Alan, Leviton and Michele L, | ____ alifornin Academy of Sie — oe _ ——— m, { a) 4 i —— \. . i ‘“ Le id 4 \ = = \ : 7 fh ae 2] mia \ sf i i ’ me ac Ny ; 7 ‘| : di c = — mae i] i \ — p= Ws ae “Fh. 1 t ha L~ a aa : r ft i , 7% is, i} ? > She . La — a A ~- % 7 — 7 = ( 48 ieee Theodore Henry Hittell’s THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES & NARRATIVE HISTORY: 1853-1906 EDITED, REVISED AND ENLARGED BY Alan E. Leviton’ and Michele L. Aldrich’ Curator, Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences Research Associate, California Academy of Sciences and Science and Technology Studies, Cornell University PREFACE BY George E. Lindsay Executive Director Emeritus California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, California 1997 Copyright © 1997 by the California Academy of Sciences Published by California Academy of Sciences Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California 94118 Memoirs of the California Academy of Sciences No. 22 ISBN 0-940228-39-4 Library of Congress Card Catalog Number 97-66572 This book has been composed in Adobe Systems Times Roman Typeset in the United States of America by California Academy of Sciences in Ventura Professional Publisher’; camera-ready copy produced on a Lexmark Optra R*™® laser printer Printed in the United States of America by Braun-Brumfield, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan and Richard Thunes, San Francisco, California This is a Limited Edition printing of 500 copies. This is copy number BEE _. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the pubisher. THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES A NARRATIVE HISTORY, 1853-1906 THEODORE HENRY HITTELL 1830-1917 (Photograph taken about 1885) Courtesy, Geoffrey F. Dunn, Santa Cruz, California Table of Contents Page [FRIES it Sa a ee a ee ee ee l TP OIREWROICEY, Sets a Pes Oe A Sy els rm 3 CNY STS Lou Seis We Miao ee ea rere ee a eee 1] Sitaptomule neg yan ole aus het SPs) Gos eee e we oe PRS Chapter IIT: 1855-1856 ROMER Le rte 2 a Peat a (alls. MS IS COMM Sten ee 2 8 ce NLS lee ea WY Glas 52 TSG es ee RS 53 LES OPIN ee ii N ec. Ik x. ae hsadhy, ven Spteteal, atvneeen abs 54 Chapter V: 1863-1864 [LS ES a a 62 IS Gee R rae Ae a hg LOR hy ge Gig, binay age 8) AGP 68 Chapter VI: 1865-1866 iS OSE ne ere ne a weer eee aeae ga. gy gta 74 UNS Oetem weytred is sl EE ea ey alate Ses ag oe, wae Ne 78 Wiiaplen wl SO ee is ei is cee ROE IE te ayo Cote aot 85 (CADE) SST VA UIE eo oc aren ere iets pes ee a 95 Glatt ot reed B.S kes Sie Utne are ae gente gan mn Mea ae ee 105 GRACE US VO renters ho Non ste ody is se, fa LS Chapter aS ihe er sees exctete betas ahonte aah Scape 128 vi CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Page Chapter XIAUST2: oof aa.» 4.44: Be wae Se oat ae oe Be 140 Chapter XE US 73> 4.2.2.2 & a a8 & bea ben 8, ee ome 150 Chapter SUV S74 2 oes 6 ae de a tes ach os ae ae 164 Chapter XV: WSIS 43.6 5a G24 eS ee eee RE 180 Chapter XVE USIG 3 64.4 oe eon eee ee ok eee Se 191 Chapter SVIINIST) casas «ene eG 5 ee Boe ere 202 Chapter SVM STS 2 eee ee eee eee 210 Chapter XIX: 1879-1880 |S be Se oe ee ee eer Le Se eee err ere are aaa 219 TSSOP So ca Rew Ce. og ea ane tore ne oe, 226 Whapter 0X; SSI 4 2. 4 Meee none eee eee 232 Chapter AX 21 S82 6. \5: ihren: eee ae ek ee 241 Chapter XN IS 83: %, «ge ere ec eee ace eae 250 Chapter XXIII: 1884-1885 SSS 5, cx ). 2%, 2) ot Ree es as Sai eee 312 Appendix F: Comments by Lieutenant De Long and others during the reception in behalf of the officers of the Bennett Exploring Expedition to the North Pole .....°.. .. 22% 514 Appendix G: Member attendance at Academy meetings, VS 55 o0SI9 ese ‘ec Meee ees Oe Gl uo: ema ee 316 Appendix H: Memorial to Theodore Henry Hittell. Reprinted from the Proceedings of the California Academy of erences: Ii Jone. FOG: 2S By ae aig a eee Sh ee 518 Appendix I: “California Academy of Natural Sciences. Circular,” announcing the formation of the Academy and including “Instructions for Preparing and Transmitting Specimens (printed Jue. 15 5)>... ais age eee ane ene 544 Appendix J: \9th-Century meeting record books in the Archives of the California Academy of Sciences ....... S51 TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix K: Comparison of several pages from the original (1854) and reprint (1873) editions of Volume | of the AcadeMiy SuerOCCeCdINGS = 8 3 5 rer ae ie tunities 15 aS dhe Appendix L: Sample member certificates issued by the Acageiay dures cary years”. 2.8. Pee ote oe Appendix M: Institutional and individual donors to the Academy’s Library following the April 18, 1906 SAMuCMaKcana hes. 15. ot Eko Wine ete Bake tee = alae Illustrations Portraits Page Theodore H. Hittell (Facing Table of Contents) ......... IV The Founders Andrew Randall... .% < «22 bs os BGA eee ae 15 AIbGHtMGNOGe.. 14a se eae o Oe, wee ee ee eee ee 15 John: Boardman. lraske 2 24.64 6.0 £0 & « ore 4 So eo Se 16 (homas ds. Nevinss 44. . se aoe ee 6 ee aoe 2 ae 16 HenryGibbOnsS..2. 262. &s $4 24@- 5s ae oe ees 18 Charles Parris 23. e065 6.5 4 & oe ee ee eee (No portrait) Lewis Wei SlOat . agen ee eee eee eee (No portrait) OUTS AGASSIZ” Voorn cong eae eee reer ae eee 28 William AnVOnd 5.02 sas ce eee ee tee eee 413 Brank Marion Andersom .9. 52-2 22 82 22 2. eee ee 413 William Albert Ashburner .................04. 63 WilltamiOrville-Ayres: 2. ee ae ge eee 30 Spencer Fullerton Bairds ia amy 4 qo sears ee eos en eee 39 RONG EL BECK «oi 2 accuse He ee ee 414; 470 Hans Hermann Behr fs oie serene sees eee: eee 28 VAIS NEVA 2 oi &, se: 5 my Pe acct ane ene 106 William-Phipps Eilekes gees ne eh ees tee eee 26 FiiratG, Blooien .<. 2. Segoe ee es Sees Cee ane Z3 Henry N: Bolandena< 4 aatalescar ea er cae eee 58 FO WardOSQUn uc "sada oat cite cs Sac, Vee as 21 Amos BOWMAN) «5. Gu & ae Bo Gacy ae aul een eee 145 Mary Katharine (neé Layne) (Curran) Brandegee ........ 261 ‘Townshend: Stith Brandesee s..5.;' 453 be + ees ee 301 JolmneCasper Branners ss 4:4, 204 a ae aoe eee eee 34] Willian henry Brewer < 4 oc e-1 ~ Geass ee, ee 2») Fbisha Brooks. -yes! 42 21's ohn Sa gg ee ee ee 89 Woalicr Ee Divan: asa 223. we @ ay ¢ oes Oe ee 285 Charles BurckWalier 5 ¢-272% 3s AF Sle a ae 215 George CHISIMOTe 5. 5552s ners ae 30a ee eee 387 Samuel Benedict CHMSty: 222) 2-2. cha. aur emai aeons ice eerie 183 ILLUSTRATIONS . Xl Page David Douty Coltong-. & os 250! 4 Wee See, can, A ee. 124 ames GralamuCOOper. % in%, 40 Ag a tee eo ee alae: 63 ivan CSIC TOCK CRI concur yey aches ck SR Ra eee ene wy EN tn 237 Clianles eC LOCKEIy reece eo Sek Se suet eee ee a acer ky ee 253 PWallvanarel Crock ehmaey ey 015 a, ek ald ey Se ed eto cs 373 Mary Katharine Layne {Curran} (see also Brandegee, Mary K.) 261 Nvillacmvblcaley atl oy cee. ac en Groh Pe aOR teow 76 CORE MO ANAC SOM Goh. de Mle 2-51 ae. 4-16 hice ah wit en clans eau NR Re eee 14] PMCS HAST OUOG eitracgd ate on 54) en ty. Range ae un een Aah oo Re 338 Rleninvdb awards: toc. cir oie iis ethane ae pom are at Ree 87 ar MeICCMONANI! Goce oy oe acres ay Kewr Ou Meyele, pecerd bce Pre Ae 3 fA BB, flor, eves prer tig peoutelars, i Lee Z, inte, se osionate feCLAL, HAsha tv ke, piacere tlisrile 7 CD litraners ) “Gg. we, Alar fork 16 oho 7 i7 Fa ae pare ad 5 ae x, &, &, Henra, er *, Prag, Le GK , Mea eso, Oy uias 7 fratddAen, FALL, nA Ak Farner, 2x< poor 54) farcler. Arustecs, An pirtinn ATi # he. Cotnncil Poetry, se BR App ay PR aa mie Py Ags Tul witer. po Fic Boma “7 ty , ee af pesrtet hut ere mew Gu ffrettud Y Sone a ae a fad A AS Ve Fe. Lee 7 t, SE HG (Reet e agansc he prrfvily a Ya Aeoderey j aud fen, Be blern 29 frescrt 3 Reaul, fers tulhonzet BB “Ake 2 211A npeeced Ma aces : Gals; sas fo Hh. 2 me Lhe AUgih2l b0icad pro foe hey, a ches : hanpieh sh i ee Se BS Sue lend og She Meaney ita ce ese Aeon th. 4 ND OS a Le BOS .SS = Deiaers FZ My, Aa Lane : 1, bli Rex present 7 Ae (Pear Ay Atrnat kepooré, ap ‘ ire - : AE Pra seeerrecelh GEE toheshe, ee Bfipedro, ters Priéuer Wad a 7 acne al ee poagse ee mt Lhad Sep ee fy Anh, fo Lepoore Be Coucdtorw 7 # r aa 7 te Aca ler? at Lhe bese 27, the Se Ax Ow Ky Hed an [keaserne aes oaks factor, we Arn Ze 2 Oi, De LOD OPEL I: oUt phewcs Shes Lhe Piette nes 7 Mia. tosh tilec< few bea, fC, Angel cogs, Kad hetrn Made 73 Drader fer, weclrnet fo seen Khcriser | Le L166, pees Le eadiseny, ahh Crue poet bee qret etic uthac Grnte fe AeA dorwret, i capers oe ns te. Boe tc + ore Ww turk taG see, So e. totecl. Wb deletenny fiers porirvia be forthleotmnn,, wired AP* Z L 7 ee a 2, Cams # . s pP f he a #< oF aha Aaate Ale The (4 smi ‘ Cot fe pais 4 Beck - A = . COTUHLL Htv~ Poder oe! rae We A ee = ae Bie } a “7 fa0 Revel Ser uray fo~=e— btu a7 AvCupgathors HpAAAAee, Ce, Perel puterud Le +t ve Py; Mad, Lote fPioceeta jh had hee! gpsclgate ditetin, ta the Aer deny by Pu Coleen Aik, Kar Meo beer , a 9 nt Mas it gap ASN teed, | hase. clarity, Ke Peusteds Aik eats. Ket MWccirL fhe EST Ae ) Pevheght Con plharnrc< Mit Un Hhelk Fox Wout Net Gtrer Fa as ae hack DRe te oleren hunt. bara [Pe Ea ih. Mere oy The bpm, Ahinyh Fi Pranazers 4 Me €1%ad hak fount OW Adsurmed authent % sect Fe Pre a oa wed Aet Condsenrc lo fry “4 orn portion, nek hale wshs, Ke Anthoruit, Be ol at to pay ever Te freaks ptre pra Grrath. mm, (er 4e pramapinp lhe ual nn tec Ar. Ay > Giz co, ae Aisposedc Za Ackacwl. xe lhe. lhatiacahip, The Nea deorg 7 a; Photocopy of a page from Theodore Henry Hittell’s handwritten manuscript on the history of the California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences Archives FOREWORD 5 on “The California Academy of Sciences and the Early History of Science in the West.” His remarks were then published in the December, 1942 issue of the Califor- nia Historical Society Quarterly. Although a readable essay, it suffers from not having been based on a critical review of source materials. Rather Miller accepted much of the oral tradition that had evolved over nearly a century of Academy history plus what he had gleamed from the typescript copy of Hittell’s original manuscript. Unfortunately, both oral tradition and the Hittell manuscript suffer to some extent from the same malady, the lack of verification of the earliest days of the Academy and of the people involved. For instance, Miller, like Hittell, stated that Andrew Randall was a gunner aboard the P/ymouth, Commodore John Sloat’s flagship, when the latter entered Monterey Bay in 1846, and that he jumped ship and remained in California to become the first president of the California Academy of Natural Sciences. However, it was not gunner Andrew Randell (corrected spelling), but David Dale Owen’s field assistant in the Federal geological survey of the Wisconsin-Min- nesota territories, Andrew Randall, who came overland to California in 1849 with Col. James Collier’s party, who became the Academy’s first president. Many publications, books and shorter essays treat the 19th century history of natural history in the United States, and in some of these there is brief mention of the Academy. However, all too often, authors were unaware of any connection whatso- ever, or if aware, dismissed the connection with only passing notations. Lester Stephens’ delightful biography of Joseph LeConte’' offers one such example. Stephens mentions LeConte’s participation in the Academy only once, though his association with the Academy spanned more than two decades, in the context of LeConte’s concern that the Academy did not publish his paper on the Carson Prison footprints (q.v.) in a timely way. LeConte was an active contributing member of the Academy for many years and as Stephens observed, was a key player in the controversial interpretation of the Carson Prison fossil footprints, which attracted the attention of other distinguished paleontologists of the time, E. D. Cope and O. C. Marsh among them. In all fairness to Stephens and others who have written biogra- phies and histories of 19th century western American science, until now, with publication of this chronology, there was scarcely anything, save for the unindexed minutes of Academy meetings unevenly spread across nearly 50 years of Proceedings publications, to which historians could turn that would tease the imagination or even suggest opportunity for more in-depth investigation. So little survived the earthquake and fire of 1906! To the best of our knowledge, save for obituaries and memorials, Joseph Ewan’s 1953 essay on “San Francisco as a Mecca for 19th century naturalists” and Michael Smith’s 1987 “Pacific Visions: California Scientists and the Environment, 1850- 1915,” few biographical sketches or essays on early’ naturalists of the West have F.l Stephens, Lester D. 1982. Joseph Le Conte: Gentle Prophet of Evolution. Louisiana State University Press, Baton Rouge, LA. F.2 We specifically exclude, for instance, such references as Roland Alden and John Ifft’s 1943 essay on “Early Naturalists in the Far West”, the explorations of John Frémont, the geology of John Tyson, or the many other references which deal largely with pre-1850 natural history explorations and study because they predate the founding of the Academy and are not relevant to its history. 6 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 been written or are currently in manuscript that do any better than Stephens in taking into account the associations of early naturalists and scientists with the Academy. But, for those who peruse the following pages, quickly it will become apparent that the Academy served as a focal point for scientific communication along the Pacific Coast during the second half of the 19th century prior to the ascent of the area’s universities, and that it attracted the attention and following of many distinguished scientists of the period. And, lest it be forgotten, the Academy, almost from its founding, took to heart the advice proffered by Spencer Fullerton Baird to publish and distribute its publications widely. It did, and its publications did not pass unnoticed, either in the United States or abroad. For instance, we find on a cursory examination of Eduard Suess’ monumental synthesis of global geology, Das Antlitz der Erde, published between 1885 and 1909, Academy publications by members George H. Ashley, James Blake, William Phipps Blake, Amos Bowman, George Davidson, W. Harper Pease, and James Perrin Smith, among others, are cited. Thus, we believe that this narrative should serve as a useful reference, providing as it does names, dates, and subject matter, a springboard, so to speak, to the exploration of materials that survive in archives, in papers preserved in departmental correspon- dence, and in published sources, both at the Academy and elsewhere. While such studies can not fail to enhance the Academy’s 19th century reputation as a mecca for the scientific community in the West, more importantly, they will serve to enlarge our understanding of how scientific organizations, geographically isolated from institutions founded in older, well-established centers of population, developed during the 19th century, what roles they played in fostering both local and regional scientific inquiry and communication, and how they responded to community needs, at local and state levels, for scientific expertise and education. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The project of preparing the Hittell chronology for publication was begun more than a decade ago. The editors started with a faded yellow typescript (which has since been transcribed into a clean white original and yellow carbon) copy of the original manuscript but quickly realized that they had to go back to source material to verify much of what had been written. This was difficult to do in part because many of the records Hittell had available to him had been destroyed in 1906. Fortunately, the Minute Books of Academy meetings and most of the Minute Books of both Academy Council and Trustee meetings survived. Also, correspondence among Academy members and scientists along the Eastern seaboard survive in archives of Eastern museums and universities. It was to these that the editors turned their attention, especially with respect to the earliest Academy members, John Boardman Trask, William Orville Ayres, Albert Kellogg, Henry Gibbons, and others. Thus, the editors are indebted to many persons who helped them locate relevant documents and photographs: Clark Elliott, Harvard University Archives; Judith Schiff and Ferenc A. Gyprhyey, Yale University Archives and Historical Librarian, Yale University Medical School respectively; Benjamin Watson, Donohue Rare CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 7. Books Room, Gleeson Library, University of San Francisco; Stanley Clewett, Dawn Benson and Margot Benson, Shasta College Museum and Research Center (Redding, California); the staff of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia Archives; Carolyne Rittinger, editor of the Kitchener-Waterloo Record and Scott Muir Stroh IlJ, curator of the Anacortes Museum, and Ms Eunice W. Darvill, also of the Anacortes Museum, Anacortes, Washington, for permission to publish the image of Amos Bowman; Mrs. Ann-Lisa Maneskjéld-Lower, who not only provided addi- tional information about Gustavus Eisen, but also generously donated original portraits of Dr. Eisen and Lucius Harwood Foote in her possession to the Academy Archives; Patricia Akri, director of the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library, and Roberto Landazuri for assistance in locating a portrait of George Hewston; Peter Hanff and the staff of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley for their help in locating many portraits in their archives; and most importantly, William A. Deiss (retired), Pamela M. Henson, Alan L. Bain, Susan Glenn, Bruce Kirby, and William E. Cox of the Smithsonian Institution Archives (hereafter cited as SIArchives). The latter not only helped us in our survey of the Smithsonian’s rich manuscript resources but further assisted us in locating many good period portraits of several key players in Academy history. During the first few years of this project, the Library of Congress was a gold mine for the research and the editors enjoyed the full cooperation of the library’s staff, including access to the library stacks, which enabled them to pore through hundreds of volumes, especially unindexed government documents. Unfortunately, in its infinite wisdom, the Library of Congress effectively shut its doors to much historical research when it decided to deny access to its book stacks to serious scholars. Thus, what could be accomplished in a matter of hours now takes weeks and months to do, which makes further use of the library’s resources next to impossible, especially for those who are not local residents. But, during the early days of the project, the editors did receive the full cooperation of the library’s staff and for this they are indeed grateful. They especially want to acknowledge the generous support they received from the Library’s chief of the Newspaper Division, Mr. Frank Carroll, who assisted in their search of early San Francisco newspapers, notably The Pacific, and more recently, John Rossman of the Library’s Book Service Section, Collections Manage- ment Division, who was able to retrieve from the stacks volumes we had been told could not be found. The staff of the Academy’s Library, past and present, have been outstandingly supportive of our efforts. Thomas Moritz, Librarian, Larry Currie, Lesley Segedy, and most notably Adam Schiff, Associate Librarian, and Karren Elsbernd, Special Collections Librarian, have been of immeasurable help and have responded to our numerous requests with helpful enthusiasm. The same must be said of many of our Academy colleagues, especially Drs. Peter U. Rodda (Department of Geology), Paul H. Arnaud and Vincent Lee (Department of Entomology), and Frank Almeda and Thomas Daniel (Department of Botany). Dr. Robert Drewes (Department of Herpe- tology) read the entire manuscript and caught errors we had missed; so did Dr. Patrick 8 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Kociolek (Director of Research). Academy photographers Susan Middleton and Dong Lin helped with several of the illustrations. Penultimately, we acknowledge with grateful thanks the support of the Academy’s administration, notably Dr. George Edmund Lindsay, Emeritus Executive Director, Roy Eisenhardt, Emeritus Executive Director, and Dr. Evelyn Handler, Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences, for their ongoing encouragement. And, once again we want to acknowledge the financial support for publication of this volume provided by Dr. George E. Lindsay in memory of his wife, Geraldine Morris Lindsay, and former Academy trustee, Paul Davies. Their support made the Hittell project a reality. A final note. In editing and then augmenting the Hittell manuscript, we found it necessary to review all the extant documents we could find that related to Hittell’s earlier effort. We discovered many inconsistencies, some trivial, some not so. Dates, names, and on occasion specific events had to be corrected or supplemented with editorial notes. Although we did the best we could given both time and available resources, we are certain that some errors slipped through our grasp. Not all the inconsistencies are the fault of Hittell or of the editors, however. In the manuscript Minute Books of the Academy, individual’s names are sometimes spelt differently, often dependent on who was the recording secretary at the time. Thus, we find reference to Hocholzer and Hochholzer, and Condie and Comrie, Townsend and Towndsend, and time simply did not permit us to explore and correct all the variant spellings we uncovered. Thus, we beg the reader’s indulgence to bear with us and accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. This is intended to be a reference work, not an analytic history, and for this reason we have provided an extensive index. As for the style of presentation, to the extent we deemed desirable, we retained Hittell’s style, including capitalization and gram- matical construction, even applying it to the new material we added intratext (but not the footnotes except as they include direct quotes [N.B., footnotes are numbered by chapter and sequence within a chapter, e.g. 12.1, meaning chapter 12, footnote 1]). Thus, we have not brought everything up to today’s standards of expression or grammar. For instance, the reader will find the words “especial” for “special” and “therefor” for “therefore” used widely throughout the text. We have, however, to the best of our ability, corrected errors in spelling, of names of people, of biological names (but we did not make changes to account for cases of nomenclatural synon- ymy), and of geographical localities when we could verify that the errors were unintentional. When Hittell consistently used a varient spelling, such as Baulines Bay for what is now known as Bolinas Bay, we retained Hittell’s use but annotated the Index to this effect. Also, in many instances, in the Index we cite people’s full names, if known, even though Hittell or the Academy’s handwritten Minute Books may have used initials only. Lastly, we have made no attempt to provide biographical sketches of the key figures in the story. Biographical sketches are to be found elsewhere. Instead, we do provide in the Bibliography a list of suitable references for further exploration on the part of the reader. It is important to note that among the missing records of the Academy are the CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 9 Minute Books of the Board of Trustees meetings for the period 1880 to 1906. This was a critical period in the Academy’s history, coming as it did at the time of the construction of a new museum building and the expansion of Academy activities, both made possible by the settlement of the James Lick estate and the receipt of several large cash donations dedicated to the institution’s research and library programs. The Minute Books in question were available to Hittell in 1903, and he dutifully extracted much useful material, which he used in his narration. Thus, Hittell’s manuscript, which survived the earthquake and fire and 1s preserved in the Academy’s Archives, and this publication, which is based on that manuscript, are the only surviving sources of information on actions taken by the Academy trustees during that period. A complete list of the Minute Books covering Academy, Trustee, and Council meetings that survived the earthquake and fire is given in Appendix J of this volume. Alan E. Leviton and Michele L. Aldrich San Francisco, California February 11, 1997 Miovetdings Califbrnic «bru deny gelalin Zz I sos aay Whe G lrweseg cass tae Joy fe & 20) Cp mg atin of Gu alteccatien por ha Aevebulement, $f the Mahsat ASeinag pet (Go wg trem at the Gffeee PLU, A lowk, 1. the Ce ie Par Phere p00 en! he, # Ga ff Khe SITE, ae Ar crew Ainudate) re ZO. ye Geb Cont | Abins; Meltay ei ae fr: Syl JotE Drath J? Charts, Biirsrid ee aoe Fi: Scat tr a fre Convew Aatiow PD), Lhe guitecctece “yo CL WeecwJ tnd) A722 yee ently Ae arses afer ns PA ols Ze f Crs teow fela Lae. as é ~S LOD eed Ae sdale wag Cx LAO té, Le ee Aa ge eae. LY AY Aft foo tect) Seattarg. Ga retin. of (PL Lbeat Hh ever after Adsaneteis BD Rennie ae ane rent hp MAstlied ee DE eT Aiud deouatl) fiat aw Aadeaiatin Ce grganited fer LO frre Pr ET Oe Ls eS. EL ae 2. PA Brelave Gawd Sil of Seel’ organ gata ae "Ole Labfernen Kvrbergy oe cb ah al es “f” 7 Oy pigeon. off Md” Shiviag AM ts0loecl Ph och Qa Ctinmitlie tft.) Be ape (ee ratac ty ya) ee oe ez, 2h hate te ty Haft a Godt Liem for offentoug the affes Coton ply tac ty the fergaray Jed bles lion. And) Ga C7ove A Caro with Lr jae anAD Ae ayers at a fcr ae ee 4 . Che Chaxcizao= Page One from the Minute Books of the California Academy of Natural Sciences “the 4th of April 1853” & NARRATIVE HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY 1853-1906 Chapter I: Year 1853 n the evening of APRIL 4, 1853 seven San Francisco gentlemen who described themselves as friendly to the “organization of an association for the develop- ment of the natural sciences,” met by agreement in the office of Lewis W. Sloat at what was then known as No. 129 on the west side of Montgomery Street between Sacramento and Commercial. These gentlemen were Dr. Andrew Randall, Dr. Henry Gibbons, Dr. Albert Kellogg, Col. Thomas J. Nevins, Dr. John B. Trask, Dr. Charles Farris and Mr. Lewis W. Sloat. Randall, Gibbons, Kellogg, Trask, and Farris were doctors of medicine;'' Nevins was agent of the American Sunday School Union and also attorney-at-law; and Sloat, a nephew of Commodore John D. Sloat, who had come out to this country with his uncle in the sloop-of-war Savannah, and was present with him at the raising of the American flag at Monterey in 1846,'* was a real-estate broker, notary public, and commissioner of deeds. !.1 Neither Randall nor Trask had M.D. degrees. Trask was granted a licentiate in medicine from Yale, but not an M.D. (see Leviton & Aldrich, 1982). Randall did not hold a degree nor did he practice medicine. He had been an assistant to David Dale Owen on the Federal survey of the Minnesota and Wisconsin territories before trekking to California in 1849 as a member of the Col. James Collier party (for an interesting account of the Collier party see Foreman, 1937). 1.2 Lewis W. Sloat may have been aboard the Savannah in 1846, but his name is not among the ship’s complement. According to Charles Turrill (see Appendix D), he served as “his father’s secretary.” A Lewis M. Sloat is listed among the members of John Woodhouse Audubon’s “California Company,” a group from New York heading for California’s gold fields. Trask was also among the members of Audubon’s company. 12 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 San Francisco, 1854: Looking north along Montgomery Street from the corner of California and Montgomery Streets, one block south of Sacramento Street. Lewis Sloat’s office at 129 Montgomery Street was on the west side of Montgomery Street, probably in the third building on the left, immediately following the second tall brick structure (From Soule, 1855) After what was called ‘“‘a free conversation and the interchange of views and sentiments bearing upon the object contemplated” Dr. Randall was called to the chair and Mr. Sloat appointed secretary. It was then formally resolved to be expedient and necessary to organize an association for the promotion of natural science and that the name and style of such organization should be “The California Academy of Natural Sciences.” It was next resolved that a committee of three should be appointed by the chair to draft a constitution and report the same with suggestions and remarks at a future meeting. The chair appointed as such a committee Col. Thomas J. Nevins, Dr. Henry Gibbons and Mr. Lewis W. Sloat. At the next meeting held at the same place on APRIL 11, 1853 — at which another physician, Dr. T. L. Andrews, and another attorney-at-law and journalist, Mr. Edwin R. Campbell, appeared — the draft of a constitution was presented, and also a written report. In this report the committee said that “in the examination of the subject submitted to them, they had become deeply impressed with the importance of the measure proposed in its bearing upon the interests of Natural Science not only on this coast but in all the civilized world.” ‘Natural History” — continued the report —“‘in its various departments, as illus- trating the principles of Science, has within the last half century attracted the attention of the scientific world; and our own countrymen have shared largely in the general enthusiasm, which is from year to year becoming more general and absorbing. CHAPTER I: 1853 13 Scientific associations have been organized in many of the older States, whose investigations and labors have brought to light many of the previously hidden mysteries of nature and have contributed immensely to the progress of the age in the practical application of the natural laws to the purposes of agriculture, commerce and the useful arts. “These developments have contributed in no small degree to the elevation of our country in the scale of national importance until she has become the envy and terror of despots everywhere. They have opened to us avenues of wealth and national aggrandizement and placed in our hands the means and facilities for diffusing the principles and blessings of our free institutions to the ends of the earth.” After this refreshing burst of patriotic sentiment, the report briefly referred to what had been done in the interest of science in the other States and concluded as follows: “We have on this coast a virgin soil with new characteristics and attributes, which have not been subjected to a critical scientific examination. Sufficient, however, meets the eye of the naturalist to assure him that this is a field of richer promise in the department of Natural History in all its variety than has previously been discov- ered. “Tt is due to science, it is due to California, to her sister States, and to the scientific world that early measures be adopted for a thorough systematic survey of every portion of the State and the collection of a cabinet of her rare and rich productions.” The meeting then took up, read and discussed the constitution, section by section, and, after correction, recommitted it for engrossment. At the same meeting a com- mittee was appointed to draft a set of by-laws; another to draw up an address or circular for publication “detailing the objects of the association and specifying the subjects of collection and investigation, and soliciting the cooperation of all interested in the objects of the association;” and another to publish the report of the committee on organization. The original constitution, thus presented on April 11, 1853, was not finally adopted until May 16; but in the meanwhile several other meetings were held. At one of them held APRIL 18, by-laws were presented, discussed and recommitted for correction and engrossment; a committee was appointed to “make and present a list of such scientific books as are necessary for the immediate use of the Academy,” and at the same meeting a number of gentlemen were proposed as corresponding members, including John Donald of San Mateo, California, James C. Swan and Captain C. J. W. Russell of Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory, Mr. Johnson, Waioli, Island of Kauai, Sandwich Islands [Hawaiian Islands], and Dr. Henry P. Sartwell, of Penn Yan, New York. At a meeting on APRIL 25, a start was given to the cabinet by the donation by Capt. Nakum Haynes of a quantity of marine shells and coral from the South Pacific Islands and a cassis from the West Indies. Samuel A. Hastings also presented an otter-skin, bows, arrows and quiver, small baskets, a bone drinking-cup, a mountain squirrel skin and a gray-fox skin, obtained by him from the Rogue River Indians. The next important meeting, and the one at which the California Academy of 14 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Sciences may be said to have been founded by the adoption of the constitution, took place on Monday, MAY 16, 1853, at the office of Col. T. J. Nevins at what was then No. 174-4 and is now No. 622 Clay Street, between Montgomery and Kearney, which had by that time become and for a number of years continued to be its meeting-place. As a preliminary at this meeting a list of names was presented; and it was agreed that the gentlemen so named should be considered, and might become, resident members by signing the constitution and paying the membership fee, without further requirement. These names, omitting titles, were Andrew Randall, Henry Gibbons, Wm. P. Gibbons, L. W. Sloat, T. J. Nevins, E. R. Campbell, T. L. Andrews, A. B. Stout, Charles Farris, Leander Ransom, James Nooney, John B. Trask, Joshua P. Haven, David Chambers, Ebenezer Knight, A. Kellogg, S. H. Willey, S. Blakeslee, O. M. Wozencraft, James D. Whelpley, S. D. Simonds, B. Brierly, Wm. Speer, Samuel F. Elliott, H. H. Toland, L. Lanszweert and J. H. Foster. The constitution, adopted at this meeting of May 16, 1853, was expressly drawn up under and in conformity with “the Eighth Chapter of the Act of the Legislature the State of California entitled ‘An Act Concerning Corporations,” passed April 22, 1850. In it the association was called “The California Academy of Natural Sciences” and its object was declared to be “the investigation and development of Natural Science, the collection ofa cabinet of specimens and a library to embrace the standard and current works on Natural History and Natural Science, together with such choice miscellaneous literature as may be contributed by the friends and patrons of the institution.” It provided that “Scientific gentlemen may be received as Resident Members, Honorary Members, or Corresponding Members,” by a two-thirds vote at any stated meeting; but requiring previous proposition by a member. Donors were to be called contributing members. An initiation fee was required of $10, and monthly dues of $2. Life members were to pay $500. The first annual meeting was to be held on the first Monday of January, 1854, and annual [business] meetings thereafter on the first Monday of every year, which meeting might be “adjourned from time to time, but not beyond the second Monday of January, for closing up unfinished business.” There were to be weekly [scientific] meetings. The officers were to consist of a president, a first vice-president, a second vice-president, treasurer, corresponding secretary, recording secretary, librarian, and three or more curators. The president and two vice-presidents were to constitute the Board of Trustees. The duties of these different officers were prescribed. The curators, who were to appoint their own chairman and secretary and keep a record of their proceedings, were to have charge of the cabinet and catalogue the specimens, and give the names of the donors. Standing committees of three or more were to be elected to take charge of the respective departments of Library, Finance, Publication, and Proceedings; but each member of any such committee could only be elected at a separate balloting. An interesting provision was that at least one scientific lecture was to be given annually on each of the several departments of Natural Science, which was to be written out in full by the lecturer on paper of uniform size to be furnished by the recording CHAPTER: 1853 Andrew Randall California Academy of Sciences Special Collections Albert Kellogg California Academy of Sciences Special Collections % "d > > * Bees 15 16 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 John Boardman Trask California Academy of Sciences Special Collections Thomas J. Nevins California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER I: 1853 17 secretary at the expense of the association, to the end that they should be bound in volumes and placed in the Library. At the same meeting, or in the course of the following week, twelve of the gentlemen, who had been named as members, signed the constitution; and at the succeeding meeting of MAY 23, an election of officers was held which resulted in the choice of Dr. Andrew Randall as president; Dr. Henry Gibbons, first vice-president; Col. Thomas J. Nevins, second vice-president; Dr. Arthur B. Stout, treasurer; Dr. William P. Gibbons, corresponding secretary, Lewis W. Sloat, recording secretary; Thomas J. Nevins, librarian, and Dr. Albert Kellogg, Edwin R. Campbell and Dr. Henry Gibbons, curators. A start was made in the election of standing committees, of which the chairmen became Leander Ransom for the library; Thomas J. Nevins for publications; Joshua P. Haven for finance, and Thomas J. Nevins for proceedings. By-laws were also adopted at the same meeting, providing that stated meetings should be held weekly on Monday evenings; that proceedings should be conducted in accordance with the usual parliamentary practice, and formulating an order of business. Dr. Kellogg made remarks upon a “plant common in the country, supposed to belong to the genus Echinocystis”; and Dr. Randall presented specimens of granite from China, granite from Monterey, bitumen from Santa Barbara, cinnabar from near the Mission Dolores, and carbonate of lime from the Sanchez Rancho in what is now San Mateo, but was then San Francisco County. At the third meeting thereafter, held JUNE 13, the first election for new members took place, when Alfred Higbee was chosen a resident, Isaac Lea an honorary member, and (?) Clements, (?) Johnson, E. W. Gavitt, Henry P. Sartwell, John B. Gebhard, and Washington Townsend, corresponding members. At the same meeting Isaac Lea of Philadelphia, the Academy’s first honorary member. Smithsonian Institution Archives (95-20502) 18 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 William P. Gibbons Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley Henry Gibbons California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER I: 1853 19 Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons exhibited specimens of the viviparous perch of California and gave notice that he would present a paper on the subject. On JUNE 20, J. B. Towndsend and Robert Nelson were elected resident members, Joseph Delafield, Charles Pick- ering, and Robert Bridges, honorary members, and B. W. Budd of New York and J. W. Redfield, corresponding members. The publication committee reported that it had a thousand copies of a circular printed at a cost of $50, for which it presented the bill. This circular, consisting of a single sheet in small type, of four duodecimo pages, was intended to call public attention to the Academy and its objects, and to give general instructions of how to prepare specimens for scientific examination and forward them (see Appendix I). At the same time it was ordered that the recording secretary should procure the incorporation of the Academy, and that the constitution, by-laws and proceedings should be published. On JUNE 27, Thomas J. Nevins, William Speer and Albert Kellogg, who had been appointed a committee on a seal for the association, were clothed with full power to design and procure the engraving of such seal; and at the same time the recording secretary, through Col. Nevins, reported that he had procured the execution, acknow- ledgment and recording of the necessary certificate, whereby the association was legally incorporated. This certificate, which recited the adoption and signing of the constitution on May 16 and the election of the trustees on May 23, was signed in proper form by Dr. Randall as president and judge of election in presence of Lewis W. Sloat. It was acknowledged by Sloat before E. V. Joice, Notary Public, and on the same JUNE 27, 1853, filed for record in the San Francisco County Court. Thus was launched at a very noteworthy period in the history of our City and State, under interesting and in some respects amusing circumstances, what we are in all seriousness disposed to think one of the most important and valuable institutions in California. It was indeed, as has been said, at a very remarkable period in the history of our City and State. The early flush times of California were not yet entirely over and San Francisco was still in a “boom” of excitement and speculation. The City then had about fifty thousand inhabitants and a large floating population passing through it to the mines and returning thence with long buckskin bags full of chunky nuggets and glittering dust. Bricklayers, stonemasons, ship-carpenters and caulkers were getting $10 a day, four or five times the ordinary wages of the Eastern States; house-carpenters, blacksmiths, watchmakers and jewellers, $8 a day; printers from $10 to $15 a day. There were twelve daily newspaper and eight tri-weeklies or weeklies. There were five American theaters, besides a French, a Spanish, a German, and a Chinese one; numerous musical, concert and dance halls; two race-courses, and uncountable gambling establishments. The commonest shops rented at from $200 to $400 and stores of any pretension at from $500 to $1,000 per month. Female servants received from $50 to $75 a month; firewood cost $15 a cord; coal $50 a ton; fresh butter $1 a pound; fresh eggs $1.25 per dozen; turkeys $6 each, and chickens $2.50 to $3 a piece. Every man, who could do anything and was not too lazy or too vicious to work, found plenty to do; and money was abundant, with a million or more of new gold coming in every week from the Sierra foot-hills. 20 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 It certainly speaks well for the underlying, fundamental character of the San Francisco population, in those days and in the midst of such surroundings, that there were sO many men amongst them who not only took an interest in science but who were also willing to make so many sacrifices, as they did in its behalf. It was only their faith that they were doing good work and their abiding belief that they were pursuing the right path that enabled the founders of the Academy to persist in their labors through years of difficulty and disappointment. Notwithstanding the flush times and the abundance of money in 1853, there was substantially none for the Academy. Then, as now, scientific men were not money-makers; and the general public took no interest in and paid no attention to their beneficent work. It was therefore only with very inadequate means that the association was kept alive, and enough money collected to preserve the organization and prevent it from being turned homeless into the street. But it was born to live, and it manfully struggled on. The first moneys paid in were initiation fees, which up to June 23, 1853, amounted to only $50, just sufficient to pay for the printing of the circular. By August 1, about $50 more had been paid in; and then the ominous words, “No money received at this meeting,” or “No cash received,” or at last the shorter, though quite as expressive, phrase “No cash,” which had already been used several times, began to make their appearance in the minutes with alarming frequency. There is reason to believe that the early minutes were not kept, or at least not written up, with proper care; and doubtless there was more money paid in or handed to the treasurer and disbursed by him than appear upon the record; but at all events it was barely sufficient to keep the Academy alive. Its room on Clay Street was small and inadequate; the lights used were tallow candles and few of them, and the furniture of the cheapest description. And yet there the old founders continued to meet regularly every Monday evening, week after week, and month after month, and year after year. Scientific papers were read and scientific discussions carried on. With all the disadvantages and all the drawbacks the sacred fire was kept aglow, and the work went bravely on. On JUNE 27, Dr. William P. Gibbons made further remarks on the viviparous perch in California and exhibited a fish with 21 young contained in a sac corresponding to the uterus of a mammal. On JULY 4 — for even the national holiday did not damp the ardor of the scientists —a meeting was held and a resolution adopted urgently requiring the members to pay up their monthly dues. On JULY 11, Richard F. Ryan and Harrison Eastman became members, and Dr. Kellogg read a paper on the plant Echinocystis. On JULY 18, Edward Bosqui was elected a resident member, the Rev. J. S. Diehl a corresponding member, David Dale Owen, Charles Whittlesey, and Benjamin Silliman [Jr., {Eds.}], honorary members, and founding member Charles Farris, a corresponding member because he was about to leave the State. Dr. Randall, the president, then read a paper in which he offered a prize of $50 each for the two best essays on trees and plants suitable for cultivation in California, and particularly with reference to their adaptability to form wind-breaks, stop sand-drifts and guard against encroachments and damages by waves and floods. CHAPTER I: 1853 Pail Edward Bosqui Donohue Rare Book Room, Richard A. Gleeson Library University of San Francisco On AUGUST 1, at the meeting at which George Bartlett was elected a resident member and Lieut. M. F. Maury of Washington City and William Darlington of Westchester, Pennsylvania became honorary members, it was “‘on motion of Dr. A. Kellogg, Resolved, as the sense of this society that we highly approve of the aid of females in every department of natural science, and that we earnestly invite their cooperation.” But, it was not for a number of years that the ladies accepted the invitation thus so gallantly held out to them. Edward Bosqui attended this meeting for the first time as a member. At the next meeting, AUGUST 8, Dr. Kellogg touched a little perhaps on what might have belonged to the women’s department by reading a paper “On the making of Bread,” which it seems was sharply but good-humoredly criticized by Dr. William P. Gibbons. At the next meeting, AUGUST 15, Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to the phenomena of shooting-stars, which he suggested occurred annually in the early part of August. For the next several meetings, at least until September 5, no minutes appear to have been kept, but the proceedings of the meetings are recorded, as follows: AUGUST 22, at the meeting at which Capt. William McMichael was elected a resident member and geologist Dr. Ira Davis of Norwich University, Vermont a corresponding member, the minutes report on donations to the Academy of a miscellany of natural history specimens. On AUGUST 29, Prof. Joseph Henry of Washington D.C. was proposed for honorary membership. During the meeting, interesting remarks and suggestions were made by members about the comet, which had appeared in the southwestern sky near the horizon for the few weeks past. 22 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 On SEPTEMBER 5, the committee on propositions reported favorably on the nominations of Prof. Joseph Henry for honorary member and A. S. Taylor of Monterey, corresponding member, but no further action was taken. Prof. Trask then moved that the corresponding secretary communicate with the President [Benjamin Peirce {Eds.!] or Secretary [Joseph Henry {Eds.}] of the National Scientific Con- vention’® to acquire copies of the proceedings for 1853 and all antecedent years. SEPTEMBER 12 it was “Resolved, that the recording secretary (Mr. Sloat) be requested to hand over to the Librarian (Col. Nevins) the minutes of the previous meetings not recorded, together with the record book, that the records might be written up.” At the same meeting Dr. Kellogg presented a living owl, “caught near Point Jackson on San Francisco Bay.” which was handed over to Dr. William P. Gibbons. For a report on it at the next meeting Dr. Gibbons made his report; “that the owl was lost.” On SEPTEMBER 19, Professor Joseph Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution, was elected an honorary member and A. S. Taylor a corresponding member. Lewis W. Sloat resigned his office of recording secretary and Col. Thomas J. Nevins, who was already second vice-president, trustee, librarian, chairman of the committee on publication and chairman of the committee on proceedings was elected to fill his place. From this date on for a considerable time, and for some time previous, the minutes are in Nevins’s handwriting; and he seems to have been the inventor of the curt entry “no cash,” which was the usual ending of the record of every meeting. On OCTOBER 3, Hiram G. Bloomer attended his first Academy meeting as a visitor, and at the session of OCTOBER 10, he and Merrick G. Reed became resident members; and E. G. Cannon a corresponding member. As he did at earlier meetings, Dr. Kellogg presented a drawing of another coastal plant and gave notice that he would present additional specimens and drawings at future meetings. OCTOBER 24, George C. Yount'* was elected a corresponding member. Specimens presented to the Academy included an extensive assortment of plant seeds by Dr. Kellogg. OCTOBER 31, Rev. S. H. Willey, who had been named as eligible at the adoption of the constitution on May 16, sent in a communication declining to perfect his membership. NOVEMBER 7, Dr. Elijah White, William Davis, William Heffley and Jasper J. Papy became resident members, Prof. E. B. Andrews of Marietta, Ohio, Dr. C. C. Parry of Davenport, Iowa, and William Orland Bourne of New York City, were elected corresponding members, and Alexander Dallas Bache, was elected an hon- orary member. The treasury was also enriched with $22 from membership fees. The first effort to form a section of the Academy was made on NOVEMBER 21, when, on motion of Dr. William P. Gibbons, a “Floricultural and Horticultural Department,” also called an “Agriculture and Horticulture Committee,” was organized by Gibbons, Kellogg, Nevins, Randall and Bloomer, of which Gibbons was elected chairman and Nevins secretary. Meanwhile many contributions of specimens came in, and much interest was 3 The reference here is to the July 1853 annual meeting American Association for the Advancement of Science held in Cleveland, Ohio and the six earlier meetings beginning with the first meeting held in Philadelphia in September 1848. 1.4 Young” in the handwritten Minute Books. George ‘Concepcion’ Yount, came to California in 1831. He settled in the Napa Valley and acquired a land garnt, the Cayamus Rancho, where he died in 1865. CHAPTER I: 1853 23 Hiram George Bloomer California Academy of Sciences Special Collections manifested by the members in scientific discussions in reference to them. At the meeting on NOVEMBER 28, Dr. T. S. Anderson presented the Academy with a collection of plants, woods, and shells from Monterey and Santa Cruz and also from Rio de Janeiro, Valpariso and the Samoan Islands. Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Gibbons both presented specimens of local plants, and Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons spoke about the rocks of Telegraph Hill and the coast of the Bay. On DECEMBER S, several essays were presented on the subject of trees, shrubs and grasses suitable for wind-breaks and for stopping shifting sand, in response to Dr. Randall’s proposition of July 18 offering rewards therefor; and Ransom, Trask and Nevins were appointed a committee to examine them and recommend the premiums. At the meeting of DECEMBER 12, eight members and two visitors, G. W. de Groodh and John S. Hittell,’” were in attendance. It was resolved that Dr. H. Gibbons be asked to furnish the Academy with a copy of his meteorological journal and to present the Academy with monthly reports of his future observations, and Col. Ransom be requested to provide the Academy with such scientific information that may come to his notice in connection with the U.S. Land Survey. Cash receipts of $26 in member dues were reported. As the year 1853 was drawing to a close, DECEMBER 19, A. M. Jackson of San Bernardino was elected a corresponding member. The monthly dues of Col. Nevins were remitted in consideration of the lights and fuel furnished by him for the use of the Academy. At the same meeting an interesting and encouraging letter was received from Professor Joseph Henry of the Smithsonian Institution at Wash- ington requesting correspondence and exchange of specimens and offering his 5 Theodore Henry Hittell’s elder brother who had come to California in 1849, six years before Theodore left Hamilton, Ohio where he had been practicing law after having been admitted to the Ohio bar in 1852. (See Appendix H for a memorial-biographical sketch of Theodore Henry Hittell.) 24 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 assistance in procuring for the Academy meteorological and magnetic instruments. Dr. Kellogg presented drawings and specimens of a variety of California plants then in bloom to illustrate the mild character of California climate. On DECEMBER 26, the Rev. A. H. Myers was elected a resident member and Thomas Abbott a corresponding member. Mr. Hittell again attended as a visitor. Dr. Kellogg displayed a new plant with illustrations and Dr. exhibited two specimens of fishes, one of a new subgenus of the family Cyprinidae. 25 Chapter II: Year 1854 held on JANUARY 2, 1854; but at that meeting the reading of the essays, called ut by Dr. Randall, and awarding of the premiums, offered by him, so engrossed the attention and time of the members that the annual election was postponed until January 5. The awards of $50 each were made for two essays, one of which had for its motto the words “Fortune Segnatur;” and that is about all the information the minutes furnish in regard to them, except that there was also an award in favor of a third essay, for which apparently no reward had been offered. Following discussion of the awards, Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing of Rubus ursinus, the bear blackberry, and Dr. W. P. Gibbons again made some remarks on viviparous fishes first presented by him on 13th June last. The Committee of Investigation for membership reported favorably on the nominations of A. Carpenter for resident member and the Rev. Henry Durant of Oakland as corresponding member, and both were duly elected. At the adjourned meeting on JANUARY 5, the annual election of officers for 1854 took place and resulted in the choice of Dr. Andrew Randall as president; Dr. Henry Gibbons, first vice-president; Col. Leander Ransom, second vice-president; Thomas J. Nevins, treasurer; William P. Gibbons, corresponding secretary, Hiram A. Bloomer, recording secretary; Col. Thomas J. Nevins, librarian, and Dr. Albert Kellogg, Dr. Arthur B. Stout and Dr. John B. Trask, curators. Dr. William P. Gibbons spoke at some length upon the subject of viviparous fishes. At the next meeting, JANUARY 9, the standing committees were reorganized and the chairmen became: Wm. P. Gibbons for the library, Thomas J. Nevins for publication, Thomas J. Nevins for finance and Hiram G. Bloomer for proceedings. Among the visitors listed was William P. Blake, geologist of the Pacific Railroad Survey. At this meeting Dr. William P. Gibbons again brought forward the subject of the viviparous fishes of California and read a paper on five new species. On motion of James Nooney it was resolved that, as Dr. Gibbons had described five new species and as Professor Agassiz had already given names to three of them, the fourth should be called Lolconotiss Gibbonsii. On JANUARY 16, Chester S. Lyman, nominated for membership by Professor James Nooney, was elected resident member. Professor Henry of the Smithsonian Institution acknowledged by letter his election as an honorary member and stated that he had ordered, on authority of the president, the meteorological and magnetic instruments before referred to, which were to be forwarded without expense to the Academy, but that, upon receiving the necessary advises, a draft would be sent for T:: first annual meeting of the Academy, as provided for in the constitution, was ) 26 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian Institution Archives (26452) William Phipps Blake (1877) Smithsonian Institution Archives Merrill Collection CHAPTER II: 1854 27 the amount of the purchase. At the meeting of JANUARY 23, a Mr. Bowman was elected a resident member. Dr. H. H. Behr attended the meeting as a visitor. On account of the uncertainty as to who had been properly made corresponding members, Dr. W. P. Gibbons introduced a resolution “that all names of corresponding members be stricken from the books.” On a motion of Dr. Kellogg, the resolution passed. At the next meeting, JANUARY 30, on motion of William P. Gibbons it was resolved “that a committee of three be appointed to prepare a memorial to the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco, the object of which shall be to encourage the cultivation of shade trees within the city limits by offering a premium for every tree, which shall be planted and found to be in flourishing condition within as specified time — the Ailanthus to be excluded from the list as being unworthy of cultivation.” Gibbons, Randall and Kellogg were appointed such a committee. William P. Blake, geologist with the Pacific Railroad Survey attended the meeting as a visitor. On FEBRUARY 6, Dr. H. H. Behr and William H. Ranlet were elected resident members and Lieut. Trowbridge a corresponding member. On FEBRUARY 13, Professor Louis Agassiz was elected an honorary and Alfred L. Cohen a resident member. At the next meeting, FEBRUARY 20, a seal for the Academy corporation, which had been recommended, sent back and again recommended, was rejected by the votes of Ransom, Trask, William P. Gibbons, Heffley, Papy, White and Behr as against Kellogg and Nevins. The matter of corresponding members of the Academy came up again on FEBRU- ARY 27 and an election was held which resulted in the choice of James G. Swan, Captain C. J. W. Russell, Dr. H. P. Sartwell’’, Mr. Townsend’’, B. W. Burke, Israel S. Diehl’’, Dr. Ira Davis’*, Dr. Brown”, C. C. Parry’®, E. B. Andrews’® and Alden A. M. Jackson as corresponding members and James Behrens, resident member. At this meeting also the subject of the essays that had engaged the attention of the Academy on January 2 again came up, and an awarded of $50 was made “to William Thompson, market-gardener near Mission Dolores, for best essay on trees, shrubs, grasses and plants and their adaptation to the sands and soils of our sea-coasts and shores of our bays and rivers.” A satisfactory seal for the Academy seems by this time to have been provided, and for engraving it Harrison Eastman was allowed $12, to be applied in payment of his initiation fee and monthly dues. At the meeting held MARCH 6, Wm. P. Gibbons offered his resignation as corresponding secretary, but the motion was deferred until the next meeting. Under date of MARCH 13 a very unusual entry was made, “owing to inclemency of weather and absence of some members from City, no business transacted.” At the meeting of MARCH 27, C. D. Gibbs was elected a corresponding member. The corresponding secretary then read a letter from Dr. John LeConte, corresponding secretary of the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, acknowledging “the reception of specimens of the fruit and leaves of the mammoth arborvitae and enclosing a copy 2.1 Probably S. V. Bowman who in late 1854 to mid-1855 attended a few Academy meetings and made several donations to the cabinet. 2.2 This a pears, to repeat an action taken on 13 June 1853; Mr. Townsend is probably Waste ton Townsend C v.); 23 Repeat of an action taken on 18 July 1853: 24 Repeat of an action taken on 2 ug 1853; 25 Pro bably B. B. Brown of Sacramento whose name was advanced by Dr. Kellogg on 15 Ave 185 but evidently was not acted on; 2-° Repeat of an action taken on 7 Nov. 1853. 28 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Louis Agassiz George Sprague Myers Portrait Collection Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences Hans Hermann Behr California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER II: 1854 29 of a botanical description of the tree as published in the Gardener’s Chronicle, London, December 24, 1853, by Lindley, who names it Wellingtonia Gigantea.” He also read a letter from Mr. Baird, assistant secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, who referred to the proceedings of the Academy in relation to viviparous fishes. The corresponding secretary (Dr. William P. Gibbons) said he dissented from the views of Mr. Baird in reference to the priority of discovery of this family of fishes. Dr. Kellogg thought that the remarks of Dr. Gibbons were very just and that the Academy should maintain its ground. Months ago, he said, he had proposed the name of Washingtonia for the mammoth tree; but, in waiting for further information respect- ing described species, we had lost it. After further remarks by the president and other members, the Academy unanimously Resolved, That, in view of the isolated condition of this Academy from other societies, we will regard every publication of new species, which has been or which may be made through the daily papers of this city, as substantial evidence of priority of discovery. Resolved, That the corresponding secretary be directed to furnish to other scientific bodies a copy of the above resolution, accompanying it with explanations which have led to this conclusion. In the same connection it was resolved that a committee of three be appointed to prepare for publication an abstract of the transactions of the Academy; and William P. Gibbons, Kellogg and Behr were named as such committee. At the same time it was resolved “that the corresponding secretary have leave to withdraw his resigna- tion” which constitutes the only motion in the minutes that he had offered. On APRIL 3, the corresponding secretary read a letter from Professor Agassiz disclaiming the discovery of the new genus of viviparous fishes and also requesting exchanges of specimens. The corresponding secretary then made a few remarks upon the identification of a California plant allied to the Echinocystis of the Cucurbitaceae family. Col. Nevins stated that he had observed the bitter quality of cucumbers grown in the vicinity and attributed the same to the impregnation of their flowers by the pollen of the Echinocystis. A discussion ensued upon the effects of a pollen impreg- nating different species of plants and vegetables. APRIL 17, visitors included Dr. William O. Ayres and John Hassenger. The corresponding secretary read another letter from Prof. Agassiz, acknowledging his election as an honorary member of the Academy and requesting to be furnished with all the documents concerning the discovery of the viviparous fishes. On APRIL 26 [as recorded in Minute Books, but probably the 24th {Eds.}], Dr. William O. Ayres was elected a resident member. Dr. Kellogg donated drawings he had made of plants from Point Reyes, given to him by Dr. Randall. He also spoke about having identified five species of yellow violets growing in California. W. P. Blake, who attended the meeting as a visitor, donated a specimen of silicified wood from the Colorado desert and Dr. H. Gibbons talked about his tour of the quicksilver mines and medicinal springs at Almaden. On MAY 1, Dr. Bigelow was elected a corresponding member and Dr. W. O. Ayres paid his membership initiation fee of $10 and $2 monthly dues. On MAY 8, a committee (Nevins and Ransom) was appointed to confer with the editors of the California 30 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 William Orville Ayres California Academy of Sciences Special Collections monthly magazine called The Pioneer on the subject of publishing the transactions of the Academy in that periodical. Dr. William P. Gibbons on MAY 15 read another paper on viviparous fishes, giving descriptions of four new species, Hysterocarpus traskii, Hyperprosopon argenteus, Cymatogaster aggregata and C. minimus. Mr. William H. Brooks was also elected a resident member. On MAY 22 Mr. Brooks was again elected a resident member, the minutes of the preceding meeting being unavailable at the time. Dr. Gibbons read still another paper on viviparous fishes, describing three new species. At the same meeting Dr. William O. Ayres exhibited drawings and gave verbal descriptions of five species of fishes, found in our rivers, which he said belonged to the genus Leuciscus, called by fishermen salmon-trout. On the same evening the committee, appointed to confer with the Pioneer magazine in reference to publishing the proceedings of the Academy, reported that it had not been able to effect any satisfactory arrangement. A communication was received from James G. Swan of Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory, proposing “a remedy for the ravages of the Teredo navalis and other destructive borers, which infest our harbors.” In connection with the reading of a paper describing the Torreya Californica or California nutmeg, published by Prof. Torrey in the Journal of Pharmacy, Dr. Randall said that, though it was stated that the tree had not been observed except on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, he had found it in a cafiada in Marin County, one hundred feet above sea-level, three miles distant from the ocean on one side and the bay on the other, and about twenty miles from San Francisco. The tree there was from fifty to sixty feet in CHAPTER II: 1854 Si height and from 12 to 15 inches in diameter. On motion of Dr. Henry Gibbons the committee on publication was requested to ascertain upon what terms a volume of Proceedings and Transactions of the Academy, with plates, could be issued; and in the same connection the publication committee was requested to prepare a brief history of the Academy, as found in the early minutes, suitable for publication with the Proceedings. At the next meeting, MAY 29, the committee on publication reported that the letter press of 500 copies of the Transactions of the Academy, consisting of 100 pages, royal octavo, 1500 ems to the page, would cost about $300, and that 500 copies of ten single-page lithographic plates would cost about $900. The committee was thereupon instructed to open a subscription for a publication fund of $2,500 to pay the expenses of publication. The attention of the Academy was then devoted to some sulphuret of iron, presented by Mr. Cooper of Georgetown, El Dorado County, with the following statement in reference to it. “I send you a specimen taken from Nevada Tunnel on Cement Hill, 160 feet under ground, where drift and logs are found in abundance. This curious specimen was taken out of a log some two feet in diameter. Any quantity of the same substance is found in this timber. The base of this hill appears once to have been a large river.” Dr. Kellogg at the same meeting presented drawings and description of the nest of a giant California bird, which he called “Pterospoiapsis Sonoraensis,” said to come from near Sonora, Tuolumne County. On JUNE 5, Professor Asa Gray presented, through H. G. Bloomer, a paper, which he had read before the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, on the age of the giant tree recently felled in California. Dr. William P. Blake, again in attendance as a visitor, presented a Helix from Cyprus Hills, Monterey County; also read a paper describing several remarkable specimens of crystalline gold from Coloma, and took occasion to remark that a recent severe earthquake at San Salvador took place at or about the same time (April 10) that a vibration of the earth was observed at San Francisco. Dr. Trask read a paper describing four species of fresh water shells from the Sacramento River. At the next meeting, JUNE 12, the committee on publication presented the form of a subscription list for publishing the Proceedings; and it was resolved that the subscription price for the first number should be $5, and that “all contributors should be entitled to one copy of the first number and that those contributing $100 or more shall be entitled to five copies.” Dr. Henry Gibbons, who at a previous meeting had given his observations upon a trip to the New Almaden quicksilver mines in Santa Clara County, now gave his experiences on a recent trip to the Geysers in Sonoma County. The corresponding secretary read a letter from the Hon. J. McDougall of the U.S. Senate offering assistance in his official capacity in forwarding publications of the Smithsonian Institution. N. W. Chittenden and Robert Simpson were elected resident members, and David H. Storer, M.D., was nominated for honorary member. On JUNE 19, the corresponding secretary read a letter from Prof. E. B. Andrews of Marietta College, Ohio acknowledging his election as a corresponding member. On JUNE 26, Dr. D. H. Storer was elected an honorary member. Dr. Wm. O. Ayres 32 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 exhibited specimens of the Murre, Uria troile, the bird that lays the so-called Farallones eggs, great quantities of which were collected every year and sold in the San Francisco market, and also other birds from the Farallone Islands. On JULY 3, Dr. Kellogg presented drawing of a Silene, or catch-fly, procured in Marin County by Dr. Andrews, who was to give a specific description of it. Kellogg remarked that the species was one of much beauty and well worthy the attention of florists. Col. Ransom presented a prepared specimen of a new bird, supposed to belong to the cuckoo family, from the plains near San Jose; and Dr. Henry Gibbons read a note from Dr. Birdsall in reference to a horned frog. At this meeting, the recording secretary, H. G. Bloomer, sent in a resignation of his office, which was accepted, and Dr. T. L. Andrews elected to the vacant place. At the meeting held on JULY 10, Dr. Ayres and Dr. Kellogg presented descriptions of new fish and plants; on JULY 17th, Dr. Kellogg presented drawings of three new plants from Mariposa County. Dr. B. [? Howard {Eds.}] B. Coit was also elected a resident member. The Academy was delighted as well as surprised, on JULY 24, by an an- nouncement, through Dr. Trask, that the proprietors of Clinton, a portion of what is now East Oakland in Alameda County, offered to donate ground for a Botanical Garden. Prof. Nooney and Dr. Andrews were at once appointed a committee to investigate the subject and report. At the next meeting, JULY 31, they reported that Lieut. T. H. Stevens, on behalf of Chipman & Aughinbaugh, the proprietors, proposed to donate to the Academy ten acres of land in the rear of the projected City of Clinton, or, if preferred, a less number of acres within the City limits, for a botanical garden. As this looked like business, the committee was instructed to continue to act and given power to receive similar proposals from any other persons kindly disposed to the objects of the Academy. Attention was then directed to a number of donations from Dr. R. Reid of the Stockton Insane Asylum, consisting of four skulls, one of a grizzly bear killed on the Calaveras River 14 miles from Stockton, one of a gray wolf from the neighborhood of Stockton, one of a beaver from French Camp Slough, and one of a mink from the Stanislaus River; also a male and a female tortoise from the San Joaquin River. A. H. Myers proposed the purchase of ten cases of preserved California birds and mammals, prepared by W. F. Abbott, for $150. As there were not funds enough on hand to pay for them, Myers contributed $15, Col. Ransom $10, Dr. Trask $10, and Dr. Kellogg $5. Col. Nevins offered, for the purpose of meeting the emergency, $50, payable without interest within six months, which was accepted; and the remaining $60 was ordered paid out of the treasury. At the same meeting Mr. Myers presented apples grown in Alameda on trees transplanted sixteen months previously; and it was the unanimous testimony of all members present that in fineness of flavor they were fully equal to those raised in the Eastern States. It was ordered that Col. Nevins be paid $20 per month for the rent of his room. The subject of the botanical garden came up again on AUGUST 7, and Col. Nevins was added to the committee, which on AUGUST 14 was instructed to report at the next meeting the conditions under which the land in Clinton was proposed to be donated. Continuing with the August 7 meeting, George H. Goddard was elected a resident CHAPTER II: 1854 33 member and Messes Thomas H. Stevens of Clinton, Dr. R. R. Reid of Stockton, and W. A. Wallace of Los Angeles were elected corresponding members. At the meeting of AUGUST 14, William W. Chipman, one of the proprietors of Clinton, presented what were pronounced splendid specimens of nectarines, raised on trees of about two years’ growth in Alameda not far from Clinton. The Academy then turned its attention to the subject of tarantulas, several specimens of which and of their nests were presented by D. S. Gibbes, one of the nests containing young tarantulas. Mr. Gibbes also presented a paper, describing the habits of the tarantula and the manner in which it builds its nest. Dr. Kellogg followed with remarks on the same subject and particularly on the tarantula wasp. C. M. Blake presented specimens of organic remains (bones and teeth) and a bottle of liquid asphaltum from Los Angeles County. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks upon the winds in the San Jose Valley, stating their general direction to be from the north and northwest as evidenced by the uniform inclination of exposed trees towards the south and southeast. Ransom, Nooney, Blakeslee and others concurred. Dr. William P. Gibbons urged a revision of the By-Laws, so that specific duties should be required of the curators. At almost every one of these meetings and many subsequent ones, Dr. Ayres presented specimens and read a paper or made remarks upon California fishes, and Dr. Kellogg the same upon California plants. On AUGUST 21 and 28, the subject of the botanical garden again came up and was talked over. On SEPTEMBER 4, Col. Nevins presented to the Academy a receipt in full for the rent of his office and furniture and pay for storage and stationery furnished from April 18, 1853 to July 31, 1854, being a donation, as he calculated, of at least $300. Whereupon the thanks of the Academy were tendered him; and on motion $20 were ordered paid him as rent for the month of September. At the next meeting, SEPTEMBER 11, Mr. Sloat exhibited a proof-sheet of the proceedings of the previous meeting, taken from the columns of The Pacific, a weekly newspaper devoted more particularly to religious subjects, as a specimen of the manner in which the transactions of the Academy might be published in a permanent form and at trifling expense. On motion of Dr. William P. Gibbons, the publication committee was instructed to have published 250 copies of the Proceedings”’ of the Academy in the form exhibited by Mr. Sloat, and that the subscription price of the same should be fixed at $3 a year; and, on motion of Dr. Ayres, the recording secretary was directed to publish the proceedings in The Pacific 2.7 As an outgrowth of the dispute over priority in publication earlier in the year, the Academy undertook to publish its proceedings in a format more acceptable to established scientists and institutions in the eastern United States and Europe. To this time the Academy’s proceedings were pup rete in local newspapers, principally the Daily Alta California and The Pacific. With the issuance of the first pages of the new format in September and receipt of the pages at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, Spencer F. Baird, who had initially questioned the priority claimed by the Academy in the publication of information on viviparous fishes, wrote the following letter (its receipt is not referenced in the Academy’s Minute Books) to D. W. P. Gibbons, Academy Corresponding Secretary: [letter dated 10 Oct. 1854] “Dear Sir: I had much pleasure today in answering your letter enclosing the first sheet of Proceedings of the Academy. In [such] a form there will be no aitheuliy in [maintaining] any [priority] which may exist at the time of publication, although you will find many [who] will contest the validity of any [an- nouncement] in a mere weekly newspaper. “Will you permit me to suggest the addition of the date of forwarding and issue of the [sheets] either at the bottom of its first page or some other conspicuous place. It is true that the date of the meetings themselves is given but any interval may elapse between the presentation or reading of a paper and its technical publication. (continued next page) 34 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 as soon after meetings as practicable. Dr. Henry Gibbons then exhibited a head of bearded wheat, said to grow wild in the mountains. It “measured about seven inches in length, the seeds 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 a communication about the inappropriate naming of fishes found in the fish markets in San Francisco. The Committee on the Botanical Garden reported progress and was continued. On SEPTEMBER 18, Selim E. Woodworth presented specimens of ferruginous earth from Molate or Red Rock Island in San Francisco Bay; also a bottle of the earth ground in oil for painting purposes. It was said to resemble what was commonly called Hartford clay and to be used by guilders in San Francisco for the same purposes. At this meeting the subject of a botanical garden, which had been before the Academy since July, received its quietus by an adverso report of the committee upon the matter and the unanimous adoption of the following preamble and resolutions, offered by Mr. Sloat: Whereas, This Association is without a habitation of its own and the proper means of displaying and preserving its cabinets and library (which are rapidly increasing) for the want thereof, and suitable cases for arranging the same; And whereas, the society is poor and it is of primary importance that its collections should be arranged and preserved and its proceedings and transactions published; And whereas, the possession of a botanical garden, however desirable it may be, is at this time comparatively useless to the society and is attended with a large outlay and very considerable current expenses, the funds to meet which are required for the purposes above specified. Therefore be it Resolved, That the donation of lands at Encinal, made by Messrs. Chipman and Aughinbaugh to this society, be respectfully declined, and the project of a botanical garden be for the present abandoned. Resolved, That the committee respectfully tender to Messrs. Chipman & Aughin- baugh the declination of their donation by, and the thanks of the society, for the offer of the same. The attention of the weekly meetings for the remainder of the year 1854 was taken up almost exclusively with the presentation and examination of California fishes and plants, with papers upon them by Drs. Ayres and Kellogg, and the discussions to which they led. Dr. Ayres as an ichthyologist, and Dr. Kellogg as a botanist were absorbed in their respective subjects, and it seemed as if nothing could dampen their 2.7 (continued) “Would it not be well to [issue] the pamphlet [in] [the] form of a monthly issue, [to] [bear ‘name}] of month like most Bulletins of learned societies. This would make the parts rather more bulky and [ ] nothing as to date. “You will find 250 copies hardly enough. As new [members] force you, or you enter into correspondence with new institutions, you will want to supply from the beginning. 500 will be as small a number as you can safely issue, especially if as I trust, the Academy will in time count its centuries of age. “Professor Henry authorises me to send a full series of Smithsonian Publications. Shall they go by ] fexpress(? “I am glad to see Dr. Ayres is active. He is a thorough naturalist and a smart valuable [ [eset “Very truly yours,” [signed] Spencer F. Baird Baird’s advice was taken seriously, thus launching the Proceedings series of the California Academy of Sciences, now in its 142nd year, save for a break in publication of about 8 years, from 1877 to 1886. Original of letter not available. This transcription was made from the letterpress copy of S. F. Baird’s correspondence in the SIArchives (RU 53, 9:325). Brackets [ ] enclose words that were either difficult to interpret or could not be deciphered. CHAPTER II: 1854 35 enthusiasm or repress their ardor. Both devoted a great deal of their time to observa- tion and study in their special branches of science, so much so that Dr. Ayres’ practice as a physician — and he was known and recognized as a very good one — had to some extent at least to suffer, while Dr. Kellogg, who kept a drug-store, was almost too much engrossed with hunting and working over new plants to patiently wait upon customers. Their papers were always drawn with care and were listened to with attention and interest, and especially those of Dr. Ayres, who was a man of remarkable sound judgment, ability and scholarly attainments. On SEPTEMBER 25, a bill was presented by Whitton, Towne & Co., the printers of The Pacific newspaper, for printing the first number of the Proceedings of the Academy and ordered paid. On OCTOBER 2, Adelestan Jardin was elected a corre- sponding member. Dr. Ayres exhibited two new fishes, Morrhua Californica and Grystes lineatus, and provided detailed descriptions. On OCTOBER 9, Dr. Ayres described a new genus and species, Clypeocottus robustus, but then, too late to have it excluded from the published Proceedings of the meeting, called attention to Charles Girard’s earlier description of the same species, which he said had priority of date.”* Dr. W. P. Gibbons read a private letter he had received from Mr. Girard asking for additional information on viviparous fishes found on the Pacific Coast. On OCTOBER 16, Dr. C. F. Winslow was elected a resident member and Lieut. Stone (USN) a corresponding member. Whitton, Towne & Co.’s bill for printing the first bulletin [Proceedings, eds.] of the Academy was ordered paid. At the same meeting Col. Nevins was ordered paid $20 for rent of his office for October. On OCTOBER 23, Dr. William Jelly was elected a resident member. Dr. H. Gibbons exhibited samples taken from sinking a shaft in search for coal near Saucelito, and Dr. Kellogg, in behalf of Julius Troeble, Col. W. Warren, and Dr. Trask, presented numerous varieties of California flower seeds. Dr. H. H. Behr presented a specimen of a parasitic shrub, to 2.8 The concern over priority of publication caused great concern to Academy members in the early years. But, also of concern was that Eastern scientists did not seem to take their Western counterparts seriously, believing them to be amateurs and upstarts. Although the Gibbons-Agassiz dispute seemed to be settled amicably, this was not always the case, and very ear y in Hp eal Ayres ran afoul of both Charles Girard and Theodore Gill (g.v.). By 1859, Ayres was disturbed by Girard’s treatment of his work and in a letter written by John Xantus to Bence Fullerton Baird, Xantus says of a meeting he had with Ayres in San Francisco, “The other day Dr. Ayres visited me & I lent him the fish Report for perusal. He is extremely irritated at Mr. Girard’s proceedings with him. In fact — there is a fish, which was described by Dr. Ayres, & present as a new genus. At the same time Girard noticed a fish in the proceedings, giving him a name, but remarking that the fish is in such condition that it does not admit something like a description. — Now in the Report Girard introduces Dr. Ayres fish, under his [Girard’s] specific name of the unknown fish. . . Dr. Ayres already commenced to write a wholesale criticism of the fish Report, and I believe nobody can blame him for.” (letter quoted in Ann Zwinger, 1986; see pp. 73-74.) On April 16, 1859, Baird wrote to Ayres, “My dear doctor, I shall endeavor before the sailing of the next Cala. steamer to get for you the sheets of Girard’s work on Fishes .. You must not consider me responsible for any Beaute on your toes on the part of Dr. Girard. I have nothing to do with the work.” (Letter quoted in Zwinger, 1986, p. 78.) Like others at the Academy, Ayres felt that even with formal publication in the Academy Proceedings, as first recommended by Baird, Eastern scientists still ignored his work, and this pained him. Ayres received the pages of Girard’s report in July and ina letter to Baird dated July 19, 1859, Ayres complains, “My Dear Sir, I wish first of all to express my very great indebtedness to you for Girard’s Report upon the fishes. It fills the large gap which has so long lain open. . . Of course the first look would be for points in which I am personally concerned. I see that in a number of instances he has dropped me very unceremoniously and very unjustly; whether I shall ever be able to pick myself up again is yet to be seen. . . . | perceive that | have quite a number of genera and species here which he has not touched and which are probably new. | have been waiting for his work, before making attempts at their publication.” (Ayres to Baird, SIA, RU 7002 {Spencer F. Baird Collection, 1793-19234. Box 14, item | 10.) 