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THE ANNALS
AND
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY,
INCLUDING
ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, ann GEOLOGY.
(BEING A CONTINUATION OF TIE ‘ANNALS’ COMBINED WITH LOUDON AND CHARLESWORTH’S ‘ MAGAZINE OF NATURAL IIISTORY. )
CONDUCTED BY
CHARLES C. BABINGTON, Ese., M.A., F.RB.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., ALBERT C. L. G. GUNTHER, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., F.R.S., WILLIAM §. DALLAS, F.LS.,
AND
WILLIAM FRANCIS, Ph.D., F.L.S.
YOL. XVI.—FOURTH SERB aunsonia Institg;
—_—_——eeeeeeeeeOoeeomoooee oes
.
ati. 1A ‘ a
onal Museu? as a
LONDON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS.
SOLD BY LONGMANS, GREEN, READER, AND DYER; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO,; KENT AND CO.; WHITTAKER AND CO.: BAILLIERE, PARIS ; MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH :
HODGES, FOSTER, AND CO., DUBLIN: AND ASHER, BERLIN,
1875.
“«Omnes res createe sunt divinse sapientize et potentiz testes, divitis felicitatis humanz :—ex harum usu Jonitas Creatoris; ex pulchritudine sapientia Domini; ex qconomid in conservatione, proportione, renoyatione, potentia majestatis elucet. Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper xstimata ; A veré eruditis et sapientibus semper exculta; malé doctis et barbaris semper inimica fuit.”—Linnazus.
“Quel que soit le principe de la vie animale, il ne faut qu’ouvrir les yeux pour voir qu’elle est le chef-d’eeuvre de la Toute-puissance, et le but auquel se rappor- tent toutes ses opérations.”—Bruckner, Théorie du Systéme Animal, Leyden,
1767.
eos OM RO) SOHO DO, oat The sylvan powers Obey our summons; from their deepest dells The Dryads come, and throw their garlands wild And odorous branches at our feet; the Nymphs That press with nimble step the mountain-thyme And purple heath-flower come not empty-handed, But scatter round ten thousand forms minute Of velvet moss or lichen, torn from rock Or rifted oak or cavern deep: the Naiads too Quit their loved native stream, from whose smooth face They crop the lily, and each sedge and rush That drinks the rippling tide: the frozen poles, Where peril waits the bold adventurer’s tread, The burning sands of Borneo and Cayenne, All, all to us unlock their secret stores And pay their cheerful tribute. J. Taytor, Norwich, 1818.
—~
CONTENTS OF VOL. XVI.
[FOURTH SERIES. }
NUMBER XCI.
I. Notes Introductory to the Study and Classification of the Spongida. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &c.—Part I. Anatomy and ery ielareye re later Phe iis 5% aie etaeye& » pierre chores) eave nuele ern etn cates ere
II. On the Development of the Caleispongie. By Ex1as Mrerscu- NT OMRG) CE IAPOAL)) have: oroiniaserarei~ syareiote otpselire ate diate eyerstas: eleieetei ayy
III. Note on an apparently new Parrot from Cardwell, N.E. Aus- tralia. By Freprrick M‘Coy, Professor of Natural Science in the WW macerteys OL NUCID OUTING, in sser0e aie atejese ieiviers aires syevgord male s(min 6 96
IV. Additions to the Australian Cureulionide.—Part VIII. By ERANGCISs, Pasco, BLS. ce. 3 (Plated ie sic «sere deinen safe up oe >
V. Descriptions of some new Shells from Kerguelen’s Island. By Epear A. Smiru, F.Z.8., Zoological Department, British Museum,
VI. Descriptions of new Species of Crustacea collected at Kergue- len’s Island by the Rev. A. KE. Eaton, By Epwarp J. Mrrrs, Zoolo- gical Department, British Museum «0. 0c he cece ee ences
VII. On Hyalonema cebuense. By Dr. A. B. Meyer
ooo eee neee
On the Fauna and Flora of Kerguelen’s Island (a letter addressed to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs), by M. Lanen; On Androgynous Diptera, by Dr. Loew; The Blind Fish and some of the associated Species of the Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, pro- bably of Marine Origin, by Mr. F, W. Putnam; Note on Veo-
Page
41
54
55
67
73 76
balena marginata...... Hi size) Gua ave aleceley MO MStarS AW 6: Cacelecern sis 78—80
lv CONTENTS.
NUMBER XCIl. Page
VIII. On the Position of Sagitta, and on the Convergence of Types by Pelagic Life. By M. A. GIARD .......ceeeeeseeerees adds 81
IX. Observations on the Genus Platycrinus. By Fort-Major THOMAS AUSTIN, F.G.S. 40 fis decas neernesu dems yes Raine hoe 90
X. List of the Species of the Homopterous Genus Hemispherius, with Descriptions of new Forms in the Collection of the British Museum. By Arrour Garpiner Butirr, F.LS., F.Z.8., Xe. (Plato EV): ai nics os once de oo vein od wpa lee ebaieya aie etter ete 92
XI. On a Tertiary Pleurotomaria. By FreprericK M‘Coy, Pro- fessor of Natural Science in the University of Melbourne.......... 101
XII. A List of the Gasteropoda collected in Japanese Seas by Commander H. C. St. John, R.N. By Epear A. Smira, F.Z.8., Zoological Department, British Museum...........00eeeeeeeeees 103
XIII. Descriptions of three additional Species of Crustacea from Kerguelen’s Land and Crozet Island, with Remarks upon the Genus Paramera. By Epwarp J. Miers, Zoological Department, British
MuseiMIy Sites os > Sieitte! stegeiste ayers ne unsiatcncteere ats iatele’ atoiat toning. asi 116 XIV. Description of a new Species of Solenella from South Pata- gona, By HpG a As SMTP SN IZ20, ., ss «mls» viayelai erates etm naman merece 118
XV. On the Embryogeny of Lamellaria perspicua. By M. A. (GTA BID ate. 0 sche size wae ikiel O ote oye aero epecss eae o ehie aie eee 119
XVI. Description of a very large Species of Scotophilus from Western Africa. By G. E. Dopson, M.A., M.B.......... ican 122
XVII. Gigantic Squid on the West Coast of Ireland. By A. G. Mors, Assistant Naturalist in the Museum of the Royal Dublin OCOD Fa scrrieeke Wee c soe alas wtne hiamobane Sse eee elalaneits a ce lwinne oe eee 123
XVIII. Notice of two new Species of Mammals (Propithecus and Hemicentetes) from Madagascar, By Dr. ALBERT GUNTHER, F.R.S. LOE RE Cac POR ee pact RARE Ince RRMA OLGER REPRE NEE GS Gon Siciac oy 8 125
XIX. Notes Introductory to the Study and Classification of the Spongida. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S, &e.—Part II. Proposed Clas- sification Of the Sponsida .\.”... S'crejqn «cle dela s tvs ba ale behaves ee 126
On the Occurrence of a Superorbital chain of Bones in the Arboricole (Wood-Partridges), by James Wood-Mason, of Queen’s College, Oxford ; On the Helminthological Fauna of the Coasts of Brit- tany, by M. A. Villot; On the Action of Borax in Fermentation and Putrefaction, by M. J.-B. Schnetzler ; Investigation of the Phenomema of Digestion in Insects, by M. Félix Plateau; On the Stracture and the Development of the Sting and Ovipositor of some Hymenoptera and of Locusta viridissima, by Dr. H. 102) Th Aine oP PRATHER Cr hiro tae rtl Wine So ey 145—154
CONTENTS. Vv
NUMBER XCIII.
XX. On the Primary Origin of the Sexual Products. By M. EE QRMGANN EOL terres etelaeateetcleon cuenta cvectedsecoserees son's 157
Page
XXI. Note on Entomostraca from Kerguelen’s Land and the South Indian Ocean. By Grorer Srrwarpson Brapy, C.M.Z5S., Professor of Natural History in the College of Physical Science,
IN Grp SEL GOTT EVTG 5) sos sso a. n/c: a xpeiscla wie's oye! uefanel o's Srenesto tn an isha en/ie 162
XXII. Revision of the Subfamily Pericopiine of the Lepidopterous Family Arctiide, with Descriptions of new Species. By ARTHUR
GARDINER BUTLER, F.L.S., FiZS., &Gi -. evs ice wne sence ecc eens 165 XXIII. Notes Introductory to the Study and Classification of the Sponpida. » By H. J. Cantmm, FURS. Ger eco ta cee ee 177
XXIV. Descriptions of two new Species of Marginellide from the Cape-Verd Islands. By EpGar A. Smiru, F.Z.8., Zoological De- partment, Britich® Misedmts sf. S015 een dete see stele e sen hae = ween 200
XXV. Brief Observations on the Anatomy of Comatula. By C. Semper. With an Addendum by W. B. Carventer, M.D., LL.D., MOOEG iptee Contd Var aheiav ee EM cick vine eoetstale © Aiale alge extoesseumenbeteraiate 202
XXVI. Descriptions of New Genera and Species of New-Zealand Coleoptera—Part I. By Francis P. Pasconr, F.LS. &c. (Plate Be ste tetas ties acetate ecw eRe Wiad roast uta a aie «Wt Sranaess ica s 1a scat ete 210
XXVII. On a new Sponge of the Genus Luffaria, from Yucatan, in the Liverpool Free Museum. By THomas Hieern, of Huyton.
EATON Vals ioe stale (eave Wista nik Su kloee ania aint viele see talons « mista Wie 223 XXVIII. Description of a new Species of Pigeon from the Karen Hills. By Artuur, Viscount WALDEN, P.Z.S., F.R.S. ......06-- 228
XXIX. Descriptions of some Leporine Mammals from Central Asia by rir ArHnn® GUNTER EUS. Gi sa o's soccer sees nese 228
XXX. Description of a new areas of Taphozous from Labuan. ByGe .Wospan, NAMB, FSU. G&G). oc cea toca sable ees 232
Descriptions of two new Species of Heterocerous Lepidoptera of the Family Arctiide, by A. G. Butler, F.L.S. &e.; Lacerta muralis cerulea—a Contribution to the Darwinian Theory, by Dr. Theodor Eimer; New Tertiary Plewrotomaria, by Frederick M‘Coy; Note on the Larva of a Longicorn Beetle (Clytus quadri- punctatus, Fabr.), by Chas. O. Waterhouse ; Note on Cossypha pyrrhopygia, Hartlaub, by R. Bowdler Sharpe, F.Z.S8, &ce. 288—236
NUMBER XCIV.
XXXI. Notes and Descriptions of some new and rare British Spi- ders. By the Rev. O. P. Campriner, M.A., C.M.Z.S. (Plate
XXXII. Descriptions of new Species of Vespertiionide. By G. Bec lesOn NL Aa NEES... Eig O00: 55 oui s cen 'og ues va bao sal, LOO
vi CONTENTS.
Page XXXIII. Descriptions of new Species of Geckotide in the British- Museum Collection. By A. W. E, O'Suaueuyressy, Assistant in the Departments of Natural History ..........0sscccesecsences 262
XXXIV. Notice of the Occurrence of another Gigantic Cephalopod (Architeuthis) on the Coast of Newfoundland, in December 1874. By As Be VigRREii 6 | Lio ote Sige ion sere at oe tae weet Beet eats 266
XXXV. On a new Genus and some new Species of Graptolites from the Skiddaw Slates. By H. AtteynE Nicuo son, M.D., D.Sc., F.R.S.E., Professor of Natural History in the University of St. Andrews,..(Plate ViDE.)<..s,. 2.-t010,) «iuthesetectie he nlelege ol cate eee 269
XXXVI. On the Structure of Amphicentrum granulosum, Huxley. By Ramsay H. Traquarr, M.D., F.G.S., Keeper of the Natural- History Collections in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art.
(Gace ©.) Baa AG ania Siac OSI far OIA IA Ura DAWN Nie a 273 XXXVII. Descriptions of some new Asiatic Mammals and Che-
lonia. By Joun ANDERSON, M.D., Calcutta...........0.c.eeees 282 XXXVIII. Further Contributions to the Ornithology of Australia.
Evie OREN 1G OM) EES. oa" «sche Sis, 5:1 sini a) gels (ois! aise envene @] rane enone 285
Proceedings of the Royal Society ..........00cceeeereennecccacs 287
On a new intermediate Type of the Subkingdom Vermes (Poly- gordius ?, Schneider), by M. Edmond Perrier; On the Develop- ment of the Spinules in the Scales of Gobius niger (Linn.), by —— M. L, Vaillant; On the Larval Forms of the Bryozoa, by M. J. Barrois; On the Migrations and Metamorphoses of the Marine Endoparasitic Trematodes, by M. A. Villot; Bathybius .. 295—3804
NUMBER XCV.
XXXIX. Contributions to the Study of the chief Generic pA of the Paleozoic Corals. By JamMEs THomson, F.G.S., and H. ALLEYNE Nicnotrson, M.D., D.Se., F.R.S.E., Professor of Natural
History in the University of St. Andrews .........+.seeeusseees 305 XL. Descriptions of new Mammalia from Persia and Baltchistan.
By Wi (BURN ORD, HOES. 1. o65 ci vive soos + o.2's chneminlahelnln ieieteigts 309 XLI. Descriptions of new Species of New-Zealand Fish. By F.
W. Hutton, Curator of the Otago Museum .........0eseeeeeees 313
XLII. On a new Genus and Species of Trap-door Spider from South Africa. By the Rev. O. P, Campriner, M.A., C.M.ZS., &e. (Plite 2X5) inet ee tae spotele wists fe er detate mae desnuchs wa suckers elielatehy ctee niaiaee 317
XLIII. On the true Nature of the so-called “Bathybius,” and its alleged Function in the Nutrition of the Protozoa, By G. C. WiALEr CH, MOD). 2, roves er cycttiey ste rsusieis acs Giese kesaols eas a) esata 322
XLIV. Description of a supposed new Actinwra from the Dafla Hills. By Major H. H. Gopwiy-Avsren, F.R.G.S., F.Z.S., &c., Deputy Superintendent, Topographical Survey of India .......... 339
CONTENTS. Vil
Page
XLY. On some new or undescribed Species of Crustacea from the Samoa Islands. By Epwarp J. Miers, Zoological Department, British Museum 341
©) Aare) ® es A) a. ae » a oe Rie are) De 8,8 8) By a) alice 0.8.80 ele 6:0 ae vs e086
XLVI. Description of a new Species of T'richoglossus from Fiji. By E. L. Layarp, Esq., F.Z.S., Consul for Fiji and Tonga ........ 344
XLVII. Conspectus of the Suborders, Families, and Genera of Chiroptera, arranged according to their Natural Affinities. By G. Pr desen, MEA. MiB. Luss, GG Suis Ga cabias wey sinters 345
XLVIII. On the “Cow-fish ” ( Twrsio metis) of the Sounds on the West Coast of Otago, New Zealand. By F. W. Hurron, Curator
of the, Otago Museum, Danedinit.isiciiccctl. ale ses Seales ited baa 307 XLIX. On the Geological Structure of the Amazons Valley. By
FLOPS OPP AMES OREON «5 0c giacafe's + d)enel so Sie as nik ated ok erala b-oanowie 359 L. Note on Linotrypane apogon. By W.C. M‘IntosH ......,. 369
LI. On a new Species of the Genus Eupetomena. By Joun RFC OME EUS) citVhiiacte- 34 ove ohn stokaptiaal eA ee ca teele, POSTS Soe as 370
New Book :—Figures of Characteristic British Fossils, with Descrip- tive Remarks, by W. H. Baily, F.L.S., F.G.S., &. &c. Part IV. 371
On some Lepidoptera with Terebrant Trunks, destructive of Oranges, by M. J. Kunckel; Corals at the Galapagos Islands, by L. F. Pourtalés ; On the Development of the Pulmonate Gasteropoda, ENE UIOL ys ave raiaituiace ae shee nor ciaigieicie ene! sides alee sd 372—376
NUMBER XCVI.
LIZ. On a Young Specimen of Pelagonemertes Rollestoni. By H. N. MosExey, Naturalist on board H.M.S. ‘Challenger.’ (Plate XI.) 377
LIII. On three new and curious Forms of Arachnida. By the Rev. O. P. CamBrincE, M.A., C.M.Z.S., Hon. Memb. N.Z. Inst.
PEPE racy. tarctsitiieiataalas wceaie areneree we st Ales Fs Os ee ee elnoe 383 LIV. North-Sea Dredging. By Joun Lrcxensy, F.G.S., and pie Tem UNEEREE AT Tadsye 8c cars iees) se" vic) wisi.o axel SPmtanioune «wai tteraner rade aoe oak 390
LV. On a Collection of Lepidoptera from Southern Africa, with Descriptions of new Genera and Species. By ARTHUR GARDINER Herc Ree Eeleraeyen dl Arse wOE Cs «| «) «01 asa er oheceteet slabetalavelels sha Bidets. o.«,eeeee 394
LVI. Relation of the Canal-System to the Tubulation in the Foraminifera, with reference to Dr. Dawson’s ‘ Dawn of Life.’ By ERP, CLA eB Ss O0C a gore ele wo, oe new blere olen ole @ sale ne eee 420
LVII. Contributions to the Study of the chief Generic Types of the Paleozoic Corals. By James THomson, F.G.S., and H. ALLEYNE Nicuotson, M.D., D.Sc., F.R.S.E., Professor of Natural History in the University of St. Andrews. (Plate XII.).......... 424
vill CONTENTS.
Page LVIII. On the Bower-birds of Australia, with the Description of a new Species. By JoHN GouLD, FLRS. .. 0... cece eee eee eee 429
New Books:—The Micrographic Dictionary, a Guide to the Exami- nation and Investigation of the Structure and Nature of Micro- scopic Objects, by J. W. Griffith, M.D. &c., and Arthur Henfrey, F.RS., F.LS., &c., Third Edition, edited by J. W. Griffith and Professor Martin Duncan.—A Monographic Revision and Synopsis of the Trichoptera of the European Fauna, by Robert MTiachlam: os vinnie cvign 2.0.0 taahenn giro a rae aaa 430, 452
On the Development of the Heteropoda, by M. H. Fol; On the Sexual Reproduction of the Vorticellians, by M. Balbiani; The Effect of the Glacial Epoch upon the Distribution of Insects in North America, by Aug. R. Grote, A.M.; On the Reproduction of the Hels, by Ms\@. Dareste a3. ije Sines yes eine © 5m 435—443
PLATES IN VOL. XVI.
Puate I. New Genera and Species of Australian Curculionide. II. Development of the Calcispongie. IlI. Forms of Spongida. IV. Tegmina of Hemispheerius. V. New Genera and Species of New-Zealand Coleoptera. VI. Luffaria Archeri. VII. New Graptolites. VIII. New and rare British Spiders. IX. Structure of Amphicentrum granulosum. X. Mogeridgea Dyeri. XI. Pelagonemertes Rollestoni. XII. Amplexus and Zaphrentis. XIII. New Forms of Arachnida.
THE ANNALS
AND
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.
[FOURTH SERIES. }
Ne eencer enn cores son per litora spargite museum, Naiades, et circtim vitreos considite fontes: Pollice virgineo teneros hic carpite flores: Floribus et pictum, diva, replete canistrum. At vos, o Nymphz Craterides, ite sub undas; Ite, recurvato variata corallia trunco Vellite muscosis e rupibus, et mihi conchas Ferte, Dee pelagi, et pingui conchylia succo.”’
WV. Parthenii Giannettasii Eel. 1.
No. 91. JULY 1875.
I.—Notes Introductory to the Study and Classification of the Sponcipa. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &e.
Part I. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. [Plate HI.]
Prefatory Remarks. -
In prefacing these “ Notes” with a few observations, the first thing that occurs to me, as a spongologist, is that I have lost my lexicographer by the death of the late Dr. J. E. Gray, of the British Museum. With him perished my lexi- con, my aider and abettor in the study—in short, my kind and dear friend, whose heart overflowed with humanity, and whose imperishable works testify to one of the most active and saga- cious intellects that ever existed. Alas! how little consolation is there in this statement !
These ‘ Notes” will be divided into Three Parts, the con- tents of which will be respectively as follows :—
1. The Anatomy and Physiology of the Spongida.
2. A proposed Classification of the Spongida into Orders, Suborders, and Families.
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. xvi. 1
2 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
3. A further Division into Subfamilies, Genera, and Species so far as our knowledge extends; to which will be added a shoyt commentary.
As regards the First Part, this is almost entirely abridged from my own observations, which have been long since pub- lished in the pages of the ‘Annals’ cx eaxtenso; hence my former papers will be constantly referred to, for supplying more extended and more satisfactory information than can be embodied in an introduction.
The Second and Third Parts rest chiefly on my study and arrangement of the general and private collections at the British Museum, where every specimen has been microscopically examined and the microscopical elements delineated, and will include in addition rough sketches and preliminary descriptions of the most typical and striking specimens, together with the register-number of the specimen and my own private running number, which has also been attached. This of course has been a work of patience and time rather than one of difficulty ; but it has led to a general acquaintance with the Spongida which could not otherwise have been obtained, at the same time that it has enabled me to make the classification given hereafter, which I found absolutely necessary before I could put the general collection at the British Museum into any kind of order that might be practically useful.
In my General Arrangement, so far as orders and sub- orders are concerned the way to me was clear; but I cannot say so much for the families, and still less for the subfamilies, genera, and species, which require a far wider range of specimens in much better condition than those which I have had at my command, although probably the largest and finest collection in the world. Still, from what is here- after stated, it will be seen that we may have to wait so long for the latter that it is desirable to begin with what we possess, correcting the errors as more and better specimens are accumu- lated, since the characters which I have assigned as the limit to a group to-day appear to be often upset by a new specimen examined on the morrow ; hence the late Dr. Gray was wont to observe respecting the Spongida, that “ an accurately illus- trated description of a species is the best contribution that can be made to the subject in its present state.”
Our knowledge of the Spongida is altogether in its infancy ; and hence I have called my observations ‘ Notes,” viewing them only as preparatory to what hereafter may become entitled to a more comprehensive term—at the same time seeing that it is necessary to make a beginning!
Again, as regards arrangement, I have availed myself,
and Physiology of the Spongida. 3 according to my need, of what others have done before me, just as the devotees of one religion that follows another not only make use of parts of the ritual of the foregoing religion, but also the material of its edifices to aid in promulgating their views, without acknowledging either one or the other. At least, such may be seen in the East; and the policy of this course is evident and permissible if the means are justified by the end. There is, however, this difference, viz. that I do not omit the acknowledgment from want of inclination, but from want of time and to avoid confusing the reader.
Further, it should be remembered that this proposed Classi- fication is not to be viewed as a dictionary in which a small _ amount of preliminary knowledge is required to serve its purpose, nor as a Classification that has been undergoing re- vision for centuries. Every one knows that a mariner almost always waits for a pilot to steer his vessel into port; and so it is with classifications. A general knowledge may enable the student to master the larger divisions, but when he arrives at the smaller ones a much more intimate acquaintance is required to guide him to the object he may wish to obtain. There is no “ royal road,” as it is termed, to this; and if, for instance, in an old and continually revised botanical classifica- tion this is necessary, how much more so is it in a classification of which there is only an attempt to lay the foundation.
