70 M.C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. 
anus in a broad curve. Exactly the same irregularity exists 
n another specimen ; only in this instance it occurs on the 
opvosite side of the test. 
In other characters L. australis does not seem to be a 
species subject to much variation, judging from the specimens 
(fourteen in number) which I have seen. The form, direction, 
and length of the ambulacra and position of the vertex differ but 
very slightly in any of them; and this constancy of characters 
strengthens the supposition that the present, which offers such 
marked differences, is decidedly specifically distinct. 
IX.—On Wagnerella, a new Genus of Sponge nearly allied 
to the Physemaria of Ernst Héckel. By C. MERESCH- 
KOWSKY*. 
[Plate VI.] 
I HAVE just received the October number of the ‘ Annals and 
Magazine of Natural History,’ which contains an article by 
Mr. Carter, entitled ‘‘ Remarks on Professor E. Hickel’s Ob- 
servations on Wyvillethomsonia Wallichiti and Squamulina 
scopula.” 
M. Hiickel, in his monograph on the Physemaria, has been 
very hard upon Mr. Carter, and reproaches him with having 
imperfectly observed the facts of which he speaks. Mr. 
Carter, in the article above mentioned, complains bitterly of 
the want of delicacy on the part of M. Hickel, and brings 
against him the same charges as to the want of exactitude 
which his works display, and their bad illustrations, which he 
regards as “more fitted for a caravan at a fair than for 
scientific purposes.” 
It is clear that impartial logic has taken leave of both 
writers in this matter, and that feeling interferes in the deci- 
sion of the scientific question. In such cases it becomes more 
than ever necessary to stand exclusively upon facts, and to 
allow nothing but reason to say a word. Hence every new 
fact that may serve to throw light upon the question becomes 
very desirable. 
My opinion is, that we must neither “laugh” nor “be angry,” 
and that, instead, both sides must repeat their observations, 
criticise them better, and, taking into consideration all the facts 
acquired, bow to the power of truth, remembering that he alone 
never deceives himself who never thinks. 
* This paper must be considered as a preliminary note of a memoir 
on White-Sea Sponges. 
