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THE

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

By EDWARD CHARLESWOTtTH, F.G.S,

LONDON

PRINTED FOB

LONGMAN, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS,

PATERNOSTER ROW.

1839.

LONDON :

PRINTF.D BY G. LUXFORD,

RATCLIFF HIGHWAY.

PREFACE.

In bringing to a conclusion the thirty-sixth number of the new series
of the Magazine of Natural History, the Editor has little to offer by
way of preface to the third volume. The condition of the journal
as it respects its stability, is much the same as at the close of 1838 ;
and its conductor has only to repeat the determination which he then
expressed, of not relinquishing his post, unlesss some unforeseen
circumstances, or a diminution of that support hitherto tendered
him by the contributors, should leave him no alternative but the
adoption of that measure.

In some respects, every additional year that the present series of
the Magazine stands its ground, it may be said to gather strength ;
and considering the large and increasing number of the cultivators
of science, who have made its pages a medium for recording their
observations in the different branches of Natural History, and the
prospective reduction in the present rates of postage, which have
hitherto pressed most heavily upon scientific periodicals, the Editor
still looks to the future with sanguine anticipations.

A large number of wood-cuts illustrate the present volume ; and
the supplementary plates, a feature in the work, the introduction of
which was attended with some little anxiety on the part of the Edi-
tor, have been extremely well received by the Subscribers.*

103, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury.
Nov. 26th, 1839.

* So far as the circulation of the second number of the supplementary
plates can be at present ascertained, it would seem that not more than
five or six of the subscribers have declined them.

CONTENTS.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS,

With references to the subjects of their respective communications.

Agassiz, Louis, (Professor.)

Letter addressed to the Editor, on the subject of the French
Edition of Sowerby's Mineral Conchology of Great Britain - 356
Alexander, Henry, F.G.S. &c.

On the discovery of the teeth of the Mastodon, in the Crag - 466
Alexander, Sir James

Letter in reply to the Review of his African Expedition of Dis-
covery. -.-__.._ 512
Anning, Mary.

Note on the supposed frontal spine in the genus Hybodus. - 605
Bachman, J., D.D. &c.

Monograph of the species of the Genus Sciurus, inhabiting
North America, with Descriptions of New Species and their
Varieties - - - -113,154,220,330,378

Baker, George.

Extract from a Letter addressed to the Editor, relating to the
death of Dr. William Smith - - - -515

Bartlett, A. D.

Note relating to some Goshawks in the possession of the late

Mr. Hoy 602

Bean, William.

Catalogue of Fossils found in the Cornbrash Limestone of Scar-
borough ; with figures and descriptions of new species - 57
Bedford, William.

An Account of the Strata of Lincoln, from a recent Survey,
commencing North of the Cathedral, and descending to the
bed of the River ------ 553

Bird, F. J.

On the artificial arrangement of some of the more extensive
Natural Orders of British Plants - - - - 181

Bird, Golding, M.D., F.L.S., &c.

On the application of Heliographic or Photogenic Drawing to
Botanical Purposes ; with an economical mode of preparing
the Paper - - - - - - 188

Bladon, James.

On the derivation of the name Adder, as applied to the Viper 566
On the mode of projection of the eggs in the Crane-fly - 566

vi contents.

Blyth, Edward.

Analytic Descriptions of the Groups of Birds belonging to the
Order Strepitores - - - - - -76

Remarks on the Fieldfare breeding in the British Islands - 467

Observations on the Wild Fowl in St. James's Park - 469

Birch, Samuel.

On the Monkeys known to the Chinese - 587

**B0WERBANK, J. S., F.G.S., &C.

Ventriculite containing a Cidaris, from the Chalk. - - 352

Bradley, Thomas.

Information relating to the Gymnotus electricus in the Adelaide

Gallery - - 564

Brown, John, F.G.S.

Experiment as to the capability of the Toad existing without

food 518

Brown, J.

Record of the breeding of the Crossbill in Gloucestershire - 310
Buist, Henry.

Description of the pupa of Necrodes littoralis. - - 600

Carter, James.

Observations on some of the Natural Objects in the neighbour-
hood of Cheadle, Staffordshire - - - - 72

Charlesworth, Edward, F.G.S. , &c.

On the fossil remains of an apparently new species of Hybodus

from the Lias of Lyme Regis - 242

On a specimen of the lower jaw of the Mammoth procured from
the Dogger Bank ------ 347

On a tooth of the Genus Otodus, from the London clay, in the
Cabinet of Lady Sidmouth ----- 351

On a fossil Zoophyte from the Kentish Chalk, enclosing a Ci-
daris ------- 352

On the discovery of a portion of an Opossum's jaw in the Lon-
don clay, near Woodbridge, Suffolk - 448
On some fossil teeth of the genus Lamna - - - 451
Clarke, W. Barnard, M.D.

Remarks on the Red-legged Partridge (Perdix rubra, Briss.) 142
Clarke, Rev. W. Branwhite, M.A., F.G.S.

Illustrations of the Geology of the South East of Dorsetshire

390, 432, 483
Clarke, Joseph.

Remarks on some of the rarer Birds captured near Saffron
Walden - - - - - - - 99

On the occurrence of the young of the Crossbill, at Saffron
Walden ------- 565

On the disappearance of the Mus messorius. - 606

**Colchester, William.

Fragment of a Jaw of the supposed extinct Didelphis. - 448

Cooper, Daniel, A.L.S., &c.

Notice of the discovery of a specimen of Achatina acicula in

the interior of a human skull - 565

Directions for collecting and preparing land and fresh-water
Shells. - - - - _ . - 602

Couch, Jonathan, F.L.S., &c.

Note relating to the distribution of the Marsupialia - - 312

On the Structure and Habits of the Physalia (of Cuvier) or
Portuguese Man-of-War ; Holothuria Phyaalis, of Linnaeus 556

CONTENTS. Vll

Coward, Charles.

On a carnivorous habit in the common Squirrel .. 311

Cox, J. C, F.Z.S., Sec

Note relating to the Argonaut - - . - 99

Cuming, H.

Extract from a letter to the Editor - 420

Davis, A. H.

On a singular procession of Caterpillars, observed at Adelaide,
South Australia -._.-_ 146

DoUBLEDAY, EDWARD.

Note on Amphicoma vulpina - - - - - 97

List of the Entomological Writings of Thomas Say - -139

Drummond, James L., M.D.

Observations on Echinorhynchus hystrix and Ech.filicollis - 63
Description of a new species of Anthocephalus (Antho. rudicor-
nis, Drummond) ------ 227

On Fossil Infusoria found in the County Down, Ireland - 353
Dugmore, Rev. Henry.

Record of the capture of an Eagle (Falco albicilla) at SwafFham 198
Flower, Thomas Bruges, F.L.S.

A Catalogue of some of the most interesting Plants collected
in the neighbourhood of Swansea, Glamorganshire, during
the past Summer [1839]. - - - - - 561

Garner, Robert, F.L.S.

On the Anatomy of the Lamellibranchiate Conchiferous Ani-
mals 123, 164, 294, 439

Gill, Thomas.

On some improvements in the Microscope - - - 199

Gould, John.

Extract of a letter addressed to Mr. Prince - 568

**Higgins,

Jaws and Spine of Hybodus Delabechei. - 242

Hogg, John, M.A., F.L.S., &c.

On the Classifications of the Amphibia - 265, 367

Hope, Rev. F. W., F.R.S., &c.

Observations on the Lamellicorns of Olivier - - 17, 171

On a new species of Lamia - 230

Critical remarks on the Iconographie des Insectes Coleopteres,
par De Laporte Comte de Castleneau et H. Gory - - 255

Jelly, Rev. H.

On the Fossil Shells of the genus Modiola, being frequently
found in the Bath Oolite, inclosed in the Shells of the genus
Lithodomus - - - - - -551

Lee, John Edward.

Notice of Undescribed Zoophytes from the Yorkshire Chalk - 10
Note on the fossil from Marychurch, figured in the Geological
Transactions - - - * - -471

Long, H. L.

Notice of the discovery of the Nest and Eggs of the Crossbill,
near Farnham, Surrey - -236,311

Luxford, George, A.L.S., &c.

Record of a locality for Lycopodium inundatum - - 420

Lyell, Charles, V.P.G.S.

On the Relative Ages of the Tertiary Deposits commonly called
' Crag,' in the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk - - 313

Viii CONTENTS.

Mantell, Gideon, L.L.D.

Note upon the ventriculite enclosing a fossil Cidaris, figured
by Mr. Charlesworth - 604

Mitchell, D. W.

Record of the capture of the rose-coloured Pastor, near Pen-
zance -- - - - - - - 467

Mitchell, James.

Notice of Fossils found at Stratford, in the cuttings for the
Eastern Counties Railway ----- 520

Moore, Edward, M.D., F.L.S.

On the destruction of Kyanised Wood in Plymouth Harbour,
by the Limnoria terebrans - - - - - 1 96

Catalogue of the Malacostracous Crustacea of South Devon - 284
Morris, John.

A Systematic Catalogue of the Fossil Plants of Britain - 452, 543
Newman, Edward, F.L.S.

On the Synonymy of the Perlites, together with brief characters

of the old, and of a few new Species - 32, 84

Description of a new species of Lamia, from Congo, in the Bri-
tish Museum ------ 147

Descriptions of new Popillice ----- 365

Notes on Irish Natural History, more especially Ferns - 548, 570
Ogilby, W., M.A., F.R.S., &c.

Observations on the History and Classification of the Marsupial

Quadrupeds of New Holland - - - 130, 257, 338

Description of the Frontal Spine of a second species of Hybodus,
from the Wealden Clay, Isle of Wight - 279

Owen, R. (Professor.)

Description of the jaw of the fossil Macacus from Woodbridge. 445
Pamplin, William, jun., A.L.S.

Remarks on the Botany of Selborne - - - 137

Patterson, Robert.

On some Snow Crystals observed on the 14th of January, 1838 107
Pelerin, W. G.

On the structural differences observable in the Crania of the
four British Swans - - - - - -178

Phillips, John, F.R.S., (Professor.)

Biographical Notices of William Smith, L.L.D. - - 213

Richardson, William, F.G.S., &c.

Notice respecting the discovery of the fossil remains of Cetacea
at Heme Bay - - - - - - 98

Salter, T. B., M.D.

Notice of the early appearance of the common Bat, (Vespertilio
pipistrellus) at Poole - - - - - 198

Saunders, W. Wilson, F.L.S.

Rare and interesting Plants about Kirtlington, Oxfordshire - 239
Shuckard, W. E., V.P.E.S., &c.

Notes on the Pensile Nests of British Wasps - - 458

**Sidmouth, Viscountess.

Tooth of the genus Otodus, Agass.
Skaife, John.

Note on a large assemblage of Swifts (Cypselus apus) near Black-
burn - - - - - - - 199

Sowerby, Jas. De C.

Letter relating to the French Edition of the Mineral Conchology 418
Strickland, Arthur.

Upon the claims of the Ardea alba — Great Egret, or White

CONTENTS. IX

Hearn, to be considered a British bird - - - 30

Stutchbury, Samuel, A.L.S., &c.

Description of a new fossil Avicula from the Lias Shale of So-
mersetshire - - - . - - 163
Thompson, George.

On the fall of a shower of Meteoric Stones at the Cape - 145

Thompson, William, F.L.S., Sec.

On some Snow Crystals observed on the 14th of January, 1838 107
Zoological Notes on a few Species obtained from the South
West of Scotland -----_ 585

Waterhouse, George R., M.E.S., &c.

Observations on the Rodentia, with a view to "an arrangement
of the group founded upon the structure of the crania

90,184,274,595
Weissenborn, W., D.Ph.

Record of the curious capture of a White-headed Eagle, in the
river Havel - - - - - -197

Remark relating to the nature of the Ignis fatuus - -197

Note on an extinct species of Frog in yellow Amber - - 256

Notice of an immense erratic block of Granite - - 472

of a newly discovered metal, called Lantanum - . 472

Note on the formation of an Entomological Society in Stettin 472
On the Natural History of the German Marmot - 473, 533, 577
On a great migration of Dragon-flies observed in Germany - 516
Note on some new facts in the nature of mineral precipitates - 567
Note on the Ushar or Abuk (Asclepias procera) of the Senaar 568
Notice of a valuable collection of objects in Natural History,

bought by the Belgian Government - 568

Notice of the decease of Count Caspar Sternberg-Serowitz - 567
Westwood, J. O., F.L.S., &c.

On Hymenotes, a genus of exotic Orthopterous Insects - 489

Wetherell, Nathaniel, F.G.S.

Notice of a species of Rotalia found attached to specimens of
Vermetus Bognoriensis * - - - - 162

of some undescribed Organic Remains from the London

Clay - 496

White, Adam, M.E.S., &c.

Description of two new species of Beetles, belonging to the
Family Cetoniidce of MacLeay - - - - 24

Description of two Hemipterous Insects - 537

Willmot, E. Eardly.

Record of the Woodcock breeding at Berkswell - - 255

Wilson, W. K.

Account of the capture of an immense Saw-fish, in the Gulf of
Paria - - - - - - - 519

Wood, Searles, V., F.G.S., &c.

On the species of the genus Lima occurring in the Crag - 233
On the species of the genus Bulla occurring in the Crag - 460
Letter announcing the discovery of Fossil Quadrumanous -Re-
mains near Woodbridge, Suffolk - 444
Woods, Henry, F.L.S., &c.

Letter addressed to the Editor respecting the supposed Frontal
Spine of Hybodus in the Bath Museum - 282

Yarreli, William, F.L.S., &c.

Remarks appended to Mr. Long's communication on the dis-
covery of the Nest and Eggs of the Crossbill at Farnham. 236

CONTENTS.

ARTICLES PUBLISHED WITH ASSUMED

SIGNATURES.

Philaletes.

Letter on the present state of the Hon. East India Company's
Botanical Garden, at Calcutta. - 304

TRANSLATIONS.

Agassiz, Prof. Louis.

Vindicatory Letter relating to the French Edition of Sowerby's
Mineral Conchology. ----- 358

Blainville, M. De.

New Doubts relating to the supposed Didelphis of Stonesfield. 49
Power, Madame Jeannette.

Observations on the Poulp of the Argonaut. - - 101,149

M. Sander.

On the genus Argonauta. - 521

Valenciennes, M. A.

Observations upon the Fossil Jaws from the oolitic beds at
Stonesfield - - - - _ l

EXTRACTS.

Grant, (Professor.)

On the impressions of footsteps of Chirotherium in the Stourton
Quarries at Liverpool - - - - - 43

Ogilby, William, F.R.S., &c.

Observations on the Structure and Relations of the presumed
Marsupial remains from the Stonesfield oolite - - 208

Owen, (Professor.)

On the jaws of the Thylacotherium and Phascolotherium from

Stonesfield ----__ 201

Observations on the Teeth of the Zeuglodon, Basilosaurus of

Dr. Harlan -__.»_ 209

On the relation existing between the Argonaut-shell and its
cephalopodous inhabitant - - - - - 421

CONTENTS.

REVIEWS.

Agassi z, Louis, (Professor.)

Monographic d'Echinodermes ----- 499

Alexander, Sir James Edward.

An Expedition of Discovery into the Interior of Africa, under
the auspices of Her Majesty's Government, and the Royal
Geographical Society ----- 401

Aube, Ch.

Species General des Coleopteres - 248

Beale, Thomas.

The Natural History of the Sperm Whale. - - - 248

Ehrenberg, Prof.

The Infusoria as Perfect Organisms ; a glance into the deeper
organic life of Nature. With an Atlas of 64 coloured plates,
after drawings executed hy the author. - 508

Haliday, A. H.

Hymenoptera Britannica, {Oxyura). 309 ; Hymenoptera Bri-
tannica, {Alysia). ------ 363

Germar, Friedrich.

Zeitschrift fur die Entomologie. - 248

Harris, Capt. W. C.

Narrative of an Expedition into Southern Africa, during the

years 1836 and 1837. - - - - - 401

Hope, Rev. F. W.

The Coleopterists' Manual, (parts 1 & 2) ; containing the La-
mellicorns, and predaceous Land and Water Beetles of Lin-
naeus and Fabricius. - 306
MacLeay, W. S.

Annulosa, contained in part 3 of Andrew Smith's Illustrations
of the Zoology of South Africa. - - - - 38

Shuckard, W. E.

Elements of British Entomology ; containing a General Intro-
duction to the Science, a Systematic Description of all the
Genera, and a list of all the Species, of British Insects ; &c. 503
British Coleoptera Delineated ; consisting of Figures of all the
Genera of British Beetles. - 507

Walker, Francis, F.L.S.

Monographia Chalciditum. - 363

Yarrell, Wm.

Supplement to the History of British Fishes. - 364

On the Growth of the Salmon in Fresh Water. - - 365

Note. — When a contributor's name is preceded by two asterisks, (* *)
it indicates his having communicated specimens only for description.

LIST of the SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES, with references to the
descriptive Letter-press in the body of the Magazine.

PLATE I.

Portrait on steel of the late William Smith, LL.D., "in his 69th year ; ,
— the author of ■ Strata Identified by their Organized Fossils,' and gene-
rally known as the • Father of English Geology.' Page 213.

PLATE II.

Lamia Boisduvalii, Hope ; a new species from New Holland, in the ca- *
binet of the Rev. F. W. Hope, F.R.S., Pres. Entomol. Soc. Page 230.

PLATE III.

Fossil Shells of the genus Lima, from the Crag of Suffolk, in the cabi- *
net of S. V. Wood, Esq., F.G.S., &c. Page 233.

PLATE IV.

Fossil remains of a species of Shark from the Lias of Lyme Regis, be-
longing to the extinct genus Hybodus, Agass., in the cabinet of Edmund
Higgins, Esq. Page 242.

PLATES V. and VI.

Two views of the Paper Nautilus (Argonauta), showing the manner in *
which the shell is embraced by the two membranous arms of the Poulp, as
observed by Madame Jeannette Power and M. Rang. Pp. 529 and 530.

PLATE VII.

Fossil shells of the genus Bulla from the Crag, in the cabinet of Mr. S. '
V. Wood. Page 460.

PLATES VIII. and IX.

Figures of some very remarkable unknown organic remains from the •
London Clay, in the cabinet of N. Wetherell, Esq., of Highgate. Pa. 496

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

JANUARY, 1839.

Art. I.— ^Observations upon the Fossil Jaws from the Oolitic Beds
at Stonesjield, named Didelphis Prevostii and Did. Bucklandii. —
By M. A. Valenciennes. 1

~L he fossil bones of very small vertebrated animals discover-
ed in the oolitic beds of calcareous schist at Stonesfield, have
acquired great notoriety among geologists, in consequence of
the opinion formed respecting them by M. Cuvier, upon a
first inspection.

It will be remembered that upon examining the rather mu-
tilated half jaw in the Oxford Museum, shown to him by Pro-
fessor Buckland, Cuvier recognised the characters of a mam-
mal, which he pronounced to be of the order Marsupialia.

In no other way can we explain why Cuvier applied to
them the name of Didelphis. His ideas respecting them ap-
pear to convey precisely this meaning ; not only in the note
at page 359 of the second part of vol. v. of his ' Ossements
Fossiles,' but in the expressions which he uses in the text of
the same page. While enumerating the endless variety of
fossils found in the Stonesfield slate, he says, " and even, as
I am assured, two fragments of jaws, which, judging from a
hasty inspection made when at Oxford in 1818, seemed to
me to belong to some Didelphis"

The extract from his note is as follows. — " It [the draw-
ing] confirms me in the idea which a first inspection had
given me : it is the jaw of a very small camassier, the grind-
ers of which very much resemble those of the opossums ;

1 ' Comptes Rendus,' Sept., 1838, p. 572.
Vol. HI.— No. 25. n. s. b

Ti OBSERVATIONS UPON

but there are ten in a series, a number found in no other car-
nassier with which we are acquainted."

It is impossible to doubt that the expressions "quelque Di-
delphe" and "celles des Sarigues" must have been employed
to intimate that the fossil animal was a pouched mammal, —
in other words that it belonged to the order Marsupialia,
Geoffroy, and undoubtedly closely related to the didelphs. —
His remark upon the number of molars also shows that he
believed even then that this mammal, when farther studied,
would be regarded as a distinct genus.

At any rate, however, this opinion confers great importance
on this small relic of a jaw, not more than nine or ten lines
in length, because it indicates the presence of terrestrial
mammals in rocks of more ancient deposition than the chalk.

Cuvier having never had these fossil jaws in his own ca-
binet, — having been unable to compare them with the skele-
tons of existing species which were brought together in his
extensive collection of comparative anatomy, but merely hav-
ing received the drawing, made by M. Constant Prevost, of
the jaw in the Oxford Museum, and also that of a larger but
less perfect one, preserved in the Museum of the Rev. C.
Sykes, — did not treat of these remains in a special memoir,
in which he might have endeavoured to establish their rela-
tions with other vertebrated animals.

From this time, geologists, confiding in the authority and
judgment of the great anatomist, have cited the Stonesfield
Didelphis as an exception to the generally -received law, that
fossil mammals are not to be met with in the beds belonging
to the secondary period ; more recently, however, doubts have
been raised by naturalists and anatomists, concerning this
determination.

It has been made known that these remains of Vertebrata
were regarded as having belonged to the class Reptilia : this
opinion is said to have originated with Professor Grant, in
the German translation of Dr. Buckland's Bridgewater Trea-
tise, by M. Agassiz

If this new determination could have been applied without
contradiction to the half jaw examined by Cuvier, it would
have had the advantage of restoring to the order of hitherto-
observed phenomena, the nature of the animals from the
Stonesfield beds ; but M. de Blainville has again rendered
the opinion uncertain, in the elaborate memoir lately read by
him before the Academy, and published in the eighth num-
ber of the ' Comptes Rendus' for 1838, 2 under the title of

2 For a translation ofM. de Blainville's Memoir, see 'Mag. Nat. Hist.'
1838, p. 639.-^7.

THE FOSSIL JAWS FROM STONESFIELD. 3

" Doubts concerning the supposed fossil Didelphis from
Stonesfield, &c."

This celebrated anatomist having had at his disposal only
the drawings of these interesting fossils, which are more or
less faithful representations, has nevertheless, with his usual
precise method of comparison, scrutinised the different parts
of these jaws; he has put forward in succession all the diffi-
culties to be overcome; and placed us in possession of the
doubts which the previous opinions had left in his mind : and
finishes by coming to this conclusion.

First. — That it is not probable that the two solitary fossil
fragments from Stonesfield can belong to a mammal of the
genus Didelphis, or to a carnassier allied to the Insecti-
vora.

Secondly. — That if we ought to regard them as belonging
to the class of mammals, their molar dentition would bring
them nearer to the family of the seals than to any other.

Thirdly. — That it is more probable that they should be re-
ferred to a genus of the sub-order of saurians.

Fourthly. — That in the present state of the case he propo-
ses to distinguish them under a distinct generic name, — that
of Amphitherium.

We thus perceive that this distinguished professor of com-
parative anatomy is inclined to regard these vertebrated ani-
mals as more nearly allied to the Reptilia than to any other
class ; and he cites, in support of his conjectures, the opinion
of M. Agassiz, whom he believes to entertain the same views
of the matter as himself.

I ought here to observe that the note extracted from a let-
ter of M. Agassiz which is placed at the head of No. 10 of
the 'Comptes Rendus de TAcademy,' seems in favour of this
opinion, since it says, — " M. Agassiz, on the occasion of a
recent communication from M. de Blainville, writes word that
subsequently to the year 1835, he has expressed, in Bronn
and Leonhard's Journal, (p. 186, anno 1835), an opinion per-
fectly agreeing with that of M. de Blainville concerning the
supposed Didelphis" In referring however to this quotation
I find that in this note M. Agassiz establishes, in a very clear
manner, the opinion that the Stonesfield animals are undoubt-
edly mammals, but that their affinity with the marsupials
does not appear to him to be so certain ; — that their teeth re-
semble more those of the Insectivora, and also have some re-
semblance to those of the seals.

The object of M. Agassiz therefore in this note, is to show
that these bones are those of a mammal, which he considers
rather as belonging to the order Insectivora than to any other.

b 2

4 OBSERVATIONS UPON

M. de Blainville concludes his task by an invitation for
fresh observations, which may furnish new elements to the
argument, for or against the opinion hitherto admitted.

The memoir of M. de Blainville proves, that if he had had
the advantage of examining the fragments themselves, he
would have left no doubt upon the subject.

Having myself been more fortunate, I hastened in some
sort, to reply to the appeal which he made, in the name of
the Academy, and it is this which has determined me to re-
quest to-day, permission to read the memoir which I now
submit to your approval.

Dr. Bucldand has just brought over, among other very va-
luable geological specimens, the two jaws found in the schist
at Stonesfield, and preserved in the Oxford Museum. He
very willingly entrusted them to me during his stay at Paris,
and allowed me to have models of them taken, which I have
presented to the Academy. I have compared the originals
with the different mammals and reptiles in the cabinet of the
Jardin des Plantes, and I believe that I have arrived, by this
comparison, at a confirmation of the justice of Cuvier's opi-
nion.

One of the two jaws submitted to my examination is the
very one which Cuvier for a short time inspected ; the Didel-
phis Prevostii. The other, subsequently discovered, is of the
same species as that described and figured by Mr. Broderip,
his Didelphis Bucklandii.

Another jaw, which I believe to be of this latter species,
makes a part of Mr. Sykes's collection. It is this specimen
which Messrs. Phillips and Lyell allude to when speaking of
the fossils in their works.

This specimen, which I am able to refer to, from the draw-
ing sent by Mr. Phillips to M. Cuvier, and which M. Lau-
rillard has had the goodness to lend me, is less complete than
the two others, for the angle is wanting, as well as the con-
dyle, and the largest part of the ascending ramus ; the latter
however has left its impression upon the stone, which serves
as a matrix.

This proves that we now have four of these jaws belonging
to two distinct species of vertebrated animals ; and so far I
perfectly agree with M. Agassiz, who appears to have seen a
fifth, and who remarks, it is singular that we have never yet
discovered any bone belonging to any other part of the ske-
leton.

The jaw first known has been so fully described by M. C.
Prevost, in his memoir upon the Stonesfield fossils, that it
will be needless to recapitulate here any details of its general
form.

THE FOSSIL JA.WS FROM STONESFIELD. 5

I'have observed however, in the bone itself, that the molar
teeth, which are, as you are aware, ten in number, are all
pressed closely one against another ; that the five or six an-
terior teeth have two visible roots ; a triangular and pointed
crown, with a little " talon" on each side, the anterior being
more acute, the posterior more obtuse ; that these latter, when
their outer side is shown, present a crown terminating in two
nearly equal conical points, with a little " talon" behind.

The second piece of jaw is a horizontal left ramus, with
its inner side visible. This fragment, which is curved like the
jaw of the Did. murina has a high coronoid process, enlarged,
rounded, and bent a little backward. The condyle, which is
very distinctly seen, is placed a little above the dental line.
The angle of the jaw is prolonged into a " languette mience,"
making an obtuse angle with the inferior line and the hori-
zontal ramus. One thing very important to point out, be-
cause it is a fact not previously verified, is, that this ramus
shows the opening of the dental canal, which is a small cir-
cular foramen, pierced a little forwarder than that of the
D. murina. The symphysis is entire and distinctly apparent.
It has a rough, oval, oblong surface, which equals in width
a quarter of the jaw, and which is obliquely truncated infe-
riorly, as we observe in the Mammalia.

The teeth remaining upon the dental arch, are three ante-
rior grinders, exactly in their right place ; they are shaped
like those left in the other fossil jaw ; that is to say, they are
compressed, triangular, and with two small "talons" on each
side. At the base of the ascending ramus we observe a pos-
terior, imperfect molar tooth, out of its place, and displaying
two very distinct pointed tubercles. There is upon the ma-
trix and in front of the three teeth, an impression which ap-
pears to have been caused by a fallen tooth. By measuring
with a pair of compasses the void space comprised between
the base of the ascending ramus, and the teeth which are
still in their places, and also that occupied by the same three
teeth, it is easy to convince ourselves that the interval ought
to be occupied by five teeth ; which brings the total number
of the grinders to ten, as in the other jaw.

The anatomists who are my auditors, will be able to per-
ceive from what I have just observed of the presence of the
condyle, of the form of the teeth, of the aspect of the ascend-
ing ramus and of the symphysis, the opening of the dental
canal, and the prolongation of the angle of the jaw into an
apophysis which is slender and compressed into the form of
a tongue, — that the animal which exhibits these characters is
sl Mammal. But that which will complete the description

b3

6 OBSERVATIONS UPON

and remove all doubts, is, that this jaw, like that of the Di-
delphis Prevostii, is formed of a single bone ; while in the
saurians, it is well known that each half is formed of five
osseous pieces.

The inductions which have been drawn from the lobulated
character of the teeth in these animals, appear to me to prove
that this configuration has been greatly exaggerated. Let
us only examine the false molars of a carnivorous animal,
a panther for instance — and we perceive that they are also
formed of a middle tubercle, compressed and triangular, hav-
ing on each side a little "talon" or tubercle. There is nothing
more in the teeth of the Stonesfield fossil. This sort of pal-
mated appearance is not at all similar to the flattened and
triangular teeth of some of the saurians, which have, as in
the Iguanas, their edges notched in very fine regular indent-
ations.

This comparison leads me back to the osseous fragment
possessed by Mr. Sykes. This jaw, belonging to the right
side, has its external surface visible ; its ascending ramus
and symphysary portion are wanting. We perceive in it nine
distinct teeth, and the socket for a tenth. The artist, who
was not an anatomist, has represented the teeth as with crowns
divided into lobes, to the number of five, and forming a sort
of "rosace", which never exists either in the Mammalia or Rep-
tilia. It appears to me that these organs have not been pro-
perly detached from their matrix, and that persons have been
led into error as to the palmated division of these teeth.

Having thus given the reasons which prove to me that the
animal to which the fossil jaws discussed in this memoir have
belonged, must have been a mammal, let us examine to what
order it ought to be referred.

I apprehend that what has led us from the truth has been
the comparison made between these fossil animals and the
common opossum (Didelphis Virginiana). We see, in fact,
in this animal, that the second false molar is much higher
than those next to it, and that it differs from them. But let
us take, as a point of comparison, the D. murina, which is a
small didelph of about the same size ; and we shall find the
resemblance more striking, and shall no longer wonder at the
affinity indicated by M. Cuvier. In this animal the false
molars are of the same height, and are equally pressed one
against another ; they are, like nearly all the false molars of
the true carnassiers, triangular, and have on each side a small
supplementary tubercle. The posterior molars, like those of
the fossil which I have in view, have two points, succeeded
by a small "talon," upon the outer edge, and three conical and

THE FOSSIL JAWS FROM STONESFIELD. 7

pointed tubercles upon the inner edge. ThOse specimens of
this fossil which are completely disengaged from their matrix
probably exhibit a similar conformation of their molar teeth;
for M. Agassiz says in his note, that the grinders have five
points, disposed like those of the Insectivora. The curve of
the horizontal ramus of the Didelphis Bucklandii, and the
form and direction of the ascending one, present a perfect
agreement with that of the D. murina ; the differences con-
sist in the fossil having the condyle less elevated, the tongue-
shaped process of the angle more external, and the opening
of the dental canal more anterior.

The Didelphis Prevostii has the ramus of the jaw straight-
er, but the form of its molars, and the great number of these
teeth, bring it nearer to the didelphs than to any other mar-
supial animal.

If we compare the fossil animal with the Insectivora, we
perceive in the latter the coronoid process carried more for-
ward, and separated from the condyle by a deeper space ;
the angular process of the jaw is shorter, forming a less ob-
tuse angle with the horizontal ramus ; the commencement of
the horizontal ramus is more convex, the rest of the bone
straighter, and the number of teeth always less.

Nevertheless, if we admit that the fossil animal is of the
order of Marsupialia, we must not wonder at the resemblance
which may exist between it and the Insectivora, for we know
that the pouched animals form a kind of sub-class, as Cuvier
says, of which the series is parallel with that of the placental
Mammalia ; and we can thus distinguish insectivorous mar-
supials, carnivorous marsupials, and rodent marsupials ;
&c. But the animals of this order [Marsupialia] are the only
the Cetacea excepted, which are furnished with so large a
number of teeth.

It was also thought that this fossil animal might be refer-
red to the family of the seals, on account of the subdivision
of the teeth into lobules. I shall first observe, that in the
Phoca properly so called, the common seal is the only one
which has five tubercles upon the dental crown ; — that the
others have only three ; — and that in the Phoca cristata there
even appears to be nothing more than a simple, blunt, coni-
cal crown, furrowed upon its surface, and without any sup-
plementary tubercles.

Thus, a lobulated form of tooth cannot be looked upon as
a constant characteristic of the seals, and consequently is not
a distinction of importance. But it must be observed that
among the Amphibia the angle of the jaw is not produced in-
to the tongue-shaped process which exists among the car-

b 4

8 OBSERVATIONS UPON

nassiers and the carnivorous marsupials. In the common
seal we find a simple tubercle at the maxillary angle ; in the
Phoca cristata this process is more obtuse ; and in the Pho-
ca leptonyx, de Blainville, it is quite obsolete.

We see indeed that this process re-appears and becomes a
character of more importance in the genus Otaria, in which
it constitutes a strong, trihedral projection, obtuse, and pro-
longed into a prominent ridge below the jaw. But there is
one characteristic mark in the species of this genus, which
quite removes all affinity to the fossil jaw; — their molar teeth
have but a single root.

Thus the supposed Didelphis does not appear to be refera-
ble to the family of the seals.

A.s we never see this angular process disappear in the car-
nassiers, I think we may therefore conclude that the fossil
bones found at Stonesfield belong to a terrestrial carnivorous
mammal ; and on account of the great number of its teeth,
that it is more closely related to the didelphs than to any other
known mammiferous animal.

The present investigation furnishes a fresh proof that the
attentive study of even the smallest parts of organic struc-
ture leads to very curious general results, since they become
characters, the importance of which we did not in the least
anticipate.

The prolonged tongue-shaped process is absent in man, in
the Quadrumana, and in the frugivorous bats, animals in
which the articulation of the jaw does not require that fixed-
ness which is a necessary condition in the existence of the
carnassiers. This process in the last furnishes a strong in-
sertion for the ligaments or sets of muscles which regulate
the lateral movements of the jaw; when it closes, they fix it
in its articulation, and produce that action of the teeth neces-
sary for the proper mastication of the food. This process is
obsolete, or nearly so, in those seals which are placed in the
order carnassiers, because these seize their prey in the water,
and transfix it with their pointed teeth rather than masticate
it, and do not therefore require so much fixedness of articu-
lation.

If we observe it to become projecting among the Otarice, it
is easy to account for this by a simple examination of their
slightly pointed teeth, inserted obliquely and across the den-
tal arch, and which would have been less fitted for retaining
living prey, if the lower jaw had been capable of making a
lateral movement below the upper one.

Were I not afraid of wandering from my subject, it would
be easy for me to demonstrate that the prolongation of the

THE FOSSIL JAWS FROM STONESFIELD. 9

angle of the jaw is just as well adapted in the Rodentia for
the action of their teeth.

Thus the form of this process, and that of the teeth and of
the condyle, are always combined in such a manner that the
study of these parts becomes of very great importance in as-
certaining the natural relations of animals.

I think, therefore, to return to our subject, that the bones
from the Stonesfield slate, published under the names of Di-
delphis Prevostii and Did. Bucklandii, have belonged to
mammiferous animals, very nearly approaching the didelphs,
but of a distinct genus.

Not having had the advantage of inspecting the portion of
a jaw preserved at "l'Ecole des Mines," I have been unable
to treat of that fossil in this memoir.

M. Agassiz, who regarded these animals as of an ambigu-
ous nature among Vertebrata, has proposed for a generic
name that of Amphigonus.

M. de Blainville, adopting the same views, without being
aware of the name proposed by M. Agassiz, which is not
cited in his note in Bronn and Leonhard's Journal, has pro-
posed that of Amphitherium or Heter other ium. As in all
that we can deduce from a study of the portions of jaws sub-
mitted to our examination, I see nothing which indicates an
ambiguous or heterogeneous nature, — and as the names pro-
posed by these naturalists express doubts which in my opin-
ion no longer have any foundation, I think it would be advis-
able now to apply a more significant appellation. I do not
think that sufficient time has elapsed for the ill consequences
to arise which generally follow changes of names in Natural
History, because those which I propose to replace by others
have not yet been adopted by systematic writers, and conse-
quently have not yet received the sanction of naturalists in
general. The name of Thylacotherium appears to me a pre-
ferable one.

If we call to mind the figure of the fossil jaw published by
Mr. Broderip, which is taken from a fragment that I have not
examined, the new genus of fossil Mammalia will have
the following characters, taken from the examination of the
lower jaw only.

Eight incisor teeth, two canines, and ten molars, with five
or six false anterior ones ; the hinder teeth presenting a sum-
mit consisting of five tubercles, three internal and two exter-
nal, the latter succeeded by a small "talon."

The two species referable to this genus, are —

Thylacotherium Prevostii, [Didelphis Prevostii, Cuvier),

10 NOTICE OF UNDESCRIBED ZOOPHYTES

having its horizontal ramus some what straightened ; its depth
about the fourth part of its length. And —

Thylacotherium Bucklandii, (Didelphis Bucklandii, Bro-
derip), having its horizontal ramus narrower and more curved.

Such are the zoological characters at present known of
this genus of fossil Mammalia.

Art. II. — Notice of Undescribed Zoophytes from the Yorkshire
Chalk. By John Edward Lee, Esq.

Professor Phillips, in his " Illustrations of the Geology of
the Yorkshire Coast," has observed, that " the interesting re-
mains of Spongice are nowhere so well developed as in Eng-
land, and perhaps nowhere in England, so well as in
Yorkshire. On the shore near Bridlington, they lie exposed
in the cliffs and scars, and being seldom enclosed in flint,
allow their organization to be studied with the greatest ad-
vantage."

This locality however, does not seem to have attracted the
attention it deserves : the chalk cliffs from Sewerby to the
Danes' Dyke on the south of Flamborough Head abound in
Zoophytes, and a diligent collector will not be long in obtain-
ing an extensive suite of specimens ; the chalk is of such a
nature as to admit of being easily worked, so that the fossils
may be cleared without much difficulty, and their characters
properly exposed. The labour however has only commenced :
the varieties in form, and the gradations from one to another,
are almost endless, and the difficulty in determining species
is so great, that it almost operates as a bar to the study of
these remains ; still as every additional fact respecting them
must be of some value, where so little comparatively is known,
I shall endeavour to give a description of several species
which appear to me to be new; and should it afterwards
prove that I have been mistaken, they can then be referred
to their proper situations. — Two of the species described seem
to be Siphonice ; four, or perhaps five, may for the present be
considered as sponges, and one seems to be a Udotea.

It is a curious fact, that though the locality from which
these fossils were obtained, is extremely rich in Zoophytes,
yet the rest of the Yorkshire chalk is comparatively barren :
this is particularly the case with the southern part of the
range ; I have sought almost in vain, for any specimens
worthy of preservation, in the numerous chalk pits from Mar-
ket Weighton to Hessle.

FROM THE YORKSHIRE CHALK. 11

The kind most abundant near Bridlington is the Spongia
radiciformis of Phillips ; numbers of this species lie in all
directions in the cliff below Sewerby, both parallel with, and
across the direction of the strata : many specimens appear
to have been a good deal worn before they were imbedded,
while others, particularly of the cup-shaped form, are per-
fect, even to the finest fibres of the root. In some cases
these latter have disappeared, but are yet shown very beau-
tifully by the hollows in the chalk they once filled, being
coloured with ochreous matter.

I have never yet observed the root of any sponge attached
to any of the other fossil bodies which are found in the chalk;
this fact appears singular, since the fine fibres of the root
are in many cases perfectly preserved: about two years
ago however, I obtained a specimen of a variety of Spon-
gia radiciformis, (or perhaps a new species), in which the
short thick fibres of the root appear attached to the head of
another individual of the same species.

The variety in outward form has been already referred to ;
the internal structure also exhibits very great irregularity of
character : for instance, it has been generally believed that
the root-shaped sponges had a central cylindrical cavity, ex-
tending downwards to the stem : the annexed diagram (fig. 1.)
jtnpn^ shows however that this character is not con-
stant: it is a magnified representation of the sec-
tion of one of these fossil bodies. The specimen,
when obtained, was broken in two or three places ;
in the lower part of the stem there was a simple
circular perforation, but about an inch higher this cavity
had assumed a quadrangular appearance, and other circular
canals were visible on each side, two of which were of much
larger size than the others. At first sight, it appeared to con-
nect the Siphonice with the Choanites of Mantell, and being
very anxious to obtain further specimens, I examined with
great care the neighbourhood of the spot where this fossil
was procured : from that day to this however, I have never
been able to find another instance of such a conformation,
and at length I have come to the conclusion, that these cha-
racters must be considered as merely accidental.

The young Spongia are very abundant along the whole
face of the cliff : a great variety of globular specimens may
be obtained, from the size of a small pea to that of a common
nut; the form then becomes rather conical, and there are
often appearances of a process of attachment. — As they in-
crease in size the specific characters gradually develope them-

12

NOTICE OF UNDESCRIBED ZOOPHYTES

selves ; but the young specimens as well as the old, are sub-
ject to great variety in character.

Some of the cup-shaped sponges attain a large size ; I
have one which measures 12 inches in diameter.

Many specimens in my possession exhibit characters which
apparently indicate new species, besides those about to be
described. I have however thought it best only to give an
account of such as are sufficiently perfect to afford a dis-
tinct idea of the character.

SlPHONIA.

1. Siph. clava. — Club-shaped ; gradually increasing in size till very near
the crown : the larger canals, after spreading widely in the substance
of the body, are crowded together at the top, presenting a pentago-
nal, or hexagonal appearance. Fig. 2.

The shape of this species is very regular, as will be seen
from the annexed figure, (Jig. 2.) ; the original is
seven inches in length : the stem is pierced by a
single canal, for about an inch and a half from the
bottom : about an inch higher, four or five prin-
cipal canals, and several smaller ones shew them-
selves ; the subjoined sketch, (Jig. 3.) drawn of the
natural size, will give some idea of the appearance :
still higher, the canals increase in number, and
are considerably spread in the body of the fossil.
3 j*msnm^ w(¥»v 4

At the crown there seems to be a still greater number, and
they are so crowded, as almost to represent a honeycomb ;
figure 4, which is drawn of the natural size from a specimen
a little ground down at the top, will give some idea of this
arrangement.

In specimens which have been rolled on the beach, and
which are consequently without the external covering, the
whole surface appears studded with minute pores ; these are
the orifices of small radiating tubes, which communicate with
the larger canals.

This species does not appear to be very rare.

2. Siph. anguilla. — Elongated, cylindrical, nearly of an equal size
throughout ; length equal to eight or more times the breadth ; larger
canals not crowded at the summit. Fig. 5.

FROM THE YORKSHIRE CHALK.

13

Fig. 5. which is reduced from a specimen thir-
teen inches in length, will shew the general form
of this species : the bottom is pierced by a single
canal, which about an inch and a half higher, ap-
pears divided into eight or ten : this number is
not materially encreased at the top, where the
canals are scattered over the surface, and not
crowded together as in the last species
nexed figure, {Jiff. 6.)
which is of the natural
size, shows the appear-
ance of the summit : it
will be seen, that the
highesfpart is'of a lessf
size than the rest of the

fossil, and forms assort of crown. The specimen
figured is considerably compressed, so that in the
sketch it appears broader in proportion to its length
than it would haveMone had it been of its natural
form.

I This species is rare : besides the specimen from
which the above description was taken, I have
only met with two or three fragments.

Spongia.

1. Sp. catablastes. — Inversely conical, with a considerable depression at
the crown : from ten to fifteen arms projecting downwards from the
lower part of the body. Fig. 7.

Of this beautiful fossil,
(fig. 7.), only one specimen
has hitherto been discover-
ed: but as the characters
are very well marked, it will
not, I hope, be thought pre-
mature, to consider it a new
species. Nothing can be
said respecting the length
of the stem, as it had unfor-
tunately been lost when the
specimen was taken from
the face of the cliff: the
whole body is covered with
irregular depressions, which
on the superior surface, and
in the neighburhood of the
side arms, take a flexuous

14

NOTICE OF UNDESCRIBED ZOOPHYTES

appearance : neither the stem, nor the side arms appear to
have had any central perforation. The original is nearly six
inches in length.

2. Sp.fastigiata. — The lower part funnel-shaped, inflated ; the upper
part a cone, rising from a slight depression. Fig. 8.

This fossil is not by any means common ;
I have only seen two specimens, of which
the most perfect is represented in the
annexed sketch, {fig. 8.) The inferior
part is surrounded by depressed undula-
ted lines, some of which take a diagonal
direction : the terminating cone is small,
and not by any means proportionate to
the inflated appearance of the lower part :
the central cavity appears to be very
small indeed.

The figure is about one half the natural
size.

Sp. sepiaformis. — Irregularly funnel-shaped : marked externally with
a few scattered elevated orifices ; from eight to ten arms, rising up-
wards from the superior edge : one or more additional branches arising
from the same root. Fig. 9.

This beautiful species appears to
be extremely rare: besides the
specimen represented by the fi-
gure, {Jig. 9.) I have only met
with two or three fragments,
which still were sufficient to con-
vince me that the above charac-
ters were not accidental : the
length of the fossil from the root
to the extremity of what remains
of the longest arm, is about eight
inches : there is an appearance of
I |fc : ^M one small side arm, thrown off

i ■iffi|ffi downwards, but most probably

JfH/' this is not a constant character :

the root does not appear to have
been very fibrous.

FROM THE YORKSHIRE CHALK.

15

4. Sp. ampulla. — Bladder-shaped, covered with irregular depressions ;
stem equal to the hody in length ; fibres of the root short and thick ;
central cavity cylindrical, half the depth of the body. Fig. 10.

^nr^^msi^ This species is not so rare as the pre-

ceding, but is seldom met with in such
complete preservation as the specimen
figured, {fig. 10.); the greater number
of those which have been found, are
compressed and distorted. Two or
three weathered specimens in my pos-
session show very clearly that the cen-
tral cavity is in the shape of a short,
thick cylinder, suddenly terminating
about the middle of the body: the
length of the specimen is about nine
inches and a half.

5. Sp. spinosa. — Globular, unattached, covered partly with oval notched
plates, overlying each other, partly rough, covered with irregular de-
pressions : armed with from eighteen to twenty spines : internal struc-
ture fibrous, radiating from a point in the circumference. Spines
varying much in size, hollow, covered with an appearance of pointed
scales overlying one another. Fig. 1 1 .

This most singular fossil has I believe, only been found in
two localities ; one of which is the cliff about a hundred
yards west of the Danes' Dyke, and the other a quarry north
of Marton, probably where the same bed appears on the sur-
face. It is rare ; I only know of five specimens, of which
one was found by my friend Mr. W. H. Dykes, and is now
in the Museum of the Hull Literary and Philosophical So-
ciety. I have indeed heard of a fossil in the collection of
Mr. Bowerbank, which from the account given to me by
Mr. Charles worth, may probably be the same species, but
I have never been fortunate enough to obtain a sight of it.

The general appearance, when most perfect, is that of a
small Cidaris, with the spines attached : when imperfect, it
would probably be taken for one of the small globular sponges,

16 UNDESCRIBED ZOOPHYTES FROM THE YORKSHIRE CHALK.

so common in the chalk near Bridlington, which may perhaps
account for its not having been before noticed.
11 12 13

The annexed {Jig. 11.) will give some idea of its general
form. The specimen drawn {Jig. 12.) is one which was
found on the scar, and having been water-worn and weathered,
shows the internal structure; the figure, which is a little
magnified, displays the fibrous structure rather more plainly
than is seen by the naked eye, but when a lens is applied,
the radiating structure becomes very apparent. The struc-
ture of the spines is very singular ; at the base, they seem
composed of an aggregation of little spiculae, which after-
wards are so arranged as to give the appearance of a series
of furrowed, pointed scales. Fig. 13. represents the lower
part of one of the spines very higly magnified.

The covering of the body is of a peculiar character; in
some places it appears similar to that of many other sponges,
marked with indefinite depressions ; in others, there are very
decided oval notched or jagged plates, most of which overlie
one another ; this arrangement is generally seen most dis-
tinctly in the neighbourhood of the spines. Fig. 14 repre-
14 ^^^^. sents a portion of the covering very highly

magnified. From the singularity of this
appearance, the animal might almost be
supposed to belong to a very different class
from that of the sponges, and the associa-
ted genera ; so at least it appeared to me,
till, being anxious to see more of the in-
ternal structure, I had the specimen cut through, just below
the plates figured in the last diagram : an irregular fibrous
structure then became visible, similar to that shewn in {Jig.
12.) with the exception of the radiated appearance : this dif-
ference however may be accounted for by its being a cross
section. Under these circumstances, as the spongy structure
appears to be constant, while the plated appearance is not
so, I have placed it amongst the sponges till it shall have
been examined, and its place assigned by some more ex-
perienced naturalist.

ON THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER.

17

Udotea.

1. Ud. cancellata. — Form simple, not lobed, marked with numerous pa-
rallel lines, which are crossed by others equally strong, as well as by se-
veral concentric undulations.

The imperfect specimen figured is the
only one which I have seen, so that its
characters cannot be very correctly de-
ifined.

The annexed sketch (Jig. 15.) will
give a general idea of its appearance,
though it does not mark the undulations
so well as could be wished ; it is drawn
of the natural size.
It was found in the same locality as the other specimens.

Hull, Nov. 15*/*, 1838.

Art. III. — Observations on the Lamellicorns of Olivier. By The
Rev. F. W. Hope, F.R.S., F.L.S., F,Z.S., &c.

Melolontha. i fullo.

2 alba.

3 Commersonii

4 serrata.

5 vulgaris.

6 villosa.

7 occidentalis.

8 Candida.

9 alopex.

10 solstitialis.

11 cestiva.

12 pini

13 fusca.

14 oblonga.

15 cornuta

16 glauca

17 lanigera

18 punctata

19 lutea

20 elongata

21 fervida

22 refiexa

23 plebeia

24 pallida

25 unicolor

26 ruficollis

27 rustica

28 atriplicis

29 signata

Vol. III.— No. 25. n. s.

England.

Siberia.

Madagascar.

C. of Good Hope

England.

Germany.

South of France.

East Indies.

C. of Good Hope

France.

Paris.

Provence.

Italy.

Paris.

Calabria.

Brazils.

North America.

Virginia.

North America.

Pennsylvania.

North America.

Senegal.

Senegal.

C. of Good Hope

Senegal.

Coromandel.

Guadaloupe.

Barbary.

Jamaica.

ARRANGEMENT OF AUTHORS

Melolontha, Fabricius,
Lepidiota, Kirby.

Holotrichia, Kirby.
Melolontha, Fabricius.
Anoxia, Laporte.

Lepidiota, Kirby.
Cephalotrichia, Kirby.
Rhisotrogus, Latreille,

Microdonta, Kirby.
Rhisotrogus, Latreille,
Anomala, Megerle,
Pachypus, Latreille.
Pelidnota, MacLeay.
Areoda, Leach.
Pelidnota, MacLeay,
?

Genus novum
Holotrichia, Kirby.

Anomala, Megerle.

Anomala ?
Unknown.
Hoplopus, Laporte.
Cyclocephala, Latreille

18

OBSERVATIONS ON

GENUS. SPECIES. COUNTRY.

MELOLONTHA. 30 immaculata Guadaloupe

31 viridis China

32 Leii East Indies

33 bicolor Java

34 suturalis New Holland

35 dubia Cayenne

36 angulata Brazils ?

37 bimaculata China

38 doreyi St. Domingo

39 vitis England

40 Frischii Holland

41 femoralis East Indies

42 ccerulea C. Good Hope

43 ceerulocephala East Indies ?

44 bipunctata C. Good Hope

45 maura Barbary

46 glacialis Terre de Feu

47 testacea Ditto

48 striata Ditto

49 globator C. Good Hope

50 rauca Coromandel

51 erythrocephala East Indies ?

52 melanocephala Cayenne

53 obscura Equin. Africa

54 rufa C. Good Hope

55 brunnea England

56 ferruginea East Indies

57 pubescent Coromandel

58 errans North America

59 innuba South America

60 nitidula Cayenne

61 picea C. Good Hope

62 f estiva New Zealand

63 lata Ditto

64 aulica Equin. Africa

65 splendida C. Good Hope

66 tineata Sierra Leone

67 gibba C. Good Hope

68 versicolor Sierra Leone

69 mutabilis Tranquebar

70 variabilis North America

71 ruricola England

72 humeralis Paris

73 Zebra C. Good Hope

74 vittatus East Indies

75 ( vulpes, mas Siberia
76{hirta, fcem. Caucasus

77 crinita C. Good Hope

78 cinerea Ditto

79 ursus Ditto

80 lynx Ditto

81 proboscidea East Indies

82 limbata C. Good Hope

83 praticola Siberia
#4 agricola Germany

ARRANGEMENT OF AUTHORS.

Cyclocephala, Latreille.
Euchlora, MacLeay.
Mimela, Kirby.
Euchlora, MacLeay.
Stethaspis, Hope.
Chalepus, MacLeay.
Bolax, Fischer ?
Adoretus, Escholtz.
Rutela, Latreille.
Anomala, Megerle.

Adoretus, Escholtz.
?Popillia, Leach.

Glaphyrus, Latreille.
Macrosoma, Hope.

Genus novum.
Apogonia, Kirby.

Cyclocephala, Laporte.
Adoretus, Escholtz.
Genus novum.
Serica, MacLeay.
Apogonia, Kirby.

Anomala, Megerle.

Bolax ? Fischer.
Trochala, Laporte.
Calonota, Hope.

Genus novum.
Serica, MacLeay.
Trochala, Laporte.

Serica, MacLeay.

Stripsipher, G. P.
Glaphyrus, Latreille.
Amphicoma, Latreille.

Anisonyx, Latreille.

Anisoplia ?
Agenius, Serville.
Hoplia, Illiger.
Anisoplia, Megerle.

THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER.

19

GENUS.

Melolontha.

SPECIES.

85 horticola

86 fruticola

87 arvicola

88 regia
S9farinosa

90 squamosa

91 argentea

92 rupicola

93 sibirica

94 pulverulenta
95fioralis

96 marginata

97 subspinosa

98 atomaria

99 crassipes

100 spinipes

101 podagrica

102 dentipes

1 03 gonagra

104 arthritica

105 abbreviata

106 longipes

107 capicola

108 monticola

109 semistriata

110 varians

111 castanea

112 heemorrhoida-

lis

113 undata

114 picipes

115 cequinoctialis

116 i</wea

117 pagana

1 18 4-punctata

119 tibialis

120 alpina

121 12-punctata

England

Germany

Siberia

Algiers

France

Paris

England

C. Good Hope

Siberia

England

Provence

Guadaloupe

Jamaica

C. Good Hope

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto ?

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

New Holland

Surinam

C. Good Hope

Surinam

East Indies ?

ARRANGEMENT OF AUTHORS.

Anisoplia, Megerle.
Hoplia, Illiger.

Lepisia, Serville.
Hoplia, Illiger.

Hoplia ?

Macrodactylus ,Latreille
Genus novum.
Pachynema, Serville.
Monochelus, Illiger.

Dichelus, Serville.

Monochelus, Illiger.
Lepitrix, Serville.
Dichelus, Serville.
Lepitrix, Serville.
Liparetra, Kirby.
Cyclocephala ?
Anomata ?
Cyclocephala.
Mimela ?

Surinam Rutela ?

Bengal ? Mimela ?

Hungary Rhisotrogus, Latreille.

South America Bolax ? Fischer.

Geneva Rhisotrogus, Latreille.

Spain Rhisotrogus ? Latreille.

C. Good Hope Lepitrix P

Geneva Rhisotrogus, Latreille.

Siberia Hoplia, Illiger.

Genus 5. Melolontha.

Sp. 2. alba. This is evidently the same insect as Scaraba-
us Hololeucus of Pallas ; as the latter name was previ-
ously used by that author it ought to be retained I con-
sider it as belonging to Mr. Kirby 's genus Lepidiota. Le
Comte de Castelneau, however, ranges it with true Melo-
lontha.

