Linncean Society. 25? 
second division (from page 21 to p. 80.) is entitled ' Commentatio de 
Salicibus Suecise.' 
Under Sar/?M5 multicaulis, Sm., is given a very detailed account of 
the mode of growth and structure of that plant and of Sc. palustris, 
pauciflorus, and ccespitosus. A new species of Cuscuta, considered as 
intermediate between C europcea and epilinon, which has been disco- 
vered by Mr. Blyth of Christiania, parasitical upon Chenopodiacece on 
the sea- shore of Norway, is described under the name of ** C. halo- 
phyta, caule simplici, florum glomerulis multifloris subbracteatis, co- 
rollse tubo globoso limbum sequante." We have seen specimens of 
this plant from Norway in the Herbarium of Mr. R. B. Bowman of 
Newcastle, and it is much to be wished, that that gentleman, or some 
other botanist, who may have the opportunity, would examine the 
structure of the scales in the interior of the corolla, as no notice is 
taken of that part by Fries. 
Zannichellia pedunculata and polycarpa are separated from Z. pa- 
lustris : the former we suspect is only a variety, but the latter ap- 
pears to be a good species, characterized by its very short styles. 
In the 'Commentatio de Salicibus' our author first endeavours 
to determine the species contained in ' Linn. Fl. Lapp.' and then pro- 
ceeds to'enumerate and describe all the Swedish species; and the syn- 
onyms of Linnaeus, Smith, Willdenow, Wahlenberg, and Koch are 
quoted throughout. It would occupy too much of our space to go 
in detail through this part of the book before us, nor indeed is it at 
all necessary, as we doubt not that it will soon be in the hands of all 
students of this very difficult genus. 
A new number of Reichenbach's * Icones Florse Germanicae' has 
just reached us ; it contains 23 plates, figuring 56 species and va- 
rieties of German Violets. The plates are executed with the usual 
care, and will be found most useful in determining the diflferent forms 
in this genus. 
PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. 
LINN^AN SOCIETY. 
March 5, 1839. — Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. 
Read, " Observations on some Fungi or Agarici, which by de- 
liquescence form an inky fluid, drying into a bister-coloured mass, 
capable of being used as a water-colour for drawings, and of a very 
indestructible nature by means of common agencies." By John 
258 Linncean Society. 
Redman Coxe, M.D., formerly Professor of Materia Medica in the 
University of Pennsylvania. Communicated by the Secretary. 
Dr. Coxe having gathered a Fungus and placed it on a sheet of 
white paper, leaving it until the next day, found several drops of an 
inky fluid, slowly trickling from the inner surface, which had as- 
sumed a black appearance ; by placing the Fungus in a glass, the 
whole except the outer skin liquefied. The colour of the fluid was 
rather a deep bister than black, and being left in the glass, in a few 
hours it separated into a solid sediment, with a lighter coloured fluid 
swimming above. Having afterwards collected a considerable quan- 
tity of fluid from the same species, he obtained by drying an extract 
of a pretty deep black colour of both parts conjoined, which would 
otherwise have separated. This on trial formed an admirable bister- 
like water-colour, well adapted for drawing when mixed with a little 
gum. 
Dr. Coxe used the " fresh inky fluid as ink, and from such fresh 
fluid the accompanying drawings were made ;" but it was soon found 
that its change was too rapid to think of depending on it for such a 
purpose, he therefore was led to dry it as quickly as possible by 
spontaneous evaporation, and then to use it diluted with water. 
Having exposed various portions of writing thus made to the direct 
rays of the sun for several months with little change, he tried the 
eff'ects of chlorine and euchlorine gas, muriatic acid, and ammoniacal 
gases ; from these but a trifling change ensued, except from the mu- 
riatic acid gas, which destroyed very considerably the dark tint of 
the writings. He also placed some small and recent specimens of the 
Fungus in a solution of corrosive sublimate, which preserved them 
and prevented any deliquescence : the same eflfect was produced by 
alcohol. 
The ink is fully formed and escapes in about three or four days. 
When received into a phial, in a short time the heavier and blacker 
matter was found to settle as a sediment ; the lighter brownish amber- 
coloured fluid surmounts it, and may be poured ofl^ from it to dry them 
separately. From a good- sized specimen nearly half an ounce of 
fluid has been obtained. 
The following chemical experiments among others were made ; — 
1 . Two drachms of the fluid added to § 1 of hydrate gave a clear 
brown transparent solution, to which in separate glasses was added 
2. Nitrate of Silver : no eff'ect at first, but in a few minutes dark 
brown flocculi subsided, leaving a transparent fluid above. 
3. Muriate of Barytes : no efi^ect at first, finally a subsidence of 
dark brown flocculi. 
Linncean Society. 259 
4. Acetate of Lead. Immediate dark brown flocculi, leaving a 
clear liquid above. 
5. Carbonate of Potash. Transparency destroyed ; a trifling brown 
deposit in a few hours. 
6. Alcohol. No apparent change from it. 
7. Solution of Corrosive Sublimate. An apparent diffusion of brown- 
ish hue, gradually subsiding in dirty brown flocculi. 
8. Dilute Muriatic Acid. The same, but much smaller in amount. 
10. Lime Water. Light brown flocculi in a few hours. 
1 1 . Liquor Ammonia. No efi^ect. 
12. Succinate of Ammonia. Deep brown deposit in a few hours. 
13. Prussiate of Potash. No efi^ect. 
14. Oxalate of Ammonia. Clouds form and settle in a dirty brown 
sediment. 
From these experiments Dr. Coxe is disposed to think that an ex- 
cellent India Ink might be prepared for drawing ; perhaps its dried 
deposit mixed with oil might answer for engravings ; and as an ink, 
indestructible from any common agents, it might be well to try it in 
the filling up of bank notes and other papers of consequence, as he 
believes it cannot be extracted by any means without destroying the 
paper itself. 
The Fungus described, and on which the above experiments were 
tried, is referred with some hesitation to Agaricus ovatus, Schseff'er, 
' Icones Fungorum,' fig. 7. A. cylindricus, fig. 8. A. porcellaneus, 
fig. 46. and 47. The drawings are named Agaricus ovatus*, 
March 19.— Edward Forster, Esq., V. P., in the Chair. 
Read, " A Notice of the Birds of Iceland, accompanied by speci- 
mens." By George Townshend Fox, Esq., F.L.S. 
It is perhaps not generally known that the Durham University 
has established a Museum as one of the necessary appendages of an 
academical institution ; the subcurator of which, Mr. Wm. Proctor, 
requested and obtained permission to go out to Iceland in the summer 
of 1837 to procure a collection of the birds of that island. Three 
months were passed on the most northern part of Iceland, this local- 
ity being chosen by Mr. Proctor as one least visited by naturalists, 
* The drawings evidently represent Agaricus fmetarius, Linn, and Curtis ; 
A. comatus, Mull, and Berkeley ; A. cylindricus, Sowerby ; to which A. cy- 
lindricus y Schseif. f. 8. and A. porcellaneus, figs. 46 & 47. belong; it is not 
so clear that A. ovatus, fig. 7. (the name adopted by Dr. Coxe) does. In the 
subgenus named by Berkeley Coprinus every species is deliquescent. Curtis 
observes, under his A. ovatus, which is A. atramentarius. Bull, and Berk., 
that the seeds may be seen in the black liquor if magnified. 
260 Linncean Society, 
and therefore the most likely to repay his labours by the number or 
rarity of the specimens to be obtained. Skins of fifty-two species of 
birds were brought home, besides skins of six Rein Deer, three spe- 
cies of Seals, two large Fishes (Anarrhicas), and a Porpoise. 