36 a CALI ANIA ACADEMY OF NATU CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ] Ra i VOL dt: earl dis e SEP A. Keciose in the enair: Steene, by the Ed. of the Puczfic, ei a curious specimen of cabbage. grown 1 onthe Sacramento bottoms, which, instead of a bead 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, periectly 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 Gnest of our fishes, makes its appearance in SAN FRANC CSG O. 1854. the market about the first of Anenst, and con. | tines iv season tlil ueariv the cicse at February. ! They are soid by the fishermen under the name lof Blackfish. and are also not untrequently call- ‘ed Sheepshead. —Specimens are often seen weizh- ing six to eight pounds. My description is taien from cne sixteen and a half inches in length, weighing two pounds and a half. Form very similar to that of Tautoga Amer?- cena. Greatest depth one-fourth the total length. Length of the head. five inches aud one-fourth. Forehead protuberant. especially in large indivi- duals, from an accumulation of fat immediately above the eyes. Lips thick. loose and fleshy. Teeth on the intermaxillaries and in the lower jaw alikc—consisting externally of a single row, stout and eanicle: 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 pharyngeala erely flat, tesrelated 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. ‘Phe 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 Page | of the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, 1854, vol. 1. The volume was reissued with “minor” changes in 1873. The changes, some in wording, some in the lithograph plates, are not readily discernable but do exist and must be taken into account if used as a primary source, especially in taxonomic research (see Appendix K for sample comparisons). (Reproduced from a copy in the Library of Congress) CHAPTER II: 1854 37 which he gave the provisional name of Cuscuta Ceanothi. Subsequently, on DECEM- BER 4, he furnished a description of it, written in Latin. It was the old European practice to give all scientific descriptions in the Latin language, so that learned men of any country, as all were familiar with Latin, could read and understand them. But the practice is now to a very great extent abandoned; and, when thus tentatively revived, it met with no encouragement from the Academy, partly because the members generally were not as good Latinists as Dr. Behr and partly because it was felt that plain English was better, or certainly good enough. And it may be added that there is today almost, if not quite, as much necessity for learned men in every part of the world, whatever may be their nationality, to understand English as there was in past ages to understand Latin. NOVEMBER 27, Dr. R. Beverly Cole was elected a resident member and Dr. A. Chase of Downieville, a corresponding member. Dr. Henry Gibbons exhibited peanuts, Arachis hypogoea, part of a crop of several hundred pounds. raised in Alameda. DECEMBER 4, P. Edward Connor [in published Proceedings, “P. Edwards Conner” in handwritten minutes] was elected a corre- sponding member. Dr. H. Behr described the parasitic shrub, Cuscuta Ceanothi, found in the vicinity of San Francisco, and Dr. Wm. O. Ayres described two new fishes, Osmerus elongatus and Mustelus felis. DECEMBER 11, Dr. C. W. Brink was elected a resident member. Dr. Kellogg presented specimens of Polypodium from Shoalwater Bay, Washington. He said it was used by the Indians in the preparation of their tobacco, calling it “wild liquorice.” 38 Chapter II: Years 1855-1856 1855 he first Monday of JANUARY, 1855, being New Year’s Day, the annual meeting Ts: adjourned until Saturday, JANUARY 6, when the annual election for officers took place and resulted in the choice of Dr. Andrew Randall for president; Col. Leander Ransom, first vice-president; Dr. Henry Gibbons, second vice-president; Dr. William P. Gibbons, corresponding secretary; Dr. C. F. Winslow, recording secre- tary; Col. T. J. Nevins, treasurer; Col. T. J. Nevins, librarian, Dr. W. O. Ayres, curator of zoology, Dr. T. L. Andrews, curator of botany; and Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons, curator of geology and mineralogy. Col. Nevins, as treasurer, reported the receipts for 1854 at $441.00, and the expenditures as $461.95, leaving a balance due him of $20.95. As librarian, he reported that the Academy had sixty-five books, all in good order. The curators reported the cabinet in good condition, and that 1100 specimens had been added to it the previous year. On motion it was ordered that during the year 1855 only $1 per month should be collected as monthly dues, the additional $1, required by the constitution being remitted. At the next meeting, JANUARY 8, Dr. Ayres resumed presenting papers on California fishes, and Dr. Kellogg papers on California plants, and they continued bringing forward new matter at most of the meetings in the course of the year. JANUARY 15, Charles Girard was elected an honorary member. Dr. W. P. Gibbons immediately proposed Spencer F. Baird as honorary member and at the next meeting, on JANUARY 22, Prof. Baird was duly elected. About the same time an article, which was distasteful to most of the members, appeared in a weekly San Francisco newspaper, called “The California Farmer” over the signature of Dr. C. F. Winslow, who had recently been elected recording secretary. At the next meeting, JANUARY 29, Col. Ransom and William Heffley were appointed a committee to wait upon Dr. Winslow and inquire of him whether he was the author. They reported, FEBRUARY 5, that Dr. Winslow admitted that he had written the article as published; whereupon, on motion of Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons, the office of recording secretary was declared vacant; and soon afterwards William Heffley was elected to fill the vacant position. Meanwhile funds had come in so slowly that a committee had been appointed to hasten the collection of monthly dues, and to furnish a list of the members. The committee furnished “a revised list, having erased the names of those who have neither rendered services nor paid anything towards the funds of the Academy, and abated the amount in arrear against certain resident members,” CHAPTER III: 1855-1856 39 Spencer Fullerton Baird Smithsonian Institution Archives (64750) presumably those who had rendered conspicuous service. The report was accepted and adopted. At the same meeting, a proposition of Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons to deliver a course of lectures on chemistry in aid of the funds of the Academy was approved. FEBRUARY 12, Dr. John B. Trask read a paper on shells followed, February 19, by a second paper on the same subject. FEBRUARY 19, Col. R. D. Cutts, U.S. Coast Survey, was elected a corresponding member. On account of some abuse of the privileges of the library, the By-laws were amended by adding a provision that no member should remove any book without permission of the librarian or library committee; that a record of all books loaned and the names of the borrowers should be kept, and that no person except a member, should remove any book without special resolution authorizing it. Dr. Trask read a paper on Alasmodon and presented the specimens of the shell to. the Academy. FEBRUARY 26, Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens and drawings of a variety of California yellow honeysuckle, Lonicera Californica. Dr. Ayres read a paper describing a new genus, Anarrhichthys, and species, A. ocellatus, of fishes from San Francisco Bay. MARCH 12, Julius Troebel, well-known as an educator and advocate of the Kinder-Garten system, who was then editing the San Francisco German Journal, was elected a resident member; and, at his request, it was resolved that he should be furnished with copies of the proceedings of the Academy for publication in his newspaper in the German language. Dr. Thomas Antisell was elected a corresponding member. MARCH 19, Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons presented casts of the jaw and teeth of a mastodon, for which he had received $25 to 40 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 purchase gypsum and procure the casts. The jaw and teeth appear to have been presented by Dr. Trask and were said to have come from Columbia in Tuolumne County. Dr. Gibbons also called attention to a supposed new species of trout, which he called Salmo iridea. Dr. Ayres spoke of a monster of the dog family. APRIL 2, S. R. Throckmorton was elected a resident member; and Dr. Behr appears to have been elected curator of botany, though the record is silent as to what had become of his predecessor in that position. Drs. Ayres and Trask spoke of the ravages of teredos or shipworms and thought there had as yet been no adequate way suggested of prevent- ing them. Dr. Trask then read a paper describing a new ammonite from Shasta County, Ammonites Batesii. APRIL 9, Quincy A. Brooks of Olympia, Washington Territory, was elected a corresponding member. Dr. H. Gibbons, Dr. Behr, Dr. Trask, and Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens of interesting plants, minerals, and fossil shells from Tertiary deposits that had come into their possession. On ApRIL 16, Joshua Child of Encinal was elected a corresponding member. It was announced that Palmer, Cook, & Co. had donated to the Academy, for one year from April 1, the free use of Room No. 4 of the Phoenix block, the building at 622 Clay Street in which the Academy held its meetings, for which liberality due thanks were returned. Dr. Ayres presented a description of Salmo rivularis, a new species from near Martinez. At the same meeting, a letter was received from William Thompson, market-gardener near the Mission Dolores, in reference to the premiums awarded at the beginning of the year for essays on trees and plants suitable for wind-breaks, and stopping shifting sand. The corresponding secretary was instructed to inform Thompson that $50 had been awarded to him and was ready to be paid. Thompson’s letter appears to have stirred up a lively breeze in Academy affairs; and at the next meeting, APRIL 23, on motion of Dr. Kellogg, it was resolved that Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons, on account of his neglect or refusal to notify Thompson of the award and premium, be requested to resign his office of corresponding secretary. Dr. Kellogg then, in his usual talk on plants, spoke particularly about wild ginger. Dr. Gibbons declined to resign his office; and, for the time, the Academy turned its attention to other matters. G. M. Brunham and Merrick J. Reed were elected resident members, and Dr. Randall paid into the treasury $70, of which $50 were probably intended to pay Thompson’s premium. APRIL 30, Dr. Behr spoke at some length on the so-called California silkworm, and expressed an opinion that it might, and was likely to, prove valuable. Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons read a paper on a new species of crab, and Dr. C. F. Winslow a paper on the causes of tides, earthquakes, rising of continents, and variations of the magnetic force. On May 7, Dr. Henry Gibbons furnished to the Academy a copy of his meteoro- logical tables from December 1850 to March 1853, together with remarks on winds, clouds, and weather. These meteorological tables, which were made at San Francisco, had been asked for by a resolution dated December 12, 1853; and Dr. Randall had contributed $10 and Col. Nevins $5 in advance towards having them made out. Drs. Kellogg and Behr reported on the big tree, Sequoia gigantea, which they insisted was improperly called Wellingtonia by English authors. They claimed for it their own CHAPTER III: 1855-1856 41 name of “Zaxodium giganteum or Washington Cypress.” Dr. Kellogg then produced a stir by offering a resolution that the office of corresponding secretary, filled by Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons, should be declared vacant. It was a reopening of the controversy, which had induced the Academy on APRIL 23 to ask for the corresponding secretary’s resignation. After some heated discussion, the resolution was made the special order for the next meeting. Dr. Henry Gibbons moved that the subject should be indefinitely postponed; but his motion was lost. At the next meeting, MAY 14, Dr. Randall in the chair and Dr. Ayres acting as recording secretary pro tem, the resolution was called up; Trask, Kellogg, Heffley, and Bloomer voted in favor of it, and Randall, Henry Gibbons, Wm. P. Gibbons and as appeared, Lanszweert against it, while Ayres, Behr, Troebel, Pappy, Ransom, Sloat and Winslow declined to vote. The resolution was accordingly declared lost, and so entered. The controversy, however, was not yet disposed of, for at the following meeting, May 21, a communication from Dr. Lanszweert was read, in which he stated that he did not vote at the meeting of May 14. Upon this, a motion was made to amend the minutes of that meeting; whereupon the following protest was read and filed; “The undersigned hereby protest against the alteration of the minutes of the last meeting in regard to the vote of Dr. Lanszweert; and they assert that Dr. Lanszweert did vote, as recorded, in the negative, and that he declared to each of them that he had come to the meeting and remained in it for the purpose of so voting. H. Gibbons, W. P. Gibbons.” This called Dr. Lanszweert to his feet with the assertion that he distinctly said at that meeting “I don’t vote,” which was heard by Trask, Kellogg and Sloat, and that consequently the protest which had been filed was false. There was again a heated discussion with a final result that the minutes of the meeting of May 14 were amended so as to leave the name of Lanszweert out of the vote on the resolution and declare it carried; and as so amended they were ordered approved. Dr. Kellogg then read a paper on plants and Dr. Ayres one on the California mole, Scalops californicus, and one on fishes. At the next meeting MAY 28, James Tallant and Henry C. Macy, were elected resident members. A motion was made to proceed to an election to fill the vacancy in the office of corresponding secretary, when Wm. P. Gibbons presented another protest, which was ordered spread upon the minutes, as follows: “I hereby protest against any action being taken in the matter of election of another correspond- ing secretary of this Academy; Ist. Because the Academy has no right under the present regulations to elect any officer at other than the first meeting in the month; 2nd. Because the duties of the corresponding secretary, being prescribed by the constitution, the society cannot compel him to perform any duties not particularly specified therein; consequently all action heretofore had in the premises is unconsti- tutional.” The first ground of this protest was based upon a By-law adopted April 3, 1854, that “the first meeting in each month shall be devoted especially to the business of the Academy and other meetings to scientific purposes; but this rule may be sus- pended by resolution so that miscellaneous business can be acted on at any meeting.” The second ground was based upon the constitution, Art. V, Sec. 4. “The correspond- 42 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ing secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the association; keep a record, in which he shall regularly enter copies of all official letters written by him and also note the receipt of all letters intended for the association, with a reference to his files thereof, and exhibit the same at the next subsequent meeting; and, at the close of his term, deliver to his successor all books, letters, stationery and other property in his hands belonging to the association.” The Academy, however, did not seem disposed to consider these questions, but resolved to proceed, and Dr. William O. Ayres was elected corresponding secretary. It was also resolved that the new incumbent should call upon the late corresponding secretary and “that the latter be and is hereby requested to deliver to the said corresponding secretary all books, papers, correspon- dence and other matters in his hands and belonging to the Academy.” After this experience of internecine feud, comparative quiet reigned, and the Academy devoted almost the whole of its attention during the remainder of the year to inspecting new specimens and listening to and discussing papers presented by Dr. Kellogg on plants and Dr. Ayres on fishes. JUNE 25, M. Auguste Le Folis of Cherbourg, France was elected a corresponding member. Dr. Behr described a new genus and species of plant, Chloropyron palustre. On JULY 9, James O’Meara of Calaveras Co., was elected a corresponding member. JULY 30, Dr. John A. Veatch, J. R. Hume and Dr. Henry Bates were elected corresponding members. AUGUST 6, Dr. J. Eckel was elected a resident member, D. E. Hough and Broome Smith, corresponding members, and on the same day a donation was received from Dr. John Torrey, the widely known botanist including “Observations on the Batis maritima and a report on the Darlingtonia Californica.” On AUGUST 20, the old difficulty was called up again by a resolution declaring vacant the office of curator of geology and mineralogy, of which Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons was still incumbent, and the election of Dr. Lanszweert to fill it; and at the same time it was deemed proper to appoint L. W. Sloat a committee of one to call upon Dr. Gibbons, as late corresponding secretary, and “with full power to act, to obtain from him all books, papers, instruments, moulds for casts, and other property in his hands belonging to the Academy.” At the same meeting Dr. Veatch and Dr. Lanszweert presented and discussed mineral water from Red Bluff. At this meeting Dr. Ayres read a paper on Echinodermata of the California coast. SEPTEMBER 3, S. W. Parker was elected a resident member and W. P. Blake, a corresponding member. SEPTEMBER 10, Dr. Ayres read a paper on a new species of “cramp fish,” Torpedo Californica, and illustrated, by dissection, its electric 3.1 On July 16, 1855, Ayres wrote to Spencer Fullerton Baird at the Smithsonian Institution to_inform him that he had been elected an Honorary Member on Jan. 22, 1855. As a postscript to the notification, Ayres spoke of the internal bickering in the Academy with respect to the office of Corresponding secretary: “Apave I send you a notice officially. An unfortunate difficulty between the former Secretary of the Academy has resulted in their removing him from the office, and their requesting me to take it. He [W. P. Gibbons] refuses to give any report of what he has at any time done, and inasmuch as we cannot learn that more than one or two of those lected as Corresponding & Honorary Members have ever been made aware of it they have wished me to write to all.” On the unrelated matter of his researches, Ayres continued, “I am working along here in the dark as well as I can, with almost nothing in the way of books or means of reference, and what mistakes I make, some of you more advantageously situated must correct. | have the materials; you have the authorities. I am waiting very impatiently for the Reports on the Pacific Rail Road etc. which will contain more full descriptions of the various species from this coast. How can I get them when they are issued? Can you send them to me?. . .” (Ayres to Baird, SIArchives, RU 7002 {Spencer Fullerton Baird Collection, 1793-1923}, Box 14, Item 109.) CHAPTER III: 1855-1856 43 organs. SEPTEMBER 24, it was resolved that Col. Nevins be requested to engross the records since January, 1855, at an expense not exceeding $50. OCTOBER 8, Dr. Ayres exhibited a specimen and provided a description of a new genus and species of shark, Notorhynchus maculatus.” OCTOBER 22, James Palache of Murphy’s, Calaveras County, and James G. Cooper of New York were elected corresponding members. NOVEMBER 5, letters were read from Dr. Isaac Lea, Dr. William Darlington, and Joseph Delafield acknowledging their election as honorary members. William Stimp- son of Boston, Norris W. Palmer, Alameda, and Rene Lenormand, Vire, France, were elected corresponding members. NOVEMBER 26, Joshua E. Clayton, from Mariposa, was elected a corresponding member. Next, on motion of Col. Nevins, it was resolved to memorialize Congress in favor of full scientific survey of California and the Territories of Oregon and Washington and to petition “the next Legislature of this State .. . for an appropriation of [ ] thousand dollars per annum for five years to aid this association [the Academy {Eds.}] in procuring a site and erecting a suitable building for its meetings, library and cabinet and defraying the expenses of scientific explorations . . . of this State in the departments of Geology, Mineralogy, Botany, Zoology, etc. etc.” DECEMBER 3, Charles Girard of the Smithsonian Institution acknowledged his election as an honorary member. DECEMBER 31, it was resolved that “meteorological instruments, presented by Mr. William Schmoltz” be placed in the hands of Dr. Ayres, and that he be requested to make the observations, for which they were intended. 1856 The year 1856 commenced with a number of changes in the Academy. By that time the early flush times of California were completely over. During the winter months or rainy season of 1855-56, there had been a considerable diminution in the yield of the placer mines; and, partly on that account but more particularly on account of the loose methods and wild and reckless speculation that were prevalent, the great banking houses of Adams & Co., Page, Bacon & Co. and numerous other banking concerns failed and in their crash carried down with them many business estab- lishments and involved the whole community in losses. There was no longer any confidence, and a sort of general bankruptcy stared everybody in the face. The Academy, though it had never been well supported, felt the general depression very sensibly. Even the little driblets, that had been flowing into its treasury, became more and more attenuated; and very few new members joined, while unavoidable expenses 3.2 Ayres’ publication on Notorhynchus maculatus was rejected by Theodore Gill who in a later paper usurped the name as his own and redescribed both genus and species (see Gill, 1862, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., p. 495 and 1864, pp. 147-151 [especially pp. 149-150]). The clash over this and other groups studied by Ayres and separately i Gill, and Gill's ratnless criticism of Ayres, finally caused Ayres to give up research in Level ess, in 1864. Ayres left San Francisco in 1871 and returned East, first to Chicago, where he suffered serious financial reversals, and then in 1878 to New Haven, Connecticut, where he re-estab- lished his medical practice and taught at Yale’s medical school. In failing health, he retired to Brooklyn, New York, in early 1887 and died shortly thereafter, on April 30, at the age of 70. 44 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 were still running on and had to be met. The collections for the previous year, 1855, had been $647 but the expenditures were $672.00, leaving a deficit of $25.70. After the difficulty that had occurred in reference to the office of corresponding secretary and the action of the Academy upon it, Dr. Henry Gibbons and Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons, who had always been among the most able, active and efficient members, substantially withdrew and in effect dropped out; and it was not until after the lapse of a number of years that they again joined and took an active part in the institution they had done so much in organizing and maintaining and in the objects of which they at heart took so much interest. Besides the loss of these gentlemen, Dr. Andrew Randall, the president, who had devoted much time and energy to the institution, seems to have found that his large business affairs, which had become more or less complicated in the general financial disasters and depression, declined to serve any longer as an officer; nor does he appear to have taken any further active part in the proceedings. At the annual meeting of JANUARY 7, 1856, at which the officers for that year were chosen, the election resulted in the choice of Col. Leander Ransom for president; Dr. Albert Kellogg, first vice-president; Dr. J. N. Eckel, second vice-presi- dent; Edward Bosqui, treasurer; Dr. Wm. O. Ayres, corresponding secretary; Merrick G. Reed, recording secretary; Col. T. J. Nevins, librarian; Dr. J. B. Trask, curator of geology and mineralogy; H. G. Bloomer, curator of botany; L. W. Sloat, curator of conchology, and Dr. L. Lanszweert, curator of zoology. One of the first things done at this annual meeting, besides the reading of the report of Col. Nevins as treasurer, was an amendment of the constitution reducing the regular monthly dues from $2 to $1, and the fee for life membership from $500 to $100. It left the initiation fee $10 as before, but specially declared that no one, though elected, was to be regarded as a member until he had complied with the prescribed conditions. Col. Nevins presented an alphabetical index of the specimens of the Academy mentioned in the records form the commencement of its proceedings, and, as it appeared that he had engrossed the records of 1855 as he had been directed to do, he was ordered paid $50. Dr. Trask then read a paper on “Earthquakes in California from 1812 to 1850.” At the next meeting, JANUARY 14, a committee, consisting of Nevins, Ayres and Bloomer, which had been appointed to solicit an annual appropriation from the California Legislature for the purchase of a site and erecting and maintaining a building for the Academy, made a report, which could not have been very encourag- ing. The Legislature was entirely too busy with political and other schemes to pay any attention to science and particularly to an institution which could not control the votes even of its own members. The day had not yet come when every Academy of Science will be regarded as of vast importance in every well-regulated State. There seems to have been still some disagreement in reference to what property of the Academy remained in the possession of Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons, the former corresponding secretary, and it was resolved that the Smithsonian Institution should be communicated with in regard to the instruments ordered from and transmitted by it. Dr. Trask presented a paper on “Earthquakes in California from 1850 to 1855.” JANUARY 21, Dr. Ayres, the corresponding secretary, reported that he had received CHAPTER III: 1855-1856 45 from Dr. Gibbons, “‘one cistern-barometer, one rain-gauge, two thermometers, two hygrometers, and one magnetic instrument for determining variations.” JANUARY 28, Dr. C. H. Raymond presented specimens of paper made from wood-shavings. FEBRUARY 4. Trask, Lanszweert and Bosqui were appointed a committee “to put the rooms of the Academy in order.” The effect of reducing the fee of life-membership from $500, which no one from the beginning had been willing to pay, to $100 was seen on FEBRUARY 11, when Joseph C. Palmer was elected the first life member, followed on FEBRUARY 18 by his partner in business, Charles W. Cook, and on the same day P. M. Randall and S. Pinkham were elected resident members and Capt. Kentrel a corresponding member. FEBRUARY 25, Dr. Randall, who was present at the Academy for the last time, and Dr. Veatch presented specimens. On MARCH 3, Missouri State geologist B. F. Shumard was elected a corresponding member, and on MARCH 10, A. H. Jones and C. D. Shuepel were elected resident members and J. M. Alden a corresponding member. At the same meeting, on motion of Edward Bosqui, the treasurer, it was resolved that notice should be sent to all members in arrears, and that all money received from monthly dues should be used only for the completion of the rooms of the Academy and paying outstanding indebtedness. Frank Baker contributed carpeting, for which he received thanks. MARCH 17, Prof. J. D. Dana donated a copy of his “Science and the Bible,” purporting to be a review of Prof. Lewis’ “Six Days of Creation.” At the same meeting Col. Nevins presented an account of a thunder storm observed at Alameda and Dr. Trask a paper on fossil shells. MARCH 24, Joshua D. Haven besides many specimens, donated a large mahogany bookcase. APRIL 14, Thomas Rowlandson’” and Frederick Marriott were elected resident members. Dr. Henry Wheatland of Salem, Massachusetts, was elected a corresponding member. APRIL 21, Dr. Kellogg spoke about a horse-tail plant of the Ephidae family. APRIL 28, Augustus Le Plongeon was elected a resident member. A paper on California Crustacea, received from William Stimpson, zoologist to the U.S. Exploring Expedition, was read; and Mr. Cochrame was authorized to collect specimens for the Academy on his travels in Honduras and elsewhere. MAY 12, Sir William J. Hooker, Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew, was elected an honorary member. On May 14, occurred the shooting of James King of Wm., editor of the San Francisco Evening Bulletin newspaper, by James P. Casey, which gave rise to the famous Vigilance Committee of 1856, one of the most extensive and significant social movements in the history of California. San Francisco was at that time in the hands of very corrupt politicians and contained a large number of characters of the lowest grade, countenanced and protected by them. King had undertaken in his newspaper to expose the corruption and had had occasion to speak of Casey, then a supervisor, and mention the fact that he had been a convict in the New York penitentiary at Sing Sing. On account of this exposure, Casey shot King in open day on the public street, 33 In the published Proceedings (1855, vol. 1, pt. 2D, p. 95), the name is misspelt “Rollandson.” In the Minute Books and in the hand-written roster of members, compiled some years later, it is spelt “Rollinson.” Thomas Rowlandson arrived in San Francisco from England in 1855 and entered into the life of the city, listing himself variously as a mining, agricultural, and civil engineer (see Aldrich, Bolt, Leviton & Rodda, 1986, Bull. Seismological Soc. America 76(1):71-75). 46 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 and then hurried to the police office whose chief was his personal friend and where he was sure of protection and sympathy. Shooting, stabbings, deadly assaults of all kinds, robberies, burglaries, larcenies and crimes of all descriptions, and among them ballot-box stuffing and other frauds upon the elective franchise were common; and the community had already been worked up to a degree of excitement, which now burst into flames. The better classes of the citizens met, organized for necessary mutual protection, and commenced the great work of cleansing the City of its scoundrels or at least making them hunt their holes. They established head-quarters, which they fortified, and formed an army of some five thousand men, which, with cannon, marched to the county jail and took out of it Casey and another assassin named Charles Cora, who had a few months previously shot down and killed William H. Richardson, the U. S. Marshal of the California district. Both of these men they carefully tried and after due deliberation convicted; and on May 22, the day of King’s funeral, who had died a few days before, openly and in the face of the world hanged them from the windows of their headquarters, popularly known as “Fort Gunny- bags.” During those days of public excitement — for the Vigilance Committee did not stop with the execution of Casey and Cora, but, with the approbation of the better class of citizens throughout the State,’* continued their work for several months and for the time and for a number of years afterwards effectually cleansed the City — The Academy, though it formally met, did little business. On JUNE 2, Mrs. Nevins, as if to remind the members that the sun still shone and the skies still smiled, sent in a vase of beautiful flowers from Alameda. On JUNE 16, J. Mora Moss was elected a resident member. Dr. Trask presented a collection of 126 species (? specimens) of Achatinella from the Hawaiian Islands to the cabinet. In the course of a few weeks more, July 24, while the Vigilance Committee were in the very midst of their Herculean labors, a man named Joseph Hetherington, with the same murderous and unbridled passion that had cost Casey and Cora their lives, and apparently oblivious or careless of their fate, openly shot down Dr. Andrew Randall on account of a debt’* which the latter owed him. The result, as might have been expected by any one that had the remotest knowledge of the spirit and earnestness of the Vigilance Committee, was that Hetherington was at once seized, tried and condemned; and shortly afterwards, in company with another assassin, named Philander Brace, executed, on gallows erected in the public street, in the presence of the entire population of San Francisco. In the meanwhile, JULY 27, the members of the Academy were called upon to turn out in a body and take their placed in the long funeral procession of their first president. 3-4 Hittell somewhat overstates the support of the Vigilance Committee. Some, such as the Governor, newly installed J. Neeley Johnson, and San Francisco banker, William Tecumseh Sherman, were concerned about the breakdown of constituted authority. Sherman, who earlier in the spring of 1856 had accepted an appointment as Major-General in the California State Militia, agreed to quell the vigilantes by calling out the militia on condition that the Army supply the needed arms. As events turned out, army commander General John E. Wool refused to provide the weapons, and Sherman, lacking support, High ee his militia commission leaving the Vigilance Committee in control of the city for several months. Although there is an extensive literature covering this period of social upheaval, John F. Marszalek’s Sherman: A Soldier's Passion for Order (1993, The Free Press, Macmillan, Co., New York, pages 105-109) offers a less euphoric assessment of this moment in history than that given by Hittell. 3-5 $67,175.59 (see Butler, C. P., unpublished ms in CAS Archives, vol. 1, p. 160). CHAPTER III: 1855-1856 47 Execution of Joseph Hetherington and Philander Brace, San Francisco, July 29, 1856 California Academy of Sciences Special Collections (unknown contemporary source) The result of the Vigilance Committee work was a complete change in the government of San Francisco, effected by what was know as the “People’s Party,” which grew out of it. Most of the very bad characters, besides those who were hanged, had been exiled or found it safest to leave. Honest men were put in office; and for the next ten years there was not a more peaceable, orderly or better governed city in the United States or, for that matter, in the world than San Francisco. But the changes thus brought about engrossed the attention of everybody; and the business of the Academy, and particularly its financial interests, had to be more or less overlooked or neglected. A portion of its members, nevertheless, continued to meet, and the life of the institution was preserved. Returning to member meetings, meetings were held on JULY 7, on JULY 2A cat which letters from Professor Joseph Henry Lieut. M. F. Maury, and the Royal Society of London were read, and on JULY 28, when Charles L. Bonaparte (called Prince) and Baron Adolphe J. L. Quetelet were elected honorary members. Also, on their first reading, the members unanimously approved two amendments to the Academy By-Laws: From and after this date, no matters for exhibition presented by any resident member, shall be entered on the minutes of the Association. 48 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 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 a fit condition for preservation, which shall become the property of the Association. It was at this meeting that Dr. Trask presented a memorial for Dr. Randall.*® On AUGUST 11, on account of pressing want of funds, a resolution was adopted calling upon Edward Bosqui, the treasurer, for a report upon the state of the finances. At the next meeting, AUGUST 18, Mr. Bosqui made his report; but at the same time, apparently regarding the resolution as a reflection upon his activity in collecting funds, he tendered his resignation of his office. This resignation, however, the Academy, being in no sense disposed to accept, was expressly rejected; but, for the purpose of helping Mr. Bosqui in his arduous task, Mr. Heffley was appointed to assist in the collection of dues. About the same time, Dr. John A. Veatch, who became a very active contributor of scientific papers, became a resident member. AUGUST 25, A. F. Beardslee was elected a corresponding member. Among donations to the cabinet were two snakes, Eutainia dorsalis and Pituophis catenifer, by Dr. Lan- szweert, and several fish. SEPTEMBER 8, Julius K. Rose and Theodore F. Moss were elected resident members; and, SEPTEMBER 29, F. L. A. Pioche and Jules B. Bayergue also. Dr. Joseph Birnstill was elected a corresponding member. On the last named day, the two amendments to the By-laws first read on July 28 were presented by Dr. Trask for their second reading, one to the effect that matters for exhibition presented by a resident member should not be entered in the minutes, and the other, that every paper intended for publication in the departments of zoology or botany must be accompanied by the specimens described in a condition to insure their preservation or drawings of them; and that all such specimens and drawings should become the property of the Academy. Both amendments elicited much discussion and being put to vote, were lost — Kellogg, Trask and Heffley voting in favor of them, and Eckel, Lanszweert, Ayres, Bloomer, and Moss, against them. OCTOBER 20, Dr. Ayres presented a description of a new species of mackerel, Scomber Diego, from the Santa Barbara Channel. NOVEMBER 17, several donations to the cabinet are recorded. DECEMBER 16, Dr. J. B. Haggin was elected a resident member. Captain J. D. Brown donated specimens of corals and sponges from the Gulf of California, Mr. Bridges, specimens of Sequoia and Pinus, and Dr. Veatch, rock specimens from the vicinity of Clear Lake. 3.6 Although supposedly read to the members at the meeting held on July 28, there is no mention of it in the minutes of that meeting. As pointed out by Leviton & Aldrich (1982:62), the original of the memorial had been presented to the Randall family and was kept among the family records until it was presented to Mr. C. P. Butler of the Academy’s Department of Geole y by a decendent relative of Andrew Randall. For more details about this and about Andrew Randall in general, reference should be made to an unpublished manuscript in the Archives of the Academy written in the late 1970s by Clay Preston Butler (see Bibliography, this volume). 49 Chapter IV: Years 1857-1862 1857 he records of the Academy for the next few years are very imperfect.*' There _are, however, some items preserved, showing the general progress. The annual meeting for 1857 was held on JANUARY 5; but the attendance was so slim that the annual election was put over until the next meeting. Dr. J. B. Stillman of the steamer John L. Stephens presented a number of specimens which he had collected on one of his trips to Panama. On JANUARY 12, in accordance with postponement, the election for officers of 1857 took place and resulted in the choice of Col. Leander Ransom for president; Theodore F. Moss, first vice-president; Dr. J. N. Eckel, second vice-presi- dent; Merrick G. Reed, recording secretary; Dr. Wm. O. Ayres, corresponding secretary; Edward Bosqui, treasurer; Wm. Heffley, librarian; Dr. L. Lanszweert, curator of zoology, and Dr. J. B. Trask, curator of geology and mineralogy. Col. Thomas J. Nevins, apparently on account of his services, was made a life member; and Thomas G. Cary** was elected a resident member. Dr. Trask read a paper on “Earthquakes in California in 1856,” and Dr. Kellogg a paper on new plants. An extensive collection of California plants, woods of native forest trees, mosses from New Mexico and the Gila country, shells and minerals, was purchased from the estate of Dr. Andrew Randall. (On JANUARY 25, Thomas G. Cary seems to have been elected a resident member a second time [Proceedings, vol. 1, pt. 2, p. 105]. {Eds.}) On FEBRUARY 23, Joseph Britton, James Hepburn and A. A. Branda were elected resident members and George Fraunfeld of Vienna [Austria], a corresponding mem- ber. Wm. P. Blake read a paper on “Telluret of Silver in California.” MARCH 23, on motion of Dr. Ayres, Captain C. J. W. Russell was declared by viva voce vote a resident member. On MARCH 30, Professor Asa Gray and Dr. John Torrey were elected honorary members. At this same meeting Dr. Trask presented, among other things, a quantity of ripe fruit of the coffee tree from the Hawaiian Islands; and the curators were requested to distribute it throughout the state with a view to inducing 4.1 Not only are the records imperfect, but none of the minutes of the meetings held following January 5, 1857 to January 20, 1862 are recorded in the minute books. Nor do any of the minutes, save for the papers read at the meetings, which were then published as scientific contributions, appear in the Academy’s Proceedings (ser. 1, vol. 2, 1858-1862). Menton of some of the interesting events that took place at the meetings, such as J. D. Whitney’s effort to get the State of California to build a state museum to be administered by the Academy (see Appendix E), are to be found only in the personal correspondence of Academy members, such as J. D. Whitney and William H. Brewer, whose personal papers and those of their correspondents, e.g., Spencer Fullerton Baird, are to be found in archives outside of California. 42 Thomas G. Cary, brother of Mrs. Louis (Elizabeth Cabot Cary) Agassiz. 50 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 its cultivation in California. Dr. Trask read a paper on the direction and velocity of the earthquake of January 9, 1857. He also read a paper on new microscopic organisms from the Santa Barbara Channel, and a paper on zoophytes from the Bay of San Francisco and adjacent localities. Captain Russell deposited a water-bottle and beads, with a mortar, which had been used, and were supposed to have been made, by the Indian woman Maria, the so-called female Robinson Crusoe, on the Island of San Nicolas during her solitary residence there of eighteen years. He also deposited a volume of records in Spanish of the Mission of San Diego, dating back to 1770. A paper by Mr. Garrett on shells of the Hawaiian Islands, was read; and the recording secretary was requested to convey to Joseph C. Palmer the thanks of the Academy for a donation of the room rent for the ensuing year. OCTOBER 5, Dr. Kellogg read a paper on Cupressus fragrans. On NOVEMBER 30, Col. Nevins made a proposition to write up the records, which was laid over for a week; and at the next meeting, DECEMBER 7, the whole subject matter was indefinitely postponed. At the same meeting, Dr. John A. Veatch read a paper on “A Visit to the Mud Springs in the Colorado Desert in July 1857.” 1858 It was in this year that the Fraser River gold excitement was at its height, and a large part of the population of San Francisco rushed off to the new mines. The effect of this exodus — added to the business depression of previous years and the drain produced by the filibuster attempts of William Walker to establish himself and extend the area of slave-territory in Nicaragua, from which the city had not yet recovered — was for the time disastrous. Real-estate went down to a very low figure; business in general languished more than ever, and merchandise, except for hard-tack, pork, and beans and other gold-rush supplies, became to a great extent a drug in the market. But, notwithstanding these discouragements, the California scientists, who appar- ently had little in the way of wealth to lose, kept on at their work. The annual meeting for 1858 was held on JANUARY 4, when the officers for the previous year with Col. Leander Ransom as president at their head, were reelected, the only change being that of Dr. Trask as recording secretary in place of Merrick G. Reed. Dr. Veatch was also made curator of conchology. At the next meeting, JANUARY 11, the constitution of the Academy, on account of some doubt about its provisions, appears to have been amended, so as to entitle life members “‘to participate by vote or otherwise in all meetings of the Society”; (Art. II, Sec. 7): and so as to provide that “if any member shall be delinquent in dues for a term of more than twelve months, his name shall be erased from the list of members, his membership ceasing from that date. But if the person this affected shall show evidence to the Academy that he has been absent from the city not less than six months of this time, the rule shall not be enforced. All articles or sections of articles conflicting with the above amendments are hereby repealed” (Art. II, Sec. 8). At the next meeting, JANUARY 18, it was resolved to dispense with CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 51 the election of standing committees for the current year. FEBRUARY 22, Col. Ransom read a paper on “Growth over the Butt of a Blazed Tree,” showing such growth for five years and indicating a “ring” for each year. JULY 25, Dr. Kellogg read a paper on a blue-star tulip, which he called Cyclobothra coerulea. AUGUST 2, he presented specimens and descriptions of two of plants, Ca/ochortus lilacinus, the blue-beard butterfly tulip, and Campanula filiflora, the tubular bellwort, the latter first presented by him in July, 1855. OCTOBER 25, Dr. Kellogg exhibited drawings of Brodioea terrestria. 1859 The proceedings of the year 1859 were very much like those of 1 858.*° The Fraser River adventurers had come back disappointed. They had found no gold worth the hunting or that would even pay the expenses of the search. Their return though they were impoverished, somewhat brightened business prospects; but, in the meanwhile national politics were drifting towards the great conflict between the North and the South on the subject of slavery, and, except among the very few devotees, little or no attention was given to science. For a long time no new members joined the Academy. But still it continued its sessions and its work went on. At the annual meeting of 1859, held JANUARY 10, the old officers, with Col. Ransom at the head as president, were re-elected. On JANUARY 17, Dr. Veatch read a paper “On the Occurrence of Boracic Acid in the Sea-water of the Pacific.” For a number of subsequent meetings Dr. Kellogg seems to have occupied the chief attention with paper on plants: — JANUARY 24, on Abies bridgei; APRIL 25, on Fritillaria viridae; JUNE 13, on Collinsia solitaria; JULY 18, on what he called the Veatchia genus and Veatchia crystallina, anew genus, 4.3 John Xantus, the Hungarian naturalist who visited San Francisco in 1859, in a letter to Spencer Fullerton Baird at the Smitheanian Institution, said of the Academy, “The California Academy of Nat. Sciences is in a deplorable condition, they have only 11 (say eleven) members, and each of them has to pay about $300 a year to defray the expenses of the society. Their once beautiful collection is entirely eaten up by the miriads of mice & rates, they even destroyed the labels of all the Rocks & fossils.” (Letter to S.F. Baird, Feb. 17, 1859; in Zwinger, p. 59). Xantus, according to Ann Zwinger (Xantus: The letters of John Xantus to Spencer Fullerton Bait fom San Francisco... 1859-1861. 1986. Dawson’s Book Shop, Los Angeles, CA. 422 pp.) had a “craving for respect and public approbation [that] led him to fabrication and plagiarization. He wrote for fame, not for truth. . .” (Zwinger, p. 32). He also led Baird astray by withholding important details of specimens he sent. For instance, in his letter to Baird (lit. cit. supra), Xantus said, “Mr. Hubbard will forward this steamer two boxes from me, the one contains birds & mammals . . .The box contains also two small boxes with eggs of the Passerella cinerea, & Chrysomitris Yarrellii, which I obtained also from Dr. Ayres, and never saw them in Ft. Tejon, they were procured near town on the Mission Dolores [San Francisco] last summer.” Baird, on receipt of the package, had difficulty dealing with the eggs and wrote directly to Ayres on April 16, “I have not been able to identify the eggs you sent through Mr. Xantus. ..” Ayres responded (May 18, 1859), “You inquire about those eggs sent by Mr De Vesey [John Xantus]. I can tell you nothing about them, only that I have no idea whatever that either name [e.g., P. cinerea] or [C. varre wilis correct. The nests & eggs without the bird were presented to the Academy nearly five years ago, having been found somewhere near the city, & remained for a long time without any labels excepting a note of their locality. . .For entre nous, & speaking with all possible respect, there is no one of our members who to the best of my knowledge & belief could tell the egg of a sparrow from that of any other bird which might happen to be of small size . . .” (see Zwinger, p. ory In a letter written to Baird a few days earlier (Feb. 11), and in a more generous mood, Xantus says, “Mr. Hubbard [Samuel Hubbard, agent for the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Col introduced me to the Mercantile library association, and I got acquainted through him with almost every scientific gentleman of the town. Dr. Trask [John Boardman Trask] is particularly kind to me, and so SDE Ayres [William Orville Ayres], who both told me, to consider their houses as my own...” (see Zwinger, p. 55). a2 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Bloomeria, and species B. aurea, and Lilium washingtonianum from the Sierra Nevada; AUGUST 29, on Ledum californicum; and SEPTEMBER 19, on two new species of Pentstemon |= Penstemon]. On SEPTEMBER 26, Dr. Veatch read a paper on new genera and species of plants, which he had found on Cerros Island near the west coast of Lower California, particular descriptions of many of which were presented by Dr. Kellogg. The subject of new plants, brought up from Cerros Island by Dr. Veatch, was continued by Dr. Kellogg on OCTOBER 2 and again on OCTOBER 10, when drawings of the Rhus veatchiana, or elephant sumac, and some other Cerros Island plants were presented. At the October 10 meeting, Prof. E. Balfour** and Dr. Robert K. Greville, were elected honorary members. On OCTOBER 17, Dr. Ayres*” read a paper describing eleven new California fishes; after which, on OCTOBER 24, Dr. Kellogg resumed the subject of new plants, brought by Dr. Veatch from Cerros Island and continued the same subject on NOVEMBER 14 and NOVEMBER 21 with drawings of the plants described. On NOVEMBER 30, Dr. Kellogg read a paper on a new species of oak found near Clear Lake, California by Andrew A. Veatch"® and called Abram’s oak; and on DECEMBER S, he seems to have finished up for the time on the collections brought by Dr. Veatch from Clear Lake and from Cerros Island. At the same meeting Dr. Trask presented a paper on “Earthquakes in California During 1858” and another on “Earthquakes in California During 1859.” 1860*’ The records for 1860 are even more meager than those of the preceding several years. The annual meeting took place on JANUARY 2, and all the officers of 1859, with Col. Ransom at their head, were re-elected. On MARCH S, Dr. Kellogg described a new genus of plants, which he called Liliorhiza, and gave a drawing of Liliorhiza lanceolata. MAY 7, he described a new species of Trillium and presented a drawing 4.4 Prof. E. Balfour, otherwise unidentified in the Minute Books, may have been Edward Green Balfour (1813-1889). Balfour, born at Montrose, Forfarshire, England, went to India in 1834 and entered the medical department of the Indian Army, becoming surgeon-general from 1871 until his retirement in 1876. In 1850, Balfour offered to establish a Government Central Museum in Madras and was appointed its superintendent, until he stepped down in 1859. While head of the museum, he published several catalogs, Pigone a hy, classified list of Molluska, and reports on the work of the museum. (See Dictionary of National Biograp vol. 22 [supplement], pp. 113-114. 45 See footnote 2.8 (p. 35). 4.6 Mr. Andrew A. Veatch, son of Dr. John A. Veatch. 4.7 Although nowhere recorded in extant Academy records, the establishment of the California Geological Survey on 21 April 1860 was to have a profound effect on the Academy because it brought to San Francisco acadre of eastern scientists, notably Josiah Dwight Whitney, director of the Survey, William Henry Brewer, William M. Gabb, and others who gravitated to the Academy thus giving it a new lease on life and a broadened perspective on the natural sciences. For a perceptive discussion of this, see Smith (1994, Pacific Visions), spon a the section dealing with the California Academy of Sciences. As important as the Geological Survey was in this regard, in fact it was only one of several events that attracted this new breed of scientist to the San Francisco area and to the Academy in the 1860s. Unrelated to the Survey was the arrival of William Healey Dall, Robert Edwards Carter Stearns, James Graham Cooper (although he was employed by Whitney for part of the time), George Davidson, and with the founding of the University of California in 1867, John and Joseph LeConte. For an interesting analysis of the impact that these new arrivals had on the Academy, see Table 1 (Appendix G) in which the attendance at Academy meetings, based on data recorded in the Minute Books, is shown by year and month from 1853 to 1876. CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 53 of it. JUNE 4, he described and gave a drawing of Sisyrinchium flavidum. On JULY 2, Dr. Ayres read a paper on a number of new fishes, including the new genus and species Halias marginatus, and presented outline drawings of them. He continued the same subject on AUGUST 6, describing Trichodon lineatus and Osmerus thaleichthys. SEPTEMBER 3, Dr. Kellogg presented descriptions and drawings of Hemizonia luzulaefolia var. fragarioides, Hemizonia balsamifera, Lonicera conjugialis and Abronia crux-maltae. OCTOBER 1, Dr. Ayres again took up the subject of fishes, reading papers and presenting drawings of two new species, Atherinopsis affinis and A. tenuis; and on NOVEMBER 5 and DECEMBER 3, describing Johnius nobilis and Poronotus simillimus and two new genera, Seriphus and Camarina. 1861* The annual meeting of 1861 was held on JANUARY 7, and the same officers who had held for several years, were re-elected. JANUARY 21, W. Newcomb, M. D., of Oakland was elected a corresponding member. Dr. Kellogg read a paper on what he called Polypodium carnosum, and Dr. Trask a paper on “Earthquakes in California in 1860.” FEBRUARY 4, Dr. W. Newcomb read papers on shells, one on Helix Bridgesii from San Pablo, and another on Helix Traskii, and three others, and on MARCH 18 another paper on other shells in which he described Helix Carpenteri and Helix Ayresiana. He seemed to wish to revive the old practice of giving Latin descriptions, but at the same time yielded so far to scientific English as to give them in English as well as in Latin. Dr. Kellogg read papers on plants FEBRUARY 18 and 25, APRIL 1 and 15, MAY 5, JUNE 2, JULY 21, SEPTEMBER 2, OCTOBER 6 and 20, NOVEMBER 3 and 17, and DECEMBER 15. The plants described were accompanied in every case with outline drawings made by himself; and they included species of Ribes, Galium, Mentzelia, Sisyrinchium, Chlorogalum, Allium, Collinsia, Lewisia, Astra- galus, Hosackia, Ceanothus, Echinospermum, Lathyrus, Lonicera, and Wahlenber- gia. On JULY 7, Dr. J. G. Cooper read a paper on new California animals, among which were what were known as Whitney’s owl, Athene whitneyi, Lucy’s warbler, Helminthophaga luciae, Agassiz’ land tortoise, Xerobates agassizii, and some others. AUGUST 5, R. Pumpelly read a lengthy paper, a “Mineralogical Sketch of the Silver Mines of Arizona.” On AUGUST 19, Col. Ransom read a paper on the “Declinations 4.8 As noted earlier, there are large gaps in the handwritten records of Academy meetings contained in the Minute Books that were saved from the earthquake and fire. There are no written records for all of 1861 and the ony records that were preserved of the meetings are those published in the Academy Proceedings. However, these are also incomplete and Hittell had nothing at fandlte indicate what, if anything, had gone on, or indeed, if meetings were even held. They were, and fori the Academy’s standpoint, one of particular interest was held on Sunday, June 23, 1861 at which, according to a “Dear Friends” letter written by William ee Brewer that day, “and must go soon to a meeting at the Academy of Natural Sciences which meets tonight — Prof. W. [J. D. Whitney, {Eds.}] has a grand scheme for building a great building for the State collections here. We are ventilating the matter here now.”” Whitney and Brewer seemed to think the matter sufficiently important that they delayed their departure for the field, “I had expected to leave San Francisco on Tues morning but Tuesday I had to meet some men to talk over matters relating to our cabinet building — so we delayed until Wednesday.” (Brewer to Dear Friends, (California Letters 1860-1861), Yale Univ. Archives: Family Correspondence,Group 100; Ser. 1; Box 8, Folder 2111, Letter 21, June 23, 1861.) See eepaiey: E for a transcription of Whitney’s proposal to the Governor and State Legislature for construction of a new State Museum building to be administered by the California Academy of Natural Sciences. 54 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of the Magnetic Needle in California.” He said that the needle varied about 12°40’ East at the southern line of the State, while at the northern boundary it varied about 18°, and that the lines of equal variation in a general east and west direction were very much curved. He said further that there appeared to be in this State an annual increase of variation of about four minutes. He added that “the occasional earth- quakes, with which we are visited in this State notwithstanding they do no material injury, other than to frighten the timid, are believed to have more or less effect on the magnetic forces and to cause sudden changes in some localities.” Professor Wm. P. Blake, on OCTOBER 6, presented a paper on “Crystals of Silver in Furnaces,” and on DECEMBER 1, Dr. Ayres a paper, with drawings, on a Lower California fish called Cynoscion parvipinnis. 1862*” The year 1862 commenced with better auspices for the Academy. It is true that the great Civil War had broken out and that, though the scene of military contention did not extend to California, the attention and sympathy of all the people were more or less enlisted and engrossed in the gigantic contest. But at the same time, the State had at last taken a very great step in the direction of science by the passage on April 21, 1860, of an act fora geological survey of California, and in December of that year Professor Josiah D. Whitney, who had been appointed State Geologist and was placed at the head of the survey, established his headquarters at San Francisco. Both he and his able assistant [William Brewer], naturally drifted into the Academy; became active members and workers; put a sort of new life into the institution, and gave it an impetus which materially assisted in enabling it to continue its struggle for existence and in the end to triumph over all obstacles. The records still continue to be imperfect; a number of persons became members and were recognized as such, without any notice on record of their election, and various errors occur which are difficult, and in some cases impossible, of correction. But from this time on the record is fuller than for the previous five years. At the annual meeting of 1862, held on JANUARY 6, Professor J. D. Whitney and his assistants, Professor William H. Brewer and William M. Gabb, appeared as resident members of the Academy. At the annual election, which took place on that day, the officers chosen for the year were Col. Leander Ransom, president; Dr. J. N. Eckel, first vice-president; Rev. S. B. Bell, second vice-president; Professor Wm. H. Brewer, recording secretary; Dr. Wm. O. Ayres, corresponding secretary; Wm. Heffley, treasurer, and Professor J. D. Whitney, librarian. A very complete corps of curators were elected in the persons of Wm. M. Gabb for paleontology; J. B. Trask, conchology; J. G. Cooper, zoology; H. H. Behr, entomology; H. G. Hanks, mineralogy, and H. G. Bloomer, botany. 4° The records are not quite as imperfect as they had been during the late 1850s and first two years of the 60s. The minutes of the Academy’s meetings are again recorded in the Minute Books beginning with the meeting held on January 20, J. D. Whitney serving as “Sec’y Pro. Tem.” William Brewer served as Oe secretary when not in the field and H. G. Hanks and J. B. Trask as interim secretaries in his absence. CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 55 Josiah Dwight Whitney Smithsonian Institution Archives (78-106) William Henry Brewer (1861) Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 56 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 William More Gabb (From Nat’! Acad. Sci., Biogr. Mem., 1909, vol. 16; frontispiece) Courtesy Peter U. Rodda, Department of Geology, California Academy of Sciences By this time, though the record does not give the date, the regular meetings of the Academy had been changed from every Monday evening to the first and third Monday evenings of each month. On JANUARY 20, Dr. Ayres, in whose hands the meteorological instruments of the association had been placed, made a report upon the remarkably heavy rainfall of that winter — usually known as the “Winter of the Flood” — up to date. He said there had been 18 days in December, with a fall of 7.030 inches, and 15 days to date in January with 15.040 inches, or in all over 25 inches. He remarked that the geological indications of the country were all in favor of the supposition that in former times rains had been much heavier than since the American occupation. Numerous traditions of Indians and accounts of old settlers united in making it appear that such had been the case. He also made remarks upon the medical bearing of greater or less rainfall and next spoke of the fluctuations of the barometer upon this coast, saying that he considered it of little value here for prognosticating the weather. Dr. Ayres then presented resolutions of respect for the memory of Col. Thomas J. Nevins, a life member and one of the original founders of the Academy, who had recently died. He spoke of his “many estimable and amiable qualities” and said that the Academy had lost in him “one of its most valued members, one always true to its interests, always prudent in judgment, always a sincere and ardent friend of science.” The rains still continued; and, on FEBRUARY 3, there was another discussion on CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 57 the extraordinary weather. In addition to the rain, snow had fallen on three different occasions, covering the Oakland hills; and at Napa it had been five or six inches deep —a very rare occurrence. The thermometer at the corner of Clay and Stockton streets in San Francisco had, on January 28, fallen to 18-!4° Fahrenheit, and ice had formed seven-eighths of an inch thick. Dr. Ayres stated the rainfall of January at 19.155 inches, and that of the preceding night at .721 of an inch. At this meeting J. W. Lyon and Gorham Blake were elected as resident members and Dr. George Horn of Philadelphia was proposed as corresponding member. On FEBRUARY 17, Dr. George Horn of Philadelphia was elected a corresponding member. The extraordinary floods in the interior of the State were made the subject of discussion; and Dr. Ayres said that they had carried down into the Bay of San Francisco many freshwater fishes, which were caught by fishermen where only salt-water fishes had been commonly found. He also said that many serpents had been brought down, and that rattlesnakes, which must have come from the interior plains, had been caught in fishermen’s nets in the Bay. At the same time he spoke of rattlesnakes in Oakland and remarked that since the land there had been fenced, the snakes, on account of thus keeping out the hogs that destroyed them before, had greatly increased — “a curious effect of civili- zation.” Professor Wm. H. Brewer called attention to the fact that the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences in the publication of their Proceedings always ante- dated them, sometimes several weeks and sometimes over a month or six weeks earlier than they could have been published. He said it was a matter of considerable importance as to the question of establishing priority in the description of a new species. Professor Whitney made some comments about the notes published by John Xantus on Lower California that first appeared in Hungarian and then were translated into German and published in Petermanns Mittheilungen.*'° He questions many of the facts like the 215 gold and 150 silver mines that are spoken of as well as the large quicksilver mine, which from its description must be the New Almaden mine in California. He concluded that much of what Xantus says about mining interests of the peninsula may be quite mythical. On MARCH 3, Rev. E. B. Wadsworth and Thomas Vickery, and on MARCH 17, Dr. George Hewston were elected resident members. Dr. Trask presented a meteorite found at Honcut [Honecut in manuscript minutes {Eds.}] Creek in Butte (then Plumas) County in 1861. Professor Brewer presented a slab from a meteorite found in Putnam County, Georgia, in 1839. It showed the “Wiedmannstadtian figures” very finely. Professor Whitney made remarks upon a Japanese collection of mineral and 4.10 Whitney’s comments, recorded by Brewer in the Academy Minute Books, volume for April 4, 1853 to Aug. 20, 1866, pp. 225-226, are as folleae “Prof. Whitney, called attention to John Xanthus: [sic] notes on Lower California, published first in Hungarian, then translated into German and published in ‘Peter- manns Mittheilungen. This is considered high authority and goes into all lands, but many of the facts are very questionable. 215 gold mines and 150 silver mines are spoken of, also a very large quicksilver mine, which from its description must mean the New Almaden mine in this state. It is not possible that any such mine exists in the locality he mentions. Prof W. considers that all he says in regard to the mining interests orale peruse may be quite mythical.” Brewer then records, “Several members united in saying that Mr. X. told many large stories here about Lower Cal. that have never been confirmed, and considered that his statements must be taken with much allowance for exaggeration. And although the article in question will probably long be quoted as authority on the matters seainch it treats, yet it is evident to the society that much is mythical.’ 58 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 other specimens belonging to J. H. von Reed that had been put up for sale. They were beautifully put up, he said; but he found among them a pipe that was evidently Dutch and several minerals that looked very much like California specimens. He pro- nounced the collection on the whole interesting; but the labels were in Japanese and there was no one known in the City who could read them. Dr. Ayres spoke at some length about a strange turtle in the collection, called the sacred turtle of Japan. There was a growth of Conferva, which led to a discussion. Professor Henry N. Bolander said he had seen a similar growth on a snapping turtle. Dr. Behr said the growth was usually attended with disease. APRIL 7, as previously on March 3, Wm. M. Gabb read papers on strange animals found in San Francisco Bay, among them Octopus punctatus. Professor Bolander reported that the Academy received a large and valuable collection of plants from M. René Le Normand, a corresponding member of the Academy. APRIL 21, Dr. Kellogg read a paper and presented specimens and drawings ofa new species of what he called 7rixis, brought by Dr. Veatch from Cerros Island three years previously. Dr. Ayres exhibited specimens of eleven species of rock-fish from the vicinity of San Francisco. He thought the rock-fish of more economic value to California than any other kind of fish except salmon. He pointed out the distinctions between the genera Sebastes and Sebastodes, made by Dr. Theodore Gill of the Smithsonian Institution, and thought they were not sufficiently characteristic but rather dependent upon the smooth head and long lower jaw of the former compared with the rough head and short lower jaw of the latter. Five species Henry N. Bolander California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 59 George Hewston, ca. 1875 San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library of Sebastes and six of Sebastodes were exhibited — a larger number than was found in any other locality. Dr. Behr read a paper, with Latin descriptions, and drawings of rare California butterflies. Professor Bolander, on MAY 5, read a paper on the grasses in the Academy’s herbarium and, among them, the so-called buffalo-grass and grama-grass. MAY 19, Dr. Kellogg proposed Mr. Francis Hobler as a corresponding member. He then described a new species of plant, Lilium parvum, from the Sierra Nevada. Dr. Behr read a paper on a new genus belonging to the family of Bysophaga. JUNE 2, Mr. F. Hobler was elected a corresponding member. Professor Whitney presented the bones of a chicken from China, which were said to have been blackened by some substance the bird had eaten. He mentioned the fact that some chickens in Ceylon and the East Indies had bones so colored. Dr. David Wooster deposited for safe keeping a singular vase in the form of a coiled serpent. It had been taken from the walls of Jalapa and placed in the museum of the City of Mexico, from which it had been removed by Dr. Wooster at the time of the Mexican war in 1846. Mr. Rowlandson presented rock samples taken from excavations of the Spring Valley Water Works and Dr. Cooper made some remarks on some birds in the State collection. JUNE 16, Dr. Cooper presented fishes and reptiles from the Rocky Mountains; Ferdinand Gruber, birds from the Farallone Islands; and John S. Hittell a lizard from Hunter’s Point. JULY 7, Leo Eloesser was elected a resident member and F. Gruber sent specimens of birds and a letter in reference to them, from the Farallone Islands. Professor Bolander read a paper on various plants and particularly the California wild oats. Mr. Rowlandson 60 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 introduced a motion “That the Academy extend to Dr. Trask on his departure their thanks for the interest he has always manifested in their object together with their thanks for the great amount of labor done by him in behalf of the Academy, as well as their wishes for his success and wellfare [sic] in his new field of labor.” The motion was unanimously carried. JULY 21, Ahira Holmes and E. F. Lorquin”'' were elected resident members. Mrs. J. M. Nevins, widow of Col. Thomas J. Nevins, presented plants she collected in Oregon. AUGUST 4, a communication from Lady Dorothy Neville of England was read, asking for cocoons of the Saturnia ceanothi or California silkworm and seeds of the plants on which it fed. Dr. Ayres presented specimens of “pure alumina” argillaceous earth, sometimes mistaken for “meer- schaum,” from the Farallone Islands, and made remarks upon the novelty of its occurrence on those granite peaks. By this time several of the collections, and particularly that of plants, had grown so large that great need was felt of proper cases in which to keep them. On JULY 21 a committee had been appointed to procure a plan and estimate of expense for cases to contain the herbarium and Dr. Cooper was to do the same for insects; and on AUGUST 18 it was resolved that the first money received, that could be spared, should be appropriated for the purpose of doing something in that direction. Also, because of the growth of the collections, Mr. Hanks, on behalf of the curators, asked permission to have numbers for specimens printed at Academy expense. His request was approved. On SEPTEMBER 15 twelve cases, costing only $18, however, were procured for holding insects; and label numbers for all kinds of specimens were printed. A communication was received from the Museum of Hamburg, soliciting exchange of specimens, particularly zoological. NOVEMBER 3 Professor W. P. Blake read a paper on the Mariposa “big-trees” and, among other things, said that they were “well known and much admired by the Indians, who call them Wa-wo-nah — meaning Great Tree.” Dr. Cooper read a paper on California mollusks; Dr. Ayres a paper on Sebastes; and Dr. Kellogg, as he had also before on AUGUST 18 and OCTOBER 6 and afterwards on DECEMBER 15, a paper on California plants. On NOVEMBER 17 the subject of a course of lectures for the benefit of the Academy and methods in inducing new members to join it were discussed; but, so far as appears, there was nothing of importance in those directions accomplished. Dr. Trask and Professor Whitney were appointed a committee to endeavor to procure for the Academy all or at least a part of the “Great Arizona Meteorite”; but they reported, DECEMBER 15, that they were 4.11 Ernest F. Lorquin, son of Pierre Joseph Michel Lorquin. The latter came to California in 1849 and, according to E. O. Essig, was the first great entomological collector in the State. He spent several years collecting throughout Asia in the late 1850s and early 60s, and returned to France in 1865. According to E. O. Essig (1931, p. 695), “While in the state [California] . . . [Pierre Lorquin] allied himself with other scientists and particularly with those of the California Academy of Sciences, where he met H. H. Behr in 1852...” Although Pierre Lorquin may indeed have met Behr in 1852, it could not have been through the Academy inasmuch as its was still a year in the future. Curiously, although an active naturalist and collector, and gear y a close friend of Academy member Behr, whose own membership dates from February, 1854, Pierre Lorquin does not seem to have had any direct association with the Academy. His name does not appear in any of the Academy’s records, either as a member or as having attended any of its meetings or presented any papers. Nor does his name appear in the early records among those who donated specimens to the Cabinet, although it appears that he did arrange fo specimens to come to the Academy via intermediaries, such as Dr. Behr. Pierre Lorquin sent his collections to Boisduval in Paris, who returned cotypes of the new species he described, which were then given to the Academy. All were lost in the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. (See E. O. Essig, A History of Entomology, 1931, p. 695-697.) CHAPTER IV: 1857-1862 61 not able to obtain any part of it. At this last meeting of the year Professor Whitney presented a paper on the subject of “Which is the highest mountain in the United States, and which in North America?” — questions of very great interest, which could not then be answered. Chapter V: Years 1863-1864 1863 t the annual meeting of 1863, held JANUARY 5, the committee on the Arizona meteorite reported that they had obtained permission to take casts and were urnished some small pieces for analysis. The meteorite itself had been deposited for the time in Odd Fellows’ Hall; but it may be added that it was afterwards transferred to Pioneer Hall, where it now is. For the first time in a number of years the records contain statements of the condition of the collections. Wm. M. Gabb, curator of palaeontology, reported 1,007 specimens in his department, exclusive of numerous duplicates, and he said that all were in as good condition as the accommodations of the Academy would admit. H. G. Bloomer, curator of botany, reported 2,150 specimens acquired in 1862, of which 20 new species had been described — the entire collection consisting of 6,150 specimens in fair condition. Dr. Behr, curator of entomology, reported that the insects were in good order, but that no important additions had been made. Dr. Cooper, curator of zoology, reported a few valuable additions of animals, but said that great difficulty had been experienced on account of inadequate accommodations and that many of those in alcohol were in bad condition. In the absence of Dr. Trask, curator of conchology, Dr. Cooper stated that much had been done in the arrangement of the collection. In the absence of H. G. Hanks, curator of mineralogy, Professor Whitney stated that great improvements had been made in the arrangement and labeling of specimens, but that the collection was poor in species. As librarian, Professor Whitney reported that valuable accessions had been made in 1862, especially in journals; but that on account of want of proper cases and of proper care on the part of members and visitors, losses of books and journals could not be entirely prevented. The annual election for 1863 resulted in the choice of the same officers as those of the previous year, Col. Ransom being continued as president, with the exceptions that Dr. Trask was made second vice-president instead of S. B. Bell; Dr. Kellogg curator of botany instead of H. G. Bloomer, and Gideon E. Moore curator of mineralogy instead of H. G. Hanks. Dr. Cooper exhibited a specimen of coral, Porites, drawn up by a fishing line at the Farallone Islands, and said that such coral had been found in Monterey Bay but not before so far north as the Farallones. On JANUARY 19, William Ashburner and Dr. W. W. Hays were elected resident members. Two hundred copies of the second volume of the Proceedings of the Academy, stitched CHAPTER V: 1863-1864 William Ashburner Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley James Graham Cooper California Academy of Sciences Special Collections 63 64 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 and bound in paper covers, were brought in; and it was ordered that 100 of them should be sold at $1 per copy to help pay the expenses and 50 copies sent to the Smithsonian Institution for distribution. Professor Whitney read a paper on the inaccuracy and unreliability of the Eighth Census of the United States in regard to the mineral and metallic productions of the country. He pointed out many plain errors and said that the list might be greatly extended. Professor Whitney then exhibited a peculiarly rich specimen of auriferous quartz from the Fellow Lead on the Middle Yuba in Sierra County and said that, according to disinterested and reliable authority, $250,000 had been extracted from an excavation there, only 10 feet long and 4 feet wide, by crushing the rock in hand-mortars. Robert L. Harris made remarks on the comparative friction of car-wheels on a iron track, when rolling and when sliding, as shown by experiments made on the street railway on Washington Street. The heaviest grade there was 528 feet to the mile or one foot in 10. On a wet day, if the wheels were stopped rolling, they would slide on the track and the car become unmanageable, while, ifthe wheels were allowed to revolve somewhat, the car was easily governable. This, he said, was not the popular opinion, and the authorities generally stated that the sliding friction was the greatest; but experiments had shown that the friction was greatest when the sliding was combined with the rolling motion. FEBRUARY 16, R. L. Harris exhibited a piece of “Oregon-pine” pile, destroyed by teredos at Rincon Point, which led to considerable discussion. It seemed to be the general opinion that there was no certain way of preventing the ravages of the teredo except by sheathing the pipe in metal; but it was said that piles on the north side of the city suffered much less than those on the south side. Attention was called to the unreliability of reports by Mr. Xantus about mines in Lower California. MARCH 2, Dr. Ayres remarked that a late paper by Dr. Theodore Gill of the Smithsonian Institution on the sharks of the Pacific showed his usual want of fixed opinion in regard to the genus Notorhynchus (Ayres), — a name which he had restored after some years. Professor Whitney called up the subject of J. H. von Reed’s collection of Japanese specimens and said he had found one specimen of coal to be of English origin. Professor Gabb said that the fossils very closely resembled the Tertiary fossils of our Northwest, and Dr. Ayres remarked on a similarity between some of the fishes and species found in California. MARCH 16, Dr. Trask presented a specimen of tree-cotton from Mazatlan, Mexico. He said it grew in a pod resembling a banana on a shrub from 4 to 15 feet high, which formed a high chaparral. Nothing was known of its commercial value. Dr. Behr said it resembled certain plants in South America and the East Indies, which produced a cottony fiber but were not considered useful. Dr. Trask spoke of a species of Conferva, which appeared to be sensitive like species of Schrankia. Dr. Kellogg read a paper on and presented drawings of two new Collomia. APRIL 5, Dr. Kellogg described a new genus and species of plant, Pterostephanus runcinatus, from Nevada. APRIL 20, Philip Lutley Sclater of London, England was elected a corresponding member. Dr. Cooper read a paper on a new California mollusk of the genus Gundlachia, found in the Feather River near Marysville. He considered the discovery of great interest as there was only one other CHAPTER V: 1863-1864 65 Theodore Gill Smithsonian Institution Archives ($A-602) species known, which was in Cuba. H. G. Hanks stated that he had collected about two hundred specimens of minerals in Owen’s Lake valley, and that H. M. McCor- mick, a resident of that valley, had presented bones found there in a well thirty feet deep. On May 4, Professor Whitney read a paper on the California State Geological Survey. He spoke of its object as being “‘an accurate and complete geological survey of the State” and a report containing “a full and scientific description of its rocks, fossils, soils, and minerals, and of its botanical and zoological productions.” He said that Professor Brewer, his principal assistant, was in especial charge of the depart- ments of botany and agricultural geology, but so far had been engaged in geological field work. William Ashburner had been employed in the field, particularly in examining gold quartz mines and machinery, up to the spring of 1862. Mr. Gabb was palaeontologist; Dr. Cooper, zoologist; C. F. Hoffman, topographer. A. Rémond, C. Averill and V. Wackenrunder had been employed at intervals. He gave a general account of all that had been done in the two years and a half since the work commenced. He spoke of the collections that had been made and the want of permanent provision for them, but at the same time called attention to an act of the last Legislature, which had appointed the State Geologist, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Surveyor-General a committee to report to the next Legislature “upon the feasibility of establishing a State University, embracing an Agricultural College, a School of Mining and a Museum, including the geological collections of the State.” He also called attention to the fact that under the law, as it existed, the publications of the Survey were required to be copyrighted and sold for 66 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 California State Geological Survey, photograph circa 1862 Left to right: Chester Averill, William More Gabb, William Ashburner, Josiah Dwight Whitney, Charles F. Hoffman, Clarence King, William Henry Brewer Smithsonian Institution Archives Merrill Collection (16830) the benefit of the common school fund; so that it had been impossible to communicate to the public from time to time the results which had been obtained.”