70 



REPORT — 1842. 



rate orders, and we have in fact in the jugular barbels of the typical Ophidia a near 

 approach to the single ventral rays of some of the Gadi. Machaerium and Echiodon 

 form links in the series terminated by the Fierasfers, which have the fins further 

 reduced so that the dorsal becomes a mere fold of the skin. 



Notice of Halcyon Smyrnensis. By H. E. Strickland, F.G.S. 

 Mr. H. E. Strickland exhibited a specimen of Halcyon Smyrnensis (Linn.), transmit- 

 ted from Asia Minor by Mr. Edward Forbes. This species, described by Albin more 

 than a century ago, from a specimen procured at Smyrna by Consul Sherard, appears 

 not to have been subsequently noticed on the shores of the Mediterranean. The pre- 

 sent specimen is therefore of interest, both as verifying the general accuracy of 

 Albin's description, and because it is proved to be specifically identical with the Indian 

 bird figured in Buffbn's PI. Enl. 894, which some ornithologists have supposed to be 

 distinct. 



Mr. Gaskell exhibited specimens of the horns of the Wapiti Deer. 



On the Varieties of the Human Race. By Dr. Hodgkin. 

 The immediate object of this paper was to state the progress which had been made 

 in furtherance of the inquiry undertaken by the Section at a former meeting. It an- 

 nounced the further circulation of the copious and systematic queries printed at the 

 expense of the Association, and published in the last volume of the Transactions. 

 The paper concluded by urging the reappointment of the Committee — the applica- 

 tion for a further pecuniary grant in aid of the inquiry, and the solicitation of Govern- 

 ment assistance in extending the inquiries amongst military and naval officers on 

 foreign service — and more especially in calling for reports from the Protectors of 

 Aborigines appointed in some of our colonies. 



Note of Species obtained by deep Dredging near Sana Island, off the Mull of 

 Cantire. By George C. Hyndman, Member of the Natural History 

 Society of Belfast. 



When cruising about with my friend Edmund Getty, Esq., in the Gannet yacht on 

 the 19th of July 1841, the following result was obtained by dredging at the depth of 

 forty fathoms, about two miles east of Sana Island. The bottom was shelly, with a 

 proportion of shell-sand. The region " coralline," according to Mr. Forbes's defini- 

 tion. Dredge down three times. 



Species obtained. 



Fishes. 



Aspidophorus europaeus 



Mollusca. 



Chiton lffivis 



Capulus hungaricus 



Eiuarginula fissura 



Trochus tumidus 



millegranus 



Buccinum undatum. 

 Fusus despectus .... 



corneus 



Natica glaucina .... 



Montagui, Forb. 



Alderi, Forb. ... 



Itissoa communis, Fori) 



On fragment of Echinus. 

 Small and worn. 

 Small. 



Largest size, containing Pagurus Bernhardus. 



One very minute. 



Invested with Actinia (Jdamsia) maculata, and 

 containing Pagurus Prideauxiana. 



