Return to LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY WOODS HOLE, MASS. Loaned by American Museum of Natural History PROCEEDINGS,' OP THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES VOL. VIII. 1856. PHILADELPHIA PRINTED FOR THE ACADEMY: By Merrihew & Thompson, Lodge St., North side of Penna. Bank. 1857. PEOCEEDINGSl ^ OP THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. YOL. VIII. 1856. PHILADELPHIA. PRINTED FOR THE ACADEMY: By Merrihew & Thompson, Lodge St., North aide of Penna. Bank. 1857. \s }3 /\ i'^ ^ '^ v INDEX TO VOLUME VIII. Ashtread, S., remarks on presenting algae, 79 ; don. to mus., i. v. vi. ix. xviii. xix. xxviii. Ashmead, Sam. B., death of, 257. Academy, Imperial, of Science, don. to lib., xii. Academy Roy. Imp. Meteorol. and Mag., don. to lib., xii. American Acad. Arts and Sci., don. to lib. xvii. Agnew, W. G. E., don. to mus., xxviii. Academy of Sciences of Lyons, &c., don to lib., xxx. Blake, W. P., elected cor., 59 ; don. to lib., iii. Billings, Mr., specimen, remarks on, by Dr. Leidy, 62. Boston Society of Nat. Hist., don. to lib. iii. Bigler, Hon. W., don. to lib., vi. Bridges, R., M. D., Vice President, verbal com. on iron ore, 102 ; don. to mus., xiv. Bond, F., don. to mus., xix. Bronn, Prof., don. to lib., xv. xxxiii. Bailey, Prof., 79. Barton, Dr. T. R., don. to mus., i. Burtt, J. L.,M. D., U. S. N., don. to mus., iv. Barnet, G. J., don. to mus. v. Burke, W. G., don. to mus., v. British Museum, 161. Binney, W. G.,214, don. to mus. xxviii. Brazier, A. J., don. to lib., xv. Boker, Dr., don to mus., xviii. Baker, R. B., don. to mus., xix- Bowers, Mr., don. to mus., xx. Bronn, Dr., don. to lib., xx. Berkeley, M. J., don. to lib., xxiii. xxiv. Berkeley and Broome, don. to lib., xxiii. Berkeley & Welwitsch, don. to lib., xxiv. Berkeley 8e Curtis, don. to lib., xxiv. Berkeley & Desmazieres, don. to lib.., xxiv. Babbage, C, don. to lib., xxvi. Bailey, Rev. Mr., don. to mus., xxvii. Committees on Scientific papers : on " enumeration of mosses," by T. F. James, 1 ; on Ambystoma, by E. Hal- lowell, M. D., 1; on two new Ich- thyodorulites, by Jos. Leidy, M. D., 4, 5 ; a new synopsis of the Myceto- phagidae of the U. S., by J. L. Le- Conte, M. D., 5 ; synopsis of the Phalacridas of U. S., ib., 5 ; notice of Scarabffiidae in United States, ib., 5; table of species of Chlasnius in United States, ib., 5 ; on synop- sis of species of Chrysomela and allied genera in U. S., by W. F. Rogers, 5 ; on notes on N. American birds in A. N. S., by John Cassin, 5 ; on synopsis of Entozoa, Sec, by J. Leidy, M. D., 5 ; on notice of re- mains of extinct mammalia from Ne- braska, by the same, 5; descriptions of remains of fishes from Carbonifer- ous and Devonian formations of U. S., by J. Leidy, M. D., 61 ; descrip- tions of some remains of fossil mam- malia, ib., 61 ; on new species of Gasteropoda from Nebraska, by Messrs. Meek & Hayden, 62 ; on n fossil genus of the fam. Blastoidea,bv Messrs. Shumard and Yandeli ; 62; remains of extinct reptiles and fishes, discovered by Dr. Hayden on Judith river, by J. Leidy, M. D., 62 ; on three extinct fishes, ib., 76; on the sandstone fossils of the Connecticut river, by J. Deane, M. D., 76 ; new IV. INDEX. fresh water shells of California, by I. Lea, 76 ; a new species of Triquetra, ib., 76 ; a new genus of Naiades, ib., 76 ; notice of remains of extinct mam- malia, discovered by Dr. Hayden in Nebraska, by J. Leidy, RI. D., 76 ; a a new snake from Illinois, R. Kenni- cott, 77 ; thirty new species of fossil Acephala and Gasteropoda from Ne- braska, by Messrs. Meek & Hayden, 77 ; on fossil remains of a Seal from Ottawa river, U. C, by J. Leidy, M. D., 77 ; on several new genera and species of fossil fishes of carbonifer- ous strata, Ohio, by J. S. Newberry, M. D., 78 ; Plantae Kaneanae Arcticae at Polaris, by E. Durand, lOl ; on new articulata, by A. Sager, 102 ; on four new exotic Uniones, by L Lea, 102; thirteen species exotic Peristo- mata, ib., 104 ; on Synopsis Fungo- rum in America, by Messrs. Berke- ley & Curtis, 104 ; on new species fossil Acephala and Gasteropoda from Nebraska, by Messrs. Meek & Hay- den, 105; contributions to the Ich- thyology of west coast U. S., by C. Girard, M. D., 105 ; on Ceratites, by Prof. L. Harper, 105 ; examination of meteoric iron from Xiquipilco, by W. .T.Taylur,]05; two new Urodeles from Georgia, by E. Hallowell, M. D., 105 ; new gen. and sp. Urodela of U. S. Exploring Expedition, by C. Gi- rard, M.D., 139; fifteen new species exotic Melaniana, by I.Lea, 139; new sp. Hyla, by J. L. LeConte, M. D., 140; notes on new reptiles in A. N. S., by E. Hallowell, M. D., 141 ; on new sp. African birds in A. N. S., from P. DuChaillUjby J. Cassin, 144 ; on remains of extinct Vertebrata, by J. Leidy, M. D., 161 ; on Cyprinoid fishes of fresh waters west of Missis- sippi, &c., by C. Girard, M. D., 162 ; on the Byssus in genus Unio, by I. Lea, 163; Synopsis of the Melolon- thidae,by J. L. LeConte,M.D.,215 : on genus Salmo in California, by C. Girard, M. D., 215 ; extinct verte- brata of N. Jerst^y from Prof. Cook, by J. Leidy, M. D., 2l5 ; new species of birds in Nat. Mus. and in Mus. A. N. S., by J. Cassin, 216; on reptiles in A. N. S., by E. Hal- lowell, M. D., 216; on Dr. Ham- mond's reptiles from Kansas and Ne- braska, ib., 216; on extinct Verte- brata discovered by Prof. E.Emmons, by J. Leidy, 216; on extinct fishes discovered by J. E. Evans, M. D. . ib., 216 ; on new species Tanager . by Mr. Sclater, 259 ; eleven new sp . Uniones from Georgia, by I. Lea, 259; existing Moliusca in Little Lakes, by J. Lewis, M. D., 259 ; oii a new bird of genus Campylorhyn- chus of Spix, by P. L. Sclater, 260 ; birds of Southern Indiana, by R. Hay- mond, 260; notice of remains of two sp. Seal, by J. Leidy, M. D., 260 ; new fossil Moliusca of Nebraska,with a catalogue, by Messrs. Meek & Hay- den, 269; new and remarkable genus- Ranidae from river Parana, by E. Hal- lowell, M. D., 261 ; remarks on ex- tinct sp. fishes, by J. Leidy, M. D.. 299 ; classification of the vegetable kingdom, by T. G. Hilgard, M. D., 300; on extinct turtles of N. Jersey, by J. Leidy, M. D., 300 ; on Dr. Heermann's collection of Texan rep- tiles, by E. Hallowell, M. D., 301; on extinct Vertebrata discovered by F. V. Hayden, by J. Leidy, M. D., 301 ; catalogue of birds collected by Mr. DuChaillu at Cape Lopez, by J. Cassin, 301 ; description of three new genera and twenty-three new sp. of tertiary fossils from California and one from Texas, by T. A. Conrad, 301. Committees : on letters of Dr. Lewis. 259 ; on letters of Prof. Oldham anr! of T. Biddle, Jr., 260. Committees, election of standing, 3. Clanton, S. W., M. D., don. to mus... xix. xxvi. Curtis & Berkeley, don. to lib., xxiv. Coates,B. H., M. 1)., don. to lib., xviii. Canadian Institute, don. to lib., xvii. Cassin, John; notes on N. American birds in collection of A. N. S. and Nat. Mus., 39 ; resolutions by, 76, 77, 143 ; descriptions of new sp. Afri- can birds in mus. A.N. S., collected by Mr. P. B. DuChaillu in Equatorial Africa, 156; descriptions and notes oii birds in col. A. N. S. and in Nat. Mus., 253 ; letter from Mr. Du- Chaillu, 300; catalogue of birds col- lected at Cape Lopez, W. Africa, by Mr. P. B. DuChaillu, in 1856, &c., 316. Camac, W., M. D.,don. to mus., iv. Corse, Dr., don. to mus., ix. Carson, J., M. D., 139, 261 : don. to mus., ix. Coppedge, O. D., don. to mus., xxvii. Chandler, W. P., don. to mus., xxviii. INDEX. V. Coleman, W., don. to mus., x. Cope, Alfred, 141. Cresson, C. M., don. to mus., xiv. Coppee, Prof. H., 327. Coles, E., don. to lib., xvi. Cabanis, Dr., don. to lib., xvi. Correspondents elected : Rauch, John H., M. D., 4. Steiner, Lewis H., 1. Green, J. W., M. D., 4. Blake, W. P., 59. Hayden, F. V., M. ., 75. Von Mviller, Baron J. W., 141. Davis, J. Barnard, 159. Sclater, Philip Lutley, 298. Elliott, Right Rev. Stephen, 298. Conrad, T. A., descriptions of three new genera; twenty-three new sp. of middle tertiary fossils from Cali- fornia and one from Texas, 312. Deane, James, M.D., on the Sandstone Fossils of the Connecticut river, 76; don. to lib., xi. Drinker, Sandwith, Esq., 76, 299 ; don. to mus., ix. Dock, Dr., don. to mus., v. Dana, J. D., Prof., don. to lib., Vii. xvi. xxi Durand, Mr., 101. Davis, Jos. Barnard, 216. Davidson, Geo. B., don. to mus., xiv. xix. XX. Draper, E., don. to mus., xiv. Dickinson, W. E, don. to mus., xiv. Dunlap, T., 327. De Vesey,L., 327. Damazieres & Berkeley, don. to lib., xxiv. Denny, W. H., don. to lib., xxxiii. Dewey, H. B., don. to mus., xxviii. Election, Standing Committees, 3 ; of members and correspondents, 4, 59, 75, 138, 141, 159, 214,257,298, 327; annual of officers, &c., 326 ; of libra- rian, 159. Editors Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, don. to lib., iii. vi. xi. xv. xx. xxx. Editors Charleston Med. Joura. and Rev., don. to lib., iii. vii. xi. xv. xx. xxx. Editors N. O. Med. and Surg. Journ., don. to lib., viii. xii. xx. xxiii. Editors N. Y. Med. Times, iii. viii. xii. XV. xvii. XX. Editor Canadian Nat. and Geologist, don. to lib., xi. xvi. xxiii. Edwards, Milne, don. to lib., xiii. Editors of Louisville Review, xvi. Editors Peninsular Journ. Med., don. to lib., xvii. Elwyn, A. L., M.D., resolution by, 75. Eckert, J. R. & F. S., execrs. of J. Read, 104. Eckert, Mrs. M., don. to mus., ix. Elliott, Rt. Rev. Stephen, 298. Editors of Canadian Journal, don. to lib., xxiii xxxiii. xxxv. Earle, G. W., don. to mus., xxvi. xxvii. Engelman, don. to lib., xxx. Essex Institute, don. to lib., xxx. Fisher, J. C, M.D., don. to mus., ix. xviii. Frazer, J. F., don. to mus., ix. Foltz, Dr., U. S. N., don. to mus., x. Forbes, W. S., 214. Francfort, Eugene, M. D., 257. Frauenfeld, George, don. to lib., xiii. Fisher, C, don- to mus., xx. Foulke, W. P., don. to mus., xxvi. Farrady and Reiss, don. to lib., xxx. Guillou, C, don. to mus., i. xiv, xix. Gilliams, don. to mus., i. Gilliss, Lieut., J. M., U. S. N., don. to lib., ii. Girard, Chas., M. D., contributions to the Ichthyology of the W. coast of the U.S., from specimens in the Mus. Smith. Inst., 131 ; on a new genus and species of Urodela, from the col- lections of U. S. Expl. Exped., &c., 140; researches upon the Cyprinoid fishes inhabiting the fresh waters of the United States of A., west of the Mississippi valley, &c., &c., 165 ; notice upon the species of the genus Salmo of Authors, observed chieflj' in Oregon and California, 216. Gilpin, Chas., don. to mus., xix. Garrigues, S. S., M. D., 138; don. to mus., xxvi. Gobrecht, W. H., M. D., 141. Griffith, R. E., M. D., 257. Genth, F. A., M. D., don. to lib., xiii ; don. to mus., xviii. Gross, Prof. S. D., 327. Gray, Asa, don. to lib., xxiii. Gleizes, J. A., don. to lib., xxvi. Gould, Dr. A. A., don. to lib., xxx. Haymond, Rufus, M.D., Birds of south eastern Indiana, 286. VI. INDEX. Hilgard, T. C, M.D., 301 ; synopsis of a new classification of the vegetable kingdom, 304. Hartman, W. D., M. D., don. to mus., xviii. Hayes, I. I., M. D., don. to mus., xx. xxvii. Holbrook, Prof. J., don. to mus.. xix. Hesse, F. G., 298. Hoopes, B. A., elected cor., 59; don. to mus., iv. V. xiv. Hayden,F.V.,M.D., see F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, 63, 70, 72, 75, 77, 81, 109, 265. Hamilton, F. H., don. to lib., xv. Hammond, Dr., U. S. A., don. to mus., xix. xxvii. Hill, W. A., don. to mus., ix. Hill, A. C, don. to mus., ix. x. Hallowell, E. M. D., description of several species of Urodela, with remarks on the distribution of the Caducibranchiate division, and their classification, 6 ; description of two new species of IJrodeles from Geor- gia, 130 ; notes on the reptiles in mus. A. N. S., 144; on several new sps. reptiles in A. N. S., 153; notes on the reptiles in A. N. S., 221; notice of a collection of reptiles from Kan- sas and Nebraska, presented to A. N. S. by Dr. Hammond, U. S. A., 328 ; on a new and remarkable genus of Ranidae, from the river Parana, 298 ; notice of Dr. Heermann's collection of reptiles from near San Antonio, Texas, 3U6 ; description of a new genus of Colubriform serpents, from California: don. to mus., iv. ix. xiv.; remarks on Urodeles, 101. Harper, Prof. L., on Ceratites Ameri- canus, 126. Hooker, Sir W., per A. Gray, don. to mus., i. Hanson, W. C, don. to mus., i. Hazlehurst, S., per J. A. Clay, don. to mus., i, Horner, J. G., don. to mus., iv. Hart, C. P., M. D., don. to mus., v. Hopkins, Prof. W., don. to lib., viii. Harlan, R., Jr.. don. to mus., xxvi. Heermann, Dr., don. to mus., xxvii. Howell, S. B., don. to mus., xxvi. Institute Roy. Imp. of Geology, don. to lib., xii. See Society. Tardin des plantes Paris, exch. with mus., V. Tackson, C. T., exch. with lib., vii. Jeanes, Jos., don. to mus., ix. Jordan, A., don. to lib., xxx. Kennicott, R., Esq., description of a new snake from Illinois, 77,95; don. to lib., viii.; don. to mus., ix. Kennedy, R. W., don. to mus. i. Krider, John, don. to mus., v. xiv. Kane, Dr., don. to mus., ix. x. Keller, William, M. D., don. to mus., ix. Kittoe, E. D., M. D., don. to mus., xiv. Kane and Mitchell, don. to mus., xiv. King, A., M. D., don. to mus., xviii. Kite, T., don. to mus., xix. Kuhn, C, don. to mus., xx. Kennedy, Dr. H. W., don. to mus., xxvi. Kirtland, Dr. J. P., don. to mus., sxviii. Knieskern, P. D., xxvii. Lea, Isaac, Vice Prest. ; descripiton of new fossil fresh water shells, of California; description of a new spe- cies of Triquetra, Klein ; description of a new genus of Naiades, 76; de- scription of twenty-five new species of Exotic Uniones, 77, 92 ; remarks on a tooth of a Sauroid reptile, from near Phcenixville, 77 ; description of a new sub-genus of Naiades, 79 ; de- scription of new fresh water Shells, from California, 80; description of thirteen new species of Exotic Peris- tomata, 109; description of twenty- five new species of Exotic Uniones, 92 ; description of four new species of Exotic Uniones, 103; descrip- tion of fifteen new species of Ex- otic Melaniana, 144 ; description of the Byssus in the genus Unio, 213; exhibits specimens of Uniones with Byssus, 215; description of eleven new species of Exotic Uniones, from Georgia, 262 ; com. on Triquetra lanceolata ? now named Contorta, 300 ; don. to mus., v ; don. to lib., xiii. Leidy, Joseph, M. D., exhibits heart of a dog containing worms, 2 ; paper on two new Ichthyodorulites, 4; paper on entozoa, &c., 5; description of two Ichthyodorulites, 11 ; a synopsis of Entozoa and some of their Ecto-con- geners, observed by the Author, 42 ; notices of some remains of extinct Mammalia, recently discovered by Dr. F.V.Hayden in the Bad Lands of Nebraska, 59; remarks on a specimen from Mr. Billings, 62 ; notice of re- mains of extinct Reptiles and Fishes, INDEX. Vll discovered by Dr.F.V.Haydeu in the Bad Lands of Judith river, Nebraska Territory,72 ; notices of three extinct Fishes, 76; notices of remains of ex- tinct Mannmalia, discovered by F.V. Hayden, in Nebraska Territory, 76; notices of the remains of a species of seal, from the Post-pliocene deposit of the Ottowa river, U. C, 77, 90 ; notices of several genera of extinct Mammalia, previously less perfectly characterized, 77, 91 ; notices of ex- tinct Mammalia, discovered by Dr. F. V. Hayden, in Nebraska Territory, 88 ; notice of some remains of ex- tinct vertebrated animals, by Joseph Leidy, M. D., 163; notices of re- mains of extinct vertebrated animals of New Jersey, collected by Prof. Cook, of the State Geo. Survey, un- der Dr. W. Kitchell, 220 ; notices of remains of extinct vertebrated ani- mals, discovered by Prof. E. Em- mons, 2 55; notice of some remains of Fishes, discovered by Dr. J. E. Evans, 256; notice of remains of two species of seals, 265 ; remarks on cer- tain extinct species of Fishes, 301 ; notices of remains of extinct Turtles of New Jersey, collected by Prwf. Cook, &c., under Dr. W. Kitchell, 303 ; notices of extinct Vertebrata, discoved by Dr. F. V. Hayden, dur- ing the Expedition to the Sioux coun- try, &C.J 311 ; don. to mus., ix. xiv. xix. Library Co., of Phila., don. to lib., xi. Latour, M. Huguet, don. to lib., ii. xxxv. xxxvi. Lesley, Chas., 999. Lang, E., M. D., death of, 261. Lewis, J., M. D., on living Mollusca in Little Lakes, 259. Lacombe, Dr. A., don. to mus., xiv. Lobeck, Dr. J. F., don. to lib., xiii. Lepsius, Dr. R., don. to lib., xi. Lewis, S., M. D., don. to mus., v. xix. Lacordaire, M. Th., don. to lib., vii. Lamborn, R. H., don. to mus,, i. iv. Lyceum Nat. Hist., N. Y., don. to lib., vii. Lawson, Genl. T., M. D., don. to lib., viii. Lawson, the Misses, privilege to en- dorse tickets Le Conte, J. L., M.D., papers by, refer- red to Com., 5; synopsis of the Myce- tophagidae of the U. S., 11; synopsis of the Phalacridae of the U. States, 15 ; note on the genus Lithodus, of Schonherr, 18 ; notices of three gene- ra of ScarabaeidoE found in the Ut S., 19; analytical table of the species Chlaenius found in the U.S., 25 ; dou. to lib., vii. ; don. to mus., x. xiv. xviii. xix. Le Conte, Major John, don. to mus., i. xiv. ; description of a new species ot Hyla, from Georgia, 146. Lea, Joseph, don. to mus., xxvii. Logan, Dr., don. to mus., xxvii. Lowe, E. J., don. to lib., xxxiii. Letters : American Antiquarian Soc, 1, 61,77. Lyceum of Natural History, Fort Des Moins, i. Linnaean Soc. of London, 4. Am. Philosoph. Soc. 4, 162. Smithsonsian Institution 4, 5, 77,16^. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 5, 161. Lyceum Nat. Hist. N. Y., 5, 76. Lnperial Soc. of Naturalists of Mos- cow, 76, 104, 139. Trustees of N. York State Library 76. University of Wurtzburg, 76. Phila. Annual Conference of M. Epis- copal Church, 76. Roy. Lib. of University of Gottin- gen, 77. Univ. Lib. of Heidelberg, 77. Univ. of Jena, 77. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Dantzic, 77. Wurtemburg Nat. Hist- Soc, 77, Imperial Geological Inst, of Vienna, 104, 299. Seuckenberg Nat. Hist. Soc, 104. Soc for Advance, of Horticulture, Berlin, 104. Roy. Acad. Sci., Amsterdam, 104. K. L. C. Acad. Sci.,Breslau, 104. Roy. Bavarian Acad. Sci., 104. Acad. Sci., St. Louis, 104, 161. Soc. for succor of drowned persons, Amsterdam, 139. Zoologische Botanischen Verein, of Vienna, 139, 299. Canadian Institute, 161. British Museum, 161. Roy. Soc. Liege, 161. Nat. Hist. Union of Prussian, Rhine- land and Westphalia, 161. Roy. Acad. Sci., Madrid, 162. Roy. Bar. Acad., Lib. Dept. 215. Royal Society of Sciences at Upsal, 215,299. Roy. Acad. Sci. Naples, 215. Prot. Episc. Gen. Convention, 216. vm. INDEX. Trustees Australian Museum, 216. Sec. of State of United States, 216. Inap. Soc. Sci. and Belles-Lettres Lyons, 259. Linnsean Soc. of Lyons, 259. Innp. Soc. Agriculture and Nat. Hist. Lyons, 259. Imp. Acad. Sciences, Vienna, 299. Dublin University Zoolog. and Bolan. Association, 300. Soc. Arts, Manufactures and Com merce, London, 301. Letters from individuals : Steiner, Lewis H., 1. Hayes, L I., 4. Wood, W. W., 4. Wilson, Dr. Joseph, 4. ' Ashmead, Saml., 4. Billings, E., 61, 101. Drinker, S., 61. Tuckerman, E., 61,101. Gibbs, George, 61, 105. Sauvalle, A.,62, 161. Blake, W. P., 62. Rauch, T. H., 76. Peters, T. M., 76. Meek, F. B., 101. Sager, Abrm., 102. Frauenfeld, Geo., 104. Koch, Prof. Karl, 104. Eckert, J. R. & F. S. Execu., 10^. Burlag, R. C, 139. Kane, E. K., M. D., 139. Bronn, H. G., 139. Barr, M., 140. Hayden, F. V., 161. Shumard, B. F 161. Binney, W. G., 215. Kennedy, W. H., 215. Davis, J. B., 216. Oldham, Mr., 260. Lewis, Dr. J., 259. Biddle, Thos., Jr., 260. Bowman, Capt. A. W., 261. Sclater, P. L., 299. Hammond, W. A., M. D., 299. Lowe, E. J., 299. McChesney, Dr., 299. Kirtland, J. P., 300. DuChaillu, P. B., 300. Members elected : Uhler, Wm. M., M.D., 4. Wilson, Joseph, M.D., U. S. N. 4. Hayes, Isaac L, M.D., 4. Blackwood, Wm., M. D., 4. Jeanes, Samuel, 4. Gibbs, George, 4. Caldwell, J. E., 75. Cresson, Chas. M,, M.D., 75. Brasier, A. J., 75. Hoopes, B. A., 59. Boker, C. S., M.D., 138. McAllister, John, Jr., 138. Garrigues, S. S., M.D., 138. Cope, Alfred, 141. Gobrecht, Dr. W. H., 141. Mayberry, Wm., M.D., 159. Morton, Thos. G., 159. Morehouse. G. R., 159. Binney, W. G., 214. Forbes, W. S.. 214. Weightman, Wm., 214. Wilson, EUwood, M.D., 257, Griffith, R. E., M.D., 257. Francfort, Eugene, M.D., 257. Hesse, F. G., 298. Zeigler, Geo. J., M.D., 298. Packard, J. H., 298. Coppee, Prof. H., 327. De Vesey, Louis, 327. Gross, Prof. S. D., 327. Smith, A. H., M.D., 327. Dunlap, Thos., 327. Mohl, H., don. to lib., xxiii. Montague, C, M.D., don. to lib.,xxiv. Meek, F. B. and F. V. Hayden, M.D.: descriptions of new species of Gas- teropoda from the Cretaceous forma- tions of Nebraska Territory, 63 ; des- criptions of new species of Gastero- poda and Cephalopoda from the Cre. taceous formation of Nebraska Terri- tory, 70 ; descriptions of thirty new species of Acephala and Gasteropoda from the Cretaceous formations of Nebraska Territory, 77, 81; descrip- tions of Acephala and Gasteropoda from the Tertiary formations of Ne- braska Territory, &c., &c., Ill ; des- criptions of new fossil species of Mollusca, collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden in Nebraska Territory, to- gether with a complete catalogue, &c., &c., 265. Mettenheimer, A. C, don. to lib., xvi. Managers and Treas. Maryland Inst., don. to lib., xv. Meek, F. B., don. to lib., vii. Martin, Dr., U. S. N., don, to mus., xiv. Mitchell, S. W., M.D., don. to lib., xvii.; don. to mus., xiv. xix. Miles, Dr., don. to mus., xx. xxvii. McAllister. John, Jr., 138. Morris, Dr., on A. St. Martin, 138. McClellan, J. H. B., M.D., don. to mus., ix. ; don. to lib , xxxi. McClellan, Capt., don. to mus., ix. Meigs, C. D. Dr., don. to mus., x. INDEX. IX. Mercantile Lib. Assoc, N. York, don. to lib., xiii. Mitchell, S, W., don. to mus., xiv. McChesnej-j Dr., 299; don. to mus. xxvii. Morris, Dr. C, 301. McCandles, J., don. to mus.; xxvii. Newberry, J. S., M.D., description of several new genera and species of fossil Fishes from the Carboniferous strata of Ohio, 78, 96.' Notaris, Professor G. de, don. to lib., xxiii. Navy Department of U. S., don. to lib., xii. Nott, Dr. J., don. to mus., xx. xxvii. Newcomb; Dr. W.jdon. to mus. xxvii. Oldham, Prof., letter, 260. Pell, Duncan E., don. to mus., i. Publication Com., don. to lib., iii. Patent Office, don. to lib., xxxv. Peters, T. M., don. to mus., v. Phillips, J. S., don. to mus., x, xix. Packard, J. H., 298. Potts, J. G., don. to mus., xix. Pierce J., don. to mus., xx. Philadelphia Lib. Co., don. to lib., xi. Report of Committee on paper of T. P. James. 1 ; on Dr. Hallowell's paper, 5 ; on Dr. Leidy's papers, descrip- tion of some remains of Fishes from the Carboniferous and Devonian for- mations of the U.S., and description of some remains of extinct Mammalia, 62 ; on papers of Drs. Meek and Hay- den ; on Dr. Leidy's and on Drs. Shumard and Yandell's papers, 62 ; on Mr. Lea's papers, on Dr. Leidy's paper, on Mr. Kennicott's, on Messrs. Meek and Hayden's, on Dr. Leidy's, on Mr. Lea's, on Dr. Newberry's, 79; on Mr. Durand's paper, 103 ; on Mr. Lea's paper, 103 ; on Messrs. Berke- ley and Curtis' paper, 108; on Mr. Sanger's paper, 108 ; on Mr. Lea's, 108; on Messrs. Meek and Hayden's 108; on Mr. Taylor's, 108; on Dr. Hallowell's, 108 ; on Mr. Girard's, contributions to the Ichthyology of W. coast of U. S., 139 : on Dr. Gir- ard's paper, 140 ; on Mr. Lea's paper. on Major Le Conte's, on Dr. Hal- lowell's, and on Mr. Cassin's, 144 ; on Dr. Leidy's paper, on Dr. Girard's paper, on Mr. Lea's paper, 163; 0!i Dr. Le Conte's paper, 216; on Drs. Girard and Leidy's, 216 ; on Mr. Cas- sin's, 216; on Dr. Hallowell's, 216 . on Dr. Leidy's, 216 ; on Messrs. Sclater's, Haymond's, Leidy's, Meek and Hayden's, and Hallowell's, 261 ; on Dr. Leidy's, Mr. Hilgard's, Drs. Hallowell's, Leidy's, and Messrs. Cassin and Conrad's papers, 301. Regents of N. Y. University, don. to lib., xxiii. Ruschenberger, W. S. W., M. D., don. to mus., ix. X. xix. Roy. Acad. Sci., Munich, don. to mus., XV. Report of Treasurer, 326. Report of Mr. Ord from Com. onWilson Monument fund, 138. Report of Mr. Cassin from Com. on list of Correspondents, 138. Report of Corresponding Sec, for Dec. and Jan., 2, .322 ; for Feb, and March, 75; 138. Report, Annual, of Recording Sec, 2, 322. Report of Curators for 1856, 325. Report of Com. to revise list of mem- bers, by Dr. Le Conte, 214. Report, Special, of Com. on Proceed- ings, 322. Report of Librarian for 1856, 325. Report of Publication Committee, 326- Resolutions: Mr. Haldeman's resolution in favor of the Misses Lawson, 4; Dr. Elwyn, 75 ; Mr. Cassin's, as to Mr. Drinker, 76 ; as to Mr. Wood, 77 ; Dr. Leidy's in favor of St. Louis Acad. Sci., 103; ibid, as to Stat^ Med. Soc, 103. Rand, T. D. H., don. to mus., xix. Rogers, W. F., paper by, 5 ; synopsis of species of Chrysomela and allied genera, inhabiting the U. S.,29 ; don. to mus., iv. Richards, F. De B-, don. to mus., iv. Reed, Jas., Execrs. of, 104. Rand, Dr., 143,257,261 ; don. to mus., xviii. Rush, J. M., U. S. N., 143. Retzius, Prof. A., don. to lib., xxsiii. Sedgwick, Prof., don. to lib., iii. xi. State of New Jersey, don. to lib., xv. Smith, A. H., 143, 327 ; don. to mus... i. xix.; don. to lib., viii. xxxi. INDEX. Smith, Capt. H. J., don. to raus. i. Society Nat. Hist, of Prussian Rhine- land and Westphalia, don. to lib., XX. Society, Roy., of Sciences, Munich, don. to lib., XX. Society, Imp., of Naturalists, ot Mos- cow, don. to lib., xiii. Society, Boston, of Nat. Hist., don. to lib., iii. vii. xi. xvii. xx. xxiii. xxx. Sociely, Elliott, of Charleston, S. C, don. to lib., xii. Society of Arts, London, don. to lib., iii. xii. xxvi. xxx. Society of Entomology, Stettin, don. to lib., XV. Society, Linnaean, of London, don. to lib-, iii. Society, Zoological, of London, don. to lib., iii. XXXV. Society, Wurtemberg, Nat. Hist., don. to lib., XX. Society, Am. Philosophical, don. to lib., iii. xvii. Society, Am. Antiquarian, don. to lib., viii. Society, Hist., of Pa., don. to lib., xi. Society, Wurtemburg, Nat., don. to lib., xii. Society for rescuing the drowned, Am- sterdam, don. to lib., xv. Society, Royal, of Edinburgh, don. to ' lib., xxx. Society, Linnean, of Lyons, don. to lib. xxx. Society, Imp., of Agri. of Lyons, don. to lib., xxx. Society, Nat. Hist., Halle, don. to lib., xxxiii. Society, Nat. Hist., of Geneva, don. to lib., xxxiii. Society, Geol. and Polytec. Yorkshire, don. to lib., xxxiii. Society, Leeds Philosophical, don. to lib., xxxiii. Society of Nat. Hist., of Senckenberg, don. to lib., xv. xvi. -Society of Arts, Sci., and Lett., of Hainau, don. to lib., xv. Society, Imp., of Sci. and Agri., at Lille, don. to lib., xxi. Society, Imp., of Nat. Sci., of Cher- bourg, don. to lib., xxi. Societ) , Roy., of Sciences, of Madrid, don. to lib., xxi. Society, Roy., of Sciences, of Turin, don. to lib., xxi. Society, Geological, of Turin, don. to lib., xxiii. Society, Imperial Academy, of Bor- deux, don. to lib., xxiii. Society, Royal, of Sciences, of Liege. don. to lib., xx. School of Mines, don. to lib., xxx. xxi. Sheafer, P. W., don. to mus., iv.xxvii. Steiner. L. H., M. D., 1 ; don. to lib.. XV. XXXV. Streng, T. A., don. to mus., iv. Sauvalle, F. A., don. to mus., ix. xviii. Smith, C. E., don. to mus., v. ix. ; verbal com., 102. don. to lib., xxxiii. Silliman, Prof., exchange with mus., v. Sager, A., description of three Myria- poda, 109. Sandberger, Dr. Fr., don. to lib., xi. Safford, Jas. M., don. to lib. , xii. Sec. of War., don. to lib., xv, Schafhirt, F., don. to mus., xviii. Special resolutions: Dr. Leidy's on casts, 105; Dr. Le Conte's to Dr. Kane, 108; Dr. Rand's, 139; M.-. Cassin, on resignation of Dr. Zant- zinyier as Lib., 143 , Mr. Lea's, as to Episc. Convention, 215 ; ibid, as to U. S. Ag. Soc, 215; Mr. Vaux's to publish list of members, &c., 215; Le Conte, J. L., M.D., on publica- tions, 299. Stimpson, W., don. to mus., xx. xxvii. Smithsonian Institution, don. to lib., xxiv. Shumard, B. F., M.D., and L. P. Yan- dell, M.D., notice of a new fossil genus of Family Blastoidea, from Devonian Strata, Kentucky, 73 ; don. to lib., xi. Sclater, Philip Lutley, M.A., 298 ; de- scription of a new species of Tana- ger of the genus Saltator, 261 ; char- acters of an apparently undescribed bird, belonging to the genus Cam- pylorhynchus of Spix, with remarks upon other species of the same group, 263 ; don. to lib., vii. xxvi. x.xxiii. Smith, F. G., M. D., don. to lib., xxiii. Sully, Alfred, don. to mus., xxvii. Trustees N. Y. State Lib., don. to lib. viii. xvi. Taylor, W. J., examination of the me- teoric iron from Xiquipilco, Mexico, 128. Tuckerman, E., don. to mus., ix. ; don. to lib., xii. Tiffany, S., don. to mus., ix. Turner, Dr. T., U. S. N.,don. to mus., X. Trustees Free Pub. Lib., New Bedford, don. to lib., xiii. Trask, J. B., M. D., don. to lib., xiii. INDEX. XI. Tappan, H. P., D. D., don. to lib., xvi- Tyson, J. R., don. to lib., xvii. xxxv. Tuomey, Prof., don. to mus., xviii. Thonaas, K., M. D., don. to lib., xxiii. Troschel, Dr. F. H., don. to lib., xxxv. U. S. Com. of Ind. affairs, don. to lib., iii. U. S. War Dept., per Col. Abert., don. to lib., iii. U. S. Patent office, don to lib., vi. U. S. Sec. of Treas., don. to lib., vi. U. S. Supt. Coast Survey, don. to lib., vi. Uhler, Dr., don. to mus., v. ix. xiv. xviii. xix. xx. xxvi. xxvii. Vaughan, F., don. to mus., xviii. Vaux, W. S., 59 ; don. to mus., i. xix. Verbal Communications : Smith, Chas. E., 102. Bridges, R., M. D., 102, 104, 14^. Hallowell, E., M. D., 101, 105, 141. Cassin, J., 102, 144, 300. Leidy, J., M. D., 102, 104, 139, 140, 161, 162, 299. Smith, A. H., 1, 143. Lea, I., 77, 403, 300. Morris, Dr., on St. Martin, 138. Uhler,Dr., 139,261. Ord, G., 140. Rand, Dr., on death of J. M. Rush, U.S. N., 143, 257,261. Ashmead, S., 161. Carson, J., M. D., 261. , Vaux, W.S.,Prib. Com., 299. Lesley, Chas., 299. Morris, C, M. D., 301. VereinZoologisch-botanischen inWein, don. to lib., xii. Wilson, Dr. T. B., don. to mus., i. vi. viii. X. xiv. xx. xxi. xxiv. ; don. to lib., ii. iii. x. xi. xiii. xv. xvi. xvii. xxi. XXX. xxxi. xxxiii, xxxv. Wood, W. W., Esq., 76 ; don. to mus., iv. Wilson, W. S., don. to mus., iv. Wilson, Edward,don. to lib., xxi. xxiv. xxviii. xxxii. xxxiv. Watson, Dr. G., don. to mus., v. ix. Wistar, Mrs. W., don. to mus., v. Wilson, Jos., Jr., M D., U.S.N., don. to lib., vi. ; don. to mus., xviii. xix. Warren, J. C, M. D., don. to lib,, viii. Weightman, Wm.,214. Wilson, EUwood, M. D., 257. Wilson, Capt. Jas., don. to mus. xiv. Ward, T., don. to mus., xix. Welwitsch &f Berkeley, don. to lib., xxiv. Wall, W. S., don. to lib., xxvi. Yandell, L. P., M. D., an 1 B. F. Shu- mard, M. D., 73. Zantzinger, Dr. W. S., resignation as Librarian, 141. Zeigler, Geo. J., M. D., 298. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OFWATUEAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. January 1st, 1856. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From the American Antiquarian Society, dated Worcester, Mass., 28th Dec, 1855, proposing an exchange of Publications. From the Secretary of the Lyceum of Natural History, of Fort Des Moins, Iowa, also proposing exchanges. On leave granted, the Committee on a paper by Mr. Thos. P.James, read at last meeting, and entitled '' An enumeration of Mosses detected in the Northern United States, which are not comprised in Gray's Manual, a few of which are new species," reported in favor of publica- tion in the No. of Proceedings for Nov. and Dec, 1855. January Sth. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. A letter was read from Dr. Lewis H. Steiner, dated Baltimore, 7th Jan., 1856, acknowledging the receipt of his notice of election as a Correspondent. Mr. Aubrey H. Smith remarked, in relation to the specimen of na- tive Cinnabar, presented by him this evening, that it was procured by Capt. J. H. Smith, from the mouth of a drift, in the new Almaden Mine, California, at an elevation of two thousand feet above the level of the sea ; and is stated by him, to contain 95 per cent, of real Cinna- bar, and not to be richer than a great portion of the ordinary product of the mine. January 15th. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Hallowell presented for publication in the Proceedings, a paper entitled " On a new species of Ambystoma from Lake Superior." Re- ferred to Dr. Leidy, Col. McCall and Dr. Le Conte. PROCEED. ACAD. NAT. SCI. OP PHILADELPHIA, VOL. VIII., NO. I. 1 2 [January, Dr, Leidy exhibited the heart of a dog, in which the right auricle, right ventricle, and the pulmonary artery and its branches, were literally stuffed with worms. Minute worms have long been known circulating with the blood, and termed Ilasmatozoa. About five years since, Dr. L. described in vol. 5 of the Proceedings, the worm exhibited this evening, as Filaria Canis cordis. The males measure five inches in length, the females ten inches. Two hearts were brought to Dr. L. by Mr. Jos. Jones, of Georgia ; one, that of a pointer, had in it five worms ) the other, that of a cur, was the one exhibited. Tt is probable that both venas cavte were also filled, as the portions of those vessels that remained, were blocked up. The animals did not die from the presence of the entozoa, but were killed in the course of some experiments. The cur was emaciated and voracious, restless when awake, and disturbed in its sleep. January 20 ^7i. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Report of the Corresponding Secretary, for Dec, '55 and Jan., '56, was read. The Recording Secretary read his Annual Report as follows : REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY FOR 1855. During the year ending 30th November, 1855, there have been elected to the Academy, twenty-three Members and ten Corre.spondents. One Member has re- signed. There have been no deaths among the Members during that period. The following papers have been read and ordered to be published in the Pro- ceedings or Journal of the Academy. By Samuel Ashmead, Catalogue of Marine Alg, from Beesley's Point, New .Jersey, with some remarks. By Spencer F. Baird, two, to wit : Characteristics of some new species of North American Blamnialia, collected by the United States and Mexican Bounda- ry Survey, under Major W. H. Emory, U. S. Army, Commissioner, Parti ; Cha- racteristics of some new species of North American Mammalia, collected chiefly during the United States Surveys of a Railroad route to the Pacific, Part 1. By Wm. P. Blake. Notice of remarkable Strata of the Remains of Infusoria and Polythalamia in the Tertiary Formations of Monterey, California. By John Cassin, four, to wit : A list of Pigeons of the Genus Carpophaga Swainson, in the Collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and of the United States Exploring Expedition, Washington, D. C, with descrip- tions of new and little known species ; Notes on the North American Falconidae, with descriptions of new species ; Descriptions of new species f Birds from Western .\frica, in the Collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia ; Description of a new species of Parrot, Brotogeris aurifrons, published in the Journal. By T. A. Conrad, six, to wit: Observations on the Eocene Deposits of Jackson, Miss., with descriptions of thirty-four new species of Shells and Corals ; Descrip- tions of three new Cretaceous and one Tertiary Bivalve ; Description of three new species of Unio ; Descriptions of seventeen new Cretaceous and Tertiary Fossils ; Descriptions of six new species of Cretaceous Shells from Texas, in the Collection of Major Emory ; Description of a new species of Paludina. By Julian Deby. Remarks on the Cryptogaraic Flora of the State of Georgia. Published in the Journal. 1856.] 3 By Elias Durand. Plants; Prattenianiae Californicse ; an enumeration of a collection of California Plants, made in the vicinity of Nevada, by Henry Pratten, Esq., of New Harmony, Ind., with critical notices of such as are new or yet un- published in America. Published in the Journal. By F. A. Genth, Ph. D., two, to wit: Herrerite identical with Smithsonite ; Analy- ^^is of the meteoric Iron from Tuczon, Province of Sonora, Mexico. By Charles Girard, two, to wit : Abstract of a Report to Lieut. James M. Gillis. U. S. Navy, upon the Reptiles collected during the U. S. Naval Astronomical Ex- pedition to Chili; Observations upon the viviparous Fishes inhabiting the Pacific coast of North America, with an enumeration of the species observed. By T. Charlton Henry, M. D. Notes derived from observations made on the Birds of New Mexico, during the years 1853 and 1854. By Isaac Lea, L L. D. Description of a new MoUusk from the Red Sandstone near Pottsville, Pa. By Major John Le Conte, F. L. S., three, to wit : Description of new species of Astacus from Georgia ; On a new species of Gelasimus ; Remarks on two species of American Cimex. By John L. Le Conte, M. D., eight, to wit: Descriptions of the species of Trox and Omorgus inhabiting the United States ; Some corrections in the nomenclature of Coleoptera found in the United States ; Description of new Coleoptera collected by Thomas H. Webb, M. D., in the years 1850, '51 and '52, while Secretary to the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission ; Synopsis of Pyrophroides of the United States ; Synopsisof the Lathridiides of the L^nited States ; Analyti- cal table of the species of Ih^droporus found in the United States, with descriji- tion of new species; Notes on the Amarai of the United States; Synopsis of the Hydrophilidaj of the United States. By Joseph Leidy, M. D., four, to wit : Remarks on the identity of Bootherium cavifrons with Ovibos moschatus or 0. maximus ; Indications of twelve .specif s of Fossil Fishes ; Contributions to aknowledgeof the Marine Invertebrate Fauna of the coasts of Rhode Island and New Jersey ; published in the Journal. In- dications of five species with two new genera of extinct Fishes. By J. Aitken Meigs, M. D: Relation of Atomic Heat to Crystalline Form. Pul- lished in the Journal. By Joseph G. Norwood and Henry Pratten : Notice of Fossils from the Carbc - niferous Series of the Western States. Published in the Journal. By James E. Powel. On the Habits of the Moose. By Prof. A. Retzius, of Copenhagen : On artificially formed Skulls from the Ancient World. By William Stimpson, two, to wit : Descriptions of some new Invertebrata from the Chinese and Japanese Seas, &c., Part I. ; Description of some new Marine Invertebrata, Part II. By Phillip R. Uhler : Descriptions of some Coleoptera supposed to be new. By Charles M. Wetherill, M. D., Ph. D : Chemical Notices. In all forty-five. All of which is respectfully submitted by, B. Howard Rano, Recording Secretary. The Society then proceeded to an election for Standing Committees for 1856, which resulted as follows : EtJincdogyj John S. Phillips, Samuel S. Haldeman, J. Aitken Meigs : Comparative Anatomy and General Zoology, Joseph Leidy, Edward Hallowell, John H. Brinton ; Mammalogy, John L. Le Conte, John Caa.sin, William Caniac ; Ornithology, John Cassin, Edward Harris (leorge A. McCall; Herpctology and Ichthyology, Edward Hallowell, J. L. Le Conte, Gavin Watson ; Conchology, T. A. Conrad, T. B. Wilson, Charles E. Smith; Entomology orid Crustacea, Wm. S. Zant- i [Feeruauy, zinger, Riborh Bridges, John A. Guex ; Botamj, Ti. Bridges, Wm. S. Zantzinger, Elias Duraud ; Mi.nerahvjj/, Wm. S. Vaux, Samuel Ashmead, F. A. (xenth ; (reolo'jtj, Isaac Lea, Charles E. Smith, J. L. Le Conte ; Pulseoatolo'jij, T. B. Wilson, Joseph Leidy, "W. Frederick 'Rogers ; Plty.-iicA^Jj. Howard Rand, Fairman Rop:ers, K. A. Draper; Library, Robert Pearsall, S. Weir Mitchell, II. Cooper Hanson; Procccdouja, ^\''m. S. Zautzinger, Joseph Leidy, George A. 3IcCall. ELECTION OF MEMnERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. W.lliam .\I. Uhler, M. D., of Falls of Schuylkill, Joseph Wilson, M. D , U. S. Navy, Dr. Isaac J. Hayes, and Dr. VVm. Blackwood, of Philadelphia, Mr. Samael Jeanes, of Philadelphia, and George Gibbs, Esq., of Stilacoon, Washington Territory, were elected Members; And Dr. John H. Riuch, of Burlington, Iowa, and Dr. John W. Green, of New York, were elected Corresjwn dents. February bth. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From the Liunean Society of London, dated 12th December, 1S55, acknowledging receipt of Proceedings and Journal of the Academy, and desiring missing numbers. From Dr. I. J. Hayes, dated Philadelphia, Slst January, 1856, acknowledging receipt of his notice of election as a Member. From Mr. W. W. Wood, dated Manilla, 4th Oct., 1855, transmitting specimens of Natural History for the Museum. Dr. Leidy read a paper intended for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Notices of two new Ichthyodorulites." Referred to Prof. Haldeman, Mr. Isaac Lea, and Mi'. A. H. Smith. On motion of Prof. Haldeman, it was Resolved, That the privilege of endorsing tickets of admission to the Museum on public days, be granted to the Misses iMalvina and Mary Lawson, of this city, and that they be invited to visit the Institution at all times. February Vlth, Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From Dr. Joseph Wilson, U. S. N., dated Philadelphia, Feb. Gth, 1856, acknowledging receipt of his notice of election as a Member. From Mr. Samucd Ashmead, dated Key West, 2od Jan., 1856, trans- mitting a collection of objects of Natural History for the Museum. From the American Philosophical Society, dated Feb. 6, 1856, acknowledging receipt of last No. of the Proceedings. From the Smithsonian Institution, dated Washington, July 20th, 1856.] 5 1855, and Doc. 7tli, 1855, acknowledging receipt of late Nos. of the Proceedings and Journal and desiring missing Nos. From .the Boston Society of Natural History, dated 30th Jan., 1856, acknowledging receipt of late Nos. of the Proceedings. February \^th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, dated 18th Feb., 1856, acknowledging receipt of the Proceedings, Vol. 7, No. 12. From the Smithsonian Institution, dated Washington, Jan. 7th, 1856, of the same tenor. Dr. Le Conte presented for publication in the Proceedings, the follow- ing papers : 1. " Synopsis of the Mycetophagidaj of the United States ;" 2. " Synopsis of the Phalacridae of the United States ;" 3. "Note on the genus Lithodus of Schoenheer ;" 4. "Notice of three genera of Scarabseidas found in the United States ;" 5. " Analytical table of the species of Chlrenius found in the United States ;" all of which were referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. W. F. Bogers, Mr, Guex, and Dr. Zantzingei'. Mr. W. F. Bogers presented a paper for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, "Synopsis of species of Chrysomela and allied genera inhabiting the United States." Beferred to Dr. Le Conte, Mr. Guex, and Dr. Zantzinger. Mr. Cassin presented a paper for publication in the Proceedings, en- titled, "Noteson North American Birds in the Collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia;" which was referred to Dr. Wilson, Dr. Henderson, and Dr. Woodhouse. Dr. Leidy presented a paper for publication in the Proceedings, en- titled, "A Synopsis of Entozoa and some of their Ecto-congencrs ob- served by the Author." Beferred to Mr. J. P. Lesley, Dr. Le Conte, and Dr. Carson. Also, a paper by the same, entitled, Notices of some remains of extinct Mammalia recently discovered by F. V. Hayden, in the ' Mauvaises Terres' of Nebraska. Beferred to Dr. Henderson, Mr. Isaac Lea, and Dr. Wilson. Ftbruavi/ 2Qth. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Committees on Dr. Hallowell's paper, read 15th January; Dr. Leidy's paper, read 5th Feb. ; on Dr. Le Conte's papers, read 19th Feb.; on Mr. W. F. Bogers' paper, read same date; on Mr. Cassin's paper, read same date; and on Dr. Leidy's papers, read same date, severally reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings. [February, Deseriptim of severed upeciei of Vrodela, with remarks on the ge.ographicil disirihii- Hon of the Caducibranchiale d-viniun of these animals and their classification. By Edward Hallowell, M. D. Class REPTILIA. Koiirlh order, Batrachia, Brogn. Sub. clii-is, Ampbibiens lebthjuidos ou Nudipelliferes, Blainv. tvlass Amphibia, Bonap. Second uroer, Salaniaiidra% Boaap. Second order, Dipnoa, Leuckart, Fiuinger. First tribe, Dipnoa inutabilia. Fifih family, Salamaiidroidea, Fitz. Order, Ranse. Stcond division, Rauida? caiidat;)^, Waolfr. Second sub order, Batrachia gradier.lia, Merreai and Giay. Batrachia. Third sub order, Uiodeles, Dura. First family. Aire oderes ou salamandridci. Sub familv. Ambyst()mina, Gray. Genus, Ambystoma, Tschudi. Ajibystoma laterale, nob. This animal is smaller than any of the species of Ambystoma wiib which we. are acquainted, with the exception of A. maciodactylum, being about the size o( Salamandra nigra, Green. Color jtt black above, black below, with a tinge of brown egpecially upon the throat; the sides of the body and tail are marked with numerous white spot? about the size of a pin's head, and even larger, thickly agglomerated ; they are also observed of greater dimensions upon the sides of the neck ; the chin and throat [iresent numerous white spots, smaller than those upon the sides; thev occur, also, sparsely upon the abdomen ; extremities spotted with white, both above and below ; fingers and toes banded with the same ; a gular fold ; palatine teeth in a transverse, undulatiug, interrupted series, as in Ambystoma fasciatum. (See Dum. and Bib., pi. 101, fig. C.) passing behind the internal nares ; no longi- tudinal rows of teeth ; tongue attached in front and behind, free at its lateral edges ; tail compressed, longer than the body ; extremities slender, middle fingers of nearly equal length; first and- fourth idem; first toe shorter than fifih: second than third, fourth than fifth ; fingers and toes free, slender, depressed : ten distinct costal folds. Dimensions. Length of head 4 lines, breadth 22 ; of body from gular fold to vent, 1 inch 2 J lines, (Fr.) ; of tail 1 inch 5 lines ;' length of anterior extremities 6 lines, of ])Osterior 7. IlaJiitat. Marquette, southern border of Lake Superior, specimen in jNius. of Acad, N. S., presented by Dr. John L. Le Conte, whn found it in that region, witli a fine specimen of Ablabes punctatus, Dum. and Bib. >o mention is made of any species of Urode es in the work on Lake Superior, by I'rofessor Agassiz, with the exception of Piethodon erylhronotus. The reptiles enumerated in it are Tropidonotus sirtalis and Tropidonotus erythrogaster, a species allied to ri;;idus, an undetermined species of Crotalophorus, probably tergeminus; Rana . nigricans, Rana halecina, Rana sylvatica, Hylodes maculatus. Bufo americanus, I lethodon erylhronotus and Menobranchus marulatus.* I have since found another specimen much older, and having a general brownish tint, (altered by jilcohol,) but with the lateral spots quite distinct, among: the reptiles of the (Jreen collection presented to the Academy by Dr. Franklin Bache, with no indication of locality. (ieneral Remarks. The Ambystoma above described resembles none other of our well known species, and will, therefore, be readily recognized. Amb. punctu- *T() these may be added Coluber occipito-maculatus Storer. (Col. venustus, llallowell, I'roceed. Acad. N. S., vol. iii., p. 280, pi. ) 1856.] 7 latum, Gray, (Cat. Br. Mas. Amphib. p. 31, No. 5,) is represented as lead colored, and u'kite beneath with distant scattered white dots upon the cheek and upper part of sides. Its habitat is Monterey, California. It is unknown to us. Am- bystonoa laterale is somewhat similar in coloring to Sal. niger, Green, but that is a Plethodon, having a head and tail, and an arrangement of teeth altogether diflferent; viz., two small arched rows behind the internal nares, the convexity presenting forward, converging toward each other, and separated by an interval, with two series of thickly set, longitudinal sphenoidal teeth, closely approximated, arranged somewhat like a brush, and separated from the vomerine by an inter- space without teeth. The Ambystoma nigrum of Dum. and Bib., is also a Ple- thodon, and is, no doubt, identical with Plethodon fuscum as the synomymes show ; (Sal. niger, Green, Desmognathus niger, Baird,) and Plethodon fusium* being the same, they not having seen the animal. Salam. erythronota, Green is erroneously placed by Gray, (Cat. Br. Mus. Amphib. Grad, p. 37. No. 9.) among the Ambystomata. It is a Plethodon as Dumeril and Bibron have it. Ambystoma quadrimaculatum and Ambystoma salmoneum, Dum & Bit. belong to other genera. The first is a Plethodon, the latter has the transverse and longitudinal rows of teeth in a continuous series, in this respect resembling none other of our Urodeles with the exception of Sal. rubra. Green, (Bolitoglossa rubra, D. & B.) Pseudotriton rubra, Tschudi. Dum. & Bib. have also put glulin- osum and auriculatum in the genus Cylindrosoma. They are both Plethodonts.f 1 he genus Salamandra does not exist, so far as is known, on the American Con- tinent. On the other hand, Ambystoma is an exclusively American genus, and has a wide range. Its most northern limit at present, is Lake Superior ; its southern. New Mexico. It is found in Maine, Pennsjlvania and South Carolina, (punctatum or venenosum Bart.) Massachusetts, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, (opacum Grav. or fasciatum, Gr.) New York and New Jersey, (tigrinum,) Oregon, (macrodactylum, Bd.) Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, (luridum) ingens (Xiphonura Tsch.) New Orleans. It is a remarkable fact that none of the animals belonging to the sub-order Batrachia gradientia of Merrem and Gray, (Batrachia urodela, Dum. and Bib.,) and especially the Urodeles atretoderes or Salamandrides, have been discovered in America south of Mexico, although so numerous in the northern part of that great continent. Nor are any of the caducibranchiate-tailed batrachians known to exist in the East Indies, Persia, China, Australia, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, New Zealand, the Phillipines, New Holland, New Guinea, West or Southern Africa, or, so far as is known, with the exception of Japan and Loo Cboo, in any of the numerous islands of the AtlanticJ and Pacific Oceans. They are found in the south of Spain and northern part of Africa, (Pleurodeles,) the islands of the Mediterraneam, various parts of England, France, Germany and Italy, (Salaman- dra, Triton, Geotriton, Euproctus,) the north of Africa, Syria, (Triton ?) and Japan, (Cynops, Onychodactylus, Ellipsoglossa,) but appear to be more abun- dant in North America, and comprise genera not yet observed in other parts of the world, viz., Ambystoma, Tsch., which contains many species, Plethodon, Tsch., Desmognathus, Bd., Spelerpes, Raf., Taricha, Gray, Pseudotriton, Tsch., Hemidactylium, Tsch., Batrachoceps, Bonap., Ensatina, Gray, and Diemyctylus, Raf There is not only not any true Salamandra in the United States, but no Triton, "*" As universally yellowish brown or black," Eights, Dekay, Nat. Hist, of New York, Reptiles, p. 85 ; the brown specimens, the young according to Dr. Holbrook. j-The Salamandra Jeffersoniana of Prof. Holbrook is no doubt a Plethodon, per- haps identical as well as S. Jeffersoniana, Green, with Plethodon glutinosus, Tschudi represents the teeth as transverse in his Xiphonura Jeffersoniana. Is X. JefJersoniana, Tsch. identical with Ambystoma ingens? JProf. Schlegel states that a species approaching S. longicauda was brought from Martinique by Mr. Plee, Fauna Japonica, Reptiles, p. 119. 8 [February, properly so called, for the Triton dorsalis and symmetrlcus of authors is ana- tomically quite different from the Tritons of Earope. The tongue in the genera Spelerpes, Pseudotriton (Mycetoglossus, Bib., Bolito- glossa, D. and B.) and Batrachoceps, Bonap., is bolitoglossal or mushroom- shaped, being quite free and supported upon a central pedicel; but the arrange- ment of the teeth is not the same, the transverse and longitudinal rows being separated by an interval in Spelerpes and Batrachoceps, but, as before stated, are in a continuous series in Pseudotriton. The only European genus whjch agrees with the first named genera in the form of tongue and arrangement of teeth, is Geotriton, the tongue in the Tritons proper being attached both in front and posteriorly, and having no transverse teeth whatever ;* but in Geotriton the toes are very distinctly palmated, which is not the case in either Batrachoceps or Spelerpes, so that not only the species of Urodeles, now under consideration, are different, but the genera also, no two being identical in both continents ; further, if we restrict the families more fully than has hitherto been done, we might say that the only sub-families of this group of reptiles common to both Europe and America are the Bolitoglossidae, or the mushroom-tongued Urodeles, comprising in the former several genera, in the latter but one, and the Tritonidai. It is also worthy of remark that, although these animals are known, (instead of having the power to remain unharmed amidst the flames, according to the opinion of the vulgar, or of " inhabiting the rivers of hell,"f ) to be capable of en- during extreme cold, (the Salamandra atra existing near the region of snow in the Alps,) they have not yet been discovered very far north. None of the American species have been found north of Lake Superior except Plethodon erythrynotus, and that at no great distance. In Europe the most northern limit is Sweden. None of these reptiles, we believe, were observed in the recent expedition of Dr. Kane to the Arctic regions.