New Publications. 201 



cation of the first number of the " Zcx)logicaI Researches;'' a 

 work intended to record descriptions and histories, with figures 

 of nondescript or imperfectly known animals. The present 

 number contains two memoirs, one on the metamorphoses of the 

 Crustacea, and on the genus Zoea ; the second on the genus 

 Mysis, or Opossum-shrimp. Both are illustrated by accurately 

 drawn and neatly engraved outlines of structure and form of t!ie 

 animals described. In the first memoir, the author, after some 

 observations on the luminosity of the sea, — which phenomenon 

 is partly occasioned by species of the Zoea tribe, — next details 

 those observations which have enabled him to ascertain that the 

 Zoea, and probably many of the Decapodous Crustacea, und(?r- 

 go a metamorphosis, by which they pass from the state of swim- 

 ming to that of crawling animals. This we consider a curious 

 and important discovery ; and, independent of other considera- 

 tions, enables us to explain what appears to many naturalists so 

 paradoxical, — the annual peregrinations of land-crabs to the 

 sea-shore. The memoir on the genus Mysis, or Opossum- 

 shrimp, a small group of the Crustacea, is not only instructive, 

 but must prove amusing, even to those who in general feel little 

 disposed to take an interest in the minute, but wonderful, crea- 

 tures with which the waters of the ocean are peopled. This 

 highly meritorious work, we doubt not, will be extensively pa- 

 tronized by the naturalists of this and other countries. 



6. M. de la Beche's Table of Formations, 2d Edition. 



In a former occasion, we reported favourably of the first edi- 

 tion of this interesting work. The present is no less worthy of 

 patronage, as it contains a good deal of new and useful informa- 

 tion. As another edition may he expected of a table, which 

 every geologist ought to possess, we hope the author will aban- 

 don the names medial, super-medial, &c. which are not so ap- 

 propriate as those already in general use ; and, besides, are not 

 likely to be adopted. 



OCTOBER — DECEMBER 



