This communication was preliminary to a more extended memoir which the author hopes to lay before the Society during the Session.

The colour, general form, and dimensions of the animal, were taken when the whale was lying on the shore at Longniddry. The observations on its internal structure were made whilst it was undergoing the operation of flensing at Kirkcaldy, or on specimens which were brought over to the Anatomical Museum of the University. These specimens it was his intention to preserve in the Museum. In conducting the examination he had been ably and willingly seconded by the thoroughly cordial and enthusiastic co-operation of his assistant Mr Stirling, and his pupils Mr Millen Coughtrey, and Mr James Foulis.