IGiSl Return to LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY WOODS HOLE, MASS. Loaned by American Museum of Natural History PROCEEDINGS nv th;i ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES or PHILADELPHIA 1864. PHILADELPHIA: P R IN T K I) FOR THE ACAD K M T 1864. A 5 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS, With reference to the several Articles contributed by each. Canby, W. M. Notes of Botanical Visits to the lower part of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland 16 Cassin, J. Notes of an examination of the Birds of the Group Coerebinae, 265 Fasti Ornithologiae. Part 1 234 Notes on some species of Birds from South America 286 Cooper, J. G. On a new Cormorant from the Farralone Islands, Cal 258 Conrad, T. A. Notes on Shells, with Descriptions of new fossil Genera and Species 211 Cope, E. D. Contributions to the Herpetology of Tropical America 166 On the Limits and Relations of the Raniformes 181 On a Blind Silurid from Pennsylvania 231 On the Characters of the higher groups of Reptilia Squamata, and es- pecially of the Diploglossa 224 Partial Catalogue of the Cold-blooded Vertebrata of Michigan 276 Coues, E. The Crania of Colymbus torquatus and C. Adamsii compared, 21 A Critical Review of the Family Procellaridae. Part 1 72 Part II 116 Elliot, D. G. Remarks upon a Proposed Arrangement of the Family of Grouse, and New Genera added 23 Ennis, J. Additions to the Catalogue of Stars which have changed their Colors 51 On the Influence of the Earth's Atmosphere on the Color of Stars 161 Grill, Theo. Notes on the Nomenclature of Genera and Species of Eche- neidoidse 59 Description of a new Labroid Genus allied to Trochocopus 57 Critical remarks on the Genera Sebastes and Sebastodes 145 IV. LIST OP CONTRIBUTORS. Second Contribution to the Selachology of California ,... 147 Synopsis of the Pleuronectoids of the eastern coast of North America... 214 Synopsis of the Cyclopteroids of eastern North America 189 Notes on the Paralepidoids and Microstomatoids, and on some peculiari- ties of Arctic Ichthyology 187 Synopsis of the Pleuronectoids of California and North-western America, 194 Descriptions of new generic types of Pleuronectoids 198 On the affinities of several doubtful British Fishes 199 Notes on the Family of Stichseoids 208 De?criptions of new genera and species of Eastern American Pleuro- nectoids 220 Helmuth, C. A., M.D. New species of Mordellestina collected in Illinois, 105 Lawrence, G. N. Descriptions of New Species of Birds of the Families Coerebidse, Tanagridse, Icteridse and Scolopacidae 106 Lea, I. Description of a new Genus of the Family Melanidse 2 Description of eleven new species of Indigenous Melanidse 3 Description of Planorbis Newberryi 5 Descriptions of six new species of Unionidse from Lake Nyassa, Central Africa 108 Descriptions of six new species of Succinea 109 Descriptions of thirteen new species of Melanidse Ill Description of a new species of Pbnorbis Ill Descriptions of five new species of Lymnsea 113 Descriptions of two new species of Unionidse from South Africa 113 Descriptions of twenty-four new species of Physa of the United State's and Canada 114 New Unionidse, Melanidse, &c, chiefly from the United States 145 Descriptions of six new Western Asiatic Unionidse 285 March, W. T. Notes on the Birds of Jamaica. Part III 62 Stiinpson, Dr. Win. Descriptions of new marine Invertebrata from Pu- get's Sound 153 Tryon, Geo. W., Jr. Synonymy of the species of Strepomatidae. Part 2, 24 Part 3 92 Wincbell, Alex. Description of a Gar-Pike, supposed to be new 183 Wood, Dr. H. C. Descriptions of new species of North American Poly- desinidse 6 Descriptions of new species of North American Iulidae 10 Description of new Genera and Species of North American Mvriapoda.. 186 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 1864. January 5th. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Twenty members present. A letter was read from Thomas B. Wilson, M. D., Newark, Del., January 1, 1864, acknowledging his election as President of the Academy. The following was presented for publication : " The Crania of Colym- bus torquatus and C. Adamsii compared." By Elliott Coues, M. D, January 12th. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Thirty members present. The following were presented for publication : " Description of a New Genus of the Family Melanidse." " Descrip- tion of Eleven New Species of Melanidae," and " Description of Plan- orbis Newberryi." By Isaac Lea. " Thoughts on the Influence of Ether in the Solar System/' etc. By Alexander Wilcocks, M. D. " Descriptions of New Polydesmidae," and " Descriptions of New Iulidffi." By Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. On leave granted, Mr. Cassin presented the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : — Whereas, our eminent and highly-esteemed associate and President, Isaac Lea, LL. D., having declined being a candidate for re-election to the position of chief officer of this Academy, has retired there- from : — Resolved, That the Academy does hereby express its most grateful 1864.] 1 •5 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP sense of the entire faithfulness, impartiality, and eminent ability with which Dr. Lea performed the duties of President during the length- ened term of his incumbency. Resolved, That the thanks of this Academy be hereby tendered to Dr. Lea for his most valuable and important services in the capacity of President, and for his many other judicious and liberal favors and continued and successful exertions for the benefit of this Academy and for the advancement of the interests of Science in the United States. January \%th. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Eighteen members present. The following was presented for publication : — " Notes of Botanical Visits to the lower part of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Mary- land." By Win. M. Canby. January 2Qth. Arice-President Bridges in the Chair. Twenty-one members present. On report of the respective committees, the following were ordered to be published : — Description of a new Genus of the Family MELANIDiE. BY ISAAC LEA. Genus MESESCHIZA.* Testa fusiformis, imperforata. Apertura rhomboidea, inferne canaliculata. Labrum expansum, in medio excisum. Columella laevis, incurvata. Oper- culum corneum ad spiram pertinens. When I described the genus Trypanostoma,f I mentioned the importance of eliminating as many species as possible from the enormously-extended genus Melanin. The little shell which I now propose as a new genus has so distinct a character in the incision of the middle of the outer lip, as to mark perfectly its place in the Melanidse of the United States. It differs entirely in the cha- racter of the cut from that in Sckizostorua, which has, in all the many species I have seen, a more or less deep incision immediately under the suture. The living soft parts have not yet been observed. They may, when examined, prove to have some characteristics quite different from Schizostoma. Meseschiza Grosvenorii. — Testa laevi, fusiformi, tenui, obtuse conica, vel ipurpureA vel vittata ; spira obtuse conica ; suturis leviter impressis ; anfracti- bus instar septenis, vix convixis ; apertura, magna, rhomboidea, intus plerum- que vittatd ; labro acuto, in medio leviter exciso ; columella parum iucrassata et contortft. * Mw», cx'&i central fissure. f Journal ot the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. v. p. 268, and " Obser- vations," vol. ix. p. 90. [Jan. ! NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 3 Operculum ovate, light-brown, rather thin, having several volutions, and with the polar point well removed from the left margin. II ib. — Wabash River, Indiana, H. C. Grosvenor. Remarks. — I have thirtejn specimens of this remarkable shell. Eight of them have a well-defined though delicate notch on the edge at or near to the peri- phery of the last whorl. Five of the specimens hava no notch, which pro- bably arises in four of them from not being full grown, and in one from having the thin, delicate edge broken off. In all the specimens there is a light line under the sutures, and some have six or seven brown bands, which are dis- tinctly seen on the inside. The channel at the base is small but well defined. In outline, this species reminds oae of GoniobasU Vauxiana (nobis) and Mela- nin (Goniobasis) germana, Anth. It is a thinner shell than either, and the notch in the lip removes it from that genus. The aperture is about one-half the length of the shell. I have great pleasure in uaming this species after Mr. Grosvenor, to whom I am greatly indebted for miny of our Western Mollusca. Descriptions of eleven new Species of Indigenous MELANIDJE. BY ISAAC LEA. Goniobasis Emeryhnsis.* — Testa, plicata, subfusiformi, subtenui, tenebroso- oliva,. evittatj, ; spira, obtuse conoidea ; suturis irregulariter impresses; an- fraciibus instar senis, planula-tis, superne plicatis ; apertura. grandiuscuhi, subovata, intus cseruleo-alba; labro acuto, leviter sinuoso ; columella inferne parum incrassn.ta, et contorta. Operculum ovate, dark- brown, with polar point near to the base. Hab.— Rocky Creek, head branch of Emery Run, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Goniobasis umbonata. — Testa nodulata, subfusiformi, subcrassa, obsolete vittata, tenebroso-oliva ; spira valde obtu=>a ; suturis valde impressis ; an- fractibus irregulariter umbonatis, subsuturis tumidis, ultimo pergrandi ; aper- tura pergrandi, subelliptica ; labro acuto, leviter sinuoso ; columella superne iucrassata, inferne subsinuosa. Hab. — Smith's Shoals, Cumberland River, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon U. S. E. Remarks. — This is the fourth species of a natural group which I have de- scribed, and which have a large ear-shaped aperture, — viz.: Melania [Gonio- basis) basalis, Midas, gibberosa and now umbonata. If they be not entitled to a generic place, they may at least be considered a subgenus, for which I propose the name of Eurycxlon, from Kugoc, amplus, and Kctxcv, cavilas, — the aperture being larger than in the Melanidse generally. All the species of Eurycie- lon have a callus on the columella above, but not below, as in Lithasia, and the base is more or less angular, which is not the case with Anculosa. Those which we have considered as varieties of Anculosa preerosa, Say, which have an angular base, properly belong, I think, to Eurycxlon as well also Anthonyi, Redfield, turbinata, and tintinnabulum (nobis), and some others. When the * In my paper on New Melanidse. of the United States, published in the Proceedings of the Academy, in 1S61, and more at large in the Journal, vol. v. and in my Observations, vol. ix. I used the names of blanda and Vanuxe.mii for two new Goniobasi. Haviug used both names before as Metanise, which now come under the genus Goniobasis, I propose to change blanda into versa and Vanuxemii into Presloniana, the former, Vanuxemii, having been found at Col. Pres- ton's salt works in Western Virginia. Mr. Raeve having published in his "Conchologia Iconica" Melania (Goniobasis) Canbyi (nobis) under the name of •' Etowaliensis, Lea." prior to my publication of it. the name of Etowahensit must be retained for that species. I therefore transfer the name of Canbyi to the speeits which i subsequently published as Etowahensis in the Jour. Acad. Nat. Sfci., vol. v. and" Observations " vol. ix. pi. 37, fig. 133. 1834.] 4 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP soft parts of the four species mentioned first shall be examined, they will, I think, be found to differ from Goniobasis, Trypanosoma and Lithasia, to which genera they seem nearest allied. The operculum of the only one I have seen, ffibberosa, — is the same as Goniobasis and the Melanidse generally. Goniobasis Albanyensis. — Testa granulata, conicS,, subtenui, luteo-olivacea ; epira subelevata ; suturis irregulariter impressis ; anfractibus instar senis, planulatis, superne iuterdum plicatis, inferne striatis ; apertura, grandiuscula, ovata, intus albida ; labro acuto, vix siuuoso ; columella aliquantd inflecta et contorta,. Operculum subrotund, light-brown, very thin, polar point on the left, near the middle. Hab. — Near Albany and Blue Springs, Baker County, Georgia, Rev. G. White. Goniobasis yiiudostriatis. — Testa virido-striata, fusiformi, subtenui, luteo- olivacea, ; spira, obtuso-conica, ; suturis irregulariter impressis ; anfractibus instar quinis, convexiusculis, superne granulatis, inferne striatis ; apertura parviuscula, ovata, intus vittata ; labro acuto, vix sinuoso; columella aliquantd inflecta et contortd. Operculum subrotund, very small, very thin, light-brown, with the polar point on the left near the middle. Hab. — Flint River, Georgia, Bishop Elliott and Mr. Gesner. Trypanostoma subrobpstum. — Testa laevi, pyramidata,, tenebroso-cornea, crassa ; spirit pyramidata, elevata ; suturis impressis ; anfractibus instar no- venis, planulatis; apertura, parva, rhomboidea; labro acuto, valde sinuoso; columella incrassata et valde contorta. Operculum ovate, dark-brown, with polar point near the base of the left side. Hab. — Holston River at Knoxville, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Trypanostoma Roanense. — Testa, laevi, obtuso-conica, crassa, vittata vel evittata ; spira obtusa ; suturis impressis ; anfractibus planulatis, subsuturis tumidis ; apertura parviuscula, rhomboidea ; labro acuto, sinuoso ; columella albida, incrassata et valde contorta. Hab. — Roane County, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Trypanostoma Lesleyi. — Testa tuberculata, pyramidata, tenebroso-corne& ; spira, elevata ; suturis irregulariter impressis ; anfractibus instar octonis, sub- impressis ; apertura parviuscula, rhomboidea, intus albida, interdum vittata; labro acuto, valde sinuoso ; columella incrassata. Operculum ovate, dark-brown, rather thin, with the polar point near the base. Hab. — East Tennessee, Prof. Troost. Smith's Shoals, Cumberland River, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. ; and Pulaski Co., Kentucky, Joseph Lesley, C. E. Trypanostoma affine. — Testa, canaliculate, pyramidata, cornea; epira valde elevata ; suturis irregulariter impressis ; anfractibus instar novenis, canaliculars, supra, planulatis ; apertura rhomboidea, intus albida vel vit- tata, ; labro acuto, sigmoideo ; columella incrassata et valde contorta. Hab. — Smith's Shoals, Cumberland River, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Trypanostoma cylixdraceom. — Testa, laevi, cylindracea, subcrassa, vittata vel evittata ; spira subelevata ; suturis irregulariter impressis ; anfractibus planulatis, leviter impressis, subsuturis tumidis ; apertura, parviuscula, rhom- boidea ; labro acuto, aliquantd sinuoso; columella incrassata, incurvata, et contorta. Hab. — Roane County, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Trypanostoma carinatom. — Testa carinata,, acuto-conica, rufo corned, tenui [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 5 diapbana ; spira acuto-conica, mucronata. ; suturis valde impressis ; anfracti- bus instar novenis, carinatis, superne striatis; apertura. parviuscula, rhoni- boidea, ; labro acuto, sinuoso ; columella aliquanto incrassata et contorta. Hub.— Bull Run, tributary to Clinch River, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Strephobasis Lyonii. — Testa l&3vi, subcylindracea,, crassa, tenebroso-cornea vel oliva, raro vittata; spira obtuso-couica; suturis impressis; anf'ractibus octonis, convexiusculis ; apertura subconstricta, rhomboidea, intus albida, raro vittata j labro acuto, aliquanto sinuoso; columella interne incrassata, ad basim canaliculata, et retrorsa. Hab. — Holston River at Knoxville, E. Tennessee, Major S. S. Lyon, U. S. E. Description of and Bemarks on PLANORBIS NEWBERRYI. BY ISAAC LEA. Planorbis Newberryi. — Testa pallido-cornea; depresso-turrita, minutissime striata, superne et inferne acuto-carinatu,, late et profundite umbilicata, ; an- fractibus quiuis, superne planulatis ; apertura magna, pallido-cornea, sub- triangulari. Shell pale horn-color, slightly turrited, very finely striate, sharply carinate above and below, widely and deeply umbilicate, whorls five, flattened above ; aperture large, pale horn-color and subtriangular. Planorbis Newberryi, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., 1858, p. 41. Hab. — Klamath Lake and Canoe Creek, California, J. S. Newberry, M. D. My cabinet and cabinets of Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Newberry. Diam. *55, Length -42 of an inch. Remarks. — This is a very remarkable shell, and I have placed it among the Planorbes until the soft parts may be observed in a living state ; they may be found to differ from the true Planorbes* Some specimens preserved in alco- hol have been carefully examined, but the parts are so rigid that it could not be satisfactorily done. The tentacula do not, however, seem to be so long as is usual in the Planorbes. The epidermis is very thin on the upper part of the whorls, and the striae there are backwards in curves, and on the lower part slightly forwards. The upper carina forms an acute angle, the edge being cord like ; the lower one is still more acute. In most of the specimens there are two obscure carinations on the whorls between the acute ones. The um- bilical region is very remarkable, the perforation extending to the apex of the slightly elevated spire, the apex itself being frequently wanting, owing to corrosion occasioned by the attacks of some small enemy eating into the sub- stance of the hard part. The upper angle of the whorls is elevated slightly above the plane of the whorls, thus forming a Babylonic appearance. This gives the shell the appearance of some forms of the Trochi. This very curious and interesting species is among the MoHusca brought by J. S. Newberry, M. D., attached to the Pacific Railroad Survey under the com- mand of Lieut. R. S.Williamson, U. S. A., and I have great pleasure in dedicat- ing it to Dr. Newberry, who has done so much to elucidate the Natural History of California and Oregon, when on these expeditions so creditable to the Government. * Provisionally it may be called Megasystropha, from Mtya, magnus, and i, vortex, — the umbilicus being large and vortex like. 1864.] 6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Descriptions of New Species of NORTH AMERICAN POLYDESMID.E. BY DR. H. C. WOOD, JR. Genus POLYDESMUS. Subgenus FONTARIA. P. TRIMACULATDS. P. saturate rubro-brnnneus ; scutis postice fulvo trimaculatis, corrugatis ; antennis ultirais pilosis; pedibus dilute fulvis ; appendicibus genitalibus mas- culis niaximis, crassibus, ultimis obtuse rotuudatis, spina terruinali gracilliraa, enormiter convoluta. The color of tbis species is a dark reddish brown. Each scutum has on the posterior portion of its lateral lamina a bright yellow or orange spot, and a blotch of the same tint on the median portion of its posterior border. Occa- sionally this is so prolonged as almost to give the idea of a continuous trans- verse band. The first scutum has two central markings, situated the one on its anterior, and the other on its posterior border. These are so shaped and joined together as to suggest the idea of an hour-glass. The anal scutum is triangular and somewhat elongate. It is yellow, but has a dark spot on each side, and its truncate apex is tipped with brown. The head is chestnut brown. Its vertex is deeply canaliculate, and its inferior lip distinctly emarginate, and fringed with hairs. The antennae are light brown, slender, and not at all cla- vate. The feet are light yellow, with their distal portion somewhat pilose and occasionally tipped with brown. The male genital appendages are very large and robust. Their terminal spine is simple, long, slender, and irregularly bent upon itself. They are also furnished with a small nearly straight spinule, placed proximally as to the terminal. The female genitals are very short, thick and bulbous. On one side of each there is an opening, with two pro- jecting plates separated from one another by a linear orifice. I have seen a male and female, which were collected by Mr. E. D. Cope in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. They are about two inches long. P. CORRUGATUS. P. atro-castaneus, scutis fulvo postice marginatis ; laminis lateralibus fulvis, latissimis, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis modice acutis : scuto anale tri- angulare, elongato, postico fulvo, apice truncato; appendicibus genitalibus masculis maxirnis, spinulo laterale robusto subbreve vix curvato armatis ; spina terminale maxima, robusta, compressa, tortuosa, spinulo basale armata. The color of the perfect animal is a chestnut black, rarely reddish chestnut, with a moderately broad margin of fulvous [in alcoholic specimens] on each scutum. This band may be red during life. The scuta; beautifully po- lished to the naked eye, the microscope shows to be obsoletely wrinkled. Very many of these wrinkles are longitudinal. The head is of the same color as the body ; medianly it is distinctly sulcate ; inferiorly it is broadly and rather deeply emarginate. The scutal side plates are fulvous above and be- low. Their anterior angles are rounded, their posterior more or less acute, and in the hinder ones prolonged. The under surface of the body is of a light yellow. The male genital appendages are very large and robust. They have a short, slightly crooked spinule attached and lying close to their side. The terminal spine is irregularly spiral, and has near its base a curved spinule. At the point of its origin is a tuft of bristly hairs. Each female genital appen- dage is chiefly composed of a short, almost globular, process, in one side of which there exists a large opening. This process is scarcely at all pilose. Through the side opening projects a pair of large, thick plates, fitting together somewhat in the manner of bivalve shells. These nearly equal in height the main process. The spine on the second joint of the feet is robust, but acute. The whole animal is about one and a half inches in length. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 7 Hab. — Michigan ; Prof. Miles. Trenton Falls, New York ; Mu3. Comp. Zoology, D. Mack. P. BIPIDDS. P. rubro castaneus, segmentis et antice et postice late fulvo-marginatis, la- minis lateralibus dilute fulvis ; scuto anale triangulare, apice truncato et de- curvato ; appendicibus genitalibus masculis elongatis, pilosis ; spina terminale gracillima, proxima cylindracea, ultima bifida et noanihil abrupte curvata, spinulo basale gracillimo parvo armata. All of my specimens have been preserved for a length of time in alcohol, so that the description of color is not as accurate as it should be. The anterior aspect of the head is much lighter than the vertex, which is mediauly strongly canaliculate. The antennae are dilute fulvous, are rather longer than in P. virginiemis, and are distally, sparsely and shortly pilose. The spicules on the distal ends of the first and second joints of the long and slender feet are robust, but are often obsolete anteriorly. The terminal scutum has several punctae closely resembling pores. The preanal scale is triangular; it has two little elevations surmounted by a punctum. The male genital appendages are elongate. Their terminal spine is very slender and cylindrical in its prox- imal portion ; distally it is bifid and strongly curved. It is ornated with a very slender curved basal spinule. Hab. — Georgia; Museum of Comp. Zoology, Dr. LeConte. Texas; Collection of Smithsonian, G. Wurdeman. P. CRASSICUTIS. P. maximus, robustus; scutis enormiter subrude punctatis; appendicibus genitalibus masculis, singula spinis quatuor armata ; duobus magnis, parvis duobus. The color of all the specimens is light testaceous ; with, in many, a dark dor- sal line. It is very possible that the alcohol, in which they have been long preserved, may have destroyed the original color. The animal is very large and robust, and has its outer armor and side plates very heavy. The head on its upper surface has a distinct median furrow, and on its lower a broadly lineal, oblique depression on each side. The inferior margin is rather broadly and deeply emarginate. The lateral lamina are rather short. The female genital appendages are a pair of small, pyramidal, pilose bodies, whose apices are split into three or four very minute mameloid processes. The male organs are large, and distally very hairy. They are each armed with two large and two small spines. The longer and' more slender of the former at its proximal portion is bent rather abruptly at right angles to itself, but i3 nearly straight afterwards. The more robust is pretty straight, save at its dis- tal extremity, where it is abruptly bent at right angles to itself. It is armed with several very slender spinules, and has one edge distantly and obsoletely denticulate. Of the smaller spines, one is short and blunt ; the other much longer, sharp, slender and falciform. The last scutum is triangular, and has its apex truncate and very slightly decurvate. The preanal scale is semi- orbicular. Length, 2 to 3 inches. Hab. — Mississippi. Museum of Smithsonian. Subgenus POLYDESMUS. P. HISPIDIPES. P. saturate olivaceo-brunneus, immaculatus; dorso nonnihil convexo ; scuto anale triangulare longe pilose, apice truncato et decurvato ; pedibus hispidis ; appendicibus masculis genitalibus brevibus, robustis, spina terminale modica, ultima abrupte curvata, dense pilosa. The color is darker than in P. erythropygus. The side plates are rather 1864.] 8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF short, with their edges ranch thickened. The head has its vertex strongly canaliculate. Its anterior face is marked with two small punctiform impres- sions. The lower border is not very strongly emarginate, and is set with a fringe of short thick hairs. The antennae are mostly dark colored, scarcely at all clavate and coarsely pubescent. The feet are rough, with closely set, stiff hairs. The anal scutum is prolonged posteriorly, so as to come almost to a blunt point. The genital appendages in the male are short and thick. Their terminal spine is slightly curved at its base, thence is nearly straight, save at its distal extremity, where it is abruptly curved, becoming nearly horizontal. It is beset with very numerous long hairs. We have examined them in eighteen spe- cimens, and found them to agree perfectly. The female genital appendages consist of a pair of short, conoidal, very pilose processes, which have an opening along their inner edge. Length one inch and an eighth. JIab.— Illinois. Smithsonian Coll. R. Kennicott. Var. ? P. laete castaneus, fulvo vel rubro macnlatus, linea nigra dorsali or- natus; lamiuis lateralibus marginibus rubris vel fulvis. _ _ _ This is possibly a distinct species, but as I have seen but a very few indivi- duals, and the male genital appendages do not differ from those of P. hispidipes, I prefer not risking a synonym. Whether the spots are yellowish or red in the living animal, the length of time our individuals have been preserved in alcohol precludes me from deciding. The spots are sometimes arranged regularly — two large ones on each side ot the mesial line, and a row of small ones on the posterior border. JIab. — Illinois. Smithsonian Coll. R. Kennicott. Subgenus STENONIA. P. CERASINUS. P. dilute cerasinus ; dorso complanato ; antennis modicis pubescentibus, nonnihil clavatis, nonnihil brevibus; scutis squamis obsoletis ornatis, margin- ibus lateralibus serratis ; appendici genitali masculas spina terminale lata, oblique truncata, utrinque processu longo setaceo curvato instructa. The head has the median furrow on its vertex illy pronounced. The ante- rior face is sparsely pilose, and has its lower margin broadly but shallowly emarginate. The scuta have a double row of scales, obsolete but otherwise similar to those of the following species. Sometimes these are entirely lost. The lateral margins of the side plates are rounded slightly and minutely serru- late. They seldom have more than three serratures on each side. The ter- minal scutum is triangular, with its obtuse apex bent downwards. It is sparsely pilose. The legs are quite hairy, and light colored. Their second joint is tumid. The genital appendages in the male are peculiar. The termi- nal spines are broad and short, and superiorly very obliquely truncated, with two small hamular processes. On each side a long, seta-like process springs from the base. The outer, much the longer of the two, throws an arch entire- ly over the short spines. The inner is straighter. They both have one or two thorn-like excrescences. //a6. — Oregon. Museum of Smithsonian Institution. Subgenus STRONGYLOSOMA. P. ERUCA. P. brunneus ? robustus ; antennis brevibus, pilosis, baud clavatis ; scutis subrude punctatis ; pedibus parvis, gracillibus, modice hirsutis. Judging from our badly preserved alcoholic specimens, the color of this spe- cies is reddish brown, with the side plates a lighter color. The body is very robust The head has a median furrow on its vertex, and its lower border emarginate. The side plates have but the posterior angles, which are acute. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 9 The scuta appear to have a narrow edging of black posteriorly. The terminal scutum is subtriangular, very prolonged and very thick posteriorly. We have never had an opportunity of examining the male genital organs. Ihose of the female are very pilose, and are formed of two portions. They are contracted at their bases, and expanded above, somewhat as a reversed flattened cone. The basal piece is thicker, and less hairy than the other. The distal piece is set into it, and has along the free extremity an opeuing. Hab. — Oregon. Museum of the Smithsonian. Subgenus LEPTODESMUS. P. PLACIDUS. P. olivaceo-brunneus, scutis plerumque nigro vittatis ; laminis lateralibus parvis, dilute brunneis ; pedibus saturate olivaceis ; sternis dilute brunneis ; appendicibus genitalibus masculis, valde elongatis ; spiua terminale magna, in spiram ducta et spinulo basali longissimo falciforme et altero laterale breve robusto instructa, margine partim acute serrato, partim integro. The head is dark colored. Besides its median furrow, it is also ornamented with a pair of sometimes illy pronounced punctae on each side of the ver- tex. Its inferior border is rather broadly emarginate. The antennae are elongate, dark brown, and tipped with black. The anal scutum agrees with the others in color. It is triangular, with its apex truncate, obscurely emar- ginate and decurvate. The male genital appendages are strikingly elongate. The terminal spine is nearly black. It is bent spirafly on itself, but after per- forming a little more than an entire turn is nearly horizontal for some length. It is flattened, with its superior surface somewhat umbonate. It ends in a thick, blunt, spine-like process. The proximal portion of the anterior margin is acutely serrate. From the edge projects a short thorn-like spinule, and from the base a long, slender falciform spine. Length, one and a quarter inches. Hab. — Michigan. Prof. Miles. P. floridus, var. ? P. atro-castaneus ; scutisj>ostice rubro-aurantiaco marginatis ; laminis later- alibus parvis, laete rubro-aurantiacis ; appendicibus genitalibus, masculis P. placidi illis similibus. The head is lighter colored than the body. It is medianly canaliculate, with a pair of punctations on each side of its vertex. Its inferior border is broadly emarginate. The antennae are rather long and slender, very slightly clavate, light brown, and distally tipped with black. The scuta are smooth, beautifully polished, and not corrugate. The side plates are distant, quite small, and nearly horizontal. Their anterior angles are rounded. The anal scutum is prolonged, and is sometimes wholly, sometimes partially orange. It is triangular, with its apex truncate and slightly emarginate, and its sides curved. It projects posteriorly, and is bent downwards. The feet are cylin- drical, yellow, and somewhat pilose. The male genital appendages resemble those of P. placidus, except in color. They are yellowish. Those of the female consist of a pair of short, blunt processes. Each of these has a basal portion into which is set a short somewhat flattened body, with an obscure linear opening traversing its distai surface. From the junction of these two parts springs a heavy fringe of long, coarse hair. P. floridus is very possibly a distinct spe- cies from F. placidus. I have seen but a single individual of the latter. The general appearance of the two is so dissimilar, as to incline me to the be- lief of their distinctness. But they agree well as to their genitalia, and a suite of specimens might show their identity. Length one and a quarter inches. Hab. — Michigan. Prof. Miles. 1864.] 10 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF P. HAYDENIANUS. P. olivaceo-castaneus ; antennis modicis, sparse pilosis, ultimis nigris ; lami- nis lateralibus luteis ; appendicibus genitalibus masculis hirsutis et processu lato breve et spinis duobus armatis ; spina terminale modice robusta, valde curvata. Judging from an alcholic specimen, the color of this animal is an olive chest- nut, with the fide plates yellowish, and the posterior portions of the scuta much lighter than the anterior. The head is bright chestnut, and is orna- mented with a median furrow on its vertex, and a pair of impressed dots on each side of its face. Its inferior border is medianly moderately emarginate. The margins of the side plates are somewhat thickened. The anal scutum is yel- lowish, small, subtriangular, and distinctly emarginate posteriorly. The feet are very slender, and are shortly pilose. The femora of the hinder ones are armed with a small spine on their distal extremity. The male genital append- ages are small, and are hairy at the base. They are armed with a broad, ob- tuse, spinous process, and a slender curved spine besides the terminal. The latter is robust, and is bent with a double curve, that is anteriorly and lateral- ly. I have dedicated this species to my friend, Dr. Hayden, whose name is inseparably connected with the far West. Hub. — Oregon. Museum of the Smithsonian. Descriptions of New Species of North American ITJLID2E. BY DR. H. C. WOOD, JR. Genus IULUS. I. VENUSTUS. I. rubro-castaneus, linea dorsale nigra et maculae nigra? seriebus lateralibus (interdum obsoletis) ornatus ; antennis longis, filiformibus, pilosis, baud cla- vatis ; scutorum lateribus canalicnlatis ; segmentis 52 ; mucrone parvo. The general color of this species is reddish chestnut ; frequently the red predominates so much that the individual is rea^y flesh-colored, but occa- sionally the chestnut overcomes the other tint. The dorsal stripe is generally very distinct, especially on the posterior portion of the scuta. The eyes are triangular, and are connected by a dark band, which is often rather obscure. The anterior cephalic aspect is long and narrow, with its sides converging in- feriorly. Its inferior border is fringed with a double row of short, distant hairs, and is medianly deeply emarginate and 2 — 4 dentate. The scuta are ornamented, rarely with a white blotch on each side of the mesial line, but generally with two lateral black dots. The first scutum in the female has the anterior margin oblique as to the main axis of the body, and is prolonged laterally so as to form processes, mostly canaliculate, with a rounded border. In the male the anterior margin is at right angles to the axis of the body, and the lateral parallel to it, so that there are no processes. The male genital appendages consist of two main portions on each side. The outer and more conspicuous of these is formed of a thin, very irregular plate, from whose base springs a short, clavate, cylindrical, distally pilose process. The inner portion is composed of a long, very slender, almost setiform process, and a shorter straighter one. The former at its base is bent at right angles to itself ; and distally it is somewhat spirally arched over the other. The female genital appendages consist of two broad, robust, pilose processes, with a pair of very slender, almost filiform, feet like bodies, springing from their conjunction and equalling them in length. The major portion of each appendage is composed of a single plate. This is folded on itself, so as to constitute an irregular, flattened cylinder, which is open at its end, and along [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 11 the outer edge. It presents on one aspect an unbroken, tolerably regular surface, but on the other is proximally abbreviated. Through the opening thus afforded projects a pair of subcircular, somewhat globose plates, fitting together much as the shells of a bivalve. Length, 2 inches. Hab. — Illinois. Smithsonian Institution. R. Kennicott. In the same collection we have seen a male lulus very closely resembling the former, but differing so much in its genital appendages, that it probably represents a distinct species. The outer of the two parts, forming each geni- tal appendages, consists of a thin, flat, crooked, very irregular process, and a shorter, robust, pilose and strongly clavate one. The former, proximally, is quite broad, and narrows from the base, but distally is but at a right angle to itself, and is rapidly contracted, so as to terminate in a nearly cylin- drical crooked point. The main process of the inner portion is somewhat cylindrical proximally, but is distally expanded. At first bent at a right angle to itself, it next has the swan-neck curve, and is then bent at an acute angle to itself to be straight the remainder of its length. At this augle there is a minute sharp spine. Shielded, as it were, by this process, there is another, very slender and acute. I. PILOSISCDTA. T. castaneo-brunneus maculae nigrae (interdum obsoletae) seriebus laterali- bus ornatus ; antennis longe pubescentibus ; capitis margine antico modice emarginato, denticulato ; segmentis 58; mucrone parvissimo ; scutis pilosis singulo punctae sejuncta? serie impresso. The color of this species is a chestnut brown, sometimes mottled with light brown. The anterior aspect is beautifully but irregularly areolated with the latter color. The antennae are moderately long, and have their dark joints tipped with white. Their is a pair of coarse punctations on the vertex. Each scutum has a series of distinct punctations extending entirely around it ; from these dots proceed little channels, obsolete on the fore-part of the body, but gradually becoming strongly pronounced. The anterior portion of the body is sparsely, but tli^ posterior densely, pilose. The anal scales are very rough. We have never seen a male. Neither can we give a detailed account of the female genital appendages, but one portion of them consists of a pair of short, subcylindrical, rather robust and distally clavate processes. Hub. — Susquehanna Co., .Pennsylvania. E. D. Cope, Esq. I. OREGON ENSIS. I. laete castaneus, albido-brunneo annulatus, etlinea dorsale nigra et maculae nigrae seriebus lateralibus ornatus ; antennis filiformibus, longis, pilosis, sub- clavatis ; capitis margine antico valde emarginato, denticulato ; segmentis 44 — 45 : scutorum lateribus canaliculars ; mucrone parvo, robusto ; squama preanali triangulare. The color of this elegant species is a bright chestnut, ornamented with. rings of a very light brown and a dorsal black line, as well as a black spot on the side of each scutum. In some individuals there is on the anterior por- tion of the first scutum, a black crescentic blotch, and on the posterior a border of the same tint. The anterior aspect of the vertex is long and nar- row and deeply emarginate interiorly, where it is denticulate and fringed with two rows of distant hairs. The eyes are somewhat elliptical, and are connected by an illy defined black band. The posterior portion of the body is not pubescent. The outer piece of the male genital appendages is rather long, straight and somewhat clavate, and distally pilose. The inner process is large, and is formed of a plate so folded longitudinally as to form a groove on the inner edge. From the base of the genital appendage springs [Jan. 12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF a slender process, which soon bifurcates ; the more slender of the division is the longer. They both soon enter the groove, before spoken of, the shorter and more robust being distal as to the other, and emerging from the groove on the other side of the main process, whilst the longer comes out on the side it enters. The female genital appendages are composed of a broad, thin piece, from which arises a pair of filiform, feet-like processes, besides two other very robust ones. These last are sparsely pilose, and about as long as broad. They reach about to the base of the filiform bodies, and have a slit- like orifice in their summit. Length of body, two and a half inches. Hab. — Oregon. Smithsonian Museum. I. IMMACULATUS. I. saturate rubido-brunneus, baud maculatus ; antennis modice longis, fili- formibus, vix subclavtis, pilosis ; capitis margine antico modice emarginato ; segmentis 48 — 51 : scutis infra canaliculars ; mucrone modico, uucinato, ro- busto, acuto. The color of all our specimens is a very dark reddish brown, unrelieved by any other tint. On the vertex is a pair of coarse punctations, as in /. Cana- densis. The lateral processes of the first scutum in the female, although small, are somewhat canaliculate. The mucro is certainly smaller than that oil. Canadensis. The male genital appendages are composed of two part?. The outer of these consists of a somewhat clavate and pilose process, with a curiously folded and contorted plate on its inner side. The other portion is formed of a straight process, which has several minute, spine-like bodies on its free extremity, and is proximally suddenly contracted, and then expand somewhat, so as to give an appearance of emargination. From the base of this springs another, almost filamentous process. The female genital appendages consist of two bodies conjoined at their bases, and blunt at their free extremity. When viewed from one aspect, they appear cylindrical, but from the other, flattened or even concave ; oppo- site to the latter face there is a broad, irregular piece, which has its free extre- mity scolloped. Hab.— Catskill Mountains, N. Y. Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. I. CANALICULARS. I. brunneus, interdum creruleo tinctus ; antennis filiform ibus, pilosis, non- nihil clavatis ; segmentis 51 ; scutis supra et infra arete canaliculatis, singulo pilorum longorum distantium serie unica instructo ; mucrone longo, recto ; squamis analibus longe pilosis ; squama preanali triangula, acuminata. The color of this species is a dark brown, with sometimes a bluish tint, and very gradually mottled with light brown. The triangular eyes are connected by an obscure black band. The labial margin is broadly emargiuate, and is furnished with two or three denticules, as well as a double row of distant rigid hairs. The joints of the antennae are tipped with white. The first scu- tum is, in the female, slightly prolonged laterally, where it is rounded off; on its anterior surface there is a dark somewhat crescentic blotch. The anterior of the two subscuta, forming each scutum, is closely and deeply canaliculate through its whole circumference ; it is broader than the posterior, and very slightly elevated, so as to give the body somewhat of a moniliform appear- ance. The ring of hairs surrounding each scutum is frequently imperfect ; it may be from the handling of the specimen. The posterior subscutum is smooth above, and distantly and shallowly canaliculate below. The posteri- or portion of the body is very pilose. I have never seen a male. Length, one and a half inches. Hab. — Chester Co., Pennsylvania. Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 13 I. LAQUEAT0S. I. brunneus, interdum caeruleo tinctus ; antennis filiformibus, pilosis, nonnihil clavatis ; segmentis 49 ; scutis et supra et infra valde aroteque cana- liculatis ; mucrone loiigo et recto ; squama preanali triangula, vix acuminata. The color of this species is brown, sometimes bluish, mottled, almost areo- lated, with light brown. The eyes are triangular, and are united by a dark band. The head has its anterior margin broadly emarginate, denticulate and furnished with two rows of distant rigid hairs. The antennae have their prox- imal joints nearly cylindrical, and are light colored, with their articles indis- tinctly tipped with white. The first scutum has rather small lateral processes, and is ornamented on its anterior border with a dark band. The anterior subscutum is deeply and closely canaliculate over the whole of its surface. The anal scales are furnished with a series of long hairs along their valvular margin. The posterior portion is generally adorned with a very few scattered hairs, hut I have never seen it pilose. Length, three-quarters of an inch. This species differs from /. canaliculatus in its smaller size — the absence of hairs on the anterior, and their paucity on the posterior portion of the body, and in the mucro being larger in proportion to the rest of the animal. Yet they may possibly prove to be the young of that species. Hab — Chester Co., Pennsylvania. Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. I. Milesii. I. saturate brunneus ; antennis filiformibus, longis, pilosis, clavatis ; scutis infra arete et valde, supra interdum obsolete, canaliculatis ; segmentis 33 ; mucrone nullo. The color of this species is a very dark, almost black brown ; but the ante- rior portion of the body, and especially the head, is lighter. The antennae are very pilose, and quite strongly clavate. The eyes are connected together by a black band. The anterior scuta have their lateral surfaces closely and deeply canaliculate, but are almost smooth on their ucper surface. The pos- terior are everywhere deeply channeled, although more so below than above. There are a few hairs on the anal scales. The anal scutum is not mucro- nate. It affords me pleasure to dedicate this species to Prof. Miles, who is laboring so assiduously and successfully to develop the zoology of Michigan. Hab. — Michigan. Col. State Agricultural College. Prof. Miles. I. CINEREFROXS. I. brunneus, cinereo annulatus ; capitis snperficia antica cinerea ; mucrone nullo, squama preanali triangula, haud acuminata. The color of this species is dark brown. The anterior surface of the head is an obscure gray color, with a dark band inferiorly. There is between the upper and anterior surface of the head a well marked angle, almost an ele- vated ridge. The lower margin is fringed with a few hairs, and is emarginate and armed with a few denticules. The triangular eyes are connected by a distinct, impressed line. On the upper portion of the anterior surface of the head are two round, light dots surrounded by a darker tint. The antennae are wanting in the only specimen, a female, that I have seen, which is so mutilated that I cannot say certainly of how many segments it was composed ; the number, however, was probably either 34 or 45. The first scutum has very small, lateral processes. It is light brown, bordered with a dark band, edged with a grayish tint. The anterior portion of the body is of a lighter shade than the posterior, and has the grayish annuli more distinctly pro- nounced. The anal scutum is not raucronate. The anal 9cales are not pilose Hab.— -Oregon. Smithsonian Institution. 1864.] 14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP I. CSRUIiEO-CINCTUS. I. brunneus, saturate caeruleo annul atus ; segmentis 42 ; antennis parvis ; scutis infra et supra modice canaliculatis ; mucrone nullo. The color of this species is brown, with a dark, sometimes obsolete ring of blue to each segment, except the most anterior. The lower portion of the anterior surface of the head is light brown. The labial margin is scarcely eniargmate, but is rounded and fringed with rigid hairs. The eyes are ar- ranged in subtriangular patches, with their transverse diameter much the greater. They are connected by a black band, which is much broader in the middle than at the ends. The first scutum is large, with very small lateral processes even iu the female. There is on its anterior edge a very obscure light border, and a little posterior to this a black, more or less obsolete, band. The scuta are regularly, although rather lightly and distantly canaliculate over their whole surface. The last scutum is distinctly but minutely punc- tate, has its edge whitish, and is not at all mucronate. The anal scales are not at all pilose. The specimens from which this description are taken are in so bad a condition that I have hesitated to notice them. But probably the description will be found to be sufficiently accurate for the identification of the species. Length of body, about one and a half inches. I. HOETENSIS. I. brunneus, lateribus maculis nigris ornatis ; antennis modice brevibus, pilosis, filiformibus, clavatis ; segmentis 42; scutis arete canaliculatis et infra et supra ; mucrone nullo ; squama preanali triangula, apice rotundato. The general color of this species is rather dark brown in the adult. But when an individual is examined with a magnifier, it is seen to be beautifully areolated with light brown. In young specimens and adults, which have re- cently shed their exuviae, the color often verges on white, whilst the side spots are black, contrasting strongly with the general tint. The head is rather broad inferiorly, and has its lower margin shallowly emarginate, and distinctly though minutely denticulate. The triangular eyes are connected by a broad, dark band. The first scutum is ornamented on its anterior por- tion by a dark, transverse band. The lateral processes are almost wanting, even in the female. There is on each side a series of large, black dots, one to a scutum, commencing rather abruptly at about the 5th or 6th segment, and ending in the same way at about the 39th. The subscutum on which they are situated are scarcely canaliculate. The anal scutum is about equal in length to the two preceding it. Lengih half to 1 inch. Philadelphia. Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. I. VIRGATUS. I. saturate brunneus, dorso luteolo, medio linea nigra instructo, antennis modice longis, pilosis, clavatis ; segmentis 35 ; scutis copiose distincte canali- culatis ; mucrone subnullo ; squamis analibus sparse pilosis ; squama prea- nali lata, subtriangula, apice rotundato. The sides of the body are deep brown, almost black, whilst the dorsum ap- proaches a yellowish fawn color, and has a strongly pronounced, black, me- dian line. The lower margin of the head is broadly emarginate, denticulate, and fringed with a series of hairs. The anterior surface is mottled with light brown, and has a dark median band, terminating in a transverse one low down. The under surface of the body is light-colored, and is often somewhat areolated. There are some specimens whose pattern of coloration is light brown or fawn colored, with two lateral and one median dark stripe. Are these, individuals which have recently cast off their exuviae ? The eye-patches are somewhat parabolic. The joints of the antennae are obconical, dark co- [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 15 lored, and tipped with white. The lateral processes are small. The grooving of the scuta is in some specimens somewhat obsolete on the dorsum. The posterior scutum is light colored. I have never identified a male. Length, h to \ of an inch. Hub.— Philadelphia. Dr. Joseph Leidy, Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. Washington, D. C. F. W. Putnam, Coll. Museum Comp. Zoology. Genus SPIROBOLUS. S. SPINIGERUS. S. fulvus, maculis saturate viridis maximis ornatus ; capite minute punc- tato, infra punctorum magnorum serie instructo ; oculis suborbiculatis ; anten- nis longis ; segmentis 48 ; scutis leviter sparse punctatis ; squama preanali triangula. The color of this species is fulvous, often varying towards orange. On each scutum there is a large dark-green transverse crescentic blotch. This is often so wide superiorly as to involve the whole of the dorsum. In some individuals there are lateral series of white blotches, and occasionally a black line on each side. These are, however, not common. The head has a strongly pronounced median furrow, and is greenish superiorly. The eye spots are somewhat orbicular, with occasionally a tendency to become tetra- or polygonal. The antennae are longer than in S. marginatus. The scuta are not rough, and are very lightly or even obsoletely furrowed be- neath. The spines on the inferior surface of legs are very numerous and acute. The male genital appendages are formed of two main portions joined together, as in 5. marginatus. The large plate of the main process is broad. The upper border of its face has a wavy outline. Externally it is produeed into an alar portion, which ends in a blunt process at right angles to it. The inner piece is composed of a basilar and superior joint. The basilar is very long. The other is curved, and presents on one aspect a strongly convex, on the other a strongly concave surface. It ends in a blunt point, and is armed with a large blunt process and an acute spine. The female genital append- ages appear to consist on each side of a process deeply placed within the body— this is thin on its free margin, which is rounded, though some- what acuminate — below it is contracted and thickened. The three pairs of feet immediately in front of the genital aperture in the male have their coxae produced into long processes. These are often of a curious form, but do not seem constant in this. The fourth and even fifth coxae have small processes. Ilab. — Florida. South Carolina. Smithsonian Institution. S. UNCIGERUS. S. laete brunneus, saturate-rubido-brunneo annulatus ; capite sparse mi- nute punctato et corrugato, antico punctorum maximorum serie instructo ; segmentis 50 — 53 ; scutis supra et copiose punctatis et corrugatis ; squama anale triangu'a. The color of this species is a bright brown, with an annulus of dark red- dish brown on the posterior border of each segment. The head is distinctly medianly caualiculate, except in the centre, and has the row of dots on its anterior face as in S. marginutus, but is not as decidedly punctate elsewhere as in that species. The eyes are triangular. The antenna? closely resemble those of S. marginatus, but are, perhaps, rather shorter and more compressed. The first scutum is banded, both anteriorly and posteriorly. The lateral pro- cesses, even the female, are almost wanting. The second scutum is produced forwards as in S. marginatus. The male genital appendages are composed of a yoke-like piece and two outer parts, which it connects. The central piece may be described as formed by two plates (although but really one) meeting at 1864] 16 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF an angle in the centre and attached to the outer parts at their other extremi- ties. These outer articles are formed each as follows : First, There is a large plate which is bent around an inner basal piece, and is deeply notched laterally, but is produced anteriorly into a broad almost rudely punctate plate, and posteriorly into a short, slender process, terminating in an imperfect hook. This last process is sometimes obsolete. Second, Articulating with the inner basal piece, alluded to, there exists a large, strongly-curved, acute hook or claw, whose distal extremity is subcylindrical. The female genital appendages are small, and are composed on each side of a very thin plate and a process about a line in length, irregularly prismatic in shape proximally ; but distally excavated suddenly, so as to be flattened for the remainder of its course. Hah. — California. Smithsonian Institution. S. ANGDSTICEPS. S. niger, lateribus brunneo maculatis ; capitis superficie antica angusta, longa, supra nigra, infra albido-brunnea ; antennis ? ; segmentis 75 ; scutis et infra et supra distincte canaliculars ; squama anali triangula. The color of this species is black, with a brown band on the sides, in which is a black dot marking the position of the lateral pores. The lower portion of the head is very light-brown, and has its margin rather deeply emarginate. Along the posterior cephalic border is a somewhat crescentic area, which is nearly smooth and is medianly canaliculate, adjoining this the surface suddenly is rudely punctate, but gradually becomes smoother. The eyes are arranged in three transverse rows, the posterior being much the longer. The first scutum is copiously coarsely punctate, and is posteriorly slightly cana- liculate on the dorsum, but distinctly so on the sides. The lateral processes, even in the female, are very small, the second scutum being produced for- wards so as to abut on the head. The posterior subscuta are on the dorsum closely, rather deeply, and more or less obliquely canaliculate, but on the sides less distinctly and more distantly so. The anterior subscuta are very distantly and much more lightly and obliquely canaliculate, and are also more closely channeled below than above. The surface of the anal scutum is irregularly and minutely corrugate. We have seen but one specimen, — a female. The female genital appendages appear to consist of two conoidal bodies coalescing at their bases and united together towards their apices by a broad plate, so placed as to present towards them an inclined surface. Into the base of these pyramidal processes fit other somewhat prismatic bodies, with their thin edge formed of several pieces. Length A\ inches. Hab. — San Francisco. Smithsonian Institution. R. D. Cutts. Notes of Botanical Visits to the Lower Fart of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. BY WM. M. CANBY. The peninsula lying between Delaware and Chesapeake Bays has been al- most a terra incognita to botanists ; although, from its geographical position, and from the varied character of the country, embracing great variety of soil, salt and fresh water marshes and rivers, large swamps, and a considerable extent of coast, it might well be supposed to be a fine botanical district. In this expectation, the writer, (sometimes accompanied by botanical friends,) made.short visits to a few places in the counties of Sussex, in Delaware, and Worcester and Somerset, in Maryland, during the months of September and October last. Taking into account the lateness of the season and the limited [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 17 extent of country looked over, the result, as shown in the list below, is en- couraging, and leads to the belief that a more extensive exploration would yield further additions to the Northern Flora. When our knowledge of the botany of this peninsula becomes more perfect, an interesting comparison might be made of its Flora with that of the lower part of Illinois ; the plants of the Southern Mississippi Valley would probably be found creeping up into the latter, as those of the Southern coast, and Pine Barren region, do into the former. Of a considerable number of rare and interesting plants collected, only those not described in the " Manual " of Prof. Gray are given in the list below, with some observations on rare allied species. One or two, detected in locali- ties not in the district under consideration, are also given. Desmodium ochkoleucum, M. A. Curtis, in Herb. Gray. {Hedysarum humi- fusum, Ell. in Herb. Muhl. ): caule procumbente tereti hirsuto elongato ; foliolis ovatis aliquanto rhomboidiis reticulatis ; stipulis et bractiis ovatis acuminatis striatis ; tloribus ochroleucis ; lomentorum articulis, (| — £ pollicaribus, ) reticulatis ssepius contortis. In an open woodland, one mile south of "Public Landing," (on Chingo- teague Bay,) Worcester county, Maryland. Fl. Sept, 4. Fruit. Oct. 2. Stems many (6 to 10), 18 inches to 3 ft. long, spreading in every direction from the root, and, with the petioles and pedicels, quite hirsute with spread- ing hairs, as well as pubescent with shorter hooked ones. Flowers ochro- leucus ! Legume (always ?) much contorted. There is a specimen of this plant without flowers in Muhlenberg's herba- rium, sent by Elliott from South Carolina under the name of Hedysarum humifusum. The fruit on this presents the same twisted appearance as in all the Maryland specimens. This specimen is not in the general collection, but is contained in a special collection of the genus Hedysarum, which is accom- panied by a numbered list. In this, Elliott's plant is placed in a distinct paper, and far separated from Muhlenberg's humifusum ; the former being No. 19, the latter (in full), "No. 43 humifusum, Aug. 25, 27, 12"— (the latter number probably intended for the year 1812). Thus it would appear, that Muhlenberg, at the time of making up this monographic collection, con- sidered them distinct, as they certainly are. But afterwards, in his descrip- tion in the MSS., Plant. Amer. Sept., and in the printed work, he con- founds them, and in the latter the locality of Hedysarum humifusum is given, "Mass. to Penna. and Carolina." The last is to be excluded, as the species has been found only near* Waltham, Mass. (Bigelow) and Lancaster, Penna. Hydrocotyle vulgaris, L. ? — In a swamp one mile east of Snow Hill, Mary- land. Umbels, or rather verticils, two to five. Sept. to Oct. Hydrocotyle repanda, Pers. — A glabrate form, found in meadows border- ing Chingoteague Bay, Worcester county, Maryland. Oct. * The Mass. locality is now supposed to be destroyed. In Muhlenberg's MSS. in the library of the Academy, he gives the date of collection and locality of his plant, — viz., " Aug. 28, 12, (1812), upon Montgomery Island." This may be in the River Susquehanna. The attention of botanists in the neighborhood is requested to this point. The plant may yet be identified and specimens furnished from the original locality. The descriptions in Torrey and Gray, Gray's Manual, Ac, appear to be sufficient, except that the character, — stem angled or striated, — should be added to distinguish it from the round stem of D. ochroleucum. The three allied species may be thus compared: D. rotumdifolicm. — Stem hirsute and augled ; leaflets orbicular; bracts and stipules broadly ovate ; flowers purple ; joints of the legume large. D. humifusum. — Stem angled, nearly smooth ; loaflets ovate ; stipules and braots lanceolate ; flowers purple ; joints of the legume small. D. ocnioLEUouM — Stani terete, hirsute; leaflets ovate reticulated ; stipules aud bracts ovate acu minate; flowers ochroleucus ; joints of the twisted pod large. 1864.] 18 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Elbphantopps tomentosus, L. — Common in open woodlands from Milford, Delaware, southward. Sept., Oct. Pluchea bifrons, D.C. — Borders of a mill-pond near Salisbury, Somerset county, Md. Sept. Mentha aquatica, L. — Shores of Nanticoke River near Seaford, Delaware. Sept. Stems 3 to 4 feet long, decumbent, sending up erect flowering branches. Probably naturalized. Myosotis versicolor, Pers. — Naturalized near Wilmington, Delaware. June. Heliotrophjm Curassavicpm, L. — Shores of Chingoteague Bay. Doubtless indigenous. Alnus maritima, Muhl. ! in Herb, et Plant. Amer. Sept., MSS., vol. i. p. 193 ; Nutt., Sylva, vol. i. p. 34. Frequent in Sussex county, Delaware, and southward in Maryland. Flowering in September ! Specimens of this plant, consisting of small branches with leaves only, exist in the herbarium of Muhlenberg. In the Academy's herbarium there are specimens, collected by Dr. Pickering, with leaves and fruit. By last season's collections, the anomaly of a fall-flowering alder is brought to light. So singular a departure from the habit of the genus may well excite a doubt as to whether it is not a mere sport, or the precocious blooming of an ordinarily spring-flowering plant. Yet the observations made seem to preclude this idea. The plant was noticed at several stations over a range of fifty miles, and in the begin- ning of September was every where found in blossom. In going over much the same ground about the middle of the month, the sterile catkins had all fallen or withered ; and when again observed in the beginning of October, no preparation for spring flowering could be seen, although on A. serrulata the young catkins were already an inch long. Next season's observations will probably decide the question. This shrub, or small tree, attains the height of 16 to 18 feet, growing much like A. serrulata, but with a moie open habit, and with the bark lighter colored. The leaves are smooth and glossy, on longish petioles, not furrowed above, thick, and strongly veined beneath. Sterile catkins resembling those of A. incana, but the scales more glutinous. The glossy foliage and handsome sterile catkins (should they prove to be regularly produced in the fall), would make this a desirable shrub in lawns, &c Cephaloxys flabellata, Desv., (Juncus repens, Michx.) — Low grounds near Salisbury and Snow Hill, Md. Sept. Eleocharis simplex, Torr. — Common in low grounds in Sussex county, Dela- ware and in Maryland. Scirpus Canbyi, Gray, n. sp.* — In a small stream and mill-pond east of Salis- * Dr. Gray has kindly furnished the following: "Scirpcs Canbyi, sp. nov. — Culmo elato (3 — 5-pedali) folio praclongo eannliculato-triquetro Btipato interne obtuse trigono superne triquetro apiee ininvolucrum monophyllum pseudo-umbel- Um plurifloram longe superans desinente; umbella sossili dichotonio-composita; umbeUulis saepis- sime biradiatis involueellatis, radiis omnibus elongatis plerisque monostachyis ; spicis oblongis ; *quamis laxeimbricatis oblongo-ovatis acutiusculis dorso viridulis nervosis margiuibua late scari- osis pallidis ; setis perigynii 6 patnntim barbellatis achenium obovato-triquetrum subito rostella- tum paullo superantibus. " So distinct is this species that there is no other known to me with which it may be (.particularly compared, liy its mode of growth, triangular stem and erect one-leaved invo- lucre, appearing like a continuation of the naked stem, it would have to be referred to the section which contains »S'. pungens. But the radical leaf is remarkably developed; the greenish spikes (half an inch long) of a very different aspect, all on long and slender rays. ■ which come off in pairs (the first pair closely sessile at the base of the involucre) from the nodes of a zigzag rhachis, in the axil of a bract or involucel (the lowest of which resembles the .nvblucraa leaf only on a smaller scale, the others more reduced and scarious), and mostly accoiu- [J an. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 19 bury, Md., growing in water from six inches to two and a half feet deep. Stems throwing out scaly -jointed runners from the base, which take root at the joints, and sometimes produce a few delicate immersed leaves. Upper part of stem and leaves sharply triangular, the involucre channelled or bayonet-shaped, six to nine inches long. The credit of detecting this species belongs to my friend, Albert Commons, of Delaware, who accompanied me in one of my visits. Rhynchospora pallida, M. A. Curtis, Chapman's Flora, p. 527.— Not un- common in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, especially near Quaker Bridge and Atsion. June and July. This has probably been overlooked, from its close external resemblance to R. alba, Vahl., but it is very distinct. Akistida lanata, Poir. — Sandy soil near Salisbury, Md. October. The Librarian read his annual report for 1863, as follows : — REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR 1863. The Librarian begs leave to report that, during the year just past, the follow- ing additions have been made to the Library, vfz : Folio 15; Quarto 282; Octavo 638; Duodecimo 16; Maps, &c, 15; Total 966. Of which there were Volumes 101; Tracts 850 ; Maps 15; Total 966. These have been received from the following sources : — Editors 157 ; Authors 82 ; Societies 449 ; Maclure Fund 43 ; Library Fund 81 ; Dr. Wilson 124; Smithsonian Institution 4; J. P. Hall, 1 ; J. W. Dawson 1 ; A. D. Bache 1 ; Secretary of the Treasury 1 ; Asa Gray 1 ; R. L. Barnes 1 ; S. S. Garrigues 1 ; Dr. Hammond, U. S. A., 1 ; Geol. Survey of India 1 ; J. L. Darlington 1 ; New York State Library 10 ; New York State University 3 ; W. I. Kintsing 1 ; Isaac Lea 1 ; P. A. Dare 1 ; Total 966. These belong to the following departments, viz.: — Journals 694 ; Bibliography 24 ; Agriculture 1 ; Languages 2 ; Geology 56 ; Ornithology 28 ; Botany 20 ; Physical Sciencel3 ; Conchology 19 ; Mammalogy 3; Biography 3; Gen. Nat. History 36 ; Mineralogy 2 ; Anatomy and Physi- ology 19 ; Entomology 29 ; Voyages and Travels 2 ; Herpetology 2 ; Medicine 3 ; Religion 1 ; Antiquities 2 ; Ichthyology 1 ; Helminthology 1 ; Chemistry 5 ; Total 966. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. D. Sergeant, Librarian, Pursuant to the By-Laws, an election of members of the Standing Committees for 1864 was held, as follows : — ETHNOLOGY. BOTANY. J. A. Meigs, E. Durand, S. S. Haldeman, Joseph Carson, I. I. Hayes, Aubrey H. Smith. panied by an internal scarious bract ; and the scales of the spike are thin-membranaceous and greenish. Stamens 3. Bristles of the perigynium stout, beset with widely spreading or somewhat retrorse, weak, short hairs rather than barbs. Style 3-cleft. Achenium smooth, a line and a half long, triangular, with the inner face broadest; the broad and even retuse summit tipped with a ronspicuous, very abrupt and narrow beak At my especial request, I am permitted to charac- terize this species and to name it in honor of the collector, my valued correspondent, Mr. Canhy. I leave it to him to give an account of its mode of growth and general character/' A. Grav. 1864.] 20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP CO MP. AN AT. AND GEN. ZOOLOGY. JosEpn Leidy, J. M. Corse, J. H. Slack. MAMMALOGY. J. H. Slack, John Cassin, J. L. LeConte. ORNITHOLOGY. John Cassin, S. W. Woodhouse, J. H. Slack. HERPETOLOGY $ ICHTHYOLOGY. E. D. Cope, R. Bridges, J. C. Morris. % CONCHOLOGY. T. A. Conrad, W. G. Binney, G. W. Tryon, Jr. ENTOMOLOGY AND CRUSTACEA. R. Bridges, E. T. Cresson, J. F. Knight. GEOLOGY. Isaac Lea, Charles E. Smith, J. P. Lesley. MINERALOGY. Wm. S. Vaux, J. C. Trautwine, T. D. Rand. PALAEONTOLOGY. Joseph Leidy, T, A. Conrad, J. L. Le Conte. PHYSICS. B. Howard Rand, Wm. M. Uhler, R. E. Rogers. LIBRARY. Wm. S. Vaux, Joseph Leidy, Joseph Jeanes. PROCEEDINGS. Joseph Leidy, Wm. S. Vaux, John Cassin, Thomas Stewardson, Robert Bridges. February 2d. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Twenty-one members present. The following were presented for publication : — " Synoptical List of the Grouse," &c. By D. G. Elliott. "Synonymy of the Species of Strepomatidae, No. 2." By Geo. W. Tryon, Jr. February 9th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Seventeen members present. February lQth. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Twenty-two members present. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 21 The Committee on Proceedings announced the publication of the Proceedings for December, 1863. Dr. Wilcox presented for publication a continuation of his paper for January 12th. February 23(Z. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Twenty-two members present. The following was presented and unanimously adopted : — Resolved, That the specimens of antique art belonging to the Aca- demy be deposited in the Museum of the American Philosophical Society, provided that they shall be returned oh demand, and that the Curators of the Society shall give a receipt for the same to the Curators of the Academy. On report of the respective committees, the following were ordered to be published : — The Crania of COLYMBUS TOBQUATTJS and C. ADAMSII compared. BY ELLIOTT COUES, M. D. I have already, in a previous paper,* presented the external characters of size, form, and color by which the C. Adamsii may be distinguished from the common C. torquatus. To more completely substantiate the claims of the former to specific distinction, which I understand is denied it by some orni- thologists, I have taken advantage of an opportunity of comparing the crania of the two species, to present the marked points of difference, as regards size and shape, which an examination of the skulls shows to exist. It is per- fectly easy to diagnose either species from the characters of their crania alone. As might be expected from the relative dimensions of the two birds, the cranium of C. Adamsii is considerably larger than that of C. torquatus. The difference is particularly striking in the length of the skull, taken as a whole, as well as in the longitudinal dimensions of its individual elements. The total length exceeds that of C. torquatus by fully an inch ; and the dif-» ference in the length of particular bones, as the intermaxillary, palatals, malars, vomer, etc., is proportionately as much. In connection with this increase in the length of skull, there is to be taken into consideration another point, which confers upon the cranium of C. Adamsii a marked difference in general contour, — viz., its remarkable narroioness. In width at the several points, the cranium by no means preponderates over that of C. torquatus in propor- tion to its marked difference in length. Thus, is diameter across the fronto- maxillary suture, or across the anterior or posterior orbital process, is, both absolutely and relatively, but little greater than that of C. torquatus, while across the mastoid processes the width is absolutely the same, and therefore relatively less in C. Adamsii. The external character, which is perhaps the most distinctive feature of C. Adamsii — viz., the size and shape of the bill, corresponds, of course, to a like modification of the proportions of the intermaxillary and inferior maxillary bones. In fact, the difference in the relative proportions of the crania of the * Vide Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philada.. April, 1S62. p. 227. 1864.] 22 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP two birds is produced, in great measure, by the greater developement and somewbat different shape of these two bones. The discrepancies in length Lave already been adverted to. Those of sbape consist chiefly in the greater elevation of the apices of the inter- and infero-maxillary bones. The line formed by the mandibular ramus of the intermaxillary and the malar bone, is in torquatus a gentle curve, the concavity of which looks downwards ; in Adamsii it is a straight, line. The commissural edge of the inferior maxillary of torquatus is about straight as far as the angle of the jaw ; in Adamsii it is a gentle curve, whose concavity looks upwards. The greater production of the inter- and infero-maxillary bones makes their apices much more acute in Adamsii than in torquatus, while, at the same time, in consequence of the comparative narrowness of the skull of the former, the angle of divergence of the rami of these two bones is not greater, and the bill on this account no wider. The symphysis of the mandibular rami is longer in Adamsii than in torquatus, and the prominence at the angle of the jaw is more marked. In addition to the above, it may be said, in general terms, that the various ridges and depressions of the skull of Adamsii are more strongly marked than those of torquatus, corresponding to the superior size and muscularity of the former. The occipital protuberance and crest, the interparietal and the median frontal ridge are exceedingly prominent, while at the same time, the crotaphyte depression, the temporal and digastric fossae and the supra orbital fossae for the lodgement of the nasal glands are deep and well defined. The frontal bone of Adamsii rises more rapidly than that of torquatus, leaving a deeper fossa at the fronto-maxillary suture, and also producing chiefly the difference which exists in the absolute height of the two crania. I append the detailed comparative measurements of the most important di- mensions of the skulls of the two birds, which will show at a coup d'aiil the absolute and relative difference in size and shape. Notice particularly the great discrepancies in the longitudinal dimensions as compared with the slight difference in the several transverse measurements. Comparative Measurements. Length from apex of intermaxillary to occipital protuberance " " " fronto-maxillary suture- • " " " anterior orbital process • • " " " posterior do. do. " " " apex of 08 lachrym " '< " nasal foramen " " " maxillo-malar suture " " " tympano-malar artie " " " apex of yomer " " " posterior end of palatals- • " of inferior maxillary " of symphysis of inferior maxillary " from apex of inferior maxillary to angle of jaw " of nasal foramen Width of skull across fronto maxillary suture " " " anterior orbital processes " " " posterior do. do. - " " " mastoid processes Greatest height of skull (without lower jaw) •' depth of inferior maxillary * English inches and hundredths. C. torquatus. C. Adamsii. 5-80* 6-80 3-25 415 3-65 440 4-S5 5-75 3-65 4-40 165 205 2-90 3-55 5-30 6-20 2-60 320 4-50 5- 10 6-60 660 M0 1-40 4 20 5-00 1-20 1-40 •80 •90 1-08 1-20 1-95 200 1-35 1-35 1-50 1-70 •70 •80 [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 23 Bemarks upon a Proposed Arrangement of the Family of GROUSE, and New Genera added. BY D. G. ELLIOT. It has seemed to me advisable to give in a condensed form, before treating the subject in a more elaborate manner in my forthcoming Monograph, the results of my investigations, and the arrangement I would propose for the Grouse Family. Tetrao, than which no generic term has been more abused in its %pplica- tion, for it appears to have been indiscriminately given to any gallinaceous bird, strictly belongs only to Urog alius and Urogalloides. The former is the typical Tetrao, as instituted by Linnaeus, and possesses the beard-like append- age observed, save in its near ally, in no other bird of this family. America has no representative of this genus, the nearest approach to it perhaps, in the form of the tail and general appearance, being the bird com- monly known as Tetrao obscurus; but it would seem that, excepting the single species of Bonasa sylvestris, no European grouse can be considered as included even in the same genus with those inhabiting the New World. I would state here, that I am not now speaking of the Lagopidae, for I do not consider them as strictly grouse. The synoptical list that I would, there- fore, propose for this portion of the Tetronidae, is as follows : — 1st. The Genus Tetrao — confined to Europe and Asia ; comprising T. uro- gallus and T urogalloides. 2d. Centrocercus — confined to America ; comprising C. urophasianus. 3d. Lgrurus — confined to Europe ; comprising L. tetrix. For the next group, as its members appear to possess sufficient characters to distinguish the species from the commonly known T. Canadensis, in hav- ing gular sacks, the extraordinary number of twenty feathers in the tail, instead of sixteen, I would propose the term — ±th. Dendragapus — confined to America ; comprising D. obscurus and Rich- ardscnii. 5th. Canace — confined to America ; comprising C. Canadensis and C. Frank- linii. 6th. I would propose, as a generic term, founded upon the peculiar forma- tion of its primary feathers, the specific appellation Falcipennis — confined to Asia, and in compliment to its discoverer Hartlaubii. 1th. Cupidonia — confined to America ; comprising C. cupido. 8th. Fedisecseles — confined to America ; comprising P. columbianus and P. phasianellus. 9th. Bonasa — Europe and America ; comprising B. umbellus, B. umbelloides, B. sylvestris, and B. sabini. Tetrao derbianus (Gould), appears to be identical with the common tetrix. This opinion is formed upon a specimen, kindly sent to me by Mr. Gould, which he thinks is the same as the type. The latter is now in the Liverpool Museum. I can discover no difference between this example and the usual style of T. tetrix, except that the tail is a trifle longer ; but as this varies considerably among the Black Grouse, I have deemed it advisable to consider the genus Lyrurus as possessed of but one species. 1864.] 24 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Synonymy of the Species of STREPOMATIDJE, a Family of Fluviatile Kollnsca inhabiting North America. Part 2. BY GEORGE W. TRYON, JR. Goniobasic Section. Genus GONIOBASIS, Lea. GoniobaSis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 262, May, 1862. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 217, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 39. Ceriphasia, Swainson, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 298, Feb. 1854. Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. p. 290, 1859. Pachycheilus, Lea, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 298, Feb. 1854. Potaduma, Swainson, (sp.) II. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 299, Feb. 1854. Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. p. 290, 1859. Elimia, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 300, Feb. 1854. Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. p. 290, 1859. Melasma, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 300, Feb. 1854. Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. p. 292, 1859. Hemisinus, Swainson, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 302, Feb. 1854. Juga, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 304, Feb. 1854. Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. p. 293, 1859. Megara, (sp.) H. and A. Adams, Genera i. p. 306, Feb. 1854. Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. p. 293, 1859. Pleurocera, Rafinesque, Haldeman, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 274, 1863. Mclania, (sp.) Auct.* Species. A. Shell spirally ridged. 1. G. procissa, Anthony. f Melania procissa, Anthony, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. vi. p. 109, t. 3, f. 9, March, 1854. Binney, Check List, No. 218. Brot, List, p. 59. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 342. B. Shell tuberculate or nodulous. 2. G. g r a t i o s a, Lea. Melania gratiosa, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p, 122, May, 1861. Goniobasis gratiosa, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 241, t. 35, f. 43, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 63. 2a. G. la chry m a, Anthony. J Melania lachryma, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 473, May, 1S61. Brot, List, p. 32. 3. G. g i b b e r o s a, Lea. Goniobasis gibberosa, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 266, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 312, t. 37, f. 155, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 134, t. 37, f. 155. * Mr. Lea is the first naturalist who has properly defined this genus, and his name Goniobasis must therefore stand, in preference to any of the prior names given to artificial sections by the Messrs. Adams. Of course these gentlemen are wrong in including species of this genus in the genera Pachy- chet'ius, Ceriphasia, Potadoma and Hemisinus, which are all intended to embrace very different groups of species. Prof. Haldeman is also mistaken in placing here the Pleurocera of Rafinesque, a genus which undoubtedly = Trypanosoma, Lea. f This may be only an elevated form of Anculosa canalifera, Anthony. % This species and the preceding {gratiosa) are identical. Both descriptions bear the same date of publication, and I am therefore unable to decide which has priority. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 25 4. G. n u b i 1 a, Lea.* Melania nubila, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 118, 1861. Goniobasis nubila, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 235, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 57. 5. G. v a r i an s, Lea.f Melania various, Lea, Proc, Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 120, 1861. Goniobasis varians, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 219, t. 34, f. 2, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 41. 6. G. H y d e i i, Conrad. Mdania Hydeii, Conrad, New Fresh- Water Shells, p. 50, t. 8, f. 1, 1834. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 248. DeKay, Moll. N. York, p. 93. Wheat- ley, Cat. Shells U. S. p. 25. Binney, Check List, No. 141. Melania Hydei, Conrad, Jay, Cat. Shells, 4th edit. p. 273. Brot, List, p. 32. Hanley, Conch. Misc. t. 1, f. 3. Melania Hydii, Conrad, Catlow, Conch. Nomene. p. 187. 7. G. decorata, Anthony. Melania decorata, Anthony, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 55, Feb. 1860. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 251. Binney, Check List, No. 86. Brot, List, p. 32. Goniobasis Trijoniana,% Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 272, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 342, t. 38, f. 207, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 164, t. 38, f. 207. Goniobasis granata, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 272, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 343, t. 38, f. 209, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 165. 8. G. caelatura, Conrad. Melania ccelatura, Conrad, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. iv. p. 154, Feb. 1849. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. i. pt. 4, p. 278, t. 38, f. 3, Jan. 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 58. Brot, List, p. 32. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 245. Goniobasis Steivardsoniana,§ Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 272, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 344, t. 38, f. 210, March, 1S63. Obs. ix. p. 166. Goniobasis Tryoniana, Lea, Description in part. 9. G. o c c a t a, Hinds. Melania occata, Hinds, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xiv. p. 9. Zool. Voy. Sulphur. Mollusca, ii. p. 56, t. 15, f. 5. Catlow, Conch. Nomene. p. 188. Brot, List, p. 34. Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 81, April, 1856. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 267. Juga occata, Hinds, Chenu, Man. de Cohchyl. i. f. 2016. Melania Shastaensis,\\ Lea, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 318. 10. G. c a t e n a r i a, Say. Melania catenaria, Say, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. ii. p. 379, Dec. 1822. Binney, Reprint, p. 111. Binney, Check List, No. 52. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 336. DeKay, Moll. N. York, p. 93. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S. p. 24. Gibbes, Rep't. S. Carolina, p. 19. Jay, Cat. 4th edit. p. 273. Catlow, Conch. Nomene. p. 185. Brot, List, p. 34. * Closely allied to G. oliva, Lea, but is larger, longer and tuberculate. t Nearly always tuberculate, and shouldered below the sutures. % G. decorata is a young shell, and, as is usual in this group, is sharply angulated at the peri- phery. G. granata represents a half grown shell, and here the angle is almost obsolete, while G . Tryoniana is the mature form. The entire identity of these several descriptions is proved by a series of over two hundred specimens before me, Mr. lasts figure of Tryoniana belongs here, but his description of that species is made to include the uext species, caelatura, Cunr. The green variety of granata is a shell of much heavier texture, and may prove distinct. § Half grown shell of caelatura. || The Shastaensis of Mr. Lea is a very different shell, and certainly ought never to have been confounded with this species, which it does not resemble in any particular. 1864.] 2S PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Melanin suLUrata* Conrad, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. 2d ser. i. pt. 4, p. 277, t. 38, f. 1, Jan. 1850. Brot, List, p. 37. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 339. Melania Floridensis,\ Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 334. Brot, List, p. 34. 11. G. catenoides,t Lea. Melania cateuaria, Lea, Proc. Philos. Soc. i. p. 289. Oct. 1840, (preoc.) Melania catenoides, Lea, Philos. Trans, viii. p. 228, t. 6, f. 60. Obs. iii. p. 66. DeKay, Moll. N. Y. p. 101. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S. p. 24. Jay, Cat., 4th edit., p. 273. Binney, Check List, No. 53. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 185. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 298. Elimia catenoides, Lea, Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. f. 1982. 12. G. Etowahensis, Lea.§ Melania Etowahensis, Lea, Reeve, Monog. Mel. sp. 426, May, 1861. Brot, List, p. Goniobasis Canbyi, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 271, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 340, t. 38, f. 204, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 162. 13. Gr. H al 1 enbe ck i i, Lea.|| Goniobasis Hallenbeckii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 271, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 339, t. 38, f. 203, March, 1863. Obs., ix. p. 161. Melania Hallenbeckii, Lea, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 332. 14. Gk Boykiniana, Lea. Melania Boykiniana, Lea, Proc. Philos. Soc. i. p. 289, Oct. 1840. Philos. Trans, viii. p. 228, t. 6, f. 59. Obs. iii. p. 66. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 100. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S. p. 24. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 77. Jay, Cat. Shells, 4th edit. p. 273. Binney, Check List, No. 37. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 185. Brot, List, p. 34. Elimia Boykiniana, Lea, Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. f. 1978. 15. G. Bentoniensis, Lea.^ Goniobasis Bentoniensis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 271, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 336, t. 38, f. 198, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 158. 