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THE ANNALS
AND
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY,
INCLUDING ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, ann GEOLOGY.
(BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ‘ANNALS’ COMBINED WITH LOUDON AND CHARLESWORTH S ‘MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.’)
CONDUCTED BY
CHARLES C. BABINGTON, Esa., M.A., F.B.S., F.LS., F.G.S., JOHN EDWARD GRAY, Ph.D., F.R.S., F.LS., F.ZS8. &e., WILLIAM 8S. DALLAS, F.LS.,
AND
WILLIAM FRANCIS, Ph.D., F.L.S.
*yysonlan Ing;
Po o™ id ( ‘
242\05
\ elon wases A LONDON:
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS.
SOLD BY LONGMANS, GREEN, READER, AND DYER; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO.,; KENT AND CO.; BAILLIERE, REGENT STREET, AND PARIS: MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH }
HODGES AND SMITH, DUBLIN: AND ASHER, BERLIN.
1872.
“Omnes res creatz sunt divine sapientiz et potenti testes, divitix felicitatis humane :—ex harum usu Jonitas Creatoris; ex pulchritudine sapientia Domini; ex ceconomid in conseryatione, proportione, renoyatione, potentia majestatis elucet. Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper estimata ; a yeré eruditis et sapientibus semper exculta; malé doctis et barbaris semper nimica fwt.”—Linnavs.
“Quel que soit le principe de la vie animale, il ne faut quouvrir les yeux pour yoir qu’elle est le chef-d’ceuvre de la Toute-puissance, et le but auquel se rappor- tent toutes ses opérations.”—Bruckner, Théorie du Systéme Animal, Leyden,
1767.
ast. (EM ohh Rotate 2 The sylvan powers Obey our summons; from their deepest dells The Dryads come, and throw their garlands wild And odorous branches at our feet; the Nymphs That press with nimble step the mountain-thyme And purple heath-flower come not empty-handed, But scatter round ten thousand forms minute Of velvet moss or lichen, torn from rock Or rifted oak or cavern deep: the Naiads too Quit their loved native stream, from whose smooth face They crop the lily, and each sedge and rush That drinks the rippling tide: the frozen poles, Where peril waits the bold adventurer’s tread, The burning sands of Borneo and Cayenne, All, all to us unlock their secret stores And pay their cheerful tribute.
J. Taytor, Norwich, 1818.
CONTENTS OF VOL. IX.
[FOURTH SERIES. ]
NUMBER XLIX.
I. On the Abyssal Theory of Light, the Protozoic-Absorption Theory, and the Azoic-Mud Theory, propounded in the Reports of H.MLS, ‘Porcupine,’ 1869 and 1870. By W.C. M‘InrosH........
II, Seventh Account of new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. By ALtBert Ginruer, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., Bs.S: {Plies SL ITV 5 Vii VE) Oe ea kak 2 ao A bs
IIL. A List of Species of the Genus Planaxis, with Descriptions of eleven new Species. By Epgar A. Smiru, Zoological Department, WPBMiAS ET MROUIE 482.2 «Sk S 200 5 care ctten trea hala tenga re
IV. Description of a new Species of Porzana from the Himalayas. By AnrHi, Vistoutit WALDEN, Pits. 252 vice as. ud ths ts eld
V. Contributions to the Study of the Entomostraca. By GrorGE Srrwarpson Brapy, C.M.Z.8., and Davin Ropertson, F.GS. No. VI. On the Distribution of the British Ostracoda. (Plates I. NiPc hai OE. me esha offs, arepoi din ets ener JS «OG mitted «eon ahh “EET
VI. The American Spongilla a Craspedote Flagellate Infusorian. By H. James-Crark, A.B., B.S., Prof. Nat. Hist. Kentucky Univer- aity, uexington, Ky.” (Plate XT.) 0... 605s cul) Glo qegeesite see
VIL. Additional Information on the Structure of Tethya dacty- loidea, Cart. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &c. (Plate X. figs. 1-5.)..
VIII. Fossil Coral allied to Merulina (Ehrenb.), from the Upper Greensand of Haldon Hill, near Exeter. By W. Vicary, F.G.S. (Plater X Moy Geet out onset te ets fa eto e ete anc 8a tee es Raa
IX. Descriptions of some Ceylonese Reptiles and Batrachians. iby Dr ALBERT GUNSHER, HORS. cr oie: hog oe 20 dt yale genre
X. Notes on Arctocephalus Hookeri, Gray. By Dr. H. Bur- RUNG OAED NS 4 cn} oka Pe SEaD aie Zs eel ae walt OMS SIEGE an coc mig ale oie ayer
XI. On the Distribution of Marine Animals on the Southern Coast of New England. By A. EH. VERBILE ...:...-..ee cece ween eee
On the Systematic Position of the King Crabs and Trilobites, by M. E. van Beneden; Cells in Crystalline Form, by Hermann Karsten ; Anatomico-zoological Remarks upon Oncidiwm celti-
Page
13
37
47
48
82
84
iv CONTENTS. Page cum, Cuvier, by M. L. Vaillant; Drosera (Sun-dew) as a Fly- catcher; Note on a Fragment of a Teleosaurian Snout from
Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset, by J. W. Hulke, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S. 98—104
NUMBER L. XII. Investigations upon the Structure and Natural History of the Vorticelle. By Dr. RicHarp Greer. (Plates XII.—-XVI.).... 105
XIII. On the Microxylobius Westwoodii, Chevr., from St. Helena. By I. Vernon) Wonaston, M.A:, FL.S. .n.ccus. .-\ omen ae 112
XIV. On the Anatomy of the Nervous System of Diphyes, afford- ing presumptive evidence of the existence of a similar System in the other forms of Oceanic Hydrozoa. By Joun Drnts Macponatp,
M.D., F.R.S., Staff-Surgeon of H.M.S. ‘Lord Warden’.......... 114 XV. Note on Prof. Heller’s Catalogue of the Hydroida of the Admatic:, By the Rey. THomas Hiners) BAL cc 2. mete 116
XVI. Notule Lichenologice. No. XXXV. By the Rev. W. A. Lereuton, B.A., F.L.S., F.B.S. Ed. — Recognitio Monographica
Ramalinarum. Scripsit WrLL1AM NYLANDER, Caen, 1870........ 122 XVII. Additions to the Australian Curculionide. Part I. By
PRANGIGAE, (PASCO, EDS ieee iru piectiocleeinsa cue olden sees 152 XVIII. On some Recent Researches in Vegetable Physiology.
By Vie Macro): MENG ITT "Say tsteg Me isn aieinieveae feted oosis albie saanetoe ean oe ea 142 XIX. Observations on the Systematic Relations of the Fishes.
By Prot Ep wARD.D COPE ss) ccceni tater niac emer he 155
Osteology of the Solitaire, by Prof. Alfred Newton ; Tapirus villosus ; A Letter concerning Deep-Sea Dredgings, addressed to Prof. Benjamin Peirce, Superintendent, United States Coast Survey, by Louis Agassiz; On the Fecundation of the Crayfish, by M. S. Chantran ; Baptisia perfoliata, the Arrangement and Morpho- logy of its Leaves, by Prof. Asa Gray ; On a new Micrometric Goniometer Eyepiece for the Microscope, by J. P. Southworth 168—175
NUMBER LI.
XX. On the Horns, Viscera, and Muscles of the Giraffe; with a Record of the post mortem examination of two Specimens killed by a fire. By Dr. James Muris, F.LS., F.G.S.,&c¢. (Plates VIL. & VET) 9 Sas sin'e Bish Reacts OS A RR oleh an ans ee ay
CONTENTS. Vv
Page XXI. Descriptions of two new Species of Humming-Birds. By
Mernny GOR GCC, casa yel resale eins vere inoestais Six bibelehn vieyegaleha's'Saats n 195 XXII. Investigations upon the Structure and Natural History of
the Voracelie., “By Dr. RICHARD GREER 0)... 0/4000 ch ede eee eds 196 XXII. On the Nomenclature of the Foraminifera. By W. K. PanrkKER, F.R.S., and Prof. T. Rupert Jonss, F.G.S.—Part XV. The
Speciestigured™ by Hhrenberet ous tts a2 evened snalvia cele ane ieee 211 XXIV. On some Recent Researches in Vegetable Physiology.
Bye Mie MO re Lge is aeeiap, Sk Maa ds Shy aca eecee 230 XXYV. On the Development of Syngamus trachealis. By Prof.
_ OLSEN (tak a eiiah ra a aE PR eR PPR RE SS ei ous ram INA lle 236
New Books :—Figures of Characteristic British Fossils, with Descrip- tive Remarks, by W. H. Baily, F.L.S., F.G.S., &. Part III. Plates 21-30. Upper Silurian and Devonian.—A Manual of Zoology for the use of Students; with a General Introduction on the Principles of Zoology, by Henry Alleyne Nicholson, M.D. &e. Second Edition, revised and considerably enlarged. . 240, 241
Osteology of the Solitaire, by Prof. Owen, F.R.S. &c.; Argas reflexus s. Rhynchoprion columbe, by George Gulliver, F.R.S.; Habits of Tropic Birds, by the Earl of Pembroke; Fish-nest in Sea- weed of the Sargasso-Sea. Extracts from a letter from Prof. Agassiz to Prof. Peirce, Superintendent, United States Coast Survey ; Morphology of Carpellary Scales in Larix, by Thomas Meehan; Supplementary Note on the Genns Lichenocrinus, by BB. Meek. 2.0.0... eee e ence ence meee eee enees 241—247
NUMBER LII.
XXVI. Descriptive Notes on a nearly entire Specimen of Pleurodus Rankinii, on two new Species of Platysomus and a new Amphicentrum, with Remarks on a few other Fish-remains found in the Coal-measures at Newsham. By Arspany Hancock, F.L.S., and Tuomas ATTHEY.
AGI etic DROVE ize MME) Set eet atcha avihiahe hiacie MR corte Oe Lee 249 XXVIL The Mollusca of St. Helena. By J. Gwyn Jerrreys,
Tere et ie 3 cise oats haere 0! arin ieee eaiie) +t = wh dniglel gal oe wiley go 262 XXVIII. The Origin of the Vertebrate Skeleton. By Harry G.
Srrevey, St. Johiis College, Cambridge .........0cceeecsceeenee 265
XXIX. On the Nomenclature of the Foraminifera. By W. K. ParkER, F.R.S., and Prof. T. Rupert Jonrs, F.G.S.—Part XV. Lhe; Species fisured: by Bhrenberge ois... os eiceeinneeivines sons a ean ee
Vi CONTENTS. , Page
XXX. Ona Four-bearded Water-Terrapin from North Australia. Pay Ds, ARAL Oe RSs OCC ai eres te e's Wie oe yn ee Se 303 XXXI. On a probably new Species of Actinia. By R. Kyun, Esq. 304
XXXII. Description of a supposed new Species of Cuckoo from Celebes. By ArtHuR, Viscount WALDEN, P.Z.S. .............- 505
XXXIII. On the Skin &e. of the Rhytina, suggested by a recent Paper of Dr. A. Brandt’s. By James Murtm, F.L.S. &c. (Plate
PROMO ete tere ferret a otete raise te cla, siete veneer Sie oats ecal® aieie ie ee .. 806 XXXIV. A Trip to Queensland in Search of Fossils. By Dr. G. ENNIS tees eciareleg aos att Glee etiaeert a Mucts oa laje a Ge Creve 314
Osteology of the Solitaire, by Prof. Alfred Newton; On the Grey Seal (Halicherus gryphus), by Dr. J. EK. Gray, F.R.S. &e.; On the Acclimatization and Anatomy of Pertcheta diffringens, Baird, by M. L. Vaillant; On the Animal of the Glass-rope, by Dr. J. KE. Gray, F.R.S. &ce.; On Prognathodus Giintheri (Egerton), a new Genus of Fossil Fish from the Lias of Lyme Regis, by Sir P. de M. Grey Egerton, Bart., M.P., F.R.S., F.G.S.; On Felis pardinordes, by Dr. J. KE. Gray, F.R.S. &c.; Discovery of a re- markable Fossil Bird, by Prof. 0. C. Marsh; Pigs of the Society Islands; Flyingfish; The Sunfish viviparous.......... 321—328
NUMBER LIIL.
XXXV. On Onetrodes Eschrichtii, Liitken, a new Lophioid Fish from Greenland. By Dr. Cur. Lirken. (Plate 1X.)............ 329
XXXVI. Remarks on several Species of Bullide, with Descrip- tions of some hitherto undescribed Forms, and of a new Species of Planaxis. By Enear A. Suiru, Zoological Department, British
IIISSEE ss atic cho ass ce Se cv eons SVs ek non A ee 544 XXXVI. On the Affinities of Palzeozoic Tabulate Corals with
Hxisting Species, By A..E. VeRBta 14. ..6.5. ues ei oped s 355 XXXVIII. On the Morphology and Affinities of Graptolites. By
Prof. ALEMAN, FBS: BLS, Se. 05 2h pn ee 364 XXXIX. Descriptions of three new Species of Eremias. By Dr.
BAC RUINTEIBR NEB. sys, sal aligns cndoomut lauds 2s, oe. 381
XL. Note on Trionyx gangeticus, Cuvier, and Trionyx hurum, B, Hamilton. By Joun Anpurson, M.D. ; Caleutta; nim nie oe6 582
XLI. Investigations upon the Structure and Natural History of the Vorticelle. By Dr. RicHarp GREBF ...................... 584
CONTENTS. vu Page
XLII. On some supposed new Species of Birds from Celebes and the Togian Islands. By ArrHur, Viscount WALDEN, P.Z,S., F.R.S. 398
XLIII. On a new Species of Thrush pertaining to the Genus Oreocinela; By Jom GouLD, FUR Bikes 656 selec cae 401
Proceedings of the Royal Society J. ics siege 6 sce, Solate sete 402—404
On the Genus Osteocella, by Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S. &c.; Further Remarks on the Relationship of the Limulide (Xiphoswra) to the Lurypteride and to the Trilobita, by Henry Woodward, Esq.,
F.G.S.; On some Pupipara parasitic LDS Chiroptera, ie Dr. F. Radom See BO ERIC IGcaa rit tac ieiticmncke bye aver petninicae c AeeRe we 405—407
NUMBER LIV.
XLIV. On two new Sponges from the Antarctic Sea, and on a new Species of Tethya from Shetland ; together with Observations on the Reproduction of Sponges commencing from Zygosis of the Sponge-
animal. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &c. (Plates XX., XXL, &
CRI IDR Paved tomes br ition Rely tity o nap ald sled Boomers ee .. 409 XLV. On the New-Zealand Bottlenose (Lagenorhynchus clanculus, Guy); By Dr JAMS TRO ROR SBT. ce os olela fo ve cs are eed sre" 436 XLVI. Notice of two new Fishes from Celebes. By Dr. ALBERT REASTIRY UT ELsn els lek wears aosbot stad aie Ave abuse nhs sielto/e cipal peckoter a Simla OMepaenae Cue 438 XLVII. On a Subfossil Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) discovered in Cornwall. By WiLi1am Henry Fiower, F.R.S............. 440 XLVUI. Notes on the Classification of the Sponges. By Dr. J. IEPA MA eRe hen ats csthanlates ausp. 4 Syeda vidi ons £0. SoStaLN aasretenenl cee 442 XLIX. Investigations upon the Structure and Natural History of the-Jorkeelie. By Dr. RicnaRp GREER 5.0 isso was he oes 462 L. On Indian Mud-Tortoises (Trionyxr). By Dr. J. E. Gray, MBAR ae OGte. FC ee ale Ane teaesl a es «photo ereeiaremearelg she woe cc lola Sian alt eatea 473
New Books :—A History of the Birds of New Zealand, by Walter Lawry Buller, Se.D., F.L.S., F.G.8., &e. Part I.— A Synony- mic Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera, by W. F. Kirby .. 475, 478
The late GkorGE Ropert Gray; Jukella, a new Alcyonarian from Sir C. Hardy’s Island, by Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S. &c.; Thouarella antarctica, from the Falkland Islands, by Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S. &c.; Prize Question proposed by the Danish Royal Society of Sciences
vill CONTENTS. Page for the Year 1872; The Ears of Sea-lions and Sea-bears, by Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S. &c.; The Sea-Serpent again! by J. Cobbin; Ob-. servations on the Extinct Whalebone-Whales (Balenoida) the remains of which have been found in the Vienna Basin, by Prof. Poem TOE Mein, cos Gyn cgicls dass ate lla raioiG iletejevays'@ ease inate 480—484
PLATES IN VOL. IX.
at bw ew British Ostracoda. a | | Species of Snakes.
yt Muscles of the Giraffe.
IX. Oneirodes Eschrichtii. X. Structure of Tethya dactyloidea.—New Species of Fossil Coral.
XI. Development of Spongilla arachnoidea.
XII.
UU
XIV. sStructure of the Vorticelle. VE
<
4
WAL
eT Joris rarvens thomitheiewekatOeal ; XVUL ( Pish-remains from the Newsham Coal-measures. XIX. Skin of Rhytina and Parasite.
a bNew Sponges from the Antarctic Sea. XXII. Tethya zetlandica.
THE ANNALS
AND
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. [FOURTH SERIES. ]
US Siacevionncencoatinges per litora spargite muscum, Naiades, et circttm vitreos considite fontes: Pollice virgineo teneros hic carpite flores: Floribus et pictum, dive, replete canistrum. At vos, o Nymphe Craterides, ite sub undas; Ite, recurvato variata corallia trunco Vellite muscosis e rupibus, et mihi conchas Ferte, Des pelagi, et pingui conchylia succo.”’
NV. Parthenii Giannettasii Ecl. 1.
No. 49. JANUARY 1872.
I.—On the Abyssal Theory of Light, the Protozoic-Absorption Theory, and the Azoic-Mud Theory, propounded in the Reports of H.M.S. ‘ Porcupine, 1869 and 1870. By W. C. M‘IntTosu.
In recording the following remarks I must disclaim any in- tention to cast reflections on the scientific energy or the expe- rience of marine animals of the three excellent naturalists who were chosen by the Royal Society to represent British _zoologists in these expeditions. Such would certainly be un- worthy, more especially as I had the pleasure of receiving (through the intervention of Mr. Jeffreys) part of the collection of Annelids (all from a depth of less than 500 fathoms) in the first expedition, and the whole of the Annelida of the second. Having made this necessary acknowledgment, I must also admit that certain parts of the reports of my friends struck me at once, on hearing the first read and on perusing the second, as being slightly at variance with my own views on such subjects. Some of the latter, however, are points on which more than one opinion may be held; and the following re- marks *, therefore, are intended to be tentative rather than dogmatical.
* These were included for the most part in a paver read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh, on the Ist of May, 1871.
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. ix. 1
2 W.C. M‘Intosh on the Abyssal Theory of Light.
1. The Abyssal Theory of Light.
The distinguished dredgers in the expeditions were struck by the luminosity of many of the animals procured from great depths in the Atlantic, such as Aleyonarian Zoophytes, Brittle- stars, and Annelids. In some places, indeed, the mud itself was full of luminous specks*. In their Report on the Dredg- ings of 1869}, they broach the idea that the abyssal regions might depend solely for their light upon the phosphorescence of their inhabitants, and that this luminosity in the dark abysses of the sea fulfils, in regard to the great object of the supply of food, the functions performed in the upper world by the light of day. In other words, the phosphorescence of an animal would, on the one hand, enable it to see its prey, and, on the other, would discover it to its enemies{. Moreover, according to the report, since the young of certain starfishes are much more luminous than the adults, it is probable that this 1s part of the general plan which provides an enormous excess of the young of many species, apparently as a supply of food, their wholesale destruction being necessary for the due restric- tion of the multiplication of the species, while the breeding individuals, on the other hand, are provided with special ap- pliances for escape or defence.
Now, without entering on the present occasion into the literature of the subject (a labour which has been so ably ac- complished by Ehrenberg, De Quatrefages, and other authors), it will be seen, on referring to a single passage in the article on this subject (Todd’s Cyclopedia) by the late accomplished Dr. Coldstream, that marine zoologists have long been familiar with such notions. ‘Considering,’ says Dr. Coldstream, “that in the ocean there is absolute darkness at the depth of 800 or 1000 feet (133-166 fathoms), at least that at such depths the light of the sun ceases to be transmitted, Macculloch has suggested that, in marine animals, their luminousness may be ‘a substitute for the light of the sun,’ and may be the means of enabling them to discover one another as well as their prey. He remarks, ‘It seems to be particularly bril- liant in those inferior animals which, from their astonishing powers of reproduction, and from a state of feeling apparently little superior to that of vegetables, appear to have been in a
* We shall suppose that due precautions were taken to prevent the entrance of the myriads of surface-forms.
t+ Proc. Royal Soc. No. 121 (1870), pp. 431, 482.
{ Thus a young Hyas araneus having dense tufts of Obelia geniculata waving from its carapace and limbs, must, on the one hand, like an Indian beauty with her fire-flies, be the cynosure of all (predatory) eyes, and, on
the other, be enabled to throw such a flood of light on the food-question as to distance many rivals.
W.C. M‘Intosh on the Abyssal Theory of Light. 3
great measure created for the supply and food of the more perfect kinds.’ ”
Phosphorescence, however, is a feature so broadly and diversely distributed amongst marine animals, not only abys- sal, but pelagic and littoral, that, on a careful view of the subject, some objections to such a theory present themselves.
On land the idea that the phosphorescence of certain insects (Lampyris, Elater, &c.) may guide them to their prey, was early promulgated by entomologists (e.g. Kirby and Spence). Further, since the light in Lampyris is usually most brilliant in the female, it has been connected with sexual characteris- tics, especially as these females are wingless; but it must be remembered that both larva, pupa, and male are likewise luminous. The provision, besides, continues after the repro- ductive season. The luminous .myriopods, again, show that the presence or absence of wings has little to do with the matter. Kirby and Spence have also observed that certain insects can control their phosphorescence, in order, as they suppose, to escape being captured by nocturnal birds. On the whole, we can scarcely predicate of such animals, any more than the botanists can with regard to the Fungi, that their luminosity subserves them for the light of day.
Amongst the inhabitants of the ocean, phosphorescence ap- pears in all the invertebrate subkingdoms, from Protozoa to Annulosa. Certain infusorial animalcules (Ceratiwm, Peridi- nium, Syncheta) and the well-known Noctiluca are luminous. Of Ceelenterata there are Hydroid Zoophytes, true Meduse, and Aleyonaria; while Pyrosoma and, it may be, others are simi- larly provided among the mollusks. In the Annulosa, again, there are Brittle-stars, Planariew, Annelids, and Crustacea.
If, as the report says, luminosity subserves the purpose of guiding animals to their prey, or of causing them to be preyed apon (an unfortunate result), or even of illuminating the abysses of the ocean, we should find traces of a general resem- hlance in habits, structure, or physiology, which would at least indicate the bearings of a provision so important. Thus, for instance, we should look for a similar state of matters in the dark caves of Illyria and Dalmatia, or in those of Kentucky.
