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PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. I. 1841-'42-'43.
PHILADELPHIA;
PRINTED FOR THE ACADEMY
Bj Merrihew & Thompson, 7 Carter's Alley.
1843.
INDEX TO VOLUME I .
Abert, Col. J. J., donations to library from, 4. G8. 152. 267.
Alger, Francis, don. to lib., 106.
Allen, Dr. Nathan, don. to lib., 127.
American Philosophical Soc, don. of Transactions of, 6. 134. 163. 227. 266.
Do. do. don. of Pro-
ceedings of, 65. 123. 143. 171. 205. 234. 266- 295. 312.
Annales des Mines, 50. 91. 152. 163. 203. 227. 235. 274. 291. 311.
Anthony, J. G., don. to museum, 56. 105.235; written communications from, 165. 251.
Arrhenius, Joh. P., don. to lib., 91.
Arrott, Dr. Colin, don.tomus.,38. 105.
Ashmead, S. B., don. to lib., 17 ; to mus., 71. 84. 202. 245. 312.
Ashmead, C. C, don. to mus. 275.
Asjatic Society of Bengal, don. of Journal of, 3. 65. 150. 167.
Audubon & Bachman, descriptions of new species of N. American Quad- rupeds, 92. 152 ; don. to lib. from, 165.
Avogardo, Cav. Amedeo, don. to lib., 294.
Bailey, Prof., on fossil foraminifera in the calcareous marl from the creta- ceous formation on the Upper Mis- souri, and on silicified wood found near Frederickburg, Va., 75 ; don. to lib., 134.
Baird, Messrs. Wm. M. & S. F., on two new species of Tyrannula from Cumberland county, Penna., 283 ; don. to mus., 289.
Baker, H. F., don. to mus., 26. 117. 305.
Barratt, Dr., don. to lib. 274.
Beasley, Dr. Morris, don. to mus., 200.
Beasley, Thomas, don. to mus., 245.
Beck,L. C.j don. to mus., 8; to lib., 27.
Beck, Paul, Jr., don. to lib., 21. 53.
Bell, J. G., don. to mus., 141 ; remarks
on Fuligula minor, 141. Bellardi, Louis, don. to lib., 203. Biddle, Mrs. Wm., don. to mus., 287. Bidlack, B. Aidcn, don. to lib., 186. Binney, Dr. Amos, don. to mus., 26. Birds, don. of, by a club of members,
179. Blainville, M. de, don. to lib., 14. Blaikie, George D., don to lib., 143. Blanding, Dr. Wm., don. to mus., 20.
26. 38. 40. 44. 53. 105. 117. 148.
155. 164. 183. 188. 281. 315; on
the great fecundity of the striped
bass, 39. Bonaparte, C. L., don. to lib., 92. Booth, J. C, don. to lib., 63. Boston Society of Natural History,
don. to lib., 44; of its Journal, 72.
127. 158. 234 ; of its Proceedings,
313. Botanical Society of Edinburg, don. to
lib., 4 1. Botanical Committee, Reports from,
46. 206. 228. Botanical Society of London, don. of
Proceedings, 118. Brano, Joseph, don. to mus., 147 ; to
lib., 14S. Breck, Samuel, don. to lib., 319. Bridges, Dr. R., on infusoria found in
stagnant water, 169; on some Indian
relics, 269. Brown, Dr. Benjamin B., don. to mus.,
212. 267. Browne, Peter A., don. to lib., 186.
213 ; to mus., 202. 220. 222. 281 ;
written communications from, 187.
197. 203. 213. 221. 282. Buckland, Rev. Prof., don. to lib., 201. Burrough, Dr. M., don. to mus., 131.
233. By-Laws, alterations of, 241. 262.
Cadwallader, Mrs. George, don. to mus., 17.
47!
•<r*>
IV.
INDEX.
Calcutta Journal of Nat. History, don.
of to lib., 72. 317. Carpenter, Geo. W., don. to mus., 179. Carson, Dr. J., don. to mus., 120.139.
265. 281. Cassin, John, don. to mus., 213. 214. 22G. 233. 219. 255. 270. 275. 281. 312.315; on the Cicada septende- cim, 279. Chaloner, Dr. A. D., don. to lib., 14. 72; to mus., 158; on rhombic for- mations in anthracite coal, 4 ; on an ore of galena from Mexico, 14 ; on some new discoveries in Central America, by Stevens & Catherwood, 168 ; on a supposed Trilobite from Pottsville, Pa., 193; on some fossil bones from Missouri, 321. Chester Co. Cabinet of Nat. History,
don. of report of, 179. Cicada septendecim, extracts from mi- nutes in reference to, 277. Clapp, Dr. A.,onthegeologicalequiva- lents of the vicinity of New Albany, Indiana, 18, 177. Clay, Joseph A., on some magnesian minerals from Europe, 39. 193; don. to mus., 189. Clay, J. Randolph, don. to mus., 189. Coates, Dr. B. H., on some larvae in wheat stalks, 45. 54. 57; on the use of the sutures of the cranium, 69; on infusoria of stagnant pools, 169; on the natural alliances of the genus Cecidomyia, 191; don. to lib., 63. Coates, Josiah L., don. to mus., 209.
293. Codwise, James, don. to mus., 265. Collins, Isaac, don. to lib., 150. Committee appointed to draft queries
to Egyptian Soc. at Cairo, 173. Committees, Scientific, for 1842, 146, do. do. 1843,211.
Committee to determine the nomen- clature of the N. American Naiades, 224. Commonwealth of Penn., don. to lib.
of laws of, 120. Conrad, T. A., don. to mus., 106.208; description of three new American species of Unio, 19; on new species of fossil shells from Tertiary of Maryland, 28 ; on the Silurian and Devonian systems of the U. S., &c, 142, 143 ; on a new genus, and new
Miocene and Eocene fossils of U. S., 305 ; on a new genus of Trilobites, and new species of Silurian and Ter- tiary fossilSjWith observations on the Trentonlimestone,andthe lead bear- ing limestone of Wisconsin, 323. Conyngham,Redmond,don.to lib., 276. Correspondents elected :
Alger, Francis, of Boston, 48. Arago, M., of Paris, 243. Bailey, Prof. J. W., West Point, 24. Baird, Spencer F., of Carlisle, Pa.,
206. Balfour, J. Hutton, M. D., of Glas- gow, 162. Brewer, T. M., of Boston, 76. Charlesworth, Edward, of London,
48. Conyngham, Redmond, of Pa., 231. Couper, J. Hamilton,of Georgia, 206. Denny, Henry, of Leeds, England,
231. Dickson, S. Henry, M.D., of Charles- ton, S. C, 246. Dufour, M. Leon, of Paris, 178. Durbin, Rev. J. P., of Carlisle, Pa.,
24. French, B. F., of New Orleans, 243. Galiotti, M. Henry, of Brussels, 206. Giraud, Jacob P., of New York, 24 1 . Gliddon, George R., of Cairo, Egypt,
138. Gould, John, F.L.S. of London, 243. Graham, Major J. D., U. S. A., 24. Hall, Prof. James, of Albany, N. Y.
341. Henry, Prof. Joseph, of Princeton,
N. J., 280. Herbert, Rev. Wm., of Manchester,
England, 286. Hodgson, Wm. B., of Savannah,
Georgia, 319. Hubbard, Oliver P., M. D., of New
Hampshire, 23. Humboldt, Baron Alexander, 243. Johnson, Westley, M. D., of Li- beria, W. Africa, 60. Johnston, Geo., M. D., of Berwick
upon Tweed. 60. Johnston, Prof. John, of Middle- town, Conn., 319. Kesteloot, Prof., of Ghent, 255. Lepsius, Dr., of Berlin, 290. Lettsom, Wm. G., British Legation at Washington, 246.
INDEX.
Lindley, Prof. John, of London, 76. Locke, John, M. D., of Ohio, 23. Longchamps, M. Ed. de. Selys, of
Leige, 185. Markoe, Francis, Jr. of Washington,
76. Mason, Owen, of Rhode Island, 60. Melsheimer, Dr. Fred'k, of Dover,
Pa. 319. Mighels, Dr. J. W., of Portland,
Maine, 317. Nicollet, J. N., of Washington, 198. Norman, Benj. M., of New Orleans,
280. Norwood, Dr., of Madison, Ind.,
231. Ombrosi, James, of Florence, 273. Percival, J. G., of New Haven, 290. Phillips, Prof. John, of York, Eng.,
243. Pouchet, Prof. F. A., of Rouen, 231. Redfield, Wm. C, of N. York, 23. Saul, James, of New Orleans, 24. Sedgwick, Rev. Adam, of London,
290. Silliman, Benj., Jr., of New Haven,
24. Sowerby, Geo. B., of London, 76. Stephens, John L., of N. York, 280. Strain, Isaac G., U. S. N., 280. Tappan, Hon. Benj., of Ohio, 206. Van Cleve, John, of Dayton, Ohio,
341. Warder, J. A., of Cincinnati, 198. Warren, J. C, M. D., of Boston, 19S. Corson, Dr. Hiram, don. to mus., 181. Couper, J. Hamilton, don. to mus., 185. 189 ; descriptions of the strata in which were found fossil bones and shells from the Brunswick canal, 216. Couthouy, Jos. P., don. to lib., 163. Coxe, Dr. J. Redman, don. to lib., 148. Cozzens, Issachar, don. to lib., 267. Craige, Dr. Wm. T., don. to mus.,
175. 179. 202. Cramer, Charles, don. to lib., 50. Curtis, John, don. to lib., 17. 18. Curtis, Dr. Josiah, don. to mus., 209.
Darlington, Wm., M. D., don. to lib.,
6. 288. De Beaumont, M. Elie, don. to lib.,
223. Demestre, A., don. to mus., 235. Denny, Henry, don. to lib., 208. 287.
Dilwyn, L. W., don. to lib., 40. Dobson, Judah, don. to lib., 123. D'Orbigny, M. Alcide,{don.to lib., 92. Drake, Dr. Daniel, don. to lib., 234. Draper, Edmund, don. to mus., 71. 77. Ducatel, J. F., don. to lib., 9. 173. Duclos, M., don. to lib., 120. Dundas, James, don. to mus., 289. Diubin, Rev. J. P., don. to mus., 219.
Elwyn, Dj. A. L., don. to lib., 17; to mus., 312 ; on oil from Indian corn, 266.
Emerson, Dr. G., don. to lib., 282.
Engelmann,Dr. George, don. to mus., 0. 199. 218.
Field, George, don. to lib., 218. Fisher, Thomas, don. to lib., 163. Fischer, G. de Waldheim, don. to lib.,
111. 214. 316. Fitton, Dr., don to lib., 294. Forchey, Prof., don. to mus., 292. Foster, Wm. A., don. to mus., 17. French, B. F., don. to mus., 233. Furness, Mrs. Wm., don. to mus., 173. Fussell, Dr. Edwin, don. to mus., 267.
Galiotti, M. Henry, don. to lib., 200, 201.
Gambel, Wm., don. to mus., 2; de- scriptions of new and rare Birds from Rocky mountains and Califor- nia, 259.
Gardom, George, don. to mus., 150.
Gesner, Dr. Abraham, don. to mus., 80 ; to lib., 158.
Gibbons, Wm. P., don. to lib., 27.
Giraud, Dr. Jacob P., Jr., don. to lib., 120.
Gliddon, Geo. R.. don. to mus., 171. 173. 320 ; on Boulder formations in Egypt, 172; on Cicada septendecim, 279 ; communication from, respect- ing the geological queries addressed by Academy to the Egyptian Soc. at Cairo, 286 ; written communica- tion from, 288.
Goddard, Dr. Paul B., don. to mus., 13. 154. 209. 315; to lib., 40; on the Missourium Kochii, 115; on an im- provement in the Daguerrotype, 158, on infusoria of stagnant pools, 172 on an inflated lung of an Emys, 183 on the Cicada septendecim, 27S.
VI.
INDEX.
Godon, Dr. Victor, don. to mus., 208.
214. Goheen, Dr. S.M.E., don. tomus.,293. Gould, Dr. A. A., don. to lib., 72. 321. Graff. Frederick, Jr., don. to lib., 186. Graham, Major J. D., don. to lib., 4.
245. 254. Gray, Dr. Asa, don. to mus., 132 ; to
Lib., 235.
Haldeman, S. S., don. to lib., 27. 56. 92. 134. 148. 150. 190. 194. 207. 224. 274. 282 ; to mus., 105. 123. 141. 148. 186. 199 ; on new species of Cyclas and of Cypris, 53 ; on some facts in Ornithology, 54 ; de- scription of two new fresh water shells, 78 ; on a new species of Cy- clas,103 ; on some Unios, 104 ; on a genus of Dolphins, 127; on two new species of Perca, 141 ; on new spe- cies of Unionidye, 143; description of a new species of Cyclops, and two new species of Tubifex, 152; on two new species of Cypris, 166; on changes of nomenclature in Natural History, 170. 18S. 190; description of two new species of Entomostraca, and two Hydrachnae, 184 ; of a new Cypris, 184; of two new Hydrachnae, and one Daphnia, 196 ; on some In- dian relics, 269 ; catalogue of Cara- bideous Coleoptera of S. E. Penn., and descriptions of new species of N. American Coleoptera. 295. Hallowell, Dr. E., don. to lib., 40; to mus., 63. 207 ; description of a new species of Chamoeleon, 111 ; of a new genus of Serpents from Africa, 164. Hembel, William, don. to mus,, 2 IS; to lib., 183. 205.
■ portrait of, donation by a club
Houghton, Dr. D. don. to lib., 5. 9.
Illustrations of Ornithology, don. of by a club of members, 27.
Imperial Soc. of Naturalists of Mos- cow, don. of Bulletin of, 152. 214. 293, 294. 316.
Imperial Mineralog. Soc. of St. Peters- burg, don. of Transactions of, 255. 294.
of members, 81
Herbert, Rev. Wm., don. to lib.,2S2.
Histoire Nat.de. l'ilc de Cuba, don. of. by a club of members, 91. 118. 194. 203. 215.
Historical Soc. of Penn., don. of me- moirs of, 63.
Hobson, Wm. L., don. to mus., 199.
Horlie, James T., don. to lib., 120.
Hodgkin, Dr. Thomas, don. to lib., 5.
Holbrook, Dr., don., to mus., 105. 18 \.
Horner, Dr. Wm., and Dr. I. Hays, don. to lib,, 50,
Jackson, Dr. C. T., don. to lib., 7; to
mus., 6. 117. 159. Jay, Dr. J. C, don. to lib., 27; to
mus., 25. 105. 226. 320. Johnson, Dr., don. to mus., 26. Johnson, Prof. Walter R.,don. to lib., 5. 123. 205. 215. 234; to mus., 40. 72. 77. 8J. 117 ; on the tendency of anthracite coal to assume crystalline forms, 7; on the mechanical struc- ture of coal, 9; analysis of coal from Chili, 21 ; on the magnetic pheno- mena attending congelation of cast iron, 33; on the relation between the coal of South Wales and some Penn- sylvania anthracites, 4;) ; on the at- mospheric phenomena attending ex- tensive conflagrations, 45 ; on some specimens of crystallized anthracite and bituminous coals, 73 ; on some anthracite from Rhode Island, 118; on an apparatus for illustrating phe- nomena of the rotation of fluids, 121; on an apparatus illustrating the laws of chemical combination, &c, 127 ; on spontaneous combustion of bitu- minous coal, 140; results of some experiments of the magnetism of wrought iron bars broken by tensile force, 144 ; analysis of some anthra- cite and bituminous coals from Eu- rope and the U. S., 156 , on the de- termination of copper in analysis, 187 ; on a method for applying the galvanometer for testing sheathing copper after exposure to the action of sea-water, 210; analysis of natural coke from Virginia, 223; on a new species of sugar from New Holland, 244; on an apparatus for testing tenacity of sheathing copper, 246.
Kendall, W. R., don. to mus., 209. Kilvington, Robert, don. to mus., 289. 320.
INDEX.
Vll.
Lafon, Dr. Thomas, don. to mus., 265. Land, Capt. John, don. to mus., 44,
117, 274. Lawson, Alexander, don. to mus., 117. Lea, Isaac, communication from,215;
don. to lib., 289. Lea, Henry C, don. to lib., 316. Leib, Dr. George C, don. to mus., 3. 8.
110. Ill ; on the nictitating mem- brane of the eye, 2; on the nest and
eggs of Fulica Americana, and Anas
discors, 121; on an error in Dr. Gi-
raud's work, 140. Lessig, J. A., don. to mus., 267. Letters from :
Anthony, J. G., 57. 251.
Baird, Spencer F., 64. 210.
Balfour, Dr. J. H., 201.
Beck, Dr. T. R., 134.
Bellardi, Louis, 203.
Blanding, Dr. Wm., 123.
Bourne, Wm. O., 322.
Brewer, T. M. 106.
Clapp, Dr. A., 175.
Cogswell, Rev. Wm., 135.
Conyngham, Redmond, 236.
Cramer, Henry, 320.
Del Rio, Prof., 57.
Denny, Henry, 208. 287.
Dickson, Dr. S. H., 256.
Dixwell, Dr. E. S., 213.
Durbin, Rev. J. P., 44.
Engelman, Dr. Geo., 2. 174. 207.
French, B. F., 252.
Fussell, Dr. Edwin, 136.
Galiotti, M. Henry, 194.
Giraud,Dr. J. P., 121.
Gliddon, George P., 168.
Goheen, Dr. S^ M. E., 2. 5-1. 292.
Graham, Major J. D., 68. 215.
Gray, Prof.,319.
Harris, Dr. T. W., 149. 312.
Hubbard, Oliver P., 133.
Johnston, Prof. F. W., 244.
Johnson, Dr., 210.
Kinberg, J. G. H., 244.
Lettsom, Wm. G.,275.
Lindley, Prof. John, 179.
Locke, Prof. John, 24. 174. 186.244. 316.
Longchamps, M. de, 168.
Maclure, Alexander, 2.
Markoe, Francis, Jr., 2. 78.
Mason, Owen, 68.
Michellotti, Giovanni, 203.
Moore, Wm. E., 266. Newman, Wm. D., 80. Nicollet, J. N., 205. Norwood, Dr. J. G., 275. Piddington, Henry, 7. 207.227. 318. Powell, Wm. Byrd, 235. Ravenel, Dr. Edmund, 210. 221.
234. Redrield, Wm. C, 44. Say, Mrs. Lucy W., 158. Sedgwick, Rev. Adam, 321. Silliman, Benj., Jr., 50. Stephens, John L., 313. Tartini, Ferdinando, 80. Tamnau, Dr. Fred., Jr., 118. 171. Vaughan, Wm., 168. 209. Von Martius, Dr. C, 201. Warder, Prof. J. A., 219. Williams, L. W., 7. Letters from Societies :
American Philosoph. Soc, 123. 139.
159. 213. 221. 244. 257. 282.
295. Boston Society of Nat. History, 139.
213. 234. Imperial Academy of Naturalists of
Russia, 214. 275. 293. Linnean Soc. of London, 210, 268. London Botanical Soc, 257. 292. New York Lyceum of Nat. History,
219. 256. Royal Acad, of Sciences of France,
224. 227. 252. 287. 295. Royal Academyof Sciences at Stock- holm, 252. Royal Academyof Sciences of Turin
288. 295. Zoological Soc. of London, 276. 291. Linnean Soc. of London, don. of
Transactions of, 171. 209. 311. Littlefield, T. L., don. to mus., 218. Locke, Prof. John, don. to mus., 174; observations on Cryptolithus tesse- latus, 236. Longchamps, M. de, don. to lib., 167. Lowry, Philip, Jr. don. to mus., 315.
Maclure, Alexander, don. to lib., 163. Maclure, Wm., Estate of, don. to lib.,
6. 71. McCrea, Dr. James, don. to mus.. 79. McFarland, Rev. J. H., don. to mus.
8. 139. McKnight, Mr., don. to mus., 226.
VIII.
INDEX.
Mantell, Gideon, M. D., don. to lib.
14. 167. Markoe, Francis, Jr. , don. tolib. 2. 106 Marsh, Benj. V., don. to mus., 281. Massey, Miss Anna, don. to mus., 292. Mather, W. W., don. to lib., 5. 9. Members elected :
Allen, Nathan, M. D., 23.
Ashmead, S. B., Jr., 243.
Browne, Peter A., 23.
Cassin, John, 211.
Curtis, Josiah, M. D., 280.
Davis,' Charles, M. D., 162.
Ellett, Charles, Jr., 166.
Gambel, Wm., 290.
Hare, Clark, 138.
Hiester, Dr. Joseph P., 319.
Jackson, Isaac R., 76.
Kane, ElishaK., M. D., 243.
Keyser, Daniel, 341.
Kilvington, Robert, 263.
King, Hon. Edward, 255.
King, Charles R., M. D., 280.
Poulson, Charles, Jr., 23.
Rice, Willard M., 231.
Say, Mrs. Lucy W., 116.
Stephens, Horatio S., 273.
Stewart, Thomas S., 319.
Wetherill, Samuel, 319.
Michellotti, Giovanni, don. to lib., 202
Mitchell, Dr. J. K., don. to mus., 222.
Moricand, Stephano, don. to lib., 288.
Morris, Miss M. A., observations on the development of the Hessian Fly, 66.
Morton, Dr. S. G., don. to lib., 4, 5. 9. 14. 17. 21. 38. 56. 63. 158. 165. 207. 234. 235. 248. 267. 268. 293. 316, 317 ; to mus., 20. 26. 105. 141. ] 13. 152. 151. 202. 233 ; on a mode of ascertaining the internal capacity of the human cranium, 7 ; on the ancient Egyptian Ibis, 15 ; on the ancient Peruvians, 35; on some crania from Mexico, 50; on the use of the sutures of the cranium, 68; descrip- tions of some new fossil shells from the cretaceous deposits of the U. S., 106 ; on an Albino raccoon, 121 ; on the so-called pigmy raceof the Valley of the Mississippi, 125; descriptions of two new fosil shells from the lower cretaceous strata of New Jersey, 132; results of measure- ments of forty-five adult negro
crania, 135; remarks on a human skeleton from Yucatan, 203. Murchison, Roderick Impey, don. to lib., 276.
National Institute at Washington, don.
of Bulletin of, 9. 181; circular from,
266. Needles, Edward, don. to mus., 44. Nicklin, Philip H.,don. to mus., 199. Nicollet, J. N., don. to mus., 6. 274. Norman, Benj. M., don. to mus., 315. Northern Acad, of Arts and Sciences,
communication from, 266; don. to
lib., 209. 294. 317.
Officers for 1841, 1; for 1842, 137; for 1843, 230; for 1844, 341.
Owen, Richard, don. to lib., 254.
Owen, Dr. D. D., don. to mus., 265. 270; on some fossil trees from New Harmony, Indiana, 270 ; on some charts and drawings illustrating the geology of the Western States, 272.
Parsons, Usher, M. D., don. to lib., 132. 253.
Passerini, Carlo, don. to lib., 65.
Peirce, Jacob, don. to mus., 212.
Pennock, Dr. C. W., don. to mus., 315.
Pevcival, James G., don. to lib., 282.
Percival, Miss, don. to mus., 289.
