitudinaliter costatis,

costis confertis, anfractis ultimi subevanidis ; balteolis nigris duo-

bus in medio cingulatis, supra cinereo-albidd, lined unied fuscd

circum-ornatd, infra aurantid, interdum cinereo-viridescente tinctd,

apice fusco ; columelld quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 8. f. 54.

480 Zoological Society.

Hab. Mollucca and Philippine Islands (found at the islands of Zebu

and Burias, under stones at low water); Cuming.

Allied to the Mitra plicata.

Mirra cHatyspe1a. Mitr. testd elongato-ovatd, basin versus sul-

catd ; anfractibus convewis, levigatis, juxta suturas rudé subtilis-

sime crenulatis ; cinereo-cerulescente alboque longitudinaliter stri-

gatd, transversim indistincté fasciatd, lineis rubido-fuscis equi-

distantibus undique cingulatd ; columellé rufo-aurantid, quadripli-

cata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 9. f. 59.

Hab. ?

A new and very characteristic species, at present unique in the

collection of H. Cuming, Esq.

Mirra Futeurira. Mitr. tesid cylindraceo-elongatd, subangustd,

transversim impresso-striatd, striis puncturatis ; pallid spadiceo-

fulvd, strigis angustis albis longitudinalibus ornatd ; columella

quinqueplicatd, subumbilicata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 9. f. 61.

Hab. ?

An interesting new species, marked with white lightning-like lon-

gitudinal streaks.

Mirra Lienarta. Mitr. testa oblongo-ovatd, crassiusculd, spird

acuminato-productd ; anfractibus superné depressis, longitudinaliter

suboblique obtuso-costatis, transversim subtiliter liratis, liris binis ;

rubide-aurantid, epidermide fuscd indutd ; columelld quadriplicatd ;

aperturd breviusculd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 9. f. 64.

Hab. St. Elena, West Columbia (dredged from rocky ground at

the depth of about fourteen fathoms) ; Cuming.

This shell has somewhat the character of the Mitra rupicola found

in the same locality; the spire is however longer, the aperture con-

sequently shorter, and the sculpture is of a different character.

Mirra Lacunosa. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, spird breviusculd,

transversim sulcatd, sulcis confertis, regularibus, profundé punc-

turatis ; longitudinaliter lacunosd, lacunis subconcentricé undatis ;

albicante, aurantio-fuscescente prope apicem maculatd, anfractu

ultimo fascid latiusculd aurantio-fuscescente cingulato ; columella

guadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 10. f. 65.

Hab. ?

This species is characterized, independently of its peculiar style of

colouring, by numerous longitudinal waved grooves or gutters having

the appearance of sea-breaks.

Mirra PELLIS-SERPENTIS. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, crassa, solidd,

spird subacuminatd, liris plano-granulatis transversis et longitudi-

nalibus subtilissime decussatd ; intus extusque lutescente ; columella

quadriplicatd ; labro superne contracto, intus striato-crenulato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 10. f. 66.

Zoological Society. 481

Hab. Islands of Mindoro and Bohol, Philippines (found under stones

at low water) ; Cuming.

The granular coriaceous sculpture of this shell varies considerably

in different individuals.

Mirra Cumineut. Mitr. testd ovatd, utrinque attenuatd, spird

acuminato-turritd ; anfractibus superne angulatis, longitudinaliter

costatis, costis numerosis, ad angul@® mucronatis, liris transversis

angustis cancellatis, interstitiis impressis ; aurantio alboque pecu-

liariter maculato-variegatd, maculis aurantiis nigro-lineatis ; colu-

melld quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 10. f. 67.

Hab. Matnog, province of Albay, island of Luzon (found on the

reefs) ; Cuming. 5

I dedicate this species to H. Cuming, Esq., as being one of the

most beautiful and characteristic of the many interesting new Mitres

collected by that indefatigable naturalist during his researches

amongst the Philippine Islands.

Mirra rusicinosa. Mitr. testa elongato-ovatd, subfusiformi, trans-

versim crebrisulcatd, sulcis puncturatis ; albd, rubiginoso-tinctd ;

columella quinqueplicatd, plicis infimis subobscuris.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 10. f. 68.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs at low water) ;

Cuming.

The iron-mould spots on this shell exhibit rather a tessellated

style of arrangement.

Mirra intertrrata. Mitr. testd subelongatd, spird acutd, trans-

versim liratd, liris numerosis, acutiusculis, lird minore intercur-

rente, interstitiis striis longitudinalibus elevatis cancellatis ; albd,

maculis perpaucis distantibus aurantio-fuscescentibus tinctd ; colu-

melld subumbilicatd, quinqueplicatd, plicis infimis subobscuris ;

basi leviter ascendente ; aperturd longiusculd,

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 10. f. 70.

Hab, Island of Masbate, Philippines (found in sandy mud at the

depth of four fathoms) ; Cuming.

The narrow intermediate ridge forms a prominent feature in this

species.

Mirra zesuensis. Mitr. testd subfusiformi, nitidd, basin versus

sulcatd, liris planiusculis, confertis, subtilissimé cancellatd, liris

longitudinalibus fortioribus ; albidd, anfractuum parte superiori

maculis grandibus perpaucis castaneo-fuscis ornutd ; columelld

quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 10. f. 73.

Hab. Island of Zebu, Philippines (found on the reefs at low water) ;

Cuming.

The brown spots being situated around the upper part of the whorls

give an irregular tessellated character to the spire.

Mirra invecta. Mitr. testd ovatd, basi recurvd, spird acuminatd ;

anfractibus striis impressis cinctis, ultimo tumidiusculo ; pallid

flava, maculis castaneo-fuscis pictd ; columelld obsolet? sexplicatd,

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. Suppl. 21L

482 Zoological Society.

Conch, Icon., Mitra, pl. 11. f. 75,

Hab. Island of Annaa, Pacific Ocean (found on the reefs at low

water); Cuming.

A solid, rather ventricose shell, with a peculiar twist at the base.

Mirra acuricra. Mitr. testa acuminato-turritd, anfractibus con-

vexis, numerosis, longitudinaliter crebriliratis, transversim im-

presso-striatis ; albidd, apice basique rosaceis, liris punctis ceruleis

et fuscis profuse variegatis ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 11. f. 76.

Hab. Zanzibar, east coast of Africa.

The surface of this beautiful shell has the appearance of being

curiously embroidered with small coloured beads.

Mirra opesa. Mitr. testd abbreviato-ovatd, solidd, superne valdé

obesd, spird brevissimd, sulcis spiralibus et radiantibus decussatim

impressd ; anfractu ultimo basin versus suleato, supra levigato ;

albd, lineis rubido-fuscis remotiusculis cingulatd, epidermide vivide

viridescente omnind indutd ; columelld sexplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 12. f. 87.

Hab. ?

I have no information concerning the locality of this extremely

interesting species, of which there is an example in the collection of

Thomas Norris, Esq.

Mirra ustutata. Mitr. tesid elongatd, spird angusto-acuminatd,

transversim subtilissimé striatd ; albidd, lineis capillaribus fusces-

centibus remotiusculis cingulatd, maculis grandibus ustulato-fuscis

nebulosa ; columelld sexplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 13. f. 89.

Hab. ?

This species is at present unique in the collection of Thomas

Norris, Esq. ,

Mirra cREBRILIRATA. Mitr. testd acuminato-turritd, longitudina-

liter suboblique liratd, liris angustis, crebris, interstitiis impresso-

cancellatis ; olivaced vel olivaceo-fuscd, lined unicd pallidd infra

suturas plerumque cinctd ; columelld quadriplicata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 18. f. 92.

Mitra rosea, Kiener (not of Duclos).

Hab. Ceylon.

Figured by M. Kiener for the Mitra rosea of Ducles, which is the

Voluta ignea, Wood, Mitra subulata, Lamarck.

Mirra pouira. Mitr. testd acuminato-turritd, levigatd, politd, ad

basin sulcatd, prope apicem subtilissime plicato-costatd ; fuscd vel

cinereo-fuscd, lined unicd pallid® flavicante cingulatd ; columelld

quadriplicata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 13. f. 94.

Hab. Islands of Zebu and Luzon, Philippines (found in mud on the

shore at low water, and at the depth of six or seven fathoms); Cu-

ming.

At the desire of one or two gentlemen whose opinions in concho-

Zoological Society. 483

logical matters cannot be lightly esteemed, I have described the Mi-

tre polita and crebrilirata as new and distinct species; it must be

admitted, however, that I have felt strongly inclined to regard the

former as the Eastern analogue of the Mitra ebenus, smooth variety,

of the Mediterranean, and the latter as the analogue of the Mitra

ebenus, ribbed variety, of the same region.

Mirra varianiuis. Mitr, testd oblongo-ovatd, medio subobesd,

levigatd, transversim subtilissime punctato-striatd; lutescente-

olivaced, lineis fuscis capillaribus remotiusculis cinetd, anfractu

ultimo zond unicd cerulescente-albd medio ornato; columelld qua-

driplicatd ; aperture fauce olivaceo-fusca.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 13. f. 95.