16. G. papillosa, Anthony. Melania papillosa, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 467, May, 1861. Brot, List, p. 34. Goniobasis Downieana, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 272, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 341, t. 38, f. 206, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 163. 17. G. Couperii, Lea. Goniobasis Couperii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 271, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 341, t. 38, f. 205, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 163. 18. G. inclinans, Lea. Goniobasis inclinans, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 267, 1S62. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 318, t. 37, f. 166, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 140. * 1 1 have seen several author's examples of catenaria, and they uniformly represent shells not adult. As 1 have not seen specimens of suhlirata an I Floridensis, I rely on the figures and des- criptions only, in considering them to be the adults of the same species. J G. catenoides may prove to be a variety only of catenaria and I at first un'ted them,but I have recently come to the conclusion that they are distinct species, though nearly allied. f) I presume it was Mr. Lea*s first intention to describe this species under the name of Etowah- ensis, as a specimen is before me which that gentlemen sent to Mr. Anthony under that name. This verj specimen was sent to Mr. Ueeve and published by him, prior to the publication of Can- byi by Mr. Lea. It is extremely difficult to distinguish this species from varieties of papillosa, Anth. || Dr. Brot considers this a synonym of Boykiniana, but it is Very different. ^[ Doubtfully distinct from papillosa, Anth. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 27 19. G. Postellii, Lea. Melania Postellii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. p. 166, July, 1858. Binney, Check List, No. 214. Brot, List, p. 34. Melania Portellii, Lea, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 427. Goniobasis Postellii, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 343, t. 38, f. 208, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 165. 20. G. a r a c h n o i d e a, Anthony. Melania arachnoidea, Anthony, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., vi. p. 95, t. 2, f. 14, March, 1854. Binney, Check List, No. 19. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 83. Melania intertexta, Anthony,* Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 62, February, 1860. Binney, Check List, No. 151. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Me- lani, sp. 296. 21. G. Conradi, Brot.f Melania Conradi, Brot, List, p. 36. Melania symmetrica, Conrad, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., iv. p. 155, Feb., 1849. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., i. pt. 4, p. 278, t. 38, f. 5, Jan., 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 260. 22. G. c a r ini f era, Lam. Melania carinifera, Lamarck, Anim. sans Vert. Deshayes, Anim. sans Vert., 2d edit., viii. p. 433. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 24. Bin- ney, Check List, No. 48. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 185. Brot, List, p. 36. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 273. Melania bella,% Conrad, New Fresh-Water Shells, Appendix, p. 6, t. 9, f. 4, 1834. Binney, Check List, No. 29. Brot, List, p. 36. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 269. Melania perangulata, Conrad, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., iv. p. 154, Feb., 1849. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., i. pt. 4, p. 278, t. 38, f. 6. Binney, Check List, No. 199. Brot, List, p. 36. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 285. Melania percarinata, Conrad. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., iv. p. 155, Feb., 1849. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., 2d ser., i. pt. 4, p. 278, t. 38, f. 10. Binney, Check List, No. 200. Brot, List, p. 36. Melania nebidosa, Conrad, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., iv. p. 155, Feb., 1849. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., i. pt. 4, p. 278, t. 38, f. 9. Binney, Check List, No. 172. Brot, List, p. 36. Melania bella-crenata, Haldeman, Monog. Limniades, No. 4, p. 3 of cover, Oct. 5, 1841. Jay, Cat., 4th ed., p. 273. Binney, Check List, No. 30. Brot, List, p. 36. Melania monilijera, Anthony, Jay, Cat., 4th ed., p. 474. C. Shell plicate. 23. G. obesa, Anthony. Melania obesa, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 469, May, 1861. Brot, List, p. 33. 24. G. bland a, Lea.§ Melania blanda, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 122, 1861. Goniobasis blanda, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 242, t. 35, f. 44, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 64, t. 35, f. 44. * Half-grown shell. t Dr. Brot proposed the name Conradi for this species, as symmetrica is preoccupied by Prof. Haldeman. I doubt whether it is distinct from G. carinifera, Lam. 1 That all the species here quoted are synonyms of carinifera does not admit of doubt. The species is rather a variable one in respect of proportions and ornamentation. "2 The name of this species must be changed because preoccupied by Mr. Lea himself. 1864.] 28 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP 25. G. substricta, Haldeman.* Melania substricta, Haldeman, Monog. Limniades, vii. p. 4 of cover, Jany., 1844. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Binney, Check List, No. 256. Brot, List, p. 36. 26. G. aequali s, Haldeman. f Melania (tgnalis, Haldeman, Monog. Limniades, No. 4, p. 3 of cover, Oct. 5, 1841. Jay, Cat , 4th ed., p. 272. Binney, Check List, No. 7. 27. G. semigradata, Reeve. Malania semigradata, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 472, May, 1861. Brot, List, p. 33. 28. G. carino c ost at a, J Lea. Melania earinocostata, Lea, Philos. Proc, iv. p. 165, 1845. Philos. Trans., x. p. 62, t. 9, f. 40. Obs. iv. p. 62. Binney, Check List, No. 49. Brot, List, p. 35, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 333. Goniobasis slrenua, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 267, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 316, t. 37, f. 161, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 138. Goniobasis Leidyana, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 268, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 322, t. 38, f. 173, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 144. Melania scabrella, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 388. Melania scabriuscula, Brot, List, p. 36. 29. G. Lecontiana,§ Lea. Melania Lecontiana, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 177, t. 5, f. 29. Dekay, Moll. N. York, p. 96. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Brot, List, p. 35. Jay, Cat., 4th edit., p. 274. Binney, Check List, No. 160. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. Melasma Lecontiana, Lea, Chenu, Man. Conchy 1., i. f. 2002. 30. G. cadu s, Lea. || Goniobasis cadus, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 272, 1S62. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 345, t. 38, f. 211, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 167. 31. G. o b t u s a, Lea.ir Melania obtusa, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, Feb., 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 176, t. 5, f. 28. Obs. iii. p. 14. Dekay, Moll. New York, p. 96. Binney, Check List, No. 183. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 188. Brot, List, p. 59. 32. G. amoena, Lea. Goniobasis amazna, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 268, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 323, t. 38, f. 175, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 145, t. 38, f. 175. 33. G. Tuomeyi, Lea. Goniobasis Tuomeyi, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 266, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 311, t. 37, f. 153, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 133. * Somewhat like gracilis, Lea, but is a stouter, more ponderous species. f Allied to earinocostata. Lea, but in that species the plicae are terminated by an acute angle or rib on the body whorl and the spire is angled or carinate. % A very variable species. The M. scabrella of Anthony is a half-grown shell ; in which state the plicae and carinas are more dibtinct than in the adult form. Scabrella being preoccupied by an European author, M. Brot changed the name to scabriuscula. \ Mr. Reeve's fissure 404 does not represent this species ; it is nearer to decorata, Anthony. TLis shell is closely allied to earinocostata and squalis. || Allied to G. obtusa, but appears to differ in not being so closely plicate as that species. It may possibly = Lecontiana. 1 Is this the young shell of cadus or earinocostata t [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 29 34. G. Christy i, Lea. Goniobasis Christyi, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Soi., p. 269, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 328, t. 38, f. 185, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 150. Goniobasis instabilis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 269, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 329, t. 38, f. 186, March, 1863. Obs. ix, p. 151. 35. G. int erven iens, Lea.* Goniobasis interveniens, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 268, 1862. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 320, t. 38, f. 169, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 142. 36. G. olive 11a, Lea. Goniobasis olivella, Lea, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 269, 1862. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 327, t. 38, f. 182, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 149. 37. G. interrupt a, Haldeman. Melania interrupta, Haldeman, Supplement to No. 1, Monog. Limniades, Oct. 1840. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Jay, Cat., 4t edit., p. 274. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 398. Goniobasis ornatella, Lea, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 269, 1862. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 326, t. 38, f. 181, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 148. 38. G. cr is pa, Lea.j Goniobasis crispa, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 269, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 326, t. 38, f. 180, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 148. 39. G. f orm osa, Conrad. $ Melania formosa, Conrad, New Fresh- Water Shells, Appendix, p. 5, t. 9, f. 3, 1834. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Binney, Check List. No. 112. Melania formosa, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 387. Brot, List, p. 35. 40. G. mediocris, Lea. Goniobasis mediocris, Lea, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 269, 1862. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 326, t. 3S, f. 179, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 148. 41. G vesicula, Lea. Melania vesicula, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 118, 1861. Goniobasis vesicula, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 242, t. 35, f. 45, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 64. 42. G. Duttonii, Lea.§ Goniobasis Duttonii, Lea, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 266, 18$2. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 314, t. 37, f. 158, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 136. 43. G. laqueata, Say. Melania laqueata, Say, New Harmony Disseminator, p. 275, September, 1829. Say's Reprint, p. 17. American Conchology, No. 5, t. 47, f. 1. Binney's edition, pp. 143 and 200. Binney, Check List, No. 158. De- Kay, Moll. New York, p. 97. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Jay, Cat., 4th ed., p. 274. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 2S1, 288? Brot, List, p. 35. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. * Very like Currcyana, Lea, in the plicae, but differs in form, f More convex and with more regular striae than G. nassulu, Conrad. t Close to 6. nassula, Conrad, but is striate, and the aperture is more rounded. | Differs from G. Tiwmeyi, Lea, in the form ot' the aperture. The specimens before me are not all two-bande I, some of them being without bands, and of a light yellowish color, 1864.] 30 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Melania monozonalis, * Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, February, 1841. Philos , Trans., viii. p. 178, t. 6, f. 31. Obs. iii. p. 16. DeKay, Moll. New York, p. 96. Binney, Check List, No. 168. Troost, Cat. Shells Ten- nessee. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. Brot, List, p. 40. 44. G. P y b a s i i, Lea. Goniobasis Pi/basii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 266, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci.,' v. pt. 3, p. 313, t. 37, f. 157, March, 1863. Obs., ix. p. 135, t. 37, f. 157. 45. G. indu t a, Lea. Goniobasis induta, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 267, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 319, t. 37, f. 166, March, 1863. Obs., ix. p. 141. 46. G. vers i pell i s,f Anthony. Melania versipdlis, Anthony, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 60, February, 1860, Binney, Check List, No. 286. Brot, List, p. 59. Keeve, Monog. Me- lania, sp. 436. 47. G. g r a c i 1 i s, % Lea. Melania gracilis, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 12, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 168, t. 5, f. 11. Obs. iii. p. 6. DeKay, Moll. N. York, p. 94. Troost, Cat. Shells Tenn. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Bin- ney, Check List, No. 128. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. Brot, List, p. 38. Potadoma gracilis, Lea, Chenu, Manuel de Conchyl., i. f. 1968. 48. G. paucicosta, Anthony. Melania paucicosta, Anthony, Proc Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 57, February, 1860. Binney, Check List, No. 198. Brot, List, p. 36. Reeve, Monog. Me- lania, sp. 255. 49. G. tenebrosa, Lea. Melania tenebrosa, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, February, 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 176, t. 5, f. 26. Obs. iii. p. 14. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 95. Troost, Cat. Shells Tenn. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Binney, Check List, No. 267. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 189. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 443. Brot, List, p. 39. 50. G. coracina, Anthony. Melania coracina, Anthony, Bost. Proc, iii. p. 361, Dec, 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 67. Brot, List, p. 58. Melania Sellersiana, Lea, Philos. Trans-, x. p. 299, t. 30, f. 8. Obs., v. p. 55. Binney, Check List, No. 239. 51. G. i nt er s i ta, Haldeman. Melania intersita, Haldeman, Monog. Limniades, No. 4, p. 4 of cover, Dec 28, 1841. Binney, Check List, No. 150. Brot, List, p. 35. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 376. 52. G. colnmell a, Lea. Melania columella, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, Feb., 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 179, t. 6, f. 33. Obs. iii. p. 17. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 96. Binney, Check List, No. 60. Troost, Cat. Shells Tenn. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 24. Catlow, Conuh. Nomenc, p. 186. Brot, List, p. 35. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 441. •This is ouly a rather wide, young specimen of laqueata, as I have ascertained by the inspection of some hundreds of specimens of that species. t Versipdlis resembles a young laqueata, but its texture is rruite heavy although small. j Described by Mr. Lea as a smooth species, but among a hundred perfect specimens before me, oyer eighty are more or less plicate on the spire. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 31 53. G. bland a, Lea. Melania blanda, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 79, t. 6, f. 34. Obs. iii. p. 17. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 97. Binney, Check List, No. 36. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Wheat- ley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 24. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 185. Brot, List, p. 35. 54. G. nit e n s, Lea. Melania nitida* Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 14, February, 1841. Melania nitens, Lea, Philos. Trans., viii. p. 182, t. 6, f. 40. Obs. iii. p. 20. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 98. Binney, Check List, No. 178. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. Brot, List, p. 36. 55. G. mutata, Brot. Melania Deshayesiana,] Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 27^ September, 1860. Melania mutata, Brot, List, p. 37. 56. Gr. suturalis, Haldeman. Melania suturalis, Haldeman, Suplement to Monog. Limniades, No. 1, Oct., 1840. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Jay, Cat., 4th ed., p. 275. 57. G-. m u t a b i 1 i s,t Lea. Goniobasis mutabilis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 270, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 331, t. 38, f. 189, March, 1863. Obs., ix. p. 153. 58. G. V i e n n a e n s i s, Lea. Goniobasis Viennaensis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 267, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 315, t. 37, f. 160, March, 1863. Obs., ix. p. 137. 59. Q. Curreyana, Lea. Goniobasis Curreyana, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 13, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. ISO, t. 6, f. 36. Obs., iii. p 18. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Binney, Check List, No. 7f». DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 97. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 286. Troost, Cat. Shells, Tennessee. Cat- low, Conch. Nomenc, p. 186. Brot. List, p. 35. Melasma Curreyana, Lea, Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. f. 2003. 60. G. c os t if era, § Haldeman. Melania costifera, Haldeman, Monog. Melania., No. 2, p. 3 of Cover, Jan. 1841. Binney, Check List, No. 72. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 440. 61. G. Deshayesiana, Lea. Melania plic. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 43 • 167. G. c i n er e a, Lea. Uoniobasis cinerea, Lea, Proc. Aad. Nat. Sci., p. 265, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 306, t. 37, f. 145. Obs. ix. p. 128. 168. G. gracilior, Anthony. Melania gracilis,* Anthony, Cover of No. 4. Haldeman's Monog. Limniades, Dec. 28, 1841. Shells of Cincinnati, 1st Edit. Newberry, Proc. Amer- ican Association for Adv. of Science, v. p. 105. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 273. Melania gracilior, Anthony, Ann. N. Y, Lye. Nat. Hist. vi. p. 129, t. 1, f. 5, 1854. Higgins, Cat. p. 7. Binney, Check List, No, 127. Reeve, Mo- nog. Melania, sp. 244. Melania gracilis, Lea, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 369. 169. G. Etowahensis,f Lea. Goniobasis Elowahensis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 299, t. 37, f. 133, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 170. G. translucens, Anthony, (MSS.) 171. G. ovoidea,J Lea. Melania ovoidea, Lea, Philos. Proc. iv. p. 167, Aug. 1845. Philos. Trans., x. p. 61, t. 9, f, 38. Obs. iv. p. 61. Binney, Check List, No. 193. Brot, List, p. 38. 172. G. grata, Anthony. Melania grata, Anthony, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 61, Feb. 1860. Binney, Check List, No. 131. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp 433. Goniobasis Prairiensis,$ Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc, v. pt. 3, p, 299, t. 37, f. 132., Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 121. 173. G. quadricincta, Lea, (MSS). 174. G. f 1 a v a , Lea. Goniobasis fiava, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 303, t. 37, f. 139, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 125. 175. G. tenebrovittata, Lea. Goniobasis tenebrovittata, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 301, t. 37, f. 136, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 123. 176. G. ten era, Anthony. Melania tcnera,\\ Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 407, Apr. 1861. Brot, List, p. 39. Goniobasis Brumbyi, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 263, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 296, t. 37, f. 127, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 118. G. spnrca,| Lea. Melania spurca, Lea, Philos, Proc. iv. p. 166, Aug. 1845. Philos. Trans., x. p. 59, t. 9, f. 31. Obs. iv. p. 59. Binney, Check List, No. 248. Brot, List, p. 31. 178. G. Elliottii, Lea. Goniobasis Elliottii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 27l, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p 338, t. 38, f. 201, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 160. * Preoccupied by Mr. Lea. t Preoccupied for a nodose species, also from Georgia. IMr. Reeve's figure 405, intended for this species, represents a species of I/ith a. ii'a. \ Mr. Lea described this species under the misapprehension that the wider shell, which he now proposes to call quadricincta, was the species described as grata by Mr. Anthony, whereas, Mr. Anthony's types are of the narrow form. || G. tenera is the young shell. If Mr. Reeve's figure 340 does not represent this species. 1864.] 44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 179. G. pallescens, Lea. Melania pallesccns, Lea, Philos. Proc. iv. p. 166, Aug. 1845. Philos. Trans., x. p. 63, t. 9, f. 43. Obs. iv. p. 63. Binney, Check List, No. 196. Brot, List, p. 31. Goniobasis inosculata* Lea, Proc. Acad, Nat. Sci., p. 270, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 334, t. 38, f. 195, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 156. 180. G. parva, Lea. Goniobasis parva, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 297, t. 37, f. 129, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 119. 181. G. Ocoeensis,f Lea. Melania Ocoeensis, Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 12, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii., p. 169, t. 5, f. 13. Obs. Hi. p. 7. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 94. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Brot, List, p. 38. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 188. Melania Ocoensis, Lea, Binney, Check List, No. 186. Fotadoma Ocoensis, Lea, Chenu. Man. de Conch, i. f. 1969. 182. G. Anthonyi, Lea. Goniobasis Anthonyi, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.,p 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 303, t. 37, f. 140, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 125. 183. G. Cahawbensis, Lea. Melania Cahawbensis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 121, 1861. Goniobasis Cahawbensis, Lea, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 223, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 45. 184. G. E sta broo ki i, Lea. Goniobasis Estabrookii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 298, t. 37, f. 131, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 120. 185. G. Gabbiana, Lea. Goniobasis Gabbiana, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 265, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 304, t. 37, f. 141, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 126. 186. G. sub sol id a, J Lea. Melania subsolida, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 12, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 168, t. 5, f. 12. Obs. iii. p. 6. Troost, Cat. Shells Tenn. Binney, Check List, No. 255. "Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 94. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 188. Brot, List, p. 39. Melania sordida, Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 12, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 170 t. 5. f. 15. Obs., iii. p. 8. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 94. Reeve, Mo- nog. Melania, sp. 449. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 275. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 188. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Binney, Check List, No. 246. Brot, List, p. 33. Fotadoma sordida, Lea, Chenu, Manuel de Conchyl. i. f. 1971. Melania perfusca, Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 82, Oct. 1841. Philos. Trans., ix. p. 18. Obs. iv. p. 18. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 274. Binney, Check List, No. 201. Brot, List, p. 31. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 354. Melania incurta, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 300. Brot, List, p. 38. 187. G. cl a v ae f o r m i s , Lea. Melania clavieformis , Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 12, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans, viii. p. 168, t. 5, f. 10. Obs., iii. p. 6. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 93. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 273. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Reeve, Monog. Melaina, sp. 396. Binney, Check List, No. 57. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 186. Brot, List, p. 37. *I regard this as the half grown shell of pallescens, f Mr. Reeve's figure 335 does not represent this species. j An extensive suite of specimens before me, furnished through the kindness of Messrs. Gould and Haldeman, convinces me that the above descriptions all apply to one variable species. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 45 188. G. castanea, Lea. Melania castanea, Lea, Philos. Proc ii. p. 11. Pbilos. Trans., viii., p. 164, t. 5„. f. 2. Obs, iii. p. 2. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 92. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 24. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 337. 189. G. Cumberlandiensis, Lea. Goniobasis Cumberlandiensis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 155, May, 1863. 190. G. funebralis,* Anthony. Melania funebralis, Anthony, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 56, Feb. 1860. Binney, Check List, No. 114. Brot, List, p. 38. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 372. 191. G. adusta, Anthony. Melania adnata, Anthony, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 55, Feb. 1860. Binney, Check List, No. 2. Brot, List, p. 37. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 338. 192. G. furva, Lea. Melania furva, Lea, Philos. Trans., x. p. 299, t. 30, f. 7. Obs., v. p. 55. Bin- ney, Check List. No. 115. Brot, List, p. 38. 193. G. dubiosa,Lea. Melania dubia,f Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 11, Feb. 1841. Melania dub iosa, Lea, Philos. Trans., viii. p. 166, t. 5, f. 6. Obs. iii. p. 4. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 93. Binney, Check List, No. 91. Troost Cat. Shells Tennessee. "Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 273. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 186. Brot, List, p. 37. 194. G. laevigata, J Lea. Melania lavis, Lea, Philo9. Proc. ii. p. 237, Dec. 1842. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 248. Obs. ii. p. 86. Melania laevigata, Lea, Proc. Philos. Soc. ii. p. 237. Philos. Trans., vii. p. 165, t. 5, f. 3. Obs. iii. p. 3. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 187. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 459. Melania Leaii,§ Brot, List, p. 34. 195. G. i n t e r 1 i n e at a , Anthony, (MSS.) 196. G. 0 h i o e n s i s , Lea. Goniobasis Ohioensis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 265, 1852. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 306, t. 37, f. 144. Obs. ix. p. 128. 197. G. brevispira, Anthony. Melania brevispira, Anthony, Bost. Proc. iii. p. 361, Dec. 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 39. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 474. Brot, List, p. 37. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 263. 198. S. s e ra ic a r in ata ,|| Say. Melania semicarinata, Say, New Harmony Disseminator, p. 261. Reprint, p. 16. American Conchology, Part 5, t. 47, f. 4. Binney 's Reprint, p. 142,200. Binney, Check List, No. 240. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 100. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 368. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S. p. 27. Jay, Cat. Shells 4th Edit., p. 275. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 188. Brot, List, p. 38. Kennicott, Trans. Ills. State Agricul. Soc. p. 595. * Narrower and more lengthened than the nearly allied G. adusta. It has not the pale yellow- ish Butural band of that species. f Preoccupied. 1 1 doubt whether this is niore than an immature stage of dubiosa. | Proposed by Mr. Brot, because beeigata is preoccupied in Melania; but that name must stand, as it is not preoccupied in Goniobasis. j| The shells included in the above extensive synonymy present some variation in form and co- loration, but in an examination of several thousand specimens I was unable to separate the so- called species satisfactorily. G. semicarinata. Say, is the young shell, which, when old, varies in form, being narrow in angustispira and exilis, and broader in the other synonyms. The species inhabits an extensive range of country. 1864.] 46 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Melania anaustispira, Anthony, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 55, Feb. I860. Bin- ney, Check List, No. 16. Brot, List, p. 37. Melania angusta, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 359. * Melania exilic, Haldeman, suppl. to No. 1 Monog, Limniades, Oct. 1840. Melania rufula, Haldeman, Monog. Limniades, No. 2, p. 3 of Cover, January, 1841. Binney, Check List, No. 234. Brot, List, p. 39. Melania Kirtlandiana, Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 11, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii., p. 165, t. 5, f. 4. Obs. iii. p. 3. Anthony, Caf. 1st Edit. Higgins, Cat. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 92. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 25. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 361. Binney, Check List, No. 155. Brot, List, p. 36. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. Melania Kirtlandia, Lea, Philippi, Beschreib, Neuer Conchyl. Melania, t. 3. f. 8. Melania elata, Authony, Bost. Proc. iii. p. 362, Dec. 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 95. Brot, List, p. 37. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sn. 331. Melania bico/orata, Anthony, Bost. Proc. iii. p. 361, Dec. 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 32. Brot, List, p. 58. Melania bicolor, Anthony, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 265 Melania inornata, Anthony, Bost. Proc. iii. p. 360. Dec. 1850. Melania succinulata, Anthony, Bost. Proc. iii. p. 363, Dec. 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 258. Brot, List, p. 59. Melania varicosa, Ward, Haldeman, Monog. Limniades, Part iii. p. 3 of Cover, Mar. 13, 1854. Anthony, List, 1st and 2d Editions. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 275. Binney, Check List, No. 284. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc. p. 189. Melania livida, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 434. Brot, List, p. 30. Goniobasis Grosvenorii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 263, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 297, t. 37, f. 128, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 119. Melania babylonica* Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 14, Feb. 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p.' 183, t. 6, f. 43. Obs. iii. p. 21. DeKay, Moll, N. Y., p. 98. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S. p. 24. Binney, Check List, No. 26. Cat- low, Conch. Nomenc. p. 185. Brot, List, p. 36. 199. G. Haldemani, Tryon, (MSS.) Melania acuta, Lea, Bell, Canadian Nat. iv. pt. 3, p. 213. Lewis, Bost. Proc. vi. p 2. Melania exilis, Haldeman, Adams, Moll. Vermont. 200. G. curvilabris, Anthony. Melania curvilabris, Anthony, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist. vi. p. 102, t. 3, f. 1, Mar. 1854. Binney, Check List, No. 82. Brot, List, p. 31. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 378. 201. G. i n f o r m i s , Lea. Goniobasis informis, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 154, May, 1863. 202. G. vi 1 1 a tell a, Lea. Goniobasis vittatella, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 155, May, 1863. 203. G. Alexandrensis, Lea. Melania Alexandrensis, Lea, Philos. Proc. iv. p. 167. Philos. Trans., x. p. 61, t. 9, f. 37. Obs. iv. p. 61. Binney, Check List, No. 8. Brot, List, p. 37. 204. G. Haleiana, Lea. Melania Haleiana, Lea, Philos. Proc. iv. p. 167, Aug. 1845. Philos. Trans., x. p. 60. t. 9, f. 35. Obs. iv. p. 60. Binney, Check List, No. 134. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 406. 205. G. rubella, Lea. Goniobasis rubella, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 270, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 332, t. 38, f. 191, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 154. * A ecalariform monstrosity. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 47 206. G. spinel la, Lea. Goniobasis spinella, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 18C2. Jour. Acad. Na,t. Sc, v. pt. 3, p. 298, t. 37, f. 130, Mar. 1863. Obs. ix. p. 120. 207. G. Draytonii, Lea. Goniobasis Draytonii, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 264, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 300, t. 37, f. 134, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. 122. Goniobasis nigrina,. Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc, p. 263, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 299, t. 37, f. 133. Obs. ix. p. 121. 208. G. p r o x i m a , Say. Melania proxima, Say, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 126, Sept. 1825. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 275. Binney'a Edit, of Say, p. 115. Binney, Check List, No. 220. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 99. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Gibbes' Report, p. 19. Jay, Cat. 4th Edit., p. 274. Brot, List, p. 38. Melania carinata* Ravenel, Cat. p. 11, 1834. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 24. Binney, Check List, No. 47. Melania Taitiana, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 11, Feb., 1841. Philos. Trans, viii. p. 165, t. 5, f. 5. Obs. iii. p. 3. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 92. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Jay, Cat., 4th edit., p. 275. Binney, Check List, No. 264. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 189. Reeve, Monog. Mela- nia, sp. 444. Brot, List, p. 37. Melania rufa, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 12, Feb., 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 167, t. 5, f. 8. Obs. iii. p. 5. Troost, Cat. Shells Tennessee. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Catlow, Conch. Ncmenc, p. 188. Melania rufescens, Lea, DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 93. Jay, Cat., 4th edit., p. 274. Binney, Check List, No. 233. Brot, List, p. 37. Melania approximata, Haldeman, Monog. Lirnnindes, No. 4, p. 4 of Cover, Dec. 28, 1841. Jay, Cat., 4th edit., p. 272. Binney, Check List, No. 18. Brot, List, p. 36. Melania abjecta,f Haldeman, Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 341. Brot, List, p. 34. Goniobasis rubricata, Lea, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 271, 1862. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. v. pt. 3, p. 335, t. 38, f. 197. Obs. ix. p. 157, t. 38, f. 197. I. Striate species, spire elevated. 209. G. V ir gini c a, Gmelin. Buccinum Virginica, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. . Green, Trans., Alb. Inst., i. p. 135. Wood, Index Test., t. 24, f. 154. Paludina Virginica, Say, Nicholson's Encyc, iii. t. 2, f. 4. Melania Virginica, Say, Am. Conch., pt. 5, t. 47, f. 2. App. to Long's Exped., ii. p. 265. Binney's Edit., p. 131 and 199. Binney, Check List, No. 291. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 189. Philippi, Netier Conchylien Melania, t. 2, f. 12. Hildreth, Am. Jour. Science, xxxi. p. 53. Sager, Rept. Zool. Mich., p. 15. Conrad, Am. Jour. Science, N. S., i. p. 407. Haldeman, Rupps Hist. Lancaster County, Pa., p. 479. Haldeman, Am. Jour. Sci., xli. p. 22. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 90, t. 7, f. 141. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Hartman, Catalogue Shells Chester Co., Pa. Brot, List, p, 35. Girard, Proc. National Inst., i. No. 2, p. 82. Jay, Cat,, 4th edit., p. 275. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 321. Limnxa Virginica, Say, Short and Eaton, Notices, p. 82. Juga Virginica, Say, Chenu, Man. de Couchyl. i. f. 2019. Melania mullilmeata, Say, Jour. Acad. Nat Sci., ii. p. 380, Dec 1822. Am. *I make this a synonym on the authority of Dr. Jay. 1 1 doubt whether this shell really came from Arkansas, although the established geographical distribution of proxima is very great. 1864.] 48 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Conchology, pt. 5, t. 47, f. 2. Binney's Edit., p. Ill and 199. Binney, Check List, No. 169. DeKay, Moll. Rept. to Regents, p. 32. Moll. N. York, p. 97. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 26. Hartman, Cat. Shells Chester Co., Penna. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 187. Girard, Proc. Nat. Inst., i. No. 2, p. 82, March, 1856. Philippi, Neiier Con- chyl. Melania, t. 2, f. 13. Melania ateriscalpium* Menke. Melania curta, Menke, Syn. Meth., p. 135, 1830. Melania fasciata, Menke, Syn. Meth., p. 136, 1830. Melania bizonalis, DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 91, t. 7, f. 140, a. b. 1843. Binney, Check List, No. 35. Melania Buddii, DeKay, Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 24. Melania gemma,-f DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 91, t. 7, f. 142, 1843. Binney, Check List, No. 119. Brot, List, p. 38. Melania striggilata, Muhlfeldt,f in Litt. Melania inem/a, Anthony, Bost. Proc, iii., p. 362, Dec, 1850. Binney, Check List, No. 145. Brot, List, p. 58. 210. G. s ul cos a, Lea.g Melania sulcosa, Lea, Philos. Proc. ii. p. 14, Feb., 1841. Philos. Trans., viii. p. 185. t. 6, f. 48. DeKay, Moll. N. Y., p. 99. Troost, Cat. Shells Tenn. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 189. Binney, Check List, No. 259. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Brot, List, p. 35. Ceriphasia sulcosa, Lea, Chenu, Man. de Conchyl. i. f. 1957. 211. G. Buddii, Lea. Melania Buddii, Lea, Philos. Proc. iv. p. 165. Philos. Trans, x. p. 64, t. 9, f. 44. Obs. iv. p. 64. Binney, Check List, No. 42. Jay, Cat., 4th Edit., p. 273. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 324. 212. G. Tr oos tiana, Lea. Melania Troostiana, Lea, Philos. Proc, ii. p. 34, April, 1841. Philos. Trans., p. 92, t. 23, f. 86. Obs. ii. p. 92. DeKay, Moll. N. York, p. 100. Wheatley, Cat. Shells U. S., p. 27. Binney, Check List, No. 276. Troost, Cat. Shells Tenn. Jay, Cat., 4th Edit., p. 275. Catlow, Conch. Nomenc, p. 189. Brot, List, p. 35. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 339. 213. G. 1 at i t an s, Anthony. Melania latitar.s, Anthony, Ann. Lye Nat. Hist. New York, vi. p. 88, t. 2, f. 6, March, 1854. Binney, Check List, No. 159. Brot, List, p. 34. 214. G. p or r e eta, Lea. Goniobasis porrecta, Lea, Proc Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 155, May, 1863. 215. G. sculp til is, Lea. Melania sculp tilts, Lea, Philos. Trans., x. p. 297, t. 30, f. 3. Obs. v. p. 53, t. 30, f. 3. Binney, Check List, No. 238. Brot, List, p. 38. 216. G. c r e n at ella, Lea. Melania crenatella, Lea, Proc Acad. Nat. Sci., v. pt. 3, p. 268, t. 35, f. 79, March, 1863. Obs. ix. p. . Binney, Check List, No. 76. Brot, List, p. 34. Reeve, Monog. Melania, sp. 457. * Prof. Haldeman was the first naturalist who identified the various descriptions of Jleuke with firginica. Philippi has since figured some of these as varieties of that species. f This shell has been refened both to Virginica and to depygis by American Authors. I do not give a confident opinion as to its proper place. About bizonalis of DeKay there can be no doubt. J Teste Philippi, Neuer Conchyl. \ When perfect specimens of this shell are obtained, it may prove to be a Pleurocera instead of a iloniobasis. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 49 March 1st. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Eleven members present. The following were presented for publication : — " Synonymy of the Strepomatidae of North America." By Geo. W. Try on, Jr. " Thoughts on the Influence of Ether upon the Solar System." By A. Wilcocks, M. D. Part III. March Sth. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Thirty members present. The following was presented for publication : " Additions to the Catalogue of Stars which have changed their colors." By Jacob Ennis. March Ibth. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Twenty members present. The following were presented for publication : " Note on the Nomenclature of Genera and Species of Echenei- doidse," and " Description of a new labroid Genus allied to Trochoco- pus." By Theo. Gill. " New Species of Mordellestina collected in Illinois." By C A. Helmuth, M. D. Notes on the Birds of Jamaica." By "W. T. March, with remarks by S. P. Baird. Part III. Dr. Leconte remarked, that his attention had been called to the following passage in the Report on the progress of Entomology, by Dr. Gerstaecker, in the last number of Truschel's Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, in which he refers to the Classification of the Coleoptera of North America, Part 1, by Dr. Leconte. " Die Stylopiden setzt der Verf. unter die Heteromeren,, beirerkt aber das die Tarsen nicht heteromer seieu, was richtig ist. Friiher habe man sie als eigne Ordnung betrachtet, aber die Kenntniss ihrer Verwandlungen, und eine gen- auere, [more rigid !] Interpretation ihrer auseren Baues habe fast alle [nearly all!] Systematiker dazu bestimmt, sie unter die Kiifer zu bringen. (Welche Charactere hat ein Strepsipteron mit einem Kiifer gemein ? — Keinen ! Wo sind die Ubereinstimmungen der Larven und ihrer Lebensweise ? Die Strepsipte- ren Larven leben parasitiseh in Hinterleibe von Hymenopteren, die Meloi'den Larven nahren sich von Honig ; beide haben also in der Lebensweise nichts untereinander gemein.'') "In Elementarbuchern solite man Absurditaten am Wenigsten fur baare Miinze ausgeben !" I do not propose here to enter into a discussion of the views which have in- duced Lacordaire, Burmeister, Newman and Schaum to consider Stylopidse as a family of Coleoptera, an opinion which many others have silently acquiesced in. The subject was considered nearly exhausted, until reopened by Duval, in 1864.] 4 50 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP his note on the order Rhipiptera, (Gen. Col. Europe, 3,419), published subse- quently to my work on Classification. I will, however, answer briefly the questions asked by Dr. Gerstaecker in the passage above cited. The characters common to a Strepsipteron and various Coleoptera are these : 1. Hypermetamorphosis of the larva, (Sfeloidse) ; 2. Parasitism, (Rhipidias) ; 3. Retention of the Pupa within the skin of the larva, (Lampyridae, tribe Lycini, genus Calopteron) ; 4. Unfitness of anterior wings for flight, (a character also found in Orthoptera and Hemiptera, which, however, have no metamorphosis) ; 5. Large development of metathoracic segment. Even if the Stylopida? are considered as a distinct order — Strepsiptera — it will be necessary to place them immediately after the Coleoptera. In view of the great variation of characters found in Coleoptera, it would seem rational to consider Stylopidse as an extreme and degraded form of that order, rather than to regard such a small number of objects, closely related in form, structure and habits, as an equivalent to the great orders Coleoptera, Orthop- tera and Hemiptera, with which alone they can be morphologically compared, (characters 4 and 5). The information given by Dr. Gerstaecker regarding the difference in food and manner of life between the larva? of Meloidce and Stylopidae, though not original, is doubtless quite interesting, but seems to imply that I had compared them together, which is not correct. Mr. Cassin called the attention of the Academy to the collection of birds presented this evening by the Smithsonian Institution, and particularly referred to several species of great rarity and scientific value. The Didunculus strigiros- Iris is one of two species of birds now known to be approaching extinction, the other species being Alca impennis. which is also in the Academy Museum. Thi3 bird is the most nearly allied to the extinct Dodo, formerly of the Isle of France, and inhabits the Samoan or Navigator Islands. Its extinction or approach to it is said to be owing to the introduction into those islands of the domestic cat. Not more than four or five specimens are known to be extant. Other little known types were pointed out and exhibited to the Academy, 9uch as Carpophaga Aurorse, Carpophaga latrans, Artamus meiilalis and others. Thi3 interesting series is from the collection of the Uniied States Exploring Expedition of the Vincennes and Peacock, and is presented to the Academy by the Smithsonian Institution. March 22d. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Seventeen members present. The following were presented for publication : " Critical llemarks on the Genera Sebastes and Sebastodes," and " Second Contribution to the SeJacology of California." By Theo. Gill. " A Critical review of the Family Procellaridse ; Part I." By E. Coues, M. D. "Thoughts on the Influence of Ether ou the Solar System; Part IV." By Alex. VVilcocks, M. D. March 29th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Seventeen members present. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 51 On report of the respective committees, the following were ordered to be published : — Additions to the Catalogue of STARS which have Changed their Colors ; or which have appeared with different Colors at different times.* BY JACOB ENNIS. Sirius. — On the re-appearance of this star during the months of November and December, 1863, I very carefully watched its color, Its decided change of appearance since the early part of the year greatly interested me. Instead of a full bright green, it was of a pale yellowish green. During those two months the atmosphere passed through the extremes of variability, but the pale yellow- ish green of Sirius remained constant. On the 29th of December I asked Dr. Wilcocks, the discoverer of its being purple three years ago, how Sirius ap- peared to him now? Without knowing my opinion, and without any hesita- tion, he answered, " It is not as green as it was when visible last winter." This coincidence of his views with my own confirms the idea that he was not mistaken three years ago, as he since supposed, when he regarded the color of Sirius to be violet. According to these evidences this great star has had five distinct colors : red during the ancient times ; white in 1850, and subsequently ; violet in 1861 ; full green in the autum and winter of 1862 — 3 ; pale yellowish green in November and December of 1863. Note of April 19th, 1864. The above observations were written early in January. For the last three or four weeks the green color of Sirius has again been tinged with blue; but this evening no blue is visible, and the yellow mingled with the green is conspicuous. In this I am confirmed by a member of the Academy whose powers of observation are remarkably good. The clear- ness of the atmosphere is perfect, but the moon is large and bright, and 1 have a suspicion that the yellow of Sirius, though in a different quarter of the heavens, may be due to the moon's reflected rays. The following portions of this paper, except that on No. 21, were written previous to the 10th of Novem- ber, 1863, at which date they were presented. Altair and Deneb, or Alpha Cygni. — The former of these 6tars was de- scribed by Humboldt in 1850 as yellow and the latter as white. They were numbered 18 and 19 in this Catalogue, and announced to be blue in June, 1863. I had watched them for several months nearly every clear night, and, on the 20th of August, I first noticed that they were green. On all good nights since then they have appeared to myself and to others, whose opinions 1 have solicited, to be conspicuously green ; but on damp, slightly ha«y nights, from the effects of the atmosphere, they appear blue. It is rather oppressive for me to make this announcement, for I have been obliged already, in a former communication, to say that two other large stars, Sirius and Vega, had changed from blue to green. Certainly this change does not arise from any peculiari- ties of vision, for I have in all cases carefully consulted the views of others and found them to accord with my own. I know not how to attribute the change to atmospheric causes, for I had observed them all, except Sirius, to be blue several months before, in all weathers. Vega. — For the last four or five weeks, thi3 star has not appeared to me as green as during last summer. Its rather bluish appearance may, perhaps, be attributed to greater haziness of the atmosphere. Castor. — See No. 10 of this Catalogue. In addition to the colors already given, the two companions of this double star have been described as follows . Yellow and yellowish by Sestini ; greenish yellow and green by Dembowski ; * See these Proceedings for 1S63, pp. 26.96, 159. 1864.] 52 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OJ? bright and pale white by Webb ; yellow and warm yellow by Mis? Maria Mitchell. 20. Arcturus. — This is one of the stars denominated red by the ancients' In modern times, according to reliable observations, it has changed its color J. F. Julius Schmidt, formerly of Ulmutz, recently made Director of the AstFO- nornioal Observatory at Athens, and distinguished for his observations on variable stars, which he communicated to the Ast. Nach., says, that for eleven years he had considered Arcturus to be one of the reddest of the stars, and, especially in 1841, he had ranked it in color with Mars. To his surprise in 1852 he saw it to be yellow, and entirely destitute of any reddish hue. It then appeared to him by the naked eye lighter than Capella. Capella two years before had been described by Humboldt as yellow, with scarcely a tinge of red ; since then Capella has become blue. During the present year, 1863, I have dozens of times and in all weathers observed Arcturus to be decidedly orange, and of a clear, beautiful color. In this I have been confirmed by other observers. The colors of Arcturus may therefore be stated as having been red, yellow and orange. References have already been made in this Catalogue to the changes of color in double and multiple stars. The numbers, such as 3 : 7J, immediately after the names of the fallowing double stars, indicate the magnitudes of the com- panions. The authorities are given after the colors. Some of these I have taken from the original papers, and some I have not so verified, but presume them all to be correct. 21. 95 Herculis, 5 : 5. — Hitherto catalogued as a diversely colored pair of stars to an extreme degree: one being described as apple green and the other as cherry red, and also as an astonishing yellow green and an egregious red. In 1856 — 58 they were nearly colorless and without any diversity of tint, and in this latter manner they were described by Struve in 1832 — 3, and by Sestini in 1844 — 5. Hence a probability of their being colorless once in about twelve years." — C. Piazzi Smyth.* In the November number, 1863, of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astro- nomical Society, a suggestion is made, from very high authority, that because the changes in the two companions have in all these cases been simultaneous, they are liable to the suspicion of having been produced by instrumental causes. But this apparent simultaneousness of change may have been pro- duced by a real change in only one of them. If the two stars were white and one of them were to change to an " egregious red," then by contrast in close proximity, from the well known principle of complementary colors, the other would necessarily appear green. The operation of this principle has been very conspicuous in this city during political demonstrations and celebrations, when bright red lights have been kept burning in the streets. The ordinary gas- lights all around them have appeared strongly green. It is submitted that this cause for the simultaneous change in both stars is more probable by far than that three different instruments, in the hands of three different men, in three different countries and at as many different periods, should all, from some un- known cause, fall into the same error ; and this not when directed at the stars generally, but only when pointed to a particular one. 22. Mizar, Zeta Ursa? Majoris, 3 : 4. — Both greenish white. Struve. White and pale green. Webb. Both yellow, the 4 has the deeper hue. Mitchell, 1860, April 30. f 23. Xi Bootis, 3\ : 6J.— Orange and purple. Webb. J Pale yellow and Orange. Mitchell, 1862, July 6. * See the Proceedings of the British Scientific Association fur 1863. t See American Journal of Scienco and Art. July, 1863, for Miss Mitchell's observations. J For several valuable popular papers ou the double sturs, by the Kev. Mr. Webb, see the first f'xjr volumes of the JnteHectua.1 Observer, London. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 53 24. 32 Eridani, 5 : 7. — Bright yellow and flushed blue. Webb. Orange yellow and pale blue. Mitchell, 18G1, Jan. 31. Yellow and pale green, very decided. Mitchell, 1862, Dec. 28. Yellow and green. Mitchell, 1863, Jan. 1. 25. Gamma Virginis, 4 : 4. — Silvery white and pale yellow. Webb. Both yellow. Mitchell, 1860, Feb. 20. 26. 35 Piscium, 6 : 8. — White and purplish. Webb. The 6 is light yellow. The 8 is peculiar ; there is a brown mingling with its reddish light. Mitchell, 1860, Jan. 2. 27. 23 Orionis, 5 : 7. — Greenish white and white. Struve. Creamy white and blue. Webb. The 7 is of a darkish color. Mitchell, 1860, Mar. 6. 28. 39 Ophiuchi, 53- : 73.— Pale orange and blue. 1838. The 73- yellow!" Sestini, 1846. " bluish. Smyth, 1851. " clear blue. Webb, 1854. 29. Polaris, Alpha Ursas Minoris, 2| : 93- — Yellow and dull white. .Struve. Yellow and blue. Sestini, Dawes, Webb. 30. Iota Cancri, 5} : 8.— The 8 deep garnet, Feb. 8, 1782; bluish Dec. 28, 1782 ; and blue, Mar. 12, 1785. Herschel, Sr. Pale orange and clear blue. Webb. 31. Sigma Scorpii, 4 : 93. — The 9} white. St6tini. Dusky and plum color. Webb. 32. Delta Corvi, 3 : 8J. — The 8£ white. Sestini. Pale yellow and purple. Webb. 33. Pi Bootis, 33 : 6.— Both white; a ruddy tinge sometimes in 6. Webb. 34. Alpha Herculis, 3j : 5J: — "Intense csernlea." Struve. Orange and emerald. Webb. 35. Delta Serpentis, 3 : 5.— Yellow tints. Dembowski. Bright white and bluish white. Webb. Both Bluish. Webb. 36. Eta Cassiopeae, 4 : 7|. — " Flava et purpurea." Struve, Fletcher. Red and green. Herschel, Jr., South. Yellow and orange. Sestini. Dull white and lilac. Webb. 37. Iota Bootis, 4£ : 8. — The 8 azure. Sestini. The 8 lilac. Webb, 1850. Light yellow and dusky white. Webb, 1850. 38. 39 Bootis, 5J : 6j. — White and lilac. Some writers ascribe a bluish and some a ruddy tint to 6£. Webb. 39. Epsilon Lyre. — The two companions of this double star are designated. Epsilon 1 and Epsilon 2. Each of these again are double. Epsilon 1, 5 : 6$. Yellow and ruddy. Webb. During five years the 5 was bluish. Struve, Dembowski, 40. Gamma Cygni, 4 : 7. — Both white. Herschel, Sr. Viridi-cserulea. Struve. The 7 light emerald. Smyth, 1839. Golden yellow and flushed grey. Webb, 1850. 41. Beta Lyrae. — A quadruple star; 3 : 8 : 83 : 9. 1864.] 54 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP 42. Gamrna Lyra?, of 3d magnitude. — Both these stars, Beta Lyra? and Gam- Lyra;, seem to be changing their colors. Herschel, Sr., and South gave Beta as white. Next, Smyth, in 1834, gave the general im- pression as whi:e, the four companions being in the following order: very while and splendid, pale grey, faint yellow, light blue. He gave Gamma Lyra? then as being bright yellow. Schmidt re- garded the colors of both Beta and Gamma the same — yellowish white — from 1844 to 1855. Webb, in 1849 — 50, regarded Gamma as much less yellow than Beta, if not white. In 1862, the latter observer found Gamma the paler in tint, though the difference was not considerable. According to these statements Beta changed from white to yellow and Gamma from yellow to white. Both were of the same color, — yellowish white, — according to Schmidt, about 1844. The only discrepancy is Schmidt, for the latter portion of his time, the former portion being remarkably confirmative. 43. Eta Lyrae, 5 : 9. — Caerulea. Struve, during five years, about 1830. Sky blue and violet. Webb, 1834. The 5, yellow. " 1849—50. " pale yellow. " 18G2. 44. Gamma Aodrornedse, 3k : 5£. — Deep yellow and sea green. Webb, 1862. The 5£ is double, and the colors of the two latter have been given as follows : Subviridis et violacea. Secchi, 1856. Yellow and blue. Sir W. K. Murray, 1857. " " Dawe3, Jacob. 45. Gamma Arietis, 4J : 5. — Both " egregie alba?." Struve, 1830. White. Dembowski, 1852, 1854, 1856. The same, either white or light yellow. Piazzi Smyth, 1856. Full white and faint blue. Webb, 1862. 46. Iota Trianguli, 5J : T. — White or yellow and blue. Secchi. Topaz yellow and green. Webb, 1862. 47. Gamma Ceti, 3 : 7.— The 7 tawny. Webb, 1850. Pale yellow and lucid blue. Webb, 1863. 48. Gamma Leonis, 2 : 4. — White and reddish white. Herschel, Sr. Bright orange and greenish yellow. Webb. I ». 72 P. II. Cassiopea?, 4J : 7 : 9. — White, blue, ruddy violet. Dembow- ski. 1854—6. Pale yellow, lilac, blue. Webb, 1863. 50. Kappa Cepbei, 4] : 8^. — The 4 J greenish. Struve. Pale yellow and blue. Webb, 1863. 51. Zeta Cephei, 5 : 7. — Yellowish and blue. Struve, 1831. Both bluish. Smyth, 1839. White and tawny or ruddy. Webb, 1850. Flushed white and pale lilac. " 1851. . 40 Draconis, 5$ : 6. — Both white. Struve, 1832. Both white. Webb, 1839. Both white or yellowish. Webb, 1850. Both yellow, the 5J deeper. " 1856 and 1863. 53. 12 Canon) Venaticorum, 2£ : 6J. — White and red. Herschel, Sr. " With all attention I could perceive no contrast of colors in the two stars." Herschel, Jr., 1830. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 55 Both wbite. Struve, 1830. Yellow and blue. Sestini, 1844. Full white and very pale wbite. Smylh, 1850. White or ft little yellowish, and tawny or lilac. Webb, 1850. Pale reddish white and lilac. Smyth, 1855. White and pale olive blue. Dembowski, 1356. Same as in 1850, but with very little contrast. Webb, 1862. Flushed white and pale lilac. Webb, 1862. 54. Sigma Corona?, 6 : 6£. — Creamy wbite and smalt blue. Webb, 1862. The 6.} has had many changes, as follows ; certainly not blue and differing very little from the other. South, 1825. While. Struve, 1S36. A yellow ashy and doubtful blue. Dembowski, 1854 — 57. Sometimes blue, sometimes yellow. Secchi, 1855 — 57. " At one time ruddy, at another time bluish, apparently changing white being looked at ; a versatility of hue which I have re- marked in other stars similarly circumstanced." Webb, 1850 — 5. 55. Mu Cygni, 5 : 6. — White and pale blue. Struve, 1831. Yellow and more yellow. Sestini, 1844. Reddish yellow and olive. Dembowski, 1853 — 4. Clear light yellow and ashy yellow. Dembowski, 1S55. " The 5 yellow, while the 6 showed the curious effect of an unde- cided and changeable hue — blue and tawny." Webb, 1850 — 1. The 5 yellow. Webb, 1862. "Secchi's colors are here uncertain and variable." 56. Alpha Piscium, 5 : 6. — Greenish and pale blue. " There seems to be something peculiar in the color of the smaller star, as to which observers are strongly at variance with each other, and even with themselves. Some see no contrast, some agree with Smyth, some find it tawny and ruddy. The details are curious but too long for insertion here. Other small stars show a similar uncer- tainty-" Webb. The frequent changes in some of these stars, — the last three or four of this Catalogue especially, — are remarkable, and seem inexplicable to astronomers. I presume the difficulty arises, not as is supposed from the atmosphere, or from the instruments, or from personal peculiarities, but chiefly from the frequency of the real changes in the stars. If, for instance, it be complained that " Secchi's colors are uncertain and variable," it is because in such instances the colors of the stars are uncertain aud variable. An addition has been made to the title of this Catalogue to obviate the ob- jection that possibly some of the apparent changes of color of the stars may be merely the errors of observation, or the effects of the atmosphere, and not real changes in the celestial bodies. Nevertheless, an apparent change is a- fact in the constitution of the world, and deserves a notice and an explana- tion. From whatever causes these changes may arise, there is needed a faithful collection of all the facts in this department of astronomy. They are scattered about in many volumes and many various scientific depositories, and no one, as far as I am aware, has brought them together or made them a special study. But in making such a collection, or catalogue, no changes should be omitted. Whether we regard them as apparent or real, whether they be small or great, whether they may have been slow or sudden, none should be suppressed by the compiler in his catalogue. To admit some and reject others because in his opinion some are right and others are wrong, would be making his work a confused medley of facts and opinions unworthy of reliance. If, as appears undeniable, there be changes in the colors of the stars, then, from the nature of things, there may be small changes as well as great ones. To reject a re- 1864.] 56 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF corded change simply because it is small, would therefore be a real misrepre- sentation of the case, and a virtual falsification of the records. Moreover, the colors as they stand recorded are from experienced observers, — men whose lives have been devoted to an accurate representation of facts, who do nothing without care and deliberation, and whose common and avowed practice is not to record any color when the atmosphere is not favorable for such obser- vations. As already stated, there are difficulties in deciding on colors by the naked eye when the star is not large, and when the departure from white is small. But this difficulty is not in the way of large stars, as Arcturus and Sirius ; nor does it apply to the telescope, except in the very smallest magnitudes. To decide between two different colors, such as red and blue, is never difficult ; and when two colors are blended, it is the custom to name them both, a3 bluish green, reddish yellow, and the like. The disturbing effects of the atmosphere, or of the instrument, may be detected either immediately or after several nights of observation. The atmosphere cannot color one star and leave all the other stars in the same neighborhood uncolored. The telescope cannot act pecu- liarly on any one star ; it must treat all alike, especially of the same magni- tude and color. Simple comparison is therefore an admirable test ; and another important test is time — watchfulness every night through different changes of weather. If hereafter even this shall not beVound satisfactory in any one locality, then simultaneous observations at widely distant places will most certainly eliminate all suspicion of mistake. For instance, observations may be made at Australia, the Cape of Good Hope, and Chili in the southern hemisphere; and in the northern hemisphere both on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of America, on the Atlantic coast of Europe, in Russia, and in Hindoostan. If the star shall prove of the same color at all these different regions at the same time in favorable weather, then that color may be regarded as unquestionable. Even by using one locality alone absolute certainty may be acquired, — as the red colors of Aldebaran, Betelgueze, and Antares. The same certainty may be looked for hi this as in other departments of astronomy, and even greater certainty than in many. There is an uncertainty, in opinions of wise men, of three millions of miles in the distance of the earth from the sun ; and yet this uncertain distance is used as a measuring line to fathom other and far greater distances. But this uncertainty to so large a degree does not take away from the supreme value of the determinations nevertheless. These determinations, with all their known reservations, are held as of the highest importance. So in the colors of the stars ; mistakes may be made, the intermixtures of error may certainly exist, though we cannot tell exactly where they are, and yet the present recorded observations are precious beyond estimation. And a time is coming when simultaneous observations from various positions in both hemispheres will render them beyond suspicion. To hasten on this time we have only to make good use of the materials already on hand. Why the changes in the colors of the stars are not more frequently observed, was pointed out in a former communication. Why the belief in their real oc- currence is hard to be admitted, and why their observed changes are ascribed to supposable errors from the instruments, from the atmosphere, and from per- sonal deficiencies, seems to arise from the opinion that such vast bodies cannot possibly undergo great changes in a shoit time. But this opinion rests on do known scientific grounds. When fairly viewed, the fixedness of the colors of the stars should not seem more likely than the fixedness of their positions. Indeed the two ideas are very much alike. In ancient phrase, the stars were said to be " rivetted " to the vault of heaven. Now we know from observations more refined that many of them move, and we have a conviction, from the na- ture of attraction, that they must all move. In like manner, in a universe where every known object is subject to change in various ways, our first ideas should be that the colors of all the stars must change. Hence we should ap- proach the recorded changes with favorable judgments. If we are to have any [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 57 prepossessions in the case, they should be that the changes are real in the stars themselves. And when we reflect on the habitual caution of long experienced observers, men whose very existence is devoted to the accurate delineation of fact, we should place a high reliance on their recorded observations, and not think that they have lightly allowed themselves to be imposed upon by optical illusions. I cannot hope to be able to add anything to the knowledge of practised ob- servers respecting the sources of error and the rules to be observed in making observations ; but as these have never, that I am aware, been embodied in print, I offer the following, chiefly for the assistance of the many who may be disposed so observe the larger stars with the naked eyes. Such stars are indeed very few, but the observations may be the more useful from being made frequently and by many persons. 1. Damp and slightly hazy atmospheres make a green star appear blue. This may be from the same principle that the deep ocean, the clear sky, and the distant mountains appear blue. Damp nights that are perfectly clear do not have this effect. 2. Moonlight greatly obscures the colors of the stars, giving them a yellowish hue. 3. Before the daybreak makes its appearance in the east, the rays of the sun refracted through the higher regions of the atmosphere, may cause a general whiteness of the stars. 4. Artificial lights reaching the eye obscure the colors of the stars. 5. On account of the faintness of the light of the stars, the eye of.en requires to be fixed upon them for a considerable time before their impressions take full effect. 6. Comparisons between neighboring stars, and some practice in star ob- servations, are often necessary to decide on the real colors of the stars. 7. The atmosphere must have like effects upon similar stars in the same neighborhood. Hence a peculiarity observed in any star may be brought to a determination. 8. Observations on the same star during a considerable interval of time and through different changes of weather, may aid in giving confidence to a deter- mination. 9. Perfect independence and candor are necessary. Our previous judgments are apt to warp these dalioate impressions on the retina, and whether we have derived these judgments from ourselves or others, we must be careful to lay them completely aside. For want of doing this we may not notice a change of color, although such a change may have been before our vision. 10. Personal peculiarities of vision may be ascertained by consultation with others. 11. Discrepancies between the accounts of two observers may arise from differences of dates ; hence, in apprehension of sudden and frequent changes in the stars, the dates of observations should be carefully given. m Description of a new Labroid Genus allied to TROCHOCOPUS Gthr. BY THEODORE GILL. Dr. Ayres bas indicated, under the name Labrus pulcher, a Californian representative of the family of Labroids. That species was subsequently referred by Dr. Glinther to his genus Stinicossyphus, in which it was retained by myself with the proviso that " its generic position remains to be con- firmed, although there is little doubt that it really is a Semicossyphus." Hav- ing since received, through the kindness of Dr. Cooper, a specimen of the species, I find that it has not the "lateral teeth distinct," as in Semicossyphus, but an " obtuse osseous ridge round the edge of the jaws, without distinct lateral teeth," as in Trochocopus Gthr., to which Gunther should have referred it. I am not acquainted with his reasons for considering the species closely 1864.] 58 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF related to the type of Semicossyphus, but previously followed him, as he was acquainted with Semicossyphus and Trochocopus through autopsy, while I was not. Genus PIMELOMETOPON Gill. Synonymy . Labrus sp. Ayres. Semicossyphus sp. Gilnlher, Gill. Body oblong, moderately compressed, with the caudal peduncle little oblong and not constricted: anus subcentral. Scales generally rather small, in about fifty-five to sixty-five transverse rows; on the breast smallest: each scale is oblong, subangulated behind, little convex or truncated at base, corrugated at the centre, with numerous lines radiating backwards towards the base and sides ; and in front with generally undulated lines parallel with the sides ; exposed surface vertically rhomboid. Lateral Hue continuous, simply tubular, parallel with the dorsal outline, little decurved backwards, and not at all deflected. Head nearly equally long and high, with the snout elongated and decurved. Eyes submedian between the snout and opercular margin or little anterior, rather small. Cheeks covered with small scales ; larger ones on all the opercular bones, except the preoperculum, whose limbs are naked. Oper- cular bones unarmed ; suboperculum with no membranaceous extension. Nostrils minute, simple, in front of the upper portion of the eye. Mouth little protractile, with the cleft oblique. Lips thick and plicated. Intermaxillary and supramaxillary bones connected by arthrodial articula- tion; intermaxillaries with the ascending processes about as long as the horizontal and extending nearly to the eyes, little curved and oblong cunei- form in profile for two-thirds of their length, oblong subtrihedral behind; the horizontal limbs uniformly wide, thick but compressed, and with a pro- minent articulation behind. Supramaxillars divided into two parts ; an anterior laminar behind and within the posterior part, widening towards the front into a somewhat concave or channeled process arthrodially articulated with the outer surface of the intermaxillars, and thence recurrent in a nearly parabolic curve backwards and thence downwards to the front to articulate with the inner surface of the intermaxillars ; the posterior portion of the supramaxillars is flat and expanded backwards towards its iuferior angle, and ceases nearly under the front of the eye. Dentary rapidly increasing in height towards the angle. Teeth on the crest of the jaws cylindro-conic and obtuse, completely iso- lated; four in front of the jaws developed as large curved blunt canines; the hindermost one in jaw above sometimes little larger than the preceding ; in others a true canine :* on the inner surface of the jaws, granular and pluriserial. Branchiostegal rays seven (in Pimelomelopon Darivinii fide Val. Dorsal fin wih no scales, entire, commencing rather behind the bases of the pectoral fins; typically with twelve spines and ten rays; the spinous portion nearly uniform, rather low, and with each spine enveloped in a mem- branaceous produced sheath ; the soft portion falciform, produced at its anterior portion. Anal fin with three graduated spines, and with its soft portion opposite and similar to, that of the dorsal. Caudal fin typically lunate and with prolonged pointed lobes. Pectoral fins rather narrow, obliquely truncated behind. Ventral fins inserted beneath or scarcely behind the pectoral and angulated. D. XII. 10. A. III. 12. Scales 58—62. The lower pharyngeal bone is T-shaped, divided into two parts ; the body *Is the development of a posterior canine tooth a sexual distinction in this genus? [March NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 59 transversely triangular, scarcely sinuous behind and uniformly high, with its ends scarcely curved backwards to its posterior facettes, which are narrow, little prominent above and separated from the dentigerous area by a con- traction ; the shaft is laminar, expanded obliquely downwards and forwards. The teeth on the body are nearly uniform, moderate, and paved, and on the crest of the shaft obtusely cylindro-conic. The upper pharyngeal bones are high, curved in front, on which is a tessellated pavement and which is nearly rectangular to the inferior surface, which is paved towards the inner side with moderate and towards the outer with minute teeth. The gill rakers on the outer surface of the first branchial arch are short compressed, parallel with the arch, bi- or multidentate ; the others are oblique and more or less compressed at right angle to the arches. Type Pimelometopon pulcher Gill. This genus is very closely related to Trochocopus (Giinther), but differs in the possession of a greater number of scales and the form of the head. It is also solely represented by species found along the western coasts of America and the appertaining islands, while Trochocopus is a peculiar African type, so far as yet known. Of the two known species of this genus, one — the type — was originally described as a Labrus by Ayres in San Francisco ; the other was first made known by Jenyns under the generic name Cossyphus and was afterwards, by Valenciennes, described as a new species of Labrus. Dr. Giinther subse- quently referred the Californian species to his genus Semicossyphus and the species of Jenyns and Valenciennes to Trochocopus; he was acquainted with neither through autopsy. Finally, the writer, following Giinther and unacquainted with either Semicossyphus or Trochocopus, retained the Cali- fornian species in the former genus. Pimclomotopon belongs to the subfamily of Chccropinse as understood by me. It is proper to here remark that, by an evident inadvertence, the sub- family Pseudolabriformes of Bleeker was formerly* enumerated among those considered valid by myself, instead of among those requiring revision. There are two known species of the genus Pimelometopon: Pimelometopon pulcher Gill = Labrus pulcher Ayres — Semicossyphus pulcher Giinther, Gill. California. Pimelometopon Darwinii Gill = Cossyphus Darwinii Jenyns = Labrus aper Val. Gallopagos Islands. N. B. In anticipation of a special paper, I may here state that the Sebastes! helvomaculatus of Ayres is the true Sebastes rosaceus of Girard, (Sebastomusf ro- saceus Gill,) widely different from the Sebastodes ! rosaceus of Ayres. The latter may be named Sebaslosomus pinniger. Note on the Nomenclature of Genera and Species of the Family ECHENEIDOIDJE. BY THEODORE GILL. In order to correct the nomenclature of two of the genera of the family Echeneidoidse, the following paper is submitted. I also embrace the oppor- tunity of restoring to proper rank, as the true names of peculiar species, two which have been connected with forms to which they do not truly belong. M. Auguste Dumeril, in a "Prodrome" of a projected Monograph of the family, (Comptes Rendus, tome 47, 1858, pp. 374 — 378,) has proposed to distribute the species among two groups, one typified by Echeneis nnicrates, and named Nancrates, and the other, represented by E. remora and called Remores. Elevating these types with others to independent generic rank, I * Proc. A. N. S. 1833, p. 221. f Sebastosomus, n. g. Type Sebastosomus melanops = Sebastes melanops Girard. 1861.] 60 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 1. 2. 3. 4. have restricted Echeneis to the genus typified by E. naucrates and called that one typified by E. remora, Remora, which name Dr. Bleeker has since ac- cepted. On examining the works of Linnaeus and Artedi, I find, however, that E. rnnora was the only species referred to that genus by Linnaeus in the earlier editions of the Systema Naturae, and by Artedi ; and that in the later editions, Linnaeus placed that species at the head of the genus. The E. re- mora must consequently be regarded as the type of the genus, and a new name (Leptecheneis) conferred on E. naucrates. The genera of Echeneidoidae will then be known by the following names : REMORSE. Echeneis Remora L. Echeneis L., Art. Type, Echeneis remora L. Remoropsis Gill. Type, Echeneis brachyptera Lowe. Rhombochiius Gill. Type, Echeneis osteochir Cuv. Remilegia Gill. Type, Echeneis australis Bznnet = Echeneis scutata Giinther. LEPTECHENEIDES. 5. Leptecheneis Gill. Type, Echeneis neucrates L. 6. Phtheirichthys Gill. Type Echeneis lineatus Menzies. In a Synopsis given in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sci- ences of Philada., for April, 1862, (p. 239,) an analytical table is given, in which the genera are distributed as follows : Echeneides (Echeneis = Leptecheneis, Phtheirichthys.) Remorae (Remora = Echeneis, Remilegia.) Subsequently, (op. cit., 1863, p. 8S,) the genera Remoropsis and Rhombo- chirus weie added. The genus Remilegia is known to me chiefly through the excellent figure accompanying Giinther's valuable account of the family in the " Annals and Magazine of Natural History," (vol. v. 1860, pp. 386—402.) On the other hand, I have enjoyed the opportunity of examining two types, — Rhombo- chirus and Phtheirichthys, — not seen by that gentleman. While fully appreciating the great service rendered to science by Dr. Giin- ther in reducing the synonymy of the present family, and in many respects agreeing with him in his views regarding the limits of the species and their synonymy, I am compelled to differ from him, especially regarding the nomenclature of the species called by him Echeneis Holbrookii Gthr., and E. scutata Gthr., believing that both had long previously received names known, indeed, to him, but referred to species which they did not really represent. Echeneis Holbroohi of Giinther, Cat., should have been called Echeneis albi- cauda, as it is the Echeneis albicauda of Mitohill. Mitchill's name is, indeed, in- cluded, with special emphasis, in the synonymy of Giinther's Echeneis nau- crates (Leptecheneis neucrates), but the following juxtaposition of all essential characters given by both authors will show the incorrectness of this view : " E. naucrates." " E. Holbrookii." u E. albicauda." Disk "(21) 22-25 (26)" " The length of the disk 4A— 4 4 in the to- tal or twice the width of the body between the pectorals." Gthr., ii. p. 384. Width to length (= 1: 4£ — 4 | X 2) = 1 : 9 -Si ' Disk "21." "The length of the disk is 3 4 iu the to- tal, or twice the width of the body between the pectorals." Gthr., ii. 383. Length to width = 1 : (3 | X 2) 7 |. Disk "21." " Length twenty inches and a half; breadth al- most three." Mitohill. Length to width (20i -r 3 :)6|. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 61 As Mitchill's notice of Echeneis albicauda gives a relative width, to the body even greater than that attributed by Giinther to his E. Holhrookii, and far greater than that assigned by him to E. naucrat.es, and as Echeneis albi- cauda has "twenty-one bars across the shield," also in E. Holhrookii "the number of laminas has been constantly found to be twenty-one — a number of very rare occurrence in E. naucrates," — the reasons for Giinther's insistence on the reference of Mitchill's name to E. naucrates and bestowal of a new one on his species are not evident. I cannot appreciate the force of his remark that Mitchill's " is an imaginary species," and that the name, " as is qui'e clear, was originally not intended for the fish afterwards de- scribed by Holbrook as E. lineata, but merely for specimens of E. naucrates with a white margin to the fins." Long before the communications of Mitchill, and as early as the year 1788, a species of the genus Leptechcneis was made known by Zuiew in a special article (Eche?ieidis nova species) in the Nova Acta Academise Scientiarum Im- perialis Petropolitanae (iv. 279 — 283, tab. VI.) The species was well and elaborately described and illustrated, and was especially distinguished from E. naucrates by the much longer lower jaw and the longer disk, which nevertheless had a smaller number of lamina? (20.) The species thus intro- duced was named Echeneis neucratoides ; its habitat was unknown. While it is thus seen that two forms with a comparatively small number of lamina? had been early made known, and that the proportions assigned to one agreed nearly with those attributed to E. Holhrookii by Giinther, it is necessary to add that none of the specimens examined by myself had so long a disk or so wide a body as the individuals noticed by Giinther, although I have had tbe opportunity of examining specimens of the genus exhibiting every gradation between eighteen and twenty-five lamina?. I shall not, how- ever, offer any decided opinion at present, but close with the assertion that DeKay's and Holbrook's specimens had not the proportions of the E. Hol- hrookii of the Acanthopterygian Fishes, but agreed with those seen by my- self. As GQnther's E. Holhrookii was entirely founded on the E. lineata of Holbrook in the first instance, that name must of course be considered as a synonym. The Echeneis scutata of Giinther had first received a name from F. D. Ben- nett in his ' ' Narrative of a Whaling Voyage round the Globe, from the year 1833 to 1836."* In that work, Bennett gave a very recognizable description of it under the name Echeneis austrahs.\ Bennett's name has been referred by Giinther to the synonymy of Lrptecheneis neucrates, like E. albicauda, but, as will be shown, erroneously. Bennett has stated that the E. australis exceeds the E. remora — especially recognized by Giinther as that species — in size. "One individual captured, and which was by no means the largest one observed, measured one foot five inches in length, and was proportionally broad." This statement at once would render the identity of the species with E. nait'crates extremely improbable, as the latter species has an incom- parably more slender body. The further statement that the dorsal has " 21" rays, and the anal "24," completes the evidence of its difference from L. neucrates, that species having the formula D. "(21) 22 — 25 (2(3) 33—41. A 32—38," (Giinther). As Bennett's formula (" D. 21. A. 24") specially agrees with Giinther's formula of E. scutata— (" D. 27 | 22. A. 21—23"), and, as of three examples of Bennett's species, "one only had 24 stride on the buckler, the other two had 26," thus also specifically agreeing with E. scu- tata (" D. 27 | "), the identity of the two nominal species is almost certain, and Bennett's name (Remilegia australis,) as the prior one, must be accepted. * Op.cit., vol. ii. 1840, p. 273. t The name of Echeneis australis was first introduced into Science by Bennett, as that of anew ppecies. A Lepteclieneis — probably L. neucrates— had beca previously figured in Griffith's Cuvier under the English name ot " Australian remora," but no attempt at identification of the two was made by Bennett, and the species belong to widely distinct genera. 1864.] 62 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF (Communicated by the Smithsonian Institution.) Notes on the BIRDS of Jamaica. BY W. T. MARCH. With remarks by S F. B«rd. III. ARDEIDJZ. All the North American Ardeidae are to be obtained in the Island of Jamaica. The Ganlins and Bitterns are of more frequent occurrence than the larger He- rons, and are found at all seasons and in every part of the island where there is water, — at the cattle ponds, along the river courses, in the mangrove swamps, lagoons, and marshes, and in considerable numbers on tbe neighbor- ing islets and kays during the breeding season. The Ardeidae all build on trees ; the nests are platforms, constructed of sticks filled in with leaves, trash, twigs and bark, forming a shallow bedding, on which the eggs are de- posited. In the mangroves the nest is composed principally of the decaying pods of the black mangrove. The eggs of all are emerald green, or rather, of the tint called aqua- marine, varying in shade, and in dimensions according to the size of the bird ; those of the Gaulins are four or five in number, measuring about 1 , (j by 1 jg of an inch; the typical eggs rounded at both ends, though some are pointed at one end ; a small kay off Old Harbor, known as Barebush Kay, is a favorite resort of all the Gaulins, Bitterns and Night Herons during the breeding season. The larger Herons are not of so frequent occurrence as the Gaulins and other Ardeidae during the late spring and summer months ; but Ardea hero- dias and Herodias egretta are not uncommon during the autumn and winter ; they are, however, more difficult of approach than the smaller species, being very wary and vigilant ; their resort during the breeding season is usually to the deep recesses of the mangrove swamps and morasses. Their eggs are of similar form and color, but larger than those of the Night Heron. I have not often met with the nest of the larger Herons ; but have notes of two, — one from Salt Island Creek, Herodias egretta, containing three eggs, and the other, Ardea herodias with four eggs from the Ferry Lagoon. On both occasions the nests were taken from the topmost branches of a Corkwood (Anona palusiris). The Herons are generally in good condition from the fall of the year until the following spring, but, as with most of the fish-feeding birds, must be divested of the skin, which otherwise imparts a rank and unpleasant flavor to the flesh. There are periods, but not of long continuance, in which the Egrets, par- ticularly the White, are seen several together, iu our marshes. The numbar may be twelve or twenty. They seem attracted by some prevalent living food on these occasions ; ordinarily they feed singly, or at most in couples, in the shaded spots of our rivers above the water shoal. There are collected at the present time (January, 1864) at a sedgy pond near Spanish Town up- wards of twenty, principally Garzetta candidissima, with a few of Herodias &gretta, Florida cccrulea and Demiegretta ludoviciana and nivea. 110. Florida csrulea. — The length of the Blue Gaulin or Florida Heron is about 22 inches, expanse 36^, flexure 11, leg 4, bill 3 ; occipital feathers lengthened, without a crest; prevailing color dark indigo blue, head and neck with a purplish tinge ; dorsal plumes lengthened ; wing feathers grey- ish beneath ; iris yellow, orbits light blue, bill leaden blue ; legs and feet black. The young are white with spots of blue about the wings and body ; [Mar. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHrA. 63 iris whitish, orbits and base of the bill yellowish, bill light blue, legs drill yellowish, bill light blue, legs dull greeu. 109. Garzetta candidissima. — I find the Suowy Heron of as frequent oc- currence as the Red-Necked and Blue Gaulin. Color snowy white, with occipital and dorsal plumes loosely fibred and much lengthened. Iris yellow- ish, bill black, with the base and lower portion of the lower mandible and space round the eye yellow; legs black, feet yellow; length 26 inches, ex- panse 371, flexure 10^, leg 4, bill 3£, middle toe 3. 10S. Garzetta nivea. — Mr. Gosse's Common Gaulin has been supposed to be the immature " Florida coerulea," but I think, on careful examination and comparison, it is quite distinct, — the color is always pure white, without any blue feathers about the body or wings, or any distinct crest. The tips of the first six wing quills only are edged on both webs with greyish black. Iris pale yellow ; orbits, cheeks and legs bluish green ; bill bluish black, with the base and larger portion of the lower mandible yellow. Length 24 inches, expanse 39, flexure 10|, leg 4, bill 3£, tail 4£. 