Perritt, Captain, don. to mus., 173.
Phillips, John S., don. to lib., 56. 68. 267. 272 ; to mus., 13. 53. 56 ; de- scription of two new American spe- cies of helix, 27 ; on atmospheric phenomena attending great confla- grations, 46; memorandum of dates of publication of papers in the early numbers of the Journal of the Aca- demy, 57 ; on the nomenclature of Natural Science, 85 ; correction of an error in his description of a Helix, 133.
Pickering, Dr. Charleston, to lib.,91.
Piddington, Henry, don. to lib., 6. 167^207. 317, 318.
Pierpont, Mr., don. to mus., 105.
Pouchet, Prof. F. A., don. to lib., 218.
Poulson, C. A., don. to mus., 120.
Preston, Mrs., don. to mus., 44.
Quadrupeds and Birds, donation of, by a club of members, 170.
INDEX.
IX.
Quinby, J. B., on the mineral re- sources and physical geography of the eastern ridges of the Andes, 82; on the spontaneous combustion of bituminous coal, 121.
Ravenel, Dr. Edmund, don. to mus., 131; descriptions of two new fossil scutellas from S. Carolina, 81.
Read, James, don. to mus., 26. 265.
Recording Secretary, Report for 1842, 234; for 1843, 335.
Redfield, Wm. C, don. to lib., 165. 218. 316.
Regents of University of New York, don. of reports of, 167. 266.
Reports of Committees on papers; by Messrs. Audubon and Bachman, 160; by the Messrs. Baird, 283; by P. A. Browne, 197. 225. 258; by Dr. Clapp, 177; by Dr. Coates, 191; by Mr. Conrad, 47. 145. 305.318; by J. Hamilton Couper, 216; by W. Gambel, 258; by S. S. Haldeman, 145. 153. 160. 166. 176. 184. 196. 295. 313; by Dr. Hallowell, 165; by Prof. Johnson, 157 : by Prof. Locke, 196; by Dr. G. C. Leib, 160; by Dr. Morton, 153. 157 ; by Mr. Phililps, 89; by Dr. Ravenel, 89; by Mr. Speakman, 89 ; by Dr. Zant- zinger, 184.
Report of Committee on Mr. Say's portrait, 39.
Do. do. appointed to draw
up a list of members and correspon- dents, 60.
Do. do. of returns of a
subscription for erecting cases in the Hall, 175.
Do. do. to draft queries to
Messrs. Audubon and Harris, 254. Do. Zoological Committee on
the Entomological collection, 160.
Reptiles, donation of, by members, 61.
Resolutions, of thanks to Dr. G. C. Leib, 4; on Dr. Morton's memoir of Wm. Maclure, 47. 49; of thanks to Mrs. Lucy W. Say, 64; on the occa- sion of the decease of John Vaughan, Esq., 140; on the receipt of Mr. Ma- clure's subscription to the Academy, 151; by Committee on Proceedings, 185; to present M. de Longchamps with certain vols, of Journal A.N.S.,
193; of thanks to P. A. Browne, 195; to present Dr. Von Martius with the publications of the Acad- emy, 201, appointing a Committee to determine the nomenclature of the N. American Naiades, 224 ; of thanks to G. W. Carpenter, 230. 340; to present to Northern Acad, of Arts and Sciences certain vols, of Journal A. N. S., 253; to present 8th vol. of do., to Naval Lyceum, 257; to present to M.Moricand an entire copy of do , 288; to present to Harvard University certain vols, of do., 312; to present to C. L. Bona- parte certain vols, of do., 313; to present an entire copy of do. to Imperial Mineralog. Soc. of Russia, 320; of thanks to the Recording Secretary, 340.
De Rivero, Mariano Eduardo, don. to lib., 91.
Rogers, Prof. H. D., don. to lib., 253; on rhombs in Anthracite coal, 7; on the geological age of the coal forma- tion of Richmond, Va., 142 ; on Earthquakes, 181 ; on Posidonomia minuta, 250 ; on the statigraphical features of the Environs of St. Petersburg, 256.
Rogers, Prof. Wm. B., don. to mus., 194. 249.
Royal Acad, of Sciences of Turin, don. of memoirs of, 294.
Ruffin, Edmund, don. to lib., 291.
Rulon, J. W., don. to mus., 123. 171.
Ruschenberger, Dr., don. to lib., 14. 38. 65. 72. 148; to mus., 52. 71.
Ryan, Thomas, don. to lib., 72.
Saul, James, don. to mus., 6; to lib., 6. Say, Mrs. Lucy W., don. to mus., 52.
227; to lib., 63. 72. 257; elected life
member, 146. Short, Prof. C. W., don. to mus., 189. Silliman's Journal, don. of, to lib., 3.
65. 118. 143. 163. 190. 214. 235.
266. 287. 313. Simmons, Mr., don to mus., 159. Smith, Daniel B. don. to lib., 214. Southwick, G. W., don. to lib., 132. Spackman, Dr. G., don. to mus., 111. Speakman, John, on the nature of heat
and light, 73. Strain, J. G., don. to mus., 287. 289. Stratton, T., don. to lib., 134.
INDEX.
Tamnau, Dr. Frederick, written com- munication from, 171.
Tanner, B. H., don. to mus., 26.
Taylor, R. C, don. to lib., 134 ; to mus., 212.
Taylor, Stephen, Jr., don. to mus. ,320.
Thurmenn, J., don. to lib., 134.
Townsend, J. K., don. to mus. 3.
Torrey, Dr. John, don. to lib., 5.
Troost, Dr. Gerard, don. to lib., 14. 50; to mus., 56.
Twigg, Wm. Aug., don. to mus., 26. 131.
Twigg, Charles, don. to mus., 139.181.
Vanuxem, Lardner, don. to lib., 50. Vaux, Wm. S., don. to lib., 78 ; to
mus., 123. 220. 289. 292. Von Martius, Dr. C, don., to lib.,
200. 274.
Walker, Dr. Wm., don. to mus, 227. Watson, J. Frampton, don. to mus., 4.
8. 202. Watson, Dr. Gavin, don. to mus., 189.
233. 255. 289. Wheatley, Chas. M., don. to mus.,
235. Wikstrom, Af. Joh. Em., don. to lib.,
80. Williams, L. W., don. to mus., 6. Woodhouse, S. W. don. to mus., 205. Wyroan, Dr. Jeffries, don. to lib., 319.
Zantzinger, Dr. W. S., don. to lib., 21; written communication from, 164.
Zoological Society of London, don. of Transactions of, 106. 212; of Pro- ceedings of, 149. 212. 291; of re- ports of, 212. 275.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA. Vol. I. MARCH AND APRIL, 1841. No. 1
LIST OF OFFICERS FOR 1S41.
PRESIDENT.
William Hembel.
VICE PRESIDENTS.
John Price Wetherill, Samuel George Morton, M.D.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
Robert Bridges, M.D.
RECORDING SECRETARY.
A. Denman Chaloner, M.D.
LIBRARIAN.
Alfred L. Elwyn, M.D.
TREASURER.
George W. Carpenter.
CURATORS.
William S. Vanx, John S. Phillips, Robert Pearsall, George C. Leib, M.D.
AUDITORS.
William S. Vanx, A. D. Chaloner, M.D. Robert Pearsall.
COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.
Alfred L. Elwyn, M.D. William S. Vaux, Joseph Carson, M.D. Edward Hallo well, M.D. John Simmons.
2 [March, 1841.
STATED MEETING, March 2. Vice President Morton, in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
Picns Nuttalii, (Audubon,) California. Icterus tricolor, (Audubon,) California. Podiceps cornutus (young female,) and a box of Insects from China.— From Mr. W. Gambel.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Philosophy of Plants, by Decandolle and Sprengel. Pur- chased by order of the Academy. Discourse on the Objects and Importance of the National Institution for the promotion of Science, established at Washington, 1S40. By Joel R. Poinsett, Secretary of War. — From Mr. Francis Markoe, Jr. Written Communications. — Dr. Morton read a letter dated Monrovia, Africa, December 20, 1840, from Dr. S. M. E. Goheen, acknowledging the reception of his notice of election as correspondent of the Academy.
Also a letter from Alexander Maclure, Esq., dated New Harmony, Indiana, February ISth, 1841, stating the recep- tion by Dr. D. D. Owen and himself of their notices of elec- tion as corresponding members.
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Mr. Francis Markoe, Jr., accompanying the Discourse of Mr. Poinsett, and the Constitution and By-laws of the National Institution, presented this evening ; and expressing a wish for the co-operation of the Academy in the objects of the Na- tional Institution. Also a letter from Dr. George Engelman, dated St. Louis, Missouri, February 13th, 1841, acknow- ledging the reception of his notice of election as a correspon- dent of the Academy.
Verbal Communications. — Dr. George C. Leib made some remarks upon the "construction of the nictitating membrane of the Eye," and exhibited specimens obtained
March, 1841.] 3
from the eyes of the Falco lagopus: he also communicated the fact, that the bird lived at least an hour after it had re- ceived a shot through the ventricles of the heart, allowing the escape of blood; which fact was certain from the kind of shot perforating the heart being of that size used at the first fire only; the bird being brought to the ground by a subse- quent discharge.
Dr. -Goddard also made some remarks upon the anatomy of this membrane, and the uses to which it is adapted.
STATED MEETING, March 9. Mr. Lukens in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
Thalassidroma Wilsonii, Stormy Petrel, from the Pacific Ocean. — From Mr. J. K. Townsend.
A series of beautifully mounted water-birds, with the case containing them, was presented by Dr. George C. Leib ; viz.: Anas clypeata ; Anas domestica; Anas acuta; Anas Americana, (males,) from New Jersey ; Anas discors, (fe- male) Pennsylvania; Anas crecca, (male and female) New Jersey; Fuligula omllissima, (male and female) Massachu- setts; Fuligula rubida, (young male) Pennsylvania; Fuli- gula valisneria, Fuligula albeola, Fuligula glacialis, Fuli- gula marila, Anas stepera, Fuligula clangula, Uria Brunni- chii, Larus argentatus and Fuligula farina, (males) all from New Jersey.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Six Nos. (91 to 96) of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, for 1S39 — July to December. — From the Society.
American Journal of Science and Arts, conducted by Benja- min Silliman, M. D. L.L.D., &c. &c, aided by Benjamin Silliman, Jr. A. M., Vol. XL. No. 1. January, 1841. — In exchange for the Journal of the Academy.
Report of the Commissioners for the exploration and survey of the North-eastern Boundary. Printed by order of the
4 [March, 1841.
26th Congress, Washington, D. C, February 9, 1S41. — From Major Graham, U. S. Topog. Eng. Five copies of the Constitution and By-laws of the National Institution for the Promotion of Science, established at Washington, May, 1840. — From Col. J. J. Abert, U. S. Top. Eng.
Verbal Communications. — Dr. Chaloner stated that Col. Abert, of Washington, had in his cabinet a specimen of An- thracite Coal, in the rhombic form, of unusual size, which had been obtained from France, and appears to sustain the mineral origin of coal.
Prof. W. R. Johnson remarked that he had in his collec- tion specimens of Anthracite Coal in the forms of rhombs and cubes.
Business by Special Resolution. — Prof. Johnson offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted: Resolved, that the thanks of the Academy be presented to Dr. George C. Leib,for the elegant and valuable collection of specimens in Ornithology, together with the accompanying case, which have been this evening presented to the Society.
o STATED MEETING, March 16. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
A collection of Fossils — seven specimens — from the Desert of Atacama, south of Peru, with three specimens of rocks from the adjacent islands, and another from the summit of the Andes. The fossils appear to belong to the Newer Pliocene, and consist of shells which are identical with ex- isting species, and especially the Pecten purpuratus. — Pre- sented by J. Frampton Watson, Esq.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Dissertations relating to the Antiquities, Arts and Sciences of Asia. By Sir William Jones and others. Svo. 1792. — Presented by Dr. Morton.
March, 1841.] 5
A memoir iof the Life and Character of the late Joseph Par- rish, M. D., read before the Medical Society of Philadel- phia, October 23, 1840, by George B. Wood, M. D.— From Dr. Morton.
Reports of the Special Agent of the Lead Mines, relative to the sale or future management of the Mineral Lands of the United States. Printed by order of the 26th Congress. Washington, January 23, 1831. — From Dr. Morton.
The First Annual Report of the Geological Survey of Ohio, by W. W. Mather. — From the Author.
Verbal Communications. — Professor Johnson made some remarks in relation to the specimens presented by Mr. J. F. Watson this evening; and stated that Mr. Watson had count- ed parts of forty skeletons of fossil whales, in the desert of Atacama, two miles south of Los Lobos ; some of the ver- tebrae being from twelve to eighteen inches in diameter.
STATED MEETING, March 23. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Annual Report of the State" Geologist of Michigan, 1840, by
Dr. D. Houghton. — From the Author. Discovery of Vauquelinite, a rare ore of Chromium, in the
United States : also an account of some genera and species
of North American Plants, by J. Torrey, M. D. — From the
Author.
Elements of Conchology; or the natural history of Shells, by Thos. Brown. — From Dr. Morton.
On the morbid anatomy of the mucous and serous mem- branes, by Thomas Hodgkin, M. D., 8vo. London, 1840. Vol. I. — From the Author.
Report of the survey and exploration of the Coal and Ore lands of the Alleghany Coal Company, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, by W. R. Johnson, A. M. — From the Author
6 [April. 1841.
STATED MEETING, April 6. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
Twenty-eight geological specimens and organic remains from Little Rock, Arkansas — From Dr. Engelman, of St. Louis.
A fine specimen of Red pipe stone from Coteau de Prairie, Sioux county. — From J. N. Nicollet, Esq.
Ten specimens of Minerals from Leiperville, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. — From Mr. L. W. Williams.
Masonite, (new mineral) from Natic Valley, Rhode Island. New red sandstone, with Gypsum, Tobique river, New Brunswick. Chlorophyllite, (new mineral) Unity, New Hampshire. Copper Pyrites and Tremolite, from a copper mine at Warner, New Hampshire. Tertiary fossil shells, from Westbrook, Maine, viz. : Astarte castanea, Saxicava distorta, Nuclea Portlandica, Nuclea Jacksonii, (Gould) : and a fossil tooth from the tertiary clay of Gardiner, Maine. — Presented by Dr. Chas. T. Jackson.
A specimen of the Mason Spider, with its nests ; from the south of France. — Presented by Jas. Saul, Esq. of New Orleans.
donations to library.
A Second Memoir on the Laws of Storms in India. By Henry
Piddington, Calcutta, 1840. — From the Author. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Vol.
VIII. Part II. (New Series.) — From the Society. Voyage de F. Hornemann dans 1' Afrique Septentrionale, Svo,
Paris, ISO 3.— From the late Wm. Maclure, Esq. ' Ornithologie du Gard, et des Pays circonvoisins, par J.
Crespon, Svo. Nismes, 1S40. — From James Saul, Esq. A Discourse on the Natural History of the Plants called
Graminese by W. Darlington, M. D. — From the Author. Third Annual Report of the Geology of Maine, 1837, by Dr.
Chas. T. Jackson. — From the Author.
April, 1841.] 7
Second Annual Report of the geology of the public lands
belonging to Maine and Massachusetts, by Dr. Chas. T.
Jackson. — From the Author. Report on the agricultural and geological survey of the
State of Rhode Island, by Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, 1S39. —
From the Author. Systema Regni Animalis, by John Christopher Exleben ; et
Prodromus Mammalium et Avium. — Purchased by order
of the Academy.
Written Communications. — The Corresponding Sec- retary read a letter from Henry Piddington, Esq., dated Cal- cutta, July 26th, 1S40, in relation to the works presented by him this evening : also a letter from Mr. L. W. Williams of Leiperville, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in regard to the minerals presented by him this evening, and a proposed exchange of specimens.
Verbal Communications. — Professor Johnson made some remarks in relation to the apparent tendency of Anthracite coal to assume crystalline forms ; and exhibited a specimen of the rhombic form.
Professor H. D. Rogers observed, that in his explora- tions of the coal formations of Pennsylvania, he found he could trace this tendency to three mechanical causes, viz : 1st. to planes of deposition ; 2dly. to transverse planes or joints ; 3dly. to faults.
By special permission, Prof. Johnson in the chair, Dr. S. G. Morton made some observations on a mode of ascer- taining the internal capacity of the human cranium, by means of the tin tube and graduated rod, as described by him in Crania Americana, page 283.
The materia] hitherto used by Dr. Morton for the purpose of filling the crania, was white pepper seed, which was selected on account of its spherical form, and the general uniformity in the size of the grains ; in these respects, however, there is sufficient diversity to occasion considerable variation in the results of several succes- sive measurements of the same head, especially when taken by
-.-..
.ft -*►•-*
8 [April, 1841.
different persons. This variation was sometimes not less than three or four cubic inches ; making it desirable to use some other bodies in place of the pepper seeds. Dr. Morton then tried leaden shot of the size called BB., measuring § of an inch in diameter ; which being perfectly smooth and spherical, of uniform size, and therefore not liable, like the seeds, to variations from packing, were found to answer the purpose in every particular. In using the shot, it is necessary to fill the skull completely, by shaking it, and by pressing the shot down with the finger and the end of the funnel introduced into the foramen magnum, until all the cavities and sinuosities are filled. When this is accomplished, the shot being transferred to the tube, will give the capacity of the cranium in cubic inches, and with so much accuracy, that in six successive measurements of the same skull, the results did not vary more than half a cubic inch ; a degree of accuracy which has not been at- tained by any former method. An experiment with the apparatus was then made, in the presence of the members, which corroborated the statements already made. Dr. Morton informed the Society, that he was now engaged in ascertaining by these means, the ca- pacity of the cranium, as indicative of the size of the brain, in the different races of men, and will report the results for publication in the proceedings of the Academy.
STATED MEETING, Apkil 13. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
A specimen of Mountain Leather, from New Brunswick, N. Jersey. — From Dr. L. C. Beck.
Five specimens of Belemnites Americanus; three of Terebra- tula Sayi ; seven fossil bones ; the tooth of a Crocodile ; two Shark's vertebras, from the green sand formation of New Egypt, in N. Jersey. — From the Rev. James McFarland.
Two splendid specimens of the Phasianus Argus, (male and female,) from India. — From Dr. George C. Leib.
A branch of the Auracaria Chilensis, from Chili. — From Mr. J. Frampton Watson,
Apiul, 1841.] 9
donations to library. Journal of the Asiatic Society, (Nos. 16, 17, 18,) for 1840.—
From Dr. Morton. First Memoir on Porcelain Earths, by Alexander Brongniart.
— From Dr. Morton. View of the soil and climate of the United States, by C. F.
Volney. Svo. Philadelphia, 1S04. — From Dr. Morton. Bulletin of the National Institution. Washington, 1840. —
From the Institution. Annual Report of the Geology of Maryland, for 1840, by J.
F. Ducatel. — from the Author. Geological Survey of Michigan, for 1S39 and 1840, by Dr.
D. Houghton. — From the Author. First and Second Annual Reports of the Geological Survey of Ohio, for 183S, by W. W. Mather. — From the Author.
Professor Johnson offered some observations on the me- chanical structure of Coal, with evidences of the contempo- raneous origin of its various kinds.
The question of the identity and contemporaneousness of the two great divisions of the coal measures of Pennsylvania, has sometimes occupied the attention of geologists. A similar question is occasionally agitated in Europe, in reference to the Anthracite and Bituminous coal fields of that quarter of the world.
Among the arguments in favour of the contemporaneous deposi- tion of the coal in the two regions, those which are derived from the similarity of the accompanying measures or members of the coal series in the two regions, and the resemblance or identity of the fossil organic remains accompanying the coal in both cases, are not the least weighty. The presence of large bodies of carbonate of iron interposed among the coal beds in both coal districts, is an analogous circumstance strongly corroborative of the opinion that both varieties of coal were produced under circumstances at least strongly resembling each other.
Another circumstance favourable to the supposed similarity of circumstances which accompanied the deposition of anthracite and bituminous coal, is the resemblance in mechanical structure of the two kinds. This may, at the first enunciation, seem somewhat
2
i\
10 April, 1841.]
startling ; especially since the terms heavy, hard and tough, are generally applied to the one, and light, soft and friable or tender, to the other. It is nevertheless true, that strong mechanical resem- blances exist ; and the more minutely we examine the two varieties, the more shall we be impressed with the conviction of the import- ance of the resemblance.
In the first place, the coal of all coal measures has a series of partings parallel to the floor or bottom of the bed on which it rests, and to the cover or roofing under which it lies. These are as dis- tinct in inclined and vertical beds as in those which still remain horizontal.
In the second place, the connection between the coal and its under- lying slate, as well as with its top slate, is so definite and well under- stood, that it serves to determine the true original position of coal beds, which have been so far disturbed as to be turned nearly up- side down ; of which examples are not wanting. These character- istics are found in beds of both kinds of coal.
In the third place, there is most commonly a fracture or division of the coal in some direction (which, for the same bed, is gene- rally continuous,) and nearly at right angles to the planes of de- position.
Fourth, a third series of divisions by vertical planes, called cross partings, inclined to the last mentioned. This system of planes is not always continuous throughout the bed, but varies in the differ- ent plies.
The principal vertical divisions are known to miners by the names of "cleats" or " slines," and sometimes by that of "grains." The direction in which these run, seems to determine the manner of working out the coal ; for in attempting to separate large masses from their natural position by means of wedges, it is only in the direction of the cleats that the separation can take place. In in- clined beds, from which the coal is to be extracted by a slope or rail-road laid down on the floor of the bed, it is a great convenience to have the cleat lie in a direction diametrically across that of the slope, or in conformity with the strike of the bed ; for then in run- ning a drift from the bottom of the slope horizontally along the bed, and afterwards carrying the workings upward, the cleat will always face the miner, and he will be enabled to obtain heavy falls of coal by undermining and wedging down.
April, 1841.] 11
In most bituminous coals, and in not a few anthracites, the "cleavage of the laminae," or what I have chosen to call surfaces of deposition, are sufficiently distinct, and afford ready partings to separate masses into small pieces. In some of the harder anthra- cites, however, these surfaces are nearly obliterated, being dis- tinguishable only by different shades of black. The actual cleava- ges of the coal, in such instances, seldom take place along the sur- face of deposition ; but on igniting the specimen, we may generally obtain partings in those natural seams. I exhibit an example in coal of Hazleton.
The regular slines also, in anthracite, are sometimes so far ob- literated as to be only developed by strong heat or partial combus- tion. They are then shown by the thin, white, shining lamina? of earthy matter, which mark two opposite sides of a lump of half burnt coal.
The absolute direction of the cleat is very various. At the Lau- rel Hill mines, in Hazle creek valley, it is believed to be about north 80° east.
In some beds of coal which I discovered and examined on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, it is due east and west by com- pass.
In the Middleton mine coal, in the Northerly part of England, it is from N. 20° West to N. 32° W.
The second, or " short cleat," in opposition to the " long cleat," which extends for great distances, is the cross parting already spoken of, and not unfrequently runs perpendicularly to the direc- tions of both the " cleavage of the lamina? and to the long cleat." This is seen both in bituminous coals and anthracites.