Hab. Torres Strait (found under stones at low water); Dring.

The variable character of this species consists in its being some-

times flaked or indistinctly streaked with bluish white.

Mirra cytinpracea. Mitr. testa cylindraceo-ovatd, utringue at-

tenuatd, sulcis capillaribus puncturatis, superne remotiuseulis, cin-

gulatd ; lutescenie-olivaced, maculis albis irregularibus infra sutu-

ras ornatd, anfractu ultimo in medio maculato-fasciato ; columella

quadriplicatd ; aperture fauce fuscescente.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 13. f. 97.

Hab.

The painting of this shell is not much unlike that of the Mitra

variabilis.

Mirra puttara. Mitr. testd fusiformi, spird acuminato-turrita ;

anfractibus superne subangulatis, transversim impresso-striatis,

longitudinaliter plicato-costatis, costis supern? obtuso-mucronatis ;

aurantio-lutescente, lined subtilissind fuscd cingulatd, anfractu

ultimo fascid latd nigricante-fuscd ornatd ; columelld quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 14. f. 102.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs) ; Cuming.

The Mitra pullata is exactly intermediate between the Mitre bal-

teolata and plicata, differing sufficiently from both to constitute a

distinct species.

Mirra oteacea. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, Bucciniformi, spird

brevi ; anfractibus convevis, levigatis, epidermide corned olivaceo-

Suscd nitidd indutd ; columella quadriplicatd, basi truncatd ; labro

in medio leviter contracto.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 14. f. 105.

Hab. .

There is a peculiarity in the form of this species which distin-

guishes it from any other of the Melania-like group.

Mirra osetiscus. Milr. testd acuminato-turritd, spird aculd ; an-

fractibus longitudinaliter costatis, costis angustis, crebris, inter«

slitiis impresso-cancellatis ; lutescente-fuscd, lined unied albd cin-

gulatd ; columella quadriplicatd, basi contorto-recurvd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 15. f. 107.

2L2

484. Zoological Society.

Hab. Bais, island of Negros, Philippines (found among coarse sand

and stones at the depth of seven fathoms) ; Cuming.

The whorls are numerous in this species and rather contiguous.

Mirra FuNEREA. Mitr. testd abbreviaio-fusiformi, spird acutd ;

anfractibus rotundis, liris transversis et longitudinalibus creber-

rime decussatis, anfractu ultimo levigato, ad basin sulcato ; fusca,

balteo unico angusto flavicante cingulato ; columella triplicatd, basi

recurvd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 15. f. 108.

Hab. Pasacao, South Camarinos, island of Luzon, Philippines

(found in sandy mud at the depth of six fathoms) ; Cuming.

The whorls of the spire have a peculiar rounded decussated ap-

pearance, with the yellow belt just falling in the sutural depression.

Mirra varieGata. Mitr. testd suboblongo-ovatd, transversim regu-

lariter sulcatd, anfractuum limbo superiori subobsolete crenulato ;

albidd, olivaceo-spadiceo nebulatd et variegatd ; columella quinque-

plicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 15. f.111.

Hab, Islands of Ticao and Mindanao, Philippines (found on the

reefs at low water) ; Cuming.

The whorls of this shell are very slightly angulated, and the

clouded variegated painting only appears below the angle.

Mirra c#ruLea. Mitr. testd subfusiformi-oblongd, transversim

regulariter sulcatd, sulcis angustis, puncturatis; ca@rulescente-

albicante, anfractu ultimo, fascia latissimd ceruled, marginibus

albimaculatis, cincto ; basi et aperture fauce aurantio-fuscescenti-

bus ; columella quinqueplicatd, umbilicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 15. f. 113.

Hab. Islands of Ticao and Capul, Philippines (found on the reefs

at low water) ; Cuming.

The white flake-like spots which appear on the upper edge of the

blue band of the last whorl are just visible on the whorls of the spire

above the sutures.

Mirra FuLceTRuM. Mitr. testd subfusiformi, solidiusculd; an-

fractibus superne leviier angulatis, transversim impresso-sulcatis,

sulcis angustis, subtilissime puncturatis ; rubido-castaned, strigis

albis prominentibus undatis longitudinaliter ornatd ; columelld qua-

driplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 15. f. 115.

Hab. Island of Burias, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

The white longitudinal waved streaks are very strikingly depicted.

Mirra pretiosa. Mitr. testd fusiformi, spird acuminato-turritd,

transversim subtiliter costatd, longitudinaliter confertim impresso-

suleatd ; suturis subprofundis; albidd, rubido-fusco balteatd et

punctatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 15. £.116.

Hab. ?

Zoological Society. 485

In painting this shell reminds one of the Mitra crenifera; the

sculpture is however of a quite different pattern.

Mirra Grunent. Mitr. testd abbreviato-fusiformi, subharpeformi,

spird brevi, turritd, acutd ; longitudinaliter acute costatd, costis

superne mucronato-tuberculatis, anfractuum parte superiori plano-

angulatd ; olivaceo-viridescente, lineis tribus rubido-fuscis subdi-

stantibus inter costas seriatim picid ; columelld quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 16. f. 119.

Hab, Island of Masbate, Philippines (found on the reefs at low

water) ; Cuming.

It is somewhat a matter of surprise that this very characteristic

species, which is not uncommon, has never been described. I dedi-

cate it with much pleasure to E. L. G. Gruner, Esq., of Bremen.

Mirra cauiernosa. Mitr. testd ovato-fusiformi, solidiusculd, spird

breviusculd ; anfractibus convexis, levigatis, transversim impresso-

striatis ; albd, epidermide corned nigricante undique indutd ; colu-

melld quinqueplicata.,

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 16. f. 121.

Hab. ?

I have no locality for this species, which is a rather solid white

shell, closely enveloped by a dark blackish epidermis.

Mirra runicuLata. Mitr. testd abbreviato-fusiformi, spird brevi-

usculd ; anfractibus superne subangulatis, liris angustis elevatis

subdistantibus undique funiculatis, interstitiis striis subtilissime

cancellatis ; roseo-albicante, epidermide fuscescente indutd, liris

Suscescente-punctatis ; columelld quadriplicatd, plicis infimis sub-

obscuris ; aperturd longiusculd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 16. f. 122.

Hab. Isle of Plata, West Columbia (found in coral sand at the

depth of fourteen fathoms) ; Cuming.

A species intermediate between the Mitre circulata and sulcata.

Mirra concentrica. Mitr. testd acuminato-ovatd, subfusiformi,

longitudinaliter concentrice costatd, costis superne mucronatis, in-

terstitiis impresso-striatis ; albidd, ferrugineo-fusco hine et hinc

maculato-tinctd, ad basinque fasciatd ; columella quinqueplicatd ;

aperture fauce striatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 17. f. 128.

Hab. Isle of Annaa, Pacific Ocean (found on the reefs at low

water) ; Cuming.

This species is very closely allied to the Mitra mucronata, from

which it only differs in the concentric disposition of the ribs, and in

their being denuded of tubercles.

Mirra sENEGALENSIS. Mitr. testd fusiformi, spird acute acumi-

natd ; anfractibus levigatis, superné tumidiusculis ; livido-olivaced,

flammulis perpaucis albidis longitudinaliter ornatd ; columella tri-

plicatd ; aperture fauce livido-castaned.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 17. f. 129.

Hab. Senegal ; Petit.

486 Zoological Society.

A very characteristic species, quite distinct from any hitherto de-

scribed.

Mirra impressa. Mitr. testd elongatd, sub-Terebraeformi, longi-

tudinaliter subtiliter costellatd, costellis levigatis, interstitiis trans-

versim peculiariter impresso-sulcatis ; fuscescente-rubidd, macula-

rum serie unicd subindistinctd cingulatd, costellis albidis; colu-

melld quingueplicatd, basi leviter recurvd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 17. f. 130.

Hab. ?

A truly interesting species, of which this is the only specimen I

have seen. It is of a deep brick-red colour, covered with close

whitish longitudinal ribs, each whorl being encircled round the middle

with an indistinct row of spots of a darker red.

Mirra souipuLa. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, crassd, solidd, spird

brevi, obtusd, prope apicem subtilissime concentricé sulcatd ; an-

fractibus convevis, levigatis, transversim eciliter striatis ; olivaceo-

fused, plicis albis ; columelld concavo-expansd, callositate albicante

superne armatd, quadriplicatd ; labro peculiariter planulato, su-

perne canaliculato, intus crenulato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 18. f. 133.

Hab. Island of Corrigidor, bay of Manila (found under stones at

low water) ; Cuming.

This is a species of an interesting group of shells, of which the

Mitra Ziervogeliana forms the type, distinguished by their solid

structure, the prominent development of the columellar plaits, the

presence of a callosity, and the peculiar flattened surface of the outer

lip.

Mirra tivipa. Mitr. testd subqguadrato-ovatd, spird breviusculd,

aculd ; anfractibus levigatis, longitudinaliter costatis, costis tu-

midis, inferne evanidis ; livido-olivaced, balteo unico angusto cin-

gulatd, costis olivaceo-lutescentibus ; columelld quadriplicatd ; labro

leviter sinuato; aperture fauce pallid lividd, striatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 18. f. 134.

