292 proceedings op the academy op [1884. 



November 25. 

 Rev. H. C. McCooK, D. D., Vice-President, in the chair. 

 Fort^'-one persons present. 



Embryology of Fulgur, etc. — Mr. John Ford reported the 

 finding of capsules of Fulgur carica, containing living embryos, 

 near South Atlantic City, on November 16, 1884. 



As he had already secured live specimens in December, 188.3, 

 and in each of the six months following, this would prove the 

 deposition of capsules by the species mentioned during the largest 

 part of the year, instead of in the spring months only, as was 

 formerly supposed. Living embryos of F. canalicidata were also 

 obtained monthly', during the same period. 



About one-half of the original amount of albumen in those 

 found on the 16th, had been utilized by the young mollusks ; a 

 somewhat reasonable indication that they were near the middle 

 stage of embryotic growth. 



In further support of this probability, it was noticed that the 

 delicate cilia which characterize the animal in its earlier stages, 

 were much shortened, and the shells less transparent. 



On the other hand, the thin circular membranes upon the edges 

 of the capsules, through which the matured embryos finally 

 escape, were still unbroken, and in much the same condition as 

 when first exposed ; thus proving that the young mollusks were 

 as yet unprepared for a new stage of existence. 



Several other strings of capsules, including some of F. canalicu- 

 lata, were secured on the same occasion, but exposure to the sun 

 for a day or two, had killed the embryos. 



At the same locality were discovered two species of living 

 Pholades, P. ciHspata Linn, and P. truncata Say, also a fine 

 colony of living Littorina irrorata Say ; all of these species 

 being new, it is believed, to that part of the coast. 



It is probable that the billet of wood in which the Pholades 

 were found, had drifted from some distant locality, as there do 

 not appear to be any conditions favorable to their existence 

 between Brigantine Lilet and Great Egg Harbor Bay. 



In regard to the habitat of the Littorina there could be no 

 doubt w^hatever, as they were present in large numbers, and in a 

 flourishing condition, although dwelling literally upon the sand, 

 instead of on broken rock or pieces of timber, where the species 

 is usually found. It is southern in distribution, rarely occurring 

 north of the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. 



An Unfainiliar PJiizopod. — Mr. Edw. Potts remarked that he 

 had observed, upon a scale of mica schist about one square inch 

 in surface, clipped from a stone picked up near the eastern margin 