Sp. 3. Commersonii. This insect appears to be the same
species which Fabricius has published under the name of

20 OBSERVATIONS ON

Mel. rorida, to which he has given Sumatra as the native
country. Lepidiota Commersonii was originally brought
from the Island of Madagascar, by the celebrated botanist
Commerson. Possessing insects from both of the above
localities, and particularly a specimen named by Fabricius
as Mel. rorida, I should have doubted their being identical
had I not carefully examined them. It may be remarked,
that Lepidiota, as a genus, is common to Asia and Africa,
as well as some of the islands adjacent to the two continents.
Sp. 4. serrata. Now an Holotrichia of Kirby. For the ge-
neric details refer to Hope's Coleopterist's Manual, page
99. The species seem from what is known at present, to
be peculiar to Asia ; they will no doubt eventually be found
in tropical Africa.
Sp. 6. villosa. This species, according to M. Laporte, belongs
to his genus Anoxia. Vid. Hist. Nat. des Anim. (Articul.,)
par Laporte de Castelnau, page 132 ; where the details are
published. The following species belong to it, viz. : Mel.
orientalis, Ziegler ; Mel. occidentalism Jab ; and matuti-
nalis and africana of Laporte.
Sp. 9. alopex. Now a Cephalotrichia of Kirby. It is pro-
bable that Mel.brunnipennis of Castelneau belongs to this
genus. The Platyonix of Dr. Reich (since changed to
the name of Sibaris, by Laporte,) seems closely allied to
Cephalotrichia, differing chiefly in the form of the clypeus.
The family name of Sparmannia has been suggested by
the above writer to be given to these Melolonthida.
Sp. 10. solstilialis. Latreille gave this species as the type of
his genus Rhisotrogus ; the term Amphimallon, which in-
cluded under it all the species having nine joints to the
antenna, he afterwards re-united to Rhisotrogus. Laporte
however, still retains Amphimallon, and singularly enough
considers solstitialis one of the species ; while he gives
Mel. albus, Jab., and cestivus, Olivier, as examples of Rhi-
sotrogus. Such changing of types creates great confusion,
and never should be attempted. The Latreillian name
ought to be adopted, as originally used.
Sp. 12. pint. Now a Microdonta of Kirby ; Vid. details in
Hope's Coleopterist's Manual, part 1., p. 105. Various
European species belong to it.
Sp. 14. oblonga. In the Manual I was induced, on reference
to Illiger's Magazine, to consider the Fabrician insect
named oblonga, as an Anomala. Olivier's oblonga appears
to be more allied to Rhisotrogus. The reference to
Schrank's Enum. Insect. Austrice, No. 27, and to Scopoli's
Entom. Carniol, No. 19, lead to that conclusion

THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER. 21

Sp. 15. cornuta. Latreille makes this insect the type of his
genus Pacyphus ; Geotrupes excavatus, Jab., is the same
insect. The Baron Dejean, in his catalogue, gives it the
name of Calodera, I retain however, the Latreillian term,
being averse to changing names without there is an abso-
lute necessity for so doing.

Sp. 16. glauca. This is now a Pelidnota, and is the Scar a-
bmus <eruginosus of the " Systema" of Linnaeus. The lat-
ter specific name should therefore be used instead of the
former.

Sp. 19. lutea. This insect is probably a Pelidnota. No lo-
cality is mentioned by Olivier.

Sp. 20. elongata. Evidently the type of a new genus ; appa-
rently this would be a Philochlmnea of De Jean. As that
genus is not, I believe, yet published, I do not adopt the
name, but leave it for a future describer.

Sp. 23. plebeia. This insect according to the French cabinets
is an Anomala, and I think most probably is the same spe-
cies as Anom. scutellaris of De Jean.

Sp. 27. rustica. It is impossible to say to what genus this
species is allied from the figure. I am inclined to doubt
the locality of Guadaloupe.

Sp. 31. viridis. Now an Euchlora of MacLeay : the species
are more numerous than in the allied genus Mimela. Oli-
vier gives the Cape of Good Hope as its locality ; it is an
East Indian species.

Sp. 32. Leii. A Mimela of Kirby. For an account of the
species see my monograph in the first volume of the * En-
tomological Transactions,' p. 116. No locality is given by
Olivier : all the known species are peculiar to the East In-
dies.

Sp. 33. bicolor. Olivier gives this insect as from the Cape,
which is erroneous, as all the true Euchlorce belong to Java
and the East Indian continent.

Sp. 34. suturalis. This insect I make the type of the genus
Stethaspis ; it is probably the Xylonichus of the French
cabinets.

Sp. 35. dubia. Now a Chalepus of MacLeay : the same in-
sect is named geminatus by Fabricius.

Sp. 36. angulata. No locality is given for this species by
Olivier. It is evidently a Bolax of Comte Fischer de
Waldeim, (vide ' Moscow Transactions ' in loco), and most
likely therefore inhabits Brazil.

Sp. 37. bimaculata. This insect was sent to me by Dr. Es-
choltz. The name of Trigonostoma has been given to it
by the Baron Dejean; as that term is only found in the

22 OBSERVATIONS ON

catalogues, without any published characters, I abandon it
and adopt Escholtz' manuscript name of Adoretus, as the
characters are detailed by M. Laporte in the ' Suite de Buf-
fon (Articules), vol. ii. p. 142.

Sp. 41. femoralis. An Adoretus of Escholtz, and the type
of the genus, (according to a manuscript letter which I re-
ceived from the author previous to his death), is Melolon-
tha compressa of Weber. The species allied to it are chiefly
from tropical Africa, Asia, and the Polynesian Isles. It has
been reported in England and France that Dr. Escholtz
died of cholera ; this is erroneous, as he died of a bilious
fever.

Sp. 42. ccerulea. I consider this insect as a Popillia ; it oc-
curs in the East Indies, and not in Africa.

Sp. 43. caruleocephala. Now a Popillia. In form it ap-
proaches the African more than the Asiatic species, its lo-
cality is probably the Cape of Good Hope. The reader is
referred to Mr. Newman's monograph on this genus. l

Sp. 44. bipunctata. The type of the genus Popillia, Leach.
No locality is mentioned by Olivier ; it is from the Cape.

Sp. 45. maura. This insect is the same as Melolontha car-
dui, Fab., and is the type of Latreille's genus Glaphyrus.

Sp. 49. globator. This insect appears to afford sufficient
characters for constituting a sub -genus : it is probably a
Schizonycha of Dejean ; as, however, the Baron has not
published its generic details, I cannot adopt it. The form
is not confined to Africa or Asia, it occurs alike in the old
and new world.

Sp. 51. rauca. An Apogonia of Kirby. M. Laporte men-
tions two species from Africa, namely, Ap. africana and
pusilla, from Senegal.

Sp. 54. rufa. I have not seen this insect in any collection
but the Banksian : from the description and general ap-
pearance it cannot be ranged with any modern genus.

Sp. 58. errans. No locality is mentioned by Olivier: I have
received it from M. Leconte, of the United States.

Sp. 59. innuba. This insect I have received from Rio Ja-
neiro : its country is not mentioned in Olivier.

Sp. 60. nitidula. Entomologists must be careful not to con-
found Mel. nitidula, Fabr., (which is probably an Aniso-
plia), with Mel. nitidula of Olivier. The latter insect is
probably a Bolax of Fischer.

Sp. 64. aulica. Olivier has properly changed the annexed

1 The Monograph is unpublished; a synopsis of the new species is given
in the * Mag. Nat. Hist.' vol. ii. n. s. p. 336.— Ed.

THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER. 23

name in his work to aulica, which Fabricius in his l Sys-
tema Eleut.' had converted into aulicola.

Sp. 67. gibba. Now a Trochala of Laporte. Vide three new
species of this genus described in the ' Suite de Buffon,
Hist. Nat. (Articules), par Laporte de Castelneau, p. 149,
vol. ii.

Sp. 68. versicolor. In my 'Manual' I have given this species
as a Serica, ML.; it may however belong to the genus Tro-
chalas, Laporte.

Sp. 69. variabilis. The localities of North America and Ger-
many are given to this insect : probably more than one
species is included under the name.

Sp. 73. Zebra. This insect is the type of Strepsipher, G. P.
No locality is mentioned by Fabricius ; Olivier mentions
South America as its country, which is erroneous : I have
frequently received it from the Cape of Good Hope. Ceto-
nia vittata, Fabr., is the Mel. Zebra of Olivier.

Sp. 74. vittata. Now a Glaphyrus of Latreille. I have late-
ly received it from Persia.

Sp. 75 & 76. These insects are the different sexes of the
same species ; the former is the male and the latter the fe-
male of Amphicoma vulpes, Fabr.

Sp. 77. crinita. According to Olivier Fabricius cites (Pallas
'Ins. Siber.' tab. a, Jig. 17), Scarabwus bombyliformis, as
Mel. crinita ; the former author thinks that the insect de-
scribed by Pallas is distinct.

Sp. 81 . proboscidea. Olivier states that this species occurs
in Asia and Africa ; I am disposed to think it peculiar to
the East Indies.

Sp. 82. limbata. No locality is mentioned in Olivier, it is
undoubtedly frOm the Cape, and the type of the genus Age-
nius of Serville.

Sp. 83. praticola. Olivier' s figure would lead one to believe
that praticola was an Anisoplia, according to Illiger it is
an Hoplia.

Sp. 88. regia. This species was named regia by Fabricius ;
the Linnaean name aulica should be adopted, as previously
used by that author. It occurs in Spain and Barbary, from
whence I have received it.

Sp. 96. marginata. I am totally unacquainted with this in-
sect. I give it as an Hoplia ; without a doubt its loca-
lity, according to Badier, is Guadaloupe.

Sp. 98. atomaria. M. le Baron DeJean in his catalogue,
gives the generic name of Gymnoloma to this insect. As I
am not aware of the characters being published I purposely
refrain from adopting it. Any future entomologist who
chooses to publish the details, is entitled to name it. Ma-

24 DESCRIPTIONS OF

nuscript names published in catalogues such as Dahl's, Me-
gerle's, and DeJean's, &c. &c. &c, cannot stand.

Sp. 99. crass ipes. In my Manual I considered this insect as
a Monochelas of Illiger. It appears to be a Pachynema of
Serville, according to M. Laporte.

Sp. 101. Podagricus. I am inclined to consider this insect
as a Cape species, although the locality given by Olivier
and Fabricius is that of Coromandel.

Sp. 103. gonayra. In the same Manual I gave the term Mo-
nochelus to the above species, with a query, and as I sus-
pected, it turns out to be a Dichelus of Serville.

Sp. 106. longipes. Probably a Dichelus ; the locality is the
Cape of Good Hope.

Sp. 108. monticola. All the species of this genus are pecu-
liar to the Continent of Australia.

Sp. 110. varians. I know not under what modern genus I
can place this species ; it has never fallen under my in-
spection. Can it be a gigantic Anomala ?

Sp. 112. hcemorrhoidalis. No locality is given by Olivier.
From the figure I am inclined to consider it a Mimela, and
consequently as inhabiting the East Indies.

Sp. 114. picipes. I have added the name of Mimela with a
doubt ; the country is not mentioned.

Sp. 116. ignea. Probably a Bolax of Dr. Fischer.

Sp. 121. 12-punctata. This species is evidently the same as
Sc. aureolus of Pallas, and is now considered to be an Hop-
Ha.

(To be continued).

Art. IV. — Description of two new species of Beetles, belonging to
the Family Cetoniidae of MacLeay. By Mr. Adam White.

The two species now to be described belong to a family
which comprises about 600 species, and is peculiarly tropical,
not more than seven species having been registered as British
by the most latitudinarian entomologist. By Linnaeus and
old authors they were included in the genus Scarabans, and
even after the division of that overloaded group into several
genera, some of the Cetoniidce were placed along with Melo-
lontha. Latreille, MacLeay, Kirby, St. Fargeau, Serville,
Gory and Percheron, have by their labours, rendered the
study of them a work of comparative ease.

The genus Trichius of Fabricius, distinguished at once
from Cetonia of the same author by many characters, among
others by the mentum not covering the maxilla, and by the
epimeron (Audouin,) {peice axillaire Latr.) not being promi-

TWO NEW SPECIES OF BEETLE. 25

nent between the thorax and elytra, contains several remark-
able forms ;* one of the most singular of these is a very flat
African genus first characterized by Mr. MacLeay in the ap-
pendix to his celebrated f Horae Entomological,' part I. p. 151,
and there named Platygenia. The only species known at the
time of the establishment of the genus (PI. zairica,) seems to
be the insect described shortly before at great length by Af-
zelius, in the appendix to the third part of Schonherr's ' Syno-
nymia Insectorum,' p. 38, (Trichius barbatus,) an insect which
Mr. MacLeay himself, in his memoir on the Cetoniidte of
Africa, says certainly belongs to the sub-genus.

M. M. Gory and Percheron,in their monograph of the family
Cetoniidce, have figured an insect, which, from the emargination
of the clypeus, and the want of the tufts of hair on the inside
of the intermediate and posterior pair of legs, may possibly
be the female of the Platygenia barbata, though it is impos-
sible, from the rarity of specimens in collections, to determine
this point by the mere inspection of a figure. The figure in
Guerin's 'Iconographie,' (pi. 26, fig. 6,) seems to be copied
from that given in M.M. Gory and Percheron's beautiful work.
Mr. Samouelle found two specimens of a new species in a
collection brought from the Gambia ; he has named it after
the distinguished author of the genus, whose works on the
Annulosa have done so much to promote and facilitate the
study of his favourite science. Both of these specimens are
in the collection of the British Museum, and seem to be fe-
males, both wanting the strong spine at the base of the claws.
16

Platygenia MacLeaii, Samouelle.

Platygenia MacLeaii, Samouelle MSS., {Fig. 16).

P. picea, elytris subferrugineis, sutura subelevata, tibiis sublaevibus, an-
ticis externe distincte tridentatis. Long. lin. 13, lat. max. elytr. lin. 7. —
Hob. Gambia. Mus. Brit.

1 Most of them in the larva state are found in rotten wood, upon which
Vol. III.— No. 25. n. s. c

26 DESCRIPTIONS OF

Head pitchy brown ; clypeus in front emarginate, much and
coarsely punctured, the spots decreasing in number in front
of and between the eyes ; the vertex quite smooth, side of
clypeus at base (canthus) extended like an arch over the mid-
dle of the eye, and fringed with ferruginous hairs.

Thorax pitchy brown, lateral margin not ciliated ; the sides
are coarsely and much punctured, the dorsal part is very de-
licately and sparingly punctured.

Scutellum distinct, rounded at tip, and at base impressed
transversely close to the slightly produced posterior edge of
thorax, the impressed part in front punctured.

Elytra subferruginous, throughout wider than thorax ; wi-
dest in the middle, towards the suture slightly raised ; each
elytron with eight impressed longitudinal lines somewhat ar-
ranged in pairs, none of them reaching either the anterior or
posterior edge ; the three inner at base not impressed, formed of
an interrupted line of dots; the sides of the lines are punctured,
as are the lateral margins of elytra and the tips, especially at
the end of suture, which part is also clothed with short ferru-
ginous hairs ; segment between the second and third pair of
legs without hairs in the middle. Apical segments of abdomen
beneath with a few short hairs on the sides.

Legs and under side pitchy brown ; femora compressed
and punctured. Tibia, anterior dilated at tip and furnished
externally with three distinct teeth, the intermediate the strong-
est ; at the tip internally there is a strong tooth ; the surface
above is punctured, some of the dots being arranged in lines.

Tarsi and tibia of intermediate and posterior pair of legs
with spinous short hairs, the posterior tibia behind the mid-
dle with a tuft of flattened spine-like hairs arranged trans-
versely and inserted on a projecting part.

Lamarck in 1801, in his ' Systeme des Animaux sans Verte-
bres,' first separated certain species of the Fabrician genus
Cetonia, characterized by having short antenna, terminating
in a trilamellar knob — no upper lip * — membranaceous man-
dibles — and a straight head, with a projecting forked or bifid
clypeus (Syst. p. 209). He named this division Goliathus,
from the gigantic size of the typical species, first figured and
described by Drury, (Illustr. I. pi. xxxi.) in 1770, and in the

they feed ; in the perfect state they generally subsist on the sap of trees, at
the roots of which several species are found. (Gory & Percheron, 'Monog.'
p. 21 &c. MacLeay, * Illustr. Annul. S. Africa,' p. 16. Stephens, * Brit.
Entom. Mandib.' iii. p. 229).

1 " Point de levre superieure." In the ' Hist. Nat. des Anim. sans Vert,
i v. p. 580, he altered this erroneous character to ** Labrum occultatum"

TWO NEW SPECIES OF BEETLE. 27

following year named by Linnaeus, Scarabceus Goliatus.
(Mantissa Altera p. 530). Lamarck included in his genus
six species, all of which had previously been described.
These are, Gol. Africanus, 1 Cacicus, 7 - Polyphemus,* bifrons, 4
micans, b and marginalise

Weber, about the same time as Lamarck, after his descrip-
tion of the Cetonia Ynca, remarks (Obs. Entomol. p. 67,)
" Forte Ynca, Goliata, Cacicus, Polyphemus, &c, novum
constituunt genus ;" and Fabricius immediately after ex-
pressed the same opinion. (Syst. El. II. p. 136.)

Many other species have been added to this fine group of
beetles by subsequent authors, and the Cetonia quadrimacu-
lata of Oliv., (tab. viii. fig. 73, p. 30,) and Scarabceus tor-
quatus of Drury, (111. pi. 44, fig. 1.,) have been since ascer-
tained to be females of species of the genus. The male of
the last mentioned has been lately brought from Sierra Leone
by Mr. Strachan, and an excellent figure and description
have been given of it by Mr. Waterhouse, in the last number
of this Magazine. The male of the GoL quadrimaculatus is
in the possession of Mr. MacLeay.

I shall now confine myself to that section of Goliathus
which Mr. MacLeay has called Smithii, in his lately pub-
lished elaborate memoir. 7 It is characterized by the gene-
rally metallic colour of the species composing it, which have
" the elytra wider at the base, the body very depressed, the
thorax nearly truncated behind, or at least only slightly emar-
ginate to receive the scutellum. The males have almost al-
ways the anterior tibice denticulated on the inside." (Mac-
Leay.)

In one division the males have the anterior tibice externally

1 Afterwards changed to Gol. giganteus in the 'Hist. Nat. des Anim. sansr
Vert.' iv. p. 580. Fabricius, Olivier, and Latreille, as well as Lamarck, re-
garded the insect figured by Drury in 1782, (' Illust.' iii. pl.xl.) and named
in his index Scar abacus Goliatus, as a mere variety. — Subsequent authors
are of opinion that it is distinct ; and Mr. Westwood has named it Golia-
thus Drurii in his new edition of Drury's ' Illustrations.'

2 Scarabceus Cacicus ingens, Voet, 'Coleopt' ord. 1, gen. 1, p. 34, No. 151,
tab. 22, Jig. 151, — originally regarded as a native of the New World, and
named accordingly, but since ascertained to be African.

3 Scarabceus Polyphemus, Fabr. ' Mantissa,' i. 7, 53. Cetonia Polyphe-
mus, Oliv. Mecynorhina Polyphemus, Hope, 'Col. Man.' p. 119.

4 Cetonia bifrons, Oliv. 'Coleopt.' 6, pi. 6, Jig. 117, p. 82. Inca bifrons,
Lep. & Serv. ' Ency. Meth.' x. p. 381.

5 Scarabceus micans, Drury, ' Illustr.' ii. pi. xxxii.y^. 3. Dicronorhina
micans, Hope, 'Col. Man.'

6 Cetonia bifida, Oliv. p. 43, pi. ii.Jig- 9. Schizorhina, Kirby, G. & P.

7 On the Cetoniidce of S. Africa, in ' Illustr. of the Annulosa of S. Africa,'
forming No. 3 of Dr. Smith's African Zoology.

28

DESCRIPTIONS OF

tridentate. In the other the anterior tibia have no teeth ex-
ternally. To this division the Rev. F. Hope has applied the
name Dicronorhina, (Coleopt. Man. p. 119,) giving as the
type, the Scarabaus micans of Drury, Goliathus micans of
Lamarck. He regards the " Cetonia quadrimaculata, Oliv.
which is evidently the same as Gol. Daphnis Buquet, and
also Gol. Grallii of the same author," as belonging to
the genus. Mr. MacLeay, who has the male of the Cetonia
quadrimaculata in his collection, regards it as quite distinct
from the Daphnis. He has lately described a new species,
discovered near the Tropic of Capricorn, by Dr. Smith, after
whom he names it, ( Illustr. Annul. S. Africa, p. 34.

The species about to be described comes near the Golia-
thus Grallii of Buquet, (Ann. de la Soc. Ent. de France, v.
p. 201, pi. 5. B. fig. 3,) from which however it is evidently
quite distinct. The shape of the mentum, the nearly equila-
teral scutellum, the depressed much produced clypeus, and
the want of a brush of hairs on the last joint of tarsus, with
other characters, at once indicate that it belongs to a section
distinct from the Goliathus {Dicronorhina) micans, and for
which I would suggest the name of Eudicella. * The Gol.
(Eu.) Grallii, Buquet, Gol. (Eu.) Smithii, MacL., Gol. (Eu.)
quadrimaculatus, seem to me to belong to the same group.

Goliathus ( Eudicella) Murgani.

(b) Thorax and head viewed from the side, (c) Antenna magnified, {d) Part of tarsus of

anterior right leg.

I know only the male of the following species, which may
be characterized as follows : —

i Eu well, diHEXXa, a fork.

TWO NEW SPECIES OF BEETLE. 29

Goliathm (Eudicella) Morgani.

G. {Eudicella). Nitide viridis, thorace subaeneo, pedibus aeneis.

Mas clypei cornu medio valde elongato, depresso porrecto-elevato, paulo
recurvo, piceo-rufo, supra (basi apiceque exceptis) lutescente. Hab. Sierra
Leone. Rev. D. F.Morgan. Mus. Brit.

Head green, coarsely punctured ; clypeus very much pro-
duced ; porrecto-elevated and slightly recurved, flattened and
deeply forked at the tip, the prongs nearly straight and fur-
nished on the posterior side at the tip with two blunt, slight
tubercular elevations ; on one of the prongs in the specimen
described there is a more distinct internal tooth. The basal part
of pedicel ferruginous brown, the fork above pale yellowish
brown, beneath reddish brown, the tips with the small teeth,
black; base of clypeus with two excavations, the sides of which
are produced in front into a somewhat acute brown tooth, di-
rected forwards and upwards.

Antenna dark brown, situated close in front of the eye,
basal joint sub-globular, largest, distinctly dotted, third, fourth
and fifth with irregular, rather deeply impressed dots on the
basal parts ; inner joint of knob, hairy on the outside.

Trophi brown, the apical lobe of maxilla with ferruginous
hairs. Mentum bright green, dotted, at base apparently
rounded and rather deeply excavated, in front notched, densely
hairy, having the sides towards the front sinuated.

Thorax above and below of a bright shining green with
coppery reflections, broad behind, in front narrowed and dis-
tinctly sinuated for reception of head; the front and sides dis-
tinctly margined ; posteriorly at insertion of scutellum there
is a slight somewhat sinuated lobe, with a short transverse
impressed line in front of the angles. The surface above is
most delicately punctured, the puncturing most distinct in
front, the raised lateral edges being free from dots. Scutellum
almost equilateral, bright green.

Elytra of the same shining green as thorax, but with little
if any metallic reflection ; the shoulders have a few irregular
ferruginous marks ; the surface most delicately punctured,
and having about twelve longitudinal lines of impressed dots,
the line on each side of suture being the most distinct ; the
sutural part of elytra at base depressed, the sides of suture
towards the middle raised, and at the tip poduced beyond
the plane of the elytra, lateral margin of elytra raised ; brown
with ferruginous hairs.

Body beneath green with coppery reflections, the margins
of the segments, as well as an abbreviated line on the pro-
ducedbasal segment of abdomen, ferruginous. Apical segment
green.

30 REMARKS ON THE GREAT EGRET.

Legs green, and in some parts curiously lineated with red.
Tibia internally, as well as the terminating spines and all
the joints of tarsi pitchy brown; femora of anterior pair densely
clothed in front with ferruginous hairs, before insertion with
tibia ferruginous ; anterior tibia with from eight to ten teeth
on the inner side, the two terminal the largest. The tibia with
regard to dentation not symmetrical. In all the tarsi there
is a rather strong spine between the claws, but no brush of
hairs on the terminal joint.

The Rev. D. F. Morgan has made two valuable collections
of Insects during his residence at Sierra Leone, both of which
he has most liberally presented to the British Museum. —
The above described species is named after him.

Art. V. — Upon the claims of the Ardea alba — Great Egret, or
White Hearn, to be considered a British bird. By Arthur
Strickland, Esq.

Doubts have by late authors been thrown upon the propriety
of continuing this species in our catalogue of additional vi-
sitors to this country. Mr. Jenyns, in his valuable work on
the British Vertebrata, has stated, " there is no well authen-
ticated instance of its having been met with in this country
of late years, or any British specimen in existence." Mr.
Gould in his beautifully illustrated work on European birds,
just completed, has reiterated these sentiments. I am happy
however, to be able most satisfactorily to refute these state-
ments, and to remove all doubts as to the propriety of retain-
ing this fine species in our list of British Birds, as an occa-
sional visitor ; indeed upon much better authority than many
we do not hesitate to retain as such.

Twelve or thirteen years ago, (but the exact date of which
I cannot now satisfactorily determine) a beautiful specimen
of this bird appeared at and in the neighbourhood of Horn-
seamere, in the East Riding of York. It had remained about
there some weeks, and several attempts had been made to
procure it by different members of the family of the proprie-
tor of that fine piece of water, when it was accidentally seen
by a friend of mine one morning, in his way to meet the
hounds, who took some more successful mode of procuring
it, and had it sent to him a few days afterwards in beautiful
condition. It was well preserved by Mr. Dunn, who still
lives at Hull, and remained some years in the possession of
the gentleman above alluded to, when it was kindly added to

BEMARKS ON THE GREAT EGRET. 31

my collection, where it is at this time in perfect preservation.

This bird being killed in winter, is without the scapular
plumes, and in that state which was formerly called the great
white heron. But much more recently another specimen, in
all the beauty of summer plumage, has been killed, not many
miles from the place that produced the above mentioned spe-
cimen. Three years ago this bird was seen by a labourer,
in the fields of James Hall, Esq., of Scorbro, 1 near Beverley,
in the immediate neighbourhood of what used formerly be a
decoy, but which modern draining or cultivation has rendered
useless. The person who saw it procured a gun and killed
it while sitting upon the top of a gate. This specimen has
been beautifully preserved by Mr. Read of Doncaster, and is
now in the possession of Mr. Hall, who duly appreciates its
value.

We have thus two instances of this bird being recently
killed in this country, all the circumstances of which may
still be satisfactorily traced, and both of which specimens are
in perfect preservation at this time. But these are not the
only facts that can be deduced for warranting our continuing
this bird in our catalogue. In the beautiful collection of
British birds belonging to Mr. Folgambe, of Asberton, there
is a specimen of this bird, with a label attached to the case,
stating it was killed in the neighbourhood of that place ; —
as the country not far from Asberton is very likely to attract
such a bird, and as there can be no doubt that that label was
placed there by the late proprietor and former of that collec-
tion, whose accuracy cannot be disputed, there is no reason
to doubt but that this is another well authenticated instance
of its having been killed in this country, and in which the
specimen itself is still in existence.

Another example has been mentioned to me, but which I
am sorry to say I cannot enumerate amongst the well authen-
ticated instances ; indeed so little reliance is to be placed in
these matters upon the statements of those who do not accu-
rately know the facts, or do not carefully discriminate species,
that I should not have mentioned it were it not in the hopes
of drawing the attention of some one who may have an op-
portunity of investigating the account and removing our
doubt upon the subject. The statement is, that a bird of this
species was a few years ago seen, and after much trouble
procured, in the south east part of Lincolnshire ; a country
I may observe, very productive of the wading and water birds
— this specimen was stated to have been preserved and pre-

1 Not Scarborough, which is forty miles from this place.

32 ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES.

sented to one of the collections in that county, but in which
town I could not learn.

As my only object at present is to rescue this interesting
bird from being unjustly excluded from our catalogue of vi-
sitors to this country, I will not enlarge upon other matters
connected with it, but only observe that an attentive exami-
nation of the specimens above referred to, will, I have no
doubt convince any one of the propriety of separating this
European species from the Ardea garetta, the great Egrett
or large white heron of America, a bird which has in many
instances been placed in our collection to represent this bird ;
but which is, I have no doubt a distinct species.

Burlington Quay, Dec. 10th 1838.

Art. VI. — On the Synonymy of the Perlites, together with brief
Characters of the old, and of a few new Species. By Edward
Newman, Esq., F.L.S.

Class— JYEUROPTER A. Natural Order— PERU TES.
Family PERLIDffi.

The family Perlidai I now use in a restricted sense, includ-
ing only those genera which are furnished with caudal setae :
Leach and Stephens incorporate with them the ecaudate Ne-
mourae.

Economy. — Larva and pupa active, carnivorous, aquatic :
imago winged, reposes by day in the crevices of the bark of
trees, &c, flies by night.

Geographical distribution. — Europe, Asia, Africa, North
America, New Holland, Van Dieman's Land.

Authorities. — Linneus,Fabricius,Fourcroy, Latreille, Geof-
froy, Panzer, Pictet, Curtis, Stephens, Westwood, Newman.

Genera. — Eusthenia, Pteronarcys, Perla, Isogenus, Chlo-
roperla, Leptoperla.

Genus I. — Eusthenia, Westwood.

I find this genus proposed in the English translation of
Cuvier's ' Regne Animal ' by Griffith and others : the follow-
ing quotation is all that appears on the subject. — " Mr. West-
wood has established this genus on account of the jaw being
horny, and very much dentated." As I trust Mr. Westwood
will give us a more detailed description on some future occa-

ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES. 33

sion, I shall at present merely employ the name. Neither of
the species has ever been described under any other generic
appellation.

Sp. 1. Eust. Thalia. Subnigra; alae opaeae, fuscae, macula subrotunda
pone medium albida ; pedes nigri, femora basi testacea, tibiae prope
basin testaceo annulatae. (Corp. long. .5 unc. ant. .5, set. caud. .05,
alar, dilat. 1 425 unc.)

The apical portion of the forewings is completely reticulated, and the
costal cell interrupted by very numerous transverse nervures, the hind wings
possess similar characters ; the wings of the female are abbreviated occa-
sionally (but not invariably) in the same manner as those of the male in the
British species of the restricted genus Perla; the antenna have a large ba-
sal joint, and are somewhat longer than the body; the caudal setce are ex-
tremely short, scarcely equalling in length the diameter of the abdomen ;
they are curved, of uniform thickness, and are composed of few joints: in
colour this insect is nearly black, the forewings are opaque and dark brown,
with a nearly round white spot situated rather beyond the centre; the hind
wings are brown without the spot; a series of testaceous spots extends along
the costal margin of all the wings, and round the extreme tips ; the legs
are nearly black, the basal portion of the femora, and a ring round each of
the tibia being bright testaceous.

Inhabits Van Dieman's Land. There are four of this spe-
cies in the cabinet of the Rev. F. W. Hope, to whom I am
indebted for the loan of specimens. The extreme difference
between this and the cognate species, as regards the caudal
setae, would have induced me to raise it to the rank of a ge-
nus, had not Mr. Westwood, on examination, considered it to
belong to his genus Eusthenia.

Sp. 2. Eust. spectabilis. (Corp. long. 1 unc. alar, dilat. 2 unc.)

„ „ Westwood; Translation of Cuvier's 'Regne

Animal ' by Griffith and others. Part Insects, vol. ii. p. 348, tab.
lxxii. fig, 4.

Body, including the antenna and caudal setce of a very dark brown, near-
ly black ; the upper wings are opaque and brown, with an elongate red spot
near the costal margin, and rather nearer the base than the apex of the
wing, beyond and below this is a large blotch of dirty white ; the hind wings
are red at the base and black externally.

Inhabits Van Dieman's Land. In the cabinets of the En-
tomological Club (donor J. O. Westwood), Rev. F. W. Hope
and Mr. Westwood. The very ample and reticulated wings
of this beautiful insect, together with its straight caudal setce,
and general habit, lead us to the giants of this group compos-
ing the genus Pteronarci/s. It is on this account that I have
placed the described typical species subsequently to the new
and aberrant one.

Vol. III.— No. 25. n. s. d

34 Oft THE SYNONYMY OF THE TERLITES.

Genus II. — Pteronarcys, Newman.

The genus is founded on the reticulation of the wings,
which is nearly as complicated as in the genus Libellula. It
was first characterised in the 'Entomological Magazine,'
where a detailed description is given. Neither of the species
has ever been described under any other generic appellation.

Sp. 1. Pter. regalis. (Corp. long-. 1 unc. alar, dilat. 3.35 unc.)

„ „ Newman; 'Entomological Magazine,' vol. v. p. 176.

The body is dark brown ; the head, pro- meso- and meta-thorax are mark-
ed by a longitudinal yellow line common to them all ; each segment of the
abdomen has its posterior margin yellow ; the wings are hyaline, but have
throughout a dingy tinge of brown, which tinge is darker along the sub-
costal nervure of the forewings, and terminates in a still darker spot beyond
the middle. The legs are brown, the knees concolorous.

Inhabits Canada. A single specimen is in the cabinet of
the British Museum ; a second, purchased at the sale of Mr.
Lee's insects, in that of the Entomological Club.

Sp. 2. Pter. biloba. (Corp. long. .9 unc. alar dilat. 2.75 unc).

„ „ Newman; * Entomological Magazine,' vol. v. p. 176.

The body is dark brown, the head has no yellow markings, the prothorax
has various impressed lines, and also a faint yellow spot on the anterior and
posterior margins ; these are connected by a still fainter line ; the mesotho-
rax is shining and without markings, the metathorax is also shining, and
has a longitudinal yellow line. The abdomen is brown, the eleventh seg-
ment beneath being furnished with two flat obtuse processes, which are pa-
rallel with the abdomen, and point towards its extremity. The forewings
have three very conspicuous subcostal brown spots, and the hind wings one.
The legs are brown and the knees concolorous.

Inhabits North America. A single specimen (donor R.
Foster) is in the cabinet of the Entomological Club.

Sp. 3. Pter. Proteus. (Corp. long. .85 unc. alar, dilat. 2.75 unc,)

., „ Newman ; ■ Entomological Magazine,' vol. v. p.

177.

The body is dark brown, the head, prothorax and metathorax having an
interrupted longitudinal yellow line. The abdomen is brown, without the
appendages noticed in the last species. The wings are deeply and distinct-
ly variegated with brown. The legs are brown and the knees yellow.

Inhabits North America. Three specimens (donors E.
Doubleday and R. Foster) are in the cabinet of the Entomo-
logical Club.

ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES. 35

Genus III. — Perla, Geoffroy.
Phryganea, Linneus ; Semblis, Fabricius, &c.

The wings are abbreviated in the male, in the female they
are fully developed ; the longitudinal nervures towards the
tips of the wings are uninterrupted (or nearly so) by trans-
verse nervures.

* Species aberrans.

Sp. 1. Perla abnormis. (Corp. long. .9 unc. alar, dilat. 2.5 unc.)

„ „ Newman, ' Entomological Magazine,' vol. v. p.

177.

Testaceous brown, with scarcely any shade of different colour, the eyes
and ocelli alone being obviously darker. Wings tinged with brown, the
upper portion of the tips of both fore and hind wings have various trans-
verse nervures, forming a decided although small portion of the wing com-
pletely reticulated.

Inhabits North America. Several specimens of this insect
are in the cabinet of the British Museum, also in that of the
Rev. F. W. Hope ; and one, much injured and discoloured,
owing to which circumstance it was originally characterised
as " fuscous, " in that of the Entomological Club, (donor R.
Foster.) The aberrant species is here again placed before the
normal ones, because it serves to connect the latter with the
species of Pteronarcys.

** Species normales.

Sp. 2. Perla Lycorias. Caput prothorace manifeste latius, testaceum;
oculis ocellisque fuscis: prothorax testaceus linea longitudinali nigra,
alarum apices haud reticulati. (Corp. long. .8 unc. alar, dilat. l.S
unc.)

Head considerably broader than the prothorax, and scarcely at all im-
mersed therein, testaceous, with the eyes and ocelli fuscous, and in some
specimens the ocelli are enclosed in a somewhat quadrate fuscous spot. —
The prothorax is testaceous with a black longitudinal line. The meso- and
metathorax are shining and pale brown, scarcely testaceous. The abdomen
is brown. The nervures of the wings are testaceous, the tips of the wings
have only the longitudinal nervures. The legs are testaceous.

Inhabits Canada. In the cabinets of the British Museum
and the Rev. F. W. Hope.

Sp. 3. Perla Xanthenes. (Corp. long. .75 unc. alar, dilat. 1.75 unc.)

„ „ Newman, ' Entomological Magazine,' vol. v. p.

178.

Pale yellow, the nervures of the wings, the antenna, and legs of the same
colour: the eyes and ocelli alone are black. The prothorax is quadrate but
much narrower posteriorly.

36 ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES.

Inhabits -. Two specimens in the cabinet of the

British Museum.

Sp. 4. Perla bicaudata. (Corp. long. .7 unc. alarum dilat. 2 vmc.fem.)
„ Jlavipes, Fourcroy ; ' Entomologia Parisiensis,' p. 349.
„ a pattes jaunes, Geoffroy ; ' Histoire abrege des Insectes,
vol, ii. p. 231.

„ Jlavipes, Latreille; 'Hist. Nat. Crust. &c.' vol. xiii. p. 49.
„ bipunctata, Pictet; 'Annales des Sciences Naturelles,' vol.
xxviii. p. 55, tab. y.fig. 12 — 14.
„ marginata, Stephens; 'Illustrations of British Entomology'
Mand. vol. vi. p. 135.
Phryganea bicaudata, Linneus ; ' Fauna Suec.,' p. 379, No. 1489.
„ „ „ 'Syst. Naturae,' vol. i. 908, No. 1

„ maxima, Scopoli ; ' Entomologia Carniolica,' p. 269.

Head fulvous, with two brown spots including the ocelli, and often pro-
longed to the base of the antenna, which are nearly black, with the basal
joint generally yellow : in front of these spots is a third, somewhat triangu-
lar, and situated nearer to the clypeus. The prothorax is fulvous, with the
margins and a median longitudinal line dark brown or nearly black, and on
each side of this median line is a black spot in the living insect, but this
frequently nearly disappears after death, and in some specimens becomes
quite obliterated, and the entire disk of the prothorax appears brown. The
meso- and metathorax are bordered with yellow : the legs are yellow, with
the joints fuscous: the wings are less transparent than in the following
species, and the abdomen is of a more dusky hue.

Inhabits Europe and England. In the cabinet of the En-
tomological Club. That Fabricius and all subsequent authors
have entirely mistaken the Phryganea bicaudata of Linneus
will be perfectly evident to any entomologist who will take
the trouble to examine the Linnean specimen now in posses-
sion of the Linnean Society. As to the real distinctness of
the following species from the present, I am unable to decide.
I had considerable doubts on the matter, against which M.
Pictet's detailed characters of the species in their larva and
imago states, have so far prevailed as to induce me to keep
them separate for the present.

Sp. 5. Perla marginata. (Corp. long. .7 unc. alar, dilat. 2 unc.)
„ „ Panzer ; ' Fauna.' \xxi.Jig. 3.

„ „ Pictet ; ' Annales des Sciences Naturelles,' vol.

xxviii. p. 53, tab. 5,ff. 1 — 11.
Semblis marginata, Fabricius ; ' Entomologia Systematica,' vol.
ii. p* 73, No. 7.

Phryganea bicaudata,} ^ Rcemer ' ' Genera '' tab ' xxiv ' J* 8 '
„ maxima, Scopoli ; ' Entom. Carniol.' p. 269.

The head is yellow, margined with brown. The ocelli are black, with a
triangular space between them brown ; the antenna are entirely black, -the
prothorax is brown, with a median longitudinal furrow and various irregu-

ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES. 37

lar yellow markings, which usually disappear on the death of the insect :
the mesothorax is brown, with a yellow margin ; the metathorax is entirely
Drown : the legs are brown, the tibice rather paler : the wings are hyaline,
slightly tinged with yellow ; the abdomen is yellowish, with dusky sides.

Inhabits Europe and England. In the cabinet of the En-
tomological Club.

Sp. 6. Perla cephalotes. (Corp. long. .65 unc. alar, dilat. 1.75 unc. fern)
„ „ Curtis; ' British Entomology,' pi. 190.

„ „ Pictet ; * Annales des Sciences Naturelles, ' vol.

xxviii. p. 56, tab. vi.ff. 1 — 3.
„ „ Stephens ; ' Illustrations of British Entomology'

Mand., vol. vi. p. 136.

Head variegated with black, brown, and yellow ; prothorax brown, very
rugose, traversed longitudinally by a furrowed yellow line. Meso- and me-
tathorax nearly black, each with a brown or paler spot posteriorly. Abdo-
men yellow throughout in the female, at the extremity only in the male.

Inhabits Europe and England. In nearly all collections of
British insects. I see that M. Pictet complains of an incor-
rectness in Mr. Curtis's figure, as regards the neuration of
the wings in this species. In this I think he is wrong, the
nervures being so exceedingly variable as often to differ in
the opposite wings of the same insect. I could wish the con-
tinental figures were always as accurate as those in ' British
Entomology. 1

Sp. 4. Perla Cymodoce. Nigricans, vitta communi longitudinali flava
capitis prothoracisque. (Corp. long. .65 unc. alar, dilat. 1.75 unc. fern.)
„ bicaudata ? Fourcroy ; * Entomologia Parisiensis,' p. 349.
„ bicaudata, Stephens ; ' Illustrations of British Entomology,'
Mand. vol. vi. p. 136.
Semblis bicaudata, Fabricius ; ' Ent. Syst.' vol. ii. p. 73, No. 8.

Nearly black, the head and prothorax marked by a longitudinal yellow
line, the prothorax is rugose, and has a median longitudinal furrow in
which occurs the yellow line : the wings are dusky ; the abdomen beneath
yellowish.

Inhabits Europe and England. In nearly all cabinets of
British insects ; always labelled as the Perla bicaudata.

(To be continued.)

88 ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE

REVIEWS.

Art. I. — Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa. By An-
drew Smith, M.D. No. 3, Annulosa ; by W. S. MacLeay,
Esq., M.A., F.L.S. London : 1838. 4to., 75 pp. 4 col. plates.

As the contents of the present and preceding numbers of the
* Magazine of Natural History 1 place before our readers
some valuable additions to our knowledge of the Cetoniida,
it appears to us a desirable opportunity for noticing the work
at the head of this article, or rather that portion of it in which
attention is so prominently directed to this group of insects.
The plan of this part is not in accordance with that of the
two which have preceded it, and to which we shall on a future
occasion advert. The Annulosa have been placed in the
hands of Mr. MacLeay, who has here given us, not a se-
ries of isolated descriptions, but illustrations of particular
groups worked out upon the quinarian principle.

Acquainted with Mr. MacLeay's great opportunities for
investigation whilst at the Havannah, naturalists were anx-
ious to learn whether his views, as developed in the ' Horae
Entomological,' remained unchanged, or whether the recent at-
tempts which have been made to uphold a trinarian, quater-
nian, or septenary system, had materially altered them. That
Dr. Smith's work should have been chosen for the solution of
these enquiries, we cannot but regret, as it gives to the work
the appearance of a want of unity in the plan ; and we fear
that there are many readers who would have preferred de-
scriptions and figures of a greater number of species, rather
than the endless and unsatisfactory observations intended to
support the favorite views of the author.

The number contains three memoirs, which we will proceed
shortly to notice. The first is entitled " On the Cetonia? of
South Africa," but it is rather a memoir on the quinary distri-
bution of the Cetoniidce, with descriptions of the new South
African species, twenty-one in number. It would lead us too
far to analyse the introductory remarks ; but it is worthy of
notice that Mr. MacLeay deems the following as the uniform
gradational series in the Animal Kingdom; 1, Sub-kingdom ;
2, Class ; 3, Order ; 4, Tribe ; 5, Stirps ; 6, Family : 7, Ge-
nus ; 8, Sub-genus ; 9, Section ; 10, Sub-section ; 11, Species :
each of these groups except the last, being divisible into five
minor groups, and forming a circle. But Mr. MacLeay him-
self, in the outset, shows the inconvenience of supporting such
a series, by introducing another division without a name, be-
tween the stirps and family ; namely, — " 5, Stirps, Petaloce-

ZOOLOGY OF SOUTH AFRICA. 39

ra, TJtalerophaga, 6, Family, Cetoniidae." Again, the mode
in which the genera, sub-genera, sections, and sub-sections
are treated, appears to us sufficient to prove the necessity for
the adoption of some other plan than that now proposed by
Mr. MacLeay. For instance, after characterising the family,
and asserting that it contains more than 600 species, — having
previously remarked that with the exception perhaps of Cen-
tral Africa, the world contains of Cetoniidce few species un-
known, at least in comparison with those which are known,
— we are favored with an account of the five genera, and of
the sub-genera, sections, and sub-sections known to the writ-
er. As there are five sub-genera in each genus, and so on,
the family will, according to Mr. MacLeay's views, naturally
comprise 25 subgenera, " 125 sections, and 625 subsections."
(p. 51) : but although the group is so well marked, the insects
of such large and conspicuous size, and the number so great
as to lead to the idea that the greater part are known; — Mr.
MacLeay has only been able to make out 47 sub-sections out
of the 625, exclusive of the sections which are not cut up in-
to sub-sections ; and even of the sections, of which there
ought to be 125, he has only filled up 40, exclusive of those
sub-genera which are not cut up into sections.

A plan is here also adopted which appears to us to set the
rules of zoological nomenclature entirely at defiance. All ge-
neric names are made to terminate in inus; and thus we have
Trichinus, Cetoninus, &c, instead of Trichius, Cetonia, &c.
This may or may not be an improvement, according to the
views of different readers ; but when we find the name of
Fabricius tacked to Trichinus, or that of Kirby to Gymneti-
nus, we cannot but object to the innovation. The five gene-
ra into which Mr. MacLeay divides the family are Trichinus,
Cetoninus, Gymnetinus, Macrominus, and Cryptodinus. —
But it is evident, on a very slight examination of an exten-
sive series of these insects, that these five groups are not
of equal rank ; for instance, Cetoninus and Macrominus
have characters much weaker than those of Trichinus or
Cryptodinus. Again, whilst we doubt the propriety of re-
garding Cryptodus as belonging to the family, we are asto-
nished to find it sunk into a sub-genus, and regarded as only
of equal rank with each of the four subgenera of Cremasto-
cheilus. Platygenia in like manner is of far higher rank than
Osmoderma, although regarded only as a sub-genus of Tri-
chinus; whilst the giant Goliathi are sunk into a sub-genus
of Cetonia.

We may be told that by considering them in the light in
which they are exhibited to us by Mr. MacLeay, they clearly

40 ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE

prove the circular and quinarian arrangement ; but we main-
tain that nature is, in this work of Mr. MacLeay, repeatedly
violated. Any one, for instance, unprejudiced by system,
would at once see that Platygenia is of far higher rank than
Valgus, — that in fact it is equal, in its characters, to the four
united sub-genera Osmoderma, Valgus, Trichius, and Cam-
pulipus. Hence we consider that three additional genera at
least ought to be added to the family as extended by Mr.
MacLeay, namely, Platygenia, Cryptodus, and Goliathus. —
With respect to the sections and sub-sections of the sub- ge-
nera we have a similar remark to make. If we take the low-
est of these groups, we find for instance, two well-marked
groups, Trigonophora and Jumnos, regarded as sub-sections.
Now the character of these two sub-sections of sections of
sub-genera, as they are tenned by Mr. MacLeay, have been
given by Mr. Hope, in his recently-published * Coleopterists'
Manual,' and are as strong even as those of the sub-genera
themselves separated by Mr. MacLeay from the genus Ma-
crominus. It is not difficult to prove that an equality of rank
is not maintained in the sub-genera, sections, and sub-sections
throughout. In the genus Cetoninus the sub-sections of the
sections of the sub-genus Cetonia are of very varied charac-
ter ; for instance, the sub-sections of the section Typicce are
so closely allied that they are only distinguished by colour,
C. aurata andfastuosa being types of two of these sub-sec-
tions, between which the relation is as close as possible. In
the Trichioidece we have the sub-sections characterised from
their geographical range, and thus the two equally allied spe-
cies C. capensis and stictica are placed in different sub-sec-
tions. The sub-sections however of the Cremastocheilideous
and Polybapheous sections of the sub-genus Cetonia are cha-
racterised by structural peculiarities, they must therefore be
evidently of higher rank than those distinguished merely by
colour.

Mr. MacLeay will perhaps assert that he is correct in his
views, because Cetonia being the most complete in the num-
ber of its species, he is in that sub-genus best able to seize the
plan of the natural system ; but this will apply equally in con-
demnation of the application of his principles in other groups,
and even in working out this very sub-genus : thus if the spe-
cies composing " CETONINUS ; Cetonia, Typica? be so
close that no better character than colour can be found to
separate them into a required number of sub-sections, we
ought to consider that the same proximity would also exist
in every other group, if we knew all its species as fully as
those of the Typicce are known ; and hence, for want of a

THE ZOOLOGY OF SOUTH AFRICA. 41

knowledge of all the species existing in nature, groups hav-
ing good structural characters equivalent to sub-genera, have
been sunk to the level of sub-sections of sections of sub-ge-
nera. We are disposed to agree with Mr. MacLeay in advoca-
ting uniformity in the rank of the gradational series of nature ;
but we contend that Mr. MacLeay has acted in violation of his
own principles in every page of his work. As to the disad-
vantages resulting from giving names resembling those of ge-
nera to so many groups of sectional character, we have only
to cast our eyes over the work to be convinced of the difficulty
of following the author. There is no general synopsis given of
the sections and sub-sections, (which we have been compell-
ed to construct, in order to gain a clearer notion of the author's
meaning), and as we have the specific name used indiscrimi-
nately in conjunction with its generic, sub-generic, sectional,
or sub-sectional name, the confusion of ideas thereby origi-
nating is completely unavoidable and most perplexing. Thus
the Agenius Horsfieldii (p. 14) is called Trichinus Horsfieldii
in the plate, and [Trichinus] Campulipus Horsfieldii in the
text : and throughout the figures we have either the generic
or sub-generic name alone used. And thus in speaking of
the Jumnos Ruckeri we may call it Cetoninus Ruckeri, Co-
ryphe Ruckeri, Rhomborhina Ruckeri, or Jumnos Ruckeri,
its legitimate name being Cetoninus Coryphe Rhomborhina
Jumnos Ruckeri. Surely this kind of nomenclature cannot
be adopted.

Of the species we have but little space to remark further
that Mr. MacLeay is not sufficiently acquainted with what
has already been done. This will be evident when we state
that four at least out of the six species figured as novelties
have been previously described. Trichius Horsfieldii is Age-
nia Jlavipennis, Gory ; Cetonia leonina is scarcely a variety
of Get. compressa, Goldfuss ; Ischnostoma pica is Cet. albo-
marginata, Herbst : Macrominus spinitarsis is Cet. variabi-
lis, Gory ; and Ischnostoma spatulipes is probably the male
of Cet. pimeloides, Hope : the specimen of the last-named
insect, which we have under examination, thus labelled by
M. Gory himself, (as indeed are the majority of the Cetonia
above mentioned, which have enabled us to give these cor-
rections), having one of the posterior calcaria spatulate, but
with the clypeus truncate.

We have given a greater extent to our notice of this me-
moir, not only because it occupies more than two-thirds of
the part before us, but also because it will render it unneces-
sary to enter into any farther notice of the principles adopted
by Mr. MacLeay in the other parts of his work.

Vol. III.— No. 25. n. s. e

4*2 ILLUSTRATIONS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ZOOLOGY.

The second memoir is " On the Brachyurous Decapod
Crustacea brought from the Cape by Dr. Smith," and con-
tains descriptions of twenty-three new species. Instead how-
ever of giving us a sketch of the primary distribution of the
Crustacea, we have the debateable question of the metamor-
phoses of these animals introduced, apparently for the pur-
pose of telling us that Mr. J. V. Thompson has merited well
of science for his researches, " which is more than can be said
of any of those persons who, by crude inferences, but never
by direct observation, ventured to attack him." Can Mr.
MacLeay be ignorant that Rathke has most elaborately traced
the developement of the embryo cray-fish ? — That Westwood
has dissected the ova of the land crab of the West Indies ? — •
And that Rathke has recently asserted that "as to the
Decapods, so far as I have examined their developement, I
must deny the assertion of Thompson : and of them I can say
nothing less than that at the end of their existence in the egg
they have exactly the same aspect, and are as fully develop-
ed, as the full grown individuals." — (Annals Nat. Hist. 1837).
If these be not direct observations, — or if they merit the term
of "crude inferences," we would ask what kind of observa-
tions Mr. MacLeay would require ?

Mr. MacLeay divides the Decapods into five tribes, — Te-
tragonostoma and Trigone-stoma (forming the Brachyura), and
Anomura, M.E., Sarobranchia, and Caridea, Latr., (forming
the Macroura. Each of the tribes Tetragonostoma and Tri-
gonostoma is divided into five stirpes, which are placed op-
posite to each other from analogy ; but nothing appears more
arbitrary than the adoption of their analogous characters, for
instance, Pinnotheres and Droniia, or Cancer and Corystes,
are as unlike as can well be conceived, and yet they are op-
posed to each other. As to the genera and other subordinate
divisions, the author constantly expresses his inability to de-
cide upon them, from not being acquainted with a sufficient
number of species.

The third memoir is "On a new species of Cerapterus"
but it contains a monograph of the genus, so far as Mr. Mac-
Leay was acquainted with the species ; and also observations
on the family (Paussida) to which it belongs. To these Mr.
Westwood has published a reply in the last number of the
* Entomological Magazine,' in which he has described a fifth
species, not contained in Mr. MacLeay's monograph.

We cannot conclude without alluding to the beautiful ex-
ecution of the four plates with which this part is embellished
from the pencil of Mr. C. Curtis, although they are destitute
of those structural details of the parts of the mouth, which

FOOTMARKS IN STOURTON QUARRY. 43

Mr. MacLeay has shown to be so necessary: — nor without
expressing our regret that the author should have thought it
necessary to speak in such harsh terms of so many of his fel-
low-labourers.

SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE.

The determination of the zoological relations of the fossil jaws from
the Stonesfield strata, and also those of the animals whose footmarks
have been left in rocks of still higher antiquity, are two subjects now
before the scientific world. As regards the first of these, our readers
are already in possession of much interesting matter that has been ad-
vanced by two distinguished continental naturalists, who entertain very
opposite opinions. With respect to the sandstone impressions, this sub-
ject is so nearly related to that of the " supposed fossil didelphs," that
we are induced (knowing the report to be a correct one) to quote the
following article from the columns of the ' Liverpool Mercury, ' of the
24th of August, 1838. It contains the substance of a lecture deliver-
ed by Prof. Grant, at the Liverpool Mechanics' Institution ; and the
portions we extract refer to the numerous footmarks lately noticed in
Stourton stone-quarries.