Hab. °

I am much indebted to M. Deshayes for the loan of this very in-

teresting species, of which I know no other specimens.

Mirra cuoava. Mitr. testd ovatd, solidd, glabra, spird brevi ; ni-

gricante-fuscd, plicis albis ; columella concavd, callositate armatd,

guadriplicatd ; labro peculiariter planulato, superne canaliculato,

intus crenulato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 18. f. 135.

Hab. Isle of Johanna, Mozambique Channel; Hennah.

The characters of the Mitra choava are very similar to those of the

Mitre solidula and anthracina; each species may, however, be fully

distinguished by its difference of form and other minor peculiari-

ties.

Mirra antrHractna. Mitr. testd acuminato-ovatd, spird acutd,

glaberrimd ; anthracind ; columella subconcavd, quadriplicatd, cal-

Zoological Society. 487

lositate parva, superne armatd ; labro peculiariter planulato, su-

pern® leviter canaliculato, intus crenulato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 18. f. 137.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs at low water) ;

Cuming.

Very closely allied to the Mitra solidula, but of a more elongated

form, with a smooth shining surface.

Mirra rosusta. Mitr. testd ovatd, crassd, spird brevi, subobtusd ;

anfractibus tumidiusculis, transversim sulcatis, basin versus pre-

cipue, longitudinaliter concentrice plicato-rugosis ; rubido-fuscd ;

columellé concavd, quadriplicatd, callositate armatd ; labro incras-

sato, planulato, supern? canaliculato, intus crenulato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 18. f. 140.

Hab. r

This species partakes of the characters of the Mitre Woldemarii

and Ziervogeliana in about equal proportions.

Mirra putcueLia. Mitr. testd acuminato-ovatd, spird subturritd,

longitudinaliter costellatd, costellis angustis, planis, confertiusculis,

basin versus subgranosis, transversim impresso-striatis ; aurantio-

lutescente, fascid purpurascente inter costas ornatd ; columelld

quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 19. f. 142.

Hab. Island of Barbadoes, West Indies ; Humphreys.

The painting of this shell has a very pretty appearance.

Mirra uistrio. Mitr. testd subovatd, spird breviusculd, longitu-

dinaliter costatd, costis subobtusis, basin versus granulosis, inter-

stitiis transversim striatis ; vivide coccined, suturis nigris, nigro

interdum nebulosd, balteo albo angusto, balteoque nigro, cingulatd ;

columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 19. f. 144.

Hab. ——~?

A gaily-coloured scarlet shell more or less banded and bedaubed

with black.

Mirra rusritincta. Mitr. testa oblongo-ovatd, crassiusculd, acute

acuminatd, transversim undique sulcatd ; albd, maculis grandibus

aurantio-rubris supra infraque seriatim nebuloso-tinctd ; columella

quadriplicata ; labro crenulato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 19. f. 147.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

The surface of this shell is characteristically grooved throughout.

Mirra speciosa. Mitr. testd obeso-ovatd, utringue attenuatd, trans-

versim impresso-striatd, longitudinaliter costellatd, costellis pla-

niusculis, basin versus granulosis ; rosaceo-albicante, costis fascia

latissimd fuscd aut purpurascente-fuscd tinctis, apice rosaceo ;

columelld quadriplicatd, plicd supera. valde mazximd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 19. f. 148.

Hab. Island of Capul, Philippines (found on the reefs) ; Cuming.

488 Zoological Society.

This shell, at a glance, has very much the appearance of the Mitra

pulchella, but upon examination it will be observed that the dark

band which encircles the one is painted on the ribs, whilst in the

other it appears in the interstices.

Mirra caves. Mitr. testd ovatd, glabrd, longitudinaliter costellatd,

costellis obtusis ; cinereo-nigricante, costis macularum albicantium

serie unica ornatis ; columelld quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 19. f. 149.

Hab. ?

The specimen here described, from the collection of Thomas Norris,

Esq., 1s the only example of the species I have seen.

Mirra TteLescorium. Mitr. testd ovato-fusiformi, levigatd, nitida,

transversim punctato-striatd ; anfractibus contiguis, ultimo basin

versus subcontracto, suturis conspicuis, profundis ; cerulescente-

albd, anfractu ultimo inferné rufo-castaneo, spire apice nigricante ;

columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 20. f. 80.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs at low

water); Cuming.

This new and very characteristic shell exhibits the same peculiarly

contracted structure as the Mitra abbatis, and the whorls have the

same contiguous telescope-like appearance.

Mirra i¢nosiuis. Mitr. testa subobeso-fusiformi, basi leviter re-

curvd, spird acuminatd, transversim undique suleatd, sulcis con-

Jertis, subsuperficiariis ; albicante, maculis grandibus ustulato-

fuscis seriatim nebulosd; columelld sexplicatd, plicis infimis,

subobscuris,

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 20. f. 152.

Hab. Island of 'Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs at low

water) ; Cuming.

In order not to confound this species with one of very similar ap-

pearance, the Mitra ustulata, it is important to notice that the sur-

face of the former is grooved throughout, whilst that of the latter is

very finely striated and marked with rather distant brown hair lines.

Mirra pecurtata. Mitr. testd abbreviato-ovatd, subventricosd,

erassd, solidd, spird brevi, apicem versus acutd ; levigatd, inferne

sulcatd ; nigerrimo-fuscd, punctis albidis perpaucis prope basin,

linedque albd conspicud infra suturas cinctd; columella quadripli-

catd ; aperturd ampld ; labro superne sinuato et contracto.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 20. f. 154.

Hab. ?

A fine new species, of which I have seen several examples in an

excellent state of preservation.

Mirra papia. Mitr. testd acuminato-ovatd, transversim subtilissime

striatd ; undique badid ; columella quadriplicatd, plicd infimd sub-

obscurd ; aperturd breviusculd.

Conch, Icon,, Mitra, pl. 20. f. 157.

Hab. i

Zoological Sociely. 489

This is rather an unsatisfactory species, though certainly not re-

ferable to any hitherto described.

Mrrra capaverosa. Mitr. testd ovato-turritd, spird acutd; an-

Sractibus transversim impresso-striatis, supra et infra plus minusve

angulatis, longitudinaliter costatis, costis ad angulos exasperato-

mucronatis ; alba, balteo angusto fuscescente inter costas cingulatd ;

columella quadriplicatd ; aperture fauce striata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 21. f. 160.

Hab. Philippine and Lord Hood's Islands (found under stones at

low water); Cuming.

However closely this shell may approximate to the Mitra evaspe.

rata, it is uniformly white, and always exhibits a strong peculiarity

in the band which appears in the interstices and not upon the summit

of the ribs.

Mrrra carnicotor. Mitr. testd subabbreviato-fusiformi, liris

parvis subobtusis, alternis majoribus, undique cingulatd, liris striis

impressis longitudinaliter incisis ; extus pallide carneolo-fusces-

cente, intus rosaced ; columelld quinqueplicatd, plicd infimd sub-

obscura.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 21. f. 164.

Hab. p

A neatly sculptured delicately tinted shell, quite distinct from any

hitherto-described species.

Mrrra Hinosi. Mitr. testd lanceolato-fusiformi, spird acutissime

turritd ; anfractibus superne angulatis, infra angulum leviter con-

tractis, transversim carinato-costatis, costd super angulum promi-

nentiore, interstitiis concavis, subtilissime elevato-striatis ; lutes-

cente, costis spadiceis, epidermide tenui indutd ; columella quadri-

plicatd, plicis duabus inferioribus fere obsoletis ; aperture Sauce

subrosaced.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 21. f. 165.

Hab. Gulf of Nicoya (found in mud at the depth of about seven-

teen fathoms) ; Hinds.

This beautiful species, which I have the pleasure of dedicating to

a most zealous labourer in the field of conchological research, may

be recognised by its graceful form and by the keel-like elevation of

the ribs.

Mirra tatruncutaria. Mitr. testd abbreviato-fusiformi, tenui-

culd, basi truncatd ; transversim undique sulcatd, sulcis angustis,

crebris, punctatis ; albidd, rubido-castaneo tessellatd et Sasciatd ;

columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 21. f. 166.

Hab. ?

A slight thin shell closely grooved throughout, the grooves being

minutely punctured and the intermediate ridges prettily tessellated

with white and reddish brown.

Mirra Desnayesit. Mitr. testd subfusiformi, spird turritd, an-

Sractibus superne angulatis, ad angulum nodosis, infra levibus ;

490 Zoological Society.

livido-viridescente, nodis aurantio-coccineis, strigis in medio inter-

ruptis e nodis descendentibus ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon,, Mitra, pl. 22. f. 170.

Hab. ?

I have two examples of this extremely interesting species from the

collection of M. Deshayes, and two from that of Thomas Norris, Esq.

