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THE vVNNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY,

INCLUDING

ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, and GEOLOGY.

(being a CONTINUAIION OF THE ‘MAGAZINE OF BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY,’ AND OF

LOUDON AND CHARLESVVORTIl’s ‘MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.’)

CONDUCTED BY

Sir W. JARDINE, Bart.— P. J. SELBY, Esq.,

Dr. JOHNSTON,

DAVID DON, Esq., Prof. Bot. King’s Coll. Lond.,

AND

RICHARD TAYLOR, F.L.S.

VOL. VII.

LONDON:

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY R. AND J. E. TAYLOR.

SOLD BY S. HIGHLEY; SIMPKIN and marshall; SHERWOOD AND CO.: W. WOOD,

TAVISTOCK STREET ; BAILLIERE, REGENT STREET, AND PARIS :

LIZARS, AND MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH .*

CURRY, DUBLIN : AND ASHER, BERLIN.

1841.

“ Oinnes res creatse sunt divinae sapientiae et potentiae testes, divitiae felicitatis

humanae : exharum usu honitas Creatoris ; ex pulchritudine sapientia Domini; ex

teconomia in conservatione, proportione, renovatione^ potentia majestatis elucet.

Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper aestimata ; a vere eruditis

et sapientibus semper exculta ; male doctis et barbaris semper inimica fuit.” —

Linn.

ACES LIBRARY

5^5

7

CONTENTS.

vii

Page

NUMBER XLVI.

XLIV. On Gloionema paradoxum. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley,

M.A., F.L.S 449

XLV, Supplement to descriptions of Exotic Fungi in ‘ Annals of

Nat. Hist.,’ vol. iii. pp. 322 and 375. By the Rev. M, J; Berkeley,

M.A., F.L.S,

451

XLVI. A List of Plants collected by Charles Fellows, Esq., during

his Tour in Lycia and Caria ; with descriptions of the New Species.

By David Don, Esq., Prof. Bot. King’s College 45 4

XLVI I. Report of the Results of Researches in Physiological Botany

made in the year 1839. By the late F. J. Meyen, M.D., Professor of

Botany in the University of Berlin 460

XLVIII. Descriptions of new or little known Arachnida. By Mr.

Adam White, Assistant in the Zoological Department of the British

Museum 471

XLIX. Additions to the Fauna of Ireland. By Wm. Thompson,

Esq., Vice-Pres. Natural History Society of Belfast 477

L. Description of two new Genera of Irish Zoophytes. By Arthur

Hill Hassall, Esq., Corresponding Member of the Natural History

Society of Dublin 483

LI. Notes on Birds. By T. C. Eyton, Esq., F.L.S 486^

LII. A Catalogue of Fossil Fish in the Collections of the Earl of

Enniskillen, F.G.S., &c., and Sir Philip Grey Egerton, Bart.,

F.R.S., &c 487

LI 1 1. Information respecting Zoological and Botanical Travellers : —

Mr. Forbes and Mr. Thompson. — Mr. Schomburgk. — Mr. W. S. Mac-

Leay 520

New BooTcs : — Natural History as a Branch of General Education,

by Robert Patterson, Esq 498

Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Geological Society 503—519

New Genus of Mexican Glirine Mammalia ; On a new European Ge-

nus of Freshwater Fish, by F. Heckel ; Forbes’s Starfishes, Echi-

nus Uvidus', Speaking Canary Bird; Birds of Kent; Emberiza

Hortulana; Diluvial {^Glacial}'] Scratches on Rocks in America;

Mr. Shuckard on the Proceedings of the Entomological Society;

Obituary — C. S. Rafinesque; Meteorological Observations and

Table 521—528

NUMBER XLVII. SUPPLEMENT.

Proceedings of the Royal Society ; Linnaean Society ; Entomological

Society; Zoological Society 529 578

Index 579

Irish Zoophytes.

PLATES IN VOL. VII.

Plate I. British Actiniadse.

{Development of Stomata in Hyacinthus orientalis.

Fig. 1, 2, 3. Cyanea coccinea ; (from Tenby.)

Fig. 4, 5. Helix conoidea; (fossil from Essex.)

III. Horny Sponge from Australia.

IV. Nest of Myrapetra scutellaris, a South American Wasp.

V. Horns of various species of Sheep.

VI. Flustra carnosa * ; Hermia glandulosa ; Sertularia Margarita;

Sertularia pumila.

VII. Thuiaria articulata.

VIII. Plumularia frutescens ; Valkeria imbricata; Langenella repens ?

Valkeria (new species) ; Hippothoa lanceolata.

IX. Cellepora bimucronata ; Lepralia ciliata, appensa, pedilostoma,

insignis, cylindrica, punctata, linearis.

X. Tubulipora lobulata ; Alcyonidium hirsutum ; Echinochorium

clavigerum.

XL Metamorphoses of the Spur-shaped Nectaries of Aquilegia vul-

garis.

XII. Urari Plant, Strychnos toxifera, Schomb.

r Fruit of the Urari Plant.

* \ Gloionema paradoxum ; fig. a. (1 — 8).

* In Plate VI. this figure is by mistake given as Coryne squamata. It

is, in reality, a representation of Flustra carnosa, Johnston (see p. 369), of

which it is a correct figure, with the exception of the number of the tenta-

cula, which should have been 30.

Erratum, p. 3/3, line 33, for Coryne squamata read Flustra carnosa.

CONTENTS OF VOL. VII.

NUMBER XLI.

Page

I. Considerations respecting Spur-shaped Nectaries, and those of tlie

Aquilegia vulgaris in particular. By M. Ch. Morren, Professor in

ordinary at the University of Liege, Member of the Royal Academy of

Brussels, &c. (With a Plate.) 1

II. On the Fungi of the Neighbourhood of Bristol. By Mr. H. O.

Stephens 17

III. Description of Four Bats taken in Cuba. By Dr. Grundlach 19

IV. Horae Zoologicae. By Sir W. Jardine, Bart. : —

Remarks on the Structure and Habits of Le'pidosiren annec-

tens 21

V. Commentary on Mr. G. R. Gray’s ‘ Genera of Birds,’ 1S40. By

H. E. Strickland, Esq., M.A., F.G.S., &c 26

VI. Mr. Shuckard on his falsely alleged participation in Mr. Swain-

son’s views of Natural Arrangement 41

VII. Excerpta Botanica, or abridged Extracts translated from the

Foreign Journals, illustrative of, or connected with, the Botany of

Great Britain. By W. A. Leighton, Esq., B.A., F.B.S.E., &c.

On the Anther of Chara vulgaris and Chara hispida, and the

Animalcules contained in it. By M. Gustavus Thuret... 44

VIII. Notes on Saxifraga umhrosa: By Charles C. Babington,

M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c. ; and by the Reviewer of Baines’s ‘York-

shire Flora’ 47

IX. Notes on Birds. By T. C. Eyton, Esq., F.L.S. : — Menura

Lyra 48

New Books : — An Introduction to the modern Classification of Insects,

founded on the Natural Habits and corresponding Organization

of the dilferent Families, by J. O. Westwood, F.L.S. , &c. — Otia

Hispanica, Auctore P. B. Webb, No. 2 53 — 58

Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Geological Society ; Microsco-

pical Society 58 — 74

Absorption of Liquid Solutions by the Sap-vessels of Plants ; Congres

Scientifique de France ; Mr. Thompson on Eels killed by the late

Frost ; Obituary — Francis Bauer, Esq. ; Mr. Paget on Halichcerus

Gryphus ; Meteorological Observations and Table 74 — 80

IV

CONTENTS.

Page

NUMBER XLII.

X. Contributions to British Actinology. By Edward Forbes,

M.W.S., For. Sec. B.S., &c. (With a Plate.) 81

Xr. Description of some new Species and four new Genera of Rep-

tiles from Western Australia, discovered by John Gould, Esq. By J.

E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., &c. 86

XII. Description of some new Species of Madeiran Fishes, with ad-

ditional information relating to those already described. By the Rev.

R. T. Lowe, M.A 92

XIII. On the Species of Stickleback (Gasterostens, Linn.) found in

Ireland. By Wm. Thompson, Vice-Pres. Nat. Hist. Society of Belfast 95

XIV. Notice of Plants and Animals found in the Sulphureous

Waters of Harrowgate and Askern, Yorkshire. By E. Lankester,

M.D., F.L.S., &c 105

XV. Remarks upon the Recent and Fossil Cycadese. By J. Morris,

Esq no

XVI. Carabideous Insects collected by Charles Darwin, Esq., during

the Voyage of Her Majesty’s Ship Beagle. By G. R. Waterhouse,

Esq 120

XVII. Observations on a Keratose Sponge from Australia. By J.

S. Bowerbank, Esq, F.G.S. (With a Plate.) 129

XVIII. Notices of European Herbaria, particularly those most in-

teresting to the North American Botanist 132

New Books : — Monographic des Libellulidees d’Europe, par Edm. De

Selys Longchamps, Membre de plusieurs Societes savantes 141

Proceedings of the Entomological Society ; Zoological Society ; Royal

Botanical Society of Edinburgh; Wernerian Natural History So-

ciety of Edinburgh 143 — 159

Mr. Gray’s ‘ Genera of Birds Birds of Kent ; Meteorological Observa-

tions and Table 159 — 160

NUMBER XLIII.

XIX. On the Alteration which the Atmosphere undergoes during

the Development of Heat in the Spadix of Colocasia odora. By Pro-

fessors G. Vrolik and W. H. De Vriese 161

XX. Note on the Occurrence of the Genus Diphya on the Coast of

Ireland. By G. C. Hyndman, Esq., Member of the Natural History

Society of Belfast 164

XXL Report of the Results of Researches in Physiological Botany

made in the year 1839. By the late F. J. Meyen, M.D., Professor of

Botany in the University of Berlin 166

XXII. Notes on Birds. By T. C. Eyton, Esq., F.L.S 177

XXIII. Notices of European Herbaria, particularly those most in-

teresting to the North American Botanist 179

CONTENTS.

V

XXIV. Excerpta Botanica, or abridged Extracts translated from

the Foreign Jounials, illustrative of, or connected with, the Botany of

Great Britain. By W. A. Leighton, Esq., B.A., F.B.S.E., &c.

On the Development of the Reproductive Organs of the Mis-

seltoe {Viscum album, Linn,). By M. Decaisne 185

XXV. On the Origin of some of the Lower Forms of Vegetation.

By Mr. Henry Oxley Stephens 190

XXVI. An Amended List of the Species of the Genus Ovis. By

Edward Blyth, Esq 195

XXVII. Addenda to the Flora of Norfolk. By Mr. S. P. Woodward 201

XXVIII. On the Formation of the Stomata. By Hugo Mohl.

(With a Plate.) 206

New Books: — The Natural History of South Devon, by J. C. Bellamy,

Esq. — Memorie della Reale Accademia delle Scienze di To-

rino 209 — 211

Proceedings of the Microscopical Society ; Botanical Societ}' of Edin-

burgh ; Linnaean Society ; Geological Society ; Zoological So-

ciety 211—234

Zoological Observations at Tenby, by Dr. Davis (with a Plate) ; Mr.

Jennings on Eels killed by Frost; On the Occurrence oi Anemone

ranunculoides, by the Rev. W. Hincks ; On the Irish localities for

Dia7ithiis plumarius, by W. T. Alexander, Esq. ; Suicidal Powers

of Luidia ; Meteorological Observations and Table 234 — 240

NUMBER XLIV.

XXIX. On the Anatomy of Nautilus. By M. Valenciennes 241

XXX. Remarks on Red and Green Snow. By the late Prof. Meyen 245

XXXI. An Amended List of the Species of the Genus Ovis. By

Edward Blyth, Esq 248

XXXII. Notes on some of the smaller British Mammalia, including

the Description of a New Species of Arvicola, found in Scotland. By

the Rev. Leonard Jenyns, M.A., F.L.S,, &c 261

XXXI II. Supplement to a Catalogue of Irish Zoophytes. By

Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. Read before the Natural History So-

ciety of Dublin, November 6th, 1840 276

XXXIV. List of Phanerogamous Plants, together with the Crypto-

gamic Orders Filices, Equisetacece, and Lycopodiacece, observed in the

Shetland Islands. By Thomas Edmondston, Jun., Esq 287

XXXV. On the Composition of Chalk Rocks and Chalk Marl by in-

visible Organic Bodies : from the Observations of Dr. Ehrenberg. By

Thomas Weaver, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S., M.R.I.A., &c. &c 296

XXXVI. Description of a South American Wasp which collects

Honey. By Mr. Adam White, M.E.S., Assistant in the Zoological

Department of the British Museum. (With a Plate.) 315

VI

CONTENTS.

Page

XXXVII. Information respecting Zoological and Botanical Tra-

vellers : — Mr. Schomburgk. — Letter from Messrs. Forbes and Thomp-

son, with Captain Graves, in tbe Archipelago 348

New Books : — The Principles of Botany, by W. Hughes Willshire,

M.D. — Arcana Entomologica, or Illustrations of new, rare, and

interesting Exotic Insects, by J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., &c. ; Na-

turhistorisk Tidskrift : edited by Henrik Krbyer, Copenhagen. —

Tijdschrift voor Natuurlijke Geschiedenis en Physiologie, by Pro-

fessors Van der Hoeven and De Vriese. Part VI. Leyden . 322 — 326

Proceedings of the Geological Society; Zoological Society; Werne-

rian Society; Royal Society of Edinburgh 326 — 348

Mr. Yarrell on Motacilla alba of Linnaeus; Mr. Johnson on Chcp.tura

rujicollis ; Meteorological Observations and Table 350 — 352

NUMBER XLV.

XXXVIII. On the Existence of Branchiae in the young C cb cilice \

and on a Modification and Extension of the Branchial Classification of

the Amphibia. By John Hogg, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., &c 353

XXXIX. Supplement to a Catalogue of Irish Zoophytes. By

Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. Read before the Natural History So-

ciety of Dublin, November 6th, 1840. (With Plates) 363

XL. On the Composition of Chalk Rocks and Chalk Marl by invi-

sible Organic Bodies : from the Observations of Dr. Ehrenberg. By

Thomas Weaver, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S., M.R.I.A., &c. &c 374

XLI. Report of the Results of Researches in Physiological Botany

made in the year 1839. By the late F. J. Meyen, M.D., Professor of

Botany in the University of Berlin 399

XLII. On the Urari, the Arrow Poison of the Indians of Guiana ;

with a description of the Plant from which it is extracted. By Robert

H. Schomburgk, Esq 407

XLIII. A List of the Fossil Shells found in a Fluvio-Marine Deposit

at Clacton in Essex. By John Brown, Esq., F.G.S 427

New Books : — On the Relation between the Holy Scriptures and some

parts of Geological Science, by J. Pye Smith, D.D. — The Cer-

tainties of Geology, by W. Sidney Gibson, F.G.S. — Linnaea, ein

Journal fiir die Botanik, &c. — leones Fungorum hucusque cogni-

torum 429 — 434

Proceedings of the Entomological Society ; Linnaean Society ... 434 — 444

Third Meeting of the Men of Science of Italy ; Dr. Lush on the Madi,

or Chili Oil-seed, Madia saliva ; Diurnea Novembris, or Novem-

ber Dagger ; Meteorological Observations and Table 445 — 418

THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 41. MARCH 1841.

I. — Considerations respecting Spur-shaped Nectaries, and those

of the Aquilegia vulgaris in particular. By M. Cii. Mor-

REN, Professor in ordinary at the University of Liege,

Member of the Royal Academy of Brussels, &c.*

[With a Plate.]

The Columbine, that pretty ranunculaceous flower of our

woods, deserves attention, as well on account of its structure,

curious as it is, and, we venture to add, but little known, as

from the historical recollections which it brings to mind. To

say nothing here of the medicinal virtues which Dioscorides

attributed to his Isopyron or to his Phasiolon, — a plant which

Fabius Columna, Clusius, Dodonseus and many other learned

botanists suppose to be no other than the Columbine itself ;

and not to mention Adrian Junius, who also quotes it as a

medical plant ; or Francois Rapard, a celebrated physician of

Bruges, who addressed to Clusius a letter upon its uses in

difficult labours ; ought we not to remark that its singular nec-

taries, compared by some to the beak and talons of an eagle,

by others to the graceful neck of the pigeon, by some to

rams’-horns, and by others to capuchins’ hoods, had so gained

the attention of the painters of the middle ages, that it be-

came one of the favourite flowers, placed in great profusion in

the illuminations of missals and manuscripts of the time ? The

^ ancoiles^ or the ^ ancolyes^ were there intermixed with the

leaves, flowers, or fruit of the strawberry of of the campanula ;

and Memling was most particularly attached to it. When

Dodoens wrote his CruptJt-BlWk,^’ the name Aquileia or

Aquilina was still a novelty introduced, he says, by the

latest phytographers of his own time. The name Aquilegia

* Translated from the original communicated by the Author.

Ann, ^ Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii. B

2

M. Morren on the Spur-shaped Nectaries

which he gives it calls to mind the comparison already men-

tioned, of the beak and talons of an eagle; but since that time

that of Columbine prevailed in England and in Holland, where

they were fonder of likening the spurred petal of this flower

to the stately neck of a pigeon. When one of these flowers

is turned upside-down, says an English author * * * §, we might

fancy we saw a group of young eagles, or, if we like better, a

nest of pigeons. It is evident that these spur-shaped necta-

ries had considerable influence on the mind of Dodoens, since

on their account he places his Akeleyen {^ancolies/ columbines,)

between the Cypripedium Calceolus, a monocotyledoiious

plant, and his Grant or Antirrhinum majus, — an alliance

which would not at all square with our present ideas of classi-

fication by families. By a singular chance, the Cypripedium,

which in our mythological language we call the Venus^s foot,

was at that period of religious struggles called Our Lady^s

shoe {Calceolus Marm), and the Columbine w^as named in its

turn the Virginias glove : thus we see that shoes and gloves

shook hands in our Lady’s toilet.

Chief ornament of the gardens of the middle ages, and even

of those of the sixteenth century, the Aquilegia, carefully and

almost universally cultivated, produced those varieties which

modern botanists have pointed out in this species. Joost van

Ravelingen, the commentator of Dodoens, and L’Obelt, men-

tion the varieties in colour and those of form to be met with

in their time : blue, red, flesh-coloured, blue and white, white

and variegated. The garden of a gentleman of Leyden, Jean

van Hogelande, produced an Aquilegia pleno fore roseo, v hich

Clusius described and illustrated. The same botanist had also

recorded a variety truly monstrous {Aquilegia degener), in

that the petals, being reduced to their primitive type of leaves,

had remained green ; only Van Ravelingen did not think that

such monstrosities were worth the pains of describing. Now-

a-days we should be eager to do it, and not without reason ;

for the organography of such a flower is very interesting to

know, in relation to the subject which vvill occupy us further

on.

The varieties of structure known under the name of Aqui-

legia vulgaris corniculata, in which Biria J and DeCandolle §

discovered that the cornets are deviations of the anther,

* Burnett’s Outlines of Botany, p. 840.

f Generally written Lobel ; but the true name of the author of the Stir-

pium Histor'ia was Matthias De L’Obel, as appears from his letters and the

portrait engraved during his life-time.

t Biria. Monographie des Renonculacees. Montpellier, 1811.

§ DeCandolle. Organographie, tom. i. p. 496.

of the Aquilegia vulgaris. 3

and those which bear the name of Aquilegia vulgaris ecal-

carata or stellata, in which^ according to these authors, the

petals proceed from modified staminal filaments without an-

thers— these varieties had been already described by Clusius,

Dodoens and L’Obel*. Moreover, these authors, besides

the simple, semi-double and double varieties of these two

principal forms (true sub-varieties which we still possess),

also mention Columbines with inverted flowers [Aquileia flora

inverso variegato). We might suppose, from the Dodonaean

context, that it was hereby understood that the flowers, in-

stead of being pendent, were upright nift 011 htt-

0cljiUen ban be anbet ban bat be lUoemen abevecljt^

0taen.” But we know that in this variety, the bases of the

spurs being twisted, the spur itself has an upward direction.

We cannot but take an interest in observing the pleasures

of the horticulturists of those times. Now-a-days these Co-

lumbines are treated with disregard, and dismissed as fit only

for the garden of the cottager or village Cure, or, at most,

are only permitted to grow" in the shade of some forgotten nook

of our villas; but let us not say too much : fashion, which revives

all antiquated things, may some day assert its claim upon

these Columbines of the Castels. Already in the Botanic Gar-

den at Brussels, we have seen pretty borders entirely filled

w ith this plant of the middle ages.

The Columbine is really a ver}^ interesting flow^er, on ac-

count of its nectaries ; and their genesis not being know n, at

least so far as we are aware, we have taken them as the prin-

cipal subject of our researches : our object has been to study

them comparatively in the different varieties of the common

species, and in some other species which w e had at hand ; se-

condly, to observe the monstrous structures ; thirdly, to take

them at their different degrees of evolution, in order to esta-

blish their true genesis ; and, lastly, to examine their histo-

logy, so as to ascertain how in their forms so varied the in-

terior tissues were affected.

So long as the laws of metamorphoses had not acquired

the right of citizenship in the domains of science, calcariform

nectaries had to be considered as special pieces, born ad hoc,

and being such by their proper nature, without an anterior

nature, without a type from which they were derived. Although

Linnaeus had said, ^‘Si nectarium a pet alis distinctum, com-

muniter ludit'f he also said, distincta esse nectaria a corolla

constat eocemplis : Aconitum, Aquilegia f &c.f. — They were,

then, the floral pieces whose secretion of honey determined

* Dodoens. Cruydt-Boek, 1644, p. 274.

f Linnsei Philosophia Botanica : Fructificatio i. 110.

B 2

4 M. Morren on the Sjmr-shaped Nectaries

their character^ and that character raised them to the rank of

organs sui generis, not proceeding from any other : — they

were, because they were.

They were, however, not nectaries, because by their nature

they were stamens : here is that truth which science had not

then become possessed of.

But when, at the end of the last century, Goethe, following

the example of Wolff, established his celebrated theory of the

metamorphosis of plants, the nectaries at once lost their auto-

chthonous nature ; they were no longer aboriginal organs. On

the contrary, in this new theory the nectaries became essen-

tially organs of transition, mere forms of anterior organs ; they

were, in short, intermediary organs of passage between the pe-

tals and the stamens^. In the spirit of this philosophic me-

thod, it was necessary to understand, that in order for the

petal to become a stamen, in an ascending metamorphosis, it

must previously pass through the form of a nectary. More-

over, Goethe, who took precisely the Columbine as the exam-

ple of one of the most remarkable and most striking trans-

formations, considered, as he says, the cuculliform nectaries of

this flower as a derivation from the petalsf. We shall see, on the

contrary, that the progress of nature is a descending metamor-

phosis ; that is to say, that the nectary is, in its genesis, a sta-

men, and subsidiarily, that a stamen being developed as such,

it may afterwards turn into a nectary.

The theory of Goethe had made too little impression in

France to admit of the supposition, that in 1815 Mirbel set

out from it when he regarded the nectaries of the Columbine,

as well as all organs of the same kind, as anomalous forms of

the parts of the perianthium. The spur-shaped cornets of the

Aquilegia were also, in his eyes, forms of petals ; but the ano-

maly attacking all the petals at once, the flower remained re-

gular J. It was one of the successive alterations of types,

and in the Columbine particularly this alteration was created

in order to become an organ of secretion. A glandular lamina

existed for this purpose at the bottom of the cornet-shaped

petals §. The petal was the type.

This lamina we have never found ; and in the Aquilegia glan-

dulosa, the Aquilegia atrata, &c., we have seen that there only

exist one, or two, or three cornets without the regularity of

the flower being perverted, as is the case in the Nasturtium,

* Goethe. CEuvres d’Histoire Naturelle. Edition de Martins et Turpin.

Paris, 1837, p. 22G.

+ Ibid, p. 228, chap. 56.

J Mirbel. Elemens de Physiologie, vol. i. p. 269.

§ Goethe. CEuvres d’Histoire Naturelle. Edition de Martins.

5

of the Aquilegia vulgaris.

Tropceolum, or the Lark^s-spur. The great German poet’s

notions had not indeed at first all possible success in this

country. Willdenow always asserted that the spur {calcar)

was more an organ intended to preserve the nectar than to

prepare it, and that it was furthermore a sacciform elongation

of the corolline corona* * * §. The first of these facts is evidently

erroneous. The second was also admitted by Jacquin.

Sprengel, when opposing Vaillant, who had also himself

declared that the nectary was always a production of the

corolla, placed the spurs of the Columbine in his class of Nec-

tarothecce, and characterized by the presence of the secreting

gland at the bottom of the cornet. Moreover, it never occurred

to his mind to investigate the anterior nature of this appara-

tus in the Passiflorece, in the Aconites, and a multitude of

other plants ; he sees only peculiar little machines^ more or

less ornamented : machinulce peculiares eleganter co-

lor alee

DeCandolle, in 1819, adopts this view of the subject; but

the spur, according to him, is of a very different nature, —

an elongation, one while of the calyx, one while of the corolla,

one while of the perigonium ; but the stamens are still ex-

cluded from the floral organs which may produce this nec-

tary J. However, a year before, the celebrated botanist of Ge-

neva had positively declared that, in Aquilegiae corniculatce,

without regard to species, the supplementary spurs arose from

a modification of the anthers which lengthened downwards ;

moreover, he recognises the origin of the stellated varieties

from the abortion of the anthers, and from the hypertrophy

of the filaments ; and lastly, that the scales which are situated

between the carpels and the stamens are stamens without

anthers, and with dilated and membranous filaments§. Biria

had made known the former facts |1. In 1827 these ideas were

again brought forward in the Organographie vegetate^. They

are, undeniably, the most accordant to the real state of

things.

Among the most recent authors we may mention Kurr,

who places the spurs of the Columbine with his nectarostig-

mata, A very curious remark of this accurate writer is, that

the greenish glands which secrete the nectar at the bottom of

* Willdenow. Grundriss der Krauterkunde, cap. 86-88. (Terminologie.)

t Linnaei Phil. Bot. edit. Sprengel (notes). Fructificatio ilO.

I DeCandolle. 7'lieorie elementaire, p. 406, § 395.

§ DeCandolle. Systema Regni Vegetabilis, vol. i. p. 333.

II Biria. Histoirenaturelle etmedicale desRenoncules, 1 fasc. Montpellier^

1811.

^ DeCandolle. Organographie, vol. i. pp. 484 — 496. ,

6

M, Morren on the Spur-shaped Nectaries

the spurred cornet, do not begin to afford this sugared liquid

until precisely when the first anther blows. The secretion

lasts only as long as the stamens are capable of performing

their functions, and at the end of three or four days the

flower leaves off this ejection of fluid and of pollen, and

drops the organs which produced both the one and the other*.

This curious remark is quite correct; we have verified it.

From this we might be led to suppose that the secretion of

the nectar, which is here so intimately connected with the

functions of the stamens, becomes necessary to the action of

the sexes ; but from ten unblown flowers, where there had

been neither dehiscence of the anthers, nor secretion of nectar

by the spurs, Kurr cut away those organs : the further de-

velopment took place without any difference, and these flowers

bore as many and as large fruits as they ordinarily do ; the

seeds germinated as usual f. This experiment gives great

support to those who consider the nectar as being only a true

excretion, comparable to our urine, and which is of no use,

at least in the great majority of cases, in the process of fecun-

dation, as was generally supposed. Kurr, however, does not

give his opinion as to the proper nature of the spurs.

Lindley, in his new edition of the ^ Introduction to Botany,^

(1839) no longer gives (to the great regret of the friends of deep

scientific research) the interesting and useful part on mor-

phology; but this judicious author, in his edition of 1832 J,

had published some very curious details upon the Aquilegia

vulgaris, The petals of this planV’ says he, consist of a

long, sessile, purple horn or bag, with a spreading margin,

while the stamens consist of a slender filament, bearing a

small, oblong, 2- celled, yellow anther. In single and regularly-

formed flowers, nothing can be more unlike than the petals and

stamens; but in double flowers the transition is complete.

The petals which first begin to change, provide themselves

with slender ungues : the next contract their margin, and

acquire a still longer unguis : in the next the purple margin

disappears entirely; two yellow lobes like the cells of the

anther take its place, and the horn, diminished in size, no

longer proceeds from the base, as in the genuine petal, but

from the apex of the now filiform unguis : in the last transi-

tion the lobes of the anther are more fully formed, and the

horn is almost contracted within the dimensions of the con-

nective, retaining, however,- its purple colour : the next stage

* Kiut. Untersucliungen iiber die Bedeutung, &c. Stutgard, 1833.

t Ibid, p. 128.

% Lindley. Introduction to BotiUiy (1832), p. 515. — [Ed. 1835, p. 53G.]

7

of the Aquilegia vulgaris,

is the perfect stamen. No further evidence/’ says our author,

can, I think, be required of the formation of stamens out of

petals.”

We see that Lindley had here followed the impulse given

by Goethe, and that he looked upon the cuculliform petals

(Richard) as proceeding towards the formation of the stamina

by an ascending metamorphosis. At present the spur is no

longer in his view anything but a modified petal* * * §. A dis-

covery which we cannot dispute with him, since the germ of it

appears in his words, is that the horn of the Columbine is

really a lengthened connective, — a thing which we shall also

establish by direct proofs hereafter.

Although G. W. Bischoff, Professor of Botany at Heidel-

berg, does not give this morphological genesis of the spur in

the Aquilegia, still this author helps to lead us to believe that

this is really the means which nature employs, in what he

has remarked respecting the metamorphosis of the nectar -

bearing horns of the Hellehorus fcetidus into normal stamensf.

Link sees nothing in the spur but a continuation of the

petal, characterized by the presence, at the end of its cavity,

of a cellular gland, but of which the cellules have walls

thicker than ordinary, — a thing which we take the liberty

of not admitting^. After M. Vogel of Bonn had sent me

his elegant memoir on the development of the parts of the

flow^er in the Leguminosae§, the study of the formation of

calcariform or cuculliform nectaries, according to the glosso-

logy of Richard II, became still more interesting. Indeed,

Schleiden and Vogel having proved, by their labours, that it is

not merely in idea, as a mental abstraction, that we are to

see in the floral organs nothing but the axis of the plant and

its leaves, but that this axis and its green leaves are really

and substantially found, placed regularly in the very small

buds, we thought that the investigation of the genesis of the

nectaries in the Columbine could not be without scientific

interest. DeCandolle came to consider these horn-shaped

nectaries as anthers, by comparison; Lindley came to the

same conclusion by the observation of teratological cases ; it

was become therefore curious to test these view^s a priori

and a posteriori by organogenic proofs : and this is what we

have proposed to ourselves.

* Lindley. Introduction to Botany (1839), p. 169.

f Gottlob Wilhelm Bischoff. Lehrbuch der Botanik, vol. i. p. 404. (1833.)

J Link. Elementa Philosophise Botanicse, vol. ii. p. 130.

§ Schleiden und Vogel. Beitrage zur Entwickelungsgeschichte der Blu-

mentheile bei den Leguminosen. (Act. Nat. Curios, vol. xix. p. 1.)

II Richard. Nouv. Elemens de Botanique, 1838, p. 333.

S M. Morren on the Spur-shaped Nectaries

Let us see, first, what takes place in a flower of Acpxilegia

vulgaris calcarata.

1. Metamorphosis of the stamen into a spur-shaped nectary.

The stamen of the Columbine has a thread-shaped filament

slender, flexible and yellow, and a two-celled anther with pa-

rallel cells, slightly swelled, opening with a slit and united by

a narrow connective, the whole yellow. The connective is

even hardly visible (Plate XL fig. 1).

In many flowers, we find along the spire which leads in-

sensibly from the andrcEceum to the corolla, stamens which

turn into nectaries. To bring this about, the filament en-

larges at its base; the connective is, at the opposite pole,

the other organ which becomes modified, and it is even the

most active of all in this transformation. It enlarges above,

by separating the two loculi of the anther, and it grows to a

point. This is not slow in becoming bifurcate, so that the

connective is soon bilobate. (Figs. 2 and 7*)

To this modification, which up to this period does not at-

tack the regularity of the organ, two ways of transformation

succeed. In the one, one of the loculi of the anther disap-

pears, in the other it remains visible with its fellow. The

first of these modifications might induce a belief that the spur

is a sac formed by one half of an anther or by a loculus, but

this genesis is but a deceitful appearance. The second way

of transformation proves that the spur is a sac-shaped con-

nective, and that the two lobes of its limb represent the two

loculi of the anther originally united by this same connective.

If such a spur-shaped nectary can be obtained, as from its

nectar-secreting gland is truly a nectary, and that in it the

two lobes of its limb exist as an elongation of the two an-

ther-cells, still visible enough to attest their presence, it is

clear that this second way of transformation should be ad-

mitted. Now this is precisely what experience confirms. In

the Columbine w e find this form, not so frequently as the

first, it is true ; but it is found, and that is all that is neces-

sary. This case we have delineated (Plate VII. fig. 6). On a

stamen thus modified, besides a w ell-formed filament (c li),

we find the tw^o loculi of the anther, still bearing pollen, but

which open more widely [g b), separated by a small connec-

tival eminence (c). Each of the swellings which represent the

anther-cells produces an elongation in form of a thick margin

(e), which, reaching from the inside to the outside, goes to

form the circumference of the two lobes of the cornet (d g),

separated by a slit {f). Each lobe corresponds to a cell, and

originates from it ; it is only indeed that same cell length-

9

of the Aquilegia vulgaris.

ened. Lastly, i represents the belly of the cornet, and at k we

find the gland which, for its part, secretes whilst the pollen

no longer issues from the loculi, and little by little its struc-

ture is annihilated.

This case of metamorphosis not only proves, as we said

above, that the two lobes of the cornet of the Columbine are

derivations from the cells of the anther, but it puts out of

doubt that the tube of the cornet is the lengthened connective.

A circumstance which we must not lose sight of in this phi-

losophic study of a metamorphosed flower, is that the nectar-

bearing gland, an organ of emission, and which rids the

flower of its excess of carbon, is found at the opposite pole

to the pollen-bearing loculi, other organs of emission whieh

also excrete from the individual, but in this case for the pre-

servation of the species, a substance eminently charged with

carbon. At the two poles then the same function exists,

but the one does not begin till the other ceases ; that is to say,

the nectarial gland does not exist or become developed until

the pollen apparatus wastes away and becomes obsolete.

This subject certainly merits a reflection ; even should I be

aeeused of seeing, in Botany, more than my own eyes can

see, and especially should I be accused of allowing to myself,

in a science of observation, some stretch of imagination. For

my part, I could never comprehend how inquiry into the truths

of nature should put aside the understanding, and reduce

it to a state of inaetion which would render it useless. Be-

hind and above facts I always conceive something superior

and anterior; for facts are effects, and it is to the know-

ledge of causes that w^e ought to endeavour to come. Now

here, in the particular problem which occupies us, I see a

verification of the law of organic compensation and a realiza-

tion of the unity of composition. Thus, the nectaries are one

with the stamens, the stamens one with the leaves, the leaves

ONE with themselves, as autochthonous organs. So much

for the law of unity. Moreover, the gland is at the end of the

nectary, because, by its nature a stamen, the pollen is at

the other end', there is a change in the product, but not a

change of nature, and by the side of this law of polarity there

is that of compensation ; for, in proportion as the anther-cell

closes to render the pollen abortive, there is a development of

the gland which begins to secrete the nectar; the evolution of

the gland brings on the atrophy of the cell, but, fundamentally,

there always remains an apparatus of emission.

Let us return to the Columbine : we have said that one

way of transformation, and it is the most common one, would

lead to a belief that the nectar-bearing sac may be in some

instances the representative of a loculus of the anther. From

10 M. Morren on the Spur-shaped Nectaries

a slight examination we should in fact conclude so. As a

proof of this, see the states delineated figures 3, 4, 5 and 6.

We often see a stamen, with a filament dilated at its base,

take two horns above (c d), whilst one loculus of the anther,

inflated, no longer yields pollen ; and the other, being atro-

phized to such a degree as no longer to appear except as a

yellow gland [b), seems to have produced a rounded sac (e).

This sac, the commencement of the cornet, should we not

suppose it to be a modified anther-cell? and yet we have

just seen that the tendency of the cells is to produce the

lobes of the limb of the cornet, and not its tube. There

is a mistake, indeed, as to the true signification of this en-

largement, which is nothing but the middle of the connective

itself. The connective extends itself outwards, and its hy-

pertrophy brings with it the atrophy of the cells or of one

cell of the anther ; it signifies little whence substance comes

to it, so that it only come. This is why the production of

the spur does not always cause the whole anther to be meta-

morphosed all at once.

The better-formed cornets, and which even possess all the

essential parts, — expanded limb, apex with two lobes and a slit,

dilated faux, lengthened tube and terminal gland ; these cornets,

I say, sometimes still exhibit a trace of their old and primi-

tive nature in the anther-cell, hardly visible, but distinguished

by its yellow colour, whilst all the rest is white and blue, and,

above all, distinguished by the grains of pollen that it still

encloses in its bosom (fig. 4).

The conditions (figs. 5 and 6) are tendencies towards a re-

gularized form of well-constituted nectaries. The condition

(fig. 6) is that found in the common Aquilegice. Nothing here

would lead to the supposition of an antherine nature, had not

this strange metamorphosis been followed step by step.

It is evident, that all these cornets being hollow, and de-

veloped one above the other in several spirals (fig. 16), all like-

wise enter one into another (fig. 8), but it is inexact to say

that then the glands no longer secrete. This is a mistake :

the secretion continues, and, indeed, the tubes never com-

pletely close those into which they have entered.

Let us now examine in what manner the cornets are gene-

rated in a flower of Aquilegia taken at its first periods of de-

velopment.

2. Organogeny of the spur-shaped nectaries.

To ascertain this organogeny, we have followed the method

employed by Schleiden and Vogel. Taking a very young

bud, which had hardly attained the length of a millimeter and

11

of the Aquilegia vulgaris.

a half (fig. 10), we took off its calyx in water and with very fine

needles. The central part then showed itself as a little sphere,

whereon the stamina, having just quitted their form of green

foliary gibbosities, now assumed that of two parallel protu-

berances (figs. 11 and 12). Upon these the connective is pro-

portionally more developed than at a later period (fig. 12) ;

the filament is dilated and very small; the anther is pro-

portionally much larger, but it is still discoid, so that it is

easier to discover in it the form of the blade of a leaf.

We were very curious to ascertain what the petals then were.

The specimen which we dissected was one which would have

had two rows of cornets. Now one of these rows (the exte-

rior one) was formed by small circular laminae, barely provided

with a support, but these laminae exhibited the same consti-

tution as the anthers of the stamens deseribed above (fig. 14) ;

in fact, two gibbosities, representing the anther-cells («, c) ;

a very broad connective {h) ; and around all this a disc (c^), of

which, moreover, the trace also exists on the anther of a sta-

men proceeding in its development as such.

Here it is impossible to mistake the primitive staminal na-

ture of the organ which at a later period is to become a hood-

shaped petal, that is to say, a cornet-shaped nectary. It is

evident that, after the first condition of the flower, — that in

which all the parts were still cellular tubercles, similar to the

primitive condition of a leaf, — the nectarial petal, before be-

coming such, was similar to a stamen. This is what caused

us to say above, that the spur-shaped nectaries of the Columbine

did not produce stamens by ascending metamorphosis, but that

they were, on the contrary, stamens modified by a descending

metamorphosis. In short, before being petals, they are rather

stamens, or at least anthers, than anything else.

The row of small scales, which also become hood-shaped

petals, but placed higher, exhibits at this age of the flower a

more complete disappearance of the anther-like form. The

anther betrays itself there only by the dilatation of the blade

and its attenuated border (fig. 13 b), but there is but one com-

mon gibbosity in the place of the two parts which represented

the loculi.

We took a bud three millimeters long (fig. 1 5), and stripped

it of its calycinal envelopes. The stamens in this were better

constituted, the filaments lengthened, the connective propor-

tionally more contracted, and the loculi very distinct (fig. 17).

The petaloid blades, on the contrary, were very broad, hardly

pedicelled ; but in the middle there is still the trace of the con-

nective (6,fig. 19), and on the sides two protuberances, not so

large, but prominent enough to discover in them the anther-

12

M. Morren on the Spur-shaped Nectaries

cells (fig. 19, a) ; traces or waves which incline us to suppose

that there is a lateral extension of these cells to produce the

petaloid lamina (fig. 19, c). It is evident that this is the

anther flattening and dilating itself in order to become the

petaloid lamina ; and hardly does a bud attain the length of

five millimeters before the laminae are hollowed into tubes ;

and the spur-shaped nectaries^ already making a projection

outwards between the sepals of the calyx, are all formed (figs.

20 and 21).

This examination proves that, in the genesis of the spur-

shaped nectaries, Nature first forms a leaf then a stamen, and

that she converts the anther of this into a petal, at first fiat

and then hood-shaped.

The nectary is then always a derivation from the stamen

— a descending metamorphosis of the stamen.

This is precisely one of the facts which we have stated

above. If it be to the detriment of the anthers that these

singular spurs are produced in the Columbine, it was also a

matter of interest for us to inquire if the laminae noticed by

DeCandolle between the carpels and the stamens are in reality

abortive stamens. It is known that this author was in doubt

concerning the nature of these organs. One might say,^^ he

writes, in his ^ Organography *,^ that they are either abor-

tive stamens or interior petals.” The latter opinion would be

contrary to all the laws of Morphology previously established,

for the corolline apparatus is exterior to the androeceum.

However, to ascertain the true nature of these lamellae, we have

had recourse to an organogenic examination.

In a bud three millimeters long, we found these lamellae

composed (fig. 18) of a distinct base and summit. The sum-

mit is formed of two lateral swellings [a b, fig. 18), between

which is a projecting lamella (c, fig. 18). The base is lamelloid

and winged, with a nervure in the middle [d, fig. 18). There

is here evidently a staminal structure : the swellings are the

loculi of the anther, the projecting lamella the connective, and

the lamelloid base the filament.

Now, in a well-developed flower, nothing remains of this

summit, which becomes a true continuation of the lamella of

the base. Thus the filament suffers hypertrophy, especially

in breadth, and the anther, on the contrary, suffers atrophy.

The base carries away the summit ; the one pole as it dilates

diminishes the other.

The lamellae of the Columbine are then really stamens mo-

dified by the annihilation of the pollen-bearing apparatus, and

by the super-development of the filament.

* Vol. i. p. 484.

13

of the Aquilcgia vulgaris.

It now became interesting, after these researches, to study

what takes place in the tissues when the anther becomes a

nectary. Our observations upon this we comprise in the fol-

lowing third chapter.

3. Histology of the nectary.

The anther is, as appears from the observations of Purkinje,

Mirbel, &c., an apparatus characterized by a peculiar form of

tissue. The endotheca, formed by fibro-cellular cells (inen-

chyme), hence affords a valuable means of distinguishing the

part which the tissulary elements perform in metamorphoses.

We were, for our part, greatly desirous of ascertaining this,

after observation had convinced us that one stamen will

change its nature and become a petal, and notwithstanding,

will show in its interior tissue its first destination ; whilst

another stamen will modify its tissues along with its exterior

form. We shall instance here, for the first of these cases,

what we have seen in the Reseda odor at a^ mediterranean lu-

tea, luteola, &c. Our readers no doubt remember the inter-

esting discussion on the nature of this flower between Dr.

Lindley on one side, Mr. Robert Brown and Mr. Henslow

on the other. Now in these flowers it is evident that the white

filaments, which we have discovered to be the only organs of

odour in this fragrant flower, are but modified stamens*. In-

deed, we find in their interior, and especially at the upper end,

an inenchymatous tissue, formed of fibre-bearing cells similar

to those of the endotheca of an anther of the same plant, — in-

deed, identical with them. Now we do not think that a petal,

properly so called, contains a similar tissue, excepting in some

genera of OrchidecCn as the Catasetmn. The staminal nature

becomes quite evident by means of this entirely endothecal

anatomy. In other plants, as for example in the Rceonia offi-

cinalis, where the stamen becomes a petal, nothing similar

takes place. The tissue of the modified part is decidedly either

altogether staminal (inenchymatous), or altogether corolline

(cellular).

Purkinje had already made known the form of the inenchy-

matous cells of the endotheca of the Aquilegia Gleheri\. The

fibres are radiated, oblique, and unite at the centre in a plate.

The endothecal cells of Aquilegia vulgaris (Plate XL fig. 22)

* There is often a monstrosity in the Reseda which causes atrophy in the

white filaments or the fringes of the petals. Then the flower is without

any scent. No sooner are these fringes developed than the perfume be-

gins to be perceptible. White colour in plants is often the indication of an

agreeable scent. Here it is the stamens that grow white, in order to send

forth a perfume.

t De Cellulis Antherarum fibrosis, p. 55. tab. xv. fig. 15.

14

M. Morren on the Spur-shaped Nectaries

are the same. They are stars^ with diverging rays^ to the

number of eight or ten, which, seen from above, resemble the

actinenchyme of Hayne. The junction of the radiating fibres

takes place on a large plate (fig. 22, b).

What becomes of this inenchymatous tissue in the meta-

morphosis of the anther into a spur ? Does it continue with

its form, as in the Reseda, or does it disappear, as in the Pae-

onia ? With respect to this, observation shows, that the fibri-

ferous cells lose their fibres at the same time that they change

their form : from having been sphaerenchyme this tissue be-

comes pinenchyme (fig. 22, A and B); and whilst the cell,

from being spherical as it had been, becomes tubuliform, the

fibre is resolved and disappears ; its colour changes from yel-

low to blue, and instead of a star, only a blue liquid is seen

there, without granules. I did not observe that the cytoblast,

although my attention was especially fixed upon it, acted the

least part in this histological metamorphosis.

When the spur is formed, the nectar-bearing gland appears

like a mass of rounded cells (fig. 23 h), smaller and rounder

than those of the derm (fig. 23 «).

The vascular system of the connective, on the contrary, per-

forms an important part in this succession of changes of form,

structure and function. Restricted at first, constituted by

few fibres, in which we see fine tracheaB, hard to be unrolled,

and pleurenchyme, this system soon divaricates its anasto-

moses, and fibres may be perceived in various directions, which,

united, form an apparatus much larger than the primitive

state.

It is evident from these researches, that the metamorphosis

of the anther into a spur, that the change of the pollen-bearing

apparatus into the nectar-bearing apparatus, attack the deep-

est tissues, and that if a morphological metamorphosis takes

place, an histological metamorphosis takes place also. If the

functions change, there is, as we see, a phaenomenal transla-

tion of this change by that which exists most intimately in

the organization — the tissular constitution. Cases of meta-

morphosis, indeed, only become interesting to the physiolo-

gist, when he comes to know what at the same time is pass-

ing in the tissues. We may therefore say here, that if, in the

Columbine, the connective forms the nectar-bearing spur, this

change leads to the metamorphosis of the inenchyme of the

anther-cells into parenchyme, and that the metamorphosis at-

tacks in as great a degree the entire organism as the tissues

which compose it.

We have now to add a few words relative to the varieties of

Aquilegice called stellated. DeCandolle attributes the peta-

15

of the Aquilegia vulgaris.

loid form of the petals of these varieties to their being formed

only by the filaments of modified stamens in which the an-

thers are abortive. This would be an hypertrophy of the sta-

minal filaments. We would not venture to say that this is

exact : on the contrary, we think that the petaloid and not

cuculliform laminae of the stellated Columbines are also in

reality only modified connectives, and we rest this opinion

on the fact that the genesis of these laminae presents in the

young flowers the same primary forms as the cornets : these

are at first stamens without filaments, but with enlarged

anthers. This point alone is decisive ; but upon the Aqui-

legia atrata we have often found flowers where the laminm

form their spur by slow degrees. This spur, at first a cavity,

aftenvards a canal, then a tube, then at last a cornet, ori-

ginates at the base of the laminae, so that the greater part of

these represent the two lobes of the cornets of the Aquilegia

vulgaris calcarata, which lobes w*e have shown to be nothing

but the extensions of the two anther-cells. We think, there-

fore, that it is to the anther also that the petaloid lamina is

owing. On a flower of the Aquilegia atrata we have seen a

well-formed lamina without a trace of spur ; the following one

had a simple protuberance, the third a tube, the fourth a half-

spur, and the fifth an entire spur. All this was the result of

a simple elongation of the base of the lamina; now, if this

were not an anther in its nature, it would be difficult to ad-

mit that the filament could produce the same organs as the

anther, and the more so as the facts previously established

prove that the gland represents, as to function, the pollen-

bearing loculus, and the nectar the pollen, whilst the cornet

is really the connective. The filament, when it suffers hyper-

trophy, as is the case in the white lamellae near the carpels,

gives birth to no product ; whilst, on the contrary, the peta-

loid laminae produce a nectary, and subsequently nectar. Or-

ganogeny, morphology, and the metamorphoses, unite then in

leading us to think, that in the stellated Columbine the spurless

petals are modified anthers and not filaments, and capable, as

such, of elongating themselves directly into spur-shaped nec-

taries under many circumstances.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XL

Fig. 1 — 8. Metamorphoses of the stamen into a spur-shaped nectary.

Fig. 8 only is of the natural size ; the others are magnified three

times in diameter.

Fig. 2. Stamen at its first period of metamorphosis.

a. Lengthened connective. c. Anther-cells.

h. Bifid point of the connective. d. Filament.

16

M. Morren on the Nectaries 0/ Aquilegia.

Fig. 3. Stamen still more metamorphosed.

а. A very distinct anther-cell.

б. Rudiment of the second. d. Lamina of the connective.

c. Connective. e. Sac or beginning of the spur.

Fig. 4. Stamen almost entirely modified.

«. Loculus of the anther. c. Its belly.

d. Spur-shaped sac. d. Nectarial gland.

e. Lobe, and/, the other lobe of the limb.

Figs. 5. and 6. Ulterior modifications of the stamen, where the nature of the

spur is well determined.

