Limapontia nigra. 19 



there forming a place for incubation, or for a nocturnal resi- 

 dence. Mice and rats will also find their way into these dis- 

 eased parts of trees. I know of a crab-tree in which a mouse 

 lives. Its hole is about 5 ft. from the ground. 



I have written this paper, first, to show the true habits of 

 the titmouse and the woodpecker relative to their choice of a 

 place for their incubation; and, secondly, to catch the eye 

 of the proprietor of the American Quarterly Review, who, I 

 am informed, has thought fit to heap anonymous abuse upon 

 me, with an unsparing hand. Let this sage discerner of orni- 

 thological merit turn to pages 200. and 343. of the Biography 

 of Birds, and then blush for American ignorance. 



Walton Hall [, near Wakefield, Yorkshire], Dec.2l. 1835. 



[In the Architectural Magazine, the number for August, 

 1835 (ii. 361, 362.), are printed remarks by Mr. Waterton 

 " on what is commonly called dry rot," and on a method of 

 preventing it. In the communication above, he has treated 

 on decay in trees ; in that communication, on decay in timber, 

 by what is commonly called dry rot. Mr. Waterton con- 

 siders that " Dry rot is a misnomer. This disease in timber 

 ought to be designated, a decomposition of wood by its own 

 internal juices, which have become vitiated for want of a free 

 circulation of air."] 



Art. IV. Illustrations in British Zoology. By George John- 

 ston, M.D., Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edin- 

 burgh. 



Limapo'ntia ni v gra. {fig. 14<.) 

 Description. — Body limaciform ; when extended, two lines 

 in length; the back 14 



convex, protube- 

 rant; very black, 

 smooth, naked : 

 head rounded or 

 truncate in front, 

 depressed, light-co- 

 loured, the mouth 

 terminal, subinfe- 

 rior : eyes two, 

 lateral, black, ses- 



• I c |. a Limap6ntia nigra of the natural size ; b, the same magnified ; 



Slle I IOOt linear- ' C) the same in a state of semi-contraction; d, the animal seen 



oblong, tapered be- swiraming in a reversed position - 

 hind and extended beyond the body, so as to form a small tail, 

 whitish, with a few obscure yellowish specks. 



g 4 