Mirra prurnosa. Mitr. testd ovato-fusiformi, spird acuminatd,

lineis impressis longitudinalibus et transversis decussatim easculp-

tis ; spadiceo-fuscescente, strigis niveis brevibus angustis e suturis

subirregulariter descendentibus ; columelld quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 22. f.171.

Hab. ?

This is another peculiarly characteristic species for which I have

no locality.

Mirra Soranpri. Mitr. testa ovato-oblongd, crassiusculd, spird

elevatd, apice subobtuso ; undique sulcatd, sulcis latiusculis, cen-

fertis, peculiariter subtilissime corrugatis, liris intermediis angus-

tis, carineformibus ; pallide fusco alboque fasciatd; columelld

quadriplicatd.

Hab. ?

An ancient species described many years since in manuscript by

Dr. Solander under a name that is occupied.

Mirra FLAMMIGERA. Mitr. testd fusiformi, spird acute acuminatd,

suturis impressis ; anfractibus superneé tumidiusculis, transversim

undique liratis, liris alternis majoribus, interstitiis lineis impressis

decussatis ; albidd, flammis latiusculis spadiceis longitudinalibus

pictd ; columella quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 22. f. 178.

Hab. ?

The sculpture of this attractive species approaches very nearly to

that of the Mitra interlirata, from which it differs more materially in

form.

Mrrra toricata. Mitr. testd fusiformi, utrinque atienuatd, spire

anfractibus plano-convexis ; fortiter noduloso-granosis, granis

regularibus, seriatim creberrime digestis ; albidd, maculis perpau-

cis aurantio-fuscescentibus hic illic fasciatim tinctd ; columelld

quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 22. f. 174.

Hab. ?

The entire surface of this species, from the collection of W. Met-

calfe, Esq., is very strongly closely granulated.

Mirra macutosa. Mitr. testa oblongo-ovatd, spird breviusculd,

suturis impressis ; anfractibus transversim punctato-striatis, parte

superiori lutescente-albd fuscescente partim tinctd, infra castaneo-

fusca albipunctatd ; columella quinqueplicata ; labro intus superne

sinuato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 22. f.175.

Hab. Australia and island of Annaa, Pacific Ocean (found at the

latter place on the reefs) ; Cuming.

Zoological Society. 491

This species may be recognised by its peculiarity of colouring, the

upper portion of the whorls being nearly white, stained just here and

there with brown, the lower chestnut-brown speckled with white

dots.

Mrrra proscissa. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, utrinque attenuatd,

spire anfractibus contiguis, suturis impressis ; transversim undique

liratis, liris latiusculis, obtuso-convevis, confertis, interstitiis an-

gustis, subtilissimé cancellatis ; albidd, maculis aurantio-fusces-

centibus bifasciatim tinctd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 22. f. 177.

Hab. ?

It may be as well to caution the reader against confounding this

shell with the Mitra ferruginea, a name which I have seen erro-

neously attached to it in one or two important collections.

Mirra rotunpiirata. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, utringue atte-

nuatd, transversim undique liratd, liris rotundis, confertis, inter-

stitiis angustis, striis elevatis decussatis ; aurantio-castaned ; colu-

melld quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 23. f. 178.

Hab. ?

The ridges of this shell are peculiarly rounded, and impart a kind

of crimped appearance to the lip.

Mirra Rupretiu. Mitr. testd fusiformi-ovatd, basim versus leviter

contractd, transversim undique liratd, liris subrotundis, interstitiis

levibus ; castaneo-fuscd ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 23. f. 179.

Hab. Red Sea; Riippell.

An interesting species, in which the ridges are almost as rounded

as in the former; they are however wider apart, and the interstices

are not crossed with raised striz.

Mirra ticaonica. Mitr. testd ovatd, crassd, solidd, spird brevi,

suturis profundis ; anfractibus transversim undique exiliter sulcatis,

jucta suturas leviusculis ; spadiceo-brunned, aperture fauce vivide

purpureo-fuscd ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon,, Mitra, pl. 23. f. 181.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found on the reefs at low water) ;

Cuming.

A very characteristic stout solid species, with a dark purple-brown

richly-enamelled mouth.

Mirra pLanitirata. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, spird subacumi-

natd, transversim undique sulcatd, liris intermediis peculiariter

planulatis ; fusca ; columella quadriplicata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 23. f. 184.

Hab. —-~?

This species may be easily distinguished from those which it so

nearly resembles in general appearance by its peculiarly flattened

ridges.

Mirra perecrA. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, spird subobtusd ;

492 Zoological Society.

transversim fortiter sulcatd, sulcis pertusis ; rubidd, liris trans-

versis profuse albimaculatis ; columella quinqueplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 24. f. 186.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found under stones at low

water); Cuming.

This species, which appears to be figured by Kiener for the Mitra

nucleola, may be connected by a series of intermediate varieties with

the Mitra cucumerina.

Mirra astricta. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, basi truncatd ; anfrac-

tibus levibus, cinereo-fuscis, fascia albidd infra suturam, lineisque

fuscescentibus parallelis crebris undique cinctis ; columelld quadri-

plicatd ; labro subeffuso.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 24. f. 188.

Hab. ;

The entire surface of this shell is enlaced with fine brown lines.

Mirra sinensis. Mitr. testd cylindraceo-oblongd, crassd, spird

brevissimd, acutd ; transversim crebriliratd, liris angustis, promi-

nentibus, granosis, lineisque longitudinalibus impressis exilibus

decussatd ; fusca; columella decemplicatd, callositate conspicud

superne armata ; inius fuscd, nitide encaustica.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 24. f. 190 b.

Mitra crenulata (pars), Kiener, Icon., f. 105 a.

Hab. Coast of China.

This fine species, though one of great rarity, has been probably

confounded hitherto with the Mitra crenulata, an error into which I

had myself fallen, until the arrival of a magnificent specimen most

liberally forwarded to me for inspection by M. Gruner of Bremen,

and which has been invaluable as the means of establishing a new

and very important species. It differs entirely from the Mitra crenu-

lata, independent of colouring and size, in the character of its seulp-

ture, whilst the columella has an additional number of plaits and is

armed with a remarkable callosity at the summit.

Mirra exrans. Mitr. testd ovatd, subcylindraced, superné obesd,

crassa, solidd, spird brevissimd, partim occultd ; longitudinaliter

obtuso-costellatd, costellis fortiter granulosis ; vividé aurantio-

fused, granulis albidis, intus albd ; columella octoplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 24. f. 191.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found on the reefs at low

water) ; Cuming.

Characterized by its very distinctly granulated sculpture, and by

its short obese form.

Mirra unputosa. Mitr. testd cylindraceo-ovatd, crassd, spira

brevissimd ; leviusculd, lineis eviliter impressis undique cinctd ;

albd, lineis fuscis cingulatd, undulisque fuscis angustis longitudt-

nalibus variegatd ; columella octoplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 24. f. 192.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found among coral sand on the

reefs at low water) ; Cuming.

The lineated character of the painting is so different from that of

Zoological Society. 493

the M. crenulata, that 1 cannot refrain from separating it as a distinct

species.

Mirra nanus. Mitr. testd abbreviato-ovatd, spird brevi, acutd,

transversim undique sulcatd, sulcis basin versus profundioribus ;

rubido-fuscd, balteo angusto flavicante, peculiariter albimaculato,

cinctd ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 24. f.. 193.

Hab. ?

Distinguished by its narrow yellow belt, which has a peculiar

white knotted appearance.

Mirra porpuyritica. Mitr. tesid obeso-ovatd, basi subgranosd,

spird acute turritd ; longitudinaliter plicato-costatd, costis angu-

latis ; anfractibus supra albicantibus, infra olivaceo-cinereis, albi-

zonulatis ; columella quadriplicatd ; aperturd brevi.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 25. f. 195.

Hab. Island of Ticao, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

A short stout species, with a sharp angularly turreted spire, en-

circled with bands of a peculiarly livid olive-ash-colour.

Mirra vireata. Mitr. testd oblongo-ovatd, spird brevi, apice acu-

minata ; levigatd, nitidd, basin versus impresso-striatd ; niger-

rimo-fuscd, virgis albis longitudinalibus flexuosis, interdum medio

interruptis, ornatd, anfractu ultimo zonuld pallidd angustd non-

nunguam superne cingulato ; columella quadriplicatd ; labro medio

contracto, superne sinuato.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 25. f. 197 @ and 0b.

Mitra retusa, var., Gray ; Zool. Beechey’s Voyage.

Hab. Island of Luzon, Philippines (found under stones and in

erevices of rocks) ; Cuming.

This species is exactly intermediate between the Mitre paupercula

and retusa,

Mirra curysauis. Mitr. testd ovatd, spird brevi, subretusd ; trans-

versim undique sulcatd ; fuscd aut fuscescente, anfractu ultimo

maculis interruptis medio uniseriatim cincto ; columelld quadripli-

catd ; labro medio contracto.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 25. f. 200.

Hab. ?

May be distinguished from the young of the Mitra cucumerina by

its peculiarly contracted lip.

