85 



This is, I think, only reasonable, as some very free-swimming fishes have 

 not got a swimming bladder — for example, the common mackarel. Some 

 naturalists regard this organ as the rudiment of a lung. 



BEAIN OF DASYPUS SEXCINTES (Six-kinged Armadillo). 



From an interesting paper on the brain of Dasypus Sexcinctus, by Professor 

 Turner, of Edinburgh, it appears that he has found some slight indications of 

 convolutions on the cerebral hemispheres. 



This is also borne out by other observers, but still does not invalidate 

 Owen's cerebral classification, which unites in one sub-class called LissencephaJa, 

 that is smooth-brained, the four orders, Edentata, sloths, &c. ; Cheiroptera, 

 bats ; Insectivora, shrew, mole, &c. ; and Bodentia, rabbits, &c. ; for although 

 the smoothness of the brain is the leading characteristic amongst the four orders, 

 yet it is not unreasonable to expect to find an approach to the higher orders with 

 gyrated or convoluted brains as we approach the higher members of the smooth- 

 brained sub-class; for we must always remember thai; it is as much out of the 

 question to attempt to draw a " hard and fast line " in natural classification as 

 it is in a Reform Bill (applause). 



This paper gave rise to a very animated discussion, in which the President, 

 Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Cornewall, Mr. Key, Mr. Williams, and some other gentlemen 

 took part, but as it ended with a request to Mr. Lloyd to draw up a paper on 

 the use of the swimming bladder to fishes, and also with a request to Mr. 

 Bankin to take up the subject of the means of flight in birds for a second paper, 

 it is not necessary to give a minute report upon it. 



The President gave the thanks of the Club to Mr. Rankin for his able 

 paper, and then proceeded to read his own. 