On surveying the marine animals possessed of this property of phosphorescence, they are found to live under circumstances so varied that it is truly difficult, not to say hazardous, to attribute the function assigned in the report to the pheno- menon. Thus Noctiluca miliaris occurs in such swarms as to give the whole surface of the ocean a sparkling appearance,
Tere blowing on the surface of sea-water taken at random 12
4 W.C. M‘Intosh on the Abyssal Theory of Light.
in July off many of our shores where Laminarie abound, produces phosphorescence from a vast number of minute medusa-buds. The same takes place most strikingly in ves- sels in which specimens of Obelia geniculata attached to tangle-blades are immersed. On touching the seaweed, a large number of such luminous points appear on the zoophytes, the stems most irritated sending off beautiful flashes, which glitter like a faintly dotted line of fire, the pomts not being harshly separated, but blending into each other; while the shock im- parted by the instrument detaches the minute medusa-buds, which scintillate from the parent stem upwards to the surface of the water. Dr. Allman would therefore have found this a much more interesting species for his observations than O. dichotoma*, The immense abundance of these minute phos- phorescent organisms (medusa-buds) in some parts of the Zetlandic seas may explain the following fact, reported to me by Mr. Gatherer, the intelligent naturalist of Fort Charlotte, Lerwick. During the prevalence of a south-easterly gale, the late Dr. Cowie, of Lerwick, was riding at night along Deal’s (or Dale’s) Voe, when, happening to touch his beard, he found both it and his fingers gleam with phosphorescent points ; and the same ensued on rubbing his sleeve. The gale had proba- bly swept the spray and thousands of its minute inhabitants landwards, and showered them on the person of the rider.
If Thawmantias, or any other phosphorescent Medusa, which, when swimming freely, has its disk-margin shining like a dotted fiery ring of great beauty, be taken from the water and rubbed on a woollen surface, such as a carpet, a considerable luminous area is produced, showing that the entire mass of the animal has this property when thus violently irritated ; moreover the surface just mentioned, as well as the fingers, remain in a gleaming condition for some time. Iam aware that this view slightly differs from that of so distinguished and so cautious an observer as my friend Mr. Busk, who, along with Dr. Allman and probably Panceri, confines the seat of light to the marginal tentacular bulbs ; but I cannot conscientiously say otherwiset. If Beroé be treated in the same rough manner, it 1s found to be less phosphorescent, and the luminosity of the area disappears sooner. It did not signify, in any case observed by me (Beroé excepted, as I did not examine it es- pecially on this point), whether the examination were made at
* This author (Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinb. vol. iv. p. 519) is of opinion that Bervé and other Ctenophora are among the chief sources of the phos- phorescence of the sea in our latitudes.
+ The state of matters in ApAlebina, where the light gleams along the simple tentacular processes, supports this view.
W.C. M‘Intosh on the Abyssal Theory of Light. 5
night or by day in a darkened room or recess ; and this feature of itself would raise a doubt as to such having any connexion physiologically with the capture of prey or of being conspi- cuous to marauders.
The free gonozooids of many of the Hydroid zoophytes, therefore, and the true Medusz are pelagic and phosphorescent animals, whose active life is passed at or near the surface of the water, so that they can scarcely be included under the head of abyssal inhabitants, though some descend during quiescence to the bottom. We have no proof that the lumi- nosity of such forms occurs only at night; for, as before men- tioned, I have found various species, like the annelids and the Coleopterous larva recently described by Dr. H. Burmeister*, ex- hibit this property as vividly during the day as during the night, if taken into a suitable place for observation, and without any previous seclusion in darkness as described by Dr. Allman in Beroé. Meduse, besides, do not, so far as I know, form a common food of other marine animals in our seas (their most notable enemies, perhaps, in this respect beg each other), and their habits and structure do not point to their exercising the luminosity for the sake of seizing their prey. Moreover there does not seem to exist the provision mentioned in the report, whereby, in virtue of their lessened phosphorescence, the breeding individuals are preserved. There is nothing in the history of Pennatula or Pavonaria which would lead us to infer such interpretations of their luminosity ; and though the former sometimes occurs in the stomach of the cod, it must be borne in mind that inconspicuous mollusks and annelids are at least as common, not to mention stones and iron nails.
Phosphorescence could be of little service to the brillant Pyrosoma in capturing prey; and, to balance the fancy that this was given for the sake of attracting plunderers, we have the fact that the allied and equally palatable Salpe of the British waters are not luminous.
It is asserted that the young of the starfishes emit more light than the adults in order that they may the more readily court destruction; but it may be asked, are the young of the Hydroid Zoophytes, of Beroé, or the young Annelida more luminous than the adults? Apparently not; and in some cases rather the reverse. Further, we may inquire as to the facts bearing on this question in those starfishes which are not phos- phorescent. The structure of the group and their habits in feeding, again, show that such illumination could only be of service to their enemies. But we have no reliable data to
* Proc. Linn, Soc. (Zool.), vol. xi. no, 54, p. 419.
6 W.C. M‘Intosh on the Abyssal Theory of Light.
demonstrate that one marine species which is luminous is more preyed on than another which is not. ; Some interesting features are presented by the Annelids. Chetopterus norvegicus, for instance, is a most beautifully phosphorescent form, bright flashes being emitted from the posterior feet; but the most vivid luminosity is at a point on the dorsum between the lateral wings of the tenth segment. Here the copious mucus exuded by the animal can be drawn out as bluish-purple fire of great intensity, which, besides, now and then gleams along the edges of the wing-like pro- cesses, at once illuminating the surrounding water and elicit- ing the admiration of the observer. A very characteristic odour, somewhat resembling that produced by phosphorus in combustion, is given out by the animal during such experi- ments. The common Harmothoé imbricata, again, discharges bright greenish scintillations from the point of attachment of each dorsal scale; and thus, under irritation, the flashes are arranged in pairs along the body, or in a double moniliform line. The separated scales, also, continue to gleam for some time, chiefly at the surfaces of attachment. If severely pinched, the worm wriggles through the water, emitting sparks of green light from the bases of the feet. The same phenomenon 1s readily produced in a fragment either of the anterior or poste- rior end of the body. The large Polynoé scolopendrina and a Zetlandic Hunoa are similarly phosporescent, the light pro- ceeding from the dorsal surface of the bases of the feet. A Eusyllis common under stones and on the blades of tangles is also highly luminous. Under irritation, a fine green light is emitted from the ventral aspect of each foot. ‘The scintilla- tions seem to issue from many minute pores at each space, flash along both sides of the worm posterior to the point of uritation, and then disappear, a faint trace only being visible for a few seconds. On one occasion, after a severe pinch, the animal remained luminous behind the injured part for nearly half a minute, while the surface of granular light on each segment was larger than usual; and in some instances those of opposite sides were connected on the ventral aspect by a few phosphorescent points. Moreover, for some time atter, mere shaking of the vessel caused a repetition of the brilliant flashes. ‘The body behind the irritated point had a decidedly paler pinkish hue (under a lens) immediately after the emis- sion of the luminosity. When at rest, a spark appeared here and there at intervals. As in all such marine forms, immersion in spirit elicited the luminosity, a moniliform band of greenish phosphorescence (brightest at the tail) being instantly produced on each side: at the end of five minutes
W.C. M‘Intosh on the Abyssal Theory of Light. 7
the body was still faintly luminous, while from the injured points the soft parts protruded. A pale Aphlebina (Poly- cirrus), very generally distributed, is so phosphorescent that, on simply blowing on the water of the dissecting-trough or other shallow vessel in which it lies, the most vivid pale bluish lumi- nosity gleams for a moment along every one of the mobile ten- tacles, which are often elegantly disposed in a stellate manner.
Now, with the exception of Harmothoé imbricata and Eunoa, all the luminous annelids above-mentioned are inhabitants of tubes of greater or less density. Chetopterus lives under stones between tide-marks, amongst old shells and stones in deep water, or sunk in sand and gravel at low water in tubes resembling thick parchment covered with pebbles, shells, and seaweeds. Polynoé scolopendrina frequents the tubes of the speckled Terebella nebulosa ; indeed I have never found it any- where else than in these or similar galleries. The latter species is not luminous, while the former is; yet both are placed under the same circumstances, and, of the two, perhaps P. sco- lopendrina has less need for such extraneous aid in procuring nourishment. Many of the Polynoide which have similar habits are not phosphorescent, while the succeeding form, which greatly resembles Zerebella in habits and structure, is luminous. With such a varied history, the only theory that seems feasible is one which would endow the Polynoé with the property of attracting prey for the benefit of Zerebel/a or itself —a somewhat analogous part to that ascribed by the fancy of the older naturalists to the pea-crab in the horse-mussel! The yellow Aphlebina, again, a close ally of Terebella, is beautifully phosphorescent. This and the two foregoing are compara- tively safe from the attacks of marauding fishes or crabs, the two former in tubes immersed in sand or under stones, and the latter in obscure chinks and fissures of muddy rocks, boulders, and old shells. It will not do to affirm that they are pro- tected because they are luminous, since many species which are not so have exactly the same habits and shelter, while other phosphorescent annelids are without such a safeguard. Lastly, Husyllis occurs in swarms in delicate tubes on Lami- narian blades covered with Obelia, as well as under ascidians on stones between tide-marks. The effect produced in its former situation may sometimes be seen on a gigantic scale on the West Sands at St. Andrews, after a heavy storm has tossed on shore a bank of tangles and other seaweeds about a mile long. Throughout this extent, wherever the people are engaged at night in securing the valuable mass as manure, countless myriads of minute glittering points cover the sea- weeds, carts, and weapons. Whether the phosphorescence be
8 W.C.M‘Intosh on the Protozoic-Absorption Theory.
due to the zoophytes, the annelids, or both, does not signify for our argument. Both are found between tide-marks, and in immense quantities in the Laminarian region immediately be- yond, where there is abundance of light. Neither, therefore, supposing it were able to profit by that gift, requires its lumi- nosity to aid it in its search for nourishment; nor do the Nudibranchs which prey on the zoophyte, or the devourers of the annelid, stand in need of this artificial guide to their respective means of support.
The abyssal theory of light thus gains little suecour from the Annelids.
It is stated in the report that, since fishes feed principally at night, the phosphorescence of the larve on the surface, for instance, is an example of a provision for feeding the herring. The stomachs of cod, haddock, whiting, flounders, and other fishes, however, give no such result in regard to luminous anne- lids. Even if such were the case in the herring, it would not be a solid basis on which to found the abyssal theory of light.
On the whole, then, the present state of our knowledge does not warrant the supposition that luminosity is given to marine animals for the purpose of preying or being preyed upon; moreover, that the abysses of the ocean are not better supplied with this provision than the littoral region and the shallow Laminarian zone—indeed much less than the surface of the sea itself. It may yet be a question, according to some ob- servers, whether the phosphorescence may not In some cases act a part exactly the reverse of alluring, and so tend to pre- serve the species from attack. A speculation to this effect could be as easily established as the foregoing. The theory has much of the visionary character of Cirsted’s scheme as to the occurrence of marine animals in variously coloured strata corresponding to the solar spectrum; and some other explanation must be advanced as to the presence of well- formed eyes in certain animals at great depths in the sea.
2. The Protozoic-Absorption Theory.
In regard to the speculation that marine Rhizopoda have the power of absorbing, after the manner of the Entozoa, the organic matter which certain analyses of oceanic water showed to exist therein, some reflections suggest themselves.
In the first place, there does not appear to be any serious difficulty in accounting for the supply of nourishment to the abyssal Rhizopoda, since the whole ocean lies at their com- mand. Minute organisms and minute organic particles of all kinds surely abound, and currents, however slow, must bring a constant supply for even a larger population of such micro-
W.C.M‘Intosh on the Protozotc-Absorption Theory. )
scopic animals than has yet been discovered*. Besides, the minute jellies and disintegrating particles of their fellows of the deep are not unpalatable, and probably in many cases are preferable to “ diffused protoplasm ”’ imbibed by their surfaces.
If the reporters had prefixed to their theory}, which is clearly a modification of Dr. Wallich’s t, a statement of a series of exact scientific experiments proving that the Protozoa in question, or other free animals, lived not upon minute organic particles, as other Rhizopoda do, but upon this mvi- sible ‘‘ protoplasm” diffused through sea-water, or if they had observed that when disintegrating particles were placed near such Rhizopoda there was no contact, but only a patient expectation till the protoplasm got diffused through sea-water, so as to enter their tissues by absorption, then there would have been a basis for their argument. Such a founda- tion there would have been, also, if they had stated the fact that the beautiful and highly complex Eunice norvegica, an annelid five inches long, provided with intricate dermal, mus- cular, digestive, nervous, circulatory, branchial, and other systems, can be preserved alive in fifteen ounces of the purest (unchanged) sea-water, in a clean glass vessel§, for three years—that large Nemerteans, like Lineus marinus, can be kept for a longer period, and regenerate lost portions of their bodies (though their general bulk diminishes), no trace of nourishment of any kind being visible, nor any change made in the water. Further, they might have drawn upon their experiences in this respect with many other Annelids, Echino- derms, Mollusca, and Ccelenterates, and called attention to the remarkable tenacity of life in sea-water, under apparently complete absence of all nourishment; and, reviewing such facts by the light of their discovery of ‘decomposable organic matter,” might have shown that, since animals so highly or- ganized thus sustain life in sea-water, there must be some in- herent aliment, capable of absorption, therein, and conse- quently that there can be no difficulty in believing that vast myriads of animals of the simplest structure live altogether on this pabulum in the ocean-bed.
The mere occurrence of some “ decomposable organic mat- ter’ (to wit, ‘ dilute protoplasm ”’) in sea-water in general, or any sea-water in particular, it appears to me, cannot be ba- lanced for a moment in such a case against well-ascertained facts as to the mode of nourishment in the Rhizopoda. Be-
* An interesting De bearing on this question has recently been pub- lished by Dr. Karl Mobius, Zeitsch. w. Zool. xxi. Bd. 2. p. 294, and Ann. Nat. Hist. ser. 4, vol. viii.
t Proc. Roy. Soc. No. 121, p. 476 et seg.
¢ North-Atlantic Sea-bed, pt, i. p. 181. § A jar with a glass cover,
10 W.C. M‘Intosh on the Azoic-Mud Theory.
sides, it is well known that a large quantity of organic matter in solution (‘diffused protoplasm ” be it called) exists in many freshwater lochs and ponds; yet it has not been brought to light that the Rhizopodous faunz of these ever resort to this old prescription of nutritive baths, after the fashion of the Gregarine and other parasites*.
Moreover it does not seem to be a sound inference to assert (and this also is a modified form of Dr. Wallich’s argument) that, because the Protozoon has the power of “ drawing” from the sea-water “the mineral ingredients of the skeleton it forms,” it is nourished by direct absorption of the “ dilute protoplasm” so conveniently dissolved in the surrounding medium. So far as our experience of such formations goes, the calcareous and siliceous spicula and the horny fibres of sponges, the tests of Foraminifera, and other such organisms are (of course with the exception of the instances in which foreign bodies are used) as much the peculiar secretions and excretions in virtue of the inherent properties of their tissues as the crystalline styles in the gastric organs of certain mol- lusks, the stylets in the Nemertean proboscis, and the spicula of the Echinoderms. It is no rough “ drawing”’ of ‘ mineral ingredients’ from the sea-water which takes place at all, but a much more intricate vital process; for, just as the primitive layers in the vertebrate embryo form the respective classes of tissues, as each annelid produces its characteristic bristles, each Synapta its peculiar anchors and plates, each armed Nemertean its stylets, each mollusk its shell, and each coral- polyp its special mass, so the elementary tissues in the several Rhizopoda as invariably secrete or excrete their peculiar in- ternal or external “skeletons,” and that, too, in many cases, as infallibly as though each had inherited the die from its ancestor. It is true that in marine animals the surrounding medium is favourable, but this will not of itself affect the main question at issue. ‘lhe same line of argument used by the reporters may be applied to every other subkingdom of ani- mals inhabiting the ocean, from mammals to ccelenterates ; yet it is highly problematical if a minute coral-polyp would rest satisfied with a meal of this “dilute protoplasm” any more than, in our opinion, a Protozoon would. ‘The specula- tion does not appear to be worthy of confidence.
3. The Azotc-Mud Theory.
In the summary of the results of the last cruise of the
* It is a pity the solution of “ aos * was not a little stronger; for thereby many marine animals, such as Arenicola, would have been saved some trouble.
W.C. M‘Intosh on the Azotc-Mud Theory. MM
“Porcupine,” Dr. Carpenter, who assumes the entire respon- sibility of this part of the Report*, has advanced the theory that it is the turbidity of the bottom-water which renders the deeper parts of the basin of the Mediterranean barren of life. “ All marine animals,”’ he says, ‘‘ are dependent for the aéra- tion of their fluids on the contact of water either with their ex- ternal surface or with special (branchial) prolongations of it. Now if this water be charged with suspended particles of ex- treme fineness, the deposit of these particles upon the respiratory surface will interfere with the aérating process, and will tend to produce asphyxia.” He further cites the case of oyster- beds, which cannot be established in situations to which fine mud is carried. He, moreover, points out the important bearing this theory of his will have in regard to the vast azoic deposits of the geologists, whe, since the lapse of Prof. E. Forbes’s views as to the absence of animal life at great depths, have been puzzled for a solution of the difficulty. Such a theory, of course, ought only to be built on well-ascertained facts, some of which, however, do not seem quite in agreement therewith.
Thus Terebelle and Gephyrea in vast numbers are charac- teristic of muddy beaches, such as those between St. Peter Port and St. Sampson’s, in Guernsey, and near Rat Island, Herm. Not only these, but many other annelids are found no- where else than amongst mud or muddy sand, and this is often of such a nature that the sea-water which covers them must always be loaded with minute particles of mud. So distinctly is this the case, as at Lochmaddy, that the fronds of the sea- weeds (both those covered and those uncovered by the tide) in quiet creeks are coated with a deposit of fine mud. Yet marine life, from sponges upwards, is nowhere more abundant than in such muddy regions. Indeed the contrast in this re- spect between these creeks and the rocks washed by open (not rough) water is marked.
Certain mollusks, it may be true, like very young salmon, do not thrive in muddy water, yet some of the most delicate and beautiful annelids, with the finest branchial plumes, live amongst the most tenacious chalk-mud, as it is called, which it has been my lot to encounter. Yet these annelids are so sensitive to other impurities that a very slight admixture of fresh water (although the supply be taken from the sea) is instantly fatal, as I, unfortunately, have reason to remember. The habits of the littoral annelids are also instructive in this respect. Many of the Polynotdw, Ophiodromus, numerous Nereide, Lumbrinereis, the large Marphysa sanguinea, Onu-
* Proc. Roy. Soc. No. 125 (1870), p. 202.
12 W.C. M‘Intosh on the Azotc-Mud Theory.
phis (Hyalinecia) tubicola (in deep water), Arenicola, several of the Spionide (e. g. Nerine foliosa and Scolecolepis vulgaris), Ctrratulus, Sabellaria, many of the Terebellide and Sabellide habitually live amongst mud or ooze, often of a putrid descrip- tion, while Tubifex and other annelids swarm in the mud of the Thames. Some of the Nemerteans, again, a group of animals with most sensitive ciliated skins, which, moreover, are supposed to subserve the purposes of respiration, live con- stantly amongst fine and often odoriferous mud. No branchial organs can be more delicate than those of many of the above- mentioned annelids, and no skins more tender than those of the Nemerteans; yet, according to this theory, they are placed in most unfavourable circumstances, to a very great extent more calamitous than the condition of any denizen of the muddy depths of the Mediterranean can be. They must, indeed, pass a life alternately of asphyxia and semiasphyxia. Further, the curious type Balanoglossus, Delle Chiaje, has an elaborate and delicately ciliated branchial apparatus, forming part of the dorsal arch of the first region of the alimentary canal, the only possible separation, as shown by Kowalewsky, being by an incurvation of the body-wall, which, of course, can hardly be complete. Now this animal lives in muddy sand, and swallows it wholesale, so that, not to speak of the currents of muddy water which otherwise bathe its respiratory organs, we have at least an occasional application of mud in mass to this important surface.
In glancing at the other divisions of the animal kingdom, also, we observe that many littoral sponges are found on ex- tremely muddy ground, in some the terminal spicula alone being visible through the oozy coating. The siliceous sponges, again, all over the world, affect a muddy bottom. Muddy ground is a favourite haunt of zoophytes and other ccelente- rates. In the sandy mud of certain parts of the West Voe of Scalloway (where, by the by, a few oysters are) Scrobicularia and other mollusca live and thrive; yet the stinking odour of the ooze is most penetrating, the comparatively still water probably preventing the decaying tangles and other débris from being carried off. Other mollusks, such as Corbula gibba, abound on a muddy bottom; and ascidians and mussels are not only powdered by the mud of their respective sites, but the latter are often almost imbedded in it. Those familiar with the habits of the common Carcinus menas would be cautious in attributing a deleterious character to mud of any description. In general, muddy ground is found to be much more productive in marine life of all kinds than where the rocks, seaweeds, and sands are pure. I need only instance, in
Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes. 13
conclusion, the muddy ground on which the horse-mussels thrive in Bressay Sound and in the Voes on the west coast of Shetland. The agglomerated masses of mussels, tangle-roots, stones, and odoriferous mud teem with marine life. Even where the margin of the sea is rendered perfectly turbid from mud (and this, too, calcareous), as at White-Cliff Bay, in the Isle of Wight, marine animals are abundant between tide- marks.
There is doubtless some reason why animals were not found by Dr. Carpenter in the dredgings referred to; but it is, on the whole, unlikely that such barrenness was due to the muddy condition of the water per se. Whether his alternative re- straining condition, viz. ‘‘the stagnation produced by the al- most entire absence of vertical circulation,’ be founded on a more secure basis, must remain, as he adds, a matter of future inquiry.
I1.—Seventh Account of new Species of Snakes in the Col-
lection of the British Museum. By ALBERT GUNTHER, M.A., M.D., Ph:D:, F.R.S.
[Plates IIL. IV., V., & VL]
THE following species of Ophidians have been added to the collection of the British Museum since the publication of the last paper on the same subject in this Journal (June 1868, 1. pp- 413-429). The total number of species in that collection amounts now to 920, and that of the typical specimens to 366. In the following lists a part of the species are marked with an asterisk (*) ; of these, as well as of a few others, I have added descriptions or short remarks.
I. List of Species which were formerly desiderata.
Typhlops travancoricus, Bedd. Travancore. Capt. Beddome.
Typhlops striolatus, Pirs. Khassya. T.C. Jerdon, Esq.
Typhlops exiguus, Jan. Belgaum. Dr. Leith.
Plectrurus sanguineus, Bedd. Anamallays. Capt. Beddome.
Rhinophis punctatus, Mill. Ceylon. T. H. K. Thwaites, Esq.
Adelphicos quadrivirgatum, Jan. Java. M. Boucard.
Ablabes reticulatus, Jerdon. Khassya. T.C. Jerdon, Esq.
Cyclophis monticola, Jerdon. Khassya. T.C. Jerdon, Esq.
Colophrys rhodogaster, Cope. Rio Chisoy. O. Salvin, Esq.
Simotes albocinctus, Cant. EE. I. archipelago. Dr. van Lidth de Jeude. q
Coronella (Liopeltis) sagittifera, Jan. Tucuman, Mendoza. Pur- chased.
14 ‘Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
*Liophis purpurans, D. dé B. Demerara. Zool. Soc. Museum. *Tachymenis piceivittis, Cope. Tehuantepec. M. Boucard. *Spilotes fasciatus, Ptrs. Surinam; Hr.'Kappler. Peruvy. Amazons: Mr. Bartlett. Zamenis himalayanus, Steindachner. Kashmere (10,000 feet). T. C. Jerdon, Esq. *Zamenis spinalis, Ptrs. North China or Japan. A. Adams, Esq. *Tretanorhinus nigroluteus, Cope. Panama. Zoolog. Society. Helicops Brandtii, Rnhrdt. Brazil. Prof. Reinhardt. Leptognathus pavoninus, Cuv. Surinam, Berbice, W. Ecuador. *Elaps multifasciatus, Jan. Nicaragua and Bogota. Purchased. Atheris chloroéchis, Schleg. Lagos. Purchased.