Fig. 6. bis. Spur-shaped nectary^ where the staminal nature has left all its

traces.

a. and b. Loculi of the anther.

c. Intermediary part of the connective between the two loculi.

d. Lobe of the limb of the nectary.

e. Marginal extension of the anther-cell.

f. Fissure of the limb. g. Another lobe of the limb.

li Filament or support of the nectary.

i. Spur. Jc. Nectarial gland.

Fig. 7. Stamen where the connectival elongation is the most evident.

Fig. 8. Insertion one v/ithin another of the spur-shaped nectaries.

Fig. 9. One of the lamellae situated between the stamens and the carpels of

the common Columbine.

Fig. 10. Bud of the natural size, in which the formation of the stamens was

observed.

Fig. 11. Androeceum of this bud, considerably magnified.

a. and b. Very young stamens ; their anther alone is visible.

Fig. 12. Stamen of this androeceum separated, greatly magnified.

Figs. 13. and 14. Young petals of this bud (fig. 10).

a. Disc. b. Margin.

c. Prominence indicating the anther-cells.

Fig. 15. A rather larger bud.

Fig. 16. Androeceum and flower of this bud deprived of its calyx,

a, b, c. Petaloid laminae. d. Stamens.

Fig. 17. One of these stamens considerably magnified.

Fig. 18. One of the laminae situated between the stamens and the carpels.

a, b. Traces of the anther-cells.

c. Connective. d. Filament.

Fig. 19. Young petals of this bud (fig. 15).

a. Traces of the anther-cells.

b. Connective. c. Lamellary margin magnified.

Fig. 20. A much larger bud of the natural size.

Fig. 21. The same stript of its calyx, considerably magnified.

a. Nectaries. b. Their fitting into each other. c. Stamens.

Fig. 22. Portion of the anther-cell dissected for the jjurpose of seeing its

tissues.

A. Endotheca. B. Exotheca.

a. Endothecal cell. b. Its fibre.

Fig. 23. Tissues of the nectarial gland.

a. Exterior cellular tissue. b. Interior cellular tissue.

Mr. Stephens on Fungi of the neighbourhood of Bristol, 17

II, — On the Fungi of the Neighbourhood of Bristol. By Mr.

H. O. Stephens.

To the Editors of the Magazine and Annals of Natural History.

Gentlemen,

Since the publication of my paper on the Mycology of the

neighbourhood of Bristol in the Number of the Annals of

Natural History for December, 1839, vol. iv. p. 246, I have

gathered the following species, a few of which have not been,

I believe, as yet mentioned as British ;

Agaricus Clypeolarius, Bull. Flax ; Bourton CkDomb, Somerset.

Ag. olivaceo-albus. Fries. Leigh Wood.

Ag. pachyphyllus , Berk. Under oak trees, Leigh Wood.

Ag. imhricatus. Fries. Fir plantations, Bourton Coomb.

Ag. blandus, Berk. About way-sides, and in ditches among leaves,

Stapleton. &c. ; not an uncommon species.

Ag. inamcenus. Fries. Bourton Coomb.

Ag. murinaceus, Bull. Leigh Wood.

Ag. butyraceus. Bull. Bourton Coomb.

Ag. confluens, Pers. Woods, common.

Ag. undatus, Berk., Ag. insititius, Fries, Epicrisis Syst. Mycolog.

vol. i. p. 386, No. 48. Leigh Wood, on the ground in mossy

places.

Ag. ulmarius. Bull. Rather general on elms in the autumn of 1840.

Brunswick Square, Bristol. Redland.

Ag. palmatus, Bull. On a decaying tree, Leigh Wood, growing in

great numbers, tiled one above another, on the upper branches of

the tree. Agreeing with Withering’s description of Agaricus fee-

tidus.

Ag. validus. Berk. Stapleton Wood.

Ag. cinnamomeus, Linn. Leigh Wood, not abundant.

Ag. cinnamomeus, Bolton, tab. 22. This Agaric, though known to

Purton and Withering, seems to be quite a puzzle to our best mo-

dern mycologists. Greville and Berkeley consider it to be a state

of Ag. fastibilis. Having found a few plants under oak trees

in Leigh Wood this autumn, I am enabled to say positively it is

not a state of the last-mentioned plant. I do not draw up a

character at present, because the plants were old. Bolton says

it abounds about Halifax, but I suppose it must be a local spe-

cies, or it would be better discriminated. It must bear the name

of Ag. pseudo-cinnamomeus, given by Nees ab Esenbeck in his

Commentary on Bolton’s Fungusses appended to Willdenow’s

translation of that work.

Ag. bombycinus, SchselF. On an old hawthorn tree, Ashley.

Ag. stipatus, Pers. Ditches, Stapleton, Leigh Wood, not uncommon.

Ag. Candollianus, Fries. In dense clusters where trees had been

felled, Stapleton.

A7in. ^ Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii.

C

18 Mr. Stephens on Fungi of the neighbourhood of Bristol.

Ag. papilionaceus, Bull. On dung, Stapleton, &c., not uncommon.

Ag. Boltoni. On cow-dung, Stapleton Wood.

Ag. radicatus, Bolt. On flower-pots in green-houses.

Polyporus armeniacus, Schself. On decaying branches, Leigh Wood.

Boletus viscidus, Linn. Pileus pulvinate, scrobiculate, dirty yellow-

ish white, copiously covered with slime. Stem scrobiculate

below the ring, above the ring reticulated, the reticulations

formed by imperfect tubes covered with slime, and of the same

colour as the pileus. Flesh dingy white, with a tinge of dirty

yellow ; when bruised turning verdigris-green, hence B. eerugi-

nascens, Secretan fide Fries. Pores large, adnate, angular,

compound, clay-coloured. The veil is permanent, as in Boletus

Grevillei ; but a portion frequently remains round the edge of the

pileus, forming a shiny web as in the division Limaceum of

Agarics. A species not before detected in Britain.

Hydnum membranaceum, Bull. On sticks, Leigh Wood. Hyd. fim-

briatum, Pers. Ditto.

Hydnum fusco-atrum. Fries, Epicris. Syst. Mycolog. vol. i. p. 515,

No. 66. On decaying wood, Leigh Wood.

Clavaria fusiformis. Sow. Leigh Wood, &c. Not very rare.

Leotia lubrica. Scop. Stapleton Grove. Abundant last autumn.

Peziza granulosa, Schum. Pers. Mycolog. Europ. vol. i. p. 225,

No. 14. On the naked earth in a beech wood, Stapleton, sum-

mer. Not before detected in England.

Pez. echinophila, Bull. Pers. Synop. p. 661, No. 97. On decaying

pericarps of the Castanea vesca. Cunnegar, near Dunster, So-

merset. I have likewise received it from Mr. Berkeley.

Pez. claro-flava, Grev. On a stick, Stapleton Wood.

Pez. furfur acea, Roth. On hazel stumps, Leigh Wood.

Phallus caninus, Hudson. My plants were not inodorous, as stated

by Withering, but detestably fcetid. The uteri are frequently

found empty. Leigh Wood.

Nidularia crucibulum and striata. Leigh Wood.

Splueria lateritia, Fries. On the gills of Ag. Necator, Leigh Wood,

this autumn. At first glueing the gills of the Agaric together

with a white substance, in which state it is with difficulty dis-

criminated. The contents of the perithecia, which are white,

ooze out as in its congener Sph. aurantia, giving the plant the

frosted appearance mentioned by Fries. The juiciness and de-

composition of the parent plant depends upon the original na-

ture of the matrix, for in my specimens the Agaric is dry and

shrivelled.

Bph. fibrosa. On blackthorn, common. Sph. Trifolii, Pers. Ditto.

Sph. aquila, Fries. On rotten sticks, Stapleton. Sph. ovina,

Pers. On decaying stumps, Leigh Wood.

Sph. pulveracea, Ehr. On dry wood, Leigh Wood. Doubtful.

Sph. vagans, var. Rumicis. Everywhere. Sph. {Depazed) Antir-

rhini. Kingsdown.

Phoma circinans. Berk. Species nova, on Yucca gloriosa. Abun-

dant in gardens. This plant was determined by Mr. Berkeley,

19

Dr. Grundlach on Bats from Cuba.

to whom I sent it with an erroneous name. An analogous spe-

cies occurred on Draccena fragrans.

Phacidium Patella, Tode. On stems of Conium maculatum. Unex-

panded.

Cenococcum geophilum, Fr. Underground, amongst the roots of

Bryum hornum, Stapleton. I have received it from Mr. Berke-

ley.

Stilbum tomentosum, Schrad. On Trichia clavata, Leigh Wood.

Puccinia Glechomatis, DeCand. On ground-ivy, Durdham Down.

Puc, variabilis, Grev. On Leontodon Taraxacum, Minehead.

Puc. Lychnidearum, Link. On Lychnis diurna, Stapleton.

Credo caricina, Schleich. Epidermis ruptured on Luzula sylva-

tica, Stapleton. Credo Caryophyllacearum, Johnst. On Stel-

laria graminea, Minehead, accompanied by a dark brov/n Puc-

cinia.

Omitted. — Thelephora arida. Fries. On the bark of oak trees,

Leigh Wood ; it is not confined to the bark, but spreads over

the interior of hollow trunks in wide patches.

Since my first catalogue was published, I have been indebted to

the politeness of Mr. J. E. Gray, of the British Museum, for the use

of the System of Fries, and Sowerby’s Figures, and to Mr. Berkeley

for some corrections. I therefore take this opportunity to rectify

some errors in the former Catalogue : — Cantharellus confluens is a

small, densely crowded variety of Canth. sinuosus. Fries, Helvella fio-

riformis, Sowerby. Thelephora amorpha is doubtful. Spharia in-

cana, mihi, is S>ph. coprophila. Fries, Syst. Mycolog. vol. ii. p. 340,

No. 37. It had not previously been detected in England, and there-

fore was not described by any British author.

Henry Oxley Stephens.

Terrell Street, Bristol, Oct. 15, 1841.

III. — Description of Four Bats taken in Cuba. By

Dr. Grundlach*.

Vespertilio barbatus, Grundlach. Pale, chestnut-brown, tips of

hair on the upper side darker. Near the muzzle provided with very

short hairs, and defined by a curve of longer hairs extending from

one angle of the mouth to the other, and which at the mouth angle

form a kind of beard. Between the nose and this curve of hairs

there is still a smaller interrupted one on the nasal bridge. Ears

somewhat prolonged to an obtuse point. Tragus at the base narrow,

then expanding, its inner angle curving in a point.

Entire length 2" 3'". Length from the tip of the nose to the com-

mencement of the tail 1"3'", consequently, length of tail 1". Spur

3'". Breadth 6'". Thumbs 1'" long.

Found in buildings of the Cafetal St. Antonio el Fundador.

* Communicated and translated by Mr. W. Francis, A.L.S., from Wieg-

mann’s Archiv. 1810. Part IV.

C2

20

Dr. Grundlach on Bats from Cuba.

Nos. 2 and 3 form a new genus*, which I propose to call

Lobostoma. Lohed-mouthed. The characters are :

Above and below 4 incisors, the upper ones are of unequal size; viz.

in the centre are two large double, and at the sides a small simple

tooth ; and molars not yet examined, as I did not wish to destroy the

only specimen I have as yet taken. Upper margin of the muzzle

very prominent, and forms, with two membranaceous folds at the side

of the nose, a surface directed obliquely downwards, in which the

nostrils are likewise situated. Inferior lip, besides the true lip, has

two membranaceous folds one behind the other : the anterior one

furnished with warts, and the posterior one consisting partly of one

piece, partly divided in the middle. Ears separated. Tail for the

greatest part hidden in the interfemoral membrane, the apex free be-

yond the produced membrane.

Lobostoma cinnamomeum, Grundlach. Above dark, beneath a

light cinnamon-brown. The base of the hairs everywhere fainter.

Face with blacker hairs. Ears short, wide, rounded, at the inferior

margin fringed with hairs, which are likewise perceptible on the

folds in the ears. Tragus short, on the inner side with an incisure.

Nasal ridge bald. Upper lip furnished towards the angles of the

mouth with longer cinnamon-brown hairs, with silky lustre. Ante-

rior lip-leaf somewhat elongate, 4-angular, posteriorly bipartite, each

part with an indentation in the centre. The nose, leaves of the

lower lip, margins of the ear and wings, are blackish brown. The

hairs form a cavity above the nose and beneath the chin.

Length of the entire body 3" 5'". Length of body from the point

of the nose to the commencement of the tail 1" 10"'. The tail is,

down to where it becomes free, IQU", the free portion is 2'" in length.

The interfemoral membrane extends from where it becomes free 8^'"

further. Spur 8^"' long. Breadth 10^".

The only specimen was taken flying about in the evening in the

room of the Cafetal St. Antonio el Fundador.

Lobostoma quadridens, Grundlach. Colour of fur pale brown-

ish gray, the tips of the hairs on the upper side darker. About

the throat the colour passes more into yellow. Ear-aperture wide.

Uj)per margin much elongated to an obtuse point. Above, at the

posterior margin, it is somewhat waved. The lower half of the front

margin is expanded ; the expansion itself forms four little teeth. The

front lip-leaf extends to the angle of the mouth, the hind one is un-

divided and but little shorter than the front one, on which its margin

rests. The warts of the front one are only present in the centre. The

membranaceous folds on the sides of the nose projecting at their

upper margin to a point. Nose above naked. Wings, nose, lip-leaves

and margins of ears blackish brown.

Length of the entire body 1" , of the tail in the membrane

* The genus appears to be the same with Gray’s Chilonijcieris (Ann.

Nat. Hist. iv. p. 4) ; but the species are undescribecl, and differ from Clik

MacLeuyii, Gr., which was likewise found in Cuba. — Wiegmann.

Sir W. Jardine on the Habits of Lepidosiren annectens. 21

61'", without it 3^'", of the interfemoral membrane from the be-

coming free of the tail 7^'". Of the spur 7^"'. Expanse of wings 8" 3'".

Hub. same as the former.

4. Rhixopoma Carolinense, GeoiFr. As, from want of a good

description, I am not certain with regard to the determination, I will

communicate the description of the animal in my possession.

Fur brownish gray. Above darker than beneath. Base of the hairs

whitish. Ears wide, naked, only haired outwardly at the cohesion,

and inwardly in front where the concavity commences. 6 — 7 warts

on the front margin of the ear. Furnished with longer bristle-hairs

on the nasal bridge, at the toes of the hind feet, and at the anus and

sexual orifice. Lip large, projecting far beyond the inferior lip.

Wings blackish brown. The membrane between the anterior and

posterior legs is, in the vicinity of the body, beset with small tufts of

hairs. The margin of the interfemoral membrane has, in the neigh-

bourhood of the tail, two tooth-like projections, of which the exte -

rior one originates from the end of the spur. Tragus 4-angular,

at its inner margin somewhat sloped. Length of the entire animal

4", of the body from the tip of the nose to the commencement of

the tail 1" 11'", of the tail 2" 1'". Usually the tail is inclosed 8'",

and free 5'". Spur 9"' long. Breadth 9 J".

Hab. During daytime, beneath the roofs at Fundador.

IV. — Hor(B Zooloyicce. By Sir W. Jardine, Bart.,

F.R.S.E. & F.L.S., &c.

No. IV. Remarks on the Structure and Habits (^‘Lepidosiren

annectens.

As stated at the commencement of these ^ Horae,’ and im-

plied by our motto*, we consider them intended to convey

whatever information, whether partial or complete, may come

in our way, and tend to illustrate zoology. The appearance

of Professor Owen’s important and carefully wrought paper

upon Lepidosiren annectens ^ printed in the last volume of the

Transactions of the Linnaean Societyf, had been some time

looked for, and the interest which its perusal excited was still

further heightened by the loan of the other specimens of the

remarkable animal which Mr. Weir discovered on the Gambia,

and which have been kindly trusted for some time in om^ pos-

session by the sister of that gentleman, now residing in Edin-

burgh. Upon examination of these specimens, some of the

external parts appeared to vary from the figure and descrip-

tion given by Mr. Owen ; and as every observation relating to

the structure of an animal so curious must draw out some in-

ference associating with those around it, we shall describe

them minutely. But for the sake of those who may not have

access to the valuable Transactions alluded to, which, through

the various changes incident to scientific societies, especially

* See Annals, vol. iv. p. 160. f Vol. xviii. part 3, p. 327.

22 SirW. Jardine on the Habits 0/ Lepidosiren annectens.

to such as are now becoming venerable from long duration,

have maintained their standard excellence both in illustra-

tions and in the high character of communications, and also

for the sake of our correspondents in distant countries, it may

be right, first, shortly to run over the history of this singular

genus, and the results at which Mr. Owen has arrived in his

recent examinations.

The genus Lepidosiren was formed by Professor Natterer,

from an animal discovered in the rivers, or rather in the

swamps of South America. Two specimens only were ob-

tained ; the one was found in a swamp on the left bank of the

river Amazon, the other was taken in a pond near Borba, on

the river Madeira, and they were described in the ^ Annals of

the Museum of Vienna,^ under the generic title above named.

In 1837^ specimens of a remarkable animal were brought from

another continent, the vicinity of the river Gambia, in West-

ern Africa, by Thomas C. B. Weir, Esq. ; and one of them

being presented to the Royal College of Surgeons in London,

has served Mr. Owen for the account which has just now

been published*.

In its skeleton the Gambia species is partly osseous, partly

cartilaginous; the bodies of the vertebrae, for instance, are

not ossified. The articular surface of the lower jaw pre-

sents a more complicated structure than is usually'observed in

Fishes and Reptiles. The ribs are thirty-six pairs, all simple,

slightly curved slender styles. The tentacles or rudimentary

fins are many-jointed ; the colour of the bones is green, and

altogether it offers a most singular and interesting combina-

tion of the cartilaginous and osseous types. The muscles of

the trunk present all the simplicity and uniformity charac-

teristic of the class of Fishes. There are no pancreatic caeca.

The intestine is traversed throughout by a spiral valve. The

branchiae resemble in form those of the Siren, consisting of

separate elongated .filaments, attached only by one extremity

to the branchial arch ; but these extremities are fixed directly

to the branchial arch, and not to a common pedicle extended

therefrom, as in the Siren. Viewed with a moderate lens, the

tripinnatifid structure is beautifully seen in each branchial

filament. Thus, although these organs correspond in all es-

sential points with those of the true Fishes, yet the gills ap-

proximate, in their filamentary form, to those of the Perenni-

branchiate Reptiles. The female organs of generation present

* When making out the elaborate Catalogue for the learned body to

which he belongs, the generic name of Protopterus suggested itself, but the

perusal of Dr. Natterer’s paper led him to believe that it was generically

identical.

Sir W. Jardine on the Habits of Lepidosiren annectens. 23

a grade as high as that which characterizes the Plagiostomous

Fishes ; while the elongated form of the ovaria and the con-

voluted disposition of the oviduct resemble more the same

parts in the Axolotl^ Amphiuma and Siren.

In all its organs^ with a single exception, it is considered

as almost intermediate in structure ; that exception exists in

the organ of smell, a character which is absolute in refer-

ence to the distinction of Fishes from Reptiles. In eveiy fish

it is a shut sac, communicating only with the external surface ;

in every reptile it is a canal, with both an external and in-

ternal opening.^^

Further, Mr. Owen considers the Lepidosiren as typical of

a new family, and forming a link to connect the higher Car-

tilaginous Fishes with the Sauroid genera Polypterus and Le~

pidosteus ; at the same time, it makes the nearest approach in

the class, to the Perennibranchiate Reptiles.

The specimen which we have examined was in total length

8^ inches, and the body was more thickly and decidedly

spotted than that represented in the Linnaean Transactions.

The spots extend as far forward as the origin of the upper fin,

but are continued still further in indistinct cloudings; they take

the form of irregular blotches, and are largest, most distinct,

and in greatest numbers near the caudal extremity ; this may

be a variation incident to the animal, in the same way that the

spottings on various other fishes seldom agree. The caudal

fin or membrane arises gradually from the body, and the

scaling is continued apparently as far as the rays reach ; above

this it becomes like a thin membrane, delicate and trans-

parent, and terminates in a minute and fine point. The whole

appearance in fact of this part is more like that of the mem-

brane which is produced at certain seasons upon some species

of Triton,

The extremities, or fins if they may be so termed, present

some differences when compared with Professor Owen^s figure

and description. They are each regularly barred with brown,

or probably, in a living state, with dark olive. In the descrip-

tion alluded to, the pectoral tentacles are said to be some-

what shorter and more slender than the ventral ones ; the

former are two inches, the latter two inches four lines in

length*.^’ In our specimen it is just the reverse : the princi-

pal ray of the pectoral tentacle is attenuated to a thread-like

point, and is 2 inches long ; the posterior is only l|^ths inch in

length. They also present another discrepancy : the principal

pectoral tentacle is accompanied above by two short and still

more rudimentary members, which do not seem to have been

* P. 3;^o.

24 Sir W. Jardine on the Habits of Lepidosiren annectens.

present in Mr. Owen’s specimen. They are of equal length,

about ^ths of an inch, and are barred as in the other ; but not

being permitted to make any dissection, it has been impossible

to determine whether they were also supported by cartilagi-

nous rays ; it is probable that they may not, or that they are

very slight, but their presence seems important, as presenting

a passage even more modified from the true fin composed of

several rays, to the state of a single tentacle destitute of any

palmation or approach to the structure of a more perfect ex-

tremity. The posterior tentacle is single, but is much more

strongly formed than the long ray of the anterior ; it presented

no other differences except in comparative length. Can the

additional pectoral tentacles be a sexual difference ?

The pores and ducts upon the head are disposed nearly as

we have endeavoured to represent them in the woodcut.

They are very large, and supply a large quantity of mucus ne-

cessary for, or at least assisting in, the preservation of the ani-

mal when it has retired from, or is deprived of, its native ele-

ment. Above and in front of the eye they are tortuous and

apparently continuous canals, and run backwards to com-

mence the lateral line ; and there is an angular one above

where each nostril is situate, the place of which can easily be

detected by looking with a magnifier at the snout, placed be-

tween the observer and the light.

The progressive motions of this creature we should conceive

to be performed entirely by the caudal or posterior half of the

body, their direction being regulated by the tentacles. We can

fancy them to be very nearly similar to those of the Tritons,

Sir W. Jardine on the Habits o/‘ Lepidosiren annectens. 25

which advance by a wriggling or sculling motion of the tail,

and direct themselves by their small anterior members, which

also are used to assist in raising themselves in the water upon

any body or plant, and we should scarcely consider these mem-

bers at all applied or used as organs of touch.

If the structure of this animal is remarkable, so also are some

habits in its oeconomical history, but we have to regret that

our information on these points is still very imperfect. Miss

Weir, in allowing us to examine the specimens of the fish, ac-

companied them with the following note, and a piece of the

hard clay alluded to in the Transactions of the Linnaean So-

ciety *, bearing the impression of the animal as if it had lain for

some time imbedded in it, and with the earth in such a state as

to allow the form of the cast to be retained : Fish taken in the

summer of 1835, on the shore of Macarthy’s Island, about 350

miles up the river Gambia. They were found about eighteen

inches below the surface of the ground, which, during nine

months of the year, is perfectly dry and hard, the remaining

three months it is under water. When dug out of the ground

and put into water, the fish immediately unfold themselves

and commence swimming about.” They are dug up with

sharp stakes and are used for food ; the accompanying wood-

cut represents the manner in which they are folded up at the

time they are procured ; it is drawn of the natural size, from

a second specimen preserved in spirits, which seemed to have

been rolled up in dried leaves, or in the leaves which might

have accumulated at the bottom of the w ater of the inundated

ground ; several adhered to it, and were kept in their place by

means of a large supply of mucus which still invested the

specimen, and may serve as a provision to assist in preser-

ving life during the torpidity or hybernation of the animal.

Note. — Since writing the above observations, we have per-

used the important paper by M. Bischoff from the translation

published in a late number of the Annales des Sciences Na-

* Note in vol. xviii. part 3. p. 328.

26 Mr. Strickland^s Commentary

turelles,^ The South American species which is there treated

of seems to be in several points even more nearly allied to the

Cartilaginous Fishes than that from Africa, particularly in

the structure of its almost cartilaginous skeleton, and in the

spiral intestinal valve, which, from additional observations

made by MM. Bibron and Milne Edwards, appeared to be

still more developed than in the L. annectens. But it has

been found to differ from the last, and from Fishes, in an im-

portant particular, that of the heart possessing a double auri-

cle ; and also in the rays of the tentacles being of one piece,

and not jointed. The structure of the nostril we consider as

entirely analogous to that of the organ in Fishes : it is not a

respiratory organ in L, paradoxa, the double opening is only

similar to the valvular separation of the sac in Fishes, and,

from the structure of the muscles, would seem to act some-

what similarly, and they will cause the passage to resist or pro-

mote the flow of the water through it. The position of the

opening to the lungs or air-bladder is also of importance in

the consideration of this question, and is in favour of its reptile

alliance ; but all the modifications of form must be balanced

with each other, and additional dissections are required of L,

annectens, which it may even yet be found necessary to sepa-

rate and place in Mr. Oweffs proposed genus Protopterus.

V. — Commentary on Mr. G. R. Gray^s ^ Genera of Birds^

1840. By H. E. Strickland, Esq., M.A., F.G.S., &c.

[Continued from vol. vi. p. 423.]

P. 26. The date of Thunberg’s genus Brachyurus (1743) seems to

be a misprint ; but not knowing in what work it is defined, I am un-

able to rectify it.

MyioyJionus ought, I think, to be placed among the Turdince near

Petrocossyphus.

The Rock Thrushes were first defined by Boie in 1822, under the

name of Monticola, and afterwards altered by him in 1826 to Petro-

cossyphus, The former name ought therefore to stand, as authors

ought no more to alter their own generic names when once pub-

lished than those of others. But should there be any insuperable

objection to the name Monticola (of which I am not aware), then the

name Petrocincla, Vig., 1825, has the next claim. Bonaparte di-

vides the Rock Thrushes into two genera, Petrocincla (P. saxatilis)

and Petrocossyphus (P. cyaneus). There seems not to be sufficient

ground for this separation ; but if adopted, a new name should be

given to P. cyaneus, because the name Petrocossyphus, Boie,. is a

mere synonym of Petrocincla, Vig., and should therefore be can-

celled.

P. 27. Turdus nov<£-hollandice, Gm., is quoted by Mr. Gray as

27

on Mr. G. R. Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds’

the type both of Oreocincla and of Aplonis (p. 40). I cannot at the

moment ascertain to which of these genera this bird really belongs,

having no specimen of it at hand.

The genus Cichla, Wagl., belongs to the TroglodytiruB, near Meru-

laxis, and its specific name, atricapilla, Lin., should be used instead

of longirostra, Gm.

The name Aipunemia, Sw. {uIttvs and Kvgpri) should be written

jEpycnemia.

The genus Malacocercus (not Malacocircus) belongs to the Stur-

nincs rather than the Crateropodin^. The form and colour of the

bill and legs show a close affinity to Acridotheres . Is not Timalia

Somervillei, Frank!., a synonym of Malacocercus striatus ?

P. 28. It is not easy to say where the genus Icteria should be

classed, but it is clearly out of place among the Crateropodince, which,

when reduced within their natural limits, seem confined exclusively

to the old world.

Tanagra capensis, Sparm., seems to be a synonym of Corvinella

corvina, Shaw (which in that case should be called C. capensis,

Sparm.). It is certainly not a synonym of Keropia crassirostris,

Mr. Gray seems to have omitted the genus Stenorhynchus, Gould.

(Proc. Zool. Soc. pt. iii. p. 186.)

The genus Mimeta, Vig., cannot, I think, be separated from Orio-

lus. Several modern authors have reunited the two genera.

P. 29. The name Cnmycr, Tern., 1820, should be used instead of

Trichophorus, Tern., which is a later alteration.

The Hcematornis, Sw., 1831, ought not to supersede the

prior name Ixos, Tern, Mr. Swainson, in his ‘ Classif. Birds,’ vol. ii.

p. 24, discards the genus Ixos, Tern., because it is artificial, i.e. it

contains species not naturally allied. This is a reason why it should

be restricted, but not why it should be cancelled', for if this principle

were admitted, we must discard nearly every generic name of Lin-

naeus. If then the name Ixos be used for this restricted group, the

word Hcematornis may be retained for the genus of Falconidce so

called by Vigors in December 1831 (Spilornis, Gray).

After a careful study of the genera Querula and Lipangus, I feel

satisfied that this sub-family Querulince should merge into that of

Pyroderinae, Gray {Coracince, Sw.), and secondly, that the Pyroderinee

should be placed under the family Ampelidce instead of CorvidcB.

Notwithstanding what Mr. Swainson says (Flycatchers, p. 73) as to

Coracina (Pyroderus, Gray) being merely the representative among

the Crows of Querula among the Flycatchers, yet the proportion of

parts and total structure of these two birds are so nearly identical, that

it is almost a question whether they should be even generically se-

parated. Further, on comparing these birds and Lipangus with the

Ampelidce, and taking also their geographical range into consideration,

it will, I think, be evident to the untheoretical naturalist that the

family Ampelidce is their proper abode. The rictal bristles at first

sight form an objection, but of these we see traces in several genera

of the Ampelincd.

28

Mr. Strickland^s Commentary

It is very doubtful whether Lanius nengeta, Lin., can be quoted as

synonymous with Xolmis polyglotta (Spix), mihi. On comparing a

specimen of the latter with Brisson’s description of his Cotinga ci-

nerea (the foundation of Linnaeus’s Lanius nengetd), taken from Marc-

grave, I find neither the black eye-stifeak nor the white tail-covers

which are mentioned by Brisson. That author, moreover, omits to

mention the black streak on each side of the chin, and the white ba-

sal spot on the remiges of X. polyglotta.

P. 30. Knipolegus should be written Cnipolegus (k not being used

in Latin).

Vieillot’s name climazura being of the same date with Spix’s name

mystacea (not mystax), and the former word being dog-Latin, it is

better to call the bird Fluvicola mystacea, Spix.

The Gubernetes forficatus, Sw., is the Muscicapa yiperu of Lich-

tenstein, not his M. vetula, which last bird is the Milvulus longi-

pennis, Sw., and Muscicapa pullat a. Bon., figured in Spix, vol. ii. pi.

18. The type of Gubernetes should therefore be called G. yiperu

(Licht.), unless Vieillot may have given it an earlier name in quoting

Azara.

The generic name Pitangus, Sw., 1827, should be used instead of

Saurophagus, Sw., 1831.

Mr. Gray has transposed the specific names attached to the ge-

nera Saurophagus and Scaphorhynchus . The type of the former ge-

nus is the Lanius sulphuratus, Lin., and of the latter, Lanius pitan-

gua, Lin., both of which are accurately described and figured by

Brisson. Scaphorhynchus pitangua (Lin.) is the Megastoma rujiceps

of Swainson, not his M. jlaviceps, as is proved by the words aurantia

and fulva, applied by Briss. and Lin. to the coronal spot.

The name Tyrannus was first used generically by Lacepede in

1799.

It does not appear why Mr. Gray has changed to Myiobius the

name Tyrannula, defined by Mr. Swainson in 1827, and typified by

the Muscicapa barbata, Gm.

P. 3 1 . Mr. Gray seems to be justified in imposing his name Pa-

chyrhamphus on the restricted genus Pachyrhynchus of Spix, the lat-

ter name being justly cancelled as a mere synonym of Tityra,

Vieill.

The -genuine cayanus of Lin. and Briss. is not the Psaris

cayanensis of Swainson, but his P. guianensis, distinguished by the

naked lores, and by having two- thirds of the beak red. I can find

no description of Swainson’ s P. cayanensis, but I infer that he means

the species with plumed lores, the beak wholly black, and a small

black spot on the chin {Lanius inquisitor, Olfers, and Licht. Verz.,

p.50).

For Platysteira write Platystira (the et in Greek being made i in

Latin).

P. 32. For Leucocirca write Leucocerca.

The genera Culicivora and Setophaga would be more naturally

placed among the Sylvicolince, as is done by Mr. Swainson, ‘ Classif.

29

on Mr. G. R, Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds. ^

Birds,’ vol. ii. p. 58. The length of the legs, the absence of a spu-

rious quill, and the geographical range of these genera show that

they do not belong to the Muscicapinae.

The Cryptolopha poiocephala should be called C. ceylonensis, Sw.,

as it had been known as the Platyrhynchus ceylonensis of Sw. ‘ Zool.

111.’ nearly twenty years before Mr. Swainson changed its name to

poiocephala.

I cannot but think it injudicious in Mr. Gray to transpose the

names Butalis and Muscicapa, after Boie and Brehm had referred

M. grisola to the former- and M. atricapilla to the latter genus, an

arrangement sanctioned by the high authority of Bonaparte.

P. 33. For Leiotlirix write Liothrix.

The name Pteruthius of Swainson, to be consistent with etymo-

logy, should be written Ptererythrius (from irrepov and ipvdpos) ; but

should it be thought that this is taking too great a liberty with the

original name, we may, at least, venture to write it Pterythrius.

The name Laniisoma, Sw., 1831, should be used instead of Ptu

lochloris, Sw., 1837. Authors should not be encouraged in chan-

ging names, even of their own composition. A father may give his

son what name he pleases at baptism ; but once given, the law very

wisely pronounces that name unalterable.

For Phmnicircus write Phoenicercus.

For Pipraeidea write Piproidea.

P. 34. Mr. Gray has correctly disentangled a difficulty by re-

storing the name Procnias of Hoffmansegg to the Averanos (Chasma-

rhynchus. Tern.). The fact is, that Vieillot having in 1816 given

the name Tersa to a part of the old genus Procnias, this name ought

to be retained for the remainder (the Averanos) ; whereas Tem-

minck in 1820 restricted the name Procnias to Vieillot’s genus, and

gave a name of his own to the Averanos.

I may remark in passing, that the genus Tersa appears to connect

the Ampelidce directly with the Tanagridce.

The name Bomhy cilia was first used generically by Vieillot, not by

Brisson.

Ptiliogonys , Sw., should be written Ptilogonys.

Cuvier, in his * Reg. An.’ vol. i. p. 363, states that the name Cam-

pephaga, Vieill., was subsequent to his name Cehlepyris, but I am not

aware in what work the latter name was first published. Indeed, I

cannot learn whether Cuvier published any new genera of birds be-

tween 1 802, when the first volume of his ‘ Comparative Anatomy ’

came out, and 1817, when the ‘ Regne Animal’ was published. I

should be obliged by any information on this point.

The groups Campephagince and Dicrurina seem to belong more

naturally to the Laniadee than to the Ampelidce.

Lanius ferrugineus, Gm., seems to be incorrectly quoted under

Oxynotus ferrugineus, Sw. Latham’s description of L. ferrugineus

exactly agrees with a bird in my collection wffiich is clearly a Dryo-

scopus, BoiQ ; and instead of the dorsal feathers being “ very rigid”

as in Oxynotus, they are very soft and downy.

30

Mr. Strickland’s Commentary

The permanent specific name of the Malabar Edolius should be

paradiseus, Lin., not malabaricus, Gm. It is the Cuculus paradiseus,

Lin., well figured by Brisson, except that one of the fore toes is re-

versed in the figure which led to its being considered a Cuculus.

Mr. Gray has judiciously restored Irena to its place among the

Dicrurince, whereas Mr. Swainson had made it a sub-genus of Oriolus.

The earliest specific name of Corvinella is (Tanagra) capensis,

Sparm. This bird has also received the names of Lanius cissoides,

Y\e\W., L. fiavirostris, Sw., and L. xanthorhynchus of the Munich

Museum.

Collurio not being defined as a genus by Brisson, and the name

moreover having been applied by Vigors to a different genus, it is

better to retain the name Enneoctonus of Boie, who was the first to

separate this group generically from the true Shrikes.

P. 36. Cyclarhis should be written Cyclorhis (kvkXos and pis).

The type of Telophonus should be called T. senegalus (Lin.). It

is the Lanius senegalus, Lin., and the L. erythropterus of Shaw, not

of Linnaeus.

Nilaus capensis should be called N. bruhru. Lath., 1801.

Vanga was first used as a Latin generic name by Vieillot, not by

Buffon.

P. 37. The genus Cracticus, Vieill. (restr.), ought certainly to

enter into the sub-family of Gymnorhinince ; for though the hooked

beak shows an affinity to the Shrikes, yet the majority of its cha-

racters and the geographical range show a strong preponderance in

favour of its alliance with Gymnorhina, Gray.

Pica colliei, as described by Vigors in the ‘ Zool. Journ.’ vol. iv., can

hardly be the same as Cyanurus bullockii. Mr. Vigors’s bird has the

throat black instead of white, and its dimensions differ from those

given to C. bullockii by Wagler. Mr. Gray must also be wrong in

quoting Garrulus ultramarinus, Bon., under Cyanurus bullockii, as

Bonaparte, in his Osservazioni sulla 2^^ ed. Cuv. Reg. An. p. 84,

says that it is synonymous -with Pica sieberi, Wagl., and Garrulus

sordidus, Sw.

Is not the name Dysornithia, Sw., prior to Perisoreus, Bon. ?

P. 38. For Crypsirina write Crypsirhina. To the synonyms of

C. varians add Colius viridis. Lath.

P. 39. Gymnoderus nudus, Gm., is the Gracula fcetida, Lin., and

the latter specific name therefore has the priority.

Is not Buffon’s PI. Enl. 268. the smaller species of Gracula (Eu-

labes indicus, Cuv.), and not the G. religiosa, as Mr. Gray makes it }

I should prefer placing the Graculince among the Sturnida, near

Pastor, to which group they seem much allied in structure.

The genus Pyrrhocorax was first defined by Vieillot, not by Bris-

son.

To the synonyms of Corcorax add Pyrrhocorax, Tern.

P. 40. Megalopterus, Smith, must be changed, the name being

pre-occupied by Boie for a genus of Sternince.

If the Acridotheres roseus l)e generically separated from the rest of

31

on Mr. G. R. Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds, ^

that genus, it should bear the name of Psaroides of Vieillot, who

was the first to point out the distinction, and Temminck’s name

Pastor should be cancelled, being a mere synonym of Acridotheres.

P. 41. The genus Creadion surely belongs to the Meliphagidce. Is

it not identical with Neomorpha, Gould ?

The name Sturnella ludoviciana, Lin., is preferable to S. magma,

Lin., the latter name being comparative, and only correct when

the bird was classed as an Alauda. Besides, the name ludoviciana is

adopted by Latham, Richardson, Bonaparte, &c.

The genera Sturnella and AmblyrhampTius {not Amblyrhynchus') , if

carefully examined, will be found to belong to the Icterince rather

than to the Sturnince. When thus arranged, the whole of the Stur-

nines will be confined to the old world, and the Icterince to the new,

thus adding to the numerous instances in which geographical distri-

bution coincides with natural affinities. In the same way I believe it

will be found that the characters of Astrapia refer it to the oriental

group Lamprotornince, rather than to the American one Quiscalince,

in which Mr. Gray places it.

Is not Vieillot’s name Quiscalus versicolor, prior to that of Q. pur-

pureas, Licht. }

Lesson quotes Corvus mexicanus, Gm. (and not Oriolus, as Mr.

Gray has it,) as the type of his genus Cassidix.

Tlie confusion which overhangs several of the black Icterine birds

of America is very great, but this is not the place to discuss the en-

tire question. I will therefore merely state that, as far as my inves-

tigations go, the Cassidix mexicanus. Less, (which, however, is not

the Corvus mexicanus, Gm.) is identical with the Scaphidura barita,

Sw. If so, the names Cassidix and Scaphidura being of equal date,

we may be allowed to retain the latter, and expunge the mongrel

word Cassidix. To the Scaphidura barita, Sw., I also refer Cassicus

niger, Vieill., Gal. Ois. 89. (which, however, is not the Oriolus ni-

ger, Gm.). Also note that Scaphidura barita, Sw., is neither Gra-

cula barita, Lin., nor Gracula barita. Lath., Syn. pi. 18, Gen. Hist,

pi. 44. The Corvus mexicanus, Gm., is, I have no doubt, synonymous

with Quiscalus macrurus, Sw. (See Fernandez’s description of his

Hocitzanatl quoted by Ray and Brisson.) The Oriolus niger of

Gmelin, described by Brisson to be under ten inches in length, is a

distinct species found in the West Indies, and called Quiscalus ba-

ritus by Bonaparte. It is, perhaps, the same as Quiscalus crassi-

rostris, Sw. The Gracula barita of Linnaeus (excluding his quota-

tion of Brisson) seems to be known only from his description, and

is not the same with Oriolus niger, Gm. The Gracula barita of La-

tham, Syn. pi. 18, Gen. Hist. pi. 44, is stated by Bonaparte in his

‘ American Ornithology’ to be identical with Quiscalus versicolor, an

opinion in which I concur.

Cassicus and Xanthornus were first used as genera, not by Brisson,

but by Lacepede in 1799.

P. 42. The genus Euplectes was first defined by Swainson in 1830

(Zool. 111. ser. 2.), with E. orix, Lin., for its type. Is not this

prior to the name Pyromelana, Bon. ?

32

Mr. Strickland’s Commentary

Should not the name Philetczrus socius, Lath., be used instead of

P. lepidus. Smith ?

The restricted genus Ploceus, Cuv., if Loxia philippina, Gm., be

considered its type, will contain the greater part of the genus Eu~

plectes, Sw.

P. 43. The genus Symplectes, Sw., seems to have a fair claim to

generic distinction, a conclusion to which Sir W. Jardine arrived in-

dependently of Mr. Swainson, when he gave it the name of Eupodes.

Mr. Swainson’s name, however, was published first, and must there-

fore be retained.

It appears to me that the genera Spermospiza, Pyrenestes, Vidua,

Estrelda, Amadina, Spermestes, and Erythrura, ought all to be in-

cluded in the sub-family Ploceince. Though the varying development

of their beak presents analogies to the Coccothraustince and Fringil-

lin(£, yet their true affinity to PloceirKE is indicated by their pecu-

liarly elevated culmen extending backwards on the forehead, their

naked nostrils, their geographical extent, and especially by the spu-

riousness of their first primary quill, a character often of great va-

lue as an index of affinity. Moreover, the genus Vidua is directly

united to Ploceus by means of V. chrysoptera, VieilL, and Ploceus

capensis, Lin.

The TanagrincB would be better placed at the end of Fringillidee, so

as not to separate the Coccothraustince from the FringilliruB.

There is much confusion in the synonyms of Tanagra episcopus,

but Mr. Gray is probably right in quoting PI. Enl. 178. The ori-

ginal T. episcopus of Linneeus and Brisson seems to be the T. seri-

coptera of Swainson and the T. codestis of Spix. It is probably also

the Gracula glauca of Sparrman, though that bird is said to be seven

inches long. The T. episcopus of Swainson’s Birds of Brazil, pi. 39,

seems (judging from the figure) to be only the young of his T. cana,

pi. 37. The T. ccelestis, Sw., Birds Braz. pi. 41, is very different

from T. ccelestis, Spix, as the wing-covers are green. It is possibly

the female of T. cana, Sw.

There is no doubt that Tanagrella multicolor, Sw., is the Motacilla

velia, Lin., and the latter specific name should therefore be used.

P. 45. On comparing a specimen of Leucopygia ruficollis with

Lesson’s very short description of his Cypsnagra hirundinacea, there

can be no doubt of their belonging to the same genus ; but as Lesson

describes his bird as S/we-black above, and says nothing of the white

on the rump and wing- covers, I think they cannot be specifically

synonymous. I would fain for once break through the law of pri-

ority in order to get rid of the intolerable name of Cypsnagra, Less.,

a word compounded more Gallico out of Cypselus and Tanagra !

Is not Emberiza quadricolor, Gm., an earlier synonym of Ery-

thrura prasina (Sparm.)

Mr. Gray seems to have omitted the genus Pytelia, Sw., type,

P. elegans, Gm., Vieill. Gal. pi. 64.

P. 46. I do not think it advisable to change the name Pyrgita,

Cuv., to that of Passer, “ Hay.” Ray does not define Passer as a

genus, but merely a))plies it to designate the House Sparrow in com-

33

on Mr. G. R. Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds. ^

mon with many other birds to which it has no affinity. The Spar-

rows were first defined as a genus by Cuvier, who gave them the name

by which the ancient Greeks designated them.

To the synonymes of Montifringilla add Chionospiza, Kaup.

Ammodramus should be written Ammodromus.

P. 47. It does not appear why the name Melophus cristata (Vig.)

is changed to M. lathami, Gray. I see no objection to cristata, but

if there be any, Sir W. Jardine’s name erythropterus should be

adopted.

The name Cynchramus was first used generically, I believe, by Bo-

naparte.

P. 48. Aqrodroma rufescens, Tern., should be called ^4. campestris,

Bechst.

P. 49. The isiimly Musophagidac, as here constituted, is a very arti-

ficial group. The genus Phytotoma should certainly be placed next

to, if not in, the sub-family Tanagrince. Its beak approaches in form

near that of Spindalis, Jard., and the dentations of the margin,

though very peculiar, have a distant counterpart in the beak of

Euphone. Its South American habitat also favours this view of ar-

rangement.

The Coliince certainly seem to form a caput mortuum, which no

analysis has yet been able to bring within the limits of any other

family of Conirostres . They may therefore be raised to the rank of

a family with the title of Coliidcc.

The sub-family Musophagince ought, I conceive, to be placed in the

family Cucididcc. It decidedly belongs to the Scansores, for live spe-

cimens of Turaco invariably perch with two toes behind the branch.

In the structure of their beak and legs they show considerable affinity

to the Cuculidcc, especially to the genera Phcenicoplueus and Croto-

phaga. It will be recollected too that the Cuculide genus Sauro-

thera has the bill dentated.

Mr. Gray is quite correct in quoting Edwards, pi. 7, under Turaco

persa (Lin.). The descriptions of Cuculus persa given by Linnaeus

and Brisson are taken from Edwards, and are based on the very rare

species with a green crest margined with red (C. huffoni of Swainson,

but not of Vieillot nor of Jardine, which is the purpureus , Less , and

senegalensis, Sw.). There is a specimen of the true T. persa in Lord

Derby’s collection. The name persa is commonly but erroneously

given to the species with a green crest margined with white. This

species has never received a distinct appellation, and I therefore re-

commend that it be called T. alhocristatus. Stephens’s name afri-

canus cannot be correctly used for it, for his description is inappli-

cable to any known species, and is a melange of the descriptions of

T. alhocristatus and T. persa.

P.50. According to the laws of Latinity, Tochus should be written

Toccus, and Ramphastos, Rhamphastos.

The genus Scythrops, though it reminds us at first sight of the

Rhamphastidw, yet is much more nearly allied to the Cuculidce, as

shown by the position of the nostrils, the red space round the eyes,

the form of the wings and feet, and the geographical habitat. Phm-

Ann. ^ Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii. D

34

Mr. Strickland’s Commentary

nicophceus forms its nearest affinity, but in the pointed wings and co-

lour of the plumage it approaches Cuculus.

P. 51. The group Psittacara, as defined by Vigors in the Zool.

Journ. vol. ii., seems sufficiently distinguishable from Conurus, Kuhl,

to be retained as a genus.

For Centrourus write Centrums. Mr. Gray has mistaken the type

of this genus as defined by Swainson, which is the Nestor meridio-

nalis (Gm.) (N. hypopoliusy Wagk, Psittacus australis, Shaw,

Mus. Lev. 87) ; consequently Centrourus, Sw., merges into a syno-

nyme of Nestor, Wagl. The Psittacus australis of Latham (P. con-

cinnus, Shaw) is hardly to be distinguished generically from Tricho-

glossus, but if made distinct, will require a new name.

P. 52. The specific name of Psittacodis should be paraguanus ,

Gm., not par agua, Marcgrave, the latter name being antecedent to

the system of binomial nomenclature.

For Poiocephalus write Pceocephalus, the oi in Greek becoming ce

in Latin and e in English. (Hence the term poikilitic, lately intro-

duced in Geology, should be written pecilitic, as we write economy

and not oikonomy.)

Mr. Gray seems to have omitted a genus of Loriinee which wants

a name. It is the Psittaculus of Swainson, and is typified by P. ver~

nalis, galgulus, and ruhrifrons.

P. 53. Mr. Gray very properly restores the name Agapornis,

Selby, to its true type, from which Mr. Swainson had removed it

and applied it to the American group Psittacula.

The name Psittacula should be quoted on the authority of Brisson,

not of Kuhl. Brisson divides the genus Psittacus into six subgenera,

which, being based on definitions, may be retained on Brisson’s au-

thority. These are Ara, Cacatua, Lorius, Psittacus, Psittaca, and

Psittacula. The name Psittaca, however, being too near in sound

to Psittacus, is not retained.

PI. Enl. 455. f. 1, quoted by Mr. Gray under Psittacula passer ina,

is the basis of P. capensis, Gm., so named from a mistake in the

habitat. This bird is named guianensis by Mr. Swainson, who con-

siders it distinct from passerinus, Lin., which he calls cyanopterus.

The chief distinction is that the guianensis, Sw. (capensis, Gm.), has

the rump green, while in the passerinus, Lin. (cyanopterus, Sw.), it

is blue.

The bird figured in Phillips, Voy. Bot. Bay, p. 267, pi. 40, is not

the Calypiorhynchus banksii (Lath.), but the C. cookii (Tern.).

The name Cory don, Wagl., cannot stand, as it was pre-occupied in

1828 by Lesson (Man. Orn. vol. i. p. 177). A new name will

therefore be wanted for Cory don, Wagl.

Psittacus nestor was, I believe, never published by Forster under

the name of hypopolius, consequently the name meridionalis, 9m.,

has the priority.

The sub-families composing the family Picidce, as arranged by Mr.

Gray, are not of equivalent value. The Bucconince, Picumnince and

Yuncince form three groups apparently of equal value, and the Wood-

peckers form a fourth ; but the Picinee, Dryocopincc, Celeince and Co-

35

on Mr. G. R. Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds.’

laptincE are only subdivisions of the group Woodpeckers. These last

should therefore bei unted into one sub-family Picin<B, or, if divided,

they should form groups of a lower denomination than a sub-family.

