239 
into one, and that the difference of position which exists be- 
tween the Tunicata and Polyzoa, with respect to the position 
of the ganglion, is unimportant, being the necessary result of 
the other modifications of structure. 
7. The generative systems of the two were then compared, 
and shown to present strong points of resemblance ; and it was 
finally concluded that the Tunicata and Polyzoa were more 
closely allied to one another than either to any other branch 
of the animal kingdom. The inexpediency, however, of re- 
moving the Tunicata from the Mollusca, and placing them with 
the Polyzoa at the top of the Radiata, was insisted on, and it 
was, on the contrary, maintained, that the great group of the 
Acephalous Mollusca contained four principal types of form, 
which admitted ofa subordinate grouping by two and two, 
namely, the Polyzoa and Tunicata, and the Brachiopoda and 
Lamellibranchiata. 
Mr. W. T. Mulvany, on the part of the Commissioners of 
the Board of Works, presented several collections of antiqui- 
ties made by the officers employed in different parts of Ireland 
in drainage operations. 
He also presented a private collection of antiquities, found 
by Mr. Gray, and exhibited about sixty articles, the property 
of private individuals in the neighbourhood of Strokestown. 
He also presented, on the part of Mr. Maclane, a two- 
pronged fork, with a carved ivory handle, representing the 
lion and unicorn fighting. This fork had been found at Li- 
merick. 
Mr. Mulvany then proceeded to give an account of the seve- 
ral collections presented by him to the Academy, and to explain 
the circumstances which led to their formation. As, however, 
several members were anxious to hear Mr. Mulvany’s commu- 
nication at greater length than the time would then allow, it 
was unanimously resolved that he be requested to read his 
paper in extenso on the next night of meeting. 
