in the village who recognized the plant, indicate that it may not be infrequent throughout the town.

Onondaga valley affords frequent outbreaks of the same limestone rock along its sides and in gorges of streams descending to the creek, where this fern may grow.

Mr.

Hon. George Geddes, son of the J. Geddes, Esq. referred to by Pursh, was then appealed to for information in general respecting this fern or its earliest station, and he readily cleared up the whole mystery. The place where it was discovered, he said, was nearly five miles west of Syracuse and half a mile south of his father's house; on the single point of its being on his father's farm Pursh must have erred; but it was near by, along a high ledge and about a celebrated sulphur spring. Geddes very kindly extended the hospitalities of the same mansion in which Pursh made his stay while exploring in this region, and accompanied the writer to a locality called Split-rock, half a mile south of Fairmount, the residence of Mr. Geddes, who confidently believes this to be the place where Hart's-tongue was discovered and formerly flourished. He recollects perfectly well how, when a boy, the existence of the fern having been doubted, his father charged him to search carefully for it in his hunting excursions, and directed him specially to this locality. Splitrock is another development of the limestone formation, probably one hundred and fifty feet high and over half a mile long, semicircular, with a brook at its base on whose bank is the sulphur spring. Its lofty and long rocky slope beneath the cliff, once a most favorable station for Scolopendrium, was long since cleared, dried up, and trodden over by cattle. Walking-ferns still linger, and even abound where there is any shade, but it is to be feared that all Hart's-tongues have perished.

In Madison county this plant may be looked for among the upper branches of Cowaselon creek east of the Chittenango valley, which pass through ravines and over falls; and around a number of pit-hole lakes westward. The station below Chittenango falls, brought to light about the year 1830 by William Cooper, Esq., which for so long time has been regarded as the only locality of this plant on our continent, therefore must have been unknown to both Pursh and Nuttall. The record of the latter," S. officinarum, v. v. In the western parts of the state of New York, in the crevices of calcareous rocks, beneath the shade of the Hemlock Spruce (Abies canadensis), and accompanying the Tarus canadensis or American Yew," probably is merely a confirmation of the habitat of Pursh. His statement, "near Canandaigua, at Geddis's Farm, in a shady wood, with Taxus canadensis," as reported by Dr. Pickering to Dr. Torrey to have accompanied specimens in the herbarium of the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia, most likely was an error for near Onondaga, &c., easily made from similarity in the names, or from the indefinite extent covered by the former name at that time, 1806-1818. However, no such statement now exists in the herbarium at Philadelphia with Nuttall's specimens; and for the identity of his with the habitat of Pursh as above ascertained, we have "Geddis's farm," with both Abies canadensis and Taxus canadensis remaining in abundance near by.

The connection of Scolopendrium with Lake Simcoe, Canada West, as given in this Journal and repeated in a Catalogue of Oneida County Plants, has been a mistake for Owen Sound on the Georgian Bay. Here

it was discovered in 1857 by Professor William Hincks, growing plentifully on the rocks around the falls of a stream emptying into the Sound; since then it has also been observed by others in adjacent localities.

Geologically, this fern is confined to the limestones, and may be searched for wherever the Helderberg, Niagara and Trenton groups afford favorable stations.

Cambridge, June 15, 1866.

7. Icones, Histiologica, oder Atlas der vergleichenden Gewebelehre ; zweite Abtheilung. Der feinere Bau der höhereren Thiere. Erstes Heft. Die Bindesubstanz der Coelenteraten, mit x Tafeln und 13 Holzschnitten; by A. KÖLLIKER. Leipzig, 1865.-This work is an elaborate essay upon the microscopic structure of Polyps and Acalephs, but more especially, upon the hard parts of the Halcyonoid Polyps. It is well illustrated by numerous beautifully executed plates and cuts, giving the details of the structure of sections of the axes of Gorgoniæ, &c.; the peculiar forms and structure of the calcareous spicula, observed in all Alcyonaria; the integuments of various Hydroids, etc. As a work illustrating the histology of these classes of animals it is invaluable and far beyond any preceding work on the same subject.

On pages 131 to 142 the author has given a Synopsis of the Classification of the Halcyonoid Polyps so far as known to him, and has introduced many new species and several new genera, with many important changes, based mainly upon the microscopic structure of the hard parts.

The genus Primnoa is maintained with its original limits, the subdivisions of Dr. J. E. Gray not being recognized. The genus Muricea is restricted to those forms like M. spicifera Lamx., while for the group having M. placomus Ehr. as its type, the new genus Paramuricea is established, with four species. The new genus Echinogorgia, allied to the two last mentioned, has the Gorgonia sassapo Esper, as its type, and includes four other species, all figured by Esper. This genus seems to be equivalent to my Lissogorgia,' proposed Feb. 1864, but which was not actually published until Oct. 1865, so that the former appears to have the precedence. The two species referred to (E. flabellum and E. flexuosa nov.) do not appear to be identical with either of those mentioned in this work. The genus Plexaura is restricted to forms like P. flexuosa Lamx., and for another group having P. dichotoma as its type, the genus Plexaurella has been established, with six species. The limits of the genus Gorgonia have been enlarged by the reunion of Pterogorgia, Leptogorgia, Lophogorgia, Xiphigorgia, Rhipidogorgia, Hymenogorgia, Phyllogorgia, Phycogorgia, &c., with the typical Gorgonia of M. Edw. and Haime. The genus Erythropodium is proposed for Xenia carybaorum Duch. et Mich., and this, with Sympodium, is placed in the family Briariacea.