Frederick Faber in his Ornithology of Iceland, published at Copen- 
hagen in 1822, enumerates eighty-four species of birds; of which 
about twenty are land birds, and sixty water birds. Faber adopted the 
nomenclature of Linnaeus, but an examination of the skins brought 
home by Mr. Proctor has led to the belief that several of Faber's 
birds are not identical with the Linnean species. The Iceland 
Falcon is considered by Mr. Hancock* as distinct from the whiter 
falcon of Greenland. The Iceland Grouse is correctly considered 
by Faber as peculiar to that island. The Bridled Guillemot, Uria 
lacrymans, Lapyl., is for various reasons believed to be a species 
distinct from the Common Guillemot, Uria Troile, Lath. Clangula 
Barrovii was found breeding on the ground in a nest formed of 
its own down, and placed among aquatic plants a little above high- 
water mark. Some rare eggs were also obtained, namely, those of 
the Iceland Falcon, Little Auk, Bridled Guillemot, and Sclavonian 
Grebe. 
Read also a paper, " On the Structure and Development of 
the Reproductive organs of Pihlaria globulifera." In a letter to 
R. H. Solly, Esq., F.R.S. and L.S. By WilHam Valentine, Esq., 
F.L.S. 
The author observes, that the involucrum of Pilularia glohulifera 
contains two kinds of bodies, which, however, occupy distinct sacs ; 
one kind are round, very numerous, and minute, not larger than the 
460th part of an inch ; they are found principally in the upper part 
of the involucrum, and are about forty in each sac. The other kind 
are of an oblong pyriform shape, a little constricted near the middle, 
with a conical projection at one extremity, and are much less nu- 
merous, about sixty, and occur singly in each sac ; they are about 
the 80th part of an inch broad, and have the power of germination, 
which the former kind do not appear to possess. Both kinds are 
loose in their sacs, and have an opake, pure white, minutely granular, 
testaceous covering, and are imbedded in a kind of gelatin, which 
softens and expands by the action of water, but is not completely 
dissolved. The larger bodies, the undoubted sponiles, after a very 
slight maceration in water, (less than a minute is sufficient,) ar^en- 
* See Mr. Hancock's paper on this subject in the ' Annals of Natiural 
History,' vol. ii. p. 241. 
Linncean Society. 261 
veloped by a well-defined covering of gelatinous matter, which be- 
fore the maceration existed in a concrete state. Further macera- 
tion does not appear to affect this gelatinous covering, as it remains 
unchanged long after germination, and gives to the sporule the ap- 
pearance of having a very delicate transparent border, whose breadth 
is about the 4th part of the diameter of the sporule. 
The sporule consists of three coats, the outer of which is white, 
opake, somewhat brittle, more or less incom-plete at the conical ex- 
tremity, but much thickened about the upper third of the sporule, 
where it exhibits traces of cellularity. The middle coat is mem- 
branous, elastic, of a light yellowish brown colour, and perforated at 
the apex of the conical projection which is essentially formed by 
this coat, the outer coat being gradually lost upon its surface, or in 
some instances being scarcely continued on to it, in which case the 
sporule appears truncated, the middle membrane not having sufficient 
firmness of itself to support the conical form. This conical projec- 
tion is more or less plicated, and in those instances in which the outer 
coat is very deficient the middle membrane exhibits lines radiating 
from the aperture. The third coat, or internal membrane, is similar 
in colour to the middle, differing from it however in being inelastic, 
and not being continued into the cone, but forming a short cavity, 
by passing directly across the base of the cone, at which point it is 
not in contact with either of the other membranes, and is marked 
by three lines, which radiate from the centre of the unsupported 
portion, and indicate a valvular structure to allow of the protrusion 
of the growing matter in germination. The cavity of the sporule is 
occupied by a quantity of grumous fluid and particles, which are of 
various sizes, the larger ones being mostly of an ovoid shape, but 
altering by pressure. 
I found many of these sporules in a germinating state, the major- 
ity having escaped from the involucrum, but in several instances I 
found them considerably advanced in germination before the rupture 
of the involucrum and whilst they were yet inclosed in their sacs. 
The first external sign of germination is either the appearance of 
four cells projecting through the apex of the conical projection 
or a general swelling of that part. By dissection, however, we 
can observe this process at an earlier period, and I find upon re- 
moving the conical projection that the first evidence of germination 
having commenced is an appearance of cellularity within the unsup- 
ported or valved portion of the internal membrane, which is transpa- 
rent ; and I now find for the first time a very delicate pellucid mem- 
brane lining the whole cavity of the sporule, and having the cells 
262 Linncean Society, 
which give the appearance just mentioned either lying on its exter- 
nal surface or forming that portion of it which lies beneath the valves. 
From the appearances and impossibility of separating the cells from 
the membrane I am inclined to believe that the cavity formed by this 
membrane is completed by the cells, or, in other words, that the 
sac is partly membranous and partly cellular. It is possible that 
this last described membrane may exist before germination begins, 
notwithstanding the numerous unsuccessful dissections which I 
have made to discover it, the failure being owing to its extreme de- 
licacy ; but I am pretty well satisfied that it is a product of germi- 
nation, because I have not the slightest difficulty in demonstrating 
it after that has commenced, nor is there the slightest trace of it in 
any stage of the development of the sporule. However this may be, it 
is quite certain that fresh cells are gradually formed on the external 
surface of the cellular part of the sac, and that the valves of the 
third membrane are very soon ruptured and gradually turned back 
by the growth and protrusion of this button-like cellular germ. 
