270 Observations on the Amphiuma Means. 



I have lately received through the politeness of Mr. N. A. 

 Ware, which were sent to him from Florida by Mr. La Rue 

 (of Pensacola.) The smallest was very interesting, as it was 

 but three inches in length, and yet did not exhibit the least 

 appearance of branchiae. Total length of the largest was 

 two feet two inches ; breadth of the head across the eyes 

 eleven-tenths of an inch : distance between the eyes seven- 

 tenths ; between the nostrils three-tenths ; from the eyes to 

 the tip of the snout seven-tenths ; distance between the anterior 

 and posterior extremities twelve inches and three-tenths. 

 Vent, a distinct longitudinal rima situated immediately behind 

 the posterior extremities. From the vent to the extremity of 

 the tail six inches and three-tenths ; tail tapering and com- 

 pressed at the lower half. Girth four inches two-tenths ; 

 length of the posterior extremity six-tenths : of the anterior 

 four-tenths, perhaps somewhat contracted by spirits. 



I am indebted for the accompanying drawing, Plate XXII. 

 to Mr. Titian Peale. 



Note to a paper entitled Observations on the Genus 

 Salamandra at p. 222 of this volume. 



In the October number of the " Bulletin des Sciences 

 Naturelles," for 1824, Dr. J. C. Van Hasselt has proposed 

 the name of Abranchus for a genus of mollusca inhabiting the 

 Island of Java. As this name has the priority over mine, I 

 have determined to propose the following in its stead. 



Genus Menopoma. 



Generic Character. Persistent op erculi; destitute of bran- 

 chiae at all times, these organs being replaced by operculi ; 

 five toes to the posterior, four to the anterior extremities ; 

 the outer edge of the feet fimbriated ; two outer toe? of the 

 hind feet palmated : clawless. 