2

The author is, however, certainly at fault in uniting Gorgonia suberosa Ellis, Alcyonium plexaureum Lamx., and A. asbestinum Pallas, into one species (Br. suberosum Dana), for, as I have previously shown, they represent three very distinct species and two genera. But Briareum palmachristi Duch. et Mich. is probably identical with B. asbestinum. This is

1

Proceedings Boston Soc. Nat. History, x, 22, and Proc. Essex Institute, iv, 187. Bulletin of the Museum of Comp. Zoology, No. 3, p. 39, and Revision Polyps E. Coast U. S., p. 10.

doubtless owing to the lack of specimens of G. suberosa Ellis. For the Gorgonia suberosa Esper, the new genus Sclerogorgia is established, which, as indicated, appears to be the same as Suberogorgia Gray. The G. patula Ellis and G. verriculata Esper are referred here, and a subfamily, Sclerogorgiaceae, is instituted for the group.

The work is of peculiar value in systematic zoology because the author has had, for examination and illustration, the original specimens of Esper, as well as of Duchassaing and other writers, thus restoring to the science many species that have long been regarded as doubtful, or altogether neglected by many recent authors, although very well described and figured by Esper.

A. E. V.

8. The Anatomy and Physiology of the Vorticellidian Parasite (Trichodina pediculus Ehr.) of Hydra; by H. JAMES-CLARK. From the Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural History, with a lithographic plate. February, 1866.-In this paper the author has given an elaborate and very complete account of the anatomy, physiology, and habits of one of the most singular forms of ciliated Infusoria, and has thereby afforded the means of gaining a clearer knowledge of the general structure and classification of the entire group of Protozoa.

This parasite is stated to be the form mistaken by Prof. Agassiz for the free Medusa of Hydra, of which the discovery was announced in the Proceedings of the Boston Soc. of Natural History, Nov. 1850, p. 354. The investigations upon the structure of this species has an additional interest on account of the views held by some authors that the Vorticellida are closely allied to the Bryozoa.

According to Prof. Clark, all previous figures of this species represent it in an abnormal or diseased state. "The peristome is not a closed circle as in Vorticellidæ proper, but follows the spiral course of the vibratory crown, and vanishes near the aperture of the vestibule. The vibratory crown consists of a single row of vibrating cilia, which winds along the margin of the spiral, dexiotropic peristome, just at the edge of the cupuliform disk, and descends thence to the left of the vestibular aperture, and entering it, plunges to the bottom of the vestibule, in an unbroken line. Neither Trichodina, nor any of the Vorticellida, possess a vestibular lash or bristle, and the latter is an optical illusion. The posterior truncate end of the body is margined by a well-defined annular velum, immediately behind which, and arising from the same basis, is a complete circle of vibrating cilia." ***"The vestibule opens near and posterior to the cilia-crowned margin of the sunken cupuliform disk. The anus opens into the vestibule a short distance from its mouth, and on the right side. The contractile vesicle is a simple cavity, which performs its systole once in fifteen seconds."

66

A. E. V.

9. The Arctic Annelids: Nordiska Hafs-Annulater, af A. J. MALMGREN. Oefversigt af K. Vet.-Akad. Förhandlingar, 1865, Nos. 1, 2, 3.) Stockholm, 1865-66. 8vo, pp. 135, with 19 plates. This most useful work on the higher Annelids of the Arctic seas, embracing collections made at Spitzbergen, Greenland, Iceland and Finmark, will prove invaluable in studying the species of our own coast. It is a monograph of the arctic Dorsibranchiate and Tubicolous Annelids, with numerous synoptical tables of the genera, and detailed descriptions of all the species and genera, whether new or previously edited. Three new

families, the Ampharetea, Sabellacea, and Eriographidea, are characterized. 52 new genera and 52 new species are described. The great number of genera proposed, at least give evidence of a careful study of these difficult forms, though sometimes the generic characters seem too slight. As most of these genera, with the same or closely allied species, are likely to occur on our own coast, the work will form, with the older work of Oersted, quite a complete manual of our Annelids. The descriptions are in Latin, and the work is thus rendered accessible to all. The illustrations are very full, nearly every species being figured, and though sometimes stiff, are in the main excellent.

A. S. P.

10. On Collections of Bones of recent Rattlesnakes in fissures in limestone near Howe's Cave; by Wm. A. ANTHONY. (From a letter to one of the Editors, dated Franklin, Del. Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1866.)-On my way to Albany last week, in company with Prof. Orton of Antioch college, I stopped at "Howe's Cave," and there learned that at a stone quarry, about a quarter of a mile distant, the workmen had struck into a fissure filled with the bones of rattlesnakes. We visited the spot, found the bones very abundant, and collected a few specimens. We thought the subject of sufficient interest to warrant further investigation, and I therefore stopped on my return from Albany, and made a large collection which I take the liberty to send to you with the following account.

