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VOL. 1.

1854.

Serr. 4th, 1854.
Dr. A. Kettoce in the chair:

Mr. W. J. Steene, by the Ed. of the Pacrfic,
presented a curious specimen of cabbage, grown
on the Sacramento bottoms, which, instead of
a head formed of leaves in the usual manner,
has a globular head formed by an enlargement of
the top of the main stock, five inches in diame-
ter, and weighing some two pounds or more.
perfectly sound, with a thin rind, and of the
consistency of the inner portion of a common
cabbage stump. It has the shape and appear-
ance of a round, field turnip, except that it has
perfectly formed cabbage leaves on its sides and
top, occurring at intervals, as on the ordinary
cabbage stock.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and speci-
mens of a plant from the sea shore and salt
marshes of the Bay of San Francisco, the Fran-
kenia grandifolia. This plant is often coated
with crystals of salt, which has given it the
common name of Salt-weed. It is a low herb
very much branched, the limbs opposite, with
dense clusters of somewhat wedged-shaped leaves
folded back or rolled up ; within these, are un-
bosomed small pink flowers—stamens usually 6,
pistils 3.

Dr. Ayres presented descriptions of the fol-
lowing species of fish, believed to be new :

Labrus pulcher, Ayres. This species, one of
he finest of our'fishes, malces its appearance’ in

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the market about the first. of August, and con.
tinues in season till nearly the close of February,
They are sold by the fishermen under the name
of Blackfish, and are also not unfrequently call-
ed Sheepshead.—Specimeus are often seen weizh-
ing six to eight pounds. My description is
taken from one sixteen and a half inches in
length, weighing two pounds and a half.

Form very similar to that of Tautoga Amert-
cana. Greatest depth one-fourth the total length.
Length of the head, five inches and one-fourth.
Forehead protuberant, especially in large indivi-
duals, from an aceumulation of fat immediately
above the eyes.

Lips thick, loose and fleshy.

Teeth on the intermaxillaries and in the lower
jaw alike—consisting externally of a single row,
stout and conicle, of which the two anterior
pairs are much larger than the others and pro-
ject forward ; within this external row is a band
of blunt, rounded teeth, not arranged in regular
rows. scarcely projecting above the membranes.
No teeth on the palatine bones or the vomer.
Teeth on the pharyngeals, merely flat, teseelated
tubercles; on the inferior pharyngeal, a few of
the anterior ones are distinct, conicle.

Edges of the operculum and preoperculum
destitute of spines or serrations. Scales deeply
imbedded, not conspicious, elongated subqua-
drangular, covering the body, the operculum,
and the sub-operculum; extending but slightly
on the verticle fins.

Fhe rays of all the fins are enveloped in a
thickened, partially opaque membrane.

The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is four
inches and four-tenths in length ; the spines are
stout and strong, and one is continued by a fleshy
prolongation one to two-fifths of an inch in ex-
tent; thus making the height of this portion

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of the fin about an inch and one fourth. The
membranous portion is two inches and one-
fourth in length, rounded, two inches and one-
fourth in height of the central rays.

The anal fin, coterminal with the dorsal, is
two and three-fourths inches in length, two and
a half inches in height.

The pectorals are nine-tenths of an inch in
length, two inches and three fourths in height.

The ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals
are four-tenths of an inch in length, two inches
and one-fourth in height.

The caudal, slightly concave, is two inches
and a-half in height of the external rays, four
inches in breadth when expanded.

D. 12-10; A. 3-12. P. 18 V.-1-5 C. 14.

Tn color, this fish is of a dark blackish brown,
lighter beneath, with the chin nearly white. In
many specimens, a broad, vertical red band en-
circles the body from the angle of the operculum
half way to the candal fin; this character, how
ever, is not constant.

Labrus pucher is not taken in our immediate
vicinity. ‘Those sold in our markets are brought
chiefly from near San Diego, and I am not able
to learn that the species is found north of Point
Conception. Indeed there is reason to believe
that that cape will be shown by future observa-
tion, to indieate a sort of barrier in our mari-
time fauna, separating the north from the south.

This species is somewhat closely allied to
Tautoga Americana (of whichit may perhaps be
deemed the Pacific representative)’ though the
arrangement of the teeth, and the scaly surface
of the operculum and preoperculum will not al-
jow it to be included in the same genus. It is
distingnished from Lachnolaimus by the strac-
tare of the pharyngeal teeth, and from Cossyphus
by the scaling of the fins, and the smoothness of
the preoperculum.

Hematripterus marmoratus.—Ayres. This is
altogether the largest and finest species of Sculpin
found in our markets. They are not unfrequent-
ly taken of six to eight pounds’ weight; the
largest I have seen was twenty inches in length.
My description is drawn from one of only six
and one-fourth inches.

Body rather strongly compressed; head some-
what depressed, its greatest height being scarce-
ly equal to its width.

The spmes of the head are simply the nasal,
and those of the preopereulum. Each nasal bone
is prolonged into a tolerable acute spine, direct-
ed upward and backward, about one-tenth of an
inch in length. At the angle of the opereulum
is a firm short spine, directed backward and
slightly upward ; below it is another, not quite
so large; and below that sometimes another still
smaller. Except these, the head is smooth; the
flat point of the operculum is not spinous.

4 :

The cirrhi of the head are a single pair ; one
about one-fifth of an inch in height, fimbriated,
at tne posterior superior border of each orbit.
The whole head has much less of a spinous and
grotesque appearance than that of its eastern
congener, H. Acadianus ;

Scales none. Skin smooth. Lateral line un-
interrupted, concave upward. Teeth fine and
crowdod in the lower jaw, on the intermaxilla-
ries, the palatine bones, and the vomer.

The first dorsal is one inch and a-half in length,
seven-tenths of an inch in its greatest height.
From the first ray there is a gradual shortening
to the fourth ; the fifth is then nearly as high as
the first, and thence the fin decreases to its ter-
mination—thus showing a partial division, though
this division is less thanin the Acadianus. 'The
second dorsal may almost be deemed a continna-
tion of the first. It is two inches in length,
eight-tenths of an inch in height, becoming low-
er posteriorly. The first dorsal arises half an
inch anterior to the angle of operculum.

The anal terminates half an inch from the cau-
dal, its last ray being on the same plane with
the last of the second dorsal. It is one inch and
three-tenths in length ; six-tenths of an inch in
greatest height, becoming lower at each end.

The pectorals, of the cottoid form, are three-
fourths of an inch in length ; seven-tenths in
height.

The ventrals, half an inch posterior to the
pectorals, are nive-tevths of an inch in height.

The caudal, nearly square, is an inch in height.

In color, this fish commonly shows a mottling
of light and dark greenish olive, with darker
(often blackish) blotches. The fins partake of the
hue of the part where they are situated ; all ex-
hibit either bands or blotches. The rays of the
first dorsal are feebly spinous ; those of the se-
cond dorsal, anal, and ventrals are articulated,
simpie; a few of the upper rays of the pectorals
show a slight tendency to division: those of the
caudal are branched.

D, 11-17, A. 13; P.14, V..63C_10.

This species appears to represent on this coast
H. Acadianus of the rocky shores of our Atlantic
States. It is, however. entirely distinct from it,
the structure of the head alone being enough to
separate it at once; it is in all respects a finer
looking fish.

Sepremser, 11. 1854.

Dr. Kellogg in the chair.

The Committee on Botanical Garden reported
progress and was continued.

Mr L. W. Sloat exhibited a proof-sheet of the
proceedings of the last meeting, (taken from the
columns of the Pacific) as a specimen of the man-
ner in which the proceedings of the Academy

Ag
»

may be published in a permanent form, and at
a trifling expense.

On motion of Dr. W. P. Gibbons, it was

Resolved, That the Publishing Committee be
directed to publish 250 copies of the Proceedings
of the Academy, (in the form exhibited by Mr.
S.) and that the subscription of the same be
three dollars a year.

Dr. Kellogg presented a drawing of a plant
given him by Mr. Wallace of Los Angeles, called
by the Mexicans, Chia. It belongs to the La-
biated family, but the genus is unknown.

The seeds, that are about the size of flax seeds,
are said to be very mucilaginous, and are used
medicinally in fevers and dysenteries, and other
irratations of the bowels. Dr. K. thought it de-
serving the attention of the Academy as a re-
medial agent.

Dr. H. Gibbons exhibited a head of bearded
wheat, said to grow wild in the mountains. It
measured about seven inches in length.—The
grains are quite large and nearly half an
inch long. Some doubt was expressed whether
it belonged to the genus Triticum, or to a new
genus.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following
communication :

In our markets we find fishes constantly offer-
ed for sale, in great numbers, under the name
of Rock Fish and Rock Cod. They bear always
a high price, and constitute one important item
in the sum total of our fisheries, and of course
in the resources of the State. They are taken
iu rocky localities along the coast and in the
Bay, and the title Rock Fish applies to them
very well. One more inappropriate, on the con-
trary, than that of Rock Cod, could scarcely
have been selected—inasmuch as they are widely
removed from the family in which the Codfishes
are classed. Five distinct species of them we
have already detected here, all belonging to the
Sebastes, and four of them believed to be new.
Of this genus we were not previously aware of
the existence of more than one species, (8. Nor-
a Cuy.) in the United States—it is the

emdurgan of the Massachusetts Bay fisermen.
Three of our species are very closely allied; a
description is accordingly given of the one that
appears most nearly typical (S. nebulosus) and
of the other two (S. ruber and S. parvus) the
points of specific distinction from nebulosus alone
are needed.

Sebastes nebulosus.—Ayres My description
is drawn from a specimen thirteen inches in
length, weighing two pounds and a half, which
may be deemed about their average size.

5

Form compressed ; head large, four inches in
length ; greatest depth an inch anterior to the
opercular angle, being there equal to the length
of the head ; body tapering thence to the tail ;
width of the head, two inches and three-fourths,
width decreasing posteriorly ; crests of the orbits
elevated.

Scales covering the body, operculum, preoper-
culum; suboperculum, suborbitals and top of
the head to the anterior border of the orbit.

Head spinous ; a row of five spines forming a
crest on each side of the head, viz: a nasal spine,
one at the anterior superior border of the orbit,
one on the summit of the orbit half an inch in
length, one posterior to the orbit three-tenths of
an inch in length, one posterior to this, and
nearer the median line eight tenths of an inch in
length; the last three are horizontal, and are
rather strong ridges with a free spinous apex ;
the preoperculum is bordered with (commonly)
five flat spines about two-tenths of an inch in
height; the opercular bone ends in two flat,
strong, free spines, the upper one being one-
fourth of an inch in length; the membranous
operculum projects about four-tenths of an inch
beyond these ; the suboperculum terminates pos-
teriorly in a concealed spine; even the anterior
suborbital shows on its inferior border an indica-
tion of spinous points; the bones of the humeral
cincture exhibit three well marked spines.

Eyes an inch in longitudinal diameter—Nos-
trils immediately anterior to the eyes, the anteri-
or orifice having a membranous elongation of its
posterior border, two-tenths of an inch in height.

Teeth fine and crowded in the lower jaw, on the
intermaxillaries, the vomer, the palatine bones,
and superior and inferior pharyngeals ; those on
the superior pharyngeals, are in three patches on
each side.

Lateral line nearly straight.

Dorsal fin arising a little anterior to the oper-
cular angle; the spinous portion is four inches
aud a half in length, the spines stout and strong,
increasing in length from the first which is only
six-tenths of an inch, to the fourth which is two
inches high, the height diminishing thence pos-
teriorly; the membranous portion of the fin is
two and a half inches in length, rounded an inch,
inch and a half in height. ‘The anterior portion
ofthe spinous part of the fin presents a beautiful
serrated appearance, from the fact that the mem-
brane is attached to the anterior border of each
spine at some distance from the summit.

The anal fin, terminating two inches from the
caudal, isan inch and three-fourths in length,
which is not quite equal to the height of the soft
rays.

Pectorals rounded, two inches and a half in
height, three-fourths of an inch in length, the in-
ferior rays are thickened, undivided, free at their
tips.

/

6

Ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals
rounded, two and one-fourth inches in height.

Caudal slightly rounded, one inch and a half
in height,three inches and a half when expanded.

Small scales extend far up on all the fins.

Branchial rays seven.

D. 13-13. A.3-8 V. 1-5. P. 7-10. C. 11.

In color this fish is finely mottled with dusky
yellow and dark brown; on the fins the latter
hue predominates, and the lighter mottlings
have rather a bluish aspect.

Sebastes paucispinis —Ayres. Length five and
a half inches; depth one inch and one-tenth; length
of head one inch and seven-tenths. being a trfle
less than one-third the total length. Form elon-
gated, much compressed.

Scales very small, covering all parts of the fish
except the fins, the throat, and the space an-
terior to the eyes.

Spines of the head, not largely developed. The
preoperculum has about five, distinct, flat, sharp
spines; the largest about a line in length The
operculum has two, distinct but small; the mem-
branous part projects slightly beyond them- The
suborbital, on the anterior inferior border has
three or four, quite small. ‘The other parts
of the head have none, except that a slender, in-
conspicuous ridge along the border of each par-
ietal bone is free at its tip. A very small spine
at the summit of the humeral cincture.

The /ower jaw is longer than the upper and
projects beyond it in such a manner that when
the mouth is closed it prolongs the line of the
dorsal aspect of the head. The line of closure of
the mouth is very oblique upwards, the gape
large, so that the point of the maxillary lies be-
yond the middle of the eye.

Teeth fine, crowded, and even, in tke lower jaw
on the intermaxillaries, the vomer, the palatine
bones, and the pharyngeals; those of each superior
pharyngeal are in three patches.

i sia line following nearly the curve of the
ack.

The first dorsal fin arising above the opercular —

angle is an inch and a half in length; the rays in-
crease in height to the fourth, which measures
eleven-twentieths of an inch, as do the two suc-
ceeding, and thence the height decreases, the last
ray seems to constitute rather a part of the
second dorsal, it is higher than the one preced-

ng.

Second dorsal fin an inch in length, half an
inch in height; height diminishing posteriorly .

Anal about coterminal with the second dorsal,
rounded, sixth-tenths of an inch in length ; height
equal to the length.

Pectorals rounded one-fourth of an inch in
length, nine-tenths of an inch in height, destitute
of any thickened membrane, the four lower rays
simple.

Ventrals even with the pectorals, three-fourths
of an inch in height.

Caudal somewhat concave, three-fourth of an
inch in height of the external rays.

D. 18-133) As 327) V. 16's Bi ies Old:

Color plain reddish brown above, lighter be-
neath.

On motion of Dr. Ayres, it was

Resolved, That the Recording Secretary be
directed to publish the proceedings of each meet-
ing of the Academy in the Pacific, as soon after
the meeting as practicable.

=

Omitted in Proceedings of Sept. 4.— Col.
Nevins presented to the Academy a receipt
in full for the rent of his office and furniture,
which have been used by the Academy from
the 18th of April, 1853, to the last day of
July, 1854, for its weekly meetings and for
storing its Library and Specimens and for the
stationery used for its minutes and other pur-
poses, being a donation to the Academy
worth at least three hundred dollars. Where-
upon it was, on motion,

Resolved, That the thanks of the Academy

be tendered to Mr. Nevins, for his liberal
donation, above specified.

California Academy of Natural Sciences, }
San Francisco, September 18th, 1854.

Co]. L. Ransom in the Chair.

Selim Woodworth. Esq., presented as do-
nations to the Cabinet, specimens of ferrugin-
ous earth, resembling what is commercially
termed “Hartford Clay,” and used by the
frame gilders here for the satne purpose.—
Also a bottle of the earth ground in oil for
painting purposes.for which it seems extreme-
ly well adapted. It dries quickly with a good
gloss, and in a short time becomes hard like
enamel. It is found in Mulate Island or Red
Rock in San Francisco Bay, in large quanti-
ties, and can be delivered in the city ata
very low price.

The crude earth was referred to Dr. W. P.
Gibbons for examination and analysis, and
the preparation in oil to Mr. H. G. Bloomer.

Mr. Walter Van Erven Dorens presented
the skull of an Indian from the interior of the
State, exhibiting the common form of such
skulls as altered by compression.

Major J. R. Snyder gave specimens of Lig-
nite from Red Bluff, on the Sacramento river.

Col. Ransom furnished specimens of asbes-
tos in serpentine from Fort Point.

Mr. Loomis presented specimens of crys-
talline lime-stone from Point Quentin on San
Francisco Bay.

Mr. De Groodt gave a scorpion from the re-
gion of the southern mines.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following
communication :

B

At the last meeting of the Academy it was
stated thet we have in our market five spe-
cies of the genus Sebastes ; two of them were
cescribed, nebulosus and paucispinis ; two oth-
ers were mentioned, ruber and parvus, as very
closely resembling nebulosus. Subsequent
examination has induced me to doubt the ne-
cessity of separating parvus, from ruber and
rather than introduce a name which would
presently become only a synonym, I will in-
dicate the type as a mere variety of ruber.

Sebastes ruber—Ayres. This species is
very closely allied to S. nebulosus (Proc. Cal.
Acad. Nat. Sci page 5.) It may be thus dis-
tinguished,—ruber has the crests of the orbits
scarcely elevated above the surface of the
head ; in nebulosus they are very prominent,
forming quite a deep furrow between them—
ruber has a pair of small, flat spines on the
top of the head not found in nebulosus ; they
are before and a little within the last pair
mentioned (loc. cit.)—ruber has all the spines
less strongly developed than nebulosus—in
ruber the thickness and bulk of the head, as
compared with the entire fish, are decidedly
less than in nebulosus—ruber has the anterior
inferior border of the operculum serrated ; in
nebulosus it is plain—ruber is of a bright red
color, nearly uniform, except that it grows
lighter beneath ; nebulosus is clouded as de-
scribed—ruber grows to a greater size, often
weighing ten to twelve pounds; nebulosus
seldom exceeds four pounds.

Sebastes ruber, var. parvus—Ayres. This
is distinguished from the typical form, by hay-
ing the head more depressed, with the top
more flattened, the spines of the head more
slender, the lower jaw longer, the body more
compressed, the color dark brown, and ly its
small size—being seldom found to exceed
half a pound in weight. I had examined
multitudes of specimens, and found no evi-
dence of any blending of the two forms, but
one or two at length presented a partial union
of the characters to such a degree that we
will not separate them as yet.

Sebastes variabilis, Cur. Under this name
I place a species of Rock Fish, which is not.
uncommon in the markets, of a plain blackish
brown color, lighter beneath, with no spines
on the top of the head, except occasionally a
slight indication of a nasal spine, with the
edge of the suborbitals nearly smooth, and
having a weight of one to two pounds. Cuy-
ier’s specimens were derived from the Aleu-
tian Islands, and the only transcript of his
description in my possession is so brief, as to
render it a little uncertain whether our fish is
identical with his; it may yet prove distinct.
The fin-ray formula agrees closely.

.

Of the Rock Fish which have been de-
scribed in this communication and the one
preceding, S. ruber is the most important
commercially ; it is consumed in large quan-
tities daily, and is like the others, an excel-
lent fish. S, nebulosus is less numerous,
though still quitecommon. 8. variabilis can-
not be considered common,and of S. paucispt-
nis I have seen but a few specimens.

Centrarchus maculosus—Ayres. This spe-
cies is very common in our markets, where
itis sold under the name of Perch, as are
also several of the viviparous fishes. It is
brought from the waters of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin, and is one of our most es-
teemed fishes. The specimen from which
my description is taken is of about the av-
erage size; it iseight and three-quarters inch-
es in length.

Form oval, compressed ; greatest height
two inches and nine-tenths, just behind the
pectorals. Back arched ; forehead slightly
concave; length of the head, equal to the
height of the body.

Scales large and firm, covering all parts ex-
cept the fins, the top of the head, the throat,
and the space anterior to the eyes.

The posterior angle of the operculum is
rounded and furrowed, presenting the appear-
ance somewhat of a large scale; the edges
of the peroperculum, interoperculum, subo-

erculum, scapular bone, and anterior subor-
Bital are also finely denticulated.

Lateral line nearly concurrent with the back;
number of scales in its course about forty-
two.

Teeth fine, even, and crowded, in the lower
jaw, on the intermaxillaries, the vomer, pala-
tine bones and pharyngeals.

The dorsal fin arises a very little posterior
to the opercularangle. The spinous portion
is two inches and one-fourth in Jength,arched,
highest at about the eighth ray (three-fourths
of an incli,) the first rays very short ; the last
spinous ray seems to constitute rather a part
of the succeeding soft portion of the fin, and
is higher than the rays preceding it. The
soft part of the dorsal is rounded, one inch
and one-eighth in both length and height.

The anal is coterminal with the dorsal.
The spinous portion is eight-tenths of an inch
in length, the spines increasing in length to
the last, which is nine-tenths of an inch high.
The soft part of the fin is an inch in length,
the height being a little greater. The spines
of both anal and dorsal are stout and strong,
those of the anal especially.

Pectorals rounded, an inch anda half in
height.

Ta
fe
a

8

|

Ventrals fan-shaped, an inch and one-tenth
in height. ee

Caudal slightly concave, an inch and three-
fourths high.

D. 13-11 5. A. 6-10, 33VeIe5seP..15-. C.. 16s

Color, when dead, dark grayish brown on
the upper parts, becoming lighter beneath ;
with large, irregular, dark blotches on the
sides, extending both above and below the
lateral line. The fins resemble in color the
part of the body on which they are situated ;
the living fish I have not had an opportunity
of seeing.

The only Centrarchus with which this need
be compared is the aeneus, L.S. The resem-
blance here is indeed close, and maculosus
may, without doubt, be considered the repre-
sentative in our Pacific region of aeneus in the
easter. The Californian fish may be distin-
guished by the more arched dorsal outline
(that of the forehead being on the contrary
concave,) by the greater lieight of the spinous
portion of the dorsal fin as compared with the
soft rays of the same fin, by the difference in
position of the origin of the anal fin, by the
form of the opercularangle and by the colors.

In one or two points this species fails to
comply with the definitions of the gerus
Centrarchus as hitherto given. And we may
here remark that ourresearches have proceed-
ed far enough to show that a complete inves-
tigation of Californian Ichthyology will prob-
ably result in numerous modifications of es-
tablished genera, extending, perhaps, the
limits of some, while those of others will be
narrowed.

Committee on Botanical Garden, reported
unfavorably to the acceptance of the offer of
Messrs. Chipman & Augenbaugh of four acres
of land in Alameda for Botanical Garden.

After some remarks adverse to the project
by Dr. W. P. Gibbons, Dr. Ayres, Mr. Sloat
and others, it was unanimously

Resolved, That on account of the onerous

conditions exacted by Messrs. C. & A., their
offer be respectfully declined.

California Academy of Natural Sciences,
San Francisco, September 25th, 1854.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the Chair.

Mr. H. G. Bloomer reported progress on
the examination of the earth and paint pre-
sented by Mr. S. Woodworth at the last meet-
ing. He exhibited specimens of paints made
by himself, laid on wood and glass. Also

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.
4

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specimens ‘of Bridgewater earth, giving pref-
erence to the former.

Dr. H. P. Sartwell, corresponding member,
transmitted a series of meteorological obser-
vations, made by him at Penn Yan, N. Y.,
during the months of March and June, 1854.

Dr. H. Gibbons’ presented a series of ob-
seryations on the temperature of the ocean
between San Francisco and San Juan Cen-
tral America. made by Dr. Fitch, Surgeon of
the steamer Pacific, on her trip to and from
San Juan in the month of July, 1854.

Dr. G. accompanied them with some re-
marks on the climate &c.,of the coast between
the two places.

Dr. W. P. Gibbons exhibited the skull of a
rat caught in this city, showing a curions
abnormal formation of the upper and lower
incisors.

David Chambers, Esq., presented as dona-
tions to the cabinet specimens of silver and
copper ore from the Andicollo mines,40 miles
interior from Coquimbo, Chili.

Califorma Academy of Natural Sciences,
San Francisco, October 2d, 1854.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the chair.

Adelestan Jardin was elected Correspond-
ing member.

Dr. W. P. Gibbons exhibited a young rat,
of very singular abnormal formation, having
two pair of hindlegs. The surplus pair are
perfectly formed, and placed on a fleshy sub-
stance projecting from the posterior extremity
of the body ; the feet are turned im a direc-
tion opposite to that of the-normal feet.

Mr. Joel Clayton presented as donations to
the Cabinet, specimens of coal from Puget’s
Sound,—also specimens of sand stone com-
posing the roof of the coal formation.

Dr. Kellogg presented a drawing of a Com-
melyna, “pretty widow,” or “ widow’s tear,”
supposed to be a new species, from Salada
Creek, Texas.

Dr. W. O. Ayres exhibited two new fishes,
Morrhua Californica and Grystes lneatus,
with the following descriptions.

Morrhua Californica—Ayres. The Tomcod,
as this species is called by our fishermen, is,

without doubt, closely allied to Morrhua pru-
inosa, Mitch. the Tomcod and Frostfish of
our Atlantic coast, and may be deemed its
representative here. It differs from it, how-
ever, in form, in the relative proportions of
the head, in the position and size of the fins,
&c. A description tonching the points in
which itis distinguished from pruinosa is
therefore, all that is needed.

The specimen employed is seven inches in
length ; about their average size.

The length of the head is one-fourth of the
pe length ; in pruinosa it is only about one-
sixth.

The protrusion of the abdomen is much
less, as compared with the bulk of the body
posterior to it, the vertical diameter at the
origin of the’ third dorsal being two-thirds of
the greatest depth, while in pruinosa it is only
one-half.

The first dorsal is one inch in height,three-
fourths of an inch in length, acutely triangu-
lar, the first ray longest.

The second dorsal, separated from the first
by an interval of one-fourth of an inch, is
one inch in length, seven-tenths of an inch in
height.

The third dorsal, distant half an inch from
the second, is nine-tenths of an inch in
length, three-fourths of an inch in height.

The first anal, originating opposite the ter-
mination of the first dorsal, is one inch and
ahalf in length, whichis just double the
height.

The second anal, one-fourth of an inch from
the first, equals the last dorsal in length, and
is coterminal with it ; it is half an inch high.

The pectorals are more pointed than in pru-
mosa.

The ventrals, corresponding in situation,are
nine-tenths of an inch in height, first and
second rays free at tip, second longest.

Caudal nearly even.

The lateral line, arching somewhat above
the pectoral, does not assumea straight course
till nearly opposite the end of the second
dorsal.

Color commonly plain greenish brown above,
lighter on the sides, silvery beneath ; irides
silvery.

D. 12-16-18; A.23-20; P.20; V.6; C.
26, with about eleven short ones.

M. Californica is taken abundantly in the
Bay of San Francisco.

Grystes lineatus — Ayres. Form elon-
gated, compressed. Length twelve inches and
one-fourth ; greatest depth a little more than
one-fifth the total length ; length of the head
equal to the greatest depth. Head somewhat

=

10

pointed, with the dorsal surface ascending,
so that the greatest depth of the body is
about opposite the origin of the pectoral fins ;
dorsal outline descending thence to the tail.

Scales not large, but firm and distinct, cov-
ering the body, head as far as the eyes, oper-
culum and preoperculum. The scales also
ascend some distance on the caudal fin and
soft, dorsal, less on the pectorals, and very
little on the anal, spinous dorsal or ventrals.
Each scale is toothed on its free portion,
elongated, with the sides nearly parallel and
its attached extremity truncate, and in its
entire form and structure resembles much
more nearly the scale of a Platessa than is
common among fishes of this family. The
scales are so imbricated that avery small
part of each is exposed.

A remarkable character among the scales
suggests the specific name employed. There
are on each side five lines, each having the
features of an ordinary lateral line ; i. e., each
scale along the line is grooved or perforated
for the passage of a duct. The /first,originat-
ing with its fellow of the opposite side about
half an inch anterior to the first dorsal, runs
close by the base of the dorsal fins, terminat-
ing abruptly at about the posterior third of
the second dorsal. The second, about a third
of an inch below the first, runs nearly paral-
lel with it, the whole length of the body.—
The third is in the common position of a
lateral line, arising near the upper angle of
the branchial aperture ; it follows the curve of
the back. The fourth arises below the base
of the pectoral, passes above the base of the
ventral, and terminates abruptly a little in ad-
vance ot the base of the anal. The fifth
arises, by a single line with its opposite fel-
low, near the thoat, passes back, undivided
between the ventrals to a point about an inch
posterior to those fins, divides and passes
along the anal fin to the caudal.

No spines or serrations on the gill-covers, or
any part of the head. A flat, fimbriated,
fleshy process, one-fourth of aninch in height,
on the posterior superior border of the orbit.

Nostrils a little anterior to the eye, tubular.

Jaws quite protractile, the pedicel of the
intermaxillary being nearly three-fourths of
an inch in length; the maxillary, when the
jaws are closed, is received almost wholly
under the arch of the anterior suborbitals.—
Lips thick and fleshy.

Teeth small, but strong, even, rather blunt,
crowded, in the lower jaw, and on the inter-
maxillaries, the band of them decreasing to
asingle row posteriorly. Similar teeth on
the pharyngeals, the vomer, and a few on the
anterior part of each palatine bone.

_£ye half an inch in longitudinal diameter ;
distant twice its own diameter from the snout.

The first dorsal, arising a little anterior to
the opercular angle, is two and one-fourth
inches in length, one inch and a half in
height, rising somewhat abruptly so that the
fin is highest at about the third and fourth
rays. A membrane is continued from its
last ray to the first of the succeeding fin, so
that the two fins might almost be counted as
one. The rays are spinous but not rigid.

The second dorsal, continued from the first,
is three and three-fourths iuches in length,
one inch and one-fourth in height, rounded ;
the rays are very little branched.

The pectorals are an inch in length, two
inches and a half in height, rounded, all the
rays free at their tips, the lower ones espec-
ially.

The ventrals are posterior to the pectorals,
rounded, two inches in height.

The anal arises and terminates on the same
plane with the second dorsal; it resembles
that fin also in form, height, and division of
tha rays, but has the rays free at their tips.

The cavdal is nearly even, an inch anda
half in height ; rays much branched.

D. 21. 1.25 5. A. 256-P. 19 > V. 1.57 Gage

In color this species has commonly a dark
grayish brown ground, more or less mottled ;
over this are scattered light blue specks and
cloudings, which ate most abundant on the
cheeks. Numerous small cireular spots, of a
rich reddish brown, are found on the sides —
Abdomen lighter than the back and sides.—
The pectorals are very beautifully marked
with narrow light and dark stripes ; the other
fins correspond nearly in color with the parts
on which they are situated, though all are in
some degree clouded.

This is certainly one of the most beautiful
fish brought to our markets. By some of the
fishermen it is called Sea Trout, probably be-
cause of its elegant form and the spots on its
sides; others do not distinguish it from the
species of Sebastes, in company with which
it is caught, and call it Rock Fish. It has,
however, little resemblance to either. While
its true position may be deemed somewhat
doubtful, it is judged better for the present to
arrange it with the genus Grystes, rather than
to attempt a new generic division, as would
otherwise be required.

G. lineatus is taken in the Bay of San
Francisco, but is apparently not abundant. I
have seen no specimens much larger than the
one described.

1]

OcrozeEr, 9th, 1854.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet. Mr. Ross gave
a bottle of Mineral water from a spring three
miles east of Oakland.

Mr. Loomis presented specimens of crys-
tallized quartz from Mendocino.

Dr. Trask furnished specimens of Salt,
crystallized from sea-water, from the Island
of Carmen, Gulf of California.

Dr. Kellogg presented a drawing of a Mal-
vaceous shrub, furnished him by Dr. Trask.
It was originally discovered on the Island of
Anacapa, and is now found growing luxuri-
antly in gardens near Santa Barbara. It is
from 12 to 15 feet high, branching, and near-
ly 8 inches in diameter at the base. The
flowers, which it bears in great profusion, are
of abeautiful bright pink color, with the petals
reflexed when the flower is fully developed.
Dr. K. presented also a drawing of a very
large species of Viola in fruit, from a speci-
men furnished by Dr Andrews, the flower
of which has not yet been seen.

Lieut. Stone, U. S. N. gave a fresh specimen
of a fish, Chimera Colliei, specimens of
Balanus, of Granite, Lignite, Silicified wood,
and 2 undetermined species of Insects from
Puget’s Sound.

Dr. W. O. Ayres exhibited a new species
of fish, the Clypeocottus robustus, and gave
the following description of it.

Clypeocottus robustus—Ayres.—This spe-
cies often attains a weight of five or six
pounds, though my description is drawn from
one only seven and one fourth inches long.

Head large, broad, depressed, body taper-
ing posteriorly, becoming compressed near
the caudal fin. Length of the head, to the
opercular angle, a little more than one-third
of the entire length; breadth two inches and
one fourth. Eyes far forward, rendering the
forehead very abrupt, almost vertical. Gape
of the mouth small, not extending beyond the
anterior line of the orbits.

Head strongly spinous, mailed (asin Trig-
la and Prionotus,) only afew small spaces
being left naked by the bony plates which
encase it. The plates are rough with granu-
lations, which on some are arranged in rows.
The preopercnlum has commonly four spines;
the first is at the posterior, superior angle,
straight, stout, three fourths of an inch in

length, pOAéng directly backward; the sec-
ond isa _. ie below this, about a fourth of an
inch in ffgth; the third is shorter; the ante-
rior inferior angle forms the fourth, strong and
well marked, about equal to the second in
length. The operculum, along its superior
border, has a stout, angular, straight, sharp
pointed ridge, seven tenths of an inch long,
perfectly analagous to the first preopercular
spe (though no part of it is free,) the two
lying parallel, side by side, similar in appear-
ance, voth granulated, nearly coterminal; the
membranous operculum extends a little be-
yond the ridge; the inferior angle presents al-
so a spine, comparatively feeble, partly con-
cealed. The gill-covers, when extended, give
the head an aspect as formidable as that of
any of the Acanthocotti. Each nasal bone
forms a small spine. The crests of the or-
bits are somewhat ridged, though not spinous,
and from each a ridge passes backward the
length of the head.

The lateral line is marked by an imbrica-
ted row of strong, granulated plates, similar
to those covering the head. The largest,
those nearest the head, are half an inch
across vertically, which is about twice their
longitudinal diameter. They are obscurely
ridged not spinous. The other parts of the
surface are destitute of plates or scales.

Teeth even, fine, and crowded on the low-
er jaw, intermaxillaries and vomer; none on
the palatines.

The first dorsal arises a little in advance
of the opercular angle, and is an inch and
one fourth in length, rounded. the greatest
height (equal to half the length) being at the
third and fourth rays. The rays are spinous,
but not rigid.

The second dorsal, separated from the first
by an interval of one fourth of an inch, is an
inch and a half long, an inch high, rounded;
rays very slightly divided—this is true of the
articulated rays of all the fins except the
caudal.

The anal, opposite the second dorsal, is en-
tirely similar to that fin in height and in form
but isa little shorter; the rays are free at
their tips.

The pectorals, on a base of an inch and one
fourth extending forward almost to the ante-
rior preopereular spine, are an inch and six
tenths in height, rounded, of the cottoid form;
there are no separate or detached rays.

The ventrals, opposite about the middle of
the insertion of the pectorals, are an inch in
height; the last ray is so connected to the
body by membrane as to restrain the motions
of the fin to a certain degree.

The caudal, nearly square, is an inch and a
fourth in height, on a base of half an inch ;
rays branched,

12

D-8-11; A-9; P-17; V-1-3; C-11.

Color greenish olive, lighter beneath, with
dark blotches amounting sometimes to im-
perfect bands. Fins corresponding in color
with the part on which they are situated;
pectorals transversely banded.

This species presents a combination of char-
acters so far distinct from any previously
known in this family that a new generic di-
vision, with the following definition becomes
necessary. We will call it.

Clypeocottus—Ayres—Head _ large, de-
pressed; small, even teeth in both jaws, and
on the vomer, none on the palatine bones;
opercular apparatus with large spines; head
mailed, as well as the lateral line; no scales;
gill openings large; branchiostegous rays six;
two dorsal fins.

( Since this description was printed Mr.
Charles Girard has kindly sent me a copy of

a paper read by him before the Phil. Acad.
Nat. Sciences in August, characterizing new
fishes from California.

he calls A. bison.

suppressed. Wit;-O: 7Az..)

A. bison is taken in the Bay of San Fran-
cisco, and along the coast.
Sculpins it is highly prized by the Chinamen,
though scarcely eaten by others.
appear to be abundant.

{ may take occasion here to correct a mis-
take made by Mr. Charles Girard in his pa-
per “On the genus Cottus” read before the
Boston Society of Natural History, Oct. 17,
1849. He claims that “C. variabilis Ayres, is
the young of the A. Grenlandicus,” and ar-
gues from this “the importance of studying
these fishes throughout their different stages
of growth” (Proc. B.S. N. H. Vol. 3, page
187.) Atasubsequent meeting of the same
society, I presented a comparison of the two
species, showing in what respects they dif-
fer. Mr. Girard. who was present, “remark-
ed that he thought two species had been con-
founded under C. Grenlandicus,’ and he
should be pleased to find that one of them
was that described by meas C. variabilis—
But this does not meet the point. Without
at all raising the question whether C. Scorpi-
us, Fabr. is identical with the Massachusetts
fish which was so long referred to it, the C.
Grenlandicus of Dr. Storer’s Report, I wish to
state my full conviction that my variabilis is
not the young of any species, certainly not
that of the Greenland Sculpin which is com-
mon near Boston; I have critically examined
too many specimens of both species to leave
me any doubt on the subject. The reasons
for this conviction it is not necessary to give

This genus is these
defined with the name Aspicoitus; the species
These names have the
priority of date and of course C. robustas is

Like the other

It does not

here as a synopsis of them may be found in
the Proc. B. S. N. H. Vol. 3. page 312.

We have therefore three Acanthocotti on
the coast of New England, and if as seems
probable the one hitherto called Grenlandi-
cus is distinct from the true Greenland fish, it
remains as yet without a specific name, vari-
abilis having been incorrectly referred to it.
Their synonymy will be as follows:

1. ACANTHOCOTTUS MmMuUCcOsUS.—Ayres.—
Cottus Grenlandicus,—Rich, as well as of
Storer and Dekay in their Reports and Sto-
rer’s Synopsis, and Girard, Proc. B. 8. Nat.
Hist. Vol. 3, page 185,—Acanthocottus varia-
bilis, Girard, Bost. Jour. N. H. Vol. 6, page
348, and Storer’s Hist. of the Fishes of Mass.
page 26.

2. ACANTHOCOTTUS VARIABILIS, Ayres,
(not Girard)—Cottus variabilis, Ayres, Proc.
B. S. N. H. Vol. 1, page 68, and Bost. Jour.
N. H. Vol. 4,1843, page 259.

3. AcaANTHocoTTUS VIRGINIANUS, Girard,
Cottus octodecmspinosus, Mitch. Cottus Virgin-
ianus, Storer and Dekay.

I have purposely avoided extending the
comparison beyond the limits of New Eng-
land, because at New York two additional
species are reported, at least one of which
seems of doubtful value.

San Francisco, Oct. 16, 1848.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the chair—

Dr. C. F. Winslow was elected a resident
member and Lieut. Stone, U. S. N. a corres-
ponding member. L. W. Sloat Esq. presented
a Centipede from the vicinity ot Calaveras
County.

‘Dr.H.Gibbons presented the fins of a Flying
fish and bones of the wing of an Albatross.

Dr. Kellogg presented for Mr. J. G. Swan
of Shoal Water Bay, Washington Territory,
three drawings made by Mr. Swan, of a spe-
cies of Napea, an Epilobium, and of the
shrub known as “Salal,”—with dried speci-
mens. Also the skull of a Chinook female,
and geological specimens from Copalés and
Quenicult Rivers.

Mr. H. G. Bloomer presented a white in-
crustation from the mineral spring, some four
miles from Oakland, and a bottle of the sul-
phurretted water from the same locality.—
Col. Nevins presented for Dr. Charles H,
Raymond, the fifth annual Report of the
Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution, History and description of the skel-
eton of a new sperm whale, with plates, and
a Guide to Zoological Gardens, London.

Mr. L. W. Sloat for W. B. Olds, Esq. pre-
sented Cuviers “Animal Kingdom,” in 4
vols. The thanks of the Academy were ten-
dered to Mr. Olds for his valuable donation.

13

On motion of Mr. Nevins—
Resolved, That the Curators examine and

* yeport at their earliest convenience whether

there are in the Cabinet any surplus speci-
mens which can be spared as donations to a
Cabinet for the Public School at “North
Beach” in this city.

San Francisco, Oct. 23, 1854.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the chair.

Dr. William Jelly was elected a resident
member.

Rey. J. S. Diehl presented specimens of
volcanic glass from Grass Valley, crystallized
quartz from Murphy’s, astalactite from Sierra
County, and pyrites from El Dorado county.

Dr. H. Gibbons exhibited a series of spec-
imens obtained in sinking a shaft in search
of coal near Saucelito. Coal is found in
small quantities on the surface near the
Bay, and the exploration was made to the
depth of 150 feet, without success, also
several insects from Texas and a Gryllot-
alpa, or mole cricket from California.

Dr. A Kellogg, for Julius Froebel, Col. W.
W. Warren and Dr. J. B. Trask, presented
numerous varieties of California flower seeds.

Dr. H. Behr presented a specimen of
a parasitic shrub, Cuscuta to which he applies
the provisional name of Ceanotha.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres, presented the following
communication, illustrating it with specimens
of the fishes described:

Brosmius marginatus, Ayres.—Length four-
teen inches and three fourths; greatest depth
three inches and one fouth. Form elongated,
nearly cylindrical at the head, body com-
pressed, compression increasing toward the
tail; length of the head equal to the depth of
the body. Head rounded in front; muzzle
blunt; upper jaw received under a loose fleshy
fold of the skin; lower jaw the shorter, over-
lapped by the nearly semicircular curve of
the intermaxillaries which form the entire
border of the upper jaw.

The entire fish is covered with a very thick
viscid mucous secretion, which is much
tinged with red pigment, and stains the hands
when the fish is handled.

Scales very small, scarcely discernible un-
til the skin is dry, covering the body, but not
the head, orcheeks. Lateral line by no means
conspicuous, nearly straight.

The skin, abont the head particularly, is
thick and loose, causing the lips to appear

fleshy, and almost concealing the opercular
pieces. The border of the preoperculum is
smooth; the operculum ends in a sharp, deci-
ded spine, which however is concealed by
the integuments.

Teeth fine, somewhat uneven, crowded,
forming a narrow band in the lower jaw, on
the intermaxillaries, the vomer, and the an-
terior part of the’ palatines. Gape of the
mouth easily extending an inch and a half.

Eyes three fourths of an inch from the
snout, four tenths of an inch in diameter, dis-
tance between them seven tenths of an inch;
the thick investing membrane causes them
to have the peculiar aspect of the eyes of
Eels.

Nostrils with the anterior orifice slightly tu-
bular, terminal; the posterior orifice one
fourth of an inch distant.

A singular, conical, anal papilla, about
three fourths of an inch in height, half an
inch in diameter at base; with the apex ob-
liquely truncated, semicartilaginous, and lon-
gitudinally divided, corresponding to a sep-
tum, on each side of which a seminal duct
passes, the specimen beinga male. The an-
al orifice is on the anterior base of this tu-
bercle.

Some of the openings of the mucus or wa-
ter ducts, on the head, are uncommonly large,
one in particular on the border of the preo-
perculum being a tenth of an inch in diame-
ter.

A single elongated dorsal fin occupies near-
ly the entire length of the back. It arises
over about the middle of the pectorals, and
extends to the base of the caudal, from which
latter itis distinctly separated, though the
interval is small. It is enveloped in a mem-
brane so thick that an enumeration of the
rays is almost impossible; this is true of all
the fins. In consequence of the very gradu-
al manner in which the fin arises from the
body, its height cannot be accurately given;
it is about three fourths of an inch. All the
rays are soft, articulated, bra~ ched.

The anal arising three inches posterior to
the dorsal, and coterminal with it, is similar
to that fin in structure, form, and height.

The pectorals are rounded, an inch in length,
two inches and one fourth in height; the car-
pal bones, however, are flattened, forming a
sort of a pedicel on which the fin is suppor-
ted so that the height of the rays is only an
inch and three fourths.

The ventrals are anterior to the pectorals.
Each consists of a single filamentous ray, an
inch and nine tenths in length; the pelvic
bones are suspended to those of the shoulder.

The caudal is small, rounded, an inch in
height.

14

In color this fish is of a plain dark brown |
on the head, back, and sides, nearly white on |
the abdomen, with the throat reddish All
the fins are tipped with a very vivid red, and
the entire mucous secretion, as already men-
tioned is tinged with red. ,

I have seen but a single specimen, which
was procured in the market; it was taken
near the entrance of the Bay of San Fran-
cisco. ;

The species is classed here under the
genus Brosmius, though the absence of any
barbule at the chin, and the structure of the
ventral fins snggest a doubt as to the propri-
ety of such a course. As has been the case,
however, in other instances, it has been deem-
ed advisable to avoid an attempt ata new
generic division, unless such livision appears
absolutely demanded, since there are in Cal-
ifornia, as yet, no means of making accurate
comparisons with any fishes of allied form.

B. marginatus does not seem to be known
to our fisherman, by any distinctive appella-
tion. From its resemblance to B. vulgaris it
may be very properly named Californian
Cusk.

Syngnathus griseo-leatus, Ayres.—This
curious little fish of which Ihave seen as
yet but the single specimen here exhibited,
is somewhat closely allied to two or three
species already well known; a comparative
description is therefore all that is needed.

The length of the specimen is ten inches
and one fourth; its greatest depth, one third
of an inch, length of the head, one inch and
seven tenths.

The dorsal fin arises four inches and four
tenths from the tip of the jaws, is one inch
and one tenth in length, one fourth of an inch
in height. The anal is only about one tenth
of an inch posterior to the origin of the dor-
sal.

There is a slight depression between the
eyes, with a slender median ridge which is
prolonged upon the beak; there is no ridge
on the occiput. There are nineteen plates
anterior to the anal fin, thirty nine posterior.
There is no sudden depression before the
eyes, the greatest depth of the beak being
two thirds of that of the head.

The forms and arrangement of the plates,
the angulation of the body, the form and
granulation of the opercula, the form of the
mouth &c., present nothing demanding no-
tice. The color is plain, dark grayish brown
becoming a little lighter beneath, with very
numerous narrow, irregular, longitudinal
lines, of small extent, which are light gray.
The fins are plain.

D-36; P-12; A-3; C-10.

From §. Peckianus, Storer, our only Atlan-

tic species well determined (though several
others have been attempted) S. griseo-lineatus
is distinguished by the length of the head,
the occipital surface, the depth of the beak,
the position and form and number of rays of
the dorsal fin, and the position of the anal.
With S. Californiensis, Storer, it agrees in the
length of the head; it differs from it in the
depth of the beak, the position and form of
the dorsal fin, and the number of plates poste-
rior to the anal.

From S. brevirostris, Girard, it ig at once
separated by the length of the head, the anal
finjand the position of the dorsal; from S.
leptorhynchns, Girard, by the form of the
beak, the developement of the anal fin, and
the color. To S. typhle, L. it is closely allied;
it is distinguished by the length of the head,
the depth of the beak, the position of the
dorsal and the size of the anal.

Other species of Syngnathus will very
probably yet be found in our waters. They
may be sought in any of the shallow, shel-
tered bays. Commercially they are, of
course, from their size, of no value.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of the
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides or Penny wort, from
the vicinity of San Francisco. A specimen
of anew and undescribed species was also
exhibited from the same locality.

Dr. Kellogg also presented a drawing and
specimen of the

Lavatera assurgentiflora. K. Royal Mallows.
Stem arborescent; leaves cordate seven-lobe-
angled ; lobes acute, irregularly toothed, sur-
face soft, close minute stellate pubesence be-
neath: petioles 4 to5 inches long, slender;
stipules minute, lance-linear, sessile, cadu-
cous ; peduncles axillary, solitary assurgent,
(about one-third the length of the petiole)
short, articulated (one-half inch) below the
flower ; the involucel 3-parted, persistent,
segments broad lanceolate, sub-acute ; calyx
5-parted nearly to the middle, divisions ovate-
lanceo’ate, acute and acuminate, obscurely 3-
nerved, stellate pubescent ; petals obcordate
on long claws, lateral tufts of silky pubesence
at the junction with the staminal tube, petals
at length reflexed, styles 5, pubescent, stig-
mas filiform or simple (not capitate nor stig-
matose,) carpels 8 or 9.

This deciduous shrub, from the island of
Anacapa, off the coast of Santa Barbara, and
now to some extent cultivated, is one of
rare beauty and grace; the rising, falling‘
and finally ascending curves of the flower-
stem, are quite characteristic ; the reflexed
petals as the flowers fade, is also a rare fea-
ture with the mallows tribe, which are usu-

15

ally involved and twisted up before falling
off.

As an ornamental shrub or tree, for it attains
to the height of fifteen feet, it will be highly
esteemed when more generally known. The
flowers are purple, about two and a-half inch-
es broad, and in this climate continne long
in bloom.

It is remarkable that a Mediterranean ge-
nus should make its appearance here; but
there are several other similar vegetable pro-
ductions, besides the evident analogies and
types of Western Europe, which mark Cali-
fornia truly the “ Italy of America.”

San Francisco, Oct. 30, 854.

Dr. Kellogg in the chair.

Donations to the Library—H. G Bloomer
presented the 3d Vol. of Loudon’s Arboretum
et Fruticetum.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and spec-
imen of a new species of Hydrocotyle—the
provisional name given was H. prolifera.

Description,—Glabrous; leaves peltate, or-
bicular, slightly emarginate at the base,
coarsely crenate, 1 to 2 inches in diameter;
scape slender, as Jong or longer than the pe-
tioles; umbels proliferous in 3 whorls below
the fourth or proper terminal umbel; fruit
slightly emarginate at base and summit, and
ribbed on each side; petioles six inches to
one foot in length; twelve to twenty flowered
in each umbel, pedicels 1-4 to 1-2 an inch in
length.

This species of Pennywort is less robust
than the H. ranunculoides, growing also with
it in marshes.

The Editor of the Pacific presented a spec-
imen of fruit of the California Chestnut, Cas-
tanea chrysophylla, from Sierra Co. Also
specimen of Ceanothus prostratus.

Dr. Winslow exhibited a Fossil bone, found
forty-eight feet below the surface, at the foot of
Telegraph Hill, corner of Kearny and Pacific
Streets.

San Francisco, Nov. 27, 1854.

Dr. H: Gibbons in the chair.

Dr. R. B. Cole was elected a resident mem-
ber; Dr. A. Chase of Downieville a corres-
ponding member.

Dr. H. Gibbons exhibited some Pea nuts

(Arachis hypogaea,) being part of a crop of
[ pec. 25.|

several hundred pounds, raised the present
season at Alameda. The plants were cut off
by the frost, in the beginning of November,
which reduced the crop very materially.

Dr. A. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and
specimen of a plant from the vicinity of Los
Angeles, having some resemblance to Loni-
cera.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented descriptions,
illustrated by the, specimens described, of
the Sturgeons found in our waters.

Acipenser acutirostris, Ayres.— Length elev-
en inches; greatest depth, at about the fifth
dorsal plate, one seventh of the length. Head
one fourth of the total length. Eyes midway
in the length of the head. Distance from
the nostrils to the snout, one inch; breadth
of the head at the nostrils, six tenths of an
inch. Anterior border of the mouth beneath
the eyes.

Top of the head sloping forward in its
whole length, until the snout becomes thin
and horizontal, but it does not “shelve off
suddenly before the nostrils” as in A. trans-
montanus.

Plates of the body all carinate, each carina
ending in a spine directed backward. The
dorsal plates are the most strongly develop-
ed; the lateral series the least so- Skin be-
tween the rows of plates studded with mi-
nute stellated tubercles.

Two pairs of barbels, half an inch in
length, midway between the snout and the
mouth.

Upper lobe of the caudal fin slender, very
acute, equalling the headin length. Pecto-
rals, ventrals, and anal rounded; pectorals one
inch and one fourth in height; length of the
anal half that of the dorsal with which fin it
is coterminal.

Plates of the dorsal series, in this speci-
men, eleven; of the abdominal, eleven on one
side, ten on the other; of the lateral, forty-
nine.

D. 45; P. 49; A. 29; V. 28; C. 22-88.

A. acutirostris is allied to both A. oxyrin-
chus, M. the sharp nosed Sturgeon of New
York, and A. transmontanus, R. the huge spe-
cies found in Columbia River. It is howev-
er sufficiently distinguished from each of
them by its proportions, its bony shields &c.

It is apparently quite rare in this vicinity,
only two specimens having as yet been ob-
served, the largest being about thirteen in-
ches long.

‘Acipenser medirostris, Aytres— Length twen-
ty three inches; greatest depth, at the third
dorsal plate, one ninth of the total length, be-

16

ing equal to the breadth of the head; head
forming one fifth of the total length.

Eyes midway in the length of the head,
half an inch in diameter. Mouth with its an-
terior border just behind the plane of the
middle of the pupils. Distance between the
eyes one inch and three fourths.

Dorsal outline sloping gradually from about
the third plate to the tip of the snout. Top
of the head with a longitudinal depression
between the eyes. Head covered in all parts
with very sharply granular plates.

Plates of the body all carinate, spinous,
like those of acutirostris. Skin between the
rows of plates studded with numerous stella-
ted tubercles. ’

Two pairs of barbels, each about an inch
long, nearer to the mouth than to the snout.

Upper lobe of the caudal fin not so slen-
der as in “acutirostris,” scarcely equalling
the head in length. Pectorals somewhat
pointed, three inches in height. Anal situa-
ted almost wholly behind the dorsal, its ori-
gin only being beneath the posterior portion
of that fin.

Plates of the dorsal series eleven or twelve;
of the abdominal ten or eleven; of the later-
al twenty five totwenty seven. These plates
are larger and more exter than in “bra-
chyryinchus,” scarcely so large as in “acutir-
ostris.

D. 35; A. 24; V. 27; P. 42: C. 20-75.

Color grayish brown, lighter beneath.

A. wedirostris appears to be by no means
common in our waters. It is taken in com-
pany with “A. brachyrynchus, though in
small numbers.

Acipenser brachyrynchus, Ayres—This spe-
cies attains a greater size than any other fish
sold in the markets of San Francisco. They
commonly weigh from twenty five to fifty
pounds, though those of one hundred pounds
to one hundred and sixty are by no means
unccmmon.
Sturgeon have been offered here for sale
weighing more than three hundred pounds.

The species is allied, very closely indeed,
to Le Sueur’s “A. rubicundus” which inhab-
its Lake Erie and the connected waters.—
The relative dimensions therefore, and other
points by which it may be distinguished from
rubicundus are all that need here be given.
My description is taken from a specimen on-
ly thirty six inches in length.

Head sloping gradually from the first dor-
sal plate, flat transversely between the eyes;
with the snout very short, blunt, rounded,
extending but two inches in advance of the
eyes; distance between the round vertical
eyes, three inches; head a trifle less than one
fifth of the total length.

But even this is not their limit; |

| Greatest depth of the body one eighth of
| the length.

The anterior border of the mouth lies fur-
ther back than the pagterior margin of the
orbits. Four barbels are placed about one
third of the distance from the snout to the
mouth.

The length of the rounded anal fin is half
that of the dorsal, with which it is cotermi-
nal. The pectorals are rounded, their height
not quite equalling the depth of the body.—
The lower lobe of the caudal fin is relatively
larger than in “acutirostris” or “medirostris;”
the upper lobe isa little longer than tae head.

The plates of the body are small, and by
no means prominent. Those of the dorsal
series are scarcely carinate, the others some-
what more rigid, the posterior ones of the
lateral series becoming even spinous. Dor-
sal plates 12 or 13; abdominal 9 or, 10 lat-
eral 42 to 47.

D. 49 (highest at the tenth ray;) A. 31; V.
36; P. 45; C. 20-86.

Color greenish brown, lighter beneath;
plates grayish white.

A. brachyrynchus is very abundant in our
waters, and is the one sold by all the fisher-
men as the Sturgeon, the other species being
seldom seen. Those offered in the markets
of San Francisco are taken chiefly in the
Bay of San Pablo, though they are com-
mon also in the Bays of San Francisco
and Suisun, and in the lower waters of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin. They are ta-
ken atall seasons of the year with hooks,
small fish being used as bait. The amount
sold annually, in this city alone is very great,
and the fishery consequently one of much
importance, though there are no means of
arriving at any very precisc data in regard to
it. The manufacture of caviare from the
roe, and of isinglass from the swimming
| bladders of these fish, may hereafter become
in California, from the abundance of the ma-
terial, a source of very profitable employment
and much wealth.

That other species of Sturgeon remain to
be yet discovered within tha State is very
probable.

Dr. C. F. Winslow read a note from E. G.
Smith of Auburn, Placer Co., accompanying
a fragment of a tusk recently exhumed on
Cape Horn Bar. The portion was not of suf-

|

ficient size to be accurately identified.

1

Col. L. Ransom presented a variety of
plants from the Tejon Pass, which were re-
ferred to Dr. Kellogg; with them were fine
specimens of Olives from the Mission of San
Fernando.

San Francisco, Dec. 4, 1854.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the chair.

Mr. P. Edwards Connor was elected a cor-
responding member.

A fragment, about eight inches in length,
of a tusk found at ‘the depth of twenty feet
on Cape Horn Bar, was presented by Dr.
Gibbons on behalf of Mr. T. Mitchell. The
length of the tusk before being broken was
five feet, ten inches; its circumference at the
base twenty four and a half inches; it was
hollow for three feet. The specimen was
from the same source as that reported at the
last meeting.

Dr. Gibbons exhibited a number of Oak-
galls of remarkably regular sphericity and
uniform size, about one third of an inch in
diameter. They occurred under a few of
the trees in Oakland, nearly covering the
ground.

Dr. H. Behr presented the following de-
scription of a parasitic shrub, found in the
vicinity of San Francisco.

Cuscuta Ceanothi, mihi, Capitula quinque-
flora, sesilia. Bracteae involucrum penta-
phyllum constituentes. Calycis partitiones
quingue late ovatae, obtusae, corolla dimidia
breviores. Corollae urceolatae limbus quin-
quefidus, patens, fundus squamis quinque
ciliatis instructus. Stamina usque ad anthe-
ras coronae adnata. Stylus bipartitus, stig-
mata capitata.

Planta tota, excepta, corolla, candida, co-
lore violaceo suffusa, semel adhuc in Ceano-
tho a me reperta.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following
descriptions of fishes.

Osmerus elongatus, Ayres—The species
which is sold so abundantly in our markets
under the name of “Smelt” is Girard’s A-
therinopsis califormensis. It furnishes, how-
ever, another instance of the misapplication
of common and well known names to ani-
mals on this coast, since it belongs to a fam-
ily of fishes widely distinct from that in
which the smelts are classed. But in com-

Se
--

7

pany with it, and sold under the same name,
we find now and then a specimen of the
present species. It is, of course, the one to
which the name “Smelt” should be applied,
as it is anear relative of the Smelt of our
North Eastern States (Osmerus viridescens,
Le 8.) and of the smelt of Europe (0. eper-
lanus, Art.) while the Atherinopsis has no
claim whatever to the name. The latter,
however, being much the most abundant, has
appropriated the title, and the Osmerus is
scarcely distinguished by the fishermen or
their patrons; nor is it perhaps important that
it should be, as the one species is equally
delicate and savory with the other.

My description is taken from a specimen
seven inches in length; a few are found a
little larger. It isso closely allied to O. vi-
ridescens that the points of distinction from
that species only need be indicated.

The form is more elongated and compress-
ed. Thedepth of the specimen described
is only nine tenths of an inch; this depth re-
mains almost precisely the same, from the
pectoral fins to some distance beyond the
dorsal fin. The head is less than one fifth
the total length.

The lateral line is not above the silvery
longitudinal stripe, but runs very nearly
through the middle of it.

The teeth generally are not so long and
stout, while the outer palatine row is almost
entirely deficient.

The dorsal fin commences further back, and
is not relatively so high. The adipose fin is
nearer the caudal.

In colors the two species agree, even to the
dark band at the base of the caudal; the
numbers of the fin rays also correspond.

Mustelus felis, Ayres—This pretty little
Shark appears to be not at all uncommon
along the coast, and within the entrance of
the Bay of San Francisco. It belongs to the
division which includes those known as Dog-
Jish, none of which ever attain any great size.
My description is taken from a specimen for-
ty nine inches in length.

Form elongated, quite slender, the great-
est depth, anterior to the first dorsal fin, being
only six and a fourth inches. Head some-
what depressed; muzzle rather blunt.

Eyes an inch and a half in their longitudi-
nal diameter, distant a little more than their
own diameter from the snout. Behind each
eye is asmall spiracle. The anterior border

18

of the mouth is about on the plane of the
front of the pupil.

Teeth small, in many rows, flat, somewhat
acute, each with a central point and one or
more pairs of tubercles at its base.

Branchial apertures five, the largest an
inch in extent, the posterior one being above
the base of the pectoral fin.

The first dorsal fin is fifteen inches from
the snout. It forms nearly an equilateral
triangle, three and a half inches in height; the
posterior portion of its base for two inches
and a half is free.

The origin of the second dorsal is fifteen
inches from that of the first. The height of
the two fins is about equal; the base of the
second is a little less than that of the first.

The origin of the anal is nearly on the
same plane with that of the second dorsal,
but as its base is longer it reaches nearer the
caudal than that fin; it is twoinches in height.

The ventrals are about midway between
the two dorsals.

The pectorals are narrow, pointed, their
height equalling the depth of the body.

The caudal exhibits beneath two triangular
lobes, the anterior one being both higher and
longer than the posterior.

In color this fish is of a light bluish gray,
with numerous irregular dark slate colored
spots upon the back and sides; beneath near-
ly white. The spots, which are of all sizes
from those five inches across to mere points,
give it ata little distance so much the ap-
pearance of one of the spotted Cats, as to
suggest the specific name which has been
adopted.

M. felis is allied in many respects to M.
canis, Mitch., so common on our Atlantic
coast; it may be deemed its Pacific represen-
tative.

The November No. of The American Jour-
nal of Arts and Sciences was received from
the publishers.

Dec. 11, 1854.

Dr. A. Kellogg in the chair.

Dr. C. W. Brink was elected a resident
member.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens of a Poly-
podium from Mr. Swan of Shoalwater
Bay, also Gaultheria shallon, Ph. called
by the Indians “Sallal,” from the same source;
the Indians use the Polypodium in the pre-
paration of their tobacco, calling it ‘Wild Li-
quorice.”

Dr. W. P. Gibbons presented a drawing of
a Mollusk, from Saucelito, promising a de-

scription at a future meeting; also, on behalf
of Mr. Burr, a specimen of Sylvicola Town-
sendi, Nutt.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres read the following de-
scriptions of fishes.

Catostomus occidentalis, Ayres.—This fish
is very closely allied to C. Bostoniensis, Le 8.
so closely indeed that a full description is
not here needed; the points only in which
the two fail to agree reqnire to be noted.

In C. occidentalis the head is relatively
broader, the distance between the eyes being
equal to the distance of the eyes from the
snout.

The posterior aperture of the nostrils is
nearly circular, much iarger than the ante-
rior.

The dorsal fin arises, in advance of the
middle of the body, not including the caudal
fin; its length and height are equal being
one sixth of the distance from the snout to
the tip of the central caudal rays. The first
four rays are simple, not articulated, the first
three being very short; the fifth is simple,
articulated, not quite equalling the sixth
which is the highest.

The pectorals arise from,a base so narrow
that their length is contained in their height
about four times anda half; their height is
not quite equal to that of the dorsal.

The origin of the ventrals is a little poste-
rior to the middle of the dorsal.

The anal is somewhat pointed, its length
contained twice and a half in its height; its
tip does not quite reach the base of the cau-
dal.

The caudal fin is concave, the height of
the central rays being contained once and a
half in that of the external.

D. 4-12; A. 2-7; V. 1-9; P. 18; C.17 with
accessories. .

In general form and proportions, structure
of the mouth, lateral line, scales, gill covers,
color &c., the two species can scarcely be
distinguished. .

C. occidentalis appears to be quite common
in the Sacramento and San Joaquin. Those
which we see in the markets here average
about a pound in weight; they probably grow
but little larger than that. They are not held
in great esteem.

Gila grandis, Ayres.—My description is ta-
ken from a specimen sixteen and three fourth

inches in length.

‘orm elongated, subcompressed. Nape
rising a little abruptly from the head; back
thence but little arched in its entire length.
Head small, nearly straight (in large speci-

19

mens slightly concave) in its dorsal outline,
its depth at the origin of the nape a little
more than half its own length; length of the
head not quite one-fourth of the total length.
Greatest depth of the body equal to the dist-
ance from the snout to the border of the pre-
operculum, being one-sixth of the total length;
thickness of the body anterior to the dorsal
fiu, equal to the depth of the head.

Mouth oblique, lower jaw the shorter, the
tip of the intermaxillary reaching the plane
of the middle of the pupil. Eye nearly cir-
cular, distant two-and-a-half times its own
diameter from the snout, which diameter is
contained seven times in the length of the
head.

Lateral line curving gently downward, for
aboat two inches, thence runring nearly
straight to the caudal.

The dorsal fin, arising at a point midway
between the snout and the tip of the central
caudal rays, has its length equal to the depth
of the head at the line of the pupils, and its
anterior height equal to the greatest depth of
the head, which is just double the height of
the last ray. The first two rays, which are
not articulated, are short, (the first being
scarcely perceptible:) the third is the longest
of all.

The ventrals are rounded, situated a little
in advance of the dorsal; their tips do not
reach to the vent.

The anal arising just posterior to the point
to which the rays of the dorsal fin reach, is
similar to that fin in form, but a little less in
both length and height.

The pectorals are somewhat pointed, their
height a little greater than that of the dorsal,

The caudal is concave, the height of the
central rays being two thirds of that of the
outer ones.