Mirra concinna. Mitr. tesid ovatd, basi contractd, spird turritd ;

anfractibus superne angulatis, longitudinaliter costatis, costis an-

gulum super granoso-mucronatis, liris parvis obtusis transversim

decussatis ; liris transversis vivide luteis, interstitiis nigricante-

castaneis ; columella quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 26. f. 203.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

A bright prettily painted species, very closely approximating in

form and sculpture to the Mitra crocata.

494, Zoological Society.

Mirra venustuLa. Mitr, testd ovatd, spird acuminatd, anfractibus

convexis, longitudinaliter granoso-costatis, vivide luteis, zonulis

angustis nigerrimo-castaneis duabus tribusve cingulatis ; columella

quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 26. f. 204.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

The whorls of this species have not the same angular structure as

those of the preceding, nor are the ribs granosely pointed at the

upper extremity.

Mirra FLAvEScENS. Mitr. testd ovata, spird subacuminatd, an-

Sractibus longitudinaliter costatis, costis superné subnodosis, liris

granosis decussatis ; flavescente, zond fuscd medio albilineata

cinetd ; columella quadriplicata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 26. f.:207.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

Allied to the preceding species by its style of sculpture, but differ-

ing in form and pattern of colouring.

Mirra variata, Mitr. testa ovata, basi contractd, spird turritd ;

anfractibus supern® angulatis, longitudinaliter costatis, costis la-

tiusculis, obtuso-prominentibus, interstitiis transversim impresso-

striatis ; luted, ustulato-fusco varie fasciatd et lineolatd ; columelld

quadriplicatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pi. 26. f, 209.

Hab. ?

This shell exhibits a beautiful variation of colour; the ribs are not

crossed with granose ridges, like those of the Mitre concinna, crocata,

and flavescens, but have the interstices engrayed with fine impressed

strie.

Mirra aFFinis. Mitr. testd ovatd, spird acuminato-turritd ; an-

Sractibus longitudinaliter obtuso-costatis, costis liris planiuseulis

transversis decussatis ; aurantio-rubrd, fascid luteo-albieante cin-

gulatd ; columella quadriplicata.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 26. f. 211.

Hab. Island of Masbate, Philippines (found under stones at low

water) ; Cuming.

The specific differences of this shell are not of an unimportant

character; the cross ridges are somewhat flattened, the white band

is broader, and the granules are of the same uniform colour as the

ground.

Mirra turBEN. Mitr, testd oblongo-ovatd, basi attenuatd, spird

obtuso-rotundatd, suturis subprofundis ; longitudinaliter creberrime

plicato-costellatis, costellis interstitiisque transversim impresso-

striatis ; aurantio-lutescente ; columella quinquepiicatd, plicis pro-

minentibus ; aperturd intus striatd.

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 27. f. 213.

Hab, Philippine Islands (found under stones at low water); Cu-

ming.

Linnean Society. 495

It is a curious fact that the whole of the specimens of this species

collected by Mr. Cuming have the lower portion of the lip broken

away.

Mirra crrrina. Mitr. testd ovato-conicd, supern? rotundatd, solidi-

usculd, spird brevi, apicem versus subtiliter sulcatd, apice elato,

acuto ; levigatd, aurantio-citrind, livido-castaneo varie tinctd ; co-

lumelld quinqueplicatd ; aperturd longissimd,

Conch. Icon., Mitra, pl. 27. f. 215 a and b.

Hab. ?

A new and very remarkable Cone-like species, in the collection of

Thomas Lombe Taylor, Esq., of Starston, Norfolk.

LINNAZAN SOCIETY.

March 18, 1845.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Read ‘‘ Remarks on the Examination of some Fossil Woods which

tend to elucidate the structure of certain tissues in the recent Plant.”’

By Edwin John Quekett, Esq., F.L.S. &c. &e.

The structures which Mr. Quekett proposes to elucidate are the

fibres of spiral vessels and the dots of the woody fibres of Conifere.

On the first head he states, that in the examination of a specimen

of fossil Palm-wood, he observed that a portion of it readily broke

down into minute fragments, which, on examination under the mi-

croscope, were seen to be composed of cylinders more or less elon-

gated and minute rounded granules. Round the cylinders was wound

a perfect screw (with either a single or compound helix) undoubt-

edly fashioned from the interior of the spiral vessel, and affording

the most satisfactory evidence that the spiral fibre is really formed

in the interior of the vessel, as most recent observers have main-

tained.

On the second point, the nature of the dots on the woody fibres

of Conifere, Mr. Quekett’s observations derived from fossils also

confirm the views now most generally entertained by microscopic

observers of the recent structures. In a specimen of fossil wood from

Fredericsberg in Virginia, received from Prof. Bailey, which was

easily broken into minute fragments in the direction of the woody

fibres, he found a beautiful example of casts of woody tissue with

numerous spirals traversing the interior. At various parts were seen

arranged the ordinary coniferous dots, to the outside of which (pro-

jecting beyond the outline of the fibre when seen obliquely ) adhered

small bodies of the same size which bore the precise representation

of the coniferous disc, and were evidently casts of cavities existing

in the original plant: some of these were also seen detached. These

appearances, Mr. Quekett states, prove the correctness of the mo-

dern belief, that the discs are formed by depressions on the outside

of the walls of two contiguous fibres, giving rise to cavities of a len-

ticular form.

Mr. Quekett concludes his paper with some obseryations on the

process of silicification in its various stages and modifications ; and

496 Linnean Society.

endeavours thereby to account for the readiness with which some

silicified woods break down into separate portions, exhibiting perfect

casts of the organs within which the siliceous matter was deposited,

while others ge cemented into a mass incapable of organic. sepa-

ration.

Read also ‘‘ Notes on the Variations of Structure in the British spe-

cies of Hurytomide.” By Francis Walker, Esq., F.L.S. &c.

In this paper Mr. Walker enumerates the variations in each seg-

ment of the British Hurytomide, and comes to the conclusion that,

in grouping the species of a genus of this family, the primary divi-

sions may be formed from the variations of the thorax, and the secon-

dary divisions from the variations of the abdomen, of the antenne,

and of the nervures of the wings. He regards Hurytoma as the ty-

pical genus of the family ; and believes that the three genera Jsosoma,

Systole and Decatoma converge towards it by as many radii. An un-

described genus, to which Mr. Walker gives the name of Porcia, is

nearly allied to Decatoma, and is thereby connected with Lurytoma.

Mr. Walker takes a summary view of the three genera Hurytoma,

Isosoma and Decatoma, noticing under each the peculiar characters

of the genus and the modifications to which they are subject. He

points out the number of variations which occur in the British spe-

cies in the structure of their segments, and gives arranged lists of

the species, commencing with those which are most characteristic of

the genus, and ending with those which are least so.

Read also the conclusion of Mr. Doubleday’s ‘‘ Remarks on the

genus Argynnis of the ‘ Encyclopédie Méthodique,’ especially in re-

gard to its subdivision by means of characters drawn from the neu-

ration of the wings.”

Mr. Doubleday commences by referring to the successive attempts

made by Jones, by M. Boisduval, and by M. Lefévre to apply the

characters drawn from the neuration of the wings to the arrangement

of Lepidoptera; and to the use of characters derived from the same

source in the works of M. de Haan, Dr. Rambuhr, and Mr. West-

wood. In the present paper he endeavours to test the value of the

neuration of the wings in subdividing a large natural group, for which

purpose he selects the genus Argynnis of the ‘ Encyclopédie Métho-

dique.’ ‘

After stating generally the theory of the wing proposed by M.

Lefévre, Mr. Doubleday proposes an amended theory as follows:

«That the structure of the wings in insects is to have two distinct

sets of air-vessels or nervures, three belonging to the anterior half of

the wing, three to the posterior ; that in those species in which the

Wings are in the most truly normal condition these nervures are all

fully developed and all subserve to their true functions ; that in de-

scending from these we first find some of the nervures less developed,

but still subserving to their functions, then becoming gradually atro-

phied, and at last disappearing altogether ; and that this gradation de-

pends partly on the rank which the species hold in the true system of

nature, and partly on their economy.” The three upper nervures exist;

Linnean Society. 497

Mr. Doubleday states, in the anterior wings of a large portion of the

Heterocera ; but the lowest or discoidal one is often wanting, though

its nervules remain : in the Rhopalocera it is always wanting, and its

nervules are united either to the subcostal or median nervures.

Admitting the correctness of the above views, we have in the

Rhopalocera a median nervure with constantly three nervules, above

which are the two discoidal nervules, and then the subcostal nervure,

generally offering five nervules, but sometimes only three. Various

modifications in the number and connexion of these nervules are in-

dicated in different genera.

The genus Argynnis, Godart, always offers five subcostal nervules,

never, as Mr. Doubleday believes, anastomosing with the costal ner-

vure. Removing from it three species, Arg. Alcandra, Aceste and

Lucina, and perhaps Arg. Metea, and adding to it some of the Ce-

thosie, it becomes a most natural groyp. Of the subdivisions pre-

viously made in it Mr. Doubleday takes a brief review, and then pro-

ceeds to point out the sections into which he proposes to divide it,

which are founded in a great degree on the position of the subcostal

nervules.

