158 



Proceedings. [no. 5, kew series, 



Of Tiberius 6, Claudius 8, Agrippina 3, Elder Drusus 2, Younger 

 Drueus 5, Nero 17, Caligula 1, Domitian 5, Nerva 2. 



The Secretary read some interesting Remarks by Mr. Jesse Mit- 

 chell on the distribution of fresh water Pohjzoa. 



Mr. Mitchell observes that Professor Allman in his recent work 

 entitled " a Monograph of the Fresh Water Polyzoa," has stated 

 that although found at an altitude of 6000 feet, these Infusoria are 

 not met with beyond the limits of the temporate Zone. Now, Mr. 

 Mitchell has himself taken them in Madras, and gives a very inter- 

 esting description of one he captured in considerable numbers ad- 

 hering to the roots of the common Duck weed or Lemna in the 

 month of September last. 



These when placed in a Polyp-trough under a one inch objec- 

 tive, exhibited groups of Polyzoa inhabiting tubular cells attach- 

 ed to the root of the plant and to each other. The head of the 

 animal which was transparent and hyaline and furnished with a 

 double row of cilice upwards of forty in number, was protruded 

 from the cell in the act of feeding, and the whole process of cap- 

 turing, swallowing and digesting its prey was distinctly visible. It 

 seemed to prefer the smaller kind of Infusoria rejecting the large 

 Rotatoria, which were drawn into the vortex of the cilice by their 

 rapid motion, an operation which it effected either by driving off 

 the intruder by blows of the tentacula, or if this failed by retiring 

 into the cell, when the vibratile action of the cilice was suspended 

 and the unwelcome visitor escaped. Mr. Mitchell believes that 

 both this and other species will be found abundantly on the roots 

 of Lemna and other fresh aquatic Plants. 



The Committee beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of 

 the following books. 



From the Chief Secretary. 



1. Cyclopaedia of India, Parts II, 12, 13, 14 and 15. 



2. A Treatise on the Small Pox, by W. C. Maclean, Esq., m. d. 



3. Extract from M. C, relative to Silicate of Soda and Lime as 



a Protective from Fire. 