D. 2-8; A. 2-8; V. 1-10; P. 17; C. 19 with
accessories.

Scales moderate in size; about seventy
eight along the lateral line, and fourteen in
an oblique line above it, counting from the
origin of the dorsal fin.

Color greenish brown above, becoming
lighter on the sides; silvery beneath.

G. grandis is by far the finest fish, of its
family, known to inhabit the waters of this
coutinent. The size to which they attain,
their beauty of form, their vigor, and activi-
ty give them a place among our Cyprinidae
such as the Salmon has among the Trouts.—
They bite with great sharpness, and might

[JAn. 1.]

afford much sport to those piscatorially in-
clined. But in this land of intense activity
few can as yet afford the leisure for such
recreation, aud rod-fishing is here almost en-
tirely unknown. This species, whic! is very
abundant in the Sacramento and San Joaquin
and their branches, is taken in nets, and
brought in large quantities to this city. They
are sold under the name of Salmon Trout,
though a greater misnomer could scarcely
have been devised. Those of twelve to six-
teen pounds are very common, and I have
been assured by intelligent fishermen that
specimens have been offered here for sale
weighing thirty pounds. The largest I have
seen was thirty-six inches in length.

As an article of food they are not held in
high estimation.

The interesting anatomical peculiarity
which I demonstrated six years since in the
structure of the genus Leuciscus (Proc. B. S. -
N. H. vol. 3, page 46,) viz: the existence of
two supplementary needle-like bones, sus-
pended beneath the interbranchial series, to
afford a point of origin for the delicate mus-
cles which separate the inferior pharyngeal
bones, is fully manifested in this species, as
well as in the other California types, allied to
this, to be presently described.

Dec. 18th, 1854.
Dr. A. Kellogg in the chair.

A communicatlon was read from Mr. J. G.
Swan of Shoalwater Bay, giving the results
of a series of experiments concerning the
application of Tar to cordage, made by him
in 1845, at the Navy Yard in Charlestown,
Massachusetts, by order of the Navy De-
partment.

The object aimed at was, to prevent the
rigidity in cold weather, and the loss of
strength, consequent upon the common mode
of tarring. To accomplish this, Mr. Swan
made use of a mixture containing twenty
five parts of oil of tar, three parts of sperm

20

oil and two parts of olive oil; one part of this!) Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented descriptions,

to be added to twenty-five parts of common |

tar. Rope prepared in this manner was sub-
jected to abundant tests.
equally pliable in cold and warm weather ;
a twenty-six inch cable, made for the
Ship of the Line Columbus, was handled as
readily in January as in August. The strength
of Russia hemp was found to be actually in-
creased by this mode of tarring, about five
per cent, whereas by the common mode it
was diminished about twelve per cent.—
With American hemp a like increase of
strength was not gained.

Mr. Swan deems that a portion of the ad-
vantage is derived from the lower tempera-
ture at which the tar can thus be applied.

Mr. T. J. Nevins exhibited a number of
specimens of Ostraea and Mytilus from Con*
tra Costa.

Dr. A. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and
specimen of a Willow brought from the Te-
jon Pass by Col. Ransom, allied to S. mcana,
Mx.

Dr. W. P. Gibbons exhibited a drawing of
anaked Mollusk from Saucelito, promising
a description at a future meeting.

Dr. A. Kellogg presented the following de-
scription of a Fern from Shoalwater Bay.

Polypodium falcatum, Kellogg.—Sickle-leaf
Polypod or Liquorice Fern. Frond deeply
pinnatifid, segments alternate, long lance
faleate, attenuate, acuminate, doubly serrate,
upper and lower divisionssmaller by degrees,
terminating above in a long slender acumin-
ation. Sori numerous, 20 to 24 in two rows,
one on each side of the mid-1ib, rachis glab-
rous from 1 to 1 1-2 feet in height. Root
compressed tuberculate 1-4 to 1-8 inch broad,
greenish russet color, branching laterally,
radicles numerous, rhizoma often covered
with scales. Epiyhytic on old decayed trees,
stumps, roots and clefts of rocks.

This species was sent from Washington
Tenitory by Mr. J.G. Swan. Itis highly
esteemed as a medicine, both among the na-
tives and others, thought to be antisyphilitic,
also used in the preparation of tobacco, impar-
ting to it a sweetish liquorice flavor—
The Polypody upon oak trees was famous
among the ancients for the cure of melan-
choly and madness, &e.

It was found to be |~

with the specimens, of two new Cyprinoid
fish.

Lavinia gibbosa, Ayres—The length of the
specimen employed in description is eleven
and a half. inches; the species appearing sel-
dom to exceed this size to any great degree.

Form robust, the depth being contained
only three times in the length not ineluding
the caudal fin; the depth at the caudal fin
equals half the greatest depth; the thickness
anterior to the dorsal fin is about two thirds
of the depth at the same point. Head rath-
er small, though not distinguished from the
body by any depression, and not at all con-
cave in its dorsal outline; length of the head,
contained five times in the total length—
Eyes nearly cireular, with their diameter not
quite equalling one fifth of the length of the
head. Mouth small, with its line of closing
oblique; the tip of the maxillary not reach-
ing to the edge of the orbit; the lower jaw
shorter than the upper.

The posterior border of the opercular appa-
ratus forms a regular curve.

Anterior aperture of the nostrils smaller
than the posterior.

The lateral line curves gently downward,
nearly as far as the insertion of the ventral
fins, and thence runs straight to the caudal
fin.

The origin of the dorsal fin is nearer to the
caudal rays than to the tip of the snout. The
first three rays are merely rudimentary; the
fifth is the highest, equalling one sixth of the
length of the body; the length of the fin is
two thirds of its height.

The anal arises posterior to the termination
of the dorsal, but not so far back as the rays
of that fin reach when depressed. Its height
and length are both a little less than those of
the dorsal.

The ventrals arise a very little in advance
of the dorsal; their height equals the depth
of the body at the caudal fin. :

The pectorals are rounded, equalling the
ventrals in height.

Caudal fin coneave, the height of the out-
er rays very nearly equalling the length of the
head.

D. 4-8; A. 2-8; V. 1-9; P. 16; C. 19, with
eight accessories.

Scales rather large, about fifty seven along
the lateral line, and ten in an oblique row
above it at the origin of the dorsal fin. The
scales are largest at about the middle of the
side.

Color greenish brown above, lighter on the
sides, silvery beneath; opercular pieces ting-
ed with purple; all parts of the fish clouded

9

“

with numerous black points in the male, es-
pecially during the spawning season.

~L. gibbosa, like the other fishes of this fam-
ily, is not held in great estimation as an arti-
cle of food. It is taken in ‘some numbers in
the lower waters of the Sacramento and San
Joaquin in nets. It is sold by the fishermen
here, under the name of Chub, and is also
very absurdly called by some of them Pike.
Indeed this family of Cyprinidae seems to
be a favorite one-with them for excrcising
their ingenuity in the misapplication of
names. Gila grandis, as stated (Pr. Cal. Ac.
Nat. Se. vol. 1. page 19,) they call Salmon
Trout, and Lavinia compressa, following the
same principles of nomenclature they name

Herring.

Lavinia compressa, Aytes.—This species is
brought to our markets in company with the
preceding, which it about equals in size—
My description is taken from a specimen
eleven and a half inches in length.

Form elongated, compressed ; the greatest
depth contained in the length not including
the caudal fin, three and a half times ; depth
at the caudal fin, a little more than one-third
of the greatest depth; thickness in front of
the dorsal fin a little more than one-half of
the depth at the same point.

Head rather small, with the upper and
lower outlines taperiug to a somewhat acute
snout, but without any depression separating
the head from the body, and with the dorsal
surface of the head not concave. Length of
the head contained in the total length not in-
eluding the caudal fin, four and a half times.
Month small, the tip of the maxillary not by
any means reaching the plane of the orbit.
Lower jaw shorter than the upper. No bar-
bels. Eye nearly circular, its diameter not
contained quite five times in the lengtb of
the head. :

Posterior aperture of the nostrils the larger,
with a slight valvular projection on its ante-
rior border.

The lateral line curves gently downward,
neaily as far as the ventrals, then ascends,
and does not assume a straight course till it
has nearly passed the anal fin.

The dorsal fin arises further back than in
L. gibbosa, being nearly equidistant between
the snout and the tip of the central caudal
rays. The height of the fin, which exceeds
itslength by not quite one fifth, is a little less
than one sixth of the total length.

The anal fin arises about on a plane with

1

the termination of the dorsal; its height and
length are both a little less than those of tha
fin.

The ventrals arise a very little in advance
of the dorsal; their height equals the length
of that fin.

The pectorals are rounded, equalling the
ventrals. ,

Caudal fin concave; the height of the outer
rays equalling the length of the head.

_D. 4-10; A. 3-11; V. 1-9; P. 16; C. 19 with
nine accessories.

Scales not quite so large as in L, gibbosa,
being abcut sixty two along the lateral line,
and twelve in an oblique line above it at the
origin of the dorsal.

Color very light greenish brown on the
back, silvery on the sides and beneath; sides
of the head tinged with flesh color.

L. compressa appears to be less common
than L. gibbosa. Both species are somewha
closely allied to L. crasstcauda B. and G. and
to L. conformis B. and G. They differ how-
ever from them both, in the size and form of
the head, the proportions of the body, the
size of the eyes, the fins and the scales.

Dr. W. P. Gibbons presented a communi-
cation from Dr. B. Dowler of New Orleans
on viviparous fishes discovered in Louisiana.

The following works were received from
Dr. Gwin—Report on the Exploration of the
Valley. of the Amazon by Lieut. Gibbon,
Sighth Report of the Smithsonian I[nstitu-
tion, Cruise of the Dolphin, and Report of
the U. 8. Coast Survey for 1852. The thanks
of the Academy were voted for the donation.

Dec. 25, 1854.

Dr. J. B. Trask in the chair.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following
description of a new Cyprinoid fish.

Gila microlepidota, Aytes.—This species
which is brought, not unfrequently, to our
markets, appears seldom to exceed twelve
inches in length. It is sold by many of the
fishermen under the name of Fan-tail, from
the peculiar form of the caudal fin; like the
others of the Cyprinidae, it is not,much es-
teemed.

Form elongated, subcompressed, rather
slender, tapering most posteriorly. Greatest
depth contained about five and a half times
in the total length; length of the head, about
four and a half times in the same; depth an-
terior to the caudal not quite one third of the
greatestdepth. Head tapering regularly from

22

the back, with a straight dorsal outline, nape
not elevated. :

Mouth small, the tip of the maxillary by
no means reaching the border of the orbit;
lower jaw received beneath the upper.

Border of the opercular apparatus forming
a smooth and regular curve.

Lateral line curving gently downward, pas-
sing nearer the ventrals than the dorsal fin,
thence rising, and at length running straight
tothe caudal fin.

Scales small, numbering about a hundred
and ten along the lateral line, and twenty-
four in an oblique line above it at the origin
of the dorsal fin ; they are strongly impressed
with radiating striae.

The dorsal fin arises a little nearer to the
caudal rays than to the snout. Its length
equals the distance from the snout to the
border of the preoperculum, being contained
seven times in the Jength to the tip of the
central caudal rays; the height of the fifth
ray, which is the longest, is greater than the
length of the fin.

The anal arises posterior to the termination
of the dorsal ; it resembles that fin in form
but is smaller, its length equalling only the
distance from the snout to the middle of the
eye.

The origin of the ventrals is posterior to
that of the dorsal, which fin they very nearly
equal in height.

The pectorals are rounded, and slightly
exceed the ventrals in height

The caudal is large, deeply concave, the
height of the external rays exceeding the
greatest depth of the body, the height of the
central rays half that of the external. The
great number and prominence of the acces-
sory rays causes the fin to spring out sudden-
ly from the caudal portion of the body, thus
giving occasion for the name by which the
fish is designated, as already mentioned.

C. 4-10; A. 3-8;-V. 1-10; P. 17; C.19,
with twelve accessories.

Color dark grayish brown above, lighter on
the sides and beneath, a darker band passing
from the base of one pectoral across the nape
to the base of the other.

G. microlepidota is- taken in the lower
waters of the Sacramento and San Joaquin,
in company with the other species of this
family described in the Proceedings of the
Academy. The form of its head indicates
the propriety of a different generic position,
and it is also separated from Gila by the
structure of its inferior pharyngeal bones.
But from the same reason that has been given
in previous instances (the absence of any
means in California of comparison with es-

tablished forms, and the lack even of works
of reference containing the divisions of the
Cyprinidae, as at present recognized) it has
been deemed advisable not to propose at
present a new generic name.

Seven types of this family are brought to
our markets, representing four genera, and
liable probably to still further generie divi-
sion, viz :—Gula grandis, Ayres; Gila micro-
lepdota, Ayres ; Pogonichthys inequilobus, B.
and G.; Lavina gibbosa, Ayres ; L. compressa,
Ayres; L. exilicauda, B. and G; and Catosto-
mus occidentalis, Ayres. It is extremely prob-
able that others also occur, but’ apparently
not in any great numbers. In particular we
may look for Lavinia crassicauda, B. and G.,
which we have as yet not seen. Of other
smaller Cyprinoids, five or six California spe
cies have been already detected, but scarcely
of sufficient size to be marketable, and be-
yond question many yet remain concealed in
our lagoons, lakes, and mountain streams.

Dr. Trask presented, on behalf of Mr.
Humphrey of Marysville, a cluster of Quartz
Crystals of remarkable size and beauty, from
Rich Gulch on Feather river.

Also, a tooth of a Mastodon from Sonora,
in the name or Mr. Gunn.

Also, specimons of Sulphuret of Copper
and Blende from Hope Valley, Utah Territory,
in the name of Maj. G. C. Shipman, Jackson:

Also, a copy of Stansbury’s Expedition,
from Mr. B. F. Washington. The thanks of
the Academy were voted to the donors.

Dr. Trask also presented eighty specimens
of land and marine shells, from China.

ANNUAL MEETING.

January 1, 1855.
Dr. A. Kellogg in the chair.
On motion of Dr. J. B. Trask, —

Resolved, That the Academy adjourn until
Saturday evening, January 6th, at seven
o'clock, for the reception of the Annual Re-
ports of the Trustees, and other Officers—the
election of officers for this year—and ‘the
transaction of such other business as may
come before the Annual Meeting—and that
every member be earnestly requested to be
present.

Adjourned.

23

Jan. 6th, 1855-

Annual meeting by adjmrnment. Col. L,
Ransom in the chair.

Reports were received aid placed «1 file from
the Trustees, the Treasurer, the Lil rarian, the
Curat: rs, and the Corresponding Secretary.

The following officers for te year eusuiig were
elected :

President—Dr. A. RanDaALu.

First Vice President—Cot. L. Ransom.

Second Vice President—Dr. H. Grpzons.

Recording Secretary—Dr. C. F. Winstow.

Corresponding Secretary-—Dr. W. P. Gis-
BONS.

Treasurer—Mr. T’. J. Nevins.

Librarian—Mr. T'. J. Nevins.

Curator of Zoology—Dr. W. O. Ayres.

Curator of Botany—Dr. T. L. ANDREws.

Curator of Geology and Mineralogy—Dr.
W. P. Grezons.

Committee of Publication—Mr. Wm. Herr-
LEY, Dr. W. O. Ayres, Dr. H. GiBgons.

L Jan. 8th, 1855.
Col. L. Ransom, Vice President in the chair.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and
‘ approved.

Mr. Davis of Mercantile Library Associa-
tion presented two specimens of stalactite
and stalagmite, taken from a limestone cave
in Santa Cruz, Cal.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a specimen of Cupres-
sus Thyoides or White Cedar from the head-
waters of the Sacramento;—alsv the drawing
of aa new variety of Quercus provisionally
named Quercus Ransomi, from the vicinity
of the summit of Tejon Pass.

Mr. Sloat presented a specimen of Gryl-
lotalpa from Mr. Mathews.

Dr. Ayres read the following paper on two
species of Liparis.

Liparis pulchellus, Ayres—Of this singular
little fish, but a single specimen has yet been
observed. It was among a number of small
fishes, ata fish-stall in one of the markets,
and was probably taken in company with

them, in some of the shallow waters of the
Bay. It is six inches in length.

ae elongated, much compressed posteri-
orly, breadth and depth nearly equal anteri-
orly. Head subquadrangular, the sides being
nearly vertical, with the upper and lower sur-
faces horizontal. Dorsal outline of the head
sloping to the snout, which is very abrupt,

(res. 1.]

appearing as though truncate transversely. —
Breadth of the head contained six times in
the total Jength; length of the head a very
little greater than its breadth or depth.

Eyes placed midway in the length of the
head; distance between the eyes equal to half
the length of the head; diameter of the eye
equal to half the distance between the eyes.

Gill-opening above the base of the pecto-
ral fin, small, only about equalling the diam-
eter of the eye; the minute, slender opercu-
lar bone-forming a small projection backward
covered with the skin.

Mouth equalling in transverse diameter the
distance between the eyes, but extending
very little posteriorly, by no means reaching
the line of the orbits. Lips smooth and fleshy.
Teeth numerous, even, fine in each jaw, ar-
rauged in tesselated regularity, like those of
some of the Rays; each tooth has a central
prominence, causing its apex to appear par-
tially tridentate. Similar teeth are found on
the pharyngeals; none on the palatines or
vomer. Lower jaw shorter than the upper.
Mouth nearly terminal.

“Anterior aperture of the nostrils tabular,
about half way from the eye to the snout;
posterior aperture smaller, seeming like a mu-
cous orifice near the orbit.

Mucous pores numerous and large, espe-
cia'ly about the head.

Skin smooth, scaleless, so loosely attached
by cellular tissue to the muscles beneath as
to be largely movable.

Dorsal, anal. and caudal fins. united; so as
not to be distingnished.

Dorsal fin single, elongated, arising far for-
ward (less than half an inch from the head,)
its greatest height, which is in its’ posterior
half, equalling half the length of the head.

The anal arises about half an inch’ poste-
rior to the origin of the dorsal, which fin it
equals in height.

The rays which occupy the place of the
caudal fin are, like those of the’ true dorsal
and anal all simple; a few of the central ones
project beyond the general outline of the fins,
and indicate a true caudal, giving a rounded
lanceolate termination.

The pectorals arise each from a base equal-
ling in length the breadth of the head, and
extending forward beneath the throat so as
almost to meet its fellow of the opposite side,
the two when closed covering and conceal-
ing the ventral disc. The upper portion of
the fin, equals in height the length of the
base; it then diminishes to less than half that
height, while further forward still the height
increases and the rays are free at their tps,
the extreme anterior rays being again very
short.

24

The ventrals are imbedded in the dise com-
mon to this family; it is oval, about equal in
Jength to the greatest height of the dorsal

n

The rays inthe dorsal, caudal, and anal
fins are about ninety eight, though it is not
easy to enumerate them; of these about forty
seven belong to the dorsal, eleven to the cau-
dal, and forty to the anal.

Color light olive brown, with numerous
narrow, waving lines of darker brown run-
ning longitudinally, and forming in some in-
stances rings and irregular figures; abdomen
and throat white; some small brown and
white spots on the sides, one series faintly
indicating a lateral line with a slight down-
ward curve.

Liparis mucosus, Ayres—This species is
closely allied to the last, L. pulchellus; it dif-
fers chiefly in the form of the head, the form
and connection of the dorsal, anal, and cau-
dal fins, and the colors.

The head is longer, its length being con-
tained in the total length (excluding the cau-
dal) four times; in pulchellus the proportion is
one to five. The snout is rounded anteriorly,
not truncate. The eye is smaller; its longi-
tudinal diameter contained nearly six times
in the length of the head.

The dorsal and anal fins both arise at about
the same points as in pulchellus, and in their
height and structure correspond well with
those of that species; they are not, however,
continuous with the caudal, but terminate at
its base, leaving that fin separate and dis-
tinct, with a rounded extremity.

The dorsal is emarginated, a short distance
from its origin, giving in a degree the ap-
pearance of an anterior dorsal. In color, this
species is of a plain greenish olive, lighter
beneath.

In the branchial aperture, the form of the
operculum, the teeth, the nostrils, the pecto-
ral fins, the ventral disc, the loose attachment
of the skin, &c., this species agrees well with

pulchellus.
Only two specimens have yet been ob-
served, each a little over five inches in length.
Commercially, these smal! Sucking Fish are,
of course, of no value. Their peculiar struc-
ture and habits, however, may well attract at-
tention to them. By means of their ventral
disc they attach themselves to stones and
other objects, so strongly as to require much
force for their removal. They belong to the
same group of fishes with the Lump Fish of

oir Atlantic coast, the Cock Paddle of the
Scotch.

Dr. Winslow exhibited a fragment of the
lower jaw of an extinct elephant found in the
drift of Texas Flat, in the neighborhood of
Columbia, fifteen feet below the surface. It
was 7 1-2 inches in length and the same in
depth and contained the impression of a tooth,

and the maxillary canal ina fine state of
preservation. The fragment appeared some-

what rounded by attrition among the drift of
the mining region, but on the whole is beau-
fully preserved. Though teeth of the Ele-
phas primogenius correspond in shape to the
impression on this fragment, probabilities fa-
vor the conclusion that the extinct elephants
of this slope of the Continent differ wholly
from those which ranged over the eastern re-
gions of North America and other parts of
the globe. This fragment belongs to Doctor
Graves of Columbia.
The following resolution was adopted.

That it be the duty of the Recording Sec-
retary to notify in writing, all persons who
may be elected as resident members of the

Academy; and that the Corresponding Secre--

ry do the same to Corresponding and Honor-
ary members as soon after their election as
possible. Adjourned.

San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair. Mr. Charles
Girard was elected honorary member of the
Academy.

Mr. Damran, of the Custom House, presented
the following works: Capt. Marcy's Explora-
tion of Red River; Cruise of the Dolphin;
Lieut. Gibbons’ Report ; Report of Smithsonian
Institution for 1853; Report of the Superin-
tendent of the U.S. Coast Survey, for 1852,
and Sitgreave’s Expedition.

The thanks of the Academy were tendered
for the donation.

Mr. Columbus Cooper of Oak Ranch, Sierra
County, Cal., through Editor of Pacific, pre-

7

sented a Meteorological Table, taken by him at —

his residence, at the supposed height of eight
hundred feet above the bed of the Yuba River,
at Downieville. The thanks of the Academy
were tendered to Mr. Cooper, and his communi-
cation was referred to Dr. H. Gibbons.

Mr. H. G. Bloomer presented five volumes of
the Edinburgh Encyclopedia,

Sa aetna)

The Lyceum of Natural History of New
York presented Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of vol. VI of
its Annals.

Mr. Nevins presented thirty specimens of co-
ral, and fifty-six specimens of marine shells, from
the Society Islands and vicinity.

Mr. Charles D. Gibbes, corresponding mem-
ber, presented 59 specimens of minerals, fossil
woods, bones and shells, also a specimen of
Geococcyx affinis, Wag. found in the vicinity of
Tulare Lake. The thanks of the Academy were
voted for the donation.

Dr. A. Kellogg presented 250 specimens of
California plants, and drawings, with the speci-
mens of the Quercus Ransomi, Kellogg, and of
the Trichostema lanatum, and read the follow-
ing descriptions :

_ Quercus Ransomi—Kellogg.—Leaves oblong-
obovate, sinuate, wedge form at the base, lobes
sub-acute, mucronate, pubescent beneath, on very
short petioles ; calyx bowl-form, margin thin,well
defined, scales ovate, long, acute pointed, closely
appressed, uppermost minute; whitish glaucous
pubescent ; acorn elliptic-acute, base small;
sessile, in pairs, and solitary.

This oak was found by Col. L. Ransom, of
the U.S. Survey, on the highest mountains near
Tejon Pass. The bark and leaves resemble the
white, and post oaks (Q. alba, and Q. obtuszloba.)
It is also closely allied to Q. Gambelii; but dit-
fers in the more acute and mucronate lobes of the
leaf, sessile cup, longer and more pointed acorn,
&

c.

He also exhibited specimens, and a drawing of
another species, supposed to be new. The name
Quercus arcoglandis, Kellogg, was given, or Spur
Acorn Oak. Leaves evergreen, coriaceous,
ovate-oblong, sub-cordate, slightly repand-tooth-

ed mucronate, margins recurved, sub-glabrous be-| jaw the shorter.

neath ; fruits sessile or sub-sessile, in pairs, and
solitary ; gland ovoid at base, point long, conic
sub-acuminate, mucronate ; cup sub-hemispheri-
cal, scales glabrous, ovate, obtuse, thin, closel
appressed, light chestnut color. Found by Col.

nsom, near ‘l'ejon Pass. This species resem-
bles the Q. oryadenia, Q. Emory, Q. agrifolia,
&c., but the leaves are less spinose than most of
our evergreen holly leaf oaks ; the veins beneath
are not prominent, the leaves are small, one inch
to an inch and a half long, petioles about one-
third the length, foliage dull green; cup flatter,
and its general characteristics less robust.

Dr.
Trichostema lanatum, or the Bu,

25

of bright, purplish lilac pubescence, and is withal
very fragrant. The very long arching and curl-
ing filaments like a lady’s curls, have given this
order the appropriate common name of Blue
Curls. In this species the curls extend out be-
yond the flower two inches or more. The public
=P indebted to Dr. Andrews for its introduction
ere.

Dr. Willard, of this city, presented specimens

of asphaltum found near Los Angeles. The

-thanks of the Academy were tendered for the

donation.

January 22, 1855.
Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Prof. S. F. Baird was elected an Honorary
Member of the Academy.

Mr. Geo. M. Green presented a very beautiful
specimen of the Great Egret Heron, Ardea egret-
ta, Gmel. shot by him near the Lake House.
The bird appears to be quite rare along this
coast. The thanks of the Academy were ten-
dered to Mr. Green for the donation.

Mr. Dosh of Shasta City presented specimens
of a Grass from the head waters of the Sacra-
mento, known there as Native millet; it was re-
ferred to Dr. Kellogg.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following de-
scriptions of fishes, with the specimens from
which they were drawn.

Leiostomus lineatus, Ayres—Form elongated,
compressed. Back gently arched, dorsal surface
of the head sloping, snout rounded. Greatest
depth contained a little less than four times in the
total length. Length of the head a trifle less
than the depth of the body.

Mouth received beneath the rounded snout,
the tip of the maxillary not quite reaching the
plane of the posterior border of the pupil, lower
Tecth fine, even and crowded in
both jaws, with similar stronger ones on the -pos-
terior portion of the pharyngeals; none on the
palatines or vomer. Upper jaw almost entirely
covered by the infra orbitals.

Scales thin, pectinate, rounded on the exposed
portion, truncate anteriorly, covering all parts of
the body and head except the throat, branchial
membrane and parts of the jaws.

Eyes nearly circular ; their diameter contained
a little more than five times in the length of the
head. °

Operculum ending in two concealed, flattened
points scarcely spinous. Posterior border of

. exhibited a drawing and specimen of | preoperculum minutely denticulate.
lue Curls. |

Lateral luie arching very gentiy for nearly half

This species, peculiar to California, is remarkable its lengti, running thence straight to the caudal

for its beauty, and worthy of the attention of our
florists. I1t is clothed with a velvet or buff coat, '

fin.
The first dorsal jin arising at a distance fr

om

26

the snout, equal to one-third of the length of the

fish not ineluding the caudal fin, has a height

half as great as the distance of its origin from
the snout. It is elevated in front, the rays be-
coming shorter posteriorly.

The second dorsal, continuous from the. first,
has its greatest height about two-thirds of that
of the first, the height diminishing. posteriorly.
The-united length of the dorsals is a little less
than half the entire length, of which the second
occupies somewhat the greater portion. The
rays of the first are feebly spinous, those of the
second little branched.

The anal arising a very little posterior to the
plane of the middle of the second dorsal, has its
~ Tength‘and height about equal, both being near-
a i same as the greatest height of the second

0 ~

The Pectorals are slender, pointed, their length
contained more than four times in their height,
which latter nearly equals the length of the first
dorsal.

The ventrals are pointed, the third ray pro-
jecting beyond the others in a filamentous tip,
making the height equal to that of the pectorals;
their insertion is posteridr to that of the pectorals.

The caudal is concave, its greatest height a
-» little more than that of the first dorsal.

D. 14. 1-20; A. 1-11; P. 1-17; V. 2-5; C. 16,
with accessories. ,

_ The ground color is a light grayish brown, be-
“coming silvery beneath; this is crossed by nu-

Brancliial aperture free, isthmus narrow, bran-
chial rays six. :

Lateral line curving a little downward for
three fourt!is of an inch, thence running straight
to the caudal fin, not conspicuous.

Scales minute, soft, not ciliate, covering the
whole body, and the cheeks anterior to the pre-
operculum, not extending on the fins.

. Teeth fine, even, and forming a single. row in
| the lower jaw, and on the anterior part of the
| palatines ; crowded on the intermaxillaries, those
of the outer row being a little larger than the
others; none on the vomer. Mouth of moderate
size, almost horizontal, the tip of the maxillary
{nearly reaching the plane of the ‘anterior border
: the pupil.

Opercular apparatus destitute of spines; oper-
culum ending in a flat, feeble, somewhat acute
point.

The dorsal fin, arising a little anterior to the
opercular angle, extends the entire length of the
back. . Its greatest height, at about one third of
the length of the fish, is not quite one half the
depth of the body; this height is maintained pos-
teriorily with very slight. decrease, anteriorly it
diminishes until the first rays become very short.
Rays all spinous, projecting with sharp points
above the membrane; the first two scarcely con-
nected by membrane with those succeeding; a mem-
brane extending from the last ray to the very
base of the candal fin. ‘

The anal fin, arising at a distance from the

merous, narrow, obliquely longitudinal, somewhat snout a little greater than one third the totai
waving lines of rich umber brown, giving a very length, does not quite reach the caudal. Height
pleasing appearance to the fish; these lines are about equalling that of the dorsal; rays articula-

but feebly traced on the head. The dorsal and
caudal fins are somewhat clouded, the others
lighter.

L. lineatus is apparently not very common.—
It is taken in the Bay of San Francisco, at near-
ly all seasons of the year, but never in great
numbers. It seldom exceeds eleven inches in

length. It is called by the fisherman, Corvena, |

Cognard, and Little Basse.

|
It is not very closely allied to any of the pre-!

viously described species of the genus.
Leptogunnellus gracilis, Ayres—Form com-
pressed, very indell ehieielbats the greatest depth
fat one fourth of the distance from the snout to
the tail) contained in the total length, twelve
times, diminishing thence very gradually each
way ; greatest thickness equal to half the depth;
length of the specimen described, eleven inches.
Head destitute of spines or fleshy ‘projectiohs,
forming a little less than one seventh of the total
length, flattened on the top, muzzle somewhat
pointed, lower jaw the shorter. Eyes near the
top of the head, approximated, elliptical, their
longitudinal diameter contained not quite ‘six
times in the length of the head, distant rather
more than their own length from the snout.

. ted, branched.
‘The pectorals, rounded, have their height a
‘little greater than the depth of the fish.

The ventralis are half as high as the pectorals,
a little anterior to which they are placed.

The caudal, rounded, scarcely equals the pecto-
rals in height. :

Dols ALSATSPSLE VFS HORS

In color this species is of a light greenish olive,
‘with numerous dark blotches in the form of nar-
row, irregular lines, extending over the batk, up-
‘per part of the sides, dorsal fin and caudal, on
which latter they constitute tolerably regular
transverse bands; lower portion lighter; irides
silvery. Entire fish translucent.

The grouping of characters here described in-
dicate a new generic division, closely allied to
Gunnellus, to be thus limited—

Lertocunnettus, Ayres—Body elongated,
much compressed: Forehead not abrupt. Mouth
.of moderate size. Small even teeth in the jaws
‘and on the palatines; vomer smooth. Dorsal rays
all spinous. Ventrals well developed. Branchial
aperture free.

L. gracilis is apparently rare. Buta single

‘specimen has yet been’seen, which was obtained

at a fish-stall; it had been taken in the Bay of
San Francisco.

San Francisco, Jan. 29, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Rey. I. S. Diehl deposited the skin of a Wild
Cat —Lyna rufus.

Mr. Eugene A. Upton presented a series of
fine specimens belonging to the Serpentine group,
consisting of tremolite, asbestos and chlorite
schist—also green stone trap and vitrious scoria.

The thanks of the Academy were tendered to
Mr. Upton for his valuable donations.

Dr. J. B. Trask exhibited a portion of the jaw
of a Mastodon, containing two molar teeth, found
near Columbia.

Dr. Kellogg presented sixty specimens of Cal-
ifornian and other plants ——also a drawing of na-
tive millet.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a specimen and drawing
of a Linariad considered new—it was found by
Dr. Andrews near Punta de los Reyes.

Antirrhinum vezillo-calyculatum, Kellogg.—Stem
erect, branching, extremities and branchlets long
filiform, pubescent, glandularly pilose, and slightly
viscous on all parts, (except stem and leaves be-
low,) leaves and branches opposite below, alter-
nate above; ovate acute at both ends, 3-nerved,
smooth sub-pubescent on long petioles below,
gradually diminishing above until sessile, subcor-
date and very minute. Flowers axillary on short
pennies; calyx 5-parted, upper division very
ge, leafy, ovate, acute, mucronate 3-nerved, as
long or longer than the flowers’ lower divisions,
two on each side, linear-lanceolate mucronate
(l-nerved) intermediate lateral divisions smaller
or sub-equal, as long as the tube; corolla person:
ate, palate very prominent, limb 5-parted, upper
lip reflexed, 2-parted, divisions oblong emargin-
ate, lower iP 3-parted, divisions obovate emar-
ginate, middle lobe largest, lateral lobes reflexed,
tube sub-cylindric, pubescent, gibbous at the base
on the lower side, pseudo-spur cempressed.

Stamens 4, inserted into the tube of the corol-
la, didynamous, included, filaments twisted com-
, kneed at the base, or ascending, glandu-
y pubescent above, anthers 2-celled, cells
aoe before expansion, afterwards reniform or

ivided,sub-lateral; style filiform;glandular pubes-
cent, stigma, 2-lobed, upper longer lobe beaked;
capsule 2-celled many-seeded, oblique at. base;
seeds oblong-ovate.

This ee is one of the Linariads of Lindley,
commonly known as Figworts, Snapdragons, or
Tond-flax &c. This description is taken from a
dried specimen, of which we have seen but one,
further examinations are needed to determine its
complete characters, our specimen has no mature

fruit. The peculiar ieafy division of the calyx
is about one third longer than the flower,
the tube about half an inch long, it appears
to be an annual plant, somewhat like flax.

Dr. KX. also repoated on the native Millet refer-
red to him, accompanied with a drawing and de-
scription.

This specimen furnished by Mr. Dosh of Shas-
ta is from the head valley of the Sacramento
River. It is remarkable-for its size, beg ten to
twelve feet high, bearing a head from ten inches
to one foot in length, dense clustered, and very
prolific. Horses and cattle eagerly devour it—
When we consider the great changes caused by
culture, there is no donbt but this will prove a
valuable acquisition to the farmer. It furnishes
the most wholesome food for birds; it also
abounds in farina to such an extent as to be ca-
pable of furnishing flour for domestic and_eco-
nomical purposes. It is quite similar to the S.
Ttalica and S. Germanica or Italian and German
Millets, the stalk with its large swelled jomts em-
wates the common Broom-Corn, the ripe grain
is shining with a light golden tinge.

Setaria californica, Kellogg.—Sheaths hirsute
and ciliate at upper point where the laminae first
embraces the stem; the compound paniculate
spike, cylindric, very long, erect, in heaped clus-
ters or spikelets; bristles in bundles, about four,
bearded upwards, three or four times longer than
the seed; valves three, two ovate concave sub-
equal 14 to 14 shorter than the seed (outer very
small,) 5nerved, rachis densely hirsute, seed chan-
nelled and slightly flattened on one side.

It is to be hoped flowering specimens will be
sent by our friends in that vicinity to enable us
to complete the description.

Dr. K. also exhibited a drawing and specimens
of the Dendromicon rigidum, or California Yel-
low Rose ‘Tree.

The comparatively recent discovery of this
beautiful flowering shrub in California, has elicit-
ed much interest among botanists, as forming a
connecting link between the Poppyworts and
Rock-roses.

Fees. 5, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Dr. H. Gibbons presented a specimen of Mag-
nesian Limestone from the border of the hills east
of Oakland.

Dr. Kellogg presented various native flower
seeds.

Mr. Geo. BE. Drew presented thirty six speci-
mens of earth &e., from an Artesian well at
Stockton four hundred feet in depth, illustrating
the stratification at that place. The thanks of
the Academy were voted for the donation.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and speci-

[rep 19.]

23

mens of the Olive,(Olea Ewropea,) with notes illus-
strative of its emblematic use in all ages.

This native Asiatic tree is well acclimated in
California, from San José, south at all the old
Missions ; these specimens were brought by Col.
L. Ransom of the ¥. 8. Survey, from San Fer-
nando.

Along our sea-coast declivities and sloping val-
lies where the soil is sweet, or free from stagnant
moisture, and mostly composed of caleareous and
granitic, or schistous and micaceous debris, com-
monly known as “flat gravel,” the olive is very
thrifty and prolific. It grows to the height of
twenty or twenty-five feet with a trunk of eight
or ten inches in diameter, and forms a picturesque
ornament to avenues, and out-grounds, as well as
in plantations: an eminent instance, among the
many that claim our notice, of the bountiful re-
sourees with which Providence has blessed our
State. No tree is more useful in every point of
view, than the olive—its extreme longevity—
graceful branches—evergreen foliage — close-
grained useful wood—rapidity of growth and
early maturity, yielding after the second year,
and bearing for ages—ease of propagation, by
simply planting a chip of the stump, or a cutting,
in short for unnumbered reasons, it cannot fail to
reccommend itself to the attention of the public.
There are several species, with some varieties in
the form of the fruit and foliage not necessary to
notice.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following: de-
scription (with thespecimen) of a Lamprey trom
this vicinity.

Petromyzon plumbeus, Ayres.—Form elonga-
ted, slender, sub-cylindrical anteriorly, compress-
ed posteriorly; length of the only specimen yet
observed, four inches and three fourths.

Hyes large, distant twice their own diameter
from the anterior border of the head; length of
the head, to the posterior margin of the orbit,
not quite one twelfth of the total length.

Branchial orifices small, circular, disposed in
nearly a straight line on each side, occupying a
space about equal to the distance from the ante-
rior one (which is near the eye) to the front of
the head.

Mouth provided with smooth fleshy lips, not
quite united posteriorly.

The appendages, commonly described as“teeth”
are only two, near the lips, one superior, and one
inferior, both elongated transversely. ‘The supe-
rior is low in the middle, and elevated to a point
at each end, causing it at first sight to appear
double’ The inferior is serrated, having eight or
nine smooth nearly even points. In the throat
is a partial, smooth, horny ring, or rather ridge.

The first dorsal fin arises a little nearer to the
tip of the caudal than to the front of the head ;
it is very low,arched,and has a length about equal-
ling one eighth of the length of the fish.

The second dorsal, separated from the first by
an interval equalling about half the length of
that fin, is at first low, rises toa height about
twice that of the first dorsal, then decreases until
at a point half an inch from the tip of the eau-
dal its height is very small, and continues nearly
evenly so through the remainder of the dorsal
space. At the extremity of the body, and in
all the region occupied in other species by the
anal, scarcely even the semblance of a fin can be
traced.

‘This species is of a plain, uniform lead eolor,
inclined to green, above; bright silvery beneath.

P. plunbeus is apparently quite distinct from
any previously recognized type of this genus.—
The only one from which it is not widely separa-
ted in the arrangement of the “teeth” is the large
species described as inhabiting the Columbia
River, P. tridentatus, Gaird. With any of the
HKuropean forms, or those found on the eastern
slope of this continent it is scarcely necessary to
compare it; the “teeth,” the fins, the colors, the
size distinguish it from tridentatus. It is un-
doubtedly always a small fish. ;

The specimen described was taken in the Bay
of San Francisco, in November 1854.

T have not been able, as yet, to ascertain the
occurrence of Lampreys in any of the rivers of
California.

A letter was received from the Royal Acade-
my of Sciences at Berlin, acknowledging the re-
ceipt of the first No, of the Proceedings of this
Academy; also a letter from Prof. Henry of the
Smithsonian Institution, promising to send to the
Academy a suite of Meteorological and Magnuet-
ic instruments.

On motion of Mr, Sloat, it was

Resolved, that the proposition of Dr. W. P.
Gibbons to deliver a course of Chemical Lee-
tures, in aid of the funds of the Academy, be ac-
cepted.

Mr. Heffly was elected Recording Secretary.

Frs. 12, 1855.
Cole L. Ransom Vice President, in the chair.
Dr. J. B. Trask, presented three specimens of
Naiades, with descriptions, from the Sacramento
River, and Lagoons.

Anodonta Randalli, Trask.—Shell, obtusel
triangular, rather thick, posterior margin alated,
attenuate, obtusely rounded, anterior margin
roundly-pointed, posterior margin sub-accuminate
near the line of the ventral margin, ventral mar-
gin nearly straight, slightly compressed along the
line of the edge laterally and internally, rather
acutely rounded at the posterior end, an elevated
ridge extends from the umbo to the posterior an-

le of the ventral margin, umbones much corro-
fied, rather indistinct, lateral ridge sub-acute and
rounded, becoming somewhat obsolete as it ap-
proximates the umbo, dorsal line arcuate inclu-

29

ding the ligament, lateral ridge of the shell form-
ing the chord of a circle equal to 105°, epidermis
rough, finely wrinkled anteriorly, very dark brown,
semi-opaque, surface of the shell often yery much
denuded.

Interior of the Valves. Muscular cicatrices
two, anterior deep and at times granulated, pos-
terior confluent, the cicatrices usually with raised
tumid edges; pallial line rather deep in old speci-
mens, rather indistinct posteriorly in young shells,
nacre opaque reddish brown, pearly, annual lines
imperceptible within, but distinct externally, in-
ternal cavity deep, cavity of the umbo deep ;
Length three and one tenth inches, Breadth one
and four tenths, Diameter one and two tenths.

The habitat of this Shell is the Sacramento
and San Joaquin Rivers. I have not found it at
any poine north of the confluence of the Feather
with the former stream. The shell is not plenti-
ful, as one only was obtained during three days
dredging ; it is difficult to obtain good specimens,
or even any considerable number, from the fact
that the Indians place a high value on them, their
use being the manufacture of ornaments for their
persons.

I have some hesitancy in placing this shell with
the genus Anodon, since there is in some
specimens, the semblance of a rudimentary tooth.
In the majority of shells which have come under
my observation, this characteristic is wanting or
at least so obscurely defined as to render it ex-
tremely difficult to determine the point with any
degree of certainty. I have never seen the ani-
mal but once, and that was in sucha state of
decomposition as to render any diagnosis from
this source of no value. I have, from these cir-
cumstances placed this shell in the genus Anodon
until such time as there are more evidences for
its removal than are now in our possession. A spe-
cimen of this species is in the cabinet of Col. L.
Ransom, from the upper San Joaquin, which
measures three and eight tenths inches in length
and one and seven tenths in height—it is the lar-
gest that has yet been taken in our waters.

Anodonta triangularis, Trask.— Shell, thin, con-
tour nearly triangular, inequi-lateral, equi-valved,
compressed ; anterior margin truncated; ventral
margin nearly straight for the central half of its

; valves slightly compressed near the ven-
ral margin producing a flattened elevation on
the inner disks; posterior extremity obtusely
rounded ; dorsal margin elevated into a high con-
nate wing; beaks nearly obsolete; epidermis
com in young and dark brown or nearly
in old specimens ; annual lines somewhat
prominent externally, raised on the inner disks ;
pallial line entire ; cavity of the valves shallow ;
nacre white, slightly iridescent ; dorsal ligament
strong ; valves closed. Length three and three
tenths, Height two and two tenths, Diameter
seven tenths.

The habitat of this Shell is the Sacramento
River, and it has not to my knowledge been found
above the American Fork. It is seldom seen by
the fishermen engaged on that stream, notwith-
standing high prices have been offered for them ;
within 18 months { have procured three speci-
mens only. ‘The outline of this shelt alone would
separate it from the lake specimens, which are
found in great abundance.

Anodonta rotundovata, Vrask.— Shell inequi-lat-
eral, compressed; umbo rather flat; dorsal line
straight; projection of the epidermis above the
dorsal line arcuate, horny and brittle; anterior
margin rounded ; ventral margin regularly arch-
ed and smooth; dorsal margin elevated into a
high connate wing; darkish brown colored line
surrounding all the margins ; muscular impression
rather indistinct; posterior cicatrice confluent ;
pallial line small but easily perceptible, conform-
ing to the marginal border ; epidermis yellowish
brown, polished, finely corrugated near the mar-
gins and becoming darker ; substance of shell
thin; annual lines transverse, elevated exteriorly
and perceptible on the disk; cavity of the beak
shoal ; nacre bluish white, pearly, at times mot-
tled with yeilowish spots. Length three and six
tenths inches, Height one and nine tenths, Diam-
eter seven tenths. ‘

This shell is found in the lagoons of the Sacra-
mento Valley; but has not to my knowledge
been taken in the river. ‘lhe plates were drawn
from an adult specimen; it differs from the pre-
ceding species in its general contour,in being more
expanded between the dorsal line and ventral
margins,and in the much greater acuteness of that
line, with the projection of the epidermis beyond,
as delineated in the figure. ‘The arched form of
the ventral margin in this specimen, and the
roundness of the anterior, compared with those
of the A. triangularis, will separate it from that
shell.

Dr. Winslow, exhibited two embryonic speci-
mens of aspecies of Shark-Ray, inclosed in the
ege-case.

Dr. H. Gibbons exhibited specimens of the
Redwood and the Mammoth Tree, with the cones
of both, showing the analogy between them, and
the propriety of placing them in the same Genus
viz: Taxodium. 'The Genus Wellingtonia, which
Lindley had framed for the gigantic tree of Cal-
ifornia, was at best, named in bad taste. If the
name of a hero, unknown to science, were at all
appropriate for a genus of plants, an American
hero, might easily have been found, to give a
name to the giant of the American forest. But
there is not likely to be any difficulty about the
name, as Dr. Torrey and other botanists, both at

‘
3

home and abroad, now concur in abolishing the
new genus, and placing the so called Welling-
tonia gigantea in the old genus Taxodium, re-
taining the specific name g7gantewn.

Dr. H. G, also presented specimens of Trillium,
Asarum, and other plants, from Alameda county.

Col. R. D. Cutts presented the skin of a Fox.

Messrs. Ellery & Doyle presented an antiqua-
ted work on Natural History, published at Ed-
inburgh, in the last century.

Fes. 19, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom, Vice Président, in the chair,

Col. R. D. Cutts, of the U. 5S. Coast Survey
was elected corresponding member.

H. G, Bloomer, Wm. Heftly, Dr. A. Kellogg,
were elected Library Committee.

Donations. Report of the Smithsonian Insti-
tute, for 1854, presented by the Institute.

Dr. Behr, presented a species of Nepa.

Dr. J. B. Trask, read the following paper on a
new species of Alasmodon, from the Yuba Riy-

er. He also presented three specimens of the
shell.

Alasmodon. Yubaensis, 'Trask.—Shell, thick,
transyersely elongate; umbones low, situated
rather below the line of the hinge margin, and
near the middle of the anterior third, very much
eroded, hinge and ventral margin unequally cury-
ed, shell broader before than behind, anterior
margin nvuly and regularly rounded, slightly
obtuse below, dorsal margin and ligament rather
flatly arched, (in young shells the dorsal line from
the end of the ligament posteriorly is often angu-
late) posterior margin obtuscly rounded in ma-
ture specimens, its superior portion comprising the
posterior third truncated, or but very slightly
arched ; of the valves thick anter.orly and
rounded, thin fends and rather sharp, slight-
ly everted, shell gaping at both ends, (in young

imens the valves at the posterior end are
closed) broader before than behind, considerably
inflated from the umbones along its posterior slope,
Fy ae nealy black, opaque, smooth toward
the beaks, rather roughly corrugated from the
middle of the disks to the margins, surface undu-
lated with annual lines of growth. Wath,
smooth ; color lilac-greenish and iridescent poste-
riorly; rayed upon the surface beyond the pallial
aig oe seen by direct or transmitted light ; car-
inal teeth one in each valve, erect, that in the
right valve sub-connate, bluntly rounded at the
apex, grooved on the upper part, pitted at the
posterior base, tooth in left valve erect, flat,

sub-triangulate, three small oblique grooves u
ita upper surface producing denticulations

0

on the edge; five small transverse grooves on the
under surface; tooth sub-acutely pointed; pallial
line impressed anteriorly, obsolete posteriorly ;
anterior cicatrices distinct, deep, posterior conflu-
ent, shoal; nacre not extending to the margins,
leaving a narrow border surrounding the latter ;
a somewhat tumid elevation of the shell between
the pallial line and margin anteriorly. Length,
four and five twentieths inches; height, one and
six tenths; breadth, one.

The habitat of this shell is the Yuba River,
and the specimens on which this description is
based were taken from that stream about forty
miles above its confluence with the Feather, by
Hon. C. E. Lippincott, from whom they were
procured. The shells are somewhat abundant, and
have often been found at considerable depths in-
bedded in the gravel drift of that stream. There
are shells of this genus in many of the running
streams of this country, but thus far there seems
but little diversity in the species, with the excep-
tion perhaps of the more northern rivers.

This shell represents A. arcuata, of the
Atlantic coast, but differs from that shell as de-
scribed by Dr. Gould, and also from the descrip-
tion of Dr. DeKay. The particulars which
separate it from the Atlantic species are the fol-
lowing: A. arcuata, has two cardinal teeth in
the left valve; our species has but one, or even
a denticulation on that valve that could be eon-
sidered even rudimentary. The form in the one
is pyramidal and has from three to five grooves,
while the California shell is flat and sub-triangu-
late, having scarcely three distinct grooves. upon
its surface, which is a constant character—
The tooth in the right valve is erect and has no
twist as that described in the Atlantic species.

The beaks in our species are situated near
the middle of the anterior third, and their sum-
mits are below the line of the hinge margin, and
itis much broader beforethan behind; the color of
the inner disks being so distinct from that of the
Atlantic species, and the rays visible on the in-
ner surface beyond the pallial line, are sufficient
with the above to separate our shell from those
east of the Rocky Mountains.

The difference of climate and the space of a
broad continent between, would have the effect
to produce wide differences in specific character
of allied genera. I therefore consider this spe
cies as undescribed. and have selected th
name of the stream from which it was taken,
for its specification.

The corresponding secretary, read a letter from
Dr. D. W. Hatch of Sacramento, in which he
promises a copy of his Meteorological Journai,
and one from Prof. Nooney, dated at Washing-
ton, recommending the Society to send copies of

the Bulletin, to the Smithsonian Institute for ex-
change with foreign scientific bodies.

31

Fes, 26, 1855. | previded witha firm row of teeth, likethose on the
~{vomer but smaller. In the lower juw four or five
strong cunine.teeth in tront, similar to those above
and interlocking with them as the mouth closes ;
all the jaw posterior to these filled with strong
molar teeth. ~Pharyngeals with. small, rounded
teeth.

Lips loose: aud fleshy. Nostrils nearer to the
eye than to the snout.

Opercular apparatus: without spines or proces-
ses. of any kind ;. operculum yery thin, almost
membranous. -Isthmus broad; branchial aper-
ture equalling in- extent the distance from the
snout to the nosterior border of the orbit.
Skin smooth, with a:somewhat copious mucous
-secretion. Seales minute, reunded oblong, im-
‘bedded in the skin, not-imbricate, scarcely visible
‘without close examination, becoming less abun-
dant anteriorly, and:entirely disappearing before
reaching the peetoral fins; all anterior to this be-
ing scaleless.

No trace of a lateral line.

Dorsal, anal, and caudal finsentirely contiuous.

The dorsal fin, arising almost at the back ot
‘the head, continues to increage for nearly a fourth
of its leneth,attaining thus a height equal to the
depth of the head of the fish. ‘ “A little posterior
to this the elevation becomes less, and the fin
gradualiy decreases in height. until, near the cau-
dal extremity, it has only one third of its. great-
est elevation.

The engl fin, arising. at asdistance from the
hb, DAG ee ‘ snout, a little .greater than, one...fitth of the. total
_ ; spect.of a Fritillaria, which, was Feferred to Dr. length, is epee to the..dorsal in, form, , aving,

Kellogg and Dr. Andrews for examination. | in most parts, about two, thirds the height of that
_ Dr. Wm. 0. Ayres presented. a specimen rep-| fin. The rays at the, extremity of the, body,
» em@esenting a new..generic type, among:fishes;, with| which represent. of course the,.caudal. fin, are
«2 the following: description. about equal to the longestways of the.anal.. ‘The
. Anarrhichthys ocellatus, Ayres.—Form much tics = oon ae and Se eae ar pepe wes
Gwe illiform, the greatest}branched.. {Fhose of the dorsal arc single, no
“aa aotceelgis of the Horeal fa): contained | articulated, flexible ; the point at: which these sim.
.)s nimeteen - times in: the--length3 the thine _ at| ple rays join the articulated rays of the caudal
the same point, trifle greater than half the
~ «depth; the depth-hecoming constantly less and
“ieAeaay until the body~-terminates in a point-at t!

_ caudal extremity.

» toy Head-com d, with the dorsal outline even-

. Dr. Kellogg in the chair.
- Dr.. Andrews. presented., for the,Library; two.
___.welumes of Congressional: Documentsyrelating to
_ California, of the dates of 1849, and 1850.
»- Dr..Kellogg exhibited a-drawing, and ,speci-
mens, of a. yariety of Loncera Calzfornica, or
- o California Yellow. Honeysuckle.
“= The specimens - were found at the Mission-of
'~ San Antonio, by Dr. Andrews. iy
__. Wine twining,.all,,parts,glabrous,leaves ovate
_«,waneronate, distinct,.upper ones not ;connate-per-
_., »foliate; one inch, to an,inch and a.half long, pet-
..» doles about an. eighth. of,.an inch, without,stipuli-
form appendages; peduncle.and, rachis. neither
hispid nor glandular, tube of the corolla aseend-
. ing, conspicuously. gibbous at the base on. the
__. Jower side, about the length of the deeply 2:lipped
~. limb; ovaries not.glandular, in all other. respects
~~ the same as L. Calzfornica.
+The Yellow Woodbine or. Honeysuckle above
, « deseribed, and the Red or Rose-colored, L:.hispz-
dula, are both foupd in this State. ‘They. furnish
very desirable rural ornaments at only the cost,
or comfort,of a pleasant.walk.. Why not-associate
_ with a happy home another delightful: object to
. « thrill and refine the heart of humanity.
Mr. Bloomer presented a plant, having: the as-

the fin. The, junction, ef the «anal, dinda¢audal
cannotso readily-be,determined, as theraysof both
are articulated.

batt? gyn

»@ -of-three-or-four, smaller but of similar form; and egantly mottled swith light ‘ashy “grey and'dark

aha nies-extending -back; all of these. are on| blotches,,which.cover thaoheed ad-andybody. They

_ the intermaxillaries, The entire anteriox orton onan tee upon the dors iy et bay.
Aaa

. ic
womer covered swith-w,mass-of large, close: | bears 1 remarkable row of large, i arp-
set, roundedy-grinding teeth. Hach palatine bone} ly defined ooellations: these are of such Sze as

is not. marked by-any-depréssion‘in'the outline of

32

to occupy about half the height of the fin, each
consisting of a light ring enclosing a much dark-
er space. At about the middle of the length,
these rings (in one specimen) become blended,
forming thence a black band with a light line
above and below it which extends to the caudal.
The anal is dark brown, (black near the tail) with
a border almost white in its whole lengh.

These notes of the coloring are taken from a
young specimen only twenty two inches long.—
In another, fifty two inches in length, the colors
though not essentially different were less brilliant.

We find here grouped the arched head, the
mouth, the remarkable dentition, the branchial
aperture, the surface, the scales, the structure of
the fins, belonging to Anarrhicas. But they are
associated with an eel-like elongation of body and
a corresponding complete union of the vertical
fins, which must remove it from that genus. The
fish has in fact, at the first glance (excepting the
head) much the aspect of a Muraena. Its gener-
ic features may be thus stated.

Anarruicutays, Ayres.—Head smooth, arch-
ed, obtuse. Body very much elongated. Scales
small. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins united—
Canine teeth in the front of the jaws; blunt, rownd-
ed teeth on the vomer and palatines and in the
lower jaw ; none onthe superior maxillavies. No
ventral fins.

A. ocellatus is apparently rare. Only two spe-
cimens have yet been seen, which by a singular
coincidence were brought into the market within
two days of the same time. None of the fisher-
men had seen the species previously. The stom-
ach of the larger specimen contained fragments
of a Sea-Urchin, apparently a Cidaris, so that
their habits appear to be like those of the species
of Anarrhicas. -Both specimens were taken in
the Bay of San Francisco.

Marca 5, 1855.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the chair.

A valuable collection of fossil shells was pre-
sented in the name of Dr Antisell from Santa
Margarita. The thanks of the Academy were
voted for the donation.

of the head, contained in the total length not
quite six times. -Dorsal outline gently arching
from the dorsal fin to the snout. Head subquad-
rangular in transverse section ; elongated in front
of the eye, so that the distance from the eye to
the border of the operculum on its own plane, is
contained nearly twice in the distance from the
eye to the tip of the snowt. Length of the eye
about one fifth of the length of the head.

Nostrils almost immediately anterior to the
eyes; the posterior aperture much the larger,
oval, covered by a large crescentic valve from its
anterior border.

Mouth large and very protractile, the pedicels
of the intermaxillaries being long and the tissues
lax. Lips quite large and thick, papillose, the
papillae imperfectly arranged in rows; the pos-
terior lip deeply lobed.

Lateral line nearly straight, curving but slight-
ly downward near its origin. From its anterior
extremity two rows of tubes diverge ; one pas-
ses directly across, on the line separating the head
and body, till it meets the tube from the opposite
side; the other passes forward, and quickly di-
vides into two branches, one running along the
supraorbital space and tgrminating at the nasal
cavity, and the other curving down and passing
along the suborbital bones in their whole length,
These rows of tubes are quite prominent. ~

Scales largest on the posterior portion of the
body, quadrangular, longer than high, with nu-
merous radiating furrows. Sixty four scales
along the course of the lateral line, and eleveu
above it in an oblique Jine at the origin of the
dorsal fin.

Dorsal fin, trapezoidal in form, arising at a
point eqitidistant from the snout and the base of
the caudal fin. Its length, which is a little lesa
than its height, is equal to the length of the head
anterior to the preopercular border. ‘the fourth
ray, unbrauched, is the highest, the first two be-
ing very short ; the last ray has a little more than
half the height of the fourth. '

The ventrals, rounded, arisin posterior to the
middle of the dorsal, havea height not quite
equalling the length of that fin. :

The anal, somewhat acutely rounded, with a

A letter from Mr. Philip B. Carpenter of | height equal to the length of the head, is separa-

London, to the Rev. Mr. Cutler of this city, was
read, asking for authentic information or ex:
change of specimens in illustration of the Mol-
lusea of California.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented specimens of the
following fishes—Ophiodon elongatus, Gir., Lep-
togunnellus gracilis, Ayres ; Scorpaenichthys mar-
moratus, Girard; and Catostomus labiatus, Ayres,
with a description of the last mentioned species.

Catostomcs LABratus,—Ayres.

Form elongated, fusiform, somewhat compress-

ed. Greatest depth, which is equal to the length

ted from the ventrals by a space nearly equal to
its own height. The fifth and sixth rays are

highest, the first very short. This fin overlaps

the caudal for more than a third of its height.

Pectorals rounded, their height equalling that
of the anal.

Caudal concave, the central rays only a little
more than half as high as the external, which
about equal to the anal. :

D. 3-12; V. 2-10; P. 17; A. 2-7: O. 18, with
six accessories.

Color dark blackish brown above, becoming —
lighter on the sides, and white beneath. j

C2? J
us

C. labiatus must be rather rare as but a single
apecimen has yet been observed; it was taken at
Stockton, was seventeen and a half inches in
length. It was brought to market in company
with a number of C. cccedentalis, from which it
was not distinguished by the fisherman who call
them both Sucker.

We knew in California, previous to the discov-
ery of this species, but one representative of the
genus Catostomus, C. occidentalis, Ayres. By a
somewhat singular coincidence this latter had
been described by Prof. Aggassiz (Am. Jour.
Se. and Arts, Vol. 19, p. 94,) and by myself
(Proc. Cal. Ac. Nat. Se. Voy. 1, p. 18, under
the same specitic name, at almost the same time,
but the reading of my paper and the publication
of our Proceedings have priority by a lew days.
Prof. Agassiz’ account of course did not reach us
till several weelis later.

From C. occidentalis, the present species is
distinguished by the following characters—the
head, anterior to the eyes, is more elongated ; the
centre of the eye is decidedly nearer to the !ower
xngle of the subopercle than to the anterior edge
of the upper lip; the mouth is larger, the lips
thicker ; the opercle and subopercle are smaller ;
the dorsal fin is situated further back, and is
smaller, its length being less than one seventh ot
the length to the tip of the central caudal rays ;
the pectorals are larger; and the analis much
more developed.

From C. communis it differs in the greater
length of the head. the larger mouth, the thicker
Nips, the form of the dorsal, and the greater de-
velopment of the anal; and from C. Bostoniensis
in nearly the same points.

-To Lesueur's C. aureolus it has much resem-
blance, but from that it is now generically sepa-
rated, as in the recent revision of the old genus
Catostomus by Prof. Agassiz, awreolus is inclu-
ded in the genus Ptychostomus.

¢ Ina paper read by me before the Academy
some months since, the remark was made that fur-

_ ther investigations in our Californian fauna would
» | probably show a necessity for many modifications
» among existing genera. In the present species
_ + we have a partial illustration of the truth of this.
- Inthe revision of this group of fishes already
+ mentioned, Prof. Agassiz after much study has
_ set forth the characters which in his judgment
_ should indicate generic divisions, attaching much
{though not undue) importance to the inferior

_ pharyngeal bones and the teeth upon them. In
the arrangement thus proposed by him, the spe-

. gies now under consideration belongs evidently to
+» Catostomus proper. And yet we find the pharyn-
+ geal teeth (but not the pharyngeal bones them-
» » elves) much more nearly corresponding to those
of Ptychostomus. ‘They increase in a very even

* manner from above downward, so that those of
the middle of the arch are not “already of the

same cast as those of the lower part of the eomb,’’
in fact they do not assume that cast till quite
near the lower part. We find “the inner edge of
the lower ones square,” while in the middle and
upper ones the inner margin rises into a rather
sharp cusp. Still the body of the bone is that
of Catostomus and we have thus a blending of
the characters of the two genera.

Without question other types of this group of
fishes will yet be discovered on this side of the
mountains. Quite a remarkable representative
of the Chondrostomi was fouud by the U. S. Ex-
ploring Expedition, under Capt. Wilkes in the
Columbia River. It is Acrocherlus alutaceus,
Agass. und Pick.

Marcu, 12, 1855.

Dr. Ayres in the chair.

Dr. Antisell was elected a Corresponding
Member, and Mr. Julius Froebel a Resident
Member.

On motion it was ordered

That copies of the proceedings of the Acade-
my be furnished to the San Francisco Journal,
to be published in the German language.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and speci-
mens of Arabis Llepharophylla, or Cal Purple
Rock-cress.

This beautiful purple flowered Rock-cress, as
its common name implies, is only found in rocky
localities. It has been supposed to be from the
interior of this State, but it is found abundantly
on the rocky peaks of mountains and high hills
in this vicinity, and along the coast; this habit of
growing on high hills has also obtained for it, the
names of Purple Alpine Wall Flower, &c.,

It is a perennial cruciferous plant: 4 to 6 in-
ches high, the flower stem rising from a cluster
of radical leaves, obovate-spatulate; those of the
stem oblong, sessile, all toothed and nsked, ex-
cept the margins, which are ciliate with simple
or forked white hairs; the hairs on the calyx ste}
late, petals purple, ebovate, crenate on slender
claws &e.

For ornamental purposes this plant is superior
to many of our cultivated species.

Dr. Ayres presented the following description
of a new iehthyic type, together with s specimen
of the species described.

MyYLopHaRopon -RopustUs, Ayres.

Form, elongated, fusiform, compressed; ven-
tral outline more arched than the dorsal; dormad
outline ascending without curvature from the

34

snout to the nape, thence arching very slightly,
the line of union of the head and body not mark-
ed by any: depression or change of form. The
greatest depth contained not quite-five times in
the total length. Length of the head a. little
- greater than the depth of the body., Depth of
the head at the plane of the eyes equal to the
distance of the same plane fromthe snout.

Mouth oblique, gape tolerably free, the plane
of the tip of the maxillary passing, about mid-

+ way between the nestrils and the eye. Lower
jaw the shorter. Lips smooth, a little loose and
_ «fleshy, not corrugated. Hach jaw provided with

a firm, thickened layer, placed along the inner bor-

der of the lip; this layer is narrow, and becomes

more attenuated_as.it passes back along the jaw

_ until, before reaching the angle of the mouth, it

‘terminates; it is whitish, with a slight tendency

_ to plication transversely ; its connection with the

~- mucous membrane both of the roof ofthe mouth,

~ and of the lips is feeble, so that it-is quite easily

detached ; it corresponds to the lips, of the Suck-

ers, though the -structure of the mouth is not at

all like. that of these fishes. No traces of, bar-
~~ hbels are discernible.

Eyes very nearly circular, their diameter con-
tained a little move than seyen times in the length
of the head.

Posterior aperture, of the nostrils much the

~ Jarger, nearly eireular,- covered by a crescentic

flap from its anterior border.