Lastly, the subject is actually repulsive from its difficulties (as will be seen hereafter) ; but one who is determined never takes this into consideration : in short, as an old friend used to say to me, ‘‘ When you are tired, then is the time to exert yourself if you wish to get beyond others; for this is the point where most people stop, and it is astonishing how little further will then place you at the head of the poll,’—which is but
“Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito.”
SPONGIDA.
The term “ sponge” is so generally accepted and of such great antiquity that it needs no excuse for preference ; but as there are many kinds of sponges which more or less differ from that to which the term “‘sponge”’ is commonly applied, it is necessary to add some terminal affix by means of which all kinds may be added under the same name. ‘Thus, if from the Greek word o7royyos (sponge) we form a patronymic in the neuter plural, we get “ Spongida,’’ which, meaning “ Zoa Spongida” (for the animality of sponges is now established), seems to me the best form that can be adopted for this purpose.
1%
a Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
It may be said to be not so applicable as the term “ Porifera,” which has also been used for sponges; but in the promulga- tion of knowledge of whatever kind, as well as of opinion, it is an established principle not to scare away by new names and new things, but to retain as much as possible of the old, that the human mind may be tempted to receive that which under an unaccustomed appearance it might reject. Thus many a good system has never been generally adopted, because it has involved an entirely new nomenclature.
A sponge, in the common acceptation of the word, is the fibrous portion or skeleton of a pulp-like mass, and is analogous to the fibrous skeleton or support of a vegetable whose pulpy or soft parts have been washed or rotted away by putrefaction (ex. gr. hemp); only, in the first instance the fibre is horny (that is, of an animal), and in the latter woody (or of a vege- table nature). The skeleton of the sponge of commerce 1s resilient ; but that of many Spongida is not so; and there are some in which it is glass-like and rigid; while in others it is altogether wanting, there being apparently no skeleton at all, and the whole mass, with the exception of the dendriform plexus of the excretory canal-system, is a simple pulp.
Sponges grow only under water and in the sea, all over the world (that is, as far as our geographical discoveries have extended), in the torrid as well as in the frigid zones; but as with plants and animals, so with sponges, particular ones are only to be found in particular localities. ‘Thus the sponge of commerce is chiefly obtained from the Levant &c.
Again, they grow on hard bodies, such as rocks, or on soft ground, such as sand or mud: the rocks may be in deep or in shallow water; and so may be the soft ground. When growing on rocks, they for the most part fix themselves by flat expansion or root-like extension to the upper or under surface ; and when on sandy or muddy ground, by root-like extensions alone projected into the sand or mud. When growing on the under surface of the rock towards shore or in submarine caverns, they may be pendent ; and this is their wonted position and chief habitat ; but when on the ground or on the surface of the rock, they are of course erect. Although for the most part preferring fixed objects, some kinds are found growing over shells which, from their kind, never could have been stationary ; and some on the fronds of Fuci, which never could have been still, but ever waving in the Laminarian zone.
Again, some sponges grow both on the under and upper surfaces of rocks respectively of this zone, others in similar positions further out in the shallow seas, and others similarly
and Physiology of the Spongida. 5
situated in the deep seas. None of these in such positions, therefore, can be obtained by the dredge; and it is only when growing in such parts of the Laminarian zone that, as the tide leaves them uncovered, they can be obtained by the hand, unless gathered by divers from the rocks of the shallower seas, who then restrict themselves to such species as are likely to meet with a general and not a particular sale in commerce. Those alone which grow on the ground can be scraped off by the dredge or such like means; and the rest, if not obtained directly by the hand, come to us accidentally from the parts where they grew. ‘The latter are for the most part broken off from their place of growth in deep water by having become ““ heady,” or too heavy to be held on by the root, or by violent storms when growing on rocks in shallow water, after which, in either instance, they may be carried about in the sea by currents for a longer or shorter time, until they are finally thrown upon the shore by the waves, wherein they become more or less injured by trituration. Aiter stranding on the beach they may be picked up at once and preser ved—or they may be drawn into the sea again and again, and thus washed along the beach as the wind changes, up and down, backwards and forwards, buried and unburied in the sand and pebbles repeatedly, even for years, until they come into the possession of the collector. In the first instance more or less of the flesh or soft parts may remain upon them ; but in the second, of course, nothing will be left but the skeleton ; and in this state, for ‘the most part, they at last find their way into our museums, picked up, perhaps, on some Survey by one.
“ Who loves to roam along the shore, Where none have ever walked before.”
Hence it may be easily conceived that, such specimens being analogous to a deciduous tree in winter, no further description of them can be given than that which the bare skeleton permits. Again, as it is in the deeper water (from its stillness), and for the most part probably in submarine rock- caverns, pendent from the roof or projecting from the sides, that sponges attain their largest dimensions, so the larger specimens in our museums may be assumed to have come chiefly from these localities, and in the way and state above mentioned. At the same time, it should be remembered that there are several “ land-locked”” places where the sea is ever more or less calm; and therefore the same stillness which
exists at great depths, and is so favourable to large growth, may be found in comparatively shallow water.
Notwithstanding all this, the Laminarian zone of our coasts,
6 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
which is being beaten upon almost unremittingly by boisterous waves, frequently in the most tempestuous weather, is crowded with various species of Spongida, but all more or less dwarfed from such exposure. '
Besides marine there are also freshwater sponges; and these grow in tanks, lakes, and rivers, on rocks, branches and roots of trees, and aquatic vegetation generally, where they may be subject to be left uncovered and dry for several months of the year.
ForMS THAT MAY BE ASSUMED BY SPONGES.
The forms that may be assumed by sponges are very numerous and very different, not only in the mass, but in the individual ; since, although a species may be recognized by the form which it generally assumes, yet it may assume other forms so different that it would be hazardous to decide on this alone. Still the old practice in the description of a sponge was to deal with the form only ; nor can we do without it now; but the addition of the elementary composition, which came in with the improvements of the microscope, has furnished us with the means of correcting the mistakes to which this was liable. Yet the absence in the Spongida of any expression visible to the naked eye, as the flower on a plant or the calice on a coral, will ever be commensurately disadvantageous in the description of sponges. Indeed, as will be seen hereafter, little is to be achieved without the aid of the microscope, since, as before stated, the same species may assume different forms, and unfortunately the same elementary composition may also be accompanied by different forms, while, there being certain classes of forms which appear to be evolved out of each other, two species may assume the same form and there- fore at last be only determinable by the microscope.
All this shows that the form of sponges is not less Protean than their soft parts will hereafter be found to be; and hence their study presents difficulties in the way of classification and species-determination to which no other branch of natural history is equally subject.
As, however, the means of designating sponges was origi- nally and necessarily restricted to their forms and the likenesses they bore to some well-known objects, this means obtained con- siderable development; so that the following Table, although a little differently arranged, presents very little new in this way, and is intended to supply the student with the means not only of determining, but of describing a sponge so far as its general form may be concerned.
(For private use I also possess
and Physiology of the Spongida. 7
the accompanying Table of
delineations corresponding to the names in the text: Plate III.)
Table of Forms that may be assumed by Sponges.
I. Massive sessile, or spreading horizontally.
IL. Subpediculated or contracted at the base.
a. Simple.
b. Lobed.
a. Simple. b. Lobed.
Til. Masses branched.
= a
a, Simple.
b. Lobed.
ZS
c. Dendritic.
d. Anastomosing. {
a. Palmate. ( b. Lobed. | ec. Simple. } d. Patella-like. L
V. LHollow.
VOL:
a. Crateriform.
b. Vasiform.
ce. Funnel-shaped. d, Trumpet-shaped. e. Tubular. Ff. Obconie.
Masses foliated.
a, Simple. b. Lobed.
c. Plicate.
pte a
, —————-—~--—_ +
Solid or Tubular or
Compressed.
Sessile or Stipitate.
Massive or
‘Campressed.
Sessile or Stipitate.
Circular or Oval or
Compressed.
Sessile or Stipitate.
Compressed or Eccentric or Concentric or Rose-like.
Sessile or Stipitate.
Massive or compressed.
L | )
IV. Flat or Fan-shaped vertically or horizontally.
Sy
Va
s\-
Vertical or
Horizontai.
Single or e. Grouped’ or f. Branched proliferously.
Single or Grouped or
Proliferous.
d, Proliferous.
8 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
Observations.
Although the above Table includes most of the forms as- sumed by sponges, still it must not be inferred that it contains all; hence the student can add others to it at discretion.
Again, the same species, as above stated, may have several forms. ‘Thus the massive form of a species may rise into a bunch of digital processes; these may again become branched into a tree-like or globular head, after which the branches may unite laterally or by their ends anastomosingly. Or the digital processes may be all on the same plane, simple or branched, &e.; they might then coalesce partially, so as to present a fenestrated or clathrous form, or, being single and straight, might unite laterally throughout so as to assume a fan-shape. After which the fan-shape has a tendency to assume a con- choidal form (like that of a clam-shell) and finally, becoming more and more concave, to meet on each side, join up, and thus form a vase, in which there is often a hole at the bottom from the union not being complete.
In this way a simple may pass into a complicated form, and thus many different forms be produced from evolution (see “ Beitrag zur Morphologie und Verbreitung der Spongien,” von N. Miklucho-Maclay, Mém. Acad. Imp. des Sci. St. Pétersh. 1870, ¢. xv, no. 3, Pat, 1).
CoMPOSITION OF SPONGES.
Skeleton generally.
The general structure of the skeleton is reticular ; and this may be compact or open, tough or tender; but under this state it may assume any of the forms above mentioned, each of which is not always an indication of a particular species ; for in many instances the same species may assume several different forms, as has just been shown.
Minute Structure of the Skeleton.
The element of which the skeleton is composed may be termed “ fibre ;” and this is of two sizes, viz. large and small. The large fibre is the oldest, and generally grows vertically or in a direction more or less radiating from the base, in accordance with the general form of the sponge; while the smaller fibre, which is the younger of the two, unites the large fibres obliquely or transversely. In the skeleton of some species there 1s such a uniformity of growth that no
and Physiology of the Spongida. 9
lines of large fibre can be distinguished; and thus a simple reticulation goes on from the base to the circumference, pre- senting a simple gradation in size from the oldest to the latest- formed portions.
The fibre may be glass-like, horny, or spiculous—that is (in the latter case), composed almost entirely of spicules bound together by a minimum of sarcode.
(Spicules are siliceous or calcareous bodies, according to the nature of the sponge, which are developed by the sponge itself, and vary greatly in form, being for the most part linear and pointed at each end, as will be more particularly described hereafter.)
Again, the glass-like fibre contains a core of spicules; and the horny may be cored with a fine granular substance or with foreign bodies or spicules respectively.
Thus the fibre consists of two distinct parts, viz. the wall and the axis or core.
There is no difficulty in distinguishing between the glass- like and the horny fibre; but there is frequently a difficulty in determining between the horny cored with proper spicules and the spiculous fibre, since the horny substance is com- posed of the same material as the film which binds together the spicules of the spiculous fibre; and therefore the distine- tion is only one of degree, viz. that of whether the spicules or the horny substance forms the chief part of the fibre. Still, for the sake of classification, it will be found by-and- by necessary to make the distinction. When horny, the horny matter preponderates ; when spiculous, the spicules.
The axis or core, however, is evident in all. Thus in the glass-like fibre it consists of proper spicules (‘“ proper spicules ” are spicules that are formed by, and peculiar to, the species) ; while in the horny fibre the core may consist of a fine, uni- formly granular, tubular membrane or sheath everywhere anastomosing and the same, or of foreign objects which, in some parts, may be so scanty that the fibre for the most part is horny throughout; or the core of foreign objects may be so general as to form the axis in every part of the fibre, so that there are many degrees between these two extremes; or the core may consist of foreign objects and “ proper spicules ”’ mixed together, or of proper spicules alone. Lastly, as before stated, in the spiculous fibre not only the axis, but the whole fibre is composed of ‘ proper spicules”? held together by a minimum of hardened sarcode, which from its thinness is almost imperceptible, while the fibre thus composed is, when dry, opaque and white, :
In addition to the core, the fibre is sometimes echinated
10 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
with “ proper spicules ” ; that is, the latter have only one end fixed in the surface of the fibre, or otherwise, being in the core, project through the fibre to a considerable extent. Thus the core of the fibre may consist of one form of “ proper spicules’ and the echination of another; or the form of the spicule a little modified may be the same in both; or the core may consist of foreign objects together with an echination of “ proper spicules,” as before stated.
Finally, the core may be generally or partially continuous (that is, interrupted).
Extremities of the Fibre.
The basal or radical ends of the fibre are of course fixed to the rock or other hard object on which the sponge may be erowing, or projected into the sand or mud at the bottom of the sea, as the case may be; so that it is with the circum- ferential ones that we are now chiefly concerned.
The circumferential ends may terminate in simple anasto- mosis on a level with the surface; or the larger fibre may project in attenuated tag-like conical ends permeated respec- tively by a single horny hair-like filament, or filled with an axis of foreign bodies and surrounded by a dense anastomosis of simple small fibre, which, branching off into a more open reticulation at the circumference or base of the cone, joins that of the neighbouring tags. Or the tags may present themselves in the form of spines filled with an axis of “ proper spicules”? instead of foreign bodies —or in the form of monticules cored with one or more large spicules, which thus form the axis, and project a considerable distance beyond the summit like a hair or bunch of hairs. Or the large fibre may end in a dermal reticulation which may be surmounted by naked tufts of ‘ proper spicules” that, when large, come into contact with each other and thus form a continuous incrustation more or less densely hirsute.
Such are the usual modes of termination ; but of course they are subject to great modification.
Sponges with no Skeleton.
In some sponges, as before stated, there is no fibrous skeleton, and no apparent agent of support beyond the den- driform canal-system and the spicules ; while in others there is not only no fibre, but also no spicules, nothing but the sarcode and the dendriform canal-plexus.
and Physiology of the Spongida. 11
Nature of the Foreign Bodies.
The “ foreign bodies ”’ of the core chiefly consist of grains of sand mixed more or less with siliceous and calcareous spicules of other sponges (entire or fragmentary), of the spicules and calcareous structures of Echinodermata, of Diatomacee, and of minute Foraminifera—indeed, any thing of this kind, especially calcite in a minute columnar or prismatic form, banded with hair-brown, yellow, and amethystine colours, originally derived from the disintegration of thin bivalve shells allied to Pinna. At first I was at a loss to account for the origin of these little prisms; but finding them in certain kinds of sponges from all quarters of the world, especially from Port Jackson in Australia, and at last in direct con- nexion with some specimens of Crenula phasianoptera which had been overgrown and enclosed bodily by the sponge itself, their general occurrence, rhombohedral prismatic form, and banded colours were thus explained.
Spicules.
The spicules, as their name implies, are pointed, siliceous or calcareous bodies produced by the sponge itself, of an infinite number of forms, varying in accordance with the species, and extending from a simple linear one, pointed at each end, to the most complicated figure.
At first it would appear that the spicule is produced in the homogeneous or intercellular sarcode (that is, the basis or original living slime in which every part of the sponge is developed and imbedded), as it is present and of such a large size comparatively in the ovum even before the latter becomes elongated into the embryonal form, as well as in the inter- cellular sarcode of the adult sponge, that in either case there is no cell approximately large enough to contain it. But since, in some instances, it can be followed during part of its development (that is, from the time it is first recognizable to that in which it is considerably enlarged), while still within the parent or mother cell (‘Annals,’ 1874, vol. xiv. p. 97, pl. x), it may be assumed that all spicules are initiated in a mother cell, however soon after they may get into the intercellular sarcode. ‘Thus the spicule appears to arise, within a mother cell, from a granule which, for convenience, will be termed the “ spicule-cell,” which cell becomes extended linearly in oppo- site directions, or immediately begins to put forth more or less points in a radiating direction, whereby what is called
12 Mr. H. J: Carter on the Anatomy
the central canal of the spicule is formed; and upon the tubular prolongations as they extend is deposited, in concentric layers, the siliceo- or calcareo-albumimous material of which the spicule may be composed, the extremity of the tubule or central canal only becoming covered when the fundamental form of the spicule is completed. Hence the spicule always has a central canal, which remains hollow in the siliceous ones, but in the caleareous spicules appears to me to be filled up by the same material of which the spicule itself is composed ; while in some large, robust, acerate siliceous spicules, too, it is often diminished to an almost imperceptible line in the centre, although comparatively wide towards the extremities— thus showing, in some instances, a tendency to become filled up in the same way as the calcareous spicules.
That the spicule is developed from a central cell is often confirmed by the presence in some sponges of more or less abortive attempts at elongation, whereby globular or elliptical bodies of considerable size are formed through the deposit of concentric or successive layers of siliceo-albuminous material upon a central or elongated cell as the case may be, which for some reason has remained stationary, although it has continued to develop successively the layers of which the normal linear form is composed.
When once the spicule can be recognized, it is not difficult to follow its further development, which goes on par? passu with the extension of the central canal, linearly or in a radiating manner, as before noticed. If the spicule has a decided linear shaft, this makes its appearance first, and the radiating branches appear afterwards at one of its extremities ; so that the primary form of a shafted spicule would always be a straight line. At least this is what may be seen among the spicules in the ovum of Tethya cranium (‘ Annals,’ 1872, vol. ix. p. 429, pl. xxii. fig. 16). But while the central canal goes on ex- tending itself as the spicule grows larger, it never goes beyond what may be termed the fundamental form of the spicule, which is thus determined by the central canal. All orna- mental or subsidiary parts, such as the spines &c., are sub- sequently added, probably after the spicule has left the mother cell and has got into the intercellular sarcode, as shown by the central canal never extending into them. But still it may be a question whether they are not all dnztiated by the central canal, and thus appear to be evolved like any other develop- ment which cannot be traced backwards beyond a certain yoint.
We shall find by-and-by that, besides the spicules especially
and Physiology of the Spongida.. 13
belonging to the skeleton, there are others as especially be- longing fo the sarcode or the soft parts, which will be described in connexion with this portion of the sponge-structure, to which they are so intimately attached that, when the sarcode drops off the skeleton from putrefaction, they for the most part go with it—thus still further reducing our means of describing the entire sponge from the skeleton alone.
As the known forms of the skeleton-spicules of sponges are exceedingly numerous, it may fairly be inferred that with the discovery of new species of sponges these forms will be found to be almost infinite. At the same time, as they are of much consequence in specific distinction, it becomes necessary to adopt some classification of them whereby the memory may
not only be aided in this respect, but assistance may also be given in describing new ones.
Under these circumstances I have framed the following Table, in which the known forms of the skeleton- -spicule are divided into three groups, viz. linear, radiating, and ramular, each of which is based upon a fundamental form out of which its divisions, subdivisions, genera, and species may be evolved. The fundamental forms will be found in the woodcuts; and their modifications, in accordance with the text, will be delineated hereafter in separate Plates, when the species are noticed to which they respectively belong.
It has been already stated that the development of the spicule commences in a granule or minute cell, which on elongating would give the “linear group,” or on immediately radiating would give the “radiating group,” or, by elongating first and then branching off radiatingly at one or both ends, as the case might be, would give the “ramular group.’ Thus the Table of Forms would be based not on mere arti- ficial arrangement, but absolutely on the development of the spicule. That it should be viewed as complete even up to the forms with which we are already acquainted is by no means wished ; but that provisionally it offers a beginning to what must in this respect be ultimately accomplished is all that can be expected.
My kind friend the late Dr. J. E. Gray being well aware of the importance of this subject in studying the Spongida communicated a valuable paper upon it (“Annals,’ 1873, vol. xii. p- 203), to which the reader is referred for the views he has therein enunciated.
Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
14
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and Physiology of the Spongida.
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16 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
Position of Surface-Spicules.
Where a spicule which has a point projects beyond the surface of the sponge to which it belongs, that point will be always outermost; but, of course, where both ends of the spicule are equally obtuse or bulb-like, an obtuse end must be outermost.
Still, as sponges are wont to seize with their sarcode any minute object that may impinge upon their surface, it is possible that, if this be a pointed spicule with one obtuse end, tle latter may be outermost. But here the spicule does not belong to the sponge, it is a foreign object; and thus it becomes very desirable to distinguish between such foreign objects and the “ proper spicules’ of the sponge, so that the former in the description of the species may not be set down as part of the spicule-complement.
Monstrosities.
Again, spicules are much subject to monstrosity; and therefore it is very desirable to find out the staple form first, and describe or figure this, after which the others may be figured as monstrosities.
Development of the Fibre.
Although the fibre appears to originate in a cell which puts forth buds or processes (‘Annals,’ 1872, vol. x. p. 107, pl. vii. fig. 5, c,d, e) in plurality, and these in juxtaposition may, by elongation and anastomosis, produce a uniformly reticulate structure whose simple tubular core may be continuous and without foreign objects, like the “ fine, uniformly granular ” one above mentioned, still the final enlargement of the fibre by concentric layers throughout its whole course must be derived from the intercellular sarcode in which it is imbedded, just as in that of the spicule, whose substance being siliceo-albuminous renders the process identical with the formation of the glass- like fibre.
But although the extension of the fibre and the spicule respectively may be produced by a linear bud-like growth of the original cell in the first instance, these cells do not appear to me to be afterwards identified by their products, as Fritz Miiller and others have fancied from the corneo-stellate form of the fibre in Darwinella aurea= Aplysina corneostellata (see ‘Annals,’ 1872, vol. x. /. c. antew). Hach structure has its peculiar origin and product distinct from the other.
So far we can understand the formation of the “simple fibre”
and Physiology of the Spongida. i
without foreign bodies in the core; but when we find fibre cored with foreign objects or “ proper spicules,” we have to assume that the original germ, which for convenience we will term “ horn-cell”’ (in accordance with what has already been stated of the horn-cell in the Hydractiniade, whose functions are analogous, ‘Annals,’ 1873, vol. xi. p. 6, pl. i. fig. 7), is at first living and plastic, when, ameba-like, it may take in foreign bodies, and, having arranged them in a linear or branched form, then proceed in the way mentioned to anastomose with the branches of other similar horn-cells, and thus finally pro- duce a reticulated structure with a core of foreign objects as continuously throughout its whole course as the “fine granular tube” in the fibre without foreign objects, subsequently in like manner receiving, concentrically, additional layers from the intercellular sarcode of the sponge.
There is much more to commend this theory to our notice in the microscopical examination of ‘the fully developed fibre itself, which need not be mentioned here; at the same time, it is impossible to conceive how foreign objects or “ proper spicules’ can become the core of horny fibre unless by some such hypothesis as that above stated.
Having thus described the spicules and the fibre of the Spongida, it is desirable to notice here that as there are sponges which only possess siliceous spicules, these will be termed “‘Siliceous Sponges,” while others which only possess calca- reous spicules will be termed ‘‘Calcareous Sponges.”
Again, as the fibre may be either glass-like with proper spicules, or horny alone, or horny with foreign bodies, or horny with proper spicules, or composed of spicules only, the terms “vitreous,” ‘ horny,” “arenaceo-horny,” “ spiculo-horny,”’ and “ spiculo-fibre ”’ will be used for these kinds respectively ; while there is yet another modification, as before stated, in which the core may consist of foreign bodies and proper spicules mixed.
Dissolution of Fibre and Spicules.
I have already noticed the disappearance by wasting or decay both in the siliceous and calcareous spicules, together with that of the glassy fibre (‘Annals,’ 1873, vol. xi. p. 456 et seq.) ; but I omitted to notice that the “ proper spicules ” of the spiculo-horny fibre also disappear after the same manner, leaving nothing in many instances but their central canals, with a fragment perhaps of the entire shaft in some i of their course, frequently in the middle (thus looking ike a cotton-reel upon long spindles), which at first appeared
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. xvi.
