_Quercus lobata_ Nées. WHITE OAK.

Hill sides Marin County and banks of Walnut Creek.

_Quercus acutidens?_ Torr. SCRUB OAK.

Evergreen; forming dense chaparral on Tamal Pais.

_Corylus rostrata_ Ait. BEAKED HAZELNUT.

Very common on the eastern slopes of the Oakland Hills. A shrub

four to six feet high.

_Salix_ (four species.) WILLOW.

Wet grounds everywhere, six to twenty feet high.

_Populus tremuloides_ Michx. ASPEN.

A medium sized tree on the banks of Walnut Creek.

_Torreya Californica_ Torr. CALIFORNIA NUTMEG TREE.

A large tree with long spreading branches, and rather smooth

bark. Wood valuable; rare, on banks of Papermill Creek, Marin

County.

_Sequoia sempervirens_ Endl. REDWOOD.

A very large tree, forming small groves on the northern slopes

of hills in Marin County, and on the eastern slopes of the

Oakland hills.

_Pinus insignis_ Dougl.

A small tree ten to fifteen feet high, on the outcroppings of

white sandstone in the Oakland hills, third ridge eastward;

rare.

_Pinus contorta_ Dougl.

A medium sized tree, ovate in outline. Hills of Marin County;

rare.

_Abies Douglasii_ Lindl. OREGON PINE.

A very large tree, yielding excellent timber. Grows with S.

sempervirens in small groves on the northern slopes of hills,

Marin County.

_Cupressus Mac-Nabiana?_ Murray. CEDAR.

A spreading shrub, eight to twelve feet high, on Tamal Pais;

rare.

Dr. Behr presented the following article:

On Californian Lepidoptera—No. III.

BY H. BEHR, M. D.

The following species of butterflies were mostly collected by

the members of the State Geological Survey, among the higher

regions of the Sierra Nevada; but some of them are from other

portions of California.

DANAIS, Latr.

1. _Danais Archippus_, Cramer.

This species was found everywhere, both on the plains and at

the highest elevations, up to the limits of Lepidopterous life,

10,500 feet above the level of the sea. The specimens caught in

the Sierra were in a poor condition, and differed remarkably

in habits from those found near San Francisco Bay. Like most

Danaids, ours is rather a lazy and heavy butterfly, gifted

it is true with great power of flight, which is shown not by

swiftness, but by perseverance. It is however quite easily

caught. But according to the statement of Mr. Hoffman, of the

Geological Survey, this same Danais was on the mountain summits

so restless and active that although very common, only two

specimens could be obtained.

We consider these specimens as something like “enfans perdus,”

of an otherwise respectable family, led away by an innate

desire to strive against the current. Thus they struggle

against the mountain breeze until finally they reach the bleak

heights of the Sierra, where such tropical forms contrast

strikingly with the alpine flora.

ARGYNNIS, Fabr.

2. _Argynnis montivaga_, Behr, n. sp. [Argynnis, No. 4. Proc.

Cal. Acad. II, 1862, p. 174.]

If, as I strongly suspect, this species is still undescribed, I

propose for it the above name. It is not found near this bay,

but seems to be widely spread through the Sierra from whence

I have specimens collected at different localities. Those

obtained by the Geological Survey are from an elevation of

10,500 feet.

3. _Argynnis rupestris_, Behr, n. sp. [No. 6 of former article.]

To the diagnosis formerly given I add the following character:

Margo anterior alarum anteriorum subtus quam disco pallidior.

The saturated coloration of the radical half of the hind wings,

is not always equal in its extent beyond the middle macular

fascia, so that the diagnosis of No. 9 is in some respects

near enough to cause confusion, if it were not that in No.

9 the anterior margin of the forewings is always decidedly

darker than the disk, furnishing a good diagnostic character.

In general aspect they differ enough to be recognized at the

first glance, but it is very difficult to describe the other

differences.

The name I propose for No. 6, is derived from its inhabiting

the steep rocky declivities characterizing the lower part of

the Sierra. The specimens were collected by Prof. Brewer at a

moderate elevation above the sea.

4. _Argynnis monticola_, Behr, n. sp. [No. 8 of the former

article.]

This species was found in Yosemite Valley and some other

localities, being apparently not rare.

5. _Argynnis Antithore_, Boisd.

One specimen only from Yosemite Valley.

MELITÆA, Fabr.

It will be necessary to give a monograph of this genus before

we go on with the enumeration of the mountain species.

We have in California _eleven_ well-marked species, a number

far exceeding those of the Atlantic Slope, and about equal

to those of the whole of Europe. In the “Synopsis of North

American Lepidoptera,” written for the Smithsonian Institution

by John G. Morris, I find only two Californian species

mentioned and described, viz.: _M. Editha_ and _M. Palla_, the

“_M. Zerene_” of the same work being without doubt an Argynnis.

In a catalogue published by the same author in 1860, I find

besides those just mentioned another, viz; _M. Chalcedon_.

Dr. Boisduval names several Melitæa in his letters to me, but

gives no diagnosis.

Our Californian Melitæa belong to four types.

TYPE I. The first is that of _M. Tharos_, represented by four

distinct species in California. This type is peculiar to the

American Continent, occurring also in the Atlantic States, and

in the tropics.

TYPE II. That of _M. Athalia_, represented by _M. Palla_, and

several others. It is also abundantly represented in Europe,

but seems to be wanting in the Atlantic States.

TYPE III. That of _M. Phaeton_, corresponding exactly to the

European, _M. Maturna_, _M. Artemis_, etc., is represented in

California by _M. Editha_, _M. Chalcedon_, and others.

TYPE IV. That of _M. Leanira_ is numerous in the tropics of

America but seems to be wanting everywhere else except in

California.

MELITÆA, Type I.

1. _M. montana_, Behr. Syn? _M. Pyrrha_, Doubleday.

Alae supra aurantiacae, nigro clathratae, inter secundam et

tertiam fasciam nigram magis dilutae; posticae inter primam et

secundam fasciam, serie punctorum nigrorum signatae, fascia

prima ab angulo anteriori interrupta, et costam versus quintam

tantum denuo cursum ad angulum posteriorem recipiente.

Alae anticae subtus aurantiacae, disco fere concolori,

nec maculis pallidiouibus nec fasciis obscurioribus bene

distinctis, apicem versus flavidae, maculls fasciisque fuscis,

et prope angulum posteriorem macula nigra signatae. Alae

posticae flavidae signaturis plus minus obscurioribus, in

morem Argynnidum undulatis, serie punctorum brunneorum inter

primam et secundam fasciam ut supra pertranseunte. Insuper

inter costam quintam et sextam exstat lunula submarginalis

pallidior, interdum candida pruinaque argentea induta, quam

umbra amplectitur obscurior. Altera umbra a margine anteriori

prope apicem extenditur.

This species is very variable as to the markings of the

underside of the hind wings. Two specimens, which I received

through the kindness of Mr. Lorquin, have scarcely any markings

there. These were collected in the neighborhood of Los

Angeles. The others, received from the gentlemen of the survey,

were mostly collected at the headwaters of Tuolumne River, but

some from Yosemite Valley.

2. _M. collina_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae omnes supra fulvae, nigro clathratae, posticae inter

fasciam primam et secundam serie punctorum nigrorum instructae.

Alae anticae subtus fulvae apicem versus gilvescentes, ubique

signaturis fuscis, marginemque versus aliquot maculis nigris

obsitae.

Alae posticae subtus gilvae, hinc pruina argentea indutae,

signaturis fuscis in morem Argynnidum undulatis, binis semper

per umbram quandam connexis, hinc et illinc confluentibus,

serie punctorum nigrorum halone amplexorum ut supra inter

fasciam primam et secundam pertranseunte. Lunula submarginalis

inter costam quintam et sextam major quam reliquae lunulae

submarginales, et umbra brunnea amplexa.

This species is not rare in the vicinity of San Francisco, and

the hills of Contra Costa, especially on the grassy valleys,

along creeks, and on hillsides with a varied vegetation of

herbaceous plants. There must be many generations of these

annually, for the perfect insect is found from spring to autumn.

3. _M. campestris_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae supra nigrae fasciis macularibus ochraceis et aurantiacis

alternantibus. Series punctorum nigrorum in alis posticis in

fascia aurantiaca submarginali.

Alae anticae subtus aurantiacae apicem versus luteae. Macula

disci et fascia intermedia infracta luteae, haec intus nigro

marginata. Alae posticae subtus luteae, linea transversa

undulata divisae; A radice usque ad lineam transversam brunneo

signatae et prope mediam lineam transversam umbra obscura

indutae; quae umbra extenditur usque ad seriem punctorum.

Lunula inter quintam costam et sextam candida, aucta et umbra

amplexa.

This species is very common in different localities, especially

on marshy places, where Hemizonia abounds. Seems to be peculiar

to the lower regions, and produces several annual generations.

4. _M. pratensis_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae supra nigrae fasciis macularibus fulvis instructae.

Maculae fasciae submarginalis alarum posticarum singulae

singula puncta nigra gerentes.

Alae anticae subtus ochraceae maculis pallidioribus hinc et

illinc signatae. Marginem versus posticam extant aliquot

maculae nigrae. Alae posticae subtus hepaticae lineis

undulatis, maculis, umbris serieque punctorum cunctis aeque

brunneis instructae. Lunula submarginalis vix pallidior et

umbra amplectente tantum e reliqua ala discerni potest.

This species is found on grassy hillsides and is common enough

in some localities near San Francisco. Several generations are

found from spring to the beginning of the rainy season.

Before I had a sufficient series of these nearly allied species

in my possession, I considered them local varieties of one

single species. Afterwards I had an idea that two of them,

_M. collina_ and _pratensis_ might be seasonal varieties or

alternating generations, like for instance _Arachnia Prorsa_,

whose vernal generation _A. Levana_ was for a long time

considered another species. But according to my observations

continued through several years, these species are not confined

to certain seasons, but are to be found throughout the dry

season. If they were alternating generations of the same insect

the different forms would be found only at certain seasons; but

such is not the case.

_M. montana_ is very variable but never approaches to the

characters of the other three species. The rest are as constant

as a species can be, and in a long series of duplicates

from different localities I do not find anything like an

intermediate form.

The four species of this type agree in the following points:

1. A row of dots between the first and second transverse lines

of the hindwings, in the space that represents in these species

the submarginal fascia. This row is clearly visible on both

sides.

2. The marginal lunula between the fifth and sixth vein is

perceptibly augmented on both sides, and on the other side is

frequently of lighter color and always surrounded by a deeper

shade.