_ ‘Lhe posterior superior and;posterior, inferior

borders of the operculum meet at nearly.a right

angle, but as the suaboperculum continues the bor-

- der of the opercular-apparatus from this point,

us this: border_becomes nearly acregular curve, only
/ stightly. angulated.

_ Scales of-moderate; size, not:,varying;much in
dimensions on different. parts of the body, about
“eighty two along the course of lateral line, and

seventeen in-an oblique line above it-atthe origin

» © of the dorgal:finz»: Seales oval, net much angula-
...ted;.concentric lines very, fines, radiating. lines

_. of the posterior portion, numerous, encroaching
~* ‘somewhat on the lateral portions. Those form-

> ding the lateral line have the tube~commencing
«qnear itheir anterior:horder.

» Thexdorsal-fin, trapezoidal-in:-form,. arises ata
«point, alittle nearer tothe snout .than to the tip
of the central caudal rays. Its length is equal.

to the depth of the head at the plane of the pu-;

ils its:height is a little greater, the-fourth ray

smooth igrinding:surface :they-anee:

1of the dorsal- reach. The:fourth ray, .branched,
is the highest, the first being very short.

The pectorals;, rounded, have a height equal to
the distance-from the -origin-of the.:ventrals to
that of the anal.

The caudal is beautifully waved on-its:posteri-
or margin, each lobe being convex. The-height
of the central: rays is half thatof they,external.

D. 3-8; A. 2-8; V.1-9;. P17; ©. 19 with
eight, or nine accessories.

Color dark greenish brown above, becoming -
‘lighter on the sides, abdomen white.

Lateral line convex downward; passing _ nearer
to the ventral fin-than to the -dorsal.. A similar
row of tubes is continued forward from- u per
angle of the branchial: aperture, descends, behind
the eye, turns forward: beneath it, and oecupica
the entire length of the chain of'suborbital bones.
Another row, imperfectly manifest, crosses the
top of the head; at its line of, junction with the
body.

M. robustus: appears to be by no means: com-
mon. Itis-bypought to market: from the San
Joaquin, in: company with Gila grandis: from
which it is not wre Jato by the: fishermen,
both being sold under the singularly inappropriate
name of Salmon Trout. It has in fact much re-
semb]ance in external characters to that species,
though the body is stouter, and the head relative-
ly larger not being concave on its dorsal surface
and as it were separated from the body. Yn con-
tour it is quite likethe Dace of the Connceticut
River, (Leuciseus: pulchellus; Storer.) But it is.
readily removed’ from these species, and: from
every other Oyprinoid -hitherto:deseribed, by the —
structure of the teeth on the inferior -pharyngeal
bones. ‘The bones: themselves are short, strongly
curved, and very stout; somewhat, resembling in
form those of L. + pulchellus already’ mentioned,
though much more:rebust than those of any oth-
er Californian»type of this-family. ‘The~teeth
arearranged in two rows... Thoseof the external
row.are: four, (in-somecinstances: five) .dnunamber,
‘remarkably~thick and strong, -xather:shontj each
| prowided with a broad:enamelled erowawhich is
truneateobliquely inward; thus-affordingvadlarge

the erowns ncarly:touching»each: otherss ‘The in.
ner: row-is:but.an imperfect. one; consistingyet two
teeth, ora the: most:three;:which.anesmalty with
their: crowns: blunt, -but-not:truneatesasmin the
outer row.

We; find in:this: formation ansintenmediate

Fwhich is simple; articnlated) being the: highest
oi» and. just double the;height, of; the, last ray ; the| condition~ -betweenxthat: of: the-,epensmeuthed
_ first two.rays are very. short. | Oyprinidae, andsthat~ofi: the tribe.of Gatestomi,
~~"The ventrals, arising a little in advance of the} We have. they pharyngealsy¢besmallyamber of
dorsal, which they equal in height, are rounded: cack a
Their,tip does. not. quite reach the,vent. oq represent thesformerjavhilenwe have alserthe ab-
- ‘The anal, similar.to the dorsal in»form, isa pruptly truncatedssummits which.occur iu the lat-
evlittle tess in bothJength.,andheight. » Jt avisesa/ ter, | And-ngapethendllestrationofi Q
ety little in, advance of, the,point:to, which, thes rays aa the Catostomi »we ditivecthe thiekened de-
March 12,]

— <

“8h

posite along the lips. One feature not yet indi-
cated allies this type to the first mentioned tribe
—the presence of the pair of slender bones sus-

ded beneath the interbranchial series for the
attachment of the muscles which separate the in-
ferior pharyngeals; these bones appear to be
wanting in all the Catostomi.

A new generic division therefore seems needed,
for which the characters specified suggest the
name.

MytopHaropon, Ayres.

Scales, fins, and lateral line very similar to
those of Lavinia. Mouth rather large. Lips
not corrugated. A thickened deposite, slightly

- rugose along the inner surfuce of each lip. Pha-

ryngeal teeth in two rows ; those of the outer row
blunt, truncate abruptly.

The position which this genus must occupy
has been already shown.

It may here be stated that for the fish with
which this is associated in name by the fishermen,
the one already described by me as Gila grandis,
@ new genus must presently be constructed.

M. robustus attains a weight of six to eight
pounds, being thus the second in size of the Cal-
ifornia Cyprinidae with which we are yet acquain-

ted.

The following communication was received
from Dr. Antisell :

I take the liberty of submitting to the Acade-
my of Natural Sciences of San Francisco, the
accompanying fossils derived from San Luis Obis-
po County: they are found occupying a very ex-
tensive tract of country, not being confined to
the above named county, but well marked there
and having made a more close investigation of
the extent of their distribution in the Valley of
Santa Margarita, I am better enabled to local-
ize them and I present a rough diagram, giving
a section of that Valley. The trail through
from the Salinas Valley to the town of San Luis
Obispo passes along this valley whose western
limit:is the range of the Coast Mountains, and
its eastern, the Salinas river from which it is sep-
arated by a low granite range—when this section
is made, the distance between these two points is
about.nine miles. The ‘Valley lies to the Kast-
ward and is about 1000 feet above sea level: the
strata are very much contorted and bent by au-
giticand magnesian (Talcose) rocks which are
protruded ina few places and since which the
whole surface has been smoothed down and denu-
ded by current-actions. The rocks on. the west
sideof the Valley are sandstones, grits and con-
glomerates ‘having a general dip to N. West,

ing from 20° to 50°, intersected. by Fels-
Sathic, Amygdaloid, and Augitic trap which are

the elevating agents of the littoral range of hills
On the East of the Valley as stated is a granitic
axis upon which the sandstone conglomerate rests
conformably, although the beds have, by no
means the same thickness as upon the west side;
upon those beds of sandstone just mentioned re-
pose the fossiliferous layers, from which they
are separated by a few feet of aluminous rocks,
with lamellar, flinty layers, presenting in some
parts a distinct onyx-lamina: this layer as it is a
constant one, is that which indicates alike the
position of the fossiliferous bed, and the intruding
effects of the trap rocks ; the fossil beds always
rest upon this layer, and in some places are not
more than four feet apart fromit. Itis the
western limit which this bed forms, for I have
not found it appear in the eastern side.

The fossiliferous beds dip generally eastward
or south-east, and have no defined synclinal axis,
but repose conformably on the subjoined flinty
bed. These beds in a few cases occupy the low-
er portion of the Valley, but at its southern ex-
tremity, it is elevated and forms the low, rounded
whitish hills which are so prominent a feature in
the landscape. ‘They occupy a width in the Val-
ley from 34 to nearly 3 miles and haying a direc-
tion of N.10° W. (Magnetic.) ‘The total thick-
ness of these beds, I do not think exceeds 450
feet and may be conveniently divided into four
beds, beginning at the bottom of the Series.

1. Bed. Reposing on the flinty layers—about
200 feet thick a fine whitish sandstone with lay-
ers of Ostrea interstratified; theseshells are general
ly in layers from 2 to 4 feet thick and connected
together by a calcareous paste including fine grains
of rounded quartz pebble. The sample of oyster
which I forward isa fair specimen of the size
and form, though not by any means the largest ;
the largest I have seen measured 14 inches long,
by seven inches wide, the great weight of these
shells is an objecticn to their transport; the thick-
ness the under shell attains is remarkable, 6 inches
in some cases. I send a portion of an upper shell
to show a characteristic which exists in many
though not all the specimens, viz: the thickness
of the process near the hinge. I have not a
work by me to name this shell, and Iam not fa-
miliar with it as fossil. I think I have two oth-
er species well marked.

The 2nd bed lies above the first from which it
is separated by quartz grit—it contains a mass
of broken shells forming’ a calcareous mass and
layers of oyster and Pecten—the Pectens are
large, rarely perfect, and when so, in such a soft
condition that it isdifficult to preserve them,—
Some specimens resemble closely the Pecten Ja-
cobzeus ; this varies from 70 to 85 feet in thick-
ness.

. The 3d bed varies from 60 to 90 feet thick, is
made up-almost completely of the white calcare-
ous cement and quartz pebble; the fossils in it

36 -

are Ostrea, and an Echinoderm, 2 Cidaris or Spa-
tangus, I think the latter ; these last are the
characteristic of this layer, for I have not found
the Echinoderm in the lower beds—the speci-
mens yary in size from 14 inch to 144 inches
‘across, and are variously marked upon the sur-
face. J have ascertained four distinct species of
them, some of these specimens especially those
from Rio Estrello, perhaps belong to the radiate
family, in the upper layers of this, Pecten again
occurs, with an occasional Cardium and 'Terebra-
tula and a bivalve mollusc, either “Mya” or
“Unio”—Astarte modiolus, and Belemnite.
\The 4th bed is a soft brown sandstone which
possesses some layers hardened and perforated by
molluses.

Such are the beds as they exist in San Luis
Obispo Co., and Santa Margarita. The farthest
point north (the 1st point) where I observed them
was on-the San Antonio, near its head and the

_ farthest point I have observed it, is the the south
limit of the county, as Lhave not followed it
into Santa Barbara. Its western limit is the
littoral range of the Coast Mountains. I give
this term to the most westerly of the many chains
which receive the name of Coast Range : towards
the east it is found passing into Tulare County,
and extending to the foot of that chain which is
known as the extension of the Sabilan or Mt.
Diabolo range. In this course it is not continu-
ous, but is broken and uplifted by the chains and
separate hills which occur in passing east, and in
some places fine sections are exposed, such
occurs in the Panza hills alone the Estrella
River from which the best specimens were obtain-
ed. The hills from which the Santa Maria de-
rives its supplies of water, expose these beds on
their foot ranges.

Independent of the character of the fossils,
there are two points of interest connected with
these beds.

1st. They lie conformably upon the granite
upheaved, which lies beside the Salinas river—
they are older than the granite.

2nd. They lie east of the littoral range; all the
beds on the west side of this latter chain are more
recent than these on the east. They were not
uplifted at that period, and the depth probably
greater than could sustain those animals.

I am inclined to look upon these as Early Eo-
cene shells. hey closely resemble cretaceous
fossils and had I found Ino certmus among them,
Ishould not have hesitated. It is not easy to
compare American specimens with Huropean, as
the species differ ; if they be Eocene fossils, the
beds of sandstone below belong to the same peri-
od, and those occupy a thickness of 2,200 feet;
they are all of marine origin, and nowhere have
I seen any trace of land plant or animal. This
isa large thickness fora single Tertiary bed,
larger than I am acquainted with elsewhere;

but it is no insurmountable objection to its ad- —
mission into that series. ;

Marcu 19, 1855.

Dr. H. Gibbons in the chair.

Dr. Kellogg presented specimens of the fruit
of Torreya Californica, the California Nutmeg
Tree.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and speci-
mens with seeds of a species of Cyclobothra, a

-| plant of the Tulip family.

This species is known by the common name of
Alabaster Tulip, on account of its pure white
color; it is found several feet in height with
branches at the axils of the leaves, and numerous
nodding bell-shaped flowers scarcely expanded.
Several months since, two other smaller species
were figured; one with golden flowers, known as
the Golden Star Tulip, and another with blue or
striated flowers called Blue or Striated Star
Tulip. ;

We have no means of reference to the de-
scriptions of such species as are known, and must
therefore be content to lay before the Academy
only our personal observations. It is to be hoped
our friends of Placerville and elsewhere will fur-

nish specimens for illustration and exchanges.
Dr. W.P. Gibbons presented the following
description of a new Trout.

Salmo iridea, Gibbons—Body elongated, sub-
compressed ; head about one fourth of total length.
Hyes large, circular, horizontal diameter nearly
one third the length of the head. Facial outline
elliptically rounded. Vertical line from the poste-
rior extremity of the upper maxillary, will graze
the posterior edge of iris. Teeth minute, numer-
ous, regular, incurved. A series of from 3 to 5
incurved teeth in each margin of the tongue—
Those on the edges of the palatines and on the
yomer, numerous. ‘ o

Length of body to its greatest depth, 9 to 2—
First dorsal rises from a point midway between
the extremity of the snout and the end of the
lateral line. ‘The adipose and anal terminate op--
posite to each other. Ventrals under the first
fourth or half of the first dorsal. Candal fork-—
ed.. First dorsal with five irregular, interrupted —
black horizontal bands. Other fins black pune-
tate, ventrals tipped with orange, caudal and ad-—
ipose with black margin.

Scales small. Back cineritious, with light
purple tint. Sides along the lateral line light —
vermilion, interrupted by rounded dark pa’
which become nearly or quite obsolete in older
specimens. Sides and belly below these, silver
tinted, finely black punctate.

3%

Mee. Pts; A. 712; V. 115 C. 19, with
accessories. Length 5 inches.

The three specimens from which this descrip-
tion was taken were obtained by Mr. Nevins
from the San Leandro creek. They are evident-
ly young fish.

Donations to the Library—American Philo-
sophical Transactions,, Vol. X; Notes on .the
Classification of the Carabidae of the U. States,
and Revisions of the Elateridae, by John Le
Conte, M. D., from the Author ; A. Memoir of
Samual George Morton, M. D., by Charles Meigs,
M. D., from the Philadelphia Academy of Natu-

‘ral Sciences; also a Nottce of the Origin, Pro-
‘gress and Present Condition of the Academy,
with its Proceedings from Jan. 3d 1854 to Au-
gust 29th 1854.

Catalogue of the described Coleoptera of the
United States, by Friedrich Ernst Melsheimer,
M. D., from the Author; also Journal of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
Vol. VIL, part Il.; Vol. VIII, part I. and IL,
together with the first and second Volumes of
the new Series.

Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented a specimen, a ca-
nine foetus of full term, exhibiting a singular
instance of abnormal formation resulting from
the union of two ova, one developed of course in
part at the expense of the other.

Externally, the head, neck, left fore-leg, trunk,
and posterior extremities showed nothing worthy
of attention, except the entire occlusion of the
auditory opening on both sides. From the ab-
domen, however, anterior to the umbilicus, pro-
truded on a broad pedicel the hind legs which
belonged to the arrested ovum. They were placed
with their anterior surface toward the same sur-
face of the other pair, but were much smaller
and weaker. In the place of the right foreleg
was a member consisting of three legs, joined in
one, the outer one evidently belonging to the
trunk to which it was attached, the other two
being the pair which corresponded to the super-
numerary posterior extremities. They were of

uniform size, the feet in a measure distinct from
each other.

_ On removing the integuments, an ovoid body
half an inch in length was brought to view, lying
on the outside of the abdominal muscles. This
was a kidney, belonging to the protruding poste-
rior extremities, and connected with them in a
manner; but it was the only one with

vhich they were provided.

The developement of these extremities was
found to be very imperfect. The pelvis consisted
of two slender, nearly cylindrical cartilages, pla-

ced longitudinally side by side, united at their
anterior part, and ending there abruptly without
trace of vertebrae.’ The position of the muscles
was merely zndicated, the chief part of the
bulk being made up of adipose tissue. The
circulation for these members was drawn from
the descending aorta, by a single branch of no
considerable size, just above the great mesenteric.
The only portion of alimentary canal which ap-
pertained properly to them was a rectum, which
branched from the main canal, and even for this
no outlet existed.

The liver connected with this ovum was a mere
lobe projecting from the upper surface of the
normal one.

The organs belonging to the most developed
of the two ova, (that which seemed to constitute
the true animal, of which the other was only an
appendage) were all of normal and healthy con-
dition. ‘The arterial distribution from the heart
presented nothing peculiar. The subclavian go-
ing to supply the triple arm was not even chang-
ed; after passing the axillary region it divided
into three branches and was thus enabled to reach
the whole space. (The three humeri were per-
fectly joined, forming one flat bone, and articula-
ted with a single scapula ; in the fore-arm all the
bones were soldered, except the external radius.)
The nerves were merely those of a single arm
divided like the artery.

The placenta of the one ovum was joined with
that of the other ; the vessels remaining separate,
though included in one cord, and each ramifying
on its own organ.

Marcu, 26, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Dr. T. L. Andrews presented a copy of Dana’s
Mineralogy.

Dr. Laub, U.S. A. presented a specimen of
silicified wood, found at Benicia in sandstone.

Mr. 8. V. Bowman presented two specimens
of alarge and remarkable Crab, taken in the
vicinity of the Farallones.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for
the donations.

Dr. Kellogg exhibiteda drawing and specimens
of a plant from Alameda known as the Califor-
nia Klecampane.

The general appearance of this low, grey-leay-
ed Sun-flower, shooting up from the earth large
clusters of broad lance leaves from the branching
head roots and suckers around the flower stem,
very aptly suggests the common name. The
root is of a dark colored texture with radiating

lines similar to the Elecampane. The odor is
strongly balsamic, or terebinthine.

ee

38

Its medical properties are tonic, gently stimu-
lating and diuretic, useful in chronic diseases of
the mucous membranes, and especially expecto-
rant in chronic diseases of the lungs, &c; an
ounce of the root toa pint of boiling water in
doses of a wine-glass. Cut and mixed with grain
it is also good for horses. These thick fusiform
roots are eaten by the Indians; they are first
beaten and fermented a day or two in a hole made
in the ground, then heated rocks are thrown in;
they are thus said to furnish a sweet agreeable
repast.

Botanically this plant belongs to the natural
family Heliopsidee, and occupies an intermediate
position between Wyethia and Balsamorhiza; with
some slight alterations this, and the former, might
constitute one genus.

The provisional name proposed is

Mexarniza.—Kellogg.

Heads many-flowered, ray-flowers numerous,
fertil pistillate, with sterile filaments, scales of
the involucre loosely imbricatedin 3 to 4 series-
unequally foliaceous, longer than the disk, inner,
most smaller, glabrous within, resembling the soft
herbaceous chaff. Receptacle nearly flat; the
chaff linear-lanceolate, 2 lateral teeth obsolete,
carinate acute, somewhat foliaceous, half embra-
cing the achenia, and in the unexpanded flowers
about the same length. Corolla of the disk cyl-
indrical, elongated, with a short proper tube,
5-toothed, teeth bearded externally. Branches
of the style in the ray-flowers sub-villous ; in the
disk elongated filiform, revolute, villous through-
out. Achenia of the ray stout, sub-compressed,
arcuate, all elongated, 4 to 5-angled, prismatic,
terminated with a membranaceous coroniform
laciniate pappus, 5 to 10-toothed, one or more of
the teeth often prolonged into a rigid persistent
awn, largest at the two principal angles, anthers,
disk and rays, yellow. Low perrennial plants with
the labit of Inula Helenium, long black tap-roots
branched at top, stems simple erect often decum-
bent or ascending, head solitary, leaves chiefly
radical.

M. inuloides.—Stem simple, erect or ascending,
1-flowered, whole plant lax fleshy densely tomen-
tose-canescent, radical and lower leaves very
broad lanceolate 3 to 5 inches wide, 8 to 14 inch-
es long, veiny, lamine somewhat waved, gradual-
ly. tapering at base into the petiole, entire sub-
acute; upper canline leaves broad rhombic-lance-
olate, seldom ovate-lanceolate, alternate, chiefly
radical, from forked head roots, or lateral sucker
buds; leaf‘scales of the involucre in 3 or 5 series,
loosely imbricated broad-lanceolate acute and ac-
uminate, somewhat unequal, exterior longer than
the disk, innermost saa

er; florets, styles, pap- ser

pus, achenia and chaff pubescent; rays 14g to 2
inches long, 2 to 3-toothed 20 or more; anthers,
disk flowers and rays yellow.

There are also two other very distinct species
of this genus not yet in bloom.

Dr. Kellogg also presented the following de-
scription with the specimens.

Maran Moricatus.—California Balsam Ap-
ple. This new plant was described about two years
since before the California Academy of Natural
Scienees accompanied by a drawing and illustra-
tions afforded by abundant fresh specimens.

This herbaceous vine climbs over shrubs in a
similar manner to the Echznocystis or Balsam Ap-
ple of the older States and is closely allied to that
genus as well as to a similar plant found in this
vicinity. Besides these there are several other
plants in California of this natural family,—Cv-
curbitace, or cucumber tribe,—which so far as
we are informed, have not been described.

One of the most remarkable features of this
climber is the gigantic fleshy root which shoots
its numerous branching angular stems ten to thir-
bf feet in length, which climb over and festoon
the shrubs within their reach with a dense, green’
broad, roundish foliage, somewhat heart-shaped-
The claspers or tendrils by which it clings are
many-parted or from one to five. From the in-
tense bitterness of the root it must prove an excel-
lent tonic. The seeds aboundin oil, which burn-
with a clear, bright flame, with little or no smoks
or odor. It is readily obtained by simply bruise
ing and pressure. There is also a pungent acri-
mony determined to the larynx and throat after
chewing the pits, besides a bitter laxative Prop.
erty. We have still much to learn of its medi-
cal virtues.

Generic Character—Flowers moncecious —
Calyx flattish ; in the fertile flowers constricted
aboye the ovary, tubular-campanalate, segments
five, subulute, shorter than the corolla. Petals,
five, lanceolate, united at the base into a rotate-
campanulate corolla. Stamens three to five; fil-
aments short, united; anthers sigmoid, connate.
Fertile flowers, solitary ; abortive filaments, three
to five, distinct.

Style short; stigmas two, very large, broadly
obcordate, connivent. Fruit, oblong, tapering
at both ends, sparsely muricate, with weak prick-
les, fleshy, bursting elastically near the summit,
at length dry, membrano-coriaceous ; not
separable, two-celled ; seeds six, enveloped in a
dry, reticulated, membranaceous arillus, three in
each cell, imbricately rosie large, flattened,
broadly oval, margin obtuse ; dark brown.

Root perennial, very large, tubero-fusiform.—
Stem annual, a climbing, succulent vine. Leayes
palmately five to seven-lobed; three to five-cleft
tendrils.

Flowers small, white ; sterile in long simple or
und racemes; the fertile ones from

ch 26.)

a

39

same axils, solitary, on long, enlarging, ebracteo-
late peduncles.

Specific character.—Stem smooth, angled, slight-
ly ribbed, and furrowed, sparsely pubescent ; ten-
drils many-parted, (three to five) lateral or oppo-
site the leaves ; ten to thirty feet long, climbing
over shrubs. Leaves slightly scabrous aboye,
pubescent beneath along the veins ; four or six
inches broad, roundish, sub-hastate, cordate pal-
mate, with an obtuse sinus at the base; five to
eight sinuate-lobed ; lobes‘ angled entire or re-
pand-toothed, mucronate, alternate. Corolla

_ white, glandularly pubescent within ; petals ob-

_ long-lanceolate sub-acute ; sterile flowers in sim-

_ ple or compound paniculate racemes eight inches
to one foot in length, from the same axils of the
leaves as the fertile. I*ertile flowers three-fourths

to one inch broad on an elongated tapering point

of the fruit and calyx tube. Calyx divisions sub-
ulate, often lanceolate petaloid, one-fourth to one-
half the length of the petals.

Fruit four to five inches in length, two to three
inches in breadth, oblique tapering to both ends,
ereen, marked from base to apex by six or seven
dark green stripes, slightly depressed and some-
what irregular; fleshy, bursting elastically by ir-
revular fissures on the swelled side near the sun-
init, the lacerated edges of the orifice: becoming
revolute; two-celled (rarely three-celled at the
base.) Seeds three-fourths of an inch lone by

upwards of an inch broad, flattish, undulated.
rounded obtuse margin, sub-reniform or hilum
apparently on the side, imbricately ascending,
pliceital utiachment opposite the gibbosity,
surface slightly pitted, dark brown verging to
biack.

Vhis plant we have seen growing nowhere ex-
cept on the declivitics of the hills back of the

_ Mission Dolores, cn Mr. Hutchinson's Ranch,
near San Francisco.

The fruit is somewhat in six divisions, by the

- green veins that mark the surface, and after dis-
; charging the seed fades to a whitish ercamy
~ brown, drying on the stem. The drawing in the
archives of the Academy represents one instance
of the ieaves being cpposite; this is sometimes
_ observed, but more frequently this secondary ht-
tle axillary leaf is only partially developed, and
more generally still, entirely wanting.
The seed of this fruit is remarkable for its size
and shape, position, &c. It bears a resemblance
some forms of Kidney or Butter Beans.
_ The flower, also, sometimes anomalously has a
ix-parted border, and corresponding divisions
of the calyx, but such instances are rare.
Phe significance of the name we have chosen
vould be better understood by perusing Exodus
2-26,

; Appin 2, 1855.
Col. Ransom in the chair.

Mr. 5. R. Throckmorton was elected a Resi-
dent Member.

The Committee appointed, some months since,
to make examination in regard to a method for
preserving submerged timber from the attacks of
the Ship Worm, offered the following report.

“Shortly after our appointment we made to the
Academy a partial report, stating that the meth-
od proposed had every prospect of being highly
successful. We had visited the ship-yard of
Neelus & Tichenor, below Rincon Point, where
a set of “ways” had been coated with the prepar-
ation recommended by Mr. Swan. We were as-
sured that the timber was then entirely sound,
though timber equaily exposed near it for the
saine period was almost destroyed by the Teredo.
A recent visit however to the same “ways” re-
veals the fact that the Ship Worms are now rap-
idly destroying them, and that the coating of
the supposed preservative has merety delayed
their attack a few months. In the judgment of
the parties interested, the success is not sufficient
Lo induce a renewal of the attempt.

We are therefore forced to the conclusion that
ve are scarecly more advanced in knowledge con-
cerning this important subject than we were he-
fore the trial of these experiments of Mr. Swan.
Such a result is much to be lamented. A very
eveat number of buildings, in the lower part of
the city, are supported upon piles which must
sooner or jater yield. The fall of a block of
dwellings on Sacramento St., a few days since, is
merely a warning of much greater losses; the
piles which were there found bored to a honey-
comb, had been driven only about tweive months.
Timber covered with the bark is nearly safe, so
long as the bark remains, but so soon as that is
removed, by a blow, or by the gradual wear of
the water, the destruction commences. And it
is therefore a source of great regret that no meth-
od of protection from this evil, at once cheap
and effectual, has yet been discovered. Many
have been devised, but none have thus far result-
ed in any degree more favorably than that which

your Committee were appointed to investigate.”
W. O. Ayres, M. D.

J. B. Trask, M. D.
Mr. Froebel presented specimens of Tertiary

40 te

Coal, and impressions of leaves, &c., from the
head waters of San Francisquito Creek, San
Francisco County.

Dr. Behr exhibited a Willow of singular form-
ation, each male ament being bifid or trifid; it
is closely allied to Salzx caprea, perhaps a new
species.

Dr. Kelloge exhibited specimens with four
drawings illustrating the different species of [rzs

now in blossom near this city; [. sambucina, and
two other forms not yet named.

Dr. Trask presented a specimen of a new Am-
monite from Arbuckle’s Diggings. Shasta Coun-
ty, with the following desciption of that fossil.

Ammonites Baresu—Trask.

Shell thin: discoidal, and orbicular ; three and
one-half couvolutions, each smaller one of which
is unconcealed by the larger; convolutions nearly
round; slightly undulating well defined costs on
each whorl, which appear wniuterrupted. and on
the last convolution are about one-tenth of an
inch asunder ; the ribs become more approximate

toward the ventral portion of the whorl; between |

the larger ribs are seen smaller divergent radi-!
mentary coste which appear to converge about!

midway from the dorsum to the sides of the last

borescent ; wnbilicus perforate; eteatest diame-
ter four and three tenths inches
and two tenths inches.

This specimen is presented by Dr. Bates, mem-
ber of the Assembly from Shasta City, and is
peculiarly interesting as exhibiting the broad ex-
tent over which the secondary rocks are spread
in the northern part of the State. In the month
of November | discovered the equivalents of this

from which this specimen was taken, and of which,
mention is made in my report for. 1855 to the

Aperture one |
lees! é " -
| of the head; situated on the right side: a strong

Dr. Wm. 0. Ayres presented specimens of
Gasterosteus plebeius, Gir., brought from San
Jose by the Rev. Mr. Douglas. They were ta-
ken in a stream formed by the water flowing from

Artesian Wells, and are believed by many per-—

sons of that vicinity to have issued from the
wells. But inasmuch as this little Stickleback is
very abundant in all the salt and brackish marsh-
es of the Bay of San Francisco, their presence
in the locality where they were taken may be
much more readily accounted for, ou the supposi-

tion that they had ascended the streams by which —

the waters of the wells are discharged into the
Bay. ‘They have none of the features which he-

| long to the fishes inhabiting subterranean regions. -

Dr. Ayres also presented a specimen of a
Flounder, representing a new form, with the fol-
lowing description.

PLATESSA BILINBATA,—Ayres.

Form oval, the dorsal and abdominal onttines
heing nearly symmetrical ; dept a little less than
1, the entire length. Lenzth of the head contained
in the total length not quite four times. Snont

| projecting somewhat, not bemg continuous in di-
whorl ; siphon ventral; dorsum round ; septa ar-,

Legislature,under the head of Carbonifeous Lime-|

stone The developement of the coal beds in the
latter locality since that time, and the occurrence

of coals among the rocks, from which the speci-|

men before you was taken leads to pleasant an-

ticipations, that the time is not far distant when}

this State will produce an ample supply of this
desirable material for domestic consumption.—
lhe specimens from east of the Sacramento with

| the pupil of the lower eye.
group about forty miles to the east of the locality |

rection with the descending line of the nape.
Eyes large, clliptical, their longitudinal diame-
ter contained three and a half times in the length

prominent ridge separating the two sockets and
extending somewhat further posteriorly, as in
Parophrys.

Mouth of moderate dimensions, the tip ef the
upper maxillary scarcely reaching the plane of
Lower jaw the lon-
eer. <A single, even row of strong, blunt, coni-
cal teeth in each jaw, shorter and less developed
on the colored side than on the colorless. Inferi-
or pharyngeal teeth like those of the jaws, but
stouter, placed in a single row; superior of sim-
ilar size, arranged in several obliquely transverse
rows.

Scales larger and more conspicuous than in any
other fish of this tribe yet found on our coast.—
Those of the anterior portion of the body are
nearly smooth ; further back they become gradu-
ally more and nore ciliate though none of them

the fossil before you from the mountains west of] are so rough as in most Flatfishes. Those of the
that stream, place the question of the existence of| head cover the entire opercular region and cheeks,
the coal bearing vocks in this State beyond the} and in part also the inter-ocular ridge; those of

shade of doubt. would state in connection with
this subject that there are evidences of the same
rocks being met with in the county of El Dorado,
but [cannot yet speak with absolute certainty
on that point, as the specimens thus far found are
small and fragmentary. ‘These fossils are some-
times called “spake stones” from their resemblance
tu a coiled suake.

© NN Ee

‘hie \ tat

the cheeks are strongly ciliate.

The lateral line arches freely above the pecto~
rals, and runs thence straight to the caudal fin.
Another, with a structure entirely similar to that
of the ordinary lateral line, arises just above the
eye, passes a short distance directly backward,
then ascends and follows near the dorsal margin
and cuds abruptly just anterior to the plane of

r
‘
the opercular angle; it communicates with the
true lateral line by a branch.

____‘The dorsal fin arising over about the anterior
third of the orbit, terminates at a distance from
_ the caudal equal to the breadth of the eye.
__-‘The anal arising a little posterior to the base
of the pectorals, is coterminal with the dorsal.
i _A small abrupt depression exists at the termina-
_ tion of each; the peduncle of the tail posterior
to this is somewhat wedge-shaped. <A strong,
_ concealed, pelvic spine, directed forward and
downward precedes the anal.

_ The pectorals are pointed, their height equal-
ling half the length of the head.

The ventrals, more than half their own height
anterior to the pectorals, resemble these fins in
form. j
The caudal is large, somewhat rounded ; its

height forming one-sixth of the entire length.

ea 2 AS 59%) Pe 11s V2.6 5..C, 16:

Color rather light grayish brown, with lighter
elay-colored blotches, on the colored side ; left
side colorless.

This Flounder is quite distinct from any other
species brought to our market. It is allied to P.
dentata, Mitch., jut is readily distinguished by
its form, scales and teeth. It is taken in the Bay

of San Francisco, but is apparently not common.
Ti seldom grows toa greater leneth than four-
teen inches.
_ We find constantly three species of flatfish of-
fered for sale here: Platichthys rugosus, Gir.,
ealled by the fishermen “Turbot,’ weighing often
- ten to twelve pounds; Parophrys vetulus, Gir.,
and Psettichthys melanostictus, Gir., both of small
size, and both sold under the name of “Sole.”
_ Girard’s Plewronichthys conosus, and Psettichthys
-sordidus, though said by him to have been taken
at San Francisco, we have not yet been able to
detect. The great Iippoglossus vulgaris, uni-
“faves known as the “Halibut,” the fishermen

© . .
have assured me is sometimes caught near the

Farallon Islands. Most of those sold in our

market, however, if not all, are brought from the
* coast further north.
‘y

From Mr. Richardson, U. 8. Deputy Surveyor
were presented a suite of specimens of mineral
waters, from near Clear Lake, Mendocino Co.
hey contained Sulphur in large percentage, with
i decidedly acid reaction. With them were spe-
imens of the sulphur &c., deposited by them,

4]

Indians and Fur Traders of that region. The
skin, though much mutilated and very imperfect
was apparently that of the Mustela canaden-
SUS.

The Catalogue of the State Library was pre-
sented from the office of the Secretary of State;
and Nos. 52,53, 55, and 56 of the American
Journal of Sciences and Arts, by Dr. J. B.
Trask.

Dr. H. Behr was elected Curator of Botany.

Apri 9, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Quiney A. Brooks, of Olympia, W. 'T’., was
elected a Corresponding Member.

Or. H. Gibbons reported the existence of
Dirca palustris, ia great abundance, in the ra-
vives of Alameda county.

From Judge Eno was presented a Geode, con-
taining a moveable nucleus, and bearing numer-
ous particles of gold in fissures on its surface ; it
was taken from a gold mine in Calaveras county.
Also, a specimen of agatized wood,from the same
region, found at the depth of 150 fect. This
mineral appears to be extensively dispersed
throughout the State.

Dr. Behr exhibited a species of Smalacina,

i which he deems quite equal in valuable proper-

ties to the officinal Sarsaparilla.

Dr.Trask presented the following descriptions,
with the specimens, of fossil shells from the ter-
iary deposites of the lower coast.

CHEMNITZIA PAPILLOSA—T'RASK.

Shell small; aeutely elongate; sublanceo-
late ; substance of the shell rather thick ; eleven
slightly oblique rounded whorls. separated by
rather decp sutures, those separating the lower
five whorls deeper than the upper; eleven dis-
{inet rounded folds on each whorl ; four revolv-
ine lines on each whorl, which, upon the last
whorl, extend down the base of the. shell, in
rather shallow but distinct furrows, easily seen
in good specinens. ;

Aperture roundly ovate; outer lip moder-
ately thick ; columella arched ; and terminating
somewhat acutely anteriorly.

Length, five-tenths of an inch; breadth, one-
eighth of an inch. From Santa Barbara.

Dr. Gould has described two species of this
genus, from the coast of Santa Barbara, Cal.,
viz: ©. torquata and C. tenuicula, neither of
which appears to be our fossil species. The fos-
sil differs from C. torquata, in the size of the
two shells, in the number of folds, and in the ab-

4

sence of revolving lines; from C. tenuicula, in
the number of whorls, in the greater number of
folds in his specimen, and in the shouldered char-
acter of the last whorl. My description is found-

ed on an examination of thirty shells, and I am;

unable to identify this fossil with any described
species. The well marked characteristics
of the fossil, arising from the revolving lines
crossing the folds, giving them the appearance of
small papilla upon their convex surfaces, were
considered sufficiently suggestive of the specitic
name applied.
TORNATELLA ELLIPTICA— TRASK.

Shell small; acutely elliptical; substance of
shell rather firm; six subspiral shouldered whorls;
twelve slightly oblique folds on the three last
whorls, whieh terminate about half way down
on the body whorl; the three middle whorls en-
cireled by four cordate lines each: the last whorl
has fourteen lines ; spire acute ; last whorl about
three-fifths the length of the shell.

Aperture elliptical; half the length of the
shell outer lip subcrenate from the termination
of the cordate lines on the last whorl : a minute
reflection of the inner lip passes around the pos-
terior edge of the aperture, and becomes obsolete
on the edge of the aperture.

Length, five-twentieths of an inch; breadth,
one-tenth of an inch. From Santa Barbara.

‘T'wo specimens only of this shell were found at
this locality, and though an inhabitant of lower
latitudes, yet we find it fossil with Murex

among the mariue deposites of our hills, assuciat- |

ed in the same beds which contain the northeri
types.
Murex FRAGILIS.—TRask.

Shell thin; small; six deeply shouldered
sub-oblique flattened whorls; last whorl tra-
versed by eight rather small fringed varices ;_ the
periphery of the body whorl is surmounted by 2
small rounded spine on each varix, and stands
obliquely outward upon the edge of the shoul-
der ; the last whorl is traversed by thirteen un-
equal tranverse ribs; the three middle whorls
have respectively four and three of the trans-
verse lines, the central one of which is usually
the most prominent; indistinct folds on the
middle whorls formed from the varices on the
last whorl! ; anterior portion of the canal closed ;
lip thin. The aperture of this specimen (it being
the only one found that was near entire.) was so
badly broken, it is impossible to make out its
form with accuracy. It is very difficult to ob-
tain a specimen entire, although fragments of the
fossil are abundant.

Length, four-tenths of an inch ; breadth, three-
tenths. From Santa Barbara.

Fuses Barsarensis—TRask.

Shell fusiform; rather thin; about seven
convex whorls; turreted ; the last whorls have
about twelve rounded folds becoming obsolete

2)

-

near the middle of the last whorl; eight or nine —
wavy transverse threads traverse the lower whorl,
becoming less defined from the middle forward; _
folds interrupted at the sutures ; apex sub-acute.

Aperture semicircular; canal, slightly ob-—
lique ; external lip rather sharp, and thin; indis- —
tinct stria within, columella smooth. :

Length, nine-tenths of an inch ; breadth, four- —
tenths. From Santa Barbara.

Jn sculpture this fossil approaches F. Missisip-
piensis of Conrad, but is very much smaller, and
differs also in the number of folds and the many
forms of the transverse threads. It is not plen-
tifnl at the locality where it was found; three
specimens only were met with, and the above
description is from the largest shell.

Fusus rospustus—TRask.

Shell fusiform, turreted, thick; about seven
convex whorls; eight varicosed, distant folds on
the last whorls, which are interrupted at the
|sutures ; about five revolving lines on the upper
| whorls, and twelve on the last ; folds beeome ob-
solete a little anterior to the middle of the body
whorl ; greatest breadth across the posterior por-
| tion of the aperture.
| Aperture obovate; outer lip thick; canal
|straight ; distance from the posterior edge of the
aperture to the end of the canal, equal to hali
,the length of the shell ; apex of the spire binntly
srouuded.

' Length, one inch and two-tenths; breadth,
ifive-tenths. From San Pedro.

ound at heights varying from eighty to one
hundyed feet above the sea.

Iesus ruGosus.—TRrask.

Shell fusiform, somewhat thin, turreted ;
spire acute ; eight convex whorls ; two first with-
jont folds; nine distant folds on the last whorl,
| becoming obsolete on a line parallel with the pos-
‘terior edge of the aperture; two Jast whorls
traversed by small longitudinal wrinkles ; about
fourteen elevated, somewhat squared, lines on the
last whorl, with intermediate smaller lines be-
‘tween, which are continuous to the base of the
shell.

Aperture semicircular; canal oblique, and
somewhat elongated ; fron the posterior edge of
the aperture to the anterior end of the canal, is
little more than half the length of the shell ; outer
\lip thin ; columella smooth.
| Length, one inch and four-tenths ; breadth, six-
{tenths. From San Pedro.
| Insculpture, this shell resembles somewhat F..
lambustus of Gould; the fossil differs from that
shell in the more abrupt and rounder termina-
tion of the upper part of the whorls at the su-
tures, and in its presenting no furrows within the
aperture. ‘lhe upper whorls of the latter also
becoine somewhat flattened, while in the former
they appear to preserve much uniformity in their
form throughout. It has the appearance of be-

[April 2.)

43

ing closely allied to that shell, judging from the
figure as given by Dr. Gould of his species.

It is distinct from F. robustus, by the more
acnte form of the spire; the thickness of the shell,
the greater number and angular character of the
elevated transverse threads and by the size of the
shell.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of the fruit
and foliage of the gigantic tree of California,
with analytical and microscopical figures of the
male flowers, &c.

Also a drawing and specimens of a new Cucur-
bit, probably a Marah or Echinocystis, from Pla-
cerville. As soon as the mature fruit can be ob-
tained, a full description will be published. ‘The
vine is commonly known as Giant Root, &c.
Other specimens, similar to those here, were re-
eeived. Dr. K.exhibited blooming specimens,and
a drawing of a beautiful bulbous plant—a species
of Cyclobothra, or Golden Star Tulip.

The Academy are indebted to Mr. Garvitt for
the two last named, together with flowering
specimens of Dendromicon rigidum, Cerasus
mollis, a species of cherry. These were received
by Express, in wide-mouthed glass jars—a novel
and successful mode of transportation.

Dr.-K. exhibited specimens and a drawing of
& new and singular personate leafless plant, for
which further time is required for investigation.

Also, a drawing and specimen of a new and
beautiful Calochortus or Butterfly Tulip, from
the vicinity of Canada de Las Uvas, furnished
by Wm. A. Wallace, of Los Angeles; color
bright vermilion, stem leafless, two inches high,
the flowers as large as usual, pistil capitate, &.

Dr. K. also exhibited a drawing and specimens
of Wyethia angustifolid (Alerconia, of De Can-
dolle,) from the hills of Mission Dolores, known
as the creeping sunflower—a name probably
suggested by the habit of the stem. Rising and
bowing archwise, it hugs the soil, creeping be-
neath the grass about a foot from the radiated
cluster of root leaves, then ascending in a curve
afew inches from the earth, crowned witha
single flower ; or perhaps also from the creeping
character of the root.

It is worthy of remark, that the achenia is
sometimes entirely destitute of pappus, but
more commonly one long awn from the inner
angle, and often a smaller or tooth-like one op-

posite; leaves loug, narrow, strongly waved ;
and black, with lighter radiating lines within.
Apri 16, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the chair.

Mr. Heffly, Chairman of the Committee on
Rooms and shelves, reported that Messrs. Palmer,
Cook & Co., had donated to the Academy, for
one year from April 1st 1855, the use of Room
No. 4, Phoenix Block. On motion it was

Resolved, That the thanks of the Academy be
presented to Messrs. Palmer, Cook & Co. for
their liberal gift.

Mr. Joshua Child’ of
a Corresponding Member.

Encinal was elected

Donations to the Cabinet—- :

Dr. W. P. Gibbons ; Magnesian Conglomerate
from the Serpentine Rocks near Mountain Lake.

Dr. H. Gibbons; a worn mass of Serpentine,
containing fossorial shells, from near Fort Point.
Also a specimen of the Common Gopher, from
Alameda.

Dr. Trask ; Cytherea crassatelloides, Lam.-from
Santa Barbara.

Dr. Ayres presented the following descriptions
of fishes, with the specimens.

SaLMo RIVULARIS,—Ayres.

Form elongated, compressed; dorsal and ab-
dominal outlines very evenly arched; greatest
depth, anterior to the dorsal fin, not quite equal-
ling one fourth of the total length; thickness at
the same point, half as great as the depth.

Head of medium size, its length being a trifle
less than the depth of the body; dorsal outline
continuing the curve of the back; muzzle some-
what blunt and rounded. Mouth free, a vertical
line from the end of the superior maxillary just
touching the posterior border of the orbit.

Teeth onthe tongue in two rows, each row
containing five or six teeth; those in the lower
jaw, inasingle row, of about twelve on each
side; those in the upper jaw, in a double row on
both maxillaries and intermaxillaries, (the outer
row alone being conspicuous) of which the outer
row on each maxillary contains about twenty,
and on each intermaxillary about five; those on
each palatine bone, in a somewhat irregular row,
fourteen to sixteen in number; those on the vo-
mer, in two rows (of five or six each) placed so
close together as to seem like a double row. All
the teeth are small, conical, acute, curved. The
largest are those on the tongue and lower jaw.-—
A few minute, very sharp teeth are crowded on
the pharyngeals.

| 44

Scales small, elliptical, with the concentric lines

‘he ground colors are quite similar to those of

numerous and crowded; about one hundred and | fontinalis, though without the mottlings, but the

forty along the lateral line. Head naked. Lat-
eral line nearly straight, curving very slightly
downward. The first dorsa/ fin arises midway
between the snout and the commencement of the
accessory rays of the caudal fin. The first four
rays are simple, the first two being very short ;
the sixth and seventh are longest, their height
equalling the length of the fin, being about one
“tighth of the length of the fish.

The adipose fin is separated from the termina-
tion of the first dorsal by a space equal to the
distance from the ventrals to the anal, being di-
rectly above the termination of the latter fin. It

’ is narrow; its height equal to the diameter of

the eye. :

The ventrals arise very nearly beneath the mid-
dle of the first dorsal, being almost midway be-
tween the snout and the tip of the central cau-
dal rays. They are rounded, their height equal
to half the length of the head. At the external
base of each is a narrow membranous appendage
half as high as the fin.

The pectorals are somewhat pointed, their
height equal to the length of the first dorsal.

The anal is in form very similar to the first
dorsal, but abont two thirds as large. ‘The first
four rays are simple, the first two being very
short ; the fifth and sixth longest. ~

The caudal fin is of medium size, concave, the
height of the central rays being about two thirds
that of the external.

Branchial rays twelve.

D. 411; P. 1-14; V.1-10; A. 3-10; C. 19,
with six or seven accessories.

This species recalls at once by its characters,
the Brook Trout of the Northeastern States, the
well known Salmo fontinalis, M. and is indeed
very closely allied to it. It is one of those known
to sportsmen here as yout and sometimes Moun-
tain Trout. The specimens from which this de-
scription is drawn were taken a few miles back
of Martinez, toward the foot of Monte Diabolo.
They therefore represent the form occurring in
that portion of the State. But from the accounts
which we have received it seems highly probable
that under the name Mountain Trout several dis-
tinct species are confounded in different parts of
California, and the attention of observers, who
may have opportunity to examine our mountain

streams and lakes, is therefore requested in regard | tions.
The species found on the west of|to the mouth between them, is another of similar

to this point.
the Contra Costa Mountains, in San Leandro
Creek, has in fact been already described, (Salmo

tridea, Gibbons, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sciences, | the middle.

yellowish circles and. vermilion dots are absent.
Instead of them we have on the head, and back,
and upper portion of the sides numerous reddish
brown, irregularly circular spots. The dorsal
fin bears also several rows of spots forming im-
perfect bars; a few of these are found on the
caudal.

The largest specimen was eight inches in length.
They were reported smaller than the average, so
that in size also this species comes near to fontz-
nalis. Weare indebted for them to the kindness
of Dr. Winslow.

PETROMYZON CULLATUS,—Ayres,

About two months since a small Lamprey was
exhibited and described, before the Academy,
under the name P. plumbeus (Proc. Cal. Ac. Nat.
Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 28,) being the only Californian
species at that time known. Within a few days
the specimen herewith presented has been obtain-
ed. It is of a type quite distinct from plumbeus,
and js allied very closely indeed to P. American-
us, Le 8.

It is twenty fonr inches in length, four inches
and a half in cireumference.

Form elongated, subeylindrical anteriorly, com-
pressed posteriorly, eularged over the branchial
region, head smaller.

Lyes distant six times their own diameter from
the anterior border of the head, nearly circular,
only one fourth of an inch in diameter.

Branchial orifices elliptical, disposed in nearly
astraight line on each side, occupying a space
about equal to the distance from the anterior one
to the front of the head. ‘To the middle of the
posterior border of each orifice a short, filiform
appendage is attached.

Mouth circularly continuous. Lips provided
in their whole extent with a beautiful ciliary
fringe, nearly a tenth of an inch in height.

“Teeth” numerous. In the throat are two large
plates, placed laterally, which close the entrance
almost in the manner of a glottis; they are finely
serrate on their inner border. Immediately be-
low these is another, not quite so large, pi
transversely, supported on a concealed pedicel,
serrate, with its central serrature slightly eleva-
ted. Posterior to this and below it is another
much stouter and larger, more than half an inch
across, placed transversely, with five strong serra-
Facing this, so as to leave the entrance

solidity but not quite so broad with a large, con-
ical prominence on each side and a smaller one in
The bases of these two plates are

Vol. 1, page 36) and is quite distinct from this.|so extended as to form a continuous ring. Ex-
ternal to them is a circular row of “teeth” con-
sisting of small, single points in its posterior and
anterior portions, while laterally they are imbed-
ded plates supporting two, and those opposite

§. rivularis is separated from S. fontinalis by
the teeth, the proportions of the head, the posi-
tion of the dorsal fin, the form of the adipose,
the scales, and the colors.

46

the middle of the mouth three points arranged
in radiating lines. External to this row is an-
other of still smaller “teeth,” forming a ring im-
mediately within the lips.

The first dorsal fin arises a little anterior to
the middle of the length; it increases gradually
to its greatest height, which is only twice the di-
ameter of the eye, its length being not quite one
sixth of the length of tne fish.

The second dorsal, which is separated from the
first by an interval of about one third the length
of this latter fin, rises more abruptly so as_to be
obtusely angular in its outline as it commences
decreasing toward to tail, until at about two in-
ches from the termination of the body, its height
having become very small indeed, it begins to
rise again, forming a sort of third dorsal or up-
per lobe of the caudal. This again, after attain-
ing a height nearly equal to that of the first
dorsal, decreases so that with the lobe which is
continuous from it on the inferior border it makes
nearly a right angle at the caudal extremity.
The inferior lobe is about equal to the superior
in both length and height. Ventral surface an-
terior to this entirely smooth.

Anal oriiice a little posterior to the origin of
the second dorsal.

Color plain uniform greenish olive, quite simi-
lar to that of the Common Eel of our Eastern
States, lighter on the throat, with some fuliginous
blotches.

This Lamprey is clearly the Pacifie represen-
tative of the one known as the Lamprey or “Lam-
per Eel” in the rivers of New England during
the months of spring and summer (P. American-
us, Le S.) Itis distinguished by the arrange-
ment of the “teeth,” the relative position of the
dorsal fins, the form of the fins at the caudal ex-
tremity, and the colors. It has little need of
comparison with either of the species previously
known on this coast P. tridentatus, Gaird., or
P. plumbeus, Ayres ; the “teeth” are sufficient at
once to separate it from them. The specimen
from which the description is drawn, was taken
in the Bay of San Francisco. But if examina-
tion could be made, at this season of the year, in
the parts of the rivers accessible from the tide-
waters of the Bay, the Lampreys would in all
probability be found in them, perhaps in consid-
erable numbers. Very possibly their presence
might be indicated by conical heaps of stones in
the river beds, such as the eastern species is in
the habit of constructing.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of a new
species of Bahia ; the specimens were received

today by Express from Wm. A. Wallace of Los

Angeles. -

Bahia Wallacii,—Gray. This species is very
small, growing only a few inches high ; it is cloth-
ed with a dense cottony pubescence, and its radi-

ee ciehiskatiatinians ne acinninne

ant yellow flowers, tinged With orange are” in
pleasing harmony with its neat white dress. Dr.
Gray named this plant after its discoverer, to
whom we are indebted for the specimen, a very
ardent lover of nature.

The leafless plant figured and noticed at. the
last meeting of the Academy is the Anoplanthus
uniflorus, a small parasite allied to Orobanche or
the Beech Drops &c., the stem a mere bristle,
with a single blue flower, lower lip with a doub-
ly prominent palate, thoat yellow, the colored
stripe extending down the tube, in some respecta
differing from the figure of Lindley, of which we
have seen no specific description.

Two numbers of the Proceedings of the Bos-
son Society of Natural History were received,
from the Society.

ApnriL 23, 1855.

Col. Ransom in the chair.

Mr. G. M. Burnham, and Mr. M. G. Read
were elected resident members. .

Donations to the Cabinet— 2

From Dr. Behr, specimens of Lactophrys and
Acanthurus, from Tahiti ;

From Mr. Freaebel, land and fresh water shells
from Texas near Port Lavaca ;

From Dr. Randall, Sienitic Granite from Mor-
mon Island ; Copper ore from the Gadsden Pur-
chase, 80 miles northeast of Fort Yuma; and
Aluminous Sandstone, from the Cosumnes River
22 miles from Sacramento ;

From Dr. A. Kellogg, specimens and draw-
ings of the following plant.

LEPTARRHENA INUNDATA,—Behr.

Rhizoma foliorum lapsu cicatricatum. Folia
serotina. Scapus totus hispido-glandulatus.—
Flores cymosi, mediocres. Petala obovata, bre-
vissime unguiculata, calycis sepalis reflexis multo
majora.

In rivulorum marginibus inundatis prope Pla-
cerville.

A plant belonging to the saxifrages, growing
in ravines, rivulets, and in the watery margins of
our larger mountain streams. ‘The root is tuber-
ous, elongated, 1 to 2 inches in diameter, in folds
or broad shoulders, formed by the scars of the
old decayed leaves; scape 18 inches to 2 feet
high, naked, or only a vestige of abortive foli-
age, woolly and glandularly pubescent, flowers
numerous, large, corymbose, pale pink. The foli-
age not developed, probably roundish and lobed.
It is hoped these will be sent to complete the
drawing. ‘The tender fleshy inver portion of the

* 2
is

46

stem is eagerly sought after, and caten by the In-
dians ; it has somewhat the flavor of apples, and
probably contains malic acid. The root is a

strong astringent; and is said to be useful for

medical purposes.

.-Dr. Kellogg also exhibited drawings and spe-
cimens of the following plants, the detailed de-
scription of which is not deemed necessary, to-wit :

Asarum Canadense or Wild Ginger. In some
slight points unlike eastern and more northern

specimens. V20la pedunculata or common large
yellow. violet, with its two upper petals light
madder brown on the back. Nemophila aurita
or long-eared lilac cups, specimens from Goat
Island, a beautiful species.

A singular and beautiful species of Frildiwn
or Wave-wing Wakerobin; petals very long,
purple, waved.

A drawing and specimens of the Black Moun-
tain. Currant, probably the Ribes malvacewn ;
flowers delicate pink, roundish, urceolate, fruit
and foliage glandular pubescent, leaves 5-lobe-
angled &c.; our specimen was injured in transpor-
tation; we look for the mature fruit and foliage
to perfect the figure.

Drawings and specimens of two species of na-
tive Pwonia, or Peony of the gardens. ‘The P.
Browni, with 3 carpels and striated stem &c.,
also P. Californica with smooth stem, crowded
and more numerous leaf-divisions, 5 carpels &c.
The flowers in the wild uncultivated state are
simple, and in both species, madder purple color.

Specimens of the Taxus Canadensis or Canadi-
an Yew Tree, in blossom, also Mountain Spruce
—cone of Pinus Douglassii—Cornaus Nuttall
or California Dogwood or Box tree in bloom, to-
gether with specimens of wild plum, and a spe-
cies of Frangula or Alder-Buckthorn.

_.The Academy are greatly obliged to Mr. Gar-
ritt of Placerville for most of the above speci-
mens.

Dr. K. reported on the Lilial plants referred

to him and Dr. Andrews, viz: one from this vi-
cinity farnished by Mr. Bloomer, and the other
from Monterey by Dr. A. Some doubt is still
entertained as to their reference; drawings, an-
alysis and specimens are Pee and the follow-
ing description submitted.

The first is presumed to be Fritidlaria alba.—
Root composed of numerous smail bulblets around
the parent bulb; stem succulent, very glabrous,
round, 6 to 10 inches high, divided into two

PROCEEDINGS CAL. A. N. 8. APRIL, 1855.

branches at the tip, diverging so gradually as to
appear double, each branch terminated by a sin-
gle nodding flower about 14 to 1 inch long and
1g to 44 broad, swelled campanulate, peduncles
about two inches long; leaves spatulate below,
sub-linear and remote above, intermediate ones
narrow lanceolate, all sessile, sub-amplexicaul,
entire, smooth, delicate fleshy, often obscurely
3-rerved, alternate, collected near the base of the
stem, often opposite and sub-verticillate, about
2 inches long ; the 3 inner petals obovate, some-
what abruptly narrowed or rhomboid, slightly
inflexed at the apex, 3 outer petals narrower,
broad elliptic, slightly keeled below, all sessile, a
nectariferous cavity at the base; white, often
variegated within as in the Calochortus, or with
| feeble shades of greenish yellow, veins within slight-
ily ridged and granulated ; stamens six, inserted
jinto the base of the petals, about half their
‘leneth, anthers turued outwards, half the length
lof the filaments, yellow, mucronate, erect, attach-
ed to the centre, style deeply parted, stigmas
villous on the inner surface, long revolute, cap-
sule oblong, 3 divisions strongly marked by de-
pressions, and 3 other jesser sub-divisions 3-celled,
seeds many, flat, obovate, cuneate at base, double
rows in each cell.

‘The general appearance of this plant is like
the Uvularias, but in the shape of the flower and
especially the seeds, it must be at present a Frit-
illaria.

‘he specimen from Monterey has the lower
leaves verticillate by 3s, and opposite, alternate
above, one flowered, nodding, about twice the
size of the above, leaves broad and somewhat
oblique, probably only a variety. ‘There appears
to be some variation in the color of the tiowers
of these species; and also in the mature capsule,
some being found winged, while others are
smooth.

More recently another new and_ beautiful spe-
cies has been received by Express from Placer-
ville.

| Fritillaria multiscapidea, Kell. or Blushing
Bells. Leaves two, radical, lanceolate tapering
at base into a thick concave petiole, entire, 7-nery-
ed; scapes three, leafless, each terminated by a
single nodding flower ; flowers campanulate, un-
expanded, three outer petals sessile, broad lance-
olate, acute, point inflexed, three inner petals
somewhat longer, lanceolate, acute, waved, a
double ridge within extends down the centre ter-
minating in two teeth at the base of the v
short claw, stamens six about 'y an inch in lengtt
or 1% less than the petals, filaments flattened, en-
larging below, anthers 3g of an inch’ long, quad-
rangular; style one, longer than the stamens,
stigmas three. villous on the inner surface, revo-
lute ; capsule 3-celled.

The root we have not seen ; the leaves are 4 to
5 inches long, about an inch or so in width ; sub-
terrapean stem swelled at the common origin of

47

the leave and scapes. ‘The color of the flowers
a delicate pink blush. Theseand some allied spe-
cies will ultimately require a new genus.

Mr. Geo. Black presented a volume of Man-
tell’s Pictorial Atlas of Fossil Remains. The
thanks of the Academy were voted for the dona-
tion.

Aprit 30, 1855.
Col. Ransom in the chair.
| R. A. 8. Wood, Esq., presented a specimen of
Wild Cotton from the Island of Maui.

Dr. Ayres presented a specimen of Raia bin-
_ eewlata, Gir. from the Bay of San Francisco.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and _speci-
men of Fritilaria, from Placerville. A species
remarkable for its very small purple flowers:
some specimens are seen with thirty or more of
these nodding fiowers in a leafy top—lower leaves
Jong and narrow, verticillate by 5s, from 2 to 4
feet high. Root a coilection of numerous bulb-
lets, around the parent bulb. Also a drawing
and specimen of Tri/lium found recently at
Saucilito, a white flowered species. Further

% investigations are required.

Dr. K. exhibited a drawing and magnificent
specimen of Tulip grown in the garden of A. H.
Myers of Alameda, illustrating the prolific pow-
er of our soil and climate in a horticultural point
f view—the petals were 41, inches long, and

about 3 inches in breadth.

The largest ever
Dr. Behr presented a drawing of a native Silk
Worm of California, with a specimen of the co-
oon, and the following description.

Saturnia rubra, collare album, abdominis seg-
inenta albo marginata. Alarum fascia radicalis
-angulum versus discum porrigens ; secunda fas-
cia stricta lunulaque alba, margo exterior luridus
linea undulata nigra, et in ala superiori inter cos-
_ tam secundam et tertiam ocello signatus.

Alae subter violaceae, signaturis eisdem in-
structae, ut supra, excepta fascia radicali, quae
deest.

_ Dr. Behr remarked that it would be likely to
ve highly valuable. It is found on the Cean-
thus thyrsiflorus, and also on a Rhamnus and a
hotinia.

r. Ayres presented the following desciption,
a specimen, of a fish believed to be new.

GASTEROSTEUS SERRATUS, —Ayres.

gth of the specimen described, two inches
[Procrrpinas OC. A. N.S.,

and one fourth; greatest depth, at about the
first dorsal spine, contained five and one fourth
times in the length ; thickness, at the same point,
equal to half the depth.

Sides plated in their whole length; plates thir-
ty oue or thirty two in number, each one marked
with granulated striae which, to a certain degree
radiate from the lateral line. he last: eight or
nine plates are elevated in the middle, forming a
sharp lateral crest on the peduncle of the tail—
A narrow naked space, covered with smooth skin.
is left below the plates, extending from the pee-
toral to the caudal fin; a similar space, but with
the skin granulated, from the first dorsal spine to
the caudal fin. ‘The bones of the head, the dor-
sal plates. the cubital bones, and the ossa innomi-
hata are similar in surface to the plates of the
sides.

Head forming a little more than one fourth of
the entire length. Lower jaw the longer. Teeth
fine, even, and close-set in both jaws ; those in
the lower jaw a trifle larger than those in the up-
per. Diameter of the eye contained three and a
half times in the length of the head ; distance
between the eye and the tip of the upper jaw.
equal to the diameter of the eye. Nostrils near-
er to the eye than to the tip of the jaw, in a de-
pression above the first suborbital plate. This
plate is prolonged into an acute angle anteriorly.
The second suborbital is much smaller, sub-quad-
rangwar. The third is about as large as the
first, irregularly quadrangular, extending’ so far
down as to rest upon the narrow horizontal limb
of the preoperculum, while between its border
and the vertical limb of the preoperculum a na-
ked space is left. Operculum sub-triangular,
with the border rounded, marked with striae ra-
diating from the upper anterior angle. Intero-
perculum very sinall, at the angle of the preoper-
culum. Suboperculum long, narrow, falcate.

Naked space before the pectoral fin sub-quad-
rangular, equal in diameter to half the depth of
the fish. Cubital bones narrow, pointed anteri-
orly, and meeting in a point beneath the throat,
diverging posteriorly so as to leave a naked space
between them. Ossa innominata united by
strong suture, prolonged into a lanceolate poiut
posteriorly a little shorter than the ventral spines,
sending off a flat vertical branch similar in
structure to the lateral plates upon which it is
articulated.

First dorsal spine situated a little anterior to
the base of the pectorals, its height equal to one
eighth of the length of the fish, acute, broad at
base, sharply serrate ou each side, its point just
touching the base of the second spine, which is
entirely similar to the first in form, height and
serrations. A third, much smaller, is attached
to the soft dorsal; the point of the second scarce-
ly reaches to its base. he soft dorsal is highest
in front, its height about equalling that of the

Avrit 30.]

a

—o

48

first dorsal spine ; it is separated from the caudal
fin by a space equal to it own height.

The anal fin, eoterminal with the dorsal, re-
sembles it in form, but is shorter, arising about
opposite the fourth ray: it is preceded by a short
spine.

Each ventral fin consists of u strong, flat spine
and a soft ray. ‘The spine is 2 little more than
one sixth of the length of the fish, serrated like
the dorsal spines, though the serratures are less
conspicuous on the inferior border than on the
superior. The soft ray lies concealed in the hol-
low of the spine which it bout half equals in
height.

The pectorals, narrow and rounded, have a
height about equal to the depth of the body.

Caudal fm concave.

‘oe eon i Sa ie Ee
with six or seven accessories.

Color grayish brown above, lighter on the sides
and beneath; a blackish band at the base of the
tail.

The existence of two tree,
terior to the soft dorsal. instead of affording
a specific character amons the Gasteroste: is NOW
known to prevail in quite a large division oY the
genus. We have at least eight -\merican spe-
cies of this type. three on the Atiantic, and tive
on the Pacitic side. :

L. GASTEROSTEUS BIACULEATUS, Mitch., from
New York.

2; x Dexaxt, Ayres. This is the
one described by Dr. Dekay as G. biacnleatus,
supposing it to be identical with Mitchill’s spe-
cies: as this however is undoubtedly incorrect it
is proposed to name it as above.

3. GasrerosTeus CUVIER:, Girard ; supposed
by Girard to be the one described by Cuvier as
CG. biaculeatus. and yet distinct from both the
preceding. As however Cuvier’s specimens were
obtained in Newfoundiand. and Girard’s were
those brought by H. R. Storer from Bras d'Or
and Red Bay. Labrador, aud as Crvier’s deserip-
tion is very imperfect it is quite possible that the
two are distinct species, and that the Newfound-
land form is yet wunamed.

4. Gasrerostecs WILLIAMSONI. ( tir., Wiliiam-
son’s Pass, Cal.

5. GASTEROSTRUS MICROCEPHALUS,
Lake, Cal.

6. GaAsTEROSTEUS
San Francisco Bay, Cal.

7.. GASTEROSTEUS INOPINATUS, Gir.,
Lake near San Francisco, Cal.

