1871.] 137 [Morse. 



Lamellibranchs (clams), except those which join them still more 

 closely to the Ascidia. Therefore it seems clear, that if we separate 

 the Ascidia from the Lamellibranchs, which they so closely resemble 

 in their general adult characteristics, on account of their different 

 developments, we must also, in turn, divide the Polyzoan Ascidia, 

 and should logically regard the similarities of the two as analogies 

 arising in different structures, and not as affinities derived from some 

 common ancestor. Thus cut off from its quondam molluscan allies, 

 our Polyzoon has but one refuge ; its development points concisely to 

 a vermian ancestor, and to this source we must relegate both it and 

 its nearest ally, the Brachiopod. 



Mr. Morse called attention to the fact that Kovalewsky, 

 Haeckel, Darwin and others had pointed out the relationship 

 apparently seen in the embryo of certain Tunicates, and the 

 typical idea of the vertebrate embryo. Without expressing 

 an opinion for or against this view, it was interesting to re- 

 mark that many eminent naturalists had seen reason to in- 

 clude the Tunicates with the Vermes ; and in the supposed 

 relation, on the other hand, of the Tunicates with the Verte- 

 brates, it was interesting to recall two prominent features of 

 the Vermes that are likewise prominent characters of the 

 Vertebrates, namely : hairs or setaa secreted by follicles, and 

 genitals in pairs, with infundibuliform orifices, suspended 

 freely in the perivisceral cavity. 



Dr. S. Kneeland gave an account of a trip which he made 

 in 1870, by sea, from San Francisco to Panama, and pre- 

 sented a few specimens which he had collected. He de- 

 scribed the climate, the general appearance of the coast, and 

 incidents of the voyage, and referred to the habits of some 

 of the sea birds and of the flying-fish. 



Large petrels (Puffinm cinereus) began to appear, and followed us 

 on the second day out. On alighting in the water, which they often 

 do, they put forward their webbed feet, checking their headway in 

 this manner, backing water, as it were, with the wings spread, before 

 settling on the surface. They came round and near the steamer in 