! Professor Whitney, at the same meeting, presented an analysis of the Arizona meteorite, spoken of at previous meetings, made by Professor Brush of Yale College, which showed its composition to be upwards of 81 percent iron and 9 percent of nickel. It appeared that in July, 1853, when John R. Bartlett was in Tucson, Arizona, his attention was called to a mass of meteoric iron, which was being used as an anvil in a blacksmith’s shop at that place. He described it in his “Personal Narrative of Exploration” (vol. II, page 297) as about five feet long in its greater length and as weighing about 500 pounds. It had been found, as he understood, about twenty miles distant from Tucson and about eight miles from the road to Tubac at a locality where there were said to be a number of large masses. In June 1862, when General James H. Carleton marched the “California Column” through Arizona, he took possession of the meteorite, supposed to be the one mentioned by Bartlett, and sent it as a present to the City of San Francisco, with the expression of a wish that it should be placed upon the Plaza and remain there for public inspection forever as “a durable memento 5-1 What Whitney did not speak about during this presentation was the difficulty he had with the State Lela hr In a letter to Spencer Fullerton Baird (Smithsonian Institution), dated Dec. 15, 1862, Whitney states that he has not been able to collect the $15,000 the State still owes, He also remarked that “State officers would be my best friends if I would be their confidential adviser in their interest in claims and stocks; but as it is, | do not know one of them who cares a rye-straw for the work [of the Survey].” With respect to the funding of a State Museum, Whitney Buse on to say, “No action has been taken . . . for the establishment of a state museum or the disposition of the specimens collected .. this year the governor is a Sacramento man and thinks only of Sacramento.” (Whitney to Baird, Dec. 15, 1862. SIArchives, RU 7002 {Spencer F. Baird Correspondence, 1793-1923}, Box 33). CHAPTER V: 1863-1864 67 of the march of the Column from California.” When it arrived in San Francisco, however, it was deemed inadvisable to expose it on the Plaza, as desired by the donor, on account of its liability to rust in the damp atmosphere and the difficulty of securing it from injury by careless and mischievous handling. This in substance was all that was_ascertained about the meteorite at that time. At the same meeting, Dr. James Blake read a paper on “Infusoria from the Moving Sands in the Neighborhood of San Francisco,” and Dr. Kellogg presented a paper on two new species of plants, one a Conyza and the other a Collinsia. Professor Bolander spoke of several plants from Marin County, and particularly of Hierochloa fragrans “as a remarkably fragrant plant and as furnishing beautiful grass for lawns.” On May 18, Rev. Thomas Starr King was elected a resident member and William S. Sullivant and Leo Lesquereux of Columbus, Ohio, corresponding members. Dr. Trask sent copper ore from the Mammoth Lode in Del Norte County. JUNE 1, Dr. Kellogg presented a paper on a new species of Hosackia, and Dr. T. M. Logan a paper on the “Physics, Hygiene and Thermology of the Sacramento River.” JUNE 15 Dr. Kellogg presented a paper ona new species of Mentzelia. On JULY 6, George Thurber of New York City and Frederic W. Putnam, Cambridge and Salem, Massachusetts, were elected corresponding members. Dr. Kellogg described three new plants, two new species of Linum or California flax and a new species of Silene. Dr. James Blake read a paper “On the Gradual Elevation of the Land in the Environs of San Francisco.” He set forth very clearly the evidences of a very considerable rise and expressed the opinion that this country affords “more striking example of the action of existing causes in modifying the surface of the earth than is to be found in any other portion of the globe.” JULY 20, Jules B. Bayerque was elected a life member. Professor Whitney called attention to the presence in the city of another large Arizona meteorite from Tucson. This mass, which was in the form of a rough ring, weighed about 1600 pounds and was being forwarded by Jesus M. Ainsa to the Smithsonian Institution at Washington. It now appeared that this was the meteorite that had been used as an anvil at Tucson and was seen there by Bartlett in 1853. It had been found at an early date by Jesuit missionaries in the Sierra de la Madera and had been removed from there, a distance of about twenty miles, to Tucson in 1735 by Don Juan Bautista Anza, the famous opener of the overland road from Altas in Sonora to Monterey in California in 1774. The meteorite presented to the City of San Francisco by General Carleton in 1862 seems to have been another large specimen found in the same locality. AUGUST 3, F. M. Spence of Victoria, Vancouver Island, was elected a correspond- ing member. Auguste Rémond presented a paper describing four new species of fossil “Echinodermata from the Tertiaries of Contra Costa County,” and Dr. Kellogg one describing a new species of Allium. The library reported receiving more than 50 foreign scientific publications through the good offices of the Smithsonian Institution. AuGusT 17, Dr. Cooper described a number of new and rare California terrestrial mollusks. SEPTEMBER 7, he described the genus Binneya, a new genus of California terrestrial mollusk. Andrew Garrett of Honolulu read a paper describing three new 68 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Hawaiian fishes. OCTOBER 19, Dr. Ferdinand Mueller of Melbourne, Australia, was elected an honorary member and Frederick Wideman of Sinaloa, Alex. Drauphing of San Sebastian, and S. W. Morrell of Mazatlan, Mexico, were elected corresponding members. Dr. Cooper exhibited specimens of the “little-chief hare,” Lagomys prin- ceps, a rare animal found in some places about the limits of perpetual snow in the Sierra Nevada. NOVEMBER 2, W. G. Binney of Burlington, New Jersey and George N. Lawrence and William Cooper of New York were elected corresponding mem- bers. Dr. Cooper presented a paper on new genera and species of California fishes, including the genus Dekaya, named in memory of New York naturalist Dr. James E. DeKay, and Ayresia, for Academy associate William O. Ayres. On NOVEMBER 16, Professor Bolander presented a paper entitled “Enumeration of Shrubs and Tress Growing in the Vicinity of the Mouth of San Francisco Bay,” and Dr. Behr one entitled “On Californian Lepidoptera, No. III.” Dr. Cooper continued his paper, or series of papers, on California fishes. Dr. Cooper reported that A. S. Taylor of Santa Barbara had complained that his name had been omitted from the list of corresponding members though he had been elected some years earlier. His name was reinstated. DECEMBER 7, Professor Bolander was authorized to obtain subscriptions for cases to contain the botanical collections. DECEMBER 21, Royal Fisk and Robert L. D’ Aumaile were elected resident members. Dr. Ayres read a paper from Andrew Garrett, from Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, on new Hawaiian fishes, and Dr. Cooper described new genera and species of California fish. 1864 The annual meeting of 1864 was held on JANUARY 4. The various officers made reports confined mainly to additions to the collections. In reference to finances it appeared that during 1863, $815.35 had been received, which added to $141.22, left over from the previous year, made $956.57. The disbursements had been $903.75, leaving $52.82 on hand. At the annual election, the officers of the preceding year were continued in office, except that Dr. Eckel and Dr. Trask changed places, Trask becoming first vice-president and Dr. Eckel second vice-president, and Samuel Hubbard was elected treasurer instead of Wm. Heffley, resigned. A proposition to amend the constitution so as to make all members of the Academy residing in the State resident members and requiring them to share in the expenses of publication, which fell heavily upon the members residing in San Francisco, was discussed, submitted to vote, and rejected. But in place thereof it was, on motion of Dr. Ayres, resolved: “That hereafter the Proceedings of the Academy shall be distributed gratuitously only to resident members and to such societies and individuals as the Academy shall direct, and that the price of a subscription to others shall be regulated by the publication committee.” On further motion of Dr. Ayres, the thanks of the Academy, the cancellation of any unpaid dues, and exemption from payment of dues for the year 1864 were voted to Dr. Kellogg in recognition of his services in making CHAPTER V: 1863-1864 69 the plates for the illustration published in the Proceedings, which had so far been furnished by him free of cost. Dr. Ayres read letters from European naturalists commenting with disapprobation upon the course pursued by Dr. Theodore Gill of the Smithsonian Institution in regard to nomenclature in zoology. He also presented letters of inquiry in reference to the first printed volume of the Proceedings of the Academy, which had never been properly completed and the supply of which had been long exhausted. There was some discussion on the subject of a re-publication of the volume; but, as it would cost at least $500 and the Academy did not have the money, a re-publication was deemed impracticable. The recording secretary called attention to the fact that two constitu- tional amendments had been adopted at the annual meeting of January 6, 1862, which had been acted on for two years, but had never been recorded either in the written or printed records; one was a reduction of the initiation fee for a resident member from $10 to $2 (Art III, sec. 2). The secretary was authorized to record the amendments as adopted. A paper by Professor Asa Gray was presented, entitled “Description of New Californian Plants”; another by Andrew Garrett on new species of Hawaiian fishes, and another by Dr. Cooper in continuation of his series on “New Genera and Species of Californian Fishes.” E. Mathewson was elected a resident member. On JANUARY 18, a paper was presented from Dr. W. Newcomb describing nine new species of Helix inhabiting California. On motion of Dr. Cooper a committee was appointed to report on the advisability of a course of lectures in aid of the funds of the Academy. FEBRUARY |, Wm. M. Gabb presented a paper on a new species of Virgularia, Professor Brewer, one on plants found growing in hot springs in Califor- nia, and Dr. Newcomb on a new species of Pedicularia. A proposition for the election of Dr. Henry Gibbons, one of the founders of the Academy, who had withdrawn with his brother Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons in 1855, led to a discussion as to the reasons for his withdrawal, and at the next meeting his name was temporarily withdrawn. FEBRUARY 15, Robert E. C. Stearns and Henry Thyark were elected resident members. On MARCH 7, the committee on lectures reported that the Rev. Thomas Starr King had consented to deliver a lecture for the benefit of the funds of the Academy, but that his death, on March 4, had deprived them of his valuable services. Dr. Behr read a paper on California butterflies, Lepidoptera, in continuation of former papers; and Dr. Trask a paper on “Earthquakes in California during 1863 and February and March 1864.” The latter paper elicited a lively discussion on the subject and drew out many incidents connected with recent shocks. MARCH 21, John G. Kellogg and Jacob Deidesheimer were elected resident members. Resolutions of respect for the memory of Rev. Thomas Starr King were adopted. A discussion on the popular opinion that there was very little lightning and thunder in California took place; and several members remarked that while this was true as to the great valleys and near the ocean, there were many electrical displays in the high and more mountainous regions, especially in the northern part of the State. Trees were very often seen that showed the effects of lightning and particularly so in the Siskiyou mountains. This was followed by a further discussion on the subject of 70 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley earthquakes. Dr. Behr called attention to Aspidium argutum, which grows in the vicinity of San Francisco. He said he had used the root since 1852 as a remedy for tape worm with better results than attended the use of the European species of Aspidium. APRIL 4, Professor Whitney read a paper by Major Williamson, giving the methods of determination and results of measurements of depressions below sea level in Death Valley from barometrical observations made in 1860 by the California and United States Boundary Commission. Professor Whitney said that a party had at that time been fitted out to run the eastern boundary lines of California northward from the Colorado River and $70,000 had been expended; but that no accurate work had been done, and none of the results printed. The field notes and papers had been left in a hotel in San Francisco, and, after much delay, had come into the hands of Major Williamson. It appeared that the party, after leaving the Colorado River and following the boundary line for some distance, finding water scarce, had turned westward, passed through Death Valley, and then gone to Visalia by way of Walker’s Pass. Barometrical observations were made and journals kept by two members of the party, but their journals threw but little light on the geology of the region and contained some positive errors, as for example that fossil reptiles were found in obsidian. He exhibited a map drawn by Van Dorn, the topographer of the expedition, which probably gave the general topography in the main correct; but it was utterly irrecon- cilable with the maps of the United States land surveys. It was the first map, so far CHAPTER V: 1863-1864 7 as known, that correctly represented the course of the Amargosa River, which passes through a mountain chain westward, then turns again to the north and sinks in Death Valley. According to the United States Land-office maps, the valley of the Amargosa had been sectionized; but the course of the river had not been correctly given; and in Van Dorn’s fine map confirmed, what was generally believed, that the land-office maps of that region were grossly incorrect. Col. Ransom added that it was generally conceded that the official maps of the region were incorrect, and that gross frauds had been practiced on the government in regard to those surveys. Professor Whitney also stated that Major Williamson had for ten years been engaged under the auspices of the government in an examination of the fluctuations of the barometer on the Pacific Coast, exercising great care and labor in investigating the laws governing those fluctuations. This, he said, was an exceedingly important work as was evident from the many discrepancies in determinations of altitude on this coast. The barometrical measurements of Monte Diablo, for example, which had been made by the State Geological Survey with great care and which agreed well with one another, showed the mountain 20 feet higher than it was found by leveling. APRIL 18, W. S. Brigham and Horace Mann, about to leave for the Sandwich Islands, were elected corresponding members. Dr. Trask presented a paper entitled “Earth- quakes in California from 1800 to 1864.” He said that since 1850 earthquakes had occurred on 110 days; but that this number was probably not so large as that of those occurring in the same period on the eastern coast of the United States. He had records of Eastern earthquakes for five years commencing with 1850 and the number was forty-four while those in California were only thirty-seven. Dr. Trask’s paper called forth a discussion, as was usual at the end of his papers, on earthquakes; and, among other statements made, Dr. James Blake mentioned a report that a crack had been opened through Telegraph Hill in San Francisco by one of the recent earthquakes; but, so far as known, it was never pointed out. May 2, Dr. Behr exhibited a small bottle of oil, said to have been extracted from the seed of a California plant by a Frenchman, who claimed to have made a great discovery and wished to sell the secret. Dr. Trask and Dr. Kellogg said that they had some years before obtained a precisely similar oil from the seed of a plant called Megarphiza, which grew on the driest of sandy soil; but it was doubtful whether the oil was worth the cost of making it. A paper was presented from W. M. Gabb on Cretaceous fossils from Sonora, Mexico. Dr. James Blake made remarks on the barometrical measurements of altitudes and the errors incident to them caused by high winds. Professor Brewer exhibited the carpels of a Mexican plant which, on drying in the office of the State Geological Survey, exploded with great violence scattering the fragments about the room. MAY 16, Rev. J. M. Neri of Santa Clara was elected a corresponding member. Dr. Trask stated that in a recent case he had tried the roots of Aspidium argutrum, recommended by Dr. Behr at a recent meeting as a remedy for tape-worm and with complete success. He had used five drachms of the grated root in two doses, four drachms being first administered and in an hour afterwards one drachm more. The proper effect was produced in four and a half hours 72 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 without griping or nausea. It was stated that the plant was abundant in swamps; but that hogs were rapidly destroying it. Dr. Cooper said that the Indians of Oregon used the root as medicine. Dr. Trask turned the discussion to ferns and said that in the mines the young shoots of a species of fern had been much used as a pot-herb; that it resembled asparagus; boiled easily and was nutritious. Dr. Behr remarked that several species of fern were eaten in Australia. The talk about ferns was followed by a discussion on other California plants used as food, such as miners’ lettuce, Claytonia perfoliata, and some others. Professor Brewer called attention to certain specimens of coal, presented to the Academy on February 15 and said to have been found on mountains east of the Colorado River about 25 miles from La Paz, Arizona. On the occasion of their presentation Professor Wm. P. Blake had said that the coal was of very good quality, but seemed too brilliant for surface coal. He also expressed a doubt about the occurrence of coal associated with obsidian, as was stated to be the case with those specimens. Professor Brewer now said that, on the authority of J. Ross Brown and others acquainted with the locality, there was no coal there and that the specimens brought to the Academy were in fact English coal that had been carried up the Colorado River by speculators for the purpose of swindling the public by selling stock in a fictitious coal mine. JUNE 20, C. W. M. Smith and Dr. A. T. McClure were elected resident members. JULY 11, a paper was received from Philip P. Carpenter of Warrington, England, describing new marine shells from the coast of California. JULY 18, Col. Ransom, on behalf of John Wilson, presented part of a foot and hair from different Indian mummies, a string of beads made of bone and a few blue stones, part of a belt and tassel, and a piece of very strong cloth, all taken from a cave near the ancient Pueblo of Chiricahui in Chihuahua, Mexico. There were said to be many mummies there in a remarkable state of preservation, although there was no sign of any embalming substance having been used. Dr. Cooper remarked that he had been present at Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory, in 1854, when Captain C. J. W. Russell removed an Indian mummy dried there by the action of the air while protected from the weather by a cedar canoe inverted over another containing the body. No preserv- ative of any kind had been found with it. The mummy, he said, had been presented to the Academy on January 26, 1856. On SEPTEMBER 5, Professor B. Silliman, Jr., Dr. Eichler and Mr. Ehrenberg were present as visitors. Professor Silliman spoke of a recent visit to Arizona along the 35th parallel and said he had seen evidences of glacial action in the eastern flanks of some of the mountains there. He believed that no evidence of glacial action had been observed on the Pacific slope so far south. Professor Wm. P. Blake remarked that this was the first observation upon glacial phenomena in Arizona, but that he had noticed evidence of glaciers in the Sierra Nevada as far south as Tejon Pass in latitude 35°. Dr. Behr read a paper on California Satyrides; Professor Wm. P. Blake a paper on a nugget of gold, weighing 187 ounces Troy, found near Michigan Bluffs on the Middle Fork of American River; one on Ammonites or Ceratites from Oregon Bar on the same river, and one on a remarkable find by him of the fossil remains of teeth of an CHAPTER V: 1863-1864 73 elephant and teeth and jaw of a horse of a primeval age in the face of the cliff-shore of Mare Island. Gideon E. Moore presented a paper on “Brushite,” a new mineral occurring in phosphate guano. SEPTEMBER 19, Professor Rudolph A. Philippi of Santiago, Chile, was elected an honorary, and Warren B. Ewer, a resident member. The Smithsonian Institution donated a box of shells containing 120 species from Panama. Dr. C. F. Winslow made some interesting remarks on his experiences during recent travels in South America. OCTOBER 3, Professor Brewer gave an account of recent explorations in the Sierra Nevada by a party connected with the State Geologi- cal Survey and the exploration extended from Kern River to Yosemite Valley and was rich in scientific results. The crest of the Sierra was very high along the whole of this distance, all the higher peaks rising to about 13,000 feet, the culmination being between the sources of the Kern and Kings Rivers, where there were a number of peaks over 14,000 feet, and one above 15,000 feet. Along the whole of it there were abundant traces of glaciers, some of gigantic proportions, surpassing anything else of the kind found in the State. The cafions of all the principal streams were very deep and abrupt. The big trees, Sequoia gigantea, were found over a large area, extending “perhaps 25 miles” (so says the record, but he probably said at intervals for 200 miles, which would be nearer the fact) along the western slopes on the tributaries of the San Joaquin, Kings, Kaweah, Tule, and Kern Rivers. The amount of snow on that part of the Sierra was apparently much less that season than usual. Professor Wm. P. Blake read a paper on Fossils in the Auriferous State of the Mariposa Estate. Among the donations, made OCTOBER 17, were fossil teeth of the elephant and horse from Walker’s River near Wellington’s Station on the road from Carson Valley to Aurora in Nevada. Professor Bolander stated that Edward Bosqui offered to do $200 worth of book binding for the Academy in consideration of being elected a life member, and he was thereupon proposed as such by Dr. Kellogg. NOVEMBER 21, Edward Bosqui was elected a life member, Rev. Horatio Stebbins a resident member, and G. E. Wellington of Nevada, a corresponding member. Wm. M. Gabb presented a paper on some fossils from the gold-bearing slates of the Mariposa Estate, and one on fossils from the San Luis Obispo quick-silver deposits. A paper was presented from Professor James D. Dana on the crystallization of “Brushite”; and one from Philip P. Carpenter on California marine shells. DECEMBER 5, Frank E. Brown was elected a resident member. DECEMBER 19, Professor B. Silliman, Jr. was elected a resident member. It was stated that Major A. W. Bowman had collected in the previous July on Raft River in Idaho, about 40 miles west of Fort Hall, a species of cactus infested with a cochineal insect. It was also stated that Dr. Cooper had learned from Eastern gardeners that Opuntia in green-houses was likewise infested. Dr. Behr remarked that cold weather proved less destructive to this insect than a surplus of rain. Dr. Behr and E. F. Lorquin spoke of the unusual number of albinos of various kinds observed during the latter part of the year. which it may be remarked in passing was, as well as the preceding one of 1863, a remarkably dry one. 74 Chapter VI: Years 1865-1866 1865 he annual meeting of 1865 took place on JANUARY 9, having been adjourned to that date. Theodore H. Bloomer was elected a resident member; and, at the annual election held directly afterwards, he was chosen recording secretary in place of Professor Brewer, most of whose time was engrossed by the State Geological Survey. The other officers of the previous year were continued in office, with the exception that Professor Henry N. Bolander became curator of botany in place of Dr. Kellogg; E. F. Lorquin, curator of zoology in place of Dr. Cooper, and Robert E. C. Stearns, curator of conchology in place of Dr. Trask. The reports for the year 1864 of the various curators were ordered on file, and no items from them appeared upon the minutes. It was by this time keenly felt that the quarters occupied by the Academy at No. 622 Clay Street were not adequate to the needs of the association; and a committee was appointed to inquire into the possibility of procuring new rooms. At the same time, however, the treasury was in a depleted condition; and, by way of seeing if anything could be done to improve it, a revision of the list of members was ordered. Papers were presented from Dr. Behr on Californian Lepidoptera; Dr. W. Newcomb on new species of land shells; Wm. M. Gabb on new species of California marine shells, and Dr. Trask on California earthquakes during 1864. JANUARY 16, Melville Attwood was elected a resident member. Wm. M. Gabb, chairman of the committee on procuring new rooms, reported in favor of a subscription among the members to procure the necessary funds and the committee was continued with instructions to carry out the plan recommended. FEBRUARY 6, Charles F. Hoffman was elected a resident member and J. D. Dana of Yale College a corresponding member. Professor Wm. P. Blake presented a paper on the “New Mineral Oil Regions in the Tulare Valley,” and another on the “Occurrence on Sphene in the Granites of the Sierra Nevada.” Notwithstanding the want of funds and the need of new members to supply or increase them, the Academy manifested very considerable care, and in most cases probably proper discrimination, as to who should be admitted to membership. At a meeting of the previous year, July 18, 1864, the proposal of an applicant, after much discussion, was indefinitely postponed; and on December 19, 1864, that of another rejected. Now, on FEBRUARY 20, the election of an applicant was reconsidered; and, at the next meeting, MARCH 6, his name was withdrawn. William Hillebrand of CHAPTER VI: 1865-1866 75 Honolulu, was elected a corresponding member. On MARCH 20, Dr. E. Cohn and Otto Schmidt were elected resident members. The committee on rooms was instructed to wait upon the agent of the Phoenix Block building, which in the meanwhile appears to have passed from the ownership of Palmer, Cook & Co. to that of Pioche, Bayerque & Co., in regard to the rent. A paper was read from Major Edward Preiss of Mazatlan, Mexico, on the efficacy of Euphorbia prostrata as a remedy for the bite of the rattlesnake and venomous insects. The plant, he said, grew in the United States, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, and in the northern States of Mexico where it was known as “Gollindrinera.” Its milky sap was given internally and its bruised branches applied to the wound externally; and it was generally considered a certain remedy. He had himself tried it with success as a remedy for the bites of poisonous insects. On APRIL 17, aresolution on the death of President Lincoln, offered by Robert E. C. Stearns, was adopted and ordered spread upon the minutes, and at the next meeting directed to be enclosed in heavy black lines: Whereas - Our hearts are burdened with grief by the untimely death of that great and good man, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States Ordered - That as a mark of respect for the memory of the deceased we do now adjourn. May |, among those present were Messrs. Kennicott and Dall and other gentlemen connected with the Western Union Telegraph Company’s Russian-American Tele- graph Expedition. A communication was received from Professor Brewer, stating that the minutes of the Academy for the meeting of October 3, 1864, recently published, omitted remarks made by him on that occasion in reference to the occurrence of fossils in the auriferous rocks of California, and he would like to have them recorded. He had stated “that fossils had been found by the Geological Survey in the rocks associated with gold along a line nearly 300 miles in length extending from Pitt River to the Mariposa Estate; that the associated rocks, bearing gold, had been traced upwards of 550 miles in the Sierra Nevada; that Jurassic fossils had been found in the ‘auriferous slates’ along a belt of 200 miles of this distance, and that both Jurassic and Triassic fossils had been found in considerable numbers near and in Genessee Valley, Plumas County.” MAY 15, John Klippart of Columbus, Ohio was elected a corresponding member. Professor Bolander made remarks upon the isolated position of the redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens, upon the hills back of Oakland in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This was a very interesting subject, and particularly so in view of the fact that before the American occupation the entire crest of the range back of Oakland was covered with redwoods, some of the trees being upwards of twenty feet in diameter. JUNE 5, a communication was received from Dr. William P. Gibbons in reference to the establishment of a scientific journal, and the subject matter was referred to a special committee. JUNE 19, a discussion took place upon the adaptation of certain semi-tropical plants to the climate of California. A paper was presented from W. H. Pease of Honolulu “On the Existence of an Atoll near the West Coast of America, and Proof of its Elevation.” The locality he referred to was that of “Clipperton Rock,” in latitude 10°17’ north and longitude 109°10’ west, discovered by Captain Clipperton in 1705. It had been visited by Captain Morrell in 76 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Robert Kennicott Smithsonian Institution Archives (43604) William Healey Dall (July 9, 1865) Smithsonian Institution Archives ($A-1156) CHAPTER VI: 1865-1866 wey 1825 and by Sir Edward Belcher in 1839. In 1861 it was examined by Lieutenant Griswold in the course of a cruise off the west coast of Mexico in search of guano; and he found it to be a true atoll with coral reefs all around it. JULY 3, the Academy was visited by Professor John Torrey, Horace Mann, William H. Dall, Robert Kennicott, and Captain Wright. A discussion took place as to the motions of the flying-fish. Mr. Kennicott and Dr. Behr discussed the relation of the Esquimaux to the North American Indians. Dr. Behr said that the Esquimaux could be considered a kind of Indians, their language being of the same structure and their different habits being due to physical influences. He further said that according to old reports they formerly lived farther south. Mr. Kennicott remarked that, from his own observations and from information derived from Madam Roshkin and from St. Zagoshins’ Report, he believed the natives for some hundreds of miles up the Yukon or Kvichpak River were Esquimaux rather than Indians, making a clear distinction between the two. Professor Torrey spoke of the California snowplant, Sarcodes sanguinea, and said that he found it rather indifferent as to what plant it fixed itself upon or derived its nourishment from. He had found its fibers penetrating into the roots of a Rumex and never into the roots of Sequoia gigantea. He also spoke of the great beauty and fragrance of the California white lily, Lilium washingtoni- anum. JULY 17, the committee on Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons’ proposition to establish a scientific journal reported against its feasibility; and the subject, on its recommenda- tion, was indefinitely postponed. On account of the difficulties experienced in housing and preserving the cabinets, Mr. George W. Minns suggested that steps should be taken to remove them to the upper hall of the Lincoln School building of Fifth Street; and, on motion to that effect, he was authorized to confer with the Board of Education in reference to the matter. AUGUST 7,°' Dr. Ayres spoke of the appearance ofa species of Sphyrena argentea off Point Conception. Dr. C. T. Jackson read a paper on measurements of heights and circumferences of the big trees of Calaveras County. AUGUST 21, Mr. Minns made a verbal report in reference to the proposed removal of the cabinets to the Lincoln School building; and, on his recommendation, a committee of three was appointed to confer with members of the Board of Education. Robert E. C. Stearns called attention to the fact that Gideon E. Moore, curator of mineralogy, had removed from the City; and, on his nomination, Henry G. Hanks was elected to fill the vacancy occasioned thereby. Professor Bolander submitted a paper by C. J. Croft of the First Cavalry of California Volunteers on “The Grasses of Arizona.” They were chiefly what were commonly known as “grama grasses.” Theodore Bradley was elected a resident member. SEPTEMBER 4, a paper was presented from Professor Wm. P. Blake on the abundance of iron ore on Williams’ Fork of the Colorado River in Arizona; and one from Philip P. Carpenter on new marine shells of California in continuation of previous papers. Wm. M. Gabb resigned his position on the publication committee, and Mr. Stearns was elected to 6.! Not mentioned in the Hittell manuscript but recorded in the published account of the August 7th meeting are the following interesting donations to the “Cabinet: Three boxes of shells; Duplicate fossils of the U.S. Ee pioune Expedition; Types of Dana’s Geology; Fossils from the Upper Missouri; Miscella- neous fossils of the United States, received from the Smithsonian Institution... .” (Proc. Calif. Acad. Nat. Sci., 1866, 3(3):203.) 78 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 fill the vacancy. SEPTEMBER 18, P. M. Randall was elected a resident member. OCTOBER 2, Treasurer Samuel Hubbard was authorized to make arrangements in regard to rent. OCTOBER 16, Professor Bolander presented a paper on California trees, principally pines, sequoias, and oaks. DECEMBER 4, Major Edward Preiss and Count Oswald Thun were elected corresponding members. William H. Dall gave an account of the progress of the Russian-American Overland Telegraph Expedition and a description of the country traveled over by it. DECEMBER 18, Dr. Ferdinand Stoliczka, palaeontologist to the Geological Survey of India, was elected a corresponding member. Wm. H. Dall was elected a resident member. Professor Wm. P. Blake presented a paper on a peculiar astringent gum or coloring substance in the cones of the Sequoia gigantea; also one on ammonites in the auriferous slates of Bear Valley, Mariposa County. 1866 As the first Monday in 1866 was New Year’s Day, the annual meeting was adjourned to JANUARY 8, when the election of officers for the year took place. It resulted in the choice of Col. Leander Ransom as president; Robert E. C. Stearns, first vice-president; Dr. Wm. O. Ayres, second vice-president; Samuel Hubbard, treasurer; Professor Henry N. Bolander, corresponding secretary; Theodore H. Bloomer, recording secretary; and Professor J. D. Whitney, librarian. The curators were the same as the year before. The publications committee consisted of Whitney, Minns, and Stearns, the finance committee of Hubbard, Stearns, and Fisk. It appeared that the treasurer and finance committee had found it advisable to remove the collections and hired a room for their safe keeping; and, on motion of Dr. Ayres, their action was approved. The treasurer was authorized to have the collections and library insured at an expense not exceeding $50. A committee, consisting of Hanks, Hubbard and Stearns, was appointed to take measures to procure money in aid of the Academy from the State Legislature. Resolutions of respect to the memory of Thomas Bridges, who died at sea September 9, 1865, on a voyage from Nicaragua, were adopted. Wm. H. Dall read a biographical sketch of the deceased, stating his services to science; and, among other things, said of him: “With all impartial naturalists Mr. Bridges and such as he, who bear the burden and heat of the day, are entitled to honors, if not precisely of the same character as those due to the students who in their comfortable libraries work up the results of the collector, still to honors quite as high.” JANUARY 15, Professor Bolander, as curator of botany, presented his annual report, in which he spoke of additions made during the previous year to the herbarium, and the assistance rendered in arranging and classifying them by Dr. Kellogg and H. G. Bloomer. At his suggestion he was authorized to have the botanical specimens poisoned, so as to preserve them from insects. FEBRUARY 5, a paper was read from Dr. Colbert A. Canfield on the horns of the American antelope, Antelocapra Ameri- cana, showing the manner in which the new horns grow when the old ones are shed. CHAPTER VI: 1865-1866 79 Professor Wm. P. Blake read a paper on fossils found in the auriferous slates of Mariposa County, and also made remarks on a remarkable spider, which had been brought from Georgia. Col. Ransom presented the name of Dr. Henry Gibbons, who had withdrawn from the Academy in 1855, for resident membership. On FEBRUARY 19, Dr. Henry Gibbons and Henry Janin were elected resident members and Colbert A. Canfield of Monterey a corresponding member. Dr. Trask presented a paper “On Earthquakes in California during 1865.” Professor Whitney made remarks on the nature and distribution of the meteorites which had been discovered on the Pacific coast and in Mexico. He said it was remarkable that no meteoric stones had ever been discovered either on the Pacific coast, or, as far as known, west of the Rocky Mountains, while masses of meteoric iron were known to exist in various localities and many of them of large size. There seemed to be good authority for reports that there were large masses of such iron on the mountain ranges next east of Tucson in Arizona. It was further remarkable fact, he said, that, so far as known, no meteorite either stony or metallic had been found within the borders of California. A piece of iron found by Dr. Trask on Honcut Creek was for a time supposed to be meteoric; but on further examination it proved to be ordinary cast iron. From all that was known, the localities of meteoric iron lay in a nearly straight line extending from the northwest to southeast for twelve hundred and fifty miles, or from the Colorado River near La Paz in Arizona to San Luis Potosi in Mexico. The distribution along this line indicated strongly a common origin, as if all had been fragments of one immense meteor, which had passed diagonally across the continent, throwing off masses on its way. A large mass, that had been discovered near Port Orford in Oregon,°” was in the same general path. Professor Wm. P. Blake called attention to the discovery of a flowing oil-well on the coast of Southern California. On motion of Professor Whitney, it was resolved that any corresponding member of the Academy who might take up his residence in San Francisco, might become a resident member by notifying the recording secretary that such was his wish. MARCH 5, a paper was presented from Wm. H. Dall on the buccal plates or mandibles of Octopus punctatus; and another of considerable length and thoroughness by A Rémond “On Geological Exploration in Northern Mexico.” MARCH 19, W. H. Dall reported that Dr. Cooper had discovered several species of Helix in the vicinity of Santa Cruz as well as Margaritana falcata in small rivulets nearby. He also reported that he had examined a specimen of Trochiscus norrissii and concluded that it was not a proboscidean, as had been thought by several naturalists The difficulty about proper accommodations seemed to grow acute. The portion of the old Phoenix Block building on Clay Street, where the Academy had been holding its meetings at the generous sufferance of Pioche, Bayerque & Co., the proprietors, had been cracked by the earthquake of October 8, 1865, to such an extent as to induce those in charge of the library and collections to pack them up and store them where they would not be exposed to the weather. On APRIL 2, W. G. Bloomer 6.2 See “The Port Orford, Oregon, Meteorite Mystery,” edited by Roy S. Clarke, Jr., Smithsonian Contributions to the Earth Sciences, 1993, no. 31, SPDs for an interesting discussion of this elaborate hoax perpetrated by the “‘meteorite’s” discoverer, John Evans, who claimed to have found the mass in 1859. 80 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 proposed that the Academy should form a union of some kind with the Mechanics’ Institute. This led to considerable discussion, and one result was a resolution empow- ering the committee on rooms to hire such apartment as they should consider proper for the present accommodation of the collections. H. G. Bloomer and Royal Fisk were also appointed a committee to investigate and report upon the feasibility of forming a connection with the Mechanics’ Institute or any other institution. H. G. Bloomer presented diatoms, possibly belonging to the genera Melissa®’ and Meridion, found growing on calcareous sea-weeds on the coast of California. Wm. H. Dall presented a paper from Dr. Cooper on a new California Helix. APRIL 16, Horace F. Cutter was elected a resident member. Mr. Stearns of the Committee on Rooms reported that he had hired rooms on the southern corner of Montgomery and Sacramento streets at a rent of $25 per month. The building referred to, since torn down, belonged to Joseph A. Donohoe, and its lower floor was occupied by his Banking House. The rooms hired were on the fourth and top story. At the same meeting it was resolved, in acknowledgment of eminent and valuable services rendered the Academy, that Dr. Albert Kellogg should be declared a life member, and that any and all of his arrearages of dues should be remitted. MAY 7, the Committee on Rooms reported that the rooms in the Donohoe Building would be ready for occupancy at the next meeting. Wm. H. Dall was appointed recording secretary pro tem in the absence of Mr. Bloomer. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks, in connection with a series of tables showing the variations of rainfall at San Francisco, about the connection or parallelism between the rainfall and the phases of the moon. He said that the greatest fall of rain took place immediately before the time of full moon and that, following the day of full moon, the diminution was very rapid. The observations, from which his tables were prepared, extended over a period of fifteen years. A discussion followed his statements. On May 21, the Academy met for the first time in its new rooms on the corner of Montgomery and Sacramento streets. There being need of much fitting up, Professor Whitney contributed $100 and Robert E. C. Stearns, Dr. James Blake and Wm. H. Dall smaller sums for the purpose and Messrs. Whitney, Ashburner and Janin contributed $100 jointly for procuring additional scientific periodicals. It was also reported that a large number of foreign scientific publications had been received through the medium of the Smithsonian Institution. Wm. H. Dall presented a paper on a new sub-family of fluvitile mollusca. Professor Whitney made remarks upon the “Geology of the State of Nevada.” JUNE 4, a number of resident members were elected including C. R. King, Frederick Gutzkow, Theodore Blake, W. A. Goodyear, Charles Bonner, C. W. Leightner [in Minute Books, but Lightner in published Proceedings {Eds.!], Hugo Hocholzer [in Minute Books, but Hochholzer in published Proceed- ings {Eds.}], and James T. Gardiner®* [in Minute Books, but Gardner in published 63 Melissa in both handwritten Minute Books and published proceedings (Proc. Calif: Acad. Sci., ser. 1, vol. 3, p. 258, but properly Melosira [fide P. Kociolek, CAS]. 64 In the membership book, the name is spelt Gardiner. But in all references to Gardner, including the King 40th Parallel Survey reports, the Hayden Survey reports and in William Goetzman’s Explorations and Empire (Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 1966), the “i” is not present. This is a recurrent problem with Gardner. CHAPTER VI: 1865-1866 81 Proceedings {eds.}]. W. H. Dall spoke of the shells that had been collected at Monterey and gave 263 as the number of species known to have been found there. He spoke of having visited a small island off Cypress Point, accessible only at low-tide, which was the original locality for Helix Californiensis, and found the species nearly exterminated there, caused apparently by a large millipede, which was very plentiful and extremely voracious. Professor Whitney made remarks on the absence of the so-called Northern Drift from the western coast of North America and from the interior of the continent throughout the region southwest of the Missouri River. He was inclined, he said, from information so far received to draw the line which limits the Northern Drift on the south and west approximately from the mouth of the Ohio to the headwaters of the Saskatchewan River. JUNE 18, Baron F. von Richthofen, E. B. Dorsey, W. W. Palmer, W. S. Keyes, M. L. Stangroom, J. T. Watkins, Jr., W. G. W. Harford, and Louis Falkenau were elected resident members. H. G. Bloomer stated that he had identified the plant commonly known as the pepper tree as Schinus mollis. Wm. H. Dall called attention to errors in regard to the coast of California in Agassiz’ “Sea Side Studies in Natural History,” recently published. He also announced that the building containing the collections of the Chicago Academy of Sciences had been destroyed by fire and offered resolutions of sympa- thetic concern and be sent to the Academy. R. E. C. Stearns mentioned that in an hour and a half at Baulines Bay in Marin County he had collected some fifty species of mollusca. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the progress of his observations on the connection of the phases of the moon and the weather. His remarks were followed by an animated discussion. JULY 2, Vitus Wackenreuder, Sherman Day, Thomas Price, and E. Wertheman were elected resident members. Wm. H. Dall, acting recording secretary for the meetings, announced the loss of the New York Lyceum of Natural History in the fire at the Academy of Music in New York. Dr. James Blake offered a resolution, which was adopted, that the Academy forward to the society copies of Academy Proceed- ings as far as disposable copies permit. Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to the experiments and deductions of Dr. Salisbury of Ohio in regard to malarial diseases and their supposed vegetable origin. A discussion followed in which Drs. Behr and Blake participated. Dr. Hillebrand gave an account of the Botanical Garden of Batavia. He said it contained, among other plants, 262 species of palms. He also gave an account of the introduction of the Cinchona of various species into India and Java. JULY 16, Dr. S. Pawlicki was elected a resident member and Dr. P. Comrie®* of H.M.S. Sparrowhawk, a corresponding member. Mr. Stearns presented a paper on shells collected a Baulines Bay in June 1866. Professor Whitney read a paper on a human skull found at Altaville, near Angels’ in Calaveras County by James Matson a shaft at a depth of 130 feet. He was of the opinion that the bed in which the skull was said to have been found, was deposited at a time when the volcanoes of the Sierra Nevada were still in vigorous action, previous to the age of the mastodon, to the glacial epoch of the Sierra and to the erosion of the canons of the present rivers. Dr. 6.5 Spelt Condie on p. 374 and Comrie on p. 376 of Minute Books for years 1853-1866. 82 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Macgowan, a visitor, made remarks upon earthquakes in China. He said that, though frequent there, they had not, during the historic period, done any great damage. Dr. Kellogg stated that on a trip from San Rafael to Baulines Bay he had found an oak said to be equal to the “‘live-oak” of the coast for ship building. AUGUST 6, Dr. D. J. Macgowan was elected a corresponding member. Dr. Behr presented a paper on the California species of Lycaena; Mr. Stearns a paper on shells collected at Santa Barbara and San Diego; and Professor Whitney a paper on the occurrence of a tungstate of lime and copper in Lower California. Dr. Ayres called attention to the carcass of a black-fish, which was lying at the Potrero and could be purchased at small expense; and, at his suggestion, a subscription was raised among the members for that purpose. Professor Whitney exhibited a branch of redwood, Sequoia sem- pervirens, from a small tree near San Rafael, the leaves of which were entirely white. He said that similar blanched redwoods existed in other localities, a peculiarity confined to the redwood species alone; but that no satisfactory explanation had yet been given for this abnormal condition. On AuGuST 20, William H. Knight and A. Godefroy were elected resident members. Professor Wm. P. Blake presented a paper on fossils found on the line of the Central Pacific Railroad, two miles below Colfax and in the heart of the main gold belt of the State; also on the tooth of an extinct elephant found near Michigan Bluffs in Placer County; also on sharks’ teeth and other marine remains on the hills on the east side of Tulare Lake, and on a quarry of gold bearing slate rock near Lincoln in Placer County. He also stated that a mastodon tooth had been found about 3 miles from Antioch, near Monte Diablo; and that he had in his possession a portion of a human skull said to have been taken from a depth of 250 feet near Columbia in Tuolumne County. Mr. Stearns read a paper on the Helix, its anatomy, geographical distribution, and use as an article of food and for medicinal purposes in both ancient and modern times. SEPTEMBER 3, John Swett was elected a resident member. Dr. Kellogg called attention to a fungus, Polyporus igniarius, found growing upon the California laurel, Oreodaphne Californica, and spoke at length about fungi in general. Alphonso Wood, sometimes called “Professor” Wood, a visitor who had recently returned from a botanical trip to Oregon, gave an account of his ascent, with a few other persons, of Mount Hood. He carried along with him a few instruments, which were evidently not very reliable. He stated that the boiling point of water on the summit was 180°, and that this would indicate a height of 17,640 feet! As is well known, his estimate was more than 5,000 too high. He admitted its disparity with other estimates; and he hoped his results might be tested by the barometer and by triangulation; but “until then,” he concluded, “we must adopt the estimate here made as the height of that sublime peak, and accord to Mount Hood the distinction of being the highest land in the United States, if not the highest upon the North American continent.” SEPTEMBER 17, B. P. Avery, James Spiers, and B. R. Norton were elected resident members. Dr. Cooper presented a paper on a new species of Pedipes inhabiting the coast of California, and spoke of it as “a very interesting shell, being one of the links CHAPTER VI: 1865-1866 83 between the land and marine mollusca.” A communication was received from Dr. Colbert A. Canfield giving an account of the discovery in Monterey Bay of a fish, pronounced to be a new species of Bdellostoma, a genus not previously known to exist nearer than the coast of Chile. Louis Falkenau made remarks upon the use and value of the spectroscope in chemical analysis and other scientific investigation. OCTOBER |, A. Winslow Boynton and T. C. Leonard were elected resident members, and Royal Fisk resigned his membership. Dr. Behr made remarks upon Lepidoptera and, among other things, said that the period of the egg state of the California silkworm, Saturnia ceanothi, was so brief that it was impracticable to successfully transport its eggs in good condition to New York or Europe. Professor Bolander made some corrections of his paper on “California Trees,” presented October 16, 1865. He had called a small pine growing between Mendocino City and Noyo, which was in fact a Pinus contorta, a Pinus muricata. So also he called a Quercus wislizeni, a well-characterized species with biennial fruit, a Quercus agrifolia, which on the other hand has annual fruit. The wis/izeni oak grew chiefly in the lower Sierra and the valleys east of the redwoods in Mendocino County, while the agrifolia was found almost exclusively in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay and streams flowing into it and extending southward, approaching the coast more closely near Monterey. OCTOBER 15, A. L. Bancroft was elected a resident member. Professor Wm. P. Blake read a paper on various minerals, kerargyrite and proustite, found in the “Poorman Lode” in Idaho; copper ores from “Red Cap Claim” in Del Norte County; danaite from Meadow Lake, Nevada County, and cinnabar in calcite from Idaho. Mr. Stearns presented a memorial on the death of Robert Kennicott, who had died in the previous May at Nulato Bay in Russian America. He had traveled extensively in the Northwest and rendered great service to science. At the time of his death, he was in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company in its efforts to establish overland telegraphic communication between America and Europe by way of Be- hring’s Strait. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks on the relations of the California climate with that of Great Basin and the Eastern States. NOVEMBER 5, Rev. S. D. Simonds and Dr. J. Morrison were elected resident members, and Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons a corresponding member. Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to the approach of the season when “meteoric showers” might be looked for. A discussion ensued, in which various ideas and theories were advanced. NOVEMBER 19, J. B. Russell and Dr. E. Belle were elected resident members. A paper was presented from Wm. M. Gabb “On the Subdivisions of the Cretaceous Formation in California.” Professor Wm. P. Blake read a paper on fossil fish in the Great Basin, Nevada, and called attention also to fossil vertebrae collected by him in Tulare County, which he believed belonged to marine saurians. He had found them associated with sharks’ teeth and other marine remains at least 1500 feet above the present ocean level. Professor Whitney remarked that the remains of the crocodile and /chthyosaurus had been discovered on this coast by the State Geological Survey, “and the fact published a year ago.” Professor Whitney read a paper “On the Occurrence of the Silurian Series in Nevada.” Professor Blake referred to Dr. Newberry’s statement of the existence of Silurian rocks at the 84 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 base of the series of strata along the canon of the Colorado River, and to his own statement of the probably existence of pre-Silurian rocks in that region. DECEMBER 3, Professor Whitney read extracts from letters just received from A. Remond, giving an account of his geological exploration in Peru and Chile. Professor Whitney spoke of the importance of this investigations, especially in reference to the age of the Chile coal, and observed that the same Triassic formations that carried coal there had been found to bear coal in northern Mexico; and he added that the vast extent of Triassic rocks in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada gave a peculiar interest to every discovery of this kind. DECEMBER 17, Dr. F. Hansen was elected a resident member. Dr. J. G. Cooper donated ninety-six volumes and pamphlets, chiefly on natural history, from the library of the late William Cooper of New York. By this time, the rooms occupied by the Academy in the Donohoe Building on the corner of Montgomery and Sacramento streets were found to be so entirely inade- quate that the Committee on Rooms reported in favor of going back to the Phoenix Block building at 622 Clay Street, where the old rooms previously occupied had been repaired and refitted and afforded greater conveniences than before; and the commit- tee was directed to procure them. It accordingly rented the new rooms, consisting of a main hall, 50 feet by 20, with an arch in the center, and an additional room, 20 feet square, intended for library and reading-room. They were carpeted; and to these the Academy removed in time for the next meeting. 85 Chapter VII: Year 1867 he Academy met in annual session in its new rooms at No. 622 Clay Street on JANUARY 7, 1867. Dr. John B. Trask was elected a life member, and Dr. George D. Cleveland and George O. Whitney resident members. The various officers made reports, most of them verbal. Mr. Hubbard stated that the Pacific Mail Steamship Company would transport exchanges of specimens for the Academy to and from New York, Japan, and China free of charge. The annual election resulted in a number of changes in the officers. Professor Josiah D. Whitney was chosen president; Col. Leander Ransom, first vice-president; Robert E. C. Stearns, second vice-president; Theodore Bradley, recording secretary; Warren B. Ewer, corresponding secretary; Samuel Hubbard, treasurer; and Dr. Albert Kellogg, librarian. The curators of the previous year were continued in office, except that W. S. Keys took the mineralogy department in place of H. G. Hanks, and W. G. W. Harford the conchology depart- ment in place of R. E. C. Stearns. Whitney, Hubbard, Ashburner and Stearns served on the finance committee; Whitney, Ayres and Stearns on publications; Janin, Gibbons and Kellogg on the library committee; and Keyes, Bolander and Bosqui on proceedings. JANUARY 21, Governor R. C. McCormick of Arizona and R. C. Jacobs of Chihuahua, Mexico, were elected corresponding members, and Adolph Sutro, H. P. Carlton, J. W. Kidwell, A. F. Mason, and H. C. Bidwell resident members. Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens of the heart-leaf meadow parsnip, Thaspium cordatum, common on this coast and used as a remedy for chronic rheumatism; and also a beautiful willow herb, found in the Sierra Nevada near the Kearsage mines, which he considered a variety of Epilobium obcordatum. Dr. James Blake read a paper “On the Nourishment of the Foetus in the Embiotocoid Fishes.” Professor Bolander exhibited the cones of many species of pines growing in California and spoke of the peculiarities of the different species and their geographical distribution. Mr. Hubbard suggested the propriety and feasibility of securing rooms for the Academy in the new Merchants’ Exchange Building on California Street; and a committee on that subject was appointed; but, for lack of funds, nothing came of the project, and the Academy remained for some years longer on Clay Street. FEBRUARY 4, Joseph P. Le Count,”' C. von Liebenau, A. F. Bell, W. C. Walker, George H. Powers, Dr. Thomas Bennett, L. Gilson, Delos J. Howe, Col. R. S. Williamson, R. D’Heureuse, Rev. John F. Harrington, Henry C. Hyde, G. B. Hitch- cock, and Jacob Bacon were elected resident members. Adolph Sutro donated a copy 7.1 Not to be confused with Joseph LeConte of the University of California, who came to California from the University of South Carolina in 1869, as did his brother John. 86 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 , of Humboldt’s “Essai Politique sur la Nouvelle Espagne,” with atlas. Professor Whitney read a paper “On the Fresh Water Infusorial Deposits of the Pacific Coast and their Connection with the Volcanic Rocks.” He spoke of how these deposits were formed and combated Ehrenberg’s opinion that they were of eruptive origin. He also thought, from the deposits found in Nevada, that a large portion of the country there, extending from Walker’s Lake to the Des Chutes River, a distance of about 400 miles in length and not less than 100 miles in width, was at one time, probably during or immediately after the glacial epoch, occupied by a chain of fresh-water lakes. Dr. Kellogg read a paper on “Fungi,” their nature, distribution and uses. E. F. Lorquin exhibited two ducks, one of which he considered a hybrid between the mallard and the pintail, and the other a hybrid between the pintail and the teal. FEBRUARY 18, Dr. J. G. Cooper was elected a life member, and I. W. Raymond, Rodmond Gibbons, Thomas H. Selby, Daniel Knight, Dr. F. A. Holman, Edmund Scott, Henry Edwards, John Melville, George Daly, Robinson Gibbons, Gregory Yale, James Howden, George H. Fillmore, Marshall Hastings, John L. Eckley and Lee J. Ransom, resident members. Professor Wm. P. Blake read a paper on fossil elephants’ teeth found at the mouth of the Yukon River and on St. Paul’s Island near the middle of Behring’s Sea. He spoke of similar fossils as having been found at various places in California, the most southerly point being at San Pedro in Los Angeles County. L. Falkenau read a paper on peat, its origin, distribution and uses. A discussion followed, in which Professor Bolander stated that no valuable beds of peat had so far been discovered in this State. Dr. Behr and W. S. Keyes commented on reported discoveries, and it seemed to be the general opinion that the climate of California was unfavorable to the development of this material. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks on the simulta- neity of storms on the two sides of the continent. Professor Whitney made remarks upon the height of American mountain peaks. He spoke of Mr. Alphonso Wood’s estimate of the height of Mount Hood in Oregon (17,940 feet) and gave various reasons why little or no credit should be attached to it. He said that Wood’s estimate would make Hood nearly 4,000 feet higher than Shasta, whereas experienced observers had concurred in stating that Hood was not only not so high as Shasta, but not so high as Adams or Rainier, the latter of which, according to Wilkes, was only 12,800 feet. Vansant had given the height of Hood as 11,934 feet, less than that of Adams, which was measured with the same instruments. He said further that Wood had given the limit of forest vegetation on Hood as 9,000 feet, which it was well known that on Shasta it was 8,000 feet; and it should be lower on Hood on account of its being so much further north. Again, taking Wood’s figures and plotting his distances traveled and the angles of the slopes as given by him, it would be found that, to correspond with his statements, Mount Hood would have to be no less than 33,400 feet high! Professor Whitney concluded that there was as yet no satisfactory evidence to invalidate his previous statements “that we have in California the highest mountain in the United States, and the grandest and largest mountain mass in North America, although one or two of the volcanic cones of Mexico rise to higher altitudes than any of our peaks.” Dr. Henry Gibbons made CHAPTER VII: 1867 87 Henry Edwards E. O. Essig Collection, California Academy of Sciences Special Collections remarks on the inferior quality of the macadam used on the San Francisco streets and asked if any person knew of better in the vicinity. Professor Whitney replied that the nearest locality where good macadam material could be procured was near Petaluma, where an excellent quality of traprock or basalt was to be had in great abundance and convenient for shipment. MARCH 4, J. M. Sibley, William Norris, Henry Pickel, John W. Nystrom, Ross E. Brown,” Cornelius B. Miller and Theodore P. Painter were elected resident mem- bers. Professor Whitney presented a memorial paper on the late Professor Alexander Dallas Bache, great grandson of Benjamin Franklin, giving an account of his life and eminent scientific services. Mr. Stearns read a paper on a remarkable instance of vitality in a snail. It had been brought from Cerros Island off the coast of Lower California by Dr. Veatch in 1859 and was named Helix Veatchii. Dr. Veatch gave it to Mr. Bridges, who died in 1865. After Mr. Bridges’ death, a portion of his collection, including this snail, passed into the hands of Mr. Stearns, who, to his great surprise, found that it was alive and apparently as well as ever. Professor Bolander called attention to a statement made by Mr. Alphonso Wood, published over his own signature in the San Francisco Evening Bulletin newspaper, that he had collected in five months in California 1,490 species of flowering plants, and that during his whole 72 Shown in the Membership Records Book as Ross E. Browne. Could this be in error for J. Ross Browne, Special Commissioner for the Collection of Mining Statistics, who arrived in San Francisco on September 3, 1866 under an appointment from H. McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, to “collect reliable statistical information concerning the gold and silver minues of the western States and Territories.” Browne had contact with bases rewer, Gabb and other members of the California State Geological Survey, and it seems likley he would have been introduced to the Academy while resident in San Francisco. 88 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 journey in California and Oregon he had collected 15,000 specimens representing 2,794 species of plants. His journey occupied about eleven months, including the time coming from and returning to the East. His route on this coast was from San Diego along the stage road to Los Angeles and San Bernardino; then to San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz, and then north through the Sacramento Valley, past the base of Mount Shasta, and along the stage road to the Columbia River. Professor Bolander considered it probable that there were not over 500 species of flowering plants actually existing in that part of California passed over Mr. Wood and in which he said he had collected 1,490 species. It appeared from Professor Brewer’s careful investigations that over fifty botanists had been collecting in California and Oregon during a period extending back for more than seventy years. Some of them were collectors of long experience and had much better facilities than Mr. Wood, and they had very thoroughly explored a far greater area than Mr. Wood had, yet the total number of species obtained by them all, up to Wood’s visit in 1866, was only about 800, where he claimed only 2,416 species of plants in the eighteen northern United States and Canada East, embracing at least 500,000 square miles of territory. California and Oregon together included only about 250,000 square miles, a very small portion of which could have been thoroughly explored by Mr. Wood. How unlikely, then, that he should have obtained in nine months 358 more species in 250,000 square miles than all the botanists in the East had ever been able to find in more than double that area! It was very evident that Mr. Wood was no more competent to determine species than he was to estimate the height of Mount Hood. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks on the rainfall at San Francisco for the previous seventeen years. Frederick Gutzkow exhibited a sheet of pure silver, three feet in diameter, which had the appearance of white writing paper, and explained how he had produced it in a leadlined tank from a solution of protoxide of iron saturated with sulphate of silver. MARCH 18, Elisha Brooks, Ellis H. Holmes, Dr. Levi C. Lane, John C. Pelton, Dr. J. M. Sharkey, John A. Bauer and Robert Hagen were elected resident members and W. H. Dall, corresponding member. Dr. Cooper presented an elaborate paper on “The West Coast Helicoid Land Shells.” Professor Wm. P. Blake read a paper on the “Origin of the Submerged Forests in the Columbia River, Oregon.” Mr. Stearns read notes of measurement of a sunfish, Orthagoriscus analis, weighing 637 pounds, which he had seen in the Italian Fish Market of San Francisco in October 1866; he then made some remarks on the true habitat of Helix Ayresiana on Santa Cruz island. Professor Whitney exhibited supposedly Cretaceous-age coal from Webber Canon, Utah, and pure rock-salt from Salt Mountain on Muddy River about a hundred miles south of Pahranagat in Southeastern Nevada presented by Maj. S. S. Lyon, formerly of the Kentucky Geological Survey, who was present. Gregory Yale spoke of the reports of gold mines in Africa, said to be worked by the Emperor Napoleon III and kept secret from the world in general. A discussion ensued in which Professor Whitney and Mr. Ashburner expressed doubt as to the possibility of the locality of any extensive mining operation being long concealed and disbelief of newspaper CHAPTER VII: 1867 89 Elisha Brooks Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley statements to that effect. The subject of field-meetings of the Academy was discussed, and the curators were designated as a committee to superintend them. APRIL 1, Samuel I. C. Swezey, J. D. Farwell, Frederick Madge, D. J. Littlefield, Archibald Cooper, Samuel Pillsbury, Dr. Arthur W. Saxe,’’ and Bernhard Marks were elected resident members. Mr. Stearns presented a paper on “Shells collected at Santa Barbara by W. Newcomb, M. D. in January, 1867” and one on “Shells collected at Purisima and Lobitas (in San Mateo County), California, October, 1866.” Professor Silliman read a paper “On Naphtha and IIluminating Oils from Heavy California Tar (Maltha), and on the Probable Origin of Petroleum.” Professor Wm. P. Blake read a “Note upon the Brown Coal Formation of Washington Territory and Oregon,” and an “Analysis of Mt. Diablo (California) Coal.” H.G. Hanks presented an analysis of rock-salt from Salt Mountain on Muddy river in southeastern Nevada, which he pronounced of great purity. Professor Bolander stated that the snow-plant, Sarcodes sanguinea, was not confined to coniferous groves. The first field-meeting or excursion under the auspices of the Academy was held on Angel Island on Saturday, APRIL 6. On APRIL 15, the collections made in the course of the excursion to Angel Island were exhibited and commented on. Professor Silliman read a paper entitled “Notice of a Peculiar Mode of the occurrence of Gold and Silver in the Foot-Hills of the Sierra Nevada, and especially at Whiskey Hill, in Placer County, and Quail Hill, in Calaveras County, California.” Mr. Falkenau read a paper “On the Spirit of the Age and its Influence in the Department of the Natural Sciences.” _ 73 In the Membership Records Book, which is a secondary compilation from the handwritten recordings in the Minute Books, Albert is pencilled in for Saxe, Dr. A. W. (Arthur Wellesley Saxe). 90 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Professor Bolander exhibited specimens of Apocynum, found on moist land subject to overflow in Round Valley and extensively used by the Indians for fish-lines and other purposes. A field excursion of the Academy was made to the neighborhood of the Twelve Mile House in San Mateo County on APRIL 20. May 6, D. F. Thomas, Silas A. White, B. Smith, M. J. McDonald, William Patten, and Philip Prior were elected resident members. Dr. C. L. Anderson of Santa Cruz, California, Henry Walter Bates, Royal Geographical Society of London, Prof. J. H. Balfour of Edinburgh University, Dr. John Alexander Smith of Edinburgh, James Haswell, Geological Society of Edinburgh, Capt. J. B. Caldbeck of Singapore, and Sir Roderick I. Murchison, Royal Geographical Society of London, were elected corresponding members. Mr. Stearns presented a paper from J. Rowell on a new species of Pisidium, a shell found on Angel Island. Mr. Stearns also read a note upon a recent “Exhibition of Parhelia,” witnessed by him about 5 o’clock p.m. on April 17. The diameter of the halo around the sun and halo north and south, displayed at each point of intersection a parhelion or mock sun of very considerable brilliancy and continued for upwards of half and hour. A discussion followed upon sun and moon halos, in the course of which Dr. Henry Gibbons combated the popular notion that a halo around the moon was an infallible sign of rain. In some seasons these signs invariably failed, and he thought no rule could be established on the subject. A paper was presented from Professor Silliman entitled “Notice of New Localities of Dia- monds in California.” He sent for exhibition four small diamonds, one from Forest Hill in El Dorado County, one from French Corral in Nevada County, one from Fiddletown in Amador County, and one from Cherokee Flat in Butte County. Professor Whitney remarked that there were fifteen or twenty localities in California where diamonds had been found; but they were all of small size, the largest, weighing only 7-'4 grams, having been found at French Corral. Most of the diamonds found in California were twenty-four sided, the facets being usually curved. He said it was a mistake, resulting from confounding hardness with toughness, to suppose that a diamond could be struck a heavy blow on an anvil without breaking. At the same meeting, Professor Whitney read a paper “On the Geological Position of Coal,” the object of which was to show how completely the results of modern geological explorations and discoveries had done away with the old idea that valuable beds of coal were confined to any one member of the series of geological formations. He spoke of the principal coal-fields of the world as being divided into two great groups on opposite sides of the globe; those of Europe and the Eastern United States belonging to the Paleozoic age, while those of India, China and Australia were Mesozoic. The coal of the Pacific Coast of North America belonged chiefly to the Cretaceous series, a geological formation that in other parts of the world had been found substantially barren of combustible materials. A paper was presented from Baron F. Richthofen “On the Natural System of the Igneous Rocks.” Professor Whitney exhibited a canine tooth from deep gravel deposits at Douglas Flat near Murphy’s in Calaveras County, different from a tooth of any animal before found in this state either living or dead. He thought it belonged to a hyaena; and, if so, it was CHAPTER VII: 1867 91 the first notice of the occurrence of this animal on the American continent. Dr. Cooper stated that Mr. Ridgeway, who had accompanied the government exploration of Russian America, found on that coast birds nearly identical with species living in Asia —a fact of much interest because none of the same species were found on the East Coast. It suggested a former intimate relation between Western America and Eastern Asia. May 20, John P. Cairns, J. W. C. Maxwell, Constantine Heusch, William Fischel, E. W. Burr, Archibald C. Peachy, J. P. H. Wentworth, C. P. Stanford, Dr. Henry Gibbons, Jr., and Dr. P. M. Randall were elected resident members. Mr. Stearns read a paper on “Ancient Mining on Lake Superior.” Professor Bolander exhibited a branch of Pinus tuberculata and pointed out that two whorls of cones had formed in the last year’s growth. JUNE 3, G. H. Mumford and A. S. Gould were elected resident members, and Tryon Reakirt of Philadelphia and Lorenzo G. Yates of Alameda County, corresponding members. Mr. Stearns announced the death of Auguste Rémond, who had contributed various valuable papers to the Academy. A commu- nication was received from Lorenzo G. Yates on the remains of an elephant found near the Mission San Jose. Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons read a paper on the remains of a redwood forest on the Contra Costa Range east of San Francisco. Mr. Nystrom presented a paper on the origin of Table Mountain in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. JUNE 17, Wm. M. Gabb presented a paper on the “Geology of California,” also a letter from Antonio Raimondi of Lima, describing the great mountains of Peru. JULY 1, a communication was received from Professor Wm. P. Blake stating that the fossil remains found in Tulare County and exhibited by him to the Academy on November 9, 1866, were not those of saurians, as he then supposed, but of a large species of Delphinidae. Dr. Wm. P. Gibbons again spoke of the redwood forest that formerly covered the crest of the Contra Costa Range east of San Francisco. JULY 15, W. A. S. Nicholson, Dr. Arthur B. Stout (an early member who appears to have dropped out), and Dr. C. W. McCormick were elected resident members. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks on the effects at Watsonville of an earthquake, which occurred on October 6, 1866. He also spoke of the absence of worms from California fruit. Mr. Stearns and Mr. Yale made remarks upon the ancient mines of Lake Superior and the race who probably worked them. AUGUST 5, Professor Bolander gave an account of a recent trip to Humboldt County and his botanical observations in that region. Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to the meteoric display expected about the 10th of the month, which, however, either did not come or was not observed. At the next meeting, AUGUST 19, he made remarks on the distribution of clear and cloudy days at San Francisco. Mr. Stearns exhibited a species of Pholas and described its method of boring. SEPTEMBER 2, Professor Whitney gave an account of a recent visit to Oregon, Washington Territory, Vancouver Island and British Columbia. He said he had ascertained by rough trigonometrical measurements that Mount Hood was at least 2,000 feet lower than Mount Shasta. He had intended to ascend Mount Hood in order to measure it barometrically; but, learning that Col. Williamson proposed doing so, 92 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 he resolved to await his measurement, which would be authoritative. Dr. Ayres spoke of explosive sounds recently heard by him during perfectly clear weather in the vicinity of Borax Lake in Lake County. They seemed to come from beneath the surface and recalled subterranean noises which had been heard in the neighborhood of Mount St. Helena. SEPTEMBER 16, a paper was received from Col. R. S. William- son, giving an account of his ascent in August, 1867, and measurement of Mount Hood. He found its height to be 11,225 feet; and this, beyond doubt, is the correct figure, or very close to it. OCTOBER 7, on motion of Dr. Stout, a committee was appointed to consider the subject of providing a new building and increasing the facilities and usefulness of the Academy. OCTOBER 21, J. G. Burt was elected a resident member, and Prof. W. D. Alexander of Honolulu a corresponding member. Prof. Whitney read letters from Wm. H. Dall dated at “St. Michael’s, Russian America, August 14th, 1867” in which he said he had “traveled on snowshoes, with the thermometer from 8° to 40° below zero, about 400 miles” and “Paddled in open canoes up stream 650 miles and down stream 1300 miles” in Alaska, then called Russian America as shown in the address. He spoke of the geological formations along the Yukon River for 1,300 miles above its mouth. There was a broad patch of volcanic eruptive rock near the lower bend and from there to the sea. Near the bend was a seam of good coal but so small as to be useless. Granite and mica were rare; and he found no traces of glacial action. Dr. Cooper and Professor Whitney made remarks upon the probability of present volcanic activity in Oregon and Washington Territory. The evidence seemed to be conflicting so far at least as showers of ashes were concerned. There was no doubt, however, of the existence of solfataric action on Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and probably on Rainier and Baker. He also exhibited several photographs taken of the upper Tuolumne Valley by Mr. W. Harris. A paper was read from C. F. Hoffman, describing in some detail the Hetch-Hetchy Valley on the Tuolumne River. NOVEMBER 4, George C. Johnson was elected a resident member. Dr. James Blake read a paper “On the Organs of the Male of the Embiotocoid Fishes.” Professor Whitney made remarks upon the species of minerals occurring in California and on the Pacific Coast of America in general, noting the absence of a number. He said there was a remarkable resemblance in the conditions, which had influenced the formation and segregation of the accidental minerals found accompanying the stratified and eruptive masses through the vast extent of the regions in question, making another fact going to show the unity of the Cordilleras of North and South America as a geological result. Professor Bolander said that the absence of many mineral species from this Coast found a parallel ina similar absence of many botanical groups. Dr. Cooper did not think there was any poverty with respect to animal species, and suggested that the absence of certain groups of plants might be due to the absence of certain mineral constituents from the soil. Dr. Behr thought the California Lepi- doptera more nearly conformed to European and Mexican types than to those of the Eastern states. A committee was appointed, on motion of Mr. Stearns, to consider the propriety of amending the constitution of the Academy. It consisted of Stearns, James CHAPTER VII: 1867 93 Blake, Bosqui, Ewer, and Bolander. NOVEMBER 18, R. H. Stretch and Dr. Gustav Holland were elected resident members and Mr. L. C. Schmidt of Eureka, Humboldt Co., a corresponding member. Professor Whitney read a paper, in continuation of his remarks at the last meeting, on the elemental minerals occurring in California. He also spoke about the depressions in Death Valley and mentioned reports, which cited Mr. Gabb as authority, that no depression below ocean level existed there. In reply he would say that the valley visited by Mr. Gabb was near the head of the Amargosa River, while the true Death Valley was at the sink of that river, where the amount of depression might be safely assumed to be not far from 175 feet below sea level, as given on Col. R. S. Williamson’s authority. Professor Bolander stated the number of true species of pine in California as fifteen, and of fir as four. Dr. Stout, of the committee on providing a new building, presented a memorial to the State Legisla- ture; asking that the use of Yerba Buena Cemetery in San Francisco, the ground on which the new city hall now stands, be given to the Academy. NOVEMBER 27, a special meeting was called to listen to remarks of Professor George Davidson, Assistant to the U. S. Coast Survey, on a recent trip to Alaska. He gave a general account of the geography, climate and natural resources of that country. Dr. Kellogg, who accompanied the party as botanist, made remarks upon the flora of the Northwest Coast. DECEMBER 2, S. W. Holladay, Henry R. Goddard, and Henry K. Moore were elected resident members. Professor Silliman read a paper on three new localities of tellurium minerals in California and some mineralogical features of the Mother Lode. Mr. Stearns read a paper on shells collected at Bodega Bay in June, 1867, and another on Shells collected by the U. S. Coast Survey Expedition to Alaska in 1867. Mr. Bolander presented a paper submitted by Léo Lesquereux, “A Catalogue of the Mosses found . . . on the Northwest Coast of the United States, and especially in California.” Professor Whitney gave an account of the work performed by the State Geological Survey. Dr. Henry Gibbons exhibited a species of pork, containing entozoa, erroneously supposed to be Trichinae, but which he believed to cysticerci. They had the appearance of soaked peas and were not injurious, he said, when cooked. He also took occasion to remark that if the tules of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys were permitted to undergo the natural processes of growth and decay, instead of being annually burned over, the land might in time become sufficiently elevated to be inhabited. Robert L. Harris, who had recently run a new levee from Vallejo to Sacramento, reported that the height of the Sacramento level above sea-level, instead of being 56 feet as commonly supposed, was but 21 feet, and that the low lands in the vicinity of Sacramento were only a foot anda half above sea-level. The committee on amendments to the constitution reported a new constitution, which was laid over for action at the next annual meeting. DECEMBER 16, William Hamel, P. B. Cornwall, Horace D. Dunn, and W. B. Rising were elected resident members. Copies of the proposed new constitution were distributed. W. A. Goodyear read a paper on the “Salt Spring Valley and the Adjacent Region in Calaveras County”; Professor Silliman a paper “On the Occurrence of Glauberite at Borax Lake,” and Hiram G. Bloomer, a paper on the scientific names 94 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of the “Big Tree.” Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention again to the pork containing entozoa, exhibited at the last meeting, and said that some of the members of the Academy had pronounced them Distomata; but he was still satisfied, after further examination, that they were cysticeroi. Dr. Henry Gibbons, Jr. gave a detailed statement of reasons for assigning them to the genus Cysticercus. At this last meeting of the year 1867, the attendance of members was thirty-seven; and the attendance at all the meetings of the year had been good. This, as well as the number of new members who joined during the year, indicated that a new interest in the Academy had been awakened and that it was attracting more and more attention. 