P. 54. Mr. Gray is quite right in keeping the name Picumms,

Tern., for the American group (Asthenurus, Sw.), because Tem-

minck evidently regarded this as the type of his genus, making it

the first division, and giving the name ahnormis to the Asiatic group

{Picumnvs, Sw., Microcolaptes, Gray).

Mr. Gray quotes Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. pi. 56. for Picoides tri-

dactylus (Gm.), but Richardson’s bird is the P. hirsutus (Vieill.),

which Bonaparte considers as distinct from the European P. tridac-

tylvs.

Hemicircus should be written Hemicercus.

It does not appear why a new name is given to the genus Dendro-

copus, proposed by Boie and sanctioned by Bonaparte, the name Den-

drocopus, Vieill., being superseded by Dendrocolaptes.

The name Dendromus is pre-occupied for a genus of Mammalia by

Dr. Smith in Zool. Journ. vol. iv. p. 438.

Mr. Gray seems to unite the American Dryotomi of Swainson

with the European group Dryocopus, Boie (D. martins), and indeed

they can hardly be distinguished in structure, though Bonaparte

keeps them separate.

P. 55. The name Tiga, Kaup., 1836 (Thierreich, vol. ii. p. 37),

must supersede Chrysonotus, Sw., 1837. The species will then stand

as Tiga tridactyla (Sw.).

After the Green Woodpeckers have been distinguished as Gecinus,

Boie, Swainson’s genus Brachy tophus still includes two well-marked

groups : first, the Short- thumbed Woodpeckers closely allied to Tiga,

containing 1. P. aurantius, Lin. {P. bengalensis, Gm.) ; 2. P. goen-

sis, Gm. ; 3. P. philippinarum, Lath. ; 4. P. hcematribon, Wagl.,

and 5. P. erythronotus, Vieill. To this group I would propose the

name Brachypternus. The remaining group contains the Crimson

Woodpeckers, P. miniatus and puniceus. I am not aware whether

Boie includes these species in his genus Gecinus ; but if not, they may

retain the restricted name Brachy tophus, Sw., which in that case,

not being precisely equivalent to Gecinus, Boie, would escape obli-

teration as a synonyme.

It is not easy to decide which of the specific names of Geococcyx

has the priority. Mr. Swainson states (Classif. Birds, vol. ii. pp.

140, 325), that he named it tongicauda in the Catalogue of Bullock’s

Mexican Museum in 1824. If, however, it was merely named at that

time and not described, the name cannot be considered to have ac-

quired a right of priority, as the slovenly practice of merely reciting

the names of new species without defining their characters (for many

examples of which see Lesson’s Traite d’Ornithologie) cannot be

too much discouraged, as it only tends to choke up the science with

synonymes. It does not appear whether Blainville ever pubtished

this species under the name of Saurothera bottce, and therefore the

name catiforniana used by Lesson in his Supplement to BulFon some

D2

36

Mr. Strickland’s Commentary

time previously to 1831, will probably turn out to have the prior

claim to all others.

P. 56. The Centropus (Egyptius (Gm.) seems to be the same as

C. senegalensis (Lin.), which latter name will therefore prevail.

The name Coua, Levaill., was, I believe, never used as a Latin

word, and therefore ought not to supersede Se?'isomus, Sw.

The Cuculus guira, Gm., distinguished by having only eight

feathers in the tail, ought surely to be generically separated from the

“ four-winged Cuckoos” {Diplopterus, Boie). The former constitutes

the group Guira, Less., 1831, of which Octopteryx, Kaup., 1836, and

Ptiloleptus, Sw., 1837, are synonymes. The type will stand as

Guira piriragua (Vieill.), Cuculus guira, Gm., Ptiloleptus cristatus,

Sw.

P.57. Should not be written Ptilopus} (from 7t-/Aov

and TTovs).

Is Treron, Vieill., prior to Vinago, Cuv. ? Cuvier says of the latter

name, “ Vieillot has changed it to Treron.'"

P. 58. Turtur was first used as a generic name by Mr. Selby in

1835.

The name of the first genus of Gourinee should be altered from

Peristera, Sw., to PJiaps, Selby, and the second from Leptoptila,

Sw., to Peristera, Sw. In 1827 Mr. Swainson defined an American

group as Peristera, and in 1 835 Mr. Selby defined an Australian

group as Phaps. So far all was well; but in 1837 Mr. Swainson

thought proper to transfer his name Peristera to the Phaps of Selby,

and to give anew name, Leptopdila (misspelt Leptotila), to the genus

which he had previously called Peristera. It behoves the advocates

of the priority principle to discountenance such wanton changes by

bringing back these genera to their original designations.

The specific name jamaicensis, Lin., should supersede rufaxilla,

Wagl.

P. 59. I see no reason why the name Geophilus, Selby (restr.),

should not be retained for the Columba nicoharica, as Dr. Fleming

did not include it in his genus Verrulia, and consequently Geophilus

is not the precise equivalent of Verrulia.

To the synonymes of Goura, Flem., add Megapelia, Kaup.

Chamapetes should be written Chamcepetes.

If Mitu be retained as a generic name, it should be Latinized into

Mitua. Lesson is, I believe, the first author who attached the name

of Mitu to a genus, and it should therefore be quoted on his autho-

rity, not on Marcgrave’s.

P. 60. Syrmaticus reevesi ought to bear the name of S. superbus

(Lin.). There can be no doubt that this is the species intended by

Linnaeus, though his description of his Phasianus superbus, taken from

Chinese documents, is by no means accurate. We have the autho-

rity of Temminck and Sir W. Jardine for this identification.

To the synonymes of Euplocomus add Spicifer, Kaup., 1836.

The Impeyan Pheasant is the true type of Lophophorus, Tern.,

1813, and this name should therefore supersede Monaulus, Vieill.

on Mr. G. R. Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds.’ 37

The Phasianus leucomelas, Lath., if generically distinct, must have a

new generic name.

It is not correct to quote Lophyrus, Steph., as a synonyme of Lo-

phophorus, the word Lophyrus being merely a mistake of the artist

who engraved Stephens’s plate 36, vol. xiv.

P. 61, Francolinus was first defined as a genus by Stephens,

1819.

It is to be regretted that the legitimate name Arboricola had not

occurred to Mr. Hodgson^ instead of the hybrid word Arborophila,

but it is too late to change it.

Coturnix was first used generically by Cuvier about 1802.

For Ptilophachus write Ptilopachys.

The name Cryptonyx, Tern., 1815, is prior to Liponyx, Vieill.,

1816.

P. 62. Brisson does not use Bonasa to designate a genus, and the

name Bonasia, Bon., may therefore be retained.

P, 63. I’he Turnicin(e would range more naturally among the Te~

traonidce than among the Tinamidce.

For Rhyncotus read Rhynchotus.

P. 64. The family Charadriadce ought to be in contact with Sco~

lopacid(B, although most modern authors interpose the Ardeidce be-

tween them.

It is very doubtful whether (Edicnemus magnirostris , Tern., PI.

Col. 387, can be correctly quoted as the type of Burhinus, 111. La-

tham described a bird under the name of Charadrius magnirostris y

“ the size of the Golden Plover, bill stout and very broad, resembling

the Tody genus.” From this description Illiger founded his genus

Burhinus. Wagler, inhis monograph of Charadrius, quotes Latham’s

description, and places it among his “ species a me non visse.”

He also describes as a distinct species the (Edicnemus magnirostris.

Tern., under the name of Charadrius magnirostris. This bird is de-

scribed as from 17 to 20 inches long, with the beak much longer,

stronger and more compressed than the other (Edicnemji, and it seems

therefore quite distinct from C. magnirostris, Lath. Lesson, however,

unites the two in his genus Burhinus, and in order to admit Tem-

minck’s bird he greatly modifies the original definition of that genus ;

for instead of the “ Rostrum latum, depressum” of Illiger, we find in

Lesson “ bee tres comprime sur les cotes.” It would seem then that

the true Burhinus of Illiger, if such a bird really exists, has yet to

be discovered, and that a new generic name is wanted for the (Edic-

nemus magnirostris of Temminck.

To the synonymes of Ortygodes, Vieill., add Ortyxelos, Vieill.

The Hemipodius nivosus, Sw., has the neck and breast ferruginous

with white spots, and is therefore perhaps distinct from Ortygodes

meiffreni.

The earliest specific name of Pluvianus melanocephalus (Gm.), is.

P. mgyptius (Lin.).

P. 65. The specific name of Squatarola, viz. cinerea, Ray, ought

not (for reasons above given) to supersede Linnaeus’s name helvetica.

Lesson, in his Traite d’Ornithologie, has made it almost certain

38

Mr. Strickland’s Commentary

that the Corrira italica, Gm., is the Dromas ardeola, Paykull ; but as

long as any doubt remains, it is better to retain the latter name as

Mr. Gray has done.

P. 66. The four genera, Eyretta, Ardeola, Botaurus and Nyctico-

rax, originated, not with Brisson, but the two first with Bonaparte,

and the two last with Stephens.

For Tigrisoma lineata read T. lineatum. (All words ending with

soma, stoma, &c., are neuter.)

Ought not the genus Herodias, Boie, as restricted by Bonaparte,

to be kept distinct from Egretta ?

P. 67. For Leptoptilos write Leptoptilus. (The terminal os in

Greek is always made us in correct Latin.)

The specific name argala is Latham’s, not Gmelin’s; but as Gmelin’s

name dubia, though prior, implies an erroneous proposition, for the

species is not dubious, Latham’s name may be allowed to stand.

The genus Ibis was founded, not by Brisson, but by Lacepede.

The genus Falcinellus, attributed to “ Ray,” is, I believe, now first

established by Mr. Gray. If retained, a new specific name will be

wanted for the European bird, as Colonel Sykes is of opinion (Proc.

Com. Zool. Soc. pt. ii. p. 161) that the Tantalus igneus, Gm., is

distinct from T. falcinellus, Lin. It would, however, be far better

to give a new name to this genus, if a genus it be, the name Falci-

nellus being pre-occupied by Cuvier, who asserts that Vieillot changed

it to Erolia.

P.68. The genus Numenius, “ Ray,” was founded by Latham.

Limosa, “ Briss.,” was first used generically, I believe, by Leisler,

and Totanus, “ Ray,” by Cuvier, 1802.

The name Guinetta, “ Briss.,” is now first used generically by Mr.

Gray, and therefore should not supersede Aciitis, III., as restricted

by Boie.

P. 69. For Macroramphus write Macrorhamphus.

P. 70. I have been quite unable to reduce the synonymes of the

genus Rhynch(Ea into order, and Mr. Gray would do a good work if

he would publish a monograph of this genus with all the synonymes

at full length, and with the distinctive characters of the species.

Mr. Gray must be in error when he unites the Scolopax paludosa,

Gm. (<S. undulata, Bodd.) with S. sabini, Vig. Bonaparte, in his

elaborate monograph of the genus Scolopax, in the ‘ Osserv. Cuv.

Reg. An.’ p. 123, describes S. paludosa, Gm., as having the beak

3| inches long, and the lateral rectrices “ angustissimi, acuminati,”

characters which do not apply to S. sabini, which Bonaparte there

calls (after Vieillot) S, sakhalina.

I cannot approve of separating Scolopax gallinula, Lin., g^neri-

cally from the other Snipes ; but those who do so should retain the

name Gallinago (founded by Stephens) for the true Snipes, and call

the S. gallinula, Philolimnus, Boie. At any rate, the specific name

gallinula, Lin., should not be superseded by a term used previously

to the binomial System.

■ The specific name lobatus, Wils., should not be given to Stegano-

pus, because it was used by Wilson under the erroneous impression

39

on Mr. G. 11. Gray’s ^ Genera of Birds ^

that this bird was the Tringa lobata, Gm. The specific name wil~

soni, Sab., seems to be next in priority, and should therefore stand.

Is Steganopus, Vieill., prior to Holopodius, Bon. }

The family Palamedeidce will probably require to be remodelled.

Although not prepared to go into details at present, I think it pro-

bable that the Parrince and Palamedeincd would be better arranged

under Rallidcd, and Megapodince divided between the Turdidce and the

Cracid(B.

P. 7 1 . The earliest specific name of Memra, is superha, given by

Davies in the Linnean Transactions in 1800.

The term Ortygometra, or “ Mother of the Quails,” was an old

name applied by Aristotle, Aldrovandus, Ray and Brisson to the

Corn Crake ; therefore, when Bechstein divided these short-beaked

Rails from the rest of the genus Rallus, no term could have been

more appropriate; but unfortunately he neglected to use it, and

preferred the term Crex, Now as Bechstein was the first to define

the genus, the name Crex must be retained, and Ortygometra ean-

celled, since it would not be correct to retain the latter (as Bona-

parte does) for the remaining group {Porzana, Vieill.), in which the

Corn Crake is not included.

The name Ocydromus australis (Sparm.) has the priority of pub-

lication over 0. troglodytes, Gm.

P. 72. The genus Gallinula was founded by Latham.

The Heliornince would, I think, enter more naturally among the

Colymbidce than among the Rallidce, though they certainly connect the

two groups.

The Phoenicopterince ought not to be included in the Anatida.

They surely form too marked a group to be placed on a par with the

subdivisions of Linnaeus’s genus Anas. They should rather be made

into a distinct family, and be placed near the Ardeadce, to some

of which {Platalea and Ibis) they show an affinity in the scarlet

plumage, a colour wholly unknown among the Anatidce.

P.IZ. Chloephaga should be written Chloephaga.

The genus Bernicla, “ Briss.,” was founded by Stephens, 1824,

and Cygnus, “Briss.,” by Vieillot, 1816.

P. 74. Querquedula owes its foundation as a genus to Stephens,

1826.

To the synonymes of Micropterus cinereus add Oidemia patachonica.

King.

Oidemia should be written (Edemia. Add to its synonymes Ma-

ceranas. Less.

To the synonymes of Somateria add Platypus, Brehm.

The genera Fuligula and Harelda were first published by Ste-

phens, 1824.

For Kamptorhynchus 'write CamptorJiynchus.

P. 76. The Mergida should not be regarded as a distinet family

from the Anatidce ; they are only narrow-beaked Ducks, forming a

subfamily allied to Fuligulince,

For Podicepsince write Podicipince.

It surely savours of hypercriticism to divide the Little Grebes

(Sylbeocyclus, Bon.) from Podiceps.

40

Mr. Strickland on Gray^s Genera of Birds,

P. T1 . The generic name Catarrhactes, Briss., should be used in-

stead of Eudyptes, Vieill., and the specific name demersus, Lin., in-

stead of chrysocome, Forst. This genus Catarrhactes of Brisson is

prior in date to Brunnich’s genus, which he called Catarrhacta

(Lestris, 111. restr.).

The genus Mergulus was first defined by Vieillot, 1816.

An h should be inserted after the r in Synthliboramphus and Pty~

choramphus.

P. 78. Wagellus, “ Ray,"’ is now first introduced as a genus by

Mr. Gray, and therefore should not supersede Fulmarus, Leach.

The name Catarrhacta, Brunn., being too near Catarrhactes, Briss.,

should give way to Lestris, 111.

P. 79. Chroicocephalus should be written Chrcccocephalus .

The name Gygis alba (Sparr.) is prior in date of publication to G.

Candida (Forst.).

The true type of Viralva, Leach, as exhibited by Stephens, is the

Black Tern (^Sterna nigra, Lin.). Therefore Boie’s name Gelocheli-

don should be retained for the genus which contains Sterna an-

glica, Mont., and the name Viralva (first published in 1825) sinks

into a synonyme of Hydrochelidon, Boie, 1822, which is typified by

S. nigra, Lin. Also note that Anous, Leach, is synonymous with

Megalopterus, Boie, and not with Hydrochelidon, Boie, and that

Anous niger, Leach, is synonymous, not with Sterna nigra, Lin., but

with Megalopterus stolidus (Lin.), Boi4.

The genera Thalasseus, Boie, Gygis, Wagl., Sternula, Boie, and

Hydrochelidon, Boie, appear not to possess structural characters suf-

ficient to entitle them to generic separation from Sterna.

P. 80. The genera Sula and Fregata were first raised to that rank

by LacepMe in 1799.

In concluding this Commentary an apology is due for the length

to which it has extended, but I felt it impossible to do justice to Mr.

Gray’s book without going into considerable detail. I should be

sorry if any person should be led by the number of these criticisms

to form an unfavourable idea of the general accuracy of the work.

A large proportion of the above remarks rest on questions of opinion,

in which Mr. Gray is perhaps as likely to be right as I am ; and

even where I have detected errors, they are only such as are un-

avoidable in the first edition of a work in which so much labour and

research is compressed into so small a compass. I conclude there-

fore with most heartily recommending the ‘ Genera of Birds’ to the

favourable notice of zoologists.

PosTCRiPT. — 1 beg to add one or two remarks which have oc-

curred to me since this Commentary went to press.

Page 1 of Mr. Gray’s book. In my remarks on the Vulturince I

had not noticed that Temminck has proved the ^gypius of Savigny

to be only the young of the Vultur auricularis, Daud. (See Tern.

Man. Orn. part iv. p. 586.) Therefore the generic name jEgypius

should be given to the group containing V. auricularis and pondice-

rianus.

P. 4. Asturina cinerea, Vieill., is said by Cuvier to be the same as

Falco nitidus, Tern., PI. Col. 87. If this be the case, Asturina might

On Mr. Swaiiisoii’s Views of Natural Arrangement, 41

stand as a distinct genus, being quite different from Cymindis. (N.B.

Teraminck’s PI. Col. 87. can hardly be the F. nitidus of Latham,

whose expression “ legs long,” agrees better with the F. hemidacty~

lus. Tern. PI. Col. 3.)

The genus Asturwas founded by Lacepede in 1799, and is there-

fore clearly prior to Dcedalion, Sav.

VI. — Mr. Shuckard on his falsely alleged participation in

Mr. Swainson^s views of Natural Arrangement.

To the Editors of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

Gentlemen^

I APPEAL to you to do me justice against the impression that

may be made by what professes to be an Analytical notice

of the 129th volume of Lardner^s Cabinet Cyclopaedia, enti-

tled, ^ On the History and Natural Arrangement of Insects,^

by William Swainson, F.R.S., &c., and W, E. ShucJcard,

Libr. R.S., &c,, published in the 3rd Number of ^ The Ento-

mologist,’ written by Mr. Newman.”

In an advertisement prefixed to this volume of Lardner,

dated from my residence, and of course emanating from me,

I said, Those paragraphs in this volume with the initials

W. E, Sh. are written by Mr. Shuckard, and where several

of these follow each other they are affixed to the last only ;

but the system of classification is exclusively Mr. Swain-

son’s.” Now, notwithstanding this, w^hich it will be seen

below that the ^Analyst’ was aware of, he says in the first

page of his notice*, I will now endeavour to show the views

entertained by Messrs. Sivainson and Shuckard on the sub-

‘^ject:” thus clearly identifying me with the whole scheme,

for following this is given the dry systematic frame of the

work. He then says, ^^A glance at this arrangement will

convince the reader that no charge of plagiarism can possi-

“ bly be brought against its authors thus confirming my

identification with the system : and a line or two beneath this

he again says, If the views of Messrs. Swainson and Shuckard

display the slightest approach to nature, then are those of

Mr. Macleay the most distorted, wild and unnatural : there

is no point of similarity between the systems, except the

frequent recurrence of the number Five. The bold altera-

tion made by the authors in separating the Diptera from

winged insects, is the most striking feature in the new ar-

rangement ; it proves them to be profound and original

thinkers, and not only this, it displays an indifference to the

The Entomologist, No. Ill, p. 38.

42 Mr. Shuckard on the Views of Arrangement

opinions of others, which must be the result of the mens

“ conscia recta”

Would you think it possible, gentlemen, that this repetition

of my assumed identity with the system of Mr. Swainson

could be made in the face of this Latin phrase, and of the

prefixed advertisement? and you will scarcely believe me

when I tell you that their writer, at the end of the article,

says, very coolly, at the bottom of this same page*, I have

been led from its title to assign the merits of this volume

conjointly to Messrs. Swainson and Shuckard, and have

been treating them like the Siamese twins, as inseparable

in fame ; but fairness compels me to add that the system

of classification is entirely Mr, Swainson* s, Mr. Shuckard

has most ingenuously disavowed any share in this, the great

feature of the work, and I am compelled to place the

chaplet of laurel on the browns of Mr. Swainson alone, —

palmam qui meruit ferat !”

One would have supposed, if fairness^’ was to have any

influence in the matter, that the writer being fully aware, as

he here shows himself to have been, that I had no participation

whatever in Mr. Swainson^s system of classification, it would

have compelled^^ him to abstain from carrying on through

the whole of his article these imputations, which he with such

amusing naivete confesses he all the while knew to be un-

founded : and is it not rather surprising that, having been

driven thus to strangle these his unfortunate offspring from

despair of being able to maintain them, he should not at once

have quietly buried them out of the way, rather than leave

their remains exposed to testify against their parent and their

executioner ? It would be superfluous for me to make any re-

mark ; his own statement is sufficient to give your readers an

idea of the fairness to be expected in such ^ analytical notices.^

No man has a right to complain of his own scientific views

being fairly discussed, but every man has a right to repulse

the attribution of views which he does not hold. My own

ideas of ^ system’ must be known to many entomologists ;

for what I formerly said in my ^ Essay on the Fossorial Hy-

menopterat/ subsequently repeated in this journal as

* The Entomologist, p. 40.

f Page 11. I conceive that when all the created species are fully ascer-

tained, the true system will be found to be neither circular, square, nor

oval, neither dichotomous, quinary, nor septenary, but a uniform meshwork

of organization, spread like a net over the universe. But what gaps remain

to be filled ! We are truly as yet scarcely upon the threshold of the great

temple, and consequently still remote from the adytum where the veiled

statue reposes. We have not yet learnt our alphabet, for species are the

letters whereby the book of Nature must be read. London, 1835.

^Mr. Swainson and Mr. Newman.

43

lately as July last ought to secure me from the suspicion

of being wedded to any of these dictatorial systems, which

conveniently contrive that where gaps occur in their hypo-

theses the creatures are yet to be found that must fill them,

and where inconvenient redundancies exist in Nature, these

are made to merge in groups to which they have no osten-

sible affinity. To such systems may be applied the judicious

observations of the reviewer of Goethe’s ^ Theory of Colours f

they “^intentionally obscure what they cannot illustrate, and

affect to be profound when they are only disguising their ig-

norance.” I have not even faith in the Septenary system J,

although that is illuminated by the seven golden candlesticks §

of Solomon’s temple ||, and has found in the sabbath an hebdo-

madal repose from the labours of such crude concoctions^,

but of which Burmeister said, what is good in it is not new,

and what is new is not good,” and this has since been re-

peated here by a very courteous friend* * * § ** of the author of

the system. Trusting that this appeal to your candour and

sense of justice will not be in vain, I subscribe myself, gen-

tlemen.

Your very obedient servant,

W. E. Shuckard.

31 Robert Street, Chelsea, Feb, 4, 1841.

* At the conclusion of the ‘ Monograph of the Dorylidae,’ where I said,

“4'he object I have pursued in studying Natural History has been to ascer-

tain facts, or in their absence the closest possible approximation to them ; for

I am sure, to use the words of our great bard,

‘ Nature is made better by no mean.

But Nature makes that mean.’

And she is too protean in her disguises to be fitted by any boddice we may

choose to invest her with.”

t Edin. Review, Oct. 1840, p. 141.

j: Sphinx vespiformis, by Edward Newman. London. 8vo. 1832.

§ Were I disposed to cavil at such a display as the adduction of these

numbers, made evidently in good earnest, and not sportively, for really it

would have been too profane to have cited Scripture in jest, I might ob-

ject to the incorrectness of the Septenary’s attribution of seven candlesticks

to Solomon’s temple ; for they consisted of ten, five being placed on the right

side and five on the left of the oracle (an argument in favour of the quina-

rians!), and Moses’s single candlestick had but six branches, although, it is

true, seven lamps were suspended from it ; but seven candlesticks occur only

in the vision of St. John at Patmos, which shows what a fantastical affair

a system founded upon these seven candlesticks must be. I trust that when

the ‘ Septenary' dreams again, his revelation will be more pertinent than it

is in the present instance.

II Sphmx vespiformis, by Edward Newman. London. 8vo. 1832. Page 15.

^ Wiegmann’s Archiv. vol. i. No. 4.

** Westwood’s Introduction to the Classification of Insects, vol. i. p, 20.

44

Excei'pta Botanica.

VI T. — Excerpta Botanica^ or abridged Extracts translated

from the Foreign Journals, illustrative of, or connected with,

the Botany of Great Britain, By W. A. Leighton_, Esq.,

B.A., F.B.S.E., &c.

No. 5. On the Anther of Chara vulgaris and Chara hispicla,

and the Animalcules contained in it. By M. Gustavus

Thuret. (Ann. des Sc. Nat. vol. xiv. p. 65.)

In the axillae of the branches of Chara, immediately below

the carpels, are globular sessile bodies, of a vivid red colour,

which, entirely disappearing on the approaching maturity of

the carpels, are conjectured to perform the functions of sta-

mens, although in other respects they possess no analogy of

organization with the male organs of Phanerogamae. The

outer covering of these consists of a membrane formed of

transparent cellules, which produce the appearance of a white

ring encircling the anther. Under this membrane are irregu-

lar oval cellules arranged into triangular valves, each valve

being composed of from twelve to twenty cellules radiating

from a common centre, and enclosing the red granules which

produce the brilliant colour of the anther. On the full deve-

lopment of the anther these valves disunite, and permit the bo-

dies enclosed in their interiors to expand in the water. Those

anthers most remote from the central axis always open first,

and those on the lower whorls before those on the upper ones.

The interior of the anther is filled with flexuose, transparent,

chambered [cloisonnees) filaments, of unequal length, ema-

nating chiefly from a central cellular base, from which also

radiate a few ovoid utricules, containing orange-coloured gra-

nules. Each of these utricules adheres to the cellular base

by its narrowest extremity, and is fixed perpendicularly by

its largest extremity to the centre of one of the triangular

valves. The contained granules are oval, orange-coloured,

and arranged in a linear series ; whilst, on the contrary, in the

cellules of the valves the granules are round, red, scattered

without order, and distant from the walls of the cellules.

In these chambered filaments the animalcules are produced.

These filaments, when examined in a very young state, appear

only as oval utricules enclosing a granular matter, some of them

being detached, but the greater number adherent to the cel-

lular base before mentioned. A little later these utricules be-

come chambered, a nucleus appearing in each chamber or di-

vision. The introduction of the water through the walls of

the filaments seems to conduce towards the formation of the

nucleus, at least such is my conjecture, from having frequently

Excerpt a Botanica. 45

observed the rapid formation of the nucleus in filaments which

previously possessed no traces of it. These nuclei have a slight

green tinge^ probably owing to an optical illusion, and become

brown by iodine. They are always affixed [adosses) to the

partitions {cloisons). Gradually they become effaced, and the

animalcules begin to be distinguished ; indeed, they are fre-

quently observable at one extremity, whilst the nuclei remain

at the other, even in the same anther and filament. On the

complete formation of' the animalcules, the partitions of the

chambers are indistinguishable, from the confusion arising

from the great number of the curves. At each curvature of

the animalcule a swelling (black or brilliant, according to the

increase or diminution of focal distance) is perceived, doubt-

less owing to the optical illusion produced by the greater

thickness of the body at these points of flexion.

The animalcules are at first motionless, and remain for a

greater or lesser time in the water before they begin to move

and struggle to release themselves from their prison. In this

they do not always succeed, although their twisted position

attests the efforts made for disengagement. Those which do

succeed escape laterally by a sudden motion, similar to the

elasticity of a slackened spring. After this great effort they

remain for some time motionless, or if the temperature and

season be unfavourable, their motions are slow and soon

cease. On the contrary, the animalcules observed at the end

of June and beginning of July agitated themselves with ex-

treme vivacity, and in such a manner as to leave no doubt of

their animality. They rapidly traversed the field of the mi-

croscope in different directions, crossing and meeting each

other, and deviating from their route, and after employing the

greater portion of the day in observation, they were left in si-

milar and unrelaxed motions.

The portion of their body most apparent appeared like a

spirally-rolled thread of three to five curves {un fit route en

tirebouchon, formant de ^ a 5 tours de spire.) They were

slightly tinged with green similar to the nuclei, and like them

turned brown with iodine ; their two extremities becoming

more or less coloured (according to the quantity of iodine

employed) than the rest of the body, thus indicating a differ-

ence of nature in these portions. At a little distance behind

one extremity proceed two bristles or tentacula of excessive

tenuity, which tho animalcule incessantly agitates wdth great

rapidity. These are probably organs of locomotion similar

to the filiform prolongation found in the Infusoria without

ciliae. Indeed, the part thus furnished with tentacula moves

46

Excerpta Botanica.

foremost, drawing after it the rest of the body, whieh turns

about in the water, but always preserves its turriculate form.

The incessant agitation of these tentacula and their extreme

tenuity rendered it impossible to observe them in the living

animal ; recourse was therefore had to the evaporation of the

water or to the application of a slight tincture of iodine, when

the animalcules ceased their motions, became contracted, and

their spiral unrolled, when the tentacula were rendered very

distinct, from their brown colour. These tentacula were fre-

quently observed to be soldered together from one-half to one-

third of their length upwards, but others were also noticed to

be entirely separated down to their bases. A swelling similar

to that in the flexure of the body was perceived in their

curves.

Ammonia arrested their motions and contracted the body

gradually into a small oval mass, but did not produce the

phaenomenon of decomposition by solution [dijffiuence) so re-

markable in the Infusoria. A very weak solution of chlor-

hydric acid in water violently contracted them into a shape-

less mass.

In escaping from the filaments a portion only of the body

of the animalcule was sometimes disengaged, and fruitless ef-

forts were made by it to extricate the rest. In such cases it

was noticed that the portion bearing the tentacula invariably

remained within the tube of the filament. On the filaments

becoming empty, their divisions reappeared very distinctly.

No traces of the passage of the animalcule were observed, un-

less the brilliant points sometimes seen on each division of

the filament be regarded as such.

The ovoid utricules accompanying the filaments are sphe-

roidal in the young anthers, but subsequently take the form of

an egg truncated at both ends, or nearly that of a parallelo-

gram, having one of its ends narrower than the other. Their

wall or paries is transparent, the orange granules contained

in them being of an elongated form, and lying in longitudinal

lines in the direction of the currents of circulation, their upper

extremity alone being destitute of them.

In the interior of the utricules is frequently an oval globule,

generally motionless, but sometimes circulating with greater

or less rapidity along the walls. Besides this globule, which

is apparently formed of a granular fluid, are seen the rapid

currents ascending and descending longitudinally. These two

circulations, which are doubtless different appearances of the

same phaenomenon, occur either together or separately in the

same utricule. In some utricules the globule was motionless,

Mr. Babington on Saxifraga umbrosa. 47

whilst three round and thick orange-coloured granules ascend-

ed and descended together rapidly along the same line of cir-

culation, and continued visible from one extremity to the

other.

After long immersion of the utricules in water, the arrange-

ment of the orange-coloured granules apparently proved the

existence of a double sac in which the granules were contained.

The circulation in this case was similar to that described by

Mr. Slack in hairs of Tradescantia (Trans. Soc. Arts, vol.

xlix. p. 41). ‘^Each articulation appeared to consist of an

exterior glassy tube. Between this and the colouring matter

was the circulating fluid with its molecules. The coloured

fluid of the hair appeared to be enclosed in a membranous

sac, which formed an axis around which the fluid circulated.”

On crushing the anther there were observed some purple

hairs formed of an immense quantity of granules of extreme

minuteness, endowed with a very quick molecular motion.

Iodine rendered the orange granules green. Alcohol did

not dissolve them. The latter did not arrest the circulation

of the nucleus in the ovoid utricules, although it instantane-

ously killed the animalcules.

VIII. — Notes on Saxifraga umbrosa: By Charles C. Ba-

bington, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c. ; and by the Reviewer

of Baineses ^Yorkshire Flora.’

In the 39th Number of these Annals (vol. vi. p. 401), the Rev.

W. T. Bree expresses his doubt if the Saxifraga umbrosa is

in fact a genuine native of Britain and if he had said Great

Britain, I should have been inclined to say that it has all the

appearance of having been introduced, and that much more

evidence is requisite before we ought to admit it to have been

a genuine native. Concerning Ireland, however, I must ex-

press quite the contrary opinion, being convinced that there

is no plant that has a more decided claim to be considered as

certainly indigenous. I have myself seen it in the greatest

plenty upon the wild mountains of Connamara and Joice’s

county, but certainly did not notice it in the neighbourhood

of Killarney, where S, Geum is peculiarly abundant.

It is worthy of notice, that the plant found in Connamara

differs as a variety from the Pyrenaean plant, by having its

leaves dentate, crenate, and not simply and bluntly crenate,

as in the plant from the Pyrenees. The figure given in Eng.

Bot. (t. 663), which was taken from a specimen gathered at

Throp Arch woods, in Yorkshire, approaches much more

48

Mr. T. C. Eyton’s Notes on Birds,

nearly to the foreign than to the Irish plant ; and I have reason

to believe that all the ^ London Pride^ found wild” in Great

Britain will prove to be the blunt crenate-leaved plant, and to

have escaped from cultivation, or been intentionally planted.

St. John’s Coll., Cambridge, Feb. 8, 1841.

On Saxifraga umbrosa.

The writer of the notice of Baineses ^Yorkshire Flora^ begs to

state, in reference to Mr. Bree’s paper, that he mentioned Sax-

ifraga umbrosa as abundant in the west and south of Ireland,

in consequence of having seen it himself in great quantity in

the west of the county of Cork during a botanical tour made

in the year 1811, and having heard from friends whom he

considered as good judges, that it is equally common in Con-

naught. He considered himself as knowing hirsuta and

S. Geum at the time he made the tour referred to ; and he is

confirmed in the belief that he did not commit an error, by

having now before him a MS. journal of a rather more ex-

tended tour through the same district in 1809 by Mr. James

Drummond, then curator of the Cork Botanic Garden, from

which it appears that Mr. Drummond found S, umbrosa

abundantly in the county of Cork, and also met with both

Geum and hirsuta in the mountains between Cork and Kerry.

The station of S. umbrosa at Thorpe Arch would be very

suspicious, had it not been noticed before the grounds were

ornamented as they are at present, and by such an accurate

botanist as, for example, the late Rev. W. Wood of Leeds.

Respecting the other Yorkshire stations the writer can give

no opinion.

IX. — Notes on Birds, By T. C. Eyton, Esq., F.L.S.

No. I.

I PROPOSE in the following series of papers to give from time

to time such extracts from my note-book relating to Birds as I

think likely to prove interesting to my readers ; the first por-

tions will be principally occupied with anatomical notes on

some Australian Birds received from Mr. Gould, and on some

received from Malacca. With regard to the former birds, it

is not my intention to go minutely into detail, or further than

what I believe to be necessary to show the position of each

in a natural arrangement. I take this course, as I understand

that eminent anatomist, Mr. Owen, has undertaken to fur-

nish Mr. Gould, for his work on the ^ Birds of Australia,^ with

a more detailed account.

Mr, T. C. Eyton’s Notes on Birds.

49

Menura Lyra, Shaw. Male.

Tongue tapering towards the tip, which is slightly bifid, blunt,

and furnished with a fringe of bristles ; the centre concave, and fur-

nished posteriorly with two strong spines on each side at the base,

between which is a row of smaller ones.

Trachea of nearly uniform diameter throughout the rings, broad

as far as its entrance into the thorax, afterwards rounded and nar-

row, with a large membranous space between them ; they are ar-

ranged somewhat obliquely, as in the bulb found on the trachea of

Clangula vulgaris. Bone of divarication Y-shaped. Upper bones of

the bronchiae are semicircular, the uppermost largest, the next being

inclosed in its arc ; the fourth is much flattened, thickest and broad-

est anteriorly, and with a prominent knob on its anterior extremity,

from which it gradually tapers towards the posterior end, where it

is somewhat falciform and suddenly narrowed to a point. The next,

or fifth bone, is also much flattened, and straight for two-thirds of its

length, when it also becomes suddenly falciform, with the point of the

hook turned downwards.

In addition to the usual sterno-tracheal muscles, this curious bird

has two other pair, both of which have their origin on the rings of

the trachea on each side, at the point where it enters the cavity of

the thorax. The anterior pair is inserted on the knobs at the extre-

mities of the fourth bones of the bronchige ; the posterior pair are

also inserted on the bronchige, but on the three uppermost rings, and

on the posterior extremity of the fifth. Besides these muscles, which

are very strong, additional support is given to the portion of the

trachea over which they extend, by a tendon arising at the same

point with the last-mentioned pair of muscles, but between them,

and extending to the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth rings of the

bronchiae, on each of which it is partially inserted : this arrangement

gives the bird a great power of shortening or lengthening that por-

tion of the trachea over -which the muscles extend.

The oesophagus is small at the upper extremity, slightly enlarged

in the middle and towards the proventriculus, the coats of which are

not much thicker than the oesophagus itself ; nor is it contracted at its

entrance into the stomach. The stomach is of moderate size, mus-

cular, and has a large internal cavity, -which was filled with seeds,

the remains of insects and small pebbles. The epithelium, or mem-

brane lining the stomach, hardened and rugose, particularly on the

grinding surfaces ; it measures If inch in length, and 1 inch in

breadth.

The total length of the intestinal canal, measuring from the py-

lorus to the cloaca, is about 3 feet 10 inches, that of the rectum 3|

inches ; the diameter of the duodenum is equal to that of the rec-

tum, that of both being f of an inch ; the cgeca are scarcely more than

rudimentary, measuring only ^ an inch in length ; the cloaca is of

moderate size, and situated about 1 foot 7 inches above it, and at-

tached to the small intestine is found the remains of the vitelline

duct {ductus vitello-intestinalis) .

Ann. Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii.

E

50

Mr. T. C. Eyton^s Notes on Birds,

The skeleton at first sight is chiefly remarkable for the large size

and length of the bones of the legs and feet. The sternum is long

and narrow, measuring from the anterior extremity of the manubrial

process 3 inches, and transversely, just behind the junction of the co-

racoids, where it is narrowest, -T%ths of an inch ; its posterior margin

is indented by two slight lateral fissures, between which it is much

rounded and projects posteriorly ; the lateral margins are slightly

curved inwards ; the broadest part of the sternum is near its poste-

rior extremity, where it measures 1 inch and 4 tenths. The inden-

tation in which the lesser pectoral muscle lies is very deep, rises

into a ridge on the lateral margin, and is continued from the junc-

tion of the coracoids about half-way along the sternum ; the ante-

rior edge of the keel is slightly curved backwards, the inferior edge

is a little rounded and continued to the posterior margin of the ster-

num ; the manubrial process is very long and bifurcate at its extre-

mity ; the coracoids are of moderate length and strength. The os

furcatum is light, slightly flattened, arched, and with only a very

small process at its sternal extremity. The scapula is slightly falci-

form, of moderate length and size, reaching backwards to the third

true rib. The wing- bones are short, but strong.

The bones composing the pelvis are precisely what might be ex-

pected to be found in a bird possessing such a large tail ; it measures

2 inches and y%ths in length, and 1 j^ths in breadth ; the iliac bones

are broad, but form a lengthened process on each side of the caudal

vertebrae for the attachment of the levator muscles of the tail. The

ischium is also broad, and placed nearly perpendicularly to the plane

of the ilium. The ischiadic foramina are large and rounded ; the

sides of the pelvis are much compressed from the point at which

they penetrate to the posterior margin, the bones of the ilium being

expanded beyond, and overshadowing, as it were, those of the

ischium ; the os pubis is narrow and curved upwards beyond its se-

cond junction with the ischium. The obturator foramen is of mo-

derate size and oval ; the cotyloid cavity for the reception of the

head of the femur is deep, and has the hinder portion of its upper

edge very protuberant. The ribs are eight in number, five true and

three false : two of the false ones are placed anteriorly and one pos-

teriorly; the latter has a sternal rib attached, but it does not arti-

culate with the sternum ; the upper portions of the ribs next the ver-

tebrae are much flattened, but they become thicker and narrower

as they approach the appendage on their posterior margin, which is

slightly turned upwards, and of moderate strength.

The numbering of the vertebrae, as near as could be ascertained

from a natural skeleton, is*, Cer. 12 ; Dor. 6 ; Sac. 12 ? Gaud. 9. The

* I have followed the same plan in the enumeration of the vertebras here

as I did in the ‘ Monograph on the Anatidae,’ viz. by considering all those

w'hich are anterior to the ribs and have no attachment to them, cervical ;

those anterior to the pelvinal bones and having ribs attached to them, dor-

sal ; those which are aiichylosed together immediately succeeding the dorsal,

sacral ; to some these ribs are sometimes attached : and those immediately

succeeding these, and not anchylosed to them, caudal.

51

Mr. ''r. C. Eyton^s Notes on Birds.

lateral processes of the caudal vertebrre are much prolonged, parti-

cularly those of the last four but one ; the terminal one is without

any lateral process, and nearly triangular.

Remarks. — The extraordinary and doubtful structure of

this bird is at once shown by the different places in which it

has been arranged by authors ; by Cuvier it is placed among

the Passeres^ by Lesson and Swainson among the Gallina-

ceous birds, and by Gray among the Grallatores. The large

and powerful legs which Menura possesses in such an eminent

degree, has been doubtless the principal reason w hy it has

been classed by the authors above-mentioned among Rasores

and Grallatores ; but on minute examination the scutellations

of the tarsi will be found to differ from any of the typical

birds in either of these orders, and to agree w ith that of the

true Insessores. Another very striking point in the external

structure consists in the great length of the claws, their great

strength, and in their being rounded and blunt at the points,

and attached to toes of moderate size*. Some of the Ral-

Udce possess lengthened claws, but they are sharp, in general

weak and attached to long thin toes, therefore differing from

Menura. The Alaudid(je have the hind toe lengthened, but

it is also weak and sharp ; some of the Cuculidce also have this

structure, as the genus Pelophilus, in which the claws are not

so much sharpened as in any of the preceding instances. The

genus Pteroptochos^ has precisely the same form of claw as

in Menura, and agrees with that genus in many anatomical

peculiarities, nearly the only difference being that it has four

fissures on the posterior margin of the sternum instead of

tw o. Menura appears to be nearly connected with Megapo-

dius, and perhaps with Alecthelia, judging merely from exter-

nal characters ; but differs from Talegalla, Chauna, Palamedea,

Dicholophus, Psophia, Crax, Ourax, Ortalida, Penelope and

Lophocerus, wdth all of which it has been associated in the

same family in presenting an almost total difference in the

structure of the tarsi and feet as well as in the form of the

bill, which any one who has an opportunity of examining

them, or even some of the best plates, will at once perceive.

In the structure of the soft parts and digestive organs, Me-

nura agrees with that of Insessores ; and wdth many of them,

* On comparing the feet of Menura with those of Insessorial birds, they

will not he found, exclusive of the claw, to he of a larger proportion to the

size of the bird than many birds among Insessores.

t For some account of the anatomy of this genus, see ‘ The Zoology of the

Voyage of the Beagle, — Birds.’ — Appendix.

t This family appears to be a sort of refuge for the destitute.

E 2

52

Mr. T. C. Ey ton’s Notes on Birds,

especially with the genus Grallina of Vieillot, in the compli-

cated muscular structure of the inferior larynx.

The pelvis, as before remarked, is precisely of that form

which might be expected to be found in a bird having power-

ful legs and a large tail, and therefore presents some similar-

ity to the Rasores in this respect, but differs from that order

in those portions of it not immediately connected with those

parts ; thus the obturator foramen in Mennra is large, while

in Rasores it is small or altogether obliterated ; the extremity

of the os pubis is turned upward, while in Rasores it is turned

downward ; in the former of these particulars it agrees w ith

Insessores and Scansores, but in the latter with most of the

Insessores.

The structure of the sternum agrees with Insessores in

having only two fissures on its posterior margin, but differs

essentially from any birds I am acquainted with in that order

in being much prolonged backwards and rounded between

them. The only approach to this structure that I am aware

of is among the Psittacidce, some of the Australian Ground-

Parrots having nearly the same structure as Pezoporus for-

mosus on the posterior margin, with this exception, that fora-

mina take the place of fissures*.

The os furcatum is slight, and destitute of any terminal pro-

cess at its sternal extremity, in which respects it agrees with

Scansores.

The structure of the ribs, in being much broader above the

posterior process, coincides both with many Insessores and

Scansores ; but this character is most marked in the latter

order.

Such is the mixed and doubtful character which Menura

shows, but by far the strongest affinity is shown to Insessores ;

in which order this genus may form a family with Pteropto-

chos, and perhaps with Alecthelia and Megapodius-\, bearing

an affinity to Scansores. Although a full account of the

habits of this bird may be shortly expected from the pen of

Mr. Gould, I shall here remark, that what has hitherto been

considered fabulous, namely, that this bird has the power of

song, is far from improbable, considering the structure of its

* These birds have also the claws and tarsi considerably lengthened. Some

resemblance to the posterior margin of the sternum of Menura is also found

among the Scolopacidce, in the Common Woodcock for instance; but the

remainder of the skeleton is so totally unlike, that I cannot for a moment

suppose that any degree of affinity exists.

t I venture this opinion with very great doubt ; nothing hut an anato-

mical examination can decide the point ; the habit appears to be different.

See Freycinet’s Voyage, Zoologie, p. 124.

Bibliographical Notices. 53

trachea and muscles. Its affinity to Scansores is also^ I think,

explained by the great facility with which it scrambles or

climbs over rocks and stumps*.

I have considered Scansores as distinct from Insessores

throughout this paper ; and think that ornithologists wdll,

until more is known of the anatomy of birds than at pre-

sent, find it convenient to class Birds in the following Orders,

which may be distinguished in general by their skeletons : —

Raptores, Volitores (containing the Fissirostral groups),

Scansores, Insessores, Rasores, Cursores, Gralla-

TORES and Natatores. Perhaps the Pigeons also with ad-

vantage may be divided from the other Rasores.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

An Introduction to the modern Classification of Insects, founded on the

Natural Habits and Corresponding Organization of the different

Families. By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., &c. 2 vols. 8vo, with

Figures. London : Longman and Co.

No branch of natural science has made such extraordinary and

rapid strides within the last few years in this country as the study

of insects. The contrast which it exhibits at the present day, com-

pared with its state thirty years ago, is most striking. Then, at the

period when we commenced our entomological career, the literature

of the science w'as most meagre and marrowless ; we had, it is true,

for our guides Stewart’s ‘ Elements,’ Marsham’s * Coleoptera,’ Ha-

worth’s ‘ Lepidoptera,’ and the picture-books of Doudran, estimable

works enough in their way, but from which the inquirer who wished

to obtain more than aknowledge of the mere name of his species would

not derive a particle of philosophy. The minute investigations of

the anatomist, the principles of natural classification founded upon

the various relations of the different tribes and the variations in the

metamorphoses of all insects, save the Lepidoptera, were subjects

scarcely dreamt of ; and, in truth, the entomologist merited no other

name than that of a collector, his only aim being the getting toge-

ther of as great a number of species as possible, and storing them up

in his cabinets.

The appearance of the first two volumes of the * Introduction’ of

Messrs. Kirby and Spence placed the science on a far different foot-

ing, showing the inquirer, in a most engaging manner, that it pos-

sessed far higher claims to his attention. In these delightful vo-

lumes the natural history and (economy of the insect tribes were

proved to be as interesting and worthy of observation as those of the

highest animals, ''i’he subsequent appearance of the third and fourth

volumes of the same work opened the wide field of insect anatomy

and the principles of entomological classification ; thus forming,

* See Collins’s Account of New South Wales.

54 Bibliographical Notices,

with the preceding volumes, the most complete general ‘ Introduc-

tion’ to the study hitherto published. These were shortly followed

by the appearance of Mr. Curtis’s beautiful work on the ‘ Genera of

British Insects,’ recently noticed in our pages, and by the ‘ Systematic

Catalogue and Illustrations ’ of Mr. Stephens, the latter consisting of

detailed descriptions of all the British species.

Besides these, a very considerable number of minor treatises

have been produced by authors who have in a great measure been

instigated to the pursuit by the establishment of the various ento-

mological societies, and whose works are scattered through the pages

of numberless English and Foreign Transactions and other similar

works. During this period also the principles of natural classifica-

tion have been greatly investigated both at home and abroad, but in

no work have these principles being applied throughout to the nu-

merous families of insects.

The object of the present w’ork may be best shovm by the follow-

ing passages from the preface to the first volume. After noticing

the distinction between the general nature of Introductions to Ento-

mology and the generic and specific nature of the works of Curtis,

Stephens, etc., the author observes that the student has hitherto

been “ led at once from the general views he had gained on the sub-

ject to the minute technical details of genera and species, there being

no work which he could take up to serve as a guide to the develop-

ment of the principles of modern classification in the distribution of

the orders and families. For years this deficiency has strikingly

manifested itself to me, and it is long since I announced my present

undertaking, in which I had proposed to myself to show the appli-

cation of the modern views which have been entertained relative to

the natural relations of animals in the arrangement of the entire

groups of winged insects ; illustrating the subject by details of the

natural habits, transformations, and structure of the different fami-

lies.”

