Geological Society of London. 109 
now known to be low forms of the subkingdom Mollusca, 
amounted to about 132 in the first edition. In the new cata- 
logue, they constitute a roll of no fewer than 249 species. 
This extended list is due to many investigations, and the 
newly-recorded types come from formations ofallages. At- 
tention seems to have been suddenly directed to these curi- 
ous bodies both at home and abroad. The study of the Bri- 
tish fossil species, vast as is the increase of the recorded 
numbers, can be regarded only as in its commencement. I 
trust that geologists who may direct their attention to these 
bodies hereafter, will bear in mind the complete and search- 
ing analysis of the existing species drawn up by Mr Busk 
for the British Musem, and guide themselves in describing 
the fossils by the example of that valuable treatise. 
The Echinodermata, 266 in number in 18438, are now 479 ; 
the record of species is daily increasing, but I do not think 
likely eventually to extend beyond 500 British forms. Major 
Austin, Professor M‘Coy, Dr Wright, and myself, have been 
the principal workers in this beautiful, and in a geological 
point of view, invaluable order. The additions of the entire 
family, including not a few genera and species, of Cystidea 
to the list (for the Spheronites of the former catalogue is 
probably not a cystidean), a group as characteristic of the 
| lower palzozoic formation, as the Graptolites or myriads of 
| Trilobites are, is one of the most striking instances of the pro- 
| gress of paleontological research, and one due for several of 
| its most curious facts to the exertions of Mr Fletcher, and 
| Mr John Gray of Dudley. 
| The named Annelida were 79 in 1843, they are now 129. 
| The most interesting additions are among paleozoic forms. 
| The Cirripedia, 21 in 1843, are now 42. The value of the in- 
| erease in this instance is not to be estimated by the merely 
| doubling of the number. They have been thoroughly sifted 
} by a master-hand, analysed with incomparable care, and by 
‘a combination of unsurpassed labour, with judgment and 
| knowledge of the highest kind, have been brought to a state 
| which may be regarded as, at least for many years to come, 
|the epoch of maximum, in their investigation. To Charles 
|) Darwin we are indebted for this service. 