111. Demiegretta ludoviciana. — The Red-necked Egret, or Gaulin, is one of the most common. The general color of the adult above is slatey blue, the feathers tipped with reddish ; chin and a stripe down the throat and other under parts tawney white ; breast and neck red, shaded into purplish. Iris yellowish white; space round the eye fulvous; bill brownish black, lower mandible clayish yellow beneath; legs yellowish green. Length 25 \ inches, expanse 37, flexure 10}, bill and leg 4 each. The white occipital and colored dorsal plumes straight, fastigiate, the latter generally longer than the tail. The immature bird has the upper plumage reddish, mixed with blue. Demiegretta rufa. — The Reddish Egret or Gaulin is scarce, as I have only seen two specimens ; it appears to be only an occasional visitor. Adult. — General color greyish blue, paler beneath; head, neck and throat reddish chestnut. Dorsal plumes with yellowish tips, straight, fastigiate, and longer than the tail. Iris greyish white, space round the eye and bill dull flesh-color; the terminal half of the bill black, legs and feet blue, with blackish scales ; claws blackish. Length 30 inches, expanse 43, flexure 12f , leg 5^, bill 3}. 116. Herodias egretta. — The White Egret or Heron is the most common of the larger species. The dimensions are, length 38 inches, expanse 55, or more, flexure 16, tail 5, bill more than 5, and leg nearly 6 inches. Color pure white ; no occipital crest. Dorsal plumes with stiffened shafts, longer than the tail and pendant. Iris yellow ; bill yellowish to the point, dusky above, legs and feet black. 163. Ardea occidentalis. — The Great White Heron is rare in the island ; it is readily distinguished from ^he preceding by the larger size, the length- ened occipital feathers, and an absence of the dorsal plumes and some other peculiarities. The color is also pure white. Iris yellow, orbits yellowish green, bill yellow, greenish at the base ; legs yellow, with olive tinge in front, claws light brownish. Length 45 inches, expanse 68, or more, flexure nearly 20, leg nearly 9 inches, bill 5£. 115. Ardea herodias. — The Great Blue Heron is more abundant in some years than in others. The prevailing color is ashy blue, some feathers tinged reddish ; crown feathers and scapulars elongated ; chin and under tail coverts white ; edge of wing and a patch on shoulder rufous and white ; neck ashy cinnamon brown ; color of throat white, streaked with black and reddish brown ; plumes of the breast ashy and white ; bally streaked black and 1864.] 64 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP white ; sides black. Wing quills blackish. ; thigh rufous ; tail bluish. Iris yellowish, with hazel pupil ; bill with lower mandible yellow, dark flesh- colored at the base ; upper mandible reddish horn, lighter on the edges ; tongue whitish, mouth deep rosy flesh-colored ; leg, feet and claws black, scales with whitish edges ; thighs, a short space from the knee, and a stripe back and front black, the rest tawny ; palms dull clayish. The dimensions of the adult male are, length 46 inches, expanse 74, flex- ure 19, bill 6|, leg 7, thigh 9, middle toe 4|. This species is very variable, rarely agreeing exactly in the dimensions and m the coloring of the head and belly. The female and young male generally have the head black without the white center, and the breast and under tail coverts greyish, streaked with white and blackish. The sack or stomach of one shot at the river side near Spanish Town was filled with small river shrimps and water snails, intermixed with small pieces of river grass (Cera- lophyllum demersum) evidently pulled up in taking the food ; and in the gullet of another shot at Great Salt Pond was a mullet nearly eight inches in length. 275. Ardea Wurdemannii ? — The White-crowned Heron is in the upper plumage very like the preceding, but has the crown and occipital elongated fea- thers white ; the under parts white, streaked with black ; the breast bluish black, with bluish grey or ashy on the sides. Length nearly 50 inches, ex- panse 75 or more, flexure 21, leg 8, middle toe about 13, thigh 9, bill 6-£. Greenish brown, yellowish beneath. The fishermen and gunners on the coast say this is the male of the preced- ing species in summer plumage, but, from two specimens I have collected, I think they are quite distinct. 113. Ardetta exilis. — The Tortoise-shell Bittern is not uncommon among the mangroves and along the banks of streams. It is generally found soli- tary. Length 13^ inches, expanse 17 to 18, flexure 4} to 5, bill and leg each nearly 2. The prevailing colors of this Bittern are dark glossy green and purplish cinnamon mixed with tawny. Iris and bill yellow, the latter darker at the tips, legs tawny. The head and back of the female are chestnut in- stead of green and cinnamon. The eggs are small. 112. Butorides virescens. — The Crab Catcher is found as a solitary bird in almost every locality in which there is water. The dimensions are, length 17 to 20 inches, expanse 25 to 28, flexure 7 to 8, leg and bill 2 to 2^. Head with crest glossy green, upper parts of body green, wing coverts edged with tawny brown ; neck and sides of throat chestnut : chin white ; line down the centre of throat white, intermixed with greenish and chestnut ; under parts and sides leaden ash. Iris yellow ; upper mandible black, lower man- dible yellow, with black edge ; legs and feets dusky greenish yellow. The mature male has two stripes on the side of the head towards the ear, with a white stripe streaked with black between them. This species also builds on trees in the morasses and swamps, and on river banks overhanging the streams. The eggs are nearly as large as those of the Gaulins. Butorides beunnescexs. — A Cuban species is supposed to be found here, but I have not recognized it in any of my collections. From Gundlach's de- scription this differs from the preceding in having the tip of the lower mandi- ble greenish white ; skin of face olive black ; round the eye yellowish green ; legs olive brown ; lesser wing coverts and small quills dark metallic green, with rusty edges ; large quills without white ; lesser under coverts grey ; Throat yellowish brown, dark grey at base ; foreneck blackish, with metallic green lustre, rusty tips and pale yellowish lateral edges. It also wants the white and black streaked line from the angle of the mouth towards the ear [March. NATURAL, SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 65 and the white on the thi'oat and forepart of the neck, which are uniform with the rest of the neck. 117. Botaurus lbxtiginosus. — This Bittern is occasionally met with about the river banks, lagoons and swamps. Iris yellow ; feet grayish yellow; bill yellowish green, blackish at the points. Length 26 inches, expanse 40, flex- ure 12. Prevailing color brownish yellow, mottled and shaded darker with reddish and brown and cinnamon brown ; a black stripe on each side of the neck; chin and upper throat white, streaked with brown. I have not met with the nest. 114. Nyctiakdea gahjdkni. — The Night Heron or Quok is often met with about the lagoons and swamps. Length 25 to 30 inches, expanse 40 to 45, flexure 12 to 13, bill and leg a little more than 3 inches. Iris red, orbits green ; bill black ; legs and feet yellow, claws brown ; head, crest, scapulars and back glossy metallic green ; long feathers of occipital crest forehead and under parts white, passiug into pale slaty blue ; the wings and tail ashy blue. The young differ in having the green of the upper parts replaced by dull chocolate ; the coverts spotted white ; the neck and under parts streaked with dusky: the quills tinged with reddish chocolate, and tipped whitish, 120. Nyctherodius v-olaceus.— The yellow-crowned Night Heron or Guinea- hen Quok, is also of frequent occurrence. Dimensions rather less than the preceding; the bill thicker and shorter. Iris reddish ; bill dark or blackish green ; legs greenish yellow above, greenish black below ; the prevailing color greyish leaden blue, lighter below ; top of the head and occipital feathers yellowish white, surrounded with bluish black ; quills and tail dull lead co- lor ; the young has the upper parts greenish olive, with central streaks and terminal spots of brownish yellow; the under par's whitish, with yellowish brown streaks. The night Herons build lower than the other species of Arde- idce. The eggs of the two species are alike, rounded at both ends. TANTALlDsE. 121. Ibis alba, the White Curlew. Ibis , the Black Curlew. — The haunts of these two ( ? ) species of Ibis appear to be almost confined to the morass borders of the. islets off Salt Island and Busiiy Park Lands, formed by the growth of mangroves, and intersected by natural channels flowing between ; the Curlews breed, and are so be found there at all seasons, only visiting the mainland in August and sometimes in September. The first species is pure white, with the first live wing quills tipped with greenish black. The other is also white, with the head, neck, wings, and tail of a glossy greenish black. The Hesh is equal to thar. of the wild goose :;' 119. Ibis rubra. — The red Curlew is a rare visitor on the south midland coast ; but has been more frequently seen at the western end of the island. I have never met with it. 118. Platalea a.iaja. — The roseate Spoonbill is of very rare occurrence. I have only seen portions of oae, shot by Mr. M ixwell in Saint Elizabeth, many years ago. f 143. PHJENicoPTEEira ruber. — The red Flamingo was formerly a frequent visitor at the west end of the island, but rarely seen on the south midland or eastern coast, t *(Notf. by Mr. Richard Hill.) It lias not beoii mentioned by naturalists that the Curlew has the power or" indexing the iippir bill, so as lo ru:i it along the groove ot the lower mandible, and clean out whatever may be adhering there. t (Note by Mr. lliil.) Occasionally specimens have been procured from the sulinas of Old Har- bour. Twice, specimens have b^en brought mo, but s > bidly skinned as to be worthless for tha cabinet. The color was nf a delicate equally tinted rosy red. + (Note by Mr. Hilt.) In 18il a fine rose-tinted bird was Bhot at Passsgo Fort. The bird wag. forwarded by Mr. Kirk p ttrick, but never eaTM to hind. Some of the feathers were separately, sent and received 1864.] 5 66 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY O1/ Many species of Plovers and Snipes are regular annual visitors , they come in considerable numbers with the autumnal rains, in the early part of Octo- ber, (some are rather earlier in their advent.) and depart, many, before the end of '.he year ; whilst others remain until February, or later in the succeed- ing year. On the arrival of the migratory flocks in autumn, they ra-nge all over the island where water is to be found. Some species are found during the entire year, the number depending apparently on the signs of the coming seasons ; during the dry summer of 1863 they were more abundant than in 18G1 or 1862 ; some of the summer residents breed in the high lands, but the greater number of them are found on the plains and near the coast. CHARADRIIDsE. .ZEgialites melodus. — The Piping Plover is, according to Gosse, an annual visitor, but I have not met it in any of my collections. Mr. Gos.se m^y pos- sibly have mistaken the following species for it. 103, 260 yEftiALiTEs Waso?,Tres. — The Thick-billed Plover is easily recog- nised by the bill ; it is one of tl.e permanent residents, and, I think, is more- numerous during the summer than any of the other species of Aegialites ; the migrants generally arrive in September, and depart in the early prat of the following year, leaving, however, numbers widely distributed inland, as well as on the coast. It lays on the bare sand like the Chordeil ', sometimes, but not often, near the cover of some low shrub. J have not met with more than three eggs in a nest; they are in form like the Quails, stone < oior, splashed all over with small spots of bistre and vandyhe brown, and measuring 1.] by 1$. SeVeral species of Ac< aiitcs are said to breed in Saint Elizabeth and West- moreland. A. rod/ems and tcvuirostris may be among them. 102, 256. iEdALiTES semipalmatus. — The. Ring PI vr." <> a summer resident, but is not so numerous as the last species. 1 have collected speci- mens through thi:: spring and summer months, but I have never met with the eggs, though they must certainly breed here, as one of my sons took from one spot in July last, at Gieat Salt Pond, a broken egg perfectly shelled ; it was dark grey apparently without, or with only minute dots. The other Plovers, visiting the island in autumn and winter, are — 105, 20-1. Charaduius virginicus. — The Golden Plover. , 99. iEGiALiiKS vocifekus. — The Kildeer Plover. 103, 203. Squatarola helvetica. — The Squatting Plover. 182. LrsiosA?— The Horse-eyed Plover. I have not met with any of these during the. summer in the south midland district ; the three first are constant annual visitors ; the last is only obtained occasionally. IIAlMA TOPODIDJE. 107, 257. STRErsiLAs isterpkes. — The Turnstone is the most abundant of the Orallae found here Ht all season-', and I have met with their eggs more frequently than these of am oilier species— -at the seaside— on the plains — in the mountains. 1 have iound eggs at Healthsliire Great Salt Pond, Passage Fort, and in Sr. John, St. Thomas in the Vale, and on the bank of the Bio Grande, near Mlllbank in Portland. The eggs are deposited on a few dried leaves under low growing shrubs, (on the coast generally under the Surianvx .Maritima ; > they are yellowish, or olive green, coarsely marked and streaked with dark and light brown, and slat^y grey spots intermixed. [Mareh NATURAL SOIK ICSS OF Pair.ABELPHTA. Si RECUR VIROSTRIDsE. 141. Himantopus NiQRicoiiLis -I have found the Stilt Plover about the Salinas along the coast from Port Royal to Old Harbour, during; the entire year; they are often seen about the Hashes made by the inroad of the Rio Cobre at Passage Fort and the Salt Pans, and Salina at Hanson's or Great Salt Pond, (and I make no doubt they breed throughout the- island.) The eggs are generally found in a tussock of prass; from recollection they are stone color, splashed all over with vandyke brown and pale bistre spots. Recurvirostka Americana. — The American Avoset has been identified by Mr. Hill ; it must be a rare visitor, as I have never met with it. SCOLOPACIDJS. 242, 255. Actodromas mixutilla. — The little Sand-pipers are found at all seasons, though tuost abundant in the late autumn and early winter months ; they are not, however, uncommon during the spring and summer. They breed on the Salinas and sandy beach, laying three or four eggs on the bare sand ; these are yellowish, splashed with reddish brown and greyish spots principally about the large end. I have had eggs from Great Salt Pond and Passage Fort. 129, 131. Calidris arenaria.— The Sanderling is a regular annual visitor I have a pair shot at Great Salt Pond on the 20th August, 1883. 205, 254. Micropalama himantopus. — The Stilt Sandpiper is not uncommon during the spring and summer. I have not met with the egg, though I am sure it must breed here, as 1 have specimens of birds collected in April, Jane and August of 1S63. 130. Symphemia semipalmata. — The Willet, known here as the Spanish Plover, is not uncommon in some years during and after the autumnal rains. 1 have never seen it in summer, though it is said to breed in Saint Elizabeth. 124. RaYACopuiLDS soutartus. — The Solitary or Pond Snipe is never seen in company — a single bird or pair only is found usually about the cattle ponds. The e.gs are laid on the bare ground. I have taken several nests, but have no certain recollection of the eggs. 128. Tringa canutus. — The Knit or White-bellied Snipe is also found So solitary loneliness on river banks, or marshy borders of ponds or fresh watiy streams, at all seasons of the year, but I have not yet met with the eggs. 127. Gallinago wilsoni. — The Jack Snipe is common from the end of Sep tember till December, and thence till April becomes almost solitary ; in the la'ter months at early dawn, after a moonlight night, a single specimen is sometimes found, on the dry pastures of salt ponds, mistaking, no doubt, for water the glittering appearance caused by the moonlight on patches oi parched, low grass. En some years they are abundant, in others scarce ; for the last two or three years, 1861, 1862, 1863, they have been the latter in the south midland plains, but have been abundant in the highlands. When they first arrive they lie in considerable numbers along the borders of poradu, or margins of marshy lands, in every part of the island. Many years ago. early in October, in company with the late Captain St. John, then Island En- gineer, we shot more than seventy brace in three days over a small Guinea cornfield of about six acres; the land had been previously burnt off, and the corn was then only a few inches high ; the water from the then recent heavy rains lying in the intervals and in pud lies about the fidld, which adjoiaatj woodlaud on two sides. Aot;turit.3 BAurs\Mius?— The Short billed Scupe is an occasional visitor. I 1864.] 68 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF have a specimen shot in October, 18G3, from the ridge of a house top at Heed's Pen ; — the dimensions are, length 12 inches, expanse nearly 24, flex- ure GJ ; tail, graduated, 3.j ; bill 1£ ; thigh 2\ ; leg not quite 2; middle toe with claws \ of an inch, hind toe small. Bill dark brown, lower mandible yelow, except at the point ; legs greenish yellow ; upper plumage dark brown, feathers edged with tawny, lower part of the back and rump without the edging ; central tail feathers same as the upper plumage ; side feathers tawny, with blackish transverse bars, and irregular subterininal blotches ; ohin and stripe over the eye white ; throat with blackish marblings, under parts yellowish white, clearer on the belly ; breast and sides with transverse bars of brownish black ; wing quills blackish brown, banded on the inner webs with dull white ; shaft of the first quill white, under wing coverts white, with narrow bands of brownish black. Mr. Go3se gives Tringoides macularius as found on the island. 12G. Gambetta melanoleoca. — The Tell-tale. 125. " flavipes. — The Yellow-shanks. 122, 123. Ereunetes petrificatus. (E. pusillus.) — The Sandpiper. — These three Snipes are also annual visitors, arriving in considerable numbers in the autumn, but I have not met with any during the summer. 120. Numewius longikostris.— The brown Curlew is often found in paire among the mangrove swamps on the coast during the entire year, but more frequently on the small sandy kays to the west of Healthshire and near Old Harbour, where is also the common haunts of the two species of the Ibis. They breed in the reeds, rushes and tall marsh grass on the borders of the creeks and swamps; the eggs are four, larger at one end and obtusely pointed at the other, measuring 2 yg by l}g ; they are greenish or olive green, with blotches and splashes of dark umber and greenish brown.* There is another bird found in the mountain^, which I take to be a Curlew ; it is much smaller than the preceding, and has a short bill ; the upper plu- mage is also darker, and the under parts rusty white. It is prevalent in the north eastern parishes, about the mountain streams. (Perhaps N. borc- alis.) Iu November, 1826, I had a specimen of a Woodcock, shot on the race- course near Spanish Town, but I have not since met with it. It was supposed to be Philokela minor. I have only a slight recollection, and the following note of it :— Length not quite 12 inches ; wing rounded ; bill straight, enlarged at the end; general color pale rufous, shaded ashy and darker rufous. RALLWsE. The Coot, in common with the two Gallinules, is found abundant in the lagoons, marshes and ponds in all parts of the island, highlands as well a3 lowlands ; particularly where there is a thick growth of reeds, rushes and water plants to afford them cover. The nidification of the three is very simi- lar ; a platform of sticks, filled in and lined with decaying leaves, rushes, water grass (ceratophyllum) and other water weeds, constructed in the tall reeds and vegetable growth on the margin of the water. In the lagoons the platform is often built on the interwoven roots of the black mangrove, and composed principally of the decaying pods of the same tree ; they breed twice and probably oftener in the year, commencing in March ; the eggs of all vary considerably in size, but are pretty regular in form and measure, from 2 to *?.\, by If to 1$ of an inch. (The flesh of all makes excellent game soup, if di- vested of the skin, which, when left on, gives the dish a rank or fishy flavor). # (By Mr. Hill ) J am not surf- wbetber the brown Curlew is not the bird that influxes the upper Nil, Numenius, and uot Ibis. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA 69 140. Fitlica Americana. — The Ivory-billed Coot lays from six to ei^li t or more eggs, oval, pointed at one end, greyish stone color, splashed all over with small bistre brown spits and dots ; the ground color, when first laid, is very pale, but becomes darker by contact with the damp nest. 139. GrALLiirr/LA g-aleata. — The Scarlet-fronted or Florida Gallinule lays five to eight eggs, at first clayish white, splashed sparsely with small spots of sepia brown. By contact with the damp nest, the ground color of these eggs often changes to different shades of drab. I have now, February, 18(54, un- fledged young of this species in a pond near Spanish Town. 210. Gallinula martinica.— The Purple Gallinule, Sultana or Plantain Coot, lays six to eight eggs, which are of a pale burnt sienna or yellowish drab, splashed all over with small spots and dots of burnt umbre. * 138. The Carpenter Coot is supposed to be the immature Plantain Coot; but I am inclined to think that, on a more careful observation, it will be found distinct ; the nestlings, so far as I have been able to examine them, are quite different. 133. Rallus elegans. — The Mangrove, or Marsh Hen, is very common in its usual haunt in the mangrove swamps. It is considered the highest game- flavored bird in the island, and makes excellent game soup ; it builds a plat- form of sticks, lined with softer mateiials, on low mangrove trees, sometimes just on the surface of the water. I have never found more than two eggs in any nest, but they are said to lay seven or eight ; the eggs are clear white, measuring 1^ by 13-16ths. f Rallus ? violaceus. — I have often seen this species in the ferry lagoon, but never succeeded in procuring a specimen. The habits apprar to be very ?imi- lar to those of the preceding. In February, 1863, Mr. Colchester obtained one, a female, from the same locality. The dimensions and description given by the collector are, length 11| inches, expanse 15f ; bill If: middle t^e 1 -}-£• The general plumage olive black, with olive brown wing coverts and spotted all over with white ; iris red; bill pea green, orange at the b^ise ; legs rosy pink ; gizzard muscular, and contained water snails with their shel's. 134. Rallus concolor, — I have never found the Red Rail or Water Part- ridge in the salt swamps, but always near fresh water at the foot of the hills, or more commonly at the sedgy mountain ponds and streams. The eggs are white, and rather smaller than those of the Mangrove Hen. 135. Torzaxa Carolina. — The common Rail is very variable in jdumngf) ; it is found at all seasons and in all waters, fresh or salt. I have never met with the eggs of this or either of the two next species. 137. Porzana Jamaicensis. — The Jamaica, or Little Black Rail, is also of fre- quent occurrence about marshy lands, and on the savannahs and open pas- tures in the vicinity of water. The cry of this species is chi chi-cro-croo-croo several times repeated in sharp, high-toned notes, and heard at a considerable distance. 136. Torzana minuta. — This little Rail is not uncommon in the savannahs and open pastures, and it has the same habits as the P. Jamaicensis ; but 1 have never heard it cry. The two last build in savannahs and open pasturee, forming a chamber in a tussock of grass, with galleries on opposite sides. *(ByMr. Hill.) The brilliancy of the plumage varies with the year, (ho more or less preva- lence ( f the iridescent bronze, with the cerulean and purple, heirg the variation. + This can hardly be the Rallus elegans of American authors, the egg^ be.iug entirely different. - S. i'. Baird. 1861.] 73 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP COL YMBIDM. 184. PoDiiYMBOS podiceps.— The Black Gorget Grebe is often met with on Rio Cobre in its entire course, and is sometimes, though rarely, seen on the Cattle Ponds in the lowlands ; it, however, abounds in the highland lakes, ponds and sedgy portions of mountain streams. 1 have not had the same opportunities of observing the habits of this sppoies aa I have had with the common Diver ; but their general habits and nidifica- tion appear to be much alike. The nest of both species is a floating platform or mass of sticks, leaves and water weeds 15 to 20 inches wide, and the same m height, flattened at the top, with a slight depression in the middle, on which three or four oval eggs are deposited. These are chalky white, with a glaucous tinge beneath, though usually discolored by the damp materials of the nest. The dimensions are \\ by ]§. 185. Podiceps dominictjs. — The Diver frequents the ponds on the Cattle Pens, in all parts of the island. The nest is similar in construction and ma- terials, but rather smaller than that of the Grebe. The eggs are usually four, oval, or oval-elongated, and measure \\ to If by rather less than an inch. This species breeds from April to December, rearing several broods. Soon after they are hatched, the young leave the nest and are carried about the pond under the wings of the parent birds, where they are securely held in swimming and diving. I once shot an old bird passing on the wing from one pond to another, and found a young bird with it, which must have been carried on its back. The same nest is used during the season, with slight ad- ditions after each brood ; and is always pulled to pieces by the old birds when they have done with it. AN AT I DAI. Ansee hyperboeeus and Beknicla canadensis are occasional visitors in con- nection with a severe winter on the continent. 144. Dekpeccygna abboeea. — The Whistling Duck is a permanent resi- dent, breeding in the lagoons and morasses on mangrove stools and in clumps of reeds and rushes, laying ten or twelve eggs. It is easily domesticated, but it is necessary to take off the first pinion of one wing to prevent it join- ing the passing wild flocks. They breed more than once during the year, as numbers of them are taken before they become fully fledged, and brought into the towns for sale from May to December. In lb?4 and 1835, at a pen on the St. John's Road, where there is a large pond, some Whistling Ducks were kept among the domestic poultry ; they frequently brought into the poultry yard, in the early dawn, small parties of the Wild Duck, which ac- companied the tame ones without any shyness or alarm into the poultry house, and were thus secured. They feed by night as well as by day. Their whistling cry is often heard passing over head at night. I have frequently, on moonlight, nights in January and Febiuary, shot them in numbers, whilst feeding in the guinea cornfields. ] have had the eggs from Passage Fort, but I find no note of them, and my recollection of them is too uncertain to venture upon their description. 145. Dekdeocygna ad'tumnalis. — I have been told that the Red-legged "Whistling Duck is sometimes met with in some of the eastern parishes, but I have never met with any others than those imported into Kingston from the Spanish Main ; and I have not seen any of these for several years. 146. Anas maxima.— The Green-back Mallard, whether a hybrid or a va- riety of A. boschas, is apparently apeimanent resident in the island, almost restricted to the deep recesses of the morasses and lagoons at the west end of the island. 1 have never seen a specimtu of this duck, hut '.here have been [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 71 several well authenticated specimens of it, besides Grosse's and those referred to by Robinson, obtained, however, from the same vicinage.* In the summer of 1863, a nest of eleven eggs taken from a platform of rushes floating in the large lake at Rio llio near Walton, in the Moneague District of St. Ann's, were brought to the Rev. Mr. Mais, master of Walton School. These eggs are supposed to belong to the Millard ; th'y are oily white, and measure 2| by ]| of an inch. Many years ago I saw some eggs supposed to be one of the large migratory lucks ; they were taken from the lake near Dry Harbor ; they were yellowish oily green, very like some eggs of the English Duck, but I could not obtain any information respecting them ; they may have belonged to the Shoveller,! which I was toll had been found in those waters during the same summer ; or, possibly, an English Duck from Dry Harbor, or one of the neighboring pens. 148. QgERQUEDULA inqrnata. — The plain Blue-winged Teal is also a per- manent inhabitant of Jamaica, breeding in the interior lagoons and morasses. It is, I think, unite distinct from Q. dixcors. During the months of May and June individuals are sometimes shot at the Cattle Ponds in the lowlands, but they come down in September in flocks of considerable numbers, and are common a month or more before the arrival of the Lunate Teal ; and in no instance have I ever seen or heard of a specimen with the white crescent having been found here in the summer, or previous to the month of Novem- ber. The eggs are bluish chalky white. 147. CJuerquedula DisfcORS. — I have never seen the Lunate Blue-wing earlier than the month of November; the usual period of their arrival is towards the end of the month, and they again appear in March and April on their return to the continent, when they are usually in full summer livery. The other species of Anatidje which are constant in their annual visits to the island are — 159, IDS. Spatula CLYPEATi. — The Shoveller — always in considerable num- bers. 155. Mareca Americana.— The American Widgeon — in all its forms and variety of plumage. 164, 165. Fdlix affinis. — The little Black-head also comes in considerable numbers and varied forms. 153. Dafila acuta. — The Pintail, in numbers and in varied plumage. The occasional vistors are — Pjeciloxetta Bahamensis. — Ilathera Duck (rare.) "(N'ote by Mr. Richard Hill.) — In the October season of 18i>5 there hail been wild, stormy rains. The win. Is had bl >wo from tlu west wish that broad, steady force which renders our tempests in tlio latter season as fierce as hurricanes, th >ugh not rotatory storms ; prodigious numbers of ducks were blown before the winds from the c intiuent to tin: islands, — that is. from the Mexican Uulf to- t.ne Carribean Sea. The birds arrived at the west end of Jamaica so exhausted and beaten by the rain that iu attempting to alight they fell, and many were picked up in the streets of Montego Hay. Among several ducks that reached our garden just out of the town, was what seemed a. Mallard of extraordinary size. In bulk of b.idy it appeared as large as a Muscovy Duck, {Giirina moschala.) but its shape wot essentially a Mallard, (Greets bosdias.) It was taken up helpless from fatigue, Teal hid been taken up at the saiua time in the same state of exhaustion. My sister, Mrs. Clemetson, caged tlie extraordinary duck, and had it for two seasons. It was a female. J saw it in the spring of 1817, and diiectei that it should be shipped to London for the Zoological Society. Before it c >uld be di,-patched, it died in full plumare, and lull flesh. It had laid infertile egs^s in the previous spring, an I was again laying infertile eggs, the sexual instinct beinc intensely strong; and something like uterine inflammation, if we may so speak, had super- v ened, and the bird perished iu the at of egg-laying. The duck exactly resembled in plumage Mr.Oosse's Anas maxima. X Scarcely the Shoveller— eggs of which are crea-ny white. — S, F. B. 1SG4.J 72 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Aix sponsa. — The Summer Duck (very rare.) 157. Nettion Carolinensis. — The Green Wing Teal ; sometimes in autumn, but generally iu the spring. 156. Chaulelasmits stbefebus. — The Gadwall; sometimes abundant, but not annual. Anas obscura. — The Dusky Duck (rare.) 263. Anas eo.-ciias. — The Mallard (rare.) GSdemia perspicillata. — Surf Duck (very rare.; 161. Aythya Americana. — The Pochard (not uncommon.) Folix collaeis. — The Tufted Duck (rare.) Nyroca leucopthalma. — White-eyed Duck (very rare.) 160. Aytuya valisneria. — The Canvass Back is sometimes found in com- pany with the Pintail. The Muscovy is the species commonly kept in poultry yard?, and in some localities the English Duck is also kept. The two are often crossed. The mongrels are held in higher estimation, as the young have the advantage of arriving at maturity much earlier than those of either parent, and are con- sidered of superior flavor to either, particularly when raised on the duck ant and guinea corn. Note by Mr. Hill. — The habitat of the Muscovy Duck is the Lake of Nica- ragua. There all travellers see them at all times, either in small breeding coteries or large flocks. In the wild state their plumage is dark without any admixture of white. They were originally procured from the Mosquito shore. the country of the Muysca Indians, (see Humboldt's researches,) and hence is derived the name of Musco Duck, corrupted into Muscovy Duck. The West Indian Islanders had early naturalized them, for, on the discovery of Columbus, they speak of " ducks as large as geese," that they found among the Indians. A critical Review of the Family PROd-LLARIBiE : Part I., embracing the PRUCELLARIES, or Stormy Petrels. (Based principally on specimens in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.) BY ELLIOTT COUE3, M. D. Having occasion to publish descriptions of several new species of Pro- cellaridae. which I find in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution, the present seems a fitting opportunity to embody in a review of the family the results arrived at in an investigation in which I have been for some time engaged. The present paper is the first of a series in which will be con- sidered the entire family. It embraces the section Procellarieae, an interest- ing and somewhat extensive group of which the common " Mother Carey's Chicken" — Prooellaria pelagiea — may be considered as typical. I have at- tempted to elucidate the specific characters of the components of the group, as well as their most natural generic disposition ; and to discuss fairly such questions of synonymy as may arise. It will be perceived that in my generic arrangement, I have closely followed Prince C. L. Bonaparte, whose ideas of a genus, as set forth in his later writings, agree most nearly with my own. I have derived most assistance, as regards specific characters, from tin very valuable monograph recently published by Dr. II. Schlegel, though of course it is quite impossible for me to agree with him on any points of systematic [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. <3 arrangement and nomenclature. A comparison of the respective mono- graphs on this subject, by the two distinguished authors just mentioned, affords a striking illustration of the widely diverse results which may be arrived at on any investigation, when two co-workers entertain radically opposite views concerning generic or specific relations. The endeavor to harmonize such conflicting opinions is a matter of no little difficulty ; but as the truth probably lies somewhere between the two, it is perhaps worth while to make the attempt. With every facility in the way of books and specimens which the Philadelphia Academy and the Smithsonian Institution afford, I may perhaps have been so fortunate as to have fixed the quite numerous species with some degree of precision, and to have settled some points of synonymy. Concerning the genera adopted, each one must judge of their agreement with nature, or the reverse, according to his own opinion upon the question of what constitutes a generic group. The family Procellaridse is naturally divisible into three subfamilies : — the Diomedeinse, the Procellarina^, and the Halodrominse. These are readily eharacterizable, aside from any consideration of other features, by the posi- tion and shape of the nasal tubes. In the Diornedeina? these tubes are entirely disconnected, and placed one on each side of the bill. In the Pro- cellarinse they are united, situated at the base of the culmen, and open more or less horizontally forwards. In the Halodrominas their position is as in the Procellarina?, but their apertures are directed vertically upwards. The subfamily Procellarinae is composed of several grpups, or assemblages of genera and species, which constitute the "sections" of Prince Bonaparte's arrangements. These divisions are the Fulmarese, the Daptionea?, the Prio- neae, the Puffinea?, and the Procellarieae. The genera composing each of these are more intimately allied to each other than they are to the genera of any other section : and we have consequently an exceedingly convenient and perhaps not unnatural means of dividing the very- extensive subfamily into readily characterizable lesser groups. That section which forms the subject of the present article — the Procellariea; — is the largest and at the same time the most marked of these groups. It may readily be distinguished from the other groups by the following peculiarities : Section PHOCELLAR1EJE. The species are all uniformly of small size, there being found in this section the very smallest of natatores, and none of the species exceeding eight or nine inches in total length. In form, most of the genera are delicate and graceful, none being as robust as is usual in most of the genera of other sections. The colors of the group vary exceedingly. A large proportion of the species are fuliginous black, varied more or less with white; but in some genera there is seen some variety in the pattern of coloration. Bright colors, however, are never found. The bill is of moderate or very small size, always shorter than the head or tarsus, rather wide at the base, its sides rapidly converging towards an attenuated compressed decurved tip. The nafal tubes are long, elevated, and conspicuous ; subcylindrical in shape, inclined forwards and somewhat obliquely upwards ; the septum between the narcs thin, delicate, and quite perpendicular; the nasal aperture circular; the tubes in length always at least nearly half as long as the culmen. The wings are long; the first primary, contrary to the general rule in this family, always shorter than the second, sometimes only as long as the fourth. The second primary is always longest, the third intermediate between the fourth aud second. The primaries are acutely pointed, a little falcate, and strong, though very flexible and elastic. The tail is very long, but is exceedingly variable in shape, being even, forked, emarginate, rounded, or cuneate. The legs are • ; !y slender, delicate, compressed usually, much elongated. 1864.] 74 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF The tibiae are denuded for some portion of their length. The tarsal scutel- Ise are usually distinct, though fused in one genus. The toes are very long and slender, the outer nearly or quite as long as the middle, the inner con- siderably shorter. The hallux is exceedingly minute, almost rudimental in character, having a short, straight, acute claw. The interdigital membranes are rather narrow, but extend-quite to the claws. In examining collectively the species of the section thus characterized, we find that they arrange themselves very naturally into two very trenchantly defined groups. In the first of these, the legs are short ; the tibiae almost wholly feathered; the tarsus scarcely longer than the middle toe; the claws small, compressed and acute ; the colors uniformly dark, or only relieved by white on the rump and crissum. In the second of these groups, the species all stand high, the legs being unusually elongated ; the tibiae are naked for an inch or more ; the tarsi are very much longer than the middle toe and claw; the claws are all broad, depressed, obtuse, rounded. The tail is rounded or forked : never cuieate. i. The first of these groups is composed of four genera :—Occanodroma (type Proc. furcala, Gm ), comprehending two species; Cy >■<(. Mini, equal to Thalassidroma of authors, containing some four or five species : Ualo- cyplena, Mini, a hitherto unknown genus, with a single species ; and Procel- laria of Linnreus (as restricted by Bonaparte), whose type is the P. pelagica, and which comprised several species closely allied to the last named. §§. The second grpup is represented by three genera: — Oceanites of Keyser- ling and Blasius, with Thai. Wilsoni of Bonaparte as type, and comprising besides its type three other species; Fregetta, Bonaparte, comprising some four species congeneric with tropica of Gould, and Pelagodroma, whose type aud single species is the Procellaria fregata of Linnasus. I shall review these genera and their respective species in the order in which they are mentioned above, discussing the various questions concerning which there exists doubt or confusion, and then present a synopsis of the whole subject, in accordance with the results which may be by this means arrived at. ?i I. OCEANODROMA, Reichenbach. This genus was founded by Prof. Reichenbach upon the old Procellaria furcala of Gmclin. Its distinctive characters lie in its small, much com- pressed, rather weak bill; in its comparatively very short wings, of which the first primary is unusually abbreTiated, (being intermediate between the fourth aud fifth), while the third is fully as long as the second : in its very long, deeply-forked tail, with its broad central aud attenuated exterior rectrices. In the proportions of the naked space of the tibia?, and of the tarsus and toes it does not differ from several other genera of the section. The middle toe with the claw is about as long as the tarsus. The colors are peculiar, and only found in this ger.us. Two species of the genus are knowm to exist; both inhabiting the North Pacific Ocean. 1. OCEANODROMA FURCATA, Bp. CX (line!. This long and well known species has quite a profusion of a . generic as well as specific. First indicated by Gmelin, Syst. Nat. i. p. 561, in H&'S, •• the name of Procellaria furcata, it was renamed Procellaria orientalis by Pallas, Zoog. R isso — As. ii. p. 315 (1S11), and afterwards called Thalassi- droma cinerea by Gould. It is the < oma orientalis of Gray. Genera of Birds, iii. 1849, pi. 17*; the Ocmmdroma oriental-is of Reichenbach, Syst. Ar. xviii. fig. 24 1.".; and the 0. tndr ■ furcata of Bonaparte, Conspectus Avium, ii., 1S56", p. 194; which latter i . ! believe, its proper ation. The characters of the species are t<", r> i\\ known to require notice in this connection. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 75 2. OCEANODftOMA HoRNBYI, Bp. ex Gray. This, the second species of the genus, was first introduced by Gr. 11. Gray, in the proceedings of the Z tological Society for 1853, p. 62, under the name of Thalassidroma Hornby:. Judging from Mr. Gray's descriptions — -for I am autoptically unacquainted with the species — it is entirely congeneric with the 0. furcata, though differing greatly from it in colors. This generic dis- position has been made by Bonaparte, on page 195 of the second volume of his Conspectus. It appears as yet to be an exceedingly rare bird in col- lections : none are contained in the Philadelphia Academy or Smithsonian Institution, or, in fact, so far as I am aware, in any American collection. It uas the front, cheeks, throat, collar round the neck, breast, and abdomen pure white; crown, hind head, a broad band in front of neck, bend of wing- and lesser wing coverts sooty gray : upper part of back gray ; lower part of back and tail ashy gray; greater wing- coverts brownish gray; tertiaries and quills deep black. 11 Length 8.25 inches, tail 3.75, tarsus 1.00, middle toe about the same. Bill a[ong culmen 8.1 line?, along rectus 10J lines." I II. CYMOCHUREA, Coues. This, the second genus: of the short-legged acute-clawed group of Procellariea; is most nearly allied to Oceanodroma, having like it a loug deeply-forked tail. It is the genus of which the well known Leach's Petrel is typical; and one to which Melania, Bonaparte, and a new species, about to be described, also belong. With the forked tail and short legs of Oceanodroma, it is distinguished from that genus by its comparatively very much longer wings ; by its larger, longer, much more robust bill, with shorter and straighter nasal tubules : by its radically different pattern of coloration, &c. The name '• Thalassidroma" is the one under which this genus is generally presented. Founded by Vigors in 1825, upon the Procellaria pelagica, Lin- nasus, the name has been employed by ornithologists, in a most unaccount- ably loose and vague way, to designate any and all the species of Procellariea;, without the slightest regard to their natural generic affinities. In 1856, Bonaparte first restricted Thalassidroma to a single genus, that one of which Leachii, Temminck, is the type. But if used at all, it must be, of course, for that genus of birds upon which it was founded, viz., the one of which pelagica is the type; for it is contrary to all rule to use a synonym of one genus as the tenable name of another. As will be demonstrated further on, u_ Thalassidroma., Vigors, ': is a complete synonym of Procellaria proper of Lin- !ia3us, as is also //.■/.. of Boie, both being based upon the P. pelagica, Linnaeus. This being the case, it is evident that the present well known genus has yet to receive a tenable distinctive appellation. In supplying a name, I take Leachii, Temm., or rather leucorrhoa, Vieill., as my type; and in the following diagnosis so define the genus as to exclude all forms not entirely congeneric with it. Cgmochorea,* Coues. {=Thalassidroma, Bp. nee Vigor.,. Type Procellaria leu- corrhoa, Vieill.) Bill much shorter than^he head, about two-thirds the tarsus, or middle toe with the claw, rather stout, as high or higher than broad at the base, the unguis strong, much decurved; the nasal tubes less than half as long as the culmen. Wings moderately long, not much surpassing the tail when folded; first primary longer than the fourth, second longest. Tail exceed- ingly long, deeply forked, the feathers all broad, their tips obtusely rounded. Legs short; bare space of tibias brief. Tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. of rather large size, and stout form. Colors unicolor, or nearly so. Three species are at present known to constitute this genus. These are the following : * Etym. from Gr. Ktquox, "way?," and %o£os, "a dance". 1864.] 76 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY CF 1. Cymochorea leucorrhoa, Coues ex Viciliot. The specific characters of this, the common and abundant " Leach's Petrel," being so well known, need not detain us. Its synonymy, however, is suffi- ciently extensive and complicated to require attention. There can be no doubt, I think, that the Procellaria leucorrhoa, Vieillot, Nouveau Dictionaire d'lfistoire Naturelle, tome xxv. 1817, page 422, was based upon this species. Vieillot's description is : — " Sept pouces et rtemi de longueur totale ; la queue fourchue ; le bee, les pieds, les pennes alavies et caudales, noires ; la reste du plumage couleur de suie, a l'exception des cou- vertures superieures de la queue qui sont blanches, et d'un lisere gris-blanc qui est a Pextremite' des pennes secondares de l'aile." Our author further remarks that this Petrel " se tient sur 1'ocean"— Atlantic— "jusqu'au Brazil, et peutetre encore au dela." In every respect the description so clearly and completely applies to the present species, that no argument is needed to prove the propriety of the reference. The next notice of the species that I have met with is by Temminck, Man- uel d'ornithologie, 1820, ii. page 812, under the name of Procellaria Leachii. The description is pertinent and complete, and the indication of the species so unmistakeable, that the name Leachii has always remained the one in common employ among ornithologists. In 1828, Dr. Fleming, in his '-History of British Animals," page 136, de- scribes this species under the name of Procellaria Bulk kh. The citation " Procellaria pelayica, Pallas nee Linnams," is given by Bona- parte as refering to this species. From what is now known of the range of habitat of the latter, it would seem at best but a doubtful citation. In addition to the above, the species has been placed in numerous genera. It is the Thalassidroma Leachii of Bonaparte. Consp. av. ii. 195; the Thalassi- droma BullocMi of Selby, Ornith. ii. page 537: and the llydrobales Leachii ol Boie. Isis von Okeii, 1822, p. 562. 2. Cymochorea. melania, Coues ex Bonap. This, the second species of the genus, was first introduced by Bonn parte in fa is Not. Orn. Delattr. in the Compt. Rend. 1 854, xxviii. p. 602. under the name of Procellaria melania. The following is his diagnosis. " Nigro-coracina, vel in uro- pygio ; subtus fuliginosa ; alis longissimis ; cauda brevi, sed profundi furcata ; tectricibus omnibus omnino nigris." Unfortunately, however, as it afterwards proved, he neglected to give any measurements; as a consequence, the suc- ceeding species, homochroa. about to be described, has appeared in the ix. vol. of the°Pacine Railroad Reports as the true melania, when it is in reality a very different bird, though, like melania, it wants a white rump. Prof. Baird has been enabled to obtain fromM. Pucheran the measurements of the true melania, and these agree perfectly with a skin in the Smithsonian from Cape St. Lucas, Lower California. As the species is yet rare in collections, and one with which comparatively few ornithologists are autoptically ac- quainted, a full description, taken from a typical example now before me, niav not be out of place here. Form. The bill is large and robust, the mandibular rami of the intermaxil- lary especially strong and prominent. The nasal tubes, as in T. Leachii, measure a little less than half the length of bill. The bill is about two-thirds the length of the skull ; about half that of the tarsus. The wings are mod- erately long for this group, reaching only a little beyond the tail. The point of the wing' is formed by the second primary alone; the third being interme- diate between the second and the first; and the first intermediate between the third and fourth. The tail seems rather long for this group and is deeply forked, all the rcctrices being quite broad to their obtusely rounded tips. The tibia is bare for a longer space than is that of T. Leachii. The legs are short The tarsi are slightly longer than the middle toe and claw. The outer [Mar. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 77 toe alone is absolutely longer than the middle one, but its claw is much smaller. The apex of the inner claw reaches to the base of the middle one. Colors. — The entire plumage is of a deep sooty brownish black, deepest on the sides of the head about the eyes and on the upper parts generally, in- cluding the rump, changing gradually to a lighter, more fuliginous and more brownish black on the belly, under tail coverts and crissum. The major alar tectrices are lighter than the rest of the plumage, though not very con- spicuously so. The remiges and rectrices are wholly pure black, as are the bill, feet, claws and interdigital membranes. Iris light brown. Dimensions. — Length 1) 00 inches, extent of wings 18-50 (on authority of collector's label). Bill along culmen -GO, along rictus -95 ; height at base -25. width -25 ; length of nasal tubes -30. Wing from the carpal joint G-70. Tail — external feather 3 90, internal 2-70, depth of fork 1-20. Tibiie bare -50 ; tarsus 1 20, the middle toe and claw 1-10, (inches and hundredths.) (Description from No. 13,025, Smithsonian Register — tf ; Cape St. Lucas, Lower California. J. Xantus.) It is somewhat a question whether this species be not the Procellaria fuliffi- nosa of Latham, lad. Orn. ii. 1790, p. 825. The following is his diagnosis : " Pr. fuliginoso-fusca, capite, collo, remigibus rectricibusque nigris cauda emarginata. * * * Habitat in insula Otaheitc ; prsecedentis* magnitudine." This description applies pretty well, but the dimensions are far too large, the preceding species — desolata — being described as eleven inches in length. This same " Procellaria fuliginosa, Lath.,"' is more fully described by Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxv. p. 418, (1817,) under the name of " Petrel fuligi- neux d'Otaiti." Vieillot's description, however, only applies approximately. The species is there said to be " dix pouces" long ; to have the tail only "un pen fourchue ;" and it is stated that the interdigital membrane "a des taches jaunes ga et la." — In view of the uncertainty, I do not see any cause to super- sede Bonaparte's name. I am unable to discuss the relationships of a certain " Procellaria scapulata^ Brandt," referred with a query to this species by Bonaparte. The third species of the genus is the one already adverted to, as that one figured and described in the Birds of North America, under the name and with the synonymy of the melania, Bp. 3. Cymochorea homochiioa, Coues. Diag. C. Cymochorex melnmise nee perdissimilis ; sed multo minor, rostro laevi, brevi, compresso, tarso nee longiore digito medio cum ungue ; plumbeo-vel schistaceo-nigra vel in uropygio crissoque; subtus sensim fuliginoso-nigra; alis caudaque fusco-nigris, tectricibus alarum majoribus dilutioribus. Long, rostri -50 ; tarsi -90; poll. aug. alaj 5-10. Petrel not very unlike T. melania, but much smaller, with a short, light, much compressed bill, and the tarsus equal to the middle toe and claw. General color a dull plumbeous or slat}- black, growing more or less fuliginous on the abdomen; the crissum and rump concolor with the rest of the plumage; the wings and tail dull black, the greater wing coverts light greyish brown. Habitat. Farallone Islands, Pacific coast of North America. Form — The bill of this species is not quite half as long as the skull, rather more than half the length of the quite short tarsus, is much compressed and not very robust. The folded wings reach a little beyond the tail. The second primary is a little the longest, the third is nearly equal, the first considerably longer than the fourth. The tail is of about the same comparative length as in Leachii or melania ; the depth of the fork being as great as in the latter species. *i c. desolata. j Etym. Gr. opens, " like, some ;" yjot, " color ;" in reference to the uniformity of its plumage. 1SG4] 78 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF The tarsi are comparatively a little shorter than in this species, bcin j., nc longer than the toe and claw. Color. — The plumage, although agreeing with that of melania in its gem characters, < f its uniformity and the want of a white ramp < r erissum, etc , is yet quite different in tint, being of a deci mbeous or dull de< p blue- ish black, rather than the smoky brownish black oi m . Indeed the tint calls faintly to mind the plumage of Jurcata. This plumbeous tint is most palpable on the head and upper part of the back ; it deepens about the eye so as to almost form an anteocular spot ; and on the breast gradually change? to more of a fuliginous hue, which prevails over the whole abdomen and under tail coverts. The color of the wings and tail is not different from that which obtains with nearly all the species of the section, and there is also the same dull greyish brown band along the greater coverts, and invading the outer edges of most of the tertials, as well as their apices. A further character of the species, wherein its coloration differs from that of melania, is found in the inferior alar tectrices, and axillary feathers, many of which are wholly or in part dull whitish. The feet are wholly black. Independently of any differences in plumage the following measurements, compared with those already given of the melania, serve at once to separate the two species : — Dimensions. — Length (approximately correct only) V-25 inches. Wing, from the carpal joint, 5-00 or a little more. Bill, along culmen, -50 ; along rictus •'75 ; height at base -21 ; width -20; length of nasal tubes -24. Tarsus •90; middle toe and claw about the same. Tail — outer feather 3-25; inner 2-G0. Three fine specimens of this interesting species are in the Smithsonian Museum, all procured at the Farallone Islands, Pacific, coast of North America, i have taken No. 21,444 as the type of 7iiy species. No. 13,725, received from Mr. F. Gruber, is the original of the figure of " Melania, Bp.," given in the atlas of the general report. All three are quite identical in every respect. § III. HALOCYPTENA * Coues, nov. gen. The third genus of the group is one as yet undescribed, and which I have now the pleasure of introducing to the notice of ornithologists. It differs most remarkably from all other genera of the Procellariae in the possession of a enneate tail. In most other respects it comes nearest to Procellaria proper, with pelagiea as type; but it nevertheless differs from that genus ic addition to the peculiar shape of its tail, in its exceedingly long and acute wings. The fqllowing are its diagnostic characters. Char. Gen. — Bill much shorter than the head, about half the tarsus, weak, slender, compressed, the convexity of the culmen beyond the nostrils very great. Nasal tubes as in other Procellariese. Wings very long, reaching much beyond the tail, acutely pointed ; second primary longest, third nearly equal, first about as long as the fourth. Tibice naked for a very short space. Tarsus a little longer than the middle toe or claw. Outer toe without claw, absolutely as long as the middle ; but its claw very short and weak. Tip of inner claw reaching to the base of the middle one. Hallux exceedingly minute. Webs moderately full ; their margins incised. Claws compressed, curved, acute. Tail rather long, wedge-shaped ; the central rectrices pro- jecting somewhat beyond the rest; the lateral all regularly graduated ; the tips of all narrow, acutely rounded. Unicolor; of very small size, and ex- ceedingly deli, ate form. The only known species of the genus is the following : — *Ety:n. of name from Gr. a\t "ocean," Uv, "swift," Wotos •' winged;" "having the power of flight." Ifalocyptena, " the swift ocean-flyer." [March NATURAL SCIENCKS OF PHILADELPHIA. > '■: 1. HaLOOYPTBNA. MICROSOMA, COUPS, NOV. sp. Diag. : Halocyptcna rostro, pedibus, alis caudaque nigris; corpore tot< intense fusco-atro, abdomine sensim fuliginoso, tectricibus alarum majoribue dilutioribus; Long. tot. 5.75; alas 4. 75 poll. Ang. et cent. Description. — Form typical of the genus, as above characterized. Entire plumage deep lustrous brownish black, darkest on the head, neck, back, and upper parts generally ; changing gradually on the abdomen to a fuliginous brown, which is the prevailing tint of the under parts, from the breast back- wards including the under tail coverts. The lesser and medium wing coverts are as dark as the back; as are also the inferior alar tectrices. The greater coverts are considerably lighter ; being with the external borders of some of the tertials dull brownish, with a cast of gray. The remiges and rectrices are pure black. There is no indication of white on the rump or crissum. The bill, feet, and claws are black, as are also the interdigital membranes. Dimensions. — Total length from tip of bill to end of tail 5. 75 inches and hundredths. Wing from the carpal joint 4.75. Bill from front along culmen .48 hundredths; along rictus .62; height at base .19; width .21; length of nasal tubes .22. Bare portion of tibia; .30; tarsus .90; middle toe and claw .82 ; inner do. .08 ; outer do. .80. Tail to end of central rectrices 2.50 ; to end of outer do. 2.15. ' Difference between central and next pair .15 hundredths-. Habitat. — South Pacific coast of North America. Typical and unique specimen No. 11,420 of Smithsonian Museum Register. Adult female, taken in May, 1861, by John Xantus, at San Jose del Cal Lower California. This diminutive species hardly exceeds in size the little G. pelagiea, and is at the same time much slenderer and more delicate in form than that species. The combination of the small size; peculiar form and unifi rm < dors widely separate it from any ether known Petri 1. I IV. PROCELLARIA, Linn, emend. The genus of which the little pelagiea L. is the type constitutes the fifth and the last one of this short-legged group of Procellariese. It is readily recognizable among all its allies by the combination of its short legs, acui" claws, and square or slightly rounded tail. As to size, it comprehends the very smallest of known natatores ; with hardly the exception of my diminu- tive little Halocyptcna mkrosoma. The bill is small, short compressed, th< sides rapidly converging to the narrow tip ; less than half as long as tb.v skull, a little more than half the tarsus. The wings in length an typical of the section ; reaching beyond the tail. The second primary is longest ; the third a little shorter; the first less than the fourth. The bare proportion of the tibia? is short ; the tarsus is just equal to the middl i toe and claw. The proportions of the toes to each other are as in other genera, already described. The tail is moderately long, full, the feathers broad; •>■ little rounded in shape. In color this genus is usually dark with a white rump and crissum ; though this color does not obtain throughout the genus, if such species as nereis, Gould, and fasciolat a, Tschudi, really belong here. The genus I'rocellarid first appears in 1746, in the sixth edition of the Sys- temne Naturae, having as its type the P . pelagiea, Linnaius. Throughout suc- cessive editi -. the same species is invariably made tj •■'■ \ \ : as it also is in the Edition of Gmelin (1788), and in Latham's Index Ornithologicus (1790). I am, therefore, quite at a loss to discover the grounds upon which modern ornithologists have been justifiable in assigning the name Procellaria to such a genus e. g. as that of which glacialis, or antarcticus, or ( oki, are respectively typical. If with Dr. Schlegel we admit but a single genus of Procellarinse, that' will of course be Procellaria; and we shall employ it in its original Lin- nean acceptation. If, however, with almost all ornithologists, we make ». 1884.] 80 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF family Pro cell aridce of Linnaeus' genus Procellaria, and proceed to separate the component genera according to the now generally received definition of a "genus ;" then Procellaria must be restricted to pelagica and its congeners, and other names be found for the remaining generic groups ; there are few points of synonymy, involving a Linnean name, more clearly demonstrated than this. The first synonym of Procellaria that I have met with is Hydrobales, Boie, Isis Von Oken, 1822, p. 5G2. This has pelagica as its type. This is not, however, to be confounded with Hydrobata, Vieillot, 1816, wilich is a genus of Turdida;, with Slurnus cinclus, L. as type. The second synonym of the genus is Thallassidroma, Vigors, Zoological Journal, Vol. ii. for October. 1825, page 405. Although based upon pelagica, and therefore an entire synonym of Procellaria, Linn., this name has become most firmly established, not only as an appellation for this genus, but also for all the Stormy Petrels indiscriminate^'. It will be evident, I hope, from what has just been said, that not only is the name quite untenable for the present genus, but that it cannot be used with propriety in any connection. The number of species composing this genus is a little uncertain ; partly in consequence of unusual variations to which pelagic i seems subject; and partly because the indications of many comparatively recently described species are not explicit enough as regards proportions, etc., to admit of a definite reference to their proper genus. I will first notice pelagica and its kindred species, and then consider those species which seem to fall most laturally in this genus. 1. Procellaria pelagica, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat. ed. vi., 1746 ; nee. Wils. Amer. Ornith. vii. p. 90. Hgdrobatet pelagica, Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 562. Thallassidroma pelagica, Vigors, Zool. Journ. ii., 1825, p. 405, et auctoruru fere omnium post. A. D. MDCCCXXV. Above glossy brownish black, below more fuliginous — the under tail coverts, however, of the former color, and very long, reaching sometimes to bej'ond the tips of the rectrices themselves. The superior caudal tectrices are pure white, ter- minated, however, with equally well defined black tip3. The white of the crissum is less pure and well defined; and that of the under tail coverts is much interrupted with blackish. The inferior alar tectrices and the axillary feathers are variegated with light touches of dull white. This species apparently varies to an unusual extent in size, especially ae regards length of wing. Specimens before me measure about 4.} inches from the carpal joint. Dr. Schlegel says, " aile 4 pouces a 4 pouces 6 lignes." Mr. Lawrence says " wing five inches." These variations, and doubtless cor- responding discrepancies in other dimensions, have been the cause of the founding of several species ; either entirely nominal, or at most constituting races of the same parent stock. Omitting entirely to notice Brehm's multi- farious "species" [sic!] those most entitled to consideration are the fol- lowing: — ? 2. Procellaria tethys, Bonaparte. Comptes Rendus, 1S54, xxxviii. p. 662; et 1856, xlii. f. 769, et Consp. Av. ii., 1856, p. 197. From the Gallapagos Islands. This typical Procellaria is exceedingly closely allied to pelagica ; but differs from it in wanting the black tips of the superior caudal tectrices, which are always found in the latter. It is also said to be somewhat smaller, and to have less markedly the transalar fascia. ? 3. Procellaria luodbris, Natterer. Acta Ital. Medio!., 1844. "Ex oceano Mcred." This species (if it be really one), differs from the typical pelagica in being somewhat larger, and in having a more robust bill. It would appear also that there is less of whitish upon either surface of the wing, and upon the under tail coverts. The upper tail [Murch NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 81 coverts have the same black tips. Without a typical example professing to be this species, I am unable to decide definitely concerning it, but I am much inclined to doubt its validity. ?4. Procellaria melitensis, Schembri. " Thalassidroma melitensis, Schembri, Catal. Ornith. del. Grupp. di Malta, p. 118." This is a species placed by Bonaparte as a synonym of a pelagica, but by Gray considered as distinct. I have no means of judging of its validity. The name is employed by Reichenbach to designate the true pelagica. 5. Procellaria nereis, Bp. ex Gould. Thalassidroma nereis, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, Lond., 1840, viii. p. 178. Procellaria nereis, Bp. Consp. Avium, 1856, ii. p. 196. I have had the pleasure of examining Mr. Gould's types of this species from Bass' Straits, Australia, now in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. It is a beautiful little species, quite unlike any other known Stormy Petrel. In form it comes nearer to Procellaria pelagica than to any other species, and it is probably congeneric with it, though it differs somewhat in the propor- tions of the tarsus and toes, and very widely in its pattern of coloration. The bill is very small, short, and compressed. The wings reach just beyond the tail ; the second primary is the longest; the third and first nearly equal ; the fourth much shorter. The tail is long, slightly rounded ; the rec- trices broad to their very tips. The tibias are denuded for from half to two- thirds of an inch. The proportions of the tarsus and toes differ from those of pelagica, in the greater comparative length of the former. The bill, legs, and feet are black. The head all round, the upper part of the neck and the nape are fuliginous brown with a cinereous hue. This bluish ashen tint becomes the prevailing color on the lower part of the back, the wing and tail coverts, and the tertials ; these feathers being edged more or less conspicuously with grayish white. The primaries are brownish black, lighter on their inner webs, the more inner ones with an ashen tinge. The caudal rectrices are light ashen blue, gradually deepening towards their tips into pure black. The entire under parts from the breast backwards, and the under surfaces of the wings, except just along their edges, are pure white. There are a few longitudinal shaft lines of bluish gray on the sides and crissum, which became still more obvious on the under tail coverts. This species inhabits the Australian seas. 7. Procellaria fasciolata, Coues ex Tsch. Thalassidroma fasciolata, Tschudi, Beitrage zur Geographischen Verbreitung der Meeresvogel in Cabanis' Journ. f. Ornith. iv., May, 1856, p. 180. From the Aurora Islands. " Sein Kopf ist schwarz, der Mantel rost braun, die untere Seite der Flugel mattschwarz, die obere wie der Mantel. Vom Rucken aber bis zur Wurzel der ersten Schwungfedern verlauft ein £ Zoll breiter weisslich-brauner Streif. Der Bauch ist tiefschwarz, der Steiss schneweiss. Der Schwanz ist schwarz, fiicherformig, schwach halbmondformig ausges- chweift. Schnabel und Fiisse sind schwarz, die schwimmhaut sehr weit, die Iris tief schwarzbraun. An Grosse ubertrifft er die Th. pelagica um ein. Bedeutendes." The above is the reference to and a copy of the description of a species recently introduced by Dr. Tschudi, and by him supposed to be new. If all the characters mentioned in the description really obtain, the species is cer- tainly a valid one, for it is not at all like any known species of Stormy Petrel. My reference of it to the genus Procellaria is upon supposition ; for the description affords not the slightest clue to its proper position. I would have preferred to have allowed it to remain under Dr. Tschudi's designation, but as Thalassidroma is an untenable name, I have seen fit to substitute the proper appellation of the genus. It is to be hoped that we may before long know 1864.] 6 82 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP more concerning the validity, and in that event, regarding the generic rela- tions, of this supposed specie3. ?? 8. On the same page where fasciolata is described, Dr. Tschudi goes on to speak of a Petrel of which he saw several examples some degrees further south, but of which he was unable to procure specimens. The mantle was dark gray, the head blackish, the neck somewhat darker ; the feet and bill black, the wing feathers blackish, the abdomen grayish white. In size it hardly equalled pelagica. " Ich wage daher nicht mit Bestimmtheit zu ent- echeiden, ob diese Vogel zu einer Species gehoren, noch dem von mir beobachteten einen Namen zu gaben." A few pages further on (p. 190), the supposed species is named Thai, dubia. As from the circumstances of obser- vation there is extreme liability to error, and, at all events, great uncer- tainty, Thai, dubia had better quietly await more reliable data before claim- ing recognition. The remaining species constitute the second group of Procellariea;, separ- able from the preceding group by exceedingly trenchant characters. In the first place, the species all stand, high : the lengthened tarsi much exceed in dimensions the long toes, while at the same time the tibiae are greatly elongated, and bare of feathers for the greater part of their extent. The claws are very different from those of the first section, being broader than high, depressed, not compressed, and always more or less rounded and obtuse. The tail varies, being either rounded, square or forked ; but when the latter, it is never so deeply forked as in oceanodroma, etc., of the first group. The wings are very long, much surpassing the tail. Three distinct genera constitute this section. g VI. OCEANITES, Keys, et Bias. This is the genus of which our common " Wilson's Petrel" is the type, — first named Oceanites by Keyserling and Blasius Wirlbelth. Europ. ii., 1364, p. 238. It is in many respects the most distinct and remarkable genus of the Procellariea;, being widely diverse in all its characters from all others. It may be well here to define its limits with precision. Oceanites, Keys, et Bl. (Type Proc pelagica, Wils. nee Linn.) The bill is short, weak, compressed, its sides a little concave, its tip attenuated, the convexity of the culmen along the unguis comparatively little ; it is less than half as long as the head, about half as long as the middle toe without the claw, about two-fifths the tarsus. The nasal tubes, instead of rising obliquely upwards and forwards, as in the genera of the first section, have their dorsal outline perfectly straight and horizontal. The wings are exceedingly long and acute, and the proportions of the primaries different from that which obtains in any genus hitherto considered ; the second primary very much the longest; the first fully equal to the third ; the fourth very greatly shorter than the first. The tail is of moderate length and nearly square, being neither much forked nor much rounded, large and full, the feathers broad to their very tips. The legs are the most peculiar. The elongated tibiae are bare for an inch or more. The very long tarsi present the remarkable feature of having their anterior and lateral aspects covered with one smooth unbroken podotheca or " boot," resulting from the fusion together of the ordinary plates and scutellae. Posteriorly the plates remain pretty distinct. The toes, though very long, are, without the claws, only two-thirds the tarsus. The hallux is so extremely minute as to be discernible only on close inspection, when it is apparent as an exceedingly short, acute claw. The anterior claws are flattened and broad, and scarcely at all curved. The species of the genus are among the larger in size, with much the colors of Procellaria proper. Of the genus as thus constituted, the following species are known to me: — 1. Oceanites oceanica, (Kuhl). Procellaria pelagica, Wils. Am. Orn., 1808, vi. p. 90, pi. Ix. Procellaria [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 83 oceanica, Kuhl, Beit. Zool., 1820, Monog. Proc. p. 136, pi. x. fig. i. Thalassi- droma oceanica, Gray. Gen. Birds iii., 1849. Thalassidroma Wilsoni, Bonap., J. A. N. S., Philada. iii. 1823, p. 231, pi. ix. et auct,. Oceanites Wilsoni, Keys et Bias. Wirbelth. Europ. ii., 1840, p. 238. Oceanites oceanica, ? This is one of the best known and most widely distributed of the Procellarieae. Its characters need not detain us. Some points of synonymy seem, however, to require investigation. The first notice of the species is in 1808, when it was accurately described and figured by Wilson, as above, under the erroneous name of Procellaria pdagica, Linn. This error was first noticed and corrected by Bonaparte in the Journal of the Philadelphia Academy for 1823, and the species named Thalassidroma Wilsoni. This is the appellation by which it has been most usually known to, ornithologists. In the year 1820 there appeared in Kuhl's Beitrage Zur Zoologie, in the article entitled " Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Procellarien," a description accompanied with a figure of the head, of the present species, under the name of " Procellaria oceanica Banks." The figure is poor, and difficult to recognize, but the full description is pertinent in every respect, and un- equivocally refers to the present species. This name should consequently receive that precedence over Wilsoni to which its priority clearly entitles. Indeed, Bonaparte himself, in his Conspectus Generum Avium, p. 199, and also in his Conspectus Gavia;rum in the Comptes Rendus for April 28, 1856. admits that the two names refer to the same species. The only question appears to be this : — Banks had, before the appearance of Kuhl's Monograph, applied the name oceanica to specimens of this species from the Southern Oceans. This Australian form Bonaparte considers as a variety of the Atlantic bird, in the fasciculus of his Conspectus bearing date of Jan. 1st, 1856; and shortly afterwards, in the Comptes Rendus for April 28, 1856, he accords to it full specific rank. If the Australian form be really a distinct species, then, of course, it would bear Bank's and Kuhl's name of oceanica, and Wilsoni could be retained for the Atlantic species. Such, how- ever, I am confident, is not the case. I have carefully examined specimens of the species from Australia (among them the types of Mr. Gould's work, "The Bird's of Australia"), and I have failed to detect the slightest differ- ences which could even mark the southern bird as a distinct variety. They appear to me absolutely identical, as indeed they are considered by the majority of writers. Such being the case, then, " Wilsoni, Bp.," must become a synonym of oceanica, Kuhl, and the species be known as Oceanites oceanica. 2. Oceanites mneata, Bonap. ex Peale. Thalassidroma lineata, Peale, Ornith. U. S. Expl. Exped. Oceanites Hneata, Bonaparte, Consp. av. ii. 1856, p. 200. — Several good examples of this well marked species are in the Smithsonian Museum, being those collected by Mr. Peale himself. It is very different in most of its characters from the preced- ing species. It is a much larger bird. The wing measures 6} inches from the flexure, the tail a little more than 3 inches. The tarsus is If inches long; the middle toe and claw 1^. The bill is larger and stouter, though of the same relative proportions. The tarsi, however, absolutely but little if any longer, and are, therefore, relatively shorter, as lineata is a larger bird. The general pattern of coloration is the same as in oceanica ; but lineata may be readily distinguished by the white streaks which variegate the under sur- face of the body and wings. On the anterior portions of the belly, the black and white are in about equal amount, but more posteriorly and on the crissum, under wing and tail coverts, the white is by far the predominating color. The black appears only along the centre of each feather as a shaft line, producing an appearance which renders the name " lineata" exceedingly pertinent. This species wants the yellow spaces on the interdigital mera- 1864.] Si PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF branes, so conspicuous in oceanica. The most important difference in form between the two species lies in the much greater flatness and obtuseness of the claws of lineata. With the following two species I am autoptically unacquainted, and can only judge of their specific validity, and of their generic relations, from the descriptions of their authors. They evidently, however, belong to the long- legged, depressed-clawed group of Stormy Petrel, and I think there can be little or no doubt that they both are species of Oceanites. Such indeed is certainly the case with the Thai, segethi of Phillippi and Landbeck,* the de- scription of which is so complete and perfect in every respect, that I have no difficulty in assigning it to its proper genus. — Would that all birds could be as thoroughly described on their first introduction to ornithologists! The Thai, gracilis, Elliot, seems so closely allied to both lineata and segethi, that it can hardly but be an Oceanites] though I cannot speak concerning it with the same degree of certainty as I do regarding the former species. 3. Oceanites segethi, Coues. ex Ph. et Ldbk. Thalassidroma segethi, Phillippi and Landbeck, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1860, p. 282. — The following description of this species is condensed from the one originally given by its discoverers : The bill and feet are glossy black. The head, neck, back, throat and breast, as well as the upper wing coverts, dark blackish gray, the latter, however, tending somewhat towards brownish. Wing and tail feathers deep black. The feathers of the upper parts have white borders, which, however, are worn away in the course of the summer. The inner web of the four outer tail feathers is white at the base. The upper tail coverts, the abdomen, the flanks, and the circumanal region are white. Under tail coverts are black, with white bases and tips. The lesser inferior wing coverts, and the whole border of the wings are black, the rest of the inferior coverts white. Length 1\ inches (French). Bill 6 lines ; tail 2 inches 11 lines ; wing 5£ inches. Tarsus 1 inch 5 lines ; middle toe 10 lines. Naked portion of the tibiae 7 lines: Wings when folded reaching an inch beyond the tail. Habitat. — The coast of Chili. This species is compared by its describers with the lineata as follows : " It comes nearest to the species described by Titian Peale, in the United States Exploring Expedition, which was found breeding on the Island of Upolu. This species agrees with ours in size, in the form of the feet, and in the colors generally, but differ from it in this respect, that, while in lineata the feathers of the neck are white with black tips, and those of the breast, belly and flanks are white in the middle and black at the tips, in segethi the feathers of the neck and breast are uniformly slatey black, and those of the abdomen and flanks are entirely white ; moreover, in segethi the outermost of the supe- rior tail coverts are wholly white, while in lineata they have black shaft lines." This species, however, requires very careful comparison with the succeed- ing, before its claims to specific distinction can be fully substantiated. I do not hesitate to express my decided opinion, that they will be found to be identical; for, so far as I can judge of the colors from the descriptions, they are quite similar, and certain descrepancies in the measurements of the two may result from the difference between the French and English inch. The habitat of the two birds is precisely the same ; still, in view of some points, in the descriptions which do not entirely accord, and especially because it * These authors themselves remark (p. 284) " on account of the long legs, and the much abbre- viated hallux, our bird should be referred to Bonaparte's new genus Oceanites; but ;t appears that a generic separation can hardly be mad» with propriety upon such inconsiderable differences." May 1 be allowed to ask, with propriety, if Fhnpe of bill, peculiar proportions o' tarsus and toes, length of wings and tail, and above all, the fusion of the tarsal plates can be accounted as "in- coneidejrahle differences 1" [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 85 seems useless to exchange one doubtful opinion for another, I have preferred to consider both species as valid, until an opportunity be afforded of deter- mining the question with certainty. 4. Oceanites gracilis, Coues ex Elliot. Tkalassidroma gracilis, D. G. Elliot, Sclater's Ibis, 1859, p. 391. — "Plumage sooty black. Quill feathers brown. Secondary coverts margined with light brown. Ramp, upper tail coverts and middle of abdomen, white. Tail black, the two outer feathers with a white mark on the lower half of the inner web, growing narrower as it descends ; lower half of the shafts white, the rest black. Under tail coverts white margined with black. Breast sooty. Bill black. Tarsi and feet very long and slender, black. Length 5-90 inches ; wing 5-22 ; tail 2-40 ; bill -40 ; tarsus 1-20." Habitat. — Coast of Chili. In general characters this species seems closely allied to Oceanites lineata, and the pattern of coloration is, in many respects, very similar. The dimensions of the bird, however, will at once separate it from that species ; for the wing is more than half an inch shorter, the tail fully as much less, and the bill, tarsus and toes are proportionally as much smaller in dimensions. As already remarked, it comes much nearer to the 0. segethi, and is very possibly the same bird. In the event of this proving to be the case, gracilis, Elliot, has priority over segcthi, Ph. et L., and must be retained as the name of the species. § VII. FREGETTA, Bp. This well marked genus, as limited by its author, Bonaparte, contains sev- eral species, all more or less closely allied to each other, and agreeing in the possession of the following generic characters : The bill is small and short,. measuriag in length hardly half that of the skull ; about as high as broad at the base, the sides converging rapidly toward a somewhat compressed, at- tenuated and decurved tip. The nasal tubes are stout, short and elevated towards their extremities. The culmen and commissure are both much de- curved. The wings are rather elongated, reaching a little beyond the tail ; the second primary is longest, the third nearly equal ; the first generally between the third and fourth. The tail is long, nearly square, but sometimes more or less emarginate ; the rectrices all exceedingly broad to their very tips, which are subtruncated. The legs are long and stout; the tibiae naked for a considerable space ; the tarsi much exceed in length the toes, which latter are very short, unusually stout, and connected by rather narrow webs. The species are all of rather large size, and stout form, and are bicolor, the dark and light colors occupying distinct areas. The type of the genus is the Thalasxidroma tropica, Gould, which, with the other species, chiefly inhabit the intertropical and southern seas. The genus is so well marked as to require special comparison with no other. The following are the species composing it with which I am ac- quainted : 1. Fregetta tropica, Bp. ex Gould. First described by Gould, Ann. et Magaz. Nat. Hist. vol. xiii. p 366, under the name of Thalassidroma tropica, this species is referred to its proper genus by Bonaparte, in his Conspectus Generum Avium, p. 197, and also in his Conspectus Gaviarium, p. 797 of the Comptes Rendus for 1856. If there be other synonyms of the species, I have not met with them. It is the largest species of the genus, measuring 8'75 to 9-00 inches in length. The tail is more forked than in the other representatives of the genus, the depth of the emargination being f of an inch. The bill measures a little more than ^ the length of the tarsus and it is rather stout, especially at the base, where it is broader than high. The tarsus varies from If to If of an inch in length ; the middle toe with its claw \\ inches, or a little more, 1864.] 86 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF The plumage is fuliginous black ; the lower part of the breast, the belly, the sides under the wings, both tail coverts, the throat, and a nuchal collar, white. The species inhabits the intertropical portions of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the shape of the bill, emargination of the tail, length of wing, and pe- culiar proportions of the tarsus and toes, this species differs somewhat from the other representatives of the genus Fregetta, as here adopted, — so much so, that ornithologists may perhaps hereafter find it expedient to restrict the genus to this single type, and present the remaining species under a different ge- neric appellation. 2. Fregetta grallaria, Bp. ex Vieillot. This long known species has, in spite of its well marked characters, been presented under so numerous and diverse designations, that its synonymy re- quires careful consideration. The first unequivocal indication of this species that I have met with is that given by Vieillot, on page 418 of vol. xxvi of the Nouveau Dictionnaire, (1817,) under the name of '' Le petrel exhasse, Procellaria grallaria." The accompa- nying description, though brief, is entirely pertinent to the present species ; and Vieillot's name is, therefore, entitled to priority over subsequent desig- nations. Prof. Lichtenstein has, in the Catalogue of the Duplicates of the Berlin Museum, page 83, (1823), conferred the name grallaria upon a different species, Yiz : — the melanogastra of Gould. In 1820 ihe species was presented by Kuhl, Monogr. Proc, p. 138. pi. x. fig. 3, under the name of" Procellaria /regatta, Banks." This author's description is very full and quite accurate, but he erroneously adduces the name " P. xquorea" as a synonym, whereas the latter really is a synonym of quite another species, viz : — the Procellaria marina of Latham. Bonaparte acknowledges, in his Conspectus, p. 198, the error he committed in 1828, of referring to this species under the name of Thalassidroma oceanica, he having in his synopsis of the Birds of North America confounded Vieillot's grallaria with the Oceanites oceanica of this paper. Finally, in the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Mr. Gould describes this species as new under the name of Thalassidroma leucogastra. A tine suite of specimens are before me, among which are some of Mr. Gould's typical examples, received by the Philadelphia Academy from him. They vary more than is usual among the Procellaria, in the color of the upper parts, which ranges from a deep fuliginous brownish black to a much lighter plum- beous or ashen hue. Some — the lightest colored ones — have all the dorsal feathers edged with greyish white. The circumocular region is usually the darkest colored. The white of the under parts varies exceedingly in extent; it sometimes reaches far up on the throat, including nearly all the under sur- face of the bird ; while in other examples it is nearly as much restricted, that is to say, descends as low on the breast as is usual in examples of melanogastra. The lightest colored birds are apparently the most immature. The bill is stout, nearly as high as broad at the base, measuring from the front to apex, about half the length of the skull. The nasal tubes are long and elevated. The wings are moderately long, reaching just beyond the very slightly emarginate tail. The second primary is longest ; the third nearly equal ; the first iutermediate between the third and fourth. The rectrices are exceedingly broad to their very tips, which are subtruncated. The tibiaj are denuded fur the space of one inch. The tarsus measures 1-50 to 1-60 inches, the middle toe and claw 1-05 to 1-10. The wing from the flexure measures 6£ inches. The species inhabits the tropical portions of both oceans. [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 87 3. Fregetta melanogastra, Bp. ex Gould. Thalassidroma melanogastra, Gould, Ann. et Mag. Nat. Hist., xiii. p. 36V. I have had an opportunity of examining Mr. Gould's typical specimens of this species, now in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. Although it is very closely allied to the preceding, both in form and colors, yet it con- stantly differs as follows : While a somewhat smaller bird, it has yet consid- erably longer tarsi and toes ; the bill is longer, slenderer, with a more atten- uated and gradually decurved unguis. The wing is nearly an inch shorter ; the proportions of the primaries about the same as in grallaria. The tail is about a third of an inch less. With the same general distribution of colors as in ffrallaria, this species differs in the presence of a central longitudinal brown- ish black streak, which divides the white of the abdomen into two symmetrical lateral halves. This ray is not always perfect, being sometimes only indicated by a few disconnected, black feathers. I have never, however, in a large num- ber of specimens seen it entirely wanting, but even if this be ever the case, the species may be readily diagnosed by its peculiarities of size and form above detailed. The species inhabits the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean. This is, in all probability, the species indicated by Forster, Descriptiones Animalium, Edit. Lichten^tein, 1844, p. 180, under the name of " Procellaria fregata, Linn. ;" at least, I judge this to be the case (although no mention is made of the ventral ray) from the annexed foot-note, by Prof. Lichtenstein, in which the latter says that it is upon this species (fregata, Forst.) he has based his Procellaria grallaria, (Cat. Dupl. Berl. Mus. p. 83) which is " ob longitudi- nem pedum segreganda." This length of the feet is exactly the most patent point of difference in form of this species from the preceding. 