390 
»On the Influence of Wave Currents on the Fauna inhabiting shallow Seas«. 
The author refers to various physical data among others quoting Prof. Stokes 
and Mr. J. J. Stevenson; the latter stating that a current of 0.6819 of a 
mile per hour will carry forwards fine gravel and that of 1.3638 roll along 
pebbles an inch in diameter. From this and other facts Mr. Hunt argues 
that wave currents do materially influence the marine fauna inhabiting 
shallow water; not only those of the tidal strand but likewise those inhabi- 
ting the deeper sea bottom. He adduces instances of animals living among 
or on rocks, and of those frequenting sand or other deposit; enumerating 
species of starfish, molluscs, shrimps, crabs and fish. He says that even the 
flat-fishes (Pleuronectidae) seem to have changed their original forms and 
habits for the purpose of being able to live in shallow waters agitated by 
waves. Referring more particularly to species of Cardiwm he endeavours to 
show how under the influence of wave currents the variation of species may be 
promoted and even their local extinction brought about. — A paper was read: 
On the Longicorn Beetles of Japan by Mr. H. W. Bates. In a former paper 
(in 1873) on the same subject the author treated of 107 species but now 
adds many new genera and 129 more species or a total of 236 specific forms 
as at present known to belong to the Japanese fauna. ‘This great accession 
is due to the later collections of Mr. Geo. Lewis who made a second visit to 
the islands in 1880—81. Mr. Bates reasoning from his fresh material is 
inclined to modify his previously stated views as to the predominance of a 
supposed tropical element in the Longicorn group in question ; the relative 
number of absolutely new genera now turning the scale in favour of Palae- 
artic or Neartic affinities. — The last Zoological Communication taken was 
»On three new species of Metacrinus« by P. Herbert Carpenter with note 
on a new Myzostoma, by Prof. von Graff. Mr. Carpenter describes Meta- 
crinus rotundus from Japan dredged their by Dr. Doderlein of Strassburg, and 
M. superbus, and M. Stewarti two remarkable forms obtained by the Tele- 
graph Co. on picking up a cable near Singapore. The Myzostoma cirripedium 
was found on the Japan Crinoid. — J. Murie. 
3. Linnean Society of New South Wales. 
30th April, 1884. — 1. On the preservation of tender Marine Ani- 
mals. By R. von Lendenfeld, Ph.D. Before placing Medusae, Acti- 
niae, and other delicate organisms into spirits itis necessary to treat them 
with poisonous chemical substances so as to harden the tissue and prevent 
the whole from shrinking. The methods employed for this purpose are de- 
scribed. It is often difficult to keep animals expanded; warmth and instan- 
taneous poisoning are recommended for attaining this end. — 2. The 
Scyphomedusae of the Southern Hemisphere. Part. III. By R. von Len- 
denfeld, Ph.D. The numerous large jelly-fish belonging to the Family 
Discomedusidae, which have been described from the Southern Hemisphere, 
are referred to, and short Diagnoses, together with complete references, are 
given of every southern species. ‘The classification used is that of Heckel 
The Medusae studied by Dr. Lendenfeld, three of which are introduced to 
science in this paper, are described more minutely. The number of species 
of Discomedusidae found was: Adelaide, 1; Port Phillip, 3; Lyttelton, 1; 
Port Jackson, 3. Five of these were described by the author for the first 
time. — 3. Note on the Development of the Versuridae. By R. von Len- 