In the oldest fossiliferous beds of transition rocks the organic
remains are chiefly of invertebrated animals, with obscure
traces of fishes belonging to forms altogether extinct ; and al-
though in the secondary mountain limestone, immediately be-
low the coal, diversified forms of fishes abound, no trace of
reptiles or of warm-blooded animals has yet been perceived
in rocks of that antiquity. In the new red sandstone before
us, however, the densest parts, — the teeth, and distinct impres-
sions of the feet of reptiles, begin to make their appearance,
and most colossal forms of the animals of this class abound
through all the lias formations, extending almost from this
sandstone rock to the oolites. The numerous large footmarks
on this block of sandstone are most quadruped-like in their
forms, but as no fragment or trace belonging to that elevated
class of animals has ever been observed in formations below
the oolites, which oolites approach to the newest of the se-
condary rocks, it behoves us not only to compare these im-
pressions cautiously with the feet of different classes of verte-
brated animals, but also to suspend our judgment, if they are
not capable of affording satisfactory evidence regarding the
nature of the animal which has left them. In attempting to
draw determinate conclusions from imperfect relics of this
kind, it is to be remembered that Scheuchzer described, as
the remains of our species, as a homo diluvii testis, what is

44 FOOTMARKS OF CHIROTHERIUM

now acknowledged by every one to be the skeleton of a sala-
mander, and that Spallanzani described as the relics of ante-
diluvian giants, what were afterwards found to be bones of
extinct elephants. An imperfect relic from the new red sand-
stone of Burdiehouse, lately pronounced by an English ana-
tomist to be the tusk of a wolf, has been subsequently ascer-
tained to be the tooth of a sauroid fish, common in that for-
mation. Although no remnant of our race was ever found
but in alluvial deposits, impressions of this kind found in the
sandstones of America have been confidently referred to the
human species : and impressions identical in every respect
with those now before you, and which were found in the new
red sandstone of Germany, have been pronounced, by a dis-
tinguished naturalist of that country, to belong to an animal
of the class Mammalia, and of the order Marsupialla. The
free condition of the supposed thumb both on the large hind
feet and on the small anterior extremities in the specimen
before you, as in those of Germany, might as well entitle this
animal to a place among the Quadrumana, next to man, but
the geologists are more attached to the heterogeneous order
of marsupial quadrupeds, from a belief that certain bones
found in the oolites of Stonesfield, have been determined to
belong to Mammalia of this order. Impressions of the feet
of tortoises were observed several years since in quarries of
this new red sandstone in Dumfriesshire, and in other locali-
ties, and they abound in this sandstone from the Stourton
quarry, along with numerous impressions of the webbed feet
of Emydes, of jointed reeds, and of the slender feet and claws
of lacertine reptiles. But, as might be expected, these foot-
marks of tortoises were at first referred to Mammalia, to dogs
or similar quadrupeds walking up an inclined plane of yield-
ing sand, which had subsequently consolidated, to form the
dense rocks of the quarry.

The rock at Stourton from which these specimens have been
obtained, is extremely soft, loose, and everywhere percolated
by water, so that but little of it is capable of being used as a
building material. It dips about fifteen degrees to the east,
like the present acclivity of Stourton hill, and it appears to
have done so when the foot-marks were impressed and the
reeds grew on its surface. It forms the surface rock of all
this part of England on the shores of the Mersey, and appears
to have been very little disturbed in its primitive horizontal
position by voltaic agency, so that its rapidly decomposing
surface forms the loose sandy soil around this city, and we
have to wade for a mile through deep sand, in ascending
Stourton hill to the quarry. But the same new red sandstone

AT STOURTON HILL. 45

acquires very different properties where it has been subjected
to pressure from superincumbent strata, and to greater heat
from volcanic action; as around Edinburgh, where it has been
consolidated by the volcanic agency, which has thrown up
Arthur's seat, Salisbury Crag, the Calton-hill, Castle-hill,
Inchkeith, and other masses of trap rocks, — and where this
sandstone forms the beautiful material of which that city is
built. In Stourton quarry there are two distinct strata of
these footmarks, about two feet vertically separated from each
other, and the workmen believe that there is a third stratum
of the same impressions a very little lower in the rock ; but I
have been able to examine only the two upper strata of these
remarkable impressions. This specimen, and the others in
Liverpool, were obtained from the upper stratum of markings,
which occurs at a vertical depth of 37 ft. from the actual sur-
face of the rock. The lower stratum of footmarks is 39 feet
from the surface of the rock, and the sandstone in this quarry
has been worked in some places to a depth of nearly 100 ft.
and has been pierced for a well to a further extent of 40 ft.
without reaching the lower limit of this bed of new red sand-
stone. The continuity of this bed of sandstone is only inter-
rupted by occasional very thin conformable layers of soft clay,
which vary from one line to two inches in thickness. The
prints of the feet have always been first made on the upper
surface of these thin layers of clay, which have but imper-
fectly communicated them to the surface of the rock below,
but have given most perfect casts of these impressions to the
under surface of the superincumbent rock. The specimen
before you, therefore, and all the others which have been ob-
tained, do not represent the prints left by the animal on the
soft substance on which it once trod, but are perfect casts of
these prints taken by the under surface of the rock immedi-
ately above. The same is the case with the foot impressions
met with in Scotland, Germany, America, and everywhere
else, indeed, the impressions could not have been preserved
but by the intervention of this clay, which, by interrupting
the continuity of the sand-deposits, has prevented these prints
from becoming obliterated. There are also innumerable
small isolated pieces of soft clay spread through the texture
of the sandstone, and the superincumbent soft clay is much
used in this neighbourhood in brick-making for building. —
A large portion of the present floor of Stourton quarry exhi-
bits the inferior stratum of foot impressions, at the depth of
39 ft. from the surface of the rock ; but as the clay which re-
ceived the prints adheres tenaciously to the under surface of
the superincumbent rock, which has been there removed, the

46 FOOTMARKS OF CHIROTHERIUM

exposed prints seen at present on the floor of the quarry, are
far from being so distinct as in the block before you. The
workmen have traced these large footmarks in a continuous
single line, produced by the walking of one animal, for 20 or
30 feet over the surface of the rock, and they occur everywhere
at this level in the quarry. Sometimes the impressions are
crowded together in great numbers in a small space, as in the
specimen before you, where there are about twenty marks of
the large hind foot alone in a surface of about 5 ft. by 4 ft. ;
in other places the rock is marked only by the pacing of a sin-
gle animal across the surface. Towards the upper part of
this block you observe four large footmarks passing in a curv-
ed direction to the right side, and below them three similar
large footmarks directed to the left side ; but both above and
below these two lines, nearer the margins of the block, you
perceive numerous other large footmarks of the same kind. —
These large impressions of the hind feet, which are about 9
inches long, 4 inches broad, and pentadactylous, are always
accompanied, as in the German specimen preserved in the
British Museum and figured in Dr. Buckland's late Treatise,
by small anterior feet, about 4 inches in length and breadth,
also pentadactylous, and with an opposable or free toe, like the
hind feet. From the point of the right or left foot to the point
of the same foot in advance, I have commonly measured a
clear pace of about 3 ft. 8 inches, but the feet of the opposite
side of the body are here interposed, and nearly in the same
straight line. The similai 4 feet of this animal must therefore
have moved alternately, as in saurian and chelonian reptiles,
and not in pairs, like those of kangaroos, rodents, and other
leaping quadrupeds, which have this great disparity between
the anterior and posterior members. The impressions indi-
cate a free toe or thumb both on the anterior and hinder feet
of this animal, and the creature thus apparently endowed with
prehensile members has been called Chirotherium, or handed
beast ; but this quadrumanous character is not seen in the
order of marsupial quadrupeds, to which Kaup supposed the
unknown animal to belong.

Associated with these anomalous markings of the Chiro-
therium, are numerous short club feet, with large broad claws
of tortoises ; some feet with the toes and claws more elonga-
ted and webbed, of Emydes, or wading Chelonia ; many with
the long free toes and slender claws of lizards ; some ap-
proaching in form and gait to ornithichnites, but without the
hind toe, and with the anterior toes approximated and col-
lapsed; and some resembling the long tapering feet of frogs,
advancing by alternate motions of their hinder webbed feet

AT STOURTON HILL. 47

alone ; — but all agreeing with the impressions of the reeds
and branches of trees, in indicating a great river or estuary
opening remotely into the sea, and that the Chirotherium it-
self may have been also semi-aquatic, like the crocodiles and
Emydes of existing shores.

In the crocodilian reptiles, of which numerous gigantic re-
mains abound in the lias deposits, nearly as ancient as this
rock ; the hands are proportionately very short and broad,
and pentadactylous, as in this Chirotherium, and the outer
finger projects, short and free, as the supposed inner finger
or thumb in the animal before you. In these reptiles, also,
it is the outer, and not the inner toe, of the proportionately
large hind feet, which is short and rudimentary ; and there
may have been great diversities in the extent or freedom of
this outer rudimentary hind toe in the various Teleosauri,
Steneosauri, and other semi-aquatic forms of reptiles which
have long become extinct like the Ichthyosauri and Plesio-
sauri which swarmed at the same period in the ocean. If
we suppose the free projecting toes of the Chirotherium to
have been inner toes or prehensile thumbs, this animal must
have crossed the line of gravity of its body with its feet, at
every pace, in bringing them to the ground, as may easily be
perceived by carrying the eye along the line of footmarks. —
Although this supposition agrees with the developement, if
muscular and not osseous, at the base of the thumb, it forces
us to believe that this animal crossed the right foot to the
left side of the line of gravity of the body, by the entire
breadth of that foot, before it reposed it upon the ground, and
that the left foot, to the same extent, crossed over to the right
side before it rested to support the trunk. But, if the sup-
posed thumbs, which here curve backwards in a manner ex-
traordinary for such members, be only forms of the short out-
er toes of the large hind feet of crocodiles, gavials, and alli-
gators, the feet no longer cross the median line of the body,
but assume the positions seen in the walking of most other
reptiles. Although I have not been able *to find any shells,
bones, or other organic relics in these rocks, nor have heard
of any having been observed by others, the ordinary ripples
seen on the sands of the seashore, and on the banks of lakes,
are every where common and distinct in the sandstone of this
quarry. In the upper stratum of the footmarks there is a re-
markable pitted appearance over the surface of the impressed
clay, as if produced by drops of rain, or by the unequal shrink-
ing of the clay in drying, and this often produces a warty ap-
pearance in the casts of the footmarks. In some of the spe-
cimens preserved I perceive smooth, rounded, broad markings,

48 NEW WORKS IN NATURAL HISTORY.

with transverse slight corrugations, as if the animal, between
the efforts of progression, had rested its belly on the ground,
a constant character with reptiles, but not with mammals. —
The long, recurved, angular claw seen distinctly on the sup-
posed posterior thumb, as on the other hind toes of the Chi-
rotherium, is crocodilian, and not mammiferous ; it is obvious
on the rudimentary outer toe of alligators, but was never seen
on the opposable hind thumb of an opossum. In the foot-
marks you perceive that the heel of the hind foot has pressed
heavily on the ground, and raised much of the sand around
it, as in the heavy-bodied and feeble-footed reptiles, and that
it was not able to raise itself on tip-toe, and sink its claws
into the ground, like the more active and vigorous unguicu-
lated quadrupeds. The terminal tapering of the hind toes of
this animal into the large, broad, conical claws, is crocodilian
in its character, and most unlike the sudden setting-on of
these parts on the rounded toes of quadrupeds ; so that, al-
though these relics, of vast antiquity in the histoiy of our
globe, are full of scientific interest, and may long exercise the
acumen of naturalists, they do not appear to me to have yet
satisfactorily established the existence of hot-blooded mam-
miferous quadrupeds at the remote period assigned to the de-
position of this new red sandstone. They show that notwith-
standing the extremely perishable character of all organic de-
posits committed to those porous siliceous beds, percolated
incessantly by water, they are capable of preserving, for an
indefinite period, impressions thus mechanically made upon
their surface, and of transmitting entire, to the remotest pos-
terity, the most delicate footmarks of animals, every other
trace of whose existence has long been effaced from our
globe.

Among the promised forthcoming Works on Natural His-
toiy or general science, w^e may mention ' A History of the
Fishes of Madeira, 7 by the Rev. R. T. Lowe ; in which the
author will have the able assistance of Miss M. Young, in de-
lineating the species. The admirable sketches made by this
lady which illustrate Mr. Lowe's already published ichthyolo-
gical memoirs in the ' Transactions of the Zoological Society,'
lead us eagerly to anticipate the appearance of this more ex-
tensive undertaking.

Mr. Edward Newman announces an illustrated ' History
of British Ferns': and the editor of the 'Arcana of Science' a
scientific annual, entitled ' The Year-Book of Facts.'

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY,

FEBRUARY, 1839.

Art I. — New Doubts relating to the supposed Didelphis of Stones-
field. 1 By M. De Blainville.

[M. De Blainville introduces the present memoir with some general ob-
servations explanatory of the reasons which have led him to enter so fully
into details, in laying before the Academy his opinions upon the subject
under discussion].

It was under the influence of these sentiments that I had the
honour of reading before the Academy on the 20th of August
last, some doubts and observations relating to the supposed
fossil Didelphis found at Stonesfield ; in which observations
my object was rather to draw the attention of English na-
turalists to a matter of such great importance in palaeontology,
and to show how questions of this nature ought to be treated,
than really to solve the problem, deprived as I was of the ne-
cessary elements for so doing. After having indeed set forth
and compared the data that I was able to advance as premi-
ses in the question, and which data necessarily became the
special subject of the discussion, I arrived at the conclusion
that the fossil jaws from the oolitic schist of Stonesfield had
certainly not belonged to an animal of the marsupial subclass,
nor even to the family of the Insectivora of the placental sub-
class; and that hence it became probable that it was
not even a mammal, but rather an oviparous animal of
the family of the saurians, in the class Reptilia. But before
giving a definite character to these conclusions, I was very
careful to mention to you that I had not examined any one

1 ' Nouveaux Doutes sur le pretendu Didelphe de Stonesfield ; (Comptes
Rendus,' October 6th, 1838, p. 727)
Vol. III.— No. 26, n. s. r

50 NEW DOUBTS RESPECTING

of the original fragments upon which I raised these doubts,
having only seen the figures and descriptions of them which
had been published by M. Constant Prevost, Mr. Broderip,
and Dr. Buckland. I therefore concluded my memoir by in-
voking the aid of those skilful observers who had the fossil
remains in their possession, or at their disposal, to assist in
the farther examination of the question.

The result of my appeal has not, I am happy to say, been
long delayed. Professor Buckland, who has two of these
fragments under his care in the Ashmolean Museum, at Ox-
ford, being about to visit Paris, Dr. Roberton, at the sugges-
tion of M. Laurillard, happily thought of requesting him to
bring them with him, which he did ; but unfortunately for me,
and perhaps for the question, the day on which Dr. Roberton
wished me to pass an evening at his house with Dr. Buck-
land, I had set out for the country, and thus lost the oppor-
tunity of clearing up my doubts, and of correcting any errors
I might have committed. Nevertheless this courteous and li-
beral attention of Professor Buckland has not been without
advantageous results, since, during my absence, four persons,
— M. Agassiz, M. Valenciennes, and two of our fellow-mem-
bers, M. E. GeofTroy and M. Dumeril, have made known to
the Academy their observations on the same subject; and
thus the inquiry is seriously taken up.

The first of these observations in point of date is due to M.
Agassiz, who, in a letter addressed to the Academy on the 3rd
of September, and inserted in the 'Connotes Rendus,' (p. 537,
2nd. sem., 1838), claims priority in the view which I had ad-
duced, by saying that since the year 1835 he had offered an
opinion concerning the supposed Didelphis from Stonesfield,
perfectly in accordance with mine. Although I certainly had
no knowledge of the fact, it would have been very unskilful
of me not to have supported my opinion by those of observers
like Prof. Grant, M. Agassiz, and M. Meyer ; I therefore did
so, and I thought I should secure myself against all reproach
on this subject, by quoting M. Agassiz as having at first en-
tertained the same views as myself, but as having afterwards
apparently abandoned them. As to the rest, I am far from re-
fusing myself the credit, which I may claim as a matter of
justice, of having added some fresh details upon this subject.
M. Agassiz appears to have mentioned these fossils for the
first time in 1835, in a very short note inserted in the German
Journal of MM. Leonhard and Bronn, p. 186 ; and, according
to M. Valenciennes, the object of this note is to establish, in
a definite manner, the opinion that the Stonesfield ani-
mals are undoubtedly mammals, but that their affinity with

THE SUPPOSED FOSSIL DIDELPIIIS. 51

the marsupials does not appear to him so evident ; that the
teeth are more like those of the Insectivora, and that they also
bear some resemblance to those of the seals. From this then
it appears that the claim of M. Agassiz can relate only to the
erroneously supposed relation of these fossil remains to the
opossums, and to a certain resemblance of the posterior molars
to those of many species of seal. I therefore very willingly
repeat what I said in my first " Doubts," and which I learned
from M. de Roissy, that M. Agassiz had told him that he had
printed in a note added to the German translation of Prof.
Buckland's work on Geology and Mineralogy, that the fossil
bones of Stonesfield did not belong to a mammiferous animal.
To this M. de Roissy added that he knew from another source,
and not from M. Agassiz, as I erroneously remarked in my
first "doutes," that Dr. Grant, the Professor of Comparative
Anatomy at the London University, had advanced the same
opinion in his course of Lectures this year, at the same time
assigning his reasons for it.

But as I have been able myself to consult the first article
quoted above, in M. Leonhard's Journal, and the second in
the German translation of Dr. Buckland's work, of which,
however, a part only has recently arrived in Paris ; — I think
it requisite for me to give my own literal translation of it, in
order that I may be able to notice some inaccuracies which
have escaped M. Valenciennes.

In the first place let us consider the first note.

"As to the enigmatical species of Didelphis from Stones-
field," says M. Agassiz, " I now know that it is not a fish. —
I have seen all the specimens which are in the English col-
lections, — five lower half jaws belonging to two species, — but
nowhere any trace of vertebra, or of bones of the extremities.
The trenchant crown of the largest molars, laterally com-
pressed, always has two small notches on each side, and con-
sequently five pointed tubercles. The smaller ones have but
three ; they are certainly those of mammals ; but that they
may be compared with the teeth of the marsupials, is not the
case. The dental system indeed has also much resemblance
to that of the Insectivora, and each separate tooth resembles
even the greater part of those of the seals, near which group
the animal to which these jaws belonged should form a dis-
tinct genus. In fact the aspect of these fossil fragments is so
peculiar, that it draws our attention towards aquatic animals
rather than away from them." — * (Neue Jahrbuch Mineral, und
Geolog. von Leonhard und Bronn, 1835; torn, iii., p. 185;
in a letter written from Neufchatel, Switzerland, June 20th,
1835.)

52 NEW DOUBTS RESPECTING

M. de Blainville also quotes the second note of M. Agassiz, which,
though longer, adds scarcely anything to the contents of the first; ex-
cept that M. Agassiz very justly remarks that M. Cuvier, in speaking
of these fossils, never positively affirmed that they ought to rank in the
genus Didelphis ; and he [M. Agassiz] proposes to designate the ge-
nus by the name of Amphigonus,

From these two passages we may infer, that prior to his
having actually seen these fossils, M. Agassiz had supposed
that they might belong to a fish ; an opinion which he has
abandoned to refer them decidedly to the class Mammalia.

Thus, as M. Valenciennes properly observes, it would be
unjust in M. Agassiz to lay claim to the opposite opinion ;
although in fact neither of these articles has for its object the
establishing, in a direct manner, that these remains from
Stonesfield are those of mammals; as M. Valenciennes ne-
vertheless observes. We may, on the contrary, find there the
assertion, though destitute of proofs, that the dental system
of the supposed Didelphis of Stonesfield is too far removed
from that of the marsupials to allow of our placing it in that
sub-class ; and that if, regarded in its totality, it bears a cer-
tain resemblance to what we find in the Insectivora, the pos-
terior teeth in particular may also be compared to those of
certain seals. He thus leans towards the opinion that it is
rather an aquatic than a terrestrial animal, considering it as
approaching to the seals. We there also find that M. Agas-
siz was of opinion that these fossils ought to form a distinct
genus ; but that he did not propose for this genus the name
Amphigonus until his second note ; of this, indeed I, was ig-
norant, as M. Valenciennes very correctly observes, nor could
I possibly have known it, since this note, if it were printed
at the time my memoir was read, was certainly not published.

Finally, I ought to notice a very just observation of M.
Agassiz, which is, that M. G. Cuvier, in speaking of these
fossils, always retained a doubtful form of expression, or at
least very slightly affirmative, and such as would follow from
a very rapid and consequently slight examination.

But of the four communications made to the Academy re-
lating to the supposed Didelphis from Stonesfield, that of M.
Valenciennes must necessarily occupy the first place, as be-
ing the longest. In fact, Dr. Buckland, who from the first
intrusted these fossils to M. Laurillard, that is to say, not
only the specimen upon which rests the Did. Prevostii of M.
Cuvier, but also another, in some respects more complete, and
of which no one had previously spoken ; — at the particular
request of M. Valenciennes, very obligingly allowed him to
make them the subject of his observations, and even to take

THE SUPPOSED FOSSIL DIDELPHIS. 53

from them impressions in sulphur, very carefully executed,
and the casts in plaster were thus procured which are to en-
rich the paleontological collection of our Museum.

M. Valenciennes has also received, through M. Laurillard,
a drawing very carefully executed, which appears to me to
be that originally sent to M. G. Cuvier by Mr. Phillips, and
which was taken from a third half-jaw in the possession of
Mr. Sikes.

So that instead of the two specimens of this curious fossil
being, as I imagined, the only ones existing in England, ge-
ologists now possess four, including that in Mr. Broderip's
collection, and even five, according to the first note of M.
Agassiz, without reckoning the fragment in "TEcole des
Mines'' which we mentioned in our first "doutes," and which
is generally referred to the saurians.

From an actual examination of the two portions of jaw
brought over by Professor Buckland, merely the casts of
which have been exhibited to the Academy ; — and from the
drawing of that in the collection of Mr. Sikes ; — M. Valen-
ciennes returns to M. Cuvier's opinion, that it is a marsupial
mammal ; he however thinks, like every one before him, that
it must form a distinct genus, to which he assigns another
new name ; " mais qu'il choisit assez signicatif pour qu'a lui
seul, il formule nettement sa maniere de voir."

It is also on this side of the question that M. E. Geoffroy
de Saint-Hilaire, and M. Dumeril have ranged themselves ;
the one without explaining the reasons of his conviction, the
other basing his upon the presence of a condyle, and the uni-
ty of the jaw.

Without doubt persons who are little versed in the study
of organic structures, and who place too implicit a reliance
on perhaps rather a presumptuous assertion, that by the aid of
a single bone, or of a simple facette of a bone, the skeleton
of an animal can be reconstructed, and consequently its class,
order, family, genus, and even species determined, may very
probably think it strange that four or five half-jaws, more or
less furnished with teeth, should be insufficient to indicate
promptly and with certainty to what class the animal to which
they belonged should be referred ; but their astonishment
would cease if they would in the first place observe that in
the present case these jaws are perhaps not one of them en-
tire ; that they are not to be fully examined either by our-
selves or by the parties to whom they belong, on account of
their attachment to the matrix enclosing them, and its ex-
treme hardness ; but above all because the assertion above
quoted, although it has almost passed into a common phrase,

54 NEW DOUBTS RESPECTING

and is to a certain degree correct when we apply it to known
animals, or to such as differ but little from them, becomes
strained, and even quite fallacious, when the forms in ques-
tion are more or less isolated, whether recent or fossil ; this
will be placed beyond doubt in the continuation oi' my great
paleontological work.

M. De Blainville then passes on to the detailed description of three
portions of jaw, which form fresh elements in the solution of the ques-
tion.

With respect to the first, the basis of the Did. Prevostii, of
which he has been able to form a much more correct idea
from the cast, and one very different to that derived from very
inaccurate sketches, especially that given by M. Prevost, —
he alludes chiefly to there being no trace of a condyle, but ra-
ther a sort of articular fossa, something like that in fishes ; he
insists upon the presence of a lower marginal ridge, {sillori),
and he observes that the teeth, which are far from displaying
that regularity of disposition indicated by the figures which
have been mentioned, have the summit of their roots adher-
ent to, and continuous with, the substance of the jaw.

Respecting the second portion of jaw which is now for the
first time introduced in the discussion, and which, while it is
more perfect with regard to the bone, is much less so as re-
spects the dental system, — M. de Blainville thinks, in oppo-
sition to what was said of it by M. Valenciennes, who looked
upon it as the inner side, that it is also a ramus of the right
side, with its external aspect visible; and in proof of his
opinion he points out the general curve of the horizontal por-
tion longitudinally, and its declension towards the dental
line ; the existence of a "fosse masstterienne" and of an an-
gular process, which is evidently convex on the free side and
bent back on the adherent one ; and finally, the existence of
the same ridge (sillon) observed in the preceding piece. He
does not admit the orifice of the dental canal noticed by M.
Valenciennes as a small circular foramen, situated at the point
of junction of the fosse massetgrienne with the horizontal
branch ; M. de Blainville supposing that this appearance,
which is so evident in the drawing, is owing to some defect
in the colouring, since there exists no trace of it in the sul-
phur impression, nor upon the plaster cast. Neither does
he admit the symphysis described by M. Valenciennes, any
more than an articular condyle, nor even a coronoid process,
clearly as it appears terminated in the figured fragment, be-
cause nothing similar shows itself in the sulphur impression.

Finally, with respect to the third piece, consisting of a de-
sign carefully executed, which he has merely seen for a mo-

THE SUPPOSED FOSSIL DIDELPHIS. 55

Kient in the hands of M. Valenciennes, who unfortunately did
not consider himself at liberty to lend it to him, — M. de Blain-
ville thinks that the palmated, five-lobed form of the posterior
molars would alone be sufficient to negative all approach to
the didelphs, and even to the Mammalia.

Insomuch that M. de Blainville reviewing the reasons up-
on which M. Valenciennes bases his opinion, namely, — the
existence of a condyle, the presence of which upon either of
the impressions cited M. de Blainville positively denies, —
the form of the teeth, which certainly have no relation in num-
ber, disposition, or shape, to those of the Didelphis murina,
any more than to those of any other known mammal, although
they support themselves upon what M. Agassiz has said of
the teeth having five points, disposed as in the Insectivora,
which is not the case, as we have seen in the note given li-
terally above ; the aspect of the ascending ramus, which, in
both specimens is mutilated, and has only left its impression,
indicating a kind of very slender plate, slightly convex ex-
ternally, and concave within ; —the symphysis, which exists
only in appearance ; — the opening of the dental canal, of
which also he denies the existence, since the jaw is seen on
the outer side, and which had neither the form nor the posi-
tion of that of the Didelphis, nor even of other Mammalia ;
— the prolongation of the angular process, which has nothing
in its shape to remind us of that of the didelphs, and which
rather brings to our recollection that of certain fishes ; — and
finally, the compound structure of the jaw, which might very
well be no longer distinctly visible in a fragment so long ago
fossilized, and yet have existed ; and of which, it appears to
him there are left some traces in the lower marginal ridge still
visible in the two specimens, and in the projection where it
commences.

M. de Blainville then finds himself compelled to pause, at
least until fresh evidence be produced; in the conviction that
the portions of fossil jaws found at Stonesfield, certainly do
not belong to a marsupial, — and probably not to a placental
mammal, either insectivorous or amphibious ; and that con-
sequently it is more likely that the animal may have been
oviparous.

As to the doubt which he has just formed by analogy with
what is known of the Basilosaurus, a large fossil reptile of
America, the teeth of which display the peculiarity of posses-
sing a double root, — that this might be an animal of the sau-
rian order, — M. de Blainville says that if M. Agassiz, who
has studied fossil fish much more even than himself, had not
decidedly given his opinion against all approach to fishes, he

56 NEW DOUBTS ON THE FOSSIL DIDELPHIS.

would have been rather led to suppose that it might be an
animal of that class.

We see from this, adds M. de Blainville, that I ought to
persist in retaining the name Amphitherium which I proposed,
if only because it has the priority over that of Amphigonus
given by M. Agassiz ; and that so much the more, because
even if it should be beyond a doubt that these j aws are those
of amammiferous animal, I see nothing in them, any more than
in their dental system, which could lead to their being ne-
cessarily those of an opossum ; for, from the dental system,
and especially from the molar teeth, to form conclusions re-
specting the rest of the organization, aDd above all as to its
marsupial nature, is, as I propose to show in a report which
I am about to make immediately to the Academy, to go far
beyond what the method of analogy will allow.

As to the rest, it appears that every one has not regarded
the question as so completely solved as our fellow-members
have supposed it to be ; since, according to what is reported
to me by a zoologist and anatomist, whom, for my own part,
I very much regret I do not see among the number of compe-
titors for the vacant place in our section, Dr. Buckland has
himself offered the problem and the fragments on which it
rests, to the investigation of the German naturalists assembled
in congress at Fribourg, in Brisgau, in the month of Septem-
ber last, which was his intention in bringing them to Paris.

We may therefore hope that the German zoologists who
have seen and studied these enigmatical fossils, co-operating
with those who possess or have access to them in England, and
the matter being discussed by arguments based upon evident
and incontestible facts, it may attain to a demonstration, of
what nature is of but little consequence, provided it be satis-
factory enough to be admitted, if not generally, at least by all
those who, in scientific questions, are so fortunate as to have
leisure and the ability to judge without prejudice, but with a
knowledge of the cause.

In conclusion I ought also to announce to the Academy,
that the scientific conductor of the English Journal called
the ' Athenaeum/ has already laid before his readers the
point under discussion, having no doubt but that there
will soon be discovered, in the Stonesfield quarries, some
fragment that will be sufficiently demonstrative ; and in
the mean time he himself proposes, to avoid he says being
accused of partiality towards either of the three already
proposed, — the name Botheratiotherium for the supposed Di-
delphis of the oolite ; so that science is already embarrassed
with four or five denominations for an animal, of which our

FOSSILS OF THE CORNBRASH AT SCARBOROUGH. 57

knowledge is most imperfect ; since, by one party it is refer-
red to the Mammalia, by another to the insectivorous mono-
delphs, or the Amphibia ; and by a third to the didelphs al-
lied to opossums, or to a genus representing the seals, in the
sub-class of Marsupialia ; whilst others make a saurian, or
even a fish of it ; which, it may be remarked en passant, ap-
pears much more in accordance with the age and the geolo-
gical character of the formation which contains the fossils in
question, as well as with the organized bodies with which
they are associated.

Art. II. — A Catalogue of the Fossils found in the Cornbrash Lime-
stone of Scarborough : ivith Figures and Descriptions of some of
the undescribed Species. By William Bean, Esq.

The cornbrash limestone on the Scarborough coast is a " thin
and unimportant rock," which cannot be applied to any use-
ful purpose : it has certainly been sometimes injudiciously
used to repair our highways, a practice we hope will be dis ■
continued, as much better road-stone may be more easily ob-
tained. But that this " thin and unimportant rock " is not
deficient in interest to the enquiring geologist, the following
catalogue of its organic remains will amply testify. Com-
mencing at Gristhorpe Cliffs, and, with some interruptions,
terminating at Ewe-nab, (a wider range than Mr. Phillips has
assigned it), we meet with little to reward our labours ; the
stone is of a bluish grey colour, and rises in shapeless masses,
full of shells laid in every direction, and strongly cemented
together, so that it is almost impossible to obtain a perfect
specimen. A blue shale covers this rock, and may be met
with four or five times within the above-named limits. It
contains several fossils rarely found in the bed below, parti-
cularly Sanguinolaria parvula, Cardium latum, Isocardia
triangularis, Belemnites tornatilis, Astacus rostratus and^.s.
Birdii ; the two last are in nodules which occur in the great-
est abundance. Proceeding onwards we again meet with the
cornbrash on the north side of the Castle Hill, and it finally
disappears before reaching Peaseholm Beck. To the left of
the bathing-place the same blue shale occurs as at Mill Bay,
containing the same fossils ; but our favourite locality is op-
posite Harland's cottage, where most of the fossils recorded
in the following pages have been obtained : the stone is here
of a reddish colour, not so coarse-grained, contains fewer or-
ganic remains, but in a better state of preservation. The mi-
Vol. III.— No. 26, n. s. G

58 FOSSILS OF THE SCARBOROUGH CORNBRASH.

nerals met with in this stratum are iron pyrites, lenticular
calcareous spar, and common iron glance.

When the ' Illustrations of the Geology of Yorkshire ' was
published, the cabinets in this place contained only thirty-se-
ven species of cornbrash fossils ; our collection now amounts
to one hundred and thirty-four, all procured by our own exer-
tions. To this we attach some importance, after having wit-
nessed with regret the extent to which fossil-making has been
carried in this neighbourhood : and (we say it " more in sor-
row than in anger") such impositions have not always been
confined to ignorant and mercenary dealers. We cannot
close this article without returning our kindest thanks to Miss
Travis for the correct and elegant drawings which illustrate
this paper.

ABBREVIATIONS.

S. — Sowerby's 'Mineral Conchology.' P.— Phillips's 'Geology of the Yorkshire Coast.'

B.— Bean.

REMAINS OF PLANTS.
Dicotyledonous wood, very much compressed.

ZOOPHYTA.

Spongia Jloriceps, P.

-papillosa, B.

Cellaria Smithii, P.

Flustra imperfect.

Millepora straminea, P.

Caryophvllia

Astr^a Dunnii, B. Found by John Dunn, Esq. A unique and inte-
resting specimen.

Tubipora

? acervalis, B. Common in the Bath oolite.

■ incrustans, B. (New Sp.)

Crust very thin, spreading, smooth, and almost covered with short cy-
lindrical tubes.

This beautiful fossil is found adhering to oysters, &c, and
is very rare.

RADIARIA.

Cidaris vagans, P.
Clypeus clunicularis, P.

orbicularis, P.

Gale rites depressus, P.

CRUSTACEA.

Astacus rostratus, P.

■ Birdii, B.

One if not both of the above species must be removed from
this genus. We have perfect specimens from the inferior
oolite, which will be described should the fossils of that for-
mation come under our consideration.

FOSSILS OF THE SCARBOROUGH CORNBRASH. 59

ANNUL AT A.

Serpula intestinalis, P.

squamosa, P.

claw, B.

CONCHIFERA.

Order I. — Dimyaria.
Pholadomya Murchisoni, P.
ovalis, S.

-acuticostata, S.
-obsoleta, P.
-simplex, P.
-nana, P.

My a modica, B.

literata, P.

depressa, S.

calceiformis, P.

Amphidesma decurtatum, P.

securiforme, P.

decussatum, B. (New Sp.)

Shell oval-oblong, equivalve, unequilateral, gaping, and a little round-
ed at each extremity, covered with numerous lines of growth, and
the anterior end finely striated longitudinally. Length 2 in., breadth
3£in.

This rare shell is evidently of the same family as the above ;
probably none of them belong to the genus Amphidesma.

Amphidesma recurvum, P.

Corbula depressa, P.

Sanguinolaria undulata, S.

parvula, B. (New Sp. fig. 18).

Shell transversely oblong, compressed, smooth, and
marked with a few lines of growth. Anterior end
a little rounded, and the posterior with a rounded
truncation. Beaks nearest the anterior extremity.
Length ^ in., breadth, \ in.

A rare shell, which has not yet been found in any of our
other strata.

Psammobia laevigata, P.
Tellina

proletaria, B. Very rare.

C orb is ovalis, P.

lucida, B.

Lucina crassa, S.

despecta, P.

Astarte minima, P.

. lurida, S.

-externa, P.

-politula, B.
-rotundata, B.

Pullastra percgrina, B. Unio peregrinus, P.

large species, imperfect.

Trigonia costata, S.

< elongata, S.

clavellata, S.

60 FOSSILS OF THE SCARBOROUGH CORNBRASH.

Cardium lobatum, P

cognatum, P.

latum, B.

citrino'ideum, P.

— globosum, B. (New Sp. fig. 19).

Shell globular, equivalve, equilateral, smooth, shining,
and covered with numerous very fine concentric stria.
The length and breadth are equal.

Occurs in other strata, but rare in all.

striatulum, P.

Cardita similis, S. ,*I t w\j>w^syjw imtaO „9 ? m\»m\>s»kj aimovi
Isocardia tumida, P. Kwb »mi«0 M ,*\mwv<\sb —

minima, S. .(IS ,yi\ „qa woVl) .8 f jiY\j"sm-s«m — —

angulata, P. >[ auonoauia diiw ,ioidJ t xovaoo Jbvo IlodS

nitida, P. tuwoJ eWi&rv vfuo .ssstte baJylubmi t lnaih

triangularis, B, (New sp. fig. 20). ;{)(] isa& 4f&Mtf

We possess perfect specimens of the nW* ,m ^
species of Isocardia enumerated above, and vvi
consider them all distinct. The two last,
in shape and size, are very much alike, but
Iso. triangularis may at once be distin-
guished by its stronger concentric lines and
longitudinal stria. aaoq \&ai ba& ^oli^ml bus i

CucuLL.ffiA cancellata, P.

W oxima,B. ^wtE--.III lafoO

triangularis, P.

Arca crnnula, P
Nucula Lachryma, S.

variabilis S. °^ t uvVi^cpoos\ii«no — —

Modiola cuneata,'?.

imbricata, S.

— — tripartita, P.,7708 lo ?^S0^ .^1 Offl JOH 81 8lriT

Pinna lanceolata, a.
cuneata, P.

Older n.-JTomqwM.
Avicula Braamburiensis, P.

incequivalvis, S.

Inoceramus. Fragments of a very large and thick species.

Gervillia aviculoides, S.

PlagiostomaW^^P.

■ ■ interstinctum, P.

Lima rudis, P.

gibbosa, S.

Pecten elimatus B.

cantos, *P.

arcuatus, S. • > gjx

inaquicostatits,?.

fib rosus s. '

/«w, S. '

■' vagans, S.

FOSSILS FROM THE SCARBOROUGH CORNBRASH.

Gl

fc 8 ,«VV$KVS« ATICUlAvi

Exogyra mima, B. Charm mima, P.
Gryph^a bullata, P.
Ostrea Marshii, S.

spatiosa, B.

Meadii, S.

granulata, B. c toiatel«fpo t tfi , nvmpe t iB!

In Dr Murray's cabinet Our specimen of this beautiful

oyster is from the Bath oolite. , ivd

Ostrea. A small, thick, oval species.
Anomia ineequalis, B. Ostrea inaqualis, P.

duriuscula, B. Ostrea duriuscula, P.

semistriata, B. (New sp, fig. 21).

Shell oval, convex, thick, with numerous longitu-
dinal, undulated stria, only visible towards the
margin. Beak pointed, but not terminal. —
Length, 1 in. breadth, $ in f| Baem i ^

In looking over a great number of speci-
mens of the fossils which we have placed in
this genus, only one of what may be the low-
er valve has been met with. It is perforated,
and has the appearance of the under valve of an Anomia, but
it is very thin and fragile, and may possibly have been broken
by accident. <! ^Lmt A ^ JJUOU c

Order III.— Brachiopoda,

Terebratula soctalis, P. g »Kun<5.iv—
digona, S.

var. S.

omithocephalus, S,
subrotunda, S.
ovoides, P.

( I ? J>Ww» ADA A

,*I (S&j&mrc AJoiaoM

8 ,*>i&>h<kw —

This is not the Ter. ovoides of Sowerby, but a common
shell in the shale that covers the cornbrash on the north shore.
Good specimens are rarely met with, but the beak of the
larger valve is always very perfect, prominent, and incurved,
which gives the shell a fanciful resemblance to a bird's head.

MOLLUSC A.

Order I. — Gasteropoda.

Bulla undulata, B. (New sp. fig. 22).

Shell oval, approaching to globular, longitudi-
nally wrinkled or undulated. Aperture large,
comprising nearly the whole shell, but much
wider at the lower than the upper part. Apex
umbilicated. Length, 1^ in. breadth, 1 in.

Mr. G. B. Sowerby in his * Genera of Re-
cent and Fossil Shells,' says, — " Fossil spe-
cies are only to be distinguished in the ter-
tiary beds and in the green sand." For
once we must differ from him, at the same

g 3

(52 FOSSILS OF THE SCARBOROUGH CORNBRASH.

time acknowledging the correctness of his general assertions.
Fossil Bulla are certainly rare ; the specimen figured being
the only one that has occurred in this neighbourhood. The
Bulla elongata figured by Professor Phillips in his ' Illustra-
tions of the Geology of Yorkshire,' cannot belong to this ge-
nus, as all our specimens (though imperfect) have one fold on
the pillar.

Vermetus nodus, B. Vermicularia nodus, P.

reverse var. B.

Dentalium glabellum, B.

CiRRvsfuniculatus, B. Turbo funiculatus, P,

Rotella expansa, S.

Pleurotomaria granulata, S.

Trochus monilitectus, P.

Littorina ornata, S.

punctura, B. (New sp.j%. 23).

Shell turbinated, finely striated longitudinally and trans-
versely, which, under a high magnifier, gives it a very
beautiful appearance. Whorls six, rounded and well
divided, the body whorl occupying one half the length
of the shell. Aperture elliptical. Pillar lip thick and
a little flattened : outer lip very thin. Length nearly
f in. breadth % in.

The only specimen procured from the cornbrash, but in the
inferior oolite at Peak Hill it is not uncommon ; the specimens
found there are larger, coarser, and the spire is not so much
produced.

Ph asian ella Heddingtonensis , S.

vittata, B. Melania vittata, P.

Turritella longiuscula, B. Tur. cingenda, P.

gemmata, B.

Terebra granulata, P.
Rostellaria bispinosa, P.

Order IV. — Cephalopoda.

Belemnites tornatiUs, P.
Nautilus imperfect.
Ammonites Hervii, S.
terebratus, P.

This ammonite grows to a large size, in which state it is
compressed, smooth, and destitute of its former ornaments.

REMAINS OF FISHES.
Part of a fish of the genus Lepidotus.

REMAINS OF REPTILES.
Vertebra and bones of saurian animals.

Scarborough, Dec. 12, 1838.

NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA.

63

Art. III. — Notices of Irish Entozoa. By James L. Drummond,
M.D., Professor of Anatomy in the Royal Belfast Institution, Pre-
sident of the Belfast Natural History Society.

( Continued from page 662 vol. ii. n. s.)

Echinorhynchus Hystrix ; Bremser.
" Ech. Proboscidis cylindricae parte antica angustata, collo brevi, cor-
pore antrorsum crassissimo aculeato, apice caudali tenui subnudo." Rud.
' Syn.' p. 75.

On Friday, the 9th of November last, I received from my
friend Dr. Hopkirk, (now attached as naturalist to the Irish
ordnance survey), the bodies of two goosanders, (Mergus Mer-
ganser), which had been recently shot. In one of these there
were nearly a hundred specimens of Echinorhynchus Hystrix
adhering to the intestine, from about two inches above its
lower extremity to the distance of a foot and a half higher up.
They were very white, and to the naked eye not larger than
the head of an ordinary pin ; but after maceration in water,
they enlarged in every direction, so as to present the appear-
ance shown at a, Jig. 24.
24

(a) appearance of E-
chinorhynchus Hystrix
when distended and ad-
hering to the mucous
coat. (6) a detached spe-
cimen, magnified, {c)
the proboscis, with its
large uncinuli. (d) mi-
nute aculel on anterior
part of the body, (e)
form of the animal when
un-distended, resem-
bling the Patella Hun-
garica. (/) magnified
view of aspecimenwhen
distention has commen-
ced, (g) a mature ovum,
(h) two immature ova.

Echinorhynchus Hystrix, Bremser.

I had often had a difficulty in comprehending what could
be the use of the numerous aculei on the bodies of various
Entozoa, and though it might seem sufficiently obvious that
their final object must be the same as that of the uncinuli of

<>4 NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA.

the proboscis, yet the difficulty remained of knowing how
they could come into action ; and on looking at b, Jig. 24,
which is a magnified view of the present species, it is not easy
to conceive how the proboscis (c) could be assisted by the
aculei at d. And were the natural state of the animal such
as is represented here, and in delineations of this and various
allied species in helminthological works, these aculei would
be little better than useless ; but the figures alluded to show
the animals not in their natural state, but distended to six
times their original bulk, or more, by the absorption of wa-
ter, and rendered rigid, and almost ready to burst, instead of
being shrivelled and flaccid. In accordance with this obser-
vation I found that on examining the present species, when
immediately removed from the intestine, it bore in form a
close resemblance to a Patella Hungarica in miniature ;
there was a small, conical, raised extremity, but the broad
end was expanded like a circular disc, with the proboscis pro-
jecting from its centre, as represented at e,Jig. 24. The first
sketch which I made of this species, was that shown at f,
Jig. 24, after the absorption of water had commenced ; while
b, Jig. 24, shows the animal when the distention was com-
pleted. I if a r oi 7 nr> ur

Now it must be obvious that while the Entozoon can ap-
ply the aculei to the side of the intestine, or to the tough
mucus lining it, considerable adhesive force must be added
to that of the proboscis, and the animal's hold be rendered
thereby more secure. It would appear too that the younger,
and consequently the weaker, the animal is, the greater is the
surface which the aculei occupy. All the specimens which
I obtained were evidently adult, and only the anterior part
was armed with them, but those which Rudolphi received
from Bremser, and which were found in the intestines of the
cormorant {Pelecanus Carbo, Linn.), would seem from the fol-
lowing sentence to have been of different ages, and to bear
out this opinion. — " Apice posteriore excepto corpus aculeis
exiguis reflexis horret, in specimine minimo ad ultimum api-
cem protractis ; in reliquis major pars nuda est." — *Ent. Syn.'
p. 332. This subject will be recurred to in considering the
next species.

Contrary to what is usual among the Entozoa, the males
in my specimens are nearly as large as the females ; the cau-
dal vescicle is not oblique, but directly terminates the body.
On cutting into several specimens in the distended state, a
fluid crowded with granules rushed out ; and on cutting the
females thousands of ova appeared. These were of the usual
form of the ova of the Echinorhynchi, — elliptic and linear.

NOTICES OF IRTSH ENTOZOA. 65

Those whieh were immature exhibited only one envelope,
but in such as were more advanced, a second was very con-
spicuous, a considerable space intervening between the two,
especially at one end. A granular mass occupying some part
of the central axis was always visible in the mature, and some-
times in the immature ova. The round or oval masses were
likewise numerous, but exhibited no appearance of contained
ovula. With regard to these bodies I will take this opportu-
nity of remarking, that though at page 523 of the last volume
I spoke strongly against the supposition of the spicular ova
having any intimate connection with them, as no such union,
after very numerous observations, had ever presented itself to
me, yet I am now persuaded that they are masses of ovula in
a rudimentary state. On the 6th of October last while exa-
mining some specimens of Echinorhynchus versicolor from a
duck, I saw in one individual so distinctly that the round bo-
dies consisted of young ova, that I marked down the follow-
ing words in my diary. — " I saw, without any manner of
doubt, that most of the rounded masses were composed of
immature ova, their outline being so clearly visible that there
could be no mistake." Among the spicular free ova, too, were
many minute specimens which exactly resembled those in the
orbicular masses. In several other individuals which I exa-
mined from the same duck, and in others afterwards from the
sheldrake, I found no similar appearance ; but in the instance
mentioned, the ovular composition of the masses was so in-
disputably evident, that in my own mind there was left no
farther room for doubt.

To return to our more immediate subject, — my friend Dr.
Bellingham of Dublin, who has paid more attention to the
Entozoa than any other person in this country, having kindly
offered to co-operate with me in illustrating our native spe-
cies, I gladly avail myself of his friendly assistance in describ-
ing the present. In a letter dated December 9th, 1838, he
observes, — "I have obtained the Echinorhynchus Hystrix
from the large and small intestines of the crested cormorant,
from the small intestines of Mergus serrator, and what I take
to be it from the rectum of the common cormorant, and of
the red-necked [grebe (Podiceps riijicollis ?). The following
are the observations which I find I had made on this species*
May 8th, 1838. — In large and small intestines of crested cor-
morant found many specimens of Echinorhynchus Hystrix.
In most instances they were firmly adherent to the mucous
membrane. The greater number and the largest existed in
the rectum and close to its short coeca ; in the small intes-
tines they were fewer and of less size. Their colour is white,

66

NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA.

the largest are three lines in length, and a line in breadth
across the thickest part of the body. The proboscis is coni-
cal, armed with very numerous recurved hooks, rounded an-
teriorly ; the neck in some is retracted, when fully protruded
it is about the length of the head, smaller where it joins the
head, and increasing in diameter posteriorly ; it is unarmed.
The body is thick and somewhat globular anteriorly, gradu-
ally diminishing in diameter as it approaches the posterior
extremity. It is armed, especially anteriorly, with innumera-
ble minute recurved hooks, which are much smaller than
those on the head ; some specimens are armed from one end
of the body to the other, others are unarmed near the poste-
rior end. The body in the female is rounded posteriorly, and
has a very small yellowish spot at its extremity. The male
is not so long as the female, but as wide anteriorly. Two
vessels appear through the parietes of the neck, running into
the body, where they are lost."

This species is beautifully figured in Bremser's seventh
plate, Jig. 22 — 23, but the proboscis is there represented more
conical than I have seen it. It has, so far as my information
extends, been hitherto found only in the following birds : —
by Bremser in the Pelecanus Carbo; by Dr. Bellingham in
the same ? and in Carbo cristatus, Mergus serrator; and Po-
diceps ruficollis ? and by myself in the Mergus Merganser,

ECHINORHYNCHUS JMcollis, Rud.

" Proboscidis (semper latentis) receptaculo magno sphserico, collo filifor-
mi, corpore oblongo utrinque obtusissimo." — Rud. ' Syn.' p. 71.

Echinorhynchus fillcollis, Rudolphi.

(a) Echinorhynchus fllicollis in its natural or corrugated state, adhering to the coat of the in-
testine, (b) a specimen distended with water, and separated from its connections, (c) head mag-
nified, {d) head with part of it removed by a vertical section, shewing the thick central pillar
surmounted by the umbo.

Rudolphi mentions this species as having been observed in
the wild duck, the tufted duck (Fuligula crislata), the sum-
mer duck {Anas sponsa), the eider duck (Anas mollissima),
and the bald coot {Fulica atra). Dr. Bellingham has found
it in the wild duck and the tufted duck ; from which latter

NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA. 67

species I have obtained it, and also from the golden eye (Anas
clausula Lin).

On the 25th of November last my friend Dr. Hopkirk sent
me two specimens of Anas cla?igula, in one of which I found
three Entozoa so closely resembling the figures of Echino-
rhynchus spharocephalus in Bremser's plate, (' Icones Hel-
minthum,' tab. vii. ff. 14 — 19), that I sent Dr. Bellingham a
specimen under that denomination. He informed me shortly
afterwards that it was what he had been in the habit of con-
sidering as Ech.Jilicollis, and on comparing it with the de-
scription of that species, I accordingly found it to be so, but
for reasons which I shall presently state I cannot help think-
ing that Ech. jilicollis and Ech. sphaerocephalus are identi-
cally the same.

On the 14th of the present month in examining a tufted
duck sent by my friend Wm. Thompson, Esq., 1 found up-
wards of thirty specimens of the same Entozoon. When seen
lying in the intestine it resembles a portion of a thick Tcenia,
so much is it corrugated transversely. It is found however
to be very firmly fixed to the intestine, and on farther exami-
nation it is ascertained that while the body of the animal is
in the intestinal cavity, the head is on the outer or peritoneal
surface, while the slender neck connecting the one with the
other passes through the intestinal walls. The outer surface
of the intestine hence presents the appearance of being stud-
ded with a number of tubercles, as when the Ech. versicolor
is present, but with this difference, that many of the tuber-
cles are not in immediate contact with the surface, but are
appended each to a slender projecting pedicle, one or two
lines in length.

Rudolphi describes this species as being from half an inch
to an inch and a half in length ; my largest specimen, which
is from the Anas clangula, measures about fourteen lines.
He states that in the examination of above thirty speci-
mens, he never saw the proboscis exserted, (' Ent. Hist.' i. p.
283) ; and again in the 'Synopsis,' p. 327, he observes, —
" Echinorhynchus Jilicollis, quemadmodum praecedens (Ech.
porrigens) nunquam proboscidem exsertam affert, sed in
bullam sive receptaculum et ita quidem retractam sistet, ut
nulla encheiresi evolvi possit." I believe that the proper ex-
planation of this is, that there is no proboscis to exsert ; and
for these reasons. On examining at least a dozen specimens
in the microscope, I found first, that the head and projecting
part of the neck (or pedicle) are surrounded by a thin layer
of peritonmum, which can be readily torn away; under this
is a much thicker and stronger envelope, which with a little

68 NOTICES OP IRISH ENTOZOA.

trouble can also be removed or torn, so that it may be evert-
ed, in doing which it is seen to be every where in close con-
tact with, though not adhering to, the ball or head ; there is
no perforation whatever, either through it or the peritoneal
covering, nor is there any vacant space into which the pro-
boscis could be protruded. A proboscis therefore could not
pass into the abdominal cavity of the bird, nor is there any
space for receiving it in the coats which envelope the head.

But farther, when the extraneous coats are removed and
the head itself comes fairly into view, there is not on the lat-
ter the slightest appearance of any aperture, nothing like the
entrance into an investing sheath in which the instrument could
be retracted, and the centre of the disc, instead of being de-
pressed, is prominent and rounded. Rudolphi describes the
disc, or top of the head, as apiculate, "seu puncto eminente
insignem ; " but this term does not fairly express its nature,
the central projection not being a minute or sharp point, but
blunt, convex, and surrounded by a broad fosse ; the proper
term, as applied to the head would be umbonated, and to the
central projection, that of umbo* & dona gnhjjovj3t yjswynjs m

The circumstances mentioned are sufficient, I believe, to
show that the only proboscis, if so it can be called, is the
head itself^ 7 j Bf [j eaoqqng o) boa'doai donm m\B I amij msam

The neck of this species is very slender, being no thicker
than an ordinary sewing thread, but it is extremely tough,
and difficult to break, so that by care and patience the intes-
tine may be cleared away from it ; and in doing this I have
succeeded better by tearing away the intestine piecemeal,
with a pair of forceps in each hand, than by using cutting
instruments. Rudolphi observes, — " Tuberculo extus aperto
sphaera invenitur, quae cum collo facile a corpore discedit,
intestino vero prius aperto, et eodem circa vermis collum cau-
te dissecto, vermis illsesus extrahitur. Turn vero intestinum
circa collum tenue Contractum conspiciendo, qui bulla cana-
lem tenuissimum transgredi potuerit mireris." — ' Ent.' i. p. 284.
The first part of this passage does not correspond with my
own experience, for I have always found that the neck and
body adhered most tenaciously to each other ; and with re-
gard to the last clause, that our wonder should be excited by
the passing of so large a body as the head of the Entozoon
through so small a canal as that which contains the neck,
my opinion is that it never makes any such passage. I have
no idea that the head of the animal is first contained in the
intestinal cavity, or that it is attached to the parietes of the
latter, and afterwards works its way through to the peritoneal
surface ; I am strongly inclined to believe that the animal's

NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA. 69

progress is in a contrary direction, — that in its first stage of
being, the head is formed in the peritoneal coat, and that from
it the neck penetrates the other tunics, and that afterwards
the body is developed.

In support of this opinion I may at present mention, that
besides the tubercles on the outside of the intestine of the
tufted duck, to which were appended the bodies of perfect
Entozoa, hanging free in the intestinal cavity, there were
many other similar tumors having no such appendages, and
on examining these I found the head of Ech. Jilicollis, with
its enveloping coats, its central umbo, and the stria running
from it, similar in all respects to the head of the fully deve-
loped animal, but the neck was a pedicle of about two, or at
most three, lines in length, terminated by a blunt, conical
point, but not entering into any coat of the intestine, the pe-
ritoneal excepted, in which it was involved. It may be ob-
jected that these were the heads of perfect Entozoa, whose
bodies had previously dropped off, and this idea occurred to
me in their examination, but I could perceive no circumstance
in any way favouring such a supposition. I am ready to ad-
mit, however, that much more observation will be required to
settle this point as an absolute matter of truth, but in the
mean time I am much inclined to suppose that various intes-
tinal Entozoa have their embryotic period of existence in the
2ieriton<Bum, and are afterwards developed into their final
state by prolongation through the other intestinal coats into
their common cavity. This I suspect to be the case with the
Bothriocephalus so common in the cod, the head of which is
always lodged in a curved irregular tumor, on the outside of
one of the pyloric appendages, while the body hangs free in
the duodenum.*

The Ech. Jilicollis absorbs water, but by no means so ra-
pidly as any others of the same genus which I have examin-
ed, and in several of the specimens which I obtained from
the tufted duck, the process was defective both at the anterior
and posterior ends, while it was nearly perfect in the middle,
so that the centre was swelled and the extremities narrow,
exactly as the Ech. spharocephalus is described by Rudolphi,

1 On enquiring from Dr. Bellingham whether he had ever detected the
head of this species, he thus writes, — " I have seldom examined a cod that
I have not found the Bothriocephalus you mention ; that it is a Bothrioce-
phalus appears, I think, from the situation of the ovaries. I have never
been able to unravel the head, so as to examine it, although I have drawn
it out to a fine point, but could see neither depression nor oscula." Dr. B.
farther states that he is sure it is a new species, and suggests for it the very
appropriate specific title of cryptocephalus.

