Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa. 
large crab (Mamaia quetetti) were also exhibited in illustration of this 
theory. 
The following papers were read : — 
1. " On the Anatomy of Ozohraiichus hranchiatus and its Position in 
the Class Hirundinea," by E. J. Goddard, B.A., D Sc. 
The paper deals with the somitic constitution and anatomy of Ozobran- 
chus branchiatus, which must be one of the earliest forms of marine life 
taken in the Pacific Ocean. 
The species is, in addition to its historic interest, of significance in 
regard to its constitution, since it strongly supports the suggestion previously 
made by the author, namely, that the Hirudinea and Arthropoda have 
been evolved from a common ancestor. The restriction of Ozobranchus to 
Chelonians, and of Branchellion, its nearest ally, to Elasmobranchs is 
of special interest in connection with the archaic nature of the Hirudinea 
and of parasitological importance. 
2. " Preliminary Investigation of the Deterioration of Maize infected 
with Diplodia zeae (Schw.) Lev.," by Paul A. van der Bijl, M.A. 
Maize infected with Diplodia zeae has a higher acidity than healthy 
maize. Infected maize gives Ori's reaction distinctly ; it has a higher 
percentage of ash and of nitrogen. The fat content of maize inoculated in 
the laboratory and in the field differ as compared with their respective 
controls. 
Ordinary Monthly Meeting. 
August 19, 1914. 
The President, Dr. L. Peringuey, was in the Chair. 
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on July 15th were 
confirmed. 
Professor W. M. Eoseveare was elected a Member. 
A gift to the Society of £4 16s. was intimated from Mrs. Lloyd, being 
the sum remaining from the sale of some folk-lore publications. A cordial 
vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs. Lloyd. 
The following papers were read : — 
1. "The Morphology of the Tadpole of Xenopus laevis," by T. 
Dreyer. 
Among other conclusions the author states that the epithelium of the 
gill-slits is continued into the glottis, which is in support of the theory 
that lungs and gill- slits are homologous. 
2. "A Morphological Scudy of Strojigylus Douglasi, Cobbold," by 
Kaffaele Issel. (Communicated by Dr. Bayon.) 
A description of the ostrich wire-worm. Although the parasite was- 
