125 



was observed with the basal expansion extending equally on every 

 side : again, the membrane leading from a group spreads at times 

 over the surface of the shell in an irregular manner for a consider- 

 able distance, without any bud arising from it ; so that no special 

 form of growth can be considered as characteristic of the connecting' 

 membrane in this species. The rate of development in the members 

 of a group is also of the same uncertain character — a large Polype 

 being occasionally followed by a very small one, and that succeeded 

 by two or three of intermediate but varying size ; in fact, except in 

 certain characters, the development of this Zoanthus is subject to 

 great irregularity ; and the cases above mentioned appear to me to 

 confirm the opinion that I have before expressed of the specific iden- 

 tity of the linear form of growth with that which has been found 

 in the Northern seas, overspreading the entire surface of small uni- 

 valves. 



5. Note on the Artificial, Propagation of Salmon. 

 By a. D. Bartlett. 



The Committee of the ilustralian Association have been trying a 

 series of experiments with a view of ascertaining the possibility of 

 conveying Salmon to Australia, for the purpose of introducing this 

 noble fish into the rivers of that country. The difficulty is to convey 

 them across the tropics ; and the object of these experiments, which 

 have been carried on in the Crystal Palace under my supervision, has 

 been — • 



1. To filter a sufficient quantity of water to supply a running 

 stream for the spawn or young fish. 



2. To ascertain the highest amount of temperature in which they 

 would live. 



3. To discover the best and most economical means of lowering 

 the temperature, that they may be kept alive while passing the 

 tropics. 



In order to accomplish the first object, arrangements were made 

 with the Charcoal Filter Company to fix filters to supply a running 

 stream through long boxes, which were partly filled with gravel and 

 small stones, upon which the Salmon ova were to be placed. 



Mr. Ramsbottom being engaged to obtain the ova and to ensure 

 their being perfectly impregnated, and to deposit them in the breed- 

 ing place in the Crystal Palace, proceeded to Wales, and on the 5th 

 of February obtained from two female fish at least 20,000 ova, which, 

 by the usual process adopted in the artificial propagation of fish, he 

 rendered fertile, and then starting immediately for the Crystal Palace, 

 arrived there February 7th, and deposited the ova in the breeding- 

 boxes, which had been duly prepared. Unfortunately, at this time 

 the filters had ceased to act, and the water supplied by the Lambeth 

 Water Company was obliged to be laid on in its usual state. In a 

 few days the ova and the bottom of the breeding-boxes became co- 