Il. List of the new Species procured and described since June 1868.
*Geophis meestus, Gthr. Costa Rica. Purchased. *Opisthotropis ater, Gthr. West Africa. Purchased. *Leptocalamus torquatus, Gthr. ‘South America.” Mr. Cuming. *Microdromus virgatus, Gthr. Costa Rica. Purchased. *Ablabes gracilis, Gthr. Costa Rica. Purchased. *Coronella pecilolemus, Gthr. Upper Amazons. Mr. Bartlett. *Tachymenis bitorquata, Gthr. - Peruv. Amazons. Mr. Bartlett. *Simotes formosanus, Githr. Formosa. R. Swinhoe, Esq. *Zamenophis australis, Gthr. Cape York. Purchased. *Zamenis ater, Gthr. Algeria. J. Brenchley, Esq. *Dromicus madagascariensis, Gthr. Madagascar. Purchased. *Herpetodryas tetratenia, Gthr. Bogota. Purchased. *Diplotropis bilineata, Gthr. Costa Rica. O. Salvin, Esq. *Hapsidophrys niger, Gthr. Gaboon. Purchased. *Phylodryas psammophideus, Gthr. Tucuman. Purchased. *Dendrophis salomonis, Gthr. Solomon Islands. G. Krefft, Esq. Dendrophis caudolineolatus, Gthr. Ceylon. R. H. Barnes, Esq. *Aheetulla diplotropis, Gthr. Tehuantepec. M. Boucard. *Ahetulla modesta, Gthr. Rio Chisoy. O. Salvin, Esq. *Aheetulla lagoensis, Gthr. Lagos. Purchased. *Chrysopelea vicina, Gthr. Island of Misol. Purchased. *Hydrethiops melanogaster, Gthr. Gaboon. Purchased. Psammophis Leithii, Gthr. Sindh. Dr. A. H. Leith. *Leptognathus annulatus, Gthr. Costa Rica. Purchased. *Leptognathus Copei, Gthr. Surinam? Dr. van Lidth de Jeude. *Leptognathus dimidiatus, Gthr. Mexico. Purchased. *Leptodira semiannulata, Gthr. Loanda. Purchased. *Leptodira rhombifera, Gthr. Rio Chisoy. O. Salvin, Esq. Dipsas Barnesii, Gthr. Ceylon. R. H. Barnes, Esq. *Dipsas approximans, Gthr. Upper Amazons. Mr. Bartlett. *Hydrophis Holdsworthiu, Gthr. Western Ceylon. E. W. H. Holds- worth, Esq. *Rhinelaps fasciolatus, Gthr. West Australia. Mr. Duboulay. *Diemenia Schlegelii, Gthr. Island of Misol. Purchased.
in the Collection of the British Museum. 15
*Cacophis modestus, Gthr. West Australia. Mr. Duboulay. *Pseudonaja affinis, Gthr. Australia. G. Krefft, Esq. *Atractaspis micropholis, Gthr. Africa. St. G. Mivart, Esq.
Geophis latifrons. Giinth. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1868, i. p. 415.
A variety of this species from the Upper Amazon is black, the trunk being encircled by about 52 narrow, nearly equidis- tant, white rings. -The rings are only one or two scales broad, the narrower and broader being alternately arranged. Tail coloured as the trunk. The white occipital band of the typi- eal specimen is also present in this variety, but is limited to the side of the head, and does not extend across the occipitals. Abdomen with large irregular black cross bands. Ventral shields 148.
A second variety has 11 pairs of black rings on the trunk, the rings of each pair being separated only by a narrow white line. ‘The interspaces of the ground-colour are much wider than the rings. Ventrals 145. Upper Amazons.
Geophis lineatus, D. & B.
= Rhabdosoma trivirgatum, Jan, and = Rhabdosoma puncto- vittatum, Jan. Specimens from Trinidad have been presented by L. Guppy, Esq. Geophis mestus.
Head rather broad, short and depressed; body and tail of moderate length. Eye small. Anterior frontals about one eighth the size of posterior. Vertical as broad as long, six-sided, with the anterior angle rather obtuse, and with the posterior somewhat pointed; its lateral edges are very short, convergent. Occipitals rounded behind, shorter than the vertical and postfrontals together. Six upper labials, the third and fourth entering the orbit; the fifth is the largest, and forms a suture with the occipital; an elongate temporal behind this suture. One postocular. The first pair of lower labials form a suture together ; anterior chin-shields not quite twice as large as posterior. Scales in fifteen rows, smooth. Ventrals 148; anal entire; subcaudals 41. Colora- tion very similar to that of Homalocranium mestum—viz. en- tirely black, with a broad white collar, nearly entirely occupy- ing the occipitals and temple. Lower parts blackish.
One specimen from the elevated parts of Costa Rica, near Cartago. Total length 64 inches; tail 1 inch.
16 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
Catostoma chalybeum (Wagl.).
A variety of this species, from the elevated country of Costa Rica near Cartago, has a series of large, subquadrangular, white spots along each side of the body. Sometimes the spots of both sides are confluent and form white cross bars. Ven- trals 144. In specimens of a uniform black coloration, from Mexico, I count 130 ventral shields.
OPISTHOTROPIS (g. n. Calamarid.).
Body and tail moderately slender, posteriorly somewhat compressed ; head rather narrow, not distinct from neck. A pair of anterior frontals; a single postfrontal, which is very broad. Rostral rounded. Nostrils between two nasals, di- rected upwards. One loreal; one ante-, two postoculars. Eye small. Scales smooth anteriorly, with faint keels towards the middle of the body, and strongly keeled behind and on the tail, in 17 rows. Anal and subcaudals double. Maxillary teeth equal in length, densely set, none grooved.
West Africa. Opisthotropis ater. Pl. III. fig. B.
The upward direction of the nostrils reminds us in some measure of the Homalopside ; but the pholidosis is that of a Calamaroid snake. Rostral broad and low; anterior frontals about as long as broad; postfrontal thrice as broad as long, with an obtuse angle in front, but with the fronto-vertical suture straight. Vertical triangular, occupying nearly the entire width of the upper surface of the head, as broad as long. Occipitals nearly twice as long as broad, obtusely rounded behind. The nostril is small, in the upper part of the suture between the two nasals ; loreal large, subquadran- gular. The preorbital reaches to the upper surface of the head, but not to the vertical; the upper postocular larger than the lower. Seven labials, the fifth of which only enters the orbit; the seventh very long, as long as the single temporal shield above it. Ventrals 170; subcaudals 65. Upper parts brownish black, lighter towards and on the abdomen. Length of the head 3 inch, of trunk 10 inches, of tail 3 inches.
West Africa.
LEPTOCALAMUS (g.n. Calamarid.).
Body and tail slender, subcylindrical; head narrow, not distinct from neck. T'wo pairs of frontals. Rostral rounded. Nostrils small, between two nasals. Loreal united with pre- ocular; two postoculars. . Eye small. Scales smooth, in 17
in the Collection of the British Museum. 17
rows. Anal and subcaudals double. The posterior maxillary tooth (1—3) is large, trenchant, not grooved, separated from the others by a small interspace.
South America.
Leptocalamus torquatus. Pl. III. fig. A.
This snake might be taken at the first glance for an Hlapo- morphus, from which it is distinguished by the number of scales and the dentition. Rostral broad and low; posterior frontals about thrice the size of the anterior ; vertical quadran- gular, with a very obtuse angle in front, and with a right one behind ; it occupies nearly the entire width of the upper sur- face of the head. Occipitals considerably longer than broad. obtusely rounded behind. The preocular is nearly as long as the two nasals together; two small postoculars. Seven upper labials, the third and fourth entering the orbit. Tem- porals 142. Ventrals 183; subcaudals 53+. Reddish- olive above, with a very indistinct darker vertebral line; lower parts uniform white; a broad white collar across the posterior half of the occipitals and first rows of scales.
Length of the head } inch, of trunk 94 inches, of tail (mu- tilated) 3 inches.
One specimen, purchased of Mr. Cuming, said to be from “South America.”
Micropromvs (g. n. Calamarid.).
Physiognomy and habit as in Hlapomorphus and Homato- cranium. Head small, depressed, not distinct from neck. Hye rather small. Upper shields of the head normal. Loreal none, replaced by the conjunction of the nasal, posterior frontal, and preocular. Nasal simple. Scales smooth, without apical groove, in fifteen rows. Anal and subcaudals double. The last maxillary tooth is the largest, separated from the others by an interspace, and smooth.
Central America.
Microdromus virgatus. Plate IV. fig. B.
Rostral shield just reaching to the upper surface of the snout; anterior frontals scarcely half the size of posterior, narrow ; vertical five-sided, longer than broad ; occipitals as long as the vertical and frontals together, rounded behind. One ante-, two postoculars. Seven upper labials, the third and fourth entering the orbit, the hindmost the largest. Tem- porals 1+1. The first pair of lower labials not in contact with each other. Anterior chin-shields much larger than the
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. ix. 2
18 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
scale-like posterior. Ventrals 180; subcaudals 71. Upper parts greyish, with a white collar; a pair of brown bands edged with black, and two scales broad, run along the back from the collar to about the middle of the tail. A similar band along each side of the body, and sometimes a narrow blackish line along each edge of the abdomen. Lower parts uniform white. Upper labials white, with a black spot below the eye and on the rostral shield.
This snake does not appear to be uncommon in the elevated country of Costa Rica, near Cartago.
Total length 124 inches, tail 3 inches.
Streptophorus Sebe (D. & B.).
Having seen numerous examples of this snake collected at Cartago in Costa Rica, I regard the Str. maculatus of Peters (Berlin. Monatsber. 1861, p. 924), likewise from Costa Rica, as a variety. Specimens with or without spots on the abdo- men, with or without black on the head and neck, occur in the same locality, the ornamental colours being subject to great individual variation.
Ablabes gracilis. Pl. III. fig. D.
Body and tail slender, subcylindrical; head narrow, not distinct from neck. A pair of narrow anterior frontals ; posterior frontals confluent into one large shield. Rostral rounded. Nostrils small, between two nasals. One loreal ; one anteocular and one postocular. Eye small. Scales smooth, with a single apical groove, in fifteen series. Anal and sub- caudals double. The posterior maxillary teeth become gra- dually larger, and are smooth. Rostral shield very broad and low ; anterior frontals narrow, nearly the entire upper surface of the snout being occupied by the single posterior frontal. Vertical broad and long, five-sided, with the posterior angle produced and pointed; occipitals as long as the vertical and posterior frontal together. Nasal shields small; loreal longer than deep; preocular narrow, not extending to the upper surface of the snout. Seven upper labials, the third and fourth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+1+4+2. The first pair of lower labials form a suture together; two pairs of chin-shields, subequal in size. Ventrals 149; subcaudals 69. Upper parts nearly uniform blackish brown, the anterior and lateral scales somewhat lighter in the centre. An indistinct narrow brownish collar. Lower parts yellowish.
One specimen from the elevated country of Costa Rica, near Cartago. Total length 12 inches, tail 3 inches,
in the Collection of the British Museum. 19
Coronella pecilolemus.
This species resembles externally Liophis regine and L. teniurus ; but the dentition is syncranterian, the three or four posterior teeth gradually increasing in length. The head is rather narrow and elongate. The anterior frontals two-thirds the size of posterior ; vertical narrow and elongate, but shorter than the occipitals, which are rounded behind. Loreal as high as long ; one anteocular, not reaching the vertical; two post- oculars. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth below the orbit. Temporals 1+2, the foremost very elongate. Six lower labials are in contact with the chin-shields. Scales in seventeen series, without pores. Ventrals 159; anal divided ; subcaudals 67. Upper parts nearly uniform blackish ; a faint reddish-brown streak along each side of the back of the tail and hind part of the trunk, bordered below by an indistinct blackish streak. Lower parts white chequered with black, the black spots being less numerous on the posterior part of the trunk, and disappearing entirely on the subcaudals; they are more numerous and confluent on the anterior half of the abdomen, the lower side of the head being yellowish with rounded black spots. A yellow band along the upper labials, continued on the side of the throat.
Two specimens were collected by Mr. Bartlett on the Upper Amazons. ‘Total length 154 inches, tail 34 inches.
Liophis purpurans.
Ablabes purpurans, D. & B. p. 312.
Diadophis purpurans, Jan, Iconogy. livr. 15, pl. 5. fig. 5.
This snake is very closely allied to L. cobella, Merremii,&c., with regard to its general habit, pholidosis, and coloration. I would also describe the dentition rather as diacranterian than as isodont, the two posterior teeth being decidedly larger than the preceding, and separated from them by a slight yet con- spicuous interspace.
Tachymenis bitorquata.
Rostral low, scarcely extending to the upper surface of the head ; anterior frontals transverse, one fourth the size of pos- terior; vertical very broad, subtriangular, scarcely longer than broad, and somewhat shorter than the occipitals, which are obtusely rounded behind. Nostril between two nasals; loreal large; preorbital single, widening above, and in contact with the vertical; two postoculars. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. Temporals 2+3. Scales in oblique rows, in nineteen series. Ventrals 195; anal entire ; subcaudals 97. Each scale yellow, with a black margin;
Q*
20 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
upperside of the head black; neck with two black collars on a yellowish ground. Lower parts uniform yellowish.
A single specimen is 9} inches long, of which the tail is 13 inch; it was obtained by Mr. Bartlett on the Peruvian Amazons.
Tachymenis piceivittis.. Coniophanes piceivittis, Cope, Proc. Am. Phil. Soc. 1869 (July), p. 149. Tachymenis teniata, Peters, Berl. Monatsber. 1869 (Decemb.), p. 876.
One specimen from Tehuantepec, purchased of M. Boucard.
Simotes formosanus.
Scales in nineteen rows. Ventrals 164; anal entire; sub- caudals 54. Two preoculars, the superior of which is the larger ; two postoculars. Seven upper labials, the third and fourth entering the orbit. Posterior chin-shields only half the size of the anterior. Light brownish; many scales with a black edge, these black edges forming a great number of reticulated transverse lines extending across the back and sides. Lower parts uniform yellow ; a rather indistinct whitish line along each edge of the abdomen.
Mr. Swinhoe has obtained one example at Takou, Formosa. It is 22 inches long; tail 44 inches.
Spilotes fasciatus. Peters, Monatsber. Berl. Akad. 1869, p. 443.
Scales in twenty-three or twenty-four series, those on the back keeled. Ventrals and subcaudals 193 +125, or 200+ 125, or 207+120; anal entire. Eye large. Vertical bell- shaped, with converging outer margins; occipitals not much longer than vertical. The single preocular is either in contact with the vertical or very nearly reaches it. 'Two postoculars. Eight upper labials, of which the fourth, fifth, and sixth enter the orbit; the eighth is very long, as long as the three pre- ceding together. Loreal scarcely longer than deep. Tem- porals 2+2+2, or 3. Scales elongate and much imbricate, Upper parts uniform brown in the adult; lower parts yel- lowish ; towards the middle of the trunk the ventral shields become more and more mottled with brown; and further be- hind the lower parts are of the same dark colour as the upper. A young specimen is more greyish, finely mottled and clouded with brown.
Of this beautiful species we have three examples, one with- out locality ; the second (young) is from Surimam, and the third (adult) from the Peruvian Amazons. The first is 57 inches long, the tail being 17 inches; it has the dorsal scales
in the Collection of the British Museum. 21
provided with exceedingly strong keels, whilst the keels are rather slight in the two others.
This species is allied to Sp. pacilonotus, which has the preocular separated from the vertical by a considerable inter- space.
ZAMENOPHIS (g. n. Colubrin.).
Body rather elongate, with angular abdomen; back flat; tail of moderate length; ventral shields 200 or more in num- ber, obtusely keeled on the sides; head flat; eye of moderate size, with round pupil. Shields of the head normal; two preoculars. Scales smooth, in seventeen series, without pores. Anal entire; subcaudals two-rowed. The last maxillary tooth or teeth larger than, and separated by a very short interspace from the others.
North Australia.
This is a new addition to the small number of innocuous snakes of Australia. It cannot be placed among the Coronel- line forms having a distinctly compressed abdomen with an- gular ventral shields. Among the Colubrina it approaches most nearly to Zamenis, as far as technical characters are concerned. But its physiognomy is very different; and the true Zamenis having its geographical limits so well defined, I have availed myself of the (technical) character of the entire anal shield for distinguishing this Australian snake as a new generic type.
Zamenophis australis.
Head flat, as in Coronella. The rostral is rounded, with the posterior angle extending on the upper surface of the head and entering between the two frontals. Anterior frontals about one third the size of posterior. Vertical pentagonal, with the lateral margins nearly parallel, and with a right angle behind, longer than broad. Occipitals narrower and rounded behind, as long as the vertical and posterior frontals together. Nostril open in the anterior nasal; loreal as large as inferior preocular ; the upper preocular does not reach the vertical ; two postoculars ; nine upper labials, the fourth and fifth en- tering the orbit. Temporal shields in two longitudinal series : two elongate ones in the upper series, and three shorter ones in the lower. Two pairs of chin-shields equal in size. Scales short, polished. Ventrals 204; subcaudals 79. Upper parts uniform brownish black; lateral scales with the apex of a lighter colour; lower parts uniform brownish yellow, each ventral with a brownish spot at the lateral corner.
Cape York. ‘Total length 24 inches; tail 53 inches.
22 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
Zamenis ater.
Scales in seventeen rows. Habit moderately slender; eye of moderate size; loreal region not concave; two anterior and two posterior oculars. Hight upper labials, the fourth and fifth of which enter the orbit. The upper preocular not reach- ing the vertical, Temporals 1+2, the anterior long. Ven- trals 142; anal double; subcaudals 60. Upper parts uniform deep black ; abdomen whitish.
Three specimens, presented by J. Brenchley, Esq., are said to be from Biscra (Algeria) ; the largest is 26 inches long, the tail being 6 inches.
Zamenis spinalis. Masticophis spinalis, Peters, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1868, p. 91.
A fine specimen of this snake was contained in a collection made by Mr. A. Adams in various parts of the Chino-J apanese Region. Unfortunately no record of the exact locality where it was obtained is preserved; but so much appears to be pro- bable, that the statement of the dealer of whom the specimen in the Berlin Museum was purchased (viz. that it came from Mexico) is not correct.
Dromicus madagascariensis, Pl. V. fig. A.
Scales in nineteen rows, smooth, without apical groove. Loreal square ; one anteocular extending to the upper surface of the head, but not reaching the vertical; two postoculars. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 168, without keel; anal bifid; subeaudals 95. Upper parts black; on each side of the back, along the fourth and adjoining halves of the third and fifth outer series of scales, a yellowish band, which commences on the side of the neck and is continued to the extremity of the tail. The second and adjoining halves of the first and third outer series are blackish, forming a stripe which passes into a black lateral band of the tail, Abdomen whitish, anterior ventral scutes with a black spot at the suture with the scales. The posterior maxillary tooth is considerably larger than, but scarcely separated by an interspace from, the preceding teeth. In one specimen the frontal shields are confluent into a single pair.
Two specimens from Madagascar, purchased on distinct occasions. The larger is 22 inches long. At the first glance this species may be taken for Herpetodryas Berniert.
in the Collection of the British Museum. 23
Herpetodryas occipttalis. Giinth. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1868, i. p. 420.
The example from which I described this species was young, and showed a varied coloration, like many other spe- cies of this genus in their young state. The adult (3 or 4 feet long) is of a uniform dull greenish-olive coloration, this colour extending over the outer fourth of the ventral shields. Middle of the ventrals uniform yellowish.
Herpetodryas tetratenia.
Scales in seventeen rows, all keeled, with the exception of the outermost. Ventrals 150, not keeled; anal bifid; sub- caudals 127. Head moderate; eye rather large. Rostral just reaching the upper surface of the head; anterior frontals obtusely rounded in front, about half the size of posterior. Vertical as long as the snout, but shorter than the occipitals, which are subtruncate behind. Loreal as high as long ; ante- ocular extending to the upper surface of the head, but not reaching the vertical; two narrow postoculars. Nine upper labials, the fourth, fifth, and sixth of which enter the orbit. Body greenish olive, with four black longitudinal bands: the bands of the dorsal pair occupy three series of scales outwards of the vertebral series ; they commence behind the neck as a double series of spots, which are soon confluent; the scales composing its anterior half are black with a narrow white margin, and entirely black posteriorly ; on the tail the two bands are confluent into a single band. The lateral band is narrower, occupying the meeting edges of the second and third outer series; it commences as a linear, subinterrupted, zigzag tract in the anterior half of the trunk, but soon becomes broader, and is continued to the end of the tail. Upper parts. of the head and neck uniform greenish olive; a broad black band along the side of the head, through the eye. The colour of the side extends for some distance on the ventral shields, which have anteriorly a black transverse margin, interrupted in the middle.
One specimen from Bogota, purchased. Entire length 30 inches, tail 12 inches.
Philodryas psammophideus. Pl. IV. fig. A.
Habit slender; head narrow; eye of moderate size, with round pupil. Rostral shield as high as broad, reaching to the upper surface of the snout; anterior frontals two thirds the size of posterior. Vertical narrow, much longer than the snout, and as long as the occipitals. Loreal region not
24 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
grooved; loreal shield longer than deep; anteocular extend- ing on the upper surface of the head, but not reaching the vertical. Two postoculars. Hight upper labials, of which the third, fourth, and fifth enter the orbit. 'Temporals 1+2+2. Scales smooth, in nineteen rows, without pores. Ventrals 201; anal divided; subcaudals 92. Posterior maxillary tooth longest, grooved; anterior mandibulary teeth longer than the succeeding.
The coloration of this snake resembles that of a Psammophis or Ragerrhis. The ground-colour is a reddish olive ; a darker band, three scales broad, runs from the occipitals along the vertebral line, and is bordered on each side by a series of black specks. A brown band through the eye to the side of the neck, where it becomes indistinct and is continued in the form of two or three darker lines. Lower parts yellow, with a series of black dots along each side of the abdomen. Upper labials yellow, the sixth with a black spot.
One specimen from Tucuman; it is 27 inches long, tail 7 inches.
DrpLoTroPis (g.n. Dryadin.).
Body and tail slender ; trunk with about 150 ventral shields, which show only very faint lateral keels. Head somewhat elongate, rounded in front, flat above; eye rather large, with round pupil; nostril between two shields. Shields of the head regular; loreal present; one anterior and two posterior ocu- lars. Scales in fifteen series, on the anterior half of the back elongate, lanceolate, on the posterior rhombic; many with a single apical pore ; they are smooth, with the exception of those forming the series next to the vertebral series ; these are pro- vided with a strong keel, the keels forming a pair of raised lines along the middle of the back. Anal bifid. The maxil- lary teeth become gradually stronger posteriorly; none are grooved.
Diplotropis bilineata. Pl. VI. fig. B.
Snout rather depressed. Rostral not extending on the upper surface of the head; anterior frontals obtusely rounded, not much smaller than posterior. Vertical nearly as long as the snout and as the occipitals, which are rounded behind. Loreal considerably longer than deep; anteocular extending to the upper surface of the head, but not reaching the vertical; two narrow postoculars. Labials eight, low, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 144. Green ; the raised keels are black, forming a pair of black dorsal lines, which are indistinct on the foremost part of the body, and dis-
in the Collection of the British Museum. 25
appear on the tail. A very indistinct blackish horizontal streak behind the eye. Lower parts uniform light greenish.