18 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
to me like a new form of spicule; hence I mention the fact. The horny sheath or part of the fibre remains; but the spicules of the core almost entirely disappear.
Sarcode.
The sarcode of sponges may be generally defined to be the pulp-like part in which all the rest of the structures are not only imbedded, but from the original slime of which all have been developed, and is analogous to the soft parts of other beings, filling up the insterstices of and enclosing the skeleton or organ of support, thus giving more or less roundness to the surface of the whole mass. But as it is for the most part extremely delicate in structure, the cessation of life almost renders it semifluid, whereby it runs off the skeleton in some eases like oil. Being, too, of an albuminous nature, it col- lapses like glue when dried upon the skeleton in its fresh state, or coagulates upon it when placed in spirit. Both are pre- servative means in which the altered sarcode, so long as it is kept from putrefying (when it becomes exposed to the ravages of fungi), will last as long as the horny parts of the skeleton ; but of course, on drying, its structure is greatly obliterated, although not so much so when coagulated and contracted by the astringency of spirit.
Tender and delicate, however, as the structure of the sarcode and its soft contents are, especially in the calcareous sponges (where there is no horny fibre, and therefore nothing to hold the spicules together but the living sarcode), we may observe the calcareous sponges growing upon the under surface of rocks on the sea-shore to increase in size and develop their forms there in the midst of daily washing by the falling and rising of the tides, to say nothing of the accompanying waves which are often rendered more or less boisterous by the wind; while if //fe were to be abstracted for an instant they would go to pieces immediately, just as “ diffluence ” takes place in animalcules under similar circumstances, or as a bunch of iron-filings kept together by a galvano-magnetic current falls to pieces when the circle is broken. Such is the power of life in keeping together the particles of which these living structures (which crumble to pieces under the finger and thumb when dry) are composed !
In using the term “ sarcode” for the pulp-like part of sponges generally, it must be understood to imply that it is compounded of many parts, each of which requires a particular description.
Thus, when we come to examine the sarcodic mass micro-
and Physiology of the Spongida. 19
scopically, we shall find that its base is composed of a granu- liferous, almost transparent, living substance like jelly. It is this living, locomotive, apparently structureless substance, to which I have before alluded, which holds all the rest to- gether, and, originating in its simplest form in the ovum, as will be shown hereafter, finally evolves all that is subsequently developed in the sponge.
Of its living nature we, of course, can have no idea except from its manifestations; and of these I can offer no better description than I gave in the ‘Annals’ for 1849, vol. iv. (pp. 87 & 91, pl. iv. fig. 2), in the following passage, which will be found at p. 91 :—
“Tf a seed-like body [of Spongilla] which has arrived at maturity be placed in water, a white substance will, after a few days, be observed to have issued from its interior through the infundibular depression on its surface, and to have glued it to the glass ; and if this be examined with the microscope, its circumference will be found to consist of a semitransparent substance, the extreme border of which is extended into digital or tentacular prolongations, precisely similar to those of the Protean, which in progression or polymorphism throws out parts of its body in this way (pl. iv. fig. 2,c). In this semi- transparent substance may be observed hyaline vesicles of different sizes, contracting and dilating themselves as in the Protean (fig. 2,d); and a little within it the green granules, [germs] so grouped together (fig. 2, e) as almost to enable the practised eye to distinguish zm s’tw the passing forms of the cells [‘‘ spherical cells”? of the seed-like body] to which they belong. We may also see in the latter [these “‘cells””] ther hyaline vesicles with their contained molecules in great com- motion, and between the cells themselves the intercellular mucilage (fig. 2, f).” The “intercellular mucilage” is the “semitransparent substance ’’ above noticed, and for which | have above used the term “ intercellular sarcode.”’
For another description of the “ intercellular mucilage”’ see p- 87 of ‘Annals’ (7. c.). Thus in 1849 attention was directed to this primordial plasma.
The sareode proper (for thus the “intercellular mucilage ” might be designated) envelops the whole of the fibre, and, fillmg up the interstitial spaces of the skeleton, forms an areolar structure, which is densely charged with the “ ampul- laceous sacs,” the ‘ova of the sponge,” “muscular cells,” together with various other kinds of cells not yet described if even recognized, and the “ flesh-spicules ;” while the mass generally is traversed by the inhalant and exhalant or excre-
tory tubular branched systems—the former descending from Q¥
20 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
the ‘ pores”’ on the dermal surface to the ampullaceous sacs, and the latter leading from the ampullaceous sacs in little radicles, which uniting and interuniting at length form a large canal that opens on the dermal surface in the ‘‘vent.”
Hence we shall have to examine each of these parts in particular, and thus pass from the general to the minute struc- ture of the sarcode, in doing which it will be advantageous to divide the latter into that of the surface and that of the in- terior—the former under the term of ‘ dermis,” and the latter under that of the ‘ body.”
Dermis.
The dermal surface of sponges varies with the species: it may be uniformly smooth, or uniformly irregular, or uniformly hispid, aculeated, and even prickly, soft or hard; while in composition it may be sarcodic, horny, spiculous, or sabellous ; but the chief points to remember are that the dermal sarcode or cuticle is supported for the most part by a subjacent reticular structure or framework, composed of one or more of these con- stituents, in the interstices of which the pores are situated, and here and there the vents, scattered singly or in groups.
This reticular framework when soft is formed of anasto- mosing fibre composed of elongated, spindle-shaped, granuli- ferous, nucleated, gelatinous cells, which lie parallel to each other (the “muscular cells” to which I have alluded, and which will be more particularly described hereafter)—or of simple horny fibre—or of horny fibre with a core of foreign bodies (the so-called arenaceous fibre)—or of horny fibre with a core of “ proper spicules ” (spiculo-horny fibre)—or of fibre composed almost of proper spicules alone (spiculo-fibre)—or of arenaceous fibre bearing foreign bodies on its outer surface as well as internally—or of spiculo-horny fibre or spiculo- fibre bearing respectively tufts of proper spicules on its external surface, so as to present a hirsute appearance, or with the same tufts so enlarged as to come into contact and thus to form a continuous incrustation ; or, indeed, there may be no fibre at all but a smooth membraniform envelope composed of horny sarcode imbedding spicules of the species horizontally placed with respect to each other like a textile fabric, as on many of the deep-sea sponges dredged up on board H.M.S. ‘ Porcu- pine,’ but always leaving apertures for the pores and vents respectively.
The “reticular framework,” again, is supported on, if not given off from, the dermal extremities of the main or vertical lines of fibre of the skeleton, which may terminate at once ona
& te ete
and Physiology of the Spongida. 21
level with the surface by simply anastomosing with each other through the intervention of the reticular framework of the dermis—or in an intricate reticulated structure with a core of foreign objects, which projects in a conical form beyond the surface—or in the same way, with a core of proper spicules assuming the form of an aculeation. These aculeations, again, may be separate or connected by prominent lines of fibre passing directly between them, which, bearing respectively a fold of the dermal sarcode, thus give a polygonally divided cel- lular aspect to the surface. Or the aculeation may be rounded -by the projection of tufts of proper spicules based upon the reticulated fibre of the dermis. Indeed the aculeation always partakes of, and is modified in form by, the nature and com- position of the dermal reticular framework.
Again, it should be remembered that, although these parts may be frequently bare (that is, uncovered by sarcode) in the fresh as well as in the dry specimen, they were originally in- vested by it, and only became denuded through wear and tear or natural withdrawal of the sarcode.
Body.
Having already described the skeleton and the sarcode generally, together with the ‘‘ sarcode proper” or intercellular substance, as the basis in which all the other structures are imbedded and, as before stated, out of which they are all elaborated, also having described the “dermis,” we shall now direct our attention to those parts of the sarcode of the body which have hitherto only been enumerated, beginning with the
Ampullaceous Sacs.
When the sponge is fed with carmine or indigo, which of course can only be effected during its active, living state, the colouring-matter with the water is drawn into the substance of the sponge through the pores in the dermis, when also the former becomes arrested on the surface of the areolar cavities of the sponge, at points which present a globular or sac-like rounded form. ‘To these points I have heretofore given the name of “ ampullaceous sacs,” because I found them in Spon- gilla (where | first saw them) of a globular form with a distinct sphinctral opening. They are exceedingly numerous, and may be said, comparing small things with great, to hang about the branches of the excretory canals like grapes in a bunch of this fruit.
The aperture in this assumed sac (for the sarcode, which is probably of the “ intercellular”’ kind, is too subtle to present
22 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
a distinct cell-wall) is circular and evidently sphinctral, inas- much as it has the power of dilating and contracting itself, while, by adjusting the focus of the microscope to the interior, when the aperture is open, in sttu, wnder water, and in an active living condition, cilia may be observed in a state of undular vibration.
Thus, watching the particles of carmine as they pass from the water through the pores, they appear to reach the interior of the ampullaceous sac through the opening just described. And still keeping our eye on the sac, we may observe that, after a time, certain of the coloured particles are trans- ferred en masse into a circumjacent branch of the excretory canal-system, whence they immediately get into the main trunk, and are ejected at the vent; so that it must be assumed (for it has not been demonstrated) that there is a second or excremental aperture in the sac here, as in that of the calcareous sponges, unless the material is extruded into the excretory canal through an extemporized aperture, after the manner of an Am@ba. The ampullaceous sac in the siliceous sponges is, for the most part, globular, but may be subglobular and sac-like of different shapes. In diameter it is about 1-600th of an inch in the siliceous sponges, and the body of the spongozoon (about to be described) from 1-6000th to 1-3000th of an inch in diameter, both ampullaceous sacs and spongozoa being by far the largest in the calcareous sponges.
Spongozoa.
So far our observation has been limited to what takes place in the ampullaceous sac generally. We have now to see what the organs in the sac are that receive the colouring-matter ; and to ascertain this we have only to tear up a portion of the thus coloured sponge with needles, when we shall observe that the particles of carmine are in monociliated conical bodies, which in juxtaposition form a pavement-like structure round the inner surface of the sac, from which their cilia vibrate into its in- terior, For these bodies singly I have proposed the name of “ spongozoon ”’ (‘Annals,’ 1872, vol. x. p. 45).
Moreover we observe that in the active living state, or just after the spongozoon has been scratched out from the body of the sponge (for it soon passes into an amorphous amceboid condition), the spongozoon has a definite form, as the late Prof. James-Clark, of America, first pointed out in the calca- reous sponge called Lewcosolenia botryoides ; and in another cal- careous sponge, viz. Grantia compressa, I find it to consist ot around or conical body, from which projects a long bacilliform
and Physiology of the Spongida. 23
tube somewhat inflated at its extremity, where the neck of the inflation is surrounded by a sarcodice frill ; and from its summit proceeds a long cilium (altogether not unlike the pistil and corolla of a flower), while in the body may be observed a granuliferous sarcode containing a nuclear organ and one or two “contracting vesicles,” which, carrying out the simile, would be analogous to the seed-vessel of the flower.
Big. 2:
Fig. 1. Common form of spongozoon in Grantia compressa.
Fig. 2. Not unfrequent form: a, body ; b, nucleus; ¢ c, contracting vesicles ; d, granules of sarcode ; e, grains of food; f, rostrum ;; g, collar ; A, cilium. :
Scale 1-4th to 1-6000th of an inch.
The conical bulb-like portion has been called the “ body ;” the bacilliform tube, the “rostrum” or beak ; the sarcodie frill, the “collar,” in the midst of which is the inflated end of the rostrum and the cilium.
This, then, is the form of the spongozoon of Grantia com- pressa in its active living state; and that it is the animal of the sponge may be assumed from no other body or cell in the sponge taking in the colouring-matter *.
That the particles of colouring-matter pass into the ampul- laceous sac directly through the pore has been demonstrated by the presence of a continuous line of colouring-matter having been seen to exist between the pore on the surface and the ampullaceous sac (‘ Annals,’ 1874, vol. xiii. p. 437) ; and that subsequently it may pass into the body of the spongozoon through the rostrum or beak (by the side of the cilium, as in such flagellated Infusoria generally) seems most probable,
* It must not be thought that the colouring-matter requires to be so minutely divided as for its particles to be almost imperceptible, since the “rostrum ” is so expansible that it will often admit the spores of Algze into the “ body ” of the spongozoon, especially at the end of the breeding- season (say June), when the form of the spongozoon generally also appears to be best developed.
24 Mr. U. J. Carter on the Anatomy
although from the polymorphic nature of the body it seems also not impossible that, on impinging upon its surface, it might be ¢ncepted after the manner of Ameba ; but from what part of the spongozoon it is eected remains to be discovered.
To describe the organ into which the colouring-matter first passes as a “sac” might appear objectionable, as, in its active living state, there is nothing but the globular form and sphinctral opening to support this view; but if we recur to the contents of the seed-like body (winter-egg or statoblast) of Spongilla, it will be found that they consist of a number of “spherical cells” respectively charged with germiniferous bodies, each cell of which with its contents, as the young Sporgilla grows out of the hiliform opening of the seed-like body, becomes developed into an ampullaceous sac, when the spherical cell ceases to be demonstrable, from the commence- ment being so subtle in nature that, on placing a portion of the contents of the dried seed-like body in water, it 1s rapidly distended by imbibition, bursts, and disappears. Thus it may be assumed that there is a subtle film which holds the spongozoa together in the living Spongilla, just as the spherical cell contains the germs from which the spongozoa are developed in the seed-like body ; and so far we are warranted in using the word “sac.” ‘That this cell in the dried seed-like body might pass into a living plastic state is confirmed by the germinating of the rest of the substance itself of the seed-like body, which was equally dry, returning to this state—to say nothing of the entire sponges which, on the walls of the tanks of Bombay, return to life at the commencement of the “ rains,” after having been exposed above water for several months to the scorching heat of a tropical sun. The body-substance of a dried Geodia, which I picked up on the southern shores of Arabia, manifested polymorphism on being moistened with water several months afterwards. But all who are acquainted with the habits of the Infusoria &c. are familiar with this phenomenon.
It should also be remembered that the sarcode and all its soft contents when living are more or less polymorphic, and that therefore at one time they may present one form, and at another another.
Thus the spongozoon among the rest, when observed imme- diately after the Grantia compressa has been torn to pieces for microscopical examination, resembles that above delineated ; but after a short interval it may be seen to be moving about the field in the form of an Ameba, as before noticed, and with or without the cilium, thus totally unlike the original form.
Indeed this power of polymorphism may enable the spongo- zoon to assume so many phases that it would be absurd to
ee
and Physiology of the Spongida. 25
attempt to describe them all; but when the observer knows that they are the result of a polymorphic property, he will not be surprised at seeing them differ entirely from the shape which the spongozoon presents in the active living sponge in situ or, at all events, immediately after it has been eliminated for observation under the microscope by tearing a portion of the Grantia compressa to pieces for this purpose.
The spongozoon has its analogue, if not its identity, in the solitary Infusoria, both marine and freshwater, first pointed out and described by the late Professor James-Clark in America (Mem. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. 1866, vol. i. pt. 3, pls. 9 & 10; reprinted in the ‘Annals,’ 1868, vol. i. p. 133); 1m one speci- men of which, viz. Codosiga pulcherrima (figs. 23 & 24h), the “‘ reproductive organ ”’ is indicated—equal to our “nucleus.”
Development of the Ampullaceous Sac and Spongozoa.
See ‘Annals,’ 1857, vol. xx. p. 26 &c., pl. i., and 1874, vol. xiv. p. 400, pls. xx., xxi., & xxii. figs. 2, 23, for descrip- tions and illustrations respectively.
Ovum.
For a description and development of the Ovum, see ‘Annals,’ 1874, vol. xiv. pp. 321-389, pls. xx., xxi., & xxii.
Spermatozoa.
See ‘Annals,’ 1874, vol. viv. p. 105, pl. x.
Not being satisfied with my search after the spermatozoa of sponges, I began earlier this year (1875) to examine Glrantia compressa, with the following results :-—
On the 29th of April, 1875. Gathered some branches of Ptilota bearing Grantia compressa, placed them in sea-water on the spot, brought them home, and in three hours after gathering examined fragments of six, good, large living spe- cimens successively, torn to pieces in sea-water, and placed under }-inch focus with high ocular. Ova generally about 3-6000ths of an inch in diameter (that is, a little less than double the size of the spongozoon), actively polymorphic, and all the parts visible and well-marked but the germinal vesicle. No appearance of spermatozoa either in cells, free, or about the ova.
On the 5th of May, 1875. The same. Ova generally now about 7-6000ths of an inch in diameter, and all parts, including
the germinal vesicle, well defined. No appearance of sperma- tozoa.
26 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
On the 12th of May last year (1874). The same. Ova about 7-6000ths of an inch in diameter, passing and having passed in many instances into the embryonic state (Gastrula, Hickel). No appearance of spermatozoa. Living and active specimens of this gathering were also examined on the 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively, with the same results.
On the 16th of May, 1874. The same, but with more embryos. No appearance of spermatozoa. Living and active specimens of this gathering were also examined on the 17th, with the same results.
On the 18th of May 1874. The same in every respect. Living and active specimens of the same gathering were ex- amined on the 20th, when the spermatic-looking bodies, loose and apparently dead (figured in plate x. fig. 21 /.¢.), were observed.
On the 25th of May 1874. The same in every respect, with the exception of more embryos and fewer ova, but no sperma- tozoa.
So far, therefore, as my own observations are concerned, I cannot say with certainty that I have yet seen the spermatozoa of any sponge.
The little calcareous sponge Grantia compressa has been chosen for examination, from the following circumstances, viz. :—that it is very hardy, grows on branches of Ptilota midway between high and low-water marks, may therefore be obtained twice a day and thus gathered without injury ; while its breeding-season is now determined; hence, perhaps, where it abounds, it furnishes the best sponge for discovering the spermatozoa.
Epitomism of the Ampullaceous Sac.
Thus, then, the “‘ampullaceous sac’ is an epitome of the whole sponge, in so far as it has an inhalant and an exhalant aperture, and contains the spongozoon or animal of the sponge in plurality, which again has ¢ts oral and anal apertures respec- tively, together probably with all the other organs in its body, capable of nourishment and reproduction.
Pore-System and Dermal Cavities.
The pore-system may be divided into the “ pores” on the surface, and the “ subdermal cavities”” with which they are immediately connected ; while each division, being equally important, will be separately described.
and Physiology of the Spongida. 27
Pores.
The pores are situated, as before stated, in the sarcode cover- ing the interstices of the dermis, which sarcode is not a homo- geneous substance, but composed of a number of polymorphic nucleated cells or bodies of a particular kind (‘Annals,’ 1857, vol. xx. p. 24, pl. 1. figs. 6 & 7; 7b. 1874, vol. xiv. p. 336). These cells, together with the intercellular sarcode which unites them into a common membranous expansion, have the power of separating from each other, so as to extemporize circular holes or pores, and close them wherever and whenever it may be requisite. The average size of a pore is about 1-100th inch in diameter.
It may open inwardly into a minute canal or into a “subdermal cavity.” When the former is the case, the canal in some instances, as before noticed (‘Annals,’ /. c.), goes direct to the subjacent ampullaceous sac; but as the latter are much more numerous than the pores and for the most part deeply situated throughout the structure of the sponge, it may be assumed that the original pore-canal sends off branches to supply them respectively. On the other hand, when the pore opens into the subdermal cavity, it may do so singly or in variable plurality.
In some instances the pores are not generally distributed over the surface, but chiefly limited to certain cribriform aree, each of which forms the summit of a prominent pustular eminence. ‘These eminences, although separated from each other, are plentifully scattered over the surface of the sponge; and while the pores are open and in active operation the pore-area thus formed presents an expanded convexity, but when they are closed it is conical, puckered, and contracted.
In some instances, again, the dermal layer, together with the subjacent sponge-structure, is prolonged into mastoid (teat- like) or tubular appendages, which thus not only increase the extent of the pore-arez, but specialize it, so as to indicate that these parts in particular are appropriated to the inhalant function.
Subdermal Cavities.
In 1857 (‘Annals,’ vol. xx. p. 25), in my account of the development of Spongilla from the seed-like body, the “ sub- dermal cavities,” as they are more or less united together, have been termed the “cavity of the investing membrane”? (J. c. pl. i. fig. 1,666). In 1864 Dr. Bowerbank directed attention
28 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
to this structure under the term of “ intermarginal cavities ”’ (Bos: vol. tap: 100).
The subdermal cavities are situated immediately under the pores, which thus open into them; and presenting a much more open or cavernous structure generally than that which lies inside them, they are easily recognized in a section of the sponge perpendicular to the surface, where they at once point out the side on which the pores are chiefly situated, in contradistinction to the opposite or vent-bearing surface, whose margin is comparatively without them.
The subdermal cavity has an hourglass-shape, in some sponges at least ; and the constricted portion is furnished with a sphinctral diaphragm of sarcode which still further divides them into two chambers, viz. an outer one, which is imme- diately under the pores, and an inner one, which is extended canal-like into the sponge. (For illustrations of this in Pachy- matisma Johnstonia, Bk., see ‘Annals,’ 1869, vol. iv. p. 12 &c., pl. u. figs. 9-12.)
Being an essential part of the pore or inhalant system, they of course exist in all sponges, although perhaps most strongly marked in the siliceous ones; while the dermal sarcode which covers them, having, as before stated, the property of opening or closing its pores, can by this sphinctral power convert the subdermal cavities into closed or open chambers as required, to say nothing of the more powerful sphincter of the hour- glass constriction of the cavity itself, which may act in unison with the pores, or as a check upon them when they admit material that ought to have been rejected.
How these cavities terminate inwardly—that is, whether, after branching out, their radicles are directly, or indirectly through the medium of the ampullaceous sacs, connected with those of the excretory canal-system (to be presently described), or whether some terminate one way and some the other—re- mains to be shown. (See a description and figure of the sub- dermal cavity, ‘Annals,’ 1869, vol. iv. pl. vil. figs. 15, 6 & 9.) As the sponge increases by additional layers to its surface, new subdermal cavities must be continually formed, as the old ones become obliterated by passing into the more compact areolar structure of the interior.
Exeretory Canal-System and Vents.
The excretory canal-system commences in radicles among the ampullaceous sacs, which radicles pervade the body of the sponge and, uniting with each other plexus-like, form branches that finally terminate in a large trunk, which opens on its
_s
a
and Physiology of the Spongida. 29
surface in what has been called the “ vent” or “osculum,” which varies in size, but for the most part is en and con- spicuous. In what way the ends of the radicles communi- cate with ampullaceous sacs in the siliceous sponges has not been satisfactorily explained ; but from their opening out of these sacs so directly and conspicuously in the calcareous sponges, it may be inferred that this is the case also in the siliceous ones. Be this as it may, the function of the system is to carry off the excrementitious matter of the sponge, as may be observed in the young Spongilla (which at first has only one canal-system, and therefore only one vent) after it has been fed with carmine or indigo.
