494 The American Naturalist. [May, 
vertebrate. He asserts that its sense organs represent primitive condi- 
tions, showing no anatomical characters that justify a conclusion that 
_ they are degraded from a more perfect ancestral condition. A series 
of experiments has demonstrated also that this vertebrate does not de- 
pend upon its internal ears for the equilibration of its body. (Biol. 
Lectures at Woods Holl, 1894.) 
Pisces.—In the revision of the subfamily Sebastine of the Pacific 
coast of America, Messrs. Eigenmann and Beeson have adopted a 
classification based upon the relation of the parietals to the supra- 
occipital as a primary character, and the constant presence or absence 
of certain cranial spines. Under the system 11 genera are defined, to 
which are referred 52 species. A valuable addition to the paper is a 
historical list of the species and their present equivalents. (Proceeds. 
' U. S. Natl. Mus. Vol. XVII, 1894.) 
Reptilia.—Dr. G. Baur places Anniella in a separate family, the 
Anniellide, close to Anguids, and has its closest relative in Anguis it- 
self. In fact, the Anniellide are in the same relations to the Anguide, 
as are the Acontiide to the Scincide. (Proceeds. U. S. Natl. Mus. 
Vol. XVII, 1894.) 
From a study of the herpetological fauna of the islands of Palawan 
and Balabac Dr. Boulenger concludes that these islands should be re- 
garded as belonging to the same subregion as Borneo. This conclusion 
was reached also by Mr. A. Everett from a study of the mammals and 
birds of that district. (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. Ang., 1894.) 
Aves.—Mr. Robert Ridgway reports 6 more new birds in the 
Abbott collection from Aldabra, Assumption and Gloriosa Islands. 
This makes in all 14 new forms from these islands. (Proceeds. U. S. 
Natl. Mus., Vol. X VII.) 
Mammalia.—An Clivedale terrier bitch belonging to a coachman 
in my brother’s employ gave birth to seven puppies, sired by a thorough 
bred Irish terrier; two of the puppies were born with the tails, just 
half as long as those of the other five. As for generations the ancestors 
have had their tails artifically modified, it seems as though this was a 
genuine case of natural following of artificial type. As the two puppies 
happen to be male and female it would be interesting to see if the type 
could be continued ——ALLErTon S. CUSHMAN. 
