210 Miscellaneous. 
served to be associated by cords of protoplasm extending between 
the bodies of the animals, as seen in Fthaphidiophrys elegans. The 
individuals associated together were of two kinds, those which were 
active, and a smaller proportion which were in an encysted quiescent 
condition. 
The active individuals resembled the common sun-animalcule. 
The body was usually spherical or oval, but variable from contrac- 
tion, colourless, granular, and vesicular, with a large central nucleus 
more or less obscurely visible and variably granular, with three or 
four or more peripheral contractile vesicles. The body had a thick 
envelope of delicate protoplasm, with innumerable and immeasurably 
fine straight spicules. The envelope with the spicules extended in 
numerous conical rays, from which proceeded numerous immeasu- 
rably fine granular rays. The encysted individuals presented the 
same essential constitution, except that the body was regularly 
spherical, enclosed by a structureless envelope or membrane, con- 
tained no contractile vesicles, and the enveloping protoplasm was 
devoid of granular rays. The body of the active individuals measured 
from 0°024 to 0-036 millim. in diameter; in the encysted indivi- 
duals usually about 0°02 millim. An active individual, with the 
body 0-033 millim. in diameter, with its envelope was 0-055 millim. 
in diameter. An encysted individual, with the body 0:02, with its 
envelope was 0°:036 millim. 
The active individuals were observed to feed on two species of 
minute monads, which were swallowed in the same manner as in 
Actinophrys. After some hours a few individuals appear to have 
separated from the surface of one of the groups; but they were as 
stationary and sluggish as when in association with others. 
The species is apparently distinct from others which have been 
previously noticed, and may be named Rhaphidiophrys socialis — 
Proc, Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., April 1883, p. 95. 
On the Genus Hyliota. By Graczanna Lewis. 
By a letter of inquiry from Prof. G. Hartlaub, M.D., of Bremen, 
Germany, concerning some rare African birds of the genus Hyliota, 
attention has been drawn to the specimens now in this Academy, of 
which there are three, all of them being male birds. 
The question at issue is whether there are two distinct species or 
only one; and as distinguished authorities differ on this point, it 
seems proper to offer to ornithologists the testimony which these 
specimens afford. 
The genus was first characterized by Swainson, who described 
the species H. flavigastra. ‘The bird was at first supposed to belong 
to India, but was subsequently found to inhabit N.E. Africa and — 
Senegambia, and was for a long time the only known species of the _ 
genus. Our specimen agrees moderately well with Swainson’s de- 
scription, but is, no doubt, an immature male; the wings are brown- 
ish and are not edged with glossy purple, but instead with a dull 
greyish white. The two external pairs of tail-feathers are edged 
more or less with white, as in the female. The band of white on 