70 NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA.

and figured by Bremser. The only point of difference in-
deed which exists between my specimens of Ech. filicollis
and Ech. sphcerocephcelus is their being unarmed, though
even this may not perhaps be an insuperable obstacle to their
identity. Bremser first observed that several species which
are fully armed in their young state, lose a great part of their
spines on becoming adult. Rudolphi at first rejected that
idea, but at length, and from the examination of this very
Ech. sphcerocephalus, embraced it as an undoubted fact. —
" Ita nunc factum est, ut Echinorhynchos juniores cum seni-
oribus, armatos illos sensim in denudatos transientes." — ' Syn.'
p. 672. I may remark too that while in Bremser's seventh
plate, figure 15 represents the Ech. sphcerocephalus with the
head and anterior part of the body thickly armed, figure 17
with the head also thickly armed, but with only a few aculei
on the anterior of the body, figure 19 is totally destitute of
armature on any part of it whatever ; a pretty strong presump-
tion that in this species at least, the presence or the want of
armature is not of primary importance as a distinctive mark.
The specimens of Ech. sphcerocephalus examined by Brem-
ser and Rudolphi were sent by Natterer from Brazil, and were
found in the intestines of the sea pie {Hcematopus ostralegus), 1
and in those of some species of gull : they were of various
sizes, and very numerous. Rudolphi says of those from the
Hcematopus, — " Plurima specimina duas cum dimidia, unum
septem, alterum novem lineas attingunt," — 'Syn.' p. 670 ; but
no mention whatever is made of their neck penetrating the in-
testine, whence it may be concluded that they were found
free in the cavity ; and as we know that various Ascarides &c.
are sometimes found in the alimentary canal, and at other
times in the peritonceum, there can be nothing absurd in the
conjecture that this species may also occupy one or other of
these localities. Supposing then Ech. filicollis and Ech.
sphcerocephalus to be in reality the same, it is easy to con-
ceive that when the head is in the peritonceum it will be un-
armed, for there armature would be useless ; but on the con-
trary if attached simply to the mucous coat, then the same
necessity for armature would exist as in other Echinorhynchi
similarly placed ; it is therefore not improbable that since,
according to the circumstances of the growth of the animal,
the aculei are shed or retained ; so according to situation they
may be formed or not. These ideas are however only con-
jectural.

1 Mr. Thompson suggests that this probably was the Hcematopus palli-
atus of Temminck, the Ham. ostralegus not being found, according to that
author, in South America.

NOTICES OF IRISH ENTOZOA. 71

The head found in the tumors before mentioned, and when
the neck or pedicle did not pierce the intestine, was as large
as in the fully-developed specimens; but supposing the young-
animal to be attached to the mucous coat, it must be obvious
that a small proboscis-like head would answer better, as giv-
ing a more penetrating and surer hold than an expanded bulb.
Now Rudolphi describes the head of the smaller specimens
of Ech. sphcerocephalus as if it were really a proboscis, and
makes no mention of a head at all. "Minorum : Proboscis
globosa vel sub-globosa (antica parte turn minus convexa),
echinomm mediocrium seriebus plurimis dense armata." —
' Syn.' p. 670. Of the larger specimens he says, — "Magno-
rum : Proboscis nulla, sed bulla terminalis magna, rotunda,
parum armata." — f Syn. ' p. 471. Now if Ech. Jilicollis and
Ech. sphcerocephalus be the same, the peritonceum and not
the mucous coat is the more natural situation of the head,
which I would infer from this, that Ech. Jilicollis is by no
means unfrequent, whereas Ech. sphcerocephalus is only
known I believe through the medium of the specimens from
Brazil. When therefore the developement of the animal
commences in the intestinal cavity, although the head may
be so constitutioned as to adapt itself to that locality, yet the
more natural developement into a ball will occasionally mas-
ter the tendency to accommodation ; and hence we find that
at least in one of the small specimens examined by Rudolphi
the head did not assume a proboscideal form. " Unicum
tantum specimen acque parvum proboscidis loco bullam mag-
nam seriebus longitudinalibus armatam obtulit." — ' Syn. ' p.
671.

The head of Ech. Jilicollis is not truly globular, but is of
the form of an oblate spheroid ; and when the side of it is re-
moved by a vertical section, a white strong pillar is seen,
standing in its centre, and continued into the umbo, while a
considerable interspace (containing a fluid ?) lies between it
and the outer walls. It thus bears a considerable resemblance
to the vertical section of the capsule of some mosses, espe-
cially of Splachnum. In the central pillar I could find no
trace of a proboscis. The lateral bandelettes of Cloquet are
very conspicuous on opening the body of the animal ; they
are two round, firm cords, about four lines long, and having
their extremities free, while their base is firmly attached to,
or rather continuous with, the root of the neck.

Belfast, Dec. 30th, 1838.

72 BOTANY OF CHEADLE.

Art. IV. — A few Observations on some of (he Natural Objects in
the neighbourhood of Cheadle, Staffordshire. By James Carter,
Esq.

As it is only by the accurate recording of facts and observa-
tions made by individuals on the objects of the districts in
which they reside, that a general knowledge of the natural
history of any country can be acquired, I am induced to publish
the following scattered notes, made during the years 1836,-37,
and part of 1838, in the intervals of time left unoccupied by
the discharge of professional duties, and by so doing add ano-
ther mite to the information on local natural history, at present
" rudis indigestaque moles," but from which, at some future
period, general laws of great interest may be deduced.

The country in the vicinity of Cheadle is highly picturesque,
being very hilly, and intersected in various directions by nar-
row valleys, the sides of which are frequently very abrupt and
rocky, whereby the scenery is rendered romantic. The ge-
neral features of the country are in fact intermediate between
those of the southern and of the northern counties.

The Flora also, as might be expected from the situation of
the county, consists of a mixture of the plants common in the
south with those characteristic of the north of England. —
Thus, Clematis Vitalba entirely disappears, and Acer cam-
pestre is by no means common or abundant : and on the other
hand we meet with Empetrum nigrum, Parnassia palustris,
Saxifraga hypnoides, Vaccinium Vitis Idea, and other north-
ern plants. The difference however consists rather in the
degree of abundance of the same plants, than in the occur-
rence of different species; for instance, Vaccinium Myrtillus,
which occurs sparingly in the south, grows in the greatest
profusion in many of our fir plantations and commons, even
to the exclusion of almost every other plant, with the excep-
tion of Calluna and Erica.

Many of the tracts of common in this part of the country are
still very extensive, although within the last few years a vast
quantity has been enclosed and planted with firs. Grouse are
found in tolerable abundance on some of the large heaths in
the possession of the Earl of Shrewsbury, and also on those
belonging to the Duke of Devonshire near Buxton, Derby-
shire. Besides the plants usually met with on the heaths in
the neighbourhood of London, Eleocharis caspitosa, Juncus
squarrosus, and Digitalis purpurea are extremely common
and abundant, as are also Jasione montana and Empetrum
nigrum. Plantago Coronopus and Genista anglica occur
sparingly : in the moist spots Eriophorum angustifolium,

BOTANY OF CHEADLE, STAFFORDSHIRE. 73

polystachion ? (I cannot affect to be able satisfactorily to dis-
tinguish the latter species from angustifolium) and vaginatum,
Oxy coccus palustris and Viola palustris are found. Vaccinium
Vitis Idea is tolerably abundant, and Vac. Myrtillus extremely
so, as already mentioned ; the fruit of the bilberry when ripe is
gathered by the poor, and carried to the neighbouring mar-
kets ; mixed with currants, or even by themselves, they form
a very palatable tart. The wood-pigeon also feeds upon
them, and on account of the peculiar flavour which its flesh
then acquires, this bird is considered excellent eating during
the bilberry season ' hoe ?

The principal plants which occur in boggy situations are
Hydrocotyle, Viola palustris, Drosera rotundifolia and longi-
folia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, and, in
elevated positions, as about Cotton and Whiston, Parnassia
palustris in abundance, but, as Mr. Luxford remarks in the
November number of this Magazine, always confined to li-
mited spots, hti&moi bm

There is a ridge of limestone hills, — the Wever Hills, —
on which some rather uncommon plants are met with ; among
them may be enumerated 1 )r aba mur alls, Spiraea JUipendula,
Lathrceasquamaria (near the lime-kiln), Arabis hirsuta, Tri-
folium striatum, Primula elatior, Spergula nodosa, Arenaria
tenuifolia, Carduus nutans, Asplenium Rut a-mur aria and
Asp: Trichomanes, and the common limestone plants Helian-
themum vulgar e, Poterium Sanguisorba, Saxifraga tridacty-
lites, &c. Several species of land shells also occur abun-
dantly ; as Helix crystallina, pulchella, rupestris, (in the
crevices of the rocks) ; Pupa umbilicata, Clansilia rugosa,
and a variety something similar to CI. dubia. In a pasture
on the same range of hills, near the Three Lows toll-gate,
Gentiana campestris grows plentifully, in company with Pla-
tanthera viridis, which latter plant is rather common in
gravelly pastures. On the right hand side of the road leading
from the toll-gate above spoken of, to the village of Oaka-
moor, is a lovely romantic ravine, which will well repay the
naturalist for his researches. The sides are rugged and steep,
but wooded, and on them are found Pyrola minor, Luziila.
sylvatica, pilosa, and congesta, Polypodium Dryopteris, Hie-
raciwn sylvaticum and umbellatum : I was also highly de-
lighted to discover, by the side of a stream which runs along
the bosom of the valley, Valeriana Pyrenaica, growing in
tolerable abundance ; it occurred for a considerable distance
up the stream, but was out of flower, (August 5th). I have
not been able to find any recorded English habitat for this
plant ; it is, I am aware, considered as one of our certainly-
Vol. III.— No. 26, n. s. H

74 BOTANY OF CHEADLE, STAFFORDSHIRE.

not-indigenous plants, but no one who sees it in the locality
here given, will hesitate to pronounce it decidedly wild, or
at least perfectly naturalized. The vegetation generally in
this spot was particularly luxuriant ; Asplenium Filix-fcemi-
na was especially fine, and the leaves of the Arctium Lappa
were so large that I stood erect under them during a shower
of rain. Myrrhis odorata occurred in the same spot, but ra-
ther sparingly : where also I took Helix fusca and Scarbur-
gensis ; of the latter I found only four specimens, which were
among dead beech-leaves.

Another very picturesque valley called Demon's Dale, or
Dimsdale, extending from Alton Towers, the seat of the Earl
of Shrewsbury, in the direction towards Cheadle, affords
Viola palustris, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and alterni-
foliwn in great profusion ; also Adoxa moschatellina, which
indeed is much more abundant in many places in this neigh-
bourhood than I ever observed it elsewhere ; it abounds on
every moist, bushy bank. Angelica sylvestris, Lycopodium
inundatum, Polypodium Dryopteris, Pol. calcareum (one
specimen), Gnaphalium rectum, Empetrum nigrum, Pyrola
minor (by the side of the private coach-road), and Orobanche
elatior occur in the same locality, as does Circcea lutetiana,
but of so dwarf a stature, although growing in a damp situa-
tion, and with leaves so decidedly heart-shaped, as to be ea-
sily mistaken for, if indeed it be not, Cir. alpina. In the
woods which cover the sides of this valley I found several
colonies of Helix nitens, of a very large size, occupying
rounded excavations under stones, which in three instances
also contained a rather uncommon beetle {Cychrus rostratus).
Pupa edentula is very common, adhering to the back of the
barren fronds of Blechnum boreale ; and on the luxuriant
herbage which grows on the moist spots by the side of the
rivulet traversing the valley, Helix fusca is found sparingly.

In the summer of 1837 I took many specimens of Hylobius
straminea ; indeed this beetle was abundantly met with in
many localities in the latter part of the summer of last year.
This insect afforded a singular instance of tenacity of life : I
plunged two specimens into a phial filled with spirits of wine,
at the bottom of which they lay apparently dead for three
days ; on the evening of the third day I transfixed them with
a pin, and stuck them on a setting -board ; the next day, to
my surprise, I found them alive, and as active as when I first
took them.

In the barren pastures Gentiana Amarella grows plenti-
fully ; and in several localities, as about Wootton, Cheadle
Common, and Dilhorn, that elegant little fern Botrychium

• BOTANY OF CHEADLE, STAFFORDSHIRE. 75

Lunaria occurs in profusion; in a pasture near Wootton I saw
hundreds of plants in the space of a few yards : I also had
the pleasure of collecting it in Cheadle Park, — the very spot
where it had been found many years since by Sir Joseph
Banks, who was then Lord of the Manor of some large estates
in this neighbourhood. In the same pasture wherethis fern oc-
curred so abundantly, I took two specimens of Ludius cupreus.

Needwood Forest has been given as a habitat for that rare
plant. Euphorbia Characias; I fear however it is now extinct
there : many botanical friends who have searched the spot
have not been able to discover it, and the Rev. T. Gisborne,
who has lived in that neighbourhood nearly fifty years, and
has made botany a particular study, states in a letter, with a
copy of which I have been favoured, that he has been equal-
ly unsuccessful. Eu. amygdaloides grows there abundantly.

Among the peculiarities of our Flora I may mention that
the place of Papaver Rhosas is supplied by Pa. dubium ; so
exclusively so indeed, that out of a large number of red pop-
pies which I caused to be gathered from several localities, I
could not discover a single specimen of the former species. —
Another plant which is common in the south, but with which
I never met in Staffordshire, is Malta rotundifolia ; Malva
sylvestris is much less common than M. moschata. A white-
flowered variety of Calluna vulgaris grows sparingly on
Cheadle Common ; I am informed it is abundant about Bux-
ton, Derbyshire.

The following is a list of some of the plants occurring
about Cheadle which have not already been incidentally men-
tioned. Those marked with an asterisk are on the authority
of various botanical friends.

Ran u n c u lu s hederaceus Geranium pusillum

auricomus lucidum, Alton

— arvensis Rhamnus catharticus, Dovedale

Genista anylica

Corydalis claviculata tinctona

Fumaria capreolata, Dimsdale Vicia Cracca

Nasturtium terrestre angustifolia

Cardamine amara, Dimsdale Orobus niger

* impatiens, Dovedale Geum rivale, Cresswell

*Hutchinsia petrcea, Dovedale Potentilla anserina

Hesperis matronalis Comarum

Viola canina Alchemilla vulgaris

odorata arvensis

(not hirta) Sanguisorba officinalis, near the

-flavicomis, near Drayeott Delph House

*Silene nutans, Dovedale Epilobium angustifolium, on a
Arenaria rubra rabbit-warren, Cotton
tnnervis Sedum acre

Geranium pratensc, Cotton Telephium

76

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GROUPS OF BIRDS

Ribes alpmum, Needwood Forest
8 axifrag a hypnoides, Do\ edale& c
Viburnum Opulus
Asperula odorata
Valerianella olitoria

— dentata

Prenanthes muralis
Hieracium sabaudum

umbellatum

Eupatorium cannabinum
Tussilago Petasites
Achillea Ptarmica
Tanacetum vulgare
Campanula latifolia

rotundifolia, Jl. albo

*Polemonium cteruleum, Wetton
Lithospermum officinale
Lycopsis arvensis
Atropa Belladonna, Alton Castle
Veronica scutellata

montana

Mentha acutifolia, side of the

river, Oakamoor
Origanum vulgare
Galeopsis Tetrahit

versicolor, Draycott

Stachys annua

ambi(jua, Alton

*Anagallis tenella, Chartley

Polygonum Bistorta

hydropiper

Fagopyrum

Orchis mas^ula

— i latifolia

* conopsea

Platanthera bifolia

Listera ovala

Epipactis latifolia

Paris quadrifolia, copse by the

side of the Leek road
Hyacinthus nonscriptus u fl. alb
Allium ursinum, Oakamoor &c.
Triglochin palustre
Sagittaria sagittifolia
Sparganium simplex

— ramosum

Andromeda polifolia, Chartley
Carex stellulata

curta

ovalis

muricata

vulpina

■ strigosa

■ sylvatica
■fiava

• binervis

• pilulifera

■ paludosa

• riparia
- hirta

eadle

m, Chi

Lycopodium clavatum,

Common
Ophioglossum vulgatum
Aspidium aculeatum

lobatum
Oreopteris

jIwo eds

- dilatatum
C ystopteris fragilis
Osmunda regalis, Chartley

Art. V. — Analytic Descriptions of the Groups of Birds composing
the Order Strepitores. By Edward Blyth, Esq.

No. IV. — Zygodactyli Leviroslres, or the Toucan family
(Rhamphastidce), and the Touraco and Coly family (Mu-
sophayidce).

The second principal division of the Strepitores, or the Zy-
godactyli, comprises every member of the class, save only the
parrots {Scamores) and jacamars already described, which has
the outer toe reversed, in consequence of which the middle
or longest toe becomes the external front one ; differing in
this respect from the yoke-footed Heterodactyli, or the tro-
gons {Accurvirostres), wherein the first and second toes are

IN THE ORDER STREPITORES. 77

opposed to the third and fourth, and the longest (or represen-
tative of the middle toe in the generality of birds) is accord-
ingly inward. It also includes certain genera (as the touracos
and puff-birds) which have the first and fourth toes disposed
laterally, and one (that of the colies) generally described to
have all four toes directed forwards. By stating that the
tarse is always scutellated in front, we succeed in excluding
the parrots from the definition; and the syndactyle jacamars,
by mentioning that the forward toes are separate from the
first joint. I am aware of no further generalization that can
be advanced, apart from other Strepitores ; unless it be that
the young appear, without exception, to shed their entire
nestling plumage during the first autumn or winter.

The Zygodactyly primarily subdivide into two very distinct
groups, which I have termed Picoides and Cuculoides.

The Picoides a,re distinguished by having the muscular coat
of the stomach more developed, and by the absence of cceca
to the intestine : the sternum is always doubly emarginated
at its posterior border, and the coracoid bones are of unusual
length. All of them produce purely white eggs ; and the
young (I have reason to suspect) are in every instance hatched
naked. The clothing feathers possess an accessory plumelet,
more or less developed.

In the Cuculoides, the stomach is comparatively lax ; and
there are large pedicillate dilated cceca, resembling those of
the owls, as in all other Strepitores that have any : the ster-
num is sometimes only singly emarginated, and the coracoid
bones are stout, and never elongated. Many of them lay co-
loured or spotted eggs ; and probably all (like our native
cuckoo) are hatched covered with down. The clothing fea-
thers exhibit not the slightest trace of a supplementary plume.
It may be added that the brain is remarkably diminutive,
which is not the case in the Picoides.

The former of these divisions is especially remarkable for
the variations which it presents in the structure of the tongue,
which is barbed like a feather in the toucans, vermiform and
protrusile, with generally some small retroflected lateral
spines near the tip, in the woodpeckers, and of the ordinary
shape in the barbets. The great majority of its species dis-
play bright colours. They fall under two principal and very
distinct minor groups, which I have designated Levirostres
and Cuneirostres. The latter contains the only scandent
members of the Zygodactyli, although the entire group (with
the addition even of the jacamars and trogons) is still deno-
minated " grimpeurs " by the French. We must now confine
our attention to the Levirostres.

h3

78 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GROUPS OF BIRDS

Under this appellation I have brought together the two
very distinct families of Rhamphastida (comprising the tou-
cans and aricaris), and Musophagidee (consisting of the plan-
tain-eaters, touracos, and colies); the former restricted in
its distribution to South America; the latter peculiar to the
eastern hemisphere, and with the exception of two or three
species of coly, to Africa. The name, if not quite all that
may be wished, is nevertheless the least objectionable that
has yet occurred to me : it is appropriate enough to all
except the colies. There is considerable similarity in the
conformation of the skeleton in these two families, the princi-
pal difference consisting in the very small size of the sternum
throughout the Musophagidee, and in the imperfection of the
clavicles, or lateral halves of the furcula, in the true toucans,
though not in the closely allied genus of aricaris {Pteroglos-
sus), to judge from FHerminier's representation of the sternal
apparatus of Pt. aricari, wherein the furcula is made to re-
semble that of a touraco : in both, there are no false ribs at-
tached to the anterior anchylosed vertebra of the pelvis, * a
very peculiar character. The beak is inflated and permeated
by osseous fibres in the plantain-eaters (Musophaga), and to
a less extent in the touracos [Corythaix) and nape-crests
{Chizmris); with proportionally thin parietes, as in the tou-
cans (Rhamphastos), where the inflation and consequent at-
tenuation of its substance attain their ultimatum. The
tongue, which in the toucan family is barbed throughout its
length with lateral appendages like a feather, is in the toura-
cos similarly fringed, but towards the tip only, to a variable
extent. The digestive organs chiefly differ in the presence
of a small gall-bladder in tfie Musophagidee, which is wanting
in the Rhamphastidae. Lastly, of their external characters,
it may be remarked that both have only ten tail-feathers, that
their wings are much rounded, and more or less of their body
plumage loosely webbed. They subsist principally (and some
of them it would appear wholly) on fruits ; and, excepting
the colies, are remarkable for the airy lightness of their move-
ments.

The distinctions between the Rhamphastida and Muso-
phagidee, however, are considerably more obvious than their
points of similitude, being principally external. The modi-
fication of the foot is very different, and in the former group,
to which I shall now restrict myself, typically zygodactyle.
From the singularity of their appearance, occasioned by the

1 At least, I can perceive no traces of such having been broken off, in the
skeletons to which I have access.

IN THE ORDER STREPITORES. 79

disproportionate size of the bill, as compared with that of
others of the feathered race, the RhamphastidcB have excited
a more than usual degree of interest; in consequence of which
we are now in possession of much satisfactory information re-
specting their internal structure and economy. Some inte-
resting details on their anatomy, by Prof. Owen, are appended
to Mr. (xould's admirably illustrated monograph of the family;
and the observations of several naturalists on their wild ha-
bits, together with those of Mr. Broderip, Mr. Vigors, and
others, made upon individuals which have lived in captivity
in Europe, leave little to be desired in order to complete our
knowledge of their economy and general history.

On inspecting a fine perfect skeleton of a species of toucan
(the only one which I have seen) in the Museum of Com-
parative Anatomy at Guy's Hospital, 1 I found the entire
structure to be less frail than descriptions had led me to an-
ticipate ; its conformation, however, evidently betokening a
bird of feeble flight : the sternum was proportionally much
larger than in the Musophagidce, and similarly emarginated at
its posterior edge ; its crest low, though the pectoral muscles
would seem to have been large and full, and LeVaillant ex-
pressly describes the toucans to have heavy and fleshy bodies,
as is analogously the case with the diminutive todies. The
separate clavicles were If inch in length, and taper at their
extremities. These birds have a wide gullet, a moderately
muscular stomach (which extends into the abdominal portion
of the cavity of the body), no gall-bladder, the intestine short,
not exceeding the length of the body, and devoid of ccecal
appendages, as already noticed : they have been observed to
regurgitate partially digested food, and after submitting it
to a rude kind of mastication, again to swallow it : Petiver
remarks the same of the syndactyle hornbills.

Exteriorly, their enormous bill has the first claim to our
attention ; the magnitude of which, in some instances, is in-
deed astonishing : this organ, however, is excessively and
surprisingly light ; its horny sheath being (save towards the
tip) extremely thin, especially that of the upper mandible, but
elastic, and though yielding in a slight degree to moderate
pressure, presenting a considerable amount of resistance if the
force be increased for the purpose of crushing the beak : its
interior structure resembles what has been already described
in the analogous instance of the hornbills. Its form is length-

1 1 take this opportunity to express my obligations to Mr. Gardiner, of the
above-named institution, for the ready access which he has ever afforded
me to the valuable collection of skeletons there deposited.

80 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GROUPS OF BIRDS

ened, and a little decurved, the downward bend increasing in
both mandibles towards the tip: and its surface is extensively
traversed by ramifications of the fifth pair of nerves, which
render it unusually sensitive, in beautiful adaptation to the
purposes for which it is employed. In connection with this
sensitiveness, it may be remarked that these birds are careful
to preserve their beak from cold, and at night are enabled to
bury completely its immense bulk within their body-plumage :
they are also frequently observed to scratch it gently with the
foot, as if this produced an agreeable sensation. Its struc-
ture is extremely delicate in the young ; and these, accord-
ingly, must subsist on very delicate and soft food : and it
is scarcely necessary to add that it does not attain its ultimate
magnitude for a series of years ; becoming finely coloured as
it approaches to maturity. The edges of both mandibles are
distinctly denticulated.

The tongue, as already noticed, is a very curious instru-
ment, elongated and slender, and barbed not unlike a feather ;
its sheath giving off from the lateral margins a series of stiff
bristle-like appendages, directed forwards, which structure is
continued to the apex : the peculiar or accessory function of
this sort of tongue appearing to be that of touch ; it acting as
a kind of antenna, whereby to test the softness and ripeness
of fruit, and the fitness of other substances for food. That
the toucans also possess, however, the sense of taste in very
considerable perfection, will appear from a fact to be stated
in the course of this summary : but the dev elopement of nerv-
ous tissue and papillae over the beak has been erroneously
deemed an extension of the olfactory surface.

These birds have the legs of mean length, and covered, as
are also the toes, with large scutellce : their feet are adapted
for hopping from bough to bough. The wings are short and
rounded ; and tail of moderate length, and but slightly cune-
ated, in the genus Rhamphastos; longer, and much graduated,
in the others : it is mostly held erected. The cheeks are bare ;
the skin of them being generally blue, and sometimes red, or
even green : irides most commonly pale blue : and the cloth-
ing plumage is of rather open texture (as in the motmots),
having the webs of the feathers disunited, and often glisten-
ing on those parts that are brightly coloured : l the accesso-
ry plume is flocculent and of considerable length, in some,

1 One species, known as the curl-crested aricari, is remarkable for a curi-
ous modification of the feathers of its crown, which have the webs soldered
so as to be undistinguishable, appearing like curled and brilliantly shining
lamina of black sealing-wax. The intent remains to be explained.

IN THE ORDER STREPITORES. 81

but reduced to a mere tuft in others. They are birds of gor-
geous colouring, and peculiar in the disposition of their tints:
the true toucans being chiefly black, with large masses of
crimson, white, or yellow (or very rarely faint blue), on the
breast or below, and especially beneath the tail, where it is
rendered conspicuous by the habitual elevation of the latter ;
there is often, also, a band of bright colouring across the rump,
and generally a gorget of one or more different hues contrasting
with and bounding the mass of colouring on the forepart of
the breast : the aricaris differ in having the upper parts chief-
ly green, of various degrees of brightness, and are in general
rather more variegated : in these the sexes also differ, the fe-
male being chestnut-rufous where the male is black ; whereas
the male and female toucan present only a trivial disparity of
size: the groovebills (Aulacorhynchus, Gould), which con-
stitute a sub-genus of aricaris, have the ground colour vivid
green. In all the young possess the gorgeous livery of the
adult, and are at first sight chiefly distinguishable by their
smaller beaks. Azara remarks, that he has often observed
that these, when brought up tame, underwent a moult when
about two or three months old : at which time there can be
little doubt, from analogy, that the primaries are shed. Le-
vaillant and others have considered the relation which the
aricaris bear to the toucans, to be similar to that which the
magpies and jays hold to the crows and ravens.

These birds breed in the hollows of decayed trees, produc-
ing (in every known instance) two delicately white eggs, of a
nearly spherical form : the young recurve their tails upon
the back while in the nest. They are of a social disposition,
small flocks of tenor a dozen being commonly seen together;
different species of them mingling in society. They are shy
of approach, more particularly the larger toucans which ge-
nerally perch on the higher branches of lofty trees, where
they skip from bough to bough with the most lightsome agi-
lity ; or sit, with invariably the beak turned towards the wind.
They fly rapidly, but evidently with much exertion, and with
difficulty against the wind ; at a mean height, and always in
a straight line ; flapping their wings at intervals, and with
some noise ; and carrying the beak elevated above the level
of the body, with the tail overlying the back. On the ground
they are rarely seen, where they advance by oblique hops,
and rather awkwardly. They are very fond of washing. In-
dividuals are often noticed perched upon high trees, watching
the moment at which other birds leave their nests, on which
they instantly pounce to feed on the eggs or young, some-
times even contesting a prize with the monkeys. The ex

82 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GROUPS OP BIRDS

press use of their singularly formed bill is deemed to be for
insertion into the deep pensile nests which abound in their
indigenous locality ; the sensitiveness of this organ having
reference to the same object, by enabling them to feel the
contents. Azara relates that they devour a prodigious num-
ber of young birds, upon which, and on eggs, they subsist
principally during the season ; and he states that, after rain,
they will descend and demolish the mud-built domed nests of
the ant- catchers, which are so firm as to withstand the wea-
ther for years : he adds that they have been known to rob
those of the caracaras (Polyborus). For the rest of the year,
continues the same Spanish naturalist, the toucans maintain
a rigid and protracted lent, feeding only on fruit and other
vegetable produce : though it is not to be supposed but that
they likewise prey on caterpillars, and any other small ani-
mal food that may fall in their way. Linnaeus even applied
the term piscivorus to one of the species : but I am unaware
that the information on which this rested has ever been con-
firmed.

Of toucans that have been brought up tame, it has al-
ways been remarked that a decided preference is evinced for
animal over vegetable diet ; and so eagerly, even gloatingly,
do they pounce upon a small bird or quadruped whenever
such prey is offered to them, as to remove all doubt that they
have a natural carnivorous propensity, which, notwithstand-
ing the foregoing direct testimony of Azara, and of others
equally worthy of credit, has been denied by some who have
studied them in their native abode. The sight of such prey
immediately rouses them into a state of violent excitement :
and a captive individual being presented, by Mr. Broderip,
with a small bird, it snatched it with its bill, and killed it in-
stantly by the violence of the squeeze, which was so powerful
as to cause the bowels to, protrude. As soon as it was dead,
the toucan hopped with it, still in its bill, to another perch,
and then placing it between one foot and the perch, began to
strip off the feathers. When it had plucked away most of
them, it broke the bones of the wings and legs (still holding
it in the same position) with its bill, taking the limbs therein,
and giving at the same time a strong lateral wrench : conti-
nuing this work with great dexterity, till it had almost redu-
ced the body to a shapeless mass. It then first ate all the
soft parts, leaving the larger bones to the last, which seemed
to give it more trouble, particularly the beak and legs. From
the deportment of the animal, the flavour of its prey seemed
to impart the most keen sense of enjoyment, such as was ne-
ver manifested when it fed on fruit or vegetables ; and it even

IN THE ORDER STREPITORES. 83

appeared to protract its feast considerably, by continually
applying the tongue to each morsel, before throwing it up and
catching it in the throat, as these birds are necessitated to do
whatever they feed on, their singularly formed tongue being
inadequate to assist in deglutition. It may be that the smaller
species are somewhat less carnivorous ; and the Pteroglossus
aricari, which abounds in Guiana, is stated by Levaillant to
make great havoc in the plantations of bananas, guavas, and
even of coffee : bnt the truth is that they are all very general
feeders, more so than any other Zygodactyly

The Rhamphastida are much more hardy in the climate of
England than would be expected ; are tame and fearless ; and
display a tolerable share of sagacity : becoming soon attach-
ed to persons they know. They are lively and active in the
extreme, and surprisingly light and elegant in all their move-
ments, so much so that in the living bird the beak has not
the least appearance of being disproportionate : erecting the
tail, which, Mr. Vigors remarks, is jerked up as though it
moved by a spring, the conformation permitting of which is
described by Mr. Owen in the 'Appendix' before referred to.
They have only a harsh and grating cry. Those individuals
which have been tamed have heen noticed to catch, with the
utmost facility, grapes and other fruit thrown to them ; to
seize which they open the bill sideways or horizontally. —
Towards evening, after taking their last meal, they retire to
roost, and sit listlessly for an hour or two with the plumage
puffed and tail lying close upon the back, as if dozing ; at
which time they will suffer themselves to be gently handled :
at length, they turn the head backward, and so completely
bury their enormous beak between the scapulary and inter-
scapular feathers, that frequently, not a portion of it remains
visible ; the plumage of the breast descending and covering
the flanks ; so that the bird presents the appearance of a
round ball of feathers, every naked part being as effectually
covered as in birds of less extraordinary proportions. The
foregoing detailed account is derived from various authentic
sources, of which Azara's description, and the observations
of Messrs. Broderip, Bennet, and Vigors, in the ' Zoological
Journal,' and 'Gardens and Menageries of the Zoological So-
ciety Displayed,' are the principal. I have endeavoured to
bring into one focus the substance of all that I know has been
written respecting the habits of this singular group of birds,
that future observers may corroborate or refute according to
their experience.

Perhaps it may be as well just to mention that the rainfowl
(Scythrops), an Australian genus, is included among the

84 ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES.

RhamphastidcB by Mr. Swainson, solely on account of the
magnitude of its bill ; the actual structure of which, however,
together with every detail of conformation, even to that of an
individual feather, also the style of colouring, the progressive
changes of plumage, and indeed everything that can be sup-
posed to indicate real affinity, combining to show the impro-
priety of such arrangement, and alike intimating the close and
immediate relationship of that genus for the restricted cuckoos,
with which it even forms a particular subdivision of the fa-
mily Cuculidce, peculiar to the eastern hemisphere.
(To be continued).

Art. VI. — On the Synonymy of the Perlites, together with brief
Characters of the old, and of a few new Species. By Edward

Newman, Esq., F.L.S. '

(Concluded from Page 37).

Genus IV. — Isogenus, Newman.

The genus was separated from Perla on account of its hav-
ing the wings equally developed in both sexes. The habit
is also more slender, the wings more ample. They have usu-
ally fifteen nervures, reaching the margin of the fore-wing be-
tween the subcostal nervure and the base,

Sp. 1. Isog. Ligea. Fusca: facies testacea ; abdomen testaceum, later-
ibus saturatiorihus; alae vix hyalinae, croceo-brunneo tinctae. (Corp.
long. .55 unc. alar, dilat. 1.5 unc.)
The face is testaceous, the other parts of the head, and the entire pro-
meso- and meta-thorax are dark brown and glabrous ; the abdomen is dor-
sally testaceous, laterally dusky brown : the wings are scarcely hyaline, and
are tinted throughout with a clear, rich brown, resembling the colour of
burnt sienna.

The country of this species is unknown. A single speci-
men is in the cabinet of the Rev. F. W. Hope.

Sp. 2. Isog. nubecula. (Corp. long. .6 unc. alar, dilat. 1 .5 unc.)

„ „ Newman; 'Entom. Magazine,' vol. i. p. 415.

„ „ Stephens, * Illustrations of British Entomology,'

Mand. vol. vi. p. 137, tab. xxxi./^. 2.

The text refers to tab. xxxi.^t/. 4, which represents Leuc-
tra geniculata, Steph., subsequently also erroneously referred
to fig. 3, which represents Nemoura rariegata, Steph. —
The figure of Isog. nubecula is without the brown spot on the
forewing, which serves most readily and obviously to distin-
guish this species from those which follow.

ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES. 85

Perla bicaudata, Pictet ; 'Annales des Sciences Naturelles,' vol.
xxviii. p. 58, tab. vi. jf. 6 — 7; but I believe not of eithe'r of the
authors as quoted by M. Pictet.

I make the assertion that my Isogenics nubecula and M.
Pictet' s Perla bicaudata are identical, on that author's own
authority ; who, not having examined the Linnaean specimen,
expressed his opinion when in England, that the insect in
question was the Phryganea bicaudata of Linnaeus, which I
think I have shown above to be perfectly distinct.

Body dark brown ; head and prothorax with a longitudinal ochreous line.
Forewings hyaline, with a small oval spot of a dark brown colour on the
costal margin, situated about two thirds of the distance from the base to
the tip, hind wings beautifully hyaline, iridescent.

Common in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Notting-
hamshire. In most cabinets of British insects.

Sp. 3. I sog, frontalis. (Corp. long. .775 unc. alar, dilat. 1.425 unc.
„ „ Newman; 'Entom. Magazine,' vol. v. p. 178.

Perla bicaudata, Kirby; ' Fauna Boreali- Americana,' part Insects,
p. 252.

Brown, having the anterior part of the head between the antenna yellow,
at the back of the head is a second yellow marking, and the prothorax has
a yellow longitudinal line ; the wings are hyaline ; the forewings have a
very slight brown costal spot in the same situation as the preceding species.

Inhabits North America. Several specimens (donor R. Fos-
ter) are in the cabinet of the Entomological Club.

Sp. 4. Isog. microcephala. (Corp. long. .8 unc. alar, dilat. 1.5 unc.)

Perla microcephala, Pictet; 'Annales des Sciences Naturelles,'
vol. xxviii. p. 59, tab. vi.ff. 4, 5.

Black : head spotted with yellow and narrower than the prothorax, which
is very short, wider posteriorly, and marked with a yellow longitudinal line;
the femora are brown, the tarsi yellow spotted with black : the wings are
hyaline, with light clouds of a brown tint.

Inhabits France, Switzerland, &c. There are several spe-
cimens in the cabinet of the British Museum.

Sp. 5. Isog. infuscatus. (Corp. long. .55 unc. alar, dilat. 1.6 unc).
„ „ Newman, ' Entom. Mag.' vol. v. p. 499.

The head is entirely brown and wider than the prothorax, in which, how-
ever, it is deeply immersed : the prothorax is much wider anteriorly than
posteriorly ; it is dark brown, with the exception of a very slender, pale, an-
terior margin : the disks of the pro- and mesothorax are brown, their lateral
margins inclining to yellow: the wings are entirely opaque and nearly black,
with the exception of the costa, which in all the wings is yellow.

Inhabits the East Indies. A single specimen is in the ca-
binet of the Rev. F. W. Hope.

86 ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES.

Sp. 6. Isog. Dryrno. Caput testaceum, clypeo maculaque quadrata pos-
tica fuscis ; prothorax fuscus maculis duabus magnis lsete testaceis
signatus ; cetera fusca, femoribus basi pallidioribus. (Corp. long. A
unc. alar, dilat. 1.3 unc.)

The head is testaceous, the clypeus dark brown, and on the crown of the
head adjoining the prothorax is a quadrate brown mark, from each of the
anterior angles of which a brown line passes to the root of the antenna : the
prothorax is dark brown, and adorned with two bright testaceous spots, which
are separated only by a very narrow, median, longitudinal, brown line, the
anterior portion of the prothorax is testaceous ; the other parts of the body
are dark brown ; the legs are of the same colour, with the basal portion of
femora paler : the wings are slightly suffused with brown, all the nervures
of the fore wings and the apical ones of the hind wings are dark brown.

Inhabits Georgia. There are two specimens in the cabinet
of the British Museum.

Sp. 7. Isog. Clio. Caput fuscum, lateribus circa oculos flavidis ; protho-
rax fuscus, linea mediana longitudinali flavida ; abdomen testaceum ;
antenna?, meso- et metathorax pedesque fusco. (Corp. long. .25 unc.
alar, dilat. 1.1 unc.)

Head dark brown with lateral yellow marks surrounding the eyes, pro-
thorax dark brown, with a median longitudinal yellow line : abdomen rufo-
testaceous: antenna, meso- and metathorax, legs and caudal setae brown; the
fore wings and the costal portion of the hind wings are tinged with brown,
and have darker nervures.

Inhabits Georgia. There are two specimens in the cabinet
of the British Museum.

Genus V. — Chloroperla, Newman.

In this genus the habit is still more slender, the wings still
more ample : the wing-nervures are much reduced in number

*Species aberrantes.

These have usually eleven nervures reaching the margin of
the forewing below the subcostal nervure.

Sp. 1. Chlo. Spio. Testacea fere unicolor: ocelli duo fusco-nigri, oculi
magni, nigri ; caput prothorace latius : pedes incrassati : alae subob-
scurse iridescentes. (Corp. long. .35 unc. alar, dilat. 1.1 unc.)

Colour a uniform and obscure but pale testaceous: the ocelli are two only
and of a dark brown colour; the eyes are black and very large, making the
head considerably broader than the prothorax : the yyrothorax is somewhat
quadrate, but broader than long, and broader anteriorly than posteriorly ;
its disk is wrinkled longitudinally : the wings are rather obscure, and obvi-
ously iridescent ; the legs are very stout, more so than is usual in this genus ;
the tibia are attenuated at both extremities, more particularly the apical ;
the tarsi are extremely small.

Inhabits Sierra Leone. A single specimen is in the cabi-
net of the British Museum.

ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES. 87

Sp. 2. Chlo. (jrammatica. (Corp. long. .295 unc. alar, clilat. .95 unc.)

„ fuseipennis, Stephens, * Illustrations of British Entomology,'

Mand. vol. vi. p. 138.
„ lateralis, \

„ i e ta, [.Stephens, loc. cit. varietates.
„ venosus, r '

„ rufescensj
Perla wrescens, Pictet, * Annales des Sciences Naturelles,' vol.

xxviii, p. 60, tab. vi. ff. 8—10.
Phryganea grammatica, Scopoli, ' Entomologia Carniolica,' p. 269.
' 1763.

The colour of this insect is a pale yellowish green, which pervades also
the wings ; head yellowish, with the eyes and ocelli black, the crown of the
head is often marked with brown ; the antennae are yellowish, inclining to
brown towards the tips ; the prothorax is of the same colour, rather dusky
towards the sides, the meso- and metaihorax are dusky, as also is the upper
side of the abdomen : the nervures of the fore wings are more or less brown.

This insect is common on the continent of Europe and in
England. It is extremely variable, and Mr. Stephens has,
from this circumstance, been induced to divide the species as
above. In nearly all cabinets of British Insects.

Sp. 3. Chlo. transmarina. (Corp. long. .3 unc. alar, dilat. 1 unc.)

„ „ Newman, ' Entomological Magazine,' vol. v.

p. 499.

Head fuscous, thorax with a yellow longitudinal line, head yellow, with
two long fuscous spots which extend to the margin of the prothorax : wings
hyaline, shining, tinged with yellow at the base ; nervures of the forewings
and those of the apex of the hind wings brown.

Inhabits North America. Several specimens (donors E.
Doubleday and R. Foster) are in the cabinet of the Entomo-
logical Club.

Sp. 4. Chlo. Clymene. Caput flavum, oculis ocellisque nigris ; alae fus-
co leviter tinctae, nervuris omnibus fuscis. (Corp. long. .3 unc. alar,
dilat. 1.05 unc.)

Head bright yellow, with black eyes and ocelli ; antennce brown through-
out : prothorax broader than long, pale testaceo-fuscous, with a still paler
but ill-defined longitudinal dorsal line ; the meso- and metathorax and ab-
domen are dusky testaceous, and the legs are of the same colonr, the basal
portion of the femora being rather paler : the wings are suffused with a de-
licate tint of brown, and all the nervures are dark brown.

Inhabits Georgia. There is a single specimen in the Bri-
tish Museum.

Sp. 5. Chlo. Ephyre. Caput flavum, macula verticali fusca, oculis ni-
gris ; setae caudales virescentes fusco annulatae. (Corp. long. .45 unc.
alar, dilat. 1 unc.)

Head yellow, with a brown spot on the crown, and black eyes ; the body
and legs are of a pale sickly green cast, with many variously-disposed mark-

88 ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES.

ings of a faint brown hue ; the nervures of the fore wings are brown, in the
hind wings the marginal nervure alone is of this colour : the caudal setce are
pale green, with brown rings; the joints of *the setce in this species are un-
usually long.

Inhabits Georgia. There is a single specimen in the cabi-
net of the British Museum. In the abdomen of this specimen
I observed, through the transparent cuticle, a large Filaria ;
it is coiled up in several rings, and occupies a very consider-
able portion of the cavity.

** Species normales.

These have usually nine nervures reaching the margin of
the forevving between the subcostal nervure and the base.

Sp. 6. Chlo. Jluvt. (Corp. long. .37 unc. alar, dilat. .7 unc.)

„ „ Stephens, * Illustrations of Brit. Entomology,' Mand.
^T^-Gk-v*,* vol. vi. p. 139.

Perla Jlava, Fourcroy, ' Entomologia Parisiensis,' p. 349.
Phryganea tripunctata P Scopoli, ' Entomologia Carniolica,' p. 269.
Semblis viridis, Fabricius, ' Entom. Syst.' vol. ii. p. 74.

„ lutea, Latreille, ' Hist. Nat. Crust. &c.' vol. xiii. p. 49.

Yellow green, the tips of the antenna, the eyes, and ocelli black, the pro-
thorax is almost circular, with reflexed margins and longitudinal wrinkles,
the margins are also very distinctly brown : the abdomen is yellowish, with
a dorsal fuscous line.

Common in Europe and England. There are specimens in
nearly all collections of British insects.

Sp. 7. Chlo. apicalis. (Corp. long. .3 unc. alar, dilat. .6 unc.)

„ „ Newman, ' Ent. Mag.' vol. iii. p. 501, April, 1836.

„ pallida, Stephens, ' Illustrations,' Mand. vol. vi. p. 139, —

August, 1836.

Entirely of a delicate yellow green, with the eyes and tips of the antennae

black : the prothorax nearly quadrate and perfectly concolorous, tarsi dusky.

Inhabits Europe and England. Specimens in nearly all
collections of British Insects.

Sp. 8. Chlo. Cydippe. Pallide lutea, alis venuste virescentibus, nervu-

ris concoloribus; antennae fuscae, basi imo tantum luteae. (Corp. long.

.15 unc. alar, dilat. .5 unc.)

Pale yellow, the wings beautifully tinged with green, the nervures being

exactly concolorous, and not observable without some difficulty ; the an-

tenncB are brown, the extreme base alone being yellow.

This insect nearly approaches Chlo. apicalis, which ap-
pears identical with Chlo. pallida of Stephens, a species not
uncommon in Great Britain, France, and Switzerland ; but
the antennas are differently coloured, and several other slight
discrepancies are observable on a minute comparison.

ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE PERLITES. 89

Inhabits Georgia. There are two specimens in the British
Museum.

Sp. 9. Chlo. bifrons. (Corp. long. .3 unc. alar, clilat. .65 unc.) CctAwvvQ*

A, „ Newman, ' Entom. Mag.' vol. v. p. 401.

Entirely of a dark shining brown, wings tinged with brown, the nervures »
being rather darker : the antenna and caudal seta are of about the same
length, which is nearly equal to that of the body.

Inhabits Scotland; taken by Mr. Walker at New Lanark.
In the cabinets of the Entomological Club and Mr. Stephens.

Sp. 10. Chlo. nigra. (Corp. long. .37 unc. alar, dilat. .75 unc.)

Perla nigra, Pictet, 'Annales des Sciences Naturelles,' vol. xxviii.
p. 61. tab. vi.fig. 11, 13.

Entirely of a shining black colour : it is extremely slender, the legs and
antenna being remarkably slight; the wings are opaque at the base and hy-
aline at the tip.

Inhabits Switzerland, where it takes short and rapid flights
among the stones on the banks of rivers : it is very difficult
to capture this delicate insect without spoiling it. In the ca-
binet of M. Pictet of Geneva.

Sp. 11. Chlo. Opis. Nigra, nitida, concolor ; prothoracis latera con vexa
alae obscurae fusco tinctae, nervuris saturatioribus. (Corp. long. .2 unc.
alar, dilat. .5 unc.)

Entirely black, shining: the prothorax is rather wider than the head, and
its sides are very convex, the antenna are about as long as the body, the
caudal seta longer, and have the joints remarkably long and distinct: the
wings are tinged with brown and the nervures are darker ; the femora are
black, the tibia and tarsi brown.

This little insect inhabits Newfoundland. The only two
specimens I have seen are in Mr. Westwood's cabinet^ and
have been kindly lent to me for description.

Genus VI. — Leptoperla, Newman.

Proalarum nervurae apicales paralleles 6, nervuris transversis numerosis
intersectae : antennae setaeque caudales elongatae ; pedes elongati.

Sp. 1. Leptoperla Bero'e. Fusca; alae opacae, fuscae, versus apicem ma-
culis albidis notatae ; pro- et mesopedes fusci, tibiis medio testaceis :
metafemora testacea, apice fusca. (Corp. long. .3 unc. ant. .475 unc.
set. caud. .475 unc. alar, dilat. .9 unc.)

This is a slender and very elegant insect ; it differs generically from Iso-
genus and Perla in the neuration of the fore wings, the exterior portion of
which is occupied by six strong parallel longitudinal nervures; of these the
fourth is furcate at the extremity, and the fifth unites with the fourth just
before its furcation ; these longitudinal nervures are intersected by several
very delicate transverse nervures: the antenna and caudal seta are extremely
slender, and much longer than the body of the insect ; the tenninal segment
of the abdomen below is furnished with two leaf-like processes, which curve

Vol. III.— No. 26, n. s. i

00 OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA.

upwards, passing between (he caudal seta and terminating in acute points :
the legs are very long and slender : the insect is of a dark brown colour,
the wings being opaque, dark brown, and the exterior portion of the fore
wings regularly spotted with dirty white ; the hind wings are immaculate ;
the pro- and mesofcmora having a bright testaceous ring ; the metafemora
are testaceous, with the apex only dark brown, the tibia are rather paler,
and the tarsi nearly black.

Inhabits Van Dieman's Land. There is a single specimen

in the cabinet of the Rev. F. W. Hope'™ ™' { ^<

I bnn ^IimBt eno m hs^aans od jagim usi

.TOffronfi

•d? "tools ;ni£ 10 Joohoq oifa Q~A&i owli iO '

Art. VIT. — Observations on the Rodentia, with a view to point out
the groups, as indicated by the structure of the Crania, in this or-
der of Mammals. By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., Curator to the

Zoological Society.

The various published classifications of the Rodentia appear
to be chiefly founded upon the external structureof the species
composing this order, combined with their dentition. The
habits of animals of the same group, however, are often very
variable, and their external characters and certain portions
of their skeletons, are of necessity equally so. " The skele-
tons of Rodentia" says Cuvier, 1 "are so variable, owing to
the diversity of the movements of the species of different ge-
nera, and to the presence or absence of clavicles, that it is
difficult to find any characters in common, unless it be in the
bones of the skull." These considerations have led me to
search in the skull for characters by which to define the
larger groups and to determine the affinities of the genera,
and the object of the present communication is to point out
such as appear most important, and in fact to state the re-
sults arising from the examination of an extensive series of
crania, with the view of so arranging the various species of
rodents, that by the position of any particular individual the
most important points in its structure shall be indicated, and
the relative value of the characters expressed by the nature
of the divisions and sub-divisions.

It may be asked upon what principles I estimate the value
of characters ? and as this is a very important point, a few
words on this subject appear necessary. I may answer that
I value a character by its constancy ; and consider that cha-
racter of most importance which extends through the greatest
number of species, provided these species evince affinities one
with another by the gradual modifications of other characters
of less importance, — that is to say, more subject to variation.

1 ' Ossements Fossiles.'

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA. 9T

There are, however, certain points in which the greater por-
tion of the species agree, — these, which may be called the
typical characters of the group, in my opinion should not be
selected, with the departures from such typical characters,
for the establishment of primary divisions. The skulls of
rodents, for instance, generally possess a large glenoid cavity,
longitudinal in its direction ; but in the genus Lepus this ca-
vity is remarkably small and narrow : — thus rodents in gene-
ral might be arranged in one family, and the genus Lepus in
another.

Or if we take the perfect or imperfect state of the clavicles
as our guide, the present order would also be divided into
two families or sections. Rodents are typically claviculated
animals, those with imperfect clavicles being exceptions in
this respect to that structure which is most commonly found
in the species. The claviculated or unclaviculated groups
cannot, I think, be of equal value.

My principles will be more fully illustrated by the mode in
which I have proceeded in the investigation of the affinities
of the animals under consideration.

After a careful comparison of part with part throughout
the whole series of rodent skulls which I have had an oppor-
tunity of examining, it appeared to me that the zygomatic
arch and ant-orbital foramen afforded the most constant cha-
racters. In the Sciuridce, Muridae, and Arvicolidae for in-
stance, we find the zygomatic process of the maxillary bone to
consist of a large thin plate of bone, which is oblique in its
position, and has the lower edge emarginated so as to throw
the anterior portion of the zygomatic arch above the plane of
the palate : here the anterior outlet of the sub-ovbital foramen
is much contracted. On the other hand in the Hystrices, the
genera Echimys, Myopotamus, Dasyprocta, and in the Chin-
chillida and Caviida, the ant-orbital foramen is very large,
enclosed by two meeting branches from the maxillary bone,
the lower branch being thrown out from the level of the palate.

In the hares and rabbits (Lepus), taking the same charac-
ter, we find quite a new type of form, indeed these animals
appear to be in many respects isolated. In the very imperfect
state of the palate, however, and in some other characters
which will be hereafter mentioned, there appears to be an ap-
proach in the Chinchillida and Caviida.

Thus we have nearly all the principal genera of rodents
thrown into three great sections, which may be easily distin-
guished ; and upon arranging the various species of the ge-
nera or families above mentioned in these sections, we find

92 OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA.

many other points indicative of the mutual affinity of those
placed in the same section.

Two genera, however, form exceptions, not possessing the
combination of characters above noticed ; I allude to Dipus
and Helamys. The whole of the skulls were therefore re-ex-
amined, with a hope that the discovery of some other cha-
racters might enable me to determine the situation of these
genera. I then perceived that the lower jaw afforded points
of distinction of great importance, by means of which the af-
finities of one of the two genera just mentioned [Dipus), can,
I think, be satisfactorily determined.

In order the more clearly to describe the lower jaw, I shall
view each ramus as divided into four portions, which may be
called the alveolar portion, the condyloid, the coronoid,
and the descending ramus. — A ridge of bone on the inner
side of the ramus, extending from the alveolar portion to the
condyle,forms the upper or anterior boundary of what I term
the descending ramus.

In the first section, which I shall call Murina, the de-
scending ramus of the jaw consists of a broad plate, concave
on the inner side, and flat or convex on the outer. It ap-
proaches more or less to a quadrate form, the upper posterior
angle is directed outwards, and the lower posterior angle,
which is often rounded, is directed inwards. The lower boun-
dary of this plate consists of a thickened ridge or branch,
which springs from the under side of the alveolar portion of
the jaw, and is directed backwards and downwards. The
posterior part of the descending ramus is usually in the same
perpendicular line as that of the condyle, and very seldom
extends beyond that line.

The coronoid process terminates usually high above the
level of the molars. The condyloid portion is long and di-
rected obliquely upwards and backwards. The rami of the
jaws converge to a point at the symphysis, which is usually
of but small extent, and forms an angle of about 45° with the
horizontal ramus.

The lower jaw of a squirrel may be regarded as the type
of the form just described. I shall have occasion to notice
the departures from this type when I define the families.

The principal genera contained in this section are Sciurus, Arctomys,
Myoxus, Dipus, Mus, Arvicola, Geomys, and Castor.

Section II. — Hystricina. In this section the descending
ramus of the jaw is formed by a triangular flattened plate, the
lower boundary of which consists of a thickened ridge or
branch, (the under surface of which is almost always flat)
which springs from the outer side of the alveolar poition, and

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA. 93

the apex of which is produced and forms an acute angle,
which almost invariably terminates beyond the condyle. The
rami of the jaw somewhat suddenly diverge behind their junc-
tion at the symphysis menti, which is of considerable extent.
The horizontal ramus is separated from the alveolar portion
beneath, by a groove, which is more or less distinct. The
coronoid process is usually small or but slightly elevated
above the level of the molars, and situated more forward than
in section I., and the condyloid is comparatively short.

The principal genera, are Bathyergiis, Poephagomys, Octodon, Abrocoma,
Myopotamus, Capromys, Echimys, Aulacodus, Hystrix, Dasyprocta, Chin-
chilla, Cavia and Hydrocharus.

The greater portion of the genera here mentioned possess
all the characters combined which have just been pointed out.
Some, however, will not agree with the description in all
respects, but it is a curious fact that in these instances the
remainder of the distinguishing characters are more than usu-
ally evident. In Bathyergus for instance, the posterior por-
tion of the descending ramus is rounded, and not acute ; but
here, this portion of the jaw is thrown out from the alveoli of
the great inferior incisors in an extraordinary degree, and
there is a very distinct broad channel on the under side of the
jaw separating the two portions in question — a character
never found in the species of the first section. The coronoid
process is also very small. Again, in the cavies {Cavia) the
lower boundary of the descending ramus is not thrown out
from the outer side of the alveolar portion ; the angle of the
jaw however, is greatly produced, the condyloid process is
short and the coronoid is very small. It is not, therefore, by
any one particular character that I would pretend to define
the sections, but by the combination of characters.