The work opens with a series of general observations upon the

class of Insects, their general structure and transformations, and the

various systems of Swammerdam, Linnaeus, Fabricius, Latreille and

MacLeay, the respective authors of the metamorphotic, alary, ciba-

rian, eclectic, and representative systems. The arrangement adopted

by the author nearly corresponds with that of MacLeay, the orders

of Hexapod, Metamorphotic Insects (which are alone treated upon

in this work), being divided into two parallel sub-classes. Each order

with its sections is then passed in review, ample details being given

of the characters, structures, habits, transformations, and general dis-

tribution and relation of the different families, with an illustration

of their characteristic anatomical details and preparatory states. It

is thus that the author has endeavoured to make his work a fitting

‘ Sequel’ to the ‘Introduction’ of Kirby and Spence, whilst at the

same time it will be found equally, if not still more, useful to the

student who would extend his inquiries beyond the details of genera

and species ; in this respect it forms an equally fitting precursor to

the works of Curtis, Stephens, etc. A few extracts, however, will

Bibliographical Notices,

55

more satisfactorily show the manner in which the author has treated

the subject in its various bearings ; we will therefore take the distri-

bution of the Coleoptera, which has lately been the subject of much

discussion, as an example of the manner in which the natural classi-

fication of insects is treated. After reviewing the arrangements of

Linnaeus, Latreille, MacLeay, etc. (that of the last-named author

being founded upon the analogical relations of the preparatory

states and the asserted inaccuracy of the tarsal system), the author

observes, in addition to our ignorance of the larvae of many import-

ant groups, “ that Mr. MacLeay himself admits the existence of a

variation in the tarsal structure concurrent with the variation in the

form of the larvae, a circumstance dependent, as it seems to me,

upon the principle that modifications of the preparatory states of an

insect ought merely to be regarded as indications of corresponding-

peculiarities in the final state, the former modifications being subor-

dinate to those observed in the imago, and having, in fact, been un-

dergone with a direct view to the perfection of the insect. We might

indeed carry the subject still further. Thus, whilst the intimate

connexion existing throughout the whole of the Tetramerous Beetles

cannot be denied, yet Cerambyx has a subvermiform and Chryso-

mela an anopluriform larva; whilst the latter and Coccinella (Mr.

MacLeay’s two examples of the Anopluriform Stirps), although

agreeing in the larvae, are totally different in the habits and in the

structure of the tarsi of the imago. ^ After some further observa-

tions, he adds, that “ The Coleoptera are therefore divisible into the

four following sections : 1. Pentamera, in which all the tarsi are 5-

jointed, the fourth being of ordinary size ; 2. Heteromera, in which

the four anterior tarsi are 5 -jointed, and the two posterior 4 -jointed ;

3. Pseudotetramera (or Subpentamera, Tetramera, Latreille, Crypto -

pentamera, Burm.), in which the tarsi are 5-jointed, but the fourth

joint is exceedingly diminutive, and concealed between the lobes

of the preceding; 4. Pseudo trimera (or Subtetramera, Tetramera,

Latr., Cryptotetramera, Burm.), in which the tarsi are 4-jointed, the

third joint being very diminutive, and concealed between the lobes

of the preceding.”

As a specimen of the structural details, the following account of

the structure of the mouth of the preparatory states of the May-fly

(^Ephemera vulgata) may be quoted : — “ Considering the rudimental

nature of the mouth of the imago, it is surprising that no one has

hitherto described the real structure of the mouth in the preparatory

states. Reaumur has attempted it, but his figures are so rude and in-

sufficient, that no idea can be gleaned as to their true structure ;

Swammerdam also passes them over undescribed. In the pupa

of E. vulgata the upper lip is of moderate size, with the anterior

angles rounded off and ciliated ; it is flat and quite membranous : the

mandibles are horny, armed with several teeth within, near the base,

which is dilated into a flattened molary plate, whilst the upper angle

of the mandible is produced into a long curved horn. The maxillae

are small, membranous, curved, pointed at the tip and internally se-

tose : the maxillary palpi do not extend beyond the front of the head ;

56 Bibliographical Notices.

they are 4-jointed, the basal joint being very short : the lower lip is

very large and membranous, covering the under side of the mouth ;

it is quadrilobed and furnished within with a broad tongue, of which

the anterior angles are produced and pilose ; the labial palpi are

broad and 3-jointed/'

The account of the proceedings of the Ant-lion may be taken as

an example of the manner in which the natural history of the various

families is treated : —

“ It is in very fine sand that the larva makes its pitfall. When

placed upon the surface, it bends down the extremity of the body,

and then pushing, or rather dragging, itself backwards by the assist-

ance of its hind legs, but more particularly of the deflexed extremity

of its body, it gradually insinuates itself into and beneath the sand,

constantly throwing off the particles which fall upon, or which it

shovels, with its jaws or legs upon its head, by suddenly ierking

them backwards,

‘ Ossaque post tergum magnse jactata parentis.*

“ Proceeding in this manner, in a spiral direction, it gradually di-

minishes the diameter of its path, and by degrees throws so much of

the sand away, as to form a conical pit, at the bottom of which it

then conceals itself, its mandibles, widely extended, being the only

parts that appear above the surface ; with these, any luckless insect

that may happen to fall down the hole is immediately seized and

killed. When the fluids of the victim are exhausted, the Ant-lion,

by a sudden jerk, throws the dry carcass out of the hole ; should,

however, the insect by chance escape the murderous jaws of its

enemy, the latter immediately commences throwing up the sand,

whereby not only is the hole made deeper and its sides steeper, but

the escaping insect is probably hit, and again brought down to the

bottom of the pit. It is chiefly upon ants and other soft-bodied in-

sects that these larvae feed. They are, however, capable of under-

going long fasts, for one of my larvae remained from October till

March without food. It has been supposed that, as the food of these

larvae consists entirely of juices, and as they appear to be destitute

of anal aperture, the whole of their food is assimilated. M. L. Du-

four has, however, traced the intestinal canal terminating in an anus,

which is, indeed, very difficult to discover. (Ann. Soc. Ent. de

France, tom. ii. p. 67. App.) Latreille states that these larvae are

produced in the summer or autumn, and become pupae in the follow-

ing spring. I found the larvae of all sizes in July, one of which

became a pupa, and assumed the perfect state ; whilst another, of

equal size, remained through the winter in the larva state. Previous

to assuming the pupa state, the larva forms a globular cocoon of less

than half an inch in diameter of fine sand, glued with silken threads

spun from a slender telescopic-like spinneret placed at the extremity

of its body, and lined with fine silk. The pupa is small, not being

half an inch long, inactive, and with all its limbs laid at rest upon

the breast. When ready to assume the perfect state it uses its man-

dibles, which are quite unlike those of the larva and imago, and

Bibliographical Notices, 57

which have not been before described, to gnaw a hole through the

cocoon, and pushes itself partly through the aperture, in which it

leaves the pupa skin.”

The work is illustrated with a coloured plate, containing examples

of most of the orders, and by nearly 2500 figures representing the

types of the different families, with their preparatory states and struc-

tural peculiarities, there being not fewer than 340 figures of perfect

insects, and more than 420 of larvae and pupae. Another important

feature in the work, and one which we can well believe must have

cost the author very great labour, is the bibliographical references

to each of the families. These cannot fail to be of infinite service to

the student, as they contain notices of every paper or detached me-

moir of the least value published on the subject up to the date of the

work. At the same time, in order to render it still more useful, a com-

plete synopsis of the British genera, brought down to the present

time, is added, and in which are included the characters, synonyms, and

authorities of the genera, the number of British species, and name of

the type, with a reference to a figure of the genus. Having thus

given our readers an insight into the comprehensive nature of the

work before us, we must observe, that the discussion of the relations

of the different families, and of the views entertained thereof by pre-

ceding writers, appears too much detailed. The great extent of the

subject, however, and the comparatively slight grounds existing to-

wards a perfect classification of the veiy numerous tribes of insects,

have necessarily involved many of their relations in doubt, and of

which the discussion cannot fail to be productive of advantage. We

also notice a few typographical errors, some of which, however, are

corrected in the Appendix. In conclusion, as this work has the rare

merit of interfering with no other hitherto published, we cordially

recommend it as one rendered necessary by the progress of the

science, and as the result of the most laborious research, and conse-

quently as deserving, both from its nature and execution, of be-

coming a standard work of reference in every zoological library.

Otia Hispanica. Auctore P. B. Webb. Pentas 2, 1839.

The present number of this valuable w^ork, which has only recently

reached us, is occupied by figures and descriptions of five species of

Algae, by C. Montague, M.D., and as they are all either new or but

little known, we cannot do better than transcribe their specific cha-

racters ; we must, however, previously state that each of the species

is fully illustrated by magnified dissections, and by a detailed de-

scription and copious observations.

1. Griffithsia flabellata (Montag.), filis setaceis virgatis, ramis al-

ternis pinnatis, pinnis tandem divaricato-recurvis, pinnulis sub-

secundis erectis, articulis diametro quintuple -duplo longioribus,

capsulis maximis involucratis. — Ceramium et Callithamnion

flexuosum, Agardh.

Agardh appears never to have seen the fruit of this plant, and

58 Zoological Society.

therefore referred it to Callithamnion, to which genus it is closely al-

lied in general appearance. Its fruit is that of a Griffithsia.

2. Grifithsia Schousboei (Montag.), repens, intricata, filis dichotomis

articulato-constrictis, articulis elliptico-sphaericis e geniculis

radicellas hyalinas emittentibus.

“ The absence of fructification causes me to doubt if this is not an

abnormal state or a rampant variety of G. corallina (Ag.).”

3. Gigartina conferta (Schousb.), fronde cartilaginea, filiform!, vage

ramosa, ramis fasciculatis confertis, ramulos abbreviatos patentes

apice incrassato-ovoideos undique emittentibus.

4. Gigartina gaditana (Montag.), fronde cartilaginea, filiformi, di-

chotoma, aculeis simplicibus brevissimis subsecundis utrinque

attenuatis obsita.

Probably closely allied to the Sphcero coccus armatus (Agardh).

5. Delesseria interrupta (Ag.), fronde membranacea tenerrima, in-

terrupte costata, lineari, dichotoma, apice furcatarotundataque.

This second number fully supports the high character which had

been obtained by its predecessor, and we trust that the work will

receive that support which it deserves from the botanists of Britain.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

June 23, 1840. — William Yarrell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

The Rev. F. W. Hope read a paper entitled “ Observations on

the Stenochoridcd of New Holland, with descriptions of new species.”

Of this paper the following is an extract : —

Fam. Stenochorid^, Leach.

Type of the family Stenochorus semipunctatus, Fab.

Section 1. Armigeri.

Antennis thoraceque spinosis, apicibus elytrorum bidentatis.

Sp. 1. Stenochorus gigas. Sten'. ater thorace spinoso inccguali,

elytris basi nigro jiavogue variegatis.

Antennae corpore fere duplo longiores, articulis terms primis nigri-

cantibus, reliquis fusco-ferrugineis, articulis intermediis apice spi-

nosis. Caput atrum antice rufo-ciliatum palpis ferrugineis. Tho-

rax utrinque spinosus spinis brevibus, tuber culatus, rugosus et ater.

Elytra bidentata, basi nigro flavoque variegata, varioloso-punctata.

Corpus infra nigrum abdomine postice piceo, femoribus a iris,

tibiis tarsisque fusco-brunneis et tomentosis.

Long. lin. 18|; lat. lin. 5^.

Hab. In interiori parte Novae Hollandiae.

This magnificent species, the largest of the genus, was given to

Captain Roe, when engaged on his survey of the Australian coast ;

it was labelled as coming from the inner country.

In Museo Dom. Hope.

Sp. 2. Stenochorus latus. Sten.fusco-brunneus, thorace cinereo-

Zoological Society,

59

iomentoso, elytris flavo brunneoque varieyatis. Caput cinereum.

Antennoi lonyitudini corporis vix (equates. Thorax utrinque spi-

riosus, spinis acutis, tomentosus et ruyosus, antice hinis luberculis

rubro-piceis insignitus. Elytra jiavo-brunnea maculisque nifjris

mriegata, macula suturali maejna lunulata, ad apicem posita, corpus

infra ni(jrum, pectore pedibus brunneo-piceis, tarsisque aurico-

matis.

lion^. lin. 15 ; lat. lin. 4.

Ilab. In Nova Hollandia circa Flumen Cygneum.

In Mus. Dorn. Hope.

8p. 3. Stenochorus lonoipknnis, Sten. atro -brunneus , thorace

cinereo, elytris antice flavo variegatis, postice, piceo-brunneis .

Antennae longitudine corporis, fusco-flavee et tomentosce. Thorax

utrinque spinosus spinis acutis, ad hurneros elytrorum curvatus,

rugosus, tuberculo nigro et glabro in medio disci posito. Elytra

elongata ad apicem parum attenuata, antice brunnea, lineis flavis

longitudinalibus variegata, poslice relujua parte disci atro-brunnea.

Corpus infra fusco-brunneum, femoribus tibiis pallidioribus et to-

mentosis, tarsisque auricomatis.

Long. lin. 13; lat. lin. 3^.

ffab. Van Diemen’s Land.

Sj). 4. Stenochorus Mitciielli. Sten. straminicolor, caput ni-

grum antennis flavis, thorace atro-cinereo, elytris(j[ue flavo brun-

neoque variegatis. Caput atrum thorace bispinoso, spinis utrinque

minutis, disco rugoso atro-cinereo. Elytra paUide flava sutura

brunmnsque maculis variegata. Corpus infra rubro-brunneum an-

nulis abdominis aurato-tomentosis, femoribus et tibiis concoloribus

tarsisque aurato - spongiosis .

Lorrg, lin. 1*2; lat. lin. 3;^-.

Hub. In Nova Hollandia.

'I’liis singularly marked insect I have named in honour of Sir T.

Livingston Mitchell, the author of one of the most interesting works

which has yet apjreared respecting Australia.

Sj). 5. Stenochorus TRiMAcuLATUs. Sten. pallideflavus, antennis

pedibus luteis thorace cinereo elytrisque nigro maculatis. Caput

piceo-brunneum. Antennis flavis spar simque tomentosis . Thorax

utrinque spinosus, spinis brevibus, rugoso-tuberculatus et argenteo-

cinereus, scutellum flavum. Elytra ad basin ni(jra, macula magna

ovali palUde flava, ante apicem in singulo posita. Corpus infra

rubro-fuscum et argenteo-tomentosum. Pedibus luteis.

’Fliis elegant sirecies I received from Captain Roe ; it was cajrtured

at the Swan River Settlement.

Sp. 6. Stenochorus obscurus, Donovan. Sten. thorace rugoso

spinoso,fuscus elytris antice punctato-rugosis, postice lavibus ni-

tidis apice bidentatis.

Long. lin. 11 ; lat. lin. 3.

This species ap]>ears to be of rare occurrence. I have seen only

three sirecimens ; all of them were from Van Diemen’s Land.

60

Zoological Society.

Sp. 7. Stenochorus PUNCTATUs, Dowovaw. Sten. thorace spinoso,

fuscus, elytris punctatis antice subrugosis, apice bidentatis maculis

tribus jlavis .

Long. lin. 11 ; lat. lin. 2^.

This species I obtained at the sale of the late Mr. Donovan’s in-

sects; it was labelled as received from Van Diemen’s Land. The

colour of this species in Donovan’s plate is not dark enough ; the

variety with the basal and medial spots united on the elytra, is by

no means uncommon ; the species is also liable to vary considerably

in size ; a small specimen measured only 8J lines long and 2 in

width.

Sp. 8. Stenochorus semipunctatus, Fabricius. Sten. thorace

spinoso, fuscus, elytris antice punctato-rugosis, flavo-fasciatis,

postice Icevibus, apice bidentatis macula flava. Vid. Oliv. 4 —

67. p. 37, 48; Stenoch. 69. tab. 2. f. 19; Enc. Meth. 5. p.

303, 56 ; Schonherr. Syn. Ins. vol. i. part 3. p. 404. species 9.

Long. lin. 11 ; lat. lin. 3.

The localities of ‘ Brasilia’ and ‘ Nova Hollandia’ are mentioned by

the latter author ; there cannot exist a doubt that the former locality

is erroneous. The species is subject to great variation. I mention

some of the most particular.

Var. a. Elytris {long. lin. 8 ; lat. lin. If) mediis trimaculatis , maculis

binis antice parvis, postica triplo majori.

Var. /3. Elytris \long. lin. 7 ; lat. lin. 1^) late flavo-fasciatis maculis

nigris aspej'sis.

Var. y. Elytris {long. lin. 11 ; lat. lin. 3) late flavo-fasciatis nigris

binis maculis notatis, apice late flavo, spinisque concoloribus, an-

tennis pedibusque pallidis.

This is probably an immature specimen. It is by no means un-

common.

Sp. 9. Stenochorus ANGUSTATUS, Sten. v aide elongatus,

parallelus, pubescens, fusco-cinereus, thorace subplicato, conico,

lineis duabus albidis. Elytris macula laterali antica, elongata,

fusca.

Long. lin. 10; tot. 15.

In Museo M. M. DeJean et Gory.

The above description is taken from the Voyage De 1’ Astrolabe,

by Mons. Boisduval, vide part 2. p. 475.

Sp. 10. Stenochorus undulatus. Sten. nigro-brunneus, an-

tennis aurato-tomentosis thorace supra tuberculato et concolori,

medio disci macula elevata rubro-picea et polita. Scutellum au-

reo-tomentosum. Elytra fusco-brunnea, fasciis binis mediis un-

dulatis pallide flavis upicibus concoloribus. Corpus infra rubro-

piceum pedibus aureo-tomentosis.

Long. lin. 10 ; lat. lin. 2^.

This species inhabits New Holland, and was sent me by Captain

Roe from the New English Settlement at the Swan River in Au-

stralia. I must remark that in this species the spines at the apex

of the elytra appear unusually short, those at the suture are scarcely

Zoological Society, 61

perceptible. I imagine therefore, as the insect is unique and much

damaged, that probably they have been broken olF.

Sp. 11. Stenochorus assimilis. Sten. affinis 'prcecedentL rufo-

hrunneuSi antennis concoloribus et tomentosis. Thorax-rufo-

•piceus, supra tuberculatus tuberculis quinque elevatis majori-

bus ita dispositis :|: reliquis minoribus. Elytra rufo-brunnea,

fascia elongata irregulari undulata et Jlava apicibusjlavo-rnacu-

latis. Corpus infra rufum femoribus et tibiis concoloribus et

sub' tomentosis tarsisque auricomatis.

Long. lin. 10|; lat. lin. 2j.

I received this insect from Van Diemen’s Land.

Sp. 12. Stenochorus ACANTHOCERUs, MacLeay. Sten. fuscofer-

rugineus capite punctato ; antennis rubris, articulo 4*®, 5'°

et apice spinosis ; ore rubro ; maxiUis elongatis^ apice ciliatis

membranaceis ; palpis securiformibus ; thorace ohscuro utrinque

nnispinoso margine antico tuberculisque dorsalibus utrinque pos-

ticoque semicirculari rubris ; scutello rubro ; elytris rubris f as-

ciis tribus nigris undatis, ad basin inter lineas elevatas subcre-

natis, apicemque versus punctatis, apice bidentatis ; corpore sub-

tus nigro nitido tomentoso pedibus rubris.

In Mus. Dom. MacLeay.

Sp. 13. Stenochorus DORSALIS, MacLeay. Sten. fulvo-piceus ca-

pite angusto labro palpisque testaceis ; vertice canaliculate ; tho-

race incequaViier rugoso eminentia media ovali glabra tribusque

aliis utrinque inconspicuis ; elytris bidentatis subelevatis inter-

stitiisque punctatis macula media suturali testacea antice sub-

emarginata ; antennis subtus villosis, articulis apice haud spinosis;

corpore pedibusque piceis ; femoribus incrassatis.

In Mus. Dom. MacLeay.

Hab. In Nova Hollandia.

Section 2. Tubericolles.

Antennis spinosis, thorace tuberculato haud spinoso, aj^icibus

elytrorum bidentatis femoribusque incrassatis.

Sp. 14. Stenochorus UNiGUTTATus, MacLeay. Sten. fuseus capite

cum antennis villosis, thorace incequali rugoso, tuberculato. Ely-

tris depressis crebrissime punctulatis, in singulo macula quadrato-

elongata, et lutea fere in medio disci posita. Corpus infra rubro-

fuscum tomentosum femoribus incrassatis et concoloribus, iarsis

infra Jlavo-spongiosis.

This species I received from the Swan River : it is subject to great

variation in size. A specimen similar to Mr. MacLeay ’s Uniguttatus

measures in length, lin. lOj ; lat. lin. 2. It seems likely that Sten.

' elongatus of DeJean is the same as the above species.

Sp. 15. Stenochorus rhombifer. Sten. affinis j^^'^cedenti at

multo minor. Fuseus, antennis et corpore sparsim Jlavo-tomento-

sis, capite haud villoso, rubro. Thorax incequalis et tuberculatus.

Elytra depressa Indent ata, macula quadrato-elongata lutea fere

62

Zoological Society.

in medio disci posita. Corpus infra rubro-piceum nitidum, binis

ultimis segmentis pallidioribus. Pedes rubro-fusci femoribus pa-

rum incrassatis tarsisque infra aureo-tomentosis.

Long. lin. 7.; lat. lin. 1^.

I received this species in a box of insects from Mr. Charles Dar-

win. Its true locality is either Sidney or Van Diemen’s Land.

1 consider it quite distinct from Mr. Sharpe MacLeay’s Stenocho-

rus uniguttatus.

In Mus. Dom. Hope.

Sp. 16, Stenochorus TUNicATus, MacLeay. Sten.fams antenna-

rum articulis duobus primis nigris quinto apice se2)timo nonoque

nigris ; thorace subcylindrico utrinque unidentato, supra quadri-

tuberculato tuberculis anticis majoribus ; elytris apice jiavis uni-

dentatis,q)arte basali ultra medium subviola ceo-Jlav a linea obliqua

terminata ; corpore pedibusque jiavo-testaceis.

In Mus. Dom. MacLeay.

Sp. 17. Stenochorus RUBRiPES, Boisduval. Sten.elongatusparal-

lelus ; antennis pedibusque rufis ; thorace angustiori, cylindrico^

tuberculato^ coleopteris dilute fuscis ; apice spinosis^ jmnctis cre-

bris impressis, macula communi maxima irregularis nigra notata,

altera postica, scutelloque flavis.

Long. lin. 10^ ; lat. lin. 2^.

Described from Mons. Boisduval’s * Voyage de TAstrolabe/ vid.

part ii. page 479. I had given the name of Undulatus to the species,

and had figured it before I w'as aware of its being described : the

sexes apparently differ considerably in size.

Sp. 18. Stenochorus Roei. Sten. rubro-fuscus ; antennis pal-

lidioribus ; thorace tuberculato, elytrisque macula irregulari

Jlava notatiss alteraque apicali lutea^ spinis apice brevibuSy ex-

terno longiori. Corpus infra rubro-piceum nitidum pedibus con-

coloribus et tomentosis.

Long. lin. 6^ ; lat. lin. 1^.

This species was sent to me from the Swan River by Captain Roe ;

it is named after that indefatigable and enterprising officer.

Section 3. Fissipennes.

Antennis spinosis, thorace insequali tuberculato seu denticulato,

apicibus elytrorum transverse truncatis, baud spinosis.

Gen. CoPTocERCUs*, Hope, Nov. Gen.

Caput antice rugosum, antennis spinoso-tomentosis. Thorax fere

cylindricus, tuberculatus. Elytra parallela thorace latiora ad

apicem parum contracta, transverse fissa, hand spinosa. Cor-

pus infra convexum, antennis pedibusque fere ut in Sten. Roei

conformatis.

Type of the Genus, Stenochorus biguttatus of Donovan.

Sp. 1. CoPTOCERCUs BIGUTTATUS, Donovan, vid. pi. 2. fig. 7.

* Koptocercus, from xo7rr<y, scindoy and KtpKog cauda.

Zoological Society. 63

Copt, biguttatus, thorace mutico,ferrugmeus, elytris antice punc-

tato-rugosis, testaceo-maculatis, bidentatis macula Jlava.

Long. lin. 8 ; lat. lin. 2.

I received this insect from Mr. Donovan, and therefore have no

doubt respecting the individual species. The elytra, according to the

above description, can scarcely be considered as bidentate ; they

appear as if they were abruptly broken off at their apex. "I'he sexes

vary very much in size.

Sp.2. CoPTOCERCUS sexmacvJjATVS. Copt. nigei' ; antennis brunneis ;

thorace tuberculato et rugoso ; elytris 6 maculis lute'is notatis,

pedibus rufescentibus. Caput atrum antennis brunneis. Thorax

utrinque denticulatus, incequalis^ rugosus^ tuberculatus, macula

media elevata et glabra. Elytra nigra antice varioloso-pimctata^

postice punctis minoribus. Sex-maculata, macula 1*"^ lutea paullo

infra basin, 2^^ fere media seu melius fasciata, apicali pal^

lidiore. Corpus infra cinereo-piceum ; pedibus rufo-brunneis.

Long. lin. 7 ; lat. lin. 1|.

This species, which appears to have escaped the notice of ento-

mologists, is abundant. I suspect that the male sex will have the

denticulation on each side of the thorax more marked than in the

female described.

Sp. 3. CoPTOCERCUs UNiFASCiATUS. Copt. ater thorace incequali

tuberculato, elytris nigris punctatis, et Jlavo-fasciatis, j}unctis

ternis, maculisque minutis in singulo, inter basin et medialem

fasciam positis. Corpus infra rubro-piceum ; pedibus concolori-

bus, aureo-tomentosis ; abdomine nigro, et nitido.

Long. lin. 6 ; lat. lin. 1^.

The above insect I received from Captain Roe, of the Swan River

Settlement in New Holland.

Section 4. Denticolles .

Antennis tomentosis, thorace utrinque spinoso ; dorso dentato ;

elytris apice obtusis.

Gen. Trachelorachys*, Nov. Gen.

Type of the Genus, Stenochorus fumicolor.

Caput exsertum, oculis prominentibus, antennis corpore breviori-

bus. Palpi maxillares mandibulis longiores. Antennm 11-ar-

ticulatse, 1™° cylindrico parum deformi ad basim tenuiori et

externe crassiore, 2^° brevi subcyathiformi, reliquis fere sequa-

libus, at extimo minori, apice attenuate. Thorax convexus

utrinque spinosus, disco spinis armato. Elytra thorace quad-

ruple longiora, depressa, ad apicem obtuse rotundata et inermia.

Pedes simplices, femoribus baud incrassatis.

Hab. In Nova Hollandia.

Trachelorachys fumicolor. Trach.fusco niger; thorace utrin-

que spinoso, disco spinis quatuor fere in medio armato. Elytra

parallela marginibus undique elevatis ad basim crebre granu-

* The above word is formed of r^cn^crfho;, collum, and a spine.

64

Zoological Society,

latat granulis ad apicem e medio elytrorum magnitudine decrcs-

centibus. Corpus infra piceo-nigrum, pedibus pallidioribus et

tomentosisy plantisque aurato-tomentosis.

Long. lin. 10| ; lat. lin. 2J.

This insect was obtained from a collection made in the vicinity of

Sydney.

Trachelorachys pustulatus. Track. Jlavo-fuscus antennis to-

mentosis ; thorace concolori utrinque spinoso ; spinis binis fere in

medio armatis. Elytra marginata ; pustulis nigris in lineis

sparsim dispositis. Corpus infra fusco-rubrum ; pedibus subto-

mentosis.

Long. lin. 8 ; lat. lin. 1^.

The above insect was purchased out of a New Holland box,

along with various nondescripts ; most likely they were from Hobart

Town.

Section 5. Femorales.

Antennis tomentosis ; thorace utrinque spinoso, dorso dentato ;

elytris transverse sectis ; femoribus incrassatis.

Gen. Meropachys*.

Caput exsertum, antennis tomentosis articulis undecim articulatis ;

imo fgj.g Track, fumicolori, at externe crassiori et ovato ;

gdo i^revi et globoso ; 3^^® triple longiori ; paullo breviori, re-

liquis gradatim increscentibus, extimo apice subacuto. Thorax

antice et postice contractus, utrinque in medio spinosus; dorso

dentato. Elytra depressa ; thorace latiora postice latiora trans-

verse fissa. Totum corpus supra et infra argenteo sericie asper-

sum. Femoribus valde incrassatis in medio fortiter globosis.

Meropachys MacLeaii. Merop. fusco-flava antennis flavis to-

mentosis, thorace concolori^ utrinque spinoso, maculis binis atris,

antice et postice signato. Elytra aurato sericie aspersa, ad hu-

meros tuber culata^ fascia nigricanti ante apicem posita. Corpus

infra rubrum nigro et argenteo variegatum. Pedes Jlavescentes ,

femoribus globosis, nigro-maeulatis ; tibiis quatuor posticis medio

atratis ; tarsisque pallidis binis anticis fere omnino nigris sub-

tusque auri-comatis.

Long. lin. 8; lat. lin. Ij.

This beautifully sericeous insect is named in honour of William

Sharpe MacLeay, Esq., from whom we may shortly expect some

valuable communications relating to the entomology of Australia.

This genus appears to differ chiefly from Trachelorachys in having

both the sexes remarkably characterized by their incrassated femora ;

and it is probable that, as in other New Holland Stenochoridous ge-

nera, the length of the antennae will vary in the sexes.

Meropachys tristis. Merop. Jlavofuscus antennis tomentosis,

thorace aurato lanugine obsito. Elytra depressa, minulis pustu-

lis lineari serie insignitis. Corpus infra rubro-piceum sericie

* Meropacliys is from /xnQOi;, femur, and 'ttux.v?, crassilies.

Zoological Society.

r>5

nurato tectum. Femora v aide incrassala ; tibiis rabro-testaceis ;

tarsisque 'infra aur'i-cornatis.

Long. lin. 9|: ; lat. liri. 2.

The above species was sent to me by Captain Roe from the vici-

nity of the Swan River settlement. There were also other species

allied to the present, but they arrived in too mutilated a state to

describe.

CONICOLLES.

Scolecoh'otus Westwoodii. This species was described at p. 109

in the first volume of the Zoological Transactions, and is admirably

figured at Plate XV. n. 5. It is remarkable for the joints of the

antennae, all excepting the first three appearing as if they were eaten

by worms. I have lately obtained from Mr. Fortnum the other sex

of this singular insect, and now briefly describe it. The antennae

are of a light coral-red colour, which may partly be occasioned by

abrasion. The joints of the antennae do not apj>ear serrated as in

the former sex, excepting under a high magnifying pow'er, and even

then it is scarcely perceptible. The spines at the apex of the elytra

are wider apart than in the specimen previously described ; in other

respects the insects accord almost entirely. I have reason to think

that both the above specimens are from the Swan River settlement,

and am not aware that any others are to be found in our metropoli-

tan, or even in the French collections.

Ur acanthus, Hope. For the description of this genus, vide the de-

tails published at page 108 of the ‘ Zoological Transactions,’ where

only one species was described ; two more are now added.

Uracanthus fallens. Uracan. affinis prcecedenti at multo minor.

Cervino-brunneus thorace conico et albo-lineato ; elytris palli-

dioribus apicibus bidentatis.

Caput fronte forte canaliculata pubescenti-alb'ida tectum. Tho-

rax alba linea ulr 'mque notatus, b'ln'nque tuberculis ad latera sub-

armatus, rugisque transversis constrictus. Elytra cervino-brunnea,

sericea, triangulis in singulo colore saiuratiore inquinatis. Cor-

pus infra brunneo-ser'iceum, femor'ibus parum compressis.

Long. lin. 10 ; lat. lin. 2.

I had originally given the name of sericeus to this species, which,

as it seems common to all that are now known, I change it at pre-

sent to pallens. It was received from Van Diemen’s Land in 1839.

Uracanthus marginellus. Uracan. fusco-brunneus thorace albo-

linealo, elytrisque brunneo marginatis.

Totum corpus supra tomentosum, capite porrecto et inter oculos

parum sub-canaliculato . Thorax rugis constrictus, tuberculo

utrinque posito. Elytra albo-pubescent'ia margimhus brunneis

ajnc'ibus abrupte truncatis, spinis parum prominentibus. Corpus

infra concolor, femoribus compressis.

Long. lin. 9 ; lat. lin. 1^.

I received this insect from Captain Roe, of the Swan River. In

form it approaches a singular genus named Stephanops by Mr. Shuck-

Ann. ^ Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii. F

<)6 Zoological Society.

hard ; it is however decidedly an Uracanthus, and there can be little

doubt that Stephanops Nasutus of the above author belongs to my

section of the cone-necked-shaped Stenochoridce,

Section Conicolles, Hope.

Genus Strongylurus, Hope.

Type of the Genus Sten. scutellatus, Hope.

Vide Zool. Trans., vol. i. p. 107.

Caput porrectum, oculis prominentibus. Antennas, undecim articu-

latse : articulus 1“"^ crassus antice latior quam ad basim ; 2^^°

brevi, reliquis gradatim increscentibus, compressis. Thorax

coniformis antice et transverse truncatus. Elytra thorace la-

tiora, parallela apicibus rotundatis. Femora in utroque sexu

subincrassata, et parum compressa.

Sp. 1. Strongylurus scutellatus. Strong, fuscus et tomentosus,

thorace jlavo-ochraceo colore utrinque lineato medio disci nigri-

cante. Scutellum valde distinctum Jlavum. Elytra fusco-hrunnea^

fasciisque undulatis parum distinctis notata. Corpus infra sor~

dide fuscunii ahdomine ruhro-piceo, pedibus concolorihus et tomen-

tosis.

Long. lin. 12^; lat. lin. 3.

The above insect I have received from various parts of New Hol-

land ; as it is accurately figured, I have not given very full generic

details. I must remark, however, that in the sexes of this genus

the antennse vary very considerably, in one instance exceeding the

length of the body, whilst in the other sex they are shorter than

the elytra. These Longicorn beetles also vary much in size,

which is a remark that appears to apply to most of the Ceramhycidce

of New Holland. Can the long drought which sometimes prevails

in this country be regarded as the cause of dwarfishness, which is

certainly one of the striking features of the Coleoptera of Au-

stralia }

Sp. 2. Strongylurus varicornis. Strong, testaceo-fuscus,

antennis Jlavo-nigroque variegatis. Thorace tomentoso utrinque,

dentibus atris armato. Scutellum distinctum et album. Elytra

fusco-testacea fasciis binis undatis parum distinctis. Corpus

infra concolor, pedibus tomentosis.

Long. lin. 5^; lat. lin. IJ.

There are in our English collections two other species belonging

to this genus ; as however I have them not at hand, I must leave

others to describe them.

Genus Coptopterus, Hope.

Type of the Genus Stenochorus Cretifer, Hope.

Vide Zool. Trans., vol. i. p. 107.

Caput porrectum inter oculos canaliculatum. Antennas compressre,

et fere ut in Strongyluro. Thorax obconico-truncatus, lateribus

rotundatis. Elytra thorace latiora parallela; apicibus sub-ob-

9

Geological Society. CJ

lique truncatis, seu abrupte sectis. Femora sub-incrassata et

parum compressa ; tibiis subincurvis.

CoPTOPTERus CRETIFER. Copt. fusco-hrunueus^ capite alhida

macula inter oculos posita. Thorax nigro-cinereus variis ma-

culls cretaceis notatus. Elytra brunnea macuUs nigris aspersa,

in quibusdam speciminibus maculce conjunctcE fascias exhibent.

Corpus infra fusco-rubrum maculisque variis albidis obsitum.

Pedes rubro-picei et tomentosi.

Long. lin. lOJ; lat. lin. 3.

I’his insect appears to be abundant at Sydney : there are also

other allied species undescribed, and from the vicinity of the Swan

River.

Genus Piesarthrius, Hope.

Type of the Genus Stenochorus marginellus.

Vide Zool. Trans., p. 112. Genus 12.

Caput exsertum. Antenna valde compressse, 1 l-articulatse. Thorax

fere tetragonus angulis anticis parum rotundatis. Elytra tho-

race paullo latiora parallela, interne spinosa, angulis externis

rotundatis. Femora antica quatuor vix incrassata, posteriora

minora ; tibiis subincurvis.

Hab, In Nova Hollandia.

Piesarthrius marginellus. Piesar. Jlavo-fuscus antennis com-

pressis, tomentosis et pallidis. Thorax niger^ lateribus jlavo-

ochraceis. Scutellum distinctum et Jlavum. Elytra testaceo-Jlava

marginihus interne et exierne rubro-piceis. Corjms infra brunneo-

piceum lateribus pectoris annulisque abdominis ulrinque flavo-

maculatis^ pedibus pallidioribus.

Long. lin. 10 ; lat. lin. 2^.

This insect I received from Captain Roe of the Swan River, and

it is, I believe, unique in our London cabinets. I have seen a second

species, but have not been able to obtain permission to describe it.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 29, 184*0. — A paper was read, entitled, “Description of the

mains of a Bird, Tortoise, and Lacertian Saurian, from the chalk

by Richard Owen, Esq., F.G.S.

jSird. — The three portions of Ornitholite were obtained by Lord

Enniskillen from the chalk near Maidstone, and were recognised by

him and Dr. Buckland as belonging to some large bird. One of

the bones is nine inches in length, and has one extremity nearly en-

tire, though mutilated, but the other is completely broken off. The

extremity, partially preserved, is expanded. The rest of the shaft

of the bone has a pretty uniform size, but is irregularly three-sided,

with the sides flat and the angles rounded : its circumference is two

inches and a quarter. The whole bone is slightly bent. The spe-

cimen differs from the femur of any knowm bird, in the proportion

of its length to its breadth ; and from the tibia or metatarsal bone,

F 2

68 Geological Society.

in its triedral figure, and the flatness of the sides, none of which are

longitudinally grooved. It resembles most the humerus of the Al-

batross in its form, proportions and size, but it differs in the more

marked angles bounding the three sides. The expanded extremity

likewise resembles the distal end of the humerus of the Albatross,

but it is too mutilated to allow the exact amount of similarity to be

determined.

On the supposition that this fragment is really a part of the hu-

merus, Mr. Owen says, its length and comparative straightness would

prove it to have belonged to a longipennate natatorial bird, equalling

in size the Albatross.

The two other portions of bone have been crushed, but Mr. Owen

states that they belong to the distal end of the tibia, the peculiar

strongly-marked trochlear extremity of which is well preserved.

Their relative size to the preceding bone, supposing that specimen

to be part of a humerus, is nearly the same as in the skeleton of tne

Albatross. There is no bird now known north of the Equator with

which the fossils can be compared.

Tortoise, — The remains of the Chelonian Reptile consist of four

marginal plates of the carapace, and some small fragments of the

expanded ribs. The marginal plates are united by the usual finely-

indented sutures, and each is impressed along the middle of its up-

per surface with a line corresponding to the margin of the horny

plate which originally defended it. The external edge of each plate

is slightly emarginated in the middle. These plates are narrower

in proportion to their length than in any of the existing marine Che-

lonia ; and they deviate still more in the character of their internal

articular margin, from the corresponding plates of terrestrial Che-

lonia; but they sufficiently agree with the marginal plates of the

carapace of the Emydes, to render it most probable that these cre-

taceous remains are referable to that family of Chelonia which live

in fresh water or estuaries.

Lacertian Saurian. — This fossil belongs to the collection of Sir

Philip Egerton ; and it consists of a chain of small vertebrae in their

natural relative position, with fragments of ribs and portions of an

ischium and a pubis.

The bodies of the vertebrae are united by ball and socket-joints,

the socket being on the anterior and the ball on the posterior part

of the vertebra ; and they are further proved to belong to the Sau-

rian class of reptiles by the presence of many long and slender ribs,

as well as by the conversion of two vertebrae into a sacrum, in con-

sequence of the length and strength of their transverse processes.

The remains of the ischium and the pubis are connected with the

left side of the sacrum, proving incontestably that this reptile had

hinder extremities as well developed as in the generality of Sau-

rians. Of these extremities, as well as of the anterior and of the

head, there are no traces.

Mr, Owen then proceeds to determine to which division of Sau-

rians, having ball and socket vertebral joints, the fossil should be

referred. In the crocodilian or Loricate group, the transverse costi-

Geoloyical Society. 69

gerous processes are elongated, and three, four, or five of the verte-

brae which precede the sacrum are ribless, and consequently reck-

oned as lumbar vertebrae : in the lacertian Sauriae there are never

more than two lumbar vertebrae, and those which have ribs support

them on short conv'ex processes or tubercles.

In the fossil from the chalk, the ribs are articulated with short

processes of the kind just mentioned, resendding tubercles, and they

are attached to the sides of the anterior part of all the vertebrae,

exce[)t the one immediately preceding the sacrum. These charac-

ters, Mr. Owen says, in conjunction with the slenderness and uni-

form length of the ribs, and the degree of convexity in the articular

ball of the vertebrae, prove incontestaldy, that the fossil is part of a

Saurian, appertaining to the inferior or lacertian group.

The under surface of the vertebrae is smooth, concave in the axis

of the spine, and convex transversely. As there are twenty-one

costal vertebrae anterior to the sacrum, including the single lumbar,

the fossil, Mr. Owen observes, cannot be referred to the genera

Stellio, Leiolepis, I^asiliscus^ Ayama, Lyriocephalus^ Anolis, or Cha-

mceleon, but that a comparison may be instituted between it and the

Monitors^ Iguanas^ and Scinks. In conclusion, he states, that in the

absence of the cranium, teeth, and extremities, any further ap[>roxi-

mation of the fossil would be hazardous, and too conjectural to yield

any good scientific result.

June 10, 1840. — A memoir descriptive of a “ Series of Coloured

Sections of the Cuttings on the Birmingham and Gloucester Rail-

way,” by Hugh Edwin Strickland, Esq., F.G.S.

The author commences by expressing his regret at the irre-

coverable loss, which science has experienced, in full advantage not

having been taken of the valuable geological information, which has

been exposed by the railway cuttings in different parts of England

during the last ten years ; and he suggests the propriety of each

line of railway being systematically surveyed by a competent ob-

server, while the cuttings are in progress.

Anxious to contribute towards so desirable an end, Mr. Strickland

gladly yielded to a request made to him by Captain Moorsom, th j

chief engineer of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, to un-

dertake a geological survey of the line ; and he expresses his obliga-

tions to that gentleman and to Captain J. Vetch for the valuable as-

sistance they afforded him. The line was originally surveyed by

Mr. Burr, when only the trial shafts had been sunk, and before the

cuttings were commenced ; but Mr. Strickland bears testimony to

the accuracy of the account which Mr. Burr laid before this So-

ciety.— (Geol. Proceedings, vol. ii. p. 593.

The direction of the railway ranges nearly parallel to the strike

of the strata, and therefore intersects only the new red sandstone

and red marl, the lias, and superficial detritus.

New red sandstone and red mart. — The lowest rock exposed be-

longs to the new red or hunter sandstone, resting on the anticlinal

70

Geological Society,

axis of the Lickey, ten miles south-south- west of Birmingham, and

one mile south of the termination of the altered rock, or Lickey

Quartz* * * §. The sandstone is there thick-bedded, soft, and red, and

dips on the western flank about 5° west-south- west, and on the

eastern 5° east-south-east. In Grovely Hill, on the north-east of

the Lickey, it passes occasionally into a hard quartzose conglome-

rate with a calcareous paste [ ; and at Finstal, on the south-west of

the Lickey ridge, the upper portion of the sandstone is light-coloured,

and contains obscure vegetable impressions, being a prolongation of

the stratum, with similar impressions, at Breakback Hill, on the

west of Bromsgrove .

On each side of the Lickey, the sandstone is conformably overlaid

by red marl, which extends on the north-east to Birmingham^, and on

the south-west to Stoke Prior and the neighbourhood of Hadnor,

where the railway intersects a ridge of lias. On the north side the

marl is there cut off by a fault, but on the south, at Dunhamstead,

the following juncture section is exposed : —

(a.) Lias clay with contorted beds of lias limestone.

(b.) White micaceous sandstone, with numerous speci-

mens of a smooth oval bivalve 2 Feet.

(c. ) Lias clay 6

(d.) Grey marl 35

Dip of the beds 5° north-north-east.

In the hill south of Dunhamstead, the grey marl (d) abuts against

the red marl (e) in consequence of a fault. For the next five miles

the railway traverses a valley of red marl, between the escarpment

of the lias and a ridge of Keuper sandstone. On the south-east of

Spetchley the strike of that sandstone is altered by a fault from

south by east to south-west, and a projecting angle has been pro-

duced which is intersected by the railway. This stratum is a feeble

representative of the Keuper sandstone of Burg Hill, &c.||, con-

sisting chiefly of greenish marl wdth thin laminae of white sand-

stone, about twenty feet thick, with red marl above and below.

At Norton the railway ascends the lias escarpment, and cuts through

a section exactly analogous to the one given above. A mile

further south the lias clay contains many calcareous concretions

abounding with fossils, including Plagiostoma giganteum, Modiola

* See Mr. Murchison’s Silurian System, p. 492.

t Similar conglomerates occur in Worcestershire, Staffordshire, and

Warwickshire. — Silur. Syst., p. 42. Geol. Trans., 2nd Series, vol. v. 347.

I Geol. Trans., 2nd Series, vol. v. p. 341 ; Proceedings, vol. ii. p. 564.

§ The red marl extends from Birmingham along the London railway as

far as Berkswell, forming the basin, in which occurs the lias outlier of

Knowle south-west of Berkswell. The true boundary of the sandstone and

marl in this district has been only recently ascertained ; it ranges from

Hewell Grange, nearly north, by Cofton Hacket to Northfield, and thence

north-east to the south suburbs of Birmingham.

II Proceedings, vol. ii. p. 503. Geol. Trans., 2nd Series, vol. v. p. 332.

71

GcoJoyical Society,

minima, and a coral. At Abbot’s Wood the fissile sandstone at the

base of the lias is again exposed, having been brought up by a fault.

At Deffbrd and Eckington the lias clay encloses numerous speci-

mens of Pachyodon Listeri (Stuchbury), or Unio Listeri of Sowerby,

and Ammonites Turneri. At Bredon a higher portion of the lias

series was reached, and a different suite of fossils found, the most

marked being Pleurotomaria Anylica, Hiirpopodium ponderosum, Gry-

phcea incurva, Nautilus striatus, and several species of Ammonites.

Between Cheltenham and Gloucester the lias has yielded great

abundance of organic remains, a considerable number of which are

considered to be new, and with the exception of Hippopodium pondero-

sum, Grypheea incurva, and one or two others, they are distinct from

the fossils of Bredon Hill ; and at Hewlitt’s, east of Cheltenham, the

lias near the base of the marlstone presents another series of distinct

fossils. The lower lias, therefore, Mr. Strickland observes, affords

evidences of at least four well-marked successions of molluscous

faunae, in a vertical height of 400 or 500 feet, and unaccompanied

by any change in the mineral character of the deposits.

Superficial detritus. — The author then proceeds to describe the

deposits of superficial detritus, and he states, that they entirely con-

firm the views which ^e had previously entertained, respecting the

distinction between the ancient terrestrial alluvia in which bones of

mammalia occur, and the submarine drift which covers most parts

of the island*.

He divides the detritus into fluviatile and marine, and the latter,

according to its origin, into local and erratic, and this, according to

its composition, into gravel with flints and without flints.

Marine erratic gravel without flints\, — Commencing his details with

the Birmingham end of the line, Mr. Strickland shows, that these

accumulations occur extensively on all sides of that town, and at in-

tervals along the line of the railway till it approaches the valley of

the Avon. Mammalian remains apj)ear to be totally wanting.

Chalk flints are so extremely rare in it around Birmingham as to

prove that the materials were transported from the north. At

Mosely it is upwards of 80 feet thick, and consists of rolled pebbles,

rarely exceeding 4 inches in diameter, of various granitic and

quartzose rocks and altered sandstones, imbedded in a clean ferru-

ginous sand ; and a bed of sand 30 feet thick, without pebbles,

occurs in the middle of the gravel. Between Cotteridge and Wytch-

all is an erratic boulder, or shapeless mass of porphyritic trap,

about 5 feet by 4, with the angles slightly rounded. At the Lickey,

gravel analogous to that near Birmingham, but with a large pro-

portion of slate rocks, attains, on the line of the railway, a height of

387 feet, and at the Lickey Beacon of more than 900 feet. Sugar’s

Brook is the next locality noticed by Mr. Strickland, but from that

point no gravel occurs for sixteen miles. Near Abbot’s Wood is

another extensive deposit of quartzose gravel and ferruginous sand,

devoid of flints and resting upon lias.

* See Reports of the British Association, vol. vi.. Sessional Meetings,

p. 6l.

t Northern drift of Mr. Murchison, Silur, Syst., p. 523.

72 Microscopical Society,

Marine erratic gravel with flints. — These accumulations commence

immediately south of the Avon. The village of Bredon stands on a

platform, seventy feet above the ordinary level of the Avon, com-

posed of lias with an uneven surface, and capped with 10 to 15

feet of this gravel. It contains no mammalian remains.

Fluviatile gravel. — The only example of this drift, on the line of

the railway, occupies the two opposite flanks of the Avon at Deffbrd

and Eckington, north of Bredon. At these localities the surface is

a tabular platform which does not exceed forty-flve feet above the

Avon, including a capping of ten feet of gravel precisely similar to

the flinty gravel of Bredon, but containing abundance of mammalian

remains. They were chiefly found in the cutting north of Ecking-

ton, at the lower part of the deposit, and often on the surface of

the lias clay ; and are referrible to Elephas primigenius , Hippopotamus

major. Bos Urus, and Cervus giganteus ? On the north, or Defford

side of the Avon, the remains of Elephas primigenius and Rhinoceros

trichorhinus have been obtained. Associated with these bones are

numerous freshwater shells, agreeing with those found at Crop-

thorne *; the most abundant species being Cyclas amnica and C.

cornea. In endeavouring to account for the presence of these re-

mains at only one point in the line of the railway, Mr. Strickland

states that he can offer no other explanation than that previously

proposed by him f, namely, that after the beds of marine gravel had

been deposited and laid dry by the elevation of the land, a large

river or chain of lakes extended down the valley of the Avon, at a

height varying from twenty to fifty feet above its present course ;

and that the gravel previously accumulated by marine currents, was

remodified by the river, and mixed up with remains of mammalia

which tenanted its banks, or of mollusca which inhabited its waters.