The opening in which the main trunk of the canal-system terminates may be on a level with the surface, or more or less raised above it by a mammiform (nipple-like) or tubular pro- longation of the dermal structure entire, or of sarcode alone ; but whether of dermal structure generally or the sarcode alone, the opening is always provided with a sphincter, which may be closed or opened as required. This is similarly situated in some sponges to the sphincter of the subdermal cavity of the pore-system (that is, a little below the surface), but differs from the latter, of course, in not being covered by the pori- ferous sarcode of the dermis. Where the prolonged vent consists of sarcode alone, the opening of course is at its extremity.
Occasionally the vents appear in little groups, distinctly although irregularly disposed; sometimes they are arranged in a petaloid form, and sometimes stelliformly—that is, with little gutters running to them radiatingly, in the dried state, which are converted into canals by the dermal sarcode during life.
They are situated on the inner aspect of the excavated or tubular sponges, and always on the depending or inner side of flabellated expanded forms, which, on becoming frondose and sinuously plicated, cause the depending sides to vary with the sinuosities—so that the vents are found in patches, some- times on one, sometimes on the other side, as determined by the undulation of the frondose expansion.
Sometimes the opening of the vent is accompanied by a row of spicules, arranged round the orifice so as to lean towards each other in a conical form when the opening is closed, and vice versd when it is dilated.
Although the excretory canal-system is single in the em- bryonal sponge, it becomes multiplied as the latter increases in size; so that the surface of a large sponge may present several vents , each of which is generally the outlet of a distinct
30 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
system or plexus; while the vents may exist here and there singly and separate or in groups, where their size and number indicate those of the system with which they are respectively connected. Moreover the sponge has the power of opening them at one place and closing them at another; while in abnormal states their currents may even be reversed. The notion that each vent represents one “ person ” or individual sponge is not always correct, as I have shown in the young Spongilla, wherein a second vent is occasionally produced, thus forming two for its excretory canal-system (‘ Annals,’ 1857, vol. xx. p. 31). Among the calcareous sponges, too, Grantia compressa may have one, two, three, or more vents to its cloacal cavity &c. One vent therefore does not always represent one “ person.”
Function of the Pore- and Vent-Systems respectively.
As the function of the pore-system is to admit nourishment to the interior of the sponge, so that of the vent- or excretory canal-system is to carry off the refuse. Hence in sponges growing horizontally, like the fungus Polyporus, the pores are generally on the upper and the vents on the lower surface ; but when sponges grow (as they usually do) on the under surface of rocks, the mammiform or tubular prolonga- tions are directed downwards and terminated by the vents. Where the sponges are tubular, as before stated, the vents open on the inner side of the tube, which has thence been called by Dr. Bowerbank the “cloaca.” But whether the sponge be tubular, and thus provided with one great cloacal opening, or whether flat and provided with several, each kind of vent is but the termination of a cavity into which many minor vents have previously opened ; so that the great cloacal or general vent is but a modification of the smaller and much more common kind.
For a detailed description of the function of the pores and vents, under the appellations of “afferent” and “ efferent canals,” see my account and illustrations of the development of Spongilla from the seed-like body, ‘Annals,’ 1857 (vol. xx. p. 27 et seq.). But a special study of every thing connected with the pore- and vent-systems respectively throughout the Spongida is much to be desired; for there is yet much to be revealed concerning their functions.
Flesh-Spicules.
As there is a class of spicules entirely connected with the
and Physiology of the Spongida. dl
skeleton, so there is one as exclusively connected with the sarcode of the sponge; hence the latter has been called “ flesh-”’ in contradistinction to the “ skeleton-spicule.” They are objects for the most part of singular beauty, from their often complicated and symmetrical forms, of infinite variety, of microscopic minuteness, and dispersed, without any appreciable regularity or constant quantity, moreor less abundantly through- out the sarcode. One or more forms may exist in the same sponge, and thus they become of much importance in specific distinction ; but as they do not exist in all sponges, this ad- vantage is not general; while their extreme minuteness, causing them to fall through the skeleton when the sarcode in which they are imbedded putrefies and becomes washed out, as small pebbles pass through the meshes of a large net, still further deprives us, as before stated, of their specific aid in most of the sponges, which never come to hand in any other form than the skeleton.
Where they are present, they may be of use in giving greater firmness to the sarcode—that is, by acting as a kind of sub- skeleton; hence Dr. Bowerbank has called them “ retentive spicules :” but as they are frequently absent, and, indeed, the skeleton-spicules, too, in some sponges, the latter can evidently do without them, so we must look for some other bond of union for the sarcode; and this, which may be found in the contractile power that it possesses during life, but which immediately disappears on death, is well exemplified in the calcareous sponges, as before stated, where these, the tenderest of all sponges when dry, grow upon rocks in the midst of the boiling surf during their lifetime.
To describe the forms of these beautiful little flesh-spi- cules in detail, in a general introduction to the classifica- tion of the Spongida, would be out of place; and there- fore the student must seek for this in the description of the sponges respectively to which they belong, while now they can be only noticed in a general way ; and as with the “ skeleton- spicules,” so here, it seems best to give a Table of the com- monest known forms which the flesh-spicule may assume, that the student may to a certain extent become acquainted with them, and thus prepared to describe others which he may afterwards discover. Descriptions, however, at best are very inadequate to the purpose ; and therefore I hope to add here- after tabular delineations of both the skeleton- and the flesh- spicules, as before stated.
Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
32
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and Physiology of the Spongida.
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and Phystology of the Spongrda. 35
Observations.
It is not intended that this Table should be considered com- plete even for all the known forms of the flesh-spicule ; but it may aid the memory in retaining an acquaintance with most of them; and as with the Table before given of the “ known forms ”’ that may be assumed by the skeleton-spicule, so here, also, this may aid the student in describing new ones of the flesh-spicule.
Specific Value of the Flesh-Spicule.
A few remarks here are necessary as regards the specific value of the flesh-spicule, since, as the same form of skeleton- spicule is often found among the normal spicule-complement of different species of the Spongida, or with such slight and almost inappreciable differences that they are of no use speci- fically, so it is with the flesh-spicule.
Although the navicular or shuttle form of the equianchorate and the simple minute bihamate are common to several very different kinds ‘of sponges, there is no form so common or so diversified, perhaps, as the tricurvate or bow-shaped spicule, which in many instances is a simple minute acerate so like the skeleton-spicule that it might be easily mistaken for a young form of the latter.
Itis under this form that the tricurvate often appears in sheaf-shaped bundles, each bundle of which is developed in a separate cell (see “ Mother Cell of the Spicule,” ‘Annals,’ 1874, vol. xiv. p. 100, pl. x. figs. 3-9), and so numerous in some instances that it would appear to afford a characteristic feature, if it did not so happen that the sheaf-shaped bundle is common to so many totally different kinds of sponges. It is therefore desirable to remember that this is the tricurvate spicule which, after the bundles have been eliminated from the mother cell into the structure of the sponge generally, may attain a somewhat more recognizably tricurvate form.
It is also desirable to notice that sponges are often densely charged with minute transparent globules, which have such a siliceous aspect that, if it were not known that the Hypho- mycetous Fungi (Mucor and Botrytis) sooner or later destroy the whole of the sarcode, or soft parts of the sponge, under the least humidity, and thus fill it with their sporules, these little transparent bodies might be taken for a part of the spicule- complement of the sponge. If, however, there should be any doubt on the subject, and the parent filaments or mycelium ot the fungus be not observed, the doubt may be got rid of by
3
36 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
boiling a bit of the sponge in nitric acid, or exposing it to a red heat, which will destroy every thing but the siliceous elements of the sponge.
Muscular Cells.
In many sponges, especially in the harder and tougher species, chiefly about the dermal layer, there are long fusiform cells, whose central contents are a nucleus and several granules. These cells are often united together longitudinally, in the form of a cord, to. form the dermal reticulation, or are massed together so as to form a densely tough, contractile cortical layer. Their shape contrasts strongly with the globular cells in the dermis, as may be seen by my figures (‘Annals,’ 1872, vol. x. p. 107, pl. vu. figs. 10 & 11); while they so closely agree in shape &c. with the fusiform cells of “ unstriated muscle,” that I have provisionally called them ‘ muscular.’ IT have not been able to make an extended examination of them; but having often met with them in various sponges and in different parts of the sponge, especially in the Pachytragia, it is to be hoped that some one will give his attention to the subject specially, for their general elucidation, as well as that of many other cells of the sarcode whose specific forms and functions have yet to be particularly described and determined.
Colour of Sponges.
The most prevalent colours of sponges are different shades of tawny yellow and brown; but they may be snow-white or jet-black, golden or bright yellow, scarlet or crimson, ereen, blue, violet, carmine, and purple, passing into the dark neutral tint of writing-ink—indeed, all the colours of the rainbow.
Still the prevailing colour of the horny skeleton-fibre is tawny yellow, brown, or grey; but this is no indication of the original colour of the sponge when invested with its natural sarcode, since in fresh specimens of the officinal sponge the surface most exposed to the light may be black, that less exposed (viz. the sides) purple, and the lower part, which is excluded from the light, almost colourless, or partaking only of the light tawny yellow tint of the interior of the body—a tint derived from the horny skeleton, which, being the only part retained in the officinal sponge, presents the well-known “ sponge-colour.”
Thus, in this instance, the colour is confined to the dermal
and Physiology of the Spongida. 37
sarcode, and is most intense where most exposed to the light, becoming less so in the lower parts; this is the case in all sponges, whether the colour be continued into the sarcode of the body or confined to the surface.
The colouring-matter may be diffused through the sarcode like a dye, or in small pigmental granules ; the granules may be diffused generally, or confined in pigment-cells, or both, as if the former had been derived from the latter. Or the colouring-matter may be confined to the spongozoa, which, again, may only partake of it where most exposed to the light, or possess it generally throughout the body. Lastly, the ova on approaching the embryonal state may become coloured ; and, in most instances, where the spongozoa and the ova are coloured they present an intensified tint of the sponge to which they belong ; so that in a red- or yellow-coloured sponge the ova, when advanced in development, may be recognized generally by being intensely red or yellow, as the case may be, Yetin some cases they appear in the midst of a tawny-yellow- coloured sponge as opaque white bodies when they attain their embryonal state (see ‘Annals,’ 1874, vol. xiv. p. 331).
- The same species of sponge may assume different colours ; thus Grantia clathrus, Sdt. (= Clathrina, Gray), may in some instances be vermilion-red, in others sulphur-yellow, and in others grey-white, which is the most usual: here the colour is general, and seated in the “ granules.” Esperia macilenta, Bk., of our coasts, although generally tawny yellow, is some- times vermilion-red.
The colour, again, may be “fast”? or permanent, or fade after death, and on drying or preservation in spirit disappear altogether, or leave a grey or brown tint only. Again, some calcareous sponges (Ulathrina) which are opaque white while living, become brick-brown when killed by bemg thrown into fresh water ; while others (Grantia nivea) retain their opaque snow-white colour under all circumstances. The cause of this has not been explained.
Then, again, the tawny-yellow colour of the officinal sponge of the shops, which, as before stated, is due to that of the horny skeleton-fibre of which it is alone composed (which fibre is analogous to the fibre of wool or that of the cocoon of a silk- worm), is no indication of the colour of the skeleton-fibre throughout the Spongida; for it may be of all shades, from colourless, grey, to brown, yellow, and deep dark amber ; while in one instance at least (Spongia flabelliformis, Pallas; Lan- thella, Gray), where the soft parts are madder-brown and the fibre deep amber, there are layers of carmine-coloured cells
38 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Anatomy
intercalated with those of the fibre, thus presenting a beauti- ful appearance under the microscope.
Lastly, the colour may be. due to the presence of a para- site, as in the cerulean sponge of the rocks here (Budleigh- Salterton), which only appears in patches about half as large as the nail of the finger, but always of a sky-blue colour, possessing a pin-like spicule, and accompanied by a minute Oscillatoria in the form of short bacillar filaments like those colouring the Red Sea, in whose granules the pigment is seated which gives the blue colour to the sponge while fresh, though the blue fades greatly on drying. The green colour in Spongilla also sometimes depends upon the presence of an Anabina, but as often comes from its own granules; while Halichondria in- crustans is often pervaded and rendered pink by a minute alga whose cells, both fresh and dry, present a beautiful red Flori- dean colour ; indeed the mere contact of a red seaweed with a sponge may be followed by the latter assuming a similar tint.
The most striking colour which I have seen among the sponges is the carmine of the Suberites Aleyonium purpureum, Lam., from Australia, and Vioa Johnstonii, Sdt., from the Adriatic, whose spicules are very much alike, and in both of which the colour is exquisite and permanent.
Starch.
Starch, impalpable, diffuse, or amorphous, and in the common potato form of grains, although much more compressed, is common in Spongilla and probably in sponges generally ; the latter form is even found in the ovum or seed-like body (‘Annals,’ 1859, vol. iii. p. 334, pl. 1. fig. 7). Still it is very necessary, in examining marine sponges for starch, to be sure that the latter does not come from a neighbourmg Fucus, whose cells are always pregnant with starch-grains, and very apt to be cut open when minute and intimately connected with the sponge under microscopical examination.
SIZE OF SPONGES.
Some sponges are always diminutive, others only so when they are young. In some places the same species may be only found in small amorphous fragments, while in others it may attain a large size with definite form. The largest size that a sponge may attain under favourable circumstances (that is, unmolested &c.) is almost indefinite ; so that the size of a
and Physiology of the Spongida. 39
specimen, unless very large or very small and of definite form, goes for nothing specifically.
All the calcareous sponges are small, and many diminutive, even when full-grown ; while many species of siliceous ones have been found of very large dimensions. Thus, while the cavity of Grantia ciliata may when full-grown only admit a pin’s head, a small child might sit down in the great suberitic siliceous sponge called “ Neptune’s cup.” Dr. Bowerbank, in a note written to my friend the late Dr. J. E. Gray, mentions a massive sponge (Suberite, mzh?) nearly as large as a “military drum ;” and the crown of another from Belize, in the Bay of Honduras, “3 feet across.” The well-known “ Neptune’s cup,’ just mentioned, also belongs to the Suberitida. Mr. Clifton, again, in a note to Dr. Gray (which I possess), states that he has seen specimens of a branched sponge (Aos Cliftoni, Gray) on the beach in South Australia, after a storm, ““6 feet long.” In the British Museum there are many species, too, of totally different sponges, massive, excavated and fron- dose, or flabelliform, of comparatively gigantic growth; but, as I have before stated, they are only indications of the size that some sponges may attain, and therefore of little or no value specifically. Still the smallest and most amorphous fragment of a sponge which presents a new set of spicules should not be overlooked. That called “‘Acarnus innominatus, Gray,” I first found on a large specimen of Hetyon sparsus, Gray, from the West Indies, ina fragmentary state not larger than the human nail (‘Annals,’ 1871, vol. vu. p. 273, pl. xvii. figs. 4-6), a specimen of which as large as the human head was afterwards presented to the British Museum, from Ceylon,
by Mr. Holdsworth.
PARASITISM.
As no living being is exempt from parasites, so the sponges have theirs. Algz, po-ypes, cirripedes, and crustaceans live in and on them respectively, as I hope to show hereafter in a separate and illustrated communication. One parasite in particular, for which I have proposed the name of Spongio- phaga communis (‘ Annals,’ 1871, vol. viii. p. 830), so entirely replaces and simulates the sarcode of the original sponge, in Hircinia especially, that, but for its occurrence in many other sponges of a totally different kind and in different parts of the world, it might (as it has been) be considered part of the sponge itself.
40 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Spongida.
FossiL SPONGES.
In a paleontological and geological point of view, it might be assumed that all the orders of sponges to be hereafter men- tioned existed as far back, at least, as the Upper Greensand of the Cretaceous system, not only from the resemblance of entire forms, but from actual identification of the spicules and other elementary parts themselves. These, besides being found in the powder of many hollow flints, exist at Haldon Hill, near Exeter, promiscuously and abundantly in a distinct stratum of fine sand—the former in direct connexion with the fossilized sponge, and the latter in a drift-accumulation. This has long been known; and what I have stated re- specting the representatives of the orders will be found in the figures &c. of my paper on the subject, published in the ‘Annals’ of 1871 (vol. vil. p. 112, pls. vii. to x. inclu- sive). It is true that all the orders are not represented by the bare spicules and fragments of glassy fibre therein illustrated; but sufficient, I think, to justify our assuming that the others, which can only be recognized by a frag- ment of the entire fibre respectively, may hereafter be found in this very interesting, but very little worked, : field of discovery.
What took place in the Cretaceous Period is taking place at the present day, especially in the deep sea, as evidenced by the “ dredgings”” of H.M.S. ‘ Porcupine,’ which indicate, through the specimens now with me, that about 100 miles north of the Butt of Lewis, in 632 fathoms (station no. 57), there must be a bed of sponge-spicules of many kinds, portions of which are rounded by the currents into pebble- like forms, which one day may become the nuclei of flints or rounded portions of sandstone respectively, like those now scattered over the Cretaceous area; while the bed it- self may become, like that in the Upper Greensand of Haldon Hill, a heterogeneous mass of sand and fossil sponge- spicules. So also a recent specimen of the same “ dredgings,” figured in the ‘ Annals’ (1873, vol. xii. pl, 1. figs. 1 & 2), con- sisting, at least, of seven different sponges congregated together in a very small space on a bunch of dead Lophohelia, points out how “ the powder of hollow flints”’ is often found to con- tain a heterogeneous mixture of spicules in addition to those which belonged to the original sponge, and thus defies all at- tempts, in many instances, to specialize the latter.
[To be continued. |
On the Development of the Calcispongie. 41
Il.— On the Development of the Calcispongie. By Exvias MetTscunikorr*.
[Plate IL]
DuriNnG my residence at Messina in the spring of 1868 I made some observations on the development of Sycon ctliatum (Sycandra raphanus, Hiick.), which | have not hitherto pub- lished, because I did not consider them sufficiently completet. But now, since the appearance of Hiickel’s ‘Monograph of the Calcispongie ’}, I feel compelled to publish my investiga- tions. The reasons which have moved me to hesitate no longer in doing this will be clear enough from what follows.
I hope that my memoir, small as it is, will not be passed unnoticed by the readers of Hickel’s three-volume monograph, inasmuch as it is devoted exclusively to developmental history, z. e. to that department of zoology the great importance of which in morphological questions seems to be now generally recognized. With regard to the special case before us, that of the Calcispongiz, the important part of developmental history is strongly insisted upon by Hiickel; but unfortunately the investigations of that naturalist relating to this subject are so defective that a fresh treatment of the matter has become a pressing necessity.
I pass now to the description of my investigations. When we examine transverse sections of sexually mature Syca, we observe beneath the entodermal lining a great number of ova and embryos in very different stages of development. The total and regular segmentation takes place in the same way as is described by Hiickel in Sycyssa Hualeyt and Leucul- mis echinus. We have only to remark that a small so-called segmentation-cavity (Pl. II. fig. 2,c) is formed, which, how- ever, soon disappears (fig. 3). As the result of the process of segmentation a roundish embryo (fig. 4) is produced, on which a great number of small cells are to be detected. I could not succeed in discovering any process of differentiation in the embryo, for-which reason the question of the origin of the germ-lamelle must remain undecided. Evidently the stages are too quickly passed through for them to be accurately observed. I must therefore pass on at once to the description
* Translated by W. S. Dallas, F.L.S., from the ‘ Zeitschrift fiir wissen- schaftliche Zoologie,’ Band xxiv. (1874), pp. 1-14, pl. i.
+ [have already given a short account of them in my annual report upon the progress of developmental history, printed in Russian.
t ‘Die Kalkschwimme: eine Monographie.’ 38 vols. Berlin, 1872. In this paper I shall only quote the first volume of this work.
42 M. E. Metschnikoff on the
of the formed larva, which has already been observed in the same species by Lieberkiihn, and in the nearly allied Dunster- villia corcyrensis (Sycandra Humboldtii, Hick.) by Oscar Schmidt. In agreement with these naturalists, especially the latter, I have found all normally developed swarming Sycon- larvee divided into parts of nearly equal size, only one of which appeared to be composed of vibratile cylindrical cells, and the other of unciliated spherical cells (fig. 5). The former portion constituted a sort of hemisphere containing in its interior a central cavity of no great size, in the vicinity of which a great number of very fine brown pigment-granules were accumulated (fig. 5, q).
If two or three specimens of sexually mature Syca are kept only for a few days in small glass capsules, the larvae swarm out in great quantities in order to become further de- veloped, @. e. to attach themselves. 'To observe the subsequent processes, all that is necessary is to put a few object-bearers at the bottom of the glass capsules, so that they may serve as points of adhesion for the larvae; but even without this precaution the adherent young sponges may be detected, as they adhere to all objects existing in the vessels, even the smallest.
The first process of postembryonic development consists in the complete disappearance of the central cavity, by which the upper (¢.e. the vibratile) half of the larval body is per- ceptibly reduced in size (fig. 6)*. Then commences the fusion of the spherical cells of the hinder part into a compact mass— only one row, of the spherical cells in immediate contact with the vibratile epithelium, being an exception, as these still retain their integrity for a considerable time (figs. 6, 8, 9, @). The larve often attach themselves even during this stage ; but not unfrequently they continue for some time longer in their swarming activity, but without being thereby hindered in their development. As one of the most important processes occurring in this, the formation of the calcareous spicula must be specially noticed. The rather brownish, unciliated, compact mass of the hinder portion is the place in which the skeletal structures originate; to be convinced of this, one need only glance at figs. 7 and 8. It must also be mentioned as worthy of notice that at first only long rod-like spicula are formed ; so that at this early stage our Sycon passes through a state which is persistent in the genus Sycyssa, a fact which may be of significance in phylogenetic considerations.
The principal thing in the metamorphosis is that the un-
* The above-mentioned brown mass of granules collected into a central aggregation, as shown in figs. 6-8,
—
Development of the Calcispongie. 43
ciliated (posterior) half becomes converted into the skeleton- forming layer; whilst the anterior* ciliated section draws back into the interior of the larval body, to form the entoderm. That the half of the body consisting of what Hickel calls flagellated cells actually draws back into the interior is con- vincingly shown by comparing with each other the four larval stages represented in figs. 5 to 8. It will be seen that in each. stage it projects less and less, while the skeleton-forming layer, on the contrary, becomes proportionately larger. In order to obtain a notion of the mode in which the ciliated half retracts itself, we must examine larvee which have adhered rather early, ¢. e. before the formation of the skeleton. In these we can see that, while the hinder half has altered very little, the anterior ciliated section becomes invaginated in the interior of the body (fig. 9), by which means, of course, an aperture (aperture of invagination, fig. 9,0) is produced at the upper pole. The ciliated hemisphere consequently forms a sac-like body, which appears to be surrounded by the skeleton-forming layer. It appears from the next following stages that the aperture of invagination just mentioned does not pass directly into the definitive osculum, but becomes entirely effaced. Hence, in its further development, the young adherent sponge appears as a perfectly closed body, in which two principal consti- tuents may be clearly distinguished (fig. 10). Externally there is the skeleton-forming layer, in which several rod-like spicules are enclosed; in the interior, on the contrary, there is a closed body, which represents the entoderm. The walls of the latter appear so thick that for a time one is unable to detect any cavity ; this comes later into view, when the double-layered wall becomes formed into a vesicle. In the sponge three days old, represented in fig. 11, I could already observe an internal cavity (fig. 12,c), but it was still very narrow and small. It was only in a larger Sycon, six days old, that a consider- able cavity was to be seen; it shimmered through the body- walls even in the living animal (fig. 13). When this same animal was treated with acetic acid, the two vesicularly inflated layers} (fig. 14,@,6), as well as the internal gastro-vascular cavity (fig. 14,c), could be most clearly distinguished. In this stage, the latest that I have seen, no buccal aperture was yet formed; on the other hand, three-pointed spicules were already present.