95 Chapter VIII: Year 1868 his year the annual meeting commenced on JANUARY 6,°' with thirty-three members present. Benjamin M. Hartshorne was elected a life member, W. W. McFarland, William Bailey, George F. Allardt, Dr. A. F. Sawyer, and Dr. Isaac Rowell, resident members, and W. C. S. Belcher and W. D. Christie, corresponding members. The president, Professor Whitney, delivered an address, giving in brief the history and progress of the Academy. Mr. Hubbard, the treasurer, presented his annual report to the effect that $1624.14 had been received in 1867 and $1,546.17 paid out, leaving on hand $79.97. The curators of botany and conchology also presented reports. The new constitution was next taken up, read section by section, amended in some particulars, and adopted as amended and as a whole. The meeting was then adjourned to JANUARY 13, when the constitution was slightly amended and again adopted as a whole. The new constitution provided that the name of the society should be the “California Academy of Sciences,” dropping the word “Natural” of the old title. Its object was to be “the promotion of science,” and “this was to be accomplished by the holding of meetings for scientific intercourse and discussion, by the reading and publication of papers containing original contributions to science, by the estab- lishment of a museum and library, and by other suitable means.” Members were to be resident, life, corresponding, and honorary. Resident members were to be elected from among persons residing within 150 miles of San Francisco, and every resident member might become a life member by paying $200 into the treasury. Correspond- ing members were to be elected from persons not residing within 150 miles of San Francisco; and a method was provided for changing, in proper cases of change of residence, corresponding membership into resident membership, and vice versa. Honorary members were not to exceed forty in number, twenty to be residents and citizens of the United States, and twenty, foreigners. The business of the Academy was to be exclusively managed by, and its officers selected from, resident and life members. The names of candidates for resident membership should be proposed by at least two members; posted in a conspicuous place in the Academy for at least two weeks, and balloted for only at a stated meeting. Honorary members could be elected only at an annual meeting, but had to be proposed by the Council and posted at least four weeks before election. Four-fifths of the members present were necessary to elect, and only one candidate could be balloted for on one ticket. No person rejected as a candidate was to be eligible for one year afterwards. A member might be expelled 8.1 Published in vol. 4, p. 1 of the ee as January 4th, 1868, in error. The meeting was held on January 6th, the “first” Monday of the month (as recorded in the handwritten minutes of those meetings; Academy Archives: Minute Books, Jan. 6th, 1868-Jan. 2nd, 1872). CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Lhe Cea Coalyloinia Ae boa emy f Patusad Seences ’ begs fave lo infotm ou, thal it has, foone this time fread, assumed the nume of ‘the ‘@alifornta Academy of Seienees,’” Ro apy of cath f the tue -Menris, julleshed ly hy, this Aeaderny, Duts 4 and 2 x Vol. » 1, thas teen ferwatided lO YOl.......... 4p sae Py WE achnowlelge the Ceceepet f the SAME, ant alda C054 CObLCS- ponienee antl exchanges lo the Ceutesptending Fe e ectelaty f the Cid fetnta Aeademy gf : Seintes, San Veancesco. a wa haue the tonct to le Koa Sen Yoancisco, ea Gor, Ser'y. fen. 43, 4968 Notification of change of name to the California Academy of Sciences sent to Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian Institution Archives CHAPTER VIII: 1868 oF for cause and after due hearing by vote of at least two-thirds of the members present; but expulsion proceedings could be instituted only at a stated meeting, which, however, might be adjourned from time to time, but not beyond the next stated meeting. No person expelled should ever again, under any circumstances, become a candidate for election. The officers were to consist of a president, vice-president, corresponding secretary, recording secretary, treasurer, librarian, and director of the museum, who should together constitute the Council; and as many curators as the Council should from time to time determine. Officers were to be elected by ballot at the annual meeting on open nomination, and only one officer elected at one balloting. The president was to preside when present at all meetings of the Academy and Council, name all committees not otherwise provided for, and, with the Council, direct the general business of the Academy. At the annual meeting he should report on the condition and progress of the Academy, and also announce the deaths of members dying during the preceding year, accompanying the announcement with biographic notices in the case of persons eminent in science. The duties of other officers were likewise prescribed. The president, vice-president and treasurer were to be the official Trustees and act as a sub-committee on finance; and the president and secretaries were to act as a sub-committee on publication in the Council, with power to add two to their number; and the duties of these committees were to be regulated by the Council. Vacancies in office were to be announced to the Academy by the president and an election to fill the vacancy held at the next meeting. The annual meeting was to be held on the first Monday of January; but, if that should be January 1, then on the next day; stated meetings were to be held on the first and third Mondays of every month; field-meetings or excursions at such time and place as the Academy might direct, and special meetings, in case the Council deemed it desirable, at any time on the call of the president. Any annual or stated meeting could be adjourned from time to time for the purpose of closing up unfinished business, but not beyond the time of the next stated meeting. Meetings of the Council might be held at any time and place at the call of the president, and he was to call a meeting when requested by any member of the Council. Resident members were required to pay $3 as an initiation fee and $3 quarterly in advance towards defraying expenses. No member in arrears should take part in the business of the Academy; and the names of members more than one year in arrears should be stricken from the rolls and such persons be ineligible to re-election for one year after such dismissal. Publications were to be directed, as to style and amount, by the committee on publication under the general supervision of the Council; and resident, life and honorary members were to be entitled to receive, free of cost, one copy each of all publications issued during their time of membership. Amendments to the constitution had to be presented in writing to the Council at least one month before being acted on. The Council was required to present them to the Academy with a report on the question of adoption and with such amendment as it might see fit. The Academy might then, at any stated meeting, adopt any such amendment by a two-thirds vote of the members present. At the same adjourned meeting of January 13, the election of officers under the 98 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 new constitution took place and resulted in the choice of Professor J. D. Whitney as president; Dr. James Blake, vice-president; Professor H. N. Bolander, corresponding secretary; Theodore Bradley, recording secretary; Edward Bosqui, treasurer; Dr. A. Kellogg, librarian, and R. E. C. Stearns, director of the museum. At the meeting of the Council held the next day, JANUARY 14, H. N. Bloomer was appointed curator of botany. Also, the Council approved sending the Smithsonian Institution fifty copies of the Memoirs, parts 1 and 2 of volume | for distribution. JANUARY 20, an offer of the proprietors of a suburban resort, called the “City Gardens,” to donate to the Academy the use of one of its buildings was declined. Five hundred copies of the new constitution, list of members and president’s address were ordered to be printed. Announcement was made of the appointment by the Council of the following curators: Dr. Cooper on general zoology; W. G. W. Harford, conchology; Dr. Trask, Radiata; R. H. Stretch, entomology; W. A. Goodyear, geology; H. G. Bloomer, botany. Copies of the second memoir of the Academy were distributed. Dr. Cooper read a paper on “Some Recent Additions to the Fauna of California,” Theodore A. Blake “Notes on the N. W. Coast of America,” in which he called attention to the erosive action of glaciers as well as many inaccuracies in the charts of the coasts, and Professor Whitney a paper on the system adopted by the State Geological Survey of naming mountain peaks in California. Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens of Siberian plants, including Rhododendron, Campanula, Linnea borealis, and a new species of the gooseberry family combining in its fruit the qualities of the gooseberry and currant. FEBRUARY 3, George Lette, P. Huerne, Ottakar Hoffman, Charles Beseler, and Watson A. Goodyear California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER VIII: 1868 99 Dr. Justus Fuchs were elected resident members; and two candidates were rejected. Among the donations was a wild duck’s gizzard, containing, with gravel, grains of placer gold; also a specimen of the pulu-fern. Dr. Stout reported on the progress made by the committee on a new building. Dr. Kellogg exhibited the stem of Panax horridum of Alaska, allied to the ginseng plant. Professor Whitney, Dr. Henry Gibbons and others made remarks about the mulberry, Morus multicaulis, and the speculations to which it had given rise. FEBRUARY 17, Dr. Thomas M. Logan, Rev. Albert Williams, R. B. Swain, and William Hayes were elected resident members. Dr. Parry of the Southern Pacific Railroad gave an account of some of the natural features along parallel of latitude 35°, and the probabilities of coal being found on it. He also briefly compared the flora of the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Clarence King, chief of the Government Survey on the parallel of 40° gave an account of that region. Drs. Cooper, Henry Gibbons and James Blake spoke of the winds prevalent in Southern California and on the West Coast generally; and Gibbons, Behr, Cooper, Kellogg, Bolander, and White discussed the harmless and harmful action of frost upon plants. MARCH 2, Nathan Porter, Emile Sutter, and H. D. A. Schieffler were elected resident members. Professor Bolander delivered an address upon the value of a properly conducted botanical garden as illustrated by the great good accomplished by the botanical garden of Melbourne, Australia. The subject evoked discussion upon the utility of new plants that had been or might be introduced into California. A resolution was adopted, on motion of Gregory Yale, appointing a committee consist- Charles Christopher Parry George Sprague Myers Portrait Collection, Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences 100 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ing of Messrs. Yale, H. Gibbons, Stearns, Stout, and Veatch to prepare a succinct recommendation, as the sense of the Academy, for the continuance by the legislature of the State Geological Survey. A strong and unanimous feeling was manifested in favor of the continuation of the Survey, and the retention of Professor Whitney at its head, as necessary for the material interests, culture, and good name of the State, no less than for the general interests of science. Dr. Stout announced that he had safely transmitted to Paris a specimen of the snow-plant, Sarodes sanguinea, in carbolic acid, and that it arrived there retaining the natural vividness of its colors. MARCH 16, a memorial to the Legislature in favor of the continuance of the State Geological Survey was presented, adopted, and ordered transmitted to the San Francisco dele- gation at Sacramento, Professor Bolander donated a large collection of ferns and grasses, in number about fifteen hundred specimens, of which one hundred and thirty-five were Californian, the others from the East Europe, Australia, and Chile, all fully identified. Remarks were made upon the importance of a catalogue of plants introduced from abroad and successfully cultivated in California. Bolander stated that those most extensively cultivated had been introduced from the Mediterranean regions, and that they were found in the Spanish colonies generally. APRIL 6, H. S. Craven, Dr. A. J. Bowie and Howard Crittenden were elected resident members and Col. Ezekiel Jewett of Utica, New York. a corresponding member. Dr. Stout, of the committee on providing greater facilities for the Academy, reported on the failure to obtain from the Legislature any portion of Yerba Buena Park for a building site, though the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved the project. He suggested the formation of a sinking fund to furnish means to purchase a lot. Objections to this plan were made on the ground of the inadequacy of the income of the Academy. Dr. Ayres proposed a special monthly contribution. Dr. Stout urged the importance of securing a building site while the price of real estate remained low, and said that a purchase at that time would give the Academy the benefit of the advance in prices that was sure to come. The whole subject, however, was referred back to the committee. Joshua E. Clayton called attention to some specimens of fossil coral from Silver Peak Basin in Nevada, and a new trilobite found there. He also spoke of the vast quantities of rock salt found in the same vicinity and stated his opinion that it was not, as commonly supposed, of oceanic origin, but came from the decomposition of saline rocks. Dr. Ayres called attention to a specimen of sponge, called ‘Venus’ flower-basket,” Euplectella speciosa, from the Philippine Islands. A committee consisting of Messers. Stout, Logan, Yale, Ayres, and Stearns was appointed, on motion of Dr. Stout, to draw up a report on the “abrupt and shabby” discontinuance of the State Geological Survey; and at the next meeting, APRIL 20, a report was presented strongly condemning it, which was accepted, approved and adopted by the Academy. As the discontinuance of the Survey deprived Professor Whitney of his occupation in California and necessitated his return to the East, he resigned his office as president of the Academy and accompanied his withdrawal with a few farewell remarks.” May 4, Dr. C. T. Deane, Joseph Paxson, Gen. John F. Miller, Anton Roman, CHAPTER VIII: 1868 101 Theodore A. Mudge, John B. Felton, Dr. Isaac Bluxome, Thomas A. Barry, Dr. R. Beverly Cole, Calvin Brown, Frank M. Pixley, H. L. Davis, Julius Bandmann, Thomas M. Cash, John Hucks, J. F. Lohse, J. W. Willard, Benjamin A. Patten, Justin P. Moore, August Emory, and A. Harpending were elected resident members. Dr. James Blake, on nomination of Mr. Stearns, was elected president in place of Professor Whitney, who had resigned. At the suggestion of Professor Bolander a committee was appointed to arrange a course of short lectures, one to be delivered at each regular meeting of the Academy, the subject of each lecture to be open to general discussion by the members after its delivery. Mr. Stearns stated that he was obliged to be absent from the State for a year and therefore resigned his office as director of the museum, though he designed upon his return to again put his hand to the plow and labor for the Academy. Rudolph D’Henreuse read a paper on the “Proper Use of Air with Reference to Industry and Medicine.” Dr. Stout gave notice of a proposed amendment of the constitution, reducing the fee for life membership from $200 to $100. MAY 18, Dr. J. G. Cooper was elected vice-president in place of Dr. James Blake, who had been elected president. Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens of the holly-leaved wild cherry, Cerasus ilicifolia, and also of the choke cherry, Cerasus Virginiana, both from the neighborhood of San Francisco. He remarked that the former was called by the Indians /s/ais, which had given name to the creek so-called in the southern part of the City. He also mentioned a report that cattle could eat its leaves when fresh with impunity, but would die if they ate them when wilted on account of the production in such leaves of hydrocyanic acid. A discussion ensued as to whether hydrocyanic acid existed or was produced in the leaves of the cherry and kindred plants. JUNE 1, Milton S. Latham, Frederick Townsend, Dr. Benjamin D. Dean (in the published Proceedings, but “Deane” in the handwritten minutes {p. 46} [Eds.]) and Dr. W. A. Grover were elected resident members. The committee on lectures reported arrangements and assignments for seven lectures to be delivered by Drs. Blake, Gibbons, and Cooper and Messrs. Falkenau, Bolander, Bloomer, and Bradley, respectively. An amendment to the constitution, reported favorably from the Council, was adopted, reducing the fee for life membership from $200 to $100. H. G. Bloomer was elected director of the museum in place of Stearns, resigned. A committee was appointed to confer with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on the subject of providing rooms for the accommodation of the Academy. R. W. Raymond, U. S. Commissioner of Mining Statistics, delivered an address on the relations of the government to the mineral lands and mining interests of the country. JUNE 15, L. Falkenau read a paper on “The Part we should take in Furthering the Mining Interests 8.2 Between 19 Jan. 1866 and 22 Jan. 1871, Henry Bolander corresponded with William Henry Brewer, then at Yale but formerly J. D. Whitney’s assistant on the California State Geological Survey, keeping Brewer up-to-date on events in California. Among the 18 letters written during this period (Yale Univ., Sterling Library Archives: Group 100, ser. 1, box 5, folder 168), Bolander noted how he, Kellogg, and Behr had themselves withdrawn from taking part in survey activities because of the treatment accorded Whitney (letter dated 5 Feb. 1867); in a letter dated 28 March 1868, Bolander observed that “Whitney will go east next month also Stearns [Robert Edwards Carter {Eds.}] to return no more... Well, what next. A Pacific Republic!”; in another letter dated 9 July 1869, Bolander writes “The stopping of the State survey is now also much regretted. I should not wonder if Prof. Whitney would find a manag ear this year.” 102 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of the Pacific Coast.” Dr. Stout, of the committee on providing greater facilities for the Academy [Building Committee], reported in favor of accepting an offer of the Paul Tract Homestead Association of a block of land in the City and County of San Francisco, on condition that the Academy would expend $15,000 in putting up a building on it or otherwise improving the same; but, after some discussion, the matter was postponed to an adjourned meeting. JUNE 22, at the adjourned meeting, the discussion was resumed with the result that the matter was again laid over for final action at a special meeting to be held on June 29. Also at the adjourned meeting of June 22, Dr. Victor Fourgeaud was elected a resident member; and Theodore Bradley resigned his office of recording secretary on the ground that he did not have time to properly attend to its duties. JUNE 29, the definite question, “Will the Society accept the offer made to it by the Paul Tract Homestead Association?” was put and, after a lengthy and free discussion, was decided in the negative. The land was considered entirely too far out of the inhabited part of the city to be of any value to the Academy, and, besides, it had no money to comply with the condition imposed. At this meeting, though expressly a special one, H. T. Livermore, James Deering, J. S. Phillips [Philips in the handwritten minutes {Eds.}], E. R. Howes, and Dr. R. H. McDonald were balloted for and declared elected resident members. Elisha Brooks was elected recording secretary in place of Theodore Bradley, resigned. A human skull, supposed to be centuries old, exhumed near extensive ruins at the junction of the Gila and Salt Rivers in Arizona, was presented by Dr. P. M. Randall. It was found with an “ojo,” or earthen water jug, inverted over it, which seemed to have served as a preserver, for the remains of the other portions of the skeleton were so far decayed as to crumble at the touch. Dr. Randall stated that it bore no resemblance to the skulls of any of the present Indian tribes of the region, and that those Indians said it did not belong to any living tribe, but was a “Montezuma.” JULY 6, George A. Treadwell was elected a resident member. Dr. Blake read a paper on the “Chemistry of Digestion,” which was followed by a discussion on the subject and by remarks from Dr. Henry Gibbons on the injurious effects of chewing and smoking tobacco. Dr. Ayres reported on a sponge from the Sea of Japan as a species of Hyalonema that is parasitic on other sponges. Professor Bolander, as corresponding secretary, stated that he had received two letters from scientific men in the East, commenting in such violent terms of condemnation on the recent action of the Legislature in superseding the State Geological Survey that he declined to read them publicly. JULY 20, William J. Shaw and E. J. Schellhouse were elected resident members. Dr. Cooper delivered a lecture on “Edible Mollusks of the Pacific Coast.” Gregory Yale made remarks on the evidences that the San Francisco peninsula was, at a time not far distant in the past, an island or series of islands. Edward Bosqui, treasurer, presented a report on the condition of the finances of the Academy, showing an indebtedness of over $500. Professor Bolander tendered his resignation as corre- sponding secretary for the reason that he had not time to attend to all the duties of the office; but he was induced to withdraw it on the understanding that he would be furnished with an assistant. CHAPTER VIII: 1868 103 AUGUST 3, L. L. Treadwell was elected a life member, and A. L. Wolf and A. Warren, resident members. The president stated that the Council had appointed Dr. Kellogg special assistant to the secretaries and treasurer at a small salary, which was to be raised by subscription. Among the donations was an Octopus, found near Fort Point, and some fossil pine cones from lignite beds near the Ocean House in San Francisco. Dr. Henry Gibbons delivered a lecture on “Microscopic Parasites.” AU- GuST 17, J. Silver, C. L. Houghton, and H. S. Crane [shown as H. S. Craven in the handwritten minutes but corrected to H. S. Crane in the published Proceedings, eds. ] were elected resident members. Professor Bolander delivered a lecture on the “Flora and Agricultural Resources of the County around Eureka, Humboldt Bay.” Dr. Stout moved that an assessment of $5 be levied on each member of the Academy for the purpose of paying off its debt. After much discussion, the subject was laid over until next meeting. SEPTEMBER 7, Dr. Lorenzo Hubbard was elected a resident member. Theodore Bradley exhibited a stone image of an eagle nearly two feet high, said to have been found imbedded in clay, covered with eight feet of alluvium, on the bank of Willamette River, two miles above St. Helens, Oregon. H. G. Bloomer delivered a lecture on “Classification and Generalization.” Dr. Stout’s proposition to levy an assessment to pay the debt of the Academy was taken up and again laid over “until next meeting,” and in that condition it seems to have been allowed to lie. Additions to the cabinet included a collection of plants received from M. René Le Normand of Viré, France, and a collection from New Caledonia donated by Prof. Meissner of Basle, both through Dr. Kellogg. SEPTEMBER 21, E. N. Boynton, John M. Buffington, and Milton Andros were elected resident members. A catalogue of the library, made by Elisha Brooks, was presented by him. Dr. Blake made some remarks on the peculiar state of the atmosphere which had prevailed for some days. He alluded to the pale pink color and haziness. The discussion dismissed the possibility of smoke from the burning forests in Oregon or in Marin County. Other explanations were considered. Dr. Stout exhibited dissections of a cuttle fish, Octopus. He alluded to Victor Hugo’s description of the animal in his “‘Toilers of the Sea” and said it was evident the novelist had never seen one nor properly understood the beauty of its physical construction. The animal, which seems to have been caught near San Francisco, measured eleven feet between the tips of its extended arms. S. A. White remarked that one had been captured some years before at Victoria, Vancouver’s Island, the arms of which were as thick as a man’s leg and measured fourteen feet in length. OCTOBER 5, William H. Dall gave a detailed account of Alaska, where he had been exploring and studying the geography, geology, climatology, ethnology, and natural history of the country for two years. He spoke of the only gold up to that date found there as coming from the mouth of the Porcupine or Rat River near Fort Yukon, and being in very small quantities. He said that the natives all came under the general designation of Esquimaux, though they differ very much from the Esquimaux of the eastern side of the continent. They are tall, athletic people, very intelligent and 104 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ingenious, and superior to the American Indians of the interior. Though they belong to the same general race as the little eastern Esquimaux, having words that are the same, they are evidently later comers. Mr. Dall also said that, after a careful study, he was satisfied that there is no open Polar Sea and that an unbroken sea of ice stretched over from America past the North Pole to Asia.*’ OCTOBER 29, Theodore Bradley delivered a lecture on the “Value of the Study of Science in its Historical Relations.” NOVEMBER 2, Mr. Bloomer moved to adjourn on account of the small attendance and the political excitement. Gregory Yale objected, and the motion was withdrawn. Amos Bowman was elected a resident member. Mr. Yale spoke of the necessity of gathering reliable information in regard to the recent earthquake of October 21, the severest felt since the American occupation of the country.** NOVEMBER 16, L. Falkenau delivered a lecture on “Analytical Chemistry,” illustrated with experiments. A discussion of the recent earthquake followed, preliminary to future full reports upon the subject. DECEMBER 7, Emile Grisar and J. J. Owens were elected resident members. J. E. Clayton read a paper on “Earthquakes in the Kern River Region, as observed by Dr. Farnsworth.” He gave the observation of Dr. A. Farnsworth on a series of shocks that occurred on the headwaters of Kern River on September 4, 5, and 6 when there were five hundred in all, and thereafter for five or six days one or two shocks every hour. Other parties reported frequent shocks at intervals of an hour or two during the remainder of the month. A discussion ensued on the various theories as to the igneous, chemical and magnetic causes of earthquakes; and it seemed to be the general opinion that they were caused by chemical and igneous agencies in the interior of the earth. DECEMBER 21, Dr. Blake exhibited a map showing the directions in which the earthquake of October 21 struck different places in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay and stated that they all tended towards a center near Haywards in Alameda County. 83 The sheets (pages 30-37, pls. I-II of the Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, vol. 4, 1868-1872) containing Dall’s remarks were printed in part in November 1868 and in January 1869 and placed in circulation. if is not known how seriously his observations on the extent of the Arctic ice pack were taken by others in planning expeditions to the Arctic via the Bering Straits (e.g., the Jeannette [q.v.]) 8.4 For a discussion of the abortive attempt to gain information and write a report about this earthquake see Aldrich, M., B. Bolt, A. Leviton, and P. Rodda, 1986. The “Report” of the 1868 Haywards Earthquake. Bull. Seismol. Soc. America 76(1):71-76. 105 Chapter LX: Year 1869 giving the condition and progress of the Academy during the preceding year. treasurer reported the receipts during 1868 at $1,760, and the disbursements at $1,636, leaving a balance of $124; but that there was an outstanding indebtedness of $440. The librarian reported the library in good condition; but the director of the museum complained of great deficiency of room and conveniences for the rapidly increasing collections. Dr. Gibbons commented on the reports and gave it as his opinion that more money ought to be devoted to the museum and less to publication. The annual election resulted in the choice of Dr. James Blake, president; Dr. J. G. Cooper, vice-president; Leo Eloesser, corresponding secretary, Theodore A. Mudge, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Dr. A. Kellogg, librarian; and H. G. Bloomer, director of the museum. Professor J. D. Whitney was elected an honorary member, and G. W. Dunn, a corresponding member, was placed on the list of resident members. Among the donations was the rattle, containing thirty rings, of a rattlesnake, eight feet long, captured by Dr. P. M. Randall”! in Arizona. In his annual report on the condition of the museum, Mr. Bloomer complained of the want of rooms to display the collections. Dr. H. Gibbons commented that more money should be devoted to the museum to make a better showing before the community. In the Council, G. W. Dunn was appointed curator of entomology, W. G. W. Harford, curator of conchology, and Dr. Trask, curator of Radiata. JANUARY 18, W. Frank Stewart and Professor George Davidson, Chief of the U. S. Coast Survey for the Pacific Coast, were elected resident members. Dr. Cooper moved the establishment of divisions of members, such as conchological and mineralogical, and they would hold separate meetings and publish their proceedings. Dr. Kellogg proposed a botanical division to include meetings in the field. FEBRUARY 1, Max Waizman was elected a resident member. H. G. Hanks read a paper on the mineral resources of Owen’s River and adjacent districts, particularly Inyo and Death Valley districts and the “Gun Sight” lead, the first silver found in California of which any record existed. He said that an emigrant party in 1849 reported having seen on their way over that region fabulously rich silver mines and were said to have brought in specimens of pure silver. In 1850, a Dr. French and party went out in search of these mines, but were unsuccessful; and they had since been known only in story. Mr. Hanks exhibited specimens of argentiferous galena from Ts annual meeting was held JANUARY 4. The president read his annual address, The 9.1 Spelt Randle in the published minutes (PCAS 4:41 [Feb. ee but Randall in the handwritten minute book (Minute Books Jan. 6, 1868 to Jan. 2, 1872, p. 83.). The published minutes are probably in error. 106 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 James Blake California Academy of Sciences Special Collections the region and some ores from the northern end of OWen’s River Valley showing free silver. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the remarkable effects of rain upon adobe land near Redwood City in San Mateo County and how its swelling and shrinking, under the influence of moisture and drought, caused cracks in the walls of houses built upon it, which were often erroneously attributed to earthquakes. Gregory Yale spoke of the importance of the erection of an observatory in California and hoped the Academy would have the honor of its establishment. FEBRUARY 15, J. W. Hobson, Dr. J. J. Stevenson, and Smythe Clark were elected resident members. Dr. Blake read a paper on the “Lower Forms of Organic Matter.” Dr. Kellogg presented specimens of the fruit, foliage and wood of the canon live oak, Quercus chrysolepis, from the neigh- borhood of Baulines Bay in Marin County. He spoke of the solidity, strength, toughness, and durability of its timber as equaled only by the southeastern live oak, Quercus virens. In his view of the subject, it was a “burning shame” to have such valuable timber shipped to San Francisco for firewood, out of sheer ignorance of its value. He also referred to the mustard plant in California and commented upon the difference between it and the English species. MARCH 1, Dr. George Hewston, Rev. A. Aaronstein, J. F. Breed, and O. W. Easton were elected resident members. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the peculiarities of the climate of California; there were in fact, he said, three different climates, one in CHAPTER IX: 1869 107 southern California near Mexico; one in northern California near Oregon, and one in Central California, each of which he briefly characterized. He then spoke of the value of the telegraph as an indicator of coming storms. He said that on one occasion he was with Professor Henry at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, where daily and sometimes hourly reports of the weather were received from all parts of the Atlantic States. Professor Henry, and he while there, could sit down before a large relief globe and locate storms as they were reported; and in that way follow and trace them as they were approaching, hundreds of miles away, until they finally burst upon the city. Had he been five hundred miles above the earth, looking down upon the atmosphere, he could not have obtained a better idea of the progress of a storm. In this State, where the prosperity of almost every interest depended upon the rains, the knowledge of storms was of especial importance. Our chief prognostic of rain so far was, the occurrence of three hot days following a Northerly, when rain, in the proper season of the year, was to be expected. Dr. Kellogg exhibited specimens of meat that fell from the sky near San Jose. It was said that the atmosphere was clear at the time, and the fragments of meat fell over an area of twenty acres. Much discussion ensued; but the general opinion was that the strange shower had been disgorged by vultures or buzzards flying so high in the air as to be invisible. The pieces of bone found seemed to be too large to have been taken up by a whirlwind, which it was suggested might have caused the phenomenon; but Mr. Beardsley stated that at Gold Hill, Nevada, in 1862, a whirlwind had taken up 4,000 feet of lumber and torn it to shreds. A letter from W. F. Stewart described a remarkable magnetic storm near San Jose on February 23. The weather was dry and sky cloudless, when the magnetic needle suddenly began to turn and was greatly deflected to the east for some time. Dr. Blake stated that when making observations in reference to the recent earthquake, he had noticed the needle dip far more in San Ramon Valley near Monte Diablo than near San Francisco Bay. MARCH 15, Gregory Yale exhibited specimens of copper pyrites taken at a depth of 208 feet from an artesian well that was being bored on Commercial Street in San Francisco, and made remarks upon the strata penetrated by the auger. He also announced the discovery of a nearly entire skeleton of a mastodon near Petaluma in Sonoma County. A letter was received from W. F. Stewart of San Jose on the recent shower of meat near that place. He confirmed the theory that the fragments had been disgorged by vultures or buzzards. He said that in 1863 a similar fall of meat was observed in the valley below San Jose, the ground for some half a mile being covered with fragments. That was the year when thousands of cattle perished for want of food, and myriads of buzzards would so gorge themselves with the flesh of the dead animals that they would be obliged to vomit in their flight. He had on more than one occasion known them to drop pieces of meat upon himself and horse when riding under them. APRIL 5, Dr. W. F. McNutt was elected a resident member. Among the donations was a series of stereoscopic view of Indian inscriptions on rocks near Cisco in Nevada County from Charles Crocker. Professor Davidson described experiments for obtain- ing longitude by the use of the telegraph. The old method was by the use of 108 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 chronometers carried from point to point or by astronomical observations and calculations. He said that he had, in eighty-two hundredths of a second, made a telegraphic circuit from San Francisco to Cambridge in Massachusetts and back, a total distance of 7,200 miles. The exact difference in time between the two places was found to be three hours and twenty-five minutes. APRIL 19, L. A. Gould and Captain Edward Pinnor were elected resident members. Dr. Kellogg exhibited several new and beautiful plants from near the mouth of the San Joaquin River. A discussion took place on the subject of inscriptions found in various places on rocks; but no satisfactory explanations of them was given. May 3, Rev. Siegfried Simon, Hermann Simon, Eugene Arnstein were elected resident members. H. P. Carlton read a paper on shells found at Antioch and vicinity in Contra Costa County. Dr. Henry Gibbons made observations upon silk culture and the manner in which it had been attempted in California. He also spoke about the ramie plant of China, Boehmeria nivea, and the value of its fiber. He further said that the fiber of the common nettle was used by the Indians in Southern California for making fishing nets, and that its thread was very strong and not injured by water. He thought there were no true farmers in California but only raisers of cereals and that in time ramie would be found of more importance for cultivation than wheat. He also spoke of the possibility of acclimatizing Eastern fish, such as shad and other species not then existing here. Dr. Blake said there was no country in the world where an acclimatizing society might be made so useful as in California. Professor Bolander stated that a company had already been formed in San Francisco to introduce shad. He also spoke of the ramie plant and New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax, as worthy of naturalization and well adapted for the tule lands in the interior of the State. He likewise recommended extensive cultivation of the basket-willow, Salix viminalis, and of the Australian gum-tree, Eucalyptus, especially for piles. He also mentioned the opium poppy and teazle as likely to reward cultivation, and thought that much more could be made out of California if it were cut up into ten acre pieces of land and devoted to special products. Among native plants that were deserving of attention was a very good celery, Pimpinella apiodora, which grew on hillsides among dry rocks. MAY 17, R. Heynemann”” was elected a resident member. Gregory Yale spoke of the advisability of starting a subscription for a permanent abiding place for the Academy, and said that the members represented $3,000,000 of wealth, among whom $300,000 ought to be raised. Professor Davidson remarked that the Academy of Sciences of the wealthy city of Philadelphia with the most vigorous efforts had been able to raise only $20,000 or about one fifth of what was required there. Dr. Blake referred to the difficulty of raising funds for any scientific purpose; as exemplified in the trouble of collecting money enough to investigate the recent earthquake. As from these expressions of opinion it seemed apparent that nothing could be done in the way ofa subscription. Mr. Yale moved the appointment of a committee to examine and report upon an Outside-Land lot, near the corner of Point Lobos and First 9.2 R. Heynemann in the published minutes (PCAS 4:53) but H. Heynemann in the handwritten minute book (Minute Books, Jan. 6, 1868 to Jan. 2, 1872, p. 101) CHAPTER IX: 1869 109 Avenues, near Lone Mountain, which had been reserved and set aside by the San Francisco authorities for the purposes of an “Academy of Sciences.” JUNE 7, Theodore A. Mudge resigned his office of recording secretary on account of other engagements. Mr. Yale asked further time to investigate the supposed title of the Academy to the Outside-Land lot reserved by the City for an “Academy of Sciences.” Dr. Blake stated that he had visited the locality near Petaluma of the mastodon remains reported at a previous meeting; but he found that they had been so scattered that none of any value could be obtained. He, however, found that the houses built in Petaluma on a rocky foundation suffered much more from the earthquake of October 21, 1868, than those built on alluvial soil. The Council, at its meeting, transacted only routine business. JUNE 21, Edward Cohn, Hugo Eloesser, Arthur Eloesser, Frederick Reichling, George A. Elliott, and Dr. John Vansant were elected resident members. Henry P. Carlton was elected recording secretary in place of Theodore A. Mudge, resigned. Among the donations was a large lizard, Heloderma horridum, said to be poisonous, from Guaymas, Mexico; an Indian mortar, weighing 35 pounds, from a mound at Raccoon Straits, Marin County; a fossil oyster, Ostrea titan, said to have been found fifty feet below the surface on Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, and imperfect peat from a salt marsh near San Francisco Bay. Robert Schlagintweit, the traveler and explorer, being present and asked to address the Academy, described many incidents of his journeys. He spoke, among other things, of a remarkable mineral, nephrite, found in the coal quarries of Turkistan. It was so soft when first taken out of the ground that it could be cut with the finger-nail; but, when exposed for a time to the air, it became so hard that it would cut glass. The inhabitants there made idols, pipes, and handles for tools of it. He also spoke of his travels in the Himalaya Mountains, where he found people living at an elevation of 16,000 feet and occupied in raising sheep. He found the snow-line lower on the southern side of these mountains than on the northern, which he explained by taking into account the difference in humidity on the respective sides. JULY 12, at a meeting adjourned from July 5, A. T. Winn and Isaac Wormser were elected resident members. Professor Bolander gave an account of a trip to the Sierra Nevada and a description of Emigrant Gap and Bear Valley in Nevada County. The latter he pronounced produced by glaciers. He exhibited a large number of plants collected by him. H. P. Carlton, who had accompanied Bolander, spoke of shells he had found on the Truckee River and in that vicinity. A communication was received from J. M. Upham devoted principally to the subject of the reclamation of Sherman Island near the mouth of the Sacramento River, where 47 miles of levee 5 feet in height, had been thrown up at a cost of $80,000. A discussion ensued in reference to the reclamation of the tule lands of California in general and their adaptability for agricultural purposes. JULY 19, David Hughes, Samuel A. L. Brannan, W. W. Dodge, and Dr. W. H. Titcomb were elected resident members. Among the donations were two slabs of limestone from Treasure City, White Pine County, Nevada. The side of one was covered at regular intervals with protuberances the size of buck-shot and that of the other with corresponding depressions, which suggested to some members the 110 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 idea that it was a fossil hail-storm. Dr. Cooper thought the name not altogether inappropriate as the depressions were probably caused by the beating down of hailstones on soft sand, which hardened, the depressions being afterwards filled with overflowing mud, which likewise hardened into limestone. There was also exhibited a section of a pine log from Puget Sound, nearly two feet in diameter, having a leaden ounce-ball in the center but without any trace of its course or how it got there. The growth-rings of the log, supposing them to be annual, indicated that it was 110 years old when cut. It, therefore, seemed as if the ball must have been fired before the time of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, or even before Vancouver’s voyages. R. W. Raymond, U. S. Mining Commissioner, spoke about mining countries, mining laws, and the importance of mining schools. At a separate meeting of the Council, held three days later, on JULY 22, Mr. Samuel Brannan offered to put the zoological collections in order. His offer was accepted and he was appointed curator of zoology in place of Mr. Lorquin. The Council also declared the position of Dr. Trask as curator of Radiata vacant. AUGUST 2, several Indian relics were presented which indicated great age; and Dr. Blake remarked that they tended to prove a remote antiquity of the human race in California. Dr. Henry Gibbons exhibited apples grown in Alameda County, which had been buying out under evergreen oak trees for over a year and were still perfectly sound and fresh. AUGUST 16, Maurice Dore was elected a resident member. A discussion took place “as to the scientific name of the so-called poison-oak,” which it was finally decided to record as Rhus toxicodendron, though it is now known as Rhus diversifolia. A lively discussion also took place in reference to the apparently smoky condition of the atmosphere, which Dr. Henry Gibbons attributed to forest fires in the region of Puget Sound, Washington Territory. It was not clear what brought the smoke down the coast, as the ordinary winds would not do so; but there certainly was smoke in the air, and he could smell it. Dr. Blake inquired whether Dr. Gibbons’ smoke was not a kind of hazy fog. He could not detect any smoke. His impression was that the atmosphere was clear in the mornings. Dr. Gibbons was very certain that it had not been clear but on the contrary very hazy that morning; and in proof that there was smoke in the air he said that the sunsets were very red. As to the fog theory, he had recently been on the eastern side of Monte Diablo, quite out of the reach of the fog, and found the atmosphere smoky there. Dr. Blake thought, if there was much smoke, it was unnecessary to look to Washington Territory for it, as it might come from tule fires much nearer. Dr. Behr said that in other countries, Australia, for instance, smoke from great fires did not spread over vast surface distances. Dr. Blake said there ought to be some instrument by which the density of smoke in the atmosphere could be measured as moisture was measured — a smoke- meter, for instance. Dr. Gibbons suggested “or a meat-smoker.” It was remarked that perhaps the reason why smoke did not travel far in Australia was that the combustible material there did not contain so much carbon as the wood in America. Dr. Behr replied that the amount of carbon in plants was about the same in all parts of the world. Dr. Gibbons said that smoke and wind were incompatible and that in the East CHAPTER IX: 1869 111 the first day of brisk wind dispelled the haze of Indian summer. Dr. Behr said the state of the atmosphere had a great effect upon smoke; on some days it would rise straight up and on other days it would creep along the ground. Some one asked, “What is smoke?” Dr. Gibbons answered that it was unconsumed carbonized vegetable matter. Dr. Behr thought there were several other ingredients entering into the composition of smoke. Dr. Blake said that eminent geologists had decided that smoke issuing from volcanoes contained no carbon whatever. Dr. Gibbons replied that smoke from volcanoes was probably partly ashes, but chiefly unconsumed mineral matter. Dr. Gibbons next made some remarks about earthquakes. He said that in his opinion the area [San Francisco] had enjoyed an unusually long immunity from earthquakes of any magnitude, the earthquake of last October having been a very critical one. According to one newspaper account of the meeting, Dr. Gibbons thought that the October earthquake of last year had given vent to the accumulated gases and hence no shakes of any consequence were felt since, but he would not be surprised if another earthquake occurred in the near future. It was reported that Dr. Gibbons did not want to alarm members of the society, among whom the matter was discussed. The Academy Secretary said that he did not think it best that discussions ofa scientific body, such as this, upon the question should be published.” SEPTEMBER 6, among the donations was a piece of wood perfectly preserved, taken at a depth of 288 feet from an artesian well at Santa Clara, Santa Clara County. Dr. Blake called attention to the peculiar light in the heavens, observed throughout the State a few weeks previously, soon after sunset. He attributed it to a vaporous or smoky medium ata high altitude, which reflected the sun’s rays. Dr. Cooper presented an elaborate paper on “The Fauna of California and its Geographical Distribution.” On SEPTEMBER 7, the Council met but transacted only routine business. SEPTEMBER 20, W. H. Haskell was elected a resident member. Attention was called by Gregory Yale to shells from a so-called Indian shell-mound near San Quentin in Marin County. He was of the opinion that the mound was not the work of Indians; but was simply an upheaval, and that such mounds in general were originally under tide-water when the shell deposits were made. Drs. Blake and Cooper, Professor Bolander and others said that shell-mounds made by Indians did evidently exist in many places, and that their depth of shell deposits and other characteristics showed that they had been artificially formed. OCTOBER 4, W. H. Collie and George Hobson were elected resident members. Among the donations were specimens of the “wild parsnip” from Nevada. A letter about them from Lieutenant D. L. Carpenter of Ruby Valley, Nevada, stated that two miners there had been poisoned by eating the root. Dr. Stout said that he had prepared a concentrated tincture of the root and found it had no effect on a frog when introduced into its blood, but, when put into its stomach, caused complete paralysis in one minute. Professor Davidson called up the subject of Indian shell-mounds and said that some °3 In an insert to the article, the “Reporter” stated that “The question of suppressing Dr. Gibbons’ earth- quake epinions was not further discussed, and publication not prohibited.” Mining and Scientific Press, ugust 17, 1869. 9-4 See Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 1870, 4:61-81. Liz CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 years previously he had examined such a mound ten feet high near Sausalito in Marin County, and found 30 skulls in it; and he concluded that the Indians have had something to do with the elevation. OCTOBER 18, B. Christensen was elected a resident member. Mr. H. Davis’” of San Francisco presented fragments of Indian skulls and implements from a shell-mound near San Rafael in Marin County. He said there were a dozen or more such mounds in the vicinity, one of them about 300 feet long by 175 feet wide and 20 feet high. He had opened it and found human skeletons at various depths in successive strata of ashes, soil and shells evidently slowly accumulated; also flint implements, circles of stones used for fire places, ornaments of abalone shell, various kinds of bones and other evidences of human occupation. He was disposed to think, however, that further researches in these mounds were not likely to be productive of any valuable results. He had pursued his own labors in them at the request of persons in the East, who had manifested an interest in them; but he did not regard them as of much importance. Dr. Cooper was of the opinion that the investigations might be of great value in determining the origin, character and condition of the people who occupied the mounds. The relics indicated that the people had not advanced beyond the “Stone Age,” and were of the same race as the “Diggers” of the Great Basin east of the Sierra Nevada; but the tribes north of California and those south of it differed from each other, and each differed from the Indians of California. It was a question, he said, whether there had ever been any connection between the people of the west coast of America and the east coast of Asia. A Chinese junk was said to have visited Mexico before the time of Columbus, and there was evidence that the Japanese had visited the Northwest Coast; but as yet there had been nothing found to indicate any ancient communication with California. Professor Davidson remarked that there were records of at least four shipwrecks of Japanese vessels on this coast within a period of only one or two centuries, and it was probable that many more had occurred previously. The coast might have been colonized from Asia, and there might be evidences of it in the mounds. NOVEMBER I, many scientific publications were received through the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, which continued, as it had been doing for years, to distribute publications of the Academy and receive for it publications of other institutions. Dr. Kellogg gave an account of a recent trip to Humboldt Bay and exhibited plants collected on it; and, among them specimens of Whitney’s primrose, Oenothera Whitneyi, discovered by Professor Bolander. He complained that his whortleberry-leaved oak, Quercus vaccinifolia, had been ascribed to Dr. W. Hooker, and had also been considered a dwarf variety of Quercus chrysolepis, and wished to correct both these errors. He also spoke of a species of Ceanothus as a producer of cream when fed to cows, and said that land covered with the plant was considered most valuable by dairymen. Dr. Cooper said that a species of the Ceanothus in the East had been used for tea in the time of the American Revolution. H. G. Bloomer reported that the “wild parsnip,” presented on October 4, was the Cicuta maculata, °.5 F. Davis in the published proceedings (Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 4:83) but H. Davis in the handwritten minutes (Minute Books, Jan. 6, 1868 to Jan. 2, 1872, p. 122). This is probably Mr. Horace L. Davis, elected a resident member of the Academy on May 4, 1868. CHAPTER IX: 1869 113 usually called “water-hemlock,” and well known in the East as a deadly poison. NOVEMBER 15, Col. Leander Ransom read a paper on “Shell-mounds” accompanied with sketches of four near San Pedro Point in Marin County. He said that all he had seen were in the neighborhood of beds of mussels or other shell-fish, either on the banks of bays or streams or not far off. A favorable spot, he went on to explain, was selected; a basin-shaped depression made, and a sort of lodge constructed, in which the Indians lived and around which they threw out the refuse of their shell-fish and other food. After years of such deposits and accumulations of offal, when the stench became too oppressive and the fleas and other vermin unbearable, they would set fire to the lodge and, after a thorough “purging by fire,” build a new habitation and commence another series of years and deposits. The results in centuries were the shell-mounds. Mr. Yale read a paper on “Meteoric Showers” and said that, while looking for a display on the night of November 13, he had, about a quarter before 5 o’clock in the morning, seen the largest and most brilliant meteor he had ever witnessed. It moved from east to west and illuminated the heavens and the earth on the line of its track. It exploded at length with a fan-like shape, but he could hear no explosive noise. DECEMBER 6, the Council met and the following names were advanced for honorary members, James D. Dana, Jeffries Wyman, George Engelmann, Benjamin Peirce, T. H. Huxley, Henri Milne-Edwards, Prof. Bunsen, Prof. Helmholtz, and Dr. J. D. Hooker. At the Academy’s regular biweekly members meeting,”° John Taylor and Arthur W. Bowman were elected resident members. Dr. Behr spoke of Eucalyp- tus marginata as growing plentifully in Australia and thought it might be imported with advantage for use as piles, as the wood was not attacked by the teredo. Professor Bolander spoke of the Coniferae of California and said that their 33 species had now been settled, and there was, he said, no such variety and richness in any other part of the known world. Professor Whitney said that in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where he had spent the last summer, he had observed only 6 species. He also read a letter from Baron Richthofen on the geology of China and one from J. E. Clayton on the White Pine Mineral District of Nevada. Professor Bolander spoke of a reported rise of 6 feet in the level of Mono Lake, a freshening of its water, and the disappear- ance of the dense clouds of flies, the larvae of which had formerly been so abundant on the lake shores. Professor Whitney said that the level of Mono Lake, as indicated by water-marks, was once 600 feet higher than now. He added that Great Salt Lake and Pyramid Lake had also risen very much in the past two years. He thought there were periodical rises and falls in the lakes of the Great Basin, corresponding with periodic climatic changes. He said there had been an unusually large rainfall east of the Sierra Nevada in the past year. A discussion ensued as to whether the large rainfall east of the Sierra had any connection with the uncommonly small rainfall in Califor- nia. DECEMBER 20, Professor Whitney gave an account of geological explorations in 9-6 In the handwritten Minute Books (Jan. 6", 1868 to Jan. 2"4, 1872, p. 130), the meeting is shown as ane place on Dec. 7, but this is probably in error. The biweekly meetings of the Academy were held on won Ays, usually preceded by a meeting of the Council. In the Council minute books, the date is given as eC 0; : 114 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 the Colorado portion of the Rocky Mountains in the summer of 1869.” His party consisted chiefly of professors and students from the Mining School of Harvard University; but he was also accompanied by Professor Brewer of the Yale Scientific School and by C. F. Hoffman. They had ascended and measured the highest peaks there and found the highest points in the Rocky Mountains to be Mount Harvard, which was 14,270 feet; Gray’s Peak, 14,245; Pike’s Peak 14,216; Mount Lincoln, 14,123; Mount Yale, 14,078; and Long’s Peak 14,050. No peak had been found as high as several in the Sierra Nevada. Dr. Cooper presented an elaborate paper, the first of a series, on “West Coast Fresh- Water Univalves.” Professor Bolander read a paper on eight species of grass of the genus Melica found in California. Dr. Carl von Scherzer, Chief Commissioner of the Commercial and Scientific Department of the Austro-Hungarian Embassy to Eastern Asia and America, was introduced and gave an account of his journey around the world, and efforts in China to establish a treaty. Among other things relating to that country, he spoke of the difficulty which his friend, Baron Richthofen, had experienced there, in endeavoring to make scientific explorations, on account of being opposed at every point by government officials, who were still jealous of foreign enterprise. °.7 Whitney published these comments in “Explorations in the Rocky Mountains by J. D. Whitney,” (1870), Amer. Jour. Sci., ser. 2, 49(147): 398- 399, It is noted in the opening apa tus that, “Professor J. D. Whitney has given the California Academy of Sciences some of the results of explorations under his direction in the Rocky Mountains during the summer vacation of 1869. 15 Chapter X: Year 1870 Robert Bunsen, H. L. F. Helmholtz, Thomas H. Huxley, and Dr. Joseph D. oker, of Europe and Professors James D. Dana and Benjamin Peirce and Drs. Jeffries Wyman and George Engelmann, of the United States, were elected honorary members. Dr. Blake, as president, read his annual address upon the condition and progress of the Academy, which was received with satisfaction and applause. Elisha Brooks, treasurer, in his report on the finances showed “that the Academy was free from the burden of debt for the first time.” The librarian and the director of the museum reported their departments in good condition. At the annual election the officers chosen for 1870 were Dr. James Blake as president; Dr. A. Kellogg, vice-president; Leo Eloesser, corresponding secretary; H. P. Carlton, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Dr. J. D. Cooper, librarian, and H. G. Bloomer, director of the museum. Dr. Henry Gibbons introduced the subject of earthquakes, giving his views of their cause, and illustrating them with a diagram upon the blackboard. A discussion ensued, participated in by Messrs. Heynemann, Holladay, Blake, and Stout. JANUARY 17, Donald Bruce was elected a resident member and J. C. Brevoort of Long Island, New York, a corresponding member. Dr. E. Palmer, of the U. S. Agricultural Bureau, gave an account of recent journeys in Arizona and Sonora, and spoke of the habits of the Indian tribes, the ruins of ancient towns, and the relics of former inhabitants found there. Dr. Stout exhibited globular concretions, some from near Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, and others from Fossil Hill, Nevada. He contended that the larger stones were of volcanic origin and had been formed by being thrown out in a melted condition by craters and cooled in spherical form, like leaden shot, when falling. His theory elicited a lively discussion as to the origin and formation of the concretions. Professor Whitney concluded his earlier remarks on his explorations in the Rocky Mountains with an account of his visit to South Park, Colorado. He also read a letter from Baron Richthofen giving more details on the geology of China. FEBRUARY 7, Professor W. J. W. Williams, Col. Charles D. Gibbes, Abner Doble, Thomas Nelson, and Charles C. Rueger were elected resident members. A bronze medal was presented to the Academy from the Royal Academy of Christiania, Norway, having on it the inscription, “Ex haustu Olympico valentior.” A suitable reply was ordered to be forwarded. The library reported receiving a large number of foreign scientific publications through the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Behr read a paper on the extinction of plants in the neighborhood of San Francisco by the progress A t the annual meeting of JANUARY 3, 1870, Professors Henri Milne-Edwards, Ho 116 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 of settlement and the encroachment of foreign weeds. Dr. Blake read an abstract of a paper by Carl Vogt on prehistoric man, in reply to which H. G. Bloomer read an abstract from an address by President Stokes before the British Association to prove that man originated from the special design and creation of Divinity and was not a development from an ape or any other inferior form. He evidently took no stock in Darwinism, which was turning the scientific world upside down. FEBRUARY 21, Thomas W. Newcomb and A. A. Hazeltine were elected resident members. Benjamin M. Hartshorne donated a number of valuable books. Mr. Easton gave a verbal account of his theory of the structure of the Coast Mountains and their lateral spurs. He supposed that coal was formed in the basins between the spurs that ran into the ocean. In his opinion, the same formation extended to the Isthmus of Darien, and that the lateral valleys there afforded natural passages for ship canals across from ocean to ocean. He thought, if his views were correct, that they would throw light upon many geological puzzles. MARCH 7, among the donations were two specimens supposed to be the globes of human eyes dried into hard balls, taken from the graves of Chilean aborigines, which had been opened two years previously by an earthquake, but on examination they proved to be vegetable productions. Dr. Blake read a paper on the “Climate of California,” particularly on the peculiar weather of the preceding winter. It evoked an animated discussion, in which Drs. Gibbons and Cooper participated. MARCH 21, Dr. William P. Gibbons, one of the old members who had withdrawn in 1855, and S. H. Herrin were elected resident members. Dr. Blake read extracts from a paper by M. Gintrac of the Academy of Sciences of Paris, France, on the advantages of raising silkworms in the open air and attributing many of their diseases to confinement in too close rooms. He said they would thrive well in any temperature from 47° to 104° and were not injured by the direct rays of the sun, nor by sudden changes of weather, nor by thunderstorms, as was commonly supposed. Dr. A. W. Saxe made remarks upon the sea-currents of our coast, giving it as his opinion that a warm current up the coast caused the moderate climate peculiar to California. Dr. Cooper said that the warm current was several hundred miles outside. Dr. Gibbons and others entertained similar views. A few days after this meeting the general dissatisfaction with the discontinuance of the State Geological Survey, which had been expressed in many other quarters besides the Academy, bore fruit in the enactment of a new statute by the State Legislature, adopted March 25, 1870, directing the State Geologist (Profes- sor J. D. Whitney) to proceed and with all reasonable diligence complete the survey and the publication of its results, and appropriating $2,000 per month, payable monthly, for two years to pay the expenses of survey and publication. The work was accordingly soon afterwards resumed, and the Academy had the benefit, for a couple of years longer, of the presence and cooperation of the scientists connected with it. APRIL 4, Charles Geddes and William J. Fisher were elected resident members. Remarks were made on an auroral light observed about midnight on March 28, and on an earthquake which occurred on April 2. APRIL 18, Dr. Blake read a communi- cation from Captain C. F. Hall, the Arctic explorer, asking the concurrence of the CHAPTER X: 1870 ie Academy in a petition to Congress for an appropriation of $100,000 in aid of his proposed third expedition to the Polar Seas. On motion of Dr. Henry Gibbons the petition was signed and transmitted to the California delegation in Congress. Profes- sor Whitney made some remarks on the boundary line between Oregon and Califor- nia. He also asked that a committee be appointed to inquire as to the best instrument for recording earthquake phenomena and the proper place for it. Whitney, Gibbons, Davidson, and Williamson were thus appointed. A lively discussion then took place in reference to Dr. Henry Gibbons’ theory of earthquakes. He thought them occa- sioned by gases or rather steam produced by water percolating into the hot interior of the earth. In his opinion, such places as the Geysers furnished a vent and there were no earthquakes there. Professor Bolander said that the earth did shake at the Geyser. Dr. Gibbons replied that the shakes there were only miniature earthquakes; but if the escaping gases were pent up they would cause a prodigious convulsion. Heynemann asked, if the earth were as solid as granite, where were the caverns, spoken of by Dr. Gibbons to be found? The earth was said to be much heavier than granite, but the gases, if they were the causes of earthquakes, must come from somewhere, and must just as certainly get out through some opening, so that there ought to be caverns. But the question was, where and how were these gases produced and where were these caverns? Dr. Blake was inclined to think that gases, if engendered, would surge upwards at once rather than travel along the strata. He did not believe that traveling gases would have the power to shake the country up in so uncommon a manner as did the earthquake of 1868. Professor Bolander thought the theory of gases wrong. Gas, he said, would not travel with the same rapidity that earthquakes do through the rocky ridges of the interior of the earth, disturbing the surface as they went along with a wave-like motion. He thought electricity was at the bottom of the unpleasant movements. Volcanoes might possibly have some connection with earthquakes, but the usual causes were local. Dr. Stout said he was satisfied with the gaseous theory, but he had some doubt as to its force. He had no doubt the center of the earth was in an igneous condition; but he could not believe that the gravity of gas produced by the dripping of water into it would be sufficient to cause the convulsions noticed in earthquakes. His opinion was that they were produced by electricity alone. Dr. Gibbons thought that electricity was a convenient name for solving difficult phenomena — a safe refuge for those who gave the subject only slight study. Mr. Heynemann said that the earthquake question was a very interesting one; and he would like to know how to account for them. It was said that the earth’s temperature increased one degree for every thirty-four feet of descent into it; and at that rate the temperature at a depth of 20,000 feet would be 600°. Now fossils had been brought up from about that depth in the ocean, and they did not appear to have been burned, and he would like to hear the phenomenon accounted for. Another member answered that the water of the ocean kept the bottom cool, but, if Mr. Heynemann would descend 20,000 feet below the bottom, he would be likely to find hot weather. Another member suggested that a curator of earthquakes ought to be appointed, whose duty it should be to collect specimens of earthquakes 118 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 and place them in the museum, taking care, however, to purge such specimens of their gases to avoid dangerous consequences. Still another members suggested that, for the protection of the City of San Francisco, an artificial volcano should be got up in the neighborhood for the escape of the gases coming this way and producing so much uneasiness. Besides, he said, as the lava from a volcano was reported to be so food a fertilizer, the advantages of such an institution near the sand hills of the City would be inestimable. Dr. Gibbons said that the arguments of the last speaker were convincing, and he would therefore move the appointment of a committee to get up such a volcano in the new Golden Gate Park for the purpose of fertilizing it. The chair asked time for consideration in the appointment of so important a committee; and the Academy adjourned. MAy 2, among the donations was a section of the trunk of a lemon-verbena tree, Aloysia citriodora, showing its luxuriance in this climate, its diameter being seven inches. Professor Davidson exhibited photographs of the last total eclipse of the sun, taken at Springfield and Shelbyville, Illinois, and spoke of the great improvement in accuracy of observation thus secured. He also spoke of the slight rainfall at and about Los Angeles and the likelihood that the crops there would be an entire failure; while, if proper attention and energy were directed to the subject, abundant water for all necessary irrigation could be obtained there by boring artesian wells not more than 70 feet deep. Dr. Cooper gave an account of observations made by him, in the course of a recent trip to the Sierra Nevada, on the absence of frost in the ground under the snow and the rapidity with which animals and vegetables sprang up when the drifts were but half melted. Flowers blossomed on the very edge of the retreating snow; the tops of ant-hills, still half buried, were covered with active insects, and small animals came out of their winter burrows as soon as the sun’s rays struck the bare soil. Many birds and quadrupeds were constant residents of the summits through the entire winter. Professor Whitney exhibited an impression of a fossilized leaf, apparently a fan palm, from a volcanic sedimentary deposit near Placerville in El Dorado County. It was the first specimen of the kind, he said, so far found in California and indicated a sub-tropical climate in the Tertiary era. MAY 16, Gregory Yale called attention to the death of Dr. John A. Veatch, who had been one of the most active and valuable members of the Academy. He also spoke of a shell-mound that was being opened near the terminus of the Bay View Railroad in the southern part of the City and County. He still maintained that these so-called mounds were not true mounds or built for burial purposes, but were natural elevations or formed by successive deposits of shells and refuse without any design to form mounds or burial places. The deposits in most of them were not deep enough to admit adults to be buried in a sitting posture, as was usual in Indian burials. Dr. Cooper spoke of the so-called Alabaster Cave in El Dorado County and the absence of any human or other animal remains found in it. Mr. Yale suggested that the dampness there might favor decomposition and said that the caves of Europe, where animal remains had been found, were all very dry. JUNE 6, G. R. Throckmorton and J. T. Brown were elected resident members. Professor Davidson exhibited the skull of a sea-lion killed near Punta Arena in CHAPTER X: 1870 J) Mendocino County, and also a stone, as large as a child’s head, which he said was one of several found in the animal’s stomach. He had been told by the hunters that in the breeding season the males of this species eat no food, but swallow stones instead, and are consequently very thin afterwards, furnishing very little oil. He said that the Aleutians made a similar statement in reference to the fur seals, which are allied to the sea-lions. Dr. Stout referred to the fact that he had exhibited to the Academy, at a previous meeting, a piece of basalt taken from a well 128 feet deep in the Western Addition of the City, and said that it indicated the existence, beneath the superficial and characteristic rocks of the San Francisco Peninsula, of an underlying stratum of basaltic rock something like that found near Petaluma. JUNE 20, Thomas C. Banks, J. B. McChesney and Charles B. Turrill were elected resident members. Dr. Stout presented a copy of Captain C. M. Scammon’s book on the Cetaceans of the West Coast of America, with remarks upon the author’s laborious devotion to the work. He also spoke of the process of preserving specimens with carbolic acid and said that birds might be preserved entire by injections of that fluid. Dr. Cooper remarked that such specimens were liable to be spoiled for all useful purposes by shrinking out of shape. Dr. Stout next exhibited a piece of rock, which he called basalt, found in a well in the City 75 feet deep. Professor Whitney said it was a very hard, metamorphic sandstone, not uncommon on this peninsula. Dr. Blake spoke of a remarkable hailstorm, which occurred near Pleasanton in Alameda County on June 12. The hailstones were large enough to kill birds. The storm was accompanied with lightning and thunder. JULY 11, at a meeting adjourned from July 4, Dr. C. N. Ellinwood and J. F. Gray were elected resident members. Col. R. S. Williamson asked for information as to the prevention of the movement of the sand-dunes around the formations of the light- house at Toke Point, Cape Shoalwater, Washington Territory. He said there was a long reach of sand coast at that point extending for many miles, which during storms of wind drifted so much as to cause apprehensions that the light-house might be undermined. Professor Davidson spoke ofa similar case on the coast of France, where they had to protect the exposed building by heavy masonry sunk below the drifting sand. Professor Bolander thought that protection might be secured by planting such vegetation as could be made to grow in the sand; and he named several plants that could be successfully rooted and would afford a basis for other vegetation. Professor Davidson said that in some cases the sand had been known to change level fifteen feet in a single night, and this would render the growth of plants of any protective value difficult. Dr. Cooper said that several of the plants named by Professor Bolander, if they could be protected from cattle, could be successfully grown. Dr. Blake suggested the planting of annuals of rapid growth, which would hold the surface while larger, denser and more durable plants could become rooted. Professor Davidson made some remarks about whales, additional to what the work of Captain Scammon had given. He referred to the attacks made upon them by the thresher shark, which he said would manage to get above the whale’s head and keep it under water thus preventing him from breathing until he was suffocated. He also spoke of the 120 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 “sounding” of the whale, when struck with the harpoon, and said that in shallow water the animal would strike bottom violently and come up covered with mud, and frequently so stunned as to give the whaler an opportunity to strike again; and this was one of the reasons why whaling in such seas was the most successful. Professor Davidson said that he had measured the angle between two sides of the specimen of supposed basalt that had been presented at a previous meeting, as found in San Francisco by Dr. Stout, and found it to be 140°, which would make a nine-sided prism. Professor Whitney said that so far as his knowledge went, there was no basalt in San Francisco County. JULY 18, Henry Hemphill was elected a resident member. Leo Eloesser resigned his office of corresponding secretary, and H. G. Hanks was elected to fill the vacancy. Dr. Blake read a paper on the “Climate of the North Pacific Ocean,” based upon observations of Captain Doane of the Pacific Mail Steamship “China,” made on the course of six consecutive round voyages between San Francisco and Japan from November 1869 to June 1870. Gregory Yale read a paper on two shell-mounds in the lower part of San Francisco County, one of which had been examined by several members of the Academy. He exhibited a diagram of the mound, but said he was not yet ready to give a complete description. He said he thought there should be a systematic series of observations made on those and other mounds so as to arrive at definite conclusions regarding them, their origin and purposes. It was his intention, he said, to at some time write out a complete account of his own observations. Dr. A. W. Saxe spoke on the subsidence of artesian water in Santa Clara Valley. He incidentally mentioned the fact that fish occasionally came from the wells, and sometimes saw-dust. He was satisfied the fish did not belong originally to subterra- nean streams, but had in some manner found their way from surface streams through underground channels. Professor Davidson stated that workmen of the Central Pacific Railroad Company, in boring for water at Oakland Point in Alameda County at a depth of 205 feet, had passed though a redwood log 7 feet in diameter. Both the wood and the bark were fresh and sound. At the depth named the flow of water in the well was materially influenced by the state of the tide 1n the Bay, the pressure of high tide causing an increased flow. H. G. Hanks stated that borate of lime had been found in considerable quantities at a point beyond Virginia City, Nevada, and that there was a probability that valuable deposits of nitrate of soda would be found associated with it. AUGUST 1, at its regular members meeting, Professor John LeConte,'”' Professor Joseph LeConte, E. Durand, Charles H. Dennison, and James R. Smedberg were elected resident members. Dr. Ellenwood moved to invite the American Association for the Advancement of Science to hold its next meeting in San Francisco. The president said that the matter must be brought before the Council, and called a meeting for 4 o’clock the next day. Dr. Stout made remarks upon the subject of preserving animal bodies by the use of carbolic acid. He exhibited specimens of birds and fish '0.1 Elder brother of Joseph LeConte; not to be confused with John Lawrence LeConte, the entomologist and cousin of John and Joseph LeConte, or John Eatton LeConte, Jr., father of John Lawrence. For details of the LeConte family line see Lester Stephens’ biography of Joseph LeConte (1982). CHAPTER X: 1870 121 Joseph LeConte Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley John LeConte Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 122 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 preserved for over a year without indications of decay by simply removing the contents of the abdomen and filling the cavity with cotton soaked in fluid carbolic acid, reduced with alcohol to 95 per cent. He claimed that the largest animals could be so preserved. He had himself been called upon, when Captain Pearson died some years previously, to embalm the body from preservation, and he did so by using carbolic acid; and he had no doubt that one hundred years hence, if the body were examined, it would be found in a good state of preservation. Professor Davidson said that, if Dr. Stout’s facts and theory were correct, the carbonic acid preparation was a valuable one for collectors who had not time or skill to skin specimens or in case of vultures, buzzards and other animals where the work was offensive. Dr. Cooper thought it might answer for temporary purposes but doubted its value for any great length of time on account of the evaporation of the acid. Dr. Stout said it was true the acid would evaporate; but in doing so it seemed to permeate every particle of the tissues and even preserve the brain. The body desiccated and became very light, and decomposition appeared to be arrested. He said the principal preserving substance used in the embalming of the mummies of Egypt was undoubtedly carbolic acid in a crude state. Dr. Cooper said it dried the body and contracted it so that he did not think specimens so prepared could ever be set up by a taxidermist. Professor Davidson spoke about sea-lions and said that the females remain on the coast all the year and go in schools to feed regularly, while the males come only for a short time, about two months, and during these visits do not feed. He mentioned a male that had been shot at Punta Arena in Mendocino County, in the body of which was found embedded an Alaskan spearhead and part of a sinew line attached, so that it must have traveled about 1200 miles. Dr. Cooper described a recent trip to “Castle Peak,” an elevation of something over 9,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada and four or five miles north of Summit on the Central Pacific Railroad. The peak consisted of a castle-like row of vertical cliffs which, he said, were of basaltic and volcanic conglomerates. AUGUST 2, by order of the president, the Council met to consider three matters: an offer by Mr. R. B. Woodward to erect on his property at the Mission a building of suitable dimensions to house all the property of the Academy; the motion by Dr. Ellenwood to invite the American Association for the Advancement of Science to visit California and hold their next annual meeting in San Francisco, which was approved; and, if asked, to allow the San Francisco Microscopical Society to become a section of the Academy. AUGUST 15, Professor A. Poey, who had been director of the observatory at Havana, Cuba, was introduced and spoke about meteoric showers and their periods and also about sun-spots. He said that extraordinary physical phenomena on the earth, such as great storms, seasons of heat and cold, diseases, and even crimes, occurred in cycles, usually of nine or ten years or more, and corresponded with astronomical cycles of meteoric showers, which were closely connected with sun-spots. Professor Whitney read a letter recently received from Baron Richthofen describing the immense development of loess deposits in northern China. He said that the geological conditions under which these subaerial deposits form is still not understood. He also CHAPTER X: 1870 123 made some comments on the geology of the “Castle Peaks” of the Sierra Nevada, which were recently visited by the Survey. SEPTEMBER 5, H. E. Highton and Dr. C. M. Hitchcock were elected resident members, and Professor A. Poey, a corresponding member. The library reported receiving a large donation of foreign scientific publications through the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Augustus Le Plongeon read a paper on the aboriginal ruins of Peru and exhibited artifacts taken from the ruins. Dr. Stout called attention to a proposal by a group known as the “Bolivia Colonization Society” to establish a settlement 400 miles from the mouth of the Amazon and to keep open lines of communication with the Pacific shores by highways across the Andes. He expressed the hope that the some special good for science would come out of this effort. SEPTEMBER 19, the Rev. William Alexander of was elected a resident member and Drs. Miguel de los Rios and: A. J. de los Rios of Lima, Peru, corresponding members. Professor Bolander stated that Dr. George Engelmann had written him that he had received a notification of his election as an honorary member of the Academy and that he would have made a formal reply in writing, but he could not make out the name of the secretary. Mr. Yale desired to say that the Regents of the University of California had made a verbal proposition to incorporate the Academy as a part of the University.'”* Dr. Stout made extended remarks upon the subject and very decidedly objected to and protested against any such movement. The Academy decided to take no further notice of the proposition unless and until it came in written form and with proper authority. Mr. Hanks said that the American Association for the Advancement of Science’’” had accepted the invitation of the Academy to hold their meeting in San Francisco in 1872. OCTOBER 3, Judge S. Clinton Hastings,'°* Jacob R. Snyder and Dr. N. R. Davis were elected resident members. Professor Esmark from Christiania, Norway, who spoke at the Academy meeting on September 19, was elected a corresponding member. Following the display of several objects of natural history and comments thereon, and a discussion of some recent unusual meteorological disturbances by Dr. Blake the discussion focused on how best to entertain the American Association for the Advancement of Science when it meets in San Francisco in 1872. NOVEMBER 7, Gen. David D. Colton and Dr. John Hewston were elected resident members. After a brief paper by Dr. Kellogg on a new Californian Dicentra, Judge Hastings read a paper on earthquakes, propounding the theory that they were caused by the falling in of walls of caverns beneath the crust of the earth. He thought that 10.2 This matter must have come up earlier, but it is not mentioned in the Minute Books. On March 24, 1871, James Cooper, who was not known for mincing words, in a letter to Spencer Fullerton Baird said, “. .. the Academy is flourishing considering the hard times and laughs at the wise professors and regents of the University fof Califomiay who kindly informed us that we must be swallowed up in that Asylum for rebel Professors or be extinguished. On the contrary they have managed so recklessly that their President admits they are on the verge of bankruptcy, and nothing but a liberal appropriation by the Legislature will save them! This will be had . . . as the University is a popular hobby ke will probably swallow up all that the state has to give .. .” (SIArchives, RUS2, Box 29, Folder 13.) 10.3 Reported in the newspaper {The San Francisco Bulletin} account of the meeting of October 3 and referred to as the “National Association for the Promotion of Science” 10.4 Serranus Clinton pest former Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, came to California in 1849 and was appointed Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court (1849-1851). Afterward, he entered business and practiced law. He founded Hastings College of Law in San Francisco in 1878. 