"^'iSi!^,i:t" ^MMm in the Uni.

RHIZOPODA. 515
phryan without any previous encysted condition (Q. J. Micr. Sc. July 1870,
pp. 306, 307).
J. G. WALLER has some observations oh the conjugation of Actinophrys
sol. J. Quek. Micr. Club, 1870, pp. 93-98.
Acanthocystis spinifera, Greeff, recorded by ARCHER from Tipperary (Proc.
R. Irish Ac. Dec. 12, 1870). In the centre of the presumed central capsule
Archer figures a minute round body, deeply taking on the carmine dye,
and which he considers may be the " vesicula intima." The same structures
were observed in A. peHyana, Archer, in which he had previously failed
to make out a central capsule; but in this case the central capsule took on the
dye as well as did the inner vesicle. A. spinifera was observed in conjugation
; the yellow globules seen in this species are regarded by Mr. Archer as
oil-globules.
After examination of several Radiolaria, collected partly in Messina and
partly in the Canary Islands (Thalassicollapelagica, Collozoum inerme, 4 species
of Spharozoum, Baphidozoum acuferum, and Collosphara huxleyi), Hackel
finds that certain granules in their yellow cells are coloured blue by iodine,
and are therefore starch. According to Muller, the yellow cells only became
dark brown when treated with iodine. Hackel explains this by supposing
that the magnifying-power used was not strong enough (it must be at least
700 diam.), so that the intense yellow of the remaining protoplasm disguised
the blue of the starch-granules. (Jen. Z. Nat. v. 1870, pp. 492-550.)
Myxobrachia, g. n., Hackel (Jen. Z. Nat, v. 1870, pp. 492-550). Central
capsule globular, with vesicula intima. Extracapsular sarcode prolonged
into 1 or more depending arm-like processes, whose button-shaped ends
enclose collections of calcareous spicules or concretions. Central capsule
excentric, in the pear-shaped mass of alveoles, which is swollen towards the
upperside of the sarcode body. Yellow cells numerous around the central
capsule, and traversing the arms in a row. M. pluteus, sp. nov., Hackel
(/. c.), arms as many as 16; M. rhopalum, sp. nov., Hackel (/. c.), with only
one arm. Both from Lanzarote. This singular genus of Radiolaria owes its
interest to the calcareous bodies contained in the terminations of its arms,
and which greatly resemble the well-known coccoliths and coccospheres of
the Atlantic sea-bottom; but unfortunately Hackel neglected to determine
the question of their identity beyond doubt. If they are identical, Hackel
asks, How do they get to the surface of the water, seeing that the Myxobrachia
floats P for it is very improbable that the great masses of coccoliths and
coccospheres at the bottom of the Atlantic should be only the spicules of
pelagic Radiolaria sunk to the bottom after the death of the creatures which
formed them.
Thalassicolla sanyuinolenta, sp. nov., Hackel (ib. p. 526), Lanzarote. Very
like Myxobrachia, but has no arms.
In CARPENTER, JEFFREYS, and W. THOMSON'S Report on the 'Porcupine '
Expedition of 1869 (Proc. R. Soc. xviii. pp. 397-492) frequent mention is
made of Foraminifera and also of Polycystina. In the warmer parts of the
areas dredged in the three cruises Foraminifera were, as before, extremely
numerous, a large proportion being arenaceous.
Mention is made (p. 421) of a peculiarly interesting Orbitolites (O. tenuissimus,
sp. nov., Carp. P. R. Soc. xix. p. 155) dredged from 1443 fathoms
depth, off the N.W. coast of Ireland, a type not hitherto discovered north of