8. GASTEROSTEUS SERRATUS,
of San Francisco Bay, Cal.

Of Unse No. 2 and No. 3 have the side plated
in its whole length. No. 3. No. 5. No. 6. and
No. 7. have the side piated as far as the second
dorsal spine. No. 4. has the side entirely sinooth.
As to No. 1. the character of the surface is un-
certain.

14> P3105) G. 12

detached spines an-

Gir., Tiare

Monntato

Ayres, Marshes

| bital teeth of the shell.
pLeBeivs, Gir., Marshes of | apper

Gserratus is very closely allied to G. Cuviert,
though the one has the side entirely plated, the
other has it partially naked ; it is in fact chiefly
by this character that the two are separated.—
The affinity to G. Dekay2 is less striking, though
both are plated ; the surface of the lateral plates,
the form of the caudal carina, the structure of

the ventral spines &e., are quite sufficient to dis-

tinguish them.
G. serratus is found in the marshes of the Bay
of San Francisco, but is apparently not common.
Dr. W. P. Gibbons presented the following
descripiion of a new species of crab, which had
been read at the meeting of March 26.
Crenornixus—Gibbons.
Shell globular, granulate tuberculous. antero-
lateral margins toothed, retrousse, posterior mar-
gin arched. Accessory plate of external anten-

nae conical triangular, with its upper surface
echinate. Ocular pedicles approximate, shorter

than the rostrum, with the

nous.

superior surface spi-

CO. serimanus,—Gibbons.

Shell convex, granulate taberenlate, antero-
lateral margins toothed, retrousse, posterior mar-
ein arched. About eight priucipal tecth on the
antero- lateral margins, without including the
orbitals. which are shorter and more pointed than
the adjoining exterior ones. Rostrum four lobed ;
the two lateral ones equal, superior one shorter ;
the inferior large, stout, curving upwards and
projecting beyond the others. Latero-posterior

margin of the shel with from 8 to 12. principal
tubercles. Surface of the shell along the median

line with oue principal anterior tubercle, having
a pointed apex, another at the posterior extremi-
ty of the middle third; two more large ones on
the transverse diameter drawn in front of this.
and 4 or 5 of smaller size around the base of th
large ones.
rendered exceedingly uneven.

Basilar plate ot the external antenna with a
tooth on the outside, Second segment scalloped,
inferior border terminating in a stout spine, hav-
ing a tooth at the base, on the inner side. Supe-
rior border with 3 or + crenulate spines, inher
one longest, projecting beyond the external or-

surface echinate, spines along the two up-
per angles pectinate. From the internal fossa
the second segment the antenna arises, having 4
segments, the last point with about 30 articula

tions. and extending beyond the spines of the
pectinated plate. Internal antennae with three
articulations, terminated with a mandibular a

pendage. A bicipital groove is midway on the
superior surface of the base! joint.

Ocular peduncles approximate, shorter thaw
the corner of the rostrum, echinate on the uppe
surface. First joint of external foot jaws trian

The surface of the carapace is thus”

Next segment trigonal,

49

- ‘ : 2 : Re

The specimen from which this description was
taken, was caught near the . Farailones, in about
thirty fathoms water. It was presented to the
Academy by 8. M. Bowman, Esq.

Dr. Winslow read the following paper on the
causes of Tides, Harthquakes, Rising of Con-
tinents, and Variations of Magnetic foree.

lar, inner edge black dentate, outer one hairy.
‘A large tooth on the outer edge near the apex
The other segments rounded, pilose.

First segment of the tail broad, and articula-
ted at right angles to the carapace. About
eight principal tubercles on the superior edge,
twelve on the inferior, and one large one near the
middle of the plate, on each side of the me-
‘dian line. Those on the superior edge in pairs.
‘A cavity near each end of the segment, and
two deep, well defined, depressions about half an
inch in diameter, midway toward the middie
of the plate. ‘The remaining segments of the
tail are divided longitudinally by articulations,
the outer one on each side being about half an
inch from tho edge. ‘The inner articulations di- the frequency of earthquakes and the age of the
vide the tail into three sub-equal conical sectious.| »:non” and also on the doctrines of centrifugal
thus forming eleven quadrilateral plates. ‘the | force being the cause of earthquakes advanced in
internal angles of the 3d, 4th and 5th are), paper by Mr, Stodder, on the “Cha ce of the
truncated, and the spaces filled with gemilunar | s,/-/72c¢ of th e carth,? has led me to hae ORE
plates. Between the 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th cen- munication to the Academy of Sciences of San
tral segments, are interarticular plates. AML of) Pyancisco, on the same subiect; but as the ie
i these plates ea largely mabereaiiue and eee OLY advanced in my Cosmography, published two
ed with minute spies. The tail margins are| years since, covers a much larger ground, and

« > 4a BY . Cl © are STC , ¢
represented by 12 or 15 serratures, each of which | Gnbraces a multitude of phenomenz to which the
is on a separate plate. As the shell grows okder.} theories of Mr. Perry and Mr, Stodder will not
these en with each ae and with the ply "Tr taste the "hole subject will receive a
internal adjoining plate, so that but three longi-| yey | bere oh caret ee de ut ees

tudinal bastions Feat: 'The segments comipris- eon Lae tah hah Ae a acti eG
ing the tail are articulated by means of a fold of Bue a eee earthed a i si igs ty eae
the epidermic qnembrane, and the entire arrange- Fak de Se Ereaiece O The pee ig
ment is calculated to give pliability to its broad | a veeece its infancy sa is uae oa aie
surface, so that it shall the more completely pre-| Ghcourity ee cortieolias: The shee cate
Be crport. ova which the abdomine: shouid be observed in noting ail facts in relation

© to the air. evan, the motions of the pendulum,

Hand robust, covered with a tuft of hair; four che periodical fluctuation of springs in mouutains.
- large rounded teeth on the outer edge of the pin- valleys, and mines, independent of rains, and mag-
cers, three deutations on the inner side, anda netic phenomena in connexion with earthquakes,
pasal tubercle across the finger. Left hand piich | and yoleanie cruptions whether from knowu
smaller than the right. Arm sub-quadrate. with ofaters or at the bottom of the sea, and indeed in
a triangular crest projecting at right anvles tojevery department of pirysical research and sta-
the inner side, having conical tubercles on the) tistics. No fact imperfectly observed should he
edges. Internal condyle with a broad, bidentate, noted without explanatory comment, and at last
excurved spine. All the legs are covered with | ® sufficient basis will be established on which to
conical tubercles studded) with short aculei.—| build up a trnthifal structire that will embrace
frregular tuberosities on the lower side of the| the entire and perfect history of the globe, and, |
{rochanter and on the haunches. All the legs| have faith to believe, even of the Universe itself.
quadrangular. ‘The seeond, third and fourth legs Butthe connexion between this planet and all
terminate by short claws, the tarsal joint of each the others—and between our own solar system
being ginglymus, 80 that the fect can be directed and all the rest of the cosmos, is so intimate that
forwards or backwards. Fifth pair of legs ru- the most extensive and uceurate observations
dimentary, inclosed in the shell, rounded at the| must also he made in every direction through
extremity and thickly set with bristles.

CAUSES OF TIDES, EARTHQUAKES, RISING OF CON
TNENTS, AND VARIATIONS OF MAGNETIC FORCE.
By CO. F. Winslow, M. D.

"he recent discussion in the Boston Society of
Natura! History on the paper of M. Alexis Per-
ry, Prof. in the Paculty of Sciences of Dijon, eu-
titled “On the relations which may exist between

space, to complete the materials for building up
" 4 ; . = a | la truthful theory of the connexion between foree

Ground color of the shell vermilion, granwes Vee ent Ye tony and inteliie
and spines gener ily deep blue t 3 a ia ry and matter, and to establish a clear ii inteligi-
“ath uh ESE coy y . erat cose priate he} },16 history of the Universe from the primeval
; Ee Cay CEC Raat, | dawn of force to its present connexion with, and
action on, material forms. But without consum-

‘est transverse diameter 10% inches. Length of | ing time in prefatory remarks, [ will at once bold-

first pair of legs 9 inches. Weight of the ani- ly open a field of inquiry which 1 trust may lead
mal 634 Ibs. to results useful to science and mankind.

Length of largest specimens 10 inches ; ereat-

Ss

aU

In reference to the views of Mr. Stodder, it is
very questionable to my mind, whether any ab-

solute centrifugal results do transpire upon the |

finid-interior and solid and aqueous and atmos-
pueric matters composing the earth and other
planets, during their rotary motion and as a con-
sequence of this rotary action. Physicists gen-
erally, indeed altogether and without exception.
deciare the flattening of the poles to depend on
the centrifugal force imparted to the solid mate-
rial of the globes by their rotation on their axes.

The flattening rather seems to me to be the re-
sult of the polarizing foree which acted more
energetically from N. to S., (if f may allow my-
self to use these words,) than in other directions
during the condensation of matter into spheres.

Agglomerating atoms, in the globe-forming
epoch, flew from all directions toward & common
centre of gravity in space, or rather toward
countless centres, but the act of — polariza-
tion long previously imparted to molecules and
exerted now on a cosmical scale, condensed miat-
ter more rapidly. continually and powerfully in
the direction of the polar diameter of planets
than in their equatorial diameter. This is more than
probably the cause of the difference between the
polar and equatorial diameters of the planets—
for the gravitation of matter to the centre of the
globe is much more predomineut than ap-
pareut centrifugal phenomena; and indeed no
centrifugal force can be iinagived to be exerted
from the axis of the globe. when we view plan-
ets as independent spheres moving by their own
internal vital forces—I mean their ageregate mo-
lecular forces—through space, and independent of
any rotary motion forced upon them at the date
of their origin by external and projective impul-
ses. This whole subject needs to be completely
and candidly reviewed by physicists—and_uiti-
mately, I doubt not, and I feel triumphant in the
belief that, a cosmical power of repulsron will be
discovered to act from the centre to the circum-
ference of the globe antagonistic to the polariz-
ing and condensing o attractive force. and aflec-

there the force is required in its greatest degree,
and being exerted from the centre of the globe,
the mobile envelope rises to its fullest extent as a
mere phenomenon or resultant of the play of
molecular forces in arepulsive aggregate to main-
tain the present relation of the satellite to the
earth, and inasmuch as the polarizing, or rather
the attractive and repulsive forces must be exert-
ed in straight lines, it follows that the chain of

molecules from the centre of the globe, to that —

point under the moon, called the prime vertical
must be connected with a corresponding chain
from the same central point to the antipode of

the prime vertical point, and I think the phe-—
| nomena of the tides are all the result of repulsive

influences exerted in this manner from the interi-
or to the exterior of the globe, the primary ob-

| ject of which is to prevent the moon from ap--

proaching nearer to the earth than the bounds
fixed by the laws of density governing the two
bodies—and also to prevent the earth from ap-
proaching the sun nearer than the bounds fixed
by the laws of density governing their rela-
tions. And it is the varying density of all these
bodies in proportion to their distances from each
other as they move through the different points
of their orbits, which governs the various period-
ical phenomena manifested so unmistakably on
the earth and so observable when the earth is in
perihelion and aphelion—and the moon in apogee
and perigee, and when the two bodies are pass-
ing through poirts at varying distances from
their central and controling body. If the sun
governs the earth in the development or exhibi-

' tion of terrestrial forces in such a manner that

marked material changes are correspondingly

observed in the solar centre, (as the agitations

!

ting not only the motion and action of the fluid |
interior of the globe soas to produce earthquakes |

by pressure on, and rupture of,the crust; but also

of the aqueous envelope, sous to produce the tides |

and govern their action entirely, so that in fine.
the tides of the ocean are not the result of lunar
attraction of the water away from the solid sur-
face of the planet, which is the present theory,
but rather the resuit of a repulsion of the parti-
cles of water by a power exerted from the centre
of the globe by which the moon is kept, and for-
ever to be kept, from falling to the earth. The
tide on the globe opposite the lunar tide, and said
to arise from the solid imass of the earth being
attracted away from the aqueons mass, so that
# licap of water is left behind, is oniy the result

of its envelopes. creating openings called solar
spots with periodical regularity of 5 years be-
tween maximum and minimum,in direct conjune-
tion with periodical magnetic phenomena in the
earth,) should we not have strong reason to be-
lieve that the agitations of the aqueous envelope
of the globe, following so constantly the move-
meuts and position of the moon in relation te
the earth, arose rather froma repulsive force
exerted from within the central and controlling
sphere, than from attractions exerted by a body
without and beyond it?

The idea of centrifugal force being the cause of
earthquakes, advanced by Mr. Stodder in his pa-
per on “The changes of the earth’s surface” read
before the Boston Society of Natural History
some years since and introduced again at the 1st
January meeting of this year, I think unsound,
inasmuch as a multitude of other phenomena can-
not be embraced within its application, which
harmonize with the “ theory of repulsion,” set
forth in my Cosmography. ‘The facts published

_by M. Perry relative to the influence of the
of a more feeble repulsion than that exerted on | moon on the fluid interior of the earth, are very
the side of the carth beneath the moon, because | remarkable, and I have no doubt from my

51

own study of the subject that correspondences of
earthquake phenomena may take place in direct
relation to the moon’s position in her orbit. But
the method of accounting for the phenomena on
the tidal theory, Ido not agree with. I think
all yoleanic phenomena are produced by molecu-
_ lar repulsive force exerted from the centre of the
globe to its periphery to resist the nearer ap-
proach of the moon to the earth—and nearer
approximation of the earth to the sun. In my
“Cosmography” I showed the greater frequen-
ey of earthquake phenomena during the passage
of the earth through the perihelic portion of
its orbit—and on the well established astronomi-
{ eal and physical fact that planets increase in den-

_ sity in an inverse ratio to their distance from the
solar centre.

T advanced the opinion that the density of the
individual planets and of. the numerous revolving
spheres varied during their respective’ orbitual
periods in an inverse proportion to their distance
from their central body. This variation of den-
sity could not take place without molecular
expansion and contraction, or variation of dis-
tance between the molecules, and as a necessary
consequence the whole mass of the planetary
sphere would contract and expand more or less
(though on the whole very little, in solid globes,
on account of the fixed law determining their

density,) or rather the forces necessary to pro-
_ duce expansion and contraction would be ex-
_ erted, which end in the phenomena transpir-
ing on the surface of our globe, such as the
4 elevations and depressions of continental a-
reas, earthquake shocks by rupturing of -the
_ erystalline crust and injection of lava through
_ solid igneous rock, and between sedimentary stra-
ta, thereby producing the various motions, hereto-
_ fore inexplicable, attending volcanic convulsions
__ as the gyratory movements which result natural-
Jy from the circular injection of prodigious whirl-
_ pools of lava between strata, or into immense
fissures at greater or less deptrs below the unbro-
_ ken surface-crust,—the outpourings of lava from
voleanic openings, and the remarkable simultane-

~ ousness and universal occurrence of all sorts of
earthquake phenomena throughout the globe;
also the varying intensity of movements of the
best compensating pendulums; also, such as the
variation of the pressure of the ocean and its pe-
riodical shrinkage and expansion, which will
hereafter be proven to take place when more
careful observations have been made on tides, and
which phenomena will be found vot to depend on

_ atmospherical pressure, as is supposed by Sir
James Clark Ross, in his paper read to the Royal
Society of London, in June 1854; such as also
the periodical variation of atmospherical pres-
ure, sufficient observations on which have alrea-
ly been made to establish the fact, and, as I
eve from my study of them, to show as con-

clusive and regular variations of atmospheric
pressure as are now known to exist in the annual
variations of the magnetic needle. Even these
annual, periodical and regular variations of
declination of the magnetic needle, in other words
the variations of atmospheric electricity or mag-
netic intensity at the surface of the earth, well
known now by observation, not to depend on
barometrical circumstances, but which annu-
ally increase and diminish according to the posi-
tion of the earth in the perihelic and aphelic
portions of its orbit, I believe to depend on the
molecular motions—or the play of molecular
forces, which transpire to produce the annual
increasing and diminishing density of the globe
and which molecular forces and motions take
place throughout the sphere from the centre to
the circumference of the entire surface of the
earth. The variations of these electrical or mag-
netic phenomena, occurring so regularly periodi-
cal, have been supposed by physicists to only
exist in the atmosphere, either in its lower or upper
regions, and to have been derived from the sun
by induction, whereas, I think froma profound
study of this subject, that they are produced
within the globe by the more or less intense mo-
tion of, or action in the lines of molecules which
in all directions extend from every point on the
surface of the globe, through the terrestrial cen-
tre to its antipode, and the motion in these is
constantly taking place by virtue of the inherent
forces of attraction and repulsion in each mole-
cule, which forces are exerted not only to preserve
the law of density fixed for this planet by its po-
sition in space, but to maintain the form and po-
sition of the planet in its permanent relation to
the sun on the one hand as its source of power
and excitement, and to the moon on the other,
as a dependent on its radial forces of attraction
and repulsion. In other words, cosmical magnet-
ism is a planetary force produced by the constant-
ly varying intensity of the forces of the molecules
which in the aggregate constitute the planetary
masses; and terrestrial magnetism, as a conse-
quence, is a power radiating from every point of
the globe, and generated within it in consequence
of its orbitual relations to the solar centre, its
orbit being an ellipse, and the sun fixed in one of
the foci of that ellipse, whereby it being at dif-
ferent distances from the sun at different periods
of the year, the number and intensity of terrestri-
al phenomena of all sorts transpiring in the air,
ocean, solid crystalline crust, and moiten interior,
and in the forces pervading its molecules, differ
accordingly; and, as a consequence of my theory,
if all these phenomena are studied by physicists
froma different point of view than that from
which they have been heretofore, I believe the
most remarkable advances in every department
of physical science will be rapidly made, and a
new world of knowledge opened to future

generations of a meteorological, geological
and astronomical character, the value and
extent of which it is not now possible for us to con-
ceive. Once on the track of truth, all conflicting
opinions and laborious processes of research will
cease. Extreme simplicity will ensue in all de-
partments of physical observation, and the dark-
ness which has beclouded the awakening igno-
rance of past ages will be dispelled before a pure
and serene light, every ray of which will reveal
the most beautiful, sublime and useful truth for
the future improvement of the human mind.

January 27, Of 232 earthquakes and volean-

ic phenomena, recorded by
Feb’y 18, myself, as they have occurred
from time to time within three

years in different parts of the
globe, and which have been col-

March 15,

52

April 16, lected from different sources, of
anterior dates taken at random
May 13, the number for each month
show remarkably strong evi-
June 12,- dence in favor of this theory—
and they are so extraordinary
July 11, as to stimulate the most active
enquiry into this department of
August 17, the physics of the solar system.
The statistics copied from my
Sept. 21, memorandum are as appended :

As the notes of the phenomena
were made without any refer-
ence to favoring or discouraging
the hypothesis of molecular re-
pulsion as an earthquake force,

Decem. 25, the facts afford almost conclu-
sive proof of the Theory.

October 27,

Novem. 30,

a San Francisco, May 7th, 1855.
Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.

2 . H. Gibbons presented a vertebra of a whale,
and near the Presidio, in ploughing.

ir. Downer presented a specimen of Tridacna gi-
from the Navigator Islands.

». Fi. Gibbons presented a Journal of Meteorolo
1 Observations, at San Francisco, from Dec. 1850
farch, 1855, showing the Thermometricai and
metrical depressions and elevations; also obser-
ons on the winds, clouds, &e.

. Kellogg exhibited drawings of the Tarodium
ervirens of Don, or the common Redwood, with
scopical and analytical figures of the flowers.

e thanks of the Academy are due to Dr. Willard,
furnished the blooming specimens. ,

s. Kellogg and Behr reported on the species of
laxodium, improperly described by English authors
|! Wellingtonia, commonly known as the ‘Great
ee”? of California.

\XODIUM GIGANTEUM—oR THE WASHINGTON CyPREss,
—Kellogg and Behr.

This world-renowned monarch of the American
est is now in bloom, and from the data thus fur-
, itis evidently a species of Taxodium of Don.
early growth it has the foliage of the common
od or Taxodium sempervirens, i. e. forming a
ina asin the Tarus and Torreya; but as it
s in age, the foliage is metamorphosed into
scale-like leaves, attached by a broad base
mbricated arrangement similar to many
of the Cypress and Juniper. Hence the
proposed for itin 1853—Washington Cy-

7
ft
4

DIUM GIGANTEUM.—Kellogg and Behr.

‘um sterilium folia membranacea, alternan-
a, folium pinnatum mentientia, fertilium
carinata, imbricata, cupressoidea.

Male flowers in small ovoid catkins at the extrem-
y of the branchlets, solitary or in clusters of three
more, composed of scale-like filaments, concave,
Margins thin membranous frilled, and when
wated infolded, bearing three or four oblong an-
r-cells under the lower margin, outside as it were,
small portion of the torn rachis adhering to it—

8 Opening by a longitudinal fissure, valves slight-
at the sides near the middle; pollen
erice ,80me apparently with the remnant of a pe-
el. Cones solitary, or two or three together, on
pedicels, oblong-ovate about two and a-half
long, and two inches broad at the thickest
iter, axis ligneous. Scales numerous, closely
ited, thick, angular, sub-peltate, cuneate, trun-
pophysis transverse, sulcate, mucronate, seeds
ight to each scale ; cuneate compressed, wings
corky membranous, often oblique, emarginate
general outline obovate-emarginate. Leaves
bung stateexpanded, long linear, acuminate,
by age becoming triangular, somewhat
y acute, imbricate, sessile, appressed, persist-

coll

5B

ent, adhering by a broad base and half or three-quar
ters of the inner surface; dull pale green; sterile
aments of acreamy or ochreous hue, branchletsround.
somewhat drooping ; bark, cimmamonbrown, shreddy
fibrous, like the Cypress, Arbor-Vite and Redwood ;
one to one and a-half feet in thickness. Heartwood
coppery-red and lustrous, grain straight, and easily
splitting, lasting, but soft.

This towering and colossal forest tree attains to
the height of 322 feet, and upwards of 29 feet in di-
ameter, perfectly symmetrical in all its proportions.
From the features indicated, this gigantic tree is ev-
idently of Cypress lineage ; a family we respectfully
submit, already too much divided.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and fresh speci-
mens of Madaria corymbosa, var. fragaria.

Stem and involucre clothed with along soft pube-
scence, glandless and glanduliferous hairs intcrmixed
—leaves linear-lanceolate, sessile, remotely denticu-
late, inconspicuously three-nerved, villous, clandless,
chaffy scales in a single. series, all united ;—rays
about thirteen, cuneate below, expanding, deeply
three cleft apex, yellow. Achenia oblong-obovate
cuneate, compressed, sub-angled, incurved, bright
lilac colored ; anthers brown.

This plant exhales the fragrant odor of ripe straw-
berries.

Dr. K. exhibited drawings and specimens of Viola
longipes, or Long Spurred Blue Violet, in some
points varying from the received description ; e. g.
the points of the leaves sub-acute, somewhat cucu-
late, margin crenulate, teeth obtuse as if cut off,
stipules large, semi-cordate-lanceolate ; peduncles
quadrangular ; sepals lanceolate-acuminate ; upper
petals much reflexed ; lateral petals strongly beard-
ed near the upper margin; stigma papillose, gla-
brous beneath ; spur long, produced, often recurved
upwards ; appendages of the lower anthers long fili-
form; stem slightly flattened or sulcate by two de-
current lines opposite the leaves extending down to
the axils and alternating.

Dr. K. also exhibited a drawing and specimens
from Placerville and this vicinity, of the common
plant Sidalcea diploscypha, Gray. called inthe Flo-
ra of North America by T. & G. Malva diploscypha,
by others described asa Sida. It is worthy of re-

mark that the leaves are not digitately five-parted,
but seven-parted ; flowers in a long naked raceme at
the summit of the branches; bracts not three, but
one, two or three-parted, or toothed, &e.

The Academy is greatly obliged to Mr. E. W. Gar-
vitt, for the fine specimens sent them from Placer-
ville.

May 14th, 1855

Dr. Randall in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.
From Dr. Trask, three specimens of Cottopsis par-
vus, Gir. from the Sacramento river.

o4

From Dr. Winslow, a Tropidonotus, allied to T.

tenia, found near the Mission Dolores.

From Mr. James O'Meara, a suite of specimens of
The thanks of the

voleanic products, from Hawaii.
Academy were voted for the donation.

Dr. Behr exhibited a very beautiful specimen, pro-

bably the larva of an Llater, showing strong phos-
phorescence.

May 21, 1855.
Dr. Kellogg in the Chair.
Donations.

From Ellery & Doyle a synoposis of the contents of

the British Museum.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a nest and young of the
Humming Bird, so common in this vicinity, Polytmus

Inna, from the Mission Dolores.

Also from Dr. Lanszweert, specimens of the Mist-
letoe (Viscum flavescens, Pursh), found on the Red-

wood, ( Taxodium sempervirens ) at Nevada.

From Mr. Neyins, the skin of a Pituophis, from
Alameda.

From Dr. Hnscoe, a specimen of Pituephis cateni-
fer, B. & G. known as the Gopher Snake, from Santa
Clara. The thanks of the Academy were voted for
the donation.

From Mr. Bosqui, two specimens of the Mole
which is found here.

From Mr. Carlton, oue specimen of the same.
From Mr. Nevins, two specimens of the same.

In connection with these Dr. Ayres presented the
following description :

The Ground Mole, so common in this vicinity, and
often so troublesome in gardens, furnishes another
illustration of the fact already many times referred
to, that species occurring in the Atlantic regions of
this continent seldom extend their range to the Pa-
cific slope, but are on the contrary in many instances
represented here by their analogues. The animal in
question is closely allied to a Mole found in New
England, and as tar south as Virginia, Scalops Bre-
wert, Bach. It is, however, quite distinctfrom that
eastern type, and we propose to call the western
species

Scatops Catirornicus—Ayres.

Teeih forty-four. In the upper jaw are two inci-
sors, large, rounded in front, flattened posteriorly—
following these are six false molars, nearly cylindri-
cal, obtusely pointed, the first three sub-equal, the
fourth much the smallest, the fifth a little larger, the
sixth scarcely as high as the first; behind these are
four true molars, the first smallest with a single
point, the second and third larger. In the lower jaw
are four incisors, the anterior pair very small, cylin-
drical, blunt; the pair behind them, larger, cylindri-
cal, pointed ; following these are six false molars,
the first five sub-equal, similar in form to those of
the upper jaw; the sixth larger, pointed, sometimes

lobed ; behind these are three true molars, each ec

2 12

Incisors — false molars —
12 ,

Color of the fur, in the specimens seen, dark glos
brown, almost black, above and beneath ; this, hoy
ever, as in other species, is probably subject to vai
ation. Feet sparsely covered with hairs, light fle
eolor. !
Cartilaginous snout tapering, flattened beneath.

Nostrils intermediate in position between those of §
Breweri and Sc. aquaticus, not as directly termin
as those of the former, and not as plainly on the upp
surface as those of the latter. Palm broad, not ela
gated. Tail not flattened, nearly circular in sectio
somewhat constricted near the body, then enlargir
and thence tapering; clothed, but not thickly, wii
hairs about two lines in length. :

Length of the head and body five inches and
tenth ; of the caudal vertebrae one inch and ty
tenths. Breadth of palm six and a-half tenths;
length of palm, to end of middle claw, eight-tenth
Length of skull, one inch and three-tenths.

Sc. Californicus is, as mentioned, nearly allied
S. Breweri with which it agrees in the number
teeth, the form of the skull, and in general appea
ance. It is, however, a smaller animal; the hand
very differently proportioned, the tailis round an
more naked, and longer; and the skull is relative
larger. From S. aguaticus, the animal universal
known in New England as the ‘‘Mole;” it is dist
guished by its smaller size, and more widely by t
number of teeth. From S. Yownsendi, the or
species hitherto known on this side of the mountai1
itis at once separated by its size and color, t
it is similar to it in dentition. ‘

This Mole is quitecommon in this part of Calif
nia, and appears to be entirely identical in its hab
with the easternspecies. From information recent
obtained, it seems probable that another type tak
the place of this in the vicinity of Monterey,
which, however, no specimen has yet been receive

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of the Ta
canadensis or Yew-tree, illustrating the appropris
origin of the generic name Tawrodium, which inelué
the Washington Cypress, Cypress of the South
the common Redwood.

true molars — =4 4

Also a drawing of Chryseis cespitosus, Lindl
Dwarf California Poppy.

A drawing and specimen of Ribes subvestitum,
Mountain Gooseberry, a splendid species. flows
about an inch in length, the divisions of the cal
bright purple on the inside. The stem is not “ ve
bristly,’’ as usually described, but smooth and bri
cinnamon color. The segments of the reflexed ca)
are not “oblong,” but long, acute, with a subull
apex.

Dr. K. exhibited drawings and specimens of four
species of Ceanothus, or Tea-tree, to wit:

_ C.cuneatus. This species we think deserves the
attention of ornamental gardners and culturists. It
is one ofour most promising native shrubs ; forming
evergreen interwoven mats of the densest verdure,
even in the dryest soils and seasons. As a beautiful
border for walks we think it much preferable to the
Box, Baccharis, and other shrubs. Its flowers are
fragrant and of a delicate lilac color ; i.e. calyx, co-
rolla and pedicels. The whole shrub exhales a bal-
samic odor.

The specific description seems to be at fault so far
our own observation extends; the leaves are not
‘«‘ entire,” but always with two or more conspicuous
teeth with mucronate points at the obtuse extremity;
Teticulately pitted and glaucous beneath, but never
*tomentose-canescent;” glabrous.

The specimens from the interior are dwarfish,
growing only a few inches from the earth; branches
dark cherry-red, not pubescent, but sometimes hoary.
This species is quite distinct from the following with
which it has been confounded. 3

C. macrocarpus. The fruit of this species as its
name imports, is unusually large. The flowers are
white and calyx expanded, the points not inflexed or
cowled as usual. The leaves of this species are very
small, sometimes 2 or 3-toothed at the apex, and
the branches also opposite and sub-alternate The
short lateral condensed racemes, opposite, usually
‘four together, decussated, leafy at the base, about
six flowers in each, with a distinctly alternate inser-
tion, but so closely approximated as to appear like
umbels.
_ €. azareus, Kellogg. This species is supposed to
-benew. The provisional name indicates the exqui-
site beauty ofits flowers, which are the most vivid
azure or cobalt-lilac color. Stem dull red, minutely
warty, with occasionai pubescence: branches terete.
The young branches and racemes short canescent
pubescent. Leaves ovate, sub-acute; lesser leaves
obtuse, somewhat fasciculate, glandulously serrate,
strongly 4-nerved from the base ; densely white vel-
vety beneath and along the veins, glabrous and
shining asif varnished above. Flowers on axillary,
- elongated, compound racemose-peduncles leafy at the
base, about three-inches in length; fascicles of flowers
covered by a single ovate, acute, pubescent bract, at
length descending.
_ he fruit we have not seen. The largest leaves
are scarcely one inch in length, five-eighths broad,
on short petioles from one-eighth to one quarter of
an inch in length; the smaller and more numerous
- fascicles of axillary leaves about one-quarter to one-
~half these dimensions.

C. Californieus, Kellogg. This species is nearest
allied to C. Oreganus, hence to contradistinguish it
4 we give the above provisional name.

_ Branches robust, bright green, glabrous, swelled at
_ the axils ; those of the present season’s growth thick,
nder and succulent; leaves in the young state lan-
eolate, acute and long acuminate, becoming broadly
_ ovate, cordate at base, acute, or sub-acuminate, three
7 nerved, yeins very prominent, lamina thin, entire,
_ glabrous above, glaucous beneath, sparsely pubes-
cent, with appressed hairs along the veins.

Stipules conspicuous, texture leafy lanceolate-
acuminate, numerous short shoots of tender axillary

branchlets- Flowers white, on long, stuut, lateral

CAL. ACAD. NAT. SCI. MAY, 1855.

X

branch-like compound paniculate peduncles, 6 inches
in length, one or more leaves at the base. Appears
to be a deciduous species.

Dr. K. exhibited a drawing and specimens of As-
clepias aeornutum—Kellogg.

Herbaceous stem glabrous, purple, decumbent,
leaves large, much spreading, cordate, amplexicaul,
brond-acute, veins purplish; umbel terminal, pedun-
cles dark lilac purple, sparsely pubescent, calyx
strongly pubescent, sepals lanceolate, acute, brown
madder purple ; petals oblong-ovate, acute, slightly
pubescent on the margins and back, at the apex ob-
scurely 5-veined, dark purple expanded or loosely
reflexed, the involuted leaves of the staminal crown
without any horn from the hollow centre as is usual
in this genus, both the upper inner margins ascend-
ing into points scarcely longer than the crown.

The Academy are indebted to E. W. Garvitt, of
Placerville, who furnished the above specimens.

Col. R. D. Cutts presented for the Library Owen’s
Report on the Survey of Wisconsin and Minnesota ;
Lieut. Maury’s Astronomical Observations, at the
National Observatory, Washington, D. C., 1845 ; An-
nals of the Observatory of Georgetown College, D.
C., No. 1.; Catalogue of N. A. Reptiles, Part 1., Ser-
pents,—Baird and Girard; Five volumes of the Pro-
ceedings of the American Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science ; and the Report of the Smith-
sonian Institution for 1852.

Dr. Ayres presented two specimens of a new species
of fish, with the accompanying description :

APODICHTHYS VIRESCENS—Ayres.

Form elongated, much compressed, tapering both
anteriorly and posteriorly, dorsal and abdominal
outlines gently arched. Greatest depth not quite
one seventh of the total length; head sloping, with
the muzzle somewhat rounded: length of the head a
little less than one-tenth of the total length.

Mouth oblique; a line vertical to the tip of the
superior maxillary intersecting the pupil. Teeth con-
ical, blunt, not numerous, arranged in a single row
along the side of each jaw, and somewhat irregularly
placed anteriorly ; one or two on the yomer, none on
the palatines.

Eyes nearly circular—-their diameter contained
scarcely six times in the length of the head ; distant
nearly their own diameter from the border of the
upper jaw.

Branchial apertures tolerably free, continuous, the
membranes forming a complete union beneath.—
spelys small, imbedded. Lateral line not percepti.

e.

Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins united.

The dorsal fin arising above the base of the pecto-
rals, is of almost uniform height in its whole length,
the height being about equal to the diameter of the
eye. Rays all spinous, enveloped in a thick mem-
brane. The point at which it joins the caudal is
manifest from the difference in the character of the
rays, though the union is complete.

The anal fin, arising at a point nearer to the root
of the caudal than to the tip of the snout by twice the
length of the head, is of nearly uniform height,
(about equal to that of the dorsal) rays all soft, ar-
ticulated ; the point of its junction with the caudal
is a little posterior to that of the dorsal with the
same fin. It is preceded by a lanceolate bone, con-
cave on its anterior surface, joined to the fin like a
spinous ray; the membrane covering this is incom-

plete at the tip, so that the anterior concavity is aj
chamber communicating with the surrounding water,
but no duct can be traced opening into this chamber
from the internal organs. ;

The pectorals are short, broad, and rounded, their
height being less than half the length of the head.

Ventral fins, none.

Caudal fin rounded, its height just half the length
of the head. It has twenty-six rays; the rays of the
dorsal and anal can scarcely be counted, from the
thickness of the membrane.

Color almost uniform greenish olive, in some in-
stances a bright pea-green. A narrow, vertical,
black vitta runs from the lower border of the eye
downward ; another of similar breadth, from the up-
per border inward and backward to the occiput.

A. virescens is taken in the bay of San Francisco,
but is apparently not common. The largest speci-
mens yet seen are about nine inches and a-half in
length.

From A. flavidus, G., a species said to be found
here, but which we have not yet seen, the present is
distinguished by the length of the head, the gape of
the mouth, the size of the eye, and the coloring ;—
from 4. violaceus, G., it is separated by the length
of the head, the absence of a lateral line, the form of
the dorsal, the extent of the anal, the union of the
caudal with the two adjoining fins, and the coloring.

San Francisco, May 28, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.

Mr. James Tallant and Mr. Henry C. Macy were
elected resident members.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From B. W. Brooks, a specimen of Sandstone from
the vicinity of Lake Merced.

From 0. H. Thomas, a fossil tooth and part of a
tusk from Matelot Gulch, near Columbia, Tuolumne
Co. ’

From F, Johnson, a species of Eutainia, taken near
the Presidio.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations. |

From H. G. Bloomer, specimens of the Rafinesquia
Californica.

From J.B. Trask, specimens of a Murex and ‘of
Ranella Trigonalis.

Donations to the Library.

Characteristics of some Cartilaginous Fishes of the
Pacific Coast of North America, by C. Girard, from
the author.

Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory, vol. 5, pages 81 to 96, from the Society.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited drawings and specimens of
two species of violet from the interior, neither of
which are described, so far as we are able to learn.

Viola montana, Kellogg. Acaulescent, branches
procumbent, glabrous, angled; leaves thick, some-
what succulent, pale green, and slightly glaucous, all
pedately 7-lobed, lateral lobes largest, oblique, deep-
ly 4 to 5 toothed or sub-lobed; middle lobe simple,
or cuneate tridentate ; stipules broad, obliquely ovate,
lanceolate incisely dentate, acuminate; peduncles
rather longer than the leaves, sepals broadly lanco-
late, acute, the lower broader, somewhat oblique;
two upper petals, glabrous, lilac-blue on the back,
delicate straw color in front, with blue lines; lateral

56

petals yellow, with blue veins and a tuft of short vel-
vety pubescence; lower petal beautifully striated
with dark brown radiating lines on a shaded ground
of orange, deeply emarginate, glabrous; spur short,
appendages of anthers carinate, not spurred, as long
as anthers; style attenuated towards the base. stig-
ma capitate, hirsute especially on each side, glabrous —
on the lower side, foramen large. About three inch-—
es in length. f
Viola purpurea, Kellogg. Stem strongly angled,
parple, hirsute, as also all parts of the plant, except
the upper surface-of the leaves, lower leaves round,
decurrent into the thick grooved petiole, wpper leaves
ovate, sub-acute, obtusely crenate, lamina thick —
fleshy, granular and glabrous above, veins purple;
pubescent and purple beneath ; stipules very broad-,
ly fin-shaped, thin, about 6-nerved, setaceously den- —
tate, long mucronate-acuminate ; peduncles nearly —
twice the length of the leaves; two setaceous bracts —
near the middle; pistil clavate, attenuated below, a
tuft of dong hairs on each side only, foramen large,
stigma purple; spur very short, obtuse ; sepals sub-
emarginate behind, lanceolate, acute, mucronate.
The flowers medium size, all the petals light brown
madder purple outside, yellow within ; upper petals
not striated ; the lateral, with three or four brown-
ish purple lines, a minute tuft of hairs near the up-
per margin, lower petal slightly emarginate, striated, —
capsule canescently pubescent (in the specimen be-
fore us) marked with three broad stripes of purple,
alternating with three green.
Dr. Kellogg also exhibited specimens and a draw- —
ing of a species of Senecio, to which the provisional
name of S. spatulifolia has been given.

Stem fastigiate, striate, sparsely arachnoid tomen-}
tose, upper leaves linear-lanceolate entire, margins
revolute, sessile, sub-hastate at base, arachnoid to-—
mentum beneath decidnous ; lower and radical leaves
narrow-lanceolate, spatulate on very long and slender
petioles, expanded insertion, thick fleshy, very glau-
cous entire,mid-rib prominent, obscurely triplinerve
corymb simple, flowers few (about six to eight),
large, on long fastigiate peduncles, with three to five
alternate bracteal scales; involucre large, cylindri-—
cal, somewhat swelled at the base, calyculate by a
few subulate bracteoles, scales glabrous, (light green
tipped with orange) rays four or five, long reflexed or
lax-recurved.

This species is found near Placerville, the inyolu-
cral scales about 18, achenia 5-angled 40 to 50; rays
2 inch long 3 toothed ; leaves 4 to 5 inchesin length,
3 to 2 inch in width, stem 1 to 2 feet high. ‘a

Also a drawing and specimen of Trientalis Ameri-—
cana, or Chickweed Wintergreen. ’

The specimens we have examined have six instead of

seven divisions to the calyx, and the same of theco-
rolla, divisions ovate-acute, not ‘‘acuminate,’’ also
six stamens; the whorl of delicate leaves at the top
of the naked stem, are very broad and large, oblong-
lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, acuminate, entire, ©
not “serrulate;’’ upwards of 3 inches in length, about
14 inches in width. a
Dr. K. also exhibited specimens and drawing of a
beautiful Pentstemon or Beard-tongue, supposed te —
be new.

P. TeneLLus—Kellogg.

Stem perennial, somewhat ascending glabrous,
lower leaves numerous, very narrow lanee-spatulate
on long attenuated petioles, in opposite and decus-
sate fasiculate clusters, acute, mucronate, entire; the
upper leaves opposite, sessile, narrowly lance-pointed,
cordate clasping at base, the lower portion of the

lamina reflexed, entire, apex ending in a subulate
-mucro. Flowers opposite, peduncles 1 to 2-flowered
2-bracted, bracts linear-lanceolate, subulate, sessile
closely underneath the calyx ; sepals ovate with long
narrowed subulate recurve-spreading points, corolla
inflated, glabrous, sterile filament naked, point com-
pressed, slightly expanded, curved, anthers hirsute,
pistil capitate.

The flowers of this interesting plant are among
the most showy and beautiful we have ever seen ; the
color is an ultramarine lilac shading into the pink

colored tube ; the panicle is loose and airy with long
internodes above, shortening below to 4 or 4 the
length of the leaves, about 1 to 2 feet in height—
Leaves seldom two inches in length, about § or a lit-
tle more in width.
_ ‘Dr. K. exhibited a drawing, accompanied with
blooming specimens from Placerville, of anew and
interesting species of Eg/etes.
t. E. Cattroryicus—Kelloge.
_ Stem annual, striated, arachnoid-tomentose, branch-
ing above, forming a large open compound corym-
‘bose top; leaves alternate pinnatifid, obscurely 3-
nerved, white tomentose beneath, dark green glabrous
above, margins revolute ; upper leaves sessile, lance-
olate acute, mostly dentate, rays three or four times
the length of the inyoluecre, ligulate, 3-toothed, lax,
apex recurved? tube very glandularly villous, co-
-rolla of the disk villous and viscid with glandular
hairs as in the rays, border 5-toothed, pistils exsert
recurved, achenia quadrangular, hirsute, sulcate,
pappus of five chaffy scales lancinately-cleft or cil-
jlate at the extremity, receptacle convex pitted ; in-
yolucre in two series ; peduncles fistulous above.

_ Rays about 13, yellow like the disk florets, showy,
an inch or more in length; flowers very fragrant,
having the odor of a ripe Newtown pippin.

Saw Francisco, June 4, 1854.
Col. L, Ransom in the Chair.

A letter was read, addressed to Dr. Randall, from
Dr. S. G. George, of Visalia, Tulare Co , accompany-
ing specimens of vegetable fibre, of great strength
and beauty, taken from a plant common in the swam-
py lands of Tulare Co. It is hoped that attention
_ may be drawn to this plant, as its cultivation may at
‘some future time become of much importance. Spec-
imens of it were promised for investigation.

_ Mr. H. P. Carlton presented specimens of Cornel-

an, Agate, d&c., from Crescent City.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the

above donations.

_ Dr. Kellogg exhibited complete specimens and

a drawing of an herbaceous vine from the vicinity of

] lacerville.

This plant legitimately belongs to Echinocystis;—

many alterations in the received description of

his genus appear to be required. The provisional
ie offered is—

E. Muricarus—Kellogg.

Some of the generic differences are as follows :—

rtile flowers; calyx not “flattish,’’ but tubular-

1 este, segments 5, not ‘*6,” petals 5, united at

ue base into a tubular-companulate corolla, no abor-

ve filaments ; stigma barely marked by a very ob-

ire transverse line across the top. Sterile flowers

simple ? racemes 8 inches to 1 foot in length, calyx

deeply tubular-campanulate (tube 4 of.an inch or

-

more in length) border rotate, sepals obsolete, flow-
ers small, white, or greenish white ; stamens 3 to 5,
anthers sigmoid.

Stem about 5-angled, glabrous, very glaucous,
swelled at the axils. Leaves palmate broadly sinu-
ate-eordate at base, 5 to 7 lobed, separated by deep
and spacious sinuses, lobes long, cuneately somewhat
attenuated below; lobes 3 to 5 sub-lobed, with an-
gular margins, points mucronate, slightly scabrous,
pubescent above, sparsely soft pubescent and very
glacous beneath, lamina thin and delicate, on long
slender petioles; tendrils simple or 2 or 3 parted.—
Fruit on long slender pedicels pendent from the same
axils as the sterile racemes, &c., small, round, about
1 inch in diameter, glabrous and shining, light green,
muricate with a few obtuse short weak points mostly
aggregated at the base, striped somewhat in sections
with conspicuous dark green veins, 2-celled, 2-seeded,
bursting irregularly at the summit, seeds roundish
dark brown inclining to black, pitted.

This plant, like several other species, is known as
Giant Root; the root is of great size, creamy russet
color, rough, yellowish fleshy within and intensely
bitter. A vine climbing over small shrubs, about 6
to 8 feet in length. The seeds abound in oil, and
the root is said to be a valuable tonic.

Dr. K. exhibited specimens and a drawing of a
species of Fritillaria. In some of the specimens the
leaves were long and narrow, or linear-lanceolate
whorled below in 5s, 5 inches in length, alternate, lan-
ceolate and at the racemose top, arcuate, linear.—
There appears to be some variation in thisrespect; by
further observation should it prove to be new, we
suggest the specific namté F. multiflora. Stem about
3 feet high, 30 to 40 flowered, flowers small, nodding,
purple, spotted, about 5 an inch in length.

Stamens 7 shorter than the petals, anthers longer
than the filaments, inner petalsrounded at the apex,
outer petals acute, point incurved, 3 stigmas revo-
lute, glabrous. Root crowned by a great number of
smaller bulbs.

Dr. K. also exhibited a drawing and specimens of
vicia, or vetch, from Placerville.

V. truncata, var. villosa, K.—The specimens found

_in this vicinity answer the description usually given.

Further observations are required to determine
how far the locality will account for the changes we
find in this specimen from the interior. Leaves 6 to
7 pairs, broadly obovate-truncate, teeth numerous,
6 to 8 along the upper third and truncate end, mu-
cronate, short villous pubescent above, very villous
with long hairs beneath, vertical or reversed; stipules
semilunate, semisagittate, incisely mucronate-den-
tate, spur or barb long acuminate-mucronate, versa-
tile, on a central pedicel, stigma very villous; ten-
seeded.

The stem pubescent, quadrangular, slightly winged
at the angles, A very handsome species, 1 to 2 feet
high, weak. Leaves from 4 to. an inch in length,
and nearly the same in breadth.

Dr. K. presented a drawing and specimens of the
flowers of the Torreya Californica, or California
Nutmeg. Anthers peltate, 9-celled.

Also a drawing and specimen of the leaf of Leptar-
rhena inundata—Behr ; thus completing the draw-
ing and essential descriptions furnished a short time
ago.
The leaf is highly interesting; the specimen re-
ceived by the politeness of the Pacific Express Com-
pany, is about one foot broad, funnel-shaped, round,

peltate, border angularly-lobed, sinuses obtuse,
doubly-serrate, petiole about 2 feet in length, clothed

58

like the stem with glandular hairs, also glandular
and pubescent along the veins beneath, which grad-
ually diverge around the hollowed tubular centre of
the lamina, glabrous above, somewhat membranous.”

Dr. K. exhibited specimens and a drawing of a new
species of Ceanotkus, from Placerville.

C. diversifolius—Kellogg. Branches, both old and
young, peduncles, petioles and leaves, densely villous;
lateral branches divaricate, slightly nodding. Leaves
oblong-ovate or elliptical-vvate, obtuse, or sub-acute,
3-nerved, in most of the young leaves the lateral
nerves are obscure, lamina thin membranous, dense-
ly villous, bluish green and slightly glabrous beneath,
shorter villous pubescent above, not shining, retuse-
mucronate-dentate, teeth somewhat cuspidate, gland-
ular, petioles about 3 the length of the leaf. Flowers
in long axillary, simple racemes, somewhat pendant,
flowers mostly crowded into a corymbose cluster at
the extremity on pedicels of 4 to # of an inch long,
colored racemes 2 to 3 inches long, scarcely leafy at
the base, although a few scales are observed, and oc-
casionally a very minute leaf; flower buds covered
with small pubescent bracts, at length deciduous,—
calyx more infolded, and less cowled than usual in
this genus, giving the flower an angular or ribbed
appearance, style exserted, united to the top, stig-
ma barely divided, branches green, colored on the
sunny side, and studded with small flat glandular
warts.

Dr. K. also exhibited a drawing and specimen
of an (Enothera, or Cupid’s ana supposed to be

new.
(& arcuata—Kellogg.

The lobes of the stigma linear yellow, capsule elon-
gated, attenuate at the base, slightly pubescent, seeds
ascending in a single serves, flowers large.

Stem annual, terete, glabrous and shining tender
fleshy branchlets, somewhat woody at the base, flesh
colored and red, branched above, recurve-nodding
or tortuously curved, circinal ? leaves linear-lanceo-
late, narrowed at the base, nearly sessile, condu-
plicately closed, arched or ascending, twisted and
curved in large and graceful bows or circles, acute
or subulate, entire, minutely pubescent above and
below, tender fleshy, obscurely 3-nerved; flowers
axillary, flesh-colored turning to rose-color, anthers

- lilac-colored, longer than the somewhat compressed

filament, erect, fixed by the base, apex mucronate,
point expanded or glandular, recurved, white ;
stamens opposite the petals shortest ; alternate lon-
ger stamens 24 the length of the fan-shaped-
crenulate petals ; style red, shorter than the petals,
stigmas stigmatose ; flowers with 8 cuneiform lines
of red at the base within the funnel-form calyx,
tube 14 the length of the sepals 4-nerved and
grooved ; segments 24 the length of the capsule, 3.
nerved, lance-pointed, carinate, ovary cylindric, 8-
grooved, attenuate at each end, densely minute pu-
bescent, as is also the calyx, sessile, 3-nerved, an
inch or so in length, or 14 longer than the sepals.

For the above specimens, furnished by Mr. E.
W. Garvett, the Academy return their thanks.
Dr. Wm. O. Ayres presented the following descrip-
tion with the specimen:
Cenbrpicutuys Crista-GALLL—Ayres.

Form much elongated, rounded anteriorly, then
compressed, becoming much flattened near the tail.

Depth contained a little more than six times in the
total length. >

Head rounded, with the cheeks arched, and muzzle
very blunt. Top of the head provided with a thick
fleshy crest, which rises abruptly immediately behind
the upper jaw, and terminates as abruptly at the oc- —
ciput; it is highest postcriorly, its height there -be-
ing nearly double the diameter of the eye. This
crest consists mainly of adipose tissue, though it is
partially supported by an osseous occipital ridge.—
The breadth of its base is about equal to its height
anteriorly, narrowing to a thin edge at its dorsal
outline, which is nearly straight. From the occiput
the back rises at once to about the height of the crest, —
curving thence gently to the tail.

Eyes nearly circular, prominent, on the upper sur-
face of the head, so that as the profile slopes down-
ward they look upward and forward, giving a most
singular monkey like expression to the face. They
are separated from each other by a space equal to
their own diameter, and from the anterior border of
the upper jaw, by twice that space; their diameter
is a little less than one twelfth the length of the head. —
The length of the head is not quite one seventh of
the total length.

Opercular bones entirely destitute of spinous pro-
cesses, concealed in the thick, loose integuments, .

Lips very thick and fleshy.

Teeth fine, somewhat crowded, nearly even in both
jaws ; those of the lower jaw a little the largest. A
small patch on the vomer, and a band of very fine
ones along each palatine.

NVosirils small, near the base of the crest, less than ©
half the distance from the eye to the snout.

A row of pores, commencing back of the angle of
the mouth, follows the preopercular border, turns
backward above the top of the operculum, and meet-
ing there another row which has been formed by two
—one from the occiput and oue from the angle of the
eye—the two constitute the lateral line, which at_
first ascending till near the dorsal fin, follows then
the curve of the back, and terminates abruptly a
short distance before reaching the caudal fin. This
lateral line consists, in almost its whole length, of -
two irregular parallel rows of pores all communica-
ting with one main tube.

Scales small, oval, soft, imbedded, covering the
body (but not the head), and ascending partially the’
fins. The whole fish is coated witha thick mucous
secretion. :

Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins united.

The dorsal fin, arising a short distance from the
occiput, extends to the caudal fin. The rays of the
anterior portion are simple, feebly spinous ; those of
the posterior, articulated, branched. The fin is at
first low, becoming then higher, and again diminish-
ing, till it rises somewhat abruptly at the commence-
ment of the articulated portion, maintaining thence
a pearly even height throughont ; this greatest height
is a little more than one third of the length of the
head. . The last ray is connected fully by membrane
with the caudal, though leaying an emargination be-
tween the two fins. ]

The anai fin, arising a little nearer to the tip o
the snout than to the base of the caudal, is of nearly
uniform height throughout, being lower than the soft
portion of the dorsal. The rays articulated and
branched. Its union to the caudal is like that of the
dorsal.

The cauda/ is rounded, its height a little greate
than the greatest height of the dorsal.

The pectorals are rounded, equalling the caudal
height, the length of their base being scarcely half
their height.

—s == — 7]

PC ee ee ‘STUAW ‘TTTVO-WLSTHD =SAHLHOICGIG

LLapmos
ORY fO AMe24, ~

4 MOA Op1e f DIJ

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So
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Ventral fins, none.
Branchial rays six.
D. 25-40; A. 42; P.11; 0.19.
_ Color nearly uniform, dark grayish brown, a very
little darker beneath.
Length of the specimen described, twenty-five and
a half inches
This singular and grotesque-looking fish occupies
position nearly intermediate betwein Zoarces and
Anarrhicas. It agrees with the former in the aspect
f the body, the union of the vertical fins, the fleshy
ips, the form and size of the teeth; with the latter in
he absence of ventral fins; and with both in the
“scales, the abundant mucous secretion, the branchial
ays, and the rounded muzzle. It differs from Zoar-
in the character of the dorsal rays, the presence
ventrals, and the position of the mouth; from
4narrhicas in the form and size of the teeth; and
from both in the crest.
A new generic division becomes therefore necessa-
ry, for which the peculiar monkey-like face of the
h, viewed in front, suggests an appropriate name.
e strange resemblance to several of the American
monkeys is, in fact, quite striking, and we may call
ie genus
‘ Cesipicutuys,—Ayres.
4, Head smooth, rounded, muzzle obtuse ; body elon-
gated, with minute, imbedded scales ; dorsal, anal,
and caudal fins united ; no ventral fins ; lips fleshy;
mouth opening obliquely upward ; teeth small, in
th jaws, and on the vomer and palatine bones ;
anchial rays six ; a fleshy crest on the head.
erista-galli is apparently rare. But a single
men has yet been seen, and none of the fisher-
un had met with anything like it previously. It
as talxen in the Bay of San Francisco Its food had
asisted of small fish in part, but chiefly of sea-

San FRANCISCO, June 11, 1855.
H. G. Bloomer in the Chair.

copy of the Annals of San Francisco.
The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
ition.
. Kellogg presented specimens of a small and
autiful Mimulus, accompanied by a drawing. It
believed to be known, but having seen no descrip-
on, we give the following:
¥ M. ATROPURPUREA ?
Stem short, branched mostly from the base, branch-
opposite, decumbent, 2 to 3 inches long, square,
landularly pubescent with white transparent frosty
airs ; leaves opposite, spatulate-ovate, acute, entire,
Sparingly serrate, with coarse teeth, petioles half-
asping, 5 to 8-nerved, ciliate along the lower mar-
f the petiole, sparsely hirsute above, purple be-
,80me pubescent along the prominent veins ;
opposite, axillary on short peduncles, 4 to 4
th of the calyx, calyx obliquely saccate at
ase on the upper side, upper tooth and calyx
or arched ; tube of the corolla very long, club-
ed, throat ventricose somewhat compressed and
olded from beneath on each side of the palate, low-
t lip very short recurved, two upper divisions much
rger reflexed spreading, reddish purple, variegated
throat and palate; capsule carinate-compressed
que. From Placerville.

specimens and drawing of a Cerasus, from

Placevic

~ ©. GtaNputosvs, or Mountain Cherry.—Kellogg.
Shrubby, stem reddish, slender, young branches

Ns CAL, ACAD, NAT. SCI. JULY, 1855.

59

pubescent ; leaves obovate acute, somewhat cuneate
at base, biglandular, mucronate, serrulate, sub-glab-
rous above, pubescent beneath, particularly along
the veins ; flowers in erect racemes terminating the
leafy branches, appearing after the leaves ; flowers
fasciculate-corymbose at the extremity of the long
raceme, pedicles 3 aninch or more in length, villous,
as is also the rachis, calyx segments short, acute, re-
flexed, petals rounded, style, one, exserte infolded and
tortuously bent, stigma capitate ; fruit ovoid.

This species or variety has the glands much more
conspicuous and uniformly constant than the C.
emarginatus of the coast.

Dr. K. presented specimens with a drawing of
Amelanchier Canadensis var. alnifolia Nutt. cr Al-
der-leaf June-berry.

Branches smooth, robust, dark pu ple; leaves ob-
tuse, cordate at the base,upper third and end toothed,
entire below ; lamina flat or plane, thin, pinnately
veined, stipules lanceolate dry membranous, fuscous-
pubescent, caducous ; very delicately pubescent above
and below ; flowers, in short dense racemes, about 6
to 12, sessile and sub-sessile, calyx and rachis pu-
bescent, styles 4, stamens short, calyx divisions short,
triangular-lanceolate, strongly reflexed, racemes
with one or two large leaves at the base.

The specimens furnished us by the generosity of
the Pacific Express Co , were past the flowering peri-
od. The shrub abounds in prussie acid, and must be
useful for medical purposes. Fruit black and sweet.

Also a drawing and specimens of Maderia elegans?
from Alameda and vicinity of San Francisco.

Stem simple, about 2 to 3 feet high hispid with
long glandless and shorter glandular hairs inter-
mixed on the upper part of the stem, peduncles, and
involucre; radical leaves linear-spatulate and linear
oblong, elongated to 3 to 6 inches, { to 1 inch wide,
remotely denticulate, waved, 3 to 2-nerved, upper
cauline leaves gradually reduced in size, very vil-
lous, with short glandless hairs, interspersed hirsute,
sessile, sub-cordate clasping, alternate ; flowers in a
loose compound-paniculate corymbose top: involucre
naked, scales 18 to 20, or the same number as the
rays, somewhat alternately long and shorter ; rays
long, cuneate deeply 3-cleft at the apex, middle lobe
sub-spatulate, points obtuse emarginate, twice as
long as the involucre (or about 1 inch,) § inch wide,
slightly attenuate to about 4of an irch below, 3
greenish veins along the back; tube pubescent,
ligales light yellow throughout; receptacle conic,
villous with soft hairs ; chaffy scales in a single
series ( between ray and disk florets) united,
greenish points, villous, acute, incurved ; disk corol-
la, 5-parted, segments very villous within, a tuft of
long hairs on the back at the tips, glabrous, only the
narrowed tube pubescent ; branches of the style in
the disk flowers subulate, very acute, minutely hispid
on the back, connately erect, anthers dark brown or
black, all destitute of pappus.

Achenia of the ray enclosed by the carinate-com-
plicate involucre, oblong-obovate, somewhat com-
pressed, slightly incurved, sessile areolar disk above,
little clawlike process below, glabrous, neither angled
nor striated, dark purple, nearly black.

Annual hairy and glandular gummy herbs; flow-
ers large, delicate straw-colored, or bright pale yel-
low, about 14 to 2 inches in diameter.

These herbs singularly vary in size in the same
proximity ; whilst one has long leaves } of an inch
wide, stem tall and slender, another side by side, may
be of similar height, but very sturdy stemmed with
broad leaves, &c., without any important specific
difference.

60

Dr. K. exhibited a drawing of Echinosphace, Ben- |

tham, or ‘‘Ch.a’’ of the Mexicans, by the Americans
called also fower Castle, and Castle plant.

The specimens presented were raised by T. J. Ne-
vins, Esq., in his garden at Alameda, from seeds fur-
nished by Col. L. Ransom, U. S. Survey.

We have seen no specific description. Only one
species, we believe, has been noticed ; there are,
however, two distinct species, at least. It is a plant
ot much beauty and use, closely allied to the Sage.—
It has been long cultivated for the seeds, although
growing abundantly wild; a cold infusion in water
is held in high estimation by the Spanish population
of California. It forms a very pleasant and delicate
cooling mucilage for fevers, inflammations, etc., and
is well worthy of further investigation from the med-
ical profession.

San Francisco, June 18, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.

Mr. Charles E. Rich, of Sacramento, was elected a
Corresponding Member.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Geo. H. Ensign, aspecimen of the sedi-
mentary rocks at Clark’s Point, San Francisco, ex-
hibiting many perforations by shell-fish.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nation.

From Dr. J. B. Trask, two specimens of Cebedich-
thys crista-galli, Ayres, and two of Porichthys no-
tatus, Gir., from Tomales Bay.

From Dr. Lanszweert, the nest and young of the
Chestnut Crowned Titmouse (Parus minimus, Aud.)
nest and eggs of Yarrell’s Goldfinch (Carduelis
Yarrellii, Aud.),and of the Brown Song Sparrow
(Passerella cinerea), from the vicinity of the Mission
Dolores.

From Mr. T. J. Nevins, specimens of various plants,
Abronia rosea, Oenothera viminea, &c., from Ala
meda.

From Dr. J. B. Wells, a specimen of silicious de-
posite, taken froma tunnel at Table Mountain, Tu-
olumne Co., at a depth of about sixty feet.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nation.

The May No. of Silliman’s Journal, one No. of the
Monterey Sentinel, and two new sheets of the Pro-
ceedings of the Academy were received.

Col. Abert presented a volume of Tables and For-
mul for the use of the U.S. Topographical Engi-
neers, by Capt. T. J. Lee, U. S. A.

A paper by Mr. W.P. Blake, Geologist to the
Southern Pacific Railroad Survey, was read, deseri-
bing the polishing of rocks and sand stones hy wind-
driven sand. Mr. Blake’s observa fons were made in
the Colorado Desert,and in the pass below Mount

San Bernardino, and are very valuable, as illustra-
ting the possible forves that may have produced the
well-known drift scratches and furrows. The paper
will be published in full.

| segments, anthers white, filaments flat, widening be

A letter was read from the Societé Imperiale des
Sciences Naturelles, Cherbourg, France, proposing
interchange of communications with the Academy.

Dr. Kellogg presented specimens of an Azalea
from the interior, accompanied by a drawing.

A. NUDIFLORA Var. ciliata.—Kellogg.

California White Honeysuckle.

These little shrubs are among the most beautiful
and fragrant ornaments of our moist and shady for-
ests ; and are deeply enshrined with the earliest rec-
ollections of every American heart.

The plants of this genus vary so much, that it is
confessedly difficult to establish uniform characters.
For this reason we furnish such evidences as we find
in the forms and figures before the Academy. It is
with the hope of ascertaining the irregularities occa-
sioned by different soils and situations that we desire
to contribute our mite to the general stock uf knowl-
edge by offering the following description :

Flowers large, irregular, white, (a shade of pink on -
the back) lower largest segment ochroleucons, vil-
lous viscid without, also the calyx and peduncles ;
one or two upper sepals 3 or 4 times longer than the
others, obtuse, ciliate, sub-spatulate ; lower seg-
ments short, rounded, stamens declined, longer than
the corolla, filaments hirsute below, style exsert,
capitate birsute at the base.

Leaves obovate-lanceolate, sub-acute cuneate at
base, lucid, colored alike on both sides, minutely pu-
bescent above and below, mid rib sub-hirsute be-
neath, entire, ciliate, a colored gland at the mucro-
nate point.

A shrub 3 to 6 feet high. young branches glabrous,
many membranous rudiments of linear or linear-
lance leaves at the base ; old bark light gray satiny,
somewhat shreddy, in silky fibres. Flowers in dense
clustered racemes at the extremity of the branches,
appearing with the leaves, from large bracteacous
caducous bud-scales, on peduncles 1 inch long, seg-
ments of the flower not very deeply divided, sub-
compressed funnel-shaped.

Also a specimen and drawing of dnoplanthus unt-
florus trom the interior, differing in color, size, &e.-
with the specimens on the sea-coast ; about 10 inches
high, their flowers 1 inch in length, &c.

Also specimens and drawing of G2nothera amena
or Red Spotted Primrose. A beautiful rose-colored
species, from the hills in this vicinity ; petals red
spotted at the base.

Also a drawing of a purple flowered @nothera,
from Alameda, the specimens furnished by T. J. Nev-
ins, Esq.

CE. vimineA, Doag. var. intermedia—Kellogg,

or the Willow-leaf Primrose

4th sub-division of T. and G., xx lobes of the stig-
ma oval, short, dark purple, capsule sessile, oblong,
tapering near ‘the summit, seeds ascending in a sin~
gle series.

Stem 2 to 3 feet high, erect, branching above
twigs very long and slender, bark fibrous and
shreddy, membranous, satiny, silvery hue below,
flesh-colored and reddish above, somewhat pubescen
Leaves narrow lanceolate, nearly entire, or rarel
minutely and remotely dentate, very minutely satin
puberulent on both sides. F lowers in long racemes,
dark lilac-purple, petals ? of an inch long, or twice
us long as the stamens, sepals about 7 the length of
the petals, calyx tube from 4 to § the length of th

61

low; style exsert beyond the stamens ; capsules ses-
sile, slightly 4 sided, or sub-cylindric, oblong, with a
conical apex, strait, or somewhat curved, very vil-
lous canescent pubescent.

