( Ixxv ) 
(symmetrical) genera of what might be termed the Australian 
(in a broad sense) asymmetrical group, were confined, with the 
exception of a single species, to Australia (in a restricted sense), 
and that no asymmetrical species was known from there; 
while the most primitive (symmetrical) genus of what might 
be called the Oriental asymmetrical group, was confined to 
Ceylon; these primitive genera being much more alike than 
were their more highly specialised representatives in inter- 
mediate localities. 
It appeared, therefore, that we had here an example of 
discontinuous distribution, due to the pushing outwards of 
primitive forms by their more highly specialised descendants. 
This was especially well shown in the Oriental asymmetrical 
group, a group confined to the Oriental Region, and including 
all asymmetrical forms found there except those belonging 
to the genera Gonatas, Kaup, Graphalocnemis, Heller, and two 
small genera closely allied to the latter. The symmetrical 
genus Hpisphenus, Kaup, was confined to Ceylon, the dominant 
species in which island belonged to the slightly asymmetrical 
genus Chilomazus, Lang. In the Indian Peninsula the group 
was represented only by two species of the more highly asym- 
metrical genus Basilianus, Kaup. The degree of asymmetry 
exhibited by these two species was at least equalled by that 
of every asymmetrical species of the group found in the 
remainder of the Oriental Region, where the dominant species 
was Aceraius grandis, Burmeister, the most highly asymmetrical 
form known. A small symmetrical genus, allied to Episphenus 
but off the main line of evolution, had, however, succeeded in 
establishing itself in the hills of Assam and in the Eastern 
Himalayas. 
A considerable discussion took place on this exhibit with 
regard to the occurrence and possible use of asymmetry, in 
which Prof. Poutron, Mr. Cuampion, Rev. F. D. Morice 
and other Fellows took part; Dr. Dixry instancing the cases 
of the Narwhal and of certain Crustaceans, Mr. E. E. GREEN 
some species of Termites, and Mr. Kaye the male genitalia 
in many Sphingids; Mr. Gawan pointed out the undoubted 
utility of asymmetry in the mandibles of many insects, the 
teeth of the one side fitting into the grooves of the other, 