^ In making out a synopsis of the Urodele Batrachians in the collection of the Academy, I had laid aside for future examination the Triton porphyriticus, of which we have but a single specimen and which is really an Ambystoma. The true position of this animal appears to have been quite doubtful. Prof. Green describes it as a Salamandra, Prof. Holbrook, a Triton, Mr. Gray, a Spelerpes, with a note of interrogation, and Prof Baird, in his valuable synopsis of the group of reptiles to which it belongs, states that its place probably is among the Am- bystomata, but previously remarks that Pseudotriton salmoneus and the Sala- mandra porphyritica of Green will very probably turn out to be identical. Should this be the case, Pseudotriton salmoneus becomes P. porphyriticus, and the species now described will require a new name. Ambystoma porphyriticum. Syn. Sal. porphyritica, Green, Macl. Lyceum, p. 3. pi. 1. Sal. porphyritica, Harlan, Med. & Phys. Res. p. 98. Triton porphyriticus, Holbrook, N. Am. Herp., vol. V. p. 83. *Dr. Holbrook is in error in stating that Triton dorsalis has transverse teeth. j- In allusion to the Tartarean habitat of these creatures, a writer in the London Quarterly Review remarks, that Scott's conversation " was rich in ease, sense and humor, while theirs (certain smart and perverse, but unwholesome disputants) was like the breakfasts in military novels, which seem to consist chiefly of devilled kidneys, grilled bones, and other fierce and salammdrine elements." The Salamanders are covered with numerous pores, which exude an acrid and glu'inous fluid, so that if thrown upon live coals thej' become blackened, but nf course the animal is soon destroyed. J The most northern limit of reptile life observed by Sir J. Richardson, (see boat voyage in search of Sir John Franklin,) was the north bend of Porcupine River, within the Arctic circle, where a snake was found. The tortiises disap- pear beyond the 51st degree, at the south end of Lake Winnepeg, (Emys geo- graphica and probably the snapper,) the frogs at 68, (Bufo americanus and Hyla versicolor ) 1856.] 9 Char. General form more slender than that of most of the Ambystomata. Head small, convex above, rounded in front ; eyes latero-superior, prominent ; tongue ovoid, firmly attached in front and posteriorly, more free at the sides ; internal openings of the nares moderately large ; teeth in a transverse uninterrupted row, arched in front,* concave posteriorly ; no longitudinal rows of teeth ; a gular fold ; no parotids ; skin perfectly smooth to the touch, presenting innumerable small pores when observed with a glass ; of a uniform brownish color above, lighter below ; no line of lateral pores between the axilla and groin ; fingers and foes free, rather slender, depressed, fourth toe longer than the third ; tail much compressed, shorter than head, neck and body. Habitat. Wabash. One specimen in Mus. Acad. Nat. Sc, presented by Dr. McMurtrie. Prof. Green's specimens were found in French Creek, near Mead- viile, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Dimensw7is. Length of head 4 lines ; breadth 3^ ; length of neck and body to vent 1 inch 7 lines ; (Fr.) of tail 1 inch 9 lines. Gen. remarks The whitish spots mentioned by Prof. Holbrook, arranged in a linear longitudinal series along the flanks, and also by Dr. Green, are not visible in the specimens above described, probably from long immersion in alcohol. It is a larger animal than Ambystoma laterale, and differs from it much in the arrangement of the transverse teeth and in the coloration. A good figure and excellent description of it will be found in Prof. Holbrook's work on the North American Reptiles. f The Triton porphyriticus of Dr. Dekay (Nat. Hist, of New York, Reptiles, p. 85) is Plethodon gluunosus, judging from the description,! no mention being made of the teeth. The arrangement of the teeth in the species of Ambystoma varies considerably, and with the size of the internal nares, ap- jlears to form very good .specific characters. Dr. Green's description corresponds in almost every important particular with the animal above described, except the head, which, instead of being " rather large," is on the contrary small. He states that " the color on the back varies very much in different specimens, some being dark chocolate, others of a much lighter color, and others again of a pale brown ; the young is nearly white, with a middle line on the sides extending from the anterior to the posterior extremities," (Mad. Lye. p. 3.) Prof. Holbrook's specimen was 4 inch. 5 lines in length ; Dr. Green's between 5 and 6 inches. Prof. Holbrook's drawing is much more accurate than that of Prof. Green, which, although more highly finished, dees not correspond very closely with the speci- men in the collection of the Academy, the head resembling more that of Pseu- dotriton salmoneus, (Sal. salmonea, Storer.)| Prof. Holbrook observes that he had never seen the animal alive, but the coloring was taken from the original of Dr. Green. Some years ago I described in the Proceedings of the Academy, a new Sala- mander from California, under the name lugubris. Mr. Gray, in the Catalogue of the British Museum, places it along side of Taricha, with a note of interro- gation. It is however very different from Taricha. 'The species was subse- quently made the type of a new genus by Prof. Baird, with the name Aneides. *In glutinosus this is not the case; the vomerine teeth are separated by a wide interval and take another course ; sphenoidal teeth in glutinosus, none in Ambystoma; the fingers and toes are also different. t The palate, he observes, " is armed with a row of transverse teeth." J He says, tail cylindrical, scarcely compressed. In porphyriticus the tail is much compressed ; in P. glutinosus cylindrical ; the shape of the tail and the teeth distinguish it at once from glutinosus. The small eyes and irregular whitish spots in the description do not apply to Salmoneus ; the snout is described as obtuse, which it is in porphyriticus ; in the drawing it is truncate. 10 [FEBRUAE.Y, The following notes are somewhat more precise than those of the former de- scription. Sub. fam. PLETHODONTID^. Gen. Aneides, Baird. Char. Head large, swollen at the temples, snout angular, ,eyes very prominent; tongue obcordale, more or less truncate posteriorly, attached in front, and along the middle, sides quite free, quite free posteriorly, but less so than at the sides ; maxillary teeth greatly developed, especially those of the lower jaw, which are spear-shaped, sharp-pointed, more or less convex anteriorly, concave posteriorly, with a ridge in the middle, about f of a line in length ; vomerine teeth in two convergent rows, behind the internal nares meeting posteriorly, their convex surfaces presenting inward* ; sphenoidal teeth very numerous, sharp pointed, thickly set like a brush in two rows, closely in contact in the anterior third, poste- riorly a very narrow linear interspace, not enlarged behind; in the original specimen, this narrow interspace is not so distinct, so that they might almost with propriety be described as a single row ; extremities slender ; fingers and toes slightly compressed, free ; 1st finger much shorter than 4th ; 2d shorter than 3d ; 1st toe much shorter than 5th ; 2d than 3d ; 3d and 4th of equal length ; skia smooth, costal grooves well marked, twelve or thirteen in number, tail round, tapering to a point, very slightly compressed at tip, about same length as head, neck and body. Aneides lugubkis. Syn. Sal. lugubris, Hallowell, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., vol. iv. p. 126. Aneides lugubris, Baird, Iconographic Encyclopoedia, vol. ii. 1859, 1st edition, p. 256. Taricha lugubris? Gray, Cat. Br. Ampb., p. 26, No. 2. Char. Color dark olive above, yellow below, without spots or other markings, a row of small, circular spots on each side. Dimensions. Length 4^ inches. Habitat. Monterey and San Francisco, Upper California. Two specimens in Mas. Acad. Nat. Sci. Presented by Dr. Townsend and Mr. Heermann. The U. atretoderes may be subdivided into the following groups, which will perhaps facilitate their study. a. With longitudinal teeth. 1. SALAMANDRID^. European. Tongue rather large, attached iu front and posteriorly, free at the sides ; toes 45. 1 gen. Salamandra. 3 sp. maculosa, Corsica, atra. 2. SEIRANOTID^. European. Tongue well developed, oblong, rounded in front, broader and almost truncate posteriorly, //-ce in its posterior half, less so laterally, attached in front, toes 4 4. 1 gen. Salamandrina. 1 sp,. S. perspicillata. 3. PLEURODELID.'E. N. African and S. European. Tongue small, B-ahc\TQ,n\&T, free posteriorly, and at the sides, attached in front; toes 45; ribs not rudimentary, but much devgloptd, perforating even the in- teguments. 4. TR1T0NIDJ3. European, N. American, Asiatic. Tongue fleshy, papillose, well developed, attached in front and behind, free a: the lateral edges ; toes 4 5. * The true position of this animal is among the Plethodonts, that of Taricha the teeth of which are in two slender hmgiludinal series, comnencing on a line with the inferior margin of the internal nares, about midway between them, but diverging widely posteriorly, among the Trilonidce. 1856.] 11 5 gen. Euproctu?, Cynops, Diemyctylus, Taricba, Triton. 10 sp. E. Rusconi, C. pyrrhogaster, D. viridescens,* Taricba torosus, Triton alpestris, cristatus, marmoratus, palmatus ? punctatus, pyrenaeus and perhaps others. 5. ELLIPSOGLOSSID.E. Asiatic. Tongue ohlorty oval, free at the sides only ; toes 4 5. 1 gen. Ellipsoglossa. 1 sp. E. naivia. b. With transverse and longitudinal teeth. f6. PLETHODONTID.E. N. American. Tongue broad oval, well developed, free at its lateral edges and posteriorly, attached in front ; toes 4 .5. 3 gen. Desmognathus, Aneides, Plethodon. 6 sp. D. niger, auriculatus, A. lugubris, P. glutinosus, erythronotus and quadrimaculatus ? 7. BOLITOGLOSSID^. N. American and European. Tongue of moderate size, mushroom-shaped, supported hy a central pedicel ; toea 4 5 and 4 4. 4 gen. Batrachoceps, Spelerpes, Pseudotriton, Geotriton. 9 sp. B. quadridigitatus, attenuatus, S. longicauda, gutto-lineata, bi-lineata, mexicana, P. ruber and sal- moneus, G. fuscus. 8. HEMIDACTYLID^. N. American. Tongue oval, attached in front and along the middle, more free posteriorly ; toes 4 4. 1 gen. Hemidactylium. 1 sp. H, scutatum. c. Transverse, but no longitudinal teeth. 0. AMBYSTOMID^. N. American and Asiatic. Tongue ovate, moderately free at its edges, slightly so in front, attached posteriorly ; toes 4 5. 2 gen. Onychodactylus, Ambystoma, 15 sp. 0. japonicus. A. punctatum (vene- nosum Bart.) opacum Grav. (fas.'iatum Green) laterale, popbyriticum, macro- dactylum, punctulatum,? tigrinum, luridum, nebulosum, mavortium, episcopus, (an hypoxanlhus Raf.?) talpoideum, proserpine, tenebrosum, and no doubt others. Description of two Ichihyodorulites. By Joseph Leidy, M. D. Stenacanthus nitidus Leidy. The species of a genus supposed to be distinct from those wliich have been described, is indicated by an ichthyodorulite, dis- covered by Charles E. Smith, Esq., in association with the remains of Ilolopty- chius, in the old Red Sandstone formation of Tioga county, Pennsylvania. The specimen is partially imbedded in a mass of red sandstone ; and it has its point broken off and is otherwise mutilated. The spine is straight throughout and indicates no disposition to curve. In its perfect condition it appears to have * D. viridescens Raf. (Tr. dorsalis) and D. miniatus (Tr. symmetricus) are probably the same, the orange color and roughness being appearances which the female more especially presents after a long sojourn on land. At least this may be inferred from what is known of the habits of the European Tritons. Schlegel says that such is the case with T. punctatus. He also remarks that he has specimens of marmoratus (one of the very roughest of the Tritons, it we may judge from the specimen in the Bonaparte collection) perfectly smooth, and we have those of dorsalis smooth and more or less rough. The Triton marmoratus, according to Kaup, leaves the water in June and becomes a land animal ; the crests of the male disappear, and the tail, from a swimming organ, becomes round. 12 [February, been about three inches in length, by about six lines in breadth at its base ; and it gradually tapers towards the apex. The anterior margin is convex. The posterior border at the edge of the exposed surface of the fossil is furnished with a row of closely set serrations, directed obliquely downward, of which eight may be counted within the space of seven lines. Whether there is a second row of serrations, the imbedded state of the very friable bone in a hard matrix will not permit me to determine. The broad surface which is exposed in the specimen, so far as it is preserved, is longitudinally furrowed ; and about three-fourths of an inch from the broken summit it exhibits a transverse zigzag fissure, which may probably be the re- sult of an original fracture, although it has very much the appearance of being an articulation. Cylindracanthus ornatus Leidy. On several occasions fragments of appa- rent fossil bones have been submitted to my inspection, the character of which has exceedingly puzzled me, and although I now view them as portions of ichtliyodorulites, I am not positive of the correctness of my conclusion. The specimens alluded to are found in the cretaceous formations of New Jersey and Alabama. The most perfect one was obtained by W. Taylor, Esq., from near Pemberton, Burlington co.. New Jersey. It is over three inches in length with the extremities broken off, is straight and gradually tapering, and is per- fectly circular in transverse section. At the thicker end it is six and one quarter lines in diameter, and at the other end five lines. The centre presents a double tubular perforation of comparatively small calibre. The surface is invested with a thick, enamel-like layer, which is dense, brittle, and shining, and deeply fluted ; the intervening ridges being of nearly uniform diameter, with pairs oc- casionally converging into single ones in their course. Sy7ioj)sis of the Mycetophagid^ of the United States. By John L. Le Conte, M. D. The genera of this family of Coleoptera which have been thus far discovered in the country, are Mycetophagus, Litargus, Typhaea, and Diphyllus. Of the latter genus two species are known to me, one found by Dr. Melsheimer in Pennsylvania, and the other by me at Tucson, in the valley of the Gila. I regret that the absence of the specimens prevents me from making them known on the present occasion. Thus if Diplocoelus be combined with Diphyllus as recommended by Lacordaire (Gen. Col. 2, 447,) the only genus left unrepresented in the United States, will be Triphylius. Of the described species none are unknown to me. The genera may be thus separated : Tarsi maris antici 3-articulati ; (thorax versus latera baud carinatus) Oculi transversi ; Antennarum clava elongata, multiarticulata I^tycetophagus. f Antennarum clava triarticulata ; (elytra confuse ) t punctata) Triphyllus j Oculi rotundati ; antennarum clava triarticulata. Ligula membranea Litargus. Ligula cornea Typhiea. Tarsi omnes subpcntameri ; antennaj clava biarticulata ; (thorax utrinque bicarinulatus) Diphyllus. Mycetophagus Hellwig. A. Antennae extrorsum sensim incrassataj ; thorax lateribus baud serratus. 1. M. p u n c t a t u s, ovalis infra rufo-testaceus,capitethoracequenigris dense punctatis, elytris flavis macula scutellari, margine lateral i, macula discoidali mox pone medium, fasciaque lata ante npicem nigris, ore antennisque rufcscentibus, his clava nigra, ad apicem testacea ; pedibus flavo-testaceis. Long -21 -25. Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc, 5, 260. Middle and Southern States. 1856.] 13 2. M. flexuosus, ovalis, testaceus, capite tboraceque nigris confertim punctatis, elytris flavis, puncto humerali, macula communi scutellari, margine lateral!, maculis extrorsum confluentibus versus medium, fasciaque lata dentata ad dodraiitem nigris, apice ipso piceo ; antennis testaceis, clava nigro-picea ad apicem testacea. Long. -15. Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc, 5, 260. Middle and Western States. Allied to the preceding, but smaller and with the. posterior band broader, less near the apex, and anteriorly dentate, and with three confluent spots forming an irregular external transverse band near the middle. Varies in having the black spots very much extended so as to cover the greater part of the elytra which then become marked : a. With a large orange colored humeral spot enclosing a black dot, and ex- tending inwards below the scutel nearly to the suture ; two very small spots a little behind the middle, and a larger rounded one very near the apex. Alabama, Mr. Haldeman. b. With a quadrate humeral orange colored spot enclosing a black dot, and a rounded one very near the apex. Indiana, Mr. J. P. Wild. 3. M. i)luriguttatus, ovalis longiusculus, niger, capite thoraceque dense punctatis, elytris guttis pluribus flavis parvis praecipue moxpone medium ornatis, antennis pedibusque obscure ferrugineis. Long. -2. San Jose, California. The posterior third of the elytra is usually free from spots, sometimes a very small one is seen near the apex. 4. M. M e 1 s h e i m e r i, elongatus, ferrugineus, capite thoraceque confertim punctatis nigris, elytris flavis macula communi scutellari, margine lobato ad apicem latiore, macula transversa communi media cum margine bis confluente nigris, (macula hac ultima stepe deficiente), fortiter punctato-striatis, antennis medio obscurioribus. Long. -IT. Mycetophagus bimaculatus Mels. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc, 2,* 114 (in parte). Pennsylvania, Dr. Melsheimer ; Alabama, Haldeman. I have been compelled to change the name proposed by Dr. Melsheimer, as by an unfortunate error his description was made from two distinct species, one being M. flexuosus, while the other is the present: it, however, affords me much pleasure to commemo- rate his long continued and successful labors in American Entomology by attach- ing his name to this species, which he was the first to detect. 5. M. o b s c u r u s , elongatus, piceo-niger, capite thoraceque dense punctatis, elytris fortius punctato-striatis ; antennis piceis ad basin et apicem ferrugineis, pedibus piceis tibiis tarsisque rufescentibus. Long. -IT. One specimen, Georgia. Of the same form and with the same sculpture as M. Melsheimeri. B. Antennae articulis 5 ultimis crassioribus ; thorax lateribus serratis. 6. M. pluripiinctatus, elongatus, ovalis, nigro-piceus, capite thora- ceque nigris dense punctatis, elytris flavis margine, macula communi scutellari, guttisque plurimis confluentibus nigris ; abdomine pedibus antennisque ferrugi- neis. Long. -16. Middle and Southern States : the spots sometimes form several narrow, irregu- lar, transverse fascia;. T. M. pini, elongatus ovalis, supra niger, subtus cum antennis pedibusque rufis. Long. -14 -16. Zieglcr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc, 2, 270. Middle and Southern States, not rare. C. Antennae articulis 4 ultimis maioribus ; thorax lateribus haud serratus. 8. M. obsoletus, ovalis infra rufus, supra niger, elytris fascia dentata antica basin attingente, ad suturam paulo interrupta, macula laterali ad medium. 14 [February^ (luabiis pone medium quartaque ante apicem rufis ; antennis testaceis, articulis 8 10 nigris, ultimis tribus abrupte maioribus. Long. -2. Mels. Oat. Descr. Col. of U. S., 47. Tetratotna ohsoleta Melsheimer, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2, 113. Middle States. The anterior fascia is sometimes broken into two spots : on the other hand, the spot behind the middle sometimes combine into a dentated fascia. 9. M. bipustulatus, longiusculus magis convexus, ovalis, supra piceus, infra obscure rufus, elytris guttis duabus pone basin saepe confluentibus, altera magna obliqua pone medium obscure rufis, antennis articulis quatuor ultimis distincte maioribus. Long. -13. Melsheimer, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2, 114. Middle States, not rare. In the Catalogue of Described Coleoptera of the United States, Dr. Melsheimer has changed the name of this species to M. bisig- natus, under the impression that the name had been previously employed. I do not, however, find any other described species named bipustulatus, and have therefore replaced the name first given. LiTARGUS Er. 1. L. tetraspilotus, ovalis sub-convexus, nigro-piceus, pubescens, ely- tris distinctius sat dense punctatis seriatim pubescentibus, macula magna antica alteraque postica rufo-testaceis, margine thoracisque angulis posticis rufescenti- l)us, antennis tibiis tarsisque testaceis. Long. -08. A very pretty little species, found in the Southern and Western States. Broader than L. didesmus, and readily known by the hairs of the elytra being arranged in rows. 2. L. s e xp u n c t a t u s, elongatus ellipticus depressus, niger, pubescens, elytris densius subtilius punctatis, pubescentibus, pilisque longioribus parce . seriatis, macula humerali, altera pone basin, tertiaque maiore obliqua trans- versa ad dodrautem testaceis, tarsisantennarumbasietapice testaceis. Long. -OJ'. Er. Ins. Deutschl. 416. Myceiophn(jus scxpunctatus Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 5, 261. Middle and Southern States. 3. L. transversus, subelongatus ellipticus depressus niger, pubescens, elytris subtilius punctatis, pilis seriatis, macula humerali, altera pone basin, fasciaque angusta transversa dentata ad dodrantem testaceia; antennarum basi pedibusque piceo-testaceis. Long. -10. One specimen found at San Jose, California. 4. L. i n f u 1 a t u s, subelongatus, ellipticus, subdepressus piceus, pubescens, thoracis elytrorumque marginibus indeterminate testaceis, his maculis utrinque duabus ad basin, altera pone basin, fasciaque angusta obliqua subdentata postica pallidis, confertiin puuctulatis, subseriatim pilosis ; subtus testaceus. Long. -07. One immature specimen found in Illinois, by Mr. Willcox. This species seems bv the arrangement of the colors to be very distinct from any other found on the Atlantic slope. It differs from the preceding by the distinct punctuation of the elytra, and from the next by the same characters, and by the posterior band being narrow, as well as by the anterior pale spots not occupying nearly half the surface of the elytra. 5. L. b a 1 1 e a t u s , subelongatus, ellipticus subdepressus, rufo-piceus pubes- cens, capite elytrisque obscuris, his trientem anticam, macula parva laterali fascia(jue postica obliqua lata dentata pallidis, confertim subtiliter punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque pallide testaceis. Long. .07 -085 Colorado river, California, near the junction of the Gila. The pale markings of the elytra are so large that they may be described as pale with the apical fourth and a broad band at the middle obscure ; the latter is dilated externally and includes a pale spot. The hairs of the elytx-a do not appear to be arranged in rows. 1856.] 15 6. L. didesmus, ellipticus paulo convexus, nigro-piceus fortius dense punctatus, pubescens, elytris fascia subbasali alteraque pone medium obscure ruto-testaceis, baud seriatim pubescentibus ; antennispedibusquepiceo-testaceis. Long. -07 -09. Er. Ins. Deutschl. 416. Mycetophagus didcsvms Saj', Journ. Acad. Nat. So. 5, 261. Middle and Southern States ; common. 1. L. n e b u 1 o s u s , ellipticus paulo convexus, subtus nigro-piceus, supra obscure piceo-testaceus, fortius punctatus pubescens, elytris piceo-nebulosis, antennis pedibusqe piceo-testaceis. Long. -06 -08. Maryland ; Dr. Zimmermann and Mr. Wild. Broader, more convex and less densely punctured than L. didesmus. The dark marks of the elytra are some- times very indefinite ; in pale colored specimens they are more distinct, forming a spot on each elytron partly surrounding the humerus, and two transverse un- dulated bands, the first a little before the middle, and the second at the second third of their length : these bands do not reach the sides. Typh^a Curtis. T. fumata, elongata, ovalis paulo convexa, ferruginea, luteo-pubescens, elytris subtiliter punctato-striatis, punctulatis, seriatim pilosis. Long. -1 -11. Curtis, Brit. Ent. 15, pi. 702. Er. Ins. Deutschl. 418, (ubi synon. Europ. in- venies). Dermestes fumatus Linn. Syst. Nat. 2, 564. Gryplophagus gilnellus Mels. Cat. Descr. Col. of U. S. 45. Cryptophagus crcnatus"^ Mels. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2, 114. Distributed by commerce over all parts of the world. The last synonyms are known to me by a specimen kindly communicated by Dr. Melsheimer; they were incorrectly referred by me, (Proc. 7, 217,) to Litargus. Synopsis of the Phalacbid/E of the United States. By John L. Le Conte, M. D. In this family are contained four genera, first separated by Erichson ; and since all with the exception of Tolyphus are found in our territory, I have here trans- ci'ibed the table of genera given by him. (Ins. Deutschl., 108.) 1. Tarsi acquales ; Tibice calcaribus ( "^^"^^^J.^ Phalacrus. ' (. distinctis Tolyphus. 2. Tarsi postici elongati, articulo Imo | ^^f breviore Olibrus. ' (. 2ndo longiore Litochrus. Phalacrus Payk. Palpi maxillares articulo ultimo cylindrico: tibia) compress^ spinulosae cal- caribus obsoletis : tarsi sequales, articulo Imo breviusculo : femora compressa inferne ciliata. Usually shorter and more obtuse than Olibrus; the sutural stria in the native species is distinct, and the club of the antenna; elongate, with the last joint obtusely rounded at the tip. A. Thorax ad basin distincte licet subtilissime marginatus. 1. P. s e r i a t u s , ovalis paulo convexus, nitidus niger, elytris confertim seria- tim punctulatis, versus basin fere laevibus ; antennis ad basin palpisque testaceis. Long. -1. One specimen, Kansas. Longer and less' convex than the other species, and known by the testaceous palpi. 2. P. ovalis, ovalis convexus, nitidus niger, elytris obsoletissime substriatis, prope strias seriatim subtilissime punctulatis ; antennis ad basin testaceis. Long. 08. -10. Two specimens, San Diego, California. The body tapers a little posteriorly in 16 [February, the male, but is regularly oral in the female. Differs from the next by the longer form. 3. P. penicillatus, breviter obtuse ovalis, convexus, nigernitidus, elytris obsoletissime substriatis, prope strias seriatim subtilissime punctulatis : antennis ad basin piceis. Long. -13. Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc, 4, 91. Kansas and California. By its larger size this species may be distinguished. 4. P. p 1 i t u s , breviter obtuse ovalis, niger nitidus, elytris obsoletissime sub- striatis, prope strias subtilissime seriatim jiunctulatis, antennis piceis, ad basin palpisque testaceis. Long. -08. -09. Mels. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc, 2, 102. Middle and Southern States, abundant. Verj^ similar in form and sculpture to the preceding, but differs by the smaller size and testaceous palpi. The male is slightly narrowed behind. 5. P. p u ra i 1 i , breviter obtuse ovalis, niger nitidus, elytris obsoletissime substriatis, prope strias subtilissime seriatim punctulatis, tibiis tarsis palpis an- tennisque fusco-testaceis, his clava obscura. Long. -05. Two specimens, Georgia : very considerably smaller than P. p o 1 i t u s , which it otherwise resembles. B. Thorax ad basin vix conspicue marginatiis. 6. P. simplex, ovalis convexus postice angustatus, niger nitidus elytris obsoletissime substriatis, antennis ad basin piceis. Long. -10. One specimen, Kansas. Nearly of the same form as P. ovalis, but somewhat attenuated behind, and without any rows of fine punctures upon the elytra, ex- cept very near to the apex. Olibrus Er. Palpi maxillares articulo ultimo ovali ; tibire tenues, calcaribus apicalibus con- spicuis ; tarsi postici reliquis longiores, articulo secundo longiusculo; femora baud ciliata. X. Metasternum antice productum, cum mesosterno connatum, protuberaus ; (elytra striis internis duabus profundioribus). 1. 0. b i c o 1 r , oblongo-ovatus, convexus, niger nitidissimus, elytris macula rotundata anteapicali ornatis, substriatis, striis diiabus internis distinctis ; infra rufus, antennis j)edibusque testaceis. Long. -08. -11. Er. Ins. Deutschl. IIG. (ubi synon. invenies.) Phalacrus bicolor Gyllenhal. Ins. Suec. 3, 431. Middle States, not common. Perhaps imported from Europe. 2. 0. s triat ulu s , oblongo-ovatus convexus, niger nitidus, elytris tenuiter striatis, interstitiis biseriatim subtilissime punctulatis ; subtus cum antennis pedibusque rufo-testaceus. Long. -10. Middle States and Kansas. Of nearly the same form as the preceding, but a little narrower with more distinct elytral strias. 3. 0. rufipes, oblongo-ovatus, convexus, niger, nitidus capite punctate, elytris tenuissirae striatis, interstitiis biseriatim obsolete punctulatis : subtus nigro-piceus, antennis pedibusque rufis. Long. -08. One specimen, Shoa.lwater Bay, Oregon, Dr. Cooper. Of the same form as the preceding, with the head more distinctly punctured. 4. 0. seraistriatus, oblongo-ovatus, convexus, nigro-piceus, nitidus, capite vix punctato, elytris striis antice obliteratis versus apicemvalde distinctis, inter- stitiis biseriatim obsolete punctulatis ; subtus cum antennis pedibusque rufo- testaceus. Long. -08. One specimen from Kansas. Also of the same form as the preceding. 5. 0. rub ens, oralis convexus, ferrngineus nitidus, capite fere Lxvi, elytris 1856.] 17 Etriis duabus solis inteniis tenuibus distinctis, obsoletissime seriatim punctatis, pectore obscuriore, antennis pedibusque testaceis. Long. -09. One specimen, Georgia, which by its more regularly oval form differs from all the rest of this division. B. Metasternum hand productum ; (elytra stria suturali profunda.) 6. 0. b t u s u s , breviter ovalis, convexus, niger nitidus, subtus cum pedibus rufo-piceus, antennarum clava fusca. Long. -07. One specimen, San Jose, California. Resembles Phalacrus in its form, but the palpi and tarsi are those of this genus. The prosternum is ciliate with long hairs behind, which projecting over the mesosternum cause the latter to appear sulcate. 7. 0. api calls, oblongo-ovatus convexus, supra nigro-piceus, ore, thorace ad latera, elytrisque ad latera et postice indeterminate piceo-testaceis ; subtus, pedibus antennisque testaceis. Long. -07. -09. Lee. Agassiz' Lake Superior, 222. Phalacrus apicalis Mels. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2, 102. Middle and Southern States and Lake Superior. Varies considerably in size and depth of coloring. 8. 0. a qua tills, subovalis convexus, supra testaceo-piceus, medio obscuriore, subtus cum antennis pedibusque testaceus. Long. -08. San Jose, California, near water. More regularly oval than 0. apicalis, and narrower than 0. obtusus. 9. 0. nitidus, rotundatus subovatus convexus, rufo-testaceus nitidus, ely- tris Ifevibus stria suturali (sicut in prpecedentibus) impunctata. Long. -04. Phalacrus nitidus Mels. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2, 102. Middle and Southern States, common. 10. 0. pusillus, supra nigro-piceus, ad latera indeterminate rufo-piceus oblongo-ovatus convexus, nitidus, elytris stria suturali antice punctata, punctis- que seriebus duabus vel tribus utrinque abbreviatis parum distinctis, subtus cum antennis pedibusque testaceus pectore obscuriore. Long. -04. Middle and Southern States. Narrower than 0. nitidus, and very easily distinguished by the two or three rows of punctures reaching near the base or tip. LiTOCHRUS Er. Palpi m'Etrxillares articulo ultimo cylindrico ; tibiae tenues, calcaribus apica- libus conspicuis ; tarsi postici reliquis longiores, articulo primo elongato ; femora hand ciliata. L. p u 1 c h e 1 1 u s , oblongo-ovatus convexus, supra piceus nitidus, thoracis elytrorumque lateribus, macula obliqua antica alteraque posteriore maxima, ore antennis pedibus, corporeque subtus la;te rufo-testaceis, elytris striis internis duabus tenuibus postice confluentibus. Long. -06. One specimen from Louisiana, liberally given me by Mr. Guex. A very beauti- ful little species. The elytra have only two very fine internal striae, which unite about one fourth from the apex. The anterior spot is oblique, the posterior one is larger and rounded. Litochrus brunnipennis, Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1852, 369 ; from Sitkha is ac- cording to a specimen sent me by Baron Chaudoir, a species of Agathidium. Phalacrus pallipes, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 4, 90, from Kansas is un- known to me. It is a species of Olibrus, of the first division ; it is described as not quite one tenth of an inch long, black, with the antennae, feet and palpi testaceous. 2 18 [February, Note on the genus Lithodus Schonherr. By JooN L. Le Conte, M. D. On examiaing a considerable number of specimens of this curious genus, pro- cured by me several years ago, in the valley of the Platte River, it became evi- dent at once that several species existed ; from the close resemblance in color, form and sculpture, it seemed to be a matter of difficulty to separate them, and I proposed to leave them until time and inclination would induce some entomo- logist to labor upon a monograph of our native Curculionidcy. 67, thorace lateribus antice valde rotundatis 38. C. ampins Lee. Doubiful speeies. C. impunctifrons II Kirby, Fauna Bor. Am. 4, 21. Perhaps C. brevi- labris , but the description is very indefinite. 1856.] 27 C. quadricollis Kirby, Fauna Bor. Am. 4, 22. Probably C. pensyl- V a n i c u s . C. f u 1 g i c e p s Newm. Ent. Mag. 5, 490. Probably C. pensylyanicus. C. oxygonus Chaud. and C. longi colli s Cliaud. Bull. Mosc. 1843. Pro- bably varieties ofC. tricolor or C. brevilabris. Dinodes rottindicollis Dej. Probably not North American. The species in parentheses are unknown to me : the characters above given of them are taken from the original descriptions. Notes and Synonyms. 1. C. posticus Lee. Mels. Cat. 13. is C. apicalis\^ Lee. Ann. Lye. of Nat. Hist. 5, 179. 4. C. aestivus Say, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 62 ; C. cobaltinits Dej. Sp. Gen, 2, 331 ; var. C. congener Lee. Proc. Acad. 2, 51 ; Ann. Lye. 4, 435. 5. 0. p u s i 11 u s Say, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 63 ; C. elegantulus Dej. Sp. Gen. 2, 367. 9. C. erythropus Germ. Sp. Nov. 11 ; C. rufilabris Dej. Sp. Gen. 2, 329. 12. C. rufipes seems to vary much in the form of the thorax; the variety or race with the thorax short, more rounded on the sides, and the posterior angles obtuse is C. brevicolUs Lee. Ann. Lye. 4, 432. Many entomologists are disposed to receive it as a difierent species, but similar variations seem to occur in C. sericeus. 13. C. lithophilus Say, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 62 ; C. viridanus Dej. Sp. Gen. 5, 660. 14. 0. augustus Newm. Ent. Mag. 5, 490; C. Lecontei Hald. Proc. Acad. 1. 304. 15. 0. sericeus Say, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 61: Dej. Sp. Gen. 2, 347. Carahus sericeus Forster, Cent. Ins. 58, varies somewhat in the form of the thorax; a specimen in which the sides are more rounded than usual, and the anterior angles are considerably defiexed, is G. perviridis Leo. Ann. Lye. 4, 434. This species is found from Maine to Oregon, and as far south as Texas. 19. C. leucoscelis Chevr. Col. Mex. 1st cent. ; C. monachus Lee. Ann. Lye. 5, 180. 23. 0. nemoralis 5'ff?/, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 65. It is doubtful whether the species described under this name by Kirby, (Fauna Bor. Am. 22) is really this; the expression 'thorax densely punctured' seems to indicate that C. tricolor is meant. 24. C. pensyl vanicus Say, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 66. C. jmlescens Harris, New England Farmer, 1828; C. vicinus Dej. Sp. Gen. 5, 659. This species varies slightly in the form of the thorax, but may be easily distinguished from the allied species, by the rough and distinctly punctured interstices of the ely- tra, while the stria; are only faintly punctured. C. fulgiceps Newm. and C. quadricollis Kirby, are perhaps to be added to the synonyms of this, but the descriptions are very unsatisfactory. Mannerheim states that this species is found in California, but I have not seen any specimens from the regions west of the Rocky Jlountains. 25. C. tricolor Dej. Sp. Gen. 2. 334. Specimens of this species were found by me at Tucson, in Northern Sonora, and at San Diego, California ; they differ from those found on the Atlantic slope of the continent, by the thorax being shorter and more rounded on the sides, 26. C. brevilabris Lee. Ann. Lye. Soc. 4, 437. Differs from C. t r i c o 1 o r 28 [February, by the thorax being broader and less narrowed anteriorly, and by the strise of the elytra being very strongly punctured ; C. consimilis Lee. appears to be merely a variety in which the head and thorax are slightly coppery, and the latter is not narrowed toward the base. 27. C. Nebraskensis, subtus niger, supra viridi-aeneus, pubescens, capite subtilissime punctulato, thorace latitudine breviore, baud convexo, lateribus rotundatis utrinque paulo angustato, sat dense punctato, ad basin utriuque longe impresso, angulis posticis obtusis ; elytris obscurioribus striis tenuibus antice subtilius punctatis, interstitiis planissimis subtiliter punctulatis, pedibus palpis- que rufis, antennis piceis articulis tribus baseos rufis, 3io sequente haud longiore. Long. -45. Yellowstone River, Dr. Ilayden : Santa Fe, Mr. R. C. Kern. Differs irom the neighboring species by the more finely striate elytra ; in a dorsal view in fact the outer striae appear almost obliterated. 28. C. gl au c u s , subtus niger, supra obscure viridi-aeneus, pubescens, capite subtilissime punctulato, thorace latitudine paulo breviore, subquadrato, utrinque subangustato, lateribus modice rotundatis, vagius et profunda punctato, ad basin utrinque longe impresso, angulis posticis subrectis, elytris obscuris, vel atro- cyaneis, striis punctatis, interstitiis fere planis, subtiliter punctulatis, pedibus palpisque rufis, antennis piceis, articulis tribus baseos rufis, 3io haud longiore. Long. -44 -54. Colorado river, near the junction of the Gila. Larger than the neighboring species, and known by the more quadrate thorax, being less densely punctured. 30. C. asperulus 3Ienetries, Bull. Soc. Imp. St. Petersb. 2, 55. Baron Chaudoir informs me that C. obscurus Lee. Ann. Lye. 5, 179, belongs to this species. The color varies, so that the head sometimes becomes greenish bronzed, as de- scribed by Menetries. The antennas are sometimes entirely black, and some- times the first joint is reddish brown. The feet vary in color from rutous to black. The thorax is slightly narrowed, both at the apex and base, but cannot be called cordate. The thorax is described by Menetries " cordato, profuude sed vage punctato," and I should not venture to refer his to my species, were it not for the direct comparison made by my learned and accurate correspondent, Barcn Chaudoir. This discrepancy in the description leads me to believe that C. var.- abilipes Esch. must also be referred here : it being premised that not only does the color of the legs and antennas vary, but even the punctures of the thorax, are sometimes very strong, (though never dense, as described by Eschscholtz), and the fine punctures of the interstices of the elytra are at times less distinct. The description of Eschscholtz (Zool. Alas 5, 27), is as follows: " Niger pubescens, capite lisvi, thorace subviolaceo, punctatissimo, basi coarc- tato ; angulis productis ; elytris obsolete punctulatis, striis profunde ])unctatis, antennarum basi pedibusque aut rufo-testaceis aut nigris. Long. 5J lin. " San Francisco. Head black, almost imperceptibly rugous. Thorax wider than long, somewhat rounded on the sides, narrowed near the rectangular pro- minent posterior angles ; disc dark blue, thickly covered with large but not deep punctures, hairy with brown pubescence, with two longitudinal impressions at the base. Scutellum black, smooth, shining. Elytra clothed with brown hair, opake black, very finely and not obviously punctured ; humeri not prominent ; strias fine, and strongly punctured on the anterior half. Antennse and legs :of one specimen black, palpi with the last joint red, cylindrical : in the other speci- men, a female, the two basal joints of the antennae, the whole of the palpi, and the feet are red : the third joint of the antennae is of the same length as the following." The description of Menetries reads thus : " C. asperulus, obscure aeneus, rufo-pubescens ; capite laevi, viridi-cupreo, thorace cordato, ])rofunde sed vage punctato ; elytris striatis, striis forte punctatis, interstitiis subtilissime asperatis ; antennis pedibusque nitide nigris, palpis rufis." 1856.] 29 31. C. obsoletus, Lee. Anu. Lye. 5, 180, is certainly closely allied to the preceding, but the thorax is hardly wider than long, and is more narrowed be- hind ; the feet, palpi and antennae are rufous, the latter being darker externally as is usual. 32. C. circumcinctus Say^ Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 4, 418; C. virens Chaud. Bull. Mosc. 1843. 34. 0. impunctifrons Sai/, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 64 ; C. emarginatus Kirby, Fauna Bor. Am. 4, 23. 35. C. n i g e r Randall, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist. 2, 34 ; C. exaraius Ferte, Ann. But. Soc. Fr. 2nd ser. 9, 249. 37. C. tomentosus Dej. Sp. Gen. 2, 357 ; Epomis tomentosus Say, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 2, 60 ; Amara luciuosa Germ. Sp. Nov. 10. On this species M. La Ferte has founded a genus Eurydactylus, which differs from Chlaenius, only in the dilated joints of the anterior tarsi of the male being broader. I do not find in this character an exact agreement between our different species, and, although I have adopted the genus in my memoir in the Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. (10, 390,) I now unite in the opinion of Lacordaire, Gen. Col. (1, 224) that it is entirely un- necessary. Say mentions a green variety from Missouri. 38. C. a m p 1 u s. I have separated under this name a species having the color and sculpture of C. tomentosus, but very different in the form of the thorax, which instead of being gradually rounded on the sides from the base to the apex, has the sides almost parallel near the base, and very much rounded before the middle. It is found in Georgia, and I have examined two specimens of which one is in the collection of Dr. Harris. Synopsis of Species o/Chrysomela and allied Genera inhabiting the United States. By W. Frederick Rogers. The Genera in the United States may be thus classified : Ungues fissi ; femora postica incrassata ; Blepharida. Ungues integri, vel vix dentati; femora baud incrassata ; Palpi articulo ultimo breviore truncato Doryphora. (Polygramma, Labidomera). Palpi articulo ultimo hand breviore ; Tarsi articulo 2ndo baud angustiore Timarcha. Tarsi articulo 2ndo minore Chrysomela. BliEPHARIDA. Maxillary palpi with the last joint cylindrical and obtusely pointed at the ex- tremity. Posterior femora moderately thickened. Middle and posterior tibife with an obtuse angle on the exterior margin one-third from the tip. Ungues bi- fid. Anterior coxae moderately distant. Prosternum flat. Mesosternum hardly protuberant. Middle coxae widely separated. B. r h o i s . Oval, convex, ferruginous ; head and thorax yellow ; elytra with eleven rows of large punctiares, irregularly mottled sometimes vittate with yellow and ferruginous ; margin always broadly yellow ; antennae black, base piceous. Length -25 -30. Chrysomela rhois Forst. Cent. Ins. 1, 21. Hiibn. Naturf. 24, St. 40. Oliv. Enc. Meth. 5, 720. Altica virginica Frolich, Naturf. 26, 129, 54. Hallica rhois Ulig. Mag. 6, 161. Chrysomela stolida Fabr. Ent. Syst. 1, 318. Syst. El. 1, 435. Oliv. Enc. Meth. 5, 700. ITaltica stolida lUig. Mag. 6, 161. Chrysomela meticulosa Oliv. Ins. 91, 531, tab. 6, fig. 91. 30 [February, Locality. Middle States, Southern States, Nebraska and Upper Mississippi . There is considerable variation in the marking ; one specimen from the Southern States was observed having the disc of the elytra irregularl_y ferruginous with a broad yellow margin. Another speqimen from the South has the elytra ferruginous and the spaces between the suture and 1st, 2 to 3, 5 to 6 and 8 to 9th strijB yellow. These differences are sufficient to account for the supposed species above quoted. DoRYPHORA Fabr. Ungues entire, posterior femora not thickened. Maxillary palpi thickened, penultimate joint conical, last joint cylindrical, truncate shorter than the preced- ing ; tibiiB rounded at the extremity and excavated externally ; tarsi with second joint small. Coxa; widely separated. The genus may be divided into three divisions : 1. Tropical species, in which the mesosternum is produced into a horn. 2. Those in which the mesosternum is slightly excavated, and the feet without spines. Sp. 1 4. 3. Those in which the mesosternum is slightly protuberant, and the anterior femora are armed with spines, at least in the male. Sp. 5. 1. D. j u n c t a. Oval, convex, brownish yellow, head and thorax spotted with black ; elytra pale yellow, each with 9 rows of punctures and four black vitt; ; scutellum black ; suture and space [.between the two outer vittaa and epipleurae brownish yellow ; lateral margin blackish, beneath spotted with black : femora with a small black spot. Length -35 -40. Chrysomela Jmicta Germ. Sp. Nov. 590. Locality. Georgia. The two outer vittfeare usually connected at the base and tip, but occasional- ly are completely XJonfluent. 2. D. 10-lineata. Oval, convex, brownish yellow, head and thorax spotted with black, scutellum brownish yellow, margined with black, elytra each with five black lines; the interior line is confluent with the suture behind, beneath spotted with black; knees and tarsi black. Length -35. Say, J. Acad. 3, 453. Locality. Nebraska and Texas. 3. D. rubiginosa. Oval, convex, yellowish brown, scutellum black; elytra finely not densely punctured ; antennae and legs black. Length -40. One specimen collected by J. D. Clark, Esq., of the Mexican Boundary Com- mission at San Antonio, Texas. Body above and below yellowish brown ; head with a few punctures, a finely impressed vertical line, and a few small impressions between the eyes ; thorax with a few scattered punctures, larger and more obvious at the sides, elytra finely punctured ; the punctures in some places forming irregular rows. 4. D. Haldemani. Subovate, convex, purplish black ; elytra dark metallic green, sparsely punctured. Length -35. One specimen collected by Lt. H. Haldeman, Fredericksburg, Texas. Body subovate, narrowed in front very convex, almost gibbose ; head and thorax sparsely punctured, purplish black, scutellum black, elytra sparsely punctured, the punctures becoming smaller towards the tip, and occasionally arranged in rows ; antennae, legs and under surface purplish black. 5. D. trimaculata. Oval, rounded convex, bluish green ; elytra orange with blue band and large posterior spot ; feet purplish. Length -30 -40. 1856.] 31 Say, J. Acad. 3, 455. Harris, Ins. 2nd edit. 117. Chrysomela trimaculata Linn. Syst. Nat. 2, 592. Fabr. Ent. Syst. 312. Fabr. El. 1, 424. Oliv. Ins. 91, 515, pi. 3, fig. 29. Coquet. 111. 3, 123. Chrysomela clwicollis Kirby, Faun. Bor. Amer. 213. Locality. Middle States, Southern States and Nebraska. Antennae and palpi black ; elytra punctured in double lines, which become confused near the tip ; a dilated black band extending in breadth from near the base to the middle, not attaining the lateral edge, and often interrupted in the middle of each elytron ; under surface black, feet purplish. TiMARCHA Redt. Palpi slightly thickened with the last joint, oval, truncate and a little longer than the preceding ; tarsi with the second joint not smaller than the first or third ; ungues simple approximate ; coxee of anterior feet moderately, of the pos- terior widely separated; tibiae rounded at the extremity, not sulcate. Body ob- long, very convex, black scabrous, with confluent impressed punctures, which are coarsest upon the elytra ; the latter are united. T. intricata. Head irregularly and strongly punctured, thorax with large scattered punctures, the interstices tolerably densely punctured, transverse, more than twice as long as broad ; apex broadly emarginate, base subsinuate, basal angles rectangular ; elytra with large confluent punctures, the interstices with fine scattered punctures ; under surface coarsely, feet finely punctured. Tab. 1, fig. 1. Length -40. Hald. Proc. Acad. 6, 363. T. intertexta Hald. Ibid. Locality. Oregon and northern California, Dr. Townsend and Mr. Child. T. intertexta I regard as a variety of intricata, with the elytra a little more rugose. Ohtsomela Linn. Palpi with the last joint not longer than the preceding ; tarsi with second joint smaller than the first and third ; ungues simple ; coxec of anterior feet moderately or slightly, those of the posterior widely separated. The body varies in form from rounded to oval, and even to elongate ; it is usually winged, but apterous in only one American species ; the paljji vary in form, having the last joint in many thick and dilated, and in others slender; thorax always broader than long, some- times equally convex, sometimes with the lateral margin broadly thickened. The sculpture of the elytra varies ; some are very finely and confusedly punctured with labyrinthine rows of larger punctures limiting spots of different colors, while in others the punctures are arranged in nine regular striaj with a short one at the scutellum. The mesosternum is never protuberant, the femora are never toothed. The tibia; vary in form ; they are sometimes rounded at the tip and not sulcate ; sometimes dilated into aia angle ; and sometimes sulcate on the outer margin. The species found in this country may be divided into the following groups : I. Palpi dilated ; 1. Sides of the thorax notthickened. *_Tibise rounded at the apex, elytra irregularly punctured, or with sinuous striae. Elytra with labyrinthine spots. A Elytra striped. B. ** Tibiae with an external tooth near the apex ; elytra with regular striae of punctures. C. 2. Sides of the thorax thickened. D. 32 [February, II. Palpi slender. , 1. Body elongate. * Elytra irregularly punctured. Sides of the thorax thickened. E. Sides of the thorax not thickened. F. ** Elytra with regular striae of punctures. G. 2. Body rounded *** Elytra with regular striag of punctures. H. **** Elytra irregularly punctured. Tibias excavated externally and dilated at tip. I. Tibiae excavated externally, hardly dilated at tip. K. Group K, does not appear in the subsequent pages, as I have seen no American specimens of C. adonidis, the species on which it is founded ; although Kirby states that specimens of it were obtained in high northern latitudes. A. 1. C. scalaris. Oval, greenish blue, elytra punctate, yellowish white spotted with blue, suture with a broad metallic black stripe branched in three or four places, humerus with a large lunate spot; under surface bronzed black, antennas and legs ferruginous. Tab. 1, fig. 2. Length -3240. Lee. Ann. Lye. 1, 173. Harr. Ins. 117. C. phUadelphica'l Kirby, Faun. Bor. Am. 210. Locality. Middle States, Lake Superior and Nebraska. Oval, rather narrower than usual, greenish blue, sometimes dark bronze ; thorax with scattered punctures at the sides, elytra punctate, yellowish white, and very brilliant silvery when living ; suture with a broad metallic stripe general- ly black, sometimes bronze and dark blue. This insect is closely allied to C. philadelphica of Linn., the difference consists in the suture being marked with a broad black stripe, with which the spots are connected so as to form branches ; in C philadelphica the suture is black, straight and narrow, separated from a narrow subsutural black vitta by a narrow yellow line. There is considerable variety in the color and size of the spots of these insects. 2. C. serpentina. Oval, greenish blue, elytra pale gold, with the suture and several large sinuous dark blue spots more or less confluent ; margin black, antennae black, red towards the base ; legs dark red, under surface bluish black. Tab. 1, fig. 3. Length. -42. Five specimens collected by J. D. Clark, Esq., at San Antonio, Texas. Body oval, moderately convex ; head with a triangular impression between the eyes, thorax coarsely punctured at the sides, scutellum bluish green, elytra pale gold, suture and confluent stripe blue, the latter not reaching the base, with about ten dark blue spots, wings brilliant red ; under surface very dark blue, almost black ; antennae hairy at the tip. I have adopted the name used in Dr. Le Conte's Cabinet. In dried specimens the golden tint of the elytra fades, and the color becomes yellowish white. 3. C. dislocata. Oval, bluish green, elytra pale ferruginous, with subsutu- ral vitta and several sinuous black spots more or less confluent, antennae black- ish, red at the base, legs and under surface black. Tab. 1, fig. 4. Length. "35. Three specimens collected by J. D. Clark, Esq., San Antonio, Texas. Body oval, moderately convex, head moderately punctured ; thorax strongly punctured at the sides. 4. C. tortuosa. Oval, ferruginous ; elytra yellow with several black spots, suture and a subsutural vittac dark ferruginous, the latter confluent near the tip, antennae, legs and under surface ferruginous. Tab. l,j fig. 5. Lengtla. -25. Two specimens collected by J. D. Clark, Esq., San Antonio, Texas. 