The quarry in which the bones are found is on the Albany and Susquehanna railroad, about a quarter of a mile above 'Howe's Cave.' The rock is a limestone of the water-lime group, abounding in vertical fissures. One of these was opened by the workmen in the process of working the quarry. It was several feet in width but was nearly filled by loose fragments which had fallen from the top. Among these fragments are passages worn smooth by long usage and now filled with the bones of the former inhabitants.

The

The rock forming the sides of the fissure is in some places covered with an incrustation of carbonate of lime an inch or more in thickness. bones are found in great quantities. Of vertebræ and ribs, I might have collected a bushel in a short time. The man in charge of the work at the quarry told us that they had found deposits of bones that required a man ten minutes to remove with a shovel, and from my own observation I have little reason to doubt his statement. These facts show that the number of individuals that inhabited the cavern must have been enormous.

11. Mémoires pour servir a l'Histoire Naturelle du Mexico, des Antilles et des Etats-Unis, par HENRI DE SAUSSURE; III and IV Livr., Orthopteres Blattoides. 280 pp. 4to, with 2 col. pl. Geneva and Paris, 1864-65. (Paris, V. Masson & Fils.).-This important work on the Orthoptera of Mexico and the Antilles is based, as the preface states, mainly on the collections and observations of the author, H. de Saussure, but in part, also, on Mexican specimens received from Mr. Sallé; others from Cuba from F. Poey of Havana, and others from the United States, for comparison, received from Mr. Edward Norton of Connecticut. The volume before us, constituting the third and fourth parts, conclude the work. It is but a small part of the very valuable contributions to Zoology by Mr. de Saussure which have been published as the results of his Mexican explorations.

AM. JOUR. SCI.-SECOND SERIES, VOL. XLII, No. 125.-SEPT., 1866.

IV. ASTRONOMY AND METEOROLOGY.

1. Observations on the Meteors of August last; by DAVID TROWBRIDGE. (From a letter to the editors, dated Hector, N. Y., lat. 424° N., long. 0° from Washington, Aug. 11th, 1866.)-The following is a report of my observations of meteoric phenomena at the August period, 1866.

Aug. 9.-I observed from 9 till 9.20 P.M. I saw fourteen meteors, the paths of four converged toward Cygnus, and seven toward Cassiopea, or a little below (to the east, estimated on the meridian). Nearly all left a visible train. Some moved slowly and others rapidly.

Aug. 10.-I observed from 9 till 10.15 P.M. in company, a part of the time, with three other individuals. We saw in all sixty-five meteors; 1 saw at least fifty of them. The paths of forty-seven of them converged toward Cassiopea. Some of them left long trains, one of which in particular, lasted (by estimation) six or seven seconds. I should judge that the average time of flight did not exceed half a second. Average length of path about 30°. One of them, which did not conform, was from one to one and one-half seconds in its flight. In general those which did not conform moved with less apparent velocity than those which did. Many of them were very small and moved with great rapidity.

Aug. 11.-I observed from 8.15 till 9 P.M. and saw eight meteors, four of which were conformable. It was partly clear a portion of the time. On each evening my attention was confined mainly to the region of the heavens surrounding Cassiopea.

If the rudeness of my observations would allow me to draw any conclusion, I should say that on the 9th the center of the region from which the meteors came was somewhat below the chair (as seen at the time of observation); on the 10th nearer the chair; and on the 11th in the chair.

On the evening of the 26th of July (1866), about 8 P.M., a very bright meteor flashed out in Cygnus, and moved from east to west with great rapidity. Its path was about 30° after I saw it. Height above the northern horizon about 50°. Duration of flight from one-half to one second. It left a beautiful train. The head was red and train blue. It was certainly below the clouds. It passed between me and some cirrostratus clouds, so dense as to hide ordinary stars completely. Several others that saw it said it was below the clouds.

2. Observatory of Russia.-The place of Mr. Kupffer at the head of the Central Observatory of Russia has been filled by the appointment of Prof. Kaemtz of Dorpat.

3. Mass of Meteoric Iron in Colorado Territory.-Prof. Henry has transmitted to the Editors a note respecting the discovery of a mass of iron in a deep gulch near Bear Creek, Colorado Territory, about twentyfive or thirty miles from Denver, and 800 or 1000 feet below the top of a steep hill. Mr. James L. Wilson, who describes it in the Daily News published at Denver, Colorado Territory, May 14th, states that it was at first mistaken by himself and Mr. G. R. Morrison who accompanied him and who had seen it before, for the blossom' or "iron hat" of a mineral lode. "It is irregular in form, being about twenty-two inches long, uine to ten broad, and fourteen wide. Four of its faces are flat and two rounded. This form indicates it to be a fragment of a much larger mass.