Local gravel — This species of detritus occurs abundantly at Chel-

tenham, and consists exclusively of detritus from the oolites and lias

of the vicinity. No bones or terrestrial remains have been found in

it ; and, therefore, the author assigns to it, in the absence of other

evidence, a marine origin.

Modern alluvia. — The only deposits of this nature mentioned in

the paper, are the peaty accumulations on the banks of the Avon

and its tributaries.

The memoir was accompanied by a copy of the Railway Section,

and of the Tewkesbury branch, and the junction branch from the

main line to the London and Birmingham Railway, presented by

Capt. Moorsom, but coloured geologically by Mr. Strickland.

MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.

Jan. 27, 1841. — Richard Owen, Esq., President, in the Chair.

A paper was read by Mr. Bowerbank, “ On the Keratose or Horny

Sponges of Commerce.”

The author, after noticing the labours of Dr. Grant and Dr. Fle-

* Silur. Syst., p. 555 ; and Proceedings, vol. ii. pp. 6 and 95.

t Reports of British Association, vol. vi. Sections, p. 64.

Microscopical Society, 73

ming, who have described these bodies to be animals which are

“ porous, with skeletons consisting of cartilaginous tubes destitute

of earthy spicula,” proceeds to state that he was induced to investi-

gate this division of the Sponges in consequence of having received

from Rupert Kirk, Esq., of Sydney, numerous specimens of Sponges,

among which were many exhibiting every appearance of being tnie

Keratose sponges, but which, upon a close examination with a high

microscopic power, were discovered to be abundantly furnished with

siliceous spicula. The existence of spicula in these specimens led

the author to suspect their presence in the keratose sponges of

commerce. Upon examining these sponges, there were found to be

two well-marked species from the Mediterranean, and a third which

is obtained from the West India Islands. The first and commonest

species of Mediterranean sponge, is the Sponyia officinalis oi Lamarck.

When examined, before it has been cleaned and bleached by the

dealers, with a power of five hundred linear, the fibre from the exte-

rior presents the appearance of a smooth, light, amber- coloured thread;

but when taken from the interior it is seen to be coated with a thin

and somew^hat rugose film, containing minute granules, which the

author believes to be the incipient gemmules of the sponge, by which

the sponge is propagated, after the manner described by Dr. Grant

as occurring in other divisions of this class. The greater part of the

fibres consist of cylindrical transparent threads, frequently anasto-

mosing and varying considerably in their size. This portion of the

tissue is destitute of spicula ; but there frequently occur, dispersed

amid this form of tissue, large flattened fibres running in a straight

direction, and it is in these that spicula are found imbedded in the

centre of the tissue. The spicula vary considerably in their size and

form, and are best obtained for examination by burning small pieces of

the sponge to a white ash, and washing this with dilute muriatic acid.

In the other sponges of commerce, spicula are found in equal abun-

dance. All the writers who have treated of Sponyia officinalis have

described it as consisting of horny tubes ; but the author states this

to be an error, and proves the thread in all the species of the sponges

of commerce to be a solid horny fibre. The second species of Me-

diterranean sponge is described as being very similar in its external

characters, and in the size, form and arrangement of its fibres, to S.

officinalis, but is distinguished from it by the possession of a beauti-

ful vascular tissue, which surrounds in great abundance nearly every

fibre of its structure, frequently anastomosing and running in every

possible direction over its surface. This tissue is not imbedded in

the horny mass of the fibre, but is contained in a sheath,which closely

embraces it. In one of these vessels the author observed numerous

minute globules, exhibiting every appearance of being globules of

circulation analogous to those found in the blood of the higher classes

of animals. These molecules were extremely minute, the largest

being but the 16,666th of an inch in diameter, and the smallest the

50,000th of an inch in diameter. A similar vascular tissue is stated

to exist in a considerable number of the keratose sponges of Au-

stralia. ~ The author concludes by some observations on the nature

74

Miscellaneous,

and structure of the spicula of sponges in general, and endeavours

to prove that they bear no relation to the raphides of vegetable

bodies, but are truly of animal origin, having their internal surfaces

lined with an animal membrane, which becomes converted into a

thin film of carbon when the spicula are exposed to the action of the

blow-pipe.

The author illustrated his paper by numerous drawings of the tis-

sues described, and exhibited the specimens from which they were

delineated.

Mr. Owen exhibited the specimens of the teeth of the Labyrintho-

don, described by him at the last Meeting of the Geological Society,

and he explained the peculiarities of the dental structure in that

extinct species of Reptiles.

Mr. Varley called the attention of the Society to a new form of

Microscope, which he had constructed with a view to facilitate the

examination of minute living objects.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Absorption of Liquid Solutions by the Sap-vessels of Plants. — M.

Dumas reported to the Academy of Sciences on the 30th November,

1840, that by the absorption of various fluids. Dr. Boucherie had dis-

covered a method of rendering wood more durable, of increasing its

tenacity and hardness without impairing its elasticity, and of im-

parting to it various permanent colours and odours.

Dr. Boucherie found that the attractive power of the vegetable

tissue was sufficient to carry from the base of the trunk to the leaves

all the fluids he wished to introduce, provided they were kept within

certain limits of concentration. He cut a tree near the base when

in full sap, and plunged it into a tub containing the fluid he wished

to introduce, and in a few days he found that it had risen even to the

most elevated leaves, and had penetrated all the tissue except the

heart of the tree. The same result followed whether the trunk was

in an erect or inclined position. It was not even necessary to divide

the trunk completely, for a cavity hollowed out at its base, or a

groove made with a saw over a considerable part of the circumfe-

rence, was sufficient, when the cut part was brought into contact with .

the fluid, to allow a rapid absorption to take place.

Dr. Boucherie ascertained that the absorption of a solution of

pyrolignite of iron containing some creosote augmented the hard-

ness of wood and prevented its decay, while the penetration of the

wood with solutions of the earthy chlorides and various saline mat-

ters rendered it less combustible.

Various colours were given to wood by causing different substances

to be absorbed in succession. Pyrolignite of iron by itself gave the

wood a beautiful brown colour; when it was followed by an astringent

fluid containing tannin, a blue, black, or gray colour ensued ; and

when succeeded by ferrocyanate of potash, a deej) Prussian blue re-

Miscellaneous,

73

suited. In the same way the absorption of acetate of lead and of

chromate of potass imparted a yellow colour, and by the mixture of

several of these substances a still greater variety of shades was pro-

duced.

Different odours were in a similar manner given to various kinds

of wood.

The Highland Society of Scotland have offered a gold medal or

thirty sovereigns as a premium for the best account of a series of

similar experiments.

Congres Scientifique de France. — The Ninth Meeting of this Asso-

ciation, which in its plan and objects resembles the British Associa-

tion for the Advancement of Science, will be held at Lyons, and will

occupy twelve days. The Session will open on Wednesday’', Sep-

tember 1st, 1841, in the great hall of the Palais des Terreaux. The

Association will be particularly gratified by the attendance of men

attached to science, literature and the arts, from the British Isles.

Eels killed by the late Frost. — Although it is well known to natural-

ists that the Eel, otherwise tenacious of life, cannot bear excessive cold,

I conceive that the following facts upon the subject, though by no

means so satisfactory as could be wished, are worthy of being placed

on record. On the 6th, 7th, and 8th of the present month (Febru-

ary, 1841) great quantities of this fish in a dead sUite floated down

the river Lagan to the quays at Belfast. Here upon these days, and

along the course of the river within the tide-way, collecting dead

eels was quite an occupation at low water, and to the numerous

loiterers about the quays proved in some cases more productive for

the time 'than the “chance jobs” by which they gain a livelihood. One

individual earned his two shillings for nearly a bushel-full*, and

another, selling them at the same rate, gained five shillings for what

he collected at the fall of a tide. Three examples sent me by my

friend Edmund Getty, Esq., were the common Eel {Anguilla acuti-

rostris, Yarr.), in excellent condition, and in all respects of ordinary

appearance ; one was about a foot, the others were two feet in length.

They were found dead of all sizes up to the largest.

The only experiment I heard of being made on these Eels was,

that four of them, of gradations in size from a foot to two feet in

length, were placed in water warmed to a high summer tempera-

ture, to see if they would revive ; but, as may be anticipated of such

a proceeding, none of them exhibited any signs of life. A highly

interesting fact connected with this fatality among the Eels is, that

on the three days on which they perished from the cold, the ther-

mometer was nearly ten degrees higher than it had been for three

days successively in the preceding month, when none were known

to have suffered from it. At that time the wind was south-west and

moderate. When they were killed there was a gale from the east,

accompanied by hard frost : to the human body the cold was at this

* The price of Eels in our market is three-pence or four-pence per pound.

76

Miscellaneous.

time extreme and piercing, though at the period mentioned in

January it was not disagreeable. At low water a great extent of mud-

banks is uncovered at the part of the river where the Eels were killed,

and at this season these fishes are believed to be imbedded in the

mud ; they would seem to have suffered from the intense cold arising

from the rapid evaporation produced by the piercing east Mund.

Since January 1814, such a sensation of extreme cold has not

been experienced at Belfast, and at that time, as I am informed by

Mr. Hyndman, great quantities of Eels met with a similar fate in the

river Lagan. They were seen by him floating down the stream dead,

at the Long Bridge in this town. It is most probably in reference

to 1814 that Mr. Templeton has remarked in his ‘ Catalogue of Irish

Vertebrate Animals,’ that “ great numbers of eels inhabiting the

shallow watery mud on the shore of Belfast Lough were killed during

a severe winter*.” It is worthy of remark, that at the time just

mentioned the wind was also easterly. In the Meteorological Report

for January 1814, published in the ‘ Belfast Magazine,’ it is ob-

served, “ The continuance of the wind in the east for a longer time

than usual has produced such a degree of cold as the oldest person

in Ireland now alive cannot remember. Notwithstanding the rise of

the tide, a sheet of ice has covered the bay of Belfast, strong enough

to enable people to w^alk about with perfect safety over the channel,

and full half a mile from the quays. Lough Neagh has also been so

much frozen as to allow people on horseback to ride into Ram’s

Island, situated two miles from the shore.” I have been credibly in-

formed that at the same period laden carts were taken over the ice to

the island, and that some sportsmen of the neighbourhood had a drag

or trail hunt upon the lake, and followed the hounds on horseback.

A lighter, when coming to Belfast on the 6 th or 7th of the present

month, on breaking the ice at a part of the river where the banks

are not uncovered to the same extent at low water as where the eels

were chiefly killed, exposed a number of them, which, though not

dead, were so weak as to be unable to offer any resistance, and were

lifted into the vessel. On the days which proved fatal to the eels

here great numbers were likewise found dead in the bay at Dun-

dalk.

The minimum thermometer at the Belfast Library indicated on the

morning of

o n

January 7, 1841 . . . .

8, ....

9, . . . .

19-00

18-50

18-50

Wind south-west ; mode-

rate.

February 6,

7,

8,

Wind very high from the

27-50 J

Wm. Thompson.

Donegiil Square, Belfast, Feb. 1811.

* Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. i. New series.

Miscellaneous.

77

OBITUARY : FRANCIS BAUER, ESQ.

Mr. Bauer was born at Feldsberg, in Austria, on the 4th of Octo-

ber, 1758, and died at Kew on the 11th of December, 1840. He

lost his father (himself an artist) at an early age, and was initiated,

with his brothers, in the ready use of the pencil, under the guidance

of an excellent mother. He came to England in the year 1788, with

the intention to proceed to Paris, where, notwithstanding the pro-

gress of the Revolution, artists and scientific men were allowed to

follow their pursuits without molestation. His brother Ferdinand,

scarcely less skilful in the art of delineating botanical subjects, and

who subsequently accompanied Mr. Robert Brown as draughtsman on

Flinders’s voyage, had already been with Sibthorpe in Greece, and was

then at Oxford, busy in completing the ‘ Flora Grieca.’ Sir Joseph

Banks soon appreciated Mr. Bauer’s rare talents, as well as his singu-

lar sagacity in botanical physiology, and prevailed on him to remain

in England. Sir Joseph, in fact, settled on him 300/. per annum for

life, on condition that he should reside at Kew, as botanical painter

to the Royal Gardens, which were then rapidly advancing to a high

state of perfection. The munificence of Sir Joseph enabled Mr.

Bauer to pursue the bent of his genius independent of the public and

of booksellers ; and numberless beautiful illustrations of the rare

plants introduced in rapid succession at Kew, by the many travellers

and navigators of the reign of George the Third, were the result —

works now deposited with Sir Joseph Banks’s library at the British

Museum, and which all who have examined must acknowledge to be,

for accuracy of delineation and colouring, elegance of execution, as

well as for physiological and anatomical truth, unexampled at that

period. Mr. Bauer was also appointed drawing-master to the Princess

Elizabeth ; but he was a better philosopher than courtier, and his

services, which were given gratuitously, were soon dispensed with.

At that time he was occupied on the Heath tribe, then in course of

introduction, chiefly from the Cape, by Menzies. Engravings were

made from these drawings, and Queen Charlotte and the Princess

used to colour them under his superintendence. These were after-

wards sold by public auction, with other of Her Majesty’s effects !

Towards the qnd of the last century, Mr. Bauer commenced his

illustrations of Orchideous plants, since published by Dr. Bindley.

He subsequently turned his attention to the diseases in corn, in which,

from his skill in the use of the microscope, he made discoveries of

great importance to agriculture, and therefore to mankind ; and

we may here state, that the only money which he received during his

long life, beyond the above-mentioned income, was fifteen guineas,

which the editor of one of the cheap publications of the present day

sent to him for some short papers on the smut in wheat.

In 1816, the late Sir Everard Home, being engaged in some re-

searches respecting the anatomical structure of the foot of the com-

mon house-fly, communicated the difficulties he experienced to Sir

Joseph Banks, who immediately introduced him to Mr. Bauer. This

led to an intimacy of the most lasting and most useful kind. Mr.

Bauer solved every difficulty, and, at the suggestion of Sir Everard,

entered on a number of other anatomical inquiries, the results of which

78

Miscellaneous.

were published by Sir Everard in the Transactions of the Royal So-

ciety. The most remarkable of these were his dissections and draw-

ings of the common red earthworm, the lampreys, conger-eel, Mexi-

can Proteus, metamorphosis of the tadpole, generations of oysters

and muscles, process of incubation from the egg to the perfect

chicken, the eye, structure of brain, nerves, blood, lungs, urethra,

and muscular fibre — some of which labours have led to great improve-

ments in the treatment of diseases, and consequent alleviation of hu-

man suffering ; and all display an unrivalled degree of skill, perse-

verance, and philosophical acumen, sufficient to have conferred on

him the highest fame, had such been his aim. At the suggestion of

Sir Everard Home, George the Fourth resolved to establish a Bota-

nical Museum at Kew, which was to be entrusted to Mr. Bauer.

The house now belonging to the King of Hanover was purchased for

this purpose — the shelves were prepared — all the botanical books in

the King’s library were to be removed there, and some had, in fact,

been sent down, when, unfortunately, a dispute arose respecting the

land, to which the Commission of Woods and Forests laid claim ;

and some artillery waggons driving off with the book-cases gave

Mr. Bauer the first intimation that the plan had been abandoned.

About this j)eriod Mr. Bauer made his superb drawings of the

Raffiesia Arnoldii (the plant of which a model in wax is preserved at

the rooms of the Horticultural Society). He still continued his de-

lineations of Kew plants, and latterly, more especially of the ferns

published by Sir William Hooker. He, at the same time, directed

his attention to many microscopical researches — such as the struc-

ture of cotton, flax, and wool, the hairs of the various races of men,

as well as of many animals, the red snow of Sir John Ross; and,

though little known to the public, he had so well established his re-

putation amongst the select in every walk of science, that rarely in-

deed would any man of science or any traveller of eminence pass

through London without visiting him, and no one returned otherwise

than gratified and instructed. Of Mr. Bauer, indeed, it has been

truly said, “ that nothing prevented his acquiring an extraordinary

degree of fame, except his remarkably unobtrusive modesty — he

worked rather for the credit of others than for his owii,.”

Mr. Bauer continued, up to a late period, his microscopic researches

and drawings ; but, unwilling to risk the chance of leaving any work

unfinished, he at last determined to rest, and to attempt no more.

Seated near his microscope, which long use had made almost essen-

tial to his happiness, he spent his hours in re-examining what his

pencil had so admirably perpetuated, and reviewed, in the monuments

of his labour, the history of his life. His was, indeed, a life of in-

cessant activity and usefulness. The motives which stimulate com-

mon men never influenced him! Vanity, selfishness and illiberality

were wholly foreign to his disposition ; and that his innocent labours

had spared him from all self-reproach and remorse, his serenity, his

cheerful resolve to abide his time in peace, and his final departure

from this world under circumstances the most consolatory, full of

resignation, faith and hope, and free from sufferings, save the in-

creasing debilities of old age, sufficiently prove. — AthenKsum, No. 687.

Meteorological Observations. 79

To the Editors of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

Gentlemen,

In the Cambridge Anatomical Museum there are two skeletons of

Seals, which possess the characters of the Halichcerus Gryphus, given

in Bell’s * British Quadrupeds.’ One of them was formerly in the

Museum of Dr. Macartney at Dublin, and was probably taken off

the eastern coast of Ireland; the other, of large size, and of ad-

vanced age, if we may judge from the state of its teeth, was cap-

tured in fishing nets off the Essex coast, a few years ago.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen.

Your obedient servant,

Caius College, Cambridge, Feb. 8, 1841. L. E. Paget.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR JAN. 1841.

Chiswick. — Jan. 1. Hazy; fine with clouds. 2. Rain: clear and fine: hurri-

canes at night. 3. Thunder-storm about 7 a.m., accompanied with large and

vivid flashes of lightning, rain, hail and sleet, and high w ind, which soon after

subsided into a perfect calm. 4. Sharp frost : slight fall of snow ; clear at night.

5. Densely overcast : snow : large lunar halo in the evening. 6. Hazy. 7. In-

tense frost. 8. Dense fog : severe frost, 9. Intense frost. 10. Overcast :

slight haze: rain at night. 11. Overcast. 12. Cloudy: clear. 13. Foggy:

rain: fall of snow. 14. Cold haze: rain: sleet and snow. 15. Rain. 16.

Thawing rapidly : occasioning inundations, the frozen crust preventing the water

from sinking into the earth. 17. Continued thaw. 18. Rain. 19. Overcast.

20. Cloudy and cold : sharp frost at night. 21. Frosty : fine. 22. Frosty : rain

at night. 23. Clear. 24. Boisterous : cold and dry. 25. Clear and frosty.

26. Overcast and fine. 27. Very fine. 28. Cloudy. 29. Fine. 30. Hazy.

31. Foggy: rain.

Previously to the thaw, in the beginning of the month, the frost had penetrated

in some soils to a depth of 12 inches.

Boston. — Jan. 1. Cloudy. 2. Fine. 3. Cloudy: stormy with lightning and

rain early a.m. 4. Cloudy : snow early a.m. : stormy with rain p.m. 5. Stormy.

6,7. Fine. 8. Fine: thermometer 1 7°*0 three o’clock p.m. 9. Fine: thermo-

meter 28°'0 three o’clock p.m. 10. Cloudy: large fall of snow early a.m. 11.

Cloudy: snow early a.m. 12. Cloudy. 13. Fine: rain p.m. 14, 15. Cloudy.

16. Cloudy : snow early A.M. : rain P.M. 17. Fine. 18. Cloudy. 19. Cloudy:

rain early A.M. 20. Snow; snow p.m. 21. Cloudy: snow early a.m. 22,23.

Fine. 24. Stormy : heavy snow-storm p.m. 25,26. Fine. 27. Fine : beautiful

morning. 28. Cloudy. 29. Fine. 30. Cloudy. 31. Rain: rain early a.m. :

snow-storm p.m. N.B. The 8th of this month was the coldest day since Jan. 1, 1820.

Applegarth Manse, Dumfriesshire. — Jan. 1. Slight showers. 2. Slight show-

ers : frost in the morning. 3. Snow-storm. 4. Snow-storm and frost. 5. Snow--

storm. 6. Fair: snow lying. 7. Snow-fall: frost very keen. 8. Snow-fall

slightly : frost keen. 9. Thaw-, with slight snow. 10. Snow and frost again.

11. Fair: snow lying: thaw p.m. 12. Fair: but freezing hard. 13. Fair:

freezing. 14, 15. Fair. 16. Storm of snow, sleet and rain. 17. Thaw: heavy

rain P.M. 18. Frost again ; clear. 19. Frost again. 20. Frost again: Aurora

borealis. 21 . Thaw : drizzling rain. 22. Wet and boisterous. 23. Wet and

boisterous: slight snow-fall. 24. Fair : frosty : slight snow-fall. 25. Frost a.m. :

drizzle P.M. 26. Thaw and thick fog. 27. Shower in afternoon. 28. Fair and

fine: snow melting. 29. Drizzling. 30. Thick fog all day. 31. Clear and

cold : moist p.m.

Sun shone out 25 days. Rain fell 10 days. Snow 8 days. Frost 16 days.

Fog 2.

Wind north 2 days. North-east 5^ days. East 2 days. East-south-east 34

days. South-east 1| day. South-west 4 days. West-south-west 1 day. West

4 days. West-north- west 2^ days. North-west 3 days. North-north-west 2 days.

Calm 8 days. Moderate 8 days. Brisk 3 days. Strong breeze 7 days.

Boisterous 4 days. Stormy 1 day.

Meteorological Observations made at the Apartments of the Royal Society by the Assistant Secretary ^ Mr. Roberton , by Mr. Thompson at the Garden

of the Horticultural Society at Chiswick^ near London; by Mr.VEALL at Boston, and by Mr. Dunbar at Applegarth Manse, Dumfriesshire.

I

THE ANNALS

AND

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.

No. 42. APRIL 1841.

X. — Contributions to British Actinology. By Edward

Forbes^ M.W.S., For. Sec. B.S.^ &c.

1. On Kapnea, a new Helianthoid Polype^.

In August 1840^ I dredged on the east coast of the Isle of

Man, about a mile from Douglas Head, a very remarkable

and beautiful Zoophyte, of the family Actiniadce. It came

from a depth of 18 fathoms, and the sea-bottom at the place

where it was taken is chiefly Millepora. To a fragment of

that coral it was adhering by its expanded base, and Avhen

taken its tentacula were retracted. The body presented the

appearance of a lengthened cylinder arising from a broad-

spreading inflated base, and terminating in a round tentacu-

liferous disc, in the centre of which is a circular mouth. The

tentacula are very short, and have the aspect of squared tu-

bercles. They are arranged in three circles, sixteen in each

circle, those of the outermost or marginal row largest. Below

the tentacula and surrounding the disc is a granulated caly-

cine circle or belt; and a little below it, extending downwards

over a portion of the base, the body is invested by a woolly,

brown epidermis, which is eight-cleft or lobed at its upper

part. The base is somewhat lobed, and usually swelled out

with sea-water. The body and base are of a vivid vermilion

colour, the latter with darker longitudinal stripes. The ten-

tacula are somewhat paler and inclined to orange. They can

be drawn within the body, the upper part of which can be

retracted as low as the commencement of the epidermis.

When fully expanded, this animal was an inch in height by

one-fourth of an inch broad at the disc. It is rather an ac-

tive creature, changing its form often, but always presenting

more or less of a tubular shape, like a chimney-crock or steam-

boat funnel.

The shape of the tentacula and the presence of a regular

epidermis are the most remarkable features of this Actinea,

* Communicated to the Wernerian Society, January 23, 1841.

Ann. ^ May. N. Hist. Vol. vii. G

82

Mr. E. Forbes’s Contributions

and distinguish it at once from all its tribe. Its general form

and calycine rim approach to the Actinea bellis and some other

species appertaining to the genus Actinocereus of Blainville.

The epidermis and the imperforate tentacula separate it from

Ehrenberg’s restricted genus Actinea, and the absence of

dermal pores from his Cribrina ; neither of which divisions, as

defined by that naturalist, I am inclined to admit, and therein

agree with my friend Dr. Johnston. It is more nearly re-

lated to the ZoanthidcE than any known species of its family,

and presents a most interesting transition from the typical

Actiniadce to that tribe. The regular form of the singular

epidermis w^ould lead us to consider that appendage as an im-

perfect tube, and some curious analogies might result from

such a view. Both the number of the tentacula and of the

clefts or lobes of the epidermis being multiples of four, is im-

portant, as supporting the notion that four is the typical or

dominant number of the perhaps of all Zoophytes.

On account of the above characters, I have thought it right

to constitute a separate genus for its reception under the

name of Capnea (from tcaiiVT], a chimney), and define it thus :

Body cylindric, invested in part by a lobed epidermis, and

adhering by a broad base. Tentacula simple, very short, re-

tractile, surrounding the mouth in concentric series.

Sp. Capnea sanguinea, Forbes.

Tentacula arranged in three series, sixteen in each. Body

and disc scarlet. Epidermis brown.

Hab. Deep water, Irish Sea ; among Millepora. PL I. fig.

1, a, b, c, d.

II. A British Hippocrene.

The genus Hippocrene was constituted by Brandt for a very

curious and beautiful little Medusa observed by Martens in

Behring’s Straits, and which had been previously described

by Lesson, who had it from the Malanine Isles, under the

name of Cyancea Bugainvillii. Lesson afterwards re-named

it Bugainvillia macloviana, but Brandt’s generic name takes

precedence by right of priority. The generic character de-

pends on the production of the mouth into a sort of trunk,

which has wing-like appendages at its sides, and terminates

in four branching tentacular arms. From each of the appen-

dages runs a canal to the margin, where we find the tentacula

collected in fasciculi, and not surrounding the edge, or sepa-

rate, as in most allied Medusas.

When naturalizing on the north coast of Ireland with Mr.

Smith, of Jordan Hill, in 1839, 1 took a number of Medusae

83

to British Actinology.

of this genus by the towiiig-net, in Ballycastle Bay and at

Port Rush, and afterwards, during the same summer, found it

on the other side of Britain, at the mouth of the Frith of

Forth. My animal is larger, and differs in several particu-

lars from that described by Brandt and by Lesson, and I

regard it as a new species. In form it is almost globular, and

it measures an inch in length. The central cavity is oblongo-

quadrate, and occupies about one-half of the globular um-

brella. At its summit interiorly are seen four stomachal ap-

pendages, placed at right angles to each other so as to form a

cross. They are equal in size, of a yellow colour, squared

above, rounded below, and oblong. At their lower or oral

extremity are seen four slender white arms, which dichoto-

mously divide into numerous tentacula with globular tips.

These arms are very extensile, but are never sent from out the

cavity. From each of the four oral appendages or alas runs

a translucent canal to one of the four fascicles of the ten-

tacula, one of which is seen at each angle of the quadrate

cavitary opening. These tentacula are very curious. They

are highly contractile, and spring from little arches of a glan-

dular appearance and a red colour, which form the bases of

the fascicles, and into which the four canals run. On mag-

nifying one of these arches, we find it to consist of two parts,

one (the upper) red, the lower white, and each of these to

consist of a great number of tubercles, which form the roots

of the tentacula. On each tubercle is a minute black ocular

dot. The tentacula are not all extended at the same time ;

very often one, two or three only are sent out, but there ap-

pear to be more than a dozen pairs of tubercles in each arch.

Between the arches the margins of the cavity are straight, and

furnished with a semicircular lip or valve. The outer surface

of the body is smooth, and the appearance of the creature is

that of a crystal bubble, with four red dots round a square

opening, and a central yellow nucleus, having branched threads

suspended from it.

Sars, in his ^ Beskrivelser,^ &c. has figured and described a

minute Medusa under the name of Cytceis ? octopunctata^^^

which evidently belongs to the same group with the above.

The known species of Hippocrene may be summed up as fol-

lows : —

H, Bugainvillii, Brandt. (See figure in Petersburgh Trans-

actions for 1838.) Stomachal appendages as long as the

proboscis, eight, the four larger ones oblong, yellow, with

red centres. Tentaculiferous glands four, red and yel-

low, with pink tentacula. Umbrella in part pilose.

North Pacific.

G2

84

Mr. E. Forbes’s Contributions

H. brittanica, Forbes. Stomachal appendages as long as

the proboscis^ four, equal, yellow. Tentaculiferous glands

four, red and white, with white tentacula. Umbrella

smooth. North of Ireland and East of Scotland.

H. octopunctata, Sars. (Beskr. og Jagt. p. 28. t. 6. f. 14.)

Stomachal appendages shorter than proboscis, four, un-

equal. Tentaculiferous glands eight, black. Umbrella

smooth. Coast of Norway.

Plate I. fig. 2 a, Hippocrene brittanica, of the natural size ;

2 b, its stomachal appendages and oral arms ; 2 c, a tentacu-

liferous gland and tentacula.

III. New Species q/‘Thaumantias.

The Medusas of this very natural genus, established by

Eschscholtz, have a simple stomachal cavity, from which pro-

ceed four simple canals ; no arms, but a proboscidiform

mouth, which cannot be prolonged beyond the general cavity,

and a margin surrounded by tentacula, which are usually

bulbous at their bases, and are highly extensile. The species

of Thaumantias are small animals, and probably numerous in

the northern seas. Hitherto they appear to have been mostly

confounded under the Medusa Jmmisphcerica of Muller, which

is a prettily coloured species, already recorded as a native of

the British seas. I have never met with an example which I

could refer to Muller’s animal, but have found four very well

marked species which have hitherto been unrecorded.

I. Thaumantias pileata, nov, sp. Urnbrella cap-shaped.

Oral peduncle and clubs of the vessels pink. Proboscis

four-cleft at the mouth, lobes acute. Eyes large, black

and yellow, on the bulbous origins of the tw^enty tenta-

cula.

This pretty species, the shape of which resembles that of a

Chinese hat, measured about an inch across. The clubs of its

vessels are small and narrow. It was taken at Port Rush,

on the north coast of Ireland, in June 1839.

PI. I. fig. S a Sc b, Thaumantias pileata \ 3 c, its oral pe-

duncle.

2. Thaumantias Thompsoni, nov. sp. Umbrella hemi-

spherical, very convex. Proboscis four-cleft, lobes tri-

angular. Clubs of the vessels, proboscis and bases of

tentacula yellow. Eyes minute, black, on the triangular

bases of the sixteen tentacula.

PI. I. fig. 4 « & Z>, Thaumantias Thompsoni\ 4 c, one of the

tentacula.

85

to British Actinology.

Taken abundantly in Clifden Bay, Cunnemara, by Mr.

Thompson, Mr. Ball, and myself, in July 1840. A small

species, one-fourth of an inch across ; clubs of the vessels

short and broad.

3. Thaumantias punctata, nov. sp. Umbrella hemisphe-

rical. Clubs and proboscis pink. Proboscis four-cleft,

lobes sub-acute. Eyes large, black, on the bulbous bases

of the thirty-two tentacula.

PI. I. fig. bah, Thaumantias punctata ; 5 c, one of its ten-

tacula.

This species, measuring near an inch across, was taken

plentifully in July 1839, in the Frith of Forth, near the Isle

of May.

4. Thaumantias sarnica, nov. sp. Umbrella hemispherical.

Clubs and proboscis bluish. Proboscis four-cleft, lobes

acute. Eyes ? Tentacula twenty.

Measured half an inch across. Taken in the Channel, be-

tween Guernsey and Herm, August 1839.

PI. I. fig. Q a b, T. sarnica', 6 c, its proboscis.

These additional species double the number of members of

this genus. The four previously recorded were, 1. T. cymbal-

loidea [Medusa cy mb altar aides. Slabber, Dianeea, Lamarck,

see fig. in Encyc. Meth. pi. 93. fig. 2 — 4). 2. T. hemisph(B-

rica (see fig. in Zool. Dan. t. ^Jl), recorded as English by Dr.

Macartney, as Irish by Mr. Thompson. 3. T. multi cirrhata

(Sars, Jagt. og Beskr. p. 26. t. 5. fig. 12.). 4. T. plana (Sars,

p. 28. t. 5. f. 13.), both natives of the Norwegian seas, and to

be looked for in our own. The former of Sars’s species is

easily recognised by its numerous tentacula, above 200, and

the elongated clubs of the cross-vessels; the latter by its

being quite flat, and also having numerous tentacula.

In observing species of Thaumantias, of which many more

may occur in our and in other seas, the points especially to be

noted are, 1st, the number of tentacula (always a multiple of

four) ; 2nd, the presence, absence, size and colour of eyes at

their bases ; 3rd, the colour of the cross-vessels and proboscis ;

4th, the shape of the umbrella ; 5th, the shape of the clubs

of the vessels ; and 6th, the form and lobation of the oral pro-

boscis or peduncle. I have mentioned these sources of cha-

racter in what I conceive to be the order of their respective

importance, but all should if possible be noted.

86 Mr. Gray on new Reptiles from Australia,

XL — Description of some new Species and four new Genera

of Reptiles from Western Australia, discovered by John

Gould, Esq. By J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., &c.

To the Editors of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

Gentlemen,

Mr. Gould having kindly placed in my hands the collection

of Reptiles which he made during his visit to New Holland

to gather materials for his ‘ History of the Birds of Australia,^

I have sent you the description of the following species, which

appear to be new to science. The two i.ew genera are very in-

teresting ; the one, Ronia, being exactly intermediate in orga-

nization between the two-legged and the four-legged Seines ;

and the other, Moloch, for its extraordinary appearance and

grotesque forms.

I may remark, this collection contains two specimens of

Soridia lineata, Gray, which MM. Dumeril and Bibron have

accused me of erroneously describing as an Australian animal.

(See ^ Erpetologie Generale,^ v. 787-) I believe that this has

arisen from M. Bibron supposing all the Reptiles that he saw*

at the Chatham Museum to be from the Cape of Good Hope ;

whereas that collection is very rich in Australasian Reptiles.

Chelomeles of MM. Dumeril and Bibron appears to be very

nearly allied to Soridia, and should most probably be arranged

with it in the family of Rliodonidce,

Mr. Gould^s specimens of Velma having enabled me to ex-

amine more minutely the characters of that genus, I am now

convinced that it should be referred to the family Pygopidee. It

chiefly differs from the genus Pygopus in the small size of the

rudimentary feet and in the absence of the pre-anal glands.

The genus Lialis, which heretofore has been placed with

Pygopus, appears to be the type of a new family. It, Velma

and Pygopus are all found in Western Australia, as is also the

genus Aprasia, which ought, in my Catalogue of Slender^

tongued Saurians (Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. i. and ii.), to have been

arranged with the Apodal Seines. On examining Mr. Gould^s

better-preserved specimen, I am inclined to consider it also

as the type of a family characterized by the shields of the head

and the position of the nostrils, to which, most probably, MM.

Dumeril and Bibron^s genus Brachymeles will also have to be

referred. These genera will then range thus : —

Fam. Lialisid^ : — Lialis.

Fam. Pygopid^ ; — Pygopus, Velma.

Fam. Rhodonid^ : — Rhodona, Soridia, Chelomeles.

Fam. Aprasiada5 : — Aprasia, Brachymeles.

Mr. Gray on view Reptiles from Australia.

87

lloNiA, Gray. Fam. Scincidae.

Head rather shelving, shielded with one transverse frontal and two

large vertebral plates, the hinder largest; the rostral plates large,

with two unequal superciliary plates. The nasal plate trian-

gular, interposed between the rostral plate and the frontal ones,

with the nostrils in its centre ; loreal plates two, square ; labial

plates large ; ears none, only a very indistinct sunk dot in their

place. Body cylindrical; tail conical, tapering. Scales smooth,

ovate, imbricate, of the belly 6- sided. The front limbs very

small, rudimentary, undivided ; the hinder limbs moderately de-

veloped, ending in two very unequal toes, with distinct claws.

Ronia catenulata, Gray. Back with eight series of small black

dots, one dot on the centre of each scale ; cheeks black, speck-

led ; sides and beneath whitish.

Body 31, tail 21 inches.

Inhab. Western Australia. Mr. J. Gould.

The scales under the tail are rather larger, and the spots on the

tail are rather larger than those on the back.

.Grammatophora cristata. Nape with a crest of distinct, rather

short, curved, compressed, spinose scales ; back and tail with a

series of compressed scales forming a slight keel ; occiput with

separate short strong conical spines ; sides of the neck and back

with folds crowned with series of short compressed scales ; base

of the tail with some scattered larger scales. In spirits, dull

olive ; crown black with large white spots, beneath black ;

middle of the belly and under sides of the base of the tail white ;

tail with black rings at the ends ; feet whitish.

Inhab. Western Australia. Mr. J. Gould.

The underside is coloured somewhat like G. maculatus (G. Gai-

rnardii, Dum. and Bibron), but the sides of the head near the ears

are spinose, and the nape is distinctly crested. But as MM. Dumeril

and Bibron’s species is only described from a single specimen, which

is in a bad state, and has lost its epidermis, and as the description

itself, though long, refers chiefly to parts which do not differ in the

species of the genus, this species may prove to be identical with it.

These authors, in giving the character of Grammatophora Gaimardii

and G. Decresii, appear to place great reliance on the one having

tubular and the other non-tubular femoral pores, which is a fact en-

tirely dependent on the state in which the animal might be at the

time when it was put into the spirits, as I have verified by com-

paring numerous specimens of different reptiles furnished with these

pores.

But in this genus the size of the pores is apparently of less im-

portance than in many others, for they appear to be quite invisible

in some states of the animal : thus out of many specimens of G. mu-

ricata brought by Mr. Gould from Van Diemen’s Land and Western

Australia, eight specimens have no visible pores; these specimens differ

from the others in being of a rather paler colour beneath. This state

88

Mr. Gray on new Reptiles from Australia,

of the pores may entirely depend on the manner in which they were

preserved, for all these specimens had a slit made into their abdo- [

men to admit the spirits ; while in all specimens in which this care |

had not been taken the pores are distinctly seen, sometimes mode-

rately sized, and sometimes tubularly produced.

Grammatophora Decresii, Dumeril and Bibron, Erp. Gen. iv. 47*2. ? j

Tail conical, with nearly regular scales ; the base rather swollen,

without any series of spines on the side ; back with small sub-

equal scales and a few larger ones in cross series ; the nape and

back with a series of rather larger, low, compressed scales ; side

of the head near the ears and side of neck with two or three

ridges crowned with short conical spines. In spirits black, yel-

low spotted and varied, beneath gray, vermiculated with black-

ish ; tail black-ringed.

Inhab. Western Australia.

This species is so much smaller than G. muricata, that I might

have considered them as young animals if one of them had not had

the body filled with well-formed eggs ; and the tail is much shorter

than in the young of that species.

The specimens agree in most point* with the description given by

MM. Dumeril and Bibron, but not in the colour and the size of the

tail. The specimens in this collection greatly differ in their colour,

but are all very different from any other species.

Grammatophora muricata, Cuvier. The young animals have a

series of small spines on each side of the base of the tail, and a

series of spots on each side of the back.

Mr. Gould has brought home two very distinct local varieties.

Var. 1. Diemensis. Young dark-coloured, with vermiculated marks

on the chin, chest, and abdomen. The adult dark, beneath gray,

varied with black spots placed in irregular lines.

Inhab. Van Diemen’s Land.

Var. 2. Adelaidensis . Young pale above and beneath, with three

broad diverging black lines on the chin, leaving an oblong spot

in the centre of the throat, with a broad streak on the chest

separated into three lines on the abdomen, which unite together

again on the pubis. The adult gray, with a few spots beneath.

Inhab. Adelaide, Western Australia.

Moloch, Gray. Fam. Agamidae.

Body depressed, covered with irregular, unequal, small, granular

plates, each furnished with a more or less prominent central

spine, and with a series of large, conical, convex, acute spines ;

head and limbs covered with similar scales and spines ; head -

small, with very large spines over each of the eyebrows ; tail

with irregular rings of large acute spines ; femoral and subanal

pores none; teeth small, subequal; toes 5*5, short, covered above

and below with keeled scales ; claws long, acute.

The external appearance of this Lizard is the most ferocious of any

that I know, the horn of the head and the numerous spines on the

89

Mr. Gray 07i new Reptiles from Australia,

body giving it a most formidable aspect. The scales of the back are

small and unequal ; they gradually increase in size as they approach

the base of the conical spines, which is surrounded with a ring of

larger scales with longer spines : the large spines are conical ; rather

compressed, spinulose below, smooth and acute at the tip, and are

usually furnished with a sharp toothed ridge on the front edge, and

sometimes on the hinder one. These spines only consist of a horny

sheath placed on a fleshy process of the very same form and appear-

ance as the spines they bear. The scales of the under side of the

body are of the same form, and are furnished with similar but smaller

and less produced spines than those of the back. TLhe back of the

neck of the only two specimens I have seen is furnished with a large

rounded protuberance like a cherry, covered with large granular spi-

nous scales, and armed on each side with a large conical spine ; but

I do not know if this is common to the species or merely accidental

in these individuals ; at any rate it adds considerably to the singu-

larity of their appearance.

I have named this genus, from its appearance, after “ Moloch, hor-

rid king,”

Moloch horridus. Pale yellow, marked with dark brown regular

spots ; sides and beneath black-edged, dark red similar spots.

Inhab. Western Australia. Captain George Grey, Mr. J. Gould.

The marks on the body are very definite, but from the irregularity

of their form they are not easily described. The rij)s are dark brown,

with two streaks up to the small spines on the forehead ; there is a

dark cross-band from the base of the two large horns over the eye-

brows, running behind and then dividing into two broad streaks, one

along each side of the centre of the back of the neck to between the

shoulders, crossing the nuchal swelling. In the middle of the back

there is a very large black patch nearly extending from side to side,

and over the loins are two oblong longitudinal black spots ; the

dark lines commencing from the lower angle of each eye extend

to the legs, along the upper part of each side to the upper part of the

groin. On the front of the fore- and hind-legs and the sides are

marked similar dark bands. A dark band commences from the

hinder part of the lower lip, merging in the throat, and expanding

out so as to be united together at the back part of the chin. There

is a large, rather oblong spot in the centre of the chest and the

hinder part of the abdomen, separated from each by a large, some-

what triangular spot on each side of the middle of the abdomen ;

body 4^ inches.

This is the Spinous Lizard exhibited by Mr. Gould at the meeting

of the Zoological Society, on the 25th day of August, 1840.

Breviceps Gouldii. Smooth, with a few scattered low tubercles ;

gray-brown, yellowish beneath.

Inhab. Western Australia.

This animal has all the external appearance and character, as far

as they are given in MM. Dumeril and Bibron’s work, of the Breviceps

gibbosus of the Cape of Good Hope, except that it has not the yel-

90

Mr. Gray on new Reptiles from Australia,

low dorsal band, and the back is scarcely to be designated as granu-

lar. It is the second species of the genus, and only the second Toad

found in Australia, the other being Phreniscus australis, which I de-

scribed in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ under the name

of Bombinator australis.

Uperoleia, Gray. Fam. Ranidce.

Head large; palate quite toothless; upper jaw with small close

teeth ; the tympanum hid under the skin ; the toes of the fore-

and hind-feet elongate, slender, quite free ; the ankle with a

roundish external and a small conical inner tubercle ; the tongue

small, oblong, roundish, and entire behind.

This genus is most nearly allied to Leivperus of MM. Dumeril and

Bibron, with which it agrees in having no teeth on the palate, but it

differs from it in the tympanum being quite hid.

The internal nostrils are some distance in front of the cross-ridge

on which the palatine teeth are generally placed.

Uperoleia marmorata. Black and green marbled, leaving a trian-

gular greenish spot on the forehead, beneath lead-colour.

Inhab. Western Australia.

Dr. Tschudi has formed a genus under the name of Crinia, which

appears by his characters to be nearly related to the above ; but

MM. Dumeril and Bibron (Erp. Gen. viii. 416) observed that the

specimens he described have two very small groups of teeth on the

vomer.

Hyla bioculata, Gray. Slender ; fore-toes quite free ; hinder

toes webbed to the last joint (in spirits). Grayish white, with

a series of very small, indistinct, oblong tubercles, with a dark

streak from the nostrils to the shoulder, enclosing the eyes, and

a white streak below it from the under side of the eye ; sides

purplish, with small white spots ; back of the thighs purple,

with two yellow spots ; belly and under side of thighs whitish,

granular.

Var. 1. Back of thighs with one or two additional yellow spots.

Var. 2. Back bluish gray ; back of the thighs with six or seven

small subequal yellow spots.

Inhab. Western Australia.

Hyla Adelaidensis, Gray. Slender ; fore-toes quite free, hinder

toes webbed to the last joint ; (in spirits) gray-blue, with a

series of small oblong tubercles ; the sides purple-brown, with a

white streak from the under side of the eyes to the shoulders ;

sides of the belly and region of the vent purplish, with small

white spots ; the hinder side of the thighs purple-brown, with

three large oblong white spots ; belly and under side of thighs

granular ; chin white, brownish dotted ; palatine teeth in two

roundish groups between the internal nostrils.

Inhab. Western Australia.

Mr. Gray on new Reptiles from Australia,

91

Heleioporus, Gray. Fam. Ranidse.

Head short, swollen ; eyes large, convex ; palatine teeth in a

straight interrupted ridge between the two internal nostrils ;

teeth very small ; body swollen ; skin of the back minutely

granular, of the belly smooth; legs rather short; toes 4*5,

short, warty beneath, quite free ; the hind wrist with a large,

oblong, compressed, internal tubercle; the base of the inner

finger with a conical wart, ending in a small acute bony pro-

cess ; tongue large, entire behind.

This genus has many of the characters of Cystignathus, but differs

from it in being warty and swollen, and in having short toes like a

Toad.

Heleioporus albo-punctatus. Lead-coloured (in spirits), with white

spots ; beneath dirty white, with some small white warts at the

angle of the mouth ; legs smooth.

Inhab. Western Australia.

Cystignathus dorsalis. The palatine teeth in a single large straight

line, just behind the inner nostrils ; tongue large, slightly nicked

behind ; the tympanum nearly hid under the skin, gray-brown

(in spirits), marbled with dark irregular spots, with a white

streak down the middle of the forehead and front of the back ;

sides pure white, spotted and marbled with black, beneath

white ; toes elongate, slender, tapering ; back part of thighs

brown, white speckled.

Inhab. Western Australia. J. Gould.

This species is very distinct from C. Peronii and C. Gcorgianus,

the two Australian species described by MM. Dumeril and Bibron.

It agrees with the former in the disposition of the palatine teeth.

Elaps Gouldii, Gray. Pale yellowish ; the scales of the back small,

six-sided, with a dark anterior margin, giving the back a netted

appearance ; top of the head and nape black, with a yellow spot

on the rostral scale on each side just before the eyes ; head

small ; the occipital plates large, elongate ; the nasal plate tri-

angular; one moderate anterior, and two subequal posterior

ocular shields ; six upper and lower labial shields, the fourth

under the eyes ; eyes small, pupil round.

1 here is an indistinct small yellow spot behind the upper part of

the eye ; but this may be an accidental variety, as the spots on the

two sides are not equally defined.

Inhab. Western Australia.

This species resembles Calamaria Diadema, W'hich is also found in

Western Australia; but it is larger, and the head is larger in compa-

rison with the body, and in this species it is the base of the scales,

while in the latter it is the outer margin that is dark.

92

The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira,

XII. — Description of some new species of Madeiran Fishes,

with additional information relating to those already de-

scribed. By the Rev. R. T. Lowe^ M.A.*

[Continued from vol. iv, p. 424.]

Family Triglid^.

ScoRP^NA USTULATA. minor, laciniis nullis, ruhra, pallido va-

riegata nigroque punctata ; genis operculisque granulato-pustulosis .

macula fusca notatis : pinmc doi'salis medio unimaculatce spina

quanta ceteris longiore : capite s. rostro abbreviate, obtuso ; mao:-

illis aqualibus : squamis majusculis, scabriusculis.

D. 12 + 9; A. 3 + 5; P. 1+ VII. + 10; V. 1+5; C.

Rariss.

Occasionally taken with the common sort {Sc. scrofa, L.), with

which it agrees in general colouring, resembling rather the Rocaz

(Sebastus ?naderensis, nob.) in shape. It appears undescribed, and

is very distinct in its characters, being a true Scorpeena, notwith-

standing the absence of lacinice, having the whole head naked or

scaleless. It scarcely attains half the size of Sc. scrofa, L.

Fam. ScoMBRiD.^.

Nauclerus abbreviatus, Cuv. et Val. Hist. IX. 251.

Two individuals have occurred of this pretty little fish, answering

so well to the species above referred to, that it were unreasonable to

doubt their identity, although its describers have omitted mentioning

a strong superscapulary spine, and a fourth smaller tooth or spinule

along the lower border of the preopercle, anterior to the three which

arm its angle Alive, and in a glass of sea- water, the activity and

lovely colours of these little fishes rendered them most interesting

objects. They were taken following a piece of floating timber ;

and until close examination after death, could scarcely be distin-

guished from the young of Naucrates ductor, Cuv., but for the abs-

ence of the caudal keels.

Tetrapttjrus Georgii. — “ Peito.”

Having at length, through Mr. Leacock’s kind exertions, obtained

a fine example of the Peito in perfect condition, I am enabled to

state that it forms a new and very distinct species of Tetrapturus,

Rafin. ; differing from T. belone, Raf., as described by MM. Cuvier

and Valenciennes, especially in having the pectoral fins proportion-

ally twice as long, and the body clothed with large scales of a pe-

culiar shape and nature. I only forbear to draw up its specific cha-

racter till I have checked my notes and observations by examination

of more examples ; but I hope to be allowed the privilege at once of

commemorating by its specific name the valuable assistance rendered

to the cause of Ichthyology by Mr. George Butler Leacock, of this

island generally, as well as in the present instance.

* Road before the Zoological Society, June 9, 1840.

93

The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira,

Fam. CoRYPH^NiD^.

Asteroderma coryphanoides (Bon.) ; Astrodermus coryphanoides,

Cuv. et Val. IX. 353. t. 270. — Diana semilunata, Risso, Hist. iii.

267./. 14.

A single small example only has occurred.

