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Show 254 LETTER F R O M PROF, LESSONA. [Apr. 23, thirdly, believing in the published statements and experiments of several trustworthy authorities; fourthly, because the fact of an arrest of growth under certain conditions is one consistent with the history of the development of the species. On the other hand, Dr. Gunther expressly affirms:-First, that they are not true Salmon. Secondly, that he cannot venture to give an opinion of what species they may be. Thirdly, he suggests they are hybrids, but is ignorant of the parentage. Now, as the whole matter is one involving laws of the highest consequence, I have endeavoured to follow out the objections as well as circumstances favourable to the assumed facts. I trust I have now drawn attention to a question which, negatived by some, upheld by others, still requires careful observations-observations and study different from what heretofore have been given to it, inasmuch as the deductions consequent on the fact of an arrest seem to m e to be of high value in elucidating, or, as Dr. Giinther says, " finding a way through this vast labyrinth of variation of character in the Salmonidce" *. The longer I consider the question the wider the generalization of law seems to grow. Imagine some sudden convulsion, and a river is converted into an inland lake. Would the Salmon revert to the Trout ? W e can, indeed, conceive such remarkable changes. Is, after all, species dependent on the variation and changes of old mother earth? or is " natural selection" that which circumscribes the limits specifically ? These and many such problems seem wrapped up, or are in some way connected with, such strange physiological anomalies as are found in this Salmon question. To m y mind they have a significance in zoological science far beyond that of mere demonstration of points indicating specific difference. April 23, 1868. W. II. Flower, Esq., F.U.S., in the Chair. Dr. J. Murie read the first part of a memoir on the anatomy of the Sea-Bear (Otaria), founded on the animal recently living in the Society's Menagerie. This paper will be published in the Society's ' Transactions.' Mr. St. George Mivart read the following notes on Salamandrina perspicillata, communicated to him by Prof. Lessona of Turin :- " La Salamandrina perspicillata est commune aux environs de * Loc. cit. Preface. |