1880. ] Mammalogy in the United States in 1879. 161 
exists between the suspensor of a bird’s mandible and the small 
bones of the human ear. 
I find in the lobster a structure which is probably homologous 
with the endocranium of insects. It is an opademe running like 
a bulk-head across in rear of the rostrum, consisting of a central 
cross bar, and on each side two free plate-like wings. Under its 
central bar is the frame work which supports the stalked eyes. 
Its hinder surface gives attachment to muscles which reach the 
stomach. It is described by Huxley (Anatomy of the Invert., p. 
274, of American edition) as the opademe of the ophthalmic 
samite. 
O; 
SKETCH OF PROGRESS IN MAMMALOGY IN THE 
UNITED STATES IN 1879. 
BY DR. ELLIOTT COUES, U.S.A. 
ie year past has seen very little progress in our knowledge of 
- recent Mammalia, so far as contributions to that subject in the 
United States are concerned. Mr. J. A. Allen, one of the recog- 
nized leaders, has apparently been too busy with his great work on 
seals (now in press and about half printed) to do much else in 
_ mammals, and the present writer’s labor in the same field has been 
confined to the “ History of North American Mammals.” The 
latter is still too far from completion to speak about; but Mr. 
Allen’s Pinnipedia may be expected to appear very shortly, doubt- — 
less in 1880. Having the supervision of its publication in its pas- 
sage through the press, the writer is in position to speak confidently 
of its merits and importance. It will make an octavo of perhaps 
800 pages, illustrated with numerous wood engravings, mostly 
original; and will unquestionably become at once tke work upon 
the subject. In thoroughness of treatment, accuracy and extent of 
investigation, and other requirements of masterly workmanship, it 
will compare with the author’s celebrated memoir on the Ameri- 
can bison. a 
_ As Prof. Leidy has done nothing during the year, either in fos- 
sil or living mammals, the field of the former has been left to Mr. 
arsh and Mr. Cope, whose important contributions are noted 
Certainly the most notable ‘and perhaps the most significant _ 
Paper on mammals of the past, present and, we may add, of the ee 