Another circumstance to which I would refer, as indicative of the similarity of origin and correspondence in character, between bi- tuminous coals and anthracites, is the correspondence of the two, in respect to the composition of the ashes of the two kinds. Silica, alumina, oxide of iron, with small amounts of lime, magnesia, and occasionally of oxide of manganese, are the ingredients of the ashes of both the kinds of coal. The proportions vary, not only in the different kinds of coal, but also in the several plies of the same bed, both in the bituminous and anthracite districts. In the anthracite, the diversity of composition is marked by the colour of the different streaks after partial incineration.
12 [April, 1S41-
Another resemblance between the two kinds is that in the an- thracite beds, spaces partially vacant are found to contain masses, with a puffy aspect on the exterior, so strongly resembling coke, that it might be difficult at the first glance to distinguish a fragment of it from a piece of artificial coke. Natural coke is also found in connection with beds of bituminous coal, especially where the latter are in close proximity with primitive strata — as in the mines of Virginia.
When coal contains a large proportion of earthy matter, and is deposited in thin lamince, it will, in the state of anthracite, be found to part with great difficulty in the direction of the surfaces of depo- sition. It will then be seen to give fractures, developing a multi- tude of small conchoidal surfaces, This is by the miners termed bony coal ; and that it well deserves its name may be evinced by its actually being so hard as sometimes to strike fire with steel.
Coal occasionally assumes the appearance of well defined rhombic prisms and octaedra, occasionally with striated surfaces, in which cases, though the cleavages be difficult and obscure, they are never- theless practicable.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA.
Vol. I. MAY, 1S41. No. 2.
STATED MEETING, May 4, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
A collection of Marine, Fresh-water, and Land Shells. From Mr. J. S. Phillips, viz.:
Unio planilateris, U. viridis, Cardium lima, C. costatum, C. flavum, Tellina, (3 species.) Solen diphos, Solen, (2 species.) Cytherea mallaccensis, C. excavata, C. impar, Venus, (2 species.) Crassatella striata, Chama — , Pecten pesfelis, Hinnites Poulsoni, Modiolus — , Isocardia Molktiana, Cucul- Irea auriculifera, Area tortuosa, Cancellaria cancellata Strombus fasciatus, Voluta scapha? Cassis coarctata, C Massenre, Pleurotoma tenedo, P. marmorata, Trochus con chyliophorus, C. indicus, Scalaria raricosta, Marginella — Murex tenuispina, Fusus turricula, Conus imperialis, C miles, Cyprsea picta, C. rufa, C. pulchella, Terebra Africana Nerita luteostoma ? Argonauta hians.
The following species of Land Shells were presented by Dr. Goddard:
Carocolla spinifera, Helecina orbiculata, Helix jejuna ? H. appressa, H. concava.
14 [May, 1841.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Atlantic Journal and Friend of Knowledge. By C. S. Rafin- esque. 8vo. Philada. 1832. — From Dr. Morton.
Transactions of the Maryland Academy of Science and Literature. Vol. I. part 1, 8vo. Baltimore, 1S37. — From the same.
Histoire des Vegetaux Fossiles, &c. Par M. Adolphe Brong- niart. 4to. Paris, Nos. 5, 6 and 7. — From the same.
On the Bones of Birds discovered in the strata of Tilgate Forest. By G. Mantell, M. D. 4to.— From the Author.
Third, Fourth, and Fifth General Reports on the Geology of Tennessee. By G. Troosl, M. D. Svo. — From the Author.
Lettre sur le poulpe de l'Argonaute. Par M. de Blainville. 4to. Paris, 1S37. — From the Author.
Lettre sur la Generation des Insects. Par M. V. Audouin. Svo. Paris, 1824. — From Dr. Morton.
Description of the Missourium, or Missouri Leviathan. By Albert Koch. 12mo. 1841. — From Dr. Chaloner.
Anatomie des Coquilles Polythalmes siphonees recentes. Par M. de Blainville. 4to. — From the Author.
Historia de la Conquista de Mexico, Poblacion y Progresos de la America Septentrional : Escriviala don Antonio de Solis y Rivadeneyra. 4to. Madrid, 1776. — From Dr. Ruschenberger.
Verbal Communications. — Dr. Chaloner stated some facts contained in a letter to him from Prof. Andreas del Rio, of Mexico, in relation to an ore of Galena, containing ten per cent, of Cadmium ; of which letter a translation will shortly be presented to the Society.
May, 1S41.] 15
Dr. Morton (Professor Johnson taking the chair) exhibited the embalmed body of an Egyptian Ibis, Ibis religiosa, which was unwrapped by him in the Hall of the Academy, on the 10th of April, in the presence of many members and others.
This specimen was one of several sent to Dr. Morton by George R. Gliddon, Esq., United States Consul at Cairo. It was obtained at Saccara, and is probably two thousand five hun- dred years old. The bird was enveloped in nearly one hundred and fifty folds of the usual linen mummy-cloth, and was found to be in perfect preservation; the head being extended downwards between the legs, and the latter drawn up, with the toes pointing outward: the feathers were generally uninjured, retaining much of their original colour ; and it may be confidently asserted, that this is one of the most perfect examples of the art of bird-embalm- ing which has ever been submitted to the inspection of natu- ralists.
The Ibis, [Ibis religiosa,) as a sacred bird, was fed and wor- shipped in the Egyptian temples ; yet it is difficult to imagine in what way they were obtained in such vast numbers as are now found embalmed in the pyramids of Saccara. For example, Pococke, who travelled in Egypt upwards of a century since, expressed a fear that the embalmed Ibis would soon become extinct, in consequence of the daily and wanton destruction of the jars in which they are embalmed ; and yet travellers of our own times assure us, after all this protracted devastation, that thousands of these relics remain undisturbed in the pyramids.
The motive for worshipping the Ibis has been variously ex- plained ; but the true cause was, no doubt, the appearance of this bird (which is a native of Abyssinia) during the inundation of the Nile, and its departure to the south on the subsidence of the water; for the Egyptians rendered homage to every thing which was connected with a phenomenon on which depended all their hopes of health, plenty, and happiness.
Dr. Morton adverted again to the fact, mentioned at a former meeting, that on first opening one of these Ibis-jars, the wrappings, which were beautifully adjusted, were almost, if not entirely colourless; but that in a short time they assumed the dark brown colour which the bitumen usually imparts to the mummy-cloth.
16 [May, 1841.
Prof. Johnson suggested that the exterior wrappings might not have heen originally saturated with bitumen, but that they had been applied while clean to the mummy wrapped in the interior saturated folds ; and that by slow, insensible transmission, the clean folds had, with the volatilized bituminous matter, become in a manner photogenic, and capable of being turned yellow by the influence of light as soon as the jars were opened. He con- ceived this explanation of the phenomenon by the known agency of light on resinous and bituminous substances, more satisfactory than that which had been previously offered, and which ascribed it to the mere presence of air admitted on opening the jar. He suggested that the latter explanation Avouid have had more plau- sibility if the jar had really been hermetically sealed, and air tight; which,- from its texture, being that of coarse unglazed earthenware, and particularly from the covering of its mouth being a still more coarse unburnt mortar, could not be presumed to be the fact.
Dr. Goddard admitted the action of light, in explaining the phenomenon in question ; but as he supposed the cloth to have been originally of a yellow or brownish colour, such as it assumes on being removed from the jar, he considered the presence of bitumen not necessary to the change. He cited, in illustration, the Cartoons of Raphael, which, having faded in a moderately lighted room, were subsequently restored to their original colours by exposure to the sun's rays.
Some further observations ensued on the action of light, and its effects in bleaching resins.
May, 1841.] 17
STATED MEETING, May 11, 1841.
Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
A gigantic Spondylns, from the Indian Ocean. — From Wm. A. Foster, Esq.
Fringilla — , from South America. — From Mrs. George Cad- wallader.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
First Report of the Geological Survey of the Province of New- Brunswick. By Abram Gesner, M. D. 8vo. 1839. — From Mr. Ashmead.
New Dispensatory. By Nicholas Culpepper. 12mo. Lon- don, 1653.— From Dr. Morton.
History of the Expedition under the command of Captains Lewis and Clarke to the sources of the Missouri, and thence to the Pacific Ocean. By Paul Allen, Esq. 2 vols., 8vo. Dublin, 1S17.— From Dr. Elwyn.
The same work, 4to., London, 1814. — From several Members of the Academy.
Three Years travel through the interior parts of North Ame- rica, for more than 5000 miles. By Capt. Jonathan Carver, Svo. Philada. 17S4.— From Dr. Morton.
A Guide to the arrangement of British Insects; being a Cata- logue of the named species hitherto discovered in Great Britain. 2d edit. By John Curtis, Esq., F.L.S. 12mo. London, 1837.— From the Author.
Character and description of a new genus of the Family Me- lolonthidae. By John Curtis, Esq., F.L.S. 4to. London, 1835.— From the Author. ^.
Pi*** ^ '
H Any
18 [Mat, 1841.
Description of the Insects brought home by Commander James Clarke Ross, R. N. By John Curtis, Esq., F. L. S. 4to. From the Author.
Written Communications. — A communication was read from Dr. A. Clapp, of New Albany, Indiana, in reference to the Geological equivalents of that vicinity, as compared by him with those described in the Silurian System of Murchison.
" The following fossils, which characterize the Wenlock Lime- stone of Murchison, I have found in the Limestone of the Falls of the Ohio: Favosites spongites, Retepora prisca. Acervularia Baltica, Astrea ananas? Cyathophyllum turbinatum, Syringipora reticulata, Calymene bufo.
"I have also observed, at the same place, the following group of Wenlock fossils, which, however, are not characteristic of the Limestone of the Falls : Catenipora escharoides, Syringipora bifurcata, Stomatapora concentrica, Favosites C4othlandica, Turbinalapsis bina, Strophomena euglypha? Atrypa prisca. To Avhich I may add the following fossils of Goldfuss, which are not found in the Wenlock Limestone, and some of them not even in Wales: Cyathophyllum ceratites, C. vermiculare, and C. helianthoides, Stomatopora polymorpha, Favosites polymorpha, and F. basallica, Gorgonia infundibuliformis? the last being more common in the latter formations. (Ludlow.) Besides the preced- ing species, I have many Polyparia, and some shells of the Falls Limestone yet undetermined. In the Limestone and Marls of Madison and Hanover, in Indiana, I have identified two other species belonging to the Wenlock shale, viz.: Terebratula spherica? and Orthocera eccentrics.
The middle and lower strata of the Blue Limestone and Marls at Cincinnati, and the lowest at Madison and Hanover, appear to be equivalents of the Caradoc Group of Murchison, and contain the following fossils: Orthis callactis, Calymene punctata, C. Blumenbachii, Triarthus Beckii, Isotelus — , Pentacrinit.es prisca, (Goldf.) This formation has very few Polyparia, but many shells, which are different from any described by Goldfuss or Murchison.
" The black bituminous slate that overlies the limestone at the
May, 1841.] 19
foot of the Falls, and is found in many parts of the western coun- try, is probably the equivalent of the Marcellus Shale of New York. This is an excellent landmark, as there is no other for- mation in the west that can be easily mistaken for it. The situation of this slate at the Falls has been misunderstood in some instances, and described as underlying, or beneath the limestone.
"The dividing line between the upper and lower Silurian groups, (Wenlock Shale and Caradoc rocks,) appears to have no distinct lithological demarcation in our western formations; yet this line will probably be found to occur in the upper series of the Cincinnati and Madison Blue Limestones and Marls."
Mr. T. A. Conrad submitted a description of three new species of Unio, from the rivers of the United States, viz.:
1. Unio perplicatus. — Obtusely subovate, very ventricose; rather thick, with about 12 oblique, profound plica?, those behind the umbo recurved ; ligament margin greatly elevated ; posterior superior margin slightly concave, oblique, extremity truncated ; epidermis blackish-brown, apex erobed ; within tinged with purple; cardinal teeth direct, prominent, sulcated. (Length 2.4; height 1.3; diameter 1.9.)
This species is most nearly related to U. costatus, (Raf.) but differs in being far more ventricose, and has very prominent urn- bones, which are just the reverse in the costatus. The diameter through the umbonial slope is profound.
2. U. nodiferus. — Obtusely subovate, ventricose, moderately thick; surface with a few nodules about the middle of the valves, and smaller ones near the ligament margin ; a slight, not very wide, furrow extends from beak to base; posterior margin approaching to a regular curve; beaks eroded; within white ; cardinal teeth robust, prominent, direct, and profoundly sulcated in old shells; epidermis chestnut-brown. (Length 2.1, 1.8; height 1.1, 1; diameter 1.6, 1.4.)
Approaches U. prasinus, but differs in being proportionally longer, more convex, in having a brown epidermis, narrower anterior side, and oblique posterior margin.
20 [May, 1841.
3. U. paralellus. — Oblong1, sub-rhomboidal, convex, moderately
thick, slightly contracted from beak to base ; hinge and basal
margins parallel, nearly rectilinear; posterior margin oblique;
extremity obtusely rounded; epidermis dark olive-brown;
within white; cardinal teeth oblique, double in each valve ;
cardinal area under the beaks almost obliterated. (Length
3.7; height 1.1; diameter 1.8.)
Some' conchologists may consider this to be a variety of U. purpureus, (Say,) and as but one specimen has been received, I cannot judge of the amount of difference which will obtain be- tween the two species. I think the purpureus has never yet been found nearly so far south-west as Louisiana; certainly, after a long examination of the waters of Alabama, I was unable to find it. The paralellus differs from purpureus in having a white interior, in the obliteration of the cardinal area, in the regular convexity of the valves, and in having a much larger accessory muscular impression.
These three species are in the collection of the Academy: they were sent from Jackson, in Louisiana.
STATED MEETING, May 18, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
Helix Blandingiana ; St. Johns, Liberia. Area senilis ; same
locality. — From Dr. Wm. Blanding. Fossil Aspergillum, from the Newer Pliocene of Palermo, in
Sicily : and Lutraria petrosa, (Conrad) from Vance's Ferry,
S. Carolina. — From Dr. Morton.
May, 1841.] 21
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Account of Voyages for making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere. By John Hawkesworth, L.L.D. 2 vols. Svo. Dublin, 1775. — From Dr. Morton.
Pharmacopoeia Officinalis Rrittanica. By Richard Stocker. Svo. London, IS 10.
An Experimental Examination of the Pharmacopoeia Lon- donensis. By Richard Phillips. Svo. London, 1S11. — From Dr. Morton.
An Inquiry into the accordance of war with the principles of Christianity. By Jonathan Dymond, with notes by Thomas Smith Grimke. 12mo. Philada. 1832. — From Paul Beck, Jr., Esq., per Dr. Goddard.
Portfolio Chiensis ; or a Collection of Chinese State Papers, with a translation, and notes, by J. Lewis Shuck. Svo. Macao, 1S40. — From the same.
Life Tables, founded upon the discovery of a numerical law, regulating the existence of every human being. By T. R. Edmonds, B. A. Svo. London, 1832. — From Dr. Morton.
Medical and Physical Memoirs, with an inquiry into the nature of the Pestilential Epidemics of the United States. By Charles Caldwell, M. D. Svo. Philada. 1811.— From Dr. Zantzinger.
Written Communications. — Professor Johnson submitted an examination and analysis of Coal found in the Province of Arauco, coast of Chili, 30 miles south of Bio Bio river.
The sample of coal, of which the following is a description? was collected by Mr. J. F. Watson, of this city.
22 [May, 1S41.
In exterior appearance it is nearly related to many of the richest bituminous coals of this country and of Europe.
It is moderately compact ; thin shining lamina? are seen parallel to the bed or plane of super position, but the greater part of the mass is of a dull or pitchy black colour.
Its horizontal or depository surfaces are rather uneven ; vertical sections in some p^rts smooth, in others, irregular; very little indication of reediness is perceived. Portions of "clod" or vege- table charcoal are occasionally met with.
Its specific gravity is 1.324. At a temperature of 300° Fah. it loses of water 2.2 per ct.
Coked at a bright red heat it gives off of volatile
matter, burning with a brilliant flame, 27.8 "
It contains of carbon, not volatile by simple heat, 67.62 " And when fully incinerated, leaves of reddish grey
ashes 2.33 "
100.
On being quickly exposed to a full red heat it becomes com- pletely fused, and the original form and structure are entirely lost. The coke accordingly belongs to that class which has received the designation of "highly bituminous coal coke."
Carbon, Vol. matter. Ashes.
In composition this coal bears a strong analogy to the Staffordshire Wed- nesbury coal, which gives (Berthier) 67.5 30. 2.5
Clyde, near Glasgow, (also examined
by Berthier) 64.4 31.0 4.6
Karthaus, (analysed by VV. R. John- son) 68.1
Vartey, 'three-quarter coal,' (Mushet) 67.9
Blandare Meadow coal, and at Pont-y-
Pool, (Mushet) 66.84
Risea,Big Vein, South Wales (Mushet) 68.016
Phelps vein, at Mynydyswdyn do. 68.00
|
28.8 |
5.1 |
|
29.6 |
2.5 |
|
29.16 |
3.0 |
|
29.15 |
2.834 |
|
30.00 |
2.00 |
May, 1841 ] 23
Carbon. Vol. matter. Ashes.
Dee Bank, near Holywell, (Mushet) 66.348 31.60 2.054
Porkgate, main coal, Yorkshire, do. 67.145 30.730 2.125 Northumberland, Tyne Works,
(Berthier) 67.500 30.00 2.50 Kidsgrove, North Staffordshire, seven
feet coal, (Mushet) 67.905 30.47 1.625 Green hole shaft, James river, Va.
(Geolog. Survey) 67.83 30.17 2.00
MEETING OF BUSINESS, May 25, 1841.
Vice President Wetherill in the Chair.
After various preparatory business, the Society proceeded to ballot for Members and Correspondents, when the follow- ing gentlemen were elected Resident Members:
Nathan Allen, M. D. Charles Poulson, Jr. Esq. Peter A. Browne, Esq.
The following Corresponding Members were also duly elected:
William C. Redfield, Esq., of New York.
Oliver P. Hubbard, M. D., of Dartmouth College, New
Hampshire. John Locke, M. D., of Cincinnati, Ohio.
24 [Mat, 1841.
J. W. Bailey, Esq., of the Military Academy of West Point.
Kev. J. P. Durbiri, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Major James D. Graham, U. S. Topographical Engineers.
Benjamin Silliman, Jr., Esq., New Haven.
James Saul, Esq., New Orleans.
op*?
R»r* -*•-«• V\^l
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA. Vol. I. JUNE, 1841. No. 3.
ORDINARY MEETING, June 1, 1841.
Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
A collection of Shells, embracing the following species, was presented by D. J. C Jay, of New York, through Mr. Phillips, viz :
Mactra similis? Cytherea chione, C. maculata, C. tigerina, Venus pullastra, V. rugosa, V. decussata, and two other species, Cyprina islandica, Artemis elegans, Capsa levi- gata, Cardium muricatum, Anadonta anatina, Unio limo- sus, Solen — , Mytilus — , Haliotis (2 species,) Bulla zeylanica, Patella cochlear, P. monopis, P. oculus, P. granatina, and 7 other species, Fissurella — , Helix — , Bulimus hsemastomus, B. taunaysii, Ampullacera avellana, Ampullaria — , Neritina granulosa, Nerita — , Turbo coronatus, T. radiatus, T. argyrostomus, T. concavus, Trochus Cookii, and two other species, Pyrula Dussumieri, Triton spengleri, T. succinctum, and one other species, 5
20 [June, 1841.
Ranella argus, R. bufonia, and one other species ; Murex brandaris, Turbinella capitellum, Strombus lentiginosus, S. Tankervillii, S. pugilis, Cerithium ebeninum, Purpura consul, P. haustrum, P. heemastoma, P. hippocastanum, P. succincta, P. ligata, Concholepas peruvianus, Bucci- num moniliferum, Voluta elongata, Conus arenatus.
Struthiolaria nodulosa. — From Mr. B. H. Tanner.
Helix dentifera, H. subglobosa, H. intertexta, H. limatula, H. minuscula, H. multidentata, H. egena. H. electrina, and a nondescript Planorbis. — From Dr. Amos Binney of Boston.
Elaps fulvius, S. Carolina. — From Mr. James Read.
Jantliina communis, with the animal, Sigaretus perspectivus, also with the animal. Three species of Linnean cancer; and a collection of fishes from the Gulf of Mexico. — From Mr. F. H. Baker.
Achatina zebra. Venus tripla, and a Pholas, from Africa. — From Dr. Wm. Blanding.
Scorpio, Rana, two gigantic beetles, and other insects and reptiles, from Western Africa. — Presented by Dr. Johnson of Liberia.
Three antique Mexican Idols, formed of baked clay. Presented by Wm. Augustus Twigg, Esq. Also from the same gentle- man, a Syngnathus from the Gulf of Mexico.
Dr. Morton deposited casts, in plaster, of the six skulls of an- cient Peruvians obtained and brought to Europe by Mr. Pentland.
Mr. Robert Pearsall presented seventeen additional chairs for the use of the members.
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Monograph of the Limniades, or Fresh water Univalve Shells
June, 1841.] 27
of the United States. By S. S. Haldeman. 8vo. Philad. 1841. No. 2. From the Author.
Stirpium rariorum minusque cognitarum in Sicilia sponte pro- venientium descriptiones, nonnullis iconibus auctas. Auctore Antonio Bivona Bomardi. 8vo. Panormi, 1813. From Mr. Haldeman.
Report on the Geological Survey of New York, for 1840.
From Dr. L. C. Beck. The Floral Magazine and Botanical Repository, 4to. Philad.
Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5. From Mr. W. P. Gibbons. Catalogue of Shells, arranged according to the Lamarkian
system, together with descriptions of new or rare species,
contained in the collection of J. C. Jay, M. D. 4to. New
York, 1839. 2 copies. From the Author.
Illustrations of Ornithology. By Sir William Jardine, and Prideaux John Selby. 3 vols. 4to. Edinburgh. Presented by Messrs. Poulson, Hembell, Elwyn, Wetherill, Vaux, Ashmead and Morton.
Written Communications. — Mr. J. S. Phillips read descrip- tions of two new American species of the genus Helix : viz.
Helix Bidentifera. — Testa convexa, depressa, corneo-lutea ; regu- lariter et tenuiter striata, striis longitudinalibus, obliquis ; umbi- licata, apertura compressa ; labro subreflexo, duobus dentibus albis, rotundis, parvulis, in margine inferiore, instructo.
Shell much depressed, rather thin, epidermis yellowish horn colour shining ; whorls six, rounded, with very numerous, raised, oblique striae ; suture strongly impressed ; aperture compressed, con- tracted by a groove behind the outer lip ; outer lip moderately reflected ; within the edge of the aperture on the lower portion, two fine rounded white teeth, one near the umbilicus, the other nearly equidistant from the extremities of the outer lip ; umbili- cus round, of moderate diameter, not encroached on by the outer lip, well defined and deep ; base rounded, more convex than the
28 [JUNE, 1841.
upper surface, transverse diameter 2-5 of an inch, height 1-6 of an inch. Brought from North Carolina by Mr. T. Nuttall.
