76 DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 



same species, which I propose to name L. typica. The specific differ- 

 ences between these three forms are by no means strongly marked. 

 Some naturalists assert that they have seen examples of L. auricula 

 in which the marginal tubercles are absent ; and yet these are regarded 

 as its chief distinguishing characteristics. Again, the variations to 

 which the same species is liable, even in so limited a district as the 

 British Isles, from changes of aspect, light, and temperature, are far from 

 being fully recognised. This is true, especially in the case of Zoophytes, 

 for it is well known that in some instances Dr. Johnston's descriptions 

 of many of these last have been found insufficient, simply because they 

 were those of the varieties of these species found on the shores of the 

 eastern borders. The example of Lucernaria which I have obtained is 

 probably young, since its length is not more than one-third of that which 

 many Lucernaria attain, and is on this account well adapted to show 

 the general characters of the species. I do not even, notwithstanding 

 its peculiar characters, consider it a variety. It is merely an im- 

 mature form of that one species which, under different circumstances, 

 might become L. auricula, L. campanulata, or L. fascicularis. The 

 last-mentioned species occurs in but two (or three) British locali- 

 ties. The peculiar form probably depends upon local causes. The 

 L. cyathiformis is, however, a distinct form. 



"With regard to the position of the genus Lucernaria, the majority of 

 writers seem to be in error. It is usual to place this genus in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Actinia, and to state that the habits of the Lucernaria are 

 intermediate between those of Medusa? and Sea- Anemones. Mr. Gosse 

 considers that this genus is the link which connects the normal Actinia 

 with the Medusae. How any forms can do this, it is not easy to understand. 

 The Medusae and Actinia belong to separate and distinct divisions of the 

 extensive sub-kingdom, Ccelenterata. These two classes are the Hydrozoa 

 and the Actinozoa. That the Lucernaria is to be placed in the latter seems 

 more than doubtful. Those who associate it with the Actinia do not 

 appear to be at all familiar with its anatomy. More wisely, we think, 

 has Mr. Huxley placed it among the Hydrozoa, and made it the type of 

 an extensive family, containing the Hydra tuba, and such of the discoid 

 Medusae whose direct development from ova seems established, e. g., 

 Eginopsis. Such appears to be its true position. 



Dr. E. Percival Wright did not coincide with Professor J. Rcay Greene's 