1856.] 33 Head and thorax ferruginous slightly punctured, scutelhim ferruginous, elytra with from five to nine black spots,^sometimes confluent, legs slightly punctured. 5. C. p h i 1 a d e 1 p h i c a. Oval, greenish black, elytra pale yellow, with a longitudinal stripe near the suture, and a number of dark green spots ; palpi, an- tennae and legs rufous, under surface dark green. Tab. 1, fig. G. Length. -27 -34. Linn. Syst. Nat. 2, 592, 44. De Geer. Ins. 5, 353, 6, t. 16, f. 13. Fabr. Syst. EL 1, 444, 135. Fabr. Syst. Ent. 1, 392. Oliv. Ent. 5, 91, 525, 33, t. 2, f. 22. C. decipicns Web. Obs. Ent. 1, 52, 1? Locality. Middle, Southern and Western States. Body oval, with scattered punctures, head and thorax sparsely punctured ; scutellum dark green, elytra with three larger dark spots near the suture ; the suture is generally black, and dilated towards the thoiax, but in one specimen from Missouri Territory, this is not the case, and in it the suture is pale yellow, and does not become broader in front. C. s p i r ae a?. Green, elytra pale yellow tinged with red, with green spots and a common sutural line, trifed at base, antennae and legs rufous ; under surface dark green. Length. -25. Say, J. Acad. 5, 297. C. confinis Kirby, Fauna Bor. Amer. 211. Locality. Lake Superior. Body oval, head and thorax dark bronzed green, elytra pale yellow, some- times rufous, each with about seventeen small green dots, and a common sutflral line which sends off a lateral short branch on each side near the base. In one specimen the spots and sutural line are black. 7. C. Bigsbyana. Oval, green, anterior margin and sides of prothorax yellow, elytra yellow, with a sutural stripe, antennae and [legs rufous, under lurface dark green. Length. -25 -35. Kirb}', Fauna Bor. Amer. 212. Locality. Middle and Western States, also two specimens from Steilacoom, Puget sound, W. T., collected by Geo. Gibbs, Esq. 8. C. m u 1 1 i p u n c t a t a. Oval, ferruginous, thorax yellow, with ferruginous spots arranged in a circle, elytra yellow, with numerous green spots ; antenncP, legs and under surface ferruginous. Tab. 1, fig. 7. Length. -24 '35. Say, J. Acad. 3, 451. Kirby, Fauna Bor. Amer. 211. Tjocality. Missouri Territory. Head ferruginous, thorax yellow, with a ferruginous, irregular arcuated line and basal edge, including an obsolete spot, elytra with a sutural stripe and numerous irregular green spots, and abbreviated lines. In one specimen the suture has a common ferruginous fillet. B. 9. C. exclamationis. Oval, ferruginous, thorax with a yellow margin, elytra pale yellow, with four black striae, the third abbreviated, the fourth in- terrupted. Lengfli. -30. Fabr. El. 1, 435. Oliv. Ins. 91, 530. tab. 6, fig. 81. Locality. Southern States and Kansas. Head ferruginous, anterior margin of the prothorax yellow, elytra pale yellow, with the suture and four striae ferruginous ; the first and second not reaching the margin, the third confluent with the fourth at the edge of the elytra ; legs and under surface ferruginous. 10. C. casta. Oval, dark ferruginous ; thorax strongly but sparsely punc- tured ; elytra pale yellow, sparsely punctured ; suture and three lines marked 3 34: [February, with fine punctiires ; legs and iinder surface ferruginous; epipleurae brown. Tab. l.fig. 8. Localiti/. Kansas and Illinois ; specimens from the latter locality were collect- ed by Mr. R. Kennicott. This insect is allied to 0. p u 1 c h r a, but in that species the outer vittae arc usually entirely confluent into one broad stripe. In C. casta these lines are narrow and the subsutural one is confluent only behind the middle. 11. C. coniuncta. Oval, convex, ferruginous; thorax yellow, sparsely punctured with a large ferruginous spot covering the base ; elytra pale yellow, with the suture and subsutural vitta confluent ; the other two connected behind and a short one at the humerus, legs and under surface ferruginous. Tab. 1, fig. 9. Length. -23. Locality. Kan sas . Related to C. e x c 1 a m t i o n i s, but is smaller, with head and thorax more shining and less punctured ; with the conjoined Aattse more abbreviated behind there is no lateral dot at the middle, and the epipleurae are not ferruginous, ex cept at the extreme margin. 12. C. d i s r u p t a . Round and convex, blackish ; thorax coarsely punctured, elytra pale yellow, punctured ; the suture, sub-sutural vitta and three other discoidal narrow ones anteriorly abbreviated, with several sub-marginal bronzed dots; legs and under surface blackish. Tab. 1, fig. 10. Length. -21 -20. Locality. Louisiana and Kansas. This insect is of the same form as the previous ones, but may be dis- tinguished by the interruption of the interior dorsal vittae ; the middle one nearly unites posteriorly with the inner one, but is a little shorter than it; the outer posterior dots are directly in continuation of the external abbreviated vitta : epipleurae pale. 13. C. h y b r i d a. Ferruginous, elytra pale yellow, with a wide sutui-al and discoidal ferruginous band, the band nearly divided into two, of which the inner one is narrower. Tab. 1, fig. 11. Lengtii. -35. Say, J. Acad. 3, 449. .' Locality. Southern States and Nebraska. Body oval, thorax irregularly punctured and with larger confluent punctures on the sides ; scutellum impunctured, rounded at the tip ; antennae, legs and under surface ferruginous. There is _great variety in the marking, a specimen from Nebraska has the band divided into three, the first joined to the second at the base, the middle one sinuous and joined to the outer one at the tip, the outer one very faint, at the base. 14. 0. incisa. Oval, rounded, bronzed, ferruginous; tliorax with coarse punctures; elytra pale yellow, with abroad blackish brown sutural vitta ab- breviated at the base, a broad stripe narrowed at the humerus and not reaching the base, and a small dot at the base, and another at the tip ; cpii)leurae dark. Tab. 1, fig. 12. Length. -24. Locality. One specimen from Kansas. This insect has the same form and size as 0. p u 1 c h r a, the punctures of the dark vitta and those of the external rows are, however, more distinct, and the form of the vittae different. The sutural one is not prolonged at the base, but trun- cate anteriorly at the scutellum, which, as usual, is dark colored ; at about two- thirds the length it is suddenly slightly dilated nearly to the apex. The outer vitta is a very broad spot extending three-fourths the length of the elytra ; nan'owed before and behind, convex on its inner, but moderately emarginate on its outer surface about the middle. 1856.] c50 15. C. pulchra. Rounded, black bronzed ; elytra pale yellow ; suture and a broad dorsal vitta dark bronzed. Length. -24 -26. Fabr. El. 1, 425. Oliv. Enc. Meth. 5, 693. Fabr. Ent. Syst. 1, 313, 27. Coqueb. 111. Ins, 3, 123. Sch. Syn. Ins. 2, 240. Locality. Middle and Southern States. Body oval, rounded ; thorax coarsely punctured ; scutellum black, which gives the sutural vitta the appearance of extending to the prothorax ; elytra pale yellow, with punctures on the suture and vittae which do not reach the apex or base, outer margin of the vitta slightly and obtusely sinuous ; the vitta is some- times partially divided by a yellow line, and may sometimes form two vittae ; in another specimen the sutural and discoidal vittae are confluent ; antennae, legs and under surface brownish black. 16. C. s i m i 11 s . Oval, dark bronzed ; elytra pale yellow ; suture and a broad dorsal vitta dark bronzed. Tab. 1. fig. 13. Length. -26. Locality. Middle and Southern States. This species differs from the preceding in the shape ; it is quite oval, whereas, C. pulchra is round ; the emargination of the outer margin near the middle is more angular and sudden. 17. C. praecelsis. Oval, convex, ferruginous ; thorax with a yellow margin; elytra pale yellow, with fine punctures ; legs, thorax and under surfixce ferrugi- nous. Tab. 1, fig. 14. Length. -31. Locality. Kansas river. Thorax with the disc coarsely punctured, with a narrow yellow margin at the side impunctured ; elytra with fine punctures on the suture and dorsal vittae, with a broad sutural vitta suddenly narrowed at the base, and a broad bronze brown dorsal vitta, narrowed at the apex and base. 18. C. elegans. Oval, metallic black ; thorax yellow, with a black mark at the base ; elytra pale yellow, with a black suture and dorsal vitta. Length. -20 -25. Oliv. 91, 532, tab. 6, fig. 92. Locality. Middle and Southern States and Lake Superior. Head black ; antennae black, with the second and third joints slightly ferrugi- nous ; thorax yellow, slightly punctured, with two confluent spots on each side placed obliquely, the anterior one being nearer the middle ; and with a black dorsal line ; the spots have the appearance of the letter W inverted ; elytra pale yellow, slightly punctured with a black sutural and dorsal vitta regularly punc- tured ; legs and under surface black. C. 19. C. r u f i p e s . Oblong, oval, ferruginous ; head black, with mouth and antennae red ; thorax coarsely punctured with two large triangular spots at the base ; elytra ferruginous, with ten black spots, legs red, under surface black. Length. -25. De Geer. Ins. 5, 295, tab. 8, fig. 5. Sufi'r. Linn. Ent. vol. 5, 211. Phytodecta rujipe.s Kirby. Fauna Bor. Amer. 213. Locality. Lake Superior. There is great variety in the marking of the thorax and elytra, the markings in some specimens are very faint, and in others wanting. I have not been able to make any comparison between this and the European species, and I give it as identical on the authority of Kirby. 20. C. arctica. Oblong, oval, elongate, ferruginous ; head black; thorax with two basal black spots usually confluent, coarsely punctured ; scutellum black ; elytra ferruginous, with ten black spots ; legs black, with the tibiae and tarsi red. Length. -26. 38 [February, Gonioctena arctica Maun. Bull. Mosc. 1853. Gonioctena ajfinis\ Manu. Bull. Mosc. 1852, 2, 369. Locality. Russian America. According to Mannerheim's description, this species varies much in color; he also states that it is nearly allied to the European C. nivosa. D. '21. C. suhsulcata. Oblong, oval, apterous, dark blackish green ; thorax with the margin much thickened, not reaching the apex internally, slightly punctured ; elytra connate, very convex, rounded at the sides, sulcate and punc- tured in regular rows ; antennae, legs and under surface very dark bluish green. Length. -32. Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853. Locality. Russian America. 22. C. cribraria. Oblong, oval, bronzed black; thorax much thickened at the sides, reaching the apex, with a few large marginal punctures near the impression ; elytra very dark, bronzed black, thickly and irregularly punctured ; antennae, legs and under surface black. Length. -37. Locality. Southern States. 23. C. inornata. Oblong oval, bronzed; thorax with margin thickened and a few coarse punctures at the side ; elytra bronzed black ; legs and under surface dark blue. Length. -25. Locality. Western States. This insect is closely allied to 0. cribraria, but differs iu the color of the thorax and elytra ; there are also more punctures on the thorax, and the lateral impres- sion is less deejj than in C. cribraria. 24. C. subopaca. Oblong oval, black, bronze, tinged with green ; thorax with thickened margin, with a few punctures at the sides ; elytra finely punc- f^ured, with the punctures forming indistinct rows; antennae dark blue, with the four last joints hairy, legs and under surface black, bronzed. Length. -25. Locality. Middle States. Thorax less punctured ; elytra more finely punctured and less lustrous than iu C. inornata ; the punctures are arranged in rows. 25. C. auripennis. Oval, oblong, violaceous; thorax with the margin thickened and slightly distant punctures ; scutellum violaceous ; elytra golden cupreous brilliant, exterior edge green, punctured, punctures placed in somewhat regular rows ; antennae, legs and under surface violaceous. Length. -32 -46. Say,' J. Acad. 3, 452. Locality. Western States, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas. These insects vary greatly in color ; two specimens from New Mexico are en- tirely violaceous, and in one from Texas the elytra are brilliant green. 26. 0. vidua. Oblong, oval, black, slightly bronzed ; thorax with the margin thickened, with coarse punctures ; elytra black, slightly bronze, with the punc- tures in somewhat regular rows ; antennae, legs and under surface black. Length. -26. Locality. Oregon, Col. McCall. 1*J. C. flavomarginata. Oblong, black; thorax with lateral margin thickened and punctured at the sides ; elytra black, with regularly-disposed punctures, and smaller irregularly disposed punctures ; exterior and tip yellowish, Eegs and under surface black. Length. -22 -29. Say, J. Acad. 3, 452. Locality. Kansas. 1856.] 37 E. 28. C. i n t e r u p t a. Oblong, elongate, black ; thorax black, with a yellow margin thickened ; elytra pale yellow, with six spots on each more or less con- fluent ; legs bluish black, with tibiae ferruginous. Length. -25 -35. Fabr. El. 1, 438. Oliv. Ins. 91, 558, tab. 8, fig. 119. Locality. Middle States, Southern States, Lake Superior, Nebraska and Ore- gon. This species varies much in color, the specimens I have examined may be classed under the following varieties, though intermediate forms occur : 1. The two anterior spots confluent ; two middle spots confluent ; and the two posterior spots confluent, forming a very broad band ; legs bluish black, with tibiae ferruginous ; under surface bluish black. 2. The two anterior spots confluent, having the shape of a horse shoe ; the Jwo middle spots separate and the two posterior confluent, but much more nar- row than in 1. 3. With none of the spots confluent ; legs bluish black ; tibiae pale yellow, under surface black, with the four last segments of the abdomen slightly marked with yellow. 4. In which all the spots have disappeared, with the exception of the two middle ones ; legs blue, black, with the tibia ferruginous, under surface black. 5. The two anterior spots confluent ; the middle separate, and the posterior confluent ; legs and under surface ferruginous, except the sides of the pectus, which are black. 6. None of the spots confluent; legs ferruginous ; under surface of the thoraj: black. 29. C. s c r i p t a . Oblong, elongate, black ; thorax black, with a yellow margin thickened ; elytra yellow, coarsely and sparsely punctured, with seven elongate spots on each elytron, two at the apex, slightly elongate, three at the middle very elongate ; and two at the base, the one nearest the suture slightly elongate, the other broad and very elongate. Length. 2'7 -35. Fabr. El. 1, 438. Oliv. 5, 559. Oliv. Enc. Meth. 5, 119? Locality. Middle States, Southern States, Nebraska and Lake Superior. In two specimens the thorax is dark red, with a yellow margin, and the under surface black with the legs ferruginous. 30. C. confluens. Oblong oval, black, head and thorax black, thorax with a wide yellow margin, elytra brownish black, finely and sparsely punctured, with four very faint oblong ferruginous spots on each elytron, antennae, legs and under surface black. Length -28. Locality. Oregon, one specimen. Closely allied to C. o b s o 1 e t a of Say, but differs from it in the form of the body, being wider in proportion, also in having the elytra more finely punctured. 31. C. obsoleta. Oblong oval, head and thorax tinged with green, margin of the latter yellowish, thickened, with a black insulated point; elytra brownish black irregularly punctured, margin, tip and obsolete lines before and behind the middle yellowish, antennae legs and under surface black. Length -33. Ilelodes obsoleta Say, J. Acad. 3, 435. Locality. Western States. Differs from C. confluens in the form of the body, being longer and more narrow, also in having the elytra more coarsely and densely punctured. F. 32. C. c a 1 i f o r n i c a . Oblong oval, dark green, thorax sparsely punctured, 38 [February, elytra dark green, coarsely punctured, antennae and legs black, under surface blackish green. Length -18. This insect was sent by Col. Motschulsky, under the name of Plagiodera californica, as coming from California, but I have been unable to find any description of it. G. 33. C. trivittata. Oblong, blue-black, head entirely blue-black, with an impressed frontal line divaricated before ; thorax sparsely punctured, lateral margins yellowish, this color being contracted in the middle on the inner side ; elytra with punctured strise, sutural margin yellow ; vitta on the middle not reaching the tip, and exterior edge blue-black ; legs black, tibiae ferruginous, abdomen with the caudal segment margined behind with dull yellow. Length -15. Helodes trivittata Say, J. Acad. 5, 289. Locality. Middle States, Lake Superior. 34. C. vitellinae. Oblong slightly oval, coppery violaceous, antennae with first and second joint rufous ; thorax finely and sparsely punctured, elytra cop- pery violaceous, punctured in rows with the interstices indistinctly punctured ; under surface bronze black, legs black with the first joint of tarsi rufous. Length -16 -18. Phytodecta intellince Kirby, Faun. Bor. Amer. 216. Locality. Middle States, Western States and Lake Superior. One specimen from Lake Superior had the elytra black. H. 35. C. V i r i d e . Rounded, dark green, head with an impressed frontal line, thorax very finely and sparsely punctured ; scutellum blackish, elytra very finely punctured in striae with the lines remote, antennae, legs and under surface blackish. Length -12 -16. Gastrophysa viride Mel.". Pro. Acad. 3, 175. Locality. Middle States. 3G. C. dissimilis. Oblong oval, metallic blue or green, head impressed between the antennse, antennte black, thorax regularly convex, lateral edges re- gularly curved, scutellum impunctured, elytra densely punctured, legs and under surface black, posterior angles of thorax very obtuse and rounded. Length -24. Say, J. Acad. 3, 451. Locality. Nebraska. Varies in its colors. It is sometimes of a very dark purple, and sometimes of a bright green, more or less tinged with violaceous, particularly about the suture. 37. C. caesia. Oblong oval, brilliant metallic green, head and thorax densely punctured with the posterior angles of the thorax obtuse, elytra metal- lic green, finely punctured, legs and under surface blackish green. Length -21 -23. Locality. California, at San Francisco. The thorax is very perceptibly narrower than the elytra ; and the body is longer and more convex than C. cyanea. One specimen is blackish. 38. C. cyanea. Oblong oval, purplish, head and thorax densely punctured, elytra purplish, densely punctured, antennae legs and under surface purplish black. Gastrophysa cyanea Mels. Pr. Acad. 3, 175. 1856.] 30 Length -20. Locality. Middle and Southern Stateg. This insect is very closely allied to C. caesia, but differs in having the thorax wider, and the body longer and more narrow in proportion to its size. 39. C. polygoni. Oblong oval, brilliant metallic blue, head blue-black punctured, antennse black, basal joint rufous beneath and at tip, thorax rufous sparsely and finely punctured, elytra brilliant metallic blue densely punctured, under surface blackish blue, legs rufous, tarsi black, anus rufous. Length -18. Linn. Fn. Suec. .^)20 ; Syst. Nat. 2, 589, 24. Harris, Insects, 118, (2d edition.) C. ca'ruJeipennis Say, J. Acad. 5, 296. Phmdon polygoni Kirby, Fn. Bor. Am. 216. Localily. Southern and Middle States. 40. C. formosa. Oblong ov.al, convex, above golden green, strongly punc- tured, thorax with the basal angles obtuse, scutellum purple, elytra strongly punctured, suture purplish, exterior edge blue, antennae and palpi black, tibice black, under surface violaceous. Length -18. Say, J. Acad. 3, 451. Locality. Kansas and Santa Fe. List of Species unknown to me. C. vim in alls Linne. Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853. Russian America. C. lapponica Linne. Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853. Russian America. Phratora interstitialis Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853. C. basilar is Say, J. Acad. 3, 451. C. adonidis Fabr. El. 1. 431. Phaedon adonidis Kirby, F. B. A. 216. Gastrophysa ajnea Mels. Pr. Acad. 3, 175. Gastrophysa raphani Fabr. Kirby, F. B. A. 216. All the specimens, I have described in the preceding pages, are in tiie Cabinet of Dr. J. L. Le Conte, to whom I must return my sincere thanks for his valuable assistance and the kind loan of books and specimens. Notes on North American Birds in the Collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and National Museum, Washinyton. By John Cassin. 1. BuTEO MONTAKUS, Nuttall, Man. Orn. U. S. i, p. 112, (1840). " Buteo Swainsonii, Bonap.," Cassin, B. of Cal. and Tex. i, p. 98. " Falco buteo, Linn." Aud. Orn. Biog. iv, p. 508. And. B. of Am. pi. 372, Oct. ed. i, pi. 6. On examination of not less than twenty specimens of this bird from various localities in the Western countries of North America, I have found the charac- ters constantly present which distinguish it from Buteo borealis, as pointed out in my Birds of California and Texas, p. 98. The voice of this species is repre- sented by several of the late naturalists who have visited California, as quite peculiar, and I am assured by my friend Dr. Thos. M. Brewer, of Boston, that the egg is entirely different from that of B. boreali.f. Though nearly related to that species, it is very probably entitled to be regarded as distinct, for which purpose Mr. Nuttall's name as above given is proper. This bird appears to be of common occurrence in California, being brought in nearly every collection from that country, and it is also in Dr. Sucklej^'s col- lection from Washington Territory. The specimen figured by Mr. Audubon as above, and which was brought by Dr. Townsend from the Rocky Moi\ntains, is in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. It is the same specimen described by Mr. Nuttall, and named as above. 40 [February, 2. Spizella pallida, (Swainson). Emberiza pallida, Swainson, Faun. Bor. Am., ii, p. 251 (1831). Emberiza Shattuckii, Audubon, B. of Am., oct. ed. vii, p. 347 (1844). Aud. B. of Am. Oct. ed. vii, pi. 493. The bird described and figured by Mr. Audubon as above, is the Emberiza pallida, Swainson, as any one ma-y readily determime by examining and compar- ing the descriptions as above cited, with or without sjjecimens. This species is easily recognized by its wide stripe of ashy white from the base of the bill over the eye, two longitudinal stripes on the head of brownish black, and with an intermediate or middle stripe on the top of the head ashy white. Ears and cheeks behind and below the eye pale brown, with a line of black on its lower edge, and another line of black from the corner of the lower mandible. Upper parts of body pale ashy brown, every feather on the back and wing coverts with a black longitudinal stripe ; tail brown. Under parts white, tinged with ashy and pale brown on the sides and flanks. Bill and feet yellowish. Total length 5J inches, wing 2^, tail 2J inches. Hah. Western North America, California. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philada., and Nat. Mus. Washington. 3. Spizella Breweri, nobis. " Emberiza pallida. Swains." Audubon, Orn. Biog. v, p. 6G. Aud. B. of Am. pi. 398. oct. ed.iii, pi. 161. This species has the head above and other upper parts uniform pale ashy brown, every feather having a narrow brownish black line, a short and obscure stripe of ashy white over the eye. No stripes on the head, as in the preceding. Under parts ashy white. Bill and feet yellowish. Total length 5 inches, wing 2J, tail 24 inches. Hah. Western North America, California, New Mexico. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philada., and Nat. Mus. Washington. Easily distinguished from the preceding by the absence of the stripes on the head, so strongly characterizing that species and smaller size. It is apparently a much more abundant species, being brought in nearly all collections from California and New Mexico. I have much pleasure in embracing the present opportunity to dedicate a bird of the United States to my esteemed friend Thomas M. Brewer, M. D., of Boston, one who to the highest abilities and social qualities adds an ardor in devotion to Ornithological science rarely paralleled. 4. ToTANUS BREViPES, Vicill. Nouv. Diet, vi, p. 410 (181G). Totanus fuliginosus, Gould, Voy. Beagle, Birds p. 130 (1841). Scolopax undulata, Forster, Desc. An. p. 173 (1844). Totanus polynesiae, Peale, Voy. Vincennes and Peacock, Birds p. 237 (1848). Totanus pulverulentus, Mviller, Verb. p. 153 (1844)? Totanus oceanicus. Lesson, Comp. aux ffiuv. de Buffon. p. 244 (1847). Tringa glareola. Pallas, Zoog. Ross. As. ii, p. 194 (1831). Pallas Zoog. Rosso-As. Birds, pi. 60. Temm. and Schl. Fauna Japon. Bird.--, pi. 65 ? About the size of or rather larger than T. flavipes. Wing long, pointed, first primary longest, secondaries short, truncate, emarginate, tertiaries long, tarsi and toes rather short, tibia feathered about two-thirds of its length. Adult. Entire upper parts, neck, breast and sides dark lead colored, uniform and without white marks ; throat, middle of abdomen, ventral region and under tail coverts white. Under wing coverts white, spotted and barred with dark lead color. A stripe of white from the base of the bill over the eye, lores brown- ish black, eye enclosed in a narrow circle of white. Quills dark brown, shaft of the first primary white on its upper surface ; shafts of the other primaries reddish brown on their upper surface, and of all on their under surfaces, white. Tail lead colored, uniform with the upper parts of the body, shafts of tail feathers lead colored above, white beneath. Bill dark, feet greenish. Younger. Upper parts as above, entire under parts transversely barred with 1856.] 41 dark ashy brown and white, the former predominating on the sides and flanks. Throat and middle of the abdomen white. Dimensions. Toto^l length (of skin) about 10 J inches, wing 6 J inches, tail 3-^ inches. Ilab. Islands in the Pacific Ocean, Washington Territory, (Dr. J. G. Cooper) Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mas. Acad. Philada. For the first time within the limits of the United States, this extensively dif- fused species has been found in Washington Territory, the extreme north west portion of this Republic, by J. G. Cooper, M. D., naturalist attached to the party which surveyed the most northern proposed route for a rail-road to the Pacific Ocean, and commanded by Hon. I. I. Stevens. It is a small species uniformly colored above, and not difficult to distinguish from any other of its genus yet discovered in the United States. This species possesses an extensive range of locality, probably including the greater part of the entire western coast of North and South America, the Sand- wich and Feejee Islands, and is very nearly allied to, if not identical with the Japanese species, figured as above in Fauna Japonica. It has, moreover, quite a redundancy of names, a portion of which we cite above. Pallas gives this species as an inhabitant of Kamtschatka and the Russian American islands. 5. Anser htperboreus, Pallas, Spicilegia Zoologica, i, pt. vi, p. 25, (ITGD.) Anas nivalis, Forster, Phil. Trans. London, Ixii, p. 413, (lYT'i.) Wilson, Am. Orn. viii, pi. 68, fig. 5. And. B. of Am. pl. 381, fig. 1, oct. ed. vi, pl. 381, fig. 1. This species is either liable to great variation in size and color of plumage, or three distinct birds have been confounded under one name. My present in- formation inclines me to the opinion that the latter is the truth ; after having collected numerous specimens now in the Museum of the Academy, and rather carefully noted the observations of northern voyagers and of naturalists attached to Arctic Expeditions. Two distinct sizes appear to be constant in the same sexes of specimens that are perfectly white, with the black tips of the primaries and the ferruginous markings on the head and face in both, and these I regard at present as distinct species. The larger is the bird described by Pallas and Forster and by all Ameri- can authors as the Snow Goose, and is much the more frequent on the Atlantic coast of North America. It is figured by the authors above cited and by others, and specimens are frequently brought to the markets of the cities, though some winters have passed in Philadelphia in which I have not noticed it. Specimens of adults and young are in the Museum of this Academy, the young being distinguished by the prevalence of a cinereous color on the upper parts of the head, neck and body. Sexes alike, female slightly smaller. Dimensions. Male. Total length (of skin) about 31 inches, wing 18^, tail 6J, bill from the tip to frontal feathers along the culmen 2^, to gape 2f, tarsus 3|^ inches. 6. Anser albatus, nobis. Form. Smaller than the preceding, bill shorter, bare space at the base of the upper mandible not extending so far into the feathers (on the sides of the bill in front.) Wing long, second quill longest, tail short but comparatively rather longer than in the preceding, which is also the case with the tarsus. Dimensions. Male. Total length (of skin) about 25 inches, wing 15|, tail 5f , bill measured along the culmen from tip to frontal feathers 2, to gape 2, tarsus 3 inches. Sexes alike, female slightly smaller. Colors. Adult. Entire plumage white, except primaries, which are pale cine- reous at base and black in the terminating two-thirds of their length. Front and cheeks spotted with ferrugiuous, bill and feet red. Uab. Western and Northern America, Oregon, rare on the Atlantic. A single specimen from Oregon is in the collection of the Exploring Expedi- tion in the Vincennes and Peacock, and four specimens, which occurred in pairs, have come under my notice in the market at Philadelphia in the course of twenty years. These five specimens are all that I have seen of this species, and it is 42 [February, very probably of rare occurrence on the coast of the Atlantic in this latitude, much more so than the preceding. The four specimens alluded to, which are a pair of adults and a pair of young, are now in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. The third species, confounded by authors with the preceding, is : t. Anser cceetjlescens (Linn.) Anas coerulescens, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 198, (1766.) Edwards, Birds, iii. pi. 152. Wilson, Am. Orn. viii. pi. 69, fig. 5. Aud. B. of Am. pi. 381, fig. 2, oct. ed. \i. pi. 381, fig. 2. This bird is figured and described by both Wilson and Audubon, as the young of Anser hyperboreus, but neither of them appear to me to have done so on any sufiBcient information, as may, I think, readily be inferred from their articles on that species. That it is not the young of either of the preceding species is my conclusion, being, as I believe, acquainted with the young of both. The figure given by Edwards as above, represents, apparently, the young of this species, and those of Wilson and Audubon a more mature stage of plumage, if not adult. This bird was known to the earlier naturalists, having been named by Linnaeus as above, in 1766, and before him by Brisson in 1760. Both, how- ever, probably described on the faith of Edwards' figure, which was published in 1748. Pennant apparently does not, but gives a sufficient description of this species under the name of "Blue winged Goose" in Arctic Zoology, ii, p. 269, (1792.) If this bird is the 3"0ung of Anser hyporborens, which I deem very improbable, its specific name as above is the proper designation of the species, having priority over Pallas' Anser hyperboreus, or Forster's Anas nivalis (Phil. Trans. London, Ixii. p. 413, 1772,) which are synonymes. It is of rare occurrence on the coast of the Atlantic, in the latitude of New Jersey, though stated to be abundant in the Arctic regions. Specimens in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy. A Synopsis of Entozoa and some of their Ecto-congeners observed by the Author. By Joseph Leidy, M.D. PROTHELMINTHA. 1. BoDO RANARTTM Ehrcnberg. Abundant in the intestines of different species of frogs and toads. 2. BoDO HELicis Diesing. Cryjytobia hdicis Leidy, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., iii, 101. Cryptoicus helicis Leidy, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., 2d ser., i, 67. Bodo helicis Diesing. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 284. 3. BoDO coLUBRORUM Hammcrsclimidt. In the cloaca of Tropidonotus sirlalis. 4. BoDO JULiDis Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., V, 100; Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, 2d ser., x, 244. 5. BoDO MUSCARUM Leidy. Frequent in the intestine of the house fly, 3Iusca domestica, in immense quantity. 6. Bodo melolonth.k Leidy. Body spherical; diameter .00449 to .0112 mm. Tail simple, about the length of the diameter of the body. Found in the intestine of Melolontha quercina and 31. brunnea. 7. BuRSAUiA iNTESTiNALis Ehrcnlj. In the intestine of liana pipiens. 8. Leucophrts stryatis Dujardin. Leucopkrys. Leidy, Journ. A. N. S., 2d ser., ii, 49. In the liquids of the body of Enchytraeus. 1856.] 43 9. Leucophrys clavata Leidj. Journ. A. N. S., 2d ser., ii, 50 ; iii, 144. Found in the Liimbriculus limosus, and L. tenuis. 10. Leucophrys cochlearipormis Leidy. Journ. A. N. S., 2d ser., iii, 144. Found in the intestine of Lumbriculus tenuis. 11. Leucophrys socialis Leidy. Cordate, ovate, oval, pyriform, or globular, contractile, active, with one or many internal vacuoles ; striated, ciliated. Length .036 to .045 mm., breadth .03 mm. Found very frequently and abundantly within the stomach of the remarkable bryozoon Urnatella gracilis. (Pr. A. N. S., vii, 191.) 12. Nyctotherus velox Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., T, 233 ; Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, 2d ser., x, 244. From the large intestine of Julus marginatus. 13. Nyctotherus ovalis Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., v, 100; Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, 2d ser., x, 244. From the intestine of the common cockroach, Blatta orientalis. 14. Albertia? pellucidus Leidy. Anelcodiscus pellucidus Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 28*7. MYZELMINTHA. 15. ? MoNOSTOMUM iNCOMMODUM Leidy. Body compressed, above convex, below concave, sides parallel, anteriorly convex, posteriorly angularly convex. Head continuous with the body, obliquely truncated. Mouth round, surrounded with a wide circular lip which is emarginate below. Male generative aperture ? com- municating with a hemispherical cavity (acetabulum?) one fourth the length of the body from the head. Length 9 lines, breadth 1^ lines. Five specimens were obtained from the fauces of the Alligator mississipiensis, in Florida, by Prof. J. W. Bailey, of West Point. Is it probably a species of Distomum, with the ventral acetabulum emersed within the body ? 16. MoNOSTOMUM ORNATUM Leidy. Body slightly compressed ovoidal, anteriorly broad ; yellow variegated with brownish red. Mouth infero-terminal, acetabuli- form, transversely oval. Penis conical, protruding a short distance below the mouth. Female aperture a short distance below the penis. Length 1 to 1 J lines, breadth J to | of a line, thickness ^- to | a line. A dozen specimens were obtained from the abdominal cavity of Ranapipiens. 17. MoNOSTOMUM renicapite Leidy. Body depressed, lateral margins parallel, an- teriorly and posteriorly rounded, above convex, below concave. Head formed by a transverse, reniform callosity. Mouth transversely crescentic, surrounded with a double lip. Penis a small conical tubercle. Length from ^ an inch to 1 inch, breadth \i lines. Numerous specimens were obtained by Prof. Agassiz from the intestine of Sphargus coriacea. 18. ? MoNOSTOMUM MOLLE Leidy. Body depressed, elongated elliptical, posteriorly convex. Head ? mouth ? Length 9 lines, breadth 2 lines. I have found two specimens, of what I suspect to be a species of Monostomum in the lungs of two individuals of Siernotherus odoratus The species is so soft that in the removal of the specimens I mutilated both, and since then I have been unable to find others. 19. DiSTOMUM lanceolatum Mehlis. Reported to exist in the sheep, Capra aries ; the ox. Bos taurus ; and the hog, Sus scrofa. Stated to be frequent in the sheep, in several of the Western States. 20. DiSTOMUM HEPATICUM. In the hepatic ducts of the Cervus virginianus. Though I have never seen 44 [February, specimens from the source given, yet I think there is little doubt of its existence, from the circumstance that sportsmen and hunters have frequently informed me, they had seen leeches in the liver of the deer, which they supposed the animal had swallowed in drinking. Also reported to exist in the ox, Bos taurus, and in the horse, Equus caballus. 21. DiSTOMUM VARiABiLE Lcidy. Var. a. Body white, variegated with black in the course of the oviduct, clavate, posteriorly obtuse, minutely echinated. Neck long, narrow, cylindrical, echinated. Oral and ventral acetabula nearly equal ; the latter one prominent, situated at the base of the neck. Length to 6 lines ; breadth of body J a line. Var. b. Body flattened ovate, continuous with the head, anteriorly narrowed, posteriorly obtuse, color and echination as in the preceding variety. Length 2^ lines, breadth 2 lines. Variety a is found attached to the sides of the cavity of the lungs of Tro- pidonotus sipedon, singly or in groups up to six, with the head and neck buried in tumors, as in the case of the attachment of Echinorhynchi. Variety b is found detached in the mucus of the lungs and trachea. Common ; obtained in De- cember, when the water snakes were hybernating. 22. DiSTOMUM HORRiDUM Leidy. Distoma horridum Leidy, Journ. A. N. S., 2d ser., i, 303. From the excretory duct of the kidneys of the Boa constrictor. 23. DiSTOMUM VARIEGATUM Rud. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 207. From the lungs of Rana pipiens. 24. DiSTOMUM RETUSUM Dug. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 207. From the intestine of Rana halecina. 25. DiSTOMUM CYGNOiDES Zcdcr. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 207. From the urinary bladder of Rana pipiens, R. palustris, R. halecina; Salaman- dra maculata, S. rubra, S. salmonea. 26. DiSTOMUM LONGUM Lcidy. Pr. A. N. S., V, 206. From the mouth of Esoz estor. 21. DiSTOMUM TERRETICOLLE Rud. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 206. From the stomach of Esox reticulatus. 28. DiSTOMUM iNCiviLE Leidy. Body flat, elongated elliptical ; echinated be- tween the oral and ventral acetabula, which are equal, and the latter one is hemispherical and sessile. Length 2 J to 3 lines, breadth 3-5ths to 4-5ths of a line. Obtained from the intestine of Leiostomus oUiquus. 29. DiSTOMUM CLAVATUM ? Rud. Body pyriform, transversely annulated, pli- cated. Neck curved conical, 3 lines long. Ventral acetabulum oblique, pro- minent, at the base of the neck, 3 lines in diameter, with a circular aperture much larger than the mouth. Length 1 inch, breadth 4 lines. One specimen in the collection of the Academy. Locality unknown. 30. DiSTOMUM VAGANS Leidy. Distoma hdicis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., iii, 220. Distornum pericardium Creplin, Arch. f. Naturg. xv, 78. Distoma wigans Leidy, Journ. A. N. S., 2d ser., i, 304. Cercariaeum helicis alternatce Diesing, Rev. d. Cere. 24. Cercariacum vagans Diesing,'Rev. d. Cere. 24. Found in Ueliz alternata and in H. albolabris. 1856.] 45 CLINOSTOMUM Leidy. Head shorter than, and separated from the body by a lateral constriction op- posite the ventral acetabulum, compressed semi-oval. Body compressed oval. Mouth anterior. Ventral acetabulum, large, hemispherical, immersed within the commencement of the body, and having a truncated conical aperture with the apex posterior. A terminal pore to the body. 31. Clinostomum gracile Leidy. Head semi-ovoid, anteriorly obliquely trun- cated. Mouth transversely oval, with a prominent margin and a second border, which is slightly emarginate below. Body compressed oblong, oval, convex above, concave below, obtuse posteriorly, acetabulum larger, immersed between the head and body. Length to 3 lines, breadth to 1 line. Found in the intestine of Esox - , and within cysts in the gills, fins, and muscles of Pomotis vulgaris. 32. CiiiNOSTOMUM DUBiuM Leidy. Head compressed oval, convex anteriorly ; mouth minute, not bordered. Body compressed oblong oval. Ventral acetabu- lum immersed between the body and head. Length 2^ lines, breadth | of a line. From the intestine of Rusticola minor. 33. HoLOSTOMUM CORNU Nitzsch. Found in the small intestine of Ardea herodias. 34. HoLOSTOMtJM NiTiDUM Lcidy. Body divided by a constriction at the an- terior third, every where echinatod. Head ovoidal ; mouth terminal, round, opening iuto a cup-shaped pharynx. Body compressed oblong oval, variegated white with yellow. Length to I} lines, breadth 2-5ths of a line. Two specimens were obtained from the small intestine of Rana pijnens. 35. DiPLODiscus SUBCLAVATUS Diesiug. Found in the intestine of Rana pipiens. 36. DiPLOSTOMUM CUTICOLA Dicsing. Head elongated elliptical, excavated in- feriorly, obtusely angular, much longer than the body. Mouth small, round, pharynx oval, gizzard oval. Generative apertures hemispherical, situated just posterior to the middle. Body ovoid, with a terminal excretory pore. Length from l-5th to ^ of a line. Contained in oval sacs about 2 a line in length. Found in great number in the liver of Pomotis vulgaris. 0*1. AspiDOGASTER coNCHicoLA Baer. Leidy, Pr. A. .IST. S., v, 224. 38. Malacobdella grossa Blain. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 209. CEPHALOCOTYLEA. 39. Cysticercus fasciolaris Rud. Common in the liver of the rat, ilus decumanus. 40. Cysticercus cellulos. Rud. Occasionally in the muscles of the hog, Sus scrofa. 41. Cysticercus tenuicollis Rud. Occasionally in the liver of the hog, Sus scrofa, and in the mesentery of the sheep, Capra aries. 42. Cysticercus elonoatus Leuck. in cysts, in the peritoneum of the european domestic rabbit, Lepus cuniculus. 43. EcHiNOCOOCus granulosus Rud. Echinococais polymorphus Diesing. From a cyst, of about three inches in diameter, lietween the muscles on the right side of the abdomen, in an English sailor boy ; and also in two large 46 [February, cysts in the liver of a Frenchmau. I have never met with this parasite in the Anglo-American. In three large cysts in the liver of a large species of monkey (species unknown) ; the specimen being preserved in the collection of the Uni- versity. 44. COENURUS CEREBRALIS Rud. In the sheep, Capra aries. 45. T^NiA SOLIUM Lin. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., ix, 443. 46. T^NiA LATiCEPHALA Leidy. Ibidem. 47. TAENIA SERRATA GOCZC. Ibidem. 48. T^NIA OUCUMERINA Bloch. Ibidem. 49. T^NiA EiiLiPTiCA Batsch. Ibidem. 50. T^NIA CRASSICOLLIS Rud. Ibidem. 51. TAENIA P0SILLA Goeze. Ibidem. 52. T^NiA PECTiNATA Gocze. Ibidem. 53. T^NiA BACiLLARis ? Goeze. Ibidem. 54. Ta:nia pestifera Leidy. Ibidem. 55. T.BNiA Strigis ACADica;. Ibidem, 444. 56. TAENIA VARIABILIS ? Rud. Ibidem. 57. T^NiA DISPAR Goeze. Taenia pulchdla Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 241. Txnia dispar Goeze. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., ix, 444. 58. T^NiA LACTEA Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., ix, 444. 59. TiENiA GiBBOSA Leidy. Ibidem. GO. DlBOTHRIUM PCNCTATUM Rud. Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., ix, 444. 61. Sparganum beptans Diesing. Ligula reptans Diesing, Syst. Helm, i, 581. Ligula tritonis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 96. Sparyanum affi^ne Diesing, Verth. d. Cephalocot. 20. 62. DiBOTHRiORHYNCHUS ABDiTus Leidy. Head continuous with the neck, apex convex and emarginate. Bothria 2, lateral continuous above, oval, with the lateral margins involute. Proboscides filiform, projecting \\ lines from the head. Neck tffinia-form, widening posteriorly. Body constricted from the neck, nar- rower and longer, taiuia-form, narrowing posteriorly and ending in au obtusely angular extremity. Length of head and neck 6 lines, breadth posteriorly 1 line ; length of body 7 lines, breadth 3-5ths of a line. 1856.] 47 Four speciraeas were found in a large cream-colored liver, which had beeu left upon a stall in our fish market. I could not ascertain the species of fish from which it had been obtained, but I suspect it to be the halibut, Ilippoglossas vulgaris. Each worm was closely coiled up at the bottom of a long clavate sac, which was composed of three distinct membranes. The first membrane adhered to the structure of the liver in which it was imbedded, beneath the peritoneum. The second membrane was transparent, crisp, and shining. The third one was milk-white, soft, and contractile ; and it presented a delicate, tortuous, white opaque line extending the length on each side. After opening the third mem- brane, beneath water, the worm gradually crept out of its own accord. 63. Phntastomum subcylindricum Diesing. Pentastomum. Didelpkidis virginianw Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 9G. In cysts of the liver of the opossum, Didelphis virginiana. 64. Pentastomum euryzonum Diesing. In the liver of Cynocephalus porcarius. 65. Pextastomum proboscideum Rud. In the lungs of the Boa constrictor. 66. Pextastomum gracile Diesing. Body sub-clavate, incurved, most nar- rowed anteriorly, annular, not plicated, with the margins of the annuli mici-os- copically denticulated. Head obtuse, bothria subterminal, elevated, each with two hooks, of which the upper one is the smaller. Mouth elevated, conical, in the focus of the semicircle formed by the bothria. Length from 3 to 4 lines, breadth J of a line. Eleven specimens were obtained by Jos. Jones from the stomach of the .4/- ligator mississipiensi-s. RHYNGODEA. 67. Greoarina Juli marginati. G-regarina larvala Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., iv, 232. Gregarina Juli marginati. Leidy, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, 2a , x, 237. 63. Gregarina Juli pusili. Leidy, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, 2a ser., .v, 23R. 69. Gregarina Polydesmi virginiensis. Ibidem. 70. Gregarina Passali corn tin. Ibidem. 71. Gregarina Achbt^ abbreviat.*;. Ibidem. 72. Gregarina Locust.e carolin.e. Ibidem, 239. 73. Gregarina blattarum Siebold. Gregarina Blattce orientalis. Leidy, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, 2d ser., x, 239. 74. Gregarina Scarabei reucti. Gregarina. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 208. Gregarina Scarabei relicti. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 287. 75. Gregarina Melalonth.e brunne^. Body oblong oval ; head oblate spheroidal, slightly elevated at the summit. Single and in pairs. Length of body .405 mm, breadth .252 mm; length of head .108 mm, breadth .144 mm. Found in the intestine of Melalontha brunnca. 76. Gregarina Nereidis dbnticulat.^. Leidy, Journ. A. N. S., 2d ser., iii, 144. 48 [Fkbruary. 11. ECHINORHYNCHUS OVATUS Lcidj. Pr. A. N. S., T, 9*7, (1850.) Echi/norhifnchiis campanulalus Diesing, Syst. Helm, ii, 21, (1851.) From the small intestine of Felis leopardus. 78. ECHINORHYNCHUS GIGAS GoeZC. Small intestine of the hog, Sus scrofa. 79. ECHINORHYNCHUS MICROCEPHALUS Rud. Echinorhynchus tortuosus Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 97. Found in the mesentery of Didelphis virginiana. 80. EcHiNounYNCHUs STRiATUS Goezc. Body cylindro-clavate, anteriorly minutely echinated. Proboscis obovate, with 12 to 15 circles of hooks. Neck short, conical, unarmed. Length to 10 lines ; breadth anteriorly L} lines. Color, orange. Several specimens were obtained by Jos. Jones from the intestine of Tantalus loculator. 81. ECHINORHYNCHUS MANIFESTUS Lcidy. Echinorhynchus Pici collaris. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 98. Body slightly com- pressed cylindroid, most dilated anteriorly, obtuse posteriorly, transversely corrugated. Proboscis subpyriform, with the rounded apex armed with 3 or 4 rows of hooks. Neck a simple linear constriction. Length 8 lines to an inch. Several specimens were found in the intestine of Picus collaris. 82. ECHINORHYNCHUS HAMULATUS Leidy. Echinorhynchus emydis. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 207. Body long, white, sub-cla- vate, curved. Proboscis sub-globular, with a single row of strong hooks and a few rudimental booklets. Length 2 to 14 lines, breadth to ^ of a line. Frequent in the intestine of Emys geograjMca, E. insculpta, E. guttata, and E. ^errata. From several individuals of the latter species, Mr. Joseph Jones ob- tained more than a hundred specimens. 83. Echinorhynchus acus Rud. Intestine of Morrhua americana. 84. Echinorhynchus proteus Westrumb. Pr. A. N. S., V, 208. Intestine of Labrax lineatus. 85. Echinorhynchus globulosus? Rud. Echinorhynchus lateralis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 207. Body sub-fusiform, most narrowed posteriorly. Proboscis cylindrical, projecting laterally, furnished with 12 to 14 rows of hooks. Neck very short. Length to 1 inch, breadth to two- fifths of a line. Intestine of Salmo fontinalis ; obtained by Prof. Baird and Prof. Agassiz. 86. Echinorhynchus angustatus? Rud. Echinorhi/nchus socialis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 156. Body cylindroid, narrow- ing posteriorly, frequently dilated anteriorly. Proboscis cylindrical, with 26 rows of hooks. Neck very short, conical, unarmed. Length from 6 lines to 21 inches, breadth to f of a line. Frequent in the intestine of Platessa plana. NEMATOIDEA. 87. Trichina spiralis Owen. Occasional in the Anglo-american. 88. Trichina afkinis Diesing. Trichina spiralis Owen. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., iii, 108. Observed in the muscles of the hog, Sus scrofa. 89. Anguillula aceti Ehrenberg. 1856.] 49 Common in ordinary cider vinegar. 90. Anguillula glutinis Ehrenberg. Common in paste of wheat, rye, tragacanth, &c. 91. Anguillula socialis Leidy. Oxyuris socialis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 102. Found in the intestine of the black cricket, Acheta abbreviaia. 92. Anguillula longa Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., V, 225. Found in ditches near Philadelphia^ 93. Anguillula fossularis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., V, 226. Found in stagnant ponds near Philadelphia. 94. Amblyura sbrpentulus ? Hemp, et Ehrenb. Anguillula longicauda Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 225. Mouth with cirri {error in the previous observation and description). Tail long, subulate ; suctorial disk ex- ceedingly minute, clavate. Length to one-fortieth of an inch. Common about gutters and water spouts in Philadelphia. 95. Hystrignathus rigidus Leidy. Pr. A. N, S., V, 102 ; Flora and Fauna within Liv. An. 4-1. PONTONEMA Leidy. Body capillary, narrowing towards the extremities. Head continuous with the body, truncated, or obtuse and surmounted with angular papilla?, cirrated. Eyes none. Tail obtuse. Generative aperture ventral, near the middle of the body. (Esophagus long, cylindro-clavate ; gizzard none, intestine straight, capacious ; anus ventral and posterior. 96. PoNTONEMA VACILLATUM Lcidy. Jour. A. N. S., 2d ser. iii, 144. Body cylindroid, anteriorly with longitudinal rows of short cirri in addition to those of the head ; posteriorly incurved ; tail short, thick, conical, obtuse. Length to 9 lines, breadth to one-fifth of a line. Found on the sea shore of Rhode Island, beneath stones, between tides. 97. PoNTONEMA MARINUM Lcidy. Jour. A. N, S., 2d ser., iii, 144. Body cylindroid ; head convex ; mouth surrounded with angular papillaj. Cirri 4, at the side of the head. Tail long, narrow, coni- cal, obtuse. Length to 3 lines. Found at the bottom of a sound on the coast of New Jersey. POTAMONEMA Leidy. Body filiform, narrowing towards the extremities. Head continuous with the body, slightly dilated, obtuse. Mouth large, infundibuliform, unarmed; oeso- phagus narrow, flexuous, membranous, gradually expanding into a capacious, straight, cylindrical intestine ; anus none ? or exceedingly indistinct. Caudal ex- tremity obtuse. Generative aperture of the female near the middle of the body. 98. PoTAMONEMA NiTiDUM Lcidy. Body cylindroid, most narrowed anteriorly. Head without appendages. Caudal extremity broad, obtusely conical. Length 5 lines, breadth one-fifth of a line. An active, wriggling, glistening white worm, found among beds of Valisneria americana, growing in the river Schuylkill, near Philadelphia. NEMA Leidy. Body ascaridiform. Head without appendages. Mouth unarmed, large, in- fundibuliform, oesophagus tubular, membranous, expanding into a simple straight intestine ; anus ventral. Tail conical, acute, recurved. Generative aperture near the middle of the body. 50 [FebruarYj, 99. Nema vacilans Leidy. Body white, glistening. Length Ij millemetreSj. breadth .050 mm. Tail .115 mm. long. An active wriggling worm, found about some dead specimens of a black Phry- ganea^ which was infested with a fungus parasite, and attached to stones at the water's edge of a small brook near Philadelphia. 100. Stbeptostomdm agile Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., iVy 230 ; v, 285 ; Flora and Fauna within Liv. An. 45. Aorurus Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., iv, 230 ; t, 284. 