124 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 David D. Colton Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley the action of subterranean water might be an agent of these collapses. He believed that the cessation of earthquakes in countries once disturbed by them, like England, was due to the final settling in of the earth’s crust and filling up of the vortices. He asserted that earthquakes were confined to countries where long dry seasons prevail and that the phenomena recurred at periods between the dry and rainy seasons, as in California where they were most marked in the Autumn and Spring. In reference to subterranean waters he said that the increase in the volume of springs and streams at the end of summer was to be explained by assuming that rains had swollen their far-removed sources and then, by hydrostatic pressure through subterranean conduits, had raised their distant outlets. Professor Davidson said that the theory of Judge Hastings about earthquakes being confined to dry and warm countries was not supported by facts. They were common in Alaska, where the climate was cold and of perpetual moisture. Dr. Henry Gibbons pronounced Judge Hastings explanation of the rise of springs and streams in autumn as equally untenable; and, on the contrary, he ascribed it to the diminution of evaporation, with the shortening of the days and lengthening of the nights in autumn, — view in which he was supported by Dr. Cooper and Dr. Kellogg. Dr. Gibbons further said that he had treated the subject in an elaborate paper, which was published in Si/liman’s Journal some twelve years previously, '”” and that his explanation had been accepted by scientific men as correct. Dr. Kellogg mentioned the results of experiments to test the amount of evaporation from the earth, which was ascertained to be very great in the driest season; and of 10.5 Gibbons, Henry. 1864. On the rising of springs and streams in California before the winter rains. American Jour. Sci., ser. 2, vol. 38 (Nov.), pp. 187-189. CHAPTER X: 1870 125 course, when this evaporation was lessened by shorted days, there would be a gradual increase in springs and steams. Dr. James Blake thought the contraction of rocks with lessened heat might, by reopening fissures, permit a greater flow of water, and should be taken into the account; and he commented upon the increase of streams after an earthquake shock as the result of the opening of cracks. Dr. Gibbons in reply said that the increase of water occurred with the shortening days, when there was no abatement of heat; and he rather referred the flow coincident with earthquakes to the settling of the soil and rocks, which would squeeze out the moisture, or close its ordinary channels of escape under the surface. Judge Hastings, with a smile, observed that he had advanced his theories only for the purpose of eliciting the discussion; but he thought he could vindicate them. In reply to a question by Dr. Gibbons, he said that he had been first led to attribute earthquakes to the falling in of cavern walls by a fact told him six months before by one of the sisters of San Juan Capistrano, who showed him where the hill there had sunk in at the time of the earthquake, which destroyed the Mission church in 1818. Dr. Le Plongeon made remarks on earthquakes in Peru and endorsed an opinion advanced by Dr. Gibbons that such phenomena were caused by the explosion of gases along spaces between the molten core of the earth and its crusts. Dr. Blake closed the discussion by remarking that what was wanted about earthquakes was facts, not theories. Unfortunately the circumstances usually attending these phenomena were not favorable to a careful collection of data, and our knowledge was not sufficient to afford a complete explanation. Mr. Hanks referred to the reported finding ofa ship on the Colorado Desert, alleged to have been stranded there centuries ago by the recession of the sea, and proposed that a committee should be appointed to investigate the subject. Professor Davidson said that the so-called ship was supposed to be a schooner, which Mr. Vise had attempted to haul across the desert on a large cart a few years ago but had been compelled to abandon. Mr. Hanks replied that Col. Albert S. Evans had described the ship in an article, published in The Galaxy a year before Vise’s expedition, and testified that the vessel was a large one. Dr. Henry Gibbons said that he was willing to incur the risk of being “sold,” in an endeavor to elicit truth. A motion was then carried that Col. Evans should be invited to address the Academy on the subject and Mr. Hanks should be appointed a committee to gather information on the same matter. NOVEMBER 21,'°° Dr. John Morrill [?Morrell] of Colima, Mexico, was elected a corresponding member. Mr. Hanks read a paper in reference to the reported ship on the desert. He said that his inquiries had elicited nothing but secondary evidence. There was positive evidence that numerous persons had seen at a distance of some 10.6 Hittell pestered to take note of the special meeting of the Council held on November 10. At that meeting severa proposals were acted upon, including one by James Blake to send a petition to the Lighthouse Board in Washington asking that Lighthouses on the Pacific Coast be authorized to record meteorological observations. The proposal was approved. A request Py Dr. Le Plongeon that the Academy publish his article on Peruvian antiquities was rejected. Lastly, Mr. H. P. Carlton proposed the appointment of a committee of Academy members who were “men of property and business habits” to solicit subscriptions for the har of purchasing a lot to be the property of the Academy upon which a building might be erected for use by the Academy. A list of 40 names was made out from which a committee could be selected. The proposition was carried. (Minute Book of the Council, Jan. 14, 1868-April 14, 1874, pp. ) 126 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 miles an object, which they believed to be the wreck of a large ship embedded in the sand; but it was in a spot that was muddy and inaccessible during portions of the year. A company had left San Bernardino some time before for the purpose of solving the mystery; but they had been unable to approach nearer than four miles on account of mud. It was said, however, that the Indians insisted on the existence of the ship. Under the circumstances Mr. Hanks suggested as a theoretical explanation, in the absence of direct proof, that the alleged ship might be only a mass of the curious travertine which forms in the alkaline lakes on the plains and southern deserts and grows into fantastic forms like coral. He had himself seen forms which could easily have been mistaken for almost anything. Professor Davidson, in allusion to an assumption that the alkaline valley containing the “ship” was seventy feet lower than sea-level, stated that the field notes of a party surveying for the 32™ parallel railroad showed the level of the western side of the desert to be seven hundred and fifty feet above the ocean. Col. Albert S. Evans, being present on invitation, gave an account of his observations on the supposed ship. He had crossed the desert several times. He had seen the object once from a distance of some ten miles and afterwards from a point within three miles; and from that distance had examined it with a glass. It appeared to be the hulk of a vessel, lying tilted on its side and partly buried in the alkaline mud that surrounded it. The locality was a salt plain which at certain seasons was covered with water and at others was quite dry. He had observed the old waterline on the surrounding hills and was surprised at the drifts of fine shells, spirals, such as are found in ocean beds. His impression was that the locality was above the present sea-level. The so-called ‘New River,” which runs from the desert into the Colorado south of the ship, might have been formed by an immense cloud-burst or water-spout emptying upon the desert and cutting a channel to the river, which the drifting sands were then closing up. He mentioned several instances of water spouts that had precipitated rivers of water, cutting large channels in the earth and destroying everything in their course. He had heard the Indian story of the ship and the Indian tradition that the sea once flowed in there from the Gulf but did not attach much importance to them. He said that he did not know that the object seen by himself and others was a ship, but he thought it was; and, because he had seen it on several occasions, he knew it could not be the effect of mirage. Neither could it have been the schooner said to have been hauled to the desert on an ox-cart by Martin Vise for that went by a road far south of the place described and he had reason to believe it reached its destination and was then afloat. Furthermore, the supposed ship was mentioned before Vise ever started with his schooner. Col. Evans spoke of one person who claimed to have gone to the ship, to have examined it; and to have reported that it was built of teak-wood. At the conclusion of the speaker’s remarks, some conversational discussion took place in reference to cloud-bursts and their effects; but the “‘ship on the desert” appears to have dropped out of the domain of science and passed over to that of fiction and romance. DECEMBER 5, Professor Davidson called attention to the growth of oysters in San Francisco Bay from seedlings brought from New York and planted the previous CHAPTER X: 1870 127 March. They seemed to have thrived well, had grown very rapidly, and were already several times larger than when planted. Mr. Throckmorton, Dr. Cooper, and others doubted their growth in the time specified; but Professor Davidson said the fact was based upon undoubted authority. Dr. Cooper expressed a desire to know why an imported species of oyster should grow so large while the oyster native to this coast and planted under the same conditions grew no larger than in an uncultivated state. Professor Davidson, passing from bivalves to jewels, said that two diamonds had been not long before been found in Arizona. The specimens had been brought by prospecting miners among a great variety of minerals, including rubies, garnets and so on. The miners, not knowing the diamond in the rough, had thrown away some large and valuable specimens. The largest brought by them to San Francisco would cut above three carats and according to Frontier, Pohlman and Bellemre, lapidaries would be worth about $500 when cut. This discovery, the Professor said, indicated another industry in our country. Dr. Le Plongeon read a paper on earthquakes. DECEMBER 19, at the regular meeting, Dr. Blake donated a femur and other bones of a mastodon from Inyo Co. and said he hoped to obtain the skull. Dr. Le Plongeon read a continuation of his essay on earthquakes. Professor Davidson stated that in studying the bars and entrances of all the rivers and bays opening directly upon the Pacific Coast of the United States a law was developed showing that the channels all tended to the northward directly in the face of the northwest winds and the northwest swell rolling in steadily all summer. He attributed the cause of this to the bottom sands being rolled along the coast by the eddy or inshore current, running as a rule to the northward, contrary to the direction of the great coast current, running to the southward off-shore. The in-shore current attained a velocity of two miles per hour and a width of about three miles. He illustrated the law by drawings of the entrances of San Francisco Bay, Humboldt Bay, and others. Dr. Cooper presented a paper, “On Shells of the West Slope of North America,” in which he described a large collection of shells presented to the Academy by Dr. Robert K. Reid of Stockton. 128 Chapter XI: Year 1871 he annual meeting of 1871 took place on Tuesday, JANUARY 3. William Blunt was elected a resident member. Dr. Cooper, librarian, reported that the library had increased during the past year beyond all precedent, and the books contributed were all of great value. The treasurer, Elisha Brooks, reported that the receipts of the precious year had lacked about $700 of equalling those of the year preceding, which fact he attributed to the general business depression. The receipts had been only $1,355.00. The country members especially had not paid up. But nevertheless the Academy was out of debt and had on hand a balance of $8.25. H. G. Bloomer, director of the museum, reported that the collections had greatly increased during the past year and the new accessions were interesting and important, but on account of want of room and conveniences could not be properly displayed. He went on to remark that as the collections had been made “for an unappreciative public, a rich and wealthy public, that had witnessed the meetings of the Society in their dingy rooms for eighteen years, without coming forward to aid the building up of an institution that would be an honor to our City, there needed be no wonder that the Museum of the California Academy of Sciences did not present a more satisfactory appearance, however enthusiastic members might be in the general work of the Association.” He further said that Professor Esmark of the Royal Academy of Christiania, Norway, was arranging the alcoholic specimens, and Henry Edwards the entomological collections. The report of the officers of the annual election that day held showed that the following officers had been chosen for the year 1871, and they were declared duly elected: president, Dr. James Blake; vice-president, Professor George Davidson; corresponding secretary, Rev. F. Hanson; recording secretary, H. P. Carlton; librar- ian, Dr. J. G. Cooper; director of the museum, H. G. Bloomer; treasurer, Elisha Brooks. The minutes of the last previous meeting of the Council''' were then read in reference to amendments of the Constitution, which were to be acted on the next month. Dr. James Blake gave a description ofa shell-mound, which he had recently visited at Lafayette in Contra Costa County. It was about one hundred feet above sea-level and eighteen miles from the salt waters of the Bay. In extent it was about one hundred yards long by fifty yards wide, and about ten feet high; and it was formed to a very 'l.l At a special meeting of the Council held on December 27, 1870, the following constitutional amendments were eroposed: “Art 2, Sec. 1, append: The payment of the monthly dues o officers of this Academy, during their term of office shall be lettoptional Also, “Art. 2, Sec. 3, That the Council lensnes to Trustees] shall have the privilege of nominating for election for gratuitous [changed to honorary] life memberships...” It was also proposed to seek a con and responsible” ae to advise on the legal status of the Academy. (Minute Book of the Council, Jan. 14, 1868-April 14, 1874, p. 36.) CHAPTER XI: 1871 129 considerable extent of the remains of salt-water shells. As to the question how the shells came to be found in such quantities at a point now so far inland, he said that in his opinion the Bay once extended to or near that point, and that the Indians had not carried them from the present shores of the Bay. Besides the shells there skeletons of Indians, and bones of deer and other animals, which had been split lengthwise probably by the Indians. There were also flint chips in large quantities among the debris of the mound. The geological evidence, he said, went to show that the whole valley was over the bed of the sea, sandstone being the prevailing rock. Professor Bolander said that in Mendocino County the Indians were accustomed to carry shells and fish to as great a distance as in this case from the sea. Professor Davidson, as a sort of parting salute to the “Ship on the Desert,” said that on the authority of Col. Sedgwick the elevation of New River near the Colorado was some one hundred and fifty: feet, and to get up there the ship must have ascended about that much uphill. Besides it had been stated that the ship was some two hundred and fifty feet long. If so, it would probably have registered two thousand tons. He added that he did not draw any conclusions; but upon these stubborn facts the public might draw its own. Dr. James Blake presented his annual address as president of the Academy. He said that he had expected to resign the office and had prepared his address with that in view. He congratulated the Academy upon its financial condition. He said that it had been enabled to expend about $400.00 on its museum during the past year, besides meeting all its ordinary running expenses. He spoke of the necessity of better quarters and the efforts that had been made and were being made to acquire a lot and building for the proper use of the institution. He called attention to the great and unobtrusive work accomplished by the association and the value of and great respect which had been paid to is publications throughout the entire scientific world. No other Society with the same small number of working members had accomplished so much for science during the same period; for, although the laborers were few, the ground we had to work in was virgin soil and had yielded an abundant harvest. He also said that within the last two or three years a change had evidently taken place in the community in respect to scientific culture. The increased attention given to science in modern education and the recognition of the value of scientific labor by government had not failed to act beneficially upon the Academy. During the year just passed thirty-four new members had joined the institution and the collections had very rapidly in- creased, while in the library only fifty-nine new works had been received in 1868 and one hundred and eighty-nine in 1869, the number of new books added in 1870 was three hundred and sixty-four. JANUARY 16, Charles A. Spencer was elected a resident member and James S. Lawson, U. S. Coast Survey, a corresponding member. Gregory Yale read an opinion on the legal status of the Academy to the effect that before it could have a legal character and be able to proceed with the business of building as was contemplated, it should incorporate and elect trustees in accordance with law. He submitted forms for that purpose, which were adopted. The members present attached their signatures to an agreement for reincorporation, and the secretary was directed to advertise a 130 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 notice for the election of trustees to be held on February 6, 1871, at 7-'4 o’clock p.m. at the Academy rooms, 622 Clay Street, San Francisco. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks on observations conducted by himself on an extemporized seismometer or earthquake gauge, consisting of a pound weight attached to the end of a wire. He said it was very sensitive to movements; but that there had been no indications of any movements in this locality for an unusually long period. Dr. Blake and Professor Davidson suggested that some of the oscillations previously observed by Dr. Gibbons in the night-time might be caused by atmospheric or hygrometric changes, which affect all buildings, even some of stone or brick, in support of which suggestion Professor Davidson advanced a number of facts, including the well-known contrac- tion and expansion of Bunker Hill Monument. Professor Davidson then took occasion to state that the Coast Survey had determined the position of Mount Rainier in Washington Territory to be Lat. 46°51'09"” North and Lon. 121°45'28” West. Pre- vious locations had been twenty miles from being correct. Its elevation was definitely determined to be 14,444, making it four feet higher than Shasta and confirming the speaker’s impression that it was the highest peak on the coast. In making his calculations, however, the Professor did not reckon with Mount Whitney. Attention was again called to the agreement for reincorporation of the Academy. Those who signed the agreement were the seven officers, and in addition to them Gregory Yale, Dr. George Hewston, Major Robert S. Williamson, Benjamin P. Avery, Dr. Henry Gibbons, Sr. and several others. The notice for the meeting for election of trustees on February 6, 1871, was dated January 16, 1871. FEBRUARY 6, Henry Chapman was elected a resident member. The Smithsonian Institution of Washington, as it had frequently done on previous occasions, sent a large package of books, besides regular exchanges. The matter of the election of trustees came up. After a long discussion as to the number required, the following seven gentlemen were elected as the first Board of Trustees: Dr. James Blake, president, H. P. Carlton, Elisha Brooks, Dr. C. M. Hitchcock, Gen. John Hewston, F. L. A. Pioche, and Samuel Hubbard. The Board of Trustees, so elected was authorized to prepare a certificate of incorporation to be executed by them in accordance with law and filed in the proper office. Said certificate was to contain the name and objects of the association. FEBRUARY 20, Dr. J. P. Whitney and G. A. Carnes were elected resident members. Professor Bolander presented the Academy with a large collection of dried European plants sent by Dr. Hooker of Kew Gardens. Dr. Kellogg exhibited a plate of a lily, which he proposed should be called Lilium Bloomerianum, and read a description of it. Professor Bolander said that he had received from Europe a description of a lily, which had been named Lilium Humboldtii, and he believed it to be the same as the plant described by Dr. Kellogg. Mr. Bloomer thought there were reasons for believing L. Humboldtii and L. Canadensis to be the same as L. Pardalinum, which had been described by Dr. Kellogg several years previously. Professor Bolander called atten- tion to a statement, which he had recently observed in a newspaper, to the effect that certain parties were making arrangements to cut peat in the San Joaquin Valley, and CHAPTER XI: 1871 en inquired if any real peat was known to exist in California. He thought the conditions here were not favorable to the formation of true peat. This substance was formed by the decay of vegetable matter constantly under water. When the vegetable matter was subjected to such overflows as were the case along the San Joaquin River, earthy matier must be deposited with the vegetable matter, which would prevent the formation of real peat. Dr. James Blake, recurring to what he had said at a previous meeting in reference to a shell-mound at Lafayette in Contra Costa County, stated that he had since learned from an old Californian that the Indians were formerly in the habit of gathering shell-fish on the coast and carrying them ten or fifteen miles inland for food. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of some observations he had been making regarding the rains in this State. He said that in the western States the rain begins in the quarter from which the cloud comes, while upon this Coast the rain begins to fall first in the quarter towards which the cloud is being blown. MARCH 6,''” Professor Bolander stated that there were now known to be one hundred and forty species of grasses on this Coast. Only fourteen species had before been observed. This was probably owing, he said, to the rapidity with which observers had gone over the ground. Among the total number he included several species that were cultivated, such as timothy and grasses used for lawns. He had recently found a species which he believed to be identical with that found by Dr. Hooker at Magellan Bay when on his expedition to the Antarctic continent with Captain Ross. It is distinguished by a remarkably vivid green color and he would recommend it to the attention of persons who intended making lawns. The species grew abundantly from Cisco on the Central Pacific Railroad to the summit, and stock-raisers spoke of it as being of especial value for grazing. The grasses around Mono Lake he regarded as identical with species which were natives of Chile. MARCH 20, Professor Davidson said that Professor Marsh of Yale College had prepared an article upon the silicified forest trees near Calistoga in Napa County, which would be published in an Eastern scientific journal. He asked if an article on the same subject had not been read in the California Academy of Sciences and, if so, what its character was, and its date. A discussion thereupon ensued about Eastern scientists appropriating discoveries, made on this Coast by residents, and claiming originality after descriptions had been published here. Dr. Henry Gibbons said that '1.2 For some inexplicable reason, Hittell neglected to record a discussion that took place at the March 6th meeting relating to claims by Clarence King that he and his party were the first to discover glaciers in the United States(en Sept. 11, 1870; see, for instance, Rabbitt, 1979, pp. 189-190). The following is quoted from the minutes of that meeting: “Professor Davidson [George Davidson, U.S. Coast and Geodetic putes called attention to an article in the Ad/antic Monthly for March, in which Clarence King claims for himsel and party the first discovery of glaciers in the United States. Mr. King had made valuable observations, but he has been preceded by other parties in the discovery of active glaciers. Lieutenant (now General) August V. Kautz, U.S.A., attempted to ascend Mount Rainier in 1856 or 1857, but found his way barred by great pao Mr. King, in his Paper says it was possible that glaciers may be discovered upon Mount Baker; ut this question was settled by Mr. Coleman, of the Alpine Club, who ascended the mountain in 1869. He published, in Harper's Magazine of that year, a description of glaciers on Mount Baker, and gave illustrations of them.” With respect to additional discoveries of active glaciers in western North America prior to King, Emmons, and Clark’s ascent of Mt. Shasta], Davidson continued, “[that] he had received a etter from Professor W. P. Blake, in which he corrects the statement which had been made in the papers recently, that the Western Union Telegraph Company had made the first discovery of glaciers on the Stickeen [Stikine] river [British Colum aa in 1865. Professor Blake published a description of the same glaciers in 1863.” (Minute Books, Jan. 6, 1868-Jan. 2, 1872, p. 188 [printout from The San Francisco Bulletin newspaper]. See also I. C. Russell [1896] and Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 1872[1871] 4[4]:161-162.) 132 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 so long as we kept our light hidden under a bushel, we could not blame others in making our resources known. We did not publish in scientific journals the results of our discoveries, and we could not find fault with Professor Marsh or any one else for doing what we neglected to do. Other members thought differently, inasmuch as descriptions of California subjects had been published in Eastern journals as originals, when it was well known, or might have been, that the same had previously been published here. Professor Davidson then described an electro-thermal pile he had devised to measure sub-surface temperatures. APRIL 3, there was talk about an earthquake that had occurred the precious evening, April 2, 1871. Nothing specially new or important was elicited except that Mr. Bloomer, quoting from Brigham’s history of earthquakes in New England, stated that of the two hundred and thirty-one shocks recorded in New England from 1568 to 1870, one hundred and forty-eight were said to have occurred in winter and seventy-four in summer. The office of Corresponding Secretary having become vacant with Rev. F. Hanson’s departure for the East, Dr. J. G. Cooper was elected to act until the Trustees should have completed the reincorporation and reorganization of the Association. Mr. Heynemann desired to have the state of the weather noted at the time of the earthquake, and said that the wind had changed after the shock to the south from the north. He wished, he said, to propound the following theory: If a moist current of air were above and a dry one underneath, the effect, if they were sufficiently pronounced, would be a thunderstorm. If a dry current were above and a moist one underneath, after a continued drought, the effect would be an earthquake. Dr. Gibbons and Dr. Blake said that they could not see any necessary connection between the state of the atmosphere and earthquake phenomena. APRIL 17, Henry Keller was elected a resident member. Drs. Ayres and Blake and Mr. Hanks each made brief remarks on a variety of subjects. May 1, Dr. Blake stated that the Board of Trustees had decided to incorporate under a new constitution, which however was the same as the old constitution with a few amendments calculated to fit the altered circumstances. The new constitution would shortly be presented for consideration and adoption. MAY 8, Obadiah Liver- more and Joseph Garland were elected resident members. Mr. Hemphill presented a collection of land shells from west of the Rocky Mountains, containing some new and rare forms. Because of low attendance, further business was postponed. MAY 15, the new constitution was read and adopted, section by section, and then adopted as a whole.''* The new instrument differed very little from the old constitution of January 18, 1868. It provided that, in addition to life members, who became such in the ordinary way, “the Trustees shall have the privilege of nominating for election for honorary life membership such members as have rendered valuable services to the Academy, such elections not to exceed two annually.” It left out the provision of the previous constitution for a Council, consisting of the general body of officers, but provided for a Board of Trustees that the president, recording secretary, and treasurer _ 13 See Minute Books, Jan. 6, 1868 to Jan. 2, 1872, pp. 206-217. The handwritten copy of the constitution is out of order and follows the minutes of the regular meeting of the Academy held on June 26, 1871 (recorded on page 205). CHAPTER XI: 1871 133 should be ex-officio trustees. The curators were to be appointed by the trustees instead, as before, by the Council. The recording secretary was required, as a new duty, to furnish an abstract of the proceedings of the Academy for publication. All the duties imposed upon the Council in the old constitution were by the new instrument imposed upon the Board of Trustees. Meetings of the Board of Trustees were to be held quarterly on the second Mondays of January, April, July, and October, though meetings might be called at any time by the president; and he was required to call a meeting whenever requested to do so by any other trustee. Four members of the Board were to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Recording Secretary H. P. Carlton made a statement to the effect that the minutes of the Academy were not in perfect condition. He said that he had kept the minutes, not by engrossing them, but by pasting therein the reports of each meeting as published in The Bulletin.''* Portions of the record, consisting of printed matter, had been removed from the Book of Minutes for the purpose of making up the annual report. He offered this statement, he said, to exonerate himself from blame in the future as he had furnished full and correct reports, which had been interfered with without his consent. Upon his explanation, the Academy by formal vote declared him free from blame. Mr. Carlton then stated that he was about to leave the city for some time and therefore begged to offer his resignation of the office of recording secretary, which he had filled for two years. JUNE 5, A. D. Hodges, Jr. was elected a resident member. Professor Bolander read a paper on grasses of the genus Stipa in California. Dr. Cooper followed with a paper on a collection of shells made by Mr. Henry Hemphill, “Shells of the West Slope of North America, No. II.” Professor Bolander read a communication from Dr. Asa Gray inquiring about the intended invitation of the Academy to the American Association for the Advancement of Science to meet in San Francisco. At the suggestion of Dr. Cooper, it was immediately resolved to reaffirm the invitation for the Association to hold its annual session in San Francisco in 1872. The matter was then referred to the Board of Trustees for further action. JUNE 19, Henry B. Janes and Charles E. Parker were elected resident members. A. D. Hodges, Jr. was elected recording secretary in place of H. P. Carlton, resigned. Professor Davidson exhibited the telegraphic apparatus and method in use by the Coast Survey for the determination of the difference of longitude between any two places. The death of Gregory Yale, a valued member of the Academy was announced, and Dr. Henry Gibbons appointed to draw up appropriate resolutions of respect to his memory. JUNE 26, election took place to fill the various offices, not already filled under the new constitution, and resulted in the choice of the following gentlemen: Dr. James Blake; president; Professor George Davidson, vice-president; Dr. J. G. Cooper, corresponding secretary; H. G. Bloomer, director of the museum; S. A. L. Brannan, librarian; Elisha Brooks, treasurer. JULY 3, H. G. Hanks read a report on the “Fossil Ship” of the Colorado Desert. He said that the object, which had been supposed to be the wreck of a vessel, did not prove to be such. Its resemblance, when seen from a distance, to a stranded ship, was '-4 The San Francisco Bulletin, a daily newspaper. 134 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 however, generally admitted. Prof. Davidson reported on his measurements of coast terraces between San Francisco and San Diego. He found four principal elevations, from 20 to 1500 feet high, running back as far as 6 miles from the present beach. Dr. Henry Gibbons presented resolutions of respect to the memory of Gregory Yale as an active, zealous and worthy member of the Academy, always ready to contribute his labor and his means to advance its purposes, and one whose amiable disposition and goodness of heart endeared him to his associates. On JULY 11, the Board of Trustees took up the question of inviting the American Association for the Advance- ment of Science to meet in San Francisco. Prof. Davidson was asked to determine if reduced railroad fares could be obtained for people to come to the meetings, and Gen. Hewston was asked to contact the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to join in the invitation. JULY 17, Mr. Hodges, having left the city, B. P. Avery was elected recording secretary. Dr. Gibbons introduced Professor Smith, vice-president of the Royal Society of New South Wales, who made a few remarks about establishing relations between his association and the Academy. JULY 19, in the meeting of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Davidson reported that the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads had agreed to offer half-fares to all accredited members of the American Association. It was also reported that a number of local merchants showed a friendly and liberal spirit to having the meeting in San Francisco. The following curators were elected: H. G. Hanks, mineralogy; E. Durand, paleontology; Prof. Bolander, botany; George Hewston, conchology; Harry [sic; Henry] Edwards, entomology; J. G. Cooper, zoology. AuGUST 7, E. V. Joice was elected a resident member. A formal election of Trustees to serve under the new constitution for the remainder of the term and until the annual election in January, 1872, resulted in the choice of Dr. James Blake, B. P. Avery, Elisha Brooks, Gen. John Hewston, Dr. C. M. Hitchcock, F. L. A. Pioche, and Samuel Hubbard. C. B. Turrill presented a specimen of coal from Alaska, which he pronounced of superior quality. Professor Dall stated that he had examined the reported coal field and found it to be a very thin and shallow bed of Miocene formation and the coal of poor quality, being too much impregnated with shale and iron pyrites. Dr. James Blake read extracts from a letter from Mrs. Toland concerning a nest of young orioles which had been adopted as a family by the male canary. The conclusion arrived at was that the male canary had not the natural shrewdness of the females else he would not have suffered himself to be imposed on. In answer to an inquiry by Judge Hastings, Professor J. D. Whitney stated that since the survey of Great Salt Lake by Lieutenant [sic; Captain] Stansbury, twenty-two years ago, that lake had been steadily rising up to last year; but that then a subsidence had commenced. He said that the same phenomena of rise and subsidence had been observed in all the salt lakes of this country. Great Salt Lake, he continued, had at some former time covered the whole valley. Dr. [James] Blake stated that he had been attached to Stansbury’s Expedition and that they had passed over large banks of salt which are now entirely under water. A discussion ensued as to whether Pyramid and other lakes in the Great Basin had ever had an outlet; but no definite conclusion was arrived at. Dr. Blake CHAPTER XI: 1871 135 also reported that the Chamber of Commerce agreed to join in the invitation to the American Association for the Advancement of Science and that an invitation had accordingly been sent. AUGUST 21, Professor Whitney gave an account of the investigations of the State’s geological survey and expressed dissatisfaction with one of the aneroid barometers as a height-measurer. Dr. Blake read a short communication on diatoms from Pueblo Valley, Nevada and one on prismatic dolerite from Black Rock, Nevada. Mr. Dall read a paper on California mollusks. SEPTEMBER 4, Dr. Harvey W. Harkness of Sacramento, was elected a member. Professor Henry of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington was introduced and made extended remarks on the rainfall and the results of observations for twenty years which were soon to be published in full, on his action as a member of the Light-House Board while here, and generally on the reasons why the wealth of this country should be generous in aiding and promoting science. Mr. Stearns read a paper on the habitat and distribution of several western American species of mollusks, being corrections to Mr. Robert’s “Catalogues,” published in the American Journal of Conchology. Dr. James Blake exhibited under the microscope specimens of diatoms from a hot-spring in Nevada having a temperature of 160°. He said they were more numerous propor- tionately there than in any other locality known, six or eight hundred occurring in a bit of mud the size of a pin’s head. Most of them were identical with the fossil species described by Ehrenberg from near Salt Lake; but many new species occurred, particularly the red algae living in the spring and found in vast beds in many parts of the world. He found about sixty-two species, of which thirty were the same as Ehrenberg’s, who mentioned about sixty-eight species. SEPTEMBER 18, Dr. Blake stated that he had found at Calistoga, Napa County, California a number of species of diatoms in a spring having a temperature of 168°; also rotifera and oscillaria in a spring of 120° temperature. Many of the diatoms were identical with those found in Pueblo Springs, Nevada, and fossil at Salt Lake. The oscillaria found in the hottest waters were so small as to be hardly perceptible even under high powers of the microscope. He thought that when the fossil deposits of infusoria were made the water covering those regions was all of high temperature. Other species were found all in water of a lower temperature. At the Board of Trustees meeting held the next day, SEPTEMBER 19, Dr. Blake and Dr. Hitchock were appointed a committee to investi- gate the purchase of the First Congregationalist Church property of Dr. Stone’s congregation at the corner of California and Dupont for the use of the Academy. OCTOBER 2, James S. Jamison and J. B. Easterbee were elected resident members. Mr. Hanks read a paper regarding a phenomenon reported by Captain S. P. Lund on board the vessel Transito de Alvarez. When in latitude 45°33’ North and longitude 125°25’ West, which would place it about eighty-five miles west of Cape Lookout on the coast of Oregon, the sun was obscured during the entire day by a peculiar yellow haze, which was occasionally so dense that it was found necessary to light lamps in the cabin. Birds from the land flew on board, showing every symptom of terror — some of them allowing themselves to be caught, while others died, as if from exhaustion or fear. During the obscurity a light dust fell, some of which Captain Lund 136 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 gave to Mr. Hanks, who subjected it to careful chemical and microscopic examina- tion. The lighter portions, separated by test tube, proved to consist principally of woody fiber, probably scraped up from the deck of the ship. But the heavier particles proved under the microscope to contain particles resembling chloride of ammonium, insoluble and not acted upon by the mineral acids. Particles of sand were also present, and some dark-colored grains the nature of which was not evident. But the most interesting discovery was a black, cellular, shining substance of peculiar appearance, which burned something like bitumen and gave reactions like those of asphaltum. A lengthy discussion followed in reference to the nature of the substances described between Dr. Kellogg, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Henry Gibbons, Dr. Blake, and Mr. Hanks. The most plausible explanation of the phenomenon was presented by Dr. Cooper, who attributed it to the burning of Tertiary beds of cove (lignite) on Whidby’s Island near the Straits of Fuca, the dense smoke of which carried upwards with it fine siliceous particles. OCTOBER 16,''* Charles G. Yale was elected a resident member. Dr. Cooper called attention to the inaccurate and derisive reports of the proceedings of the Academy published in some of the newspapers, and suggested that something should be done to secure true and correct reports. Several members concurred in the recommenda- tion. The president intimated that the Academy could protect itself, at any time deemed necessary, by excluding reporters who abused their privileges. Dr. James Blake gave the results of recent examinations of the hot water of the Geysers in Sonoma County. He had found algae growing with remarkable abundance in the water at different temperatures from 112° to 195°. The highest temperature at which he had found any living organism was 198°. In this spring, two forms of confervae were found— one, a delicate hairlike form resembling Hydrocrocis Bischoffi, but larger; and the other, a filament with globular enlargements at intervals. In a spring at 174° many Oscillaria were found. The only diatom found was in a spring of the same temperature. In the water of Geyser Cafion Creek, at a temperature of about 112°, large quantities of algae were found, but only two forms of diatoms. The waters of the Geysers, he said, were unfit for the production of diatoms, which were so plentiful in the Calistoga and Nevada hot springs, on account of the absence of alkaloid silicates in the water, which were charged with free sulphuric acid. The presence of oscillaria in the waters of a highly mineralized spring, at a temperature of 174°, would show how great is the range of the conditions under which these forms of plant life can be developed. Dr. Cooper alluded to the formation of microscopic plants on white globular masses in dilute sulphuric acid. Dr. Kellogg stated that such formations were common in electric batteries and also referred to the case of a cryptogam surviving the heat of an oven. Mr. Durand referred to a recent examination made by him of the salts precipitated from vaporous exhalations at the Geysers. He found large quantities of sulphate of ammonia, which is rare in the natural state. NOVEMBER 6, Professor Davidson remarked that as a rule, in the entrances to the !1.5 Shown as October 17'" in the handwritten minutes (Minute Books, p. 235) and October 7 in the piled Proceedings (vol. 4, v 193). The latter is probably a typographical error; but the former is also ikely an error inasmuch as the biweekly meetings were always held on Mondays, and in 1871, that would have been October 16. CHAPTER XI: 1871 137 harbors and rivers on our coast, the channels all tended to the northwest, the northern headlands showing bold rocky bluffs and the southern points on the other hand forming long, low sandy beaches. He said his own observations had been confirmed on the same subject by information received from Lower California, thus showing that there was a strong inshore current setting to the northward along our entire coast. Dr. Cooper announced the discovery at Mare Island of a fossil tooth resembling that of a saurian, but considered by Professor Agassiz to belong perhaps to a fish allied to Archegosaurus.''° Having been found in alluvium, its exact position was uncertain; but if Carboniferous, it must have been transported as far as from the northern Sierra Nevada at least. Professor Davidson presented a detailed review of observations in reference to the longitude of San Francisco and gave it in terms of time, as 8h. 9m. 38.13s. West of Greenwich, an increase of four seconds of time over the provisional longitude of former years. This amount had been fully expected from the comparison of previous results on the Atlantic Coast between astronomical determinations and those by the telegraph. Dr. Henry Gibbons gave a series of statistics illustrating the rainfall on our coast for the previous twenty-one years, arranging the years in the order in which the rainy seasons commenced, giving the dates of the first rainfall, and the amount of rain of each subsequent season, as follows: 1852 Nov 9 33.5 inches 1858 Dec 4 20.0 " [sao = OM Oy 1860°" 6 14:6 °" ss." 1021.0) 7 1369" 7 20:0. sol 2 TO"38:0"" L868" "721.5." S63" TI 835.8 1862°" 18 16.0" " isos" 14-230 ° PSST TOTS, 1856" “15. 20:0" ™ 1854 "931 24:0 * E866 7 16°32:0° ode. 18e2 140" * PSSOr SOS 720)" 1867 " 19 40.5 " 1864." 23 21.0: " LSSaiec. 241910." LS 7On" 2916.0 25" Although the mean supply was somewhat greater in the seasons of early com- mencement, yet the difference was not sufficiently marked for any practical purpose. There had been two very dry winters, 1850 and 1853, and they both commenced early. There have been four very wet seasons 1852, 1861, 1862, and 1867, commencing respectively on the 9, 10, 16, and 19 of November. It was singular that the season of the least rain and that of the most commenced on the same date, November 19. The most remarkable season was that of 1854-55 when the rain did not commence till the last night of December, and yet the supply was copious; and, being distributed late, '1.6 Reference to this sonst in the “October 7” (sic; Oct. 16 {see footnote 11.5, page 136}) minutes as ublished in the Proceedings of the Academy, vol. 4, pp. 193-194. It also appears in the transcribed, andwritten minutes for Nov. 6, 1871 (Minute Books, Jan. 6, 1868-Jan. 2, 1872, p. 242). 138 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 it made for one of the best years for agriculture that we ever had. The spring rains were the most valuable. No matter how much fell in November, December and January, a dry spring would ruin the crops. On the other hand, copious or even moderate rains distributed through February, March and April would insure a bountiful harvest. Judge Hastings read a paper that propounded a series of interroga- tions on the Darwinian theory of natural selection. NOVEMBER 20, J. Augustus Whiting was elected a resident member. Benjamin P. Avery presented a written resignation of the office of recording secretary on account of his ill health. His resignation was accepted, and Dr. George Hewston elected to fill the vacancy. Dr. Blake made some remarks on a supposed plant fibre that had been sent by Mr. Morrill from Mexico and known as mercatilla that is stronger than cotton. He also spoke about hot spring deposits at Puebla, Humboldt Co., Nevada. He reported that he had uncovered diatoms in soil at a depth of five feet and 115 feet northwest of the spring of the same species as those occurring in the spring. He reported that few diatoms were found to the south of the spring. He remarked he was amazed by the extent of the thousands of cubic yards of the infusorial earth deposit and the short time required for its accumulation because, he said, the process can only have been going on during the present geological epoch. Dr. Kellogg gave a brief account of a variety of plant previously known as Tuchermania maritima, but now transferred to the genus Leptosyne, which he proposes to call it Leptosyne maritima gigantea. It occurs on San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands. DECEMBER 4,''” there were twenty-eight gentlemen present, that being about the usual attendance; but on this occasion the meeting was specially honored with the presence of one lady. Professor Whitney read a paper relating to the Geological Survey of California, illustrating his remarks by the map and charts in progress.'|* He gave a summary of the work and how far it had been carried, stating the difficulties encountered and what had been accomplished. Professor O. C. Marsh of Yale College was introduced and made some instructive and interesting remarks descriptive of some of his labors in the course of explorations in the interior of the continent. He stated that he had found fifty new species of fossil vertebrates and gathered the finest collection of fossil reptiles that had as yet ever been made in the Upper Cretaceous of Kansas. He said that among these was Mosasaurus [sic], or one of its allies, a species, Professor Cope had supposed, when he described it from a specimen before 11.7 December 5 in the published Proceedings (vol. 4, p. 199) but Dec. 4 in the handwritten minutes. December 4, 1871 was a Monday, the usual day on which meetings were held. 11.8 This appears to be the last paper that Whitney presented at an Academy nese and it may have been the last meeting he attended: if a letter to O. C. Marsh (Yale Univ.) dated June 9, 1872 (from San Francisco) in response to an inquiry by Marsh about a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (see Sept. 19, 1870 at which Academy meeting it was announced that AAAS had accepted the Academy’s invitation to hold its 1872 meeting in San Francisco), Whitney said that Academy affairs were in the hands of “business men” and that he is excluded. Therefore, he knows “nothing of the Association [AAAS] meeting.” (Yale Univ. Sterling Lib. Archives: Group 343, ser. 1, box 35, folder 1500.) Whitney’s statement to Marsh is something of a surprise inasmuch as Asa Gray, Joseph Lovering and J. Lawrence Smith state in their report to the AAAS in August, 1872 that they had received a telegram from “ the President of the California Academy of Science [sic] and the Directory of the Geological Survey. . .” recommending deferring the meeting to another year. At this time, Whitney was still director of the California Geological Survey. He was also a member of the AAAS committee to arrange for the meetings, as was Marsh. (For additional comments and a possible explanation for the breakdown in communications, see footnote 11.9, p. 139.) CHAPTER XI: 1871 139 him, had no hind limbs; but in the course of recent explorations more perfect specimens had been found, proving that the animal had well-developed hind legs. Numerous fossil birds of great interest had also been obtained. In the lower Tertiary measures, there had likewise been found numerous fossil specimens of minute vertebrates. He reported on the discovery of a distinct Miocene fauna in Wyoming, and on material his party obtained in eastern Oregon and Idaho that, he said, would help clear up many questions relative to the great interior lake basins and their geological puzzles. He said that the Pliocene basin in Oregon contained a large number fossil horses and two or three species of fossil rhinoceros. Earlier in the day (December 4), a meeting of the Board of Trustees was held at which communications from Prof. Asa Gray and Prof. Joseph Lovering were read relating to the Academy’s invitation to the American Association for the Advance- ment of Science to meet in San Francisco in 1872. Both letters said that the Association had accepted the invitation and that a committee had been appointed consisting of J. Lawrence Smith, J. D. Whitney, and O. C. Marsh to arrange for the meeting.''” The Trustees also considered a proposal for the purchase of church property at the corner of Dupont and California but declined the proposed price of $30,000. Also at this meeting, Dr. Blake proposed the names of Charles Darwin and Prof. Ehrenberg of Berlin as honorary members. !1.9 This is the last mention of the proposed meeting in the minutes of the Academy’s meetings. A report filed by Asa Gray, Joseph Lovering, and J. Lawrence Smith (see Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1873, pp. 278-279), with the Association during its annual meeting held in Dubuque, Iowa in August, 1872, states in part “About this time [date not given But certainly much earlier than August, 1872] a telegram was received from the President of the California Academy of Science [sic]|George Davidson] and the Director of the Geological Survey [Josiah D. Whitney] to say that, in their opinion, the meeting in San Francisco should be deferred to another year.” No explanation was given, but, based on the complicated negotiations that had been entered into with both railroad and steamship lines for reduced fares, and the need to confirm arrangements all along the way, the sometimes slow exchange of mail between East and West Coasts must have played havoc with the time schedule to complete ae eopements: This seems confirmed by Gray, Lovering and Smith who also state in their report (op. cit.) that they were so encouraged by the reports from San Francisco that they “commenced making arrange- ments with the Ocean Steamers, and inviting foreign guests as requested [by Davidson and Whitney]. After Biecsding thus far, we sent several communications to San Francisco, but, by reason of misdirected letters, or snow blockade, we did not receive answers to these communications.” [For those familiar with winter weather in the Sierra Nevada, the latter should come as no surprise. Eds.] Forty-three years were to pass before AAAS came to San Francisco to hold the Association’s first-ever meeting along the Pacific Coast and only second west of St. Louis [the Association met in Denver in 1901]. 140 Chapter XII: Year 1872 on Tuesday, JANUARY 2, 1872. Charles Darwin of London, England, and ofessor Ehrenberg of Berlin, Germany, were elected honorary members unani- mously by the twenty-six members in attendance. Dr. James Blake delivered the annual address, giving a brief synopsis of the advance of science in California and a summary of the addresses that had been made in the course of the past year before the Academy. He also offered suggestions for improvement in the instruction of our children and the people in general in reference to science. Elisha Brooks, Treasurer, reported the receipts of the past year as $8.35 cash on hand from the previous year, and $1271.00 received as dues from members in 1871, making a total of $1279.35. There had been expended during the year $565.00 for rent of rooms; $159.40 for printing; $152.00 for furniture for the cabinets; $127.10 commissions on collecting dues; $60.00 for care of rooms, and $103.00 for sundry expenses, making a total of $1166.50, and leaving a balance on hand of $112.85. There was however, he said due Payout, on “that old bill,” about $82.00; also $40.00 on a bill of Bacon & Co., which he considered a reckless expenditure; and $3.50 for gas, all of which, when paid, would leave the Academy in debt $12.65; but he had already received for dues of 1872 more than enough to cover the deficiency and leave a balance in the treasury. The proper officers reported the results of the annual election that day held. There had been two persons nominated for president, of whom Professor George Davidson had received twenty votes, and Dr. James Blake four votes. Two persons had also been nominated for vice-president, of whom Gen. John Hewston received sixteen votes and Professor Henry Bolander seven votes. The other officers received unani- mous votes. The declared elected were: president, Professor George Davidson; vice- president, Gen. John Hewston; recording secretary, Dr. George Hewston; corre- sponding secretary, Henry G. Hanks; treasurer, Elisha Brooks; director of the mu- seum, Hiram G. Bloomer; librarian, Dr. C. N. Ellinwood; Trustees, Dr. James Blake, Dr. C. M. Hitchcock, Gen. John Hewston, Gen. David D. Colton. On a motion by Dr. H. Gibbons, Sr., a unanimous vote of thanks was tendered by the Academy to the retiring president, Dr. James Blake, for the diligence and fidelity with which he had performed the duties of his office. A number of cases, containing a beautiful collection of Lepidoptera, mounted and selected by Henry Edwards, were presented, for which due thanks were tendered him. At the Board of Trustees meeting held a few days later (JANUARY 11), last year’s curators were reappointed. And, on a motion by Gen. D. D. Colton, a curator of ethnology was added and Dr. George Hewston T: first Monday of January being New Year’s day, the annual meeting was held Pr CHAPTER XII: 1872 141 California Academy of Sciences Special Collections appointed curator. JANUARY 15, H. G. Bloomer and W. G. W. Harford were elected honorary life members. Mr. C. D. Gibbes reported on meteorological observations he had made in the Sierra Nevada, at Red Mountain, during the winter of 1862-63 including the occurrence of Protococcus nivalis, or “red snow,” at about 8,000 or 9,000 feet. The president appointed Dr. George Hewston, Dr. Stout and Dr. Cooper as a Committee on Publication for the ensuing year. Dr. George Hewston offered the following resolution, by order of the Board of Trustees: Resolved — That the officers of this Society are prohibited from incurring any indebtedness on behalf of this Society unless authorized by the Board of Trustees or by a vote of the Academy at a regular meeting; — the same to constitute an addition to the ByLaws of the Academy. FEBRUARY 5, John O. Earl, Dr. C. M. Bates, Charles A. Wetmore, Henry Carlton, Oscar D. Munson, and Dr. Isaac Bluxome were elected resident members. The resolution, offered at the last meeting, was adopted by a vote of fourteen ayes to six noes. Dr. Henry Gibbons, Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Cooper were appointed a committee to furnish proper subjects for discussion. Judge Hastings again called the attention of the Academy to a former proposition, made by hint, that the Academy should afford inventors an opportunity to exhibit their inventions. Dr. Kellogg informed the gentleman that the Academy had already made provision for entertaining any and all subjects relating to science or art, and that the word “natural” had been stricken out of the original title of the Society so as to do away with the idea that the sole object 142 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of the association was confined to natural history subjects. Dr. Cooper stated that the Mechanics’ Institute had offered to rent to the Academy some very convenient rooms. FEBRUARY 19, Captain Oliver Eldridge, William Alvord, Samuel M. Wilson, Ralph C. Harrison, F. W. Von Reynegom, George E. Page, and A. J. Chambers were elected resident members. Eldridge was associated with the Pacific Mail Co.; William Alvord was Mayor of San Francisco; George Page was chief engineer with the Southern Pacific Rail Road; Harrison and Wilson were lawyers; Von Reynegon, a printer; and Chambers, an assayer. Professor Rudolph Goéttgetren of Munich, Bavaria, was elected a corresponding member. On behalf of Dr. Kellogg of the committee on preparing subjects for discussion, the secretary read the following report: The following questions are offered in a spirit of inquiry and not for dogmatic dispute, which can only engender antagonism, dissension, contention, alienations, and every evil work. Gentlemen will please bear in mind that the Academy must by no means degenerate into a debating society. Question 1. Do aerolites chiefly fall in the path of the ecliptic or magnetic path: i.e., 22°30’ on either side of the poles of the earth? and what is their origin? Questions 2. Have the remains of tropical productions in the Arctic climes any bearing upon the geological phenomenon of the precession of the equinoxes? Question 3. Is the restless desire from age to age for more facts characteristic of those who are unable to reason from principles to causes? and would any among of chaotic facts be sufficient for such persons? Dr. Henry Gibbons offered the following additional Questions 4. Can the climate of California be altered sensibly by changes in the earth’s surface by cultivation and otherwise? Dr. James Blake offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the Trustees of the California Academy of Sciences be requested at their earliest convenience to forward a petition to the Legislature through the San Francisco delegation, praying for a continuance of the State Geological Survey as at present conducted. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and it was so ordered. The secretary then read a communication from the City and County assessor’s office, assessing the furniture of the Academy at a valuation of $500. The Secretary moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft a memorial and bill to be presented to the Legislature, asking State aid on behalf of the Academy. After some discussion, the whole subject was on motion referred to the Board of Trustees with power to act. At a special meeting held on FEBRUARY 26, the Board of Trustees acted on the resolution passed at the February 19th general meeting relative to the continuance of the State Geological Survey and agreed to forward the following petition to the State Legislature The Trustees of the California Academy of Sciences, as requested by an unanimous vote of that body, respectfully pray that a liberal appropriation may be made at this session of the Legislature for the continuance of the State Geological Survey and the publications thereof as at present organized and conducted under the direction of Professor J. D. Whitney. A second resolution, being a memorial and bill to the State Legislature to provide, in behalf of the Academy, aid in the amount of $40,000 to purchase a suitable building for the collections, library and meetings of the Academy, was adopted. Gen. Hewston CHAPTER XIl2 1872 143 offered to take it to Sacramento. Lastly, in response to a communication from Rear Admiral B. Sands of the U. S. Naval Observatory requesting that the Academy support a memorial to Congress to make suitable appropriations for the observation of the transit of Venus, an astronomical phenomenon of great rarity, the officers and trustees voted to endorse the proposal in the name of the Academy. MARCH 4, the name of George E. Gray was substituted in place of that of George E. Page as the person elected a resident member at the last meeting. The secretary contended for the correctness of his minutes; but it was admitted by all that Gray was the person intended, as he had been described as the engineer of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, although it seemed that in the application for membership his name had been incorrectly written Page. The death of corresponding members M. Sebastian René L’ Normand of Lénaudiére, France, was announced. A question about the Indians and the state of their culture having come up and been discussed for some time, Judge Hastings referred to a visit which he had made to the Indians of the Northwest Coast in company with William H. Seward and Gen. Davis, and said that from what he had seen and heard he thought some of them at least were entitled to credit for the high state of civilization which they had reached. As a proof of what he said, and in order to convince the Academy of the correctness of his deduction, he said that one of the chiefs, on being asked his opinion of a dinner party to which he was invited as a guest, remarked that it would have been much better if there had been more whiskey and less beef. The secretary read communications in which the Academy was encouraged by the president and by Rear Admiral Sands, U.S.N., to draft resolutions and a memorial to Congress to appropriate funds for observations on the transit of Venus across the sun in 1874. It was reported that the Trustees had already acted on the matter in the name of the Academy. On motion, the members present endorsed the action of the Trustees. MARCH 18, H. H. Bigelow and William M. Hughes were elected resident members and Charles F. Davis of Lima, Peru, a corresponding member. Dr. Blake gave a brief account of recent observations by Mr. Dall on the Japanese warm current off the Alaskan coast as reported to Prof. Davidson. APRIL 1, John Williamson, William H. Knight, Eugene E. Dewey, Albert S. Evans, and Thomas P. Madden were elected resident members, and Col. E. Sparrow Purdy, Cairo, Egypt, a corresponding member. Mr. Durand presented a brief description of a new mineral from New Almaden Mines he named aragotite. Dr. Gibbons made some remarks on ozone, and Dr. Blake spoke of experiments he had done some time earlier to ascertain the proportion thereof in the atmosphere. April 15, James Hutchin- son and William S. Watson were elected resident members. F. E. Durand presented a paper on crystallization of metacinnabarite. Dr. Stout reported for the committee on foreign exchanges on progress in the translation and review of foreign publica- tions. MAY 6, Thomas P. Madden, previously elected a resident member, paid $100 into the treasury and became a life member. After adjournment, the Academy was called to order again for the purpose of taking some action in reference to the sudden and mysterious death of F. L. A. Pioche, a life member of the Academy and one of 144 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 its Board of Trustees. On motion a committee, consisting of Dr. Fourgeaud, Dr. Henry Gibbons and Obadiah Livermore, was appointed to draw up suitable resolutions of respect to the memory of the deceased as a friend and benefactor of the Association. MaAy 20, Dr. Blake spoke on the geology of the Great Basin in the vicinity of Pueblo Range and Pueblo Butte. He also made some remarks on the geology of Napa County, with particular reference to the discovery of another petrified forest at a higher elevation than previously known. Mr. Henry Carlton exhibited a double-fluid ba- rometer, invented by him. JUNE 5, resolutions of respect to the memory of F. L. A. Pioche were presented and adopted, in which it was said that “the California Academy of Sciences has lost one of its most valued members, as distinguished for his love of the Arts and Sciences, as for his wide-spread liberality...” M. Octave Pavy, who was about starting on an exploring expedition to the Arctic, made a visit to the Academy and was introduced by Dr. Stout. He explained the object of his proposed expedition, which appeared to search for a “northwest passage.” He said that when Sir John Ross first encountered the Esquimaux, those people would not believe that he came from the south, their idea being that the climate moderated towards the north and that the south was an uninhabitable waste. He said that he believed in an open polar sea and expected to sail to Wrangle Land [sic], which he conceived to be a sort of continent. His intention was to cross it on sleds; then launch his rubber raft; spread a sail upon it, and reach the pole, whence he would go down by way of Baffin’s Bay into the Atlantic. Professor Davidson combatted Mr. Pavy’s idea about an open polar sea and disputed his supposed open currents. He said he would as soon expect to encounter a mountain of ice-cream in the center of Africa as a warm polar basin. George E. Gray, chief engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, gave an account of his survey of the railroad route between Gorgonio Pass and the San Diego and Fort Yuma wagon road, a distance of about fifty miles. He spoke about the depression of the Colorado basin, and that in places the surface sank below sea-level as much as two hundred and fifteen feet, and that there were places on the desert three hundred feet below sea-level. Dr. Kellogg made extended remarks about moosewood as the strongest vegetable fiber known and spoke of its abundance and great value. It was the Dorca palustris, sometimes called leatherwood. Mr. Stearns gave a description of a new species of Mangelia from California. JUNE 17, J. B. Pigné-Dupuytren was elected a resident member. Mr. Stearns announced the death of Dr. William Stimpson, late director of the Chicago Academy of Sciences and corresponding member of the Academy, and made some remarks on his contributions. Resolutions in memory of Dr. Stimpson were put forth and adopted. Professor Davidson exhibited a boomerang found near Anaheim, in San Diego County, indicating that the Indians of Lower California, or rather those of the southern part of this State, were acquainted with that instrument and its use. It was made of wood and curved almost to a right angle. Professor Davidson then stated that a communication relative to the diminution in magnitude and disappearance of stars in the constellation Leo had appeared in one of the San Francisco journals, (the Alta CHAPTER XII: 1872 145 California), but upon an examination he had found all the stars usual places and of their usual magnitude. Dr. Kellogg referred to a statement in the last number of the American Naturalist relative to the singing of the Maryland marmot and suggested that those members who might have an opportunity of making the acquaintance of California marmots would investigate the subject of whether they, too, were tuneful. Dr. Blake reported that he had called upon M. Pavy to renew the discussion of currents within the polar basin, but had not been able to meet with him. JULY 1. Benjamin Smith, Alexander Austin, and James R. Finlayson were elected resident members. Robert E. C. Stearns read a paper on the economic value of certain Australian forest trees (Acacia and Eucalyptus) and their successful cultivation in California; also upon the value of eucalyptine. An interesting discussion took place upon the general subject in which Professor Bolander, Professor Davidson, and Dr. Stout participated. A communication from the Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July celebration invited the Academy to take part in the coming ceremonies. On motion the communication was received and placed on file; and the secretary was instructed to decline on behalf of the Academy the honor tendered. Amos Bowman read a paper “On Coast Surface and Scenic Geology” of the San Francisco Peninsula and Alameda and Contra Costa hills and farmlands, and F. E. Durand presented a paper on silver mines of Pioche, Nevada, describing the principal argentiferous veins. JULY 15, R. E. C. Stearns called attention to an article published in 1789, in the Massachusetts Magazine, vol. 1, page 416, describing Oil Creek in Pennsylvania, comparing the oil, which floated on its waters, to Barbadoes tar, and saying that bathing the joints in it gave relief for rheumatic complaints. Dr. Stout exhibited Amos B. Bowman Anacortes Museum, Anacortes, Washington (D-I-7C) and Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada 146 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 samples of black iron sand and said that an enormous body of it existed within fifty miles of San Francisco. The sample, he said assayed fifty per cent of pure iron of the best quality. The sand was composed of ferriginous particles, a portion of which were magnetic, and portion not. It could be easily smelted, and he had already had a specimen manufactured. A discussion ensued as to the origin, deposition, and distribution of the iron sands, which was participated in by Dr. Henry Gibbons, Gen. John Hewston, Dr. Stout and others. A general discussion also took place on the propriety of obtaining better quarters for the Academy. Dr. Kellogg donated a large collection of botanical specimens and a collection of electrotype illustrations of California plants. AUGUST 5, James P. Dameron was elected a resident member. Mr. Stearns read a description of new species of shells, Siphonaria Brannani, from Santa Barbara Island, and 7runcatella Stimpsonii, from False Bay, San Diego County. AUGUST 19, James Freeborn was elected a resident member. Mr. Stearns read a paper on Purpura canaliculata, a marine shell ranging from Unalaska to Monterey. Profes- sor Davidson, as president, announced the anticipated arrival of Professor Louis Agassiz, whereupon Gen. John Hewston, Dr. Henry Gibbons and Dr. James Blake were appointed a committee of reception on behalf of the Academy. Professor Davidson then gave an account of his recent experiments to determine the relative values of great and small altitudes for astronomical observations, and spoke of the ridge of the Sierra Nevada as peculiarly adapted for the location of an observatory, describing the clearness and steadiness of the atmosphere on the summit and the sharp definition of celestial bodies seen from there. Dr. George Hewston presented his resignation as recording secretary, which the Academy was not inclined to accept. SEPTEMBER 2, Professor Louis Agassiz, Mrs. Agassiz, Dr. F. Steindachner, Dr. Thomas Hill, Mr. Blake, Captain Johnson and others connected with the Steamer Hassler Expedition, together with Professor John Torrey of Columbia College, New York, and Dr. Daniel Coit Gilman, President-elect of the University of California, Berkeley, were introduced and welcomed by a crowded audience. Professor Agassiz, being called upon, made an address, in which he spoke'~' in terms of high praise of the efforts of the Academy in establishing a scientific body in a community so absorbed in the business of gathering gold; of the great success which had attended these efforts, and of the excellence and value of the scientific work done by it. He spoke of the great wealth of California, and what it owed to science, and what it ought to do for science, and enlarged upon the growth of scientific study in the Eastern States and the importance of fostering it in every community. He also spoke of the excellent and valuable work of the State Geological Survey, and of the bright promise of the University of California for the cultivation, promotion and diffusion of knowledge. Professor Gilman being called upon, made remarks, as did also Professor Torrey.'”' SEPTEMBER 16, W. E. Mayhew and Erastus Dennison were elected resident members. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper, “On Some of the Ancient Glaciers of the Sierras,” describing a recent visit to the Sierra Nevada and giving his observa- 12.1 A gassiz’s remarks ye De oe in Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 1873, vol. 4, pp. 253-256; also Gilman (ibid., p. 256) and Torrey (ibid., p. 257 CHAPTER XII: 1872 147 2.2 tions on the former glaciers of the Yosemite country and the Lake Tahoe region.’ Among the interesting points made by Prof. LeConte was that Yosemite and Hetch- Hetchy Valleys were both carved by glaciers. R. H. Stretch read a paper on a species of scale lice, Coccus, a pest to orchardists, that had recently made its appearance at Menlo Park in San Mateo County. He also read a paper on “flea seeds,” so-called because seemingly animated by the insects inside of them, which appeared to be “galls” produced by a species of Cynips infesting different kinds of oak trees. SEPTEMBER 25, a special meeting, called to enable members of the Academy and their friends to hear Professor Agassiz prior to his departure for the East, on account of the insufficient room in the Clay Street quarters, was held at Pacific Hall, where a large audience assembled. Professor Agassiz, after making reference to the voyage of the Hassler and the present aims of science, spoke at considerable length on the “Natural History of the Animal Kingdom.”!**'** OCTOBER 7, F. Oppenheim, H. L. Breed, William Meyer, Peter Donahue, and J. C. Wilmerding were elected life members, and W. P. Prichard, T. J. Edmondson, W. H. Rulofson, L. H. Bonestell and Harry Andrews, resident members. A paper from Captain C. M. Scammon was read, on a new species of whale, Balaenoptera Davidsoni, taken in Admiralty Inlet, Washington Territory. W. H. Dall presented a paper on new species of mollusks from the Northwest Coast. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper, making a comparison of the conchology of portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of North America. Professor Davidson read a paper entitled “Sugges- tion of a Cosmical Cause for the Great Climate Changes upon the Earth.” OCTOBER 21, Edward F. Hall, Jr. and William Burling were elected life members. Rev. Horatio Stebbins, J. H. Weeden, William Doolan, W. J. Miller, John Perry, Jr., James M. McDonald, William H. Sears, W. H. Foster, Jr., William Leffingwell, Andrew McF. Davis, E. G. De Crano, B. F. Ellis, Henry P. Bowie, John Currey, Dr. Henry M. Fiske, William Lane Booker, Dr. William Calvert, Jasper M. McDonald, G. S. Johnson, William B. Thornberg, and Louis T. Haggin, were elected resident members and M. W. Saunders and H. J. Stewart corresponding members. Dr. Blake read a paper on the topography of the Great Basin. NOVEMBER 4, Richard S. Floyd, B. Howard Coit and Peder Sather were elected life members, and Rev. A. J. Nelson, James G. Steels, Rev. Joseph Wythe, James F. Bowman, Rev. Otis Gibson, John S. Bugbee, and G. D. Wyman, resident members. Henry Glass, U.S.N., was elected a corresponding member. Professor Ezra S. Carr read an abstract from an unpublished paper by John Muir, describing living glaciers discovered by him at the head waters of Tuolumne River. W. H. Dall presented a paper on three new species of Crustacea, parasitic on cetacae of the Northwest Coast 12.2 LeConte’s remarks eppeaee in the Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., vol. 4, pp. 259-262 in January, 1873. LeConte also sent a copy of his remarks to the American Journal of Science; they were published in May, 1873, under the same title, “On some of the ancient glaciers of the Sierras.” (Amer. Jour. Sci., ser. 3, 5(36):325-342). The footnote states that it was “Read before the Cal. Acad. of Sciences, Sept. 16, 1872.” !2.3 See Appendix D for comments by Charles B. Turrill who was present at the meeting at which Agassiz addressed the Academy membership. (See also footnote 13.10.) 12.4 A gassiz’s remarks were carried in several local publications (e.g., Overland Monthly, Scientific & Mining Press). They were not published by the Academy as were his earlier remarks at the meeting of Sept. 2 (see footnote 12.1). 148 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 —. Warxins: RT GALLERY zy Diveat, Bua Prancleos, rpgectts Lak Horse eniosnos, Daniel Coit Gilman, ca. 1872 Photograph by Carleton E. Watkins. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution (NPG.77.185) of America. He also presented a paper on “Pre-Historic Remains in the Aleutian Islands,” in which he described excavations made by him on the sites of pre-historic villages on Amaknak Island and human relics found there, also relics found in caves. Dr. Stout read a paper on the “Horse Disease and its Treatment.” Professor Davidson, at this meeting as well as at the precious one, presented solutions of certain problems in mensuration. NOVEMBER 18, Henry F. Teschemacker, Ezra S. Carr, and J. A. Hoffman were elected resident members. Dr. Kellogg presented a description of a new species of plant, Hibiscus Californicus, from an island in the San Joaquin River. Professor F. H. Bradley and Dr. J. Curtis,’*° of Professor Hayden’s Yellowstone Expedition, were introduced and gave descriptions of the upper Snake River and upper Yellowstone River regions. They reported on many of the features they had seen including Old Faithful and Giant geysers and on hot springs that supported animal life at water temperatures of 186°F. DECEMBER 2, Henry F. Williams, J. D. Pierson, Dr. John M. Willey, Barrington Gethen, Richard Gird and Richard L. Ogden were elected resident members. W. A. Goodyear presented a paper on the geology of the coast of Oregon, as observed in the course of a recent trip to it. He spoke especially of the coast at Koos [= Coos] !2.5 Frank Howe Bradley [geologist] ist] and Dr. Josiah Curtis [profession uncertain] with the Hayden survey re Mike Foster, Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden. 1994. Roberts Reinhart Publ., Niwot, CO. xv + 443 pp., illus.). CHAPTER XII: 1872 149 Bay, and the auriferous sand and gravel hills that border the ocean north of the Coquille River. He also called attention to a striking contrast between the character of the volcanic matter of Oregon and that of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The Cascade mountains, where the Columbia River cuts through them, appear to be made up of a series of superimposed sheets of lava which spread far and wide over the originally smooth and gently-sloping lands. They therefore consist of terraces of compact, solid rock from base to summit. The western slope of the Sierra Nevada, on the other hand, shows its volcanic matter almost exclusively in fragmentary forms. Beds of ashes, breccias, and volcanic gravels and conglomerates abound; but lava flows are few and far between. This is especially true of the central part of the Sierra Nevada, where there is only on great flow, that of the Tuolumne Table Mountain. Great as is the total quantity of volcanic material in the mining counties of the Sierra Nevada, it is insignificant compared with the vast accumulations that built up the Cascade Range. DECEMBER 16, Edward F. Northam, Professor Daniel C. Gilman, and A. de Tavel were elected resident members. Dr. A. W. Saxe read a paper on the periodicity of the California flood seasons and their probable dependence upon the condition of the sun as exhibited by sun-spots. W. H. Dall presented a paper “On the Parasites of the Cetaceans of the Northwest Coast of America, with Descriptions of New Forms.” He also presented a paper entitled “Descriptions of New Species of Mollusca from the Northwest Coast of America.” 150 Chapter XIII: Year 1873 he annual meeting of 1873 was held JANUARY 6. Robert M. Brereton was elected a life member and Theodore A. P. Brown, C. B. Morgan, Dr. P. Hatchand S. B. Boswell, resident members. Professor Davidson, as president, deliv- ered his annual address and spoke of the past and present status of the Academy, its progress, its claims to public consideration, and its prospects. The librarian, director of the museum, and curator on entomology submitted reports. Elisha Brooks, treas- urer, reported the receipts for 1872 as $2,701.35 and the disbursements as $1,33.90, leaving a balance of $1,568.45 in the treasury. The Board of Trustees recommended that Robert E. C. Stearns should be elected a life member. The annual election resulted in the choice of Professor George Davidson as president; Gen. John Hewston, vice-president; Henry C. Hanks, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Dr. C. N. Ellinwood, librarian; Hiram G. Bloomer, director of the museum; and R. E. C. Stearns, David D. Colton, Thomas P. Madden and Oliver Eldridge, trustees. Dr. Stout read a paper “On the Chemistry of Great Fires,” and more particularly on certain phenomena connected with a recent disastrous fire in Boston. His views elicited a discussion. JANUARY 20, Robert E. C. Stearns, John P. Jones, A. A. Gansl, Tiburcio Parrott, and George T. Marye, Jr. were elected life members, Samuel P. Middleton and E. L. Beard, resident members, and Montgomery P. Fletcher and Casper Schenck, corresponding members. Dr. Henry Gibbons exhibited a tape-worm of peculiar form, which he pronounced a beef tape-worm Trenia mediocanellata, supposed to have been produced by eating dis- eased raw beef. Dr. Stout exhibited a package of the black sand, shown at a former meeting which he said consisted, one half of fine iron and was to be found large quantities within fifty miles of San Francisco. It was subjected to microscopical examination, and a discussion took place in regard to it. Professor Davidson presented a paper on “New Problems in Mensuration” in continuation of former papers. FEBRUARY 3, William E. Brown, Frederick H. Waterman, and Rev. W. A. Scott were elected resident members and Charles E. De Long and Albert Bierstadt, corresponding members. P. B. Cornwall exhibited a frog which had been found in a Mount Diablo coal mine'”' 223 feet below the surface. It was dead; but it was said to have been picked out of the ground in a living condition and to have lived twelve hours after its release. A discussion took place, and the general opinion seemed to be that no frog or toad had ever been picked out of solid rock alive, as often reported. W. H. Dall mentioned instances in which toads had been cemented in solid stones 13.1 Possibly the Black Diamond Coal Mine [eds.] CHAPTER XIII: 1873 151 and buried; and they invariably died if the cement continued uncracked; though in some cases, where the cement was cracked, they remained alive for some time. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On a New Alcyonoid Polyp from Burrard’s Inlet,” supposed to be the same as the animal spoken of by Dr. Blake at the meeting of July 17, 1871, and pronounced by hima kind of sponge. W. H. Dall presented descriptions of three new species of Cetacea, Delphinus Bairdii, Tursiops Gillii, and Grampus Stearnsii. Dr. J. M. Willey presented a paper “On the Auriferous Gravel Deposits of Placer County,” in which he spoke particularly about the substance, called “cement,” found in large quantities and supposed to be a volcanic ash, solidified by time and pressure. Dr. Kellogg followed with a paper entitled “Descriptions of New Plants from the Pacific States.” FEBRUARY 17, James Lick and George C. Hickox were elected life members, and Gregory P. Hart'’* a resident member. John Hewston, Jr. announced that Mr. James Lick had donated to the Academy, under certain conditions, a valuable lot of land on Market Street in San Francisco for building purposes. Mr. Lick said that he made the “gift to the Academy in consideration of the desire he has to promote the diffusion of Science and the prosperity and perpetuity of the Academy.”'