* As regards the designations “ before” and “behind” I agree, upon developmental historical grounds, with Lieberkiihn and Schmidt, but not with Hackel.
+ It is to be remarked that I could detect no cilia on the entodermal cells of this stage.
44 M. E. Metschnikoff on the
From the preceding it follows that the two principal layers of the sponge-body are founded already in the body of the larva, and, further, that the upper ciliated half of the body is converted into the entoderm, and the lower unciliated half into the layer surrounding the entoderm.
Having now communicated the facts of my investigations, the question may be put, How far can the results obtained by me be brought into accordance with Hiickel’s statements ? At pp. 84 and 216 of his work this naturalist gives the fol- lowing short summary of the developmental phenomena in the Calcispongize:—“ From the egg is produced, in consequence of total regular segmentation, a simple spherical or elongated round body, which is at first composed of homogeneous spherical cells. Then there is produced in the interior of the cell-agere- gate a small central cavity (the stomach), which, breaking through outwards, forms an orifice (the osculuwm or buccal orifice). The surface becomes covered with cilia; and then the embryo swims about as a free larva (planula) for a long PUGS. es The body-wall (of the larvee) consists of two layers of cells, entoderm and exoderm. ‘he inner layer, or entoderm, consists of a layer of unciliated cells; the outer layer or exoderm consists of a layer of ciliated cells (flagellate cells).”” Then “the larva falls to the bottom, and attaches itself. The attachment takes place at the pole of the longi- tudinal axis, opposite to the buccal orifice (aboral pole), by a flat or peduncular surface of adhesion, which from this time forth forms the base of the sponge-body. The flagellate cells of the exoderm now retract their flagellar filaments, coalesce to form the syncytium, and begin to secrete their interior pro- toplasmic products, the calcareous spicules. ‘The cells of the entoderm, on the contrary, which were previously not ciliated, stretch forth each a long vibratile process, and thenceforward line the surface of the stomach as a flagellate epithelium.”
This description therefore runs quite differently from that given by me above; for according to Hickel the skeleton- forming layer (exoderm, Hiick.) originates not from the un- ciliated cells, but from so-called flagellate cells provided with long cilia; and the converse is the case with the entoderm, which Hiickel derives from spherical cells, whilst, according to my observations, it takes its origin from the ciliated (or flagellate) cells. This is the chief difference in our state- ments, the elucidation of which will here be attempted. Hiickel describes the larve of four species of Calcispongie, of which those of Sycyssa Hualey? exhibit the greatest analogy with the larve of Sycon, masmuch as they appear to be com-
——_
Development of the Calcispongie. 45
posed of two dissimilar halves (only one of which is clothed with cilia). But as, according to Hiickel, the course of deve- lopment agrees in essentials in different Calcispongie, we must deal with his representation as general.
With regard to the first stages (embryonic development), my observations are in accordance with those of Hickel; but this only renders the difference as to the later states more remarkable. Besides that according to Hickel the internal cavity in the larve is always lined with a particular layer of spherical cells, whilst Oscar Schmidt and myself detected nothing of the kind, Hiickel’s description deviates most widely from mine with respect to the postembryonic deve- lopment. He makes no mention either of the invagination of the ciliated layer or of the hypertrophy of the unciliated layer ; the whole metamorphosis is supposed to be reduced to this—that the ciliated exoderm retracts its flagellar filaments and becomes converted into the so-called ‘ syncytium,” while the entoderm of the larva acquires cilia in order to furnish the so-called flagellate epithelium. The reason why these views are so directly opposed to mine is easy to find, if we earefully peruse the chapter on the developmental history of the Calcispongiz (pp. 328-338). From this it appears that Hiackel never observed the postembryonic development in the sponges, but has invented it & priort. 'The following passage is very instructive :—‘“The conversion of the swimming Gastrula into the youngest and simplest attached state, which we will call Ascula, appears to take place very rapidly and has not yet been observed. The changes occurring therein may, however, be directly inferred from the comparison of the Ascula and Gastrula(!).. The attachment of the latter takes place at the aboral pole of the longitudinal axis, at the end opposite to the buccal orifice. The flagellate cells of the dermal lamella suspend their vibratile movements, retract the flagellar process, and lose their slender cylindrical form, flattening and spreading out into the extending intestinal surface. The unciliated entodermal cells, on the other hand, divide repeatedly and then become converted into flagellate cells, each of them extending a filiform flagellum from its proximal end, or that turned towards the stomachal cavity” (p. 337). But even this is not all! Hickel says that he has ‘ inferred ” (erschlossen) the metamorphosis of the Calci- spongize from the comparison of the Gastrula with the Ascula (7.e. “the youngest and simplest attached stage”’); but no- where does he give either a description or a figure of even a single actually observed Ascula! From this we may infer that he has really never seen an Ascula; for otherwise he
46 M. E. Metschnikoff on the
would have said something about it, especially seeing that in general he describes his subjects diffusely and circumstantially (as, indeed, may be seen from the quotations just given). It is evident that he has compared the free-swimming larva with a young but on the whole fully-formed sponge, without con- sidering that in this way he might very easily be led astray, as in fact has happened. The most remarkable circumstance is that, in several parts of his monograph, Hickel puts forward his ‘directly inferred transformation.” as an actually existing fact, and not as a more or less probable hypothesis. Thus, for example, he says at p. 160, “I give the name of syn- cytium in the Calcispongiz to the whole mass of tissue which is produced by the fusion of the cells of the exoderm of the ciliated larva ;” and at p. 216, “ Each cell of the entoderm stretches forth a long vibratile process &c.’’ In these cases he forgets entirely that he has never seen either the fusion or the extension of the cilia*. Is this the philosophical “ method of scientific investigation ”’ so celebrated by Hiickel, and for the non-employment of which the embryologists (ontogenists) are so severely blamed by him? (p. 472).
I now pass to the question how far the developmental history of the Calcispongiz can be made available for the comparison of the principal layers of these organisms with those of other animals. In this respect Hickel has arrived at a settled conclusion. He regards as one of the most im- portant results of his work the statement that the two layers of the sponge-body are homologous with the ectoderm and entoderm of the Coelenterata. By the ectoderm (or exoderm) he understands the so-called syneytium—that is, the skeleton- forming outer layer of the sponge, whilst he characterizes the flagellate epithelium as the entoderm. He gives this con- clusion as the result of his vestigations in developmental history. Thus he says, for example :—‘ The relationship of
* IT must indicate the following passage as exceedingly naif :—‘The structure of the flagellate cells of the exoderm in the Gastrula is exactly similar to that of the flagellate cells of the entoderm in the fully developed Calcispongia”’ (p. 835). And yet this striking agreement did not suffice to raise any doubt in Hackel as to whether his @ priori conception of the germ-lamella represents the truth.
+ It is truly surprising to read how this method has been employed in the representation of the Ascula, Protascus, Protospongia, and other form- stages invented by Hackel. Thus, for instance, it is said at p. 339 :— “Formerly I supposed that all Calcispongiz in their earliest youth pass through the characteristic form of the Protolynthus. But I must now add as a limitation that 7 many cases the transition from the Ascula to the Olynthus takes place not through the Protolynthus but through the Protospongia.” All these conclusions are assumed without any single fact ascertained by observation being cited in their support.
—EE———
Development of the Calcispongie. 47
the Sponges to the Ccelenterata, and the comparison of the ‘water-vascular system’ of the former with the ‘ gastro-vascular apparatus’ of the latter, which Leuckart first indicated, has then been demonstrated (?) more circumstantially and firmly established by developmental history in my memoir ‘ Ueber den Organismus der Schwimme’ &e. I therein proved that a true homology really exists between these two systems of canals, and that the wall of these canals in the Sponges, as well as in the Hydromeduse, Ctenophora, and Corals, is formed from two originally different cell-layers or lamella— namely from the exoderm, which represents the outer, and the entoderm, which‘represents the inner germ-lamella of the higher animals. I further demonstrated that these two primi- tive formative membranes show the same characters in the ciliated larva developed from the egg in both the groups of the Coelenterata and Sponges” (p. 214; see also p. 33). As we have seen that one of the principal momenta in the deve- lopmental history of the Calcispongiz, the metamorphosis, was not observed but constructed & priort by Hiickel, and further that this construction is contradicted by facts, of course the just cited opinion as to the germ-lamellz of the sponges must also be subjected to a thorough revision.
I will first consider Hiickel’s statements, and then pass to the expression of my own views. Hiickel has expounded his theory most completely in the last section of his first volume (“Philosophie der Kalkschwiimme’’). We find there the following passages :—“ If we compare the coarser and finer structural characters of Hydra and Cordylophora.... with the corresponding structural characters of Olynthus*, we can- not but be astonished at the striking agreement which occurs even in minute details” (p. 460). Now in what does this astonishing agreement consist? ‘1, the simple stomachal cavity with buccal orifice; 2, the composition of their stomachal wall of two lamelle, the ciliated entoderm and the unciliated exoderm ; 3, the composition of the entoderm of flagellate cells” (p. 460). The differences cited by Hiickel are as follows :—‘‘ 1, the constitution of the exoderm, the cells of which in Hydra and Cordylophora develop urticating capsules and neuro-muscular processes, but in Olynthus fuse into the “syncytium ; 2, the cirelet of tentacles of the former, which is wanting in the latter; 3, the different origin of the sexual organs.” = It will be seen at once that in the first three points an homology of the entoderm alone can be spoken of, since for
f+ By Olynthus Hickel understands a simple, solitary calcareous sponge with double walls (ectoderm and endoderm), and with a spacious sacci- form “ stomachal cavity.”
48 M. E. Metschnikoff on the
the agreement of the outer layer only the absence of cilia, a negative and unimportant character, has been cited. But as regards the differences, the different structure of the outer layer must be placed in the first rank. Hickel endeavours to get over this difficulty, saying :—“ but this [difference in the structure of the exoderm] is to be regarded as a secondary histo- logical differentiation of the two divergent groups” (p. 460). Although he cites no evidence of this, he has no hesitation in explaining the ‘‘ differences in anatomical structure between the simplest hydroids and the simplest sponges ”’ as ‘‘of quite subordinate significance” (p. 460). But is it really so insigni- ficant that the outer layer of the sponge exclusively produces all skeletal formations, whilst in the true Ccelenterata these are never developed from the ectoderm, but always from the cutis (therefore from the mesoderm) ? Where do we know of any examples of an epithelial tissue (to which the ecto- derm of the Coelenterata belongs) serving as the seat of the formation of a calcareous skeleton? These are questions for an answer to which we may seek in vain from Hiickel.
Let us return to Hickel’s argumentation :—At p. 461 we read as follows :—“Of the greatest significance is the onto- geny of Cordylophora, which perfectly agrees with that of Olynthus.” Unfortunately Hickel knows so little of the ontogeny of Olynthus, that he has no right to say any thing about this ‘‘ perfect agreement.” As we have seen, Hickel has invented the metamorphosis of the Calcispongiz (without hitting upon the right thing), in doing which he evidently took the agreement with the Hydroida as his starting-point, instead of arriving at it as a result. In my opinion the meta- morphosis “ directly inferred” by Hiickel is nothing more than a cast (Abklatsch) from the well-known metamorphic history of the Hydroida. Hickel says with particular emphasis that “the Planula and the Planogastrula are perfectly alike in both animals ;” but that proves nothing so long as neither the origin nor the metamorphosis of the ciliated larva has been observed*.
Hiickel may repeat, as often as he pleases, that he was the first to demonstrate the homology of the two lamella of the Sponges and Ceelenteratat ; but every critically thinking natu- ralist will at once see that this is not the case, and that in
* The transformation of his “morula” into the swimming larva has not been observed by Hiickel any more than by myself; he has neither described nor figured any transition-stage ; nevertheless he feels justified in filling up the existing gap @ priori, without, however, expressly saying so.
t See the above-cited quotations from p. 214, and, further, pp. 33, 456, and 470.
, er sie ie ie ie
Development of the Calcispongie. 49
reality Hickel has furnished no proof at all of the homology of the ectoderm and the skeleton-forming layer. But it would also not be difficult, by the aid of facts already sufficiently well known, to convince ourselves that no such homology exists in nature. We need only take into consideration the known points in the developmental history of the marine sili- ceous sponges*. It is known that in the embryo of these animals the whole cell-mass divides into two portions, of which the outer becomes the ciliated epithelium, whilst the cxner takes on the character of a skeleton-forming cell-aggregate. The topographical position of this inner cell-mass (beneath the ciliated layer), the circumstance that it appears as an aggregate of compact spiculigenous elements, and, further, the fact that these cells never appear as ciliated epithelial cells, furnish us with sufficient data for rejecting their supposed homology with the ectoderm of the Ceelenterata. ‘To this of course must also be added the argument above cited, that the ectoderm of the Coelenterata never produces skeletal structures, which always appear as derivatives of the cutical layer. I have designedly left out of consideration the facts observed by me in the deve- lopmental history of the Sycon, in order to show that by careful consideration of the known material it is impossible to arrive at the erroneous notion of the agreement of the skeleton-forming layer with the entoderm. But if we will also consider the facts above described, we shall see at once that the develop- ment of the Calcispongizw is likewise opposed to Hiickel’s interpretation. It was established that it is the hinder un- ciliated half that furnishes the calcareous skeleton, and con- sequently that the skeleton-forming elements never appear in the form of flagellate or ciliated epithelial cells, which are characteristic of the ectoderm of the Coelenterata.
From the reasons adduced, I venture to draw the conclusion that the skeleton-forming layer of the sponges, or the so-called “syncytium,” of Hickel, does not represent the ectoderm, but the skeleton-forming layer of many other animals, especially
* See, e. g., the investigations of Lieberkiihn. I have myself made some observations upon the development of the siliceous sponges, which I shall publish elsewhere. Here I limit myself to the remark that the larvee of four genera (Reniera, Esperia, Raspailia, and an undetermined genus) are essentially of similar structure. As an example I have figured the larva of Reniera (Plate II. fig. 15), which is chiefly distinguished from the others by the presence of a posterior circlet of cilia. I have observed the metamorphosis in an Esperia. The external epithelial layer is gradually lost, so that for a time the young sponge appears to be com- posed of an irregular aggregation of parenchyma-cells. It is only subse- quently that the so-called ciliary baskets ( Vimperkorbe) appear, in the form of closed spheres, which as yet are in no way connected with each other.
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser.4. Vol. xvi. 4
30 M. E. Metschnikoff on the
Coelenterata and Echinodermata, and consequently belongs to the domain of the middle lamella (mesoderm, Hiickel). Be- sides the points cited, the fact that the cells of the middle lamella in both the Coelenterata and the Echinodermata (at least in the young state) are exceedingly changeable, may also be adduced in favour of this view. ‘Thus, for example, we see that the naked amceboid cells of the skeleton-forming layer in the larvee of Echinoderms move about in the body-cavity, and, in consequence of active movements, collect in particular spots, e. g. in the stone-canal.
In order to explain my view still more clearly, I will here compare with each other three objects which are at the first glance very similar. If we examine the three figures here given (A, B, C), we observe that all three consist of a one-layered
tS
\N
fig. A represents an embryo of Reniera, B an embryo of Sertularia, and C an embryo of Echinus.
sphere, densely packed with a compact cell-mass. If it were possible in the comparison to take only such data into considera- tion, we should say (as Hiickel actually has done with regard to the planule of the Sponges and Hydroida) that all the three embryos are perfectly homologous, and especially that all three have originated in a similar manner. It is only the close ex- amination of subsequent stages that shows us that the homo-
Development of the Calcispongiz. 51
logy can be accepted only for two embryos. The one-layered external envelope is in all three cases the dermal layer, which afterwards becomes covered with cilia and represents an epi- thelial tissue, which may be “characterized throughout as the ectoderm. In the siliceous sponges this layer is only of short persistence ; it disappears during the transformation into the attached form. In the Hehini also the ectoderm is only provisional, at least upon many parts of the body. In the Hydroida, on the contrary, it persists throughout life, as is sufficiently well known. ‘The inner cell-mass, in our three cases, experiences the following alterations: in the siliceous sponges it furnishes (at least for the most part) the skeleton- forming layer, becoming converted into the so-called syneytium of Hiackel; in the Hchini it plays a perfectly similar part, although the cellular elements here retain their individuality ; but it 1s quite otherwise in Sertularta (and the Hydroida in general), m which the cell-mass, although similar in appear- ance, becomes the entoderm.
The conclusion at which I have arrived is, that the syn- cytium corresponds to the skeleton-forming layer of the Echi- nodermata (and Ccelenterata), whilst the ectoderm (in the siliceous sponges) appears as a provisional structure confined to the larval stage. (With regard to the inner layer (4) of our three embryos, a still more profound analysis may be instituted ; we may elucidate the question as to the homology of this layer by the consideration of the mode of origin of the mesoderm. But this we shall pass over, so as not to depart from the prin- cipal theme, especially as at the moment several important facts are still insufficiently known.)
What, then, is the position of the Calcispongie in relation to the question of the germ-lamelle ? With regard to this order in general nothing definite can be said at present, as the larvee of different representatives of the order appear to be con- structed in various ways, while the history of the metamor- phosis is known only in the case of a single species. But if we take this species alone into consideration, we may, by compa- rison with the better-known siliceous sponges, obtain an un- derstanding of many circumstances. Above all it must be borne in mind that the larvee of four genera of marine siliceous sponges observed by me always have a gap in the ectoderm at the posterior end of the body through which the skeleton- forming layer projects outwards. Now this baring, which, indeed, is very peculiar, occurs in a still greater degree in the Sycon-larvee, which is in connexion with the weak development of the ciliated layer. The latter, instead of forming a sphere as in so many other animals, remains only in the form of the
4¥
52 M. E. Metschnikoff on the
segment of a sphere, which is afterwards invaginated to con- stitute the entoderm. Of the four larvee described and figured by Hickel, that of Sycyssa Hualeyi is most nearly allied to the Sycon-larve, although the former is strikingly distinguished by the presence of a layer of spherical cells lining the internal cavity. How the metamorphosis takes place in this and in the other three cases (Ascetta mirabilis, Asculmis armata, and Leuculmis echinus) I cannot say in the present state of our knowledge.
After what has been said, I need hardly say particularly that all the inferences founded by Hickel upon the “ homology” of the sponge-larvee (Grastrula) with the larvee of other animals, collapse of themselves, because they are destitute of all solid grounds.
In conclusion, I will make one or two remarks upon the question of Coelenterism, but without entering into any detailed discussion, as I have elsewhere (in the concluding chapter of my “Studien tiber die Entwicklung der Medusen und Sipho- nophoren,” appearing simultaneously with this paper*) treated this question in detail. Here I will only endeavour to show that the opiions expressed by Hiickel are by no means capable of shaking my theory as to homologies of the ccelenteric ap- paratus, inasmuch as they for the most part rest upon miscon- ceptions. Hickel’s course of thought is as follows :—1, “ the true body-cavity,” which occurs only m the Vermes{, Echino- dermata, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Vertebrata, ‘‘ always ori- ginates by acleaving of the mesoderm ;” 2, “ as the mesoderm is entirely wanting in the sponges, there can be no body-cavity in them—nor does it occur in the Ceelenterata;” 3, “ the true body-cavity can never, like the intestinal or stomachal cavity, be surrounded by the entoderm;” 4, “ consequently also the cavities of the gastro-canal-system in the Sponges and Acalephs are not body-cavities, butan intestinal cavity” (p.469). To this I must object :—1, the body-cavity in many animals
* Zeitsch. fiir wiss. Zool. Band xxiv. (1874) pp. 15-83.
+ This theory is that the gastrovascular apparatus of the Coelenterata corresponds to the complex of organs which in the Echinodermata its formed from the lateral diverticula of the primitive intestine. Consequently the peritoneal cavity with the water-vascular system is to be regarded as the homologue of the gastrovascular system. This theory is supported by a whole series of facts, as is more particularly explained in my memoir just cited.
t It may here be mentioned in passing that the notions accepted by Hickel of the Vermes aceelomi and V. caelomati by no means possess the importance which that naturalist ascribes to them. The Nemertina and Microstomea have a “ true body-cavity ” as well as several Trematoda, at least in the states of redize and sporocysts.
Development of the Calcispongie. 53
does not originate by cleaving of the mesoderm, and may even exist without it; thus, a body-cavity exists in several larve of Coelenterata in the space between the ectoderm and ento- derm; 2, the Sponges possess the mesoderm in the form of the skeleton-forming layer (see above) ; 3, the inner cavity of the Echinodermata (which Hickel regards as a true “ body- cavity’’) is enclosed by the entoderm, as it is produced as a derivative of the primitive intestine. Thus we see that Hiickel’s three fundamental opinions will not hold good; and for this reason the fourth point remains without a foundation.
The whole question of Ccelenterism turns upon the idea of the body-cavity. As soon as we without further consideration conceive the inner cavity of the Vermes, Echinodermata, &c. as a‘ true body-cavity,” we place ourselves upon false ground ; for that which in different animals acts as a body-cavity, re- presents structures which are morphologically quite different. Thus we see that in the Echinoderm-larve a spacious body- cavity is formed which stands in no genetic connexion with the definitive cavity of the body ; the latter originates in the interior of the so-called lateral disks, which, in the last resort, take their origin from the primitive intestine. The Ceelenteric apparatus is to be paralleled with the peritoneal cavity of the definitive Echinoderm-body, not with the body-cavity of the Echinoderm-larva.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II.
Fig. 1. Portion of a transverse section through the Sycon-tube with two segmented germs.
Fig. 2. A segmented germ with segmentation-cavity (c).
Fig. 5. A somewhat later stage.
Fig. 4. Portion of a transverse section with an embryo.
Fig. 5. The free-swimming larva: g, aggregation of granules.
Fig. 6. A later larval stage: d, individual cells; g, aggregation of granules.
Fig. 7, Afree-swimming larva with skeleton-formation already commenced.
Fig. 8. A somewhat further developed larva: d, individual cells.
Fig. 9. An attached larva without calcareous skeleton . 0, orifice of in- vagination (half diagrammatic) ; d, individual cells.
Fig. 10. An attached larva with calcareous spicules: a, outer; 6, inner layer.
Fig. 11. Ae pouty Sycon, three days old.
Fig. 12. A similar stage, treated with acetic acid: a, b, as in fig. 10; c, gastrovascular cavity.
Fig. 13. A young sponge, six days old.
Fig. 14. The same treated with acetic acid: a, 6, c, as in figs. 10 & 12.
Fig. 15. A free-swimming larva of Reniera from the Crimea: e, outer ciliary layer; m, inner skeleton-forming cell-mass.
54. Prof. F. M‘Coy on a new Australian Parrot.
IIT.—Note on an apparently new Parrot from Cardwell, N.E. Australia. By Freperick M‘Coy, Professor of Natural Science in the University of Melbourne.
To the Editors of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History.