The enlarging cellular mass then distends the conical projection, 
unfolding the plicae of that body^ and at length appears externally, 
with four of its cells projecting beyond the general mass and com- 
pressed into a quadrangular form, I fancy by the pressure of the apex 
of the cone, the aperture in which is quadrangular. These projecting 
cells soon harden and acquire a reddish brown hue, and in the ad- 
vanced stage of germination appear like a brown quadrangular space, 
which I should have little hesitation in referring to the above cause 
did I not find several similar spaces on the germinating sporules of 
Isoetes lacustris, which I could not refer to such an origin : it must 
be observed however that I have not seen the earlier stages of germi- 
nation in Isoetes. Soon after the exposure of the entire germ, which 
is effected by the reflexion of the valves and conical membrane over 
the side of the sporule, where they lie quite concealed by the germ, 
little fibrillae or rootlets begin to shoot from one side. They are 
simply articulated tubes or elongated cells applied end to end with 
frequently a bulbous extremity, and each is produced from one of 
the cells of the germ. They differ much in length in different 
sporules ; in some they are not longer than the sporule, whilst in 
others they are three or four times that length, and, in common with 
the cells of the germ, contain granules which in these are colourless 
but in the germ green. The cluster-like appearance of the cells 
which form the germ, soon after the appearance of these fibrillae be- 
gin to change, the cells becoming flatter and more intimately con- 
nected with each other. At the same time an internal change is taking 
Linncean Society. 263 
place, for by a gradual arching or receding upwards of that part of 
the germ w^hich closes the cavity of the sporule the germ becomes 
hollow, the hollow communicating with the cavity of the sporule, 
which is of course proportionably enlarged. The germ now gra- 
dually points in two places, which are by no means fixed, but occur 
in various situations according to the position of the sporule in rela- 
tion to the light. The direction of the first leaf is generally in the 
direction of the axis of the sporule, or rather a little inclined, and 
that of the first root at right angles or lateral, but very soon chan- 
ging to an opposite direction to that of the leaf. This would be the 
constant direction if the sporules were always left to themselves free 
from entanglements, on account of the peculiar structure of their 
outer coats ; the spongy fibro-cellular texture of the superior third 
of which, causing that end to be the most buoyant in the water, ex- 
poses the superior surface of the germ to the direct action of the 
light ; but as it cannot always happen that the sporules should be 
free, the direction of the leaf and root is sometimes quite the reverse, 
and at others both leaf and root are lateral, but proceeding from 
opposite sides of the germ. These two points gradually lengthen, 
and if dissected each will be found to consist of a closed sheath, con- 
taining in one instance the leaf, in the other the root in the form of 
a conical process like a finger in a glove. The young leaf, which is 
taper and its cells crowded with green granules, being in advance of 
the root, which is obtuse and destitute of green granules, bursts 
through the summit of its sheath when it has become rather longer 
than the sporule, whilst the root, although more backward in its de- 
velopment, pierces its sheath before it is as long as the sporule. The 
sheaths are not distinct, but communicate with each other ; and the 
only point of connexion between the sheath (there being in fact but 
one) and the germ is around its base close to the sporule, so that 
nearly the whole of the germ is inclosed in this sheath. Besides 
this sheath which embraces the upper part of the root, there is an 
exceedingly delicate expansion, which so closely embraces the ex- 
tremity of the root like a cap, that it is only by a careful examina- 
tion that it can be discovered. I am not aware that this has ever had 
any connexion with the sheath through which the root bursts, but, 
on the contrary, I believe it to be a distinct formation. After the 
leaf has grown many times the length of the sporule, or about 2 
lines long, another leaf grows from the germ close to the first, to 
which it is in all respects similar, and then a bud begins to be de- 
veloped from some indefinite part of the germ, but like the leaves 
and root from within the sheath, which is now frequently much lace- 
264 Linnaean Society. 
rated. This bud is covered by a peculiar kind of jointed hairs, whose 
attachments are lateral, at a short distance from their bases, and 
they contain a few colourless granules. This bud sometimes appears 
after the first leaf, in which case there is no second primordial leaf 
formed, and is the rudimentary stem, the first growth from it being 
a leaf which exhibits, although in a small degree, the first evidence 
of gyration, and shortly after a root which is furnished with its own 
sheath. As I have not seen more advanced specimens, I am unable 
to describe the succeeding steps; but as, up to this point, my obser- 
vations were made upon several hundred examples, I may safely 
affirm that the instances were sufficiently numerous for my purpose. 
All the leaves after the primordial ones, or those which grow direct 
from the germ, are developed in a similar manner to ferns, and even 
the running stem partakes in a slight degree of the same gyrate evo- 
lution. The roots are all formed in sheaths, through the apices of 
which they ultimately burst ; the sheath continuing to embrace the 
base of the root, whilst a distinct and far more delicate sheath 
closely embraces its point. Transverse sections of the stem, root, 
and leaves show them all to be hollow with the cavity divided longi- 
tudinally into separate channels. In the stem these longitudinal par- 
titions are about fifteen or sixteen in number, and in the leaf and 
root they are about ten or twelve, which in the latter are arranged 
in pairs. These partitions radiate from a central column of enlarged 
cells which surround a bundle of minutely dotted ducts that may be 
unrolled spirally, and the channels between these partitions are fre- 
quently divided by transverse partitions or diaphragms. The cells 
which form these partitions are curiously arranged — they are flat- 
tened on two opposite sides, and connected with each other by their 
narrow sides and extremities, but only at intervals, so that there are 
numerous holes formed which affi)rd a free communication between 
all the channels. In the partitions of the root the intervening holes 
are so large in proportion to the breadth of the cells that these have 
the appearance of a string of beads. Another peculiarity of the 
root is, that, in addition to the diaphragms formed of this tissue, 
which are also found in the stem and leaf, a peculiar body is fre- 
quently met with occupying a similar position to the diaphragms. 
These bodies (for they are sometimes numerous) are each formed of 
one or more cylindrical cells coiled up in a gyrate manner. They 
grow from the angle formed by the partition and the cuticle, and 
are developed subsequent to the other tissue, for they may be found 
in various stages of advancement in the same root. Their nature I 
have not been able to ascertain. 
LinrKBan Society. 265 
The author then proceeds to describe the development of the spo- 
rules. A transverse section of the involucrum when about the size 
of a small pin's head shows it to consist of four integuments, con- 
taining a mass of very delicate spongy compressible cellular tissue, 
subdivided into four equal triangular portions by four lines radiating 
from the centre. In the centre of each of these portions is a cavity, 
and projecting into each of these cavities are a number of nipple- 
like processes which are attached in each cavity to a common recep- 
tacle, whilst this again is connected with an open rigid cellular 
tissue that lies between the spongy tissue before described and the 
involucrum, and serves as a connexion between the two. As the 
involucrum advances, the spongy tissue recedes all round the four 
cavities, which consequently become larger and afford more space 
for the growth of the nipple-like processes. This recession of the 
spongy tissue is not caused by the pressure of the growing pro- 
cesses, for it is frequently in advance of them ; but it is produced by 
a gradual condensation inherent to the tissue around the cavities 
and along the radiating dividing lines, which, in fact, are nothing 
more than this condensation, which at maturity is so complete that 
the whole of the spongy tissue is condensed into four dissepiments, 
dividing the cavity of the involucrum into four equal loculi. The 
nipple-like processes are found upon a careful examination to be 
hollow sacs with obscurely cellular walls — those which occupy the 
lowest part of the involucrum being considerably in advance of the 
upper ones. These sacs contain a quantity of grumous matter, and 
*a number, perhaps about ten, of soft rather opake pulpy bodies, 
which are evidently compounded of four closely connected parts so 
placed on each other as to form a cone with a triangular base. 
April 2. — The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. 
Mr. Owen read a Paper on a New Species of the genus Lepido- 
siren of Fitzinger and Natterer. The author commenced by advert- 
ing to the first announcement of that anomalous animal, the Lepido- 
siren paradoxa, as the type of a new genus of Perennibranchiate 
Reptiles by Fitzinger at the meeting of the German naturalists at 
Prague in 1837, and to its subsequent description by its discoverer 
Dr. Natterer, the well-known South American traveller. 
With the generic characters assigned by these able German na- 
turalists to their Lepidosiren, the species described by Mr. Owen 
fully and closely agreed ; but it differed specifically in the greater 
relative length of the head and rudimental extremities, and its much 
smaller size. 
Ann. Nat, Hist. Vol. 3. No. 17. June 1839. u 
266 Linncean Society. 
Mr. Owen observed, that since the time of the discovery of the 
Ornithorhynchus there had not been submitted to naturalists a spe- 
cies which proved more strongly the necessity of a knowledge of its 
whole organization, both external and internal, in order to arrive at 
a correct view of its real nature and affinities, than did the Lepidosiren, 
and as he had felt a reluctance to bring before the Society an in- 
complete description, which might only have served to raise new 
doubts in the minds of naturalists with regard to this animal, he had 
deferred since June 1837 the completion and communication of the 
present paper. He had however at that time prepared a brief descrip- 
tion of the specific characters of the specimen in question, under 
the name of Protopterus, and had referred it in the Catalogue of the 
Museum of the College of Surgeons to the Class of Fishes, on ac- 
count of its scaly covering and the condition of its nostrils as plicated 
sacs, and to the abdominal family of the Malacopterygian order 
of that class, in which it seemed to present an extreme modification 
or rudimental condition of the fins indicative of a transition from the 
abdominal to the apodal families. 
The anatomical details which formed the principal part of the present 
communication, confirmed the propriety of referring the Lepidosiren 
to the class of fishes ; but they also led, Mr. Owen observed, to a con- 
siderable extension in his original views of its affinities in that class. 
A minute description was then given of the external characters 
and peculiarities of the present species, which differed from the Le- 
pidosiren paradoxa in the greater relative length of the head and ru- 
dimental fins as compared with that of the trunk ; and in its general 
size, which is three-fourths smaller. 
The chief peculiarities of the skeleton consist in its imperfect, or 
rather partial ossification, and in the green colour of the ossified 
parts ; in which it resembles that of the gar-pike {Belone vulgaris). 