One example was obtained by one of Mr. Salvin’s collectors in Costa Rica. It has lost a considerable portion of the tail, the head and body being 29 inches long.
Hapsidophrys niger.
Similar in habit and form of the head to H. ceruleus. Scales keeled, much imbricate, thin and loose, in thirteen series, those of the outermost series much smaller and shorter than the others. One anterior, three posterior oculars, the latter very narrow. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+1. Ventrals 203, not keeled on the sides; anal bifid; subcaudals 140. Uniform black, except the lower jaw, which is of a smutty brown.
Gaboon. One specimen, 61 inches long, the tail being 17 inches.
Dendrophis salomonis.
Allied to D. calligastra and striolata. Scales in thirteen rows. Loreal present, sometimes confluent with the posterior frontal. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. One preocular, not extending to the vertical ; two postoculars; temporals 1+ 2+ 2. Ventrals 193 or 194, strongly keeled; subcaudals 130. Scales with a single apical pore; vertebral scales large. Yellowish, with iridescent re- flexions. ‘The membrane between the scales is black ; many scales with an elongate white spot on the outer margin. A blackish ill-defined band from the nostril along the side of the head and neck. Lower parts uniform yellow, with a dark central line along the abdomen.
Solomon Islands. The larger of two examples is 32 inches long, tail 123 inches.
Ahetulla diplotropis. Pl. VI. fig. A.
Scales in fifteen rows, smooth, with the exception of those forming the two series nearest to the vertebral series; these scales are strongly keeled, the keels forming a continuous raised black line, as in the genus Diplotropis. Head as in A. liocercus. Rostral broader than deep; vertical bell-shaped, shorter than the occipitals, which are rounded behind. Loreal twice as long as deep; preocular not reaching the vertical ; two postoculars. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+2. Eye of moderate size, with round pupil. Ventrals 178-181, with a very faint lateral keel; anal 1/1; subcaudals 140. The posterior maxillary
26 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
tooth is much longer than, and separated by an interspace from, the preceding teeth. Green, with a yellow line along the vertebral series. A black band commences behind the eye and runs along the side of the fore part of the trunk; it is soon broken up into irregular spots, which soon disappear entirely. Lower parts uniform yellowish.
Three examples from Tehuantepec. Length 33 inches, tail 11 inches.
Ahetulla modesta. Pl. VI. fig. C.
Scales in fifteen rows, very strongly keeled, except those in the outermost series. Ventrals 171; anal bifid; subcaudals 171. Snout depressed, not pointed. Rostral shield just reach- ing to the upper surface of the crown; anterior frontals sub- truncated in front, about half the size of posterior. Vertical not much longer than broad, rather shorter than the snout or than the occipitals, which are truncated behind. Loreal longer than deep. Anteocular extending to the upper surface of the crown, but not reaching the vertical; two small and short postoculars. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth of which enter the orbit. Temporals 1+>5. Eye rather smaller than in the other species of this genus. Uniform greenish-olive above, light green below. A narrow black band from the eye along the suture between the labials and temporals.
One specimen was obtained by one of Mr. Salvin’s collectors on the banks of the Rio Chisoy, below the town of Cubulco ; it is 52 inches long, the tail being 22 inches.
Aheetulla lagoensis.
Ventral shields with distinct lateral keels, 163 ; anal bifid ; subcaudals 150. Nine upper labials, the fourth, fifth, and sixth entering the orbit. Loreal twice as long as deep. One preocular, not reaching the vertical, two postoculars. Five lower labials are in contact with the chin-shields. 'Temporals 1+2. Scales with minute stria, in fifteen series. Denti- tion syncranterian. Uniform green; scales without white spots.
One specimen from Lagos, purchased. Total length 35 inches ; tail 13 inches.
Ahetulla heterolepidota. Giinth. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1863, xi. p. 286.
We have received this species in two different collections made at Lagos.
in the Collection of the British Museum. 27
Chrysopelea vicina.
Scales in seventeen rows, those on the back keeled. All the scales conspicuously shorter and less imbricate than in Chr. rhodopleuron, to which this species is nearly allied. Ventrals 221; subcaudals 146. Rostral shield not twice as broad as deep. Preocular in contact with the vertical. Temporals 2+2+42. Uniform brownish olive; greenish olive after the loss of the epidermis ; lower parts uniform olive.
One specimen from the island of Misol. Total length 44 inches, the tail being 13 inches long.
This is not merely a local variety, as we have received the true Chrysopelea rhodopleuron from the same locality. By the characters given, the new species will be readily recognized.
Tropidonotus ferox. Giinth. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. November 1863.
Mr. Cope (Proc. Ac. Philad. 1868, p. 309) places this as a synonym of 7’. mortuarius (Schleg.). The history of the latter name is shortly as follows :—
1. The name was originally given by Daudin (Hist. Nat. Rept. vol. vii. p. 187) to an Indian snake figured by Russell on pl. 28 and described on p. 83. This snake is a dark variety of Zropidonotus quincunciatus; and therefore Coluber mortua- réus of Daudin is a synonym of this Indian species.
2. Kuhl (Beitr. z. Zool. p. 96) misapplied the name to an example in his collection, quoting Russell, but not Daudin, and apparently ignorant of the locality where his example was obtained.
3. Schlegel (Hssai, p. 330) having received the example mentioned by Kuhl and misnamed by him “ Coluber mortua- rius,’ adopts this erroneous nomenclature, adding to the con- fusion by giving incorrect references to the works of Russell and Daudin. However, he describes Kuhl’s specimen in a perfectly lucid manner*.
It is now evident that the specimen from Kuhl’s collection is identical with the West-African species to which I first gave a distinct name, viz. Tropidonotus ferox.
Tretanorhinus nigroluteus. Tretanorhinus nigroluteus, Cope, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se, Philad. 1861, p. 298. Helicops Agassiz, Jan, lconogy. livr. xxviii. pl. 2. fig. 1. (Nicaragua), Panama; purchased of the Zoological Society of London. Abdomen and two outer series of scales bright
* The species is figured by Jan under the same name, livr. xxviii. pl. 1. fig, 2
oi .
28 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
scarlet during life. Ventrals 151 (136); anal 1/1; subcau- dals 68.
Hypr2ruiops (g. n. Natric. vel Homalops.).
Body stout, cylindrical; form of the head as in Homalopsis. A single anterior and two posterior frontals. Nostrils on the upper surface of the snout, narrow slits between two nasals. Scales keeled, short, in twenty-three series; anal and sub- caudals divided. Loreal present. Maxillary teeth in an un- interrupted series, slightly increasing in length posteriorly, numerous and closely set ; none grooved.
This is another form intermediate between the Natricide and Homalopside. Having entirely the physiognomy of the latter, it differs by its dentition. From Atretéwm and Limno- phis it is distinguished by the position and form of the nos- trils, from Zretanorhinus and Neusterophis by the single an- terior frontal.
Hydrethiops melanogaster. FP. III. fig. G.
The single anterior frontal is an isosceles triangle, touching the rostral; posterior frontals small, but rather larger than the anterior. Vertical not twice as long as broad, with parallel outer edges, and with a right angle behind; occipitals as long as the vertical and posterior frontals together, rounded behind. Loreal large, longer than deep, with the lower posterior angle rather produced. One preocular, extending to the upper sur- face of the head, but not reaching the vertical. ‘Two post- oculars, the lower of which is small. Nine or ten (eleven) upper labials, the fourth and fifth or the fifth and sixth enterimg the orbit. Temporals 14+2+43, the anterior in contact with the upper postocular. Chin-shields two pairs, the anterior longer than, and produced between, the posterior. Cleft of the mouth bent upwards behind; a groove behind the eye between the labials and temporals. Eye small. Ventrals 153; anal 1/1; subcaudals 43. Upper and lower parts of a uniform shining black ; a reddish or yellowish band runs along the side of the head and trunk, along the three or two outer series of scales, becoming narrower behind.
Gaboon.
The largest of four examples is 24 inches long, tail 4 inches.
West Africa appears to be much richer in freshwater snakes than was formerly believed. We now know
1. Tropidonotus ferox, from Fernando Po.
2. Neusterophis levissima (exact locality unknown). 3. Limnophis bicolor, from Angola.
4, Hydrethiops melanogaster, from the Gaboon.
in the Collection of the British Museum. 29 Euophrys modestus (Gthr.).
Specimens of this snake have been obtained from Paraguay and Buenos Ayres. It is not a Chinese species.
LEPTOGNATHUS.
The snakes of this genus feed chiefly on slugs, like the Indian species of the family of Amblycephalide.
Mr. Cope has given a very lucid synopsis of the species of this genus (Proc. Philad. Acad. 1868, p. 107), by which their determination is much facilitated. I think he has attached too great a value to the arrangement of the shields between the eye and nostril and the number of labial shields; but the limits of variation, which differ almost in every species, can only be ascertained by the examination of numerous examples.
Leptognathus Mikanii (Schleg.).
The British Museum possesses several examples from Western Ecuador, one of which agrees perfectly with Lepto- gnathus oreas of Mr. Cope (Proc. Philad. Acad. 1868, pp. 108, 109), whilst the others lead up (with regard to pholidosis) to the typical eastern form. All these western specimens, how- ever, have the abdomen extensively mottled and chequered with black. None of the other structural characters which were supposed to be distinctive being constant, I refer these specimens, with L. oreas, to L. Mikanii. One of our Ecuador specimens approaches a prettily coloured variety from Tehuan- tepec, from which the following notes are taken.
Posterior frontals large, not entering the orbit. Vertical as broad as long, with an obtuse angle behind. Loreal entering the orbit; another well-developed anteocular above it; two postoculars. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. Temporals 24+3(2)+38. Three pairs of chin- shields subequal in size, as broad as long; a pair of lower labials form a suture together in front of the chin-shields. Ventrals 188; anal entire; subcaudals ca. 85. Yellowish, with numerous narrow black cross bands, 44 on the trunk and 23 on the tail, as broad as the interspaces of the ground- colour; each more or less completely divided into two by a yellow transverse line, which is broader within the anterior black bands than within the posterior. The bands do not ex- tend on the belly, which is chequered with black. Upper parts of the head black, finely mottled with yellow.
The specimen is 12 inches long, tail 3 inches.
30 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
Leptognathus annulatus.
Scales smooth, in fifteen rows, the vertebral scales being enlarged, hexagonal. Habit slender; neck very thin; head broad and short. Eye of moderate size, with vertical pupil. Anterior frontals short and small; posterior frontals large, extending down on the sides of the snout, and forming the antero-superior part of the orbit. Vertical with nearly parallel outer edges, and with a right angle behind, shorter than the occipitals. Loreal broadly entering the orbit; a small sepa- rate preocular below. Two postoculars. Seven or eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth or the fifth and sixth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+2+3. The first pair of lower labials not in contact with each other. Four pairs of chin-shields, the anterior pair the smallest, the second the largest, much longer than broad. Ventrals 164; anal entire; subcaudals 113. Upper parts light brownish powdered with darker, lower yellowish mottled with brown. Body and tail encircled by black rings, which are shorter than the head, but wider than the interspaces ; there are about forty of these rings on the trunk. Head irregularly spotted with brown.
One specimen from the elevated country of Costa Rica, near Cartago. Total length 174, tail 6 inches.
Leptognathus Copet.
Scales smooth, in fifteen rows, those of the vertebral series scarcely twice as large as those of the adjoining series. Habit very slender and compressed; neck exceedingly thin ; head very short and thick; eye large. One loreal, higher than long ; two narrow pre- and two postoculars. Ten or eleven upper labials, the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh, or the fifth, sixth, and seventh, entering the orbit. Ten lower labials, the first pair in contact with each other. Three pairs of chin- shields, the anterior of which is the largest, but not much longer than broad. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 218; anal entire ; subcaudals ca.140. Ground-colour light reddish grey, with fifteen large rounded brown spots, each with a black and yellow margin ; the anterior extend round the whole trunk ; the following are interrupted along the median line of the ab- domen, and the middle and posterior also along the vertebral line, so that each forms a pair of large rounded lateral spots. Each interspace of the ground-colour with a small, ovate, la- teral brown spot, at least in the posterior half of the body. Snout white; forehead and crown of the head dark brown, this colour forming a ring round the head, below the eye, and
in the Collection of the British Museum. 31
across the chin. A large round white spot on each side of the occipital region.
A male was obtained from the collection of the late Dr. van Lidth de Jeude ; it is probably from Surinam, and is 264 inches long, the tail being 9 inches.
Leptognathus dimidiatus.
Scales smooth, in fifteen rows, those of the vertebral series not enlarged. Body much compressed, neck slender, head broad and short. Eye rather large, with vertical pupil. An- terior frontals short and small; posterior frontals large, ex- tending down ‘on the sides of the snout, and forming the antero-superior part of the orbit. Vertical with nearly parallel outer edges, and with a right angle behind, shorter than the occipitals. Loreal confluent with the single preocular; two postoculars. Eight upper labials, the fifth and sixth entering the orbit. Temporals 1+2+43. Three pairs of chin-shields, the anterior the largest, crescent-shaped, much longer than broad; the middle shorter, but still longer than broad; the posterior of about the same size as the middle, and divergent. An azygos scale-like shield between the front chin-shields and the minute median labial. The first pair of lower labials are not joined together by a suture, being separated by the azygos shield ; the five following lower labials are in contact with the anterior chin-shields. Ventrals 186; anal entire; subcaudals 98. Body and tail with broad black rings separated by whitish interspaces much narrower than the rings; there are 25 black rings on the trunk and 16 on the tail. The white interspaces are again each subdivided by a narrow black transverse line. Upper parts of the head black, with small whitish spots irre- gularly placed; a pair of large whitish spots on the neck, forming a kind of collar. Anterior chin-shields black.
An adult female from Mexico (purchased) is 17 inches long, tail 5 inches.
Leptodira semiannulata.
Scales smooth, in nineteen series. Ventrals 227; anal en- tire; subcaudals 27+ (about one half of the tail is lost). Head broad and depressed. Anterior frontals very small; loreal rather longer than deep ; anteocular single, not reaching the vertical; two postoculars. Eight upper labials, the third, fourth, and fifth entering the orbit. ‘Temporals 2+3+3. Chin-shields very small. The posterior maxillary tooth long and grooved. Yellowish olive; back with about 32 brownish- black transverse spots or bands, rather irregular in shape, and separated by interspaces broader than the spots. The first
32 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
band occupies the neck, the head being entirely immaculate. Lower parts whitish. One specimen from Loanda, purchased; the snout has suf- -fered considerably by bad preservation. Length without tail (which is mutilated) 24 inches. Leptodira rhombifera.
Scales smooth, in twenty-five series. Ventrals 170; anal 1/1; subcaudals 75. Head rather broad and depressed ; an- terior frontals very small ; anteocular reaching or nearly reach- ing the vertical ; two postoculars. Loreal rather longer than deep. Eight upper labials, the fourth and fifth bemg below the eye. Temporals 1+2. Pupil of the eye vertical. The posterior maxillary tooth long and grooved. Brownish; trunk with about 26 large subrhombic dark-brown spots edged with black. Yellowish cross bands, brightest on the median line, separate these rhombic spots from one another. Upper part of the head brown, powdered with black. A black stripe with a yellowish margin on each side connects the crown of the head with the first rhombic spot. Abdomen yellowish; sub- caudals powdered with brown.
One specimen was obtained on the banks of the Rio Chisoy, near the town of Cubulco, by one of Mr. Salvin’s collectors. It is 23 inches long, tail 5 inches.
Dipsas approximans.
This snake may be taken at the first glance for a Leptodira, being in coloration similar to L. annulata and the species allied to it; but it is more slender than any species of that genus, though less so than a typical Dipsas.
Scales in nineteen rows, those of the vertebral series di- stinctly the largest, and especially on the hinder part of the body, where they are hexagonal; they are provided with a pore at the tip. Ventrals 190; anal divided; subcaudals 94. Form of the head and upper shields as in L. annulata. Loreal square; the single anteocular nearly reaches the ver- tical; two postoculars. Hight upper labial shields, the third, fourth, and fifth of which enter the orbit. Temporals 1+2+43. Eye of moderate size, with vertical pupil. Posterior maxil- lary grooved ; of the anterior teeth, only those of the mandible are somewhat elongate. Brownish, with an undulated (zig- zag) dark brown band along the back. Head dark brown, with an obscure streak from the eye towards the angle of the mouth. Lower parts uniform yellowish. Sometimes the ground-colour is so dark that the dorsal band is scarcely visible. A young specimen is whitish with the dorsal band
in the Collection of the British Museum. 33
black ; head brownish above and the band on the temple very distinct.
Several specimens from the Upper Amazons (Chyavetas) were obtained by Mr. Bartlett. The largest is 31 inches long, tail 9 inches.
Hydrophis stricticollis, Gthr.
Several adult examples of this species have been obtained by Mr. Theobald, on the Bassien River, Pegu. The adult have the ventral plates developed in the entire length of the body, and the bands become very indistinct in the posterior half of the trunk.
Hydrophis Holdsworthit.
Allied to H. pachycercus. Head and body of moderate width and length; back very broad. Shields on the upper surface of the head regular. Two pairs of chin-shields, both of which are in contact with each other. Two or three postoculars. The third upper labial is not in contact with the nasal, but enters the orbit; the fourth labial below the orbit. The first upper temporal is longer than high. Scales not imbricate ; each with a very prominent spine. Thirty-one series of scales round the neck, forty-five round the highest part of the body. Ventral shields 326 in number, with a pair of spinous tuber- cles, the anterior twice as broad as the scales of the adjoining series, the posterior less broad. Four preeanal shields sub- equal in size. Body with thirty black bands across the back, extending but a short way down the sides; they are broadest in the middle, tapering on each side. An indistinct dark spot in the median line between the posterior cross bands. Tail with five similar cross bands.
A male example, 33 inches long, was captured by E. W. H. Holdsworth, Esq., on the Aripo Pearl-banks, on the western coast of Ceylon.
Brachyurophis semifasciata.
Giinther, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1863, xi. p. 21, pl. 3, and 1865, xv. p. 97. We have recently received two other (young) examples from Perth, West Australia.
RHINELAPS (g. n. Hlapid.).
Body stout, cylindrical, covered with short polished scales in seventeen series; tail short. Head not distinct from the neck, with the snout flat and trenchant. Kye small, with round pupil. Posterior frontal replacing the loreal, in contact with two labials ; one anterior, two posterior oculars. Nasal ~ Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. ix. 3
34 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes
subdivided by the nostril. Anal bifid; subcaudals two-rowed, The poison-tooth placed rather far backwards ; no other teeth behind it.
It is with some reluctance that I propose a distinct generic name for this snake; but the dentition and the arrangement of the shields between the eye and nostril have hitherto been used as generic characters, and in one or the other of these two points Rhinelaps differs from the other Australian genera.
Rhinelaps fasciolatus. Pl. V. fig. B.
Rostral shield broad, depressed, trenchant in front, extend- ing on the upper surface of the snout. The anterior frontals are only half as large as the posterior, which are in contact with the second and third labials, Vertical six-sided, as much produced in front as behind, as long as the occipitals, which are rounded behind. Nasal single, but nearly entirely divided into two by the nostril, which is subanterior. Anteocular large, in contact with, or nearly reaching, the vertical; two postoculars. Six upper labials, the first very small, the sixth not much larger than the fifth, Temporals1+1. Ventrals 161; subcandals 26. Body light reddish, with a great num- ber of narrow, slightly undulated, brownish-black, transverse bars across the back; they are narrower than the interspaces between them, and nearly all are broken up into transverse series of spots. Head white, with a large black patch cover- ing the interocular space and occipitals, and separated by a narrow interspace from a broad black collar, which, again, is followed by a narrower black cross bar. Lower parts uniform white.
One specimen was found by Mr. Duboulay at Perth, West Australia; it is 13} inches long, tail 13 inch.
Diemenia Miilleri (Schleg.).
Schlegel has evidently confounded two species under the name of Hlaps Miilleri. He states that the two original ex- amples were from 8. Miiller’s collection made in New Guinea; and both are figured in ‘Verh. Nat. Gesch. Nederl. overz. Bez. Rept.’ pl. 9. figs. 1&2. The one (fig. 1) has 176 ventrals and 32 caudals, and the other (fig. 2) only 148 ventrals and 24 caudals. A third specimen, brought by Quoy and Gaimard from Rawak, had-166 ventrals and 36 caudals.
Iam not able at present to form an opinion about the last example; but, having received specimens agreeing with those collected by Miiller, I feel convineed that they are distinct.
I retain the name given by Schlegel for the species figured on pl. 9. fig. 1. The specimen in the British Museum is from North Ceram, and agrees in every respect with the figure
> a ™~
in the Collection of the British Museum. 35
referred to: it has 178 ventral shields and 34 subcaudals— numbers nearly identical with those of the typical example. For the second species I propose the name of
Diemenia Schlegelir.
This is a conspicuously shorter species, having only (148, Schlegel,) 149 or 155 ventral shields, and (24, Schlegel,) 24 or 21 subcaudals. The shields of the head are very much the same as in the other species. Temporals 2+2+43, the lower of the first series being intercalated between the last two labials, and not in contact with the postoculars. Scales in fifteen rows. The lower parts are more or less dotted with brown; and the lateral bands of the head are indistinct, if present.
a Of this species we have two examples from the island of Lisol. Cacophis modesta. PI. III. fig. C.
Scales smooth, in seventeen series. Head of moderate width and length, not depressed. Rostral shield somewhat project- ing (as in Liophis controstris), higher than broad. Anterior Arontals one third or one fourth the size of posterior. Vertical five-sided, much longer than broad; occipitals as long as ver- tical and postfrontals together, rounded behind. Nasal simple, pierced in the middle by the nostril, in contact with the single pale: Two postoculars. Six upper labials, the sixth as
ong as the two preceding together. Temporals 1+2+3, the foremost in contact with the occipital, lower postocular, and two posterior labials. Eye of moderate size, with round pupil. Ventrals and subcaudals 154+48, 157+49, 1654+42. Anal bifid. Upper parts uniform greenish olive, the lower whitish. In one specimen a darker collar, edged with yellowish in front and behind, is distinctly visible ; this specimen has also greyish spots on the abdomen. Anteocular generally yellow.
This species has the appearance of a Diemenia, from which genus it differs by its pholidosis. We have obtained three examples from Western and North-western Australia; the largest is 16 inches long, the tail being 3 inches. One was obtained at Perth by Mr, Duboulay.
Pseudonaja affinis, Pl. IV. fig. C.
This snake is readily distinguished from P. nuchalis by a greater number of scales, which are arranged in nineteen series. The rostral shield is much produced backwards above, but less so than in its congener. Vertical, two thirds as broad as long. Nostril wide, the division of the nasal being indi-
36 Dr. A. Giinther on new Species of Snakes.
cated below the nostril only ; one pre-, two postoculars. Six upper labials, the sixth the largest, as long as the fourth and fifth together. 'Temporals 1+2+43, the anterior the largest, the others scale-like. Ventrals 216; anal bifid ; subcaudals ca. 70. Uniform brown above; a few scales, irregularly seat- tered, are black. Ventral shields yellowish, with a blackish margin.
The British Museum received one example from Mr. Krefft, without indication of the exact locality ; it is 54 inches long, tail 9 inches.
Elaps multifasciatus (Jan).