Section III. — Leporina. The hares [Lepus) are remarkable
for the flatness of the rami of the lower jaw, and their great
size compared with the teeth, the almost horizontal direction
of the symphysis menti, the great height of the condyloid por-
tion — along the outer side of which there is an elevated ridge
which represents the coronoid. The condyloid process is also
more upright than in other rodents. The descending ramus
is very large and flat, and has the lower margin rounded or
angular, as in the genus Lagomys, at least in some of the
species.

94

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA.

Molares ^,

Section I. — Murina.
Family I. — Sciurid^e
Dentition. — Incisors laterally compressed
rarely -JJ, equal in size or nearly so, excepting the anterior
molar of the upper jaw (where there are are -|4)> which is
smaller than the rest. The series of molars on the opposite

side of each jaw are widely separated, and parallel.

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(a), upper side. (6), under side (c), side view, showing the position of the ant-orbital

foramen, &c. (d), lower jaw, viewed from beneath. (e), one of the rami of the lower jaw,
inner side.

Skull. — Ant-orbital foramen very small, situated near the
plane of the palate, and about midway between the line of the
front molar and the intermaxillary suture. This foramen has
its anterior outlet bounded externally by a bony protuberance,

Skull of Sciurus vulgaris.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA. 95

which is produced downwards into an angle more or less dis-
tinctly marked. Zygomatic process of the maxillary bone
consisting of a broad thin plate, which is concave in front,
oblique in its position, (the lower part being the farthest re-
moved from the nasal portion of the skull), and occupies the
whole space between the plane of the palate, and that of the
upper surface of the skull. The lower boundary of this plate
is emarginated, and forms an arch which throws the anterior
portion of the zygomatic arch above the plane of the palate.
Palatine portions of the intermaxillary, maxillary, and pala-
tine bones, on the same plane, or together, forming a slightly
concave and nearly even surface. Incisive foramina small
and narrow, terminating in most cases at the intermaxillary
suture. The palatine portion of the palate-bone ap-
proaching to a quadrate form, the palato -maxillary suture
being almost always between the penultimate molars : there
are two small, widely separated, suturo -palatal foramina ;
and on each side, close behind the last molar there is a tole-
rably large posterior palatal foramen. The posterior bound-
ary of the palate is doubly emarginated or truncated, and is
situated in a line with the hinder portion, the last molar on
each side, or {generally) behind this line.

Frontal bone with a distinct post-orbital process, which is
directed backwards and downwards, and leaves a wide space
for the passage of the temporal muscle. The malar bone is
continued forwards and upwards, to join the lachrymal, and
backwards, to form the outer boundary of the glenoid cavity;
this cavity is broad and open, and not contracted by longitu-
dinally elevated ridges. J 11

Lower jaw. — The descending ramus nearly of a quadrate
form, its upper posterior angle acute and directed outwards
from the line of the condyle, and the lower posterior angle
rounded and directed inwards. The lines formed by the low-
er margins of the descending ramus on each side, are nearly
parallel. The horizontal rami meet in front and join by a
symphysis of limited extent.

The most striking feature in the skulls of the present
family, and one which distinguishes them from all other
rodents with which I am acquainted, is the distinct post-
orbital process. This process however, although always
distinct, varies considerably in size. It is most developed in
the larger species of the genus Pteromys. In some of the
marmots it is also very large. In the genus Sciurus it varies
considerably, but neither in this genus nor in any other of the
present family > have I ever found it wanting. It is least de-
veloped in the palm squirrel, [Sciurus palmarwm). In some

r

})(> OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA.

of the Spermophili (if not all) it is very small, and it is also
small in the genus Geosciurus of Dr. And. Smith, (which I have
no doubt is the same as the genus Xerus of Hemp and E hr.)
The palate is proportionally larger in the Sciuridae than any
other Rodents. It almost always extends considerably be-
yond the last molars. In Sc. Prevostii however, the palate
terminates in the line of the hinder portion of the last molar,
and in Sc. maximus and Sc. Leschenaultii it terminates rather
within this line. The position, combined with the small size
of the ant-orbital foramen, will also serve to distinguish the
Sciuridce. The genus Castor, in the character of the ant-
orbital foramen, makes the nearest approach to the present
family ; here however, this opening is not so low down.

The general form of the skull in the true SciuridaB is short
and rounded, the cranial portion is very large, and the nasal
portion short. In the genus Arctomys the nasal portion is
proportionately larger, and the cranial smaller. Here the
interorbital portion of the skull is considerably contracted, as
we also find the same part in the larger species of Pteromys,
these however have the short nasal bones, as in the genus
Sciurus. In Sc. palmarum, and in the genera Spermophilus
and Geosciurus (Sci. erythropus 1 ), the skull is considerably
elongated and somewhat ovate, the nasal bones are longer
than in the true squirrels. The animal last named offers ma-
ny peculiarities in the form of the cranium, it is not however
my intention to enter into detail at present ; I will merely no-
tice one, viz., the horizontally compressed form of that por-
tion of the zygomatic arch which forms the lower boundary
of the orbit : a character in which it differs from all the other
Sciuri examined by me, but to which I find an approach in the
skull of a species of Spermophilus, (Sp. Franklinii).

The genera and subgenera contained in this family the skulls of which
I have examined, are — Pteromys, Sciuropterus, Sciurus, Macroxus, Tamia,
Geosciurus, Spermophilus, and Arctomys.

(To be continued.)

1 1 am indebted to Dr. Richardson for the loan of the skull of this spe-
cies, and also of the crania of several other rodents, which have been of great
service to me.

AMPHICOMA VULPINA. $7

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Note on Amphicoma vulpina, Hentz. — When in East Flo-
rida I received a letter from Count Castelneau, in which,
amongst other matters relating to Entomology, he informed
me that what he considered the most interesting coleopterous
insect he had taken in West Florida was an Amphicoma, or
rather an insect of a new genus very closely allied to Amphi-
coma. This, he added, was peculiarly interesting, as this
group of the lamellicoms was heretofore supposed to be con-
fined to the Old World, and in a great measure to the shores
of the Mediterranean.

When at Cambridge (Mass.) last October, I for the first
time saw the insect to which I believe the above remark refers;
and there learned from Dr. Harris a few particulars with re-
gard to its history, which, from their being upon the interest-
ing subject of Insect Geography, are of some importance.

This insect is the Amphicoma vulpina of Hentz, but I am
not quite sure that his name is more than a manuscript one.
Perhaps it ought to form a new genus, and be considered as
the American representative of Amphicoma but I have not yet
had leisure to examine the only specimen I brought home
with me. Be this as it may, the fact of an insect of this ge-
nus, or of one so nearly allied to it, being found in North
America, is interesting and important ; and not less so is the
fact that its range over that vast continent is extremely wide,
extending from the hills of New Hampshire to the Upper
Mississipi, and across the Rocky Mountains as far as the
shpres of the Pacific, from all which places Dr. Harris knows
of specimens : to these we must add West Florida, as its
southern limit, and thus we find that it ranges throughout the
whole territory of the United States, from east to west, and
from north to south.

A specimen of this insect, which I owe to the kindness of
Dr. T. W. Hams, is now in the cabinet of the Entomological
Club. It was taken by Dr. Gould of Boston, on the flowers
of the American elder, in New Hampshire, I believe in the
month of July.

At present we know but little of the geographical distribu-
tion of insects ; our entomological authors being very careless
about defining their exact localities. I have been particularly
struck with this carelessness in regard to the insects of the
United States. Some European entomologists who have
written on the insects of that country, appear to think it quite
needless trouble to indicate whether their species are from

Vol. III.— No. 26. n. s. k

98 FOSSIL REMAINS OF CETACEA.

the snow-clad mountains of the eastern states, the flowery
prairies of Illinois, or the orange-groves of East Florida. —
Whether this fault has originated on this side of the water or
on the other, I know not. It may be that the American en-
tomologists themselves, in their remittances of insects to Eu-
rope, have neglected to specify their exact localities ; or it
may be that we are too apt to forget the vast extent of the
various republics known as the United States of America. —
Be this as it may, that such carelessness should exist cannot
be too much lamented. — Edward Doubleday. — Sudbury, 2Lv£
J any. 1839.

On the Fossil Remains of Cetacea. — The philosophical
journals both of England and Scotland record instances of
the discovery of cetaceous remains in positions to which it
is physically impossible the present seas can have reached;
and yet the condition of such remains, and their isolated en-
tombment, added to the fact of their occurrence exclusively
in the most superficial strata, have led to a doubt of their fos-
sil character. On the banks of the Forth the bones of an
animal 72 feet long were once discovered, imbedded in clay
more than 20 feet above the reach of the highest tide of that
river. A solitary vertebra was described by Sir George Mac-
kenzie in the 'Edinb. Phil. Trans.' vol. x., p. 105, as obtain-
ed from Strathpepper in Rosshire, at an altitude of 12 feet
above the present level of the sea. Several bones of a whale
were subsequently discovered at Dumore Rock, Stirlingshire,
in brick earth, nearly 40 feet above the present level of the
sea. Still in all these instances no remains of extinct ani-
mals were present with them, nor were there any extinct ma-
rine Testacea attached to the bones : so that their fossil cha-
racter rests upon the inference to be drawn from the condition
of the beds in which they were deposited, and from the rela-
tive position of their respective mausoleums. The latter, be
it observed, are generally on more or less elevated ground,
adjacent either to the sea or to tidal rivers. The stratum in
which they repose is either without exception what is termed
marine diluvium, or the clay beds subordinate to it. It is
true moreover that living Cetacea are occasional visitants to
the neighbourhood in which the supposed fossil remains are
discovered. We must therefore await additional evidence
before we can with confidence assign to these remains any
degree in the chronological scale higher than that of the re-
cent period of geologists.

To the before-mentioned instances I may add that in the
course of the summer of 1837, I obtained twelve vertebrae of
a whale, some caudal others dorsal, from the yellow marie or

THE ARGONAUT. NOTES ON BIRDS. 99

brick earth of Heme Bay, in Kent. The spot from whence
they were taken is not more than 10 feet from the high water
mark, and certainly not more than 10 feet above the occa-
sional reach of the sea on that coast. They were the bones
of a young animal, since their epihpyses were still unconnect-
ed with their bodies, and the bony structure not fully deve-
loped. Their specific gravity was little above that of water,
and their texture frail, although embedded in tenacious clay.
No other animal remains were discoverable in the clay. It is
only necessary to remark that the remains in question singu-
larly correspond with their predecessors in position and cha-
racter, and add their corroborative testimony, by way of ac-
cumulation, to whatever view may be taken of cetacean reli-
quiae. I send this statement under the impression that your
Magazine is ever open to the details of facts in Natural His-
tory, be the evidence to be drawn from these facts what it
may. — Wm. Richardson.

Note on the Argonaut. — I have talked with Delia Chiaja
very much about the argonaut ; he states that he has traced
the animal from the ovum to the formation of the shell, and
he has published plates of the progress of its developement,
which are beautifully executed. I think we may place full
confidence in his observations; he is animated with the great-
est zeal for science, — almost unsupported, and certainly un-
remunerated.

I am sorry I have not yet been able to get an argonaut ;
I have requested the fishermen to bring the first they catch
to me. They come off this coast only in summer, and are
then more in the Gulf of Genoa, and off Baia and Puzzuoli,
rather than in our Bay. — J. C. Cox. — Naples, Dec. 28, 1838.

Ornithological Notes. — Seeing from time to time lists of birds shot in dif-
ferent counties, it has occurred to me that if such lists were procured from
all parts of the kingdom, it would be as useful an index to collectors of Brit-
ish birds as could be formed. These lists might be much abridged by leav-
ing out such species as are common to all parts of the country ; they would
greatly aid the British ornithologist, for innumerable are the difficulties
which he has to encounter, and after all his exertions but very few are the
birds he can procure with his own gun. He will have to contend with the
unprincipled conduct and exorbitant demands of those who call themselves
"naturalists." For alas for the rare birds of Britain ! whenever a harmless
and interesting stranger makes its appearance, some ruthless eye is imme-
diately upon it, and it is generally murdered in mere wantonness : for I be-
lieve but few of the rarities taken are preserved ; they are just handed about
for a day or two, to gratify the stare of stupid wonder, or else nailed against
a barn, as a trophy of cruelty.

But few of these rarities have come under my own observation. A fine
male honey-buzzard (Pemis apivorus) was shot here last June ; it was
exceedingly tame. The goshawk (Astur palumbarius) has been taken here,
and the kite (Milvus ictinus), though formerly plentiful, has now, through

100 LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

the ruthlessness of the gamekeepers, almost disappeared. The seops owl
(Scops Aldrovandi) was taken some years ago, and I have no doubt would
have continued with us, but for the same cause, for the aforesaid gentry ne-
ver trouble themselves to inquire whether such visitors may not do as much
or more good than harm, it is enough for them to know that they are not
game, and of course must be exterminated.

Amongst other birds which I have known taken is the ash-coloured shrike
(Lanius excubitor). That very interesting little bird the pied fly-catcher
(Muscicapa luctuosa) ; the chatterer (Bombycivora garrula), the finest case I
ever saw of which were purchased of a boy who was feeding his ferrets with
them, for one penny each ; in fact most of these things are destroyed to no
purpose, as soon as seen. The grey-headed wagtail (Motacilla neglecta) was
once obtained from a boy. Next comes the poor little crossbill (Loxia cur-
virostra), of which we have lately had numbers, and which, by a cessation
of hostilities, might be induced to take up its abode and increase among us ;
but no sooner is it heard, (and its note being a peculiar one is the herald of
its own destruction), than it is driven from plantation to plantation, and,
like the dove from the ark, can find no rest for the sole of its foot.

The little busy barred woodpecker meets with no encouragement here,
and is obliged to seek a habitation elsewhere. The stock dove (Columba
jEnas) has become scarce of late ; and the large bustard (Otis tarda) is all
but exterminated. A fine female was sold in Cambridge market last Fe-
bruary for £2. 2s.; it was shot between Cambridge and Lynn. A male was
killed near this place seven or eight years ago, and hawked about for half-
a-crown. The little bustard (Otis tetrax) was taken last year in this coun-
ty. The little sandpiper (Tringa pusilla), the little auk (Mergulus melano-
leucos), and the fulmar (Procellaria glacialis), have also, singularly enough,
been taken here; as well as the fork-tailed petrel (Thalassidroma Bullockii).
Some of the above are preserved in the Museum of this town, but I am sor-
ry to say not the whole of them.

But I have not yet stated the chief difficulties the naturalist has to con-
tend with ; these are the jealousies and envyings which seem to pervade the
breasts of men of all classes in the different branches of science. This to
me is unaccountable. When all are animated by a common object, mutual
assistance ought to be cheerfully rendered, especially when all are working
for the public good. Creation is full of beauties for the naturalist to ad-
mire. In the lively and interesting feathered race, the well-adapted and
graceful figures of quadrupeds, the infinitely diversified forms of the insect
tribes, and in the beauty and variety of the surrounding vegetation, — there
is nothing to excite envy, but everything to induce an opposite frame of
mind. Everything was intended for our enjoyment and instruction ; every-
thing is beautiful and happy ; and

"All save the spirit of man is divine: "

and but for that spirit the earth would be a paradise. — Joseph Clarke. —
Saffron Walden, Nov. 24th, 1838.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Mr. James F. Stephens, author of the Illustrations of British Insects, is
preparing for publication a series of Manuals descriptive of all the species
of British Insects. The first volume, containing the whole of the British
Beetles, is nearly ready.

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

MARCH, 1839.

Art. I. — Observations on the Poulp of the Argonaut. By Madame
Jeannette Power. l

Having for many years past devoted to natural science, and
to enriching my cabinet with marine objects, the few hours
to be spared from domestic cares, for in fact few are the mo-
ments that one of my sex and condition can enjoy in study, —
the poulp of the argonaut specially fixed my attention, from
so much having been said on the subject by naturalists. I
have since been enabled to follow up a series of observations
upon this cephalopod, which other naturalists could not per-
haps have done, for want of those opportunities and means
with which I have been fully supplied. I therefore deemed
it incumbent upon me to make careful inquiries on the most
disputed points which regard the physiological condition of
the animal, and consequently devoted myself for some years
to an uninterrupted course of observations ; and after repeated
experiments, I have at last been able to obtain data which
lead to very important results : first, by assuring myself that
this mollusc is the constructor of the shell which it inhabits ;
secondly, by clearing up doubts with regard to the first de-
velopement of its eggs ; and, finally, by making known many
new facts respecting its habits. I will therefore present to
you, Gentlemen, after a short sketch of the state of zoological
knowledge as regarded the Argonauta Argo when I commen-
ced my experiments, an account of the method followed by
me in my researches, and the physiological inferences dedu-
ced from them.

1 " Osservazione fisiche sopra il polpo dell' Argonauta Argo, della Socia
Correspondente Madame Jeannette Power." Read at the Meeting of 26th
November, 1836. From the xii. vol. of the Academy, Catania.

Vol. III.— No. 27. n. s. l

102 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT.

It has been a subject of much controversy amongst natu-
ralists, whether the poulp of the argonaut really secretes the
shell in which it is commonly found, or, like the Paguri,
forces itself in after the proper inhabitant has been either
driven out, devoured, or become naturally extinct. Indeed,
whilst Lamarck, Montfort, Ranzani, &c. supported the former
opinion, Blainville and others maintained as certain the lat
ter ; and this learned malacologist went so far as to assert that
the animal of the argonaut was totally unknown, — ("Animal
tout-a-fait inconnu." — ' Manuel de Malacologie,' p. 494"). —
Prior to these the enlightened Abbe Olivi had stated, although
he had not had the opportunity of seeing a living argonaut,
that he was inclined to believe that a cephalopod might ea-
sily form a calcareous shell like that of the argonaut, if another
cephalopod, according to the observations of Martini, was the
constructor of the heavy and chambered shell of the nautilus.

The reasons which induced the opposers of this opinion to
think the shell not the work of the poulp, were that its body
had not a spiral conformation, and that it did not adhere to
the shell, which bore no resemblance to the neighbouring
parts of the inclosed animal, being regularly furrowed at the
sides, and possessing a spiral convolution something like an
ammonite, while nothing analogous was observed in the ani-
mal, whose folds, when it withdrew into the shell, presented
the appearance of anything but regular furrows. To these
objections I will now reply, because I am glad to show at
this time how Signor Poli, attentively scrutinizing the eggs
of the argonaut, assures us that he saw the young shell at-
tached to the mollusc, and concludes that there is no longer
room to doubt that the shell in which we see the argonaut is
generated in the egg with the mollusc, and not merely inha-
bited by it afterwards, as many believe. With all this, the
observations of Poli do not appear to have entirely removed
the doubts of the celebrated Baron Cuvier, who, not being
willing to declare the opinion of Blainville erroneous, quali-
fied it as exceedingly problematical.

Such was the state of things with respect to the argonaut,
when it occurred to me that the absence of experiments alone
was the cause of such conflicting opinions, and that all must
be brought to light if attentive examinations were instituted
on so important a subject.

Determined on this undertaking, I well considered the aim
of my observations, which was to assure myself of the fact
that the constructor of the argonaut shell was the cephalopod
which inhabited it. In this case to become acquainted with
the structure of this mollusc should be the first of my endea-

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT. 103

vours ; to examine the relation of the mollusc with its shell
the second ; and the third to accompany it in its develope-
ment from the egg through its entire growth. But how to
prosecute so difficult a series of observations ? The Port of
Messina, daily frequented by me in search of marine objects,
offered opportunities and means which perhaps no other situ-
ation could present. For this object I thought of cages,
which were constructed under my direction ; they were eight
palms long and four broad, with a convenient interval (three
or four lines) between the bars, which allowed the water to
enter freely when placed in the sea, whilst the escape of the
animal was prevented. I placed the cages in a shallow bot-
tom in the sea near our citadel, in a spot where I could exa-
mine them without disturbance. I inclosed in them a num-
ber of living argonauts, which I took care to supply every
two or three days with both naked and testaceous molluscs
for food. Fortified with invincible patience, I never once
thought of desisting from the undertaking, although many and
many times my experiments met with no fortunate result. —
It was only after several months that I succeeded in clearing
up my doubts, and in seeing my researches crowned with
success.

With regard to the structure of the mollusc of the argonaut,
as no one is ignorant of what authors have said on the sub-
ject, it will not be out of place to recount what I have ob-
served as singular, or not described by others, doubting that
some essential particulars in the history of this animal may
have escaped many naturalists.

The cephalopod of the argonaut is furnished with eight
arms, having on each two rows of suckers ; the first two arms
are more robust than the others, and should be so, because
they serve as masts to support the sails, which, spread out,
act before the wind as such. At the base they have, on the
inferior sides, the double row of suckers like the other six ;
but from the inferior row, at about an inch from the base in
adults, a rather fun-owed membrane begins to develope itself,
which extends as far as the tip of the arm, and holding it
bent, it can no longer follow the office of a rowing arm, but
as every one knows, it is employed by the animal as a sail.
But here I am glad to observe that these sails (for so we will
call them) attached to the sailing arms are so large, that when
turned backwards and pressed against the shell they can en-
tirely cover and protect it. Thus, as far as I can conclude,
the true office of these sails is exactly that of keeping them-
selves applied to the shell at all times, in reserve for the mo-
ment when the animal, coming to the surface of the water,

104 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT.

removes tliem, and spreading, raises them in the office of sails.
In fact, the series of suckers of the sail-arms, when the mem-
brane of the sails is wrapped about the shell, are placed ex-
actly over the keel of it, in such a manner that each sucker
corresponds to each point in which the ribs of the argonaut
terminate until they reach the two margins of the spiral.

Observation leads me to compare the sails of the argonaut
with the two wings of the mantle of the Cyprcea, not only
from the manner in which they cover the shell, but because I
have reason to believe that the formation itself of the shell
results from a transudation by the membrane of the sails,
the corrugations of which, in secreting the calcareous matter,
may be the cause of the ribbed form of the shell. These may
also serve as a means of retention of the animal in its shell
during the movements of the mollusc, which, without all these
furrows, might easily slip about from one side to the other.

This consideration may weigh in obviating the difficulties
of those who cannot imagine how a shell containing a cepha-
lopod should present no resemblance with the folds of the
animal compressed within it. For if they would consider it
the result of a calcareous deposition of the membrane of the
sails, they would find not only the series of little points cor-
responding to the suckers, which adapt themselves to the keel
of the spiral, but an explanation of the disposition of the ribs,
and of the smooth and paper-like condition of all the shell.
They have not all seen, I can frankly assert, how the argonaut
appears when it has placed its sails over the shell ; drawing
alone can shew it, and I have here annexed a figure which is
a very good resemblance.

The sail when spread out presents a silvery surface, speck-
led with concentric circles of spots with a black spot in the
middle, and surrounded with a beautiful gold colour; and
this and the vicinity of the suckers along the keel and the
spiral assume so vivid a purple colour that it approaches that
of the Ianthina.

The mouth, the head, the bag, and the branchia, have not
presented me with any particularity but what has been alrea-
dy well described by naturalists, and which is common to the
Sepia and Calamaries, in these parts little differing from my
argonaut. However, as regards the funnel with which these
cephalopods are furnished, I believe I have two new obser-
vations to offer. One is, that it holds the office of a pump or
proboscis, rather than that of a funnel ; and that the animal
employs it, when swimming with its arms on the surface of the
water, as a helm, elongating it in front of the widest part of
the shell, at the same time that the spiral serves as a prow.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT. 105

Reflecting on the delicacy and fragility of the shell here
treated of, it seems strange to see them so rarely broken, and
wishing to trace the cause, I set about touching one whilst its
poulp was within; and taking it dexterously between my
fingers to learn what degree of flexibility it would admit,
I discovered that it was extremely pliant, so much so as to be
able to bring in contact the two extremities of the great curve
without breaking it ; and indeed, shells so fragile ought to
possess this flexibility, in order that they should not conti-
nually be liable to be broken to pieces by the restless and
uninterrupted movements of their poulps, as well as the shocks
which they would be likely to suffer in the depths during a
stormy sea. In this case it would prove very unfortunate for
them, not being capable of forming an entire new shell, as
will be observed afterwards.

Having ascertained the flexibility of the above mentioned
shell, while the living animal was within it, I tried to assure
myself whether such would be the case without it, and after
having been exposed to the air for some time, I immersed some
empty ones in fresh water, and at the end of three days found
them as pliant and flexible as the first.

As regards the connection between the animal and the shell
in which it is housed, I have not found any ligament or mus-
cle which connects them ; while the sac is simply held by the
turning of the end of the spiral, from which it may be easily
separated ; and it appears that the tight adhesion of the sac
against the internal surface of the ribs of the shell is sufficient
to hold it attached. Moreover the external super-position of
the sail-arms keeps the shell firmly upon the poulp.

Passing on now to what it has been my fortune to observe
with regard to the habits of this mollusc, I shall remark that
in a state of natural liberty in the environs of Messina, and
even in the port, the argonaut is to be found almost all the
year, although in larger or smaller quantity. But I should
say their true season to be during autumn, or September, Oc-
tober, and November. It may be because the sea at that time
brings them with the current of the Faro ; or because that
season is more favourable to them on account of certain ma-
rine matters on which they feed ; or finally because it may be
the time of their fecundation. They are therefere seen most
abundantly in the muddiest parts of the port, and exactly
where the anchored boats are thickest among them.

On observing any person, if they are on the surface of the
water, they fold the sail-arms over the shell, and the rowing
ones inside of it, and sink to the bottom.

If they are under water, by means of the tube, where ter-

106 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT.

minate the excretory ducts of the ink-vessel, they throw the
ink forth, like the rest of the cephalopods, in order to make
the water turbid, and thus escape from the enemy by gaining
time to hide in the mud. When still further pursued, whilst
in the cage, they would make use of another stratagem, after
having employed the first ; this was to spirt a quantity of
water by means of the tube, then tired, they would shrink
into the shell, and withdrawing the sails, which are always
folded over it, would spread them and cover it entirely, mak-
ing it appear at first silvery, as I have before said, but an in-
stant after along the suckers, over all the keel and spiral, a
purple colour would spread, and the concentric circles of
spots would appear spread over the two surfaces.

During calm weather, and in quiet water, if not feeling
themselves observed, they make a parade of their many beau-
ties, rowing with full sails tinged with beautiful colours, and
resting the extremities of the sail-arms on the two sides of the
shell, or embracing the shell with them. It is then that their
different movements and habits may be observed ; but I was
obliged to act with the greatest caution in order to enjoy this
spectacle, for the creatures are extremely suspicious, and no
sooner find themselves observed, than they let themselves fall
to the bottom of the cage, and do not rise again for many
hours ; neither could I, like others, have become so assured of
their habits in open sea, without the precautions taken by me,
and from accidental observations.

Sometimes when pressed by hunger, they would come al-
most to the surface of the water, and when I offered them food
would snatch it out of my hands, exhibiting great voracity.

Although I have studied to learn whether these animals are
of separate and distinct sex, I have not been able to make out
more than that all those examined by me, and these were
more than a hundred, were furnished with eggs. I have
thence concluded that they were hermaphrodites. But here-
after I intend to make other careful anatomical researches on
this subject, which at present I have not the opportunity to
do.

{To be continued.)

ON SNOW CRYSTALS. 107

Art. II. — On someSnoiv Crystals observed on the 14/A of January,
1838. By William Thompson, Esq., (V.P.), and Robert
Patterson, Esq., Members of the Natural History Society of Bel-
fast.

At Belfast, on the 14th of January, 1838, about half an hour
after noon, we remarked among some ordinary snow-flakes
which, since the morning, had been falling very sparingly,
some of the beautiful lamellar crystals which present so great
a diversity of figure. We immediately hastened out of town,
that we might have an opportunity of observing them undis-
turbed, and for about an hour enjoyed this high gratification.
They then ceased to fall, the day became fine, and no return
of the phenomenon took place.

With respect to the means of observation, we were very dif-
ferently circumstanced from Dr. Nettis, who states that he
w T as "prepared, in the year 1740, to make the most minute
observations, and the most exact drawings in his power, of
the most perfect figures of snow." — ('Phil. Trans.' 1755, p.
645) : and mentions the kind of microscope, and double con-
vex glasses employed for this purpose. We were furnished
only with the ordinary pocket lenses, and consequently were
unable to attain that minute accuracy which is so desirable.
However, we most carefully sketched the crystals, either as
they fell, or lay undisturbed on pieces of wood or metal ex-
posed to the weather ; and thus secured representations of a
considerable number.

On the following day we had the pleasure of comparing
and identifying nearly all our figures with those of Hooke, 1
Nettis, and Scoresby, 2 but at the same time discovered that
some which we had seen, had not been described or delineated
by these authors. Nineteen distinct forms at least were
distinguished ; and when the limited period of our observa-
tions is considered, in connection with the simple lenses em-
ployed, we feel satisfied that under more favourable circum-
stances, the number of figures might easily have been doubled.

It was the opinion of Scoresby that the configuration of the
crystals "may be referred to the temperature of the air," and
in his table some (which we recognised) are mentioned as
having been observed at a temperature of 10°, and others at
a temperature of 27.26°. From the circumstance of several
distinct figures having been detected by us falling simultane-
ously, it is obvious that a great diversity of form may be co-
existent with the same degree of temperature, and of course

1 ' Micrograpliia.' 2 'Arctic Regions.'

108 ON SNOW CRYSTALS.

that a great range of temperature is not essential for the pro-
duction of this diversity. Among the configurations we ob-
served as identical with those of Scoresby, were two forms
(Jigs. 59 and 69) which had only once fallen under his ob-
servation. Dr. Nettis mentions that in one day and night
" he observed fifteen, twenty, or more particles of snow diffe-
rently formed ;" and by the observations of eight days, viz.,
the 11th, 12th, 13th, 21st and 23rd of January, and the 6th,
23rd, and 24th of February, he was enabled to figure the
ninety-one crystals published in connection with his memoir.
The shower of crystals which we had the gratification of wit-
nessing, would seem in comparison to have been peculiarly
rich in diversity of figures. ■

The size of our crystals may next be noticed. Scoresby

1 The following notice of their previous occurrence to me in England pre-
sents a remarkable difference in this respect : since it was published I have
not seen any record of these lamellar crystals having been observed in the
British Islands. " On the 22nd of March, 1833, when travelling outside a
stage coach from London to Shrewsbury, and near to Daventry, the day
being up to this time mild and calm, (the weather for some weeks previously
had been excessively cold, with prevalent easterly and north-easterly winds),
snow, of the loose fleecy kind common to the climate, began to fall, but
mingled with it there appeared beautifully delicate lamellar crystals, of
uniform transparency,having aspherical nucleus, from which sprang six and
twelve radii, most exquisitely formed, all the rays on each species being
equal, and not in a single instance deviating from the regularity of geome-
trical proportion, as has on some occasions been observed. By far the
greater number of these were of the former species, having six points radi-
ating from a centre." The figures 20 and 94 in the plates of snow crystals
in Scoresby 's 'Arctic Regions' represent both these crystals, the lines exhi-
bited as extending from the centre of the latter not having been however
visible to the naked eye." — Lond. & Ed. Phil. Mag. vol. v. p. 318.

On this occasion two forms only of these crystals were observed, and it is
considered by Scoresby that Nos. 93 and 94, each having twelve spines, ap-
pear to be accidental varieties, and are produced probably by the correct
application of two similar crystals upon each other. If this opinion be cor-
rect, one normal kind only occurred, and merely the two forms having come
under notice may seem to favour this idea ; as may also the fact of the six
being much more numerous than the twelve pointed ones. Opposed to this
view however is the circumstance, that the twelve points on all I saw were
placed at equal distances, as they are figured by Scoresby, who does not
state that he ever observed any irregularity in them : but if formed by the
application of two six-sided crystals, why should not the points have occa-
sionally appeared at irregular as well as regular distances ? Of the two
forms seen in England, No. 20, or the six-sided, only appeared on this oc-
casion. Both days were alike calm ; the wind on the former was north,
with a point of east : on the latter south-east.

Mr. Patterson was the first to observe the crystals at Belfast, and imme-
diately hastened to inform me of the circumstance, when I joined him, and
from our united observations the above article has been drawn up. — Wm.
Thompson.

ON SNOW CRYSTALS. 109

mentions that the largest crystal represented was ^ of an
inch in diameter, the smallest ^" z Dr. Nettis remarks, —
" the natural size of most of the shining quadrangular parti-
cles, and of the little stars of snow, as well the simple as the
less compound ones, does not exceed the twentieth part of an
inch." 2 It is possible that there might have been very minute
figures, which, from our manner of observation, may have es-
caped our notice ; but those which we did observe, and were
able to identify, generally exceeded very considerably the
sizes recorded by the above authors. To fig. 39 of Nettis
(No. 6 ? of Scoresby) he has attached a mark denoting the
natural size. This is less than a line in diameter, and is con-
sequently only one- third the size of some similar in form which
came under our observation. Some of ours very considerably
exceed the extreme size mentioned by Nettis, and equal the
largest described by Scoresby ; and their average diameter
was such that the unassisted eye could discriminate the va-
rious figures as they lay on a dark ground, and could even
detect some of the varieties floating through the air, their de-
scent being slow in consequence of the calmness of the day.
After falling they remained undissolved, retaining, from the
freezing state of the atmosphere, their undiminished sharp-
ness and perfection of figure, and continuing obvious to the
most unpractised eye which should chance to fall upon the
wood or metal on which they were conspicuously exhibited.
Judging from their abundance in such situations, they con-
stituted fully one-third of what had fallen.

It is worthy of remark that all the varieties figured by
Hooke in his ' Micrographia,' published in 1665, or by Dr.
Nettis of Middleburgh, in 1740, and the whole of those ob-
served by us, belong exclusively to the "lamellar," or first of
the genera into which they are divided by Scoresby. All,
with the exception of Nos. 5 and 19, were "perfect figures,"
and we may also add " many instances occur of mutilated
and irregular specimens ; some wanting two or three radii,
and others having radii of different sizes and shapes." We
observed also that an excess instead of a deficiency of some
of the parts occasionally interfered with the geometric accu-
racy of the figures ; a circumstance which did not escape the
minute accuracy of Dr. Nettis, who gives two representations
(Nos. 57 and 84) of " anomalous figures of snow," of which,
he adds, " there is an infinite variety."

In the observations made by Mr. Hooke and in those by
Dr. Nettis, on lamellar crystals, no information is conveyed

1 'Arctic Regions,' vol. i. p. 431. 2 ' Phil. Trans.' part i. 1755, p. 674.
Vol. III.— No. 27. n. s. m

110

ON SNOW CRYSTALS.

respecting the state of the atmosphere at the time any pecu-
liar configuration was distinguished. Mr. Scoresby on the
contrary has referred almost every figure to a table, exhibit-
ing the most obvious atmospheric phenomena at the time each
crystal was observed. The portion of this table which relates
to the varieties noticed by us, is here extracted for the conve-
nience of reference in our remarks on the several forms here-
after recorded.

DATE.

6

THERM.

BAB.

WINDS.

EEMARKS.

DIRECTION.

FORCE.

1809 Apr. 15
May 2

1 Apr. 17
May 1

1

6

10

15
20
22
24
38

41

59

95

21
10

19
12

23
10
21
27.26
20

29.92
29.84

29.84
29.65

29.95
29.84
29.80
29.80
29.67

N.N.E.
N.N.E.

Fresh gale
do.

Snow very profuse

Delicate crystals floating in the air

A considerable quantity of snow

Occasional crystals deposited

No observations recorded

Do.

Small showers of fine crystals

Delicate crystals floating in, the air

Snow very profuse

Various and beautiful figures vastly

profuse
Snow in considerable quantity

T Jto

4

N.E.

N.N.W.
N.N.E.
N.N.E.

S.E.

N.E.

Strongbreeze

TO

1816 Apr. 29

1809 May 2
Apr. 15

1817 May 6 1

1810 Apr. 21

4
i

To-
ll

Mod. breeze
Fresh gale

Fresh breeze
Strong gale

1

State of the atmosphere as observed at the Belfast Museum, Jan. 14th, 1838.
9 A.M. Therm. 31.50. Bar. 29.95. Wind E.S.E. calm.) Sky generally

3 P.M.

32.95.

■29.86.

S.E.

) overcast.

No. I. This is identical with No. 1 of Scoresby. In speaking of it he re-
marks, — " It is the most general form met with. It varies in size
from the smallest speck to ^ of an inch diameter. It seems in great-
est profusion when the temperature approaches the freezing point."
This figure with its various modifications, forming No. 1 to 8 in our
list, was by far the most abundant. Its size varied from 2 to 4 lines
in diameter. Its radii, with their attendant ramifications, recal im-
mediately to the mind the appearance of some vegetable productions.
This idea occurred nearly two centuries ago to Hooke; who remarks,
"there is a vegetable which does exceedingly imitate these branches,
and that is Feam, where the main stem may be observed to shoot out
branches, and the stems of each of these lateral branches, to send
forth collateral," &c.

No. 2. In this the lines diverging from each ray increase in length as they
approach the extremity, so that those from the adjacent radii come
nearly into contact. It does not appear among the numerous figures
of Nettis or Scoresby.

No. 3. In this on the contrary the lines gradually decrease as they approach
the extremity, and the figure precisely resembles one given in Hooke's
Micrographia (the largest in the second line), except that the six ra-
dii presented a more pointed appearance.

No. 4. Here the lines diverging from the radii were extremely irregular in
length. It is not figured by the authors above referred to.*

ON SNOW CRYSTALS. Ill

No. 5. This had the peculiarity of possessing eight radii, the alternate ones
little more than half the length of the others ; all finely feathered ;
the diverging lines decreasing as they approach the extremity, as in
figure 3. One only of this configuration was observed. It is not fi-
gured in the works before us.

Nos. 6, 7, 8. These are identical with the representations given by Nettis,
numbered 62, 78, 79.

No. 9. Identical with No. 56 of Nettis, but less abundant than the preced-
ing.

No. 10. The spicules of this form (No. 6 of Scoresby, 39 ? of Nettis) were
very few in number and about 2i lines diameter.

No. 11. No. 10 of Scoresby is nearly but not precisely the form which we
observed. In ours the radii, instead of maintaining a uniform thick-
ness throughout their entire length, gradually expand as they ap-
proach the terminating trefoil, and merge into the curves of that
figure. They were few in number. Diameter l£ line. This was
twice noticed by Scoresby : the thermometer in the first instance be-
ing 19°, in the latter 10°.

No. 12. Identical with figure 15 of Scoresby. Few in number. Diameter
2 lines.

No. 13. No. 20 of Scoresby. One only observed by us. Diameter \\ line

No. 14. Vide figures 22 and 29 of Scoresby. Neither of these conveys an
accurate idea of the form indicated by our No. 14. It had the mar-
gin and points opaque, the disk filmy and transparent, as in fig. 59,
but the points resembled those delineated in figure 22. Diameter
about l£ line.

No. 15. Here, as in the preceding, it is necessary to combine two of Scores-
by's figures, to convey a correct idea of the spicula we mean to re-
present. In this instance the radii were feathered as in figure 24,
but terminated as in figure 15. One only was observed. Diameter
2 lines.

No. 16. This accords with figure 38 of Scoresby, and occurred to him at a
temperature as low as 10°. We observed but one specimen of this
form ; it was somewhat opaque. Diameter 2 lines.

No. 17. A few spicules presented themselves differing from No. 41 of Scores-
by in having three instead of two leaflets. Diameter about 2 lines

No. 18. Fig. 69 of Scoresby. One of this form and opacity was remarked.
Diameter about 2\ lines.

No. 19. Two of Scoresby's figure 95 were found united, forming by their
union an irregular figure .

The weather for some days previous had been frosty, and
the barometer gradually falling from about noon on the 12th
inst. On the morning succeeding these observations there
was snow, followed by showers of sleet, and at noon a heavy
rain set in, which continued without intermission the remain-
der of the day.

Since the preceding observations were made we have found
that snow crystals are not unfrequent in Ireland, although we
are not aware of any published record of their occurrence. —
The facts which have led to this conclusion may be briefly
stated.

112 ON SNOW CRYSTALS.

After the crystals had been observed by us, we mentioned
the matter to some friends, who, a few days afterwards, in-
formed us that several had fallen about four miles from Bel-
fast, on a lake then frozen over. On being shown Scoresby's
figures, they identified several of them, and pointed out two
pyramidal forms as particularly abundant. None of this con-
figuration were noticed by us.

Robert Ball Esq., of Dublin, informs us that he has occa-
sionally observed them at Youghal and Dublin.

On the 13th of February, 1838, Mr. Patterson travelled by
coach from Dublin to Belfast. Snow had been falling heavi-
ly all the morning, but had ceased before his arrival at Jones-
borough. While stopping to change horses he found on the
low stone wall which separates the road from the adjoining
fields, a number of snow crystals such as he had formerly
seen. A few hundred yards farther on, the ground was per-
fectly free from snow, and continued so to Belfast. This
partial fall was the precursor of the great snow storm which
commenced on the 23rd of February, and for some days ren-
dered many roads impassable.

In the morning of March 23rd, at 8 o'clock, Mr. Patterson
noticed at Belfast, among many small compact particles of
snow scattered over the street, several hexagonal crystals, the
same as before, and from one to three lines in diameter. On
the little pools of water and ditches by the way- side towards
the Botanic Garden, the crystals appeared to great advantage
on the dark surface of the frozen water.

The ensuing morning at 9 o'clock a very small number of
snow crystals were falling. Immediately afterwards they be-
came more loose and irregular, and in five minutes more be-
gan to descend as a gentle rain. The sun then broke out,
and an instantaneous change of temperature was apparent.

Belfast, March 1838.

[The appearance of this article so many months subsequently to the date
of its reception, has arisen from the circumstance of the original manuscript
having been lost in passing through the twopenny post, and we were there-
fore reluctantly obliged to give the authors the trouble of drawing out a
second copy. — Ed.]

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 113

Art. Til. — Monograph of the Genus Sciurus, with Descriptions of
new Species and their Varieties, as existing in North America, —
By J. Bachman, D.D., President of the Literary and Philosophi-
cal Society, Charlestown, South Carolina, &c. &C 1

This genus includes many species, of which one or more ex-
ist in the various portions of the globe, with the exception
perhaps of New Holland. Several of these are extensively
diffused, and, from the operation of climate and other causes,
are subject to deviate into many varieties. This circumstance
has given infinite perplexity to European naturalists, in de-
signating the species existing in the warmer portions of
the eastern continent. Even the common squirrel of Europe
(Sciurus vulgaris) varies so much in colour in high latitudes,
that a doubt has for a long time existed whether these varie-
ties ought not to be regarded as true species.

In designating the species of American squirrels, and in
separating varieties from true species, a still greater difficulty
presents itself. Some of these are scattered over a vast ter-
ritory, — presenting peculiarities of colour in various localities.
The same species often differs considerably in size, varying
also in summer and winter pilage. The skulls and teeth of
most of the species present a striking similarity, nor do they
differ very widely in habit. Much confusion has also crept
into the accounts of different authors who have written on
our American squirrels ; great uncertainty exists respecting
the species alluded to, and all our monographs are acknow-
ledgedly very imperfect. In attempting to throw additional
light on this genus, I am far from supposing that I have no-
ticed all the true species that may exist in our extensive and
in many portions unexplored country ; nor can I say with
positive certainty that I have in every case been able to draw
the line of separation between varieties and true species. —
This difficult and perplexing task, however, has not been un-
dertaken without due caution and careful examination. Se-
veral hundred specimens, procured from various portions of
North America have been compared. Specimens of all the
species, with the exception of the great tailed squirrel (Set.
macrouru-s, Say), are in my possession. The latter also I had
an opportunity of examining in the Philadelphia Museum. —

1 Communicated by the author. Specimens of nearly all the squirrels
noticed in the present Monograph were exhibited by Dr. Bachman at the
Zoological Society's Meeting, Aug. I4th, 1838; and in the Society's Pro-
ceedings under that date a full abstract of the characters &c. of the species
is given. — Ed.

114 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

The species existing in Louisiana and in the territories bor-
dering on Texas, require a more careful examination, and the
vast and varied regions between the Rocky Mountains and
the Pacific, and especially those portions bordering on the
Mexican possessions, will no doubt present species not yet
enumerated.

Order RODENTIA.

Genus Sciurus, Linn., Erxleb., Cut., GeofFr., Illiger.

Eng. Squirrel. Gr. Smugo;. Fr. Ecureuil. Genu. Eichorn.

Dental formula.— Incis. §. Can. fjg. Grind. |$ or ff.—20 or 22.

Squirrels are distinguished by large inferior incisors much
compressed; by long tails generally longer than the bo-
dy, furnished with hairs arranged on the sides so as to re-
semble a feather. The tail, when the animal is in a state of
rest, is usually turned over the back and head, and partially
conceals the body. All true squirrels are destitute of cheek-
pouches. They have on the fore feet four toes, with a short
rudimental thumb, protected by a blunt nail. On the palm
are five tubercles, three of which are situated at the roots of
the toes, and two larger ones behind. The third toe from the
inner side is longer than the second, which distinguishes the
squirrels from the marmots and spermophiles. In the hind
foot there are five toes, with four naked callous eminences on
the sole at their roots. They have four large grinders on a
side in each jaw ; these are variously tuberculated. In young
animals there is a small additional grinder above in front,
which, in many of the species, very soon drops out, but in
the majority of our American squirrels this fifth grinder is ei-
ther permanent, or remains for more than a year. The mam-
ma are eight in number, two of which are situated on the
chest, and six on the sides of the belly. They produce from
four to six young.

The squirrel is admirably adapted to a residence on trees,
for which nature has designed it. Its fingers are long, slen-
der, and deeply cleft, and its nails very acute and greatly com-
pressed. It is enabled to leap from limb to limb, and from
tree to tree, clinging to the smallest twigs, and seldom miss-
ing its hold. When this happens to be the case, it preserves
its instinctive habit of grasping in its descent at the first ob-
ject which may present itself; or if about to fall to the earth
it spreads itself out in the manner of the flying squirrel, and
thereby presenting a greater resistance to the air, is enabled

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 115

to reach the ground without injury, and recovers itself so in-
stantaneously that it often escapes the vigilance of the dog
that watches its desceut and stands ready to seize upon it at
the moment of its fall. It immediately ascends a neighbour-
ing tree, emitting very frequently a querulous bark, which is
either a note of fear or of triumph. Although the squirrel
moves with considerable rapidity on the ground, yet it rather
runs than leaps ; on trees however its activity and agility are
surprising, and it is thus enabled often to escape from its ene-
mies, concealing itself eventually either among the thick fo-
liage, — in its nest, — or in the hollow of a tree.

The squirrel usually carries its food to the mouth by the fore
paws. Nuts and seeds of all kinds are secured between the
rudimental thumbs and the inner portions of the palms. —
When disturbed in this situation, it either drops the nut and
makes a rapid retreat, or seizes it with the incisors and car-
ries it to its hole or nest.

All our species of this genus, as far as we have been able
to become acquainted with their habits, build their nests ei-
ther in the fork of a tree, or on some secure portion of its
branches. The nest is spherical in shape, and is composed
of sticks, leaves, the bark of trees, and various kinds of mosses
and lichens. In the vicinity of these nests* however, they
have a still more secure retreat in some hollow tree, where
they retire in cold or in very wet weather, and where their
young are generally produced.

Several species of squirrel collect more or less food during
the abundant season of autumn, to serve as a winter store. —
This hoard is composed of various kinds of walnuts {Juglans),
hickories (Carya), chesnuts, chinquepins, acorns, corn, &c,
which may be found in their vicinity. The species however
that inhabit the southern portions of the United States, where
the ground is seldom covered with snow, and where they can
always derive a precarious support from the seeds, insects, and
worms which are scratched up among the leaves &c, are less
provident in this respect ; and of all our species the chicka-
ree, or Hudson's Bay squirrel {Sci. Hudsonius), is by far the
most industrious, and lays up the greatest quantity of food.

In the spring the squirrels shed their hair, which is re-
placed by a thinner and less furry coat ; during summer the
tails are narrower and less feathery than in autumn, when
they either receive an entire new coat, or a very great acces-
sion of fur ; at this season also the outer surfaces of the ears
are more thickly and prominently clothed with fur than in the
spring and summer.

Squirrels are notorious depredators on the Indian corn fields

110 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

of the planter, consuming great quantities of grain, and, by
tearing off' the husks, exposing an immense number of ears to
the mouldering influence of the dews and rain.

The usual note emitted by this genus is a kind of tremu-
lous querulous bark, not very unlike the quacking voice of a
duck. Although all our larger squirrels have shades of differ-
ence in their notes, which will enable the practised ear to de-
signate the species even before they are seen, yet this differ-
ence cannot easily be described by words. Their bark seems
to be the repetition of a syllable five or six times, — quack-
quack-quack-quack-qua, — commencing low, and gradually
raising its voice, and ending with a drawl on the la&t letter in
the syllable. The notes however of the smaller Hudson's
Bay squirrel, and its kindred species existing on the Rocky
Mountains, differ considerably from those of the larger squir-
rels ; they are sharper, more rapidly uttered, and of longer
continuance ; seeming intermediate between the bark of the
larger squirrels and the chipping calls of the ground squir-
rels (Tamias). The bark of the squirrel may be heard occa-
sionally in the forest during all hours of the day, but is more
common in the morning and afternoon. Any sudden noise,
or the distant report of a gun, is almost certain, during favor-
able weather, to be succeeded by the barking of the squirrel.
This is either a note of playfulness or of love. During such
times it seats itself for a few moments on the limb of a tree,
— elevates its tail over its back towards the head, and bend-
ing the point backwards continues to jerk its body and elevate
and depress the tail at the repetition of each successive
note. Like the mocking bird and the nightingale, however,
the squirrel no sooner begins to sing, (for to his own ear at
least his voice must be musical), than he also commences
skipping and dancing. He leaps playfully from limb to limb,
sometimes pursuing his rival or his mate for a few moments,
and then reiterating with renewed vigour his querulous and
monotonous notes.

One of the most common habits of the squirrel, with which
a mysterious instinct has favoured it to conceal itself from the
prying eyes of its enemies, is that of circling around the tree
on the opposite side, so as completely to evade the sight ;
hence it is almost essential to the sportsman's success, that
he should be accompanied by a second person, who, in walk-
ing slowly round the tree on which the squirrel has been seen,
causes him to move to the side where the gunner is silently
stationed. When the squirrel has been seated on a limb at
the approach of man, and fancies himself undiscovered, he
immediately depresses his tail, and extending it along the

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 117

limb behind him, presses his body so closely to the branch,
that he frequently evades the most practised eye, and is thus
enabled to escape.

Notwithstanding the agility of the squirrel, man is not his
only nor even his most formidable enemy. The owl makes a
frequent meal of those species which continue to seek their
food late in the evening and early in the morning. Several
kinds of hawk, especially the red-tailed (Falco borealis), and
the red-shouldered {Fal. lineatus), pounce upon them by day.
The black snake, rattlesnake, and other species, have the
means of entrapping them ; and the ermine, the fox, and the
wild cat are incessantly exerting their sagacity in lessening
their numbers.

1. Fox Squirrel. Sciurus capistratus.

Sciurus capistratus ; Bosc, 'Ann. du Mus.' vol. i. p. 281.

vulpinus P Linn. Ed. Gmel., 1788.

niger ; Catesby.

Black Squirrel; Bartram's Travels in North America.
Sciurus capistratus; Desm. * Mammalogie,' p. 332.

variegatus ; Desm. ' Mammalogie,' p. 333.

capistratus ; Cuv. ' Regne Animal,' vol. i. p. 193.

Fox Squirrel; Lawson's Carolina, p. 124.

Sciurus capistratus ; Harlan.

vulpinus; Godman.

Essent. Char.— Size large; tail longer than the body; hair coarse,
ears and nose white: subject to great varieties in colour.

This is the largest and most interesting species of this ge-
nus found in the United States; and although it is subject
to great varieties of colour, which has occasioned no little
confusion in the creation of several nominal species, yet it
possesses several striking and uniform markings by which the
species, through all its varieties, may be distinguished at a
glance from any other.

Dental formula.— Incis. |. Can. gg. Grind. &— 20.

Although I have given to this species but four grinders on
each side in the upper jaw, and which peculiarity applies to
ne?rly all the specimens that may be examined, yet in a very
young animal obtained on the 5th of April in South Carolina,
and which had apparently left the nest but a day or two, I
observed a very minute, round, deciduous, anterior grinder on
each side. These teeth however must be shed at a very early

Vol. III.— No. 27. n. s. n

118 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIUItUS.

period, as in two other specimens obtained on the 20th of the
same month, they were entirely wanting. The teeth of all
our squirrels present so great a similarity that it will be found
impossible to designate the species from these alone, without
referring to other peculiarities which the eye of the practical
naturalist may detect. In young animals of this species, the
tuberculous crowns on the molars are prominent and acute ;
these sharp points however are soon worn off, and the tuber-
cles in the adult are round and blunt. The first molar in the
upper jaw is the smallest, and is triangular in shape ; the se-
cond and third are a little larger and square ; and the poste-
rior one, which is about the size of the third, is rounded on
its posterior surface. The upper incisors, which are of a deep
orange colour anteriorly, are strong and compressed, deep at
their roots, flat on their sides ; in some specimens there is a
groove anteriorly, running longitudinally through the middle,
presenting the appearance of a double tooth, — in others this
groove is wanting. In the lower jaw the anterior grinder is
the smallest, — the rest increase in size to the last, which is
the largest.

Form. — Nose obtuse ; forehead slightly arched ; whiskers
black, a little longer than the head ; ears rounded, covered
with short hairs on both surfaces ; there is scarcely any pro-
jection of the fur beyond the outer surface, as is the case in
nearly all the other species ; the hair is very coarse, appear-
ing in some specimens geniculate ; tail broad and distichous;
legs and feet stout, and the whole body has more the appear-
ance of strength than of agility.

Colour. — In the grey variety of this species, which is, as
far as I have observed, the most common, the nose, extend-
ing to within four or five lines of the eyes, the ears, feet, and
belly, are white ; forehead and cheeks brownish black ; the
hairs on the back are dark plumbeous near the roots ; then a
broad line of cinereous; then black, and broadly tipped with
white, with an occasional black hair interspersed, especially
on the neck and fore-shoulder, giving the animal a light grey
appearance ; the hairs in the tail are, for three fourths of their
length, white from the roots, then a ring of black, with the tips
white. This is the variety given by Bosc and other authors
as Sciurus capistratus.

Second variety ; the black fox squirrel. Nose and ears
white, a few light-coloured hairs on the feet, the rest of the
body and tail black ; there are occasionally a few white hairs
in the tail. This is the original black squirrel of Catesby and
Bartram, (Sci. niger).

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 119

Third variety. Nose, mouth, under jaw and ears, white ;
head, thighs, and belly, black ; back and tail dark grey. —
This is the variety alluded to by Desmarest, ' Ency. Method.'
— Mammalogie, 333.

There is also a fourth variety, which is very common in
Alabama, and also occasionally seen in the upper districts of
South Carolina, and has on several occasions been sent to me
as a distinct species. The ears and nose, as in all the other
varieties, are white. This indeed is a permanent mark, run-
ning through all the varieties, by which this species may be
easily distinguished. Head and neck black ; back a rusty
blackish brown ; neck, thighs, and belly bright rust colour ;
tail annulated with black and red. This is the variety erro-
neously considered by the author of the notes on McMurtrie's
translation of Cuvier (see vol. i. Appendix, p. 433) as the
Sciurus rufiventer.

The three first varieties noted above are common in the
lower and middle districts of South Carolina ; and although
they are known to breed together, yet it is very rare to find
any specimens indicating an intermediate variety. Where
the parents are both black, the young are invariably of the
same colour ; the same may be said of the other varieties :
where on the other hand there is one parent of each colour,
an almost equal proportion of the young are of the colour of
the male the other of the female. On three occasions I had
opportunities of examining the young produced by progeni-
tors of different colours. The first nest contained four, — two
black and two grey ; the second, one black and two grey ; and
the third, three black and two grey. The colour of the young
did not, in a majority of instances, correspond with that of
the parent of the same sex ; although the male parent was
black, the young males were frequently grey, and vice versa.

Dimensions of the fox squirrel. —

IN. LIN.