This shell differs from all the known American Helices, in the character of the two minute, well defined teeth on the outer lip, while it is without a trace of a tooth on the pillar lip. Helix lasmodon. Testa subelevata, centiculata, crassiuscula, urn- bilicata, substriata ; apertura compressa ; labro acuto, uno vel duobus dentibus lamellosis ; base rotundato ; colore albo corneo. Shell moderately elevated, lenticular; rather thick; epidermispale whitish horn colour, smooth, shining ; whorls eight, very faintly and obliquely striated ; suture indistinct ; aperture compressed, within a broad calcerous deposit, and one or two lameller teeth following the direction of the whorls ; lip acute ; umbilicus mod- erately large, rounded and deep ; base regularly rounded into the umbilicus. Transverse diameter 7-20, height 3-20 of an inch. Brought from Alabama by Dr. W. Blanding.
This shell resembles no other American species but H. suppressa Say, and H. gularis Say, and from these it differs decidedly in the well defined and deep umbilicus ; it differs from H. Epistilium, in the smaller size, greater number of whorls, large umbilicus and lentic- ular form.
Mr. T. A. Conrad read a paper descriptive of twenty-six new species of Fossil shells, discovered by him in the Medial Tertiary deposits of Calvert Cliffs, Maryland, viz. :
Venus.
Venus latilirata. — Trigonal, convex depressed, ribs concentric, about 5 or 6 in number, flattened, reflected, irregular, one of them generally very wide ; ribs irregularly sulcated on the pos- terior slope ; inner margin finely crenulated. Smaller than V. alveata, and with broader, less prominent ribs, which do not diminish in size on the posterior margin.
Cytherea. Cytherea subnasuta. — Trigonal, thin, ventricose ; anterior side nar-
June, 1841.] 29
rowed, slightly produced and subangulated at the extremity ; surface with rather prominent concentric wrinkles ; posterior margin obliquely arched ; beaks distant from anterior extremity, and not nearly central; length 1 1-8 inch. Allied to C. Sayana, but is proportionally longer, less ventricose, narrower, and more produced anteriorly.
LUCINA.
Lucina Foremani. — Orbicular, ventricose, moderately thick ; sur- face with irregular shallow grooves, and rather distant prominent, striae, with intermediate fine, concentric lines ; posterior margin subtruncated obliquely outwards ; beaks prominent, not central ; hinge edentulous. Length 11-2 inch. Named in honour of a zealous scientific young gentleman of Baltimore, Dr. E. Fore- man.
L. subplanata. — Lentiform, convex, depressed, with prominent acute equal concentric striae ; beaks central ; cardinal teeth prominent. Length 3-4 inch. Very rare.
Cardium.
Cardium leptopleura. — Subtrigonal, ventricose; ribs about 31, prominent, distant, angular, carinated ; umbo prominent, oblique ; lateral teeth very prominent ; inner margin widely and deeply crenate. Length 2 1-4 inches. Height 2 inches.
ASTARTE.
Astarte varians. — Trigonal, compressed, posterior side, cuneiform, extremity acutely rounded ; umbo flattened, sulcated. Length 1 1-4 inch.
Var. A. Proportionally shorter, more convex, with numerous concentric furrows.
Allied to A. perplana, but has a much deeper lunule, more oblique teeth, narrower, and more produced posteriorly.
A. exaltata. — Obovate acute, convex ; umbo sulcated ; apex very prominent ; lunule elongated and profound. Height and length equal, 5-8 inch.
30 [June, 1841.
Lima.
Lima papyria. — Obliquely obovate, thin and fragile, inflated ; with prominent radiating lines, distant towards the anterior margin ; anterior margin angulated at base of the ear, truncated or slightly concave below, and abruptly rounded where it joins the basal margin ; ears small. Height 7-8 inch ; length 3-4 inch.
Arca.
Area subrostrata. — Ovate ; profoundly ventricose ; ribs about 30, little prominent, flat, longitudinally sulcated ; posterior side pro- duced, cuneiform ; rounded at the extremity ; hinge linear in the middle, teeth obsolete, except towards the extremities ; within slightly sulcated ; crenulations of the margin sulcated in the middle. Length 2 inches.
&
Pleurotoma.
Pleurotoma Marylandica. — Fusiform, with spiral wrinkled lines ; upper half of whorls of the spine concave, the lower convex, and with oblique ribs. Length 2 1-2 inches.
P. bellacrenata.— Fusiform ; whorls much contracted below the middle, with obsolete spiral lines, and crenate above the suture and on the shoulder of body whirl; body whirl with five or six strong spiral striae, and an intermediate fine line ; back finely striated. Length 11-8 inch.
Trochus.
Trochus peralveatus. — Volutions 5 or 6, with each a deep groove near the base ; space below the suture profoundly and widely channelled ; upper margin of whirls acutely carinated ; base with 5 profound grooves. Length 1 5-8 inch.
SCALARIA.
Scalaria pachypleura. — Turritted ; shortjin proportion to its width ; volutions 6 or 7, rapidly diminishing in size ; ribs very thick, prominent, reflected, terminating above in prominent angles. Length 5-8 inch.
June, 1841.] 31
Solarium.
Solarium trilineatum. — Depressed, conical ; whirls with obsolete spiral lines, and fine transverse striae, an impressed line below the suture ; whirls carinated at base; suture deeply impressed ; pe- riphery carinated, and margined above and beneath by a carinated line ; umbilicus profound, crenate on the margin, and with a submarginal impressed line, striae radiating from the umbilicus, becoming obsolete towards the periphery. Width 1-2 inch.
Infundibulum.
Infundibulum perarmatum. — Trochiform ; whirls convex, armed with numerous erect foliated spines. Width 1 3-8 inch.
Allied to I. trochiformis, Lam. but is less variable in form, and has larger spines.
FlSSURELLA.
Fissurella Marylandica. — Elevated, with numerous striae, alter- nated in size and minutely granulated by fine crowded concentric lines crossing them ; foramen large, regularly oval. Length 1 inch.
Closely allied to F. Griscomi, but is readily distinguished by a much larger foramen, finer concentric lines, in not being late- rally compressed, &c.
Dispot^ga.
Dispotaea ramosa. — Suborbicular, with broad prominent ribs, and radiating, ramose, wrinkled and highly ornamental striae ; mar- gin profoundly indented by the projecting ribs. Width 1 3-8 inch. This species has been confounded with D. costata, but the ramose lines give it a very distinctive character. Occurs on James River, Virginia.
Cancellaria.
Cancellaria biplicifera. — Turretted, with thick longitudinal ribs, and spiral rather distant impressed lines ; on the body whirl an occasional intermediate fine line ; space below the suture widely and deeply channelled; shoulder coronated ; umbilicus small ; columella concave, and with two plaits. Length 11-2 inch.
32 [June, 1811.
C. engonata. — Short fusiform, with strong spiral prominent lines ; and numerous longitudinal costae, not so distinct as the transverse lines; spire scalariform, volutions, 4 ; columella with 3 plaits, the middle one very oblique ; submargin of labium with promi- nent transverse lines. Length 3-8 inch.
BoNELLIA.
Bonellia lineata. — Subulate, polished, with obsolete spiral lines, distinctly visible only on the body whirl ; a spiral line margins the suture at base of each volution, causing the suture to appear profound ; this line is continued on the middle of the body whirl. Very distinct from B. terebellata,* the deeply impressed suture and smaller umbilicus distinguish it at a glance.
TuRRITELLA.
Turritella indenta. — Subulate, whirls about 15, contracted or in- dented above the middle, and with obsolete spiral striae ; suture profound, the lower margin obtusely carinated by the indenta- tion ; the upper margin also subcarinated ; basal margin acutely angulated ; base flat or slightly concave. Length 2 inches.
T. exaltata. — Subulute, profoundly elongated ; whirls convex, with spiral striae ; base of each with a slight groove, and carinated line which margins the suture ; waived longitudinal rugae robust. Obtained only in fragments, but the spire tapers so gradually, that the shell must have attained between 3 and 4 inches in length by 1-2 inch in breadth.
T. perlaqueata. — Subulate, whirls convex at base, longitudinally ribbed or fluted, with very fine spiral striae, most profound towards the base of the large volution. Length rather more than 1-2 an inch.
Marginella.
Marginella perexigua — Very small, obtusely ovate ; labrum pro- foundly thickened, the margin minutely crenulated ; labium with 4 plaits ; spire depressed ; volutions concealed.
A small species, very much like a Cyprasa in form. Length 1-8 inch.
* Bulimus tcrcballatus, Lam.
Jttne, 1841.] 33
Polyparia
Astrea.
Astrea Marylandica.— Incrusting, very thin ; cells, unequal, sub- pentagonal, margin acute and prominent ; radiating lamellae dis- tant, about 12 in number.
Frequently incrusting the Pecten Madisonius on James river, Virginia.
A. bella Incrusting, thick ; cells unequal ; pentagonal, rays nu- merous, minutely and beautifully denticulated ; frequently alter- nated in length. Near Newbern, N. C.
Lower Tertiary Fossils.
Cardium.
Cardium Nicolletti. — Cordate, ventricose, polished, with crowded minute, impressed radiating lines ; beaks central ; summits very prominent ; posterior margin nearly direct, slightly emarginate ; posterior slope with larger striae than the disk, and muricated with radiating rows of approximate, rather obtuse, slender and prominent tubercles. Length 2 1-2 inches. Height the same. For this splendid Cardium, I am indebted to my distinguished friend J. N. Nicollet. It was found in green clay at 50 feet in height on the right bank of the Washita river, Monroe county, Louisiana.
Fusus.
Fusus pachyleurus. — Fusiform, thick, with spiral striae not very distinct ; whirls of the spine concave above, convex, and with obtuse ribs below, except upon the lower whirl which is entire ; body whirl also destitute of ribs, abruptly rounded or subangu- lated at base, ventricose ; beak long, thick, straight ; labium widely reflected; channel contracted. Length 2 1-2 inches.
Presented by Mr. Nicollet : it is from the Lower Tertiary of Alabama.
Professor Johnson made some remarks on the magnetic phenomena attending the congealing of cast-iron. 6
34 [June, 1841.
To observe the time and degree of rapidity of resuming the mag- netic power by a mass of melted iron, a bed was formed about 3 or 3 1-2 feet in length, 5 inches deep, and of the usual form for cast- ing pig iron ; rounding at the bottom and 4 or 5 inches broad at the top. The length of this bed was nearly in the direction of the magnetic meridian.
A compass needle 3 inches long was placed near the northern end of the bed, but a little to the east, and about 5 inches short of the extremity ; another needle about 7-8 of an inch long, was placed symetrically to the west side of the bed, and about the same dis- tance from its southern extremity. Thus a line joining the centres of the needles, would pass over the centre of the pig bed, and be about nine or ten inches shorter than the latter.
The needles having come to rest, and their positions been noted, the bed was filled with melted iron. A slight derangement of the needles occurred while the ladle was near, during the pouring of the metal ; but they soon recovered their previous position, as soon as the ladle had been removed.
They were then carefully watched in order to detect the first movements which should occur after the solidifying of the pig.
At the end of 20 minutes the metal being cooled down to a heat which made it barely red in daylight, the first movements were detected, slow and scarcely perceptible, but increasing in rapidity so that at the end of two minutes, the divergency amounted to 8° ; in 4 minutes it had extended to 20°, the pig being nearly black ; and in 20 minutes more, the divergency had attained its maximum of 22° from the original position. As the influence of the earth's magnetism converted the northerly part of the pig into a north pole, it of course repelled the north pole of the needle placed near it, and attracted the south. The reverse taking place at the oppo- site end of the pig, the north end was there attracted and the south repelled. To ascertain whether any degree of permanent magnetic force would be retained by the pig, it was thrown from its bed and caused to make one-fourth of a revolution horizontally, so as to bring its longest diameter into the magnetic east and west. In this, position it exerted no power on the needle brought near either
June, 1841.] 3f>
extremity, but on reversing its position in the bed the end which had before been a north pole was made a south one ; and vice versa .
Dr. Morton made some remarks on the Ancient Peruvians ; that extraordinary people who preceded the Inca race, and whose monuments show a remarkable advance in civilization at a very early epoch.
" In my work on American skulls (Crania Americana,) I have expressed the opinion that the heads of the ancient Peruvians were naturally very much elongated ; and that they differed in this respect from those of the Inca Peruvians, and other surrounding nations ; and having given this opinion at a meeting of the Acade- my prior to the publication of my work, I take this occasion to renounce it.
In the American Journal of Science, for March, 1840, I have already, in a brief note, adverted to this change of opinion ; and I now repeat my matured conclusions in connection with positive facts, derived from the work of a distinguished traveller and natu- ralist, M. Alcide D'Orbigny.
This gentleman not only visited the elevated table-land of the Andes, which was once inhabited by the ancient Peruvians, but he remained a long time in that interesting region, and has collected numerous facts in relation to the people themselves.
1. The descendants of the ancient Peruvians yet inhabit the land of their ancestors, and bear the name of Aymaras, which was pro- bably their primitive designation.
2. The modern Aymaras resemble the surrounding Quichua or Peruvian nations, in colour, figure, features, expression, shape of the head, (which they have ceased to mould into artificial forms,) and in fact in every thing that relates to physical conformation and social customs ; their languages differ, but even here there is a resemblance which proves a common origin.
3. On examining the tombs of the ancient Aymaras, in the envi- rons of the lake Titicaca, M. D'Orbigny remarked that those which contained the compressed and elongated skulls, contained also a
36 [June, 1841.
greater number that were not flattened ; whence he infers that the deformity was not natural, or characteristic of the nation, but the result of mechanical compression.
4. It was also remarked that those skulls which were flattened were uniformly those of men, while the heads of the women always retained the natural shape, — the squared or spheroidal form which is characteristic of the American race, and especially of the Peruvians.
5. The most elongated heads were found in the largest and finest tombs ; showing that the deformity was a mark of distinction among these people.
6. The researches of M. D'Orbigny confirm the statements made at distant intervals of time by Pedro de Cieza, Garcilaso de la Vega, and Mr. Pentland, and prove conclusively, what I have never doubted, that these people were the architects of their own tombs and temples ; and not, as some suppose, intruders who had usurped the civilization, and appropriated the ingenuity of an ante- cedent and more intellectual race.
M. D'Orbigny found temples from 100 to 200 metres in length, facing the east, and ornamented with rows of angular columns ; enormous gateways made of a single mass of rock, and covered with bas reliefs ; colossal statues of basalt ; and large square tombs, wholly above ground, and in such numbers that they are compared to towns and villages.
My published observations go to show that the internal capacity of the cranium, as indicative of the size of the brain, is nearly the same in the ancient and modern Peruvians, viz. about seventy-five cubic inches, a smallness of size which is without a parallel among existing nations, excepting only the Hindoos.
M. D'Orbigny even supposes the ancient Peruvians to have been the lineal progenitors of the Inca family; a question which is not led Supposing this to be the fact, we may inquire how it happens that the Incas should have so entirely abandoned the prac- tice of distorting the cranium ; especially as this, among the Ayma- ras, was an aristocratic privilege ?
I was at first at a loss to imagine how this singular elongation of the head was effected ; for when pressure is applied to a spheroidal
June, 1841.]
37
head, as in the instance of the Chenouks and other tribes of the Columbia river, the skull expands laterally in proportion as it is depressed above ; whereas, in these people, the head is narrow from the face to the occiput. It seems probable that this con- formation was produced by placing splints or compresses on each side of the head- from the cheek bones to the parietal protube- rances, and another on the forehead, and confining them by rotary bandages. In this way the face, in the process of growth, would be protruded in front, and the head elongated backwards; while the skull, in all other directions, could expand comparatively little. These remarks will be more readily understood by reference to the annexed outlines, which are taken from a cast of one of the skulls obtained by Mr. Pentland.
Dr. Goddard suggested that the deformity observable in this series of crania, might have been produced by the action of rotary bandages alone, without the use of splints or compresses. Dr. Morton admitted the possibility of this result in some of the heads, but thought that in others there was satisfactory evidence of the use of the splint or compress, especially on the os frontis.
38 [June, 1841.
Dr. Morton exhibited, in further illustration, six casts of heads and three skulls of these people, all of which present the elongated form in question. For further details Dr. Morton referred to his Crania Americana, and to the beautiful and instructive work of M. D'Orbigny, entitled " L'Homme Americain, considere sous ses rapports physiologiques et moraux." These works were at the same time placed on the table for inspection and comparison.
STATED MEETING, June 8. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
Two mounted specimens of Tetrao coturnix, from the vi- cinity of Naples. — From Dr. C. Arrott, through Dr. Wat- son.
Chelonura Serpentina, or Snapper, from Fox river, Wisconsin ; and Emys insculpta from Woodbury, New Jersey ; both mounted specimens. Presented by Dr. Blanding.
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Notes on the United States of North America, during a Phre- nological vist in 1839-40. By George Combe. 2 vols. 8vo. Philad. 1841.— From Dr. Morton.
Essayo Cronologico, para la Historia General de la Florida ; desde el ano de 1512, que descubie la Florida, Juan Ponce
June, 1841.] 39
de Leon, hasta el de 1722. Escrito por Don Gabriel de Car- denas. 4to. Madrid, 1723. — From Dr. Ruschenberger.
Verbal Communications. — Mr. Clay remarked that on ex- amining a series of magnesian minerals recently received by him from Europe, he finds that four species which are describ- ed as new, and perhaps a fifth, exist in the United States, but do not appear to have been hitherto recognised by our mineralogists. These species are Agalmatolite, Kerolite, Pic- rosmine, Picrolite and Metaxite. (Breithaupt.) Mr. Clay thinks that all these minerals (of which, however, he regards the two last as doubtful species,) except Picrosmine, are found in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Mr. Clay pro- poses to investigate this subject more in detail.
Dr. Blanding mentioned some facts in relation to the sur- prising fecundity of the striped Bass, Labrax lineatus. He obtained one of these fish which weighed 65£ lbs. and the roes 4 lb. 6 oz. 2 dr. He found one hundred of the eggs to weigh a grain and a half; and although one end of the con- taining membrane had been ruptured, whereby some hundreds were lost, the whole number of eggs must have been at least 2,248,000.
NEW BUSINESS.
The committee appointed at a former meeting to wait on Mr. Rembrandt Peale in reference to a portrait of the late Mr. Thomas Say, ordered by the society, reported that the same was now completed, and would shortly be suspended in the Hall of the Academy.
40 [June, 1841.
STATED MEETING, June 15,1841.
Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Encyclopaedia Brittanica. 21 vols. 4to. — From Dr. God- dard.
Essai sur les Refractions Astronomiques dans la zone torride. Par A. de Humboldt. 4to Paris, 1808.— From Dr. Hallo- well.
Review of the References to the Hortus Malabaricus of Henry Van Rheede van Draakenstein. By L. W. Dillwyn. 8vo. Swansea, 1839. — From the author.
DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
Rhastezite and large Dodecaedral Garnets, from Lincoln county, N. Carolina. — From Dr. Blanding.
Mineral Charcoal, from the Nesquehoning mine, in contact with Anthracite; and magnetic iron ore with adhering gangue, obtained three miles from Rockaway, Morris county, N. Jersey. — From. Prof. Johnson.
Written Communications. — Professor Johnson submitted the result of his experiments " On the relation between the coal of South Wales and that of some Pennsylvania anthra- cites."
Having received some time since a number of samples of the coals used by Mr. Crane at the Yniscedwyn iron works in South Wales, some pains have been taken to trace the relation of that mineral to some of the many varieties of anthracite found in Penn- sylvania. It was the first step in this inquiry to mark the relation
June, 1841.] 41
by external characters. These in the Welsh coal are, 1st. A struc- ture often lamellated, and tending to separate on the surfaces of deposition, owing to the quantity of carbonaceous clod which occu- pies the dull seams between the bright plies of coal.
2d. The abundance and width of the reeds constituting the char- coal deposits.
3d. The shining and polished surfaces occasionally presenting themselves to view at some of the natural partings.
4th. The purplish tints of metallic oxide often observable on the surfaces of fracture.
5th. The general colour is deep black, and either dull or shining according as the ply which is examined belongs to the coal proper, or to the carbonaceous clod partings of the seams.
The next circumstance worthy of attention in tracing the relation of coals, is their specific gravity; and this in the Welsh anthracite is from 1.336 to 1.372, not greater than that of many bituminous coals.
The next circumstance worthy of attention is the quantity of volatile matter, and this by the mean of two trials is 9.18 per cent.; that on the anthracite containing most clod is 10.7, and that of the more compact variety is 7.66 per cent.
Mr. Mushet makes it from 6.66 to 7.80 in the coals of the same locality. Mr. Frazer analyzed a sample of the same coal, and found 7.60 of volatile matter, 86.6 of carbon, and 5.08 of ashes.
The quantity of earthy matter in the Iniscedwyn anthracite, according to the mean of 3 analyses of Mr. Mushet, is 3.578 per cent. Adopting this for the proportion in the sample which yielded 10.7 per cent, of volatile matter, we have the solid carbon = 85.722 per cent, and in the other 88.762.
Among the Pennsylvania anthracite, that which according to the observations of Prof. Johnson approximates most nearly to the Inyscedwyn coal, is the coal of Lyken's valley, situated in the northwestern fork of the southern coal field. This coal has all the exterior characters of the Welsh anthracite ; containing in many samples a large portion of carbonaceous clod, with well marked
7
42 [June, 1841.
vegetable impressions; and in colour, structure, and varieties of sur- face, the two coals might readily be taken the one for the other. Of nine samples analyzed by Prof. Johnson, the lowest specific gravity was found to be 1.374, the highest 1.416, and the mean 1.390. The mean amount of volatile matter was found to be 8.067, the highest being 11.854 per cent. ; the mean proportion of earthy matter and metallic oxides is 4.46 ; and that of the fixed carbon 87.472 per cent.
From these data we derive the following comparisons.
Sp. Gr. Vol. mat. Carbon. Ashes
Inyscedwyn, lighter variety, 1.336 10.7 85.722 3.578
Do. heavier, 1.372 7.66 88.762 3.578
Mean of two, . = 1.354 9.18 87.242 3.578
Ly ken's valley, . 1.390 8.067 87.472 4.460
In distilling the Welsh anthracite, the first portion of gas which comes over, burns with a pale blue flame, like that of carbonic oxide, which is succeeded at a certain point of temperature by a sudden outburst of carburetted hydrogen, burning with a bright flame and some smoke, a quantity of bituminous matter being at the same time evolved ; sufficient in one instance to close up the narrow beak of the retort employed in the distillation. The coke is perfectly anthracitous, and the angles of the fragments entirely sharp and well defined.
The gaseous matter of the Lyken's valley anthracite also burns with a brilliant flame, but no violent explosive development of it was remarked.
Professor Johnson made some remarks on the recent appli- cation of Anthracite, to the smelting of the magnetic, iron ores of New Jersey.
This has been effected at Stanhope, on the line of the Morris canal, 38 miles north-east of Easton, at which one furnace is now
June, 1841.] 43
in action ; another is nearly completed, a third is partly finished, and the foundations of a fourth are prepared.