*’ He thereupon produced and read the deed of donation. It was dated, signed, acknowledged and delivered on February 15, 1873. In it Mr. Lick said that, in consideration of the desire he had to promote the diffusion of science and the prosperity and perpetuity of the California Academy of Sciences, he gave, granted and confirmed to it a lot on the southeasterly line of Market Street, commencing 195 feet southwesterly from the southwesterly corner of Market and Fourth Streets and having a frontage of 80 feet on Market Street by a depth at right angles northeasterly of 275 feet on the south- westerly side and 195 feet on the northeasterly side, and being a portion of the Hundred-vara Lot No. 126, reserving the rights of possession and rents and profits for two years. The conditions were in substance that the premises should be used and devoted solely and exclusively for scientific purposes, and none other; and should never be used for political or religious purposes. They should never be encumbered in any manner nor alienated during the life of any of the existing members of the association; nor should they or any part of them or of any edifice erected upon them be leased, used or occupied except for the proper purposes of the society. The Academy was required to erect and maintain on the premises, and covering the whole lot except a small space in the rear for light and ventilation, a substantial and elegant brick edifice, three stories in height, with a substantial granite front faced with appropriate scientific emblems; and its structure and design should be classic and such as would readily distinguish it from buildings used for business or commercial purposes. At least one apartment in the edifice should be suitable for and devoted to the purposes of a library; another to a museum, and another to a hall for lectures. The Academy was further required within two years to secure the necessary funds to commence and complete the edifice with all reasonable dispatch, but, if the funds , e Harte in the handwritten Minute Books but Hart in the published minutes (Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 13.3 Minute Books, California Academy of Sciences, Jan. 15, 1872-July 20, 1874, p. 64. 152 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 were raised at any time within two years, possession of the premises would be given upon 30 days notice to that effect. And in case the Academy should violate or fail to fulfill any of the terms or conditions, all its interest and estate in the premises should cease and determine, and the property and all interest and estate therein would revert to the donor. The members of the Academy, when the deed had been read, testified their appreciation of Mr. Lick’s generosity by hearty applause. The president said he felt incompetent at the time to express the sense of the Academy in fitting terms. The board of Trustees, he said, in considering the project of securing proper accommo- dations for the institution, had never thought of exceeding an expenditure of $25,000; but this site on Market Street alone, as he had been assured by competent judges, was worth $150,000. Professor Davidson then read a paper on “The Probable Periodicity of Rainfall,” which he illustrated with diagrams showing the yearly, monthly, and average monthly rainfall at San Francisco for 23 years, from 1849 to 1872 inclusive. Dr. George Hewston read a paper on a new species of marine crustacean exceedingly destructive to wooden piles, which had recently been detected in San Francisco Bay, and to which he provisionally gave the name of Limnoria Californica. Anamendment to Article III, Section 2, of the constitution having been presented to the Board of Trustees and submitted by it to the Academy, was adopted to the effect that, “The Vice-President shall attend all meetings of the Trustees and, in case of the absence of the President, shall preside at the same and be entitled to vote,’ W. H. Dall presented a paper “On the Avi-fauna of the Aleutian Islands from Unalashka Eastward.” MARCH 3, John H. Carmany and Robert Robinson were elected resident members, W.N. Lockington, a corresponding member. Dr. Kellogg presented another paper entitled “Descriptions of New Plants from the Pacific States.” The president an- nounced that the Board of Trustees had taken appropriate action'** in reference to the donation of James Lick by an expression of their gratitude and thanks for his '3.4 Among the actions taken, Academy president George Davidson wrote to Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, on February Sth, 1873, “Dear Sir, I have been directed by the Board of Trustees of the California Academy of Sciences to acquaint you with the information, that our fellow member James Lick of Santa Clara County, California, has deeded to the Academy a lot of ground 80 x 275 on Market Street San Francisco, valued at nearly $100,00.00 gold, on condition that we acquire the means to erect a building of a certain character thereon, commencing the erection at a period two years after February 15th, 1873. “This we shall lend all our individual energies to accomplish, but to stimulate others in our community to emulate the example of James Lick, the Trustees have thought proper that I should ask you to write a letter to him thanking him in behalf of Science, for the munificence of his act.” (Davidson to Henry, SIArchives, RU 26 {Office of the Secretary, Incoming Correspondence, 1863-1879}, vol. 162, p. 147.) On April 3rd, 1873, Davidson informed Henry that he had transmitted the latter’s letter to Lick. In Davidson’s view this letter, and others he had requested, had the dual purpose of thanking James Lick for his generosity as a patron of Science and for raising money from others. Some months later, Davidson wrote to Henry again asking his support, and informing him that like letters were sent to Louis Agassiz and James Dwight Dana, the latter by Prof. Gilman, President of the University of California, asking their endorsement of the Academy’s request of James Lick that he modify the conditions of his deed if the Academy were unable to meet the stated conditions on raising money within the time allowed_ for construction of a building. (Davidson to Henry, Smithsonian Institution Archives, RU 26 {Office of the Secretary}, Incoming Correspondence, 1863-1879, vol. 132, pp. 486-4877). The pleas must have worked because Lick did modify the deed in October, 1873, extending the time for raising funds for the building, and then again in September 1875, at which time all restrictions were removed and the property was given to the Academy as an outright gift. (continued next page) CHAPTER XIII: 1873 153 unexpected and unsolicited gift, as set forth in the minutes of their proceedings on February 18, which had been engraved and framed and presented to Mr. Lick personally. They accepted the deed and promised the efforts of every member of the Academy to faithfully endeavor to carry out the views of the donor in the spirit in which they were expressed. The president then said that to erect a suitable building, and maintain it when completed, would require a sum of $200,000; and he hoped the necessary amount could be obtained by the time specified in Mr. Lick’s deed. He entertained no doubt of the Academy’s being able to raise the money. Judge Hastings stated that he was ready to join with any twenty or any ten other gentlemen to make up the sum of $200,000 to build the edifice and maintain it. He added that it had been suggested to erect a statue to Mr. Lick, and he saw no reason why those who donated means to carry out the great objects proposed, as Mr. Lick had done, should not be honored in that way. Professor Davidson called up the subject of the “cement” of the auriferous gravel deposits in the Sierra Nevada, spoken of by Dr. J. M. Willey on February 3, and said that, if the cement should prove to be decomposed quartz, it might be accounted for by glacial action; but, in that case, how was the great amount of rounded pebbles to be accounted for? He added that Professor Whitney had determined and plotted out the elevations of the different gravel deposits above the America and other rivers, and that they exhibited an almost identical slope for the ancient river beds with that of the present river beds, although the latter were from 1,200 to 1,400 feet below the 13.4 (continued) In elegant Victorian style, Joseph Henry, in response to George Davidson’s request, addressed the following letter to “James Lick, Esq. San Francisco”: “March 10th 73. Dear Sir: I have just seen in the public papers an account of your gift to the Academy of Sciences of San Francisco and I beg leave, as the Director of an institution of a similar character, founded by a benevolent Englishman of enlarged views and extended sympathies, to express in behalf of science the high appreciation which will be attached, by all who are qualified to pronounce upon the subject, to your munificent donation. “The study of abstract science without regard to its immediate application forms an essential element in the advance of the world in its moral and intellectual development. Without a constantly increasin knowledge of the laws of nature modern civilization must in time become stationary, like that of Japan and China. It is only by making new conquests in the realms of nature that man is enabled to control her forces and apply them to her manifold uses. You have therefore acted wisely in making the donation in question. Money is the representative of accumulated power and every dollar contains a certain amount of potential energy which can command labor; but while there are thousands of enterprising men in our country who have talents for accumulating wealth there are but very few like yourself who have the wisdom and enlightened sympathy to apply it as you have done. There is in most men an instinct of immortality which induces the desire to live favorably in the memory of their fellow men after they have departed this life, and surely no one could choose a more befitting means of erecting a monument to himself more enduring or more worthy of admiration than that which you have chosen. You have done good service to the cause of science by your gift which I trust will be increased in value by the example you have set for others. | must sincerely hope that other wealthy citizens of California Sail aupplement your gift by furnishing the means of erecting a suitable building; but should there be none such perhaps an appeal to the city or state might be made for the purpose. It should be recollected, however, that, besides a suitable building, funds are required to sustain, properly, an establishment like that of the Academy, a curator will be necessary and the means for publishing the proceedings. Furthermore, an establishment of the kind ought to have the means of consecrating to science any one who may be found in the country possessed of the peculiar character of mind in a marked degree for original investigation. “With my best wishes for your continued prosperity and long life, | am very truly yours, [signed] Joseph Henry, Sect. Smithsonian Institution.” (SIArchives, RU 33, vol. 33, p. 40.) The above is not the only letter Henry wrote to James Lick on behalf of a fledgling California institution. A year later, Joseph LeConte wrote to Henry informing him that he had passed on to both James Lick and Lick’s Board of Trustees, Bones earlier letter supporting the building of an observatory and that Lick had, indeed, executed a formal deed for its establishment. (Joseph LeConte to Joseph Henry, September 8, Ae) SIArchives, RU 26 {Office of the Secretary, Incoming Correspondence, 1863-1879}, vol. 145, p. 154 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 William Neale Lockington George Sprague Myers Portrait Collection Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences former. A communication was received in reference to manna and honey-dew, based upon observations of John Applegarth, a farmer residing near Woodbridge in San Joaquin County. The appearance of manna was comparatively rare, having been noticed by him only in the autumn of 1851 and in 1872, both times after seasons of abundant verdure. It was discovered in the early morning of the first cool weather in the autumn and covered the foliage and fences, somewhat like frost, in the form of small, rounded, whitish grains or particles, quite sweet to the taste. The honey-dew never failed to occur in the early fall, covering the leaves of shrubs and trees with a thick, viscid, sticky substance, which soiled the clothes and adhered to the hands and face in passing through thickets and was of a sweetish but ranker taste and not so agreeable as that of manna. Both were readily gathered by bees; but they were never found in the same cells in the hives. It was a belief among the farmers that the honey-dew arose from the sweet aroma of the countless wild flowers carried up by the rarefied atmosphere and condensed in the fall by the evening dews, while the manna might be the pollen of flowers carried up on occasions favorable for it. They thought it impossible, in view of the abundance and wide area over which it was CHAPTER XIII: 1873 155 spread, that the honey-dew could be deposited by insects as was reported by scientists. E. F. Lorquin gave a description of a species of California vulture recently captured by him. It measured nine feet ten inches from tip to tip and differed from the common species by having the neck covered with down instead of being bare. MARCH 17, James T. Boyd, Dr. Richard H. McDonald, Louis Sloss, William B. Hooper, Frank Locan, F. E. Wilke, E. E. Eyre, Mark L. McDonald, Coll Dean,'** Horace L. Hill, and E. J. de Santa Marina were elected life members, and R. B. Irwin, J. H. Blumenberg, John J. Haley,’ A. B. Forbes, John F. Miller, Dr. J. A. W. Lundborg, I. C. Woods, S. D. Field, J. H. Smythe,'*° Oliver P. Evans, W. A. Aldrich, Jacob Best, Michael Deering, A. W. von Schmidt, Jourdan W. Roper, J. D. Howell and Laurence Kilgour, resident members, and M. Lindermann, Otto Finsch, and Alexander Willard, corresponding members. Judge Hastings stated, in connection with remarks made by him at the last meeting, that he was ready to unite with other gentlemen and be one of twenty to raise the sum of $200,000 for building purposes, and that in pursuance of his proposition he had placed $10,000 in the hands of one of the Trustees on the terms proposed. Dr. Kellogg presented still another paper on ‘Descriptions of New Plants from the Pacific States.” A paper was presented from Dr. Theodore Gill on the “Scombrocottus salmoneus of Peters, and Its Identity with Anoploploma fimbria.” R. E. C. Stearns read a paper on xylophagous or wood-eating animals, referring especially to Teredines among mollusks, Limnoria and Chelura among crustaceans, and Termites among terrestrial insects. W. H. Dall presented a paper of “Descriptions of New Species of Mollusca from the Coast of Alaska, with note on some rare forms.” APRIL 7, Samuel F. Reynolds, Henry H. Haight, and Samuel C. Gray were elected resident members. Among the donations was a magnificent set of Kingsborough’s Mexican Antiquities from George C. Hickox. The president announced that the deed of James Lick to the Academy had been filed for record on February 20. W. H. Dall read “Remarks on the Death of Professor John Torrey,” an honorary member of the Academy, who died in New York on March 10; and a committee was appointed to prepare appropriate resolutions of respect to his memory. Professor Davidson read a paper on the determination of the geographic position of the station at San Jose del Cabo in Lower California, occupied by the French astronomer, Chappe d’ Auteroche, during the Transit of Venus in 1769 — the year, it may be observed, in which Jose de Galvez dispatched from the same place the ships San Carlos and San Antonio for the settlement of Alta California. Frederick Gutzkow read a paper describing “A New Process for the Extraction of Boracic Acid.” APRIL 21, Jerome B. Cox, Frank F. Taylor, Charles B. Brigham, and D. S. Hutchinson were elected resident members. S. B. Boswell, previously elected a resident member, having paid the required fee was enrolled a life member. Henry Edwards presented a paper “On the Honey-making Ant of Texas and New Mexico, 13.5 Spelt Deane in the handwritten minutes; also John H. Haley (Minute Books, CAS, Jan. 15, 1872-July 20, 1874, p. 70) (compare with the published proceedings (Proc. Calif: Acad. Sci, 5:43). 13.6 Variously spelt Smyth and Smythe in both handwritten and published minutes (see, for example, Smyth in Minutes, both handwritten and published, for March 17, 1873, Smythe in the Minute Books for Aug. 3, 1874 to Nov. 15, 1880, p. 206, and Smyth in the same Minute Book, p. 209. 156 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Myrmecocystus Mexicanus of Westwood,” based principally upon observations of Captain W. B. Fleeson of San Francisco, who had recently had opportunities of studying the ants in their native haunts. He described one of their nests or hills, which were found near Santa Fe in New Mexico, and the manner in which they were guarded by the ant soldiers; also how the confined honey-makers, whose abdomens were distended into large, globose, bladder-like forms about the size of a pea and who never left the nest, were fed by other ants. He further said that the honey of these ants was much sought after by the Mexicans, who not only used it as a delicacy, but applied it to bruised and swollen limbs, and ascribed to it great healing qualities. Dr. James Blake read a paper “On the Connection between the Atomic Weights of Substances and Their Physiological Action,” chiefly devoted to the action of poisonous metals injected into the blood of animals.'*” R. E. C. Stearns presented “Descriptions of a New Genus and two New Species of Nudibranchiate Molluska from the Coast of California,” his specimens being from Point Pinos, Monterey County. He also presented a paper entitled, “Descriptions of New Marine Mollusks from the West Coast of North America,” being a continuation of previous papers on West Coast Mollusks. Dr. Kellogg presented more “Descriptions of New Plants from the West Coast of America.” Judge Hastings read a paper on pavements as used in ancient and in modern times, Dr. Stout exhibited specimens of the stone used in building the U.S. Branch Mint on Fifth Street in San Francisco. It came from Vancouver island and contained iron which oxidized after a brief exposure to the weather and changed from a bluish gray to a dingy yellow color. He said the fault could be cured by washing the stone with sulphuric acid; but to apply the remedy to the entire mint building would involve great expense. He suggested that a collection of samples of building stone should be made for the Academy museum. Mr. Stearns proposed resolutions of respect to the memory of Professor John Torrey, which were adopted. They spoke of his “high scientific attainments of the deceased, the purity of his private character and the many estimable qualities which endeared him to his fellow-men.” MaAy 5, Alexander P. Moore and William W. Hollister were elected life members, and Judge O. C. Pratt and Charles V. B. Keading, resident members. Among the donations was the first shad, Alausa praestabilis, caught in California waters, 13.7 This is a continuation of work that James Blake had ay on the relation between atomic weights and physiological action of chemical substances as early as 1836 or 37 while still living in London. As a feat he “laid the foundation of our present knowledge of the relations existing between the atomic weight of metals and their physiological action and later demonstrated the efficiency of metals belonging to the same group of isomers as proportionate to their atomic weight, with the exception of the salts of potassium and ammonium. He arranged the elements into isomorphous groups according to their atomic weight and poisonous qualities and evolved a law covering the definite relations between reacting salts of chemicals and their significance when injected into the circulation.” (Miller, 1928, Dict. American Medical Biogr., pp. 108-108). Leake (1951, Gesnerus, 8:117) observed “By 1846 Blake had come to three quite remarkable conclusions: (1) that the characteristic physiological effect of an inorganic compound in solution was produced by the electro-positive element; (2) that with increase in atomic weight of the electro-positive element in a series of inorganic compounds there is an increase in toxicity; and (3) that the characteristic physiological effects of the electro-positive elements tend to reappear as one goes up the series with increasing atomic weight. ... When one examines the groups of the elements made by Blake on the basis of their physiological action one cannot help but be struck by the remarkable similarity to what is called the ‘Periodic Table’, the famous classification of the elements on the basis of their physical-chemical properties as made by the great Russian chemist, Mendelejeff (1834-1901).” For additional comments about James Blake, see also Leviton & Aldrich, 1987 (Sept.), Fellows Newsletter (of the California Academy of Sciences), pp. 4-8. CHAPTER XIII: 1873 N57 presented by the State Board of Fish commissioners. S. R. Throckmorton, one of the commissioners, said that on June 27, 1871, this shad was three-quarters of an inch in length and was put into the Sacramento river just above Tehama. It was one of 15,000 young shad, hatched in the Hudson River, New York, and brought out in cans by Seth Green, arriving in California by railroad in about ten days. The specimen exhibited had been caught in a trap near Vallejo. It was a male and not full grown. The fish would be at maturity the next year and might be expected in the harbor by the month of April of that year. They would then be full-sized breeding fish; and, if a quarter of the 15,000 came back breeding fish, they would be sufficient to stock the coast. Dr. Stout exhibited specimens of the Orchilla plant from Magdalena Bay, Lower Cali- fornia, of the liquid dye made from the same, and of goods dyed with it. Dr. Kellogg presented specimens and “Descriptions of New Plants from the West Coast of America.” Professor Davidson read a paper on “The Abrasions of the Continental Shores of Northwest America, and the Supposed Ancient Sea Levels.” MAy 19, Major-Gen. J. M. Schofield, Eusebius Molera, and Professor D. McClure were elected resident members and Franz Steindachner (Vienna), a corresponding mem- ber. Dr. Blake read a paper describing the structure of the honey-bag of the honey- making ant, Myrmecocystus Mexicanus. Professor Davidson presented “New Problems in Mensuration.” Dr. Kellogg presented “Descriptions of a New Genus and two New Species of Plants from the Pacific Coast of North America.” JUNE 2, W. W. Montague and A. W. Chase were elected resident members. Mrs. E. S. Carr read a paper by John Muir, describing “Explorations in the Great Tuolumne Eusebius J. Molera California Academy of Sciences Special Collections 158 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Canon” and containing remarks on the geology and ancient glaciers of the Yosemite region. JUNE 16, William C. Ralston was elected a life member, and George W. Lewis, Cutler McAllister, John R. Jarboe, and Agapius Honcharenko, resident members. A. W. Chase read a paper “On the Artesian Wells of Los Angeles County.” He said they had been a success only in a narrow belt extending across the plain in a direction parallel with the coast line and the mountain range. The artesian water, when struck, was at a depth of from 90 to 180 feet, and its temperature about 64°. Judge Hastings read a paper on the action of frost upon grape vines in Napa County and its apparent eccentricities in injuring some vines, while others directly adjoining and seemingly similarly situated were comparatively uninjured. All the vines were of foreign varieties; but those unaffected were trained on willow stakes two and a half feet above the ground, while the others were not so trained. JULY 7, William S. Chapman was elected a life member, F. A. Bishop, John C. Robinson, George H. Mendell, F. A. Miller, and O. Button, resident members, and J. W. Glass of Denver City, corresponding member. A paper was presented on behalf of Henry Edwards, entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera No. 1. Descriptions of some new or imperfectly known Heterocera.” R. E. C. Stearns read a paper on “Aboriginal Shell Money.” A communication was received from Dr. Cooper “On the Law of Variation in the banded California Land Shells.” JULY 21, H. H. Moore and D. O. Mills were elected life members, and Dr. J. C. Horner de Tavel and A. Gros, resident members. The president read a second deed from James Lick to the Academy, conveying an additional lot of 40 feet front on Market Street and running back 195 feet on one side and 155 on the other side, next east of the property previously conveyed, and under the same terms and conditions as in the previous conveyance. It was dated July 11, 1873, and signed, acknowledged and delivered on the same day in presence of Samuel Hermann, D. J. Staples and John O. Earl. The president, in speaking of the new deed, said that the edifice, required to be built on the property as enlarged, would cost $300,000, and the taxes and assessments on the property would be at least $5,000 per annum. He considered that the conditions could not be complied with, but was in hopes that some modifications of them could be obtained from Mr. Lick, who was really anxious to benefit the Academy. With this expectation he advised acceptance of the new deed; and on motion of Dr. George Hewston, after some discussion, the Trustees were authorized to accept it. R. E. C. Stearns presented papers on shells collected at San Juanico and Loreto, Lower California, by William M. Gabb. Henry G. Hanks presented a paper on Cuproscheelite. Judge Hastings read a paper on “Climate Changes.” Professor Davidson presented a paper “On an Improved Teleme- ter for Reconnaissance, Engineering, and Military Purposes.” AUGUST 4, David J. Staples, Solomon Goldsmith, Alfred Wheeler, Albert Wil- liams, Jr. and Dr. Richard D. Plummer were elected resident members. Dr. Blake presented a curious specimen of polyp, or rather series of polyps on a stem, taken near Cape Roberts in the Gulf of Georgia in about seven fathoms of water. The stem, when stretched out, was about thirty inches long and from three to four inches in diameter and covered with small polyps. W. A. Goodyear read a paper “On the CHAPTER XIII: 1873 159 Situation and Altitude of Mount Whitney,” giving an account of a trip made by M. W. Belshaw and himself on July 27, to a peak in the High Sierra supposed to be Mount Whitney and so named by Clarence King, but which was not the true Mount Whitney. He said they rode their mules to the top of the peak they ascended, and that the true Mount Whitney, discovered by Professor Brewer and party in 1864, was some six miles distant in a northwesterly direction and was evidently some 600 or more feet higher in altitude. After their return Mr. Belshaw had measured the two peaks by rough triangulation from Cerro Gordo in Owens River Valley and found the peak they ascended to be 14,033 feet and the true Mount Whitney to be 14,930 feet above sea level. AUGUST 18, Leland Stanford and Irving M. Scott were elected life members, and Charles Stephens,'** E. D. Farrington, Frederick Gutzkow, Lewis Locke, J. H. Locke, Charles L. Weller, and Edward W. Corbett, resident members. The president announced that the Academy had acquired the skin and skeleton of a sea-elephant from the coast of Lower California. Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Auriferous Gravel Deposits of California.” He said he had visited the hydraulic mines at Smartsville in Yuba county, where the auriferous gravel was 400 feet deep, lying between hills of rock that did not contain any gold. This gravel was cemented together so compactly as to require gunpowder to break it up sufficiently to be worked by the hydraulic streams; and he was of opinion that it was a part of great glacial terminal moraine. He could not see how the action of water could produce it or leave it where it was; the gravel, boulders and cement did not bear the appearance of having been formed by moving water; and, besides, the gold particles, instead of being rounded, were flattened. Nor could he see how volcanic action could account for it. R. E. C. Stearns presented a “Description of a New Genus and Species of Alcynoid Polyp,” referring to the polyp from the Gulf of Georgia, presented to the Academy by Dr. Blake on August 4, and for which he proposed the name for the genus, or rather sub-genus under the genus of Pavonaria, of Verrillia, and for the species of Blakei. Dr. Blake presented a paper “On the Structure of Verrillia Blakei.”’” SEPTEMBER I, Dr. Horatio S. Gates was elected a life member, and Andrew F. Craven and John T. Brady, resident members. Among the donations was a specimen of white sandstone from Lake Merced in San Francisco County, where Professor Davidson said there was a large deposit, which was being worked and shipped east for use as a polish. He said it was found to be superior to rotten-stone for that purpose. Professor Davidson made remarks “On an Improved Leveling Rod,” devised by himself. R. E. C. Stearns spoke of the fossil tooth of a species of elephant, found on Santa Rosa Island near the crumbling remains of tusk, which he thought showed that the island was once a part of the mainland. Professor Davidson said that he had examined the partially exhumed remains of a large animal near Lake Merced, which 13.8 Stephenson in the handwritten minutes (Minute Books, CAS, Jan. 15, 1872-July 20, 1874, p. 91). 13.9 Lest anyone think that Academy meetings never engendered argument and criticism and that all present acted with Victorian politeness, in a letter to William Dall written on 19 Aug. 1873, Robert Stearns says of fellow Academy member James Graham Cooper, “Cooper has returned to this city and will probably inflict his presence on the Acad. occasionally — he pitched in to me a few days ago on shell matters and I told him quately what I thought of him and his ven since that he has been quite docile.” (SlArchives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927!, Box 16, Folder 30.) Of course, Stearns seems to have had a crusty side too, judging from comments in other correspondence to Dall. 160 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 were supposed by some parties to belong to a whale. Steps had been taken to secure it for the museum. He also, as president, stated that the Board of Trustees had taken under advisement the difficulties arising from the terms of Mr. Lick’s donations, and had addressed Mr. Lick in reference thereto and requesting a modification of the conditions, to which there had as yet been no specific reply. SEPTEMBER 15, Louis Gerstle and Simon Greenwald were elected life members. Mr. Stearns made remarks upon the Grand Canon of the Tuolumne River and what had been said about it, particularly in respect to accessibility, by Professor Whitney and by John Muir. Dr. A. W. Saxe called attention to a mound, composed of materials supposed to have been collected by the Indians, just south of the mouth of Laguna Creek, six miles north of Santa Cruz. It was, he said, full of implements used by the aborigines, and particularly of large quantities of chalcedony which must have been brought from a considerable distance. Dr. George Hewston called attention to the English sparrow, which had been introduced into the country. He could see no good reason for the introduction of a foreign sparrow, which had objectional habits, while we had a most valuable native sparrow that should be protected—the western white-crowned finch or sparrow. It frequented gardens, built its nest in the city, and had a very sweet song. It destroyed caterpillars and insects and could be familiarized and made a domestic bird. R. Stearns said he believed the reason why the English sparrow was preferred in the East was because it destroyed certain caterpillars and especially the canker-worm, which some native birds would not touch. A note from the president was read, stating that the Trustees had had several conferences with Mr. Lick in reference to the difficulties accompanying his deeds to the Academy. They had found him willing to make such modifications as would bring about a favorable end to the negotiations. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks about a proposed balloon voyage across the Atlantic. He said there was reason to believe in the existence of a strong upper current in the air from west to east, which was demonstrated by the course of high cirrus clouds. He thought, however, if a balloon voyage were at- tempted, it would be better to make the first experiment from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Mr. Stearns remarked that the same suggestion had been made by Professor Henry to Professor Wise, the aeronaut; but the latter had replied that, in case of accident, he preferred to fall in water rather than on land. OCTOBER 6, William Kohl was elected a life member and Dr. J. D. B. Stillman and George S. Ladd, resident members. Henry Edwards presented a paper on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera: No. 2. On the Transformation of the Diurnal Lepidoptera of California and the Adjacent Districts.” A paper was read from Dr. J. G. Cooper in reference to certain California mollusks, Alexia setifer and its allies. W. A. Goodyear presented a paper “On the Height of Mount Whitney.” He said that M. W. Belshaw in company with Charles Rabe had ascended the true Mount Whitney on September 6 and taken observations, from which he had computed the altitude to be 14,898.5 feet above sea level. The president reported progress in the matter of the modifications of the terms of Mr. Lick’s donation to the Academy, and said that Mr. Lick had so changed the conditions of the first deed that the Academy would have several years CHAPTER XIII: 1873 161 to raise the money for the erection of a proper building. OCTOBER 20, Andrew B. McCreery was elected a life member, and Dr. H. H. Behr, W. W. Russell, Isaac E. Davis, Philip Caduc, and C. H. Whitesides, resident members, and Stephen Powers of Sheridan, Placer County, corresponding member. Professor Davidson delivered a lecture on the discovery and progress of spectrum analysis, and H. G. Hanks explained the construction of the spectroscope and illustrated its use with experi- ments. NOVEMBER 3, Joseph A. Donohoe was elected a life member, and Robert W. Andrews, E. G. Waite, Thomas Adams, and Henry Michaels, resident members. Among donations were twenty-seven volumes of the voyages of “L’ Astrolabe” and twenty of the voyage of “La Bonita,” in French. They were presented through Dr. George Hewston by “A Friend of the Academy,” who withheld his name. Specimens of a marine worm called “Palolo” from the Navigation Islands were also presented. They were seen floating in the early morning in certain channels of those islands, as was said, on only two days in the year, and their appearance was calculated with astronomical precision by the natives. On such days they appeared in great abundance and were caught only before sunrise, for as soon as the sun shone, they disappeared to return only at neap-tide in the months of October or November. W. R. Frink, the donor, said that they were esteemed by the natives as a choice delicacy, and the “Palolo days,” were occasions of festivity and thousands repaired to the channels to gather them. The worms were of all colors, and the surface of the water, at the time of their appearance, presented the most gorgeous hues. In 1872, he said, the “Palolo days” were October 23 and November 23. Mr. Stearns said that the specimens presented were too imperfect to determine their true nature; but they appeared to be allied to the Nereidae. W. A. Goodyear presented a paper “On the High Sierra South of Mount Whitney,” in which he spoke particularly of the extinct volcanoes and lava flow at an elevation of about 9,000 feet on the east side of Kern River nearly opposite what are known as Soda Springs near Little Kern Lake. A paper by Henry Edwards was presented, entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera. No. 3. Notes on some Zygzenidae and Bombycidae of Oregon and British Columbia; with Descriptions of New Spe- cies.” The minutes of the Board of Trustees, accepting a new deed from James Lick in place of the first deed made by him were read, and then the new deed. This instrument was dated, signed, acknowledged and delivered on October 3, 1873. It recited the first deed for the lot 80 feet front on Market Street and proceeded to state that, for the purpose of relieving the Academy “from all the terms, provisions and conditions contained in said deed and all disabilities, if any exist,” the same property was conveyed; but with substantially the same express reservations and conditions contained in the first deed, except that the time for raising the money and erecting the building contemplated as in the first deed was extended to ten years from date; and then, if the Academy violated or failed to fulfill any of the terms and conditions, the property should go to the State of California, with the request and hope that the law-making power would devote it to the uses and purposes for which the California Academy of Sciences had been organized. This deed had been accepted by the Board 162 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of Trustees and placed on record on October 14, 1873. On motion of Dr. George Hewston the deed and the action of the Board of Trustees were accepted and approved. NOVEMBER 17, L. L. Robinson was elected a life member and William Harney, Thomas H. Blythe, M. W. Belshaw, Dr. G. L. Murdock, Newton Booth, William Murray, Joseph Perkins, and William H. Moor, resident members. L. L. Robinson was elected a life member and W. M. P. Martin and S. W. Williams, both of Peking, China, were elected corresponding members. Among the donations was granulated beet sugar made by the Sacramento Beet Sugar Company, and also photographs of hieroglyphics cut on thin blocks of wood from Easter Island. W. H. Dall presented a paper “On Further Examinations of the Amaknak Cave, Captain’s Bay, Unalaska.” Dr. Blake presented a paper “On Nickeliferous Sand from Fraser River,” and I. C. Wood on “On the Spontaneous Combustion of Hydro-Carbon Vapors.” J. B. McChesney called attention to “Shell Mound” near the Bay shore a few miles north of Oakland in Alameda County, which he described as about 175 feet in diameter, with sides sloping at about 45 or 50 degrees, composed of shells and other debris covered with shrubbery and with its apex somewhat hollowed. A discussion ensued as to whether the bones found in shell-mounds were of prehistoric age. D. J. Staples said that in 1849-1850 he had witnessed, on the Mokelumne river 14 miles northeast of Stockton, the burial of several Indians who had died from the effects of bad whiskey. They were placed in the ground, near the tents or houses occupied by the tribe, and buried in a sitting posture, surrounded with their personal property, consisting principally of beads and trinkets. He had also seen other Indian burials of the same kind; and in his opinion the reason for their being so near the habitations of the living was to be found in the indolence and filthy habits of the Indians, and perhaps to some extent in their desire to have the graves near by so as to visit them often. He had examined a number of mounds on the upper Sacramento and American rivers, and thought they had been thrown up for the purpose of raising their brush huts above the encroachments of the spring floods. He felt confident that scientific men would not discover in the Indian mounds of California anything to connect them with a prehistoric age. DECEMBER 1, Dr. C. M. Hitchcock, having paid the required fee, was enrolled a life member, and Henry Kimball, W. N. Lockington, S. P. Carusi, J. R. Scupham, and Dr. E. J. Fraser were elected resident members. Frank F. Taylor resigned his membership. Professor Bolander presented a paper of “Remarks on the Genus Lilium.” DECEMBER 15, the death of Professor Louis Agassiz, who was an honorary member of the Academy, having been announced, it was resolved that an appropriate memorial meeting should be held; and a committee was appointed to make the proper arrangements. J. H. Stearns was elected a life member, and Dr. F. Hiller, P. C. Lander, Daniel Swett, John Muir, John Lewis, Jason Springer, and Gen. B. S. Alexander, resident members. Dr. Blake read a paper “On the Puebla Range of Mountains” in the northern part of Humboldt County, Nevada. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper “On the Great Lava Flow of the Northwest, and on the Structure and Age of CHAPTER XIII: 1873 163 the Cascade Mountains.” DECEMBER 22, a special meeting was held in Mercantile Library Hall as a tribute to the memory of Professor Louis Agassiz, born May 28, 1807, died December 14, 1873. Addresses upon his life work, his character and influence, were made by Professor Davidson, Professor D. C. Gilman, Professor Joseph LeConte, Rev. Horatio Stebbins and Rev. W. A. Scott; and papers were read from R. E. C. Stearns and Henry Edwards. On motion of W. H. Dall, a series of resolutions of respect to the memory of deceased were adopted, one of which was “That to Professor Agassiz and the pupils whom he impressed by his teachings and example we largely owe the adoption of that wise liberality, exhibited by the government and by many private individuals, in matters relating to scientific explo- ration and research, which is so justly the pride of American citizens.”'>'° 13.10 As an interesting aside, Dall was not always so generous in his opinion of Agassiz. Agassiz was an avowed creationist, and in December of 1872, Dall wrote a letter to Joseph Henry in which, among other matters, he included the following comment on Agassiz’s science, “... | see that you were not at C aribridee, when Prof. Agassiz had been fulminating against the evolutionists in a style which is forcible if not convincing. As he has not kept pace with the progress of science for the last fifteen years, I do not know that his opinion is vey valuable.” (Dall to Henry, Dec. 29, 1872. SIArchives, RU 26 {Office of the Secretary. Incoming Correspondence, 1863-1879, vol. 132, pp. 477-478.) 164 Chapter XIV: Year 1874 30 to 45. Following two special meetings of the Trustees, one on January 2nd nd a second on the 3rd, to discuss the offer by Mr. Newhall to rent the First Congregationalist Church to the Academy, the regular annual meeting of 1874 was held on JANUARY 5. There were 64 present. Matthew Turner, Levi M. Kellogg, and A. P. Elfelt were elected resident members. The president delivered his annual address, showing the progress of the Academy during the past year; its large additions to library, museum and membership; its gratifying condition at that time, and its prospects for the future. The secretary reported a total membership of 472 persons, including all classes. The treasurer reported the receipts for 1873 as $7,356.15, and the disbursements as $2,823.43, leaving $4,562.72 in the treasury. Reports of the librarian and director of the museum showed their departments in fair condition, but strained for want of room. The annual election resulted in the choice of Professor George Davidson as president; Gen. John Hewston, Jr., vice-president; R. E. C. Stearns, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Dr. H. H. Behr, librarian; H. G. Bloomer, director of the museum; and Gen. D. D. Colton, George E. Gray, Oliver Eldridge, R. E. C. Stearns, Henry Edwards, Thomas P. Madden, and Dr. A. B. Stout, trustees. There were opposition candidates for the offices of president, vice-president, corresponding secretary, librarian, and two places on the Board of Trustees, for which, as will be noticed, seven persons were elected in addition to those who held ex officio. A vote of thanks was tendered to Henry M. Newhall, proprietor of the old First Congregational Church building on the southwest corner of California and Dupont Streets, for his liberal offer to lease the same to the Academy for a term of years at $250 per month, complete with a reverse donation of $100 a month to the Academy during the time the Academy might continue to occupy it; and, on motion, the rules were suspended and Mr. Newhall elected a life member. JANUARY 19, George W. Smiley and L. Livingston were elected life members, and Judge S.S. Wright, W. H. L. Barnes, Dr. A. S. Hudson, Dr. Gustav Eisen, August Drucker, Charles Schultze, Everard Stiele, E. E. Haft and Almarin B. Paul, resident members. Among the donations was a large collection of scientific books, about two thousand in number, from Professor Henry of the Smithsonian Institution at Wash- ington, for which a vote of thanks was tendered.'*' A. W. Chase read a paper on “The Auriferous Sands of Gold Bluff in Humboldt County,” illustrated with drawings and sections of the locality. His conclusions were that all the gold among the sand and Ts attendance of members during the year 1873 had been large, usually from a CHAPTER XIV: 1874 165 First Congregational Church, home to the California Academy of Sciences 1874-1891 (engraving from Soulé, 1855) gravel of the beach there came from the bluff, and that it was only after a continuous succession of ocean swells, cutting the beach at an angle that gold could be found in the sand in paying quantities. W. H. Dall presented papers entitled “Catalogue of Shells from Bering Strait and the Adjacent Portions of the Arctic Ocean, with Descriptions of Three New Species,” and “On New Parasitic Crustacea, from the 14.1 On November 29, 1873, George Davidson wrote Joseph Henry, “The Trustees of the Cal. Acad. Sciences having learned that the Smithsonian Institution has a large number of duplicate volumes of scientific books, reports, and proceedings of learned societies, make an earnest appeal to you to donate the same to the California Academy of Sciences as the nucleus of a scientific library for this coast . . .” Three weeks later, on December 24, 1873, Davidson again wrote to Henry, “I have your letter of the 12th and 15th advising me that you had shipped, as a present to the California Academy of Sciences, fifteen boxes of books consisting of all the duplicates of HONCHERS ... In the possession of the Smithsonian Institution ... (Davidson to Henry, SlArchives, RU 26 {Office of the Secretary}, Incoming Correspondence, 1863-1879, vol. 136, p. 232, vol. 142, p. 1.) 166 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 N.W. Coast of America.” The president announced that the Board of Trustees had taken a lease from Mr. Newhall of the old First Congregational Church building on the southwest corner of California and Dupont streets and made suitable arrange- ments for moving into it; and that the next meeting of the Academy would be held there. He also announced the appointment by the Board of Trustees of the following curators: Dr. George Hewston of general zoology; W. H. Dall, ichthyology; W. G. W. Harford, conchology; William G. Blunt, ornithology; Henry Edwards, entomol- ogy; W. A. Goodyear, paleontology; and Theodore A. Blake, mineralogy; also of Professor Davidson, R. E. C. Stearns, Charles G. Yale, Henry Edwards, and Dr. Kellogg as committee on publication. FEBRUARY 2, Albert H. Harris was elected a life member, and A. S. Hallidie, A. D. Smith, and W. M. Wherry, resident members. Dr. Blake exhibited the case of a human skull that had been brought up with dirt from the 400-foot level of the Ophir Mine on the Comstock Lode, Nevada. He thought it had been carried down into the mine with dirt from a neighboring ravine, which at an earlier period had been used to fill up former workings. But, independently of its history, the skull presented some very interesting features. The presence of a large interparietal bone, the heavy superciliary ridges, the very low forehead, the great development of the posterior portion of the skull, the peculiar position of the socket for the articulation of the lower jaw, and the great development of the processes for the attachment of muscles showed a form which, in his opinion, was more removed from that of any existing race of human beings than that of any skull that had heretofore been found. Dr. Blake also called attention to a paper “On Nickeliferous Sand from Fraser River,” read by him on November 17, 1873, and said that the mineral then described by him as magnetic oxide of nickel, had been pronounced by Professor Walcott Gibbs a mineral never before discovered; and he would therefore propose for it the name of “ Fraserite.” FEBRUARY 16, George W. Beaver, George Oulton, and G. Niebaum were elected life members, and Dr. J. C. Moore, John C. Merrill, Carlton Newman, Thomas B. Bishop, Frederick Mason, John R. Sharpstein, J. E. Squire, H. F. Cooper, Emanuel Newman, F. C. Du Brutz, and James S. Gillam, resident members. Professor David- son read a paper “On Improvements in the Sextant.” A paper by Henry Edwards was presented, entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 4. Descriptions of some new Genera and Species of Heterocera.” Professor Davidson exhibited maps and charts showing soundings in the Pacific Ocean made by Captain George E. Belknap of the U.S. Steamer Tuscarora in 1873 for a telegraph cable between California and Japan. It appeared from them that the bottom of the ocean, going west from the Straits of Fuca [Juan de Fuca {Eds.}], sloped gradually to a depth of 100 fathoms and then made a sudden descent, which reached a depth of 1,400 fathoms at a distance of 150 miles from the coast. The temperature of the water at the greatest depth on this line of survey was 34 degrees, Fahrenheit. Continuing the surveys down the coast to San Francisco, it appeared that the sudden descent of the bottom of the Pacific to a great depth was continuous along the entire line, varying from twenty to seventy miles out. Opposite San Francisco the great bench was reached a short distance off the Faral- CHAPTER XIV: 1874 167 lones, where the bottom suddenly descended to a depth of two miles. Off Cape Foulweather in Oregon, the bottom descended precipitately from 300 to 1,500 fathoms, and then the plateau continued westward for hundreds of miles, and comparatively as level as a billiard table. Off Cape Mendocino a depth of 2,200 fathoms was reached eighty miles from the shore. Thirty miles off the Golden Gate the bottom was reached at 100 fathoms; at fifty-five miles it had descended to 1,700 fathoms; and at one hundred miles out the enormous depth of 2,548 fathoms had been measured without reaching bottom. MARCH 2, Anson G. Stiles, Frederick Castle, and Charles Troyer were elected life members, and James Behrens, C. E. Gibbs, John McHenry, Jr., Walter Van Dyke, Carlton W. Miller, Edward Steele, James McKinley, William H. Sharp, and Josiah Belden, resident members. Among the donations was a set of the “Flora Braziliensis,” in thirty-four volumes of Professor Louis Agassiz presented by Alexander Agassiz in accordance with the expressed wish of his deceased father. W. H. Dall presented a paper, entitled “Notes on the Avifauna of the Aleutian Islands, Especially Those West of Unalashka.” R. E. C. Stearns read a paper, a translation, describing the excavation of an ancient vessel of the Viking period in the parish of Tane, Norway. Judge Hastings read a paper on the “Creeping of Railroad Tracks.” Professor Davidson recurred to the subject of the depth of the Pacific Ocean, and said that Professor Bache had determined it in 1855 from observations on the great earthquake waves of December, 1854. The rate of motion of the crest of the wave from Simoda to San Diego was 370 miles per hour, or 6 miles per minute. The duration of the oscillation on the San Diego path was 31 minutes; on the San Francisco path 35 minutes. From this data it appeared that the length of the wave on the San Diego path was from 186 to 192 miles, and on the San Francisco path from 210 to 217 miles. A wave 210 miles in length would move with a velocity of 6 miles per minute in a depth of 2,230 fathoms and a wave of 217 miles in length would move with a velocity of 6.2 miles per minute in a depth of 2,500 fathoms. By a similar calculation the average depth on the San Francisco path was found to be 2,100 fathoms. MARCH 16, James Whartenby was elected a life member and Edwin Merrifield, John H. Bostwick, G. W. Dunn, Benjamin Roop, and Lovell Squire, resident mem- bers. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper, entitled “Remarks Suggested by Dr. J. E. Gray’s Paper on the “Stick Fish’ in ‘Nature,’ Nov. 6, 1873.” The object of the remarks seems to have been to take Dr. Gray to task for calling what Mr. Stearns, in a paper read before the Academy on August 18, 1873, had named Verrillia Blakei, an Osteocella septentrionalis. Dr. Cooper presented a paper on “The Influence of Climate and Topography on Our Trees.” He attributed the scarcity of trees and small number of species in the immediate vicinity of San Francisco, as compared with those of the Russian River region on the north and the Monterey region on the south, to the prevalence during the dry season of the strong winds blowing in through the Golden Gate. The wind affected the growth of trees in the San Francisco region, and in other regions where there were “wind gaps” more than soil or altitude and accounted for the phenomenon of trees growing on the sheltered sides of hills, which were bare on 168 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 The members of the “Arthrozoic Club,” a group of early California entomologists and Academy members [*]. (Left to right) James John Rivers*, Albert Koebele, George Washington Dunn*, James H. Behrens*, Carl (Charles) Fuchs*, Thomas L. Casey*, and William G. W. Harford.* E. O. Essig Collection, California Academy of Sciences Archives the exposed sides. There were, he said, only about forty species of trees within sixty miles of San Francisco. It was to a considerable extent different with shrubs, which were not so much affected by the winds. But as to the distribution of trees, the course and force of the prevalent winds were the chief causes of the local peculiarities observed. He divided the trees growing near San Francisco into five groups, in the first of which he placed 25 species as growing within ten miles; in the second, ten more growing within twenty miles; in the third, eight more growing within thirty miles; in the fourth, six more growing within forty miles; and in the fifth, one more growing within sixty miles. Dr. Blake submitted a number of amendments to the constitution, relative to the membership of the Academy and apparently designed to prevent its interests from falling in unscientific hands. They were referred to the Board of Trustees. APRIL 7, Manuel Aspiroz, Rev. Frederick E. Shearer, William C. Gibbs, Ferdinand Lantern, and George W. Dietzler were elected resident members. Dr. Behr exhibited and described a species of mangrove, Avicenia officialis, found in New Zealand, which he thought adapted to this state. It would grow in the sea as far out as low water mark, and was used in New Zealand to protect plantations against tides. He said the seeds were never dormant, but began to germinate as soon as mature, whether in earth, CHAPTER XIV: 1874 169 air or water; and he added “they always grow where not wanted, and do not always grow where they are wanted.” Judge Hastings read a paper on the “Correlation of Forces and the Indestructibility of Matter.” Charles D. Gibbes presented a paper on “Reclamation of Swamp Lands.” W. H. Dall presented a paper, entitled “Notes on Some Tertiary Fossils from the California Coast, with a List of the Species Obtained from a Well at San Diego, California, with Descriptions of two New Species.” President Davidson, being about to be temporarily absent, wished to place himself on record as opposed to the amendments of the constitution as proposed by Dr. Blake calculated to create a class of “Fellows of the Academy” composed of scientific men only. A discussion followed; and the result was the adoption of a resolution author- izing the Board of Trustees to select such assistance from the members of the Academy as it thought proper and prepare a new constitution, to be presented within six months from date. APRIL 20, Dr. V. J. Fourgeaud read a paper, entitled “General Scientific Hypothesis, as an Introduction to a work on Evolution of the Organic and Inorganic World.” Dr. A. S. Hudson read a paper “On Shell Mounds in Oakland, California.” He said there were two tumuli on the Bay shore about two miles north of the City Hall in Oakland, one some 300 feet in diameter at base; and the other about 240 feet in diameter at base, about 35 or 40 feet high, and with a truncated summit 150 feet in diameter. From the north side of the latter ran a kind of pan-handle 270 feet long and originally 5 or 6 feet high. He quoted Abbe Domenech to the effect that “Indians do no special work for mere whim or pastime — they have a definite object in their labor,” and he thought that this mound bespoke a similar sentiment. It conveyed to his mind the idea that human hands had given it existence and figure for a purpose. Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to some potatoes, which had grown from last year’s crop and come to maturity this year, without throwing up any shoots above ground. He said there were in his garden a number of different-sized potatoes of recent growth without stems or with very little stems. How they were produced was an interesting question in vegetable economy, if not in practical agriculture. Dr. Blake read a communication in reference to his proposed amendments to the consti- tution in answer to Professor Davidson’s remarks about them, and in substance asserting that the Academy was growing unscientific. A discussion ensued with the result that a committee consisting of Judge Currey, Judge Hastings, Dr. Henry Gibbons, G. W. Smiley, and Dr. Fourgeaud, was appointed to investigate and report upon the subject. MAY 4, Robert C. Rogers, Solomon Heydenfeldt, Jr., William C. Randolph, William T. Reilly, Dr. W. J. Younger, G. W. Anthony, Stephen H. Phillips, Benjamin B. Redding,'** T. J. Lowry, J. Stephen Jones, William Brooks, and Wellington C. Burnett were elected resident members. Messers. Currey, Hastings and Gibbons, of the committee on Dr. Blake’s statements in reference to the membership of the !4.2 For a biographical sketch of Academy member and Trustee Benjamin Redding, sometime journalist, state lesislater, California Fish and Game Commissioner, mayor of Sacramento, and land agent for the Central Pacific Railroad, see Lois Ward, Benjamin Bernard Redding. The Covered Wagon, 1951, pp. 33-36; see also, Renée Renouf, The Greatest Bohemian of All: Joseph D. Redding: The Chlieraians, 12(3):11-22 Reba Redding, pages 11-12]; Virginia Lawrence, How the Grinch Stole Redding. 1986, 10 pp. unpublished ms; copy in Archives, California Academy of Sciences). (continued next page) 170 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Academy, presented a majority report, and Messrs. Smiley and Fourgeaud, a minority report. They seemed to be nearly the same and to the effect that the interests of the Academy were not suffering from the character of its membership; but the majority report expressed high appreciation of Dr. Blake’s scientific attainments, while the minority report closed with a recommendation that no further action should be taken in the matter. A lively discussion as to the two reports followed, with the result that both were accepted and approved. Judge Hastings read a paper “On the Alleged Mysterious Occurrences at the Clarke Mansion in Oakland,” which apparently were of the so-called “spiritualistic” kind. Dr. V. J. Fourgeaud read a continuation of his paper, presented at the last meeting, on a “General Scientific Hypothesis as an Introduction to a Work on Evolution of the Organic and Inorganic World.” Rev. Albert Williams and H. G. Bloomer took exceptions to some assertions in Dr. Fourgeaud’s paper. A discussion ensued, which was becoming lively, when a motion to adjourn was made and carried. MAY 18, Rev. E. L. Greene and Robert T. Van Norden were elected resident members. Among the donations was a valuable botani- cal collection including plants from the Cape of Good Hope and from Europe, all identified and catalogued, presented by Professor Bolander. Dr. Fourgeaud read a paper on “Some of the Relations of Matter and Space.” He also read a paper in reply to the exceptions taken by Rev. A. Williams and H. G. Bloomer to certain statements in his paper on evolution, read at the previous meeting. Judge Hastings read a paper “On Electrical Phenomena on this Coast.” Shells of transplanted Eastern oysters, covered with the spat of young oysters, having been presented for inspection, G. R. Throckmorton, State Fish Commissioner, stated that he had examined them and found the spat to be of the small California native oyster. He asserted that the spat was only found on Eastern oyster shells planted near beds of native oysters. The Eastern oyster, he said, had not developed a tendency to increase in California waters. It was 14.2 (continued) Ty his dual capacity as land agent for the railroad, and a fish commissioner, Redding carried on an interesting correspondence with Spencer Fullerton Baird at the Smithsonian Institution. For example, Baird wanted to obtain free rail transit of packages bound from San Francisco to Washington, and Redding wanted to import live fish for stocking Eitri rivers and coast. The quid quo pro merge in a letter dated June 16, 1874, in which Redding writes to Baird that the Central Pacific management would continue its policy of shipping boxes bound for the Smithsonian without charge. However, Redding observed that unless Baird could get other roads to do the same, the most that could be waived would be the charges from San Francisco to Ogden, Utah, where the railroad changes from the Central to Union Pacific. He cautioned that if the Union Pacific and the Eastern roads were not willing to waive the charges, then the arrangement with the Central Pacific would be of little value. He noted that shipping costs from Ogden to Washington DC were greater than from San Francisco to the East Coast because local rates are charged from Ogden to the East Cols which are greater than through rates, which are charged on freight originating in San Francisco. (Redding to Baird, S[Archives, RU 52, Assistant Secretary, 1850-1877, Incoming Correspon- dence, item 422-423.) This early arrangement for waiving shipping charges was short-lived, however, because in 1876, faced with charges in the State Legislature of fevonticm toward certain institutions, the Central Pacific was forced to change its policy (Redding to Baird, SIArchives, RU 52, vol. 203, pp. 96-97). Also, another problem emerged which related to the demand for immediate payment from some of the lines beyond those of the Central and Union Pacific and it was only because of the intervention of Governor Leland Stanford, that it was possible for Central Pacific cars with Smithsonian-bound items to go as far as Chicago. From there, Redding warned, Baird would have to complete arrangements on his own. With respect to fishes, evidently Redding had good luck, for he wrote to Baird in regard to a current shipment that “Mr. Stones has arrived safely with his car of new varieties of fish .. .The shad were lost at Laramie in consequence of an excess of alkali in the water —all the lobsters were lost, except four which arrived in not a very healthy condition. All the others, some eighteen varieties, came in perfect order and have been turned into (as we hope) appropriate places.” (Redding to Baird, SIArchives, RU 52, Assistant Secretary, 1850-1877, Incoming Correspondence, item 422-423.) Additional correspondence relating to the import of fishes and the export of fish products, mostly salmon eggs, is included among the Redding-Baird correspondence (StAtchives RU 52). CHAPTER XIV: 1874 V7 Benjamin Barnard Redding California Historical Society Photograph by Carleton E. Watkins. FN-30570. short-lived here becoming very fat and dying within a year after being placed in the Bay — in which latter assertion he made a very great mistake. He pronounced the experiment of transplanting Eastern oysters in the Bay — an industry which has since become large and important — up to that time a failure. Dr. Blake offered a paper explaining his position in reference to his proposed amendments to the constitution and designed, as he said, to set himself right before the Academy as he thought his motives and representations had been misunderstood. Objections were made that the matter had been disposed of, and the paper was ruled out of order. Dr. Blake again called up the subject, and the objections were withdrawn; but the communication was found to be lengthy and, after a portion had been read, it was, on motion of Judge Hastings, laid on the table; and on motion of Dr. Gibbons the Academy adjourned. JUNE 1, John H. Saunders, G. Parker Cummings, and William Dutch were elected resident members. T. J. Lowry presented a paper on an “Improved Method of Observing Altitudes of the Sun at Sea.” He proposed, by the attachment of an extra index glass to the ordinary reflecting instruments used for observations of the sun, to duplicate the image, and claimed that thereby the instrument would not only eliminate Viz CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 its own errors, but also those of observations, as well as those due to sudden atmospheric changes; and in fine become an instrument theoretically almost perfect. He added that the theory of nautical astronomy had reached a point of perfection that only awaited the determination of the true dimensions of the solar system — which, it was hoped, the next Transit of Venus would give — to make it all that could be wished. JUNE 15, Addison E. Head was elected a life member and Charles T. Dake, and James W. Winter, resident members; J.G. Lemmon and H. W. Howgate were elected corresponding members. James Lick presented fragments of the flag which waved over Fort McHenry during its bombardment on September 14, 1814 and gave rise to the “Star Spangled Banner.” The fragments had been given to Mr. Lick by Commo- dore George Henry Preble, U.S.N., then Commandant of the Naval Station at Philadelphia. Charles L. Weller presented one hundred volumes of books, chiefly government publications. Judge Hastings read a paper “On the late alleged manifes- tations in Oakland,” and Dr. Fourgeaud [Forgeaud as published in the newspaper account of the meeting {Eds.}] a paper on evolution, both being in continuation of papers previously read by them. Professor Davidson called attention to the munifi- cence of James Lick’s gifts to science, and particularly those designed to establish in California the largest and most complete astronomical observatory in the world, and to the unbounded admiration of his generosity expressed by scientific men in the East. He also stated that Mr. Mumford of the Telegraph Company had shown him an instrument for the transmission of unusual sounds along a telegraph wire, and that he himself had heard distinct musical sounds thus transmitted a distance of 800 miles. Professor Edward S. Morse was introduced and made an address. He congratulated the members on the prosperity of the Academy, comparing it, in respect to its means, with similar bodies in the Eastern States. He said, “In the East we are familiar with your publications. I wish to tell you that when the first ‘Proceedings’ came along, we were somewhat amazed and thought that some young men were starting it, and the Society would only last a year or so. From year to year you kept on; and we saw that the papers you published showed reasonable research. We saw that you did not decay and were getting on; but we never dreamed that you would get an amount of money more than that of all the Eastern Societies put together.” He gave a sketch of the struggles of several of the scientific societies in the East and said that the sum given to the Academy by Mr. Lick exceeded all the funds of all the natural history societies in the Atlantic states. Mr. Lick had gone ahead of Mr. Peabody as far as science was concerned; for Mr. Peabody had endowed educational institutions liberally but gave only about $300,000 to purely scientific societies. The position occupied on the globe of the California Academy, he said, was a fine one, as it was the only endowed society on the Pacific Ocean and it had plenty of means and a large area for investigation. In his closing remarks, Professor Morse said, “Science has changed a great deal in the last ten years. Our old proceedings of societies were merely technical; now they are broader. As your President [George Davidson] said in his last report, “There is no money in this country for individual pursuits.’ In Europe this is done, but not here. There large sums are appropriated to assist Professor Blank in his investigations. In CHAPTER XIV: 1874 173 this country our naturalists are poor. So ina society they must label and paste and do miscellaneous work, and get no time for investigation. The primary object of your Society is to furnish original investigators. Now you have ample funds to employ specialists, and you must impress upon them that they must give the results of their investigations to you. Do not let the bread-and-butter idea predominate. There are other things for men to do besides eat and drink and make money.” The deaths of Col. Leander Ransom, former president of the Academy, and Adolphe J. L. Quetelet, an honorary member, were announced. President Davidson made remarks at some length in reference to the prominent position Leander Ransom had occupied in the Academy, having attended the second preliminary meeting on April 11, 1853, and been an active and efficient member ever since. He had been president from January 1855, to January 1867, a period of eleven years. JULY 6, William B. May and C. H. Wakelee were elected resident members. A number of photographs of hieroglyphic inscriptions found on Easter Island and several letters from Thomas Croft in relation to them and the natives of the island were received. Henry Edwards presented a paper entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, On the Earlier States of Some Species of Diurnal Lepidoptera.” A. W. Chase of the U.S. Coast Survey presented a paper “On the Use of Giant Powder [dynamite] for Obtaining Specimens of Fish at Sea.” He related various instances in which he had practiced this method of killing or maiming large numbers of fish off Santa Catalina Island. Henry Edwards published a memorial in memory of George Robert Crotch of Philadelphia. JULY 20, E. Stevens was elected a resident member. Among the donations was a bottle of sonorous sand from the Hawaiian island of Kauai, together with a letter in relation to the sands from W. R. Frink. He said that the sand drift was at the southwesterly end of the island and was about sixty feet high. At the extreme south end, if two handfuls were slapped together, a sound was produced like the hooting of an owl, more or less sharp as the motion was quick or slow. Sitting down and giving the sand a quick circular motion with the hand produced a sound like the heavy bass of a melodeon. Sliding down the sand produced a sound, which accumu- lated as the descent was made until it was like distant thunder. But the greatest sound was produced by one man rapidly dragging another by the legs down the incline and carrying with them as much sand as possible when the sound was “terrific and could have been heard many hundred yards distant.” Professor Davidson communicated the general results of the recent survey by Commander Belknap of the U. S. Steamer Tuscarora on the proposed southern route for a telegraph cable from this coast to Japan. Henry Edwards presented a paper entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 6. Notes on the Earlier Stages of Ctenucha Multifaria, Boisduval.” Mr. Stearns said that the Board of Regents of the University of California has extended an invitation to Academy members to attend the University’s commencement exercises. The presi- dent announced that the Board of Trustees had been aided in drawing a new constitution by Samuel M. Wilson, Judge Currey and R. C. Harrison, and that it would be presented at the next meeting. AUGUST 3, Cornelius Cole, Professor Thomas Guerin, James Faulkner, and Carl 174 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 I. Schneider were elected resident members. The new Constitution and By-Laws were reported from the Board of Trustees and, after considerable discussion, were adopted with only one dissenting voice. The new constitution, in so far as it differed from the old one, provided that the members of the Academy should consist of resident, life and honorary members, leaving out corresponding members. When a person was proposed for membership, his name should be posted in a conspicuous place in the Hall of the Academy for at least one month. It was then to go before the Council; and if that body reported favorably, the person was to be balloted for by the Academy but no one was to be elected during the month preceding the annual election. Every person elected, except honorary members, was to pay his initiation fee and first quarterly dues within one month after receiving notice of his election, and then sign the constitution. If a person were not reported upon favorably by the Council, or if he were rejected by the Academy, his name might be again proposed at any time after the expiration of one year from the date of his rejection. Honorary members could only be elected at the annual meetings and must have been proposed by the Council not less than two months before such meeting and posted for that length of time. To elect required four-fifths of the members voting; and there was to be no election unless twenty votes were cast. The Council was to have the privilege of nominating for election to life membership such persons as had rendered valuable services to the Academy, such elections not to exceed two annually. Correspondents of the Academy might be appointed by the Council for one year and should have the privilege of attending the meetings, visiting the library and museum, and reading and communi- cating papers. The business of the Academy was to be managed exclusively by the resident and life members, from whom the officers of the Academy should be elected. The number of honorary members should not exceed fifty, of whom thirty should be resident and citizens of the United States, and twenty of foreign countries. The Board of Trustees was to consist of seven members, to be elected annually, who were to have charge and management of the estate and property of the Academy and transact all affairs relative to the temporalities thereof. The old provision for ex officio Trustees was done away with. The new Board should require bonds of the treasurer, librarian and director of the museum and select some bank as a depository of the funds of the Academy. They were to have authority to loan surplus funds, but no loan should be made except the same should be secured by mortgage of unencum- bered real estate in the City and County of San Francisco, the value of which, exclusive of all improvements should in the judgment of the Trustees be twice the amount of the loan, or by a pledge of bonds of the State of California or of the City and County of San Francisco, whose par value should be double the amount of the loan. The officers of the Academy were to remain the same as before, except that there was to be a first and second vice-president. The officers had to be resident or life members for three years before their election. The officers, except the Trustees, were to constitute the Council. Provision was made for a nominating on the first Monday of December from members not holding office. The ticket for the succeeding year CHAPTER XIV: 1874 175 had to be presented on the third Monday of December and thereafter posted. Other tickets might be presented, apparently at any time before the election was held. The initiation fee was fixed at $5 and the dues at $3 per quarter. Payment of dues consecutively for twenty-five years entitled a resident member to life membership. If a paper were accepted for publication the author was to be entitled to fifty printed copies. Medals and prizes might be established and the means of bestowing them accepted by the Academy on the recommendation of the Council. The By-Laws were substantially the same as before. AUGUST 17, R. E. C. Stearns exhibited specimens of “Chinese water-nuts,” sometimes called water chestnuts, Trapa bicornis, an important article of food in China and Japan, and held in high estimation in India, and suggested an attempt to cultivate it in California. Dr. Blake presented a paper “On the Structure of the Sonorous Sand from Kauai.” He had examined the sand under the microscope and found it composed of small particles of coral and apparently calcareous sponges. The grains were all more or less perforated, with small holes, mostly terminating in blind cavities. When the grains were set in motion, the friction against one another caused vibrations in their substance, and these vibrations being communicated to the air in the cavities produced the sounds. The accumulated sound of millions of these resonant cavities might well swell up so as to resemble the thunder to which it had been compared. Professor Thomas Guerin presented a paper on “Canals depending on Tide Water for a Supply, or the Supply of Tide Water to Canals,” based upon a survey he had made of a canal proposed to connect the waters of the Bay of Fundy with those of the Gulf of St. Laurence. Professor Davidson read a paper “On the coming Transit of Venus.” Mr. Stearns made some remarks on the death of Dr. Ferdinand Stoliczka of the Geological Survey of India. SEPTEMBER 7, B. F. Sherwood was elected a life member and Charles Wolcott Brooks, James A. Waymire, Frank P. McLean, Abel T. Winn, Frederick T. Newberry, Charles Sonntage, Charles M. Blake, and Dr. B. R. Swan, resident members. Henry Edwards presented papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 7. Descriptions of Some New Species of Heterocera,” and “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 8. On the Transformations of Some Species of Heterocera, Not Previously Described.” Stephen Powers presented a paper on “Aboriginal Botany.” In it, he said, he included “all the forms of the vegetable world which the aborigines used for medicine, food, textile fabrics, ornaments, etc.” He mentioned seventy-three vegetable substances, and said he was indebted to Professor Bolander for the identification and scientific names of many of them. In each case he gave the Indian name and the manner in which the plant was used. SEPTEMBER 21, W. N. Lockington presented a paper “On the Crustacea of California.” Judge Hastings read short papers entitled, “Our Thunder Storms”; “On Transmission of Musical Sounds by Telegraphy”; “On Katie King and the Spiritualistic Theories”; “Questions to the Eminent Scientist, A. R. Wallace”; and “On the Creeping of Rails on North and South Railroad Tracks.” Dr. J. G. Cooper made remarks “On California Coal.” He said that the true coal of the Carboniferous rocks in other countries was formed from the tree-ferns, algae, and other plants of 176 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 low organization; but none such had been found on this coast. From the fact that our coal contained remains of conifers and dicotyledonous trees, geologists had long considered it only lignite; but practically that of Vancouver Island, Bellingham Bay, Coos Bay, and Monte Diablo was as good as much of the older coal. He said there were numerous strata of pretty good quality in the Coast Range, but too thin to pay; none would pay if less than two feet thick and in most places a thickness of four feet was necessary, if the coal was no better, nor more accessible, than that of Monte Diablo. Nearly all the strata in the Coast Range were either too thin or too full of sulphur or other impurities to be valuable. Resolutions of respect to the memory of Hiram G. Bloomer were presented by the Board of Trustees, read, and adopted. They spoke of the deceased as one honored for his gentle and kindly nature; respected for his principles, of truth, worthy of admiration for his enthusiastic love of science, and his great desire ever to impart information. On motion of Professor Bolander, a committee was appointed to examine his library and herbarium with a view to purchase. OCTOBER 5, Henry F. Teschemacher, having paid the required fee, was enrolled as a life member. Dr. Cooper presented a specimen of orange-red fungoid growth in red sap, exuded from partially burned willow trees, and remarked that though it would be supposed, according to scientific belief that the spores of this lichen or fungus merely found a suitable place to grow in the scorched sap, it looked very much like a case of “spontaneous generation” of fungus from the sap itself. Dr. Cooper also made remarks on “ California during the Pliocene Epoch,” in which he described the country when the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys were with salt or brackish water with outlets, besides the Golden Gate, if that existed at all, in the neighborhood of the mouths of Russian and Salinas Rivers, and the ocean coast in many places was occupied by marshes in which roamed the animals of that period, including masto- dons, elephants, buffaloes, llamas, horses, tigers, and others. After the Pliocene came the volcanic era; and, after that, the post-Pliocene, when extensive glaciers covered the Sierra Nevada and ploughed out its great cafions. Since the end of the age of ice, there has been comparatively little change in the topography of the country. Professor E. W. Hilgard of the University of Michigan, being introduced, congratulated the Academy upon the attendance of its members, which greatly surpassed that of ordinary meetings of scientific bodies in the Eastern States, and then made remarks upon the geology of the country north of the Gulf of Mexico, as compared with the geology of the Pacific Coast. Stephen Powers presented a paper on “The California Aborigines.” He thought the prehistoric Indians a superior race as indicated by the superior workmanship of their stone implements. He was disposed to think that they had originally come from Asia. The committee appointed to examine the library and botanical collection of H. G. Bloomer, deceased, with a view to purchasing, reported that they were worth at least $700; but, in consideration of the inestimable services rendered by Mr. Bloomer to the Academy, they recommended the $1,000 be paid to the widow and family in quarterly installments of $250 each. The report was adopted and referred to the Board CHAPTER XIV: 1874 177, of Trustees. At its meeting on NOVEMBER 3, that body reported that, as they could find no warrant for paying out $1,000 for property, which was worth only $700, they could allow only $700; and that sum was accordingly ordered paid. OCTOBER 19, F. Gruber and G. T. Bromley were elected resident members. J. P. Dameron read a paper on “coal.” Charles D. Gibbes called attention to the “Bois d’Arc” or Osage orange, Maclura aurantiaca, both for hedges and timber. He said the wood was one of the most durable in the world, and remarkably strong, elastic and tough. It was of a beautiful yellow color, close grained, received a fine polish, and was valuable for furniture. It also yielded a bright yellow dye. In Texas it was used for wagon wheels. For ship building it was better than live oak, and by the Indians preferred to any other wood for bows. As an ornamental tree it was one of the most graceful and beautiful. W.H. Dall presented “Notes on Some Aleut Mummies,” which, however, had been ascertained to be not more than about 100 years old. He also gave a brief synopsis of his recent expedition to Alaska. A paper was presented from Professor Davidson on the “Mesh-knot of the Tchin-cha-au Indians, Port Simpson, British Columbia.” Dr. Cooper presented a paper on “California in the Miocene Epoch.” He said that, as there was much less land above water in this part of the continent during the Miocene than in the Pliocene, the field for terrestrial animals to exist was much more limited. The fossil evidence relating to the Miocene was, however abundant and consisted of marine shells found at short intervals throughout the Coast Range and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Many of the marine remains were only of microscopic size and from them was produced the petroleum of this coast—a substance so far found exclusively in the Miocene strata of California. The flora of the Miocene was not very different from that of the present age. It appeared that the whole northern hemisphere in the Miocene epoch had a remarkably uniform climate, in which the vegetation of Europe resembled that of the Eastern States. A wonderful fact connected with it was that Greenland in latitude 70° and Spitzbergen in latitude 78°58’ had a luxuriant forest of trees, mostly American in character, and among them a redwood, indistinguishable from the present Califor- nia redwoods. He felt forced, he said, to the conclusion, in spite of astronomic opinion that the poles of the earth had changed since then; and, if they had, this fact might help to explain many geological puzzles both in California and elsewhere. W. N. Lockington presented a paper entitled “Observations on the Genus Caprella, and Description of a New Species.” Dr. Blake described an electrical phenomenon witnessed by him at Placerville in El Dorado County during a thunder storm on September 30. A brilliant luminous display, resembling the aurora, arose from the ridge of the mountains six miles distant and continued for from fifteen to twenty minutes. The storm was raging in the valley at the time, but on the mountains the weather was clear. The appearance, he thought, was produced by a violent discharge of electricity from the ridge. NOVEMBER 2, W. H. Dall, having paid the required fee, was enrolled a life member. Dr. Behr spoke of the Eucalyptus globulus, and said he had been informed by an Australian correspondent that its wood made excellent shingles by reason of 178 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 its non-inflammable character. Dr. H. W. Harkness described an extinct volcano, supposed to have become recently inactive, which he had visited on a late trip to Plumas and Lassen counties. It was in the northern part of Plumas County to the eastward of Lassen’s Butte. He was of opinion that it had been in active operation within twenty-five years. He also spoke of a lake, over a mile and a half in diameter, discovered by him in the mountains between Warner Valley and Big Meadows in the northern part of Plumas County, which he said was by barometrical measurement 7,330 feet above sea-level. He believed it to be the most elevated of any body of water of such magnitude in the United States. As it was comparatively unknown and without a name, he called it “Lake Livingstone.” Judge Hastings presented a communication in the form of a memorial to the trustees of the Lick property, relating to the terms of the “Lick Donation” and asking for a modification of them. The matter was referred to the Board of Trustees of the Academy, and a committee, consisting of Judge Hastings, R. C. Harrison and J. H. Smythe, was appointed to act with the Trustees. Henry Edwards presented a paper, entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 9.