Length of head and body 14 5

Ditto of tail, (vertebra?) 12 4

Ditto of tail to the tip 15 2

Ditto of palm and middle fore elaw 1 9

Ditto of sole and middle hind claw 2 11

Ditto of fur on the back „ 8

Height of ear posteriorly „ 7

Geographical distribution. — This species is said to exist
sparingly in New Jersey : 1 have not observed it farther north
than Virginia, nor could I find it in the mountainous districts
of that state. In the pine forests of North Carolina it be-
comes more common. In the middle and maritime districts

120 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

of South Carolina it is almost daily met with, although it can-
not be said to be an abundant species anywhere. I have al-
so seen it in Georgia, and have received specimens from Mid-
dle Florida and Alabama.

Habits. — Although there is a general similarity of habit in
all the species of Sciurus, yet the present has some pe-
culiarities which I have never noticed in any other. The fox
squirrel, instead of preferring the rich low lands, thickly
clothed with timber, as is the case with the Carolina grey
squirrel, is seldom seen in such situations, but prefers ele-
vated pine ridges, where the trees are not crowded near each
other, and where there is an occasional oak or hickory inter-
spersed. It is also frequently found in the vicinity of rich
valleys, to which it resorts for the nuts, acorns, and chinque-
pins [Casianea pumila) which such soils produce. In some
aged and partially decayed oak, this squirrel finds a safe re-
treat for itself and mate. A hollow r tree of this kind is suffi-
cient for its purpose ; if nature has prepared a hole for it, it
occupies it ; if otherwise, it finds no difficulty in gnawing a
hole, — sometimes several, — for its accommodation. The tree
itself is however, in all cases, hollow, and it only gnaws
through the outer shell in order to find a residence, which re-
quires but little labour and skill to render it secure and com-
fortable. At other times it takes possession of the deserted
hole of the ivory -billed woodpecker {Picus principalis). —
The summer duck too is frequently a competitor for the same
residence; contests for possession occasionally take place
between these three species, and I have generally observed,
that the tenant that has already deposited its eggs or young
in such situations is seldom ejected. The male and female
summer duck unite in chasing and beating with their wings
any squirrel that may approach their nests, nor are they idle
with their bills and tongues, but continue biting, hissing, and
napping their wings until the intruded is expelled. On the
other hand, when the squirrel has its young in the hole of a
tree, and is intruded on either by a woodpecker or a summer
duck, it immediately rushes to its hole, and after having en-
tered, remains at the mouth of it, occasionally protruding its
head, and with a low and angry bark keeps possession until
the intruder, weary of the contest, leaves it unmolested. —
Thus, nature imparts to each species additional spirit and
vigour in defence of its young ; whilst at the same time the
intruder on the possession of others, as if conscious of the
injustice of his acts, evinces a spirit of pusillanimity and
cowardice.

In the vicinity of this permanent residence of the fox squir-

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 121

rel, several nests, composed of sticks, leaves, and mosses,
are usually seen on the pine trees. These are seldom placed
on the summits, but in the fork of a tree, and more frequently
where several branches unite to afford a sure resting-place to
these nests. This may be called their summer home, for it
seems to be occupied only in fine weather, and is deserted
during wintry and stormy seasons.

The breeding season is in December and January, when
the male chases the female for hours together on the same
tree, running up one side and descending on the other, fol-
lowing her from one branch to the other, making at the same
time a low guttural noise that can scarcely be compared with
the barking notes which they utter on other occasions. The
young are produced from the beginning of March, and some-
times earlier, to April. The nests containing them which I
have had an opportunity of examining, were always in hol-
low trees. They receive the nourishment of the mother for
four or five weeks, when they are left to shift for themselves,
but continue to reside in the vicinity of, and even to occupy,
the same nests with their parents, till autumn. It has been
asserted by several planters in Carolina, that this species has
two broods during the season ; as far however as my person-
al observations have enabled me to judge, I have been led to
believe that they have no other product than that of early
spring.

The food of this species is various ; besides acorns and the
different kinds of nuts, its principal subsistence for many
weeks in autumn is on the fruit extracted from the cones of
the pine, especially that of our long-leaved pitch pine [Pinus
palustris). Whilst the green corn is yet in its milky state,
the fox squirrel makes long journeys to visit the fields, and
for the sake of convenience frequently builds a temporary
summer-house in the vicinity, in order to share with the little
Carolina squirrel and the crow a portion of the delicacies and
treasures of the husbandman ; where he is also exposed to
the risks incurred by the thief and plunderer ; for these fields
are usually guarded by a gunner, and in this way thousands
of squirrels are destroyed during the green corn season. It is
doubtful whether the fox squirrel lays up any winter stores,
There appears to be no food in any of his nests, nor does he.
like the red squirrel {Sciurus Hudsonius), resort to any hoards
which, in the season of abundance, were buried in the earth
or concealed under logs and leaves. During this season he
leaves his retreat but seldom, and then only for a short time,
and in fine weather in the middle of the day. He has evi-
dently the power, like the marmot and racoon, of being sus-

122 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

tained for a considerable length of time, without much suffer-
ing, in the absence of food. When this animal makes his
appearance in the winter, he is seen searching among the
leaves where the wild turkey has been busy at work, and
gleaning the refuse acorns which have escaped his search ; at
such times also this species does not reject worms and insects
which he may detect beneath the bark of fallen or decayed
trees. Towards spring he feeds on the buds of the hickory,
oak, and various other trees, as well as on several kinds of
roots, especially of the wild potato. As the spring advances
farther, he is a constant visitor to the black mulberry tree
{Morus rubra), where he finds a supply for several weeks. —
From this time till winter the fruits of the field and forests en-
able him to revel in abundance.

Most other species of this genus when alarmed in the woods
immediately betake themselves to the first convenient tree
that presents itself, — not so with the fox squirrel. When he
is aware of being discovered whilst on the ground, he pushes
directly for a hollow tree, which is often a quarter of a mile
distant, and it requires a good dog, a man on horseback, or a
very swift runner, to induce him to alter his course, or com-
pel him to ascend any other tree. When he is silently seated
on a tree, and imagines himself unperceived by the person
approaching him, he suddenly spreads himself flatly on the
limb, and gently moving to the opposite side, often by this
stratagem escapes detection. When however he is on a small
tree, and is made aware of being observed, he utters a few
querulous, barking notes, and immediately leaps to the ground
and hastens to a more secure retreat. If overtaken by a dog
he defends himself with great spirit, and is often an over-
match for the small terriers which are used for the purpose of
treeing him. He is very tenacious of life, and an ordinary
shot gun, although it may wcund him repeatedly, will seldom
bring him down from the tops of the high pines to which he
retreats when pursued, and in such situations the rifle is the
only certain enemy he has to dread.

This squirrel is seldom seen out of its retreat early in the
mornings and evenings, as is the habit of the other species.
He seems to be a late riser, and usually makes his first appear-
ance at 10 or 11 o'clock, and retires to his domicile long be-
fore evening. He does not appear to indulge so frequently in
the barking propensities of the genus as the other and small-
er species. This note when heard is not very loud but hoarse
and guttural. He is easily domesticated, and is occasionally
seen in cages, but is less active and sprightly than the small-
er species.

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 123

As an article of food the fox squirrel is apparently equally
good with any other species, although I have observed that
the little Carolina squirrel is usually preferred, as being more
tender and delicate. Where however squirrels are very abun-
dant, men soon become surfeited with this kind of food, and
in Carolina, even among the poorer class, it is not generally
preferred.

This species, like all the rest of the squirrels, is infested
during the summer months with a troublesome larva, which,
fastening itself on the neck or shoulders, must be very annoy-
ing, as those most affected in this manner are usually poor,
and their fur appears thin and disordered. It is however less
exposed to destruction from birds of prey and wild beasts
than the other species. It leaves its retreat so late in the
mornings and retires so early in the afternoons, that it is wholly
exempt from the depredations of owls, so destructive to the
Carolina squirrel. I have seen it bid defiance to the attacks
of the red-shouldered hawk (Falco lineatus), the only abun-
dant species in the south, and it frequents those high grounds
and open woods where the fox and wild cat seldom resort,
during the middle of the day, so that man is almost the only
enemy it has to dread.

(To be continued.)

Art. IV — On the Anatomy of the Lamellibranchiate Conchiferous
Animals. By Robert Garner, Esq. F.L.S.

(Continued from Vol. ii. n. s. page 583J.

With respect to the chemical composition of the shells of
Bivalves little has been done. Hatchett 1 found them to con-
sist of carbonate of lime, and animal matter. In the oyster
shell Vauquelin* noticed animal matter, carbonate and phos-
phate of lime, carbonate of magnesia, and oxide of iron. The
earthy matter has commonly more or less of crystalline struc-
ture, and the membranes which support it, have, when freed
by a weak acid from the earthy matter and viewed with a lens,
a regular reticulated appearance. 3 The earthy matter is de-
posited in these membranes, which are themselves merely
indurated mucous transudations. The colorations of the
shells are various. Chemists have not ascertained the nature

1 Home, Lectures. 2 Malacologie. 3 Poli.

124 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

of this colouring matter. From its easy destructability it has
been supposed not to be of a mineral nature. ■ The coloured
markings on the external surface of the valves are of various
forms ; they are dependant upon the disposition of the veins
of the mantle ; they are often interrupted from the cessation
of the secretion at certain periods. The internal stains some-
times seen, and which pervade the whole thickness of the
shells, are produced by the contact of an excreting venous
organ, 2 destined to throw off the redundant colouring and
earthy matter, &c, and from its secretion the foot and extre-
mities of the tubes also are often brilliantly stained. Light
has an effect on this coloration ; when one valve is fixed, or
is constantly buried in the sand, the other, being most exposed,
is most coloured ; and such species as live immured in the
interior of rocks, wood, &c, are commonly destitute of colour.
The articulation of the valves, one with the other, presents
an infinite variety. The elastic substance, or cartilage 1 is
so placed, as to be compressed when the valves are closed by
the muscles ; and, regaining its original state when the mus-
cular force ceases, to open the shell. In addition to the car-
tilage, a ligament frequently adds to the security of the hinge.
These two may be conjoined or not. The cartilage is often
divided. In Pema it is perfectly so, the portions being situ-
ated in parallel grooves. In Area, &c, the portions are con-
joined at the point of the beak and diverge from it. The
former appears to be the divided elongated cartilage seen in
the generality of the Dimyaria ; the latter the divided verti-
cal cartilage, common in the Monomyaria. The cartilage is
composed of layers like the shell, being secreted, when inter-
nal, in a corresponding sac of the mantle, or, when external,
by a glandular prominence of it from a set of minute glands.
The former is the case in the Pecten, Spondylus, &c, the
latter in the Anadonta, Bucardium, &c. In the former case
the layers are deposited from below ; in the latter from behind.
There is no case in which the cartilage is before the beaks,
unless, as in the Area, it is divided and divergent. In all
cases, the cartilage must have its commencement apparent
at the very beaks of the valves, unless eroded, as it is in Os-
trea, Gryphcea, &c. This disunion of the cartilage may take
place more from one valve than the other, as is seen in some
species of the last named genus, causing the great length of

1 Iodine and bromine have been found in these shells. Is either of
them concerned in the coloration ?

2 Not of the liver, as supposed by Blainville.

3 Gray has shown the distinction between the cartilage and the ligament,
1 Zoolog. Journal,' vol. 1.

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 125

the beak in the lower valve. The situation of the ligament
is various ; in the Pecten it unites the ears of the valves ; in
the Area it is stretched over the wide space between the
beaks ; it unites the edges of the valves anterior to the beaks,
or is spread over the hmule in many other Dimyaria. When
as in the Bucardium, &c, the cartilage is external, and con-
vex and prominent above, its compression does not happen
from the pressure of the valves, as is the case with the species
with internal cartilages, but from the bending of it upon itself.
The elastic substance of the cartilage of this conformation
differs from that of the Pecten, &c, by its containing a por-
tion of carbonate of lime in its composition.

The hinge is likewise commonly furnished with teeth, often,
as in the Trigonia, of most regular conformation ; developed
for the purpose of preventing the sliding of the valves upon
each other ; fitting between their fellows of the opposite side
with great harmony. The teeth are wanting or weak when
there is great strength of muscle or cartilage ; when the irre-
gularity of the edges of the valves prevents sliding motion ;
when the shell is small, flat and polished, and hence little
exposed to violence ; or when the hinge and cartilage are
long. They are, however, very numerous in the long hinge
of the Arcacea, compensating for the weakness of the carti-
lage.

From the superior and posterior situation of the cartilage
in many bivalves, the anterior and inferior part of the shell
opens widest when the ligament acts, and from this part the
foot commonly protrudes. When the foot protrudes inferi-
ority, the cartilage is in the middle of the dorsal edge.

In those genera which have gaping shells and long fleshy
syphons, the cartilage is internal and situated on a projecting
process of one of the valves ; by such a disposition the shell
is not readily quite closed nor much opened. The shell is
only allowed to be opened widely when the lobes of the man-
tle unite to a small extent ; as is done by the internal carti-
lage of many of the Monomyaria.

When the foot is of a compressed form, from the position
of the ligament and cartilage, one on each side the beaks,
much motion is not provided for. When, as in the Area, the
foot is thick, we see in the linear hinge and in the remoteness
of the beaks, a provision for the considerable opening of the
valves by that organ, and in some species the valves them-
selves are gaping inferiorly for its exsertion. Besides the
teeth, the Osteodesma has a loose calcareous piece at the
hinge, before the internal ligament. In the Pholades there

Vol. III.— No. 27. n. s. o

126 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

is no cartilage ; ' but a process of the mantle overlaps the
beaks of the valves, and secretes a calcareous plate upon them.
This reflected portion of the mantle covers the anterior mus-
cle, which here goes from beak to beak ; in the calcareous
plates in the P. dactylus, without the insertion of the muscle,
is an external row of large and an internal one of small cavi-
ties, into which are inserted corresponding fimbriations of the
reflected portion of the mantle. This fleshy process is pro-
tected and covered by several thin calcareous plates, imbed-
ded between it and the cuticle : there are four of these in the
P. dactylus, but one in the P. candidus, P. conoides, &c.
There are likewise two spoon-like processes in the interior of
the valves, below the beaks ; secreted in two reflections of
the mantle, and giving attachment to a few of the fibres of
the foot. The Teredo has the valves joined by muscular
fibres alone, as has the Myastropha. The teeth are of infi-
nite diversity, in shape and position, and merit a more minute
examination than they have hitherto had. 2

MUSCULAR SYSTEM.

Many of these animals are immoveably fixed to the spots
on which they are found. The oyster, for instance, in the
young state, secretes the calcareous matter of the left valve
on rocks, &c, and only ceases to do so when a firm attach-
ment is formed. Other species are attached by a set of horny
filaments called the byssus. This is formed from the secretion
of a bilobed gland, situated within the base of the foot. This
gland, of which the existence is erroneously denied by Blain-
ville, is of a brown granular appearance ; it may readily be
found in the Mytilus or Modiola, lying upon the nervous
ganglion of the foot. Its duct opens into the bottom of the
groove situated on the posterior surface of that organ. Its
fluid secretion is moulded in this groove, and the thread,
which rapidly hardens, is fastened at one end to the tendi-
nous base of the foot, and at the other, by an expanded ex-
tremity, to the rocks to which the animal adheres. On rocky
shores we see how firmly and immoveably the common
muscles are bound by these threads. The Modiola discors
fixes itself to the cartilaginous tunics of Phallusia and other
Tunicata, and becomes buried in them, the anal extremity
only projecting. Some species of Pecten are fixed by the
spinous processes of their valves, some by a byssus, while

1 In the P. candidus, however, the author finds one, between the two
small spinous processes.

8 See a paper on the hinge of Bivalves by Wood, ' Linn. Trans.' vol. 6.

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 127

others, as the P. maximus, have the convex valve commonly
buried in the sand. These free species of Pecten swim and
leap by striking the water with their valves, closed by the
action of the voluminous adductor muscle. It is evident in
opening an oyster how powerful this muscle is ; in the Pec-
ten it is much more so. The principal organ of locomotion,
however, in these animals is the foot. The Monomyaria
have it little developed, some, as the oyster, having no trace
of it ; and in them it seems of little use as an organ of loco-
motion. When present in them it is of a cylindrical figure,
expanded at the extremity as in Lima, Pecten, &c. In the
Spondylus, from its terminal disk a filament depends, at the
extremity of which is a small oval body. In these genera a
long slender muscle arises from the upper part of the left
valve, and is inserted into this organ, bending it when in
action, up to the mouth. The byssus, according to Cuvier,
is present in the Perna and Malleus ; in one species of Lima
the author does not find it, though Blainville and Cuvier also,
correctly says it is present in another. It exists also in the
Avicula, Pinna, Lithodomus, Byssomya, &c. The foot,
which moulds it, receives several pairs of muscles, originating
from the valves, at different points, and inserted into its base.
In the Pecten and the other Monomyaria, there is but one
adductor muscle. In Avicula, Pinna, Mytilus, &c, another
is added at the anterior part of the shell ; in them, however,
yet small. In Lithodomus the anterior one is become equal
to the other ; in some species of Solen it is much the larger
of the two. These muscles pass directly from one valve to
the other, and are the antagonists to the force of the elastic
cartilage. The foot, in the Dimyaria, varies in its form, and
is occasionally very large. It has circular, longitudinal and
oblique fibres, and is attached to the valves by two or more
pairs of muscles as mentioned above. In Area it has a horny
substance at its lower part, analogous to the byssus of other
genera. In Nucula it is tentacular at its lower circumference.
In the JJnio it is large, oval, and slightly compressed laterally,
with anterior and posterior retractile muscles ; and there is
an orifice at its posterior extremity, by which the animal can
distend it with water ; as is the case in a greater degree in
others, as the Solen. In the Cyclas it is elongated, compress-
ed and blunt; in the Cardium round, and bent at a right
angle in the centre, and pointed at the extremity. In the
Mactra it is very long, large and lanceolate. It is broadly
lanceolate in Tellina, Psammobia, &c. ; larger and falciform in
Donax. It is securiform and rather expanded below in Pec-
tunculus ; of the same outline, but sharp inferiorly, in the

128 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

orbicular species of Venus. In My a, Thracia, Corbula, Pan-
dor a, &c, the muscular part is very small, projecting through
a small opening of the mantle. It is something like the hu-
man foot in Chama ; very long and attenuated in Loripes. I
It is club-shaped in Solen ; in Pholas, small, short and
rounded. The extremity of a cartilaginous body, to be de-
scribed hereafter, is contained within this organ ; and seems
to add to its elasticity and resilience. By the action of this
foot these animals can bore with great facility in the sand,
where some are found at considerable depth ; they can, like-
wise, accomplish a quick progression, by using it as a hook,
or pushing themselves forwards by its means ; they also swim
on the surface of the water, by expanding it into a concave
dish ; and climb perpendicular surfaces, by fixing its extre-
mity like a sucker. 2 Some species have the power of secret-
ing air into two sacs of the mantle, attached to the excretory
organs, by which their specific gravity is diminished, and
they readily change their situation at the ebb and flow of the
tides. The edge of the mantle is muscular ; in some genera
it is strongly adhesive to the shell ; in others loose, and ca-
pable of being considerably retracted by means of distinct
bundles of muscular fibres, attached to the valves at some dis-
tance from their edge, as is the case in Pecten, Pinna, &c.
In Lima, Pecten, Spondylus, &c, its margin is furnished with
long tentacles ; and in the two latter we see, at regular dis-
tances on this margin, small ocelli, looking in the fresh ani-
mal like so many emeralds, from their green colour and great
brilliancy. Each of these ocelli possesses a cornea, lens, cho-
roid, and nerve : they are without doubt organs of vision. 3
There is, likewise, in these animals, a muscular flap at the
edge of the mantle, apparently for the purpose of preventing
the escape of the water. When the syphons are developed,
a strong muscle takes its origin from the impression seen in
many shells at the posterior part of the internal surface, and
is inserted into them. The external fibres of these tubes are
circular, the internal longitudinal ; they are very contractile.
In the Anomia we find Jthe ordinary muscle of the Monomy-
aria ; also another which originates chiefly from the convex
valve, and is inserted into the operculum. This latter like-
wise receives a bundle of fibres from the articulating process

« Poli.

2 Bosc says the Venus genus comes to the surface, using one valve as a
boat and the other as a sail. Kirby, 'Bridgewater Treatise.'

3 See Poli.

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 129

of the flat valve, and sends others to the foot and mantle. ■

NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Tn more than twenty genera, examined for the purpose, the
neivous system has presented few differences ; and these dif-
ferences arise from the greater or less developement of certain
parts, and the greater or less distance at which the organs are
from each other. MangiliV description of the nerves of the
Anadonta is the only correct account of this system in these
animals. Poli mistook the nerves for lacteals, as their sheaths
are readily injected when the nervous pulp is softened by in-
cipient putrescence. Cuvier was not aware of the existence
of the pedal ganglion. Blainville considers the labial gan-
glia to be infra-cesophageal, and does not find the filament con-
necting the labial and pedal ganglia. When a foot is present
there are three ganglia, or pairs of ganglia ; when absent, but
two. These ganglia are of an orange colour externally, and
white within. Two ganglia are situated at the mouth, more
or less removed from each other, but always connected by a
supra-oesophageal nerve ; they are sometimes on a level with
or before the mouth, sometimes behind it. They give off on
each side filaments to the anterior muscle, tentacles, lips, and
anterior part of the mantle. Each ganglion likewise gives
off a twig, going to the posterior ganglia, which are situated
between the branchiae, on the posterior muscle. These are
united into one, when the branchiae are united medianly, as
in Mactra, Mya, Solen, &c. ; but at a distance from each
other when the branchiae are remote ; 3 but when so, are al-
ways connected by a transverse nerve as in Modiola, Avicula,
Lithodomus, Area, &c. These ganglia give nerves to the
branchiae, syphons, viscera, posterior muscle, mantle, &c.
The anterior ganglia also give off two twigs, which enter the
foot and unite into a double ganglion, from which that organ
is supplied with nerves. The posterior and pedal ganglia are
totally unconnected with each other. The mouth then is
surrounded by a wide ring, of which the part posterior to the
situation of the anterior ganglia upon it is double.

(7b be continued.)

1 See Reaumur, 'Du mouvement de quelques coquillages.' Mem. Acad.
Sciences, par 1710. Des differentes manieres dont plusieurs animaux s'at-
tachent, id. 171.

2 Archives fur Physiol, b. 9.

3 In Venus, where the ganglia are united, the branchiae, though divided
medianly are not remote.

130 MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND.

Art.V. — Observations on the History and Classification of the
Marsupial Quadrupeds of New Holland. By W. Ogilby, Esq.
M.A., &c. &c.

[The following " Observations" form the introduction to a paper on the
" General History and Description of Marsupial Animals," which was read
at different meetings of the Linnean Society, between the 6th of December
1831, and the 3rd of April, 1832. Its design was to describe the species of
Australian quadrupeds, at that period very imperfectly known in this
country, and of which the Linnean Society possessed the only collection at
all approaching to completeness, even in generic forms : but the imperfect
materials at my disposal for the illustration of the genus Macropus, first
induced me to postpone the completion of my memoir till I should have
an opportunity of examining the Continental Museums ; and when this
did happen, the advances which British zoologists had made in the know-
ledge of Marsupial species, rendered my original design in a great measure
useless. Great accessions had been made in the interim, both to the Bri-
tish Museum and to that of the Zoological Society, especially to the latter,
at the different meetings of which I had repeated opportunities of directing
the attention of the Fellows to the generic characters of these animals, and
of describing many new species.

During the progress of my inquiries, I had, besides, occasion to alter my
opinion as to the integrity of the group Marsupialia as a natural order of
mammals. One of the principal objects of my original paper was to re-
form the very arbitrary classification, or division into minor groups, which
the French naturalists had introduced into this department of mammalogy ;
and though I am no longer disposed to view the principal group itself in
the same light as formerly, I still think the publication of my labours at
that period may be of advantage to science, not only as a record of the state
of our knowledge upon this subject at the period in question, but likewise
because a simple and natural classification, admitting of ready application to
practical purposes, is likely to be of great use to colonial enquirers. In-
deed I have the satisfaction to think that this object has been in some mea-
sure accomplished already, though to a limited extent, by means of manu-
script copies of the classification in question, and lists of species, with which
I furnished various gentlemen about to visit the different Australian colo-
nies; among others Mr. Allan Cunningham, to whom I am happy to have
this opportunity of acknowledging my obligations for very copious details
relating to the habits and economy of these animals ; Mr. George Bennett,
(through the medium of our mutual friend Prof. Owen) ; Mr. Gould, &c]

Long ere British enterprise had planted the arts and cultiva-
tion of civilized life upon its solitary shores, at a period when
its very existence was inferred only from the conjectures of
theoretical geographers, or the scarcely less vague reports of
mariners, whom accident or misfortune drove out of their usu-
al course, the continent of New Holland, the Terra Australia
Incognita of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, divided
the attention of Europe and the interest of the curious with
the recently discovered Western Hemisphere, the land at once
of fiction and obscurity, of boundless wealth and still more

MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND. 131

boundless cupidity. Even at the present day, when its coasts
have been partially surveyed and its productions explored,
the primitive interest which attended the discovery of this
new world remains, in a great measure, unabated ; and the
statesman and the philosopher equally look towards the shores
of Australia, as the theatre upon which nature is expected to
develope the most wonderful principles both of moral and
physical science. The rapid progress and growing impor-
tance of the colonies which have been planted in that coun-
try, — the repeatedly baffled attempts to explore its internal
geography, — the savage and degraded condition of its primi-
tive inhabitants, — and finally, the strange and anomalous
forms of its natural productions, — are well calculated to ar-
rest the attention and excite the surprise of the most oppo-
sitely-constituted minds ; to gratify the philanthropist by the
contemplation of the greatest and rarest of moral phenomena,
— the most degraded vice and misery converted into honest
and contented prosperity, — and that too, upon a scale never
dreamt of by former ages, — and to excite the awe and reve-
rence of the philosopher whilst he admires, in new forms and
unknown beings, the inexhaustible variety of nature's works,
and recognizes the infinite wisdom and omnipotence of the
Great Creator.

To gratify a small portion of this very rational curiosity, —
to trace the history and describe the forms of the most inte-
resting, though, at the same time, the most limited, class of
the productions of this strange land, — to investigate the rela-
tions, and establish the zoological characters of Australian
Marsupials, 1 — is the object of the present essay; and if, in
this attempt, I have been in some cases less successful than
I could have wished, — as well from the imperfect opportuni-
ties which I have enjoyed, of examining these animals in the
living state, as from the brief and often confused notices of
colonial writers, — I venture to hope that my labours may at
least have the merit of directing the attention of colonial ob-
servers to this interesting subject, and of thus forming the ba-
sis of more valuable researches.

1 1 have substituted this form of the plural, throughout my paper, instead
of the more usual Latin terminations, Mammalia, and Marsupialia, as more
congenial to the spirit of our language. The word Mammal, from mam-
ma, a breast or udder, like Animal, from anima, mind or spirit, was formed
by Linnaeus to denote those animals which are furnished with mammary
glands. As we have no term of similar import in the English language, I
venture to propose the adoption of this, with its plural, mammals, as of
equally classical formation, and more agreeable to the genius of our verna-
cular tongue, than the French word mammifcres.

132 MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND.

In considering the mammals of New Holland generally,
the first circumstance that particularly attracts our attention
is that, with a very few exceptions, they all appear to belong
to the same natural group, and to possess organs, and exe-
cute functions, different from those of the Old World. This
is a most important as well as a curious fact, and one from
which we may deduce some valuable conclusions, with respect
to the origin and distribution of animals. If we were told,
for example, that a continent had been discovered, insulated
from all other parts of the habitable globe, and differing in its
geographical features and natural productions, from all that
experience had made familiar to us in the Old World ; — if we
were told that its plants were peculiar, and its animals of an
anomalous race ; that, — excepting the dog, which follows his
master, man, wherever he establishes his dominion, — it had
not a single species, and scarcely even a genus, of mammals,
in common with other countries ; that it nourished no quad-
ruped with which we were already acquainted, and that its
own were absolutely confined within the circle of its shores ;
— finally, if we were told that the mammals which it did pos-
sess, were formed upon a distinct and peculiar model, and en-
dowed with organs and modifications different from those of
known quadrupeds, — what would be our natural reflection ?
Should we not be inclined to ascribe the formation of such an
insulated continent to a distinct plan, perhaps to a different
period, of creation ? Or rather, should we not consider its
animal productions as affording evidence of a separate and
peculiar design in their formation ? One conclusion, at least,
forces itself upon our belief with irresistible certainty ; viz.,
that, at whatever period these animals were first called into
existence, they must, necessarily, have been created upon the
insulated continent which they now inhabit : nor do I think
it at all inconsistent with the idea which we entertain of the
Great First Cause of all things, or derogatory either to his
glory or power, to suppose that their existence may be the
result of a subsequent act of creation ; — nay, that new species
like new individuals, maybe daily springing into being, to sup-
ply the place of those which daily perish, and of which the
remains are so abundantly strewed beneath the surface of the
earth.

Whatever degree of probability may attach to these specu-
lations, it is a fact no less certain than curious, that the con-
tinent of Australia, as far, at least, as regards the mammals
hitherto discovered upon its shores, is precisely placed in the
circumstances here described. With the exception of the
American opossums, and a few species of phalangers, scat-

MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND. 138

tered over that long chain of islands which forms an almost
uninterrupted communication between the northern shores of
Australia and the continent of India, these animals possess
no organic type among the quadrupeds of the Old World;
and those, on the other hand, have but few representatives
within the boundaries of New Holland and its dependencies.
What inferences, then, are we to deduce from these singular
facts ? Do this vast continent, and the strange and ane-
malous productions which it nourishes, really owe their ex-
istence to the operation of peculiar causes ? Are they the
result of a subsequent act of creation ? Or, are we to regard
them merely as modifications of the same general plan ? Is
their existence, abstractedly considered, independent of the
climate and soil which they inhabit ? Or must we ascribe
their peculiar and anomalous organization to the influence of
local circumstances ? These are inquiries which we have no
means of answering satisfactorily. The little which we know
of its Geology, however, warrants us in concluding that Aus-
tralia, like other parts of our globe, has had its changes and
revolutions ; the osseous caves and breccia of Wellington
Valley, lately described by Mr. Clift, contain fragments of
the bones of mammiferous animals in as great perfection and
abundance as those of Germany, Yorkshire, and Gibraltar. —
These remains, sufficiently important in other respects, ac-
quaint us with the singular and interesting fact, that, even at
that early period, before the operation of those causes which
swept them off from the surface of the earth, the mammals of
Australia were, generally speaking, of the marsupial order, a
tribe, of which, I believe, only a single undoubted species has
been hitherto discovered among the fossil remains of the Old
World.

Another remarkable circumstance, connected with this sin-
gular tribe of animals, is the very limited number of species
which have been hitherto discovered, considering the vast ex-
tent of the continent over which they are dispersed, and the
consequent variety of soil and climate to which they are ex-
posed. At the present moment indeed there are not more
than thirty distinct species of Australian marsupials enume-
rated as authentic, in the most correct and extensive cata-
logues of Zoology. To these nearly half that number of new
species will be added, and described for the first time, in the
present paper ; but, even with this addition, our knowledge
of Australian mammals will still remain extremely limited
and imperfect. Nor are the genera of these animals, as far at
least as we are at present acquainted with them, compara-
tively more numerous than the species : on the contrary, all
the marsupials hitherto discovered upon the continent of Aus-

Vol. III.— No. 27. n. s. p

134 MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND.

tralia and its neighbouring isles, present only eleven really
distinct and well defined types of organic structure, or, tech-
nically speaking, genera ; being on an average not quite one
to every three known species.

This extreme paucity both in the number and variety of its
mammal productions, supposing it to be really the case, be-
comes the more surprising when we consider that the conti-
nent of Australia alone, without reckoning the large islands
of New Guinea, New Zealand, and Van Dieman's Land, and
the numerous smaller groups, its natural dependencies, em-
braces an extent of nearly thirty degrees of latitude by forty
degrees of longitude, and ranges throughout an almost infi-
nite variety of climate, from the parched and barren sands
which border the Gulf of Carpentaria, to the humid soil of
Tasmania. But a little farther consideration will convince
us that we are, in all probability, only commencing our ac-
quaintance with the animal productions of this extensive
country. In fact, when we consider the circumstances of the
colonies which have been already planted upon its shores,
hitherto struggling for bare existence, and attentive only to
establish and secure themselves against the miseries of famine
and the hostility of the natives ; when we consider, moreover,
the comparatively limited extent of country which has been
properly explored, and the extreme difficulty of penetrating
far into the interior ; but, above all, when we consider the
natural apathy of the settlers towards all subjects which do
not immediately concern their own situation and prospects,
and that ignorance of zoological information which disquali-
fies common observers for distinguishing specific differences,
or describing, with accuracy, what they examine but slightly;
finally, when we reflect that we are altogether ignorant of the
Zoology of the northern and western coasts, and that new
species are daily added, even from the limited extent of our
principal settlement, we have every reason to conclude that
the zoological treasures of Australia yet remain to be explored,
and that the few discoveries already effected only indicate the
value of the harvest which still remains to be reaped. The
lately established settlement at the Swan River has already
opened an easy and favourable path to the investigation of the
western shores ; and as the communication between the coast
and the interior becomes more frequent, in the eastern colo-
nies, greater facilities will be afforded of obtaining the pro-
ductions of the remoter districts. The unexampled prospe-
rity of these flourishing colonies also, and the spirit of inquiry
which already begins to animate their inhabitants, will mate-
rially contribute to extend our knowledge of the natural pro-

MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND. 135

ductions of Australia ; the habits and economy of the singular
animals which surround them, can only be studied in their
native climate ; nor do I despair of shortly seeing new genera
and species added, by colonial science and enterprise, to those
already known ; and that too in numbers exceeding our most
sanguine expectations.

But if the number of genera and species be comparatively
limited among the quadrupeds of New Holland, the number
of individuals of the same species appears to be still more so.
This is a well-ascertained fact, and arises from the operation
of causes which are easily explained and understood ; some
depending upon the nature and circumstances of the country,
others arising from physical causes connected with the ani-
mals themselves. Among the former are to be considered the
swampy nature of many parts of the interior, and the sudden
and destructive floods to which the most fertile districts are
so frequently exposed ; in addition to which vast numbers
annually perish by the hands of the inland or bush natives,
who are chiefly supported by the produce of the chase ; as
well as by their wanton and thoughtless practice of periodi-
cally firing the long grass, which bums with the most asto-
nishing rapidity, and destroys the nocturnal animals in their
retreats, before they have time to escape from its ravages. —
But a still more potent and influential cause of the scarcity
of mammals in New Holland, arises from their physical con-
stitution. They seldom produce more than two young ones
at a birth, and that, in all probability, not oftener than once
or twice in the course of the year, since their growth is com-
paratively slow, and the progressive developement of their
organs unusually tardy among the inferior animals. All these
causes tend powerfully to check the multiplication and diffu-
sion of Australian quadrupeds; and when we add the reflec-
tion that many individuals must necessarily perish before ar-
riving at maturity, or employing their productive powers in
the increase of the species, we must cease to be surprised that
their numbers are so limited, under circumstances which, at
first sight, seem so favourable to their multiplication.

The anatomy of the marsupials has been diligently exa-
mined and amply discussed by M. Geoffroy St. Hilaire, Sir
Everard Home, and other able zootomists ; and the late va-
luable discoveries of Mr. Morgan have thrown considerable
light upon the most interesting, though, hitherto, the most
obscure part of their economy. The conjectures of this gen-
tleman, however, still require to be confirmed by actual ob-
servation, for as yet, we have no certain knowledge either of
the manner in which the young animal is deposited in the

136 MARSUPIAL QUADRUPEDS OF NEW HOLLAND.

abdominal pouch, how it becomes attached to the nipple, or
of the nature and circumstances of its subsequent develope-
ment. It is not my intention to enter at any length into ana-
tomical details, but the following observations are rendered
absolutely necessary, as well to preserve the uniformity of my
plan, as to put the reader in possession of the principal cir-
cumstances regarding the organic structure of these animals,
upon which their classification depends.

The most singular and important of these phenomena is the
premature production of the young, which are brought forth
in a scarcely organized form, containing, as it were, the mere
germ of the future animal, before its senses are fully organized
or its members developed, and deposited in the abdominal
pouch with which nature has provided the female parent for
its reception. In this recess, and in all probability, without
the exercise of any act of volition on its own part, the foetus
is attached to the nipple of its mother by means of a scarcely
formed aperture, which collapses closely round it, and repre-
sents the position, as it already executes the functions of the
future mouth. Here it continues to cling and imbibe nou-
rishment, like a plant engrafted on a strange stem, till the
gradual developement of its members, and the more complete
organization of its parts, allow it to drop off from the nipple
and become an independent being. At this instant, it is pre-
cisely on a par, in point of organic developement, with the
young of ordinary quadrupeds when first brought forth ; that
is to say, though a separate being and possessed of indepen-
dent volition, it is, nevertheless incapable of providing for its
own wants, but depends, for education aud nourishment, upon
the care and assiduity of its parent. Accordingly, it conti-
nues, for a considerable time, to occupy the abdominal pouch
of its mother, and to be supported by her milk ; occasionally
coming out as it acquires size and strength ; and it is only
when its increasing growth renders that retreat too small for
its reception, that it finally abandons it.

The next circumstance to be noted in the organization of
marsupial quadrupeds, and the last which I consider it ne-
cessary to mention for the elucidation of my present purpose,
is closely connected with the phenomenon of premature foetal
production, and may be considered, in some degree, as a ne-
cessary consequence of that singular economy. It consists in
the existence of two supernumerary bones, articulated with
the pubis, and serving to support the abdominal pouch, and
to give attachment to the muscles by which it is expanded
and contracted. These bones exist even in the males, which
have no abdominal pouches ; and as they are altogether pe-

BOTANY OF SELBORNE. 137

culiar to the present order, and, at the same time, common to
all the species which it contains, they form the best and
surest characteristic by which to distinguish it from other
groups of equal value.

(To be continued).

Art. VI. — Remarks on the Botany of Selborne. By Mr. William
Pamplin, jun., A.L.S.

Having visited Selborne several different times in the course
of my botanical researches in the county of Hants, I am en-
abled to give the accompanying short and confessedly imper-
fect sketch of the Botany of that truly delightful spot, — a spot
not less dear to the admirers of its amiable natural historian
and topographer, the Rev. Gilbert White, — than to the lovers
of rural retirement, or the cultivators of either branch of na-
tural knowledge, with whom this romantic district will always
be esteemed as truly classic ground.

In preparing this rough draft of the Flora Selbornensis,
two separate objects have been aimed at : — First I have enu-
merated such of the plants as are recorded by Mr. WTiite as
growing there in his time ; so far as, from my own actual ob-
servation, I have succeeded in verifying their present existence
in the localities which he has pointed out : and secondly, I
have given a catalogue of a few other plants of rather rare
occurrence, or otherwise interesting, which I have met with
at various times in the immediately surrounding neighbour-
hood.

A list of so many of Mr. White's plants mentioned in letter
lxxxiii, as have come under my observation at different times
between 1829 and 1836.

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium. Abundantly in the moist rocky lanes,
particularly in the very deep lane near Norton farm, where it grows
luxuriantly.

Daphne Laureola.

Mezereum. I did not perceive it in the spot mentioned by Mr.

White ; it however grows, to all appearance perfectly wild, and not
sparingly, in the beech woods between West Meon and Bramdean.
I am indebted for this locality to Mrs. W. Moody, of West Meon,
who showed me specimens collected there.

Dips ac us pilosus. In sufficient plenty in 1836.

Drosera rotundifolia. ) And in bogs on the Common between Oakhang-

longifolia. j er and Kingsley.

Epipactis (Serapias in White) latifolia.

Helleborus viridis. I was unable to find this plant, although I dili-
gently sought it in Mr. White's recorded station, May, 183(3.

138

BOTANY OF SELBORNE.

Hypericum Androseemum.

Lathiuea squamaria I saw not.

Listera {Ophrys in White) Nidus-avis. In sufficient plenty.

Monotropa Hypopitys. It also occurs in many other parts of this coun-
ty, in woods of beech or fir.

Paris quadrifolia. I gathered some remarkably strong specimens of it
here in May, 1836.

Sambucus Ebulus.

Vaccinium Myrtillus.

Oxy coccus is said to grow also in the bogs of Hind Head

Heath, near where the Osmunda regalis grows.

A catalogue of the rarer species of indigenous plants which
have been observed growing near Selborne.

Adoxa moschatellina, plentifully

Arab is hirsuta

Aspidium, many species, including

lobatum

aculeatum

spinulosum and its vari-
eties

Blechnum boreale

Campanula patula, on the dry gra-
velly banks of a lane near Bram-
shot, plentifully, 1829 ; and I
have specimens gathered there
in 1835, by Miss Frances Pamp-
lin.

Chenopodium Bonus Henricus,
about the Priory, plentifully

Epilobium angustifolium

Eriophorum, two species grow
together in the bogs at Oak-
hanger

Hesperis inodora, in the hedge of
the orchard field adjoining Mr.
White's garden, whence it may
possibly have originally escaped.
I have however, in the present
year (1836), seen it in three dis-
tant spots in this county, appa-
rently wild

Hypericum elodes, bogs on the
various Commons, plentifully

Lathyrus latifolius, Long Lithe,
Selborne, 1837 ; Mr. Al. Irvine

Lithospermum officinale

Littorella lacustris, Woolmer
pond is in a manner paved with
it ; also Frensham ponds

Lycopodium inundatum, bogsnear
Oakhanger

duced to notice here this beau-
tiful and rare plant, although
strictly it would not come within
the present limits. I found it
in August 1828, most abundant-
ly in the large woods between
East Meon and Clanfield, a few
miles S.W. by W. of Petersfield

Mentha rotundifolia

Mcenchia erecta

Narthecium ossifragum

Radiola millegrana

Ranunculus parviflorus, on the
stony banks in and near the vil-
lage

Ribes grossularia, hedge-banks;
also at Prior's Dean, near Sel-
borne

rubrum, near the

towards Oakhanger
Spergula nodosa
Tax us baccata. There are two re-
markably fine and large old trees
in this neighbourhood ; the one
in Selborne and the other in Pri-
or's Dean Church-yards; the
stem of the latter measures near-
ly 30 feet in circumference, and
that of the former scarcely less.
Both equal in appearance, if
they do not surpass, the famous
venerable tree at Aldworth, in
Berkshire.
Teesdalia nudieaulis, most abun-
dant all over the sandy district.
Turritis glabra, bank near Frox-

field, sparingly
ViOLAjlavicornis, not unfrequent
Melampyrum cratete. I am in-
The district is rich in Ferns, Willows, &c, the former in-
deed flourish in the deep shady lanes in wonderful variety
and unusual beauty.

ENTOMOLOGICAL WRITINGS OF THOMAS SAY. 139

Art. VII. — List of the Entomological Writings of Thomas Say.
By Edward Doubleday, Esq.

Since my return from the United States, several of my friends
have suggested to me that the publication of a list of the ento-
mological writings of Thos. Say, especially if that list indica-
ted the works in which they can be found, would render a ser-
vice to Entomology, and be in part the means of doing justice,
or causing it to be done, to the merits of that indefatigable na-
turalist, whose labours are far less known than they ought to
be, partly from the vast variety of publications through which
his papers were given to the public, and partly from the little
attention which has been paid in England to the labours of
our transatlantic brethren.

We are, it is true, accustomed to look on Say as, par ex-
cellence, the American entomologist ; but how few form an
adequate idea of that ardent zeal, that untiring energy, that
perseverence under the most depressing circumstances, that
indefatigable industry in collecting, that laborious accuracy in
describing with clearness and precision, and above all, of that
high moral worth, that kindness of heart and gentleness of
disposition, which make him an object of veneration to all
who knew him, and cause his memory to be cherished with
fondness by all who had once the happiness of calling him
their friend !

Thomas Say is no more. Science mourns yet over the no-
blest of her votaries in the Western World. Long has he
been robbed of much of the merit due to him, by some, through
ignorance, by others, wilfully. There are those, shame be up-
on them ! there are those to whom he sent specimens, label-
led with his own hand, with names given them by himself,
to whom he pointed out when and where he had described
those species, — there are those who yet have wantonly disre-
garded his names, and, taking advantage of the difficulty of
procuring his writings, described these very specimens under
others, for the sake of a claim to an apparent priority in nam-
ing them, false though that claim were. Let us, in England,
for the future, strive to do him justice. From English natu-
ralists he has experienced no wilful injury ; by neglect how-
ever he has suffered.

By the kindness of Dr. Harris of Cambridge, Mass., I am
enabled to publish a more complete list of Say's entomologi-
cal writings than has yet appeared. They are as follows. —

140 ENTOMOLOGICAL WRITINGS OF THOMAS SAY.

1. Description of several new species of North American Insects. Jour-

nal of the Academy of Nat. Sciences of Philadelphia ; vol. i. pp. 19 —
23. Published in June, 1817.

This paper contains 5 Cicindelce, 1 Nemognatha, 1 Zonitis and 1 Di-
opsis.

2. Some account of the Insect known by the name of the Hessian Fly,

and of a parasitic insect that feeds on it. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol.
i. pp. 45 — 48, and 63—64. Published July and August, 1817.

3. Monograph of the North American Insects of the genus Cicindela. —

American Philosophical Transactions, New Series, vol. i. pp. 401 —
426. Published in 1818.

4. Descriptions of the Thysanource of the United States. Journ. Acad.

Nat. Sci. vol. ii. pp. 1 1 —14. Published in 1 821.

5. On a South American species of OEstrus which infests the human body-
Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. ii. pp. 353 — 360. Published Decemb. 1822

6. Descriptions of Insects of the Families Carabici and Hydrocanthaci
inhabiting North America. Am. Phil. Trans. New Ser. vol. ii. p. 1 —
109. Published in 1823.

7. Descriptions of some new species of Hymenopterous Insects, collected

during the expedition to the Rocky Mountains, under the command of
Major Long, in 1819-20. Western Quarterly Reporter, Vol. ii. No. 1
for Jany. Feby. & March, 1823, pp. 71 — 82 ; 8vo. Cincinnati, Ohio.

8. Descriptions of Insects belonging to the Order Neuroptera, Linn, and

Latreille, collected by the Expedition under the command of Major
Long. West. Quart. Reporter, Vol. ii., No. 2, for April, May, & June,
1823, pp. 160—165.

9. Descriptions of Dipterous Insects of the United States. Jour. Acad
Nat. Sci. vol. iii. pp. 9—54, and 73—104. Published in 1823.

10. Descriptions of Coleopterous Insects collected in the Expedition to the
Rocky Mountains ; (356 species). Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. iii. pp.
139—216, 238—282, 298—331, 403 — 162 ; and vol. iv. p. 83— 99.
Published in 1823-4.

11. Account of the Insect (JEgeria exitiosa) so injurious to the Peach-tree

Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. iii. pp. 216—217. Published 1823.

12. Keating's Narrative of an Expedition to the Source of St. Peter's Ri-
ver, &c. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1824.

The Appendix contains descriptions by Say of 47 Coleopterous, 1
Orthopterous, 7 Hemipterous, 11 Neuropterous, 74 Hymenopterous
and 39 Dipterous Insects.

13. American Entomology, 3 vols. Published 1817—1828.

14. Descriptions of New American species of the genera Buprestis, Trackys

and Elater. Annals of the Lyceum of New York, vol. i. pp. 249 —
268. Published February and June, 1825.

15. Descriptions of new Hemipterous (and Orthopterous) Insects collected
in the Expedition to the Rocky Mountains. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci.
vol. iv. p. 307—345. Published March and April, 1825.

16. Descriptions of new species of Hister and Hololepta inhabiting the Unit-
ed States. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. v. p. 32 — 47. Published J une
and July, 1825.

17. Descriptions of new speeies of Coleopterous Insects inhabiting the

ENTOMOLOGICAL WRITINGS OF THOMAS SAY. 141

United States. Jour. Acad Nat. Sci. vol. v. pp. 160—204, 237—284,
293—304. Published Dec. 1825, Nov. and Dec. 1826.

18. Note on LeConte's Coleopterous Insects of North America.

19. Descriptions of new species of Hymenoptera of the United States.

These two papers were published in a periodical which expired at
the third number, entitled ' Contributions to the Maclurean Lyceum
of Philadelphia,' the former in July, 1827, and the latter in Jan. 1828.

20. Descriptions of North American Dipterous Insects. Journ. Acad. Nat.

Sci. vol. vi. part 1. p. 149—178, and vol. vi. part 2, p. 183—188.—
Published in 1829-30.

21. Correspondence relative to the Insect that destroys the Cotton Plant.

From the New Harmony Disseminator, 1830.

22. Descriptions of new North American Insects, and Observations on some

already described.

This paper contains only Coleoptera, and ends with part of the Ela-
teridce. It was printed at New Harmony, at different intervals be-
tween March 17th, 1830, and August 1st, 1834, forming an 8vo. vo-
lume of 81 pages. Part of this paper was reprinted in the fourth vol.
of the new series of the Transactions of the Philosophical Society of
Philadelphia, in 1834. The remainder of the part already published
at New Harmony, and a continuation from Say's MSS. will appear in
the next volume of their Transactions. It ends with Eucnemis and
Throscus.

23. Descriptions of new species of Curculionites of North America, with
Observations on some of the species already known. 8vo. pp. 30. —
New Harmony, Indiana, 1831.

24. Descriptions of new species of Heteropterous Hemiptera of North Ame-

rica. 8vo. pp. 39. New Harmony, Dec. 1831.

25. New species of North American Insects found by Joseph Barabino,

chiefly in Louisiana. 8vo. pp. 16. New Harmony, Jany. 1832.

26. Descriptions of new North American Hemipterous Insects, belonging
to the first family of the section Homoptera of Latreille. Jour. Acad.
Nat. Sci. vol. vi. pp. 235—244, and 291—314. Published 1830-1.

27. Descriptions of new North American Coleopterous Insects, with Ob-

servations on some already described. Boston Journal of Natural His-
tory, Vol. i. No. 2, for May, 1835.

28. Descriptions of new species of North American Hymenoptera, and Ob-
servations on some already described. Boston Journal of Nat. Hist.
Vol. i. No. 3, May 1836, and No. 4, May, 1837.

29. Descriptions of new North American Neuropterous Insects, (Libelluli-
dce, Ephemerides, and Megaloptera), and Observations on others already
described.

This paper was not published when I was at Cambridge, Mass., in
October, but Dr. Harris informed me that it would appear in the forth-
coming volume of the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia. A few manuscript descriptions are still in Dr. Harris's
hands.

Epping, Feb. ISth, 1839.
Vol. III.— -No. 27. n. s. q

142 REMARKS ON THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE.

Art. VIII. — Remarks on the Red-Legged Partridge (Perdix rubra,
Briss.) By W. Bernard Clarke, M.D.

Thinking some remarks upon the red-legged partridge, which
is now rapidly spreading over our island, may prove interest-
ing to some of your many readers, I venture to send them for
insertion in your ' Magazine of Natural History.'

Red-legged Partridge.

Perdix rubra; Brisson.

barbarica;

rufa major ; Gesner, & Jonston.

— alba; Brisson.

grceca ; Ray.

Tetrao rufus; Gmelin.

Red Partridge ; Albin.

Greek or Great red Partridge ; Willughby .

Greek Partridge, and Guernsey Partridge ; Latham.

Red-legged Partridge ; Ray, Willughby, &

from Barbary ; Edwards. [Albin.

Barbary Partridge ; Shaw's Travels.

Bartavelle ; Buffon.

This partridge is called the " red-legged bird " by sports-
men, to distinguish it from the common species, which is de-
signated the "grey bird."

The red-legged partridge is found in France and the south-
ern parts of Europe, in Italy, Greece, and the islands of Jersey
and Guernsey ; it is also said to frequent the woody moun-
tains of Asia and Africa. It is generally about half as large
again as the common species, from which it is at once dis-
tinguished by the variety of the plumage. The colour of the
crown of the head and back is a reddish brown ; throat of a
pure white, bordered by a dense black band, which passes
upwards as far as the eyes ; breast of a bluish ash colour, the
upper part of which is beautifully mottled with black ; abdo-
minal surface of a reddish tint : the feathers on the sides of
the body, which overlap the wings when closed, are marked
with bluish-ash, white, black, and chestnut, so disposed as to
present a series of somewhat crescent-like spots, giving to the
whole a very elegant appearance : the bill and tarsi are red,
the latter, in the adult male, are furnished with a strong tu-
bercle on the inner surface.

This species was introduced into England about the year
1790, by the Marquis of Hertford and Lord Rendlesham, each

REMARKS ON THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. 143

of whom had eggs procured on the continent, carefully brought
to England, and placed under domestic fowls ; the former at
Sudbourn (near Orford, in Suffolk), one of his shooting resi-
dences ; the latter on his estates at Rendlesham, a few miles
distant from Sudbourn : from the above-mentioned places the
birds have been gradually extending themselves over the ad-
jacent counties, and in the ratio of their increase the grey
partridge appears to have diminished, and from the pugna-
ceous character of the former species, it threatens ultimate
destruction to the latter; for wherever it establishes itself,
the grey bird is driven from the inclosures.

For several years after its first introduction it was much
prized and sought after by sportsmen, as it was a larger bird
for the table, although very far inferior in richness of flavour
to the common grey partridge; and it is still preferred by some
from its flesh being whiter and more delicate. Being also a
bolder bird in habits, more alert, and rising at a greater dis-
tance than the common species, it was consequently more
difficult to secure, and was thought to reflect more sportsman-
like credit upon him who possessed the skill required to bring
down the object of his pursuit. At length its habits became
better known, and it was then found that one great difficulty
attending the shooting this species of game arose from the
peculiar habit which it possessed of running to a distance af-
ter alighting from its flight; on which account the dogs, com-
ing upon the scent, were baffled, being induced to draw upon
their game, and even then the birds would not rise except at
a very considerable distance, generally far out of gun-range.
As it is the habit of the bird to run to a distance upon being
disturbed, very little sport can be expected in the pursuit, un-
less the weather is extremely wet, when they appear less in-
clined to run ; they rise at a less distance, and the sportsman
consequently secures a greater number of shots. But the most
effectual means of securing them, and one which is resorted
to by many sportsmen, who are anxious to exterminate the
breed, finding they are destroying their sport and rapidly re-
ducing the numbers of grey birds, is to attack them during
severe weather, in the snow, when the birds resort to the
hedge-rows for shelter, whence they may be dislodged, and
thus made to present easy shots for the sportsman. Instan-
ces have been known of these birds alighting in the midst of
a field deeply covered with snow, into the depths of which
they sunk, and were afterwards taken out alive by hand. In
the shooting season, when they have been disturbed, I have
observed them to rise from one field, fly, and alight in the
midst of the next, run over the remainder of that field, take

144 REMARKS ON THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE.

wing, fly over the adjacent hedge, and alight in the field be-
yond : this they will repeatedly do, effectually baffling the
party who had marked them down in the first field, and sup-
posing them secure, had followed them up to get shots upon
their next rising. These birds run with great rapidity, with
the head and neck erect : thus being able to observe their
pursuers at a distance, they can the more effectually escape
the threatening danger. They frequent corn-fields, preferring
the upper land, amid the security and shelter of which they
breed : during harvest, when the fields are occupied by the
reapers, they retire to the adjacent fallow fields, or the neigh-
bouring copses ; and in the evening, when all is still, return
to the corn-fields and feed on the ears of corn in the sheaves,
both late in the evening and early in the morning. After the
corn is cut they frequent the same fields, then in stubble,
night and morning, where they regale themselves upon the
grain which has fallen from the sheaves during harvest. In
the middle of the day they retire to the fields of turnips, by
the leaves of which they are sheltered from the heat of the sun,
or to the lowland meadows, where they delight in the humid-
ity of such situations. They also occasionally bask in the
sun, in the middle of the day, by the side of some sandy bank,
where, like many of the feathered tribes, with outstretched
leg and fluttering wing, they shake the dry warm sand into
their feathers, occasionally preying upon the numerous in-
sects which they find around them ; in such situations they
often assemble their young broods, which sport around the
parent birds, essaying to capture their insect prey. In the
winter, when the stubble fields are ploughed up, they retire
to the upland meadows, or to the hedge-rows or copses, where
they are sheltered from much of the inclemency of the sea-
son. The female lays from fifteen to twenty eggs, of a light
stone colour, freckled with very minute reddish brown spots,
and varied, here and there, with spots of a larger size, and of
a rather darker colour. The nest is constructed of dried grass
and leaves, upon the ground, in some warm and sheltered
part of a field of growing corn, grass, or clover, where the pa-
rent bird sits with much assiduity until the young are hatch-
ed, which, like those of the grey partridge, are capable of
running as soon as they are fairly excluded from the shell.