The ore used at those furnaces is mined at Irondale, 7 miles eastward of the works, on the line of the canal, and is found to yield in practice 65 per cent, of pig metal of a lively grey colour, soft, and easily wrought, though not remarkably tough. The an- thracite hitherto used is that from the Lehigh, chiefly from the middle coal pit, and according to their experience hitherto, a decid- ed preference is given to the Beaver Meadow coal. The hot blast is employed at a temperature of 600 degrees and upwards. The quantity of coal required within the furnace to make one ton of iron is 22 cwt. ; that for heating the blast, about 4 cwt. The air is delivered to the furnace under a pressure of 3 lbs. to the square inch. The amount of blast furnished by the engine is 4071 cubic feet per minute ; which as the furnace makes 8 tons per day, gives a little more than 25 tons of air urged through the bellows for every ton of iron produced. But the air heating ovens are supposed to receive about one tenth of this amountv and nearly an equal portion is believed to be wasted through apertures in the tubes leading to the engines. If this estimate be correct, the quantity of blast actually delivered to the furnace will be 20 tons per ton of pig metal produced ; a quantity corresponding with what has been found necessary both from theory and from experience in other anthracite furnaces.
44 [June, 1841.
STATED MEETING, June 22, 1841.
Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Address delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Boston Society of Natural History, May 5, 1841, by J. C. Teschemacher. — From the Society.
Flora of North America, arranged according to the Natural System. By John Torrey and Asa Gray. 8vo. New York 1841.
Third Annual Report of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. Session 1838-39. Edinburgh, 1841. — From the Society.
DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
Pleurotoma Australis, Solarium La3vigatum, Cyclostoma ,
and Trochus obeliscus. — From Capt. Land.
Monoceros lugubris. — From Mrs. Preston.
Fissurella ., Patella, two species, Tellina , Sanguin-
olaria — , Scutella digitata, S. dentata, from Liberia. — Pre- sented by Dr. Blanding. The same gentleman also presented two specimens of Jerbillus canadensis, a Mus and a Sorex from Indiana.
Fossil crab, (Cancer, Lin.) in indurated sand, from the lower beds of the Cretaceous formation of New Jersey. Found at Little Egg Harbour, and presented by Mr. Edward Needles.
Written Communications. — The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Wm. C. Redfield, Esq., acknowledging the receipt of a letter announcing his election as a corresponding member. A letter of similar import was also read from Dr. J. P. Durbin, of Dickinson college.
June, 1841.] 45
Verbal Communications. — Dr. B. H. Coates stated, that out of about 20 stalks of bearded wheat, which he had recently examined in Moyamensing, and which were selected as not having been able to develop their seeds, the greater part pre- senting the appearance called smut, he found all but two to have the aspect of having been stung by insects, in the first or second joint, generally the first. In all but four, the resem- blance of a sting appeared to penetrate the cavity of the straw, and the inside had the appeara nee of having been eroded, with a perforation extending to the outside. Opposite to two of these, on the outside, and under the sheaths of the first and second joints, he found puparia, resembling those of the familiar Ceci- domyia of Say. One of these was empty ; and the separa- tion of the leaf sheath from the stalk, with a black streak, pointed out a route by which the animal could have escaped. These cases last enumerated corresponded with the verbal communications of Miss M. A. Morris.
On the outside of another basal stipule of wheat, he found two quiescent animal bodies, whitish, with dark spots, having much of the general appearance of what is considered by Mr. Say, the larva of the Cecidomyia. One of them in 24 hours became of a pale brown and shrivelled ; and in two days more developed a dipterous fly, which farmers said they should have classed among the common destroyers of the wheat, and which was exactly of the size of Say's figure, measuring 3-20ths of an inch in length ; but was of a paler colour, and had setaceous antennse. Its general aspect resembled that of a tipulide fly. After a partial inspection by a gentleman who had bestowed much labour on Entomology, the impression was received that it did not belong to the genus Cecidomyia; and the specimen is kept for accurate examination.
Professor Johnson drew the attention of the society to the atmospheric phenomena attendant on extensive conflagration ; and stated on the authority of Dr. H. King of Washington
46 [June, 1841.
city, that the burning of the prairies in Wisconsin and Mis- souri, is frequently, and almost immediately followed by rain. This observation had been confirmed to Dr. King by other observers ; and in the western country it had become a popu- lar impression that a prairie-fire was the forerunner of rain.
Dr. Coates had met with a statement in Nichols's History of Leicestershire, which bore on the same question; viz. that in the reism of one of the Stuarts, orders were sent to a sheriff of Staffordshire to discontinue the burning of Ferns during a Royal progress, because the operation was usually followed by rain.
Mr. Phillips adverted to the memorable hail-storm which occurred immediately after the last great fire at Constantino- ple ; the fact being fully authenticated by Mr. Walsh and Commodore Porter. That rain is common in South America after the burning of the Pampas, is familiar to meteorologists ; and the attention of the members is especially solicited to this inquiry, in order that a more extended series of facts may be collected and compared.
MEETING OF BUSINESS, June 29, 1841. Vice President Wetherill in the Chair.
REPORTS.
The Corresponding Secretary read his report for the last month, which was adopted.
The Botanical Committee made the following report, which was ordered to be printed in the Society's proceedings.
June, 1841.] 47
Hall of Academy, June 22d, 1840. — The Botanical com- mittee having examined the collection of plants lately presented to the Academy by Wm. Hembel, Esq., (being that portion of the Herbarium of the late Prof. C. S. Rafinesque containing the specimens from which the descriptions in his Medical Flora have been made, together with other valuable European and Oriental plants,) respectfully state, that they have found them in good condition, and have accordingly proceeded to incorporate them with the Herbarium of the Academy. They suggest therefore that the thanks of the Society be presented to Mr. Hembel for the same.
On behalf of the Committee,
R. Bridges,
W. S. Zantzinger,
G. Watson.
The Botanical committee reported that the portion of the Society's Herbarium placed in the hands of Drs. Torrey and Gray, of N. Y., for arrangement, has been returned, not only in good order, but much improved by the addition of notes, in the form of names, with references to the Flora of North America, by Messrs. Torrey and Gray.
The committee on Mr. Conrad's paper on " New Species of Medial Tertiary and other Fossils of the United States," re- ported in favour of publication.
Dr. Morton announced that, agreeably to appointment, he had prepared a Memoir of William Maclure, Esq., late Presi- dent of the Academy ; whereupon it was on motion,
Resolved, That Dr. Morton be requested to read the said Memoir on Thursday evening next, July 1, at 8 o'clock ; and that the scientific bodies of the city be invited to attend.
Resolved, That the Memoir be read in the Hall of the Academy, and that a committee be appointed to make the necessary arrangements.
48 [June, 1841.
The following members constitute the committee : — Dr. Goddard, Dr. Elwyn and Mr. Phillips.
The Society then proceeded to ballot for Corresponding Members, when the following gentlemen were duly elected :
Edward Charlesworth, Esq., of London. Francis Alger, Esq., of Boston, Massachusetts.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA. Vol. I. JULY, 1841. No. 4.
SPECIAL MEETING, July 1.
William Hembel Esq., President, in the Chair.
Pursuant to appointment at the last meeting, Dr. Morton read " A Memoir of William Maclure, Esq., late President of the Academy ;" whereupon, on motion of Prof. Johnson, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the members of this Academy have listened with deep interest and entire satisfaction to the discourse which has just been pronounced.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Academy be presented to Dr. Samuel George Morton for the able, faithful and eloquent memoir of our late lamented President, William Maclure, this evening read to the society ; and that he be requested to fur- nish a copy of the same for publication.
Resolved, That Prof. Walter R. Johnson, John Price Weth- erill, Esq. and Dr. Robert Bridges, be a committee to commu- nicate to Dr. Morton the foregoing resolutions. 8
50 [July, 1841.
STATED MEETING, July 6, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Fifth Geological Report of the State of Tennessee. By G. Troost, M. D. 8vo. From the Author.
Documents relating to the Geological Survey of New York. (No. 150.) 8vo. 1841. From Mr. Vanuxem.
Etwas uber die Natur-Wunder in Nord America. Von Charles Cramer. 8vo. St. Petersburg, 1841. From the Author.
Description of an entire Head and other bones of the Masto- don. By W. E. Horner, M.D., and I. Hays, M.D. 4to. Philad. 1841. From the Authors.
Annales des Mines. Tome X VII. Received in exchange.
The Silurian System ; from the Edinburgh Review ; April, 1841. From the Author. (Anon.)
Written Communications. — The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Mr. Benjamin Silliman, Jr., acknowledging the receipt of a letter announcing his election as a correspond- ing member.
Verbal Communications. — Dr. Morton (Prof. Johnson taking the chair,) made the following communication.
" I submit to the inspection of the members eight skulls of the ancient Mexican race, for six of which 1 am indebted to Don J. Gomez de la Cortina, and for the other two to Dr. John P. Macartney of the city of Mexico. All these crania have been received since the publication of my Crania Americana.
The skulls are of the following nations. 1. Otomies. — Four in number, with the high vertex, flat occiput,
July, 1841.] 51
great lateral diameter and broad faces, characteristic of the American race. The Ottomies preceded the Tolticas, and were the least cultivated of the demi-civilized nations of Anahuac. The lam-est of these heads gives 92 cubic inches of internal capacity ; the smallest, that of a female, only 67.
2. Chechemecan. — A single skull, of 83 cubic inches of internal capacity. This nation followed the Toltecas in the possession of Mexico in the 11th century of our era. They were nomades and hunters, but rapidly acquired the arts and civilization of their predecessors.
3. Tlascalan. — A single cranium. These people formed one of the seven tribes who established themselves in Mexico during the Chechemecan monarchy, and are renowned in history for their warlike exploits. They are well known to have rendered Cortez essential aid in taking the city of Mexico. This skull gives an internal capacity of 84 cubic inches, and like the others of this series, is remarkable for its diameter between the parietal bones.
It is worthy of remark that the average internal capacity of these six authentic Mexican skulls, is precisely what I have accorded to these people in my Crania Americana, viz. seventy-nine cubic inches. The mean of the facial angle also accords with my previous measurements, and gives 75°.
All these heads were obtained from tumuli or mounds, within the territories of the nations whose names they bear, so as to leave no doubt in the mind of the distinguished gentleman from whom I received them, of their having pertained to individuals of those nations.
The two remaining crania are supposed to be those of Aztecks, who also belonged to the confederacy of the seven tribes, but were the last to take possession. These were the people who subse- quently obtained the supreme power, and under the name of Aztecs or Mexicans, governed the country at the epoch of the Spanish inva- sion, a. d. 1521. The Aztecks were a brave and intelligent people, but remarkable for bloody rites, both in their warlike and religious observances. They were less cultivated than the Toltecas, but
52 [July, 1841.
much more so than the surrounding barbarous tribes ; and appear, in fact, to have been the connecting link between the two. The largest of these heads gives 85 cubic inches of internal capacity ; the smallest 77 ; the medium being 80 cubic inches. The configu- ration of these heads is on the same model as the preceding series, and the mean facial angle differs but a single degree.
Whoever will be at the pains to compare this series of skulls with those from the barbarous tribes, will, I think, agree that the facts thus derived from organic characters, corroborate the position I have long maintained, that all the American nations, excepting the polar tribes, are of one race and one species, but of two great families, which resemble each other in physical but differ in intel- lectual character."
STATED MEETING, July, 13, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO MUSEUM.
The following species of shells were presented by Mrs. L. W. Say, through Mr. Phillips, viz:
Melania nupera, M. subglobosa, M. isogona, M. exilis, M. undulata, M. annigera, M. conica, M. acuta. An- culotus concolor, A. costatus, A. Kirklandianus, A. cari- natus, Physa Sayii. Very fine specimens, chiefly from the Wabash.
Chiton . new species ? from Chapman's Island, Pacific
Ocean. — From Dr. Ruschenberger.
July, 1841.] 53
Fusus lignarius. Trochus pharaonius, T. corallinus. Cyprea arenosa, Conus mitratus. — From Mr. J. S. Phillips.
Kinixis denticulata ; (Hallowell) the Land Tortoise of Li- beria.— From Dr. William Blanding.
DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Planches du Voyage dans la Basse et la Haute Egypte; Par M. Denon. Folio. From Paul Beck, Esq.
Written Communications. — The following paper was read from Mr. S. S. Haldeman :
Descriptions of four species of Cyclas, three of which belong to the subgenus Pisidium : and two species of Cypris.
C. elevata. — Shell orbicular, cardinal tooth prominent, lamellar teeth thick ; beaks elevated ; color brownish olive. Length 0.55, height 0.50 in.
P. abruptum. — Shell olivaceous or chesnut, ovate ; beaks nearly terminal, whence the outline slopes rather abruptly towards the ventral margin. Length 7.5, height 6. diam. 4.5 millim. Hab. Elk river, Maryland. The Rev. J. H. McFarland.
Obs. — Resembles P. amnicum, but the beaks are much more nearly terminal.
P. diaphanum. — Shell ovate ; elongated, much inflated, texture thin ; beaks considerably removed from the centre. Color pale ochra- ceous. Length 5. height 3.5, diam. 2.5 millim. Hab. Brazil?
P. abditum. — Shell small, light ochraceous, ovate, rather elevated,
ventricose ; beaks in contract. Length 4. height 3. diam. 2.
millim. Hab. springs in Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania. Cypris agilis. — Light ochraceous, height rather more than half the
length, base subrectilinear, height Ts-j millim.
Hab. ditches in Lancaster county Pa. (a) Cypris simplex. — Light ochraceous, elongated,
nearly straight, both ends nearly alike; height
0.346 millim. Hab. springs in Lancaster
county Pennsylvania.(i)
54 [July, 1841.
A letter was read from Dr. Goheen, dated Monrovia, Africa, April, 8, 1841. Dr. Goheen gives some interesting facts in reference to the natural history of this region, and suggests the importance of sending competent naturalists to explore its numberless and extraordinary productions.
A letter was also read from Professor John Locke, of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, in answer to the announcement of his election as a corresponding member.
Verbal Communications. — Mr. S. S. Haldeman communi- cated the following facts in Ornithology.
1. Falco peregrinus. — It is asserted in the works on American Ornithology, that this bird builds its nest on trees, and not in the clefts of rocks, as in Europe. So far as my observa- tions have gone, this remark is incorrect, inasmuch as they build in the cliffs which border the Susquehanna. This species remains in Pennsylvania ten or eleven months of the year.
2. Quiscalus versicolor. — Mr. Swainsonin the " Menageries," (p. 298 of the Cabinet Cyclopaedia.) describes the female of this bird as a new species, under the name of Q. purpuratus. I have shot the male and female together, carefully com- pared them with his descriptions, and confidently assert, that they belong to one and the same species.
3. Anser hyperboreus. — I have known but a single individual of this species to occur on this part of the Susquehanna river, (50 miles above tide water.) Wilson states that it is found on the Delaware.
4. Cygnus Americanus. — Many flocks visited this part of the Susquehanna about 15 years ago, during a continuance of foggy weather, but they have not since appeared.
Dr. Coates exhibited specimens of larva? from the hollow of the straw of wheat, in the upper joint, obtained from a locality near Germantown, in which they were stated to be numerous.
July, 1841.] 55
No pupa) were observed by the collectors of these specimens in the same plants, other than those of the common appearance ascribed to Say's insect, and near the roots. None other were found in the present straw, after a careful examination.
Other remarks were made, on the probability of several ani- mals, not all yet identified, infesting the wheat in Pennsylva- nia; on the beauty, learning and careful preparation of Mr. E.C. Herrick's recent memoir ; on some interesting observations of that gentleman ; on the effects of climate in varying the kinds and diversity of destructive insects ; and on the influence exerted by the age of the plant over the selection of a point of deposit for eggs.
Dr. Coates in addition to a former verbal communication, had observed the following.
Larvae apparently similar to those above mentioned, in Blockley.
A body nearly the size of Say's pupa, of a pure, homo- geneous straw colour, immersed in a depression of the straw, beneath a pupa of the appearance of Say's, and having, lower down than either of them, a round perfora- tion extending into the hollow of the straw, with this cavity eroded on the inside ; all from the third joint. This body subsequently assumed markings, having the appearance of the separation of a head, cases for antennae, and other organization. Though this appearance of development took place, and the subject was kept from June 23d to July 9th, no fly had as yet been produced.
A very active larva, supposed to be of a lepidopterous ani- mal, ll-20ths of an inch long, colour reddish black, with three yellow streaks throughout its whole length, three anterior feet clawed, and it is believed some of the posterior ; the animal imperfectly observed from a wish to leave it but little disturbed. Found in Blockley, June 23d, in the hollow of a wheat straw; a round hole through which it could have entered, penetrating the cell in which it was feeding, and also the leaf-sheath with-
56 [July, 1841.
out ; preferred its own cell to a fresh one ; devoured a part which was quite dry ; about July 4th or 5th, closed the open- ing of its cell with a mixture of dust of straw and a cement, and besmeared it throughout great part of its extent with a black substance ; remained quiescent and apparently feeble till July 7th ; and between the 7th and 9th escaped, leaving a hole of sufficient size for its passage in the paper cover of a bottle, and no visible skin in its former abode.
STATED MEETING, July 20, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Monograph of the Lymniades of North America. By S. Steh- man Haldeman. 8vo. 1841. — From the author.
History of British Zoophytes. By George Johnston, M. D. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1838.— From Dr. Morton.
DONATIONS TO CABINET.
A series of fourteen specimens of Unio quadrulus, showing the growth of the shell at different ages. (Variety lachrymo- sus, Lea.) U. lens, six specimens. U. siliquoideus, five spe- cimens. Anodonta pavonia, three specimens. All in re- markable perfection. — From Mr. J. G. Anthony, of Cincin- nati, through Mr. Phillips.
Io spinosus, Tennessee. — From Dr. Troost.
Conus princeps, and three specimens of Helix Sayi, (Binney,) from Mr. J. S. Phillips.
July, 1841.] 57
Written Communications. — A letter was read from Mr. J. G. Anthony, in reference to the shells presented by him this evening, with a proffer of further services.
A letter was also read from Prof. Del Rio, of the city of Mexico, enclosing a communication from Mr. Joseph Mur- guitro, describing a new mode of mining and blasting rocks. Referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Chaloner, Booth and Lukins.
Dr. B. H. Coates stated that Miss Morris had seen a Tipu- lide fly in the act of placing her eggs on or in a grain of wheat. This fly and these eggs she had in good preservation. On comparing it with Le Sueur's drawing, she could see no difference, except that the antennae were not quite so long, and that the small nerves of the wings were more clearly defined and strongly marked. She had also found a flaxseed pupa in the cavity of the straw, with no hole, crack or visible mark where the larva could have entered. This pupa she has exa- mined with a microscope, and she can detect no difference in it from that on the outside. This too she has carefully pre- served.
These important facts and specimens may, in the conviction of Miss M., either prove her previous views correct, or that there are two species of this destructive pest.
Mr. Phillips submitted the following memorandum, which was read and ordered to be printed in the Society's proceed- ings.
In consequence of inquiries from different persons of the date of publication of the papers in the early volumes of the journal of this Institution, I have searched for the numbers as published with their original envelopes, bearing the date of the month of publica- tion, and have been so successful as to find a complete series. As the covers of the numbers are thrown aside by the binder, and very few sets of the journal remain in their original form, I have pre- pared a list of the dates, in order that naturalists may be at no loss 9
58
[July, 1841.
in future to determine the claim of originality to descriptions of species, by the rule now most generally admitted, viz. priority of the date of publication.
The date of publication of the monthly issues of the first volume are printed in and bound up with the text.
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60 [July, 1841.
MEETING FOR BUSINESS, July 27, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The Corresponding Secretary read a report of his proceed- ings during the past month ; which was adopted.
The Committee appointed at the last meeting for business to prepare a corrected list of Members and Correspondents, reported that they had accomplished said duty; whereupon 250 copies of the list were ordered to be printed.
After various other business, the society proceeded to ballot on the nominations of the last meeting of business, whereupon the following gentlemen were duly elected Corresponding Members :
Owen Williams, Esq., of Providence, Rhode Island. George Johnston, M. D., of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Westley Johnson, M. D., of Liberia, in Western Africa.
NOTE.
In the list of Officers printed on the first page of the " Proceed- ings," the name of the Treasurer of the Academy, George W. Car- penter, has been inadvertently omitted.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA.
Vol. I. AUGUST, 1841. No. 5.
STATED MEETING, August 3, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO CABINET.
69 species of Reptiles, chiefly from Europe and Northern Africa, presented by Messrs. Hembel, Johnson, Hallo well and Morton, but chiefly by the first named gentleman, viz.:
1. Testudo Mauritanica.
2. Cistuda Europaea.
3. Kinosternon scorpioides.
4. Iguana tuberculata.
5. Platydactylus thecadactylus.
6. Platydactylus fascicularis.
7. Hemidactylus Mabouia.
8. Hemidactylus maculatus.
9. Spheriodactylus porphyreus.
10. Anolis punctatus.
11. Proctotretus Chilensis.
12. Proctotretus tenuis.
13. Agama muricata.
14. Agama spinosa.
9
62
[August, 1S41.
15. Bronchocela cristatella.
16. Calotes versicolor.
17. Calotes ophiomachus.
18. Calotes jubatus.
19. Ecphimotes tovquatus.
20. Polychrus marmoratus.
21. Ameiva vulgaris.
22. Ameiva Aubenii.
23. Lacerta viridis.
24. Lacerta mural is.
25. Lacerta stirpium.
26. Lacerta ocellata.
27. Lacerta taurica.
28. Eremias rubro-punctatus.
29. Cnemidophorus.
30. Cnemidophorus lemniscatus.
31. Sphenops frenatus.
32. Gongylus (Scincus) ocellatus.
33. Gongylus (Scincus) Bojeti.
34. Plestiodon Aldrovandi (Scincus.)
35. Eumeces Spixii.
36. Eumeces Mabouia.
37. Ablepharis Peronii.
38. Zonurus cordylus.
39. Acontias meleagris.
40. Calamaria acutiventris.
41. Psammophis sibilans.
42. Psammophis moliniger.
43. Lycodon hebe.
44. Coronella Merremii.
45. Coronella austriaca.
46. Coronella cobella.
47. Coronella rhombeata.
48. Herpetodrys fuscus.
49. Coluber viridi-flavus.
50. Coluber pantherinus.
51. Coluber quinconiatus.
52. Coluber viperinus.
53. Coluber constrictor.
54. Tropidonotus natrix.
55. Tropidonotus stolatus.
56. Tropidonotus saurita.
57. Tropidonotus schistosus.
58. Tropidonotus fasciatus.
59. Tropidonotus bipunctatus.
60. Vipera berus.
August, 1841.] 63
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61. |
Vipera arietans. |
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62. |
Trigonocephalus cenchris. |
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63. |
Naia haje, |
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64. |
Elaps lacteus. |
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65. |
Rana esculenta. |
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66. |
Bufo variabilis. |
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Bufo scaber. |
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68. |
Bufo calamita. |
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Hyla lateralis. |
A species of Remora, from the Atlantic Ocean. From Dr. Hallo well.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
A description of Recent Shells, arranged according to the
Linnean method, with particular attention to the synonomy.