GENTLEMEN,
My attention was called several months ago by Mr. Lead- beater, the skilful taxidermist to the National Museum at Melbourne, to the apparently new characters of a small parrot of the genus Cyclopsitta very nearly related to the C. Coxent, one of the newly described species from the same part of Australia, the distinguishing characters separating it from which he so correctly appreciated that I wish, if the species is as yet undescribed, to name it after him, as a recognition of his acute observation. J have since searched all the records available tome; and failing to find any indication of any such species, I beg to send you a descriptive note of it.
Cyclopsitta Leadbeateri (M‘Coy).
Spec. char. Rich dark green above, lighter below; wing- feathers blackish, with the outer webs of the primaries and secondaries bright blue above, two pale yellow transverse bands below;. under wing-coverts bright green; a golden- yellow small patch on each side concealed by the closed wing, and a small dull orange-red patch at inner edge of tertiaries, the outer webs of which and wing-coverts are of the same green as the back; a dark vermilion-red transverse oblong patch on forehead, from which a greenish blue broad band extends, including the eye, over the ear-feathers towards the outer edge of the auriculars, changing slightly to opal-purplish hue. The male only differs in having a transverse patch of red, as in C. Coxen?, through the ear-feathers, dividing the blue above from that below. Biull and feet blackish horn- colour.
Length 5 inches 3 lines, wing from shoulder 3 inches 3 lines ; length of bill along gape 7 lines; depth of both mandibles 8 lines; tarsus 64 lines.
The general size, shape, and colouring is nearly like that of C. Coxeni; but it is somewhat smaller, and has in both sexes an oblong patch of red on the forehead just over the cere. It differs also in habitat, frequenting the scrubs more than the C. Coxeni does. It seems to be rather rare at Cardwell, where the specimens described were collected for the Melbourne Museum by Mr. Broadbent.
April 19, 1875.
—
On Additions to the Australian Curculionide. 55
1V.—Additions to the Australian Curculionide. Part VIII. By Francis P. Pascor, F.L.8. &c.
AMYCTERIN.
Alexirhea singularis.
CYLINDROCOSYNIN2®.
Lycosura, Nn. 2. bispinosa.
MOoLyTINz&.
Syagrius, n. g. fulvitarsis.
RHADINOSOMIN2.
Euthyphasis, n. ¢. acuta. Acalonoma, n. g. reducta.
ERIRHININ2. Clisis, n. g. modesta. Agestra rubiginea. Cydmea selligera. notaticollis. Dicomada murina. Methone, n. g. ornata.
Antyllis togata. Myossita sublineata.
ATTELABIN®. Kuops pulchella.
ANTHONOMIN. Orchestes perpusillus.
CIONIN#E. Nanophyes maurus.
CRYPTORHYNCHIN A,
Melanterius carinicollis. fugitivus.
—— floridus.
Teutheria, n. g. insculpta.
Mecistocerus denticulatus. Salcus elevatus. latissimus. fEthreus, n. g. cicatricosus.
BARIDINZ.
Platyphzeus, n. g. —— lyterioides.
Alexirhea singularis.
A, sat breviter ovata, fusca, griseo-varia; rostro crasso, rugoso- punctato, in medio profunde canaliculato; prothorace setoso- tuberculato, longitudine fere duplo latiore, in medio sulcato, margine postico supra scutellum producto; elytris breviusculis, subcordatis, costis alternis setoso-tuberculatis, singulis postice tuberculo majore instructis, regione suturali griseis; corpore
infra nigro. Long. 43 lin. Hab. Perth, Swan River.
The prothorax of this curious species is longitudinally grooved in the middle, the groove behind opening out into a flat space, which is produced to form a short triangular spine
[Meee iy § ie
covering the scutellum.
LYCOSURA.
Rostrum cylindricum, validiusculum, apicem versus sensim incras- satum ; scrobes subterminales, arcuate, ad marginem inferiorem
56 Mr. F. P. Pascoe on Additions to
oculorum currentes. Oculi rotundati, subtenuiter granulati. Scapus ad partem posteriorem oculi attingens ; funiculus articulis duobus basalibus longioribus, eequalibus, ceteris gradatim bre- vioribus, ultimo obconico; clava ovalis, distincta. Prothorax oblongus, lobis ocularibus nullis. Seutellum distinctum. Elytra convexa, elongato-cordata, prothorace multo latiora, basi truncata, humeris paulo obliquis. Pectus antice late emarginatum. Cove antice contigue; femora in medio incrassata, mutica; tibie flexuose, antice longiores; tarsi articulo tertio late bilobo. Metasternum elongatum. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus ampliatis.
The long scape and form of the rostrum are characters indi- eating an affinity with the Cylindrorhinine ; but the normal length of the metasternum would, in strict accordance with Lacordaire’s system, rather point to a connexion near the Hylobiine. It will, however, I think, be more natural to place it with the former.
Lycosura bispinosa. Pl. I. fig. 9.
L. ferruginea, squamis griseis, plurimis piliformibus, irregulariter vestita; rostro capite parum longiore, modice arcuato; prothorace latitudine manifeste longiore, basi apiceque fere sequali, lateribus rotundato, dorso lineis duabus albescentibus ornato ; elytris basi prothoracis multo latioribus, sulcato-punctatis, interstitiis con- vexis, tertio postice in spinam acutam horizontalem producto, apici- bus perparum divergentibus, subacuminatis, fascia arcuata pone medium maculaque prope apicem, e squamis minus condensatis
formatis, notatis. Long. 5 lin. Hab, Albany. SYAGRIUS.
Rostrum modice elongatum, arecuatum ; scrobes premediane, oblique, infra rostrum currentes. Ocul ovales, grosse granulati. Scapus oculum haud attingens; funiculus 7-articulatus, articulis extus gradatim crassioribus. Prothorav lateribus rotundatus, basi rectus ; lobis ocularibus nullis. Scutellum invisum. Elytra cylindrica, prothorace haud latiora. Coxe postice rotundate ; femora mutica, antica majora; tibie flexuose, mutice; tarsi breves, latiusculi; uwngriculi liberi. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus ampliatis, sutura prima distincta.
This curious Curculionid is very similar to certain species of Anchonus ; but, viewed geographically, it is doubtless allied to the rare genus Steremnius, from which it is at once dif- ferentiated by its rounded, not transverse, posterior coxe, and elytra not broader than the prothorax. I have seen but a
single example, sent to me by Mr. French, of the Melbourne Botanic Garden.
the Australian Curculionide. 57
Syagrius fulvitarsis.
S. oblongo-parallelus, niger, sparse setulosus; capitis fronte bi- tuberculata, inter tubercula breviter lineatim sulcata; rostro prothorace paulo breviore, dimidio basali grosse lineatim punctato ; antennis fulvo-ferrugineis, funiculi articulo basali breviusculo, secundo duplo longiore, ceteris transversis et ad apicem gradatim crassioribus ; prothorace latitudine longitudini sequal, supra rugoso, in medio tuberculis duobus parvis instructo ; elytris pro- thorace vix duplo longioribus, pone basin supra subito elevatis, irregulariter tuberculatis, et grosse impresso-punctatis ; corpore infra nigro, segmentis duobus basalibus abdominis grosse punc- tatis ; aig fulvo- ferrugineis. Long. 2 lin.
Hab. Wien-wien (Richmond River).
EUTHYPHASIS.
Caput subcylindricum ; rostrum capite paulo brevius, parallelum ; scrobes flexuose, infra oculos desinentes, apicem versus laterales. Scapus arcuatus, oculum attingens; funiculus articulis quatuor basalibus obconicis, a primo gradatim brevioribus, tribus ultimis transversis; clava ovata, acuminata. Prothorax oblongo-sub- cylindricus, basin versus sensim latior. H/ytra elongata, prothorace basi haud latiora, humeris obliquis, singula in spinam acutam pro- tensa. Femora vix pedunculata; cove antice in medio pectoris locate. Cetera ut in Rhadinosomo.
Most of these characters are diagnostic, and differentiate the genus from Lhadinosomus, to which it has, however, a most unmistakable resemblance. The eyes are round as in Rhodinosomus (not oval) ; and, owing to the rostrum not being dilated at the tip, the scrobes are not apparent above.
Euthyphasis acuta. Pl. I. fig. 3.
E. fusiformis, ferruginea, squamis fulvescentibus sejunctim tecta ; collo haud constricto ; rostro latitudine sesquilongiore ; antennis ad apicem nigricantibus; prothorace in medio lineatim dense squamoso; scutello minuto; elytris striato-punctatis, punctis approximatis, lateribus ad medium parallelis, deinde sensim attenuatis, singulis macula mediana oblique subcurvata notatis ; corpore infra griseo-squamoso. Long. 4 lin. (rostr. incl.).
Hab Swan River.
ACALONOMA.
Canut subcylindricum, modice elongatum ; rostrum capite vix longius, crassiusculum ; scrobes submediane, oblique, infra rostrum desi- nentes. Oculi subrotundati. Scapus brevis, oculum attingens ; funiculus articulo primo ampliato, secundo obconico, ceteris bre- vioribus; clava distincta, elliptica. Prothorav oblongus, basin
58 Mr. F. P. Pascoe on Additions to
versus sensim latior, basi rotundatus. Scutellum angustum. Elytra elongata, basi prothorace haud latiora, humeris obliqua, apicibus angulato-divaricata. Pedes ut in precedente. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus quam tribus sequentibus vix longi- oribus.
Although there is a considerable gap between this genus and the preceding, I have little hesitation in regarding it as an ally. Lacordaire has referred Rhadinosomus to his tribe “ Brachydérides ’’—an unsatisfactory position in my opinion, as it is not adelognathous, and there is nothing resembling it in any of the adelognathous groups to which the ‘“ Brachy- dérides”’ belong. [am inclined to consider that Rhadinosomus and the two genera here described constitute a distinct and isolated subfamily, which will be found, like Methypora (another anomalous genus), to have a place near Aterpine.
Acalonoma reducta. Pl. I. fig. 2.
A, fuscescens, vel ferruginea, squamositate grisea plus minusve 2 4 Bt ante: ae tecta; capite, rostro prothoraceque aliquando nigris, crebre punctatis; antennis subferrugineis ; elytris prothorace quadruplo longioribus, pone medium utrinque leviter rotundatis, striato- ‘s) Avene ae : 2 5 Z :
punctatis, interstitiis modice convexis, sutura aliquando nigra ; corpore infra nigro, crebre punctato, punctis squamigeris. Long. 27 lin.
Hab. Swan River. CLISIS.
Rostrum tenue, arcuatum ; scrobes medians, rectee. Scapus anten- narum oculum vix attingens; funiculus 7-articulatus, articulo primo elongato, ad apicem clavato, quatuor ultimis transversis ; clava majuscula, distincta. Oculi rotundati, grosse granulati. Prothorax basi rotundatus. lytra subovata, prothorace paulo latiora, humeris haud productis. Pectusexcavatum. Cowe antice basi contigue. Mesosternum integrum. Femora clavata, postica dentata. Tarsi articulo tertio late bilobo. Ungues simplices.
The genus Bagous has also a pectoral cavity not extending behind the anterior coxee ; but then its tarsi are filiform. The species described below is covered with minute scales, so that its sculpture is completely masked; in rubbed specimens, however, the prothorax is seen to be closely punctured, and the elytra have lines of punctures but are not striate. I place the genus in aline with Hrirhinus ; but its immediate affinities are not obvious.
Clisis modesta.
C. elliptica, fulva, squamulis argenteis omnino tecta; rostro pro- thorace paulo longiore; funiculi articulo primo quam duobus
Mee a
the Australian Curculionide. 59
sequentibus conjunctim longiore ; prothorace subtransverso, utrin- que paulo rotundato, basin versus sensim latiore ; scutello tri- angulari; elytris regulariter convexis, lineatim punctatis, inter- stitiis latis planatis. Long. 12 lin.
Hab. King George’s Sound.
Agestra rubiginea.
A, rufo-fulva, setulis subaureis leviter induta; rostro basi paulo compresso ; scrobibus premedianis ; funiculo articulo primo quam secundo fere duplo longiore; prothorace transverso, sat dense punctato, in medio linea levi subnotato ; elytris striato-punctatis, interstitiis modice latis, subconvexis ; corpore infra tenuiter piloso ; abdomine segmentis duobus basalibus modice amplatis, sutura prima bene determinata; coxis intermediis magis approximatis ; femoribus dente minuto acuto armatis. Long. 12 lin.
Hab, King George’s Sound.
In A. suturalis, the type of the genus, the scrobes begin nearly in the middle of ‘the rostrum, the intermediate coxze are comparatively rather widely separ rated, and the two basal segments of the abdomen are unusually short, and their suture nearly obsolete ; to which it may be added that the femora are more decidedly toothed. In both species the rostrum is thicker or compressed at the base, but is of the same width through- out anteriorly.
Cydmea selligera.
C. breviter elliptica, atra, sat dense albo-, medio elytrorum pro- thoraceque fusco-squamosa ; rostro nigro, minus tenuato; antennis ferrugineis; prothorace transverso, basi latiore ; elytris sub- cordatis, leviter striato-punctatis, humeris callosis ; pedibus ferru- gineis, sparse albo-squamulosis. Long. 1 lin.
Hab. Champion Bay.
Allied to C. pusilla; but in that species the prothorax is less transverse and tolerably straight at the sides, and the coloration is different.
Cydmea notaticollis.
C. breviter ovata, fusca, sat dense squamosa, prothorace utrinque albo, elytrisque, presertim basi, sublineatim albo-ornatis ; rostro fulvo, basi apiceque nigris ; antennis tenuioribus, funiculi artieule primo quam duobus sequentibus longiore ; prothorace transverso, basi latiore; elytris subcordatis, striatis ; pedibus fulvis; corpore infra dense niveo-squamoso. Long. | lin.
Hab. Western Australia (Perth).
This is a very distinct species, being in the character of its coloration quite dissimilar to its congeners.
60 Mr. F. P. Pascoe on Additions to
Dicomada murina.
D. ovata, fusca, squamis argenteis griseo-nebulosis sat disjunctim tecta ; rostro capite fere triplo longiore; antennis ferrugineis ; prothorace in medio magis convexo ; stutello nigro; elytris sub- cordatis, fortiter striatis, interstitiis squamis in series tries in- structis ; corpore infra dense albo-squamoso. Long. 1} lin.
Hab. Champion Bay.
Readily distinguished by its deep strie and the disposition of the scales on their interstices.
METHONE.
Rostrum cylindricum, apice latius ; scrobes median, oblique, infra oculos currentes. Antenne funiculi articulo basali crassiore, secundo longiusculo, ceteris brevibus, gradatim crassioribus ; clava ovata. Oculi ovales, tenuiter granulati. Prothoraw transversus, basi rotundatus ; lobis ocularibus nullis. Hlytra obovata, pro- thorace manifeste latiora. Femora incrassata ; cove intermediz fere contigue; tibiw intermedize flexuose. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus ampliatis, suturis tertio quartoque rectis.
This genus is like Dicomada in habit; but the abdominal segments are not curved at the sides, the intermediate cox are approximate, and the scrobes are oblique ; notwithstanding, I think it should rank close to that genus.
Methone ornata.
M., rufo-ferruginea, squamis concoloribus aliisque albidis plagiatim notata; rostro prothorace duplo longiore, basi subseriatim punc- tulato; funiculo breviusculo; prothorace fortiter transverso, in medio minus squamoso, utrinque albo-plagiato; elytris striato- punctatis, interstitiis vix convexis, uniseriatim setosis, singulis plagis magnis duabus, una basali, altera pone medium oblique sita ; corpore infra sat dense opalescenti-squamoso. Long.1+ lin.
Hab. King George’s Sound.
Antyllis togata.
A, rufo-castanea, ad latera albo-squamosa; rostro prothorace vix longiore, modice robusto ; antennis ferrugineis; funiculi articulo secundo quam primo multo breviore ; prothorace fusco, sat con- fertim punctato; elytris striato-punctatis, interstitiis latiusculis, vix convexis ; corpore infra leviter albo-squamoso. Long. 14 lin.
Hab. Adelaide.
The coloration of the elytra is variable, the white sometimes forming bands, more or less interrupted, on the disk. The genus is known by its six-jointed funicle.
the Australian Curculionide. 61
Myossita sublineata.
M. oblonga, depressiuscula, fulvescens, leviter albo-pilosa ; capite inter oculos postice impresso; rostro prothorace breviore, apicem versus parum latiore; prothorace longitudine latitudini squali, utrinque modice rotundato, tenuiter punctulato; elytris sub- parallelis, striato-punctatis, punctis distinctis, approximatis, inter- stitiis alternis perparum elevatis; geniculis infuscatis. Long. 23 lin.
Hab. Albany.
Like M. tabida, but narrower, the rostrum less dilated towards the apex, the elytra more parallel at the sides, and the alternate interstices very slightly elevated, the other inter- stices more hairy, so as to give the elytra a somewhat striped appearance.
Euops pulchella.
E, gracilis; capite prothoraceque eneo-fulvis, irregulariter punctatis ; oculis nigris, approximatis ; antennis fulvis, clava articulis prace- dentibus conjunctim longitudine quali; scutello «neo; elytris nitide fulvis, regione suturali sneis, basi apiceque infuscatis, fortiter striato-punctatis; corpore infra fulvo, metasterno fusco ; pedibus fulvis. Long. 12 lin.
Hab. Port Bowen.
A very distinct species. The head and prothorax together are nearly as long as the elytra; the eyes are large and frontal, but not contiguous.
Orchestes perpusillus.
O. obovatus, niger, opacus; rostro prothorace breviore ; antennis articulis duobus basalibus ampliatis, flavis, ceteris clavaque nigris; prothorace transverso, utrinque rotundato, tenuiter sat confertim punctato; elytris amplis, postice latioribus, striato- punctatis, punctis approximatis, interstitiis convexis; pedibus breviusculis, femoribus tibiisque anticis incrassatis. Long. 1 lin.
Hab. Champion Bay.
Like O. saliceti, but rather larger and less convex, with a broader prothorax, and shorter and stouter legs, especially of the anterior pair. ‘The species of Orchestes have hitherto been supposed to be confined to the northern hemisphere.
Nanophyes maurus.
N. obovatus, niger, nitidus, tenuiter albo-pubescens; rostro pro- thorace paulo longiore, basi sulcato; scapo articuloque primo funiculi flavidis, ceteris clavaque nigris; prothorace transversim conico, subtiliter punctato; elytris subcordatis, striato-punctatis,
62 Mr. F. P. Pascoe on Additions to
interstitiis latis, convexis ; femoribus basi testaceis, infra dente minuto acuto instructis. Long. 1 lin.
Hab. South Australia.
Smaller and shorter than N. lythri, and very differently coloured. It is the only species of this genus yet recorded from Australia. [N. ferrugatus, Blanch., from ‘Tasmania, is referred to Cvionus in the Munich Catalogue. |
Melantertius carinicollis.
M. breviter ovalis, fuscus, subopacus, squamis piliformibus flavican- tibus adspersus ; rostro prothorace sesquilongiore, omnino tenuato, basi seriatim punctato, scrobibus infra rostrum cito currentibus ; antennis ferrugineis ; funiculi articulis duobus basalibus elongatis ; prothorace transverso, antice constricto, fortiter longitudinaliter corrugato, in medio carinato; elytris cordatis, sulcato-foveatis, interstitiis carinatis, tertio quintoque magis elevatis ; femoribus minus crassis. Long. 3 lin,
Hab. Cape York.
In this very distinct species the ocular lobes are less promi- nent than in the more typical forms.
Melanterius fugitivus.
M. obovatus, ferrugineus, squamis ochraceis dense plagiatim tectus ; rostro prothorace parum breviore, basi crassiore, squamoso ; funi- culi articulis duobus basalibus elongatis ; prothorace modice trans- verso, apice sat subito constricto, in medio minus squamoso ; elytris subtrigonatis, striato-punctatis, punctis rotundatis subapproxi- matis, interstitiis vix convexis ; corpore infra fusco, sparse albido- squamoso; femoribus dente magno subcylindrico armatis ; tibiis apice haud ampliatis. Long. 23 lin.
Hab. Swan River.
Allied to WM. cinnamomeus, but, inter alia, a shorter and stouter rostrum, thicker at the base; the tibiz longer and straighter, &e.
Melanterius floridus.
M. obovatus, rufo-ferrugineo squamosus, elytris lete ochraceo-macu- latis ; rostro prothorace breviore, basi vix incrassato; funiculi articulo basali quam secundo fere duplo longiore; prothorace transverso, antice vix constricto, basi latiore, confertim punctato ; elytris subcordatis, tenuiter striatis, striis punctis subremotis notatis, interstitiis praecipue posticis elevatis ; femoribus anticis dente minusculo, posticis dente magno armatis; tibiis brevibus, compressis, valde flexuosis, apice ampliatis. Long. 2 lin.
Hab. Adelaide. Also allied to M. einnamomeus; but differently coloured,
the Australian Curculionide. 63
larger and closer scales on the elytra, which in part cover the striz ; the tibie shorter and more compressed.
TEUTHERIA.
Caput globosum; rostrum mediocre, cylindricum, arcuatum, apice haud latius ; scrobes preemedianse, infra rostrum currentes. Ocult subrotundati, grosse granulati. Scapus gradatim incrassatus ; funiculus articulo primo ampliato, secundo obconico, ceteris transversis, gradatim brevioribus et crassioribus ; clava distincta, ovata. Prothorax subconicus, lobis ocularibus nullis. Hlytra subcordata, basi reflexo-marginata. Pectus canaliculatum. Cove antics basi contigue. Mesosternum horizontale, haud canalicu- latum. Metasternum brevissinum. Femora sublinearia, mutica ; tibice rectee, breviuscule ; unguiculi connati. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus ampliatis. Corpus ellipticum.
This genus, like Melantertus, belongs to Lacordaire’s “Cléo-
gonides ;” but it can scarcely be said to be allied to any of their genera.
Teutheria insculpta.
7. valde convexa, nigra, nitida; rostro piceo, striato-punctato, prothorace paulo breviore; antennis pallide ferrugineis; pro- thorace grosse punctato-impresso ; elytris fortiter striatis, striis punctis elongatis notatis, interstitiis elevatis; tibiis tarsisque piceis; abdomine segmentis duobus basalibus grosse punctatis, punctis squama alba minuta instructis. Long. 17 lin.
Hab. Albany.
The following Table will show the diagnostic characters of the genera allied to Melantertus ; they are all Australian.
Claws free.
Hraeirumaperiectly sttaebb. acs... nadine cove e ns ace Euthebus. Rostrum more or less curved. - BENE OAESCLY AACOLEU rials icles oon 6 vie see as ele aie Melanterius.
Eyes more or less finely faceted. Anterior tibize with two mucros Anterior tibize with one mucro.
Anterior coxze contiguous. Rostrum as broad at the tip as at the base .... Lybeba. Rostrum gradually narrowing to the apex .... Ende, — Anterior coxze not contiguous ..........+. .... Psydestis. Claws united at the base ........ cece sence een eeees Teutheria,
bn chet ND Ret ae Diethusa.,
Mecistocerus denticulatus.
