684 EEPORT— 1894. 



3. On the Development of Cystocarp in Polisiphonia nigrescens. 



By H. Phillips. 



4. An Exldbition of Algcv. By A. Church, 



FRIDAY, AUGUST 10. 

 The following Papers were read :^ 

 1. On the Relations of Frotoplasm. By Professor E. van Beneden. 



2. On the Periodic Variation in the Number of Cliromosomes. 

 By Professor E. Strasburger. 



3. On Chlorophyll in Animals. 

 By Professor E. Ray Lankesteh, F.R.S. 



Department op Zoology. 



The following Papers were read : — ■ 



1. On the Origin and Morjihological Slgnif cation of the Notochord. 

 By Professor E. van Beneden. 



2. On the Carpus of the Greenland Right-whale compared with those of 

 Fin-whales. By Professor J. Struthers, M.I)., LL.D. 



In his preliminary notice in 1885 the author stated the general conclusion 

 that he found diminution in the number of bones in the second carpal row from 

 Hyperoodon to Mysticetiis. The following further observations relate to the 

 whalebone whales only. The species and number dissected were : two of Balmia 

 mystiretus, live of JSalcenoptcra musculus, one of B. horealis, two of B. rcsirata, 

 and one of Megajitera longimana. 



Besides noting the surface grooves, horizontal sections were made, showing the 

 lines of fibrous suture marking olf the limits of the cartilages and bringing into 

 view ossifications not seen on the surfaces. As the fibrous sutures uniting these 

 flat-walled cartilages are so narrow and firm as to prevent movement, these car- 

 tilages must be regarded as individually functionless, and we are prepared to find 

 differences between the species and variation among individuals of the same 

 species. 



In regard to the first row of the three usual mammalian pro-carpals in Mysti- 

 cetiis the intermedium sends up a peak between the forearm bones, articulating with 

 ulna as well as with radius, and the pisiform is widely separated from the ulnare, 

 in both of these particulars contrasting with the finners. 



In the second row, instead of the usual four disto-carpals in mammals, Mysti- 

 cetus has but one broad cartilage bone, supporting digits III. and II., and in part 

 digit I. Digits IV. and V. are supported by the idnare, digit V. in part resting 

 on the ulna, so that, on the ulnar side, the ulnare represents the entire carpus. 



The ossif cations in Mysticetus vary. In the 48-feet-long female, which may be 

 reckoned adult or nearly so, the only bones ossified in the left cai-pus are the inter- 