The parts which continue permanently in the cartilaginous condition 
are the petrous elements of the temporal bones containing the acoustic 
labyrinth, a portion of the articular pedicle of the lower jaw, the 
branchial arches, and the bodies of the vertebrae : these, moreover, are 
not separated to correspond with the neurapophyses and ribs, as in 
Plagiostomous Cartilaginous Fishes, but retain their primitive con- 
fluent condition as a round continuous chord, extending from the oc- 
ciput to the end of the tail : this vertebral chord consists of an ex- 
ternal firm, elastic, yellowish capsule, enveloping a softer subgelati- 
nous material, as in the Cyclostomous Fishes. The corresponding 
parts or basilar elements of the cranial vertebrae were ossified : and 
Mr. Owen then entered upon a detailed description of the skull. 
Linncean Society. 26? 
The ribs are thirty-six pairs, and consist of short, slightly curved, 
slender styles, encompassing, with the spine, about one-sixth part of 
the cavity of the abdomen. These ribs are attached to the lower part 
of the side of the fibrous sheath of the central vertebral chord ; their 
pointed free extremities are cemented to the intermuscular ligaments. 
The superior spines are throughout separated from the neurapo- 
physes, and these are not anchylosed together at their upper extre- 
mities. Haemapophyseal spines are developed in the caudal region, 
and both these and the neurapophyseal spines have articulated to 
them dermo-osseous spines, of equal length, with their distal extre- 
mities expanded, and supporting the transparent elastic horny rays 
of the caudal fin. The rudimental filiform pectoral and ventral 
fins were supported each by a single cartilaginous ray composed of 
many joints. 
The muscles of the head, jaws, hyoid and branchial apparatus 
were then described : the muscular system of the body consists of 
subvertical layers of oblique fibres separated at brief intervals by 
aponeurotic intersections. 
The following peculiarities of the Digestive system were then 
pointed out; — two long, slightly curved, slender, sharp-pointed 
teeth project from the intermaxillary bones, which are moveable. 
The upper maxillary bones support each a single dental plate divi- 
ded into three cutting lobes, by two oblique notches entering from 
the outer side : the lower jaw is armed with a single dental plate si- 
milarly modified, the produced cutting edges fitting into the notches 
above : these maxillary teeth somewhat resemble the dental plate of 
the extinct Ceratodus of Agassiz. The fleshy and sensitive parts of 
the tongue are more developed than in fishes generally. The jaws 
are adapted to minutely divide and comminute alimentary substances; 
the pharyngeal opening is contracted ; the entrance to the pharynx 
guarded by a soft semicircular valvular process. Gullet short, straight, 
narrow, but longitudinally plicated. Stomach simple, straight, with 
thick walls, in capacity corresponding with the oesophagus ; termi- 
nating by a valvular pylorus projecting with a scalloped margin into 
the intestine. No pancreas or spleen. Liver well-developed, partly 
divided into two lobes. A gall-bladder, and large ductus choledochus, 
opening by a valvular termination close to the pylorus. Intestine 
round, straight, at first of equal diameter with the stomach, but gra- 
dually contracting to the vent, with thick parietes ; traversed inter- 
nally by a spiral valve describing six gyrations ; the first of which is 
the longest. 
The respiratory organs consist of branchiae, and a double elon- 
u2 
268 Linncean Society, 
gated air-bladder, with the usual vascular and cellular structure of 
the lungs of a reptile. 
The branchice consist of elongated, sub-compressed, soft, pendu- 
lous filaments, attached to cartilaginous branchial arches ; these 
arches are not joined together, or to the os hyoides by an interme- 
diate chain of cartilages or bones below, nor are they articulated to 
the cranium above. There are six branchial arches on each side, 
and five intervals for the passage of the water from the mouth to the 
branchial sac. All the branchial arches do not support branchial 
filaments ; but only the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth. The first and 
last branchial arches each support a single row, the fourth and fifth 
each a double row of branchial filaments. ITie second and third 
branchial arches have their full proportions, but offer not the slight- 
est trace of gills. The branchial sac is pretty large, and opens ex- 
ternally by a small vertical fissure immediately anterior to the ru- 
dimental pectoral extremities. 
The heart is situate below the oesophagus, in a strong pericardium ; 
it consists of a single auricle and ventricle and a contorted bulbus 
arteriosus, with a longitudinal valvular process as in the Siren. The 
two branchial arteries, which wind round the gill-less arches, after- 
wards unite together on each side, and give off branches which form 
the pulmonary arteries, or those which go to the air-bladders. 
The apparatus for aerial respiration commences by a short, single, 
wide and membranous trachea, or ductus pneumaticus, which com- 
mences by a longitudinal laryngeal slit, one line in extent, situated 
three lines behind the orifice of the pharynx : a single plate of car- 
tilage is continued from this laryngeal opening forwards to that of 
the pharynx : the plate is as broad as the floor of the pharynx, and 
its office seems to be to prevent the collapse of the parietes of that 
tube, and to keep a free passage for the air to the trachea. This tube 
dilates at its lower end into a sac with very thin parietes, which com- 
municates directly witli each division or lobe of the air-bladder. 
ITiese lobes or lungs are partially subdivided into small lobes at their 
anterior and broadest part ; and then continue simple and flattened, 
gradually diminishing to an obtuse point situated behind the poste- 
rior extremity of the cloaca. The whole of the parietes of the lungs 
is honey-combed : the cells are largest, deepest and most vascular 
and subdivided at the anterior and broader end of the lung. The 
lungs are situated behind the ovaria, the Iddneys, and the perito- 
neum, which is in contact with merely that part of their ventral 
Jtiattened surfaces, not covered by other viscera. 
The two kidneys are quite distinct, very long and narrow, but 
Linncean Society. 269 
broadest towards the cloaca : the ureters communicate with the back 
part of the common termination of the oviducts. There were not 
any suprarenal bodies, nor any spleen. 
The ovaria are two long, flattened bodies, wdth ovisacs and ova of 
different sizes : many between 2 and 3 lines in diameter, scattered 
among clusters of other ova of smaller size. The oviducts are distinct 
tortuous tubes, which commence by a very wide and thin- coated 
portion, opening by a slit, 3 lines wide at their anterior extremity, 
and not communicating with each other before opening into the pe- 
ritoneal cavity, as in the Plagiostoraes. The oviduct contracts and 
performs many short undulations, adhering to the ovarian capsule 
as it descends : its coats become thicker, and oblique spiral folds are 
developed from the inner surface ; the capacity of the oviduct in- 
creases before its termination, which is by a single prominent open- 
ing, common to the two oviducts in the posterior part of the cloaca. 
A small Allantois is situated between the oviduct and rectum. 
The cloaca receives the above parts in the following order, — first, or 
most anteriorly, the common opening of the peritoneal canals ; se- 
condly, the anus ; thirdly, the AUantoid bladder ; fourthly, the ovi- 
ducts, with the ureters, which open into the back part of the ovi- 
ducts. 
The brain consists of two elongated subcompressed distinct cere- 
bral hemispheres ; a single elliptical optic lobe, or representative of 
the bigeminal bodies ; a simple transverse cerebellar fold, not cover- 
ing the widely- open fourth ventricle ; largely developed pineal and 
pituitary glands ; and a single corpus mammillare. 
The nerves given off from the brain, were the olfactory ; the optic, 
which arose from the same point at the middle line between the 
crura cerebri, and did not decussate ; the fifth pair ; the acoustic ; the 
pneumogastric ; and lingual nerves : there were no traces of the third, 
fourth, or sixth nerves ; there being no muscles to the eyeballs. 
The eyes are very small, and adhere to the skin, which passes over 
them without forming any projection : they have a small spherical 
lens, and no choroid gland. 
The organ of hearing consists of a vestibule enclosed in a thick 
cartilaginous case, without external communication except for the 
foramina transmitting the portio mollis : it consists of two large 
otolithic sacs, containing each a white chalky mass ; the external one 
being six times the size of the one next the brain : above these sacs 
are three small semicircular canals. No trace of tympanic cavity or 
Eustachian tube. 