June 25th, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.

M. Auguste Le Folis, of Cherbourg, France, was
elected a Correspoading Member.

Donations tothe Cabinet.

From Capt. A. Hanson, a fossil specimen, being
part of the lower jaw of an Elk, from Shoalwater
Bay.

From Geo. H. Hudson, Esq., a suite of eggs of the
Murre, (Uria troile, L.) brought from the Farallon

Islands.

From H. R. Bloomer, Esq., three nests of the Gold
Finch, (Chrysomitris tristis, L.)

From 8. P. Whitmore, Esq., an Indian skull, from
the vicinity of the Mission of San Jose. The thanks
of the Academy were voted for these donations.

From Dr. W. O. Ayres, the skull of a Sea Lion,
(Otaria jubata ?) from the Farallon Islands.

This specimen is of interest, as illustrating in one
particular the habits of these animals. The left zy-
gomatic arch had been perforated by a bullet, and
the lower part of the left inferior maxillary bone
shattered by another, both of these injuries having
been received so long since that the action of the
absorbents had almost perfectly smoothed the splin-
tered edges of the bones. Inside of the wound of the
zygoma was found the piece of lead which had caused
it, which was at once recognised (from certain pecu-
liarities of form) as one which had been fired, without
fatal effect, at a Sea Lion on the same rocks in the
summer of 1854. We have thus a demonstration

that these huge seals return, in some instances at
least, year after year to the same localities. They
leave the Farallonesin November, and return in May,
being absent about six months. How far they mi-
grate during the interval we have at present no

_ means of determining.

The one from which the skull presented was taken
was estimated to weigh about a ton.
_ Dr. Behr presented the following description of a
plant representing a new genus and species
‘ CuxLoropynron, mihi.

Calyx bifidus, antice fissus. Corolla hypogyna,
exserta, ringens, tubo filiformi, labiis aequilongis,
superiori plano triangnlari, inferiori latiori, inflato.
Stamina quatuor, didynama, corolle tubo inserta,

inclusa ; superiorum anther uniloculares, peltatz,
inferiorum biloculares, loculis disjunctis, altero me-

- difixo, terminali, altero filamento infra affixo. Ova-
rium biloculare, loculis multiovulatis. Stylus sim-
plex, ad apicem incrassatus. Stigma subbilabiatum.
Capsula...... Semina...... ; adh

Genus inter Adenostegiam et Triphysariam inter-
medium. certe quidem ab utraque diversissimum.-~—
Corolla conformatione maxime cum Triphysaria con-
venit, a quo ceterum antherarum structura, Adenos-
tegiz simili, omnino differt.

CHLOROPYRON PALUSTRE, mihi.

Herba annua, ramosa, pubescens. Folia alterna,
cuneata, apice tridentata. Spice terminales, foliose.

Planta humilis, late viridis, flores albidi, labio in-
feriore atropurpureo suffuso.

Habitat locis humidis salsaginosis, prope locum
Russ Garden dictum.

Mr. Horace Davis presented a valuable series of ge-
ological specimens, with the following statement :

The accompanying specimens of wood and clay
came from some mining shafts in Caldwell’s garden,
which is a portion of Shaw’s Flat, about two miles
north of Sonora. That immediate locality (the gar-
den) has not been mined until quite recently, but
was cultivated asa ranch, until last fall, when a very
rich lead was accidentally discovered, in a portion
of which these specimens were found. Shaw’s Flat
is a broad stretch of rich mining country, quite high
in itself, and yet surrounded by hills much more el-
evated than itself.

The gold is quite evenly diffused over all this flat
ground, save in the south-west corner, where it is
confined to a narrow strip—a single line of claims.
Here, too, it is quite deep under-ground. There
seems to be a small river bed buried here, and this
forms the lead. At its upper end, when first found,
it is, say 30 feet under ground. Thence it slopes
gradually to the south-west, while the surface of the
ground rises; so that the shafts grow constantly
deeper, till the lead runs under Table Mountain.—
The last shaft which has struck it is about 120 feet
deep. As near as I could judge, the bed of this
stream was not broken, as it seemed to preserve its
regular grade, but was rather buried.

The surface soil in the garden is the common red
clay about Sonora. Atadepth of about 10 to 15
feet, you strike a thick stratum of white clay, of
which I enclose specimens. Below this (which varies
in its thickness) is gravel mixed with boulders (most-
ly of white limestone, I think) and below this, buried
in with it, is the gold. I was told that the banks of
the river were distinctly traceable, and that the dirt
paid handsomly clear to the bank.

These trees were found in this gravel. Some were
standing upright ; some presented the appearance of
the stumps of hurnt trees; some were fallen logs.—
There were layers of leaves on the ground, very per-
fect, when first brought up the shaft, but which I
could not preserve I enclose one or two fragments
where they have been preserved on the clay.

There were much finer pieces of wood than I have,
but I obtained the best I could.

It may be interesting to state that these claims are
paying as high as $600 to $800 per day.

JULY 2, 1855,

Dr. Randall in the Chair.

Mr. Tennent exhibited a very beautiful series of
specimens of Algew, Sertularix, &c., prepared by
himself, from specimens collected in this vicinity.

A letter was read from the Boston Society of Nat-
ural History, acknowledging the receipt of the Pro-
ceedings of this Academy.

Proceedings of the Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, pp.
176-192, were received from the Society.

Two numbers of the Monterey Sentinel, from the
publishers.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nations.

Dr. Kellogg presented specimens of a shrubby
Polygala from Placerville, accompanied by a draw-
ing. Thisis the only species we have seen on the
Pacific, and is one of scientific interest. There were
reasons, of anegative character, for suspecting the

6

Spanish botanist, Mocino, had given a wrong locality
to P. Nutkana, “‘as no species ofthe genus had been
found by other observers on the Pacific coast of N.
America.’’ More recently, however, Nuttall found
a specimen of the P.N. in California, which he de-
serbed under the name of P. Californica.

P. cornuta.—Kelloge, or Horned Milkwort.

Stem perennial, branching, bright green, glabrous,
somewhat glaucous, warted, erect.

Upper leaves oblong-lanceolate, mostly obtuse, ap-
proximate, mucrenate, margins pellucid very entire,
alike green and glabrous on both sides; lower leaves
obovate emarginate ; on short petioles, alternate
veins scarcely visible.

Flowers in a loose spike, 6 to 8 or more, fertile on
the topmost attenuated branchlets, pale yellow with
greenisn tinge, often shaded with pale lilac ; rachis,
pedicels, calyx and petals, puberulent ; bracts subu-
late, g of an ineh long, or as long as the pedicels, the
small posterior upper division of the calyx ovate,
acute, sub-gibbous by the somewhat produced com-
mor claw; glandless, the 2-lower 1-10 of an inch in
advance of the upper, ovate, sub-acute; 2-lateral
calycine wings, obovate-oblong obtuse, oblique ; §
of an inch long, the proper petal wings linear obtuse
about the same length.

Keel 3 longer, abruptly bent downwards, large,
rounded obtuse, crested with a little horn-like pro-
cess, hooked, or curved upwards, filaments and claws
united into a broad cleft tube ; upper edge of the
filamentous ridge very pubescent (pale lilac?) free
portion hirsute, 1-10 ofan inch long, anthers 8, white,
finally opening at the side along an obscure septal
line, pistil 4 or 5 times the length of the capsule, in-
curved stigma enlarged, unequally 2-lobed.

Capsule, glabrous, entire, flat, orbicular-2-celled,
one seed in each cell.

Seed oblong, glabrous, caruncle about } the length
of the seed, glabrous ?

Dr. Kellogg presented specimens ofa new and sin-
gular Pentstemon, with a drawing.

P carinatus, Kellogg. Keeled Bearded-tongue.

Stem glabrous, erect, terete, one to one and a-half
feet high.

Leaves opposite linear-lanceolate 3-nerved at the
base, and somewhat extra triplinerved above, re-
motely dentate, teeth minute acute, glabrous, peti-
oles very short, a clasping base; upper, narrow, ses-
sile, entire, recurved.

Flowers in a terminal panicle of opposite and de-
cussate branchlets, each forming rather close panicu-
late corymbs of 6 to 9 flowers.

Calyx, 5 distinct imbricated sepals, lanceviate,
long subulate acuminate points, glabrous, obscurely
3-nerved, slightly ciliate.

Tube of the corolla very short, not inflated, 2-lipped
ringent, upper lip narrow, arched, 2-toothed, hispid
on the back, slightly keeled, a strong reddish ridge
along the back, arising from a horn-shaped process
at the notch of the apex; lower lip 3-parted seg-
ments equal, long linear, striated with 2 or 3 pink
lines, three or four times as long as the tube, didyn-
amous fertile filaments declined at base, ascending
occupying the vaulted upper lip, anthers pubescent
below ; abortive 5th stamen, naked, sub-equal, re-
curved closely to the lower lip ; : style about as long
as the stamens, stigma simple, capsule 2-celled, seeds
numerous, wingless.

Flowers creamy yellowish, streaked with red.

9

_

Dr. K. also presented specimens of a Lonicera,
from the interior, accompanied by a drawing.
L. pirosa—Kellogg.

Stem twining, perennial, very hirsute.

Leaves pubescent above (dull green, not shining),
soft villous and glaucous beneath, lower large stem
leaves cordate-ovate obtuse, about two inches long
by one and a-half wide, upper leaves of the slender
branches, oblong, sub-acute, all on petioles § to 4a
the length of the lamina, only the uppermost pai
connate-perfoliate, lamina coriaceous margin ciliate,
somewhat revolute, petioles, in short, all parts very
pilose; stipules reniform clasping, connecting the
bases of the opposite leaves.

Flowers hirsute externally, tube slender not gib-
bous, lower linear division about one-third larger
than the tube, upper phlange with the four ve
short teeth in whorls of 6, internodes of spike short,
color of the fiowers pale pink blush ; calyx minute ;
exsert filaments, and capitate pistil, hirsute at the
base; tube very hirsute within throughout ; whorls
with very minute, ovate, acute scales but no foliace
ous bractlets.

Fruit sub-glabrous.

The specimens from which the description is taken
is fifteen feet in length.

Dr. K. also presented a specimen and drawing of
Erythrea or Canchelagua, a beautiful plant belong-
ing to the Gentianworts. It hasa pure and rather
pleasant bitter, is tonic and stomachic, and in the
fresh state an excellent remedy for agues ; its medi
cal properties are said to be entirely lost by drying.
The general appearance of this plant is very mu
like our Atlantic Sabbatia angularis.

Dr. W. O. Ayres presented a specimen of a ney
Scomberoid fish, with the following description :

CaRANX SYMMETRICUS—Apres.

Form elongated, compressed, (the thickness being
rather more than half the depth,) dorsal and abdom-
inal outlines evenly arched ; depth one-fifth the tota
length ; length of head a little greater than the depth
of the body.

Mouth oblique ; lower jaw the longer ; a vertical
line from the tip of the superior maxillary, passing
just in advance of the eye. Zeeth extremely minute |
in both jaws, on the palatine bones, the anterior por- |
tion of the vomer, and along the middle line
the same bone and on the tongue; those on the ©
tongue and anterior part of the vomer are crowded 3
the remainder are in each instance arranged in near=
ly a single row.

Scales thin, elliptical, with very numerous concet-
tric strie ; covering the entire body and head, excep!
the throat, lower jaw, and space anterior to the eye
Those on the lower parts of the body are the largest;
those on the head very small. The /ateral line pass-
es directly backward until about even with the or
gin of the second dorsal fin, curves there quite sué
denly downward, and follows thence the middle lin
of the body to the caudal fi. The scales marking
the line are elongated vertically, with a median pro-
cess directed backward ; near the head this processi
very slight ; it becomes more developed, until poste-
rior to the curved portion of the line it is a horn
ridge, with an acute tip, the whole constituting the
sharp, angular carina along the caudal region of the!
body found in the fishes of this genus; the number 0
these carinated scales is forty-four to forty-six.

ro

es. Space immediately anterior to the eye, hyaline,
with the nostrils situated above it, of which the ante-
rior aperture is the larger. Lye large, its diameter
contained about four and a half times in the length

_ of the head.
The first dorsal fin arising ata point slightly io
_ adyance of the commencement of the second third ot
_ the entire length, is triangular in form, its length
and height equal, being half the length of the head.
; The height of the last ray is but about one-sixth of

Opercular apparatus destitute of points or process- |

that of the third, which is the highest.

The second dorsal arising a little behind the ter-
mination of the first, extends nearly to the caudal,
leaving there a free space equal to the diameter of
the eye. Its height at about the third or fourth ray
equals two-thirds of that of the first dorsal; it de-
creases thence posteriorly, the last rays being not
quite a third as high. Immediately at its termina-
tion is a finlet, entirely distinct, and yet almost con-
nected with the fin. Both the dorsal fius are receiv-
edinto adeep groove, which completely conceals
_ them when closed.

The anal fin arises a little posterior to the origin
of the second dorsal, with which fin it is coterminal,
being also similar to it in form and height, and in the
preseiice of a finlet posteriorly It is preceded by
two strong spiues, about half eqnalling the greatest
height of the fin. It is received into a groove, scarce-
ly so deep as that on the back.

Pectorals high and pointed; their height a little
less than the length of the head, reaching to the plane

of the origin of the second dorsal.

_ Ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals, which
they nearly half equal in length.

: Caudal deeply concave, very strong, rays much
branched, accessory rays much developed.

p. 8—about 40? (mutilated); a. 2—1.28; p. 1.22;

Wao, 6.1:9.8. 1.6.
Color greenish brown above, lighter on the sides,
Silvery beneath. Irides silvery. A brownish-black
blotch at the superior angle of the operculum. Dor-
_ sals somewhat clouded; other fins nearly colorless.
_ We have in the present species the first represen-
_ tative of the Mackerel tribe of fishes yet described
as occurring on our coast. It is somewhat singular
that of the extensive family of Scombridw, whose
Species and genera abound in almost every sea, we
ad hitherto found none along the shores of Califor-
a. We have often heard, it is true, of the capture
Albicores ahd Bonitos down the coast, and were
assured last summer that the harbor of San Diezo
yas “full of Mackerel.’? But names of fishes are
sed in California with so little precision, that no
penlence can be placed on such evidence. He
who should infer that anything resembling Pike or
erch was taken in the Sacramento River or the San
Joaquin, would (so far as we now know) be much
deceived; yet fishes bearing those names are constant-
y brought from these rivers to our markets. and
soldin abundance. The specimen herewith presen-
bed possesses, therefore, more than its own share of
in erest.
C. symmetricus is quite distinet from all the pre-
viously known species of the genus. It is more
“Closely allied to C. punctatus, Cuv., than to any
Other, but is quite readily separated from it by the
curve of its lateral line, the number of che carinated
cales, und the position of the dorsal and anal finlets,
_ without reference to other characters, W th other
sabe it need scarcely be ¢ mpared.
©. symmetricus is apparently by no means com-
--mon on our coast, but will probihly be found more
abundant futher south. The specimen described,

CAL AUAD NAT. SCL AUG., 1859.

w
,

63

the only one yet seen, was taken in the Bay of San
Francisco; it was seventeen inchesin length. None
of the fishermen were acquainted with the species,
San Franersco, Juiy 9th, 1855.

Dr. L. Lanszweert in the Chair.

Mr. James O’Meara, of Calaveras county, was
elected a corresponding member.

Dr. Lanszweert presented a foetus of the Spermo-
philus Douglassii, R., commonly called here Ground
Squirrel, from Santa Clara; also two young mice.

Jury 16, 1855.

Dr. L. Lanszweert in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Augustin Ainsa, Spanish State Translator,
specimens of Lead and Silver Ore, from Sonora, con-
taining thirty per cent. of lead, and silver in the gro
portion of $25 to a hundred pounds of ore; the
thanks of the Academy were voted for the donation.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a Humming Bird, from San-
ta Clara, O. Rivoli, new to the Californian Fauna;
also several nests of common species of birds.

A letter was read containing an offer from Colonel
Henley, Indian Agent for California, to procure col-
lections for the Cabinet of the Academy in various
parts of the State. On motion, the thanks of the
Academy were tendered to Col. Henley, for his libe-
ral offer, end the, Corresponding Secretary was re-
quested to attend to the measures requisite.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of a new and in-
teresting variety of the Peach. This fruit is remar-
kable forits fine size, and when we consider that it
has been now about two weeks ripe, (the specimen is
the second week in our possession, and we therefore
speak from our own actual knowledge,) it bids
fair, we think, to prove a very valuable acquisition.
This new variety has been produced by the combined
careful culture and genial climate of the Rev. A H.
Myers’ nursery, Alameda. A gentleman from Los
Angeles informs us they can boast of none so efrly.
If this be so, it may prove immensely valuable. We
are not authorized to designate it by any name, but
think that Myers’ Rareripe would be sufficiently dis-
tinctive and app: opriate.

Dr. Kellogg also exhibited a complete drawiug of
a species of wild Black Mountain Currant, together
with specimens of the bush and ripe fruit. The fruit
is very sweet and pulpy, and by a little culture
would undoubtedly improve in every respect. The
fruit is large, black, covered with a dense bloom, and
the bush appears to yield bountifully.

Rises Navapaunsis.—Kellogg.

Stem and branches glabrous,. the membranous
purple bark of the older branches flakes and warps
off like the nine-bark bush, or Spirea opulifolia.—
Leaves about as long as the racemes, cordate, 8 to 5
lobed. doubly serrate, pubescent above and below ;
(neither glandular nov viscid,) petioles pubernlent
aid sparsely glandular, base somewhat expanded,
ciliate; racemes from the same buds as the leaves,
minutely puberulent and glaudular, bracts red, like

the flowers, lanceolate acute, numerous, calyx glo-
bose campanulate, border expanding, petals roundish
shorter than segments of the calyx or sub-equal, pe-
dicels very short.

Fruit globose, glands few, black, with a dense
bloom, pulpy and very sweet.

The Academy and the public are indebted to the
generosity of the Pacific Express Company for these
valuable acquisitions. Will cur friends please re-
member and send as above.

Dr. W. O. Ayres presented a specimen of a new

species of Whiting, with the following description :

MrRLANGUS PRODUCTUS—Ayres.

Form elongated, subcompressed; greatest depth
just posterior to the head, tapering thence very
gradually to the caudal fin. Depth contained about
seven and a-half times in the total length. Head
somewhat pointed anteriorly, its length about one
fourth of the length of the fish, nearly flat on the
dorsal surface.

Mouth large, lower jaw the larger, a vertical line
from the extremity of the superior maxillary inter-
secting the middle of the pupil.

Teeth slender, sharp, uneven (larger and smaller
intermixed) in both jaws, and on the vomer ; ar-
ranged in a crowded, irregular single row in each
case; none on the palatines or the tongue.

Lateral line very conspicuous, darker in color
than the parts adjacent, curving a little downward
until opposite about the middle of the second dorsal
fin, and running thence straight to the caudal.

Scales relatively rather large, irregularly oval,
concentric striae numerous; about a hundred and
forty scales along the lateral line. Scales covering
the whole body, top of the head, operculum and top
of preoperculum, and upper part of the cheeks, but
not the interoperculum, lower part of preoperculum,
sub-orbital and ante-orbital space, nor the lower jaw.
Scales ascending on the caudal fin, and on the base
of the pectorals, but very slightly on the dorsals or
anals

Eyes large, nearly circular, their diameter con-
tained not quite five times in the length of the head;
distant a little less than two diameters from the tip
of the lower jaw; interval between the eyes a little
greater than one diameter.

The opercular angle, formed by both operculum
and subuperculum, is somewhat acute, not spinous.

Nostrilsimmediately anterior to the eyes ; posteri-
or aperture the larger.

The first dorsal fin arising a little posterior to the
opercular angle is triangular in form, its length be-
ing about twice the diameter of the eye; the first
ray is about half the height of the second, third, and
fourth, which are longest, their height being greater
than the length of the ffn.

The second dorsal, separated from the first by an
interval equal to one third of the length of that fin,
bas a length equal to the length of the head. Its
greatest height, at the sixth or seventh ray, is half
the height of the first dorsal.

The third dorsal, continuous from the termination
of the second, has a height anteriorly nearly equal to
the height of the first, tapering thence quite rapidly
to the last rays. It is separated from the caudal fin
by an intervaia little greater than half the diameter
of the eye.

The caudal fin, dilated at base by the numerous
accessory rays, slightly concave posteriorly, has a
height equal to that of the first dorsal.

The first anal, arising on nearly the same plane
with the second dorsal, is very similar to that fin in
form, being alittle greater in both height and length.

The second anal, continuous from the termination b ;
of the first, is similar to the third dorsal in form and
height, extending a little nearer to the caudal.

The pectora/s are high, somewhat rounded, their

height being about three times that of the second dor-
sal. When closed, they reach as far as the fourth or
fifth ray of the second dorsal.

The ventrals. anterior to the pectorals, have half
their height ; rays not filiform at tip. D.,11. 22. 18.
ALw21, U9; Py 2. 4-9 Vi, ial aCe, 9s OL Gaia

Color grayish brown above, lighter on the sides,
abdomen whitish ; margins of scales darker, giving
the appearance of waving dark lines. Fins some-
what clouded.

M. productus is not very closely allied to any of
the previously known species of the genus. It is
very readily separated by the form and size and po-
sition of the fins, the size of the scales, the form of
the head, &e. It has, indced, in form and general
aspect more resemblance to Merlucius albidus than
to any other American species, but from that it is
generically distinct. It may be very appropriately
called Californian Whiting.

The species appear to be by no means common
along this coast. Only a few specimens, all taken at
the same time, have been brought to the markets.—
It is said to be found more abundantly further north,
along the coast of Oregon and Washington.

The specimens observed were from eighteen to
twenty-four inches in length,

It is somewhat remarkable that before the disco-
very of this species, the little Californian. Tomcod
(Gadus proximus, Gir.) was the only representative
in our waters of the extensive family of the Gadidx,
so abundant in other seas. All the larger types
were wanting, and Merlangus productus is not with-
out additional interest on that account.

Sawn Francisco, July 23, 1855.
Dr. Behr in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From J. G. Swan, of Shoalwater Bay, W. T., spec-

imens of Gunnellus ornatus, Gir; of Leptogunnel- —
lus gracilis, Ayres; of a species of the Embiotocoidae,
one of Squilla, and one of Anatifa, apparently unde-
scribed.

From Capt. Hanson, of Shoalwater Bay, a fine
specimen of fossilized pine wood, and a fragment of
a fossil bone, probably from the humerus of an elk.

From Dr. A. B. Stout, a specimen of Jasper, from
Angel Island.

From Dr. J. N. Hume, a specimen of conglomerate
containing marine shells, from the vicinity of Beal’s
Bar, North Fork of the American River, 300 feet
above the stream.

Dr. Bebr presented a drawing of Chloropyron
palustre, Behr. In many specimens the leaves were
found to be entire ; bracts trifid; the minor stamens
often with a rudiment of a second loculus, forming
semi-sagittate anthera.

Dr. Kellogg presented specimens of the Calycan-
thus, or Sweet Shrub, also commonly known as Car-
olina Allspice, accompanied by a drawing.

C. occidentalis? In all the specimens we have

on

65

examined the leaves are acute, not ‘‘ acuminate,”
neither are the peduncles ‘ elongated.” Petals
lance-spatulate.

Flowers terminal.

These shrubs, natives of N. America and Japan,
exhale a spicy camphorated odor, and this species,
like most of the genus, has pale purple flowers, with

anexquisite fragrance of ripe fruit. We think it
equally worthy of culture in our flower gardens, as
the C. Floridus so common in the South Atlantic
States.

_ Avery interesting species with white flowers is
found in theinterior. Will our friends please for-
ward us specimens for examination, by the Pacific
Express Co. .

The Academy tender their thanks to Mr. A. Pea-
body, who furnished the above from Russian River,
in the vicinity of the Geysers.

Dr. Kelloge presented a flowering specimen of a re-
markable species of Malvastrum, accompanied by a

drawing.

M. sPLENDIDUM. Kellogg.

This malvaceous tree is 15 to 20 feet high. body
one foot in circumference, the top widely spreading,
covered with splendid waving spikes of bright red or
ame colored flowers, 2 or 3 feet in length, The
icturesque beauty of this tree is unsurpassed by any
native shrub of N. America known to us. For rural
_Yetreats and ornamental planting, this shrub is en-
titled to the attention of our enterprising nursery-
men. Although the depressed state of business is
felt in every field, yet when our gilded prospects
from abroad fail, let us cherish our homes and add
every new beauty to those already around us, cor-
responding to a happy heart within, truly contented
with its lot. The public are under obligations to Mr.
Wm. A. Wallace, of Los Angeles, for this valuable
contribution. It is to be regretted, however, that
from some inadvertence Mr. W. forgot to leave us,
as promised, a larger specimen, from which a more
complete drawing, including the fruit, could have
been made.
_ Branches hoary, with a stellate pubescence, leaves
ewhat cordate, 5-lobed, lobes acute, middle lobe
ngest, equally serrate, teeth obtuse or rounded,
mucronate ; petioles short, all parts stellate pubes-
it, more hoary beneath ; peduncles axillary, ra-
eme several flowered, short, pedicels very short, a
ute acute bract at the base, and often on the
ommon peduncle ; involucels 3,subulate; divisions
of the calyx ovate, acute, mucronate, 3 to 5-nerved,
more conspicuously stellate along the nerves on a
ht creamy ground of short pubesence, petals obo-
vate, border slightly open emarginate, villous at the
junction of the claws with the column, stamens sep-
rately branching from the top of the column ;—
ymas capitate. Flowers an inch or more in diam-
er, brilliant pink, arranged in long compound
es at the extremity of the branches.
_ Dr. K. also presented flowering specimens of the
‘ cus chrysophyllus? or Golden Leafed Oak,
which was figured in fruit about a year since.

_ This timber tree is very highly esteemed for its
pewtty It is also a tree of much symmetry and

“

¢

SDL

auty; but above all it deserves the highest enco-

‘ums for its remarkable fragrance. It remains in
bloom much longer than other oaks. The catkins
are very numerous, white woolly and long like the
chestnut. Those familiar with the fragrance of the
River Grape (or V.riparia) of the Mississippi and oth-
erstreams, or the wild Crab Apple, can properly ap-

4

preciate the exquisite fragrance of these oak blos-
soms ; the foliage also exhales the refreshing fra-
grance of good tea. The acorn has a mossy cup,
&e. It is not, however, our intention to describe it,
but simply to invite attention to its desirableness
for culture or transplanting.

These specimens were brought by the Pacific Ex-
press Co. from Marysville. It is also found at Boli-
nas Bay in this vicinity.

Dr. K. also exhibited a more complete figure of
Ceanothus diversifolius, Kellogg. A specimen in
fruit from Placerville, was shown. To the former
description should be added, “margin of the leaves
waved, interspersed stellate pubescent; capsule 3-
winged.

Also a specimen and drawing of an Hypericum, or
St. John’s Wort. 1

Plants of this genus appear to be somewhat rare on
the Pacific ; the plant before us is from Marysville,
sent by Mr. E. W. Garvitt, and forwarded by the
generous favor of the Pacific Express Co., to whom
we owe many obligations for similar favors.

H. practeatum. Kellogg.

Herbaceous stem, erect, 8 to 10 inches high, sub-
terete, glaucous, scarcely swelled at the joints, col-
ored below (red). Leaves opposite, decussate, some-
what fascicled by a few smaller leaves in the axils,
approximate, sub-sessile, 3-nerved? narrowly ob-
long, obtuse, mucronate sub-serrulate, glaucous
above and below, punctate with black and translu-
cent specks,

Flowers in a dichotomous open corymb, bracts ses-
sile, near the base of the calyx, ovate-lanceolate,
acute sub-mucronate, margin dotted, or somewhat
glandularly serrulate, strongly 5-nerved. Calyx
leaves 5, broadly ovate, subulate-acute, strongly
about 12-nerved, serrulate, black specks near the
margin ; bractsand sepals greenish yellow. Corol-
la persistent, petals convolute ovate ? nerved, ser-
rulate, with minute black glands longer than the
sepals, stamens in 3-parcels, styles 3, stigmas black,
exsert.

Dr. Kellege also exhibited a drawing and specimen
of an Asclepias, from Marysville. [N. B.—The plant
formerly described as Asclepias acornuta, should
have been Acerates atropurpurea.]

A, LonGicornis—Kellogg.

Stem erect, woolly, 1 to 2 feet high; leaves ob-
long ovate, sub-acute, mucronate cordate at base, on
short petioles, (4 of an inch in length) velvety pu-
bescent above, woolly beneath ; umbels lateral, soli-
tary at each of the 3 or 4 upper joints, peduncles
erect, + the length of the leaves, (1 to 14 inches long)
12 to 14 flowered, pedicels very woolly, about an
inch in length, a linear lanceolate persistent involu-
cel at the base of each ; calyx segments, ovate, acute,
glabrous within, woolly without, reflexed;? petals
lanceolate, acute, pale purple and flesh-colored at the
base, streaked with red lines, 8 times as long as the
calyx ; crown purple above, white on the top, leaves
of the crown with an elongated horn-like, sub-com-
pressed incurved apex, also a long subulate acute
horn from the base of the hollow centre, incurved ;
pollen grains smooth and varnished.

The white gummy concrete exudation found on the
leaves of this species, has somewhat similar proper-
ties to the common India rnbber.

The thanks of the Academy are due to Dr. J. N.

66

Hume, for this and several other plants from the in-
terior.

Juy 30, 1855.
Col. Ransom in the Chair.
Dr. J. A. Veatch, of Red Bluffs, Dr. Henry Bates,
of Shasta City, Dr. J. N. Hume, of Humboldt Bay,
were elected Corresponding members.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Lanszweert, two specimens of Pituophis
catenifer, from the Mission Dolores.

From Dr. Behr, a species of Phelipma.

From Dr. Kellogg, a species of Clematis, sent from
Placerville by Mr. Garvitt.

From Mr. Wm. A. Wallace, specimens of bark, &c.
obtained from Los Angeles, at 38 feet below the sur-
face, by artesian boring.

From Col. Ransom, a collection of plants from
Mariposa county.

Dr. J.B. Pigne Dupuytren presented for the Libra-
ry, 25 Nos. of ‘‘La Science,” for which the thanks of
the Academy were voted.

Very beautiful drawings of plants, from the interi-
or of the State, embracing apparently several new
species, were exhibited ; the drawings were made by
Miss M. M. Kroh.

Dr. Behr stated that his observations demonstrated
that Eutainia ordinoides, B. & G., is truly a vivipa-
rous species. The remark was confirmed by Dr.
Lanszweert.

Avaustr 6, 1855.

Dr. L. Lanszweert in the Chair.

Dr. J. Eckel was elected aresident member of the
Academy : Mr. D. E. Hough, of Alameda Co., and
Mr. Broome Smith,{of Clear Lake, were elected Cor-
responding Members.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Lanszweert, specimers of Bascanion fla-
viventris, B. & G.and of Pituophis catenifer, B. &
G., with descriptions, showing in what points these
individuals differ from those first described.

From Mr. T. J. Nevins, a specimen of the Barn
Owl, from Alameda,

From Dr. J. A. Veatch, of Red Bluffs, a box of
specimens of mineral waters and deposites, which
were referred for examination to Dr. Lauszweert.

From Dr. Kellogg, a specimen of Pogogenia with
a drawing, Dr. K.called the attention of the Acad-
emy to Torrey’s Chamebatia foliosa, as being iden-
tical with his drawing made last year.

From Mr. Ainsa, specimens of silver and lead from
Sonora, Mexico.

The thanks of tne Academy were voted for the do-
nation.

From Mr. C. H. Raymond, a specimen of gold
from Australia.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nation.

From Dr. John Torrey were received for the Li-

brary, Plante Fremontianz, Observations on the
Batis maritima, and a Report ou the Darlingtonia:
Californica.
The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do- —
nation. »
Dr. Ayres presented the following description ofa —
fish representing a type, entirely new to our waters, ae
Savkus Lucrocers —Ayres, ia
Form elongated, nearly circular in outline antes
riorly, hecoming somewhat compressed posteriorly.
Greatest depth, which is at the commencement of —
the first dorsal fin, contained about nine times in the —
total length. Head flattened above, pointed anteri-
orly ; its length equal to twice the depth of the
body.
‘Mouth very large, a line vertical to the extremi-
ty of the superior intermaxillary passing behind the —
orbit of the eye. Lower jaw the longer. Entire
border of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxilla-
ries, to which the very small maxillaries seem but ag
appendages on their superior posterior border. oa
Leeth numerous, sharp, very uneven (large and
small intermixed), in both jaws, on the tongue, pal-
atines, and inferior pharyngeals; those on the
tongue and pharyngeals are less uneven than “—
others.
Eyes large, elliptical. their longitudinal diameta f
equal to one fourth the length of thehead. Distance —
between the eyes, equal to their own length. "
Border of the operculum very evenly arched, Op-
ercular apparatus entirely smooth.
Nostrils on the upper surface of the head, nearer
to theeye than to the snout; posterior aperture the
larger.
Scales rather large, quite conspicuous, with their
sides nearly parallel to each other, and the free bor-
der of each obtusely angular. The border of inser-_
tion is deeply scolloped; the concentric lines very
fine and numerous. The scales cover the entire
body, gill-covers, and cheeks ; the top of the head, ‘
lower jaw, and throat are naked ; as are also the
fins. About seventy-five scales oceupy the length —
of the lateral! line, with eleven above it inan oblique —
line at the origin of the first dorsal. The dateral
line, curving at first very slightly downward, runs
thence nearly straight to the caudal fin.
The first dorsal fin arises at a point distant fro
the tip of the snout, by twice the length of the head
[ts length equals half the length of the head. It is
trape zoidal in form, bighest ante riorly, the length
the third ray being a little more than one eighth of |
the length of the fish. i
The adipose dorsal, whose beight only equals half
the length of the eye, is separated from the caudal }
fin by a little more than the length of the first dorsa .
The anal fin is longer and lower than the first dor-
sal ; its length being equal to the distance from th
snout to the posteri ior border of the eye, and its
sreatest height only one third the length of the ho
It is a little higher anteriorly than ‘posteriorly
terminates a little posterior to the plane of the adi-
pose fin.
The pectorals, rounded, have a height a little erea-
ter than the length of the anal; their length is con-
tuined in their height about three times and a half
The ventra/s are situated rather nearer to t
plane of origin of the first dorsal than to that of t
pectorals. ‘hey are larger than the pectorals, th
height being about one. alf greater. They have:
form qnite characteristic of this group of fishes, 1]
rays increasing in length. from without inward, s
that the greatest height of the fin is at its inner bor-

z

6

er. Their tips extend nearly to the termination of |
the first dorsal.

The caudal is concave, its height externally being
about equal to that of the pectorals.

Rebels) ALIS; P25; V..9;C..9.1. 8.7.1. 8:
Color apparently a light greenish olive above and
on the sides, with the borders of the scales darker ;
lighter b.neath; fins unicolor; branchial membrane
sreenish yellow. As the specimen, however, had
been some time dried the colors may vary somewhat
from these.

S. lucioceps must be rare on this coast. Only a
single specimen, six inchesin length, has yet been
observed. It was brought to the market in company
with the Tomcod (Gadus proximus, G ) and other
small fishes, not having been distinguished from them
by the fishermen. It was therefore probably taken
in the Bay of San Francisco.

The objectionable character of Cuvier’s name,
Saurus, as applied to a genus of fishes, is apparent,
and the name Lawrida, suggested by Swainson,
would have much the preference, were it not exclu-
ded by the rules ef priority; according to his system
v species would be Laurida lucioceps. The specif-
ic name is given to indicate the very close resem-
lance which the head bears in form to that of a
mall Pike. S.dwcioceps is more closely allied to Le
meurs Salmo minutus than to any other knowa

_ It may be here remarked, that a species of Saurus
exists on our Atlantic coast, which is yet unde-
eribed. A specimen which I obtained about ten
years since in the Hudson River, near the residence
of Mr. Audubon, was mislaid before a description
could be prepared, and since that time no observer
seems to have met with the species. It is closely al-
lied to lucioceps.

Avaust 13, 1855.
Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. T.J. Nevins, specimens of the following
eptiles, from Alameda, Pitwophis catenifer, B. &
+; Ophibolus Boylii B. & G.: Wenona isabella, B. &
3 and Sceloporus graciosus, B. & G.

From Dr. Lanszweert, the skull and feet of a Gi-
af Fulmar (Procedlaria gigantea, L.); a specimen
fasingular variety of ELutainia ordinoides, B. &
, and specimens of Gilia.

om Col. Ransom, a very valuable series of geo-
gical specimens from the Upper Mariposa and Bear
reek Valleys.

Mr. Geo. Thurber presented for the Library a copy
Plantae Thurburiane.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for thedo-
ation.

D . Kellogg presented the mature fruit of the Ri-
es subvestitum, (Gooseberry). Thus completing
e former figure, and adding the following to the
ceived description :

Fruit roundish, about 3 of an inch in length, j in
sadth, light greenish ground, with an orange red-
ish blush; glandular, interspersed with a few slen-

r spines; fragrant and well flavored, but the skin
ick and tough.

D r. KK. presented specimens in fruit, with a draw-
ing, of a Rubus, or Raspberry, probably new.
CAL, ACAD, NAT. SCI, SEPT. 1855.

a

(

R. GLauciroiius.—Kellogg. i
Stem perennial, procumbent? armed, as well as pe-
daucles, petioles and mid-ribs with a few short,

eee o. rarely recurved prickles, softly pubes-
cent.

_Leaves pinnately 3-foliolate, lateral leaflets rhom-
bic-ovate acute, entire towards the base ; on the up-
per stem narrower sub-acuminate, and somewhat
cuneate; seldom lobed, coarsely, incisely and doubly
serrate, teeth mucronate, sub-sessile ; the terminal
one distant, ovate or obovate sub-cordate at base,
glaucous beneath, pubescent on both surfaces, sti-
pules setaceous, persistent. Peduncles, one to many
flowered, commonly in axillary and terminal dense
leafy racemes, somewhat corymbose at the summit.
Calyx unarmed, glandularly pubescent without, short
villous within, sepales 5 or 6, ovate, acute, mucro-
nate, petals small, nearly the same length as the ca-
lyx, oblong acute, claw 3 the length, white. Fruit
small, round, red, ripens in Aug., composed of few
grains, acine canescently villous, receptacle protu-
berant, clavate, pleasant acid flavor.

The Pacific Express Co. generously forwarded the
above specimen from Placerville, from our corres-
pondent, Mr. E, W. Garvitt. By sending as above,
our friends will oblige us.

Dr, K. also presented a drawing of a species of oak
brought. by Col. L, Ransom, of U.&. Survey, from
Mariposa.

Quercus FULVESCENS.—Kelloge.

Leaves evergreen, coriaceous, oblong-ovate, acute
and sub-acuminate mucronate, entire, (or very rare-
ly acute mucronate dentate) margin sub-revolute,
obtuse at the base (seldom sub-cordate) fulvous be-
neath.

Fruit sessile, clustered ; cup flat, saucer form, tur-
binate, in general outline wheel-shaped, nearly over-
cupping the broad wheel-shaped gland, very densely
and thickly fulvous without, and silky villous within.

Branchlets fuscous, the foliage dense ; a medium
sized tree of symmetrical form; quality of timber not
known.

.

San Francrsco, Aug. 20 1855.

Col. Ransom in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a species of Scolopendra,
from the vicinity of the Presidio; and a singular
tuberculated mass of recent sand conglomerate from
the southwestern part of the city.

From Dr. Henry Bates, a valuable series of geolo-
gical specimens, mostly Ammonites, from the vicin-
ity of Shasta City.

From Col. Ransom, an interesting suite of speci-
mens of fossils, &c., including some fine examples of
the teeth and vertebrae of the Squalida, from the
Colorado Desert, and from the vicinity of the Kern
Lake.

From Dr. Trask, specimens of Arbor Vite, from
Scott Mountains, Siskiyou county, accompanying
which were drawings of the same by Dr. Kellogg.

Dr. Behr exhibited species of Chrysomela, brought
from the vicinity of New Almaden, by Mr. Froebel.
It is very destructive to Indian corn and many gar-
den vegetables.

From Dr. H. Sartwell was received a series of me-

68 a

teorological observations for 1854, made at Penn
Vans Y

Dr. Ayres presented the following communica-
tion :

The Echinodermata of the coast of California have
hitherto received but a small share of study, and
in asking the attention of the Academy this evening,
to some remarks concerning them, we are soliciting
notice to a field almost entirely untrodden.

In numbers both of species and individuals, they
appear scarcely to equal those of the corresponding
latitudes of the Atlantic. Itis but just to observe
that my own researches have already been sutlicient
to furnish data that warrant this conclusion, though
undoubtedly many species yet remain to be detected.
We know that in the South Pacific, as well as on the
Asiatic coasts of our own latitude, they are exceed-
ingly abundant.

The present indication, in relation to structure
and specific characters, is that they very closely re-
semble those of certain Atlantic types. That any
species will be found identical with those of the Atlan-
tic can perhaps scarcely be expected, but in some cases
quite accurate examination will be needed to sepa-
rate them. This is strikingly true in regard to the
one this evening exhibited and described. It belongs
to the genus Pentacta, (Cucumaria of Blainville,
Forbes and others) and so nearly represents P. fron-
dosa, Jaeg. in its general form and external charac-
ters, that it is at once taken for that species. Dissec-
tion and the microscope show, however, a structure
which in certain points distinguishes it. That this
close representation should exist, is in itself a mat-
ter of no small interest, as bearing on the ques-
tion of geographical distribution, since P. frondosa
inhabits both sides of the Atlantic, being found not
only in the seas of western and northern Europe, but
also along the coasts of N. America, as far south at
least as Cape Cod, being very abundant about the
entrance of the Bay of Fundy.

> I first obtained it several years since, my spcci-
mens having been taken on Georges Bank. I had at
that time no European specimens of Holothuridae
with which to compare it, and was compelled to trust
entirely to descriptious and figures, the most éom-
plete and apparently reliable being those by Duben
and Koren. Nothing could be found in these which
indicated the type in question, either specifically or
generically, and accordingly in a series of articles on
the Holothuridae then in course of publication, I in-
cluded a notice of it under the generic name Botryo-
dactyla, calling the species B. grandis (Proc. Bost.
S.N. H., April 16, 1851.)

Subsequently specimens received from the distin-
guished naturalist Sars, of Norway, with his own
labels attached, furnished material for direct com-
parison with true and authenticated European forms,
and it became at once evident that Botryodactyla
was entirely iden ical with that which bore M. Sars’
labelof Pentacta. But with these specimens before
me, it seemed much less remarkable that I should
have fallen into my previous error, than that such
characters should have been attributed to the genus,
especially those given by Duben and Koren. An ex-
pression like this, ‘annulus caleareus oris gracilis
(nec sursum nec deorsum in longiores processus pro-
ductus),” could in no way be applied to the Norwe-
gian types which were labelled Pentacta. Still, M.
Sars’ judgment in regard to the verification is an
authority which cannot be questioned, and as between
the European and American forms no @ifference can
be traced, even on microscopic points of structure,

the name Botryodactyla inust be abandoned, az being |

| yet seen only small specimens, none of them extend-

merely an additional synonym of Pentacta ; an
grandis is simply P. frondosa.
Of the Pacific form, representing this, we have a

ig much over an inch in length These, however
are manifestly immature, and as externally they sim
ulate in every respect specimens of the Atlantic
frondosa, of the same size, it is reasonable to in
that when full grown, they attain corresponding di.
mensions with the Eastern type. They differ from
the latter, in having the respiratory trees not
largely developed, though entirely the same in form
and structure, the alimentary canal much shorter
(otherwise identical), and the perforated calearcous
plates of the skin and of the suckers very much more
numerous, but retaining the characteristic appear-
ance. Itis thus manifest that the specimens found
on this coast, vary from those of the Atlantic, notin
any definite characters, but merely in the extent
those which are common to both. The form and ar
rangement of the suckers, the tentacula, the oral
circle, and the entire organs of respiration, digestion
and reproduction are absolutely the same in the two.
It is deemed, therefore, for the present, more pru-
dent to attempt no separation of the species. Adult
specimens may at some future time show that the
Californian type is distinct, but we will not now ineur
the risk of adding to the already overburdened list
of synonyms of P. frondosa. And we do this, no
withstanding the very great improbability that any
species of the Echinodermata possesses so wide a
range as this claims for the Sea Pumpkig.as the
Massachusetts fishermen call it. Ina subsequent
paper, when speaking of the Star Fishes of this
coast, we may have occasion to recur to this remark,
The whole series of the Holothuride needs a thor.
ough revision, especially in regard to generic divis-
ions. Many ofthe names now in use are but syno-:
nyms, and some which are perhaps good and true
genera, are so imperfectly defined as to be of little
practical value. Some of thése which have beer
proposed by myself, lam now fully satisfied cannot
be maintained. ScreropacryLa (Proc. Bost. Soe.
Nat- Hist.. vol. 4, p. 6) is anticipated by Troschel’s
imperfectly characterized genus ANaPerts, S. brie
reus being only 4. carolinus. Borryopacryia has
been already mentioned. Mr. Stimpson, in a paper |
published in the Smithsonian Contributions, vol. 6
considers the genus DuasMoDACTYLA proposed by me
(loc. cit. vol. 4, p. 244), identical with Thyontdiwm
Thisscarcely appears to me possible. ‘The d.spositio
of the tentacula we may disregard without bringing
the two in relation ; but the structure of the tentae:
ula, the calcareous deposites in the tentacula and
the other parts of the surface, the genital tubes divi-|
ded in the one and undivided in the other, certainl
seem like characters of generic value. Atallevents
if any dependence can be placed on the descriptio
by Duben & Koren, Duasmodactyla producta is ne
“closely allied to 7". pellucidum.” Thegenus come
much nearer to Troschel’s division Orcuda, but eat
not be included in the latter without a modificatiol
of the limits given by its describer.
Species yet to be detected on this coast will, ¥
hope, assist in giving us a better understanding ¢
both specific and generic divisions. ;

Dr. Lanszweert was elected to fill the office of e
rator of Geology.

San Franctsco, Aug. 27, 1854
Col. Ransom in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.
From Dr. Bebr, a specimen of the Cal. Silk”

(Saturnia ceanothi. Behr.)

From Dr. Lanszweert, a young specimen of Steur-
nella ludoviciana.

From Mr. Tallant, specimens of the formation at
Point Bonita, some of them with the perforating
shells inclosed. and sponges from the same locality.

_ Dr. Behr exhibited specimens of insects from Hon-
olulu, remarking that half of them seemed to be
erican species, one quarter Hast Indian, and one
quarter truly belonging to the Islands.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of a species of
J wniperus, brought by Col. L. Ransom, of U. 8..Sur-
vey, from Mariposa. Thespecimens we have seen
have neither fruit nor flowers, tut are probably the
Virginiana or Red Cedar, known also as Savin.

_ The leaves are merely minute scales in 4-rows ; all
parts of the tree and wood exhale a strong aromatic
r. The wood is one the most durable and valua-
of any known in the U.S. It would be both
fal and interesting if our friendsin the mines
yould each furnish us with their observations of its
localities, extent, &c.

Dr. Behr presented the following description, with
drawings, of a plant brought by Mr. Froebel from
the lower coast.

4 Oxysapuus Frorse.t, Behr.

Herba tota scabra. Foliacordata, quinquenervia,
lauco-pruinosy. Involucrum quinquefidum, quin-
queflorum. Perigonii tubus pro genere longissimus,
fauce vix constrictus, ex involucro exsertus. Stam-
na quinque, inter se libera.

- Herba, si exceperis inflorescentiam, Abroniam
quandam simulat. Floribus pentandris, et stamini-
bus basi in anguilum haud concretis, ab omnibus spe-
ciebus Oxybaphi adhue cognitis satis differt, ita ut
divisionem generis constituere possit.

_ Flores majusculi, violacei, vespertini fugaces.—
Planta elegans, in horto viri nobilis Belgi de Terloo
tulta e seminibus a J. Froebel prope Warner’s
Ranch lectis orta. Quapropter, quod speciem in ho-
jorem et memoriam viri illustrissimi aeque de scien-
ia ac de patria bene meriti nominaverim, et justum
t acquum esse putavi. .

Dr. Lanszweert presented the following report

pon the mineral waters, &c., sent from Red Bluffs,

hasta county, which had been referred to him at a
mer meeting for examination : ;

Without entering upon the subject of the medical
lalities of these waters, I may state, as nearly every
ne is acquainted with those of the far-famed Blue
ek Springs of Kentucky, that these latter are sur-
assed in every respect by those of the Shasta
brings. Circumstances have not allowed me to
ake an analysis comparative with that of the Blue
ick waters, and the quantities sent by Dr. Veatch
renot sufficient to afford a definite quantitative
alysis, still [have ascertained that they surpass
Sicrn Sulphurous waters in the large propor-
ion of soluble salts they contain; and their denom-
ation should rather be Mineral Saline Springs,
onfirmed by the presence of Iodine, which, accord.
- to the known analysis, is found in none of the
ther sulphurous waters. The quantity of Iodine is
ger or more sensible in those less impregnated
‘ith Peeper nerons gas whose action decomposes
salts,
trange to say, in none of the samples sent do we
nd a sulphuretted alkaline, or a hydrosulphate in

69

solution; the sulphuretted hydrogen is free, the wa-
ter losing this gas by exposure to the atmosphere, or
by simple boiling.

Bottles labelled No. 1. and No. 4. contained gas’
from two springs; it wasin both a mixture of hy-
drosulphuric acid and earburetted hydrogen.

No. 2 —This water as received was clear and tran-
sparent; smell and taste on opening the bottle ex-
ceedingly unpleasant, the nauseous odor being simi-
lar to that of putrefying eggs; chemical reactions
denoting hydrosulphuric acid; after-taste very salt.
The saline matturs, according to my analysis, were—

Muriate, Carbonate, and Sulphate of Soda,

Carbonate of Magnesia,

Carbonate and Sulphate of Lime,
the Muriate of Soda surpassing the others in quan-
tity. Jodine also was present.

It may not be out of place here to state the superi-
or sensibility of pure Chloroform over that of a solu-
tion of starch, in the search for Iodine. To two and
a-half drachms of any liquid, containing one hun-
dred thousandth part of its weight of Iodine of Po-
tassium, add two drops of Nitric Acid, and fifteen to
twenty drops of Sulphuric Acid, shake, and add
twenty drops of Chloroform ; on agitation the Chlo-
roform will have a very apparent violet color. We
have thus a ready method of determining the quan-
tity of Iodine in the different kinds of Cod Liver oil.

By the following mode we may detect the adulte-
ration of Chlorofurm by Ether. Pure Chloroform
in dissolving a small quantity of Iodine, takes a”
beautiful wo/et tint, entirely similar to that of the
vapor of Iodine ; but if the Chloroform contains sul-
phuric ether we find a red claret wine color, and
sometimes a red caramel (burnt sugar) color.

No. 3 —Water clear, yellow tinted, with the same
smell and taste as No. 2., with which it is identical
in chemical composition. Deposite of Sulphur on
the bottom of the bottle, proceeding from the decom-
position of the Hydrosulphuric gas.

Dr. Veatch states that from this spring the largest
quantity of gas issues.

No. 5.—Thoa top of the water of this bottle was
covered with a pellicle of sulphur. Smell and taste
not so strong of hydrasulphuric gas as in Nos. 2 and
83. Water clear and transparent. In its natural
state, and when concentrated, it did not appear to

“my taste more bitter than Nos. 2 and 3. Chemical

composition the same as that of No. 2, excepting that
it contains a remarkably large proportion of Sul-
phuric acid. Iodine was present, as well as sulphur.

It may be remarked that the Witro-prussiate of

“Soda readily detects Sulphur, a drop of it communi-

eating a beautiful purple color to the liquid which
contains the sulphur. The presence of the latter
may be thus demonstrated in the hair, horn, albu-
men, &c.

No. 6.—From aspring of salt water. Clear, tran-
sparent ; odor slightly nauseous; hydrosulphuretted
reaction; taste saltish ; chemical composition iden-
tical with that of No. 2; appearance of a larger
proportion of Iodine.

No. 7.—Water from a well Clear, transparent,
inodorous, taste pleasant, rather sweet, no deposite.
Tt contains—

Muriate, Carbonate, and Sulphate of Soda ;

Carbonate, and Sulphate of Lime ;

Carbonate of Magnesia ;

Silicia ;

No Iodine.

No. 8.—From a very gaseousspring. Water tran-
sparent; free from bitterness ; smell and taste less
nauseous than in Nos. 2 and 3. Chemical composi-

70 % My

tion identical with that of No. 2, including the pres-
ence of Iodine. ,
No. 9—From a salt spring. Clear, transparent,
‘{nodorous ; predominant taste saltish, slightly bit-
ter. Chemical composition as in No. 2, but with a
ereater proportion of Lime and Magnesia. Iodine
also present.

No. 13.—“A deposite in the bottom of the little
fountain, from which bottles Nos. 3 and 4 were taken
—remarkable for its gelatinous consistence.” Odor
acid, nauseous, from the presence of hydrosulphuric
acid. The deposite has the appearance of a gelati-
nous, grey mud. Mixed with distilled water, boiled,
and filtered, the solution contains in very small
quantities—

Muriate, Carbonate, and Sulphate of Soda ;

Carbonate of Magnesia ;

Carbonate of Lime.

The residuum is composed of—

1—The gelatinous substance. This is nothing
else thanan organic, azotized matter, found accord-
ing to Longchamps, in nearly all thermal waters,
and known under the names of Baregine, Glairine,
Plombierine, Zoogene. It isinsoluble in water; not
sensibly soluble in nitric, muriatic or acetic acids ;
and very little in caustic potash.

2.—Some vegetable detritus.

3.—Silica.

No, 14.—Pebbles taken from the same place.—
Their only peculiarity was a deposite of sulphur on
some, the others appearing worn through the con-
stant motion of the bubbling of the water.

No. 15.—‘‘Efflorescent salts found in considerable
abundance, on the damp mass of disintegrated rock
in one of the ravines.’’? An amorphous mass present-
ing the appearance of a white efflorescent salt, with
small yellow stripes. No perceptible odor. Almost
entirely soluble in cold water, giving by reaction—

Muriate, Carbonate, and Sulphate of Soda ;

Carbonate of Lime ;

Carbonate, ard Sulphate of Magnesia, and

Carbonate of Iron.

No traces of Iodine, or of Potash.

. This is the only sample in whieh the presence of
Tron has been detected, as we have received none of
the water from this ravine, in which Iron would cer-
tainly be contained, and which would thus make a
valuable addition to these springs.

Ifa thorough analysis could be made of the wa-
ters of the springs above described, it would perbaps
not be impossible to find Iodine there in sufficient
quantity to be of commerciai value.

Still again—could conveniences for the accommo-
dation of invalids be provided at the springs, many
such persons would probably resort to them from
this and other States, as the locality is easily reached
in two days from San Francisco, by steamer and
stage, or by the former alone.

And lastly, if these waters could be carefully hot-
tled at the springs, and thus forwarded, they would
be of better and surer sale than that which is sent
here in barrels as the Blue Lick water of Kentucky,
which in a short time loses its gas, and the most val-
uable of its properties.

Serr. ,3 1855.
Mr. L, W. Sloat in the Chair
Mr. W. P. Blake was elected a Corresponding Mem-

ber, and Mr. 8. W. Parker a Resident Member of tl €
Academy. io!

From W. B. Farwell, was received a fine specime
of the California Vulture. ay

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nation. 4

Dr. Lanszweert exhibited the perfect insect and
cocoons of the Cal. Silk Worm, together with a draw-
ing of the Bombyx querci, now introduced into
France, having been brought from China, It appears
that this silk, now at the Exhibition of Industry, in
Paris, is reported by M. Guerin Méneyille, of the So-
cieté d’Acclimitation, to surpass that of the commor
Silk Worm. The differences between the Chinese and
the Californian species appear to be slight, and ours,
if properly cultivated, may be of great value.

—_ Supr. 10, 1855.

Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet. .
From Dr. Lanszweert, the skull and foot of Dio
medea fusea, from near Cape Horn. 5
From Mr. C. D. Gibbes, of Stockton, a very inter.
esting series of botanical specimens, from the Merced
River. ;
From Mr. J. E. Lawrence, samples of the water
from the Aguas Calientes, on Warner’s Ranch, San
Diego Co.
The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do
nation. .
Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of an Asclepias,
believed to be 4. parviflova, from Alameda. The
bark is fibrous and very tough, and itis one of the
plants used by the Indians of California as a materi
al for bowstrings, &c. It affords food for a butterfly
common in this vicinity, D. glaweopus. "
Dr. Ayres presented a drawing, with the followin
description, of a new species of Cramp Fish, illus-
trating the structure of the electrical organs by dis-_/
section of the specimen shown.
TORPEDO CALIFORNICA.—Ayres. |
Disk broad and rounded, forming more than half |
the entire length ; tail thick, conically tapering.
Length of the specimen described, forty-one inches:
breadth, twenty-eight inches; length of the disk) |
twenty-three inches; breadth, at the commencement |
of the ventrals, ten and a half inches—at the term
nation of the same fins, three and a half inches.—
None of the fins or parts of the body present any-
thing angular in their outline; all are very much
rounded, especially the dorsals and pectorals.
Eyes elliptical, small, their longitudinal diamete
being about six-tenths of an inch. They are two and
a half inches from the anterior border of the head
and not quite twice that distance from each other
Posterior to the eyes, and a little external to them
are the spiracles, placed obliquely, elliptical, mo
than an inch in length.
Mouth tolerably large, being three inches in widt
from one angle to the other. Teeth small, ver}
sharp, arranged in decuésating rows, each tool
placed ona dilated base. The patch of teeth in th
upper jaw extends about an inch on each side of th
median line, and is only about thrcee-tenths of a
inch in breadth; that in the lower jaw is of ey
less extent than this.

or

’ pan irale being half the breadth across the pectoral
isk.

The first dorsal, which is two and three-fourth

inches in length, is very nearly coterminal with the

ventrals. Its height is one-half greater than its

length.

The second dorsal is separated from the first by a
space equal to the length of the iatter fin. It is one
and three-fourth inches in length, its height being
one-half greater than its length.

_ The caudal is triangular, with its angles much
rounded. Its height along the upper border is seven
inches, which is twice that of the lower border.

The skin is everywhere entirely smooth, provided
with an abundant mucous secretion.

_ Incolor, the fish is of a dark grayish brown above,
thickly marked with small irregular black spots or
blotches ; beneath white.

_ The electrical organs occupy a space on each side,
extending trom near the head about twelve inches
ackward, with an average breadth of nearly four
inches. They are narrow anteriorly, widening to-
ward the middle of their length. They present noth-
ing in their structure requiring special remark, as
they agree so closely with the formation of these or-
ans in the well-known Torpedo narke. The num-
er of vertical cells or “‘piles’’ in the battery of each
side is about six hundred; the length of these verti-
cal columns is,in the thickest part, rather more
han an inch and a half, though they become shorter
oward the outer border; the number of transverse
plates, where the columns are longest, is not less
than one hundred and sixty in each, and they will
probably average a hundred to a column throughout
he organ ; and as eight of these plates afford at least
an inch of surface, it is readily seen that the namber
of square feet of snrface exposed for action in the
double organ of the fish, is sufficient to constitute a
galvanic battery of no inconsiderable power. ‘The
origin and distribution of the nerves supplying these
organs correspond with those points in 7. narke ;
but the size of the nerves is even greater than in that
‘species.

_ 1. californica is morenearly allicd to T. veciden-
alis, Storer, than to any other species of the genus.
But asingle specimen of it bas yet been seen; this
was taken in the Bay of San Francisco. It sflordsa
very interesting addition to the fauna of California.
Phe fishes possessing the remarkable property of giv-
ing electric shocks, to persons and animals coming
contact with them. have in all countries where
y are found, very naturally attracted much atten-
and by the ignorant have often heen regarded
h superstitions terror. The present is the only
es, on our Pacific coast, with which we are yet
uainted, thus endowed. A single species, belong-
ig to this same genus, is also found on the Atlantic
past of the United States, of which this is a close
presentative.

Letters were read from C, C. Parry, of Davenport,
va,and Prof. E. B. Andrews. of Marietta, Ohio,
eknowledging their election as Corresponding Mem-
rs; also from M. René Lenormand, of Vire, France,
liciting exchanges in Botauy.

Serr. 17, 1855.
Col. Ransom, Vice President in the Chair.

be! Donations to the C-binet.

Prom Mr. A.C. Taylor, quills taken from a Cali-

rnin Vulture (Cathartes californianus, Shaw)

in the vicinity of the Red Woods of Contra
The bird measured 135 feet scross the wings

CAL. ACAD. NAT. 8Cl. NOV. 1666.

N

~

i

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nation,

From Dr. Trask, salts from an Artesian Well in
Santa Clara Valley.

From Mr. E, J. Loomis, of Contra Costa, a speci-
men of crystallized Carbonate of Lime. found in the
bills northeast of Alameda.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for these
donations.

Dr. Kellogg presented a drawing of a species of
Castanea, or California Evergreen Chestnut.

C. SEMPERVIRENS.

This species of chestnut is found pr etty generally
distributed throughout the State, mostly in elevated
loealities. It has been found 6000 feet above the
level of the sea. It is only a small shrub, similar to
the Chinquapin Chestnut, or C. pumila, L., of the
South Atlantic States. The fruit is small, with a
tough testa, somewhat triangular shaped, usually,
if not always, one in each burr. The flavor of the
fruitis pleasant. It is chiefly interesting, however,
as an evergreen, and as correcting a current error
which has denied to California any species ot the
Chestnut. The specimen was presented by Col. L.
Ransom, of the U. S, Survey, from the vicinity of Ma-
riposa.

Dr. K. also exhibited a drawing of a species of Oak,
so far as we can learn, undescribed.

QuERCUS rULVEsScENS—Kellogg.

Leaves oblong-ovate, acute, mucronate, coarsely
mucronate-serrate teeth spread, callous at the poirts,
obtuse or entire at the base or lower half.

Glancous and somewhat fuscoid along the veins
bencath ; petioles fulvous.

Gland large, oblong, somewhat swelled, cupsaucer-
shaped, velvety fuscous, euclosing about one-fifth of
the gland, acorn 1% inch long, about an inchin
breadth, sessile.

The general appearance of the tree suggests its
close affinity with several species of the Chestnut
Oaks.

Dr. K. also presented a drawing of a species of Ribes
in fruit, from Mariposa, furnished by Col. L. Ransom.

This species appears to be the common R. Menziesii.
The fruit was unusually large; it would be interes-
ting to obtain specimens also in the flowering state.

Sepr. 24, 1855.

Dr. Randall in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. E. ©. Gibbes, an animal from the vicini-
ty of the “Great Trees,” Calaveras county. Itis a
species of Marmot, perhaps undescribed, but the
specimen is too imperfect for a close comparison.—
Better specimens will probably soon reach us, as the
species is quite common in that portion of the State.
The miners call it Mammoth Mole.

From Col. Ransom. a remarkable specimen of slate
from Mariposa county. The strata from which this
was taken arencarly vertical, about four miles in
thickness. Also, a specimen of Selenite, from the
Monte Diabolo range, about thirty miles south-east
of Pacheco’s Pass.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a Flying Fish, Bwocetus

fasciatus, Le Sueur, from the Pacific Ocean, lat, 30°

06’ N., long. 118° 02’ W.; and the pectoral fins of E. Nostriis almost terminal. They are situated in —

volitaus, Bl., from the Atlantic.
Dr. Eckel presented, for the library, a copy of
Knapp’s Chemical Technology.

Oct. 1, 1855.

Col. Ransom in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet}

From Mr. D. E. Hough, of Oakland, a specimen of
the Barn Owl (S. pratineola), and one of the Gopher
Snake (Pitwophis catenifer).

From Col. L. Ransom, a series of specimens of Ja-
panese manufacture.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a specimen belonging to the
genus Leucosticte.

From Dr. H. Behr, insects of the genus Myrmeleon.

San Francisco, Oct, 8th, 1855.

Dr, Randall in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Hough, of Oakland, a specimen of Rat-
tlesnake (Crotalus,) and one of Eutainia ordinoides;
also, one of Nuttall’s Whippoorwill (C. WVuttallit
Aud.)

From Dr. Gibelin Du Py, two skulls of Albatrosses,
D. exulans, L. and D, chlororynchus, Gm., from
the vicinity of Cape Horn; for which the thanks of
the Academy were voted.

From Dr. Ayres, two skulls of the Violet Green
Cormorant (P. resplendens, Jud.) and one of the
Western Gull (“. occidentalis, Aud.) from the Far-
rallon Islands.

From Dr. Lansweert, specimens of Diadophis
amabilis, Ophibolus Boylii, and Pituophis cate-
nifer, from this vicinity.

Mr. J. B. Russell presented for the Library, Swain-
son’s Natural History and Classification of Birds,
two volumes. Mr. Russell also deposited a New
Zealand Axe, made of an extremely hard serpentine

rock.
Dr. Wm, O. Ayres exhibited a specimen of a Shark,

of a new generic type, with the following description :
NorokyNcuus MAcULATUS—Ayres.

Form much elongated, depressed anteriorly, then
rounded, compressed posteriorly. Head broad, flat-
tened above; snout widely rounded, yet having a
somewhat salient projection in the median line with
a shallow emargination on each side, corresponding
to the situation of the nostrils. Greatest depth about
one eighth the total length ; depth of the head, at the
eyes, a little more than half the greatest depth, which
latter is equal to the breadth of the head at the line
of the spiracles.

Branchial apertures seven on each side, quite large,
the posterior one situated just anterior to the base of
the pectoral fin. They are of such size as to be very
manifest when the fish is viewed from either the dor-
sal or the ventral surface ; the anterior ones equal
about one-third the depth of the head at the eyes.