4. Fregetta Lawrencii, Bp. ex Lawr. Thallassidroma fregetta, Lawrence, Annals of the New York Lyceum of Natu- ral History, 1851, p. 117. — Fregetta Lawrencii, Bonaparte, Conspectus Avium. ii. p. 198. It is exceedingly to be regretted that the typical and only known specimen of this species has been lost, so that there is no opportunity of comparing it with leucogastra, to which it is so very closely allied. I can, therefore, do no more than simply present Mr. Lawrence's description, from which ornithologists must judge for themselves regarding its specific validity. " Head and wings black ; neck, breast and back dark plumbeous, or dull bluish ash ; wing coverts brown; the tail white at the base, with the terminal half and the two central feathers black; abdomen, inside of wings and rump, white ; bill and legs black. Tail even ; claws flattened and of an ovate form. Length about 8 inches ; wing 6 ; tail 3 ; tarsus If. (Gen. Rep. Birds N. A., p. 832). I VII. PELAGODROMA, Reichenbach. A very peculiar genus of Procellarieae, readily recognizable by the following characters : — Bill very long, but little less than the head, exceedingly slender, much com- pressed, higher than broad at the base, the nasal tubes very short, less than half the culmen, the unguis attenuated only slightly and very gradually de- curved. Wings of moderate length, reaching just beyond the tail; second primary longest, third nearly equal, first about equal to the fourth. Tail very long, nearly square or but slightly emarginated, the feathers all exceedingly broad to their truncated apices. Legs very long, somewhat stout, only mod- erately compressed. Tibiae denuded for an inch or more. Tarsus of ordinary length for this group ; toes all unusually long, the middle with its claw being but little less than the tarsus. Iuterdigital membranes all very full and broad. Of large size, rather stout form, and variegated colors. This genus agrees with Fregetta in many respects, but differs markedly from 1864.] 88 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP it in the length, straightness and attenuation of the bill ; and in the very unusu- ally long toes, with their broad, full, interdigital membranes. The pattern of coloration is very dissimilar from that of most of the species of Fregetta or indeed of any other genus of Procellarieae. The long and well known Procellaria fregetta of Linnaeus is its typical and only species. I. Pel^godroma fregata, Bp. ex Linn.* The history of the synonymy of this species is somewhat involved, since, as demonstrated in the annexed foot-note, the Procellaria fregata of Linnteus has been very variously interpreted by different writers. Some authors have con- sidered it as referring to the tropica of Gould, others to the grallaria of Yieillot, others again to the melanogastra of Gould ; while one author has applied the name to a new species, afterwards dedicated to him by Bonaparte. (Fregetta Lawrencii.) But I entirely agree with Prof. Lichenstein," (foot-note on page 180 of Forster's " Descriptions Animalium") and with Bonaparte (Conspectus, p. 198) that the Froc. fregata, Linn., was based upon the bird first described by Barrere, and which Latham subsequently more definitely characterized as Procellaria marina. With this view of the case, the following is an exposition of the synonymy of the species in question : Proc. fregata Linnasus, S. N. i. 1766, (nee Forster, nee Kuhl., nee Lawrence.) Procellaria marina, Latham, Ind. Ornith. ii. 1790, et Kuhl, Monog. Proc. 1823, p. 138, pi. x, fig. 2. Thalassidroma marina, Gray, Genera Birds, iii. 1849. Pe- lagodroma marina, Reichenbach, Syst. Av. Pelagodroma fregata, Bp.,Consp. Av. n. 1856, p. 198. Procellaria sequorea, Solander. Procellaria hypoleuca, Webb et Berth., Av. Canar. This large and beautiful species, so peculiar both in form and colors, is too well known to require any description in this connection. There is in the Philadelphia Academy a very young individual of this species which has not yet wholly emerged from the downy state of plumage. Yet, although so very immature, the peculiar color and markings of the adults are already entirely apparent. This is ample evidence that the birds of this group are subject to no changes of plumage of any consequence in their progress towards maturity. I have fortunately been able to extend the same observa- tion to other species. A fledgling of Cgmochorea leucorrhoa, now before me, has exactly the pattern of coloration of the adults, and the uropygial white is already discernable, the only difference being that the black is rather of a slaty than of a fuliginous tint. The chief variations of plumage to which, at least, the fuliginous species are subject, will all be found, I think, to depend upon season. After the moults, when the feathers are fresh and new, they are much darker, and more uniformly so, than after they have become old and worn. Their tips then assume a somewhat lighter brown color, and the dull brown alar fascia, common to so many of the species, becomes much more con- spicuous. This is readily demonstrable by examining any of the fuliginous species during the moult, when the old and new feathers will be found to be quite different in the precise shade of the fuliginous brown. The preceding pages contain notices of all the known species of Procellarieae * Among the Procellarieae no name has been so indiscriminately used by authors for so many different species as "fregata, Linn.," variously spelled fregata, f regatta, fregetta, etc. That this may occur less frequently in future, and for convenience of reference, the following synoptical view of the various applications of the word is given: Proc. fregata, Linn.=P. sequorea, Soland.=P. hypoleuca, Webb, et Berth.=P. marina, Lath.=> Thai, marina, Uray. =l\lagodroma marina, Reich.=Pelagdroma fregata, Bp. ex L., of this paper. Proc. fregata, Forster.=P. grallaria Licht. nee Vieill.=(probably) Thai, melanogastra, Go«ld,= Fregetta melanogastra, Bp. ex Gould, of this paper. Proc. feegatta, KwM.=P. gratta rin, \ici\\.=Thal. oceanica, Bon. (li2S).= Thal.lcucogastra, Qoul&.=Fregetta gralb ria, Bp. ex Vieill., of this paper. Thai, fregetta, Lawr.— Fregetta Lawrencii, Bp. ex Lawr., of this paper. [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 89 with which I am acquainted, as well as references to and criticisms upon the more or less doubtfully valid ones. I have purposely, however, omitted all consideration of the Procellaria Bulweri of Jardine and Selby in this connec- tion, because I cannot regard it as belonging to this group at all. This spe- cies— the Thalassidroma Bulweri of some authors — the Puffinus columbinus, Webb et Berth — the Procellaria anjinko, Heine — is by Bonaparte made the type of a genus Bulweria, which its author places among the Procellarieae. But I assert most confidently that the bird in question is not a " Stormy Petrel" at all, but a species of the section Fulmareee, closely allied to, and entirely congeneric with, the P. allantica, Gould, and the P. alerrima, Verreaux, which compose Bonaparte's genus Pterodroma. The mo^t constant and uni- formly diagnostic character of the Stormy Petrels proper is found in the short- ness of the first primary, compared with the second and third, and in a cer- tain peculiar flexibility and elasticity of all the remiges. The P. Bulweri has none of these characteristics. The general contour of the bill, and especially the size and shape of the nasal tubes are very difierent from what obtains throughout the Procellarieae; while the feet and tail disagree to a scarcely less marked extent. The fact of its small size seems to me no argument for its introduction into this section, for it is scarcely smaller than several species of Puffineae, e. g., nugax, Solander, or yelknan, Acerbi. In my mind there is no doubt that Dr. Schlegel has correctly indicated its affinities in placing it in intimate connection with the Pterodroma aterrima, Verreaux, and atlanlica, Gould. The following is a brief synopsis of the genera and species of the section, prepared according to the views expressed in the preceding pages. It is made as brief as is consistent with perspicuity, only the more important features being presented. Synopsis of the genera and species of the Procellarieae. Family PROCELLAR1DJE :—T\i ' !, impressa et contorta. Hub. — Ottowa River, Canada West, E. Billings, Esq. A Critical Review of the Family PROCELLARIDiE :— Part II. ; Embracing the PUFFINEJE. BY ELLIOTT COUES, M. D. ) U. 8. A. Tbe present paper is the second of a series in which it is proposed to con- sider the entire family of Petrels. The first fasciculus in which the Procel- larieae or " Stormy Petrels" are reviewed, has already appeared in these Pro- ceedings ; in the present continuation of the subject are embraced the Puf- finese, or "Shearwaters." In writing upon the Procellariese I had regard more particularly to the generic disposition of the species ; for most of them were so well known as to require comparatively little comment upon their specific distinctions. With tthe Puffiuere, however, the case is exactly the reverse. While the generic groups are very plainly indicated, the species compri ed in each are for the most part quite numerous, and their relations to each other, gene- rally so very intimate, as regards size, form, and color, that it requires care- ful and discriminating comparison to separate them. I have, therefore, given this part of tbe subject in hand special attention ; and have gone consider- ably into details in my examination of the specific characters and relation- ships of the numerous components of the group, believing that in no other way can the desirable degree of information on the subject be attained. At TApril, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA.. 117 the same time the many intricate questions of synonymy involved have necessitated somewhat lengthy discussions. In my arrangement of the genera and species I have closely followed that given by Bonaparte in his Conspectus ; except that I place among the Puf- finefe the genus Adamastor, which Bonaparte considers as belonging to the Ful- marea?. The position of this genus is, indeed, a little uncertain, the char- acters of the bill approximating to those of the Fulniarea?. Its bill, how- ever, is almost identical with that of Majaqueus ; and it agrees so closely in other respects that the two genera cannot be placed in different groups ; while the possession by each of twelve, instead of fourteen or sixteen rectrices, plainly indicates that they belong to the Puffinese rather than to the Fulmarea?. The Puffinese, as I regard them, are composed of five genera, viz : — Maja- queus, Adamastor, Thiellus, Nectris and Puffinus. The two first of these are very different from the three last in many respects ; and warrant a sub- division of the section into two groups. The first, or the " Fulmar-Puffins,^ ' have the bill stouter than ordinary ; the nasal tubes longer, more elevated, more decidedly tubular, vertically truncated at their apices, and the nasal septum thinner ; the wings and tail shorter. The three latter of the above- named genera constitute the "Puffins proper." The bill is very long and slender ; the nasal tubes short, broad, depressed, obliquely truncated ; the nasal septum thick ; the wings and tail very long, the latter much rounded ; and the feet very large. As for the genera themselves, they are hardly worth retaining, except it be for convenience' sake. Thiellus is mere- ly Nectris with a longer and more decidedly cuneiform tail ; while Nectris hardly differs from Puffinus, except in its rather slenderer bill, and entirely fuliginous color. The subdivision of Puffinus into " Ardenna," " Priofhius," and " Puffinus" seems quite unwarrantable. I shall consider the species of the five genera in the order in which they are named above, and conclude with a brief synopsis of the section in accord- ance with the results arrived at in the investigation. MAJAQUEUS, Reich. Gen. char.— Bill a little shorter than the head, about equal to the tarsus, stout, compressed, higher than broad at the base, the culmen rising imme- diately from the nostrils, the unguis largl, very convex, much hooked. Com- missure unusually curved from feathers to unguis, the concavity looking up wards ; outline of inferior mandibular rami quite straight to the unguis. Nasal tubes long, (nearly a third the length of the culmen), elevated, laterally obliquely flattened, carinated along the median line, apically vertically trun- cated, with a considerable emarginatiou ; nostrils quite circular ; the septum narrow for this section. Wings very short for this family. Tail also exceed- ingly short, and subtruncated, the graduation of the lateral feathers being slight. Feet stout, the tarsus greatly abbreviated, being much shorter than the middle toe without its claw. Outer toe without claw longer than the middle. Tip of the inner claw reaching the base of the middle one. Of large size, dark color, and exceeding robust form. The preceding paragraph characterizes a marked and very peculiar genus of Procellaridse. It is at once distinguished from all its allies by the com- bination of the large size, extreme robustness of bill and feet, as well of the whole body, the unusually short wings and tail, the dark colors, etc' It is most nearly allied to Adamastor, the bills of the types of the two genera being almost identical ; but other characters readily distinguish the two. Two species of this genus are recognized by ornithologists. Dr. Schlegel has well shown that it is rather by peculiarities of form and size that conspicil- latus is to be distinguished, if at all, from aequinoctialis. 1864.] 118 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Majaqdeps aequinoctialis, Reich ex Linn. Procellaria aequinoctialis, Linn., S.N., ed. vi. (175S), Id. ed. xii., i., 1766, p. 213. Gmel. S. N. i., p. 564. Lath. Ind. Orn. ii., 1790, p. S21, et anctorum. P. aequinoxialis, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet, d' H. N., 1817, xxv., p. 422. Priqfinus aequinoctialis, Hoinbr., et Jacquin. Majaqueus aequinoctialis, Reich, Syst. Av., pi. 20, fig. 340, 341. Bonaparte, Consp. Avium, ii. 1856, p. 200. Puffinus capitis Bonce-spei, Brisson, Ornith. vi. 1760, p. 137. Procellaria nigra, Forster, Descr. Anim, ed. Licht. 1844, p. 26. "Procellaria fu- liginosa, Solander." Habitat. — "In oceano Australi extra tropicurn, (nunquam visa ad lineam aequinoctialem. unde patet, in ipsurn noinen ' aequinoctialis ' non quadrare." (Fokstek). It is unnecessary to give any description of this long and well known species. The white spots on the throat and cheeks appear to vary much with age. In the perfectly adult bird the triangular gular spot is alone left ; that on the cheeks, which is connected with it in immature birds, having disappeared. Very young birds have the under parts almost wholly whitish, which afterwards deepens into fuliginous. The present is one of the three species of Procellaridas, (pelagica, aequinoc- tialis, capensis), known to Linnaeus in 1758, and given in the sixth edition of his Systema Natura?. The name aequinoctialis appears, according to the obser- vations of most naturalists, to be geographically erroneous ; and probably on this account it was changed to niijra by Forster in 1772. But as it is impos- sible to say exactly what are the limits of a Procellaridian's wanderings, it- would be hardly warrantable, I think, to change Linnaeus' appellation. There are no points of synonymy which require discussion here. MAJAQrEus coxspicillatus, Bp. ex Gould. Procellaria conspicillata, Gould, Ann. et Mag. N. H., 1844, lma. series xiii., p. 362. Id. Birds Austr. vii. pi. 46. Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 20. Majaqueus conspicillatus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii., 1856, p. 200. Procellaria larvuta, Lesson. > Habitat. — Australian Seas. This species, despite the peculiar markings of the head, which usually characterize it, is, nevertheless, exceedingly closely allied to the preceding. Examination of the large series in the Philadelphia Academy collection shows the markings to be very variable as to their extent, and that they are some- times hardly traceable at all. (Consult on this point Dr. SchlegeFs mono- graph, where the point is fully elucidated.) In the majority of specimens the submental white patch is more or less perfectly connected with a broad white stripe, which, passing from the feathers on the side of the lower man- dible, runs backwards on the side of the head, below the eye, curving up- wards on the occiput, so as nearly to meet its fellow of the opposite side. In addition to this, a broad somewhat crescentic patch occupies the anterior por- tion of the vertex, and descends on the cheeks in front of the eyes nearly or quite to the commissure of the bill, leaving the features' of the extreme front black. The colors in every other respect are those of aequinoctialis. More constant and reliable, though not so conspicuous, diagnostic features are to be found in other characters. The b rd is larger than aequinoctialis; its bill is a little longer and considerably more robust, and has the unguis of both mandibles bluish black instead of bright yellow. The sides of the man- dibles are also usually much darker in color. The wings and tail, on an aver- age, exceed those of aequinoctialis by an inch or so, but the variation with individuals of both species amounts to more than this. A corresponding relative difference exists in the average length of the tarsus and toes. [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 119 There are no points of synonymy connected with this species which require notice. ADAMASTOR, Bon. Char. Gen. — Of large size and robust form. Bill a little shorter than the head, about three-fourths the tarsus, broad and stout at the base, narrowing regularly to the strong, very convex compressed unguis. Nasal tubes longer than ordinary (for the Puffinea?) very broad, depressed, but vertically trun- cated at their extremity, and with an unusually thin septum, somewhat as in the Fulmarese, to which the genus bears considerable analogy. Wings rather short for this section ; the primaries broad and stout, the second quite as long as the first. Tail rather short, of twelve feathers ; the central rectrices projecting and a little acuminate ; the lateral more rounded, and rapidly graduated. Feet of the usual size, moderately compressed and stout. Tar- sus shorter than the middle toe without its claw. Outer toe longer than the middle. Tip of outer claw about reaching base of middle. The genus Adamastor was founded in 1856 by Bonaparte to accommodate certain Procellaridians, which seem to combine in a remarkable manner the characteristics of both the Fulmarese and the Puffineas. The species resem- ble mo;t the Fulmareae in the length, vertical truncation and thin septum of the nasal tubes ; and also less markedly in the shape of the wings and tail. In all other respects they are, however, true Puffinea?. The bill, in shape and comparative size, can hardly be distinguished from that of Maja- ,,, reus, in tin' Birds of North America, was taken; i-< nil incompatible in any feature with 1'. cinereus, Gm., Lath.. Vieill.; agrees entirely with Forstar'a /•. A > ■ with Bonaparte's Adamastor typus and Schlegel's Proc. adamastor, [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 121 The following resume of the points under discussion is given for conve- nience of reference : Proc. cinerea, Gm., Lath., Vie-ill. (1817) ; (nee auct. Europ. quae P. Kuhlii, Boie ; nee auct. Anier. quae P. major, Faber) = Puffinus cinereus, Lawrence, 1S5S = Adamastor typus, Bp., 1856 = Proc. adamastor, Schlegel, 1803 = Adamastoi cinereus, Coues, 1864. Proc. fkesitata, Forst., 1774 = Puff, hcesitata, Lawrence, 1853 = P. hoesitata, Gould (sed non P. hcesitata, Kuhl, 1823, nee Temni. PL Color, quae species Astrelata ) = P. cinereus, Gm. Dr. Lichtenstein, in his edition (1844) of Forster's Descriptiones Anima- lium, says that the leucocephala of Forster (which is also the alba of Linn., Gm., Lath.) " vix nisi Estate videtur differre a hcesitata Forster." It is well known that the present species when young has the cinereous of the head much lighter than that of the adults ; and Prof. Lichtenstein's surmise may therefore be correct. As, however, there are several points of form, etc., in which it seems to differ from hcesitata, and especially as Bonaparte has con- sidered it a valid species of Astrelata, I shall follow the latter authority until more definite data may be found upon the subject. Adamastor gelidus Coues ex Gmel. Procellaria gelida, Gmelin, Syst. Nat., i. pars 2, 1788, p. 564. Latham, Index Ornith., ii. 1790, p. 822. Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat., xxv. 1817, p. 419. (Haud dubie, opinor.) Procellaria jlavirostris, Gould, Ann. et Mag. N. H, 1844, lma ser. xiii. p. 365. Adamastor Jlavirostris, Bp. Consp. Av., 1856, ii. p. 188. Habitat. — Antarctic Ocean. Cape of Good Hope. Sj). char. — " Feathers of the head and all the upper surface brown, with paler edges, fading into white on the tips of the upper tail coverts ; wings and tail deep blackish brown ; all the under surface pure white ; the feathers of the under surfaces of the shoulders with a streak of brown down the centre ; bill yellow, passing into dark horn color at the tip ; tarsi and feet fleshy white. "Length 19 inches ; bill 2| ; wing 15 ; tail 6^ ; tarsi 2| ; middle toe and claw 3^.'' — [Gould.] This is» an exceedingly well marked species, liable to be confounded with no other with which I am acquainted. That it is a species of Adamastor, and entirely congeneric with A. cinereus, there can be, I think, no doubt. The general coloration and the proportions as indicated by the measurements, plainly evince this to be the case. Moreover, Mr. Gould himself remarks that " this bird so nearly approaches in form the members of the genus Puf- finus, that it is almost a question whether it should not be included in that genus." A bird which could be placed by so accurate an ornithologist as Mr. Gould in the genus Procellaria (/. e. among the Fulmareae), and which yet exhibits such an affinity with the Puffineas, cannot but belong to the genus Adamastor. Discussion of synonymy. — I think there can be no reasonable doubt that the old P. gelida of Gmelin, Latham and Vieillot is really the present species. The habitat and the dimensions given by these authors is the same as that assigned to Jlavirostris by Mr. Gould ; and their diagnoses are pertinent in almost every particular. The expression " pedibus caeruleis" is indeed quite inadmissible ; but a misinterpretation of the color of the feet of birds of this family is extremely likely to occur when only dried skins are exa- mined. Still I would hardly venture to supersede Gould's Jlavirostris by Guielin'-- or Latham's gelida, were it not for the fuller and more perfect de- scription of the species given by Vieillot in the work above quoted. An examination of his description will show that it differs in no single conse- 1864.] 122 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF quential point.* In view of these facts, and deeming it of the utmost im- portance to identify as many of the names of the older authors as possible, I have thought it best to restore Gmelin's appellation. Adamastor sericeus Bp. ex Less. Pvffinus sericeus, Lesson, Man. Ornith., ii. 1828, p. 402. Adamastor seri- ceus, Bp., Consp. Av., 1836, ii. p. 18S. Habitat. — Southern Pacific Ocean. Sp. char. — Bill black; feet flesh-colored, the margins of the webs blackish. Upper parts deep greyish ashy, passing into blackish grey on the upper wing coverts. Head, neck and under parts white ; the former variegated with some touches of clear greyish ash. Circumocular region blackish. Inferior surfaces of the wings of a lighter color than the superior. Tail rounded, its upper surface lightly washed with ashy. Length 15 inches ; extent of wings 36 ; wing from the carpus 11'50 ; tail 5 ; bill along gape 2-00 ; nasal tubes -40 ; tarsus 1*75 ; middle toe 1*33. The preceding description is compiled from Lesson's original notice. The indications are not as explicit as might be desired ; but I think that there can be no doubt of the propriety of Bonaparte's referring the species to his genus Adamastor. The pattern of coloration is rather that of most of the species of Astrelata ; but the proportions as indicated by Lesson's measurements in- dicate a bird congeneric with Adamastor cinereus. I have met with no synonyms of this species requiring notice. THIELLUS Gloger. f Char. — Bill long and slender, about three-fourths the tarsus, compressed, the unguis much decurved, but at base broader than high. Nasal tubes very short, only a fifth of the culmen. Wings of moderate length, and ordinary shape. Tail unusually lengthened, being nearly or quite half as long as the wing from the carpus, very much graduated. Tarsus a fourth longer than the bill, moderately stout, compressed. Middle toe without a claw, a little longer than the tarsus. Of moderate size, rather slender form and uniformly fuliginous colors. The most essential character of the genus is found in its unusually elon- gated and much graduated tail. In all other respects it hardly diners at all from Nectris ; and its species have all the same fuliginous hue that charac- terises the latter genus. Two species are recognized by ornithologists as belonging to this genus. Though exceedingly closely allied to each other, j-et they seem to constantly differ in some applicable points. Thiellus sphenurcs Bp. ex Gould. Puffinus sphenurus, Gould, Ann. et Mag. N. H., 1844, lma series, xiii. p. 365. Id. Birds Austral., vii. pi. 58. Thiellus sphenurus, Bonap., C. A., 1856, ii. p. 201. — Procellaria sphcuura, Suhlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays- Bas, 1863, p. 25. Habitat. — Australian seas. A fine series of these species is in the collection of the Philadelphia Acade- my. The general color of the plumage is a deep chocolate brown, or dark reddish black, most of the feathers of the upper parts with paler margins. The color of the back deepens into pure black on the wings and tail. Below, the general plumage is of a deep brown, with a wash of grey, — the brown tinge most palpable on the abdomen, the grey predominating on the throat. * I may remark, en passant, that the expression " pres de huit ponces de longueur totale" is most probably a typographical error, or a lapsus calami. It was etideutly iuteuded to be " dix huit." [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 12S The bill is flesh color, tinged with brown ; much darker along the culmen and on the unguis ; the legs and feet are flesh eolored, with a tinge of yellow. This species measures from 15 to 16 inches in total length ; the wing from the carpus 10-f)0 to 11*25. The tail varies somewhat in length, from nearly five to quite six inches ; the graduation of the lateral feathers usually being about 2 inches. Bill about 1-60; height at base 35, width *50 ; length of nasal tubes -25. Tarsus 1*90 • middle toe and c'aw 2*35. This species can be confounded with no other, (except, perhaps, T. chloro- rhynchus, which see ;) and there are no involved points of synonymy. Thielltjs chlokorhynchus Bp. ex Less. Puffinus chlororhynchus, Lesson, Tr. Ornith., p. 613. Pucheran, Rev. Zoologique, 1850. p. 633. Thiellus chlororhynchus, Bp., Consp. Av., ii. 1866, p. 201. Procellaria chlororhynchus, Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 25. Habitat. — '' Western Australia," Bp. Dr. Schlegel has specimens from the Bourbon Islands and the Cape of Good Hope. Almost identical with T. sphenurus in the color of the plumage ; and with much the same dimensions. The main diagnostic points seem to be the fol- lowing : The bill is of a greenish orange color, except along the culmen and at the tip, where it is black. The bill is longer than that of sphenurus by about a fourth of an inch on the average, and appears a little larger at the base, though quite slender in its continuity, "While chlororhynchus is, upon the whole, a larger bird than sphenurus, nevertheless the wings are abso- lutely s barter (h an inch or more) on an average. The feet are slightly longer and stouter. In color the present species differs slightly in being rather more cinereous below ; but the difference is not well marked. The species not as yet a well known one, nor contained in many mussea. NECTRIS Bp. (emend, ex Forst.) Char. — Generally similar to Puffinus ; colors uniformly fuliginous ; bill and feet wholly or partially light colored. Bill long and slender, much hooked at the tip ; nasal tubes short, broad, depressed, very obliquely truncated, the septum broad, the nostrils narrowly oval. Wings reaching a little beyond the tail, which varies in length, but is always more or less rounded. Feet moderate ; tarsus about equal to middle toe without claw ; outer toe without claw equal to middle ; tip of inner claw not reaching base of middle one. This genus comprises five, perhaps six, species, all agreeing in the uniform fuliginous of their plumage, and in the partial or entire paleness of the bill and feet. In form it hardly differs from Puffinus, and its retention as a valid genus is perhaps questionable, except as a matter of convenience in a group where it is of importance to distribute the numerous closely-allied species in as many groups as may be at all characterizable. Necteis fuligunostjs, Keys, et Bias, ex Strickl. Puffinus fuliginosus, Strickland, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1832, p. 129. Lawrence, Birds N. A., 1858, p. 803, et auct. recent. Sed nou Proc. fuliginosa, Gm., Lath., quae probabiliter species Thalassidromce (cauda furcata ex " Otaheite ") ; nee Banks, tab. 19, Kuhl, sp. 12, pi. x. fig. 6 ; quse certe Pterodroma atlantica, Gould. Quid sit Proc. fuliginosa, Kuhl, p. 148, sp. 27 (ex Banks,) nescio. — Nectris fuliginosa, Keys, et Bias. Wirbelt. Europ., 1840, p. Puffinus major foemina!) Temminck, Man. Orn., iv. 1840, p. 506. Puffi- nus cinereus (foemina!), Gould, Birds Europ., pi. 445, fig. 2. Habitat. — More northern portions of the Atlantic Oceau ; especially numer- ous off the coast of Newfoundland ; more rarely on the European coast. Sp. ch.— Upper parts a uniform fuliginous brownish black, the primaries and tail feathers of a deeper color ; under parts a much lighter fuliginous 1864.] 124 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP brown, passing into greyish on the throat. Bill entirely brownish black. Feet brownish black, the internal face of the tarsnsand the interdigital membranes dusky yellowish. Length, 18 inches ; wing, from the carpus, about 12. Bill along culmen, 172 to 2-00; along commissure, 2-50; tarsus 2-20 to 2-30; middle toe about 2*50. This species is too well known to require farther characterization. Discussion of synonymy.— The name lifuliginosus^ has unfortunately been almost as badly bandied about as has cinereus, Gm. Thus the full ginosus, Sin., Lath., apparently (and it is so looked upon by most ornithologists,) be- longs to a species of the genus Thalassidroma, Vig., from Otaheite, probably not very widely differing from the Cymochorea melanin, mihi, ex Bp. Fuligi- nosa, Banks, (tab. 19.) kuhl, (sp. 12, pi, x. fig. 6,) is a species subsequently called atlantica by Gould, now the Pterodroma atlantica, Bp. Exactly what is the fuliginosa, Forster, (Descr. p. 23, sp. IS), is a little doubtful. His editor, Lichtenstein, says that it is the same asfiliginosa, Kuhl, sp. 12; and this opinion is also maintained by Bonaparte, which would make it the Pterodroma atlantica. But then, on the contrary, Dr Kuhl asserts positively that his species 12 is " omnino diversa a Nectri fuliginosa, Forst." For my own part, after carefully studying Forster's description, I am inclined to coincide with Dr. Kuhl, and to hold that Forster's fuliginosa is not the Pterodroma atlantica, but rather a pacific species of the genus Nectris. Species 27 of Kuhl's monograph, also called fuliginosa (after Banks, tab. 23) , is too indefinite for me to make anything of it. No other synonyms of this species seem to require notice. The confounding of this species with carneipes, Gould, by Dr. Schlegel, will be noticed uuder the head of the latter. HiECTEis amaurosoma, Coues, noy. sp. iJiagnosls.—Nrctris media quoad staturam interfuliginosam vel carmepedem et tenuirostrem vel brevicaudam; corpore bmnneo-fuliginoso, subtus valde di- lutiore, in guhx fusco-cinerascente ; tectricibus alarum inferioribus albiuis fere meris ; rostro ex toto fusco ; pedibus interne palamisque carneis, externe brunneo-albis. Long, alse 11-00 poll. Ang. Rostri a fronte ad apicem l-<0. Tarsi 2-00. Digiti medii cum ungue 2-40. Caudae, 4-25. Habitat — Mare Pacif., circum capit. Sanct. Lucas, Calif. Description.— Form. Bill about as long as the head, a little shorter than the tarsus, about two-thirds the middle toe and claw ; rather slender, attenu- ated, compressed, except at base', where it is as wide as high ; the unguis large, and much hooked; commissure much curved from base to unguis; outline of rami of inferior mandible quite straight. Nasal tubes rather more than a fourth the length of the culmen, broad, but much depressed, with an indistinct median longitudinal groove ; terminally exceedingly obliquely trun- cated ; the nostrils oval. The feathers of the front form a very obtuse angle on the culmen, but instead of immediately retreating on either side, they ex- tend forwards again on the sides of the upper mandible, nearly as far as on the culmen. Wings of ordinary length and shape. Tail rather long, contained only 2i times in the wing from the carpus ; much rounded, as usual in the genus." Feet moderately stout ; tarsus just equal to the middle toe without its claw; outer toe without its claw longer than the middle; inner toe un- usually abbreviated, the tip of its claw falling J of an inch short of the base of the middle claw. Co/or.— The bill is wholly deep brownish black ; somewhat lighter on the sides of the lower mandible ; the extremity of both ungues horn colored. The inner aspect of the tarsus, the middle and inner toes, the whole of the webs, and the bases of the claws, clear light yellowish flesh color ; the outer aspect of the tarsus, the outer toe, and tips of the claws, the same color, but much tinged with brown. The shade of the upper parts is a pure deep chocolate [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA, 125 brown , without the slightest tinge of ashy; a little darker on the rump, so dark as to be brownish black on the wing coverts and tertials ; the extreme tips of which latter are somewhat paler. The primaries are lustrous brownish black on their outer webs and at their tips ; and their inner webs are but little paler ; their shafts are on their superior aspect black, becoming brownish ba- sally ; their inferior aspects also black, but with a delicate white line running medianly two-thirds their whole length. The rectrices are colored like the primaries ; their shafts are brownish black. The entire under wing coverts are white ; the purity and continuity of which is, however, interrupted by some grayish brown marbling. The under parts generally are much lighter thau the upper, and of a grayish rather than brownish fuliginous, this color passing on the throat and chin gradually into a somewhat grayish cinereous hue. The short anterior under tail coverts are light grayish brown ; the loug posterior ones are more of a brownish fuliginous. There is a delicate touch of white on the under eyelid. Dimensions. — Length of bill along culmen 1-70; from feathers on side of lower mandible to its top, 1'60 ; length of nasal tubes, -45 ; height of bill at base, -45 ; width about the same. Wing, from the carpus, 11-00 ; tail, 4-25 ; graduation of lateral rectrices, *90 ; tarsus, 2-00 ; middle toe and claw, 2-40 ; outer do., 2 30 ; inner do., 1"90. It may seem somewhat improbable that a species of Nectris has remained to this late day undescribed ; but the subject of the present article differs in so many particulars from any known bird of the genus, that I have not the slightest hesitation in presenting it as new. It is most closely allied to fuli- ginosa, Strickl., but differs from it, as well as from carneipes and tenuirostris, in many very tangible points. The combination of the wholly dark bill, with the coloration of the feet, as above described, the white on the under surfaces of the wings, together with its own particular dimensions, readily character- ize it among its congeners. The following detailed comparison of it with each may serve to define its relationships more explicitly. With the general colors of fuliginosus, especially as regards the wholly dark bill, it differs in the conspicuous white under wing coverts, only a little obscured by grayish brown, and in the different tints and pattern of the feet. (Compare original descriptions of each species.) It is much smaller than that species, — to wit: the length about fifteen inches, (as near as I can judge from the skin,) instead of eighteen ; the tarsus barely two inches, instead of two and a quarter ; the toes less in proportion ; and the wing eleven, instead of twelve inches. It is more nearly of the same size as carneipes, but in that species the "whole of the plumage is chocolate black;" the bill is flesh colored, except on the culmen and at the tip, whereas in my bird it is wholly dark. The feet of car in ipes are wholly " yellowish flesh color," while in amaurosoma the ex- ternal aspect of the tarsus and the outer toe are brownish white. The species hardly requires any comparison with tenuirostris or brevicauda, the notable differences of color alone, or of dimensions alone, at once separa- ting them. The bill of amaurosoma measures about 1'70 inches; that of tenuiros ris 1*20 ; the wing 11, instead of 10 inches ; the tail 4*75 to 5 "00, in- stead of 350, etc. The general color of tenuirostris is a deep smoky black, with a tinge of ashy ; that of amaurosoma brownish fuliginous. Compare also the descriptions given in this paper of the colors of the bill and feet. There is just about the same amount of whitish on the under surfaces of the wings of the two species. The type of this species, now in the Smithsonian collection, was procured by Mr. John Xantus at Cape St. Lucas, Lower California, August 18th, 1^60. It is there apparently the representative of fuliginosus, as my opisthomelas is of obscurus. 1864.] 126 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Nectris carxeipes, Bp. ex Gould. Puffinus carneipes, Gould, P. Z. S. xii. March 26, 1844, p. 57. Id. Ann. et Mag. N. H., 1844, xiii. lma., series, p. 365. Majaqueas carneipes, Reichenbach, Syst. Av., pi. xxiv. fig. 2601. Nectris carneipes, Bona- parte, Consp. Av. ii. 1856, p. 201. Procellaria carneipes, Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1862, p. 26, (sine bona ratione Nect. fuligi- nos. Strickl. conjuncta.) "Puffinus cinereus, Smith, III. S. Afric, Bds., pi. 56." "Nectris gama, Bp. Consp. Av. ii. p. 202;" de utroque teste Schlegelo. Habitat.—" Numerous in all the seas bounding the western coast of Aus- tralia; and breeding on the small islands off Cape Leeuwin."— [Gould.] This species is quite closely allied to fuliginosus, but differs from it by ex- ceedingly well marked characters. The plumage is much the some in both species, 'but the bill of carneipes is " fleshy white, the culmen and tips of the mandibles brown ; the legs, feet, and membranes, yellowish flesh-color." Be- sides these differences in color, there appear to be equally marked discre- pancies in proportions ; thus, vihi\e fuliginosus is eighteen inches long, and carneipes only fifteen, the absolute lengths of the bill, feet, and wings is very nearly the same. (Compare original descriptions by Strickland and Gould.) I have never seen any example so small as the one whose measurements are given by Dr. Schlegel, p. 26 of his monograph, but the limits within which any species of this family may vary are very great. But even granting for a moment the identity of the two species, I do not see upon what authority Dr. Schlegel has given the name carneipes of 1844 priority over fuliginosus of 1832. Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, has a species N. gama, from South Africa, with which he considers Puff, cinereus, juv., Smith, as synonymous. I have never had an opportunity of examining a specimen professing to be of this species ; but as the diagnosis scarcely shows tangible points of difference, and as Dr. Schlegel is convinced of its identity with carneipes, I shall, for the present at least, follow his authority in assigning it as a synonym of that species. An excellent suite of specimens of carneipes is in the collection of the Phila- delphia Academy. Nectris tenuirostris Bp. ex Temm. Procellaria tenuirostris, Temminck, PI. Col., No. 587. Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 26. Puffinus tenuirostris, Temm. et Schl., Faun. Japon. Aves., p. 131, pi. 86. Nectris tenuirostris, Bona- parte, Consp. Av. ii. 1S56, p. 202. "Proc. curilicus, Musseorurn Berol. et St. Petersburg." "Puff, tristis, Mus. Parisiensis." Habit at.— Japan, and neighboring seas. I have before me a typical example of this marked species, from Niphon, agreeing in every respect with the types of the species as described by Schle- gel- The most peculiar character of form of this species is found in the shape ol the bill. It is stout at the base, where it is a little broader than high, but rapidly becomes both compressed and depressed, tapering to a small, weak, only moderately hooked unguis. This unusually weak bill is also short, be- ing much less than the head, and only about two-thirds the tarsus. The nostrils measure about a third the length of the culmen. The commissure and out- line of the inferior mandibular rami are both nearly perfectly straight. The wings are very long, reaching much beyond the rest ; the primaries are all tapering and acute. The tail is exceedingly short, its length being contained nearly three times in the wing from the carpus, the central retrices projecting a little, the lateral rapidly graduated. The feet are moderately laaye and [April, I NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 127 Stout ; the tarsus is about equal to the middle toe without its claw ; the outer toe and claw are equal in length to the middle toe and claw ; the tip of the inner claw falls short of the base of the middle. Bill mostly dusky greenish yellow, brighter along the commissure and at tip. Feet yellowish on the anterior, exterior and internal aspect of the tarsus and toes, and the superior surfaces of the webs, the posterior edge of the tar- sus, and the under "surface of the webs blackish. Above very deep sooty black, becoming pure black on the rectrices and outer webs of the primaries, with a just appreciable ashy nuance on the wing coverts. Inner webs of nimaries (except at their tips) and the under surfaces of the wings generally ight dull grayish brown. Shaft of primaries black, except along a groove on their under surfaces, which is yellowish. Beneath, the whole body is of _ a rather light fuliginous or brownish grey, fading, on the throat, (especially in more immature birds) almost into greyish white. The under tail coverts, however, are nearly as dark as the upper parts, only rather more fuliginous. Dimensions. Wing from the carpus 10-00 inches : central tail feathers 3*50 ; lateral 2-7-r> : bill along culmen 1-20 ; depth at base -30 ; widih at base -40 ; tarsus 1*90 ; middle toe and claw 2-25 ; outer toe and claw the same ; inner toe and claw just equal to the tarsus. This strongly marked species is distinguished from all its congeners by its small size, weak, peculiarly shaped bill, very short tail, and peculiarly colored feet, The difference in intensity between the colors of upper and under parts are quite appreciable. Synonymy. The proper name of this species is a matter of no uncertainty, but what designations are to be referred to it as synonyms is more doubtful. Both Bonaparte and Schlegel place " curilicus, Pennant," of the museums of Europe, as a synonym, which is merely, however, saying that certain muse- ums have called tenuirostris, " curilicus, '' and does not in the least affect the question as to whether curilicus be properly a synonym. I am inclined to think that it is not, but that it is rather to be referred to another and larger species of this fuliginous genus. Bonaparte and Schlegel both consider " tristis, Forster, Descr. p. 205," as synonymous with this species. It is difficult to sav whether such is oris not the case ; but my own impression, derived from a careful study of the charac- ters laid down by Forster, is that his tristis refers to a species much larger, and with a stouter bill than the present ; possibly the true curilicus, Penn. Nectkis brevicapda Bp. ex Brandt. Paffinus brevicaudus, Brandt, " Ic. Rossic, A v. pi. vi. fig. 17." Gould, Ann. et Mag. N. H., xiii. lma series, 1844, p. 365. Gould, Birds Austr. viii. pi. 56. Majaqueus (!) brevicaudatus, Reichenbach, " Syst. Av. pi. xxxvii. fig. 2271 — 2." Nectris brevicaudus, Bonap., Consp., Av. ii. 1656, p. 201. HabHat. ' ' Found in all the Australia seas, and breeds in the greatest abund- ance on several of the islands in Bass's straits." [Gould.] "Blackish fuliginous, lighter beneath; bill black, yellowish at the base ; feet cinereous, their webs yellow." [Bonaparte.] This is a species with which I am autoptically unacquainted, nor have I ac- cess to the original description and figure of Brandt, and I am therefore un- able to discuss its characters and relationships. By Dr. Schlegel it is placed as a synonym, with a query of N. tenuirostris, but other authors all agree in considering it as a valid species. PUFFINTJS Brisson. Hill about as long as the head, or a little less, about three-fourths the tar- sus, ra,ther stout, a little higher than broad at the base, compressed for the 1864.] 128 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP rest of its length ; the unguis strong, much hooked ; nasal tubes about a fourth the length of the culmen, broad, depressed, obliquely truncated, the septum thick, the nostrils oval ; wings long, pointed, first primary longest, surpassing the tail, which is lengthened and more or less rounded, of twelve rectrices. Feet very large and stout ; tarsus compressed, as long as the mid- dle toe and claw ; outer toe about as long as the middle, but its claw much shorter and weaker ; tip of inner claw not reaching the base of the middle one ; claws strong, little curved, moderately acute, somewhat depressed, the middle one with its inner edge dilated ; hallux extremely abbreviated, only apparent as a short, stout, conical, rather obtuse claw. Of moderate and small size. Bicolor : hill and a portion of the feet usually dark colored. The genus Puffinus, as characterized in the above paragraph, comprises nu- merous bicolor species, spread all over the world. They form two groups. Those of the first group are large, with robust bills, and have the upper plum- age brown or cinereous. They are major, leucomelas, Kuhlii and creatopus, which compose the " genus" Ardenna, Reich. The species of the second group are all much smaller, with very slender, weak bills, and the upper parts blackish or greyish black. They are anglorum, yelcuanus, obscurus, opisthomelas and nvtgax, forming the restricted " subgenus " Puffinus. Puffinus Kuhlii, (Boie.) Procellaria puffinus, " Linn.," Temminck, Manuel d'Ornith., ii. 1820, p. 805. Vieillot, Fauna Franc, 1828, p. 404, et auct. al. aliq. sed non Linnsei, quae certe P. anglorum, Ray. Procellaria cinerea, Kuhl, Mon. Proc. Beit. Zool. p. 148, pi. ix. fig. 12; ex oc. Atlautico Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 24 ; ex ocean. Atlant. Sed non Gmelini, vel Lathami quae certe Adamastor typus, Bp. est, ut bene et srepe vindicata est a Bonaparteo ; ex maribus an- tarcticis prsecip, Pacif. Puffinus cinereus, Cuvier, Temminck, Man. Orn., vol. iv., 1840, p. 506. Degland, Ornith. Europ. ii. 1849, p. 362, et al. script. Europ. recent. fere cmnium. Sed non Auduboni, et auct Amer. qui P. major, Faber : non Lawrencii, qui Adamastor cinereus hujus opusculi. Nectris cinereus, Keys, et Bias. Wirb. Europ. 1840, p. xciv. Procellaria Kuhlii, Boie, Isis von Oken, 1835, p. 257, sp. 25. Puffinus Kuhlii, Bonaparte, Consp. Av. ii. 1856, p. 202. (Sed non Cassin, Pr. A. N. S. Phila la., 1862, p. 327, quae Adamastor cinereus, mihi, testibus speciminibus ipsis.) Discussion of Synonymy. — There is in the Atlantic Ocean a very common and well known Procellaridian, to wit, the " cinereous Shearwater, " a bird about the size of Puffinus major, Faber, but otherwise quite distinct from it in form, color, etc. This bird was named Procellaria Kuhlii by Prof. Boie, in 183">. (Isis von Oken, p. 257, sp. 25, which consult.) From Boie's excellent characterization, and from the very marked distinctive features of the bird itself, there need have been no confusion or uncertainty regarding it. But before 1835, so common and well known was the bird, that it had been noticed by numerous other writers, and unfortunately most of them had erroneously applied to it Gmelin's name cinerea ; while others had with equal inaccuracy called it P. puffinus, Linupens. When more recently C. L. Bonaparte at- tempted to show that " cinereus, Gm., Lath.," was not the common Atlantic bird at all, but a Pacific species, (described as P. hacsitata by F. ster) and properly the type of a genus (viz., Adamastor, Bp.) distinct from Puffinus ; the assertion was illy received by ornithologists, and the general confusion rather augmented than diminished. To the following attempt to unravel the knotty points of synonymy involved, I would invite the particular attention of ornithologists, as I hope to be able to sustain the position assumed by Bonaparte. [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 12l> The following is Gmelin's diagnosis, in copying which the italics are my own : S. N. i. pars ii. p. 563, sp. 17. "Pr. cinerea, suhtus alba, cauda nigra, rostro flavicante, pedibus ccerulescentibus. " Cinereous Fulmar," Latham, Syn. iii. p 405, No. 10. Habitat intra circulum antarcticum ; glacialis magni- tudine : 20i pollices longa." It will be noticed that Gmelin's bird is one from the Antarctic seas, as large as the common Fulmar, and with exactly the characters of the bird afterwards designated as Adaviastor typus by Bonaparte. Gmelin's further description will be found to confirm this opinion by each of its sentences. I do not see, therefore, how it is possible to consider it as re- ferring to a North Atlantic species, with characters so very different as are those presented by P. Kuhlii, Boie. The Proc. cinerea, Lath., Ind. Ornith., ii. 1790, p. 824, and the Proc. cine- rea, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. D'H. N. 1817, xxv, p. 418, are both exactly the same as Gmelin's cinerea, and so is the Puffinus cinereus of Lawrence, Bds. N. A., 1858, p. 835, from the Pacific Ocean, under which head the synonyms of Adamastor typus are accurately enumerated. The above is all that is necessary to be said, I think, to substantiate Bona- parte's position, that P. cinereus, dm., is not the Atlantic bird afterwards named Kuhlii by Boie. The subject will be resumed and the generic and specific characters of Adamastor typus, as distinguished from those of Puffinus Kuhlii, will be enlarged upori in another place. It now only remains to dis- cuss the various synonyms of Kuhlii. The first instance of the misapplication of Gmelin's name, cinereus, which I have been able to find, is that by Cuvier, when he calls P. Kuhlii "P. cine- reus." This same malidentification has also been committed by Bonaparte, (Comp. List, Bds. N. A. and Eur., 1838, p. (14.) Degland, (Ornith. Europ., 1849, ii. p. 362;) Temminck, (Man. Orn., iv. 1840, p. 506; Schinz,) (Europ. Faun., 1840. i. p. 393;) Schlegel, (Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur., 1844, p. 132;) Key- serling and Blasius, (Wirb. Europ., 1840, p. 94.) The Puffinus cinereus of Bonaparte (Synop. Bds. N. A., 1S28: p. 370,) of Nuttall, (Man. Ornith., ii. p. 334,) and of Audubon's works, (Orn. Biogr. vol. iii. p. 555 ; Bds. N. Amer., vii. 1844, p. 212, pi. 456,) is, however, not the/'. Kuhlii but the P. major, Faber. "The Procellaria puffinus, L.," of Temminck, (Man. Orn. 1820, ii. p, 805;) and of Vieillot, (Fauna Frant;, 1828, p. 404) are synonyms of P. Kuhlii. Yet another improper reference of Gmelin's cin. n us is found in Degland's Or- nithologie Europeene, where it is placed as a synonym (with a query, how- ever,) of P. major, Faber. This is just the mistake which has been generally committed by American Authors. I am enabled to state positively, from autoptical examination of the speci- mens themselves, that the bird referred to by Cassin, in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy for Jane, 1862, page 327, as Puffinus Kuhlii, is really the Adamastor cinereus, Mihi. The specimens, three in number, col- lected by the North Pacific Exploring Expedition, are lying before me, and agree in the minutest particulars with the type specimen of Lawrence's P. hassitata, (Ann. N. Y., Lye. N. II., 1853) which is also Lawrence's P. cinereus (Birds Amer., 1858, p. 835,) which is Adamas;or typus, Bp. Description. In general form not unlike P. major, but rather more grace- ful, with slightly slenderer and weaker bill, comparatively longer wings and tail, etc. Bill scarcely if at all shorter than the head, just equal to the tar- sus, moderately stout, compressed, higher than broad at the base ; unguis only moderately strong and hooked ; commissure and outline of inferior man- dibular rami a little curved, the former most so ; nasal tubes unusually ab- breviated, measuring not over a fifth of the culmen, but elevated, inflated, medianly suboarinate, apically obliquely truncated, the nostrils subcircular in outline ; wings moderately long, a little exceeding the tail ; tail quite long, so much rounded as to be almost cuneiform, the central rectrices mucheloug- 1864.] 9 130 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP ated ; feet rather weak and slender, moderately compressed ; tarsus shorter than the middle toe without the claw ; outer toe and claw longer than the middle with its claw, tip of inner claw about reaching base of middle one ; claws obtuse, little arched, more or less dilated on their inner edge. Colors. The upper parts are of a light smoky gray, or very light brownish ash color, this color uniform ou the crown and nape, interrupted on the back by the pare or grayish white margins of all the feathers, which margins are broadest on the scapulars, deepening on the wing coverts and tertials into deep grayish brown, and also losing the white margins. The rump is concolor with the rest of the back, but the upper tail coverts have successively more and more white until the longest and most posterior ones are almost wholly of this color, with only some central touches of grayish brown. The primaries are deep grayish or brownish black, with, however, large white spaces which, occupy the basal half or two-thirds of their inner webs. The outer webs, and apices of the secondaries are deep grayish plumbeous ; the greater part of their inner webs white. The entire parts of the bird, from the chin to the extreme tips of the under tail coverts are pure white, except some slight soupgons of grayish on the flanks. The under surfaces of the wings, except just along the edges, and the axillary feathers are pure white. The connec- tion of the color of the upper parts with the white of the under, on the sides of the head and neck, is peculiar ; there is no line of demarcation whatever, but as the color of the upper parts becomes lighter in tint, so it becomes gradually more and more nebulated and undulated with white, the admixture of the two having a marked and beautiful effect. The under eyelid is wholly white, the upper less completely so. The bill is yellowish, darker along the culmen, the unguis light horn color. The legs and feet are yellowish, the webs still clearer yellow ; the claws flesh colored. Dimensions. — Length of bill along culmen 1*90, along gape 2-60, from feath- ers on side of lower mandible to its apex 1*75 ; height at base "70 ; width -60 ; tarsus 1 90 ; middle toe and claw 2-50, outer do. 2-55, inner do. 2-50 ; wing from the carpus 12-75 ; central rectrices 5-50, exterior do 4-75. The variations in size to which this species is subject, are entirely parallel with those of P major, detailed further on. The color of adult birds does not vary much, and that chiefly in the slightly different degree of clearness or obscurity of the upper parts. Younger birds, however, have the bill rather dusky than yellowish, and somewhat of a greenish or bluish tinge in the color of the feet. The upper parts are considerably darker than those of the adults, being rather more of a brownish plumbeous than of an ashy gray- ish tint. Puffinus leucomelas Bp. ex Temm. Procellaria leucomelas, Temminck, Planches colorees, No. 587. — Temm. et Sohlegel, Fauna Japon. p, 131, fig. 85. Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 24. Thiellus sive Nectris leucomelas, Auct. aliq. Puffinus leucomelas, Bonap., Consp. Av. ii. 1856, p. 203. With this species I am autoptically unacquainted, and therefore compile the following brief account from Dr. Schlegel's excellent Monograph, above quoted. It is in general similar to P. Kuhlii^ which it appears to replace in the Pacific Ocean. It is smaller, however, than that species, slenderer in general prorortions, and with a weaker bill. In color it is principally distin- guished by having the feathers of the upper parts generally, and of the sides of the head and neck white, each with a brown longitudinal shaft line. Length of wing from the carpus from 11| to 12 inches. Middle tail feath- ers 4^ to 4i| inches, external 3£ to 3.}. Bill 22 to 23 Hues ; height at base 5 to 6 fines ; width about the same. Nasal tubes 3} lines. Tarsus 21 lines ; .middle toe 23 to 25 lines. Habitat. — Pacific ocean, particularly in vicinity of Japan. [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 131 » Puffinus creatopus Cooper (MSS.) Nov. Sp. Diagnosis. P. Puffini majoris statura, nee ei coloribus perdissimilis ; sed rostro multo breviore, crassiore, tubulis nasalibus inflatis ; fere om- nino nisi ungue flavescente-carneo ; pedibus brevioribus, graciliori- bus, carneis ; tectricibus caudaa superioribus et inferioribus ex toto bi uuneo-nigris ; remigibus primariis spatio albo basin versus interni pogonii carentibus. Habitat. — South Pacific Coast of North America. Specimen typicum et uuicuin in mu-aeo Smithsoniano, (Catal. No. 31964,) ex insula "San Nicholas " prope California, a Chirurgio J. Gr. Cuopero col- lectum. (Calend Julii A. D. mdccclxiii.) Description. — Form: — Bill a little shorter than the head or tarsus, abont two-thirds the middle toe and claw ; the most robust of the Puffinf-ae, being especially large and swollen at the base, where it is as wide as high. The culmen rises rapidly from the end of the nasal tubes to the strong, very con- vex and much curved unguis ; the sides of the bill are considerably com- pressed beyond the nostrils. Co-iimissure curved from the feathers to the un- guis, the convexity looking downwards ; outline of the inferior mandibular rami about straight. The basal tubes are very short, being hardly a fourth of the length of culmen; they are unusua'ly elevated, turgid, and with a slight median furrow ; very obliquely terminated ; the nares are elliptical in outline. The feathers of the forhead run forward to form an acute angle on the me- dian line. The tarsi are unusually weak and slender, though not very much com- pressed, and are shorter than the middle toe without the claw. The outer toe just barely exceeds the middle, but its claw is much shorter and weaker. The tip of the inner claw falls short of the base of the middle one. The wings are of the ordinary shape and dimensions, and have the usual proportionate length of the primaries. The tail is of nrich the same length and has the same amount of graduation of its lateral rectrices as in P. major. Color. — The upper parts are of about the same shade of brown as in P. major, and the feathers have similar lighter margins, the head, however, having more decidedly a plumbeous cast. The upper tail coverts are entirely deep broWnish-black, darker even than the rest of the upper parts, with no vestige of white. The inner webs of the primaries are entirely brownish- black to their very bases, with no indication of the white spaces which exist in P. major. On the sides of the head and neck, the color of the upper parts extends entirely round on to the chin and throat, having no distinct line of demarcation, but very gradually and insensibly becoming more and more mottled with white, until the latter becomes the predominating color ; on the chin the plumbeous-black and the white are about equal in amouut. The dark color does not extend further nor indeed so far on the sides of the breast as on the sides of the neck. The lower eyelid is pure white. The sides under the wings and the inferior surfaces of the wings are mottled with grayish-black and white in about equal amount. The long axillary feathers are entirely gray- ish-black, except just at their bases. The middle of the abdomen and the circumanal region are variegated with grayish-black and white. The under tail coverts are entirely fuliginous black, with somewhat of a grayish cast. The nasal tubes, the culmen and unguis of the bill are brownish-black ; the rest of the bill light-yellowish flesh color. The legs and feet are entirely light flesh color. The claws are whitish with brown tips. Dimensions. — "Length 19-OJ; extent of wings 45-00" (collector's label.) Bill along culmen 1-60; along gape 2*30; from feathers on side of lower mandible 1-50 ; height at base, -60; width about the same; length of nasal tubes -40. Wing from the flexure 12-50. Tail : exterior feathers 4-00, me- dian 5-00; tarsus 2-10; middle toe and claw 2-65; outer do 250, inner do 2-10. Comparison icith allied species. — The present species is so very peculiar in 1864.] 132 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP most of its features, that it intimately resembles no other with which I am acquainted. It may he well, however, to notice the points of difference be- tween it and P. major which is the most_ nearly allied species. There is but little difference in size between the two birds, creatopus being only slightly smaller, and the color of the upper parts is about the same in each. Creatopus may be at once recognized as follows : by its much shorter, stouter bill, usu- ally turgid and thick at the base, with its very short swollen nasal tubes, and light flesh-color, except along the culmen and unguis; by its shorter, slen- derer flesh-colored feet ; by its entirely brownish-black upper tail coverts ; by the extension of the dark color of the sides of the head and neck, far round on the chin and throat without any distinct line of demarcation ; by the absence of any white at the bases of the primaries, and by the unusual amount of gray- ish-black mottling on the sides, the under surfaces of the wings, the axillary feathers, and circumanal region. The shape of the bill is more like that of.the common Atlantic Kuhlii ; and the nasal tubes are quite as short. But the bill of creatopus is much stouter, wider and more turgid at the base, and the unguis is much more rapidly de- curved. The color is quite different, (compare descriptions.) The legs of cinereus are yellow ; of creatopus light flesh-color. The differences in plum- age are too obvious to require comparison ; e. g. cinereus has pure white under tail coverts ; creatopus brownish-black, etc. I have been unable to find any description which can be considered as in- dicative of this species, which I believe to be hitherto quite unknown. It is exceedingly interesting, from its many peculiarities of form and color. It is particularly to be noted, that it is the only "bicolor " species, that is, dark colored above and mostly white beneath, which has flesh-colored legs ; this coloration of the legs being hitherto only known to its extent among the fuligi- nous species composing the subgenus Nectris. The type and only known specimen of the species was taken by Dr. J. G. Cooper, at San Nicholas Island, off the coast of California. Its precise range of habitat is as yet unknown. Accompanying the specimen was a note from Dr. Cooper, stating that it was a species unknown to him and probably new, and suggesting, in the latter event, the exceedingly appropriate name by which I have designated it. Puffinus major Faber. Procellaria puffinus, Kuhl, Monog. Proc. Beit. Zool, 1823, p. 146, pi. xi, fig. 10; et auct. al. aliq.; sed non Linn., Gmel., Lath., qua? Ptffi. anglorum Ray; nee Temm. quae Proc. cinerea Cuv. {Kuhlii Boie.) Puffinus major, Faber, Prod. Isl. Orn. 1822, p. 56. Bp. Consp. Av. 1856, ii. p. 203. — Lawrence, Birds N. A. 1858, p. 833. — Procellaria major, Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1862, p. 27. — Ardenna major, Reichenbach, Syst. av. t. xiv, fig. 770. Puffinus cinereus, Bonap. Syn. Bds. N. A. 1828, p. 370, No. 311. Audub. Birds Amer. 1844, vii. p. 212, pi. 456 ; et al. script. Americ ; sed non Gmel. Habitat. — Atlantic Ocean, especially its northern and temperate portion. Mediterranean Sea. Atlantic coast of Africa. Cape of Good Hope. Terra del Fuego. Not the Pacific Ocean ? Synonymy. — This species has been presented under a variety of designa- tions. Some authors have thought with Kuhl, that it is the one referred to by Linnaeus, Gmelin and Latham, under the name of Procellaria puffinus. Else- where, however, I have proven, I think, that such is not the case, but that P. puffinus, Linn., is a synonym of P. anglorum Ray. The Procellaria puffinus of Temminck (loc. cit.) is not this species, nor yet the anglorum (although he presents it as the real L'nnsean P. puffinus ;) but on the contrary, it, is the P. Kuhlii, Boie, as is evident from the description and the synonyms quoted. I am quite at a loss however, to discover upon what [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 133 grounds Tcmminck asserts that the P. puffinus, Kuhl., and the P. cinerea Kuhl, are " le vieux et le jeune de la mime espC-ce." Kuhl's descriptions certainly indicate the two different species ; and his passable figures of their heads are distinct enough from each other. But if Temminck could stoutly maintain to the last that P. fuliginosus. Strickl., was the female oiP. major, Fab. (!), it is the less to be wondered at that he should commit the error we are now discussing. It is a little doubtful what species is referred to by Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. d'H. N. xxv, 1817, p. 421, under the name of " Le Petrel-puffin, Procellaria puffinus, Lath." The dimensions given ("quinze pouees ") appertain best to the anglorum ; but the. description is entirely that of the P. Kuklii, which it is doubtless best to consider it. The Procellaria pyffinus of Vieillot's Fauna Frau'j. 1S2S, p. 404, is undoubtedly the true cinereits. Dr. Degland in his Ornithologie Europeene, p. 3G3, gives a good description of this species under its proper name of Puff, major, but he is in error in citing as synonyms the Puffinus cinereus, Brisson, or the Procellaria cinerea Ginelin and Latham. Description. — Form: Bill but very little shorter than the head or tarsus, stout and subterete at the bas% then gradually more and more compressed to the strong, deep, much curved unguis. Nasal tubes straight, about a fourth the length of the culmen, somewhat dilated, the apertures widely separated, sub-elliptical. The culmen rises gradually with a slight but continuous concavity from the nostrils to the summit of the unguis. The commissure from the insertion of the feathers to the declination of the unguis is a long regular curve, whose convexity looks downwards. The outline of the inferior mandibular rami is nearly straight. The bill is about three times as long as it is high at the base, considerably less wide than high. The primaries are long, somewhat narrow, rather acutely pointed, the first longest, the second nearly equal, the rest rapidly graduated. The tail is long, being contained only about two and a third times in the wing from the carpus ; so much rounded as to be almost cuneiform ; the central rectrices projecting consid- erably, and the lateral being much abbreviated. The tarsus is as long as the middle toe alone, compressed as usual, but very stout and strong. The outer toe is as long or slightly longer than the middle, but the small size of its claw makes it fall short of the tip of the middle claw. The inner toe is unnsually abbreviated, the tip of its claw falling far short of the base of the middle one. Color. — Upper parts dark bistre brown ; on the head inclining a little to plumbeous or grayish brown ; on the tertials and rump the deepest ; each feather of the back, rump, and wing coverts with a margin of lighter brown, which in freshly plumaged birds is so light as to be almost ashy white ; on the head the color is uniform without any lighter margins, and it extends considerably below the eyes, just to the level of the gape, having a clear and distinct line of demarcation with the white of the throat. Posteriorly on the side of the neck the white reaches further round on the nape, and has a more indefinite outline. Backwards still on the sides of the breast, the dark color reaches farther down, encroaching on the white of that region. The upper tail coverts, especially the longest and most posterior ones, are mostly white, but with transverse rays or central spaces of brown. The primaries are brownish black, deepest on their outer webs ; on their inner webs, towards their bases, gradually lightening till they become brownish white, or even nearly pure white, in freshly plumaged birds, especially on the innermost pri- maries. The under parts from chin to anus are white ; this color interrupted on flanks by the more or less numerous, large, isolated, dark brown patches, which coalesce just over the flanks. The under surfaces of the wings are white, except just along their edges where they are mottled with brown ; and the apices of the long axillary feathers are brownish. The under tail coverts are deep grayish 1864.] 134 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF brown, more or less conspicuously tipped with whitish. The tail feathers are like the outer primaries. The bill is deep blackish horn. The outside of the tibia? and the exterior toe are brownish ; the rest of the feet including the webs yellowish flesh color. Dimensions. —Total length 18.00 to 20.00 inches and hundredths; expanse of wings 43.00 to 45.00. Bill along culmen 2.00 ; from feathers on side of lower mandible to tip 1.75; depth at base .65, width . GO ; wing from the carpus 13. U0; tail : central feathers 5.75; exterior do. 4.75 ; difference 1.00 ; tarsus 2.40 ; middle toe and claw 2.90 ; outer do. 2.75 ; inner do. 2.30. Variations. — The differences in dimensions which this large species presents are so great that the above measurements can only be considered as an aver- age ; and individuals will be found considerably above and below the standard. The bills of various specimens, as well as the tarsus and toes, differ to the amount of two or even three tenths of an inch ; the wings from the carpus three-fourths of an inch, or more, and the tail proportionally. The relative pro- portions, however, and the shape of these several parts appear to be pretty constant. There also exist greater variations in color than are found in most of the species. The difference appears to depend chiefly upon age, or rather upon the age of the feathers themselves. Just after the moult, when the feathers are fresh and new, they are of a clear deep brown with a considerable of a plum- beous tinge, and their margins are exceedingly light colored, in fact almost white on the tertiaries, etc. With advancing age the feathers become more and more of a duller brown, much like that given by Audubon in his plate ; the margins are broader, less deeply defined, and simply of a dull grayish brown. Constant characters, however, seem to be the uniformity in color of the feathers of the head, there being no light margins to them ; the peculiar line of demarcation on the sides of the head and neck, and the partially white upper, and almost wholly dark under tail coverts. Audubon's plate of this species, otherwise excellent, is very wrongly colored as regards the bill and feet. The bright tints he gives them rather appertain to another species. Notwithstanding these variations, the present species is so marked a one that it is not readily to be confounded with any other. Some small and light colored specimens look something like examples of P. Kuhlii ; the exact dif- ferences between the two will be given under the head of the latter. From P. angiorum, its size and the color of the upper parts at once distinguish it. P. obscurus and its allies are too different to require comparison. P. major may always be recognized by the peculiar size and shape of the bill (care- fully examine preceding description) ; by the lighter margins of the feathers of the upper parts ; by the line of demarcation of the white and brown on the sides of the head, as above given ; and by the colors of the under tail coverts and flanks, which are the reverse of those of Kuhlii, its nearest ally. However light the color of the upper parts may be, they never acquire the real ashy tint which is a distinguishing characteristic of the latter species ; and the colors of the bill and feet are always conspicuously different. This species has an exceedingly extensive range. It apparently inhabits the entire Atlantic Ocean, up to exceedingly high latitudes. Dr. Schlegel has specimens from points on the west coast of Africa and from the Cape of of Good Hope. A specimen before me from Terra del Fuego, collected by Mr. T. R. Peale, Naturalist of the U. S. Exploring Expedition, is identical with the common north Atlantic biid. Puffin us angloeum, Temm. ex Ray. Procellaria angiorum, Raii Syn. 1713, p. 134, sp. 4. Temminck, Man. Urn. ii. 1820, p. 805. Schlegel, ftlus. Fays-Bas, 1863, p. 28. Paf- Jinus angiorum, Brisson, Oinith., 1760, vi. p. 131. Temminck, Man. Ornith. iv. 1840, p. 509. Bp. Gmsp. av . 1856, ii. p. 203. Law- rence, Gen. Rep. Bds. N. Auier., 185;?, p. 834 ; et auct. recent, fere [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 135 omnium. Nectris anglorum, Kuhl. Monog. Proc. Beit. Zool., 1820, p. 146, sp. 23. Proc dl aria puffinus, Briinn., Orn. Bor., 1764, p. 29, sp. 119. Linn. Syst. Nat. i. 1766, p. 213 ; Gruel. S. N. i. 1788, p. 566. Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. 1790, p. 824 ; sed non auct. aliorurn, quae potius ad Puff, majorem speetat.) Nectris puffinus, Keys, et Bias. Wirb. Europ. i., Ib40, p. 94. Puffinus arcticus, Faber, Prod. Isl. Orn., 1822, p. 56, sp. 1. Puffinus Baroli, Bonelli; Bp. Consp. Av., 1856, ii. p. 204; (an == P. "anglo- rum. ex Mare Medit. ;" an sub. P. yelcuano adducenda ?) P. " mank- sii,,, aliq. Habitat. — North Atlantic Ocean, at large. This species, though so long known and so common, yet requires very careful investigation ; both because its bibliography is somewhat exten- sive, and on account of its variations in size and color, which are so consider- able that there has been much confusion concerning it. I will first examine into its synonymy, and then proceed to characterize the species beyond the probability of any further difficulty with its specific characters. The Procellaria puffinus of Linnaeus, Gmelin, and Latham, has been various- ly interpreted by modern authors. Most writers, including Kuhl and others, consider it as the bird which was afterwards named P. major by Faber. Temminck makes it equal to the cinervus of Gmelin. Bonaparte and Schlegel regard it as undoubtedly referring to the present species. An examination ot the diagnoses of Linnaeus, or Gmelin, or Latham, — particularly the latter, — will, I think, make it quite patent that the last is the only tenable view to take of the name. Such expressions as are found in e. g. Latham's notice, as " Pr. corpore supra nigra, subtus albo" * * * "15 pollices longa," etc., can only be considered as referring to the anglorum ; for they are totally at variance with the essential characters of the P. major. Moreover, Latham " cites "P. anglorum, Raii, Syn."as a synonym of the species. Such being the case, I unhesitatingly accord with Bonaparte and Schlegel in their identifica- tion of the Linusean P. puffinus. I am quite at a loss to understand upon what grounds M. Temminck makes the remark that " ni Linne ni Latham n'out connu cet oisean." The first recognized classical notice of this species is that given in 1713 by Mr. Ray, under the name of Proc. anglorum. Brisson calls it Puffinus anglo- rum; it is indicated by Linnaeus, Gmelin, and Latham as Proc. puffinus, with "anglorum, Ray," as a synonym. Temminck was, I believe, the first binom- alist who adopted Ray's designation ; he calling it in 1820 Procellaria anglo- rum ; inlS40 Puffinus anglorum. This species is also the Proffinus arcticus, Faber (1. c), as is evident from his diagnosis. The reference of Faber's name arcticus to the P. major, as has been occasionally done, is quite erroneous. I have an indistinct recollection of having seen this species cited as Procellaria or Puffinus " manksii," but I cannot at present call to mind the reference. A certain "Puffinus Baroli, Bonelli," is admitted as distinct by Bonaparte in his Conspectus, p. 204, and also in his Tab. Longip. in the Comptes Ren- dus. It is said to be somewhat smaller, lighter colored, and with a slenderer bill. Well acquainted as I am, however, with the variations in just these features which the anglorum frequently presents, I cannot discover sufficient grounds upon which to separate P. Baroli even as a distinct variety ; but rather entirely agree with Dr. Schlegel in considering it as an undoubted synonym of anglorum, or at least of P. gelcuanus, which is the representative species in the Mediterranean Sea. Bonaparte (Consp. ii. p. 203) inquires "quid Proc. puffinus, Kuhl, Mon. Proc. p. 146, sp. 22, t. xi., f. 10, ex Mediterriineo ?" to which I would reply unhesitatingly that it is the Puffinus major, Faber. The description is entirely pertinent, and the figure much more readily recognizable as representing the head and bill of this species, than are many of the delineations of the work. 1864.] 138 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF. Description. — Form: —The bill, measured from the frontal feathers, is about three- fourths as long as the skull, rather more than two-thirds the tarsus. Its height at the base is just about equal to the width. Its height at the point of greatest convexity of the unguis hardly exceeds that at the middle of the culmen. The unguis is not very strong, its convexity only moderate. The commissure at first curves gently upwards, then still more gradually downwards for the whole length of the bill, and then is pretty strongly deflected along the edge of the unguis. The outline of the lower mandible is about straight to the unguis, a little concave thence to the tip. The length of the nasal tubes is a little less than a fourth that of the culmen. The outline of the feathers on the upper mandible is the segment of a perfect circle. The folded wings just about reach to the end of the tail. The second primary is nearly as long as the first, the rest successively more and more rapidly graduated. The tail is contained about two and a third times in the wing from the carpal joint. It is much rounded, the lateral rectrices all regularly graduated; the exterior just three-fourths of an inch shorter than the central pair. The tarsus is just as long as the middle toe without its claw. The external toe and claw is a little longer than the middle toe and claw. The tip of the inner claw falls short of the base of the middle one. The claws are all nearly or quite as broad as high, being much dilated on their inner edges. Color :— The entire upper parts are of a deep lustrous black, with a soup- con of brownish, especially when the feathers are old and worn. On the front and sides of the head and neck the black has a grayish or plumbeous cast. This color extends on the sides of the head much below the eyes, in fact quite to the throat, but it is more or less marbled with white. The under eyelid is pure white, in marked contrast with the surrounding black. On the sides of the neck the white extends further round towards the nape ; on the sides of the breast, on the contrary, the color of the back extends a considerable distance, it being of a decided greyish plumbeous hue, and gra- dually becoming more and more marbled with white till it entirely disappears. The primary quills are black, as are their shafts, their inner webs fading into dull grayish brown. The entire under parts, from chin to under tail coverts, are pure white, with the single exception of a few feathers just on the Hanks, and of the outer webs of the exterior row of under tail coverts, which are plumbeous black. The under surfaces of the wings and the axillary feathers are pure white, with a slight marbling of blackish just along the bend of the wing. The caudal rectrices are like the primary quills ; the in- ferior surfaces of their shafts grayish white. Bill deep greenish black, some part of the lower mandible yellowish. Part of outer side of tarsus, whole of outer side of exterior toe and the claws brownish black ; rest of feet light yellowish, including the webs. Average dimensions : — Bill along culmen 1.40; height at base .45 ; width about the same ; along rictus 2.10 ; from feathers on side of lower mandible to its tip 1.40 ; wing from the carpal joint 9 25 ; tail : exterior feathers 3.25, middle 4.00; amount of graduation .75; tarsus 1.80; middle toe and claw 1.90; outer do. 2.00 ; inner do. 1.55. Total length about 14.00; extent of wings about 33.00 Variations. — As to dimensions, these are quite considerable. As usual among Puffini, the bill differs a good deal in absolute size, as well as in robustness, generally preserving its shape, however, quite contantly. The longest bill before me measured 1.50 ; the shortest 1.30, along culmen, with a corresponding difference in other dimensions. The wing from the carpal joint varies nearly half an inch, and the tail to a corresponding degree. The total length of tarsus and toes varies about a third of an inch. In color the species is more constant, the chief variation being in the greater intensity or more decided brownish tint of the black of the upper parts. Younger speci- mens have more marbling of the plumbeous black and white on the sides of the breast, the color sometimes reaching nearly or quite across the breast, or [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 137 even invading the throat. In immature individuals, also, the lateral inferior caudal tectrices may be more extensively hued with plumbeous black. They are never, however, so much darkened as is usual in obscurus or opisthomelas. This species may be always recognized among its congeners by the follow- ing combination of characters: its peculiar dimensions (see above), joiued to the very dark upper parts, this color descending far on the sides of the head and breast, leaving a conspicuously white under eyelid ; the almost en- tirely white under tail coverts and the comparative shortness and character- istic degree of roundness of the tail. This is so very distinct, and at the same time so well known a species, that it hardly requires comparison with any other. The features in which the P. yelcuanus differs from it will be pointed out under the head of the latter. Puffinus Yelcuaxus, Bp. ex Acerb. Procellaria yelkouan,* Acerbi, " Bibliot. Ital., 1827, cxl., Agost. p. 294;" et "Bull, des Sciences Nat., 1829, xvi. p. 463. Schlegel, Monog. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 29. Puffinus yelkouan, Bonaparte, Comptes Rend. Tab. Longip. , Id. Consp. Av. ii. 1856, p. 205. Habitat. — More eastern portions of the Mediterranean Sea ; especially in the Black Sea, and in the vicinity of the Bosphorus. With this species, admitted by the majority of modern authors, I am ac- quainted only through descriptions. This is specially to be regretted, since authors are at variance regarding its characters and affinities, and are not even entirely agreed upon its specific validity. Bonaparte considers it to be the representative of obscurus in the Black Sea and vicinity, and says that it is smaller than that species (being only 10 inches in length) and has a slenderer bill. Dr. Schlegel, on the contrary, considers it as most intimately allied to anglorum, which it replaces in that locality. As far as I can jud<2e from a careful study of published descriptions, I entirely agree with Dr. Schlegel in opinion. On comparing it with anglorum, Dr. Schlegel has found it to differ as follows : In the greater elongation of the point of the wing ; in the color of the upper parts being lighter and rather tending to grey than black, as is also the color of the dark feathers of the crissum ; and in the uniform deep gray of the lateral under tail coverts, these latter being, in anglorum, blaek on their outer, and white on their inner webs. The following detailed measurements are given by the same author, taken from, individuals coming from the Bosphorus, near Constantinople. They are to be compared with those of anglorum, already given on a previous page. Wing (from the carpus), 8-33 to 8-66 inches and hundredths. Tail, 2-40 to 2-60. Bill along culmen, 1-20 to 1-50 ; height, -28 to -33 ; width, -40. Nasal tubes, «16 to -20. Tarsus, 1 66 to 1-80 ; middle toe, 1-58. Puffinus obscurus, Vieill. ex Ginel. Procellaria obscura, Ginel., Syst. Nat., i. pars ii. 1788, p. 559. Lath., Ind. Ornith., ii. 1790, p. 828, et auct. antiq. Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. H. N. 1817, xxv. p. 423. Puffinus obscurus, Bonap., Synop., 1828, p. 371. Vieillot, Gal. Ois., 1834, ii. p 230 , pi. 292. Audub., Bds. Amer., 1844, vii. p. 216, pi. 458. et al, auct. recent. Nectris obscura, Kuhl, Beitriige Zool., 1820, p. 147, pi. xi. fig. 11. Cymotomus obscurus, Mac- gillivray, Man. Orn., 1844, ii. p. 13. " Puffinus I'kerminieri, Lesson," fide Bp. Puffinus floriolanus, Musau Beroliensis," fide Bp. Habitat. — The warmer portions of the Atlantic Ocean, especially the Gulf of Mexico, and the coasts of the Southern United States ; abundant in the Ba- hamas and Bermudas. Wanders as far north as New Jersey, and is accident- ally found in Europe. Apparently replaced in the corresponding latitudes of the Pacific Ocean by my Puffinus opisthomelas. For so long known a species, the present has remarkably few synonyms, * I find this barbarous name Tariously spelled yelkouan, yelkuan, yelkoan, etc. 1 li..vt seea fit to modify it insomuch that it may present somewhat of a classical aspect. 