The organ of smell consists of two oval membranous sacs, pli- 
270 Royal Irish Academy, 
cated internally, and having each a single external aperture upon 
the upper lip ; but without any communication with the mouth, — a 
structure which the author observed was perhaps the only single 
character which unexceptionably proved the Lepidosiren to be a true 
fish. The remaining evidence of its ichthyic nature reposed rather 
upon the concurrence of many less decisive characters. 
These characters were stated to be, its covering of large round 
scales ; the mucous ducts of the head and lateral line ; the many- 
jointed soft ray supporting the rudimental pectoral and ventral fins ; 
the gelatinous vertebral chord, united anteriorly to the whole of the 
basi-occipital, and not to two condyles as in Batrachia ; a prse- 
opercular bone, the intermaxillary bone being moveable ; the lower 
jaw having each ramus composed simply of a post-mandibular and 
dentary piece ; the double row of spinous processes, both above and 
below the vertebral chord ; the green colour of the ossified parts of 
the skeleton ; the straight intestine, with its spiral valve ; the absence 
of pancreas and spleen ; the single peritoneal outlet ; the position 
of the anus ; the single auricle of the heart ; the number of branchial 
arches, and the internal position of the gills ; a long lateral nerve ; 
acoustic labyrinth with large otolithes. These characters, with the 
nasal sacs opening only externally, prove satisfactorily the Lepido- 
siren to be a true Fish, and not a Perennibranchiate Reptile. 
In the class of fishes, Mr. Owen pointed out the interesting rela- 
tions of the Lepidosiren as a link connecting the Cartilaginous fishes 
with the Malacopterygians, and especially with the Sauroid genera, 
Polypterus and Lepidosteus, and at the same time making the near- 
est approach in the class of fishes to the Perennibranchiate Reptiles. 
For the species here described Mr. Owen proposed the name of 
Lepidosiren annectens. It is a native of the river Gambia, Africa. 
ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY. 
January 28. — Sir Wm. R. Hamilton, A.M., President, in the Chair. 
Mr. Ball read a Paper on the Remains of Oxen found in the Bogs 
of Ireland. 
Having alluded to the occurrence of fossil remains of oxen in 
Britain, and the existence of the Auroch or Wild Ox, in some parks 
in that country, he remarked on the old and generally received opi- 
nion, that Ireland could not furnish any evidence of having ever pos- 
sessed an indigenous ox ; and he stated, that a specimen which he 
received from the sub-marine forest, in the Bay of Youghal, seemed 
to have been the core of a horn of the fossil ox, often found in Bri- 
Royal Irish Academy, 271 
tain, and supposed to have been the Urus ; but this specimen having 
been lost, he alluded to it, to direct the attention of the Academy to 
the subject, in the hope of having his view confirmed. He then en- 
tered upon the principal object of his paper, which was to show, that 
the remains of oxen found at considerable depths in bogs in West- 
meath, Tyrone, and Longford, belonged to a variety or race, differ- 
ing very remarkably from any noticed in Cuvier's ' Ossemens Fos- 
siles,' or any other work with which he was acquainted. He con- 
cluded by expressing a conviction, that Ireland had possessed at least 
one native race of oxen, distinguished by the convexity of the upper 
part of the forehead, by its great proportionate length, and by the 
shortness and downward direction of the horns. As this fact seems 
to have escaped altogether the notice of British and continental na- 
turalists, and as analogy in the case of other Irish mammals justified 
the view, he urged the great probability of the race in question pro- 
ving to be one peculiar to Ireland. 
Mr. Ball exhibited specimens and drawings, and solicited the co- 
operation of Members of the Academy in effecting a perfect eluci- 
dation of the subject, by collecting specimens from the bogs of the 
country. 
April 8. — Dr. Wilde, a visiter, by permission of the Academy, 
read a paper on some Discoveries he had made at Tyre, relating to 
the manufacture of the celebrated Purple Dye. 
Dr. Wilde stated, that having been engaged in investigating the 
ruins of Tyre, he discovered several circular apertures or reservoirs 
cut in the solid sandstone rock close to the water's edge along the 
southern shores of the Peninsula. These in shape resembled a large 
pot, and varied in size from two to eight feet in diameter, and from 
four to five deep ; some were in clusters, others isolated, and several 
were connected in pairs by a conduit about a foot deep. Many of 
those reservoirs were filled with a breccia solely composed of broken 
up shells, bound together by carbonate of lime, and a small trace of 
strontian ; large heaps of a similar breccia were found in the vicinity 
of the pots. This mass, a portion of wliich Dr. Wilde exhibited to 
the Academy, is exceedingly heavy, of adamantine hardness, and the 
shells of which it is composed appear to be all of one species, and 
from the sharpness of their fracture, were evidently broken by art 
and not worn or water- washed. The portions of shell were examined 
by eminent naturalists, and are pronounced to be the Murex trun- 
cuius, which most conchologists agree was one species from which 
IheTyrian dye was obtained, but until now, no /^roq/" could be given 
of its being the actual shell. 
272 Botanical Society of London, 
Dr. Wilde is of opinion that the reservoirs he discovered were the 
vats or mortars in which the shells were broken up, in order to ob- 
tain the dye (which lies in a sac in the neck of the mollusc inhabit- 
ing them,) and showed that it accurately accords with the descrip- 
tion of Pliny, who states, that the smaller shells (of which those in 
the specimen are examples) were broken in certain mills. 
BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. 
October 5th. — J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President, in the Chair. 
Mr. Daniel Cooper, the Curator, exhibited a specimen of the natural 
living fence mentioned at a former meeting, vol.ii. p. 234. Mr. James 
Rich communicated a translation from the French " On the Forma- 
tion of Crystals in the Cellules of Plants," 
November 2nd. — The President in the Chair. 
Dr. F. Bossey read a paper, being the results of an excursion from 
"Woolwich to Cobham, Kent, made in company with several members 
of the Society. At the commencement of the paper Dr. B. alluded 
to the general imperfect manner in which the habitats of uncommon 
species were in general described, and proposed the use of the com- 
pass in defining particular habitats. Particular attention was directed 
to the habitat of Polypogon monspeliensis and P. littoralis, which 
were discovered in the marshes east of Woolwich, particularly in 
front of the south of the butt or mound in the Plumstead practice 
ground. 
On ditch banks, forming the east border of the practice ground, Poa 
distans, P. procumhens, and P. maritima, were observed, and in the 
water Zannichellia palustris, Potamogeton pectinatum and Scirpus la- 
custris with the Polygonum maritimum of Ray, see vol. ii. p. 234. In the 
hedge banks towards Plumstead a small patch of Erysimum cheiran- 
thoides was noticed. Passing over Plumstead Common to a road 
called the King's Highway, Dr. B. found in a little wood on the 
right the Orobus tenuif alius of Roth. This plant, which Willdenow, 
Smith, and Hooker agree in regarding as a narrow-leaved variety of 
O. tuberosus, is considered by Don and others as a distinct species. 
The characters which are permanent in cultivated plants are given 
by Mr. D. Don in the 3rd volume of the Memoirs of the Wernerian 
Society, and sufficiently distinguish it from the common species. 
In fields, near Darne Wood, the following plants were met with — 
Linaria minor, E la tine and spuria, Adonis autumnalis, Ajuga Chamee- 
pitys, Anagallis ccerulea, Galium tricorne, Papaver hybridum and som- 
Botanical Society of London. 273 
niferuT^. In Dame Wood, Astragalus glycyphyllos, Asperula Cynan- 
chica, and Rubus casius. Towards Cobham Brachypodium pinnatum, 
Althea hirsuta, Salvia pratensis, &c. &c. 
November 16th. — The President in the Chair. 