The most positive characters distinguishing the species is

found on the disc of the underside of forewings.

1. _M. montana_, has the disc uniform fulvous the markings of

the upper-side shining through the coloration of the disc.

2. _M. collina_, has the disc orange color; markings very

perceptible and towards the exterior margin bordered by a

series of black spots.

3. _M. campestris_, has the disc with a yellow spot between the

first and second primary costa, and is bordered towards the

exterior margin by an angular row of yellow spots, which are

themselves bordered at the inner side by deep black.

4. _M. pratensis_, has the disc ochre yellow with irregularly

diluted spots and some black marks near the _posterior_ margin.

There are plenty of other points of difference, as may be

seen by comparing the diagnoses. But for recognition of any

of the species it is sufficient to examine the disc. The

other differences are difficult to describe, as all those who

know by their own experience the difficulties of analyzing

the complicated markings of the underside of the hindwings

in this group will testify. As to the larval state of these

insects nothing is known, and this want of facts regarding

their metamorphosis, is the more to be lamented as the natural

affinities of this type are by no means very clear or simple.

It seems to constitute a kind of intermediate group between

the true _Melitæae_ and the Arctic type of _Argynnides_. The

eyes are more prominent than in the typical species of Melitæa,

and I find a similar conformation of the head in _M. Tharos_

from the Atlantic States. At the same time the underside of

the hindwings of all these species does not represent the

well-defined alternate bands of the typical _Melitæae_, but

the intricate undulations and undefined lights and shadows

of the underside of the Arctic type of _Argynnis_. In fact

_M. montana_ approaches in this respect very closely to _A.

Aphirape_.

TYPE II.

This type corresponds to the European type of _M. Athalia_,

and even in the differential characters of the four species

known to me there is a striking parallelism to those of

four European species, so that each of them looks as if it

was the transposition of a foreign species separated by a

peculiarly Californian character, afterwards to be pointed out,

from its European congener, and separated amongst themselves

by the very same characters that separate the four European

parallel species from each other. Their analogies are as

follows:

_California._ _Europe._

M. PALLA, M. DICTYNNA,

M. WHITNEYI, M. ATHALIA,

M. GABBII, M. PARTHENIE,

M. HOFFMANNI, M. ASTERIA.

The Californians differ from their European analogues in the

orange color that fills the space between the margin and the

marginal line on the underside. In the European species this

space always has the same pale tint that forms the ground color.

Then the two waving lines that inclose the submarginal band on

the underside of the hind wings, are not entirely filled by the

orange or fulvous spots as in the European, but have an empty

space between the first and second, and the second and third

veins.

1. _Melitæa Palla_, Boisd.

Alae maris supra fulvae nigro clathratae, feminae nigrae

nonnullis fasciis macularibus gilvis instructae.

Alae posticae subtus gilvae lineis nigris et maculis

aurantiacis ordinariis instructae, necnon serie lunularum

fasciae submarginalis fulvarum a vena tertia inchoantium usque

ad ultimam decurrentium. _Quaeque lunula continet ocellum._

I repeat the diagnosis for the purpose of adding a character

that has been hitherto overlooked but is essential for

separating this species from the following. It is the

eye-spot contained in each of the orange-colored spots of the

submarginal band. It is true that these spots are not in every

specimen equally visible, and often require the help of the

glass to make them visible, but still they are never wanting as

in the following species.

_M. Palla_ is the only one of this type found in the vicinity

of San Francisco, where it is rather common. Nevertheless I

have not yet succeeded in finding the caterpillar, but have

heard from our celebrated entomologist, Mr. Lorquin, that he

has raised this butterfly from a caterpillar found on a species

of _Plantago_.

2. _Melitæa Whitneyi_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae maris supra rubricantes nigro clathratae feminae, fere

eædem, colore tantum dilutiori hinc et illinc paululum

alternantes.

Alae posticae subtus iis _M. Pallae_ similes sed _lunulae

fasciae submarginalis ocellis omnino destitutae_.

At the first look the difference between this species and _M.

Palla_ is striking enough, for the coloration of the upperside

is quite different and the reticulate black marking runs in

much thinner lines and is more regular than in _M. Palla_,

where towards the margin the black markings unite more or less

and cover the ground color. The striking alteration in the

colors of the upper side in the series of _M. Palla_ does not

exist here and the female is sometimes quite like the male.

Sometimes the ground color alternates transversely with a

slightly diluted tint, and for the female this character would

be sufficient. But both sexes differ in the constant absence of

the eye-spots of the submarginal band.

I received this species from the headwaters of the Tuolumne

River where it was collected during the stay of the State

Geological Survey in the elevated and uninhabited regions. I

take this opportunity of showing my respect for Prof. Whitney

and the other members of that learned party, to all of whom I

am under obligations for the kindness with which, under all

kinds of hardships, they collected materials for a Fauna of our

Californian Lepidoptera.

3. _M. Gabbii_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae maris supra ut in _M. Palla_, feminae fasciis transversis

alternantibus luteis et fulvis totae nigro clathratae.

Alae inferiores ut in _M. Palla_, sed maculae radicales

candidae pruinaque argentea renitentes ita ut fascia intermedia

lunulaeque marginales. Fasciae, maculae, et margo aurantiacae

ordinariae. Fasciae submarginalis spatium, quae non occupatur

lunulis aurantiacis, sulphureum.

I received this species from the mountains near Los Angeles

and have seen a series of specimens constantly showing the

same characters. This description I made from a pair kindly

communicated to me by Mr. Lorquin.

4. _M. Hoffmanni_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae et maris et feminae a radice usque ad medium nigrae hinc

et illinc maculis luteis fulvisque obsitae, a media ala luteae

marginem versus fulvescentes plus minus nigro clathratae.

Alae inferiores subtus ut in _M. Palla_, sed fascia

submarginalis inter lineas undulatas nigras, non lunulis sed

punctis omnino rotundis constituta.

This species is less rare than the two preceding. Nevertheless

it has not yet been found near San Francisco and seems peculiar

to the higher regions of California.

MELITÆA, Type III.

Of this type, we know already as many Californian as European

species, but except _M. Phaeton_, I do not know any Eastern

representative of this type. The most robust and gaily

colored species belong to this type and it is one of the most

predominant of the diurnal types in California, not only from

the number of its species but also of its individuals.

1. _Melitæa Chalcedon_, Doubleday.

This showy species is very common around the Bay of San

Francisco. The caterpillar is somewhat of the coloration of

that of _Vanessa Antiopa_, but short and thick like all the

_Melitæa_ caterpillars and beset with short fleshy thorns. The

dorsal row of spines is brick red and so is the lateral stripe

above the feet. All other parts, both of the body and spines,

are black, which tint, being thickly sprinkled with white dots

has a bluish luster like the same tint in the caterpillar of

_V. Antiopa_.

Most commonly this caterpillar is found on _Scrophularia_,

but I have found it also on _Diplacus glutinosus_ and on a

_Lonicera_, related to _L. Caprifolium_. The chrysalis is

white with black and yellow dots. The butterfly is developed

towards the end of April and is found until the end of June.

There exists only one generation. The caterpillars grow very

slowly through the summer. They are social and weave a kind of

nest, in which they also hibernate. In spring their growth is

quick enough, but they seem to be subject to much disease, and

even in their natural state are frequently found half dried up.

The butterfly also is often caught with crippled wings.

2. _M. Cooperi_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae supra ut _M. Chalcedontis_, subtus inferiores sulphureae

fasciis et maculis ordinariis fuscis, maculis fasciae

submarginalis _fuscis concoloribus, neque ullo halone

cicumdatae_.

This species is very similar to _M. Chalcedon_, but the want

of the yellowish halo around the lunulae of the brown band on

the underside, is a very positive diagnostic character. The

brown color of the bands also is always of the same somber

hue as that of the underside of the forewings, and never of

the fiery brick red that colors this fascia on the underside

of _M. Chalcedon_, forming a perceptible contrast to the

somber coloring of the underside of the forewings, which is

the same in _M. Chalcedon_ and _M. Cooperi_. With all these

well-marked differences, the two species look so much alike,

that it would have been a long time before _M. Cooperi_ would

have been recognized as a distinct species, if it had not

been for the striking difference of its caterpillar, which

was discovered by Mr. Lorquin near Clear Lake on a species of

_Scrophularia_. This caterpillar is much more elongated than

that of _Chalcedon_. It is nearly of the shape and coloration

of that of the European _M. Artemis_, brimstone yellow, with

a dorsal and a lateral black stripe. We were quite justified

in expecting from such a caterpillar something strikingly

different from the very common type of _Chalcedon_. But to

our surprise our chrysalids gave us a series of crippled

butterflies, which could scarcely be distinguished from _M.

Chalcedon_. Since that time I have received a well-developed

specimen through the kindness of Baron Koels, who caught it

with several other insects on an excursion to Mount Tamal Pais.

It is pretty certain that _M. Cooperi_ will be found in many

other localities, as it is only its similarity to our most

common vernal butterfly, the _M. Chalcedon_, that makes it

escape our attention.

3. _M. Quino_, Behr, n. sp.

_M. Chalcedonti_ similis sed antennae clava discolor, fusca nec

concolor antennae reliquae aurantiacae.

Alae supra ut in _M. Chalcedonte_ sed series macularum

submarginalium in anticis rubra et marginalium in posticis

flava rubro tincta. Series quarta in anticis bifida, fere tota

rubra, tertia in posticis omnino rubra.

Alae inferiores subtus ut in _M. Chalcedonte_ sed fascia flava

prope radicem in maculas sex dissecta maculaque flava discalis

puncto ejusdem coloris extus aucta.

_Melitæa Quino_ may at once be distinguished by the entirely

different and much gayer coloration of the upper side, which

much more resembles that of _M. Anicia_ than _M. Chalcedon_.

To the latter species it comes the nearest in the peculiar

shape of the wings, so characteristically different in the

two sexes. In _M. Anicia_ this difference exists but not to

the same degree. The yellow part of the underside of the

hindwings is much paler than in _M. Chalcedon_ and _M. Anicia_.

The yellow radical band is dissolved into six distinct but

nearly connected maculae. In _M. Chalcedon_ the band is not

interrupted and only the sixth macula is separated, making part

of the yellow coloration of the anal side of the wing. From _M.

Anicia_ it differs besides, in the underside of the forewings

being nearly all of a reddish-brown color with scarcely any

indication of the markings of the upperside, closely resembling

_M. Chalcedon_. From both species _M. Quino_ differs in the

coloration of the club of the antenna.