By Lewis Weston Dillwyn, F. R. S. Svo. 2 vols. Lon- don, IS 17. From Dr. Morton. Remarks on the present state of the evidence in regard to the
Hessian Fly. By B. H. Coates, M. D. 12mo. 1S41.
From the Author. Memoirs of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Vol. IV.,
Pt. 1. From the Society. Memoir of the Geological Survey of the State of Delaware.
By James C. Booth, A. M. Svo. Philad., 1841. From
the Author.
Mrs. L. W. Say presented, through Mr. Phillips, all the cop- per-plates (6S in number} and the remainder of the printed text and impressions of the plates of Say's American Con- chology, viz.:
2 complete sets, one for the library and one for sale or exchange.
No. 1, 12 copies with col'd plates.
No. 2, 1 1 do. do. do. do. 4 copies without plates.
No. 3, 62 do. do. do. do. 36 do. do. do.
64. [August, 1841.
No. 4, 72 copies with col'd plates. 70 copies without plates.
No. 5, 81 do. do. do. do. 12 do. do. do.
No. 6, 75 do. do. do. No. 7, 2 do.
Also about 25 coloured impressions from S (each) of the plates belonging to No. 6.
And about 200 coloured impressions from 7 (each) of the plates belonging to No. 7.
Mrs. Say desires that the proceeds of this work, whether by sale or exchange, may be appropriated mainly to the exten- sion of the Academy's Library in this department of science.
The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Mr. John Pennington, Secretary of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania, accompanying the volume of the Society 's Memoirs presented this evening.
A letter was also read from Mr. Spencer F. Baird, of Car- lisle, Pa., in relation to some objects of Natural History brought from Arkansas, for the Academy, by Lieut. Carlton, U. S. A.
Dr. Morton read another letter from Mr. Baird, in reference to the habits of the Emys geographica, as observed in the vicinity of Carlisle, in this state.
A letter was read from Dr. Elwyn, announcing that the collection of Fossils belonging to the proprietor of the Hotel at Trenton Falls, New York, was offered for sale, and sug- gesting the propriety of some action of the Academy thereon.
NEW BUSINESS.
On motion of Mr. Phillips, Resolved, that the Committee on the Proceedings be authorised to carry into effect the donation of Say's American Conchology, received this evening from Mrs. L. W. Say.
Unanimously Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be
August, 1841.] G5
tendered to Mrs. Say for her liberal donation of the edition of Say's American Conchology, presented to the Academy this evening.
STATED MEETING, August 10, 1S41. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Osservazioni sulla larve, ninfe, e abitudini della Scolia fiavi- frons, del Carlo Passerini. 4to. Pisa, 1S40. From the Author. '
American Journal of Science and Arts, Vol. xli., No. 1. July, 1S40. From the Editors.
Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Nos. 19, 20, 21, (New Series.) From the Editors.
Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, for May and June, 1841. From the Society.
First Book of Natural History, (Physiology and Animal Mechanism.) From the French, by W. S. W. Ruschen- berger, M. D. Philad. 12mo. 1S41. From the Translator.
A Voyage Round the World, including an Embassy to Mus- cat and Siam, in 1835, 1S36 and 1837. By W. S. W. Ruschenberger, M. D. Philad. Svo. 1838. From the Author.
Three Years in the Pacific; including notices of Brazil, Chili, Bolivia, and Peru. By an Officer of the U. S. Navy, (W. S. W. Ruschenberger, M. D.) Svo. Philad. 1S34. From
« the Author.
60 [August, 1841.
Written Communications. — Miss M. A. Morris, of Ger- mantown, Pennsylvania, through Dr. B. H.Coates, submitted the following "Observations on the development of the Hes- sian Fly," dated August 6, IS41.
"Having completed a series of observations on an insect that has for years destroyed the wheat in the neighbourhood of Phila- delphia, I now beg leave to lay them before the Academy of Natural Sciences, with specimens of the insect in all its forms, from the egg to the perfect fly. To those familiar with Mr. Say's description, accompanied by Mr. Le Sueur's accurate drawings, given in the first volume of the Journal of the Academy, no doubt can arise as to the identity of the male insect now presented with the Cecidomyia destructor of Mr. Say; but the female differs materially in colour, her body being entirely black or blackish- brown ; and the wings are destitute of the hairy fringe so con- spicuous in the male.
In the months of March, April and May, I have frequently found the larva? feeding in the centre of the straw, from the root up to above the last joint. They were then of a pale greenish white colour, translucent, with an internal visceral green line ; mandibles of a dark brown colour. At this early period the larva? have frequently been so small that a magnifying glass has been necessary to detect them,
In the present year, 1841, my observations were unavoidably delayed until the first of June ; when I found that the larva? near the root had left the inside of the straw, and become pupa? on the outside, under the sheath. On the 20th of June, most of the puparia were empty; and on agitating the wheat, swarms of flies rose from off the grain, where they had been resting. I was for- tunate in obtaining one of these while in the act of depositing her egg on the grain. Thus interrupted, she placed six on my finger. Three of these I have glued to the paper near her. When depo- sited they were of a pale straw colour, and inconspicuous to the naked eye, unless collected in numbers. On the same day, I found
August, 1841. J G7
larvae in the straw, generally above the last joint. They were feeding in or near the joint, with their heads always downwards. The wheat, which had to this time (June 20th) promised an abundant harvest, began to shrivel ; and a practised eye could detect, from the appearance of the grain, in which stalk we were to look for the larvae.
From June 20th to July 10th, the flies continued to deposit their eggs on the grain ; though on the last mentioned date but few were
DO O ' O
to be met with. By July 12th, the grain in this neighbourhood was all reaped ; and on that day I had a sheaf of wheat placed in the library, where I could with more accuracy watch the progress of the larvae remaining in the straw. They continued to feed for some days; when they became quiescent, fixed, themselves by their mandibles in the joint of the straw, and with their heads downwards, gradually assumed a chesnut brown colour ; the outer skin becoming the puparium.
From a handful of infested straws placed under a bell glass, I have the following results. Most have perished ; some have passed into the pupa state in the centre of the culm ; a few of the perfect insects I have liberated from the centre of the straw, by opening a passage for them with my penknife ; and great numbers have been destroyed by the Geraphion destructor ; two of which I send with the Cecidomyia.
From the sheaf of wheat I have the following results. Many of the larvae perished ; some became pupa? without change of situa- tion ; and the flies continued to rise from the straw until the 31st of July. Of these I succeeded in catching twenty-six. Five are Cecidomyias, and the remainder are Geraphion destructor; some of which are destitute of wings. A small number of pupae are still to be found in the field in the stubble.
From this series of facts it might be presumed that the history of this interesting and destructive insect was decided; but the state- ments of observers whose information and accuracy cannot be ques- tioned, prove discrepancies in its history that can only be reconciled by supposing that there are two species under observation. The species now presented will agree with Mr. Say's statement, that
68 [August, 1841.
" the perfect fly appears early in June, lives but a short time, deposits its eggs and dies." The remainder of Mr. Say's history must apply to that species which has been so frequently observed to deposit its eggs on the leaf."
A letter was read by the Corresponding Secretary from Major James D. Graham, U. S. A., dated July 30, 1841, ten- dering his acknowledgments for his election as a correspond- ing member of the Academy.
STATED MEETING, August 17,lS41. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Gardener's Dictionary. By Philip Miller, F. R. S., F. A. 7th edition. Fol. London, 1759. From Mr. Phillips.
Report of the Secretary of War in reference to the construc- tion of the Potomac Aqueduct. Svo. Washington, 1841. From Col. Abert.
Written Communication. — A lettter was read from Owen Mason, Esq., of Providence, Rhode Island, acknowledging his election as corresponding member of the Society.
Dr. Morton (Dr. Coates taking the chair) made some re- marks on the sutures of the cranium as connected with the growth of the corresponding bones.
Headverted to the opinion long in vogue, that the chief use of the sutures was to facilitate the process of parturition ; a theory which is refuted by the fact that they exist in the skulls of all the ovipar-
August, 1S41.] 60
ous animals as strongly marked as in those of the viviparous class. That they give a certain increased facility to parturition is unquestionably true ; but their more uniform function is to sub- serve the growth of bones, which they do by osseous deposition at their margins ; hence a suture in the cranium is equivalent to the surface which intervenes between the shaft and epiphysis of a long bone. The latter grows in length by deposition at its ex- tremities, and the epiphysis disappears, like the suture of the cranium, when the growth of the bone is completed.
Dr. Morton illustrated these views by means of the skull of a mulatto boy who died when about eighteen years of age. In this instance the sagittal suture is entirely wanting; in consequence of which the lateral growth of the cranium has ceased in early in- fancy, (no doubt when the suture became consolidated,) so that the diameter between the parietal protuberances is less than 4.5 inches, instead of 5, which is about the negro average. The squamous sutures, however, are fully open, whence the skull has continued to expand in the upward direction until it has reached the full vertical diameter of the negro, viz., 5.5 inches. The co- ronal suture is also wanting, excepting some traces at its lower or lateral extremities. The result of this deficiency is seen in the very inadequate developement of the forehead, which is low and narrow, but elongated below by means of the various craniofacial sutures. The lambdoidal suture is complete, thus permitting of posterior elongation ; and the growth in this direction, together with the great vertical diameter already mentioned, has allowed the brain to attain the bulk of seventy-seven cubic inches, or six or eight inches short of the negro average-
The growth of the brain and that of the skull are of course con- sentaneous; nor is it probable, that either could be developed without the sutures : hence there is reason to believe that the absence of these may be a cause of idiocy, by preventing the growth of the brain, and thus impairing or destroying its functions.
Dr. Coates inclined to the opinion that, in cases similar to those presented by Dr. Morton, the disappearance of the sutures was rather to be regarded as a consequence than a cause ; and took place, as in old age, because the necessity for further extension of
10
70 [August, 1841.
growth no longer existed, from the final cessation of enlargement in the brain. Uniting with Dr. Morton in the belief that the office of the sutures was to permit a more rapid development and growth of the cranium, by allowing ossification to go on from several centres at the same time, the bones of the skull, in this respect, resembling the trunk and epiphyses of a long bone, Dr. Coates inclined, at the same time, to the double belief that growth and other changes took place, not at the sutures only, but through- out the whole extent of a living cranial bone. The parietal bone of a newly born infant was not mathematically of the same shape with the central portion of that of an adult. Were the brain, in one of the cases referred to by Dr. Morton, to acquire, by any means, a further enlargement, it ought to be presumed, in the present state of our physiological knowledge, that the bone would enlarge to a corresponding extent ; and it would be therefore, in- ferred that the ossification of the sutures would not limit the growth of the brain.
This view Dr. Coates endeavoured to illustrate by a comparison with the opinion of Mr. Serres, that the relative and successive growth of the parts of the brain were a consequence of the relative size of their arteries during the period of formation ; in regard to which, he believed, physiologists were much agreed in the con- clusion that the developement of a portion of the brain and of its corresponding artery were coetaneous processes ; but that if any priority in causation were to be allowed, it should be assigned to the organ ; in consequence of the existence and comparative size in outline of which, it became necessary, if the ability of the sys- tem permitted, that a proportionate supply of blood should be furnished to the part, through a vessel of a suitable size, in order to aflbrd new materials for enlargement. Primary growth, he imagined, took place in the interstitial substance, and that the larger arterial branches, and even the capillaries were rather an instrument or adjuvant than a cause. The formation of additions to existing solids would thus resemble that of the primordiaof the foetus, near which no vessels of the parent are observed, while the vascular appearances are found to approach the newly organized individual at a period subsequent to its formation.
August, 1S41.] 71
Dr. Coates called the attention of the Academy to the white- ness, thinness, and semi-transparency of the specimen exhibited by Dr. Morton, in all the lines usually exhibiting the sutures. This he considered, not only as indicating the previous existence of real sutures, but as corresponding with the views entertained, by some late comparative anatomists, in regard to the analogy of parts. He alluded to those who believe the analogous parts in animal formations to exist to a very great extent indeed, although composed of very diversified materials, and adapted to very dif- ferent purposes in the various beings in which they exist.
ORDINARY MEETING, August 24, 1811. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO CABINET.
The Society received from the estate of the late William Maclure, through the hands of his brother and executor Alexander Maclure, a five feet Achromatic telescope, 3i inches in the aperture, with two terrestrial and two celestial eve-pieces, adjusting screw, &c. It bears the maker's name, — " Lerebours, Quai de l'Horloge, a Paris." To the Collection of Shells : Voluta pallida, Conus geogra- phies, Turbinella craticulata. From Mr. Draper. Bulimus multicolor (Rang) Brazil ; and a Helix, probably nondescript, from the Bonin Islands. From Dr. Ruschen- berger. To the Mineralogical Collection : Fine specimens of lami- nated Selenite, lamellar Sulphate of Strontian and Dog- tooth Spar, from Lockport, N. York. Also, Specular Iron, two specimens, doubly refracting Spar, and a gigantic crystal of Calcareous Spar,— a hexaedron with truncated angles, and weighing 27 lbs.; from Rossie, New York. Alf presented by Mr. Ashmead.
72 [August, 1841.
Fossiliferous Chert, composed of organic remains ; radiated nodular Iron Pyrites; Galena and Fossiliferous Limestone, from the vicinity of Sunbury, Penn. And radiated An- thracite from Bear-gap Mine, Dauphin County, Penn. Presented by Prof. Johnson.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Journal of Boston Society of Natural History. Vol. 3, No. 4. Svo. 1S41. From the Society.
Rpporton the invertebrate Animals of Massachusetts, compris- ing the Mollusca, Crustacea, Annelidas and Radiata. By A. A. Gould. Svo. Cambridge, 1841. From the Author.
Account of some Parhelia observed March, 1841. By A. D. Chaloner, M. D. From the Author.
The New Harmony Disseminator, complete. From Mrs. Say through Mr. Phillips.
Physiology and Animal Mechanism. From the French by Dr. Ruschenberger. 2d edit. l2mo. From the Translator.
Calcutta Journal of Natural History. Conducted by John McClelland. Nos. 1,2,3 and 4. Svo. Calcutta, 1841. From the Editor.
The following works, which once formed part of the Li- brary of the Knights of Malta, were presented by Mr. Thomas Ryan:
R. P. Martini Becani Theologia Scholastica. 2 vols. 12mo. Paris, 1617 and 1622.
Breve trattato de Cristo,de Emmanuele Santz. 4to. Catania, 1691.
Opere del Nicolo Causino. 12mo. Venizia.
Les Devoirs de l'Homme. Traduit du Latin de Pufendorf, par Jean Barbeyrac. 12mo. Amsterdam.
Ordinanze Militari. 4to. Malta, 1777.
L'idea del Cavalier, mostrato nellavitadi Agostino Grimaldo. 4to. Messina, 1662.
De Vermaarde Reizen van Ileer Vincent le van Marsilien.
4to. 1654. Amsterdam. Two Theological MSS. beautifully written, and bound in
Quarto.
August. 1841.] 73
Written Communication. — Mr. Speakman submitted some views on the nature of Light and Heat ; which commu- nication was referred to a committee composed of Dr. God- dard, Mr. Lukens and Dr. Griscom. >
Verbal Communications.
Professor Johnson exhibited several specimens of crystalloid anthracite and bituminous coal, and stated some of the circum- stances which seem to determine the assumption by this mineral, of certain figures, contrary to the assertion of many mineralogists that it has no definite form.
The forms which anthracite occasionally presents are, 1. Ovoid, which causes it, in breaking, especially when the fracture takes place from long exposure to the atmosphere, to fall into spheroidal masses with salient portions strongly reminding us of truncated angles in ordinary crystals. This figure has often been observed in one of the beds of anthracite found on Beaver creek; and a large specimen furnished by Mr. Jacob Thomas of Beaver Meadow, was exhibited, showing the truncated borders along the lines of separa- tion in a very remarkable manner, and also displaying beautiful iridescent colours. It was remarked that coal affecting this form, is frequently found to leave a considerable portion of oxide of iron among its earthy residue; but that the whole of the latter was not usually a large per centage of the coal.
2. The next definite form mentioned as affected by coal, is a radiated structure well characterized in several specimens from the third bed, from the bottom of the formation at Bear-gap, Dauphin county, Penna. This structure was likewise illustrated in a sample of Welsh bituminous coal. The radiations generally proceed from two points at no great distance from each other and forming two sections of conical surface, unite at certain distances from their points of departure into a single cylindrical section near the termi- nation of the rays. The exterior of these radii is of a silky lustre, striated, and sometimes interrupted by the interposition of frag- ments of organic remains, in the state of fossil charcoal. Very large stems are occasionally found with radiated, crystalloid an- thracite adhering to the opposite sides, the directions of the striae being on the two sides very nearly the same.
3. The rhombic hexaedron was exhibited in a well marked specimen of anthracite adhering to its accompanying slate. Few mineral forms are better defined than this mass of anthracite. The angles can be determined with the goniometer with tolerable pre- cision, liable however to the slight uncertainty arising from the presence of organic bodies, tending to oppose the crystalline ar- rangement.
74 [August, 1S41.
4. An octahedron with tolerably well-defined faces striated in different directions on the adjoining sides, was exhibited, and the circumstance of possessing- a large portion of earthy matter was noticed, as belonging to many samples of coal which exhibit this exterior aspect.
The presence of several well marked crystalloid forms being thus established, Prof. Johnson adverted to the argument which such forms had been supposed to furnish against the vegetable origin of coal, and stated that in the very samples under examina- tion were seen the most incontrovertible evidences of the source from which not only bituminous coal, but anthracite also had been derived. In one and the same specimen of the latter, were seen mineral charcoal, natural coke, and true anthracite, indicating as well the vegetable origin of all, as the process of formation, by which the last two had probably been derived from the interme- diate state of bituminous coal.
In accounting for the supposed impossibility of crystalline struc- tures being formed out of organic matter, he observed that a dis- tinction is to be drawn between organic elements and organized substances, and that the former may often be so proportioned, when derived by distillation, fermentation or other chemical re- action from the latter, as to be capable of assuming definite figures. The production of coal from vegetable bodies is supposed, on all hands, to have resulted from a slow chemical decomposition of the latter and the establishment of new orders of affinity between the original constituent atoms. The carbon as well as the other materials of vegetables was by this process reduced, at least in part, to the condition of ultimate molecules, instead of being merely mechanically divided into small particles. It would there- fore be capable of obeying any law of movement which either its own affinities or those of the earthy constituents which had en- tered into the composition of the vegetables fiom which it had been derived, might tend to impress. That it is the earthy con- stituents which determine the forms assumed by coal, seems pro- bable from the fact that the more earthy residuum of a particular kind any coal contains, the more prone does it appear to be to assume a crystalloid structure.
Reference was made, in this connexion, to those cubic, rhombic and columnar structures which ofien occur in both anthracite and bituminous coal, and which not unfrequently exhibit to the eye, especially after partial incineration, the clearest evidence of a ten- dency among the earthy ingredients to regulate the arrangement of forms throughout the whole mass. Prof. Johnson also stated that the result of a considerable number of analyses of the ashes of coal, appeared to favour the presumption that the two principal con- stituents, silica and alumina, are in definite proportion to each other,
August, 1841.] • 75
and may therefore have a power of assuming definite forms. The oxide of iron in the ashes is commonly derived from the decompo- sition of pyrites, while the lime and magnesia in the coal are pro- bably in the state of carbonates, unless where the production of sulphuric acid by the decomposition of the pyrites has converted the former into gypsum and the latter into epsom salt. From this latter play of affinities the carbonate of iron would be produ- ced, and subsequently the sesquioxide, often seen covering the in- terstices of outcrop coal and forming bog ore in the springs which proceed from coal seams, the coal in the meantime retaining the form impressed by the agency of the silicate of alumina, and hav- ing a portion of its interstices or those of the underlying slates filled up with crystallized sulphate of lime.
Admitting the justness of this view of the causes which produ- ced crystalloid forms in coal, we have no more difficulty in ac- counting for the number of different forms which it occasionally exhibits than for the analogous variety in regard to other minerals ; the carbonate of lime, for example, which, as is well known to mineralogists, takes on a far greater number of distinct forms.
Prof. Bailey stated, that he had recently examined specimens of Calcareous marl from the cretaceous formation discovered by J. N. Nicollet, Esq., on the Upper Missouri, above the mouth of the Sioux river. These specimens proved to contain fossil Fora- minifera, (Polythalamia of Ehrenberg,) similar to those previ- ously detected by Prof. Bailey in the calcareous portions of the same formation in New Jersey and Alabama.
He also mentioned certain silicified wood found near Fredericks- burg, Va., in the feldsphalhic sandstone, called by Prof. W. B. Rogers " upper secondary sandstone." This wood is in a pecu- liar state of preservation, the vegetable matter having been com- pletely replaced by silica, without any filling up of the cells or tubes. In consequence of this state of the wood, it is easy to subject it to microscopic examination without the trouble and ex- pense of forming polished slices. All that is required is to break off thin pieces with the point of a knife and moisten them ; they then show the most delicate markings of the tissue beautifully preserved. The discs with concentric rings, and other characters peculiar to Conifera, are so distinctly visible as to leave no doubt, that this wood which is commonly called in Fredericksburg, " Petrified hickory," is really fossil pine. In the same formation, fossil plants of the family Cycadeas, have been detected.
76 [August, IS41.
MEETING FOR BUSINESS, August 31, 1841.
Vice President Morton in the Chair.
The Society proceeded to the transaction of private busi- ness, after which the balloting for members and correspond- ents took place, when the following gentlemen were an- nounced as duly elected:
MEMBERS.
Isaac R. Jackson, Esq.
CORRESPONDENTS.
George B. Sowerby, Esq., of London. Thomas M. Brewer, Esq., of Boston, Mass. Francis Markoe, Jr., Esq., of Washington City. John Lindley, Esq., of London.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA.
Vol. I. SEPTEMBER, 1841. No. 6.
STATED MEETING, September 7, 1841.
i
Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO CABINET.
To the Mineralogical Cabinet. — Carbonate Lead, Washington mine, Davidson county, N. Carolina ; Tetredymite, or Tel- luric Bismuth Glance, Scharnowitz, Hungary ; and Tita- niferous Iron. Received by the Curators in exchange.
Anthracite interstratified with charcoal, from Beaver Meadow, Pennsylvania. — Slate with sulphate of lime, Bear-gap. — Mineral charcoal with interspersed anthracite, from Beaver, Luzerne County. — Stigmaria ficoides, Bear- gap. — Anthracitized fossil wood, Nesquehoning. — Slate, from bottom of slope No. 5, Beaver Meadow. From Pro- fessor Johnson.
To the Cabinet of Shells, — Cypraa Tigris, C. Arabica, C. his- trio, C. Lynx, Turbinella cornigera, Strombus lentigin- osus, S. auris Dianas, S. pugilis, S. gibberulus, Pterocera 11
78 [September, 1841.
lambis, Terebra maculata, T. vittata, Oliva erythrostoma, O. ventricosa. — Buccinum papillosum, Murex trequeter, Ranella argus, Turbo argyrostomus, Cerithium obeliscus, Trochus californicus, Haliotis Crachcrodii, Meleagrina margaritifera, Spondylus spathaliferus. Presented by Mr. Draper.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Laws of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed in the session of 1840. 8vo. Harris- burg, 1840. From Mr. Wm. S. Vaux. (This volume contains the act exempting the Academy from taxation.)