M. niger, dense griseo-squamosus ; capite parvo, inter oculos fovea ovali profunde impresso ; rostro tenuato, nitide fusco-castaneo ; antennis ferrugineis; funiculi articulo secundo quam _ primo
64 Mr. F. P. Pascoe on Additions to
sesquilongiore ; prothorace (¢) antice ampliato-rotundato, apice constricto, basin versus paulo angustiore, ( 9 ) dimidio basali late- ribus parallelo, antice haud ampliato ; scutello parvulo, rotundato ; elytris oblongo-cordatis, punctato-striatis, punctis striarum squama majuscula repletis ; corpore infra sparse squamoso ; pedibus anticis in mare sat valde elongatis; femoribus intermediis et posticis infra dente acuto armatis, femoribus anticis infra denticulis plurimis irregulariter aspersis; tibiis anticis denticulis in series duas ordinatis; tarsis anticis fimbriatis, articulo basali elongato. Long. 36, 95lin.
Hab. Port Bowen (Queensland).
The male of this species differs in several particulars from the female: in the former the club of the antenne is cylin- drical, in the latter it is shorter and thicker towards the tip, or oblong-obovate ; the male has the fore legs unusually long, with a number of small spine-like teeth beneath the femur and tibia, the tarsus is also finely fringed with rather long hairs at the side ; in the female these parts are of the normal character. In some specimens there are one or two pale in- definite semilunar marks on the elytra. The genus in general appearance is like Macromerus and its allies, but is distin- guished by the pectoral canal being bounded behind by the metasternum, not by the mesosternum as in the great majority
of the Cryptorhynchine.
Salcus elevatus.
S. breviter ellipticus, valde convexus, niger, squamulis piliformibus griseis adspersus; rostro prothorace longitudine vix squali ; antennis ferrugineis; funiculi articulis duobus basalibus longi- usculis, longitudine equalibus ; prothorace longitudine fere duplo latiore, sparse punctulato; elytris lineatim impresso-punctatis ; femoribus infra canaliculatis, anticis dente parvo instructis. Long. 33-43 lin.
Hab. Port Bowen.
This species has the femora grooved beneath, a character also present in S. globosus (the type), but it is wanting in S. dorsalis and the following species. S. globosus is much
less convex, the prothorax is closely punctured, and the scales -
are much smaller and less hair-like. In all the species of the genus the scales on the tibie are arranged in widely separated lines.
Salcus latissimus.
S. modice convexus, latissime ovatus, niger, squamulis minutis valde adspersus ; rostro validiore, prothorace longitudini vix squali, apice magis dilatato; antennis ferrugineis; funiculi articulis duobus basalibus clongatis; prothorace longitudine fere duplo
the Australian Curculionide. 65
latiore, subtilissime punctulato; elytris lineatim impresso-punc- tatis; femoribus muticis, haud canaliculatis. Long. 33-4} lin.
Hab. Port Bowen.
A remarkably broad species, the breadth of the elytra exceeding their length. ‘The first abdominal suture is not traceable, or rather is replaced by a large, deep, irregular impression.
JETHREUS.
Caput rotundatum; rostrum rectum, subulatum, basi excepta nudum ; scrobes subbasales ad partem inferiorem oculi desinentes. Ocule antice approximati, tenuiter granulati. Scapus brevis; funiculus articulis duobus basalibus elongatis, tertius usque ad septimum gra- datim brevioribus et crassioribus; clava distincta, breviter ovata. Prothorax transversus, dorso planatus, lateribus verticalis, apice haud productus, basi bisinuatus, lobis ocularibus fere obsoletis. Scutellum distinetum. Hlytra oblongo-subcordata, supra depressa, prothorace latiora, apicibus rotundata. ima pectoralis in meso- sterno mitreformi terminata, apice cavernosa. Pedes mediocres ; femora modice elongata, mutica; tibiew subcylindrice, recte, vel intus paulo bisinuate, apice extus spina recta instructe ; tarsi articulo tertio ampliato, profunde bilobo ; waguicult subdivergentes. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus majoribus, sutura prima arcuata.
An isolated form, which I can only suggest may be found to have Menios and Mitrastethus as remote allies. To these genera it is approximated by its straight rostrum, short scape, general character of the underparts, except that the meta- thoracic episterna are rather narrow; and to Mitrastethus somewhat in outline, but not otherwise. The peculiar arma- ture of the tibie may belong possibly to only one sex. The elytra of the only exponent of this genus are marked with brown lines, caused by the dark approximate punctures in the sulci, and each elytron has a brown oblong spot, to the naked eye apparently depressed or contracted like a scar. I am in- debted for my specimen to Mr. Masters.
Aithreus cicatricosus. Pl. I. fig. 8.
i, ellipticus, fuscus, supra sat dense, infra pedibusque densissime griseo-squamosus ; rostro nitide piceo, prothorace multo breviore ; antennis ferrugineis; prothorace apice valde angusto, squamis rotundatis paulo sejunctim tecto; elytris suleato-punctatis, punctis approximatis, interstitiis paulo convexis, quinto sextoque in medio macula oblonga fusca notatis, apicem versus paulo prominulis. Long. 6 lin.
Hab. Lord Howe Island. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser.4. Vol. xvi.
qn
66 On Additions to the Australian Curculionide.
PLATYPH XUS.
Cuput parvum ; rostrum subulatum, arcuatum, apice latius ; scrobes postmediane, parum oblique, ad oculum currentes. Scapus cla- vatus, oculum haud attingens; funiculus 7-articulatus, articulo basali longiusculo, ceteris sensim brevioribus, ultimo solo trans- _ verso, in clavam continuatis. Oculi modice angusti, fortiter eranulati, infra contigui. Prothorawx latus, depressus, apice tubu- latus, basi bisinuatus, lobis ocularibus haud prominulis. Elytra depressa, prothorace haud latiora. Pygidiwm tectum. Pectus am- pliatum, integrum. Cowe antice approximantes. Pedes brevi- usculi ; femora clavata, obsolete dentata ; tibie recte ; tarsi bre- viusculi. Abdomen segmentis duobus basalibus conjunctis, sutura in medio arcuata.
A genus allied to the Brazilian Parallelosomus, but differing in its broader outline, very coarsely faceted eyes contiguous beneath, more subulate rostrum, and scrobes commencing behind the middle. In habit it is like Lytertus complanatus,
but longer. This is one of the most interesting discoveries of Mr. Masters.
Platypheus lyterioides.
P. rufo-castaneus, subnitidus, setulis albis valde adspersus; rostro pro- thorace longiore, basi subseriatim punctato ; prothorace ampliato, subtransverso, ante medium utrinque fortiter rotundato, apice valde constricto, supra sat crebre leviter punctulato; elytris suleato-punctatis, interstitiis subplanatis, rude punctatis ; corpore infra punctis adsperso, singulis setam albam gerentibus, Long. 4 lin.
Hab. Gayndah.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
[Most of the figures on the Plate refer to species published in previous parts of these “ Contributions.” ]
Fig. 1. Aésiotes leucurus, X11. p. 278.
Fiy. 2. Acalonoma reducta, XVI. p. 58.
Fig. 3. Euthyphasis acuta, XVI. p. 57.
Fig. 4. Isacantha congesta, VILL. p. 98.
Fig. 5. Ocynoma antennata, XII. p. 234.
Fig. 6. Embaphiodes pyxidatus, XIII. p. 419. Fig. 7. Scolyphrus obesus, XII. p. 413.
Fig. 8. Atthreus cicatricosus, XVI. p. 65.
Fig. 9. Lycosura bispinosa, XVI. p. 56.
Fig. 10. Head of Dicomada murina, XVI. p. 60. Fig. 11. Head of Olanea nigricollis, XI. p. 193. Fig. 12. Head of Xeda amplipennis, XL. p. 192. Fig. 18. Head of Agestra rubiginea, XVI. p. 59. Fig. 14. Head of Faryzeta musiva, XI. p. 192.
On some new Shells from Kerguelen’s Island. 67
Fig. 15. Head of Cydmea viridula, IX. p. 188. .
Fig. 16. Head of Erytenna consputa (Trans. Ent. Soc. 1870, p. 196)*.
Fig. 17. Head of Pheodica fulvicornis, XIII. p. 386.
Fig. 18. Ae and side views of the head of Glaucopela unicolor, XIII. p. 885,
Fig. 19. Pore leg of Melanterius floridus, XVI. p. 62.
Fig. 20. Fore leg of M. fugitivus, XVI. p. 62.
Fig. 21. Fore leg of Diethusa fervida, XI. p. 185.
V.—Descriptions of some new Shells from Kerguelen’s Island. By Epear A. Sait, F.Z.5., Zoological Department, British Museum.
Tue following species form part of the collections made at Kerguelen’s Island by the Rev. A. E. Eaton, the naturalist sent by the Royal Society with the British expedition for observing the recent transit of Venus. Only those species are here mentioned which are apparently undescribed, as it is purposed to publish elsewhere complete and detailed accounts of all the specimens obtained at the island. Of Mollusca the number is small, comprising only about twenty species; but of these the proportion of new forms is large, and several of them very remarkable discoveries.
1. Struthiolaria mirabilis, sp. nov.
Testa ovata, tenuis, imperforata, leviter turrita, alba, epidermide tenuissima fugaci olivaceo-alba amicta ; anfractus 63, convexius- culi, superne anguste planulati, lente accrescentes, longitudinaliter oblique arcuatimque crebre plicati (plicis inferne ad suturam vix attingentibus) ; liris spiralibus prominentibus supra plicas undu- latis (in anfr. superioribus 7-8, in ultimo circiter 22, illis infra medium simplicibus) succincti ; apertura longitudinis totius circiter 4 equans ; columella arcuata.
Operculum corneum unguiculatum, inferne costis duabus a nucleo unguiformi divergentibus munitum, superne medio longitudinaliter unisulcatum, concentrice striatum.
Long. 42 mill, diam. 22.
Hab. Swain’s Bay, Kerguelen’s Island.
But a single specimen of this very remarkable shell was obtained by Mr. Eaton. This unfortunately has the labrum so much broken away, that it is impossible to describe the form of the aperture and the nature of the basal channel. However, the animal and operculum agree in all respects ex-
* Figured in forgetfulness of its not having appeared in the ‘Annals.’ Be 0°
68 Mr. E. A. Smith on some new
ternaily with Struthiolaria ; and although the shell has more the general aspect of Buccinum, there can be no doubt of its true location. The species which compose this genus are strong thick shells ; this, on the contrary, is particularly tragile, and clothed with a very thin deciduous epidermis.
2. Buccinopsis Eatont, sp. nov.
Testa elongato-ovata, turrita, tenuis, levis, pallide livido-fuscescens, haud nitens; anfractus 6? (apice fracto), reliqui 4 perconvexi, lente accrescentes, leves, incrementi lineis flexuosis insculpti, sutura profunda fere canaliculata sejuncti ; apertura ovata, longi- tudinis totius circiter 4 equans; columella levis, polita, medio leviter arcuata, versus basim obliqua; canalis latissimus, per- brevis, vix recurvus; labrum simplex, tenue.
Operculum ovatum, concentrice plicato-striatum, nucleo laterali, vix terminali.
Long. 56 mill., diam. 27 ; apertura long. 27 mill., diam. 14.
Hab. Royal Sound and Swain’s Bay, Kerguelen’s Island.
This is a very remarkable species, and chiefly characterized by the smooth convex whorls, which are destitute of all sculp- ture and ornamentation with the exception of the lines of growth. The suture is particularly deep, and almost amounts to a canaliculation. Around the short cauda of the body- whorl, from a little below the middle of the columella, runs a carination (which frequently occurs in species of Bullia), and joins the basal channel near the lip.
The operculum is peculiar in that the nucleus is not terminal as in Buccinopsis Dalet, but situated on the inner side about one tenth of the entire length from the extremity, and just at this point the outline is interrupted by a slight sinus. It consists of one whorl, which gradually increases by concentric layers well defined by the lines of growth; the inferior surface is somewhat thickened along the outer edge—that is, that oppo- site the nucleus. Such slight differences are scarcely sufficient to warrant a generic separation.
3. Trophon albolabratus, sp. nov.
Testa ovato-fusiformis, turrita, alba ; anfractus 6, primi duo (nucleus) leves, ceeteri convexi, liris spiralibus (in anfr. superioribus 4-5, in ultimo circiter 13) wqualibus subequidistantibus cincti, et lamellis foliaceis numerosis subconfertis et prominentibus instructi ; apertura superne ovalis, infra in canalem prolongata, intus satu- rate fusca, longitudinis teste circiter 2 equans; labrum intus sublate albo marginatum, leviter expansum; columella medio parum arcuata, basi obliqua, eallo inferne crassiusculo, superne tenui labroque juncto induta, ceruleo-alba, margine interno fusea ;
Shells from Kerguelen’s Island. 69
regio umbilici leviter rimata ; canalis angustus, obliquus, paululum recurvus, modice elongatus.
Operculum flayo-corneum.
Long. 40 mill., diam. 18; apertura long. 24 mill., diam. 11.
Hab. Swain’s Bay and Royal Sound, Kerguelen’s Island.
The nearest ally of this species appears to be 7. philip- pranus of Dunker, which is found in the Straits of Magellan, at Cape Horn, and the Falkland Islands. From this species it differs in having the whorls rounded above, and not flattened or excavated, the penultimate is larger and more elevated, the body-whorl is more inflated below the middle and not pro- duced into such an elongated cauda, and the canal is shorter and the aperture rather larger, the longitudinal lamelle are more prominent and not nearly so numerous.
4, Littorina setosa, sp. nov.
Testa imperforata, ovato-turrita, tenuis, pallide rosea, circa medium anfractuum linea spirali rufa cincta, epidermide fugaci villosa vel setosa olivacea induta; anfractus 6, convexi, superne aliquanto tabulati, sutura profundiuscula discreti, ubique spiraliter et oblique minute punctato-striati ; apertura subquadrato-circularis, longitu- dinis totius 4 equans; columella perparum arcuata, ad basim leviter patula; labrum simplex.
Operculum paucispirale, ovatum, superne acuminatum, tenuissimum, flayo-corneum.
Long. 14 mill., diam. 83; apertura long. 7 mill., diam. 5.
Hab, Swain’s Bay, Kerguelen’s Island.
The epidermis which clothes this species is of a very de- ciduous nature; it is minutely hairy, the hairs being disposed in obliquely longitudinal series showing the layers of increase.
5. Rissoa Kerguelent, sp. nov.
Testa ovata, semipellucida, vitrea vel lactea, ad apicem pallide rubescens, tenuis, imperforata ; anfractus 5, convexi, politi, sutura angustissime marginata divisi; apex obtusus; apertura ovata, superne acuminata, longitudinis totius ;5, adequans; peristoma continuum, leviter incrassatum et expansum.
Operculum paucispirale, corneum, simplex.
Long. 3 mill., diam. 14.
Hab. On a sponge, Kerguelen’s Island.
This pretty species is of a glassy texture, sometimes streaked longitudinally with opaque white. The whorls are divided by a narrowly margined suture, and below it there is a faint depression; the first two whorls form an obtuse apex; and the penultimate is large.
70 Mr. E. A. Smith on some new
EATONIA, gen. nov.
Testa forme rissoide ; apertura subcircularis; peristoma simplex, continuum, margine labrali haud incrassatum.
Operculum ovatum, pauci- vel unispirale, nucleo subterminali a latere columellari paululum remoto, infra ossiculo prominenti a nucleo exsurgente et versus marginem columellarem extenso munita,
There are two genera which have affinity to the present one—Jeffreysia and Rissoina. With Jeffreysia it agrees in the form and character of the aperture, but differs in having the nucleus of the operculum not lateral, but situated within the margin and towards the lower end—in fact, agreeing in this respect with Rissoina (see Adams, ‘Genera of Recent Mollusca,’ vol. ii. pl. 35. f. 1, a@& 6), but distinguished from it by the absence of the basal faint channel of the aperture and the lack of any incrassation to the labrum.
The operculum of Jeffreysia is composed of concentric layers (as in Purpura), commencing from a nucleus situated on the margin of the inner or columellar side; and the ossicle or rib proceeds ‘‘from the nucleus in the direction of the outer margin” (Jeffreys, ‘ Brit. Conch.’ iv. p. 58; in the figure, /.c. pl. 1. f. 3, it is apparently the reverse).
In Katonia the operculum is spiral, consisting of one or more whorls, the nucleus is situated within the margin and about one fourth the entire length from the lower end, and the ossicle is directed towards the ¢nner margin.
I feel much pleasure in associating with this group the name of the Rev. A. E. Eaton, who worked so indefatigably in collecting specimens during the expedition.
6. Hatonia kerguelenensis, sp. nov.
Testa ovato-conica, tenuis, olivaceo-nigrescens, versus labrum palli- dior semipellucida, vix rimata; anfractus 6, convexi, leves parum nitidi, incrementi lineis striati, sutura simplici sejuncti; apertura fere circularis, longitudinis totius ;5, equans; peristoma simplex, continuum, in regione umbilicali leviter incrassatum et vix reflexum.
Operculum ovatum, intus concavum, nucleo posteriore sed haud ter- minali, crassiusculum, margine externo lira incrassatum, unispirale, supra incrementi lineis valde striatum, infra ossiculo elongato a nucleo exsurgente munitum.
Long. 3 mill., diam, 12.
Hab. On a sponge, Kerguelen’s Island.
This species was found in company with Rissoa Kerguelent. It is of a very different form, the spire being conical, the last
Shells from Kerguelen’s Island. 71
whorl shorter and a trifle broader; and it also differs in colour. In general aspect it resembles very much several species of Hydrobia; but the operculum will at once separate it.
7. Hatonia caliginosa, sp.nov.
Testa ovata, modice tenuis, nigra, vix rimata; anfractus 44, convexi, leeves, vix nitidi, sutura simplici discreti, incrementi lineis obso- lete striati ; apertura fere circularis, superne paululum acuminata, longitudinis totius 4 fere equans ; peristoma continuum, levissime incrassatum, in regione umbilicali albidum, aliquanto reflexum, et versus basim parum effusum.
Operculum ei Z. kerguelenensis fere simile.
Long. 2 mill., diam. 1.
Hab. Swain’s Bay, Kerguelen’s Island.
This minute shell has a simple style of sculpture. It is of a very black olive-colour, with a nearly circular aperture, the peritreme of which is black outwardly and whitish in the colu- mellar region.
8. Hatonia subrufescens, sp. nov.
Testa ovata, leviter conica, tenuis, semidiaphana, vix rimata, sub- rufescens, versus labrum albida; anfractus 44, lente accrescentes, conyexi, sutura subprofunda divisi, leves nisi incrementi striis tenuiter sculpti; apertura subcircularis, longitudinis teste 1 paulo superans ; peristoma continuum, ad marginem columellarem leviter incrassatum et reflexum, rimam umbilicalem indistinctam effingens.
Operculum ei £. kerguelenensis fere simile, sed ossiculo fortissimo munitum.
Long. 14 mill., diam. 2.
Hab. On a sponge, Kerguelen’s Island.
The reddish colour of the upper whorls is attributable to the dried remains of the inhabitant.
9. Skenea subcanaliculata, sp. nov.
Testa minuta, orbiculata, depressa, tenuis, subdiaphana, albida, late profundeque umbilicata ; spira minime elevata; anfractus 3}, sublente accrescentes, perconvexi, ad suturam valde incurvati, fere canaliculati, leves nisi incrementi striis levissime sculpti ; apertura subcircularis, leviter obliqua; peristoma continuum, simplex.
Operculum subcirculare, paucispirale, nucleo fere centrali.
Diam. max. 12 mill., diam. min. 1, alt. 3.
Hab. On a sponge, Kerguelen’s Island.
72 On some new Shells from Kerguelen’s Island.
Some specimens are of a faint reddish colour in the upper whorls ; but this may be from the dried animal within. ‘The whorls are very much incurved at the suture, so much so that almost a channel is produced.
10. Scissurella supraplicata, sp. nov.
Testa heliciformis, spira brevi, anguste perforata, tenuis, semipellu- cida, alba, epidermide caduca crassiuscula pallide olivacea amicta ; antractus 3, primus ? (abruptus), secundus convexiusculus, superne aliquanto planulatus et radiatim arcuate plicatus, ultimus magnus, paululum supra medium carina duplici tenui (cum scissura continua) succinctus, supra carinam radiatim arcuate plicatus, infra eam incrementi lineis striatus ; apertura maxima, irregulariter circularis, ad marginem basalem levissime expansa ; peristoma continuum, scissura profunda angusta.
Operculum corneum, 4
Diam. max. 14 mill., diam. min. 1, alt, 1.
Lab. Swain’s Bay, Kerguelen’s Island.
The deep narrow slit is situated between the two thread- like keels, as is the case in several other species. The oper- culum is too far within the aperture to allow of examination.
11. Solenella gigantea, sp. nov.
Testa elongato-ovalis, postice subrhomboidalis, parum inequilateralis, postice longior, aliquanto ventricosa, versus marginem posticum compressiuscula, epidermide nitidissima (vel fusco- vel flavo- olivacea) induta, incrementi lineis concentricis (interdum promi- nentibus) ornata, et striis paucis tenuissimis et confertis ab um- bonibus usque ad medium lateris antici radiata, intus alba, iri- descens ; margo dorsalis utrinque leviter declivis, ventralis vix arcuatus ; extremitas lateris antica brevioris paululum supra me- dium leviter acuminato-rotundata; postica superne subrostrata, medio leviter sinuata; dentes cardinales postice circiter 32, an- tice 11 ; pallii impressio perprofunde sinuata.
Lat. 62 milly long. 32, crass. 19.
Hab. Royal Sound, Kerguelen’s Island.
This magnificent species is by far the largest yet described of this genus, and is at once known from the other three species by its difference of form. The posterior end pouts in the same manner as in the North-American Yoldia thracieformis. ‘The epidermis im young and half-grown specimens is of a bright yellowish olive colour; but in the adult shell it becomes of a dark olive-brown, and is much eroded in the umbonal region ; it is slightly reflexed within the margin of the valves. The few radiating contiguous striations towards the anterior end furnish another very distinctive character.
Mr. E. J. Miers on new Species of Crustacea. 73
12. Yoldia subequilateralis, sp. nov.
Testa ovalis, postice acuminata, subzequilateralis, postice paululum brevior, convexiuscula, epidermide olivacea vel flavo-olivacea induta, concentrice rugose striata, utrinque umbonibus ad margi- nem subventralem striis paucis subgranosis radiantibus insculpta, utrinque leviter hians, intus czeruleo-alba ; margo dorsalis utrinque multum declivis, antice levissime convexo-arcuatus, postice fere rectus; margo ventralis ubique arcuatus; latus anticum late rotundatum, posticum subacuminate productum ; fovea ligamentalis parva triangularis; dentes cardinales utrinque 11; sinus pallii latissimus parum profundus.
Lat. 34 mill., long. 23, crass. 9.
Hab. Swain’s Bay, Kerguelen’s Island.
I know but one species which approaches the present one somewhat closely, namely Y. Hightsiz of Couthouy. From this, however, it is well distinguished by its difference in form. By reference to Jay’s figure upon which Y, Hightsid is founded (for no description is given ; Cat. Shells, 1839, ed. 3, pl. i. f. 12 & 13), it will be perceived that a very inequilateral shell is there represented, with a much excavated posterior dorsal slope ; on the contrary, Y. subequilateralis is almost equilateral, with a straight posterior dorsal acclivity.
VI.—Descriptions of new Species of Crustacea collected at Kerguelen’s Island by the Rev. A. E. Eaton. By Epwarp J. Mirrs, Zoological Department, British Museum.
