1884.J Analyses of Books. 619 
above Hobart has been prohibited all fish have rapidly increased 
in number, size, and quality. It is affirmed that more fish are 
now caught with rod and line than were formerly obtained by 
netting. 
The introduction of the salmon and the trout into the 
Tasmanian rivers has proved successful. The acclimatisation 
of the European herring in the Antarctic Seas is now contem- 
plated. 
Mr. R. Etheridge, F.G.S., communicates a description of 
Trilobites from the Lower Silurian of the Mersey district in 
Tasmania. 
Mr. James Barnard discusses the economic value of Typlia 
latifolia. This aquatic plant is used in Italy as a stuffing for 
buoyant mattresses, cushions, &c. Such mattresses are used on 
board the Italian navy as a life-saving appliance, one of them 
being easily capable of supporting two persons in the water. 
Signor C. A. de Goyzueta, Italian Consul at Melbourne, called 
the attention of the local Australian Governments to the valuable 
properties of this plant, and its acclimatisation is in progress. 
Meantime attention has been drawn to a kindred species, Typlia 
angastifolia , indigenous in the marshes of Tasmania, and 
possessing the same physical properties. The writer justly re- 
marks that cushions stuffed with this plant would often prove 
the means of saving valuable lives in the capsizing and founder- 
ing of river-craft, coasters, &c. 
Lieut. C. E. Beddome furnishes a description of some new 
marine shells of Tasmania. 
R. M. Johnston, F.L.S., gives a note on Olinus despicallatus 
and Boviethys variegatus, two viviparous fishes. 
Messrs. E. T. Higgins, M.R.C.S., and W. F. Petterd, 
C.M.Z.S., communicate accounts of hitherto undescribed Ante- 
chini and Muridae inhabiting Tasmania. 
We regret to learn from the appended Report that both the 
Botanical Gardens and the Museum are crippled from want of 
funds. 
Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania for 
1883. Hobart : “ Mercury ” Office. 
Among the principal papers here inserted is one by E. T. 
Higgins and W. F. Petterd, on a new Cave-Spider ( Theridion 
troglodytes). This species, the female of which measures 
6£ inches from the claw of the anterior to the claw of the pos. 
Z T 2 
