NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 325 



August 1th. 

 Dr. Hays in the Chair. 



Thirteen members present. 



The following papers were presented for publication : " Descriptions 

 of new species of American Fresh-water Fishes, by Charles C. Abbott." 



" Description of new species of North America Reptiles in the 

 Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C, by Robert 

 Kennicott." 



" Notes and Descriptions of new and little known American Reptiles 

 by E. D. Cope." r 



And were referred to Committees. 



The number of the Proceedings for July was laid on the table by 

 the Committee. 



August lith. 



Dr. Hats in the Chair. 



Thirteen members present. 



The following paper was presented for publication : " Contributions 

 to American Lepidopterology, No. G, by Brackenridge Clemens, M. D.," 

 And was referred to a Committee. 



August 28 tJi. 

 Vice President Bridges in the Chair. 



Twenty-two members present. 



Dr. Fisher announced the death at New York, on the 17th inst. of 

 Victor Gr. Audubon, a Correspondent of the Academy. 



On report of the respective Committees, the following papers were 

 ordered to be published in the Proceedings ; 



Descriptions of new species of American Fresh-water Fishes. 



BY CHARLES C. ABBOTT. 



1. Plargyrus melanocephalu s Abbott. Head large, broad ; snout 

 very blunt. Body broad anterior to dorsal fin, rapidly narrowing posteriorly ; 

 dorsal outline greatly curved, making the depth of the body anterior to dor- 

 sal fin equal to one-fourth of total length. The eye large, circular ; diameter 

 equal to one-third the width of head. The distance from the posterior mar- 

 gin of opercular apparatus to edge of the orbit, is double that from extremity 

 of the snout to opposite edge of orbit. The nostrils, which have a double 

 opening, are situated on a line with the upper edge of the orbits. The mouth 

 is of medium size, terminal, the lower jaw the shorter. Small corneal, acute 

 cornua arranged on the snout, generally in parallel rows ; a few on the lower 

 jaw, irregularly placed. The lateral line, commencing at angle of operculum, 

 is greatly decurved, approaching nearer the ventral than dorsal outline, 

 posteriorly. The anterior ray of the ventral fin directly opposite that of the 

 ventral fin, each ray being equidistant from the snout and base of caudal 

 fin. The tips of the rays of the ventral somewhat overlap the anus. The 

 dorsal fin is higher than broad, quadrangular ; caudal finis slightly bifurcated : 



I860.] 22 