This species I received from Dr. Cooper, formerly of the State

Geological Survey, who collected several specimens near San

Diego. I have called it Quino in remembrance of the California

Pioneer, Padre Quino, the first European that ever succeeded in

erecting a permanent settlement in California, and at the same

time contributed very considerably by his learned writings to a

more exact knowledge of these then scarcely discovered regions.

4. _M. Anicia_, Doubleday.

This species seems to be restricted to the eastern and more

elevated part of the State. Most of my specimens are from

Mariposa.

5. _M. nubigena_, Behr, n. sp.

_M. Aniciae_ similis sed antennarum clava nigrescens, et subtus

in alis posticis fasciae pallidae intermediae bipartitae pars

exterior aurantiaca, ut fascia lunularum quae sequitur eam.

This species was caught in considerable numbers by Mr. Hoffman

at the headwaters of the Tuolumne River and beyond, up to

elevations of 11,500 feet. It evidently stands in the same

relation to _M. Anicia_ as in Europe _M. Merope_ does to _M.

Artemis_. I am not certain if _M. nubigena_ is to be considered

an alpine variety of _M. Anicia_ or an independent species, nor

as far as I know is the question yet decided as to the right

to distinction of _M. Merope_, a long-known alpine insect of

Europe. Nevertheless, considering the different coloration

of the antenna club, I am very much inclined to think _M.

nubigena_ more than a mere alpine variety.

6. _M. Editha_, Boisd.

This species is found in different localities near San

Francisco and Contra Costa. Nevertheless, it is much rarer than

_M. Chalcedon_ and of a more restless disposition. It makes its

appearance before _M. Chalcedon_ and is one of our first vernal

butterflies. About the caterpillar I have not yet succeeded in

ascertaining anything.

MELITÆA, Type IV.

Of this type only one Californian species is yet known, but

there may be perhaps some other species in the southern parts

of the State, as the subtropical territory of New Mexico seems

rather to abound in this type.

1. _M. Leanira_, Boisd. (In litteris.)

Antennae totae fulvae.

Alae supra nigrae, fasciis macularibus duabus et radicem

versus maculis tribus quadrangularibus omnibus gilvescentibus

instructae. Alae anticae prope marginem anticam, apicem versus

et ad marginem externam mediam, e nigro rubescentes.

Alae anticae subtus rubrae iisdem maculis ut supra ornatae.

Fascia macularis externa extus nigro marginata. Alae posticae

subtus gilvescentes nigro venosae, et nigro marginatae, radicem

versus nigro signatae; supra medium fascia nigra instructae,

catenam moniliformem continente punctorum gilvorum.

Limbus ubique et supra et subtus nigro alboque variegatus.

_M. Leanira_ is so distinct from all other _Melitæae_, that it

is impossible to make any error in reference to its diagnosis.

It is found in June and July in valleys of the Contra Costa

hills, where I collected it myself. I received other specimens

from Yosemite Valley. I have not succeeded in finding the

caterpillar.

I have to add a few observations regarding the geographical

distribution of the genus _Melitæa_ in general and of its

different types separately.

The genus _Melitæa_ spreads from the Arctic zone to the tropic

of Cancer and some mountain species even farther. Unlike the

genus _Argynnis_ in its geographical distribution _Melitæa_ has

no Antarctic species. It has its center of abundance in the

temperate zone and decreases towards the tropics as well as the

arctic zone. According to that peculiarity of the western slope

of continents by which the temperate zone is more developed in

extent and quality, than in the eastern slopes, the greatest

number of species are found in Europe and on our coast. Eastern

Asia has very few species, but the genus is better represented

on the Atlantic side of this continent, where however, it

appears in the aberrant forms of _M. Tharos_, _M. Pyrrha_, etc,

whose real nature seems still doubtful and which are at least

intermediate between _Argynnis_ and _Melitæa_.

The genuine type is very uniform, and therefore the diagnosis

of the Californian as well as the European species is enveloped

in many difficulties, so that even in regard to many European

species known and described for more than a century, the limits

of the species are frequently more or less doubtful and nearly

every Catalogue gives the series of closely allied species in a

different form.

California possesses two types wanting to the European Fauna;

Europe one type wanting to California. To us the type of _M.

Cinxia_ is wanting, to Europe that most characteristic form of

_M. Leanira_, which is a very natural transition to the genus

_Synchloe_. The other wanting to the old world is that of _M.

Pyrrha_, an osculant form peculiar to the new world where it

extends nearly as far as the equator.

As regards the development of the genus in size and brilliancy

of color, the Californians have a decided advantage. The giants

of the genus are all Californian and the coloration more bright

and more distinct than the somber hues of their less-developed

European allies.

Like the Argynnides the Melitæae are essentially local. There

is no Amphigeic species, and even the Polar species (which in

Argynnis are sometimes Amphigeic) are always different in this

genus, never occurring both in Europe and America. In the same

way the Atlantic and Pacific species seem always to differ.

These butterflies not having a very powerful flight are

generally confined to circumscribed localities, in which

they are generally plentiful and easily collected. Their

caterpillars are frequently social like those of the

_Vanessæ_, preferring the family of Scrophalarineous plants,

(_Scrophularia_ in California, _Linaria_ and _Veronica_ in

Europe), but inclined more to polyphagy than the Argynnides,

in their predilection for the Violarineae. Besides the

Scrophalarineae the _Melitæae_ live on _Plantago_, _Lonicera_,

_Scabiosa_, and some even are found on shrubby trees of

_Salix_, _Populus_, and _Fagus_.

Dr. Cooper presented a continuation of his descriptions of fishes:

On new Genera and Species of Californian Fishes—No. II.

BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.

EXOCŒTUS, ARTEDI.

E. CALIFORNICUS, Cooper, Californian Flying-Fish, State

collection, species 1012. [FIG. 20.]

[Illustration: FIG. 20.]

_Specific characters._—Height of body one eighth of its length

from tip of nose to fork of tail, length of head almost one

fifth of the same (0·19). Width of forehead in front of eyes

more than five eighths the length of head (0·69); diameter of

eye less than one third of same length (0·30). Scale between

eyes equilateral, and a little less than half of the width

of head. No granulated area in front of orbit, and but a

very narrow one behind it. Preoperculum rounded rectangular.

Pectoral fin extending to halfway between end of dorsal and

base of caudal, 0·60 of total length. Ventrals inserted nearer

operculum than base of caudal, and extending to middle of anal.

Dorsal commencing over 36th scale and extending to 48th.

D. 12, P. 14, V. 6, A. 10, C. 3-1-4-5-1-6. Scales 58-7/1.

_Colors._—Steel-blue, fins smoky, below silvery, iris gilt.

_General form_ much elongated, subcylindrical. Top of head

perfectly flat, its width equal to its depth. Anterior half of

body nearly as broad as high, compressed above. Posterior half

compressed laterally, tapering to tail, the caudal peduncle

three times as high as it is broad. A slight ridge along

insertion of dorsal. Lateral line prominent, running close to

insertion of ventrals. Proportions of fins to total length, as

follows:

Length of dorsal 0·11

Height of ventrals 0·23

Length of anal 0·07

Length of caudal, upper lobe 0·15

Length of caudal, lower lobe 0·22

Height of pectoral 0·60

Length of specimen fifteen inches, the figure representing it

half the natural size. One specimen obtained at Catalina Island.

REMARKS.—In the preceding diagnosis I have followed the

arrangement of specific characters adopted by Gill in his

description of two new species of _Exocœtus_ from the Pacific

Coast of Central America. (Proc. Acad. Phil., June, 1863, p.

167.) By comparison it will be seen that our species is very

distinct.

This large species of Flying-Fish is found in great numbers

during the summer south of Point Conception, and some wander as

far north as Santa Cruz at least. They can only be taken when

they happen to alight on board of a vessel or in gill-nets,

which I was not provided with during my late voyage among the

islands. Their flight is rarely higher than ten feet above the

water, but sometimes extends nearly a quarter of a mile.

UROLOPHUS, Müller and Henle.

UROLOPHUS HALLERI, Cooper, State collection, species 522. [FIG.

21.]

[Illustration: FIG. 21.]

_Specific characters._—Disk suborbicular, obtusely pointed

in front, and with the pectoral fins rounded behind. Length

anterior to anus a little greater than that of the tail

behind it. Posterior outline of ventral fins projecting a

little behind that of disk. Claspers as long as ventrals and

projecting entirely behind them. Tail 0·47 of total length,

gradually tapering from a cylindrical base to the spine, thence

becoming flattened laterally expanding into a fin, which

commences opposite the base of spine below, and ends opposite

to its end above, broadest near its end, where its width is

0·10 the length of tail. Spiracles a little larger than orbits

and farther apart, the distance between them equal to that from

snout to orbits. Ventrals forming nearly equilateral triangles,

their basal length one fifth that of head and body. Caudal

spine arising at 0·48 of the length of tail, and not quite one

third as long. Female more elongated than male but tail and

spine shorter; the ventrals a fourth longer and more acute.

_Colors._—Reddish speckled with yellow, below white. In some

specimens the dark and light colors above are about equally

distributed, the spots having a somewhat marbled arrangement.

In others the light spots are very few and widely separated.

Popular name “Round Stingray.” The figure is half the natural

size. The dots show the principal outlines of the cartilaginous

skeleton.

REMARKS.—While this fish has the nearly orbicular outline of

_Urotrygon_ (_mundus_), Gill, from Panama (Proc. Phil. Acad.,

June, 1863, p. 173), it differs generically in having obtusely

triangular teeth (equilateral), tail shorter than body, spine

nearest to its base, smooth skin, etc.

It differs from _Urolophus_, as described by Richardson, in the

upper velum of mouth being entire, and in having about twenty

small tubercles on the surface of lower velum. These however

can scarcely be considered generic differences.

Found abundantly in muddy creeks at San Pedro and San Diego,

those from the former place being more uniform in color.

While I was at San Diego the little son of Major G. O. Haller,

U. S. A. was wounded in the foot, probably by one of these

fish, while wading along a muddy shore of the bay. The wound

was very painful for some hours, though small. Another large

rhomboidal species also abundant there but apparently still

undescribed, inflicts very severe and dangerous wounds, of

which I may have more to say hereafter.

This fish has great muscular power and can dart very rapidly

through the water by lateral vibrations of its tail, at the

same time quickly flapping the edge of its disk, to keep its

level in the water and to regulate its direction.