Fam. Labrid^.

Ctenolahrus iris, Cuv. et Val. XIII. 236. Rariss.

A most elegant and well-marked little species.

JuLis UNiMACULATA. — Peixc vevde T — J. elliptico-oblonga, gra-

ciliuscula : corpore aurato-viridi, lateribus medio fascia longitu-

dinali ohscura : squamis magnis, litura rufa perpendiculate notatis :

capite rosaceo-rufo, strigis fasciisve fexuosis cceruleis picto :

pinna dorsali medio unimaculata analique hasi squamatis : oper-

culo postice biangulato : cauda lunata, lobis abbreviatis.

D. 8 + 13; A. 3+11; P. 2+13; V. 1+5; C.

Var. a. tceniata : corpore 5-6-fasciato : fasciis angustis viridibus, im-

maculatis. Vulgatiss.

Var. /3. lineolata ■. corpore efasciato, toto lituris rufis creberrimis ad

perpendiculum ductis sequaliter picto. Vulg.

Blended apparently by Valenciennes (Hist. XHI. 377.) with the

blue-collared J . turcica, Risso, under the name of J . pavo ; as for-

merly by me considered merely a variety of J. turcica. Long-con-

tinued observations have, however, established its claim to rank as a

species, which is composed of two varieties, precisely corresponding

with the two of which the true J. turcica consists.

Fam. Gadid^.

Merlucius ambiguus. — Morcego do mar."

Having only obtained a single individual, I forbear attempting a

specific character of this little Hake, which, in the production into a

filament of the second ray of the ventral fins and grooved nape, re-

sembles a Motella ; wanting, on the other hand, the beards, and

having no trace of any fin within the nuchal groove. From Mer-

lucius Maraldi, Risso, Hist. iii. 220. it differs in the colouring ; and

though the upper jaw closes over the under, it scarcely can be called

“ longer.” In Risso’s fish the nape is grooved {sillonnee), but he

says nothing of any peculiarity about the ventral fins.

The Madeiran Hake, or “ Pescada,” Merlucius vulgaris of mj

Synopsis, p. 189, proves, upon better acquaintance, distinct from the

common British Hake, M. vulgaris, Cuv., Yarr., &c. (Gadus Merluc-

cius, L.). Instead of being even, the dorsal and anal fins are each

produced at their hinder end into a rounded lobe ; the jaws are

nearly equal in length ; the teeth are large and numerous ; the scales

small. I do not name it, for I believe it has already been called by

Mr. Swainson M. sinuatus ; and I am doubtful whether it may not

also be the M. esculentus of Risso, iii. 220, though in his synonyms

94 The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.

he has confounded it with the true Northern Hake. I believe

it to be the fish imperfectly figured long ago by Salviana, p. 73,

copied by Willoughby, t. L. membr. 2. n. 1, which has usually been

referred to also for the Northern Hake.

Fam. Esocid^.

Cypselurus pulchellus.

From want of materials for comparison, I am unable to give cor-

rectly the sjDecific characters of this most elegant little Flying-fish,

which is remarkably characterized by two or three bright rose-

coloured horse-shoe- shaped marks on each side of the belly, one be-

hind the other. The ventral fins are placed a little behind the

middle of the body, not reckoning the caudal fin, and their tips

reach to the base of the latter. The tips of the pectoral fins reach

only to the end of the base of the dorsal fin, which is large, high,

and produced. The anal fin is small and low, but a little produced

backwards. The cirrate appendage to the lower jaw is like a

leathern flap or apron, torn irregularly at the bottom into strips or

thongs. I willingly abandon my own MS. name of Cheilopogon for

this genus, distinguished from Exoccetus by the variously-appendaged

lower jaw, in favour of the designation which I find this group of

fishes has received from Mr. Swainson whilst this paper has been

going through the press.

Fam. Diodontid^.

Eiodon Hystrix, a. Linn. — D. punctatus, Cuv. — Histrix piscis

Clusii, &c., Will. t. I. 5.

A single example only has occurred.

Fam. Squalid^.

Carcharias microps. — Tubarao.”

The Tubarao of Madeira proves to be a genuine species of Car-

charius, as defined by MM. Muller and Henle in the Magazine of

Natural History for the year 1838, p. 35. It is remarkable for the

smallness of the eye ; and the teeth, as reported previously by the

fishermen, are really feeble in proportion to its bulk ; they are in

only two rows, and precisely similar in both jaws. The tail is very

large and powerful. The individual examined measured eight feet

five or six inches in length. I name it only provisionally, and abs-

tain again from attempting a specific character, — deferring, in both

points, to the expected publication of MM. Muller and Henle,

amongst whose indicated “ twenty species” it will probably be found.

Alopecias superciliosus.

At once distinguished from the only other known species of the

genus, Carcharias vulpes, Cuv., by the enormous eye and its promi-

nent brow. I have at present only seen a single young example.

95

Mr. Thompson on the Sticklebacks of Ireland.

XIII. — On the species of Stickleback (Gasterosteus^ Linn.)

found in Ireland. By Wm. Thompson, Vice-Pres. Nat.

Hist. Society of Belfast.

In the ^Histoire des Poissons^ of Cuvier and Valenciennes,

the Gasterosteus aculeatus of Linnaeus is divided into several

species. T’lie views there adopted are followed in Great Bri-

tain * by Mr. Yarrell and Dr. Parnell in their respective works ;

but in Mr. Jenyns’s ^ Manual,’ four of these species — all that

have been recognised as British — are, after a close comparison

of examples from the same pond, and of these again with

others from different waters, reduced to one species f. Having

myself compared specimens of the fish in question from still

more numerous localities than the last-named author, I arrive

at the same conclusion in so far as it extends ; but go still

further, and venture to consider six or seven of the species of

the ^ Hist, des Poiss.’ as in reality but one, assuming so many

different appearances. To allude to the extreme accuracy of

description characteristic of that truly great work — the ‘ Hist,

des Poiss.’ — would be most superfluous. On anotlier point

altogether the different view adopted in the present paper

turns ; namely, on the permanency of characters there attri-

buted to the 3-spined Gasterosteus.

In this genus, Ireland possesses all the forms which are in-

cluded in the British catalogue. An additional one — G. semi-

loricatus, Cuv. and Val, — will be particularly treated of, and

come first under notice, as one of the two varieties which are

protected with scaly plates throughout the sides.

G. trachurus, Cuv. and Val., t. iv. p.481.

G. semiloricatus, Cuv. and Val., t. iv. p. 494.

March 20, 1835. — On examination of a number of 3-spined

Sticklebacks from the island of Rathlin, (sent by Mrs. Gage

* Nilsson, in his ‘ Prodromus Ichthyologias Scandinavica?,’ published in

18.32, thus describes varieties of Gast. aculeatus, Linn.: —

“ at.) Capite, a latere inspecto, magis acuto ; spinis dorsalibus longioribus,

media longitudinein capitis ditnidiam aequante et dimidiam corporis altitu-

dinem superante.

“ /3.) Capite, a latere inspecto, magis obtuso ; spinis dorsalibus breviori-

bus; media multo bveviore quam ^ capitis et dimid. corpor. altit.” — p. 86.

This author makes G. trachurus synonymous with G. aculeatus, Linn. —

he does not offer any opinion on the species of Gasterosteus in the ‘ Hist,

des Poiss.’

t In a note to p. 350, Mr. Jenyns observes with reference to G. hrachy-

centrus, that “ it is more than probable that some of the other foreign Gas-

terostei described by Cuvier are mere varieties of this species” — G. acu-

leatus, Linn.

96 Mr. Thompson on the species of Stickleback

to Dr. J. D. Marshall, who submitted them to my inspection,)

I find that in some the lateral plates extend throughout the

entire sides, as in G. trachurus ; in others, so far only as in

G. semiarmatus \ and in some again no further than in G.

lieurus. No other difference can be perceived in these speci-

mens, which are all of a small size, from an inch to an inch

and a half in length. From between tide-marks in Larne

Lough (Mrs. Patterson) ; from oozy and rocky pools over

which the tide regularly flows, situated near the edge of Bel-

fast Bay (Richard Langtry, Esq. — W. T.) ; also from a deep

pool in the middle of it (Mr. James Nichol) — and from the

harbour of Donaghadee (Capt. Fayrer, R.N.)., T possess ex-

amples of the full-armed Stickleback of various sizes up to 3

inches.

In addition to these Irish examples of the full-armed Stickle-

back, some 2 inches in length from the Thames, communicated

in 1834 by Mr. Yarrell, are before me for comparison, and se-

veral from 1^ to If inch, which I obtained in a marine rock-

pool at Ballantrae, Ayrshire, in August 1839.

In June 1836, Lieut. Davis, R.N., sent to the Belfast Mu-

seum, from the neighbourhood of Donaghadee, some gigantic

specimens, two of which are 3^ inches in length and 10 lines

in depth ; a third is 3 inches 4 lines long and 9 lines deep ;

the number of fin-rays is the same in all, viz.

D. Ill + 12 ; A. I -f 9 ; P. 10 ; V. I -f 1 ; C. 12.

These three individuals have each 23 plates on the side of the

body to the origin of the caudal keel, and thus agree with the

G. semiloricatus. Colour as usual in female specimens, no red

appearing anywhere. With the above were two others of or-

dinary size ; one of which was red on the lower portion of

the body. Lieut. Davis stated in a note respecting them,

that they were found in a pool of brackish water access-

ible to the sea, at the Foreland rocks near Donaghadee.”

The example, inches in length, from deep water in Belfast

Bay, differs very much from the large individuals just noticed,

in the free margins of the lateral plates ; these, in the latter are

finely, regularly, and very minutely serrated, while in the former

they are distinctly toothed, the denticles becoming larger on the

plates as these latter approach the tail. The number of these

plates to the origin of the caudal keel is about 23, as in the large

examples — this number likewise appears in the Thames speci-

men of G. trachurus. With the exception of a ray less in the

anal fin, the number of fin-rays is the same in that under

consideration as in the large fish. The example, 2 inches in

length, from Donaghadee harbour, has likewise about 23

97

found in Ireland.

plates on the side to the origin of the eaudal keel : the serra-

tion on the free margin of these plates is intermediate be-

tween that exhibited in the specimens from the Foreland Point

and the one just noticed from Belfast Bay.

In the full-armed Sticklebacks from the localities generally,

which have been enumerated, great differences are observable,

as — considering for the present adult fish only — in the com-

parative length of the dorsal and ventral spines, and in the

lateral plates. In some individuals these do not occupy more

than the central portion of the sides, in others the whole sides,

and again are intermediate.

In the absence either of a specimen for comparison, or a

figure to refer to, it may perhaps be considered that certainty

cannot be arrived at respecting G. semiloricatus. This fish is

stated to differ from G. trachurus in having only 22 or 23

plates on each side to the origin of the caudal keel instead of

its 25 or 26, and in the shoulder-plate (plaque de I’epaule)

being larger. It has been seen that some of my specimens,

and of these, some of the largest size, possess only the number

of lateral plates attributed to G. semiloricatus. In examples

of equal length, and from the same as well as from different

localities, I find the size of the shoulder-plate to vary like

other characters. Hence I am disposed to regard some of the

examples under consideration as this fish.

In the Hist, des Poiss.^ it is remarked of G. semiloricatus,

Nous n’avons pu trouver aux environs de Paris que des epi-

noches a queue nue ; il nous en est venu de pareilles des de-

partemens de la Somme et de FOise, de la Rochelle et de

quelques autres lieux : nous avons observe celle a queue cuiras-

see dans les ruisseaux des cotes de Normandie, et encore re-

cemment M. Deslongchamps nous Fa envoyee de Caen, et M.

Baillon en a pris dans le Hable-d’Ault, lac saumatre de Fem-

bouchure de la Somme, pres du Treport. C^est la seule qui

se trouve dans les etangs des environs de Berlin, et elle y est

en quantite innombrable. Peut-^tre est-ce Fespece qui habite

plus frequemment pres des bords de la mer, et qui pent entrer

dans Feau salee. Des observations ulterieures nous appren-

dront sans doute bientot ce qui en est.” — t. iv. p. 494.

This accords generally with my own observation, as in

seven out of the nine localities whence my specimens mailed

throughout the sides were derived — whether they be called

G. trachurus or G. semiloricatus — they were taken either in

the sea or estuary. The exceptions are the largest speci-

mens, which were procured in a pool of brackish water ac-

cessible to the sea;” and those from Rathlin, obtained in

Ann. ^ Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii. H

98 Mr. Thompson on the species of Stickleback

fresh water. From the passage just quoted, we learn that the

G. semiloricatus inhabits the pools about Berlin. It has

always seemed to me not improbable, that in the sea, where

the enemies of this diminutive fish are more numerous than

in the fresh water, the protecting hand of Nature had as a

defence armed its body with these lateral plates. That some

fishes have the power of accommodating their colour to that of

the ground or bottom of the water they frequent, and are thus

rendered comparatively inconspicuous to their enemies, is well

established.

A third species of 3-spined Stickleback, armed throughout

the sides like those here treated of, is the G. Noveboracensis,

which, as its name denotes, is found at New York. Judging

from the description and figure of this fish in the ^ Hist, des

Poiss.,^ I should not consider it distinct from G. trachurus or

G. semiloricatus. The specimens which have come under my

examination differ much in the few characters which are said

to distinguish this fish from G. trachurus. The high position

of the lateral line is the chief character of G. I^oveboracensis —

in some specimens before me this line is so near the back, that

three-fourths of the body of the fish are below it. Our G.

Pungitius is admitted as an American species by Dr. Storer

in his interesting work on the ^ Fishes, &c. of Massachusetts^

(p. 32), and for a copy of which I am indebted to his kind-

ness.

The descriptions and figures of the G. obolarius, Cuv. and

Val. — a 3-spined Stickleback armed throughout the sides,

and found in the North Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Kam-

tschatka, — are said in the ‘Hist, des Poiss.^ to be insufficient to

mark it with certainty as a species distinct from the full-armed

Gasterosteus of Europe or America (p. 500).

Dr. Parnell, in his ‘ Fishes of the Frith of Forth’ (p. 34),

after stating that he agrees with Cuvier and Yarrell in consi-

dering the G. trachurus as “ a constant and well-marked

species,” observes that the “ square tail” does not exist in

the other Sticklebacks. According to my observation, it is

certainly less developed in them, and generally (but not

invariably) corresponds with the protecting side-plates, pre-

senting a greater or less developement accordingly as the ar-

mature of the body is of a heavier or lighter cast. Dr. Par-

nell further remarks, as corroborative of G. trachurus being

a distinct species, that he has “ examined carefully several

hundred from half an inch to two inches and a half in length,

and in all the specimens the lateral plates were constant.” In

particular localities I have met with the same result on ex-

99

found in Ireland,

amining specimens of all sizes of G, trachurus and of the other

varieties also*, but in some places again the different va-

rieties are found together and of every sizef* Mr. Yarrell has

so notieed three of them in the Thames at Woolwich ; and

in Rathlin, as before mentioned, they occur together — in the

former locality in brackish, in the latter, in fresh water.

G. semiarmatus, Cuv. and Val., t. iv. p. 493, appears to be

the rarest of the 3-spined Sticklebacks in Ireland. 1 pos-

sess specimens from the island of Rathlin, as before men-

tioned, and from Wolfhill, in the neighbourhood of Belfast.

One example only occurred in the latter locality, where it was

taken in 1832 with a number of G. brachycentrus, the Stickle-

back of that district — it is indeed this variety in every respect,

except in having the lateral plates extending along the sides

so far as in G. semiarmatus ; the other characters assigned to

this supposed species in the ^ Hist, des Poiss.^ are very va-

riable. From the half-armed species I turn to the

G. lieurus, Cuv. and Val., t. iv. p. 487? in which the lateral

plates do not extend beyond the pectoral region. In every

respect but this, it is considered in the ^ Hist, des Poiss.^ so

similar to G. trachurus, that the one description is given as

equally applicable to both. The G. lieurus would seem to be

the most common freshwater Stickleback in Ireland J.

The localities whence specimens of this fish are now before

me, are — the island of Rathlin ; — the neighbourhood of Bel-

fast (W. T.) ; — river Bann at Toome (W. T.) ; — Portaferry and

Newcastle, county Down (W. T.) ; — Lough Melvin, county

Fermanagh (W. T.) ; — neighbourhood of Dublin (Mr. R.

Ball) ; — Glendalough, county Wicklow (Mr. G. C. Hynd-

man); — Portarlington, Queen’s-county (Rev. B. J. Clarke) ; —

some of the examples from this locality are very handsomely

marked, being along the back of a rich brown colour, which

* The partial exception to this is in G. hrachycentrus, in which the dorsal

spines are comparatively longer in young than in adult individuals, and

hence the young in this respect accord with G. lieurus. I here speak of

localities in which all the full-grown fish are G. hrachycentrus.

t From the many small examples of all the varieties about nine lines in

length that have come under my observation, I should think the number of

lateral plates they are to possess through life is then as decided as the num-

ber of fin-rays ; i. e. provided they would have remained in the locality

whence they were taken. Whether such a change of habitation, as from

fresh water to the sea, would cause the smooth-sided at any age to put on

the lateral armour, may remain a question.

I From drains which are occasionally replenished by the tide I have also

taken it.

H 2

100 Mr. Thompson on the species of Stickleback

is continued down the sides in the form of regular transverse

bands upon a yellow ground; — river Shannon, at Killaloe

(Rev. C. Mayne) ; — Youghal, county Cork (Mr. R. Ball).

From Scotland I have specimens obtained in the neigh-

bourhood of Portpatrick by Capt. Fayrer, R.N. Examples

from the Thames have been favoured me by Mr. Yarrell ; and

in the river Learn, at Leamington, Warwickshire, the G. lieu-

rus has occurred to myself. Next to this variety naturally

comes the

G. brachycentrus, Cuv. and Val., t. iv. p. 499, which like it,

is smooth along the sides from the pectoral region, but differs

in the shortness of the dorsal and ventral spines. From the

comparative length of these spines alone do I distinguish the

two varieties, the other characters attributed to G. brachy-

centrus being ever varying^ The Irish localities whence I

have this fish, are the neighbourhood of Belfast, and pools

along the margin of Lough Neagh (W. T.), Dublin, Youghal,

and Portarlington — supplied from these three localities by the

friends before mentioned.

The largest example which has come under my observa-

tion was one taken by myself in England, at Stow Pool,

Lichfield, in July 1836, and which was noticed in the ^ Pro-

ceedings of the Zoological Society^ for the next year. This is

the only allusion I have seen to the G. brachycentrus in Great

Britain.

This variety, which from the shortness of its spines is the

most defenceless of the 3-spined Sticklebacks, we should,

a priori, — i. e. if the suggestion respecting the full-armed va-

riety be correct — expect to find where it has fewest enemies,

and such, according to my very limited observation, is the

case. This would seem to be the variety more peculiar to still

water, in which it often attains a very large size. The only

continental notice of this fish known to me is that in the

‘ Hist, des Poiss.,^ where it is stated to have been obtained by

M. Savigny in the brooks of Tuscany.

The following comparison between G. brachycentrus from

the neighbourhood of Belfast, and specimens of G. lieurus, &c.

from the Thames, favoured me by Mr. Yarrell, was drawn up

early in 1834; —

In form of outline the Irish fish generally differs much from the

G. lieurus, the latter being from the centre of the back alike grace-

fully sloped on either side to the head and tail, giving that part a

handsome and finely-arched appearance ; the under side of the body

also exhibits more of this form than that of its congener. The back

of the Irish species, instead of thus sloping gradually to the centre.

101

found in Ireland,

is at that part rather flat, and is at least as high where the dorsal fin

originates as elsewhere. The Irish fish is in proportion to its depth

longer than the G. lieurus, as specimens of the latter under 2^ inches

in length, when compared with Irish specimens 3 inches long, proved

of equal dimensions (8 lines) at the deepest part. The difference is

also strongly marked in the relative breadth of the two species, the

Irish maintaining considerable breadth throughout, even to the ori-

gin of the caudal fin. The teeth in the lower jaw of the Irish spe-

cies consist in the centre of about four rows irregularly disposed,

but become gradually less numerous towards the back of the mouth,

where they terminate in a single line : the upper jaw contains three

rows in front, the outer and inner being regular in distribution.

In number, the G. lieurus which I examined does not possess so

many teeth as that species, but in their arrangement there is little

difference. On reckoning the vertebra in a specimen of the G. lieurus

and in one of the Irish Sticklebacks of similar length, I find that

the number in the latter exceeds that in the former species, and

that they are throughout more regularly equidistant than in the

G. lieurus.

In the three English Sticklebacks, G. trachurus, G. semiarmatus

and G. lieurus, the bony plate covering the head is much stronger

than in the Irish fish — the outline of the lower jaw more angular —

the lips smaller and less fleshy — the number of rays in the fins dif-

ferent, consisting generally, in the Irish specimens, of twelve in the

dorsal, ten in the pectoral, eight in the anal, and twelve in the cau-

dal. In the three English Gasterostei, d\s,o, the ventral spine is longer,

but not so broad as in the Irish fish — the dorsal spines considerably

longer, and the plates* whence they spring proportionately larger.

The following is the measurement of the spines in the four species :

In the last species* the membrane extends to the extremities of all

the spines.

About Belfast I have taken the smooth-sided Sticklebacks

— G. lieurus and G. brachycentrus — from ditches in the low

grounds^, from clear mountain-streams at an elevation of 600

feet above the level of the sea, from the muddy rivers Black-

water and Lagan, and from water which was partially salt

(here G. lieurus only), when, contrary to what might be ex-

* Agreeably to the view taken in the ‘ Hist, des Poiss.,’ the term “species”

was here applied to G. brachycentrus. I was disposed at the time (1834)

to regard it as a local variety, but had not the means, which have since been

afforded by a comparison of specimens from numerous localities, to arrive at

a certain conclusion on the subject.

102 Mr. Thompson on the species of Stickleback

pected, the largest were invariably found where the tempera-

ture was lowest, specimens there (G. brachycentrus) not un-

commonly attaining the length of three inches, and perfectly

free from the pearl-like tumours, which, adhering to the body,

infest those inhabiting the comparatively warm waters of the

lower grounds. This short-spined Stickleback here exhibits,

in all respects, the same colours as the most common of the

English varieties ; of many of the larger individuals captured

in the month of September, about the one-half were red on the

under parts. In large shoals too 1 have remarked fully this

proportion to have assumed the scarlet, and in the early sum-

mer months have observed that full-grown fishes, in w^hich the

most intense shade of this colour prevailed, never appeared to

be wdth spawn*, very few in that state being so much as

faintly tinged with it. This Gasterosteus and the Trout [Salmo

Fario) seem not to co-exist in some of our smaller rivers, or

do so very partially. In the stream whence the largest of these

were taken, trout {Salmo Fario) w^ere a dozen years ago very

common, and the Stickleback unknow n, and it is only since

the almost total disappearance of the Trout that this fish has

been established in its w^aters. In a similar stream issuing

from the same mountain-range at about four miles distance,

the Trout yet maintains its place, and in the parts of the river

frequented by it I have in vain looked for the Stickleback.

The figure of G. brachycentrus in the ^ Hist, des Poiss.^ re-

sembles the Irish fish w*hen in spavm, and not its usual ap-

pearance.

In addition to that fish, there is another 3-spined Stickle-

back, brought by M. Savigny from the brooks of Tuscany,

described as new in the ^ Hist, des Poiss.^ — from its brilliant

operculum, it is named G. argyropomus. In this and the other

characters assigned to it, Irish specimens in my possession

fully accord. It is suggested, indeed, with reference to the

characters attributed to this and the tW'O other Gasterostei —

G. brachycentrus and G. tetr acanthus — brought by M. Sa-

vigny from Tuscany — Nous allons les indiquer, pour en-

gager les observateurs a s^assurer de leur Constance,^’ p. 498.

In the next page it is however remarked of G. brachycentrus,

that there is no doubt of its being a true species f.

Four-spined Stickleback, G. spinulosus, Yarr. and Jenyns.

Among specimens of Gasterostei kindly procured for me at

* So late as the 19th Sept. 1832, I remarked one large with spawn.

t The different varieties of the 3-spined Stickleback are commonly known

in the North of Ireland by the name of Spricklebag — evidently a corruption

of the proper term — Pinkeen is applied to them in the South ; and from the

Shannon they have been sent me under the name of Thornback,

103

found in Ir aland.

La Bergerie, near Portarlington, dueen^s-comity, by the Rev.

B. J. Clarke, is an individual with four spines. It is inch

long ; the first and second spines are of ordinary length ; the

third spine is short, but exceeding the fourth. In no other

character than that of having four spines, does this fish differ

from the 3-spined examples taken with it, and consequently

I cannot look upon it otherwise than merely an accidental va-

riety of G. aculeatusy Linn. It was among a parcel, consist-

ing of G. lieurus, G. brachycentrus and G. Pungitius, taken in

a pond and in some neighbouring drains. The ascending-

plate from the base of the ventrals ” (see Jenyns^s Manual,

p. 350), I find subject to variety of form like other parts.

That the fish under consideration is the G. spinulosus^ seems

to me not to admit of doubt*.

Ten-spined Stickleback, G. Pungitius, Linn.

This diminutive fish is rare ” — as has already been noticed

by Templeton t — in Ireland, comparatively with the 3-spined

species. The localities whence I possess it are very few in

number, viz. — pits excavated in brick-making on the banks of

the Blackstaff river, near Belfast ; a marsh in the neighbour-

hood of Portaferry, county Down (W. T.) ; and La Bergerie,

Queen^s-county (Rev. B. J. Clarke) — from this locality a con-

siderable number were sent, and among them the largest na-

tive specimens I have seen, a few being If inch in length, and

one having attained to 2\ inches.

From the neighbourhood of Portpatrick, Scotland, this spe-

cies has been sent me by Capt. Fayrer, R.N. For examples

from the Thames I am indebted to Mr. Yarrell; and in the

river Learn, near Leamington, Warwickshire, it has occurred

to myself.

In most of the above localities the 3-spined species was

taken with the G. Pungitius. All of the latter, whether from

brackish or fresh w^ater, are smooth throughout the sides (G.

Icevis, Cuv. ^ Regne iknimal,’ 2nd ed.J), and but a very few in-

dividuals present any appearance of a keel on the sides of the

tail. The dorsal spines vary from nine to eleven in number,

and do so in examples of equal size from the same place.

* Since the above was written, I have been gratified to find that my friend

Dr. Johnston, in a ' List of the Fishes of Berwickshire, exclusive of the Sal-

mones,’ considers the G. sjnmilosus a variety only of the 3-spined species —

of these he notices the “ Rough-tailed, Half-armed, and Smooth-tailed

Sticklebacks” of Yarrell, as varieties only of one species. (See Report of the

Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club for 1838, p. 171.)

t Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. New Series.

X See also Hist, des Poiss. t. iv. p. 507.

104 Mr. Thompson on the Sticklebacks of Ireland.

Fifteen-spined Stickleback*^ G. Spinachia, Linn.

This species, differing from G. aculeatus and G. Pungitius

in being strictly a marine fish, is found around the coast of

Ireland. I possess examples obtained at Rathlin, in the north

(by Dr. J. D. Marshall) ; Bundoran, in the west (W. T.) ;

Youghal, in the south (by Mr. R. Ball), and on the coasts of

Down (W. T.) ; and Antrim (by Mrs. Patterson), in the north-

east.

On the southern coast, where sprat-fishing is regularly prac-

tised, the G. Spinaclda is taken in greater quantity than in

the north. Mr. R. Ball on one occasion knew as many to be

captured with the Sprat {Clapea Sprattus), at Youghal, as

would fill a bushel,^’ and at Glendore and the south-west

coast of Cork generally, Mr. G. J. Allman informs me that

it is often taken at the same time with this fish. On the coast

of Down full-grown specimens have occasionally occurred to

me when dredging, and likewise under stones between tide-

marks, and one or two individuals may sometimes be seen in

the fish-market at Belfast, whither they are brought with

quantities of the Atherine [Atherina Presbyter) from Porta-

ferry, in the winter and early spring. In the rock-pools, on

different parts of the coast, the fry of G. Spinachia may be

observed in the month of June about three-quarters of an

inch in length ; and in such places I have at Bangor (county

Down), in the middle of September, captured them of twice

that size, where in winter neither young nor adult examples

ever occurred to me.

Both the G. aculeatus and G. Pungitius were included in

Dr. Patrick Brown’s ^ Catalogue of the Fishes of Ireland,’

published in Exshaw’s Magazine for 1774 — the former species

was noticed two years before in Rutty’s ^ Natural History of

the County of Dublin.’ In M’Skimmin’s History of Car-

rickfergus,’ and in Mr. Templeton’s ^Catalogue,’ the G. Spina-

chia has a place.

In one respect the foregoing pages may be considered

rather as exhibiting a retrogression than an advancement of

the subject, as in them an attempt is made to restore what

have latterly been considered as several species simply into

the three described by Linnasus as Gast. aculeatus^ G. Pun-

gitius and G. Spinachia.

* Hom-eel is a coinmon name for this species in the North.

Plants and Animals in Harrowgate Waters,

105

XIV. — Notice of Plants and Animals found in the Sulphureous

Waters of Harrowgate and Askern, Yorkshire. By E. Lan-

KESTER^ M.D., F.L.S.^ &c.

In the distribution of organized beings over the surface of the

earth, we generally find an adaptation of the former to the

various conditions of the latter.

In many marked cases this adaptation is so great, that or-

ganized beings cannot exist but in the peculiar circumstances

in which they are first engendered. From this law arises the

great variety of organized beings which we find adapted to oc-

cupy almost every existing condition of matter. There are,

however, some conditions of the inorganic kingdom in which

organic beings have not been detected, as excessive cold or

heat, the absence of oxygen or the presence of injurious gases,

&c. The extent, however, of these exceptions is continually

on the decrease, and animated beings or their remains are

now found in circumstances which but a few years since would

have been thought quite impossible. For an increasing know-

ledge on this point we are in a great measure indebted to the

use of the microscope. By its agency both animal and vege-

table productions can be detected in almost all conditions of

matter, so that it is difficult to say, with the exceptions of the

extremes of heat and cold, under what combination of agencies

we might not expect to find a plant or an animal. This ex-

tensive adaptation of the one kingdom to the other can now

be demonstrated to be essential to the welfare of the whole, as

in many instances the lower organic beings derive existence

from, and convert into their own substance, those elements

which would be destructive of the existence of beings higher

in the scale of life. Hence the investigation of this depart-

ment of science becomes interesting to the physiologist.

Among those conditions of matter which, from their powerful

influence on man, might be supposed to be destructive of all

animal life, are some varieties of those waters which, from the

nature of their contents, are called mineral. Some of these

have a temperature exceeding greatly that of the human

body, yet many of them contain both plants and animals ; in

fact, wherever the former are found we may anticipate the

existence of the latter.

On the present state of our knowledge with regard to the

composition of mineral and thermal waters a report has al-

ready appeared, drawn up by Dr. Daubeny at the request of

the British Association for the Advancement of Science ; in

this report reference is made to the existence of both animal

and vegetable matter in many cold and thermal springs.

106

Dr. Lankester on Plants and Animals

Amongst the substances found in sulphureous springs is one

called ylairine, which has for a long time been recognised by

continental chemists, and was carefully investigated by Pro-

fessor Anglada, who thought it resulted from the chemical

action of some of the constituents of the water in which it was

found. Dr. Daubeny has also investigated this substance, and,

in opposition to the opinion of Anglada, believes it to arise en-

tirely from organic matters in the waters in which it occurs.

This notice first induced me to ascertain if this substance was

present in the sulphureous waters of Askern and subsequently

in those of Harrowgate, and the result has been the detection

of forms of animal and vegetable life in circumstances in

which I had not previously suspected them.

Previously to Dr. Daubeny^s investigation. Dr. Willan had

announced the presence of a peculiar organic substance in the

waters of Croft in Yorkshire, which Dillwyn named Conferva

nivea ; and many French and German chemists had described

organic matters in mineral waters, as resin of sulphur, humus,

extractive, Baregine, zoogene, &c., &c.

As great medicinal virtues have been attributed to these

substances, they have in certain quarters attracted consider-

able notice ; but not having visited any of the mineral waters

of the continent with the view of investigating them, I am

not able to say how far those which I have found at Harrow-

gate and Askern may resemble those described on the con-

tinent, and shall only endeavour in this place to point out the

nature of certain substances in these waters, which appear

to resemble those spoken of by continental writers.

Throughout the whole district in which Askern is situated,

the soil in many places, and the mud in the ditches and pools,

when tested, gives very decided proof of the existence of sul-

phuretted hydrogen. At certain seasons of the year many of

these spots are covered with a whitish-looking Conferva, which

1 have supposed to be the Conferva nivea of Dillwyn. The

speeimens obtained from off the sulphuretted mud of w^aters

which contain no sulphuretted hydrogen, present a greenish

fibre, surrounded by verticilli of numerous smaller fibres.

This appears to be the plant in a mature stage of growth. If

however a small portion of the mineral water be put aside, it

will in the course of a little time present on the sides of the

vessel in which it is contained a whitish-looking substance,

which, on being examined by the microscope, exhibits a mass

of very delicate fibres. The same fibres are found to consti-

tute the white substance which collects around the sides of

the sulphur wells, as well as at the bottoms of the cisterns

and the pipes through which the water is drawn.

found in the TVatersi of Harr oiv gate and Askern. 107

In places where this substance has been allowed to collect

for some time, a layer of darker fibres will be found to have

formed, which present all the characters of the fibres collected

from the sulphuretted mud of the running streams. From

this circumstance I have been led to suspect that the two are

but different forms of the same plant. If this white substance

be kept in a warm room it decomposes and gives out a sul-

phurous smell, which is stronger and more disagreeable than

that of sulphuretted hydrogen, A film also collects upon the

surface of the water, and in this state it corresponds very

closely to Anglada’s description oi glair me. In one instance

I observed this substance to form in a glass-stopped bottle of

sulphur water, from which the atmospheric air w^as excluded,

with the exception of a small globule which existed in the

neck of the bottle. It forms, however, most rapidly when ex-

posed to the atmosphere ; and so quickly does this process go

on, that the stone vessels into which the water runs over at

the Bath-houses, if cleaned in the morning, will be found co-

vered in many places by night. When exposed to the air the

sulphur water is constantly depositing small portions of the

salts which it holds in solution, which, in places where it is

undisturbed, mix with the vegetable fibres and present them-

selves in the form of crystals mixed with the fibres. In this

state, when collected and dried and submitted to heat, it gives

out sulphurous acid gas. Some of the sulphur of this com-

pound may be precipitated from the water ; but from the smell

of the fibres in decomposing, I am inclined to think that they

themselves contain sulphur, and that this is the agent wdiicli

determines their existence and peculiar form.

Being at Harrowgate during the past summ.er, I was de-

sirous of confirming the existence of this substance in the sul-

phur w^ater there. In most of the wells I found on their sides

deposits varying in colour and appearance. The ditferent-co-

loured deposits were arranged in layers, so that on examining

a portion it presented several layers one above the other. The

principal layers are green, white and red. On examining the

green layers I found them to consist of simple fibres of a dark

green colour, with transverse bands of a darker shade, re-

sembling some of the species of Oscillatoria. The white I

found to consist of opake masses of a crystallized character,

which were probably salts deposited from the waters by eva-

poration and the escape of carbonic acid. The red I shall

have occasion to mention presently, only observing now that

Anglada mentions having observed glairine sometimes of a

red colour.

108 Dr. Lankester on Plants and Animals

In the specimens I brought with me from Harrowgate I

could not find the Conferva nivea, but in Hooker’s ^ British

Flora’ it is stated to have been found at this place.

All the substances which have been enumerated have been

referred to very different sources for their origin. Thus An-

glada supposed glairine to be of chemical origin^ whilst others

referred it to the vegetable kingdom, and a third class of ob-

servers have referred a similar compound to the animal king-

dom, calling it zoogene, &c. The different states, in which

these substances are presented by nature, would undoubtedly

add to these various conclusions. I am not however aware

that those who have referred this substance to the animal

kingdom have observed living animals in the waters from

which it has been taken. Dr. Daubeny remarks in a note,

that Turpin had found in the substance called Baregine the

remains of Infusoria ; but no writer that I am aware has re-

corded the fact of the existence of living animals in waters

impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen.

I have however met with several species of animalcules in

these waters, two of which I have more particularly examined,

and will now describe. In an analysis of the waters of Askern,

published in 1817, the author observes, Nearly allied to the

vegetable kingdom is a singular substance found in a pond at

the south corner of the pool. This substance is a powder of

a pink or rose colour, which forms a thin covering on the

sand and mud at the bottom of the pond.” — [Brewerton.)

On reading this, I immediately had recourse to the spot,

and found the substance lying on the mud of the ditches near

Askern, which are strongly impregnated with sulphuretted hy-

drogen. I at first thought it to be of vegetable origin, and

sent some to Mr. Berkeley for the purpose of ascertaining his

opinion. From the state in which I sent it he supposed it

might be a species of Protococcus, at the same time putting

to me the query whether it might not be of animal origin.

At that time I had seen nothing to lead me to suspect this,

unless it might have been the excretion or ova of a beau-

tiful rotiferous animalcule resembling the Pliilodina roseola

of Ehrenberg, which is very abundant in the waters of the

pool at Askern. After having kept some specimens of the

red substance in water exposed to the air, I observed the

water one morning of a deep rose colour, and on examining

it found it to contain an immense number of very minute ani-

malcules. I now had a clue to the origin of the red substance,

and from subsequent examinations found that the red colour

of the water and the deposits depended on this animalcule ; in

found in the Waters of Harr owg ate and Askern. 109

the same manner as vi ater is found of a green colour and ha-

ving green deposits, from the presence of the Cercaria viridis,

the green matter of Priestley.

From this time I looked out more particularly for this red

substance, and soon found that it occurred very extensively in

the ditches and pools at and near Askern. Its appearance is

however very fluctuating, sometimes covering a large surface

of the bottom of the pool with the appearance of red velvet,

at other times not a spot is to be seen. At first I did not

suspect at all the connection of this animalcule with the sul-

phur springs, until I observed it most abundant in the water-

courses that received the overflowings of the pumps and wells

used for drinking and bathing. This induced me to examine

the water or mud in which I afterwards found it to occur, and

I invariably found, on dipping in a piece of silver coin, that it

presented the usual action of sulphuretted hydrogen. So con-

stantly has this been the case, that by this means I have de-

tected sulphuretted hydrogen in spots where I should not have

thought it existed. In the red colour before alluded to of the

deposits around the sides of the wells at Harrow gate, I recog-

nised the same substance as existed at Askern. Whilst at

Knaresborough, I observed this rose-coloured matter in the

mud of the water before it passes into the rock which forms

the dropping-well ; and on plunging a shilling into the mud,

it came out presenting the usual discoloration from sulphu-

retted hydrogen.

The animalcule is very minute, not more than the ten

thousandth of an inch in diameter. Its form is oblong, fre-

quently presenting a contraction in the middle of its body,

and presenting from tw^o to ten or tw^elve stomachs. Its line

of movement is straight, wdth a somew'hat serpentine move-

ment of the body.

On looking over Ehrenberg’s great w^ork on Infusoria, I

have not been able to refer it to any of the genera there given,

although from its size and the circumstance of its producing

a red deposit, it w^ould seem to be his Astasia Juematodes. I

cannot, how^ever, distinguish in it a tail, wdiich is a generic

character of Astasia. The A. hamatodes w^as discovered by

Ehrenberg at the bottom of a lake in the steppe of Platow in

Siberia.

I have frequently found another animalcule with this and

sometimes alone, forming a deposit of a much lighter colour,

having a whitish red or brickdust colour. It is a much longer

animal, and has the motions of a Vibrio, but not its bead-like

form. It possesses from ten to tw^elve stomachs.

Both these animalcules live in water artifically impregnated

110

Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece,

with sulphuretted hydrogen ; whilst I have found that other

kinds are effectually destroyed by such treatment.

Besides the vegetable and animal forms above mentioned,

the sulphur waters during their decomposition afford others,

especially under the films that collect on the surface of the

water.

XV. — Remarks upon the Recent and Fossil Cycadece, By

J. Morris, Esq.

The Cycadeae, originally placed by Linnaeus and Jussieu

among the Ferns, are an interesting family of plants, from their

appearing to form an intermediate place between the Palms,

Ferns and Coniferae ; resembling the first in their external

habit, the second in the gyrate vernation of their leaves (a

character not belonging to the whole family), and related to

Coniferae in the ovula being uncovered, or not furnished with

any seed-vessel. The affinities of these families, although pre-

viously mentioned by C. Richard* *, were, in this latter re-

spect, finally determined by Mr. R. Brown in his researches

into the structure of their reproductive organs, inserted in the

Appendix of Capt. King’s ^ Voyage to Australia.’

The stems or trunks of Cycadeae are generally simple, al-

though some species of Zamia appear capable of dividing into

two or three terminal buds. In Cycas the internal structure

consists of a central pith surrounded by two or more circles

of laminated vascular and cellular tissue alternating ; in En-

cephalartos the central cellular tissue is divided from the ex-

ternal by only one circle of woody fibre f. ^^The stems are en-

closed in no true bark, but have a thick case composed of the

persistent scales which have formed the bases of fallen leaves ;

these, together with other abortive scales, constitute a com-

pact covering that supplies the place of bark.” — {BucklandX^

* ‘ Mem. sur les Coniferes et Cycadees,’ 1826, p. 183. “ II n’est aucune

fainille de plantes qui ait plus de rapports et de ressemblance avec les Coni-

feres que celle des Cycadees. Ces rapports nous semblent si grands, que nous

pensons qu’il est impossible de distinguer ces deux families, ni par des ca-

racteres tires de leursfleurs, ni par des caracteres puises dans rorganisation

de leurs fruits. Les seuls signes distinctifs qui existent reellement entr’ elles

consistent uniquement dans leur port et la structure anatomique de leur

tige, qui en effet est fort differente dans Tun et I’autre groupe.”

M. Richard, however, appears to have been unaware of tlie internal

structui'e of Cycas being stratified ; but describes it as similar to that of

Palms : “ C. circinalis, Arbor . . . ligno albicanti, molli uti in arboribus mo-

nocotyledonibus disposito.”

f In a specimen of E. spiralis, for which I am indebted to the Messrs.

Lee of Hammersmith, the external circle of cellular tissue is wanting.

J Some interesting observations on the structure of the tissues of Cycadeae

have appeared by D. Don, Esq., Libr. L.S. Mr. Don remarks, that “ the

Ill

Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadeee.

The family is dioecious. The inflorescence consists of a stro-

biliform spike, from the under surface of the scales of which

the polleniferous thecae proceed ; in Zamia these thecae are

separated into two distinct masses, while in Encephalartos

and Cycas they form a confluent mass.

The female inflorescence of Zamia and Encephalartos is

similar to the male cones in form, having thick scales, each

bearing on the superior surface two naked ovula ; while in

Cycas the naked ovula are seated in depressions on the edges

of a frond but little altered from the ordinary structure.

The foliation of this family consists of pinnate fronds, the

circinnate vernation of which, in a young state, has generally

been considered a character belonging to all the genera; but

a series of observations on the development of the frond which

I have had an opportunity of making in several species of the

three existing genera, have led me to an opposite conclusion,

from which it is evident that even in Cycas itself the rachis is

constantly straight in the early state ; when however twelve

or more fronds rise together, the outer ones become incurved

at their extremities, apparently for the purpose of affording

some protection to the more delicate fronds within, which re-

main perfectly straight: the only parts to which the term cir-

cinnate can be strictly applied, are the young segments or

pinnae. In the evolution of the fronds the development pro-

ceeds from the base upwards, each pair of pinnae becoming

unrolled as soon as that part of the rachis has attained its full

degree of extension and size.

A correct figure of the young frond of C. circinalis is given

in Rheede’s ^ Hortus Malabaricus,^ vol. iii. t. 15. f. 2, .3, 4 ; and

one of C. revoluta is figured in plate xi. fig. 4, 5, ^ Mag. Nat.

Hist.^ 1840, from a specimen obtained from Mr. Anderson, of

the Chelsea Botanic Garden.

The prefoliation of Zamia and Encephalartos presents but

little difference from each other ; the young rachis is slightly

recurved at the apex, the two series of pinnae being regularly

imbricated, and applied to, or in contact with, each other by

great peculiarity of the Coniferas, and which distinguishes them as well from

Cycadem as from every other family, is the remarkable uniformity of their

woody tissue, which consists of slender tubes, furnished on the sides pai’allel

to the medullary rays with one or more rows of circular or angular dots ;

but in Cycadeai no such uniformity is observable, their tissue, as in other

phaenogamous plants, consisting of two kinds of vessels, namely, of slender

transj)arent tubes, without dots or markings, and of dotted, reticulated and

spiral vessels, which are capable of being unrolled. The former are iden-

tical with the fibrous or v/oody tissue ; whilst the latter, which form a part of

each bundle, can only be compared to the strictly vascular tissue of other

plants.” — (Proc. Linn. Soc. Feb. 4, 1840.)

112 Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil CycadecB.

their anterior surface. See E. horrida, pi. 11. f. 2. andZ. 2W9~

mcea eendi pumila, f. 1, 3. ^Mag. Nat. Hist.^ April 1840. I had

made these observations on the prefoliation of this family,

when examining the extensive collection of species belonging

to the Messrs. Loddiges of Hackney (who kindly furnished

me with any specimens I required), previously to my atten-

tion being called by Prof. D. Don to some remarks by M.

Miquel on this subject ; and as they appear to differ from my

own, owing probably to the period at which the young frond

was examined in both instances, 1 shall insert an abstract

from M. MiqueFs memoir, with a view of calling the atten-

tion of botanists to a further investigation of this subject.

“ In Encephalartos affinis, Lehman, a bud is composed of

young leaves foreshortened (raccourcis), the tops of which

converge at the summit ; and the pinnae on each side of the

rachis, in consequence of this foreshortening, are imbricated

' and placed in contact one with another by the anterior sur-

face. The same curious fact is observable in E. Altensteinii

and horridus, Lehm. In species of this genus the terminal

bud generally develops itself at an interval of two or even

more years ; and in young plants or the lateral buds of large

stems it is often only developed by a single frond, or by a very

limited number at one time. The increase of the young fronds

is produced by the extension of the rachis and pinna. E, spi-

ralis, Lehm., presents exactly the same character. In the

Zamia, Lehm., the fronds are developed in a totally different

manner. In pumila and media, in the bud, the young rachis

is rolled into the form of a crozier ; but the two series of pinnae

are imbricated on each side, and are joined one with another

in such a manner that their tops are directed downwards, oc-

casioned by the circinnate disposition of the rachis. In the

young fronds of Cycas circinalis and revoluta, Thun., the

rachis as well as the pinna are rolled in the form of a crozier ;

each having a peculiar line or axis of circinnation, the same as

in Ferns*.”

The remains of fronds supposed to belong to this family

being rather numerous in a fossil state, and as the structural

characters vary in the three recent genera, I shall give a slight

description of the pinnae and their mode of attachment, il-

lustrated by a woodcut of each type.

Cycas. — Pinnae linear, lanceolate, entire acute, having a single thick

midrib t attached to the rachis by their w^hole base, the lower

part of which is slightly decurrent.

Bulletin des Sciences Physiques de Neerlande, t. i. p. 129.

t In carefully examining the cellular substance of the pinnae, small veins

may be seen passing between the midrib and the margin.

113

Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece,

Zamia. — Pinnae ovate, lanceolate, attenuate, entire or dentate, ha-

ving numerous fine equal veins parallel or slightly divergent,

simple or sometimes forked. Pinnae contracted towards the

base, and articulated to the rachis by a whitish callosity.

Encephalartos . — Pinnae varying in form, opposite or alternate, ha-

ving simple or forked veins (thicker than in Zamia), and fre-

quently terminating in spines or serrations towards the apex,

attached by their whole base to the rachis.

The genera of this family differ in their geographical distri-

bution. The five species of Cycas, viz. C. circinalis^ revolutay

Ann. ^ Mag. N, Hist. Vol. vii. I

114 Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece.

squamosa^ glauca, and angulata, are natives of China, India,

Japan, the Molucca Islands and New Holland.

The nine species of Zamia, viz. Z. angustifolia, tenuis , me-

dia, debilis, integrifolia, pygmcea, furfuracea, muricata and

pumila, are confined to the new world ; their native habitats

being the West Indies and the tropical regions of continental

America.

The fifteen species of Encephalartos, viz. E, pungens, cyca-

difolia, tridentata, longifolia, Caffra, lanuginosa, Lehmannis,

Cy cadis, horrida, latifolia, spiralis, prunifera, repanda, Frede-

rici Gulielmi and Altensteinii, belong to Southern Africa, only

one species being found in New Holland*.

Fossil Cycade^.

Dr. Buckland, in the ^ Geological Transactions/ first called

the attention of geologists to the fossil stems of this family

from the Isle of Portland, the analogy of which was pointed

out by Mr. Brown ; remains of the fronds had however been

previously described by Count Sternberg in his ^ Flora der

VorwelV and Ad. Brongniart also noticed them as occurring

at Hber in Swedenf; the most abundant locality at the pre-

sent time are the shales belonging to the oolitic series of York-

shire : whether all the remains usually associated with this

family really belong to it, may be difficult to decide, as many

of them present characters very different from the existing

species, which do not at the same time assimilate them to any

other living genera. Ad. Brongniart, an authority on these

subjects, has considered most of the simple pinnate fronds

with parallel venation to belong to Cycadeae ; but it is much to

be regretted, that the portion of his work (^Hist.desVeg. Foss/)

which would comprehend this family is not yet published, so

that we might have the full benefit of a continuation of the

same masterly observations which have thrown so much light

on the fossil Cryptogamia.

The classification in the following catalogue will be nearly

the same as that adopted by most authors on this subject.