1864.] ' 138 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP and its bibliography is as explicit as that of almost any of the eighteenth cen- tury species of the family. First indicated with tolerable accuracy in Linnsean times, the species has almost invariably been presented under its original and proper specific title, though referred successively to the genera Puffin us, Nec- tris, and Ct/motomus. The names "Vherminieri" of Lesson, and "floridanus" of the Berlin Museum, which I quote upon the authority of Bonaparte, are the only specific synonyms which I have met with. There is an unusual and remarkable discrepancy in the statements of vari- ous authors concerning the length of the species, diiferent writers giving the dimension from as little as 93 inches to over 13. It is impossible that it should vary to this extent. I believe the average length is a little over eleven inches. Audubon's description of this species is sufficiently pertinent, but the plate he gives is unusually poor, and by no means true to nature. The outline of the bill is exceedingly faulty ; the line of demarcation of the dark and light colors along the side of the head and neck is by no means accurate, and the lower tail coverts are represented as entirely white. The exact insertion of the right tibia of the individual figured has always been to me, anatomically speaking, a puzzle. Dr. Kuhl informs us, in the text, that figure 11 of plate ix- of his Mono- graphie der Procellarien was intended as a representation of the bill of this species ; which is fortunate, as otherwise it would be quite impossible so to identify it. I am much surprised at the statement by Dr. Degland, (Ornitholo?ie Euro- peene, ii. page 366, published in 1849 !) that " cette espece est peu connue, et il n'est pas certain qu'elle est distincte de la prccedente " — P. anglorum ! This author's indication of the habitat of this species is vague, and leaves much to be desired. M. Temmiuck (Man. Ornith., ii. p. S08"> gives, under head of P. obscurus, an excellent description of this species, except that the dimensions are inaccu- rate, being far too small.* The exact measurements of both of Temminck's typical examples are given by Dr. Schlegel in his recent monograph of the Procellaridse, (Mus. Pays-Bas, p. 30.) This author finds that one of the types is an example of anglorum, from the Mediterranean Sea, afterwards labelled by Temmiuck himself a P. Baroli, Bonelli ; and that the other is a small, weak- billed specimen of the true obscurus, from the Atlantic Ocean. These facts, supported by the authority of one so well known for diagnostic acumen as Dr. Schlegel, ara indicative of an imperfect acquaintance on the part of Tem- miuck with the species he treats of under the name obscurus. The species of Puffinus spoken of in a paper published by Dr. D. W . Pren- tiss and myself in the Annual Smithsonian Report for 1861, (p. 418), as hav- ing occurred at Washington, D. C, and doubtfully referred to as the obscurus, has since been definitely ascertained to be this species. Description. — Form : The bill is rather small and weak, and considerably compressed, except just at the base. In length along the culmen it measures just about two-thirds the skull, and about three-fourths the tarsus. It is quite stout at the base, where the height very decidedly surpasses the width. The unguis rises rapidly and a little suddenly above the rest of the culmen, and is strongly convex in outline. The commissure, from the insertion of the feathers to the unguis, as well as the outline of the lower mandible as far a3 the unguis, is almost perfectly straight. The nasal tubes are short, being much less than a fourth the length of the culmen, but they are elevated and quite conspicuous, much more so than in anglorum. The wings barely reach, when folded, to the end of the long tail. The proportionate lengths of the primaries are the same as in most other species. The tarsus is just as long as the middle toe without its claw. The outer toe with its claw is just as long as the middle one with its claw. The top of the inner claw about reaches the * " Longueur, " ii peupres 10 pouces." [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 139 base of the middle. The tail is very long, exceeding that of anglorum, which is a much larger species. It is also so very much graduated as to be almost cuueate, the lateral feathers being relatively shorter than in any other spe- cies. The under tail coverts are very long, fully equalling the central rec- trices. Color. — The upper parts are of a hue quite different from that of anglorum, the black having every where a quite appreciable grayish or plumbeous tinge, and the borders of the feathers being still notably lighter, especially on the scapulars and tertials. The color is deepest on the rump and upper tail cov- erts ; it is much restricted on the sides of the head and neck, not extending below the level of the eyes, and even there its borders are marbled with white. On the sides of the breast the dark color extends considerably more towards the median line, but it is of a very light plumbeous tint, and much variegated with white. Both eyelids are more or less white, and there is, moreover, an indication of a white superciliary streak. The remiges and rec- trices are colored, as in anglorum. The under parts, from the chin to the un- der tail coverts, are white, as are the axillary feathers and inferior alar tectrice.-, the white only interfered with over the flanks by leaden black. The longest posterior under tail coverts are brownish black, as are also one or two rows of the exterior ones, the rest being white, with or without a plumbeous tint. Notice that in amount of white on the under tail coverts, obscurus is just intermediate between anglorum and my new opisthomelas. The bill is deep leaden blue, darker at the apex ; the legs and feet colored, as in anglo- rum. Dimensions. — Length of bill along culmen, l-25 ; along rictus, 1-70; from end of nostrils to tip, *90 ; from feathers on side of lower mandible to its apex, 1-20; its depth at base, -40 ; width, -35 ; depth at convexity of unguis, -25. Wing, from the carpal joint, 8*00. Tarsus, 1-60 ; middle toe" and claw, 1-80 ; outer do., 1*85. Central tail feathers, 4-25 ; exterior feathers nearly an inch shorter. Total length from tip of bill to end of tail about 11*00 ; expanse of wings about 25-50. Variations. — I find the differences in size to be about the same, relatively to its dimensions, as in the other smaller Paffini, while, as usual, the general form and the proportion of parts are pretty constantly preserved. The char- acteristic hue of the upper parts is always recognizable, but the precise tint varies with the age of the feathers. The margins of the dorsal tVathers are frequently very conspicuously lighter. The limit of the extent of the dark color on the sides of the head, neck, and breast, hardly differs notably, even with age, and is a strong specific character. The relative amount of the black and white on the under tail coverts is also pretty constant, being intermediate between anglorum and opisthomelas, as before stated. The unusual graduation of the tail is. I believe, always preserved in mature birds. The combination in this species of its small size, the tint of the upper parts, and its characteristic line of demarcation with the white on the sides of the head, neck, and breast, together with the color of the under tail coverts, and the length and shape of the tail, renders it readily diagnosticable. As with anglorum, I have taken it as the standard in treating of the other closely allied ; and the peculiar points wherein each differs from it will be found de- tailed under their respective headings. Pr/FFi>'us opisthomelas Cones, nov. sp., Diag. — P. Puffino obscuro nee perdissimilis ; sed major, rostro longiore, robustiore, alis pedibusque longioribus, cauda, breviore, minus rotundata ; et tectricibus caudse inferioribus fere omnino fuliginoso-nigris. Habitat. — South Pacific coast of North America. Description.— Form: The bill is rather long, about four-fifths the tarsus, stout, moderately compressed, a wry little higher than broad at the base, the unguis large and strong, its convexity great, and rising much above the level of the rest of the culmen, the depth of the bill at the point of the greatest 1861.] 140 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF convexity of the unguis being much more than in its middle. The outline of the inferior mandibular rami is about straight as far as the unguis ; the line of the commissure is considerably curved. The nasal tubes are large and prominent, and rather long for this group, being more than a fourth of the culmen ; and the nasal apertures are much elongated, being very elliptical rather than circular. The frontal featheis extend forwards to a point on the median line instead of being the segment of a perfect circle, as in anglorum and obscurus. The folded wings reach beyond the tail. The tail is compara- tively and absolutely much shorter than in obscurus and very decidedly less rounded, the difference between the middle and exterior rectrices being only about half an inch. The feet are as much longer than those of obscurus as is proportional to the greater size of the bird ; the tarsus is as long as the middle toe and half its claw. The outer toe and claw equals the middle ; the tip of the inner claw falls short of the base of the middle one. Color. — The nasal tubes and culmen are blackish, the sides of the bill yel- lowish or reddish brown, the unguis mostly light bluish white. " The iris is dark brown," (collector's label.) The internal aspect, and part of the outer side of the tarsus, the middle and inner toes and the webs are light yellowish flesh color. The rest of the tarsus, the outer toe and the very margins of the webs are brownish black. The claws are brown. The enfire upper parts, the wings and tail are of exactly the same shade of sooty black as obtains in ob- scurus, but with the following notable difference in the line of demarcation of the white on the sides of the head, neck and breast: the dark color is much more extensive, reaching as far below the eyes as it does in anglorum, and there is no definite union of the two colors ; but as the dark takes on more and more of a lighter plumbeous hue, it insensibly becomes more and more nebu- lated with white. There is no white on either eyelid, nor any indication of a white superciliary line. The under wing coverts are white, as in obscurus : the bend of the wing rather more decidedly mottled with the color of the back. The axillary feathers are more or less blackish towards their ends instead of being pure white. The flanks are more extensively and decidedly fuliginous black than in obscurus. It is in the color of the under tail c >verts, however, that the difference from obscurus is most apparent. These feathers are entirely of a deep fuliginous black, except a few of the shortest ones just posterior to the fundament, which are whitish. Dimensions. — Bill along culmen 1*40, along commissure 2-00, from end of nasal tubes to tip 1 -05, from feathers on side of lower mandible to its tip 1*40 ; height at base "42, width a little less ; height at convexity of unguis •32. Wing from the carpus about 9*00. Tarsus 1*80 ; middle toe and claw 2-10. Tail 3-75 ; outer feathers -60 shorter ; (in obscurus tail 4*25; outer feathers nearly 1*00 shorter.) Variations. — With but two specimens before me, I cannot speak so fully on this point as I could wish ; but the variations are doubtless quite parallel in all respects with those of anglorum or obscurus. The above measurements in- dicate the average of the two specimens. They are precisely similar in colors. Comparison with allied species. — This new species differs from obscurus as follows, briefly: In its larger size, as will be palpable from the measurements given of the bill, wings and feet.* In its both relatively and absolutely shorter tail, which is also much less rounded. In the different outline of the frontal feathers on the bill In the different coloration, insomuch that there is no white about the eye ; that the dark color extends much further on the sides of the head and neck ; and that the under tail coverts are almost en- tirely fuliginous black, instead of being for the most part white. It is distinguishable at a glance from anglorum by its greatly inferior size, — * The collector's label gives, "Total length 15 inches; expanse of wing 32;" but these cannot be implicitly relied on. [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 141 vide measurements ; by the very different color of the ripper parts ; and by the fuliginous black instead of white under tail coverts. The Puffinus yelcudnus is lighter colored above than is dnglorum, and there- fore this species approaches it in this respect. But yelcuanus is much larger than the present species, and has white under tail coverts like anglorum ; so that it is impossible to confound it with opisthomelas. Still more different is this species from the P. nugax, Solander, from the Australian seas. This latter is a very diminutive species, much smaller even than obscurus, the wing being only about 61 inches from the carpus. It also has the white of the throat extending far up on the sides of the head and neck, and white under tail coverts ; characters diametrically opposed to those which obtain in the present species. I am acquainted with no other species to which the present bears any sort of resemblance. I trust that I have so fully and correctly indicated its cha- racters and relationships, that its introduction, even into this peculiarly in- tricate .group, will be the cause of no confusion or uncertainty regarding it. Two fine examples are contained in the Smithsonian Museum, both col- lected by Mr. John Xantus at Cape St. Lucas, Lower California. (Smiths. Catalogue, Nos. 16,990, 16,991.) Puffinus nugax (Solander.) Procellaria nugax, Solander, Schlegel, Mon. Proc. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1863, p. 31. Puffinus nugax, Bonaparte, Consp. Av., ii. 1856, p. 205. Puffinus assimilis, Gould, P. Z. S., 1837, v. p. 156. Id. Ann. et Mag. N. H. xvi. Id. Birds Aust., vii. pi. 56. "Procellaria australis, Eyton," (Bp.) Habitat. — Australian seas. A fine suite of this well marked species is in the collection of the Philadel- phia Academy. Its relationships are closest with P. obscurus, but the dif- ferences are sufficiently obvious on comparison. It is the very smallest known species of Puffinus, being appreciably less than the obscurus. It is hardly 10-50 inches in length ; the wings from the carpus only about 6£ ; th tail averages 2-75 ; the bill about one inch ; the tarsus 1£ ; the middle toe about the same. The color of the upper parts is about the same as in P. ob- scurus, or a very little lighter ; the feathers generally with appreciably darker tips. A striking diagnostic feature is found in the extent to which the white of the under parts mounts up on the sides of the head and neck, which is greater than in any other species. The inferior caudal tectrices are usually entirely pure white. The under surfaces of the wings are pure white, and the inferior aspect of the inner webs of the primaries are dull whitish, being much lighter than are these parts in obscurus. The bill is dusky horn color. The tarsi are greeenish yellow ; the webs bright chrome yellow. The preceding paragraph shows the points in which the species differs from obscurus. It is too distinct from anglorum or ijelcuanus to require com- parison. It cannot be confounded with my P. opisthomelas, since the latter is nearly as much larger than obscurus as nugax is smaller ; has the colora- tion of the sides of the head and neck very different, (compare descriptions ;) has black instead of white under tail coverts, etc. I have not an opportunity of examining the original description of nugax by Solander, but all authors agree that it is the species subsequently named assimilis by Gould. I do not know where the species is called auslralis by Eyton, but quote the name on the authority of Bonaparte. Analytical Synopsis of the Genera and Species of Puffine;e. Family PROCELLARIDJE. Subfamily PROCELLARINiE. Section Puffineje. Char.— Tail of twelve much graduated feathers. Bill long, compressed, 1864.] 142 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP much hooked, the outline of the unguis of the lower mandible concave, de- curved. Nasal tubes short, broad, flattened, apically usually very obliquely truncated ; in length usually a fourth of culmen ; the internasal septum broad. In color either entirely fuliginous, or cinereous, or brown above and white beneath ; never glaucous or bluish, or with parti-colored primaries. " Shearwaters." I. MAJAQUEUS Reich. The very short tail only a fifth of the total length. Bill unusually stout for this section ; nasal tubes approaching in character those of Fulmarese. Very large ; fuliginous, with peculiar facial markings. 1. M. jequinoctialis Reich. Pr. cequin. L. Priojinus cequin. Homb. et Jacq. P r. nigra, Forst. Puff, capitis boace-spei, Briss. Tarsus 2]- inches ; ungues of bill yellow ; a submental white spot. 2. M. CONSPICILLATUS Bp. Proc. conspicillatus, Gould. Pr. larvata, Less. Larger : bill more robust ; its unguis bluish black ; tarsus 2i ; usually a white submental spot ; a lateral stripe on sides of head, and a transverse one across the vertex before the eyes. II. ADAMASTOR Bp. Bill and nasal tubes identical with those of Majaqueus. Tarsus much less than middle toe without claw. Tail very short, much graduated. Bi-color ; above cinereous, below white. 3. A. cinereus Coues. Proc. cinerea, Gm. (non Cuv., Kuhl., Temm., Schleg., Degl., Schmz., Kevs. et Bias, quse Puff. Kuhlii, Boie ; nee Aud., Mitt, quas Puff, major, Fab.) Puff, cinereus, Lawrence, 1858. Adamastor cinereus, Coues, 1864. Proc. hcesitata, Forst., Gould, Reich, (non Kuhl, Temm., New- ton, quffl Astrelata diabolica) = Puffinus hasitata, Lawr., 1853. Puff. Kuhlii, Cass. [1862] nee Boie. Proc. adamastor, Schleg. Adam, typus, Bp. Bill yellow, nasal tubes, culmen and sulcus on lower mandible black ; above with under surface of wings and tail cinereous ; below white ; 19 inches long ; bill 1-80, wing 13-00, tail 5-75, tarsus 2-40, middle toe and claw 2-90. 4. A. GELmrs Coues. Proc. gelida, Gm., Lath., Vieill. Proc. flavirostris, Gould. Adamastor flavir, Bp. . Above brown, with paler edges to the feathers ; wings and tail deep black- ish brown ; below, including the under surfaces of wing and tail, white, the feathers of the former with a brown longitudinal streak ; bill yellow, its tip dark ; 19 inches long, wing 15, tail 6-50, middle toe and claw 3-15. 5. A. sekiceus Bp. Puff, sericeus, Lesson. Bill black ; above grayish ash, deeper on the wing coverts ; below white ; 15 inches long, wing 11-50, tail 5, tarsus 1-75, middle toe 1-33. III. THIELLUS Gloger. Generally like Nectris, but tail unusually long and cuneiform, being nearly or quite half as long as the wing from the carpus. 6. T. spuekurus Bp. Bill flash color, tinged with brown, darker on culmen and unguis. Length 15 to 16 inches, wings about 11, bill 1-60. 7. T. CHL0R0RHYNCHDS Bp. Bill greenish orange, black on culmen and at tip. Bill 1-85 ; stouter than in sphemirus, a little larger than that species, but the wing usually shorter, (* inch or more.) [Ap^ NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 143 IV. NECTRIS Bp. (emend. Forst.) Siz» moderate ; nnicolor, fuliginous ; feet pale ; bill long, slender, mvicli hooked ; nasal tubes short, fl it, very obliquely truncated ; tail long, rounded ; tarsus about equal to middle toe without claw, (vix nisi colore fuliginoso genere Puffino differre videtur !) 8. N. FULioiNosr/s Keys, et Bias. Puff, fuliginosus, Strickl. et auct. (sed non Proc. fuliginosus, Gra., Lath., Vieill., quae species " Thalassio ;" nee Banks, [tab. 19;] nee Kuhl, [sp. 12] quae Pterodroma atlantica, Gould.) Puffinus major fcem ! Temm. Puff, cinereus fcem ! Gould. Bill concolor with plumage; feet brownish black, internal face of tarsus and the webs dusky yellowish. Length 18 inches, wing 12, bill 2"00. North Atlantic. 9. N. amaurosoma Coues, nov. sp. Bill concolor with plumage ; feet fleshy white, outer side of tarsus and outer toe tinged with dusky ; inferior wing coverts mostly white ; wing 11 inches, tail 4-25, bill 1*70. Pacific coast of N. Amer. 10. N. carneipes Bp. Puff- carneipes, Gould. Proc. carneipes, Schlegel. Majaqueus carneipes, Reich. "Puff, cinereus, juv. Smith." " Nectris gama, Bp." Bill fleshy white, eulmen and tips dusky ; legs, feet and membranes yel- lowish flesh color. Length 15 inches ; length of bill, feet, wings, tail, much the same as fuliginosus. Australian seas. 11. N. TENUIROSTBIS Bp. Proc. t'enuirostris, Temm. Puff- tenuirostris, Temm. et Schleg. " P. curilicus, P. Iristis, Musseorum." Very small ; bill excessively weak and slender; wing 10 inches, tail 3-50, bill 1-20, tarsus 1'90. Bill dusky greenish yellow ; feet yellowish ; posterior edge of tarsus and under surface of webs blackish. White under wings as in amaurosoma. Japan. 12. N. BREVICAUDUS Bp. Puff, brevicaudus, Brandt. Majaqueus brevicaudus, Reich. "Blackish fuliginous, lighter beneath; bill black, yellowish at base ; feet cinereous, webs yellow." (Bp.) " Australian seas." Gould, [species mihi ignota.] V. PUFFINUS Briss. Moderate and small in size, bicolor, above brown or cinereus, below white. Wings very long and pointed ; tail long, rounded. Feet very large ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw ; bill long, rather slender, compressed, hooked; nasal tubes short, flat, obliquely truncated; nasal septum broad, nos- trils oval. 13. P. Kuhlii Boie. Proc. puffinus, Temm., Vieill. [1828] ; et al, auct. Europ. ; sed non Linn., qua? P. anglorum, Ray. Proc. sive Puff, cinereus, Cuv., Temm., Kuhl., Schleg., Degl. et al. auct. Europ. fere omnium; sed non 6m., Lath., Vieill., Lawr. quae Adamastor cinereus, Mihi; nee Aububon et auct. Amer. qua? P. major, Fab. Bill yellow, its nasal tubes more elevated, compressed and vertically trun- cated thau usual in this genus. Above light brownish ash or cinereous, each feather with a lighter margin, nebulatedand undulate I with pure white on sides of head and neck ; posterior upper tail coverts and whole under parts, includ- ing under surfaces of wings and all the under tail coverts, pure white. Tail almost cuneiform ; feet weak and slender, yellowish ; outer toe and claw longer than middle do. North Atlantic Ocean only. 1864.] 14 ± PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 14. P. LEUCOMELAS Bp. Proc.leucomelas; Temm. Smaller than P. Kuhlii ; weaker bill. Feathers of the upper parts and sides of head and neck grayish white, each with a longitudinal shaft line of brown. 15. P. creatopus Cooper, n. sp. [in epistolis.] With the general aspect of P. major. Bill short, usually swollen and stout at the base, nasal tubes elevated, turgid, short. Bill yellowish flesh color. Nasal tubes, culmen and tip blackish. Feet light flesh color ! Upper parts generally as in P. major, but no white on upper tail coverts ; no white at bases of primaries ; the color of sides of head extending round on the throat, with no dividing line ; and the under tail coverts entirely fuliginous black. Bill along i-ulmen 1-60 ; height at base *60. 16. P. major Fab. Proc. puffinus, Kuhl, et auct. al. aliq. Europ. (sed non Linn., Gm., Lath. quce P. anglorum, Ray; nee Temm. qiue Kuhlii, Boie.) Pi'ff- sive Proc. major, Auct. Ardenna major, Reich. Puff, cinereus, Bp. [1828.] Audub., Kutt. non Gm. Above smokey brown, the feathers with lighter edges. Posterior upper tail coverts mostly white. A definite line of demarcation between the brown and white on the sides of the head and neck. Length 18 to 20 inches ; bill 2, wing 13, tarsus 2-40. 17. P. anglorum Temm. Proc. anglorum, Ray. Puff, anglorum, auct. Proc. puffinus, L.. Gm. Lath., Briinn. sed non al. auct. quae P. major. Nectr is puffinus, Keys. et Bias. P. arcticus, Fab. P. Baroli, Bonelli. Tarsus equal to middle toe without claw. B;ll about two-thirds the tarsus, along culmen 1*40 inches; wing 9-25. Above very deep lustrous brownish black, — darker than in any other species. 18. P. YELCrjANTJS Bp. Proc. yelkuan, Acerbi. From the Mediterranean Sea. Like P. anglorum, but lighter colored above, the point of the wing more elongated, and lateral under tail coverts uniformly deep grey. 19. P. oBscuRTjs Vieill. Proc. obscurus, Gm. Proc. sive Pi'ff. obscurus, auct. Nectris obscurus, Kuhl. Cymostomus obscurus, Macgiil. Puff. Vherminieri, Less. P. •Jloridanus, Mus. Berol. Bill three-fourths as long as the tarsus. Tail very long, much graduated. Above grayish, or plumbeous black, not extending on the sides of the head below the eyes. Axillary feathers white. Longest posterior under tail co- verts brownish black, rest white. Bill 1*25, wing 8, tail 4'25, exterior rec- trices an inch shorter. Tarsus 1*60 ; middle toe and claw 180 — inches and hundredths. 20. P. orisTHOMELAS Coues, nov. sp. From Cape St. Lucas. Generally like P. obscurus, but larger, with a longer bill and wings, a shorter, less graduated tail ; almost all the under tail co- verts and axillary feathers fuliginous black, and a different line of demarca- tion between the color of the upper and under parts on the sides of the head and neck. Bill 1-40, wing 9, tarsus 1-80, middle toe and claw 2*10, tail 3-75, outer reotrices only "60 hundredths of an inch shorter. 21. P. NUGAX Bp. Proc. nuijax, Solander. Puff, assimilis, Gould. " Proc. australis, Eyton." From the Australian seas. Smallest of all ; wing only 6£ inches, tail 2£, bill one inch, tarsus 1^. The white of the under parts mounts high up on the sides of the head. Under tail coverts entirely white. Under surfaces of inner webs of primaries dull whitish. [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 145 May 3d. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Fourteen members present. Mr. Cassin informed the Academy that our late fellow member, Mr. Samuel Ashmead, had bequeathed to the Academy his entire collection of Algae, together with the privilege of selecting from his mineralogi- cal cabinet such specimens as may be desirable. May 1(M. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Thirteen members present. May 17th. Mr. Lea in the Chair. Twenty-two members present. A paper was presented for publication entitled " New Unionidae, Melanidae, &c, chiefly of the United States." By Isaac Lea. May 24th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Eighteen members present. A paper was presented for publication entitled " Descriptions of new marine Invertebrata from Puget's Sound, &c." By Dr. Wm. Stimp- son. May 31st. Vice-President Vaux in the Chair. Sixteen members present. On Report of the respective Committees, the paper of Mr. Lea, read May 17th, was ordered to be published in the Journal, and the follow- ing papers in the Proceedings : Critical Remarks on the Genera SEBASTES and SEBASTODES of Ayres. BY THEODORE GILL. In the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, "Re- marks in relation to the Fishes of California, which are included in Cuvier's genus Sebastes," and subsequently, in the Proceedings of the Zoological So- ciety of London, "Notes on the Sebastoid Fishes occurring on the coast of California, TJ. S. A.,"* have been published by Wm. 0. Ayres, M. D., C. M. Z. S. * I have been favored by Prof. Baird with the advance sheets of these Proceedings. 1864.] 10 146 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP The object of these memoirs is to show that there are eleven species of Se- bastoid fishes in the Californian waters, distributable among two genera, dis- tinguished only by the prominence or little development of spinous ridges on " the top of the head." For those with ridges he reserves the name Sebas- tes; for those with "little developed " ones, he accepts the name Sebastodes, pro- posed for a natural genus of which S. paucispinis is the only known species. Rehearsing the history of Sebastodes, Dr. Ayres admits that the "grouping of characters" assigned to it "belongs onj^y to the single species S. paucispinis;''' and also in his final paper, that "the ' minute scales' belong only to S. pauci- spmis,"* and then proceeds to show that species of other genera have some of the characters attributed to it ! He finally dismisses Sebastodes immedi- ately after the remark that "the 'minute scales' belong only to S. paucispinis" with the conclusion that " it does not seem possible, therefore, (!!) that Sebas- todes can be retained with such limits as were assigned to it by Mr. Gill" ! The logical character of the inference is rather dubious, after the admission of the truth of a principal proposition. But for the benefit of Dr. Ayres, who may doubt the value of the character, the opinion of Dr. Giinther, whose authority he will scarcely gainsay, is adduced. That gentleman attributes to Sebastes " scales of moderate or small size," and not minute ones like those of S. paucispinis, which, although admitted in the genus by him, he had never seen. Giinther has, however, shown his appreciation of the value of the size of the scales in all his diagnoses of the Scorpaenoidae, and has sepa- rated the Triglas of Europe into two genera solely on account of the size of the scales. Therefore the single character admitted by Ayres as peculiar to Se- bastodes paucispinis would alone, in the opinion of some, entirely separate it from his other species, but when it is stated that it also differs remarkably in the form of the head, the skull, the preoperculum, the connection of the vomer and palatine bones, the direction of the anterior teeth of the jaws, the palatine rows, &c, the unnatural character of the association in one genus of it and species of the ordinary Sebastoid form will be obvious. Sebastodes paucispinis is decidedly the only known species of the genus. Dr. Ayres " refers without hesitation to the genus of which thg common species of Massachusetts Bay, S. viviparus,f is a member," the species of Sebas- toids with the frontal and coronal spines moderately or extremely devel- oped, stating that the difference in the number of dorsal spines, when " un- supported, does not appear sufficient." In this respect also he differs widely from Giinther: that author distinguishes Sebastes by the number of spines, J assigning to it twelve or thirteen, and emphatically insists upon its value in his remarks on the Centropogon australis, — a species with fifteen spines, — remarking, that "this species approaches in general habit the genera Sebastes and Scorpzena, from which it must be separated on account of the number of the dorsal spines, — a much more certain generic character than the presence or absence of a preorbital spine, which is found in fishes that cannot be separated from Sebastes (S. nematophtkalmus.y '$ Dr. Ayres will doubt- less admit the justness of the denial of the pertinence of any Californian species to the same genus as Sebastes with fifteen dorsal spines, when ac- quainted with this emphatic endorsement of the value of the number of dorsal opines and the depreciation of the importance of the cephalic spines. It is true that Dr. Giinther admits, as the first two species of Sebastes, S. norvegicus * Dr. Ayres has in his first article insisted that " the little ' accessory scales' mentioned by Girard are not confined to the three species stated by him, hut are common to all;" but in hie final paper, he has admitted the truth of Girard's and my own descriptions f Dr. Ayres has omitted to state that I was responsible for the identification of the Massachu- setts Sebastes with & viviparity and that his knowledge of that identity was solely derived from 016. J "One dorsal, separated by a notch in a spinous and soft portion, with twelve or thirteen «pines." — Gthr., ii. 95. $ Gunther, ii. 129. [ May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 147 and S. viviparus, which have " fifteen" dorsal spines, and which are indeed the types of the genus, but that gentleman has shown his appreciation of the value of the character, and has only been unhappy in its application : he should have given a new name to the genus defined by him. Dr. Ayres has omitted to inform his readers that the difference in the number of dorsal spines is also supported by a corresponding difference in the number of vertebrae, the species of " Sebastkhthys having, as far as known, only ten abdominal and fourteen caudal vertebrae,"* while Sebastes has about twelve abdominal and nineteen caudal vertebrae.f The value of the characters used to distinguish the genera Sebastes, Sebas- tichthys and Sebastodes is now indeed so generally conceded by scientific men, that it is unnecessary to further argue in their favor. I shall only remark that the combinations and distinctions of forms by Dr. Ayres are alike un- natural and violate all natural affinities, and that the distinctions used by him to separate his genera Sebastes and Sebastodes are only of secondary value. More acquaintance with the species of the family would undoubtedly con- vince him of the justness of this assertion. Dr. Ayres has been unfortunate in at least one of his identifications, connect- ing Girard's name Sebastes rosaceus with a species of " Sebastodes," with the remark that " this is the species originally described by Girard under the name rosaceus; and again, quite correctly, in the tenth volume of the 'Pacific Railroad Reports.'" Yet S. rosaceus is said to have "the upper surface of the head with horizontal and acute ridges," and is figured with such arma- ture as well as with the second, instead of the third, anal spine longest, the pectoral and ventrals ceasing before the vent, &c. ! Girard's Sebastes rosaceus is indeed a typical Sebastes of Ayres, and entirely identical with the £. helvo- maculatus of the latter, as the examination of the two specimens known to Girard has convinced me. The specimens are in poor condition, but the spots are still visible. The Sebastodes rosaceus of Ayres is therefore deprived of a name, and may receive that of Sebastosomus% pinniger. It is also proper to here remark that two species are apparently confound- ed by Girard under the name Sebastes melanops, one with, "a small spine upon the suprascapular bone, two others upon the edge of the opercle," and another from Cape Flattery with the lower opercular spine as well as the supraorbital ridges obsolete, and the forehead between the eyes perfectly arched. The latter may be named Sebastosomus simulans. In conclusion, the genus Sebastkhthys includes at least three genera. The Se- bastkhthys nigrocinctus is somewhat related to Scorpiena, and distinguished by elevated, serrated coronal crests. Other Californian species represented by the Sebastes melanops, seen by me, differ so much that they may be separated and combined for the present under a genus Sebastosomus, of which the Sebastes melanops of Girard may be taken as the type. Still others, distinguished by the texture of the bones of the skull, armed orbital ridges, prefrontals, &c, and represented by Sebastes rosaceus, Grd., may be named Sebastomus. In a contemplated Monograph of the Scorpaenoids of California, the relations of the species will be more fully discussed. Second Contribution to the SELACHOLOGT of California. BY THEODORE GILL. Since the publication of the article " On the Classification of the Families and Genera of the Squali of California, "§ additional information has been * Gill, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1862, p. 278. t The increase in the number of vertebrae in the species of Sebastes. a genus peculiar to the Northern Seas, affords an excellent example of the truth of the generalization claiming an increased number of vertebrae for the cold-water representatives of the families of Acanthoptery- gians. J Sebastosomus, Gill. Type Sebastes melanops, Girard. y Proc. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Phila., 1862, pp. 483—501. 1864.] 148 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP given in the "Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology," hy Mr. P. W. Putnam, in a "List of Specimens sent by the Museum to different Insti- tutions," and in the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sci- ences by Dr. W. 0. Ayres.* The former enumerates the Triads semifasdata, Girard, Triads Henlei, Putnam (= Rkinotriacis Henlei, Gill) and Acanthias Suckleyi, Girard (= Sgualus Suckleyi, Gill.) Dr. Ayres has in one article announced, very modestly and with scarcely a due appreciation of its bearings, a startling discovery regarding the range of variation of dentition in the Notidanoids, and in a subsequent communication, has informed us of the discovery of a representative of the genus Alopias in the Bay of San Francisco. Family ALOPECOID^E. Genus ALOPIAS, Raf. We are indebted to Dr. Ayres for tbe " Notice of the acquisition of a speci- men of Thrasher," taken in the Bay of San Francisco. The species is a very close representative of the Atlantic form Alopias vulpes, differing, how- ever, in the proportions of the dorsal and anal fins, and in the position of the branchial apertures ; the tail constitutes decidedly more than half of the entire length. The specimen is about five feet in length." — (Ayres, op. cit., vol. iii. p. 66.) Dr. Ayres has abstained from naming this species, and it may be hoped that the true differences between it and the Atlantic species will be exhibited by the future nomenclator. The announcement of any difference in the posi- tion of the branchial apertures from one not acquainted with the type, will be viewed with much skepticism by selachologists. Family GALEORHINOIDsE, Gill. Subfamily MUSTELINE, Gill. Genus MUSTELUS, Cuv. This name may be reserved for the species distinguished by the anterior position of the first dorsal fin and the unicuspid teeth of the jaws. The Mustelus lavis of Miiller and Henle is consequently excluded, the first dorsal fin being nearly midways between the pectoral and ventral fins, and the teeth provided with a lateral cusp in addition to the usual median one ; the foetus is also intimately connected with the uterus by means of a vitelline placenta, according to Miiller and Henle, and is thus essentially distinguished from the typical Musteli which resemble the other Galeorhinoids. That species is therefore a peculiar generic type, and may hereafter be called Plewacromylon lavis. If the rule now adopted by many of invariably retaining a generic name for the first species mentioned is adopted, Galeorhinus will supplant Mustelus. I am not yet, however, prepared to adopt that rule, and shall for the present retain the name Mustelus. Galeus cannot be used for the genus typified by the Squalus galeus of Linnseus, and if Galeorhinus, which has been retained for it, should be shifted to Mustelus, a new name will be demanded for the former ; as it is desirable that the change should be as slight as possible, that of Eugaleus may be accepted. Mustelus californicus, Gill. The first dorsal fin commences over the terminal third of the inner free margin of the pectoral fin, and its posterior point, though acutely prolonged, ceases considerably in advance of the ventral fins. The anterior angle is blunt, but not rounded. The second dorsal is similar in form to the first, * Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. iii. pp. 15, 66. [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 149 but smaller, and its hinder half is over the anterior two-thirds of the anal, with the posterior angle of which its own is co-terminal. (The caudal fin, from the front of the lower lobe to its point, equals the distance between the snout and the interval between the third and fourth branchial apertures ; its terminal lobe little exceeds a fourth of its length, and is squarely truncated behind ?) The ventral fin has its outer margin, from the base to the angle, about as wide as the width from that angle to the posterior point. The length of the rostral plateau in front of the jaw equals the width between the outer margins of the nostrils and the interval between the corner folds of the upper jaw. D. 18 | 17. A. 18. P. 22. This species is distinguished by the proportions of the snout, the more acutely prolonged posterior angles of the dorsal and anal fins, and perhaps the form of the terminal lobe of the caudal ; but it is probable that the latter is worn, and consequently the statement of the length of the fin and the form of the posterior lobe must be accepted with reserve. The number of cartila- ginous rays found after dissection of the skin is less than in the European species. A single adult specimen was obtained by Dr. Stimpson at San Francisco, during his visit to that city as a member of the Scientific Corps of the North Pacific Exploring Expedition. From Panama, the Institution has received several specimens of a closely- related species, distinguished by the projection of the posterior angle of the first dorsal fin to the vertical of the origin of the ventrals, although the an- terior fourth of the base of the fin is above the pectoral. The caudal fin equals the distance between the snout and third branchial aperture, and its terminal lobe nearly equals a third of the length, and is obliquely truncated behind. The species may be named Mustelus dorsalis. These species are interesting as being the first species of the genus found in the Pacific waters of America. The Mustelus felis of Ayres is a species of Triads ! Family NOTIDANOID^E, Owen. Genus NOTORHYNCHUS, Gill (ex Ayres). In the year 1855, and in the first volume of the Proceedings of the " Cali- fornia Academy of Natural Sciences" (p. 73), "Dr. Win. 0. Ayres exhibited a specimen of a shark of a new generic type, with the following description" of the genus "NOTORHYNCHUS, Ayres. "Dorsal fin single. Branchial apertures seven on each side. Spiracles two. Nostrils double, subterminal. Snout broad, depressed. Tail much elongated, with the fin beneath. Teeth in several rows, those of the lower jaw flattened, arched, serrated ; those of the upper jaw of diverse forms, the middle ones slender, the outer ones approximating those of the lower jaw in form." He remarked, that "the shark here described presents, certainly, a very singular grouping of characters. The only genus with which it can be com- pared is Cuvier's Notidanus, previously separated by Rafinesque under the name of Heptranchias, both founded on Lacepede's Squalus cinereus. With this our type agrees in the remarkable feature of a single dorsal Jin and seven branchial apertures. But in Notidanus the teeth of both jaws are represented as similar inform, and the muzzle pointed, the existence of spiracles being as- serted by the one author and denied by the other. We have also in our fish the tail almost as much elongated as in Alopia*." The characters attributed to the genus Notorhynchus are common to all the 1864.] 150 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF representatives of the family, except the number of branchial apertures ; in which respect the genus resembles Notida?ius or Heptranchias. That genus has also the " teeth in several rows ; those of the lower jaw flattened, arched, serrated ; those of the upper jaw of diverse forms, the middle ones slender, the outer ones approximating those of the lower jaw in fcrm;" the "snout broad, depressed ;" "spiracles two," — the invariable number when developed in all fishes! — and " the tail much elongated, with the fin beneath." Noto- rhynchus is therefore not distinguished by any character whatever from Hep- tranchias, either in the generic or specific descriptions of Ayres. Such being the case, Girard and myself referred the species to the genus Heptanchus or Heptranchius, Raf., and the justness of that reference, under the circumstances, will be unhesitatingly admitted by every logical mind. The causes of Dr. Ayres' manifold errors in the case are unknown ; the peculiarity of the dentition of the Notidanoids is described in every text-book of ichthyology, and if Dr. Ayres had even consulted the Animal Kingdom, of Cuvier, — accessible to English students through a number of translations, his error would not have been committed. Subsequently, I discovered the jaws of a Notidauoid taken at Nisqually, Oregon, by one of the gentlemen attached to Wilke's Exploring Expedition. Finding that the teeth were generically similar to those of Heptanchus indicus of Mailer and Henle, and resembled them rather than those of the typical Heptanchi or Hexanchi, and, further, that the teeth of both more nearly re- sembled those of Hexanchus than Heptanchus, I felt compelled to combine the two species in a peculiar genus. I thus connected the views of Muller and Henle and others regarding the generic value of the number of branchial apertures with those of Bonaparte as to the generic value of the dentition. As the Heptanchus indicus was known to be "dark bluish grey above, with numerous small, irregular, black blotches, lighter beneath," the coloration attributed by Ayres to his Notorhynchus maculatus, I ventured to refer the jaws of the Nisqually shark to that species, since color is generally coinci- dent with structure ; the limited number of species of Notidanoids, the absence, so far as known, of two closely-related representatives in a single Fauna, and the occurrence of Ayres' species in the same faunal region as the Nisqually shark, appeared to warrant this identification, the necessity of confirmation of which, however, I did then, as I now do, emphatically insist upon. I therefore perfectly agree with Dr. Ayres as to the impossibility of certainty " when [his] description is so extremely indefinite," and, in order that further cavil at the identification of the Nisqually shark with Notorhynchus maculatus may be avoided, suggest that the former may be named Notorhynchus borealis. Having previously identified the Nisqually shark with the Californian Notidanoid — erroneously it may be — I felt compelled to retain Ayres' name, and did not detail the history of the genus, as such would have involved the ne- cessity of criticism, but simply remarked that the name "was proposed by Dr. Ayres under a misapprehension." Immediately after the publication of my article, Dr. Ayres* insinuated that his name was not given under a misapprehension, and asserted that his "' misapprehension' was, that (he) regarded the species as the type of anew genus. ' ' Such misapprehension is of course evident, but I cannot perceive why the name should be considered apart from the idea of the genus. I in- deed think that the name itself, considered in the abstract, is objectionable and rather unmeaning if not, indeed, more censurable. The etymology of the name is not obvious; its formation would indicate that it meant " back snout, or beak," but it is possible that it is composed of vsflo? and pvyx°S, in allusion to the protuberant snout. * Proc. California Acad. Nat. Sciences, iii. p. 15. TMay, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 151 Dr. Ayres then implies that it is only after several changes that I have ar- rived at the conclusion regarding the generic distinction of Notanhynehus. I have had two opinions, one, before seeing the species, that it was a Heptran- chias of Rafinesque or Baptanchus of Miiller,— accepting the views of Miiller and Henle, Gray, Girard, &c.,— and the final one, after study of the Nisqually jaw, that it was the representative of a distinct genus. For that genus I have adopted Ayres' name, but by no means the ideas connected with it by him. One statement of Dr. Ayres is especially entitled to attention, as, if cor- roborated, it must effect an entire revolution in our views respecting the value of dentition, and is entirely opposed to the experience of Miiller and Henle, Bonaparte, Agassiz, and all others. He remarks that my description of the dentition " represents the individual specimen on which it was founded ; but the species is quite common here, and I find that the number and the forms of the teeth vary so much that my original description, which Mr. Gill says is ' equally applicable to any species of the family,' is fully as close as nature will allow us to draw." It is certainly rather unfortunate for science, as well as himself, that Dr. Ayres has omitted to produce proof of so remarkable a discovery, as, on account of the respectability and number of the gentlemen alluded to who have adopted other views, and in deference to whom reasons might be assigned, it will be regarded with at least some doubt and skepti- cism, notwithstanding even Dr. Ayres' assertion. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that if this discovery is confirmed, Notorhynchus must be suppressed and its species referred to Heptranchias ; but until such is done, it may, with- out any imputation on the perfect reliability of Dr. Ayres, be retained, since that learned gentleman has himself done so, notwithstanding his discovery and the admission of a misapprehension in regarding its representative as the type of a new genus. June 1th. Mr. Jeanes in the Chair. Seven members present. Mr. Gill called the attention of the members to several points in Ichthy- ology and Couchology. He exhibited from the collection of the Academy a specimen of a species of Percopsis obtained by Surgeon General Hammond in Kansas. The differences between it and the Percopsis guttatus, Ag., of Lake Superior, also exhibited, were strong ; the head is larger, (contained 3 \ times in the length, exclusive of caudal ,•) the dorsal is higher, (the longest ray equal to 4| of length ;) the anal is also higher, (the longest ray contained six times in length ;) the pectoral equals the height of the dorsal (=4| ;) the ventral especially is longest, contained 5| times in the length, and its extremity covers the anus, which is nearer the snout than the margin of the caudal fin. The species may be named, in honor of its distinguished discoverer, Percopsis , Hammondii. Mr. Gill remarked that, after an examination of the species of Sodis, Raf., and Paralepis, Cuv., in the collection of the Academy, he was convinced that the families of Paralepidoids and Alepidosauroids were most closely allied. Mr. Gill next referred to the history of the name Gymnotus, showing that it had been originally founded solely on the Gymnotus carapus, and that even after the introduction of the Gymnotus electricus into the system, the G. carapus was retained as the first of the genus. The retention of the name Gymnotus for the G. electricus and the bestowal of a new one on G. carapus are therefore obvious infractions of the laws of nomenclature. The name Gymnotus must be retained for G. carapus, and a new one given tothe Gymnotus electricus, Linn. 1864.] 152 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP That of Electrophorus will be appropriate. This change is the less to be re- gretted, as the nomenclature of carapus is in a confused state, that name having been previously applied by Rafinesque to a species of the genus Fierasfer. Mr. Gill gave an enumeration of the genera of Gymnotoids, admitting the genera Electrophorus, Gymnotes, GUI, (Gymnotus sequilabiatus. Humb.,) Gymnotus, Art., (=Carapus,) Sternopygus, M.T., Hypopomus, Gill, {Rhamphichthys Mullcri, Kaup,) Rhamphichthys, M. T., Sternarchus, Schneid., and Sternarchorhynchus, Cast. Mr. Gill concluded by suggesting that the Gymnotoids were perhaps related to the Nematognathi, and remarked that he knew several undescribed species. Mr. Gill next called attention to the fact that the genus for which the name Melantho had been recently accepted from Bowdich, had long before been characterized under the name Campeloma by Rafinesque. In June, 1819, in the 88th volume of the Journal de Pbysique, (p. 423,) that type is introduced in the following terms : (26) Campeloma. Test ovale. Ouverture ovale, base tronquee, lievres r6- flechies, flexeuses, unies en pointe poste'rieurement. Point d'ombilic. Ani- mal inconnu. J'en ai une seule espece trouv^e dans l'Ohio. C. crassula. 4 tours de spires contraires, sommet aigu, test epais, ouverture plus de la moitie de la longueur totale. This diagnosis is evidently only applicable to a Viviparoid, and was doubt- less founded on a reversed specimen of the Paludina ponderosa of Say, or a closely related species. The name has indeed been referred, by the erudite Hermannsen, to the synonymy of Melanopsis, and in this he has been followed by the brothers Adams, but the diagnosis, as well as the habitat, cannot sup- port such a reference. In advance of the publication of the generic name Campeloma, Rafinesque had proposed a new genus — Ambloxis — in the third volume of the "American Monthly Magazine and Critical Review," (p. 355, Sept., 1818,) which was also doubtless intended for the Paludina ponderosa and its congeners,* but the in- sufficiency of his generic diagnosis, as well as the want of connection with any described species, will prevent its adoption. The speaker remarked that he would not attempt to enumerate the species of Campeloma, as he could not agree with previous authors regarding their limits, and had not the material to arrive at a satisfactory opinion himself ; he could therefore only refer to the genus an assemblage of forms represented by the same specific names as were formerly placed under Melantho, after the exclusion of Paludina Elliottii of Lea, which probably belongs to the genus Lioplax. The names referred to the synonymy of the other species mentioned under that genus appear to represent forms of the genus, with the exceptions of Paludina cornea, Val., and Lymnula ventricosa, Raf. The former name was doubtless proposed for the Lioplax subcarinata, having the " sutures deeply im- pressed," and the " rampe " around the spire being especially characteristic of that shell. The Lymnula ventricosa was probably founded on Anculosa prae- rosa, or an allied species. June 14th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Twelve members present. A paper was presented for publication entitled " On the Influence of the Earth's Atmosphere on the Color of the Stars." By Jacob Ennis. * III. G. Ambloxis. Univalve. Shell thick oboval; mouth oval, rounded at the base, obtuse above", with a thick appendage of the lip ; columella flexuou*; a small rugose umbilicus. 2 species —1. A. eburnea; 2. A. ventricosa, Kaf. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 153 June 2Ls£. Yice-President Bridges in the Chair. Fourteen members present. June 28<&. Dr. Carson in the Chair. Eleven members present. A letter was read from Thos. B. Wilson, M. D., of date June 28th, 1864, tendering his resignation as President of the Academy. On report of the respective committees, the following papers were ordered to be published in the Proceedings : Descriptions of new species of Marine INVEBTEBBATA from Puget Sound, collected by the Naturalists of the North-west Boundary Commission, A. H. Campbell, Esq., Commissioner. BY DR. WM. STIMPSON. The following descriptions are extracted, by permission, from the Zoological Report of tho Boun- dary Commission. They were written in the year 1860, and accompanied by illustrative drawings of all the species, which, It may be hoped, will suon be published. CRUSTACEA. ECPAGURUS KeNNKRLYI. Carapax smooth, except where the seta? are attached. Median tooth of the front nearly obsolete ; lateral teeth small but sharp and well-marked. Eyes moderately long and slender, but not longer than the peduncle of the outer antennae ; cornea little dilated, with a tuft of hair at the apex. Acicles small, pilose, not reaching the tips of the eyes. Feet all very hairy. Chelipeds short and stout, both falling considerably short of the extremities of the am- bulatory feet, and strongly but not very thickly armed with short spines. In the greater cheliped the carpus is about as long as the palm of the hand ; fingers shorter than the palm ; two distinct rows of sharp tubercles on the dactylus. Smaller cheliped hardly reaching to the middle of the dactylus of the greater one, convex, or with an obtuse median carina armed with strong spines. There are no prominent spines or tubercles on the inferior surface of the merus and carpus in either cheliped. Color of hands in alcoholic spe- cimens light red. Length 2 inches ; length of carapax, 0*4; of right carpus and hand together 0-51 inch. An orthodactyle species, near E. pubescentulus, but with shorter and strongly spinous chelipeds. We have named it after the late lamented naturalist who discovered it. HlPPOLYTE PRIONOTA. A short, plump species. Carapax with a high, compressed back, crested nearly the whole length, somewhat channelled longitudinally on each side near the crest, and armed with three spines in a longitudinal row above and behind the eyes ; also with a strong antennal and a pterygostomian spine. Dorsal crest not sharp and lamelliform, but armed with four strong teeth, the front edges of which are beset with aculei, which, especially in the posterior teeth, form a transverse row when viewed from above. Rostrum more than half as long as the carapax, lamelliform, very broad, though not as broad as 1864.] 154 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP long ; its front outline blunt, triangular or rounded ; whole upper front and end margin minutely serrated with hispidiform teeth ; lower margin with four small simple ones near the end. Eye with a spine at the inner apex ; squamiform appendix to the antennae elongate-triangular in shape, with pointed end, not reaching beyond the rostrum. External maxillipeds reach- ing nearly to extremity of rostrum, and provided with both exognath and epignath ; antepenult joint broad, with a strong spine at the external apex. Feet of the first, second and third pairs provided with an epipod. Abdomen with the dorsum rounded ; third joint a little prominent, with an obtusely triangular, not conspicuous tooth at the posterior margin ; lower margins of the segments smooth and obtuse, except the fourth and fifth, which form teeth. Four pairs of dorsal aculei on the terminal joint. Length about one inch. Easily distinguished from the other North Pacific lamelli-rostral species by the serrated margins of the dorsal teeth and rostrum. It approaches nearest to H. spina (Soioerbei), but has three supra-orbital spines instead of two. From H. pectenifera it differs in the non-pectinated margins of the abdomen. Seven specimens of this fine species were dredged in February and March, by Lieut. White, in different parts of the Sound, viz., in Hale's Passage, 10 fathoms, soft bottom ; off Lummi I ., in 8 — 12 fathoms, shelly; near San Juan I., in 2 — 4 fathoms, mud. HlPPOLYTE SUCKLEYI. Carapax with the anterior half of the dorsum crested and sloping forward ; no supra-orbital spines ; a strong antennal and pterygostomian spine present. Fourth joint of abdomen acute below. Rostrum large, but scarcely as long as the carapax, curved, rather broad and lamelliform, with a slender acute tip ; lower margin four-toothed ; upper margin including crest of carapax six- toothed, beginning at the anterior third of the length of the rostrum. External maxillipeds of moderate size, reaching nearly to extremity of antennary ap- pendix, and provided with both exognath and epignath. Feet long, the last pair reaching nearly to the tip of the rostrum ; first pair only provided with an epipod ; dactyli of the last three pairs elongated, with only one terminal un- guiculus. Abdominal segments with smooth edges ; superior margin of third segment obtuse. Length \\ inches. In the characters of the dorsal crest and rostrum it is much like H. Gai- mardi, but it has no spine over the eye. From H. Fabricii it differs in having more numerous teeth on the superior margin of the rostrum, some of which are placed nearer to its extremity. It has less numerous superior teeth than occur in H. Layi. Dredged in the circumlittoral zone. We have conferred upon this species the name of our friend Dr. Suckley, one of the earliest and most successful investigators of Pugettian Zoology. HlPPOLYTE STYLUS. Body slender ; abdomen strongly genticulated. Carapax smooth ; back not crested except for a short distance anteriorly. There is an antennal spine, but neither supra-orbital nor pterygostomian. Rostrum slender, somewhat styliform, perfectly straight, and equal to the carapax in length ; it is armed above with four or five teeth near the base, while the anterior two-thirds is edentulous ; below there are five or six teeth. Antennary appendix oblong, scarcely shorter than the rostrum, and obliquely truncate at the end. Exter- nal maxillipeds very small, reaching only to the extremity of the peduncle of the antennae, or to the basal third of the rostrum ; they are provided with an epignath, but no exognath. None of the feet have an epipod. Terminal joint of the abdomen with four pairs of dorsal aculei. Length 1£ inches. Taken in the Straits of De Fuca by the U. S. Exploring Expedition. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 155 HlPPOLYTE GRACILIS. This is the most slender species which has come under our notice. The cara- pax is crested at the anterior third ; there are no supra-orbital spines, but the antennal and pterygostomian spines are present, the latter spine being high in position from the narrowness or little height of the carapax. Rostrum exceedingly slender, scarce higher than wide, curved, a little longer than the carapax, and armed with four teeth over the eye ; elsewhere smooth to the tip ; below there are four minute distant teeth. The antennulae are rather long, the thick flagellum reaching to the extremity of the rostrum. Anten- nary appendage a little longer than the rostrum. The external maxillipeds reach to the middle of the rostrum and have no exognath ; the epignath per- haps exists, but we have been unable to discover it in our specimens. The feet are very slender, and none of them have an epipod. The abdomen is very long and strongly geniculated. Third segment compressed and promi- nent, as in Pandalus; penult joint much elongated. Length \\ inches. Found in deep water. Idothka Whitei. Body slender ; sides slightly convex ; head large. Outer antennae nearly two-thirds as long as the body ; the flagellum equalling the peduncle in length and composed of from sixteen to eighteen joints. First thoracic seg- ment short, less than two-thirds as long as the second. Abdomen segmented as in /. Wosnessenskii and the others of this group ; it is one-half longer than broad, slightly narrowing posteriorly, with the extremity rounded, truncate, and bluntly acuminated at the middle. Feet moderately stout. Color yel- lowish, minutely punctate with dark gray. Length of body 0-81 ; length of abdomen 0-27 inches. It is allied to /. Wosnessenskii, but is very much more elongated. It differs from 1. media, following Dana's description, in its much longer antenna?. We have dedicated this species to Lieut. J. W. White, who commanded the Revenue Cutter in the Sound while the Boundary Survey was in progress, and who rendered essential aid to the Naturalists of the Survey, by dredging many of the most interesting novelties which were obtained. Idothea urotoma. Body nearly linear, nearly five times as long as broad, broadest at the sixth thoracic segment. External antennae a little more than one-half as long as the body ; last two joints of the peduncle subequal ; flagellum a little shorter than the peduncle and ten-jointed. Abdomen consisting, as in the others of the group, of three joints, with the partial separation of a fourth ; subrectan- gular with convex extremities, and scarcely less broad at its truncate poste- rior extremity than at the anterior. The posterior extremity is peculiar in shape, the angle on either side projecting strongly, and separated by a notch from the convex or subtriangular middle portion, which bears a small tooth at the middle. The opercular abdominal feet which cover the branchial or swimming feet are large, nearly covering the entire under side of the abdo- men. Thoracic feet slender. Length of the body 0-75 ; greatest breadth 0-17 ; length of the abdomen 0-20 inch. We find no note of the depth of water in which this species was dredged. Aega belliceps. Smooth, subelliptical, and pointed anteriorly. Head with a small, short, blunt, rostriform process over the base of the superior antenna?. Eyes ovate, very large, but distant, and beautifully granulated (facetted). Thorax rather broad ; segments each marked with scattered impressed puncta?, mostly in a transverse row. Abdominal segments five in number, the terminal one scuti- 1864.] "central park. ' . NEW YORK. JUL YF tf/f. Posterior to heel 1" 6'"; hind foot 1" 4"'. Above dark brown, nape, vertebral line, and about five broad transverse cross bars on each side darker, the space between tinged with yellowish. Below bright yellow, gular region greyish, with some faint longitudinal brown lines ; chin, labial and rostral shields yellow, or tinged with it. Ex- tremities dark, with a few very faint cross bars. Hab. — Hayti. Mus. Britt. ** Tail cylindrical, or with vertebral and lateral scales equal ; ventrals keeled. Anolis c ar n e u s. Scales everywhere flat and smaller than frontal. Head short, broad, espe- cially occiput. Front narrow, concave, superciliary rows separated by two or three rows of scales. Superciliaries nine or ten, not wider than long, not continued as a large row on facial ridges, which are high, rounded, enclosing deep concavity, which is filled with equal subhexagonal scales, smooth or slightly one-keeled. Canthus rostralis sharp, short, descending steeply ; nos- trils lateral, eight or ten rows of narrow scales between. Occipital small, sur- rounded by nearly equal scales, which a little exceed the smooth dorsal. Eye large ; eight loreal rows. Many rows of keeled infralabials, scarcely larger than gulars. No whorls among tail scales, which are very weakly keeled. Ear nearly as large as eye slit. Supraorbitals weakly keeled, in five rows, not forming an isolated disc. From ear to end of muzzle 3| times from latter point to vent, in an old £ specimen, four times in a young $. No dermal dorsal fold. 9" b'" from muzzle to vent; tail 16"; groin to heel 5r/; hind foot 3" 5///; anterior limb 4" — all from 9 j which is light yellowish brown above ; a pink shaded median dorsal band, on each side of which is a narrow brown band, which commence by two convergent portions on occiput, and are inter- rupted behind opposite axilla; two or three other more or less interrupted paler brown streaks on each side. Brown band between eyes. Beneath im- maculate. Young <-^ everywhere rose colored, with some blackish markings on posterior part of sides, and faint bands across hind and fore limbs. Goitre very small. Two specimens in Mus. Britt. Lower Vera Paz Forest. Obtained from Osbert Salvin, a thorough explorer of that region. A. s e m i 1 ineatu s. Near to cyanopleurus; agreeing in most points in squamation ; but instead of six or seven there are 10 — 12 rows of larger dorsals ; 2 — 3 larger smooth infralabials ; front scales broad as long, smooth, six rows from can- thus row to canthus row at halfway to nares. A triangular patch of scales as large as loreals behind the eye, which are abruptly surrounded by the minute lateral. A brown shade from lores to middle of side ; yellow band from suprala- bial line to middle of side or groin, which is bounded above and below by a dark shade. Size, that of cyanopleurus. Hab. — Hayti. Mus. Brit. Anolis bitectu s. Muzzle acuminate, with scales broad as long, 1 — 3 keeled, those between ridge rows much smaller, minute, yet flat, one row between the double rowed superciliaries. Occiput oval, surrounded by small scales. Two rows of ra- ther broad keeled supraorbitals. Ear J of eye ; seven loreal rows ; canthus rostralis short, nearly straight. Infra-maxillary small, equal, keeled. Minute scales from eye along side ; nine larger dorsal rows, then two median size each side, then lateral. About eighteen rows of ventrals. Male with well developed goitre. Tail rather short. From end of muzzle to ear 1" 3V/; to vent 5" 2"'; hind foot 2"; heel to groin 2" V". 1864.] 172 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF Above light brown, below and on upper tip yellowish, abruptly sepa- rated from color of upper surfaces, which is on sides a dark band from eye, extending in 9 only to groin, and is bordered below with distinctly paler to middle of side. Two specimens. West Equador. From Fraser's collection. Anolis scypheus, Lateral scales minutely granular, graduating into larger, many rowed, keeled dorsals, which are very much less than ventrals, and less than fron- tals. Superciliary row not continued as larger scales to canthus, com- posed of nine scales, separated by three rows of keeled scales ; twelve rows at middle of muzzle between canthus rows, as broad as long, obtusely one- keeled. Canthus rostralis descending steeply, nearly straight, from lachrymal processes to same, equal from same to end of muzzle, and longitudinal diameter of orbit. No prefrontal concavity. Frontal and occipital region elevated. Eight loreal rows. Supraorbitals very small, on inner part of the region, in longitudinal series, keeled ; rest of surface granular. Occipital not large, sur- rounded by many flat scales, and between two bony crests, which unite pos- teriorly to it, send off a posterior median crest, which after 2" length, sends off a nearly transverse branch on each side. Ear \ size of eye opening. In- fralabials small, longitudinally keeled. Keeled scales of limbs much smaller than abdominal ; caudals very small, equal at root of tail. Trace of goitre in 9- Digital dilitations very narrow. From end of muzzle to ear V Q'"; to vent 6" 8'"; vent to end of tail 11" 2"'; hind foot 2" 6'"; groin to heel 3" 8'". Bright green; brown band across muzzle and eyelids, and some small white specks. Narrow blackish cross-bands directed forward on sides, and longi- tudinal reticulations from axilla. Femur ? twice, tibia once brown cross- banded. Immaculate below ; throat bluish. Anolis u s t u s. Resembles superficially alutaceus anddamulus. Head flattened ; muzzle acuminate ; greatest width between posterior scales of canthus ros- tralis from same point to anterior margin of nostril, which is lateral, and near end of muzzle. Ridges scarcely perceptible ; concavity shallow, broad, three scales wide. Scales of front broad as long, slightly one-keeled, in six or seven rows between canthus ; five rather large superciliaries which are in contact, or separated by one row of very small scales ; occipital large, surrounded by flat scales ; supraorbitals five or six ; three broad, smooth on inner row, in contact with superciliaries, except on one side of one specimen. Dorsal scales smaller than caudal, ventral or prefemoral. Five loreal rows ; canthus nearly straight ; ear J of eye; dilatations well devel- oped ; goitre weak. Infralabials few, small, shorter anteriorly. Tail a trifle more than twice head and body; muzzle to ear 1" 2///; ear to vent 2" 9///. Yellowish brown, with several short, irregular, darker, lighter bordered, half-fasciae above. Head darker above ; streak across between eyes. Gular and lateral regions with ferruginous small spots and shades. Tail with trans- verse dark shades. Extremities darker, paler, few cross banded. Two specimens. B. M. Belize. Anolis h e 1 i a c t i n. Size small ; head large, elongate, depressed ; ridges weak ; concavity shal- low, short ; fourteen more or less rows of narrow, keeled, not imbricate dor- sal scales which graduate into the granular lateral, and are smaller than the imbricate ventral: the last about equal to those on the middle of the front. Interrugal scale shield-like, broad as long, faintly keeled; a little larger than those of the ridges : these are continued as a row to the middle of the can- thus rostralis, and number nine scales from that point to posterior extremity behind orbit; they are separated by two rows of small scales, and two on each side from the round flat occipital; also by one row from supraorbital [Aug. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 173 disc. Six superior labials ; five loreal rows. Disc composed of two rows of broad scales ; the inner larger, keeled. Infralabials longitudinal, smaller than labials. Fan large. Ear one-third of eye fissure. Nostrils opening late- rally. Femur and tibia of moderate length. Tail very long; its scales larger than dorsal or ventral. Knee and elbows not meeting on the side by the length of the humerus ; heel not reaching axilla, longest toe posterior part of orbit. Digital dilatations narrow. Muzzle to ear enters three and one- half times into from muzzle to between femora. Pale yellow, with faint cop- pery and green reflections. Head tinged with brown ; labial plates whitish. Hab. — " Mexico." Mus. Academy Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Auolis nannodes. Very slight concavity on muzzle; ridges low; scales of front broad as long, smooth or slightly roughened. Superciliaries in contact ; small flat scales round the occipital. Dorsal scales very much smaller than those of front, and equal abdominal ; seven or nine rows in the middle a little larger. Infralabials numerous, little distinct, equal, keeled. Loreals four or five rows ; canthus rostralis nearly straight from angle of eye ; eight rows between canthal rows at middle muzzle. Ear \ size of eye opening. Eye not prominent. Two rows supraorbitals ; inner much larger ; four or five transverse in curved series se- parated by granular scales from superciliaries. Tail and extremities short; digital dilatations broad. End of muzzle to tympanum V* 2///; former to vent 4" 5'"; hind foot 1" 1>"; limb 2" 5'"; tail 7". Light reddish brown, with a brown cross band between eyes and across muzzle, and spot on each side of sacral region. The male with indistinct brown cross lines on back ; female a darker median shade, and indistinct blackish line on each side. Three specimens, two from Godman and Salvin's collection from Coban, Vera Paz, Mus. Brit. Sp. 6116 Mus. Smiths., Arriba, Costa Rica, from C. N. Riotte, and No. 61 17 Xalapa, De Oca. Anolis c r a s s u 1 u s. Differs from sallei in larger ventral and dorsal scales ; in smoother, broader scales of front, especially superciliaries and supraorbitals. More numerous supraorbitals ; shorter muzzle, a few larger, smoother infralabials. Differs from nebulosus in number and separation of superciliaries and in supraorbitals, apparently. Eyes rather small ; muzzle not long, not short, rounded acuminate, a little depressed at tip. Frontal depression strong, containing five or six scales, count- ing across its anterior part. Superciliaries as broad as long, separated by one or two rows (in one specimen in contact, perhaps abnormally) ; eight from canthus rostralis to point nearest occipital ; all scales of front smooth, thick, as broad as long. Two rows broad subhexagonal supraorbitals, four or five broader on inner row, forming a disc not surrounded by granules. Two or three outer infralabials equal inferior labials. Goitre well developed. Four loreal rows : 13 — 14 rows of dorsals graduating rather suddenly into laterals ; a little smaller than ventrals and prefemorals. Tail stout at base. Ear \ — J eye slit. Pale reddish brown, below yellower ; top of head darker ; front loreal region through eye along each side of neck a brown indistinct band, bounded below by a narrow yellowish one from whole labial length, which is prolonged posteriorly. 9 with a yellow dorsal band. End of muzzle to ear 1// 4///, to vent 4" 7"'; hind foot \" 7"'; heel to groin 2" ; tail 9". Two specimens. Coban, Vera Paz. " Central America." Mus. Brit. Sp. in Mus. Smithsonian and Acad. Nat. Sci. Anolis c y m b o p s. Width of head between temporal ridges equal to its perpendicular diameter at occipital plate ; muzzle rather short, acuminate ; loreal region straight, 1864.] 174 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP high ; canthus rostralis straight, steep ; muzzle swollen between nostrils ; no facial ridges, but a well marked, broad concavity. Eyes large ; palpebrae projecting upwards, with a supraorbital disc of three rows of keeled scales, which are longer than broad. Seven rows of loreals ; superciliaries six or se- ven, separated by one row of scales of nearly equal size ; four rows between continuation of superciliary rows, but all of nearly equal size, broad as long, some keeled; eight scales across middle of muzzle; on end of muzzle smaller. Two rows of scales (suboculars divided) between orbit and superior labials. Labials 11. Symphyseal posteriorly convex in outlines, infralabial small, subequal, keeled. Occiput small, surrounded by numerous flat scales. Abdominal scales smaller than those of front, obtusely keeled. La- terals and dorsals granular, minute, gradually a little larger dorsally, but- less than two median rows, which extend from nape to on tail, which are keeled and smaller than the abdominal. Exterior scales of extremities larger, keeled. Digital dilatations not broad. Hind limb extended, reaches to middle of lores. Tail slightly compressed ; scales at base smaller, flat, keeled; two meridian rows larger. End of muzzle to ear \" \,ff; ear to vent 2" 9'''; vent to end of tail 6"; anterior extremity 1" V"; posterior to heel 1" 9¥"; hind foot \" \\"f. Above brown, outer edges of the two median dorsal rows much darker ; a cross band on tibia ; below yellowish brown, rather closely shaded with reddish brown, especially posterially and on extremities. A dark shade in front of each inguinal region. One sp. 9- Vera Cruz. *** Tail cylindrical, without crest, or covered above with equal scales : ventralt smooth. Anolis impetigosus. Muzzle elongate acuminate, depressed, rugte obsolete ; concavity shallow, elongate rhombic ; nostrils terminal ; canthus rostralis not prominent. Scales of front large, smooth, polygonal, as long as broad, anteriorly a middle series separated by smaller ones from those of the canthus rostralis. Two large broad plates between canthus rostralis and end of superciliary series. Latter in contact medially, separated from the small occipital, which is surrounded by flat subhexagonal scales, where they can be seen. Two bony ridges, converging from the posterior part of the superciliaries, meet on the median line, and project a short mucro, which is a little behind above the auricular opening. Between these, as far as the narrow frontal region, the head is roughened by minute exostoses. Supraorbital disc small, in contact with the supercilia- ries, composed of three large inner and one small outer scales. Loreal rows two ; auricular opening little more than half ocular. Abdominal scales larger than dorsal, considerably larger than those of the front. Dorsal, late- ral and longest extremital equal, smooth, flat, not regularly arranged ; epi- dermis minute, scales of tail smaller than dorsal, except four median inferior rows, which are keeled and nearly as large as those of front. Symphyseals longer than broad, slightly divaricating posteriorly. Eight inferior labials bounded below by one row of infralabials anteriorly, and two rows posteri- orly ; the former larger than the labials, longitudinal. Gular fan large. Extremities short ; tail a little longer than head and body, terminally com- pressed. End of muzzle to ear 1// 3///; ear to vent 3// 10///; tail 6//. Ante- rior limb 1" 5'"; posterior 2" 3"'. Above and laterally very pale brown, with numerous short, darker, longi- tudinally arranged streaks ; tail with a reddish tint. Below pale yellow ; gular fan with many large black spots. Habitat. — Unknown. One specimen. B. M. Anolis gi b bi ce p s. Short and stout ; head broad and square posteriorly, short acuminate ante- [Aug. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 175 riorly ; canthus rostralis elevated, little concave ; frontal concavity well-marked, not contracted anteriorly. Eyes and ears large, orifice of latter one-half that ef former. Nostrils lateral terminal. Loreal scales small, eight-rowed ; muz- zle and front scales longer than broad, striate, and sometimes one-keeled, of equal size, in nine longitudinal rows across middle of muzzle ; superciliaries eight, a little broader than long, separated by three rows of scales. Supraor- bital disc surrounded by smaller scales, and composed of six or seven elongate, keeled scales. Occipital small, surrounded by small, equal, rough scales. In- fralabials small, equal, numerous, keeled; antebrachial and prefemoral keeled scales larger than abdominals. Laterals and dorsals small, graniform or cari- nate ; two or three median rows a little larger, less than abdominals, strongly keeled. Scales round base of tail equal, keeled, as large as antebrachial. Muz- zle to ear \" 4/// ; between temporal ridges 9'" ; muzzle to vent 3'' 9'". An- terior extremity 2" 4"'. Groin to heel 2" Q'"; heel to end digit 2". Above bronze brown, the head browner, the tail redder ; below pale metallic ferruginous with green reflections ; no regular or distinct lines or spots. One 9 specimen from Caraccas, with trace of gular fan, in Mus. Brit. **** Tail compressed, or with a crest of compressed vertebral scales ; ventrals carinate. Anolis ordinatus. Head broad, subacuminate, depressed at end of muzzle, from which point to middle of marginal supraorbitals equal between two latter points. Canthus ros- tralis a little convex. Only one large scale on frontal ruga in front of last su- perciliary. Front and muzzle scales longer than broad, one-keeled, in regular longitudinal series, not imbricate; six rows between nares, (lateral subterminal) of which the four middle are equal ; five loreal rows, labials five or six. Only one large infralabial. Occipital surrounded by small scales. Supraorbital disc nearly or quite isolated, each scale keeled, as broad as long, three larger in inner ' series. Auricular opening half ocular ; fan well developed. A slight dorsal nuchal fold. Scales of the extremities keeled ; of femur largest, larger than abdominal. A few dorsal scales gradually larger, especially two median, which are weakly keeled. Tail much compressed ; scales at base minute. Trace of rhombic occiput depression. End of muzzle to ear 1" 4'"; ear to vent 4" 3'". Anterior limb 2"; posterior to heel 2" V" ; foot 1" 8'". f Yellowish brown, or a series of light small spots on each side of back, bordered with dark brown ; and some vertical series of larger confluent similar spots, dark bordered. 9 with a pale greenish median dorsal band not laterally defined, but bounded between femora and on base of tail by two large brown spots on each side. Two specimens, <^ 9 . " W. Indies." Anolis all ia c eu s. Near leachii, but with larger frontal plates and weaker face ridges, etc. Four rows in the almost flat front cavity smaller than three or four polygonals between terminal scales of front ridge rows ; of these there are three — two lying along canthus. Six rows between lateral nostrils. One row between supercilia- ries, which are broader than long, and one row of granules between lateral and supraorbital disc. Some swollen scales round occipital, four (five) loreal rows; between posterior scales of canthus rostralis equal from same to end of muzzle. Ear two-thirds of eye. Symphyseals very large, larger than fir3t infralabial, second larger than inferior labials ; third infralabial large. Lateral scales minute, rough, scarcely smaller than dorsals, except two median rows of larger keeled, which are less than the keeled equal brachials, which are less than weakiy keeled oval abdominals, which are less than keeled prefemorals. A slight fold on nape. Four large inferior caudals. Dilatations not narrow. Fan not very extensile, elongate. End of muzzle to ear 2i times in from ear to groin. Large row of equal caudal crest scales. Laterals small, keeled ; four inferior rows large. 1864.] 176 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Bright dark bluish-green, with coarser or finer black vermiculations on neck, nape, gular and scapular regions. An elongate, black, light-edged spot above axilla, on each side interscapular region, and one or two each side of nape. Head above, anterior to line connecting angles of mouth, pale brown. End of muzzle to ear \" 9///; ear to vent 4// 1/f/, Anterior limb 3// 3///; posterior to heel 3"; heel to end digit V 4"'. Hah. ? Mus. Brit. Of the preceding species of Anolis, sixteen have been derived from the Brit- ish Museum collection. My particular acknowledgments are due to Drs. Gray and Giintber, the directors, for the ample facilities afforded me in the exami- nation of these and of other objects of interest under their care. Laemanctus s erratus. Occipital prominence shorter and more elevated than in L. 1 o n g i p e s, its border serrated with six prominent angular scales. Front with three pairs of large plates, the two posterior bounded exteriorly by two others. Seven su- perior labials to beneath orbit ; infralabials smaller, lateral scales larger than inlongipes. Scales everywhere keeled ; dorsals a little smaller than abdo- minals. Collar not very distinct. Dorsal crest not elevated on the posterior half of the back. A yellow band from loreal region to groin, brown bordered above from orbit to ear. A broader pale lateral band and six brown cross bars on the back. This species is said to be found in the Orizaba Valley, Mexico. It is figured by Prof. Dume>il in the Archives du Muse6, 1856, pi. xxi. Specimens are also in the Museums of London and Leyden, the latter of which, through the liberality of Prof. Hermann Schlegel, have served as the types of my description. The Laemancti fitzingeri, obtusirostris and undulatus of Wieg- mann, belong to the genus Urostrophus, while th*e L. acutirostris is a true Polychrus. The type specimens of Wiegmann are preserved, under the direction of Prof. Peters, in the museum of the Friederich Wilhelm's University in Berlin. My thanks are due to the Professor for the many facilities which he kindly placed at my disposal, during investigations among these and his own numerous types. Uta iigricauda. Series of large dorsal scales narrow, embracing seven rows of uniform size ; the scales smaller than the smooth abdominals, keeled, those posterior larger than those in the anterior part of each row. Laterals minute, flat ; caudals largest of all, very strongly keeled ; antebrachials and prefemorals larger than dorsals, keeled. Two dermal folds on each side, and a strong one in front of gular fold, beside a few cross folds in front of shoulder. Ear large, with three small fringe scales. Lateral occipitals small ; frontal long, undivided, pre- ceded by five large scales, of which the posterior pair is in contact on the me- dian line. Five rather broad supraorbitals, separated from marginal row by minute scales. Infralabials five on each side, large, separated by one row of smaller scales from labials: the anterior pair in contact. Eleven and twelve femoral pores. End of muzzle to ear 5 lin. ; ear to vent 1 in. b\ 1. ; vent to end of tail 3 in. 2 1 ; anterior limb 9 1. ; posterior 1 in. 2 1. ; hind foot 6£ 1. Brown above, sometimes very dark, with seven short lateral black coss- bands, sometimes light edged behind, on each side ; never confluent across the median line. Tail black or blackish brown. Head above lighter, with a few superciliary brown specks or cross lines. Each side of abdomen blue from axilla to groin, deepest and nearly meeting other side on the median line. Throat in males orange. jlab. — Cape St. Lucas, Lower California. From the Xantus collections, (No. 3723) Mus. Smithsonian, No. 5307. Mus. A. N. S. Phila. This species is nearest U. graciosa, of the Colorado region, but has a shorter muzzle, broader front, and other distinguishing traits. It was found [Aug NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 177 in considerable abundance with U. stansburiana and thalassina. U. bicarinata Las been described by Prof. Dum6ril as typical of his genus Phymatolepis ; it cannot be separated from Uta. His Sauromalus is also Eu- phryne of Baird. Sceloporus utiformis. Ten longitudinal rows of large, highly keeled, shortly mucronate dorsal scales, separated by many lateral series of minute flat scales, from the smaller entire edged abdominals. From axilla to ear the laterals are granular; a der- mal fold extends to temporal from scapular region, and sends branches to a V- shaped fold, which extends downwards and backwards from the posterior bor- der of the large auricular opening. Six (seven) rows of shortly highly keeled scales on nape ; from which point to rump are about 26 transverse series. Gu- lar scales entire ; three moderate infralabials. Six rather short supraorbitals, separated from marginals by three rows of small scales. Interparietal as broad as long, subrectangular, with two parietals on each side. Frontoparietals not subdivided transversely, as is usual, but subdivided longitudinally to frontal ; latter a little longer than broad; first row between canthi of three broad plates fully in contact. Profile arched, muzzle prominent, narrow. Thirteen femoral pores. Tail cylindrical, long. From end of muzzle to ear 7} 1. ; from ear to vent 2 in. 1 1. ; vent to end of tail 5 in. 7 1. ; anterior limb 1 in. 2 1. ; posterior limb 2 in. ; hind foot 111. General co'.or blackish, with numerous indistinct lighter cross bars. Below pale greenish grey ; gular region greenish, with narrow light cross lines. Hab. — Near Colima, Mexico. Obtained by John Xantus, U. S. Consul at Manzanillo. A species technically nearest to the S. couchii, which exhibits much smaller dorsal scales, and approaching the genus Uta in its scutellation. Sceloporus pyrocephalus. Dorsal scales much larger than ventral, strongly keeled, unimucronate ; in about twenty-five transverse oblique series fiom nape to crural region. Lateral scales larger than abdominal ; of the latter a portion only slightly emarginate. Scales from ear to shoulder squamous; those of ear fringe a little larger than those anterior to them. Tail much compressed. Femoral pores twelve. Su- praorbitals five, transverse, in immediate contact with narrow marginals, not touching superciliaries. Frontoparietal narrow ; frontal broader than long, not divided. Parietals exceedingly small ; interparietal large, much broader than long. Frontonasals two each side broader than long ; posterior in con- tact; anterior embracing broad hexagonal internasal. Infralabials small, ex- cept the anterior pair, which is large and extensively in contact. From end of muzzle to ear 6 lines ; ear to vent 1 inch 9 lines; length of anterior limb 11. lines ; of hinder limb 1 inch 5 lines ; of hinder foot 7 lines. Greenish brown, with a broad black band from the scapular region to the groin, light bordered above. Below yellowish, sides bluish ash to near the median line, on each side of which is a series of from seven to nine trans- verse blue bars. Upper labial and gular region striped with a series of black or bluish lines, which converge posteriorly on a paler or deeper yellow ground Top of the bead bright chestnut red ; the fontanelle white or pink, surround- ed by a pale area. In many specimens, especially females, the head is browu above, except the parietal spot. Ilab. — Near Colima, Mexico ; obtained by Jno. Xantus, U. S. Consul at Manzanillo, where it is abundant. Collection Nos. 1223, 1311. This small spe- cies may be known from the th ay e r i by the extension outward of its supra- orbitals, and small size of its parietals, as well as by coloration, and its re- markably compressed tail. Sceloporus oligoporus. Dorsal scales large, mucronate. in twenty rows from interscapular to sacral 1864.] 