It frequently buries itself slightly under the mud, and if

disturbed obscures the water by stirring the mud, vanishing

in the cloud thus raised to hide itself again. It will allow

a boat to pass over its place of concealment, and may, if

detected, be easily killed by a blow with the end of an oar.

Many are also caught in the seines of the fishermen.

Their food consists of small mollusca, crustacea and such other

animals, alive or dead, as they can obtain.

REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, ten members.

Donations to Cabinet:

Rock Salt, from the Upper Colorado River, by F. Ailing. Wood, from near

Carson City.

Dr. Cooper stated that he had received a communication from Mr. P. P.

Carpenter, of England, offering to describe any new species of shells

from the collections of the State Geological Survey or of the Academy,

and to publish the descriptions in its proceedings. The Society accepted

the proposition.

Two new sheets of the Proceedings were laid upon the table.

REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 21ST, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, seven members.

Messrs. Royal Fisk and R. L. D’Aumaile were elected resident members.

[Illustration: FIG. 22. OPHISURUS CALIFORNIENSIS—Garrett. [Described on

p. 66 of this volume.]]

ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 4TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Fifteen members present.

E. Mathewson, Esq., of Martinez, was elected resident member.

The following is an abstract of the Annual Reports of the officers of the

Society, for the past year (1863):

The Financial Report of the Trustees was received and accepted. During

the year, $815.35 have been received from various sources, besides the

balance on hand from 1862, of $141.22; $903.75 expended; and $52.82

remains in the hands of the Treasurer.

The Librarian (Prof. Whitney) reported verbally, that about fifty

volumes have been added to the Library, mostly the publications of other

Societies; that some sets of Journals have been rendered complete, by his

own donations, and that the volumes of the “American Journal of Science”

have been bound.

The Curator of Mineralogy (Mr. Moore) reports, that the collection is

in nearly the same condition that it was at the commencement of the

last year, that but few additions have been made, and that the work of

cataloguing and classifying the specimens is in progress.

The Curator of Palæontology (Mr. Gabb) made no report.

The Curator of Botany (Dr. Kellogg) reports, that some additions have

been made; that the collections are not in good condition for want of

suitable cases, and recommends that new cases be procured, and that a

suite of the specimens described by members of the Society be sent East,

for comparison with specimens in those herbariums to which we have no

access.

The Curator of Zoology (Dr. Cooper) made a verbal report, that he has

been absent the most of the year, and that the collection has not

materially changed since the last report, with the exception of an

interesting collection of Birds deposited by Mr. Holder.

The Curator of Conchology (Dr. Trask) reported verbally, that about three

hundred species of shells have been added to the collection during the

year. Also, that he had received from Mr. Andrew Garrett, a collection of

one hundred and fifteen species of Hawaiian Fishes, for the Museum.

The Curator of Entomology (Dr. Behr) reported verbally, that there

have been no contributions, but that he will contribute from his own

collection, and other persons have expressed their desire to do likewise,

when the Society shall possess the means of accommodating and preserving

the specimens.

The officers of the preceding year were reëlected, with the exception of

Treasurer—S. Hubbard being elected in the place of Wm. Heffley, resigned.

The following resolution, prepared by Dr. Ayres, was unanimously adopted:

_Resolved_, That hereafter the Proceedings of the Academy be

distributed gratuitously only to resident members and to such

Societies and individuals as the Academy shall direct; and

that the price of subscription to others be regulated by the

Publishing Committee.

The Society authorized the publication of the following Constitutional

amendments, adopted at the annual meeting, January 6th, 1862, the

publication of which was accidentally omitted in the Proceedings of that

year:

Amendment to Art. II, Sec. 4—That the Membership Fee, to be

paid by an applicant for Resident membership, shall be two

dollars, etc.—the remainder of the section remaining as before.

Amendment to Art. III, Sec. 2—This Association shall hold

meetings on the First and Third Monday evenings of each month,

for the investigation of Natural History, etc.—the remainder of

the section remaining as before.

Dr. Ayres read extracts from letters containing inquiries in regard to

the first volume of the Proceedings of the Society, which terminated

abruptly, and was never finished. The supply has long been exhausted,

and the republication has been frequently discussed; but as yet this is

beyond the means of the Society.

Prof. Brewer communicated the following paper by Prof. Gray, giving

the first installment of a series of descriptions of new plants from

the botanical collections made by himself, while engaged in the State

Geological Survey. These are a portion of the new species collected

previous to 1863. The remainder will be described in future papers, along

with those from the collection made after that time.

Descriptions of New Californian Plants—No. I.

BY PROF. ASA GRAY.

STREPTANTHUS Nutt.

_S. Breweri_, n. sp. [§ Euclisia.]

Wholly glabrous and glaucous, annual, branched from near

the base; cauline leaves (except the lowest) strongly

cordate-clasping, with a closed sinus, entire or denticulate,

the uppermost sagittate; flowers purple, on very short

ascending pedicels, the lowest often leafy-bracted; the buds

often a quarter of an inch long, obtuse, or barely acute;

the sepals with scarious but blunt recurved tips; siliques

narrowly linear, ascending or erect, straight or slightly

incurved (1½-2½ inches long, less than a line wide,) compressed

but torulose, the nerve of the valves obscure; seeds wholly

marginless.

This most resembles _S. tortuosus Kellogg_ (which is S.

_cordatus Torr._, in _Bot. Pacif. R. R. Whipple’s Rep._ but

evidently not of _Nuttall_), from which the above character

indicates the differences.

There are three forms in the collection: 1. A dwarf state, in

flower only, from Mt. Shasta, at an altitude of 8,000 feet. 2.

A very glaucous form, with more numerous and rather smaller

flowers, and with fruit, from the top of a dry mountain of

the Mt. Diablo Range, near head of Arroyo del Puerto, at an

altitude of 3,200 feet. 3. Another, in flower and fruit, with

more naked and virgate branches, a foot or two in height, from

San Carlos Mountain, near New Idria, 5,000 feet altitude. This

is remarkable for having the calyx hoary-downy, but the plant

is otherwise glabrous and glaucous.

_S. hispidus_, n. sp. (§ Euclisia.)

Very dwarf, (2-3 inches high, from an annual root,)

hispid throughout, even to the siliques; leaves cuneate

or obovate-oblong, coarsely toothed or incised, the

cauline-sessile but hardly at all clasping; raceme short and

loosely flowered; pedicels spreading or at length recurved in

flower (which is red or red-violet) but the linear compressed

siliques (1½ inch long, a line wide,) are erect; stigma almost

sessile; immature seeds winged.

Mt. Diablo, dry places near summit.

This ranks next to _S. heterophyllus_.

VIOLA L.

_V. ocellata_, Torr. and Gray, _var._

Glabrous, smaller; leaves somewhat thickish; peduncles

elongated. Very curious and distinct. From Tamalpais.

ARENARIA L.

_A. brevifolia_ Nutt.? _var. Californica_.

Much branched or diffuse, cymosely many-flowered; petals and

sepals somewhat narrower.

Leaves as in Nuttall’s plant, thickish, plane, mostly obtuse

and spreading. Valves of the capsule entire. Filaments

opposite and twice the length of the sepals, more dilated

and glandular at the base. Seeds minute, minutely muricate,

turgid. The fruit and seed are known only from Frémont’s

specimens communicated to Dr. Torrey (No. 284 of Coll. 1846,)

from California, a taller and less diffuse form than that

now collected by Prof. Brewer, and more like Nuttall’s, from

Tatnall County, Georgia. But my original specimen of the

latter little-known plant is too incomplete to make certain

the identity; and the two are widely sundered in geographical

station. Still no adequate characters yet appear to distinguish

specifically. Prof. Brewer collected his plant April 18th, in

the valleys among high ridges in Sonoma, where it abounded.

CALANDRINIA H. B. & K.

_C. Menziesii_, Hook.

In various forms in southern California. Capsule slightly if at

all exceeding the calyx; seeds rather turgid, shining; petals

mostly much exceeding the calyx.

_C. Menziesii, var. macrocarpa._

Stems and racemes at length more elongated and loosely-leaved;

pedicels in fruit much spreading or recurved; capsule

ovoid-fusiform, projecting beyond the calyx; seeds smaller,

compressed and opaque.

Dry hills of the Santa Inez mountains, near Santa Barbara.

Perhaps a distinct species, but I want to see it confirmed by

other specimens.

LINUM L.

_L. Breweri_, n. sp.

Annual; glabrous; stem very small, not striate, with few

flowers crowded at the apex; leaves filiform, smooth, alternate

and opposite; stipules conspicuously glandular; pedicels

shorter than the calyx; sepals oblong-ovate, acute, one-nerved,

margin not scarious, glandular, less than half as long as the

bright yellow, obovate-oblong petals; anthers elongated-oblong;

sterile filaments almost wanting; styles three, distinct;

stigma somewhat acutely pointed.

Dry hill sides of the Diablo Range, near Marsh’s Ranch, May

29th.

Plant barely two to three inches high, “but seen in the valley

larger, with many flowers, not yet expanded.”

This, like _L. Californicum_, appears to be uniformly

tri-carpellary; flowers about the size of those of that

species, and the anthers elongated-oblong; but the leaves

narrower; the stigmas not at all capitate or enlarged, but

minute and acute; fruit not seen.

TRIFOLIUM, L.

_T. bifidum_, n. sp.

Somewhat villose or glabrous; stems from small (annual?)

root, slender, spreading; stipules ovate-lanceolate,

setaceously-acuminate, entire; leaflets linear-cuneate,

lateral ones rarely dentate, bifid or incised at the apex

with a mucronate point between the lobes; peduncles twice or

three times as long as the leaves; heads naked, six to twelve

flowered, or more; flowers pedicelled, at length reflexed;

calyx five-parted, dentate, subulate-setaceous, somewhat

hirsute, and nearly equal to the persistent, rose-colored

scarious corolla.

Near Marsh’s Ranch, between Monte Diablo and the San Joaquin,

among grass in a ravine near the water, May 29th.

Stems six to sixteen inches long. Heads and flowers about the

size of those of the small form of _T. gracilentum_, to which

species it is allied. Ovary two-ovulate, seeds single.

ASTRAGALUS L.

_A. curtipes_, n. sp. (§ Phaca, *Inflati.)

Minutely canescent, at length glabrate, a foot high; stipules

connate, opposite the leaf; leaflets twelve to sixteen pairs

narrowly oblong, retuse petiolulate, glabrous above; raceme in

fruit short; calyx-teeth slender, subulate, slightly shorter

than the campanulate tube; legume membranaceous, inflated,

glabrate (1½ inches long,) semi-ovoid, (the ventral suture

nearly straight, the dorsal very gibbous,) scarcely acute at

either end, jointed to a rigid stipe, which does not exceed the

tube of the calyx.