Spiracles small, nearly equi-distant from the eyes
andl the branchial apertures, being a little nearer the
median line than the eyes are. Their diameter is not
more than one-sixth of that of the eye.

the emargination of the anterior border of the snout, —
but placed so much beneath as not to be visible, —
viewing from above. Hach nostril is double, as in
ordinary osseous fishes, the two apertures being sepa- _
rated by a strong transverse septum. Each aperture —
is oval, somewhat larger than the spiracles; the an-
terior aperture has a slight lobule on its axtero-pos-
terior border. :
Mouth very large, occupying the entire breadth of —
the inferior surface of the head ; its anterior border —
a little in advance of the anterior line of the eye, the —
distance when the jaws are closed being equal from —
this point to the tip of the snout and to the posterior —
angle of the mouth. Teeth of the lower jaw large, —
few. (about seven or eight on each side of the median
line,) flat, arcuated and very coarsely serrated on —
the cutting edge, the serrations pointing outward.
This row of teeth, behind which as usual lie other
rows concealed, forms a line almost like the continu-
ous edge of a knife. The teeth of the upper jaw are —
about equal in number to those of the lower, but of —
different form. ‘Those of the centre are narrow,
acute, without denticles at the base but with minute —
teeth anterior to them ; those next exterior are a lit-
tle broader at the base, with denticles, exterior to
these they become broadly triangular, the inner bor-
der entirely smooth but with its line continued so as
to form a very sharp point directed outward, below
which are one or two other serrations on the outer
border ; the external teeth of all approach in form
those of the lower jaw.
A lateral line can be traced with entire distinct-
ness, extending from the head nearly to the tip of the
tail, at first along the upper portion of the side, then
becoming lower, until along the tail it is below the
middle,
The eyes ave on the side of the head, elliptical, dis-
tant from the tip of the s. out, not quite three times
their own longitudinal diameter.
The dorsal jin is single. It arises a little nearer to
the snout than to the tip of the tail. Itisrhomboidal,
its height anteriorly (which is somewhat greater
than its length) being about three fourths of the
grentest depth of the fish, The posterior border is —
not closely applied to the brick, asin many sharks,
but rises obliquely as in most osseous fishes. The
upper border is concave
The pectoral fins are rhomboidal, broad, their
height anteriorly equal to the depth of the fish, and —
not quite equal to the distance of their origin from
the tip of the snout, ‘ .
The ventral fins terminate on the plane of the com- —
mencement of the dorsal, which fin they equal in
length,
The anal fin, which is small, arises just anterior —
to the termination of the dorsal.
The tail is very long, more than one-third the
length of the fish, slender, its separation from the
back marked by a decided though not deep depres- —
sion. ‘fhe fin is almost wholly beneath, a very small —
continuation of it around the last vertebrm being
discernible. Ttis highest in front, not quite equal-—
ling the height of the dorsal, becomes gradually low-_
er,and a short distance anterior to its termination —
rises again, forming a distinet triangular lobe.
Color dark bluish gray above, with numerous, ©
gmall, irregular black blotches; lighter beneath...

The Shark here described presents certainly a very
singular grouping of characters. The only genus
with which itean be compared is Cuvier’s Votidanus, —
previously separated by Rafinesque under the me)
Heptranchias, both founded on Lacepede’s Squalu

cinereus. With this our type agrees in the remar

Lf

q 13

able features of a single dorsal fin, and séven bran-
chial apertures. But in Votidanus the teeth of both
jaws are represented as similar in form, and the muz-
zle pointed, the existence of spiracles being asserted
by the one author and denied by the other. We
havealso in our fish the tail almost as much elonga-
ted asin 4/epias. It seems therefore to represent a
new generic division, for which we propose the name
sg Nororyncuts.—Ayres.
_ Dorsal fin single. Branchial apertures seven on
ach side. Spiracles two. Nostrils double, subter-

vinal. Snout broad, depressed. Tail much elon-
gated, with the fin beneath. Teethin several rows ;
se of the lower jaw flattened, arched, serrated ;
se of the upper jaw of diverse forms, the middle
s slender, the outer ones approximating those of
2 lower jaw in form.
NN. maculatus is apparently not uncommon
the Bay of San Francisco, at certain seasons
if the year; we have not yet the means of ascertain-
ng its migrations. It is taken, during the summer,
y the Chinese fishermen, at their station below
incon Point, in no small quantities. But as sharks
ank high with them in the scale of edible fishes, we
have never been able to obtain from them a complete
pecimen. We have repeatedly watched their nets
they brought them on shore, but unfortunately at
those times none of these fishes were taken, though
le remains on the beach showed that numbers had
ecently been caught. The specimen described is the
nly complete one yet seen. It was obtained through
he kindness of Dr. Lanszweert. It is twenty-three
inches in length ; but the remains of those taken by
the Chinamen indicate that the species attains a
length of at least six or seven feet. The develope-
‘ment of the tail,as well as of the mouth and teeth,
render it probable that this shark is one of great ra-
pacity and quickness of motion.

N. B.--Since the above description was printed,
the jaws of a specimen caught in Santa Barbara
Shannel, were received from Mr. J. M. Alden, of the

U.S. schooner Ewing. The fish was 5 ft. in length.

ly

San Francisco, Oct. 15, 1855,
Col L. Ransom in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. J. G. Cooper, specimens of recent lignite,
and petrified wood, from the tertiary sandstone of
he coast of Washington Territory; a cone of Abies
Menziesii, ‘Black Spruce of Oregon ; and specimens
the genera, Patella, Helix, Melania, Littorina.
pura, Venus, Cytherea, Cardium, Tellina, My-

. Cooper also exhibited a very interesting series
f plants from W. T.

From Mr. J. Palache, the nest of a Tarantula, and
fo fossil teeth, from Murphy’s, Calaveras Co.
From Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge, specimens of the
enera Seiurus, Veotoma, Mus, & Sorex, and a
es of Hawk, from Astoria, O. T.; he also exhibited

a pecimen of Aplodontia leporina from Astoria, one

From Dr. J. N. Hume, a valuable suite of Minera-
logical and Geological specimens from Wisconsin
Hill, Placer Co., and Bureka, Sierra Co.

Dr. D. H. Storer, of Boston, presented a copy of

his History of the Fishes of Massachusetts, so far as
yet published.

San Francisco, Oct. 22, 1855.

Dr. A. Randall, President, in the chair.

Mr James Palache, of Murphy’s, Calaveras Co., Cal.
and Dr. James G, Cooper of New York, were elected
Corresponding Members.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Col L. Ransom, a large number of Geologi-
cal and Mineralogical specimens, found chiefly in the
vicinity of Monte Diabolo.

From Dr. J. G. Cooper, a species of Helix from
Washington Territory.

From Dr. Randall, a fine specimen of crystallized
Sulphuret of Iron imbedded in Talcose Slate, from a
ledge near Placerville, through which a quartz lead
passes,

From Mr. J. F. Pinkham, specimens of crystallized
hornblende, found near the highest summit of the
Santa Cruz Mts; also Sulphuret of Lead from near
Sanja Cruz.

From Mr. McDonald, of the head of Napa Valley,
specimens of Travertine and crystallized deposits
from the ‘‘Geysers.’’

From Judge Bailey, a nest of Hiruwndo americana
with eggs and young, found ona ledge upon the
coast of San Francisco Bay.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a specimen of Pyrocephalus
rubineus, Boddaert; also, of Planorbis opercularis,
Gould, from San Mateo Creek; also, of Pollicipes
rubra, Leach, from San Francisco Bay.

Dr. Lanszweert presented the following analysis
of a deposit from an artesian well in Santa Clara
valley, ‘resembling a white cfflorescent salt’’:

No perceptible odor ;

Taste saltish.

Mixed with distilled water, boiled and filtered,
chemical reactions show the presence of

Carbonate of Magnesia......... 3.742 grains.
Muriate of Soda.......... ieairis J a0 alee

Carbonate of Soda............. 12.364 4G
Sulphate of Lime.............. Nall Gilead
Carbonate of Lime............. 4.125...
DIUIC Sn Sata st conte eed ee tera 128.476 *
Organic detritus....% «.nc.wdel « 58.026 *
Quantity used............. .,..250.000 grains.

Sawn Franorsco, Oct. 29, 1855.
Col. L. Ransom in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Capt. Worth, geological specimens from
Matsmai, (Japan,) also specimens of Wild Cotton,
and the prepared fibres of a species of grass, admira-
bly adapted to the manufacture of cordage, from the
Ladrone Islands. The thanks of the Academy were
yoted for the donation.

From Mr. Swan, specimens of shells, and the skull
of a Phocaena, from Japan.

From Lieut. E. S. Stone, of the U.S. Coast Survey,
specimens of shells from the Santa Barbara Channel.

From Col. Ransom, a large specimen of Crystal-
lized Salt, found forty miles N. E. of the Tejon Pass ;
specimens of the rock formation of Point St. Quentin ;
rattles from species of Crotalus, killed near Kern
River.

From Mr. D. E. Hough, of Oakland. a specimen of
Cooper’s Hawk.

From Mr. Isaac Lea, of Philadelphia, were received
the following volumes of his works, for the Library :
Contributions to Geology ; Description of a new
Mollusk from the Red Sandstone; Rectification of
Conrad’s Synopsis of the Naiades; Notice of the
Death of R. C. Taylor ; Fossil Footmarks in the Red
Sandstone o! Pottsville; Description of new species
of Colimacea ; Notice of an Oolitic Formation in
America, with descriptions of its organic remains ;
On a Fossil Saurian of the New Red Sandstone of
Pennsylvania, and an account of Fossil Mollusks in
the Carboniferous Slates ; Synopsis of the Family of
the Naiades ; Description of a new species of genus
Unio ; Description of new Fossil Shells, from the
Tertiary of Petersburg. Va.; Observations on the ge-
nus Unio.

Dr. Ayres offered the following remarks concern-
ing a collection of fishes made by Lieut W. P.
Trowbridge, at or near Cape Flattery, W. T.

The species were gathered at random, and may
therefore be considered as representing, in their de-
gree, the entire series of species occurring at that lo-
cality. They are thus valuable illustrations of the
geographical distributions of types on this cuast.—
The collection comprises the forms here mentioned :
Leptocotius armatus, Gir. Sebastes rosaceus, Gir.
var. parvus, Ayres. Sebastes variabilis? Cuv. Oph-
iodon elongatus. Gir. Gasterosteus plebeius, Gir
Salmo rivularis. Ayres. Clupea mirabilis, Gir. Ga-
dus proximus. Gir. and Chimaera Colliaei, Gray.
Every one of these species is identical with those oc
curring in our own immediate vicinity. The only
additional type in the collection is an .dmmodytes.
Of this we have not as yet found any representative
in California. The species is so closely allied to the
European 4. tobianus, that it is difficult to detect
any features which may separate it. The points, in
consideration of which .2. dmericanus was removed
from tobianus, are here, in the Pacific type, complete-
ty restored to their European form ; and though their
wide removal from each other in habitat is of course
a strong argument against their specific identity. it
is not of itself conclusive.

It may be stated in this connection, that a species
of Pelamys has recently been brought to our mar
kets, which is without question the P. sarda. The
closest examination fails to distinguish it from the
Atlantic forin. Previous to this time we had no pos-
itive knowledge of any fish in the low latitudes which
inhabits our waters and those of the Atlantic.

San Francisco, Nov 5, 1855
Col. Ransom in the Chair.
Mr. Wm. Stimpson of Boston, Mass., Mr. Norris

W. Palmer ot Alameda, and M. René Lenormand ¢
Vire, France, were elected corresponding members:
Mr. D. E. Hough of Oakland, presented a specimer

a

of Cooper’s Hawk.
Dr. Ruschenberger presented, for the Hiteieat Y
catalogue of Medical and Surgical Works, publishe ed
by Blanchard & Lea. _
Letters were read from Mr. Isaac Lea, Dr. Wm.
Darlington, and Mr. Joseph Delafield; acknowle dg.
ing their election as Honorary Members of the Acad:
emy.

Nov. 12, 1855. —
Dr. Randall in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Randall, Geological specimens illustra-
ting the infusorial beds near Monterey.
From Maj. H. P. Heitzelmann, specimens of Chest.
nuts from Cape Mendocino, the fruit of a tree sixty
to eighty feet high, and one to two feet in diameter.
Dr. Lanszweert presented the following communi-
cation :
An article which appeared in the Evening Bulle-
tin of Nov. 10, on the means of preventing smut in
wheat, seems to render appropriate the publication
of the following recipes, which have been used for
that purpose with entire success for nearly a centu-
ry. Having been first employed by one of my ances-
tors, they have since been introduced in various parts
of France and Germany, and are now constantly used
there.
No: 1.
Take of arsenic, and lime in powder, each two
pounds; boil with sufficient water to make a thin
paste; when cold, macerate in this the seed wheat
about twelve hours, and then dry it as usual. The
quantity given is sufficient for five bushels of wheat.
No. 2

Take one pound of the arsenic and lime, as sii xed
in No. 1, add one pound of green vitriol or bine stone ;
mix and boil; use as above.

No. 3.

Dissolve of nitrate of silver 72 grains, of common
salt and cream of tartar each 154 grains; use as
above for one bushel of wheat.

No 4.

Take of lime in powder, and sulphate of iron, each

one pound ; mix and use as in No. 1.

Nov. 19, 1855.
Col. Ransom in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.
From Mr. Joshua E. Clayton of Mariposa, a num-
ber of specimens of seeds, gathered near the head
waters of the Mariposa, Fresno and Merced Rivers,
one species being known in that vicinity as the Fres-
no Wheat. Also a suite of specimens of the granite
rocks of the Yo Hamite Valley.
From Mr. H. G. Bloomer, a cone of the Taxodé
giganteum.
Mr. Bloomer was appointed a Committee to fur-
nish to H. P. Partwell, of Penn Yan, N. Y., a suite o
the seeds of grasses and other plants from our Ca binet.

San Francisco, Nov. 26, 1855.
Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.
Mr. Joshua B. Clayton was elected a corresponding
Member of the Academy.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Clayton, two specimens of Volcanic
Glass from Clear Lake, and leaves of the Long Leaf

1 ee eee ;

From,Mr. Bloomer, several hundred specimens of
California plants.

Lieut. M. F. Maury presented for the Library,
_ Lynch’s Expedition to the Dead Sea, and one volume
of Washington Astronomical Observations.
Letters were read from M. F. Maury, of Washing-
ton, D. C., and James Palache, of Calaveras Co., Cal-
- ifornia.
Dec. 3, 1855.
Dr. Lanszweert in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

_ From Mr. N. W. Palmer, of Alameda, a specimen
of Buteo borealis, and one of Strix pratincola.
_ From Mr. W. D. Sleeper, of Columbia, Cal., a spec-
imen of the substance mined at Table Mountain, Tu-
_ olumne Co., known by the miners there as “soap.”’—
_ It was referred to Dr. Lanszweert for examination.
j _, From Mr. A. G. Branda, a specimen of Orthago-

riscus, from the Santa Barbara channel. It is un-
-doubtedly of a new species.
: Donations to the Library.

_ From Dr. J. C. Warren, of Boston, Mass., a copy of
his work on the Mastodon.
Vad From the Pottsville Scientific Association. a copy
_ of their Bulletin for Jan. and Feb., 1855.
_ he thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-

nations recorded above.

A letter was read from Mr. Charles Girard, of the
Smithsonian Institution, acknowledging the notice of
his election as an Honorary Member of the Academy.
Mr. Bloomer and Dr. Lanszweert were appointed
a Committee to furnish specimens to Dr. Sartwell, of
Pénn Yaa, N. Y., and M. René Lenormand, of Vire,

ae San Frawnorsco, Dec. 10,1855.
Gol. Ransom in the Chair.

« ‘Donations to the Cabinet.

_ From Dr. Badarous, a beautiful specimen of Cot-
ton, from Lower California ; also, a specimen of Hip-
pocampus, from Rio Janeiro.

_ From Mr. Rudolfson, of Sonora, specimens of pet-
rified wood, shells, clay, &c., from Table Mountain-
From Dr. J.T. Hyde, a specimen of Tetraodon

D1d

ij

75

po, 2000 feet above the sea. This shell is 12 inches
long, 6 inches wide, and 4% inches in thickness, and
said to be much smaller that many which have been
found in the same range.

From Dr. Newberry, two very important groups of
fossil shells. They were obtained by him near Point
Pinole, San Pablo Bay. They were taken from two
separate strata in the sandstone, which is identical
with that of this city, and are of especial value, since
they determine beyond question the Tertiary charac-
ter of the extensive group known as San Francisco
Sandstone. The shells are species of Pecten and
Ostraea. }

The December number of the Pioneer was received
for the Library.

Dec. 17, 1855.

Col. Ransom in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Col, Ransom, two nests of the Tarantula ;
also, alkaline incrustations from the plains near
Kern Lake ; also, volcanic deposites from near Yre-
ka.

From Dr. Eckel, a very curious capsule, with the
seeds, from Nicaragua.

From Mr. W. H. Brooks, a specimen of Lactophrys,

from the Sandwich Islands.

Dec. 24, 1855.
Col. Ransom in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.
From Mr. Wm. Burling, specimens from the vicin-

ity of Sitka, comprising fossil shells, the skin of a
seal, skeletons of Cygnus buccinator, Lutra cana-
densis, Phalaropus, Sciurus, Putorius erm eus,
with the skull of a Polar Bear, and a specimen of
Diomedea exulans. The skeletons were prepared by
the Indians, and are in most admirable condition.

From Mr. C. Leonard, an abnormal specimen of

the Lizard so common in this vicinity, Sceloporus
graciosus.

From Dr. J. G. Cooper was received a copy of

Gray’s Botany of the Northern United States.

Letters were received from R. D. Cutts, Esq.,

Washington, D. C., and Dr. Charles Pickering,
of Boston.

A communication was read from W. P. Blake, of

Washington, D.C., giving an abstract of his paper
'yead before the Am. Association for the Advancement
of Science, at its last meeting, on the age of the San
Francisco Sandstone, also observations on the pine
‘sugar or mannite of California.

Dr. Ayres presented the following communication;
In the early part of August, 1854, descriptions

were rend by me before the Academy, of two species
of fish, which were arranged with hesitation under

the genus Hemilepidotus, but those descriptions were
never published, as the Academy had not then com-
‘menced issuing its proceedings. Shortly afterward,
Mr. Girard presented to the Philadelphia Academy of
‘Nattral Sciences, a paper in which was contained a
description of one of these species; he called it Scor-

‘Phe thanks of the “Academy were voted for the
jove donations. agree:
From Col. Ransom, a group of fossil shells from
the /hills east of San Jose Mission; also, a fossil Os-

#, trom the moantain range east of San Luis Obis-

CAL. ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIBNCBS, DAC,, 18.

76

penichthys lateralis. But inasmuch as it appears
of quite distinct generic form from the spevies which
is the type of his genus Scorpenichthys (S.marmo-
ratus, very common in our markets), and since the
second of my species has not been published at all,
it is judged best in this communication to attempt a
correct exposition of the two.

They are manifestly very closely allied to Hemil-
epidotus, with which genus one of them migbt in
fact be classed without any great violence, though
to include both, the generic characters as given by
Cuvier must be much modified. With Scorpenich-
thys their affinity scems less intimate, and a generic
identity not admissible. In Mr. Girard’s description
of that genus, as published in the proceedings of the
Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci., (vol. 7, p 181,) the characteris
given, ‘‘Skin smooth, without either scales or plates”
though in a copy of his paper sent to the Cal. Acade-
my a manuscript alteration has been made. so as to
read ‘Skin either smooth, or provided with scales.”
But even allowing this, we find the jaws not equal,
the gill-openings continuous in one and not in the
other, the dorsals distinct in the one and much less
so in the other, and the spinous dorsal lower than
the soft in both.

The character, however, which appears of greatest
value, is derived from the scales. These are very
peculiar, having an hour-glass form, doubly concave,
with a depth (corresponding to the thickness of or-
dinary scales) nearly equal to their transverse di-
ameter. The external concavity is free, looking up-
ward and backward, its border being strongly cilia-
ted. They are of the same structure in both species,
and their remarkable formation argues strongly in
favor of generic identity. We have no means of
knowing the character of the “scales” in the Kam-
schatkan species on which Cuvier founded his genus
Hemilepidotus, but it is perhaps scarcely possible
that an observer so accurate as the distinguished
French naturalist should have overlooked a struc-
ture so singular. Should it however be shown that
in H. tilesii we have the same feature, it would then
be necessary to modify the characters of Hemilepi-
dotus so far as to include our Californian types.

Until this can be done we may place them as the
representatives of a new generic group, with the fol-
lowing definition.

CALYCILEPIDOTtS.

Head with bony plates ; somewhat spinous, espe-
cially on the gill-covers. Teeth fine and crowded,
in the jaws and on the vomer, palatines, and pharyn-
geals. Spinous and soft dorsal more or less com-
pletely separated. Breadth of the head greater than
its height. Sides of the body, and sometimes the
head, with patches of doubly concave, ciliate scales,
alternating with spaces of smooth skin. Loose mem-
branous flaps on various parts of the head.

Of this genus we know at present two species.

1, CALYCILEPIDOTUS SPINOSUS.—Ayres.

Head large; body tapering, rounded anteriorly,
becoming compressed posteriorly. Length of the
head a little less than one-third of the entire length,
being equal to twice the depth of the head.

Eyes large, nearly circular, their diameter con-
tained about four times in the length of the side of
the head; the distance between them less than half
their own diameter ; orbits elevated, leaving a deep
depression in the interocular space.

Nasal spines strong and prominent. Various ele-
vations, scarcely to be called spines, on the top of
the head back of the orbits. On the border of the
preoperculum commonly three strong spines directed
backward (the upper two being each about equal in
length to the interocular breadth) and one at the in-

ferior angle looking downward and forward. A.
cealed spine at the superior and the inferior angl
the operculum. A humeral and a scapular spine
may also be traced, though not well marked.
A membranous flap, with a height as great as that
of the nasal spines, on the superior posterior border
of the orbit ; another on the preoperculum ; anoth-
er, not so large, at the tip of the superior maxillary ;_
a pair also at the symphysis of the lower jaw. In
addition to these, many of the tubes forming the lat-
eral line, as well as others on the head, are prolonged
by a free membranous extremity. a
Scales arranged in three longitudinal bands on
each side. The first runs nearly parallel with the
base of the dorsal fin, being separated from it by a
stripe of smooth skin. It is connected with its fel-
low of the opposite side by a broad band in front of
the dorsal fin; and has a breadth of five or six rows
of scales anteriorly, becoming narrower posteriorly.
The second is very narrow, and indicates the course
of the lateral line, which it follows in its entire
length. It curves at first gently downward, and
then runs nearly straight. Anteriorly it has but a —
single row of scales, in the middle it has two or per- —
haps three, and posteriorly again becomes narrower. —
The space of smooth skin between it and the first —
band is broadest at about the middle of the body, —
where it equals in width the upper band. The third
is separated from the second by a very narrowstripe ~
indeed. Its greatest breadth, near the middle of the -
length, is about equal to that of the first band. All
of the bands extend to the caudal fin; the head is —
entirely destitute of scales.
Lower jaws shorter than the upper ; gape of the
mouth of such extent that a line vertical to the an-
gle of the maxillary passes near the posterior border
of the pupil.
Gill openings not continuous.
Dorsal fin single, a depression separating the spi-
nous from the soft portion, but not so as to formtwo —
fins. The spinous portion, arising a short distance ©
from the back ofthe head, isin length about equal —
to the distance from the tip of the snout to the bor- —
der of the preoperculum, being about two thirds of
the length of the soft portion. It is highest at the
fourth and fifth spines, the height thence diminishing
so that the last ray only about half equals the high- ~
est. The softrays rise at once to a height rather
than that of any of the spinous rays. The soft por-
tion of the fin extends almost to the base of the cau-
dal, increasing somewhat in height as it advances,
and again decreasing; its height is thus about half
greater than that of the spinous part, being a little
less than one-seventh of the length of the fish.
The anal, very similar to the soft dorsal in form
and height, is shorter, arising opposite its fourth or
fifth ray, and terminating as many rays in advance
of the other. ,
The pectorals, of cottoid form, with the lower rays
free at their tips, have a height nearly equalling
one-fourth the length of the fish; their length is
about half their height.
The ventra/s are opposite the middle of the base
of the pectorals, which they nearly equal in height.
The caudal is slightly rounded, its height equalling
that of the ventrals. f
D. 11-19; A. 16; P.17; V.1-4; C.4.1.3.4.1.4
In color this species iscommonly of a dark red-
dish brown, with darker irregular bands and blotch-
es, the bands assuming something more of regularity
on the soft dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins. ae
C. spinosus occurs in the Bay of San Francisco,
but itis not common. Specimens are occasionally
brought in by the fishermen with the other sculpins,
They seldom exceed seven inches in length. aa

2. CALYCILEPIDOTUS LATERALIS.
(Syn. Scorpenichthys lateralis, Gir.)

As this species has been already described by Mr.
Girard (doc. cit.) a detailed account of it here is not
needed. It has the scales in a single band on each
side, corresponding in some degree with the first band
of the spinosus, but less regular, and not connected
in the same manner in front of the dorsal fin; small,
scattered scales are found also on the head. The
head is less spinous, though the upper spine of the
preoperculum is stronger and branched. The divis-
ion of the spinous and soft dorsal is so complete, that
they may be called two fins, though contiguous.—
The membranous flaps of the head are extremely
small; one at the superior posterior border of the
orbit, and one at the extremity of the maxillary,
both very difficult to detect in alcoholic specimens ;
none at the symphysis of the lower jaw. The eye is
decidedly smaller than in spinosus. The gill-open-
ings are continuous.

C. lateralis is perhaps a little more common in the
Bay of San Francisco than C. spinosus, which it
about equals in size. Mr. Girard’s specimens were
collected at Monterey and San Luis Obispo.

San Francisco, Dee. 31, 1855.
Col. Ransom ia the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.
From Mr. Burton Fales, of Springfield, Tuolumne
Co., a fossil jaw of a young Mastodon, with frag-

17

ments of other bones apparently from an an adult
specimen of the same species.

From M. Chevalier, two specimens of the Marsh
Hawk, (Circus cyaneus) from the Mission Dolores.

From Dr. Holden, of Stockton, a fine specimen of
the Paysano (Geococcyx viaticus). Tbe thanks of
the Academy were voted for the above donations.

From Mr. C. D. Gibbs, two specimens of Dipodo-
mys or Kangaroo Rat, and one of Spermophilus
lineatus or Ground Squirrel, from Tulare Co.

Two fossil Mastodon teeth were received on loan
from Mr. Nathaniel Fales, of Springfield, Tuolumne
Co., that casts of them might be made for the Cabi-
net of the Academy.

Donations to the Library.

From Prof. A. D. Bache, the Coast Survey Report
for 1853.

From Mr. C. Girard, a copy of his descriptions of
many new Fishes from the Pacific Coast.

From Mr. William Schmolz, Optician, of this city,
was received a set a of Meteorological Instruments,
consisting of Bunten’s Syphon Barometer, Thermo-
metrograph, Wet Bulb Hygrometer, and Rain Gauge.
The thanks of the Academy were voted to Mr? S.
for his vory valuable donation.

END OF PART FIRST.

heal

| aka

eae

es a a ne

eS le

Gol. L. Ransom,
‘Dr. J.N. Eckel, 2a

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY QF NATURAL SCIENCES.

VOL. 1.—Parr 2p.

SAN FRANCISCO.

San Francisco, Jan. 7, 1856.
Col. L. Ransom in the Chair.
The reports of the Curators, Librarian and Treas-
-urer were accepted, and placed on file.
Donations to the Cabinet.
From Capt. J. W. Russell, specimens of Mollusca
and Echinodermata, from Neotka Sound. Articles

of Indian manufacture, from the Makaar tribe, at

Cape Flattery, were deposited.

From Dr. Behr, two specimens of WV enona isabella,
from Contra Costa.

From Col. Ransom, a species of Cytheraea.

The following officers were elected for the year
1856:
President,

Dr. A. Kellogg, ist, Vice President, ( Trustees.

Edward Bosqui, Treasurer,

Dr. W. O. Ayres, Cor. Secretary,
M. George Read Rec. re

TT. J. Nevins, Librarian,

Dr. J. B. Trask, Curator of Geology and Mineralogy,
H. G. Bloomer, Curator of Botany,
L. W. Sloat,
Dr. L. Lanszweert, Curator of Zoology.

The following amendments to the Constitution

were adopted :

Section 4th of article 2d so as toread as follows—
Sec. 4. The membership fee to be paid by an ap-
licant for resident membership shall be ten dollars,
and every such member shall also pay one dollar
monthly in advance. The payment or donation of
one hundred dollars shal! constitute the contributor,
or the person on whose behalf such contribution
shall be made, a member for life, on being duly elec-
ted by the Academy ; and such member for life shall
possess all the rights and immunities of a resident
member, and shall be exempt from the payment of

_ monthly duer.

- OARS ee ee a ew nee ee

res . ee

a 4 \v. 2. ‘

Curator of Conchology, |

To section 1st of article 2d, add the following :

Provided, that no person thus elected shall be re
garded er recognized as such member until he shall
have signified his acceptance, and complied with the
prescribed conditions.

San Francisco, Jan. 14, 1856.
President in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From J.T. Fiall, sq., a group of Eocene fossils in
sandstone, from near Negro Bar, American River.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nation.

From Dr. J. B. Trask, two specimens of Goosander,
from the plains of the Sacramento.

From Dr. R. K. Reid, of Stockton, a very valuable
collection of Californian birds, comprising fourteen
species.

Donations to the Library.

From the Smithsonian Institution, seven volumes
of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.

From the Societé Royale of Stockholm, Sweden,
two volumes, 1853 and 1854, Kongl. Vetenskaps—
Academiens Handlingar.

From Dr. J. N. Hekel, six French and German
works on Botany, Entomology, &c.

From the Lyceum of Nat. History, Williams Col-
lege, Mass., an address delivered before them, 1856,
by Prof. W. Lb. Rogers.

Elections were made, viz. :

W. O, Ayres, M. D.,

1. J. Nevins,

1). Ransom,

"’. J, Nevins,

J, N. Bckel, M. D., Library Committee.

J. B. Trask, M. D.

J. J. Nevins,

A. Kellogg, M. D.,

W. Heflev.

- Publication Committee.

Finango Committee

The following paper on earthquakes in California,
‘afrom 1812to 1855, was presented by J. B. Trask :

In preparing this paper I have endeavored to ob-
jtain, as far as possible, the most correct information
of the history of these phenomena in former years,
» and to correct some of the misapprehensions and
- statements which have appeared from time to time
relating to the severity of earthquake shocks in this

i country during the earlier periods of its history.

From careful inquiry of the older residents, I can
learn of but one shock that has proved in the slight-
est degree serious, causing the destruction of either
life or property to any extent. This was the earth-
quake of September, 1812, which destroyed the Mis-
sions San Jaun Capistrano, in Los Angeles coun-
ty, and that of Viejo, in the valley of San Inez, in
the county of Santa Barbara.

The following is the history of that event as I
have obtained it from the native inhabitants, and
older foreign residents on this coast:

The day was clear and uncommonly warm; it
being Sunday the people had assembled at San Juan
Sapistrano for evening service. About half an hour
after the opening of serviee, an unusual loud, but
distant rushing sound was heard in the atmosphere
fo the east and over the water, which resembled the
sound of strong wind, but as the sound approached
no perceptible breeze accompanied it. he seawas
smooth and the air calm. So distant and loud was
this atmospheric sound that several left the building
attracted by its noise.

Immediately following the sound, the first and
heaviest shock of the earthquake occurred, which
was sufficiently severe to prostrate the Mission
church almost ina body. burying in its ruins the
most of those who remained behind, when the first
indication of its approach was heard.

The shock was very sudden and almost without
warning, save from the rushing sound above noted,
and to its occurrence at that moment is to be attri-
buted the loss of hfe that followed.

The number reported to have beer killed outright,
is variously estimated from thirty to forty-five, (the
largest number of persons agree on the smallest
number of deaths given),butin the absence of records
such statements should be received with many grains
of allowance, where memory alone is the only means
left, and the term of forty-three years has elapsed
to the period at which this account was placed on pa-
per. A considerable namber are reported to have
been badly injured.

There is a universal agreement on this point, viz:
that the first shock threw down the entire building,
and that a large number of persons were in it at
that moment, and under the circumstances it would
be most singular if no deaths were caused by such an
event.

The motion of the earth is described as having
lifted vertically, attended by a vortical movement.
No undulatory motion is described by any one. Diz-
ziness and maseau seized almost every person in the
Vicinity.

A heavy, loud, deep rumbling, accompanied the
successive shocks that followed, and which were five
in number, all having the motion above described,
though comparatively light in their effects to the
first. The soundsattending the phenomenacame ap-
parently from the South and Hast.

In the valley of San Inez, to the south and west
of Santa Barbara, the rains now known as the ‘“Mis-
sion Viejo,” was also completely destroyed ; the dis-
tance between Capistrano and San Inez being about

{70 miles. The shock which destroyed this building

8&6

occurred about one hour after the foriier, and the
inhabitants had left the building but a few minutes
before it fell, service having closed. The first shock
felt here prostrated the building, as in the preceding
case.

A Spanish ship which lay at anchor off San Bue-
naventura, 38 miles from Santa Barbara, was muck
injured by the shock, and leaked to that extent, that
it became necessary to beach her, and remove the
most of her cargo.

It is an interesting fact, and at the same time
somewhat remarkable, that the time which elapsed
between the advent of the shocks at Capistrano and
San Inez is widely variant from what we should
look for, when the distance apart and velocity of mo-
tion in earthquakes are taken into consideration.

The effect of this earthquake on the sea, in the
bay of Santa Barbara, is described as follows: «* The
sea was observed to recede from the shore during
the continuance of the shocks, and left the latter
dry for a considerable distance, when it returned in
five or six heavy rollers, which overflowed the plain
on which Santa Barbara is built. The inhabitants:
saw the recession of the sea, and being aware of the
danger on its return, Sed to the adjoining hills near
the town to escape the probable deluge.

The sea on its return flowed inland little more than
half a mile, and reached the lower part of the town,
doing bunt trifling damage, destroying three small
adobe buildings.

Very little damage was done to the housesin town
from the effects of the shocks, while the Mission at
the San Inez was prostrated almost instantly. There
is no evidence that I can find, that this earthquake
was felt in San Luis Obispo, though such has been
the report.

Prior to 1812 [have not been able to learn of the
occurrence of this phenomena, that appear to have
been particularly severe or destructive, and that
they have not been so, is evidenced in the fact that
from the foundation of the first Mission at San Diego
in 1769, a period of eighty-six years has passed, du-
ring which time, but one, and that theabove, finds a
place either in their history or the memory of those
now living, traditionary or otherwise.

From the date of the above to the year 1850, we
have no record of the occurrence of these phenome-
na, other than the fact that light and repeated shocks
were common in the country.

During 1850 the following shocks were recorded,
but it is probable that several were net noted, as we
find their freqnency bears no relation to those which
have occurred during subsequent years.

1850.

March 12.—A light shock was felt in San Jose.

May 13 —A light shock in San Francisco. Aw
eruption of Manua Loa, 8S. I., and shock same day.

June 28.—A light shock in San Francisco

August 4—A smart shock was felt in Stocktor
and Sacramento.

Sept. 14.—Smart shock at San Franeisco and San
Jose. Total number recorded in 1850, five.

1851.
May 15 —Three severe shocks in San Francisco
During this earthquake windows were broken and.
buildings severely shaken. A large amount of mer-
chandize was thrown down ina store on California
street. The shipping in the harbor rolled heavily.—
An eruption of Manta Loa and shock in theS. I-
same day. i
May 17.—A light shock in San Francisco.
Miy 28.—A light shock on the Salinas.

"

See ee ee ee

8i

June 13.—A smart shock in San Francisco, which
was felt at San Louis Obispo and San Fernando.

Dec. 2.—A shock at Downieville.

Dec. 31.—-A smart shock at Downieville.
number recorded in 1851 is six.

1852.

From the beginning of this year, until past its
third quarter, no disturbances were noted, until the
month of November.

Nov. 26.—The number of shocks noticed on this
day at San Simeon was e/even, and at Los Angeles
and San Gabriel the same number. The same num-
ber, or nearly so, was observed by parties having in
charge a government train in transit from Camp
Yuma to San Diego. This earthquake was felt over
the entire country east and south of San Luis Obis-
po, to San Diego and the Colorado river, covering a
line of about 300 miles square. Subsequent accounts
prove that it affected the country south of the Colo-
rado as far Guyamas in the province of Sonora.

For the term of six days subsequent to the 26th,
the entire south part of the State was convulsed,
with slight intermissions. During their continuance
a mud volcano broke out upon the Colorado Desert,
and another south of the Colorado, one of which was
visited by a portion of the U. S. command under
Maj Heintzleman.

Dee. 17.—Two smart shocks occurred in San Luis
Obispo, which fractured the walls of two adobe
buildings, and threw down part of the wall of the
house belonging to, and occupied by Don Jesus Pico
and family.

During the month of December the southern and
middle portions of California were much disturbed,
and the effects were felt as far north as the 37th
parallel.

The shocks continued into the month of January,
and were noticed until the 5th of this month on the
San Joaquin.

The period of time inclusive between the 16th
November (the date of the sad earthquake of Banda
Neira, in the Mollucas) and the 26th January, 1853,
cannot but be regarded as one of the most remarka-
ble periods cf modern date. During this period a
greater propovtion of the earth’s surface was convul-
sed by subteranean forces, than has been known for
many years, in the same length of time.

The area most severely affected by these phenom-
ena is included in the parallels of 40° south
and 37° north latitude inclusive, making 76 degrees
of latitude, and extending from 120° east to 45°
west longitude, making 210 degrees of longitude, or
nearly equal to three fifths of the equatorial cireum-
ference of the earth.

At this time the coast of eastern Asia. the Islands
of the South Indian Ocean, Singapore, the Molluc-
cas, the east coast of China, the north, east, and south
of Australia, the coast of California, Mexico, and
South America, with portions of the Atlantic coast,
south of the 34th parallel shared in the general dis-
turbance that prevailed upon our own shores during
the period above named.

With the 26th of January ceased the vibrations
on thiscoast at that time, (that were perceptible
without the use of instruments), but it appears that
they continued much later on the east coast of China
and Australia, extending into the month of Febra-
ary.

Total

1853.

Jan, 2.—A smart shock felt in Mariposa. and at
the same time in San Francisco, Shasta City, and
Bodega.

Jan. 5.—A shock at Corte Maderiu.

Feb. 14.—A light shock at San Luis Obispo.

March 1.—A Smart shock at San Francisco, felé
at San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

April 24.—A light shock at Humboldt Bay.

April 26.—Three shocks at Weaverville.

June 2.—Two smart shocks on the plains of the
San Joaquin.

July 12.—A light shock in Yreka, Siskiyou Co.

Sept. 3.—Four shocks on the San Joaquin and Sa-
linas Plains.

Oct. 23.—Three heavy shocks at Humboldt Bay.

Oct. 25.—A light shock at Humboldt Bay.

Vov. 16.—A light sheck at San Jose.

Nov. 21.—A shock at San Francisco.

Dec. 11.—A light shock at San Francisco and Mis-
sion Dolores.

Dec. 23.—A light shock at Shasta City.

Total number recorded in 1853 is 15

1854,

Jan. 3.—Two smart shocks in Mariposa, and felt
at the same time in Shasta.

March 2.—A light shock in San Francisco.

March 20,—A shock in Stockton.

April 29.—A light shock at Santa Barbara.

May 23.—A shock at Crescent City.

May 31.—An earthquake at Santa Barbara, at 10
minutes before 5 o’clock in the morning. There
were three vibrations, the first of which was accom-
panied with a deep rumbling; the second was pre-
ceded by aloud rushing sound, like the approach of
astrong wind. About four or five seconds elapsed
between each shock. The sea was much disturbed,
and a heavy surf swell came in soon after the second
shock was felt, which passed some thirty feet beyond
the old wreck near the embarcadero. The inhabi-
tants left their beds in their night attire, and sought
the street. But little damage was done.

June 26.—Two light shocks in Placer county.

July 10.-—Gne shock at Georgetown.

July 14.—One shock at Georgetown.

Sept. 14.—A light shock at Nevada.

Oct. 21.—A light shock at Monterey

Oct. 26—A smart shock at San Francisco, felt
also at Benicia. Vessels lying at the wharves worked
heavily on their haivsers.

Total number of earthquakes in 1854 is 12.

EARTHQUAKES DURING THE YEAR 1855.

The following is the record of the number of earth~
quakes that have occurred during 1855 in the State
of California. with the date and hour of the day at
which they were observed.

Jan. 13. 64 P. M.—A smart shock oceurred at San
Benito and San Miguel, and was felt also, though
light, at San Luis Gbispo.

Jan. 24,10 P. M—A heavy shock of an earth-
quake was felt at Downieville, continuing seven or
eight seconds. This shock was felt severely at Gib-
sonville on the north, at Forest City, Minesota, Or-
leans Flat, Eureka, Georgetown, and Nashville, on
the Cosumnes, south, and at the Keystone Ranch
(Yuba Co.) on the west. The entire distance in
north and south direction affected, was ninety-four
miles, and in a westerly line thirty miles. It was
preceded by a profound rambling, accompanied by a
rushing sound like the approach of a strong wind in
the distance, This ride shook bnildings severely.
A large pinnacle of rock. about 100 feet in height,
was precipitated from the top of the Downieville
Butte down to the soutl fork of the Yuba at its base.

Feb. 5, 10 A. M.~A light shock was felt at Wolf

82

Creek and the northeast part of Nevada county.

April 7, 6 P. M.—A light shock was felt at Gibb’s
Ferry, Trinity county, and was experienced as far
north as Callahan’s Ranch, at the head of Scott’s
Valley, Siskiyou county.

June 25, 2 P. M.—A smart shock was felt at Santa
Barbara, and extended northward as far as the val-
ley of Santa Maria. This shock was cotemporaneous
with one that occurred in Switzerland,

July 10, 9 A, M.—A light shock was felt in
Georgetown, El Dorado county, which lasted about
four seconds. On the same day a very severe shock
was felt in the city of Los Angeles, which done con-
siderable damage. There were four distinct shocks
daring the earthquake, with a period of about two
or three seconds, elapsing between each vibration.—
During their continuance, the ground opened in sev-
eral places, in fissures of one or two inches, the marks
of which remained for several days afterwards.—
There were some twenty-six buildings in the city
more or less injured, which I personally examined,
and among them the church, the west wall of which
was split from top to bottom in two places, the fis-
sures being from one to'two and a half inches in|
breadth, running entirely through. The east wall)
split at a slight angle from the perpendicular, and |
had but one fissure. The walls of the Star Hotel
were split in several places, and on the west side
there appears to have been a decided horizontal mo-
tion, as the wall was displaced on that side horizon
tally to the depth of about one inch, and some eight
or nine feet in length. The amount of displacement
decreased from the west end of the building towards
the centre. It is a fact worthy of note, that none of
the thin adobe walls of the buildings suffered injury,
while most of the thick walled buildings were injured
to a grtater or less extent. |

During the earthquake, many articles were thrown
down, those that were standing on shelves against
the east end of the buildings were thrown westward
on to the floor,and those on the opposite end of the
huildings were thrown back in an inclined position
against the walls. These features were noticed in
the drug stores of Doctors Winston and Hope, situa-
ted on the main street, and a short distance west of |
the church.

The meteorological condition of the atmosphere
was rather unusual, and is described as follows :-—
The day was unusually warm and sultry, attended
with little thunder and some rain. (the latter very
unusual) and a very sudden change of temperature
to unpleasant coldness. At Point San Juan there
was observed considerable commotion in the wacer,
attended with a strong rushing sound, and two un- |
usually heavy surf swells immediately following the
last shock.

This shock was felt distinctly at the saw-mill some
eight miles east of San Bernardino, about seventy |
miles east of Los Angeles, and at Santa Barbara, |
about one hundred miles in a westerly direction. At
Los Angeles the shock occurred at fifteen minutes |
after eight in the evening.

lug. 12.95 A. M.—A light shock of an earthquake |

was felt at Georgetown, which lasted about three
seconds. The vibration apparently came from the |
north. Between this date and the 10th July there |

were four other light shocks, the dates of which are |

not recorded.

Oct. 21, 73
was felt in San Francisco. The buildings situated
over the water were violently shaken. There was
ranch commotion in the water of the harbor a few
minutes preceding the shock, which caused several

}

. P. M.—A smart shock of an earthquake

vessels to heave heavily at their hawsers and cables.

Oct. 27, 3 P. M—A light shock was felt in the
valley of Clear Lake. On the same day a shock was
felt in Downieville, which lasted about five seconds.
At Goodyear’s Barit was more severe than at the
preceding locality.

Dee. 5, 11.20 A. M.—The shock of an earthquake
was felt at Humboldt Bay, which lasted about three
seconds. There were two vibrations, the last being
the most severe.

Dec. 11,4A.M—A shock was felt inSan Fran-
cisco and at the Mission Dolores ; at the latter place
it is represented as having been quite severe.

Jan. 2d, 1856, 10 A. M.—A light shock in San Fran-
cisco, which lasted about three seconds. The shock
came from the north and was undulatory.

The whole number of which I have a record for
1855, amounts to twelve only; but there may be
others which have escaped my notice on account of
absence from the city. ‘

The following table will show the number of shocks
for each year, and each month of the year. for six
years from 1850 to 1855 inclusive :

No. for each -

18501851 1852 185318541855, month in six
| years.

January, tae) | 1 2) 5
February, | 1 | ie 1a 2
March, i ia j 1} 2 4
April, | | {Bay a 4) ok: 4
fay, | sacl 8h enduehrostenl GA 6
June, 2 Le | athe, ea 5
uly, | bn Nel aga ack 3
August, Nt | ee 1 2
September, 1 | | say petal 3
October, | DFR ee 6
November, pe 13
December, Sfodilosy fae a 8
Total each

Feary yb G 12). 145 12,9969

From the above it will be seen that of the total
number of shocks in six yearsin this state, forty-
eight have occurred during the spring, summer and
autumn months, and eleven during the winter months.

Of the total number noted, twenty-seven have oc-

cured from San Luis Obispo south, and of the thirty-~

two remaining, nine have been felt in San Francisco
at the same time they were observed at San Luis
Obispo, while the remaining twenty-three were felt at
San Francisco and north of that point.
Notwithstanding we have had, what may, perhaps,
be considered a frequency in the recurrence of these
phenomena. still there are but a very few of the to-
tal number that would merit a moment’s con-
sideration south of the twenty fifth parallel ofs

| north latitude, for there they would be regarded a

minor affairs entirely.

From all the facts in our possession relating to the
phenomena on our coast, it appears that the greatest
preponderance in action, and severity of effects, is
exerted for the most part, south of Point Conception,
for, from this place. east, south and north, to near
the Colorado, the most conclusive evidences exist of
very recent voleanic action having been exerted on
rather an extensive scale, and is also still persist-
ent in several localities within the area named,
thoughin a minor degree.

It would be interesting to examine the changes of
level that have evidently taken place in this State
within the last five years; but, as more extended
observations would greatly assist us in forming
conclusions on this subject, I will defer that portion
until a future day.

|

f
i)

83

San Francrsoo, Jan. 21, 1856.

President in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From C. D. Gibbs, specimens, of Clay containing
impressions of leaves, from Table Mountain ; also a
specimen of Lignite, with Sulphuret of Iron.

From Col. Ranson, silicified wood, from Kern Ri-
ver.

From S. W. Higgins, a fossil multilocular shell,
apparently of new generic form, from Coose Bay.

From W B. Little, a calcareous concretion, from
Thompson’s ranch, Santa Clara Co.

From Dr. J. B. Trask, specimens of Arbor Vite, in
blossom ; they were referred for investigation to Dr.
Behr and Dr. Kellogg.

From M. G. Read, Sulphuret of Iron, from Mexico ;
also a Roman coin, from Herculaneum,

From Capt. J. W. Russell, specimens of shells, &c.,
from the island of San Miguel, Cal.

Deposited for the Cabinet.

By Dr. A. B. Stout, an Indian Mummy, from Shoal-
water Bay, showing the result of their method of prc-
serving their dead.

By Capt. J. W. Russell, a blanket made by the In-
dians at Cape Flattery, from the hair of a peculiar
race of dogs.

Donations to the Library.

Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory, vol. 5, pp. 241—256, from the Society.

‘Report of the Coast Survey for 1854, from R. D.
Cutts, Esq., from Washington, D. C.

Plants of Cincinnati and Vicinity, by Thomas G.
Lea, from Jacob Resor, Esq.

San Francisco, Jan. 26, 1856.

President in the Chair.

8. W. Higgins and F. Rohrer were elected Corres-
ponding Members.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr, W. T. Rumble, of Columbia, a series of
specimens collected chiefly in Utah Territory.—
Among them was a pebble of Jasper cut so as to con-

‘stitute a seal; this was found amid fragments of an-

cient pottery.

From Mr. C. K. Lambert, of Columbia, specimens
from Table Mountain and vicinity.

From Henry Hancock, U.S. Deputy Sorveyor,
specimens of shrubs, and the wood and leaves of
Palmetto, found N. E. of Los Angeles.

From B. M. Henry, U. S. Deputy Surveyor, a
specimen of Tertiary Coal, from the Coast Range,
fifteen miles southwest of Stockton.

From Dr. C.H. Raymond, a specimen of paper
manufactured from wood shavings.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a Capsule from Central
America. Referred to Dr. Kellogg and Mr. Bloomer.

From Mr. 8. W. Higgins, Tertiary fossils from
Coose Bay, O. T.

San Francisco, Feb. 4, 1856,

Dr. A. Kellogg in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mrs. Herrick, a specimen of Acrostichum
alcicorne, or Elk Horn Fern.

From Mrs. Miller, a specimen of Fucus from the
Gulf Stream.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Dr. Eckel, a part of the jaw of a Mastodon,
from Columbia, Tuolumne Co. ; the same species as
the teeth previously received from Murphy’s, Cala-
veras Co.

From Dr. Lanszweert, Iron from Santa Clara, made
from ore found in that county, containing forty per
cent.

From Capt. Russell, shells and Indian relics from
San Miguel, with others from Cape Flattery.

From Dr. Randall, specimens of Tertiary Fossils
from Chico Creek, Butte Co., containing a small Am-
monite, anda Baculnite. Dr. Randall also present-
ed s specimen of Planorbis from the same county,
with Indian relics from Marin county.

From Dr. R. Reid, of Stockton, plants collected
near the Cosumnes and Mokelumne rivers.

Donations to the Library.

From Jacob Resor, of Cincinnati, a Catalogue of
the Flowering Plants and Ferns observed in the vi-
cinity of Cincinnati, by Joseph Clark.

From Dr. Eckel, Liebig’s complete works on Chem-
istry.

From subscription of the members, the Botany of
Capt. Beechey’s Voyage, and Part 1 of the Botany
of the Voyage of H. M. Ship Herald.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited drawings of ten species of
Conifers, four species of the Silver Fir, and four spe-
cies of Spruce Fir; two of the latter are rare, and
may prove tobe new. Also twospecies of Pines, one
of which is evidently new. The Society are under ob-
ligations to Dr. J. C. Newberry, of Col. Richardson’s
Survey, for the use of the specimens from which the
sketches were made. A full description will appear
in his report. As the Society have no specimens of
many of these species, our friends would greatly
oblige us by sending any specimens from their respec-
tive vicinities,

Feb. 11, 1856.

President in the Chair.

Mr, J. C. Palmer was elected a Life Member of the
Academy.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Capt. Kentzel, a living specimen of the
Whistler, 4ryctomys pruinosus, Penn., from Cook’s
Inlet, Russian Possessions. This donation is of more
than ordinary interest, as the species is represented

°

/ 84

in but very, few collections. . Its Aptinp name is sta-
ted to be Gighan. oir s

From Mr. W. E. Cormack, a specimen of Planorbis
from Australia; oe of Kauri (a resinous product,
from which a varnish-6iAS substituted for Copal is
made in England) ‘from New Zealand ; and one of
Protoxide of Iron from Staffordshire, England. —

From Mr. Boch, Lava from Mauna Loa,

From Mr. E. ‘A. Rowe, of Weaverville; specimens
of Iridium.

From Mr. Camman, geological KE from
near Randolph City, Coose Bay.

The thanks of the Academy were vatka for the
above donations.

From Col. L. Ransom, a fragment of a fossil tree
twelve inches in diameter, found about fifty miles
north-east of Los Angeles.

From Dr. J. B. Trask, specimens of fishes and rep-
tiles from Sacramento.

From Dr. A. Randall, specimens of Astacus, from
Alviso.

Donations to the Library.

From Mr. W. E. Cormack, the Botanical and the
Ichthyological Appendix to Franklin’s Voyage, by
John Richardson, for which the thanks of the Acad-
emy were tendered.

San Francisco, Feb. 18, 1856.

President in the Chair.

P. M. Randall, and S. Pinkham were elected Resi-
dent Members of the Academy. Capt. Kentrel was
elected a Corresponding Member. Charles H. Cook
was elected a Life Member.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Col. L. Ransom, Lignite from Table Moun-
tain, Butte Co.; Copper Ore, Hornblende Granite,
and Iron Ore, from near Lake Elizabeth, and a spec-
imen of Mygale.

From Mr. McCormick, limestone and Spar from
Bone Cave, Bristol England ; 4stacus Bartoni, from
Miramichi River, Nova Scotia; a parasitic plant
from the Stanislaus River; and a “ vegetable cater-
pillar” from New Zealand.

From Mr. G. W. Leihi, a speeimen of Dendritic
Gold, from Wall’s Diggings, Sacramento Co.

From Mr. W. H. Hill, Fossilized Wood from Monte
Christo.

From Mr. J. Brittan, a specimen of Solecurtus,
from Monte Diabolo.

Donations to the Library.

From the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass., a Deserip-
tive Catalogue, with a list of its officers and mem-
bers.

‘the thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Dr, J. B. Trask, American Journal of Sci-
ence, Nos, 58 to 61.

aa San Francisco, Feb. 25th, 1856.
President in the Chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.
From Mr. E. J. Loonis, ‘of Alameda, a, Sparrow
Hawk (Tinnunculus. Sparverins). The ‘thanks of
the Academy were voted for the donation.
From Dr. R. K. Reid, of Stockton, a specimen of
Plonorbis from Tulare Lake. pat
From Col. L. Ranson, Granite, and Translucent

hoger tf

Quartz and Sand, from Folsom, Sacramento Co.

From Dr. A. Randall, Red Coral, and a Chiton
covered with Corallines, from Monterey ; two speci-

mens of Helix, from Cypress Point ; specimens, also,

of Cuphressus Macrocarpa from Cypress Point.

From Dr. Veatch, of Red Bluffs, minerals and fos-
sils from Lick Springs, Shasta Co.; also, a specimen
of Tritillaria from the same locality.

Donations to the Library,

From the Boston Society of Natural History, one
number of their proceedings, pp. 257 to 272, Decem-
ber, 1855.

From Mr. W. Heffley, Kane’s Chemistry, by Draper.

Mr. T. J. Nevins presented an account of a very
beautiful Lunar Rainbow, seen by him, at Alameda,
Feb. 20, at 7 P. M. It was accompanied by a secon-
dary bow, the arch being distinct and complete in
both.

March 3, 1856.
President in the Chair.

Dr. B. F. Shumard, State Geologist of Missouri,
was elected a Corresponding member.
Donations: to the Cabinet.
From Mr. Lewis; a specimen of Octopus. The
thanks of the Academy were voted for the donation.
From Col. Ranson, specimens of Cannel Coal,
from England ; also, an Indian pipe from San Ber-
nardino.
Donations to the Library.

From W. P. Blake, Descriptions of Fossils and
Shells, collected in California.

From Dr. Eckel, Foot-Prints of the Grasion by
Hugh Miller. :

March 10, 1856,
President in the Chair.

J. M. Alden, of the U. S. Coast Survey, was elect-
ed a Corresponding Member.

A. H. Jones and C. D. Shuepel, were elected Resi-
dent Members.

Donations to the Cabinet.
From N. A. Covarrubias, specimens of California
Pearls,
From Mr. Peabody, seeds of Calacanthus, from the
Geysers.
The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

ry

85

i”

From Mr, Tallant, specimens of Ambystoma, in-
sects, and the ovum of a Shark.

From Col. Ransom, specimens of Sand-stone, Ser-
pentine,and ChromicIron.
. A unsnimons vote of thanks was tendered to Mr.
Frank Baker} fora donation of carpets for the rooms
of the Academy.

Intn San Francisco, March 17, 1856.

President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mrs. T. J. Nevins, specimens of flowers from
Alameda.

» From Mr. G. S. Morgan, Fossil Shells from Shoal-
water Bay. The thanks of the Academy were or-
dered for the above donations.

From Mr. Tallant, specimens of JVassa, Asteor-
eanthion, Grapsus, §c., from North Beach.

From Dr. Lanszweert, specimens of JVotophithal-
mus tarodus, Esch., from Mission Dolores.

Donations to the Library.

From Prof. J. D. Dana, “Science and the Bible—a
Review of Prof. Lewis’ ‘ Six Days of the Creation.’ ”

From the Boston Society Natural History, their
Proceedings, pp. 283 to 278.

A communication was received from Mr. T. J.
Nevius, giving an account of a thunder shower ob-
served at Alameda.

Description of anew species of Ammonite and Bacu-'

lite, from the Tertiary rocks of Chico Creek. By
Dr. John B. Trask.

It is not without some hesitency that the announce-
ment, of these genera is made at this time, as occur-
ing in a more recent group than that assigned them
by paleontologists of the present day. This is done,

knowing well that the period at which they became.

extinct, is placed far below that of the lowest of the
Tertiary groups.

other than the period here given them, and as late at

least as the superior portions of the upper Eocene.)
The associated fossils are for the most part of the’
present existing genera and species upon the coast,

and if the per centage of existing genera is admitted
as a rule to fix the relative age of rocks of this char-
acter, then it will be necessary to carry these beds
into the Miocene periods.

The rocks are composed of about twenty genera,
not more than two of which, do not exist upon the
coast at the present time, and it may be doubted
that those will yet be found. Eleven of those most
easily made out, and which belong to the cabinet
specimens, are figured in outline on the plate, (see

late 11,) together with accurate drawings of the
jeots of this paper, numbered 1 and 1. A, 2 and 2, A.
plate 11; and will serve to convey a correct idea of
the fossils of the group.

The figures in outline consist of cardium, tellina,
mactra, natica,buccinnum, fusus, purpura, cerithium,
turritella, &c. The bivalves not figured, consist of
veneres, cytherea, lutraria, and several other genera.
Had there been but a single specimen of the baculite

‘and ammonite, their appearance in these rocks might

Still, it appears to me impossible,
to place the rocks containing these fossils, in any |

have been considered purely an accidental circum-
stance, and occuring as a transported fragment from
the districts’ to the north, and one hundred miles
distant, where those genera abound. But as they
are not found in the rocks of the same character or
age, they cannot be attributed to that cause.

When we consider their number, and the relation
they hold numerically to the associated fossils of the
group, and promiscuous distribution, we cannot do
otherwise than assign to them an age cotemporane-
ous throughout, and that they lived and died in
those beds in which theirremains are now found.

My attention was called to these fossils by Dr. A-
Randall, by whom they were found on Chico Creek
during the past winter, and by him placed in the
cabinet of the Academy. I have seen but one
ammonite from this locality, but he has knowledge
of three or more from the same place.

After examining the Baculite presented by him, I
became convinced that the small cylindrical fossils,
so frequent in those rocks belonged to this genus,
and on inspecting the specimens in the cabinet, not
less than nine different specimens were counted.
Prior to this time, I had regarded those shells as
dentalia, for which they would easily be mistaken,
from their small size and the character of the fossils
with which they are associated.

If an erroneons diagnosis has not been made in re-
lation to the age of these rocks, (and of this fact I
entertain no fear) they become a matter of much
scientific interest, as they prove that the period at
which these animals existed, descends to a later day
than that now by general consent assigned them.
and these rocks will demonstrate that fact most in-
contestibly,

The only question that can arise in this case is,
whether we shall conform to the strict scholastic
rule laid down, for the clasification of geological
periods, and carry so extensive a group of decidedly
tertiary deposits down to the cretaceous, with their
present existing genera with them; or carry two
genera higher up in those periods, and give them
what they most unmistakably tell us, viz., a later

| animate existence than before known.

If the former case be applied, then it will become
necessary to modify our opinions relating to tertiary
rocks, particularly in this State, for most certain it
is that the fossiliferous heds of Chico Creek are more
recent than those of Ocoya (Pose Creek) Creek of
Tulare county, the fossils of which have recently
been examined by Mr. Conrad of Philadelphia, and
by him pronounced to be of miocene date.

AmMoNITE (Lam) Curtcornsis. Trask.
Plate Vl. Fig.l and 1. A.

Shell small; with two and one-half whorls ; twen-
ty-three tertuous angulate costae,.each second or
third rib terminating at the ventral edge of the out-
er whorl, the others pass beyond ; two rows of small
tubercles on the last whorl. the outer row and lar-
gest, situated on the dorsal edge, the inner row
situated about one-fourth of the depth of the whorl
from the dorsal edge, and becoming obsolete at the
eighteenth rib; tubercles on the outer edge corres-
pond to the number of costae on the whorl, siphuncle
visible the entire length of the dorsum. Length,
eleven-twentieths; depth, nine-twentieths; width,
Sea be lic of an inch. Locality, Chico Creek,

al.
Bacunrre (Lam, Curcornsis. Trask.
Plate ll. Fig. 2 and 2. A.

Shells small; thin ; compressed ; smooth ; latero-

i

86

dorsally sub compressed, latero-ventrally somewhat
obtusely rounded. Section of the shell obovate.
The above figures of natural size. Locality, Chico
Creek, Cal.

Description of three new species of the Genus Pla-
giostoma, from the Cretaceous rocks of Los An-
geles. By Dr. John B. Trask.

Up to the present time, no mention has been made
of the occurrence of the Cretaceous rocks in this
State. The researches of F. Roemer, in Western
Texas and New Mexico, demonstrated their existence
to the middle and southern portions of this territory,
at which point he left them.

A late traveller, Julius Froebel, extended his ob-
servations over the ground of Roemer in part, and
continued the same into California. In a conversa-
tion with the former gentleman, in 1854, upon the
fossils of New Mexico and westward of that country,
he intimated the probable existence of the Cretaceous
rocks west of theColorado. The fossils collected by
him west of that point, were not sufficiently well de-
fined, however, to base a positive conclusion upon,
and place the matter beyond a doubt. I feel satisfied
at the present time that most of those fossils are re-
ferable to that period, and that the opinion he then
advanced was well grounded.

Since that time I have been fortunate enough to
discover fossils, of as much antiquity at least as those
of Western Texas, and probably still lower in the se-
ries, the rocks containing them forming the coast of
the Pacific Ocean in this State. There can be no
doubt therefore at present, that the Cretaceous rocks
extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The rocks in which these fossils are found, occur
at San Pedro, in the county of Los Angeles, imme-
diately upon the coast, and underlying the superficial
tertiary beds (lately denominated recent formations
by Mr. T. Conrad) of this locality. Ihave some hes-
itancy in placing these rocks so high up in the geolo-
gical series, as the position here assigned them, but
as the associated fossils are as yet somewhat obscure
and ill defined, it is thought best to place them here
for the present, or until farther examination of their
fossils shall classify them otherwise.

The tertiary deposits at this place are about thirty
feet in depth, and have a low northerly dip; about
twenty feet of this deposit is made up of beds of fos-
sil diatomacea, the upper stratum of which is white.
and similar in appearance to thatfound at Monterey.
but much less dense, the forms differ but little from
hat deposit.

Beneath the tertiary beds, a dark, soft, marly de-
posit crops out but a few feet above tide water, hav-
ing a northerly dip of about fifty degrees, and ex-
tending along the beach for three-fourths ofa mile.—
They contain the fossils described and figured below,
associated with small crustaceans and coralines, the
latter too fragile to admit of demonstration. Con-
formable to these beds, along the shore to the west
and north, are beds of a yellowish and buff-colored
limestone, resembling a coarse variety of lithograph-
ic stone, containing fossil crustaceans of small size.
none of which have yet teen found sufficiently per-
fect to admit of a description.

The fossils here described and figured, are all from
very perfect cases; the fine striae and small fold
upon the auricles, are as perfect as they possibly
could have been upon the shell originalyy.

The fossils I have refered to the genus Plagiostoma
of Sowerby, but having the figures of but two spe-
cies of that genus, and no description whatever, I am
compelled to omit reference to those heretofore des-

oer that may simulate these in form or other-
Be.

Pxiaaiostoma (Sow) Peprona. Trask.
Plate Ill. Fig. 1.

Shell compressed ; sub-triangular, with eight or
nine flatly rounded concentric annulations, which
are nearly as distinctly marked on the interior of the
valve for about half the height from the ventral
margin ; (see fig. 1. A.) beaks acute at the apex, and
as high as the line of the auricles; anterior auricle
rounded in front, and has a small, thin fold extend-
ing from the umbone to the centre of its anterior
margin, and is covered with about thirteen small,
rounded, radiating striae, which converge at the
beak; beaks at the anterior third ; sub-acute ; ante-
rior margin rounded, and somewhat produced; ven-
tral margin smoothly arched; posterior margin
rounded, becoming slightly arcuate toward the dor-
sam of the shell; posterior auricle angulate, and ob-
tusely truncate posteriorly. Length one and eight-
twentieths of an inch ; height one and four-twentieths
of aninch. Locality, San Pedro, Cal.

