460 Dr. Duncan on the Genera Heterophyllia, &c. [May 2, 



II. " On the Genera Heterophyllia, Battersbyia, Palaocyclus, and 

 Asterosmilia ; the Anatomy of their Species^ and their Position 

 in the classification of the Sclerodermic Zoantharia.^' By Dr. 

 P. M. Duncan, Sec. G.S. Communicated by Prof. Huxley. 

 Received March 30, 1867. 



(Abstract). 



Although the practical and natural classification of the Madreporaria 

 (Sclerodermic Zoantharia) which has been submitted by MM. Milne- 

 Edwards and Jules Haime is very generally admitted to be the best, still 

 there are great gaps in the succession of the genera, and, moreover, some 

 genera cannot be placed. 



The "break" between the Turbinolides and the Astrseides is so great as 

 to render the classification rather artificial ; but; Dr. Duncan's discovery of 

 a genus Asterosmilia, comprising several species, unites these great 

 divisions. The new genus has the peculiarities of the Trochocyathi, but in 

 addition it is furnished with an endotheca. The species are described. 



The genera Heterophyllia, M'^Coy, and Battersbyia, Milne-Edwards and 

 Jules Haime, are amongst those incertce sedis. The discovery of several 

 new species of Heterophyllia enables Dr. Duncan to determine the anatomy 

 of the genus, to offer for consideration the most extraordinary coral form 

 he has ever seen, and to ally the genus with Battersbyia, which he proves 

 had no coenenchyma. The species of both of the genera are described 

 shortly, and the development and reproduction of B. gemmans also. The 

 genera are placed amongst the Astrseidse. 



The genus Palceocyclus, M.-E. & J. H., supposed to be one of the 

 Fungidae, is proved to be a vesiculo- tubulate coral genus, and to be one of 

 the Cyathophyllidse. 



One Mesozoic family is therefore removed from the Palaeozoic coral-fauna, 

 and two genera of a Mesozoic division are introduced. They foreshadow 

 the Thecosmiliae of the Trias. 



III. " Contribution to the Anatomy of Hatteria [RhynchocephaluSj 

 Owen)." By Albert Gunther, M.A., Ph.D., M.D. Commu- 

 nicated by Prof. Owen. Received April 4, 1867. 



(Abstract.) 



The skull of Hatteria is distinguished by the following characters : — 

 1. Persistence of the sutures, especially of those between the lateral 

 nalves of the skull, combined with great development of its ossified parts, 

 as it appears in the expanse of the bones forming the upper surface of the 

 facial portion, in the completeness of an orbital ring with a temporal and 

 zygomatic bar (Crocodilia), in the much expanded columella, in the nearly 

 completely osseous bottom of the orbit, and roof of the palate. 



