572 JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 
how a comparatively recent separation of the islands has led to 
considerable alterations even in the skeleton of these birds— 
G. M. T. 
TIDAL WAVES.—In our last issue we suggested that the 
tidal disturbances at the end of August were probably due, 
not to the terrific volcanic outbreak in the Straits of Sunda, 
as was suggested by Dr. Hector, but to the earthquake dis- 
turbances induced in the volcanic belt lying to the north of 
Australia and New Zealand. Weadvanced this opinion because 
no record of similar tidal disturbances had been received from 
Australia. Since the publication of the “ note,” however, tele- 
grams have been received showing that in West Australia, 
Tasmania, and the West Coast of N. America very extensive oce- 
anicdisturbances took place. Following shortly afterthe great out- 
break at the Straits of Sunda, viz.,on 30th and 31st August, sharp 
shocks of earthquake were feltin various partsof New South Wales 
and Queensland, accompanied by considerable tidal disturbances. 
eT 
A New Doris.—One day last week, when exploring some 
tidal pools at this place for Polyzoa, my eye was attracted by a 
brilliant patch of color in the clear water at the bottom of a 
pool. Upon examination, I found a beautiful Doris, which I 
had not previously met with; and as it is not possible in this 
remote spot to ascertain whether it has or has not been de- 
scribed, I give here a description of it:—Shape oblong; mantle 
small, not covering the foot, the posterior end of which projects 
beyond it like a tail, but extending beyond the head like a 
hood ; eyes large and globular; teatacles two, club-shaped, 
laminated, retractile within cavities, gill plumes also retractile ; 
color, very pale violet, with brilliant scarlet spots, irregular oval 
in shape, and arranged in lines both on mantle and foot, except 
four spots on the mantle over the head, which form a cross ; the 
mantle has also a narrow border of opaque white ; gill plumes 
and tentacles. dark purple, with a tinge of red. Total length, a 
- little over an inch. This specimen was kept alive for some 
days, and is now preserved in spirits. In general appearance it 
is rather like Gonzodoris castanea, figured by Gosse on page 105, 
vol ii., of his “ Marine Zoology ;” the mantle, however, projects 
beyond the head in my specimen.—C. H. ROBSON. Portland | 
Island, Hawkes Bay. por ee to 2 
A NEW ZEALAND FRESH WATER SPONGE.—The sponges 
preserved in the Canterbury Museum have lately been examined 
by Dr. v Lendenfeld. Among them was a specimen of the 
fresh water sponge, found by me in the Kakahu river (see page 
383 of this Journal). Dr. Lendenfeld finds that this is Spongil/a 
fluviatilis, the fresh water sponge found in running streams in 
England.—C.C, 
ee eee 
