196 Scientific Intelligence Zoology. 



pilosa, the axis consists solely of radiating fasciculi of slender 

 fusiform spicula, as very accurately represented by Donati (PL 

 X.), in the Tethya spharica. Pallas mentions the former of 

 these zoophytes as very common and large on the shores of the 

 Cape of Good Hope ; Donati found it common in the Adriatic ; 

 the latter zoophyte is likewise mentioned by Pallas as not uncom- 

 mon at the Cape, and Donati found it adhering to various ma- 

 rine animals in the Mediterranean. Should these two zoophytes 

 from Shetland be found to agree in their recent state, with those 

 described by Donati, to which they have the closest resemblance 

 in the structure of their dried axis, they will afford new and strik- 

 ing proofs of the favoured situation of these remote islands, be- 

 yond the 58th degree of north latitude, for the growth of zoo- 

 phytes, most of the largest British species of which are already 

 known to abound on their indented and rocky shores, (see Wern. 

 Mem. vol. i. p. 560, et seq.) ; and the occurrence of these two 

 inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope and of the Mediterra- 

 nean, would lead us to suppose, that the temperature of the Shet- 

 land seas is much influenced by the heated waters of the great gulf 

 stream from the Equator. Had Donati's example been followed 

 by succeeding naturalists, in describing and delineating the forms 

 and arrangement of the ultimate spicula, particularly in zoo- 

 phytes, hke our present species, w hich have never exhibited any 

 trace of polypi, much of the present uncertainty would have 

 been removed from the natural history of the species, and much 

 more light would now have been thrown on the nature of these 

 mysterious beings." — Communication from Dr Grant. 



27. Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. — Of this work, con- 

 ducted by Geoffroy St Hilaire and Frederic Cuvier, we have 

 lately been favoured by a perusal of the first number of a 4to 

 edition. The folio edition is nearly completed ; and when so, 

 will contain 360 coloured plates, many of which represent objects 

 not before figured. The great size of this edition, and its ex- 

 pence, amounting to about L. 35 at Paris, not suiting private in- 

 dividuals, it has been thought proper to commence a 4to edition 

 at a reduced price ; this, when complete, is calculated to cost 

 scarcely more than 20 guineas. We have just been favoured by 

 a perusal of the first number or cahier. Betwixt it and the folio 