101. Streptostomum gracilb Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., It, 100 ; v, 285 ; Flora and Fauna, 46, In parte Oxyuris Diesingii Hammerschmidt, Isis, 354, (1848). In parte Oxyuris Blattce orientalis Hammerschmidt, Naturw. Ab. v. Haid., i., 284, la parte Anguillula macrura Diesing, Syst. Helm, ii, 134. 102. Thelastomum attenuatdm Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., iv.^ 231 ; v, 285 ; Flora and Fauna, within Liv. An. 46, Aorurus Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., iv, 230 ; v, 284. 103. Thelastomum appendiculatum Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., V, 101 ; ib. 285 ; Flora and Fauna, 4'?. In parte Oxyuris Blattce orientalis Hammerschmidt, Naturw. Ab. v. Haid,, i., 284, la parte Anguillula macrura Diesiag, Syst. Helm, ii, 134. 104. Thelastompm labiatum Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., T, 101 ; ib. 285 ; Flora and Fauna, 47. 105. Thelastomum kobustum Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., T, 101 ; ib. 285 ; Flora aud Fauna, 48. Thelastomum brevicaudatum? Leidy, Pr, A. N. S., v, 208 ; ibidem. 106. Thelastomum venustum Leidy. Body of female fusiform, straight, with the tail loag, narrow, conical, straight, acute. Body of male iacurved, with the tail short, depressed, ending in a recurved subulate point, and having a pair of oblong lobes or alae, extending the length ventrally. Generative and anal apertures terminating together abruptly. Penis a curved, conical, acute spicu- lum. Length of female to 2 ^ lines, breadth to one-fifth of a line ; length of male to 1 line, breadth ^ of a line. Found in great number within the large intestine of Testudo polyphemus. Ob- tained by Mr. Joseph Jones in Georgia. It is a singular fact, that this species is infested with vegetable parasites, as ia the case of those fouad ia myriapods and iasects. lOT. ASCARIS VERMIC0LARIS Liu. This species is the most common of all the parasitic worms, in the anglo-ameri- can. 108. ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES Lin. This species is the second of the most commoa of parasitic worms ia the anglo- araericaa. Ia the University museum, there is a preparation of the liver of a boy, in which a number of individuals of this worm have forced themselves into the divisions of the hepatic duct. Frequent also ia the small iatestiaes of the hog, Sus scrofa. 109. ASCARIS LEPTOPTERA Rud. Ascaris Felis discoloris Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 155. Fouad ia the small intestiae of the panther, Felis concolor. 110. Ascaris mystax Rud. Commoa ia the domestic cat, Felis catus. 111. AaCARIS MARGINATA Rud. Frequeat iu the dog, Cants familiarit. 156.] 51 112. AscAEis coMTMNARis Leidy. Ascaris alienata Rud. Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 205. Body very uniformly cylin- drical until within a short distance of the extremities. Head naked ; lips promi- nent. Tail short, conical, obtuse, in the male incurved. Length of female 4 inches, breadth 1^ lines ; length of male 2 inches, breadth ^ a line. Two specimens, male and female, were found in the intestine of Mephitis chinga^ 113. Ascaris L^\^s Leidy. Body cylindrical, narrowing at the extremities. Head naked ; lips prominent. Tail conical, mucronate. Length of female SJ inches, breadth 1^ lines. Male not seen. A single specimen was obtained by Mr. Packard, from the intestine of Arcto- mys monax, 114. Ascaris tentaculata Rud. Found in the intestine of Didelphis virginiancL 115. Ascaris vesicularis Frolich. Common in the coecum of the turkey Meleagris gallopavo^ ajid of the fowl, Phasianus gallus. '116. Ascaris tnfiexa Rud. Common in the small intestine of the fowl, Phasianus gallue. 117. Ascaris serpentulus Rud. One female, 1 J inches long, was obtained by Mr. Schafhirt from the intestine of Ardea molacea. 118. Ascaris longa Leidy. Body most narrowed anteriorly, and only slightly so at the posterior fourth. Head naked, subacute ; lips slightly prominent. Tail obtusely rounded, with the anus forming a transverse, subcrescentic iissure nearly at its extremity. Length of the female 9 inches, breadth 1^- lines. Male not seen, A single specimen was obtained by Mr. Joseph Jones, from the intestine of Tantalus loculator, in Georgia. 119. Ascaris tenuicolms Rud, Frequent in the stomach and intestine of the Alligator mississipiensis. 120. Ascaris anoura Dujardin. Eight specimens were obtained from the intestine of Coluber constrictor. The females measure up to 6 inches in length by 1 line in breadth ; the males 3J inches in length by f of a line in breadth. Six specimens, apparently of this species were sent to me by Prof. Agassiz, They were obtained with nearly a pint of others, from the intestine of tbe Boa constrictor. I do not feel positive that they are really of the same species, as the specimens are too badly pre- served to ascertain the fact correctly ; but the size and details of form agree pretty closely. 121. Ascaris nuda Leidy. Body most narrowed anteriorly. Head naked, with the epidermis closely adherent ; lips large, oblong. Tail short, incurved, conical, minutely mucronate. Length of female 2 to 2J inches, breadth ;| to J a line. Male not seen. Two females were obtained from the intestine of Crotalus adamanteus^ by Mr. Schafhirt. Is this probably the same as the last species ? 122. Ascaris humilis Leidy. Body cylindroid, recurved, white. Head ob- tuse, naked ^ mouth trilobed ? pharyngeal apparatus none ; oesophagus pestle- form. Tail substraight, conical, acTite. Length 2 lines, breadth one-tenth of a line. ^ Eight specimens were dbtained from the lungs of Tropidonotus sirtalis, in De- cember. 123. Ascaris entomelas Leidy. Proc. A. N. S., V, 206. From, the lungs of Eana haleaina. 52 [February, 124. AscARis ACUTA Muller. A single male, 14 lines long and J of a line broad, was obtained from the in- testine of Platessa plana. 125. AscARis NE6LECTA Leidj. Body cylindro-fusiform, most narrowed an- teriorly. Head naked ; lips large, obtuse. Tail short, conical, acute. Length of female 2 inches, breadtli three-fifths of a line ; male abont half the size. Twelve specimens were obtained by Prof. Baird, from the intestine of Diodon maculo-striatus. 126. AscARis CLATATA Rud. Head with a linear ridge On cach sidc. Tail short, conical, incurved, mucronate ; in the female with a linear ridge extending for- ward on each side. Length of female to 3^ inches, breadth f of a line ; length of male to 2 inches, breadth to J a line. Numerous specimens were obtained by Prof. Agassiz from the intestine of Morrhua pruinosa, and I have obtained others from the intestine of Morrhua americana. 12*7. AscARis CYLiNDRicA Leidy. Angiostomum ? cylindricum Diesing, Syst. Helm, ii, 559. Ascaris crflindrica Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., iv, 229. Body cylindroid, equally at- tenuated towards the extremities, curved. Mouth distinctly trilabiate. Tail narrow, conical, curved, acute. Female generative aperture just jiosterior to the middle. Length four-fifths of a line, breadth one-twelfth of a line. Found in the intestine of Helix alternata. No cartilaginous pharynx as in Angiostovmm I 128. Ascaris infecta Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., iv, 229 ; Faun, and Flora within Liv. An. 42. Found in the ventriculus of Julus marginatus. 129. Stnplecta pendula Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., V, 240. From the stomach of Emys guttata. 130. OxYiTRis coMPAR Leidy. Body fusiform ; head continuous with the body, subacute, with a dilatation of the epidermis ; mouth small. Tail of female long, subulate, spirally contorted ; the generative aperture one-fifth the length of the body from the head. Length of female 4 to 7 lines, breadth J of a line ; length of tail from the anus 1^ lines. Seventeen specimens were found in company with others of Tcenia crasskollis in the small intestine of the cat, Felis catus. QEsophagus long, pestle-form ; gizzard globulo-pyriform ; intestine dilated at the commencement, afterwards cylindrical. Males were not seen. 131. OXYURIS CCRVULA Rud. Litestine of the horse, Equus cahallus. 132. ? OxYURis DUBiA Leidy. Body fusiform, curved. Head continnons with the body, naked. Mouth unarmed. Female generative aperture about the middle of the body. Tail abruptly narrowed, acutely conical. Length of female li lines, breadth |^ of a line. Male not seen. Found in the coecum oi Bufo americanus, and of Salamandra rubra. SPIRONOURA Leidy. Body cylindroid, attenuated at the extremities. Head continuous with the body. Mouth round, surrounded by a circular papillated lip. Caudal extremity of male spiral, acute, tuberculate, with the two spicula of the penis curved, ensi- form, costate ; of the female conical, acute, with the generative aperture at the posterior third of the body. 133. Spiroxoura gracile Leidy. Body of female incurved ; that of male spiral posteriorly. Head naked ; mouth with a circular lip of 6 papillae. Tail of female long, calcarate, acute : of male, with two rows each of three tubercles. Spicula 1856.] ^B ecimen was obtained by Mr. Schaf hirt from the intestine of Ficus colaris. 155. Agamonema capsularia? Diesing. Body slender, most narrowed an- teriorly. Mouth small, circular, surrounded by an undivided lip. Tail short, obtusely conical, minutely mucronate. Length 5 to 10 lines, breadth from \ to \ of a line. Found free in the intestine of Centropristes nigricans, Clupea elongata , and Alosa sapidksima. Also free in the intestine and pancreatic coeca of Morrhua ameri- cana ; and larger specimens : 1 inch in length and ^ of a line in breadth, coiled up within sacs of the peritoneum in the same fish. 156. Agamonema papilligerum? Diesing. Body cylindrical, most narrowed anteriorly, posteriorly obtusely conical. Mouth surrounded by four papillaj ; anus terminal. Length to 4i inches, breadth two-fifths of a line. One specimen was obtained from the abdominal cavity of -Eaoz 157. FiLARiA MEDiNENSis Gmelin. Filaria hominis oris? Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 117. A specimen is preserved in the collection of the Academy, and was recently brought from Western Africa, by Dr. J. L. Burtt, U. S. N., who obtained it from the leg of a white soldier. 158. Filaria papillosa Rud. Intestine of the ox, Bos taurus. 159. Filaria immitis Leidy. Filaria Canis cordis Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 118. Body cylindrical, obtusely rounded at the extremities. Mouth small, round, unarmed. Caudal extremity of male spiral, with a row of five tubercles and a narrow ala upon each side. Penis protruding a short distance above the anus. Length of female to 10 inches, breadth to 5 a line ; length of male to 5 inches, breadth ^ of a line. Mr. Joseph Jones recently presented to me two specimens of the heart of the dog, in the right ventricle of one of which there were five of the Filarice ]\xsi de- scribed. In the other specimen, the right auricle and ventricle, and the pulmo- nary artery in its ramifications through the lungs are literally stuffed with Filarial. A portion of the blood of this dog, given to me by Mr. Jones, contains a great number of the young of the Filaria. In relation to the symptoms which accompanied the presence of these worms in the heart while the dogs were living, Mr. Jones has furnished the following notes : The heart containing the five worms, was taken from a male pointer dog, whose appetite was voracious and insatiable, and notwithstanding he was abundantly supplied with food, he remained in a very lean condition. The heart and lungs containing great numbers of worms was from a cur dog, who was always so thin as to resemble a skeleton ; and it was impossible to benefit his condition with the most liberal supply of food. Both dogs were of an exceeding- ly restless disposition. They did not die in consequence of the presence of the Filarice, but were killed in the course of some physiological experiments. 160. ? Filaria dubia Leidy. Bodj^ cylindroid, narrowed towards the extremi- ties, rolled in a transverse spiral. Head continuous with the body, naked. Mouth minutely papillated. Tail acute. Length 9 lines, breadth ^ of a line. Nine specimens were contained within two globular sacs of the gastric mucous membrane of the Albatross, Diomedea exulans, the preparation having been ob- tained in the South Atlantic, by Dr. W. S. W. Ruschenberger, U. S. N. The sacs also contained each a brown globular body about 3J lines in diameter, divided by lines into quarters, intersected by transverse corrugations. At one pole of these enigmatic bodies was an elliptical aperture, and at the opposite pole a small conical tail-like appendage. C>ne of the bodies being cut open, ex- 56 [February, hibited no regularity of structure. The Filarice were situated between the globular bodies and the walls of the sacs containing them. 161. FiLARiA ATTENUATA? Rud. Body Cylindrical, conical at the extremities. Head convex ; mouth round, unarmed. Caudal extremity of male incurved. Tail short, obtusely conical. Length of female 4 inches, breadth J of a line ; length of male 2 inches, breadth one-fifth of a line. Five specimens were obtained by Prof. Baird from the abdominal cavity of Sturnella ludoviciana. Two female Filarice having the same form as the above, 5 inches in length and i a line in breadth, were obtained by Prof. Baird from the adominal cavity of Colaptes auratus. 162. FiLARiA BiSPiNOSA Dicsing. Filarice Boce constrictoris Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 118. Found beneath the skin of the Boa constrictor. 163. FiLAKiA ciSTUDiNis. Body capillary, spirally involute, attenuated at the extremities. Head and tail obtusely rounded. Mouth unarmed. Anus termi- nal. Length li inches, breadth ^ of a line. One specimen was obtained by Mr. Schaf hirt from the heart of Cistudo Carolina. 164. FiLARiA AMPHiuMiE. Body cylindroid, attenuated towards the extremi- ties, spirally coiled, anteriorly truncate, posteriorly acute. Length 6 lines, breadth one-fifth of a line. Numerous specimens were found coiled up in the parietes of the stomach of Amphiuma raeans, the individual of which had been so long preserved in alcohol, that the characters of the worms could be partially determined only. 165. FiLARiA NiTiDA Leidy. Body filiform. Mouth large, round, unarmed ; oesophagus one-fourth the length of the body ; intestine straight, capacious, with a short narrow rectum ; anus terminal with a short tubular prolongation. Tail sub-distinct, conical. Color red. Length to 5 lines, breadth one-twelfth of a line. Found coiled up in oval cysts in the peritoneum and abdominal muscles of the Kami pipiens. 166. FiLARiA SOLITARIA Leidy. Mouth transverse, sub-elliptical, papillated. Caudal extremity obtusely rounded. Anus terminal. Length to 2 inches, breadth ^ of a line. Coiled up in cysts between the tunics of the stomach and intestines of Fmys strrata and Chelonura serpentina. Obtained by Mr. Joseph Jones, in Georgia. 167. FiLARiA RUBRA Lcidy. Capillary, anteriorly truncated, posteriorly ob- tusely conical, dark brownish red in color. Mouth transverse, slightly bilabiate ; lips papillated. Anus terminal, transverse, crescentic. Length to 4i inches, breadth \ of a line. Frequently found in considerable number in the peritoneal cavity of Labrax lineatus, during the winter. 168. FiLARiA QUADRiTUBERCULATA Leidy. Body capillary, red in color, ante- riorly conical, unarmed ; mouth circular, with an elevated, non-papillated, circular lip. Caudal extremity incurved, conical, ending in a minute conical papilla, and having on each side a pair of minute tubercles. Length 4 inches, breadth J of a line. A single specimen was found by Mr. Schaf hirt in the muscles of the back of Anguilla vulgaris. 169. GoRDius VARius Leidy. Pr. A. N. S., V, 262, (1851). Gordius aquaticus of American authors. Gordius tricuspidatus ? Siebold, Zeits. f. Wiss. Zool. vii, 143 (1855). Body long, linear, cylindrical, attenuated towards the extremities ; narrowest ante- riorly ; passing through a variety of shades from a dusky yellowish white or 1856.] 57 cream color, to a dusky ochreous yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown, light chocolate to dark chocolate brown, or to ebony black ; lustrous, often iridescent in sunlight. Head surrounded by a dark brown or black ring, ob- liquely truncated and terminated by a convex, translucent, whitish vesicular mem- brane, at the lower part of which is a minute round mouth. Integument areo- lated ; areolas irregularly pentahedral. Female. Lighter in color than the male, and usually much longer and thicker. Caudal extremity trifurcate ; caudal lobes elongated, elliptical ; one narrower than the other two. Generative aperture round, enclosed by the caudal lobes. Male. Usually dark-brown, often inclining to black. Caudal extremity curved. Tail bifurcate ; caudal lobes curved conoidal, obtuse, divergent. Generative aperture ventral, just above the caudal lobes. Twenty females and twelve males were found in Rancocas creek, a branch of the Delaware, New Jersey, in the month of August. Length of the former 5 to 12 inches; breadth -^ to 2-5ths of aline. Length of the latter from 4 to 6J inches; breadth l-5th to J of a line. Three females from 7 to 12 inches in length, and from \ to 2-5ths of a line in breadth ; and one male 6i inches in length and } of a line in breadth, Avere obtained from the Delaware river. Six females and two males were obtained from the Schuylkill river. Mr. Pearsall has given me eight specimens from Philadelphia Co. Prof. Agassiz has given me a female 12 inches in length, from Niagara ; a male 6 inches in length and a female 8 inches in length from the vicinity of Cambridge ; two females 6 inches in length from Edgartown ; aud a male 3 inches in length, and 2 females 4 inches and 9 inches in length from Trenton. Dr. King, of Greensburg, Penn., has given me a male 5 inches in length, from his vicinity. Mr. Hazzard, of Point Judith, R. I., has given me a female 10 inches in length by 2-5ths of a line in breadth, from his vicinity. Prof. Kirtland has given me a male 5 inches in length, said to have been passed per annum by a girl, near Cleveland, Ohio. Prof. Baird has given me three males from the Susquehanna river, near Carlisle, Pa., and a male and female from Lake Champlain, N. Y. The Gordius varius is the most common species of the genus in the United States ; and it is familiar to most persons under the name of hair-worm, and is erroneously supposed to originate from the maceration of horse hairs in water. The species is remarkably prolific. A single female, 9 inches in length, by 2-5ths of a line in breadth, which I had preserved in a large vessel of water, extruded from between its caudal lobes, a cord of ova, broken into segments, the aggregate length of which was 91 inches, and breadth l-20th of a line. I counted in each transverse disk of the cord, about 70 eggs, and in the length of l-40th of an inch, 26 eggs, so that by simple calculation: 70X26X40X91= the whole number of eggs deposited is 6,624,800. 170. Gordius aquaticus ? Gmelin. Gordius seta Miiller, Diesing, Syst. Helm, ii, 83. Gordius lineatus Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 263, (1851). Gordius rohustus? Leidy, Ibidem, 275. Body long, filiform, not narrowed an- teriorly, dusky yellowish white, cream colored, white, light brown, or dark brown in color, sometimes darker at the extremities, lustrous. Areolae of the integument hexagonal. Female. More robust than the male, opaque, and lighter colored. Head ob- tusely rounded. Caudal extremity truncated, rounded. Male. Narrower than the female. Head obtusely rounded. Caudal extremi- ty incurved, bifurcated ; caudal lobes curved conoidal, obtuse, fimbriated upon the ventral border with simple branching dermal appendages. Six males from 5 to 7J inches in length, and ^ of a line in breadth ; and one female 5 inches in length, by ^ of a line in breadth ; of a dusky yellowish white color, were obtained by Prof. Baird from a spring in Essex Co., New York, {Gordius lineatus., Pr. A. N. S., v, 263). One female, of a light brown color, with the head ringed with black, 3i inches long by l-5th of a line broad, procured by Dr. W. S. Gibson, from a spring in Philadelphia county. A female of a cream-color, with the head ringed with dark brown, 4i inches long by l-5th of 58 [February, a line broad, I found in Frederick Brook, at the head of the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. A female {G. robtistus, Pr. A. N. S., v, 275), hardly narrowed at the extremities, brown, rigid, with the head edged with dark brown, and the tail slightly expanded, conical and obtuse, 6J inches long, and \ a line wide, was obtained by Dr. Chas. H. Budd, from a boy, who informed him it had crept out of the abdomen of the specimen of grasshopper which accompanied the worm. A male and female were obtained by Mr. Schafhirt, from a single specimen of Pterostichus fastidites Dejean. The length of each is about 3 inches ; the breadth of the male \ of a line, of the female ^ of a line. 171. Mermis albicans Siebold. Mermis elo7igata Leidy, Pr. A. N. S., v, 263. Mermis crassicaudata Leidy, Ibidem. Mermis ferruginea Leidy, lb. Body long, capillary, narrowed towards the ex- tremities, most narrowed anteriorly. Head slightly dilated or not at all, trun- cated, convex. Caudal extremity slightly curved, conoidal, obtuse. Color milk white when the worm is parasitic, or is buried in the earth ; cream or yellow- ish white, or light ochreous yellow, or light reddish brown when it lives in water. In alcohol becomes translucent yellow, bright yellow, approaching to orange, or brown. Eleven individuals (^Mermis elongata Pr. A. N. S., v, 263,) of a dusky yellowish white, and from 6 to 18 inches long, by ^ to J of a line broad, were obtained by Dr. Chas. H. Budd, in the early spring season, in a ditch emptying into the Rancocas creek. New Jersey. Six specimens, opaque white in color, from 8 to 15 inches in length, were obtained by Samuel Powell, Esq., in digging in the earth mould of his garden at Newport, R. I. One specimen, of a cream color, 22 inches long and |^ of a line broad, was obtained by Dr. William Gibson, from a rivulet in Philadelphia county. I found four specimens of a brownish white, from 9 to 16 inches long and from ^ to ^ of a line broad, in pools of fresh water, among the rocks of the sea shore of Point Judith, R. I. One specimen {Mermis crassicaudata Pr. A. N. S., v, 263,) opaque white, and 8 inches long, I found in a ditch below Philadelphia. A specimen (Mermis ferruginea Pr. A. N. S., v, 275,) from Brazil, contained in the collection of the Academy, is brown in color, and measures 14^ inches long. A cream colored individual, 4 inches long and l-5thof a line broad, was obtained from an apple by Major Le Conte, who, with great pro- bability, supposed it had issued from the larva of a lepidopterous insect, in the core of the fruit. Professor Agassiz sent me a specimen translucent yellowish white in color, and 9 J inches long, and l-5th of a line wide, obtained from the abdomen of Orchelium gracile Harris. Lastly, I have obtained specimens very frequently from Locusta Carolina, of the meadows below Philadelphia, and oc- casionally from the earth and ditches in the same locality. From one to six of the worms occupy the body of a single insect, closely coiled among the viscera, from the^iead to the end of the abdomen. The worms are opaque white, and measure from 3 to 15 inches in length, and from \ to ^ of a line in breadth. When the grasshoppers infested with these parasites are bruised, the worms creep out and penetrate into the earth, as I have satisfied myself by careful ob- servation. In alcohol the Mermis of the grasshopper assumes in time a bright yellow hue. 172. Mermis robusta Leidy. Filaria Lycosce Haldeman, Icong. Encyc. ii, Zool. 48. Body cylindrical, ro- bust, rigid, smooth and shining, attenuated towards the extremities ; most narrowed anteriorly. Head conical. Caudal extremity obtuse, imperforate. I found one specimen, of a pale pinkish white, 3 inches in length, and \ of a line in breadth, which crept from the abdomen of a species of Lycosa with four stripes on the cephalothorax and three on the abdomen, from New Jersey. The specimen described by Mr. Haldeman, was pale reddish, and over five inches in length, by 2-5ths of a line in breadth, and was obtained from Lycosa scutulata? Heatz, in Pennsylvania. 1856.] 59 Notices of some-remains of extinct Mammalia, recently discovered by Dr. F. V. Hay den in the bad lands of Nebraska. ) By Joseph Leidy, M. D. 1. HiPPARION OCCIDENTALE, Lcidj. This second American species oi Hipparion is established on specimens of five superior and one inferior molar teeth, discovered by Dr. Hayden, on the White River of Nebraska. The internal isolated enamel column of the upper molars, on the worn crown, is elliptical and more than twice the length of the breadth. The central columns of the same teeth are comparatively moderately folded. Antero-posterior diameter of the first upper molar 15 lines, transverse diameter lOJ lines ; antero-posterior diameter of the largest of the back upper molars 13 lines; transverse diameter 12 lines; smallest of the back upper molars 11 lines square. Antero-posterior diameter of the back inferior molar 12 lines, trans- verse diameter Vi lines. 2. Hyopotamus americanus, Leidy. This species is founded upon a number of specimens of molar teeth, which were discovered by Dr. Hayden, in company with remains of Titanoiherium, in Nebraska Territory. The teeth indicate a species of the same size as Hyopotamus bovinus, Owen. Among the specimens are the posterior two upper molars of both sides of the jaw from the same individual ; and they present almost a repetition of form of the homologous pair of H. vectianus, Owen. The collection also con- tains two premolars in conjunction, apparently from the same individual as the true molar just mentioned. They correspond to the second and third premolars of Anthracotherium : the crown of the second premolar consisting of a single large trihedral lobe, with a tubercle at its postero-internal basal angle ; and the crown of the third premolar being formed of a transverse pair of lobes, of which the outer one is trihedral and the inner one is smaller and conical. These pre- molars undoubtedly belong to the permanent dentition, and if they are not the second and third of the series, they are certainly the latter and the fourth. In either case, they confirm an opinion formerly expressed (Anc. Fauna of Nebraska, p. 45,) that the teeth represented by Prof. Owen, as the third and fourth per- manent premolars of Hyopotamus vectianus, (Lond. Quart. Journ. of the Geol. Soc, pi. vii, vol. iv,) really belong to the deciduous dentition ; and, therefore, although Hyopotamus may not be identical with Anthracotherimn, it is much more nearly allied to it than was suspected by its distinguished author. The. measurements of some of the molar teeth of Hyopotamus americanus are as follows : Antero-posterior diameter of the superior last true molar, externally, 13J lines. Transverse do. do. do. anteriorly, 15 do. Antero-posterior diameter of the superior third premolar, 6 do. Transverse do. do. do. 8| do. Antero-posterior diameter of the superior second premolar, lOj do. Transverse do. do. do. 8| do. Mr. Vaux, on behalf of the Publication Committee, presented the Annual Report, which waa adopted. ELECTION. Mr. William P. Blake, of Washington, D. C, and B. A. Hoopes, Esq., of Eagle Harbor, Michigan, were elected Correspondents. 1S5G.] 61 March 4:(h, 1850. Vic3-President Bridges in the Chair. A letter was read from the American Antiquarian Society, dated Worcester, Muss., 29th Feb., 1856, acknowledging the receipt of vol. 7, of the Proceedings, and of the Journal, parts 1 and 2, vol. 8, n. s. Also a letter from Mr. E. Billings, of Ottowa, Upper Canada, dated 26th Feb., 1856, acknowledging receipt of a copy of the llesolutions of the Academy adopted Feb. 19th last. Dr. Leidy presented for publication two papers, entitled, " Descrip- tions of soiiie remains of Fishes from the Carboniferous and Devonian formations of tlie United States ;" and " Descriptions of some remains of Fossil Manimidia ;" both of which were referred to the following Committee : Mr. Isaac Lea, Dr. Henderson and Dr. King. March llth. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From S. Drinker, Esq., dated Canton, 28th Nov., 1855, transmitting donations to the Museum. From Mr Edward Tuckerman, dated Amherst, Mass., March 1, 1856, offering for the acceptance of the Academy a collection of American plants. Dr. Leidy presented for publication in the Proceedings, a paper by Drs. F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, entitled, "Descriptions of new species of Gasteropoda from the Cretaceous formations of Nebraska Territory ;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Lea, Dr. Leidy, and Dr. Wilson. Dr. Leidy read the following extract from a letter recently received by Dr. J. McClellan from Mr. George Gribbs, Indian Agent, dated Fort A^'ancouver, Oregon, December 17, 1855. "Let me point out to you one thing to be noted as regards skulls from this part of the country, Avhich was brought to my notice by an article in School- craft's book. I forget by whom. Among ten figures given are Chinook skulls vnflattened. Skulls from the region where that practice prevails, which are in the natural state, are those of slaves, and though possibly born among the Chinooks or other adjacent tribes, are of alien races. The characteristics must not be assumed therefore from these. The practice prevails, generally, from the mouth of the Columbia to the Dalles, about 180 miles, andfrom the Straits of Fuca on the North to Coos bay, between the 42d and 43d parallel south. Northward of the Straits it diminishes gradually to a mere slight compression, finally con- fined to women and abandoned entirely north of Milbank Sound. So east of the Cascade Mountains it dies out in like manner. Slaves are usually brought from the south, I should rather say were, for the foreign slave trade has ceased, though not the domestic (I am not talking of home politics), and the Klamath and Shaste tribes of California probably furnished many for this country, while captives from here were taken still north, and fro-m Puget's Sound as far as the Russian possessions. The children of slaves were not allowed to flatten the skull, and therefore these round heads indicate, not the liberty-loving Puritan of the west, but the serf. I mention this because in minute comparisons it is PROCEED. ACAD. NAT. SCI. OF PHILADELPHIA, VOL. VIII., NO. II. 62 [March, proper to take all precautions to insure genuineness. Skulls taken from large cemetries, or from sepulchres of whatever form erected with care, may be deemed authentic, saving always the chance of intermarriage with distinct tribes, which is usual, because the bodies of slaves are left neglected in the woods. The Chinooks, for instance, preferring to buy wives from the Chihalis or Cowlitz, tribes of Sehlish origin. If I get time to finish ray general report this winter you will find further details, supposing always you are not tired of these. I have never been able to get an authenticated skull of a white half breed. These also are never flattened, the pride of intercourse in the mother preserving to the child the attributes of the superior race." March 18 f/i. Vice-President ]3uidges ia the Chair. Letters were read From Signor A. Saavalle, dated Havana, 10th Feb., 185G, trans- mitting donations to the Academy. From Mr. Win. P. Blake, dated Washington. 16th March, 1856, acknowledging receipt of liis notice of election as a Correspondent. Dr, Leidy presented a paper for pablication from Dr. F. B. Meek and Dr. F. V. Ilayden, entitled, " Descriptions of new species of Gas- teropoda and Cephalnpoda from the Cretaceous for 'nation of Nebraska Territory ;" which was referred to Mr. Isaac Lea, Dr. Leidy, and Dr. Wilson. Also a paper from Drs. B. F. Shuraard and L. P. Yandell, entitled, " Notice of a new Fossil genus belonging to the Family Blastoidea from the Devonian Strata near Louisville, Ky." Referred to Dr. Leidy, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Lesley- Also a paper entitled, " Notices of Remains of extinct Reptiles and Fishes, discovered by Dr. F. V. Hayden in the ' bad hinds ' on the Judith River, Nebraska Territory, by Joseph Leidy, M. D." Re- ferred to Mr. Lesley, Dr. Le Conte, and Mr. I. Lea. Dr. Leidy remarked that he had examined the specimen transmitted by Mr. Billings, of Ottowa, U. C. Upon removing the matrix he had discovered the hind legs of a young aiiiinal, which he believed to be a seal ; but whether extinct or not he could not decide. March 25th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Cominitteo on papers by Dr. L;iidy, entitled, "Descriptions of some remains of Fishes from the Carboniferous and Devonian formations of the United States;" and " Descriptions of some remains of extinct Mammalia," reported in favor of publication in the Journal of the Academy. The Committees on Drs. Meek and Hayden's papers, read 11th and 18th insts. ; on Dr. Leidy's, of 18th inst. ; and on Drs. Shumard and Yandell's p;iper, read same date, reported in f:ivor of publication in the Proceedings. 185G.] .. 63 Descriptions of neic species of Gasteropoda from the Cretaceous formations of Xebraska Territory* By F. B. Meek and F. V. Haydex, M. D. The species indicated in the following paper comprise a portion of an extensive collection recently brought from Nebraska hy one of the authors. f It is worthy of note that some of the species contained in the collection from the most recent Cretaceous beds of the upper Missouri country appear referable to genera which, according to high European authority, date no farther back than the true chalk, while many of them are closely analogous to Tertiary forms ; so close indeed, that had they not been found associated in the same beds with Ammonites, Scaphites and other genera everywhere regarded as having become extinct at the close of the Cretaceous epoch, we would have considered them Tertiary species. If these beds really are equivale it to any portion of the Green sand of English geologists, it is a curious 'act that we should find mingled together in tlieni upper Cretaceous and Tertiary forms exactly as if they and those of the older Tertiary were deposited in the regular order of sequence. Such facts however are sometimes met with amongst Pahtozoic formations. The following section exhibits the order of superposition of the formations in which our Cretaceous fossils were found, and their relations to the Tertiary and older rocks. Tertiary ( Beds of clay, sandstone, lignite, &c., containing remains of vertebrata, 400 to-! and at places, vast numbers of jilants, with land, fresh water, and 600 ft. (_ sometimes marine or estuary mollusca. 5 ^ Gray and yellowish arenaceous clays containing great numbers of marine mollusca with a few land plants. 100 to 150 feet. 4 -J Plastic clays with numerous ^arine mollusca. About 350 feet. 3 f Gray and yellowish calcareous > \ scales, (fee. 100 to 150 feet. marl, containing Ostrea congesta, fish u 2 \ Grayish and lead colored clays having few fossils. 80 feet. 1 /Si; Sandstones and clays not positively known to belong to the Cretaceous svstem. 90 feet. Limestones of upper coal measures at Council Bluffs, containing Spirifer Meuscbachauus, AUorisma terminalis, Terebratula subtilita, Fusulina cylin- drica, &c. ScALARiA CERETHiFORMis. Shell elougate-conical, turreted, not umbilicate; volutions seven or eight, convex, closely contiguous, traversed by numeroussharp, slightly curved cost*, less than the spaces between; surface marked by irregular lines of growth, crossed by fine, unequal, thread-like, revolving lines, as strong on the costte as between them ; suture distinct; aperture ovate, angular on the inner sideabove, rounded below : lipthin, curved ontwardson the inncrside below. Length 1.G5 inches, breadth .73 inch ; length of aperture .52 inch, breadth .40 inch ; apical angle slightly convex, divergence about 28. Locality. Moreau trading post. No. 5 of the series, rare. AcTEON suBELLiPTicus. Shell elougate-oval or narrow elliptical ; spire some- what elevated; volutions about four; surfsxce polished, and ornamented by about twenty-five regular revolving strite, composed of round punctfe so disposed as to range up and down the shell exactly parallel to the obsolete lines of growth ; suture distinct; aperture narrow, curved, acutely- angular on the inner side above, * Figures, comparisons, and remarks to be published hereafter, f Dr. Hayden. 64 [March, gradually "widening downwards to nbont the middle, from which point it again very graduallj' contracts towards tlie narrowly ronnded front ; ovitcr lip thin ; columella having a single small oblicjue fold, outside of which there is a small umbilical groove. Length .25 inch, breadth .10 inch; apical angle regular, divergence 57. Locality and position. Crow Creek near Black hills. No. 4 of the series. AvALANA SUBGLOBOSA. Shell globose or subovate ; spire very short, slopes rounded ; volutions four, increasing rapidly from the ajjcx, last one veiy large and ventricose ; surface ornamented by about thirty punctate stria?, half as wide as the elevations between on the upper part of the volutions, but much more closely croAvded on the lower part of the last turn ; suture linear, distinct ; aperture semilunar, widest below, contracted and terminating in a smoothly rounded angle above ; outer lip smooth within, faintly sinuate below and having a thick strong peristome without ; inner lip thick and raised into a single promi- nent tranverse tooth below. Length .39 inch, breadth .37 inch ; length of aperture .21 inch, breadth .11 inch. Locality and position . Moreau trading post. No. 5 of the series. Natica ? AJiniGCA. Shell oblicjuely suboval, or oblong ; spire depressed-conical; volutions about four, convex, increasing somcAvhat rapidly from the apex, last one ventricose ; surface marked by fine lines of growth and stronger parallel wrinkles, crossed by strong irregular revolving stri;\? ; suture distinctly impressed, aperture obliquely ovate, angular above, rounded below ; lips thin, ajiparently disunited above and abrujitly deflected outward on the inner side below the small or rudimentary umbilicus. Length .50 inch, breadth .42 inch ; length of aperture .34 inch, breadth of do. .24 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 81. Locality and ^josilion. Same as last. Natica occidentalis. Shell obliquely-oval or ovate ; spire elevated ; volutions about five, convex ; surface marked with fine lines of growth, andfaint or nearly obsolete, minutely tiexuous revolving lines; suture distinctly impressed ; aperture ovate, straight on the inside and broadly rounded without ; outer lip thin ; inner lip not thickened, partly deflected over the edge of the small oblique umbilicus. Length about .97 inch, breadth .70 inch ; length of aperture .56 inch, breadth .33 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 70. Locality and position. Same as preceding. Natica Moreauensis. Shell obliciuely-ovate ; spire somewhat depressed; volutions three and a half to four, convex, last one large and ventricose ; surface marked )jy fine lines of growth, crossed by A'ery fine, nearl;y obsolete, minutely flexuous revolving lines ; suture distinctly impressed or sub-channeled ; aperture ovate ; outer lip thin; inner lip not thickened and deflected partly over the small umbilicus. Length about .90 inch, breadth .70 inch ; length of aperture .54 inch, lireadth .36 inch ; apical angle slightly convex, divergence 90. Locality andposition. Same as preceding. TuBBO Nebrascensis. Shell turbinate, length and breadth about equal ; spire broadly conical ; volutions about five, ronnded, gradually increasing from the apex ; surface ornamented by fine revolving stria', crossed by delicate lines of growth, becoming distinct oblique wrinkles along the suture and round the um- bilicus, the whole presenting an elegant cancellated appearance under a lense ; suture distinctly impressed ; aperture round ; umbilicus moderate, round. Length .25 inch, breadth .26 inch; diameter of aperture .12 inch; apical angle somewhat convex, divergence 53. Locality and position. Yellow Stone river, one hundred and fifty miles from mouth. No. 4 of series. Turbo tenuilineatus. Shell oblong or suboval, oblique, thin ; spire some- what elevated, acute at tlie apex ; volutions about five, rounded, increasing rapidly from tlie apex; last one ventricose, extended in front ; surface marked 1856.] 65 with distinct lines of growth, crossed by rounded, thread-like lines, generally- less than the spaces between, and somewhat irregular in size ; between the latter there are also very fine parallel revolving strife, only visiblo under a lens , suture apparently canaliculate ; aperture broad ovate or oval ; outer lip thin ; inner lip straight above, and distinctly curved outwards below at its junction with the outer lip near the small umbilicus. Length .84 inch, breadth .68 inch; apical angle regular, divergence 78; length of aperture .50 inch, breadth of do. .36 inch. Locality. Moreau trading post. No. 5 of the series. RosTELLARiA BiANGULATA. Shell elongated ; spire elevated, acutely conical ; volutions seven or eight, convex, crossed by small nearly obsolete folds, last one having two distinct revolving carin* on the middle, which diverge in passing upon the expanded lip, and terminate in two more or less saliant angles at its outer margin ; surface marked by fine very faint lines of growth, crossed by small revolving thread-like lines about equal the intermediate spaces, on the spire and upper part of the last turn, but more distinct and alter- nating with smaller ones on the lower part of the body volution ; suture linear, sharply impressed ; aperture unknown ; outer lip thin, expanded, and extending more or less up the spire. Length .53 inch, breadth exclusive of the lip .21 inch ; apical angle regular, divergence 3'7. Locality and position. Yellow Stone river, one hundred and fifty miles from mouth. No. 4 of the series. Fuscrs Dakotaexsis. Shell fusiform ; spire conical, somewhat elevated ; volu- tions about si.x, flattened or concave above, last one abruptly contracted into the canal below, and ornamented on the middle by two elevated revolving nodose carinoe, between which faint, broadly rounded, vertical folds pass from node to node. On the spire only the upper and most prominent carina is seen, while a third less distinct parallel ridge passes round lower down on the body whorl ; whole surface marked by fine, regular Hues of growth, crossed by rounded re- volving lines, one of which, about midway between the two large carint^, is stronger than the others ; suture linear ; aperture broad oval or ovate. Length from junction of canal and aperture to apex 1.03 inches, breadth .92 inch ; length of aperture .48 inch, breadth .42 inch; apical angle regular, divergence 51. Locacity and position. Moreau trading post. No. 5 of the series. Fusus Galpinianus. Shell small, fusiform ; spire conical, acute ; volutions five and a half to six, convex, last one sloping somewhat abruptly below into the short canal ; surface marked by fine flexuous lines of growth, crossed by rounded little revolving bands or lines scarcely larger than the grooves be- tween. About fourteen of these bands may be counted on the second volution; suture distinct; aperture narrow-oval, acutely angular behind, and sloping into the canal in front ; outer lip thin and sharp ; inner lip lying close upon the tortuous columella. Length 1.05 inches, breadth .42 inch; length of aperture (including canal) .53 inch, breadth .18 inch ; apical angle regular or slightly convex, divergence 32. The above species is dedicated to Mr. C. E. Galpin, of Am. Fur Go. Locality and position. Same as last. Fusus coNTORTDS. Shell obliquely fusiform ; spire elevated conical, acute at the apex; volutions five and a half to six, distinctly concave above, convex below, and ornamented by indistinct flexuous folds, which swell out into a row of prominent nodes round the middle ; last volution graduall}'- contracting below into a short canal ; surface marked by fine flexuous lines of growth crossed by numerous elevated thread-like revolving lines, a little less than the spaces be- tween ; suture distinct ; aperture ovate, widest above the middle, angular behind, and tapering forward ; outer lip thin ; inner lip closely folded upon the some- what tortuous columella. Length about .90 inch, breadth .48 inch ; length of aperture and canal .56 inch, breadth .20 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 45. Locality. Same as the preceding. fl6 [March, Fnsus CcLBERTSONi. Shell elongate fusiform ; spire elevated conical, acute ; Tolutions about seven, convex, increasing gradually from the apex, and crossed nearly at right angles to the suture by six or seven strong rounded folds, which gradually become obsolete on the last near the aperture ; last volution tapering gracefully and obliquely into the canal, which is of moderate length ; surface marked by irregular lines of growth, crossed by flattened or rounded lines, somewhat larger than the spaces between ; suture distinctly impressed, and when viewed from aVjove is seen to deviate from a regular curve in following the waving outline of the folds ; aperture lanceolate or narrow oval, acutely angular above and tapering gradually below. Length about 1.68 inches, breadth .50 inch ; length of aperture and canal about .90 inch, breadth .23 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 28. We dedicate this species to Mr. Alexander Culbertson, of the Am. Fur Co. Locality and j^osition. Same as preceding. Fusus FLEXUOCOSTATDS. Shell fusiform ; spire somewhat elevated, acute at the apex ; volutions six to six and a half, convex, traversed by strong, simple, flexuous folds nearly equalling the spaces between, and terminating above in gmall nodes so as to leave a shallow spiral groove below the suture; last whorl somewhat ventricose ; surface ornamented by distinct lines of growth, crossed by snirtll, elevated, thread-like, revolving lines, equal the spaces between on the upper part of the volutions, but more distant on the lower part of the last one; between the revolving lines and parallel with them, fine striie may be seen by the aid of a magnifier; suture unknown ; aperture oval or ovate. Length 1.05 inches, breadth .61 inch ; length of aperture exclusive of canal .48 inch, breadth .30 inch ; apical angle 46. Locality and position. Moreau river. No. 5 of series. Fusus Newbekrti. Shell fusiform, thick ; spire conical ; volutions five, flattened or concave above, convex below and ornamented round the middle with a row of more or less prominent nodes, which are sometimes prolonged on the last one into indistinct folds below; surface ornamented by irregular flexuous lines of growth, crossed by round, elevated, thread-like, revolving lines, sometimes greater and sometimes less than the spaces between ; suture linear ; aperture narrow ovate, angular above and scarcely distinct from the short canal below ; outer lip thin or bevelled ; inner lip closely spread upon the columella. Length 1.43 inches, breadth .81 inch ; length of aperture (in- cluding the canal) .87 inch, breadth .32 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 55. We dedicate this species to Dr. J. S. Newberry, of Cleveland, Ohio. Locality and position. Moreau river and Fox Hills. No. 5 of series. Pyrula Bairdi. Shell pyriform ; spire depressed ; volutions five, rapidly in- creasing from the apex, flattened or slightly concave above and on the outside ; last one large and ventricose, ornamented on the outside by two to three more or less prominent, revolving, nodose carina?, only the upper of which is visible on the spire ; surface marked by strong lines of growth, crossed by numerous elevated revolving lines, less than the spaces between, and sometimes assuming, on the outer and lower part of the last volution, the size of more distinct ridges; suture narrow, channeled ; aperture ovate, abruptly contracted into the long- canal below; columella tortuous, and deeply curved round the aperture ; outer lip bevelled ; inner lip thinly spread over the columella round the aperture, but leaving an umbilical groove about half way down the canal. Length 3.50 inches, breadth .2 inches ; length of aperture (including the canal) .3 inches, breadth 1.08 inches; apical angle nearly regular, divergence 114. Dedicated to Prof. Spencer F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution. Locality and position. Same as last. Fasciolaria cretacea. Shell small elongate, fusiform ; spire elevated conical ; Tolutions five to six, convex, last one a little more than half the entire length of 1856.] 67 the shell, contracted below into a tapering canal; surface marked with flexuoui lines of growth and little flat revolving bands about four times as wide as the grooves between ; suture distinct ; aperture narrow oval, angular above and narrowing gradually below ; columella tortuous and having five small, oblique folds near the middle of the aperture. Locality and position. Same as preceding. Fasciolaria bcccinoides. Shell elongate-oval or subfusiform ; spire conical, acute ; volutions live to five and a half, convex, last one somewhat veniricose and contracted below into a short canal ; surface ornamented with fine regular lines of growth and small parallel folds, which are crossed by regular, round, elevated revolving bands, ecjual to or greater than the spaces be- tween. Of these bands about fourteen may be counted on the second volution ; suture distinctly impressed ; aperture narrow, oval, or semi-elliptical ; outer lip faintly grooved, and at intervals of about once for each turn becomes thickened and crenulated on the inside ; inner lip closely spread upon the tortuous columella, and forming about the middle of the aperture two distinct oblique folds. Length .96 inch, breadth .49 inch ; length of aperture and canal about .60 inch, breadth .23 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 54. This shell has much the general appearance of a Buccinum^ having the form and surface markings of ii. decussatum (Lamk.) an Eocene species from the Paris basin, but differs from the genus Buccimim in having two distinct f dds on the columella, being in this respect more like Fasciolaria. The folds on the columella arc not stronger, however, than we see in B. fusiformis of Deshays, another Tertiary species. We had once concluded to refer it with doubt to the genus Bticcinum, but refer it to the genus Fasciolaria, at the suggestion of Dr. Gould, to whom we sent specimens. This genus, according to D'Orbigny, made its first appearance in the old world during the deposition of the true chalk. Locality and position. Moreau and Fox Hills. No. 5 of the series. BncciNUM ? Nebrascensis. Shell oval, thin ; spire very short ; volutions three to three and a half, convex, rapidly increasing from the apex, last one very large and somewhat ventricose ; surface marked with distinct lines of growth, which are crossed by flattened, revolving bands, much wider on the upper part of the volutions than the shallow grooves between, but about equal to them on the lower part of the last turn. About seven or eight of tiaese bands may be counted on the second volution ; suture narrow, channeled ; aperture large, sub- elliptical, angular above, and terminating in a rounded notch in front, the form of which is well defined by a sudden curve in the lines of growth on a broad spiral ridge round the outer edge of the pillar lip ; outer lip very thin ; inner lip thinly spread over the extremely tortuous columella. Length .77 inch, breadth .58 inch ; length of aperture .61 inch, breadth .36 inch ; apical angle convex, di- vergence 105. Being in doubt in regard to the generic re'ations of this shell, we sent speci- mens of it, and a few others, to the distinguished conchologist. Dr. Augustus A. Gould, of Boston, from whom we leceived in legard to it, the following remarks: " Its general form reminds one of Naiica, and its revolving striae of the subgenus Naticina. If we look at the base, however, we find a revolving ridge which is never found in the Naticidae, but is peculiar to the Buccinid." Dr. G. further remarks that with the exception of the revolving strije it agrees very nearly with the genus Pseudoliea ot Swainson, which is not known to date back further than the Eocene. In many respects it resembles the Eocene Buccimim. ohtiisum of Deshays, from the Paris basin, which forms the type of an Eocene genus estab- lished by D'Orbigny under the name of Sulco huccinum. Our shell has the form, revolving strife, &c., of some species of D'Orbigny's genus, but wants the strong revolving sulcus, which is one of its princip.il characters. For the pres'-nt we refer it to the genus Buccinum, though we suspect it may form the type of a new ge nns. Locality and position. Same as last. 08 [March, Capulcs feagilis. Shell broadly conical, very thin ; apex elevated, central ; slopes slightly convex, divergence 80 ; surface marked with fine, closely arranged, concentric stria3 ; aperture circular. Diameter of base 1.21i inch; height of apex about .74 inch. It is with some doubt we refer this species to the above geaus, as our specimen only consists of an internal cast with a few fragments of shell adhering ; no muscular impressions are visible upon it, but the nipjile at the summit appears to have occupied the interior of an attenuated and laterally curved apex. Locality and position. Fox Hills. No. 5 of the series. Genus IIELCION (Montfort). We have not yet had an opportunity of seeing the interior of any of the fol- lowing patelliform shells, but, judging from external characters, they appear referable to the above genus as defined by D'Orbigny. They are all strictly symmetrical, with, as far as can be ascertained, thin, smooth, and nearly, if not quite entire borders. Helcion sexsulcatus. Shell patelliform, longer than wide ; apex between the centre and anterior margin depressed ; lateral slopes nearly straight, di- vergence 100; anterior slope slightly concave, and having two broad shallow grooves radiating from the apex to the antero-lateral edges ; posterior slope convex, and having four broad shallow grooves radiating from the apex to the posterior and lateral edges ; base or aperture oval ; surface unknown. Length unknown, breadth about 1.29 inch, height .48 inch. Locality and position. Yellow Stone, one hundred and fifty miles from mouth. No. 4 of the series. Helcion patelliformis. Shell patelliform, thin, a little longer than wide ; apex somewhat elevated, nearer the centre than the anterior margin ; lateral slopes nearl)^ straight, divergence about 90 ; anterior slope straight or slightly concave, posterior convex, divergence of the two about 103 ; surface marked with fine concentric lines of growth, which are crossed hj very faint indications of. fine radiating striae, and on the anterior side by three or four scarcely per- ceptible, radiating carinte (the latter not always present) ; aperture broad, oval. Length 1 inch, breadth .84 inch, height .44 inch. Locality and position. Same as last. Helcion alveolus. Shell patelliform, thin, longer than wide ; apex depressed, nearly central ; lateral slopes convex and forming an angle of 80 ; posterior and anterior slopes about equally convex, divergence 120; surface marked with very fine concentric lines of growth ; base or aperture elliptical or subovate, Length .63 inch, breadth .43 inch, heigh th .17 inch. Locality and position. Yellow Stone river. No. 4 of series. Helcion subovatus. Shell patelliform, longer than wide ; apex depressed, situated about half way between the centre and the anterior margin ; lateral slopes convex, and forming an angle of 80 ; posterior slope more convex than the anterior, divergence of the two 104; surface marked by faint, irregular, concentric undulations and imbricating lines of growth ; base or aperture oval or subovate, extremities broadly rounded, the posterior end being a little wider than the anterior. Length 1.16 inches, breadth .81 inch, heighth .39 inch Locality and positio7i. Same as preceding. '! Helcion carinatus. Shell very obliquely conical or bonnet-shaped, thin ; apex elevated near the anterior margin, and directed forAvard ; anterior and antero-lateral slopes profoundly concave ; posterior slope convex above and flattened or concave below. A single strong, rounded carina passes from the apex down the posterior slope, becoming gradually obsolete near the margin, while two or three much fainter ones radiate from the apex down the postero- 1856.] 