Dry hill sides, San Luis Obispo. Corolla not seen.

_A. oxyphysus_, n. sp. (§ Phaca, *Inflati.)

Tall, very softly canescen-villous; stipules small, scarious,

distinct; leaflets 8-11 pairs, oblong; peduncles much

surpassing the leaf; raceme elongated; bracts small and

subulate; teeth of the silky calyx subulate, half the length

of the cylindraceous tube; corolla white or greenish; legume

obovate-acuminate, the base attenuate into a recurved stipe

which somewhat exceeds the calyx.

Monte Diablo Range, near Arroyo Puerto, on dry hills.

A most distinct and striking new species.

_A. Breweri_, n. sp.

Allied to _A. tener_ Gray, Rev. Astrag. (_Phaca astragalina,

var._? Hook. and Arn., and probably _A. hypoglottis, var.

strigosa_, Kellogg,) but more branched from the annual root,

and with broader leaflets, (4-5 pairs, oblong-obcordate);

head 5-7 flowered, compact; immature legume globose-ovate,

silky-canescent, not stipulate, erect, six-ovulate, one-celled,

the dorsal suture slightly intruded.

Fields in Sonoma Valley, April. Common.

Dr. Ayres read letters from Mr. A. Garrett, and presented the following

paper:

Descriptions of New Species of Fishes—No. II.

BY ANDREW GARRETT, OF HONOLULU, SANDWICH ISLANDS.

CHEILODACTYLUS Lacep. 1803.

_C. vittatus_ Garrett.

B. 6; D. 17-30; A. 3-8; V. 1-5; P. 8-6; C. 5, 1, 7, 6, 1, 4.

The height of the body is a trifle less than one-third of

the total length. The upper profile rises in a convex line

from the snout to the occipital region, whence it suddenly

ascends in a nearly vertical curve, giving that portion of the

fish a strongly gibbous appearance. The body rapidly tapers

posteriorly, though preserving a slightly convex outline. The

head enters nearly four and a half times in the entire length.

The eyes are large, sub-circular in shape, even with the line

of profile, and their greatest diameter is nearly one-third the

length of the head. They are placed nearer the origin of the

lateral line than the end of the snout. The small maxillary

bone extends as far back as the anterior margin of the eye.

The dorsal fin takes its origin immediately above the posterior

limb of the orbit and terminates within one diameter of the eye

of the caudal fin. Its three anterior rays are very small, and

the fourth, which is the tallest, is one-third as long as the

base of the whole fin, or equal to two-thirds the height of the

body. Posteriorly the spiny rays rapidly diminish in altitude

so that the last one is shorter than the succeeding soft rays.

The soft portion of the fin is comparatively low, gently convex

along its upper edge, and is equally as long as the spiny part.

The anal fin is small, being inserted just in advance of the

middle of the soft portion of the dorsal. Its extreme margin

is slightly concave and the rays rapidly diminish in length

posteriorly. The ventrals when laid back reach as far as the

anal fin. The second simple pectoral ray extends as far back

as the vent. The caudal, which is deeply forked, has its lobes

rounded off.

Color greyish-silvery, and ornamented with five oblique

blackish-brown bands which are disposed as follows: one extends

from the snout to the preopercular margin, the second starts

from the eye and terminates on the pectoral base, the third,

which passes over the occipital region, extends below the

pectoral axilla; the fourth, which is much broader, starts from

the origin of the dorsal fin, curves downward and backward,

becoming wider in its descent, and passes beneath the abdomen;

the fifth one commences on the upper anterior half of the spiny

dorsal, extending along the back to near the termination of

that fin. Three irregular, pale spots may be observed in the

dorsal band, and three large blackish-brown spots on the caudal

trunk. The opercular flap and snout tinged with orange-red. The

interorbital space is marked with two transverse brownish-red

bands. Irides yellowish-silvery. That portion of the dorsal fin

anterior to the fifth band is white, the remainder, together

with the anal and caudal, light-yellowish, the latter tipped

with blackish-brown. The pectorals are orange-red, and the

ventrals are deep blackish-brown.

Length, 7 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—An extremely rare fish, of which the solitary specimen

now before me is the only example that has come to my notice.

It is the more interesting in a geographical point of view, as

being the only species—as near as I can ascertain—recorded from

the Polynesian Seas. Sir John Richardson, in his interesting

“Notices of Australian Fish,” published in the “Proceedings

of the Zoological Society of London,” describes, and gives a

list of thirteen species. Nine of those occur in the Australian

Seas, one from China and Japan, two from the Cape of Good Hope,

and one from Tristan d’Acunha. In the number and arrangement

of the fasciae, our fish closely resembles the _C. gibbosus_,

Sol., (_Chætodon_) from Van Diemen’s Land. The latter species

is less gibbous, the eyes smaller, the soft portion of the

dorsal fin shorter, and the caudal forks are more pointed than

in the _C. vittatus_.

APOGON Lacep. 1802.

_A. maculiferus_, Garrett.

B. 7; D. 7-1-9; A. 2-8 V. 1-5; P. 13; C. 4, 1, 8, 7, 1, 3.

The upper profile of the head is slightly concave; otherwise

the general shape of the fish closely resembles the _Apogon

fraenatus_, Val. The greatest depth of the body, taken at the

commencement of the anterior dorsal fin, equals the length of

the head, or two-sevenths of the entire length of the fish. The

eye is large, sub-circular in shape, even with the upper line

of profile, and its diameter nearly one-third as long as the

head. The upper jaw is slightly the longest, and the hinder

termination of the maxillary is on a line with the posterior

border of the pupil. The margin of the preopercle is finely and

regularly dentated, and its anterior crest or ridge exhibits

but few irregular teeth. The lateral line may be traced over

twenty-four scales.

The first and second dorsal fin are of equal length along their

base, both being higher than long, and the altitude of the

latter, which exceeds that of the former, is, as compared to

the entire length of the fish, one to five. The anal fin is

inserted a trifle more posterior than the fin above. The large

ventrals, when laid back, cover the vent with their tips. The

caudal is sub-bifurcate.

Color brilliant silvery, with an iridescent reflection in which

carnation predominates. The upper two-thirds of the body is

ornamented with longitudinal rows of small olivaceous spots,

one on each scale, and those above the lateral line more or

less coalescing, forming broken bands. The head, which is more

or less tinged with diluted carmine-red, is marked by a diffuse

olivaceous band, which extends from the end of the snout,

passing through the eye and terminating on the opercle. Irides

silvery white; cornea black. The membranes of all the fins are

tinged with orange-yellow, and their rays are red.

Length, 5½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

Vernacular, “Upapalu.”

REMARKS.—The longitudinal series of maculations will readily

determine this species. Under the lens the spots assume the

appearance of clusters of minute dots, some of which have blue

central points.

SCORPÆNA Artedi, (L.)

_S. parvipinnis_, Garrett.

D. 13·10; A. 3-5; V. 1-5; P. 7-9; C. 5, 1, 6, 5, 1, 3.

In this species the upper and lower outlines are quite

similar, being gently arched. The greatest depth of the body

falls slightly short of one-third of the total length, and

the greatest thickness at the base of the head, is a little

more than two-thirds of the above mentioned depth. The head

constitutes just one-third of the whole fish. The eye is large,

circular, its diameter being nearly one-fourth of the length

of the head. Four spines may be seen along the upper edge of

the orbit, and the same number on each side of the occipital

region and nape, the posterior one the larger. Two intraorbital

spines, one on the nasal bone, and a longitudinal row of four

along the supratympanic region. Two on the opercle, the lower

one long and projecting posterior to the margin of that bone.

A stout one may be observed on the humeral region, one on the

infra-orbital, three on the margin of the preopercle, and a

longitudinal row of irregularly disposed ones along the cheek.

The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper, and the tip

of the maxillary extends as far back as the hinder border of

the eye. Fine scales envelop the basal portions of all the fins

except the ventrals, and cover all parts of the head except the

jaws and the lower half of the maxillary bone. Minute filaments

are observed on all parts of the fish, being more numerous on

the upper anterior third of the body. The dorsal and anal fins

are small, the former commencing above the origin of the latter

line. The spiny portion of the dorsal is very low, gently

arched, and constitutes nearly two-thirds of the fin. The soft

portion of the anal fin is very narrow and rounded off.

The head and anterior half of the body is greyish, passing into

light carnation beneath, and obscurely clouded with dusky.

The posterior half of the body is dusky black, which fades

into pink beneath, maculated with small darker spots. Caudal

trunk, pink. Two large dusky black spots on the anterior dorsal

region. Irides greenish-yellow. Fins pinky-red, the spiny

dorsal mottled with dusky, and the other fins dotted with

pinky-brown, and a bar of the same color on the caudal base.

Length, 4 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—The scaly head, small dorsal and anal fin will readily

distinguish this beautiful species.

CRENILABRUS, Cuv.

_C. modestus_, Garrett.

B. 6; D. 12-10; A. 3-12; V. 1-5; P. 17; C. 2, 1, 6, 6, 1, 2.

The greatest depth, which occurs beneath the origin of the

dorsal fin, is about one-fourth of the total length, and the

greatest thickness is just half of the above mentioned depth.

The head, which comprises a little more than one-fourth of the

whole fish, presents a slight concave depression above the

eyes. The preopercular serrations are very small. The eyes

are sub-circular, their greatest diameter entering nearly six

times in the length of the head, and twice in advance of their

own orbit. The hinder tip of the maxillary reaches a vertical,

passing through the center of the eye. Twelve longitudinal

rows of scales may be enumerated between the lateral line and

the vent, ten rows on the side of the caudal trunk, and the

median longitudinal row on the body contains thirty scales. The

lateral line, which passes over thirty-three scales, consists

of slightly branched tubes.

The dorsal fin extends over a base equal to half the length of

the fish, caudal fin excluded. Its soft portion falls slightly

short of one-third of the whole fin. The anal fin, which is

nearly half as long as the dorsal, has its hinder termination

slightly more posterior. The acuminately pointed ventrals,

when closely appressed to the abdomen nearly reach the anal

fin. The large caudal has its posterior upper and lower angles

considerably prolonged and pointed.

Color purplish-brown, passing into bluish grey beneath, and

obsoletely lineated longitudinally with darker. A large oblong

pale diffuse spot beneath the posterior end of the dorsal

fin, which is directed obliquely downward and forward. Irides

silvery, tinged with yellow. The dorsal fin is pale greyish,

marked anteriorly with a large diffuse blue-black spot, its

soft portion being tinged with reddish and margined above with

yellow. The anal, ventrals and caudal are bluish-grey, the

former posteriorly tinged with faded red and edged with yellow.

