264 ON AUSTRALIAN AMPIIIPODA. 



This species is mainly characterised by the uniformity of the 

 anterior coxte and the feebleness of the pereiopoda. 



Genus Melita, Leach. 

 Melita australis, s}). nov. (PL IX., figs. 6 and 7.) 



Four anterior segments of the pleon with their posterior dorsal 

 border concave, and armed with two to six acute teeth. Eyes 

 small round. Superior antennae three-fourths of the length of 

 the body ; first joint of the peduncle stout, shorter than the second, 

 flagellum longer than the peduncle. Inferior antennae two-thirds 

 of the length of the superior pair; flagellum shorter than 

 peduncle. Anterior gnathopoda with the carpus and propodos 

 of equal length ; the former sub -triangular ; the latter quadrate, 

 the palm defined by a small spine ; the dactylos curved. Posterior 

 gnathopoda unequal in the male; the right resembling the anterior 

 pair in form, but longer, the palm net defined, the left with the 

 meros produced posteriorly into an acute spine, the propodos six 

 times as long as that of the anterior pair, subtriangular, with the 

 apex rounded, the base (palm) oblique, slightly concave, and armed 

 with three teeth, the antero- inferior angle produced into a stout 

 palmar process grooved internally for the lodgement of the dactylos 

 when the hand is closed ; dactylos geniculate at base, slightly 

 curved at apex. Three posterior pairs of pereiopoda large serrate, 

 hirsute, the third pair shorter than the others. Fourth pair of 

 pleopoda longer than the rest ; last pair with the inner ramus 

 rudimentary, the outer long floliaceous, serrate. Telson two- 

 branched, hirsute. 



Length four lines. 



Hab. Port Jackson (very common) ; Tacking Point, (M. -M.) 



The size of the larger posterior gnathopod and the form of the 

 teeth on the palm vary considerably. 



Melita (?) Eamsayi, sp. nov. (PI. X., fig. 1) 

 Posterior border of the three first segments of the pleon armed 

 with short hairs ; fourth and fifth segments with an acute mesial 