69 lateral slopes on each side of it. Six small indistinct strife radiate from the apex, two of which are directed forwards and ontwards, and four backwards and outwards; faint, irregular, concentric undulations dimly indicate the progressive stages of growth ; surface otherwise smooth ; aperture circular. Diameter of aperture 1.93 inches, heigh th of apex .80 inch. Locality and position. Same as preceding. Dentalium fragilis. Shell very thin, slender, gently curved from npex to base ; surface ornamented by rounded, thread-like, longitudinal lines, Avhich are crossed somewhat obliquely upwards from the inner to the outer side of the curve by ver}' fine regular lines of growth. The longitudinal lines terminate abruptly a little below the apex, (where they number about fourteen) and increase in number by implantation, and diminish in size and regularity towards the larger end, so as to become nearly obsolete on the lower half of the shell ; aperture circular. Diameter at the apex .05 inch, do. of a fragment .85 inch, below apex .13 inch, do. of largest fragment .19 inch; thickness of shell .02 inch; apical angle 3. The above species is closely allied to D. gracilis, Hall and Jleek, (vol. 5, new series. Trans. Acad. Arts and Sciences, Boston) but differs in having much less prominent longitudinal striie, and not more than half as thick a shell ; while the aperture, which in the former is nearly always subcircular, in the present species is exactly circular. Locality and position. Yellow Stone river, one hundred and fifty miles above mouth. No. 4 of section. Bulla volvaria. Shell narrow ovate, tapering gradually from below the middle upwards, and extended obliquely below ; spire hidden, sometimes ura- bilicate ; surface ornamented by faint lines of growth and shallow revolving striiB, about one fifth as wide as the spaces between on the middle of the shell, but more closely crowded and irregular at the lower and upper extremities. Occasionally a much finer stria occupies one of the spaces between the others ; aperture long, narrow, gently curved, rising above the summit of the body, about half as wide above the middle as below ; lip thin, closely folded over the rudi- mentary umbilicus. Length .66 inch, breadth .36 inch. Loccility and position Moreau trading post. No. 5 of section. BcLLA MINOR. Shell minute, ovate, or elliptical ; spire hidden, umbilicate ; surface marked by elevated, sharp, revolving strife, about equal to the grooves between ; fine sharply elevated lines of growth, more distinct in the grooves than on the elevations, mark the surface in the other direction; aperture large, rising above the summit of the body, narrow and obtuse above, and widening gradu- ally below. Length about .10 inch, breadth .05. Locality and position. Moreau trading post. No. 5 of the series. Bulla occidentalis. Shell oval or ovate, thin, ventricose, widest a little above the middle, rounded at the summit and somewhat obliquely extended in front; spire hidden, umbilicate; surface unknown. Indistinct lines of groAvth, and stronger revolving striae less than the spaces between are seen on the cast ; aperture curved, narrow behind, risingabove the summit of the bodj^, and wideningcliiefly on the inner side below; lip slightly curved outwards round the lower part of the aperture. Length .44 inch, breadth .28 inch. Locality and position. Yellow stone river. No. 4 of the series. "We have other new species of Gasteropoda from the Cretaceous formations of the upper Missouri, but refrain from indicating them out of deference to friends having specimens of the same which they wish to describe. 70 [March, Descriptions of new sjjccies of Gasteropoda and Cephalopoda from the Cretaceous for- mations of Nebraska Territory . By F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D. TuRRiTELLA CONVEXA. Shell acutelv couical ; rolutions flattened convex ; su- ture linear, indistinct; surface marked with fine lines of growth; aperture ovate, acutely angular above, rounded below. Length unknown; breadth of largest specimen .39 inch ; apical angle very convex, divergence 20. This species may at once be distinguished from any other shell known to us from this region, by the convexity of the lateral slopes of the spire, and the absence of revolving lines. Locality and position. Yellow Stone river, one hundred and fifty miles from mouth. No. 4 of the series. TuRitiTELLA MoREAUENSis. Shell terete; spire elevated; volutions (number unknown) flattened, increasing very gradually from the apex, and ornamented by elevated thread-like revolving bands or lines about equal the intermediate spaces ; while sharply elevated, regular, and somewhat distant, lines of growth traverse the whorls fn the other direction : suture linear and sharp ; aperture subquadrate, forming nearly a right angle on the inner side above, and termi- nating in a distinct notch on the columellar side below. Length (unknown,) breadth .10 inch; length of aperture .07 inch, breadth .04 inch; apical angle regular, divergence 9". We have only incomplete specimens of this species, consisting of from six to eight volutions, of which there were probably not less than ten. On the last whorl, there is a fourth smaller revolving line below the others, and still lower, several very fine revolving stria;. The lines of growtli, are much more distinct between, than upon the revolving lines on all parts of the shell. Locality and position. Moreau river. No. 5 of the series. Belmnitella? bulbosa. Shell elongated, cylindrical, widening at the open- ing, then somewhat contracted, and again enlarging below the middle, whence it gradually tapers to a point; alveolus having a small groove down the dor- sum, and marks of transverse septa round the sides ; substance of the shell fibrous, fibers radiating at nearly right angles from the central linear axis to the exterior. Phragmacone tapering regularly at an angle of 20 from the larger extremity to the apex, where it terminates in a minute but distinct bulb- like expansion; section circular or broad oval, septa faintly sinuate on the dorsum and separated by spaces equalling about one-sixth the diameter of the shell ; about twenty-eight of the septa may be counted in the space of half an inch from the apex. Length unknown ; diameter of largest fragment .33 inch. We have of this species perfect specimens of the phragmacone, but having onlv seen longitudinal sections, and worn fragments of the external horny shell, we'know nothing of its surface markings, nor whether or not it possessed the longitudinal slit'characteristic of the genus. The groove down the inner side of the alveolar cavity, however, is well marked in some of the fragments. We were at first inclined to refer it with doubt to Belmnitella mucronata (D'Orb.) which has already received such a multiplicity of names, but a careful com- parison with authentic specimens of that species from New Jersey convinces us it is different, and may be at once distinguished by the small bulb at the apex of the phragmacone, which always leaves its impression at the point of the alveolar cavity. So far as we know, this genus is, in the old world, confined to the true chalk. Locality and position. Moreau river. No. 5 of the series. Ammonites halli. Shell large, laterally compressed, rounded on the dor- sum ; umbilicus rather small, deep, somewhat funnel shaped, exhibiting one- third to one-fourth, of each of the inner volutions; surface ornamented by numerous small, slightly elevated, costie, which cross the volutions more orless obliquely. About one-fourth of those crossing the dorsum reach the umbilicus, 185G.] 71 around Avhich on the outer wborl, they swell out into a row of prominent trans- versely elongated nodes or ridges, while the intei mediate ones die out, or coalesce Avith the others at various distances across from the periphery. Septa profoundly lobed, and exceedingly complicated. All the margins of the branches of the lobes, sharply, and those of the saddles obtusely, digitate. Dorsal lobe ornamented at the extremity with four principal branches, the two terminal of which are larger than the others, and again divided into two branch- lets. Dorsal saddle much larger than the superior lateral lobe, incqually divided at the summit by the slender digitate auxiliary lobe into two branches, that on the dorsal side being much larger than the other, and again once or twice dyeply divided. kSuperior lateral lobe much smaller than the dorsal saddle, and having four principal divisions, the two terminal of which are greatly larger than the others, and each again divided into two branchlets, of which the two lateral are much smaller than the others. Superior lateral saddle a little smaller than the superior lateral lobe, deeply divided at the summit into two nearly equal branches, each of the divisions being again divided into two or three parts. Inferior lateral lobe small and slender, having four or five alternating branches. The succeeding lobes are very small and simply bifid or trifid at the extremity. It is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, from our imi)crfect specimens, to determine definitely whether this is Scaj^hile or an Ammonite, though we are in- clined, in consequence of its large size, to think it must be the latter. Our de- scription is made out from a young shell measuring four and a half inches across the disc, while \y& have fragments of other individuals which must have been at least four times as large ; hence we infer, in adult shells of large size, the lobes of the septa may have been even more complicated than those of the spe- cimen investigated hj us. From the same bed we have a large distorted specimen, apparently of the same species, which is less compressed and has stronger costae. It also appears to want the row of nodes round the umbilicus. As far as we have been able to see its septa, they appear to be identical with those of the above species ; con- sequently we are disposed, at present, to regard it as only a variety of the same. It is possible, however, a careful comparison of better specimens may prove them to be distinct ; if so, we would propose for it the specific name of ampins. This species is named after Prof James Hall, of Albany, N. Y. Locality and position. Yellow-stone River, one hundred and fifty miles above the mouth, and one hundred and fifty miles above Milk River, No. 4 of series. Ancvloceras? Nebeascensis. Of this species we have but a fragment, .about two inches in length. It makes a short spiral curve like Helioccras (D'Orb.) and is ornamented with small (bifurcating?) annular costje, more distinct on the ventral than dorsal side. The specimen is too imperfect to show the details of the lobes, though we can see they are very complicated, and sharply digitate. Section circular, diameter .90 inch. This and the following species would not go into the genus Ancyloceras, as defined by D'Orbigny, but appear to be closely related to foriBS, so referred by Pictet and others. Locality. Iquor creek, north fork, Cheyenne. Position. No. 4 of the series. Ancyloceras? Cheyenensis. The only specimen of this species we have seen, is a.section of the outer chamber, about two and a half inches long. It makes a broad spiral curve, and is ornamented by prominent rounded annular costsR, which encircle the shell very obliquely, and are smaller and more ap- proximate on the inner side of the curve, than without. Costre having two prominent nodes, at which point iAiQj sometimes bifurcate ; the nodes being so arranged as to form two parallel rows up and down the dorso-lateral portion of the shell. Section circular, diameter 2.40 inches. The above species resemWes somewhat Ancyloceras? Nicolletii of Hall and Meek (Vol. 5, new series. Trans. Am. Acad. Arts and Sciences, Boston,) but has much larger and more prominent costre, which pass less obliquely round the shell, and do not bifurcate so frequently, while the nodes are larger, and the curve of the 70 72 [March, shell much broader. From Aocyloccras? aproximans, Con. (Proceedings of the Phila. Acad. p. 266,) it differs in having broadly rounded, instead of acute costae-. Locality and jwxilion. Mouth Cheyenne river. No. 4. of series. notices of remains of extinct Reptiles and Fishes, discovered by Dr. F. V. Ilaydcn in the Bad Lands of the Judith River, Nebraska Territory. By Joseph Leidy, M. D. 1. Pal.bosciscus costatus, Leidy. The genus and species ai-e fouuded on a single specimen of a toolh of a lacer- tian, discovered by Dr. Ilayden. The crown of the tooth is palmate, with eight radiating costfe terminating at the margin in more or less developed points. The fang is flattened cylindrical, and is hollow ; and it expands into a ridge surrounding the base of the crown. Breadth of the crown 4 lines, length 2i lines ; width of the fang 2 lines, thick- ness 1 line. Whole length of the specimen 4 lines. 2. Trachodox mirabilis, Leidy. The genus and species are founded upon specimens of teeth, generally very much worn and in a fragmentary condition, of a herbivorous lacertian reptile allied to the lyi/anodon, discovered by Dr. Hay den. One of the specimens of teeth is an unworn crown, about 14 lines long and 5 lines in diameter at its thickest part. It has the form of a slightly bent hexahe- dral column, bevelled off convexly from the summit of the tooth internally to the base externally. The outer surface is smooth, and has a prominent median ridge and prominent subacute lateral borders. The inner surface of the tooth, presenting the five smaller sides of the column, is quite roughened with irregu- lar granulations. Tlie base of the tooth is hollow, and its walls at the broken border of the specimen are IJ lines thick. Li another and much worn specimen of a tooth, which had apparently been shed, and is now 4^ lines long ; the triturating surface is slightly concave and pentahedral, with concave sideS, and is 4 lines in diameter. The two portions of the outer surface incline much more from the median ridge than in the pre- ceding specimen ; and the base of the tooth is hollowed, apparently from the pressure of a successor. 3. Troodon pormosds, Leidy. The genus and species are founded on a single specimen of a tooth of a lacer- tian, discovered by Dr. Hayden. The specimen consists of a compressed, curved, conical crown with tren- chant edges. The outer side is more convex than the inner, which is worn off towards the apex from friction of the opposing tooth. The trenchant edges are coarsely denticulated ; the denticulations themselves being compressed conical, witli trenchant edges, and are bent in such a manner that their apices are directed towards the summit of the crown. The base of the tooth is hollow, and is 2 lines wide and 1 J lines transversely ; and the length of the specimen is 3 lines. 4. Deinodo.v horkidus, Lcid}'. This genus and species are founded on a number of specimens, consisting of fragments of teeth of a saurian reptile, discovered by Dr. Hayden. Nine of the specimens referred to consist of crowns of teeth or of their sum- mits, which resemble those of Mcgalosaurus, being compressed conical and curved, and having trenchant, dentatcd borders. They are generally thicker in relation to their breadth than in Megalosaunis, which might only be a specific distinction, were it not that there are several other teeth in the same collection apparently of the same animal, but quite peculiar in form. One of the specimens is a curved conical crown", nearly circular in transverse section, having a prominent dentated ridge on each side. A second specimen is a crown, deuii-elliptical in transverse section, with the posterior borders den- tated. A third specimen is a small fragment of a very large tooth, apparently IS.IG.] 73 with nearly the same foi-m as the hatter ; and a fourth specimen is a portion of the crown of a tooth, demi-elliptical in transverse section, with the posterior borders elevated but not dentated. Had the different forms of teeth above indicated been obtained from different localities, they might have been referred to at least four distinct genera, but having been discovered together, and possessing the same structural appear- ances, I suspect them to have belonged to one and the same species. Tlie largest specimen resembling the teeth of Mcgalomurus in its present con- dition, is 1} inches long from the apex, J of an inch broad at base, and 5 lines thick. One of the specimens, which is demi-elliptical in section, is over an inch in length from tlie apex, 8 lines broad at base, and 3i lines wide at the posterior surface. Anotlicr specimen, apparently with the same form as that just indi- cated, in its perfect condition appears to have had the crown over two inches in length, nearly an inch in breadth, and about half an inch in width })ostcriorly. 5. Crocodilus humilis, Leidy. .The species is founded on ten specimens of shed crowns of teeth, apparently of a small species of crocodile. The largest specimen is 7 J lines long and 3^ lines in diameter at base, which is nearly circular. Another specimen is 1 lines long and 2.y lines in diameter at base ; and a third specimen is 6 lines long and Sj lines in diameter at base. These are all moderately curved conical, nearly circular in transverse section, with the two usual internal acute ridges, and with the intervening surfaces slightly striate or nearly smooth. The crown of a pos- terior tooth is compressed, mammillarj' in form, 2\ lines long and 2\ wide at base, with the summit obtuse, and the sides finely and longitudinally rugose. 6. Trionyx foveatds, Leidy. The species is founded on fragments of several costal and sternal plates. The exterior surface of the costal plates is covered with pits, excepting close to the margins ; and the pits are small and round at the vertebral extremity, and gradu- ally increase in size outwardly and become antero-posterioidy oblong oval and reniform. A vertebral fragment of a third or fourth costal plate, a little over an inch in length, is 11 lines wide and 2 lines thick. Small fragments of the sternal plates present an exterior surface covered with broken vermicular ridges and tubercles separated by wide intervals. Fragments of a hyposternal plate are 3 lines in thickness. 1. Lepidotus occidentalis, Leidy. " A species proposed on five specimens of thick lozenge-shaped scales, with the root prolonged in the direction of the long diameter. The enamelled surf ice of the scales is smooth and shining. The largest one has its sides about 4 lines long, the smallest one about 2^ lines long. 8. Lepidotus Haydeni, Leidy. A species proposed on a single specimen of a thick oblong square scale, the long sides of which measure 5 lines, and the short sides 3^ lines. The root pro- jects forward from one of the long sides, and the enamelled surface of the scales is covered with parallel square lines. This species is named in honor of Dr. Hayden, who collected the remains char- acterized in this paper ; and which remains, I suspect, indicate the existence of a formation like that of the Wealden of Europe. Notice of a new Fossil Genus belonging to the Famili/ Blastoidea, from the Devonian strata near Louisville, Kentucky. By B. F. Shumard, M. D., and L. P. Yandell, M. D. The remarkable Crinoid, now for the first time brought to the notice of Palae- ontologists, was discovered by us as early as 1847, in a gray sub-crystalline limestone on Bear Grass Creek, near Louisville, Kentucky, associated with characteristic fossils of the Devonian system. At that time we had observed only detached jjlates of the genus, which did not permit us to recognize its most 74 [March, important peculiarities, and Tve regarded it as hAng merely a species of Pcntre- miLcs (tiay.) analogous to (/'. Eta-acrinuH) Verneuili (Rcjumer.) Afterwards, through the politeness of 8. A. Casseday, Esq., of Louisville, we were put in possession of two individuals in a more perfect state of preservation, and these, with some specimens since found by ourselves, have furnisEed the material from which we are enabled to add a new and interesting genus to the farail}' Blastoidea. Eleutherocrincs, Noi\ Gen. Agreeable to the plan pursued by Messrs. D'Koniiick and Le Hon, we give as the formula of the genus Bufiul pin'ca, 3. (hie small, two irregular and very much elongated. Radial picccx, 1 x i>- -Four-forked, occupying nearly the whole length, one short and not forked. Interradial pieces, 1 X 5. Small. Fseudoambulacral areas, 5. Four linear extending nearly the entire length of the caly.K, one short, sub-triangular, situated on the summit plane. Column, none. Ovunal aj.>ertures, 8 (?) Generic characters. The calyx is of an elliptical form, truncated at summit and sub-triangular at base. The base is very irregular in form, sub-triangular at its lower part, and pro- longed on one of its sides to a remarkable length, It consists of three pieces, one of which is small, lozenge-shaped ; the other two are precisely alike, very large and prolonged nearly to the middle of the cal^x. These latter pieces are joined together in the median line by a straight suture, with which their exter- nal edges are sub-parallel, except the inferior fifth, which exhibits a small angu- lar fold, directed obliquely forwards to articulate with the inferior edges of the single basal piece. The superior edge of this fold is also emarginated to receive the extremity of an elongated radial piece. Radial pieces. Four are non-symmetrical, occupy nearly the entire length of the calyx, and are channelled almost to the base for the reception of the pseudo- ambulacraj. The middle -air alternate with the single basal, the exterior ones repose on the emarginated edges of the fold of the large basals. The fifth radial piece scarcely exceeds one-half the length of the others, though it is much wider. It rests on the upper edges of the large basals and between the superior half of two of the long radials. Its upper edge reaches to the level of the sum- mit plane. The surface is destitute of a pseudo-ambulacral groove. Interradial pieces, five, small, alternating with the radials. Three of them are somewhat lozenge-shaped ; two irregular in form, articulate, with the short radial piece. Fseudoambulacral areas, four are linear, commence at the central summit, open- ing and descend nearly to the base ; the fifth is triangular and lies horizontally on the summit jilane just within the edge of the short radial piece. Ovarial apertures. Only eight of tnese openings are visible in the specimens under examination ; two are situated at the extremity of each lozenge-shaped interradial, each pair being divided by a mesial se{)lum ; but at the extremity of each irregular interradial there is apparently merely a simple round opening without any visil)le septum. No anal opening is to be seen in our specimens. Moulh nearly central. Column. No trace of an aperture or articular facet exists at the base to indi- cate that the genus possessed a column. Electherochinos Cassed.\yi. Nov. sp. The body of this species is of an ellipsoidal form, truncated at summit, sub- triangulai below, and flattened on that portion of the circumference occupied by the large basals and short radial. The surface of all the principal pieces is marked with numerous delicate striaj, slightly tlexuous and running in a direc- tion nearly parallel with the edges. 185G.J - 75 Basal pieces. The outer long ones descend lower than the middle pair and tlie extremities of their pseudoambulacral lields are nearer the inferior extremi- ties of the pieces. Their internal limb is narrow, lanceolate and obliquely trun- cated above ; the external one is broadest, obtusch' triangular, and beni back- wards at nearly right angles, to unite with the long basals and short radial, form- ing with these a Hattened convex surface, whose transverse diameter equals the total width of the calyx. The middle pair, or those standing over the small basal, are more regular in form than the outer ones, their branches narrow and equal. Thp internal edges of all the branches of the long radial pieces are limit- ed by a fine carina, terminating below in a triangular projection, on which rest the extremity of a pseudoambulacral field. The lateral sutures are also marked by a fine carina. The short radial piece is sub-pentagonal and angulated in the middle ; its length and breadth about equal. Below it rests by a double con- cave edge on the extremities of the long basals ; the lateral edges are arched, the outline of the superior edge somewhat V-shaped. Interrad'ud pieces. The three regular ones are swelled and rounded at the apex, and terminate below in three salient angles ; the lateral edges are strongly crenulated. The irregular pieces are situated on either side of the short radial. They are scarcely more than half the width of the others, and only one of the lat- eral edges is crenulated. Pseudoambulacral areas. The four linear areas are convex, and project above the plane of the interradial plates. The pore pieces are transverse, sub-pentago- nal and finely crenulated at their internal edges. Their surfaces are deeply in- dented, and their number on each side of a field amounts to about thirty-five. The supplementary pore pieces are sub triangular and very minute. The fifth or anomalous area is small, triangular, and situated on the summit plane just within and a little below the superior edge of the short radial piece. The pore pieces are transverse, wide, and amount to about seven on each side of a field. Their form and that of the supplementary pore pieces cannot be well made out in the specimens on hand. The apertures situated at the extremities of the pieces amount to about fourteen for the entire field. The Eleulherocrinus Cassedayi is the only known species of the genus. References to Plate II. Fig. 1. Profile view of a specimen four times enlarged. 2. Opposite view of the same, exhibiting the form of the short radial, and the prolonged part of the long basals. 3. Basal view. 4. Summit view, showing the anomalous pseudo-ambulacral field. 5. A portion of one of the linear pseudo-ambulacral fields, very much enlarged. The report of the Corresponding Secretary for February and March was read and adopted. On motion of Dr. Elwyn, it was Resolved, That the members of the Methodist Conference, about to convene in this city, be invitrd to visit the Museum of the Academy on public days, during the session of the Conference. ELECTION. Mr. James E. Caldwell, Dr. Charles M. Cresson and Mr. A. J. Brasier, all of Philadelphia, were elected Mrmbers, and Dr. F. V. Hayden, of St. Louis, Mo., was elected a Correspondent. 76 [March, April \st. Mr. Orb, President, in the Cbair. Letters were read From the Iinpcri:il Society of Naturalists of Moscow, dated Feb. 17, 185(i, announcing the celebration of its semi-centennial anniversary. From Mr. J. H Ilauch, dated Burlington, Iowa, March 11, 185G, acknowledging the receipt ot his notice of election as a Corres- pondent. From the Lyceum of Natural History, of New York, dated March 20, 1856, acknowledging receipt of part 2, vol. 3, Lew series, of the Journal. From the Trustees of the New York State Library, dated Albany, ]\Iarch 26, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of the Proceedings of the Academy. From the University of Wurtzburg, dated Dscember 21, 1855, acknowledging the receipt of the Journal, vol. 3, part 1, and Proceed- ings, vol. 7, Nos. 2 7. From Mr. T. M. Peters, dated Moulton, Alabama, March 18, 1856, transmitting the donation to Museum, acknowledged this evening. From the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, dated March 31, 1856, returning acknowledgments for the invitation from the Academy to visit the Museum. Dr. Leidy read a paper, for publication in the Proceedings, entitled " Notices of three extinct Fishes." Referred to Mr. I. Lea, Dr. Wil- son and Dr. Bridges. Mr. Lea presented a paper, intended for publication in the Journal, entitled " On the Sandstone Fossils of the Connecticut river, by James Deane, M. D. ;" which was referred to Mr. Lea, Dr. Leidy and Mr. Messehert. Mr. Lea also presented the following papers for publication in the Proceedings, viz : " Descriptions of new Fresh-water shells of Califor- nia," " Description of a new species of Triquetra Klein," and " Descrip- tion of a now genus of Naiades," all of which were referred to Dr. Bridges, Dr. Wilson and Mr. Ilunson. April 8th. Mr. Lea, Vice-President, in the Chair. Dr. Leidy presented a paper for publication in the Proceedings, entitled " Notices of remains of extinct Mammalia discovered by Dr. F. V. riayden in Nebraska Territory;" which was referred to Dr. Wilson, Prof, llalderaan and Mr. Lesley. Mr. Cassin presented the following, which were unanimously adopted. Resolved, That the 7th vol., and so much as is published of the 8th vol. of the Proceedings of this Academy, and the last two Nos. of the Journal of the Academy, be presented to Sandwith Drinker, Esq., o Canton, China. 1856.] 77 Resolved, That so much 'as is published of the 8th vol. of the Pro- ceedings of this Academy and the last two Nos. of the Journal, be pre- sented to W. VV. Wood, Esq., of Manilla. April l^th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair, Letters were read Frum the Smithsonian Institution, dated Washington, March 1,1856, acknowledging reciipt of last No. of the Journal. From the American Antiquarian Society, dated Worcester, Mass., April 1st and 8th, 1856, ar.knowhdging receipt of Proceedings, vol. 7, ami No. 1, vol. 8, and transmitting in exchange their publications an- nounced this evening. From the Koyal Library of the University of Gottingen, dated 17th Dec, 1855 J From the University Library of Heidelberg, dated 8th Jan., 1856 ; From the University of Jena, dated 5th Jan., 1856; From the Natural History Society of Dantzic, dated 20th Dec, 1855; and From the Wurteraberg Natural History Society, dated 20th Dec, 1S55 ; severally acknowledging receipt of the Proceedings of the Academy. A paper was presented from Robert Kennicott, Esq., intended for pubiiciitiou in the Proceedings, entitled, " Description of a new Snake frjm Illinois j" which was referred to Dr. Hallowell, Dr. Leidy, and Dr. Coise. Dr. Leidy presented for publication in the Proceedings a paper en- titled, " Descriptions of thirty new species of Acephala and G.istero- poda from the Cretaceous formations of Nebraska Tc rritory, by F. B. Meek, ami F. V. Hayden, M. D." Referred to Mr. Le;., Dr. Leidy, and Dr. Hallowell, Dr. Leidy also presented for publication in the Proceedings the fol- lowing : " Notice of tlie Remains of a species of Seal from the Post-Pliocene Deposit of the Ottowa River, U. C" and "iNotices of several genera of extinct Mammalia previously less per- fectly characterized ;" both of which were refered to Dr. Le Conte, Mr. Lesley, and Mr. Vans. iVIr. Lea presented a paper for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Descriptions of twenty five new species of Exotic Unioues." Referred to Dr. Wilson, Mr. Hansoo, and Dr. Bridges. Mr. Lea read some notes from a paper he is preparing for the Journal of the Academy on thr New Red Sandstone Formation of Pennsylvania, and stated that he had, during a,<\ excursion last i^ummer, found in the darli shales of that Formation, near Phoenixville, on the Schuylkill, the tooth of a Sauroid Reptile, which he thus characterised. 6 78 [April, Centemodon* sulcatus. Tooth smooth, rather thick, slightly curved, with trenchant edges, rounded on the exterior portion, sulcate on the lower part near the base, ccrered with very minute distinct stri?e from the point to the base, which strice cross the sulcations in slightly oblique lines. Length sixteen- twentieths of an inch, greatest breadth four twentieths of an inch ; pulp cavity large. On comparing this tooth with C/epsi/saurus Pe/wsi/lvanicus, which he had de- scribed from the same Red Sandstone Formation in Lehigh county, it will be found to differ very widely. The edge is not serrate on any part like that genus, nor is it so large or so attenuate. The form, too is more compressed. It differs from the teeth of Bathygnathus boreaUs, Leidy, from the New Red Sandstone of Nova Scotia, in size, being smaller and being more attenuate, as well as in having a trenchant smooth edge and not a serrate edge. It is about the size and approaches the form of Prof. Owen's figure of Labyrinthodon, plate 63, A. f. 2, of Odontographia, but it is more flattened. Mr. Lea als: stated that in thegreenish and blackish shales of the same locality he found two species of Posidonia, which genus is so characteristic of this portion of the formation and existing in immense quantities. As they seem to differ from that figured by Sir Charles Lyell, in his Elementaiy Geology, as coming from Oolitic coal shale of Richmond, Virginia, Mr. Lea proposed the names of P. ovata and P. parva, the first being about seven-twentieths of an inch in transverse diameter. The latter is more rotund, and about three-twentieths of an inch in transverse diameter, both being covered with numerous minute con- centric costffi over the whole disc. Near to this locality and superimposed, Mr. Lea obtained a specimen of impure dull red limestone, which contained, on a partially decomposed surface, im- pressions presenting the appearance of Foot-marks, somewhat like Chelkhnus Duncani, Owen, figured by Sir Wm. Jardine in his Ichnology, for which Mr. Lea proposed the provisional name of Chelkhnus Wymaniamis, after Professor Wj* man, of Cambridge, Mass. From the same formation and locality were procured the impressions of plants, some of which belong to the Conifera. One of the cones was nearly six inches long and full an inch wide. These were accompanied by other plants of very obscure character, covering large portions of the surface of some of the layers. Mr. Lea also mentioned that he had observed the same Red, Black and Gray Shales at Gwinnedd, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad, where he found the same Posidonicp, and some of the same obscure plants, impressions of which covered the surfaces of many of the rocks. A single specimen was obtained of a plant with long leaves some-whatrasemhling Xoeygerathia cuneifolia, Broguiart, which is from the Permian. In the Black Posidonia Shales was found a single Ganoid scale, which is more like Pyyopteris matidibitlaris, Agas. , from the Marl Slate (Lower Permian) than any other which had come under Mr. Lea's notice. There were other obscure forms observed, which have not yet been satisfactorily found to be analogous to any known forms, but which Mr. Lea hoped to be able to make out when he should figure all the specimens and describe them more at large for the Journal of the Academy. Jpril 2'ld. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. A paper was presented from J. S. Newberry, M. D., intended for pub- lication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Descriptions of several new * KivTM/za aculeus and hic,v( dens. 1856.] 79 penera and species of Fossil Fishes from the Carboniferous Strata of Ohio." Referred to Drs. Le Conte, Leidy, and Hallowell. Mr. Samuel Ashraead,in presenting the very fine collection of Marine Alga5 made by himself during the past winter at Key "West, Florida, stated that he was indebted to Prof. Bailey, of West Point, for his as- sistance in determining a number of the species. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Committees on Mr. Lea's papers, read 1st inst. ; on Dr. Lcidy's paper, read 8th inst.; on Mr. Kennicott's paper, read 15th inst; on a paper by Messrs. Meek and Hayden, read same date ; on Dr. Leidy's papers, of same date; on Mr. Lea's paper, of same date; and on Dr. Newberry's paper, read 22d inst.; severally reported in favor of publi- cation in the Proceedings. Description of a New Sub-Genus of Naiades. By Isaac Lea. Family NAIADES. Sub-genus Plagiodon. Testa ?equivalvis, insequilatera, oblique trigona, valde inflata ; dentibus cardi- nalibus crenulatis, compressis, transversis, curtis, in utraque valva duplicis ; dentibus lateralibus nullius ; ligamentum vix extrorsum ; impressio muscularis antica composita. This sub-genus is proposed forafluviatile shell, which is nearer to MonocondT/lcea, D'Orbigny, than to Margaritana, Schumacher ; and may be considered properly so interposed as a link to connect them. Plagiodon isocardiodes. Testa Iffivi. rotnndo-trigona, globosa, ventricosissima, ad lateris planulatis, valde inquilaterali, antice brevissima, umbonibus tuniidis, valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus valde elcvatis, incurvis, terminalis ; epidermide subrugosa, tenebroso- olivacea; dentibus cardinalibus crenulatis, compressis, transversis, curtis, in utraque valva duplicis ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hab. Rio Plata. Mr. E. Verreau, Paris. Description of a Ncio Species of Triquetra, Klein (Hyria, Lamarck.') By Isaac Lea. Triquetra lanceolata. Testa laevi, transversissimii, subcompressa, lanceolata, valde inequiTaterali? postice acuto-angulata : antice caudiitim producta ; valvulis crassis ; natil)us parvis, prominulis, ad quartam anteriorem partem positis ; epidermide striata, tenebroso-fusca ; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus crenulatisque j lateralibus praelongis rectisque ; margarita alba et argentea. Hab. China ? Mr. Asa Fitch. 80 [April Description of New Fresh xcaier Shells from CaHfornia. By Isaac Lea. Familj- LYMN^ANA. Genus Pompholyx. Testa rotundo-gibbosa, subtus retrorsa, superne planulata, non umbilicata; spira depressa, apertura amplissima, subrotuada, effusa ; labro acuto ; labio incrassato, planulato ; operculum nullum. PoMPHOLYX EFFUSA. Testa parva, striata, rotundo-gibbosa, subtenul, efFusa, luteo-cornea; anfractibus trinis, superne planulatis, inferne convexis ; apertura subrotunda, dilatata, intus albida, maculata. Hah. Sacramento River, California. Dr. Trask. Melania Shastaensis. Testa striata, subcjlindracea, subtenui, tenebroso- cornea, fasciata ; spira elevata ad apice plicata ; suturis valde impressis ; an- fractibus convexis ; apertura parva, ovata, intus albida; columella laevi, incur vata et recurvata. Uah. Shasta and Scott Rivers, California. Dr. Trask. Melania niguixa. Testa lasvi, parva, conica, sublenui, nigricanti, polita ; spira subelevata ; suturis impressis ; anfractibus regulariter convexis ; apertura parva, ovata, superne angulata', intus tenebroso-purpurea; columella iucurva, purpurea. Uah. Clear Creek, Shasta County, California. Dr. Trask. Physa triticea. Testa subfusiformi, pellucida, polita, rufo-castanea ; spira brevi, subacuta ; suturis subimpressis ; anfractibus quaternis, subconstrictis ; apertura elongata, intus lineata. Hah. Shasta County, California. Dr. Trask. Planorbis Traskii. Testa magna, tenebroso-cornea, subcylindracea, minute, crebre et regulariter striata, superne late et profunditer umbilicata ; inferne magis excavata ; anfractibus quinis, superne acute carinata ad peripheriam, in- ferne obtuse carinata ; apertura auriculseformi. Hah. Kern Lake, Tulan County, California. Dr. Trask. Lymn>ea proxima. Testa acuto-conica, subtenui, crebre et irregulariter striata, cornea, minute perforata; spira subelevata, ad apicem acuminata ; suturis valde impressis; anfractibus septenis, convexis; apertura subiuflata, subelliptica, intus fasciata, columella paulo plicata. Hah. Arroya San Antonio, California. Dr. Trask. Ancylus patelloides. Testa magna, crassa, elliptica, maculata, oblique conica ; striis crebris, minutis ; apice submediali. Hah. Sacramento River, California. Dr. Trask. The following species, heretofore described, were part of the " envoi " made by Dr. Trask. Margaritana margaridfera^ Lea. Alas.falcata, Gould. Alas. Yitho'vsis, Trask. From Klamath and Yuba Rivers. I received specimens of this shell from Prof. Xuttall in 1837, brought by him from Columbia River. I thought then, and I still think, there were not characters sufficiently distinct in them to form a new species. The observations published at the time (Tran. Am. Phil. Soc. v. 6, p. 97) are still in accordance with my opinions, after having had many specimens from various localities under exami- nation The purple in the nacre is stronger than any I have seen from other localities, but this with the other differences would not I think warrant its being considered more than a mere variety of M. margaritifera. 1856.] 81 Anodonta WaMamatsnsis, Lea. Tr. Am. P. S.v. 6, p. 78.=.4. iriangulata, Trask. A. roliindovata, Trask. From Sacramento River. Anodonta angulata. Lea. Tr. Am. P. S. v. 6, p. 97.=.4. feminalis, Gould. A. Randall), Trask. From upper San Joaquin. Helix Oreffonensis, Lea. Trans. Am. P. S. v. 6, p. 100. Point Cypress, Monterey County. Jlelix Nickliniana, Lea. Trans. Am. P. S. v. 6, p. 100. Tomales Bay and , Deadman's Island. Helix CaUforniensis, Lea. Trans. Am. P. S. v. 6, p. 99. Point Cypress, Monterey County. Lt/mneea exigua, Lea. Trans. Am. P. S. t. 9, obs. v. 3. San Antonio Arroya. Lt/mncea pallida, Adams. Journal Boston Nat. Hist. See. v. 3. San Antonio Arroj'a. Physa heterosfropha, Say. Nicholson's Ency. Am. Edition. Los Angeles. Melania occata, Hinds. Voy. of the Sulphur, pi. 15, f. 5. Sacramento River. 3Ielania scminalis, (Faludina, Hinds.) Voy. Sulphur, pi. 16, fig. 22. Sacra- mento River. Planorbis (rivoli.s, Say. Nicholson's Ency. Am. Ed. Hern Lake. Slightly varies from the Michigan specimens. Planorbis ammon, Gould. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. v. 5, p. 129. Lagoons, Sacramento Valley. Descriptions of twenty-eight new species of AcephaJa and one Gasteropod, from the Cretaceous formations of Nebraska Territory. By F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D. Pholadomya undata. Shell oval or ovate, moderately ventricose, anterior end rounded, posterior extremity rounded chiefly from below, cardinal border nearly straight ; base somewhat broadly curved ; beaks rather elevated, incurved, placed between the centre and the anterior end ; surface (of cast) ornamented by numerous, regular, distinct, concentric undulations, which are crossed by much smaller radiating costse, scarcely marked in the depressions between. Length about one inch. As we have not seen the hinge of this species, we refer it with doubt to the above genus. The radiating costaj are about equal, the spaces between, and in consequence of being marked only on the concentric undulations, and not in the intermediate depressions, furnish a character by which even fragments of the species may be at once identified. Locality and position. Mouth of Judith River, in a sandstone supposed to be same as No. 1 of the series. GoNiOMYA AMERICANA. Our Specimens of this interesting shell are too imper- fect to give a clear idea of its form, though the direction of the lines of growth indicate an oblong or very narrow oval outline, with a narrowly rounded ante- rior and subtruncate posterior. Laterally the valves must have been considerably compressed. The beaks are small, not much elevated, and placed in advance of the centre. On the two extremities the costse, which are quite distinct, tra- verse the shell obliquely backwards from near the hinge to the base, while those originating immediately in front and behind the beaks, converge and meet at various distances down the sides of the shell, so as to form arched or convex angles of from 20 to 30. Surface ornamented bj' fine irregular lines of growth, crossed by regular, equi-distant, radiating rows of minute transparent granules, placed at regular distances from each other. These granules are so small as to be scarcely visible without the aid of a strong magnifier, under which they look like minute drops of melted amber. In its surface markings this species resembles G. Dubois of Prof. Agassiz, (^Eludes critiques sur les Moliusques fossiles, tab. 1.) but in our species the con- verging costa; continue to meet at the same acute angles as far as they can be traced towards the points of the beaks, while on the beaks of G. Dubois and 82 [April, other.allied species, these angles are truacated, and the opposite costae united by horizontal bars. Perfect specimens would probably shovr other differences. This is, we believe, the first species of this genus found in America. According to Prof. Bvonn, (Index Palaion(olofficus,) five species have been hitherto described from the whole cretaceous sj^stem, two of which were from the Neocomien, two from the green sand, and one from the true chalk. Locality and position. Moreau Trading Post, No. 5 of the series. SoLEN SUBPLICATUS. Shell very thin and fragile, elongated, cardinal and basal margins straight and parallel ; buccal extremity obliquely truncate, anal end rounded from below, both ends gaping ; beaks nearly at the anterior extremity, not distinct from nor rising above the hinge line. Six to eight broadly rounded, very faint plications radiate from behind the beaks obliquely backwards to the posterior margin, to which they appear to have imparted a slightly waved out- line ; surface marked with faint lines of growth, and minute transverse closely arranged striae, which do not radiate from the beaks, but traverse the shell at right angles to its longitudinal diameter. Length 1-15 inches ; breadth -26 inch ; heiglit '42 inch. The fine transverse striae on this shell are only visible under a high magnify- ing power, and appear to have been as well marked on the inside as on the ex- terior, distinct impressions of them being left on internal cast. Locality aiid position. Moreau river, No. 5 of the series. Tellina gracilis. Shell elliptical, moderately compressed, extremely thin and fragile ; buccal margin rounded ; posterior end contracted, subtruncate, and having a broad obsolete ridge passing from the beaks obliquely backwards to the postero-basal margin ; cardinal border convex before and concave behind the beaks ; lower border forming a regular elliptical curve ; beaks rather de- pressed, and located a little behind the centre; surface marked with fine lines of growth. Length -90 inch ; breadth of left valve -IT inch ; height -60 inch. The above description is made out from a single left valve, so attached to the matrix as to show only external characters. Locality and position. Mouth of the Judith, in a sandstone supposed to be the same as No. 1 of the series. Tellina eqoilateralis. Shell elliptical, compressed, moderately thick, ex- tremities rounded ; anterior end slightly broader than the posterior ; beaks small, not elevated, located a little in advance of the middle ; surface marked with fine 'regular concentric lines. Length of right valve 1-15 inches ; breadth -12 inch ; height "57 inch. We have of this species but one right valve, showing none of its internal characters. The position of its beaks, as well as its much greater thickness, preclude the idea of its being an opposite valve of the last. Locality and position. Same as preceding. Tellina ? Cheyenensis. Shell ovate, compressed, very thin ; anterior extre- mity rounded ; posterior end subtruncate or rounded from above, and very obtusely angular below ; base forming an elliptic curve ; beaks somewhat elevated, placed a little in advance of the middle, surface ornamented with fine Hues of growth and numerous small regular concentric wrinkles, becoming mere lines near the beaks and on the extremities. Length -88 inch ; breadth -36 inch ; height -61 inch. We have only seen the outside of this specimen. Locality and position. Forks of Cheyenne River, No. 4 of the series. Tellina scitdla. Shell elliptical, small, thin, much compressed, curved so as to be convex on the left, and slightly concave on the right sides ; extremities narrowly rounded, the anterior end being wider than the posterior; beaks small, nearly central ; base forming a regular elliptic curve ; surface polished, and marked with distinct lines of growth. Length -50 inch ; breadth -13 inch ; height 30 inch. Locality and position. Moreau River, No. 5 of series. 1856.] 