— Description of a New Species of Thyris from the Collection of Dr. Hermann Behr.” Dr. Harkness submitted written papers, descriptive of the volcano, supposed by him to have become recently extinct, and of the lake 7,330 feet in elevation, in Plumas County. On motion of C. Wolcott Brooks, it was resolved that the lake described should be called ‘“‘Lake Harkness” instead of “Lake Livingstone.” NOVEMBER 16, Dr. W. Newcomb presented a paper entitled “Description of a New Species of Shell from San Francisco Bay”; Dr. Blake read a paper “On the Composition of some Grapes grown in California, in relation to their Fitness for making Wine”; and William J. Fisher a paper “On a New Species of Alcyonoid Polyp.” Dr. Cooper read a paper on “The Eocene Epoch in California — Are there really no Eocene Strata?” He said that no positively Eocene fossils have been found here, either marine or terrestrial, which fact indicated a wide gap, so far as deposits were concerned, in the early Tertiary age. One explanation had been suggested, that our limits may have been entirely above the ocean during that epoch; and another, that our dry land may have then been sunk so deep in the ocean that the marine animals common to that period could not flourish at such depths. Still another explanation had been suggested, that the great prevalence of volcanic action heated or poisoned the ocean waters. The only deposits at all resembling the Eocene were specimens found near the Tejon in California and others near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. He then discussed the question, introduced by him at a previous meeting; “Have the Poles Changed?” He was of opinion that the existence of tropical and temperate groups of beings within the Arctic Circle from the Miocene back to the Carboniferous age proves either such a change, or the existence of some light-giving medium there in those ages, of which we have no knowledge. DECEMBER 7, Dr. Cooper presented a paper entitled ““Note on Tertiary Formation of California,” in which he said that Professor Dana in the last edition (1874) of his “Manual of Geology” considered the Monte Diablo coal strata, as well as those of the Rocky Mountains, as belonging to the lignite era of the Eocene. Although in both CHAPTER XIV: 1874 i739 cases there were some Cretaceous fossils found in or above it, the presence of lignite was more important, especially as showing the existence of a decidedly Tertiary vegetation. Henry Edwards presented a paper on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 10. — On anew Species of Papilio from California.” Judge Hastings read papers on “The Coming Earthquake,” and “Shell Mounds of Pacific Plains and Valleys.”” DECEMBER 21, T. J. Lowry read a paper on “A Device for the Solution of the Problem of Lengthening the Pendulum of the Astronomical Clock without Stopping or Disturb- ing its Vibrations.” He said a method had been devised of virtually shortening a pendulum while in motion, by dropping shot into a small closed funnel fixed upon its face. The difficulty was to extract the shot and thereby virtually lengthen the pendulum while in motion. Tweezers and various other mechanical appliances had been tried to pick the shot out; but the manipulation disturbed the vibrations. It had occurred to him to make the shot of iron, instead of lead, and use a magnet to extract them. Thus while gravity might aid in shortening a vibrating pendulum, magnetism might assist in lengthening it. The nominating committee, appointed by the Council and Trustees as provided in the constitution, reported a ticket for officers of the next year. 180 Chapter XV: Year 1875 vice-president, Gen. John Hewston, read the annual address, giving a statement of the condition and progress of the Academy during 1874. The corresponding secretary reported that the correspondence was becoming more extensive and impor- tant. The recording secretary reported the average attendance at meetings for the past year as 31; the number of resident members as 301, and of life members, 75. The treasurer reported the balance on hand as $2,958.43. From the librarian’s report it appeared that there were 5000 volumes in the library of which 2500 were bound. At the annual election the following were chosen officers for 1875; George Davidson, president; Henry Edwards, first vice-president; Dr. Henry Gibbons, second vice- president; Henry G. Hanks, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; William J. Fisher, librarian; Dr. Albert Kellogg, director of the Museum; David D. Colton, John Hewston, Jr., Robert E. C. Stearns, George E. Gray, Ralph C. Harrison, Thomas P. Madden and William Ashburner, trustees. JANUARY 18, Dr. Kellogg exhibited plants and read a paper on “California and Colorado ‘Loco’ Poisons.” He spoke first of the so-called rattle-weed, Astragalus Menziesii, found in the vicinity of San Francisco and also wide-spread over the State. It appeared that horses, cattle, and sheep, in this vicinity at least, would shun it as long as the pasture was good; but when the grass disappeared and they were impelled by hunger, they would eat the rattle-weed and become so affected by it as to stagger, lose control of their muscles, act strangely and stupidly, and in fact become “loco,” the Spanish word for crack-brained or crazy. After once eating the weed, they seemed to like it and would hunt for it, being apparently infatuated with its intoxicating or stupefying effects. Unfortunately, the injury produced was permanent, often lasting many months, but ending in death. The Colorado “loco” plant, Oxytropis Lamberti, had similar effects. An allied plant, called the devil’s shoe-string, Tephrosia, stupe- fied and intoxicated; but the effects soon wore off. FEBRUARY 1, Cornelius Hertz, Horatio Stone, J. R. Scowden, and Jeremiah Clark were elected resident members. T. J. Lowry read a paper on “The Protracting Sextant — A New Instrument for Hydrographic Surveying.” He claimed that his new instru- ment would enable one observer to accomplish in hydrography the desideratum of measuring at the same instant two angles, and plotting them with the same instrument. The secretary read a communication from Professor Davidson on the “Transit of Venus,” observed by him in Japan. Dr. Henry Gibbons read a paper on “Climatic Changes in California,” and W. N. Lockington, one on “Sponges.” A paper was A t the annual meeting held JANUARY 4, in the absence of the president, the CHAPTER XV: 1875 181 presented from Dr. Cooper on “The Origin of California Land-Shells,” in which he spoke of “ the humble and despised snails as among the most important evidences of geological changes and conditions of the land, climate, etc. in the past history of the globe.” Dr. Cooper, also, presented a paper “On Shells of the West Coast of North America, No. III,” being a continuation of former papers on the same subject. FEBRUARY 15, the secretary read a paper from Professor Davidson on “Abrasions of the Coast of Japan,” also a paper from Professor Davidson entitled “Note on the Probable Cause of the Low Temperature of the Depths of the Ocean.” He considered the theory of the interchange of heated surface waters of the equatorial regions with the cold waters of the Arctic basin through Behring’s Straits as weak and insufficient, and attributed the nearly ice-cold waters of the ocean depths to the former existence of the great ocean-coast ice belt and probably to ice masses occupying the high northern and southern areas of the ocean. Dr. Kellogg read a paper, being a letter addressed to Ellwood Cooper of Santa Barbara on the “Different Varieties of Eucalyptus and their Characteristics.” He spoke of about sixty different species. R. E. C. Stearns made verbal remarks about the subjects of Dr. Kellogg’s paper and mentioned the proper and improper methods of transplanting young trees. Mr. Stearns also called attention to the fact that some of the young trout, hatched at Berkeley from eggs brought from the Eastern States by rail, were double — some with two heads and one tail and others distinctly formed by joined together by a filmy substance. President Gilman of the University of California invited the members of the Academy to hold a session at Berkeley on the following Monday. FEBRUARY 22, a special meeting was held at Berkeley. Mr. Stearns made a few remarks reminding the members that the Academy would have to depend mainly upon the University to fill its ranks as time thinned it of its pioneers. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper “On Some of the Ancient Glaciers of the Sierra,” in continuation of a previous paper read by him. He spoke of the great glacier that scooped out Lake Tahoe and of its outlet down the Truckee Cajfion, and of the side glacier that scooped out Donner Lake. But he spoke more particularly of the glaciers that formed Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, and Emerald Bay, and the evidences they had left of their action. Professor John LeConte described two new pieces of apparatus recently acquired by the University — one for projecting microscopic objects, and the other for measuring the force of electric currents. Dr. Kellogg read a paper on “Hops.” Resolutions were adopted expressive of interest in the affairs University and satisfaction at its advance. MARCH I, a paper by S. B. Christy was read describing a “Meteor seen at Berkeley” on the evening of December 9, 1874. Charles Wolcott Brooks read a long paper entitled “Report of Japanese Vessels Wrecked in the North Pacific Ocean; from the Earliest Records to the Present time.” Dr. Stout announced the death of Sir Charles Lyell; H. G. Hanks, John Muir and Albert Kellogg were appointed a committee to draft appropriate resolutions. MARCH 9, the Board of Trustees took occasion to remind the Council that it had no right to grant the use of the Academy’s Hall to J. W. Taylor for a course of lectures; they suggested that under the constitution they were the custodians of the property of the Academy and accountable for its manage- 182 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ment, and that any application for its use should be made to them. MARCH 15, Henry R. Taylor and J. W. Anderson were elected resident members. Amos Bowman read a paper on “Terraces in the Coast Range as related to the Detritus of Glaciers and of the Ancient Rivers.” C. W. Brooks read a long paper, entitled “Early Migrations — Ancient Maritime Intercourse of Western Nations Before the Christian Era; Eth- nologically Considered and Chronologically Arranged, illustrating Facilities for Migration among early Types of the Human Race.” Judge Hastings called attention to the fact that the work of the State Geological Survey on the “Botany of California” would soon be published, and that the means to secure the publication had been contributed, at the instance of President Gilman of the University of California, by Leland Stanford, Henry Pierce, Robert B. Woodward, Lloyd Tevis, D. O. Mills, James C. Flood, John O. Earl, William Norris, and Charles McLaughlin. On motion, it was ordered that the names of the contributors should be enrolled upon the records of the Academy as Benefactors of Science. And it was further ordered that honorable mention should be made and recorded of Professor Asa Gray, Professor J. D. Whitney, Professor Watson and Professor William H. Brewer for their personal devotion, without pecuniary consideration, to the work. On APRIL 1, the Board of Trustees adopted By-Laws to govern its meetings. At the regular meeting of the Academy held on APRIL 5, Horatio Stone read a paper on the “Unity of Arts,” and Amos Bowman a paper on “Coal Deposits of the Pacific Coast.” Professor Brewer exhibited a map showing the distribution of woodlands in the United States. He alluded to the theory of the connection of the existence of forests with rainfall, and said that no instrumental evidence had been found in any part of the United States that the destruction of forests had reduced rainfall. It appeared to be a fact, he added; but it had not so far been properly proven. Dr. Henry Gibbons thought there was evidence to prove the fact, and said that in California, in regions very limited in extent, the rainfall varied greatly in a few miles, the greater amount falling in the vicinity of timber. Dr. Gibbons exhibited a branch of poplar tree, from the broken end of which a branch of mistletoe had grown, as if it had been grafted. APRIL 19, Alfred E. Regensberger, James B. Clifford, E. T. Tarbox, Arthur C. Taylor, Charles Frances, J. R. Stanton, and F. P. Hartney were elected resident members. Professor Brewer read a paper “On the Formation of Ice Pellets or Hail in the Spray of Yosemite Falls,” in which he described a visit to the ice-cone formed at the foot of the Upper Yosemite Fall in the winter time, and said that the spray came down in part in the form of hail, each grain of which he judged to be about a tenth of an inch in diameter. T. J. Lowry read a paper on “Hydrographic Surveying.” Henry Edwards presented a paper on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 11 — List of the Sphingidae of California and Adjacent Districts, with Descriptions of New Species.” George E. Gray offered resolutions, which were adopted, expressive of appreciation and ap- proval of the work of Professor D. C. Gilman, President of the University of California, and regret that he had resigned his position, but at the same time expressing a conviction that his contemplated removal to the Johns Hopkins Univer- sity at Baltimore, Maryland, would prove fruitful of benefits to the entire country. At CHAPTER XV: 1875 183 a meeting of the Board of Trustees, held the same day, it appeared that a suit had been commenced by the City and County of San Francisco against the Academy for taxes on the Outside-Land lot, marked “Academy of Sciences,” on First Avenue; and the matter was referred to Trustee Harrison. May 3,'”' C. W. Brooks read a very long paper, entitled “Origin and Exclusive Development of the Chinese Race — Inquiry into the Evidence of their American Origin, suggesting a great Antiquity of the Human Races on the America Continent.” May 17, Gustave Mahé and Ernest L. Hueber were elected resident members. William Guerin read a paper on “The Sewage System of San Francisco.” A paper by J. E. Clayton was read on “The Glacial Period — Its Origin and Development.” He supposed the theories of a universal upheaval of the land of the northern hemisphere, of a change of position of the poles of the earth, and of the passage of the earth through a frigid zone; and maintained that the geological disturbances and volcanic eruptions which occurred at the close of the Tertiary Age, together with the return trade winds, were the only causes, ample and sufficient, to produce the facts and phenomena of glacial times. The secretary read an extract from a letter by A. W. Kiddie, County Surveyor of Plumas County, confirming the claim of Dr. Harkness as the rightful discoverer of Lake Harkness. In the Board of Trustees, an informal discussion took place in reference to the Lick deed and the suit brought against the Academy by the City and County of San Francisco for taxes on the Outside-Land lot on First Avenue. JUNE 7, S. B. Christy and Frank Soulé were elected resident members. Henry Edwards presented a paper on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 12. On some New Samuel B. Christy Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 15.1 Reported as “May 2” in the published Proceedings. May 2nd was a Sunday; the correct date is May 3, as recorded in the Minute Books. 184 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Species of Noctuidae.” Dr. Kellogg described a new lily, Lilium maritimum, from the vicinity of San Francisco. Dr. Henry Gibbons made verbal remarks on “Clouds.” Dr. C. F. Winslow called attention to the fact that in 1853 he had procured a fragment of a large bone, apparently a portion of the tibia of some gigantic quadruped or reptile, which had been taken from a depth of about 23 feet in digging a well in 1852 on the lot occupied by Dr. Zeile’s Baths on Pacific near Kearny Street in San Francisco. He had sent it to Professor Leidy some years afterwards, and he pronounced it to belong to a gigantic sloth of an extinct and undetermined form. He suggested that the remainder of the skeleton was doubtless still embedded in the ground where the fragment had been dug up and might be reached by careful excavation, without injury to buildings. In the Board of Trustees, a resolution was adopted that in order that the expenses of printing the Proceedings of the Academy might not exceed the ability of the Trustees to pay for them, the Council should be requested to submit all papers it wished printed to the Board of Trustees and number them in their order of merit. In the opinion of the Board, no paper should be published in full except original matter, and all printing should be competed for. The Board ordered paid to H. M. Newhall $150 rent for one month for the Academy building; and that continued for years to be the rate of rent paid. The Board also allowed a small salary to the recording secretary and to the treasurer, and a small sum for contingencies to the director of the museum. JUNE 22, Dr. William P. Gibbons read a “Description of a New Species of Trout from Mendocino County.” The adult fish, which he called Salmo mendocinen- sis, was about 27 inches long. Dr. Gibbons said he was indebted to Joseph H. Clarke for much of his information about it and would have called it Salmo Clarkii, had it not been that there was another fish so named. Dr. Kellogg described a new species of lily, Lilium lucidum, found in Oregon and Washington Territory. Judge Hastings read papers “On the Genuineness of Archaeological Specimens, including Ancient Coins,” “A Plan for the Construction of Levees for Reclaiming Land,” and “San Francisco as a Point for an Astronomical Observatory.” Amos Bowman read a paper on “The Geological Formation of California.” JULY 6 , being a holiday, there was no meeting. JULY 19, Henry Edwards presented No. 13 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera — On the Earlier Stages of Vanessa Californica,” also No. 14 of the same series, “On the Genus Catocala, with Descrip- tions of New Species.”’”” Judge Hastings read a paper on “Phenomenal Changes of Climate in Past Epochs.” Dr. A. W. Saxe called attention to the discovery of a new group of big redwood trees in the basin’ at the headwaters of San Lorenzo River and Boulder Creek in Santa Cruz County and said that one of the trees was 150 feet in circumference eight feet above the ground. He, however, did not seem to be very positive about the size and said he would obtain further details. Dr. Gibbons announced the death of Marshall C. Hastings. AUGUST 2, Dr. G. King, Dr. F. W. Godon, A. W. Crawford, Pembroke Murray, William Eimbeck, and James L. King 15.2 Printed on pp. 207-215 of vol. 6 of the Proc. CAS with a note, “The following papet read at the Regular Meeting held July 19, 1875, should have been printed in the Proceedings of that Meeting” (see pp. 145-149). '5.3 Now Big Basin Redwood State Park. CHAPTER XV: 1875 185 were elected resident members. Dr. James Blake read a paper “On Roscoelite, or Vanadium Mica,” found at Granite Creek, El Dorado County. Dr. Blake also spoke of physiological experiments he had performed to determine the molecular relations of beryllium (see also footnote 13.7). He had introduced the metal into the blood of living rabbits and compared the effects with those of alumina, and found a marked increase in the physiological action of those substances with the increase of their atomic weights; and these experiments, he believed, were the first in which physi- ological reactions had been used to throw light on the chemical properties of a substance. A paper by W. N. Lockington was read, giving a list of Echinidae in the collection of the Academy. A discussion took place as to the advisability of inviting the Microscopical Society to join with the Academy. AUGUST 16, Dr. Kellogg described a recent trip to Mendocino County and said, among other things, that he had discovered there a true thorn. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the remarkable climatic phenomena occurring in the winter of 1874-5 both here and in Europe. In the Board of Trustees’ meeting of the same date, in response to a letter from the Academy’s Council questioning the Board’s wish to have papers approved by the Council for publication submitted to it, the Board said that its object was only “to limit the publications to the extent of the finances in their hands to pay for the printing. It was not their intention to interfere with the duty of the publication committee . . . nor do the Trustees assume to criticize or reject any paper that the Council wish printed.” The Trustees suggested a meeting with the Council to resolve misunderstandings. SEPTEMBER 6, Joseph O’Connor, J. P. Moore, and G. H. Sanders were elected resident members. Henry Edwards spoke of a recent trip to Mount Shasta, and particularly of the “pitcher-plant,” Darlingtonia Californica, which is found in that locality in great abundance. He described its insectivorous qualities and the manner in which insects were attracted and ensnared by it. He was inclined to think that no process similar to digestion went on within the plant, but that the fluid mass derived from the decay of the imprisoned insects descended through the tube of the plant into the earth and was there taken up by absorption through the roots, thus acting as a kind of liquid manure. He said the plant lured almost all orders of insects, and he found in examining about forty tubes, no less than forty-three species. In the Board of Trustees, on account of the suspension of the Bank of California, which had been made the depository of the cash funds of the Academy, it was ordered that the treasurer should thenceforth keep the Academy monies in the London and San Francisco Bank. A meeting with members of the Council to discuss the printing of the proceedings was held and “an amicable understanding arrived at, the printing being left as it was” (in the hands of the Publications Committee [Eds.]). SEPTEMBER 20, William Barber and E. Pander were elected resident members. Among the donations were argentiferous galena from the Sacramento mine and gold ore from San Gregorio Creek in San Mateo County. Mr. Williamson read a paper on “Fish Culture,” and T. J. Lowry a paper on ““A New Method of Determining Position of the Sounding-Boat: Application of the Two-Point Problem to Hydrographic Surveying.” Dr. Blake read a paper “On the Results of Glacial Action at the Head of Johnson’s Pass in the Sierra Nevada.” 186 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Johnson’s Pass is a gap in the western summit of the Sierra at the head of the Valley of the South Fork of American River and about 7,500 feet above tide water. The break in the mountains extends for about a mile and a quarter from north to south and is nearly level. The head of the Pass constitutes a pretty steep escarpment, which forms a part of the western boundary of Lake Tahoe Valley, some miles south of the Lake, and 1000 feet in altitude above it. The Pass is separated on the north from Echo Lake Valley by a large moraine, which at one time was a lateral moraine of Echo Lake Glacier. This glacier for a period flowed into Tahoe Lake Valley, but when that basin filled, Echo Lake glacier deflected down the American River Valley. To the south of the Pass there is another large moraine, which was deposited by a glacier coming in from the south end of Tahoe Lake Valley at a time when that valley was entirely filled. W. N. Lockington presented a communication calling attention to the un- healthy condition of the Academy building, and suggesting remedies. A lengthy discussion took place, at the end of which the subject was postponed for future consideration. SEPTEMBER 27, the Board of Trustees held a special session for the purpose of meeting Messrs. John B. Felton and Theodore H. Hittell, attorneys of James Lick, to hear the reading of Mr. Lick’s new Trust Deed of his property 1n general and to receive a new special and unconditioned deed in fee of the Market Street property. As has already been stated, Mr. Lick, on February 15, 1873, made a deed of donation to the Academy of the lot, 80 feet front on Market Street near Fourth, constituting the southwesterly side of 100-vara Lot No. 126; but it was so hampered with conditions, so practically impossible of fulfillment, as to be substantially useless to the Academy. At the same time he made a similar deed to the Society of California Pioneers for a similar lot, fronting 80 feet of Fourth Street near Market and constituting the southeasterly side of the same 100-vara Lot 126, the dividing line between the rears of the two lots being a diagonal running in a nearly northerly direction from the southerly corner of Lot 126; so that each lot was 275 feet deep on the outer side and 95 feet on the inner side. He afterwards on October 3, 1873, as has also been already stated, on account of representations made to him that it would be impossible for the Academy to comply with the conditions of that first deed, made a second deed to the Academy of the same property, modifying to some extent the terms and conditions, but still leaving them practically as impossible of fulfillment as before, and the donation therefore substantially useless. On July 16, 1874, Mr. Lick made his first Trust Deed, whereby he conveyed all his property, except such as he had conveyed as above stated to the Academy and Society of Pioneers, conservatively estimated to be worth $3,000,000, to Thomas H. Selby, D. O. Mills, Henry M. Newhall, William Alvord, George H. Howard, James Otis and John O. Earl, in trust to sell the same and devote the proceeds, with the exception of a few gifts to relatives, to certain public purposes, including $700,000 for the establishment of the Lick Astronomical Obser- vatory; $300,000 for a School of Mechanical Arts; $250,000 for statuary emblematic of California and its history to be erected in Sacramento; $150,000 for a monument in San Francisco to the memory of Francis Scott Key, the author of the “Star Spangled CHAPTER XV: 1875 187 Banner,” and various other sums for like purposes, amounting in all to nearly $2,000,000; and to divide the residue in equal proportions between the California Academy of Sciences and the Society of California Pioneers. In accordance with this deed, Mr. Selby and his associates commenced selling off portions of the property, thus conveyed to them in trust, and disposed of several parcels, when Mr. Lick became dissatisfied with their management and particularly with Mr. Selby, who was their president and spokesman. Under the circumstances, Mr. Lick consulted Mr. Hittell at whose suggestion Mr. Selby was informed of the situation and respectfully asked to resign. He at first expressed a willingness to do so; but, upon consulting with his associates, they objected; and he then declined. As this apparently meant war, Mr. Hittell advised the employment of his partner, John B. Felton, as chief counsel; and, at Mr. Felton’s suggestion, the locally famous Deed of Revocation was executed by Mr. Lick on March 17, 1875, and recorded the same day, by the terms of which, and for the reasons therein set forth, he revoked his first Deed of Trust, but ratified and confirmed all the sales and acts of the Trustees made and done up to that time under its provisions. The effect of this Deed of Revocation was to substantially paralyze the trust; and on April 17, the Trustees commenced a suit in the district Court to be allowed to resign, which suit resulted on September 14, 1875, in a constant decree, accepting their resignation; reducing the number of trustees to five; appointing at Mr. Lick’s suggestion, Richard S. Floyd, Faxon D. Atherton, Bernard D. Murphy, John H. Lick, and John Nightingale as new Trustees, and directing the old trustees to convey to them all the property remaining in their hands, which conveyance was accordingly made on September 16, 1875. A few days afterwards, on September 21, 1875, Mr. Lick executed a new Trust Deed of his property in general to the new Trustees and, at the same time, new deeds, absolute and without any conditions whatever, of the lots on Market and Fourth Streets to the California Academy of Sciences and Society of California Pioneers. As the new Trust Deed, though in most respects similar to the old one, made some changes in the disposition of Mr. Lick’s property, it was deemed advisable to make the beneficiaries affected parties to it and obtain their consent to the changes; and it was chiefly for the purpose of obtaining the consent of the Academy that the attorneys of Mr. Lick appeared, as above stated, before the Board of Trustees. Mr. Felton thereupon stated the changes made in the Deed of Trust, which were principally the reducing of the amount given for statuary emblematic of the history of California from $250,000 to $100,000 and providing that it should be erected at the City Hall in San Francisco instead of at Sacramento; the reducing of the amount given for a monument of Francis Scott Key from $150,000 to $50,000; the adding of the $240,000 so saved, to the $300,000 given for a School of Mechanical Arts, thus making its sum $540,000; and the giving to John H. Lick, son of James Lick, $150,000 in addition to a sum of $3,000 given him by the first deed. At the same time Mr. Felton read the new deed to the Academy of the Market Street lot of 80 feet front and called attention to the fact that it was a gift absolute in terms and was intended to relieve the Academy from all the conditions of the previous deeds. In response to the explana- 188 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 tions of changes and request for concurrence thus made, the Board of Trustees of the Academy adopted a resolution — which, however, was to be considered as provi- sional and dependent upon the consent of the Academy — to accept and join in the execution of the new Trust Deed, to accept the new deed to the Market Street property, and to call the Academy together the next day to consider and, if satisfactory, approve and ratify their action. SEPTEMBER 28, the Academy met in special session at the request of the Board of Trustees for the purpose of taking action in reference to the new deeds of James Lick. Gen. D. D. Colton, president of the Board of Trustees, was present as representative of that body, and Mr. Hittell as attorney of Mr. Lick. Gen. Colton stated the action of the Board of Trustees and its desire, in a matter of so much importance, to have its action expressly authorized and endorsed by the Academy. By request, Mr. Hittell read to the Academy the new deed to the Market Street property. Thereupon, the resolutions of the Board of Trustees were approved, adopted and ratified as the act of the Academy. Immediately after the adjournment of the Academy, the Board of Trustees again met [at 8:30 p.m.]; on a motion by Mr. Ashburner, the new Trust Deed was duly executed in the name of the corporation by Gen. Colton as president and Mr. Yale as secretary, and the new deed to the Market Street property formally delivered and accepted.'°* The Board then adjourned to meet the next afternoon at the Lick House, where Mr. Lick resided, to tender to him the Academy’s thanks. OCTOBER 4, among the donations were specimens of manna found on eucalyptus trees in the University grounds at Berkeley, supposed to be the first found on eucalyptus trees in California. Dr. Blake read a paper on “Phylloxera.” He described the breeding insects as having wings and depositing their eggs on the leaves of the vine, and said that the larvae, when hatched, descended to the stem and thence by cracks and crevices down the roots. He recommended giving up vines once attacked and devoting attention to healthy plants by finding out some method of preventing the larvae from getting down the lower part of the stem and to the roots. He also read a paper “On the Reimer Grape,” which he described as containing the most malic acid and being one of the best wine-producing grapes in California. OCTOBER 18, among the donations were specimens of the “candle-nut” from the Hawaiian Islands. It was the fruit of a tree that grew from 20 to 30 feet high, said by C. D. Gibbes to be Aleurites triloba, and by the natives called “Ku Kui.” The fruit was about two inches in diameter; shell of inner nut very hard, and kernel good to eat but rather rich. The oil was easily expressed; and it had been customary to send it to England for making candles. As a drying oil it was ranked among the best. The Hawaiians used the kernels for producing light by stringing them on slender slips of bamboo and using them as candles. They burned with a peculiar but pleasant odor. Dr. G. F. Becker read a paper on the “Comstock Lode,” and Dr. Behr one on “Phylloxera.”’ Henry Edwards presented “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 15— Description of a New Species of Catocala from San Diego.” R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On the Vitality of Certain Land Mollusks,” giving an instance of a Bulimulus pallidior from San Jose del Cabo '54 Recorded in Book 801 of Deeds, page 253, City and County of San Francisco. CHAPTER XV: 1875 189 in Lower California, which was kept in a box without food and was found alive after two years, two and a half months. He was of opinion that mollusks in arid regions are calculated by adaptation and evolution to maintain their hold upon life longer than those of more favored regions. NOVEMBER 1, Charles W. Banks and Dr. G. F. Becker were elected resident members. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the difference between rainstorms here and in the Eastern States. In the Board of Trustees, Gen. Colton spoke of the rents of the Market Street property, which had become the absolute property of the Academy. The amounted to $192.50 per month; and he thought they might be doubled. He also spoke of the taxes on the property, which would have to be paid by the Academy. O. Livermore was appointed agent to take charge of the property under direction of the president until further order. NOVEMBER 15, J. R. Scupham made remarks upon the Teredo and presented a specimen of wood, showing an instance in which one of the worms had bored into the hole of its neighbor — the first case of the kind that had been noticed. A discussion took place on the subject of the Phyl/oxera between Dr. Behr, Dr. Blake, Dr. Kellogg, and Judge Hastings. In the Board of Trustees, Mr. Ashburner reported that he had arranged for cleaning of the Market Street property. He also requested funds for specimen cases in addition to those previously approved. DECEMBER 6, among the donations were twenty-six specimens of native woods, presented by Joseph H. Clarke of Caleto, Mendocino County. Dr. Kellogg remarked of them that they were valuable, all the specimens being in fine order and carefully prepared. W. N. Lockington read a paper on “Landscape Gardening,” giving a list of the varieties of plants adapted to California gardens, and suggestions as to the proper laying out of grounds. Dr. J. G. Cooper presented a paper entitled “New Facts relating to California Ornithology — No. 1.” Mr. Stearns announced the death of Benjamin P. Avery, U.S. Minister to China and a member of the Academy, who had died at Peking in the early part of November, and said that “his life had been conspicuous for its purity; his character for its many virtues; his intellect for its refined and delicate culture; his heart for its tender and generous sympathy.” In the Board of Trustees, the treasurer reported that he refused to deposit a check from the Lick Trustees for rents due the Academy because it had been made out to D. D. Colton as president of the trustees, and not the Academy. How this matter was resolved is not indicated. Mr. Ashburner was authorized to employ a policeman to keep people off the steps of the Academy’s building. DECEMBER 20, a memorial to the State Legislature, praying for a revival of the State Geological Survey and a liberal appropriation for its continuance and completion, presented by J. R. Scupham, was approved and ordered forwarded. Henry Edwards read a paper, embracing the substance of verbal remarks, made by him at a previous meeting, on the California pitcher-plant, Darlingtonia Californica. In reference to Mr. Edwards’ opinion that the juices of the insects entrapped and destroyed by the plant were carried down to the roots and absorbed there as manure, Dr. Henry Gibbons stated that the inquiries of scientists had led many of them to believe that the plant was truly carnivorous and endowed with a digestive power similar to that of animals. Their general view seemed 190 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 to be that the insects were decomposed and their juices absorbed by the leaves, as manure was absorbed by the roots. Dr. Gibbons also referred to the alleged efficiency of the Sarracenia as a remedy for small-pox, but said its claims in this respect had not been recognized. A report from the nominating committee, appointed by a joint meeting of Council and Board of Trustees, presented a ticket for officers of the ensuing year. In this ticket the name of Professor Davidson was proposed as a candidate for president and also for a trustee. After some discussion on the subject, the name of Professor Davidson as a candidate for trustee was taken off and that of Gen. John F. Miller inserted in its place. In the Board of Trustees, a resolution was adopted directing the funds of the Academy, then in the London and San Francisco Bank, to be transferred to the Bank of California, which had recovered from its temporary difficulties and suspension and was re-established on a firm basis; and that thence-forth the Bank of California should be the depository of the funds of the Academy. As for the special policeman to keep people off the steps of the building, Mr. Ashburner reported that because there was to be a “change in policemen on that beat,” he decided to wait. 19] Chapter XVI: Year 1876 the Council, Dr. Henry Gibbons, Sr. was elected a honorary life member. Louis sbaumer and W. E. Burleigh were elected resident members. In the absence of the president, Henry Edwards, first vice-president, read the annual address on the condition and progress of the Academy. He spoke of the past year as an eventful one for the institution. It was poor no longer. The cloud of adversity, which seemed so long to overshadow it and which, but for the untiring energy and hopeful perseverance of a few of its members, would have brought its career of usefulness to a close, had, by the grand beneficence of one man, been removed. He spoke of the example of Mr. Lick in the disposition of his wealth as noble, and said that he had earned for all time the unbounded gratitude of lovers of Science, not only in California, but throughout the whole civilized world. He reviewed the work of the Academy during the past year and thought it in point of value and interest in no respect behind the work of precious years. Gen. Colton, as president of the Board of Trustees, presented an annual report on the condition of the “temporal ties” of the Academy. The amount of money on hand at the beginning of 1875 was $2,958.43 and at the end of that year $1,598.73. The greatest economy, consistent with the needs of the institution, had been exer- cised; but necessary purchases, expenditures connected with alterations of the Acad- emy building and current expenses had unavoidably reduced the amount of cash on hand. The prospects for the future, however, were bright. The rents of the Market Street property, given by Mr. Lick, which were about $2,300 annually, had been increased about 100 per cent, and it was to be expected that the gross amount for the coming year would be in the neighborhood of $5,000. In addition to this, the provisions of the Deed of Trust, executed by Mr. Lick, warranted the belief that the princely gift thereby made would enable the Academy to erect on the ground within a few years one of the most magnificent temples of science on the face of the globe. The recording secretary reported the average attendance of members at meetings as 31. Twenty-seven new members had joined in the course of the past year; four had died, and three resigned. The total resident membership was 301, and life member- ship, 78. The treasurer and the Board of Trustees also presented reports, showing in detail the receipts and disbursements of the year 1875. The librarian reported very considerable additions to the library and especially mentioned the donation of a large collection of books on history and geography by Professor D. C. Gilman, and rare and costly works on entomology, including those of Hubner, Cramer, Drury, and Stoll, by Gen. Colton. The director of the museum also made a report on the condition Ts annual meeting for 1876 was held on JANUARY 3. On recommendation of Nu 192 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of the cabinets. The annual election resulted in the choice of Professor George Davidson as president; Henry Edwards, first vice-president; Henry C. Hyde, second vice-president; Theodore A. Blake, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, record- ing secretary; Edward F. Hall, treasurer; William J. Fisher, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; D. D. Colton, John F. Miller, Thomas P. Madden, R. E. C. Stearns, William Ashburner, George E. Gray, and R. C. Harrison, trustees. On motion of Mr. Ashburner, a committee was appointed to take into consideration the matter of sectionizing the Academy.'”' JANUARY 17, Z. W. Greene and Dr. James Murphy were elected resident members. C. B. Turrill read a paper by C. W. Brooks and one by himself, recommending a course of popular scientific lectures before the Academy. Henry Edwards presented a paper on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 16— Notes on the Transformations of some Species of Lepidoptera not hitherto recorded.” Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to the frequency of earthquakes in different parts of the world during the past summer. A report, in the form of preamble and resolutions, providing for the creation of sections of the Academy for particular subjects of study and research, was presented by the committee appointed for that purpose and adopted. The new Board of Trustees organized by the election of Gen. D. D. Colton as president, William Ashburner, vice-president, and Charles G. Yale, secretary. On motion of George E. Gray, the treasurer was required to give a bond in the sum of $5,000; and on motion of R. C. Harrison the librarian and director of the museum were each required to give a bond in the sum of $500. The Lick Trustees sent in a communication, stating that they had paid the taxes on the Market Street property, assessed at $90,000, to-wit: $1,444.50, and requesting the amount so paid to be refunded to them. Gen. Colton '6.1 Following the annual meeting, Robert Stearns, in a letter to William Dall, waxed enthusiastically about the present and future condition of the Academy. On Jan. 27, 1876, he wrote, “The annual meeting of the Academy was an exciting affair — 187 [of a membership of 301, eds.] votes polled, which indicates at least a robust vitality. We have to pay taxes this year on $90000.00, the assessed value of the Market St. lot [deeded to the Academy by James Lick], and it will about drain the coffers — but we have the coin to pay it; what a change when compared with the past, when $20.00 would have “busted” the treasury. We may be behind in the publication of our Proceedings for 1875, which I regret but nevertheless it is a satisfaction and a great one, to us who put our hands to the plow, in the dark days and who held our grip and kept the lamp Baits though at times with an uncertain light. Davidson was re-elected and under the circumstances it is well — we have also cleaned out the Hewston element, through delicate tact without an uproar. Again at the last meeting | prepared at the request of many members a resolution and general plan for sectionizing the Academy (adopted) — and we shall have at once a large and active section in the direction of Mining Engineering — other sections will soon organize. All of this stimulates activity and excites interest and will undoubtedly prove beneficial to the institution. I hope to live to see a proper building and an efficient crew, and to help mould [sic] things in such form as to make the Academy the leading organization in America, (save for the SI [Smithsonian Institution, eds.]) in energetic, broad and useful work — to scientifically evangelize the State and all of these Western commonwealths so that the center of scientific culture and progress shall be nearer the setting sun than at present.” (SIArchives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927}, Box 16, Folder 30.) Stearns’ euphoria was reasonably short-lived. Before a decade had passed, without a new building, without funds for publication, with the death of Benjamin Redding (see footnote 21.4), and with George Davidson no longer President of the Academy, Stearns wrote to Dall (Nov. 3, 1883) “The Acad’y is a starter in the suds and it does seem at times as if the barnacles over there [Stearns is writing this from his home in Berkeley, eds.] w’d sink the ship. With the exception of the “Carson foot print” paper nothing has been printed since Pt. 1 of Vol. VII ending December 1876. At one time recently the toasty had the means to pay for printing all the back mss; the Pub Com were not ready — now that the mss is ready, the funds are needed to pay the rent and of hall for the exhibition of the Crocker-Stanford Collection. Then again there is a muddle, whether to build and where and when and so it goes — thank the lord I am on the outside — I haven’t much respect for damn fools, and some of those fellers come very near fitting that term.” (R. E. G. Se to W. . Dall, Nov. 3, 1883; SIArchives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927}, Box 16, Folder 32.). CHAPTER XVI: 1876 193 William G. W. Harford California Academy of Sciences Special Collections was authorized to pay the bill. The director of the museum was authorized to deliver certain archaeological specimens to be loaned to Professor Baird of the Smithsonian Institution for exhibition at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. The salary of the secretary was fixed at $25 per month, the same as that of the previous year. Attention was called to certain expenses incurred at the recent election of the Academy, including dinner for judges and inspectors, when Mr. Madden proposed that they should be paid by the Trustees personally, which was accordingly done. FEBRUARY 7, C. L. Scudder, W. J. Graves, Samuel Purnell, Joseph Tilden, Gerrit L. Lansing, Dr. Robert K. Nuttall, and Dr. J. T. Crook were elected resident members. W. N. Lockington read “Remarks on the Crustacea of the Pacific Coast, with Descriptions of some [twenty] New Species.” The corresponding secretary read a bill, introduced in the California Assembly, for the protection of the blue heron, Ardea herodias, with a request from an assemblyman for suggestions in regard to it. After a lengthy discussion the matter was laid on the table. He also read a memorial to Congress by the Boston Society of Civil Engineers for the adoption of the metric system of weights and measures; and on motion the chair was requested to appoint a committee to report upon the subject. It was announced that Dr. Gerhard Rohlfs had accepted an invitation to lecture at the Academy on his African travels in the 1860s. The judges of election reported that they had filed a certificate of the recent election with the county clerk. FEBRUARY 21, J. R. Scupham asked for information in respect to a plant which had the property of coagulating milk, like rennet. Dr. Behr said that the plant from which quassia came had that property. Dr. Gibbons said that Gratiola 194 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Virginica also had the property, and that medical writers stated that quassia was one of the best bitters known. He also spoke of the peculiarities of certain plants, which were harmless to men but injurious to animals, and vice versa; also of plants injurious to fleas, stating that the impression the Yerba Buena leaves would drive away fleas was incorrect, but that the powder of Artemisia filifolia was fatal to them. The subject of poison-oak was introduced and a discussion took place as to the liability of some persons to be affected by it while others could handle it with immunity. MARCH 6, Louis Janin, James D. Hague, H. S. Craven, C. A. Stetefeldt, C. W. Lightner, E. B. Dorsey, W. A. Skidmore, Howard Schuyler, Hamilton Smith, Jr., Alfred Poett, W. H. Hall, J. S. Curtis, and Charles Barton Hill were elected resident members. Professor Davidson exhibited specimens of boomerangs, which had been used by some of the California Indians. He also gave a general description of his recent trip to Japan, India, Egypt, and part of Europe, the principal object of which had been to gather information with regard to late improvements in civil engineering and irrigation. William J. Fisher tendered his resignation as librarian, which was accepted; and soon afterwards Charles Troyer was appointed by the Council to fill the office. On motion of Gen. Colton the Board of Trustees was authorized to loan certain ethnological specimens to the Central Pacific Railroad company for exhibi- tion, with its own collections, at the Centennial Exposition. MARCH 20, Charles F. Dio Hastings was elected a life member. W. N. Lockington read a paper entitled “Description of Seventeen New Species of Crustacea.” F. Gruber read the first of a series of popular papers on ornithology, illustrating his remarks with specimens of birds prepared by himself. APRIL 3, Henry Hemphill presented a “Description of a New California Mollusk” from Humboldt Bay, and Dr. Kellogg a paper on Brickelia multiflora from the Sierra Nevada. Professor Davidson read a paper descriptive of irrigation works in course of construction in British India, illustrated with maps and diagrams. Dr. Hale of Albany, New York, mentioned a curious case of mimicry observed by him in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where he had found a small spider exactly resembling the flower of the Madrojia tree in color, size, and form. In the Board of Trustees, on recommendation of the Council, the Pharmaceutical Society of San Francisco was allowed the use of the hall of the Academy twice a week at the rate of $20 per month until further notice. The council also recommended that the rooms and cabinets of the Academy should be kept open to the public daily from 9 o’clock A. M. to 4 P. M.; and that the salary of the director of the museum should be increased to $100 per month, and the recording secretary be paid $25 per month as secretary of the Academy in addition to his salary as secretary of the Board, which recommendation was taken under advisement. APRIL 17, Samuel Lubeck was elected a life member, and Joel F. Lightner, T. Bechtinger, J. K. Wilson, and J. F. Meyers, '°” resident members. Among the donations was a spider, resembling a Madrona flower, from William Barber. Captain C. Bryant, U.S. Treasury agent to the Pribiloff Islands, Behring’s Sea, on invitation, described the seal fisheries there and the habits of the 16.2 panoueh shown in the Minute Books and published account as J. F. Meyers (see Proceedings 1876[{1877], 7:50), later references to a W. F. Myers, also supposedly elected on this date but not shown in the records, suggest that the name was initially improperly recorded. CHAPTER XVI: 1876 195 fur seal. In the Board of Trustees, the matter of the recommendation of the Council to increase the salaries of the director of the museum and recording secretary came up; and, on motion of Mr. Ashburner, it was resolved that the condition of the finances did not for the present admit of any increase of salaries. A communication was received from the Society of California Pioneers, requesting the privilege of right of way from Market Street over the Academy’s lot to the rear of their Fourth Street lot. On motion a committee, consisting of Messrs. Madden and Miller, was appointed to consider all matters relating to the real estate of the Academy; and to this committee the request of the Pioneers was referred to investigate and report. May 1, Dr. Blake presented a specimen of infusorial earth from the hills about a quarter of a mile south of the northeast end of Lake Merced in San Francisco County. The deposit was known as the “chalk mine,” and a considerable quantity of it had been sent to the Eastern States, as he understood, to be used for polishing glass. The so-called mine had been opened on the side of a ravine and the deposit seemed to form a continuous stratum four feet thick where exposed but probably much thicker as the whole hill for some distance seemed to be formed of it. The highest part of the outcroppings were about 200 feet above sea level, and the bed probably belonged to the Pliocene formations found cropping out along the beach to the south of Lake Merced. On microscopical examination the rock seemed to be made up of siliceous particles, evidently of organic origin, which were probably the remains of diatoms, though no perfect diatoms had been discovered in it. W. N. Lockington read a “Description of a New Genus and Species [Bellophis zonatus] of Colubrine Snake” from northern California. W.G. W. Harford read a “Description of a New Genus and three New Species of Sessile-Eyed Crustacea,” two from Angel Island and one from Tomales Bay; and Mr. Lockington a “Description of a New Genus and Species of Decapod Crustacean,” from Tomales Bay. Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on irrigation in India, Egypt, and Italy. MAy 15, H. W. Reese, Albert Arents, C. A. Luckhardt, Emlen Painter, and Louis Falkenau were elected resident members. Among the donations were many Japanese articles, presented by Lieuten- ant Murray S. Day, U. S. Navy, the most curious of which was perhaps a “Passu” or moustache lifter, used by the Ainos of the Islands of Yesso, Japan, for lifting the moustache in the drinking ceremony. Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on irrigation in India, Egypt and Italy. JUNE 5, Rudolph Thormann, L. L. Hawkins, Walter W. Dannenberg, Edward N. Moor, and Robert Chalmers Lord were elected resident members. Henry Edwards presented a paper entitled “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, No. 17. On the Transforma- tions of Colias (Meganostoma Reak) Eurydice, Bdv.” Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on irrigation in India, Egypt, and Italy. F. Gruber read the second of his series of papers on ornithology. His special subject was “Birds of Migration and Song.” In the Board of Trustees, the committee on real estate, to whom had been referred the request of the Pioneer Society for a right of way over the Market Street lot to the rear of the Fourth Street lot, reported that the committee deemed it inexpedient at that time to grant such right of way, for the reasons: first, that such 196 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 concession would inevitably lead to unpleasant complications with the tenants of the Society of Pioneers and probably with the Society itself; and, second, that as the Lick Trust had already sold the lots of the Academy and Pioneers, new arrangements would likely be made with reference to the open ground then under lease to the Spring Valley Water Company, and the committee were of opinion that the Academy could get a better income from the property without any such encumbrance as the right of way requested. An offer had in fact already been made of $75 per month for the unoccupied ground, and the best course for the Academy to pursue was undoubtedly to lease it for the best price that could be obtained. JUNE 19, J. P. Dameron described a recent trip to Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, which led to a discussion in reference to the large and peculiar slide, plainly visible from San Francisco, on the southeasterly side of the mountain. JULY 3, being one of the centennial holidays, no meeting was held. JULY 17, among the donations was a volume of the “Botany of California,” being a part of the work of the State Geological Survey, which had been published by contributions of private citizens, whose generosity had already been noticed and acknowledged by the Academy. On this occasion a note of thanks was tendered to Judge Hastings for his instrumentality in obtaining the contributions. W. N. Lockington submitted “Re- marks on the Crustacea of the Pacific Coast of North America, including a Catalogue of the Species in the Museum of the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco”; also “Remarks upon the Various Fishes known as Rock Cod.” Dr. Kellogg read a paper on “Ludwigia Scabriuscula.” In the Board of Trustees a letter was read from W. E. Brown, stating that he was about to grade a lot belonging to himself on First Avenue and asking the Academy to grade the adjoining “Academy of Sciences” lot. The matter referred to the real estate committee. AUGUST 7, W. N. Lockington read “Notes on Some California Marine Fishes, with Descriptions of New Species.”'** W. G. Krueger exhibited a small model of a flying-machine, of his own invention, and explained its construction. His idea was that such a machine should be con- structed like a large bird. AUGUST 21, Dr. Kellogg read “Notes and Descriptions of some California Plants.” SEPTEMBER 4, W. N. Lockington presented several papers on Crustacea and fishes, and Dr. Kellogg one on plants. The resignation of Theodore A. Blake as corresponding secretary was read and accepted; and the appointment of a successor referred to the Council. SEPTEMBER 18, Dr. Kellogg presented “Botanical Papers” and W. G. W. Harford a “Description of Three New Species of Sessile-Eyed Crustacea, with Remarks on Ligia occidentalis.” The Council reported that it had 16.3 For several years both before and after Lockington read this paper, at Academy meetings he read and then published papers on fishes, crustacea, sponges, and general natural history. And, he, like Ayres before him, ran afoul at Theodor Gill, in Washington, D.C., who earlier had severely criticized Ayres (see comments by W.G.W. Harford, at the Dec. 19, 1881 meeting of the Academy) and now Lockington for what he considered unscientific work. Of course, Gill had an agenda for this criticism for he objected to the intrusion of these Californian upstarts, amateurs in his opinion, in what he had carved out as a personal fiefdom, the fishes of the North Pacific. On a somewhat defensive note, on Dec. 21, 1878, Lockington wrote to William Healey Dall, “I understand that my work among the fishes has been reba criticized by Prof. Gill. All I can say is that I wish Prof. Gill were compelled, for just one year, to work under the same conditions that | do; with our imperfect museum and confused and defective library (you know all about that) and with no time at his command save evenings and Sundays.” SIArchives, William Healey Dall papers, RU 7073, Box 13, Folder 25. CHAPTER XVI: 1876 197 appointed Dr. A. B. Stout corresponding secretary in place of Theodore A. Blake, resigned. OCTOBER 2, the death of James Lick having been announced, R. E. C. Stearns addressed the Academy and said that Mr. Lick had passed away peacefully the previous morning, Sunday, October 1, 1876, at the age of 80 years. He spoke of Mr. Lick as the friend and benefactor of the Academy and as one who, though not educated in those higher schools where the mind is trained to scientific study and thought, still possessed a native breadth of mind quick to perceive and appreciate the lofty aims of Science and the benefits it had conferred upon mankind. He spoke of his many munificent gifts and said that it was safe to assert that the name of James Lick deserved and would receive an honorable and prominent place on the roll of great public benefactors; and that future members of the Academy, who would be especially benefited with the means and facilities of scientific research, secured to them by his bounty, and who would thereby be enabled to contribute to the sum of human knowledge, would ever hold the name of James Lick in grateful remembrance. It was thereupon resolved by the Academy that Mr. Lick’s name should ever be held in grateful remembrance and that the Academy would accept an invitation of the Society of California Pioneers to take part in his funeral and attend it in a body. OCTOBER 16, among the donations was a cabinet containing about 600 specimens of minerals, presented by R. H. Stretch. Henry Edwards presented No. 18 of his papers of “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera,” specially devoted to a new species of Heterocampa. Dr. Blake read a paper on a “Remedy for the Phylloxera.” He described the insect after a study of its natural history, as one of those which goes through a series of generations without changing its form; but in which, after a certain number of these parthenogenic generations, the power of non-sexual reproduction ceases, and the development of a new form, the winged insect, becomes necessary for the continu- ance of the species. It was the non-sexual forms that did the damage to vines, and they were so abundant that a single impregnated ovum, laid by the winged insects, had been calculated to produce as many as 75,000,000 of the little pests that devastated vineyards. The remedy he suggested — and said he had tested with good effects — was bisulphide of carbon. His method was to use an iron tube with a sharp steel point, pierced with holes and having a water-tight piston. The tube was forced, with the point down, into the ground several feet near the roots of the vine; about an ounce of the sulphide of carbon was poured in and the tube then filled up with water; the piston applied, and the contents of the tube forced out by driving down the piston. The bisulphide was extremely volatile and would permeate the ground for a consid- erable distance; and wherever it permeated it effectually killed the insects. The remedy was comparatively cheap and could be easily applied. He also said that the refuse lime from gas-works, applied around the roots of the vines, would kill the insects. Professor T. Guerin read a paper on “The Factor of Safety in Water Pipes.” NOVEMBER 3, two papers by Professor Davidson were read by the secretary; one ona “Search for the Supposed Intra-Mercurial Planet Vulcan,” and the other on “The Problematical Intra-Mercurial Planet.” Professor Davidson had been for some time 198 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 James Lick 1796-1876 California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER XVI: 1876 199 engaged in making observations on the summit of Mount St. Helena in Napa County. The French astronomer Le Verrier had by telegraphic dispatch asked observers on the Pacific Coast to make search for the supposed planet as it crossed the disk of the sun on October 9 and 10. Professor Davidson had made observations on those days, but did not see any planet. Henry Edwards presented No. 19 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera,” specially devoted to a singular variety of the larva of Halesidota Agassizii. NOVEMBER 20, Dr. Kellogg described a couple of new plants received from Joseph H. Clarke, corresponding member. C. D. Gibbes read a paper on the geological formation of “The Oil Region of Tulare Valley West of Tulare Lake,” and exhibited specimens of the oil and rocks found there. A paper, written by Anton Stuxberg, was presented by Dr. Gustav Eisen, entitled “Preliminary Report on the Lithobii of North America.” Henry Edwards presented No. 20 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera.” In the Board of Trustees, at a meeting in which the Council was invited to participate and at which it was present, a new complication in the affairs of the Lick Estate was brought up for consideration. To render it intelligible will require some words of explanation. When Mr. Lick’s new Trust Deed was being prepared, John H. Lick, the natural but recognized son of James Lick, expressed a desire to be given $250,000 in the new disposition of the property and proposed if this sum were given him to concur in any disposition that might be made of the remainder and to execute any papers that might be asked of him to that effect. Mr. James Lick was informed of this proposition on the part of his son; but would not listen to it and insisted upon giving him only $150,000, which he said was more than he knew how to properly make use of. This was, as the event proved, a business error on the part of Mr. Lick. Notwithstanding the clearness and cautious prudence of his intellect, he was irascible, and when his temper was roused it was ungovernable. In about a year after the execution of his new Deed of Trust, for example, he became dissatisfied without any good reason with his new Trustees or at least those who were present, for Mr. Floyd had gone to Europe to look into the subject of astronomical observatories, and asked for their resignations, which they immediately sent in; and thereupon Mr. Lick appointed a new Board of Trustees, consisting of Richard S. Floyd (then absent), Edwin B. Mastick, William Sherman, George Schoenwald, and Charles M. Plum. These gentlemen remained the Trustees at the time of Mr. Lick’s death in 1875 and continued to be such afterwards. As soon as Mr. Lick died, John H. Lick, who had kept quiet in the meanwhile, manifested his dissatisfaction with the disposition of the property and employed Hall McAllister as his attorney to contest the same. He was now no longer willing to accept $250,000, but demanded a great deal more and was in a position to jeopardize the disposition of the whole estate. A long, bitter and expensive litigation was threatened, when at last a provisional compromise was effected by the terms of which John H. Lick was to become the administrator of his father’s estate and, after such appoint- ment, to release all his claims to the estate both as an individual and as administrator for the sum of $535,000, which sum was also to be in full payment of his legacies under the Trust Deed. As soon as this provisional compromise was effected, it became 200 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 necessary, for the purpose of carrying it completely into effect, to obtain the consent and concurrence of the beneficiaries under the Trust Deed, and particularly of the California Academy of Sciences and the Society of California Pioneers, who were the residuary beneficiaries under that instrument. It was the matter of this compromise that was on this occasion presented to the joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Council, with the request that the Academy should consent to and concur in it. Gen. Colton, as president of the joint meeting, stated in brief the situation of affairs, adding that any sum allowed John H. Lick in excess of the sum given him by the Deed of Trust would have to be taken from the shares of the Academy and Pioneers, and said that he had invited Mr. Felton, as representative of the Lick Trustees to be present and offer such suggestions and explanations as he might deem proper. Mr. Felton thereupon read the agreement of compromise, signed by John H. Lick and all the Lick Trustees of both Boards appointed under the new Trust Deed, with exception of Mr. Floyd who was still absent, and also a special and earnest request, signed by the Trustees of both Boards, that the compromise, though involving the relinquishment of any claim on the part of each of the residuary beneficiaries to a sum of $192,000, should be accepted and concurred in. He also read a schedule showing the valuation and monthly income of the Lick property, and stated that the valuation was based for the most part on prices actually offered. From this schedule it appeared that the property was worth in coin the sum of $3,062,693.50 and the monthly income was $14,634. The bequests made by the Trust Deed amounted to $1,917,000. The proposed compromise would add to this sum $385,000, making $2,302,000 and leaving a balance for the residuary beneficiaries of $60,693.50. If the compromise were effected this balance, to be divided between the Academy and the Pioneer Society, might be relied on with much certainty, but if the compromise were not effected, there would certainly be a long and costly litigation and no certainty as to the result. After Mr. Felton withdrew, the matter was discussed by Trustees and Council, Gen. Colton stated that the Pioneers and all the other beneficiaries had given their consent to the proposed compromise, but he thought it would be time enough for the Academy to act when there was no question as to the rights and powers of those desiring the compromise. On motion of Mr. Ashburner, the matter was referred to Gen. Colton as president of the Board of Trustees to confer with Messrs. Felton and McAllister, with instructions, however, that the Board did not desire at that time to sign the compromise agreement or act in the matter. Gen. Colton then said that he understood the sentiment of the meeting to be that the Academy would be willing to divide the surplus of the Lick estate into three equal parts, of which John H. Lick should receive one part, the Pioneers one, and the Academy one, provided the Academy were guaranteed to have at least $250,000 and John H. Lick to have nothing until that sum was paid the Academy. DECEMBER 1, Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on irrigation, describing the North Sea Canal of Holland. Henry Edwards presented No. 21 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera, describing two new species of 7hec/a,” and W.N. Lockington another paper on the “Crustacea of the West Coast of North CHAPTER XVI: 1876 201 America.” T. J. Lowry read a paper on “A New and Expeditious Method of Placing the Transit.” Dr. Oliver M. Wozencraft made remarks on the “Feasibility of Reclaim- ing the Colorado Desert of California.” DECEMBER 18 Dr. Kellogg read a paper on “Tribulus from the Eastern Shore of the Gulf of California,” and Henry Edwards presented No. 22 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera.” Professor Davidson read a continuation of his paper on irrigation, describing the Canal Cavour. The nominating committee presented a ticket for officers of 1877, with George Davidson, president, and W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum. DECEMBER 27, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees, the president and treasurer were authorized to borrow from and give the note of the Academy to the Bank of California for a sum not exceeding $3,000; and among the bills ordered paid was one for $3,406.16 for taxes on the Market Street property. Chapter X VII: Year 1877 t the annual meeting of 1877, held JANUARY 2, the president presented his annual address, showing the condition of the Academy and its progress during the past year. The recording secretary reported the aggregate membership as 366. The treasurer reported that disbursements for 1876 at $10,283.31, and stated that the balance overdrawn, and owing to the Bank of California, was $1,538.58. The librarian and director of the museum made reports on the condition of their respective departments; showing a satisfactory increase of books and specimens. On recommen- dation of the Council, Henry Edwards and Dr. Arthur B. Stout were elected honorary life members. On the report of the officers of the annual election, the following were declared elected officers of the Academy for the year 1877: Professor George Davidson, president; Henry Edwards, first vice-president; Henry C. Hyde, second vice-president; Dr. A. B. Stout, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Edward F. Hall, Jr., treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; David D. Colton, R. E. C. Stearns, Thomas P. Madden, Ralph C. Harrison, William Ashburner, George E. Gray, and John F. Miller, trustees. In the Board of Trustees, a communication was received from the Lick Trustees, asking that someone be appointed on the part of the Academy to examine the personal property of the Lick estate, consisting chiefly of furniture, books, tools and farming imple- ments, at the Lick Homestead in Santa Clara County, which by the terms of the Trust Deed was to be divided between the Academy of Sciences and the Society of California Pioneers, and a schedule of which was also transmitted. JANUARY 15, W. N. Lockington read a paper on “Crustacea of the Pacific Coast”; Henry Edwards, No. 23 of “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera”; Dr. Kellogg, a paper on three new plants; and Professor Davidson, a continuation of his papers on “ Irrigation in India, Egypt, and Italy.” In the Board of Trustees, the officers of last year were re-elected. FEBRUARY 5 Henry Edwards presented No. 24 of “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera”; Dr. Kellogg made remarks on the abnormal growth of deer horns; and Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on “ Irrigation in India, Egypt, and Italy.” A letter from S. W. Jewett was read in reference to rocks, with curious inscriptions upon them, found in Kern County. Dr. Henry Gibbons suggested the formation of a Meteorological Section of the Academy; and J. R. Scupham stated that the Central Pacific Railroad Company had for a considerable time kept meteorological records at some fifty different stations and would no doubt be glad to communicate all information in its possession of interest to the Academy. Dr. Stout asked Professor Davidson why great famines occurred in India where such stupendous irrigation CHAPTER XVII: 1877 203 systems were in vogue as he had described. Professor Davidson answered at consid- erable length, giving the reasons and locations of the famines, and stated that in the districts, where the great engineering works had been completed, no distress was felt. FEBRUARY 19, among the donations were eight fragments of the egg of the extinct dinoresis and a number of pebbles used by that bird to assist its digestive functions. Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on irrigation in India, Egypt, and Italy. In the Board of Trustees, Professor Davidson called the attention of the Board to the fact that a member of the Academy had urged him to intervene in the Lick estate business and particularly in reference to the personal property in Santa Clara County, and, knowing, as he did, that the matter was in the hands of the Trustees, he deemed it proper to inform them that outside parties were disposed to interfere. Gen. Colton stated that the business had been placed in the hands of attorneys and that proper steps had been taken for a disposition and division of the property. MARCH 5, William B. Hyde was elected a life member and John A. Mallory a resident member. Henry Edwards presented No. 25 of “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera,” and W. N. Lockington another of his papers on “Crustacea.” Professor Davidson read a continuation of his papers on irrigation. He also read “Notes on the Spider Line of the Tarantula,” and “Spiders Throwing Their Webs.” He then presented a letter from a correspondent on the subject of the production of rain by human agency and read a “Note on the Question of Rain Storms following Great Battles.” Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the rainfall in California and explained that the rainfall that followed the cannon-firing of the previous July 4 was due to natural causes and not to the explosion of gunpowder. There was generally a tendency to rain about that date; and on that occasion the meteorological conditions were favorable for rain before the firing began. S. R. Throckmorton described a curious fish from Marin County, specimens of which he presented. They appeared to live in the banks of the salt-marsh creeks in holes, the entrances of which were out of water at half-tide; but as the holes ran down into the ground they remained filled with water at all times. MARCH 19, Dr. S. W. Dennis was elected a resident member. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On Aboriginal Shell Money”; and W. H. Dall, a paper “On Californian Species of Fucus.” Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Suez Canal.” He also read a letter from the French astronomer Le Verrier in reference to the supposed intra-mercurial planet Vulcan and the time of its passage over the sun’s disk. The supposed period of the revolution was 36.02 days. A paper on “Pacific Coast Hymenoptera” by E. T. Cresson was submitted. APRIL 2, Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper “On the Critical Periods in the Earth’s History and their Relation to Evolution; and on the Quaternary as such a Period.” J. R. Scupham read a paper on “Nut Grass and Bermuda Grass.” APRIL 16, among the donations were bleached and unbleached paper made from the Yucca plant, presented by Henry Payot. Professor Davidson read a paper “On Defects of Micrometers.” MAY 7, Professor Davidson read a paper “On Breakwaters.” Dr. George Bennett was introduced and made remarks on the zoology of Papua. Dr. Kellogg, being called to the chair, a resolution was adopted requesting Governor Irwin to appoint Professor Davidson to fill the vacancy in the Board of Regents of 204 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 the University of California, caused by the death of John B. Felton, who had died on May 2, 1877. In the Board of Trustees, on account of the embarrassment occasioned by the low state of the finances and the non-payment by a number of the members of the Academy of their monthly dues, a resolution was adopted urging upon the treasurer extra exertions to make collections and appointing a committee, consisting of Messrs. Gray and Ashburner, to confer with that officer upon the subject. On motion of Mr. Ashburner, the Trustees also adopted a series of resolutions urging Governor Irwin to appoint Professor Davidson a regent of the University in place of John B. Felton, deceased. Henderson Brothers presented a bill of $16 for planting eight trees on First Avenue in front of the “Academy of Sciences” lot, stating that other property-owners along the street had agreed to pay at the same rate for trees planted in front of their property. As, however, the Academy had never signed any agreement or given any order to have the work done, the bill was rejected. Payment of a bill for $730.65 for printing the Academy’s Proceedings for 1875 was deferred for want of funds, although other bills, amounting to $350, were ordered paid. In the matter of the controversy with John H. Lick as to the Lick estate and the proposed compromise of it, Gen. Colton reported that he had as the representative of the Academy, at the request of a committee of the Society of California Pioneers, met with them for the purpose of taking the subject into consideration. The Pioneers were in favor of accepting the compromise recommended by John B. Felton on November 10, 1876. William T. Coleman, as representative of the Pioneers, had said that everybody had consented to the compromise except the Academy. He had answered Mr. Coleman by saying that, as all the sacrifice was to come from the Pioneers and Academy, the other parties, not being affected financially, would naturally consent; but the Academy was not disposed to submit to an arrangement so detrimental to its interests. He had said, however, that he would agree on the part on the Academy to take $350,000 cash, and let the balance go. He also said that Messrs. S. M. Wilson and R. C. Harrison, whom he had consulted as attorneys, considered the proposition, that the Academy and Pioneers should bear the whole burden of the compromise, was unreasonable and unjust, and proposed that the amount of the sacrifice should be divided pro-rata among all the beneficiaries named in the Trust Deed or, in other words, that each beneficiary should contribute proportionally; and that he had finally agreed that, if the other beneficiaries would accept this proposition, the Academy would give its proportion of 13'4 per cent of what was necessary. The final result of the conference was an agreement that the other beneficiaries were to be asked to consent to this arrangement; and papers were being prepared for the necessary signatures. May 21, L. C. McAffee, J. C. Cebrian, and J. T. Murphy were elected resident members. Professor Davidson gave an account of the earthquake tidal waves, which entered the Bay of San Francisco on May 10, illustrating his remarks with diagrams showing the oscillations enlarged from the lines traced by the pencil of the tide-gauge at Fort Point. JUNE 4, Dr. Kellogg described fourteen new species of plants. J. P. Moore read a paper on “Foods,” urging upon the Academy the utility of making CHAPTER XVII: 1877 205 collections and directing attention to that subject. Professor Davidson read a paper on “Breakwaters in Europe.” JUNE 18, J. R. Scupham presented two specimens in bottles of the Gordins or hair-snake, not uncommonly found in railway-station water tanks. He said that the specimens well illustrated the readiness with which a mistaken opinion might be formed in respect to the growth of these creatures. After having kept the bottle a few days, a long white substance had been developed, which was a production of young Gordii. He then gave a sketch of the life-history of the animal and showed how far removed it was from a hair. S. B. Christy read “Notes on the Monte Diablo Coal Mines,” giving an analysis of various coals from California and Washington Territory. In the Board of Trustees, a letter was received from Edward F. Hall, Jr. tendering his resignation of the office of treasurer. As this action on the part of Mr. Hall was clearly occasioned by the action on the part of the Board of Trustees on May 7, in reference to the collection of delinquent monthly dues, the Board, instead of accepting the resignation, adopted a series of preambles and resolution to the effect that Mr. Hall had misapprehended the purpose of the action of the Trustees; that no reflection upon or censure of the treasurer had been intended and was expressly disclaimed; and that, as it appeared from the report of the committee appointed to confer with him that he had exercised due diligence and faithfulness and done all he could in the collection of dues, the resolution adopted May 7, should be and was recalled and expunged from the record; and the secretary was instructed to inform Mr. Hall of the action thus taken. A letter was received from Spaulding & Barto, offering to complete the printing of the Proceedings of the Academy for 1876, which was partly in type, and wait a reasonable time for payment of the bill, provided their bill for $739.65, already for several months overdue, were shortly paid and the Trustees authorized the printing to go on. The Board, however, declined to authorize any further printing for the time, on the ground that it had no power to create a debt. It may be here added that, on account of this doubtless very proper unwillingness of the Board to incur indebtedness, although the printed volume of the Proceedings of the Academy for 1876 was finally completed and published, it was the last one of the old series of printed Proceeding; and no other printed volume of the Academy was issued until about 1883, when the finances of the institution were in better condition. For this reason the records of the Academy for 1877 and several succeeding years, consisting merely of written minutes without the texts of papers read, are more or less imperfect. The princely donation of Mr. Lick, although it enriched the Academy and eventually turned out to be much larger than the sum which the Board of Trustees would at that time have been willing to accept, was not yet, nor was it for some years to come, available. On the other hand, it was not exactly correct that the Board had no power to create or incur a debt. It had already, on account principally of the necessity of paying the taxes on the Market Street property, been compelled to borrow money and give its note for the amount, as before stated; and the same necessity continued for some years to come, as will be seen in the further history of its progress. 