The first of these is Agraulis properly so called; the second com-

prehends Argynnis Thais, Clagia and their allies; Arg. Jole forms

the type of a third; the fourth is formed by the genus Phalanta of

Dr. Horsfield, including some species not previously referred to it ;

the fifth has for its type drg. Egesta; the sixth includes the genus

Clothilda of M. Blanchard; the seventh M. Boisduval’s section Mua-

jores, with the addition of Lathonia and some other species ; the

eighth comprises his Minores, with the exception of one or two spe-

cies ; and the remaining species compose the genus Melitea properly

so called. In all these sections Mr. Doubleday describes at length

the structure of the nervures and their nervules, and notices the

geographical distribution of the species.

The paper was accompanied by a series of figures illustrative of

the neuration of the wings of various species.

April 1.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Read “ Observations on two Malayan species of Semnopithecus.”

By Theodore Cantor, M.D., Civil Surgeon, Prince of Wales’s Island.

Communicated by T. Horsfield, M.D., V.P.L.S.

The Semnopithect which form the subject of Dr. Cantor’s paper are

Semn. cristatus, Horsfield, and a new species which Dr. Cantor names

and characterizes as follows :—

Semnopithecus halonifer, nitidé cinereo-nigrescens, crista occipitis cana,

abdomine subalbido, cauda subcinered, facie auribus manibus pedibus

tuberibusque ischiaticis nigris, palpebris labiisque lacteis veluti halo-

nibus circumdatis: tarsis palpebrarum nigris, phalangibus digitorum

primis membrana inter se junctis.

Juvenis : Pallidior, crista occipitis cinerea, facie nigro-czrulescenti.

Neonatus : nitidé fulvus.

Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xv. Suppl. 2M

498 Linnean Society.

Of this species, which inhabits the jungle in troops of from five to

twenty, Dr. Cantor gives a detailed description, with an account of

its habits both wild and in a state of captivity, and details of the dis-

section of a young male, particularly as regards the stomach, which

presented, with some modifications, the same highly developed struc-

ture as the other species of the genus which have been examined.

It appears to be most nearly allied to Semn. maurus, Horsf.

Semn. cristatus, Horsf., is also a native of Prince of Wales’s Island

and the opposite part of the Malayan Peninsula. Dr. Cantor com-

pares it with the foregoing species and gives some particulars of its

habits in captivity, and of the dissection of a young female.

The paper was illustrated by figures of Semn. halonifer and of its

stomach and cecum, and of the head of Semn. cristatus, its stomach

and gall-bladder.

April 15.—R. Brown, Esq., WPS in the Chair.

Read the commencement of a paper, entitled ‘‘ Some Observations

upon the Structure of two new species of Hectocotyle parasitic upon

Tremoctopus violaceus, Delle Chiaje, and Argonauta Argo, L.; with

an exposition of the hypothesis that these Hectocotyle are the males

of the Cephalopoda on which they are found.” By Albert Kolliker,

Professor of Physiology and Comparative Anatomy in the University

of Zurich. Communicated by R. Brown, Esq., V.P.L.S.

Read also a “‘ Description of the Wild Dog of the Malayan Penin-

sula.”” By Theodore Cantor, M.D., Civil Surgeon, Prince of Wales’s

Island. Communicated by Dr. Horsfield, V.P.L.S.

Curys£us soccatus, ore vulpino, superné ferrugineo-fulvus pilis dorsi

nigro apiculatis infra subfulvus, rostro naso labiis palpebris striaque ob-

liquaé carpali nigris, caudz pendule vulpine besse apicali nigro, digitis

(anticis 5 posticis 4) pilis longioribus occultis veluti soccatis.

This species, of which Dr. Cantor gives a detailed description, ap-

pears, he states, to form an intermediate link between Chryseus su-

matrensis, Ham. Smith, and Chrys. javanicus of the same author. But

in the former of these two species all the feet are pentadactylous ;

neither of them has the feet hairy ; and the second tubercular tooth

of the lower jaw is present in both, but absent in Chrys. soccatus. A

pair of the last-named species were captured in Malacca and brought

to Prince of Wales’s Island, where they died a few days after their

arrival. Dr. Cantor states, on the authority of Wm. Lewis, Esq.,

Assistant Resident Councillor at Penang, that they hunt deer and

antelopes in troops of from thirty to fifty or more. He gives also

some particulars of their anatomy, and a figure of the species.

499

INDEX to VOL. XV.

ACRAA, new species of, 386.

Acteon viridis, notice respecting, 327.

JEgidium, new species of, 440.

Agotheles, new species of, 132,

Agaricus crinitus, observations on, 424.

Alder, J., on Euplocamus, Triopa and

Idalia, 262.

Alge Hibernice, noticed, 189.

Altensteinia, new species of, 385.

Amphidesma, new species of, 318, 484.

Amphitée pelagica, description of, 75.

Anatifa sulcata, description of, 75.

Ancyloceras, new species of, 31; distri-

bution of the genus, 34.

Ancyra, characters of the new genus, 34.

Andropadus, new species of, 127.

Animal and vegetable kingdoms, on some

important analogies between the, 210.

Angeles marine, notices respecting some,

Animals, on the means by which various,

walk on the vertical surfaces of highly

polished bodies, 115.

Anoplognathus, on a new species of, 38.

Anoplotherium, in the lowest layers of

the tertiary period of the Paris basin,

on the occurrence of, 141.

Aphzena, new species of, 37.

Apion,on the synonymy of the genus, with

descriptions of new species, 331, 392.

Aplysia, new species of, 313.

Appendicula, new species of, 386.

Araneidea, on the structure, functions and

ceconomy of the, 221.

Area, new species of, 355.

Argynnis, remarks on the genus, 496,

Articulata, on the reproduction of lost

parts in the, 373.

Asiphonia, characters of the new genus,

‘192.

Asterina gibbosa, notice respecting, 330.

Austin, P., on the Ischadites Konigii, the

Tentaculites and the Conularia, 406.

Ayicennia, on the development of the

ovulum in, 197.

Babington, C. C., on the correct nomen-

clature of Lastra spinosa and L. mul-

tiflora of Newman, 322.

Bacillariz, on the vegetable nature of the,

186.

Bailey. Prof., on some infusorial deposits

in America, 214,

Bain, A. G., on the geology of the south-

eastern extremity of Africa, 138

Balanophorez, observations on the, 193.

Balfour, Prof., account of a botanical

excursion to the Mull of Cantyre and

island of Islay, 425.

Ball, R., notice respecting the two-toed

sloth, 64; on the Felis melanura, 286.

Batrachospermum yagum, notice respect-

ing, 244.

Belemnites, observations on some, 277.

Beneden, P. J. van, on the genera Eleu-

theria and Synhydra, 244; on the em-

bryogeny of the Tubularie, 346,

Berkeley, Rey. M. J., on the preservation

of objects of natural history for the

microscope, 104; on Hematococcus

sanguineus, 372; on Agaricus crinitus

and some allied species, 424.

Birds, new, 125, 129, 182, 142, 260, 326,

360, 480; on the habits of some British,

166; of Ireland, 308; on the classifica-

tion of, 422,

Rivalves, on the stone- and wood-bur-

rowing, 113.

Blackwall, J., on the means by which

various animals walk on the vertical

surfaces of highly polished bodies, 115 ;

ornithological notes by, 166; on the

structure, functions and ceconomy of

the Araneidea, 221. :

Blood-corpuscle, on the structure and

development of the, 281.

Blood-corpuscles of the two-toed sloth,

on the, 122. '

Blyth, E., on some new species of Mam-

matlia, 449.

Bopyrus squillarum, description of, 75.

Borlasia, new species of, 320.

Botanical notices from Spain, 178, 417.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh, proceed-

ings of the, 64, 350, 425.

Botanical Society of London, proceedings

of the, 139.

Botany, geographic memoirs on, 11, 89.

Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur,

reviewed, 188.

Bowerbank, J. S., on a new species of

2M 2

500

calcareous sponge, 297; on the struc-

ture of the cocoon of a leech, 301.

Bradypus didactylus, on the blood-cor-

puscles of the, 122.

Broome, C. E., on a new species of Me-

lanogaster, 41.

Buccinum reticulatum, on the nidi of, 446,

Canada, journal of a botanical tour

through, 64, 351, 353.

Cantor, Dr. T., on two species of Semno-

pithecus, 497; on the wild dog of the

Malayan Peninsula, 498.

Capillaries, on the formation of, 372.

Cardinia, observations on the genus, 343.

Cardiwm, new species of, 317, 475.

Cautley, Capt., on a gigantic fossil tor-

_ toise, 55.

Cercopis, néw species of, 35,

Cercopithecus, new species of, 461.

Cetoniade, new species of, 38.

Cheetodus, new species of, 440.

Chalk of Norfolk, on the pipes or sand-

galls in the, I38.

Chryszus, on.a new species of, 498.

Circe, on a British species of, 112.

Clarks G., notices in natural history by,

140.

Coilodes, new species of, 440.

