324 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



notwithstanding the close examination of other limestone shales, 

 to be the only locality which has yielded these interesting 

 remains. Mr J. W. Kirkby has identified and described the 

 species, naming them ChifoneUus Youngianus and C. suhquadratus 

 respectively (Geol. Mag., 1867). Of the latter, only one plate has 

 been found, but it is perfect and in fine preservation. The 

 exposed portion of the plate has been small, showing a heart- 

 shaped ornament, which terminates in two prong-like ridges. Of 

 C. Youngianus, four plates have been obtained ; two are perfect 

 and in fine preservation, the other two have parts of the inserted 

 ends broken away. The exposed portion of the plates in this 

 species is of an oval form, slightly raised, and surrounded by a 

 narrow tuberculated border and radiating striae. Mr Kirkby, in 

 the description referred to, says : — " There are other palaeozoic 

 Chitons which have been referred to the genus ChitoneUus, such as 

 C. Barrandeanus (De Kyckholt), of the Carboniferous rocks of 

 Belgium ; C. antiquus (Howse), and C. Hancockianus (Kirkby), of 

 the Permian strata of Durham ; but I do not know of any that 

 appear to so nearly approach tlie recent Chitonelli as the species 

 under notice." In the second edition of Dr S. P. Woodward's 

 " Manual of Recent and Fossil Shells," only the species found in 

 the Carboniferous rocks of Scotland are admitted as being true 

 Chitonelli by the editor. Plates of other species referred to the 

 true Chitonidae have been found in the limestone shales of one or 

 two localities in the West of Scotland, but are, however, very rare 

 organisms. The species which have been noted are Chiton gemmatus 

 (De Koninck), Gallowhill, Strathaven ; C. humilis (Kirkby), 

 Robroyston, Lanarkshire; C. Burrowianus (Kirkby), Orchard, 

 Renfrewshire ; and a few undetermined plates, probably of otlier 

 species. 



II. — Notes on the state of Vegetation in the PnUic Parks, and 

 Observations regarding the TFeather, etc., during last year (1S77). 

 By Mr Duncan M'Lellan, Superintendent of Parks. 



The writer stated that, on reviewing the changeable character 

 of the previous year, it would be at once perceived that it was a 

 remarkable one in many respects. During the months of January 

 and February there were only 9 dry days, as compared with 25 

 in the corresponding months of 187G. Tliis was a very 

 unsatisfactory beginning, and presented anything but a bright 