12 178 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF regions, larger than laterals, which are larger than ventrals: last with a sharp mucro, and one or two emarginations. Tail cylindrical ; femoral pores only two or three. Parietals large ; interparietal longer than broad. Frontal and frontoparietal broad; former longer, uudivided. Divided frontonasals and in- ternasals in contact ; supraorbitals in contact with both marginals and super- ciliary ridge, four on each side. Three pairs infralabials, transverse, the ante- rior barely in contact. Three bordering scales of ear, not larger than those preceding. End of muzzle to ear 11 lines ; ear to vent 3 inches, 5 lines ; length of tail 3 inches; length of anterior extremity 8 lines; posterior 2 inches 7 lines ; hind foot 1 inch. Males, above brown, with a yellowish dorsolateral band and seven or eight pairs of yellowish, anteriorly black edged spots on the back. Top of head red ; below whitish ; sides faintly blue tinged. Females brown-olive, with a paler dorsolateral band. Throat, a broadband to shoulders, and sides of abdomen, blue. Hab. — Near Colima, Mexico ; from the Xantus coll. A species to be compared with clarkii, zosteromus and s p i n o s u s, and differing from them and all other species in the fewness of the femoral pores, thus approaching the genus Froctotretus. The frontal is not narrow as in zosteromus, nor the ventrals rounded emarginate as in it and the other species. The supraorbitals are bordered by small scales in s p i n o a u s. Sceloporus malachiticus. Dorsal scales larger than lateral which are larger than ventral, strongly mu- eronate, in 25 to 28 rows from interscapular to sacral region, fourteen rows between axilla? and eight to ten between femora. Scales before shoulder squamous; marginal ear scales very small ; supraorbitals five, broad, short, separated by small scales from superciliary ridge, and larger scales from nar- row marginals. Parietals small, subtriangular ; interparietal with parallel lateral borders, longer or as long as broad. Internasal broad ; its anterior su- ture nearly straight. Infralabials small ; anterior little or not in contact. Abdominal and gular scales not mueronate, and apparently not emarginate. Lateral scales, even to axilla, strongly mueronate, four times emarginate to ser- rate. End of muzzle to ear 8£ lines ; ear to vent 2 inches 5 lines ; anterior limb 1 inch, 5 lines ; posterior limb 2 inches ; tail ? ; sixteen femoral pores. General color bright green, with angular dark cross-bars, five or six on each side. Sides of abdomen and throat blue; the latter extending to nape. Habitat. — Costa ltica, near Arriba, whence the Smithsonian Institution has received specimens, 6492, through Cha3. N. Itiotte. This animal is the tropical representative of our S. undulatus, though in general appearance not unlike the formosus. The much stronger mucro- nation and eniargination of the scales, especially on the sides, as well as the color, are distinguishing traits. Pbrynosoma a s io. Nostrils lateral, in the line of the canthus rostralis. Three or four aeries of lateral gular scales on each side, which are short and subequal. Rostral prc- seut flat semi-discoid. Eight scales on sharp infralabial ridge. Superior labials nine subequal, not produced into horns continuous with temporo-occipital crest. Horns of latter, two diverging temporal, separated from two vertical occipital, which are separated by a depression. One high acute posterior super- ciliary on each side. Auricular opening large, bounded below and behind each by a bunch of spines. Two lateral series, superior large. Pectoral and abominal scales large, keeeled ; femoral pores 7 to 0. A dorsolateral series of very thick spinous processes, and two median dorsal rows of flat mueronate scales, which become four rows of spines on the tail ; one median nuchal row. Femur and tibia with two rows of spines each ; three rows of very strongly keeled plates on 0 e humerus. Tail of tf as long as from shoulder to vent ; i. e., :; inches 4 lines. End of muzzle to ear 1 inch ; to shou'der 1 inch 6 lines ; to [Aug. NATURAL SCIENCES OF [PHILADELPHIA. 179 end of temporal horn 1 inch 4 lines ; to end of superciliary do. 1 inch. Width of front between middle of superciliary ridges 8 lines. Width of body (exclusive of lateral spines) 3 inches 4 lines. General color ashy ; the fiead pale ; the body brownish : from occiput to groin between dorso-lateral and lateral rows of spines, deep brown, leaving a narrow pale space on nape. Four broad brown cross-bands anterior to sacral region, pale bordered posteriorly ; nearly obsolete in $ ; tail with many brown, pale- edged cross-bands; below unspotted. Habitat. — Colima, Mexico; from consul John Xantus. This is the largest species of horned frog, and very distinct. Its affinities are between cornutum and coronatum. Gerrhonotus g r a m i n e u s. Two pairs supranasals ; the posterior longitudinal, elongate ; internasal smaller than frontonasals. Four short supraorbitals ; four marginals. Eleven supralabials. Two frenonasals, the smaller above the larger; one frenal and one very large freno-ocular. Six in first, five in second row of infralabials. Muzzle not produced ; plates of head thickened and roughened, especially en- larged on the temporal region. Dorsal scales in twenty-three longitudinal se- ries from nape to opposite groin, and in fourteen longitudinal rows ; in form twice as long as wide, thick, with an obtuse keel, roughened in old specimens. Abdominal scales in twelve and fourteen series ; lateral fold very weak. Ex- tended limbs touching, or the posterior reaching wrist. Muzzle to ear I incli ; to vent 4 inches 4 lines ; vent to axilla 2 inches 11 lines ; to end of tail 6 in. 3 lines ; anterior limb 1 inch 2 lines; posterior 1 inch 7 lines. Above bright pea green, each transverse series of scales blackish at the base, and yellowish at the tips. Below pale green, with a reddish tint in some, gular region and lower jaw yellow, abruptly separated from the green of the neck. Habitat. — Orizaba, Mexico. Mus. Smithsonian. From a fine collection (No. 50), made by Prof. Sumichrast, which contained also Spilotes poecilono- tus and Atropus undulatus. The Professor has recently published some interesting observations on the habits of certain Mexican reptiles in the Ann. Mag. N. Hist., 1864, p. 497. Diploglossus steindachneri. Tail cyclotetragonal. Scales in thirty-two longitudinal rows, (ten dorsal), without central keel, eight and ten striate. Limbs weak, not meeting when pressed to side by the length of the hind foot; digits much compressed, claws acute. Five supraorbitals; frontal longer than broad, subparallelogrammic. No frontonasals ; internasal broader than frontal. Supranasals very large. Two frenonasals, one above the other ; one very high prefrenal ; two postfrenals, one above the other ; one freno-orbitar. Nine supralabials. Interparietal tri- angular, longer than broad, separating the short parietals, whose posterior out- line is emarginate and embraces the broader than long postparietals ; fronto- parietals very small. End of muzzle to shoulder 1 in. 1 1. ; shoulder to vent 2 in. 6 1. ; vent to end of tail 5 in. 2 1. ; posterior limb 1 in. 2 1. Olivaceous, the sides tessellated with small black spots, which become bands on the axillary and postauricular regions ; lips greenish, black spotted ; below uniform pale greenish. Hab. — Orizaba, Mexico. Sent to the Mus. Smithsonian, (No. 6342), by Prof. F. Sumichrast. Dedicated to Dr. Franz Steindachner, of the Imperial Museum of Vienna. Lampropholis assatus. Scales small, entirely equal, in thirty longitudinal rows. Body subcylin- drical : head short, not depressed. Tympanum large, in a deep depression, which is not fringed. Nasals and frontonasals respectively not in contact. In- 1864.] 180 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP ternasal little broader than long; frontal much produced anteriorly, very acu- minate posteriorly. Single frontoparietal broad as long, with transverse pos- terior suture. Four rather large supraorbitals. Interparietal longer than broad; parietals narrow, in contact posteriorly, not succeeded by a double row of transverse scales. One high frenonasal, one frenal, two freno-orbitars, one above the other. Superior labials seven. Palatine maxillary laminae over- lapping their whole length. From end of muzzle to axilla 7£ lines ; axilla to vent 1 in. 1 1. Length of tail 2 in. 5 1. ; of hind limb 6£ lines. Above brown fulvous ; below pale fulvous ; a faint dark line from eye across scapular region. Hab. — Guatimala. Taken by Capt. J. M. Dow near the Volcano of Isalco, and presented by him to the Mus. Acad. Nat. Sciences. The genus Lampropholis was first established by Dr. J. E. Gray, and called by him Mocoa. I prefer using the more classic and prior name of Fitzinger, though the genus is not to be attributed to this author. The present species is the first which has been found on the American continent. The American species placed in it by Gray belong to the genus Oligosoma Grd., under which Lygosomella Grd., Leptosoma Fitz., and perhaps Ilombronia Grd., may be placed as synonyms. Oligosoma gemmingeri. Scales in twenty-seven longitudinal rows ; the two median nnchal scarcely larger. Body stout, cylindrical, limbs short, weak, the anterior reaching the anterior margin of ear anteriorly, posteriorly not touching extremity of ap- pressed hind limb by its length. Seven upper labials ; one frenonasal, frenal, and freno-orbitar each ; parietals short ; interparietal nearly broad as long. End of muzzle to axilla 10 lines ; axilla to vent 1 in. 8 1. ; posterior limb 8% 1. Above fulvous or brown ; beneath yellowish white. A dark dorso-lateral Streak extends from the nostril to a distance on the tail, which is light bordered above on the body, and borders above a dark lateral shade. Hab. — Orizaba, Mexico. From Prof. F. Sumichrast. Mus. Smithsonian, No. 6331. This Mexican representative of our O. laterale differs in its stouter body and shorter limbs, its nearly equal dorsal and nuchal scales, its much shorter posterior cephalic and labial plates, and in color. Named in pleasant recollec- tion of Dr. Max. Gemminger, of Munich, author of Fauna Boica and other works. Paludicola pustulosa. Muzzle compressed, narrow, plane above, produced beyond labial margin ; canthus rostralis rounded. Nares nearly terminal ; eyes rather large, each lid equaling the frontal width. Tympanum concealed; a large vocal sac. Skin above covered with small warts, some of which are linear and curved. No skin folds. Toes elongate, free, knobbed at extremities and under each joint; two metatarsal and one median inner tarsal spur; no tarsal fold. Below, on the breast, smooth, minutely rugose posteriorly. Two large metacarpal warts. Heel reaching middle of orbit. From end of muzzle to shoulder 7 1.; to vent 1 in. 3 1. ; width across angle of jaws 5 1. ; length of anterior limb 10 1. ; of pos- terior 1 in. 9 1. ; of hind foot 7 1. Above blackish brown ; elbow, tarsus and foot broadly banded with pink grey ; below and on inner surfaces of limbs yellow, marbled with black, the latter color predominating anteriorly, but divided by a median yellow line to symphysis mandibuli. Hab. — New Grenada, on the River Truando. Obtained by W, S. Wood, of Michler's Surveying Expedition. No. 4339. Paludicola is a genus of Wagler's which has been latterly overlooked. It is the only one beside Schismaderma among the Bufonidie which lacks the pa- rotoids ; from this genus it differs in its manubrium sterni. free toes, and tarsal spur, in this last respect resembling Gomphobates biligonigerus. It [Aug. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 181 agrees with Bufo in the fully developed frontoparietal bones, differing from Epidalea (Bufo c a 1 a m i t a Auct.) and Pseudophryne in this respect. Pbyllomedusa dacnicolor. Parotoids exceedingly weak, if present. Fingers very slightly, toes one-third webbed. Labial margin projecting, profile sloping. Tympanum one-half orbit. Eyes not very prominent, transparent, inferior palpebra reticulated with white veins. Mandibular outlines straight. Tongue long, pyriform, openly emarginate posteriorly. Skin above smooth ; inferior areolations not extend- ing on pectoral or gular regions. Vomerine teeth in two straight transverse rows between anterior margin of inner nares. A few small pustules on ante- rior part of sides, which are yellow, like the inferior surfaces. Superior sur- faces (narrowly on femur,) violet blue. Upper lip not light bordered ; gular region and posterior faces of femora immaculate. From end of muzzle to posterior border of tympanum 10 lines: from angle to angle of mandible 1 in. 1 1. ; end of muzzle to vent 3 in. 6 1. ; anterior extremity 2 in. ; posterior limb 3 in. 10 1. Hab. — Near Colima ; from the large Xantusian Coll. This species diverges widely from the type of Phyllomedusa in its webbed toes and almost absent glands, but the glands are only a little stronger in the P. a z urea. It affords an easy passage to the true Hylae, whose family it en- ters, by the genus Agalychnis Cope. The type of the latter is Hyla c a 1 1 i- d r y a s Cope, and H. m o r e 1 e t i i and holochlora are the other species. They have the tongue long and extensively free, sometimes emarginate, and the transparent inferior palpebra reticulated with strong white veins. The inner toes are remarkably lengthened and free of movement. On the Limits and Relations of the RANIFORMES. BY E. D. COPE. Similar relations to those which exist between the mammalia Implacentia- lia and the remainder of the class, and vice-versa, are apparently repeated in other groups of greater or less rank in the animal kingdom. Among the tortoises, the Pleurodera separate themselves most strongly by the union of their ischia with the plastron, the absence of the arch of the o. prefrontale which elsewhere descends to the o. palatinum, or vomer, and their intergular shield ; while they present modifications among themselves characteristic of most of the other families, arranging themselves according to the develop- ment of the parieto-mastoid arch, in an ascending series, which terminates in Bothremys and Podocnemys, where the temporal fossa is entirely roofed in, as in the sea turtles. In the Lacertilia Acrodonta we have a group equally removed from others of the order. The acrodont dentition, the great development of the o. dentale and final extinction of the o. operculare, etc., and the exclusion of the premaxillare from contact with the vomer, are pecu- liarities not found associated in other lizards, while their parallel representa- tion of the groups of the Iguauida? at least, among the Pleurodonta, is well known. In general these also form an ascending series to be measured by the gradual extinction of the o. premaxillare* and o. columellum, which finally occurs in Chamaeleo. The Raniformes among Batrachia Salientia are in many respects compara- ble to the Acrodonta. They stand at the head of their order, possessing the most compact, powerful and complete organization, and in spite of the con- stant imitation of the many lower types, their is a certain homogeneity in important points. The structure of the sternum separates them at once, and * This bone, said to be single in Lacertilia, is divided iu all the true Scincidae, in Phyllurus among the Geceotidse, and, according to Owen, in Hatteria. 1864.] 182 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF presents less variety than in the other suborders. The o. o. coracoi'dea are distally much dilated horizontally, especially anteriorly, and in close contact on the median line ; their axis is transverse. The o. o. 'epicoracoi'dea are also transverse, and usually in contact medially, always resting against the ante- rior angles of the coracoi'dea. The manubrial and xiphisternal pieces are dilated proximally and become cylindrical or styloid, terminating in a carti- laginous disc. The only other cartilages of the sternum are the intersutural. Frogs with this sternum always have a cylindrical diapaphyses of the sacrum, and never a fronto-parietal fontanelle. In the ordinary type of sternum the coracoi'dea are little or not dilated, and converge posteriorly without meeting, while the epicoracoi'dea converge anteriorly and are connected with the for- mer by longitudinal arched cartilages ; hence I have termed these Arciferi. Among the toothless Batrachia or Bufoniformes (which have dilated sacral diapophyses, except in one genus), some forms show an approach to the Rani- form style, while in the Aglossa we find the most exaggerated Arciferous type. The Raniformes embrace but one family, but this imitates well many genera of Arciferi. The metropolis of the former, as of the Acrodonta, is the Regio Palaeotropica, while the latter have but few representatives out of the R. R. Neotropica and Australis, where but one or two species of the former occur. In both we can trace a series in which the outer metatarsal is gradu- ally liberated from the penultimate, to afford greater extension for the web in the most aquatic types, and among those where these bones are bound, from webless to webbed types. In both we have burrowing and arboreal genera. In strict reference to the extension of the webs the following parallels may be drawn : Raniformes. Arciferi. External metatarsal free. Aquatic. Rana. Pseudis. Subfossorial. Hoplobatrachus. Myxophye3. External metatarsal attached. Feet webbed. Burrowing. Pyxicephalus. Tomopterna. Arboreal. Leptopelis. Hyla. " Hyperolius. Hylella. Subarboreal. Hylambates. Nototrema. Feet not webbed. Terrestrial. Cassina. Cystignathus. " spurred Hemimantis. Gomphobates. Comparing the genera in a general physiological sense, we may parallelize further — Aquatic, with digital dilatations, — Heteroglossa. Acris. ■n i j i f Trachycephalus. Arboreal. Polypedates. | Hyla. » Rhacophorus. Agalychnis. It is, however, remarkable that the Raniform tree-frogs nearly always have the external metatarsal bone free, the Arciferous always bound ; the terminal phalanges of the latter are constructed on a ball and claw type, in the former they are T-shaped or bifurcate, except in the single West African genus Lep- topelis, where the South American type is repeated. Evidently belonging to former times, as their present weak representation and generalized structure seem to indicate, are two families of Arciferi not [Aug. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 183 at all imitated among the Raniformia. These are the Discoglossida? and Aste- rophrydidae. In both the vertebrae are opisthocoelian instead of procoelian, and the sacral diapaphyses are dilated. The latter approaches closest to the ordinary type, having a simple coccyx with but one condyle, no ribs or fron- to-parietal fontanelle, and a styloid xiphisternum. The genera are Megalo- phrys, Xenophrys, Asterophrys, Leptobrachium and Cryptotis, one Indian, one Australian, the rest Malaysian. The former family is the most remarkable. It has rudimentary ribs, a xiphisternum divided into two long haemapophyses, a coccyx with diapophyses and two condyles, and, in the recent types, a fronto- parietal fontanelle. The genera are Latonia, Discoglossus, Alytes, and Bom- binator, all European. There are no arboreal types in these two families, and their terminal phalanges are straight, conic. They form the nearest living- approach to the Batrachia Gradientia. The Batrachian which have been called Proteroglossa form, I believe, a family — Rhinophrynidre — among the Bufoniformes. Description of a GAR-PIKE, supposed to be new— Lepidosteus (Cylindrosteus^ oculatus. BY PROFESSOR ALEXANDER WINCHELL. In the month of February, 1863, the Museum of the University of Michigan received a specimen of an unknown gar-pike, from Duck Lake, Calhoun Co., Michigan. As Prof. Agassiz had made a special study of this genus, and had declared that he was acquainted with twenty-two species, I transmitted to him a brief description of the fish ; but, for some reason, I received no reply. I sent the same to Prof. Baird, but obtained no assistance ; I then wrote Mr. Putnam, at Cambridge, for references to all the published descriptions of Lepidostei, and, a few months ago, received the information sought ; though most of it was already within my reach. On Prof. Agassiz' visit to Ann Arbor, last winter, during my absence this fish was shown to him by Dr. Sa- ger. Prof. Agassiz thought it had been described by Dr. Kirtlaud, but he could not say in what work the description had appeared. The impression given was, that it had been published in some agricultural work, in Ohio, not generally accessible, and not likely to be seen by ichthyologists. I wrote to Dr. Kirtland on this point but received no reply. I am convinced that this species, if ever described, has not been made known through such a medium that the description can be said to be published to the scientific world. I am, therefore, determined to run tbe slight risk of creating another synonym, by offering the following name and detailed desciiption. Lepidosteus (Cylindrosteus) oculatus. Winchell. General form elongate-spindle-shaped, laterally flattened toward the tail, and vertically flattened from the nape forwards. Greatest he;ght contained 10£ times in the whole length ; greatest width the same. Lower outline nearly straight, slightly ascending at the throat, and more so from a point an- terior to the anal to the base of the caudal fin ; upper outline gently curved along the back, anteriorly somewhat more rapidly curved to a point over the angle of the mouth ; lateral outline gently and equally curved from the ex- tremity of the snout to the base of the tail ; greatest vertical diameter through a point about three scales in front of the abdominal fins ; greatest transverse diameter through a point about six scales in front of the abdominals. Number of scales in a diagonal series (between the dorsal and ventral rows) 18, occasionally increased to 19, by the interpo ation of an additional scale near the ventral row ; number of scales in the dorsal row, between the head and the dorsal fin, 48 ; behind the dorsal fin, 8 or 9. The first diagonal series of scales do not meet on the nape of the neck, being separated by the pair of mutually equivalent scales of the dorsal row, which belong in the second di- 1864.] 184 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF agonal series ; these two scales are pentangular. The scales of the dorsal row increase in width from the third to the sixth ; the third is small, triangular ; the fourth, rounded posteriorly and slightly curved on the four other sides ; the fifth becomes emarginate posteriorly, convex on the two contiguous sides, and overlapped antero-laterally by the adjoining scales of the next anterior diagonal series ; the sixth exhibits the same form with a greater transverse diameter ; the seventh is small again, and the width gradually increases to the tenth ; the eleventh in turn is small, and the size increases to the six- teenth, beyond which the size is rather variable. From the sixth to the twenty-second, the general form of the sixth is preserved, with a tendency to become less and less emarginate, and more elongate longitudinally. The lat- eral scales are rhomboidal, those which lie along the lateral line having the dimension which coincides with the direction of the diagonal series one and one-third times the other dimension. The longer sides are nearly straight ; the shorter, sigmoidally curved by lines which first bend downwards and then upwards. This form of the scales is shown to some extent by nine or more lateral rows on each side. Generally, the scales nearer the head are less angulated behind ; while those toward the other extremity are more drawn out. The surfaces of the scales, where not worn, are rough to the touch ; and under a magnifier, and even to the naked eye, are seen to be covered with fine granules. The first diagonal series is sculptured by vermicular, in- tersecting furrows, which show a tendency to radiate from the central area. Similar sculpturing can be traced on the sides, as far back as the sixth series. Head one fourth the total length of the fish, lanceolate in outline, laterally tapering, with slight curvature from the hinder border of the openula to the extremity of the trumately rounded snout. Eyes large, situated less than the diameter of the orbit behind the extremity of the lower jaw. Projection of the upper jaw beyond the lower, equal to the distance between the nos- trils, which, opening upwards, in oval apertures, are situated half the same distance behind the tip of the snout. Lower jaw a little more than half the whole length of the head. Angle of the mouth midway between the tip of the snout and the hinder margin of the operculum. Each ramus of the jaw presenting below a flat surface, with parallel borders extending directly back for a short distance, and then slightly arching outwards ; on its lateral surface regularly increasing in vertical width to the small "angular piece ;" through half its whole length projecting laterally beyond the maxillary ; furnished with a principal row of strong conical teeth slightly bent backwards and in- wards ; the lips furnished with a smaller Sf-t, aud the internal surface clothed with a multitude of dentelets. The principal and labial teeth of the maxil- lary and intermaxillary are similar to those of the lower jaw; the palatines are set with numerous fine teeth. The top of the head is somewhat flattened, becoming decidedly so on the snout. The suture bounding externally the frontal and parietal bones is a distinct, deep furrow, gently deflected outward at the base of the maxillary, behind which is a deep supra-orbital emargina- tion of the frontal, which thence continues to widen regularly to its junction with the parietal. Opercular semicircular behind, nearly straight in front ; interopercular lanceolate, widening backwards, somewhat pointed in front, abruptly round-cuneate behind, with a triangular projection between the opercular and preopercular. Occiput regularly concave behind, except a backward swell in the middle. Whole surface of the head handsomely sculp- tured, the vertex rather deeply so ; on the snout and the sides and base of the head the embossed lines tend to become broken into granules. Pectoral fins separated from the operculum by a single diagonal series of scales ; the ventral fins midway between the extremities, situated on the di- agonal series which embraces the 17th scale in the dorsal row ; anal fin a lit- tle more than its width from the caudal, interrupting the 38th — 42d diagonal series of scales ; dorsal fin of the same width as the anal, and situated so that the la?t three rays fall in the rear of it ; pectoral fins narrow, sharply rounded [Aug, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 185 at the extremity, with the middle ray the longest ; ventral fins relatively broader, rounded, with the second and third rays the longest, the last ray be- ing the width of the fin shorter than the first ; anal fin a little shorter than the ventral, hut twice as broad, rounded, with the 3d and 4th rays the long- est ; caudal fin symmetrically and elliptically rounded at the extremity ; the first (upper) ray reaching a little further back than the last ; the first three rays considerably smaller than tbe last three, so that the sixth ray falls in the middle ; skin terminating in a line stretching si^moidally backwards from below to above, so that the base of the last ray is two-thirds the width of the tail anterior to the base of the first ray. A series of scales diminishing in size continues along the first and last rays of the caudal, and the first ray of all the other fins. Ray formula : D. 8 ; C. 11 ; A. 8 ; V. 6 ; P. 9. The ground color is pale yellowish-white, becoming deeper on the sides and back, and nearly white below. This is varied by a system of pale bhick macu- lation, which, along the back, conceals most of the ground color, and on the sides, about half of it, while the belly is almost spotless. On most parts of the body the maculae are irregular, with a tendency ou the sides to elonga- tion beyond the length of one or two scales. On the top of the head and the operculum they become sharply defined circular spots, with intermediate blackish dots, while the throat is spotted in the style of the breast of a partridge. The fins are all maculate with oval, badly detined spots. Measurements. — Total length 32-5 inches. Length of head from snout to occiput 6-8 ; to posterior margin of operculum 7*7 ; length of tail on the middle line 4 ; upper jaw to angle of mouth 4 ; width of snout one-fourth inch back from nostrils 0-62 ; width at angle of mouth 1*5 ; width of neck between posterior margins of opercula 2-2 ; greatest height of body 3 ; great- est width 3 ; height of head at occiput 2 ; at angle of mouth 0 8 ; length from tip of muzzle to insertion of pectoral 6-7 ; to insertion of ventral 9 ; to insertion of anal 17 ; diameter of orbit 0-57. Comparisons. — In form, this species approximates most nearly to Cylindros- tcus latirostris, Girard, from Texas. It differs specifically in having a larger orbit, the operculum and cheek less elongated behind it, the muzzle tapering a little more rapidly, and two or three fewer scales in an oblique series. The color, besides, is much less uniform, and the habitat remote. From C. pla- tostomus, Rafinesque, it differs in having the caudal fin more nearly symmetri- cal ; rays of ventral fin not cartilaginous ; pectoral longer, narrower and straighter. The caudal has one more ray, and the anal and pectoral each one less. The snout widens less rapidly, and the scales are more rhombic. The coloration, especially the sharply defined circular spots, is strikingly peculiar. No spots, however, exist on the median line behind the anal fin. There are no other described species with which the present one requires to be compared, unless it be C. albus and C. longirostris of Rafinesque, and L. gracilis, Agassiz. The two former are very doubtful species, and the description of the latter is not at present accessible to me.. The following is now a list of the described species of Lepidosteidae, ar- ranged under three genera, discriminated according to information at hand. No attempt is made, at present, to exhibit the complicated synonymy, as the result would necessarily be too imperfect, from the want of adequate means of comparison. Lepidosteus Huronensis, Richardson. " gracilis, Agassiz. " oxyurus, (Rafinesque,) Kirtland. " spatula, Lac/pdde. ossens, Lactjiede. leptorhynchus, Girard. Cylindrosteus oculatus, Winchell. 1864.] ? Cylindrosteus longirostris, /fa/znesgue. ? " albus, Rafinesque. " platystomus, Raf. " latirostris, Girard. Atractosteus ferox, Rafinesque. " Berlandieri, Girard. tristcechus, Gill. tropicus, Gill. << 186 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF September Qth. Mr. Cassin in the Chair. Twelve members present. The following papers were presented for publication : "Synopsis of the Pleuronectoids of the eastern coast of North Ame- rica." " Synopsis of the Cyclopteroids of eastern North America." " Note on the Paralepidoids and Microstomatoids, etc." And " Sy- nopsis of the Pleuronectoids of California, &c." By Theo. Grill. " Description of new Genera and Species of North American Myri- opoda." By Dr. H. C. Wood, Jr. September 13th. Dr. Hays in the Chair. Thirteen members present. September 20th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Twenty members present. The following papers were presented for publication : " Descriptions of new Genera and species of Pleuronectoids." "On the affinities of several doubtful British Fishes ;" and " Notes on the Family of Stichfeoids." By Theo. Grill. " Notes on Shells, with Descriptions of new fossil Genera and Spe- cies." By T. A. Conrad. September 27th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Twelve members present. On report of the respective Committees, the following papers were ordered to be published : Description of New Genera and Species of North American MYBIAPODA BY DR. H. C. WOOD, JR. Family FOLYZONID.E. Genus OCTOGLENA,* Wood. Oculi octo, in seriebus duobus simplicibus dispositi. The eyes in this genus are very prominent, and are arranged in two straight rows, which are so placed, one on each side, near the base of the antennas as to be convergent interiorly. 0. BIVIRGATA. 0. brunneus, utrinque virga fusca ornatus ; segmentis fere 45. The head of this species is very small, and is pilose. The antennae are rather * y\»v>i oculus. [Sept NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 187 heavy, and are very pilose. The eyes are large and very prominent. The dorsum is slightly convex, and is ornamented on each side by a broad fuscous stripe, which is intersected by numerous, indistinct, dark lines. The scuta are very smooth, and have no distinct lateral plates, but their edges are rather thin and strongly elevated. The penultimate scutum is much broader than its neighbors. The last scutum is very small. The feet are dark colored. There are two or three specimens in the possession of the Academy, which, I believe, were collected by Dr. John L. Le Conte, U. S. A., in the moun- tains of Georgia. Family BIPUONOPHORIDJE. Genus BRACHYCYBE. Rostrum acutum, brevissimum, antennis multo breviore. I have never studied the allied genus Siphonophora of Brandt, but, if the characters relied on by that author are at all generic, there can be no doubt that the American species belongs to a distinct genus. In the Siphonophora the rostrum or mouth is very much elongated, and approaches the antennae in length. In Brachycybe the latter are several times the longer. B. leconth, Wood. Fulvo-brunneus? dorsomodice convexo, medio leviter canaliculato; antennis parvis, filiformibus, pilosis ; scutorum superficie asperata, obscure transverse canaliculata ; scuto postremo postice spina? obtusse serie instructo ; laminis lateralibus longis, angustis, vix sejunctis ; segmentis 47 ; pedibus breve pilosis. In our specimens, which have been preserved for a long time in alcohol, the color is a light yellowish-brown. The anterior scuta are tuberculate, the pos- terior merely roughened. Each has a more or less obsolete transverse groove extending along the lateral lamina. The latter are very long and narrow ; they are placed very close together, and are often bent slightly backwards. Their external margin is somewhat oblique, and is furnished in all except, perhaps, the most anterior, with a pore. The small feet are entirely concealed beneath the broad body. The male genital appendages consist of two pairs of acute feet-like processes. It affords me much pleasure to dedicate this species to Surgeon John L. Le Conte, U. S. A., as an acknowledgement of the many as- sistances which he has afforded me in the prosecution of my studies. Ilab. — Georgia. Coll. of the Acad. Alus. Comp. Zoology. Dr. John L. Le Conte, U. S. A. Note on the PARALEPIDOIDS and MICROSTOMATOIDS, and on some Pecu- liarities of Arctic Ichthyology. BY THEODORE GILL. My attention having been attracted to the resemblance between the Alepido- sauroids and Paralepidoids, shortly after my article on new species of the former family, I embraced the oppjrtunity, when in Philadelphia, to examine the specimens of the two genera, 1'aralepis and Sudis, in the Bonaparte col- lection, secured by the liberality of Dr. Wilson. The suspicions of the close affinity of the two families were fully confirmed, and the same logic that would prove the Alepidosauroids to be Siluroids, would cover the Paralepidoids. Nearly equally erroneous would be the reference of those families to the Scom- broid group, near which I formerly retained it with Lowe. The Paralepidoids are, indeed, chiefly distinguished from the Alepidosauroids by the small dorsal fin, and the more posterior ventrals, and wherever one is placed, the other must be approximated next to it. The species of this family of Paralepidoids are divisible among three groups, 1864.] 183 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP whose relations and differential characters are expressed in the following table :— I. Head acutely conic ; snout pointed, and oral cleft nearly recti- linear. Teeth of lower jaw part enlarged, slender and pointed, part small and slender Paralepis. a. Dorsal fin decidedly in front of ventrals Arctozenus. p. Dorsal fins opposed to ventrals Paralepis. II. Head blunt, and oral cleft curved upwards towards the end. Teeth of lower jaw partially erect, compressed, dagger-shaped, partially directed forwards Scdis. The distribution of these three groups is most remarkable. Paralepis and Sudis are types as yet only known to be represented in the Meditteranean Sea, while Arctozenus is represented by a single species, hitherto only fouod in the waters of Greenland, and yet there is the closest affinity between Paralepis and the Arctic type, so close, indeed, that only since the opportunity afforded to examine the detailed figures of Kroyer, have we been able to fully appreci- ate their distinctive characters. In order to assist less fortunate naturalists, the following diagnosis of the newly named subgenus is given. ARCTOZENUS, Gill. Head elongated conical, attenuated towards the snout, with the snout ^ap- pointed, the jaws straight, the lower behind mostly covered by the upper, and little exposed along the sides ; the teeth of the lower jaw, along the anterior half, enlarged, but slender, recurved and distant ; along the posterior half, minute, acute and approximated ; the dorsal fin behind the middle, but con- siderably in front of the ventrals. Type. — Paralepis borealis, Reinh. In the family of Microstomatoids,* which is related to the Paralepidoids, we find the same peculiarity in geographical distribution ; the genus JUierostomaf being confined to the Mediterranean, while in the Greenland seaB a closely re- lated representative is found. Still another case of similar, or rather even more remarkable character, is exhibited by the Stomiadoids. This family, distinguished by the com- bination of an enormous mouth, and the opposition of the dorsal and anal fins, is composed of two genera, Stomias and Malacosteus. The former is represented by apparently closely related species, respectively inhabiting the Mediterranean and Greenland Seas, while of Malacosteus, a single species dis- covered south of the Newfoundland Bank has been described. As, on account of the misconceptions of the author of the last named genus, it has been in- volved in considerable mystery, a diagnosis of it, with reference to its ally, may be useful ; but I desire expressly to add, that I do not hold myself respon- sible for any of the facts, not having seen the original specimen, and that the statement of the absence of scales, &c, requires to be confirmed, although it is quite probable that none exist. The original describer has denied to the genus branchiostegal rays ! MALACOSTEUS, Ayres. Proc. Boston Nat. Hist. Soc. Boston Journ. N. H. vi., 53 — 64. Body elongated claviform, constricted only at the caudal peduncle ; without scalis ; with the head very convex, and protuberant in front of the eyes; the opercular and tympanic regions very oblique, the opercular bones reduced, the * Although the adipose fin has been denied to Microstoma by such skilful observers as Muller and Valenciennes, I think that I am able to distinguish it in specimens of the M. rotundatum, preserved in the collection of the Academy. t Microstoma, Cuv., R. A. 1817, ii., 181 : Risso, 1829, ii. ; Cuv. et Yal. xviii., 358. Bernhardt ap- pears to have first introduced the modification Microstomas. [Sept. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 189 oral cleft rectilinear ; teeth of the upper jaw minute ; of the lower, in front, enlarged, but unequal, elongated, recurved and acute; behind minute; at the symphisis directed forwards; small, acute and hooked, and in a double row on the tongue ; palate smooth ; caudal very small, convex ; pectorals inserted very low, linear, of few rays closely connected ; ventrals scarcely behind the middle, with about six rays, the external (except the outermost) of which are produced. Intestine with a flexure. Type. — Malacosteus niger, Ayres. "The principal points on which" Mr. Ayres would "particularly insist, as characteristic of the species and the genus, are the remarkable small size of the head, and, in contrast with this, the immense developement of the whole facial and branchial apparatus, and all that pertains to the mouth and throat, the singular and but partially explained organ on the cheek ; and, most of all, the embryonic condition of the entire osseous system." In all respects — perhaps even the last — the genus resembles Stomias. Sir John Richardson has suggested that the want of ossification may be due to the preservation of the fish in weak alcohol, but I am scarcely disposed to accept that hypothesis, and would even believe that Stomias itself may be found to have an imperfectly ossified skeleton, but not, perhaps, in so marked degree as Malacosteus. In the consideration of the faunistic anomalies here enumerated, we may be aided in a solution of the causes by the consideration of nearly similar peculi- arities in the Ichthyology of the Scandinavian seas. There alone in the more northern seas, species of the genera Deryx and Batrachus, closely allied to or undistinguishable from Mediterranean or tropical species, are found, and there also has been discovered Pterycombus, a genus whose affinities are with the trop- ical Pteraclides. No representatives are found at intermediate places along the European coasts. Again, along the Rhode Island and neighboring coasts have already been found Sarothrodus, Priacanthus, and Hyporthodus, the last closely related to Serranus. All the places enumerated are near the borders of the Gulf Stream. How far the distribution of these genera is thereby affected it is not my intention to now discuss, my desire being simply to draw attention to the facts. Further details regarding their balhy metrical, as well as geograph- ical, distribution are desirable. Synopsis of the CYCLOPTEROIDS of Eastern North America. BY THEODORE GILL. The description of a new species of Liparis, from the Arctic seas, is here submitted, and attention is called to some points in the synonymy of other species of the genus which require elucidation. To complete a view of the family to which they belong, I enumerate the Cyclopterinse. The family is re- stricted, with Gunther, to those fishes whose suctorial disk is fi rmed by the union of the ventral fins, and which have numerous pyloric caica, as it is not evident that there is any close relation between such and the Gobiesocoids. CYCLOPTERW.E, Bon. Cvclopteroids with a ventricose body and two dorsal fins, the first of which is ■mall, and composed of spines ; the second, as well as anal, short, and ob- liquely opposed to each other; and with the caudal vertebrae in scarcely in- creased number, (Vert. 12+16 pm.) Genus CYCLOPTERUS, L. Lumpus, Cuv. Cyclopterinse with dorsal region elevated in front, larger plates disposed in an unpaired dorsal row and two lateral and one abdominal on each side ; the eyes small and anterior ; the branchial apertures just above the pectoral fins; the spinous dorsal almost concealed, and the ventral disk small. 1864.] 190 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Cyclopterus lumpus, L. Cyclopterus minutus, Pall. (Young). Cyclopterus caeruleus, Mitch. (New York). Lumpus vulgaris, Storer. Lumpus anglorum, Be/cay. Hab. — Greenland to New York. Is the American Cyclopterus identical with the European ? The latter has not been examined by myself. Genus EUMICROTREMUS, Gill. Cyclopterin.e with the back gibbous ; the large plates less regularly disposed, and obsolete on abdomen ; the eyes large and submedian ; the branchial apertures elevated, and behind the ocular region : the spinous dorsal well developed, provided with 6 or 7 spines ; and the ventral disk large. EUMICROTREMUS SPINOSUS, Gill. Cyclopterus spinosus, Fab. et al. Hab. — Greenland. Subfamily LIPARIDIN.E. Liparinae Gill Cat. Liparidina Gthr. Cat. iii. Cyclopteroids with an elongated body, and long, uninterrupted dorsal and anal fins, the anterior rays of which, especially of the dorsal, are spinous, and with caudal vertebrae in greatly increased number, (Vert. 10 — 12+25 — 50. Genus LIPARIS, (Art.) Linn. Cyclogaster Gron. Liparidina with a nearly or quite horizontal oral cleft : longer upper jaw ; pluriserial tricuspid teeth ; a well developed ventral disk ou the breast, below or partially behind the posterior half of the head ; the anus little in advance of the anterior third of the length, and the origin of the anal fin not far be- hind it. Type. — Cyclopterus liparis L. This genus, even after the elimination of the L. iunicata of Kroyer, exhibits considerable variation, especially in the relations of the dorsal and anal fins to the caudal, these fins being, in some species, completely isolated, while in others they are coalescent, and united in an almost anguilliform posterior fin. In the latter, the nostrils also appear to be simple, while in the former the posterior ones are tubular. These differences appear still further to be co- incident with a disparity in the number of caudal vertebrae, and of the rays of the vertical fins. Nevertheless, it is not deemed advisable to generically sepa- rate the types so distinguished. But the differences between the Liparis tunicata of Kroyer, (Tidskrift, ser. 3, B. i., 236), and the typical Liparides, appear to indicate a more decided de- marcation, and the morpholological differences mentioned in the analytical table are apparently coincident with difference in size ; it is, therefore, proba- ble that the specie3 is the type of a distinct genus, for which the name of Actinochir would be appropriate. For the present, however, it is retained in the genus Liparis. The increase of our knowledge of the Greenland Liparidinse, since the pub- lication of the " Catalogue of the Fishes of the Eastern Coast," is chiefly due to Dr. Kroyer, who, appreciating the imperfection of our information, has favored us with a monograph of those species. This has chiefly served as the basis of the present article. ^ I omit, for the present, references to the Liparides of the British northern travellers. [Sept. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 191 Synopsis. I. P. 28—35. Anterior nostrils simple. D. 12—15+ A. 2. 24—33. * D. and A. connate with C. Posterior nostrils tubular or subtubular. D. 13+21.* A. 2 + 29. C. 13. P. 34. Coloration in longi- tudinal lines lineata. D. 12+30. A. 2+32. C. 11. P. 35. Color uniform reddish- brown arctica. D. 13+27. A. 2+30. C. 9. P. 34. Color dirty yellow, with darker blotches. (Nostrils scarcely tubular) Fabricii. ** D. and A. disconnected with C. Posterior nostrils simple. D. 13+16—17. A. 24— 25.f C. 18. P. 29—30 Montagui. II. P. 42 pm. Anterior nostrils tubular ; (posterior, simple). D. 21 + 24. A. 7+31. C. 10 pm. D. and A. connate with C. near base, major. Liparis lineata, Kroyer. Liparis lineata, Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 2, b. ii., p. 284. 1847. " " Kroyer, Voyage en Scandinavie, &c, tab. 13, fig. 2, a — g. " " Liitken, Videnskabelige Middelelser fra den Naturhistoriske " Eorening i Kjobenhavn, 1860, pp. 169—174. " " Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 3, B. i., pp. 244 — 251. " " Liitken, op. cit., 1861, pp. 243—265, pi. 7, fig. 1. " " Kroyer, op. cit., ser. 3, B. i., pp. 539 — 553. In the synonymy of Liparis lineata, I have only included the references to the Greenland fish, without, by any means, undertaking to decide between Drs. Kroyer and Liitken, the former of whom considers the Greenland fish en- tirely distinct from the Cyclopterus lineatus of Lepechin, while the latter consid- ers it the same, and also identical with the Liparis vulyaris of Europe, but still retains the name Liparis lineata, as Lepechin first gave the distinctive appella- tion. As, therefore, the nomenclature is not affected, Dr. Kroyer retaining the name Liparis lineata for the Greenland fish, I am glad to be able to leave the controversy in statu quo. The discrepancies between the radial formula, especially of the caudal fin, of Liparis valgaris of authors and Liparis lineata deserves attention. Thus Giinther assigns to his Liparis vulgaris D. 35 — 36, A. 27 — 28, C. 10 ; Lepechin, to his Cyclopterus lineatus, D. 30, P. 26, A. 28, C. 13 ? ; Kroyer, to his Liparis lineatus, D. 13+21, A. 2 + 29, C. 13, P. 34; and Liitken, to his, D. 36, A. 30, G. 14 ? P. 33. and with the results of the latter two my own observations agree. Of thirteen English specimens of the so-called Liparis vulgaris of Yarrell, eleven exhibited little distinct coloration on the body, but the dorsal and anal fins were densely dotted, so as to give to those fins, especially when folded, a blackish- blue hue. The pectorals of some, especially towards the superior margin, were also clouded. In one specimen, the head aud body were distinctly marmorated, and delineations like those represented on the head, body and pectorals of Liparis lineatus by Kroyer, and Ij. lineata by Liitken, were observed, but the dorsal and anal were simply dotted as in the ordinary variety, and the delinea- tions themselves were dark lilac on a yellowish ground. The last one, conse- quently, represented the L. lineatus of Lepechin and Liitken, and the others the L. barbatus of Ekstrom and Liitken. Liparis arctica, Gill. The greatest height exceeds a third of the total length, while the greatest width is rather less than a seventh ; the height at the end of the caudal pe- * The formula D. 19+21 appears to have been given through inadvertence, in the Tidskrift. F«r. 3, i., 244. t A. 2. 2 J. Kroyer, Nat. Tid. ser. 3, i., 548; A. 4. 20—2. Kroyer, ib i, 273. 1864.] 192 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP dunrle equals about a fourth of the length of the caudal fin. The head, from the snout to the margin of the auriform projection, almost or quite equals a fourth of the length, while its breadth enters nearly 6£ times in the same, and is little greater than the height ; the forehead is depressed, and the snout mod- erately high and decurved. The eyes are just within the anterior half of the head ; the width of the forehead between them equals a third of the head's length. The anterior nostrils are simple ; the posterior tubular. The dorsal and anal are connate with the caudal ; the former united for about a fourth of the length of the caudal, the latter two-fifths. The caudal is convex behind, and forms a seventh of the length. The pectoral enters about 5j times in the length, and the ventral disk ten times. D. XII. 30. A. II. 32. 0.11. P. 27+8. The color is uniform reddish-brown or dark chesnut, without spots or bands. This species, in general form as well as color, resembles the L. Montagui, but is in other respects widely different. Its relations to the other Greenland species is exhibited in the analytical synopsis ; it is well distinguished by its rusty color. Specimens were obtained by the Arctic navigator, Dr. Hayes, at Port Foulke, Greenland, and are preserved in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel- phia, and the Smithsonian Institution. In the Museum of the latter, there is only a single specimen. Liparis Fabrich. Doubtful Synonymy. Cyclopterus liparis, altera minor, Abopokitsok, Fab.. Fauna Grcenlandica, p. 135, 1780. Cyclopterus liparis, minor Walbaum in Artedi, Genera Piscium, p. 489, 1792. Cyclopterus liparis, a Bonnaterre, Tableau Encyclopedique et Melthodique. — lchthyologie, p. 28, 1788. Liparis tunicata, pp. Reinhardt, Oversigt orer det kongelige Danske Viden- skabernes Selskabs Forbandlinger vi., p. cxi., (tr. Archiv fur Naturges- chichte, Jarhg. iii.,B. i., p. 267, 1836). Yix Liparis tunicatus Reinhardt, op. cit., p. 78. (Isis von Oken, 1844, 819), 1842. Determined Synonymy. Liparis Fabricii Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 2, B. ii., p. 274, 1847. Liparis Fabricii, pp. Reinhardt, in Naturhistoriske Bidrag til en Beskrivelse of Gronland, 1857. Liparis Fabricii, pp. Gill, Catalogue of the Fishes of the Eastern Coast, p. 47. Liparis tunicatus, (Fabricii, Kr.) Liltken Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra den Naturhistoriske Forening i Kjobenhavn, 1860, p. 173. Liparis Fabricii Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 3, B. i., p. 235, 1862. Laparis Fabricii Giinther, Catalogue of the Fishe3, &c, iii., 161, 1861. Fabricius, in the Fauna Grcenlandica, refers to the Cyclopterus liparis of Linnseus, two forms of Liparis found by him in Greenland. To the first vari- ety— " 1) Altera minor, Abopokitsok " — were attributed 39 dorsal, 33 anal, 30 pectoral, and 14 caudal rays; 4 tubular nostrils; a union of the dorsal and anal fins wi h the caudal, which latter is nearly cuneate, and a fuscous color ; the jaws externally, the inferior ocular region and the opercula have rather indistinct white dots, and the tips of the upper pectoral rays being: likewise white. This combination does not entirely agree with any of the Greenland species, as described by Kroyer, but most approximates to the L. Fabricii; from that species the number of caudal rays, (14) if correctly stated, would sepa- rate it, and the color is also, perlups, inconsistent. I am fain, then, to leave the identity of this species in doubt, trusting that future material may enable ns to arrive at a certain decision. [Sept. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 193 la 1835 or 1836, Reinhardt offered to the Danish Academy a Contribution ou new Greenland Fishes, closing this contribution with the remark that " there also exists in the Greenland seas the Cyclopterus liparis, Fab., which is named Liparis tunicata, on account of the peculiar loose adherence of the skin, and which, in its characters, has much similarity with the European species illustrated by Yarrell, in his British Fishes ; but, as the Museum had in its pos- session only one badly preserved specimen, no certain identification could be made."* The name L. tunicata is thus solely based on the C. liparis of Fabricius, and as the first variety is the one fully described by that author, and consequently the type of his species, and, as Reinhardt's remarks on the similarity of the species to the European are only correct for that variety, the name L. tunicata must be connected with it. But, in a subsequent communication on " Liparis glutinosus," Reinhardt's am- biguous language might lead one to suppose that he connected the name L. tunicatus with only the large variety of Cyclopterus liparis of Fabricius, he re- marking that " Fabricius considered that the large Greenland species, th« Liparis tunicatus (sic.) of the Museum, might well be the Stellerian L. gluti- nosus." However this may be, the name proposed by Reinhardt must be ac- cepted with its first limitation, and share with the variety of Fabricius the doubts concerning its proper application. The name Liparis Fabricii was subsequently proposed by Kroyer for the spe- cies under consideration, and being the first known to be applicable to it, is provisionally accepted. The radial formula given by Giiother differs considerably from that assigned by Kroyer, (B. 5, D. 42, A. 33— 35, C. 12, Gthr.) and approximates to that of Fab- ricius, especially in the number of caudal rays. Liparis Montagui, Don. Liparis Montagui Kroyer, Voyage en Scandinavie, &c, tab. 13, p. 1, a — f, Liparis Muntagui Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 3, B. i., p. 243. Only the references to the Greenland form have been given. It may be re- marked that while Kroyer, both in his Denmark's Fiske, (ii., 519) and the Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, has assigned 18 caudal rays to this species, Yarrell, Nilsson and Giiuther have only attributed to it 13 or 14. There are also some slight discrepancies between the proportions assigned to the species by differ- ent authors. Liparis major, Gill. Cyclopterus liparis, 2, Altera major, Amersulak-Fabricius, Fauna Groenlandica, p. 136, 1780. Cyclopterus liparis, major, Walbaum, Artedi Genera Piscium, p. 489, 1792. Cyclopterus liparis, B. Bonnaterre, Tableau Encyclopedique et Methodique Ichthyoloyie, p. 28, 1788. Liparis tunicatus, pp. Reinhardt, Oversigt over det Kongelige DanskeVidenskaber- nes Selskabs Forhundliugar, 1835 — 6, p. vi., p. cxi. Liparis tunicata, Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 3, B. i., p. 236, 1862. This species appears to be the second variety of Fabricius' Cyclopterus liparis, to which were attributed a much larger size, (long. 10 unc. et lat. 4 unc.) and the formula D. 44, P. 40, V. 8, A. 35, C. 11. Subsequently, it was fully described by Kroyer, under the name Liparis tunicata, oiigiually based, by * " Bndelig sluttedes dette Bidrag med den Bemaerkuing, at der gives i det griinlandske Hav foruden Fabricii Cyclopterus liparis, som man kunde kalde Liparis tunicata fonnodelst Hudens 6aerdele3 lose Vedhaengen, endnu en anden Art, der i sin Tegning har megen Lighed med den af Yarrell i bans britixh fishes afteguede europaeiske Art, men da Museet kun er i Besiidelse af et enesto ikke fuldstaendigt Examplar kan ensikker Bestemmelse endnu ikke flnde Sted." 1864.] 13 194 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF Reinhardt, on the Cyclopterus liparis of Fabricius as a whole. Fabricias having only fully described his first variety, it appears advisable for that reason, as well as on account of its precedence, to identify the name with that one. The name given to the present species as a variety, by Walbaum, may, in that case. be accepted as its specific appellation. Genus CAREPROCTUS, Kroyer. LiparidinvE with the oral cleft oblique, the lower jaw advanced ; teeth sim- ple and hooked ; a rudimentary suctorial disk situated far forwards, under the anterior part of the eye, and little distant from it the anus, far behind which is the anal fin. Type. — Liparis Reinhardi Kr.=L. gelatinosus R. This very distinct genus is especially distinguished from Liparis by the char- acters mentioned in the generic diagnosis. We owe its establishment to Dr. Kroyer, its species having been previously confounded with Liparis. There are probably two species, one found in Kamtschalka, and the other, long con- founded with it, a native of the Greenland waters. Cakeproctus Reinhardi, Kr. Liparis gelatinosus, Reinhardt, Oversigt over det Kongelige Danske Videnskaber- nes Selskabs Forhandlingar, 1844 — 5, pi. x., p. lxxvii., tr. Isis von. Oken, 1844, p. 819. Liparis gelatinosus, Gill, Cat. p. 47. Liparis Reinhardi, Kroyer, Naturhistorisk Tidskrift, ser. 3, Bd I., p. 252. Careproctus Reinhardi, Kroyer, op. cit. i., p. 257. Synopsis of the PLEURONECTOIDS of California and North-western America. BY THEODORE GILL. In conformity with a promise some time since made,* I now offer a Synopsis of the Pleuronectoids of California, and add descriptions of a new species, which is at the same time the type of a distinct genus, contained in a collection made by Dr. Cooper, of the Geological Survey of California, and kindly sub- mitted to me for examination. One of the genera admitted — Uropsetta — is known to me only Ihrough the de- scription and outline figure of its type published by Dr. Ayres. That species was originally described as Ilippoglossus calif ornicus, but as it evidently did not be- long to Hippoglossus, it was withdrawn by me from that genus, and taken as the type of a peculiar one. It has since been referred to ihe genus Pseudo- rhombus by Giinther, but the Californian naturalist, in approximating it to Hip- poglossus, appea-s to have interpreted nature more truly than the English one. Uropsctla, indeed, is apparently more closely related to Reinhardtius than to any other. Four other species are only known through descriptions that are not suffi- cient to positively decide their true affinities. One is the Platessa bilineata of Ayres ;f of this the "mouth, of moderate dimensions, the tip of the upper maxillary scarcely reaching the plane of the pupil of the lower eye ; " the " sin- gle, even row of strong, blunt, conical teeth;" the dextral eyes; the "scales larger and more conspicuous than in any other fish of this tribe yet found on our coast; " and the recurrent lateral line appears to indicate that it is allied to Lepidopsetta ; but the statement that " the scales of the anterior portion of the body are nearly smooth : further back they become gradually more and more * Proc. Ac. N. S., Pbila., 1862. t Ayres, Proc. Cal. Ac. i. 4o. [Sept. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 195 ciliate, though none of them are so rough as in most Flatfishes. Those of the head cover the entire opercular region and cheeks, and in part also the inner- ocular ridge ; those of the cheeks are strongly ciliate," forbid us to associate it in the same genus as L. umbrosa. If, however, tuberculated scales should be substituted for ciliated ones, nothing else in the description would militate against such a reference. Dr. Ayres, indeed, considers this species to be "al- lied to P. dentata, Mitch.," but as his ideas of affinity are extremely crude and unreliable, nothing may be learned from them. The second has been named by Dr. Gunther Parophrys Ayrcsii. The " broad band of villiform teeth on the blind side, and with a few on the colored one," approximates it to the same group as Hypsopsetta and Pleuronichthys. The mere statement that " the dorsal fin commences somewhat before the middle of the eye," and the neglect to describe the lips furnish us negative evidence of some weight that it is not congeneric with Pleuronichthys ccenosvs * in which the dorsal is decurrent in front on the blind side, and the lips are plicated as in Labroids, — characters which would not be overlooked by an observant natural- ist. As in Hypsopsetta, the normal characters of those parts are presented, and as Parophrys Ayresii otherwise exhibits a concordance with that genus, it may be provisionally referred to it. The third species — native of the seas between Kamtschatkaand America — has been named by Pallas Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus, and has recently been re- ferred by Dr. Gunther to the genus Parophrys. The description of Pallas is perhaps insufficient to enable us to form a certain conclusion regarding its affi- nities, but the characters given — smooth body with rudimentary scales, lateral line very little decurrent anteriorly, and four tubercles on the head continu- ous with the lateral line — are characters found in Pleuronectes rather than in Parophrys. The cause of its reference by Gunther to the latter genus is unknown, but whatever it may be, he has evidently entirely misunderstood that genus. Until we are better acquainted with the Pallasian species, it may be advisable to retain it in Pleuronectes, since no advantage would be gained by exchanging one doubt for another far greater. A fourth species — Pleuronectes cicatricosus Pallas — is also apparently a true Pleuronectes. I. Mouth small, the supramaxillary ending before under front Of eye PtEURONECTIX-SL A. Teeth well developed, straight, blunt, and producing an incisorial edge, chiefly confined to the blind side: an- terior nostril on eye side tubular ; on blind with a pos- terior linguiform flap : posterior patulous, or nearly so. a. Eyes dextral. /?. Lateral line with no recurrent or dorsal branch...... Pleuronectes. 0(3. Lateral line with recurrent or dorsal branch. ». Cheeks with cycloid, imbricated scales Parophrys. m. Checks with stellated or tuberculated scales Lepidopsetta. at*. Eyes sinistral : scales scattered, stellated, or tuber- culated, only unarmed cycloid behind Platichthys. AA. Teeth slender, acute, pluriserial. Anterior nostril on eye as well as blind side with flap behind ; posterior patulous. Lateral line recurrent. «t. Lips simple ; dorsal continuous in front on dorsal ridge Hypsopsetta. am. Lips plicated ; dorsal in front decurved on blind side Pleuronichthys. * Dr. Gunther has referred Pleuronichthys ceenosus, Grd., to Pleuronectes, and PI. guttulalux to Parophrys. His reasons for thus widely separating thein have not been given, and are not obvi- ous from a simple acquaintance with the literature or the species themselves. His chaiacters of. Parophrys are applicable to both species, but not to those of Parophrys. 1864.] 196 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP II. Mouth large and continued more or less under the eye. Ventrals inserted laterally Hippo glossing A. Caudal entire, or produced behind. st. Lateral line straight Psettichthys, aa.. Lateral line arched in front Paralichthys. AA. Caudal fin emarginated behind. Darsal and anal fins regularly arched Uropsetta. Dorsal and anal elevated towards middle Hippoglossus. III. Mouth large. Ventral of dark side inserted on the ridge of abdomen , Rhombin*. n. Int^rorbital area sharp Orthopsetta. .0. Interorbital ridge prominent, channelled Metoponops. Subfamily PLEURONECTIN.E Bon. PLEURONECTES (L.) Blkr. Pleoronectes Franklinii Gthr. Pleuronectes (Rhombus) glacialis Rich, F. B. 258. (not Pallas.) Pleuronectes glacialis DeKay, N. Y. 302. Platessa glacialis Rich, Herald. Pleuroneces Franklinii Gthr. Hab. — North-western America. Pleoronectes quadrituberculatus Pallas. Pleuronectes quadrituberculata Pallas, Zool. Rop. As. iii. 423. Parophrys quadrituberculata Gthr., iv. 456. Hab. — Sea between Kamtschatka and America. Pleuronectes cicatricosos Pallas. Pleuronectes cicatricosus Pallas, Ross. As. iii. 424. Hab. " Specimiaa e ru&ri inter Camtschatcam et Americam lecta mini retu- iit D. D. MerkJ'r- Pall. PAROPHRYS Grd. Parophrys vbtdla Grd. Parophrys vetulus Grd. Pleuronectes digrammus Gthr., iv. 445. Parophrys vetula Gthr., iv. 455. Hab. — California. Parophrys Hubeardii Gill. Parophrys Hubbardii GUI, Pa., 1862, 281. Hab.— San Francisco. LEPIDOPSETTA Gill. Lepidopsetta dmbrosa Gill. Platichthys umbrosus Grd , Pa., viii., 136, 1856. Lepidopsetta umbrosa Gill, Pa., 1862, 326. Pleuronectes umbrosus Gthr., iv. 454. Jlab. — California. Allied and perhaps congeneric is the following species ; Platessa bilineata Ayres, Cal. i. 40. Pleuronectes bilineatus Gthr., iv. 444. Hab. — San Francisco. [Sept. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 197 PLATICHTHYS Girard. Platichtuys stellatus Girard. I'leuronectes stellattis Pallas, Nova Acta, i. 347. Platessa (stellata) Cuv., R. A. Pleuronectes (Platessa) stellatu3 Rich. Platichthy8 rugosus Grd. " (stellatus) Grd. Hah. — Western coast generally. HYPSOPSETTA Gill, 1862. Hysopsetta guttdlata Gill. Pleuronichthys guttulatus Grd., Pa., viii. 137. Pleuronectes guttulatus Gthr., iv. 445. Hypsopsetta guttulata Gill, Pa., 1862, 330. Hab. — Oregon and California. Parophrys Ayresii Gthr., iv. 456. Hab. — California. "The height of the body is rather more than one- half of the total length " (in II. guttulata, I : 2^ — 1: 2£) ; "the length of the head rather more than one-fifth," (H. gutl. i in young — 1: 4$ in old) ; " the distance between the dorsal and cau- dal is about one-third of the depth of the fore portion of the tail " (more) ; " the length of the pectoral equals the distance of the lower eye from the end of the operculum " (less). Is it distinct from IT. guttulata ? The color of the latter in the adult ia " uniform brownish lead colored." PLEURONICHTHYS Grd. Pleckonichthys ccenosus Grd. Pleuronichthys ccenosus Grd., Pa., vi. 139. Parophrys ccenosus Grd., iv. 456. Hab. — California. Grd., Pa., vii. 140. Hab. — California. Subfamily HIPPOGLOSSIN+E Gill. PSETTICHTHYS Grd. PSETHCHTHYS MELAN0STICTU8 Grd. PARALICHTHYS* Grd. PaKAUCIITIIYS MACOLOSD3* Grd. Pleuronectes maculosus Grd., Pa., vii. 155. Paralichthys maculosus Grd., Exp., &c, x. 147. Hab. — California. * Paralicklltys would appear to be normally sinistral from two specimens collected by the Cali- fornian Geological Survey. One of these cannot be distinguished from P. maculosus, the propor- tions, number and arrangement of the blue dots being similar; the spots are normally — six dorsal, the first under eighth dorsal ray; the second above the axil of pectoral; the sixth under sixth ray from last, and the intervening equidistant, but the fourth lower; four anal correspond to the last four dorsal ones. In the sinistral specimen, there is also one behind the eye. In the second specimen in the collections, these spots are obsolete. Paralichthys is distinguished from Chxnvp- ietta by its larger ctenoid scales, and small supernumerary linear cycloid ones. 1864.] 198 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF UROPSETTA Gill. Uropsetta caiifornica Gill. Hippoglossus californicus Ayres, Cal. ii. 29, f. 10. Pseudorhombus californicus Gthr.. iv. 426. Uropsetta caiifornica Gill, Pa.. 1862, 330. Hab. — California. HIPPOGLOSSUS Cuv., Gill. Hippoglossus . Pleuronectes bippoglossus Pallas, Ros. As. iii. 421. Hippoglossus vulgaris Ayres, Cal., i. 40; ii. 30. Ilab. — California northwards. Subfamily RHOMB1NJE (Bon.) Gill. ORTHOPSETTA Gill. Orthopsetta sordida Gill. Psettichthys sordid us Grd., Pa., vii. 142. t'itharichtbys sordidus Gthr. iv. 421. Orthopsetta sordida Gill, Pa., 1862, 330. Hab. — California. METOPONOPS Gill. Metoponops cooperi Gill. Metoponops Cooperi Gill, infra. Bab. — California. Description of a new Generic type of PLETJRONECrOIDS in the Collection of the Geological Survey of California. Genus METOPONOPS Gill. Body rather elongated rhomboid, with the dorso-nasal outline nearly recti- linear, and with the caudal peduncle moderate, somewhat constricted. Scales moderate, cycloid, oblong, or oval, imbricated, covered also with smaller supernumerary scales. Lateral line perfectly straight, but slightly decurrent anteriorly, continuous in simple tubes on each scale. Head scaly, moderate, conic, with the oblique profile rectilinear; the snout somewhat elevated and subtruncated, and the interorbital ridge prominent sideways. Eyes sinistral, oval, rather large, situated almost entirely in the anterior half of the head, the lower lateral ; the upper directed obliquely up- wards : the interorbital area narrow, scaly, channelled between the eyes, and borderel by two ridges which converge above behind. Nostrils narrow, be- tween snout and eyes and parallel with the former; the anterior with a long Map or bridle in front; the posterior simple. Opercula normal. Mouth large and very oblique ; the supramaxillary ceasing under the pupil of the eye, extended obliquely downwards behind, and with a semicircular arch at its upper angle. Lower jaw truncated in front, with a tubercle be- low. Lips very thin and simple. Tongue elongated, narrow and free. Teeth equally developed on both sides, uniserial, approximated, subequal, ratber small, curved conic and acute. Palate unarmed. Branchiostegal rays seven. Branchial membrane deeply emarginated below. Dorsal fin with its origin considerably behind the right posterior nostril, above or rather behind the anterior margin of the orbit, regularly arched, with its rays simple. Anal with its origin under or behind the inferior axil of the pec- toral, and similar to the dorsal. [Sept. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 199 Caudal fin convex behind. Pectoral fins pointed. Ventral fins subjugular, inserted obliquely, with its. rays approximated, and its innermost attached to the breast by a membrane. The lower pharyngeal bones are entirely separated, compressed and laminar, with the body emarginated below and the posterior processes directed up- wards, attenuated towards their ends ; with the teeth pauciserial ; of the inner row slender, elongated and acute, curved outwards in front and erect behind; of the outer much smaller, but similar in form. Upper pharyngeals three on each side laminar, each with a row of large, slender, curved teeth. The branchial arches have compressed, pointed rakers, progressively de- creasing in length from the first to the fourth arch, on which last they are ehort and triangular ; each armed with small, slender teeth on their internal margins. Metoponops is readily distinguishable by the characters above given, espe- cially the prominence of the interorbital ridge and the consequent oblique po- sition on the forehead of the upper eye, whose line of vision is upwards ; the scaly channel of the ridge itself; straight lateral line ; dentition, and the form of the lower pharyngeal bones, especially the paraboloid emargination below in front. It is apparently as closely related to its cohabitant of California, Orlhopsetta, as any other, but that genus is at once distinguished by its com- pressed head and little prominent, narrow interorbital ridge. Metoponops Cooperi Gill. The height of the body is contained about three times in the total length; the head about four times, and the caudal six times and a half. The longitu- dinal diameter of either orbit equals about a third of the head's length. The snout is rhomboid, decurVed in front, and its length from the lower orbit to the symphisis equals about a fifth of the head's length. The supramaxillary ends under the front of the pupil, and from the symphisis to its end enters twice in the distance between the chin and preopercular margin. The greatest height of the dorsal equals the length of the upper jaw, as well as does that of the anal. The pectoral fin equals about a sixth of the total length. D. 89. A. VI. P. 13. The color is uniform brownish. A single adult specimen of this species is in the collection formed by the Californian Geological Survey, of which Prof. Whitney is the superintendent, and was obtained by Dr. Cooper, the naturalist of the Snrvey, at Santa Bar- bara, in May, 1863. This specimen is in poor condition, having been appa- rently obtained only after exposure for some time to the sun ; the fins have been dried, and the pectorals and ventrals are more or less broken, especially the latter, while the abdomen is much injured. I am consequenily compelled to omit some desirable details. The species itself is a very interesting one, and I give myself the pleasure of dedicating it to my friend, Dr. Cooper. On the Afiinities of several doubtful BRITISH FISHES. BY THEODORE GILL. Among the few still uncertain species of British fishes, none are involved in greater obscurity than those presented under the name of Ophidium imberbe by Pennant and Montague, and those referred by Hoy to the Linmean Trichi- urus leplurus. A detailed investigation into the literature and history of the former has enabled me to demonstrate its relations, and the discovery of a recent type in the Caribbean Sea permits me to at least suggest the affini- ties of the latter,* concerning which I had long been perplexed. These con- * See Proceed. Acad. ?uth, the development of the branchial aper- tures, &c, have not been made known with sufficient precision, no definite opinion can be formed. [Oct- NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 223 were caught, with others, by C. A. Putnam, Esq., in the harbor of Salem, in the month of January, 1858. To the able ichthyologist to whom we are in- debted for our knowledge of the species, we dedicate it in token of friendly and scientific appreciation. The next species appears to belong to a genus already established by Dr. P. Von Bleeker, but differs very decidedly from the known species. CITHARICHTHYS Blkr., Gthr. ClTHARICHTHYS MICROSTOMUS, Gill. The height of the body enters about 2f times (-36 — -37) in the extreme length ; that of the caudal peduncle about eleven times. The head forms a fifth of the length, is rather abbreviated, scarcely sinuous above the eyes, blunt at the snout, which scarcely exceeds a seventh of the head's length, and the rostral area is rhombic, and not higher than long. The eyes are even ; the longitudinal diameter contained about 33 times (.05^ in the head's length. The mouth is rather small, the length of the upper jaw only equalling a quar- ter of the length, and that of the lower two-fiftbs of the head's length. The teeth are very small, and close together ; larger in front. The dorsal com- mences above the front of the orbit, and is highest, and convergent near the fortieth ray, which equals about the tenth of the total length ; the anal is highest at about the twenty-fifth ray, and is high or even higher than the dor- sal. The caudal is rounded behind, and forms about a sixth of the length. The pectoral fins are unequally developed, that of the dark side being pro- longed, and contained only 6| times in the total length, while that of the white side only equals a tenth of the same; the rays are all simple. The ventral fins are also unequally developed, the right being on the abdominal ridge at its origin, rather in advance of the opercular margin, and with its longest rays contained about fourteen times in the total length ; stretched backwards, it ex- tends to the second anal ray ; the fin on the white side is more advanced, wider, and its rays longer, contained less than twelve times in the length, and extends backward to nearly the third anal ray. D. 81. A. 58. C. 4. 6. 5. 3. P. 10. V. 6. The scales are large, angular behind, covered with smaller ones, especially near the point of junction of contiguous ones, where alone they are developed on the blind side; the scales of the eyed side are mostly minutely ciliated be- hind, unarmed however near the lateral line, the scales of which last are quad- rate and mostly covered ; the scales of the blind side are less angular behind and unarmed. The lateral line runs through about forty-two scales, while of longitudinal rows there are ten above and fourteen below the lateral line. The color is uniform reddish brown. A single specimen, little more than three inches long, was first obtained by Prof. Baird at Beesley's Point. It is especially distinguished from its California relative, 0. sordida, by the short snout, small mouth and large scales ; 0. sor- dida having about fifty-eight scales pierced by the lateral line, and eighteen rows above the lateral line. Notwithstanding this great disparity in the size of the scales and mouth, C. microstomus appears to agree in most respects with the Californian fish, as well as generically with Citharichthys spilopterus of Giin- ther, aspecies inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico. As the name Citharichthys was introduced a short time before that of Orthopsetta, proposed for the Psettichthys sordidus, and was framed for a species related to that type, that name must be adopted if the 0. sordida is not regarded as generically distinct. I may here remark that, although I have referred the Platessa quadrocularis of Storer to the genus Chxnopsetta, (C. oblonga), it is possible that it may not truly belong to that genus, as the dorsal and anal fins are represented as in- 1864.] 224 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP creating backwards till Dear their ends, and the anterior dorsal rays are free at their ends ; but as the species agrees so closely in other external characters, I feel compelled to retain it in that genus for the present at least. In this connection, I may also mention a species found at Pensacola, which exhibits several characters in common with the species referred to, but repre- sents a distinct genus closely related to Chcenopsetta, Paralichthys and Pseudo- rhombus ; the naso-dorsal side of the rhombic outline is very convex ; the supra- ocular region depressed ; the interorbial area formed by a narrow, scaleless ridge; the caudal peduncle short; the scales ctenoid, and the dorsal and anal fins respectively highest, and convergent far behind and at nearly the same vertical. The species has a height of little less less than half the extreme length ; the head almost a fourth, and the caudal almost a fifth. The first fin rays are the longest and filiform, progressively increasing, and the fin itself commences at a vertical between the orbit and pupil. The rays of the dorsal (70) converge towards the fiftieth ; those of the anal (56) towards the thirtieth. The color is reddish brown, with four ocellated spots larger than the eye ; the first above the longer declining portion of the falciform arch of the lateral line ; the three posterior forming the angles of a triangle ; the anterior two mid- way between the snout and caudal margin, and the posterior on the lateral line. It may be named Ancylopsetta quadrocellatus. On the Characters of the higher Groups of KEPTILIA SQUAMATA-and especially of the DIPL0GL0SSA. BY E. D. COPE. Since it is only by an attentive consideration of the peculiarities of organ- ized beings that their relationships in time present and past can be deter- mined, the more complete that examination the more certain will our conclu- sions be. In the course of preparation of systematic work, the great need of well established bases is often felt, and nowhere more urgently than among the Reptiles. The following abstract, presenting some new views in this de- partment, have been taken from my MSS., as exhibiting some of the stronger points among the multitudinous variations of the reptilian skeleton. Prof. Johannes Muller* has given us the best characters for distinguishing the Ophidia and Lacertilia, viz. : — The former having the ali- and orbito-sphe- noid regions osseous — the latter membranous ; there being one suspensorium for the quadrature in the first, two in the second. It is true he says Acontias forms an exception, having but one suspensorium, but I have seen the second in a specimen prepared by Herr Will, of Munich, and Prof. Peters showed it to me in a Berlin specimen. Anelytrops, a genus nearly allied to Typhlo- saurus, possesses both, well developed. Aniella, however, appears to consti- tute a real exception to the rule, having but one suspensorium, thus resem- bling the Ophiosaurii or Auiphisbaenia : it resembles the latter so in its elon- gate temporal, continuous with the parietal, the downward prolongation of the latter bone and its close union with the occipital sclerotome, as to connect them closely with the Lacertilia. The true hiatus in the series of Squamata is, in my opinion, to be found between the Ophiosauri and Tortricina. The characters of the skeleton remaining up to the present time, by which Lacer- tilia and Ophidia may be distinguished, are as follows : Lacertilia. Ophidia. Continuity of the parietal and sphenoid Continuity of parietal and sphenoid walls interrupted. walls complete. Rami of the mandible united by suture. Rami united by ligament. From the centre of multiplicity of forms of typical Lacertilia, we can pursue * Tiedemanu and Treyiranus Zeitschr. f. Pbyeiologie, iv. p. 233. [Oct. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 225 three series — one toward the serpents by Amphisbfenia, one to the partially degraded type of the Geccos, and lastly through the highest or acrodont se- ries, to Chamaeleo on the one hand and Hatteria on the other. In the first case the prolonged development of the superior temporal is fol- lowed by a decurving of the parietal border, the closer attachment of the occi- pital sclerotome, and shortening of the squamosal and mastoid. Finally, the temporal, with the pieces adjoining anteriorly, begin to restrict a foramen ovale, the orbito-sphenoid is developed, and the articular and angular pieces of the mandible are represented by but one piece : the columella disappears. In the last direction, the temporal is not elongate, nor is there any tendency toward a more complete closure of the cranial cavity. The inferior or ? pet- rous wing of the temporal is directed inwards instead of forwards ; the parietal fontanelle does not diminish, and the premaxillaryboneis seen to form a regu- larly decreasing series. The mesosternum and columella diminish in length and disappear, and the splenial appears smaller and smaller to extinction. The subarticular strengthens the inner rather than the outer wall of the man- dible, and the external direction of the coronoid is reversed. The type of Hatteria doubles the premaxillary, and exhibits the vertebrae amphicoelian. In approaching the Geccos, the bones of the palate are seen to be thinner and more expanded, and the articular piece of the mandible is lost. In the full type the ossification is of the lightest description, and the fascial and basement membranes often present incomplete deposits of bony tissue ; thus the parietal and sternal fontanelles disappear. The parietals are not, as usual, united, and there is a dimunition (in Uroplates nearly obliteration), of the median or basilar segment of the occipital condyle. There is a temporal ala peculiar to this suborder. The following is a synopsis of the prevailing characters of the suborders : * ACRODONTA. Shanks of teeth compressed, most always between two alveolar walls. Coronoid bone produced posteriorly, on outside of ramus. Articular present separate from angular. Splenial reduced, more frequently wanting. Subarticular small on outer, much prolonged on inner face of ramus. Groove from splenial to mental foramina not closed over Meckel's cartilage. Premaxillary nearly always separated from vomer by maxillaries. Pterygoids not touching body of sphenoid. Frontal not arching over the olfactory lobes. Parietal single, receiving the gomphosis of loosely attached occipital segment internally. Temporal with longitudinal wing only ; superior plate not produced beyond the arched body. Orbitosphenoid wanting. Suspensoria two, arches complete. Rhiptoglossa and Pachyglossa. NYCTISAURA. Shanks of teeth cylindrical, attached to the inner side of an alveolar wall. Coronoid bone produced anteriorly and posteriorly. Articular wanting. Subarticular largely developed exteriorly, not interiorly. Splenial elongate ; Meckel's cartilage covered between the splenial and mental foramina. Premaxillary broad, in contact with vomer. * Not a few of the characters here noted are pointed out in special cases in Stannius' most ex- cellent Zootomie der Amphibien. 1864.] 15 226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Pterygoids not touching sphenoid. Frontal arching under olfactory lobes. Parietal double ; attachment of occipital segment very open ; gomphosis internal. Temporal with anterior vertico-oblique wing ; superior plate produced beyond arched body, forming abutment for columella. Orbitospheuoid wanting. Arches incomplete. Suspensoria two. Vertebra? usually ampiccelian. Tongue papillose. Nyctisaura. PLEURODONTA. .Shanks of teeth cylindrical, attached to inner side of one alveolar wall. Coronoid bone produced anteriorly, not posteriorly. Articular, when present, separate from angular, (except in one tribe.) Subarticular little developed on inner, usually much on outer face of ramus. Groove for Meckel's cartilage nearly always more or less completely closed. Splenial nearly always elongate. Premaxillary in contact with vomers, (with two or three exceptions.) Pterygoids not touching sphenoid. Parietal single, receiving gomphosis of the usually slightly attached occipital internally. Temporal with inferior longitudinal wing only, columella abutting on parietal or incomplete. Suspensoria nearly always two. Orbitosphenoid wanting ; vertebras procoelian. Iguania, Dijiloglossa, Thecaglossa, Leptoglossa, Typhlopldhalmi. OPHIOSAURI. Coronoid bone little developed externally, covering articular internally. Articular united with angular. Subarticular little visible externally ; elongate internally. Splenial smnll ; Meckel's cartilage covered on the inner side. Premaxillary well developed, in contact with vomer. Pterygoids in close contact with spheuoid. Frontal under-arching olfactory lobes. Orbitosplienoid present. Parietal single, with a close articulation to occipital by external gomphosis. Temporal without wing, continuous with parietal. No columella. Arches wanting. Suspensorium, one. Vertebrae procoelian ; tongue scaly. Amphisbie, western New York. He also exhibited a speci- men of petroleum from the first well opened at Erie, Pa., on probably the same horizon as that of the former specimens. The oil was ob- tained at a depth of 750 feet. November &lh. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Nine members present. November \btli. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Twelve members present. A paper was presented for publication entitled " On a new Cormo- rant from the Farralone Islands, California." By J. G. Cooper, M. D. November 22d. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Fifteen members present. A paper was presented for publication entitled " Synopsis of the eastern American Sharks." By Theo. Gill. November 29/Zi. it Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Sixteen members present. On report of the respective committees the following paper? were ordered to be published : Synopsis of the Eastern American SHARKS. BY THEODORE GILL. In the present article, I indicate the imperfection of our knowledge respecting the American Sharks, and have endeavored, as far as possible, with my limited materials, to rectify the synonymy. It will be perceived that I have connected names, proposed by Mitchill and others, with species belonging to different t'*milies from those to which they had been previously referred. No specific contradiction in the descriptions existing, and the diagnoses essentially agree- ing with the species, it is probable that in such cases the generic relations of the species were assumed without verification of the geueric characters. lint [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 259 when, as in the case of Carcharias griseus* of Mr. Ayres, the generic position i6 not only assumed, but the characters forced to agree with it, tyros might be readily misled, and only knowledge of correlation of essential characters will enable the scientist to arrive at correct conclusions. As I have had the power of examining Odontaspidoids from the same neighborhood which agree, in fa- mily characters, with those species described by scientilic naturalists, and which essentially agree in other respects with Mr. Ayres' description, I identify them with bis species without hesitation, although I cannot adopt the name, since it had received two others previously. I may add that its true relations have been appreciated by both Messrs. Desor and Storer. As already intimated, this contribution must be considered rather as an ex- position of our present ignorance of the species, than the embodiment of the correct nomenclature. It is not too much to say that the titles of half the spe- cies to their names require to be confirmed. Although I have seen more or less of most of these species, the want of opportunity to compare them with others, and the critical nature of the characters distinctive of species in this order, forbid the idea of correctness in every instance. As, however, much good may often be done by the mere exposition of our deficiencies, this article is submitted with the hope that it may at least excite investigation. The synonymy of the American forms is alone introduced. I. Pectoral fin with the base entire in front.., SQUALL A. Anal fin present. tt. Caudal lunate ; tail keeled on one side Lamnoid/e. ut. Caudal with the upper lobe much elongated. 0. Branchial apertures entirely in front of pectorals • Odontaspidoid.*. 00. Branchial aperture behind above pectoral. y. Caudal exceedingly long. Eyes with- out nictitant membrane AlopkcoidjB. yy. Caudal moderately elongated. Eyes with nictitant membrane. Head laterally produced Cestraciontoid.*. Head normally formed Galeorhinoidje. AA. Anal fin obsolete. Dorsals each armed in front with spine Spinacoid^s. Dorsals unarmed ScymnoidjE. II. Pectoral fin with with the base cleft in front RHIN^E. "Rhinoid*. LAMNOIDM, Mull, and Henle. * CETORUININJE Gill. CETORHINUS Blainv. Tetroras Raf., 1810 (desc. and name erroneous.) Selache Cuv., 181 7. Selachus Yarrell. Cetorhinus maximd8 Blainv. Squalus maximns (L.) Fab., F. G. 130. Mit., Tr. N. Y. i. 486. Squalus elephas Des., Journ. Ac. ii. 350. Squalus rhinoceros Mit, 1828 (fide DeKay.) Squalus (Selache) maximus Rich., F. B. iii. 291. Squalus (Selache) elephas Storer, Rep. 407. * The figure of this species, like the description, is thoroughly unreliable; it is better, however, than that of the Myliobalis bispinoms, in which more attention appears to have boon paid tv th* delineation of mathematical figures and lines tban to the representation of nsture. (See Boston Journal N. H., iv., pi. 13.) 1864.] 260 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Selachus maximus DeKay, N. Y. F. iv. 357 ; St. Syn. 254. Hab. Am. Greenland to New Jersey. If there is any actual difference bptween the American and European represen- tatives of this genus, they have not yet been pointed out ; the example of pre- vious authors in referring both to C. maximus is, therefore, still followed. The synonymy of the American fish is alone given. ISURW,® Gill. CARCHARODON A. Smith. Carcharias obscurus Storer. Bn. Journ. ii. 558, (excl. syn.) Oarcharias Atwoodi Storer, Bn. Proc. 1848, p. 72. " The first dorsal fin is one foot in length." " The second dorsal is one inch long." " The anal fin is one inch long." "The upper lobe of the caudal fin measures two feet over its curvature ; the lower lobe measures one foot and a half." These measurements of the fish, called by Dr. Storer C. obscurus, are incom- patible with any form of the family of Galeorhinoidee ; the description is only reconcilable with Carcharodon. I had, however, at one time supposed that it might be referrible to Uulamia,* the notice of the dentition, except as to number of teeth (i£) in which it agrees with no shark, being vaguely applicable. The Carcharias Atwoodi is also probably the same species, the anal being said to be far behind the second dorsal, and thus distinguished from the " white shark." Dr. Storer doubtless obtained his idea of the latter from Yarrell's copy of Belon's figure, which erroneously represents a Carcharodon with the anal opposed to that fin. Having been shown a tooth of a Galeoccrdo, said to have been taken from C. Atwoodi, I have asked whether that species could have belonged to that genus, but the position of the anal and the triangular teeth forbid such identification. ISTJROPSIS Gill. ISUROPSIS GLAUCUS, Gill. Lamna punctata Storer, Boston Journ. ii. 534. Rep. 185, pi. 3, fig. 2. Not Squalus punctatus Mitch .f Oxyrhina Dekayi Gill, Cat. 60. Isuropsis Dekayi Gill, Squali, 43. An. Lye. N. Y. viii. 153. Hab. Mass. ; New York. This species of the eastern coast is probably identical with Isuropsis glaucus, said by Muller and flenle to be a native of Java. As it has not. however, been found there by the indefatigable Bleeker, and has been eliminated from the re- cent enumeration of the species of the Archipelago, it is probable that such habitat is erroneous, and that the specimen described was obtained from Suri- nam. Prof. Poey has found apparently the same species at Cuba. ODONTASPIDOIDJE Gill. EUGOMPHODUS Gill.J EuGOMPHODr/S LITTORAL1S, Gill. Squalus americanus Mit., Trans. N. Y. i. 483 (not Shaw.) • The Carcharias obscurus (Storer) must be considered under two beads: 1st. The fish mentioned in the report, which is a species of Carcharodon. 2d. Another individual ident;fied by Dr. Storer with Carcharias obscurus, and dissected by Dr. Wyman, whose description (Boston Proc. iv. 123, 1851) of its viscera, Ac, indicates th&t it belonged to the Galeorhini. The specimen examined by that accomplished anatomist was doubtless the Eulamia Milberti, and consequently related to the true Carcharias obscurus. f'The caudal fin very unequally divided, the upper section being almost thrice as large as th€ lower, and having a process on the lower side." Hitch. Trans. N. Y. i. 485. % Eugomphodus is distinguished from Carcharias (Rat.,) Trigloch\s or Odontaspis by the simple first and fourth teeth of the upper jaw, as well as the first of the lower. The more anterior dor- Mla also separate it from O. taurus. [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 261 Squalus littoralis MiL, Am. Monthly Mag. &c. ii. 328. Squalus macrodus Mit., op. cit. ii. 328. Oarcharias littoralis DeKay, iv. 351. Oarcharias griseus Ayres, Boston Journ. iv. 293. Odontaspis griseus Desor, Bost. Proc. ii. 264. Eugemphodus griseus Gill, Cat. 60. Odontaspis americanus Abbot, Proc. Ac. N. S. Eugompnodus littoralis Gill, op. cit. 1863, 333. Hab. Mass. to New Jersey. ALOPECOIDjE. ALOPIAS Raf. Alopias vulpbs, Bon. Thresher or long tailed Shark Mitch., Med. Rep. 2d hex., ii. 77. Squalus vulpes (L.) Mitch. Carcbarias vulpes DeK., iv. 348. Alopias vulpes Storer, Syn. 253. Hab. Mass. southwards. CESTRA CIONTOIDjE. CESTRACION Klein. Sphyrna Raf., 1810. Sphyrnias Raf., 1815. Oestrorhinus Blainv., 1816. Zygaena Cuv., 1817. Platysqualus Sw., 1839. Spbyra Vanderhoeven. Cestracion zyg-ena, Gill. Squalus zygaena L. Mitch., Trans. N. Y. i. 482. Zygaena malleus Cuv. Sphyrna zygaena M. and H. Sphyrnias zygaena Gray. Zygaena subarcuatus Storer. Cestracion subarcuatus Gill, Cat. Cestracion zygaena Gill, Squali. Hab. Eastern coast generally. RENICEPS Gill. Reniceps tiburo Gill. Squalus tiburo Linn. Cestrorhinus tiburo Blainv. Zygaena tiburo Vol. Sphyrna tiburo M. and H. Sphyrnias tiburo Gray. Cestracion tiburo Gill, Cat. Reniceps tiburo Gill, Squali. Hab. New York southwards. ' GALEORHINOIDJE Gill. GALEORHINWjE Gill. GALEORHINI. EULAMIA Gill. Carcharias Cuv., (not l$af.) 1864.] 262 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF EULAMIA MlLBEKTl GUI. Squalus carcharias Mit. Carcharias (Prionodon) Milberti ( Val.) M. and H. 38. Carcharias caeruleus DeKay, 349, pi. 61, f. 200. Lamna caudata DeKay, 354, pi. 62, f. 205. Squalus (Carcharinus) caudata Gray, 44 (excl. syn.) Squalus (Carcharinus csruleus Gray, 44. Squalus (Carcharinus) Milberti Gray 45. Squalus Milberti Gill, Cat 59. Squalus caeruleus Gill, Cat. 59. Eulamia Milberti Gill, Squali 44. The specific name here adopted was applied in MSS. by Valenciennes to a specimen sent from New York by Milbert, and was retained for a species to which that specimen, one from Leyden and one in the Museum of Berlin, ob- tained by Hemprich and Ehrenberg, were referred. The specimen on which the description and measurements were especially based is not specified. The de- scription agrees quite well with the Carcharias cxruleus of DeKay. The Carcharias cxruleus was established on a young female, and the Lamna caudata on the figure of an adult female obtained from Mr. Brevoort, to whom I have been indebted for the information. That gentleman has shown to me the original drawing of which DeKay's fig- ure was a professed copy. It is drawn with Mr. Brevoort's wonted accuracy, and distinctly represents the last branchial apertures above the pectoral fins ; the species is, therefore, a true Eulamia, as its form indicates, and as was suspected by Dr. Gray. With the European form, Nardo has identified his Squalus plumbeus as well as the S. Ccecchia of Chiereghin. PLATYPODON Gill. Platypodon obscueds Gill. Squalus obscurus Les. Carcharias obscurus Dekay, (not Storer.) Carcharias (Prionodon) obscurus 31. and H. Squalus (Carcharinus) obscurus Gray. Messrs. Putnam and Nason have favored me with notices and partial figures of a shark taken on the coast, and preserved in the Museum of Williamstown College, which appeared to apply to this species. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that the teeth, represented by Lesueur, have been reversed, the wider one belonging to the upper and the narrow to the lower jaw. APRIONODON Gill. Apkionodon punctatcs Gill. Squalus punctatus Mitch. Trans. N. Y. i. 484. Carcharias (Aprion) isodon (Val.) M. and H., 32. Squalus (Aprion) isodon Gray, 43. Aprionodon punctatus Gill, Cat. Ilab.— New York. " Iris, oblong and vertical. " Teeth small, triangular and without jagged edges. " First dorsal situated about the middle of the back. The second dor- sal membranous, somewhat adipose, and of a rhomboidal figure. ■ A anal fin corresponding (opposite) to the second dorsal. "The caudal fin very unequally divided ; the tipper section being almost thrice as large as the lower, and having a process on the lower side." (Mitchill.) The Squalus punctatus, therefore, cannot be a species of Lamna as long sup- posed, nor yet a species of Eulamia, Platypodon, or even Scoliodon, with which, smonQ- known American species, it can alone have affi«ities. [Nov. D NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 263 The habitat of C. isodon has not been specified ; but as the specimen oa which it waB founded was sent by Mr. Milbert, it was probably obtained at New York. SCOLIODON M. and H. SCOLIODON TERRjE-NOVjE Gill. Squalus (Carcharias) terrae-novae Rich. Scoliodon terra-novae Gill, Cat. Hab. — Newfoundland and New York. As already indicated by Muller and Henle,(p. 189), the S. terrse.-novse of Rich- ardson evidently belongs to the genus Scoliodon as now understood, and has no affinity with Lumna to which it has been referred by several authors.* GALEOCERDO M. and H. 15oreogaleus Gill. Galeocerdo tigrinus M and H. Galeus macwlatns Ram. To this species I refer two jaws, said to have been obtained on the eastern coast, and others from the West Indies, Lower California and the Western Pa- cific. The jaws are from adult fishes, and resemble in the form of the teeth the G. arcticus. Muller and Henle distinguish two species of Galeocerdo. G. tigrinus with, 1, a moderate flat snout; 2, teeth 25} coarsely serrate, and the unpaired one little bent, and with an entire terminal point ; 3, elongated caudal; 4, spotted body ; 5, last two branchial apertures above the pectorals ; 6, anal fin, with the anterior lobe little produced and rounded. G. arcticus with, 1, a very short snout ; 2, teeth 2.?, finely crenulated, the un- paired teeth curved and crenulated throughout; 3, caudal moderate; 4, imma- culate body ; 5, fifth branchial aperture only above the pectorals ; 6, anal with its anterior lobe much produced and pointed. Placing an undue value on these differences, I formerly proposed to generi- cally distinguish G. arcticus. To Prof. Poey I am indebted for the figure of an adult Galeocerdo, exhibiting the gills aud anal fin of G. tigrinus, but the form and teeth of G. arcticus ; he believe3 that his fish is only the adult form of G. tigrinus, and I am obliged to agree with him in this view. Tbe body, and especially the caudal and snout, became abbreviated with age, and the teeth change. The jaws seen by me exhibit variations in number from 21 to 23, but none 25. Can the latter for- 'i 5 inula be the result of a typographical error? MUSTELINJE Bon. MUSTELUS Cuv. Mustelus canis Dekay. Squalus canis Mitch. Trans. N. Y. i. 486. Mustelus canis Dekay. ■ Hab. — Eastern coast. SPINAGOIDM Owen. SQUALUS Art. Raf. Squalus americanus Gill. Squalus acanthias Mitch, (vix auct.) * The S. teme-novm and Lttmna punctata {Aprionodon) — Galeorhinouls — have been lPganJe I .<*> identical and belonging to the genus Lo.mna. 1864.] 261 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Spinax acanthias? Dekay. Acanthias americanus St. Syn. 254. Squal is americanus Gill, Proc. Acad. 1862. Hab. — Eastern coast generally. CENTROSCYLLIUM M. and H. Centroscyllium Fabkioii M. and H. Squalus acanthias Fab. (not L.) Spinax Fabricii Reinh. Centroscyllium Fabricii M. and H. Plag. Hab. — Greenland. SCYMNOIDJE* Owen. SOMNIOSUS Les. SOMNIOSUS MICROCEPHALUS Gill. Squalus microcephalus Bl. Schn. 135. Squalus borealis Scoresby, i. 358 ; xv. 3, 4. Scjmnus borealis Fleming, 166. Squalus (Scymnus) glacialis Faber, 23. Scymnus micropterus Val. Nouv. Mem. i. 455, pi. xx. Squalus norwegianus Blainv, F. Fr. 61. Scymnus (Laemargus) borealis, M. and H. 93. Dalatias (Somniosus) borealis Gray, 76. Somniosus microcephalus Gill, Cat. Somniosus brevipinna Les. Scymnus brevipinna Dekay. Leiodon echinatus Wood. Hab. — Greenland to Cape Cod. It is probable, as indicated in my catalogue, that the S. brevipinna is not dis tinct from S. microcephalus. RHINOIDJE Gill. RHINA Klein. Rhina Dumerili Gill. Squativa Dumeril Lesueur, Rhina Dumerili Gill, Cat. Hab.— New York ? Genus PLATYPODON Gill. Synonymy. =Platypodon Gill, Analytical Synopsis of the order of Squali, p. 35; in An- nals of the Lyceum of Nat. Hist, of New York, vol. viii. p. 401, 1861. Carcharias (Prionodon), sp. Mailer and Ilenle. Squalus (Prionodon), sp. Poey. Isoplagiodon, sp. Gill. Body slender and fusiform in profile, tapering behind. Scales tricuspid, surmounted by three keels terminating with the cusps. * The family Seymnoidae is represented by five distinct genera. 1. Scymnus. 2. Isistius (Scymnus brasiliensis M. and H.) distinguished by its similar and posterior dorsals, Ac. 3. Somniosus. 4. Euprotnmicrus {Scymnus Labordii M and H.) with teeth like Somniosus, but in moderate number (c. 23) and very small first dorsal. 5. Khinoscymnus (Scymnus rostratus Risso) distinguished by its dorsals, &c. [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 2G5 Head oblong, with the snout produced, oblong, gradually narrowed, and with its periphery convex. Eyes moderate, with the pupil vertical. Nostrils nearer the front of the rcouth than the snout, nearly rectangular to mouth, with the anterior flap small and near the inner angle. Mouth moderate, but convex in front, and wider than deep. Teeth of upper and lower jaws dissimilar; of each jaw mostly similar, but smaller and more oblique towards the corners of the mouth ; two symmetrical front. ones iu upper, an unpaired one in lower jaw; the two front teeth of the upper jaw inclined towards each other ; the rest serrated, oblique, rectilinear or nearly so along the inner edge, and with an obtusely angled emargination at the outer edge, the lower branch of which forms the so-called heel. Lower jaw with a small azygous erect tooth at symphisis; the rest with broad bases and narrow oblique entire or weakly crenulated cusps, inclining more as they re- cede from the symphisis. Branchial apertures moderate; the fourth, typically, nearly above the outer base of the pectoral fin. Dorsal fins dissimilar ; the first nearly midway between the pectoral and ventral fins, or little nearer the former, moderate, obtusely produced at the anterior angle, and acutely prolonged at the posterior ; the second small, narrow, produced acutely from the posterior angle. Anal fin nearly opposite the second dorsal, slightly larger than the latter, obtusely enlarged at the anterior angle, acutely produced at the posterior. Caudal fin above with a pit at base, normally prolonged, and with a moderate lower lobe, narrow towards its rounded apex. Pectoral fins moderate, but narrowed towards the rounded point, with the inner angle little produced. Ventral fins moderate, rhomboidal. Type. — Platypodon menisorrah Gill. Syn. — Carcharias (Prionodon) menisorrah Mutter and Hcnlc. This genus was first named in the " Analytical Synopsis of the Order of Squali," but no diagnosis was there given. Platypodon differs from Isoplagiodon in the dissimilarity of the teeth of the two jaws, the two paired teeth of the front jaw, and, perhaps, in the form of the mouth and narrower caudal portion of the tail. Squalus tiburo Poey, S. acronotus P. and S. obscurus Les., belong to it. Notes of an Examination of the Birds of the Subfamily COEBEBIN.E. BY JOHN CASSIN. 1. Genus COEREBA, Vieillot. Coereba, Vieill., Ois. d'Am. Sept. ii. p. TO (1807). Arbelorhina, Cab., Schomb. Reisen iii. p. 675 (1848). This name is now almost universally applied to the group for which I use it in this paper, and of which the bird described by Linnaeus as Certhia cyanea may be presumed to be the type. Vieillot, as above cited, evidently adopts it as a name for a group which he regarde'd as a genus, intending to include that species (C. cyanea) to which the name Guira-coereba Brasiliensibus had been previously given by Marcgrave and Piso in Nat. Hist. Brasil, p. 212. It was not the usage of Vieillot nor of numerous other binomial authors, inclu- ding Linnaeus, to assume any one species as the type of a proposed or adopted genus, and in my opinion there is a very considerable degree of impropriety, as well as injustice, in ascribing to those authors any other than their real and palpable intentions. For genera, the names of which are adopted from other authors and the same groups intended to be designated, those authors, whether ante- Linnsean or other non-binomia', (or any other,) ought to be con- 1864.] 266 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP suited and the types ascertained in that manner, whenever it becomes neces- sary. It will be found on reference to Ois. d'Am., Sept., as cited above, that the only species of his genus Coereba given by Vieillotis Coereba Jiaveola, supposed to be the same as Certhia jiaveola, Linnaeus. According to the views of some distinguished and judicious authors, that species should be regardsd as the type of the genus, and the name Coereba should therefore be applied to a group since designated, and now well known as Certhiola. In such view, I cannot coincide. Dr. Cabanis, as above, proposes the name Arbelorhina as a substitute for Coereba, apparently objecting to the barbarous origin of the latter. His type is C. cyanea. 1. Coereba cyanea, (Linnaeus.) * Certhia cyanea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i. p. 188 (1766). Certhia flavipes, Gm., Syst. Nat. i. p. 472 (1788). Certhia cyanogastra, Lath., Ind. Orn. i. p. 295 (1790). Certhia armillata, Sparrm., Mus. Carls., No. 36 (1787). Coereba carneipes, Sclater., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1859, p. 376.? Arbelorhina brevipes et eximia, Cab., Mus. Hein. i. p. 96 (1850). ? Aud. and Vieill., Ois. Dor. ii. pi, 41, 42, 43. Vieill., Gal. i. pi. 176. Sparrm., Mus. Carls., pi. 36. Buff., PI. Enl. 83, fig. 2. Edwards' Birds, vi. pi. 264, fig. 1. Hahn., Voegel. pt. xii. pi. 3. Reich., Voeg. fig. 3767, 3768, 3769. Numerous specimens of this species are in the Museum of the Academy, variously labelled Cayenne. Brazil, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, of which localities I know several to be correct. There is appreciable difference between them in the size and degree of curve in the bills, but all are exceed- ingly alike in colors. Specimens from Venezuela have the largest bills, and it happens also that one specimen in the Massena collection, marked " Carac- cas," in the hand-writing of M. Victor Massena, has the smallest. These large-billed specimens from Venezuela may be entitled to specific distinction, and, in addition to their larger size, seem to have with some uniformity a greater extent of the black of the lores, completely enclosing the eye and ex- tending behind it. A specimen from Panama, belonging to the Smithsonian Institution, has the same character, but is smaller in all its parts. The Mexican and Central American bird mayalso be distinct, and entitled to the name given by Dr. Sclater, as above cited, but probably not on account of having the legs red. I suspect that the adult bird always has the legs of that color, in whatever locality ; and. in a very interesting and valuable paper on the birds of the West Indies, Mr. E. Cavendish Taylor says of the bird found in Trinidad : " Its legs and feet are bright red." (Ibis, 1864, p. 81). There are at present fourteen mounted specimens of this species in the Academy Museum, and numerous others in skins, not exhibited. Notwith- standing the small differences in specimens, as above, I find it impossible to distinguish Dr. Cabanis' species brevipes and eximia in the collection. 2. Coereba cverulea (Linnaeus). Certhia caerulea, Linn., Syst. Nat., i. p. 118 (1758). Certhia ochrochlora, Gm., Syst. Nat., i. p. 472 (1788). Certhia surinamensis, Lath., Ind. Orn., i. p. 295 (1790). Fringilla cyanomelas, Gm., Syst. Nat., ii. p. 924 (1788). Aud. et Vieill., Ois. Dor., ii. pi. 44, 45. Edwards' Birds, i. pi. 21, fig. 1. Sparrm., Mus. Carls., pi. 82. Hahn's Voeg., pt. xii. pi. 4. Reich. Voeg., fig. 3770,3771. Six specimens, nearly all of which are labelled " Cayenne." For this spe- cies I take specimens with a medium-sized bill, as nearly as possible like the figure in Edwards' Birds, above cited, on which this species is founded. [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 267 3. Coereba longirostris, (Cabanis). Arbelorhina longirostris, Cab., Mus. Hein., p. 96 (1851). Coereba trinitatis, Bonap., Compt. Rend., 1854, p. 258. Seven specimens, all labelled " Trinidad " and " Caraccas," and strongly- characterised by their long and stout bills. The females seem to have the throat more clearly ochre-yellow than in those of other species, and perhaps the longitudinal stripes on the under surface of the body wider and less nu- merous. The Prince Bonaparte cites " Sparrm., Mus. Carls., pi. 80," as pos- sibly this species ; but evidently erroneously, as that plate (Mus. Carls., pi. 80,) represents the very smallest of Sparrmann's proposed species. 4. Coereea brevirostris, (Cabanis). Arbelorhina brevirostris, Cab., Mus. Hein., p. 96. Four specimens, labelled "Bogota," " Guayaquil," and " Cayenne." That from Guayaquil may be distinct, and seems to have the black gular patch narrower ; the black space on the lores seems to be larger, and the light blue of the forehead ends in a sharp angle at the base of the bill. 5. Coereba nitida, Hartlaub. Coereba nitida, Hartl., Rev. Zool., 1847, p. 84. Jard. Orn. Contr., 1850, pi. 66, fig. 1. Reich. Voeg.; fig. 3772. Five specimens, differing in size somewhat, but very similar in plumage. One specimen, which is the original of the figure in Jardine's Contributions, cited above, is labelled "Upper Amazon ;" two others are labelled "Guaya- quil," and two are from Peru, presented by Hon. John Randolph Clay, late U. S. Minister to that Republic. One specimen from Guayaquil, and the specimens from Peru, are very con- siderably the largest, — quite sufficiently so to be regarded as distinct, on the terms which seem to prevail in this genus. The specimen figured as above is the smallest, though apparently quite adult. The figure alluded to is a mere caricature ; the wing too long, the tail too short, and the transverse black bars awkwardly attempted to be shown on the abdomen are purely imaginary, there being no such in the specimen. 9. Entire upper parts green, rather lighter than in the female of C. coeru- lea and C. longirostris. Under parts dull white, strongly tinged ,with ochre yellow on the throat and breast and under tail coverts ; longitudinally striped with green on the sides and abdomen. Wing brownish black, all the quills widely edged with green; tail brownish-black, two middle feathers green, and all the other feathers widely edged, and tipped with green. Bill dark ; legs light colored. 6. Coereba lucida, Sclater. Coereba lucida, Sclat., Ibis, 1859, p. 14. Strictly of the same general form as the preceding, but singularly different in color, and in all respects as described by Dr. Sclater, as above cited. Specimens in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution from Panama. 2. Genus CHLOROPHANES, Reichenbach, Handb. Spec. Orn. pt. v. p. 233, (1853.) 1. Chlorophanes spiza, (Linnaeus.) Motacilla Spiza, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 188, (1758.) Coereba atricapilla, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. xiv. p. 50,(1817.) Turdus micans, Hahn, Voegel aus Asien, &c, pt. iii. (1819.) Nectarinia mitrata, Licht. Verz. p. 15, (1823.) " Coereba melanocephala, Vieill." DeWeid, Beitr. Naturg. Bras. iii. p. 771, (1831.) Chlorophanes guatemalensis, Sclat. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1861, p. 129. Edwards' Birds i., pi. 25, pi. 348. Hahn's Voegel, pt. iii. pi. 1. Buff. PI. 1864.] 268 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Enl. 578, fig. 2, 682, fig. 1. Merrem. Icon. Av., pi. 5. Aud. & Vieill. Ois. dor. ii. pi. 47, 48, 49. Reich. Voeg., fig. 3746, 3747. Eighteen mounted specimens in Acad. Mus. Of this apparently abundant and widely diffused species, there are four varieties in the specimens before me, which, though I cannot at present regard them as species, appear to be well marked, and may be sufficiently constant and perhaps local, to be entitled to specific distinction. On this view of specific identity, the names above are given as synonymes, the first name being that of Linnaeus, in the tenth edi- tion of Systema Naturae, in which the species is founded on Edwards' plate 25, fig. 1, and no other authority cited, except fig. 2 of the same plate, which is given as a variety. In the twelfth edition, the name Spiza is continued, and the tenth edition cited, Brisson being cited only as an additional synomyme. This species is in nowise founded on either Brisson's description nor on Seba's figure, and consequently the remarks of several distinguished orni- thologists, and the adoption bj* them of Vieillot's name atricapillas are not correct. I distinguish the following varieties : a. C. Spiza, (Linnaeus.) Edwards' Birds i., pi. 25. Very nearly of the size given by Edwards in the plate cited, and smaller than C. guatemalensis, Sclater. The black of the head extending to the occi- put, wings and tail brownish black, the feathers of the latter and quills edged externally with green. All other parts of the plumage fine lustrous yellowish green, occasionally with a bluish gloss in some lights. Total length, about 5% inches. "Cayenne," "Trinidad." b. C. guatemalensis, Sclater. Larger than the preceding, and with the black of the head extending more fully upon the occiput. The green of the plumage of a lighter shade. Total length, about 5| inches. Guatemala, " Nicaragua," Mexico. c. C. CvErolescens, nobis.' Aud. & Vieill. Ois. Dor. pi. 47 ? Quite as large as C. guatemalensis, and with the black of the head having about the same extent. All the plumage (except the black parts) bluish green, especially to be observed on the under parts of the body. In all other varieties the fine lustrous green of the plumage changes to blue in a limited degree, but in this variety the blue color appears to be constant, and changes to green in some exposures to the light. Total length about 5J inches. Specimens in the Acad. Mus. are from M. D'Orbigny's collection, and are la- belled, in the handwriting of M. Victor Massena, " C. Spiza? No. 149, D'Or- bigny, Juracares, Bolivia." d. C. melanops, nobis. Smaller than either of the two varieties immediately preceding, and about the size, or rather smaller than the first variety here given (C. Spiza). Black of the head much restricted, and extending about halfway only between the front and occiput, or but little beyond the eyes. Green feathers of the occiput and back of the neck having a strongly defined or scale-like character. Green parts of the plumage much as in the variety C. Spiza, but with the green edges of the quills and tail feathers wider and more clearly defined. Total length about five inches. Two specimens,^ and $,in Acad. Mus., labelled in Europe, in a handwriting that I do not recognize: " 2873, 3045, Certhia Spi- za? Rio Negro, Ameriq. M^rid." 3. Genus DACNIS, Cuvier, Reg. An., i. p. 395 (1817). Of this genus I have seen the following species : A. Cyanodacnis. i 1. Dacnis cayan'a, (Linnaeus). Motacilla cayana, Linn., Syst. Nat., i. p. 336 (1766). [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 269 Motacilla cyanocephala, Gm., Syst. Nat., i. p. 990 (1788). Dacnis cyanater, Less., Tr. d'Orn., i. p. 458 (1831). Puch., Rev. et Mag. Zool., 1854, p. 70. Briss. Orn., iii. pi. 28, fig. 1, 4. Buff., PI. Enl., 578, fig. 1. Sw., Zool. 111., ii. pi. 117. Under this name I place numerous specimens of a common Brazilian spe- cies, the males of which are clearly the bird figured by Swainson, as above cited. It is not so clear to me, however, that they are precisely that figured and described by either Erisson or Buffon. The former is the authority for the species Motacilla cay ana, Linn. (Briss. Orn., iii. p. 534), and I am not with- out a suspicion that either a smaller species, next following in this paper, or that D. coerebico/or, Sclater, is entitled to this name. The description by Lesson is short, and applicable to both species, but relying on the locality given by him, " Bresil," it is possible that his name, D. cyanater, is the proper designation for the present bird. This species is larger than that immediately following, and has the black space on the back larger. It is well represented in Swainson's plate, cited above, and is commonly brought in collections from Bahia and other localities in Southern Brazil. 2. Dacnis nigripes, Pelzeln? Dacnis nigripes, Pelzeln, Sitzungb. Akad. Vienna, 1856, p. 155? Nectarinia bicolor, Becklemichew, Acta Akad. Moscow, vii. p. 378 (1828)? Edwards' Birds, vi. pi. 263. Beckl., Nouv. Mem. Acad. Moscow, vii.pl. 23 ? Pelz. Sitzungb. Akad. Vienna, 1856, pi. 1, fig. 1.? This is, in my opinion, a species distinct from the preceding, though re- sembling it in colors. It is smaller, and has the black space on the back smaller and more strictly defined. It is figured by Edwards, as above cited, and also seems to be the bird given by Becklemichew, whose name I should be inclined to adopt, were it not anticipated by Vieillot, for the species of this genus usually given as Dacnis pi 'umbea. (Latham). It may also be the species described and figured by that excellent ornithologist, St. Pelzeln, as above cited, but the legs in dried specimens are not black. Ten specimens in the Academy Museum I regard as this species. They are labelled as from Cay- enne and Northern Brazil. 3. Dacnis ultramarina, Lawrence. Dacnis ultramarina, Lawr., Proc. Acad., Phila., 1864, p. 106. From the Isthmus of Panama. This is another species of the same group as the two preceding, and resembling them in colors. It is, however, of a different and deeper blue color, and has the black of the throat distinctly tinged with green. It is described, and its peculiar specific characters are stated with his usual precision and judgment by Air. Lawrence, as cited above. B. Polidacnis. 3. Dacnis melanotis, Strickland. Dacnis melanotis, Strickl., Jard. Contr. Orn., 1851, p. 16. "Dacnis angelica, De Filippi," Bonap., Comp. Av., i. p. 400 ? Sclater, Ibis, 1863, p. 315? Buff., PL Enl., 669, fig. 2. Vieill., Gal., i. pi. 165. Buff., PL Enl., 669, fig. 1? Reich., Voeg., fig. 3740. Ten specimens, labelled " Cayenne" and " Rio Negro." 5. Dacnis venusta, Lawrence. Dacnis venusta, Lawr., Ann. Lye, N. Y.. 1862, p. 464. Sclater's Ibis, 1863, pi. 7. A beautiful species, of which the only specimens that I have seen are the types (male and female) in the collection of Mr. Lawrence, kindly lent to me 1864.] 270 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF for examination by that gentleman. It is a strongly characterized species, not intimately resembling any other at present known, and easily recognized by its scarlet tibia, which is quite a peculiar and curious character in this group. From Panama, very handsomely figured in the Ibis, as above. 4. Dacnis egregia, Sclater. Dacnis egregia, Sclat., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1854, p. 251. Sclater, Cat. Am. Birds, pi. 7. One specimen, labelled " Columbie." A beautiful little species, of which both sexes are very handsomely figured by Dr. Sclater, as above. 5. Dacnis coerebicolor, Sclater. Dacnis coerebicolor, Sclat., Jard. Contr. Orn., 1851, p. 106 Jard. Contr. Orn., 1852, pi. 93, fig. 2. Three specimens, labelled " Bogota." C. Eudacnis. 6. Dacnis flaviventris, D'Orbigny et Lafresnaye. Dacnis flaviventris, D'Orb. et Lafr., Mag. Zool., 1837, p. 31. D'Orb., Voy. Am. Ois., pi. 13, fig. 2. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3749. Two specimens, one of which is labelled " Peru," and the other " Uppct Amazon." 7. Dacnis pulcherrima, Sclater. Dacnis pulcherrima, Sclat., Rev. Zool., 1853, p. 479. Nemosia torquata, Du Bus, Bull. Acad. Brux., xxii. p. 155 (1855) Sclater, Cat. Am. Birds, pi. 8. One specimen. This bird is, in my opinion, but doubtfully of this genus and possibly more nearly allied to Nemosia. D. Ateleodacnis. 8. Dacnis lkdcogenys, Lafresnaye. Dacnis leucogenys, Lafr., Rev. Zool., 1852, p. 470. One specimen from Venezuela. A curious little species, easily recognized by its white ears and white upper tail coverts, though apparently little known to naturalists. 9. Dacnis speciosa, (De Wied). Sylvia speciosa, De Wied, Beitr., iii. p. 708 (1831). Dacnis analis, D'Orb. et Lafres., Mag. Zool., 1837, p. 21 Temm., PI. Col. 293, fig. 2. Jard. Contr. Orn., 1852, pi. 93, fig l Four specimens, three of which are labelled as from Brazil.' One specimen (Massena Coll., No. 2-776,) may not be this species, though nearly allied It is darker colored, especially on the head and under parts of the bodv •' the latter character being particularly observable. It is without label statin a- locality. This specimen is sufficiently dark-colored to resemble the pre ceding (£>. leucogenys), but has not the white ears and white upper tail covertB of that species. Under tail coverts dark chestnut. 10. Dacnis bicolor, (Vieillot). Sylvia bicolor, Vieill., Ois. d'Am., Sept., ii. p. 32 (1807). Sylvia crerulescens, De Wied, Bestr., iii. p, 713 (1831). Sylvia plumbea, Lath., Ind. Orn., ii. p. 553 (1790) ? Vieill., Ois. d'Am., Sept., ii. pi. 90 bis. Numerous specimens, several of which are labelled "Cayenne " Undoubtedlv the species described and figured by Vieillot and the Prince de Wipd h„, very doubtfully that of Latham. The description by Latham, from a specimen m the Lever.an Museum is short, but he says: "plumage above deep lead color, nearly black,' which is difficult to apply to this bird, though his natae [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 271 is usually given for it, and regarded as synonymous with those above given. Latham says further: " native place uncertain," (Gen. Syn. Supp., p. 188). This species has the bill and general structure more Sylvia-form than others of this group. 11. Dacnis brevipennis, (Giraud). Helinaia brevipennis, Gir., Ann. Lyceum, N. Y., v. p. 40 (1850). Ann. Lye, N. Y., v. pi. 3, fig. 1. Three specimens, one of which is labelled "Cayenne." The smallest species of this group, easily distinguished by the green color of the upper parts of the body, and light blue head. Though well described and figured by my friend Mr. Giraud, of New York, as above cited, this little bird seems to be unknown to naturalists. It belongs strictly to the same group of species as the two species immediately preceding, (Z>. speciosa and D. bicolor). I regard it as possible that this bird is the female or young of D. speciosa, E. Hemidacnis. Genus HEMIDACNIS, Sclater, Cat. Am. Birds, p. 50 (1861). 12. Dacnis albiventris, (Sclater). Pipridea albiventris, Sclat., Rev. et Mag. Zool., 1852, p. 8. Hemidacnis albiventris, Sclat., Cat. Am. Birds, p. 50. Jard. Contr. Orn.. 1852, pi. 100, fig. 2. Two specimens, adult and young, obtained for the Academy Museum by its excellent members, Messrs. Geo. N. Lawrence and John G. Bell, of New York. Both from Bogota. 4. Genus CERTHIOLA, Sundeval, Vet. Acad. Handl., Stockholm, 1835, p. 99. 1. Certhiola flaveola, (Linnajus). Certhia flaveola, Linn., Syst. Nat., i. p. 119 (1758). Nectarinia antillensis, Less., Traite d'Orn., i. p. 304 (1831)? Sloan, Jamaica, pi. 259. Edwards' Birds, pi. 122. Numerous specimens from Jamaica and St. Thomas, West Indies. 2. Certhiola bahamensis, (Linnaeus). Certhia flaveola, /?. bahamensis, Linn., Syst. Nat., i. p. 187 (1766). Catesby, Carolina, pi. 59. Quite distinct, and easily recognized by Catesby's figure and the characters pointed out by Prof. Reichenbach in Handb. Speciell. Orn., pt. v. p. 253, who very clearly defines this species. 3. Cebthiola lutpola, Cabanis. Certhiola luteola, Cab., Mus. Hein., i. p. 96 (1850). Reich., Vollst. Naturg. Vog., pi. 661, fig. 38*22. Numerous specimens from the Island of Trinidad, which aeem to be this species. Others from Venezuela have the throat slightly darker, but are otherwise very similar. 4. Certhiola mexicana, Sclater. Certhiola mexicana, Sclat., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1856, p. 286. Resembling the preceding (C. luteola), but apparently distinct. Specimens in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution and in the Academy Museum are from Mexico. One specimen from Ecuador much resemhles these Mexican specimens. 5. Certhiola martimcana, Reichenbach. Certhiola martinicana, Keich., Hanb Spec. Orn., pt. r. p. 252 (1853). Reich., Vollst. Naturg. Vog., fig. 3824. Specimens from unknown localities, one of which only is labelled •' N An- 1864.] 272 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF tittensis, Lesson, Cayenne." One specimen, evidently not in mature plumage, has the superciliary stripes yellow, nearly uniform with the under parts of the body, but is otherwise not different. This species seems to be characterized by its white throat, which color is narrowly enclosed between the dark brown of the cheeks. 6. Certhiola chloropyga, Gabanis. Certhiola chloropyga, Cab. Mus. Hein., i. p. 97 (1850). Reich., Vollst. Naturg. Vbg., pi. 561, fig. 3826. Hahn's Voegel, pt. yi. pi. 4? Numerous specimens from Brazil. Apparently an abundant and rather widely diffused species. Total length about 4^ inches. 1. Certhiola guianensis, Cabanis. Certhiola guianensis, Cab., Mus. Hein., i. p. 97 (1850), Reich., Vo.-g., fig. 3825. Several specimens, one of which is labelled " Bresil." This species seems to be one of the smallest of the group, the specimens before me being even smaller than the measurements given by Dr. Reichenbach, (Spec. Orn., pt. v. p. 252). Total length 3J inches. The genus Certhiola is the most difficult of this group, and although the species have been indicated with singular ability by Dr. Cabanis, and subse- quently more fully described by Dr. Reichenbach, they are not to be dis- tinguished in most cases (as at present described,) without careful scrutiny. In addition to the preceding species, I have seen one other specimen, not in good condition, in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, from Peru, which is apparently another and probably undescribed species. 5. Genus CONIROSTRUM, D'Orbigny et Lafresnaye, Mag. Zool., 1843. 1. Conirostrum sitticolor, Lafresnaye. Conirostrum sitticolor, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 102. Dacnis rufocinerea, Bonap., " 1845," Consp. Ay., i. p. 401 (1850). Conirostrum rufum, Lafres., Mag. Zool., 1843, p. 3? Conirostrum bicolor, Less. Gray's Genera, i. pi. 34. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3751. Six specimens, from " Bogota " and " Colombie." One specimen shows a tendency to O. rufum, which I have little doubt is the young of this species. 2. Conirostrum rufdm, Lafresnaye. Conirostrum rufum, Lafres., Mag. Zool., 1843, p. 3. Four specimens from Bogota. This bird is very probably the young of the preceding. 3. Conirostrum albifrons, Lafresnaye. Conirostrum albifrons, Lafres.. Rev. Zool., 1842, p. 301. Conirostrum atrocyaneum. Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1848, p. 9. Conirostrum caeruleifrons, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1842, p. 302. Guerin's Mag. Zool., 1843, pi. 35. Reich., Voeg , fig. 3750. Ten specimens, four of which are C. alhifrona; four are clearly C. cnernhi- fronn, and two are intermediate, showing conclusively that the two are identi- cal, as suggested by Dr. Sclater iu Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1855, p. 138 ; although in his Catalogue of American Birds (1862,) he continues to give them as distinct species. 4. Conirostrum cineueum, D'Orbigny et Lafresnaye. Conirostrum cinereum, D'Orb. et Lafres , Mag. Zool., 1838, p. 25. Conirostrum Fraseri, Sclat., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1858, p. 452 ? D'Orb , Voy. Am. Mer. Ois., pi. 59, fig. 2. Several specimens, one of which, labelled " Tacna, Peru," is from Mons. D'Orbigny's collection. Two others in a collection from Ecuador, recently [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 273 presented by Dr. Thomas B. Wilson, seem to be C. Fraseri, Sclater, as above, and are only different in having the under parts of the body and the super- ciliary lines more strongly tinged with rufous, though my impression is that they are specifically identical with D'Orbigny's bird. One specimen in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution is the most mature and strongly characterized that I have seen, and is very nearly as represented in D'Orbigny's plate, above cited. It is quite possible that C. Fraseri is the young of a species allied to the present, but not identical. 6. Genus DIGLOSSA, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 280. A. IHglossa. 1. Diglossa baritula, Wagler. Diglossa baritula, Wagl., Isis, 1832, p. 281. Uncirostrum Brelayi, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1839, p. 281. Uncirostrum sittaceum, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1839, p. 292. Gray's Gen. B., i. pi, 42. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3762, 3763. - Allied to and resembling the next two species, but easily distinguished from either, when in adult plumage, by the darker shade of color of the upper parts, and by the extension of the same color on the sides of the neck and throat, though there is usually a narrow space on the latter communicating with and of the same rufous as the under parts of the body. This species is about the same size as D. similis, with which it can readily be confounded. It is smaller than D. sittoides. Mr. Gray gives this little species with his usual great care and accuracy in the plate above mentioned. Specimens are labelled "Mexico." 2. Diglossa similis, Lafresnaye. Diglossa similis, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1846, p. 318. Diglossa hyperythra, Cab., Mus. Hein., i. p. 97 (1850). Reich., Voeg., fig. 3764. Numerous specimens, generally labelled " Bogota " and " Columbie." This species is about the size of the preceding (Z>. baritula), and much resembles it, but is readily distinguishable by its throat being clear rufous, uniform with the other under parts. It resembles, even in a greater degree, the next spe- cies {D. sittoides), and in adult plumage is distinguishable only, so far as I can see, by its smaller size. The female of this species seems to present a peculiar character in having the under parts of the body with longitudinal stripes of dull olive, not very distinct, but to be traced in all specimens that have come under my notice. Dr. Reichenbach's figure, cited above, is a good representation of this little bird. 3. Diglossa sittoides, (D'Orbigny et Lafresnaye). Serrirostrum sittoides, D'Orb. et Lafres., Mag. Zool., 1838, p. 25. Uncirostrum Orbignii, Boiss., Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 5 ? D'Orb., Voy. Am. Ois., pi. 58, -fig. 3. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3766. Young birds, labelled " U. Orbignii" are in the Acad. Mus., but the adult is in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, and is precisely as given by Mons. D'Orbigny in the plate cited. This species is larger than either of the two preceding species, but is exceedingly similar in other respects to D. si- milis. The specimen now before me has the under parts rather paler rufous, but is, in fact, scarcely distinguishable from that species, (/). similis,) by any other character than its greater size, though I have no doubt that it is quite distinct, specifically. From Bolivia. I regard it as possible that this bird is the young or female of D. brunneivenlris, Lafresnaye. B. Tephrodiglossa. 4. Diglossa carbonaria, (D'Orbigny et Lafresnaye). Serrirostrum carbonarium, D'Orb. et Lafres., Mag. Zool., 1838, p. 25. 1864.] 18 274 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF D'Orb., Voy. Am. Ois.,pl. 58, fig. 1. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3760, 3761. Specimens labelled "Bolivia," one of which is from M. D'Orbigny's col- lection. A curious and peculiar species, not intimately allied to, nor re- sembling any other. It is accurately figured in the plate of M. D'Orbigny, cited. C. Pyrrhodiglossa. Diglossa mystacalis, Lafresnaye. Diglossa mystacalis, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1846, p. 318. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3756. From Bolivia. One of the largest species, easily recognized by its black plumage, and rufous stripe from the base of the under mandible, on the side of the neck, and its rufous under tail coverts. Accurately described by the Baron Lafresnaye, and faithfully represented in the plate of Dr. Reichenbach's great work, as cited. 6. Diglossa brunneiventris, Lafresnaye. Diglossa brunneiventris, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1846, p. 318. " Diglossa brunneiventris, Des Murs," Lafres., as above. Des Murs, Icon. Orn., pi. 43. One specimen from Bolivia, presented by the Smithsonian Institution, in the Museum of which I have seen others. This species is allied to the imme- diately preceding (D. mystacalis), but is smaller, and has the entire under parts fine rufous- cinnamon, which are black in that species. This bird may be the adult of D. sittoides. * D. Cyanodiglossa. 7. Diglossa personata, (Fraser). Agrilorhinus personatus, Fras., Proc, Zool. Soc, London, 1840, p. 23. Uncirostrum cyane^m, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 102. Diglossa melanops, Tschudi. Wiegm. Archiv, 1844, p. 294. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3752, 3753. Specimens labelled "Bogota" and " Columbie," generally very similar to each other, but one specimen, perhaps not adult, has little of the black front cheeks and throat which so strongly characterize this species, those parts being blue, nearly uniform with the entire other plumage. In fact, until un- doubted specimens of the next immediately succeeding (D. indigotica) were received at the Acad. Mus., I had regarded it, doubtfully, as that species, though much too large. This specimen resembles Reichenbach's fig. 3752, cited above. 8. Diglossa indigotica, Sclater. Diglossa indigotica, Sclat., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., xvii. p. 467 (1856).- "Diglossa indigotica, Verreaux MSS." Sclat., as above. Sclater, Cat. Am. Birds, pi. 8. Two specimens in a collection from Ecuador recently presented to the Academy by its generous and steadfast patron, Dr. Thomas B. Wilson. This species somewhat resembles the preceding, but is much smaller, and is other- wise quite distinct. It is very accurately represented in Dr. Sclater's beauti- ful plate, to which I refer, above. E. Melanodiylossa. 9. Diglossa Lafresnayei, (Boissoneau). Uncirostrum La Fresnayii, Boiss., Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 4. Agrilorhinus Bonapartei, Fras., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1840, p. 22. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3757. Specimens labelled "Bogota" and "Pasto." The largest of the species • enumerated in this paper, though but little exceeding D. mytlacalis. This [Nov. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 275 species and the next (D. humeralis,) are easily recognized by their uniform black plumage, only relieved by the light bluish shoulders. 10. Diglossa humeralis, (Fraser). Agrilorhinus humeralis, Fras., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1840, p. 22. Diglossa intermedia, Cab., Mus. Hein., i. p. 97 (1850)? Reich., Voeg., fig. 3754. Resembling the preceding, and, so far as I can see, only distinguishable by its smaller dimensions, as stated by Mr. Fraser, as above cited. Specimens from Venezuela. 11. Diglossa aterrima, Lafresnaye. Diglossa aterrima, Lafres., Rev. Zool.. 1846, p. 319. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3759. Specimens from New Grenada. Entirely black and easily recognized, though specimens apparently not mature have the under parts mixed with dull brown, which color prevails on the abdomen and under tail coverts. 12. Diglossa albilateralis, Lafresnaye. Diglossa albilatera, Lafres., Rev. Zool., 1843, p. 98. Reich., Voeg., fig. 3758. Numerous specimens, labelled "Bogota" and " Columbie." Uniform bluish black, with a tuft of white feathers on each side, under the wing. One plu- mage, however, which is perhaps not mature, is not black, but always dis- tinguishable by the tuft of white feathers on the side. Upper parts (female or young) yellowish olive green, nearly uniform, under parts reddish ochre yellow, paler on the abdomen, wings and tail dark brown with all the feathers edged with olive nearly uniform with the back. 13. Diglossa plumbea, Cabanis. Diglossa plumbea, Cab., Journ. Orn. 1860, p. 411. Specimens from "Costa Rica in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. This bird is strictly of the same group as that immediately preceding, and nearly of the same size, but quite a distinct and peculiar species. 7. Genus DIGLOSSOPIS, Sclater, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xvii. p. 467, (1856). 1. Diglossopis caerulescens, Sclater. Diglossopis caerulescens, Sclat., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xvii. p. 467, (1856). One specimen from Venezuela. Dec. 6th. Mr. Lea, in the Chair. Fourteen members present. The published number of the Proceedings for September and Octo- ber was laid on the table by the Committee on Proceedings. The death of Prof. B. Silliman, late a Correspondent of the Academy, on the 2Jth of November, was announced. Dec. 13th. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Eleven members present. 1864.] 276 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Dec. 20th. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Seventeen members present. The following papers were presented for publication and referred to committees. " Catalogue of the Cold-blooded Vertebrata of Michigan." By E. D. Cope. " Descriptions of six new Western Asiatic Unionidae." By Isaac Lea. " Notes on some species of Birds from South America." By John Cassin. Dec. 27th. Mr. Jeanes, in the Chair. Twenty eight members present. On report of the respective Committees, the following papers were ordered to be published. Partial Catalogue of the Cold-blooded VERTEBRATA of Michigan. Pt. I. BY PROF. E. D. COPE. The material whence the present synopsis is derived, is a? collection sent to me by Prof. Manly Miles, of Lansing, composed of specimens belonging to the Flint Scientific Institute, to the State Agricultural College, and to the State Collection. As we have but few exact synopses of local collections made at the Northwest, it is hoped the following list may prove of value in indicating the general character of this part of the fauna. DERMOPTERI. Ichthyomyzon argenteus Gird. Petromyzon Kirtland. GANOIDEI. Lepidosteus huronensis. Numerous specimens. Saginaw Bay. Lepidosteus oculatus Winchell. Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci., 1864. Duck Lake, Calhoun Co. Amia c a 1 v a L. Specimens with and without the caudal ocellus. TELEOSTEI. NEMATOGNATHI. Ictalurus gracilis Gill. Pimelodus gracilis Hough. A specimen with narrower head and larger eye than the caerulescena assigned to the above species with doubt, on account of the very imperfect descriptions given, Ameiirus c u p r e u s. Oakland Co. Although Prof. Gill has assigned not more than nine branchiostegals to this genus, and I find ten in five specimens, and thongh Prof. Kirtland gives an [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 277 anterior position to the adipose fin, which the latter do not exhibit, and though Rafinesque assignes fifteen anal rays and mine have 23 and 24, I prefer doubting the infallibility of these statements to giving another name to the Michigan fish ; it is in any case no other described species. Noturus flavus. No. 294, Swartz Creek, Genesee Co. Sis large specimens, not apparently differing specifically from smaller indi- viduals from the Youghiogheny and Susquehanna Rivers. Some, however, have but nine branchiostegals instead of ten in the eastern specimens. The orifice of the duct of the poison gland* is irregular in position, being some- times at the base of the posterior pectoral rays, and sometimes even on the side behind the fin, besides in its normal location below the scapular process. From it may frequently be drawn a solid gelatinous style ending in a tripod, each limb of which is dichotomously divided into short branches of regular length. Teleocephali. Eventognathi. Semotilus corpo r ali s, Putnam, not Abbott. Many specimens from near New Hudson, Oakland Co., from Swartz Creek, Genesee Co. and from Grosse Isle. The Semotilus rhotheus has been regarded by my friend F. W. Putnam, as identical with this species (vid. Bulletin Mus. Comp. Zool.,p. 8,) although I pointed out the differences in my first description (Proc. A. N. S., 1861, p. 564,) when I employed the name cataractus for corporalis. The latter occurs sparingly in the tributaries of the Delaware, but is very common in the affluents of the Susquehanna and Ohio. The former is rare west of the Delaware, where it is abundant, and reaches a large size. S. dissimilisf and pallidus are good species from west of the Mississippi. Ceratichthys c y c 1 o t i s, % sp. nov. Body much compressed, dorsally flat ; the height 4 2-5ths in. total length. Muzzle obtuse, rounded ; head entering 4^ times in length (to emargination * Vid. Gunther Catal. Siluiidne, Brit. Mus. 1864. t Of au allied genus, Pogonichthys, Dr. Hammond brought from near Bridger's Pass, an unde- gcribed species. It may bo called P. ( Platygobio) gulonellus. It may be compared with the P. communis as follows : communis. gulonellus. Ventrals acuminate, reaching anus. Ventrals truncate, falling far short of anus. Anal longer, with eleven rays. Anal shorter, nine rays. Breadth between eyes more than half the top of Breadth between eyes scarcely half length of cra- tlie cranium, and more than the height of nium above, equal height of operculum. operculum. Head 4^ times in length to caudal emargination; eye 5| times in length of head. Scales ^48. Fins D. 1-8 ; C. 19 ; V. 1-8 ; P. 16. From caudal to front base of anal, 2 in. 10 1. Total length, 6 in. 3 lines. Above ruddy ash, a faint longitudinal dark band on one row of scales above lateral line. Below yellowish white, lips and chin yellow; suborbital region ruddy. JTo Ceratichthys must probably be referred the Leueiscus d i s s i m i 1 i s Kirtld., a common fish in the tributaries of the Ohio. The general appearance differs considerably from that of th» other species, especially in the mor« prominent muzzle, and, therefore, inferior mouth; but I find no ordinary characters indicating a different genus. Ceratichthys micropogon is a species sent me by Jabob Stauffer, Secretary of the Linnaean Society, of Lancaster, and was taken in the Oonestoga by a member of the Society, on one of its excursions. The appearance of the head of this fish is that of a Hypsilepis rather than of a chub, and the difficulty of discerning the minute barbels increases the liability to err in determining its affinities. Mouth slightly oblique, angle opposite anterior border of orbit. Latter enters 3y times in length of bead, which is measured 3 J times in length from muzzle to base of tail. The greatest depth is measured 4£ times in the same distance. Head broad, muzzle obtuse, profile rounded descending. Caudal peduncle long. Scales, as in C. biguttatus, |?40. Teeth 4— 4, without proper masticatory surface, the posterior considerably hooked. Length, from origin of tail to anterior base of dorsal equal from dorsal to posterior nostril. Kays. D. 1-8; C. 9; A.l — 7; V. 8 ; P. 13. Above pale yellowish brown; a broad brown Bhade from end of muzzle to base of tail ; below pale yellowish. Length, 3 in. 6 lin. 1864.] 278 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF of caudal.) Anterior base of dorsal measures one-half the distan3e from end of muzzle to base of tail. Lateral line nearly straight. Operculum rounded posteriorly, scarcely concave above. Eye contained 5J times in length of head. Scales J41 ; radii fewer and weaker than inbiguttatus. Dermal head tubercles longest on vertex, smallest on muzzle, in four alternat- ing rows, one on each side becoming superciliary. Fins, D. 1*9 ; P. 15 ; V. 1-8, just reaching vent ; A. 1-8 ; C. 19. The dorsal and anal are much pro- longed posteriorly, the greatest horizontal length of the former nearly equalling the length of the upper surface of the head. Six and eight inches are the longest dimensions before us. Color of upper surfaces olive brown ; below, from above lateral line, yellowish ; preopercular region rosy ; pectorals slightly dusky, otherwise no fin markings. This fish is shorter, stouter and blunter than the biguttatus, and has larger dorsal and anal fins, there being one more ray in the latter. The oper- culum is not so angulated or concave above. In some of the specimens of this species, especially among the half-grown, I find a tooth of the second row of pharyngeals, found in Semotilus proper. Nevertheless the barbel is on the end of the maxillary, as in the type of Cera- tichthys, and not above it, as in Semotilus. Specimens from Grosse Isle, from Waterford, Oakland Co., from Clinton River and from Bruce, Macomb Co., Michigan. Ceratichthys stigmaticus, sp. nov. Dorsal outline rising gradually from end of muzzle to base of dorsal fin. Muzzle projecting a little beyond premaxillary outline. Head (equal greatest depth) 4£ limes in total length ; eye 3^ times in length of head, its superior rim upon the frontal plane. Scales ?40. Radii about 15 exposed, stronger than the concentric lines. Fins short, ventrals a little anterior to dorsal, not reaching the vent. D. 1-8; C. 20; A. 1-7 ; V. 8. From basaof caudal to anterior base of dorsal, equal from latter to posterior nares. General color reddish, operculum and cheeks more silvery. A brown band from muzzle to eye, and a very distinct spot at base of tail. Total length, two and a half inches. Pharyngeal bones stout, the superior limb broad ; teeth 1*4 — 4 : 1. Barbel on the end of the o. maxillare. Rhinichthys 1 u n a t u s, sp. nov. Stout, the head broad, and contained four times in length to base of tail. Greatest height 4£ times in the same. Dorsal fin a little behind opposite ventrals ; latter reaching anal. Caudal lunate, or with a broad shallow emargination. Eye a little less than one-fourth the length of the head. About twenty longitudinal rows between dorsal and ventral fins, and sixty traversed by the lateral line. From end of muzzle to base of first dorsal ray equal from latter point to concavity of caudal. Muzzle projecting just beyond mandible. Rays, D. 1-8; C. 19 ; A. 1—7 ; V. 1—8 ; P. 15. The largest specimens are 2£ inches long. Above reddish brown, with irregular, rusty spots, which in small specimens trace a lateral shade, and extend on the abdomen ; usually the latter is un- spotted silvery. Specimens from Grosse Isle, obtained by Prof. Fox. This fish is stouter than the a t r o n a s u s, has a smaller eye and a less deeply forked tail, besides the difference in color. Marmora tus has a longer nose, (one more anal ray) and a caudal spot. From obtusus, meleagris and nasutus* it can also be readily distinguished. * Another species, brought by Dr. Hammond from Kansas, has not been described. Rhinichthys maxilloBus is peculiar in its heavy muzzle, and broad mouth, aud gular region, and tor an elongate form and backward position of fins. Eye with considerable vertical range, entering 5S times into length of head, latter four times to base of tail. Greatest height five and a half times From base of caudal to base of lront ray of dorsal equal from latter point to opposite middle or orbit. Fins all small, especially the ventrals, which reach the vent. Dorsal originating a little [Dec- NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 279 Hybopsis storerianus*. No. 329, Flint River at Flushing, Genesee Co. Hybopsis h u d s o n i u s, Agass. No. 531. Lake. Hypsilepis d i p 1 se m i a.' Specimens from near Lansing. Hypsilepis frontalis!, Agass. Numerous specimens from Grosse Isle, Detroit River, Three Mile Lake and Waterford, Oakland Co.; Swartz Creek, Genesee Co. and Monroe Co. Specimens from the last locality, seven in number, represent a strongly- marked variety, characterized by the great elevation of the outline in front of the dorsal fin, and other points. From the first dorsal ray, the outline again descends, giving the fin a very oblique position : this extends also, when laid back, as far as above the fifth anal ray, while in frontalis it most usually reaches a point opposite the first ray only. The eye is contained- four times in the length of the head — more frequently four and a half times in f r o nt al i s. The length of the head measures in the depth of the body, from the dorsal outline to the middle of the row below that bearing the lateral line ; it extends nearly to the ventral outline in frontalis. The pharyngeal bones appear to be relatively rather stouter than in typical frontalis, and are not furnished with so prominent an inferior angle to the external ala. This, with the form of the body, would almost indicate a species ; but as I find approximations in these and transitions in the other characters, I cannot so consider it. In H. frontalis the number of scales traversed by the lateral line varies from 38 to 43. Hypsilepis cornutus Bd. Specimens from Pine Lake, Emmet County, Bruce, Macomb County, and one from Swartz cr«ek, agree with the many Susquehanna specimens in my possession in a more elongate form of head and body than specimens from tributaries of the Delaware. They often differ from those of the Susquehanna in having a row of scales or two more below the lateral line. In Delaware specimens the head is shorter than in the latter, not more so than in the for- mer, but the depth of the body is greater than in either, entering in length to base of tail 3i times — in the others 4 and 4^ times. The dorsal fin is a behind ventrals, like the anal slightly concave on the border. Caudal not deeply forked. Kays, D.I — 8; C. 19; A. 1 — 7; V. 7 ; P. 13. Twenty-five rows of scales trim dorsal to ventral. Largest, specimen nearly 3 inches. Silvery. Pale cinnamon above ; a dark lateial shade; yellowish below. A dark spot at base of caudal. ♦Hybopsis phaenna is a species found in some of the tributaries of the Delaware, which I have received from Trenton, N. J., from my friend Charles C. Abbott. It is more elongate in form than H. hudsonius and storerianus, and has not the rounded front of the first or the small, compressed head of the last. Eye a little less than one-third length of head ; latter 5% times to concavity of tail, and more than equal greatest depth of body ; in s t o r e r i a n u s the head does not equal the depth, and the back is nure compressed Angle of mouth not posterior to anterior nostril. Scales ^38. Lateral Hue very slightly deflected opposite dorsal fin. Base of caudal to posterior edge of dorsal equal from latter to beginning of skin of head. Rays D. l-8; C. 19; A. 1-8, its outer border concave like that of dorsal ; V. 19 ; P. 15. Length 4 inches. Lateral band and below silvery, a dark shade passing through former; no spot at base of tail. Above pale ochre, with a faint median line. The operculum of this fish is narrower than that of the hudsonius, rather than broader as in amarus, and the head is longer than in the latter. In stOTerianus the mouth is smaller, and the operculum broader, and with a prominent superior angle. The gracilis is said to have the pectorals reaching the ventrals, which I have not seen in any of the species at my disposal. f Cyprinella, distinguished from Hypsilepis by its crenate teeth, must receive the Leuciscus k e n- tuckiensisof Dr. Kirtland. It is abundant in the tributaries of the Ohio, where it represent* the nearly allied C. analo s tana, Gird., of the Susquhanna and Delaware. The differences be- tween these species are as follow : analostana. Head Z% to 4 times in length to base of tail. 5-(6) Scales 32—5. -(3) I 3-4 1864.] kentuckiensis. Head 4% times ; muzzle more acute, b— 7 Scales 38—40. 280 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF little more anteriorly situated in the Delaware specimens, and there is a row of scales more below the lateral line than in Susquehanna specimens. With typical specimens only, these might be regarded as representing two species, and as such I have already alluded to them ; * but in the large number of in- dividuals at my disposal, I find transitions in all the points. The Delaware specimens more nearly resemble the H. cornutus, figured by Dr. Storer. Squalius proriger. Until more characteristic points are presented, I provisionally preserve un- broken a series of beardless Chilognath Cyprinoids, with pharyngeal teeth 2 or 1—4 or 5 : 5 or 4 — 1 or 2, of the type uncinato-subconici raptatorii, and not crenate ; the scales, with the usual extent of surface exposed ; the isthmus not wide, and tbe anal fin short. The long anal fin dis'inguishes Albnrnus from it ; and the narrow exposed scale surface and masticatory teeth, Hypsilepis. Clinostomus Gir., may be said to be distinguishable by the prominent mandible and large gape, but Sq. lepidus (Heck. Fische Sy- riens, 89, ) is quite similar in the former point, and the Clin, photogenisf has the cleft as short as in most Squalii. Ptychochilus Ag. seems not yet to have been sufficiently distinguished from Clinostomus, and resembles Squalius even more in its terminal mouth. If different genera are here united erroneously, it is because their characters have as yet not been pointed out. They embrace five Pacific slope species, six Eastern American, and many from the old world. In the species now named the prolongation of the lower jaw is very great : it presents a symphysial knob beyond and above the premaxillary border. End of the maxillary opposite the middle of the pupil. Angle of opercular outline less than 90°. Head narrowed anteriorly ; eye four times in its length : latter four times in length to concavity of tail. Greatest height 5| times in the same. Ventrals a little in advance of dorsal : from front base of latter to base of tail equal from former point to half way between end of muz- zle and nares. Teeth 2-5 — 4*1 in two specimens. Scales small, with especi- ally strong concentric lines, -Lft62. Dorsal high 1-8 ; Caudal deeply furcate, 19 ; Anal rather elongate, 1*81. V. 8, not reaching vent ; P. 14, elongate. Total length three inches. Rufus brown above half way to the lateral line ; a dark shade from end of muzzle to tail, covered with silvery, the latter extending to the belly. Sides punctulate anteriorly. * Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila. 1861, 522. t Squalius photogenis. A species resembling some Alburni in its large caducous scales and attenuated lotm. Mouth quite oblique ; under jaw scarcely projecting: maxillary not reaching line of margin of orbit. Head entering 4§ times into length to fork of caudal ; greatest depth seven times. Back broad. Fins D. narrow 8; C. 19, A. 1 — 10. V. little anterior to dorsal 9. P. narrow fulcate 13. Scales ^39. Radii stronger than concentric lines. Prom base of caudal to base of first dorsal ray, equal from latter to anterior border of iris. Above pale ochre, with a median brown line, and one on each side, from opercular upper angle to ta.l. fc ides and below bright silvery, especially brilliant on the operculum and suborbital re- gion. Lips blackish edged. Length three inches. Two specimens from the Youghiosrheny River, Pa. This maybe the species on which Rafinesque established his Luxilas interruptus, but the discrepancies are so numerous that the identifica- tion cannot be made Besid' s the S. {Clin.) funduloides of Girard, another species occurs in the waters flowing into the .Susquehanna. This, which may be called S. hyalope, was obtained in the Conestoga by J. Sta after. Its form is that of a true Squalius— as S. ce p hal u s, not having tbe prominent mandible and compressed b"dy of the species included by Girard in Clinostomus. Mouth little oblique, extending to beyond opposite anterior border of orbit . Muzzle obtuse; head elongate, broad, entering length to base < f caudal 3| times. Dia-r.eter of eye contained Si times in length of head, equal lower posterior border of operculum. Base of caudal to front base of dorsal equal from latter point to anterior border of pupil of eye. Teeth 1.4 — 5.1. Greatest depth 4j times in length to base of caudal. Scales -?45, with ten or eleven strong radii visible, pins small; radii ]). 8. C. 17. A. 1-8, V. 8. P. 11. Total length about three inches. Color whitish, becoming bluish dorsally ; nc markings. [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 281 This fish is more compressed posteriorly, has a larger head and eye, and more projecting under jaw than the S. elongatus. It resembles an Aspius no little, but differs in the shorter anal, and fewer pharyngeal teeth. The Alburnus acut us, badly described by Lapham, is evidently an allied species. Two specimens ; exact locality in Michigan not stated. Since the above was penned, I have found that Bleeker (in Comptes Ren- dus xv. 1863,) has united the genera which I have attached to Squalius to Aspius, placing Squalius with Teleates, Scardinius and Cyprinella as syno- nymes of Leuciscus. That Squalius and Telestes are identical, I fully believe ; but if Cyprinella and Scardinius are not different from Leuciscus our ideas of characters must undergo a change. Plargyrus americanus. From Saginaw Bay, No. 253, and a variety from Grosse Isle, Detroit River, distinguished by its very elongate form, especially in regard to its caudal pe- duncle. Scales |46 ; that is, two rows less above the lateral line than in many high-bodied specimens ; there are others quite intermediate. Chrosomus e o s Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 1861, 523. From New Hudson, Liviugston County, from streams flowing into Lake Erie. Larger specimens of this species exhibit a short lateral line, though in many it is wanting. Its points of separation from erythrogaster are as follows : ery throgaste r. Head less than one-fourth length to base of caudal. Head narrower ; pa- rietal width one-fourth distance from base of first dorsal ray to base of caudal, which is equal from first dorsal ray to nares. Muzzle longer, overhanging, angle of mouth opposite nares. Scales above lateral line 24 rows. e o s. Head more than one-fourth do. Head broader ; parietal width one-third from first dorsal ray to caudal, which equals from dorsal to posterior margin of or- bit. Muzzle shorter, mouth more oblique, reaching edge of orbit. Scales above lateral line 18 rows. Alburnops heterodon. A species having the general structure of Alburnops, and pharyngeal teeth usually, but not always, presenting its characteristic masticatory surface. They have sometimes a trace of the creuulation pertaining to Cyprinella, and are arranged usually in but one row of four on each side, which is sometimes accompanied by a single tooth of the inner row. This species is, therefore, allied to Codoma, Cyprinella and Squalius. Scales f 36, with about eleven distant radii on the rather broad exposed surface. Fissure of mouth not reaching line of orbit. Head one-fourth of length to base of tail, a little greater than greatest depth. Diameter of eye one-third of length of head. Operculum higher than long. Outline from end of muzzle to base of dorsal greatly ascending. Greatest breadth of head one-fourth of the distauce from end of muzzle to base of dorsal. Dorsal high ; the bony ray long ; its front ray to the hinder as 2-£ to 1, and contained 2i times in the distance from its base to the origin of the caudal fin : like the ventrals, it is nearer the end of the muzzle than the base of the caudal. Ventrals reaching anus ; pectorals falling much short of ventrals. Rays, D. 48 ; A. 8 ; V. 8. Length two and a half inches. Above yellowish-brown ; the scales darker bordered ; below yellowish- rosy, or sometimes goldeD. A dark lateral band from end of muzzle to tail, which is covered on the sides by a silver band with blue reflections. Numerous specimens from Lansing ; others from Grosse Isle. 1864.] 282 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Albarnops plnmbeolus. Form compressed ; mouth oblique ; mandible slightly more prominent than premaxillary border. Eye 2f in length of bead ; operculum higher than long ; the superior border very short ; the supero-posterior concave : posterior an- gle more than 90°. Length to base of tail a little over four times length of head, and 4f the greatest depth. Frontal and dorsal outline a gentle arch. Anterior base of dorsal half way between base of caudal and end of muzzle. Height of dorsal less than half length from its anterior base to base of caudal. Fins short ; ventrals extending § way to vent. Scales moderate f 39, with seven or eight rather faint radii, and minute numerous concentric lines. Radial for- mula D. 1—8. A. 1—9. V. 8. P. 13. Length three inches. Pharyngeal bones with strong ala, especially dilated on the superior angle, terminating in a sharp angle opposite the second tooth from above ; lower limb long ; teeth 2, 4 — 4, 2. Everywhere silvery, with a blueish reflection, except a dusky vertex and brownish dorsal region and basal caudal spot. From Flint, on a branch of the Saginaw. I have regarded this species as an Alburnops on account of the distinct masticatory surface of the teeth, although the upper jaw does not overlap the lower as in the types of that genus. The form of the scales distinguishes it readily from Hypsilepis. It is generally similar to Squalius. Alburnus* rubellus Agass. The anal fin of this fish is shorter than in true Alburnus : teeth 2, 4 — 4, 2, without masticatory surface. Scales f 38. Head 4j times in length to base of caudal. Three specimens from Flint. Pimephales m i 1 e s i i, sp. nov. A species differing from the promelas in its larger scales, longer muzzle and other points approximating Hybognathus. Mouth oblique, outlines of snout forming less than a right angle in profile. Eye entering Ah times in length of head, which latter is one- fourth of length to base of tail, and equal to greatest depth of body. Scales ^40, nearly round, lateral line extending as far as the fourteenth. Dorsal fin with 1, 9 rays ; the first and last jointed are equal, the middle the highest. Caudal wide ; complete rays 21. Anal small, longer than wide, 1, 7. Ventrals not reaching anal, 1, 8. Pectorals extending three-fifths distance to ventrals. From base of caudal to front base of dorsal equal from latter point to anterior nostril. Frontal breadth double diameter of orbit. Length 2 in. 5 lines. General color pale reddish-brown, much paler below, and a faint blackish longitudinal line. Top of head blackish ; its sides silvery. From Grosse Isle, Detroit River. Named from Prof. Miles, who, in connec- tion with Prof. Fox, has added much to north-western Zoology. Pimephales promelas, Raf. Specimens from near Lansing. Hyborhynchusf n o t a t u s, Agass. r isterior nostril. udal. Eye three * Alburnus oligaspis. Under jaw projecting a little beyond upper ; maxillary extending to opposite po; Head conic in profile, with muzzle compressed, one fifth of length to notch of cauc. ... and one-fifth times iu length of head. Operculum higher than long, J'ins short (except anal); ventrals anterior to dorsal. Dorsal 1-8. C. 20. A. 1-14. V. 7. P. 15. Scales rather large, £41. Lateral line, with a long, gentle anterior deflection. Length about two inches. Above reddish; sides of head and broad lateral band silvery. Below medially yellowish. Brought from Kansas, by Dr. W. A Hammond. f In this place maybe described the Algansea antica, sp. nov., brought by Dr. Woodhouse from Texas, aud presented to the Academy Museum. It is nearest to the formosa of Girardi [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 283 One specimen from Grosse Isle, Detroit River. Though differing in the development of the lateral line, this species stands near Pimephales in the character of the separation of the bony dorsal ray from the first cartilaginous by a membrane, (erroneously alluded to by some as a peculiar ray,) and in the arrangement of the tubercles on the front. Of the latter, there are two rows crossing the front of the muzzle ; the inferior of six, of two on each side on the premaxillary border, and the outer near the eye ; the superior of five, one on the middle line. A third row of four is on the border of the superior plane, one behind each pair of nares, and one on each side the middle line of the muzzle. Hybognathus stramineus. This genus embraces the described species argyritis. evansi, nu- chalis, nitidus, regius and probably g a r d o n e u s (C. V. ), to which are added here three others. In the present species, the dorsal is situated nearer the end of the muzzle than to the base of the caudal, and its height is much less than half the dis- tance from the base of its first ray to the same point ; the head enters the length to the caudal a little over four times, being relatively longer than in the species described by Agassiz and Girard, while the eye, entering the length of the head but three times, is relatively larger. The depth enters the length 4^ times. Scales f 36 ; in evansi* f 40. Ventral fins do not extend to the vent. The dorsal outline rises gently to the base of the dorsal ; the profile descends abruptly at the end of the muzzle, which is prolonged in front of the orbit about three-fourths the longest diameter of the latter. Superior border of operculum usually shorter than the posterior. Pharyngeal teeth 4 — 4. The general form is stout, and the head broad ; caudal not deeply forked. Fin rays -D. 1. 8. C. 19. A. 7. V. 8. P. short, 13. Length about three inches. Color brownish straw color ; sides and below silvery, the former most brightly. No dorsal line ; a faint line on posterior part of lateral line, and a small spot at base of tail. Many specimens from Grosse Isle, Detroit River. Hybognathus v o 1 u c e 1 1 u s.f A species distinguished by its depressed elongate head and elongate fins, especially the dorsal. The latter is as far from the end of the muzzle as from but differs in the much more posterior position of the fins. In this, the anterior base of dorsal is equidistant between end of muzzle and base of tail: in the antica much behind the median point; the ventrals are much nearer the caudal than the chin; in the formosa, the reverse is the case. Scales -1 % 50. Head in adults a trifle more than one-fourth total length; eye one-fifth length of head. Maxillary not reaching line of margin of orbit; mouth oblique. Profile long, flat, descending; dorsal outline arched. Body of medium proportions, shortened behind; caudal Peduncle short, thick, Fins, D. 1 — 7 A; C. 19, short, emargination shallow; A. 1—8; V.9; P. 16 Sides of head and edges of scales punctulate; general tint above purplish-slate; below, with sub- and inter-operculum, yellow. Largest specimen five inches long. In some small specimens the eye is only one-fourth the length of the head. To the allied genus Lavinia belongs most pro- bably the Leuciscus boscii of Cuv. et Val., from Carolina. The same genus occurs in Lake Ponchartrain. * Brought by Hammond from the Upper Platte. t Hybognathus procne has been sent me by my friend, Jacob Staaffer, as an inhabitant of the Conestoga, tributary of the Susquehanna. A small silvery fish, with compiessed body and elongate caudal peduncle. Head enters total length 4% times ; diameter of eye into head 2% or three times. Depth into length five or a little more times. From anterior base of dorsal to base of caudal longer than from former to end of muzzle; dorsal high, anterior rays equal % from their base to base of caudal. Scales j? 31. Tail entering total length 5i%. times, deeply forked ; forks acute. Obliquity of mouth slight. Operculum higher than long; its infero-posterior border very oblique, long. Teeth R. 5 — 4 L. Length 2-5 inches. Top of head, a narrow dorsal band, and the borders of the upper scales blackish; belly and •ides of body and head silvery, along the middle line with blue reflections and black punctulations, the latter collected into a streak on the lateral line. Belly yellowish. 1864.] 284 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP its anterior ray to the base of the caudal fin. Its anterior rays are three times the length of the posterior, and equal to half the length from their base to the base of the caudal. Muzzle obtuse; vertex plane; dorsal outline arched from nape to fin. Caudal peduncle slender. Head entering length to base of caudal 3| times, the greatest depth 4 times ; diameter of orbit in length of head 3J times. Operculum as broad as long. Scales | 34. Radial formula D. 1—8 ; C. 19, not deeply forked; anal elongate, with short base, 1 — 7. Ventrals reaching anus, 8. Pectorals just reaching ventrals, falcate. Length 2-5 inches. Above reddish-straw color, without band ; sides and below silvery ; a dark shade on the lateral line, most distinct on caudal peduncle. Grosse Isle, Detroit River. Hybognathus nucha lis, Agassiz. Numerous specimens from Grosse Isle. Campostoma callipteryx, sp. nov. Lips well developed, free round the arched margins of both jaws. Muzzle elongate, steeply descending from front ; outline to half way to dorsal strongly but less steeply ascending. Eye superior, small, entering five times into length, and nearly four times into breadth of head ; latter four and a half times into length to emargination of caudal, a trifle less than greatest depth. Ventrals under anterior margin of dorsal, not reaching to vent ; anal rounded anteriorly. Scales with many weak radii, f 54, a much narrower area ex- posed anteriorly than posteriorly. Caudal acute above, rounded below. Radii, D. 1. 8. C. 19. A. 1. 8. V. 8 one side, 10 the other. P. 16. Pharyn- geal teeth uniserial, 4 — 4. From end of muzzle to anterior base of dorsal in a straight line, equal from base of caudal to middle of base of dorsal. Head above with spinous tubercles. General color pale, dorsal regions and edge of operculum darker. Median part of all the fins black, terminal membrane opalescent. Total length 5^ inches. From Flint on the Flint River, which empties into Saginaw Bay. For distinguishing this genus from Chondrostoma I have relied on the less number of teeth in the principal, usually the only, row. The development of the lips diminishes in allied species, so that Girard's Hybognathus pla- c i t u s cannot well be excluded from this genus. Campostoma mormyrus, sp. nov. Muzzle more elongate and much more depressed than in the next species. Head four and one-half times in total length to caudal emargination ; eye five times into length of head. Dorsal outline arched. Greatest depth four and one-third times in length, — greater than in gobionium. Scales about equal, ? 49. Fins, D. 1. 8. C. 19. A. 1. 7. V. 8. P. 15, with the last longer than in gobionium. Length about two and a half inches. Head and body above reddish ; sides and below silvery. Fins unspotted. In these species the outline of the broad mandibular sheath is a flattened arch. From Bruce, Macomb Co. Campostoma gobioninnm. This and the C. mo rmy rus and hippops* belong to the type of n asu- * Campostoma hippops, sp. nov. Muzzle very long and decuived, with the front convex transversely. Eyes high, small, enter six times into length of head. Back or >ad, arched in frontof dorsal, not so steep as front. From base of caudal to front base of dorsal a little less than from latter to end of muzzle. Head 4% times in length. Scales f 57. Fins small ; D. 1. 8. C. 19. A. 1.7. V. 1. 8, two-thirds distance to o [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 285 tu m, Gir., with the muzzle elongated and not elevated as in the c al lip- teryx, and the lips little developed. Scales little less exposed anteriorly than posteriorly, §53. Head short, one-fifth of length to notch of tail. Eye four and a half times in length of head. Operculum little higher than long, little concave above. Fins small ; D. 1. 8. C. 19. A. narrow, 1. 7. V. 8, reaching three-fifths distance to vent. P. rounded, 16, reaching three-fifths distance to vent. Back arched to dorsal. Tail broad ; seven rows of scales on middle of peduncle. One specimen is three inches long. Color of head and body above dark-brown ; below yellowish. Fins without markings. Looality. — Bruce, Macomb Co., and Grosse Isle. Hylomyzon nigricans, Agassiz. Grosse Isle. Ptychostomus aureolus, Agassiz. No. 231. Saginaw Bay and Grosse Isle. Carpiodes thompsoni, Agassiz. Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, xix. p. 76. and Thomps. Hist. Vermont, p. 133. Nos. 228 and 230. Saginaw Bay, I find one and two more rows of scales than described by Thompson, and the outlines of the latter not quite as regularly continuous as one might infer from Agassiz's remarks. C. d a in a 1 i s, brought by Hammond from the upper Platte, has larger scales and is more elongate, and there are but 25 rays in the dorsal fin. Description of Six new species of Western Asiatic UNTONIDiE. BY ISAAC LEA. Unio Homsensis — Testa laevi, suboblonga, inaequilaterali, ad latere planu- lata, postice angulata, ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus prominulis, ad apices plicatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca; dentibus cardinalibus crassis crennlatisque ; margarita purpurescente et iridescente. Hab. — Lake Horns, (ancient Emesa), P»ive'r Orontes, North Syria. C. M. Wheatley. Unio Kullethensis. — Testa laevi, oblonga, inaequilaterali, at latere plann- lata., antice subtruncata, postice obtuse angulata; valvulis crassis, antice cras- sioribus ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide luteola, postice radiata et tenebroso- viridi ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, acuminatis crenulatisque ; margarita vel alba vel aurefi et valde iridescente. Hab. — Near Mardin, in a stream from Kulleth falling into the Tigris, Asia. C. M. Wheatley. Unio Orphaensis. — Testa la?vi, oblongii, inaequilaterali, antice rotundata, postice obtuse subbiangulata ; valvulis crassiusculis, antice crassioribus ; na- tibus subprominentibus, ad apices crebre et minute undulatis; epidermide olivacea, virido-radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, compressis, crenulatie, vent. P. 14, extending halfway to ventrals. Posterior angle of operculum right; anterior horder shorter than postero-inferior. Length 4 inches. Body above reddish ; head paler ; sides and below silvery ; a dark spot on base of middle of tail and on middle of dorsal and anal. Platte Ri.er, at Ft. Kearney, Kansas. Dr. W. A. Hammond. This species resem bles the C. mormyrus more than any other. InC. nasutum the head is much longer and the scales larger. 1864.] 