654 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
But it was more particularly in reference to the manner of the 
formation of coal as connected with its property of absorption that 
I was the most desirous to add to these investigations, and especially 
as to the precise action carbonic acid exercises during the absorp- 
tion of decomposing organic matters. As to whether, in any case, 
these matters are able to substitute this acid when it has been pre- 
viously absorbed to the coal. 
If not anticipated, however, with permission, I intend communi- 
cating further upon these subjects, when the results of certain pro- 
jected experiments relative to this are ascertained. 
3. (1.) Description of ErpetoichtJiys, a new Genus of Ganoid 
Fish, from Old Calabar, Western Africa ; forming an 
addition to the Family Polypterini. By J ohn Alexander 
Smith, M.D., F.K.C.P.E. (Specimens of the fish were 
exhibited.) 
In the beginning of January 1865, the author received from 
the Eev. Alexander Kohb, Old Calabar, a package of specimens 
of natural history preserved in spirits. Among these were two 
small ganoid fish. They were, however, imperfect, having been 
torn across near the anal region, and their caudal extremities were 
wanting. The characters of the fish could not, therefore, be com- 
pletely determined. The author, however, exhibited them at a 
meeting of the Koyal Physical Society, on the 22d March 1865, and 
stated that they were allied to the genus Polypterus ; but from 
various differences in character, to be afterwards detailed, and 
especially the great relative length of their bodies, and the 
apparently total absence of ventral fins, he would place them pro- 
visionally in a new genus, which, from their general aspect and 
form, he designated Erpetoichtliys^ the reptile or serpent fish ; 
and the species, from the locality where it was found, he named 
E. Calaharicus. 
Since that time the author had received perfect specimens from 
Old Calabar, and found that the accuracy of his previous conclu- 
sions were confirmed. 
The fish is got in the fresh-water streamlets which rim into the 