P. ANNULATUS. Trask.
Plate Ill. Fig. 2.

Shell compressed ; obliquely rounded ; five to sev-
en broad concentric annulations ; anterior margin
obtusely rounded ; ventral margin rounded ; poste-
rior margin somewhat produced ; ventrally, and be-
coming slightly arched toward the dorsum; beak at
the anterior half, and slightly raised above the line
of the auricles; anterior auricle angular, with about
twelve fine striae divergent from the umbones ; pos-
terior auricle subangulate, and truncate posteriorly.
Length, one and five-twentieths of an inch ; height,
one and three-twentieths ofan inch. Locality, San
Pedro, Cal. Found with the preceding, There were
three specimens of this species found—the left valve
was used for the figure from its being the most per-
feet.

P. TRUNCATA. Trask.

Plate lll. Fig 3.

Shell compressed ; rotund-quadrate; about eight
flattened, slightly rounded, concentric annulations ;
anterior margin rounded, and somewhat obtuse be-
low the middle ; ventral margin orbicular ; posteri-
or margin bluntly rounded ; posterior dorsal margin
subangulate ; beaks acute above the line of the auri-
cles; anterior auricle rounded in front, striate, and
has a small fold extending from the umbones to its
anterior margin above its middle, posterior auricle
angulate and obtuse posteriorly ; beaks anterior to
the middle. Length, one and one-tenth inches ;—
height, one inch. Locality, San Pedro, Cal. Found
with the preceding species.

San Franoisco, March 24, 1856.

President in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. J. A. Veatch, plants from the vicinity
of Lick Springs, Shasta county.

From Mr. J. P. Haven, a large collection of marine
shells, from the Islands of the South Pacific ; the
skull of a Barbaroussa ; specimens of Corals; a Fly-
ing Fish, and articles manufactured by the natives of
the Pacific Islands ; also, a large Mahogany Book-
case.

8T

From Capt. Maltby, specimens of gold-bearing
quartz from Kern River.

From Mr. D. 8. Marvin, specimens of Scolopenda,
from Forest City.

From Mr. J. P. Buckley, a collection of Insects.
The thanks of the Academy were voted for the above
donations; also, to the Pacific Express Co. for the
gratuitous carriage of specimens.

Donations to the Library.
From the Linnean Society, of London, the second

volume of their Proceedings.
San Francisco, March 31, 1856.

President in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From the Arizona Mining Company, Red Oxide of
Copper, containing eighty per cent, of the metal ;
Grey Sulphuret of Copper ; Malachite, and Black
Oxide of Copper from Arizona.

_ From Mr. George Black, specimens from the cre-
taceous rocks of Vancouver’s Island, consisting of
TInoceramus, Ammonites, Baculites, &c. The thanks
of the Academy were voted for the above donations.

From Dr. Eckel, a specimen, of Gordius, from
Grass Valley.

From Dr. Lanszweert, two larvae of Dyticus and
three specimens of Collambites. Dr, L. mentioned
that the Saturnia Californica, our native Silk
Worm, had made its appearance at the same time as
the blossoming of the Ceanothus.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of the Balsamor-
hiza deltoidea, or Balsam Root Sunflower. The
roots are baked in the earth and eaten by the In-
dians. This specimen was brought from Red Blufis,
Shasta county, by Dr. J. A. Veatch; a specimen
from Placerville, has no serratures at the base of
the leaf (?) like the present one. :

Donations to the Library.

From Mr. W. P. Blake, a pamphlet containing
papers read by him at the meeting of the Association
for the Advancement of Science, at Providence, R. I.

The American Journal of Science and Arts, Vol.
21 No. 62, was received.

San Francisco, April 7, 1856.

Dr. Trask in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a species of Planorbis, be-
lieved to be new.

From Dr. Trask, a specimen of Graphite from Mt.
Washington Mine, Shasta Co., from a bed seventeen
feet thick; also, two specimens of fine Limestone
from near Vaca Valley, Solano Co.—it receives a
high polish and would answer for ornamental pur-
poses—it is abundant; also, three specimens of Lu-
traria from Tomales Bay.

San Francisco, April 14, 1856.
Mr. F. Marriot and Mr. Thos. Rollandson were
elected Resident Members. Dr. Henry Wheatland,

of Salem, Mass., was elected a Corresponding Mem-

ber.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. J. C. Brown, three specimens of Sul-
phur, one of Alum, one of Selenite, four of Copper,
one of Scoria, one of Efflorescent Sulphur, one of
Limestone and one Cactus, from Tres Virgenes.

From Mr. Bloomer was received a donation oi
Plates of Numbers for Cases.

San Francisco, April 21. 1856.
Dr. Kellogg in the chair.
From Dr.’ Lanszwert, were received specimens of
Coleopterous and Dipterous insects.
From the Boston Society of Natural History was
received a copy of their Proceedings, Vol. 5, pp. 289,

304.
Dr. Kellogg’s Paper.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and specimen of
an Ephedra or Joint Fir :—

A low shrub, known among southern miners, as
Tea Twigs, from its general use as tea. Many prefer
it to the China tea, but we think nothing known is
likely to equal, much less supercede, the latter ;
although, from actual experience, we feel confident
our species must prove one of the very best substi-
tuges—it is scarcely to be compared with many herbs
we hear so often extolled in this respect. The tea
is a tonic astringent, with the odor of cinchona, and
evidently a restorative stomachic. It leaves a rich,
mellow, persistent, somewhat aromatic flavor upon
the palate, similar to the best black tea; and we
think must prove salutary in relaxations, chronic
diarrheeas, etc.; in fact, one species of this family,
found in Asia, was formerly kept in the shops and
used by physicians.

Capt. Maltby, of Kern River, has'the thanks of the
Academy for these specimens. We are greatly in
want of the jruit and flowers, and hope soon to re-
ceive them. This is probably the £, Americana. It
differs from the species found at Salt Lake. The
green branches are clustered and opposite, without
leaves, in place of which are two opposite, very
minute membranous-like scales, of a brown madder
color, without points, the twigs striated, somewhat
seven sided, jointed like an Equisetum or Scouring
Rush—they readily separate and fall apart at these
joints, hence the origin of the common name Joint
Firs.

San Francisco, April 28, 1856,

President in the Chair.

M. A. Le Plongeon was elected a Resident Member.

From Mr. Tallant were received numerous speci-
mens of Algw, Sertularia, &c.

The following paper, ‘‘On some Californian Crus-
tacea,” was received from Mr. Wm. Stimpson, Zoolo-
gist to the U. S. Expedition to the North Pacific.

The Californian coast is apparently not as rich in
marine invertebrata, especially of the lower orders,
as the generality of coasts in the same latitude ;
which may be owing to the want of variety in station,
and the paucity of inlets, bays, and islands, which
afford shelter to such animals, The Crustacea, how-
ever, although they cannot be said to be numerous,
can scarcely be included in this remark, as a respec-

88

table number of all orders, and even a considerable
one of Macroura, are now known to exist on these
shores. Scarce any of these were described by the
earlier authors, and I am not aware that any species
is mentioned as inhabiting Upper California by
Herbst, Latreille, Lamarck, or even by Milne Ed-
wards. Most of those already known have been
brought into notice since 1840, and have been de-
scribed, or remarked upon, by Owen, (Zool, of
Beechey’s Voy., Crust.,) Randall, (Jour. Acad, Vat.
Sci., Philad., vol. viii.,) Gibbes, (Proc. dm. Assoc.,
Charleston, 1850, vol. iii.,) and Dana, (Crustacea of
the U. S. Exploring Expedition).

The following paper contains notes on such species
as were collected during a short stay in California
during the winter of 1855-6.

CANCER MAGISTER, Dana, (Proc. Am. Acad. Nat.
Sci., May, 1851, p. 73), the common large crab, is
very abundant about the wharves of San Francisco.
It is of a light reddish brown color, darkest anteri-
orly; often light orange below ; the inner sides of
the anterior feet crimson,

CANCER ANTENNARIA, St, 2. s. Carapax convex,
much undulated, minutely granulated, its width to
its length as 38t025, Hxternal antenne very large,
hairy, of a length equalling two-fifths that of the car-
apax. Antero-lateral margins with nine sharp teeth ;
the posterior are most prominent in young individ-
uals, but drawn considerably inward, and belonging
rather to the postero-lateral margin. In the angles
between the teeth the edges are strongly denticula-
ted. Third article of external maxillipeds with long
hairs on the terminal edge. Carpus and hand in the
adult smoothly rounded, and minutely granulated ;
inthe young partially covered above with small
spiniform tubercles, and the outer surface of the
hand costate. The posterior four pairs of feet, and
the margin of parts generally on the inferior sur-
face very hairy. Tarsi with thick brushes. Color
dark purplish-brown. Width of a large specimen
four inches. Found on rocky bottoms in two or
three fathoms, about the mouth of the bay of San
Frangisco.

Cancer GRACILIS, Dana. (l. c., May, 1851, p. 73.)
This species is said to occur in San Francisco Bay
by its original describer. It must, however, be ex-
eeedingly rare here, as I have never met with if af-
ter repeated search. It would seem to be more com-
mon further down the coast, towards San Diego, from
which locality I have received a specimen from Dr.
Ayres.

Another large crab is common in the bay, which
may prove, upon comparison, to be the Platycarci-
nus productus of Randall, (Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci.,
Philad., viii., 115.) I would apply to it, provision-
ally, the name of Cancer PERLATUS. Carapax of
great width in proportion to its length, 7. e., as 5 to
3; rather broadly concave near the margins, convex
about the middle and posteriorly ; its surface but
little undulated, smooth and ungranulated ; antero-
lateral margins with nine teeth, blunt and not very
prominent ; the anterior are least projecting, and of
greatest width ; frontal margin between the exterior
antenne trilobate, lobes not prominent; superior
edge of postero-lateral margins granulated. Exter-
nal maxillipeds smooth in the male, the third article
slightly pubescent on the edges in the female; in
both this article is deeply sinuated for the insertion
of the fourth, its interior apex being considerably
produced. Hand and carpus somewhat irregularly
nodulose above, the nodules forming two irregular
rows along the superior edge of the hand, which is

obsoletely 4-costate on the outer surface. Posterior
feet rather compressed, second articles hairy along
the superior crest; penultimate article of second
pair with a tuft near its extremity inferiorly ; tarsi
with three longitudinal brushes of short thick hair
along the angles, the superior and anterior one of
which is obsolete in the fifth pair of feet, and the su-
perior and posterior one almost wanting in the oth-
ers. This species is of a dark red or madder-color
above, feet mottled; below dirty white. Length of
carapax three and three-fifthinches; width six inch-
es. Found in company with C. magister, and com-
monly seen with it in the markets.

PsuuDOGRAPSUS OREGONENSIS, Dana, (7. ¢., 1851,p.
248,) is found in the coves of San Francisco Bay, liv-
ing generally among pebbles and boulders on mud-
dy shores, from half-tide to low water mark. It is
bluish-gray above, darkened anteriorly with clouds
of dark-red dots; the feet, with the exception of the
light-colored anterior pair, are sparsely dotted with
red.

PsEuDOGRAPsUS NuDUS, Dana, (J. c., 1851, p. 249,)
is found among the rocks, in the clearer water, near
the open sea. It is of a dark olive, sometimes of a
dark mahogany color; and is easily distinguished
from the preceding species by the glossy smoothness
of its posterior feet.

EcHIDNOCERUS SETIMANUS. Ctenorhinus setima-
nus, Gibbons. (Proc. Cal. Nat. Sci., 1.48.) This
fine species is perhaps identical with that of Oregon,
(EZ. eibarius, White). It differs frnm the Sitka spe-
eies only in the shorter and blunter spines of the an-
tero-lateral margins and of the feet. The genus
Echidnocerus will probably be found synonymous
with some one of the subdivisions of the Lithodina
recently established by Brandt (vid. Bulletin, Scient.
de VAcad.imp. de St. Petersb., cl. phys. mathem.,
T. vii., p. 174, 175.)

The “lobster” of the San Francisco market is pro-
bably the Palinurus interruptus of Randall. It be-
longs to the genus Panulirus of Gray. Itis brought
from the coast to the southward, and Dr. Trask in-
forms me that it is very common on a rocky ledge in
ten or twelve fathoms off Santa Barbara.

CALLIANASSA OCCIDENTALIS, St. Eyes subtriangu-
lar, closely approximated at their basts, but diver-
ging and curving a little upward at their pointed
tips. Length of the external antennz two-thirds
that of the body. The larger of the anterior feet
smooth and glossy on the sides; the second article
denticulated along the inferior edge. Hand scarce-
ly longer, and perceptibly of less height than the
carpus ; slightly ciliate on the edges, and especially
toward the extremities. A considerable hiatus in-
tervenes between the fingersy when closed, and be-
tween their bases arises a small but prominent tooth,
which curves upward. Moveable finger nearly half
as long as the hand, rather slender, with hooked ex-
tremity; its tooth little projecting, formed by a
swelling out of the inferior edge, which is minutely
denticulated. Thumb regularly but very slightly
curved, Color a delicate orange ; anterior feet rose-
colored. Length four inches. This species lives in
the holes which are seen in such numbers at low
water on the smooth sandy beaches near the en-
trance of San Francisco Bay. In C. gigas, as de-
scribed by Dana, the carpus is proportionally very
much shorter than in this species.

Gest Cattrorntca, St Stomachal region of
carapax hirsute only on the anterior two-thirds,
and marked with three longitudinal furrows, the me-
dian of which is much shorter than the two lateral

———

_

89

or marginal ones. Anterior feet very hairy on the
edges; carpus with two or three sharp spines at the
inner angle; fingers both toothed near their inner
bases ; the lower or immovable one rather slender
and curved. Terminal segment of abdomen large,
transverse, and projecting a little beyond the margin
of the lateral plates. Length 1] inches. From the
coast near Monterey. G. Pugettensis differs from
this species in that its carapax is covered with pu-
besence anteriorly as far as the transverse dorsal
suture ; and in wanting teeth on the fingers.

Crancon Franciscorum, St. More slender and
less depressed than is usual in the genus. Rostrum
small, subtriangular, rounded in front. Spines of
thorax nearly as in C. vulgaris. Palm of hand very
oblique, inclining to longitudinal, occupying nearly
one-third of the length of its inner side ; the thumb-
like process long and spiniform. Sternal spine long,
and followed by two or three sharp tubercles on the
succeeding segments. A small sharp spine on each
side of the abdomen at the supero-lateral angle of
the antepenultimate’ segment. Terminal segment
very long, slender, and pointed, smoothly rounded
above. Color light and dark yellowish-gray, mot-
tled. Eyes salmon colored in life. Length three
inches. This is the common market shrimp of San
Francisco, and is found abundantly in the sandy
coves around the bay.

CRANGON NIGRICAUDA, St. This species resembles
very closely the common shrimp of Europe and of
the Northern United States, and is probably the spe-
cies mentioned by Owen as occurring at Monterey,
which he considers identical with C. vulgaris. (vid.
Zool. of Beechey’s Voy., p. 87.) It may, however,
be distingnished from that species by its smaller and
comparatively shorter hand, and by the narrower
and more pointed terminal abdominal segment which
has also a shallow longitudinal furrow on the upper
surface. The flagella of the internal antenne are
unequal in length, the longest but little surpassing
the extremities of the lamelle of the external anten-
nz. Rostrum very small, nearly oblong, with its
extremity rounded. Sternal spine single, directed
obliquely forward. Color blackish above, darkest
at the tail. Hands ofa lilac tint. Length 23 inch-
es. found in deeper water than the preceding spe-
cies, from which this is easily distinguished by its
shorter, broader, and more depressed form, and by
jts darker color.

HiepoLyTe PALPATOR, Owen. (/. c., Pl. xxviii. f.
3.) Color pale yellowish, with transverse streaks
of crimson at the articulations of the segments and
onthe legs. It is not uncommon on the sandy bot-
tom of the bay in from five to ten fathoms.

Hrepo.yté Brevirostris, Dana. (l.c., Tau., 1852,
p. 24.) Of a uniform pale lake-color. A larger
species than the preceding. Takenin the Bay of
San Francisco.

Ipor“, consotipata, St. Body convex, broadest
at the fourth thoracic segment; first four segments
of thorax larger in every dimension than the last
three, convex, and with an umbo near the lateral
margins, which are turned up a little. No distinct
epimera. Abdomen convex, formed ofa single piece,
with a slight transverse depressed line indicating the
partial separation of an anterior segment ; narrowed
toward the posterior extremity, which is terminated
by a little concavity. Hyesstrongly convex. lExte-
rior antenne half as long as the body ; flagella with
nine elongated articles. Internal antenn superior,
without flagella, and reaching to the fourth article of
the external ones, Feet with long terminal articles

or fingers. Color reddish or brownish, mottled.—
Length, 0.4 inch; breadth, 0.18 in. Taken in ten
fathoms sand, near the entrance of the Bay of San
Francisco.

PHILOSCIA TUBERCULATA, St. Body somewhat loose-
ly articulated anteriorly, covered above with gran-
ulations, or more properly minute tubercles, which
are somewhat variable in size, but generally as large
anteriorly as posteriorly, and show a tendency to
arrangement in transverse rows ; two or three to
each segment. Antenne inserted in the cavities be-
tween the middle and the side lobes of the head,
which are very prominent; they are composed of
seven articles, the last two forming the flagellum.
Caudal segment small, narrow, with a rounded ob-
tuse point. Terminal article of external ramus of
caudal appendage styliform, tapering to an obtuse
point, and reaching beyond the extremity of the ab-
domen to a distance equalling half its length. Color
dark gray, almost black ; below greenish white.—
Length 0.33 inch. Found under dead leaves, sticks,
etc., in damp places, and along the margins of brooks.

CapRELLA CALIFORNICA, St. Antenne exceeding-
ly variable in their proportions ; flagella of superior
ones 10—15-articulate ; inferior ones sub-pediform.
A more or less developed spine, which curves for-
ward, and is sometimes of considerable length, is
placed upon the back at the anterior extremity of
the first thoracic segment. Hand of second pair of
feet generally three-toothed, teeth (in full-grown
specimens) about equal in size, and placed mostly to-
ward the outer extremity of thehand. Two or three
sharp tubercles along the sides of the branchiferous
segment; and a short dorsal spine on each of the
posterior segments. Hands of posterior feet slender.
Color variable. Length one inch. Found on sea-
weeds, etc., below low water mark in San Francisco
Bay.

CoROPHIUM SPINICORNE, St. Inferior antennz half
as long asthe body, without flagella, and with a
large, curved, sharp-pointed spine at the inferior ex-
tremity of the very thick third article. Superior
antennx nearly as long asthe inferior ones. Feet
with plumose hairs ; those of the first pair with mi-
nute subcheliform hands, palm transverse, third and
fourth articles with long sete along the inferior ~
edge. Feet of the second pair simple, but with the
third and fourth articles conjoined laterally, as if
forming a hand; the fourth article being placed in-
feriorly and fringed with long hairs. Caudal stylets
as in C. longicorne, except that the external ramus
in the second pair is not cultriform. Color brown-
ish, darkest at the head. with transverse bands of
light yellow corresponding to the articulations.—
Antennz brownish. Length 0.4inch. Found among
conferve, etc., in the salt marshes on the shores of
San Francisco Bay.

ERICHTHONIUS RAPAX, St. Small epimera on the
first thoracic segment, larger ones on the second,
both narrow, not touching each other. Antenne
subequal, one-third as long as the body}; superior
ones with 6-articulate flagella ; inferior ones strong-
ly toothed at the inferior angle of their basal seg-
ment, and with 10-articulate flagella. Mandibular
palpi reaching beyond the middle of basal article of
the superior antennw. Eyes on lobes which protrude
forward between the bases of the antenna. Hands
of the first paiy small, subcheliform ; those of the sec.
ond pair of great size, with a bi-articulate finger, and
a thumb one-third as long as the finger, with a strong
tooth at the middle of its inner side. Color brown-

90

ish. Length one-fourth of aninch. Dredged in two
fathoms sand, in San Francisco Bay.

OrcueEstia TRASKIANA, St. Male, with the flagel-
la of the inferior antenne forming more than half
their length, and consisting of fourteen articles ; su-
perior antennz reaching to the extremity of the sec-
ond article of the inferior ones; feet of the first pair
with a small, somewhat trilobate hand and minute
finger, as in O. littorea, pollicifera, etc. ; feet of the
second pair with an ovate hand, with no teeth on the
oblique, convex, spinous palm (which terminates pos-
teriorly in a slight notch) nor on the finger, which is
less than half as long as the hand. In the female
the first pair of hands resembles those of the male,
except in being smaller, having less produced lobes
and a comparatively longer finger ; those of the sec-
ond pair with a small elongated hand, with a roun-
ded extremity and a rudimentary finger applied at
about the middle of one edge, somewhat as in O. in-
sculpta, Dana. In both the feet of the sixth and sev.
enth pairs are of aboutequallength. Eyes rounded,
black. Color light-grey, sometimes greenish or
brownish, always very pale. Length three-fifths
inch. Very common among the rejectimenta along
high-water mark on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

ALLORCHESTES SEMINUDA, St. Body compressed ;
eye broad, suboval, the posterior side straight, the
anterior slightly concave; superior antennze with
13-articulate flagella, and three-fifths as long as the
inferior ones, which are one-third as long as the bo-
dy, and have 14-articulate flagella. Sete on both
pairs of antenne few, very short and almost obso-
lete. Hand of Ist pair of feet short, palm oblique,
finger of moderate size; carpus with a rather long
projection of its antero-inferior angle ; hand of the
2nd pair short, ovate, deeply excavated below for
the reception of the point of the finger, which article
is more than half as long as the hand. Color pale
green; antenne red. Length half aninch. Found
on sea-weed, and among barnacles, on piles, stones,
etc., at half tide in San Francisco harbor.

Mara Conrervicoua, St. Fourth, fifth, and sixth
articles of abdomen angular and setose on the dor-
sal surface. Eye broad, subreniform. Superior
antenne less than half as long as the body, with a
. thickened basal article, a very slender 24-articulate
flagellum twice as long as its peduncle, and a 5-artic-
ulate appendiculum. Inferior antenne as long as
the superior ones, with a 12-articulate flagellum of
about equal length with its peduncle. Hands four,
rather small, of similar size and shape, truncate,
palm slightly concave, with blunt spinules; finger
short, stout, curved, with an almost obsolete tooth
at the middle ofits innerside. Feet of the fifth pair
scarcely more than half as long as those of the sixth
and seventh, which are about equal in length—
Rami of the posterior pair of caudal stylets unequal;
external ones long, considerably flattened, setose
along their jagged edges; inner rami very small.—
Color dark brownish, rarely blackish. Length 0.4
inch. Found among conferve, etc., in salt marshes
on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

PuHoxvus GRANDIS, St. Large; body thick, robust,
broad; rostrum lamelliform, expanded over the
bases of the superior antenne, with broadly rounded
extremity. Superior antenne bi-flagellate, the in-
ner flagella very little smaller than the outer ones;
both 12-articulate ; penultimate article of peduncle
entirely concealed beneath the rostrum. Inferior
autenne a little longer than the superior ones; ter-
minal article of peduncle broad at its extremity,
where its outer angle is rounded and a little pro-

duced ;—its inner angle bearing the 15-articulate
flagellum. Eye transversely oblong. Feetcovered
with simple hairs. Those of the first and second
pairs with small subcheliform hands; those of the
third and fourth pairs with the third and fourth ar-
ticles dilated, the fifth slender and the sixth minute.
Feet of the posterior three pairs very much expand-
ed, those of the sixth pair longest. Caudal stylets
of the first and second pairs with short, styliform
rami, the iuner ones being a little shorter than the
outer ones; those of the third pair with long, flat-
tened, equal rami, the outer ones spinulose along the
outer edges, bothfringed with long hair on the inner
edges. Terminal spines of considerable length.—
Color yellowish-white. Length, 0.5 inch. Dredged
in ten fathoms, on a sandy bottom, in the channel
near the entrance of San Francisco Bay.
San Franotsco, May 5, 1856,

President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Thomas Marston, two specimens of Lig-
nite, from Douglass Flat.

From Rev. Mr. Blakeslee, specimens of Tufa, Tre-
molite, Sulphuret of Iron and Iron Ochre, from Iowa
Hill,

From Mr. James L. Hawks, a root used by the in-
habitants of Western Mexico as a cure for the bite
of venomous reptiles; its native name is Huaco.
The thanks of the Academy were voted for the above
donations.

From Dr. Trask, a valuable series of specimens
from the gold mines of California, together with
specimens of volcanic rocks from Sonoma and Placer
counties.

From Capt. C. J. W. Russell, a specimen of Octo-
pus, from San Francisco Bay ; also, a Scorpion from
Sinaloa, Mexico.

From Mr. Sloat, a Tarantula from the Warm
Springs, near San Jose.

San Francisco, May 12, 1856.

President in the chair.

Sir Wm. J. Hooker, Director of the Royal Gardens
at Kew, was elected an Honorary Member of the
Academy.

Mr. Andrew Garrett, of Hilo, Hawaii, was elected
a Corresponding Member.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. G. B, Williams, a Mastodon Tooth from
Kineaid’s Flat.

From Mr. Smith, a specimen of Selenite from La
Paz, Mexico.

From Dr. Trask, two specimens of Callianassa
occidentalis, Stimpson, from the Bay of San Fran-
cisco ; also, numerous specimens of minerals, shells,
etc.

From Col. Ransom, a specimen of Ostraea, from
the mountains sixty miles east of San Louis Obispo ;
itis 134 inches in length, and 74 inches in depth, and
weighs 18 pounds,

91

From Capt. Russell, four packages of seeds from
Mexico.

From Dr. Eckel, specimens of Copper; also, of
petrified wood, from Arizona.

San Francrsco, May 19, 1856.
President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.
From Dr. Stillman, specimens of Bulimus, from

Los Moras, Texas.

From Mr. Sherman Day, specimens of Trachyte
and Volcanic Tufa. from near Carson's Pass.

Several specimens of Geodes, from near Volcano,
Amador county, were deposited by Mr. H. Camp.

A very large Patella, from La Paz, was deposited
by Capt Russell.

San Francisco, May 26, 1856.
President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.
‘From Mr. 8. W. Levy, specimens of Phrynosoma,
from Knight’s Ferry.
From Mr. E. Mangan, a specimen of Chromic Iron
from the foot hills west of Tulare Lake.

From Mr Joseph Briton, specimens of fossils from
Monte Diabolo. The thanks of the Academy were
voted for the above donations.

San Francisco, June 2, 1856.
President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet,

From Mr. A. Frieck, specimens of fruits, lava, etc.,
from the Sandwich Islands.

From Mr. Joshua &. Clayton, specimens of ores,
etc., from Mariposa county.

From Mrs. T. J. Nevins, a collection of flowers
from Alameda. The thanks of the Academy were
voted for the above donations.

From the Boston Society of Natural History, was
received a copy of their proceedings, Vol. 5, pp. 305,
320.

San Francisco, June 16, 1856.

President in the chair.

Mr. Moss was elected a Resident Member cf the
Academy.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Capt. T. D. Johns, fossil cetaceau vertebral,
from Coose Bay.

From Mr. Jerome Brown, Shaw’s Flat, Tuolumne
county, Mastodon teeth, from Stone Gulch.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the

above donations.

From Dr. Trask, 126 species of Achatiaella, from
the Hawaiian Islands,
Danations to the Library.
From Mr. Nevins, Patent Office Report for 18538,
and the Ninth Annual Report of the Smithsonian In-
stitution.

Sawn Francisco, July 7, 1856.
President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. F. Bonard, specimens of Lava from
Mauna Loa

From Mr. McMullen, specimens of birds, from the
Cosumnes river.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Col. Ransom, a specimen of foliated Graphite,
found fifty miles east of San Bernardino.

Donations to the Library.

From Dr. Eckel, Bibliotheca Historico-Geograph-
ica, 2 vols., and Bibliotheca Historico-Naturalis,
2 vols.

Proceedings of the Elliott Society of Natural His-
tory, Charleston, S. C., from the Society.

Reports of explorations for a Pacific Railroad.

San Francisco, July 21, 1856.

President in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Stillman, Crustacea and Echinodermata
from Panama Bay.

From Mr. T. J. Barnes, silicified wood from Ar-
kansas Digzings, Amador county.

From Miss K. Palmer, the nest of ahumming bird,
from Alameda

From Mr. Hough, of Oakland, the fruit of Rebes
aureum and a specimen of Sarcodes sanguinea.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Dr. Trask, specimens of coal with fossil
Eyuisetaceae, from Scotland; also, several speci-
mens of ELutainia.

From Mr. Isaac Lee, was received a pamphlet, con-
taining several papers published by him.

Letters were read from the Royal Society of Lon-
don, Prof J. Henry and Lieut. M. F. Maury.

San Francisco, July 28, 1856.

President in the Chair.

The following amendments to the By-Laws were
unanimously adopted :

« From and after this date, no matters for exhibi-
tion presented by any resident member, shall be en-
tered on the minutes of the association.”

“The publication of any paper in the departments
of Zoology and Botany, must be accompanied by the
specimens described or drawings of the same, in fit
condition for preservation, which shall become the
property of the association.”

Mr. A. F. Beardslee deposited for the Library,
Michaux & Nuttall’s North American Sylva; also a
pamphlet containing descriptions of new coniferous
trees of Californin.

B. B. Redding & Co. presented one volume of the
Democratic State Journal.

92

Avueust 25, 1856.

Vice-President in the Chair.
Mr. A. F. Beardslee was elected a Corresponding

member.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. D. E. Hough —a specimen of Salmo ri-
vularis, Ayres, from Temascal Creek.

From Mr. Bloomer—a specimen of Limestone from
Suisun Valley.

From Dr. Lanszwert—specimens of Eutainia dor-
salis, Pituophis catenifer and Apodichthys flavidus.

From Dr. Eckel—two specimens of Tenia solium.

Donations to the Library.

From Prof. J. D. Dana—*: Science and the Bible,”
part 2d.

From Mr. Schmolaz—* Atomyecwichts tablen zur
berechnoung, von R. Weber.”

Americano Journal of Science, vol. 22, No. 64, was
received.

OcrosBeER 20, 1856.

President in the Chair.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Charles Earl—specimens of insects and
reptiles, from Chihuahua, Mexico.

From Dr. Holman—specimens of Platichthys from
the Rio Grande, near Panama

From Dr. Veatch —specimens of Sulphur, Traver-
tine, Gelatinous Silex, and Chalcedony, from the
Geysers; also a specimen of Limonite from near
McDonald's Ranch, Berryessa Valley.

From Mr. J. M. Alden—a specimen of Scomber
Diego, from the Santa Barbara Channel.

From Col. Ransom—specimens of minerals from
the Great Basin, consisting of Obsidian, Pumice,
Travertine, and Copper ore ; also a package of bul®
bous roots called by the Indians of the Basin, “ Ta-
boos,”’? much used by them as food.

From Dr. Stillman—specimens of Asteracanthion,
Cidaris, Hemiramphus and Chaetedon, trom Pana-

ma.
Dr. W O. Ayres presented the following descrip-
tion of a new species of mackerel:
ScomBer DiecGo, Ayres.

Body elongated, compressed, the thickness being

contained nearly twice in the length. (The speci-
mens described were taken while the fish were notin
fuil condition, still the Scomber Diego is at all times
doubtless less rounded than Scomber scomber or
Scomber vernalis.) Length of the head contained
four times in the entire length ; depth of the body
equalling three-fourths the length of the head.
_ Eyes large, rounded, separated from each other by
a space equal to their own diameter, which is con-
tained four times in the length of the head. Muzzle
pointed, jaws equal; gape of the mouth moderate, a
line vertical to the tip of the maxillary crossing the
anterior part of the eye. Maxillary entirely and in-
termaxillary in large part received under a sheath
formed by the anterior suborbital.

Teeth numerous, very fine and even, in both jaws,

and on the palatines, and a few on the vomer.—
Puaryngeals densely crowded. Anterior nostril the
smaller, circular.

Scales uumerous, rather small, soft, covering the
body, the bases of the second dorsal, and caudal, and
the upper portion of the operculum and _ preopercu-
lum ; remainder of the head naked. very smooth.

Lateral line very nearly straight The first dor-
Sil fin, which is thin and delicate, arising at about
one third of the distauce from the tip of the snout to
the extremity of the tail, is triangular in form, the
second ray cqualling nearly the length of the fin or
half-the length of the head. The fia when depressed
is entirely received in a groove.

The distance between the two dorsals is equal to
the length of the first. The second is low, highest in
front, tapering posteriorly, its greatest height being
less than half the height of the first dorsal, and its
length equal to twice its height. The space between
the second dorsal and the caudal is occupied by five
finlets at about equal distances, the last having near-
ly twice the height of the others.

The anal fin, arising a little further back than the
second dorsal, is entirely similar to that fin in form
and size. Between it and the caudal are five finlets,
corresponding to those of the back.

Pectoral fius somewhat pointed. their length con-
tained a little more than twicein their height, which
latter is not quire equal to that of the first dorsal.

Ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals, which
they scarcely equal in height.

Caudal fin very deeply forked, the height of the
central rays being only one fourth of that of the
longest, which latter equal one-seventh of the length
of the fish. Depth of the body at the origin of the
caudal fin only one-half of the diameter of the eye

D. 9.1253 A. 212)s Pil; Web eG rs aluG ta alege

Color, dark bluish green, with darker waving
lines above: head greenish brown above ; cbeeks,
sides and abdomen bright silvery. Tongue and
membrane of the mouth and throat clouded, some-
times almost black. Fins agreeing in color with the
part of the body to which they are attached.

No specimens have yet been seen measuring more
than eleven inches in length, though it is stated that
they sometimes exceed that size by two or three
inches

This fish is the only Mackerel known to inhabit
the coast of California. It occurs from Monterey to
San Diego, and probably extends its range much
further in both directions. We hear, in fact, of
Mackerel along our northern shores, but have seen
no specimens, and of course cannot decide upon the
species. None were contained in the collections
made in Washington and Oregon by Dr. Cooper and
Lieut. Trowbridge.

S. Diego is allied very closely indeed to S. verna-
/is, the mackerel of our New England eoast. It dif-
fers however in the form and proportions of the head,
in the contour of the body, in the eyes. the lateral
line and the fins.

We are not sufficiently acquainted with its histo-
ry to speak with confidence in regard to its migra-
tions. Most of the specimens received have been
taken in the Santa Barbara Channel, in the months
of August and September. It is quite abundant,
though never coming in such great numbers as the
Atlantic species. No attempts have yet been made
to render its capture a source of profit.

San Farncisco, Jan. 12, 1857,
President in the Chair.

— |

ee Se ee ee ee ee

EM ONE 8 bt oN ogee ee oe 1

Le

Dr. Trask read the following paper :

At the close of 1855. I presented to the Associa-
tion a statement of the occurrence of earthquakes in
this State for that year and a term of years preceding.

Daring the year just passed, I have kept a careful
record of these phenomena, that have been noticed
in this city, and other parts of the State, and which
will be found below, with their date, and the hour of
the day on which they took place, and they comprise
all that have occurred, with perhaps two exceptions,
the date for which were so obscure as to render it
impossible to determine with accuracy the precise
period of their occurrence. So far as | aminformed,
those shocks which have taken place in this Stare
during the past year have not been marked with
more severity than has been usual in years preceding,
frequently amounting to a slight tremor, and at otb-
er times to more distinct movements; three only
have possessed sufficient intensity as to command
general attention :uring the busy hours of day.

Very few have been noticed by persons who were
staudipg upon the earth at the period of their occur-
rence. By far the greater proportion were observed
in high situations from the ground, and in the more
retired parts or the city, or on the alluvial covering
of the country to the west and south,

The total number for the pist year is sixteen, and
of this number thirteen were observed between sun-
set and sunsise, a fact suffivient in itself to show the
lightuess of their character; tor, did they possess
that severity so ofteu attributed to them, the at en-
tion of the populace would much more often be di-
rected to their observauce. Yet we find such is not
the fact, their first knowledge of such an occurrence
being usually its announcemeit by the daily press.

By reference to the statistics below, it will bescen
that even in the mountain districts, where during the
day there is much less of turmoil and uvise arising
from business than in tue populous city, that of all
those noticed, noue have been of sufficient intensity
to attract the attentiou of the inhabitants during the
hours of daylight. These facts, though few in them=
selves, are of importance, to disabuse the public
mind in relation to the danger to be apprebended
from the occurrence of these phenomena. The chur-
acter which we sustain both at home and abroad, as
being in constant danger of being swallowed up by
these occurreuces, and that our country is but » bed
of latent volcanoes. ready to burst forth at any mo-
ment, spreading devastation over the land, is oue of
the greatest fallicies that ever obtained possession of
‘the buman brain. Our State is as primitive as Mas-
sachusetts or New Hampshire, and the dangers that
attend us from the sources above spoken of, are
equally great as in the States just named.

We should remember that when speaking of Cali-
fornia as a State, that we include a line of territory
ualling that of the seaboard lying between Cape
atteras Oo the south avd the British Possessions on
the north. and iucluding eleven of the seaboard
States of tne Union; and when we place our com; ar
ative estimates on this basis in matters of this char-
acter, it will become at once evident that the danger

f annihilation from the cau-es und-r consideration,
ire not of that magnitude that at first sight would
appear.

- Along the coast of Mexico and Central America,
the suath of California from all the record; that
are obtainable here, there appears to have been a
much greater exemption from those phen: mena than
has been usual in former years; this seems to have
been the fact, also, throughout the Pacific, Oceanic

93

and most of the Continental islands along the coast
of China, while to the north and north-west, beyond
the fifty-fifth parallel. both volcanic and earthquake
phenomena appear to have been greater than usual,
This has been observable, for the most part, in the
neighborhood of the Aleutian Archipelago, along the
north east coast of Japan, and in the British and
Russian Possessions of North America on the Pacific,
and islands of the Ochotsk Sea.

It would be interesting to know more of the pre-
dominance of these phenomena in those regions, and
such information could be easily obtained from the
commanders of the whaling fleet, if the proper mea-
sures were adopted to secure it.

Below will be found some interesting matter upon
this subject, which took place during the past year
near the Straits of Ourinach. The earthquakes which
have occurred in this State during 1856, and the pe-
riod of their occurrence, is as follows:

Jan, 2d —At a quarter before ten this morning, a
smart shock of an earthquake was felt in San Fran.”
cisco. The motion of the earth was undulatory. and
came apparently trom the northward. A pendulum
indicated a motion of about five and a half inches.

Jan. 28th.—At the town of Petaluma, Sonoma
county, a shock of an earthquake occurred at a
few minutes past three o’clock in the morning —
It was sufficient!y heavy to awake persons from their
sleep.

Jan. 29th.— At a quarter before one o’clock this
morning, a slight shock was felt in San Francisco —
It was observed also at the Mission Dolores. There
were three distinct tremors, with short intervals
elapsing between. The motion was apparently from
the westward.

Jan. 21st.—Quite a smart shock occurred at four
o'clock this evening ; it was quite sharp in the south-
west part of the city.

‘eb. 15th.—At five o’clock twenty-five minutes a
severe shock of an earthquake was felt in San Fran-
cisco, the duration of which was about eight seconds.
Persous sleeping were aroused, aud many persons left
their beds and sought the street. There were two
distinct shocks, the second very light and scarcely
perceptible. The motion was undulatory and vorti-
cal, and at the end of the first shock a very strong,
profound jar, with which it ceased.

The upper part of a building on Battery street, for
seventy feet in length, was thrown down. the whole
of which was above the cornice. very thin, and the
mortar with which it was constructed had not be-
come hardened, being easily removed by the fingers
—-it more resembled wet sand than a firm mortar.—

There appears but little difference in the sensa-
tions of persons situated either in upper or basement
stories.

It was preceeded by a deep, heavy rumbling, and
the motion apparently came from the northwest. A
distinct shock was felt at eight minutes past two
o'clock the same morning, by persGus who were
awake and up at the time.

The vortical movement was shown in the fact that
emall square bottles and boxes tbat stood upon a
line, were moved from their position horizontally,
describing an are of thirty degrees and upwards,
as shown by the dust upon the shelves on which they
stood,

The first wave came with a force sufficient to pro

ject small articles three or four feet on the floor,

from shelves on which they were placed; they were
apporently al! thrown in the same direction. Seve-

94

ral clocks were stopped at precisely 5 hours 25 min-
utes.

All the cracks in walls and ceilings bad a direc-
tion nearly northwest and southeast, and most of
them had the appearance of having been produced at
the moment of elevation.

The earthquake was felt heavily at Monterey, at
5 hours 20 minutes ; it was also felt at Bodega, but
no time is given,

The vessels on the coast, and ranging from San
Pedro on the south to Southern Oregon, and at dis-
tances varying from eight to one hundred miles from
Jand, did not experience any shock. They were 22
in number.

Up to the present date the most northern point of
which we have any record of its having been felt, is
at Santa Rosa. which is 53 miles north of San Fran-
eisco, and at Monterey, 90 miles south of the latter
place ; to the east of this city we bave vo record be-
yond Stocktou. This would give for its length 143
miles, and its breadth 66 miles.

Inquiry was made through the State line Tele-
graph at El Dorado, Nevada, Duwnieville, Placer-
ville, Marysville, Sacramento Stockton, and San
Jose ; it wis not felt in any of the localities named,
excepting the two last, and at Stockton it was quite
light.

"if the time as given at Monterey was the same as
at this city, (San Francisco) the velocity of the earth-
wave must have been much slower than that of the
great earthquake at Simoda.

March 24.—A slight shock was felt at Canal
Gulch, Siskiyou county, also at Yreka. at twenty
minutes before 10 o'clock, P. M. The motion is de-
scribed as being horizontal.

March 31.--A light sbock was felt in San Fran-
cisco at twenty-five minutes past 1 o’clock, A, M.
It consisted of three light but distinct tremors.

April 6.—113 P.M. Asmart shock was felt at
Los Angeles and the Monte. People were aroused
from their beds.

May 10.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco
at 10 minates after 9 o’clock, P. M. The shock was
accompanied by a loud report, like the discharge of
a cannon; people mistook it for the signal gun of
the mail steamer. This was felt at Monterey, Con-
tra Costa county.

May 2.—A severe shock was felt at Los Angeles
a few minutes past 12 o'clock, P. M. It caused much
trembling among the buildings, and considerable
alarm among the people. many leaving their beds
The shock was preceded by two loud reports like
the blasting of rock ; it apparently came from the
northwest ; no damage was done,

August 2.—A light shock was felf in San Fran-
cisco at 20 minutes after 5 o’clock, A.M. It was
sufficiently strong to awaken persons in bed 5 it was
evidently more severe in Stockton.

August 27.—An earthquake was felt at Mission

San Juan, Monterey county, at 15 minutes before 9
o’clock, P. M. There were two distinct shocks with
short intervals elapsing. the second being the heavi-
est. The motion is described as undulatory and
coming from the west. It was felt at Monterey and
at Santa Cruz.

Sept. 6.—A smart shock felt at Santa Cruz, at 3
o'clock, A. M. It created considerable consternation
and many persons left their beds.

Sept. 20 —A very severe shock was felt in differ-!
ent parts of San Diego county, and at that town at}
114 o'clock, P.M. At Santa Isabel the ceilings of!
the dwelliugs was shaken down; the cattle stampe- |

ded and ran bellowing in all directions, and the In-
dans seemed equally terrified. The walls of the
a‘lobe buildings were many of them cracked. The
motion is described as oscillatory. A light shock
occurred on the following Monday evening.

NVov, 12,— A smart shock occurred at Humboldt
Bay at 4 o'clock, A.M. Another shock was repor-
ted tut no date given.

From the records before us it will be seen that
fourteen being the total number of earthquakes re-
corded during 1856, seven have been felt in San
Francisco in common with other parts of the State ;
seven bave occurred south of this locality that were
not observed bere, and four north of it. Of the seven
shocks noticed here. five only were not observed in
any aljacent district, and may be considered as
strictly local. The periods of the year at which the
shocks have occurred, is as follows: During the win-
ter mouths, five; during the autumn, three; during
the springand summer, six. Nine have taken place
between the vernal and autumnal eqninoxes.

We have records of considerable and violent vol-
canic phenomena throughout the northern seas, and
islands both to the east and west of Alaska. The
Russian frigate Dwina. while lying at Shaam Shu,
brings intelligence of the outburst of a volcano in
that vicinity about the 22nd of June,and on the
25th of the sime month passed through fields of float-
ing pumice; the latitude by observation being 50°
53’ and longitude 158° 32’ east per chronometer.

An interesting account of a submarine volcano
was reported by the Ca; tain of the bark Alice Fra-
zer, in latitnde 54° 36’— longitude 135° west, which
is as follows: A portion of the whaling fleet, four in
number, were running through the Straits of Ouri-
nack, on the 26th of July last; while passing the
straits a submarine volcano burst out, sending a
column of water several hundred feet upward; im-
mediately following this, immense masses of lava
were projected into the air, and the sea for miles and
for days afterward, was covered with floating frag-
ments of pumice. The ships Scotland and Enter-
prise were nearer the volcano than the ships Frazer
and Wm. Thomson ; on the decks of the two former
considerable pumice, lava, and ashes fell. There
were seven vessels in the straits at the time of the
occurrence, three of which the names I could not
learn.

The outburst was accompanied with violent shocks
of earthquake, It is the opinion of Captain Newell,
of the Alice Frazer, that considerable shoaling has
been the result of this submarine action.

Aunual meeting by adjournment.

The Reports of the Treasurer, Curators, and Cor-
responding Secretary were received and placed on
file.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing
year :

President-—Leander Ransom.

1st Vice-President—Theodore Moss.

2d Vice-President—J A. Eckel, M. D

Recording Secretary—M G. Read

Corresponding Secretary--W. O. Ayres. M. D.

Treasurer—F¥. Bosqui.

Curator of Zoology--L. Lanszweert, MD.

Curator of Geology and Mineralogy—-Dr. J. B.

Trask.

Librarian—W. Heflley.

(Cal. Acad, Nat. Sci.)

ae le)

On motion, it was voted that the election of Stand-
ing Committees be deftrred to a future meeting.
From Dr. Stillman, of the steamer “John L
Stephens,” were received specimens of marine shells,
Radiata, &c., from the Bay of Panama.
From the Curator of Geology, by exchange, tooth
of a species of Elephas, from Oregon.
From the Boston Society of Natural History was
received a sheet of their Procecdings, Vol. 6. pp.
1—32.

(Omitted Proceedings )

SEPTEMBER 29, 1856.
President in the Chair.

Dr. Joseph Birnstitl was elected a Corresponding

member.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. J. Gallaway—specimens of Solar Salt
and Sulphate of Lime, from Saw Quentin, Lower
California

From Mr. Pollock—v specimen of 4steracanthion.
from San Fransisco Biy. Tae thanks of the Acad
emy were voted for the above don tions.

From Capt. Rassell—a specimen of Pituophis and
the skin of a fox, fron Sau Clemente [slind.

From Mr. Beardslee —specim ns of cones and pines
from Shasta and vicinity.

Letters were real from Mr. Binney, of German-
town, Pa, Dre B.F. Shumard, of Saint Louis, Bos-
ton Society of Natural ifistory, and Western Acad
emy of Natural Sciences,

Donations to the Library.

From Dr. B. F. Shumard—a paper on a new fossil
genus, belonging to the family Blastoidea,

Irom the Boston Society of Natural History—
Proceedings of the Society. pp. 353—368.

San Francisco, Nov. 17, 1856
President in the chair.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Horace Divis—specimeus of Limestone
and Lignite, from Siaw’s Flat.
_ From Mr. J. T. Cunningbam—bones of Mastodon,
from Shaw’s Flat.

From Dr. Skinner, of Stockton—ph aryngeal bones
: of Mylopharadon robutus.
-Frow Mr. J.B. Clayton—coues o' Sequoia gigan-
tea, and-bulbs of the Mountain Lily, from the Upper
San Joaquin. The thanks of the Academy were vo-
_ ted for the dovatious above record: d
From Col. Rinsom—seopula ofa Whale

- Manganese, trom near Oakland, and cones of Silver
Fir. (Abies nodilis) fiom Scott Moun‘ain.

From Dr. J. A. Veaich—skull!s of Ursus firox and
— Canis ochropus(?) ech.

San Iuxanctsco, Dee. 16,
Dr Kellogg. Vice President. in the Chair,

1856.

From Mr. Beardsies—spvcimens of Peroxide of

95

Dr. Haggin, of San Francisco, was elected a Resi-
dent member.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. F. Rais—fossils of the marine Tertiary,
from Monterey County, with minerals and recent
shells.

From Dr. Badorous—specimens of silicified wood,
from Mokelumne Hill.

From Captain J. D. Brown— specimens of Coleop-
tera, Coral and Sponges, from the Gulf of Califor-
nia.

From Mr. Bridges—specimens of Sequoia gigan-
tea, Sequoia semperoirens, Pinus Lambertiana and
Pinus insignis.

From Dr. J. A. Veatch—specimens of Travertine,
Sulphur, Obsidian and silicified roots of the Tule,
from near Clear Lake.

Donations to the Tabedirap

Proceedi: gs of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory, vol 5. pp. 375-416, from the Society.

From Messrs. Vincent & Payot—Memories de la
Societe des Sciences Naturelles, 1835, 1842, 1849.—
The thanks of the Academy were voted for these do-
nations.

San Franersco, Jan. 25, 1857.

President in the chair.

Mr. Thomas G. Cary was elected a resident mem-

ber.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Dr. Stillman, specimens of Shells, &c., from
the Bay of Panama.

From Dr. Trask, a fossil Elephas tooth, from Ore-
gon.

From Mr. Theodore Moss, a specimen of Diomedea
ezulans, from veer Cape Horn ; also a specimen of
Mineral Resin in Coal, from the Is!and of Borneo.

From Dr. Lanszweert, specimens of Malachite from
Australia, and of Sulpburet of Copper from Nevada.

By purchase from the estate of Dr. A. Randall, an
extensive collect-on of plaats of Califoruia, wood of
forest trees, Moss of New Mex co and the Gila,
Shells and Minerats.

Donations to the Library

Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His.
tury, Vol. 6, No 1, from the Society.

From Mr. Geo. Fraurnfeld, Verhandiungen der
Zoologisch—Boranisehen, 1852, 1853, 1854 and 1855 ;
also, Bericht uber die oster—Literatur der Zoologie,
Botavick. Paleoutologie, aus den jirhen 1850— 51—
52—53— 55. Also, Au'zshlung der Algen der
Dalmatineschen Kasten; von Go. Frauenfeld ; also
Metamorphism of Lose sts, by Geo. Fraucnfeld ; als»
Jahrbuch der Kaiser'‘c') Koniglichen Geologischen
Reichenstalt, 1850—1855.

From the Smithsovian Lustitution, the eighth vol-
of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,

96

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Mr. Wm. Stimpson, a copy of his work on
the Testaceous Mollusks of New England.

From Dr. Lanszweert, a Catalogue of the Shells of
Connecticut ; also Conchology from the Eacyclope-
dia Britannica, with plates of American Conchology.

The Committee ou Publication were appointed a
committee to draft a memorial to Congress in favor
of the publication of the Scientific Reports of the U.
S. Exploring Expedition under Commanders Ringold
and Rogers.

Mr. Moss presented a prospectus of the Literary
and Scientific Association of Valparaiso.

Mr. T. J. Nevius was elected a Life Member of the
Academy.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of a new species
of Oak, to which was given the provisional name of

Quercus Vaccinifolla—KeLLoaa—or Huckleber-
ry-teaf Oak —Leaves annual, coriaceous, small, ob-
long-ovate, acute, eub- mucronate, somewhat obtuse
at base; glabrous above, reticulate ; fuscous and
stellate pubescent beneath ; margin entire, petiole
short. Fruit ovate, sub acute, mucronate, sub-ses-
sile; cup shallow, margin thin, scales minute ap-
pressed, hoary-fuscous tipped with brown, stellate
pubescent. Biennial ?

This species of oak is abundant on the lofty moun-
tains of California The Trinity, Scott and Siskiyou
mountains are clothed with extensive thickets ot this
shrub. It is rarely found over one inch in diameter,
and 4 to 6 feet inheight The branctes are smooth,
round and slender, and together with the buds and
foliage resemble the Whortleberry. The leaves are
about one inch in length, dilated at the base on slen-
der petioles two to three lines in lenzth, lamina
about twice that in width ; the lower surface some-
what tan-colored.

The Academy are indebted to M. I. Beardsley for
the specimen and fruit.

The following Standing Committees were elected
for the ensuing year:

Publication—Dr. W. O. Ayres, Dr. J. B. Trask,
Col. L. Ransom, Dr. J. N. Eckel.

Library—Mr. W. Hifiley, Dr. J. B. Trask, Dr.
Eckel.

Finance—Mr. T. F. Moss, Mr. W. Ileffley, Dr. Kel-

logg.
February 23, 1857.

President in the chair.

Mr. Jams Hepburn, Mr. Joseph Briton and Mr.
A. A Branda were elected Resident Members. Mr.
Geo. Frauenfeld, of Vienna, was elected a Vorres-
ponding Member.

Donations to the Cabinet.

From Mr. Hearn, of Yreka, a Butterfly from Mt.
Shasta, with plants and miuerals fiom the sume lo-
cality.

From Dr. Stillman, specimers of Zoophy tes. Debi-
noderms, Mollusca, Crustacea and Wishes; also an
Arm#dijo, from Panama an] its vicinity.

From Mr. S. G. George, specimens of cordage
made from the fibres of a species of Asclepias by the
Indians of the Tulare Valley.

From Mr. Wm, R. Garrison, specimens of Coal with
the accompanying rock, from Central America.

From Dr. J. M. Brown, specimens of Fish from the
Santa Barbara Channel, and of Solen and Helix from

the Island of San Clemente.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the
above donations.

From Mr. T. G. Cary, specimens of Pumice, from
the surface of the ocean, June 25, 1856, in lat. 50°
53’ N., long. 158° 32’ W.

From Capt. L. J W. Russel, specimens of Anneli-
da, Crustacea and Mollusca, from the Gulf of Cali-
fornia ; also, of Specular Iron, Seeds and Shells, from
Manzanillo.

From Col. Ransom, various Fossil Bones, found
100 N. E. of Los Angeles.

From Dr. Eckel, specimens of Neritina, from Ja-
pan. F

From Mr. T. F. Moss, a valve of Ostraea, from the
Amoor river.

From Dr Lanszweert, Birds from New Caledonia.

Donations to the Library.

Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory, vol. 6, pp. 338-45, from the Society.

From Lieut. M. F. Maury, Washington Astronom-
ical Observations, vol. 6, 1856.

From Dr. Eckel, Owens’ Geological Survey.

From the Essex Institute, a copy of their Proceed-
ings.

American Journal of Science, No. 67, from the
Editors.

Report of the Commissioners of Common Schools,
Canada

From Mr, Heffley, Ancient History of Astronomy,
by Waltz.

From Mr. T. F. Moss, six Nos. of La Science.

Mr. T. J. Nevins deposited seventeen Volumes of
the Natural History of New York.

Mr. T. J. Cary deposited Embryology of the Sal-
onidia, and Systeme Glaciaire, by Agassiz.

The following paper, by W. P. Blake, was read :

CALIFORNIA: BY WILLIAM T, BLAKE,

A specimen obtained from Georgetown, California,
resembling a fragment of tarnished lead or silver-
glance, is found, ou examination, to be chiefly com-
posed of Silver and Tellurium. The mass is about
one inch in length and breadth, and is entirely free
from gangue, but incloses native gold, which appears
vt several poiuts on its surface. An aggregation of
|} cubical crystals, resembling galena, is implanted on
one side, and the other is deeply indented with an-

tals.

The missive part of the specimen is sectile and
| malleable, and does not sbow any traces of erystali-
z.tion; if miy be cut with a knife, like lead, and

NOTE ON THE OCCURRENCE OF TELLURET OF SILVER IN .

cular C.vilies—probably the prints of quartz crys- .

Oe a ee | eee

}

gives a brilliant metallic surface. Hardness about
2 of Mohs scale.

In the open tube, beore the blowpipe flame, the
mineral fuses quietly, coloring the glass a bright
yellow under tue assay ; a white or gray sublimute
is deposited at a short distance from, or directly
over it, which, on being heated, fuses into transpa-
rent drops, resembling oil. On charcoal it fuses
readily toa leaden-colored globule, which, on cool-
ing, becomes covered with ittle points or dentrites
This globule fiat-eas unier the bammer, but breaks
on the edges. With the addiion of a little carbon-
ate of soda, a globule of silver is readily obtained.
A fragment heated to redness in a closed tube or ma
trass, with dry carbonate of soda and charcoal dust
gives, on the addition of a few drops of boiling wa-
ter, the beautiful violet-red or purple solution des
cribed by Berzelius as characteristic of tellurium.—
This solution loses its color after standing for some
time, and a dark colored powder is deposited. The
mineral dissolves in hot n.tric acid. With the separa-
tion of tellurous acid in crystals.

It is probably the species Hessife, but the decision
is reserved until further examinations are made. Its
eolor is darker than the Hersite of Savodiusky, Si
beria, and is not quite so hard

Thuis very rare mineral has not hitherto been ob-
served in America, and its occurrence is therefore of
prculiar interest. Lam indebted to P. C. Currier,
Esq., of Georgetown, for the specimen [t was ob-
tained in that vicinity, and probably taken from the
auriferous drift ; but it cannot bave been transported
far from its original source

The crystals give reactions for lead and sulpbur
and atrace of selenium. They are probably galena,
but may contain tellurium.

A specimen seen in California in 1854, weighing
about two ounces, greatly resembled the massive
part of the specimen above described. The small
fragment of it which was then obtained, also gives
the reactions for tellurium avd silver. Its precise
locality is not known.

The telluric silver of Siberia, according to Gustof
Rose, is composed, in 100 parts, of :

155) POS Rec nS eS a SN Sa 86 96
eT Mash Liat ceo aretala! 910 siai'aicgnyaiviolaintua (oles 62.42
“Tt ae Matbeicar acres acdshies ance’ 0.24

It is probable that tellurium combined with silver,
‘lead or bisinuth. will be found in the auriferous
quartz of Grass Valley and other localities. A few
Specimens in my possession contain sinall briltiant
> grains resembling tetrady mite, but their exact char-
acter is not yet determined.

January 1, 1857.
Bibs A letter was read from M. Boisduval, siating that
; Saturnia Californica hed been previously described
by him as S. euryalus.

_ The curators were authorized to send such dupli-
cates of specimens as are available, to the Society of

9]

ontiagiaa History, at Stockton, Cal.

Dal

hom San Francisco, March 30, 1857.
_ President in the Chair.

_ Prof. Asa Gray, of Cambridge, Mass., and Dr. Joha
‘Torry, of New York, were elected Honorary Mem-
bers. *

rs Dr. John Browne, of the U.S. steamer Active, Mr.
_ Geo. Gibbs, of Port Townsend, M. Moreenhaut, of
_ Monterey, Capt. Fauntleroy, Capt. Wilson and Dr.

George Sackley, were elected Corresponding Mem-
bers.
Donations to the Cabinet.

From Capt. J. D. Brown, of the schooner da,
specimens of Reptiles, Fishes, Annelida and Crusta-
cea, from the Gulf of California.

From Dr. Pigné Dupuytren, a fine collection of
Marine Shells and a skull of Belone, from New Cal-
edonia; also, a fabric made from the hair of the bat,
by the natives of those islands.

From Dr. Welch, a skull of Diomedea chlororyn-
chos,and a skull of a native of the Sandwich Islands,

From Dr. Czapkay, a large species of Patella.

From Mr. Parent, two specimens of Chiton and a
Cudaris, from the Gallipagos Islands.

From Mr. H. P. Wakelee, a suite of specimens from
Nicaragua, consisting of the capsule of Cocoa Bean,
Scorpion, skin of a Jarge serpent, (called by the na-
tives Bo-bo,) and Coal; also, Copper smelted at the
La Mina del Padre, (Colima,) and Copper Ore from
La Mina Truxcanisco, (Colima); also, Solar Salt
from near Los Angeles, Cal. ; also Auriferous Quartz
from Kern river, and a shell of Echinus.

From Mr. H. R. Bloomer, a specimen of Zutainia
dorsalis, from San Francisco.

From Barry & Patten, s specimen of Ornothoryn-
chus, from Australia.

The thanks of the Academy were voted for the do-
nations above recorded.

From Dr. Lanszweert, Liguite, from Sonoma.

From Dr. Bennett, a specimen of Gypsum, and one
of native Alum, from Guaymas.

From Capt. Russell, a fine specimen of Yucca, in
full bloom, from the Southern Coast; also, two
young specimens of the same for cultivation; also,
several specimens of Mesembryanthemum.

From Dr. Kellogg, a specimen of Scolopendra,
from Monte Diabolo; also, a box of seeds.

From Dr. Ayres, a specimen of -dnarrhicthys
ocellatus, and one of Cebidichthys crista-galli, from
San Francisco Bay.

From Mr. W. U. Pease, of Honolulu, a fine suite
of specimens from the Sandwich Islands, consisting
of Crustacea, Land and Marine Shells, Echinoderms
and Corals.

From Mr. Hepburn, Calcareous Travertine, from
the Geysers.

From Mr. Beardslee, a specimen of Trillium.

From Dr. George Suckley, specimens of Mytilus,
from the Straits of Fuca. ;

From Dr. Trask, a specimen of Nereis, thirty-three
inches in length, from San Francisco Bay; also, a
fish allied to Gunnellus, of apparently a new generic
type ; also, a quantity of the ripe fruit of the Coffee
Tree, from the Sandwich [slands. The curators
were requested to distribute these seeds throughout
the State, for the purpose of inducing their cultiva-

tion.

JS

Capt. Russell deposited a Water Bottle and Beads,
with a Mortar, which were made by the Indian wo-
man Maria, ou the Island of San N.colas, during ber
solitary res deuce there of e guteen years.

Ox tue Drrecrron anp VeLocrry or Tae Earra-
QUaKé IN CaLIForNIA, Jantanky 9, 1857—By Dr.
JoHN Bb. Thask.

The earthquake which occurred in various parts
of this State, on the moruing of the 9th Javuary
last, excited at the time Gousiderable attention,—
This arose from two causes First. trom che varied
reporis that appearcd Ou the foliowing Gay through
the press of this city, detailing its occurreuce in re-
Mote Mountain towus. and fur which there wap 10
foundation, Secoudly, from the great extent over
whic! the Commotion Was feil, as was suls: quently
proved,

Juimed ately fullow ng h+ cccurrence of the phe-
noweuon, letters were ad treesed to ail che pring pal

towus between Mariposa aud Dowuteville, east of

the vaileys, for the purpose of tearuing how far the
shocks may bave extenued eastward of tins city.—
‘Lhe-e letters were furwaided by the Pacitic Express
Company to thew agents, and through them au-

sWers were returuel in every Case but two through |

toe sume source. Frou the tacts thus obtained, it
was found that in no locality east of the fuothills,
was any shock felt whativer on that day or night

Auother report, equa ly uufvuoded, reached us ou
the a:r.val ot the steamer from the Suuthern coas:,
to the effect that several bouses had beeudemoii-fed
iu Sin Diego from its violen:e, while the facts in the
care are, that the steamer lft that port twenty-four
hours before the shock oceurred there

This earthquake, or more properly Speaking the
series of shucks that began on the vigut of the S.b in
this city, aud which continued in the south part of
the State during tbe following day and night of the
9th, was prubabiy the most eXleusive vf any un re-
cord ou this portion of the Pacific coast, exc puny,
perhaps, that of the Wave of the Simoda carti quake
in December, 1854. The liuear distance Over Which
we are able to trace its Cuurse, amvuuuts lo six Lun
dred and two miles, aud its breadth, so iar as now
ascertaincd, is two bundred aud pinety miles. lt
has all the appearance of having beeu tbe ternal
movemevt vl SoMe mure Vidleut GUMMOTION al a dis-
tance from our Cuast.

From tbe best evidence obtainable at presevt, it
seems to have bad its oryiu (6 ihe West aud Wav-
elled in an easteriy direc lun. Luis ts Conclusively
proved from the fact thatit was felt earlier at Sau
Francisco than at any ovber locality east of this city
within the State. We have uv record as yet of its
occurrence alovg the coast of Mexico or Ovegon.

I bave been able to determine with considerable
accuracy the period of time at which the shock be
tween eight avd mine o civck un the moruing oi the
9ih took place, at tour localities cast of the city of
San Francisco, in this State, as the shock at that
hour secms to have been more generaily noticed (han
those which either preesded or followed ib bere, or
elsewhere, Lbough at this city it wus much less
marked than the stocks at lb. 23m, 40. lom., aud
7b., these tbree latter occurring at those hours of the
moruing wheu most persuus are sieeping. The shock
at 7a. produc: d a circular motion iu the penduluu,
the diameter of which was about five incurs The
orcillations uf the pendulum in all the others were
ln win easterly and westerly direction.

|

|

place at San Francisco, between eight and nine
o’clock, is determined by the stopping of a time-
picce beloaging to J. W. Tucker, whose rate of error
was three seconds fast. ‘The time at San Diego was
furnished by Mr. Cassidy, of the army, and that of
the Tejon Reserve is by persons at that post. To
private gentlemen at Sacramento and Stockton we
are indebted for the time at those places. The ac-

/compauying table of latitudes aud longitudes, of lo-

calities uamed gives the hourat which the shock took
place at each; tbe difference or elapsed time, from
which the velocity was deduced, are the mean times
corrected for the places named, the time as given
above being taken as the standard at San Francisco,

It is proper here to state that three minutes four
seconds, was the greatest error iu t me found, and
the least was tweaty two seconds :—

Lat., Lon. ;Time of Elapsed Velocity

} } | shock. | time. |
ah lh. m. Ss. ms. | miles
San Francisev....'37 48122 25 8 138 80 000) vu
Sacramento ...... 38 32121 238 20 00 7 30) 66
Stockton... 6.2. 87 52121 84 8 23 OU 9 30) 6 5
Pejon.... .......'35 OULIS 46 8 45 00 32 3u) 60
san Diego. ..... [82 42117 13 8 50 00 386 30! 70

The v. locity is given in miles per minute, and by
dividing the sum of the same by their number, 1t
will be found that the movement of the wave at that
lime averages «a fraction over 6.2 miles per minute.

