189i.] A. Alcock — A New BracMopod. 139 



that covers the island. At first I imagined it must be caused by frogs, 

 so perfectly did it resemble the croaking of these animals. However, 

 on tracing the sound to its source, I discovered that it proceeded from 

 the burrows of the Ocypode crabs which here fringed the beach at 

 high-water mark. These burrows are frequently, in coral sand, very 

 Avide at their mouths (6 to 8 ins.), and then taper gradually downwards, 

 so that they act as excellent resonators. The cause of the stridulation 

 of the crabs was by no means apparent, the animals were all lying 

 hidden in their burrows, and several were croaking at the same time, 

 as if in concert. 



Natural History Notes from the Royal Indian Marine Survey Steamer ^In- 

 vestigator,' Commander G. F. Oldham, li. N., commanding. — Series 

 II., No. 13. A New BracMopod. By A. Alcock, SupeeintendeisT op 

 THE Indian Museum. 



PLATE YIII. 



[Received and Read, 4th Jnly.] 



Of the Brachiopoda of Indian waters but little apjDears to be 

 known. Lingula and Crania have been reported from the shallows, and a 

 small species of Terehratula has — but not very commonly — been met with 

 off Ceylon in 20-30 fathoms. I myself, in the course of four seasons 

 systematic dredging, 1888-1892, on board the " Investigator," only once 

 met with a Brachiopod — a minute species of Terehratula — di-edged in 

 1891 in the Laccadive Sea, at 865-880 fathoms, on a bottom of 

 Globigerina ooze. A certain amount of interest, therefore, attaches 

 to any " finds " in these waters of representatives of this ancient 

 class of animals. 



The species described in the sequel is a Terehratula of remarkable 

 size, di^edged in the Laccadive-Maldive basin, off the island Uliganu of 

 the Northern Maldive atoll, at a depth of 719 fathoms, on a bottom of 

 fine coral sand. The species is represented, unfortunately, only by a 

 dead shell, which however was quite perfect. 



TEREBEATULA, LUiAvyd. 



Terebratula Johannis-Davisi, n. sp., Plate VIII. 



Shell pyriform, inequilateral, thin but strong, its surface smooth 

 except for the concentric lines of growth, and microscopically 

 punctate : in colour purple-brown. 



