Extracts from the Minute- Book of the Linnean Society. 479 



unlikely occasionally to arise in deciding upon the comparative merits of papers 

 in botany and zoology, the two branches of natural history, of which, for many 

 years past, the Transactions of the Society have exclusively consisted. 



" Another point may still be noticed as decidedly unfavourable to the accept- 

 ance of the bequest, namely, the not improbable award of the Medal by the 

 Council, in some cases to one of its own body, in strict conformity with the 

 conditions of the will ; conditions which neither the Council itself, nor (as it 

 appears from the tenor and provisions of the will) any other party has the 

 power to modify. 



" These objections have appeared to the Council so important as not to admit 

 of any other course but that of respectfully declining to accept a bequest, the 

 operation of which would in all probability be injurious to the best interests of 

 the Society, by lowering the character of its publications, and endangering the 

 continuance of that harmony which has hitherto prevailed in all essential points. 

 The Council is at the same time deeply sensible of the kind and liberal inten- 

 tions of Mr. Rudge, and entertains a sincere regret that the express terms of 

 his will should have rendered the acceptance of his bequest liable to such grave 

 objections. 



" I have the honour to be, Sir, 



" Your most obedient humble Servant, 



"John J. Bennett, Secretary." 



It was moved, seconded and carried unanimously, that the Society 

 concur in the Resolution of Council, and that the thanks of the 

 Society be given to the Council for the mode in which they have 

 submitted the question to the consideration of the Society. 



1847. 

 Feb. 16. A Paper was read entitled, "On the Structure and Comparative 



Physiology of Chiton and Chitonellus." By Lovell Reeve, Esq., 



F.L.S. &c. &c. 



Mr. Reeve remarks on the paucity of species of Chitonidce known 



to Lamarck so lately as 1819, and the very large number (amounting 



to between two and three hundred) now known to inhabit the western 



coast of South America, the shores of New Holland and New Zealand, 



and other localities explored by recent voyagers ; and states that he 



is enabled by the kindness of Mr. Cuming and Capt. Sir Edward 



VOL. XX. 3 R 



