Geological Society. 383 



scopic sections, the primary layer of v. Koch, or centre of calcifica- 

 tion of Bourne and Fowler, enclosed on both sides by layers of 

 compact subcrystalline stereoplasm. In longitudinal fractures the 

 septa frequently split in the centre of the dark or jirimary layer, 

 and thus SiOw that each half of the septum consists of a dark and 

 light portion, and the median face of each septal lamina exhibits 

 transverse growth-lines, not unlike those of an epitheca, beneath 

 which are delicate longitudinal ridges and grooves. The thecal wall 

 has a similar structure to that of the septal lamina, of which it is 

 an extension. 



There is a close correspondence in the septal and thecal structure 

 of Septastnea and that of the recent and fossil genus Flabellum, and 

 in this genus also the septa occasionally split longitudinally and 

 show the same growth-lines on their median faces. 



Only two species are included in Septastrcea, as now defined, 

 viz. S. Forbesi, E. & H., and JS. (Columnaria ?) sexradiata, Lons- 

 dale, sp. 



February 29, 1888.— W. T. Blanford, LL.D., F.R.S., 

 President, in the Chair. 



The following communication was read : — 



" Appendix to Mr. A. T. Metcalfe's paper ' On Further Disco- 

 veries of Vertebrate Remains in the Triassic Strata of the South 

 Coast of Devonshire, between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth.' " 

 By H. J. Carter, Esq., F.B.S. 



A microscopic examination of certain calcareous pellet-like bodies, 

 containing plates possessing a bony structure, and referred to in 

 Mr, Metcalfe's paper in the Society's Journal for May 1 884, revealed 

 the fact that the plates resembled the scales of the Bony Pike, and 

 also the scales contained in certain Liassic coprolites which were 

 identical in appearance with the Triassic pellets. The Author con- 

 cluded that tlie latter were the coprolites of Triassic amphibians 

 which fed upon the same kind of Ganoid fishes as the Ichthyosaura 

 of the Lias. 



The Author had also examined microscopically the so-called 

 " spine," No. 1, fig. 2, and the jawbone, No. 2, of Mr. Metcalfe's paper, 

 and observed that there appeared to be no difference between the 

 structure of the latter and that of reptilian bones, whUst its structure 

 is diff"erent from that of the Lepidostean scale ; with regard to the 

 former, he stated that it was totally different from the spines of 

 two species of Hyhodus examined, and considered that there were 

 no grounds for considering it a spine. 