83 Tellisa subelliptica. Shell small, ovate or elliptical, thin, mnch compressed ; anterior extremity rounded; posterior end somewhat rounded or subtruncate ; beaks small, not much elevated, a little in advance of the centre; surface' rather faintly marked with fine lines of growth. Length -50 inch; breadth -12 inch ; height -32 inch. This species is chiefly distinguished from the last by its more broadly rounded extremities, less distinct lines of growth, and greater thickness. Locality and position. Cherry Creek, Upper part of No. 5 of the series. Tellina PttOUTt. Shell ovate, much compressed, very thin and fragile ; ex- tremities rounded : posterior cnu somewhat contracted, and having a broad, indistinct ridge passing from the beaks obliquely backwards to the postero- inferior margin, the outline of which it may have slightly modified ; cardinal border convex before, and concave behind the beaks ; umbones nearly central, elevated, somewhat gibbous, closely approximate ; surface ornamented with fine but distinct lines of growth ; internal laminaj of the shell marked with faint, very fine radiating lines ; sinus of the palleal impression oblong, obtuse or sub- truncate at the extremity, about one-third the length of the shell. Length 2*42 inches; breadth -83 inch ; height 1-GO inches. We have not seen the hinge of this shell. The species is dedicated to Dr. H. A. Prout, of St. Louis, Missouri, to whom we are indebted for the only speci- men we have seen. Locality and position. Fort Benton, No. 4 of the series, Cytherea Deweyi. Shell subcircular or slightly oval, somewhat compressed; beaks moderately elevated, a little in advance of the centre ; surface ornamented by distinct irregular lines of growth ; lunule small, narrow, oval or broad lan- ceolate, not very distinctly impressed ; muscular impressions shallow, anterior one narrow ovate ; posterior broad ovate, acutely angular above ; palleal im- pression having a rather deep triangular sinus, forming at the ajiex an angle of 55; border smooth. Length -96 inch ; breadth -51 inch ; height "85 inch. Specimens slightly more elongated, but apparently identical with this, occur on the Yellow-stone River in a bed we have considered the upper part of No. 4, but which may represent No. 5. This species is dedicated to Prof. Chester Dewey, of Rochester University, N. Y. Locality and position. Moreau River, No. 5 of the series. Cytherea Nebrascensis. Shell subcircular, much compressed ; beaks somewhat elevated, small, a little in advance of the centre ; ligamentary cavity long and very narrow lanceolate ; surface marked with rather faint lines of growth. Length VO inch ; breadth -28 inch ; height -GO inch. The much more compressed form of this shell will serve to distinguish it at once from the last. Locality and position. Same as preceding. CoRBULA VE?iTRicosA. Shell Small, very thin, subglobose, nearly equivalve ; anterior end broadly rounded ; posterior extremity abruptly contracted into a narrow prolongation ; beaks elevated, ventricose, a little behind the centre of the globose part of the shell; surface marked with distinct irregular lines of growth ; cardinal tooth of right valve prominent, flattened ; posterior muscular impression deep ; palleal impression having a broad triangular sinus. Length 55 inch ; breadth -26 inch ; height -27 inch. Locality and position. Same as last. CoRBULA MoREAUENSis. Shell Small, subovate, ventricose, rounded in front, suddenly contracted and somewhat attenuate behind ; beaks prominent, situated behind the middle of the broadest part of the shell, rather inclined backwards ; surface ornamented with strong, regular, elevated concentric lines, nearly equal- ling the spaces between. Length about -27 inch ; breadth -10 inch ; height '16 inch. We have not yet seen the left valve of this shell, nor the interior of the right, 84 [April, from which the above description is made out. The species may be distin- guished from the hist by its much stronger and more regular concentric lines. Locality and position. Same as last. CoRBULA? GREGARiA. Shell Very small, somewhat triangular, subglobose ; right valve more ventricose than the left ; beaks nearly central, gibbous, that of the I'ight valve elevated considerably above the left, incurved ; surfiice polished and marked with a few faint, irregular, concentric Avrinkles, indicating stages of growth ; hinge having under the beaks a single prominent tooth in each valve ; anterior muscular attachment indistinct, posterior raised upon a strongly pro- jecting lamina; palleal impressions scarcely sinuous. Length -13 inch ; breadth 10 inch; lieight -13 inch. It is with much doubt we refer this little shell to the genus Corbvla. In the inequality of its valves, as well as in the character of its hinge, it agrees ex- actly with that genus, but we have seen no species of Corhula having either of the muscular attachments raised upon a projecting plate, as in this shell. In this respect it is more like Cordilla of Deshays, but it appears to want the spoon shaped projection of the hinge of that genus ; and it is the posterior, instead of the anterior muscular attachment that here forms a projecting plate. We sus pect it belongs to an undescribed genus. Locality and position. Yellow-stone River, one hundred and fifty miles from mouth, where it is found in vast numbers compacted together in concretions, in the upper part of No. 4 of the series. AsTARTE GREGARIA. Shell Small, subtriangular, rounded below and at the extremities, nearly equilateral, valves moderately convex ; beaks much elevated, rather pointed, incurved, approximate, slightly turned forward ; escutcheon narrow lanceolate ; lunule somewhat broadly lanceolate or narrow ovate, not very distinctly impressed ; surface ornamented by small, but distinct con- centric undulations, and much finer lines of growth ; border smooth ; muscular impressions shallow. Length -21 inch ; breadth -14 inch ; height -21 inch. Locality and position. Yellow stone River, from a bed probably near the top of No. 4, if not in No. 5 of the series. Abundant. NocDLA sciTULA. Shell ovate, rather ventricose, rounded in front, somewhat contracted and narrowly rounded behind ; umboual region gibbous ; beaks prominent, incurved, approximate, located in advance of the middle ; surface marked with distinctly elevated, regular concentric lines, about equal to the spaces between, and stronger on the middle than towards the extremities of the valves ; dorsal border marked by a distinct longitudinal groove behind the beaks. Length -39 inch ; breadth -21 inch ; height -22 inch. From N. ventricosa of Hall and Meek, (see vol. 5, new series. Trans. Am. Acad. Arts and Sciences,) to which it bears some resemblance, this may be distin- guished by its beaks being located nearer the anterior end, and by its larger size and comparatively smaller concentric lines. Locality and position. Moreau River, No. 5 of the series. Ndcdla Evansi. Shell elongate, narrow elliptical, thin, moderately convex ; cardinal margin nearly straight, marked with a distinct longitudinal groove on each valve ; extremities rounded, posterior end compressed and slightly gaping; inferior border forming an elliptical curve, with sometimes a fiiint impression near the middle; beaks very small, not much elevated, located in advance of the centre ; surface polished and marked with faint lines of growth ; muscular impressions indistinct ; teeth of the hinge numerous, closely interlocked. Length 72 inch ; breadth -22 inch ; height -32 inch. Dedicated to Dr. John Evans, U. S. Geologist of Oregon Territory. Locality and position. Moreau River, No. 5 of the series. NucuLA EQuiLATERALis. Our Specimens of this shell are only casts. The species may be characterized as follows : subelliptical, rather convex ; extremi- ties narrowly rounded ; beaks central, somewhat elevated ; umbonal region gib- bous; muscular impressions comparatively large, distinct, but not deep; border 1856.] 85 smooth ; teeth of the hingje numerous, short, obtuse, closely interlocking. Length 64 inch ; breadth -21 inch ; height -25 inch. Even casts of this species maj- always be known from the last, by the central position of the beaks and more narrowly rounded extremities. Locality and position. Same as last. Nucni-A SUBPLANA. Shell small, oral, compressed ; anterior end obliquely subtruncate from the beaks a little more than half way down; posterior ond round, base broadly rounded ; beaks prominent, compressed, located about half way between the centre and the anterior end ; surface (of cast) having a few faint indications of concentric undulations ; teeth of hinge moderately long ; border smooth. Length -25 inch ; breadth -09 inch ; height -20 inch. Of this little Nucula we have only seen casts. It may be known from other species from these formations by its short compressed form and elevated beaks. It is rare. Locality and position. Yellow-stone River, one hundred and fifty miles above mouth, in a bed supposed to be upper part of No. 4 of series. NuccLA CANCELLATA. Shell rather large and thick, ovate or subtriangular, ventricose, pearly within ; anterior end short, obliquely truncate, posterior end longer, narrowly rounded ; umbonal region gibbous ; beaks somewhat elevated, slightly incurved ; escutcheon lanceolate ; lunule ovate, flattened, but scarcely impressed ; surface ornamented by numerous flatlj^ rounded, simple, closely ar- ranged, radiating costs, which are crossed by small, irregular, concentric wrinkles, and finer indistinct lines of growth ; border neatly crenulated. Length 93 inch ; breadth -50 inch ; height -65 inch This beautiful Nucula resembles in its surface markings N. pectenata of Sow- erby, (Min. Conch, vol. 2, page 209, fig. 6, V,) but differs in the form and depth of its lunule, which is rather narrow ovate and ver}' shallow, while in Sowerby's species it is distinctly cordate and deeply impressed. The muscular impressions, though large, are much more shallow than in N. pectenata. The radiating costee of our species become obsolete on the lunule and escutcheon, and are about five times as broad as the grooves between, near the border. The anterior muscular impression is bordered by a distinct ridge, which extends nearly up to the beaks. ' Locality and position. Moreau River, No. 5 of the series. Nucula planomarginata. Shell ovate, somewhat compressed, pearly within ; anterior end very short, obliquely truncate ; posterior end long and narrowly rounded, dorsal and ventral margins forming, from the beaks backwards, ellip- tical curves ; beaks much elevated ; surface unknown ; muscular impressions faint ; border smooth. Length -95 inch ; height GO inch ; breadth -26 inch. We have only seen internal casts of this species, the shell being always left adhering to the matrix, from which we infer the surface was ornately marked. It may be at once distinguished from the last by its more compressed form and smooth border. Locality and position. Same as last. Pectcnculina parvula. Shell very small, obliquely oval, somewhat com- pressed, inequilateral ; buccal end and base rounded ; anal extremity rounded and slightly extended obliquely downwards ; cardinal border short, and having a narrow, well defined, longitudinally striate area on each valve ; beaks small, not much elevated, about midway between the centre and the anterior end ; surface polished and marked with lines of growth, sometimes crossed by faint indications of radiating costae ; hinge having in each valve three or four teeth on each side of the central triangular ligamentary pit ; interior marked with faint radiating grooves terminating in distinct crenulations at the border. Length 18 inch ; breadth -10 inch ; height IS inch. This little shell might, upon a hasty examination, be mistaken for Cardium varum, (Evans and Shumards unpublished MS.), but it possesses all the cha- racters of the above genus. The shell is often so translucent that the internal radiating grooves are seen through it. Locality and position. Yellow-stone River, No. 5 of the series. 86 [April, Arca (cucull/Ea) cordata. Shell thick and strong, subovate, somewhat triangular or cordiform, very ventricose, abruptly rounded before, obliquely subtruncate behind, and forming a broad curve below; uniboncs gibbous, much elevated, incurved, located near the anterior end ; ligamentary area very short, deeply excavated, grooved and finely striated longitudinally ; surface marked with strong imbricating lines of growth and indistinct radiating costffi. Length 2-03 inches; breadth 1-77 inches ; height 1-9G inches. Length of ligamentary area 1-25 inches ; breadth of do. -30 inches. This species, in its thickness and general appearance, approaches Cucullcea Ifebrascensis, (Owen,) but may be distinguished by its shorter buccal extremity, more elevated, approximate and incurved beaks, and especially by its much shorter and narrower ligamentary area. There is in our specimen a distinct sulcus starting from before the beak of each valve, and extending obliquely downwards to a point a little behind the middle of the shell, where it dies out before reaching the border. When viewed on either end, this shell presents a beautiful cordate form. Locality and position. Moreau Trading Post, No. 5 of series. Arca (cucdll/Ea) Shumardi. Shell oval, ovate, somewhat globose, rather thin, obliquely subtruncate behind, rounded before, and forming an elliptic curve below ; umbones very gibbous, oblique, moderately elevated, incurved, and located a little in advance of the centre ; surface ornamented by distinct lines of growth, crossed by numerous, rather indistinct radiating costaj ; ligamentary area straight, narrow, moderately excavated, grooved and striated longitu- dinalljr ; hinge having in each valve three or four transversely striated, oblique, lateral teeth on each side, and small, irregular, intermediate transverse ones in the centre ; border smooth. Length (specimen about four times the medium size) 1'67 inches; breadth 1-28 inches; height 1-40 inches. This is one of the most abundant and beautiful bivalves found in the creta- ceous rocks of the upper Missouri country. It varies much in form, some of the specimens being more nearly of an ovate form, in consequence of the anal region being extended, and the beaks more oblique, while others are shorter and more rotund. These two forms are quite well enough marked to constitute a specific distinction, if they were not connected by numerous intermediate ones. As these differences are not due to age or size, we are inclined to regard them as sexual. In old shells the radiating costas are usually obsolete. In some specimens a single raised line maj' be seen passing from behind the beak of the right valve to the posterior border, following the direction of the raised edge of the poste- rior muscular impression. This is rarely seen on the left valve. We dedicate the species to Dr. B. F. Shumard, of St. Louis, Missouri. Locality and position. Same as last. Mytilus attexuatus. Shell much elongated, slightly arcuate ; extremities compressed and rounded ; anterior end narrow ; beaks nearly terminal ; surface (of cast) faintly marked with lines of growth. Length 1-90 inches ; breadth -50 inch ; height -50 inch. From M. Galpiniamts and M. Meckii, (Evans and Shumard,) this species may be known by its much greater proportional length and less gibbous beaks. Having only seen casts, we know nothing of its surface markings. Locality and position. Same as last. Aaicula? fibrosa. Shell ovate, subtriangular, very oblique, pointed at the beaks, somewhat rounded below; beaks small, acute, placed at the anterior ex- tremity, and scarcely rising above the hinge ; right and left valves alike, con- vexly arched from the beaks to the base ; posterior wing somewhat flattened and apparently broadly rounded ; surAxce ornamented by strong, rounded, radi- ating plications, which bifurcate very irregularly, and are crossed bj' strong concentric undulations, so as to give the surface, which is otherwise smooth, a subnodose appearance. Some of our specimens must have been as much as two inches in length when perfect. 1856.] 87 It is with much doubt we place this shell in the above genus, as we have in none of our specimens seen any indications of an anterior wing. It is also worthy of note, that the substance of the shell is composed of an internal lamellar, and an external fibrous portion, like Finna, from which, however, it differs in having a posterior wing-like expansion. The radiating costae are faint or wanting on the wing. Locality and position. Forks of Cheyenne River, No. 4 of series. Inoceramus ventricosus. Shell ovate, oval or oblong, extremely inflated, very thin and fragile, structure entirely fibrous ; cardinal border straight ; ante- rior end rounded, posterior end apparently' subtruncate, base broadly curved ; umbonal region remarkably gibbous ; beaks oblique, located at the anterior extremity ; surface marked with fine regular imbricating lines of growth, and occasionally with a few faint irregular con' entric undulations. Length about 4-30 inches ; breadth (of right valve) I'TO inches ; height 2-T5 inches. Thickness of thickest part of shell, near the hinge, -12 inch ; do. of thinnest part near border 03 of an inch. The most striking characteristics of this species are its remarkably ventricose form, extreme thinness and entirely fibrous structure, there being no internal lamellar portion, as is generally the case in this genus. In our specimens the calcareous matter has been replaced by ferruginous and silicious matter, so as to preserve the original structure of the shell perfectly. If the left valve is as gibbous as the right, the transverse diameter of the shell must be considerably greater than its height. The beak of one of our specimens appears to have been truncated. We have only seen right valves. Locality and position. Mouth of Judith River, in sandstone, supposed to be the same as No. 1 of the series. Pecten Nebrascensi.s. Superior valve suborbicular, moderately compressed, ornamented by twelve to fifteen strongly elevated costae about equal to the spaces between ; surface marked with very fine, closely arranged concentric lines, crossed by equally fine crowded radiating striie ; buccal ear (imperfect in our specimens) apparently triangular, rather distinctly marked with radiating costae, crossed by concentric striie stronger than on the body of th valve ; aunal ear smaller, triangular, concave on the margin, and marked with distinct concen- tric lines. Length and breadth -49 inch. From F. venustus of Dr. Morton, (Synopsis, pi. 5, fig. 5,) to which this species appears to be closely allied, it may be distinguished by the fine radiating striae. In some of the specimens the costaj occasionally bifurcate, while the radiating strife never run exactly parallel to the costae, but pass very obliquely along their sides. These striae are so fine as to be invisible without the aid of a lens. We have not seen the inferior valve. Locality and position. Yellow-stone River, one hundred and fifty miles from its mouth, in a bed supposed to represent No. 5 of the series. Natica subcrassa. Sh^ll obliquely oval or oblong, thick ; spire rather short ; volutions three to three and a half, convex ; suture distinct or somewhat grooved ; surface marked with strong lines of growth, which rise, on the body whorl, into distinct imbricating wrinkles ; outer lip bevelled ; inner lip rather thick, and nearly covering the small umbilicus ; aperture ovate, oval, or elliptical, nearly as obtusely rounded above as below. Length -95 inch ; breadth -87 inch ; apical angle about 93. It is possible there may have been other surface markings than those men- tioned above, as all our specimens are so worn that fine lines would have been obliterated, had they existed. The species may be known from those found in the higher members of the series in this region, by its stronger lines of growth, and greater thickness. Locality aiid position. Mouth of Judith River, from a sandstone supposed to be the same as No. 1 of the series, where it is associated with Tellina gracilis, and T. equilateralis. 88 [April, Notices of Remains of Extinct Mam-naUa, discovered hy Dr. F. V. Hayden, in Nebraska Territory. Bj Joseph Leidy, M D. PACHYDERMATA. 1. Leptochokrus spectabilis, Leidy. The genus and species are proposed upon a small frag:ment of the lower jaw of an apparent suilHne animal, containing two molar teeth, which appear to be the first and second true molars. The crowns of these teeth have the general form of the correspondi^.g ones of the Peccary, and they are composed of four tubercles or lobes confluent into a thick base, with a ridge anteriorly and pos- teriorly, and between the outer lobes externally. Of the four lobes that postero- internal is the largest, the external pair are nearly equal, and the antero-internal one is smallest. The inner lobes are trilateral, and the outer ones are much like the corresponding lobes of ruminants. The aims of the crescentoid summits of the outer lobes join the inner lobes ; that most anteriorly joining the antero-iii- ternal lobe, while the other three join the postero-internal lobe. Antero- posterior diameter of first true molar 2i lines. Transverse, do. do. do. 2 " Antero-posterior, do. second do. 3 " Transverse, do. do. do. 2j " Discovered in the Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska. RUMINANTIA. 2. Leptaochbnia decora, Leidy. In Dr. Hayden's collection there are several specimens from the valley of White River, Nebraska, consisting of fragments of upper and lower jaws with teeth, which belonged to a ruminating animal allied to the Camel. One of the fragments contains the left superior true molars and the last pre- molar. The true molars have their crowns more nearly square than in either the Camel or Lama, and the anterior folds of their outer lobes are produced rela- tively much more outwardly and forwards than in either of the latter. The surfaces between the folds are concave and directed much more obliquely back- ward than in the Camel. The last premolar is bilobed and holds the same relation of position of its outer face to the true molars as in the Camel. In several fragments of lower jaws containing the last two true molars, and in another with the anterior two true molars, these teeth have a strong resem- blance to the corrt-sponding teeth of the Camel. Another fragment of a lower jiw discovered by Dr. Hayden, on Bear Creek, Nebraska, appears to belong to the same animal as the former, though this may not be the fact. It contains the alveoli for three incisors, a canine, and three premolars. The incisive alveoli are in close relationship as in the Lama. Tne canine is separated from the former by a hiatus of less than one line, and it has nearly the form of the corresponding tooth in the Camel. Posterior to the canine and separated from it by a hiatus of less than two lines, there is a portion of the first premolar, which appears to have had nearly the same form as the canine. The succeeding two premolars are separated from the first by a hiatus of a little more than four lines. These are inserted by two fangs, are in close contiguity, and have broad, laterally compressed, pyramidal crowns, bearing considerable resemblance to the premolars of the Musks. Length of series of upper true molars and last premolar Antero-posterior diameter of second true molar Transverse do. do. Length of series of lower true molars Antero-posterior diameter of last true molar . Depth of lower jaw below do. Depth of lower jaw below second premolar . Breadth of crown of third premolar Breadth of crown of second premolar . 5 do. . 5^ do. . 15f do. . 7 do. 11 do. 10 do. 4i do. 4 do. 1856.] 89 CETACEA HERBIVORA. 3. TscHYROTHERiUM ANTiQUUS, Leidy. This genus and species are proposed upon numerous fragments of bones, con- sisliugottwo vertebral bodies, the half of h ihinl specimen, several transverse pro- cessi^s, and portions of ribs, discovered ny Dr. Hayden, in an out-Iyer of a lignite formation, between the Moreau and Grand rivers, Nebraska. The bones are as dense and heavy as those of tUaiiutin-, to which the genus ap- pears to be most nearly allied. The vertebral bodies, apparently posterior dorsal, are transversely oval in outline, and are perforated at the sides and lower pan by large canals converging towards their centre. The anterior and posterior articular surfaces are slightly depressed, as are also the sides of tht body. The upper part of the latter, on each side of the position of the spinal canal, presents a large, rujfged concavity, about an inch and a quarter in diameter, aj jiarently for articnlating with the transverse processes. These latter are antero-posieriorly flattened, cylindrical and curved. Their vertebral extremity is furni^h^d with a convex rugi^ed surface, corresponding to the concavities on the vertebral bodies, and above this surface is a smooth one forciing the side of the ventbral canal, and overhung by an abutment fv the articular and spinous processes. The ribs are cylindroid and tapering towards the broken ends of the speci- mens, and they are quite as uense in structure as those of Manafus. Length of vertebral bodies ... 1^ inches. Transverse didineter of do. . . . 2f " "Vertical do. do. . . . 2 " RODENTIA. 4. Steneofiber nebeascensis, Leidy. This species is established upon several specimens, consisting of a much mu- tilated skull and several fragments of upper a'ld lower jaws with teeth. The skull i^ppears to have the same form as that of Steneofiber viciacensis, but is be- tween a fourth and third less in size. The dental formula is the same as in the lat- 1 1 44 ter, that is, in. m = 20. The molar teeth resemble those of S. 1_1 44 viciacensis. L-^ngth of skull of per malar series ... 7 lines. Length of lower molar series . . . 8 " From the valley of Wuite River, Nebraska. 5. IsCHYROMYS TYPUS, Leidy. A new genus and species estatlished upon the greater portion of a skull and two fragmeais of lower jaws. Tbe cranium bears considerable resem- blance of form to that of Steneofiber. Foriuula of dentition as follows : 1 1 55 in. m. = 22. The molars have cuboidal crowns and are in- 11 44 serte I by distinct fangg. The upper ones bear some resemblance to those of Aretomy ; but the lower ones are more like those above. Esnmated length of skull . . . 2| inches. Length of upper molar series ... 7^ lines. Length of lower molar series . . . 8 "} From the Bad Lauds of Nebraska. 6. Palabolagus Haydeni, Leidy. The genus and species are founded upon numerous small fragments of jaws, containing molar teeth, of a rodent allied to the Hires. The formula of the 6 6 molar dentition is the same as in the latter, . The molars are con- 55 90 [April, structed like those of the Flares. The first inferior rmlar is bi-lobed and not tri- lobed as in the bitter The number of incisors cannot be ascertained in the specimens. Those inferior have miuh longer roots than ia the Hares, as they extend buck beneath the molar teeth. Length of superior molar series 4^ lines, G lines, 7 lines. Length of inferior molar a Ties 5 lines, 8 lines. Found in the Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska. T. EuMYS ELEQANS, Leidj. The genus and species are founded upon a fragment of the lower jaw, con- taining the middle molar, and the fangs of two others. The estimated size of the skull would be about that of the Rat, (^Mus decumanus), and the animal also appears to belong to the same family. The molar series of the lower jaw consists of three teeth, and they have exserted crowns inserted by distinct roots. Length of lower molar series, ----- 3| lines. Depth of lower jaw below middle molar, - - - 2| lines. Discovered in the Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska. CARNIVORA. 8. Amphicyon ? GRACILIS, Leidy. A small species of this genus is probably indicated by a specimen in Dr. Hayden's collection, consisting of a fragment of the lower jaw containing two teeth, of which one corresponds in form with the antepenultimate molar of Amphicyon m ijor DeBl. or of A. veUia Leidy, and the other, being the tooth in advance, has nearly the same form as the corresponding tooth in the wolf. The length of the crown of the antepenultimate tooth is 2| lines, its breadth 4J lines; and the depth of the lower jaw is 5 lines. The specimen was discovered by Dr. Hayden, in association with remains of AnchUherium, Ilyopotamus, Hyaenodon, etc. in Nebraska. Notice of the remains of a species of Seal, from the Post-pliocene deposit of the Ottawa River. By Joseph Leidy, M. D. E. Billings, Esq., of Ottawa, West Canada, recently sent to the Academy, for the inspection of its members and for description, a specimen consisting of a slab or portion of a concretion of indurated clay, containing sofne imbedded bones, which Mr. B. observes, in a letter accompanying the specimen, " appear to him to be those of the extremities of a small animal of aquatic habit." Mr. B. further states, " the specimen was discovered by Mr. Peter McArthur, in a bed of bin } clay containing boulders and marine shells and fishes. The locality is in the township of Gloucester, county of Carleton, Canada West, about nine miles east of the city of Ottawa. From this city the river Ottawa runs easterly for about sixty miles, in a channel excavated through a bed of the glacial drift, composed in some places of clay, and in others of sand, gravel and boulders. Where the specimen was discovered, the bank of the river is of clay about thirty feet high, at the time of low water. The water washes out of the bank nume- rous nodules of the clay, which are consolidated into a pretty hard kind of stone. Many of these nodules, when split open, are found to coatain shells, or the skele- tons of fishes, often beautifully preserved. The species of shells found up to the present time are Tellina grocniandica, Mylihis edulis, Saxicava rugosa, and a small rostrated one like a Lcda ; and of fishes two species, 3Iollottis viUosus and Cyclop- teris lumpiis. They also contain leaves of trees, broken twigs and grass, showing that there was land at no great distance. There is a ridge of low metamorphic hills on the north shore of the river, extending for a great distance parallel with and near the stream. On the soath side the country is level, and underlaid with lower Silurian rocks, Utica slate, Trenton, Black River, Bird's-eye and Chazy limestones, with here and there a strip of the lower rocks brought up to the 1856.] 91 surface by undulation?. I think there was an ancient Tallev excavated in these rocks before the period of the drift, that it was filled up during that period, and that the river is now cleaning it out again." The bones referred to prove, on examination, to be those of the greater por- tion of the hinder extremities of a young seal, but whether of a species distinct from those now found living in the neighboring seas, is a question only to be determined by careful comparison with the corresponding parts of the recent animals. The soft distal extremities of the tibia and fibula are crushed together. The bones of the ankle and foot are well preserved, but the epiphyses of the latter are separated and only partially developed. The matrix in the vicinity of the bones, is marked by the impressions of the hairs and skin which enveloped them. Mr. Logan, in a report on the " Geological Survey of Canada," (1850, '51, p. 8,) refers the deposit, in which the above described specimen was found, and simi- lar deposits of the St. Lawrence and its tributaries, to the post-tertiary period ; and he further observes, that in these deposits, ' the remains of whales, seals, and two species of fishes, and many ma:ine shells of those species still inhabit- ing the Gulf of St. Lawrence, are found ;" from which remarks, together with those of Mr. Billings, and the appearance of the fossil itself, we are inclined to suspect the seal of the Ottawa has its descendants yet sporting on the sea border of the Canadas. Independent of all other considerations, the specimen is interesting, as ex- hibiting the same process at the present geological period, which for so many S'lccessive ages has preserved the remains of vegetables and animals, which are now examined by the palaeontologist as so many iconographic illustrations of life in the history of cur planet. Plate in. Representation, two-thirds the size of nature, of the greater por- tion of the bones of the hinder extremities of a young seal, partially imb.dded in one-half of a concretion of indurated claj', from a post-jiliocene deposit of the Ottawa River, Canada. Notices of several genera of extinct Mammalia., previously less perfectly characterized. By Joseph Leidy, M. D. CARNIVORA. 1. Delmctis, Leidy. Skull intermediate in form to that of Felis and Machairodus. Orbits more open posteriorly than in either of these genera; and the anterior extremity of the lower jaw constructed as in the latter. Formula of dentition as in Putorius, viz. 33 11 22 11 11 in. c. p. m. car. m. tub. m. = 32. 33 11 33 11 11 Incisors relatively as well developed as in Felis, with the lower ones arranged as in Putorius. Canines like those of Machairodus. First premolars small, those succeeding robust with the upper pair bilobed, and the lower ones trilobed. Carnassial molars like those of 3Iachairodus prima;vus. Lower tubercular molar like that of Putorius ; the upper one thickest at its outer part. Deinictis felina, Leidy. Pr. A. N. S. vii, 127, 156. A unique species, with the skull about the size of that of Machairodus primcevus, or about a fiifth smaller than the Panther, (Felis concolor.) Locality. Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska. PACHYDERMATA. 2. Hyracodon, Leidy. Skull without horns; with the cranium surmounted by a long and narrow sagittal crest ; orbits better defined from the temporal fossae than in Rhinoceros ; nasal bones articulating with the intermaxillaries, and deeply notched at their 92 [April, free ends. Lower jaw intermediate in form to that of Rhinoceros and Tapirus. Formula of deutition as in the hitter, viz., 33 11 41 33 in. c. ]}. m. t. m. = 44. 33 1 I 44 33 The incisors and canines are arranged in semicircles as in Tapirus^ differ little in size, and have simple conical crowns. The premolars and molars resem- ble those of Acerotherium incmvum. Hyracodon nebrascen'sis, Leidy. Rhinoceros nebrascensis, Leidy. Pr. A. N. S. v, 121; vii, 157; Owen's Rep. Geol. Surv., Wise. 556; Anc. Fauu. Nebr. 86. Acerathcrium ?iebrascense, Leidy. Pr. A. N. S. v, 331. A unique species, possessing a greater number of teeth than any other known member of the Rhinoceros family. It was about the size of the common hog. Locality, ilauvaises Terres of Nebraska. 3. TiTANOTHERiUM, Leidy. Formula of dentition as follows: 22 11 44 33 in. c. p. m. t. m. = ? ? 11 44 33 The molars are separated from the canines by wide intervals. The latter teeth have short, robust, couoidal crowns. Outer lobes of the premolars like those of Rhinoceros, the inner ones isolated from the former and connate. Outer lobes of the true molars like those of Falceotherium ; the inner ones three in number, of which the intermediate one is conical and is the largest, and the others are triliedral, as in Chalicotherium. TiTANOTHERiUM Proutii, Leidy. Auc. Faun. Nebr. 72 ; Pr. A. N. S. vii, 157. Paloiothe.rium, Cuv. Prout. Am. Jour. Sci. Arts iii, 248. Palceoiheriunil Proutii, Owen, Norwood, and Evans. Pr. A. N. S. v, 66 ; Leidy, Ibidem 122 ; Owen's Rep. Geol. Surv. Wise. 551. ," Rhinoceros 1 americanus, Leidy. Pr. A. N. S. vi, 2. Eolherium americanum, Leidy. Pr. A. N. S vi, 392. Palccotherium giganteum, Leidy. Anc. Faun Nebr. 78. A unique species, and one of the largest of pachyderms. Length of the upper dental series in a straight line 17 inches; transverse diameter of second true molar 3j inches, antero-posteiior diameter the same. Locality. Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska. Description of Twenty-five New Species of Exotic Uniones. By Isaac Lea. Unio Hainesianus. Testji alata, laevi, subrotundata, subinflata, valde insequi- laterali, valvulis crassis ; natibus prominentibus, angulatis ; epiderraide luteo- fusca ; dentibus cardinalibus crassis, crenulatis elevatisque; lateralibus longis, crassis subcurvisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Uab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. Unio Myersiancs. Testa bialata, Iffivi, triangulari, subcorapressa, inequi- laterali, postice angulata ; valvulis crassis ; natibus prominulis epidermide tene- broso-fusca ; dentibus cardinalibus longis creuulatisque ; lateralibus pras- longis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita colore salmonis tincta. Hub. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. UiVio HofSKi. Testa bialata, L-evi, triangulari, compressa, valde ina;qnilaterali, postice obtuse angulatii, valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis; epidermide fusca ; dentibus cardinalibus lamellatis; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis subcurvis(iue ; margarita colore salmonis tincta. Uab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. 1&5&.] 98 Ujfio GRAViDUS. Testa alati, \m\i, triaugulari, valdc inflata, valde inaequi- iaterali ; valvulis teuuibus ; natibus elevatis, tumidis ; epidermide lutea, iiitida ; deutibus cardiualibus prffilongis, valde laraellatis ; lateralibus lougis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita creruleo-alba et iridescente. Ilab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. ') Uxio iNORNATUS. Testa IfBvi, elliptica, inflatd, subfequilaterali, postice sub- aBgulata ; valvulis sub-pcUucIdis tenuibusque ; natibus subpromineiitibus ; epidermide olivacea, substriata ; deutibus cardinalibus longis lamellatisque lateralibus longis recti.?, lamellatisque ; margarita cseruleo-alba et iridescente. Ilab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. Unio lutens. Testa Itcvi, elliptica, inflata, subaequilaterali, postice obtus^ angulata ; valvulis crassis ; natibus subprominenlibus ; epidermide lutea, polita ; deutibus cardinalibus crassis brevisque ; lateralibus brevis, subcrassis sub- rectisque ; raargai-ita alba et iridescente. Ilab. Newville Burmah. Mrs. Vinton. 'Unio eximius. Testa alat&,, plicate, obovati, compress^, valde iufequilaterali, postice rotundati ; valvulis tenuissimis ; natibus prOminulis ; epidermide virido" lutea, obsolete radiata ; deutibus cardinalibus lamellatis tenuisque ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita ca?ruleo-alba et iridescente. Ilab. Siam, S. R. House, M. D. Unio TukiDULUS. Testa Isevi, obliqua, inflatS,, postice angulata, valde insequilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus ptominentibus ; epidermide tene- broso-olivacea, striata ; deutibus cardinalibus longis lamellatisque ; lateralibus prfelongis subcurvisque ; margaritS, albi et iridescente. Ilab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. Unio rosticcs. Test! tuberculata, elliptica, inflata, inaequilaterali, postice subangulata; valvulis subcrassis; natibus subprominentibus ; epidermide oUvacea, substriata ; deutibus cardinalibus longis lamellatisque ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Ilab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. tlNio SAGITTARIUS. Testa Iffivi, valde transversa, valde inaequilaterali, subin- flata, subcylindracea, postice aculo-angulata ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus vix prominenlibus ; epidermide virido-olivacea, striata ; deutibus cardinalibus longis, rectis lamellatisque; lateraliblis prjelongis -subrectisque ; margarita alb& et iridescente. Ilab. Siatn. S. H. House, ll. D.' Unio substriatus. Testa leevi, elliptica, subinflata, subaequilaterali ; postice angulata, antice rotundata; valvulis crassiusculis ; natibus subprominentibus granulatisque ; epidermide olivacea eradiata et rugoso-striata; deutibus cardi- nalibus longis, rectis lamellatisque ; lateralibus longis, rectis lamellatisque ; margarita argentea et iridescente. Ilab. Siam, S. R. House, M. D. Unio scobinatus. Testa plicata, transversa, in medio compressa, valde inlcquilaterali, postice angulata, ad basim emarginata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus parvis, prominulis, ad apiccm undulatis ; epidermide viridi et lutea, minute striata; dentibus cardinalibus obliquis,compressis ; lateralibus praelongis, in uterque valvis dupiicis subrectisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Ilab. Siam. T. R. Ingalls, M. D., S. R. Hou^e, M. D, Unio humilis. Testa plicata, transversa, subinflata, subaequilaterali, sub- cylindracea, postice biangulata; valvulis tenuibus,pfellucidis; natibus prominulis, Jjerplicatis ; epidermide virido-lutea, striata ; dentibus cardinalibus lamellatis Voctisque ; lateralibus longis lamellatisque ; margarita caeruleo-alba et irides- '<;ente. Hob. iSiam. S. R. Hous, M, D. 91 lAmii^y Vmo PSASELTjg. Testa plicata, transversa, inflata, subemargiaata, valde inaequilaterali, postice obtuse aagulata ; valTulis crassis ; natibus pai-vis, promi- nulis, ad apicem undulatis ; epidermide viridi et lutea, polita ; dentibus cardi- nalibus brevis subcrassisque ; lateralibus prelongis, duplicis in uterque valvis subcurvisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. Unio Verreauianus. Testa sulcata, oblonga, inflst.^, suberearginata, subsequi- laterali, postice obtuse angulata ; valvulis crassis ; natibus parvis, subpromi- nentibus undulatisque ; epidermide luteo-brunea, striata dentibus cardinalibus- magnis, obliquis, compressis crenulatisque ; lateralibus longiSj rectis lamella- tisque ; margarita salmonia colore tinctd et iridescente. Ilab. Cape of Good Hope. Mr. E. Verreau. ITnio Africanus. Testa lasvi, elliptica, subcompressa, snbemarginata, valde insequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus parvis, prominulis undulatisque ; epidermide luteo-olivacea et polita ; dentibus cardi- nalibus parvis, obliquis, compressis sublamellatisque ; lateralibus praelongis subrectisque ; margarita salmonis colore tincta et valde iridescente. Hab. Cape of Good Hope. Mr. E. Verreau. Ux!0 Shurtleffianus. Testa minute plicata, elliptica, inreqttilaterali, sub- cylindracoa, postice obtuse angulata, antice rotundata, ad latus subplanulata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis, ad apices minute undulatis ; epidermide virido-lutea ; dentibus cardinalibus sublongis, compressis geminisque; lateralibus longis subrectisqu.e ; margarita salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Hab. Sina River, India, Major Le Conte. Abmednugger, luvlia. S. Sliurtleff, M. D. U.vio EFFtJLGBNS. Testa sulcata, elliptica, subinflata, insequilaterali, postice' obtuse angulata; valvulis subcrassis; natibus prominulis; epider.nide tenebroso- fuscd, polita ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis crenulatisque ; lateralibus longis curvisque ; margarita casruleo-alba. Hab. Brazil. B. W. Budd, M. D. *! Unio Dunkerianus. Testa plicata, transversa, subinflata,- valde inaequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus prominulis, costie divaricatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca politaque ; dentibus cardinalibus longis compressisque ; lateralibus praslongis, lamellatis rectisque ; margarita caeruleo- albS. et valde iridescente. Hab. River Macaco ii, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Prof. Dunker. New Grenada, Mr. E. Verreau. Unio Shuttleworthii. Testa sulcata, oblonga,. transversa, valde inrequi- laterali, subcompressa., postice obtuse biangulata, ad latus planulata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide bruneo-nigricante ; dentibus cardi- nalibus parvis ; lateralibus longis subcurvisque ; margarita purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Australia. R. J. Shuttleworth, Esq. Berne, Switzerland. Unio nucleus. Testa plicata, quadrata, inflata, subssquilaterali, postice angulata ; valvulis crassis ; natibus prominentibus, perplicatis ; epidermide virido-fusca, minuti.?sime perstriata ; dentibus cardinalibus crassis brevisque ; lateralibus crassis, brevis, duplicis in uterque valvis subcurvisque ; margarita caeruleo-alba et iridescente. Hab. Siam. S. R. House, M. D. Unio Whhatleyand's. Testa laevi, elliptica, inflata, injequilaterali ; valvulig crassis ; natibus prominulis, costis elevatis, epidermide tenebroso-oliva, rugoso- striata; dentibus cardinalibus magnis, crassiusculis, subdivisis ; lateralibus longis crassisque ; margarita vol alba vel carnei et iridescente. Hab. Rio Plata, M. A. D'Orbigny. Rio Negro. C. M. Wheatley, Esq, 1856.] 95 Unio Buojvnii. Testa Irevi, obovata, valde compressa, valde in?cqinlaterali ; valvulis sabcrassis; natibus proiuinulis, costis divaricatis; epidermide tenebroso- viridi, striata; dentibus cardinalibns submagnis, in utraque valvis duplicis ; lateralibus lamellatis, sublongis curvisque ; margarita alba. Hab. Mocha? Asia. Capt. George Brown. Unio suavidicus. Testa IsEvi, oblonga, subcompressa, valde insequilaterali, antice rotvindata, postice tnmcata, natibus subpromincntibus, costis elevatis ; epidermide luteo-oliva, minute striata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, compressis, crcnulatis, in utraque valvis duplicis, lateralibus longis, lamellatis subrectisque; margarita ca.'ruleo-alba et iride'scente. Hab. River Amazon. Mr. E. Verreau, Paris. Unio umbrosus. Testa Insvi, elliptica, subinflata, ina?quilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide castanea, polita, transverse fasciata; dentibus cardinalibus magnis, subelevatis ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis sub- curvisque ; margariti vel purpurea vel rosei et iridescente. Ilab. Medellin River, Mexico. M. Burrougb, M. D. Description of a nere Snake from Illinoig. By Robert Kennicott. Regina Kirtlandii. The body of this species is somewhat trigonal in cross sections, (flattened on the abdomen.) and tapers gently from the middle to either extremity. .There is no distinction of neck, and the very small head calls to mind that of the Colultr amoenus of Say. It is, however, much larger, and the scales are very strongly coirinated. The carinie are found on all the longitudinal rows of scales, of which there are nineteen exclusive of the belly scales ; the external row is almost as sharply keeled as those on the back, even to the tip of the tail. The dorsal scales are narrow and elongated, the sides nearly parallel except near the ends. As already stated, the head is very small. The vertical plate is sub-hexago- nal, the two anterior sides forming a very obtuse angle ; the external edges are slightly convergent posteriorly. The nostrils in the middle of the two plate.?. Tb.ere is one ante-orbital and two post-orbitals ; there are six labials above and seven below, in addition to the rostrals. The ground color of this snake is a light purplish brown, with four rows of large nearly circular blotches covering the whole back and sides. They are arranged so as to alternate ; the outer blotches on the outer row are a little larger than those on the two central ones, and are of the width of four or five scales. The belly is of a pale brick red, (fading to brownish yellow in alcohol.) with a well defined blotch of black near the exterior of each scale. These give rise to a series of very well defined round black spots on either side of the abdo- men ; and there is also an obscure series of dark blotches on the anterior edge of the scales in the exterior dorsal row. The dots in this series are separated by intervals of two unmarked scales. The spots of this row alternate with those of the larger series immediately above. On separating the scales, the skin is seen to be colored like the adjacent scales. It is black in the dark blotches and very light in the intermediate space, giving rise to the appearance of whitish edges to the scales. There are thus four series of large spots on the back and sides, two on the belly, and two in the exterior dorsal rows, making eight in all. The last men- tioned row is sometimes very obscure, the others are always distinct. I refer this serpent to the genus Regina of B. and G., although it is different in some respects from the other known species. It is somewhat like the R. rigida^ but is differently marked ; the latter having the two abdominal rows close to- gether on the middle of the belly, instead of being separated. Neither is there 96 . [April any indication in R. rigida of the four series of dorsal blotches. In fact, there is no North American species more strongly marked than this. Abdominal scales 133, the last one divided ; subcaudal 59. Dorsal ro"vvs of scales 19. Length 19^ inches, of which the tail measures 4i inches. As yet, this species has only been detected in Northern Illinois, where it is rarely met with. The few specimens obtained have been found iu the woods, generally under logs. This snake is rather sluggish, and, like Regiiia Grahaviii of B. and G , is not very pugnacious. In giving to this serpent the name of Dr. Kirtland, as a slight token of the respect due him, to whose enthusiastic and untiring devotion to Science the West owes so much, I would also make some expression of my personal grati- tude to the honored teacher, whose kind encouragement and instruction led me to study Nature, by dedicating to him his pupil's first contribution to Science Descripiion of several new genera and species of Fossil Fishes, from the Carboniferous Strata of Ohio. By J. S. Newberry, M. D. MECOLEPIS Newberry. Ileterocercal lepidoids o? small size. Body fusiform. Head obtuse. Tail elongated. Lobes very unequal. Fins small and provided with delicate fulcra. Dorsal opposite anal or nearly so, both set far back in body. Cranial surface ornamented by corrugations, tubercles or granulations. Opercular, maxillary and hyoid plates ornamented with convoluted corrugations of the surface in various patterns. Scales smooth, or ornamented ; posterior margin of lateral scales all or in part serrated. Scales of median line above and below characteristically angled or crenulatcd. Two rows of scales on sides extending back to near anal fin, re- markably high, vertical 2 to 5 times longitudinal diameter. Lateral line nearly straight, passing the upper part of lower row of high scales. Teeth conical, short, en brosse. The peculiar group of fishes to which I have given the generic name of Me- eolepis, apparently represents the Palceonisci in the ichthyic fauna of the locality where they occur. From Ambli/pterus and Elonichtlii/s they may readily be dis- tinguished by their small fins all bearing fulcra. With Palceoniscus their affini- ties are closer, but the ensemble of characters presented by the large number of specimens which I have examined, seem to separate them from that genus. Among these diagnostic characters the most conspicuous are their small size, posterior position of dorsal fin and especially the high lateral scales. 1. M. coRRUGATrs Ncwb. Body fusiform, robust. Length 3 in. 4 lines ; breadth 10 lines. Length of head 8 lines. Anterior lateral scales 2 J times as high as long. Cranial plates ornamented by convolutions of fine, thread-like corrugations. Maxillary bones, oi:>ercular and hyoid plates corrugated much as superior surface of head. Scales smooth, except a few on the anterior dorsal surface, which are finely striate and punctate. Posterior margins of lateral scales as far back as anal and dorsal fins serrated. Scales of tail, like most of those of the dorsal and ventral surfaces, plain on surface and margins. Ante- rior margin of anal fin opposite centre of dorsal fin; longest rays of anal fin when collapsed just reaching base of caudal fin. 2. M. TUBERcuLATUs Newb. Body fusiform. Eutire length 3 inches. Head 6 lines. Tail 8 lines. Cranial plates strongh' tuberculated; tubercles rounded elongated and reni- form. Surfaces of opercular, maxillary and hyoid bones covered with linear parallel corrugations. Surface of all the scales of the body smooth, except a few on the anterior 1856.] 97 dorsal and ventral surfaces, -whicli are sometimes finely punctate. Lateral scales nearly 5 times as high as long. Posterior margins of lateral scales bearing a few serrations. Anal fin opposite dorsal. Radial formula, D. 5; C. 14; A. 8?; V. 6; P. ? 3. M. GBANCLATUS Ncwb. Body fusiform, robust. Length 3 inches, breadth 1 lines. Head 6 lines long. Tail 9 lines. Head tubercled above, tubercles elongated, with granulations between. Oper- cula, maxillaries and hyoid plates threaded. Scales apparently thinner and more delicate than those of any other species. Those on anterior portion of body granulated, and having a faint double waved line along anterior margin. Posterior border serrated. Lateral scales 4 times as high as long. Radial formula, * D. G; C. 14; A. 8;V. 5?; P. 9? 4. M. LINEATUS Newb. Body fusiform, robust. Length 3 inches ; breadth 8 lines. Cephalic bones all ornamented with thread-like lines, as in M. corruffaius, and without tubercles. Scales of anterior portion of abdomen covered with concentric thread-lines. Margins of lateral scales ornamented in the same manner. Lateral scales lower than in any other species yet discovered, greatest vertical diameter only twice longitudinal. Scales of abdomen twice as long as broad. 5. M. ovoiDEUs Newb. Fish small, robust. Body ovoid. Length 1 inch 6 lines ; breadth 6 lines. Length of head 4J lines. Cranial surface corrugated and finely granulated; opercula and lower parts of head ornamented by thread-like corrugations. Scales of anterior portion of abdomen granulated, of sides serrated. Lateral scales 3^ times as high as long. 6. M. oRNATissiMus Ncwb. Fish small, fusiform, slender. Length 2 inches; breadth 5 lines. Cranial surface sparsely tubercled, tubercles somewhat radiated. Spaces be- tween tubercles finely granulated. Opercula, maxillaries and hyoid bones granu- lated and corrugated. All the scales of the body and tail ornamented with granulations, strias or denticles. * Lateral scales 4 times as high as long, with a double lipe of appressed denticles on anterior border, and acute serrations of posterior margin. Fins all relatively longer than in other species. Dorsal fin nearly opposite anal. v. M. INSCL'LPTUS Newb. Body fusiform, slender. Length 2 in. 6 lines, breadth 5 lines. Cranial plates ornamented with elongated tubercles, spaces between tubercles granulated. Sides and under surface of head marked by raised lines and fine granulations. Scales on anterior half of body highly ornamented. Lateral scales 3J times as high as long, and having a doubled wave line along anterior margin, with acicular denticulations of posterior border. Scales of abdomen having entire surface covered with appressed denticles. Scales of tail and posterior portion of body plain. Dorsal fin opposite anal. 8. M. SERRATUS Newb. Small, robust. Length 1 in. 6 lines. Head 4 lines. Tail 5 lines. Breadth of body 5 lines. Head finely tubercled above. Opercula, maxillaries and hyoid plates marked by fine linear corrugations. 98 [z\PRlL, Highest scales of sides 3 times as high as long. All lateral scales quite into the tail, strongly and sharply serrate on posterior margin. Surface of anterior scales wrinkled from the serrations forward. Anterior margin of anal fin opposite posterior margin of dorsal. ELOXICHTHYS Giebel. J E. PELTiGEKUS, Newb. Body short, compressed. Length 5 inches. Height 1 in. 6 lines. Breadth 1 inch. Cephalic bones all ornamented by paral- lel convolutions of thread lines. Scales all covered by similar raised lines, which cross them diagonally downward and backward, terminating in serrations of the posterior margins. About the middle of the interval between the occiput and dorsal fin, on toe median line, begins a row of oval scales, four times as large as the scales of the sides; ornamented in the same manner, extending in a single row along the me- dian line to the dorsal fin, and behind the dorsal fin to the tail, where they are transformed into the large striated fulcra, which overlie the prolongation of the vertebral to its termination. These abnormal scales of the dorsal line are a striking peculiarity in the species, and have suggested the name given it. CCELACANTHUS Agass. 