Written Communications. — A letter was read from Francis Markoe, Jr. Esq. acknowledging the announcement of his election as a corresponding member of the Society.
Mr. S. S. Haldeman submited " Descriptions of two new Freshwater Shells."
Amnicola attenuata. — Shell very long and slender, with six obliquely revolving, very convex turns, separated by a deep suture ; aperture small, ovate, with the peritreme level and continuous, as in Cyclostoma. Length A inch. Hab. a spring in Montgomery Co. Virginia, connected with Roanoke river.
Obs. — Very like, but more slender than Cyclostoma lapidaria, Say ; which I refer to this genus, as well as C. Cincinnatiensis, Lea ; retaining for this species Mr. Anthony's specific name Sayana, under which appellation the shells were distributed by this gentleman. This substitution is necessary, because the pre- viously described Paludina Cincinnatiensis, is an amnicola. Mela- nia integra, Say, is an amnicola also.
Physa globosa. — Shell globose, translucent, spire very short and rounded ; aperture very wide, occupying considerably more than half the entire area of the shell ; fold well marked, whirls three. Length i inch. Hab. mouth of Nolachucky river, attached to submerged rocks, in the rapids.
September, 1841.] 79
Obs. — This species is a valuable acquisition to Malacology, as it enables us to place the genus Ancylus among the Limneans, where it has hitherto held but a doubtful place. Any one who has exa- mined the animal of Ancylus, cannot have failed to observe its similarity to Planorbis ; and some authors assert that it ascends to the surface of the water to breathe air. This I doubted, because the species with which I am familiar, inhabit the interior of bivalve shells, or the surface of stones in rapid water ; whence it is impos- sible for them to rise to the surface, and regain their previous position. I hence infer that they breathe water, as well as the Physa above described, inhabiting as it does, the middle of a river, in rapids nearly two feet deep at low water, and without objects rising above the surface. It is highly probable that air-breathing Ancyli exist; and it is even possible that the same organ may be adapted to the respiration of both air and water.
Verbal Communications. — Professor Johnson offered some remarks on the specimens of Anthracite and Fossil charcoal presented by him this evening. These observations are ne- cessarily reserved for a future number.
STATED MEETING, September, 14, 1811, Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO CABINET.
Collection of exotic .Birds stuffed and mounted, presented by Dr. James A. M'Crea, viz. :
Oriolus melanocephalus; Alcedo ispida ; Merops viridis, (2 specimens;) Psittacus Bengalensis; Fringilla Bengalensis; Alcedo Smyrnensis ; Tanagra rubra ; Muscicapa ruticella ;
80 [September, 1841.
Fringilla cyanea ; Icteria dumieola; Lanius solarius; Coracius na3via; Sylvia striata; Bucco cyanocollis; Stur- nus ; Coblepyris .
Fossils from the vicinity of Sunbury, presented by Professor Johnson, viz. : internal cast of a Productus, and three spe- cimens of Juglandites, (Parkinson.)
50 specimens of minerals from Nova Scotia, presented by Dr. Gessner, of St. Johns, New Brunswick, viz. : Stilbite, Thom- sonite, Laumonite, Oxide of Manganese, Amethyst, Agate, Mesotype, Jasper, Specular iron, Calcedony, Hematite, Sulphate of Barytes, Magnetic oxide of iron, Chabasie and Sulphate of lime.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Stockholm's Flora eller Korrt beskrifning af de vid Stockholm i vildt tillstand forekommande Vaxter. Af Joh. Em. Wiks- trom. 8vo. Stockholm, 1840. From the Author.
Report of an Examination of the Bear Valley Coal District in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. By Walter R. Johnson, A.M. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1841. From the Author.
Written Communications. — A letter was read from Mr. W. D. Newman, Secretary of the U. S. Naval Lyceum at Brook- lyn, N. Y. returning thanks on the part of the Society for a copy of the Academy's Journal presented to them.
A communication was also read from the Cav. Ferdinando Tartini, Secretary of the Italian Scientific Convention, an- nouncing the third Annual Reunion to take place at Florence in September of the present year.
A paper was read from Dr. Edmund Ravenel, of Charleston, South Carolina, in reference to some organic remains of Crus- tacea, &c. discovered by him in the fossiliferous beds to the west of that city, viz. :
September, 1841.] 81
"Description of two new species of Fossil Scutella, from South Carolina, by Edmund Ravenel, M. D.
" Scutella Caroliniana. — Specific character : nearly round ; slight- ly convex above ; posterior margin truncated ; ambulacra short, ellip- tical, the two posterior slightly curved and nearly a third longer than the others ; in a line with each there is an oblong perforation extending almost to the margin ; between the two posterior ambu- lacra, there is another perforation, longer than the others, and more central, at the extremity of which, beneath, near the mouth, is the vent. Mouth central ; diameter about six inches.
Scutella macrophora. — Specific character : sub-ovate thick ; margin thick, truncated posteriorily ,° notched slightly opposite the anterior ambulacrum ; more deeply, opposite the lateral, and still more so opposite to the posterior ambulacra. Ambulacra elliptical ; the posterior pair long, and gracefully curved, so as to give room between them, for a very large irregular perforation, the margin of which is considerably raised, extending to the centre of the shell, giving the upper surface a remarkable elevation. The under surface is flat, rather hollow, particularly near the opening ; mouth anterior to the centre ; anus distant from the mouth one-fourth of the space from the mouth to the posterior margin.
Diameter of large specimens nearly four inches.
These fine fossils are found in a calcareous deposite upon my plantation on Cooper River, in St. Thomas's Parish, about 17 miles from Charleston.
The limestone is granular, and remarkably adapted to the pur- poses of calcareous manure.
In digging it out and spreading it on the fields, these fossils are found in considerable numbers ; the S. macrophora is particularly abundant and perfect. The S. Caroliniana is also abundant, but from its size, and the number of openings in it, it is very easily broken, and is only obtained in fragments. I have only one perfect specimen and that is not quite 2} inches in diameter.
In examining these fossils in the light, the surface exhibits bright chrystalline faces ; the material of the shell seems to have become crystallized, since the destruction of the animal matter.
82 [Setpember, 1841.
It is perhaps remarkable that many of the crustaceous remains in this deposit are well preserved, while the shells proper are for the most part decomposed. A few specimens of two or three spe- cies of Pecten, of one or two Ostrese, a Plicatula and a Balanus, are occasionally met with, while imperfect casts of numerous spe- cies are very common."
The calcareous deposit to which the preceding fossils belong, is the newest cretaceous formation of Dr. Morton, who first described its relative position and organic remains in his Synopsis, published in 1834. Dr. M. supposed these beds to be of the same age of the white chalk of Europe ; they are based on the ferruginous sand strata in New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Alabama, &c. ; and the two deposits contain a few fossils which are specifically the same. In fact, the Eocene or lower tertiary, also embraces some species of shells identical with those of the newer cretaceous ; whence the latter beds, like those of the celebrated plateau of Maes- tricht, may prove, as Dr. Mantell has suggested, to be a link between the chalk and the tertiary beds, without being contem- poraneous with either.
Mr. Quinby made some remarks on the mineral resources and physical geography of that portion of Peru which em- braces the eastern ridges of the Andes.
He alluded to the treasures which were secreted by the Peru- vians at the epoch of the Spanish invasion, and which have never yet been found, notwithstanding the continued search of the inhabi- tants. But the river Chucabamba possesses natural treasures of great value, for its sands are auriferous for several leagues above and below the temple of the sun. The inhabitants procure it by cutting the wool on sheep skins to half an inch in length, and then sinking them in the rapids, and at the base of the falls of the river, in which position the skins with the woolly side up, are suffered to remain from six to twenty-four hours. They are then carefully removed from the water, and turned wool side down into a batea or tub of water ; the gold is thus washed out, and is collected without fur- ther trouble.
September, 1841.] 83
Mr. Quinby adverted to the celebrated ruins of the Temple of the Sun at Huanuco viejo, (Tiaguanico*) the Cyclopean fortress, — tbe walls composed of enormous masses of square and oblong stones of marble, greenstone and greenstone-porphyry, — all which, with their bas reliefs and other ornaments, remain in a remarkable state of preservation. These ruins, as is well known, date beyond the dynasty of the Incas, to a people, however, of the same race, and probably of nearly similar political and religious institutions.
Mr. Quinby crossed and recrossed the Andes twenty-four times, at seven or eight different passes ; twice from Naranjal, (on the gulf of Guayaquil, one degree and a half south of the equator,) to the city of Cuanca, the capital of the province of Assuay, a little south of Chimborazo ; and having spent more than two weeks at the foot of the Peak of Raura, at least a thousand feet above the line of perpetual snow, he pronounces it the most sublime spot he has visited on the Andean range. Besides the Peak of Raura, which he believes to be at least as high as Chimborazo, there are innumerable smaller ones rising on the range of the Cordilleras, to the north and south, having their bases resting on perpetual snow, and throwing up their snow-clad apices into the pure and attenuated atmosphere, almost beyond the reach of the Condor itself.
The largest and nearest of these peaks is that of Nueva Potosi, the base of which approaches within one league of that of Raura ; and the intervening space is occupied by the lake called also Neuva Potosi, the surface of which is about 500 feet above the lower limit of perpetual snow ; and as this line, within the tropics is not less than 15,500 feet above the level of the ocean, the lake must consequently have an elevation of 16,000 feet. The water of this lake makes its escape by a subterranean passage on the western slope of the Andes, and also gives rise to the river Haura, which reaches the Pacific at Huacho, the celebrated salinas of the south- ern hemisphere. Mr. Quinby also described the Lake of Raura, one league north of that of Potosi, and giving rise to one of the principal branches of the Amazon. Both of these lakes are the
*See page 36 of these Proceedings.
84 [September, 1841.
frequent receptacles of avalanches of ice and snow from the super- jacent mountains, presenting the rumbling sound and tremulous sensation of an earthquake, and forcing vast bodies of water over the precipice to make their way by the courses of the Amazon to the Atlantic ocean, a distance of five thousand miles.
STATED MEETING, September 21, 1841. Vice President Morton in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO CABINET.
Mr. Ashmead presented the following specimens for the geological collection :
Bowlder of secondary limestone, containing many beauti- fully preserved Cyrtocera, Orthocercc, &c, found on the northern shore of Lake Ontario.
Asaphus Wetherellii, (Green.)
Platynotus Boltoni, (Conrad.)
Fucoides Harlani, (Conrad.)
Cariocrinus ornatus, (Say,) and the tail of Bumastus Barri- ensis, (Murchison,) the head of a Platynotus, and several varieties of Corallines.
Chrystallized fieldspar, from Rossie, New York.
A framed portrait of William Hembel, Esq., president of the society, painted by Mr. John Neagle, was presented by the following members : — Charles A. Poulson, Samuel George Morton, John P. Wetherill, William S. Vaux, George W. Carpenter, Thomas Fisher, Caspar W. Pennock, Alfred L. Elwyn, Henry F. Leib, Thomas Nuttall, Judah Dobson, Lardner Vanuxem, Robert Pearsall, Charles A. Poulson, Jr., Charles N. Bancker, Robert Bridges, James C. Booth, Paul B. Goddard, Joseph Carson, Thomas D. Mutter.
September, 1841.] 85
Mr. J. S. Phillips read the following paper on the Nomen- clature of Natural Science.
The confusion in the nomenclature of Natural Science, owing to the number of synonymes with which it is burthened, makes it desirable that some fixed rule should prevail, by which naturalists mio-ht determine to whom to credit species, and what names shall have priority. With a view to call the attention of the Academy of Natural Sciences to the subject, I have thrown together some of the opinions and arguments urged by different parties, in the hope that eventually some definite rule in nomenclature may be generally adopted.
In determining the right to names of species, the only two points worth noticing, are, which description was first read before a society ; or, which was first printed and published.
Now, the arguments that occur to me in favour of priority of reading, are, that when the author has read his paper, and handed it over to the society before which he read it, he has done all in his power ; that it is then taken out of his hands, and he has no control over the time when it is to be published ; and, that, because his society, for whatever cause, delays the publication until another naturalist has published it, it would be unfair that the former should be deprived of the credit of his investigations, by circum- stances over which he has no control, and that too, after having done all that was in his power.
Another reason urged in favour of the first read description is, that in referring to old descriptions, the date when the paper was read is precise — the day when read being always one of the meet- ings of the society, and printed in the journal or transactions with the date, and therefore absolutely determined ; but the actual day of publication not always so readily ascertained. In answer to the first, it may be urged, that if merely reading a paper secures the species, it will produce indifference as to whether it is ever published or not ; and naturalists in general will be at a loss *o know what has been done in the case ; while specimens will remain unlabelled and unknown, because no one is particularly interested in publication ; but if priority of publication be the stand- 12
86 [September, 1841.
ard, other naturalists would not be long at a loss to know what has
been done ; and as the rest of the community interested are a vast
majority, their convenience should have great weight in the matter.
And when the meetings are not open to the public, the reading is
still less a point to be depended upon, as the committee to whom
the paper is referred might retain it for months, and in some cases
years, and in the mean time numerous species be added to the
paper through the carelessness or connivance of the committee, a
long time after it was read, and perhaps after another naturalist
had published them ; and thus if the first read be the rule, a great
opportunity for trick and injustice be offered to the unscrupulous.
And even when the meetings are public, the author might borrow
the paper under pretext of verbal alteration or other excuse, and
then interpolate additional species. The same objections in part
hold good against the other argument in favour of the first read
description : the correctness of the date of publication may be
ascertained by all, but it is not so certain that the description of a
species was read on a particular evening.
The arguments in favour of priority of publication are, among others, that it would be extremely unfair, that a man who has spent months or years in searching for species abroad, and then perhaps been at the expense of publishing them himself, should be deprived of his hard-earned credit, by some one who has merely read a paper of which the other could have no knowledge ; while, if he had known that the Fauna or Flora of that district had been collected and des- cribed, he would have made his researches in another quarter.
Another reason is, that by making mere reading the standard, all who were not present at the time, or had access to the minutes of the society, might remain for a long time in ignorance ; especially as a paper might not be recorded until reported on by the commit- tee, who might retain it for years when the volumes appeared at long intervals : even the members of the society who were absent when the paper was read, would remain at a loss to know whether any particular species were described or not. In this way the numerous specimens which are constantly scattered through va- rious collections would remain a long time undescribed and
September, 1841. J 87
unknown ; as the possessors would be always in doubt, whether some one else had not previously described them without publish- ing: and thus the keeping up with the state of any department of natural history would be impossible, as no one could know what was doing in more than one or two societies. In the case of societies holding their meetings with closed doors, the reasoning applies with still greater force, as none but the members of that society could have the chance of any knowledge of the matter.
There is also another reason for preferring priority of publica- tion ; that many naturalists are working away quietly, exploring sections of country around their places of residence, in remote and unfrequented parts, who have no access to public institutions, and whose only means of knowing what is done must be through the press.
The great number of synonymes with which natural science is burthened, is in great part owing to the want of a fixed rule in this matter ; and it would seem that priority of publication would lessen the evil, more than the rule of having been first read ; as several des- scriptions might be read within a short time of each other, in different places, by parties in ignorance of what is doing elsewhere ; and then their various names be introduced into the nomenclature ; but when once published, it is every one's business to know what has been described, as the opportunity is offered to every one to ascertain ; and if a description be made in voluntary ignorance, it then could not stand.
And not among the least of the arguments in favour of priority of publication, is, that of the two parties in the case, the describer, and the public of naturalists who are to read the description, the latter, being an immense majority, would find priority of publication contribute greatly to the interest of science generally, in promoting early publication, and preventing confusion by synonymy ; and to individual convenience, in enabling those who choose, to keep close up with the state of any branch of natural history. Now, as the descriptions would not be written, if there were to be no readers, the latter being so important a party in the matter, may take upon themselves to decide what rule shall obtain in the premises.
88 [Setpember, 1841.
While on the subject of the nomenclature of natural history, there is an evil which is growing so rapidly as to deserve notice;
That is, the custom when genera are sub-divided, or species transposed from one genus to another, to credit the old species to the naturalist who constitutes the new, or even modifies the name of an old genus ; thus depriving the original describer of his species, because it is associated with another series of species, or because the termination of its latin name be altered to suit the altered gender of the genus. In this way Linneus has been robbed of a large portion of his labours ; not by Lamarck, for he appears to have been superior to such littleness ; but by later naturalists, who have credited the old species of Linnaeus, to Lamarck as an authority and precedent for their own innovations and appropriations. When fairly viewed, it can hardly fail to strike every disinterested mind, that the credit of the original description of a species should remain with the describer; he described the characters of a group, a spe- cies, and whether that species belongs to one or another genus, his description of its character must remain : indeed there is no show of any attempt to change such description ; and if in the progress of science, new divisions of genera, or translations of species from one genus to another be found necessary ; then credit the generic change to the constitutor of the genus, and the species to its original describer, thus Planorbis Corneus. Lin. Lam. This, besides being strictly just to all parties, would have the effect of preventing useless and absurd modifications, by removing one of the chief incentives — the having the name of the innovator tacked to specific names.
MEETING FOR BUSINESS, September 28, 1841.
Dr. Goddard, in the Chair.
The corresponding Secretary's report was read and adopted. The committee on Mr. Haldeman's paper, " Description of
September, 1841.] 89
two new Freshwater Shells," reported in favour of publica- tion.
The committee on Dr. Ravenel's " Description of two new fossil species of ScutellaV' reported in favour of publication.
The committee on Mr. Speakman's memoir on Light and Heat, reported in favour of depositing it in the library of the Academy.
The committee on Mr. Phillips's communication, read at the last meeting, on the claim to priority in the description of new species, submitted a report, which was ordered to be printed with the proceedings of this meeting.
The committee to whom was referred the consideration of the views and suggestions of Mr. Phillips concerning the rights of authors; and of the practice of changing original names to suit new made nomenclatures, havingcarefully examined these interesting and important matters, respectfully recommend the publication of Mr. Phillips's communication in the bulletin of the proceedings of the Academy ; and further, beg leave to submit to the Academy a few brief remarks : —
In the opinion of your committee, the establishment of well- defined, and readily understood principles, as bases of nomencla- tures, especially as regards the priority of the rights of authors in the history of nature, is most essential ; not only because it will have a direct tendency to stimulate labourers in science to profound investigation and research, and secure to them the harvest they may achieve, and thence facilitate the acquisition of precise know- ledge to all ; but it will likewise be eminently conservative of the integrity and reputation of science itself amongst us.
It appears to your committee to have been conclusively under- stood by many naturalists, from precedents established in scientific institutions both in Europe and in this country — by usage, if not by written law ; that the date of a printed publication, accessible to all, to men of science as well as to others, announcing new discoveries,
shall fix and determine the right of priority; and hence names and 13
90 [September, 1841.
descriptions thus put forth, are entitled to and should receive the sanction, and be adopted, throughout the scientific world.
In contradistinction to this, your committee are aware that there exists an opinion, that an author might claim precedence, from the time his discoveries were read before a scientific society, and with- out reference at all to the time of printing or general circulation. But this seems to your committee, a very uncertain and vague expe- dient, the source of perpetual embarrassment and confusion; and much of the retardation of the spread of knowledge maybe attributed to this cause. Many societies issue their transactions through the press at long intervals, months, even years, elapse before their discoveries reach the public : thus, it seems to your committee, manifestly unjust, that other collaborators should await such tardy enunciations of scientific knowledge, and so hazard the loss of their labour, and that too, by acts, even farther removed from their control, than are the periods, or the means of publication of the transactions of such societies, from the influence of their own members.
Your committee deem it inexpedient at this time to extend their observations ; enough, in their opinion, having been adduced to warrant their conclusion — that the most obvious and rational cri- terion by which to test the merits of conflicting claims to originality, is solely, the printed and published testimony.
In relation to that portion of Mr. Phillips's communication, which alludes to the modifications and changes in the designation of genera and species made in new nomenclatures, without assigning credit, where it is justly merited, — thus wresting from the natu- ralist the honour acquired by his oftentimes onerous and unrequited toil, — your committee trust, that the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, will sustain them in an expression of decided dis- approbation of a practice, so fraught with evil, doing injury alike to science, and to its collaborators.
Edward Hallowell.
B. H. Coates,
C. A. Poulson.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA. Vol. I. OCTOBER, 1841. No. 7.
STATED MEETING, October 5, 1841. Vice President Wetherill in the Chair.
DONATIONS TO LIBRARY.
Horae Entornologicse : or Essays on the Annulose Animals. By W. S. Macleay, Esq., F. L. S. Vol. 1, parts 1 and 2. 8vo. London, 1821. From Dr. C. Pickering.
Monographia Ruborum Suecise. Edidit Joh. P. Arrhenius. 8vo. Upsalia, 1840. From the Author.
Histoire Physique, Politique et Naturelle de l'lsle de Cuba. Nos. 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. Par Don Ramon de la Sagra. Folio. Paris, 1841. From certain members.
Antiquedades Peruanas. Parte Primera. Par Mariano Edu- ardo de Rivero. 4to. Lima, 1841. From the Author.
Annales des Mines. 8vo. Levraisons 4, 5, and 6, of Vol. XVIII. Paris, 1840. From the Editor. 14
92 [October, 1841.
Memoire sur les Forameniferes de la Craie du Bassin de Paris. Par M. Alcide D'Orbigny. 4to. Paris, 1841. From the Author.
Amphibia Europsea ad Systema Nostrum Vertebratorum Ordinata. Auctore Carolo L. Bonaparte. 4to. 1841. From the Author.
Lamarck's Genera of Shells, with a Catalogue of Species. Translated from the French by A. A. Gould, M. D. 12mo. Boston, 1833. From Mr. S. S. Haldeman.
New Species of Shells, published October 5, 1841. By S. S. Haldeman. 8vo. From the Author.
Remarks on the Abracadabra, or Dr. Hahnemann's Homoeo- pathic Medicines. By William Leo Wolf, M. D. 8vo. New York, 1841. From some Physicians of Philadelphia.
Written Communications. — Dr. Morton read a letter ad- dressed to him by the Rev. John Bachman, of Charleston, South Carolina, accompanying a communication on the Fauna of North America, which was submitted to the Society for publication, viz :
"Descriptions of New Species of Quadrupeds inhabiting North America. By J. J. Audubon and J. Bachman.
Vespektilio monticola. Mountain Ba*.
V. Vespertilione subulata brevior ; auriculis brevioribus ; tragis non ex- cedentibus dimidiam longitudinem auriculae ; colore fulvo.
Mountain Bat. Smaller than Say's Bat, (V. subulatus ;) ears shorter : tragus less than half the length of the ear ; colour yellowish brown.
Upper fore-teeth bilobate, ears moderate, naked, erect, rather broad at base; tragus linear, subulate, body small ; wings long; tail projecting, a line beyond the interfemoral membrane, which is slightly sprinkled with hair above and beneath.
Colour. The nose and chin are black ; ears, light brown; wing mem- branes, dark brown. The whole of the fur of the body, above and beneath, is from the roots of an uniform yellowish-brown colour.