I am not quite certain whether, by using this name, I have correctly determined two specimens—one from Nicaragua (Chontales), and the other from Bogota. Our specimens have only 239 ventral shields, whilst Jan states 278. One of the principal characters of our specimens is that the anteocular is in contact with the nasal; and, unfortunately, the figure given by Jan is so indistinctly drawn, that the arrangement of the shields of the snout cannot be made out.
Atractaspis corpulentus (Hallowell). Pl. III. fig. F.
Having recently received an Atractaspis from the Gaboon (that is, the locality where Hallowell’s origimal specimen was obtained), I find that it agrees so well with Hallowell’s de- scription that I cannot entertain a doubt about its identifica- tion. I find at the same time that I was mistaken in referring a specimen noticed in Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1866, xviii. p- 29 to this species, and that that specimen belongs to another (sixth) species, which is not yet named. ‘The characters of the true A. corpulentus are as follows :—
Black above, blackish below. Body stout. Ventrals 179 (—182, Hallowell) ; subcaudals (25, Hallowell, —)27. Scales in twenty-five series. Normally two pairs of frontals. One pre-, one postocular. Five upper labials, the third and fourth entering the orbit. ‘Temporals 1+3, the anterior very large, in contact with the occipital, postocular, fourth and fifth la- bials. The first pair of lower labials in contact with each other; the pair of chin-shields following these labials form part of the labial margin; the succeeding lower labial rather shorter than the opposite third and fourth upper labials.
Atractaspis micropholis. Pl. ILI. fig. E,
Atractaspis corpulentus, Giinth. in Ann, & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1866, xviii, p- 29, nec Hallowell.
Black above, lighter below. Body stout. Ventrals 210; subcaudals 29. Scales in twenty-five series. Two pairs of
Mr. E. A. Smith on the Genus Planaxis. 5 if
frontals. One pre-and one postocular. Six upper labials, the third and fourth of which enter the orbit, and are much larger than the anterior and posterior pairs. Temporals 1 or 2+3, all small, scale-like, the anterior in contact with the postocular, fourth and fifth labials, but not with the occipital. Lower labials small, the anterior in contact with each other in front of the chin-shields, which do not enter the labial margin.
The single specimen known is 13 inches long, the tail being one inch. It is not known from which part of Africa it was obtained.
Ill.—A List of Species of the Genus Planaxis, with Descrip- tions of eleven new Species. By EpGAR A. SMitH, Zoological Department, British Museum.
THE genus Planaxis was founded by Lamarck in 1822, in the ‘Hist. des Anim. sans Vert.’ vol. vu. p. 50, to include a group of shells generally of a somewhat ovate-conical form, more or less transversely sulcated, and having for the generic character the columella provided with a callosity at the upper part, ab- ruptly truncated at the base, and forming with the outer lip a small basal channel.
Only two species (which I now unite) were known to La- marck ; but since then the number has greatly increased, and now forty-four distinct forms have been described, and un- fortunately several of them more than once by various authors under different names, as will be observed from the following list.
1. Planaxis sulcatus. B.M.
A dark fuscous-coloured species, sparingly dotted with squarish white spots, strongly spirally ribbed and _ lirate within the outer lip.
Buccinum suleatum, Born, Mus. Vindob. p. 258, pl. 10. f. 5, 6.
Planaxis buccinoides, Deshayes, Anim. s. Vert. ed. 2, vol. ix. p. 287.
Var. a. Shell elongate, acuminate; spiral ribs ornamented with equal-sized black and white squarish spots.
Planaxis sulcata, Lamarck, 1. c. p. 236.
Var. 6. Shell shorter; black spots flowing into irregular longitudinal stripes.
Buceinum pyramidale, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. p. 3488. Planaxis undulata, Lamarck, 1. c. p. 236.
Hab. Australia, Philippines, Mauritius, 8. Africa.
38 Mr. E. A. Smith on Species of Born, in the Mus. Vindobon., first described and figured
a.species of Planaxis under the name of Buccinum sulcatum. Deshayes subsequently characterized the same species with the name P. buccinoides (Anim. s. Vert. ed. 2, vol. ix. p. 237), at the time quoting Born’s figure.
Lamarck, in the Anim. s. Vert. vii. p. 51, described two species, P. sulcata and P. undulata.
I have carefully compared the figures he quotes as repre- senting these species, and also those referred to by Deshayes in the second edition of the above work; and having also examined a numerous series of specimens, I can arrive at no other conclusions than these, viz. :—1, that his P. sulcata is a variety of Born’s shell (P. buccinotdes, Desh.) with an elongate acuminate spire, with the whorls ornamented with black and white squarish spots about equal in size; and, 2, that his P. undulata is a shorter, more obtuse form of the same species, with the dark spots flowing into one another, and thus form- ing irregular undulating longitudinal stripes.
2. Planaxis encausticus.
P. testa solida ; spira brevis, valde erosa; anfr.6?; ultimus magnus, ad peripheriam obtusatim angulatus, sordide albus, zonis duabus obscuris lurido-fuscis cinctus, altera supra, altera peripheriam infra, et infra suturam macularum nigrescentium serie ornatus, superficie partibus alteris irregulariter brunneo punctatus, trans- versim superne obsolete, basi validiore angustissime sulcatus, incrementi lineis obliquis striatus; apertura magna, spiram longe superans, teste longitudinis 2 equans; columella leviter curvata, callo postico magno albo-brunneo; canalis basalis parum pro- fundus; labrum margine integro, tenui, nigro-fuscum, superne medioque albo maculatum, intus pallidiore, 8- albido-liratum.
Long. 20 mill., diam. 12. Coll. Sylvanus Hanley.
Hab. Aracan (Theobald).
Of the form, solidity, and size of the short variety of P. sulcatus. It may be known by these peculiarities:—1, the smoothness of the body-whorl, which has the appearance of being overlaid with a thin white enamel; 2, the sulci are extremely narrow, merely impressed strie; 3, the periphery is left white between two obscure lurid-fuscous bands; 4, the basal channel is very shallow and partly filled up by a callous deposit. The oblique lines of growth are the vestiges of a thin epidermis.
3. Planaxis Savignyt. B.M. Planaxis Savignyt, Deshayes, Mag. de Zool, 1844, pl. 109, Hab. Red Sea. res
the Genus Planaxis. 39
This species has much of the general appearance of P. sulcata; but the difference of colour and style of. painting may be sufficient to separate it.
4, Planaxis crassispira. B.M.
P. testa perelongato-ovata; spira crassa; anfr. 6, planiusculi, spira- liter valide costati; coste plane, albe, nigro-brunneo punctate, in anfr. ultimo 16; interstitia luteola; in anfr. ult. zone 2 pur- purascentes, superior nigro-maculata, altera supra et altera infra peripheriam albam ; apertura perparva; labrum intus fuscum, medio albo-maculatum, margine tenui et crenulato, subito incras- satum et intus 9-liratum; columella curvata et callo postico munita.
Long. 18 mill., diam. 83.
Hab. ——?
The breadth of the upper whorls is very marked compared with that of other species. The aperture also is conspicu- ously small.
5. Planaxis brevis. Planaxis brevis, Quoy, Voy. Astrolabe, vol. ii. p. 488, pl. 33. figs. 30-32. Hab. Guam and New Guinea.
6. Planaxis breviculus. B.M.
Planaxis breviculus, Desh. Mag. de Zool. 1844, pl. 108; Issel, Mem. Accad. Torin. xxiii. pl. 1. figs. 5 & 6.
Hab. ? Var. Persian Gulf (Col. Pelly).
The British-Museum collection contains a very dark bluish- black variety from the Persian Gulf, covered with an olive- brown epidermis. The lire within the mouth are very fine indeed. The young form of this variety approaches P. Men- keanus, Dkr.
7. Planaxis Menkeanus. Planaxis Menkeanus, Dunker, Malak. Blatt. 1861, p. 41. Hab. Red Sea.
8. Planaxis planicostatus. B.M.
Planaxis planicostata, Sowerby, Append. Tankerville Cat. p. 18, 1825; Reeve, Element. Conch. pl. B. fig. 17.
Buccinum planaxis, Wood, Index Test. Suppl. p. 12, pl. 4: fig. 15 a; 1828.
Planaxis canaliculata, Duval, Rey. Zool. 1840, p. 107.
cireinata, Lesson, Rey. Zool. 1842, p. 187.
Hab, Galapagos Islands’ and Panama.
40 Mr. E. A. Smith on Species of
9. Planaxis obscurus. B.M. Planazis obscura, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 271. Hab. ?
It is a question whether this species should not be placed as a variety of P. planicostatus; but it would be hazardous to do so until more specimens are at hand and the locality known. The chief difference consists in the narrowness of the sulci, and the mouth being of a uniform brown colour. The epidermis is similar.
10. Planaxis nucleus. B.M.
Purpura nucleus, Lamarck, Anim. s. Vert. vol. vii. p. 249, ed. 2, vol. x.
p. 88. Planaxis semisulcata, Sowerby, Gen. Rec. & Foss. Shells, pl. 70. fig. 3. Hab. West Indies, Jamaica.
11. Planaxis nicobaricus.
Planaxis nicobaricus, Zelebor, Verhandl. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien, 1866, vol. xvi. p. 910; Frauenfeld, Reise Novara, Mollusk. p. 9, pl. 2. fig. 12.
Hab. Nicobar Islands.
12. Planaxis nigritellus. B.M. ara nigritella, Forbes, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1850, Dec. p. 273, pl. 11. g. 6. acutus, Menke, Zeitschrift f. Mal. Nov. 1850, p. 169. obsoletus, Menke, /. c. p. 170.
Hab. Mazatlan.
The name acutus was employed by Krauss for a Cape species two years previous to Menke. This, together with the reasons given by P. P. Carpenter in the ‘ Mazatlan Cata- logue,’ p. 364, are sufficient to establish the retention of Forbes’s species.
13. Planaxis acutus. B.M. Planasxis acuta, Krauss, Siidafrik. Moll. p. 108, t. 6. fig. 2. Hab. Natal.
14. Planaxis castaneus. B.M.
P. testa solida, elongato-conica, castanea ; spira elongata, apice acu- minato; anfr. 6, convexiusculi, spiraliter striati (in anfr. ultimo strie circiter 20, basi validissime), incrementi lineis obliquis parum conspicuis; apertura parva, ovata, spiram non equans, intus pallide fusca; labrum margine tenui, subito incrassatum,
the Genus Planaxis. 41
intus 7- albido-denticulatum ; columella modice arcuata, basi ex-
pansa, rimam parvam fere tegens, callo postico parvo, cum labro canalem indistinctum formans. Long. 103 mill., diam. 5.
Hab. ?
This is a very solid, small species, with the whorls trans- versely striated; the striee at the base of the body-whorl are much deeper than those encircling the rest of the shell, and produce the appearance of spiral ribs. The first stria below the sutural line is rather distant from it, thus giving the whorls the aspect of having an infrasutural raised belt.
15. Planaxis Hanley?.
P. testa elongato-ovata, omnino brunnea; spira convexo-conica ; anfr. 7, parum convexi, primi 3-4 politi, cateri leviter spiraliter anguste sulcati, incrementi lineis obliquis ornati; anfr. ult. per- magnus, basi sulcis validissimis; apertura magna; columella su- perne callosa cum labro incisuram distinctam formans ; labrum tenuiusculum, patulum, intus tenuiter liratum.
Long. 12 mill., diam. 53. Coll. 8. Hanley.
Var. Testa columelle callo postico producto cum labro incisuram, ut in Pupina, formante. Coll. S. Hanley.
Hab. Sandwich Islands.
I feel much pleasure in dedicating this species to Mr. Syl- vanus Hanley, who has very kindly allowed me access to his vast collection.
It is much larger than P. atropurpureus, P. niger, or P. abbreviatus, but belongs to the same group.
Its principal characteristics are the strong basal sulcations of the body-whorl, the well-marked posterior channel, and the patulate outer lip. As is the case in several of the species of the genus, the first stria below the suture is rather distant, thus producing the appearance of an infrasutural raised belt.
The loop-like sinus in the variety reminds one very much of the incision in the genus Pupina.
16. Planazxis similis.
P. testa elongato-ovata, omnino brunnea, spira conica; anfr. 7, planiusculi; primi 3-4 politi, ceteri valide spiraliter sulcati, incrementi lineis obliquis ornati; anfr. ultimi sulci 17 ad basim paululum validiores; apertura parva, angusta; columella callo postico parvo, cum labro incisuram parvam formante; labrum
’ erassum, haud dilatatum, intus 15-liratum.
Long. 113 mill., diam. 53. Coll. Sylvanus Hanley.
_ Hab. Sandwich Islands.
42 Mr. E. A. Smith on Species of
Although m many respects similar to P. Hanley?, I think the strong uniform sulcations, the narrow non-dilatate aper- ture, and the very thick outer lip are sufficient distinctions to separate the two forms.
It is also somewhat similar to P. castaneus, from whick: it is distinguished by stronger but less numerous spiral sulca- tions ; and the lirations are twice as numerous within the lip, which is thick at the margin, and not acute as in P. castaneus.
17. Planaxis niger. B.M. Planaxis nigra, Quoy, Voy. Astrolabe, p. 49, pl. 33. figs. 22-24. Hab. New Ireland. 18. Planaxis atropurpureus. B.M.
Planaxis atropurpurea, Récluz, Revue Zool. 1843, p. 261. —— Albersi, Dunker, Novit. Conchol. Suppl. ii. p. 16, pl. 2. figs. 35-37.
Hab. South Seas (fécluz) ; Loanda (Dkr.).
19. Planazxis labiosus. B.M.
Planaxis labiosa, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 272. plumbea, Pease, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1861, p. 244. —— Bronni, Dunker, Malak. Blatt. 1862, p. 41.
Hab. Sandwich Islands.
20. Planaxis teniatus. Planaxis teniatus, Philippi, Zeitschrift fiir Malak. 1848, p. 165.
Hab. ?
21. Planaxis Gould.
P.anaxis cingulata, Gould, Proce. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. vol. vii. Dec. 1860. Otia Conch. p. 140.
Hab. Ousima (Gould). The name cingulata having been applied ten years’ pre-
viously to another species by A. Adams, I here change it to that of Gouldit.
22. Planawxis cingulatus. B.M. Planaxis cingulata, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 271. Hab. China Seas.
23. Planaxis eboreus. B.M.
P. testa parva, alba, ovato-acuminata, apice'piceo ; anfr. 8,. convexi- usculi, valide spiraliter sulcati; coste inter sulcos dimidiate, in anfr. ultimo 14, basi minime ; apertura ovata; labrum margine
the Genus Planaxis. 43
tenui, acuto, et maculis 5 brunneis notatum, intus incrassatum, 8-denticulatum ; columella areuata, callo postico parvo. Long. 6 mill, diam. 3.
Hab. West Indies, St. Thomas and St. Vincent.
An ivory-white species without other marking than a brown apex and a few brown dots on the exterior of the outer lip. The chief peculiarity of this shell, however, consists in the spiral ribs being divided into two equal parts by an impressed line, thus giving them a concave appearance.
24. Planaais suturalis.
P. testa parva, alba; spira turrita, elongata, apice acuminato; sutura subcanaliculata ; anfr. 8, planiusculi, spiraliter sulcati; anfr. ult. sulcis 11 cinctus, ad peripheriam obtusatim angulatus, basi con- tractus, cum columella caudam brevem formans ; apertura ovata, spira longe brevior; columella arcuata, callo postico parvo non tuberculari; canalis basalis profundus ; labrum crassum, intus 10- denticulatum.
Long. 63 mill., diam. 3. Coll. Sylvanus Hanley.
Hab. Chinese seas. ‘A very pretty species, at once distinguished from P. eboreus
by its turreted spire, deep suture, and the spiral ribs being flat, and not bipartite.
25. Planazxis striatulus. B.M. Planazis striatulus, Philippi, Zeitschrift fiir Malak. 1851, p. 91. ~ Hab. ?
26. Planazxis ater. B.M. Planaxis atra, Pease, American Journ. Conch. vol. y. p. 72, pl. 8. fig. 4.
Hab. Marquesas Islands.
27. Planaxis abbreviatus. B.M.
Planaxis abbreviata, Pease, Proc. Zool. Suc. 1865, p. 515; American Journ. Conch. iv. p. 101, pl. 12. fig. 16,
Hab. Sandwich Islands.
28. Planaxis incisus. Planaxis incisus, Philippi, Zeitschrift fiir Malak. 1851, p. 92. Hab. ? This appears to approach P.. abbreviatus in several of its cha-
racters. ‘The size, colour, character of the incision above, and number of the lire within the aperture are similar.
44 Mr. E. A. Smith on Species of
29. Planaxis lineatus. B.M.
Buccinum lineatum, Da Costa, Brit. Conchol. p. 180, pl. 8. fig. 5; Dill- wyn, Cat. vol. ii. p. 626. no. 91; Wood, Ind. Test. pl. 23. fig. 92. Buccinum pediculare, Lamarck, Anim. s. Vert. vol. vil. p. 275; Kiener,
Coq. Viv. p. 72. no. 71, pl. 25. Planaxis lineata, Duval, Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 107 ; Jay, Cat. Shells, ed. 4, 1850.
Hab. West Indies, St. Vincent and Jamaica.
30. Planazxis succinctus. B.M. Planaxis succincta, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 272. Hab. West Indies.
The difference between this species and lineatus, Da Costa, is very slight, consisting chiefly in its having the spire more acuminate and the spiral brown lines finer and fewer in number upon a pale yellow ground, instead of white as in lineatus.
31. Planaxis Hermannsent.
Planaxis Hermannseni, Dunker, Novit. Conchol. Suppl. ii. p. 16, pl. 2. figs. 33, 34.
Hab. Benguela, west coast of Africa.
Dunker observes that it is allied to P. ineatus, Da Costa, but distinguished by its larger size and more inflated last whorl. Also approaches P. striatulus, Philippi.
32. Planaxis virgatus. B.M.
P. testa elongata, acuminata, lutea, lineis spiralibus paucis et virgis obliquis irregularibus rufo-fuscis ornata ; anfr. 8, parum convexi ; primi 4 et ultimus basi transversim valide sulcati, ceteri leves vel indistincte striati ; apertura anguste ovata ; labrum margine acuto, intus incrassatum, denticulatum ; columella postice haud callosa.
Long. 8 mill., diam. 4.
Hab. Fiji Islands, New Caledonia.
This species somewhat approaches P. ineptus, Gould. It differs, however, in its much larger size, oblique brown irre- gular stripes, and the entire absence of a posterior callosity. The last whorl is a little contracted at the lower part, thus forming a short cauda.
33. Planaaxis variabilis. B.M.
P. testa parva, elongato-acuminata, alba, lineis spiralibus numerosis pallido-rufis cincta; anfr. 8, planiusculi, apice et basi valide, medio leviter spiraliter sulcati; apertura parva, spira paululum brevior ; columella basi brunneo tincta, callo postico nullo ; labrum crassum, intus denticulatum.
Long. 6 mill., diam. 3.
the Genus Planaxis. 45
Var. angulata, Testa anfr. superne oblique angulatis, lineis obliquis rufescentibus ornatis. Coll. Sylvanus Hanley.
Hab. Fiji Islands. Var. Chinese seas.
This species differs from P. virgatus, its nearest ally, in its much smaller size, greater solidity, and the narrow conical form. .
34. Planaxis longispira.
P. testa elongata, angusta, albida, linea paululum suturam supra et in anfr. ult. lineis duabus rufis cincta, altera supra, altera peripheriam infra ; spira elongato-conica ; anfr. 8 ?, leves, politi, apice ? (defi- ciente) basique anguste sulcati, suturam infra zona pellucida cincti; apertura parva, spira longe brevior; columella arcuata, brunneo tincta, cum labro callo tenui juncta ; labrum crassiusculum, intus denticulatum.
Long. 7 mill., diam. 3. Coll. Sylvanus Hanley.
Hab. Chinese seas (Collingwood).
Known by its very long acuminate spire, the smoothness of the whorls, and the two spiral reddish lines encircling the body-whorl.
35. Planaxis tenuis.
P. testa elongata, angusta, tenuis, polita, semipellucida, alba, linea paululum suturam supra, et in anfr. ult. lineis tribus pallido-rufis cincta ; spira convexo-conica, sutura distincta; anfr. 8—9 convexi- usculi, spiraliter levissime sulcati, apicem basimque versus vali- diores, suturam infra zona sordido-vitrea cincti; anfr. ult. an- gustus, elongatus, ad peripheriam rotundus; columella callo pos- tico nullo ; labrum tenuiusculum, intus haud denticulatum.
Long. ,diam. . Coll. Sylvanus Hanley.
. Hab. ?
Resembling a variety of P. virgatus in colour; but it is thin, semipellucid, with the spire less conical and more con- vex, the body-whorl narrow and rounded at the periphery, and the outer lip thin and not denticulate; and the infra- sutural vitreous band at once separates it.
36. Planaxts ‘neptus. B.M.
Planaxis inepta, Gould, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. vol. vii. Dec. 1860 ; Otia Conch. p. 140.
Hab. Kikaia Bay (Gould).
37. Planaxis lineolatus. B.M. Planaxis lineolata, Gould, Otia Conch, p. 60. _ | Hab. Wilson’s Island (Gould), near the Sandwich Islands.
46 Mr. E. A. Smith on Species of Planaxis.
38. Planaxis zonatus. B.M. Planaxis zonata, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 271. Hab, Calapan, Philippine Islands.
39. Planaxis fasciatus.
Planaxis fasciata, Pease, American Journ. Conch. vol. iv. 1868, p. 102, pl. 12. fig. 7.
Hab. Paumotus.
40. Planaxis areolatus. Planaxis areolatus, Lesson, Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 187. Hao, peanitl,
41. Planaxis buccineus. Planazis buccinea, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 272. Hab. West Indies.
42. Planaxis (Hinea) brasilianus. B.M.
Buccinum brasilianum, Lamarck, Anim. s. Vert. vol. vii. p. 272; Kiener, Coq. Viv. p. 70. no. 69, pl. 17. fig. 59.
Planazxis mollis, Sowerby, Genera of Shells, 1820-24, fig. 2.
Buccinum levigatum, Wood, Ind. Test. Suppl. pl. 4. fig. 29, 1828.
~ Var. a. Smaller and slightly angulated at the periphery. B.M. Planaxis fulva, A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 271.
? Var. 6. Dwarfed form. B.M. Planaxis pigra, Forbes, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1850, p. 278, pl. 11. fig. 5. Hab. Brazil [?] (Lamarck), Australia.
I have very carefully studied the typical specimens of P. fulva in the Cumingian collection; and the only characters I can detect in which they differ from P. brasilianus are their smaller size and the very slight angulation at the periphery.
I place P. pigra as a variety with a note of interrogation. Although of much smaller size than full-grown examples of P. brasilianus, there being in the National Collection a large series of the latter the gradual links between them can be traced ; and, allowing for difference of habitat, it may be but a _ dwarfed form.
43. Planaxis imbricatum, Lamk. from the island of Chiloe, mentioned by Lesson in the ‘ Revue Zoologique,’ 1842, p. 187.
44, Planaxis niger, Lesson, included in Messrs. H. and A, Adams’s list of the species of
Viscount Walden on a new Species of Porzana. 47
the genus in their ‘Genera of Recent Mollusca,’ vol. i.
p- 322.
I am unable to find where the above two species have been described. Can the former be Monoceros imbricatum, Lamk., from the above locality ? and can the latter be a mistake for nigra, Quoy ?
