34 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
eye. The tracheal system is unlike the majority of that of the Diplopoda, 
rather resembling that of Chilopoda and Insecta, though differing in the 
branched spiral filament not taking origin directly from the stigmata them- 
selves. It appears that the trachee of Sph@rotherium are a transition from 
those of the Julus type to those of the Scolopendra type. It would thus 
seem that the character of the trachew, the curved alimentary tract, the 
numerous chitinous pieces composing each segment, and the presence of a 
special hearing organ on the head, mark off the family Glomeride (to which 
Spherotherium belongs) very sharply from the other families of the 
Diplopoda. 
Prof. Moseley then read the following extract from a letter by Mr. 
G. C. Bourne, who is now investigating the Natural History of the Chagos 
Archipelago, in the Indian Ocean :—* Diego, Garcia, Sept. 18th, 1885. 
Bh a Arrived here on the 15th. The climate at present is very wet, 
bnt the rainy season is nearly over. The lagoon is fifteen miles long by 
about five miles across, with three islands. The main one is covered with 
cocoa-nut trees and other vegetation. Judging by the fragments thrown up 
on shore, there is a great variety of Corals, Tubipora being abundant, 
though Madrepora, Porites, and Maandrina are the commoner sorts; but 
Fungia and Lobactis are also plentiful. As yet I have seen but one 
lepidopteron and a few beetles. Birds consist chiefly of Noddies and Terns. 
Of Crabs, Ocypoda, Gearcinus, and various Hermit Crabs are in 
swarms. irgus latro does not occur on our islet. Periophthalmus is 
in great quantity on the outer shores. I have found a peculiar Bryozoon 
growing on one of the buoys in the lagoon; also a remarkable-looking 
Sea Planarian of a rich purple-black colour. with a narrow band of bright 
yellow running round the margin of its body. Large black Holothurians 
are abundant.” 
Prof. Moseley afterwards read extracts from another letter of an Oxford 
graduate, Mr. Sydney 8S. Hickson :—‘ Talisse Island, N. Celebes, Sept. 5th, 
TUSI (3) aie aie I have beeu able to make several dredging expeditions in 
shallow water, 7. e., to 20 fms. ‘The straits are very rich in Antedons, one 
species of a bright emerald-green colour is abundant on the coral reefs 
between this island and Kinabohoutar. Not 100 yards from the house 
where I am now writing there is Tubipora (alive), Heliopora (alive), and of 
course numerous other species of Corals. At Limbé I found small pieces 
of Stylaster alive, but I hope to find it here also. Nautilus shells are com- 
mon on the shore here, and I have noticed a few with the animal 
decomposing in them. I am told that they are sometimes seen alive on the 
surface of the water, but on the approach of a canoe they at once dive into 
the sea, and are then difficult to catch. I shall try lobster-pots and other 
dodges... .- Lingula I have not yet fonnd, but am told by the Controller 
of the Senggir Islands that they are found in plenty there... .. Maleos 