This species differs from Say's Bat, not only in colour, but in its much shorter ears and tragus. The size and shape of the tragus, we have found an infallible guide in our American Bats; the ears of the present species, when alive, are always erect, whilst those of Say's Bat are folded backwards like those of the long eared Bats — Plecotus.
Dentition : Incis. * 2, Canines, * *• 6 1—1.
October, 1841.] 93
Length of head and body, 1 inch 8 lines. " tail, 1 " 6 "
" spread, 8 inches 0 "
Height of ear, posteriorly, 3 "
" tragus 2 "
N. B. The tragus in Say's Bat is 4| lines in height. Several specimens of this Bat were obtained during summer, on the mountains of Virginia, at the Grey Sulphur Springs. They were very uniform in size and colour.
Vespertilio Virginianus. Virginian Bat.
V. (Virginianus) vespertilione monticula paululum longior, auriculis paululum loncjioribus magisque acutis ; dentibus primoribus maxillae supe- rioris simplicibus ; interfemorali membrana nuda; corpore supra fuligineo- fusco ; subtus cinereo fuscato.
Virginian Bat. — A little larger than the Mountain Bat ; ears a little longer and more pointed ; upper fore teeth simple ; interfemoral membrane naked ; sooty, brown above, ash brown beneath.
Dental formula, incisors, ^ ^» Canines, * *•
6 1—1.
In size, this species is intermediate between Vespertilio Carolinensis, and V. subulatus. The ear is naked, less rounded, and more pointed than either of the other closely-allied species. The tragus is very narrow, linear, and less than half the length of the ear. The tail is enclosed in the interfemoral membrane, except the penultimate joint, which is free. The anterior upper fore teeth, instead of being sub-simple, as in the (V. Carolinensis) or bilo- bate, as in Ves. subulatus and Ves. montanus, are simple.
Colour. — The nose, upper lip and under-jaw are black; wings dark brown. The back is sooty brown ; on each shoulder, at the insertion of the wing, there is a circular black spot about four lines in diameter; on the under surface, cinereous brown.
Dimensions —
Length of head and body, 2 inch. 5 lines.
Do. tail, 1 " 0 "
Spread, 8 " 8 "
Height of ear, posteriorly, 4 "
Do. tragus, If "
Habitat. Mountains of Virginia.
Remarks. — Say's Bat (Ves. subulatus) has been several times described. It was first observed by Say, at the head waters of the Arkansas, within sight of the Rocky Mountains. It was subsequently described by Richard- son, who obtained it at the Saskatchewan It was given by Le Conte, in McMurtrie's translation of Cuvier, under the name of Ves. Lucifugus. Pro- fessor Green, in Doughty's Cabinet of Natural History, (vol. 2, fig. 270,) gave a correct description of it under the name of Ves. domesticus. He, however, erred in arranging it in the preface of his descriptions, under Rafinesque's genus Nycticejus, to which it does not belong. The last notice of it is found in Cooper's Monograph of Vespertilio, in the New York Lyceum of Natural History. This species has a very extensive range. We obtained it in the widely separated localities of Carolina and Labrador, during sum- mer. The Ves. Carolinensis is found in autumn, winter and spring, in Carolina; but appears to migrate northwardly in summer, and is at that season common in the State of New York. The Ves. monticola and Ves. Virginianus have not been met in Carolina or Georgia, and appear to be Northern or Alpine species, and no doubt exist in the Northern States. The Ves. Carolinensis may be easily distinguished from the other closely-allied species, by the large size of the first upper incisor; the second which suc- ceeds it being so minute as to require the aid of a good magnifier to detect it.
The genera of Bats have within the last few years been greatly multiplied, in order to include the vast number of new species which have been accu-
94 [October, 1841.
ruulating in European museums. The last revision we have seen was by Gray, of the British Museum, who has divided the bats into forty-eight genera. The two species here described, belong to the genus Vespertilio, as now restricted. It is characterised by having four incisors in the upper jaw, in pairs on each side, near the canines, with a large, unoccupied space between them. The only species as yet described in the United States, that can be referred to this genus, are Ves. Carolinensis, Ves. noctivagans, Ves. subulatus, Ves. monticola and Ves. Virginianus.
The existence of a Brown Weasel in America, which does not become white in winter, has been doubted by some naturalists; and by others, the species has been regarded as the Mustela vulgaris of Europe. Dr. Harlan, (Fauna Americana, p. 61,) under the name of Mustela vulgaris, does not appear to have described an American species. His description appears in- tended for the common Weasel of Europe, which we think does not exist in America. Dr. Godman, after giving figures of the Ermine, both in winter and summer colours, considered the latter as the species improperly referred to Mustela vulgaris of Europe ; and in accordance with the views of Charles L. Buonaparte, the Ermine was regarded as the only species of American Weasel. Dr. Richardson, (Fauna B>reali Americana,) under the name of Mustela (Putorius) vulgaris, has described from specimens obtained by Captain Bayfield on the borders of Lake Superior, and also from others procured by himself at Carleton House, which he regarded as agreeing in all respects with the European species. He concludes, by stating, that this species, like the Ermine, "becomes white in winter." We had an oppor- tunity, in the Museum of the Zoological Society of London, of examining the specimens referred to by Dr. Richardson, and of comparing them with Mus- tela vulgaris, and were satisfied that the species were distinct; yet, unless he was in error in stating that the American species became whire in winter, we are not certain that the species we are about to describe is identical with the specimens he referred to.
Mustela fusca. — American Brown Weasel.
M. (fusca). Corpore inter Mustelam erminiam et Mustelam vulgarem in- termedio ; cauda illius breviore, sed hujus longiore; apice nigro; vellere supra fusco ; subtus albo.
American Brown Weasel. — Intermediate in size between Mustela erminia and Mustela vulgaris ; tail shorter than the former, but longer than the latter, with the extremity black ; brown above, white beneath.
The body is long and slender, but far more robust than that of Mustela vulgaris ; the feet especially appear one-third larger, and mure thickly clothed with fur, which completely covers the nails. The ear is a little longer, and more pointed, than that of either the Ermine or common Weasel. The white on the lower surface is not mixed with brown hairs, a3 in the Mustela vulgaris, and not only occupies a broader space on the belly, but extends along the inner surface of the thighs as low as the tarsus, whilst in the Mustela vulgaris, the white scarcely reaches the thighs.
Colour. — The whole of the upper surface, to within three-fourths of an inch of the tail, is of an uniform dark fawn colour. On the upper surface of the tail, the hair is darker brown than the back, and its extremity is for an inch nearly as black as that of the Ermine. In writing this description, we have several specimens of the European Mustela vulgaris before us; and the ends of the tails in that species are uniformly brown, with here and there a black hair interspersed. Although the hair of the present species, at the extremity of the tail, is black, like that of the Ermine, yet these hairs are short and soft, and more like fur, and do not present the long and coarse appearance of that of the former species. The whole of the under surface is pure white; this colour does not commence on the upper lip, as in the Ermine, but on the chin, extending around the ^Tes of the mouth, and by a well-defined line, along the neck, inner
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October, 1841.] 95
parts of the fore legs, the sides and the thighs, and tapering off to a point at the tarsus. The white on the lower surface is not mixed with brown hairs, as in the Mustela vulgaris, but extends lower down on the legs. Of the colour of this species, in winter, we cannot speak with positive certain- ty, but feel pretty confident that it is the same as in summer, and that it does not (at least in the latitude of New York) become white in winter. We, many years ago, kept several young Ermines in confinement, as well as one of this species. The Ermines all became white in winter, although some of them were not fully grown ; the present species underwent no change in colour, but remained brown during the whole winter. On another occa- sion, a specimen of a brown Weasel was brought to us in the month of December, which had been caught in a trap. At that season, the Ermines are uniformly white. A Weasel exists in the Southern States, and is found as far south as the upper parts of South Carolina and Georgia. It has always been represented to us as never becoming white in winter ; and although we possess no specimens at present, we are inclined to regard it as this species.
Dimensions of specimens before us, of the three species referred to above:
Length of head and body, Tail vertebra?, Including fur, Height of ear, posteriorly, 0
The specimen of the American Brown Weasel, described above, was ob- tained at Long Island, in the month of May.
We subjoin a description of another species of Mustela, which, although recently made known to naturalists by Dr. Lichtenstein, of Berlin, who re- ceived his specimens from the vicinity of the city of Mexico, was not hitherto known to exist as far north as the locality from which we ob- tained it. We agree with Swainson, Lichtenstein, Dr. Richardson, and the most eminent European naturalists, that America divides itself into three natural zoological boundaries : the first including our whole coun- try from the farthest north, to the tropic of Cancer, where the tropical forms commence, to be called North America ; the second, including the Tropics, called Central or Tropical America; the third, South America, including all that region lying south of 33 J south latitude. The southern points of Florida and California will, in this case, be the southern bound- ary of our North American Fauna. Our specimen was received from North California about latitude 40°.
Mustela frenata. (Licht.) Bridled Weasel.
Mustela frenata. Licht. Darstellung neur oder wenig bekaunter saug- thiere von Dr. Lichenstein, Berlin, 1827 — 1834.
M. (Frenata.) Vellere supra fulvo ; subtus albo-flavo; capite macula consperso ; fronte fascia circumdata ; gutture albo.
Bridled Weasel. — Size of Mustela erminia; colour, fawn above, yellow- ish white beneath ; ears and nose dark brown ; a spot on the head, a band above the eyes, and the throat white.
Form. — In shape, this species bears a strong resemblance to that of the Ermine. It appears to be somewhat shorter. The toes and nails are more thinly clothed with fur; the ears are narrower and longer.
Colour. — The nose, sides of the face to above the eyes, and the ears are dark brown: end of the tail black; a small spot on the head, between the ears; the forehead, abroad line extending beneath the ears; the chin and the throat white. The whole upper surface is a light fawn colour ; be- neath, yellowish white.
Dimensions —
Length of the head and body, 11 inch. 6 lines. Do. tail, 5 " 6 "
Do. to the end of hair, 6 " 4 "
Height of ear, posteriorly, 0 " 4 "
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AnvicoLAfulva. Glossy Arvicola.
A. (fulva.) Corpore longo ac tenui ; naso acuto; auriculis et pedibus longis ; velleri tereti ac nitente ; supra fusca ; subtus cano-fusco.
Glossy Arvicola. — Body long and slender, nose sharp, ears and legs long, fur smooth and lustrous ; dark brown above, hoary brown beneath.
Form. — This species presents more distinctive markings than any of our American Arvicola ; its body is less cylindrical, and its nose less obtuse than any of our other species; its ears are prominent, rising two lines above its smooth, compact fur; its lower incisors are very long, and much exposed and considerably curved; tail longer than the head, thinly cov- ered with short hairs ; legs long and slender, giving the whole animal that appearance of lightness and agility observable in the Mouse.
Colour. — Incisors, yellowish-white. The hairs, which are very short, like those on the Pine Mouse of Le Conte, are at the roots on the upper surface, plumbeous, broadly tipped with brown, giving it a bright chest- nut-brown colour ; the hairs, on the legs and toes, are a little lighter ; on the under surface, the colour is cinereous.
Dimensions —
Length of the head and body,
Do. tail,
Height of ear, posteriorly, Length of tarsus,
The specimen was obtained in one of the South-western States; we be- lieve Illinois.
Arvicola naauta. Sharp-nosed Arvicola.
A. (nasuta.) Arvicola Pennsylvanica longior; cauda. capite breviore ; pedibus tenuibus ; calce brevissima; corpore supra ferrugineo-fusco ; subtus ex cinereo et flavo variegato.
Sharp-nosed Arvicola. — Larger than Arvicola Pennsylvanica ; tail shorter than the head; legs small, slender; heel very short ; the body, above, dark, rusty brown ; a soiled yellowish grey beneath.
The head of this species is rather long, and the nose sharper than the Arvicola in general. The lower incisors are long, and very much curved. The body is less cylindrical than Wilson's Meadow-mouse ; the ears are circular, sparingly hairy within and well covered with fur exteriorly; whiskers shorter than the head ; tail thinly clothed with hair.
Extremities. — Legs covered with short hairs. The fore feet have naked palms ; claws small. The tarsus is more than a third shorter than that of the much-smaller Arvicola Pennsylvanica ; the fur on the back is also shorter.
Colour. — Incisors yellowish-white ; the fur, from the roots to near the tips, is greyish-black; the tips are yellowish-brown and black; giving it a rusty-brown appearance. The legs and tail are light brown ; the chin a soiled white ; the fur on the under surface of the body, is dark-cinereous to the tips, where it is light-coloured. Dimensions —
Length of head and body, 5 inch. 9 lines. Do. head, 1 " 10 "
Do. tail, 1 « 2 "
From beel to point of nail, 0 " 6 " For the sake of convenient comparison, we give the dimensions of the largest of six specimens before us, of Arvicola Pennsylvanica —
Length of head and body, 4 inch. 2 lines. Do. head, 1 " 4 "
Do. tail, 1 " 6 "
From heel to point of longest nail, 11 " We are not certain that this species may not have been indicated, al-
October, 1841.] 97
though not described, by Rafinesque, in the American Monthly Magazine, under the name of Lemmus Noveboracensis. His descriptions, however, in every department of natural history, are so short, vague and imperfect, that it is impossible to identify his species with any degree of certainty. They have created such confusion in the nomenclature, that nearly all European and American naturalists have ceased to quote him as authority. Dr. Richardson has, moreover, described an Arvicola from the Rocky Mountains, which he has referred to the Noveboracensis of Rafinesque, which differs widely from the above species.
Habitat. The specimen which we have described was obtained by Dr. Brewer, near Boston. We received another from Mr. John W. Audubon, who procured it at the Falls of Niagara. We have also frequently found it in the northern parts of New York, where the Arvicola Pennsylvanica also exists. It appears, however, not to be found as far to the south as the latter species, as we have sought for it in vain in Pennsylvania.
Arvicola scalopsoides. Mole Arvicola.
A. (Scalopsoides.) Capite crasso ; naso obtuso ; vellere curio, molli, bombycino instar velleri Talpre ; supra albo-fusco ; subtus plumbeous.
Head large, nose blunt, fur short, soft, silky and lustrous, like that of the Mole. Colour, above, light brown ; beneath, plumbeous.
This species, of which we have obtained many specimens from Long Is- land, and which is not rare in the vicinity of New York, is very distinct from Wilson's Meadow Mouse. His diminutive figure in the 6th vol of his Ornithology, is not very unlike this animal ; but his descriptions, both of form and habits, which apply very correctly to Arvicola Pennsylvanica, have no reference to the present species.
The head is thicker and much shorter than that of Wilson's Meadow Mouse; the body cylindrical ; ears scarcely rising above the integument, and completely concealed by the fur. The legs and tail are short ; the lat- ter not as long as the head, and both are covered with very fine and short hairs. The fur on the back, which is soft and fine, and not half the length of Wilson's Meadow Mouse, has none of the coarse hairs which are found in that species. On the under surface, the fur is very short, not more than a line in length.
Colour. — The teeth are yellowish white; the fur on the back is, from the roots, dark plumbeous, tipt with light ashy brown. This colour continues uniform till it reaches the sides, where there is a distinct line of demarca- tion, commencing at the chin and running along the neck and sides of the thighs. The whole of this under-surface is of a light cinereous colour, the hair being plumbeous at base, and so lightly tipt with white as to appear in some parts spotted with dark blue and ashy white.
This species bears a strong resemblance to the Pine Mouse of Le Conte (Psavnpmys Pinetorum,) which is also an Arvicola, than to any other. It is, however, larger, differs considerably in colour, and is destitute of the chestnut brown on the cheeks, which are the characteristic marks of that species.
Length of the head and body, 4 inch. 0 lines. Do. tail, 0 " 10 "
Do. head, 1 " 0 "
From heel to point of nails, 0 " 7 "
Mus humulis, (Bachman.) Little Harvest Mouse. Read before the Aca- demy of Natural Sciences, 1837. Vide Jour. Acad. vol. vii.
Mus humulis. Corpore supra rutilo-cinereo et quoad baccas el Rneam in utrisque lateribus ferrugineo : subtus flavo-albente.
Little Harvest Mouse.
98 [October, 1841.
Reddish gray above ; cheeks, and line along the side, light ferruginous.
Incisors, y Canines, -jg Molars, ^ j 16 Teeth.
Form. — Size about a third smaller than the house mouse. Head rather broad ; eyes moderate, placed much forward ; nose much pointed ; ears broad, extending a little beyond the hair, slightly furred without and along the edges on the inner surface; legs short; whiskers reaching to the ears ; tail a little shorter than the body, flattened on the sides, rounded above and beneath, covered with a thin coat of very short hairs. Legs clothed with soft hairs lying close and smooth. The fore feet have naked palms, and four toes with a callous skin, protected by a very minute nail in place of a thumb. The outer toe considerably shorter than the inner, the two middle ones are nearly equal, the claws are slightly hooked ; soles of the hind feet naked.
Colour. — Teeth yellow. Fur on the back plumbeous at the roots and tinged with black and reddish gray at the tips ; cheeks, and a line along the sides, light ferruginous. Under parts very light buff. Tail brownish drab above, a little lighter beneath, nails white ; eyes black.
This little quadruped, the smallest of the genus at present known in our country, has been obtained in several localities in South Carolina, and ap- pears to be sparingly diffused throughout the whole State, except in the mountainous districts. It is occasionally found in the vicinity of Charles- ton, generally in grassy and shrubby fields, especially in the waste lands covered with the brome grass (Andropogon dipitiflorus, ) of this country, as also in the fields of crab grass, (Digitaria sanguinalis.) I have occa- sionally found its nest among the long grass on the surface of the eartli formed of the withered blades of various species of grasses, sometimes con- taining a small store of the seeds of the several species of Paspalum, Digi- taria and Panicum, especially of the Panicum Italicum. The specimen from which this description was taken, was a little the largest of a great number that I have at different times examined. It was a female, procured on the 10th of December, containing four young in its matrix. I presume, therefore, that they produce their young throughout a great portion of the year, and are very prolific. One which 1 kept in confinement for several months, refused animal food of every kind, and fed only on grains. Dimensions —
Length of the head and body, 2 inches, 9 lines. Length of tail, - 2 " 4 "
Height of ear, - 3 "
Mus (Calomys) aureolus. Orange Coloured Mouse.
Mus (aureolus) Auriculis longis ; cauda corpore curtiore ; corpore supra aureo; subtus flavo-albente.
Mouse with long ears ; tail shorter than the body ; bright orange co- loured above, light buff beneath.
Form. — This species bears a general resemblance in form to the white- footed mouse. (Mus leuocpus.) It is, however, a little larger, and its ears rather shorter. Head long, nose sharp, whiskers extending beyond the ears. Fur very soft and lustrous. The legs, feet and heel clothed with short, closely adpressed hairs, which extend beyond the nails. Ears thinly covered with hair, which does not entirely conceal the colour of the skin. Mammae four, situated far back.
Colour. — The head, ears, and whole upper surface is of a bright orange colour; the fur being for three-fourths of its length from the roots, dark plumbeous. Whiskers nearly all black, with a few white hairs intersper- sed ; tail above and beneath dark brown. On the under parts, the throat, breast, and inner surface of the forelegs are white ; the belly light buff. There are no very distinct lines of separation between these colours.
Octobek, 1841.] 99
Dimensions —
Length of head and body, 4 inch. 3 lines.
Length of tail, 3 " 1 "
Length of head, 1 " 3 " Length of ear posteriorly, 3 "
Tarsus including nail, 9 "
In symmetry of form and brightness of colour, this is the prettiest spe- cies of Mas inhabiting our country. It is at the same time a great climber. We have only observed it in a state of nature in three instances, in the oak forests of South Carolina. It ran up the tall trees with great agility, and on one occasion concealed itself in a hole, (which apparently contained its nest,) at least thirty feet from the ground. The specimen we have descri- bed was shot from the extreme branches of an oak in the dusk of the even- ing where it was busily engaged among the acorns. It is a rare species in Carolina, but appears to be more common in Georgia, as we received from Maj. Le Conte, three specimens obtained in the latter State.
Note. — We have arranged this species under the sub-genus of Mr. Water- house, proposed in the Zoological Society of London, Feb. 17th, 1837. (See Transactions.) It is thus characterized. "Subgenus Calomys (from K*aoc beautiful, and Mus.) Fur moderate, soft. Tarsus almost entirely clothed beneath with hair. Front molar with three indentations of enamel on the inner side, and two on the outer ; and the last molar with one on each side. The type, Mus (calomys,) bimaculatus. Two other species have been described from South America. Mus (calomys) elegans and graci- lipes."
Arctomys fiaviventer Yellow-bellied Marmot.
Arctomys (fiaviventer.) Corpore supra flaveo subalbicante et nigro ; capitis apice maximum in partem nigro ; corpore subtus flavo aureo ; baccis flavis, quoad nasi orbiculum, labia et mentum albo ; pedibus fuscis ; cauda ex atro fusca. Pilis omnibus ex fusco-flavo marginatis.
Yellow bellied Marmot.
Upper parts, grizzled yellowish white and black ; crown of the head chiefly black ; under parts, deep yellow ; sides of the muzzle, yellow ; point of the nose, tips and chin, white; feet, brownish yellow; tail blackish- brown, all of the hair tipt with brownish yellow.
The fur on the back is greyish-black at the base ; on each hair there is then a considerable space occupied by dirty yellowish-white, which is gradually shaded towards the apex through brown into black ; tips of the hairs yellowish-white ; hairs of the belly, greyish-black at the base ; hairs of feet, many of them blackish at base ; cheeks, grizzled black and white ; the former colour prevailing: a rusty brown patch on the throat, borders the white hairs of the chin; whiskers moderate black; feet entirely naked beneath.
This species is closely allied to the Arctomys empetra, which exists in the northern part of our continent; but the feet are yellow, instead of black, as in that animal; and the belly is yellow, instead of deep rusty- red; aud the colouring of the hairs on the back consists of yellowish- white and black, instead of rusty brown, black and white. The head is narrower, the toes are smaller, and claws only half the length of the Arcto- mys empetra.
Dimensions —
From point of nose to root of tail, 16 inch. 0 lines. Tail to end of fur, Heel to point of nail, Height of ear, posteriorly, Point of nose to ear,
15
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100 [October, 1841.
We detected this specimen in the collection brought by the late David Douglass, and, by permission of the Zoological Society of London, were enabled to describe it. It was brought from the mountains between Texas and California, and is marked in their printed catalogue of 1839, Arctomys flaviventer, No. 459, Bachman's MSS.
Sciurus lanigerus. Woolly Squirrel.
Sc. lanigerus. Pilis longis et lanosis ; cauda. crapa, villosa vixque dis- ticha ; naso, auriculis et pedibus pene nigris ; vellere supra ex cinereo fusco sub albicante ; subtus, ex albo fusco.
Woolly Squirrel.
Hair long and woolly ; tail, large and bushy, scarcely distichous ; nose, ears and feet, nearly black ; upper surface, grizzled dark grey and brown ; under parts, pale brown.
Form. — In size, this species is little less than the Fox squirrel, (Sciurus capitratus.) The ears, in the two specimens which are before us, are de- cumbent at the ends, as if the animal, in a living state,