Coleicyyy on the origin of the corms of,

214,

Colossochelys Atlas, description of the,

55.

Coniferz, on the structure of. the dots of

the woody fibres of, 495.

Conularia, remarks on the, 406.

Cossypha, new species of, 126.

Couch, R. Q., on the morphology of the

different organs of zoophytes, 161.

Cranichis, new species of, 385.

Crustacea of Ireland, 319.

Curtis, J., on the cocoon of the emperor

moth, 285.

Cyanocitta, observations on the genus,

260, 342.

Cycadex, observations on the fossil, 442.

Cyrena, new species of, 431.

Cypselus, new species of, 125,

Cytherea, new species of, 133.

Cytinez, observations on, 191.

Dawson, J. W., on the newer coal forma-

tions of Nova Scotia, 212,

Delessert’s, B., Musée Botanique, notice

respecting, 421.

Derby, the Earl of, on some points serving

to elucidate the history of the Macro-

podide, 435.

Desmidiez, on the British, 149, 401.

Desmidium, on the British species of, 405.

Dickie, Dr. G., ona monstrosity of Gen-

tiana campestris, 387.

Dicynodon, description of the, 138.

INDEX.

Dienia, new species of, 385.

D’Orbigny, M. A., on the laws which re-

gulate the geographical distribution of

littoral mollusea, 42.

Doris, new species of, 312; on the deve-

lopment of, 445.

Doubleday, Mr., on the genus Argynnis,

496,

Duchartre, M.,on the anatomy and r-

ganapeny of Lathrea_. clandestina,

or characters of the new genus,

Echinodermata; on a.new British species

of; 171, 272. fete

Edmondston, T., on a new. species of

Pecten, 250.

Ehrenberg, Prof., on Infusoria, 141,

Eleutheria, observations on the genus,244.

Embleton, Dr. D., on the anatomy. of

Eolis, 1, 77.

Entomological Society, proceedings of

the, 437.

Eolis, on the anatomy of, 1, 77.

Epidendrum, new species of, 256.

Euplocamus, observations on the genus,

262.

Eurytomide, on variations of structure in

the British species of, 496,

Eye, on the adaptation of the, to distinct

vision, 121,

Falco islandicus, notice respecting the oc-

currence of, 218,

Falconer, Dr., on a gigantic fossil tortoise,

Felis melanura, description of the, 289.

Fish, new, 346,

Flora-and Fauna of the county of Cork,

noticed, 419.

Forbes, Prof. E., on the Medusa probos-

cidalis, 196; on some important ana-

logies between the animal and yege-

table kingdoms, 210.

Forbes, Prof, J. .D., on the explanation of

the adaptation of the eye to distinct

vision, 121.

Forbesia, characters of the new genus, 380.

Fraser, Mr., on anew species of Lophyrus,

360; on Leptopus Mitchellii, 480.

Gasterochisma melampus, generic charac-

ters of, 346,

Gasteropeds, on the boring apparatus of

the carnivorous, 113.

Gentiana campestris, on a monstrous form

of, 387.

Geological Society, proceedings of the,

67,1387, 212.

Geotrupide, new genera, and. species. of,

438.

Geryonia, characters of the, genus, 196,

Gibraltar, on the geology of, 67.

INDEX.

Glycera, on the British species of, 147.

Geeppert, Prof., on the fossil Cycadex

found in Silesia, 442.

Goliathus, description of a new species of,

39.

Gompsocephalus, new genus of, 39.

Goodsir, H. D. S., on some animals

found amongst the gulf-weed, 73; on a

new species of Nymphon, 293 ; on some

gigantic forms of invertebrate animals

from the coast of Scotland, 377.

Goodsir, John, on the electric organs of

the Rays, 122.

Gould, J., on a new species of Platycer-

cus, 114; on new animals and birds

from Australia, 129, 142.

Grasses, on the import of the inferior

palez of, 174.

Gray, J. E., on the animal of Spirula, 257,

Add,

Griffiths, W., on the Rhizanthee and

their allies, 190; on the ovulum of

Santalum, 196; on the development

of the oyulum in Avicennia, 197; no-

tice of the late, 447.

Grisebach, Dr. A., on the occurrence of

Phytozoa in phanerogamous plants, 264,

Gulf-weed, on some animals found

amongst the, 73.

Gulliver, George, on the blood-corpuscles

of the two-toed sloth, 122.

Habenaria, new species of, 386.

Hematococcus sanguineus, notice respect-

ing, 372.

Hancock, A,, on the anatomy of Eolis, 1,

77; on the boring apparatus of the car-

niyorous gasteropods and of the stone-

and wood-burrowing bivalves, 113.

Hanley, S., on some new species of Tel-

lina, 46, 363, 435 ; on new species of

Cytherea, 183; on new species of Cy-

rena, Venus and Amphidesma, 431.

Hapalotis, new species of, 159.

Henfrey, A., on the causes of the ascent

of the sap in plants, 424.

gon, Sir R., on the habits of jerboas,

86.

Hesperomys, new species of, 428.

Hinds, R. B., memoirs on geographic

botany, 11, 89; on some new species

of Marginella, 50; on some new shells,

°123; on a new species of Solarium,

374.

Hippolyte ensiferus, description of, 74.

Hipposideros, observations on the genus,

469.

Hodgkinson, Mr., on the food of the

Australian natives, 70

Hodgson, B. H., on the rats, mice, and

shrews of Nepal, 266; characters of six

new species of Nepalese birds, 326.

501

Hogg, J., on the Spongilla fluyiatilis, 284.

Homoptera, descriptions of new genera

and species of, 34, 119,

Humboldt, M. von, on Ehrenberg’s re-

searches on Infusoria, 141,

Hybosorus, new species of, 439.

Hydractinia, observations on the, 248.

Hylobates, observations on some species

of, 449.

Hypsiprymnus, new species of, 130.

Idalia, observations on the genus, 262.

Teracidea, new species of, 139.

Infusoria, observations on, 141; on the

occurrence of some rare species of,

37).

Infusorial deposits in America, 214.

Insects, descriptions of new, 34, 38, 108,

119, 489; on the means by which

they walk on the vertical surfaces of

highly polished bodies, 115; on the

reproduction of lost parts in, 279.

Invertebrata, descriptions of new British,

377.

Ireland, contributions to the fauna of,

270, 308.

Ischadites Kcenigii, observations on the,

406.

Jerboas, on the habits of, 286.

Jerdon’s Illustrations of Indian Ornitho-

logy, reviewed, 274.

Johnston, G., on the British Annelides,

145.

Kaup’s, J., Classification der Saiugethiere

und Vogel, 422,

King, W., on a British shell of the genus

Circe, 112.

Kiitzing’s Kieselschaligen Bacillarien oder

Diatomeen, reviewed, 185.

Landsborough, Rev. D., account of a

dredging excursion, 251; on some

rarities found on the west coast of Scot-

land, 327.

Laplanders, on the crania of the, 287.

Laségue’s, M., Musée Botanique de M.

Benjamin Delessert, noticed, 421.

Lastrea spinosa and L. multiflora, on the

correct nomenclature of, 322.

Lathrea clandestina, anatomical re-

searches on, 410,

Leaves, on the decurrence of, 415.

Lee, H., on the abundant occurrence of

rare infusoria in the scallop, 371.

Leech, on the structure of the cocoon of

a, 301.

Leefe’s, Rey. J. E., Salictum Britannicum

exsiccatum, noticed, 275.

Leiothrix, new species of, 326.

Lemuride, observations on some, 461.

Lentinus, new species of, 424,

Leptopus, characters of the new genus,

430.

502

Lindley, Prof., on new genera and species

of orchidaceous plants, 106, 256, 383.

Link, M., on the origin of the corms of

Colchicum, 214.

Linnzan Society, proceedings of the, 190,

284, 423, 495.

Lophyrus, new species of, 360.

Loris, on the habits of the, 59.

Lycaste, new species of, 383.

Macacus, new species of, 457.

M‘Calla’s, W., Algze Hibernicz, noticed,

189.

M‘Coy, F., contributions to the fauna of

Treland, 270.

M‘Nab, J., account of a botanical tour

through part of the United States and

Canada, 64, 351, 353.

Macropus, new species of, 129.

Main, J., remarks on vegetable physio-

logy, 198.

Malurus, new species of, 133.

Mammalia, descriptions of new, 129; on

the classification of, 422; observations

on some, 427; notes on various, with

descriptions of new species, 449.

Marginella, new species of, 50.

Martius, M. von, on the growth of the

stem of palms and on the decurrence

of the leaves, 415.

Masdeyallia, new species of, 256.

-Maxillaria, new species of, 383.

Medusa _proboscidalis, observations on

the, 196.

Megascolex, on a new species of, 60.

Melanogaster, on a new British species of,

4),

Meteorological observations, 71, 148, 215,

295, 375, 447.

Mice of Nepal, descriptions of the, 266.

Microscope, on the preservation of ob-

jects of natural history for the, 104,242.

Microstylis, new species of, 256.

Milne- Edwards, M., on some submarine

explorations by, 68.

Miscellanea Zoologica, 145.

