No. 157. 



ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.* 



May 9th, 1916. 



Dr. S. F. Harmer, M.A., F.R.S., Vice-President, 

 ill the Oliair. 



The Minutes of the last Scientific Meeting were confirmed. 



The Secretary read a Report on the Additions to the Society's 

 Menagerie during the month of April 1916. 



Mr. R. H. Burne, M.A., F.Z.S., exhibited prepai-ations from 

 the Royal College of Surgeons Museum of various Teleostean 

 Fishes t, showing connections of difierent kinds between the 

 swim-bladder and the ear. The fishes belonged to several 

 distinct families. In some (Berycidse, Gadidse, Hyodontidee, 

 Notopteridse) the connection was shown to be by direct contact 

 between a process of the swim-bladder and a fenestra in the 

 periotic capsule, or even (Olupeidse) between the swim-bladder 

 and part of the internal ear ; while in others (Ostariophysi) it is 

 indirect and the swim-bladder is connected with the perilymph 

 spaces that surround the ear by a chain of ossicles (Webeiian 

 ossicles). 



It was suggested that the above connections are probably an 

 aid in the perception of sound, and, in furtherance of this view, 

 specimens were shown of the " elastic spring " mechanism in 

 several Siluroids, by which the walls and contained gases of the 

 swim-bladder can be made to give rise to sonoi-ous vibrations. 



* This Abstract is published by the Society at its ofBces, Zoological Gardens, 

 Regent's Park, N.W., on the Tuesday following the date of Meeting to which 

 it refers. It will be issued, along with the 'Proceedings,' free of extra charge, 

 to all Fellows who subscribe to the Publications ; but it may be obtained on the 

 day of publication at the price of Six-pence, or, if desired, sent post-free for 

 the sum of Six Shillings per annum, payable in advance. 



t Presented to the College by Col. C. E. Shepherd. 



