16i THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. ix. 



The uame Necturns lateralis is also given to it by some natur- 

 alists. In many localities it is known to those unacquainted 

 with scientific classification and nomenclature as the " big water 

 lizard," the "mud-puppy," " water dog," or "dog-fish." Of 

 course the study of its anatomy proves it to be lower in organiza- 

 tion than either the reptiles or mammals, and higher than the 

 fishes. The principal characters distinguishing it from the 

 fishes are : 1st. the possession of jointed limbs instead of fins ; 

 and 2nd, the absence of a median spiny fin. The less important 

 distinguishing characters are : 1st, the nasal sacs, which are 

 closed posteriorly in fishes (except Myxinida? and Lepidosiren) 

 here open into the pharynx; 2nd, the heart has two auricles, 

 but in fishes (except Dipnoi) there is only ou*« auricle in the 

 heart ; 3rd, the presence of lungs, which organs are wanting in 

 fishes (except Dipnoi, where the swim-bladder performs the func- 

 tions of lungs.) 



On the other hand it is separated from lizards and other true 

 reptiles by : 1st, the articulation of the skull with the vertebral 

 column by two condyles or articulating prominences on the occi 

 pital bone, the reptiles having but one such condyle ; 2nd, the 

 absence of a quadrate bone between the jaw and skull; 3rd, the 

 formation of each ramus of the lower . jaw of only one piece ; 

 whereas in reptiles it consists of several pieces ; -ith, the presence 

 of gills, which never appear in reptiles at any period of their 

 existence ; and 5th, the complete absence of an external covering 

 of scales or scutes. 



NATURAL HISTOKY SOCIETY. 



ANNUAL MEETING. 



The Annual Meeting of the Natural History Society took 

 place on the 19th May 1879. 



The chair was occupied by the President, Principal Dawson. 



The minutes of the last annual meeting and those of the 

 previous meeting of Council were read and approved. 



The President then delivered the following address : 



