390 Miscellaneous. 



central rounded portion, while the smaller end is not so visibly 

 affected. Of course, according to Schleiden's view, the continuity of 

 the lines is a necessary consequence of the formation by layers. I 

 did not attempt to trace the continuity of each line ; I endeavoured 

 to count the number from the small end to the hilum, and from 

 thence to the large end, and could always distinguish more lines in 

 the latter direction. The starch certainly appears, when heated on a 

 metal plate, to separate in the direction of the concentric lines. Also, 

 if starch be made into a paste with gum, and thin slices be taken 

 from the mass, many sections of the granules will be made. As far 

 as my observations extend, if a granule from which only a small piece 

 has been cut off be observed, cross lines upon the cut surface uniting 

 the concentric lines will be seen. If, however, the section extend 

 through the middle of a granule, such lines will not be observed. 

 Also in examining uninjured starch, I fancy that, the starch (being 

 beyond the focus) as it is brought into focus, the concentric lines 

 come into view on the surface of the granule before the edges are 

 quite brought into focus, as though the markings were superficial. 

 May not the lines be formed by foldings of the membrane dipping 

 into the starch, and disposing it to break up in the direction of the 

 folds, somewhat analogous, in fact, to the ruminated albumen of the 

 nutmeg ? I do not positively assert this view, but merely throw it 

 out as a conjecture ; it seems to me not improbable. The hilum I 

 believe to be the remains of the nucleus, which in full-grown vege- 

 table cells is generally absorbed ; that it is a hollow space filled pos- 

 sibly with amorphous starch, perhaps only with water or cell-sap. I 

 think, however, that the only method of attaining a sure knowledge 

 of the structure of the starch grain is by observations on its develop- 

 ment ; by taking, for instance a potato, examining by sections the 

 first appearance of the tubers when they appear as mere swellings of 

 a fibril, and continuing the observation up to the cells of the fully- 

 formed tuber. I purpose making some observations on the subject 

 during the spring, and if I find them of any value, will communicate 

 them to the Society. — From the PharmaceuticalJournali April 1855. 



Description of a New Species ©/"Aulacorhamphus. 

 By John Gould, F.R.S. 



AULACORHAMPHUS CiERULEOGULARIS. 



Upper surface dark green, with an olive tint on the head and nape, 

 and of a brighter green on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; prima- 

 ries blackish brown, margined externally at the base with dark green ; 

 tail deep green, passing into blue towards the extremity, and tipped 

 with rich chestnut ; throat and fore part of the cheeks cserulean 

 blue ; under surface green, washed with yellow on the flanks and 

 abdomen ; under tail-coverts rich chestnut ; bill black, with the ex- 

 ception of the upper part of the sides of the upper mandible and the 

 apical portion of the culmen, which are greenish yelllow, passing into 