286 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus longis subrectisque ; margarita vel alba vel aurea et valde iridescente. Hab. — Tigris River, near Mardin Pashalic of Orpha, Asiatic Turkey. C. M. Wheatley. Unio Mardinensis. — Testa laevi, suboblorga, incequilaferali, antice rotundata, postice obtuse angulata, ; valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus ; natibus prorainulis, ad apices crebre et minute undulatis ; epidermide luteola, valdd radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, acuminatis crenulatisque ; lateralibus 6ublongis subrectisque ; margarita aurea et valde iridescente. Hab. — Tigris River, near Mardin, Asiatic Turkey. C. M. Wheatley. Unio Emesaensis. — Testa, laevi, subrotunda, inaequilaterali, ad utnbones sub- tumida, antice rotundata, postice obtuse subbiangulata ; valvulis crassiusculis, antice aliquanto crassioribus ; natibus prominentibus, ad apices corrugatis ; epidermide rufo-fusca et obsolete radiata. ; dentibus cardinalibus subcrassis crenulatisque ; lateralibus brevibus subrectisque ; margarita aurea et valde iridescente. Hab. — Lake Horns, River Orontes, North Syria. C. M. Wheatley. MoNOCONDYLOiA Makdinensis. — Testa laevi, arcuata, valde inaequilaterali, ad latere compressa, antice et postice rotundata ; valvulis crassiusculis, amice crassioribus ; natibus subprominentibus, recurvis, ad apices minute undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, erectis compressis- que; margarita caeruleo-alba, et iridescente. Hab — Near Mardin, in a stream falling into the Tigris River, Asia. C. M. Wheatley. Notes on some Species of BIRDS from South America. BY JOHN CASSIN. I. Calliste Laving, Cassin, (Plate 1, fig. I.) Calliste Laviniae, Cass. Proc. Acad. Philada., 1858, p. 178. This bird was described by me as above from a specimen procured in New Grenada, and which is yet the only adult that I have seen. In the museum of the Smithsonian Institution there is another specimen from the mountain region of the Rio Truando, a tributary of the Rio Atrato, New Grenada. The latter specimen is not in mature plumage, but has the outer webs of the quills and the greater coverts of the rufous-orange color, which, on those parts, so strongly characterizes this species, and distinguishes it at once from its allies of the subgroup Gyrola. The adult bird is represented of the natural size, in plate 1, fig. 1, of the present volume. Of this group or subgenus Gyrola, four species are now known, which, though resembling each other in general colors, may be readily distinguished, and inhabit, apparently, distinct regions. These species are : 1. Calliste Gyrola, (Linnaeus.) Fringilla Gyrola, Linn., Syst. Nat. i. p. 181 (1758.) 2. Calliste Gyroloides, (Lafresnaye.) Aglaia Gyroloides, Lafres., Rev. Zool. 1847, p. 277. 3. Calliste Desmarestii, G. R. Gray. Calliste Desmarestii, G. R. Gray, Gen. ii. p. 366 (1844.) 4. Calliste Lavini^, Cassin. Calliste Lavinia, Cass., Proc. Acad. Philada., 1858, p. 178. [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 287 All of these species are in the Academy Museum, and of the first three nu- merous specimens. Those three species are accurately and handsomely figured by Dr. Sclater in his Monograph of the genus Calliste. 2. Calliste Eannahi^:, nobis, (Plate 1, fig. 2.) Resembling generally C. cyaneicollis (D'Orbigny,) but is rather larger, has the bill much smaller, and the abdomen always black (not blue as in that species.) The blue of the head above is also different in shade, being paler in the present bird, and this color has much greater depth, each feather being black at base, and with its terminal half pale verditer blue. Entire head verditer blue, tinged with indigo blue on the throat ; back and entire under parts lustrous black ; shoulders golden green ; greater coverts yellowish green ; rump and upper tail coverts lustrous bluish and yellowish green. Quills black, edged externally with bluish green ; tail black, all the feathers narrowly edged with green ; under tail coverts black, with bluish green edges ; under wing coverts black ; bill and feet black. A narrow frontal band and stripe in front of the eye black. Total length about 5 inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2 inches. Hab. — Merida Mountains, Venezuela. Of this bird, I have now two specimens, one of which was brought from the locality above given, by Mr. George Robbins of this city, and which is un- doubtedly correct. At first sight it much resembles C. cyaneicollis, but is not difficult to distinguish by the abdomen being quite black, uniform with the other under parts, and by the different blue color of the head, as above mentioned. The small bill in the present bird is also a strong character. Numerous specimens of C. cyaneicollis are in the Philadelphia Academy, two of which are types from M. D'Orbigny's collection. All of them, and all others that I have seen, have the blue abdomen well marked as a character, and in one evidently quite mature specimen, marked "Chili," this character is so strongly developed and the blue color extends so far upwards towards the breast, that it seems to have induced some attention, and the specimen has been labelled in Europe " Esp. nouv. ?" In this specimen and others, the blue of the head is quite superficial. One other specimen, from M. D'Oj- bigny's collection, is in young plumage, but has the abdomen blue, though that color is only incipient on the top of the head. All have the bill larger than the present species. Our figure represents this bird of the size of life. To one possessing attributes amongst the most noble of Christian civiliza- tion, an affectionate and most exemplary wife and mother, this bird is dedi- cated ! 3. OimiofiONYs olivaceus, Cassin, (Plate 2.) Orthogonys olivaceus, Cass., Proc. Acad. Philada. 1860, p. 140. Of this curious bird no other specimens have come under my notice, than those described as above, which were obtained in the Cordilleras Mountains in New Grenada, by Mr. Charles J. Wood, of this city. It is given in our plate, of the natural size. 4. Pittas >ma Michleri, Cassin, (Plate 3.) Pittasoma Michleri, Cass., Proc. Acad. Philada. 1860, p. 189. Since the publication of my description above cited, fine specimens of this bird have been received from Panama by Mr. George N. Lawrence, of New York, who notices them in his interesting and valuable papers on the birds of that isthmus, in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of that city. The figure in our plate represents the adult male, and is about two-thirds of the size of life. 5. Monasa pallescens, Cassin, (Plate 4.) Monasa pallescens, Cass., Proc. Acad. Philada. 1860, p. 134. No other specimens of this bird have come under my notice since the pub- 1864.] 288 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP lication of the description above cited. The figure in the plate accompanying this paper, is about two-thirds of the size of life, and represents the adult male from the mountain region on the Rio Truando, a tributary of the Rio Atrato, New Grenada. 6. Monasa axillaris, Lafresnaye. Monasa axillaris, Lafres., Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1850, p. 216. Monasa flavirostris, Strickland, .Tard. Contr. Orn., 1850, p. 47. Jard. Contr. 1S50, pi. 48. I mention this species only for the purpose of again stating, that its name is that of the Baron Lafresnaye as above given. The type specimen, now in the Academy Museum, was described by him while in possession of Messrs. Verreaux, of Paris, and the same specimen was described by Strickland, while afterwards it was in England en route to Philadelphia. 7. Capito versicolor, (Midler.) Bucco versicolor, Mull., Syst. Nat. Supp. p. 88 (1776.) Bucco pictus, Bodd., Tab. PI. Enl. p. 20 (1783.) Bucco elegans, Grm., Syst. Nat. i. p. 406 (1788.) Bueco Maynauensis, Briss., Orn. iv. p. 102. Buff. PI. Enl. 330. Of this species which seems to be little known to naturalists, one specimen, evidently in mature plumage, is in the Academy Museum, and was received some years since from the Hon. John Randolph Clay, in a collection made by him while Minister of the United States to Peru. The skin was one of several which had the appearance of having been made by a non-expert person, and is stated to have come from the mountainous region of the interior of that- country. This species is figured by Buffon, as above cited, with sufficient ac- curacy for recognition. The Annual Reports of the Recording Secretary, Librarian, and Curators were read, as follows : REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY", For 1864. Durino- the year ending 30th November, 1864, there have been elected thir- teen members and nine correspondents. The following members have died : Richard Randolph, Wm. D. Parrish, Samuel Ashmead, William J. Taylor, Thomas Dunlap, Wm. Pepper, M. D., John B. Myers. The death of the following correspondents has been announced : Joseph Henderson, M. D., Francis Boote, Prof. D. J. Eschricht, Jaques A. Gay. Two members have resigned. The number of papers contributed and ordered to be published, during the same time, has been fifty-one, as follows : Theodore Gill, twelve; Isaac Lea, LL.D., eleven; E. D. Cope, four; Elliott Coues, three; H. C. Wood, Jr., three; John Cassin, two; George W. Tryon, two ; Jacob Ennis, two ; A. Agassiz, S. F. Baird, Wm. M. Canby, T. A. Conrad, J. G. Cooper, M. D., Asa Gray, D. G. Elliott, C. A. Helmuth, Geo. N. Lawrence, Wm. Stimpson, Alex. Winchell, F. W. Lewis, M. D., each one. All of which is respectful'y submitted. B. HOWARD RAND, M. D., Recording Secretary. [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 289 REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN", For 1864. The Librarian begs leave, most respectfully, to report that during the past year the following additions have been made to the Library, viz : Journals, 763 ; works on Anatomy and Physiology, 20 ; Antiquities, 3 ; Bib- liography, 4 ; Botany, 39 ; Chemistry, 1; Conchology, 29; Entomology, 14; Geology, 69 ; General Natural History, 107 ; Helminthology, 4 ; Herpetology, 2; Ichthyology, 4; Languages, 4; Mathematics, 1; Mammalogy, 2; Medi- cine, 69; Ornithology, 24; Physical Science, 17; Politics, 1; Religion, 4; Useful Arts, 1 ; Voyages and Travels, 19. Total 1201. Of these were volumes, 265 ; tracts and parts of pjrioiica's, 933, divided as follows: Folios, 21 ; quartos, 236 ; octavos, 902; duoiecimos, 22. These have been received from the following sources, viz : Societies, 533 ; Editors, 149 ; Authors, 82 ; Smithsonian Institution, 10 ; University of To- ronto, 1 ; Navy Department, 1 ; Treasury Department, 1 ; Library Fund, 137 ; Maclure Fund, 12 ; Minister of Public Works in France, 3 ; Dr. T. B. Wilson, 261; Mrs. Dr. Short, 2; Executors of Dr. Short, 4; J. C. G. Kennedy, 1; Charles H. Hart, 3 ; Select Council of Philadelphia, 1. Total 1201. J. D. SERGEANT, December 27, 1864. Librarian. REPORT OF THE CURATORS. For 1S64,. The Curators report the Museum of the Academy to be in its usual good order and state of preservation. Some of the departments are still but par- tially arranged, and, under existing circumstances, the Curators see no way of completing the arrangement unless they are authorized by the Academy to em- ploy aid for the purpose. Mr. Tryon has undertaken the arrangement of the conchological cabinet, and Mr. Durand has expended much labor in the ar- rangement of the recent rich additions to the herbarium. Notwithstanding the extensive additions made in late years to the building of the Academy, the Curators feel the necessity of more space to accommodate the constantly increasing collections. Nearly all the departments are crowded, some of them to such an extent that it has become difficult to introduce a few additional specimens. It is to be hoped that the Academy will direct especial attention to the necessity of making future and ample provision to accommo- date, display, and render convenient to access, the incessantly increasing museum and library. During the year the Academy has been greatly enriched by a donation con- sisting of the magnificent Herbarium of the late Prof. Charles W. Short, of Louisville, Kentucky, presented by the family on the recommendation of Prof. Asa Gray, of Cambridge. A special notice of this collection will be found in the Report of the Botanical Committee appended to the present one. Another rich addition, a legacy of our late" fellow member, Samuel Ashmead, formerly one of the most efficient Curators of this Institution, consists of a first selection from a large and valuable private collection of about 20J0 minerals, together with a beautiful collection of marine algae, made with con- siderable labor and expense during the later years of Mr. Ashmead's life. Our stores have further been increased, through the American Philosophical Society, by the deposit of the natural history collection of that time-honored Institution. By resolution of the Academy, a small collection of ancient works of art have been deposited in the museum of the American Philosophical Society. 1864.] 19 290 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF The following list exhibits the contributions to the museum of the Academy during the year in the various departments of natural history : Mammals. — Of these five species, from Arctic America, were presented by Robert Kennicott, and one species by John Krider. Birds. — Dr. T. B. Wilson and Joseph Jeanes presented 248 specimens, 144 species, from the West African collection of Duchaillu, and from Jalapa, Mexico, of the collection of D'Oca. The Smithsonian Institution presented 31 speci- mens, 25 species, from the collection of the U. S. Exploring Expedition of the Vincennes and Peacock, 100 specimens from Siam and 9 specimens from other localities. George N. Lawrence presented 51 specimens, 34 species, from Gua- temala, New Grenada and Panama. Robert Kennicott presented 22 species from Arctic America. Of others, 36 specimens and 1 nest were presented by T. B. Wilson, J. Krider, C. J. and W. S. Wood, S. Ashmead, R. Frazer, J. Xantus, T. Wyld and D. Gilbert. Reptiles and Fishes. — A small collection of reptiles from Corisco, W. A., was presented by Rev. R. H. Nassau, and 7 specimens were presented by F. R. Bingham, D. Gilbert and E. Draper. Of fishes 7 specimens were presented by T. Norris, C. A. Kingslmry and C. L. Pascal. Mollusks. — The Smithsonian Institution presented 71 species of marine mol- lusca, and 294 species of shells, mostly American, mainly collected and labeled by W. Stimpson. George W. Tryon, Jr., presented 163 species of shells, mostly new to the museum of the Academy. Dr. Gundlach presented 20 species of Cuban shells. Of others, 16 species were presented by A. A. Gould, I. Lea, J. C. Fisher and J. H. Thomson. A small collection from the Florida Reef was presented by George Davidson. The American Philosophical Society depo- sited a small collection of shells. Articulates. — The Smithsonian Institution presented 62 species of crustace- ans, mostly from the collection of Dr. William Stimpson, of the North Pacific Exploring Expedition. Other crustaceans, insects and myriapods were presented by George Davidson, Rev. R. H. Nassau, F. R. Bingham, Dr. J. C. Fisher and H. L. Gaw. Echinoderms, fyc. — The Smithsonian Institution presented 16 species of echi- noderms from the collection of W. Stimpson, of the North Pacific Exploring Expedition. Small collections of marine animals were presented by Rev. R. H. Nassau, Dr. J. C. Morris, S. Powell and George Merritt. A small collection of echinoderms, corals and sponges were deposited by the American Philo- sophical Society. Fossils. — E. D. Cope presented 14 specimens of vertebrate liassic fossils from England. Small collections and specimens were presented by Gen. John F. Hartrauft, Lieut. A. W. Guernsey, Jacob M. Kunkel, Dr. J. Leidy, F. Peale, Col. W. D. Lewis, Jr., J. F. Frazer, R. E. Knight, J. C. Trautwine, Mr. Painter and Geo. W. Ward. The American Philosophical Society deposited a collec- tion of green-sand fossils from New Jersey and Delaware, a collection of European tertiary fossils, small collections from various formations and locali- ties, and a number of casts in plaster of the vertebrate fossils of the vicinity of Paris. Minerals. — About 500 specimens of minerals were received as a legacy from the late Samuel Ashmead, of which about 400 have been labelled and inter- calated with the mineralogical cabinet of the Academy. The mineralogical collection, deposited by the American Philosophical Society, contains many rare and valuable specimens, among which are rich native silvers, sulphurets of silver, tin, opal, &c, from Mexico. From this collection upwards of 450 specimens have been labelled and intercalated with the cabinet of the Academy. Altogether there have been added to the latter during the past year, about 1000 labelled specimens. Mr. Lea presented 27 specimens of minerals from Chester and Lancaster Co., Pa., and from New York. The Smithsonian In- stitution presented 27 specimens of rocks. Joseph Wharton presented 18 [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 291 minerals from Lancaster Co., and 8 specimens were presented by J. D. Ser- geant, W. S. Vaux and J. C. Trautwine. There were also obtained 12 valu- able minerals in exchange. Botany. — The magnificent herbarium of the late Professor Short, of Louis- ville, Ken., presented by his family, consists of almost 300 folio volumes, containing about 6000 species of American plants, and between 3000 and 4000 species of European plants, besides a number of unopened packages of tropical American plants. The collection of marine algae of the late Samuel Ash- mead, a legacy to the Academy, is contained in 12 thick quarto volumes. Be- sides these there are numerous microscopic specimens mounted in the usual manner on glass slides. A collection of marine and fresh water algae, com- prising about 700 species, a contribution by Leo Lesquereux to the Central Sanitary Fair, has been purchased by the Curators, according to a resolution of the Academy, of Dec. 6, 1864. Two large fungi were presented by A. Cun- ningham and. Violetta W. Miller. Miscellaneous. — An antique stone hammer from the copper mines of Lake Superior was presented by B. A. Hoopes ; an Apache Indian skull from Texas by Dr. E. H. Abadie ; 6 worked flints from Abbeville, France, by F. Peale ; and a plaster cast of the Neanderthal skull by E. D. Cope. Respectfully submitted by JOSEPH LEIDY, Chairman of the Curators. REPORT OF THE BOTANICAL COMMITTEE, For 1864. To the Curators of the Academy of Natural Sciences : Gentlemen: — Since my last report, dated December 17th, 1857, our Botanical Department has been considerably enriched. First, by a full set of specimens from the collections made on the Colorado Mountains by Dr. C. C. Parry, Messrs. Elihu Hall, Harbour and Howard. Secondly, by the magnificent herbarium of the late Prof. Charles Wm. Short of Louisvillp, presented to our Academy by his family, on the liberal recom- mendation of Prof. Asa Gray. Thirdly, by the handsome collection of Marine Algae, bequeathed to this in- stitution by our late fellow-member, Mr. Samuel Ashmead. Fourthly, by another most valuable collection of Algae, once the property of Mr. Leo Lesquereux, of Columbus, Ohio, presented by him, as his contribution, to the Philadelphia Sanitary Commission, and just purchased by the Curators. To the above I will add the Texas collections of Dr. Lincecum and Mr. Buck- ley ; the herbarium of Dr. G. Watson, and several hundred plants from Wis- consin and Iowa received from Mr. T. J. Hale, in exchange. The greatest part of the Colorado specimens were either new to our North American herbarium, or duplicates (handsomer and more complete) of those collected by Mr. Nuttall, in his rapid travels over the Rocky Mountains. The Short Herbarium is, indeed, the greatest acquisition ever made by our Botanical Department, and will constitute two distinct large herbaria : one of tropical, the other of extra tropical plants. The latter, already arranged by Prof. Short himself, on the same Linnaeo-natural plan as our general herba- rium, contains, as far as I can judge, about 4000 European and between 6 and 7000 North American species. Among the latter are many new plants to our Botanical Department, derived principally from the last collections of Mr. Charles Wright in New Mexico, Sonora and Cohahuila; from the Texano- Mexican herbarium of Berlandier ; from the Collection of Ervendberg in the province of Huasteca, and other Mexican plants from the collection of Drs. Gregg and Coulter, besides a small number from the North American British provinces. 1864.] 292 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP This herbarium is, perhaps, not excelled in the scientific world for the mag- nificence, freshness and completeness of its specimens, and the costly style with which it has been fitted up. It is contained in upwards of three hundred wooden cases, elegantly shaped in the form of folio volumes, each volume ave- raging from thirty to fifty specimens, enclosed separately in sheets of fine white paper ; the large genera or several of the kindred genera under a colored cover, and the American kept apart from the European, each in its portfolio. The tropical plants are yet in numerous unopened packages, consisting of HoUon's Flora Neo-Granadina, 1852-53 ; Fendler's Plantse Venezuelanse, 1854-57; Couthony and Jameson's Plants of the Andes of Quito ; R. C. Alexander's Plantoz Jamaicenses ; Cb. Wright's Plantse Cubenses, &c, &c. When these collections are properly arranged, they will constitute an almost complete equatorial her- barium of about 6000 species. Besides the above collections, I have to mention a package of East India Ferns, collected by Dr. Griffith ; another of Australian Al'gse, with other minor packages of Gryptogamous plants, and the two fine volumes of American Musci et Hepaticse by Mr. Win. S. Sullivan, all derived from the splendid Short-Her- barium. Mr. Asbmead's collection of Algae is, I believe, principally composed of American species. It is neatly set up in twelve elegant cases, in the form of quarto volumes. The Lesquereux's collection is particularly \aluable,containing over 700 species authenticated by the best Algologisls of the age, Messrs. Lenormand, Desmazieres, Agardh, Mongeot, Meklenbeck, Bonjean and others, among which Mr. Lesquereux's name is not to be passed in silence. Respectfully, E. Dcrand, Chairman of the Botanical Committee. The election of officers for the ensuing year was held, in accordance ■with the By-Laws, with the following result : President Eobert BRIDGES, M. D. \ ice- Presidents W m . S . V au x . John Cassin. Corresponding Secretary Thomas Stewardson, M. D. Recording Secretary B. Howard Rand, M. D. Librarian J. D. Sergeant. Treasurer Win. C. Henszey. Curators Joseph Leidy, M. D. Win. S. Vaux, John Cassin, J. D. Sergeant. Auditors Wm. S. Vaux, Joseph Jeanes, Aubrey H. Smith. Publication Committee Wm. S. Vaux, Isaac Lea, Robert Bridges, M. D. Joseph Leidy, M. D. Thomas Stewardson, M. D. [Dec. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 293 ELECTIONS FOR 1864. The following persons were elected Members, — viz : Jan. 26. — Robt. Briggs, Augustus Fiot. Feb. 23.— Prof. Richard S. Smith. March 29.— John M. Maisch, J. R. Goodman, M. D. April 26.— A. Paul Turner, M. D. Jane 28.— Horatio C. Wood, Jr., M. D. July 28. — Jos. Wharton. Nov. 29.— Dr. Frederich A. Keffer, U. S. A., Geo. F. Knorr, M. D, Chas. T. Bonsall. Dec. 27.— J. T. Rothrock, Redwood F. Warner. The following were elected Correspondents: Jan. 26. — Am. Boivin of Paris, Thos. Rupert Jones. Feb. 2'6. — Alex. Agassiz, Cambridge, Mass. April 26.— Dr. A. C. Hamlin, U. S. A. June 28. — Prof. Manly Miles, of Lansing, Mich. ; Maximilian, Prince of Wied. Sept. 27. — P. J. Van Beneden, Bruxelles. 294 CORRESPONDENCE. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE ACADEMY, For 1964, Letters were received and read as follows: January 5th. — Thomas B. Wilson, M. D., Newark, Del., Jan. 1st, 1864, ac- knowledging his election as President of the Academy. American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass., 22d Dec, 1863, acknow- ledging the receipt of the publications of the Academy. Chicago Historical Society, 27th Dec, 1863, of the same tenor. February 9th. — Mr. Aug. Fiot, Bethlehem, Pa., 6th Feb., 1864, acknowledging his election to membership. March Hth. — Smithsonian Institution, Washington, Jan. 21st and 2d March, 1864, accompanying donations. March 15th. — The Royal Academy of Sciences, Lisbon, July 11th, 1863 ; Society of Natural Sciences, Hamburg, Feb. 15th, 1863; Imperial Academy of Sciences, etc., Lyons, 11th April, 1863 ; Imperial Academy of Sciences, etc., Vienna, Aug. 25th, 1863 ; severally ac- companying donations to the Library. The Royal Horticultural Society, London, Oct. 17th, 1863 ; Geological Society, London, Nov. 4, 1863 ; Natural History Society, Danzig, 8th Aug., 1863; Natural History Society, NUrnberg, Sept. 30th, 1863 ; Essex Institute, Salem, Mass., March 1st, 1864; New York State Library, Feb. 1st, 1864; Academy of Sciences, St. Louis, Jan. 30, 1864 ; severally acknowledging the receipt of the publications of the Academy. Royal Society of Sciences, Leipzig, 22d Aug. and 11th Oct., 1863; Society of Natural Sciences, Luneberg, June 23 and Aug. 24, 1863 ; Royal Society of Zoology, Amsterdam, Aug. 25, 1863; Society of Friends of Natural History, Mecklenburg, Aug. 29, 1863 ; Natural History Society, Emden, Oct. 8th, 1863 ; transmitting their publica- tions and acknowledging the receipt of those of the Academy. March lid. — Historical Society, Chicago, March 18, 1864; The Literary and Historical Society, Quebec, March 17, 1864, each accompany ing donations. M. Mechelin, Paris, Feb. 20th, 1864, proposing the sale of a collection of Zoophytes. U. S. Sanitary Commission, March 15th and 22d, 1864, accepting the offer of the use of the Hall of the Academy and returning thanks for the same. The American Philosophical Society, March 19tb, 1864, submitting resolu- tions of the Society in reference to the deposit of specimens. May 3d. — Imperial Society of Naturalists, Moscou, Sept., 1863; Upper Hessian Society for Natural History, Giessen, Aug. 27th, 1863 ; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Nov. 18th, 1863 ; Senckenberg Natural History Society, Frankfurt-am-Main, Nov. 5, 1863 ; Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin, Nov. 30, 1863; Imperial Society of Agriculture, &c, Lyons, April 12, 1863; severally trans- mitting their publications. CORRESPONDENCE. 295 German Geological Society, Berlin, Nov. 5th, 1863 ; Natural History Society, Halle, Oct. 30th, 1863 ; New York State Library, March 17, 1864 ; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, Feb. 26, April 3, June 25, July 13, Oct. 29, Nov. 28, 1863 ; Liverpool Literary and Philosophical Society, Feb. 29, 1863 ; Natural History Society, Bern, (no date) ; Swiss Society of the Collective Natural Sciences, Bern, (no date) ; Batavian Society of Natural Sciences, Rotterdam, Oct. 19, 1863; Lyceum of Natural History, New York, 23d Jan., 1864; Society " Isis," Dantzig, Nov., 1863; severally acknowledging the receipt of the publications of the Academy. The Society of Natural Sciences of the Duchy of Luneberg, June 28, 1863 ; Natural History Society, Freiburg, 19th Oct., 1863; Zoological Society, Frankfurt-am-Maio, Jan., 1864; Royal Society of Sciences, Upsal, 15th Oct., 1863 ; Natural History Society, Augsburg, 28th Aug., 1863 ; Natural History Society, Dantzig, Oct. 22d, 1863; transmitting their publica- tions and acknowledging the receipt of those of the Academy. Society of Physicians, Steinmark in Graz, Dec. 11th, 1863; Imperial Public Library, St. Petersburg, Jau. 10th, 1864; requesting ex- changes. July 5th. — T. Rupert Jones, Sandhurst, Eng., June 1st, 1863, acknowledging his election as correspondent. Alexander Agassiz, Cambridge, 5th May, 1864, of the same tenor. The British Museum, April 27th, 1864; Geological Society, London, April 27, 1864 ; New York State Library, June 11th, 1864; Senckenberg Natural History Society, Jan. 30, 1864 ; Wurtemburg Soc. of Natural History, Oct., 1863 ; Royal Leopoldine-Carolinian Academy, Dresden, Sept. 7th, 1863 ; Lyceum of Natural History, New York, June 15, 1864; Imper.al Society of Naturalists, Moscow, 16th and 30th Dec, 1863 ; University Gottingen, June 16, 1864 ; Imperial Geological Institute, Vienna, Aug. 27, 1863 ; W. Haidinger, Vienna, Aug. 27, 1863; The Natural History Society, Augsburg, Dec, 1863 ; severally acknowledg- ing the receipt of the publications of the Academy. The Royal Society of Sciences, Gottingen, Feb., 1864 ; Royal Leopoldine-Carolinian Academy, Dresden, Feb. 24, 1864; Royal Bavarian Academy of Sciences, April 8th, 1864 ; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, June 16th, 1864; Catholic Universi'y of Louvain, Dec, 1863 ; Senckenberg Natural History Society, Jan. 30, 1864; Royal Society of Sciences, Liege, Jan. 24th, 1864; Society of Naturalists, Halle, Feb. 16, 1864 ; severally transmitting dona- tions. The Geological Survey of India, 1st Oct., 1863, transmitting its publications and acknowledging the receipt of those of the Academy. August 23d. — The Entomological Society, Philada., July 19th, 1864, trans- mitting a donation from Prof. Gundlach. The Asiatic Society, Calcutta, April 25th, 1864, requesting a supply of defi- ciencies of the Proceedings. October 4th. — C. L. Pascal, Philada^, Oct. 4, 1864, accompanying a donation of specimens of Salmo fontinalis, with some remarks thereon. Wm. Couper, Quebec, 26th Sept., 1864, offering to exchange Vols. I. — V. 295 CORRESPONDENCE. and part of Vol. VI. of the First Series of the Journal for a copy of Say's Entomology. November 1st.— Natural History Society of Prussian Rhineland and West- phalia, 11th March, 1864; Linnean Society, Einden, Aug. 5th. 18C4 ; acknowledging the receipt of the publications of the Academy. The Society of Natural Sciences, Zurich, 31st March, 1864, of the same tenor, and desiring missing numbers. Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, Feb. 29, 1864; Kojal Academy of Sciences of Madrid, May 3, 1864 ; Senckenberg Natural History Soc, June 7,'l864; Natural History Society, Luneberg, May 2, 1864; severally transmitting their publications. Royal Academy of Sciences, Vienna, June 23d, 1864; Society of Physics and Natural History, Geneva, June 21, 1864; transmit- ting their publications and acknowledging the receipt of those of the Academy. The Natural History Society of Hanover, April 8, 1864, transmitting its pub- lications and requesting exchange. December 13lh.- C. T. Bonsall, Philada., Dec. 12, 1864, and from Geo. F. Knorr, Philada., Dec. 13, 1864, severally acknowledging their election as members. The Royal Academy of Sciences of Madrid, April 20, 1864; Royal Society, London, May 16, 1864 ; Historical Society, Chicago, Dec. 9, 1864; severally acknowledging the re- ceipt ot the publications of the Academy. December 27th.— The Batavian Society of Sciences, Rotterdam, Aug. 20, 1864; ' . ' Natural History Society, Augsburg, Sept. 6th, 1864 ; Imperial Society of Sciences, Moscow, Dec. 27, 1864 ; Imperial Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Oct. 8th and 10th, 1863 ; Royal Academy of Sciences, Amsterdam, Oct. 28th, 1863 ; Lyceum of Natural History, New York, April 18, 1864 ; Senckenberg Natural Hist. Society, Frankf'urt-am-Main, Oct., 1864 ; Society of Natural History, Luneberg, Oct. 16, 18C4 ; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, Jan. 27, 1804 ; Royal Lombardian Institute of Science, &c, Milan, Dec. 2, 1863 ; Academv of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna, April 15, 1864; Natural History Society in Basel, Sept. 27, 1864; severally acknowledging the receipt of the publications of the Academy. The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences, Copenhagen, June 9, 1864; Royal Academy of Sciences, Amsterdam, April 4, 1864; Royal Society of Sciences, Upsal, Sept. 1, 1864; Society of Friends of Natural History, Mecklenberg, Sept. 18, 1864 ; Geological Survey of India, Calcutta, March 22, 1864; Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna, April 18, 1864; Royal Meteorological Institute of the Low Countries, Utrecht, July 29, 1864 ; severally transmitting their publications. The Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, June 9, 1864 ; Natural History Society in Halle, Sept. 27 and 28, 1864 ; Natural History Society in Emden, Oct. 1, 1864; severally transmitting their publications and acknowledging the receipt of those of the Academy. DONATIONS TO MUSEUM. 297 DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM 1864. Abadie, Dr. E. H. Nov. 22. Skull of a Mescalero Apache Indian. From the Desert of the Black Hills, Texas. Algae. A collection of Marine and Fluviatile Algae, consisting of about 700 species. Purchased. American Philosophical Society. A large collection of Minerals, Fossils, Shells, &c, formerly comprising the natural history cabinet of the Ameri- can Philosophical Society. Deposited. Ashmead, S. Apr. 19th. Recurvirostra americana, Beesley's Point, N. J. A large collection of Minerals, being a selection from the cabinet of our late fellow member Samuel Ashmead, and the entire collection of North American Marine Algae, contained in twelve quarto volumes, formerly be- longing to the same. A bequest. Bingham, F. R. Jan. 19th. Three species "of Serpents, a Centipede, two insect Larvae and a large Tadpole. From Demarara. Cope, Edward D. May 11th. Six specimens of a large Ganoid Fish. Two Skulls, two Muzzles, an entire Animal and a sclerotal ring of Ichthyo- saurus (two species.) Paddle of Ichthyosaurus, with the impression of the Skin. From the Lias of Barrow, Leicestershire, England. Cast of Prof. Fuhlrott's Neanderthal Skull. Cunningham, A. Nov. 22c/. Large Fungus, Mt. Ephraim, N. J. Davidson, George. March 8th. A small collection of Mollusks and Crusta- ceans, from Florida Reef. Draper, E. Oct. 4th. Young Coluber eximius. Fisher, Dr. J. C. Nov. 15th. Cray Fish, from the Mississippi at New Orleans. Large Oyster Shell, from Barataria Bay. Frazer, J. F. Dec. 20th. Two Fossil Whale Vertebrae, from a bluff of York River about five mi!es above Yorktown. Frazer, Robert. April 19th. Anas boschas, var., Atlantic City, N. J. Gilbert, Dr. D. Feb. 2d. Two embryo Turtles and Nest of the Hanging Bird. Gould, A. A. Jan. 5th. Six species of Strepomatidae. Guernsey, Lieut. A. W. Sept. 20th. Three Fossil Shells and the caudal vertebra of a Whale, from the miocene formation, near City Point, Va. Gundlach, Dr. July 19th. Twenty species of Terrestrial Mollusks, from Cuba. Hartrauft, Gen. J. F. Nov. 15th. Fossil Whale "Vertebra, from the miocene, near Petersburg, Va. Hoopes, B. A. Nov. 15th. Stone Hammer, from the ancient copper mine pits of Lake Superior. Jeanes, Joseph. Twenty-seven specimens, of thirteen species of Birds, from Du Chaillu's collections in Western Africa. Forty-seven specimens, 18 species of Birds, from Mr. D'Oca's collections at Jalapa, Mexico. Kennicott, Robert. Feb. 9th. Five specimens, of four species of Mammals, from Arctic America. March 8th. Twenty-two specimens, of twenty- one species of Birds, from Arctic America. Kingsbury, Dr. Charles A. Oct. 4th. Salmo fontinalis, Hartford, Conn., and Salmo amethjstus, from Maidstone Lake, Essex Co., Vt. Knight, R. E. Specimen of Sigillaria, from Carroll Co., Ohio. Krider, John. Apr. 19th. Gerbillus canadensis, Bristol, Bucks Co., Pa. Three species of Birds. 298 DONATIONS TO MUSEUM. Kunkel, J. M. June 22d. A collection of Fossil Plants and Shells, from the triassic rocks, near Frederick, Md. Lawrence, George N. March Sth. Fifty specimens, of forty species of Birds, from Guatemala and New Grenada. Apr. 19th. One species of Glosso- phaga, from Panama. Lea, I. Jan. 5th. One species of Strepomatidse. Feb. 2d. Seven species of Strepomatidae. Feb. 9th. Actinolite and Clinochlore, near Leni, Del. Co., Pa. March Sth. Williamsite, Texas, Lancaster Co., Pa. ; Talc, Deweylite and Clinochlore, Westchester; Leelite and Clinochlore, Union- ville, Chester Co. ; and Chlorite, Leni, Del. Co. March 15th. Two species of Physa. Apr. 12th. Five varieties of Emerylite and one of Corundum, Chester Co. Apr. 19th. Crystallized Brucite, Texas, Lancas- ter Co. ; Glassy .Felspar, Del. Co. May 10th. Six specimens of Minerals, from Chester Co. ; two from Texas, Lancaster Co., Pa. May 11th. Mica, Apatite, Feldspar and Pyroxene, Geiseckite, Pargarite, Calcite, Brown Tourmaline and Dodecahedral Quartz, from New York. June 22d. Two species of Strepomatidse. Dec. 13th. Talc, Westchester ; two specimens Octohedral Iron, Knauertown, Pa. Leidy, Joseph. Sept. 20th. Twenty-two Fossil Echini, from Mecklenberg, Germany. Lewis, Col. W. D. Sept. 20th. A Fossil Fish, from Solenhofen. Low, H. L. July 12th. Corydalus cornutus. Merritt, George. See Morris. Miller, Violletta W. Nov. 22d. Large Polyporus, Westville, N. J. Morris, Dr. J. C. Nov. 15th. A small collection of Marine Animals, from Newport, R. I. Presented by Dr. J. C. Morris, S. Powel and George Merritt. Nassau, Rev. R. H. June 14th. A collection of Reptiles, Julidse and Marine Animals, from Corisco, West Africa. Norris, Thad. Oct. 4th. Head of a huge Pike, from Connaught Lake, near Meadville, Pa. A four pound Trout, Salmo fontinalis, from near Lake Superior. Painter, Mr. Jan. 5th. A Fossil Coral, Pascal, C. L. Oct. 4th. Three Trout, Salmo fontinalis, one weighing five and three-quarter pounds, from Sault St. Marie. Peale, F. Apr. 5th. Six Fossil Bones and Worked Flints, from Abbeville, France. Received by Mr. Peale from M. De Perthes. Powel, S. Sept. 20th. A Scutella, from Newport, R. I. Sergeant, J. D. Six specimens Ores of Manganese, Gloucester Co., N. B. Shepard, C. U. Apr. 12th. Eleven fragments of Meteorites and a large Rn- tile, from Georgia. Received in exchange. Short, Prof. Charles W. The complete herbarium of the late Prof. Charles W. Short, of Louisville, Ky., consisting of more than 6000 species of North American Plants, and 3000 or 4000 European species, enclosed in 300 quarto volumes, besides numerous packages of Tropical Plants. Pre- sented by the family of Prof. Short, through the recommendation of Prof. Asa Gray. Smithsonian Institution. Jan. 5th. Seven species of Strepomatidfe. March 8th. Thirty-one specimens, of twenty-eight species of Birds, from the collection of the United States Exploring Expedition, of the Vincennes and Peacock, and two specimens from Europe. Seventy-one species of Marine Mollusca in alcohol, mostly American. Two hundred and eighty- seven species of Shells, mostly American. Sixty-two species Crustacea, mostly from the U. S. Exploring Expedition. Sixteen species of Echi- noderms in alcohol. The collection labelled by Dr. Wm. 8timpson. Apr. 5th. Three species of Birds, from Mexico. July 19th. Twenty-seven specimens of Rocks. Sept. 20th. A collection of about one hundred specimens of Birds, from Siam. Oct. 18th. Three species of Birds from Madagascar. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. 299 Trautwine, J. C. June 22d. Pyrolusite, Nova Scotia. Shale with minute Shells, Nova Scotia. Tryon, George W. Jr. Four species of Strepomatidae. March 15th. Four species of Murex. Apr. 12th. Six species of Mollusca. June 22d. Twenty-seven species Helix, twenty- eight Partula, two Succinea, one Vi- trina, one Testacella, two Bulimus and six Achatinella. Nov. 15th. Four species of Cyclostoma, six Cylindrella, four Melampus, one Pupina, Six teen Clausilia, two Truncatella, seven Pupa, two Physa, one Lymnaea, five Planorbis, two Lithoglyphus, six Bithinia, three Amnicola, one Spi- raxis, four Vivapara, twelve Neritina, six Melanopsis. Vaux, W. S. Oct. 11th. A fine specimen of crystallized Brucite, Texas, Lancaster Co., Pa. Ward, George W. Jan. 19th. Large mass of Teredo, frbm the Marl of Salem Co., N. J. Wharton, Joseph. July 12th. Eighteen Minerals, from Lancaster Co. Wilson, Dr. Thomas B. March 22d. Sixty-five specimens, of thirty-five species of Birds, from Duchaillu's collections in West Africa. Apr. 5th. Twenty-three specimens of Birds, from Mr. D'Oea's collections at Jalapa, Mexico. Apr. 15th. Two species of Birds, from Port Natal. Sixtv two specimens of Birds, from Mr. Duchaillu's collections in Western Africa. Oct. 18th. Twenty specimens of Birds, from Ecuador; fourteen speci- mens, of seven species of Birds, from Duchaillu's collections in West Africa. Tringa himantopus, Long Island, N. Y. Wood, Chris. J. Apr. 5th. Zonotrichia Pennsylvanica. Wood, Wm. S. Apr. 5th. Two species of Birds. Wyld, Thos. July 12th. Fine specimen of Oreophasis Derhyanus. Xantus, J. Sept. 20th. Specimens of Cuculus canorus, from Hungary. DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY. 1864. JOURNALS AND PERIODICALS. SWEDEN. Upsal. Nova Acta Regise Societatis ■Scientiarum Upsaliensis. Seriei Tertise, vol. 4, Ease. 2, and vol. 5, Fasc. 1. 1863—64. From the Society. DENMARK. Copenhagen. Oversigt over det K. Danske Videnskabernes Selskabs Forhand- lingar og dets Medlemmers Arbeider i Aaret, 1862 and 1863. From the Society. Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra den Naturhistoriske Forening for Aarets 1849 to 1862. 8 vols., 8vo. 1850—1863. From the Society. Christiania. Forbandlingar i Videnskabs-Selskabet. Aarets 1858 — 62. From the Society. Forhandlingar ved de Skandinaviske Naturforskerea Fjerde und Syvende Mode. 1847—1856. From the Society. NORWAY. Drontheim. Det K. Norske Videnskaber Selkabs Skrifter i det 19de Aarhun- drede. 1859. From the Society. 300 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. RUSSIA. Moscow. Bulletin de la Society Imperiale des Naturalistes de Moscou. Annexe 1863, Nos. 1 and 2. From tbe Society. St. Petersburg. Bulletin de l'Academie Imp. des Sciences. Tome 4, Nos. 8 — 11. Tome 5, No. 1. From tbe Society. Neue Nordische Beytrage zur Physikalischen und Geographischen Erd-und Volkerbeschreibung, Naturgescbicbte, &c. 7 vols., 8vo, 1781 — 1796. From tbe Library Fund. HOLLAND. Amsterdam. Nederlandsch Tijdschrift voor de Dierkunde uitgegeven door het K. Zoologisch, Genootschap Natura Artis Magista. Jabrg. 1, Afl. 1 — 5. From the Society. Verslagen en Medcdeelingen der K. Akademie van Wettenscbappen. Af- deeling Naturkucde. 15e und 16e Deels. Afdeeling letterkunde. 7e Deel. From the Society. Stockholm. Ofversigt af K. Vetenskapg-Akademiens Forhandlingar Sjuttonde, Adertonde Argangen 1860 — 62. From the Society. K. Sven&ka Vetenskaps-Akademiens Handlingar. Tredje Bandet, Forsta und Andra Haftet and Fjerde Bandet. 1st Haftet. 1862. From the Society. GERMANY. Augsburg. Sechzehnter und Siebenzehnter Bericht des Naturhistorischen Ve- rein. 1863. From the Society. Berlin. Archiv flir Naturgeschichte. Von Dr. F. H. Troschel. 29er Jahrg.. 2es Heft to 30er Jahrg., 2es Heft. From the Editor. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Geologischen Gesellschaft. 15 Band, 2es Heft to 16 Band, 2es Heft. From the Society. Zeitschrift fur die Gesammten Naturwis.senschaften. Heransgegeben von dem Naturw. Vereine fur Sachsen und Thuringen in Halle. Jahrg. 1862, 1863 and Jan., 1864. Berlin. From the Society. Wochenschrift des Vereins zur Beforderung des Gartenbaues. 6 Jahrg., Nos. 31 — 51. 7er Jahrg., Nos. 1 — 30. From the Society. Physikalische Abhandlungen der K. Akad. der Wissen. Aus dem Jahre 1862. From the Society. Berliner Entomologische Zeitschrift. ler Jahrg., 1863, 3es und 4es Heftes. 8es Jahrg., les und 2es Heftes. 1863 — 64. From the Entomological Society of Berlin. Monatsberichte der K. P. Akademie der Wissenchaften. 1863. From the Society. Bonn. Verbandlungen des Naturhistorischen Vereines der Preussischen Rhein- lande und Westphalens. 20er Jahrg., 1863. From the Society. Briinn. Eilfter und 12er Jahres iiber die Wirksamkeit des Werners-Vereins. 1861—62. From the Society. Verbandlungen des Natursforschenden Vereines. 1 Band, 1862. From the Society. Cassel. Journal fiir Ornithologie. Hefts 1 — 6, 11 Jahrg. From the Library Fund. Malpkozoologische Blatter. Bands 9 und 10. From the Library Fund. Darmstadt. Notizblatt des Vereins fiir Erdkunde und verwandte Wissenschaf- ten. HI. Folge, 2 Heft, Nos. 13—24. 1863. From the Society. Dresden. Verbandlungen der K. Leop. Carol. Deutschen Akademie der Naturforscher. 3er Band. 1864. From the Society. Sitzungs-berichte der Naturwissenchaftliche Gesselschaft Isis, 1863. From the Society. Emden. Achtundvierzigster Jahresbericht der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft. 1862. From the Society. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. 301 Frankfurt-am-Main. Der Zoologische Garten. Nos. 7—12, 4 Jahrg. No. 1, 5 Jahrg. From the Editor. Abhandlungen ; herausgegeben von der Senckenbergischen Naturfor- schenden Gesellschaft. 14 Bandes, 3e und 4e Lief. 1863. From the Society. Freiburg. Berichte iiber die Verhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft, Band 3, Heft 1. 1863. From the Society. Giessen. Zehnter Bericht der Oberhessischen Gesellschaft fiir Natur- und Heilkunde. Giessen, 1863. From the Society. Gottingen. Nachrichten von der Georg-Augusts-Universitat. Jahrg., 1863, Nr. 1 — 21. From the University. Halle. Abhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesselschaft zu Halle. 8en Bandes, les und 2es Heftes. 1864. From the Society. Der Naturforscher. 30 parts in 15 vols., 8vo. Halle, 1774—1802. From the Library Fund. Hamburg. Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiete der Naturwissenschaften heraus- gegeben von dem Naturwissenchaftliche Verein. 1862. From the Society. Hannover. Dreizehnter Jahresbericht der Naturhistorischen Gesellschaft zu Hannover. 1863. From the Society. Konigsberg. Schriften der K. Phys-Okonomischen Gesellschaft zu Konigsberg. Vierter Jahrg., les und 2es Abth. 1863. From the Society. Leipzig. Berichte iiber die Verhandlungen der K. S. Gesellschaft der Wissen- schaften zu Leipzig. 1862 und 1863. From the Society. Liineburg. Zwolfter und Dreizehnter Jahresbericht des Naturwissenschaft- lichen Vereins. 1862 — 3. From the Society. Munich. Abhandlungen des Philosoph-Philologischen Classe der K. B. Aka- demie der Wissen. Neunter Bandes, Dritte Abth. From the Society. Abhandlungen of the Math.-Phys. Classe of the same. Neunten Bandes, 3e Abth. From the Society. Sitzungsberichte der K. B. Akad. der Wissen. 1863. I. Hefts 1—4 ; II. Hefts 1—4. 1863. From the Society. Faunas, Zeitschift fiir Zoologie, &c. 4 parts, 8vo. 1832. From the Li- brary Fund. Neubrandenburg. Archiv des Vereins der Freunde der Naturgeschichte in Mecklenburg. 17 Jahrg. 1863. From the Society. Neustadt A. d. H. Eighteenth, 19th, 20^1) and 21st Jahresbericht der Pollichia Herausg. von dem Ausschusse des Vereines. 1863. From the Society. Offenbach-am-Main. Vierter Bericht des Offenbacher Vereins fiir Naturkunda iiber Seine Thatigkeit. 1863. From the Society. Der Dr. Joh. Christ. Senckenbergischen Stiftung widmet zu Ihrer Saecu- larfeier am 18 Aug., 1863. Diese Denkschrift der Offenbacher Verein fiir Naturkunde. From the Society. Regensburg. Correspondenz-Blatt des Zoologisch-Minerologischen Vereines. I7e Jahrg. 1863. From the Society. Stettin. Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem Entomologischen Vereine. 24 Jahrg. Stettin, 1863. From the Society. St. Gallen. Bericht iiber die Thatigkeit der St. Gallischen Naturwissenschaft- lichen Gesellschaft. 1862 — 63. From the Society. Stuttgart. Neues Jahrbuch fiir Mineralogie, Geologie und Palaeontologie. Jahrg. 1863, Viertes Heftes to 1864, 5es Heft. From the Editors. Wurttembergische Naturwissenschaftliche Jahreshefte. 19er Jahrgang, les Heft. 1863. From the Society. Vienna. Wiener Entomologische Monatschrift. 7 Band, Nos. 1 — 12. 1863. From the Editors. Die Feierliche Sitzung der K. Akad. der Wissenschaften am 30 Mai, 1862. From the Society. Sitzungsberichte der K. Akad. der Wissen. Math-Naturwissen. Classe. Jahrg. 1862, 46 Bands, Nos. 1 und 2 to 49 Band, No. 1. From the So- ciety. 302 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Jahrbuch der K. K. Geologischen Reichsanstalt, 1863. 13 Band, Nos. 2 to 14 Band, No. 2. From the Society. Denkscbriften der K. Akademie der Wissenschiften. Math-Naturwissen. Classe. 21 und 22er Bandeu. Wien, 1863. From the Society. Verhandlunjren der K. K. Zool.-Botanischen Gesellschaft. Jahrg. 1863. » From the Society. Wurzburg. Wurzburger Naturwissenchaftliche Zeitschrift. Herausgegeben von der Physikalisch-Medecinischen Gesellschaft. Vierter Band, 1 Heft. 1863. From the Society. Sixty-nine Medical Theses. From the University of Wurzeburg. SWITZERLAND. Geneva. Bibliotheque Universelle et Revue Suisse. Archiv des Sciences Physique et Naturelles. Nouvelle Periode. Nos. 70—82. From the Editors. Memoires de la Societe" de Physiques et d'Histoire Naturelles. Tome 17, Premiere Partie. 1863. From the Society. Lausanne. Bulletin de la Societe" Vaudoise des Sciences Naturelles. Tome 7, Bulletin No. 50. 1863. From the Society. Neuchatel. Bulletin de la Societe des Sciences Naturelles. Tome 6, 2d Cahier. 1863. From the Society. Zurich. Vierteljahreschrift der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft. 6er und 7er Jahrg. 1861—63. From the Society. BELGIUM. Liege. Memoires de la Societe* Royale des Sciences. Tome 18. 1863. From the Society. Louvain. Annuaire de l'Universite Catholique. 27me Annee. 1863. From the University. Fourteen Theses. From the University. Mons. Memoires et Publications de la Societe des Sciences, &c, du Hainaut. 1863. From the Society. FRANCE. Angers. Memoires de la Societe' Academique de Maine et Loire, lime et 12me vols. From the Society. Caen. Bulletin de la Societe" Linn£enne de Normandy. 8me vol. Annee 1852—63. From the Society. Cherbourg. Memoires de la SocieHe" Imperiale des Sciences Naturelles. Tome 9. From the Society. Dijon. Journal d'Agriculture de la Cote-D'Or Publie par la Societe d'Agri- culture. Annee 1862. 24e vol. Dijon, 1862. From the Society. M6moires de l'Academie Imperiale des Sciences, ie, No. 9. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. 303 Annales des Sciences Naturelles Coraprenant la Zoologie la Botanie, &c. From 4me S6rie lOe Anne^, t. 19, Bot. No. 5 to Bot. tome 1, Sine Serie, No. 5. From the Library Fund. Memoires de l'Academie des Sciences de l'lnstitut Imperial de France. Tome 26. Paris, 1862, From tbe Academy. Annales des Mines. Sixieme Serie, tome 4, 4e liv. to tome 5me, 2e liv.- From the Minister of Public Works, France. Journal de la Physiologie de l'Homme et des Animaux. Nos. 20 to 23. 1863. From the Library Fund. Journal de l'Anatomie et de la Physiologie. Publie'e par MM. Brown- S6quard et Chas. Robin. Premiere Annee, Nos. 1 to 5. 1864. From the Library Fund. Comptes Rendus de Seances et Memoires de la Societe de Biologie. Tome 4me. 1862. From the Society. Journal de Conchyliologie. 3e Serie, tome 4, Nos. 1 et 2. 1864. From the Editors. Actes de l'Academie Impe>iale des Sciences, &c.,de Bordeaux. 3me Se'rie, 25e Annee, ler — 4e Trimestres. 1863. From the Society. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Seances de l'Academie des Sciences. Tomes 54—56. 1862—63. From the Academy. Annales de la Societe Entomologique de France. 3me Serie, tome 8, 4me Serie, tomes lme — 3me. 1861 — 64. From the Society. ITALY. Bologna. Nouvi Annali delle Scienze Naturali. Tomes 1 — 10; 21 Sarie, tomes 1 — 10; 3d Se'rie, tome 1 — 10; 30 volumes. 1838. From the Library Fund. Rendiconto delle Ses'ioni dell' Accademia delle Scienzi dell' Instituto di Bologna. Anno Accademico. I860 — 63. From the Society. Memoires of the same. Se'rie 2, tomes I et 2. From the Society. Milan. Reale Instituto Lombardo di Scienze e Lettere R-ndiconti. Classe di Scienze Matematiche e Naturali. Vol. i. Fasc. 1 — 3. Classe di Lettere, &c. Vol. i. Fasc. 1—2. 1864. From the Society. Naples. Societa Reale di Napoli. Rendiconto dell' Accademia delle Seienze, &c. 1862, Fasc. 1—8; 1863, Fasc. 1—7; 1864, Fasc. 1—2. 1862—63 — 64. From the Society. Atti dell' Accademia. Vol. i. 1863. From the Society. Torino. Memoire della Reale Accademia, delle Scienze de Torino. Serie Se- conda, tome 20. 1863. From the Academy. PORTUGAL. Lisbon. Historia e Memorias da Academia Real des Sciencias de Lisboa. Classe de Sciencias, Moraes, Politicas, &c. New Series, tome 2, part 2. From the Society. SPAIN. Madrid. Memorias de la Real Academia di Ciencias, &c. Ciencias Exactas. Tome, part 2. Ciencias Fisicas. Tome 1, part 3, aud tome 2, part 1. 1863. From the Society GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. • Dublin. The Journal of the Royal Dublin Society. Nos. 30 and 31, July, 1863. From the Society. • Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Dublin. Session 1862 — 63. Vol. 4, part 1. From the Society. Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy. Vol. 24. Aniquities. Part 2, 1864. From tbe Society. 304 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Edinburgh. Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. Sessions 1858 — 62. From the Society. Proceedings of the Royal Society. 1 862—63. From the Society. Transactions of the same. Vol. 23, part 2. From the Society. Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal. New Series, No. 37, vol. 19, No. 1. From ihe Editors. Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society. The Annual Report for 1862 — 63. From the Society. Liverpool. Proceedings of the Literary and Philosophical Society. 1862 — 63. No. 17. From the Society. London. The Athenaeum Journal. From parts 430 — 441. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society. From vol. 2, No. 11 to vol. 4, No. 8. From the Society. The Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society. From vol. 19, part 4, to vol. 20, part 3. From the Society. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History. From No. 72 — 82. From the Library Fund. The London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine. Nos. 177 — 189. From the Library Fund. The Nautical Magazine and Naval Chronicle. Vol. 33, No. 1. From the 'Publishers. Proceedings of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Vol. 4, parts 1 and 2, Nos. 37 and 8. From the Society. List of Members, &c, of the same. From the Society. Proceedings of the Royal Society. Vol. 12, No. 56, to vol. 13, No. 67. From the Society. Philosophical Transactions of the same. 1863. Vol. 153, parts 1 and 2. From the Society. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. Third Series, vol. 1, part 8, to vol. 2, part 2. From the Society. Journal of the Chemical Society. New Series, Nos. 10—21. From the Society. The Anthropological Reyiew and Journal of the Anthropological Society. Nos. 3, 4 and 5. From the Society. The Natural History Review. Nos. 1—8. London, 1861—62. In ex- change. The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Vol. 20, parts 3 and 4. 1803: From the Society. The Reader. Nos. 65—67. From the Editor. Notes and Queries. Parts 26 — 29. New Series. From the Editors. Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society. Zoology. Vol. 7, Nos. 27—29. Botany. Vol. 7, Nos. 27—29. 1863—64. From the Society. Transactions of the same. Vol. 24, part 2. 1863. From the same. Two Addresses and List of Members. From the same. Proceedings of the Scientific Meetings of the Zoological Society, 1863. Parts 1—3, Jan. to Dec, 1863. From the Society. Transactions of the same. Vol.5, part 3. 1864. From the Society. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Transact ions'of the Tyneside Naturalists' Field-Club. Vol. 6, parts 1 and 2. From the Society. UNITED STATES. » Boston. Boston Journal of Natural History. Vol. 7, No. 4. From the Boston Society of Natural History. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. Vol. 9, pp. 225 — 256. From the Society. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. 305 Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society. April 7, 18G4. From the Society. Cambridge. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Pp. 29—60. From the Directors. New Haven. The American Journal of Science and Arts. Conducted by Profs. Silliman and Dana. Vol. 37, Nos. 109—114. From the Editors. New York. American Medical Times. From vol. 7, No. 26, to vol. 9, No. 10. From the Editors. Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History. Vol. 7, Nos. 13—16, and vol. 8, No. 1. 1862—63. From the Society. Philadelphia. The Dental Cosmos. From vol. 5, No. 6, to vol. 6, No. 5. From the Editors. Journal of the Franklin Institute. From vol. 76, No. 456, to vol. 78, No. 467. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. American Journal of Pharmacy. Fiom vol. 35, No. 1, to vol. 12, 3d Series, No. 6. From the Editor. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 1864. From the Editor. The Eclectic Medical Journal. Vol. 7, No. 1. From the Editor. The Gardener's Monthly. Edited by Thos. Meehan. From vol. 5, No. 12, to vol. 6, No. 12. From the Editor. The American Pomok.gist. No. 1, vol. 1, 1851. From Chas. H. Hart. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society. Vol. 9, No. 78. From the Society. Portland. Journal of the Portland Society of Natural History. Vol. 1, No. 1. Fiom the Society. Salem. Proceedings of the Essex Institute. Vol. 4, Nos. 1 — 3. From the So- ciety. San Francisco. Proceedings of the Acad. Nat. Sci. of California. Vol. 3, Nov. and Dec. 1863 and Jan. 1864. From the Society. Mining and Scientific Press. Vol. 8, No. 6. From the Editor. Springfield. Transactions of the Illinois State Agricultural Society. Vols. 2, 3 and 4. 1856—60. From the Society. CANADA. Halifax. The Transactions of the Nova Scotian Institute of Natural Science- Vol. 2, part 1. 1864. From the Society. Montreal. The Canadian Naturalist and Geologist. Vol. 8, No. 6, to New Se- ries, vol. 1, No. 5. From the Editors. Quebec. Transactions of the Literary and Historical Society. Vol. 4, parts 1 and 2, and Appendix. New Series, parts 1 and 2. 1864. From the Society. Toronto. The Canadian Journal of Industry, Science and Art. New Series, Nos. 49 — 54. From the Canadian Institute. The Journal of the Board of Arts and Manufactures for Upper Canada. Vol. 4, No. 2, to vol. 5, No. 1. From the Editors. ASIA. Batavia. Nalurkundig Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch Indie. Deel 24 — 26. 1863. From the Natural History Socieiy. OTHER SCIENTIFIC WORKS. Abel, Tho". Subtential Plain Trigonometry. Philadelphia, 1761. From Chas. H. Hart. Abstracts of Magnetical Observations made at the Mugneticnl Ohfcrvatory, Tormuo, U. W., during the Years 1856 to 18l>2, inclutive. 1863. From the University of Toronto. 20 306 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Allen, Dr. H. Monograph of the Bats of North America. Smithsonian Mis- cellaneous Collections. Washington, June, 1864. From the Smithso- nian Institution. Annual Report of the Geological Survey of India, 1862 — 63. Calcutta, 1863. From the Survey. Annual Report of the Trustees of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 1863. Boston, 1864. From the Trustees. Baird, Prof. S. F. Review of American Birds in the Museum of the Smithso- nian Institution. Part 1. From the Institution. Balfour, J. H. Notice of the State of the Open-Air Vegetation in the Edin- burgh Botanic Garden during December, 1863. From the Author. Description of the Fruit and Seed of Clerodon Thompsonae. From th« Author. Berg, Dr. 0. C. Darstellung und Bescbretbung Siimmtlicher in der Pharma- copoea Borussica Aufgefuhrten Officinellen Gewachse. Vierter Band. Leipzig, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Binney. W. G. Synopsis of the Pulmonifera of North America. From the Smithsonian Institution. Blanchnrd, E. L'Organisation du Regne Animal. 37 et 38 Livr. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Bland, Thos. Remarks on the Classification of North American Helices. From the Auihor. Bourguiiniat, M. J. R. Malacologie de l'Algerie. lme — 4me Fasc. Paris, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Brandt. Recueil de Memoires Relatifs a l'Ordre des Insectes Myriapods. From the Library Fund. British Museum. Catalogues of — Haltieidae. Part 1, Birds of the Tropical Islands of the Pacific Ocean, Mammalia and Birds of New Guinea, British Diatomaceae, Lepidopterous Insects. Parts 21 — 25. London, 1859 — 62. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Bruce, Jas. Reisen in das Innere von Africa nach Abyssinien. A German edition of Bruce's Travels, with a Natural History Appendix by Prof. J. F. Gmelin. 2 vols. 12mo. Leipzig, 1791. From the Library Fund. Brunet, l'Abbe Ovide. Notice sur les Plantes de Michaux, &c. Quebec, 1863. From the Author. Oabanis, Dr. J. Museum Heineanum. Theilens 1 — 4. Halberstadt, 1862 — 63. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Capellini, G. Relazione di un Viaggio Scientifico fatto nel 1863 nell America Setientrionale. Bologna, 1864. From the Author. Carpenter, P. P. Catalogue of the Collection of Mazatlan Shells in the British Museum. London, 1851. From the Smithsoniau Institution. Castelnau, M. le Comte, F. Me"moire sur les Poissons de l'Afrique Australe. Paris, 1861. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Castilla, Rey D. Alfonso X. de Castilla. Libros del Saber de Astronomia del, copilados, anotados y comentados por Don Manuel Rico y Sinolas. Tomos 1 and 2. Folio. Madrid, 1863. From the Royal Academy of Sciences, of Madrid. Claus, Dr. C. Ueber die Grenze des ThieVischen und Pflanzlichen Lebens. Leipzig, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions- Cliuton, Geo. W. Preliminary List of Plants of Buffalo and its vicinity. Buffalo, 1864. From the Author. Oomay, J. E. Memoire sur l'Utilite d:un Conseil de Prevision destine a l'Etude des causes des accidents et des moyens les preveuir. PariB, 1863. From the Author. Memoire sur rUnite" de Speciality des especes humaine3. 1862. From the Author. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. 307 Correa. Lendas da India. Tomo 3. Parte 1 and 2. Lisboa, 1862—63. From the Academy of Lisbon. Coste, M. Histoire generale et particuliere du Ddveloppement des corps organi- ses. Tomes 1 and 2, 4to, and Atlas Livrs. 1 — 4. Folio. Paris, 1847. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Couch, Jon. A History of the Fishes of the British Islands. 3 vols., 8?o. London, 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Dana, J. D. I. The classification of Animals based on the principle of Cepba- lization. No. III. Classification of Herbivores. From the Author. No. II. Note on the position of Amphibians among the classes of Verte- brates. On the Fossil Insects from the Carboniferous formation in Illinois. From the Author. Dawson, J. W. Synopsis of the Flora of the Carboniferous Period in Nova Scotia. From the Author. Further observations on the Devonian Plants of Maine, &c. From the Auihor. Davis, Dr. J. B. Italian Anthropology. From the Author. The Neanderthal Skull. London, 1864. From the Author. Dean, Dr. J. The Gray Substance of the Medulla Oblongata and Trapezium. Washington, 1864. Nine photographs, Author's copy. From the Author. De Candolle, A. Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis. Para 15. Paris, 1864. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Deshayes, M. G. P. Conchyliologie de l'lsle de la Reunion (Bourbon.) Paris, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Des Moulins, Ch. Plants Rares de la Gironde. Bordeaux, 1863. From the Author. Desnoyers, M. J. Note sur des Indices materiels de la Coexistence del'Homme avec l'Elephas meridionalis. From the Author. Douglas, Rev. J. The Gold Fields of Canada. Quebec, 1863. From the Author. Dozy, F. Bryologia Javanica. Auctoribus F. Dozy et J. K. Molkenbaur. Fasc. 37 — 40. Lugduni-Batavorum, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Dubois, Ch. F. Oiseaux de l'Europe. Livrs. 175 to 188. Bruxelles, 1863— 64. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Dunker, Dr. W. Palaeontographica. Beitra^e zur Naturgeschichte der Vorwelt. From Band 9, 5te Lief, to Band 11, 6ste Lief. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Novitates Conchologicse. From 1 Lief, to Supplement iii. 1 Lief. From the same. Elliott, D. G. A Monograph of the Tetraoninae. Parts 1 and 2. New York, 1864. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Erichson, Dr. W. F. Naturgeschichte der Insecten Deutschlands. Erste Abth. Vierter Band. Berlin, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Fick, Dr. L. Physiologische Anatomie des Menschen. 8vo. Leipzig, 1845. From the Library Fund. Forg, Dr. A. Beitriige zur Kenntniss vom innern Baue des Menschlichen Ge- hirtis. 8vo. Stuttgart, 1844. From the Library Fund. Fourth Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture, of the Province of New Brunswick. Frederick, 1864. From the Natural History Society of New Brunswick. Fries, Elias. Monographia Hymenomycetum Sueciae. Vol. ii. Upsaliae, 18C3. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Geinitz, Dr. H. B. Dyas oder die Zechsteinformation und das Rothliegende. Heft 1. Leipzig, 1861. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Geolog cal Survey of Canada. Montreal, 1863. From the Survey. 308 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Gerhardt, Curl. Der Stand de3 Diaphragma's. Tubingen, 1860. From the Author. Goes, A. Crustacea decapoda podophthalma marina Suecise. From the Nor- way University. Graesse, J. G. S. Ti6sor de Livres rares et precieux. Tome 5me. Liv's ii. to v. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Grasberger, L. De Usu Pliniano. Wirceburgi, I860. From the Author. Grisebaeh, A. Pan ac Wrightianae, e Cuba Orientali. Parts 1 and 2. Cam- bridge, 1860-62. From Mrs. Dr. C. W. Short. Florae of the British West Indian Islands. Parts 1 — 4. From the Execu- tors of Dr. Sliort. S ime. Parts 5 and 6. From the Library Fund. Haeckel, E. Die Radiolarien (Rhizopoda Radiaria.) 2 vols. fol. Berlin, 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Hall, James. Contributions to Palaeontology. Albany, 18G3. From the Author. Hansen, P. A. Darlegung der Theoretischen Berechnung der in den Mondta- feln angewandten Storungen. Zweite Abhandlung. Leipzig, 1864. From the K. S. Gesellschaft, der Wissenschaften. Hartiag, P. Reeberohes sur la nature et les causes de la Maladie des Pommes de Terre, en 1845. From the An'hor. Hartlaub, Dr. G. Urnithologische Beitriige zur Fauna Madagascar's. Bremen, 1861. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Heer, Oswald. Recherchessur le Climatet la Vegetation du Pays Tertiaire. Tra- duction de Ch. T. Gaudin. Wiuterthur, Geneva and Paris. From Dr. W:lson, on the usual conditions. Die Urwelt der Schweiz von Oswald Heer. Erste to Elfte Lief. Zurich, 1864. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Heller, Dr. C. Die Crustaceen des Siidlichen Europa. Wien, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Henry, L. De Residentia Bemficiitorum Lovanii. 1863. From the Author. Hewitson, Wm. C. Exotic Butterflies. Parts 49 to 52. London,'1864. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Hoffman, H. Index Fungorum. Lipshe, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Hoffmeister, Dr. W. Die Bitanischpn Ergebnis5e der Reise seiner K. Hobeit des Prinzen Waldemar von Preussen, in den Jahre 1845 und 1846. Berlin, 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Holrabre, C. A. Norske Vaegtlodder fra Fjortende Aarhundrede. Christiana, 1863. From the Noiway University. Hortus Christianiensis. From the Norway University. Howse, R. A synopsis of the geology of Durham and part of Northumber- land. By Richard Howse and J. W. Kirkby. From the Authors. Jager, Dr. G. v. Ueber die Wirkung^n des Arseniksauf Pflanzen. Stuttgart, 1864. From the Author. Jan, Prof. G. Eleaco sistematico degli Ofidi, Milano, 1863. From the Au- thor. Jerdon, T. C. The Birds of India. Vol. 3. Calcutta ,1864. From the Li- brary Fund. Journal of ttie Select Council of the City of Philadelphia, beginning Jan. 5 and ending July 2, 1863. From the Select Council. Kalman, G. L. A LSg Urai. Kepek a Madarvilagbol. 1 Fiizet. Pest, 1864. From the Author. Karsten. H. Flor;e Columbia? Terrarumque Adiaeentium, Specimina Selpcta. Vols. 1 and 2, Fasc. 1 and 2. Berulini, 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Kaulen, F. Librum Jonaj Prophets exposuit. Moguntiaa, 1862. From the Author. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY 309 / Kennedy, J. C. G. Population of the United States in 1860. Washington, 1864, From the Author. Prelimiaary Report on the Eighth Census, 1860. Washington, 1862. From Charles H. Hart. Kirk by. See Howse. Klein, J. De Jansenismi origine. Vratislaviae, 1863. From the Author. Koninck, L. de. Memoire sur les FossilcS Paleozoiques recuciltea dans L'lmle par M. le Dr. Fleming. Liege, 1863. From the Autuor. Notice sue une Novelle espece de Davidsonia. Liege, 1855. From the Author. Mumoires de Paleontologie. Bruxelles, 1857 — 58. From the Author. Nineteen Reports. From the same. Memoires sur les genres et les sous-genres des Brachiopodes. Liege, 1859. From the Au'hor. Recherches sur les Animaux Fossiles. Premiere Partie. Liege, 1847. From the Author. Kuster, H. C. Systemaiisohes Conchilien-Cabinet von Martini und Chemnitz. Erster Band. Heft 77. From Dr. Wilson on the usual conditions. Lacordaire, M. Th. Nouvelles Suites a Buffon. 72 Liv. Planches, 5e and 6e Liv. Insectes Coleopteres. Pari?, 1863. From the Author. Lea, T. Observath ns on the Genus Unio, vol. 10. From ihe Author. Descriptions of six new species of Uuionidae, from Lake Nytissa, Central Africa. From the Author. Lea, M. Carey. Chemical conlributiors to the American Journal of Science, in ihe jear 1864. New Haven, 1864. From the Author. Linden, J. Pescatorea. Iconographie des Orchiddes. Premier Volume. Brux- cll s. 1860. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Linnaeus, Sir Charles. A Universal Sxstem of Natural History, 14 vols., 8 mo. London, 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Lorenzi. See Main tti. Malaise, C. Memoire sur les Decouvertes Paleontologiques faites en Belgique, jusqu t ce jour. Liege, I860. From the Author. Manetti. Omithologia methodice digesta. By Manetti, Lorenzi and Vanni. 5 vols., folio. Florence, 1767. From ihe Library Fund. Marcou, J. Une reconnoissanee geologique au Nebraska. From the Author. Marsigli, M. Lcomte Louis Ferd. de. Description du Danube. 3 v\,ls., folio. Haye, 1744. From the Library Fund. Martini and Otto's Buffon's Natural History. Berlin, 1771-1807. CJ vols., 8 vo. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Martius, Dr. C. F. P. V. Glossaria Linguarum Bmsiliensium. Etlangen 1863. From the Author. Die Fieber-Rinde, der China Baum. From the Author. Medical Theses, sixty-nine. From the University of Wurzeburg. Meteorlogische Waarnemingpn in Neierlaud. Uitgegeven door het K. Neder- land.ch Meteorologische Institute. 1862. Utrecht. From the Insti- tute. Mettenius G. Ueber den Bau von Angiopteris. Leipzig, 1863. From the Saxon Natural Hist. Soc. of Leipzig. Meyer, II. v. Pal.-Bontographica. Beitrii,L>'e zur Natnrpefchichte der Vorwelt. Ell'er Band, Fiinfie Lief., und Zwolf er Band, Erste Lief. Casst I, 1864. From De. T. B. Wilson, on the usual conditions Milne-Edwards, H. Legons sur la Physiologie et 1'Anntomie eompare'e de 1'Homme et des Animaux. Tome 8ine. Premiere Partie. Paris, 1863. From Dr. T. B. Wilson, on the ustinl conditions. Miquel, F. A. G. Annates Musei Botanici Lugduno-Batavi. Tome 1, Fasc. 1 to 8. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Moleschoii. Untersuchungen zur Nauulehre des Menschen und der Thiere. 9 Band, 2es Heft. Giessen, 1863. From the Library Fund. 310 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Molkenbaur. See Dozy. Morelet, A. Notice sur l'Histoire Naturelles des Aoores suivie d'un description des Mollusques terrestres de cet Archipel. Paris, 1860. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual coodiiious. Series Conchyliologique comprenant l'enumeration des Mollusques. 3me Livr. Avr. 1863. Paris. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Mueller, Dr. Walpers. Annales Botanices Systematicae. Tome 6, Fasc. 5. Lipsioe, 1863. From the Library Fund. Northwood, J. G. Abstract of a Report on Illinois Coal. Chicago, 1858. From the Author. Norris, Thaddeus. The American Angler's Book. Philadelphia, 1864. From the Author. Oldham, Thomas. Palreontologia Indica. 2 iv. to 3 v. Calcutta, 1863 — 64. From the Geological Survey of India. Palaeontological Society's Publications. Vol. 16, issued for 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Palaeontologie Francaise, Terrain Cr6tace, Liv. 15 to Terrain Jurassique, Liv. 5 and Cr6tae6, Liv. 16. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Pallas, P. S. Reise durch verschiedene Provinzen des Russischen Reichs. 5 vols., 4to. St. Petersburg, 1801. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual con- ditions. Tableau Physique et Topographique de la Tauride par P. S. Pallas, 1 vol., 4to. St. Petersburg, 1795. From the same. Peter, Dr. H. Untersuchungen iiberden Bau und die Entwickelungsgeschichte der Brutknospen. Hameln, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual con- ditions. Peters, W. C. H. Naturwissenschaftliche Reise nach Mossambique. Botanib i. and ii. Abth. Berlin, 1864. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Pfeiffer. Dr. L. Novitates Conchologicae. 30 Lief. Cassel, 1863. From Dr. Wilsoc, on the usual conditions. Pictet, F. J. Materiaux pour la Paleontologie Suisse. 3 vols. Geneva, 1858 — 63. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Poggendorff, J. C. Biograpbisch-literarisches Handworterbuch zur Geschicbte der exacteu Wissenschaften. Sechste Lief. Leipzig, 1863 From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Portugaliac Monuraenta Historica. Leges et consuetudines. Vol. 1, Fasc. 3. Olisbone, 1863. From the Academy of Lisbon. Prestel, Dr. M. A. F. Das geographische System der Winde iiber dem Atlan- tischen Ocean. Emden, 1863. From the Author. Quenstedt, F. A. Geologische Ausfliige in Schwaben. Tubingen, 1864. From Dr. Wilson, on tbe usual conditions. Rabenhorst, Dr. L. Beitriige zur Niiheren Kenntniss und Verbreitung der Algen. Heft 1. Leipzig, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Radde, G. Reisen im Siiden von Ost-Sibirien in den Jahren. 1855 — 1859 inc. Bands 1 and 2. St. Petersburg, 1862. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Reade, W. W. Savage Africa. London, 1864. From the Library Fund. Reakirt, Tryon. Notes on Central American Lepidoptera. No. 2. From tbe Author. Reeve, L. Concbologia Iconica. Parts 232 to 237. London, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Report of the Secretary of the Navy in relation to Armored Vessels. Washing- ton, 1864. From the Navy Department. Report, Sixteenth Annual, of the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Appendix D. From the Regents. Report of the Commission on Meteorology in South Africa, July 7, 1863. From the Commission. Report of the Secretary of the Treasury for the year ending June 30th, 1863. Washington, 1863. From the Treasury Department. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. 311 Results of the Meteorological Observations made at the Magnetical Observatory, Toronto, C W., during the years 1854 to 1862, inc. 5 Vols., 4to. To- ronto, 1864. From the Observatory. Robin, Ch. Traite de Chiraie Analomique et Physiologique normale et path- ologique. 3 Vols., 8vo. and Atlas. Paris, 1853. From the Library Fund. Roemer, Dr. F. Die Fossile Fauna der Silurischen Diluvial-Geschiebe von Sadewitz bei Oels in, Nieder-Schlesien. Breslau, 1861. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Romer, Dr. E. Die Familien, Genera, &c, der zweimuskeligen, kopflosen Mollusken mit inneren Ligament. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual con- ditions. Roseburgh, A. M. A new Ophthalmoscope. Tract. From the Author. Rutiuieyer, Dr. L. Die Fauna der Pfdhlbauten in der Schweiz. Basel, 1861. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Sandberger, Dr. Fr. Die Flora der Oberen Steinkohlenformation im Badischen- Scbwarzwald. From the author. Bars, M. Oversigt over de i den Norsk-Arctiske Region. From the Norway University. B:himper, W. Ph. Icones Morphologies atque Organographies Introduction- em synopsi Muscorum Europsoruin. Stuttgartiae, 1860. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Schlegel, H. De Vogels van Nederlandsch Indie. Haarlem, 1863. Monographie I, Pitta. Mon. 2, Ijsvogels. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Schmarda, Ludwig K. Neue Wirbellose Thiere beobachtet und gesammelt auf einer Reise urn die Erde, 1853 bis 1857. Band 1.' Leipzig, 1859. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Schmidt, Dr. 0. Die Spongien des Adriatischen Meeres. Leipzig, 1862, and Supplement, 1864. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Schrenck, Dr. L. V. Reisen und Forschungen im Amurlande in den Jahre, 1854—1856. Band 1. les und 2es Lief. St. Petersburg, 1859-60. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual condiiions. Setschenow, Dr. J. Physiologische Studien iiber die Hemmungsmechanismen fur die Reflexthixtigkeit des Riickenmarks, im Gehirne des Frosches- Berlin, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Shaw. Reizen en Aanmerkingen, door en over Barbaryen en het Ooste. — A Dutch edition of Shaw's Travels in Barbary. 1 Vol., 4to. Amsterdam, 1780. From the Library Fund. Siebold, C. Th. E. v. Die Siisswasserfiscbe von Mittel-Europa. Leipzig, 1863. From Dr. T. B. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Silva, L. A. R. Corpo Diplomatico Portuguez. Tomes 1 and 2. Lisbon, 1862. From the Academy of Lisbon. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vol. 5. "Washington, 1864. From the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, Vol. 13. Washington, 1863. From the same. Smithsonian Report for 1862. From the Institution. Soweiby, G. B. Thesaurus Conchyliorum, Part 22. London, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Trask, Dr. J. B. A Register of the Earthquakes in California from 1800 to 1863. From the Author. Troschel, Dr. F. H. Das Gebiss der Schnecken. Fiiafte Lief. Berlin, 1863. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Tnrtoo's Linne. 7 Vols., 8vo. Loudon, 1802-6. Thos. Say's copy, with MSS. notes and autograph. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Tyler, W S. A Discourse delivered in the Village Church in Amherst, March 2d, 1864, at the funeral of Rev. Edw. Hitchcock. Springfield, 1864. From the Author. 312 DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Wagner, Dr. R. HandwGrterbuch der Physiologie, mit Riieksicht auf Physio- logische Pathologic 4 Vols, in 5. Braunschweig, 1842. from the Li'rary Fund. Weber, W. Elektrodynamische Maassbestimraungen insbe?ondre iiber Elek- triscbe S^hwingungen. Leipzig, 1864. From the K. S. Gesell. der Wissenscbafoen. Weidemever, J. W. Catalogue of North American Butterflies. Philada., 1864. From the Author. Wilcocks, Dr. A. Thoughts on the Influence of Ether in the Solar System. From the Author. Winchell, Alex. Fossils from the Potsdam of Wisconsin and Lake Superior. From the Author. Winchell, Alex. On the Prairies of the Mississippi Valley. From the Author. Wolf, Dr. R. Die Sonne und Hire Flecken. Zurich, 1861. From the Author. Valentin, Dr. G. Lehrbuch der Physiologic des Menschen. 2 Vols., 8vo. Braunschweig, 1847. From the Library Fund. Van der Hueven, J. Bijdragen tot de Natuurlijke Geschiedenis van der Neger- tam. Leiden, 1842. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Vanni. See Manetti. Verdeil, F. See Robin. Verrill, E. A. Catalogue of the Reptiles and Batrachians found in the vicinity of Norway, Oxford Co., Me. Catalogue of the Birds found at the same place. From the Author. Virgin, C. A. K. S. Fregatten Eugenies resa omkring Jorden under befal, af C. A. Virgin. Botanik II. Zoologie V. Stockholm, 1861. From the K. S. Veienskaps-Akademiens. Zanardini, J. Plantaruin in Mari rubro bucusque coFectarum enumeratio. Venetiis, 1858. From Dr. Wilson, on the usual conditions. Xeller, P. C. Chilonidarum et Cranibidarum genera et specus. From th© Smithsonian Institution. INDEX OF GENERA Aega 155 Aegialites 66 Achirus 215 Acris 182 Actiturus 67 Actodromas 07 Adamaster 117, 119,142 Agalychnis 181 Aix 72 Alauda , 248 Albumops. 281 Alburmis 282 Alca 244 AlceJo 243 Alopias 148, 261 Alnus.. 18 Ameurus 276 Amia 276 Amiuothea 158 Ampelis , 251 Ampelisca 158 Amphithoe 156 Ampbitbonotus 158 Anas 70, 72, 244 Anculosa 97 Anelytrops. 230 Aniella. 230 Anisarchus 210 Anolis 169 Anonyx 167 Anser 70 Aprionodon 262 Arctozenus 188 Ardea 63, 245 Ardetta....... 64 Artamus 50 Aristida 19 Atractosteus.... 185 Aytbya „..„., 72 Bonasa 23 Bopyroides 156 Botaurus 65 Bracbycvbe 187 Bucco 242 Butoiides 64 Calidris 67 Calliste 286 Carupelovna 152 Carapostoma 284 Canace 23 Capito 288 Caprella 156 Carcbarodon 260 Carpiodes 285 Carpopbago 50 Cassicus 107 Cassinia 182 Caudisona 166 Ceutroblennius 209 Cencrocercns 23 Centroscyllium 264 Cepbaloxys 1& Ceratichtbys 277 Certbia , 244 Certbiola 271 Cestracion 261 Cetorbinus 25ft CbaenopsetU 218 Cbamaebolis 168 Cbaradrius 66, 246 Chaulelasmus 72 Chelysoma 161 Cbloropbaues 277 Cbrasomas 281 Citbarichthys 220 Coereba 265 Columba 24ft 314 INDEX OF GENERA. Colymbus 21, 245 Conirostrum.... 272 Coracias 24'2 Corvus 242 Cuculus 243 Cupidonia 23 Oydopterus 189 Cylindrosteus 183 Cymochorea 75, 90 Cynthia 159 Cyprimeria 212 Cystignathus 182 Cytherea 212 Dacnis 106, 268 Dafila 71 Demiegretta 63 Dendragapus 23 Dendrocygna 70 Desmodiurn 17 Didunculus ■ 50 Diglossa 273 Diglossopis 275 Diploglossus 179, 227 Dosiniopsis 213 Echeneis 60 Ecphora 211 Eleocharis 18 Elephantcpus 18 Kmberiza 253 Epidalea 181 Ereunetes 68, 107 Erycinella 212 Euchalarodus 216, 221 Eugomphodus 260 Kulamia 261 Eumesogrammus 210 Eumicrotremus 190 Eupagurus 153 Kupristis 168 Falco 237 Fasciolaria 211 Florida 62 Fregetta 85, 91 Fringilla 254 Fulica 69, 246 Fulix 71 Galeoeerdo 263 Galeorhini 261 Gallinago 67 Gallinula 69 Gambetta 68 Gammarus 157 Garzetta 63 Gorrhonotus 179 Gomphobates 182 Goniobasis 3, 24, 111 Gronias • 231 Gymnotus 151 Halocyptena 78, 90 Heliotropium 18 Hemidacnis 271 Heptanchus 150 Herodias 63 Heteroglossa 182 Heminantis • 182 Himaiitopus 67 Hippoglossoides • 217 Hippoglossus 198, 220 Hippolyte 153 Hirundo 257 Hoplobatrachus 182 Hybognathus 283 Hybopsis 279 Hydrocotyle 17 Hyla 182 Hylella 182 Hylambates 182 Hylomyzon 285 Hyperolius 182 Hypsilepis 279 Hypsopsetta 197 Ibis • 65 Ichtbyomyzon 276 Ictalurus 276 Idothea 155 Iguania 227 Isuropsis •• 260 lulus 10 Labrus j|7 Laemanctus.. 176 Lampropholis 179 Lanius 238 Larus 245 Lepidopsetta ly^ Lepidosteus 183, 276 Leptecbeneides 60 Leptoblennius 209 Leptoclinus 210 Leptoglossa 227 Leptopelis 182 Limanda 217 Liniosa 66 Lioplax 152 Liopsetta 217 Liparis 19^ Lirosoma 212 Lopbopsetta 220 Loxia 251 Lumpenus ' Lymnaea 115 INDEX OF GENERA. 315 Lymnula 152 Lyrurus 23 Majaques.. 117, 142 Malacosteus 188 Mareca 71 Melantho 152 Mentha IS Merops 243 Meseschiza 2 Metoponops , 198 Micropalama 67 Monasa 288 Monocondyloea 286 Mordellistena 105 Motacilla 256 Muscicapa 255 Mustelus 148, 263 Myosotis 18 Myxophyes Ih2 Myzopsetta 217 Nectris 117, 123, 143 Nettion 72 Noetia 211 Notorhynchus 148 Nototreuia 182 Noturus 277 Numenius 6S Knuiida 247 Nyctherodius , 65 Nyctiardea 65 Nyroca 72 Oceanites 82, 90 Oceauodroma 74, 89 Octouena 1S6 Oidemia 72 Oligosoma 180 Ophidium , 199 Oriolus , 242 Orthogonys 287 Orthopsetta 198 Pachyglossa 226 Paecilonetta 71 Paludicola 180 Paludina 152 Paralepis 187 Paralepsis 151 Paralichthys 197 Parophrys 196 Parus 257 Pavo 247 Pediaecsetes 23 Pelagodroraa 87, 91 Pelecanus 245 Pentacta , 161 Phoenicopterus.... 65 Phascolosomnm 159 Phasiamis 247 Phrynosoma 178 Phyllomedusa 181 Fhysa 114 Picus 243 Pimelometopon 58 Pimephales 282 Pipra 257 Pittasoma 287 Plagusia 215 Planorbis 5, 111 Plarg.yrus 281 Platalea 65 Platichthys 197 Platypodon 262 Pletholax 231 Pleuronectes 196 Pleurodera 181 Pleurouichthys 197 Pluchea 18 Podiceps 70 Podilymbus 70 Pogonichthys 277" Polydesmas 6 Polypedates 182 Poleprosopus 207 Pomatopsetta 217 Porzana 69 Procellaria 79, 90 Protocardia 211 Proteroglossa 183 Psettichthys 197 Pseudis 182 Pseudopleurouectes 216 Psittacus 239 Ptychostomus 285 Puffinus 117, 127, 143 Pyxicephalus 182 Querquedula 71 Radiolites 214 Rallus 69, 247 Rampuastos 241 Rana 182 Recurvirostra 67 Reinhardtins 218 Remorai 60 Reniceps 261 Khina 264 Rliinichthys 278 Rhiptoglossa 226 Rhyacophilus 67 Rhynchospora 19 Saltator 106 tr'celoporns , 177 Schizostoma. 92, 112 310 INDEX OP GENERA. Scirpus. ' Scoliodon Sebastes 59, Sebastodes Sebastomns Sebastosonms Semicossypbus Semotilus Siapbus Sodis Somniosus Spatha 109> Spatnla Spirobolus Squalins Squalus Squatarola ■ Sternaspis Stichaeus Strepbobasis Strepsilas Strepsipteron Strix Sturnus Succinea Sudis 18 263 146 146 147 147 57 277 231 151 264 113 71 15 280 263 66 159 210 5 66 50 238 249 1C9 187 Sympbemia. 67 Tantalus ?f? Tanagra . 253 Tetrao 23» Z47 Thecaglossa 227 Tbiellus 117, 122, 142 Tomodon 166 Tomopterna 182 Tolnca 166 Tracbycephalus 182 Tricbiurus 1", ' Tringa 6'» Trocliilu? Trochocopus 57 Trypanosoma 4, 112 Turdus 249 Turritella 2U Typblopbtbalmi 228 Unio 108, 113, 285 Uropsetta 246 244 Uta. Xiphosurus. 176 168 GENERAL INDEX. Announcement of the publication of the Procee lin^s for December, 136^, 21. Canby, W. M., Notes of Botanical Visits to the lower p irt of Djlaware and the Eistern Shore of Maryland, 2,16. Cassin, J.. Preamble and resolutions with reference to the late President Isaac Lea, 1 ; Remarks on rare bird? presented to the Academy by the Smithsonian Inst., 50; Notes of an examination of the Birds of the Group Coerebinae, 92, 265; Notice of the bequest of Mr. Ashmead's col- lection of Algae to the Acalemy, 145 ; Fasti Ornithologiae, Part I, 214,234; Notes on soma species of Birds from South America, 2 76, 286. Cooper, J. G., On a new Cormorant from the Farralone Islands, Cal., 258; Conrad, T. A., Notes on Shells, with Descriptions of new fossil Genera and Specie?, 186, 211. Cope, E D., Contributions to the Her- petology of Tropical America, 165, 166; On the Limits and Relations of the Raniformes, 166, 181 ; On a blind Silurid from Pennsylvania, 214, 231 ; On the Characters of the higher groupes of Reptilia squamata, and especially of the Diploglossa, 214. 224; Partial Catalogue of the Cold- blooded Venebrata of Michigan, 276. Coues, E ., The Crania of Colymbus torqnatus and C. Adamsii compared, I, 21; A Critical Review of the Family Proeellaridae, Part 1,50, 72; Pari II, 92, 116. Durand, E., Report of the Botanical Commiitee for 1864, 291. Elections for 1864, 293. Elliot, D. G., Remarks upon a Proposed Arrangement of the Fatnih* of Grouse, and New Genera added, 20, 23. Eanis, J., Additions to the Catalogue of Stars which have changed their colors, 49, 51 ; On the Influence of the Earth's Atmosphere on the Color of Stars, 152, 161. Gill, Theo , Note on the Nomenclature of Genera and Spices of E.-hemei- djida?, 49, 59; Description of a new labroid Genus allied to Trochocopus, 49, 57 ; Critical Remarks on the Gel nert Sebastes and Sebastodes, 50, 115; Second Contribution lo the Selachology of California, 147 : Re- marks on several points in Ichthyolo- gyand Conchology, 151 ; Synopsis of the Pleuronectoids of the eastern coast of North America, 186, 214; Synopsis of the Cyclopteroids of east- ern North America, 186, 189 ; Notes on the Paralepidoid? and Microsto- matoids, and on some peculiarities of Arctic Ichthyology, 186, 187 ■ Synopsis of the Pleuronectoids of California and North-western Amer- ica, 186, 191 ; Descriptions of a new Generic type of Pleuronectoids, 186, 198; On the Affinities of several doubtful British Fishes, 186, 199; Notes on the Family Stichrcoids. 186| 208 ; Descriptions of new genera and speices of Eastern American Pleuro- nectoids, 186. 220; Synopsis of the Eastern American Sharks, 258. Helmuth, C. A., New Species of Mor- dellestina collected in Illinois, 49 105. 318 GENERAL INDEX. Index of Genera, 313. Lawrence, G. N., Descriptions of New Speicies of Birds of the Families Caerebidae, Tanagridae, Icteridae and Scolopacidae, 106. Lea, I., Description of a new Genus of the Family Melanidiae, 1, 2 ; Descrip- tion of eleven new species of Indi- genous Melanidse, 1. 3 ; Description of Planorbis Newberry i, 1,5; Des- criptions of six new speces of Unioni- dae from lake Nyassa, Central Africa, 92, 108 ; Descriptions of six new species of Succinea, 92, 109 ; De- scriptions of thirteen new species of Melanida*, 92, 111; Description of a new species of Planorbis, 92, 111 ; Descriptions of five new species of Symnaea, 92, 113; Descriptions of two new species of Unionidae from South Africa, 92, 113 ; Descriptions of twenty-four new species of Physa of the United States and Canada, 92, 114 ; New Unionidae, Melanidse, &<*,., chiefly of the United States, 145 ; Descriptions of six new Western Asi- atic Unionidae. 276, 285. Leconte, Dr. J. L., Remarks on Dr. Gerstaecker's refereuce to his Classi- fication of the Coleoptera of North America, 49. Leidy, Dr. J., Report of the Curators, 289. Leslie, J. P., Exhibition of specimens of Petroleum Rock, 258. March, W. T., Notes on the Birds of Jamaica. Part 3, 49, 62. Officers for 1865, 292. Rand, Dr. B. H., Report of the Record- ing Secretary for 1864, 288. Resolutions to deposit the specimens of antique art belonging to the Academy in the Museum of the Amer- ican Philosophical Society, 21. Sergeant, J. D., Librarian's Report for 1863, 19 ; Report for 1864, 289. Standing Committees for 1864, 19. Stimpson, Dr. Wm., Descriptions of new marine Invertebrata from Puget's Sound, &c, 145, 153. Tryon, Geo. W., Jr., Synonymy of the Species of Strepomatidae, No. 2, 20, 24; Part 3, 49, 92. Wilcocks, Dr. A., Thoughts on the in- fluence of Ether in che Solar System, 1, 21, 49, 50. Wilson, Dr. T. B., Resignation as President, 153. Winchell, Alex., Description of a Gar Pike, supposed to be new, 165, 183 ; Wood, Dr. H. C, Descriptions of new Species of North American Polydes- midae, 1, 6; Descriptions of new species of North America lulid*, 1, 10 ; Description of new Genera and species of North America Myriapoda, 186. ^CENTRA! p *& NEWVO 2s& Proc. Acad. FhiJadn . J864. Hate I. BO WLN S C9UTH* COL PHIL. 1. 1 ',////.-■/, /. imLae ?. CaJJiste HarUUlkuu •■. l'n><:.lra,l.l,hiI,Ll.i. 1SG4. **»»•. Plate. 2. # \- OTthoaon i 's Oli\ 'arert.s. BIWtsa C UTH&COL.PHIL. >-■■'- Proc Ai lit/ PliiLitln . 186*1. ft *tli>.« ***Sto2'«/.'.z 4r \ / '/ lf/i.«>m■< i, :. I, v ui.Phih id, i . 1864. PL vbe 4. Mona&a ~paIZescens. BOWe/V&CO. LITH.A COL PH1LA0* '6 MBL WHOI LIBRARY LJ H IfldU S I ; :>'i?i 111 iHIII <:■ K( 1 iH ;;:: Hill Hi iiiiii 111!!? ffi i ) f i?i?;«JHB H ■: ilSilil-IIlHil!! 19 Jill