In the sixth volume of the ‘ Zoological Record,’ p. 549, Von Martens mentions a species of Planaxis “ from the Gulf of Akaba, shortly described by Issel, Malac. Mar. Ross. p- 196.”
Subgenus HoLcosroma.
Holcostoma piligerum., B.M.
Planaxis pirger, Philippi, Zeitschrift fiir Malak. 1848, p. 164. Holcostoma setigerum, A, Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1853, p. 174, pl. 20, fig. 5.
Hab. Mauritius.
Subgenus Quoyia, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1847, p. 138.
Quoyta decollata. Planazis decollata, Quoy & Gaimard, Voy. Astrolabe, vol. ii. p. 489, pl. 33. figs. 33, 34. Quoyia decollata, Gray, Proc. Zool, Soc. 1847, p. 138. no. 59.
Hab. New Guinea (Q. & G.), Philippines (Cuming).
IV.—Description of a new Species of Porzana from the Hima- layas. By Artuur, Viscount WALDEN, P.Z.S. Porzana bicolor, n. sp.
' Chin greyish white, passing into pure grey on the throat; entire head, throat, neck, breast, abdomen, flanks, and thigh- coverts ashy grey ; nape, back, uropygium, shoulder-coverts, and scapulars ferruginous olive ; tail, upper and lower tail- coverts dark slate-colour, almost black; quills above ash- coloured, washed with light brown, underneath pale brown ; under wing-coverts pale brown tinged with ashy; shoulder edge white, quill-shafts underneath white; bill black at the tip, dark green at base. Wing 4°50 inches; tarsus 1°50; middle toe 1°50; hallux 0°37, nails not included; bill from
gape 1°12, from forehead 0°87. This well marked and handsome rail was shot at Rungbee, Darjeeling.
48 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
V.— Contributions to the Study of the Entomostraca. By GEORGE STEWARDSON Brapy, C.M.Z.S8., and Davip Rosertson, F'.G.S8.
No. VI. On the Distribution of the British Ostracoda. [Plates I. & II.]
WE propose in the present paper to give (1) descriptions of a few new or imperfectly known species, (2) catalogues of some recent gatherings which present points of interest, and (3) a summary of our present information as to the distribution of the known British species of Ostracoda. Upwards of three years have now elapsed since the publication of the “ Monograph of the Recent British Ostracoda” in the ‘Transactions of the Linnean Society ;’ and during that time, by the assiduous working of old fields, and the occasional investigation of new ones, many new species have been added to our list, and much valuable knowledge has been gained as regards geographical and bathymetrical distribution. But the papers * in which these results have been published being much scattered, and perhaps sometimes inaccessible, it seems desirable to present them here in a condensed form.
Of the one hundred and ninety-nine species now known.:as inhabitants of the British Islands and their adjacent seas, some six or seven may be said to stand on a rather precarious basis, having been admitted on the strength of one or two specimens only, perhaps “‘ waif and stray,” or for some other reason being imperfectly understood. In this category may be mentioned Cypris elliptica, C. Joanna, Argillaecia cylindrica, Cythere borealis, C. mirabilis, C. marginata, Cytheridea inequalis, and possibly a few others. The whole may be broadly grouped under two heads, comprising the inhabitants respectively of the sea and of fresh water. But among the purely marine forms it is of interest to note that some are strictly littoral (A) in habitat, while others almost exclusively affect considerable depths of water; there is, again, a small but well-defined group, the mem- bers of which are scarcely ever to be found (setting aside acci-
* The papers here summarized are as follows :—“ A Monograph of the Recent British Ostracoda,” Trans. Linn, Soc. 1868. “Last Report of Dredging amongst the Shetland Islands” (by the Rev. A. M. Norman), Brit. Assoc. Report, 1868. ‘Notes of a Week’s Dredging in the West of Ireland,” Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1869. “On the Ostracoda and Fora- minifera of Tidal Rivers,” ¢bid. 1870. ‘The Crustacean Fauna of Salt. Marshes,” Nat. Hist. Trans. North, & Durham, 1868. “On Entomostraca taken chiefly in Northumberland and Durham, in 1869,” cbid. 1870. “A Review of the Cypridinidee of the European Seas,” Proc. Zool. Soc. 1871.
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. 49
dental interlopers) except in decidedly brackish water (B), and yet again another, which we may regard as an offshoot from the brackish group, and whose members (C) seem to luxuriate chiefly, though not perhaps entirely, in waters which, though fresh, are subject in some slight degree to tidal influence ; and in cases where these occur apart from the conditions here noted, we should be disposed to conclude either that such occurrence is accidental and perhaps not permanent, or that the local conditions have been materially changed at some not very remote epoch.
The following lists embrace the typical members of the last-named groups :—
Group A (littoral). Cythere porcellanea, Brady. Cythere badia, Norman. Echoes 2 pee dy rubida, Brady. : 7 : ipa As ae Bord. Cytheridea torosa (Jones).
Xestoleberis aurantia (Baird). Loxoconcha elliptica, Brady.
i ae pusilla, B. § R. Cytherura nigrescens (Baird). Bish Rome Dau cellulosa (Norman). ytherura : ly. Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird). | Group C (subbrackish).
actus pee a S mala Cypris incongruens, Ramdohr. fs I aE nC) pen Cypridopsis obesa, B. & R. Seis. hibou io ahs Se ra Goniocypris mitra, B. & R.
opt ae Metacypris cordata, B. & R. Candona compressa, Koch. candida, var. tumida, B. & R.
Group B (brackish or estuarine).
Cypris prasina, Fischer. Cythere fuscata, Brady.
— — salina, Brady. Limnicythere Sancti Patricii, Cypridopsis aculeata (Lilijeborq). B.S R.
Potamocypris fulva, Brady. Darwinella Stevensoni, B. §& R.
Cythere castanea, G. O. Sars.
As regards geographical distribution, the chief fact which we are at present able to point out is the admixture, at the northern extremity of our area, of a distinct glacial or arctic fauna, characterized by such species as Cythere borealis, C. concinna, CO. costata, C. emarginata, C. leioderma, C. mira- bilis, Cytheridea Sorbyana, C. papillosa, and C. punctillata ; while, on the other hand, our southern and south-western shores harbour certain species which do not seem to thrive so well in more northern latitudes, and which are conspicuously absent from our eastern coast: in this list may be mentioned Bairdia inflata, B. acanthigera, and Cythere emaciata. Two species which are common in most other districts (Cythere villosa and Loxoconcha impressa) are also of rare occurrence on the eastern coast, the place of the latter being occupied to a large extent by L. guttata, and of the former by C. lutea and perhaps C. albomaculata.
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. ix. A
50 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
A glance, however, at the table appended to this paper will at once show that our knowledge of the Ostracoda of some parts of the British seas is as yet very scanty, and that there are in fact only a few districts (columns 4, 7, 8, 9) which have been examined with tolerable completeness. Much may still be done even in these better-explored provinces, while the freshwater inhabitants of most districts are at present entirely untouched.
1. The Freshwater Lakes of Mayo and Galway.
Of the almost innumerable lakes scattered through these two counties we have at different times more or less thoroughly examined twenty of the most accessible, namely those lying near the roadside between Galway and Clifden, and others within easy reach of the towns of Roundstone, Clifden, and Westport. The names of these (according to the Ordnance maps) we give as nearly as possible in their natural order, beginning with the most southerly :—Lough Aubwee, L. Corrib (at Oughterard), L. Agraffard, Park Lough (Derryneen), L. Shindilla, Loughaughnarhin, L. Ardderry, Ballinahinch L., L. Naserahoge, L. Cam, L. Naweelaun, L. Bollard, L. Fadda, L. Doolagh, Seaville L., Cregduff L., L. Enask, L. Inagh, L. Moher, Coolbarreen L.
These lakes are uniformly of a character unfavourable to a great abundance of Entomostraca or any form of animal life, the bottoms being either stony or composed of a tough com- pact peat which does not easily disintegrate, and thus would appear to supply very scantily either food or shelter. Floating aquatic weeds, such as Myriophyllum and Potamogeton, occur also very sparingly ; and though sedges and water-lilies are in some lakes plentiful enough, we have never found these very productive in Ostracoda. The following list embraces all the species taken by us; and not one of these occurred in ‘ any great abundance :—
Cypris levis, Miiller. Candona candida (Miiller). ovum (Jurine). —— lactea, Baird. compressa, Baird, diaphana, B. & R. striolata, Brady. —— Kingsleii, B. § R. —— (?)tessellata, Fischer. Notodromas monachus (Miiller). reptans (Baird). Metacypris cordata, B. & R. Cypridopsis vidua (Miller). Limnicythere Sancti Patricii, B. § R. —— obesa, B. § R. Loxoconcha elliptica, Brady. villosa (Jwine). Darwinella* Stevensoni, B. §& R.
* The generic name Polycheles, under which we originally described this species, being preoccupied, we now propose in its place the term Darwmella.
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. 51
The chief point of interest here is the occurrence of several species which we have been accustomed to regard as inhabi- tants of brackish water only, and of some (viz. Candona dia- phana, CO. Kingsleii, Metacypris cordata, and Darwinella Ste- vensont) which we had previously supposed to be limited to the subbrackish fens and rivers of the East-Anglian district. We have, however, but little knowledge of the contents of our inland waters; and it is quite probable that further research may very much modify our views as to distribution. Mean- time it may be noted that the Irish specimens of Metacypris and Darwinella are of very poor growth and very scanty in point of numbers.
Cypris tessellata, Fischer.
The specimens which we doubtfully refer to this species, though almost exactly similar to English examples in outline, are considerably smaller, and the shell is very vaguely sculp- tured, exhibiting only an approach to the characteristic tes- sellation of the typical form. This peculiarity, however, we have previously observed in young specimens, and even to some extent in adults from certain localities; and it would not of itself have led us to doubt seriously the identity of the Irish specimens but for a concurrent difference in the post- abdominal rami, which are long and slender, slightly ciliated on the inferior margin, and have the three terminal claws or setee almost close together, the first seta being short, the second about three times as long as the first, and the third nearly twice as long as the second: the small seta usually found near the middle of the lower margin is wanting. he lakes in which these specimens occurred are Loughs Inagh and Cool- barreen.
Metacypris cordata, B. & R. Pi. IL. figs. 9, 10.
Originally described from the shell only. We are now able to add a definition of the contained animal, which belongs di- stinctly to the family Cytheride.
Superior antenne slender, six-jointed, the third, fourth, and sixth joints nearly equal in length, fifth slightly longer, last jeint bearing four slender sete, two of which are moderately long ; fourth and fifth joints also bearing two or three slender apical sete ; inferior antenne, mandible, jaw, and feet as in Cythere, the mandible-palp, however, short and indistinctly jointed ; abdomen ending in two short curved sete.
Hab. Lough Aubwee, near Galway.
4*
52 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
2. East of Ireland (freshwater). Grand Canal, Dublin. Belfast Canal. Cypris reptans (Baird). (Lock at junction of River Logan.) es Gane Ae Cypridopsis obesa, B. & R. compressa Band Cythere castanea, G. O. Sars.
; . Cypridopsis obesa, B. § R. a Laianaey Bae. : Ree cea carious viridis, Miller. eG pea Cea ; Loxoconcha impressa (Baird), ae ae me Cytherura Robertsoni, Brady. similis, Baird,
Limnicythere inopinata (Baird). Darwinella Stevensoni, B. & R.
Candona similis, Baird. PI. I. figs. 1, 2. Candona similis, Baird, Brit. Entom. p. 162, pl. 19. figs. 2, 2 a.
Carapace subelliptical, greatest height in front of the mid- dle, and scarcely equal to half the length; extremities well rounded, the posterior much the smaller: superior margin very slightly arched, sloping gently from before backwards ; inferior almost straight. Seen from above, regularly ovate, widest in the middle, thence tapering evenly to the acumi- nate extremities; width equal to rather more than one- third of the length. Shell thin, transparent. Length 34 inch.
This species is known to us only from two or three speci- mens taken in the Grand Canal at Dublin; but these agree so completely (except as regards the coloured markings, which may have been destroyed by prolonged drying amongst mud) with Dr. Baird’s description that we do not hesitate to refer them to C. similis. Since the foregoing sentence was written a few specimens of the same species have likewise occurred to us in the neighbourhood of Sunderland, as noted below (p. 58).
3. Northern Coast of Scotland (marine).
For several dredgings from this district, obtained during one of the surveying-expeditions of H.M.S. ‘ Porcupine,’ we are indebted to our friend Mr. D. O. Drewett. The dredgings are from the following localities (all purely marine, and very si- milar in character, so that it is scarcely necessary to give se- parately the lists of species from each) :—Dornoch Frith, 4 fathoms; Loch Erribol; three miles off Port Skerran, 30 fathoms; Kyle of Tongue, 4 fathoms; Scarpa Bay, Ork- ney; Scarpa Flow, 17 fathoms; ten miles off Hoy Head, 50 fathoms; Scrabster Roads, 7 fathoms. Our list includes
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. 53
also the contents of one dredging made by Mr. Robertson in
Stromness Bay.
Pontocypris mytiloides (Norman). trigonella, G. O. Sars. Bairdia inflata (Norman). Potamocypris fulva, Brady. Cythere pellucida, Baird. castanea, G. O. Sars. porcellanea, Brady. tenera, Brady.
crispata, Brady.
viridis, Miiller.
lutea, Miiller.
—— villosa (G. O. Sars). —— albomaculata, Baird. convexa, Baird.
—— cuneiformis, Brady.
—— finmarchica (G. O. Sars). tuberculata (G. O. Surs). —— pulchella, Brady. angulata (G. O. Sars). —— quadridentata, Baird. emaciata, Brady.
—— dunelmensis (Norman). Jonesii, Baird,
(?) acerosa, Brady. Loxoconcha tamarindus (Jones). impressa (Baird).
—— guttata (Norman).
Loxoconcha multifora (Norman). Ilyobates bartonensis (Jones). Xestoleberis depressa, G. O. Sars. EKucythere Argus (G. O. Sars). declivis (Norman). Cytheridea elongata, Brady. Cytherura nigrescens (Baird). similis, G. O. Sars.
affinis, G. O. Sars.
undata, G. O. Sars.
—— striata, G. O. Sars.
—— flavescens, Brady.
cuneata, Brady.
angulata, Brady.
gibba (Miiller).
acuticostata, G. O. Sars. cellulosa (Norman). Pseudocythere caudata, G. O. Sars. Cytheropteron latissimum( Norman). Bythocythere constricta, G. O. Sars. Cytherideis subulata, Brady. Sclerochilus contortus (Norman). Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird). abbreviatum, G. O. Sars. —— flexuosum, Brady.
ensiforme, Brady.
orcadense, n. sp.
Paradoxostoma orcadense, n. sp. Pl. I. figs. 5-7.
Carapace, as seen from the side, elongated, subreniform or subtriangular, highest near the middle, lower in front than behind; height much less than half the length; extremities rounded, the anterior being the narrower: superior margin sloping gently forwards almost in a right line from its highest point, but well arched behind ; inferior sinuated in the middle. Seen from above, ovato-cuneate, widest near the posterior ex- tremity ; width equal to nearly one third of the length, sub- acuminate in front, rounded behind. Animal unknown. Length 34 inch.
Hab, Stromness Bay, Orkney; sandy bottom.
4. South Wales and Bristol Channel. Canal and Dykes on Cardiff Moor.
Cypris reptans (Baird). Candona candida (Miiller). —— prasina, Fischer. albicans, Brady. gibba, Ramdohr. —— lactea, Baird. —— compressa, Baird. hyalina (?), B. §& R. Cypridopsis vidua (Miiller’). Limnicythere inopinata (Baird). obesa, B. & R. Cytheridea torosa, Jones (var. aculeata (Lzlljeborg). teres). Potamocypris fulva, Brady. Darwinella Stevensoni, B, & R.
54.
Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
Off Penarth Head (muddy bottom).
Cypris compressa, Baird.
-—— gibba (Ramdohr). cambrica, nov. sp. Cypridopsis obesa, B. § R. Candona albicans, Brady. Potamocypris fulva, Brady. Pontocypris mytiloides (Norman). Argilleecia angustata (Brady). Cythere castanea, G. O. Sars. porcellanea, Brady.
tenera, Brady.
Jeffreysii, Brady.
viridis, Miller.
villosa (G. O. Sars). Limnicythere inopinata (Baird). Xestoleberis aurantia (Baird).
Loxoconcha granulata, G. O. Sars. guttata (Norman).
—— tamarindus (Jones). Cytherura nigrescens (Baird). striata, G. O. Sars.
cuneata, Brady.
quadrata, Norman.
— acuticostata, G. O. Sars. cellulosa (Norman). Cytheropteron punctatum, Brady. Cytherideis subulata, Brady. Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird). abbreviatum, G. O, Sars. ensiforme, Brady. flexuosum, Brady.
Iifracombe, off Lantern Hill (8-8 fathoms).
Cythere albomaculata, Baird. lutea, Miller.
—— villosa (G. O. Sars). convexa, Baird.
crispata, Brady.
—— viridis, Miller. cuneiformis, Brady.
—— pellucida, Baird. castanea, G. O. Sars. tenera, Brady. Robertsoni, Brady. finmarchica (G'. O. Sars). —— semipunctata, Brady. pulchella, Brady. emaciata, Brady. Cytheridea elongata, Brady. EKucythere Argus (G. O. Sars). Loxoconcha impressa (Baird).
Loxoconcha tamarindus (Jones). guttata (Norman).
multifora (Norman). Xestoleberis aurantia (Baird). Cytherura flavescens, Brady. nigrescens (Baird).
striata, G. O. Sars. Cytheropteron pyramidale, Brady. Bythocythere constricta, G.O.Sars. Cytherideis subulata, Brady. Sclerochilus contortus (Norman). Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird). abbreviatum, G. O. Sars. —— ensiforme, Brady.
— obliquum, G. O. Sars. hibernicum, Brady.
Asterope teres (Norman).
The gatherings from Cardiff Canal and Dykes appear to show some slight admixture of salt water, while, on the other hand, that from Penarth Head contains several Cypride, which we must suppose to have been derived from some neighbouring freshwater outlet; it is scarcely likely that Cypris compressa, O. gibba, Cypridopsis obesa, Candona albi- cans, or Limnicythere inopinata are permanently established in a living condition in absolutely salt water, though the shells of several of these show that they must have been either living or only recently dead when captured. We should have been disposed to class Cypris cambrica in the same list; but the former being unknown as a freshwater species, and bearing at the same time a strong resemblance to ‘“‘ Cytheridea”’ zetlandica, which was taken undoubtedly living between tide-marks, we
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. 55
ean scarcely do otherwise than regard it for the present as a new marine form. The single specimen in our gathering is, unfortunately, only an empty shell; so that we cannot speak confidently as to its generic position.
In the Ilfracombe list the chief point of interest is the oc- eurrrence of Cytheropteron pyramidale (Brady), a species new to Britain, but perhaps too nearly allied to C. latessimum to be altogether satisfactory. ‘The species was originally de- scribed from Norwegian examples, in No. 1 of these ‘‘ Contri- butions.”” Amongst the specimens which we here assign to Cytheridets subulata are some of an unusually large size and of slightly more tumid and arcuate outline than the typical form; but whether these differences are sexual or varietal, or whether they constitute an altogether distinct species, we are not, owing to the emptiness of the shells, able decidedly to say, One of these is figured in Pl. I. figs. 12,18; fig. 13, however, is unsatisfactory, the outline being too nearly ovate, and not attenuated sufficiently in front.
Cypris prasina, Fischer. . The species named by us in a previous paper (“On the Ostracoda and Foraminifera of Tidal Rivers’) C. fretensis, appears to be properly referable to C. prasina, though the
term, signifying a shade of green, is a misnomer as regards our specimens, which are in all cases of a dirty white.
Cypris(?) cambrica, n. sp. Pl. I. figs. 3, 4.
Carapace, as seen from the side, subtriangular; greatest height behind the middle, and equal to half the length; ante- rior extremity obtusely, posterior rather obliquely rounded : superior margin well arched, somewhat gibbous behind the middle, inferior almost straight. Seen from above, regularly ovate, with tapering acuminate extremities, widest in the middle ; width considerably less than one half the length. Shell thin, semitransparent, yellowish. Length 5}; inch.
Cytherura quadrata, Norman. PI. I. figs. 10, 11.
The specimens here noted and figured are interesting as being the only ones on record, with the exception of the ori- ginal types, which were taken in Shetland by Mr. Norman. Though certainly different in proportion of length to height, this species seems to us to come, perhaps, dangerously near to CO. striata, from which the shell differs in no other essential respect.
Paradoxostoma flecuosum, Brady. PI. I. figs. 8, 9.
A more extensive series of specimens from various localities-
56 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
shows that the figures and descriptions originally given in the “ Monograph of Recent British Ostracoda”’ require emenda- tion. The conspicuously angular example from which the figures were drawn was probably a male, and is a much less common form than that now described.
Carapace, as seen from the side, elongated, flexuous, rather narrower in front than behind; greatest height equal to one third of the length, and situated near the middle; extremities tapering, rounded; superior margin well and evenly rounded, inferior deeply sinuated in front of the middle. Seen from above, compressed, oblong, tapering to the extremities, which are acuminate ; greatest width in the middle, and equal to less than one fourth of the length. Shell thin and fragile, smooth; when viewed with a high power, it is, if in good condition, seen to be marked with very delicate and closely set longitu- dinal striations. Length 5 inch.
5. Northumberland and Durham District. Lochend Loch, Edinburgh*.
Cypris gibba, Ramdohr. Candona albicans, Brady. reptans (Baird). lactea, Baird. compressa, Baird. Goniocypris mitra, B. & RF. Candona candida (Miiller). Limnicythere inopinata, Baird.
—— compressa (Koch). Bolam Lake, Northumberland.
Cypris compressa, Baird. Candona candida (Miiller). levis, Miiller. Cythere albomaculata, Baird.
Cypridopsis vidua (Miiller). _ Limnicythere inopinata (Baird).
Belsay Lake, East, Northumberland.
Cypris reptans (Bazrd). Cypris levis, Miller.
—— gibba, Ramdohr. Candona candida (Miiller’).
—— compressa, Baird. lactea, Baird. ovum (Jurine). Limnicythere inopinata (Baird).
Pond on Boldon Flats, near Sunderland. Cypris reptans (Baird). Cypris levis, Miller. —— gibba, Ramdohr. Candona candida (Miiller).
—— compressa, Baird. similis, Baird.
Seaton Burn, Northumberland, above the Sluice.
Cypris reptans (Barrd). Cythere gibbosa, B. § R. gibba, Ramdohr. Limnicythere inopinata (Batrd),. ——- prasina, Fischer. Cytheridea torosa (Jones), var. Candona candida (Miiller). teres. Cythere castanea, G. O. Sars. Loxoconcha elliptica, Brady. porcellanea, Brady. | Cytherura Robertsoni, Brady.
* This locality, though not coming with geographical accuracy under our fifth heading, may be regarded as belonging to the same zoological province.
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. :
~l
Seaton Burn, below the Sluice.
Cypris gibba, Ramdohr.
prasina, Fischer.
Cythere pellucida, Baird.
—— castanea, G. O. Sars.
—— porcellanea, Brady.
—— tenera, Brady.
viridis, Miiller. albomaculata, Baird.
— gibbosa, B. § R.
—— Robertsoni, Brady.
—— cuneiformis, Brady. angulata (G. O. Sars). villosa (G'. O: Sars). . semipunctata, Brady. Limnicythere inopinata (Baird).