1. C; ROBUSTUS Newb. Body robust, 1 foot 6 inches in length. Upper sur- face of cranium covered with small closely approximated tubercles; maxillaries and opercula threaded with fine parallel, sometimes interrupted lines. Margins of opercula in mature specimens wavy. Scales elliptical, thin, 7 to 9 lines in length, nearly half the surfiice exposed; exposed portion covered with thread-like lines similar to those of the opercula and maxillaries, and which converge toward the posterior angle of the scale. C. OKNATUS, Newb. Body fusiform, slender, scarcely wider than head. Size small, not exceeding 4 to 5 inches in length. Upper surface of head ornamented with tubercles, which are much larger and more remote than in preceding species. Opercula and maxillaries threaded, and like the scales having stronger markings than in the larger species. Radial formula, A. D. 8 ; P. D. 5 ; C. 24 ? ; A. 6 ; V. ? ; P ? C. BLEGANS Newb.' Body fusiform, robust, 6 to 8 inches in length. Cranial Hurface covered with closely apprQximated tubercles. Surface of opercular and maxillary bones threaded. All the ornamenting of head relatively stronger than in C. robvMus, but less so than in C. ornatus. Scales similar in form and mark- ings to those of both these species, but more delicate than either. Anterior dorsal fin slightly in advance of ventrals. Posterior dorsal as much forward of anal fin. Pvadial formula. A D. 7 ? ; P D. 5 ; C. 22 ; A. 6 ; A^ 9 ? PYGOPTERUS Agass. P. scuTELLATUS Newb. Body fusiform, slender, 15 to 18 inches in length. Head depressed. Snout pointed. Both jaws thickly set with couical. slender, acute, striated teeth of unequal size. Scales very small and thick, higher than long. Head and anterior portion of body covered with articiilated plates orna- mented with strong, radiating, raised lines. None of my specimens show the form of the caudal fin. This fish presents such striking differences in its scales and plates from all described species of I'ygopterus^ that I have hesitated about placing it in that genus. It would seem,' however, to have much in common with P. Grcmockii Agass., not yet fully described. 1856.] '^9 RHIZODUS Owen. R. LANCiFER Newb. Teeth striated below. Section elliptical, smooth toward ithe summit, where they are very much compressed, with a lenticular sectiom and cutting edge on both sides. Form of summit of tooth like that of a lance head. Near the apex of the tooth the cutting edge of one side is slightly gib- bous, an apparent tendency toward a barbing o/ the point, as in some species of Lcpidosteus. ^ As usually found, the plicated base of the tooth has mostly disappeared, the solid point alone remaining ; this is about an inch in length. The entire tooth was more than twice that length. R. iNCURYDS Newb. Head massive. Superficial bones strongly tuberculated. Tubercles elongated, vermicular, sometimes becoming elevated lines of a line in breadth, and having a radiated arrangement. Jaws strong, both thickly set .with strong ancipital curved teeth. These teeth are striated below, ellipti- cal in section, and toward the summit curved backward toward the throat. They are of difi'erent sizes, as in all allied fishes. The smaller teeth are G to 9 lines in length and thickly set; the larger ones are much fewer in number, and more than twice as long. One of the larger teeth is placed near the extremity of the lower dentary bone of each side, as in R. gracilis McCoy. E. ANGUSTCS Newb. Laniary teeth elongatied, slender, finely striated at base, smooth above, with cutting edges. Subordinate teeth half the length of the larger ones. Conical, acute, striated at base, with a circular section throughout. Surface of jaw coarsely tubercled. In this diversity of form in the teeth, this species differs from R. gracilis McCoy and from R. Mibbcrii Ag., as well as from the. other species I have found in Ohio. In R. incurvus N., however, the teeth have a section so nearly circular Xhat there seems no good reason for separating them ;by generic distinctions. Of all the species of Rhizodus, which I have found, I probably have scales and perhaps vertebrae and cranial plates, but as yet have been unable to find these organs connected with the teeth. DIPLODUS Agass. D. coMPRESsus Newb. Teeth of moderate size, base small. Lateral denticles unequally spreading, compressed, with acute points and strongly crenulated edges. Central denticle very small, acute, compressed, finely crenulated on margin, D. GRACILIS Newb. Tooth as large as D. gibboaus Agass. Base very small. Lateral denticles long, curved, slender, divergent towards the points, much less compressed than in preceding species, less acute, and less conspicuously crenu- Sate on margins. Median denticle small, subulate, scarcely ci;enulate on margins. D. LATUS Newb. Teeth very large and very robust. Lateral denticles neariy straight, and on the same plane, divergent, ^ to k as broad at base as long, .compressed. Each margin strongly crenulated. Middle cone obsolete, or re- duced to a simple knob. Base of tooth large, under surface flat. Ail the specimens of Diplodus from Ohio which have come under my observa- tion, ntmbering some hundreds, have crenulated margins, in that respect pre- :Senting a striking difference from the species described by Agassiz. CLADODUS Agass. C. acumjNatus Newb. Central denticle elongated, conical, acute ; lateral denticles very acute, compressed. Base small and thin. CHIRODUS McCoy. C. ACUTUS Newb. Teeth as long as C. pes-ranx McCoj, hut more slender nhraughauL Denticles more .acute^ 100 [Apri2^ 1 CLIMAXODUS McCoy. C. BEEVis Newb. Teeth oval, in form, shorter than C imhricaius McCoj. Eidges which cross- the surface more remote, with sharp crests and sinuous out- line. PLEURACANTHUS Agass. P. BiSERiALis Newb. Spine straight, strong, tapering rapidly to a moderately acute termination. Length four inches ; diameter at base 4 lines. Anterior face rounded ; posterior face nearly flat. Entire surface finely striated longitu- dinally. Sides flattened, joining posterior surface at right angles. At angle oa each side a double row of small, closely set, acuminate, depressed hooks. On the ujiper part of the spine the hooks are arranged in a single row. Side of spine at base of the hooks marked by a distinct longitudinal furrow. P. ARCUATUS Newb. Spine slightly curved backward, rapidly tapering to an acute point. Anterior surface rounded ; posterior face nearly flat. At angle formed by the junction of sides with posterior face is, on each side, a single row of closely set, acuminatCj depressed hooks. Anterior surface marked with fine longitudinal striae. P. DILATATUS Ncwb. Spine short, robust, one inch- six lines long, straight, acuminate at summit, largest nar middle, contracted at base; Anterior face rounded ; posterior face flattened, and bearing at the angles on either side a row of minute depressed hooks. Surface smooth. COMPSACANTHUS Newb. Spines of small size-, very neat in form and finish. Section at all points cir- cular. A single row of relatively large, remote, depressed hooks it set along ths posterior median line. Of this genus I have probably but one species. C. LJJvis Newb. Spine slender, curved, acuminate, having a circular section at all points ; upper two-thirds furnished with a single row of depressed acumi- nated hooks remotely set along median line of posterior surface. On motion of Mr. Cassin, a Committee was appointed to prepare a list of Correspondents for publication. The following compose the Committae : Mr. Cassia; Dr. Le Coate and Dr. Leidy. ELECTION. Dr. R. A. Penrose and Mr. Wm. H. Patterson, of Philadelphia, wer- elected Members, and Mr. P. B. Meek, of Albany, was ekcted a Coi-res- jjondent. 1856.] 101 May m, 1856. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Mr. Darand presented for publication in the Journal a paper, enti- tled, " Plantse Kaneauae Arcticee et Polaris. An Enumeration of the Plants collected by Dr. E. K. Kane, U. S. N., in his first and second voyages to the Polar Regions, with descriptions and remarks ;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Drs. Zantziuger, Bridges, and Uhler. Dr. Hallowell remarked that the most abundant of the urotleles in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, is the Plethodon (Desmognathus, Bd.) niger, which may be said to exist by thousands. It is found under stones along the borders of rivulets near the banks of the Schuylkill, and is very quick in its movements, its capture demanding close attention and much activity. It appears to be endowed with a higher degree of vitality than the other caducibranchiates with which it is associated. Its transformation is sooner effected ; specimens one inch and a half in length, being without gills, while the larvaj of Pseudotriton ruber are found more than three inches in length. The Salamandra quadrimaculata of Prof. Holbrook is identical with this animal ; the red spots are observed in quite young specimens as well as those more matnre, but disappear with age. It is very abundant, a large proportion of the specimens being thus spotted. The urodeles most frequentlj^ met with in the neighborhood of Philadelphia after the niger are Pseudotriton ruber and Plethodon erythronotus. The former occurs in the same localities with the niger, but is much less active, though perhaps more tenacious of life. The young are of a bright red color spotted with lilack ; as age advances the color deepens, resembling Spanish brown (maculata, Green,) and in very old specimens is of an almost purple color ; the younger larvfe are white, the older olive colored with dark spots. At the present time, April 28th, 1856, the females of both Plethodon niger and Pseudotriton ruber are distended with eggs,* as many as seventy being counted in the ovaries of the former. They are of a yellow color, about a line in diameter; none are to be seen in the oviducts ; the number of eggs is not always the same in both ovaries, being sometimes considerably greater in one than the other. The eggs in many of the specimens of Pseudotriton ruber are immature, perfectly white and quite small. In the stomach of one of the latter a large lumbricus was found, in another the remains of a coleopterous insect, and in a third the tail and posterior extremities of a Salamander, proba- bly a young Plethodon niger. Spelerpes (Cylindrosoma, Tsch.) bilineata, is found in the same neighborhood, and also Plethodon erythronotus, the latter under stones, at some distance from the water, associated with Plethodon cinereus. In one specimen the stripe along the back was of a beautiful pink color. Mai/ 13//i. / Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From Mr. F. B. Meek, dated Albany, 10th May, 1856, acknowledging his election as a Correspondent of the Academy. From Mr. Edward Tuckerman, dated Amherst, od May, 1856, trans- mitting the collection of Plants acknowledged at the last meeting. From E. Billings, Esq., dated Ottawa, West Canada, 6th May, 1856, * June 26th, females of niger in same condition. PROCEED. ACAD. NAT. SCI. OF PmLADELPHIA, VOL. VHI., NO. III. 8 102 [May, transmittlns the first numbers of the " Canadian Naturalist and Geolo- gist/' and desiring exchange. Tiiis letter was referred to the Committee on Proceedings. From Mr. Abraham Sager, dated Ann Harbor, Michigan, 5th May, 185G, transmitting for publication in the Proceedings, a paper, entitled, ''Descriptions of Articulata, supposed to be new;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Drs. Leidy, Hallowell, and Bridges. Mr. Isaac Lea presented a paper for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Descriptions of four New Species of Exotic Uniones;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Drs. Wilson and Bridges, and Mr. Hanson. Mr. Charles E. Smith remarked in relation to the specimens of iron ore presented by himself this evening, that the three leading varieties of the ore, known as the Baltimore ore, were shown in the specimens. The bed lies on the west side of Chesapeake Bay, runs parallel with it, and is about fifty miles long. It is of white clay underlying the Eocene deposit. The ore lies in nodules like the brown hsematite. In the most valuable bed, this ore is associated with large quantities of mineral charcoal, which seems to be always in broken masses. Mr. S. bad never seen any traces of plants. There is no other deposit of iron ore in the neighborhood. The iron made from this ore is remarkable for its great strength. Mr. S. considered the deposit as remarkable, being the only one of which he was aware, in which the lithoid carbonate of iron exists out of the coal measures. May 20lh. Mr. Ord, President, in the Chair. Dr. Bridges, referring to the specimens of lithoid carbonate of iron exhibited at the last meeting, gave the following as the probable theory of the formation of this ore. Iron pyrites by exposure would be con- verted into a sulphate of the protoxide with some sesquioxide of iron. By contact with lime these oxides would be precipitated, the protoxide rapidly becoming sesquioxide. The contact of organic matter would reduce the sesquioxide again to protoxide, which would combine with the carbonic acid evolved during the fermentation of the organic matter. Mr. Cassin announced the arrival in this country and the presence this evening of the Baron Von Miiller, who proposes to visit Texas, Mexico, and Central America, and who is desirous of afibrding to the Academy any aid in his power. Dr. Leidy remarked that he had just returned from a visit to St. Louis, and thought that the members would be gratified to learn that an " Academy of Science " had been organized in that city, whose ob- jects were similar to our own. The Academy commences under the most promising prospects ; and it occupies a highly favorable position in our country for the formation of a cabinet of natural history. It has recently received a large and very valuable collection of fossils, ob- tained by Dr. F. V. Ilayden from the region of the Upper Missouri. 1856.] 103 The collection consists of numerous remains of Mammalia and Clielonia from the Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska, a large number of mollusca from the cretaceous beds, and an extensive series of plants from a ter- tiary formation. Dr. C A. Pope, with his usual liberality, has granted the Academy the use of a large hall furnished with cases, for the pur- poses of a museum, in the Medical College. The president of the Academy, than whom none could be more worthy, is Dr. George Engle- man. In conclusion, Dr L. offered in furtherance of the objects of the new Academy the following : Resolved, That this Academy present to the Academy of Science of St. Louis the second series of the Journal and the Pioceedings. Mr. Lea announced the death of Dr. John C. Warren, of Boston, a Correspondent of the Academy, setat. 79 years. Dr. Leidy offered the following resolution which was adopted : Resolved, That the State Medical Society, shortly to hold its session in this city, be invited to visit the Museum of the Academy on the last Wednesday of this month. Mai/ 27th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Committee on Mr. Durand's paper, read 6th inst., reported in favor of publication in the Journal. The Committee on Mr. Lea's paper, read 13th inst., reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings. Description of four New Species of Exotic Uniones. By Isaac Lea. Unio Coloradoensis. Testa lasvi, elliptica, infJata, valde ma?quilaterali ; val- "vulis crassis ; natibus elevatis magiiisque; epidermide luteo-castanea, obscure radiata et polita ; dentibus cardinalibus magnis, duplicis, acuminatis crenatu- latisque ; lateralibus magnis praelongis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita }>urpurea et iridescente. Ilab. Rio Colorado, Texas. B. W. Budd, M. D, Unio Nuttalliaiv-cs. Testa Ifevi, elliptica, subinflata, inajquilaterali ; valvulis tenuibus ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide olivacea, eradiata, valde polita; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, rectis, compressis crenulatisque ; lateralibus sub- curtis, subrectis lamellatisque ; margarita salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Ilab. India. Prof. Thomas Nuttall. Unio Cambodiensis. Testa Isevi, elliptica, subinflata, inaequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus; natibus prominentibus, ad apicem undulatis ; epidermide castanea, eradiata, polita ; dentibus cardinalibus longis, rectis lamellatisque ; lateralibus sublongis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita albd et iridescente. JIab. Takrong river at Korat, Cambodia. S. R. House, M. D. Unio Newcombianus. Testa corrugato-sulcata, rotundata, subconipressa, inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassis ; natibus elevatis prominentibusque ; epidermide tenebroso-olivacea, corrugata ; dentibus cardinalibus submagnis, duplicis snb- compressisque ; lateralibus subbrevis, crassis subcurvisque ; margarita alba. Ilab. Lake Nicaragua. W. Newcomb, M. D. 104 [June, The liepnrt of the Correponding Secretary for the last month was read and adopted. June 3c?. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Letters were read From the Imperial Society of Naturalists of Moscow, dated August 13th, 1855 ; From the Royal Imperial Greological Institute of Vienna, dated 23d September, 1855 ; From the Senckenberg Natural History Society, dated February, 1856 ; and From George Frauenfeld, dated Vienna, 12tli December, 1855, seve- rally announcing donations. From Prof. Karl Koch, Secretary of the Society for the Advancement of Horticulture, dated Berlin, 6th February, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of the Proceedings, transmitting donations, and desiring ex- change. Referred to the Publication Committee. From the Royal Academy of Sciences of Amsterdam, dated 15th January, 1856 ; and From the K. L. C. Academy of Sciences of Breslau, dated 30th January, 1856, severally acknowledging the receipt of the Journal and Proceedings. From the Royal Bavarian Academy of Sciences, dated Munich, January 20th, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of the publications of the Academy, and requesting a duplicate set. From the Senckenberg Natural History Society, dated February, 1856, acknowledging donations. From the Academy of Science of St. Louis, dated 24th May, 1856, requesting donations of works on Natural History. Mr. Isaac Lea read a paper, entitled, "Description of thirteen species of Exotic Peristoraata;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Drs. Hallowell, Corse, and J. A. Meigs. June \Qth, Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. A letter, dated September, 1855, was read from Jas. R. Eckert and Frederick S. Eckert, Executors of the Estate of the late James Read, presenting his herbarium and certain botanical works. A paper was presented for publication in the Journal, entitled, '' A Commentary on the 'Synopsis Fungorum in America Boreali media de- gentiura, by L. I), de Schweinitz.' By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M. A., F. L. S., and the Rev. M. A. Curtis, F. A. A. A. S. ;" which was re- ferred to a Committee consisting of Dr. Zantzinger, Mr. Durand, and Dr. Bridges. 1856.] 105 A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Descriptions of New Species of Accphala and Gasteropoda from the Tertiary formations of Nebraska Territory, with some general remarks on the Geology of the country about the sources of the Missouri river. By F. 13. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D. ;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Dr. Leidy, Mr. Lea, and Mr. Charles E. Smith. Dr. Leidy announced that the skeleton of the White Bear presented by Dr. E. K. Kane, had been mounted and placed in the Museum. Dr. Leidy observed that A. Vogt, a frog and leech catcher, who fre- quently accompanied Dr. Hallowell and himself when in pursuit of ob- jects of Natural History, informed them that the severe cold of the previous winter had destroyed great numbers of frogs and turtles. Dr. L. also expressed the opinion that the house-flies were much less nume- rous this season than last ; a fact which he was inclined to attribute to the destruction of their larvse by the severe and protracted cold of the preceding winter months. Dr. Bridges thought that the shade trees of our city suffered less than usual from the span-worm. On leave granted, Dr. Leidy offered the following, which was unani- mously adopted : Resolved, That casts in plaster of the skulls of Bootherium cavi/rons and Megalom/x Jejfersoiiu, be presented to the Boston Natural History Society, the British Museum, and the Zoological Museums of the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, and of Berlin, Prussia. June 17th. Mr. Lea, Vice-President, in the Chair. A letter was read from Mr. George Gibbs, dated Fort Steilacoora, Washington Territory, May Gtli, 1856, acknowledging his election to membership. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Contributions to the Ichthyology of the Western Coast of the United States, from specimens in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. By Charles Girard, M. J).;" which was referred to a Committee con- sisting of Drs. Wilson and Hallowell, and Mr. Vaux. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, "Ceratites Americanus. By Prof. L. Harper, of the University of Mississippi /' which was referred to Dr. Leidy and Messrs. Lea and A. H. Smith. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled, " Examination of the Meteoric Iron from Xiquipilco, Mexico. By W. J. Taylor;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Yaux, Dr. Genth, and Mr. S. Ashmead. Dr. Hallowell presented for publication in the Proceedings, a paper, entitled, " Description of two New Species of Urodeles from Georgia;" which was referred to a Committee consisting of Major Ls Conte, and Drs. Bridges and Leidy. 106 [June, Dr. Hallowell remarked that we had recently received Ihrough Mr. Vogt, a large collection of living specimens of Siernothaerus odoratus, Holb., from the neighborhood of Poiladelphia, more than thirty in number. Many of them present important characteristics not hitherto noticed. The larger as well as a number of the smaller specimens, are of a chocolate brown or olive color above upon tbe carapax, with numerous blacii spots, the sternum brown, micgled with yellow ; iris golden ; upper part of head olive, with numerous small dark colored macukc ; two yellow vittte, passing one above, the other beneath the eye; barbels in both sexes. The differences between the male and the female are strongly marked, and may be presented as follows : Male. Female. Sternum more narrow and more con- Shorter (^ an inch) carapax higher, cave; tail much larger; shell more broader and more oval ; outline of disk depressed, especially in its posterior oval, somewhat compressed at the sides; half: portion of sternum behind ab- snout more acute ; gular plate more dominal plates, more quadrangular in elongated ; anal scutes longer, posterior shape. axillary plates larger. Dimensions. Length of carapax 4J Dimensions. Length of carapax 4 inches (Fr.); breadth at middle 3 inches; inches; breadth 3 inches; length of length of sternum 3 inches; greatest sternum3inches31ines;greatestbreadth breadth 2 inches. 2 inches, 3 lines. Posterior part of sternum slightly moveable in both, much less moveable than the anterior ; both male and female provided with scales upon the posterior part of the hinder extremities ; carapax of both sexes spotted. Habilat. Found abundantly near Philadelphia. Young. Differences betiveen male and female. Male. Female. Carapax of male more tectiform ; Carapax much depressed at its narrow in front, broader posteriorly; middle ; more rounded at the sides and outline of shell less distinctly oval ; broader anteriorly ; snout of female portion of sternum posterior to ab- more acute; sternum longer; anal scutes dominal plates more quadrangular, tail_ longer, much larger. Dimensions. Length of carapax SJ Dimensions. Length of carapax 3 inches; greatestbreadth 2 inches 7 lines; inches 7 lines; greatest breadth 2Hnch- length of sternum 2 inches, 7 lines ; es; length of sternum 2 J inches; greatest greatest breadth 2 inches 5 lines; greatest breadth 2 inches 5 lines; greatest length length of portion of carapax behind of posterior part of carapax behind ab- abdominal plates 1 inch 3] lines ; dis- dominal plates 1 inch 1 line ; distance tance between posterior margin of anal between posterior margin of anal scutes scutes and posterior margin of marginal and posterior margin of marginal plates plates 6 lines. 72 lines. ' Both sexes ash color, brown or olive above, with numerous dark colored spots; sternum yellow, or black, or brown mingled with yellow ; soft parts beneath ash mingled with white, yellowish or reddish mingled with yellow ; head olive colored; two yellow vittae, one passing above, the other beneath the eye ; iris golden ; barbels in both sexes and scales upon the posterior part of the hinder extremities. Habitat. Same as former ; hybernate in great numbers together, Mr. Vogt having turned out 239 from one hole. They are associated in hybernating with Tropidonotus sipedon and ordinatus, and Rana pipiens or Bull frog ; never with the Chelonura serpentina, or snapper, which is always found alone. Younger specimens. Shell strongly carinated and marked with dark colored radiating lines resembling in form those of Unio radiata ; no spots; contour of shell in females oval ; specimens 2\ inches and 2 lines in length. The varieties indicated above may be described as follows: Type. Predominating color, dusky ash above, with marblings of yellow, more especially along the sides ; head olive, with a few small yellow spots ; no yellow 1856.] 107 lines above or beneath the eyes ; pupil black ; iris golden ; sternum black, seve- ral of the plates tipped with yellowish ; marginal scutes narrow, except the t( ur posterior, which are broad (Adult.) In younger specimens the yellow lines above and below the eyes are manifest; shell ash, spotted with black ; sternum yellow, mingled v^ith black, sometimas without spots; very young specimens with radiating lines of black upon ttie carapax ; length of shell 3 inches 10 lines. Var. a. Carapax olive, with numerous black spots ; posterior terminal mar- ginal plates larger than the others ; an orange-colored line above and one below the eyes ; iris golden ; sternum yellow and black mingled ; soft parts ash colored, with a tinge of red and yellow; younger specimens presenting the same general appearance; shell inclining to brown above; sternum yellow. (K. guttatum, LeConte.) Length of shell 3 inches 7 lines. Var. /?. Shell dark Spanish brown above, with numerous dark colored spots; sternum black, mingled with yellow ; soft parts greyish. Length of shell 4 inches 4 lines. The Kinosternum guttatum of Major LeConte appears to be a variety of Staurotypus odoratus, var. a. Dr. Holbrook's plate represents a young ash- colored female. Schoepf's figure is also that of a female more advanced but not fully grown. (Tab. 24, ,g.) Hist. Testudinum. Erlangae, 1752.* We believe Dumeril and Bibron to be right in putting the animal above de- scribed in the genus Staurotypus. Cinosternon penusylvanicum differs from Staurotypus odoratus in the much greater mobility of the posterior portion of the sternum, the animal being able to close itself up, almost like a box tortoise, in the greater extent therefore to which the sternum covers the ventral surface, in the marked differences in the shape of the sternal scutes, which, with the exception of the abdominal, are more or less triangular in penusylvanicum, in the larger size of the inguinal plates, in the shape and coloration of the head, in the form and arrangement of the posterior marginal plates, and in the configuration of the carapax. Staurotypus-j- belongs to the family of Elodites of Dum. and Bib., orPaludine Turtles, which are placed immediately after the Chersites or Land Tortoises. These are subdivided into two subfamilies the Cryptoderes and Pleuroderes the first having the power of withdrawing the neck under the middle of the cara- pax. It comprises seven genera, viz.: Cistuda, Emys, Tetronyx, Platysternon, Emysaurus, Staurotypus and Cinosternon. The second sub-family, or that of the Pleuroderes, which have the power of withdrawing the neck to one of the sides of the anterior opening of the carapax, and never completely between the arms and under the middle of the carapax, as in the Cryptoderes. comprises a'so seven genera, viz., Peltocephalus, Poducne- mis, Pentonyx, S/ernotheerus, Platemys, Chelodina, Chelys. It will be observed, therefore, that Staurotypus and Sternothjierus belong to different subfamilies, for which reason we prefer to designate this animal as Dumeril and Bibron have done by W agler's name of Staurotypus, the latter being a Cryptodere ; besides, Sterno- th^erus has no nuchal plate, and is destitute of axillary and inguinal plates. The marginal scutes are 24 in number. The sternum is not cruciform, as in Staurotypus, the anterior valve (the only one) and the abdominal plates en- closing the animal leaving the posterior parts more or less exposed, the poste- rior part of the sternum being immoveable, or nearly so, as in Staurotypus. Dumeril and Bibron also point out an anatomical difference of importance be- tween the Cryptoderes and Pleuroderes, viz., that in the latter the pelvis is solidly fixed to both the sternum and carapax ; whereas, in the former, it is " articulated to the internal face of the carapax by a cartilaginous symphisis, corresponding to the sacral bf^ne, being entirely free towards the sternum, permitting several of * Mr. Gray, Major LeConte and the Prince de Canino, place it in Cinosternon ; Prof Holbrook and Mr. Bell, in Sternothaerus. f 2Tay/)oc, cross, and tutto;, type sternum cruciform. 108 [June, these Chelonians to move slightly this portion of their bony apparatus." The celebrated authors above mentioned describe but two species of Staurotypus, viz., triporcatus and odoratus. Of the former we have a specimen from the river Medelin, in Mexico, the carapax of which, measures 11 inches (Fr.) in length and 7 in breadth, being much larger than the specimen in the Jardin des Plantes. The sternum is cruciform and has but 7 pUites, there being eleven in odoratus. but when we consider that these animals correspond in the shape of the head, the general configuration of the shell, and the form of the sternum, these differ- ences may be considered specific, and not generic. The following are the cha- racters of Siaurotypus, Cinosternon and Sternothaerus, as given by Dumeril and Bibron, (Tome ll/pp. 354, 361 and 39G.) Sub-Fam. CRYPTODERID.E. Gen. Staurotypus, Wagler. Head subquadrangular, pyramidal, covered in front by a single, very thin plate; jaws more or less hooked ; barbels under the chin ; 23 marginal scutes ; sternum ihick. cruciform, moveable ia front, provided with eight or eleven scuta ; the axillary and inguinal plates contiguous, placed upon the sterno-costal su- tures ; anterior feet with five nails, posterior with four only. Two species. Cinosternon, Wagler. Head subquadrangular, pyramidal ; a single rhomboidal plate upon the cra- nium ; jaws slightly hoolied ; barbels under the chin ; scales of the shell slightly imbricated ; 23 marginal scutes ; sternum oval, moveable in front and posteriorly upon a fixed piece, provided with eleven scales, with short, narrow, subhorizon- tal wings ; a very large axillary, an inguinal still larger ; tail long, (in the males,) unguiculated. (Staurotypus with a larger sternum, and the posterior part of the sternum movable.) Three species. Sub-Fam. PLEURODERID.E. Gen. SternothvErus, Bell. Head depressed, provided with plates ; jaws not denticulated ; no nuchal plate ; sternum large, with very narrow lateral prolongations; anterior portion of the plastron rounded, moveable; five nails to each extremity. (Three species, all from Madagascar. We have three shells of this genus from W. Africa.) Oa leave granted, Dr. Le Conte offered the following, which was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That a special vote of thanks be presented by the Academy to Dr. E. K. Kane, U. S. Navy, for his numerous and valuable dona- tions to the Museum of the Academy. June 24 ^/i. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Committee on Messrs. Berkeley and Curtis' paper, read 10th inst. reported in favor of publication in the Journal. The Committees on Mr. Sager's pnpor, read May 13th; on Mr. Lea's paper, read June od ; on Messrs. Meek & Hayden's paper, read 10th inst.; on Prof. Harper's paper, read 17th inst.; and on Mr. Taylor's and Dr. Hallo well's papers, read same date, severally reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings. 1856.] 109 Descriptions of three Myriapoda. By Ab. Sager. CRASPEDOSOMAD^, Gray. Gen. Reasia? Gr. Sp. R. SPiNOSA, Nob. Body consists of sixty or sixty-one segments, exclusive of the head and ultimate bivalve scale. Segments all marked with sharp longi- tudinal ridges, the size of which vary considerably. On each side and between the mesial line and stigmata, are seven nearly equal ridges, that border the mesial line somewhat lower than the rest. On the sides are three larger ones terminated with spines, between which there are two smaller and spineless ones; the superior spinous ridge is semi-double and connected with the stigmata ; below these are nine or ten smaller ridges, gradually diminishing as they ap- proach the basis of the feet; anterior and posterior segments about equal to the adjoining ones, head glabrous ; eyes a black triangular patch at the outer base of the antennae ; body cylindrical, chesnut brown, with a paler dorsal line covering the two dorsal ridges, and a pale lateral line covering the series of the stigmata ; feet and antennte rufous. Differs from the Reasia of Gray in eyes, in a triangular instead of a linear spot, and from the Cylindrosoma of the same author in the distinctness of the ridges and not having a reniform eye spot. Nearly allied to the Julus lactarius of Say. Gen. Stenonia, Gr. Sp. S. HispiDA, Nob. Body composed of seventeen double segments, dis- tincly divided on the dorsal mesial line. Body depressed, margins of segments quite prominent and curved forwards near the head, in the middle and poste- riorly transverse or curved slightly backwards. Surface of each segment covered with five rows of distinct tubercles, arranged somewhat in quincuncial order. From the direction of the tubercles the lateral and posterior margins of each segment appear serrated. First cervical segment smaller than the next, rounded anteriorly, straight and narrower behind, and obliquely truncated on the sides. The posterior segment about equal to the next in length, is triangular, the apex armed with a stiff hair. Color pale red above, feet and ventral surface flesh colored. Length Q'". Under decayed logs. Gen. Strigamia, Gr. Sp. S. fulva, Nob. Body somewhat depressed, slightly narrowed towards the extremities, smooth above, rough and villous on the sides and beneath ; feet hairy ; posterior pair equal in length and twice as large as the next; antennal segments obconical, except the last, which is elliptical, and as long as the two preceding ones. Alternate dorsal scut form a slight, obtuse, lateral process. Color fulvous tibove, fawn colored on the sides and beneath. Approximates closely to the Geophilus rubens of Say. Description of Thirteen New Species of Exotic Peristomata. By Isaac Lea. Paludina Hainesiaxa. Testa ventricoso-conoidea, subglobosa, ponderosa, solida, viridi-palida, arctissime umbilicata, Icevi ; spira obtusa, ad apicem carnea ; suturis valde impressis ; anfractibus senis, convexis, ultimo amplo ; apertura magna, subrotundata, intus albida ; columella alba, crassa, incurvata. Hab. Siam. S. R. House, M.D. -) Paludina umbilicata. Testa oarinata, obtuse conoidea, viridi-brunea, sub- tenui, umbilicata, Ijevi ; spira obtusa, babylonica ; suturis linearibus ; anfractibus senis, carinatis, superne planulatis ; apertura subrotundata, intus albida ; um- bilico spiraliter carinato ; columella incurvata. Hab. Takroug River, Siam. W. A. Haines. 110 [June, Paludixa chinensis. Testa- carinata, pyramidata, rufo-castaned, subcrassa, arctissime ambilicata, striata ; spira elevata ; suturis impressis ; anfractibus sep- tenis, planulatis, in medio carinatis, superne geniculata ; apertura. subrotunda, incurvata ; labro angulato. Hub. China. W. A. Haines. Paludina Swainsoniana. Testa globosa, subsolida, tenebroso-viridi, arctis- sime unibilicata, laevi ; spira obtusa ; suturis valde impressis ; anfractibus instar quinis, convexis ; apertura rotundata, intus albida. Hab. Siam. T. R. lugalls, M.D. Paludina Ingallsiana. Testa carinata, obtuse conoidea, tenebroso-viridi, tenui, umbilicata, nitida ; spira obtusa ; suturis linearibus, anfractibus senis, subplanulatis, minutissime et transverse striatis; apertura rotundato-elliptica, inferne subangulata, intus cceruleo-alba. Hab. Siam. T. R. Ingalls, M.D. BiTHiNiA SiAMENSis. Testa ovato-concoidea, palido-olivacea, tenui, diaphana, nitida, lajvi, arctissime umbilicata ; spira subelevata ; suturis linearibus ; anfrac- tibus iustar senis, convexis ; apertura ovato-rotundata, incrassata, superne an- gulata, intus albida. Operculo calcareo, extrinsecus striis concentricis, intus granulato. Hab. Takrong River, Siam. S. R. House, M.D. BiTHiNiA GLOBULA. Tcsta globosa, palido-olivacea, tenui, diaphana, laevi ; imperforata ; spira depressa, ad apice obtusa ; suturis impressis ; anfractibus quaternis, ventricosis ; apertura rotundata, incrassata, subreflexa, superne angu- lata, intus albida ; columella incrassata. Operculo calcareo Ijevi, marginata. Hab. India. W. A. Haines. ci (Turbo Francisci of Wood,) is aa example. We nume it in honor of Mr. T. A. Conrad, of Trenton New Jersey. Locality. Bad Lands of the Judith. Paludina peculiaris. Shell trochiform, rather thin, oblique ; spire conical, acute at apex; volutions (five and a halt?) flattened convex, last one distinctly angular a little below the middle ; surface marked with fine, rather indistinct lines of growth, crossed by neaily obsolete, exceedingly fine revolving striae; suture moderatelj dtfined ; aperture round ovate, or sub-quadrate. Our specimens of this species arc imperfect at both extremities ; some of them have a breadth of 53 inch, and indicate a length of about -f inch The apical angle of a specimen consisting of the lower two whorls is 47; but as it waa probably greater near the apex, the mean may have been as great as 50. In form and general appearance it is very much like the last, and may possibly prove to be onl, a variety ot that species; it is, however, a thinner shell, and the voluii'ms are more convex. Locality. Fort Claik. Paludina trochiformis. Shell trochiform, thin ; spire conical, pointed at the apex ; volutions five and a half to i-ix, nearly flat, and ornamented by two slightly elevated revolving ririges; last whorl strongly angular below the middle ; surface marked with ver\ fine lines of growth, and exceedingly slender, raised, revolving lines ; suture linear, scarce- 1856.] 123 If distinct ; aperture sub-quadrate, or rounded ovate, more angular above, broad- ly rounded below ; lip thin, reflexed on the colutnf-llar side below, but leaving a small umbilical groove; columella strongly arcuate. Length -S*] inch; breadth 73 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 73 to 77. ^ This interesting shell is so unlike the usual forms of PalUdina, that we would have referred it to that genus with much doubt, had it not been for the fact that we have from the same bed some intermediate gradations between it and the risual typical forms of the genus. One of these, P. Leidyi of ih'S paper must be (judging from the upper volutions,) in its young state, almost exactly like this, both in form and surlace markings, yet at maturity, its last volution loses almost entirely the angular outline characterizing this species at all stages of its growth. We have seen fragments of this species indicating a size at least three times as great as that of the specimen from which the above measurements were taken. P. cingulata of Matheron (see Catalogue Methodique, &c., p. 223,) from the Lignite formations near the mouth of the Rhone, resembles this more than any fossil species with which we are acquainted, but ditFersin the surface markings. Amongst recent species it has two or three closely allied representatives, now in- Ijahitingthe rivers of China and Siam, of which P. pyrimidata (Phillippi) is an exam [lie. LoculHy. Ten miles below Fort Union. Palt'dina Leidyi. Shell very large, conical-ovate, oblique, thin ; spire elevated ; upper volutiona flattened, and ornamented by two indistinct revolving ridges ; lower ones more rounded, last rather ventri-ose, and obscurely angular below ; suture linear and scarcely distinct above, but well defined between the lower whorls ; surface marke(l with distinct lines of growth, crossed by very fine, elevated revolving lines, generally obsolete on the lower volutions; aperture apparently ovate; in- ner lip spread upon the body whorl, but leaving partly uncovered a small, d(!ep, oblique umbilical pit. Length about 1 86 inches; breadth 1-32 inches; apical angle convex, divergence 65. The most remarkable ftatures about this fine Paludina, are is large size, and the peculi'irity of having the lower volutions smoothly rounded, or more or less convex, while those nearest the apex are flattened and ornamented by two ob- scure revolving ridges. The angle on the lower part of the last whorl is very- obscure near the aperture, but becomis more distinct higher up, and must be quite conspicuous on young shells. Unfortunately we have no specimens with the aperture entire. (Jnr best specimen consists of four volutions, and judging from the appearance of the broken apex, it must have had about two more. We name this species after Prof Joseph Leidy, of the University of Pennsyl- vania. Localiiij. Ten miles below Fort Union. Valvata parvula. Shell very small, much depressed or subdiscoidal ; spire rising little above the body whorl ^ volutions about three, nearly cylindrical, and having near the middle, on the upper and lower sides, a distinct linear carina ; surface marked with strong regular lines of growth ; sutures distinct ; umbilicus wide and deep, showing all the volutions to the apex, aperture round or transversely oval. Height .05 inch ; breadth .10 inch. Frnm V. tricarinata (Say,) some varieties of which this resembles more than any spec es known to us, it differs in having a wider umbilicus, less elevated spire, and much stronger lines of growth. Localvy. Three miles below Fort Union. Melania minutdla. Shell minute, elongate conical ; volutions seven to seven and a hilf, convex, increasine gradually from the apex and flattened obliquely outwsrd fiom above, near two-thirds of the way down, whence they round abruptly in to the suture 124 [June, below, so as to form an obscure angle below the middle ; suture very distinct ; surface faintly marked with fine lines of growth ; aperture ovate or sub-rhom- boidal, angular above, widest near the middle, very narrowly rounded and ob- scurely sinuate on the inner side below; columella somewhat less arcuate than the outer side of the aperture ; lip thin and slightly refiexed at its junction with the lower part of the columella. Length -16 inch ; breadth -05 inch ; length of aperture -04 inch, breadth do. -03 inch ; apical angle regular, divergence 20" to This beautiful little Melania approaches very near in size as well as in form, M. spina, a Miocene species described by M. Grataloup {Conch. Melan. 10, t. 5, fig. 6 and 7,) but differs in having fewer and more convex volutions. Locality. Three miles below Fort Union. Melania Anthonyi. Shell very small, conical-ovate ; spire not much elevated ; volutions five to five and a half, slightly convex, increasing somewhat rapidly from the apex, last one rather large and obtusely angular below; surface marked witb fine, indistinct lines of growth, crossed by extremely fine, nearly obsolete, revolving striae ; suture well defitied; aperture ovate, angular above, widest a little telow the middle, narrowly rounded and very faintly sinuate on the inner side below; lip thin, elighily reflexed on the lower and inner side, but leaving open a small umbilical perf )ration ; columella regularly arcuate. Length -18 inch ; breadth -10 inch ; length of aperture -OG inch; breadth of do. -01 inch ; apical angle slightly convex, div. rgence 41. Without a very careful examination with a good lens, in a favorable light, (he extremely fine revolving strias on this neat little shell would be overlooked. In form it is almost an exact miniature of M. Xebrascensis of this paper, but a care- ful comparison with the young of that species of its own size, shows it to be quite different. In addition to this, it occurs in great abundance at localities where no authentic specimens of that species were met with. We have no doubt of its being an adult shell. We name it after Mr. John G. Anthony, of Cincinnati, Ohio, to whom we are under obligations for suggestions in regard to it and two or three other species described in this paper. Licaliiy. Yellow stone river, thirty miles above the mouth. Melania mcltistriata. Shell small, elongate-ovate ; spire conical, somewhat elevated, acute at the apex ; volutions five and a half to six, convex ; surface marked with fine indis- tinct lines of growth, and exceedingly fine, closely arranged revolving striae ; suture well defined ; aperture narrow-oval, or ovate, contracted, but scarcely sinuous below; columella regularly curved. Length -23 inch ; breadth 12 inch ; length of aperture -10 inch ; breadth of do. -06 inch ; apical angle regular, diver- gence 39. This may be distinguished from the last by its more elevated spire, and more elongated body whorl, which is never angular below. The aperture is also narrower, and the columella imperforate. From the young of M. Nebr^iscensis of its own size, it differs in bemg more elongated, and in having one or two more whorls. The revolving striae are also more uniform, and so very fine as to be only visible by the aid of a strong mHgnifier. Locality. Ten miles above Fort Union. Melania Nebbascensis. Shell elongate-ovate ; spire conical, not very much elevated, acute at the apex ; volutions about six, flattened convex; surface marked by fine lines of growth, crossed by numerous more or les^ elevated revolving lines, some of which, on the middle of the whorls, are sometimes so much larger than the others as to form distinct carinas; suture strongly impressed; aperture ovte, angular above, narrowly rounded and very faintly sinuous below ; outer lip prominent below the middle ; columella regularly curved. Length -78 inch ; breadth -42 inch ; length 1856.] 125 of aperture -37 inch; breadth of do. -21 inch; apical angle convex or nearly regular, dlvprgence (variable) 44. This sppcies presents numerous varieties of forna, apparently dependent upon age. In younger individuals the spire is relatively less elevated, the whorls more rounded and the aperture larger and more oblique. In its surface njHrkitigs it also varies greatly, even in specimens of the same size. The carinoe formed by the laiger revolving lines being in some specimens quite distinct, while in others they are scarcely larger than the finer revolving lines which may be seen by the aid of a lens to form, with the lines of growth, a delicate sub-cancellate surface on all parts of the shell. On other specimens, all these surface markings are almost euiirely wanting. Locality. Ten miles above Fort Union. Melania convexa. Shell rather large, much elongated, sub-cylindrical or terete ; volutions (about ten?) fi'it, closely wouud, and increasing very gradually from the apex; surface ornamented by fine lines of growth, ciossed by distinct, regular, thread-like, re- volving: lines, and extremely fine, nearly obsolete revolving striae ; suture general- ly indistincr; aperture apparently ovate ; lip thin, having a broad very shallow sinus helow \h^. suture, and another near the base of the columella. Length about 1-60 inches ; breadth -48 inch; length of aperture -45 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 21. Our b^st specimen of this interesting species consists of seven volutions, and appears to have lost two or three others from the apex ; the aperture is also dis- torted. Tbe larger revolving lines, about seven of which may be counted on the .second volution, are quite distinct, and near one-third as wide as tbe spaces between, while the liner revolving strias are closely crowded, and so small as to be only seen by the aid of a good lens. The divergence of the apical angle, be- low the middle of an adult shell, is noc more than 13", while above, (and in yout)g shells,) it is as mufh as 28 to 30. In tlie last number of tbe Proceedings of the Academy, we described a shell resembling this very closely in form, from the Yellow Sione river, where it was found associated, in a loose mass, with fragments of an Ostrea and a small Cre- taceaus species of Oardnim, (C. rarum, Evans and Shumard). Our specimens being worn and imperfect, we supposed, from its associates, it must be a marine shell, and referred it to tbe genus Turrilella, under the name of T. convex i We now think it may possibly be a specimen of this species, from the junction of tbe Cretaceous and Tertiary beds. Locality. Bad Lands of the Judith. Cerithium Nebrascensis. Shell elongate-conical, very slender, whorls (nine?) convex, and ornamented by three revolving rows of sharply elevated granules, placed upon obscure vertical folds; surface marked with very fine lines of growth, crossed by much stronger, elevated, thread-like, revolving lines, two, three, or more ot which may be counted between each row of granules, suture distinct; aperture ap- parently nearly circular, but teiminating below on the inner side, in a small notch. Length about 1 inch ; breadth -29 inch ; apical angle regular, diver- gence 19. On the lower part of the body whorl there are three or four small revolving lines, two of the upper of which are sometimes granular, making on this whorl five rows of granules. Between these and the next row above, one of the revolv- ing liiif^s is also minutely granular. Inform and general appearance, this re- semhl it: two or three species described by Deshays, from tbe Paris basm, but on close cmnparison, we find it quite distinct from them all. Amongst existing species, it appears to be nearest C. granulosum, and estuary species from the Western coast of Africa. Locality. Near head waters of Little Missouri. 126 [June, We are under obligations to Prof. James Hall, of Albany, New York, for the free use of his extensive collection of books on Palaeontology, as well as for occasional sugestions while investigating the Nebraska fossils, described in this and our former papers. Correction. In a paper communicated by us to the Academy in March last, and published in the preceding number of the Proceedings, we referred to the genus Pyrula a shell (P. Z?a!rf/f, page 66), which we have since satisfied ourselves belongs more correctly to the genus Busycon of Bolten ;. we now change the name to Bmycon Bairdi. Ceratites Americanus. By Professor L. Harper, University of Mississippi. The Ceratites, a Cephalopodus mollusk, subgenus of Ammonites, has been discovered in Europe long ago. All the European species, without any excep- tion, belong to the new red sandstone or Triassic formation. Twenty-one species have, according to Bronn, been placed in the St. Cassian formation in Tyrol, to which the lowest place in the Trias has most probably to b^i assigned. One species is found in the St. Cassian rocks and also in the Muschelkalk ; one in the Bunter sandstein and the Muschelkalk, and of the remaining eight species, three belong certainly and five probably to the Muschelkalk of the Trias. The Cerrttiips were therefore considered as characteristic, and belonging exclusi^-ely to the nciv red sandstone formation, and exclusively a European fossil, until a few years ago L. V. Bach, the late great German Geologist, discovered a Cera- tites in the cretaceous rocks of the Caucassus, which he called Ceratites Syriacus. No species of the Ceratites has heretofore been found on the continent of Ame- rica. About three years ago, in summer, 1853, when I was in the State of Alabama, I examined the bed of the Tuscaloosa or Black Warrior River, near the little village of Erie in Greene County, about 12 miles above the confluence of the Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers, between the 32d and 33d degrees of north latitude, where the river cuts through the lowest part of the cretaceous forma- tion of our southern State^", corresponding most probably to the Turonien ot D'Orhigny. The bluff of the river consists here entirely of different strata of green sand, divided in several parts by thin seams of a hard co' glomerate of peroxide of iron and green sand, and is from 50 to 95 feet high. The river was then unusually low, and more than one-half of its bed perfectly dry and acces- sible. On a sand-bank in the middle of the river, immediately below a very deep place, were found, among other evidently cretaceous fossils, three specimens of a smalJ Ammonite, which, after a careful examination, I immediately recognized to be a species of Ceratites, in which opinion I was later confirmed by as high an authority as Prof. L. Agassiz, of Cambridge, who pronounced it to be a new species of Ceratites, closely allied to Ceraticus Syriacus of L. V. Btich. This bfiog the first Ceratites ever found on the continent of America, I pro- pose for it the name of Ceratites americanus. Testa compressa, disco baud dissimili, paulisper deneata ad aperturam, val- deque at.tenua'a ad apicern, et pra3cipue subito accrescente a medio usque ad apenuram; aufractibus duabus, secundo amplecto primi ventre et tanquara in Btriam posito ; apertu-a semi-ovata ; loborum numero, in vita, sex, toti- demquf sidhe, loho ventrali attamen nonnihil indistincto ; lobis dentibus tribns raunitis, qui magnitudinis causa etiam lobi secundarei vocarentur; septis angu- larihus dorso relrorsum flexis ; siphunculo dorsali. The two specimens, still in my possession and here represented, are both very 1856.] 