EEPOET ON THE EOEAMINIFEEA. 
749 
Nummidites cumingii, Carpenter (PI. CXII. figs. 11-13; woodcut, fig. 22). 
Amphistegina cumingii , Carpenter, 1859, Phil. Trans., p. 32, pi. v. figs. 13-17. 
Nummulina radiata, Id. 1862, Introd. Eoram., p. 275. 
The drawings (PI. CXII. figs. 11-13) represent average specimens of a Foraminifer 
originally figured by Carpenter under the name Amphistegina cumingii , but subsequently 
assigned by him to the genus Nummulina or Nummidites. On the whole I am inclined 
to agree in this latter determination, notwithstanding the fact that in any large collection 
of specimens there are invariably a certain number in which the segments of the final 
convolution spread out radially, so as to impart an Opercidina-like aspect to the shell. Two 
examples with this peculiarity are figured by Carpenter (op. cit. , pi. v. figs. 16, 17). 
Setting aside these exceptional wild-growing forms, the segmentation of the test 
presents tolerably uniform characters, which have 
been accurately rendered by Mr. Hollick in the 
accompanying woodcut (fig. 22). The horizontal 
sections of about half a dozen specimens exhibit 
practically identical features. 
A comparison of this drawing with the pub- 
lished figures of the better known fossil species 
suggests the close affinity of the recent form to 
Nummulites vciriolaria, Sowerby, and Nummulites 
houcheri, de la Harpe. Compared with Nummu- 
lites variolaria, the recent shell has only about 
half the number of convolutions ; compared, 
, Fig. 22 . — Nummulites cumingii, Carpenter. Speci- 
on the other hand, with Nummulites houcheri, men laid °P eu to stow the segmentation. Magni- 
fied 20 diameters. 
the walls and septa are thicker, the spire more 
regular, and the septal lines more sinuate. This view of the relationship of the recent 
organism is in general accordance with the opinions arrived at by von Hantken and 
Rupert Jones. 
Nummidites cumingii inhabits the shallower waters of tropical and subtropical 
latitudes, but it is by no means a common Foraminifer. The following are the localities 
at which it has been observed: — Gulf of Suez, 10, 15, 20 fathoms; Australian coral- 
reefs, 17 fathoms; off Fiji Islands, 12 fathoms; Nares Harbour, Admiralty Islands, 
two Stations, 16 to 25 fathoms; Chinese Sea; and off Philippine Islands. 
CZOOL. CHALL. EXP. — PART XXII. — 1884.) 
Y 95 
