188".] ON A COLLECTION FROM CHRISTMAS ISLAND. 507 Spinosella velata, sp. n. Sponge consisting of a number of irregularly cylindrical or compressed tubes, united basally and sometimes laterally. Heio-ht 19 cm., breadtb 13 cm. Largest tube 4-5 cm. in diameter at top. Tubes provided with broad, horizontal, circular diaphragms, pro-jecting inwards at a short distance below the margin. Outer surface of tubes distinctly spinose. Main skeleton a network of fairly stout fibre ; network usually-irregular, sometimes rectangular. Local concentrations of tlie skeleton network form longitudinal veins, as in S. sororia, &c. Fibres about 0044 millim. thick. Dermal skeleton (on the outside) an irregular reticulation of slender fibre. Spicules slightly curved, sharp-pointed oxea; size O'l by 0-0045 millim., but usually slenderer. Occurring in the fibres and scattered outside. Bahamas. The following papers were read : — 1. Report on a Zoological Collection made by the Officers of H.M.S. ' Flying-Fish ' at Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. Communicated by Dr. A. Gijnther, V.P.Z.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department^ British Museum. [Eeceived May 27, 1887.] (Plates XLI.-XLIV.) I. Mammalia, by Oldfield Tho-mas, p. 511. II. Birds, by R. B. Sharpe, p. 515. III. Reptiles, by G. A. Boulengbr, p. 516. IV. Mollusk8, by E. A. Smith, p. 517. V. Crustacea, by R. I. Pocock, p. 520. VI. Coleoptera, by C. O. Water-no0SE, p. 520. VII. Lepidoptera, by A. G. Butler, p. 522. VIII. Echinodermata, by E. J. Bell, p. 523. IX. Porifera, by A. Dendy, p. 524. At the suggestion and through the kind mediation of Capt. Wharton, F.R.S., Hydrographer of the Admiraltv, advantage was taken of a recent visit to Christmas Island of H.M.S. 'Flying-Fish,' under the command of Captain Maclear, to make observations on, and collect specimens of. Natural History. This oceanic island is so far out of the usual track of navigation and so unattractive to those interested in commercial pursuits that no naturalist seems to have had an opportunity of visiting it. Even the time and circumstances of its discovery and the man who named it are unknown. From its geographical position it was not to be expected that its littoral fauna would prove to be in any way differentiated from that of the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean ; but it seemed desirable to pay special attention to any terrestrial animals that might be observed ; and
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