1884.] -= — -Fhysiology. 945 
tubes which present much analogy to the Malpighian canals of 
the Araneidæ described by Plateau. 
Crustaceans.—E. A. Birge (Stud. from the Biol. Lab. J. Hopk. 
Univ., 1883), describes and figures various stages in the develop- 
ment of Panopeus sayi. The zoea moults a large number of times. 
In the change to the megalops stage all trace of the long spines is 
lost. In this it differs from Cancer, in which the megalops retains 
the dorsal and frontal spines. The last megalops stage is reached 
after at least four moultings. 
Birds—The osteology of the kingfisher (Ceryle aleyon) is de- 
Scribed and well figured by Dr. Shufeldt in the Journal of Anat- 
omy and Physiology, xviii, 279. After touching upon the general 
characteristics of kingfishers, their distribution, mode of life, and 
the views of the leading authorities upon their taxonomy, he then 
examines the skeletons. The account is rendered a comparative 
one, as Alcedo is compared with Ceryle, and sometimes with 
Geococcyx and Coccyzus. 
Mammals —M. A. Milne-Edwards announces the discovery of 
a new species of Hydropotes, called by M. Hende H. argyropus. 
It is a’ native of Corea, and differs from H. inermis in the lighter 
color of its hair, and in some cranial characters. 
PHYSIOLOGY." 
BIOLOGICAL Action OF THE SALTS CONTAINED IN SEA WATER 
ON THE EXISTENCE OF MARINE ANIMALS. —An essay on this subject 
y H. A. Coutance, has been translated and published in the last 
report of the U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. Ma- 
nne animals are organisms of excessive sensibility, and in their 
distribution are dependent on the composition of the salt water, 
the nature and quantity of the gases dissolved, and the tempera- 
ture, force and operation of the currents. M. Coutance experi- 
pening does not shut tightly, and into which the water can easily 
enter by the canal at the mouth of the shell. 
ITH; oe 
This department is edited by Professor Henry SEWALL, of Ann Arbor, Michigan. 