THE Crustacea collected at Kerguelen’s Island (exclusive of the Entomostraca, which have not yet been examined) amount to ten species, seven of which are here described for the first time. One of these, Serolis latifrons, is mentioned (but not characterized) by A. White, in the ‘List of Specimens of Crustacea in the British Museum ;’ and examples from the Auckland Islands have long existed in the Collection.
Dynamene Eatoni, n. sp.
Convex, smooth, naked, with the sides of the pereion nearly parallel. Cephalon transverse, deeply encased within the first segment of the pereion ; its front with a thin raised marginal line. Eyes very small. Segments of the pereion narrow, of equal width above; the seventh segment produced backward on the sides over the front of the first (real) segment of the pleon. Segments of the pleon (the last excepted) coalescent,
74 Mr. E. J. Miers on new Species of Crustacea.
with the lines of union indicated on the sides by incised lines ; last segment of the pleon convex, with the sides nearly straight, and with a rounded emargination at its extremity, which is about as wide as deep. Rami of the lateral appendages of the pleon subequal, oval, entire, reaching nearly to the notch at
the extremity of the terminal segment. Colour reddish or
greyish brown, with darker spots. Length of the largest specimen nearly ? inch.
Hab. Kerguelen’s Island, Swain’s Bay and Royal Sound.
Serolis latifrons. Serolis latifrons, White, List Crust. Brit. Mus. p. 106 (1847).
Convex, with a series of impressed lines and punctulations near the posterior margin of each segment. Segments of the pereion with the posterior margin sinuated, acute at the ifero- posterior angle, but not greatly produced backward (as in some species of the genus). ‘Terminal segment of the pleon large, subtriangular, with a semicircular notch at its extremity, with a high longitudinal central carina extending from the base of the segment to the terminal notch, and with a less-elevated carina on either side, rising near and continued for some distance parallel to the base of the segment, then curving backward and terminating before reaching the lateral margin. Rami of the lateral appendages of the pleon narrow-acuminate, the outer one very small, not half the length of the imner ramus. Colour brown, with irregular paler patches.
Length about 1 inch.
Hab, Kerguelen’s Island, Royal Sound; Auckland Islands, Rendezvous Cove (Lieutenant A. Smith, R.N., Brit. Mus.).
Lystanassa Kerguelent, n. sp.
Smooth. Eyes not visible. Superior antenne subpyriform, with the first joint large, robust, the second and third joints short; the secondary appendage short. Inferior antenne slender, longer than the superior, with the last two joints of the peduncle longer than the preceding. Gnathopoda weak ; the first pair short, subchelate ; the second pair longer, with the dactylos rudimentary. Second pair of pereiopoda with the coxe emarginate behind, and produced backward at the infero-posterior angle. ‘Third segment of the pleon produced backward at its infero-posterior angle into a narrow subacute lobe.
Length 4 inch.
Hab. Kerguelen’s Island, Royal Sound.
Mr. E. J. Miers on new Species of Crustacea. 75
PARAMGRA, n. g.
Melita, Dana (nec Leach), U.S. Explor. Exped., Crust. p. 911 (1852). Mera (part.), Spence Bate, Cat. Amphipod. Crust. Brit. Mus. p. 181 (1862).
Superior antenne exappendiculate, but little longer than the inferior. Gnathopoda subequal, well developed ; dactyios closing along the inferior margin of the palm. Posterior pair of pleopoda with the rami very unequal, the inner ramus short or rudimentary. ‘'Telson cleft nearly to the base.
This genus will apparently include Melita Fresnelii, Au- douin, and Melita tenuicornis, Dana, which latter species is placed by Mr. Spence Bate provisionally in the genus Mera.
Paramera australis, n. sp.
Smooth, without dorsal carine. Eyes subreniform, black. Antenne about half as long as the animal, slender ; first and second joints of the peduncle of the superior antenne about as long as the cephalon, third joint short; inferior antenne with the first to third joints short, the fourth and fifth longer. Gnathopoda with the carpus narrow at the base, enlarging anteriorly ; propodos with the sides nearly parallel, obliquely truncate at the extremity; dactylos short, slightly arcuate. Third, fourth, and fifth pairs of pereiopoda with the coxe transverse, small; the basa longer, with the inferior margins rounded. First three segments of the pleon with the inferior margins rounded, minutely serrulate. Antenne, gnathopoda, pereiopoda, and rami of the pleopoda with short hairs.
Length $ inch.
Hab. Kerguelen’s Island, Royal Sound.
Podocerus ornatus, n. sp.
Antenne subequal, very robust, clothed with long hairs ; peduncles with the last two joints much longer than the pre- ceding, subequal. Superior antenne with a small secondary appendage. Second pair of gnathopoda the largest, with the carpus short; the propodos large, ovate; the dactylos strong and arcuate. Pereiopoda subprehensile, with the tarsus flexible. Rami of the pleopoda with a series of short spines. Segments of the pleon somewhat produced backward, with the posterior margin rounded. ‘'Telson small, simple, conical. Colour pale, with very numerous small black spots.
Length 3% inch.
Hab. Kerguelen’s Island, Swain’s Bay.
76 Dr. A. B. Meyer on Hyalonema cebuense.
Nymphon gracilipes, n. sp.
Very slender, clothed with very short hairs. Legs very long. Head and neck of equal length, together about as long asthe body. First (mandibular) pair of palpiform appendages three-jointed, terminating in slender chele ; second pair five- jointed, the first jot very small, the second the longest, the remaining joints very hairy; third (ovigerous) pair eleven- jointed, the first joint very short, second, third, and fourth longer, fifth very long, sixth to tenth gradually decreasing in size, the eleventh minute. Legs with the first and third joints very short, the second rather longer, the fourth to sixth very long, the seventh and eighth (first and second tarsal) subequal, straight. Claws two, one very small.
Length 4 inch.
Hab. Kerguelen’s Island, Royal Sound.
Nymphon styligerum, n. sp.
Rather robust, hairy; legsshort. Head sessile, very thick. First (mandibular) pair of palpiform appendages rudimentary or abortive, a single joint only being developed ; second pair five-jointed ; third (ovigerous) pair ten-jointed, with the first three joints short, the fourth and fifth longer, the sixth to the ninth short, the tenth quite minute. Legs with the first three joints very short, the next three joints longer, the seventh (first tarsal joint) minute, the eighth (second tarsal) longer, curved. Claws two, unequal. Abdomen terminating posteriorly in a long styliform process.
Length +; inch.
Hab. Kerguelen’s Island, Royal Sound.
Should the form of the first pair of palpiform appendages prove constant, this species would probably constitute the type of a new genus allied to Achelia, Hodge.
ViI.—On Hyalonema cebuense. By Dr. A. B. Murer. To the Editors of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History.
DEAR Sirs,
Messrs. Higgin and Carter describe and figure, in the last number of your Journal (June, p. 377, plate xxi.), Hyalonema cebuense, a new hexactinellid sponge from Cebu, Philippine Islands. It is just a year now that I sent the enclosed photo- graph to the late Dr. J. E. Gray. I received this photograph
Dr. A. B. Meyer on Hyalonema cebuense. 77
from a friend in Cebu, Mr. Hepp, who had taken it himself from the specimen, which was inthe possession of Mr, Legaspi there, a native known to possess a large collection of shells &ce., which I examined myself when on Cebu in 1872. I expressed the wish to Dr. Gray that he might describe or notice the sponge, as apparently distinct from all the other new forms which I had brought home from there (viz. Meyerina clave- jformis, Crateromorpha Meyert, Rossella philippinensis, and Labaria hemispherica), all described by Dr. Gray; but Dr. Gray ‘did not venture to notice the sponge from the photo- graph,” and I, of course, still less. My exertions to get the spe- cimen itself from Cebu were in vain till now ; but if you will compare the photograph, which it would be perhaps interesting to reproduce in your Journal as a woodcut*, with the figure of Hyalonema cebuense on plate xxi. (/. ¢.) the identity of both is not to be overlooked a moment. ‘The habitat of this species, “Cebu,” as stated by Mr. Higgin, seems to be confirmed hereby. But I do not believe that these sponges are obtained there by diving, but only by dredging in a similar manner as I described it shortly in your Journal for January 1874, which note affords occasionally a more detailed account.
R. Natural History Museum, Very respectfully, Dresden, June 6, 1875. A. B. MEyYer.
Note by Mr. Hiaarn. DEAR SIR,
I have the pleasure to return to you Dr. Meyer’s letter of the 6th inst., with the photograph attached to it, and thank you much for sending it for my perusal.
I think there can be no doubt that the sponge photographed is an example of Hyalonema cebuense; it 1s, however, ap- parently in a very decayed condition, and seems to have entirely lost the beautiful latticework surface shown in the Liverpool-Museum specimen.
It is satisfactory to have the locality of the Liverpool sponge thus confirmed; and we may hope that other examples will have been obtained by H.M.S. ‘Challenger ’ during her recent dredging-cruise amongst the Philippine Islands.
Huyton, I am, dear Sir, June 17, 1875. Yours very faithfully, To Dr. Francis. THOMAS HIGGIN.
* [ As, from the note which Mr. Higgin has bad the kindness to append to this paper, there cannot be the slightest doubt as to the identity of this specimen with his H. cebuense, we do not consider it necessary to reproduce the photograph.—Eps. ]
78 Miscellaneous.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On the Fauna and Flora of Kerguelen’s Island. (A letter addressed to the French Minister of Foreign Affuirs.) By M. Laney.
Capetown, Feb. 22, 1875.
I nave the honour to transmit to you an article from a Capetown newspaper containing some interesting information on the fauna and flora of Kerguelen’s Island, communicated by Dr. Kidder, a naturalist attached to the American Expedition for observing the transit of Venus on that island.
From Dr. Kidder’s investigations it appears that there exists on Kerguelen’s Island only one species of bird which is not web-footed ; this is the sheathbill (Chionzs alba); it feeds on the shell-fish and sea-weeds left on the shore by the tide. On the other hand, aquatic birds are very numerous. The green-winged teal is found in great abundance; its flavour is exquisite. Among the sea-birds observed are :—17 species of petrel ; 2 of albatross; 3 penguins ; and a very large variety of Lestris catarrhactes, which, although web-footed, feeds only on birds and eggs.
The insects are very few. Some wingless Diptera and red Acri- didz are found on the leaves of the cabbage. The only Invertebrata provided with wings which have been discovered by Dr. Kidder are various species of Coleoptera; he has seen neither Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, nor Diptera.
There are neither Reptilia nor Batrachia, but a great many Crus- tacea and a few Gasteropoda.
Only one species of fish has been found in the lakes. It seems to belong to the family Gadidze, but is of small dimensions.
The class Mammalia is scarcely represented at Kerguelen. The sole mammal (not amphibious) met with is the common mouse, which was doubiless introduced from some vessel. As regards am- phibia—seals, sea-elephants, sea-leopards, sea-lons, &c., which formerly abounded there, have been so hunted by the American whalers that they have become very scarce.
The flora of the island is poor but singular; some of the plants which grow there are met with in no other part—among others Lyallia kerguelensis (the only species of a genus incert: sedis), Colo- banthus kerquelensis, and Triodia kerguelensis. The Kerguelen cab- bage and tea-plant (Pringlea antiscorbutica and Acena affinis) ofter to seamen a valuable remedy against scurvy. Dr. Kidder has dis- covered some plants not described in Dr. Hooker’s work published after his exploration in the years 1839 to 1841. He brings from Kerguelen 28 boxes of botanical specimens.
The Rey. Mr. Eaton (naturalist to the English Expedition) and Dr. Naumann (naturalist to the German Expedition) will, no doubt, make a more complete collection; for they will prolong their stay several months.
Miscellaneous. 79
The area of the island is about 100 miles in length by 40 in
breadth.— Comptes Rendus de VAcad. des Sciences, tome 1xxx. pp. 1224, 1225.
On Androgynous Diptera. By Dr. Lonw.
The occurrence of characters of the two sexes in different parts of the body of insects has been noticed chiefly in those orders which are generally collected, and more especially in the Lepidoptera. Nearly 30 years ago (in 1846) Dr. Loew described (Stett. ent. Zeit. vii. p. 302) an androgynous specimen of Beris nitens, Latr., in which the head, thorax, wings, fore legs, and left middle and hind legs presented male characters, while the abdomen with the genitalia and the right middle and hind legs were female. This case, which is not mentioned in Hagen’s list of known hermaphrodite insects (Stett. ent. Zeit. xxii. 1861), has hitherto stood alone in the order Diptera.
Dr. Loew now describes another androgynous Dipteron, namely an example of his Synarthrus cinereiventris, a species of the family Do- lichopodidee from Texas. He describes in considerable detail the distinctive characters of the two sexes of this species, which are com- bined in the hermaphrodite in a way hitherto unrecorded for any insect, the head, body, and wings being entirely of normal female structure, whilst the whole of the legs display the peculiar characters of the male sex fully developed.— Zeitschrift fiir die gesaminten Natur- wissenschaften, Neue Folge, Band x. 1874, pp. 75-79.
The Blind Fish and some of the associated Species of the Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, probably of Marine Origin.
Mr. F. W. Putnam, in an article published in the Bulletin of the Essex Institute, vol. vi. no. 12, 1874, remarks as follows on the origin of some of the present inhabitants.
That many or, with two or three exceptions, nearly all of the thirty or forty species of vertebrates, articulates, mollusks, and still lower forms, including a few plants, now discovered in the caves of Kentucky, are of comparatively late introduction, is probable from the tact that they are so closely allied to forms living in the vicinity of the caves. But that the blind fishes, the Chologaster, and a few of the lower forms of articulates, such as the Lernean parasitic on the blind fish, may have been inhabitants of the subterranean streams for a much longer period, is worthy of consideration on the following grounds :—
First, the blind-fish family has no immediate allies existing in the interior waters *, the only species of the family, in addition to
* In common with others I have considered the Heteropygii as be- longing to the same order with the Cyprinodontes; but I now have, from further information of their structure, doubts as to their close association with that group. This subject will be presented on another occasion.
80 Miscellaneous.
the three found in the Mammoth Cave, being known at present only from the rice-ditches of the low coast of South Carolina.
Second, the Lerneean parasite is much more common on marine fishes than on strictly fluviatile species, and is more decidedly a marine than a freshwater form. These facts may therefore be taken as at least indicating the probability of the early origin of some part of the great cave-system of the region of the Ohio val- ley ; and while there may be nothing in the present structure of the caves to indicate their having been formed in part while in contact with salt water, the supposed erosion of the limestone and the modification of the early formed chambers by later action should be carefully considered before it can be denied that the caves were, in some slight part, for a time supplied with marine life. Until a specimen of Chologaster, or some other member of the family, has been obtained in the external waters of the Ohio valley, it is hardly logical to regard the family to which the blind fishes belong as one originally distributed in the rivers of the Ohio valley, and afterward becoming exterminated in the rivers and only existing in two such widely different localities as the coast of South Carolina and the subterranean streams of the south-western States. That marine forms of life are found in our freshwater lakes and rivers is known to be the case. The specimen of a shrimp exhibited was secured in the Green River, near one of the outlets of the Mammoth Cave. The fact that in some of the waters of Florida fishes once marine are now confined to freshwater lakes of comparatively recent formation, and that in the St. John’s river, and others of that State, many marine and freshwater species are found associated, are evidence of the change that may take place in the habits of some marine animals, while a recent announcement of the Gobiosoma found in the Ohio river* is another instance of a marine fish living in fresh waters.—Sitlliman’s American Journal, May 1875.
Note on Neobalena marginata f.
In the ‘Annals’ for October last (p. 316) an awkward mistake has crept into the abstract from one of my letters to Dr. Gray, published by him as a paragraph. It is the skull of the calf of Neobalena marginata that is 2 feet 3 inches in total length, not the calf itself.
Wellington, New Zealand, James Hector. January 19, 1875.
* Putnam, “Notice of Gobiosoma molestum from the Ohio,” Amer. Nat. vili. Feb. 1874. ;
+ [We are requested by Dr. Hector to state that the above correction would have been made at an earlier date, but for the unfortunate circum- stance that it was enclosed in a letter addressed to Dr. Gray which arrived in England after his death.—Eb. |
THE ANNALS
AND
MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.
[FOURTH SERIES. |
No. 92, AUGUST. 1875.
VIII.—On the Position of Sagitta, and on the Convergence of Types by Pelagic Life. By M. A. Grtarp*.
No animal has been more frequently shifted from one syste- matic division to another than Sagitta. Some have regarded it as a degraded vertebrate, and have placed it beside Amphi- oxus; others have considered it a heteropod mollusk; Oscar Schmidt declares that it “is neither a true annelid nor a legi- timate mollusk”’+; Leuckart, Schneider, and Claus approxi- mate it to the Nematoidea.
Hickel, in his ‘Generelle Morphologie,’ also places the Chetognatha among the Nemathelmintha, and, further, he takes up the idea of Meissner with regard to the relationship of Sagitta and the Vertebrata. If we make a perpendicular section of the tail of a fish, we see clearly, he says, that the trunk of a vertebrate is formed originally of four antimera, and not of two. The primitive form of the lower Vertebrata, like that of the Nematoidea, is the eutetrapleural interradial form. Thus we may put forth, with some appearance of rea- son, the hypothesis that the Vertebrata have issued from the Chetognatha by a progressive metamorphosis, whilst the Nematoidea have been produced from them by a retrograde metamorphosis.
Since the admirable researches of Kowalevsky upon the
* Translated by W. 8. Dallas, F.L.S., from an article in the ‘ Revue des Sciences Naturelles,’ tome iii. March 1875, communicated by the Author. + The Doctrine of Descent and Darwinism, p. 57.
Ann. & Mag. N. List. Ser. 4. Vol. xvi. 6
82 M. A. Giard on the Position of Sagitta, and on
embryogeny of the Ascidia, Hiackel has modified his opinions upon this point: but we may say that the Sagitte were a badly chosen group among the Nematoidea for the support of this theory; for we do not find in them the four muscular bundles mentioned by Hickel, and their body is formed rather of two antimera.
On the other hand, the four primitive antimera occur with wonderful distinctness in the tail of the larvee of certain Ascidia (Perophora Listert) ; and even in some adult Ascidia they are clearly indicated by the quaternary symmetry of the buccal aperture.
Kowalevsky has himself expressed his opinion as to the position of Sagitta in the animal tree: he does not hesitate to place the Cheetognatha among the true Annelides*.
Before examining these various opinions more closely, it seems necessary to enter upon some general considerations which will enable us the better to appreciate the causes of their divergence.
One of the most difficult problems of modern zoology, and indeed that which must now-a-days preoccupy every thinking naturalist, is to determine in every peculiar arrangement of an organism what belongs to heredity, and what must be attri- buted to adaptation. Such inquiries present immense difficul- ties, and can only be fruitfully attempted with groups of which the embryogeny is sufficiently known. I speak, of course, of stratological embryogeny, which only dates from ten years back, and the general importance of which is unfortunately not understood by all who are engaged in zoological investi- gation. Every anatomical investigation that is not made with the object of elucidating this new embryogeny, is a work which may certainly possess some interest, but one which is no longer of our epoch, and even loses an enormous portion of its value. However, all naturalists of any merit have always been sus- tained in their efforts by a philosophical idea; and, although I may thereby subject myself to bitter criticism, I regard the memoirs of a Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, a Wolf, or a Kowalevsky as having contributed much more to the progress of science than the anatomy of the cat by Straus-Durckheim, or that of the tortoise by Bojanus.
We shall endeavour to show what enormous influence the external conditions of existence may have upon the form of an animal, what astonishing resemblances may result from the action of identical causes upon originally different organisms. It will be the eternal glory of Lamarck that he was the first to
* Nablioudenia nade rajvetierne Brachiopoda. Moscow, 1874, p. 34, note,
the Convergence of Types by Pelagic Life. 83
bring into the light this power of ethology. It will be the glory of Darwin that he has shown how much this action of the surrounding media is increased by natural selection, the idea of which is essentially inseparable from that of adaptation, selection at a given moment being determined by the limits of this adaptation.
We shall see hereafter how, in the particular instance of the Cheetognatha and in some other interesting cases, pure adap- tive analogies have been taken for relations of affinity. With- out pretending to give a complete solution of these questions, which are too complex to be treated lightly, we shall esteem ourselves fortunate if we have indicated the nature of certain difficulties, and thus contributed to clear the road which our successors will have to traverse.
Convergence of Types by Pelagic Life.
In a previous memoir* I have dwelt upon the convergence of types by parasitism, and pointed out that this mode of ex- istence gradually brought about in the most diverse animals organic modifications so profound as to cause the disappearance not only of the characters of orders and classes, but even of those of the great divisions or subkingdoms. Without the clue furnished by embryogeny we might easily be led to create families and genera including animals belonging to groups so distinct as the Trematoda, the Nudibranchiate Mollusca, the Cirripedes, and the Isopod and Copepod Crustacea. Since then, during the Scientific Congress at Lille, I have had the extreme satisfaction of learning that these opinions were shared by one of the most distinguished embryogenists of our time, Professor Carl Vogt. This eminent philosophical zoologist, without any knowledge of the memoir to which I have alluded, enunciated the same proposition, supporting it by precisely the same examples (Sacculina, Entoconcha, Redic).
Opinions of the same nature have also been expressed by Professor Martins (of Montpellier), one of the few French naturalists who have been able to understand the modern spe- cific movement in the biological sciences. He says} :— I cannot refrain from observing that the appearance of the same morphological type (of the same animal, so to speak) at various grades in the scale, is another argument in favour of commu- nity of origin combined with subsequent modifications. ‘The
* Revue Scientifique, July 11, 1874, 4° année, 2° série, no. 2, pp. 32 & 33.
+ See C. Martins, ‘La Création du monde organisé d’aprés les natura- listes de la nouvelle Ecole,’ p. 15.
G*
84 M. A. Giard on the Position of Sagitta, and on
type of the monkey with hands and with a prehensile tail ap- pears first of all in the chameleon—a reptile which does not creep but climbs, and twists its tail round the branch that bears it. This type reappears among the marsupials in the phalangers and opossums, among the rodents in the couendous (Syne- theres), and among the plantigrade carnivores in the kinkajou (Cercoleptes), to become multiplied, diversified, and terminated in the prehensile-tailed monkeys of South America, such as the sapajous, howling monkeys, and spider monkeys. The flying dragon, among reptiles, is the first appearance of an animal which sustains itself in the air by means of a membrane stretched upon the sides of the trunk. The flying phalanger or Petaurista among marsupials, the flying squirrel among the rodents, and, lastly, the Galeopithecus or flymg lemur are re- petitions of the same morphological type from the reptiles up tO) thes prIMaLes. wate te In the gradual evolution of living creatures, notwithstanding profound differences of organization, the same media and the same needs have induced the develop- ment of the same forms, which heredity has fixed and main- tained by the reproduction of the species.”
It will be seen that the learned Professor takes especially as examples organic arrangements relating to vital peculia- rities of secondary rank. ‘Thus we may say that some animals, such as the chameleon, the opossum, &e., present the same ethological type, rather than the same morphological type in the true sense of the word. It is the same with other animals with still more superficial resemblances due to direct mimetism, and not to parallelism of vital conditions*. The action of surrounding media is of course exerted from the exterior towards the interior, and does not succeed in modify- ing the morphological type in creatures which are already strongly differentiated until after a very long time, and only with the aid of very imperious physiological necessities. As a matter of course,