pressly, that the eastern coast of America, from the latitude of 66° 
north, to that of 40°, is abundantly frequented by them. Le Sueur, 
too, an excellent ichthyologist, and well acquainted with the mar- 
kets of New York and Boston, where this fish may always be seen, 
did not consider it a novelty, although on the look-out for new spe- 
cies. The difference in the descriptions of the two species is not 
greater than that between other species inhabiting the shores of both 
continents. The number of fin-rays, particularly, seem to vary greatly 
from English species ; the number stated by Yarrell and Dr. Storer, 
never corresponding, except in the ventral fin, which, in the family of 
Gadide, the only one in which comparison has been made, corres- 
pond in every instance. The question of identity now raised, will 
no doubt soon be determined, it being very easy to procure, eee 
the fishermen, specimens of the true bank cod for examination 
There are in the work some few errors of fact, and inaccuracies of 
language, which, though of little importance in themselves, deserve 
notice, that the author’s attention may be called to them, in anticipa- 
tion of a reprint of bis work, which without doubt will be called for 
before any considerable time shall elapse. 
These remarks on the report on fishes, will be concluded with the 
expression of a sincere hope, in which I doubt not all will participate, . 
that Dr. Storer will continue to give his attention to this subject, and 
will from time to time sca before the society such new information 
as he may acquire. 
Having given so much time to the first report, there remains but 
little for the reptiles. 'The number of species of this class described 
is only forty. Of the order Chelonians there are eight, divided 
among the genera Emys, Sternotherus, Emysaurus, Cistuda, and 
Sphargis. The numerous order of Saurians is represented by a sin- 
gle lizard. Of the Ophidians there are twelve, one of which, Colu- 
ber occipito-maculatus, is a newly described species. The Batrachi- 
ans number seventeen, viz. of the gehus Rana four, Hylodes_ one, 
Hyla two, Bufo one, Salamandra nine. The descriptions are shorter 
and less elaborate than those of the fishes, and do not seem to have 
been produced with the same satisfaction to the author, but are en- 
tirely creditable to him. 
The number of species belonging to the class of reptiles in this 
state, is without doubt destined to be very much enlarged. The Emy- 
des or fresh-water tortoises, and the Salamanders, two genera which 
are distributed in extraordinary numbers in North America, have not 
yet contributed their full proportion to the list. In conclusion, the 
Society may be congratulated on the appearance of these reports. 
They are the legitimate fruits of the exertions of this institution in 
