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1baIf==^an^1bour at tbe fiDlcroecope 



Mitb /IDr. TLnttcn Mest, jf^XS,, jf»1R./ll>,S., etc. 



Catenicella ventricosa (PI. XIIL, Figs. 1—2). — Catenicella is 

 the name of a genus of Polyzoa. The general structure^, of the 

 animals forming these elegant habitations was given in connection 

 with Fhistra foliacea (see Vol. I., p. 147). Two other forms 

 have been exhibited : the first, Gemellaria loriculata (Vol. I., p. 

 187), the second Lepra! la unicornis, an excellent specimen, but 

 wanting ovicells. By the kindness of Professor Buck, who takes 

 much interest in our Society, I have had opportunities of carefully 

 examining all the species which are known to him. They are 

 twenty-seven in number ; all inhabit the southern portion of our 

 globe, as New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, Bass's Straits, etc. 

 There is a strong family likeness amongst them ; all have a grace- 

 ful and elegant appearance, and many are curiously sculptured. 

 They are divided into two sections, according to the position and 

 character of the ovicells. In the first section these are sub- 

 globose and terminal ; of this the example before us may be taken 

 as a type. The other section has the ovicells galeriform (galea, 

 a helmet), and placed below and in front of the opening of a cell. 

 The structure of the Catenicellida shows an interesting adaptation 

 to resistance amongst stormy seas ; the calcareous cells being 

 strung, so to say, on flexible, horny branches, like delicate beads 

 on a tough string, whereby they are able to bend freely to, instead 

 of being broken up by, the waters. The animals were unknown 

 when Mr. Buck wrote ; perhaps some of our readers may have 

 friends or relatives in southern parts who would be glad to assist 

 science by forwarding specimens wdth the animals in spirits. I 

 should much like to know the history of this specimen ; those in 

 the British Museum collection came from New Zealand and 

 Australia. 



May I take this opportunity of pointing out how greatly atten- 

 tion to the derivation of words helps towards their correct remem- 

 brance, besides adding interest to our studies by the images they 

 are thus rendered capable of picturing forth ? Catena, a chain — 

 Catenicella, a little chain — is charmingly descriptive, and brings to 

 mind at once the most striking feature in the genus. Then again, 

 Ve?itricosus, like a sail bellied out by the wind, in allusion to the 

 gracefully curved outlines of the cells. I notice that, through an 

 inadvertence in naming the specimen, four of our members have 

 stumbled over this latter word, beginning it with a d, whereby it 

 becomes pointless and unmeaning. 