Specimens of the fruit, bark, and liber of Bertholletia excelsa were 
announced, presented by R. H. Schomburgk, Esq. now in British 
Guiana. Mr. Chatterley read a paper on the importance of " Bota- 
nical Statistics," illustrated by the order ConifercB, which led to 
much interesting discussion. 
November 29th. — The President in the Chair. 
This being the second Anniversary of the Society, the Secretary 
read the report of the Council, from which it appeared that the pre- 
sent number of Members is 100, of which 42 are Resident, 34 Corre- 
sponding, and 24 Foreign, 47 having been elected since the last An- 
niversary. In the Treasurer's report it was stated that the receipts 
amounted to 71/. 16^. 6c?., and the expenditure to Qt^l. 16^. lOf/., lea- 
ving a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of 4/. 19^. M. exclusive 
of subscriptions for the ensuing year. The President congratulated 
the Society on its present condition as contrasted with the report of 
the state of the funds at the last Anniversary, when the Society were 
35/. 17^. 6c?. in arrears. Donations to the library were announced 
from 13 Members, and to the herbarium from 42. The number of 
British plants received amount to 18,592 specimens, including a va- 
luable collection of British Salices from Mr. W. Baxter, A.L.S., of the 
Botanic Garden, Oxford. The number of foreign specimens received 
amount to upwards of 10,000, including 4000 species, principally 
received from H. B. Fielding, Esq., F.L.S., Baron Macedo, A.White, 
and the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. The report also announced 
that the Council had opened a correspondence with the Botanical So- 
ciety of Edinburgh, and that an exchange of specimens will annually 
take place between both Societies. The Council have also caused 
to be published a list of the Natural Orders and Genera of DeCan- 
dolle, together with the Linnaean Classes and Orders, in such a form 
as to allow of cutting out to paste on the labels of collections : this, 
together with the Edinburgh Societies' list of species, will form a 
complete printed index to British Herbaria. The report was una- 
nimously adopted. Ballot then took place for the officers of the 
ensuing year : J. G. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., was re-elected President, who 
appointed J. E. Children, V.P.R.S., &c., and Dr. D. C. Macreight, 
F.L.S., Vice-Presidents ; John Reynolds, Esq. was re-elected Trea- 
surer, together with Daniel Cooper, Esq., A.L.S., Curator, and George 
274 Dublin Natural History Society. 
E. Dennes, Esq., F.L.S., Secretary. The President then delivered 
an address, in which he expatiated on the advancement the Society 
had made since the last year, and gave a brief sketch of the pro- 
gress of Botanical Science for 1837. 
DUBLIN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
We have received the first annual report of the above-named As- 
sociation, established in March 1838, "for promoting the Investi- 
gation of the Natural History of Ireland," and were gratified to see 
the attempt made to institute a society of this character in the me- 
tropolis of Ireland. It already consists of one hundred and thirty- six 
members, and a museum and library have been founded. The rules 
are very ample, consisting of thirty-eight articles, which a little 
further experience in their wording may perhaps condense, while the 
chief aim of the society is stated to be " undivided attention to the 
study of the natural history of Ireland by forming a standard collec- 
tion of species ;" and the reading of papers at the evening meetings, 
*' when a free and unrestrained communication of facts would be en- 
couraged." The report above alluded to is unassumingly drawn up, 
and relates rather to statistics than to the transactions of the meetings. 
It is to be continued annually, we trust in the form of an address to 
the members ; and we would recommend a little detail being entered 
into of the proceedings of the bygone year, both as a useful sum- 
mary to the members themselves, and as valuable to persons at a di- 
stance interested in the zoology of the British Islands, and who could 
scarcely otherwise become acquainted with what discoveries had been 
made or what additional information had been obtained. 
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY FOR THE WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE. 
Henry Denny, Esq. of Leeds, the author of a History of the British 
Pselaphida^, is at present attempting to establish a Society in the 
West Riding of Yorkshire, for the promotion of the local Natural 
History, and we trust he may be successful. This is one of the ob- 
jects which has been recommended by the British Association, as 
tending in an eminent manner to render our knowledge of the zo- 
ology and botany of the country complete, and the additions which 
have been made of late years both of new species and of valuable in- 
formation regarding some previously accounted rare or little known 
by the researches of local investigators, is ample testimony that the 
* We would anxiously recommend the work which Mr. Denny has at 
present in preparation on the British Nirmidm. 
Zoological Society. 275 
recommendation should be attended to. The plan proposed is nearly 
that acted upon by the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, which has 
now continued for several years, holding five meetings annually, 
examining the adjacent country during the days of assembling, and 
bringing together after a frugal but always well-relished dinner the 
results of the different excursions. There is no subscription, and a 
few shillings from each member suffices to defray the expense of 
printing the Transactions and annual address, which already hold 
an important place in the literature of our natural history. Mr. 
Denny remarks, " I feel confident, that if such an association were 
formed for the West Riding, (than which no district of equal extent 
in the kingdom is richer for varieties of soil, suitable localities, di- 
versity and abundance of its productions,) a large mass of highly 
valuable materials might be collected, our knowledge of the organised 
beings surrounding us increased, and much friendly and scientific 
intercourse carried on, to the mutual benefit of all parties." It will 
give us satisfaction to learn that Mr. Denny's project has been realised. 
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
August 14, 1838.— William Yarrell, Esq., in the Chair. 
A series of skins, belonging to species of the genus Sciurus, in- 
cluding, with one or two exceptions, all which are known to in- 
habit North America, were upon the table; and the Rev. Dr. Bach- 
man, of S. Carolina, brought them severally before the notice of the 
Members. Six of the species exhibited were new, and for these he 
proposed the specific names of Texianus, lanuginosus, fuliginosus, 
suhauratus, Auduboni, and Richardsoni. Dr. Bachman's manuscript 
notes upon the habits and characters of the North American Squir- 
rels, with descriptions of the newly characterized species, were also 
laid before the Meeting. 
The first species noticed by Dr. Bachman is the Sciurus capi- 
stratus of Bosc, or Fox Squirrel ; vulpinus of Gmel.; niger, Catesby; 
variegatus, Desm. ; the Black Squirrel of Bartram. Its essential 
characters consist in its large size, in having the tail longer than 
the body, the hair coarse, and the ears and nose white. The dental 
formula is inc. \, can. J^^, mol. ^. 
Sciurus Texianus. Texian Squirrel. This name is proposed by 
Dr. Bachman for an apparently undescribed species which he saw in 
the Museum at Paris. It was said to have been received from 
Mexico. In the Museums of Berlin and Zurich, he also found what 
he conceives to be the same species ; and in the British Museum 
276 Zoological Society. 
there is a specimen obtained at Texas by Mr. Douglas, agreeing with 
the others in almost every particular. Dr. Bachman also states that, 
among his notes there is a description of a specimen received by a 
friend from the south-western parts of Louisiana, which, on a com- 
parison with memoranda taken from the other specimens, does not 
appear to differ in any important particular. Hence, he thinks it 
probable that this species has a tolerably extensive range extending 
perhaps from the south-western portions of Louisiana, through 
Texas, into Mexico. 
The Texian Squirrel is about the size of the Fox Squirrel. On 
the upper surface there is a mixture of black and yellow, and on the 
under parts deep yellow. The under sides of the limbs, and also the 
parts of the body contiguous, are whitish. Fore-legs externally, 
and the feet, rich yellow : ears, on both surfaces, yellow, with in- 
terspersed white hairs : nose and lips, brownish white : hairs of tail, 
rich rusty yellow at base, with a broad black space near the ex- 
tremity, and finally tipt with yellow. 
Dimensions. in. lines. 
Length of body 13 6 
Tail to end of hair 15 
Tarsus 3 
Height of ears to end of fur 6| 
The Texian Squirrel bears some resemblance to the Sciurus ca- 
pistratus. The latter species, however, in all the varieties hitherto 
examined by Dr. Bachman, has uniformly the white ears and nose. 