Since the introduction of these birds into England, they
have spread throughout Suffolk, into Norfolk, Essex, and
Cambridgeshire ; it appears they are now making their ap-
pearance in Lincolnshire, and probably will soon extend
themselves over the adjacent counties.

Ipswich, Feb. ISth, 1839.

FALL OF METEOROLITES AT THE CAPE. 145

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS.

Fall of Meteorolites at the Cape. 1 — Knowing your intima-
cy with Mr. Charlesworth, the Editor of the '■ Magazine of
Natural History,' it has occurred to me that some account of
an extraordinary phenomenon that took place on my return
from the interior, may not prove wholly uninteresting to him.
On the morning of the 13th October, about 9 o'clock, a fall of
stones (of which a specimen is herewith sent) occurred in the
Bokkeveld, about fifteen miles from Tulbagh, attended with
the most awful noise, louder and more appalling than the
strongest artillery, causing the air to vibrate for upwards of
eighty miles in every direction. Indeed it was felt from the
Cape Flats to the edge of the Great Karroo, and again from
Clan William to the River Zonderend, near Swellendam. —
The noise was awful ; and by those in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of the spot where the stones fell, is described as
something similar to the discharge of artillery, — by those at a
greater distance as rocks rolling from a mountain ; which was
the sensation at Worcester, some forty miles from the chief
site of the phenomenon. Many felt a curious sensation, es-
pecially about the knees, as if they had been electrified. At
the time of the occurrence I was on the very skirts of its in-
fluence, on the edge of the Karroo, in company with the Hon.
Mr. Justice Menzies. At the moment of the explosion I wit-
nessed a volume of the electric fluid forcing its way from the
west in the form of a Congreve rocket ; it exploded almost
immediately over my head, into apparent globules of fire, or
transparent glass. Throughout the region of the phenome-
non the air was highly charged with the electric fluid, espe-
cially the night prior to the fall of the stones. The moimtains
around Worcester and the Bokkeveld being in one continued
blaze of lightening, and some of the inhabitants described
the fire as rising from the earth. The stones (the quantity
I have not been able to ascertain, but supposed several cwts.)
fell in the presence of a farmer, who had with him a Hotten-
tot, who stood so near the shower as to become perfectly in-
sensible for some time, either from the electricity or from the
effects of fright. The stones fell in three spots, but all with-
in a square of forty or fifty yards. Some fell on hard ground
when they were smashed into small particles ; others in soft

1 In a letter addressed to Robert Thompson. Esq., of the Admiralty, by
George Thompson, Esq., author of the well known " Travels in South Af-
rica." —Ed.

146 SINGULAR PROCESSION OF CATERPILLARS.

ground, where they were dug out. Prior to the real cause of
the phenomenon being known, it was taken for an earthquake.
Mr. MacLear our Astronomer Royal, considers the accom-
panying specimen as an exceedingly fine one, as it shows
distinctly the action of fire upon it, and will help to bear out
the opinion that such stones are formed in the air, and that
we are not indebted to some of the planets for them, as has
been imagined. — George Thompson. — Cape Town, Nov. 2&th,
1838.

[In a succeeding number we may probably be able to furnish some ad-
ditional information respecting the meteorolite which was transmitted with
the above notice. We understand from Prof. Faraday, that one of the
same shower has been received by Sir John Herschell — Ed.]

Singular Procession of Caterpillars. — * My engagements
have been too close to admit of even a day's entomologizing,
but when returning from business excursions to the port I
have taken my forceps with me and caught everything that
came in my way, the results 1 shall send you by the Goshawk
if possible ; most of the insects I find under bark which here
peels off annually. One day last week I chased a moth for
full ten minutes, and when 1 at last secured it, I found it to
be Deispeia pulchella, or so nearly allied to that species that
I can detect no difference, but you must judge when you re-
ceive the specimen. Cynthia cardui is abundant, also a Po-
lyommatus, very like one of ours but not identical. The moths
I have seen are in no respect un-English, and in beetles I
have seen no forms that are new to me. I have obtained one
very fine Ichneumon out of a split pine-tree. Hymenoptera
are now tolerably abundant.

On the 3rd of May I saw a procession of caterpillars. They
were evidently Bombyces, and in form somewhat resembling
Arctia caia, very hairy but the hairs white ; the body dark
brown but marked with paler lines. These caterpillars were
crossing the road in single file, each so close to its predeces-
sor as to convey the idea that they were united together,
moving like a living cord in a continuous undulating line.
At about fifty from the end of the line I ejected one from his
station — the caterpillar immediately before him suddenly
stood still, then the next, and then the next, and so on to the
leader; the same result took place to the other extremity.
After a pause of a few moments the first after the break in
the line attempted to recover the communication; this was a
work of time and difficulty, but the moment it was accom-

1 Extract from a letter addressed to Edw. Newman, Esq. by A. H. Davis
Esq., F.L.S.

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF LAMIA. 147

plished by his touching the one before him, this one commu-
nicated the fact to the next in advance, and so on till the in-
formation reached the leader, when the whole line was again
put in motion. On counting the number of caterpillars I
found it te be 154, and the length of the line 27 feet. I next
took the one which I had abstracted from the line, and which
remained coiled up, across the line ; he immediately unrolled
himself, and made every attempt to get admitted into the pro-
cession, after many endeavours he succeeded and crawled in,
the one below falling into the rear of the interloper. I sub-
sequently took out two caterpillars about fifty from the head
of the procession ; by my watch I found the intelligence was
conveyed to the leader in thirty seconds, each caterpillar
stopping at the signal of the one in his rear ; the same effect
was observable behind the break, each stopping at a signal
from the one in advance ; the leader of the second division
then attempted to recover the lost connection ; that they are
unprovided with the senses of sight and smell appeared evi-
dent, since the leader turned right and left and often in a
wrong direction when within half an inch of the one imme-
diately before him : when he at last touched the object of his
search, the fact was communicated again by signal, and in
thirty seconds the whole line was in rapid march, leaving the
two unfortunates behind, who remained perfectly quiet with-
out making any attempt to unroll themselves. I learn from
a medical gentleman here that these caterpillars feed on the
Eucalyptus, and that when they have completely stripped a
tree of its leaves they congregate on the trunk and proceed
in the order here described to another tree. The caterpillars
I saw must be nearly full grown, measuring about 2j inches
each in length.

I have seen the empty shells of chrysalides four inches
long ; the moths from them must be as large as Erebus Strix.
We have some very beautiful flowers. Orchidea have been
very numerous. Mimosas, and Epacrida? are just now fading.
In the plains there are Ranunculi in full bloom, and an ex-
tremely beautiful double Centaurea. There are tree mallows
by the river six or eight feet high. T shall send a few lizards,
a fine snake sixty-one inches long, and a few scorpions. — A.
H. Davis. — Adelaide, South Australia, 6th September, 1838.

Description of a new species of Lamia. —
Lamia Lucia. Lanuginosa, brunnea, capite obscuriori, prothoracis maculae
tres laete flavi ; elytra lsete flava, marginibus scutellari et costati brunneis;
caetera brunnea. (Corp. long. 1.5 unc. lat. .35 unc.)

Clothed with a thick coating of short hairs. The antenna are ra-
ther shorter than the body, and, together with the head, are of a deep

148 BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

brown colour approaching to black. The prothorax is slightly broad-
er than the head, and has a short and very obscure spine situated
near the middle of each side ; the sides are moreover a little wrinkled ;
it is of a rich velvetty brown colour, with three large yellow spots on
the upper side ; one of these is situated centrally, is broad anteriorly
and narrow posteriorly but does not quite reach either of the margins ;
the other spots are situated one on each side, are of an oblong shape,
rather wider posteriorly. The scutellum and the parts of the elytra
immediately adjoining it, are brown. The elytra are yellow, the late-
ral margins being bordered by a somewhat flexuose brown line, which
ceases before the apex. The underside and legs are brown.

Inhabits Congo.

This magnificent insect I believe to be unique in the Bri-
tish Museum ; it was brought to this country by Tuckey's
expedition. — Edw. Newman. — Deptford, Feb. 22nd, 1839.

Botanical Society of London. — The number of Members
amounts to 100, of which 42 are resident, 34 corresponding,
and 24 foreign, — 47 having been elected since the last Anni-
versary : and the Council are happy to state that they have
received no notice of secession of Members.

The number of Specimens of British Plants received,
amounts to 18,592, including 1050 species, from which the
Society's collection has been considerably enriched ; espe-
cially through the kindness of Mr. Baxter, who has presented
a valuable collection of British Salices, comprising 44 species,
from specimens presented by Mr. Borrer to the Oxford Bota-
nic Garden. The Society has also received nearly the whole
of the British Carices; and solicit the attention of members
in completing the genera Rosa and Rubus, and the Crypto-
gamia.

The number of foreign plants received is 10,000 specimens.
The Council have much gratification in stating that they have
made arrangements with the Botanical Society of Edinburgh,
who have promised them every assistance, and have contri-
buted largely to the Society's British and foreign herbaria,
and to the library. A mutual exchange of specimens will an-
nually take place between the two Societies, which cannot
fail to be advantageous to the members of both.

The Council have caused to be published a sheet contain-
ing the whole of ' DeCandolle's Natural Orders and Genera,'
and the ' Linnaean Classes and Orders.' It is intended to an-
swer the purpose of arranging British collections. — Extract
from the Second Annual Report, read 29th November, 1838.

THE MAGAZINE

NATURAL HISTORY.

APRIL, 1839.

Art. I. — Observations on the Poulp of the Argonaut. By Madame
Jeannette Power.

(Concluded from Page 106).

Coming now to the most essential point of my researches,
that is, to verify, by unequivocal proofs, that the poulp con-
structs the shell of the argonaut, I can assert that my design
was at first to repeat the experiments of the celebrated Poli
on the eggs of this cephalopod, in which he discovered the
embrio of the shell. But I must confess that here I was un-
successful ; and indeed I obtained very different results from
my investigations.

I repeated the experiments of the illustrious Neapolitan
physician, in company with my learned friend Dr. Anastasio
Cocco, of Messina, (famous for his ichthyological works), and
other persons, but nothing more was found than a group of
eggs in each individual, similar to millet seed, perfectly white
and transparent, attached by filaments of a brilliant gluten to
a common stem of the same substance. Three days after the
first observation, on visiting an argonaut, the little poulps
were found in it, already developed, but without shell, and
resembling worms ; and having at the inferior extremity a
spot of a brown colour, with some smaller ones disposed lat-
erally. These, when looked at in the microscope, were con-
cluded to be the viscera of the animal. This was their form
at the age of three days ; then they gradually began to show
prominences of a bud-like appearance, with two series of ob-
scure points, which are the rudiments of the arms and suck-
ers. The arms began to be distinguishable as such some days

Vol. III.— No. 28. n. s. r

150 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT.

after the sailing ones, and on the sixth day they had already
formed the first lamina of the shell, exceedingly soft to the
least pressure of the finger.

The eggs are attached to the interior of the spire, and when
excluded by the above-named animals, remain between the
roof of the spire and the mantle of the mother. From these
observations the result is that the newly-born poulp has no
shell, and, it may be concluded, has none in the egg. The
observations of Poli therefore do not correspond with the ex-
periments made by me on purpose ; and if not speaking of
so celebrated a man, I should venture to say that the internal
membrane of the egg was mistaken by him for the supposed
rudiment of the shell.

I much wished to discover whether the little poulp could
by itself, without extraneous aid, begin to work the struc-
ture of its shell, or whether the parent took part in the origi-
nal formation, the proper organs for secreting calcareous mat-
ter in the former not being as yet developed. With this view
I took divers argonauts at the time of their fecundation, and
cautiously cut off the spire. In the direction of its axis I
found, in one, a little poulp rolled up, and near the apex. —
Observing it attentively I perceived that between it and the
bottom of the spire of the parent shell there was a thin mem-
brane, disposed in the same form as the curve of the spire,
and fitted to the rolled-up little poulp, as if the gluten in
which the whole mollusc was embedded, pressed between it
and the end of the spire, became consolidated into a fine
membrane in the same form as the spire, and embraced
the new little poulp.

The 10th of September 1835, wishing to continue my ex-
periments, I inclosed in the cage some argonauts at the time
of their fecundation, taking care to examine them every fourth
day, and with the usual precautions in handling them, for
they are very irritable, and suffer so much from being dis-
turbed that they soon die after it. I therefore took them up
in a basin, by immersing it in the water underneath, which I
thus brought up together with them, and posted myself so
that I might observe all their movements without their seeing
me.

On the 14th I found in one of the shells a little poulp four-
teen lines in length. Searched others, and in some found
little poulps, in others none.

On the 18th of the same month, visiting them as usual,
found two parent poulps dead. In the one in which I had
first seen the little poulp I found it had already passed into
the spire.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT. 151

On the 24th returned to examine the same shell, and there
found the little mollusc already covered by its thin shell,
which was 3j lines long. The mollusc was completely form-
ed, and its shell had the form of the spire in which it had
been framed.

All the experiments made by me on this head have always
had the same results ; from which I have deduced that the
mollusc when born, is naked and incomplete at the time of
exclusion from the egg ; that it becomes progressively deve-
loped in the end of the spire of the parent argonaut; and
that after a given time it goes on forming its shell.

As far as I have been able to make out, not more than two
or three eggs develope themselves at the same time; and
when the young have grown to the length of 9 lines, they suc-
cessively inclose themselves in the spiral of the parent shell,
where the other seven arms are thrown out in the manner of
buds. The young poulp takes three days to arrive at the
length of 9 lines ; and four in the spiral to develope itself. —
The parent retains it three days more under her, and then
throws it forth from the shell.

I attempted to produce the developement of the eggs as far
as the production of the young poulp, without the aid of the
mother, by suspending them in a fine linen bag in a phial of
sea water, taking care to change it three times a day ; but
this attempt did not succeed, having no other result than the
swelling of the eggs, and this alone from their beginning to
putrify.

I have concluded from this that the glutinous material in
which they are enveloped in the spire of the parent con-
duces to their developement; and this material being evi-
dently a secretion of the parent, it may be said that without
her aid the eggs could not be developed, and the young shell
could not have its foundation laid in the end of the spire.

In spite of all these successful experiments in favour of the
shell being the property of the poulp of the argonaut, I wish-
ed to assure myself of it in a manner never yet attempted by
others. " If the argonaut " I said " be the constructor of its
shell, it should be able to repair the damage in case of frac-
ture." Although Signor Ranzani had said, " It is not to be
believed that these poulps of the argonaut should be so ill
provided with means wherewith to preserve their existence,
that if the first habitation be broken or lost, they cannot con-
struct another." Still I thought from his manner of express-
ing himself, it was very evident that he had never made ex-
periments to this end. Moreover, I, who have experimented
on a hundred of these molluscs, have found that having lost

152 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT.

their shell they are not capable of forming another, but die.
Certain, now, that the experiment I intended to make was
new, I broke in several places the shells of twenty-six indivi-
duals, and to my great satisfaction found after thirteen days
the fractures healed in all those which survived, which were
not more than three. The newly secreted portion is stouter
than the shell itself, but it is not so white, and also looks a
little rough and disturbed, neither does it present the usual
risings, and instead of ribs, it has some longitudinal furrows.

Being desirous of observing in what manner the poulp op-
erated in repairing the broken shell, I took one the day after
the first experiment, and found that the aperture was covered
by a thin glutinous lamina, which, somewhat in the way of a
cobweb, unites the two margins of the broken shell. The
next day the lamina became thickened to a certain degree,
and more opaque, till at the end of ten or twelve days the new
piece had become quite calcareous. Whilst in the act of
mending the fractures in the shell, I am quite sure the argo-
naut applied the sails to the shell, and wrinkled them upon
it, and by this movement I considered the glutinous secretion,
which finally became calcareous substance, to be verified.

As yet I have shewn the argonaut to be the constructor
of its shell, because it can repair it, is like other Testacea,
which are not more expert than the argonaut in hiding the
appearance of the patch mended : but a circumstance in my
mollusc has appeared new to me, and I do not know that it
has ever been observed in other Testacea. This is, that when-
ever the poulp can find pieces of other argonaut shells in the
place where it is going to mend its own, by means of its sail
arm it takes the piece of broken shell which it believes capa-
ble of filling up the space fractured, and holds it there till
it has excreted the material necessary to attach it firmly,
thus sparing itself the trouble of filling up a large aperture by
its own secretion.

After such a series of experiments it seems to me to be suf-
ficiently proved that the poulp of the argonaut is the fabrica-
tor of the shell in which it lives, and out of which it cannot
long exist.

In presenting to you, gentlemen, a succinct account of the
results of my experiments, I have claimed no more than to
merit your indulgence, and shall feel pleased if I have obtain-
ed it, if only for my good intentions.

The illustrious members Prof. Carmelo Maravigna, Prof.
Anastasio Cocco, and Prof. Carlo Gemmellaro, encouraged
me to prosecute my researches so far, and having been ho-
noured by this illustrious society with the title of Correspond-

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGONAUT. 153

ing Member, I am encouraged still farther to make my re-
searches prove useful. My principal aim, which was to prove
that the argonaut, like other Testacea, had the power of form-
ing its own shell, has been fully attained by successful expe-
riments, the results of which I have not failed to send to you,
whether proved by the broken shells mended by the molluscs
themselves ; or by means of the shells and animals preserved
in spirits ; or by the eggs and young poulps in different
stages of developement ; or finally by means of coloured
drawings : and you are now in possession of all that I am
able to explain.

I have sent you other notices respecting the physiology and
history of this mollusc, having thought them worthy of your
study and attention ; and if they meet the approbation of men
like you, illustrious in science, I intend to institute many other
researches, not only upon the argonaut, but on other mol-
luscs, upon which I have already commenced some experi-
ments to prove whether any of the parts of the animal are
capable of being reproduced, and which I shall have the
honour before long to submit to your attention.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS. l

Madame Power commences her account of this new series
of observations on the argonaut, by stating that they were
made on her return to Sicily after a visit to London, where,
having exhibited her collection of argonauts to Mr. Gray and
Mr. Charlesworth, she was made acquainted with the true
nature of the little parasite 2 which she had previously mista-
ken for the young of the argonaut itself. Madame Power
then proceeds to say, — " The vermicule believed by me to be
a poulp might have misled others better versed than myself
in Malacology ; for it had two rows of suckers along its bo-
dy, and resembled one of the arms of the poulp : it is
not, therefore, to be wondered at that I mistook it for a
poulp, because many animals at their birth present one form,
and another when fully developed ; and besides, from the ex-
treme irritability and delicacy of the poulp, it is not so easy
for the naturalist to examine it. Having, in fact, seen these

1 " Nuove Osservazione sulle uovo del Polpo dell' Argonauta Argo. Di
Madame Jeannette Power, Soeia Corresp. dell' Acad. Gioenia, &c."

2 The specimens alluded to by Madame Power, preserved in spirits, were
by that lady placed in the hands of the Editor of this Journal, and
first examined by Prof. Owen, who, in the supposed young poulps, imme-
diately recognised the parasitic genus Hectocolt/tus of Cuvier. — Ed.

R 3

154 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

animalcules, of a few lines in length, in the shell of a living
argonaut, — then, on the following day, finding them consi-
derably increased in size, — two or three days after not find-
ing any in the shell, — again, upon re-examining the parent
shell five or six days afterwards, and finding therein a very
young poulp with its little shell, both perfectly formed ; — and
having several times repeated these observations on other ar-
gonauts, and always finding the vermiculi before observing
the little poulp, — I was led to the conclusion that the vermi-
cule became transformed into a poulp. Having, moreover,
shown these vermiculi to some savans, who affirmed them to
be what I conjectured, viz., young poulps, I became the more
persuaded of it, and no longer took care to observe the ova
themselves. This year, however, T have made the following
observations on the progressive developement of the poulp of
the argonaut. The egg is at first white and transparent, and
no structure can be discerned in it. Fifteen days after the
egg presented some spots of a beautiful red colour, without
anything more. In ten days more the perfect poulp could be
discerned through the epidermis of the egg. Then the poulp
began to break through this involucrum, and appeared
to the naked eye of an elliptical form, with the eyes and
mouth ; a very transparent membrane is also observed, which
forms the mantle. Towards the mouth some small and al-
most imperceptible filaments are to be observed, which I sup-
pose to be the rudiments of the branchiae. The poulps are
now naked, but in twelve days from this time, on visiting them
again, some were found which had already formed their shell,
and the parent retained them and nourished them with her
gelatinous secretion, as I have already described in my Me-
moir inserted in the 12th vol. of the 'Transactions of the
Gioenian Academy.' "

Art. T-T. — Monograph of the Genus Sciurus, with Descriptions of
New Species and their Varieties. By J. Bachman, D.D., Presi-
dent of the Literary and Philosophical Society, Charlestown, South
Carolina, &c.

{ ( Continued from Page 123^.

2. Texian Squirrel. Sciurus Texianus, (n. s.)

In the Museum at Paris I observed a species of squirrel of
which I can find no description. It was said to have been
received from Mexico. In the Museums of Berlin and Zu-

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIUltUS. 155

rich I also found what I conceive to be the same species;
and in the British Museum there is a specimen obtained at
Texas by Douglass, agreeing with the others in almost every
particular. I find also among my notes a description of a
specimen received by a friend from the south-western parts
of Louisiana, which, on a comparison with memoranda taken
of the other specimens, I do not find to differ in any impor-
tant particular. It is probable therefore that this species has
a pretty extensive range, from the south-western portions of
Louisiana, through Texas, into Mexico. Of its habits I pos-
sess no information.

The Texian squirrel is about the size of the fox squirrel.
On the upper surface there is a mixture of black and yellow,
and on the under parts deep yellow. The under sides of the
limbs, and also the parts of the body contiguous, are whitish
at the base. Fore legs externally, and the feet, rich yellow.
Ears on both surfaces yellow, with interspersed white hairs.
Nose and lips brownish white. Hairs of tail rich rusty yel-
low at base, with a broad black space near the extremity,
and finally tipt with yellow.

DIMENSIONS.

IN. LIN.

Length of body 13 6

Ditto of tail to end of hair 15

Ditto of tarsus 3

Height of ears to end of fur „ 6|

The Texian squirrel bears some resemblance to the Sciu-
rus capistratus ; the latter species however in all the varie-
ties I have examined, has uniformly the white ears and nose.
I am moreover not aware that the Set. capistratus exists in
the south-western parts of America, where it seems to be re-
placed by the present species.

3. Golden-bellied Squirrel. Sciurus sub-auratus, (n s.)

Essent. Char. — Size intermediate between the Northern Grey and the
Little Carolina Squirrel ; tail longer than the body ; colour above grey,
with a wash of yellow, beneath deep golden yellow.

Dental formula.— Incis. §. Can. {jg. Mol. ||. — 20.

In the two specimens now before me, and which are very
similar in size and markings, there is no appearance of the
small anterior upper molar found in several other species of
this genus. I conclude therefore that it either does not ex-
ist at all, or drops out at a very early period ; and have ac-

156 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

cordingly set down this species as having only 20 teeth. —
The upper incisors, which are of a deep orange-brown colour,
are of moderate size ; the lower incisors a little paler than
those above ; head of moderate size ; whiskers longer than
the head ; ears short and pointed, clothed with hair on both
surfaces. The body seems more formed for sprightliness and
agility than that of the small Carolina squirrel, and in this
respect comes nearest to the northern grey squirrel : the tail
is long, and nearly as broad as that of the last-named species.
Colour. — The whole upper surface grey, with a distinct
yellow wash. The hairs which give this outward appearance
are greyish slate colour at their base, then very broadly annu-
lated with yellow, then black, and near the apex annulated
with yellow- white. The sides of the face and neck, the whole
of the inner side of the limbs, feet, and the under parts of a
deep golden yellow; on the cheeks and sides of the neck, how-
ever, the hairs are obscurely annulated with black and whitish;
the ears are well clothed on both surfaces with tolerably long
hair, of the same deep golden hue as the sides of the face ;
hairs of the feet mostly blackish at the root, and some are
obscurely tipt with black; hairs of the tail black at the root,
and the remaining portion of a bright rusty yellow, each hair,
three times in its length, annulated with black ; the under
surface of the tail is chiefly bright rusty yellow ; whiskers
longer than the head, black.

DIMENSIONS.

IN. LIN.

Length of head and body 10 6

Ditto of tail, (vertebra) 9 2

Ditto including fur 12

Ditto of palm to end of middle fore claw 1 7

Ditto of heel to point of middle nail 2 7

Ditto of fur on the back „ 7

Height of ear posteriorly „ 5

Breadth of tail with hair extended 8 6

Weight H R>-

The two specimens from which the above description was
taken were procured in the markets of New Orleans, by J. J.
Audubon, Esq. I possess no information with regard to their
habits.

4. Great-tailed Squirrel. Sciurus magnicaudatus.

Sciurus macrourus ; Say, Long's Expedition, vol. i. p. 115.

— magnicaudatus ; Harlan's Fauna, p. 170.

macrourus; Godmaii's Nat. Hist. vol. ii. p. 134.

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 157

Esse nt. Char. — Intermediate in size between the Sciurus cinereus and
Sci. leucotis ; body above, a mixed grey and black; ears long; tail very
broad.

In a number of Museums both in England and on the con-
tinent, I have observed squirrels labelled with the above
name, but which must be referred to the varieties of other
species. The only genuine specimen that has come under
my notice is the one now existing in the Philadelphia Muse-
um, and which was, I believe, brought by Say, the original dis-
coverer. Having at present no access to my notes with a de-
scription of this species made two years ago, I am obliged to
copy the original description of Say, which I found, on com-
parison, to be very accurate. I regret, however, that T am
unable to annex an interesting account of the habits of this
species, which was communicated to me by Mr. Peale.

" The body above, and on each side, is of a mixed grey
and black ; the fur is plumbeous, black at base, then pale
cinnamon colour, then black, and finally cinereous, with a
long black tip ; the ears, f of an inch long, are behind of a
bright ferruginous colour, extending to the base of the fur,
which, in the winter dress, is prominent beyond the edge ;
on the inside of the ear the fur is of a dull ferruginous hue,
slightly tipped with black ; the sides of the head and orbits
of the eyes are pale ferruginous : beneath the ears and eyes
the cheeks are dusky ; the whiskers are composed of about
five series of rather flattened hairs, the inferior ones are more
distinct ; the mouth is margined with black ; the teeth are of
a reddish yellow colour ; the under part of the head and neck,
and the upper part of the feet, are ferruginous ; the belly is
paler, the fur being plumbeous at base ; the tail is of a bright
ferruginous colour below, and this colour extends to the base
of the fur with a sub-marginal black line ; on its upper part
it is ferruginous and black; the fur within is of a pale cinna-
mon colour, with the base and three bands black ; the tip is
ferruginous ; the palms of the fore feet are black, and the m-
dimental thumb, which is very short, is covered by a broad
flat nail.

" The fur of the back in the summer dress is from -§- to -^
of an inch long ; but in the winter dress the longest hairs of
the middle of the back are from 1 inch to 1| in length ; this
difference in the length of the hairs, combined with a greater
portion of fat, gives to the animal a thicker and shorter ap-
pearance, but the colour continues the same ; and it is only
in the latter season that the ears are fringed, which is the ne-
cessary consequence of the elongation of the hair. This spe-

158 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

cies was not an unfrequent article of food at our frugal yet
social meals at Engineer cantonment, and we could always
immediately distinguish the bones from those of other animals
by their remarkably red colour. The tail is even more volu-
minous than that of the Sciurus cinereus, (cat squirrel).' 1

DIMENSIONS.

IN. LIN.

Length of head and body 11 1

Ditto of tail to the end of hair 11 3

Height of ear, fur included „ 9

5. Californian Squirrel. Sciurus aureogaster.

Sciurus aureogaster ; F. Cuv. and Geoff. Mamm.
Ecureuil de la Calafornie ; Id.

General hue above deep grey grizzled with yellow ; under
parts and inner side of limbs deep rusty red ; chin, throat and
cheeks pale grey ; limbs externally and feet coloured as the
body above ; hairs on the toes chiefly dirty white ; tail large
and very bushy ; hairs of the tail black, twice annulated with
dirty yellow, and broadly tipped with white, the white very
conspicuous where the hairs are in their natural position ;
ears thickly clothed, chiefly with blackish hairs, the hinder
basal part externally with long white hairs, extending slight-
ly on the neck ; all the hairs of the body are grey at the base,
those of the upper parts annulated first with yellow, then
black, and then white ; whiskers black, the hairs very long
and bristly ; the under incisors almost as deep an orange co-
lour as the upper.

Habitat Mexico and California.

dimensions.

IN. LIN.

Length from nose to root of tail 12

Ditto of tail to end of hair 10 6

Ditto of heel to end of claws 2 5£

Ditto from nose to ear 2 l£

Height of ear posteriorly „ 1\

A second specimen, the locality of which was not given,
differed from the above in having a much richer colouring.
The belly was of a very bright rust colour ; hairs on the tail
black at the roots, then broadly annulated with rusty yellow,
then a considerable space occupied by black, the apical por-
tion white ; but when viewed from beneath, a bright rust co-
lour, like that of the belly, was very conspicuous, occupying

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIDRUS. 159

the basal half of the hair : the upper parts of the body were
grizzled with black and white, and many of the hairs were
annulated with rust colour ; over the haunches and rump the
hairs are annulated with rusty yellow and black ; the hairs of
the feet are chiefly black.

The original specimen on which this species was founded
is in the Museum at Paris, and Mr. Waterhouse supplied me
with the following description from his own manuscript notes.

" General colour, grizzled black and white ; throat, chest,
belly, inner side of legs, nearly the whole of the fore legs and
the fore part of the hind legs rusty red ; tail very broad ; the
hairs black, red at the base and white at the apex ; lips white;
feet black, with a few white hairs intermixed ; fore part of
head also black, with a few intermixed white hairs ; chin
blackish in front, shading into grey.

DIMENSIONS.

IN. LIN.

Nose to root of tail 11 6

Tail to end of hair 11

Tarsus 2 4j,

In the Museum of the Zoological Society are three speci-
mens, one of which is from Mexico, and the others are, un-
fortunately, not named. If they should prove the same, they
exhibit considerable variations in colour. In one specimen
the chin and throat are grey ; the animal appears to be chang-
ing its colour, over the haunches there is a considerable ad-
mixture of rusty red colour ; the general hue of the back was
deep grey ; the hairs at base plumbeous, the apical portion
annulated with first black, then rust colour, then black, vary-
ing in some hairs.

6. Cat Squirrel. Sciurus cinereus.

Sciurus cinereus; Linn., Gmel.

Cat Squirrel; B. Penn. 'Arct. Zool.' i. 137.

Essent. Char. — A little smaller than the Fox Squirrel, larger than the
Northern Grey Squirrel ; "body stout ; legs rather short ; nose and ears not
white ; tail longer than the hody.

This species has been sometimes confounded with the fox
squirrel, and at other times with the northern grey squirrel ;
it is, however, in size intermediate between the two, and has
some distinctive marks by which it may be known from ei-

100 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS.

ther. The northern grey sqnirrel has, as far as I have been
able to ascertain from an examination of many specimens,
permanently five grinders in each upper jaw, and the present
species has but four. Whether, at a very early age, the cat
squirrel may not, like the young fox squirrel, have a small
deciduous tooth, I have had no means of ascertaining ; all the
specimens before me having been obtained in autumn or win-
ter, and being adults, present the dental formula as given
above. The fox squirrel is permanently marked with white
ears and nose, which is not the case with the cat squirrel :
the former is a southern species, — the latter is found in the
middle and northern states.

Description. — The head is less elongated than that of the
fox squirrel, the nose more obtuse ; incisors rather narrower,
shorter, and less prominent ; molars, with the exception of
their being a little smaller, bear a strong resemblance to, and
are similarly arranged to those of the former species. The
neck is short ; legs short and stout ; nails narrower at base
than those of the fox squirrel, shorter and less arched; the
tail also is shorter and less distichous ; the body, although
shorter is thicker, and the whole animal has a heavy, clumsy
appearance. The fur is not so soft as that of the northern
grey squirrel, but finer than that of the fox squirrel.

This species, as well as the last, is subject to great varie-
ties of colour. I have observed in Peale's Museum speci-
mens of every shade of colour, from light grey to nearly black.
I have also seen two in cages which were nearly white, but
without the red eyes which form a characteristic mark in the
albino. There appears however to be this difference between
the varieties of the present species and those of the fox squir-
rel ; — the latter are permanent varieties ; scarcely any speci-
mens being found in intermediate colours: in the present
there is every shade of colour, scarcely two being found pre-
cisely alike.

The most common variety however is the grey cat squirrel,
which I shall describe from a specimen now before me.

Teeth orange ; nails dark brown near the base, lighter at
the extremities ; on the cheeks there is a slight tinge of yel-
lowish brown, extending to the neck at the insertion of the
head ; the inner surface of the ears of the same colour, the
outer surface of the fur on the ear, which extends a little
beyond the outer edge, and is of a soft woolly appearance, is
light cinereous edged with rusty brown ; whiskers black and
white, the former colour predominating. Under the throat,
the inner surface of the legs and thighs, and the whole under
surface, white ; on the back the fur is dark cinereous near

MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS SCIURUS. 161

the roots, then light ash, then a line of black and tipt with
white, giving it on the outer surface an iron-grey appearance.
The tail, which does not present the flat distichous appear-
ance of the majority of the other species, but is more rounded
and narrower, is composed of hairs which, separately exa-
mined, are of a soiled white tint near the roots, then a narrow
marking of black, then white, then a broad line of black, and
finally broadly edged with white.

Another specimen is dark grey on the back and head, and
a mixture of black and cinereous on the feet, thighs, and un-
der surface. Whiskers nearly all white. The markings on
the tail are similar to those on the other specimen.

DIMENSIONS.

IN. LIN.

Length of head and body 11 3

Ditto of tail, (vertebra) 9 6

Ditto to the tips 12 6

Height of ear posteriorly „ 6

Palm and middle fore claw 1 6

Heel and middle hind claw 2 9

Length of fur on the back „ 7

Geographical Distribution. — This has been to me a rare
species. It is said to be common in the oak and hickory
woods of Pennsylvania, and I have occasionally met with it
near Easton and York ; I also observed one in the hands of a
gunner near Fredericksburgh, Virginia. In the northern part
of New York it is exceedingly rare, as I only saw two pair
during fifteen years of close observation. In the lower part
of that state, however, it appears to be more common, as I
recently received several specimens procured in the county of
Orange.

This squirrel has many habits in common with other spe-
cies, residing in the hollows of trees, and building in summer
its nest of leaves in some convenient crutch, and subsisting
on the same variety of food. It is, however, the most inac-
tive of all our known species : it mounts a tree, not with the
lightness and agility of the northern grey squirrel, but with
the slowness and apparent reluctance of the little striped
squirrel [Tamias Lysteri). After ascending it does not mount
to the top, as is the case with other species, but clings to the
body of the the tree, on the side opposite to you, or tries to
conceal itself behind the first convenient limb. I have never
observed it leaping from branch to branch. When it is in-
duced in search of food to proceed to the extremity of a limb,
it moves cautiously and heavily, and returns the same way.
On the ground it runs clumsily, and makes slower progress
than the grey squirrel. It is usually fat, especially in au-

162

HOTALIA ATTACHED TO VERMETUS BOGNORIENSIS.

tumn, and the flesh is said to be preferable to that of any of
our other species.

The cat squirrel does not appear to be migratory in its ha-
bits. The same pair, if undisturbed, may be found taking up
their residence in a particular vicinity for a number of years
in succession ; and the sexes seem mated for life.
(To be continued).

Art. TIT. Notice of a species of Y&o\n\x&. fowid attached to specimens
of Vermetus Bognoriensis. By Nathaniel Wethereil, Esq.,
M.R.C.S., F.G.S., &c.

When I first observed some specimens of Rotalia upon the
whorls of the Vermetus Bognoriensis, I imagined that these
minute fossil bodies had been casually lodged in some of the
small furrows upon its external surface ; further observations
and additional specimens, however, convinced me to the con-
trary, and I perceived, on a careful microscopic examination,
that not only were the Rotalia attached to the Vermetus, but
that in several instances they were absolutely imbedded in the
substance of the shell itself.

27

On my first discovery of these remains, I briefly alluded to
the circumstance in a paper read before the Camden Literary
and Scientific Institution, (April 26th, 1836), subsequently
published in the 'London and Edinburgh Philosophical Ma-
gazine.' * I have since considered that it would be an inte-
resting record to have them engraved, exhibiting the fossils of
the natural size, together with magnified figures, as annexed.

' "Observations on some of the Fossils of the London Clay, and in parti-
cular those Organic Remains which have been recently discovered in the
Tunnel of the London and Birmingham Rail-road. By Nath. Thos. We-
therell, Esq., F.G.S., M.R.C.S., &c." The London and Edinburgh Phi-
losophical Magazine and Journal of Science, Vol. ix., Dec. 1836, No. 56.

NEW FOSSIL AVICUIA.

163

Fig. 27, #, which is exceedingly minute, is accompanied
with three magnified views ; and Jig, 27, b, with the same.

I was induced to have both specimens represented, as there
are some slight differences between them, which, unless de-
pending upon particular periods of growth, may be considered
sufficient to constitute them different species or varieties.

The locality whence I obtained my specimens is the tun-
nel of the London and Birmingham rail-road, near Chalk farm.
Although I have examined several hundreds from this place,
I have only found about eight or nine with the Rotalia at-
tached. 1 have had in my possession at different times some
thousand specimens of Vermetus Bognoriensis, from High-
gate, Bognor, and Sheppey, but I have never before noticed
any minute shell or coral attached to them.

It was at first my intention to have given a specific name ;
the present fossil however appears so closely to resemble a
species found at Grignon, that I have thought it better not to
do so.

Highgate, March 12th, 1839.

Art. IV. — Description of a new fossil Avdcula,/rom the Lias Shale
of Somersetshire. By Samuel Stutchbury, Esq., Curator to
the Bristol Philosophical Institution, &c.

^; 28

"Avicula longicostata, Stutchb.

164 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

Avicula longicostata.

Shell inequilateral, with six raised casta radiating from the umbo, each
rib extending far beyond the margin of the valve; minutely striated between
the ribs.

This very elegant fossil is remarkable from the great ex-
tension of the ribs which radiate from the umbo, in several
instances extending more than an inch beyond the margin of
the valve. In the five specimens which have come nnder my
observation, there appears to have been a determinate stop-
page of growth, which is evidenced by a raised line crossing
the disc of the shell and spinous terminations of the first-
formed ribs.

The internal characters determine the genus to which it
belongs, while the external characters alone would have left
me in doubt to which of the following genera it most proba-
bly belonged ; viz. Avicula, Pecten, or Plagiostoma. The
number of ribs (six) appears to be a constant character, at
least judging from the specimens which have already come to
hand.

For this beautiful fossil we are indebted to the excavations
made through the lias shales along the line of the great west-
ern railway, at Saltford, between Bristol and Bath. Avicula
Cygnipes, figured in Phillips's 'Geology of Yorkshire' resem-
bles it, but the two are sufficiently distinct to justify their
separation.

Bristol, January 16th, 1839.

Art. V. — On the Anatomy of the Lamellibranchiate Conchiferous

Animals. By Robert Garner, Esq., F.L.S.,

( Continued from Page \29).

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.

All these animals derive their nourishment from the ani-
malcules and other nutrient particles drawn in with the water,
by means of the currents excited by the ciliated branchiw and
tentacles. The particles are collected at the anterior part of
the cavity of the mantle, and are conveyed into the oesophagus
by means of tentacles and lips, strongly ciliated internally for
that purpose. In some species, as the Pecten, the foot seems
a prehensile organ of the food, and the curious foot of the
Spondylus is perhaps of some use in this way. The tentacles
are precisely similar to the branchice in structure, being
commonly membranous, striated by the vessels, and ciliated ;
and their vascular system is often continuous with that of the
branchice, so that they probably serve the purpose of respira-
tion also. They are generally triangular in shape. In the
Nucula, the external one is large and spiral ; in the Corbula

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 165

they are long and volute. They are large in the Tellina and
similar genera; small in Modiola, Mya, Psammobia, &c.
When lips are developed the tentacles are small. These are
of a fringed appearance in Pecten, Spondylus, &c, more foli-
ated in Chama. 1 The mouth is small in Venus, &c,
larger in several of the Monomyaria. The oesophagus, gene-
rally very short, is however occasionally pretty long, as in the
Pholas. Home describes salivary glands in the Teredo, but
these I have not been able to find ; and Poli, bodies which
he supposes to be such in the Pinna. The stomach is
always in the centre of the liver, and the bile ducts enter it
by one or more orifices. Into the stomach projects the
extremity of a lengthened cartilage, the " crystalline style"
of Poli. The other extremity has been described as going to
the foot, and adding to the elasticity of that organ. This
body is of various shapes, and has at its superior extremity
a cartilaginous membrane, the " tricuspid body" of Poli.
This lies at the inferior surface of the stomach, and its extre-
mities enter the bile ducts. The crystalline style is wanting
when the foot is small; the membrane is always present.
The former is evidently analogous to the tongue of the Pa-
tella and other cephalous Mollusca ; it is secreted from be-
hind and comes forward into the stomach ; the membrane at
its extremity is analogous to the membrane always found in
a similar situation at the end of the tongue in other Mollusca.
The apparatus of mastication in the Gasteropoda is then in
the Lamellibranchiata partly subservient to digestion, but
has also another use assigned to it — the giving elasticity
to the foot, or, in the Anomia, where its extremity is seen in
the mantle, the preserving in its situation the free extre-
mity of the left lobe of the latter part.

These organs have been supposed by Poli to regulate the
flow of bile; which appears probable. By Cams 2 they are
imagined to be concerned in the function of generation, which
supposition is not warranted by the facts ; but, on the con-
trary, there are grounds on which we may infer that it is un-
likely. The duodenum or first part of the intestine is wider
than the remainder and is by some called a second stomach.
It sometimes originates from the true stomach distinct from
the style, as in Mactra, Pholas, 2 some species of Solen, &c.
Sometimes the style lies in a groove of the duodenum, which

1 Poli. 2 Lehrbuch, v. 2.

3 The digestive system of the Teredo only differs from that of the Pholas
in its greater length.

Vol. III.— No. 28. n. s. s

166 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

leaves its extremity, as in some Tellium, &c, or diverges
from its side at a greater or less distance from the end, as in
Cardium, Solen vagina, &c. The parietes of the duodenum
are glandular. The remainder of the canal has many veins
originating from it, which perhaps act the part also of lacteals.
The extremity of the duodenum is always near the pedal pore
and perhaps the vitellus of the embryo so enters. The intes-
tine varies much in length. As shewn by Poli, those species
which are fixed have it shortest. In Anomia it is not an inch
long, and makes no turn ; it has a rounded projecting process
in its whole length. A similar projection is seen in other
genera. The convolutions of the intestine interwoven with
the liver and ovaries, are generally contained in great part in
the foot. In the Monomyaria, in the Mytilus, Pinna, &c,
it makes only two or three turns, the last often surrounding
the stomach. In the fresh water species it is longer by a
turn or two ; longer still in Pholas, Mya, Venerupis, Tellina,
&c. ; but longest of all in Cardium, Donax, Venus, Mactra,
and some other genera, where it is sometimes ten or twelve
times the length of the animal. The intestine, having made
its convolutions, is directed towards the heart, through the
ventricle of which it commonly passes, and ends on the pos-
terior muscle by an opening, which, in some species, has a
divided margin. This anus is situated between the lobes of
the mantle, and opens into the superior of the two tubes,
when they exist. In the oyster the ventricle is not perfo-
rated by the intestine, the heart being in a different situation.
In the Anomia the heart lies upon it. When there are two
ventricles, as in Area, Lima, and certain Pectunculi, the in-
testine passes between them. In the Unio it has been de-
scribed that the intestine makes its escape from the cavity of
the heart to re-enter it again ; such a description is not taken
from the normal disposition of the animal. The curious cir-
cumstance of the perforation of the ventricle by the intestinal
tube appears to be a result merely of the disposition of the
parts.

The liver, in all the Lamellibranchiata, surrounds the ca-
vity of the stomach, into which its secretion of greenish bile
is poured by one or more ducts. It has no vena porta going
to it, but its arteries, and hepatic veins are large. Its situa-
tion is at the anterior and superior part of the animal, and it
is composed of a multitude of oval granules, differing in size
in different species, opening into the termination of the ra-
muscules of the duct.

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 107

CIRCULATING SYSTEM.

This system is not so simple as it is described by Cuvier,
Poli, &c. Bojanus 1 in the Anadonta first described its cor-
rect anatomy. By means of mercurial injections it may bt
readily made out in the common scallop or Pecten maximus
The venous blood from the liver, ovaries and intestine, does
not go to the branchice immediately, but a portion of it en-
ters, on each side, a sinus or system of veins situated upon
the adductor muscle, the remainder is poured into a large
vessel, which is distributed to a dark coloured excretory or-
gan, situated at the base of the branchice on each side.
These organs have other veins which open either into
the sinus or into the branchial arteries. The sinus receives
likewise the veins of the muscle, and also in part the blood
of the mantle. It opens into the branchial arteries by two
valvular openings. The blood from the viscera must in great
part pass through the tissue of the excretory organs to enter
the branchial artery, and the tissue itself appears to be
entirely formed by these veins. Bojanus from this considers
these bodies as the organs of respiration. The auricles,
besides the branchial veins, receive the extremities of the
large veins of the mantle, small hepatic branches, and
other veins from the neighbouring parts. Poli has figured
this circumstance in the Area, Spondylus, fyc. The branchial
artery then has its principal origin from the large veins or
venous sinus, situated upon the adductor muscle; it then
receives veins from the organs above mentioned, also others
from the root of the branchiae and from the mantle : it
then at regular distances gives branches to the processes
of the branchice, which run into the corresponding ramuscu-
les of the branchial vein. The branchial vein, formed
by these ramuscules, lies nearer to the processes of the two
vessels, and is crossed by the divisions of the artery ; it is
joined by the extremity of the great vein of the mantle, and
by small veins from the liver, &c, as described above, and
forms the auricle. No valve exists between the veins and
auricles. The latter have projecting processes upon them,
secreting perhaps the fluid of the pericardium. They are
connected by a transverse vein, receiving some small ves-
sels from the pericardium, &c. A valve formed by two
semilunar membranes exists at the entry of each auricle into
the ventricle. The pericardium, always situated in the

1 A translation of his paper may be found, ' Journ. de Physique,' t. 89,
witli observations upon it by M. Blainville.

168 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

back of the animal, except in the oyster, contains a thickish,
transparent fluid. The ventricle is muscular, and is pierced
by the rectum, which, in some species, though not in the
animal whose circulation is now described, likewise traverses
more or less of the aorta. The ventricle gives off an anterior
and a posterior aorta, and a valve exists at the com-
mencement of each. The former runs over the liver, giving
hepatic arteries, and surrounding the mouth with a ring, fur-
nishes the labial, ovarian, intestinal, pedal, and other arteries.
The latter goes backwards, and furnishes, principally, the
muscle and mantle with arteries. The coats of the veins are
thin, but they are readily injected ; those of the arteries
thicker, but these vessels are not easily filled with mercury.
Blood taken from the auricles is almost colourless, 1 separates
on standing into a liquid and solid part, and, microscopically
examined, its globules, which are about a thousandth part of
an inch in diameter, show some appearance of movement,
even out of the vessels. This fact appears to have been ob-
served by Mayer. 2 The heart is slow in its pulsations ; they
are generally from twenty to thirty in the minute.

In the Vnio and Anadonta the sinus, corresponding to that
of the Pecten, lies under the pericardium, receiving anteri-
orly large veins from the mantle, viscera, &c, and posteriorly
other vessels from the posterior part of the body. Part of its
blood goes to the branchial artery on each side, a few twigs
enter the auricles and the remainder goes to the excretory
organs. The vein of the mantle, at one extremity, is con-
nected with the excretory organ. This organ on each side
has a few small veins entering the auricles, but the mass of
its blood enters the branchial artery. The branches of this
vessel are found on the outer side of the inner branchial la-
mina, and on the inner side of the external one. The cor-
responding venous ramuscules enter three veins, one lying
between the two internal bronchia, which sends its blood to
the two others, situated at the superior margin of the external
lamina. These last form the auricles. There is nothing
remarkable in the distribution of the arteries.

Poli found two ventricles in the Area ; there are two like-
wise in some other genera, the shells of which have their
beaks remote. There are never more than two real auricles ;
but dilatations at the commencement of the aorta have been
so called. In the Cardium echinatum, where there are two
posterior aorta, each at its commencement is considerably di-

1 It is rather red in Teredo, according to Home.

2 Mayer, Supplem. zur Lehre vom Kreiselaufe, 1827.

ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 169

lated, and the cavities thus formed have strong muscular co-
lumns on their internal parietes.

The communication between the auricles, effected by a
transverse vein in the Pecten, Spondylus, fyc, is more com-
plete in the oyster, where they are united into one, but there
are still two auriculo-ventricular openings.

The veins, then, do not all enter the branchial artery, some
joining the branchial vein, where it forms the auricles. In
the Pecten we see the visceral blood circulating through the
excreting organs, which return it to the branchial arteries.
The veins between the excreting organs and the sinus, may
be the channels by which the former receive blood from, or
remit it to the latter. The first supposition is perhaps the
correct one, and in this case, this part of the circulation in
the Anadonta, &c, only differs by the visceral blood entering
the sinus before it circulates through the excreting organs ;
and by more of the blood of the sinus going to them. This
distribution is something like a portal system. There is a free
passage from the veins of the mantle into the auricles and
sinus in the Pecten, and into the sinus and tissue of the ex-
cretory organs in the Anadonta, &c. *

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

As is known to zootomists, the branchiae of the Lamelli-
branchiata are ciliated for the purpose of exciting currents in
the water. In the Monomyaria and Arcacece there are no
orifices or siphons to the mantle for the inlet and exit of the
water &c. In the Pecten, Spondylus, and Lima the branchiae
of each side are situated on a triangular membrane, at a dis-
tance from those of the other. The two branchice of the same
side are not distinct from each other, and their processes are
disunited, and do not form a continuous membrane as is ge-
nerally the case, but are kept in contact with each other by
lateral processes. In the oyster the branchice have not only
their processes conjoined into a membrane, but the several
laminae are united at their bases. In the Area, Pectunculus,
&c. the branchiae of each side are separate from those of the
other; as they are in Modiola, Mytilus, Lithodomus, and
other genera; but in these latter, the water enters by the pos-
terior fringed extremity of the mantle, and makes its exit by
the separate orifice situated higher up. There is a valve be-

1 Treviranus considers the blood from the branchial veins to pass through
the excretory organs before it enters the auricles. Vanderhoeven was aware
that the venous blood circulated through them, in opposition to the erro-
neous opinion of the former, according to Prof. Grant. Vid. Lancet.

s3

170 ANATOMY OF THE LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

low this orifice, and another above, to regulate the currents
in the proper direction. The orifice is lengthened into a tube
in the Lithodomus ; and in the Pinna the anal valve has ta-
ken a lengthened ligulate form. The Uniones only differ from
this in having the branchiae united, and the water appears to
make its exit by insinuating itself between them and the foot,
and so through the orifice. In the Cardium we see two dis-
tinct openings behind ; the water enters by the lower one,
distends the mantle, and this orifice being then closed by the
valve, it gets between the foot and the branchice, and is dis-
charged through the superior orifice. In this animal the pos-
terior extremity of the branchiae is united to the septum be-
tween the orifices, so that the two respiratory cavities only
communicate by the side of the foot. In the Cyclas both the
short tubes open internally below the branchiae, and there is
no passage required between the latter and the foot. The
water in this and similar cases has only access to the spaces
left internally between the lamince of the branchiae (oviducts
of Home) from behind : it is over these spaces that the secre-
tory organs and oviducts commonly open. We find this last
disposition, only with the siphons more developed, in Donax,
Tellina, Psammobia, and many others. There is in these
commonly a valve between the internal orifices ; but the wa-
ter is frequently ejected from both tubes. In the Mactra, Cy-
therea, Venus, and Venerupis, the tubes are more muscular
than in the Tellinidae, &c, and they are more or less united ;
the branchiae are in these often medianly separated. In the
Solen, Hyatella, Mya, Pholas, Teredo, &c, a different dispo-
sition takes place. Here the branchiae are prolonged into the
inferior siphon, and as they are not separated from the base
of the foot within, nor from the mantle without, the water
drawn in through the inferior orifice must make its exit by
the same, or by the anterior opening. But water is likewise
drawn in by the other, and so gets access to the interior in-
ter-laminar spaces of the branchiae ; and by this superior si-
phon the ova, faeces, and secretions are discharged. 1 Here
the branchiae are often very long, and the siphons very mus-
cular. We sometimes find small supplementary branchiae, as
in the Psammobia, Pholas, &c, or the external pair may be
shortened in front, as in Mya, Venerupis, and many other ge-
nera. In the Pandora the only appearance of the external

1 We see this also in the Tunicata. By one orifice water enters the re-
spiratory sac, by the other it is drawn into the external meshes of the bran-
chice. The water drawn in by each opening must make its exit by the same.
Those writers who say the contrary must be incorrect, unless the water pass
through the stomach and intestine.

ON THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER.

171

lamince consists of two very narrow strips at the base of the
others ; this is the case also, according to Blainville, in the
Osteodesma, allied to the former. Though it is not by the
action of the orifices or siphons, or by the relaxation of the
shell-muscles, and the opening of the valves, that the water
is drawn into the mantle, yet these accompany the occurrence;
and though the water commonly escapes in a continuous
stream from the action of the cilia, a sudden ejection of it
frequently takes place, accompanied by a closing of the valves
and a contraction of the siphons. These latter parts have
frequently at their extremities circles of ciliated fringed pro-

cesses.

(To be continued.)

Art. VI. — Observations on the Lamellicoms of Olivier. By The
Rev. F. W. Hope, F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c.

GENUS.

Cetonia.

( Continued from Page 24.J

SPECIES.

1 Goliathus

2 Cacicus

3 Polyphemus

4 micans

5 Chinensis

6 nigrita

7 aurata

8 corticina

9 bimaculata

10 guttata

11 aulica

12 fas cicularis

13 martnorea

14 nitida

15 lanius

16 carnifex

17 fuliginea

18 pubescens

19 hepatica

20 tristis

21 lobata

22 irrorata

23 elongata

24 sinuata

25 Gagates

26 marginatum

27 morio

28 Capensis

29 signata

30 elegam

Sierra Leone

Guinea

Africa

Senegal

China

Ceylon

England

Senegal

C. Good Hope

Sierra Leone

C. Good Hope

Ditto

Tobago

North America

Carolina

C. Good Hope

Senegal

C. Good Hope

St. Domingo

Florida

South America

Ditto

Cayenne

C. Good Hope

Ditto

Senegal

South of France

C. Good Hope

Ditto

Coromandcl

ARRANGEMENT OP AUTHORS.

Goliathus, Lamarck

Mecynorhina, Hope
Dicronorhina, Hope
Agestrata, Escholtz

Cetonia, Fabricius

Coryphe, Gory

Cetonia, Fabricius

Gymnetis, MacLeay

Diplognatha, Goiy.
Oplostomus, MacLeay
Cetonia, Fabricius
Chasmodia, MacLeay
Gymnetis, MacLeay

Cetonia, Fabricius
Cyclidius, MacLeay
Cetonia, Fabricius
Diplognatha, Gory
Cetonia. Fabricius

Coryphe, Gory

172

OBSERVATIONS ON

C ETON I A.

