ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY, MICROSCOPY, ETC. 157 



l<s9-4, when a dozen or more specimens were thrown np from an artesian 

 well 188 feet deep, bored by the United States Fish Commission, at 

 San Marcos, Texas. The author supplements Dr. Stejneger's pre- 

 liminaiy description of this interesting form. The most striking 

 characteristics which Stejneger noticed, are the small, functionless, sub- 

 cutaneous ejes ; the white slightly iridescent skin, reminding one of the 

 integument of Proteus ; the extreme length and slenderness of the limbs ; 

 and the great size of the head as compared with that of the body. 



It is pointed out that Typhlomolge in most of its structural peculi- 

 arities (described in detail) shows a marked resemblance to the Spderpes 

 larva. The resemblances to Proteus are probably due to similar sur- 

 roundings and manner of life. It seems, therefore, that Typhlomolge 

 should be classed with Spelerpes in the family Salamandrids, and the 

 subfamily Plethodontinas. 



The persistence of the gills and the retention of other larval charac- 

 teristics, after the animal is sexually mature, is a phenomenon of rather 

 frequent occurrence among the Urodela (such cases have been reported 

 in Triton vulgaris, T. alpestris, T. cristatus, T. hoscai, T. waltU, and 

 Ambly stoma). According to Gadow, this may be interpreted as the 

 result of adaptation to the surroundings, which make a retention of 

 larval features advantageous, or as the result of the retardative or 

 inhibitory influence of the environment. " It may be possible that 

 Typhlomolge is a form closely akin to Spelerpes, whose retention of larval 

 characteristics, although sexually mature, is a result of its environment, 

 and that in other surroundings it might, as was the case with the Axolotl, 

 undergo metamorphosis." 



Circulatory and Respiratory Systems in Desmognathus fusca.* 

 Anne B. Seelye gives an account of these systems in this lungless 

 salamander. Both microscopic and macroscopic investigations are 

 recorded. This animal is furnished with an important breathing organ 

 in the form of a capillary network in the anterior portion of the 

 alimentary canal, mouth, pharynx, and oesophagus. This skin also plays 

 an important part in respiration. The integument around the sides of 

 the neck, where the skin is free from the underlying muscles, is especially 

 rich in subcutaneous vessels. 



Gill-filters of Deep-sea Fishes.f — Enoch Zander has studied the 

 branchial filters in 14 species of deep-sea fishes, e.g. of Cydothone, 

 Stomias, Macrurus, and Neohythites. His results harmonise with those 

 reached in his previous more general survey of Teleosteans. There is 

 considerable variety, but the specific differences are less striking than in 

 surface forms, probably because the conditions are more uniform. In 

 two species the sieve-processes are absent. The other species illustrate 

 the three characteristic main types of filter, but the framework is never 

 very close. A difference between those which probably live and feed at 

 the bottom and those that are pelagic can be established with some 

 security. 



* Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., xxxii. (1905) pp. 335-57 (4 pis.). 



t Zeitschr. wiss. ZooL, Ixxxv. (1906) pp. 157-82 (1 pi., 17 figs., and 2 tables). 



