26 
persistent gills, has only two cavities differing in this respect from that of all 
other reptiles, which has three. 
When the animal is kept in its normal condition — of almost total darkness — 
the gills are of a beautiful bright red, and when placed under the microscope* the 
circulation of the blood in them can be well seen. If the creature be exposed to 
day-light, however, the gills become nearly white on account of the contraction 
of the vessels not permitting the passage of the blood, its corpuscles being 
exceedingly large. The corpuscles of the blood in man are the of an inch 
in diameter, those of the Proteus are about fifteen times larger, being the ^ of 
an inch. Several unfounded statements have been promulgated with respect to 
this creature. One is that it is viviparous. Its mode of reproduction is, it is 
true, quite unknown, but it is most unlikely that it brings forth its young alive. 
Another is that it feeds upon mollusca. The real truth of the matter is that no 
one has ever seen the Proteus eat. 
Dr, Lionel Beale, who kept several for five years, could never during that 
period get them to eat anything, and yet they apparently nourished. My own 
observations confirm those of Dr. Beale on this point. Two specimens which 
were kindly lent to me by Mr. Joshua Saunders, and which 1 kept for some 
months, would never eat, and yet when I returned them they were in just as good 
condition as when first received. 
A vote of thanks to the Rev. "W. W. Spicer, for his kindness in lending 
his specimens of Proteus, concluded the proceedings. 
The following additions have been made to the Society's Library : — 
The Zoological Record, vol. II., from the Zoological Section. 
The Proceedings of the Quekett Microscopical Club, from the Club. 
The Naturalists 9 Note Booh for March, 1868, from the Publishers. 
