From the above observations, it is evident that this species, and probably the entire genus Favosite under which I have placed it, will not arrange properly with the Tubipores, Millepores, &c. but must be transferred to the Polypiers Lamellifères of Lamarck. And if the Madrepora retepora of Solander and Ellis, is a true Porites, as M. Lamarck supposes it to be from the appearance of its tubes, I should conclude this genus to be very proximately allied to Favosites, by that species and the F. striata having in common the remarkable character of fenestrated paries. But to this character I should conceive a generic importance ought to be attached, as indicating a differential organization of the artificers. I have no doubt that on close inspection of a perfect specimen, the same character will be found to exist in F. Gothlandicum, and possibly also in F. truncata, if not in the latter only, it may be proper to separate the genus and to withdraw from Porites the forementioned species, retaining to striata as specifically essential, the second member of the differential description.
(To be continued.)
PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, &c.
Art. XIII. Observations on Salt Storms, and the Influence of Salt and Saline Air upon Animal and Vegetable Life.
Art. XIII. Observations on Salt Storms, and the Influence of Salt and Saline Air upon Animal and Vegetable Life. Read before the Lyceum of Natural History of New-York, March 7, 1819, by John B. Beck, M. D.
(Communicated for this Journal.)