Mitra, new species of, 477.

Mohl, H. von, on the import of the in-

ferior palez of the grasses, 174 ; on the

penetration of the cuticle into the

stomata, 217.

Mollusca, littoral, on the Jaws which re-

gulate the geographical distribution of,

Mollusca, new species of, 311.

Mollusea nudibranchiata, anatomy of, I,

tds

Morris, J., on the occurrence of Pollicipes

in the Oxford clay, 50; on some new

species of Ancyloceras, 31.

Murex saxatilis, on the growth of, 140.

Mus, new species of, 266.

INDEX.

Muscicapa, new species of, 128.

Muscle, on the structure of the ultimate

fibre of the, 279.

Myadora, monograph of the genus, 61.

Myriapoda, on the reproduction of lost

parts in, 279.

pair ae ore observations on the genus,

Nautilograpsus minutus, description of,

73.

Nezra, new species of, 125.

Nemertes, new species of, 378.

Nereides, on the British, 145.

Newport, G., on the reproduction of lost

parts in Myriapoda and Insects, 279,

373; on the structure and development

of the blood-corpuscle in Insects, 281 ;

on the destruction of the orange-trees

in the Azores, 294.

ee on a new British species of,

Octodon, new species of, 428.

Odontoglossum, new species of, 256.

Odostomia, new species of, 315.

Oncidium, new species of, 383.

Orchidacee, new genera and species of,

106, 256, 383.

Oreocinela, new species of, 326.

Orphnus, new species of, 441.

Owen, Prof., on the Dicynodon, 188; on

certain Belemnites from the Oxford

clay, 277.

Pachycephala, new species of, 133.

Palemon natator, description of, 74.

Palms, on the growth of the stem of, 415,

Parus, new species of, 326.

Peach, C. W., on the “ Nigger” or “Cot-

ton-spinner” of the Cornish fishermen,

171; on the development of Doris,

445; on the nidi of Buccinum reticu-

latum, 446.

Pecten, on a new British species of, 250.

Perameles, new species of, 180.

Pheocordylis, characters of the’ new

genus, 194,

Phascogale, new species of, 131.

Phytozoa, on the occurrence of, in phane-

rogamous plants, 264.

Plants, on the geographical distribution

of, 11, 89; on some rare British, 1389;

on the stigma of, 193; on the move-

ment of the sap in, 198, 424; on the

occurrence of Phytozoa in, 2643 ° on

the nutrition of, 8350; on the structure

of certain tissues in, 495.

Platner, E. A., on the formation of capil-

laries, 372.

Platycercus, on a new species of, 114.

Pleurothallis, new species of, 384.

Pleurotoma, new species of, 316.

Podiceps, new species of, 142.

INDEX.

Peeciloptera, new species of, 36.

Pollicipes, on the occurrence of, in the

Oxford clay, 30.

Polypes, observations on some, 69.

Ponthieva, new species of, 385.

Portlock, Capt., on the ova of the large

spotted dog-fish, 261, 345; on the

genus Cardinia, 343,

Prescottia, new species of, 386.

Priapulus, new British species of, 272.

Prichard, Dr., on the crania of the Lap-

landers and Finlanders, 287.

Prinia, new species of, 126.

Prionid, new genus of, 108,

Quatrefages, M. de, on the anatomy of

some Mollusea nudibranchiata, 2.

Quekett, E. J., on the examination of

some fossil woods, 495.

Rafilesiacex, on a new genus of, 191.

Ralfs, J., on the British Desmidiex, 149,

401.

Ranella, new species of, 360.

Rats of Nepal, descriptions of the, 266.

Rays, on the existence of an electric ap-

paratus in, 121, 122.

Reckitt, W., on the preservation of ob-

jects of natural history for the micro-

scope, 242.

Reeve, L.,on the genus Myadora, 61 ; on

new species of Tritons, 199; on new

species of Ranella, 360 ; on new species

of Arca, 355 ; on new species of Mitra

and Cardium, 475.

ae Dr., observations on some Polypes,

Rhinolophus, new species of, 466.

Rhizanthez, observations on the, 190.

Richardson, J., generic characters of Gas-

terochisma melampus, 346.

Ringicula, new species of, 123.

Rissoa, new species of, 315.

Robert, E., on the occurrence of the

Anoplotherium in the lowest layers of

~F tertiary period of the Paris basin,

41.

Royal Institution, proceedings of the, 210.

Royal Society, proceedings of the, 277.

Royal Society of Edinburgh, proceedings

of the, 121.

oes on three new British species of,

305.

Salix, observations on some British spe-

cies of, 276.

Salter, T. B., on three new species of

Rubus, 305.

Santalum, on the ovulum of, 196.

Sapria, characters of the new genus, 191.

Scenedesmus, on the British species of,

Schomburgk, Sir R. H., on the geology

of British Guiana, 137.

503

Scotland, on some rarities found on the

west coast of, 327.

Scyllium Catulus, on the ova of, 261, 345.

Sedum amplexicaule, on the formation of

aérial tubers in, 408.

Seller, Dr., on the nutrition of plants,

350.

Semnopitheci, observations on some spe-

cies of, 452; on two new species of, 497.

Serpentaria, characters of the new genus,

377.

Shells, new, 46, 50, 61, 123, 183, 135,

199, 250, 815, 355, 360, 363,374, 431,

435, 475.

Shrews of Nepal, descriptions of the, 266.

Siebold, Dr., on the metamorphoses of the

Strepsiptera, 293.

Silphodes, new species of, 440.

Simiadz, notes on yarious, with descrip-

tions of new species, 449, 497.

Smith, J., on the geology of Gibraltar, 67.

Smyth, W. W., on the geology of the

country round the mines of the Taurus,

212.

Solarium, new species of, 374.

Sonder, W., on some British species of

willows, 276.

Sorex, new species of, 269.

Sowerby, G. B., on new species of Vo-

luta, 135.

Spiders, on the means by which they

walk on the vertical surfaces of highly

polished bodies, 115.

Spiral vessels, on the structure of, 495.

Spirula, on the animal of, 257, 444.

Sponge, description of a new genus of,

297,

Spongilla fluviatilis, remarks on the, 284.

Stark, Dr., on the existence of an electric

apparatus in the flapper-skate and other

rays, 121.

Staurastrum, on the British species of,

149.

Stelis, new species of, 385.

Stenorhynchus, new species of, 386.

Sterna leucoptera, occurrence of, in Bri-

tain, 271.

Stomata, on the penetration of the cuticle

into the, 217.

Strepsiptera, on the metamorphoses of the,

Strickland, H. E., on some new species of

birds from Western Africa, 125; on

Cyanocitta, a proposed new genus of

Garruline, 260, 342.

Syllis, on the British species of, 145.

Synhydra, observations on the genus,

Syrinx, new British species of, 272.

Syrinx papillosus, notice respecting, 329.

Taphozous, new species of, 472.

504

Tellin, new species of, 46, 363, 439.

Templeton, R., on anew genus of worms,

Tentaculites, remarks on the, 406.

Tephrodornis, new species of, 129.

oo characters of the new genus,

95.

Thompson, W., additions to the fauna of

Ireland, with descriptions of some new

species of Invertebrata, 308.

Tortoise, description of a gigantic fossil,

from India, 55.

Treviranus, L. C., on the formation of

aérial tubers in Sedum amplexicaule,

408.

Trichoglottis, new species of, 586. _

Trimmer, J., on the pipes or sandgalls

in the chalk and chalk-rubble of Nor-

folk, 138.

Triopa, observations on the genus, 262.

Triton, new species of, 199, 317.

Trogide, on the, 488.

Tubulariz, on the embryogeny of the,

346,

United States, journal of a_ botanical

tour through, 64, 351, 353.

Vegetable physiology, remarks on, 198.

Velella, new species of, 521.

Venus, new species of, 432.

Vespertilio Nattereri, occurrence of, in

Ireland, 270.

INDEX.

Vespertilionide, notes on various, with

descriptions of new species, 462.

Voluta, new species of, 135.

Waguer’s, Dr. R., Elements of Compara-

tive Anatomy, reviewed, 45.

Walker, F., on the variations of structure

in the British Eurytomide, 496.

Walton, J., on the synonymy of the genus

Apion, with descriptions of new spe-

cies, 351,392.

Waterhouse, G. R., on a new species of

Mus, 428; of Octodon, 428.

Westwood, Mr., on the Geotrupide and

Trogide, 438.

White, A., on a new genus and some new

species of homopterous insects, 34; on

two apparently new species of lamelli-

corn beetles, 38; on a new species of

longicorn beetle from Mexico, 108;

on the synonyms of a homopterous in-

sect, 119.

Willkomm, M., botanical notices from

Spain, 178, 417.

Wilson, E., on the structure of the ulti-

mate fibre of the muscle, 279.

Xanthidium furcatum, notice respecting,

406.

Zoological Society, proceedings of the,

46, 122, 199, 286, 355, 426, 475.

Zoophytes, on the morphology of, 161,

END OF THE FIFTEENTH VOLUME.

PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR,

RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET,