368 



graphie des Scutelles." The author had a specimen which was 

 lost before any description could be made. 



6. ScHizASTER Lachesis Girard. — Sch. atropos Raven E. L. 

 Echin. recent and foss. of S. Carolina, 1848, p. 4. The most 

 prominent characters which distinguish this species from Sch. 

 airopos of Lamarck are its general form, which is elongated ovoid, 

 instead of being circular, elevated instead of being depressed, and 

 much narrower, especially on the posterior region. The ambul- 

 acra are longer and deeper ; the posterior ones slightly arched. 

 The depression under the anus is narrower and does not extend 

 to the inferior surface, the middle line of which is very convex. 

 The tubercles are a little smaller, whence the inference that the 

 spines must be slender. Numerous specimens of this species 

 were collected by Mr. J. Bartlett, who took them on the Texan 

 shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 



The origin of Lamarck's Sch. atropos is unknown. In the 

 " Encyclopedic Methodique," it is said to have been found on the 

 French shores of the British Channel, but as it has never been 

 seen since in these latitudes, there is a reasonable doubt of its 

 occurrence there. 



A note was read from Dr. William Read, resigning the 

 office which he had held for the past two years and a half, 

 of Curator of Conchology. 



On motion of the Secretary it was voted that the hearty 

 thanks of this Society be presented to Dr. Read for his 

 valuable and efficient services as Curator of Conchology. 



Dr. J. M. Warren presented a specimen of Brain Coral 

 from the North Pacific, nearly five feet in circumference. 

 He quoted Ehrenberg and Dana as authorities for saying that 

 such a specimen must have required centuries to attain to 

 its present size. 



An ivory cane, encrusted with a calcareous deposit, 

 which had been drawn up from the channel near Charles- 

 town bridge, was presented to the Society in the name of 

 Mr. George Edwards. The thanks of the Society were 

 voted for the donation. 



A specimen of Colymbus arcticusy Black-throated Diver, 

 was presented in the name of Mr. Theodore Lyman. 



