1888.] Mr H. Gadow, On Zoo-geographical Distribution. 183 
zoic. In this way it was found that the various formations range 
as follows, concerning Amphibia: New Red Sandstone and Granitic 
are by far the most favourable, then follows Tertiary and Palaeozoic 
terrain, and lastly as very unfavourable Jurassic and Cretaceous. 
Very different results are obtained for Reptiles. New Red 
Sandstone is likewise the best, but then follows Jurassic, Granitic, 
Tertiary and lastly Palaeozoic. 
In both cases Palaeozoic ground is unfavourable. Certain 
species are almost absolutely restricted to certain formations, 
whilst their distribution is independent of Isothermes or altitude. 
The reptilian life in Jurassic districts is restricted to the 
insectivorous Lizards and to Lizard-eating snakes. The probable 
interdependence between the Geological formations, the resulting 
amount of water, and the Flora and Fauna, was touched. 
Under certain circumstances a small strip of rather low Palaeo- 
zoic or Jurassic ground may form a much more effective barrier 
than very high and extensive granitic mountain ranges. 
(3) Note on the Physiology of Sponges. By G. P. Brpper, B.A., 
Trinity College. 
After feeding with suspended carmine a calcareous sponge 
(Leucandra aspera, Vosmaer) the author found that in it the 
carmine was at no time in any but the collared cells. The water 
is filtered of the particles suspended in it by a membrane. formed 
by the coalescence of the collars, which stretches completely across 
the current. This coalescence has been figured by Sollas in certain 
siliceous sponges. The whole evolution of the canal-system in 
sponges consists in increasing the energy of the oscular flow and 
diminishing the velocity in the flagellate chambers. In these are 
alike specialized the functions of absorption and propulsion, since 
to each a low velocity is advantageous. The author believes that 
the collared cells primitively both ingest and digest the food, the 
collars having as their function its retention; digestion is only 
secondarily passed to the mesoderm. 
(4) On the development of Aleurone grains in the Lupine. By 
A. B. RENDLE, B.A., St John’s College. 
The development of Aleurone grains was studied by Pfeffer, 
sixteen years ago, and according to his results is as follows. The 
mineral constituents, ‘ globoids’ of lime and magnesia phosphate, 
or crystals of calcium oxalate, appear in the cell sap, and act as 
centres of attraction for the proteid matter, which is also pre- 
cipitated from the turbid cell sap, and by aggregating round the 
inorganic matter forms the aleurone grain. 
It would appear however from the study of development of 
these structures in species of Lupine, that the process is by no 