127 much water-wore. They are both flat and discoid, No. 2 more so than No. 1 ; both taper very much towards the apex, and increase especially rapidly from the middle towards the aperture. Both consist of at must two whorls, the dorsal part of the second being more than half overlapped by the ventral part of the first, and lying, as it were, in a groove. They have ap[)arently six lobes and as many saddles, the lobes being provided with three teeth, which, on account cf their size, might rather be called sscondary lobes. The septa are angular and bent backwards on the back. The siphuncle is dorsal, as seen on fig. A, where it is broken out and has left a groove. In No. 1 the latter half of the second whorl is broken out and a hole is left. The size of both specimens is very nearly the same. No. I measures in length 58-3 millimetres, in width 50- s., and in thickness 31. No. 2 measures in length 51- s. millimitres, in width 46, and in thickness 26. No. 2. No. 1. I was first inclined to recognize in the three ppecimens two different species, hut the somewhat different appearance seems to have been caused by the attri- tion which they have undergone. The question arises here, from which formation these Ceratites come ? The circumsrances that they have been found in the lower cretaceous formation, that carbonate of lime is the fossillizer, and that they are closely allied to Ceratites Syriacus of the cretaceous formation of Asia Minor, are indeed strong reasons to pronounce them to be cretaceous fossils, but this seems to me still somewhat doubtful. 128 [June, When I first saw them, I was not aware that Ceratites had ever been found in any other but in the Triassic formation, and the discovery astonished me in a high degree. I was indeed induced to believe that they indicated the presence of the Trias somewhere not very far from the place where they were found, until I saw that L. V. Buch found Ceratites in the cretaceous rocks. It is true the specimeos alluded to were found on a sand-bank in the Black Warrior River, where it cuts through the lowest part of the cretaceous formation of our southern States, just below a very deep place of the river ; but are they not marked out of a formation underlying the upper secondary and reactied by the water of the river in that deep place ? If these Ceratites were a fossil belong- ing to the cretaceous formation, even to the very lowest part of it, specimens of them must and would have been found before and after my finding them. There are a great many places in Alabama, as well as in Mississippi and Tennessee, where the lower part of the cretaceous rocks crops out, where it is cut through by rivers and gullies, and where it has often and carefully been examined and searched for fossils, but never, neither before nor afterwards, have specimens of Ceratites been found. I have myself carefully examined a good many such outcrops in Alabama, even the one where the Ceratites were found ; as State Geologist of Mississippi, and for more than two years engaged in the geological survey of this State, 1 have examined very nearly all the outcrops of the lower cretaceous formation, which is here still better developed than in Alabama ; I have made it a particular point to search carefully for Ceratites, but never again have I succeeded to find another specimen of the Ceratites; nor have I ever heard that any one of the many amateurs that collect fossils has ever seen or found one. That the above described specimens of Ceratites have been washed out of a formation underlying the cretaceous rocks in Alabama, seems to me the more probable, first, as there is in that State between the carboniferous and creta- ceous formation an area occupied by an intermediate, undetermined formation, extending from Autuga County through parts of Bibb, Tuscaloosa and Pi> kens to Fayette County, which has been laid down in the geological chart of thai State of 1849 (by a typographical error, as I understand,) as iertiari/. hat -which, although in many places covered by drifted tertiary sands and clay, is by no means tertiary. It goes under the lower cretaceous rocks and is overlapped by them, is clearly visible, not only in the northern part of the town of Eutaw, but also at Finch's Ferry, on the Black Warrior, in Greene County. What forma- tion this is seems difiicult to decide, it being devoid of fossils. It must, of course, be one of the older formations, intermediate between the coal and the lime, and I should not at all be astonished if a careful examination should give the resul: of its classification among the Poikilitic rocks, to which its variegated clay bears indeed great resemblance. Another reason which renders it more probable that the Ceratites have been worked out of a formation wnderlying the cretaceous formation, is that nearly all the Artesian wells in Greene County, in Alabama, contain a great deal of chloride of sodium and give really salt water. It is not very probable that this chloride of sodium, very seldom, if ever, comes from the salt-bearing cretaceous formation. Examination of the Meteoric Iron from Jiiquipilco, Mexico^ By W. J. Taylor. The meteoric iron from Xiquipilco, Mexico, appears to have been first men- tioned in the Gazeta de Mexico in 1'784. It is stated there that small pieces of native iron, from a few ounces to fifty pounds in weight, were very numerous, which were sought for by the Indians after heavy rains, who used them for manufacturing agricultural implements. In a dissertation on metallic meteorites by Prof. W. S. Clark, the following notices of its literature are given : Ann. des Mines t. 2, ser. 1, p. 337. Gazeta de Mexico 178485, vol. i., pp. 146, 200. Klaproth Beitrage zur chemischen 1856.] 129 Xenntniss der Mineral Kiirper, B. 4, S. 101. Sonnenscbmit, Beschriebungder vorzii/lichsten Bergsrerke. Reviere in Mexico 1804, S. 192 and 288. Cbaldni, (U. F M. S. 336.) Partsch, (D. M. S. 99.) In the examiuation made by M. Berthein he failed to detect the presence of cobalt, but it is mentioned by Prof. Clark that Manross had found it in a speci- men from the cabinet of Prof. Wohler ; my examination confirms in this respect that of M. Manross. To the kindness of W. S. Vaux, Esq., I am indebted for the material for this investigation ; Mr. Vaux has in his magnificent cabinet the principal portion of a mass which weighed over ten pounds. It was originally about six inches long, with an average diameter of three inches ; the lump was oblong with rounded ends, the whole beiug covered with a thin crust of limonite. A cross section cut from this lump has been carefully polished and etched by strong nitric acid, which gives a most beautiful surface of about three and a half inches in length by two and a half in breadth, covered with the greatest complexity of widmannstellian figures which almost defy description. The surface is crossed by bands about one-tenth to one-sixteenth of an inch In breadth ; these apparent bands are cross sections of different planes, as i8 readily perceived by their different refractive powers. On changing the position of the specimen those that are a bright silvery- white in one direction, become a dull gray in another, and vice versa. There are several systems of bands, which preserve a parallelism among themselves and cross other systems at various angles, forming trapezoids, rhombs and triangles. These several fields and their characteristic etchings will be described in detail at some future time. Along the bands or planes thin lami- nae of schreibersite have been observed, as in other meteoric irons. Imbedded in one side of the large lump (just described) was a globule of pyrrhi'tine, which looks as if it had been dropped into the iron when it was in a semi-fluid state. This globule appears to have been about an inch in diameter; it was in part decomposed, but a small portion of the mineral was separated sufficiently pure for the determination of its specific gravity and analyses. On dissolving it in hydrochloric acid, thin laminae of schreibersite separated with minute portions of chromic iron. Through the kindness of Dr. F. A. Genth, I have been permitted to make the following analyses in his laboratory : Pyrrhotine dissolved in nitric acid, gave Sulphur, - - _ - . Iron, ------ Nickel, Cobalt, - _ - - - Silicon, --.--. Phosphorus, - - - - 99-27 " No. 2. Dissolved in hydrochloric acid, gave Iron, ..._.- 58'25 per cent. A residue remained, which was dissolved after being treated with hydrochloric acid and chlorate of potash ; it consisted of Copper, .-.--- 012 per cent. The remainder consisted principally of chromic iron, with a small portion of schreibersite. The specific gravity was found to be 4-822. The ratio of sulphur to the metals vas found to be Sulphur, 2-102 Iron, 2*066 "> , Nickel and Cobalt, 0-245 ) "''^"^ It will be seen that the composition corresponds with that of pyrrhotine, con- sidering its formula to be FeS, if we disregard the few impurities which were found with it. The meteoric iron was first treated in a flask with hydrochloric acid, and the 33-76 per cent. 57 95 6-70 -56 -05 25 130 [June, gas evolved wa3 passed through a solutioa of ammonia chloride of copper, but not a trace of sulphur could be detected in this manner. Id the 5th supplement to Rammelsberg's Handworterbuch der Chemischen Mineralogie, th's meteoric iron is mentioned as passive, experiments having been made by Prof. Wohler ; but the piece belonging to Mr Vaux is evidently active, throwing down metallic copper from a neutral solution of its sulphate. ThJf! experiment was repeated with great care with confirmatory results. No. 1 was dissolved in hydrochloric acid, and a slight precipitate was obtained by hydrosulphuric acid, which, on a careful examiualioa before the blow-pipe, was found to be copper with a trace of tin. Iron, - - - - - - 90V2 per cent. Niciiel, 8-49 Cobalt, 44 Schreibersite, chromic iron, &c., - .^8 Silicon, .-_--- 25 Phosphorus, . - . . 18 The phosphorus was estimated in a separate portion, which was first oxydixed by nitric acid and fused in a platinum crucible with carbonate of soda. No. 2 was dissolved in nitric acid. It gave Iron, - - - - - - 90 37 per cent. Nickel, 7-79 Insolublo residue, - - - - 191 " Description of two new species of Urodeles, frovi Georgia. By Edward Hallowell, M.D. Sub-Fam. BOLITOGLOSSID.^. PSEUDOTRITON MARGISATUS, nob. ') Char. Head small, depressed, rounded in front; eyes lateral, oblique, not prominent, looking upward and outward ; gape of the mouth extending a short distance behind the posterior commissure of the eye; maxillary teeth small, internal nares small and circular; a transverse row of vomerine teeth on each side passing beliind the internal nares, continuous with several rows of longi- tudinal palatine teeth diverging posteriorly, so as to leave a wide interspace in the shape of the letter Y reversed ; tongue small, circular, bolitoglossal, free hX the edges, and supported upon a small central pedicel ; body slender, cylindrical ; extremities slender; toes 4 5 ; tail somewhat compressed, longer than body. Color. Dark ash color above, almost black, shaded obscurely with yellow ; a lateral band of dusky white margined with black on each side near the abdo- men, exteoding from the anterior to the posterior extremities ; under parts dnsij white, very minutely spotted or blotched with black. Dimensions. Length of head 3 lines ; greatest breadth 2 lines ; length of rect and body to vent 1 inch 4 lines, (Fr. ;) length of tail 1 inch 4 lines. Total length 2 inches II lines. Hibitnt. Liberty County, Georgia. One specimen in Mus. Acad. Nat. Sc, presented by Major Le Conte. PSECDOTRITON FLAVISSIMCS, nob. Char. Head of moderate size, rounded above; snout truncate; eyes ratbfT prominent, latero-superior, oblique, looking upward and outward ; tongue small, circular, raushroom-shaped, supported upon a central pedicel, the edges free; internal nares rather small, ovoid or subcircular in shape; maxillary teeth minute, sharp-pointed, the points directed backward; vomerine and palatine teeth as in marginalus; body more robust than in the former species, more or less compressed upon the sides ; extremities slender: tail compressed, of nearlj Bame length as body, (about a line longer.) 1856.] 131 Color. Yellow above, incllulog to brown, with very numerous small black spots; under parts of a brighter yellow throughout, without spots. Dimen&ions . Length of head 4 lines ; greatest breadth 3 lines; length of neck and body 1 inch 1\ lines, (Fr. ;) ol tail 1 inch 5 lines ; total length 3 inches 1 lines. Ilabitat. With the preceding in Georgia. One specimen in Mus. Acad. Nat. Sc, presented by Mnjor Le Cunie, U. S. A. Contributions to the Ichthyology of the Western Coast of the United States, from specimens in the museum of the Smithsonion Institution. By Charles Girard, M. D. Two years have scarcely elapsed since I communicated to the Academy de- scriptions of various fishes collected upon different points of the Pacific coast of North America. Dnring that period the indefatigable researches of several oifi- ccs of the U. S. Army, and naturalists attached to the surveys made under orders from the General Government, have brought to light nuxny new and in- teresting members of that class of animals, and of which I propose now to give a brief account, extracted from final Reports, made to the officers in charge of these surveys. It has also been deemed advisable to mention such changes as have been made in the generic position of several species previously described, either by me or others, in order to give a more correct idea of the Reports just alluded to. It will be remembered that while I was engaged in those investigations of our Western fishes, two naturalists, Drs. W. 0. Ayers and W. P. Gibbons, both resi- dents of San Francisco, Cal., had (without any knowledge of what I was doing,) described a certain number of species, some of which we already know have proved identical with my own. The law of priority in their publication will decide upon the names to be finally adopted in the nomenclature. So far I have been unwilling to settle upon any identifications without the specimens to go by, in order to avoid confusion as well as complicate the sj'nonymy. Drs. AyreK and Gibbons, both, have shown an earnest desire to furnish me with authentic specimens of the species which they have described, and I am happy to say that from the former I have been favored by a good many up to this day, as will be seen further on. For reference to the species described by Prof. Agassiz, some of which havf appeared in my papers, it is but just to say that such identifications as were at- tempted by me, were made from the accounts published at that time. As far a.s genera are concerned I feel confident that no error was committed ; in regard to the species I entertain certain doubts which can not be removed by the docu- ments at our command. I have sought to do justice to the subject from the very beginning, and rather than introduce any changes in their present nomencla- ture I send them before the world as they now stand. With the above preliminaries I proceed into the subject. The species formerly described by me under the genus Lahrax were found, upon further examination, to constitute a genus by itself, the relationship of which being more those of Serranus than of Labrax, and it is in the vicinity of the former that it ought to be placed in the ichthyic method. From Serranus it may be distinguished by the outline of the spinous dorsal fin, and the rela- tive development of the canine taeth, which are so small as to have suggested the idea that the species belonged to Labrax. The new genus we will henceforth call FARALABRAX, and characterise as follow : " General physiognomy that of Labrax, but the first dorsal fin is contiguous to the second as in Serranus. The profil of the body is subfusiform the caudal fin subtruncated or slightly emarginated posteriorly. 132 [June, The head is subconical, the lower jaw a little longer than the upper, the mouth rather large ; card-like teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, vomer and pala- tines, with a row of small canine teeth along the edges of the jaws. Tongue smooth. Small and homogenous spines upon the outer curve of the preopercle. Two small and inconspicuous spines upon the margin of the opercle. Edge of suborbital, entire ; humerus denticulated ; opercular apparatus and cheeks cover- ed with scales, smaller on the cheeks than on the opercles. Gill openings con- tinuous under the throat ; branchiostegal rays, six in number. Scales minutely serrated posteriorly." Paralabrax nebulifer and P. clathratus are the two species. Dr. Ayres's Centrarchus maculosus is my C. interruptus. A new and interesting member of the group TrachinidoB, we inscribe into the method under the appellation of HOMALOPOMUS, " Thegeneral aspect of which is elongated, the mouth large, the lower jaw long- est ; upper and lower jaws provided with canine teeth ; card-like teeth on the vomer. Palatines toothless ; tongue smooth. Dorsal fins separated ; anterior, small and subtriangular ; posterior, extending mostly to rest of space towards the caudal. Anal fin longer than deep, situated far back. Opercular apparatus spineless and scaly ; cheeks smooth and scaleless. Upper surface of head cover- ed with minute scales. Scales covering the body of moderate development with posterior margin entire, and smooth. Gill openings continuous under the head ; branchiostegals, six in number." A single species is known, several specimens of which were examined, all of which were collected at Astoria, Oregon Territory, by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A., to whom I take pleasure in dedicating it. HoMALOPOMUS TROWBRIDGII has the "snout pointed, the mouth deeply cleft, and the posterior extremity of the raaxillaries extending to the vertical line of the posterior edge of the puj)il. The eyes are large. The tips of the pectoral fins reach as far as the anterior margin of the anal fin. The color is greyish brown above, and silvery grey beneath." In the Cottoid group there are glorious additions. In the first place I have had the great satisfaction of identifying, from actual specimens, the Coitus asper of Sir John Richardson, and to describe it comparatively with the other members of the same genus. Amongst the truly marine representatives I will first introduce a type which seems to bear much closer affinities to the fresh water genera than was anticipa- ted. In naming it OLIGOCOTTUS, allusion is made chiefly to its diminutive size. We have full evidence that the specimens before us are adults, and consequently have not hesitated in the se- lection of that name. We are aware, however, that further search might bring to notice other species not quite so small and still of the same generic stamp. On the other hand, the etymology of a name is of but little avail towards eluci- dating the history of the object it designates. The natural characters of the genus will read as follows : "Head smooth, with the exception of a few spines upon the preopercle and snout. Upper jaw slightly the longest. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer and palatines. Gill openings continuous under the throat ; branchiostegals six. Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal posteriorly rounded. Insertion of ventrals backwards the base of pec- torals. Origin of anal fin in advance of the anterior margin of second dorsal. Skin smooth, lateral line continuous for the whole length of the body." 1856.] 188 OlIGOCOTTUS MACCLOSnS. being the only species known at present, we will characterize it by saying : " that the mouth is moderately cleft ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. A stoutish bicuspid processus on the convexity of the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Anterior dorsal lower than the second or posterior. Yellowish brown above, mottled or varie- gated with blackish ; along the dorsal region a series of blotches of a deeper hue; lower half of the sides vermiculated. Abdomen of a bright saffron or yellow hue in the male. Inferior surface of head with traces of black markings ; throat and abdomen unicolor, as also the ventrals and anal. Dorsals, caudal, and pectorals transversally barred." It has been observed on several points of the coast between the bay of San Francisco, Cal., to Puget Sound, W. T. In 1854, a few dried up specimens were taken near Presidio by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, but their precarious state of keeping did not permit us to classify them. The same was the case with those collected at Fort Steilacoom by Dr. Geo. Suckley. It is but very recently that well preserved specimens, collected by B. Samuels, in Tomales Bay, Cal., having reached us, we have been prepared to determine their position in the ichthyic method. The fish mentioned by Dr. Ayres under the name of Acanthocottusinermis jiroyes to be my Leptocottus armatus. Next in order is another and entirely new genus, for which the name of LEIOCOTTUS, has been selected, more particularly in reference to its smooth aspect. Its char- acters are : " head pei'fectly smooth : spines upon the preopercle only. Mouth moderately cleft : jaws equal. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries and front of the vomer ; none on the palatines. Barbules upon the maxillaries. Gill openings continuous under the throat ; branchiostegal rays five. Dorsals nearly contiguous upon their bases. Ventrals inserted backwards of the base of tlie pectorals. Caudal posteriorly subtruncated. Skin perfectly smooth, bearing neither prickles nor scales. Lateral line well marked and continuous from head to tail." The species which has come under my observation has so much of the aspect of Trigla that the specific name of Leiocottus hirundo suggested itself for it." The snout is declivous and rather pointed; the poste- rior extremity of the maxillary is provided with two or three barbules and reaches a vertical line drawn a little beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. Su- perior regions blackish brown ; abdomen whitish beneath ; inferior part of tail yellow." It was collected by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A. at the island of San Miguel, Cal. Dr. Ayres' Ilemitriptcrus marmoratus, is my Scorpj^nichthys marmoratus, Clypcocottus robustus of the same author, is my Aspicottus bison. The species described by me as Scorpcenichthys lateralis was subsequently re- ferred by Dr. Ayres to a new genus of his under the denomination of Calycilepi- dotus lateralLi, together with another species at that time unknown to me, under the name of C. spi/iosus. On a former occasion Dr. Ayres had announced the presence of two species of hemilepidoti in the Bay of San Francisco, for which he proposed the names of II. nebulosus and H. spinosus. My Scorpcemchihys lateralis was subsequently identified by himself to his If. nebulosus, and it was then that the genus Calycilepidotus appeared with two species: C. spinosus and C. lateralis. G. spinosus I have carefully examined, and I am satisfied that its proper place is in the genus Ilemilepidotus, as characterised by Cuvier. In order, however, to furnish reliable data to go upon, I must be permitted to offer a diagnosis of of that genus as it now stands. 10 134 [June, Hemilepidotus. '' Head rough and prickly, with membranous flaps on various parts; opercu- lar apparatus spinous. Mouth moderately cleft; jaws equal. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer and palatines. Gill openings sepa- rated beneath by an isthmus ; branchiostegals, six on either side. Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal rounded posteriorly. Insertion of ventrals opposite the base of pectorals. Longitudinal bands of scales alternating with nacked areas ; scales themselves finely denticulated." Hemilepidotus spinosus ' has membranous flaps on the upper surface and sides of the head. The eyes are quite large. The posterior free extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn at the posterior rim of the pupil. Dorsal band of scales composed of six rows or series ; lateral band of seven, five below and two above the lateral line. Ground color dark reddish brown, with darker transverse bands and blotches." Specimens labelled by Dr. Ayres were collected in the Bay of San Francisco, Oal., by Dr. John S. Newberrv ; others in Humboldt Bav, by Lt. W. P. Trow- bridge, U. S. A. " So much for Calycilepidotus spinosus : it is a true Hemilepidotus. As to C. lateralis, the second species of Dr. Ayres' genus, a careful study has convinced me that it is not specifically identical with my Scorpcenichthys lateralis. Subsequent investigations of more perfect si^ecimens have convinced me of the propriety of removing the latter from the genus Scorpsenichthys, and since I had uo specimens of Hemilepidotus nebulosus, Ayres, {Calycilepidotus lateralis, Ayres, non mihi) by which to determine its generic affinities, I have been compelled to institute, under the name of Artedius, a new genus to receive two species, the one above referred to, and formerly de- scribed by me as Scorpcenichlhys lateralis, and another which so far had remained unnoticed. The following are its characters : " Head rough, with supra-orbital membranous flaps. Spines upon the preopercle only. Mouth moderately cleft ; lower jaw slightly overlapped by the upper. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill openings continuous under the throat ; branchiostegals five on either side. Dorsal fins separated. Caudal sub- truncated posteriorly. Insertion of ventrals opposite the base of the pectorals. A dorsal band of pectinated scales." Artedius lateralis. Scorpcenichthys lateralis, Grd., has the " surface of the head smooth. Preopercle armed with a flat bicuspid spine. Band of dorsal scales narrow, originating at the thoracic arch and extending to near the terminus of the base of the second dorsal. Anterior margin of first dorsal situated in advance of the thoracic arch. Deep chesnut brown above, maculated with yellowish ; beneath yellowish." Specimens collected at San Luis Obispo, Cal.. by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A. Artedius notospilotus is characterised by the " surface of the head being subtuberculous and scaly. Preopercle armed with a flat tricuspid spine. Anterior margin of first dorsal situated in advance of the beginning of the dorsal band of scales, which is broad and extends from the thoracic arch to near the terminus of the base of the second dorsal. Olivaceous, with a series of saddle-like black patches. Abdomen dull yellow or white." Collected by E. Samuels in Tomales Bay, Cal. Sebastes ruber, Ayres, is my Sebastes rosaceus. Sebasies nebulosus, Ayres, is my Sebastes pasciatus. Sebastes variabilis, Ayres (not Cuvier) is my Sebastes auriculatus. 1856.] 135 Sebastes melanops, .1, is a species hitherto nudcscribed, and which we thus characterise : " Upper sur- face of head generally spineless. Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vcrticalline drawn interiorly to the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of dorsal fin opposite or else slightly in advance of the base of the pectorals. Upper re- gions blackish brown ; sides brownish, spotted with black ; beneath greyish brown." Specimens were collected at Cape Flattery, W. T., and at Astoria, 0. T.. bv Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A. A fine addition to the group of Heterolepids instituted in 1854 with two genera. Chirus and Ophiodon, is the new genus OPLOPOMA, characterised by an " elongated body, membranous flaps above the orbits, and spines on the preopercle. The snout is conical ; the mouth large, and the lower jaw the longest. Canine teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer aud the palatines. Gill openings continuous ; branchiostegals six on eitherside. Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal posteriorly subcrescentic or else concave. In- sertion of ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals. Body covered by small cycloid scales." Oplopoma pantheeina, the only species hitherto known, has the " upper surface and sides of the bead granular. The preopercular spines are few, small and blunt. Posterior ex- tremity of maxillary extending beyond the orbit. Origin of anterior dorsal situated in advance of the convexity of the i^reopercle. Scales extending over the base of both the caudal and pectoral fins. Blackish brown above, reddish brown beneath. Dorsal and lateral regions spotted with black." Specimens of this species were collected by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, at Cape Flattery, W. T. Gastbrosteus serratus, Ayres, I have investigated carefully, and found speci- fically distinct from its congeners. I describe another speeies akin to it and G. plebeius. Gasterosteus inteemedius having the " body plated all over ; the peduncle of the tail keeled. Dorsal spines three, moderate in development and inconspicuouslj- serrated upon their edges ; anterior one inserted immediately behind the base of the pectorals. In- sertion of ventrals irnder the second dorsal spine ; their own spine being serrated upon both edges, more conspicuously above than below, and their extremities not extending as far as the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal concave." Inhabits Cape Flattery, W. T., where it was collected by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A. Finally, under the name of Gasterosteus pugetti, I introduce a new species in which the " body is only plated in part. Dorsal spines three, slender, not serrated upon their edges ; anterior inserted immedi- ately behind the base of pectorals. Insertion of ventrals in advance of the second dorsal spine ; their own spine being slender, crenated upon its edges and extending beyond the tips of the os.w innorainata. Posterior margin of caudal slightly emarginated." Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound, W. T. ; collected by Dr. Geo. Suckley, U. S. A. Leiostomus lineattts, Ayres, has come within my observation. The species is characteristic. Specimens of it were brought home by Dr. J. S. Newberry. Leptogunellus gracilis, Ayres, I have likewise examined on specimens col- lected by Dr. Newberry and labelled by Dr. Ayres. 136 [June, GOBIUS NEWBERRTI is a small and very gi-aceful species of Goby, hitherto undescribed. The average size of many specimens observed is about two inches or less, the head forming the fourth of the total length. The first dorsal is contiguous to the second at its base, and is considerably lower than the latter. The mouth is deeply cleft, the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line passing posteriorly to the orbit. The origin of the anal is situated a little behind the anterior margin of the second dorsal : both fins terminate evenly, as far as con- cerns the tips of the posterior rays. The caudal forms the fifth of the total length. The ground color is olivaceous, but the upper regions appear blackish with isolated spots of the ground color ; the inferior regions are unicolor. Atherina storeri, Ayres, is my Atherinopsis californiensis. Rhacocheilus toxotes, Agass., was identified on a specimen collected by E. Samuels in Tomales Bay. Hysterocarpus traskii. Gibbons, could be recognized on a specimen collected at Fort Reading by Drs. J. F. Hammond and John S. Newberry. Another speci- men from the same locality had no irregular transverse bands of black, but was almost unicolor. Another species of viviparous fish, Embiotoca argyrosoma, is easily distinguished from its congener by the brilliant argentine tint of its entire body, though made a little darker along the dorsal region by a greyish or pinkish hue. The general form is elongated; the head rather small, subconical, rounded anteriorly, and contained four times and a half in the total length. The caudal is deeply forked. The posterior extremity of the anal extends a little more posteriorly than the dorsal. The tips of the pectorals reach a ver- tical line passing beyond the origin of the anal. Specimens were collected at San Francisco, Cal., by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A. Osmerus elongatus, Ayres, has been collected at San Francisco, Cal., by Dr. John S. Newberry. The specimens were identified by Dr. Ayres. A most important (I was almost goingto say unexpected) discovery of a white fish was made by the party on the R. R. Survey of California and Oregon, com- manded by Lt. R. S. Williamson. And since it is different from its hitherto known congener, we will call it COREGONUS WILLIAMSONI, as commemorative of that Survey. Its head is rather small, being contained about five times in the total length, which measures eleven inches. The mouth is very small and the posterior extremity of the maxillary does not extend as far back as the anterior rim of the orbit. The scales are large ; eighteen rows of them may be counted between the anterior margin of the dorsal and the inser- tion of the ventrals : nine above the lateral line, and eight below it. The lateral line, itself, is perfectly straight. The caudal fin forked as usual. The pectorals are rather small. I have alluded to the color in saying it was a white fish ; add to it a bluish grey hue along the back. It was collected by Dr. Newberry in the Des Chutes river, a tributary of the Columbia. In adding a second species to the genus Platichthys, the diagnose of this genus must be modified so as to read : " eyes on either the right or left side," for Platichthys umbrosus, which is the new species referred to, hag its eyes on the right, whilst in the species formerly described, they are on the left. It can also readily be distin- guished from its congener in having the body completely covered with scales, on the surface of some of which prickles or asperities are observed. The speci- men before us measures seven inches and a half, is of a uniform blackish brown hue on the right side and light brown on the left. It was collected by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A., at Cape Flattery, W. T. 1856.] 137 I have likewise a second species to add to my genus Pleuronichthys, taking this opportunity of correcting a lapsus lingiice which occurred in the diagnosis of its generic characters : " teeth very inconspicuous, occupying the colorless side of the jaws," instead of both sides of the jaw. That this was a mere accident will appear obvious by reading the characters given to Parophrys, in which an allusion is made to the true state of things in Pleuronichthys. Pleuronichthys suttulatus, appears to be a smaller species than its congener ; it is also deeper, less elon- gated, hence more of a subcylindrical general form. The eyes are situated on the right side. The origin of the dorsal fin is not quite even with the anterior margin of the orbit, and in that respect the generic diagnosis will undergo a slight modification. The largest specimens observed measure a little over three inches. The ground color appears greyish black, over which are scattered light spots ajipearing like as many drops irregularly dispersed. Specimens were col- lected in Tomales Bay by E. Samuels. A specimen of Ophidium, in a too precarious state of preservation to be de- termined specifically, was found by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, at S. Farallones, near San Francisco. Another was collected by Dr. Suckley at Shoalwater Bay, W. T., apparently of the same species. We have also to mention a Sandlaunee, under the name of Ammodytes personatus, the general aspect of which is shorter than its congeners, although theform and outline of the body are not materially different. We perceive no teeth on the palat. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line which intersects the anterior rim of the orbit. The origin of the dorsal fin is situated anteriorly to the tips of the pectorals. The base of the caudal fin is black. Specimens were collected at Cape Flattery, W. T., by Lt. W. P. Trowbridsre. U. S. A. Syngnathus californiensiSj Storer, was received from Monterey, Cal., through the care of A. S. Taylor. The specimen is somewhat imperfect ; it is the largest of those which we have ex- amined from the Pacific coast. AcciPBNSBR acutirosteis, Ayres, was brought home by Dr. Newberry, the specimen having been labelled by Dr. Ayres in San Francisco, where the specimen was procured. AciPENSER MEDiROSTRis, Ayrcs, was received in the same manner as the pre- ceding. AoiPENSER TRANSMONTANUS, Rich., from the Columbia river, has been collected by Dr. Suckley. We conclude by referring to a ray of a remarkable genus, Rhinoptera vespertilio, which was caught in Tomales Bay, by E. Samuels. The specimen before us measures nineteen inches and a half from the extremity of the mouth to the tip of the tail, six inches and three quarters being the length of the body and head together. The width from the tip of one pectoral fin to the other is twelve inches. There is a small dorsal fin situated upon the anterior portion of the tail, followed by a flattened spear shaped spine, serrated upon its edge. The tail is very attenuated, flagelliform, tapering into a filiform extremity. The cephalic region is as long as the rest of the body. Its anterior outline is round- ed. The eyes are very prominent and somewhat raised above the surface of the head. The respiratory apertures, five in number are transversally elonga- ted and arranged upon an open curve. The lips are fringed. The color is of an uniform bluish slate above ; dull whitish beneath. 138 [June, Mr. Ord, on behalf of the Committee appointed to procure subscrip- tions to the Wilson Monument Fund, reported that he had received and transmitted in the name of the President and Members of the Academy, the sum of $280. From persons not members, he had received and transmitted the sum of $35. The report was adopted and the Committee discharged. Mr. Cassin, on behalf of the Committee appointed to prepare a cor- rect list of the Correspondents of the Academy, reported progress and requested a continuance; which request was granted. The Corresponding Secretary presented his report for the last month. ELECTION. Dr. Charles' S. Boker, Mr. John McAllister, Jr., and Dr. Samuel S. Garrigues, all of Philadelphia, were elected Members. Dr. Morris* stated Ibat Alexis St. Martin, on whom Dr. Beaumont perforoiecl his celebrated series of experiments, is now in town, and has been submitted to some experiments at the Pennsylyania College by Dr. F. G. Smith, in the presence of a few physicians. On Monday last, after breakfasting on bread and butter and coffee, he partook at lOj, A. M., of beefsteak ; at the expiration of two hours the fluid contents of the stomach were withdrawn by means of a catheter. They had a decidedly acid reaction, but whether from chlorohydric or lactic acid, I was unable to ascertain from the small cfuantity forwarded to me for examination. The meat was rapidly being converted into chyme ; small flocculi floated in the fluid and collected at the bottom, much paler than natural. On being subjected to the microscope, the cellular tissue had nearly all disap- peared, while the muscular fibres exhibited all stages of disintegration ; some were found nearly of the usual color, some paler and with the transverse striae beautifully marked. As the latter became less evident, longitudinal striation exhibited itself, Avhile a minute punctation took the place of the transverse striae. As the digestive process advanced, the whole fibril became granular, but the longitudinal striation remained as long as there was any evidence of the struc- ture. This goes to confirm the view of the minute anatomy of the muscles maintained by Kolliker, in opposition to Todd and Bowman's disc theory. The nuclei of the ruptured gastric cells, epithelium from the mouth, esopha- gus and stomach, with numerous fat granules, completed the microscopic appearances. This morning, at \()\ A. M., he partook of bread, and the fluid being withdrawn as before at the end of two hours, presented the following ap- pearances : The supernatant fluid resembled a starch solution, but on close examination gave the faintest possible evidence of starch by the iodine test, which I am disposed to regard as due mainly to the dextrine present. Trom- mer's test gave abundant proof of the presence of the latter, or of grape sugar, or both, and also indicated by the purplish hue of the liquid on the addition of sulphate of copper and potassa to the fluid, the presence of a protein body. The remnants of the bread, fully disintegrated, subsided to the bottom, and showed abundant evidence of starch. So far as this experiment goes, it confirms the views generally held as to the action of the saliva upon amylaceous bodies, in contravention to those advanced by Lehmann, as to the active part played by the intestinal fiuid (the secretion of the intestinal mucous membrane) in diges- tion. The greater part of the bread had disappeared, giving place to grape sugar, in consequence of the almost momentary action of the saliva, and leaving mainly the function of absorption to be performed by the intestinal mucous membrane. This communication being mislaid, could not be introduced into its proper place, under date of May 6th. 1856.] 1S9 July ]s<, 1856. Dr. J. Carson in the Chair. A letter was read from Rudolph C. Burlag, Consul of the Nether- lands, dated New York, June 26th, 1856, enclosing a letter from The Society for the Succor of Drowned Persons, of Amsterdam, dated March 21st, 1856, transmitting their publication acknowledged this evening. Dr. Uhler remarked, that the specimen of Dewe;^lite presented by himself this evening, has exactly the composition of the precious ser- pentine and resembles chalcedony. On leave granted. Dr. Rand moved that the Committee on Mr. Gri- rard's paper, entitled ** Contributions to the Ichthyology of the western coast of the United States," be allowed to present their report. The mo- tion was adopted. The Report of the Committee in favor of publica- tion in the forth-coming number of the Proceedings, was then received and adopted.* July Sth. Dr. Bridges, Vice President, in the Chair. Letters were read From Dr. E. K. Kane, acknowledging the receipt of the special vote of thanks of the Academy. From H. Gr. Bronn, dated Heidelburg, 5th January, 1856, ai?know- ledging the receipt of the Journal of the Academy, (N. S. Vol. iii., No. 1,) and a copy of Dr. Leidy's paper on the Extinct Sloth Tribes of North America ; also transmitting donations. From the Zoologische Botanischen Verein of Vienna, dated 12th December, 1855, transmitting donations. From the Imperial Society of Naturalists of Moscow, dated March 29, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of the Proceedings, (Vol. vii.. No. 1,) of the Academy. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled " On a new Genus and Species of Urodela, from the collections of the U. S. Exploring Expedition, under Com. Charles Wilkes, U. S. N., by Charles Grirard, M. D. ;" referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Cassin, Dr. Brinton, and Dr. Bridges. Mr. Lea presented for publication in the Proceedings, a paper enti- tled " Description of fifteen new species of Exotic Melaniana, by Isaac Lea ;" referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Vaux, Dr. Leidy and Mr. Gliddon. Dr. Leidy mentioned that the skin of the Musk Ox, deposited by Dr. E. K. Kane, the skeleton of an Owl, presented by the same, the skin of the Llama, presented by Dr. Ruschenberger, and the skeleton of the large specimen of Chelonura serpentina, presented by Mr. Tiffany, of Cape May co. N. J., had been mounted and placed in the collection. * See page 131. PROCEED. ACAD. NAT. SCI. OP PHILADELPHIA, VOL. VIII. NO. IV. 11 140 [July, Mr. Ord transmitted a letter from Matthew Bsrr, dated Paisley, 21st June, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of ^64 lis. 7d. as a contribu- tion to the Wilson testimonial fund. Dr. Leidy stated, that in consequence of the unsatisfactory results of bis in- vestigations, wliich had formed the subject of "A Memoir on the Extinct Dico- tylinas of America,"* from the time of writing that memoir he had been col- lecting material, both recent and fossil, towards a more positive determination of the number of extinct species of Dicotylinae. The results of his subsequent investigations appear to be as follows : 1. The extent of variation in the characters of the skull, and especially of the teeth, is as great in different individuals of the recent Dicoiyles torquaivs, as it is in all the extinct genera and species heretofore indicated by Dr. Le Conte and himself. 2. The evidence, so far as it has been derived from osteological characters, appears to refer all the extinct genera and species of North American Dicoty- linse, as heretofore indicated, to one single species. The name of the latter and its synonyma are as follows : DicoTTLES coMPRESsus, Leidy. Syn. Platigonus compressus ; Hyops depressifrons ; Proiochoervs prismaiiciis ; Di- eotyUs depressifrons ; Dicoiyles costatus, Le Conte. Euchoerus macrops, Leidy. July \btJi. Dr. Bridges, Vice President, in the Chair. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled '< New species of Plyla, by John Le Conte," which was referred to a Committee consisting of Dr. Hallowell, Mr. Cassin and Dr. J. A. Meigs. July ^9lh. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Committee on Dr. Girard's paper, read 8th inst,, reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings ; which report was adopted. On a New Genus and Species of Urodela, from the collections of the U. S. Expl. Exped., under Comm. Charles Wilkes^ U. S. N. By Charles Gieard, M. D. A species of this group was collected in Oregon by the U. S. Exploring Ex- pedition, showing such a striking external resemblance with Aneides lugubris, that upon a first examination we referred it to the latter genus. A closerexamination of its structure made us acquainted with an ensemble of characters which has induced us to establish a genus distinct from Aneides : by the shape of the mouth, which is linear, instead of being undulating; by the maxillary teeth, which are exceedingly minute, and the disposition of the vomero-palatine teeth, upon a double ogee, instead of an obtuse angled triangle. HEREDIA. Head subelliptical, broader than the body ; snout blunt and rounded, protru- ding beyond the lower jaw. Cleft of the mouth oblique and rectilinear. Maxil- lary teeth exceedingly minute, scarcely perceptible. Vomero-palatine teeth dis- Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. x., 323. 1856.] 141 posed upon a double ogee extending from the middle line of the palate along the anterior inner edge of the orbit. Sphenoid teeth forming two elongated patches. Tongue large, elliptical, attached by an elongated central pedicel, and free upon its posterior third. Eyes large. Limbs slender, anterior ones longest ; four fingers ; five toes, all free and tapering. Tail subcylindrical, slightly com- pressed, tapering towards the tip. Skin exteriorly smooth and soft. Herbdia oregoxensis. Tail longer than the body and head together. Fingers and toes slender and free, inner one very small. Skin smooth, uniform dark brown above, lighter beneath. The Secretary read a note from Dr. Wm. S. Zantzinger, dated 29th July, 1856, stating that he was about to remove from the city, and consequently tendered his resignation as Librarian of the Academy. The resignation was accepted. ELECTION. Baron John William Yon Miiller, of Stuttgart, was elected a Corres- pondent, and Mr. Alfred Cope and Dr. Wm. H. Grobrecht, both of Philadelphia, were elected members of the Academy. AuguHt bth. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Hallowell presented for publication in the Proceedings, a paper entitled " Notes on the Reptiles in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, by Edward Hallowell, M. D. ;" also a paper entitled "On several new Reptiles in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, by Edward Hallowell, M. D." Both these papers were referred to a Committee consisting of Dr. Leidy, Mr. Cassin and Mr. Schafhirt, Dr. Hallowell exhibited numerous specimens of the larvae of Bufo Ame- ricanus. These were caught by Dr. Leidy on the 16th of June, along the banks of the Schuylkill, near Philadelphia. They are nine lines in length, including the tail, of a slate color above, with dark colored spots ; the under parts are whitish mingled with gray. The reason why the tadpoles of the toad are not more often seen, is probably on account of their small size. Specimens of the perfect animal were also exhibited ; these were six lines in length, of a grey color above, with numerous small dark colored spots, containing each one or more minute reddish colored ones ; these smaller spots were also distributed over the body ; under parts whitish ; the perfect specimens were found July 7th, 1856, among stones quite close to the river. Dr. Hallowell also exhibited a number of specimens of Rana halecina, Kalm, found in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, both male and female. The females appear to be of a somewhat lighter color than the males, and have fewer spots. The latter are all provided with a vocal sac, one on each side, communicating with a small circular opening, not quite a line in diameter, beneath the lower jaw near its angle, nearly opposite the eustachian foramina. Dumeril and Bibron, in their Erpetologie Generale, tom. viii., p. 353, remark, that in comparing the Rana esculenta of Europe, and the Rana halecina, the first thing to be observed is, that the Rana halecina is not provided at the angles of the mouth with those slits which permit the males to extend their vocal sacs, 142 [August which is the case in the common frog of Europe. Dr. Holbrook also states, in presenting the distinctive characters between the two animals, that in Rana halecina " there are no openings on the sides of the jaws, at the angle of the mouth, out of which the vocal vesicles pass when distended with air, as in the Rana esculenta." So far from this being the case, it is the only frog in the United States which appears to possess the sexual characters above mentioned. Both authors quote among the synonyms of halecina, the Rana utricularia of Harlan, which is the male halecina with distended vocal A^esicles. The error has arisen from the fiict, as stated to me by Dr. Holbrook, that the males of a species found in the Southern States resembling the halecina, do not possess the vocal vesi- cles. "We have latelj^ received from Florida a male specimen, found by our fellow member, Mr. Ashmead, in a sulphur spring, near the St. John's River, about three hundred miles from Key West, which is totally destitute of these vesicles. It resembles very much the halecina, but differs from it, in having a more acute snout, with a much more slender body and extremities; the general color is darker, the black spots more numerous, and the markings upon the thighs are different; it should be remembered however, that this description is based upon a single specimen. A more important character exists in the presence of a broad and very distinct and well marked row of pores along the upper part of each flank, in the true halecina, and their presence also above the orbits, upon the back part of the head and neck, and various parts of the body ; these all appear to be wanting in the Southern species. Dumeril and Bibron very consistently place the animal they describe in the second division of the Ranidse, including those "without pores about the neck, upon the belly, and none upon the flanks.'' We do not observe, however, in the specimen before us, that the thumbs are decidedly truncate. We would propose the name of Rana oxyrhynchus for the Southern species. Rana oxyrhynchus, nob. Char. Plead narrow, acute, longer than broad; body and extremities slender, the posterior quite long; four or five palatine teeth on each side, very distinct, between the internal nares; the patches near to each other,