The resuits obtained from the above data approxi-
mate ciosely the deductions of Prof. Bacue on the
wave which reached our shores resutliug from the
earthquake at 3imuda on the 23d December, 1854,
aud which wil be jound in a paper read by that gep-
tleman at the meeting of the Americau Association
for the Advancement of Science, during the early
part of last year.

From the tac.s before ux, there can be but little

{doubt of the direction of the commotion, and that

it proce:ded from the west, or a little south of that
poiut. The motion of the earth, as descr bed at the
different localities at which it was felt, with the mo-
tion of the pendulum—which was slightly south of
4 west line—leads to tue latter cunciusion Time is
au important elemeut 1 sidiug us to form correct
conciusivns tegarding tbeir puenomena, and it is to
be boped that our trieuds iu different parts of the
State, 10 reporting the same, wili be precise in this
particuiar, Uf tbe incidenis attending the shocks,
many aud varied reporis bave reached us; and it
seems to have acted with greater violence in the vi-
cinity of the Tejon Reserve aud upper Tulare county
than at any other places. It is most remarkable
that so small an amount of intensity was manifested
when the area over which it extended is taken into
consideration

The effects were felt in San Francisco several
bours before they are reported to have been observed
at any other place norta or south. They began bere
at twenty winutes past eleven, ou ‘he oight of the
8cb, aud contiuu d tili thirteen miu ¢s past eight
the fuliowiug mornivg—six shocks occ. ring in the
tuterim ; while to the south, the first shoo’ that was
noticed at the Vejou was at 6 bours 30 minutes, on
the 9h. Lu Los Augeles they continued at long in-
tervals tbrough the day uatil 23 hours 30 miuutes of
the same date. I bave learned from persons who
were present in Los Angeles at this time, and also
at the shock of the 14th July, 1855. that the severity
of the latter exceeded that of tbe 9th January last

Tbe pree se period of time at whicu the shock took’ pas’.

—e SS

“~

99

Donations to the Library.
* From Lieut. Maury, a full series of his Wind
and Weather Charts.

From the Boston Society of Natural History,
their Proceedings, vol. 6, pp. 49-64.

From the Natural Histary Society of Montre-
al, their Twenty-eighth Annual Report.

A Circular, from the California Society of
Natural History, Stockton.

American Journal of Science, No. 68, from
the Editors.

From Mr. T. F. Moss, eleven Nos. of La Sci-
ence.

Mr. Moss deposited Paleontologie et Geologie,
three yolumes ; also, Precis d’ Analyse Chimique.

Capt. Russell deposited a volume of Records
of the Mission of San Diego, in Spanish, dating
back to A. D. 1770.

Letters were read from M. Rene Lenormand,
Mr. W. H. Pease and Mr. W. P. Blake.

The thanks of the Academy were voted to the
Editors of the Pacific Sentinel, Santa Cruz, for a
file of their paper furnished regularly for several
months past. :

The Recording Secretary was requested to

» communicate to Mr. Joseph C. Palmer the thanks

of the Academy, for his very liberal donation of
the rent of the Academy rooms for the ensuing
year.

Dr. Trask read the following paper

ON SOME NEW MICROSCOPIC ORGANISMS.

During the summer of 1855, while in the vi-
cinity of Santa Barbara, engaged in the examin-
ation of several species of marine algae to which
many zoophytes were attached, I accidentally
met with the forms which constitute the subject
of this paper. Since that time, further observa-
tions have been made, and examinations for

_their presence with more success than was at

first anticipated.

The striated appearance of these minute or-
ganisms led to the belief at first that the lorica
belonging to them was silicious, but the appli-
cation of chemical agents has shown this not to
be the case, for it is entirely destroyed by di-
gestion in strong nitric acid, continued for a
considerable length of time.

In the normal state the forms are brittle, and
easily broken under a compressor, but after di-

estion in nitric acid the lorica becomes soft and

ible, losing none of its configuration except

on the application of mechanical means. In
this particular they comport themselves with the
calcareous portions of animal structures. ‘The
striated appearance which they present is (by
the above means) found to consist of septa, placed
transversely across a longitudinal canal entend-
ing the entire length of the organism, and so
far as present observations have extended, they
present the peculiar features of being solid, for
Eavopkression they have been extruded from

the canal, and retain their forms when thus

Proc. Cal, Acad. Nat. Sci.

free, the canal collapsing where the extrusion of
the septa has taken place.

In view of the above facts it will be necessary
to place these minute organisms among the fam-
ily of crustaceas, their form and inorganic
structure, with their configuration seeming to
warrant this, more properly perhaps than among
the zoophytes, or diatoms.

The mandibular process on the anterior end
simulates in some particulars the vibracular
organs of the zoophytes, but what particular
office it performs in their economy is yet unde-
termined, having never had an opportunity of
examining their movements when freshly col-
lected, with instruments of sufficient power. The
materials from which they have been obtained
have laid for months, in most cases, before op-
portunity offered for their investigation.

The mandibular process is placed on a mova-
ble joint, and has the appearance of being at-
tached and capable of motion through the agency
of muscular filaments passing within the outer
covering of the animal; by digestion in acid it
is often very soon detached from the head of the
styliform body to which it belongs, but when in
place it has considerable lattitude of motion.
The figures are drawn with the camera-lucida
and a microscope by Oberhauser.

These forms are certainly most singular, parta-
king as they do, the appearance both of animal
and vegetable forms. Certain it is, they belong
to no genus at present known, or with which we
are at present acquainted, and under this view
we shall place them in a new genus, with the
following definition :

Lerprostacon—Trask—WNov. Gen.

Lorica membrano-calcareous, styliform; straight
or curved, haying a central canal, which is di-
vided by transverse septa its entire length; an-
terior extremity furcate, more or less enlarged,
and traversed by one or more bands or ribs raised
above the surface, and armed with a movable
mandibular process more or less denticulated ;
posterior extremity either acute, rounded or ca-
pitate ; body rounded, smooth, more or less com-
pressed.

Leptosiagon gracilis ng. ns.—TRrasxk—Plate 6,
fig. 1—Lorica straight, smooth, compressed, an-
terior extremity furcate, forming two somewhat
unequal beaks, and armed with a long smoothly
curved mandible, having about sixteen fine acute
denticulations on one side, its anterior end
acutely terminated, broadest part of mandible
about one-fifth greater than the body below ;
posterior extremity subcapitate and rounded,
shows a terminal orifice to the central canal.—
Transverse section ovate. Length of mandible
contained about five and one-half times in the
length of the body. Breadth of body about
1-80th its length. Mag. 550 diameters.

On algae attached to fish cars—Santa Barbara.

This species is adopted as typical of the genus,
for the reason that it appears most plentiful when.
compared to the others, was the first met with
and is beautifully marked, and symmetrical.

L. occidentalis. ng. ns.—'TRasx — Plate
6, fig. 2—Lorica straight, smooth, anterior ex-
tremity equally furcate, and terminated on the
ventral side by a somewhat bluntly rounded pro-
cess, With asmaller one on the dorsal side, arm-

100

ed with a short and broad mandible, having a
curved, blunted point, with four or five close-
set somewhat acute and curved denticles, situa-
ted within its middle half; posterior extremity
rounded, orrifice of the canal distinctly seen on
its end. Length of mandible contained about
seventeen-times in length of the body. Breadth
of body about 1-77thits length. Mag. 460 di-
ameters. Found with the preceding.

L. magnas. ng. ns.—Trasx — Plate 6,
fig. 3.—Lorica smooth, arcuate, gradually taper-
ing from the anterior to the posterior extremity.
Anterior end terminated by a wide, pointed heak
on the ventral side, and a small rounded process
on the dorsal, armed with a broad curved man-
dible, having a hooklike end, and a large point-
ed denticle near the middle; posterior extremi-
ty narrow and rounded ; body tapering for near-
ly its entire length, compressed, transverse sec-
tion oval.

Length of mandible contained about nineteen
times in the length of the body. Breadth of
body 1-22nd its length. Mag. 400 diameters.

Santa Barbara. Matsmai, Japan. On lim-
pets and among the roots of zoophytes.

L. falcata. ng. ns. —Trasx. — Plate 6,
fig. 4—-Lorica curved, anterior extremity very
unequally furcate, the ventral side being pro-
jected into an acute long rostrate process, and a
very small angular beak on the dorsal; armed
with a somewhat narrow sickle-shaped mandi-
ble, which is finely dentlculated for little more
than half its length ; posterior extremity termi-
nating in a narrow sharp point; body tapers
uniformly throughout its length, much com-
pressed. Length of mandible contained about
eight-times in the length of the body. Mag.

540 diameters. On limpets. Japan, Island
Mastsmai.
L.—var. (?] Plate 6, fig. 5.—This at most

is probably but a variety of the proceeding. I
think it will prove a younger individual of the
last species ; it bears a strong resemblance to L.
falaata. Mag. 540 diameters. Found with the
preceding.

L. glabrescus. ng. ns.—Trask — Plate 6,
fig. 6.—Lorica arcuate, anterior extremity widen-
ed, subacute beak, and two smaller processes op-
posite, the one more prominent and acute than
the other ; body tapers from anterior extremity
to posterior, the latter terminating in a narrow
rounded end, much compressed ; mandible very
long, subulate thin, smooth upon both edges;
length of mandible contained about four-
times in the length of the body ; breadth of
body nearly 1-28th of its length. 640 diame-
ters.

On Ostrea, Gulf California and Manzanillo.

L. semirectas. ng. ns.—Trasx — Plate 6,
fig. 7.—Lorica slightly carved for little more
than one-third its length from the anterior end,
becoming nearly rectilinear for the rest of its
length ; anterior extremity formed of rather a
bluntly rounded wide rostra on one side, and a
sublanceolate process opposite ; a broad rib-like
lobe extends from the apex of the beak obliquely
across the anterior end, and raised above the sur-
face on which it rests; body contracts from the
anterior portions to the posterior, which termi-
nates in a rounded end, canal central, mandible

curved, and obliquely connate, very finely den-
itculate, no aperture observed on the posterior
end. Mandible contained about eight times
in the length of the body. Manzanillo and Gulf
of California. On Ostrea. 750 diamters.

L. ineurva. ng. ns.—Trasx. — Plate 6, fig.
8.—Lorica curved, smooth, anterior end project-
ed into a short acute rostra, and a small, sharp
process on the opposite side; posterior extremity
rather obtusely rounded ; mandible slightly
curved on one side, nearly straight on the oppo-
site, without denticles. Canal central. Man-
dible contained about five times in the length
of the body. Manzanillo. On Ostrea. 1000
diameters.

L. attenuata. ng. ns. — Trasx. — Plate 6,
fig. 9.—Lorica straight, narrow, gracefully con-
tracting from the anterior extremity to the pos-
terior, which latter is capitate. Anterior end
unequally bifid, forming two bluntly rounded
beaks, in which is inserted a narrow, subulate
mandible. Canal central. No denticles were
observed on this species. Manzanillo and the
Gulf of California. On Ostrea. 1000 diameters.
These new forms,now for the first time figured and
described, constitute some of the most beautiful
organisms to be met with. The fineness of the
denticulations on the mandibular process well fit
them for test objects for the microscope.

From the localities above named it will be
seen that they occupy an extended geographical
range, being found from Mexico to the coast of
Japan. They are not plentiful, so far as obser-
vation at present extends, yet sufficiently so that
I haye been enabled to obtain a dozen specimens
from one or two ounces of material. I have met
with the best success in specimens of alge and
shells, from depths from four to six fathoms. A
good locality for obtaining them frequently is
from the large mytilus, found only at very low
tides on this coast, more particularly on shells,
to which sertularia and other zoophytes are found
attached. Ihave met with them from Monterey,
Bolinos and Tomales—from the two latter places
attached to laminaria, and about the roots of
plumularia on stones. <A locality in the Bay of
San Francisco, that furnished specimens last
year, has not produced any yet this season.

Dr. Trask read the following paper on nine
new species of Zoophytes from the Bay of San
Francisco and adjacent localities :

Genus Sertunaria. Linn.

Sertularia anguina. Trask. Plate 5, fig. 1.
Polypidom erect, one to three inches high, alter-
nately branched and pinnated, color corneous ;
rachis tortuous, jointed, with two cells on each
internode, and four between each branchlet;
pinna jointed, two cells on each, placed some-
what sub-lateral and forward, nearly opposite,
aperture free, with oval smooth margins; cells
attached by a broad strong base, at the insertion
of which a slightly raised rounded ring is appa-
rent. Its affinity is with that of S. fallax, (John-
ston,) more nearly than with any other species
with which I am acquainted, and at first sight
would easily be msstaken for that species. Its
ovarian vesicles have not yet been seen.
+ Plentiful on a large mytilus brought to our

a ea eo

ee ee oe ee er

ee

/
MI

markets from Monterey, Tomales Point, Punta
Reys, and old shells, Bay of San Francisco.

S. furcata. Trask. Plate 4, fig. 2, a. d. c.
d. e.—Polypidom long, four to nineinches, adnate
to the various marine alge on which it grows,
and often quite embeded in the fronds of marine
plants, pinnated, color corneous; rachis cylin-
drical, jointed ; the pinne are simple and for the
most part free, arising from the lower portion of
the joints of the rachis. Their attachment to the
main stem is somewhat peculiar; for, like the
rest of the members of this genus, they are not
given off from the main stem by a fixed joint,
but have their origin from the end of a sessile
pedicel; this is attached to therachis by a strong
base, is sub-pyriform and cylindrical, is free for
about three-fourths its length, terminating in a
rather bluntly-rounded rostrate process on the
outer and superior aspect.

From this pedicel the pinne arise by a flexible
joint, allowing a latitude of motion indicated be-
tween their attachment and the rostral end of
this process. Figure (a) represents two joints of
the rachis and its pedicels, with the pinne ari-
sing therefrom as seen under a power of thirty
linear diameters. ‘The cells are immersed in the
pinne for about two-thirds their length, opposite,
two upon each joint, compressed, the superior
ends considerably divergent, acutely sinuated on
the upper and outer edge, as seen in jig. 2, ¢. d,
they are a little in front of the lateral line. A
back view is shown at fig. 6.

The ovarian vessicles are produced from the
lateral and back part of the pinne at the base of
the cell, are sessile, of a light corneous color, pol-
ished, and have an elongated oval form, some-
what swelling on the outer side, with a large
oval mouth, the edges of which are somewhat de-
pressed below the summit.

It is not without some doubts that I have
placed this zoophyte in this genus, believing that
there are sufficient distinctions in the species to
form anew generic type; but as no opportunity
has offered to observe its habits, and nothing is
at present known regarding the animal, it is
thought best to place it provisionally in this ge-
nus for the present, until farther opportunities
shall offer for its investigation.

Bay of San Francisco and Farrallone Islands.

S. turgida. Trask. Plate 4, fig. 1.—Poly-
pidom erect, from two to three inches high, pin-
nated, color corneous, at times it is found aduate
to substances on which it grows; pinne arise al-
ternately from opposite sides, jointed, compressed;
cells latero-frontal, alternate, one on each joint,
and situated above the middle, are free for near-
ly three-fourths their length, divergent, sub-
cylindrical, round, full, with a broad aperture
which is somewhat constricted below the edges ;
the upper and outer edge is deeply sinuated, thus
forming two rather large denticulations more or
less rounded, but occasionally one or both are
found sub-acute. ‘his peculiarity is often met

' with in adjoining cells on the same pinnae. ‘The

inner edge of the aperture is slightly everted,
and rather more deeply constricted than the out-
er or lateral portions, and formsa broadly round-
ed margin with a slightly raised lip.

‘Lhe ovarian vessicles arise from the back part
of the pinne, sessile, large, sub-pyriform, the

101

upper half armed wlth stout, rounded, blunt,
spines, twenty to twenty-eight in number;
mouth sub-cylindrical, the edges surrounded
with ten to fifteen smaller spines. The whole
polypidom presents a full, turgid appearance,
and is more or less marked with tine wrinkles,
Bay of San Francisco, Monterey, Tomales
Point. On mollusca and alge. Rather rare.

Genus Prumuraria (Lam.)

Plumularia Franciseana. Trask. Plate 4,
fig. 3.—Polypidom six to eight inches high,
color corneous, alternately branched, the branch-
es pinnated, one branch to each internode of the
stem. ‘The pinnz rise one above the other, are
pointed, and support three cells at each joint.—
On two specimens four cells have been met with,
but may be regarded an exception rather than
otherwise. The pinne are dictotomously branched
in adult specimens. Cells lagenculate, smooth,
free, slightly decumbent; the attachment of the
base is marked by a slightly elevated rounded
rim, apertures round and smooth.

Bay of San Francisco, among rejectamenta of
the beach.

Genus Crisip1a (M. Edw.)
Crisidia gracilis. Trask. Plate 5, fig. 3.—
Polypidom confervyoid, very slender, branched,

-caleareous, growing in little tufts from one-

fourth to a half inch in height; each cell is
jointed, flexible, and dark brown or black. Cells
cylindrical, free, the upper fourth divergent, in
some specimens slightly curved, the upper cell
given off from above the middle of the one be-
low it, and which becomes somewhat incrassate
at that point. Apertures round, smooth, facing
more or less alternate, surface smooth and shi-
ning. Sparingly found, attached to other zoo-
phytes and marine plants. rs

Bay of San Francisco, Monterey, Punta Reys.

Genus Crisia (Lamx.)

Crista occidentalis. Trask. Plate 5d. fig. 4.
Polypidon erect, not exceeding one inch in
height, calcareous, irregularly branched, joints
dark and flexible. Cells tubular, slightly com-
pressed and diminishing in size from above
downward, lateral, from seven to nine on each
internode of the joints, alternate, surface finely
granulated, a high and sharply-rounded process
extending laterally and upward from the edge
of the aperture, and covered with a thin calca-
reous operculum, which is apparently sessile, and
somewhat excavated on its upper surface. Ap-
ertures a little ovate, with smooth edges and
slightly oblique.

‘his species is closely allsed to C. eburnea,
(Johnston,) and would easily be mistaken for
that species on a mere casual examination.—
May not Mr. Thomson’s speoimen from Califor-
nia, which he thinks identical with C. eburnea,
have been an imperfect form of C. occidentalis?
(vide Johnston’s Zooph., 2d ed., page 284.)—
‘There are sufficient differences in C. occidentalis
to separate it from C. ebwrnea, as may be seen by
an inspection of the figure, notwithstanding there
is a close alliance in many particulars. My
figure is drawn with camera lucidla undex a
power of thirty linear diameters.

Attached to marine alge from Santa Barbara

102

to Cape Mendocino; often met with in Bay of
San Francisco.
Genus Menrpza. (Lamx.)

Menipea occidentalis. Trask. Plate 4, fig. 4.
—Polypidom tufted, alternately branched, cal-
careous, from one to two inches high, color white
and yellowish ; branchlets rise from the superior
and lateral portions of the internodes. Cells
much compressed, diminishing rapidly from
above downward; three on each internode.—
Apertures roundly oval, with a slightly raised,
roundedrim, which is armed with two stout,
rounded, curved and acute spines, pointing up-
ward and inward, one always being more or less
sub-central. Internodes sub-triangular, with a
somewhat tortuous, rounded rib passing through
the centre, the lateral and superior angles sur-
mounted by two or three long, rounded, irregu-
lar spines; points dark colored. The upper nodes
are armed with four long and irregular spines,
the two central being much the longest. All
the spines more or less acute.

From Cape Flattery (Oregon) to Santa Barba-
ry. Frequent among rejectamenta, Bay San
Francisco.

Genus ScrupoceLnariA. (VAN BENEDEN.)

Scrupocellaria Californica. Trask. Plate 4,
ffg. 2.—Polypidom conferyoid, jointed, growing
in bushy tufts, calcareous; cells biserial, alter-
nate, from seven to nine on each point, facing
somewhat obliquely outward ; apertures roundly
oval, margins incrassate, and sustaining a single
spine, which rises from the rim of the aperture
on its upper and outer edge from the base of the
inner edge; a pedunculate, pear-shaped opercu-
lum covers a portion of theaperture. The vi-
bracular and avicularian organs are wanting.—
The lateral cup-like cells sustain two round, ob-
liquely set spines rising from the posterior edge.
The affinities of this species are with that of S.
macandrei.

Bay San Francisco.

Genums Hierotnoa. (Larnx.)

Hippothoa amabilis. Trask. Plate 4, fig. 5.
—Polypidom creeping, branched irregularly, cal-
careous, polished, branches anastomosing ; aper-
tures large, oval, with a rounded, thickened rim ;
within the upper part of the aperture a shining
calcareous hemispherical operculum; the anas-
tomosing branches are given off, for the most
part, opposite the aperture, but this cannot be
said to be a strict rule as regards this species.

Found on stones within half tides in the Bay
of San Francisco.

Mr. Garratt’s paper on new species of marine
shells of the Sandwich Islands.

Murex-rexicua. Garrett.

Shell, oblong-oval, solid, scabrous, and whi-
tish; whorls about six, somewhat emgulated
above, coarsely furrowed spirally, and crossed b
numerous varices, which are crenulated by the
spiral furrows ; base furnished with a short, sub-
closed, slightly oblique canal ; aperture round-
oval; outer lip crenulated.

Length five lines.

Habitat: Pure, shallow pools on the rocky
coasts of Hawaii.

PurRprvuRA-STRIATELLA. Garrett.

Sheil, ovate, solid, smoothish, ventricose above,
blackish, with sub-equidistant, spiral, pale lines ;
spire short, conic, convex ; aperture large,
elongated, notched above, and faintly lineated
within; outer lip dilated, slightly, toothed
within, and minutely crenulated on the edge,
where it is margined with purple; columellar
lip depressed, spreading, smooth and toothed
above ; throat bluish.

Length seven lines.

Habitat : Hawaii.

Observations.—This species is not common at
the above locality ; they are generally found at-
tached to the spines of the Echinus-atratus (Lin)
in the circumlitteral zone.

Garrett.

Shell, solid, sub-globose, sub-perforated ; spire
consisting of about three volutions and slightly
depressed ; the whole surface marked with nu-
merous, spiral, coarse, equidistant, elevated,
reddish lines; in a pale ground.

Length less than a line.

Habitat : Hilo Bay, Hawaii.

In the circumlitteral zone.

TURBO-MULTILINEATA.

TROCHUS-STRIATULA. Garrett.

Sub-genus.
Margarita.

Shell, thin, depressed, somewhat pellucid,
glossy ; surface marked with crowded, fine, reg-
ular, revolving striee ; body whorl large; spire
small, with four volutions, separated by an ob-
solete sutural line; base somewhat flattened,
and umbilicated; columella slightly reflected
over the umbilicus; color, variously mottled
and striped with pale fulvous, greenish and
pink on a pearly ground.

Length one line; diameter the same.

Habitat : Laiminarian zone, Hawaii.

PLEUROTOMA-RETICULATA. Garrett.

Sub-genus.
Mangelia.

Shell, solid, sub-fusiform, turreted, whitish,
with a pale purplish spiral zone ; whorls six or
seven, convex, and marked with numerous, reg-
ular, series of equidistant spiral rows of squarish
punctures which give the surface a beautiful
reticulated appearance ; suture crenulated; base ~
somewhat wrinkled and provided with a short,
slightly oblique canal; aperture elongate, nar-
row and slightly contracted by the outer lip;
labrum thickened outside and in, crenulated or
toothed and deeply notched above; columella
callosed.

Length three lines.

Habitat: Hilo Bay, Hawaii.

RiIssOA-CRASSILABRUM. Garrett.

Shell, solid, acute, turrito-conical, smooth,
glabrous, white or a very pale fawn color; whorls
eight, plano-convex; sutural line faintly im-
pressed; aperture ovate; labrum somewhat di-
lated, very mnch thickened and dentated in the
inner margin; columellar lip broadly callosed.

Length four lines.

Habitat : Rocky coast of Hilo, under stones,
in the circumlitteral zone.

as.) eres |

RIssOA-MULTICOSTATA. Garrett.
Sheil, solid, somewhat cylindrically elongated;
whitish or pale-fulvous and marked with regu-
lar, crowded, equidistant, longitudinal ribs;
whorls about nine, convex; sutures well im-
pressed; aperture sub-oyate, slightly effuse be-
low ; labrum thick ; columellar lip callosed.

Length, three lines.

Habitat: Circumlittoral zone under stones,
or attached to species of Holothuria; Hilo,
Hawaii.

ADEORBIS-CcosTaTA. Garrett.

Shell, ovate-globose, thick and whitish-brown
color ; spine consisting of three moderately ele-
vated volutions; body whorl with three or four
large spiral carina; the whole surface marked
with coarse, crowded, slightly waved, spiral,
impressed stria; base perforated; aperture
round-oval; outer lip slightly fringed by the
terminal ends of the external keels.

Length, two lines.

Habitat : Rocky coast of Hawaii.

HiIpponrix-MINor. Garrett.
Sub-genus.
Amalthea.

Sheil, depressed, thick, convex above, spine
lateral, mamillated ; surface with minute, con-
centric stria; margin simple, sharp, rarely
crenulated ; above grayish, with a suffusion of
red towards the summit; inside rich-brown,
which becomes greenish towards the margin.

Height, half a line.

Length, one line.

Habitat: on turbinate shells, Hawaii.

BuLua-scrieta. Garrett.

Shell, oblong-oval, thin, fragile, semipellucid,
shining, whitish, and marked with three distant,
transverse black lines; these crossed by several
longitudinal waved similar lineations; surface
furnished with minute, crowded, regular, trans-
verse, impressed, punctured strice ; spine retuse,
and mamillated.

Length, nearly three lines.

Habitat : shallow pools on the rocky coasts of
Hilo. Rare.

Succrinta-NEWCOMBIANUM. Garrett.

Shell, wide-ovate, very thin, fragile, somewhat
inflated, pellucid, whitish-horn color; body-
whorl very large and distinctly striated; spine
very small, depressed, with one volution ; aper-
_ ture sub-orbicular and nearly the whole length
_ of the shell; outer lip much expanded.

Length, three lines.

Animal, pale flesh-color, mantle obsoletely
taciated and slightly reflected over the shell.—
Foot narrow, elongated and minutely speckled
with brown,

Habitat: District of Waimea, Hawaii.

Observation.—This singular species is some-
what rare, and occurs on bushes at an elevation
of about four thousand feet above the level of the
sea. This species is dedicated to Dr. W. New-
comb, late of Honolulu, 8. I.

San Francisco, Oct. 5th, 1857.
President, Col. Ransom, in the chair. Dr.

1038

Kellogg read the following paper, with appended
remarks by Dr. Beardsley.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and speci-
mens of a new species of Cypress.

Cupressus Fragrans, (Kellogg,) or the Fra-
grant Cypress.

Branchlets four-sided, somewhat compressed,
densely crowded, sub-divisions numerous, with
a frond-like arrangement; larger branches
roundish, slightly compressed laterally, flexu-
ose, bark madder brown ; /eaves diamond-acute
and aculeate, shining, bright, vivid green, cari-
nate, an oblong resinous gland along the back,
appressed, imbricated in four rows; older leaves
on the intermediate branches long, decurrent ;
point awl-shaped, incurved.

Cones pedicilate on long, scaly footstalks,
similar to the branchlets, somewhat elongated ;
globose cinnamon color, size of a hazel-nut, com-
posed of about nine peltate scales; centre de-
pressed ; margin thickened and rounded; disk
corrugated and rough ; asharp, transverse ridge
divides it somewhat above the centre; the mu-
cro broad, thin or flat, pointed, fragile, curved
outwards and pointed towards the apex; scales
irregularly five-sided.

Seeds broadly winged all round, waved, ob-
lique, scooped ; base of the smooth cylindrical
kernel portion prominent; apex emarginate,
mucronate, bright cinnamon color.

This species bears the nearest resemblance to
C. Lawsonianna, but differs from it most strik-
ingly in the brighter green of its foliage and
tis far denser branchlets ; also in the leaves be-
ing narrower, much more angular, sharper point-
ed; the cones are from one-third to twice the
size, more rough, also in color, form, and more
sparce distribution, &c.; it is also a tree of
larger proportions in all respects. The specific
name chosen is intended to express its quality,
par excellence. We know of no species so agree-
ably fragrant ; the wood abounds in an oil which
exhales a peculiar spicy aroma, in which the
ginger odor prodominates. This notable odor
has sometimes given it the common name of
“Ginger Pine’ among lumber-men. Some
speak of it as “White Cedar ;” in the market
it is also known by the more indefinite name of
“Oregon Cedar.’’ The grain of the wood is
commonly a fine, close texture, strong and elas-
tic; the annual concentric circles are often as
large and distinct as the Eastern white pine,
(P. Strobus,) showing it to be a tree capable of
rapid growth. It has gained a good reputation
among carpenters, since it has been brought into
market properly seasoned; it works easy, and
burnishes smoother than the white pine.

We understand suitable machinery is now on
the way to this city (S. F.) for the purpose of
working this lumber into tubs, pails, and other
domestic wares, similar to our Eastern ‘*Cedar
Coopers,” as that class of mechanics is styled,
who work only this species of wood.

The well-known collector, and enterprising
discoverer of this, and several other new species
of the Conifers—Mr. A. F. Beardsley—has fur-
nished the following observations :

104

Cupressus FRAGRANS.

Among the timber trees of the Pacific coast
the White Cedar, as it is commonly called, of

tiguous to the coast and for several miles in-
land, but most abundant in moist ground and
low hills kept moist by the density of the forest.
It nearly fills sections of the extensive forests
in the maratime districts of Southern Oregon,
latitude 52° to 44°. It is mingled with Adzes

(May 25th,) resembling Pinus Grandis of Doug-
lass. The trees stand so thick that the light can

hardly penetrate the evergreen foliage, and in |

their gloomy shades spring at every step Kho-
dodendrons, Dwarf Bay, Vacciniums, bearing a
delicious red berry, and other shrubs and plants.
This tree growes straight, six feet in diameter,
150 feet in height, and nearly destitute of

branches for 50 to 70 feet; but when found sin- | : : pest
gly, its long, slender, pendulous branches are re- | lay many feet below the level of the ocean. The
tained down nearly to the ground, making the ; P**" © *hh\)y 0. fs :
general outlines columnar, surmouuted by an | posits, inclosing, in myriads, the conchological

elongated pyramid. The bark on the young

stocks is thin, but as they grow old becomes |
thick, furrowed, and of a soft, fibrous tex- |
ture, not unlike that of Taxodium Sempivirens, |

The color of the wood is! 2#med salses.

of a chocolate color.
white, rather heavier and firmer than white
pine, (Pinus Strobus,) which it much resembles ;
is strong and durable, fine grain and easily
wrought. It has a strong, fragrant, spicy odor,
which it retains fora long time. This charac-
teristic has suggested the name of Fragrant Cy-
press. The lumber made from it is of the best
quality, being very clear from knots.

work, and commands the highest price in the
market. It is preferred for clothes-presses,
chests, etc., haying the same properties in this
respect as camphor wood (Laurus Camphora)
in keeping away moths and other insects. It
has been used in boat-building, and is highly
recommended by those who haye used it for this
purpose.
ship-building, where extra durability is required.
1ére is no more valuable timber found on the
Pacific coast—the famous sugar pine (Pinus
Lambertiuna) not excepted. From the latitude
in which it is found, it is unquestionably hardy,
and its cultivation would be a valuable acquisi-
tion to Atlantic States and Northern Europe.

San Francisco, Dec. 7, 1857
A letter was read from Mr. Swallow, State
Geologist of Mississouri, acknowledging his
election to membership.
Dr. J. A. Veatch read the following paper:
Nores oF A VIsIr TO THE “‘Mup VoLcANOES”’
IN THE CoLorapo DeEsERT, IN THE MONTH

or Jury, A. D., 1857, sy Joun A. Veatcu,
M. D.

Among the numerous objects in California

. A iW ky F
Southern Oregon, is among the most interesting | Voleanoes’’ of the Colorado Desert.

for the beauty of its foliage and utility of its
wood. It is found in almost every situation con- |

| habitable place.

It is ex- |

tensively used in San Francisco for joiners’ | : =
y J | making a detour to the South, to find the only

It would make excellent timbers in |

inviting the investigation of the scientific and
the attention of the curious observer, none are
more conspicuous than the ‘ Salses’’ or ‘Mud
Hidden
midst the burning sands of a frightful waste,
few persons have had the temerity to encounter
the labor and risk of visiting them. Even the
Indians, inhabiting the border of this Western
Sahara, do not willingly venture so far into its
midst, unless it be during the annual rains. At
any other period, to miss one of the few springs
of brackish water, or to find the place occupied

Canadensis, Abies Donglassti, Abies Menzsiesii | °¥ drifting sands—a not unusual occurrence—

and a Silver Fir that I could not designate, it |
having neither fruit nor flower at the time, |

would entail the certainty of the horrors of
thrist, if not loss of life. From personal expe-
rience I cannot blame the repugnance of the
natives to visit a district, which, in addition to
its physical repulsiveness, they suppose to be
the abode of dark and malignant spirits.

The striking peculiarities of this wild region
are, however, too striking to remain long un-
subjected to thorough exploration. ‘The entire
desert is supposed to have been the bed of a
great brackish or fresh-water lake, and is said to

part I lately visited showed deep lacastrine de-

records of the former sea.

it was the month of July of the present year
that I had occasion, in the progress of a minera-
logical excursion, to visit one of the above
It is situated about one hundred
and fifty miles from San Diego, and sixty miles
in a north-easterly direction from the Indian
village of San Filipe—the nearest inhabited
The exact locality, as reported
by the U. 8. Suryeyors, is Township 11 South ;
range 13 East, San Bernardino meridian. The
distance from San Felipe as above given is in an
air line, but by any practicable route is, at least,
thirty miles further, owing to the necessity of

water on the route.

At the above named village, at the trading
post of Messrs. Smith & Brill, we—myself and
son—made preparation for our desert excursion,
by procuring fresh horses and a guide, and pro-
viding provisions, and goards and leathern bot-
tles for carrying water. Our guide, Jose Serano,
who was one of the Captains of his village,
spoke Spanish, and was the only one of his peo-
ple who had eyer been actually at the spot we
wished to visit. he weather was intensely hot,
and the guide advised starting late in the after-
noon, so as to haye the advantage of a night’s
journey, and thereby reach the watering-place
early the next day,—before the heat became op-
pressive. The following I extract from my
notes:

‘* Left San Felipe at 4 o’clock, p. m., July 17.
Crossed the sharp Porphyritie Mountain Ridge
separating San Felipe Valley from the desert.
San Felipe Creek cuts through the ridge here
and runs off in a narrow canon towards the
desert. Itis a bold, running stream, but never
emerges from the canon in summer, being liter-
ally drank up by the first breath of the thirsty
desert wind. ‘The bed of the stream is not
practicable for horses, so we climbed the moun-

105

tain, along an Indian pathway, and from the|the horrid grove without further mishap. A

erest—about 1000 feet above the valley—had an
extensive view of the desert, shading away into
gloomy indistinctness and blending with the
dull clouds that skirted the horizon toward the
East. To theright and left, as far as the eye
could reach, the mountain chain presented a
series of fantastic and rugged seratures weil in
keeping with the sombre area of baron desola-
tion it hedged in. A few stunted mesquit trees,
a dwarf magey and a pretty fair representation
of the cactacia, constituted the flora of the
mountain. Descending the eastern slope at a
rather sharp grade, we re-entered the San Felipe
canon. We received now and again puffs of hot
wind, giving us a foretaste of the furnace-tem-
perature of the broad, herbless plain below. The
canon sloped off rapidly, but with great regu-
larity, expanding into a valley two or three
miles wide and finally losing itself in the desert
ten miles beyond. ‘The soil—if the term be ap-
plicable—consisted of detrital matter and de-
bris of the mountain rocks. A species of Ca-
talpa, with slender, pendulous pods, grew in de-
pressions marking the beds of winter torrents,
and clusters of a tall shrub covered with strong
secured prickles from the root to the extremi-
ties of the branches, gave warning not to ap-
proach them too closely. Succulent and arbo-
rescent Opuntias occurred in clumps and
patches; and the Echinocactus, with its rigid
fish-hook spines, lay often half covered in sand,
and our horses frequently started suddenly to
one side to avoid them. The columnar torm of
a huge cereus crowning some rocky eminences
presented, often, a peculiar and picturesque ap-
pearance. Night overtook us in the valley, and
our progress was much impeded by the opuntias
constantly pricking the horses, rendering them
restive and fretful. The road grew worse and
worse every mile, and about 11 o'clock a dense
forest of bristling vegetation completely blocked
the way. In attempting to force the barrier,
my horse became furious and commenced plung-
ing, and I had to choose between throwing my-
self off into the spring moss or suffer the horse
to do it for me. I chose the first, and in at-
tempting to hold the infuriated animal, was
dragged and shoved alternately amongst opun-
tias higher than my head, until my clothes
were literally pinned to the fiesh from head to
foot by the barbed needle-like prickles. The
horse tared no better, but I felt no great conso-
lation on that score. Jose, with his riata came
timely to the rescue, and the horse was secured
just as the bridle reins broke in my hand and
{ came near experiencing the additional un-
pleasant mishap of being lett horseless. Farther
progress for the night was out of the question.
The horse had freed himself from the saddle
and riding gear, and was so covered with spines
rankling in his skin, that to replace them was
impossible; and even could the horse have
borne the saddle the rider could not have borne
the seat. So tying up m the most favorable spot
that offered, a light was struck and the residue
of the night spent in extracting prickles from
the flesh of man and horse.

“ July 18.—Atearly dawn started again and
had the good fortune to thread our way through

smooth surface of baked clay, in which not even
a cactus could root itself, gave place to the dis-
integrated mountain deposite, and over which
we passed at a sweeping trot. A beautiful speci-
men of Selenite was picked up here, and water-
worn pebbles occasionally occurred. Two hours’
ride brought us on to an enormous clay deposite,
with fragments of thin bivalve shells—probably
the margin of the ancient lake. The soil be-
came gradually more sandy and the variety and
number of shells greatly increased. Finally
the entire deposite consisted of fine sand and
clay, with minute univalve shells in astonishing
quantities. Hillocks formed by drifting sand
accumulating around clumps of mesquit bushes,
leaving only the branches exposed, gave some
variety to the surface of the plain. A few
black Tabanis came buzzing about. the horses,
and a large spotted winged Libellula flitted by
us. ‘lhe presence of these insects was the more
remarkable as the distance to water was not less
than ten miles. ‘Their appearance, insigniti-
cant as were the little creatures, was cheering
and relieved the sullen sadness always produced
by the total absence of animated beings. <At
105 A. M. we reached water, after thirteen and
a half hours’ riding. Horses much fatigued,
hungry and half mad with thrist. Water brack-
ish and warm, proceeding from a large fountain
which rises up in the bed of a ravine, boiling
and bubbling with the constant evolution of gas
—proba ly carbonic acid. It runs off north-
east in a stream yielding about 500 gallons per
minute; but within half a mile it is lost in the
porous soil, and there is no further trace of it.
‘The ravine in which it rises. comes from the
south-west, and is probably a continuation of
Cariso Creek. It here forms a little valley some
hundred yards broad, covered with bushes and
coarse grass—among which the stream mean-
ders from side to side of the valley. The de-
pression below the common level of the desert
is about forty feet. I will take occasion to men-
tion here that appearances presented by the bot-
toms of ravines, wherever I observed them, in-
dicated that water might any where be found at
a depth not exceeding forty feet. A small
grove of mesquit trees, (Prosopus Glandulosa)
with a heavy crop of dry legumes, stood on the
brink of the ravine. The fruit formed a wel-
come repast for the horses, and the slight shade
ot the scattering boughs afforded us some pro-
tection against the hot sun-rays; with blankets
spread over them a tolerable shade was pro-
duced, -but afforded no barrier to the parching
blasts of wind that came like the breath of an
oven. I was driven to the water, where, with
the tall rushes beut into a kind of bower and
sitting up to the neck in the stream, I voted my-
self the presiding genius of the place, and half
dosing, rested comfortably for an hour.

“At 64 o'clock Pp. M., started again, hoping to
reach the voleanoes by midnight. To lighten
the burden of the animals, all our provisions,
blankets and extra wearing apparel, were left be-
hind, taking no weight save our arms and sup-
ply of water. Two black buttes, betwixt which
our course lay, in a north-easterly direction,
served usas guides. Within two miles, came to

106

a small stream of water, rising in a ravine but
not sunk more than fifteen feet below the plain.
It ran toward the North a very little wry, and
was lost by evaporation and absorption. Beyond
this, crossed a superficial clay ridge, strewn with
pebbles and fragments of obsidian; near sun-
down, entered a sandy district, the horses sink-
ing fetlock deep each step ; after dark the buttes
being no longer visible, kept our course by the
stars. By-and-by the atmosphere became hazy,
and only occasional glimpses could be had of the
stars. Wandering from our course, we got into
loose, drifting sands, thrown by the winds into
ridges and hillocks, through which the animals
plunged and struggled, and finally we had to
dismount andleadthem. Jose declared himself
lost, and refused to go any farther till morning.
There being no means of securing the horses, in
case of a halt, we continued to toil on, and for-
tunately got off the sand banks in a little while.
Soon, a few sage bushes were encountered, and
selecting the stoutest, the animals were fastened
to await the coming of to-morrow. In attempt-
ing to make our beds, the burning temperature
of the earth required the interposition of saddle-
blankets and leathern covers of the saddles, and
still it seemed like submitting our limbs to the
process of baking. The restlessness of the horses
kept us in constant fear lest they might break
the insecure fastenings and leave usin a rather
unenviable predicament. It is useless to say the
night was not passed in refreshing slumbers, and
the dawn was never more welcome.

«July 19.—At daylight it was found that we
had wandered last night too far to the North, and
had to turn to the South and East. The white
clouds of steam, shooting upward from the Salse,
soon became apparent at the distance of ten
miles. At sunrise the steam-jets presented an
imposing and singular appearance; the cones
from which they issued were distinctly visible,
and the dull roar of the subterranean tumult
could occasionally be heard. The black buttes
that served as land marks yesterday lay on either
hand—that to the leftless distant. It had the
appearance of a mass of lava heaped into a rough
and fantastically irregular hill, crowned with
sharp pinnacles and rude arches, as if the whole
had been hardened suddenly while in a state of
most violent agitation from boiling. The more
distant one to the right seemed a black, compact
mass, with a glittering, smooth surface common
to the granite and gnisease rocks bordering the
desert. If volcanic, the character was not so ap-
parent as in that to the left.

‘A little after 6 a. m., reached a point as near
the Salse as was deemed prudent, on horseback.
The ground had become soft and muddy, and
the sulphurous scents and strange sounds fright-
ened the horses. Giving them in charge of Jose
Serano, we proceeded on foot about a quarter of
a mile to the scene of action. The scene pre-
senting itself is difficult of description. The ac-
companying engraving from a drawing made by
my son, on the spot, gives some idea of the ap-
pearance, but the effect can only be known by
one who has heard the wild rush of steam, the
rude hubbub of the mud explosions, and the
dull murmur of the boiling cauldrons of slime.
The space occupied by the Salse is a parallelo-

en

gram, five hundred yards long and three hundred
and fifty broad—a table of hardened bluish clay,
a little elevated above the surrounding plain.—
The adjacent ground is low and muddy, and
during the rains entirely covered with water.—
There is a gentle slope toward the North and
East, the mud and water of the Salse running off
slowly in that direction, where a lake of salt
water exists in the rainy season, but presenting
now a vast sheet of crystaline chloride of sodi-
um. Into this lake the arm of the Colorado,
known as New River, discharges itself. The
lake, having no outlet, would probably soon re-
gain its ancient area if the channel of New Riv-
er afforded a regular and more generous supply
of water.

«© The steam-jets of the Salse issue from con-
ical mounds of mud varying from three to fifteen
feet in height, the sides presenting various an-
gles, some being sharp and slender cones, others
dome-shaped mounds that seemed to have spread
and flattened out with their own weight, upon
the discontinuance of the action that formed
them. Out of some of the cones the steam
rushes in a continuous stream, with a roaring
or whizzing sound, as the orifices vary in diame-
ter or jets differ in velocity. In others the ac- ~
tion is intermittent, and each recurring rush of
steam is accompanied by a discharge of a shower
of hot mud, masses of which are thrown some-
times to the height of a hundred feet. These
discharges take place every few few minutes
from some of the mounds, while others seem to
have been quiet for weeks or months. During
our short stay we had specimens of the rapidity
with which a sharp, conical mound could be
built up andagain tumbled down. In oneplace
a stream of hot water was thrown up from fifteen
to thirty feet, falling in a copious shower on
every side, forming a circle within which one
might stand without danger from the scalding
drops, unless the wind chanced to drive them
from their regular course. It issued from a su-
perficial mound out of an opening about six
inchesin diameter; but the column of steam and
water immediately upon issuing expanded to a
much greater size. ‘The orifice was lined with
an incrustation of carbonate of lime, and around
it, and particularly on the south-east side, stood
a miniature grove of slender stalagmitie arbo-
rescent concretions of the same substance. They
were from half an inch to one and a-half inches
in diameter, and from four to eight inches in
height. Many of them were branched and the
tips colored red, contrasting beautifully with
the marble-whiteness of the trunk, and resem-
bling much a corral grove. Some were hollow,
and delicate jets of steam issued from their sum-
mits, and this seemed to explain the mode of
their formation. Some were not hollow through-
out, being closed at the summit, but when de-
tached from their base, asmall orifice in the een-
tre suffered Lot steam to pass, and some degree
of caution was required to remove them without
scalded fingers. To approach the spot was a
feat of some difficulty, surrounded as it was by
a magic circle of hot rain. I retreated, sealded,
from the only attempt I dared to make ; but my
son, more adventurous or more attracted by the
beauty of the specimens, succeeded in bringing

+

away several. The falling water ran off into a
poola foot deep, but what became of it was not
apparent, as it had no seeming outlet. I brought
away a bottle of it for examination. It was
transparent, but had an intensely bitter and sa-
line taste. This spot is represented a little to the
xight of the centre in the engraving. A little
beyond and on either hand, are two huge caul-
dron-like basins, sunk five or six feet below the
general level, and near a hundred feet in diam-
eter. Within these cauldrons a bluish argilla-
ceus paste is continually boiling with a dull
murmur, elmitting copious sulphurous vapors,
and huge bubbles, bursting, throw masses of
mud to the height of several feet. These kettles
sometimes boil over, and the matter runs offin a
slimy stream toward the salt lake. This seems
to have been the case recently, as we encount-
ered the track of one of these streams, not yet
dry, 2 mile from the Salse.

“ The yoleanic action was far more violent at
some former period than at present, as is proved
by the erupted butte, above named, as well as by
fragments of pumice scattered over the plain.

‘“ Our visit only lasted an hour and a quarter.
The sun was already scorching hot, and our sup-
ply of water could not last, with the most rigid
economy, more than three hours longer. The
watering place, left yesterday, was not less than
20 miles distant. A spring was marked by the
U.S. Surveyors, only 4 or 5 miles to the north,
but as no land-marks were known by which it
might be found, it would have been rash to waste
time in seeking it. The tempting objects in the
vicinity, which would require many days for ex-
amination, could only be greeted with a farewell
glance, and our horses’ heads were turned to-
wards the water. Leaving the sand hills, that
gave us so much trouble last night, to the right,
our course lay south-west.

‘«We soon had reason to congratulate ourselves
upon being clear of the drifting sands. The
winds increasing as the day advanced, whirled
the dust into a black cloud through which Jose
declared it would be impossible to travel. It
would certainly have been exceedingly unplea-
sant, to say the least. The season of the rains
was due—the Sonora rains prevailing here—and
showers were observed at a great distance, but
none approached us.

“For the first three or four miles, after leaving
the Salse, the plain presented a smooth surface
of sand and bluish clay—baked and fissured—
Strewn sparingly with volcanic cinders and ob-
sidian fragments. Round holes marked the es-
cape of gas when the ground was softened by
water. Soon the plain became cut up with ra-
vines 3 or 4 feet in depth, which Jose said were

_ the arms of ‘‘New River,’’ which branched out

before entering the salt lake. The remains of
4 most luxuriant vegetation, now dead and dry,
proved the place to be only a desert for want of

water. The suddenness and rankness of grass
_and weed-growth where the New River broke

away from the Colorado, some years since, and

_ irrigated the desert, is remembered by many

who witnessed the magic-like transition from
barrenness to fertility. An intervening sandy
district confused our course—loose and drifting,
but not deep—and fortunately no sand-storm

107

was gotten up for our benefit while passing
it.

“It was now near noon; the wind blew a gale,
but seemed only to add, by its scorching dry-
ness, to the raging solar heat. Our water bot-
tles were exhausted, and the distance betwixt
us and the watering place was yet ten or twelve
miles. ‘lwo hours’ deprivation of water is cer-
tainly no great inconvenience, under ordinary
circumstances, but on the desert can only be ap-
preciated by one who has felt it. About two
o'clock, Pe. m., the green bushes and cheerful
rippling of water greeted us, and men and hor-
ses plunged in and blessed the fountain in the
desert,

«The tired condition of the animals made it
imprudent to leave our present position until
they were somewhat recruited, so arrangements
were made for a shelter from the sun. A black
cloud that had been slowly heaving up for some
hours from the west, at last met the sun’s track
and brought its friendly shadow to our relief.
After a refreshing nap of two hours, an attempt
was made at getting up a breakfast—we had
eaten nothing during the day—but all appetite
was gone, and nothing craved but continued
drafts of water. Jose, however, was a bright
exception, and had certainly lost nothing of his
gastronomic powers, but merrily devoured the
meal prepared for the three.

‘* As night closed in, two or three black bats
came forth from their hiding places, and a soli-
tary goat-sucker flitted around in silence. No
other animals appeared, save a lizard, whose
movements were too quick for us to capture
him, and three coleopterous insects, less agile
than their neighbor, fell a sacrifice to the inter-
ests of science.

‘* On the morrow—Monday, the 20th—it was
still thought imprudent to leave until evening,
so as to make the most of the journey to San
Felipe during the night and early the following
day. The forenoon was therefore spent in col-
lecting a few shells irom the soil, one of which,
the Physa humerosa, was still found inhabiting
the water of the spring. Two species of fishes
were observed, about an inch in length, one
slender and of a whitish color, the other, broad
in proportion to length, and dark colored, look-
ing like asmall perch. Our guide states that
this secluded spot was his early home. He was
born here, and the tribe he now rules over here
had their lodges, and lived in abundance on the
maize, melons and frijoles that he describes as
growing with a luxuriousness unknown to any
place away from the so called desert. A succes-
sion of rainless summers drove them away, and
they have not since returned. They planted
with the early rains, say in July or August.

“At 4p. m., bid adieu to our camp and set out
for San Felipe. About midnight we arrived on
the margin of the cactus thicket—the scene of
my former mishap.

‘July 21.—At daylight again on the move, and
startled a vagrant coyote, the only one ever seen
in our route. A trail of a flock of mountain
sheep was observed, and the head of one, prob-
ably killed by Indian hunters, lay by the way-
side. A104, a. ., the welcome sight of San
Felipe cheered us from the heights aboye it, and

“S| | UC ee

108

a half hour more found us safe under the hospi-
table roof of Messrs. Smith & Brill.”

Thus ended a hurried trip to a most inter-
esting spot in the midst of a no less interesting
district. The shells obtained were submitted to
Dr. Trask and were found to consist of two spe-
cies of Amnicola (A. protea and A. longinqua
—Gould) and the Physa(P. humerosa—Gould)
before named. A large bivalve was observed,
but so thin and fragile that the specimens broke
to small pieces for the want of safe means of
transporting them.

The water from the volcano has the specific
gravity of 1.075, and holds in solution free bo-
racic acid, with borates and a large quantity of
chloride of sodium, and other salts. “These mat-
ters would indicate the true voleanic origin of

the Salse, and but little doubt rests on my mind |

of itsbeingso. The evidences of former volcanic
action in the neighborhood and the testimony
of the boracic acid, establish its true character.
The acid and its compounds exist only in small
quantities, but sufficient to be unequivocally
determined. Similar Salses exist some thirty
or forty miles further south. One made its ap-
peurance during the earthquake of November
29, 1852, a few miles helow the line of the State.
Two others exist in the same district, as I was
informed by a person who professed to have vis-
ited them. One is represented as a single jet of
steam and water from an opening a yard in di-
ameter, situated in a plain of hardened clay.
The other consists of several pools of warm water,
through which hot gas is continually escaping.
Another is again spoken of in the adjacent
mountain, partaking of the true volcanic char-
acter, emitting fire and smoke. I hope some
one may soon have occasion to examine these
and other interesting localities, at a season when
it will be practicable to pass a few days on the
desert without danger of perishing with thirst.

The real character of this desert has not been
generally understood. In its present condition
it is truly a desert. But only a portion, how-
ever, of its immense area is condemned to irre-
trievable barrenness—viz: the partfcovered with
drifting sands. The greater part, from the con-
stituents of its soil, must be fertile in the ex-
treme, and only wanting moisture to produce a
wilderness of vegetation. This is proven in the
case of New River, while it continued to run.
This arm of the Colorado might be made per-
manent, buta far more convenient supply could
be furnished by artesian wells, or better still, by
wind mills raising water from common wells, as
is now so successfully practiced throughout the
fertile valley of San Jose. As stated before,
there is every reason to believe water can be had
any where at a depth not exceeding thirty or
forty feet.”

As the great Southern Railway must pass
through this district, it is interesting to know
that the now dreaded desert can easily be
changed into the happy homes of a thriving
people. Repulsive as are the features of the
country at present, the presence of a rail-way
will convert it into the garden of the Pacific
slope, and it is destined to become the cotton and
sugar growing district for Arizona, Utah, Cali-
fornia and Oregon.

Since writing the above I have had the pleas-
ure of seeing a letter from Dr. Newbury, Ge-
ologist of the Colorado Exploring Expedition,
being now fitted out by the U. S. Government,
to Dr. W. O. Ayers, of San Francisco, from
which I am kindly permitted to make an ex-
tract. Speaking of the desert. he says: I find
it not a bad country—having, most of it, a bet-
ter soil than the mountain districts west of it.
If water could be supplied regularly to the New
River country it would be a perfect garden.”

San Francisco, Jan. 11, 1858.
Dr. Trask read the jollowing paper on the
occurrence of earthquakes during 1857 :

EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA DURING THE
YEAR 1887.

During the past year there has been rather a
frequency in the occurrence of the phenomena
of earthquakes, and, with the exception of two,
there have been none that were particularly re-
markable either for extent of surface affected or
severity of action. In one, that of the 9th of
January, the greatest extent of surface, and
greatest intensity of action was manifest. Its
principal force seems to have been expended in
the more southerly portions of our State, and in
the immediate vicinity of those volcanic vents
found at different localities upon the Colorado
Desert. It is manifest, however, that this shock
and those which preceded it on the night of the
8th, had their origin to the west of our coast, as
the times of occurrence of the shock at differ-
ent localities most fully prove. This matter
was fully discussed in my previous paper, “ On
the direction and velocity of the Earthquake of
January 9th, 1857,’’ read before this Society
March 30th, which will be found on page 98 of
their proceedings.

The other shock of greatest extent, on the
2d of September, extended over an area of about
200 miles, but was marked by no particular se-
verity or injury except that of fright to those
who experienced it.

The whole number that can be authenticated
as occurring during 1857, amounts to seventeen,
being greater than the number recorded in 1853
and 1856, andit would seem probable from our
records that this number is the maximum
to which we shall probably be subjected in this
State.

From the Sandwich Islands we have no news
of earthquakes save one, which is here inserted :
““A very severe shock of earthquake was felt at
Kawaihae, Hawaii, on the 24th of February,
the most severe that the residents there have
had for many years.”

The arrival of the whaling fleet from the
Northern seas brings no intelligence of the oc-
currence of these phenomena, as was the case of
the preceeding year, hence, the presumption is,
that subterranean action has not been violent
in those distant regions during the year just
passed.

On the coast of Mexico, and inclusive be-
tween the 25th and 32d parallels, we have re-
ceived intelligence of the occurrence of one
earthquake, which appears to have been felt on
both shores of the gulf of California for a dis-

——— i

|
.

109

tance of uearly 200 miles, both North and
South. We have no records South of that
point.

The shocks which we can authenticate within
the limits of our own State, are as follows:

Jan. 9.—This shock was felt from Sacramento
to the Southern boundary of the State. It was
preceded by three smart shocks the night and
morning previous. The time of its occurrence
at this city was 8h. 13m. 30s.

Jan. 18, 9 a. M.—A light shock at Martinez
and Benicia.

Jan. 20, 8:30 a. M.—A smart shock was felt
at Santa Cruz and Mission San Juan.

Jan. 21,11. m.—On the evening of this
day a smart shock was felt in Mariposa. The
wave and sound seemed to travel from N. W.
toS. E. It was accompanied with a report like
that of a distant gun.

Feb. 5, 7 ®. M.—A smart shock was felt in
San Francisco, which shook the buildings that
are situated on made ground very severely,
while those situated on firmer bottoms were af-
fected. This shock was felt at Oakland and
Stockton, but was not felt at San Jose or Sac-
ramento, as reported at the time.

March 14,3 ». M.—A severe shock was felt
at Santa Barbara and Monticito. It was mo-
mentary in duration, attended with a loud re-

ort.
. March 23, 12:27 a. m.—A light shock in San
Francisco.

May 3, 10 ep. M— A smart shock at Los An-
geles and the Monte.

May 23.—A light shock at Angeles ; a report
also that a severe shock had been felt at Fort
Tejon.

June 14.—A shock was felt at Humboldt Bay.
On the same day several severe shocks were ex-
perienced at the penal island, Carmen, Gulf of
California, and which extended almost ninety
miles north and south of the island.

Aug. 8, 11 a. Mm—A smart shock was felt at
Rabbit Creek, Sierra county.

Aug. 29.—A severe shock at the Tejon Re-
serve. No timeis given.

Sept. 2, 7:45 pv. m.—A light shock at San
Francisco. This shock was felt at Sacramento,
Marysville, Nevada, San Juan, Downieville and
Camptonville.

Sept. 14, 2 p.m.—A light shock in San Fran-

cisco.
Oct. 19, 6:30 Pp. mM.—A severe shock of an
earthquake in San Francisco. On the follow-
ing morning, at 12:8 a.m., at 12:35 a. m., and
1:15 a. M., three other shocks occurred ; the last
was equally severe with that of Jan. 9th, at 8
A. M. ‘People were much frightened, and left
their beds. The shock was felt at San Jose, but
not at Oakland.

Nov. 8, 3:45 a. m.—Ashock at San Francisco,
which was felt at Oakland and Bodega.

_Des. 23, 7 A. m.—A light shock at San Fran-
Cisco.

Ofthe whole number which have occurred
during the year, two only have been felt at San
Francisco that were not experienced at other
localities, and four others have occurred which
have been felt in common at other portions of
the State; thus making about one-third of the

whole number that were in common here and
elsewhere.

Eight of the aggregate have occurred between
the summer and winter solstices.

Seven have occurred during the spring and
summer months, and ten during the winter and
autumn.

Eight have occurred between the vernal and
autumnal equinoxes.

San Francisco, June 29, 1857.
President, Col. L. Ransom, in the chair.

Donations to the Cabinet to Jan. 1, 1858.

Tibia of mastodon, from Shaw's Flat, by Mr.
Charles H. Stokes.

Carolina limestone, from Alpha, Nevada Co.,
by Mr. Isaac Wisner.

One hundred and fifty species of marine and
land shells from the Sandwich Islands, by Mr-
Garrett. ‘

Coleopterous insects, by Mr. T. F. Moss.

Serpentine, perforated with Pholas, from Ore-
gon, by Mr. Beardsley, with tertiary fossils from
the same coast.

Red and black oxide copper and sulphur from
Lower Catifornia, by Dr. Norrline.

Copper ore from Hope Valley, by Hon. John
Bigier.

A jar containing preparations of the nutmeg in
every stage of growth, from Singapore, by Mr.
Thomas Dalton.

Ores of copper from the Arizona mines ; also
fossil Ostrea from the Desert, by Mr. J. Wilson.

Dipterous insects of this State, by Mr. T. F.
Moss.

Fossil vertebra of mammalia from Mission
San Antonio, by Dr. Eckel.

Auriferous quartz and limestone from the
crystal mine at Angels’ Camp, by Mr. Benja-
min.

Specimen of the new genus Loxorynchus,
(Stimpson), by Nahl & Bro.

Kaolin clay from foothills San Joaquin county,
by Mr. Patrick, of Stockton.

Marine fossils from Russian America, (tertia-
ry), Mr. T. F. Moss. :

Mastoid process temporal bone of whale from
San Diego; recent and fossil shells of Physa hu-
merosa, planorbis Ammon, and two species of
Amnicola, Colorado Desert; also,three specimens
of carabus, fruit of two species of mezquite and
composite flowers, from same locality, by Dr.
J. A. Veatch. Also specimens of botany from
the vicinity of Santa Barbara.

A collection of plants from the vicinity of Port
Orford, by Mr. Beardsley.

Specimens of Pinus tuberculata and other
plants from Contra Costa, by Mr. Bloomer.

_. Specimens of Sienite from Yosemite Falls, by |,

“Me. Hepburn. Also carbonate copper from the| Pique Dupuytren. » W

“North Carolina Mine, Rough and Ready, Neva-
da county.

Argentiferous grey copper, with analysis of the
same, from Tubac, G. P. Plomosa, Tubac. G. P.

‘Silver ore from La Mina Bolanos, Durango, by
K. G. Killaly.

Silver ore from La Fan! L. C., by J. K. Moller
& Co.

Picrolite (?) from Three Buttes, Mariposa coun-
ty ; also two specimens granite, with large erys-
tals, black tourmaline, from Texas Flat, by Mr.
James Hepburn.

Red oxide copper and Atacmite from La Mina
Mozamique, Sinaloa, by Mr. G. F. Walker.

A bark tunic of South Sea Islands, by Mr. E.
Stanley.

A collection of the honey ants found in the
Gadsden Purchase, by Mr. Poston.

Sugar from the honey dew from Napacounty,
by Mr. R. T. Montgomery.

Deposited by Mr. Hutchings: two specimens
indurated tufa from Mokelumne Hill; also a
large specimen bark of Sequoia gigantea, in
glass case.

Specimens of silicified wood from Mokelumne

Hill, by Mr. 8. A. Briggs.

Colepterous insects from Sierra Nevada, by Mr.

Hepburn,
. Malleable sulphuret silver with ruby ore, La
Mina Guadalupe y Calvo, ruby blende in calca-
reous gangue, from Batopilas Chihuahua; Plu-
mose Argent Galena, with grey copper, from Si-
berijou, Sinaloa, by R. G. Killaly.

Specimens of a new species of Sabella, and
specimens of teredo from Bay of San Francisco,
by Dr. Trask.

» » Wood of the Cupressus fragrans, (Kellogg) by
Mr. Beardsley.

Auriferous limestone and quartz from Cala-
veras Mine, Angels Camp, by Mr. L. P. Bouton.

Ores from the Grain Gold Lode, Butte Co.;
ores from Keystone Mine, Amador county, by
Mr. Waitt.

Limestone from Santa Cruz, by Mr. Dunham.

Peroxide Manganeese from: Mount Diablo
Range, by Mr, Lyman.

Gum Acacia from Mazatlan.

Marine shells from Acapulco, by Dr. Still-
man,
Specimens of heart of redwood, enclosing

acorns, by Mr. Charles Simson.
Arraganite from Suisun, by Dr. Veatch.
Specimens of pinus contorta, (?) and cones of
Abies menzezii, by Mr. Beardsley.

Skull of cannibal from: New Caledonia, by
ten
Marine shells from Panama, iy Dr. Stillman. =
Specimens of Clay from San Antonio, by Mr.
Beardsley.
Specimens of serpentine from Amador neem)
by Mr. T. F. Moss.

Donations to the Library to the Close of the Year.
List of members of the Linnean Society.
Address of Thomas Bell to the er en So-

ciety.

Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean So-
ciety, parts 1-3 Botany and parts 1-3 Zoology;
vol. 1, 1856.

Kong! Vetenskaps Akad Handlinger; vol. 2,
1853-4.

Oversigt Kongl Vetenskaps Akad Forband,
Stockholm ; vol. 1, 1856.

Schriften, Russich, Kaiserl, fur die glen
Mineralogie; parts 1 and 2, 1842. St. Petersburg.

Jahrbuck der Kaiser Konig] Geologischen
Richenstalt; No. 1, Jan., Feb., March, 1853;
No. 3, July, Aug., Sept., 1855 ; quarto.

Descriptions of land and fresh-water shells, by
Isaac Lea, from the author.

Catalogue of human crania of the Museum of -

Philadelphia Academy Natural Sciences, by Mr.
J. L. Sargent, Phila.

La Science for 1857, by T. F. Moss.

American Journal Science and Art, from the
publishers.

Proceedings Boston Society Natural History,
pp. 145-176, from society.

Researches on the Cyprinoid Fishes west of the
Mississippi Valley, by Mr. Charles Girard, from
the author.

Also contributions to Icthyology of the United
States, anda notice of the genus Salmo of Ore-
gon and California.

teport of the Sanitary Commission of New
Orleans on the yellow fever of 1853; Report of
Special Committee of New Orleans Academy on
Survey of Louisiana ; Annual Address before the
New Orleans Academy ; Proceedings of the New
Orleans Academy—from the society. -
Prodromus Deseript Animaliam oairae
rium, Part 2, from author.

An account of the Smithsonian Institute) from —

the Institute.
Catalogue of North American Mammals, by
8. F. Baird, from the author.
Maury'’s Wind and Current Charts, quarto,
from Lt. Maury.

Zietschrift fur Wissen Zoologie, by Liebold & ~

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