Pectorals nearly colorless.

Length, 18 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—We have obtained only two individuals of this large

species, both of which were exposed for sale in the Honolulu

fish-market. The colors, which are no doubt considerably

changed, were taken from the dead fish.

CHIRONECTES Cuv. 1817.

_C. niger_, Garrett.

D. 3-12; A. 6; V. 5; P. 10; C. 1, 7. 1.

The head constitutes about one-third of the total length,

caudal excluded. The eyes are elliptically-oval, and inserted

just once their greatest diameter distant from the margin

of the upper jaw. The skin is covered with fine closely set

prickly asperities, which gives it a velvety appearance. The

general outline is ovate, and the greatest thickness equals

one-sixth of the entire length. A range of conspicuous pores

commences on the upper part of the gill covers, curving

downward and upward to the symphysis of the lower jaw. Another

row follows the margin of the upper jaw, passing over the

snout, where it branches off posteriorly, curving over the

eye and disappearing on the posterior portion of the body.

Each pore is encircled with brush-like appendages, which gives

them a tufted appearance. The dorsal fin extends over a base

equal to one-third the length of the fish. Its upper margin is

arched, and its height as compared to length is as one to two.

The height and length of the anal fin are about equal.

Color deep black and obsoletely maculated with rather small

roundish darker spots. On the basal portion of the dorsal and

anal fins may be observed two large ocellations, with deep

black pupils and paler areolae. Very minute opaque white points

may also be seen scattered along the lower parts. Eyes blackish.

Length, 3½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—This species possesses the nasal tufted bristle

and two horn-like processes that we observe in all the

species inhabiting these seas. When handled it emits a most

disagreeable odor.

Dr. J. G. Cooper presented the following paper:

On New Genera and Species of Californian Fishes—No. III.

BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.

MYXODES Cuvier, 1817.

_M. elegans_, Cooper, State Collection, No. 707. [FIG. 23.]

[Illustration: FIG. 23.]

_Specific characters._—Form elongated, high and narrow, the

head wider than the thickest part of body. Length of snout

equal to diameter of eye, lower jaw very slightly longest.

Total length a little more than four and a half times that

of head, which is equal to the greatest height of body. Head

moderately arched, rounded above, the width between eyes a

little less than the width of orbit. Orbit circular, contained

four and a half times in length of head. Anterior lobe of

dorsal commencing just behind head, triangular, one-twentieth

of the length of fin, equal to the middle lobe in height;

middle lobe gradually arched, its spines more slender than

those of the first lobe; posterior lobe with soft rays only,

about equal to the first, in size and form, extending nearly to

the tail. Caudal fin quadrangular, its end obtusely truncate,

nearly twice as long as wide. Anal commencing opposite

seventeenth dorsal spine, nearly straight, its height one-fifth

its length, and ending a little anterior to end of dorsal.

Ventrals narrow, the middle ray longest. Pectorals arising

opposite third dorsal spine, nearly as wide as long.

D. V-xxvii to xxx-8; C. 5-5; A. 26 to 28; V. 3; P. 11.

Scales in about 250 rows along middle of side, in 18/50-18/18

vertical rows along lateral line. Proportional measurements:

Length of largest specimen, 4 in. 100.

Length of head .20

Height of pectoral .15

Length of dorsal .72

Length of caudal .12

Length of anal .44

Height of ventral .09

Height of body .22

Width of body .08

_Colors._—Exceedingly variable, but the general pattern, as

preserved in alcohol, consists of a series of vertical bands,

alternating with spots of various shapes and sizes, and often

densely mottled with dark and light blotches distributed

regularly, but not describable. The fins have alternating

bands, and in all the specimens the membrane between the third

and fourth dorsal spine is as clear as glass, as if intended

to be seen through, but probably shines in the water as a sort

of signal. When fresh the colors of those from San Diego were

as follows: 1st, dark brown, a purple lateral stripe, sides

with dark and light brown bars, having silvery blotches between

them; below yellowish, top and sides of head blotched with

yellow, a bright red ring with a green centre near pectorals,

and another near caudal. Dorsal with alternating bars of olive

and yellow; pectoral yellow at base, its rays reddish, barred

with purple, ventrals and anal smoky.

Another was striped and cross-barred with brown, and mingled

with this pattern were blotches of olive-brown, yellowish and

purple, but no rings. Fins marked like the body, but paler.

It is possible that the rings observed in the first one, and

not seen in any other, were caused by the growth of vegetable

parasites, which are often found on fish of similar habits.

REMARKS.—This is the first instance of a _Myxodes_ being found

on our coast north of the equator, though a nearly allied

genus, the _Heterostichus_, has been long known. I was in some

doubt whether to refer the fish to _Myxodes_ on account of the

meagre descriptions of the genus accessible, but having sent a

copy of the outline to Mr. Gill, I have been confirmed in the

correctness of the diagnosis. The following are some of the

most important generic characters not shown in the outline of

our species:

Branchiæ VI-VI, the apertures freely connected below. Teeth

uniserial in each jaw, those of lower jaw largest, some of

those along sides larger than the rest. No teeth on vomer.

Scales minute, entire, cycloid, closely adherent—none on head

or fins.

The two-lobed form of the spinous dorsal does not apparently

exist in some of the species. Suspecting that some of the

other characters will be found sufficient to distinguish it, I

propose for it provisionally the name GIBBONSIA, in honor of

Dr. W. P. Gibbons, of Alameda County, whose descriptions of our

viviparous fishes, published in 1854, by the Academy, have only

of late been awarded the credit they deserve.

These beautiful little fish are found at low water in holes

among rocks along our coast south of Point Conception, and at

the adjoining islands. Their varied and elegant coloration

would make them beautiful objects for a marine aquarium, but

I had nothing suitable for the purpose, in which I could keep

them alive long enough to study their habits.

I obtained three at Pt. Loma, San Diego, three at Catalina

I., and two at Santa Barbara I., all manifestly of the same

species, though differing individually in color, as above

mentioned. They have no popular name.

GILLICHTYHS, n. g.[8]

_Generic characters._—Form moderately elongated, laterally

compressed. Head depressed, broader than body, forming more

than one-fourth of total length. Eyes small, situated far

forward, and obliquely turned upward. Mouth moderate, its gape

extending to the vertical of the posterior rim of orbit, but

the angle of lower jaw half way to branchial aperture. Upper

maxillaries extending back the same distance, thence prolonged

by a cartilaginous expansion which reaches as far back as the

opercular opening, and being there connected to an expansion

of the skin of the lower jaw, forms a channel running back

from the mouth and as long as the gape of the mouth itself.

This channel is entirely free from the side of head, but only

slightly movable forwards, so that it cannot serve to widen the

mouth when opened.

Premaxillaries not protractile, movable at their symphysis, and

only half as long as maxillaries, with which they are connected

by a thin membrane, ending below orbit.

Villiform teeth on premaxillaries throughout, also on lower

maxillaries to angle of mouth, and on pharyngeals; none on

upper maxillaries, vomer or palate. A minute nasal aperture

close behind maxillary and another opening just in front of

anterior rim of orbit.

Preoperculum covered by the skin of the head.

Branchiæ four, all double, and free, opercular apertures small,

as wide as base of pectorals, and separated by the whole width

of the base of head.

Tongue broad and thick. Air-bladder small, liver very large and

alimentary canal short.

Scales small, cycloid and thin, imbedded in the skin so as to

be scarcely perceptible anterior to dorsal fin, or on back.

None on ventral surface.

No lateral line perceptible. Dorsal fins two, situated far

back, and rather large. Caudal small, obtusely rounded. Anal

opposite to second dorsal. Ventrals united into a funnel-shaped

disk opposite base of pectorals. Pectorals large and rounded.

Fin rays all soft, dividing into three or four branches toward

their ends. A small “_papilla genitalis_” in front of anal fin.

Whole fish covered with thick mucous secretion. Skin of head

rather loose and soft, and perfectly smooth.

GILLICHTHYS MIRABILIS Cooper, State Coll. No. 627. [FIG. 24.]

[Illustration: FIG. 24.]

_Specific characters._ Scales along middle of side, about 90 in

27 rows.

D. 6-13; C. 13-13; A. 11; V. 6 + 6; P. 20.

Length of largest specimen obtained, 5¼ inches 100.

Distance from snout to orbit .06

Length of orbit .03

Snout to end of maxillary process .26

Snout to opercular aperture .27

Snout to first dorsal fin .36

Length of base of dorsal fin .15

Height of dorsal fin .10

From first to second dorsal .03

Length of base of second dorsal .19

Height of second dorsal .10

Length of caudal .16

Width of caudal .12

From caudal to second dorsal and anal .10

Length of base of anal .12

Height of anal .06

From ventral to anal .26

Height of ventral anteriorly .02

Height of ventral posteriorly .08

Height of pectoral .14

Width of base of pectoral .08

Lower jaw to ventrals .27

Width of head between orbits .02

Width of head at opercula .15

Height of head at opercula .16

Width of body at first dorsal .12

Height of body at first dorsal .18

Width of caudal at base .02

Height of caudal at base .09

Distance between ends of maxillary processes .58

_Colors._—When alive mottled with light and dark olive, paler

below, sides of head reddish. In alcohol black, pale below, and

scales below middle of sides finely punctate each with 8-10

dots, only visible under a microscope.

_Hab._—I found these remarkable fish only in San Diego Bay, and

in but one station, which was among seaweed growing on small

stones at the wharf of Newtown the military post, in November,

1861. They were left by the receding of the tide, and must have

been out of the water from three to six hours daily, though

kept moist by the seaweed. The four obtained were all females

containing large masses of ova, and may have come to the spot

in order to deposit them.

I could not obtain a glass vessel suitable for an aquarium, so

as to keep them alive and observe their habits. The use of the

strange maxillary processes or channels is obscure, nothing

analogous being known in other fishes, the nearest approach

to them being apparently the lengthened maxillaries of some

_Salmonidæ_ and _Clupeidæ_, fish of entirely different habits

and affinities, this one being evidently one of the _Gobidæ_.

The stomach contained small crabs, apparently swallowed whole.

PTEROPLATEA Müller and Henle, 1837.

_P. marmorata_, Cooper, State Collection, Species 674. [FIG.

25.]

[Illustration: FIG. 25.]

