408 Mr. G. Clarke on the Coco de Mer. 
skin entirely smooth: about half-way between the spiracles and the 
posterior terminations of the pectoral fin are situated two large ill- 
defined tubercles, one on each side of the body; two dorsal fins 
situated very far back on the tail; anterior dorsal entirely behind 
the ventrals ; height of anterior dorsal 2 inches 5 lines, breadth at 
base 1 inch 2 lines; length of posterior dorsal 1 inch 3 lines, breadth 
at base 10 lines; pectoral fins scarcely lobed posteriorly. ( Colour.) 
Uniform blackish brown above, greyish white beneath. 
Differs from the 7. Narke, T. immaculata, T. unimaculata, 
and T. Bancroftii, in being of a uniform brownish black above, 
not spotted as in those species; from the 7. Galvani and T. 
marmorata (Riss.) it will be distinguished by the edges of the 
spiracles being smooth, and entirely wanting the tooth-like 
processes with which the spiracles of those species are pro- 
vided; it is likewise much more slender than any of those 
species. The specific characters are of course peculiar. The 
specimen was taken in Dublin bay. 
XLVII.—Some further particulars of the Coco de Mer 
(Lodoicea sechellarum). By Grorer CLARKE, Esq.* 
THE germ sprouts indifferently, from either side of the cleft 
between the lobes, turning downwards in shooting, as repre- 
sented in this:section. It suffices for its ve- 
getation that it be placed on the earth ; it is 
not necessary that it be covered, but a shady 
situation is indispensable. It puts forth only 
one leaf a year, in general; but there are in- 
stances, it is said, in which two are produced ; they are, how- 
ever, exceedingly rare. The leaf at its first appearance is 
folded together in a most compact manner, so as to resemble 
a solid piece. This is moreover guarded by a thick downy 
* To this gentleman we were indebted for the account given in p. 422 
of the Annals. In the 54th volume of the Botanical Magazine, at tab. 
2734, will be found a long and interesting account of this Palm, drawn up 
by Sir Wm. Hooker, from the communications of Mr. Harrison, who has 
been long resident at the Seychelles. 
