243 



the caudal fin are two similar smaller ocelli. The caudal fin is 

 large and angular. Length of species about sixteen inches. 

 D. 86, P. 18, V. 10, A. 76, C. 17. 



Dr. S. also read, from his notes, taken on the spot, interesting 

 details relating to the Mackerel Fishery. He mentioned, that 

 immense numbers of Whiting, taken in the mackerel nets, are 

 thrown away as useless. Prof. Agassiz expressed his surprise at 

 this fact, and said, that in Europe the Whiting was considered a 

 valuable fish for the table, and preferred to Qod. 



Dr. Wyman exhibited a Cranium of Delphinus glohiceps^ 

 having the first four cervical vertebrae connected by anchy- 

 losis, as was also the atlas with the occiput. This he con- 

 sidered to be a morbid state of the parts ; as in more than 

 twenty other remains of the same portions of the skeletons, 

 which he had found at the same time and place, viz. the 

 beach at Provincetown, on a late visit, no such anchylosis 

 existed. 



Prof. Agassiz remarked, that the specimen was interesting 

 as showing an analogy between the Cetacea, the lowest 

 order of the Mammalia, and Fishes, in respect to the short- 

 ness and immobility of the cervical vertebrae. 



Prof. Agassiz also remarked on the fortunate position of Bos- 

 ton naturalists, in their location at a seaport. In this case. Dr. 

 Wyman had had an opportunity to correct the inferences drawn 

 from an abnormal specimen, by immediate comparison with nu- 

 merous others. No universities in Europe, excepting those of 

 Naples and Greifswald, are situated upon the immediate sea- 

 coast. Marine species have to be described from single speci- 

 mens, sent to naturalists, residing at a distance from the sea ; and 

 such descriptions are apt to be rather portraits of individuals than 

 definitions of species. 



Dr. Gould announced the reception of a box from Dr. J. 

 Lawrence Smith, at Constantinople, containing Birds and 

 Crustacea. 



He hailed with pleasure this first step to an interchange of 

 specimens of natural productions with the Turkish empire. He 