This species would appear to replace the Capistratus in the south- 
western parts of America. 
Sciurus subauratus. Sci. corpore supra cinereo, flavo lavato^ 
infrd, austere aureo, caudd corpore longiore. Denies, inc. -g, mol. 
4-4 
4r-4* 
The designation " Golden-bellied Squirrel," and the specific term 
subauratus, are given by Dr. Bachman to a species, of which two 
dead specimens were procured in the markets of New Orleans by 
Mr. Audubon. Their size was between that of the Northern Gray, 
and the Little Carolina Squirrel. There was no trace of the small 
anterior upper molar generally found in the species of the genus 
Sciurus. The upper incisors are of a deep orange brown colour, and 
of moderate size : under incisors a little paler than the upper ; the 
head is of moderate size ; whiskers longer than the head ; the ears 
are short and pointed, and clothed with hair on both surfaces. The 
body seems better formed for agility than that of the small Carolina, 
in this respect approaching nearer to the Northern Gray Squirrel. 
Zoological Society, 277 
The tail is broad and nearly as long as that of the last-named spe- 
cies. 
The colour of the whole upper surface is gray, with a distinct 
yellow tint. The hairs, which give this outward appearance, are 
grayish slate colour at their base, then very broadly annulated with 
yellow ; then black, and near the apex annulated with yellowish 
white. The sides of the face and neck, the whole of the inner side 
of the limbs, feet, and the whole of the under parts, of a deep golden 
yellow ; on the cheeks and sides of the neck, however, the hairs are 
obscurely annulated with black and whitish ; the ears are well 
clothed on both surfaces with tolerably long hairs of the same deep 
golden hue as the sides of the face ; hairs of the feet are mostly 
blackish at the root, and some are obscurely tipped with black ; 
hairs of the tail black at the roots, and the remaining portion of a 
bright rusty yellow ; each hair three times in its length annulated 
with black ; the under surface of the tail is chiefly bright rusty yel- 
low ; whiskers longer than the head, black. 
Sciurus magnicaudatus, Harlan's Fauna, p. 170. S. macrourus. Say. 
Long's Expedition, vol. i. p. 115. 
Of this species Dr. Bachman remarks, that although he has seen 
many specimens labelled under the above name, yet the only true 
^. macrourus which has come under his own observation, is one in the 
Philadelphia Museum. 
Sciurus aureogaster, F. Cuv. et Geoff. Mamm. Californian Squirrel. 
Habitat Mexico and California. 
Sciurus cinereus. Gmel. Cat Squirrel, Pen. Arct. Zool. i. 137. 
A little smaller than the Fox Squirrel ; larger than the Northern 
Gray Squirrel ; body stout ; legs rather short ; nose and ears not 
white; tail longer than the body. Dental formula, incis. |, can. ^, 
mol. J^, =20. 
** This squirrel has many habits in common with other species, 
residing in the hollows of trees, building in summer its nest of 
leaves in some convenient crutch, and subsisting on the same va- 
riety of food. It is, however, the most inactive of all our known 
species. It mounts a tree, not with the lightness and agility of the 
Northern Gray Squirrel, but with the slowness and apparent reluc- 
tance of the little Striped Squirrel (Tamias Lysteri). After ascend- 
ing, it does not mount to the top, as is the case with other species, 
but clings to the body of the tree on the side opposite to you, or 
tries to conceal itself behind the first convenient limb. I have never 
observed it escaping from branch to branch. When it is induced in 
278 Zoological Society. 
search of food to proceed to the extremity of a Umb, it moves cau- 
tiously and heavily, and returns the same way. On the ground it 
runs clumsily and makes slower progress than the Gray Squirrel. 
It is usually fat, especially in autumn, and the flesh is said to be 
preferable to that of any other of our species. 
" The Cat Squirrel does not appear to be migratory in its habits. 
ITie same pair, if undisturbed, may be found taking up their resi- 
dence in a particular vicinity for a number of years in succession, 
and the sexes seem mated for life." 
Sciurus leucotis. Northern Gray Squirrel. 
Gray Squirrel. Penn. Arct. Zool. vol. i. p. 135. Hist. Quad. 
No. 272. 
Sci. CaroUnensis. Godman non Gmel. 
Sci. leucotis, Gapper, Zoological Journal, vol. v. p. 206, pub- 
lished in 1830. 
Larger than the Carolina Gray Squirrelj tail much longer than 
the body ; smaller than the Cat Squirrel ; subject to many varieties 
of colour. 
Dental formula, incis. -^, mol. ^, = 22. 
Sciurus CaroUnensis, Gmel. Little Carolina Gray Squirrel. 
This species is smaller than the Northern Gray Squirrel, and has 
the tail, which is the same length as its body, narrower than in that 
species. The colour above is rusty gray, beneath white, and not 
subject to variation. 
Sciurus Collim. For a description of this species, of which the 
original specimen is in the Collection of the Zoological Society, 
Dr. Bachman refers to Dr. Richardson's Appendix to Capt. Beechey's 
Voyage. 
Sciurus nigrescens. A species described by Mr. Bennett, in the 
Proceedings of the Zool. Soc. for 1833, p. 41. 
Sciurus niger, Linn, non Catesby. The Black Squirrel. 
A little larger than the Northern Gray Squirrel ; fur soft and 
glossy. Ears, nose, and the whole body, pure black ; a few white 
tufts of hair interspersed. Incis. |, canines ^, molars |=^, = 20. 
Sciurus Auduboni. Larger Louisiana Black Squirrel. 
Sciurus corpore supra nigro, subtiis fuscescente ; caudd corpus lon- 
gitudine tequante. 
A new species, for which Dr. Bachman is indebted to Mr. Audu- 
bon. It has the fur very harsh to the touch, and is rather less in 
size than the Sciurus niger. 
Sciurus fuliginosus. Sooty Squirrel. 
Sciurus corpore suprcl nigro et fuscescenti-fiavo irrorato, subtiis 
Zoological Society. 279 
fuscescente ; caudd corpore valde longiore : denies inc. 
2 
mol, g. 
Dr. Bachman remarks of this species, " I am indebted to J. W. 
Audubon, Esq., for a specimen of an interesting little Squirrel ob- 
tained at New Orleans on the 24th March, 1837, which I find 
agreeing in most particulars with the specimen in the Philadelphia 
Museum, referred by American authors to Sciurus rufiventer. 
" Dr. Harlan's description does not apply very closely to the spe- 
cimen in question, but seems to be with slight variations that of 
Desmarest's description of Sciurus rufiventer. 
" The following description is taken from the specimen procured 
by Mr. Audubon. It was that of an old female, containing several 
young, and I am enabled to state with certainty that it was an adult 
animal. 
" I have given to this species the character of 22 teeth, from 
the circumstance of my having found that number in the specimen 
from which I described. The animal could not have been less than 
a year old. The anterior molars in the upper jaw are small ; the 
inner surface of the upper grinders is obtuse, and the two outer 
points on each tooth are elevated and sharper than those of most 
other species. In the lower jaw the molars regularly increase in 
size from the first, which is the smallest, to the fourth, which is the 
largest. Head short and broad ; nose very obtuse ; ears short and 
rounded, slightly clothed with hair ; feet and claws rather short and 
strong ; tail short and flattened, but not broad, resembling that of 
the Sc. Hudsonius. The form of the body, like that of the little 
Carolina Squirrel, is more indicative of strength than of agility. 
*• The hairs on the upper part of the body, the limbs externally 
and feet, are black, obscurely grizzled with brownish yellow. On the 
under parts, with the exception of the chin and throat, which 
are grayish, the hairs are annulated with brownish orange and 
black, and a grayish white at the roots. The prevailing colour of 
the tail above is black, the hairs however are brown at base and some 
of them are obscurely annulated with brown, and at the apex pale 
brown. On the under side of the tail the hairs exhibit pale yellowish 
brown annulations." 
