76 Transactions. — Zoology. 



begins ; the lower or flat- worms being represented by a model 

 of a planarian (Stylochus sp.), the higher or articulated worms 

 by a specimen of a New Zealand Nereis, prepared by Semper's 

 dry method. The Nereis is placed as if crawling on to a long side- 

 branch representing the arthropod phylum, and bearing speci- 

 mens of the New Zealand fresh-water cray-fish (Paranephrops 

 setosus), and the red-admiral butterfly (Pyrantels gdneritta). 



Somewhat below the origin of the arthropod branch, and 

 from the opposite side of the stem, springs a branch represent- 

 ing the group of Mollusca, and bearing an oyster (Ostraa edulis), 

 and a model of the cellar-slug (Limax fiavus). Close to the 

 origin of this, two short and slender branches arise from the 

 main stem, one bearing a brachiopod (Terebratella vitrina), the 

 other a polyzoon (Retepora cellulosa). 



A few inches above the worms, the vertebrate (or chordate) 

 phylum is supposed to commence. Two descending branches, 

 arising near togetber, represent the degenerate groups of the 

 Tunicata (Urockorda) and Acrania (Vephalochorda) : on the 

 Tunicata branch is placed a model of a simple ascidian (Micro- 

 cosmia pyriformis) ; from the end of the neighbouring branch is 

 suspended a model of the lancelet (Amphioxus). 



A short distance higher up the stem is another descending 

 branch, on which is fixed a stuffed specimen of one of the New 

 Zealand fresh- water lampreys (Geotria chilensis), representing 

 the probably degenerate group Cyclostomata. Above this begins 

 the lowest group of gnathostomatous vertebrata, the class 

 Pisces, represented by a small specimen of the common New 

 Zealand dog-fish or smooth hound (Mustelus antarcticus) sus- 

 pended from the main stem. Still higher, also suspended from 

 the main stem, is a specimen of the axolotl (Amblystoma 

 tigrinum) as an example of the Amphibia. 



A little above the place of attacbment of the axolotl, the 

 vertical stem comes to an end as such, dividing into two oppo- 

 site branches of unequal length, the shorter representing the 

 Sauropsida, the longer the Mammalia. On the proximal end of 

 the shorter branch, representing the Reptilia, a specimen of the 

 New Zealand spotted lizard (Mocoa grandis) is placed, close to 

 the fork, and with its tail winding round the upper end of the 

 main stem. On the distal extremity of the shorter branch is 

 perched a New Zealand parrakeet ( Platycercus noveB-zealandia) 

 as a representative of Birds, while in a corresponding position 

 on the longer branch is a marmoset (Hapale jacchus) as an 

 example of Mammalia. 



The labelling is an important feature of the model. For 

 each group — type, or class, as the case may be — a label is pro- 

 vided giving the scientific and English names of the group, and 

 of the species chosen to illustrate it, and indicating the place in 

 the Museum where further examples of the group are to be 