* The following observations are extracted from Lindley and Hutton

(‘ Fossil Flora/ ii. p. 122), respecting the geographical position of Encepha-

lartos. “ They are not met with at Cape Town, where they would be ex-

posed to the cold winds from the southern polar regions, but first appear far

in the interior of the country, in the land of the Caffers, where the common

Cape Flora of Proteas and Heaths is replaced by strikingly different races

of plants. They prefer mountainous and wooded or bushy country, follow-

ing the ranges of hills, but not straggling into the plains. They are generally

met with in rocky places, almost 2000 feet above the level of the sea, higher

than the region of Mimosas, and surrounded by bushes, arborescent succu-

lent plants, Rhamnese, Celastrinese, and shrubby Leguminous species.’*

4 Ann. des Sc. Nat. tom. iv.

Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece,

115

Cycadeacites, PresL

Cycadites, Brown,

Trunks exhibiting the usual structure of Cycadece.

Fronds pinnate ; pinnae linear, entire, adnate at the base, traversed

by a single thick midrib.

Stems.

C. columnaris, Presl, Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, part 7, 8. t. 47.

f. 1 — 6. Near Radnitz, Bohemia.

C. involutus, Presl, /. c. t. 51.

C. Bucklandi, Presl, 1. c. p. 194. Comtes Buckl., Sternb., part 3,

p. 39. t. 30. Oolite, Stonesfield.

C. cylindricas Mantellia, Brong. Prod., pp. 93 and 96. Lias, Lune-

ville, Strasburg.

C. cyprinopholis, Mem. Agric. Soc. Lyons, ii. p. 129. t. 3. f. 1 — 5.

C. M. Mines de Rive-de-Gier.

Fronds.

C. salicifolius, Presl, 1. c. t. 40. f. 1, 2. Lignite, Altsattel, Bohemia.

C. angustifolius, Presl, 1. c. t. 44. Lignite, Altsattel, Bohemia.

C. ? Nilssonii*, Spadix of, Hisinger, Let. Suec., t. 33. f. 4.

C. } Nilssonii, Phillips, Geol. of Yorkshire, t. 7. f. 24. Oolite, York-

shire.

Zamites, Brong., Presl, &c.

Fruit strobiliform, oval, pedunculate, with large imbricated scales

spirally arranged. (Presl.)

Stems cylindrical or nearly spheroidal, without a distinct axis,

covered by rhomboidal cicatrices. (Brong.)

Fronds pinnate ; pinnae sessile, distichous, entire or dentate,

pointed ; sometimes contracted, sometimes enlarged at the base.

Z. Cordeei, Presl, Sternb. Flor., part 7, 8. p. 196. t. 55. C. M.

Radnitz, Bohemia.

* The portion of a frond figured by Hisinger under this name appears to

belong to a Fucus with a central rib, by the club-shaped termination of which

it may have been attached. I do not know how any worn or broken Cyc,as

leaf could assume this form.

12

116 Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece.

Z. megalophyllus^ , Presl, 1. c. p. 196. Cyc. meg., Buckl., Mantellia

nidiformis, Brong. Prod. p. 96. Oolite, Isle of Portland.

Z. microphyllus, Presl, 1. c. p. 196. Cyc. micro., Buckl. Oolite,

Isle of Portland.

Z. pygmccus, Cycadites, Lindl. and Hutt., 2. t. 143. Lias, Lyme

Regis.

Z. ? Brongniarti, Presl, 1. c. p. 196. Endogenites echinatus, Brong.,

Class. Veg. Foss., p. 43. t. 5. f. 2. Soissons.

Strobiles.

Z. crassa, Lindl. and Hutt., 2. t. 136. Wealden, Isle of Wight.

Z. macrocephala, L. and H., 2. t. 125. Greensand, near Deal.

Z. ovata, L. and H., 3. t. 226 a. Greensand.? Feversham.

Fronds.

Pinnae contracted at the base.

Z. distans, Presl, 1. c. p. 196. t. 41. f. 1. Keuper, Bamberg.

Z. lanceolatus, L. and H., 3. t. 194. Low. Ool. Shale, Haiburn

Wyke, Yorkshire.

Z. undulatus, Presl, L c. p. 197. Odontop. undulatus, Sternb., pt. 5.

and 6. p. 78. t. 28. f. 1.

Pinnae broad at the base.

Z. gigas, Lindl. and Hutt., 3. t. 165. Ool. Shale, Scarborough.

Z. ? giganteus. Hist. Let. Suec., t. 33. f. 5.

Z. ? Schlotheimii, Presl, 1. c. p. 200. Cyc. zamiafolius, Sternb., pt. 4.

p. 33. t. 43. f. 2. C. M. Mannebach. Poacites zeceformis,

Schloth. Pet. t. 26. f. 1, 2.

Z. palmatus, Cycadites, Sternb., pt. 1 — 4. t. 40. f. 1.

Z. longifolius, Brong. Prod. p. 94. Cycadites sulcicauUs, Phillips,

Geol. Yorkshire, pt. 1. t. 7. f. 21. Ctenis falcata, Lindl. and

Hutt., 2. t. 103. Ool. Sh., Gristhorpe Bay.

Presl considers this to be a Fern.

Ptilophyllum.

Stem ? Fronds pinnate ; pinnae linear, closely approximated,

more or less elongate ; base variable in form, oblique, round, imbri-

cate, sometimes auricled in the upper and sometimes in the lower

part. Veins slender, equal, parallel f.

* Presl has placed these fossil stems with Zamites, to which they appear

to have a greater affinity than to Cycadites, more especially since the inter-

esting discovery by Mr. R. Brown of the existence of scalariform vessels with-

out discs in the trunk of Z. microphyllus, a character in which they agree

with the American portion of the recent order. Mr. Brown remarks, “ that

the order Cycadem presents but one genus in America, namely, the Zamia,

on which this genus was originally founded, and to which it has been re-

cently restricted ; and that the coincidence in the structure of the scalari-

form vessels in the trunk of this Zamia of the new world, with that of the

fossil Cycadites of Europe, is very remarkable.” (Buckl. B. T. Sup. Notes.)

f I am indebted to Mr. Lonsdale, of the Geological Society, for first

pointing out to me some fossils from Cutch, belonging to Col. Grant, in

Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece. 117

This section has been proposed to include those species of fronds

hitherto classed with Zamites, but from which they differ in the va-

riable form of the base of the pinnae

and their imbricated character. Ad.

Brongniart appears to have been

aware of this structure (Prod. p. 91)

and has referred them to Zamites,

but this name ought to be restricted

to those fossils agreeing more closely

with the recent genus. The oblique attachment and auricled base

are characters not well marked in any recent species ; and whether

attached by the whole or only a portion of the base, may be difficult

to decide from the compressed state of the specimens, — an opinion

that might be formed from inspecting casts obtained from pressed

leaves of some of the Coniferee {Cunninghamia lanceolata), in which

the broad basal attachment (in the cast) would be very deceptive.

No specimens of this section have yet been found with the verna-

tion of the young fronds, although, I believe. Ad. Brongniart consi-

ders he has discovered unequivocal evidence of the gyrate vernation

of Nilssonia. This section is readily distinguished from Pterophyllum

by the pinnae being narrow and of nearly equal breadth throughout,

a character in which they agree somewhat with the young state of

Encephalartos spiralis and E. cy cadis, and the broader ones resemble

other forms of that genus ; but it would be preferable to retain them

here, although their affinity to Zamites is very evident, if the con-

cave basal attachment of Z. gigas may be considered an intermediate

form.

Pinnae narrow.

P. acutifolium, Geol. Trans., 2nd series, vol. v. t. 21. f. 1, 2, 3. Ool.,

Cutch.

P. Cutchense, Geol. Trans., 2nd series, vol. v. t. 21. f. 4. Ool., Cutch.

P. Bucklandi, Z. BuckL, Presl, I, c, pt. 7, 8. p. 198.

P. (Equate, Pterophyllum duhium. Ad. Brong. Prod. p. 95 ; Hist. Let.

Suec., t. 33. f. 8. Nilssonia cequalis, Brong., Ann. des Sc. Nat.

4. t. 12. f. 6. Lias? Hoer, Sweden.

P. pecten, Pterophyllum pecten, Lindl. and Hutt., 2. t. 102. Cycadites

pecten, Phillips, Geol. Yorks., t. 7. f. 22. Gr. Ool., Gristhorpe Bay.

P. J(Egeri, Pterophyllum Jcegeri, Brong. Prod. p. 95. Osmundites pec-

tinatus, Jseger. Keuper ?

P, dubium, Cycadites plumula, Presl, 1. c. pt. 7, 8. p. 195. Filicites

dubius, Sternb., pt. 1 — 4. t. 33. f. 1. Oolite, Yorkshire.

This may only be a variety of the next species.

P. pectinatum, Zamia, Brong. Prod., p. 94. Lindl. and Hutt., 3. 1. 172.

Filicites scolopendrioides, Lindl. and Hutt., 3. t. 229. (excl.

synon.) Stonesfield slate. Ool. shale^, Saltwick, Yorkshire.

which these characters are well exhibited ; they are figured in the 2nd part

of vol. v. of the ‘ Geol. Trans.’

* Mr. Williamson, in a memoir published in the Geol. Trans, vol. v., con-

siders most of the Yorkshire plants as belonging to the great oolite.

118 Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece.

The Filicites scolopendrioides of Lindley (not of Brongniart, from

which it is very distinct, Brongniart’s figure representing merely the

fructification of an entire leaf, Lindley’s figure that of true pinnae)

has been placed as a synonym of Z. pectinata, although it differs in

having the pinnae wider apart and more obtuse at the apex, not im-

portant specific characters.

P. taxinum, Zamia taxina, Lindl. and Hutt., 3. t. 175. Stonesfield

slate.

I am informed, from a recent communication of Prof. Phillips, that

the fossils figured in his ‘Geology of Yorkshire,’ under the names of

Cycadites lanceolatus {Zamia Mantelli, Br.), C. graniineus {Z. elegans,

Br.), and C. latifolius {Z. Youngii, Br.), ought to be placed in the

Otopteroid division of Ferns, the veins losing themselves in the upper

margin. Seven or eight other species are named in Ad. Brong.

‘ Prodromus,’ the characters of which are not given, viz. Z. Feneonis,

acuta, patens, Icevis, Goldim, Buchanani, penncformis^

Pinnae broad.

P.falcatum, Zamites, Presl, /. c. pt. 7, 8. p. 197. Odontopteris fal-

catus, Sternb., pt. 5. and 6. p. 78. t. 23. f. 1. Inf. Ool., Whitby.

P. Schmeidelii, Presl, I, c. p. 197. Odon. Schmeidelii, Sternb., pt. 5.

and 6. p. 78. t. 25. f. 2. Hornstone, Baruth.

P. lanceolatum, Geol. Yorksh., Young and Bird, t. 3. f. 2. “The

leaf with long lanceolate striated leaflets.” Oolite, Yorkshire.

The peculiar character which distinguishes this section from Za-

mites may be easily remarked by comparing the attachment of the

pinnae in any of the above species with that of Z. lanceolatus, ‘ Foss.

Flor.’ 3. t. 194.

Pterophyllum, Brong,

Fronds pinnate ; pinnae sublinear, inserted by their whole base ;

apex truncate, sometimes acute ; veins fine, equal, slender, parallel,

but little marked.

Apex truncate.

P. majus, Brong., Ann. des Sc. Nat., 4. p.219.

t. 12. f. 7 ; Hist. Let. Suec., t. 33. f. 6.

P. minus, Brong., Ann. des Sc. Nat., 4. p. 219.

1. 12. f.8; Hist. Let. Suec., t. 33. f. 7 ; Lindl.

and Hutt., t. 67. f. 2. Oolite, near Scarbo-

rough.

P. comptum, Lindl. and Hutt., t. 66. Cyca-

dites comptus, Phillips, t. 7. f. 20. Oolite,

near Scarborough.

P. Munsteri, Presl, I, c, p. 198. t. 43. f. 1.

Keuper, Bamberg.

P. truncatum, Presl, 1. c. p. 198. Aspleniopteris Nilssoni, Sternb.

pt. 4. t. 43. f. 3 — 5. Hoer, Sweden.

P. Nilssoni, Lindl. and Hutt., 2. t. 67. f. 1. Aspleniopteris Nilssoni,

Phillips, Geol. Yorksh., t. 8. f. 4. Oolite, Scarborough.

Mr. J. Morris on recent and fossil Cycadece. 119

P. filiciformis, Zamites filiciformis, Presl, 1. c. pt. 7. and 8. p. 198.

Filicites dubius, Sternb., pt. 4. p. 23. t. 47. f. 1.

P. ohtusum, Odontopteris obtusa, Brong. Hist. Veg. Foss., t. 78. f. 4.

P. latifoliuSy O. latifolius, Sternb., pt. 5. and 6. p. 79. Taniopteris

latifolius, Brong., t. 82. f. 6.

Apex acute.

P. acuminatum, Zamites, Presl, /. c. p. 198. t. 43. f. 2. Keuper, Bam-

berg.

P. Brongniarti, Cycadites, Mantell, Geol. S.E. England, p. 238.

Wealden, Sussex.

P. heterophyllus, Zamites, Presl, p. 199. t. 43. f. 4, 5. Keuper, Bam-

berg.

P. tenuicaulis, Cycadites, Phillips, pt. 1. t. 7. f. 19. Gr. Ool., Gris-

thorpe Bay.

P, difformis, Zamites, Presl, 1. c. pt. 7, 8, p. 198. Aspleniopteris dif-

formis, Sternb., pt. 4. p. 21 ; pt. 2. t. 24. f. 1. Bohemia.

The following species I have not seen : —

P. longifolium, Brong. Prod., p. 95. Algacites filicoides, Scliloth.

Nachtr., p. 46. t. 4. f. 2. Lias.

P. Meriani, Brong. Prod., p. 95. Lias.

P. Williamsonis, Brong. Prod., p. 95. Inf. Ool., Whitby.

P. enerve, Brong. Prod., p. 95. Variegated marl.

Nilssonia, Brong,

Fronds pinnate ; pinnae approximate, oblong, more or less elongate,

apex rotundate, adhering % their whole base ; veins unequal, pa-

rallel.

N. brevis, Brong., Ann. des Sc. Nat. 4. p. 218. t. 12. f. 4 ; Hist. Let.

Suec. Hoer, Sweden.

N. elongata, Brong., 1. c. 1. 12. f. 3. Zamites, Presl, 1. c. p. 198. Hoer,

Sweden.

N. proxima, Cycadites Nilssonii, Sternb., pt. 1 — 4. t. 47. f. 1.

The above is an outline of some of the characters in the recent

and fossil Cycadeae, the geological position of wLich is equally in-

teresting with their recent affinities. A few species are found in the

carboniferous beds of Bohemia and in the new red sandstone of Ger-

many, and some have also been met with in the cretaceous series of

Denmark and Sweden ; but their great development appears to have

been during the Jurassic period, thirty species occurring in the

oolitic formation of England, and three in that of India. I’hus they

seem to have formed the characteristic vegetation of that age, inter-

mediate between the abundant Cryptogamic tribes of the carboni-

ferous Eera and the dicotyledonous flora of the tertiary series.

The great number of fossil species supposed to belong to this fa-

120

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects,

mily has probably suggested the remark by Prof. Don, that the re-

cent species “ constitute the remains of a class of plants which be-

longed to a former vegetation.”

The interesting specimens of fossil fructification, apparently fur-

nished with a stem, belonging to this family, which exist in the col-

lections of the British Museum, Mr. Bean of Scarborough and Mr.

Saull of London, etc., have not been alluded to in this paper ; they

probably constitute a new genus from being generally associated

with fronds having a peculiar character, first pointed out to me by

M. Konig ; and I shall reserve any remarks on this subject until I

have completed some observations on the internal structure of the

stem and its affinity to Zamites.

XVI. — Carabideous Insects collected by Charles Darwin,

Esq., during the Voyage of Her Majesty^ s Ship Beagle, By

G. R. Waterhouse, Esq.

[Continued from vol. vi. p. 355.]

Genus Feronia.

Sp. 1. Feronia Corinthia, Dejean, Species general des Coleopteres,

tom. hi. p. 304.

Molops Corinthia, Germ. Col. sp. nov. p. 21.

Of this species Mr. Darwin obtained many specimens at Maldo-

nado, La Plata, and two specimens are labelled ‘ Monte Video.* It

is the Carabus striatulus of Fabricius, the original specimen of which

is contained in the Banksian collection. I speak without hesitation,

having compared Mr. Darwin’s specimens with the original, with

Dejean’s description, and also with three specimens sent from the

continent by different parties, all bearing the same specific name.

The Feronia Corinthia is readily distinguished from all the Feroniee

of the southern portions of South America hitherto discovered, by

its large size, and the elytra being deeply striated towards the suture

and almost smooth externally. The Feronia chalcea of Dejean is

closely allied to the present species, having very nearly the same

general form and similar sculpturing to the elytra ; but in size it is

much inferior, F. Corinthia being 8 lines in length, whilst F. chalcea

is only 5 J to 6 lines in length ; the former is brassy black, and the

latter is of a brassy colour inclining to aeneous.

Sp. 2. Feronia chalcea, Dejean, Sp. general des Coleop. tom. iii.

p. 308.

Four specimens of this species were brought from Maldonado, La

Plata, by Mr. Darwin.

Sp. 3. Feronia cordicollis. Dejean, Species general des Coleop.

tom. iii. p. 306.

Seven specimens of this species occur in Mr. Darwin’s collection,

five of which are from Monte Video, and two from Maldonado, La

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects,

121

Plata. It is easily distinguished from other Patagonian Feronics

hitherto discovered by its comparatively depressed form, the small

size of its head, cordiform thorax, black colouring, and the 'want of

wings. By candle-light the elytra display a beautiful iridescence

(steel-blue being the prevailing colour), as in the Pterostichus

brunnipes or iridipennis of Stephens ; in size it very nearly agrees

with that insect; but the F. cordicollis has a much smaller head and

thorax, and the latter is more attenuated behind.

A specimen of this species has been sent to Mr. Hope with the

specific name of obsidianus, but I have not yet found it described

under that name.

Sp. 4. Feronia Dejeanii.

Fer. alata, nigra, nitida ; thorace cordato, postice foveis duabus

impressis ; elytris elongatis subparallelis, distincte striatis, in-

terspatiis aliquanto convexis.

Long. corp. lin. ; lat. lin.

Hab. Monte Video.

This species resembles the Feronia Corinthia of authors, but is a

trifle less than that insect ; the thorax is less convex, and although

considerably contracted behind, is less suddenly so than in F. Corin-

thia ; the posterior fovese are large and shallow, instead of being in

the form of a deep longitudinal groove ; the elytra are distinctly

striated throughout, and not, as in the species last mentioned, obli-

terated on the outer portion of each elytron. The present insect,

moreover, differs in being of a black colour — there is perhaps a slight

trace of the seneous tint.

From Feronia cordicollis, which is found in the same locality, and

which, in the somewhat depressed form of the thorax, it resembles,

the F. Dejeanii may be at once distinguished by the comparatively

large size of its head, its possessing wings, the thorax being rather

less contracted behind, the posterior fovese being broad, the elytra

more elongate and of a more parallel form, the striae impunctate,

and the antennae stouter ; its size rather exceeds that of F. cordi-

collis, and consequently that of F. chalcea, F. assimilis, and F.

simplex of Dejean.

Description. — Head large, but slightly narrower than the thorax;

the eyes rather prominent ; two longitudinal deep grooves are

situated on the forepart of the head. Thorax truncated behind, the

widest part very near the anterior angles, the sides not very much

rounded, and the hinder part much narrower than the opposite ex-

tremity ; the dorsal channel distinct, but not extending either to

the anterior or posterior margins ; the posterior fovea large, shallow,

and impunctate, or at least very nearly so — some very minute punc-

tures being discernible under a strong lens ; these foveae extend to the

posterior angles, and occupy nearly two-thirds of the space between

them and the dorsal channel. Elytra elongate, the sides nearly

parallel, being very indistinctly dilated in the middle; the striae

are rather deep and impunctate, and the interspaces are slightly

convex ; two impressed points are observable on the second stria

from the suture situated on the hinder half of the elytron, and there

122

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideons Insects.

is an impression on the third stria situated on the anterior half of

the elytra. This insect is of a glossy black colour throughout — on

the upper parts there is a very indistinct metallic gloss.

Mr. Darwin found but one specimen of this insect.

Sp. 5. Feronia suhmetallica.

Fer. alata, nigra, supra nigro-senea; thorace sub-cordato, postice

foveis duabus punctulisque impresso ; elytris paulo elongatis,

subparallelis, distincte striatis, interspatiis leviter convexis.

Long. corp. lin. ; lat. 2^ lin.

Hab. Maldonado, La Plata.

This species is about equal in size to the F. cordicollis of the same

country, and rather larger than the F. macer of Europe. In many

respects it is intermediate between the F. Corinthia (or striata) and

the F. cordicollis-, the head is proportionately rather larger than in

the latter, but considerably less than in the former species ; in the

sculpturing of the elytra it greatly resembles the F. Dejeanii, and

differs from F. cordicollis in having the striae impunctate, and from

F. Corinthia in having these striae distinctly continued throughout

the surface of the elytra. The thorax is less attenuated behind than

in either of these species, being very nearly of equal width in front

and behind.

Description. — Head triangular in front of the eyes (which are

tolerably prominent), suddenly contracted, and cylindrical behind

the eyes, with two longitudinal irregular impressions in front :

thorax rounded at the sides, and but slightly attenuated and trun-

cated behind, the dorsal channel distinct ; the anterior and posterior

transverse impressions indistinct, and the posterior foveae in the

form of longitudinal grooves*, rather short and deep and minutely

punctured. Elytra moderately long, and but slightly broader in the

middle than near the extremities ; the striae moderately deep and

impunctate, and the interspaces are slightly convex ; two abbreviated

striae near the scutellum ; on the second stria from the suture are

two impressed points, situated on the hinder half of each elytron,

and on the third are one or two similar impressions. The general

colour of the upper surface of the body is brassy black ; the under

parts of the body, as well as the legs, antennae and palpi, are black.

But two specimens of this species were brought home by Mr.

Darwin ; one is from Maldonado, La Plata, and the other from

Monte Video.

Sp. 6. Feronia assimilis, Dejean, Sp. gen. des Coleop., Suppl.,

tom. V. p. 773.

A Feronia, agreeing well with Dejean’s description of the above-

mentioned species, was found by Mr. Darwin at Monte Video. It

is about the same size as the Feronia macer, and, hke F. cordicollis,

* None of the South American Feronics which I have seen, have more

than one fovea on each side at the base of the thorax, and in this respect

tliey differ from those European forms (such as F. melanaria) in which

tliere are two channels on each side.

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects. 123

is of a black colour, but may be distinguished from that species by

its smaller size, the thorax being almost as broad behind as before,

and the palpi, basal joint of the antennae and the tarsi being pitchy

red.

Sp. 7. Feronia {Pterosticims) Bonellii.

Fer. aptera, atra ; thorace cordato, postice utrinque bistriato ;

elytris elongato-ovatis, striatis, striis obsolete striatis ; antennis

ad basin piceis ; palpis tarsisque rufo-piceis.

Long. corp. 5| — 5f lin. ; lat. — 2 lin.

Hah. Ynche Island, Chonos Archipelago ; Valdivia, andE. Chiloe.

This species is about the same size as the Feronia oblongo-punctata,

and it also approaches that insect in form ; the head is rather nar-

rower, the thorax is narrower, longer, and more attenuated behind ;

the elytra are of the same ovate form, but a trifle more elongated ;

the antennae are also longer. It has the general form and appear-

ance of the species of Bonelli’s genus Pterostichus.

The eyes are moderately prominent, and the frontal sulci are short

and rather deep ; the thorax is rather depressed, as long as broad,

considerably attenuated behind, and the posterior angles are right

angles ; there is sometimes a slightly impressed transverse groove

in front, and there is also, in some individuals, a transverse groove

behind ; the dorsal channel is not very distinct ; the posterior fovea,

on each side, is in the form of a narrow long groove, and is impunc-

tate ; the elytra are elongate-ovate, distinctly striated, and the

striae are generally faintly punctured, especially those nearest the

suture and towards the base of the elytra ; but this is not constant,

in some specimens the striae being impunctate ; the elytra are slightly

sinuated at the apex and have some distinct impressed points on

this part ; there are also one or two impressions on the third stria

from the suture ; the palpi and tarsi are pitchy red, and the three

basal joints of the antennae are pitchy.

The specimens from Ynche Island have the elytra more deeply

striated than those from Valdivia ; one of the Valdivia specimens is

considerably broader than the others, and the elytra have a purplish

hue.

Sp. 8. Feronia cerea^ Dejean, Spe. gen. des Coleop. tom. iii. p. 279.

This appears to be* a common species in the neighbourhood of

Valparaiso. I have seen many specimens from that locality, — Mr.

Darwin’s collection contains five. It is very nearly equal in size

to the F. Corinthia, and of the same brassy black colour ; it differs

however in having the thorax less convex, rather longer, not so

narrow behind, and less suddenly contracted at this part ; the elytra

are rather deeply striated throughout and are impunctate.

The Omaseus marginalis of Curtis (Linn. Trans, vol. xviii. p. 191)

I have compared, and found to agree with these specimens ; they

however appear to me to agree with Dejean’s description of F. m'ea,

and in Mr. Hope’s cabinet there is a similar insect bearing the same

name.

124

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects.

Sp. 9. FeroniaNehrioides, Omaseus Nebrioides, Curtis, Linn. Trans,

vol. xviii. p. 191.

In Mr. Darwin’s collection are four specimens of this species, two

of which are from E. Chiloe, one is from Valparaiso, and the fourth

is from Concepcion.

F. Nebrioides greatly resembles F. area in colour, form, and scul-

pturing, but is not more than half its size. The Feronia erratica of

Guerin (Mag. de ZooL pi. 226. fig. 3.) agrees very nearly with this

species, but there is no mention of the brassy tint of the u^jper parts

which is observable in the F. Nebrioides ; in the figure there .is an

admixture of green in the colouring.

Sp. 10. Feronia lucidus. Pterostichus lucidus, C\xrt\^,lAnxi.'Ti2iXi^.

vol. xviii. p. 192.

This species greatly resembles the F. chalcea of Dejean ; but in

that insect the sides and apical portion of the elytra are almost

smooth, the striae being obliterated on those parts as in F. Corinthia,

whilst in F. lucidus the striae are distinct throughout the elytra.

Sp. 11. Feronia meticulosa, Dejean, Spe. general des Coleopteres,

Suppl. tom. V. p. 762.

Three specimens of this species occur in Mr. Darwin’s collection ;

they are from Valparaiso. This insect, no doubt, is allied to that

division of Feronia called Steropus, but is remarkable for having the

second, third, fourth and fifth striae of the elytra less distinct than

the sutural stria, and those on the outer margin ; in one of the three

specimens the intermediate striae are almost obliterated, but in the

others they are more distinctly marked.

Sp. 12. Feronia (Steropus) marginata.

This is a new species closely allied to the last, having the inter-

mediate striae of the elytra almost obliterated ; those on the margin

of the elytra are remarkably distinct, and give to the insect a pecu-

liar appearance ; it is less than half the size of F. meticulosa, which

is about equal to the F. octopunctatus. In both species the elytra

appear to be soldered together.

Fer. picea, vel nigra ; antennis pedibusque rufo-piceis ; thorace

subquadrato, angulis posticis rotundatis ; elytris oblongo-ovatis,

striatis, striis intermediis obsoletis.

Long. corp. 3| — 4 lin. ; lat. 1| — 1^.

Hab. Chile.

This species bears a considerable resemblance to the Taphria

vivalis. The head is somewhat rounded in front, and the eyes are

but little prominent ; the frontal grooves are scarcely discernible.

The thorax is about one-third broader than the head, about equal

in length and breadth, somewhat convex, a little broader before

than behind, and the anterior and posterior angles are rounded ; the

dorsal channel and posterior foveae are indistinct. The elytra are

of an oblong-ovate form, not very much broader than the thorax,

and slightly sinuated at the apex ; the sutural stria is distinct but

not deep, and impunctate ; the four following striae are almost

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects.

125

obliterated, and on the second of these, or the third from the suture,

are two distinct, impressed points, the foremost situated towards

the base of the elytra, and the other near the middle ; on the outer

margin of each elytron are three distinct striae ; that nearest the mar-

gin has numerous impressed points, and these impressions become

more near to each other as they approach the apex of the elytra.

The antennae are rather shorter than the head and thorax taken

together, testaceous red at the base, and becoming paler towards

the tip, and the palpi are of the same colour ; the legs are pitchy

red, and the thighs are pitchy; the outer margins of the elytra are

pitchy beneath.

Mr. Darwin found numerous specimens of this species both at

Valparaiso and Concepcion ; they vary a little in the form of the

thorax ; most of the Valparaiso specimens are a trifle smaller, and

have the thorax rather narrower than those from Concepcion ; but

there are others from Valparaiso, which perfectly agree with the

Concepcion specimens, and some which are intermediate.

Sp. 13. Feronia (Poecillus) Peruviana, Dejean, Spe. gen. des

Coleop., tom. iii. p. 233.

The collection contains several specimens from Callao.

Sp. 14. Feronia (Pcecillus) Chaudoirii, Guerin, Mag. de Zool. pi.

227. fig. 3.

An insect brought by Mr. Darwin agrees very well with Guerin’s

description of F. Chaudoirii ; it is closely allied to the F. unistriatus

of Dejean, but, judging from his description (for I unfortunately

have no specimens for comparison), it differs in having the frontal

sulci well marked, the mandibles pitchy red, and in being rather

larger, viz. 5^ lin. etc. ; but upon turning to Guerin’s fig. 3. of

pi. 227, I find an insect represented which does not at all agree

with the description of Chaudoirii. I should imagine the figure to

be that of some other genus ; it is very like a species of Melanotus :

there must be some mistake.

Sp. 15. Feronia (Poecillus) Guerinii.

Fer. nigra, nitida ; thorace subquadrato, sulco dorsali mediocri

impresso, nec non posticb foveis duabus, punctulisque ; elytris

distincte striatis, striis subpunctatis ; antennis, palpis tarsisque

piceis.

Long. corp. 5 lin. ; lat. 2 lin.

Hab. Patagonia ?

But one specimen of this species was found by Mr. Darwin, at

sea, about sixty miles from the nearest land (but much further in the

direction of the wind), Rio de la Plata. In size it is intermediate

between the F. Peruviana and the F. unistriata, and it is easily distin-

guished from both these species by its elytra being distinctly striated

throughout, the striae being punctured, and there being small scat-

tered punctures on the hinder portion of the thorax, between the

posterior foveae ; compared with Poecillus cupreus, it presents the

following differences : size a trifle smaller, general form rather nar-

126 ' Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects,

rower, head and thorax decidedly narrower, the latter with the pos-

terior fovese more marked, and the elytra rather more distinctly

striated.

Head narrow, eyes moderately prominent, frontal sulci not deep ;

thorax subquadrate, the sides slightly rounded ; dorsal channel di-

stinct ; posterior fovese in the form of narrow grooves, and rather

deep ; the space between these fovese is punctured, but the punctures

are not very numerous, and the space between the fovese and the

outer angles of the thorax is impunctate : elytra oblong-ovate, di-

stinctly striated ; the strise punctate, but the punctures are not very

distinct : antennae with the three basal joints blackish in the middle,

but with the extremities red ; the remaining joints brown : palpi

pitchy red : legs pitchy black ; the tarsi pitchy red. The upper

parts of this insect are black, but I fancy I can trace some slight

shades of blue, and think it probable it is a dark variety of a species

having metallic colouring like the F, unistriatus.

I have named this species after M. Guerin-Meneville, whose

works have done much towards the elucidation of the various

branches of Natural History, and more especially the entomological

department.

Sp. 16. Feronia (^Pmcillus) depressa.

Fer, subdepressa, nigra, supra cupreavel seneo-cuprea; thorace sub-

quadrato, postice utrinque striato ; elytris elongatis, subparal-

lelis, distincte striatis ; antennis palpisque fuscis, his atque illis

ad basin rufescentibus ; pedibus nigris, tibiis piceo-rubris.

Long. corp. 5^ — 5f ; lat. If — 2 lin.

Hab. Monte Video.

This species is a trifle less than Pvecillus lepidus, and of a more

depressed form, and the strise on the elytra are not quite so deep.

Head rather large and obtuse in front ; eyes very prominent, the

frontal sulci very deep ; thorax but slightly convex, nearly square,

the sides but slightly rounded, and the fore part somewhat con-

tracted ; both anterior and posterior angles rather obtuse ; dorsal

channel tolerably distinct ; posterior fovese in the form of narrow

and tolerably long impunctate grooves, and situated about midway

between the dorsal channel and the outer margin of the thorax :

elytra somewhat depressed, and having the sides nearly parallel ;

distinctly striated thoughout, the strise impunctate ; an impressed

point on the second stria from the suture towards the base of the

elytra, and two similar impressions on the stria situated on the

hinder half of the elytra : antennse shorter than the head and thorax,

and rather thick ; the three basal joints testaceous, and the remain-

der brown : palpi testaceous, the apical joints somewhat pitchy :

legs black ; anterior tibise pitchy red ; tarsi and posterior tibise pitchy.

The above description is drawn up from three specimens from

Monte Video.

The following species belong to the sub-genus Argutor : —

Sp. 17. Feronia {Argutor^ Patagonica.

Fer. alata, nigra ; thorace subquadrato, sulco dorsali mediocri.

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects. 127

foveisque duabus, impresso ; elytris piceo-nigris, distincte stria-

tis, striis impunctatis ; antennis, palpis, pedibusque piceo-

rubris ; abdomine ad apicem rufescente.

Long. corp. 3^ h’n. ; lat. Lf lin.

Hab. Maldonado, Monte Video, Fe, etc.

This species may possibly be the F. oblita, or perhaps the F. Bo-

nariensis of Dejean ; but that author has not described those insects

with his usual care, and after much trouble I have been unable to

satisfy myself on this point. In all the specimens before me (eleven)

the elytra are more or less pitchy, the margin is distinctly pitchy

red beneath, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is of the

same colour, as well as the legs, palpi and antennse. In Dejean’s

account of the two species above-mentioned, they are described as

black, with pitchy red legs.

Fer. Patagonica is about the same size, or a trifle less than Argu-

tor vernalis, but the head and thorax are narrower, and the latter is

more contracted behind ; the elytra are rather more ovate, and the

frontal sulci are more distinct.

Eyes moderately prominent, frontal sulci short and moderately

deep; thorax about equal in length and breadth, rather narrower

behind than before ; the sides form a gentle and even curve from

the anterior, almost to the posterior angle, and the outer margin

meets the posterior margin so as to form nearly a right, or slightly

obtuse, angle ; the dorsal channel is distinct, and the posterior

fovese (one on each side) are in the form of narrow grooves ; there

are no punctures on the thorax : elytra considerably broader than

the thorax, and of an oblong-ovate form ; the striae moderately deep

and impunctate ; a short rudimentary stria is observable on each

side near the scutellum.

In some of the specimens the body and thorax are red beneath,

but most commonly these parts are of a pitch colour ; the terminal

segment of the abdomen is always paler than the other parts. The

specimens, moreover, vary somewhat in the form of the thorax, the

posterior angles being sometimes almost acute, and in one or two

of the specimens there is a distinct transverse impression on the

hinder part of the thorax ; a specimen from Monte Video has no

wings. Notwithstanding these differences, I am convinced, after a

careful examination, that they are all the same species.

Sp. 18. Feronia (^Argutor) Brullei.

Fer. alata, piceo-nigra ; thorace subquadrato, postice striis punc-

tulisque impresso ; elytris subparallelis, profundepunctato-stria-

tis ; antennis palpisque testaceis ; pedibus piceo-rubris.

Long. corp. 3^ lin ; lat. Ij lin.

Hab. Fe, Buenos Ayres.

This species very nearly agrees in size with the Argutor vernalis,

but is of a narrower form, and the antennse are proportionately

longer, reaching, when extended backwards, considerably beyond

the base of the thorax. The general colour of the upper parts or

the body is black, slightly inclining to pitchy ; the suture of the

128

Mr. Waterhouse on Carabideous Insects.

elytra and outer margins are suffused with pitchy red ; the under

parts of the body are pitchy black ; the mandibles and legs pitchy

red, and the thighs assume a deeper hue in the middle ; the antennae

and palpi are testaceous. Eyes moderately prominent, frontal sulci

small and not deep ; thorax subquadrate, slightly attenuated be-

hind, the lateral and posterior margins forming a right angle on

each side at their junction ; dorsal channel moderately distinct, the

posterior fovea on each side in the form of a long narrow groove,

which extends to the posterior margin ; the space between these

fovese is punctured, but the punctures are not very numerous : elytra

considerably broader than the thorax, and with the lateral margins

nearly parallel, deeply punctate-striated — no abbreviated striae near

the scutellum.

But one specimen of this insect was brought home by Mr. Darwin ;

it is easily distinguished from the preceding species by its distinctly

punctate striae. I have named it in honour of one of the authors of

the ‘ Histoire Naturelle des Insectes’ now in course of publication.

Sp. 19. Feronia (^Argutor) Audouini.

Fer, alata, nigra ; thorace subquadrato, angulis posticis subrotun-

datis, linea transversa striisque duabus impresso ; elytris paulb

elongatis, profunde striatis, striis impunctatis ; antennis pal-

pisque testaceis ; pedibus rufo -piceis.

Long. corp. 4 lin. ; lat. 1^ lin.

Hah. Fd, Buenos Ayres.

This species is rather larger than Argutor vernalis ; the antennae

are proportionately longer and more slender ; the thorax is almost

precisely the same form, excepting that the posterior angles are

somewhat rounder ; the elytra are considerably longer. Eyes but

moderately prominent, and having two rounded and somewhat deep

foveae between them : thorax broader than long, the anterior and

posterior parts of equal width, and with the anterior and posterior

angles slightly rounded ; dorsal channel distinct, and extending from

the anterior to the posterior margins ; posterior foveae in the form

of long narrow grooves, which extend to the base of the thorax,

and are connected by a tolerably distinct transverse groove ; there

are no punctures on the thorax : elytra elongated, and rather deeply

striated ; the striae impunctate.

Sp. 20. Feronia {Argutor) apicalis.

Fer. alata, nigra ; thorace subquadrato postice angustiore, angu-

lis posticis obtusis, striisque duabus impresso ; elytris nigris vel

piceo-nigris ad apicem et marginem externum piceo-rubris ;

antennis palpisque testaceis ; pedibus rufo-piceis.

Long. corp. 4-1 — 4 ; lat. If — 1^ lin.

Hah. Maldonado, La Plata.

Three specimens of this species, from the locality just mentioned,

are contained in the collection ; they all have a distinct pitchy red

patch at the tip of the elytra, a character which suggested the name.

Head ovate, eyes but little prominent, two fovese in front joined

by a transverse impression ; thorax nearly equal in length and

Mr. J. S. Bowerbank on the Structure of Sponges. 129

breadth, rather narrower behind than before, the posterior angles

obtuse ; dorsal channel indistinct, the posterior fovea on each side

in the form of a long narrow groove, which extends to the hinder

margin ; no punctures on the thorax : elytra elongate, striated, the

striae impunctate, those nearest the suture the most deep, the others

rather faint : antennae scarcely reaching beyond the hinder margin

of the thorax, and of a red colour, as well as the palpi ; legs pitchy

red ; mandibles pitchy. In one specimen, the thorax is pitchy

black, and the elytra pitchy ; in the other two specimens, the thorax,

as well as the head, is black ; in all the specimens the outer mar-

gins of the elytra are pitchy, and the reflected portion is pitchy

red.

This species is considerably larger than either of the preceding,

being equal in size to the Calathus piceus.

Sp. 21. Feronia {Argutor) Chilensis, Dejean, Spe. gen. des Co-

leop., tom. iii. p. 251 .

Of this species there are three specimens, two of which are from

Valparaiso, and the third is from S. Chiloe.

[To be continued.]

XVII. — Observations on a Keratose Sponge from Australia.

By J. S. Bowerbank^ Esq., F.G.S.

To the Editors of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

Gentlemen,

I AM not aware that modern naturalists have published the

results of any examination of the structure of the Keratose or

Horny Sponges while in that state of perfect preservation,

such as they would be if alive, or immediately after their re-

moval from their native element. The skeletons of these cu-

rious animals are familiarly known to every naturalist, but in

this state they have undergone decomposition of the softer

parts of their substance ; and the descriptions handed down to

us by former writers, based upon the examination of such

specimens, have unavoidably led to the propagation of erro-

neous ideas of their true nature and structure. In a paper

read before the Microscopical Society, January the 27th, 1841,

I have shown that even in this state they possess a much

higher and more complex form of organization than they had

hitherto been supposed to exhibit, and that, contrary to re-

ceived opinions, they are furnished with siliceous spicula, which

are imbedded in considerable abundance in some of the larger

fibres of their solid horny skeletons.

Since the publication of these facts, I have had the oppor-

tunity afforded me by the kindness of Mr. J. E. Gray, of

examining a specimen of this class of Sponges which was

Ann. Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii. K

130 Mr. J. S, Bowerbank on the Structure of Sponges,

brought home from the Swan River, Australia, by that inde-

fatigable naturalist Mr. Gould, preserved in spirit immediately

after it was taken from the sea. It is a young specimen of a

well-known Australian species, of which I have several spe-

cimens, and is represented of its natural size at fig. 1. PI. III.

It is elevated on a short foot- stalk, which, like the body of the

sponge, is of a compressed form. In the specimen figured,

the greatest breadth of the body of the sponge is but little

more than equal to its height ; but in the other specimens in

my possession it has attained a much greater height, and in

one case rather exceeds thirteen inches, including the foot-

stalk, which is about two inches long. The height of the body

in this adult specimen is to the breadth as three to one.

When removed from the spirit, the sponge has a dense,

opake and fleshy appearance, and feels weighty and solid to

the touch. Upon taking some very thin slices from about the

centre of one of the broadest surfaces of the sponge, and ex-

amining them with a power of 120 linear as transparent ob-

jects, they presented a highly interesting view of the struc-

ture. The horny fibre of the sponge, agreeing exactly in ap-

pearance with that of the specimens in my own possession, was

seen ramifying in every direction in the form of an amber-

coloured network, the interstices of which were filled up with

a fleshy substance very similar to that which occurs in such

abundance in the freshwater Spongilla and in many other si-

milarly constructed marine sponges, which are inhabitants of

the seas of the western and northern coasts of England ; and

throughout the whole of this fleshy structure siliceous spicula

were dispersed in great abundance, as represented in fig. 2.

Plate III.

In Spongilla and in the marine sponges of Dr. Fleming’s

genus Halichondria, the spicula are united systematically into

bundles so as to form a framew^ork or skeleton, upon \vhich

the softer parts of the animal are supported ; but in this Au-

stralian species they do not appear to assume any definite ar-

rangement, but are dispersed in all directions through the

substance of this cellular or fleshy part of the animal. The

spicula are transparent and hollow, like those of Halichondria,

but vary extremely both in size and form. Some of them ter-

minate by a regular bifurcation, fig. 3. Plate III., and thus as-

sume the character of the tri radiate calcareous spicula of Dr.

Fleming’s genus Grantia ; while in others the bifurcated ter-

minations recurve and assume the form of an anchor with

short flukes, without palms, as represented in fig. 4. Plate III. ;

others assume very much the appearance of the prevailing

form of spiculum that is to be seen in many species of Ha/i-

Mr. J. S. Bowerbank on the Structure of Sponges. 131

chondria, the curved, double-pointed, needle-formed spicu-

lum, fig. 5. Plate III. The variation in their diameters is ex-

ceedingly great, one of the smallest measuring but the seven

thousand one hundred and sixtieth of an inch, while the frag-

ment of a large one imbedded near it (fig. 6. Plate III.) was

the seven hundredth of an inch in diameter. There are nume-

rous grains of sand and other extraneous matters imbedded

in the fleshy substance along with the spicula.

Upon examining with a power of five hundred linear the

outer surface of the small portions of the sponge which I

had removed from the specimen, I observed patches of a

very fine reticulated structure, which is beautifully and faith-

fully represented by the artist Mr. Aldous, at fig. 7* Ph Hi-

lt is composed of a very minute fibre, imbedded in a trans-

parent membrane. The interstices are somewhat irregular

hexagons in the piece represented in the figure ; but in an-

other part of the same small piece of sponge, which did not

exceed the eighth of an inch in length, some of them were

nearly square, w^hile others were elongated to such an extent

as to assume the form of nearly regular oblong areas. The fibre

of this cuticular network has every appearance of being solid ;

it is extremely minute, not exceeding the ten thousandth

part of an inch in diameter. The average diameter of the in-

terstices of the reticulations figured is the two thousandth of

an inch, while the fibre of the mass of the sponge varies

from the three hundredth to the three thousandth of an inch

in diameter ; and the smallest spiculum I could find was, as

before stated, the seven thousand one hundred and sixtieth of

an inch at its greatest diameter. From the whole of these cir-

cumstances, there is little doubt that this delicate reticulated

membrane is the true cuticle of the sponge. Upon examining

a small slice from near the base of the body of the sponge, I

had the satisfaction of observing the group of gemmules,or eggs

of the sponge, represented by fig. 8. PI. III. ; but I could not,

from the cutting in my possession, satisfactorily determine

whether they were attached to the fleshy substance of the

sponge, or to the fibrous skeleton ; although in several of

them, which had apparently been disturbed by the removal of

the thin slice from the sponge, the point of attachment of the

gemmule was very apparent when viewed with a power of five

hundred linear. The diameters of the gemmules varied consi-

derably ; the largest I could find measured the three hundred

and fifty-fifth part of an inch, and the smallest the one thou-

sand one hundred and forty-third of an inch in diameter.

Upon examining another species of keratose sponge in a

similar state of preservation, which is in the collection at the

K 2

132 Notices of Etiropean Herbaria.

British Museum, I found precisely the same mode of struc-

ture to prevail. The horny fibres were completely enclosed

in a fleshy or cellular structure, in which numerous slender

siliceous spicula were imbedded.

From the nature of the structures exhibited in both of

these keratose* sponges, and the prevalence of siliceous spicula

in such abundance in the fleshy or cellular structure which

surrounds the horny fibres, there is very strong reason to

suspect that the fibre of the sponges of commerce will prove,

in its natural state, to be surrounded by a similar fleshy mat-

ter, and that spicula will be found in a like manner to those

I have described as existing in the two species mentioned in

this paper.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE.

Fig. 1. The sponge of its natural size.

Fig. 2. The interior of the sponge, as seen with a power of 120 linear ; a,

the horny fibre, surrounded by the fleshy substance ; b, 6, spicula

imbedded in the fleshy substance.

Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Various forms of spicula found imbedded in the fleshy

substance of the sponge.

Fig. 7. A view of the cuticle of the sponge, as seen with a power of 120

linear.

Fig. 8. A view of the interior of the sponge, with the gemmules imbedded

in the fleshy substance, seen with a power of 120 linear.

XVIII. — Notices of European Herbaria, particularly those

most interesting to the North American Botanist

The vegetable productions of North America, in common with those

of most other parts of the world, have generally been first described

by European botanists, either from the collections of travellers or

from specimens communicated by residents of the country, who, in-

duced by an enlightened curiosity, the love of flowers, or in some in-

stances, by no inconsiderable scientific acquirements, have thus

sought to contribute, according to their opportunities, to the promo-

tion of botanical knowledge. From the great increase in the number

of known plants, it very frequently happens that the brief descrip-

tions, and even the figures, of older authors are found quite insuffi-

cient for the satisfactory determination of the particular species they

had in view ; and hence it becomes necessary to refer to the herba-

ria where the original specimens are preserved. In this respect, the

collections of the early authors possess an importance far exceeding

[* The term keratose seems objectionable, though sanctioned by authori-

ty ; since ose is not a proper termination for adjectives from the Greek ;

and analogy would require the n, in to be expressed by a c, as in cen-

taur, not kentaur, &c. Would not ceratine, or corneous, be better? — Ed.]

F Communicated to SillimaiFs American Journal by the Author, pro-

bably Dr. Cray.

Notices of European Herbaria. 133

their intrinsic value, since they are seldom large, and the specimens

often imperfect.

With the introduction of the Linnsean nomenclature, a rule abso-

lutely essential to the perpetuation of its advantages was also esta-

blished, viz. that the name under which a genus or species is first

published shall be retained, except in certain cases of obvious and

paramount necessity. An accurate determination of the Linnsean

species is therefore of the first importance ; and this, in numerous

instances, is only to be attained with certainty by the inspection of

the herbaria of Linnseus and those authors upon whose descriptive

phrases or figures he established many of his species. Our brief no-

tices will therefore naturally commence with the herbarium of the im-

mortal Linnseus, the father of that system of nomenclature, to which

botany, no less than natural history in general, is so greatly indebted.