_Specific characters._—Outline of disk rhomboidal, the anterior

borders forming an obtuse angle in front, nearly straight in

their course to the lateral angles, which are sub-acute; the

posterior borders rounded.

Ventrals small, oblong, obtuse-angled, projecting a little

behind the disk. Tail nearly twice the length of ventrals,

slender and pointed, flattened laterally behind the spine, and

bordered by a very narrow membrane, commencing opposite the end

of the spine below, and ending a little farther back above.

Spine arising at a point one-third the length of the tail from

its base, one-sixteenth of its length, and less than a fourth

as wide as it is long.

Both surfaces are nearly flat.

Proportional measurements:

Total length of specimen, 9½ in. 100.

From median line to tip of pectoral .80

From anterior angle to eyes .13

From anterior angle to ventrals .70

Antero-posterior length of ventrals .10

Length of claspers .04

Length of tail beyond ventrals .25

Length of caudal spine .04

Distance between eyes .15

_Colors._—Thickly marbled with blackish and grayish mottlings

equal in size; ventrals and tail with a few scattered white

spots; below, white. It is probable that the colors are

variable, as in the allied _Urolophus_.

I was doubtful at first whether to consider this fish a

_Pteroplatea_, as that genus is described by Richardson as

having the mouth curved, and the dental plate extending to its

corners, also the teeth lobed. These characters, however, may

change with its growth, this being evidently a young specimen.

Mr. Gill, of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., to

whom I sent a figure of it, agrees with me in referring it to

this genus.

Compared with the _P. Maclura_ (Lesueur), of the Atlantic

coast, described and figured by Dekay in the Nat. History

of New York, this species is less wide in proportion to its

length, the difference being as 10 to 16. There is also some

difference in the markings. The _P. Maclura_ is said to attain

the enormous width of 18 feet.

I found but one specimen of this fish at San Diego, where it

was caught in a seine. I have also seen one, when the steamer

was lying at anchor, at San Pedro, swimming near the surface

of the water, apparently supporting itself by flapping its

wing-like expansions, while it progressed slowly by lateral

motions of its tail.

NOTE.—By an oversight of the printer, the proper references to

the figures on page 110 were left out. The reader will however

understand from the descriptions that the right hand figure is

the _Myxodes_ (Fig. 23), and the others the _Gillichthys_ (Fig.

24).

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE.—This oversight has been addressed!

Illustrations were relabelled correctly and placed next to the

text describing them.

[8] Named in honor of Mr. THEODORE GILL, of the Smithsonian

Institution, Washington D. C., the author of various learned

treatises on fishes; ICHTHYS, from the Greek for fish.

REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Present twelve members, four visitors.

Donations to the Cabinet: Cone of _Pinus pinea_ from the south of

Europe, by Mr. Grosseillier. Bottle of Scorpions and other insects, by

Mr. Dawson. Jar of fruits, and cloth made by the natives of Hilukukaki

Island, by Capt. J. B. Edwards: A jar of alcoholic specimens from

Rio Janeiro, one from Panama, and one from Acapulco, by S. Hubbard.

A specimen of _Phasma_ from Manzanillo, Mex., by Col. Heintzelman.

A specimen of _Gordius_ from this vicinity, by Mr. Keith. A box of

cretaceous and tertiary fossils from the Atlantic States, by the

Smithsonian Institution.

Donations to the Library:

Correspondenzblatt des Naturforschenden Vereins zu Riga, 13ter Jahrgang;

Riga 1863. Verhandlungen der K. K. zoologisch-botanischen Gesellschaft

in Wien, Band XII, Heft 1, 2, 3, 4, Wien 1862. Personen-Orts-und

Sach-Register der Sitzungsberichte und Abhandlungen der Wiener K. K.,

Zool. bot. Gesellschaft, Wien 1862. Oversigt over det Kongelige danske

Videnskabernes Selskabs Forhandlinger Aaret 1861; 8vo. Kiöbenhavn. Der

Zoologische Garten, IV Jahrgang, Nr. 1-6, 1863, 8vo. Frankfurt a M.

Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vol. III, Nos. 6, 7,

June and July, 1863. Schriften der Königlichen physikalish-ökomischen

Gesellschaft zu Königsberg, IIIter Jahrgang, Abtheilungen 1, 2, 4to,

1862-3. Abhandlungen der K. K. geologischen Reichsanstalt, Band I-III

& IV, 1-2, 3-4, 4to, Wien 1855-6. Jahrbuch der K. K. Reichsanstalt,

Band XII 3, 4; XIII, 1, 8vo. Wien 1862-3. General-Register der ersten

zehn Bände des Jahrbuchs der K. K. geol. Reichsanstalt, 8vo. Wien 1863.

Considerations on the phenomena attending the fall of Meteorites on the

earth, by W. Haidinger, (from the Philosophical Magazine for Nov. and

Dec., 1861.) Seven papers on natural History, by George V. Frauenfeld,

extracted from the Verhandlungen der K. K. Zool. bot. Gesellschaft

in Wien. Also three papers by Messrs. Böck, Brunner, V. Wattenwyl,

and Doleschall, from the same journal, together with the seven papers

mentioned above, presented by G. Ritter V. Frauenfeld.

Prof. Whitney remarked that these donations were of great value,

especially those relating to the Geological Survey of Austria,

obtained through Baron von Richthofen. On motion, the special thanks

of the Academy were tendered to him and to the “K. K. Geologischen

Reichsanstalt” for the donation.

Sheet seven of the Proceedings of this Academy, pps. 97-112, was received

from the printer.

Committees of Finance and of Publication were then elected.

Dr. Cooper, on behalf of Dr. Newcomb, corresponding member, presented

the following paper on new Californian Helices, all of which, except the

first species, were discovered by Dr. Cooper, while connected with the

State Geological Survey.

Descriptions of Nine New Species of Helix Inhabiting California.

BY W. NEWCOMB, M.D., OF OAKLAND, CAL.

HELIX L.

_Helix Hillebrandi_ Newc.

H. testa supra planulata, luteo-cornea, sub-carinata, fasciis

albis bi-cingulata, sub-lente crebre granulata, hirsuta;

anfractibus 6 undique minute striatis, striis oblique

transversis; anfr. ultimo descendente; umbilico late-aperto;

apertura lunari-ovale; peristomate tenuo, albo, reflexo, prope

umbilicam expanso.

Lat. maj. 0.9, min. 0.8 pol. Alt. 0.35 pol.

_Hab._ Tuolumne County, California.

Shell sub-planulate above, yellowish horn color, sub-carinate,

under the glass thickly granulate, hairy(?); whorls 6 very

finely striate, striæ obliquely transverse; the last whorl

descending; umbilicus broadly open; aperture lunate oval; lip

thin, white and reflected, near the umbilicus expanded.

REMARKS.—But one recent specimen, with a number in a fossil

state, were collected by M. Voy and kindly placed in my hands.

The granulated surface is confined to the epidermis, and the

summit of many of the granules is marked with a cicatrix

indicating a hirsute character. The nearest allied species

is _H. Dupetit-Thouarsi_, from which it differs in its more

depressed form and surface structure. It is dedicated to Wm.

Hillebrand, M.D., of Honolulu, a well-known naturalist.

_Helix Tryoni_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1098.

H. testa solida, depresso-globosa, anguste obtecte umbilicata,

supra cæruleo-cinerea, infra sordido-alba, spira sub-turbinata;

anfr. 6 convexi, ultimus descendens; striæ sub-lente numerosæ

insculptæ circum-volutæ; apertura sub-rotundata; columella

callosa, obsolete unidentata; peristoma vix reflexum, introrsum

callosum.

Diam. maj. 1, min. 0.88 pol. Alt. 0.75 pol.

_Var. b_, anfr. superiores undis transversis albis.

_Hab._ Insulis “Santa Barbara,” et “San Nicolas,” Cal.

Shell solid, depressly globose, umbilicus narrow and covered,

above of an ashy sky-blue, below of a dirty white; spire

sub-turbinate; suture well impressed, whorls 6 convex; numerous

microscopical striæ, sculptured and revolving with the whorls;

aperture rounded; columella callous, obsoletely one (sometimes

two) toothed; lip scarcely reflected, thickened within; _var.

b_, superior whorls with white transverse undulating lines.

_Hab._ Santa Barbara, and San Nicolas Islands, Cal.[9]

This species was found in great abundance alive. The animal

is of a deep smoky hue, almost black, with _sometimes_ the

terminal half-inch of the foot of a dirty white. It is

dedicated to a distinguished American Conchologist.

_Helix crebri-striata_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1036.

H. testa obtecte vel aperte umbilicata,

turbine-depresse-globosa, translucido-cornea; anfr. 5

convexiusculi, ultimo descendente; apice sub-mamillato; sutura

bene impressa; striæ transversæ valde et creberrime insignæ,

striæ longitudinis microscopice incisæ; apertura sub-rotunda;

peris. diverso (tenue, acute, sub-reflexo, vel crasso intus

calloso) approximato cum callo profuso conjuncto, vel sine

callo; prope umbilicam expanso.

Diam. maj. 0.92, min. 0-75 pol. Alt. 0-55 ad 0-80 pol.

_Hab._ Ins. “San Clemente,” Cal.

Shell with a covered or open umbilicus, turbinately depressly

globose, whorls 5 a little convex, the last descending; suture

well impressed; transverse striæ well and densely shown,

longitudinal striæ fine and impressed; aperture rounded;

peristome various (thin, acute, a little reflected, or heavy,

with an interior thickening) approximate, with (or without) a

profuse callus connecting the outer and inner lips; near the

umbilicus the columellar lip expands so as to partially cover

the perforation.

_Hab._ San Clemente Island, Cal. Abundant.

This shell, so difficult to describe, owing to its variable

characters in different specimens, makes the nearest approach

to _H. Kelletii_ Forbes, from which it may readily be

distinguished by its sculpture and other characters. In size

and the elevation of the spire, it is one of the most variable

of the California species of Helix. Distinguished from _H.

intercisa_ W. G. Binney, by its not being _solid_, having the

umbilicus partially or completely _open_, and from the figure

referred to, in being more depressly trochiform in shape. The

locality of _H. intercisa_ is given as “Oregon Territory.”

The shell varies in some minor particulars, as in the want of

a rufous apex, and its not being of the same color; in other

respects it seems to be a closely allied species.

_Helix rufocincta_ Newc. State Collection, Species 624.

H. testa depresso-globosa, cornea, rufo-unifasciata,

umbilicata, sub-lente decussata-striata; anfr. 6 ultimus non

descendens; apertura sub-rotundo, labio reflexo, albo; sutura

impressa; columella non callosa.