31 4-maculata

32 Africana

33 Iris

34 suturalis

35 fulgida

36 5-lineata

37 Philippensis

38 herbacea

39 sulcata

40 maculata

41 olivacea

42 interrupta

43 bifida

44 crucifera

45 impressa

46 inda

47 cyanea

48 acuminata

49 aurichalcea

50 lurida

51 stolata

52 lugubris

53 histrio

54 versicolor

55 carulea

56 variegata

57 bipunctata

58 areata

59 sanguinolenta

60 (Bquinoctialis

61 argentea

62 irregularis

63 Airto

64 stictica

65 punctulata
66hcemorrhoidalis

67 nitidula

68 Hottentotta

69 cruenta

70 pulverulenta

71 eremita

72 nobilis

73 variabilis

74 fasciata

75 bidens

76 viridula

77 lunulata

78 jM<7ra

79 de'/fo

80 hemiptera

81 lineata

82 nigripes

83 crassipes

84 canaliculata

85 i<7mto

Guinea
Sierra Leone
Surinam
Senegal
Pennsylvania
East Indies
China

North America
Madagascar
Coromandel
Sierra Leone
C. Good Hope
East Indies
Bombay-
East Indies
North America
Java

C. Good Hope
Surat
Brazils
Sierra Leone
C. Good Hope
Egypt
East Indies
Ditto

Tranquebar
Senegal
Virginia
Senegal
Ditto
Mauritius
Mexico
Europe
France
Senegal
C. Good Hope
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Brazils
Europe
England
Germany
England
North America
Ditto
Ditto
Carolina
Virginia
England
C. Good Hope
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Surinam

ARRANGEMENT OF AUTHORS.

Dicronorhina, Hope
Chlorocala, Kirby

Schuppelii, MacLeay
Cetonia, Fabricius
Macronota, Hoffmans.
Cetonia, Fabricius
Macraspis P MacLeay
Cetonia, Fabricius

Schizorhina, Kirby
Diplognatha, Fabricius
Macronota, Hoffmans.
Cetonia, Fabricius
Schizorhina, Kirby
Cetonia, Fabricius

Polybaphes, Kirby

Gymnetis, MacLeay
Cetonia, Fabricius
Agenius, Gory
Cetonia, Fabricius
Polybaphes, Kirby

Cetonia, Fabricius

Genuchus, Kirby

Incas,fcem., Serville
Osmoderma, Serville
Gnorimus, Serville
Gnorimus, Serville
Trichius, Fabricius

Archimedius, Kirby
Valgus, Scriba
Lepitrix, Serville

Pachycnema, Serville
Valgus, Scriba
Chrysophora P Dejean?

THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER.

173

GENUS.

C ETON I A.

Hexodon.

86 gtabrata

87 bicolor

88 emerita

89 clavata

90 convexa

91 smaragdula

92 4-vittata

93 tetradactyla

94 lucida

95 splendida

96 chrysis

97 brunnipes

98 lineola

99 Surinama

100 striata

101 4 -punctata

102 lateralis

103 pustulata

104 bifrons

105 Bajula

106 holosericea

107 strigosa

108 undata

109 picta

110 maculosa

111 liturata

112 eiweto

113 marginella

114 tricolor

115 tridentata

116 Hebrcea

117 velutina

118 hispida

119 ciliata

120 tigrina

1 reticulatum

2 unicolor

East Indies ?

South America

Ditto

Ditto

St. Domingo

South America

Brazils

Jamaica

Guadaloupe

Cayenne

Surinam

South America

Cayenne

Surinam

Guadaloupe

East Indies

South America

Guadaloupe

South America

Ditto

Surinam

South America

Cayenne

Surinam

South America

Brazils

South America

Sierra Leone

East Indies

Senegal

Equin. Africa

Caffraria

C. Good Hope

South America?

C. Good Hope

Madagascar
Ditto.

ARRANGEMENT OF AUTHORS.

Rutela, Latreille

Chrysophora P
Macraspis, Macleay

Chasmodia, MacLeay
Rutela, Latreille

Popillia, Leach
Macraspis, MacLeay
Cnemida, Kirby
Incas, Serville
Gymnetis, MacLeay

Rhomborhina, Hope
Cetonia, Fabricius
Polybaphes, Kirby
Cetonia, Fabricius
Diplognatha, Gory
Polybaphes, Kirby
Cetonia, Fabricius
Rutela P
Cetonia, Fabricius

Hexodon, Fabricius

Genus 6. Cetonia.

Sp. 1. Goliathus. Now the type of the genus Goliath us:
it is named Drurii by Mr. Westwood. For the genera be-
longing to this important group the reader is referred to the
' Illustrations of the Annulosa of South Africa,' lately pub-
lished by Mr. W. S. MacLeay, and to my observations in
the 'Coleopterist's Manual.'

Sp. 2. Cacicus. Now a Goliathus of Lamarck. Olivier,
with his usual inaccuracy with regard to country, makes

174 OBSERVATIONS ON

this species an inhabitant of South America ; it comes from
the Old World, — from Guinea.

Sp. 4. micans. Now a Dicronorhina of Hope. Mr. Strachan
has brought to England with him a new species of this
genus from the vicinity of Sierra Leone. It most probably
will appear in an early number of the 'Entomological
Transactions' of London. ■

Sp- 6. nigrita. Olivier states his belief that this insect is
only a variety of Macronota Chinensis ; Col. Whithill ob-
tained it from the Concan, and from an examination of the
specimen in the British Museum I consider it as a distinct
species.

Sp. 7. corticina. This is still a Cetonia, and is the Cet. pur-
purascens of Fabricius.

Sp. 9. bimaculata. This insect is not a Gnathocera, but a
Coryphe of Gory; the specific name of \flavomaculata Fab.,
should take precedence of bimaculata.

Sp. 10. guttata. Olivier describes this species as inhabiting
South America. I have received it from Sierra Leone.

Sp. 11. aulica. Still a Cetonia. It appears, however, to
afford ample characters for a sub-genus.

Sp. 13. marmorea. This is now a Gymnetis, MacLeay. Mr.
Kirby has suggested the adoption of another genus, named
by him Marmorina, to which this species with several
others ought to be attached.

Sp. 16. carnifex. Olivier's locality for this species is South
America ; it inhabits the Cape of Good Hope, and belongs
to the genus Diplognatha.

Sp. 1 7. fuliginea. This is now an Oplostomus of MacLeay.
For the details consult his ' Illustrations of the Zoology of
South Africa,' lately published. Olivier gives no locality ;
I have received it from the banks of the Gambia, and Mr.
MacLeay from the Cape.

Sp. 23. elongata. Now a Cyclidius of MacLeay, of which
this species is the type. Cetonia axillaris, Dupont, be-
longs to the same genus. Olivier does not mention the
country from which he received it : Mr. MacLeay and
Mons. Gory give it as a South American insect.

Sp. 31. quadrimaculata. A Dicronorhina, Mihi. The ori-
ginal specimen from which Fabricius and Olivier described
the above insect is now in my possession, and I consider
it as the female of Goliathus Daphnis of Buquet ; Mr.
MacLeay however, regards it as distinct.

1 The insect alluded to at Cetonia 4, appears to be one of the Goliatidce,
and is the male of Cet. torquata, Fab. ; in its characters it seems mediate
between Meet/norhina and Dicronorhina.

THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER. 175

Sp. 33. Iris. This species is not mentioned in Percheron's
and Gory's Cetoriiidce ; according to Mr. Kirby it belongs
to his genus Chlorocala, and is the typical species.

Sp. 35. fulgida. No locality is stated by Olivier ; it is well
known however to be a North American insect.

Sp. 36. quinquelineata. Two species have been described
with the above name, both of them I believe are from the
East Indies.

Sp. 38. herbacea. This insect is not noticed in Percheron's
and Gory's Monograph ; it is apparently allied to Macraspis

Sp. 44. crucifera. Now a Diploynatha. This insect was
called by Fabricius, Cet. atromaculaia, and is properly
preferred by Gory to the former name. I have repeatedly
received it from Poona and Bombay.

Sp. 46. Inda. The locality of the East Indies is given by
Olivier ; it appears peculiar to North America.

Sp. 47. cyanea. According to Gory this is a Schizorhina ;
the clypeus is bind certainly, but it deviates however from
the type of the genus, and should be separated from Schi-
zorhina, as well as other Asiatic species. Its true locality
is Java.

Sp. 49. aurichalcea. This as well as other species recorded
by Olivier, are omitted in the * Monographic des Cetoines.'

Sp. 51. stolata. Olivier mentions New Holland and Senegal
as the localities of the above insect; with respect to the
former he is in error, it may however occur in Senegal, as
T have received it from Sierra Leone.

Sp 55. ccerulea. Fabricius originally named this insect
quadrimaculata : there are several oriental species closely
allied to it. They ought to be formed into a sub- genus
allied to Gymnetis. The Asiatic Gymnetidce require fur-
ther sub-division.

Sp. 62. irregularis. Olivier does not mention the locality of
this species ; it is evidently a Mexican insect.

Sp. 63. hirta. This insect was originally called Scarabceus
hirtellusbj Linnaeus ; the Sc. squalidus of the same author,
is only a spotless variety of the above.

Sp. 70. pulverulenta. As Olivier does not state the country
from which this insect was received he was probably un-
acquainted with it. The Brazils abound with them.

Sp. 76. viridula. Olivier gives a wrong locality to this insect,
viz. the East Indies ; it occurs only in Northern America.

Sp. 79. Delta. Now an Archimedius of Kirby, one of the
Tricliiida. For an account of the natural groups into
which this genus may be resolved, the reader should con-
sult the third volume of the 'Zoological Journal,' p. 136,

176 OBSERVATIONS ON

where there is an excellent paper by my friend Mr. Kirby.

Sp. 85. ignita. This is most likely a Chrysophora ; if not
it is a Pelidnota of MacLeay.

Sp. 86. glabrata. Olivier gives his opinion that this is an
East Indian insect ; I believe it to belong to South America
and to be one of the Rutelidae.

Sp. 88. emerita. Most likely a true Chrysophora.

Sp. 91. smaragdula. Now a Macraspis of MacLeay. Mr.
Westwood in the new edition of Drury considers this insect
as a Chasmodia. As no mention in the description is made
respecting a divided clypeus, a peculiarity of Chasmodia,
I consider it a Macraspis.

Sp. 92. quadrivittata. The name offucata, Fab., should be
used instead of the above. The Scarabceus ductus of
Drury, is the same insect.

Sp. 97. brunuipes. Now a Chasmodia of MacLeay. It is
probable that Chasm, castanea De Jean, is only an imma-
ture variety of this species. Olivier gives no locality ; it
abounds in the Brazils.

Sp. 98. lineola. Now a Iiutela. This insect is subject to
vary considerably, several of the varieties are considered
as species. Sc. Hesperus of Drury is one of them.

Sp. 101. quadripunctata. Certainly a Popillia of Leach.

Sp. 107. strigosa. This species is apparently unknown to
M.M. Percheron and Gory, as it is omitted in their mono-
graph ; so also is the following species of Olivier, named
Undata.

Sp. 109. picta. This is a true Gymnetis. A specimen is in
my collection, others I have seen which vary much in the
yellow markings.

Sp. 110. maculosa. The name of Gracula used by Fabricius
should take the place of maculosa, on the ground of prio-
rity.

Sp. 111. liturata. Now a Gymnetis. As Olivier has omit-
ted it, I give the Brazils as its true locality.

Sp. 112. cincta. This is now a Rhomborhina of my ' Ma-
nual.' Cet. Taenia of Palisot Beauvois, is the same insect.

Sp. 113. marginella. A Cetonia of authors. Three species
in the European Cabinets are confounded together under
the above name ; they certainly cannot be considered as
mere varieties, their form and proportions being very diffe-
rent.

Sp. 117. velutina. Now a Polybaphes of Kirby. The name
of velutina must be changed : the following are the syno-
nyms of the species.

THE LAMELLICORNS OF OLIVIER. 177

discoidea Fab., ' Syst. Elect.' 2, 158, 116
Cetonia- velutina Oliv., tab. 14, fig. 121

jiammea Vigors, 'Zool. Jour., vol. 2, p. 237, tab. 9.
Sp. 119. ciliata. Most likely a Kutela; if so, its country

will be South America.

In concluding these remarks on the species of Lamellicorns
mentioned by Olivier, two observations will occur to most
entomologists. The first is Olivier's want of a better ac-
quaintance with the Fabrician species ; this is remarkable. It
certainly should not have occurred respecting the species de-
scribed from our English cabinets, as Fabricius and Olivier
described from the self-same specimens ; every species was
labelled by Fabricius, and there ought not, therefore, to have
occurred so many glaring instances of decided neglect. The
second great error of Olivier was an indifference about stating
the countries from which the insects were received. This
blame attaches equally to Linnaeus, Fabricius, and other writ-
ers of the same period, and was the fault of the age in which
they lived : geographical distribution is of mere modern
growth, it is however of very great importance, and will even-
tually be found the best clue to conduct us out of the laby-
rinths of doubt and error, and without it we never can satis-
factorily arrange the families, genera, or even the species of
Insecta.

Olivier's work, as a whole, is one of the best which has
appeared in France or Europe ; although many of the figures
are bad, many again are tolerably faithful portraits of the
species. A. wretchedly miserable work, with Olivier's figures
was published at Nuremberg about 1800, under the title of
' Abbeldungen zuk. Illigeri, Uebersetzung, von Olivier's En-
tomologie.' The plates are so bad that it is rarely admitted
by entomologists into their libraries. Faulty indeed as the
above works may be, they are yet better than none. It is
remarkable, that with the exception of Drury's ' Illustrations
of Exotic Entomology,' the English authors have scarcely
ever published a general work of any magnitude, with plates.
As far as our British Fauna goes however, we greatly sur-
pass the continental writers, as no where in Europe will be
found more valuable Faunas than those of Messrs. Stephens
and Curtis. A publication on the same scale as that of Oli-
vier's would do much to advance the science of Entomology,
and is at the present moment a great desideratum. There
are in England several magnificent collections, able artists,
and unrivalled comparative anatomists, but where is patronage
to stimulate to exertion ? How little is science encouraged,
— how weakly is it supported !

178 STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES

Art. VII. — On the structural differences observable in the Crania
of the four British Species of the Genus Cygnus. By W. G.
Pelerin, Esq.

It may be considered by many that structural variation in
the crania of birds is of little importance ; but I am inclined
to think, from an attentive study of the comparative anatomy
of the class for some years, that it may frequently tend, if not
absolutely to decide species, at least materially to strengthen
the characters. Many species that were long considered dif-
ferent, as the purre, dunlin, &c, had the crania been minute-
ly examined, would have proved identical, and vice versa, as
in the present instances, where the birds are so nearly allied
in point of colour &c. as to have been for years confounded,
it appears to me worthy of attentive consideration.

As some doubts have been lately promulgated on the con-
tinent with regard to the swan characterised by Mr. Yarrell
being specifically different from Cygnus olor, a description
and comparison of the cranium of each may be interesting to
naturalists, and tend to prove satisfactorily that they are dis-
tinct.

The measurement of an adult cranium of each bird is as
follows.

Length from the tip of the bill to the base of the occipital
bone : —

Cyg. immutabilis, 6f in. Cyg. olor, 6| in.

Height from the bottom of the lower mandible when closed
to the top of the protuberance at the base of the bill : —
Cyg. immutabilis, If in. Cyg. olor, 2 in.

Height from the base of the under jaw to the vertex of the
head, just behind the orbit of the eye : —

Cyg. immutabilis, 2^ in. Cyg. olor. 2\ in.

In Cyg. immutabilis the bill is rather more flattened, par-
ticularly in the middle between the dertrum and the nostrils ;
the protuberance at the base of the upper mandible is less de-
veloped, and the top of the skull, instead of being nearly on
a level from thence to the summit of the parietal bones, as in
Cyg. olor, rises gradually to that point, and does not indicate
any sign of the small foramen observable at that part in the
latter species : but the greatest difference is perceptible on

IN THE CRANIA OF. THE BRITISH SWANS. 179

comparing the occipital bones; the upper portion of this bone
in Cyg. immutabilis (a) protrudes considerably more, and
there are two oval foramina (b), one on each side just above
the foramen magnum, which are not present in any specimens
of Cyg. olor that I have examined ; the portion forming the
boundary of the external orifice of the ear (c) is much more
prominent, and the condyle forms a more acute angle with
the basilar portion of the occipital bone.

Skull of Cygnus immutabilis.
A, upper portion of occipital bone. B, oval foramina, C, external orifice of ear.

One of the chief distinctions of Cyg. olor appears to be the
small foramen on the top of the cranium, which 1 have inva-
riably found in this, but never in a single instance in the three
other species : the two foramina in the occipital bone do not
appear so constant, as, although I have always detected them
in Cyg. Bewickii and never in Cyg. olor, they are occasional-
ly observable in Cyg. ferns, but wanting in the greater num-
ber, and even in some, though perceptible, nearly obliterated.

The small size of the head of Cyg. Bewickii, being usually
about one third less than that of Cyg. ferns, and the compa-
rative shortness and breadth of the bill, render it unnecessary
to describe it more minutely, as it would be at once detected
by any observer at all conversant with the subject.

The specimen of Cyg. immutabilis from which the accom-
panying drawing and description are taken, was procured in
the London market, and has been some years in my collec-
tion ; and from a frequent comparison with many crania of
Cyg. olor, from which it uniformly differed in the above par-
ticulars, I considered it as the head of a nearly-allied but dis-

180 DIFFERENCES IN CRANIA OF BRITISH SWANS.

tinct species, although as I never subsequently met with ei-
ther the bird or cranium, I could not identify it with any
recognised or previously described, till Mr. Yarrell having
mentioned to me that he had determined a new swan, con-
founded with, but in reality perfectly separable from Cygnus
olor, I had no doubt that mine was the same species, and on
showing it to him, after a careful investigation, he had no he-
sitation in confirming my views with regard to their identity.
Since writing the above I have dissected the lately charac-
terised goose, which affords additional proof of the utility of
the study of the cranium, and also furnishes a corroboration
that those authors who have not separated the geese from the
bernacles are correct ; this species forming a beautiful con-
necting link between the two : the plumage, colour of the
beak, and legs, assimilate to the true geese, but the greater
portion of its anatomy is that of the bernacles, particularly the
head, as, were it not that it is one third larger, it might be
taken, without attentive consideration, for that of Anser Ber-
nicla, which it exactly resembles in the form of the bill, the
height of the skull, and, wherein it particularly differs from
all the other true geese, the large size of the super-orbital
glands, and corresponding enlargement of the processes of
the lachrymal bones and the depressions over the eyes for
their attachment and insertion, although not near so much
developed as in Anser brenta, in which these glands not
only meet, but lap considerably over each other, and occupy
a depression formed between the orbits for their reception.

65, Great Russel St.,
Bloomsbury Square.

[The new goose referred to above was described by Mr. Bartlett at the
meeting of the Zoological Society, January 8th, 1839, under the name of
Anser phcenicopus, or pink-footed goose. It bears a close resemblance to
the bean goose Anser segetum, for which it is probable that it has often been
mistaken ; but it may readily be distinguished from that species by the legs
and feet, which, in a living or recently-killed specimen, are of a reddish
flesh colour or pink, while the legs and feet of the bean goose are of a yel-
lowish orange ; the bird is smaller, the bill shorter, and the plumage more
inclined to grey than in the bean goose. Mr. Bartlett stated that he had
examined twenty specimens of the new species, in all of which the above
distinguishing characters were present. — Ed."]

ARTIFICIAL ARRANGEMENT OF BRITISH PLANTS. 181

Art. VIII. — On the Artificial Arrangement of some of the more
extensive Natural Orders of British Plants. By Frederick
John Bird, Esq.

( Continued from Vol. 2, n. s., page 609.)

LEGUMINOSJE.

(FABACEjE, Lindl.)

In the analysis of the genera of this order made by Dr.
Lindley, the distinctions upon which the principal divisions
(Loteo? and Video?) are founded consist in the cotyledons ris-
ing above, r or remaining beneath the ground during germina-
tion. To determine, however, which of these two conditions
obtains, is frequently rendered very difficult from the rarity
of specimens, or from their not being met with during the ear-
lier stages of development ; I have therefore been induced to
construct the following table, without reference to the above-
mentioned divisional characters adopted by Dr. Lindley.

The British genera of Leguminosw are contained within
the Linnaean division Diadelphia Decandria.

Stamens monadelphous &

Stamens diadelphous ,..M

A f Calyx 2-lipped B.

(Calyx equal C.

j, (Calyx with the upper lip entire Cytisus.

( Calyx with the upper lip divided D.

£ ( Calyx inflated, 5-toothed, tubular Anthyllis.

\ Calyx close, 5 -cleft, campanulate Ononis.

y. f Calyx, upper lip with 3, lower lip with 2 teeth Ulex.

' (Calyx, upper lip 2-parted, lower lip 3-toothed Genista.

B.

4

» (Leaves with tendrils B.

( Leaves without tendrils F.

R ( Calyx with 5 foliaceous segments Pisum.

°' (Calyx 5-toothed D.

c ( Style curved, ilat, villous in front Lathgrus.

' ( Style not curved, or at right angles with the ovary .. E.
y. ( Style villous at the upper side, fruit many-seeded... Vicia.
(Style smooth, fruit 2- or 4 -seeded Ervum.

j, j Leaves termite F.

(Leaves pinnate or absent K.

Vol. III.— No. 28. n. s. t

182 ON THE ARTIFICIAL ARRANGEMENT

-p (Flowers in loose racemes Melilotus.

\ Flowers in heads or dense spikes G.

p ( Stipules ovate, leafy, pod apterous Lotus.

( Stipules pointed, often awned H.

•n- (Legumes falcate or spiral Medicago.

( Legumes straight I*

-r (Legumes few-seeded Trifolium.

{Legumes many-seeded Trigonella.

■tr ( Leaves pinnate with an odd leaflet L.

(Leaves abruptly pinnate or terminating in a seta....Orobus.

•r (Legumes 2-celled M.

( Legumes many-celled N.

•»*■ (Carina obtuse Astragalus.

' (Carina ending in an exserted point Qpytropis.

*t (Flowers yellow Hippocrepis.

' ( Flowers red, white, or rose-coloured 0.

q ( Stem prostrate, pod with several joints and seeds.... Ornithopus.
(Stem erect, pod with 1 joint and 1 seed Onobrychis.

VMBELLIFEBM.

{APIACEM, Lindl.)

The sub -divisions of this arrangement of the umbelliferous
genera are those originally formed by DeCandolle, and which
are also adopted in Lindley's ' Synopsis ; ' but the characters
on which the "tribes" of the latter author are founded, name-
ly, the primary and secondary ridges of the fruit, have not
been employed, as from their minuteness in many cases, it
frequently becomes difficult to determine the relative situa-
tions which they occupy.

The plants of this very natural assemblage are comprehend-
ed in the Linnaean group Pentandria Digynia.

Sub-divisions.

Fruit with the face flat f

Fruit with the face rolled inwards at the edges, forming a longi-
tudinal furrow f f

Fruit with the face curved inwards from base to apex f f f

, ( Umbels simple, fascicled, or capitate, terminal .. JK
* (Umbels compound, terminal or lateral IS

a*

» (Fruit smooth ; laterally compressed Hydrocotyle.

( Fruit rough with scales or prickles ; roundish B.

g J Flowers in dense heads upon a scaly receptacle Eryngium.

* (Flowers in close umbels; fruit with hooked prickles Sanicula.

OF NATURAL ORDERS OF BRITISH PLANTS. 183

(Fruit compressed laterally B.

( Fruit either rounded, or compressed dorsally N.

(Calyx leafy, 5-toethed Cicuta.

(Calyx obsolete or nearly so C.

(Plants dioecious Trinia.

(Plants hermaphrodite D.

(Leaves simple, undivided Bupleurum.

(Leaves compound, pinnate or divided E.

p ( Fruit crowned with the persistent styles F.

(Fruit not crowned with the styles H.

(Styles straight Conopodium.

(Styles reflexed G.

-, ( Umbels without any involucre Pimpinella.

' (Partial involucre present Slum.

A.
15.
C.
D.

F.

H.

( Fruit apparently single I.

(Fruit apparently double M.

T ( Rays of the umbel not exceeding 4 or 5 Sison.

( Rays of the umbel numerous K.

K.

M.

0.

R.

X.

(Petals ovate, entire Helosciadium,

(Petals inversely cordate, emarginate L.

j ( Channels with single vittce ; leaflets linear Carum.

( Channels without vittce ; leaflets ovate JEgopodium,

(Involucra absent Apium.

(Involucra present Petroselinum,

N ( Fruit taper, or but slightly compressed O.

" ( Fruit much compressed at the back X.

(Ridges of the fruit prickly Daucus.

(Ridges of the fruit not prickly P.

p ( Fruit crowned with the persistent styles Q.

( Fruit not crowned with the styles R.

n ( Styles straight CEnanthe.

u ' (Styles reflexed... Seseli.

( Involucra both absent... Fceniculum.

(Partial involucre present S.

^ f Partial involucre 3-leaved, pendulous JEthusa.

( Partial involucre many-leaved T.

T ( Seeds unattached in the dried pericarp ; lvs. fleshy. Crithmum.

' \ Seeds attached in the pericarp ; leaves not fleshy... U.
TJ ( Petals acute at both ends ; leaflets finely divided ...Meum.

(Petals obovate, emarginate W.

w f Leaflets nearly rhomboid, serrated ; flowers white... Ligusticum.
' \ Leaflets linear, not serrated ; flowers yellowish Silaus.

( Fruit flattened, with a thick knotted margin CC .

( Fruit flattened, winged, wings not knotted Y.

Y ( Fruit with a double wing on each side BB.

' (Fruit dilated into a single wing on each side Z.

y ( Ridges of fruit equi-distant, channels with 1-3 vittce. Peucedanum.

' ( Two lateral ridges remote, channels with single vittce. AA.

184 ARRANGEMENT OF BRITISH PLANTS.

a a | Vittte filiform, involucella absent or few-leaved Pastinaca.

( Vittce clavate, involueella many-leaved Heracleum.

j>t> (Calyx 5-toothed, seeds with many vittee Archangelica.

' (Calyx obsolete, channels with single vittce Angelica.

pp ( Channels with single filiform vittce Tordylium.

' (Channels each with 3 vittce Condylocarpus

tt

* ( Fruit armed with prickles B.

( Fruit smooth, or nearly so D.

t» (Fruit beaked Anthriscus.

( Fruit not beaked C.

p ( Fr. with about 4 rows of prickles ; rays of umbel 3..Caucalis.
( Fr. covered with prickles; rays of urab. exceeding 4.Torilis.

j. (Umbels without involucra Smyrnium.

' (Umbels with at least a partial involucre E.

p ( Fruit laterally compressed, linear F.

' ( Fruit laterally compressed, ovate I.

-p (Fruit beaked Scandix.

' ( Fruit beakless H.

tt ( Fruit with blunt ridges ; pericarp solid Chcerophyllum

' (Fruit with acute ridges; pericarp hollow Myrrhis.

T ( Partial involucre 3-lvd. halved ; ridges of fr. crenate. Conium.
( Partial involucre many-lvd. ridges fine or depressed. K.

tt- (Flowers monoecious Echinophora.

' (Flowers hermaphrodite Physospermum

ttt
Fruit globose, partial involucre halved Coriandrum.

The last-named genus is here enumerated as indigenous to
this country, although it is still a matter of doubt whether it
ought to be ranked as such ; but the numerous and wild lo-
calities in which it has been found, together with its frequent
abundance, tend considerably to strengthen the opinion of its
being so.

(To be continued.)

Art. IX. — Observations on the Rodentia, with a view to point out
the groups as indicated by the structure of the Crania, in this Or-
der of Mammals. By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., Curator to the
Zoological Society, Vice-Pres. of the Entomological Society.
( Continued from page 96).

Family II. — Myoxioe.
Dentition. — Incisors laterally compressed. Molares -Jf,
unequal in size, rooted; the series on each side of each jaw
widely separated and parallel.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA.

185

(a) Skull of Oraphiurus Capensis, seen from above,
ramus of lower jaw of Myoxus avellanarius, (inner side,
beneath.

(ft) the same, seen laterally. (c)
{d) skull of the same seen from

Skull. — Without any post-orbital process to the temporal
bone ; zygomatic process of maxillary bone consisting of a
broad thin plate, the base of which occupies the whole space
between the plane of the palate and that of the upper sur-
face of the skull : this plate perforated by a tolerably large
ant-orbital foramen. Palatine portions of intermaxillary,
maxillary, and palate bones (in Myoxus avellanarius 1 ) on the
same plane. Incisive foramina long and narrow, situated
partially in the intermaxillary and partially in the maxillary
bones; palatine process of the maxillary terminating opposite
the penultimate molar, and followed by a narrow palatine pro-
cess of the palate bone. In the palato-maxillary suture are
two large foramina, and there are two large' posterior palatal
foramina, one on each side, near the inner margin of the last
molar. Glenoid cavity somewhat contracted.

Lower jaw with the descending ramus forming a quadrate
process, which is sometimes perforated. The lower posterior
angle of this process is incurved, and either angular or round-
ed and the upper posterior angle is acute and twisted outwards.

The drawings of the skulls of Myoxus glis, and Graphiu-
rus Capensis, which illustrate M. F. Cuvier's paper in the
' Nouvelles Ajmales du Mus.' vol. i., together with some skulls

1 I have not had an opportunity of examining the palate in the skulls of
any other species of this family.

186

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA,

ofMyoxus avellanarius, now before me, enable me to give the
above characters of the present family.

The general form of the skull of the Myoxidce is interme-
diate between that of the Sciuridce and the Muridce ; the in-
ter-orbital portion is more contracted than in the Sciuridce,
and the nasal bones are proportionately narrower and more
elongated. The species of the present family are readily dis-
tinguished from the Sciuridce by the want of a post-orbital
process and the larger size of the ant-orbital foramen, which,
instead of being placed far forward and low down, is situated
in the thin plate which forms the zygomatic process of the
maxillary bone.

The larger size of the ant-orbital foramen and the imper-
fect state of the palatine process of the palate-bone, lead us
to the Jerboas {Dipus), where the form of the jaw bears a re-
markable resemblance to that of Myoxus, as will be seen.

The genera Myoxus and Graphiurus contain all the spe-
cies I am acquainted with belonging to the Myoxid®.

Family III. — G-ERBOiDiE.

or

Dentition. — Incisors laterally compressed, muiaio T
-§-§-) rooted and unequal in size ; the series on each side of
each jaw parallel and widely separated.

(a) Skull of Dipus hirtipes, seen from above. (6) the same seen laterally. (c) skull of

Dipus sEgyptius, seen from beneath {d) ramus of lower jaw of ditto, inner side.

Skull. — Palatine portions of the intermaxillary, maxillary,
and palatine bones on the same plane, or nearly so. Inci-

OBSERVATIONS ON THE RODENTIA. 187

sive foramina rather large, long and narrow, situated partly
in the intermaxillaries and partly in the maxillary bones. —
Orbits large, extending far back, and leaving but a narrow
passage for the temporal muscle. Ant-orbital foramen very
large. The arch which incloses the ant-orbital foramen, and
separates this from the orbit, is formed by two bones, the su-
perior maxillary bone and the malar, the latter running pa-
rallel with the former, and articulating with the lachrymal
bone. The maxillary bone may be described as throwing
out two processes, one superior and one inferior, which unite
to form an arch. The superior process is thrown out from
the plane of the upper surface of the skull, and the inferior is
directed outwards from the plane of the palate, and is bifur-
cate, one portion being carried upwards to join the superior
process and form the arch, and the other portion, directed
backwards beneath the malar bone, assists in the formation of
the zygoma. Zygomatic arches slender and curved down-
wards, so that their lower boundary is below the level of the
palate, the hinder portion of the zygoma is horizontally com-
pressed. The glenoid cavity somewhat contracted and ob-
lique in its position, being directed forwards and inwards from
the root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, and
extending upon the sphenoid. Palatine process of palate
bone continuing the plane of the palate beyond the line of
the last molars. The inter-parietal bone is large and nearly
of a semicircular form.

Lower jaw with the coronoid process rather small, the con-
dyloid curved inwards : the descending ramus (or posterior
coronoid process, according to Carus) is somewhat quadrate
and perforated, angular in Dipus, and has the lower and pos-
terior portion somewhat rounded in Alactaga. The symphy-
sis menti is of but small extent.

My materials for drawing up the characters of the present
group are very limited : skulls of Dipus Mgyptius, and two
or three figures, are all I have at my command. M. F. Cu-
vier (in his ' Memoire sur les Gerboises,' &c. * ) has figured
the skull of a species of Dipus and that of an Alactaga, and
in both the descending ramus of the lower jaw is perforated.

The skulls of the species of Dipus are remarkable for the
somewhat oblique direction of the glenoid cavity of the tem-
poral bone, and for the great developement of the auditory
bullce, which encroach upon and contract the occipital por-
tion of the cranium. A narrow band of the squamous por-
tion of the temporal bone is extended backwards over the

1 See ' Transactions of the Zoological Society,' Vol. ii. pi. 24.

188 APPLICATION OF PHOTOGENIC DRAWING

auditory bulla, and joins a similar band which forms part of
the supra-occipital bone. In the genus Alactaga the audito-
ry bullae are comparatively small, and the peculiar bands just
described do not appear to exist.

In the form of the lower jaw the genus Dipus very closely
resembles Myoxus, especially My. avellanarius ; in both the
descending ramus is perforated, and in Myoxus as in Dipus
the glenoid cavity of the temporal bone is oblique, though in
a less marked degree. On the other hand we find a conside-
rable resemblance, in the palate and its foramina, between
the animals of the present family and those of the genus Ger-
billus.

The genera Dipus, Alactaga, and Meriones belong to the
present family ; I must observe however that the Dipus Ca-
nadensis, (which constitutes the genus Meriones, according
to most of the later writers), presents a form of skull which,
in many respects, is intermediate between the jerboas and
the dormice {Myoxidce). Comparing the lower jaw of Dipus
JEgyptius with that of Myoxus avellanarius, we perceive
that the coronoid process is proportionately larger in the lat-
ter ; in this respect the Meriones Canadensis agrees with the
dormouse ; it also approaches more nearly to the last-men-
tioned animal in the comparatively small extent of the pala-
tine portion of the palate bone. In the size of the ant-orbital
foramen, the Mer. Canadensis is intermediate between the
two animals with which we are comparing it. This foramen
being larger than in Myoxus, and smaller than in Dipus. In
Mer. Canadensis, as in the jerboas, the portion of the zygo-
matic process of the maxilla which forms the lower boundary
of the ant-orbital passage is thrown out from the plane of the
palate. The incisive foramina are larger in Mer. Canaden-
sis than in Myoxus avellanarius, thus agreeing with Dipus.

(To be continued.)

Art. X. — Observations on the application of Heliographic or Pho-
togenic Drawing to Botanical Purposes ; with an account of an
economic mode of preparing the Paper : in a Letter to the Editor
of the * Magazine of Natural History.' By Golding Bird,
M.D., F.L.S., &c.

Sir,

The mode of fixing the images of the camera
obscura, and copying engravings, by means of the chemical
action of light on paper prepared with a solution of chloride of

TO BOTANICAL TURPOSES. 189

silver, has attracted so much notice, and produced so much
popular excitement, that a few observations on this interest-
ing process will not perhaps be considered out of place in
your Magazine. I venture to occupy your pages with the
less reluctance, because I feel that the application of this he-
liographic or photogenic art will be of immense service to the
botanist, by enabling him to procure beautiful outline draw-
ings of many plants, with a degree of accuracy which, other-
wise, he could not hope to obtain.

That light will act on chloride of silver is by no means
a novel discovery, and paper prepared with it was long ago
used by Ritter and Wollaston, in testing the chemical action
of the rays of the solar spectrum ; still, in this country it was
not, I believe, applied to any purpose likely to be of use to
the naturalist and traveller, until brought into notice by the
researches of Mr. Talbot. It is not a little amusing to ob-
serve how many pretenders to the discovery have started up.
since the announcement of Mr. Talbot's discovery, and that
of M. Daguerre in France. The latter gentleman has, through
M. Arago, at a late meeting of the French Institute, announ-
ced his mode of preparing a sensitive paper, far exceeding
that of Mr. Talbot in delicacy, but otherwise possessing the
same property of indicating intensity of light by depth of
colour, and consequently differing from that marvellous pre-
paration which he is said to possess, and which represents
shadows by depth of colour, precisely as in nature.

M. Daguerre prepares his heliographic paper by immersing
a sheet of thin paper in hydrochloric ether, which has been
kept sufficiently long to be acid ; the paper is then carefully
and completely dried, as this is stated to be essential to its
proper preparation. The paper is next dipped into a solu-
tion of nitrate of silver, (the degree of concentration of which
is not mentioned), and dried without artificial heat in a room
from which every ray of light is carefully excluded. By this
process it acquires a very remarkable facility in being black-
ened on a very slight exposure to light, even when the latter
is by no means intense, indeed by the diffused daylight of
early evening in the month of February. This prepared pa-
per rapidly loses its extreme sensitiveness to light, and finally
becomes not more readily acted upon by the solar beams than
paper dipped in nitrate of silver only. M. Daguerre renders
his drawings permanent by dipping them in water, so as to
dissolve all the undecomposed salt of silver.

This process is very inconvenient, for many reasons, among
which are the difficulty of procuring, as well as the expense
of, hydrochloric ether : on this account I prefer Mr. Talbot's

Vol. III.— No. 28. n. s. u

190 APPLICATION OF PHOTOGENIC DRAWING

process, although it is to be regretted that this gentleman has
not stated more explicitly the proportions in which he uses
the ingredients employed in the preparation of his sensitive
paper. I have performed a set of experiments on this sub-
ject, and can recommend the following proportions as the
most effective and economical. 200 grains of common salt
are to be dissolved in a pint of water, and sheets of thin blue
wove post paper saturated with the solution, which, for this
purpose, should be poured into a dish, and, the paper being
immersed, the application of the solution to every part should
be ensured by the use of a sponge. The paper is then to be
removed, drained of its superfluous moisture, and nearly dried
by pressure between folds of linen or bibulous paper.

240 grains of fused nitrate of silver are then to be dissolved
in 12 fluid ounces of water, and this solution is to be applied
by means of a sponge to one side of each sheet of the previ-
ously prepared paper, which side should be marked with a
pencil, so that when the paper is fit for use the prepared side
may be distinguished. The sheets of paper are then to be
hung upon lines in a dark room to dry, and when nearly free
from moisture, their marked sides are to be once more sponged
over with the solution of silver, and finally dried ; they are
then to be cut into pieces of convenient size, and preserved
from light, or even too much exposure to air, by being wrap-
ped up in several folds of brown paper, and kept in a portfolio.

The proportions above recommended are sufficient for the
preparation of a quire of the kind of paper alluded to ; if
more of the salt of silver were used, the paper would indeed
become darker by the action of light, but its expense would
be proportionally increased : and when prepared in the man-
ner directed, it assumes, by less than a minute's exposure to
the rays of the sun, a rich mulberry brown tint, of sufficient
intensity to define an outline very beautifully, which indeed
is all that is required.

To use this paper, the specimen of which a drawing is re-
quired, is removed from the herbarium, placed on a piece of
the paper, and kept in situ by a pane of common glass press-
ed by weights : a piece of plate glass, however, is preferable,
as it is sufficiently heavy to press the plant close to the pa-
per. The whole is then placed in the sunshine, and in less
than a minute all the uncovered parts of the paper will as-
sume a rich brown tint. The paper should then be removed
from the direct influence of the sun, and placed in a book un-
til the drawing be rendered permanent: the specimen, quite
uninjured by the process, may then be replaced in the herba-
rium, and the drawing of another be taken, and so on. So

TO BOTANICAL PURPOSES. 191

rapidly is this process executed, that twenty-five or thirty
drawings may be obtained in an hour, providing we are fa-
voured with a direct sun-beam ; if, however, we have only the
diffused day-light, five or ten minutes, and sometimes even
more, are required to produce a drawing with well-defined
outlines.

If drawings of recent plants be required, specimens of pro-
per size should be cut, and if not too rigid, placed on a piece
of the paper, and kept in a proper position by means of a pane
of glass, as in the case of dried specimens ; but if the plant
be rigid, the specimens should be placed for twenty-four
hours between folds of blotting-paper, under a heavy weight,
before placing them on the sensitive paper.

Having obtained as many drawings as are required, the
next thing is to fix them, so that their otherwise evanescent
character may not deprive them of their value. For this pur-
pose place them in a dish, and pour cold water over them ;
allow them to soak for ten minutes, and then transfer them to,
or sponge them over with, a solution, made by dissolving an
ounce of common salt in half a pint of water, to which half a
fluid ounce of the tincture of the sesqui-chloride of iron has
been added. The drawings thus prepared may be dried by
pressure between folds of linen, and exposure to the air ; and
may then be examined without danger. On looking at them
every one must be struck with the extreme accuracy with
which every scale, nay, every projecting hair, is preserved on
the paper ; the character and habit of the plant is most beau-
tifully delineated, and if the leaves be not too opake, the
venation is most exquisitely represented ; (this is particularly
the case with the more delicate ferns, as Polypodium Dryop-
teris). Among those classes of plants which appear to be
more fitted than others for representation by this process, may
be ranked the ferns, grasses, and umbelliferous plants ; the
photogenic drawings of the former, are indeed of exquisite
beauty.

The fact of the object being white on a brown ground
does not affect the utility of this mode of making botanic
drawings ; indeed, I almost fancy that their character is bet-
ter preserved by this contrast of tint, than by a coloured out-
line on a white ground. Every one will be fully aware of the
value of this process to the botanist, in obtaining drawings of
rare plants preserved in the herbaria of others, and which he
would otherwise have probably no means of obtaining.

If the drawing of a tree or large shrub be required, a box,
blackened inside, having a hole at one end about 1 J inch in
diameter, must be provided ; in this hole should be placed a

192 EDITORIAL ARTICLE.

lens of 5 or 6 inches focus ; if one of longer focus be used,
the dispersion of light becomes too great to ensure an accurate
representation. When the tree or shrub is well illuminated
by the solar beams, the lens should be presented towards it,
at a distance varying of course with the height of the object.
A piece of card-board should then be placed in the box, a
little beyond the true focus of the lens, and the former moved
until a well-defined bright image of the tree &c. is formed on
the card, of course in an inverted direction. The box is then
to be placed on any convenient support in this position, and
a piece of the prepared paper fixed on the card, the lid of the
box is then to be closed, and the whole left for half an hour,
at the end of which time a beautifully accurate outline of the
object will be found on the paper, which is then to be render-
ed permanent in the usual manner. It is obvious that this
plan is unavailable on a windy day, on account of the branch-
es of the tree &c. being continually moving, so that it is of
far less use to the botanist than the above described process
for obtaining drawings of small specimens.

Various other applications of this paper will suggest them-
selves to the minds of naturalists, but having far exceeded my
intended limits, I conclude by subscribing myself,

Yours very faithfully,
Golding Bird, M.D.
22, Wilmington Square,

March 25th, 1839.

magazine of natural history.

APEIL, 1839.

The Memoir of Madame Power upon the Paper Nautilus and the ce-
phalopodous animal as yet its only known occupant, originally published
in the Proceedings of the Academy of Catania, is concluded in our pre-
sent number : and to those who feel at all curious upon the subject, the
history of this lady's researches will furnish matter of extreme interest.
To us it appears that the observations of Madame Power, in connection
with evidence subsequently drawn from materials in her possession, all
but demonstrate the relation between the poulp and the argonaut-shell,
to be one of necessity and not of convenience. At all events, this long-dis-
puted question will henceforward hold a position very different to that
which it has for a long period occupied ; for it will hardly now be assert-

EDITORIAL ARTICLE. 193

ed that the arguments for and against the parasitic hypothesis are equally
balanced. We admit that in some particulars Madame Power's descrip-
tive details are open to objection, as being sometimes evidently inaccurate ;
but this, to a great extent, may be explained as a consequence re-
sulting from her want of physiological knowledge, and partly from a very
natural wish on her part not to appear ignorant of things which she sup-
posed every body knew. Fortunately it happens that some of the more
important facts bearing upon the question at issue, although originating
in the researches of this lady, do not rest upon her individual testimony
as the sole authority for their existence. M. Sander Rang has fully con-
firmed all that she has stated of the manner in which the poulp applies
its palmated or sail-arms to the keel and sides of the shell ; and Profes-
sor Owen, at a recent meeting of the Zoological Society, communi-
cated the result of his own observations upon the materials placed at his
disposal by Madame Power. In a series of ova exhibiting various stages
of developement, he found in those most advanced the contained embryo
having the distinction of body and head established ; the pigment of the
eyes, the ink in the ink-bladder, the pigmental spots on the skin were dis-
tinctly apparent ; the siphon, the beak, and the arms were also discrimi-
nated by a low microscopic power ; but no trace of the shell. Now Ma-
dame Power has uniformly asserted that the young poulp is excluded naked
from the egg, although fully cognisant of Poli's belief that he had de-
tected the embryo-shell within the ovum ; and the result of Prof. Owen's
examination is therefore strong presumptive evidence in favor of her
statement. With respect to the supposed exception among the testace-
ous Mollusca which the young of the poulp would form, (granting the
condition of its naked exclusion from the egg), and the consequent infe-
rence which might be drawn in favor of the parasitic theory, Mr. Owen
observed that the mode of the development of the ova of Mollusca has not
been investigated even to the amount of one per cent., so that the data
are far too imperfect for arriving at even a general law respecting the
existence of the shell within the ovum, and much less one so precise as
almost to prohibit the possibility of a cephalopod that is born naked se-
creting a shell some days afterwards. The collection of argonauts with
the respective animals brought by Madame Power on her present visit to
this country, consists of twenty specimens in all stages of growth. In
every case Mr. Owen found that the position of the cephalopod with re-
spect to the shell corresponded to that in the pearly nautilus; in the
young specimens the body of the cephalopod was exactly adapted to the
whole cavity of the shell, but was withdrawn from the apex in those of a
larger size, and the deserted place filled with the mucous secretion or ova

194 EDITORIAL ARTICLE.

of the animal. The argonaut-shells which had been perforated or frac-
tured hy Madame Power, and subsequently repaired whilst in her posses-
sion, went very far towards convincing us that the two kinds of repairing
material which we have described on a former occasion 1 are deposited by
one and the same mollusc, being merely different stages of a continued
secretive process. Perhaps, however, the most convincing argument put
forward by Mr. Owen, is this. The young cephalopod grows rapidly,
and a uniform correspondence is found between its size and that of the
shell which it inhabits; consequently, upon the parasitic hypothesis, the
young Ocythoe must be engaged in waging continual warfare with the
hypothetical true constructors of the argonaut shell, and the number of
these hypothetical true constructors must infinitely exceed the number
of the hypothetical parasitic occupiers; now from the abundance in
which Madame Power has procured cephalopods and shells, the hypo-
thetical true constructors ought to swarm in the port of Messina, and yet
this great desideratum in the science of Malacology has not only evaded
her observation, but the observation of all other collectors who have ex-
plored the coasts of the Mediterranean.

The entire summary of Mr. Murchison's researches upon the group of
ancient fossiliferous rocks, to which he has applied the term " Silurian
System," has appeared in two quarto volumes, accompanied by a splendid
suite of maps and illustrations. Altogether we think this work must be
regarded as the most important memoir, of a purely geological character,
that has ever appeared in this, or perhaps any other country. Nothing
but the high reputation with which Mr. Murchison's name must always
be associated wherever Geology is known as a science, in connection with
the " Silurian System," can in any way recompense him for the labour it
must have cost in its production. We make this casual allusion to the
appearance of the work, reserving for another occasion a more extended
notice of its contents.

The Report by Mr. De la Beche on the Geology of Devon, and criti-
cal notices of many other geological works acknowledged on our wrap-
per, and with which our library table is almost covered, are, from the
pressure of original articles, postponed for the present.

A work has beeD published within the last few days, entitled ' Proceed-
ings of the Botanical Society of London, from July, 1836, to November,
1838.' We imagine that the majority of metropolitan botanists would
feel somewhat indignant if the condition of botanical science in the ca-
pital of Britain were to be, in any way, tested by the contents of this vo-

' Mag. Nat. Hist.' n. s. vol. i. page 528.

EDITORIAL ARTICLE. 195

lume. The anxiety of the Council to see their own names, or the name
of the Society, in print, has overreached their discretion, or they certainly
would have avoided a public record of their proceedings, so long as the
reading of articles from foreign journals, in lieu of original papers, occu-
pied the business of their monthly meetings. Belonging to the Society in
question, we feel at liberty thus to express our sentiments, because we
think the volume, taken as a whole, is not creditable to the Society, and
calculated rather to keep it in the rear, instead of contributing to place
it on a level with other bodies of a kindred nature. The plant allied to
Nympheea, and transmitted to this country from Guana by Schomburgh,
is figured and described under the name Victoria Regina, Schomburgh,
though in the ' Magazine of Zoology and Botany,' vol ii. page 440, it is
published as Victoria Regina, Gray. The Society, it appears, has adopt-
ed this plant as its emblem, the Queen having, in accordance with the
wish of its discoverer, granted permission for the use of her name to de-
signate the genus. Should Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria
have the curiosity to look at the description of this Royal plant, what
must be her astonishment, if the elements of Botany and the rudiments of
Latin have formed a part of Her Majesty's education, to find that under
the sanction of the Botanical Society of London, or at any rate that of
the Council, this said Royal plant, Victoria Regina, is characterised as
having "foliis orbiculatis, supra reticulato areolatis utrinque glabro; nervis
venisque subtus prominentis aculeatis"

Messrs. Doubleday and Foster have been welcomed on their return
from America, with a dinner by their entomological friends, principally
intended as a public acknowledgment for the time and expense devoted
by these two gentleman to the advancement of science, and the liberal
manner in which they intend to dispose of the rich collection formed dur-
ing their travels. 1 On this occasion the uniform cordiality and kindness
they had experienced among American naturalists, was spoken of in the
warmest terms of grateful recollection.

It will be seen by a notice on the second page of the wrapper, that
with the May number of this Magazine a supplementary part, containing
plates will be issued. The introduction of Memoirs illustrated by plates
constitutes a new feature in the publication of this journal, and one to
which we respectfully invite the attention and support of our subscribers.
We have long considered the limiting the illustrations to wood-cuts a

1 It is understood that the collection will be distributed among the pub-
lic cabinets of the metropolis.

196 LIMNORIA TEREBRANS IN PLYMOUTH HARBOUR.

drawback to the Magazine, not only from its excluding certain papers
which would otherwise gain insertion, but by its preventing the work
from taking that rank in scientific literature to which the number and
character of its contributors fairly entitle it. We have thought it better
to publish the plates in a separate form, rather than to make an altera-
tion in the price of the Magazine, intending the purchase of the supple-
ment, (after the issue of the first number), to be quite optional with the
subscribers. It is proposed to publish about three of these supplementary
parts in the course of a twelvemonth, and not in any way to reduce the
number of woodcuts in the body of the Magazine.

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS.

Limnoria terebrans in Plymouth Harbour. — In my paper on
the Teredo and Limnoria (vol. ii. n. s. page 206) I stated that
I had submitted Kyanized wood to the test of the action of
the Limnoria; accordingly on the 12th of January, 1838, I
placed the following pieces of wood on the piles of the Pitch-
House Jetty, in Plymouth Dock- Yard, at low water ; a piece
of American deal, 4 inches by 10^ thick; also a piece of si-
milar dimensions, which had been soaked for two months in
a saturated solution of arsenic ; and two others which had
been prepared with Kyan's solution, by W. Evans, Esq., the
agent of the patentee in this town. On the 12th of the fol-
lowing August, the pieces having all been under water for
seven months, were taken up by some of the dock-yard men
in presence of Mr. Churchward and myself, and they are now
in my possession. It was found that the protected pieces
had all been acted on, though not to quite so great an extent
as the plain piece of deal ; but the specimens were dotted
with Balani and Flustrce, and all contained living Limnoria,
and it was evident that, though retarded, the destruction of
the wood would, in a few months more, have been equally as
certain as where none of the above preparations had been
employed.

It appears to me highly improbable that any protection can
be afforded in cases of this kind, from the employment of so-
luble substances ; for in the instance of the solution of oxide
of arsenic, or of the bi-chloride of mercury (corrosive subli-
mate), which Kyan's solution is known to be, it is evident that
any additional quantity of fluid coming in contact with it,
will dilute it, or re-dissolve any of the salt which might have
been deposited in the pores of the wood, by drying ; the con-

TONES FATUI. — WHITE-HEADED EAGLE. 197

tinual washing of the sea will effectually clear the surface of
the wood of any deleterious matter ; and although the fore-
most depredators may perish in making a lodgement in the
interior, yet myriads are ready to supply their places, and to
maintain the ground already gained, while the continued ac-
tion of the water will tend to assist them in their efforts :
hence I am of opinion that we have not discovered in Kyan's
solution a certain remedy against the destruction of wooden
erections in any of the estuaries around our island.

Since the publication of my paper the Lords of the Admi-
ralty have ordered the flooring of the south building-slip in
this dock-yard to be removed, and replaced with stone.

I have just learned that two arches of the wooden bridge
at Teignmouth have fallen down, in consequence of the piers
having been destroyed by the Teredo ; so that we have here
found another locality for that animal. — Edward Moore,
M.D.— Plymouth, Sept. 20th, 1838.

Ignes fatui. — The existence of this meteor, which I have
endeavoured to confirm in your journal against the doubts of
a correspondent, derives additional support from a statement
communicated in Poggendorf s 'Annalen,' No. 6, 1838, p. 366,
by Prof. Bessel, who made his observations in a perfectly
calm and misty December night. The phenomenon consist-
ed in numerous little flames, which originated over ground in
many places covered with stagnant water, and disappeared,
after having shone forth a short time. The colour of these
flames was somewhat bluish, like that of the impure hydro-
gen generated from iron filings and dilute sulphuric acid. —
The observation was made on one of the large moors in the
Duchy of Bremen, at the distance of a few leagues from the
observatory of Lilienthal. On the ground where the ignes
fatui were seen, much peat had been dug out, and the surface
is consequently uneven. There were hundreds of lights, each
of which lasted about a quarter of a minute. They would of-
ten remain in the same place, but often also move horizon-
tally ; great numbers of them were commonly put into motion
together. These movements were, no doubt, effected by cur-
rents of air, which were not perceived at the place where
Prof. Bessel was. It will be perceived that in every essen-
tial particular the observation agrees with that communicated
by me. — W. Weissenborn. — Weimar, Jan. 20th, 1839.

Curious capture of a White-headed Eagle. —In the mena-
gery at the Pfaueninsel, near Potsdam, there is a white-head-
ed eagle (Falco albicilla), which was caught in the following
curious manner. It was seen to pounce upon a sturgeon in
the river Havel, but the fish was too heavy to be lifted into

Vol. III.— No. 28. n. s. x

198 EAGLE CAPTURED AT SWAFFHAM. — THE BAT.

the air by the biid, though not strong enough to draw the
latter, which struggled with its wings, under the water. —
Thus the fish rushed along on the surface, the two animals
looking much like a boat with the sails spread, until both
were secured by some people who went after them in a boat.
— Id.

Capture of an Eagle at Swaffham. — About the end of De-
cember last a large eagle was observed on Beachamwell war-
ren, about three miles from Swaffham, where it made great
destruction among the rabbits. The warreners tried every
scheme to entrap it, but without success ; as it would not
come down to a bait. On the 5th instant one of the keepers
of John Motteux, Esq., saw it fly into a plantation adjoining
the warren, and by sending a person to the farther side, it
was frightened towards him, when he got a shot at it and
killed it. It proved to be the white-tailed or cinereous eagle
(Falco albicilla, Linn.), weighing lO^lbs., and measuring be-
tween the tips of the wings 7 ft. 5 inches ; it was a male bird,
but not in the adult plumage, the general colour being light
brown, and the tail feathers not perfectly white. I have pre-
served it in my collection of British birds, and on skinning it
found it a complete mass of fat.

There was a pair of the long-tailed duck {Anas glacialis,
Linn.) killed in the beginning of February, in the neighbour-
hood of Lynn, but I was not fortunate enough to get them.
Two pairs of the red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator,
Linn.) were shot about the same time. — Henry Dugmore, Rec-
tor of Pensthorp. — Swaffham, March 12th, 1839.

Early appearance of the common Bat. — I have, the last
two years, observed an unusually early appearance of the com-
mon bat (Vespertilio pipistrellus). On the 6th of March,
1838, at 1 o'clock, P.M., it being a bright, warm, sunny day,
I observed one of these animals flitting about in search of food,
in a garden at Poole, in Dorsetshire ; and although it fre-
quently flew to a considerable distance, it returned again and
again to the same locality, and I continued watching it for a
considerable period. On the following day a similar circum-
stance occurred iii another garden at Poole. This year I have
observed a still earlier appearance of this little animal, viz.,
an the 23rd of February. I was riding on that day from
Brading to Ryde, in the Isle of Wight, a