This collection, it is well known, after the death of the younger

Linnaeus, found its way to England, from whence it is not probable

that it will ever be removed. The late Sir James Edward Smith, then

a young medical student, and a botanist of much promise, was one

morning informed by Sir Joseph Banks, that the heirs of the younger

Linnaeus had just offered him the herbarium, with the other collec-

tions and library of the father, fci the sum of 1000 guineas. Sir

Joseph Banks, not being disposed to make the purchase, recom-

mended it to Mr. Smith ; the latter, it appears, immediately decided

to risk the expectation of a moderate independence, and to secure,

if possible, these treasures for himself and his country ; and before

the day closed had actually written to Upsal, desiring a full cata-

logue of the collection, and offering to become the purchaser at the

price fixed, in case it answered his expectations*. His success, as

* The next day Mr. Smith wrote as follows to his father, informing him

of the step he had taken, and entreating his assistance : —

“ Honoured Sir : You may have heard that the young Linnaeus is lately

dead : his father’s collections and library, and his own, are now to be sold ;

the whole consists of an immense hortus siccus, with duplicates, insects,

shells, corals, materia medica, fossils, a very fine library, all the unpublished

manuscripts ; in short, everything they were possessed of relating to natural

history and physic : the whole has just been offered to Sir Joseph Banks for

1000 guineas, and he has declined buying it. The offer was made to him

by my friend Dr. Engelhart, at the desire of a Dr. Acrel of Upsal, who has

charge of the collection. Now, I am so ambitious as to wish to possess this

treasure, with a view to settle as a physician in London, and read lectures

on natural history. Sir Joseph Banks, and all my friends to whom I have

entrusted my intention, approve of it highly. I have written to Dr. Acrel,

to whom Dr. Engelhart has recommended me, for particulars and the re-

fusal, telling him if it was what I expected, 1 would give him a very good

price for it. I hope, my dear sir, you and my good mother will look on this

scheme in as favourable a light as my friends here do. There is no time to

be lost, for the affair is now talked of in all companies, and a number of

people wish to be purchasers. The Empress of Russia is said to have

thoughts of it. The manuscripts, letters, &c. must be invaluable, and there

is, no doubt, a complete collection of all the inaugural dissertations which

have been published at Upsal, a small part of which has been repub-

lished under the title of ‘ Arnoenitates Academicae,’ a very celebrated and

scarce work. All these dissertations were written by Linnseus, and must

134

Notices of European Herbaria.

soon appeared, was entirely owing to his promptitude, for other and

very pressing applications were almost immediately made for the

collection ; but the upright Dr. Acrel, having given Mr. Smith the

refusal, declined to entertain any other proposals while this nego-

tiation was pending. The purchase was finally made for 900 guineas,

excluding the separate herbarium of the younger Linnaeus, collected

before his father’s death, and said to contain nothing that did not

also exist in the original herbarium ; this was assigned to Baron

Alstroemer, in satisfaction of a small debt. The ship which conveyed

these treasures to London had scarcely sailed, when the king of

Sweden, who had been absent in France, returned home and des-

patched, it is said, an armed vessel in pursuit. This story, though

mentioned in the Memoir and Correspondence of Sir J. E. Smith,

and generally received, has, we believe, been recently controverted.

However this may be, no doubt the king and the men of science in

Sweden were greatly offended, as indeed they had reason to be, at

the conduct of the executors, in allowing these collections to leave

the country ; but the disgrace should perhaps more justly fall upon

the Swedish government* itself and the University of Upsal, which

derived its reputation almost entirely from the name of Linnseus. It

was however fortunate for science that they were transferred from

such a remote situation to the commercial metropolis of the world,

where they are certainly more generally accessible. The late Pro-

fessor Schultes, in a very amusing journal of a botanical visit to

England in the year 18’24, laments indeed that they have fallen to

the lot of the “ toto disjunctos orbe Britannos yet a journey even

from Landshut to London may perhaps be more readily performed

than to Upsal.

After the death of Sir James Edward Smith, the herbarium and

other collections, and library of Linnseus, as well as his own, were

purchased by the Linnsean Society. The herbarium still occupies

the cases which contained it at Upsal, and is scrupulously preserved

in its original state, except that, for more effectual protection from

the black and penetrating dust of London, it is divided into parcels

of convenient size, which are closely wrapped in covers of strong

paper lined with muslin. The genera and covers are numbered to

correspond with a complete manuscript catalogue, and the collec-

tion, which is by no means large in comparison with modern her-

baria, may be consulted wuth great facility.

In the negotiation with Smith, Dr. Acrel stated the number of

species at 8000, which probably is not too low an estimate. The

be of prodigious value. In short, the more I think of this affair the more

sanguine 1 am, and earnestly hope for your concurrence. I wish I could

have one half hour’s conversation with you, but that is impossible.” — Cor-

respondence of Sir James Edward Smith, edited hy Lady Smith, vol. i. p. 93.

The appeal to his father was not in vain ; and did our limits allow, we

should be glad to copy, from the work above cited, the entire correspond-

ence upon this subject.

[* Equal disgrace attaches to the British Government, which on the death

of Sir J. E. Smith refused to contribute anything towards the purchase of

the collection, which might thus have been lost to the country had it not

been bought by the Linnsean Society. — Ed.]

Notices of European Herbaria* * * § 135

specimens, which are mostly small, but in excellent preservation, are

attached to half-sheets of very ordinary paper, of the foolscap size*

(which is now considered too small), and those of each genus co-

vered by a double sheet in the ordinary manner. The names are

usually written upon the sheet itself, with a mark or abbreviation

to indicate the source from which the specimen was derived. Thus

those from the Upsal garden are marked H. U., those given by

Kalm, K., those received from Gronovius, Gron., etc. The labels

are all in the handwriting of Linnaeus himself, except a few later

ones by the son, and occasional notes by Smith, which are readily

distinguished, and indeed are usually designated by his initials. By

far the greater part of the North American plants which are found

in the Linnsean herbarium were received from Kalm, or raised from

seeds collected by him. Under the patronage of the Swedish

government, this enterprising pupil of Linnaeus remained three

years in this country, travelling throughout New York, New Jersey,

Pennsylvania and Lower Canada : hence his plants are almost exclu-

sively those of the Northern Statesf.

Governor Golden, to whom Kalm brought letters of introduction

from Linnaeus, was then well known as a botanist by his correspond-

ence with Peter Collinson and Gronovius, and also by his account

of the plants growing around Coldenham, New York, which was

sent to the latter, who transmitted it to Linnaeus for publication in

the ‘Acta Upsalensia.’ At an early period he attempted a direct

correspondence with Linnaeus, but the ship by which his specimens

and notes were sent was plundered by pirates f ; and in a letter

sent by Kalm, on the return of the latter to Sweden, he informs

Linnaeus that this traveller had been such an industrious collector,

as to leave him little hopes of being himself further useful. It is

not probable therefore that Linnaeus received any plants from Col-

den, nor does his herbarium afford any such indication §. From

* Upon this subject, Dr. Acrel, giving an account of the Linnaan collec-

tions, thus writes to Smith : — “ Ut vero vir illustrissimus, dum vixit, nihil

ad ostentationem habuit, omnia vero sua in usum accommodata ; ita etiam

in hoc herbai’io, quod per XL. annos sedulo collegit, frustra quaesiveris

papyri insignia ornamenta, margines inauratas, et cet. quse ostentationis

gratia in omnibus fere herbariis nunc vulgaria sunt.”

t Ex his Kalmium, naturae eximium scrutatorem, itinere suo per Penn-

sylvaniam, Novum Eboracum, et Canadam, regiones Americae ad septen-

trionem vergentes, trium annorum decursu dextre confecto, in patriam inde

nuper reducern lasti recipimus : ingentem enim ab istis tends reportavit

thesaurum, non conchyliorum solum, insectorum, et amphibiorum, sed her-

barum etiam diversi generis ac usus, quas, tarn siccas quam vivas, allatis

etiam seminibus eorum recentibus et incorruptis, adduxit. — Linn. Amcen.

Acad., vol. iii. p. 4.

t Vid. Letter of Linnaeus to Haller, Sept. 24, 1746.

§ The Holosteum succulentam of Linnreus {Alsine foliis ellipticis carnosis

of Golden) is however marked in Linnaeus’s own copy of the ‘ Species Plan-

tarum’ with the sign employed to designate the species he at that time pos-

sessed ; but no corresponding specimen is to be found in his herbarium.

This plant has long been a puzzle to American botanists ; but it is clear

from Golden’s description, that Dr. Torrey has correctly referred it, in his

136 Notices of European Herbaria.

Gronovius Linnaeus had received a very small number of Clayton’s

plants, previous to the publication of the ‘ Species Plantarum but

most of the species of the ‘ Flora Virginica’ were adopted or referred

to other plants on the authority of the descriptions alone.

Linnaeus had another American correspondent in Dr. John

Mitchell*, who lived several years in Virginia, where he collected

extensively ; but the ship in which he returned to England having

been taken by pirates, his own collections, as well as those of Go-

vernor Golden, were mostly destroyed. Linnaeus however had pre-

viously received a few specimens, as, for instance, those on which

Proserpinaca, Polypremum, Galax, and some other genera, were

founded.

There were two other American botanists of this period, from

whom Linnaeus derived, either directly or indirectly, much informa-

tion respecting the plants of this country, viz. John Bartram and

Dr. Alexander Garden, of Charleston, South Carolina. The former

collected seeds and living plants for Peter Collinson during more

than twenty years, and even at that early day extended his labori-

ous researches from the frontiers of Canada to Southern Florida,

and to the Mississippi. All his collections were sent to his patron

Collinson t, until the death of that amiable and simple-hearted man

‘ Flora of the Northern and Middle States’ (1824), to Stellaria media, the

common Chickweed. Governor Golden’s daughter seems fully to have

deserved the praise which Collinson, Ellis, and others have bestowed upon

her. The latter, in a letter to Linnaeus (April 1758), says : “ Mr. Golden

of New York has sent Dr. Fothergill a new plant, described by his daugh-

ter. It is called Fihraurea, gold-thread. It is a small creeping plant,

growing on bogs ; the roots are used in a decoction by the country people

for sore mouths and sore throats. The root and leaves are very bitter, etc.

I shall send you the characters as near as I can translate them.” Then

follows Miss Golden’s detailed generic character, prepared in a manner

which would not be discreditable to a botanist of the present day. It is a

pity that Linnaeus did not adopt the genus with Miss Golden’s name, which

is better than Salisbury’s Coptis. “ I'his young lady merits your esteem,

and does honour to your system. She has drawn and described 400 plants

in your method : she uses only English terms. Her father has a plant

called after him Coldenia ; suppose you should call this (alluding to a new

genus of which he added the characters) Coldenella, or any other name that

might distinguish her among your genera.” — Ellis, Letter to Linrusus, 1. c.

* To him the pretty Mitchella repens was dedicated. Dr. Mitchell had

sent to Collinson, perhaps as early as in the year 1740, a paper in which

thirty new genera of Virginian plants were proposed. This Collinson sent

to Trew at Nuremberg, who published it in the ‘ Ephemerides Acad.

Naturae Curiosorum’ for 1748 ; but in the mean time most of the genera

had been already published, with other names, by Linnaeus or Gronovius.

Among Mitchell’s new genera was one which he called Chamcedaplme :

this Linnaeus referred to Lonicera ; but the elder (Bernard) Jussieu, in a

letter dated Feb. 19, 1751, having shown him that it w'as very distinct both

from Lonicera and Linncea, and in fact belonged to a different natural order,

he afterwards named it Mitchella.

t Mr. Collinson kept up a correspondence with all the lovers of plants

in this country, among whom were Governor Golden, Bartram, Mitchell,

Clayton, and Dr. Garden, by whose means he procured the introduction of

Notices of European Herbaria. 137

in 1768 ; and by him many seeds, living plants, and interesting

observations were communicated to Linnaeus, but few, if any, dried

specimens. Dr. Garden, who was a native of Scotland, resided at

Charleston, South Carolina, from about 1745 to the commencement

of the American Revolution, devoting all the time he could redeem

from an extensive medical practice to the zealous pursuit of botany

and zoology. His chief correspondent was Ellis at London, but

through Ellis he commenced a correspondence with Linnaeus ; and

to both he sent manuscript descriptions of new plants and animals,

with many excellent critical observations. None of his specimens

addressed to the latter reached their destination, the ships by which

they were sent having been intercepted by French cruisers ; and Lin-

naeus complained that he was often unable to make out many of

Dr. Garden’s genera for want of the plants themselves. Ellis was

great numbers of Nortli American plants into the English gardens. “ Your

system,” he writes to Linnaeus, “ 1 can tell you obtains much in America.

Mr. Clayton, and Dr. Golden at Albany, on Hudson’s River, in New York,

are complete professors, as is Dr. Mitchell atUrbana, on Rapahanock River,

in Virginia. It is he that has made many and great discoveries in the vege-

table world.” . . . “ 1 am glad you have the correspondence of Dr. Golden and

Mr. Bartram. They are both very indefatigable, ingenious men. Your

system is much admired in North America.” Again : “ 1 have but lately

heard from Mr. Golden. He is well; but what is marvellous, his daughter

is perhaps the first lady that has so perfectly studied your system. She

deserves to he celebrated.” . . . “ In the second volume of ‘ Edinburgh Essays’

is published a Latin botanic dissertation by Miss Golden ; perhaps the only

lady that makes profession of the Linnaean system, of which you may be

proud.” From all this, botany appears to have flourished in the North

American colonies. But Dr. Garden, about this time, writes thus to his

friend Ellis : “ Ever since I have been in Carolina, I have never been able

to set my eye upon one who had barely a regard for botany. Indeed I have

often wondered how there should be one place abounding with so many

marks of the divine wisdom and power, and not one rational eye to contem-

plate them ; or that there should be a country abounding with almost every

sort of plant, and almost every species of the animal kind, and yet that it

should not have pleased God to raise up one botanist. Strange indeed that

this creature should be so rare!” But to return to Collinson, the most amu-

sing portion of whose correspondence consists of his letters to Linnaeus

shortly after the publication of the ' Species Plantarum,’ in which (with all

kindness and sincerity) he reproves the great Swedish naturalist for his in-

novations, employing the same arguments which a strenuous might

be supposed to advance against a botanist of these latter days. “ I have had

the pleasure,” Collinson writes, “of reading your ‘ Species Plantarum,’ a

very useful and laborious work. But, my dear friend, we that admire you are

much concerned that you should perplex the delightful science of botany

with changing names that have been well received, and adding new names

quite unknown to us. Thus botany, which was a pleasant study, and attain-

able by most men, is now become, by alterations and new names, the study

of a man’s life, and none now but real professors can pretend to attain it.

As I love you, I tell you our sentiments.” — Letter of April 20, 1754. “ You

have begun by your ^ Species Plantarum’ ; but if you will be for ever making

new names, and altering old and good ones, for such hard names that con-

vey no idea of the plant, it will be impossible to attain to a perfect know-

ledge in the science of botany.” — Letter of April ]0th, 1755 \ from Smith’s

Selection of the Correspondence of Linnceus, \c.

138

Notices of European Herbaria,

sometimes more fortunate ; but as he seems usually to have con-

tented himself with the transmission of descriptions alone, we find

no authentic specimens from Garden in the Linneean herbarium.

We have now probably mentioned all the North American cor-

respondents of Linneeus ; for Dr. Kuhn, who appears only to have

brought him living specimens of the plant which bears his name, and

Catesby, who shortly before his death sent a few living plants which

his friend Lawson had collected in Carolina, can scarcely be reckoned

among the number*.

The Linnaean Society also possesses the proper herbarium of its

founder and first president. Sir James E. Smith, which is a beautiful

collection, and in excellent preservation. The specimens are at-

tached to fine and strong paper, after the method now common in

England. In North American botany, the chief contributors are

Menzies, for the plants of California and the north-west coast ;

and Muhlenberg, Bigelow, Torrey and Boott, for those of the United

States. Here also we find the cryptogamic collections of Acharius,

containing the authentic specimens described in his works on the

Lichens, and the magnificent East Indian herbarium of Wallich, pre-

sented some years since by the East India Company.

The collections preserved at the British Museum are scarcely in-

ferior in importance to the Linnsean herbarium itself, in aiding the

determination of the species of Linnaeus and other early authors.

Here we meet with the authentic herbarium of the ‘ Hortus ClifFor-

tianus,’ one of the earliest works of Linnaeus, which comprises some

plants that are not to be found in his own proper herbarium. Here

also is the herbarium of Plukenet, which consists of a great number

of small specimens crowded, without apparent order, upon the pages

of a dozen large folio volumes. With due attention, the originals of

many figures in the ‘ Almagestum’ and ‘ Amaltheum Botanicum,’ &c.,

may be recognized, and many Linnaean species thereby authenticated.

The herbarium of Sloane, also, is not without interest to the North

American botanist, since many plants described in the ‘ Voyage to

Jamaica,’ &c., and the ‘ Catalogue of the Plants of Jamaica,’ were

united by Linnaeus, in almost every instance incorrectly, with spe-

cies peculiar to the United States and Canada. But still more im-

portant is the herbarium of Clayton, from whose notes and speci-

mens Gronovius edited the ‘ Flora Virginicaf.* Many Linnaean spe-

* In a letter to Haller, dated Leyden, Jan. 23, 1738, Linnaeus writes:

“ You would scarcely believe how many of the vegetable productions of Vir-

ginia are the same as our European ones. There are Alps in the country

of Nevv York, for the snow remains all summer long on the mountains there.

I am now giving instructions to a medical student here, who is a native of

that country, and will return thither in the course of a year, that he may

visit those mountains, and let me know whether the same alpine plants are

found there as in Europe.” Who can this American student have been ?

Kuhn did not visit Linnaeus until more than fifteen years after the date of

this letter.

f ‘ Flora Virginica, cxhibens plantas quas J. Clayton in Virginia collegit.’

Lugd. Bat. 8vo, 1743. — Ed. 2. 4to, 1762. The first edition is cited in the

‘ S])ccies Flantarum’ of Linnaeus ; the second, again, quotes the specific

phrases of Linnaeus.

Notices of European Herbaria. 139

cies are founded on the plants here described, for which this herba-

rium is alone authentic ; for Linnaeus, as we have already remarked,

possessed very few of Clayton’s plants. The collection is nearly

complete, but the specimens were not well prepared, and are there-

fore not always in perfect preservation. A collection of Catesby’s

plants exists also in the British Museum, but probably the larger

portion remains at Oxford. There is besides, among the separate

collections, a small but very interesting parcel, selected by the elder

Bartram from his collections made in Georgia and Florida almost

a century ago, and presented to Queen Charlotte with a letter of

touching simplicity. At the time this fasciculus was prepared,

nearly all the plants it comprised were undescribed, and many were

of entirely new genera ; several, indeed, have only been published

very recently, and a few are not yet recorded as natives of North

America. Among the latter we may mention Petiveria alliacea and

Ximinea Americana, which last has again recently been collected in

the same region. This small parcel contains the Elliottia, MuhL,

Polypteris, Nutt., Baldwinia, Nutt., Macranthera, Torr., Glottidiurn,

Mayaca, Chaptalia, Befaria, Eriogonum tomentosum. Polygonum poly-

gamum. Vent., Gardoquia Hookeri, Benth., Satureia (fpycnothymus)

rigida, Cliftonia, Hypericum aureum, Galactia Elliottii, Krameria

lanceolata. Torn, Waldsteinia (^Comaropsis) lobata, Torr. and Gr.,

the DolicJios? multiflorus, Torr. and Gr., the Chapmannia, Torr. and

Gr., Psoralea Lupinellus, and others of almost equal interest or

rarity, which it is much to be regretted were not long ago made

known from Bartram’s discoveries.

The herbarium of Sir Joseph Banks, nowin the British Museum,

is probably the oldest one prepared in the manner commonly adopted

in England, of which, therefore, it may serve as a specimen. The

plants are glued fast to half- sheets of very thick and firm white

paper of excellent quality (similar to that employed for merchants’

ledgers, etc.), all carefully cut to the same size, which is usually

161 inches by 10|-, and the name of the species is written on the

lower right-hand corner. All the species of a genus, if they be few

in number, or any convenient subdivision of a larger genus, are

enclosed in a whole sheet of the same quality, and labelled at the

lower left-hand corner. These parcels, properly arranged, are pre-

served in cases or closets, with folding doors made to shut as closely

as possible, being laid horizontally into compartments just wide

enough to receive them, and of any convenient depth. In the

Banksian herbarium, the shelves are also made to draw out like a

case of drawers. This method is unrivalled for elegance, and the

facility with which the specimens may be found and inspected,

Vvdiich to a working botanist with a large collection is a matter of

the greatest consequence. The only objection is the expense,

which becomes very considerable when paper worth at least ten

dollars per ream is employed for the purpose, which is the case

with the principal herbaria in England ; but a cheaper paper, if it

be only sufficiently thick and firm, will answer nearly as well. The

Banksian herbarium contains authentic specimens of nearly all the

plants of Alton’s ‘ Hortus Kewensis,’ in which many North American

140 Notices of European Herbaria.

species were early established. It is hardly proper, indeed, that

either the elder or younger Alton should be quoted for these species,

since the first edition was prepared by Solander, and the second

revised by Dryander, as to vols. i, and ii., and the remainder by

Mr. Brown. Many American plants from the Physic Garden at

Chelsea, named by Miller, are here preserved, as also from the gar-

dens of Collinson, Dr. Fothergill (who was Bartram’s correspondent

after Collinson’s death), Dr. Pitcairne, etc. There are likewise

many contributions of indigenous plants of the United States, from

Bartram, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Garden, Fraser, Marshall, and other

early cultivators of botany in this country. The herbarium also

comprises many plants from Labrador and Newfoundland, a portion

of which were collected by Sir Joseph Banks himself ; and in the

plants of the northern and arctic regions, it is enriched by the col-

lections of Parry, Ross, and Dr. Richardson. Two sets of the

plants collected by the venerable Menzies in Vancouver’s voyage

are preserved at the British Museum, the one incorporated with the

Banksian herbarium, the other forming a separate collection. Those

of this country are from the north-west coast, the mouth of the

Oregon river, and from California. Many of Pursh’s species were

described from specimens preserved in this herbarium, especially

the Oregon plants of Menzies, and those of Bartram and others

from the more southern United States, which Pursh had never

visited, although he often adds the mark v. v. {vidi vivam) to species

which are only to be met with south of Virginia.

The herbarium of Walter still remains in the possession of the

Fraser family, and in the same condition as when consulted by

Pursh. It is a small collection, occupying a single large volume.

The specimens, which are commonly mere fragments, often serve

to identify the species of the ‘ Flora Caroliniana,’ although they are

not always labelled in accordance with that work.

The collections of Pursh, which served as the basis of his ‘ Flora

Americse Septentrionalis,’ are in the possession of Mr. Lambert, and

form a part of his immense herbarium. These, with a few speci-

mens brought by Lewis and Clark from Oregon and the Rocky

Mountains, a set of Nuttall’s collections on the Missouri, and also

of Bradbury’s, so far as they are extant, with a small number from

Fraser, Lyon, etc., compose the most important portion of this her-

barium, so far as North American botany is concerned. There is

also a small Canadian collection, made by Pursh subsequently to

the publication of his Flora, a considerable number of Menzies’s

plants, and other minor contributions. To the general botanist,

probably the fine herbarium of Pallas, and the splendid collection of

Ruiz and Pavon (both acquired by Mr. Lambert at a great expense),

are of the highest interest ; and they are by no means unimportant

in their relations to North American botany, since the former com-

prises several species from the north-west coast, and numerous

allied Siberian forms ; while our Californian plants require, in some

instances, to be compared with the Chilian and Peruvian plants of

the latter.

[To be continued.]

Bibliographical Notices.

141

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

MonograpJiie des Libellulidees d’ Europe. Par Edm. De Selys Long-

champs, Membre de plusieurs Societes savantes.

We do not know a more noble tribe of Insects than the Dragon-

flies— the wonderful oeconomy, perfect organization, exquisite struc-

ture, beautiful colouring and unusual magnitude of these Insect-

hawks combine to render them worthy the attention of the philoso-

pher as well as of the '"naturalist. In the earlier stages of their

existence they live as larvae and nymphae, entirely in the water,

where they are actively engaged in entrapping other insects to

satisfy their cruel appetites, possessing, contrary to the greater por-

tion of this class of animals, the power of locomotion in their pupa

state, and being furnished with a remarkable mask, which is pro-

jected at will to seize their victim. When they emerge from their

aquatic habitation and assume the perfect state, to soar along the

banks, or skim over the surface of a stream, in search of insect prey,

the evolutions of the larger species are very remarkable ; they dart

forward, halt or wheel with the most perfect precision, whether it

be in sportive play or in the pursuit of other insects, which they cap-

ture and devour in their flight, not sparing their kindred species of

equal size.

On examining living specimens of the larger kinds, the volume of

their compound eyes will be found to exceed that of any other in-

sect, and the beauty and perfection of these organs is scarcely to be

equalled : their powers of vision must be wonderful, for they can, no

doubt, take in the whole surrounding field of vision at once, and in

all probability to a very great distance : their exquisite wings rival

the most beautiful lace-work, and their bodies are generally painted

with Nature’s liveliest colours, which unfortunately fade after death ;

otherwise nothing could be more beautiful than a collection of Li-

bellulidce arranged in a cabinet ; this misfortune is however in a

measure mitigated by emptying and stuffing the thorax and bodies

as soon as they are killed. Their enormous mouths and powerful

organs of manducation are well adapted to their predatory habits ; and

such is their ferocity, that when under restraint they have been

known to satisfy their inordinate appetites by devouring their own

bodies ! From some unknown causes, the Dragon-flies, like various

other insects, occasionally increase to excess, when they migrate

in clouds like the Locust, travelling hundreds of miles in search of

food, their route being guided by the nearest stream, and following

the current they pursue their course in countless myriads.

Greatly as naturalists and scientific men are indebted to DeGeer

and Roesel for their valuable researches relating to these insects,

volumes might still be written in the investigation of their ceconomy

without entering upon their specific distinctions ; it is not therefore

surprising that so interesting a subject should have engaged the at-

tention of many authors who have lately undertaken to characterize

the genera and identify the species. It is to be regretted that the

142 Bibliographical Notices,

value of such labours is not duly appreciated in this country ; yet it

is an incontrovertible fact, that until differences are accurately de-

fined we cannot record even facts with certainty ; and unless we

submit to a careful investigation at least of the external anatomy,

the greatest errors may be committed. But until Natural History is

considered worthy to form a class in our schools, it is to be feared

that little attention will be paid to Entomology, although it is one of

the most important branches of Zoology.

Amongst the authors alluded to is Vander Linden, who in 1825

published at Brussels his ‘ Monographia Libellulinarum Europaearum

Specimen,’ which, although a limited production,was very acceptable;

in the same year the ‘ Horae Entomologicae ’ of Toussaint de Char-

pentier put us in possession of a more extensive Monograph of the

Libellulidae of Europe, with a 4to plate exhibiting specific characters

from the structure of the anal appendages, and this led to the pro-

duction of the best work that has yet appeared upon the family, the

‘ Monographie des Libellulidees d’Europe,’ par M. De Selys Long-

champs, which was preceded in 1837 by a ‘ Tableau des Libellulines

de la Belgique,’ containing a systematic list of the species with their

localities, and the characters of two new ones, Petalura flavipes and

Agrion aurantiaca.

The ‘ Monograph’ exhibits a general view of the external anatomy

of the Dragon-flies, in order to refer correctly to the relative position

of the various members ; but one of the most useful parts is the se-

ries of Synoptic Tables : the first gives the genera, comprising Li-

bellula, Lihella, Cordulia, Lindenia, Gomphus, Cordulegaster, uBschna,

Anax, Calepteryx, Lestes, Sympecma and Agrion, of which the three

following are not generally known.

Libella, De Selys, distinguished from Cordulia by the anal border

of the inferior wings being rounded in both sexes.

Lindenia, De Haan, is characterized by an elevated tubercle be-

fore the eyes, which are globose, whereas in Gomphus the space is

flat and the eyes compressed.

Sympecma, Charp., is separated from Lestes by its wings being

elevated in repose, and from Agrion by its elongated parastigma.

There are also three synoptic tables exhibiting the essential cha-

racters of all the species, amounting to 61, of which there are like-

wise more ample descriptions, with the synonyms, localities, etc.

The dimensions of all the species of the Libellulidae in a tabular

form is also a novel feature, and adds to the facility of identifying a

form, as this family varies less in the size of the sexes and of indi-

viduals of the same species than most others.

A disquisition follows upon the discoidal triangular cells in the

wings, which vary* in the different groups; they were first noticed

by M. Vander Hoeven, and this section embraces some exotic ge-

nera.

The ‘ Conspectus Specierum,’ in which Charpentier’s genus Pla-

tycnemis is characterized, to receive the species pJatypoda, is drawn

up with great care, and completes M. De Selys’s work ; and there are

Entomological Society. 143

four plates in which the genera are illustrated by magnified figures

of the terminal segments of the abdomen with the anal appendages.

The zeal with which M. De Selys has prosecuted his studies, by

inspecting the collections of France and England, as well as by his

researches in Germany, Switzerland and Italy, leads us to hope that

he may be induced to extend his labours to the fine exotic species of

this family, which are very numerous, (being distributed over every

portion of the globe) and ofifer an almost untrodden field of investi-

gation.

In perusing the memoir, two or three things presented themselves

connected with the works of British authors ; and although not very

important, it will be as well to rectify them, othewise they may lead

to incorrect impressions.

P. 56. Lihellula ruhicunda is not noticed by Mr. Stephens ; indeed

this Linnsean species was not known in England until Mr. Curtis

described and figured it in his ‘ British Entomology.’

P. 69. It was Mr. Dale who discovered Cordulia Curtisii, and

his friend Mr. Curtis subsequently captured it. Mr. Stephens never

saw it alive, but is indebted to Mr. Dale for his specimens.

P. 84. Mr. Stephens took only one specimen of Gomphus pulchellus ,

which was most probably transported from the opposite coast.

P. 108. Dr. Shaw published a figure and description of varia

in 1806.

P. 114. ^.rufescens is exceedingly rare in England, and first

discovered by Mr. Dale, after whom Dr. Leach named it, but unfor-

tunately neglected to publish his description.

P. 160. Mr. Stephens published a description of A. xanthopterum

in his ‘ Illustrations’ in 1836, which Mr. Curtis seems to have over-

looked when he described it in the 16th volume of ‘British Ento-

mology,’ under the name of Agrion rubella.

It is with pleasure we notice the honourable and gentlemanly

feeling which has guided M. De Selys through his labours : instead

of being influenced by a narrow and pernicious principle of super-

seding the names by which species are already known, he has en-

deavoured to do justice to his predecessors by adopting names ac-

cording to their right of priority ; an honest example, which we hope,

for the welfare of science, to see followed by all our other conti-

nental neighbours.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

ENTOMOLOGICAL. SOCIETY.

May 4th, 1840. — The Rev. F. W. Hope, President, in the Chair,

Mr. Yarrell exhibited some larvce of Tipula oleracea, which had

proved very destructive to the grass in Golden Square, London.

Mr. Hope stated that lime-water, as well as water from the gas ma-

nufactories, was very beneficial in destroying them.

Mr. Newport exhibited the specimen of Geophilus mentioned by

144 Entomological Society.

him at the last meeting, and which was nearly two inches long.

The same gentleman exhibited a specimen of the pupa of Sphinx Li-

gustri, the head-case of which he had repeatedly disturbed during

its change from the larva to the pupa state, and in consequence of

which, as it appeared to him, the tongue-case was not developed, so

that the pupa resembled that of a Smerinthus instead of Sphinx.

Mr. Hope exhibited a new species of Phyllium from the Neilgher-

ries, which he proposed to name P. Rohertsonii after Mr. Robertson,

who had presented a large collection of insects from that country to

the Society at the last meeting.

Mr. Shuckard having read some extracts from his memoir on the

family Dory since published in the Annals of Natural History, Mr.

W. W. Saunders stated that one of his specimens of Dorylus orientalis

had been captured in the sunshine, but that the other had entered a

lighted room in the evening. Mr. Westwood also objected to several

of the views entertained by Mr. Shuckard. (See his Memoir on

Typhlopone, since published in the Annals of Natural History.)

Mr. Westwood also read some “ Notes on African Entomology,”

amongst which the almost complete absence oiHomopterous insects on

that continent, and the general uniformity of the insects throughout

the entire continent, and the resemblance of many of them to In-

dian forms, were especially dwelt upon. The Rev. F. W. Hope also

entered into a detail of the reasons which had induced him to reject

the plans which had been proposed for the geographical distribution

of insects, and to consider the subject as primarily divisible accord-

ing to the respective hemispheres. He however considered that the

northern parts of America and of the old world formed but one en-

tomo-geographical region, which he would call Boreal. The other

parts of each hemisphere exhibit a secondary division. The ento-

mology of Africa was well characterized by its uniform character,

although that of North Africa resembled that of South Europe, and

that of South East Africa that of Asia. Mr. Waterhouse also made

a variety of observations on the same subject, considering the two

hemispheres as primarily distinct.

June 1st. — The Rev. W. Kirby, M.A., F.R.S., Honorary

President, in the Chair.

Mr. Samuel Stevens exhibited a new British genus of Carabideous

Coleoptera allied to Pterostichus, captured by Mr. Leplastrier near

Dover.

Mr. Ingpen, A.L.S., exhibited a mass of minute cylindrical cocoons

arranged close together like a piece of honey- comb in miniature,

being formed by a small species of Ichneumonidce {Hemiteles — ?), the

upper end of many of which had an aperture, whilst in others the

aperture was at the opposite end. They were found on the surface

of the ground in his garden at Chelsea.

The Rev. F. W. Hope exhibited several new and rare Coleoptera

and Diptera from New Holland. *

Mr. W. Saunders exhibited the larva of a species of Oiketicus from

the East Indies.

Entomological Society. 145

Mr. Frederick Smith exhibited the sexes of six species of Andrena,

which he had observed in copuld, thus proving the specific identity of

the different sexes in these species of this troublesome genus ;

amongst them was Andrena fulva, which was proved to be the fe-

male of Andrena armata, and A. Clerckella.

Mr. Westwood exhibited a specimen of Myrmecocystus mexicayius,

Wesm., a species of ant, some of the neuters of which are of the

ordinary form, whilst in others the abdomen is immensely swollen

and globular ; these latter individuals are described as never quitting

the nest, and as making a kind of honey. He also observed upon

the different kinds or degrees of development noticed among Hyme-

nopterous insects, especially the several kinds of neuters of the hive-

bees, called by Huber, &c. black-bees, nurser-bees, wax-workers, &c.

Messrs. Waterhouse and Newport doubted however whether there

were any real distinctions between these kinds of individuals, as they

had never been able to discover any specimens according with such

descriptions. Mr. Shuckard also stated his opinion that there was

never more than one kind of neuter among the ants. Mr. F. Smith

on the contrary stated that he had constantly found two kinds of

neuters in the nest of the Formica sanguinea.

The following memoir was read.

Description of a subgenus of Coleopterous insects closely allied to

Carabus. By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq.

The insect here described agrees in the majority of its characters

with Carabus, but differs in having the thorax smooth and convex,

without reflected margins, and fovece at the posterior angles, the

antennie incrassated in the middle, with the 3rd joint long, the

head large and nearly as broad as the thorax, the elytra depressed

and the legs long ; although destitute of the velvet-like soles to the

fore tarsi which distinguish the male Carabi, the anterior tarsi are

not dilated. The name proposed for this insect is

Aplothorax Burchellii, W. Niger, thorace cordiformi antice et

postice truncate, angulisque anticis et posticis rotundatis, suprd

Icevi et convexo ; elytris punctate - sU'iatis , striis punctisque crebris

at non profundis ; inter strias 3 et 4 et 1 et S punciis majoribus

cum it lis striis confluentibus . Long. corp. lin. 15|. Inhabits St.

Helena. W. Burchell, Esq. In Mus. D. Hope.

July 6th. — The Rev. F. W. Hope, President, in the Chair.

The President exhibited part of a splendid collection of Coleoptera

received by him from Mexico.

Mr. Westwood exhibited portions of the branches of an apple

tree bored into by the larva of Zeuzera Msculi, communicated by

Dr. Bindley.

Mr. Raddon exhibited a beautiful Lamia from the Gold Coast of

Africa, as well as a species of Noctua and Cerura which he had ob-

tained from Mr. Bradford, of Bewdley, and which he believed to be

new to the British lists of insects. He also stated that Lamia textor

had recently been taken at Walham Green.

Mr. Marshall stated that Mr. Doubleday had informed him that

Ann. Mag. N. Hist. Vol. vii. L

14G Entomological Society.

Sesia Bombyliiformis on emerging from the pupa has the transpa-

rent part of the wings entirely clothed with scales.

A paper was read by Mr. Westwood consisting of suggestions for

making collections of insects abroad, especially with reference to

their physiological and oeconomical peculiarities, which led to an

extended discussion, in which Messrs. Hope, Waterhouse, Marshall,

Raddon, and others, took part, and by whom the following sugges-

tions were made.

In packing insects captured abroad, where there might not be

convenience for pinning them, it is preferable to use thin layers of

linen rag instead of cotton wool, the latter catching the ungues of the

insects, and requiring very great care in unpacking. Sand in bottles

is also objectionable, for if the bottles were not quite full, or any

holes were accidentally made in the cork, whereby the sand j)artially

escaped, the remainder by shaking about would damage the insects.

Moss or bits of paper were also a good substitute for cotton wool.

Camphor, or pepper as its substitute, should be placed in the bottles

or boxes of dried insects. Such hard insects as beetles, &c., should

be killed by being placed in a bottle and immersed in boiling water,

which preserves their colours much better than by placing them in

spirits. The leaves of laurel, or some other plant of the same nature,

wdien bruised and placed in a box of insects, would also immediately

kill them, but this process hardened the muscles. Lepidopterous

insects may safely be preserved by folding their wings together, with

the antennae turned back between them, and then lapped up in a

j)iece of paper folded flat in the shape of a triangle. Considerable

collections had been received in this manner. The spines of the

Acacia were a good substitute for pins. Tin canisters should be

used instead of wooden boxes where practicable, in order to prevent

the attacks of the white ants and cock roaches ; when filled, the tops

should be resined down. Soda-water bottles were found to be of a

much more commodious form than square spirit bottles. Rum and

arrack, on account of their saccharine qualities, ought not to be used.

It was also better to place layers of tow between the insects in

spirits, and to put but fev/ of the latter together, as w'^hen much

shaken they easily broke to pieces.

August 3rd. — The Rev. F. W. Hope, President, in the Chair.

The President exhibited various new exotic Coleoptera, including

a new species of Trochoideus and one of Chiasognathus, both from

New Granada.

Mr. A. White exhibited several interesting insects from 8**^ Fe

de Bogota, including new species of Lahidus, Pelecinus, &c.

Mr. Westwood stated that he had recently observed a great num-

ber of the empty cocoons of the small garden ant sticking upon the

leaves of a nectarine tree trained against a wall, at a considerable

height from the ground, there being nests of the same species at the

foot of the w’all.

The following memoirs were read : —

Observations on the genus Typlilopone, and descriptions of several

Entomological Society. 147

other genera of ants. By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., since published

in the Annals of Natural History.

On a new species oi Dynastes other Coleoptera. By the Rev.

F. W. Hope.

Dynastes Jupiter, H. Scutellatus, thoracis cornu medio maximo et

incurvo subtus barhato, cornubus duobus lateralibus thoracis lon-

gitudine, rectis ; thoracis dorso in cornu longissimo absque dente

in medio producto, cornu capitis porrecto recurco, dimidio antico

supra multidentato. Long. corp. unc. 4. lin. 10. Inhabits New

Granada. Allied to D. Neptunus, Sch.

Hexaphyllum Westwoodii, H. Nigrum, antennarum clava brunnea,

thorace profunde rugoso-sulcato, elytris carinatis interstitiis reti-

culatis. Long. corp. lin. 6j. Inhabits New Granada.

Pelidnota Victorina, H. Flavo-viridis, thorace fusco-aurantio,

suturd scutelloque concoloribus ; elytris pallide viridibus maculis

fusco-aurantiis aspersis, corpore subtus saturatiore ,sterno trochan-

teribus geniculis tarsisque nigro-bronzeis. Long. corp. lin. 10.

Inhabits Mexico.

Pelidnota Adelaida, H. Viridis, scutello aurato nitido, elytris fusco-

bronzcis, lineis viridi-auratis alter nantibus, colore bronzeo-ochraceo

inquinatis. Long. corp. lin. 14. Inhabits Mexico.

Pelidnota auripes, H. Tota prasina, pedibus auratis. Long. corp.

lin. 12. Inhabits Mexico.

A Letter was read from Alexander Burn, Esq., dated Kaiva, Gu-

jerat, December 6th, 1839, addressed to the president of the Ento-

mological Society, accompanying a box containing two Indian species

of blister-flies which abound at Gujerat, and which he had found to

be equal as vesicants to the Spanish fly : indeed wLen used fresh a

liquor Lyttce of greater strength and activity can be obtained from

them. The writer had called the attention of the Bombay Govern-

ment to these insects as objects indigenous to India, which might

be worthy of attention as articles of commerce. The first, Lytta

gigas. Fab., appears early in the season of the monsoon (August and

September), creeping along the ground, seldom using its wings,

and feeding on the young tender shoots of grasses. The other

species, Mylabris pustulata, Blbg. flies about all day and feeds on the

flowers of various plants, especially the esculent Cucurbitacere and

Hibiscus esculentus and cannabinus, abounding in some seasons to

such an extent as to prove extremely destructive to the plants,

hardly a single blossom escaping them. To the market gardeners

they are therefore a great nuisance, and as the objection to destroy

animal life is extremely rank in this part of India, the only plan

adopted to get rid of them is picking them with the hand from the

plants into large earthern vessels, and sending them tn a distance of

a mile or two to be set free in any wild or uncultivated spot.

In reference to the above letter Mr. G. Newport stated that he

had ascertained that Meloe Proscarab(Cus, the common English species,

was highly diuretic, and it was suggested that as the two species of

L2

148 Ento^nological Society,

Indian Cantharidce possessed very powerful medicinal properties and

were extremely abundant, it would be advisable that they should

be collected in quantities and imported into England, so as to su-

persede the use of the common blister-dy.

September 7th, — Thomas Marshall, Esq., in the Chair.

In addition to the donations of entomological works, a collection

of insects from New South Wales was presented to the Society by

J. S. Bowerbank, Esq.

Mr. Smith exhibited specimens of Miscus campestris and Am-

mophila vulgaris, which had been taken in copuld, and whence he

was led to consider the former only as a variety of the latter species.

He also exhibited a new British species of Nomada, and various rare

British Andrence.

Mr. Walton exhibited three new British species of the Curculio-

nideous genus Magdalis.

October 5th. — J. Walton, Esq., V.P. in the Chair,

Mr. Sells exhibited a number of illustrations of the natural history

of various species of insects, including nests of the Osmia ccerulescens,

numerous kinds of galls formed by Cecidomyice, &c., with their pa-

rasites ; Chlorops jmmilionis , in various states, the larvse of which had

proved very destructive this year near Kingston, and had entirely

destroyed several acres of rye.

Mr. Westwood exhibited a remarkable gall brought from Manilla

by Mr. Cuming, the outer covering of which consisted of exceedingly

fine filaments, which crumbled to powder on being touched, and the

inhabitant of which was a species of Cynips ; also a cocoon made

by a large Saturnia, the chrysalis of which was still inclosed and

filled with eggs, although the antennse-cases were so broad as to

lead to the supposition that the specimen was a male.

Mr. Ingpen exhibited the cocoon of Cetonia aurata, the larva of

which he had then recently found at the root of a tree, containing a

living imago ; likewise another mass of the cocoons of the Hemiteles

sp. ? found attached to a lilac branch.

Mr. Smith exhibited various species of British ants of the differ-

ent sexes, showing the two distinct kinds of neuters of Formica san-

guinea, in the nest of which he had also found Formica fusca, F. cu-

nicularia, and Myrmica rubra ; also a piece of the stump of an oak

tree burrowed into in all directions and inhabited by Formica rufa.

Mr. Stephens mentioned a remarkable instance of the occurrence

of the autumnal disease of flies, having observed that a great number

of the blades of a tall grass {Seslei'ia coey'ulea) growing at the sides

of the path leading through Ongar Park Wood in Essex, for about

fifty yards were covered with hundreds of dead specimens of Chei-

losia gracilis, many of which he exhibited still attached to the stems

of the grass : he also observed one of the flies fly languidly down,

settle on the grass, and die.

Mr. Westwood exhibited drawings of the veins of the wings of

various genera of British butterflies, commenting upon the modifica-

Entomological Society.

149

tions to which they are subject, and which he had found to afford a

very satisfactory character for determining the limits of several of

the genera, not only in these insects, but also among the Homo-

ptera, in which order they had not hitherto been employed.

The commencement of a paper by J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., entitled

Observations on the Linnsean species of StaphylinidcB” was read.

In this memoir the author reviews the opinions which have been

expressed by the various v/riters upon this family of beetles relative

to the different species of rove-beetles described by Linnaeus, and

also, guided by the Linnaean Collection itself in the possession of the

Linnaean Society, determines the modem generate which the species

respectively belong, and corrects their synonyms. The following

is an abstract of the latter part of these observations : —

Sp. 1. Staphylinus hirtus is the Emus hirtus, Leach.

Sp. 2. St. murinus is Staphylinus {Trichoderma, Steph.) nebulosuSy

Fabr., Steph., &c.

Sp. 3. St. maxillosus. Under this name Linnaeus united Creo-

philus maxillosus, K. and Goerius olens, Leach.

Sp. 4. St. erythropterus is the St. erythropterus, Fabr. {ccBsareus,

Cederh. and Erichs.), not the St. castanopterus, Grav.

Sp. 5. St. politus. Several species confounded together, but the

typical specimen is the Staph, eeneus, Grav., Gy 11.

Sp. 6. St. rufus is Oxyporus rufus, Fabr.

Sp. 7. St. lunulatus is Bolitobius lunulatus of Panzer and Zetter-

stedt {B. atricapillus , Fabr., &c.).

Sp. 8. St. riparius is P^derus riparius, Fab.

Sp. 9. St. obtusus is a Tachyporus specifically identical with T.

analis. Fab., which is a variety of it.

Sp. 10. St. lignorum is a Tachinus of the size of T. subterraneus.

Sp. 11. St. Silphoides is identical 'with Tachinus suturalis, Grav.

Sp. 12. St. subterraneus is Tachinus subterranneus , Grav.

Sp. 13. St. flavescens. No specimen of this doubtful species

exists in the Linnaean cabinet.

Sp. 14. St. elongatus is identical with Lathrobium elongatum,

Erichs.

Sp. 15. St. biguttatus is a small Stenus.

Sp. 16. St. bipustulatus . No specimen of this evident species of

Stenus exists in the Linnaean cabinet.

Sp. 17. St. cantharellus. Ditto. Frohahlj a Malthinus.

Sp. 18. St. littoreus is identical with Oxyporus {Conurus, Steph.)

cellaris. Fab.

Sp. 19. St. sanguineus is an Aleochara closely allied to A. fuscipes.

Sp. 20. St. caraboides is Lesteva caraboides, Grav. (testaceus, Bdv.

and Lacord.)

Sp. 21. St. chrysomelinus is Tachyporus chrysomelinus, Auct.

Sp. 22. St.flavipes is Tachyporus hypnorum. Fab.

Sp. 23. St. fuscipes is identical with Gyrohypnus lentus, Grav.

Sp. 24. St. rufipes is identical with Tachinus pullus, Grav.

Sp. 25. St. piceus is Oxytelus piceus, Gyll.

Sp. 26. St. boleti is Gyrophcena minima, Erichs.

150

Entomological Society.

November ‘2nd. — J. Walton, Esq., V.P. in the Chair.

Mr. Westwood gave an account of several recent observations

made by him relative to the development of the Myriapoda, exhibit-

ing specimens and drawings of some minute individuals of Lithobius

forcipalus, which differed from each other in the number of limbs,

one having only eight pairs of feet, another ten, another eleven,

whilst one, which was a quarter of an inch long, had gained fifteen

pairs. In the former individuals there were several pairs of ex-

tremely minute appendages arising at the sides of the rudimental

terminal segments of the body ; but in the last-mentioned specimen

the terminal segment of the long hind pair of feet were fully de-

veloped. He also exhibited a full grown Lithobius, one of the pe-

nultimate legs of which was very short, and which he considered

was the result of an arrest of development, and not the reproduction

of the limb. He would also explain in the same manner the cause of

the minute size of one of the feet of several specimens of Scolopendra

which had been exhibited at former meetings of the Society, in all

which it was one or other of the hind feet which was of a diminished

size. He also exhibited a small slender white wingless insect, one

sixth of an inch long, captured running on the ground, possessing six

feet and two very long anal filaments, thus resembling the larva of

a Staphylinus, but having multi articulate antennae, and broad 4-den-

tate mandibles ; the abdominal segments were also furnished at the

sides beneath with very minute short filaments. Hence as this

insect would not accord with the larvae of any known group of in-

sects, he deemed it possible that it might constitute a new genus of

Myriapoda in an undeveloped state.

The following memoirs were read.

Notice of a simple method of entrapping and destroying Wasps.

By the Rev. F. W. Hope. This plan, which is very serviceable in

protecting wall fruit, consists in placing pieces of the fruit or bits

of meat under a hand glass raised an inch or two above the ground,

having one of the top panes taken out or a small hole made at top,

with another hand glass placed on the top of the lower one ; the

insects being attracted to the food fly upwards into the upper glass,

and are easily destroyed by introducing a few lighted matches into the

upper glass. This plan is mentioned by Mr. Ingpen in his instruc-

tions for collecting, and Mr. Marshall stated that he had also known

it used for collecting nocturnal Lepidoptera, a light being used under

the glass to entrap the moths. Mr. Bainbridge also mentioned that

by hanging dead birds or pieces of flesh in front of wall-fruit trees

the fruit would be left untouched.

The continuation of Mr. Westwood’s memoir on the Linnsean

StaphylinidcB was also read.

December 7th. — The Rev. F. W. Hope, President, in the Chair.

Mr. Evans exhibited a specimen of Paussus Burmeisteri, and a

new species of Chiron, which he had recently received from South

Africa.

Entomological Society. 151

Dr. Calvert presented some living larvae of one of the species of

Noctuidee, which he had found exceedingly destructive to his wheat

crops in the north of Yorkshire, the larvae ascending the stems and

devouring the grain at the end of September. The land upon which

the crops attacked were sown was reclaimed moor land, and it was

considered that it was owing to the lateness of the ripening of the

crop that it was subject to these attacks, earlier crops in more south-

ern parts of the country escaping. It was further suggested that it

would be desirable to plough up the soil several times to a consider-

able depth, whereby the larvse or chrysalides in the winter or spring

would become exposed, and would be greedily devoured either by

the rooks or by ducks, which might be turned into the fields for that

purpose.