Diam. maj. 0.70, min. 0.60 pol. Alt. 0.40 pol.

_Hab._ San Diego, et Insula “Santa Catalina,” Cal.

Shell depressly globose, horny, red-banded, umbilicate,

under the lens decussately striate; whorls 6, the last not

descending; aperture sub-rotund; lip white, reflected; suture

impressed; columella not callous.

The adult of this species is allied in outline to _H.

Pytyonesica_ Pfr., but is less elevated, and bears in other

respects no especial relation to that species. The size varies

considerably, and the umbilicus in some specimens is nearly

closed, while in the typical specimens it is quite open.

But one dead specimen was found at San Diego; but on Catalina

Island it was more common, 19 adult and mostly living specimens

occurring, æstivating on the under surface of stones, in June.

_Helix Gabbii_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1097.

H. testa sub-obtecte umbilicata, tenuis, pallide cornea,

depresso-orbicularis, fusco obscure zonata; anfr. 5

convexis ultimus descendens; sutura bene impressa; apertura

sub-orbiculari; labro albo non calloso, reflexo.

Diam. maj. 0.40, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.20 pol.

_Hab._ Insul. “San Clemente,” Cal.

Shell with umbilicus partially covered, thin, pale corneous,

depressly orbicular, with an indistinct brown band; whorls

5 convex, the last descending; lip white, not thickened,

reflected.

I have seen but a solitary specimen of this species. The size

corresponds nearly with _H. facta_, but the thinness of the

shell, the color, the more rounded whorls, the deeper suture,

and the thin, white, reflected lip, sufficiently characterize

this as a distinct species.

_Helix facta_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1099.

H. testa obtecte rimata, depresso-orbiculari, solida,

compacta, glabra, albida, fusco-rubro uni-zonata; anfr. 5 ad

5½ convexiusculi, ultimus descendens; sutura modice impressa;

apertura ovalis; labro crasso, reflexo, flavido.

Diam. maj. 0.42, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.22 pol.

_Hab._ Insul. “Santa Barbara,” et “San Nicolas.”

Shell with perforation covered, depressed orbicular, solid,

_compact_, smooth, whitish, zoned with a brownish red band;

whorls 5 to 5½ somewhat convex, the last descending; suture

slightly impressed; aperture oval; lip thick, reflected,

yellowish.

A sub-fossil variety measures 0.60 by 0.32 inches. Very

numerous on Santa Barbara Island; less so on San Nicolas.

This species differs so essentially from the ordinary type

of California Helices as to suggest a tropical region as its

original habitat. One character in common with many of our

species may be noticed, viz.: the colored band cutting the body

whorl, inclosed between two faint light colored cinctures.

The shell has a little the aspect of _H. Rothi_ Pfr., from the

Island of Syra, but is smaller, less elevated, and with a thick

reflected yellow lip.

_Helix Whitneyi_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1112.

H. testa corneo-fumosa, sub-planulata, polita umbilico

perspectivo; sutura bene impressa; apertura lunaris; labro

simplici; anfr. 4.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.10 pol.

_Hab._ prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., in montibus “Sierra Nevada,”

elevatione 6100 ped. Angl.

Shell smoky horn color, nearly flat above, smooth, with a

perspective umbilicus; suture well impressed; aperture lunate;

lip simple; whorls four.

In the umbilicus resembling _H. striatella_ Anthony, with a

smooth surface and a dull, smoky hue. Only three specimens

were found, under damp logs and bark along a mountain stream,

together with _H. Breweri_, and _chersina_.

_H. Breweri_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1113.

H. testa discoidea, pallide-cornea, nitida, lucida; sutura

sub-canaliculata, late umbilicata; anfr. 5. apertura lunaris;

labro tenue simplici.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt 0.10 pol.

_Hab._ prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., et montibus septentrionalibus.

Shell discoidal, pale corneous, shining, transparent, suture

slightly channelled, broadly umbilicate; whorls 5; aperture

lunate; lip thin, simple.

This shell may be compared with _H. arborea_ Say, from which

it differs by its less elevation, more polished and lighter

colored surface, and more open umbilicus. Eight specimens

found; one from Northern California, by Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Duranti_ Newc. State Collection, Species 987.

H. testa depressa, discoidea, pallide-cornea sub-lente

minutissime striata, opaca, late et perspective umbilicata;

anfr. 4. ultimus declivis non descendens; sutura linearis;

apertura rotundata-lunaris; peristomate simplici, approximato.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.07 pol.

_Hab_. “Santa Barbara Island.”

Shell depressed, discoidal, pale corneous, under the lens

minutely striated, opaque, broadly and perspectively

umbilicated; whorls 4, the last shelving but not descending (at

the aperture); suture linear; aperture rounded, lunate, lip

simple, the external and internal approximating.

This pretty little planorboid Helix bears a striking

resemblance to _Planorbis albus_ Müller, (_hirsutus_ Gould,)

especially in its upper aspect. Beneath, the whorls are less

distinctly shown than in the _Planorbis_. I take pleasure in

dedicating this species to Professor Henry Durant, of the

College of California.

In addition to the above, the State Collection contains the

following species of Californian Helices:

_Helix arrosa_ Gould, sps. 858, common near mouth of S. F. Bay.

Also a yellow variety from Santa Cruz, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix Californiensis_ Lea, (?) sps. 969, or a var. of _H.

nickliniana Lea_? J. G. Cooper.

_Helix Carpenteri_ Newc., sps. 1136, a broken dead shell, from

the head of San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Gabb.

_Helix Columbiana_ Lea, sps. 901, near San Francisco.

_Helix chersina_ Say, sps. 1125, found near Lake Taho; very

large. J. G. C.

_Helix Dupetithouarsi_ Desh. sps. 492, from Point Cypress,

Monterey. J. G. C.

_Helix exarata_ Pfeiffer, sps. 920. Mt. Diablo, Prof. Brewer;

Santa Cruz, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix fidelis_ Gray, sps. 1135, Humboldt Bay, and mountains

near lat. 42°. Prof. Brewer. A black variety; Dr. Frick.

_Helix infumata_ Gould, sps. 880, near Ballenas Bay, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix Kellettii_ Forbes, sps. 856, San Diego, and Catalina

Island; the latter a very fine variety. J. G. Cooper.

_Helix loricata_ Gould, sps. 880, near Oakland, Dr. Newcomb.

_Helix Newberryana_ W. G. Binney, sps. 881, Temescal mountains,

near Los Angeles, Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Nickliniana_ Lea, sps. 912, near S. F. Bay; common. J.

G. C.

_Helix sportella_ Gould, sps. 899, near San Francisco. J. G. C.

_Helix mormonum_ Pfeiffer; San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Gabb; north

to Mount Shasta, Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Traskii_ Newc., sps. 863, from mountains near Santa

Barbara, Prof. Brewer. May be a variety of _H. Dupetithouarsi_.

_Helix tudiculata_ Binney, sps. 768, near San Diego and San

Pedro. J. G. C.

_Helix Vancouverensis_ Lea, sps. 1093, Straits of Fuca, Mr.

Gabb. Perhaps extends south to Humboldt Bay.

[9] This is the “_H. Kelletii_” mentioned on page 63 of this

volume.—J. G. C.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 1ST, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

Donation to the Cabinet: A collection of dried plants from Arizona, by

Mr. Spence.

Prof. Brewer presented the following papers:

Description of a New Species of Virgularia from the Coast of California.

BY WM. M. GABB.

VIRGULARIA LAM.

_V. gracilis_ Gabb.

Polypidom long and very slender. Decorticated stem circular

or elliptical in section, smooth on the surface. Polypiferous

lobes, slender, exsert, lunate, acute at the tips and broad

at the base; arranged obliquely and alternately on the

antero-lateral face of the stem. These lobes occupy the upper

half of the polypidom; retaining their full size to the extreme

apex, but diminishing below, so that on the middle of the stem

they are exceedingly minute; and an inch or two below, are only

represented by a slight ridge on the sheath, in which are two

or three cells. The lower fourth of the sheath is dilated to

about three times the thickness of the rest of the stem.

Length 19 inches; diameter of the naked stem .03 in.; smallest

diameter of stem, with the sheath, .04; diameter of expanded

base .13 in.; length of largest lobes .15 in.

Locality, Bay of Monterey, 20 fms. Collected by Dr. J. G.

Cooper, of the State Geological Survey.

This species can be at once distinguished from _V. elongata_,

G. (Proc. Cal. A. N. S., vol. 2, p. 167) by its more slender

form, its proportionally large polypiferous lobes, its

cylindrical stem, without any grooves, and by the comparatively

smaller portion of the stem bearing the lobes.

Notice of Plants found Growing in Hot Springs in California.

BY PROF. WM. H. BREWER, OF THE STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

More than two years ago I laid before this Society some facts

in regard to the growth of plants in the thermal waters of this

State. Since that time we have more observations, and some of

the facts are worthy of record, although the fact is not new

that plants will grow in hot water.

At the Geysers in Lake County, there are numerous hot springs

and steam jets, in and around which there is an abundant growth

of a low form of vegetation (_Nostoc_?) growing on the soil and

covering it with a bright green coating. In some of the warm

springs and streams it accumulates in considerable quantities

in the water. The highest temperature of water observed at the

time of our visit, in 1861, was 207° F.; the water of many of

the springs boiling violently at temperatures ranging from

196° to that stated. This vegetable flourished in waters of

the temperature of 200° F., but was most abundant where the

temperature ranged from 125° to 140° F. It coated the soil

around the steam jets, where it would be alternately exposed to

the jets of steam issuing at a higher temperature than that of

boiling water, and of the cooler air.

In water of the temperatures of 100° to 125° there are

filamentons algæ.

At the Little Geysers similar facts were observed.

In Plumas County, near Lassens Peak, there are three groups

of hot springs, at all of which the same form of vegetation

is abundant under similar conditions, especially around steam

jets. Various gases, especially sulphohydric and sulphurous

acids, accompanying the steam in all of these localities,

and the soil is generally impregnated with various saline

substances. All the specimens of the plants were unfortunately

lost, so that no microscopic examination has been made, further

than could be done on the spot with a pocket lens.

Near all of these springs, the _Panicum thermale_ Bolander,

grows on the saline soils, sometimes where the soil is warm

and the grass is subjected to steam; but its station appears

to depend more upon the saline character of the soil than upon

its temperature. It was frequently found on soil saturated

with sulphates of soda, lime, etc., and having a strongly acid

reaction.