Cytheridea torosa (Jones), var. teres.
Loxoconcha elliptica, Brady.
Cytherura nigrescens (Baird).
striata, G. O. Sars.
—— angulata, Brady.
— Robertsoni, Brady.
cellulosa (Norman).
clathrata, G. O. Sars.
Cytherideis subulata, Brady.
Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird).
ensiforme, Brady.
—— Fischeri, G. O. Sars.
hibernicum, Brady.
North of Whitley, on muddy sand-covered rocks, between tide-marks.
Pontocypris mytiloides (Norman). Cythere albomaculata, Baird. lutea, Miiller.
viridis, Miller.
pellucida, Baird.
castanea, G. O. Sars.
tenera, Brady. ;
—— Robertsoni, Brady.
—— villosa (G. O. Sars). cuneiformis, Brady.
Loxoconcha tamarindus (Jones). Xestoleberis aurantia (Baird).
Cytherura nigrescens (Baird). angulata, Brady.
cuneata, Brady.
— undata, G. O. Sars. cellulosa (Norman). clathrata, G. O. Sars. Cytherideis subulata, Brady. Sclerochilus contortus (Norman). Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird). ensiforme, Brady.
obliquum, G. O. Sars.
_ Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, on muddy rocks at low-water mark.
Cythere albomaculata, Baird. pellucida, Baird.
villosa (G. O. Sars). borealis, Brady. Cytheridea punctillata, Brady. cornea, B. § &. Loxoconcha elliptica, Brady. Cytherura nigrescens (Baird). similis, G. O. Sars.
——- undata, G. O. Sars. striata, G. O. Sars.
Cytherura cellulosa (Norman).
Cytheropteron latissimum (Nor- man).
Cytherideis subulata, Brady.
Sclerochilus contortus (Norman) & var. abbreviatus.
Paradoxostoma abbreviatum, G. O. Sars.
ensiforme, Brady.
—— pulchellum, G. O. Sars.
Off Seaton Carew, 4 fathoms; bottom of rather muddy sand.
Cythere semipunctata, Brady. pellucida, Baird.
—— castanea, G. O. Sars. porcellanea, Brady. viridis, Miiller. Robertsoni, Brady. villosa (G. O. Sars). Loxoconcha pusilla, B. & R. —— tamarindus (Jones).
Xestoleberis depressa, G. O. Sars.
Cytherura nigrescens (Baird).
similis, G. O. Sars.
—— flavescens, Brady.
—— striata, G. O. Sars.
angulata, Brady.
— cuneata, Brady.
— cellulosa (Norman).
58 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
Cytheropteron latissimum (Nor- | Paradoxostoma abbreviatum, man). G. O. Sars. Cytherideis subulata, Brady. —— ensiforme, Brady.
Fischeri, G. O. Sars.
Sclerochilus contortus (orman). flexuosum, Brady.
Paradoxostoma variabile (?), (Baird).
No new species occur in the gatherings from this district ; but the following interesting poimts may be noted. Gronio- cypris mitra has not been met with in any other locality out of the range of the “ East-Anglian” or Fen-district. Can- dona similis was previously unknown to us except from the Dublin specimens described above (p. 52).. The occurrence of Cythere albomaculata in a purely freshwater lake at Bolam is very remarkable, it beg a species which in general, though very abundant in marine littoral situations, seems rather to shun any admixture of fresh water. The Bolam specimens are very poor and stunted, but-there can be no doubt whatever as to their identity. Cythere cuneformis we have been used to consider a deep-water species; but the specimens obtained between tide-marks at Whitley are the only living ones we have seen, and are very fine and well-con- ditioned. Paradoxostoma obliquum, from the same locality, and also living, is new to the east coast. The single specimen of Cythere borealis from Seaton Carew is much battered and worn, but can scarcely be referred to any other species. It has not previously been met with, except in the Arctic seas.
Cytherideis subulata, Brady. PI. I. figs. 12, 13, and Pl. II. figs. 11-13.
The Seaton Carew shore specimens of this species are the first which we have found in the living state; and from the one or two which were available for dissection, we have been enabled to gather the following generic characters :—
Genus CYTHERIDEIS, Jones.
Superior antennee (PI. II. fig. 11) slender, sparingly setose ; last joint short, and bearing six short terminal sete ; penulti- mate and antepenultimate joints each bearing a single apical seta. Mandible (fig. 12) slender and curved, divided below into about four very small indistinct teeth; palp four-jointed, its first joint bearing on the inferior margin a conical tooth-like process ; third joint set along its entire length with a comb- like series of straight equal sete; in other respects asin Cy- there. Hirst segment of the maxille (fig. 13) much stouter and larger than the rest.
Distribution of the British Ostracoda.
59
~ The form of C. subulata already mentioned as occurring at Ilfracombe is figured in PI. I. figs. 12, 13.
6. Frith of Clyde.
Kames Bay, Cumbrae; on sandy rocks near low-water mark.
Potamocypris fulva (Brady). Cythere albomaculata, Baird. — lutea, Miiller.
convexa, Baird.
—— villosa (G. O. Sars). viridis, Miiller. angulata (G. O. Sars). —— rubida, Brady.
—— hadia, Norman.
—— pellucida, Baird. pulchella, Brady.
—— gibbosa, B. & R.
Cytheridea elongata, Brady. Loxoconcha impressa (Baird). tamarindus (Jones). Xestoleberis aurantia (Baird). Cytherura cellulosa, G. O. Sars. undata, G. O. Sars. flavescens, Brady. cuneata, Brady. —— nigrescens (Baird). Cytherideis subulata, Brady. Paradoxostoma yariabile (Baird). hibernicum, Brady.
Rothesay Bay, 2-12 fathoms; Roseneath, for half a mile east of Pier, mud and sand.
* Species occurring in Rothesay gathering only.
” ”
*Pontocypris mytiloides (Norman). +Cythere lutea, Miiller.
—— villosa, G. O. Sars.
—— pellucida, Baird.
t castanea, G. O. Sars. af porcellanea, Brady. —— tenera, Brady. viridis, Miiller. t convexa, Baird. —— Robertsoni, Brady.
*
erispata, Brady. cuneiformis, Brady. angulata (G. O. Sars). —— tuberculata (G. O. Sars). concinna, Jones.
— dunelmensis (Norman). * antiquata (Baird). Jonesii (Baird). Cytheridea punctillata, Brady. papillosa, Bosquet. elongata, Brady. subflavescens, Brady. +Eucythere Argus (G. O. Sars).
-—— declivis (Norman). +Llyobates bartonensis (Jones).
Loxoconcha impressa (Baird). granulata, G. O. Sars. tamarindus (Jones). guttata (Norman).
ar
* ;
*
1
| *
Roseneath only..
*Loxoconcha multifora (Norman). +Xestoleberis depressa, G'. O. Sars. +Cytherura nigrescens (Baird).
% similis, G. O. Sars. striata, G. O. Sars. cuneata, Brady. undata, G, O. Sars. angulata, Brady.
producta, Brady. > gibba, Miiller. acuticostata, G. O. Sars.
_ t—— cellulosa (Norman).
+Cytheropteron nodosum, Brady.
: inornatum, n. sp.
*___ alatum, G. O. Sars.
T angulatum, n. sp.
+Bythocythere constricta, G. O. Sars. —— turgida, G. O. Sars.
simplex (Norman). Sclerochilus contortus (Norman).
+Xiphichilus tenuissima (Norman).
+Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird).
+ abbreviatum, G. O. Sars.
t ensiforme, Brady.
*__— flexuosum, Brady.
+Philomedes interpunctata (Baird).
*Asterope Marie (Baird).
*Polycope orbicularis, G. O. Sars.
60 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
Greenock, off the Pier, 2-6 fathoms.
Cypris compressa, Baird. Cypridopsis obesa, B. §& R. Candona albicans, Brady. Cythere pellucida, Baird. castanea, G. O. Sars. —— porcellanea, Brady. viridis, Miiller.
—— crispata, Brady. lutea, Miiller.
— villosa (G. O. Sars). —— angulata (G. O. Sars). tuberculata, G. O. Sars. eibbosa, B. & R.
Cytheridea papillosa, Bosquet. —— torosa (Jones), var. teres. Eucythere Argus (G. O. Sars). Loxoconcha tamarindus (Jones). pusilla, B. & R.
—— impressa (Baird). oranulata, G. O. Sars. —— fragilis, G. O. Sars. Cytherura nigrescens (Baird). cuneata, Brady. Robertsoni, Brady. cellulosa (Norman). Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird).
The first three species in the Greenock list were in all pro- bability washed down from some habitat higher up stream ; but the gathering is characterized by the presence of several species indicating a sensible admixture of fresh water: e. g. Cythere castanea, OC. porcellanea, C. gibbosa, Cytheridea torosa, Loxoconcha pusilla, L. fragilis, and Cytherura Robertsont. Some, if not all, of these may doubtless be occasionally met with in purely marine situations ; but their presence together, constituting one third of all the marine species in the gather- ing, gives an unmistakably brackish aspect to the group.
The most noteworthy species in the Clyde lists are Bytho- cythere turgida, which occurred in greater abundance and better condition than we have previously witnessed, and three species of the genus Cytheropteron, two of which (C. dnor- natum and C. angulatum) are new to us in the recent state, though we had found the latter sparingly as a fossil in certain glacial clays. The other species (C. alatum, Sars) has been recorded by Mr. Norman as an inhabitant of the British Seas, on the strength of a single specimen dredged a few miles east of the Island of Balta, Shetland. We are now able to add two habitats in the Frith of Clyde, Kilchattan Bay and Rothesay Bay, both in the Island of Bute. Mr. Norman having already (last Shetland Dredging Report) quoted Sars’s description of the species, it is needless here to redescribe it: we, however, give figures (Pl. IT. figs. 4, 5, 6) from British examples, which will more vividly realize one of the most beautiful and remarkable of British Ostracoda. The Clyde specimens are rather smaller, and have the spinous armature of the ale less perfectly developed than those from Norway, for examples of which we are indebted to the kindness of Dr. Sars; they also exhibit, when viewed from above, a remark- able appearance on each valve, as of a large obsolete indenta-
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. 61
tion, covered in up tothe edge of the valve with a thin trans- parent coating of shell. When closely examined, the Norwe- gian specimens likewise exhibit traces of this structure, but very indistinctly.
Argillecia cylindrica, G.O. Sars. A few specimens which appeared to be referable to this species were dredged off Greenock Pier. Further examina-
tion of the living animal, however, is needful before we can pronounce positively as to its identity.
Pontocypris hispida, G. O. Sars.
Some very fine and well-characterized examples were dredged off Cumbrae; and we have some even finer from Ventry Bay, Ireland. From a careful comparison of these with undoubted specimens of P. mytiloides, we think there can be no doubt that the two forms are only varieties of one and the same species. The chief distinctive characters, ac- cording to Sars, are as follows :—
P. mytiloides, dark brown, sparingly hispid, with short hairs ; 8 posterior serrations.
P. hispida, yellowish, densely hispid, with long hairs ; 5 posterior serrations.
Some of our examples of P. hispida, however, are even darker in colour than is usual with P. mytiloides ; the degree of pubescence is subject to very great variation; and the same may be said of the-number and prominence of the marginal serratures: of the anatomical differences pointed out by Sars, all we can say is that we have failed to detect any such in our specimens. Under these circumstances, we cannot hesitate to class both forms under the specific name mytiloides.
Cytheropteron inornatum, n. sp. Pl. II. figs. 1-3.
Carapace, as seen from the side, subrhomboidal, highest in the middle, greatest height equal to about two thirds of the length: anterior extremity narrowed, obliquely rounded; posterior produced in the middle into a very broad, subtrun- cate beak: superior margin well arched; inferior almost straight, slightly sinuated in front of the middle, and curved upwards behind. Seen from above, broadly triangular, the base or posterior side of the triangle produced into a very large central mucro; lateral angles almost rectangular, the sides thence tapering evenly with a very slight curve to the acuminate anterior extremity; greatest width equal to nearly
62 Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
four fifths of the length. End view subtriangular, with broad truncate apex, concave sides, and almost straight base. Sur- face of the shell perfectly smooth, or marked with a very few distant puncta, the posterior portion behind the ale more or less rugose; lateral alee very prominent, produced to a rectangular point. Animal unknown. Length =! inch.
Hab. Rothesay, Frith of Clyde.
This species approaches very nearly one which we have been accustomed to refer to C. vespertilio* (Reuss), but differs in having a less arcuate dorsal margin, in the absence of spines at the alar angles, and in the less distinctly papillose or punctate shell: the corrugations of the posterior extremity we have not noticed in C. vespertilio.
Cytheropteron angulatum, n. sp. Pl. II. figs. 7, 8.
Carapace, as seen from the side, flexuous, subrhomboidal ; greatest height in the middle, and equal to nearly two thirds of the length: anterior extremity rounded ; posterior obliquely subtruncate, narrowed, and forming an obscurely upturned beak : superior margin boldly arched, somewhat flattened in - the middle ; inferior nearly straight, curving upwards towards the hinder extremity. Seen from above, subpentagonal, boat- shaped, widest in front of the middle, acuminate in front, broadly and rectangularly truncate behind; from the widest point the sides converge suddenly and almost rectilinearly forwards; behind they are markedly sinuous and less abruptly convergent; greatest width a little less than the height. The surface of the shell is exceedingly rugged, the lateral ale not very much produced, but having, some little distance within and parallel to the margin, a strongly marked longitudinal ridge, from which several irregularly flexuous ribs stretch transversely across the valves, coalescing here and there into large rounded eminences, and having in their interspaces nu- merous irregularly angulated depressions. Length 5!, inch.
Hab. Roseneath, Frith of Clyde.
This very remarkable and distinct species occurs also, in the fossil state, in some of the glacial clays of the Clyde district.
7. Spitzbergen.
Cythere laticarina, Brady. . Cythere concinna, Jones. emarginata, G. O. Sars. —— mirabilis, Brady. © —— tuberculata, G. O. Sars. dunelmensis (Norman).
— globulifera, Brady. Cytheridea papillosa, Bosquet.
* See Brady, “On Ostracoda from the Arctic Seas,” Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. July 1868.
Distribution of the British Ostracoda. 63
Cytheridea punctillata, Brady. Cytheropteron latissimum (Nor- —— sorbyana, Jones. man). - Xestoleberis depressa, G. O. Sars. | PBythocythere turgida, G. O. Sars. Cytherura similis, G. O. Sars. Sclerochilus contortus (Norman). concentrica, MS. Paradoxostoma variabile (Baird). —— undata, G. O. Sars. Polycope orbicularis, G, O. Sars.
We are indebted to our friend the Rev. H. W. Crosskey, F.G.S., for the opportunity of publishing this list, which, though it does not strictly fall within the scope of the present paper, is well worthy of comparison with the British lists. It will be seen that all the species are known as inhabitants of the British seas, more particularly of those washing the north of Scotland and Shetland. Besides those given in the list, there were amongst the specimens examined only one or two unknown or of doubtful identity. These dredgings were ob- tained by Mr. Lamont in his Polar Expedition of 1869, and were by him obligingly handed to Mr. Crosskey.
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. .
PuaTE I. Fig. 1. Candona similis, seen from left side. x60 Fug. 2. The same, seen from above. ; Fig. 3. Cypris (?) cambrica, seen from left side. x 60 Fig. 4. The same, seen from above. : Fag. 5. Paradoxostoma orcadense, male (?), seen from left side. Fig. 6. The same, female (?), seen from left side. or Fig. 7. The same, ditto, seen from above. : Fig. 8. Paradoxostoma flecuosum, seen from left side. 84 Fig. 9. The same, seen from above. :
Fig. 10. Cytherura quadrata, seen from left side.
: x 84.
Fig. 11. The same, seen from above.
Fig. 12. Cytherideis subulata (? variety), seen from left side. x50 Fig. 13. The same, seen from above. :
Prate ‘IE. Fig. 1. Cytheropteron inornatum, seen from left side. Fig. 2. The same, seen from above. x 84. Fig. 3. The same, seen from the front. Fig. 4. Cytheropteron alatum, seen from left side. Fig. 5. The same, seen from below. x 84, Fig. 6. The same, seen from front. Fig. 7. Cytheropteron angulatum, seen from left side. ery | Fig. 8. The same, seen from above. : Fig. 9. Metacypris cordata, superior antenna. % 250,
Fig. 10. The same, inferior antenna. Fig. 11. Cytherideis subulata (typical form), superior antenna. | \ 949 Fig. 12. The same, a as mandible and palp. {
Fig. 13. The same, maxilla. 300.
Messrs. Brady and Robertson on the
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Prof. H. James-Clark on the American Spongilla. 71
VI.—The American Spongilla a Craspedote Flagellate Infu- sorian. By H. JAmes-Ciark, A.B., B.S., Prof. Nat. Hist. Kentucky University, Lexington, Ky.*
[Plate XI.]
THE argument of Hiickel and others, that the Sponges are essentially compound Polypi, is virtually based upon the as- sumption that the minor (afferent) and major (efferent) ostioles of the former correspond to the mouths of the latter, and that the profusely branching afferent and efferent canals of the Sponges are strictly comparable with similar canals in the polypidom of Halcyonarians—and, by implication, that the cilia-bearing cells of the interior lining wall of the zoophyte find their homologues in the ciliated cell-like bodies of the in- terior chambers of the Porifera. If, now, it should turn out that these last are not altogether mere cell-components of a tissue, but are each, severally, an independent body, although closely connected with others in a common bond, then the attempted parallelism between the two groups must utterly fail of confirmation. ‘The tendency of Carter’s later investi- gations, and our own too, is to show that this is no vain supposition.
For ourselves, we hold that each et/iated body of the sponge is a cephalic member (a cephalid in this case) of a polycephalic individual +. We believe, as far as we can understand his un- decided, rather hesitating position, Carter’s latest decision is that the sponge is a community of amecebous individualsf, and not a polycephalic unit. Yet, whichever view prevails, the tendency is the same, and the polyp theory is negatived most unquestionably. The incompatibility of the interior organisms of the two groups above mentioned is so great that it would seem as idle to elaborate a proof of it as to attempt the demon- stration of an axiom. ‘The question is really circumscribed, according to the method of Hiickel, to arguing that, since a system of branching canals in the sponge reminds one very strongly of the intricate network of passage-ways in the basal parts of certain polyps, therefore the two are homologous and bear an identical relation to the rest of the organism. Carter has answered this far-fetched homology with considerable de- tail in a recent paper (“On new Sponges,” &e., Ann. & Mag.
* From Silliman’s American Journal, December 1871.
+ See our article on ‘ Polarity and Polycephalism,” Sill. Am. Journ., January 1870.
¢{ See Carter, “On Fecundation in the two Volvoces; on Eudorina, Spongilla,’ &c., Ann. & Mag, Nat. Hist., January 1859, also for July 1871, ”On new Sponges,” &c.
72 Prof. H. James-Clark on the American Spongilla Nat. Hist., July 1871) ; and we do not, therefore, feel called
) upon to add more to it.
The principal aim of this article is to furnish new material in proof of the polycephalism of the Spongiz, and particularly in regard to their relation with the Protozoa flagellata. We are highly pleased to find that Carter has lately (wt sup., July 1871) confirmed our earliest observations* as to the organiza- tion of the collar-bearing monads of Leucosolenia, by an in- vestigation of Grantia compressa. He has also accepted our interpretation of the horn-like processes of the sponge-cell of Spongilla alba, that they are the outlines of a membranous collar in profile.
We have now to bring forward a fourth example of a cras- pedote flagellate monad cephalid in a sponge. It seems to be a Spongilla; but specifically, at least in its monads, it differs from the English forms. For convenience’ sake we will call it Spongilla avrachnoidea, from its resemblance to an irregular spider-web. It lives in freshwater streams and ponds, usually about the bottom of the stems of water plants, or wherever there is considerable shade, apparently avoiding the light, as we seldom, if ever, found it in open water. In size it varies from a few inches to a half a line in diameter, of no definite shape, and has a uniform fuscous or yellowish-brown colour, and is wrapped about by a filmy, transparent, colourless enve- lope (‘investing membrane,” Carter). The brown colour is inherent to the terior mass, in which the groups of monads are imbedded ; in fact the latter are themselves as strongly coloured by brown granular contents. ‘The “ investing membrane”? is also slightly tinged with amber colour by the large and small spicules which are imbedded in it. Excepting in very small specimens, foreign matter is often so thickly spread over the surface as to obscure the view and seriously interfere with a correct interpretation of the relation of parts. We have been most fortunate in our endeavours with the minuter individuals, which occasionally, we found, would allow a view through and through their entire bulk, and of course left full opportunity for a satisfactory study of the details of special parts without our re- sorting to the dissecting-needles. ee one who knows by ex- perience the intense contractility of the living sponge can appreciate the advantage of not being obliged to destroy and sever parts of an organism from their natural relations. Pre- mising that thus every thing has been studied “ in place,” even to the details of the monads, we shall endeavour to de-
* Memoirs Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. vol. i. 1867, “ On the Spongiee ciliate
as Infusoria flagellata;” Ann, & Mag. Nat. Hist., Feb., March, and April 1868,
as a Craspedote Flagellate Infusorian. 73
scribe this sponge as if it were to be the type for future com- parison. '
General plan.—The whole individual sponge is endowed with a double envelope (Pl. XI. fig. 1,@a', cd) the outer and inner parts of which are directly continuous with each other at many points. The outer division (a, a’) lies at a considerable distance from the monadigerous mass (g), and is, as it were, suspended on the points of the larger far-projecting spicules (e), just as a tent canvas is supported on the ends of poles. The inner division (c) closely embraces the monadigerous mass like an epidermis, and even plunges between the hollow groups of monads, forming to them a basis of support. The outer and inner divisions are continuous with each other at many points, as stated just now, but only where the larger spicules project. There the envelope (d) runs along the spicules, completely embracing them, as if in a sheath, from their tips to their bases, where they rest on the brown mass of monads. In brief, we might say that the sponge is covered with a miniature co- lonnade, whose ceiling is the outer division of the envelope, the pillars are the bundles of spicules, and the floor is tapestried by the inner division, which about the pillars hangs from the ceiling in lofty folds. The continuity of the outer division of the envelope is broken by numerous round or oval openings of various and frequently changing sizes, sometimes very large, which allow a free ingress of the water to the space just be- neath. These are the afferent ostioles (os), through and into which a constant current of floating particles may be seen moving with considerable vivacity. Here and there, scattered at wide distances, finger-like hollow processes from the outer division arise singly and at various angles. Each is termi- nated by a large aperture, the efferent ostiole, from which a current of water and floating matter emerges with more or less spasmodic irregularity. The smaller individuals, from half a line to half an inch in diameter, possess only one such ostiole; and those an inch in diameter seldom have more than two or three like conduits; but they are very large, sometimes a quarter of an inch in length when fully extended, and of the proportions and taper of the human fore finger.
Plunging the focus of the objective to the floor of the co- lonnade, the inner division (c) there is found to be pierced by much more numerous openings (7), but far smaller in diameter and quite methodically arranged, each one corresponding to and overlying a hollow group of monads (4). ‘The outer divi- sion is further embellished with irregularly scattered minute spicules (e!), which lie imbedded in the cytoblastema, parallel with the surface of the envelope, and occasionally crossing
74 ~—- Prof. H. James-Clark on the American Spongilla
each other at various angles. ‘To complete this general sketch, we will state more definitely the relation of the constituents of the monadigerous mass. There are essentially but two ele- ments here,—namely, the inner division (c) of the investing membrane, and the groups of monads (4) which are imbedded in it below its surface. In a fully expanded individual these groups seldom le so closely as to touch each other. ‘They vary considerably in size and are usually globular or spheroidal and form a single stratum, with rather narrow interspaces (c!) between them.