Sciurus Douglasii, Gray. Oppoce-poce, Indian name. 
A species about one-fourth larger than the Hudson's Bay Squirrel ; 
tail shorter than the body. Colour : dark brown above, and bright 
buff beneath. Dental formula ; incis. ^, can.-^^, mol. ^^,=^20. 
Sciurus Hudsonius, (Pennant). The Chickaree Hudson's Bay 
Squirrel. Red Squirrel. 
280 Zoological Society, 
The Hudson's Bay Squirrel, a well-known species, is a third 
smaller than the Northern Gray Squirrel ; tail shorter than the 
body ; ears slightly tufted. Colour, reddish above, white beneath. 
Dental formula : incis. |, can. ^, mol. j3|, = 20. 
Sciurus Richardsoni. Columbia Pine Squirrel. 
Small Brown Squirrel. Lewis and Clarke, vol. iii. p. 37. 
Sciurus Hudsonius, var. /3. Columbia Pine Squirrel. Richardson, 
Fauna Boreali- Americana, p. 190. 
Smaller than Sc, Hudsonius; tail shorter than the body ; rusty 
gray above, whitish beneath ; extremity of the tail black. 
This small species was first noticed by Lewis and Clarke, who 
deposited a specimen in the Philadelphia Museum, where it still 
exists. I have compared it with the specimen brought by Dr. 
Townsend, and find them identical. Dr. Richardson, who appears 
not to have seen it, supposes it to be a mere variety of the Sciurus 
Hudsonius. 
Dental formula : incis. |, can. ^, mol. "J^* = 20. 
" The body of this most diminutive of all the known species of 
genuine squirrel in North America, is short, and does not present 
that appearance of lightness and agility which distinguishes the 
Sciurus Hudsonius. Head large, less elongated, forehead more 
arched, and nose a little blunter than Sc. Hudsonius ; ears short ; 
feet of moderate size. The third toe on the fore-feet but slightly 
longer than the second ; the claws are compressed, hooked and 
acute ; tail shorter than the body ; the thumb-nail is broad, flat and 
blunt. 
*' The fur on the back is dark plumbeous from the roots, tipped 
with rusty brown and black, giving it a rusty gray appearance. 
It is less rufous than the Sc. Hudsonius, and lighter coloured 
than the Sc. Douglasii. The feet on their upper surface are 
rufous : on the shoulders, forehead, ears, and along the thighs, 
there is a slight tinge of the same colour. The whiskers, which are 
a little longer than the head, are black. The whole of the under 
surface, as well as a line around the eyes, and a small patch above 
the nostrils, smoke -gray. The tail for about one half its length 
presents on the upper surface a dark rufous appearance, many of the 
hairs being nearly black, pointed with light rufous : at the extremity 
of the tail, for about an inch and three-fourths in length, the hairs 
are black, a few of them slightly tipped with rufous. The hind-feet, 
from the heel to the palms, are thickly clothed with short adpressed 
light- coloured hairs ; the palms are naked. The sides of the body 
are marked by a line of black commencing at the shoulder and ter- 
Zoological Society. 281 
minating abruptly on the flanks : this line is about two inches in 
length and four lines wide. 
SciuRUS LANUGiNOSUS. Downy Squirrel. 
Sciurus coiyore suprH flavescenti-griseo, laterihus argenteo-cinereis, 
abdomine albo : pilis mollibus et lanuginosis : auribus brevibus : 
palmis pilis sericeis crebre instructis ; caudd corpore breviore. 
*' A singular and beautiful quadruped, to which I have conceived 
the above name appropriate, was sent to me with the collection of 
Dr. Townsend. He states in his letter, * Of this animal I have no 
further knowledge than that it was killed on the North-west coast, 
near Sitka, where it is said to be common: it was given to me by 
my friend W. F. Tolmie, Esq., surgeon of the Hon. Hudson's Bay 
Company. I saw three other specimens from Paget's Sound, in 
the possession of Capt. Brotchie, and understood him to say that 
it was a burrowing animal.' Sitka is, I believe, the principal set- 
tlement of the Russians on Norfolk Sound and Paget's Sound, a few 
degrees North of the Columbia River. 
" The head is broader than that of the Sc. Hudsonius, and the fore- 
head much arched. The ears, which are situated far back on the 
head, are short, oval, and thickly clothed with fur ; they are not 
tufted as in the Sc. Hudsonius and Sc. vulgaris of Europe, but a quan- 
tity of longer fur, situated on the outer base of the ear, and rising 
two or three lines above the margins, give the ears the appearance 
of being somewhat tufted. In the Squirrels generally, the posterior 
margin of the ear doubles forward to form a valve over the auditory 
opening, and the anterior one curves to form a helix ; in the present 
species the margins are less folded than those of any other species I 
have examined. The whiskers are longer than the head ; feet and toes 
short; rudimental thumb armed with a broad flat nail ; nails slender, 
compressed, arched and acute ; the third on the fore -feet is a little the 
longest, as in the Squirrels. The tail bears some resemblance to that 
of the Flying Squirrel, and is thickly clothed with hair, which is a 
little coarser than those on the back. On the fore- feet the palms 
are only partially covered with hair ; but on the hind feet, the under 
surface, from the heel even to the extremity of the nails, is thickly 
clothed with short soft hairs. 
" The fur is softer and more downy than that of any other North 
American species, and the whole covering of the animal indicates it 
to be a native of a cold region. 
"Dental formula: incis. |, can. ^, mol. ~\, = 20. 
" The upper incisors are smaller and more compressed than those 
of Sc. Hudsonius; the lower ones are a little longer and sharper than 
Ann. Nat. Hist, Vol.3. No. 17- /?/?^e 1S39. x 
282 Miscellaneous, 
the upper : the upper grinders, on their inner surface, have each an 
elevated ridge of enamel ; on the outer crest or edge of the to6th, 
there are three sharp points instead of two obtuse elevations, as in 
the Squirrels generally, and in this particular it approaches the 
Spermophiles . In the lower jaw, the grinders, which are quadrangu- 
lar in shape, present each four sharp points. 
" On the back and tail there are so many white hairs inter- 
spersed, the white spot on the head being merely occasioned by 
a greater number of hairs nearly or wholly white, that there is great 
reason to believe that this species becomes much lighter, if not 
wholly white, during winter. 
'• In the shape of the head and ears, and in the pointed projec- 
tions of the teeth, this species approaches the Marmots and Sper- 
mophiles ; but in the shape of its body, its soft fur, its curved and 
acute nails, constructed more for climbing than digging in the earth, 
and in the third toe being longer than the second, it must be placed 
among the Squirrels." 
Mr.Ogilby pointed out the characters of a new species of Muntjac 
Deer, which lately died at the Gardens. This species is about the same 
size as the common Indian Muntjac, but has a longer head and tail; 
has less red, and more blue in the general shade of the colouring, 
and is readily distinguished by the want of the white over the hoofs, 
which is so apparent in its congener. The specimen, a male, was 
brought from China by J. R. Reeves, Esq., to whom the Society is 
already indebted for many rare and valuable animals, and to whom 
Mr. Ogilby proposed to dedicate the present species by applying the 
name of Cervus Reevesi. A female specimen which accompanied 
that here described, is still living and has lately produced a fawn, 
which is interesting from exhibiting the spotted character common to 
the generality of the young in this extensive group. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
FORMATION OF INDIGO IN POLYGONUM TINCTORIUM. 
Prof. Morren of Liege in a memoir read before the Academy of 
Sciences at Brussels, on the culture of, and method of obtaining the 
indigo from Polygonum tinctorium, makes the following statement with 
respect to the formation of the indigo in the leaves of this plant : — 
** The indigo," he observes, " is contained in the mesophylle of the 
leaf especially. It is dissolved originally in a liquid which fills the 
cells, and in which float pure granules of chlorophylle either inclo-