239 



into one, and that the difference of position which exists be- 

 tween the Tunicata and Polyzoa, with respect to the position 

 of the ganglion, is unimportant, being the necessary result of 

 the other modifications of structure. 



7. The generative systems of the two were then compared, 

 and shown to present strong points of resemblance ; and it was 

 finally concluded that the Tunicata and Polyzoa were more 

 closely allied to one another than either to any other branch 

 of the animal kingdom. The inexpediency, however, of re- 

 moving the Tunicata from the Mollusca, and placing them with 

 the Polyzoa at the top of the Eadiata, was insisted on, and it 

 was, on the contrary, maintained, that the great group of the 

 Acephalous Mollusca contained four principal types of form, 

 which admitted of a subordinate grouping by two and two, 

 namely, the Polyzoa and Tunicata, and the Brachiopoda and 

 Lamellibranchiata. 



Mr. W. T. Mulvany, on the part of the Commissioners of 

 the Board of Works, presented several collections of antiqui- 

 ties made by the officers employed in different parts of Ireland 

 in drainage operations. 



He also presented a private collection of antiquities, found 

 by Mr. Gray, and exhibited about sixty articles, the property 

 of private individuals in the neighbourhood of Strokestown. 



He also presented, on the part of Mr. Maclane, a two- 

 pronged fork, with a carved ivory handle, representing the 

 lion and unicorn fighting. This fork had been found at Li- 

 merick. 



Mr. Mulvany then proceeded to give an account of the seve- 

 ral collections presented by him to the Academy, and to explain 

 the circumstances which led to their formation. As, however, 

 several members were anxious to hear Mr. Mulvany's commu- 

 nication at greater length than the time would then allow, it 

 was unanimously resolved that he be requested to read his 

 paper in extenso on the next night of meeting. 