It seems proper here, at least for the sake of precision, that the cytoblastematous basis, in which the monad groups are im- bedded, should be considered apart from the epithelium-like inner (c) investing membrane which overlies it, although the two are essentially one, the epithelioid membrane, by prolong- ing itself between (at c!) and beneath the groups, forming for them a continuous foundation. In this light, then, we shall speak of the monadigerous mass as consisting of three elements, ’ —namely, the inner investing membrane proper, the group of monads, and the cytoblastematous basis. ‘This basis seems to constitute a large part of the bulk of the body, since it occupies all of the interior space beneath the monad groups. In spe- cimens which grow over flat surfaces in depressed patches, or around stems of plants, it forms a relatively thin layer; but where the body stands out as an irregularly rounded mass, sometimes an inch in diameter, the cytoblastematous basis fills up the interior, in enormous proportion to the bulk of the monad layer.
ORGANOGRAPHY.
The Investing Membrane.—The investing membrane (fig.1, a a'cd) consists essentially of two histiological elements—namely, a very diffuse cytoblastema (a’), and irregularly disposed cells (6, 61, 6”) scattered through it. The intercellular cytoblastema forms a very thin layer (a’) between the cells (4) ; but where the latter are imbedded in it, its outer and inner faces are as wide apart as the considerable depth of the cells demands ; and thus it happens that the membrane (both the outer and the inner divisions) presents in profile (a’, c, d@) such an irregular thickness. The cytoblastema (a) is colourless, hyaline, and ap- parently homogeneous under a low power; but when magnified to about four hundred diameters, it displays a very finely granular aspect. It occupies wide intervals between the cells, certainly more than one half, and fully three fifths of the whole area of the membrane. Its apparent extent, in a general view, is even more than that, owing to the extreme transparency of
as a Craspedote Flagellate Infusorian. 75
the cells and their consequent inconspicuousness. That the cytoblastema, notwithstanding its low, undeveloped state, is the true contractile element in this membrane there can scarcely be a doubt, when we consider both its wide-spread preponder- ance and its relative continuity, as contrasted with the scattered, disconnected condition of the cells (6?) which are imbedded in it. Sometimes it is barely possible to discover even the trace of a cell on the border of an afferent ostiole (os); and in that case we must infer, inevitably, that it is cytoblastema which opens and closes the aperture. We find it, too, embracing the extreme tips of the larger spicula, where the cells utterly fail to appear.
The cell-element (6) of this membrane is also in a lowly con- dition, only partially developed. There is no cell-wall. What may appear to be a wall is really the thin stratum of cytoblas- tema (a') overlying the distal and proximal faces of the cell. This is our conclusion after the most critical scrutiny with a carefully corrected objective. Were it not, indeed, for the usually constant presence of a distinct nucleus (n) in each cell, we should be strongly inclined to look upon it as merely a dense collection of coarser granules than are generally diffused through the cytoblastemic layer. The irregular and jagged outline and the caudate projections of the cells (4?) also tend to tempt one to the latter view. The cell-element in this case, then, corre- sponds only to what is usually considered the cell-contents and a nucleus. ‘The contents are composed of coarse and fine grey granules, which at times are quite conspicuous, but most fre- quently are so transparent and slightly refractive as to appear, collectively, unless specially focused upon, as a faint blotch in the investing membrane. ‘This renders it all the more difficult to trace the outline of the cell, and particularly where it throws out irregular caudate prolongations to blend with those of other cells. We have been able to detect but one layer of cells in this membrane* when it is well stretched out. The depth of the cells, as may be seen in a sectional profile view (6), is about equal to their breadth; and their length is from one half to more than twice their breadth; but frequently they are as broad as long. They stand in no particular relation to the ostioles, and, as stated above, sometimes scarcely touch their border. The nucleus (n) may be readily detected by its peculiar strong refraction and its considerable superiority in size over the granules. Its bright refractiveness in this connexion re- minded us of a contractile vesicle ; but, although suspecting it of such a function, we could detect no change other than might be
* Carter figures two or three cells overlying each other in Spongilla alba (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1857, pl. 1. fig. 7).
76 ~=Prof. H. James-Clark on the American Spongilla’
produced by the varying length and breadth of the cell, and the shifting of the relative position of the coarse granules. In the inner division (c) of the investing membrane the cells are usu- ally smaller than those in the outer division, but differ in no respect otherwise, either in form or arrangement. They lie flat on their sides in the cytoblastematous layer ; but, except in profile, they are most difficult to discover, on account of the underlying brown mass of monad groups and granular inter- stitial substance.
We have been unable to discover any distinct cell-elements in the cytoblastematous mass immediately around and beneath the monad groups, nor have we found it possible to distin- guish it from the cytoblastema lying on the surface; and since the continuity between the two is unbroken, we must, perforce, consider them as one. The underlying portion of the cytoblastematous mass, however, is characterized by irregularly scattered, moderately coarse, brown granules (c'). These serve very well as a dark frame or setting to the monad-chambers (h), and by contrast bring them out more strongly.
The Monad Cephalids.— We now proceed to describe the most essential feature of this animal, the monads. They are the characterizing, the dominating element, in reference to which the whole organism is contrived and constructed. They are not cells; they are the heads of a polycephalic individual, and consequently correspond functionally to the tentaculated heads of Polypi, and not to their interior epithelial cells. We must first describe what we call the monad-chamber.
The monad-chambers (fig. 1, h, fig. 2, fig. 4) are deep spherical hollows which form the receptacles of the groups of monads (7). They are mere cavities, and have no lining wall*. They may be easily recognized in young specimens as clear, more or less circular, areas scattered in pretty close proximity to each other over the “‘ cytoblastemic mass.”’ Each chamber has a single, small, circular aperture (¢) which perforates the inner (c) investing membrane, and allows egress into the cir- culatory apartment (f). The aperture (7) varies in size at times, and may even be completely closed. We have never seen it open wider than one third the diameter of the chamber, and very rarely more than one fifth as wide. ‘That it is a true per-
* The hollow groups of monads were originally described by Carter (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1857) as lining a hypothetic vesicle, which he named the ‘‘ampullaceous sac.” He has since (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., January 1859) revoked that view and adopted another. We believe him to be, excepting the inferred “ ampullaceous sac,” in the main, right in his first interpretation ; but as our species are different we cannot speak definitely.
as a Craspedote Flagellate Infusorian. 77
foration, and not a clear spot, may be demonstrated by bring- ing a chamber into profile, so that its aperture (fig. 4, 7) lies on the extreme border; for then an actual break in the con- tinuity of the investing membrane becomes evident.
Entering this aperture, we do not meet with any obstacle for a little distance around it; there is a clear open space (fig. 4) ; but pressing onward beyond that, either to the right or the left or directly forward, the cavity appears filled by a collection of vibrating bodies. They seem to be arranged radi- atingly from and about the centre. Close inspection, however, modifies this view, and it turns out that they are based upon the periphery of the chamber, and converge towards its centre, where is a small unoccupied space. We presently recognize these converging bodies to be craspedote flagellate monads (7), so closely packed together, side by side, as to form a continuous stratum (figs. 2 and 4) over the whole concave face of the cham- ber, excepting immediately about the aperture. Every feature of the monad is strongly marked; even the cylindrical collar is so heavy and conspicuous that its outlines may be seen with as low a power as two hundred diameters. We have studied these bodies with a 3-inch objective, and found it not at all difficult to focus down upon the details of their organization without pressing upon or even touching the specimen.
These monads are in every general essential identical with those which we originally fund in Leucosolenia, and like those also recently described by Carter (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1871) in Grantia compressa. They are attached to the concave face of the chamber by their posterior end (fig. 4, 7); and the anterior extremity, with its flagellum (fig. 3, 7) and collar (h), projects freely into the open space, and toward the centre of the apartment. When fully expanded, the length of the body and collar together is about one third, or a little more, of the diameter of the chamber, so that nearly one third of the latter is unoccupied at the centre, except by the tips of the flagella converging from every direction. As the monads lie touching each other on every side (fig. 2), they mutually flatten their bodies, sometimes so much so as to give them a strong polygonal outline; or, when the whole mass is expanded, they scarcely impress each other, and therefore retain a rounded contour. By plunging the focus so as to look into the aperture of a cham- ber, down upon the monads at the bottom (fig. 2) of it, an end view of each cephalid is obtained. From this point the fore- shortened cylindrical collar looks like a strong dark circle (fig. 3°, k), which retains its conspicuousness as we plunge down further, even to the base, where it is attached to the body (7). The outline of the latter is considerably without the “ dark
78 Prof. H. James-Clark on the American Spongilla
circle,” the two being concentric to each other. At the same time we see in the centre of the dark circle a black spot (/) which may also be focused up and down upon, and hence it is inferred to be a continuous line foreshortened. Other views (fig. 3, 2) confirm this, and show that it is a single flagellum. The monads are so transparent, and the organization so di- stinct, that the collar and flagellum may be seen clearly from an opposite point of view, looking directly through the body of the cephalid. This, too, is the best position from which to study the contractile vesicles.
A sectional profile view of a group (fig. 4), to be obtained by pees the focus halfway through a chamber, serves best to disclose the manner in which the posterior ends (7) of the monads are affixed to the concave face of their receptacle ; and we also here obtain a strictly profile aspect of amonad. Figure 3 is such a view, representing a single cephalid under a much higher power than in figures 2 or 4. An excellent and least- obstructed side view, but not strictly a profile, is to be had by focusing upon the monads immediately about the aperture of the chamber. Here we look directly into the doorway, or through the bordering transparent epithelioid membrane which it penetrates.
The body proper (fig. 8,7) of a cephalid is a little shorter than it is broad, on the whole spheroidal in shape. Its pos- terior end is broadly rounded; and so is its anterior extremity. In front arises a cylindrical membranous “collar” (£), which tapers slightly and projects forward to a distance equal to con- siderably more than twice the length of the body. Its diameter is not more than two thirds, or even less than that, of the body. Although colourless and homogeneous, it is remarkably con- spicuous, on account of the thickness of the membrane of which it is composed. Near its open extremity it is more transparent and less obvious than towards its basal attachment.
The flagellum () arises from the centre of the anterior end of the body, in the midst of the area which is surrounded by the membranous cylinder (£), and, without tapering, extends a little further than the open end of the latter. It vibrates usu- ally throughout its length, but is most active near its tip. We have never seen it assume a rigid, arcuate position, as in some other species of monads. It is particularly remarkable for its want of transparency, and looks like a black thread more than any vibrating cilium that we have ever met with. Its action, at times, is rather that of a strong wriggle than a vibration.
The contractile vesicles (v)—The body of the monad is di- stinctly marked by a coarse, scattered, brown granulation, with two or three rather large clear spots at a considerable distance
as a Craspedote Flagellate Infusorian. 79
from each other, but always close to the periphery. These clear areas are the contractile vesicles (v). They do not occupy any particular place in the body, although usually they are not in front. The systole and diastole are extremely slow, but very distinet, if sufficient patience is summoned to watch them fixedly and without interruption. ‘The last third of the systole is abrupt; and then only does the vesicle appear to contract sud- denly ; whereas by watching it through a complete circuit of diastole and systole, one learns that its function is, on the whole, performed very slowly. This very abrupt movement, quite happily, may serve to rebut any such objection as that the otherwise tardy action is merely the result of protoplasmic con- traction of the body as in certain palmellate zoospores. Their immovable position, as regards the body-contents, is another item of rebutting evidence.
The sprcula (fig. 1, e e’) are very slender, slightly curved, needle-shaped bodies, gradually tapering to a sharp point at eachend. They havea bright amber colour, and a rather dark, strongly refractive outline. From tip to tip they are slightly roughened by irregularly scattered, low, but acute prominences or knobs. There are two kinds of spicules, large and small; but they differ in no other respect. The larger (e) are from four to six times as long and thick as the smaller ones; they occur in bundles of two, three, or four, and act as props to hold up the outer investing membrane, as described in the early part of this article. They seldom arise perpendicularly from the monadigerous mass, but more or less obliquely, and, in forming bundles, stand across each other like stacked arms, We seldom found spicules penetrating the monadigerous mass far beyond the epithelioid inner investing membrane. They evidently belong, universally, to the investing membrane, and assist it in forming a framework in which the inner mass is suspended. The smaller spicules (e') are strictly confined to the outer division (a) of the investing membrane, and lie there on their sides, completely immersed in its thickness. They are scattered irregularly and sparsely about, and frequently cross each other at varying angles. We observe no nearer approach to a methodical arrangement among either the large or the small spicules; yet their very irregularity, being after a kind, and constant in that kind, may be recognized in some sense as methodical.
General Considerations.—Seeing the secluded position of the monad cephalids, deeply ensconced in little chambers below the general surface of the circulatory apartment, it is not directly evident that their flagella have any agency in keeping up the inflow and outflow of currents through the afferent and efferent
80 Prof. H. James-Clark on the American Spongilla
ostioles. Nowhere else are vibrating or non-vibrating cilia or cilia-like bodies to be met with than in the monad-chambers ; and since the efferent ostioles are irregularly interspersed among the much more numerous afferent ostioles, we cannot conceive how the flagella in any way could influence currents to move in a particular direction from the smaller apertures toward the larger ones. ‘They no doubt keep up a direct flow of matter into the sunken chambers; but the current comes from the inner depths of the circulatory apartment, and far away from the ostioles. In this way, only a turbulence of float- ing matter is sustained; but the general great current is due to a far different cause. We conceive that the contraction and expansion of the body-mass in general, modified by the alternate opening and closing of the afferent and efferent ostioles, is the true motive power in this phenomenon. We have observed, often, that the outer division of the investing membrane is not kept at a uniform distance from the central monadigerous mass : at one place it will be found to be close to its inner division, so that the circulatory apartment is very shallow there; while at another point the two divisions of the membrane are widely separated, and the circulatory apartment is very deep, and be- tween the shallow and the deep apartments a curtain is drawn, more or less completely, extending from one pillar-like bundle of spicules to another. Hach of these temporarily enclosed portions of the general apartment, it is plain now (although our actual observation on this point is very defective), may contract or expand without disturbing the contents of any other. Such an apartment, with its afferent ostioles closed, may be contracting and forcing a current out at its efferent ostiole, while a neighbouring apartment may have its efferent ostiole closed, and, expanding, draw in currents through its open afferent ostioles.
We regret that we have not the means, in this locality, for completing these researches. Our specimens were gathered and studied on the spot where they lived, in the western part of Massachusetts, several hundred miles away from our pre- sent residence. Unfortunately we put off the attempt to feed the sponge with coloured matter until we had completed other methods of investigation, and then we were prevented by cir- cumstances from carrying out our designs.
In regard to the afferent and efferent canals seen by Carter (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1857, w¢ swp.) in the monadigerous mass (“ parenchyma,” Carter), we have not met with any trace of them in the species described in this article. It is possible they may exist in the oldest and largest individuals; but as we worked only on very small and transparent specimens, our
as a Craspedote Flagellate Infusorian. 81
direct observations, in this respect, strictly apply to the latter. It is more likely that ours is a different genus from the Spon- gilla of Carter, in favour of which we cite the curious fact that each aperture in the inner division (not mentioned by Carter) of the investing membrane exactly overlies and is inseparable from the entrance to a monad-chamber (‘‘ ampullaceous sac,” partim, Carter) ; so that whatever enters these chambers must go out by the same way that it came in, not out into a system of branching canals burrowed in the monadigerous mass, but into the great circulatory apartment.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE XI. Spongilla arachnoidea, Jas.-Cl.
The following letters apply to identical parts in all of the figures :—a, investing membrane, outer division; a', sectional profile of the cyto- blastema of a; 6, cells in the thickness of a; b', cells (like those at d) about the spicules (e); 5°, cells of the investing membrane with their nucleus, a surface view; 6°, temporary junction (by contact only) of the outer (a) and inner (c) divisions of the investing membrane ; ¢, in- vesting membrane, epithelioid inner division, in sectional profile; ce’, in- terspaces between monad-chambers ; d, junction of the divisions of the investing membrane along the spicules; e, larger spicules; e', smaller spicules; f, circulatory apartment; y, monadigerous mass; h, monad- chambers and monad groups; 7, aperture of h; 7, monads, or the body proper in figs. 3 and 3a; 4, cylindrical collar of 7; 1, flagellum; n, nucleus ; 0s, minor ostioles ; v, contractile vesicles.
Fig. 1. Magnified 320 diameters. Part of a very young Spongilla, of an oblate spheroidal form, and about ;4 of an inch in diameter. On the right is presented a face view of the investing membrane and the underlying monadigerous mass. On the left the focus is so adapted as to be fixed on a face view of the monad mass, and at the same time on a sectional profile of the investing mem- brane at a’, 6°, c, and d.
Fig. 2. Magnified 780 diameters. Interior of a monad-chamber seen through the aperture; the monads appear in end view and crowded together side by side like a pavement-work.
Fig. 3. Magnified 1600 diameters. A single monad, as seen in profile in the monad-chamber. Only two contractile vesicles were present in this specimen. The cylindrical collar (/) is extended to its utmost.
Fig. 3a. Magnified 1600 diameters. Foreshortened front view of a monad ; the body (/) in the distance; the hollow cylinder (A) projecting toward the observer like a dark hoop, and the flagellum (2) in the centre appearing as a black spot.
Fig. 4. Magnified 780 diameters. Sectional view of a monad-chamber, bringing the aperture (7) into profile, as well as the monads which lie at the same level, thus showing their convergence about the central open space.
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. ix. 6
82 Mr. H.J. Carter on the Structure of Tethya dactyloidea.
VII.— Additional Information on the Structure of 'Tethya dactyloidea, Cart. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &e.
[Plate X. figs. 1-5. ]
THIS sponge (erroneously termed “ sand-sponge,” because it grew in the sand, whereas the term should rather be restricted to sponges which build up their respective structures partly with sand &c.) I described and figured in the ‘ Annals’ for Jan. 1869, vol. iii. p. 15; and at p. 16 is the following line :— ‘More detail I cannot offer, as I have given away the speci- men.” The fact is that I had left only the drawing and what I remembered of the circumstances connected with the sponge itself to assist me in retrieving for science all that I could glean of this interesting form, which I found in the “ land-wash ” on the south-east coast of Arabia, in the autumn of 1845, and subsequently gave to one who could or will make no use of it.
What the woodcut in the ‘ Annals’ shows of it, with the exception of the spicule, is almost a facsimile of the sponge of its natural size ; for I had taken care to secure this long before I parted with the specimen ; and, with the exception of having stated that this sponge was “ hollow internally,” the text is equally correct.
Searching, however, a few days since for an illustration of the antheridium of Chara in my journal, I came upon the whole microscopic description, with illustrations and measure- ments, of 7. dactyloidea, and thus am able to offer the addi- tional information which will complete the description of this interesting sponge.
Omitting that which has already been published, the rest of the matter in my journal runs as follows :—
“ July 1854. “The free extremity [of the sponge] is provided with a large aperture, which may be seen to divide into several canals a short way in.
“ When the shreddy twisted fibres of the base or root are examined, they are found to be composed of bundles of long spicules overlapping each other in spiral arrangement, respec- tively surrounded by granular sarcode, and finally ending in anchor-shaped extremities, which were originally imbedded in the sandy bottom of the sea where the sponge grew (PI. X. figs. 1 & 2),
“When, again, the surface of the body is examined, the projecting ‘spicules there, which are in little tufts, are also found to be long and flexible; but their free extremities, in- stead of being anchor-shaped, are all trifid extended, consist- ing of one long and two short arms (fig. 3),
Mr. H. J. Carter on the Structure of Tethya dactyloidea. 83
“On making a vertical section of the sponge, the terminal aperture is observed to divide into a number of branches, sige subdividing, permeate the mass generally down to its
ase.
“Immediately where the aperture begins to be divided is a portion of the fleshy substance which is more dense than the rest, owing to the presence of a greater number of spicules and their smaller size, from which also arises a framework chiefly composed of acerate, slightly curved spicules of dif- ferent lengths (fig. 4), that more or less, in bundles, extends in a radiating manner backwards to the periphery of the body generally. No spicules take the opposite direction, as in the globular species (7. arabica, see ‘ Annals} vol. iv. p. 1, July 1869), where this denser part, which represents the ‘ nucleus,’ is at the base or middle, and not at the summit of the species.
“Throughout the fleshy mass, which is very tough and elastic, are a number of little white specks, of different sizes, which can be seen with a magnifying-glass of low power, being about 4-4300ths of an inch in diameter. They are spherical, filled with granules, and chiefly visible about the middle of the body. With them, also, is occasionally seen a much larger spherical one (viz, 11-4300ths of an inch in dia- meter), which seems to have a hilous opening, and is covered with points more or less quincuncially arranged. The former are probably sponge-cells, and the latter the gemmules,
“Where these bodies were most numerous there was also an abundance of minute C- and S-shaped siliceous bodies [bihamates], which in some places were not single, but in groups, as if developed in cells. These average 1-1800th of an inch long in the curve” (fig. 5).
Thus on the south-east coast of Arabia we have a sponge very like Schmidt’s Teti//a polyura (Atlantisch. Spong. Faun. p- 66, tab. vi. f. 8), which came from Iceland, with only these differences, viz. that in the latter the surface was not uniform, but interrupted by nodular projections, and among the inequifurcgte spicules there were also anchor-headed ones. Of the colour Schmidt states nothing; and there are no anchor-headed spicules represented on the surface of the body in his figure, all being confined to the long bundles at the base, where there is an equal absence of forked spicules (just as in Tethya dactyloidea), as if they had been intended to act as little grapnels in the sand, But how fares this inference, when, in Tethya casula (‘ Annals,’ Aug. 1871, vol. viii. pl. 4), there are no anchor-headed spicules in any part of the sponge, and the long spicules which were imbedded in the sand, si- milar to those of the foregoing species, are all forked ? Is it
6
84 Mr. W. Vicary on a Fossil Coral.
not that, whether recurved or extended, the presence of these arms serves this purpose ?
Hence we have on the shores of Iceland, the south-east coast of Arabia, and the Cape of Good Hope, a similar kind of Tethya, all probably, certainly the two latter, fixed in the sandy bottom of the sea by similarly extended bundles of spicules, and all agreeing in possessing the minute bihamate spicules in great abundance.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE X. figs. 1-5.
Fig.1. Tethya dactyloidea, Cart. Diagram of twisted bundle of anchor- headed spicules of the root: aa, anchor-heads.
Fig. 2. 7 same, anchor-head much magnified, to show its characteristic shape.
Fig. 3. The same, trifid or ineequifurcate head of spicule abundant in the tufts which project from the surface of the body.
Fig. 4. The same, form of acerate spicule.
Fig. 5, The same, bihamate spicules.
N.B. Figs. 2, 3, & 5 are relatively magnified on the scale of 1-24th to 1-4800th of an inch.
VIII.— Fossil Coral allied to Merulina (Ehrenberg), from the Upper Greensand of Haldon Hill, near Exeter. By W. Vicary, F.G.S.
[Plate X. fig. 6.]
Merulina ?, n. sp.
Corallum composite, foliaceous, with the ridges rounded, reticulately coalescent. Septa serrulate and alternately larger. Ridges 1-20th of an inch wide