3()(j Uoyal Sue let d : — Letters from the 



With ivgiird to freshwater lish, tliere are said to be four 

 Ivinds, viz. : — 



1. A species of perch, coiunioiily called carp hero. 



2. A species of eel, iu most points agreeing with Anfjuilla 

 mannorattt, but differing in one iinj)ortant point at least. It un- 

 doubtedly enters the streams here, as the s[)ecimen which I have 

 was caught about a quarter of a mile abo\e the place whence we 

 get our drinking-water. 



3. A species of Eleotn's, a specimen of which was caught at the 

 same place as the eel. This lish, however, undoubtedly enters 

 brackish water. 



4. A species of MtK/il. I have my doubts as to whether this 

 fish can really be called a freshwater species. 



With regard to the Arachnida, I have collected a considerable 

 quantity of spiders, and have got specimens of the small scorpion 

 which is very fairly common on the island. 



A large IScolopendra is very common ; but a small species is not 

 so, and 1 have only succeeded in procuring one specimen. 



I have collected a very considerable quantity of insects, more 

 especially of the order Coleoptera. 



Peripatus I have not been able to find, though 1 haAe made 

 diligent search for it. 



There are two species of laud-crab, both of which I have pro- 

 cured. 



I have only been able to find one very minute species of fresh- 

 water sponge, which seems to be very rare. I have only found two 

 small specimens, \^■llich, however, came from two streams in widely 

 different parts of the island. 



The Vermes are not numerously represented on the island. 

 There are one or two species of Lumhricus. There are no leeches 

 in the streams, nor are there planarians either there or on land. 

 There is, however, a beautiful nemertine, which 1 have found under 

 stones and wood in damp places. I have also found a species of 

 Gordius in a stream. Believe me, 



Yoiu's truly, 

 The Secretary R.S. Geoboe Gttllitee. 



P.S. — I do not send any specimens home at present, as, being 

 nearly all in spirit, they still want attention, and it is also neces- 

 sarv for me to keep specimens by me, iu order to ascertain w hether 

 1 ha^e already got specimens which 1 may find. 



Kodriguez, Noveml)er 1874. 

 8in, — 1 send by the ' Shearwater' to-morrow, for transmission 

 by the mail leaving Mauritius on the I2tli instant, a |)acket of seeds 

 of some of the plants of this island; and, in accordance with my 

 instructions, 1 submit the following short rejiort of my proceedings 

 here up to the present date. 