206 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 JULY 2, among the donations was cotton from Fort Yuma, raised there by Col. Barney; also a bottle of fish from an artesian well near Santa Barbara, presented by Thomas R. Bard. Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Breakwater at the Island of Alderney; with Practical Conclusions on Breakwaters in general, especially as regards the Pacific Coast.” Dr. Kellogg read descriptions of three new plants. Edward F. Hall, Jr. tendered his resignation as treasurer of the Academy, which was accepted, and the matter of appointing a successor referred to the Council. JULY 16, Professor Davidson read a paper “On Spectrum Phenomena Observed in Heliotropic Signals,” Dr. Blake, a paper of “Observations of the Evidence of Glacial Action in the Sierras”; W.N. Lockington, a paper on a species of shark; and Dr. Kellogg, a paper on five new species of plants. An announcement was made that the Council had chosen A. MeF. Davis as treasurer in place of E. F. Hall, Jr., resigned. AUGUST 6, Dr. Kellogg read descriptions of four new plants. R. E. C. Stearns read “A Criticism on Mr. Barber’s Treatise on Shell Ornaments found in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.” AUGUST 20, George W. Dent, E. W. Bowen, and Dr. A. M. Edwards were elected resident members. Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Determination of the Earth’s Distance from the Sun by Means of the Parallax of Mars at Opposition”; also a paper on “The Spectrum Appearance of Venus when near the Horizon.” Dr. Kellogg described five new species of plants. SEPTEMBER 3, Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Systems of Triangulation in Use by the Engineers in India.” Sir Joseph Hooker was introduced and spoke of “Observations of Earthquake Waves in Austra- lia.” OCTOBER I, Dr. Kellogg read descriptions of new species of plants. OCTOBER 15, W. N. Lockington read a paper “On the Evolution of Nerves and Nerve Tissue.” NOVEMBER 5, Professor Davidson read a paper on “Apparatus for Geodetic meas- urement adopted by the Coast Survey”; made remarks on the rotation of Saturn; read a paper by Professor Newcomb on the satellites of Mars, and offered a tribute to the memory of Le Verrier, the French astronomer. NOVEMBER 19, Mrs. J. H. Sargent and Miss S. A. Plummer, the first lady applicants, were proposed for membership. F. T. Newberry read a paper “On the Eucalyptus,” referring particularly to remarks made at a previous meeting by Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Behr with reference to its fire-resisting qualities. He quoted newspaper reports of what these gentlemen had said and controverted the statements attributed to them that eucalyptus wood was fire-proof. Dr. Kellogg answered that the remarks attributed to him by the newspaper were incorrect. What he had said was that some forms of eucalyptus had the property of not blazing, and that in the case of a shingle made of some varieties of the tree, ifa live coal were dropped on it, a hole might be burned through, but it would not blaze up. Such was the only statement he had made in that regard, and he had never said that the shingle or the wood was fireproof. Dr. Behr, in answer to Mr. Newberry, said that the eucalyptus did have a certain immunity from fire. The leaves would burn very generally; but the wood was difficult to set on fire and was not apt to hold fire. He knew of but one case of an extensive fire in a forest of eucalyptus trees. Those trees were spread over the entire country on what was known as the “open” or “scrub” CHAPTER XVII: 1877 207 in South Australia. Fires occurred nearly every year in the scrub; and the scattered eucalypti frequently showed traces of the fire; but he had never seen them destroyed by it. They were the only trees that survived and sprouted again. In the one instance referred to, the eucalyptus trees took fire and burned long before he visited the spot; but some of the old settlers recollected the circumstance. Mr. Newberry thought Dr. Behr mistaken about the eucalyptus not readily taking fire and burning up completely. Dr. Behr replied that he had resided in Australia several years and knew whereof he spoke. He had been there for the purpose of studying botany and traveled in different parts of the country, not confining himself to the cities alone. He said the eucalyptus would give out considerable heat when once lighted; but as to forest fires, when every other vegetable growth was entirely destroyed, the eucalypti alone would sprout again. Mr. Newberry said that in the Australian diggings he had once lighted two green logs of eucalyptus wood, each two feet thick; and they had held fire for two weeks, even in rainy weather. He had used green logs because the dry wood was too hard to chop. He also said that in the “Great Black Friday Fire” in Victoria, all the eucalypti were burned — that is to say, all the branches; but it was true that the trees budded out again ultimately. He added that the trees would stand any ordinary amount of cold. Dr. Behr said that the most northern point in Europe, where the eucalyptus was cultivated, was Geneva in Switzerland. It had been planted and grew in Florence and Pisa in Italy and some other places in Northern Europe, where there were some frosts. J. R. Scupham said that the tree had been planted in Florida and Georgia, but had been destroyed by frost. Dr. Kellogg said that Mr. Newberry’s paper was especially valuable inasmuch as it called attention to the fact that we were not cultivating the best varieties; and this he himself had always thought to be the case. People who planted eucalyptus trees should be careful to make a good selection of species. He thought, however, that Mr. Newberry was mistaken in his statement that the teredo attacked eucalyptus as readily as it did pine. There was a specimen of eucalyptus pile in the Academy that had been in the water a long time and no teredo had attacked it, while another specimen of pine pile, which had stood alongside it, was completely honey-combed. The specimen of Eucalyptus was, he thought, Eucalyptus marginata. Mr. Scupham said that E. marginata did resist the ravages of the teredo, and that E. rostrata would resist those of the white ant. He further said that E. rostrata would last as a railroad tie from 9 to 14 years, and in some instances it had lasted 18 years. But all the varieties would not grow here. Some flourished in California as well as in Australia, and some, like the E. g/obulus, even better. E. cornuta, E. sisalis, and E. hemiflora grew fast and large, as did E. gigantea (?Desf. {= globulus}; ?Hook. {= obliqua}). On the other hand, it was difficult even to sprout the seeds of E. marginata and E. rostrata. They would, under favorable circumstances, grow perhaps six feet in as many years, while the E. globulus would in the same length of time reach a height of 60 feet. The peculiar combination of heat and moisture in some places was favorable for some varieties, but not for others. He had himself tried some experiments the previous year for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company with these trees on the Colorado Desert. He had 208 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 planted E. globulus and E. cornuta; and they had grown all right during the summer and were from three to six feet high; but the winter frosts of Southern California killed them all. Dr. Behr thought the growth of some varieties depended greatly on the character of the soil. He had in some districts found the same varieties small and stunted in one spot and large and flourishing in another spot near by and apparently the same, except different in soil. Mr. Scupham said he had searched all over the State to find a large specimen of £. marginata and, although he had heard there were many, he had not been able to find any more than six feet high. Mr. Newberry spoke in reference to Dr. Kellogg’s statement about the so-called “iron bark” eucalyptus and the teredo. He said that in New Zealand, where they suffered greatly from the teredo, they had tried every variety, and found the “iron bark” as worthless as the other kinds for protection against the borers. As to Mr. Scupham’s remarks about the loss of trees on the Colorado Desert from frost, he thought it more probably that the wind had done the mischief. Mr. Scupham replied that where the trees were planted, the winds prevailed only in the summer; and the trees were all right then. But in the winter there was little or no wind, only it was cold and frosty; and it was at that time that the trees died. Dr. Stout closed the discussion by remarking that it was very interesting as well as important for the reason that the eucalyptus was being planted very extensively in California, and all the information that could be obtained in reference to it was valuable. In response to the wide-spread interest in having California properly represented at the Paris Exposition next year, Dr. Stout offered a resolution that “The California Academy of Sciences accept the invitation of the French Government to participate in the proposed International Exhibition . . . [and] that the Academy . . . cooperate with the Commission appointed . . . by the Governor of California to represent the scientific, agricultural and commercial interests of California in the . . . exposition.” NOVEMBER 26, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees, Gen. Colton read a letter from the Lick Trustees, stating that they were ready to pay over in equal proportions to the Academy of Sciences and the Society of California Pioneers, the net proceeds of sales of the property left by Mr. Lick at his homestead farm in Santa Clara County, “upon the execution and delivery to the Trustees of proper bonds by each against adverse claimants.” It appeared that the reason these indemnity bonds were required was that, on account of the refusal of the Academy to accept the compromise proposed by John H. Lick, he was pressing his claims, and the Lick Trustees deemed it unsafe to make any distribution without indemnity as long as those claims remained unsettled. In the meanwhile, they had been obliged, on account of the opposition and standing out of the Academy to commence a suit, nominally against all the parties in interest but in reality against the Academy alone as the only adversary, for the purpose of obtaining an adjudication approving and authorizing the compromise. In reference to that subject, Gen. Colton said that the Board considered the demands of John H. Lick unfair and unjust; but it had offered to accept a decree of the Court distributing the amount necessary to carry out the compromise pro rata among the different CHAPTER XVII: 1877 209 beneficiaries. Counsel had been employed to defend against the suit; and an answer had been filed, in substance making this proposition, to which he had sworn on behalf of the Academy; and that was the condition of affairs at that time. DECEMBER 3, ladies were for the first time proposed for resident membership: Miss Jessie Smith,'’' Miss Carolina L. Hunt, Miss Helen M. Thompson, and Mrs. M. E. Edwards'”'. Dr. Kellogg described a number of plants. A paper on “Mars and His Moons” by Professor John LeConte was read. W. W. Hollister exhibited specimens raised in this State of trees brought from Japan eight years before. He said the varieties were numerous and would grow nearly every where in California. The fruit was delicious and would preserve in its own saccharine matter. The trees themselves were ornamental as well as useful. DECEMBER 17, Henry Edwards presented No. 25 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera.” J. R. Scupham gave the results of a series of meteorological observations in this State and referred to the apparent failure of the theory of eleven-year periods of sun-spots in relation to rainfall. Dr. Behr read a paper “On the Resistance of Eucalyptus to Ignition.” Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Necessity of a Physical Survey of the State of California,’ and Professor E. W. Hilgard made remarks on the same subject. The nominating committee, appointed at a joint meeting of the Council and Board of Trustees, reported a ticket for officers of 1878. 17.1 See footnote 18.2. 210 Chapter XVIII: Year 1878 he annual meeting was held JANUARY 7. The president and officers presented their reports showing the condition and progress of the Academy during the past year. The annual election resulted in the choice of Professor George Davidson as president; Henry Edwards, first vice-president; Henry C. Hyde, second vice-presi- dent; Dr. A. B. Stout, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; David D. Colton, R. E. C. Stearns, George E. Gray, Ralph C. Harrison, Thomas P. Madden, William Ashburner, and John F. Miller, trustees. On nomination of the Council, Professor George Davidson was elected an honorary life-member. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that there were not sufficient funds on hand to pay the tax bill of $2,684.61, assessed against the property of the Academy; and Gen. Colton, as president of the Board, was authorized to make an arrangement with the Bank of California to pay the taxes on the Market Street property. A bill of Henry M. Newhall for $216.85, being $150 rent of the Academy building for the month of December, 1877, and $66.85 for repairs of building, was ordered paid. Gen. Colton then presented to the Board his annual report,which, it appears, was never read to the Academy. He commenced by saying that it was his duty to report the condition of the temporalties of the Academy at the close of the year just past; but it was neither pleasant nor satisfactory to him to do so. The treasurer’s report showed that the indebtedness of the institution was over $4,000, and this was the more unsatisfactory for the reason that the most rigid economy had been practiced; so much so, that complaints had been made of the Trustees for declining to allow expenses for which there was no money to pay. But it had been the unanimous determination of the Board to incur no liability against the Academy, which could not be met from what could be reasonably expected to be the revenue of the Society; for to rush into debt, without certainty of the source from which the necessary funds would be forthcoming, would simply be to jeopardize all the valuable property of the Academy; and this the Board would never consent to do. Under the circumstances any accusations against the Trustees of too much economy were not only unkind, but unjust.’ He regretted, he went on to say, that the very moderate and reasonable hopes of the Trustees, at the close of the last year, of the receipt of certain funds, being the 18.1 Though perhaps unjust, among the measures taken to economize were suspension of publication in 1877 of the Proceedit s of the Academy and of the purchase of publications for the library (W. N. Lockington to W. H. Dall, Dec. 21, 1878 and 27 Jan. 1879. SIArchives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927}, Box 13, Folder 25). In time these measures took their toll and the Academy alienated several of its most active scientist members (e.g., Robert E. C. Stearns, Joseph LeConte, George Davidson, Lockington, and Albert Kellogg, who declined to leave his plant drawings to the Academy). CHAPTER XVIII: 1878 211 proceeds of the personal property at the Lick homestead, which had been specifically donated to the Academy by the late James Lick, had not been fulfilled, although the property had been sold and “those claiming to be the Trustees of the Lick estate” had received the money. Such unreasonable conditions had been imposed upon the Academy, without compliance with which they would not pay over the money, that the Academy had been precluded from the receipt of the same. Although the managers of the estate had found or assumed authority to sell the property and receive the proceeds, they would not consent to pay us our portion, notwithstanding the authority to sell and to pay over the proceeds were inseparable under the terms of Mr. Lick’s deed. And he would further say that the parties managing the Trust under Mr. Lick’s deed did not seem disposed to acknowledge the relationship of the Academy of Sciences to the Lick property as indicated by Mr. Lick’s express declarations. Instead of adhering rigidly to the fulfillment of the Trust Deed in accordance with its spirit and letter, they had manifested a disposition to abandon Mr. Lick’s instructions so far at least as the Academy was concerned. They had assumed a right to donate to those claiming to be heirs a large proportion of the property expressly given by Mr. Lick to the Academy, ignoring the fact that Mr. Lick himself was the only proper judge of the amount he would give to those claiming relationship; and he regretted to say that the business had practically resolved itself into the proposition of the Academy being compelled to stand solitary and alone in defending and maintaining the Trust as originally designed by the Great Philanthropist. But notwithstanding this position of the Academy, and though it carried with it much annoyance and trouble, the Board of Trustees deemed it a sacred trust, which they had inherited from Mr. Lick, and they would endeavor to maintain inviolate his last wishes as expressed both in writing and verbally. The Board had therefore retained Messrs. S. M. Wilson and R. C. Harrison as attorneys to protect the trust; and there was every reason to hope and believe they would be successful, and that in the end the unjust and absurd claims of the managers of the Lick estate would be settled adversely to them in the courts. By reference to the treasurer’s books, it would be seen that the Market Street property produced but little more than enough to pay its own taxes and expenses; and, as it came to the Academy already burdened with an unpaid tax, it had been necessary to borrow money to clear it, and thereby to incur and indebtedness. This would have been avoided if the money realized by the managers of the Lick estate from the sale of the homestead personal property had been turned over, which, as already stated, had not been done. In conclusion he said that the impression was strong upon his mind that under the existing management of the Lick Trust the Academy, as a residuary and therefore a favored beneficiary, would receive little or nothing out of the vast estate, instead of several hundred thousand dollars, as Mr. Lick sincerely believed it would. Trusting, however, that the course pursued by the Board of Trustees would meet with approval and hoping that the workings of a wise Providence may give us a more satisfactory showing in the matter before the close of another year,” he submitted the questions involved to thoughtful consideration. JANUARY 21, ladies were for the first time elected and became resident members 212 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 of the Academy at this meeting. They were, in the order of their applications, Mrs. J. H. Sargent, Miss S. A. Plummer, Miss Jennie Smith,'** Miss Caroline L. Hunt, Miss Helen M. Thompson, Mrs. Mary E. Edmonds'** and Mrs. L. M. F. Wanzer. At the same meeting Alexander Del Mar, G. P. Rixford, E. S. Parker, J. G. Lemmon, C. C. Cadman, Thomas A. Holman, and John T. Evans were elected resident members. Professor Davidson read a paper “On the Habits of the Walrus,” from information furnished him by Captain Thomas W. Williams; Dr. G. F. Becker, a paper “On Rainfall in California”; B. B. Redding, a paper “On the Climate of California,” and W.N. Lockington, a paper on a new species of fish. FEBRUARY 4, R. E. C. Stearns read a paper describing the shells found in a piece of earth from the bottom of a well 47 feet deep in the Colorado Desert, 195.54 feet below sea-level. J. G. Lemmon read a “Description of a New Plant, Sagina Orata.” Dr. Henry Gibbons read a paper on rainfall, and particularly the downpour of January, 1878. A discussion followed, participated in by Professor Davidson, B. B. Redding and Dr. Gibbons. Mr. Partsch read a paper upon the disease of cattle usually supposed to be caused by eating the loco plant or rattle-weed and attributing it to the larvae of the gad fly. FEBRUARY 18, J. G. Lemmon read a paper “On the Darlingtonia Californica.” Professor Davidson presented a problem and its solution in reference to the calculation of compound interest paid in advance. Alexander Del Mar followed with remarks upon the same subject. In the Board of Trustees, the officers of the previous year were re-elected. On motion of Gen. Miller, a committee of one consisting of Mr. Madden, was appointed to wait upon the president of the Lick Trustees, ask for, receive and receipt for any moneys in their possession coming to the Academy from the sale of the personal property at the Lick homestead. The secretary reported that the outstanding bills at that time amounted to $4,964.72, and the cash in the treasury as $317.99. At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held FEBRUARY 28, on motion of Gen. Miller, an instrument was executed setting forth the donation by James Lick to the Academy of one half the personal property of the Lick estate at the Lick homestead in Santa Clara County; the authorization by the Academy to the Lick Trustees to sell the same as such portions of it as they thought advisable; the sale of certain portions of the property for $5,976.32, of which the Academy was entitled to one half, and the payment to the Academy of said half or $2,988.16; in consideration of all which, the Academy thereby formally acknow- ledged the receipt of said sum and released and discharged the Lick Trustees from all claims on the part of the Academy to the property so sold, and authorized the execution of the instrument in the name and as the act of the California Academy of Sciences by the affixing thereto of its corporate name and seal by the secretary. This important and significant paper, as will be readily perceived, indicated a new movement in the Board of Trustees. MARCH 4, George W. Prescott was elected a life member, and Charles Webb '8.2 Proposed for membership on Dec. 3, 1877, as Miss Jessie Smith and Mrs. M. E. Edwards. In the handwritten minutes for Jan. 21, 1878, at which new members were elected, Jessie Smith is shown as Jennie Smith; Mrs. M. E. Edwards appears in the minutes of Oct. 6, 1879, but on Jan. 3, 1881, on election to life membership, and in the Hittell manuscript, as Mrs. Mary E. Edmonds. CHAPTER XVIII: 1878 213, Howard, Mrs. Charlotte Blake-Brown, Elizabeth A. Follansbee, George C. Edwards, George Spaulding, A. Wendell Jackson, Jr., John M. Stillman, Solon H. Williams, and Josiah Keep, resident members. B. B. Redding read a paper on “Olive Culture in California,” and Alexander Del Mar, a paper entitled “Interest on Money.” MARCH 18, A. Del Mar read a paper “On the Gold Placers of Brazil,” and Professor Davidson, a paper “On the Transit of Mercury and What It May Teach.” In the Board of Trustees, a communication was received from the Lick Trustees, expressing their desire to turn over to the Academy and Pioneers all the unsold personal property remaining at the Lick homestead in Santa Clara County; and, on motion, Thomas P. Madden, who had acted so judiciously and successfully in the recent settlement, was appointed to receive and divide the same with the Pioneers or sell and divide the proceeds as he might deem most advantageous. APRIL 1, Dr. W. M. Searsby, B. Murray, Jr., William T. Wenzell, F. C. Bauer, Miss J. G. Oakley, and William C. Belcher were elected resident members. Donations to the museum included 45 mineral specimens from W. G. W. Harford and five specimens of native silver from the Stonewall Jackson Mine, Maricopa Co., Arizona from Prof. Thomas Price. Professor Davidson read papers “On the San Francisco Time of the Transit of Mercury,” “Note upon the Periodic Secretion of the Lachrymal Gland,” and “Losing and Gaining a Day in Traveling around the World.” Dr. Stout read a communication from Count Luboski suggesting the collection of “Statistics of Social Law.” J. R. Scupham called attention to the Yucca tree of the Mohave Desert, which he said was peculiar. It had been already utilized for making paper. Engelmann had claimed there was but one variety; but there were more. For three years the trees had not flowered, but they were then in bloom. He then described the differences among several of the varieties. APRIL 15, Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper “On the Formation of Mountains.” May 6, a paper by Professor Davidson was read, entitled “A Forward Movement in Astronomy.” A dispatch from “Summit” near Donner Lake on the Central Pacific Railroad, dated May 6, 4:20 P. M., announced that the transit of Mercury had been observed there by a party of the Coast Survey. W. N. Lockington read “Remarks upon the Star-Fishes and Serpent-Stars of the Pacific Coast.” Rev. Dr. Bleasdale was introduced and spoke of the success attending the establishment of a museum embracing all subjects of interest, at Melbourne, Australia. He recommended in accordance with the Australian plan, an extension of the collections of the Academy to embrace not only scientific objects but all articles of utility to the country, so as to be of practical benefit as well as to popularize science. A discussion ensued as to the best method of popularizing science. MAY 20, Professor John LeConte, Professor Willard B. Rising, Dr. Joseph R. Davidson, and Jay G. Kelley were elected resident members. Dr. Stout called attention to a work on forestry by Professor Simony, a German author, which, he said, contained many facts of value to any country and especially to California. It was resolved, on motion of A. W. Jackson, Jr., that measures should be taken towards a translation and publication of Professor Simony’s work in so far at least as it treated of the preservation of forests. R. E. C. Stearns read 214 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 A. Wendell Jackson (1874) Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley Josiah Keep Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley CHAPTER XVIII: 1878 215 “Remarks on the Death of Professor Joseph Henry”; and Professor John LeConte, Dr. A. Kellogg, and J. M. Stillman were appointed a committee to prepare and present proper memorial resolutions. The formation was announced of a Zoological Section of the Academy, consisting of W. G. W. Harford, J. P. Moore, Henry Edwards, W. N. Lockington, Henry Chapman, Dr. A. W. Saxe, and Dr. A. B. Stout; also ofa Section of Chemistry, consisting of Professors W. B. Rising, John LeConte, G. F. Becker, Joseph LeConte, S. B. Christy, A. W. Jackson, Jr., and J. M. Stillman. Dr. Henry Gibbons called attention to the peculiarity of a continuous rain during the night of May 19 and the day of May 20. The records kept for a number of years showed that some rain might be expected in May; but this rain had been much more copious than usual. He also called attention to a movement on foot to extend the U. S. Signal Service to the Pacific Coast, and suggested a committee to prepare and forward a memorial on the subject to Washington. Dr. Stout moved that the chairman, R. E. C. Stearns, chair the committee and appoint the others. Mr. Stearns agreed and appointed Dr. Henry Gibbons and B. B. Redding to serve with him. In the Board of Trustees, Judge A. C. Bradford, secretary of the Society of California Pioneers, presented a claim for services during the recent session of the State Legislature in procuring the passage of a bill settling the amounts due by the Lick estate for delinquent taxes for the years 1868 and 1869. These taxes were claimed to be unconstitutional and had been in litigation a number of years; but were finally held to be collectable. From the act passed by the Legislature it appears that the delinquency against the Lick estate was settled for the sum of $15,966.76. Mr. Bradford stated that he thought his services worth $1,000; that the Lick Trustees were willing to make him an allowance and the Society of California Pioneers had manifested its consent; but that the Lick Trustees desired also the consent of the California Academy of Sciences before taking any action. On motion of Gen. Miller, the matter was referred to the Lick Trustees with an assurance that the Academy made and would make no objection to such action as they might deem just and proper in reference to the subject. Thomas P. Madden reported that a satisfactory division had been made with the Society of California Pioneers of the unsold personal property of the Lick estate left at the Lick homestead. JUNE 3, Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks about the peculiar atmospheric currents on the Pacific Coast. The committee on the Signal Service reported that they had prepared a memorial for the extension of that service to California and forwarded it to U. S. Senator Sargent at Washington. A letter from Mr. Browne of Hobartstown, Australia, regarding the properties of the eucalyptus tree in resisting fire was read and discussed. An inquiry being made respecting the habits of the shad on the Pacific Coast, S. R. Throckmorton said that its habits here offered somewhat from the habits of the fish on the Atlantic Coast. There, after going down to salt water, it returned to the waters in which it had been propagated; but here it did not. On this Coast it seemed to have taken a new departure in this respect. Since 1870, about 350,000 shad had been propagated here, chiefly in the Sacramento River at Tehama; and since the propagation commenced, shad had been caught along the Coast from Wilmington, in Los Angeles County, to the Columbia River. This strange freak of abandoning its 216 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 natal place was attributed to the influence of the herring, which seemed to inveigle it from the staid and orderly paths of its ancestors. The companionship of the plebeian herring appeared to exert such a fascination over the patrician shad upon this Coast that they renounced their birthplace and traveled about with the roving schools of herring; while in the East the shad always made pilgrimages to the home of their nativity. Another inquiry was made as to the notion, common in some quarters, that under certain circumstances, wheat would change into cheat; but after a few words it was dismissed as an exploded idea and not worthy of discussion. JUNE 17, on the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, J. R. Scupham questioned their correctness as to the habits of the shad on this Coast. He thought it improbably that Mr. Throckmorton said or intended to say all that was attributed to him; the fact being that the shad did return to their natal waters, only their habits in this regard were somewhat less marked on this Coast than elsewhere. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On the Theory of Protection as Illustrated in the Seeds of Several California Plants.” Henry Edwards presented Nos. 27 and 28 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidop- tera.” The committee on the death of Professor Joseph Henry presented a series of resolution, which were adopted, in regard to the great services of Professor Henry to science, giving an account of his principal discoveries, particularly in reference to electro-magnetism and electric telegraphy; also his services on the U. S. Lighthouse Board, and his labors and influence in the development and administration for more than thirty years of the Smithsonian Institution. A copy of the resolutions, signed in behalf of the Academy by John LeConte, Albert Kellogg, J. M. Stillman and Robert E. C. Stearns, was forwarded to Prof. Henry’s widow. JULY 1, among the donations, was a piece of a redwood tree enclosing acorns supposed to have been deposited in the wood by the carpenter woodpecker. The rings of the wood indicated a growth of forty years outside of the acorns. Henry Edwards presented No. 29 of “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera.” W. N. Lockington read a paper on “Constaces,” and A. Del Mar, one “On the Silver Question.” JULY 15, Dr. Stout, as corresponding secretary, reported the receipt from France of a pamphlet announcing the formation in Paris of an “Indo-Chinese Society,” portions of which, after trans- lation, he read. His remarks, especially in so far as they involved the Chinese question, then a matter of political controversy, elicited considerable discussion; but he insisted upon the importance of the subject and gave notice of his intention to move for the formation of an Oriental Section of the Academy. Henry Edwards presented No. 30 of his papers on “Pacific Coast Lepidoptera.” AUGUST 5, J. P. Moore read a paper “On the Salmon Disease,” and A. Del Mar, one “On Our Civilization.” Dr. Stout stated that a Section of the Academy on Oriental Literature had been organized, and that the Council had reported favorably upon it. On his motion, the action of the Council was approved. He then made remarks upon the growing importance in California of artesian wells, and the need of further scientific investigation in regard to them. Rev. Dr. Bleasdale spoke about gems and particularly of those found in California. Henry Edwards, on account of intended departure from the State, tendered his resignation as first vice-president of the Academy, which was accepted; and the CHAPTER XVIII: 1878 ZAG matter of filling the vacancy was referred to the Council. It was moved that Academy member Dr. S. W. Dennis be appointed the Academy delegate to the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and that he ask the association to take under advisement a proposition to hold its next meeting in San Francisco. AuGusT 19, E. S. Pillsbury, L. E. Ricksecker, August Harding, and Edward Booth were elected resident members. Alexander Del Mar donated a large number of books to the Academy. Dr. O. M. Wozencraft read a paper on the “Proposed Irrigation and Improvement of the Colorado Desert.” Amos Bowman presented a map of California, compiled from authentic sources and designed for the use of those interested in forest culture. The Council reported the election by them of Dr. Harvey W. Harkness as first vice-president of the Academy in place of Henry Edwards resigned. SEPTEMBER 2, S. B. Christy read a paper “On Ocean Placers of San Francisco”; J. P. Dameron, one “On Magnetic Currents, Aurora Borealis, and Open Polar Sea,” and A. Del Mar one, on “Finance.” SEPTEMBER 16, among the donations was a number of plants collected on the Great Wall of China by the late B. P. Avery. Dr. Kellogg read a paper describing the plants collected by Mr. Avery. J. P. Dameron read a paper entitled “Evolution of the Soul.” OCTOBER 7, a communication from the Council announced that they had adopted a resolution to the effect that thereafter all written papers should be submitted to the Council before they were read in the Academy, and that no paper should be read unless it had been accepted by the Council. On motion the resolution was adopted as that of the Academy. It appearing, however, that Alexander Del Mar had prepared for that evening a paper on “The Poorer Countries of Europe,” the rules were on motion suspended, and the paper read. The formation of a Section of Geology and Mineralogy was announced and approved, consisting of Professor Joseph LeConte, A. W. Jackson, Jr., S. B. Christy, Thomas Price, C. D. Gibbes, Josiah Keep, Edward Booth, August Harding, Amos Bowman, Jay G. Kelley, and William Ashburner. OCTOBER 21, Dr. Hugh Whittell was elected a resident member. W. N. Lockington read papers “On Specific Names” and “De- scription of Two New Fishes.” In the Board of Trustees, R. E. C. Stearns was requested to prepare resolutions of respect to the memory of Gen. David D. Colton, late president of the Board, who had died on October 9. NOVEMBER 4, A. W. Jackson, Jr. read a paper “On the Microscope in Geology.” J. P. Moore spoke on the “Relations of Fungi to Disease.” Drs. Behr and Bleasdale made remarks upon the same subject. Dr. H. W. Harkness described the nest of a mud-wasp in which he had found living spiders some months after they had been confined there by the wasp. He said they had remained in a hypnotic condition and without food for that length of time. NOVEMBER 18, E. A. Parker and Alonzo Phelps were elected resident members. Professor Joseph LeConte made remarks in reference to the new Section of Geology, Mineralogy and Mining, saying that it had been intended to embrace not only all scientific cultivators of those branches of knowledge in the Academy, but also all members who had any practical knowledge of them. The object was to attract everyone interested in those subjects. He said that the formation of Academy Sections and the activity stimulated by them would, hopefully, react 218 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 [favorably] on the Academy and “revew the vigor of the whole body.” He spoke also of the commonly received opinion, among certain classes of the community, that there was an antagonism between theory and practice, but he said that true theory was indissoluble from true practice. Mr. Yale then announced that the Council had, at the request of the Section, approved renaming it to the Section on Geology, Mineralogy and Mining from Geology and Mineralogy as first proposed. W. N. Lockington read ‘“‘Notes on Fishes,” Dr. Harkness read a paper of “Observations on the Fungoid Diseases of our Forest Trees.” B. B. Redding said the fungoid growths on cedar trees were so common along portions of the lines of the Central Pacific Railroad that he had supposed them to be natural characteristics of the trees. In the Board of Trustees, B. B. Redding was elected to fill the vacancy in the Board occasioned by the death of Gen. Colton; and William Ashburner was elected president of the Board. Gen. Miller was elected president pro tem in place of Mr. Ashburner. DECEMBER 2, J. M. Stillman read a paper “On Chemical Synthesis,” W. N. Lockington, one on “Claims of Zoology,” and A. Del Mar, one on “Insanity and Suicides in Mining Countries.” The latter was followed by a discussion, in which Messrs. Stretch, Scupham and Redding participated. DECEMBER 16, A. Del Mar read a paper “On Evolution of Words.” A paper by C. D. Gibbes “On Artesian Wells,” was read by Prof. Price. Diagrams were presented showing the strata underlying the City of San Francisco. The subject was discussed by Messrs. Harkness, Price and Dr. Gibbons. The nominating committee reported a ticket for officers of 1879. R. E. C. Stearns made remarks and presented resolutions of respect to the memory of Gen. D. D. Colton, late president of the Board of Trustees, which were read and adopted as expressive of the sense of the Academy.'*” 18.3 Stearns remarks were subsequently printed and distributed as a “Memorial” publication of 3 pages. 219 Chapter XIX: Years 1879-1880 1879 t the annual meeting of 1879, held JANUARY 6, the several annual reports of Av president and officers, showing the conditions and progress of the Academy uring the previous year, were read. William Ashburner, the new president of the Board of Trustees, presented a report of the transactions of that body, and the secretary set forth the financial condition of the association. The officers of election reported the following as chosen officers for 1879, and they were accordingly so declared: Professor George Davidson, president; Dr. H. W. Harkness, first vice-president, Henry C. Hyde, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford , director of the museum; William Ashburner, R. E. C. Stearns, R. C. Harrison, George E. Gray, Thomas P. Madden, John F. Miller, and B. B. Redding, trustees. B. B. Redding read a paper on “The Foothills of the Sierra.” Dr. James Blake made remarks upon the same subject. On nomination of the Council, Dr. H. H. Behr was elected an honorary life member. In the Board of Trustees, the president reported that, in accordance with authority conferred upon him, he had borrowed $12,000 from the Bank of California, for which he had given the note of the Academy, drawing ten per cent per annum interest, and sent to the tax collector a certified check for $3,286.08, the amount of taxes assessed against the Academy. The secretary reported the receipts for 1878 as $3,001.86, from sale of personal property of the Lick homestead; $2,805, rent of Market Street log; $120, rent of hall; $100, one life membership fee; $2,323.50, monthly dues; $317.99, cash on hand January 1, 1878; making a total of $8,668.35. The expenditures, including $2,684.61 for taxes and $1,950 for rent of Academy building, were $7,171.73, leaving a balance of cash on hand January 1, 1879, of $1,496.62. The debts outstanding, however, amounted to over $3000. JANUARY 20, among the donations was a sponge from the Farallon Islands, brought up from a depth of 140 fathoms by the donor, Francisco Forcada. S. B. Christy read a paper “On the Formation of Cinnabar Deposits.” Dr. James Blake read a paper “On Comparative Rainfall in Different Places in Califor- nia.” Dr. Kellogg described two new plants. FEBRUARY 3, among the donations was a sample of brown sugar, the first made from sugar cane in Arizona, presented by George A. Treadwell. Eadweard J. Muy- bridge presented a set of photographs, showing in continuous series the positions of 220 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 a horse in trotting, running, and walking. Professor Davidson read a paper “On Geodetic Instruments of Precision at the Paris Exposition and in European Work- shops.”” W. N. Lockington read “Descriptions of Fishes Found in California Mar- kets.” Dr. Stout read a letter from Captain Howgate commending his plans for reaching the North Pole, it would have a beneficial effect by influencing legislation in the direction of a government appropriation. On motion of J. M. Stillman, the matter was referred to the Council for consideration. In the Board of Trustees, William Ashburner was elected president for 1879; B. B. Redding, president pro tem, and Charles G. Yale, secretary. Mr. Yale was credited with $100 on back salary owing to him, to pay for a life membership in the Academy. The president was authorized to make a payment of $400 on account of the note to the Bank of California. A salary of $50 per month to the director of the museum was continued. FEBRUARY 17, Delos Lake, Mrs. Mary K. Curran, Mrs. Volney Cushing, and A. C. Russell were elected resident members. Professor Albin Putzker read a paper “On the Scientific Study of Languages.” Dr. James Blake read a paper “On Temperature in Relation to Eleva- tion.” The president reported that the Council had adopted a resolution in favor of Captain Howgate’s plan for Arctic discovery, and that a copy of it had been forwarded to U. S. Senator Sargent at Washington. Dr. Henry Gibbons exhibited apples gathered on February 16 from trees in Alameda County. For a considerable time the trees had been bare of leaves, but the apples still hung in good condition upon the branches, thus showing peculiarities of California climate. In the Board of Trustees, the president reported having paid $426.67 in silver, equivalent to $416.67 in gold, on the $2,000 note owing to the Bank of California. Financial affairs appeared to be so stringent that it was resolved to present a statement to the Academy at large, representing the probably necessary expenditure, if the Academy was to be kept open, and that to keep it open more money would have to be provided. MARCH 3, A. Del Mar read a paper “On the Growth of the Wealth of Nations.” A paper by J. P. Moore was read, describing the red truffle, a specimen of which had been found at San Rafael, Marin County. It was one of the first truffles found in California. A discussion ensued in reference to the cultivation of truffles and mush- rooms in California, in which Messrs. Harkness, Redding, and Stretch participated. Professor Davidson read “New Problems in Mensuration.” A communication was received from the Board of Trustees, setting forth the financial condition of the Academy, the embarrassments in providing funds for carrying it on, and the necessity of active cooperation on the part of members to increase the sources of revenue. It stated the monthly income at $393, and the monthly outlay, as the Academy was then carried on, at $500, leaving a monthly deficit of $107. This made no provision for printing of Proceedings or for legal expenses in reference to the Lick Trust affairs, in which the Academy was involved. All the other expenses were as low as they could be made, the main items being a monthly amount of $250 for taxes, $150 for rent of the Academy building, and $50 as salary of the director of the museum. Under the circumstances, though the Trustees did not wish to be considered as prescribing any course of conduct, it seemed plain to them that, unless some action were taken by the CHAPTER XIX: 1879-1880 221 members themselves, such as submitting to a voluntary assessment or increasing the amount of their monthly dues, or in some other manner increasing the funds, there would be “no other course open to them excepting that of closing the Academy.” After the reading of the statement and some discussion in reference to it, on motion of Dr. Harkness, a committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Harkness, Ashburner, and Leo Eloesser, to which Professor Davidson was afterwards added, was appointed to solicit the necessary subscriptions to keep the Academy open. The Council reported the appointment of it by Dr. Kellogg as Curator of Botany and of Dr. Stout as Curator of Ethnology and Osteology. MARCH 17, B. B. Minor and Ivan Petroff were elected resident members. Among the donations were white crystals from the Colorado Desert, used by the Indians as a white paint, presented by J. P. Moore. There were also, among a number of ores and minerals presented by John T. Reed of Oak Grove, San-Diego county, two specimens supposed to be cryolite, the first found in the United States. It appeared that Mr. Reed some time previously, in looking over the collections in the museum, had seen Greenland cryolite and said there was a mineral of the same kind in San Diego County. A piece of cryolite was given him; and, on his return home, he went to the deposit and sent to the Academy the specimens referred to, which were apparently of the same nature as the genuine article and, if so, of great commercial value for the manufacture of a particular kind of glass. B. B. Redding read a paper “On the Sanitary Influence of Trees.” J. M. Stillman read a description of a new mineral found in San Bernardino County and named by him, at the suggestion of the donor, B. B. Redding, “Bernardinite.” W. N. Lockington read a paper “On the Flounders of the San Francisco Markets.” The committee appointed at the last meeting reported progress in the matter of providing funds to keep the Academy open. APRIL 7, Ross E. Brown, D. P. Belknap, and John G. Russell were elected resident members. J. M. Hutchings’”' presented specimens of quartz and black shale and also white clay, used by the Indians at Warner’s Ranch in San Diego County as paint. Dr. Kellogg read a description of a new plant, and Professor Davidson presented four new problems in mensuration—one of which was, to subdivide a cone into any number of cones of equal volume. APRIL 21, among the donations was a water-newt from Marin County, supposed to be the Mexican axolotl, but afterwards identified as the Amblystoma tenebrosum. B. B. Redding drew attention to the interest and importance attached to the axolotl, and particularly from the standpoint of evolution, as having both lungs and gills, and wanted to know if it was a native of California. Dr. Kellogg stated that he had found the Amblystoma in the gill state not at all uncommon in Mendocino County. There it took the hook freely, and to the disgust of fishermen. Mr. Redding said that the axolotl was not uncommon in Mexico and that the Aztecs had been fond of it. Mr. Lockington called attention to the fact that '9.1 In 1861, Hutchings published a 267-page popular English-language travel guide, Scenes of Wonder and Curiosity in California, one of the earliest to describe for the tourist Yosemite [Yo-semite] Valley, the Calaveras [Mariposa and Frezno isici] Big Trees, New Almaden mines, the Farallones Islands, Mt. Shasta, The Geysers, and other natural as well as man-made attractions in the State. This guide, with its descriptions of the routes to the locations and the sites themselves, includes many engravings, some ludicrous, but most historically important images of some of California’s most visited places. Hutchings’s guide, published b the J. M. Hutchings Publishing Co., predates the better known guide by Charles Nordhoff (1876) or Josia Dwight Whitney’s popular guides to Yosemite (1863, et seq.) 222 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 the Amblystoma tenebrosum and allied species were very common in California and that it was possibly a mistake to call the specimen presented an axolotl. A paper by R. E. C. Stearns was read “On Certain Much Abused Mollusks,” in which he pointed out various errors in recently printed books of popular scientific character in reference to those animals. A paper by E. J. Molera was read on “The Economic Divisibility of Light,” particularly referring to the electric light. Professor Davidson asked for the authority of a statement in it that 6,000 candles of electric light per horse-power could be obtained, as the authorities so far had asserted that 3,000 candles per horse power was the theoretical limit, and practically only 1,500 candles were really obtained. Mr. Molera stated that he had himself seen 300,000 candles produced by a 25-horse power machine. Considerable discussion ensued in reference to the subject between Mr. Molera and Mr. Scupham. A discussion also took place in reference to Dr. Blake’s paper, read at a previous meeting, “On Temperature in Relation to Elevation.” A communication was received from the California Pharmaceutical Society, asking the cooperation of the Academy in the establishment of a botanical garden in Golden Gate Park. It was laid over for discussion at a subsequent meeting. May 5, a paper by Professor Joseph LeConte was read “On the Glycogenic Functions of the Liver.” Mr. Molera read a continuation of his paper “On the Economic Divisibility of Light.” Professor Davidson quoted various authorities to show that the candle-power of electric light obtainable per horse-power was much less than that claimed by Mr. Molera. Dr. Kellogg was appointed a committee of one to confer with the California Pharmaceutical Society in reference to the proposition to establish a botanical garden in Golden Gate Park. A. W. Jackson, Jr. stated that he had analyzed the substance received from San Diego County, supposed to be cryolite, and found it to be silica. MAY 19, W. N. Lockington read “Notes on New and Rare Species of Fishes.” A discussion ensued in reference to the organs of hearing of fishes, which was participated in by Messrs. Lockington, Scupham, Stout, Hark- ness, Redding, Christy, Brooks, and Behr. JUNE 2, Dr. Frisch, then on his way to make natural-history researches in Polynesia, was introduced and presented advanced sheets of a work by him on Siberia. J. M. Stillman described the peculiar charac- teristics of the new mineral “bernardinite” from San Bernardino County. He said it burned freely like wax, but contained no paraffine. In the Board of Trustees, it was shown that the $2,000 note to the Bank of California had been reduced to $1,200. JUNE 16, the meeting was devoted to the reception of Lieutenant G[eorge] W[ash- ington] De Long, U.S.N. and other officers of the Bennett Exploring Expedition to the North Pole.'’* A large audience was present. Dr. Stout initiated the exercises by '9.2 The story of the ill-fated voyage of the Jeannette is vividly told in a somewhat romanticized but carefully researched historical narration by Cmdr. Edward Ellsberg, Hell on Ice: The Saga of the Jeannette, published in 1938 (Dodd, Mead & Co., New York. x + 421 pp.). A quasi U.S. Naval polar exploration expedition, it was sponsored and fully funded by James Gordon penned 1841-1918), son of James Gordon Bennett (1795-1872), owner and publisher of the New York Herald. The vessel was outfitted for Arctic exploration at Mare Island, just north of San Francisco, during the spring of 1879. It left San Francisco for the Bering Straits on July 8. The vessel became ice-bound in September after encountering unexpectedly severe early pack ice about 100 miles east of Wrangel Island in the East Siberian Sea at latitude 71°N. The ship was lost and in time most of the crew perished. A few survived and a stirring chronicle of survival can be found in the account by the Jeannette’s engineering officer (later Admiral) George W. Melville, /n the Lena Delta (1885, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston. 497 pp.). De Long’s own journals, edited by his wife, Emma, were published in two volumes in 1884 by Houghton, Mifflin, The Voyage of the Jeannette... . CHAPTER XIX: 1879-1880 223 reading a paper on “Arctic Discovery,” after which Lieutenant De Long was intro- duced and made an address'”” in reference to the proposed attempt to reach the North Pole by way of Behring’s Straits. He said the expedition would commence its real work about latitude 71°, beyond which all was practically unknown. It expected to undergo the same trials and embarrassments that other polar explorers had met with; but as to what might be accomplished he could tell better upon his return. Dr. Harkness, who occupied the chair, called upon several gentlemen for remarks; and in reply, Dr. Behr gave a brief outline of the probable features of high Arctic flora, and J. P. Moore, of probable discoveries of great interest to microscopists. C. W. Brooks also made remarks. William Bradford, the artist noted for his pictures of Arctic scenery, spoke of the great daring manifested by the attempt to reach the pole by the way of Behring’s Straits, above which the general drift of the ice was northward or away from home, while on the other, or Baffin’s Bay and Greenland side, the drift was southward or towards home. He expressed admiration for the courage of the adventurers and a fervent hope for their success. Jerome J. Collins, a member of the expedition, who went in the double capacity of specialist in meteorology and representative of the press, made remarks about proposed meteorological observa- tions in the high north and closed the evening with a statement of the unbounded'”* confidence he and his companions felt in their leader and the determination on their part to leave nothing undone to render the results of the expedition of great value. JULY 7, among the donations was the foot of a deer from Mendocino County, having a single, solid hoof, instead of a double or cloven one, presented by Joseph Clark. Dr. Henry Gibbons presented seventeen specimens of chrome iron and one of infusorial earth from San Luis Obispo County. W. N. Lockington read a continuation of his paper on “Fishes found in the San Francisco Markets.” Mr. Brooks said that he had received letters from Eastern scientists expressing gratification on the Acad- emy’s actions in regard to the Jeannette Polar Expedition. The death of Dr. John B. Trask was announced, and Dr. Kellogg was requested to prepare appropriate resolu- tions. JULY 21, Dr. Kellogg read a eulogy upon the late Dr. John B. Trask, one of the founders and a life member of the Academy, giving an account of his scientific work. He submitted resolutions, which were adopted, to the effect that in the death of Dr. Trask the Academy “had lost a highly honored and zealous member, whose faithful services in nearly every department had left lasting memorials of his great industry and devotion to the cause of science, to be long and gratefully remembered.” A letter from Dr. Behr was read in reference to larvae found in the root of an English-walnut tree by Ellwood Cooper of Santa Barbara County. He pronounced them the larvae of a species of Prionus, a genus belonging to the Cerambycidae. Dr. Kellogg supple- mented the letter with a description and drawing of the insect. Mr. Lockington !9.3 For a transcription of the proceedings of the reception see Appendix F. 19.4 Fide Hittell, not in the handwritten records of the meeting (Appendix F) and perhaps a little too exuberant a statement on Hittell’s part in the light of subsequent events. According to the handwritten record of the events of the evening, Collins said that he and his companions were “satisfied with their leader,” which is a far cry from “unbounded confidence.” And it is questionable that Collins, in using the unenthusiastic descriptor “satisfied” spoke for others among the crew who may, indeed, have had more confidence in De Long than he, Collins. 224 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 presented descriptions of new species of crustacea and fishes of this Coast. The discussion in reference to the organs of hearing in fishes, begun at a previous meeting, was resumed and participated in by Messrs. Redding, Kellogg, Lockington, Saxe, and Scupham. Dr. Saxe spoke of grape-vine pests and recommended the application, just before the budding out of the vines, of a wash composed of 4 pounds of sulphate of copper to 5 gallons of water as a cure for “mildew” which, he said, was caused by the Oidium Tuckerii, a fungus. AUGUST 4, Pedro Del Ospina and Tulio Ospina were elected resident members. B. B. Redding read a paper describing the manner in which the native Indians manufactured obsidian arrow-heads, as observed by him ona recent visit to the McCloud and Pit Rivers at the head of the Sacramento Valley. Dr. Behr read a paper on “The Passion Flower,” noticing some of its malformations. Dr. Kellogg presented a new violet from Yuba County, discovered by Mr. Brooks and for which he proposed the name of Viola Brooksii.'"> AUGUST 18, R. W. Simpson was elected a resident member. Professor Edward D. Cope delivered a lecture on “Palaeontology,” which was “highly interesting and instructive” as characterized in a note of thanks tendered him. SEPTEMBER |, among the donations were many specimens of fish presented by B. B. Redding; a section of pile showing the ravages of the marine borer Xylotria [= Bankia}, a teredo, and a new species of Dalea from Arizona, presented by George A. Treadwell, which was described by Dr. Kellogg, who proposed for it the name of Dalea Treadwellii. Dr. H. W. Harkness tendered his resignation of the office of first vice-president, which was “accepted with regret.” Dr. Stout stated that a movement had been set on foot in San Francisco to organize an Arctic Expedition under the auspices of the Academy; but that it had fallen through for want of sufficient support. SEPTEMBER 15, W. A. Goodyear read a paper “On the Auriferous Gravels of California,” and A. Pinart, one on “The Shell Mounds of the Pacific Coast.” OCTOBER 6, Professor O. S. Ingham, James O’B. Gunn, W. A. Bissell, N. T. Smith, and J. C. Stubbs were elected resident members. Major J. W. Powell, of the U. S. Geological Survey, was introduced and described his explorations, and particularly his perilous boat voyage in the Great Canon of the Colorado River. Dr. Stout made remarks on recent Arctic discoveries by the Swedish explorer Nordenskyold. OCTOBER 20, Dr. Quintius C. Smith of Cloverdale was elected a life member on an understanding made with the Council that a fine aneroid barometer, given the Academy, should be accepted as equivalent to a life membership fee. W. N. Lockington read a paper “On California Fishes,” and Dr. Kellogg described a new plant. Professor Edward D. Cope, who had recently returned from a short visit to the northern part of the State, spoke of his trip to Klamath Lake and the fauna of that neighborhood. He also spoke of Silver Lake, Summer Lake, and Christmas Lake and the fish found there. OCTOBER 27, Professor Cope delivered a lecture on “A Review of the Modern Doctrine of Evolution” in which he stated that both probabilities and conclusive evidence support it as a “truth.”'”° !9-5 Viola Brooksini in the Minute Books, Aug. 3, 1874 to Nov. 15, 1880, p. 241. !9.6 A lengthy abstract of this lecture was published a few months later (see Cope, E. D. 1880. A Review of the Modern Doctrine of Evolution. American Naturalist [13 March 1880]: 1 aa 178, 261-272), CHAPTER XIX: 1879-1880 225 NOVEMBER 3, Professor Frederick Slate, Mrs. Theodore H. Hittell, Oscar T. Barron, John H. Saunders, C. A. Webb, Frederick Ludermann, and E. C. Locke were elected resident members. Professor E. D. Cope exhibited a skull of what he supposed to be a cave bear found in a cave in the McCloud River country. He compared it with skulls of existing grizzly and polar bears and showed that it was an animal very much larger than either of them, and had peculiar characteristics. He also called attention to a new species of lizard, belonging to the collection of the State Geological Survey at Berkeley, which had been found by Dr. J. G. Cooper. He likewise called attention to the specimen of a deer’s foot in the museum of the Academy, the hoof of which was not cloven but formed one solid piece. It was not, he said, a monstrosity, but was curious and very interesting in many respects. Judge S. C. Hastings read a paper on ‘““Hog-wallows,” in which he expressed an opinion that similar formations were going on in various places in the State, such as Sherman Island near the mouths of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The “hog-wallows” are small depressions and accompanying small elevations scattered over the ground, making the surface very irregular. Judge Hastings’ idea was that large pieces of the surface ground, cracked into layers during the dry season, were floated off by the high waters of the flood seasons and lodged on neighboring land, forming the peculiar elevations and leaving the corresponding depressions. His theory provoked a discussion on the subject, participated in by Messrs. Cope, Christy, Currey, and Brooks; but there is no record of their remarks. NOVEMBER 17, Elija Nichols was elected a resident member. Dr. Stout donated a large collection of natural-history and ethnological specimens. J. P. Moore suggested the expediency of forming a properly identified collection of Pacific Coast coals and fossil woods. DECEMBER |, among the donations were specimens of abnormal growths of cedar wood from Port Orford, Oregon, presented by Captain Simpson. They resembled tubers and had been dry out of the ground at the roots of the tress. The trees that produced them were rare and in almost every instance grew in poor, gravelly ground. Upon the roots of some of the trees great numbers of these tubers were found, the larger ones being apparently defective or, in other words, not solid, while the smaller ones were firm and hard and might be turned into balls. When dry, the wood was very light. Dr. Kellogg said that abnormal growths of similar character were sometimes found on cypress trees. Fred Kuhnle presented two spiders found in holes in the ground near Petaluma in Sonoma County. J. P. Moore gave a description of ground-spiders, to the habits of which he had devoted some attention. He said he had frequently found in their holes numbers of beetles, Coleoptera, which were always packed in closely, heads down. Dr. Behr thought the beetles had been placed in the holes to provide food for the young spiders. DECEMBER 15, the nominating committee presented a ticket of the officers proposed for the next year. W. J. Fisher read a paper descriptive of Kodiak Island in Alaska, and Professor Davidson, a paper on “‘Scien- tific Explorations in the United States.” In the Board of Trustees, important matters for consideration came up; but the records of their transactions from about the middle of 1879 to the beginning of 1881 are missing, and the particulars of their action can 226 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 therefore not be given. The main and most important fact, however, in reference to the temporal affairs of the Academy, which were in their keeping, was a settlement of the Lick estate controversy. The suit brought by the Lick Trustees to validate and authorize the compromise with John H. Lick had been decided in the lower or district court adversely to the Academy; and the Academy, represented by its Board of Trustees, had then appealed the case to the Supreme Court of the State. On December 17, 1879, the Supreme Court affirmed the judgment approving a compromise, and thus at last put an end to the litigation. The result was that John H. Lick received out of the Lick estate $535,000 or $385,000 in addition to the $150,000 given him by the Trust Deed; the claim of the Academy that the additional sum should be assessed pro rata upon all the beneficiaries was defeated; and, on the very simple ground that the Academy and the Pioneers were only entitled to the residue after the full settlement of the other portions of the Trust, it, of course, followed that the additional $385,000 had to be paid, like costs and expenses of administration, out of what might otherwise have become a part of the residue. On the other hand, a long and costly litigation, which might have swept away all the residue and jeopardized the entire Trust was put an end to; the Lick estate, which was known to be amply sufficient if properly managed to pay all the benefactions designed by Mr. Lick, was cleared of complica- tion; and his Trustees, whose hands had hitherto been tied, as it were, were now enabled to proceed with the work of fulfilling and settling up the Trust; and, as it happily turned out, they did perform the work faithfully and well, and to the advantage of all the beneficiaries and everybody interested. 1880 The annual meeting of 1880 took place JANUARY 5. On nomination of the Council, Charles D. Gibbes was elected an honorary life member, and J. P. Sweeney and W. H. Wallace, resident members. Vice-president J. P. Moore read an annual address, reviewing the work of the Academy in its various departments for a number of years. The president of the Board of Trustees presented a report of the condition of the temporalities of the institution. The secretary reported the expenditures for the last year as $11,152.07 —a large amount, considering that the income did not at that time exceed $4,800. The record of the items of these expenditures seems to be missing from the archives of the Academy; but it is probable that they included considerable expenses incurred in the litigation in reference to the Lick Trust. It is certain that none of the amount was expended for publications; for nothing had been published for several years. The corresponding secretary reported that there had been many complaints made by foreign societies that they had for a long time received nothing in exchange for their own publications promptly forwarded. The annual election resulted in the choice, for officers of 1880, of Professor George Davidson as president; J. P. Moore, first vice-president, H. H. Behr, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha CHAPTER XIX: 1879-1880 Pie | Brooks, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; William Ashburner, R. E. C. Stearns, George E. Gray, B. B. Redding, Thomas P. Madden, R. C. Harrison, and James M. McDonald, trustees. A communi- cation from Professor Davidson was read “On the Total Solar Eclipse of January 11, 1880,” which he had gone to the Santa Lucia Mountains in Monterey County to observe. JANUARY 19, B. B. Redding read a paper on “The Buried Treasures of Our Remote Ancestors.” Professor Davidson, in attendance, described the total eclipse of the sun of January 11, which he had observed from the Coast Survey Station, Santa Lucia Mountains, Monterey Co., and had earlier communicated to the members. FEBRUARY 2, A. T. Dewey, W. B. Ewer, and Dr. J. B. Trembly were elected resident members. J. M. Stillman read a paper “On the Larrea Mexicana or Creosote Bush,” giving an analysis of the lac produced from it; also a paper “On the Laurel or Umbellularia Californica.” Dr. Behr read a paper describing the changes which had taken place in the vegetation of the Peninsula of San Francisco within the previous thirty years. A paper by J. P. Moore was submitted “On a Cave Fungus, found in the 400-foot Level of the Yellow Jacket Mine in Nevada.” FEBRUARY 16, J. P. Moore read a paper “On the Edible Fungi of the Vicinity of San Francisco.” Dr. Kellogg presented descriptions of three new species of plants in a collection brought from Fresno County by Dr. Gustav Eisen. A communication was received from Franklin W. Choate, asking permission to speak before the Academy on the causes which produce the flying of birds, his theory being that it was produced in a peculiar manner by currents of electricity. W. N. Lockington read a paper, entitled “Is Evolution Immoral?” MARCH 1, B. B. Redding exhibited a salmon from the Truckee River, where it had always lived, showing how large a salmon of that kind would grow in four years. Professor David Starr Jordan of the U. S. Fish Commission, being present, was asked to speak of the fishes of southern waters as recently observed by him. He said that but little was as yet known abut the fishes of this Coast, and especially those of the Southern Coast. In his remarks he spoke of the finding of a true sole, the first ever found on the Pacific Coast of North America. J. M. Stillman presented a paper, in continuation of a previous one, on the lac of Larrea Mexicana; and also one on the lac of Acacia Greggii. Mr. Redding made remarks upon the importance from an economic point of view of California lac. MARCH 15, Dr. William F. McAllister, Anton Roman, and William F. Buswell were elected resident members. Dr. Eugene Dupuy lectured on “Hereditary Transmission in Nerve Lesions.” APRIL 5, Captain R. W. Simpson spoke of the oil of white cedar. He said it was obtained by burning the wood under certain conditions. It had powerful medicinal qualities and was very volatile but left a sediment. B. B. Redding described fly-fish- ing as practiced by the Indians on King’s River with artificial flies of their own manufacture. APRIL 14, E. J. Molera read a paper describing the details of “Triangu- lation in making the Connection between the Geodetic Surveys of Europe and Africa.” J. M. Stillman read a paper “On the Mode of Production of Gum Lac.” May 3, H. C. Eggers, Frederick R. King, and Charles H. Hinton were elected resident members. Hermann Wenzell explained by means of models the working of 228 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 his pneumatic system of driving a number of clocks by a common central power. Professor Davidson thought that while the system might answer for ordinary purposes and for clocks close to one another, it would not be accurate enough for astronomical purposes or for clocks at wide distances apart. His remarks elicited some discussion. MAY 17, J. P. Moore read a paper “On the Parasitic Fungi found on Living Plants.” Prof. Davidson reported on the time of the slight earthquake of April 14, 1880 at Ih 07m 45s. A communication was read from the California Horticultural Society in reference to a proposed Botanical Garden, and asking the cooperation of the Academy in its establishment. It stated that the Horticultural Society had selected the grounds of the State University at Berkeley as the best location. The matter was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Moore, Behr, and Kellogg. JUNE 7, P. S. Buckminster read papers “On Cyclonic Winds” and “On Some Forms of Ice in Mines.” Professor Davidson made remarks in reference to phenomena observed by Mr. Buckminster, and explained the theory of Professor John LeConte, who in 1850 correlated the observations of Elliott (1824), Herschell (1833) and others concerning the formation of projecting ice crystals on the circumference of plants and in moist grounds. The subject elicited a discussion, in which Messrs. Buckmin- ster, Kellogg Redding, and Stillman took part. C. W. Brooks read a paper on ethnology, especially devoted to evidences of the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands by Spanish navigators in the sixteenth century. Remarks upon the subject were made by Messrs. Redding and Behr. A letter was received from Prof. Baird announcing that the Smithsonian Institution had forwarded 148 books and papers to the Academy. JUNE 21, W. A. Russell presented specimens of so-called “candle-fish.” The corre- sponding secretary read in connection therewith a paragraph from the Reno Gazette newspaper, in which it was stated that the fish were found in a spring just east of Honey Lake. They were different from any other fish found in the lakes of that region. The appeared to have come up with the water from clefts in the rocks. The spring was eighty feet long, twenty feet wide, and six feet deep. Remarks in reference to the development of such fish in so strange and isolated a locality were made by B. B. Redding. On behalf of parties residing on the Mohave Desert, Mr. Redding presented samples of a textile plant growing wild upon that desert. It was used by the Indians for medicinal purposes and form food, as well as form making cordage. The gentleman sending it thought it could be grown in this state as a valuable fiber. Dr. Kellogg said that it might be a variety of Salvia columbaria. He said further that it produced a large number of seeds, which might be successfully used, like flax-seed, for removing foreign substances from the eyes. The seeds, when put in water, would swell to five times their bulk when dry. Similar seeds had been found in Aztec graves, showing that in the pre-Columbian days the country produced a similar plant and that the people knew and availed themselves of its valuable qualities. Mr. Buckminster read a paper in continuation of a previous one on forms of ice crystals, in which after referring with particularity of observations on the subject by Stephen Elliott, Sir John Herschell, and Professor John LeConte, he mentioned a number of details which he thought they had not attempted to account for. He referred to the six-sided perpen- CHAPTER XIX: 1879-1880 229 dicular needle-form of ice crystals. Mr. Redding gave some interesting facts in regard to a practical utilization of this peculiarity in the formation of ice-crystals in the matter of storing and preserving ice. He said that cakes of ice, when stored for keeping, should be placed on edge, instead of on their flat surfaces; as it had been found that if placed in such position in the ice-house, there would be considerably less rapid disintegration and less waste from melting. Mr. Brooks suggested that electrical currents were probably the active agents of Nature in the organization of crystalline forms. Mr. Buckminster said he had evidence that certain mineral crystals were continually forming in the old workings of certain mines. JULY 5, the secretary reported receiving a large number of scientific papers and serials for the library. The meeting adjourned early because only a few members were present. JULY 19, W. N. Lockington read a paper on “The Fish of the Pacific Coast Waters.” in which he spoke of the investigations prosecuted by Professor Jordan of the U. S. Fish Commission. He said that forty new species of fish had been discovered upon this Coast, many of which would furnish material for future description. There were 240 species of marine and from 40 to 50 species of fresh water fish now known to exist in Pacific Coast waters. There were 21 species of flat fishes, resembling flounders in shape, found upon the Coast, of which the halibut was the largest. He explained the reason for the recent finding of so many new species along the Coast to be that the fishermen were seeking deeper waters for fishing. Mr. Lockington called attention to a small “tope,” Galeorhinas galens, among the donations. He said it was abundant along the Coast and was caught extensively by Chinese fishermen for the oil they yielded. He also called attention to a specimen of king-crab, the first that had been found in California waters. It had been found near the San Leandro draw-bridge in Alameda County; and he thought it had been brought there, when very young, among the young oysters imported from the East and planted along the Alameda shore. He added that the king-crab, when very young, more nearly resembled the fossil trilobite than any other living species of crab. He closed his remarks by saying that Professor Jordan had caught a large fish, in whose stomach he had found a smaller fish just swallowed, and in the stomach of the latter, a still smaller fish, which it had swallowed — thus forming a sort of nest of boxes, one within the other. AUGUST 2, Volmar A. Hoffmeyer was elected a resident member. Dr. Kellogg described a new species of gentian, Gentiana Dunnii, given to him by Mr. Dunn. C. D. Gibbes read a paper “On the Manufacture of Pencils.” AUGUST 16, Professor Jordan addressed the Academy on the fishes of the Pacific Coast, particularly the salmon. The subject of a supposed peat formation underlying portions of the southern part of San Francisco was called up, and a discussion ensued. SEPTEMBER 6, among the donations was a piece of wax from the wreck of a Japanese junk near the mouth of the Columbia River presented by Captain R. W. Simpson. The junk appeared to have been laden with a cargo of wax and was wrecked in 1839. C. W. Brooks gave a brief account of the vessel and spoke generally about Japanese wrecks on this Coast. Dr. Kellogg described a new plant, Trilium [sic] arnesii. Josiah Keep read a paper on “The Apparent Distortion of the Disk of the Sun,” and Mr. Lockington one “On the 230 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Sharks and Rays of this Coast.” Remarks were made as to the deleterious effects on fishes and mollusks of coal oil floating on the surface of the water of San Francisco Bay. It was stated that petroleum refuse was allowed to run into the Bay from the oil-works at Alameda Point. B. B. Redding called attention to a stringent law of the State against the matter complained of, and said it could be prevented by applying to the proper authorities. SEPTEMBER 20, Dr. C. C. Parry was introduced and spoke of arrow-grass and bulbs and also of Panax, characterized by its very large leaf. OCTOBER 4, Mr. Moore made some remarks on the honey found on the leaves of the Madrone. Dr. Behr said that the honey 1s produced by aphids, and illustrated how it is done. Mr. Moore then read a communication from Professor Davidson on Jupiter’s satellites as seen by the naked eye. OCTOBER 18, a paper by J. A. Mellon was read, giving an account of the mesquite tree and its uses, and Dr. Kellogg spoke upon the same subject. W. N. Lockington read a paper on the “Fishes of Our Coast,” giving a list of all then known. Dr. Engelmann gave an account of his travels in Arizona, and also an account of the California oaks and their economic value. NOVEMBER |, Dwight Whiting,'”’ Daniel Cook, and Mrs. Ellen M. Colton were elected life members. Among the many donations to the museum was a “‘metate,” a stone slab for grinding seeds, found at Hawkinsville, Siskiyou County, nine feet under ground. Mr. Redding called attention to it and said that it could not have been transported from Mexico but was probably an aboriginal work of California Indians. Mr. Gibbes presented a letter from Gov. Durdy requesting the Academy to send its Proceedings to the Geographical Society, Cairo, Egypt. J. P. Moore read a paper on the Phylloxera, which called out remarks on the same subject by Dr. Behr. NOVEMBER 15, W. H. Dall, who had just returned from a trip to Alaska and the Arctic regions, gave an account of his summer’s work, and Dr. Engelmann spoke of the varieties of Pacific Coast oaks. DECEMBER 6, Ivan Petroff donated several articles of Indian dress and impliments. C. W. Brooks read a paper on “The American Exploring Expedition: An Inquiry and Review of the Probable Situation of the Jeannette [Lieut. De Long’s vessel] and missing whalers Vigilant and Mount Wollaston.”'”* A discussion ensued, participated in by Captains Hooper of the Revenue Cutter Corwin, Williams of the Hidalgo, and E. E. Smith, ice pilot of the Corwin, and Messrs. W. H. Dall and Wells. DECEMBER 20, B. B. Redding read a paper on “The Future of Fish Culture”; Dr. Stout, a paper “On the Aleutian Islands,” and C. W. Brooks, a paper by Commander Henry Glass !°.7 Recorded as Dwight Whitney in the Minute Books for Nov. 1, 1880, but in the minutes of later meetings at which the person was present, in both 1882 and 1883, the name is clearly recorded as Dwight Whiting. Dwight Whiting is also listed in a separate “Membership Records” volume, which was compiled by two or more persons, otherwise unidentified, likely around the turn of the century. A pencilled notation at the beginning of this volume states, “Book correct to Jan. 7, 1901.” Unfortunately, even in this book there are occasional errors in the spelling of member names as well as dates of election to membership so that it cannot be taken as gospel unless verified by other sources. Dwight Whitney does not appear in the membership records compilation. '9.8 Publication of the Academy's Proceedings was still suspended. Brooks’comments were published in the Daily Alta California on December 8, 1880 and issued as a reprint of 14 pages under the title, ie rocceauies of the California Academy of Sciences at a Reception Given to the Captain and Captains of the Pacific Whaling Fleet on their return from the Arctic. Their Views, and Unanimous Expression of Belief in the Jeannette’s Safety, Speculations Concening the Whereabouts of the Missing Whalers Vigiland and Mount Wollaston.” CHAPTER XIX: 1879-1880 Zt “On the Hurricane of October 26, 1880 at Sitka, Alaska.” He also presented a paper, read by title, on “Early Migrations — An Examination of the Claims that Buddhist Priests visited the West Coast of North America in the Fifth Century, including Translations of all Passages relating thereto from the Nun Szu or Southern History found in the Grand Annals of China, with critical and explanatory notes.” The nominating committee reported a ticket for officers of 1881. Chapter XX: Year 1881 he annual meeting of 1881 was held on JANUARY 3. The following officers were announced and declared elected for the year: Professor George Davidson, president; Justin P. Moore, first vice-president; Dr. H. H. Behr, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; William Ashburner, George E. Gray, R. E. C. Stearns, B. B. Redding, Thomas P. Madden, R. C. Harrison, and James M. McDonald, trustees. The secretary reported the expenditures of $7,500 in the course of 1880, and a deficiency of about $1,000. The librarian reported that 436 books had been added to the library during 1880, and C. D. Gibbes said that 778 specimens of minerals had been received during the same time. The president read his annual address on the condition and progress of the Academy and concluded it with a paper “On the Benefit of Scientific Investigation and the Relations of Science and Industry.” On nomination of the Council, Samuel M. Wilson and Ralph C. Harrison were elected honorary life members. Mrs. Mary E. Edmonds,””' having paid the required fee, was declared a life member. The Council announced the appointment of the following curators: C. D. Gibbes, mineralogy; Dr. Stout, ethnology; Dr. Kellogg, botany, W. N. Lockington, ichthyology and crustacea; Josiah Keep, conchology; Dr. Behr, entomology, and Henry Chapman, birds and mammals. JANUARY 17, Joseph G. Eastland and Adolph Sutro were elected life members, and C. S. Capp a resident member. A. W. Jackson, Jr. read a paper “On the Occurrence of Precious Metals in Sedimentary Deposits,” and W. N. Lockington one on “Cali- fornia Fishes.” A letter was read from Dr. Schroeder of Frankfurt-on-Main, in which he stated that he was able to make 50-inch refractor glasses for telescopes by a new method cheaper than 36-inch ones could be ordinarily made. In the Board of Trustees, Benjamin B. Redding was elected president; George E. Gray, vice-president; and, on account of Mr. Yale’s declining further to serve, Charles Wolcott Brooks, secretary. FEBRUARY 7, Thomas E. Fraser was elected a life member, and Henry E. Mathews, Rev. Horatio Stebbins, and Frank Jaynes, resident members. Mrs. Theodore H. Hittell read a paper “On Sericulture in California”; Dr. Behr, a paper “On Fungoid Growth on Grape Vines”; and J. G. Lemmon, a paper “On Pacific Coast Acrididae.” A paper by W. J. Fisher “On the Sea Otter” was read by the secretary. FEBRUARY 21, Professor E. T. Cox and L. Oesterreicher were elected resident members. Notes were read from a report by W. H. Dall, in which he expressed an opinion based upon his observations 20.1 Earlier shown as M[ary] E. Edwards (q.v. and footnote 18.2). CHAPTER XX: 1881 233 in the Arctic that the Japan Warm Current did not enter Behring’s Straits as was popularly supposed, and that the northern current through the Straits and in the Arctic ocean was chiefly dependent for its direction and force on the tides and for its heat on the warming of the shallow waters of Norton Sound and the Yukon River. This opinion and the statement of facts led to a discussion as to the influence of Arctic currents on the course of Lieut. De Long’s vessel, the Jeannette; and this to a discussion on Arctic climate and the reasons for finding in Arctic regions the remains of tropical or subtropical animals. Mr. Brooks stated that he had received a letter from Mrs. De Long thanking the Academy for its interest in her husband. In the Board of Trustees, R. C. Harrison, to whom had been referred delinquent tax bills on the library and furniture of the Academy for the years 1872-3 and 1873-4 and a tax bill on the First Avenue lot, claimed by some to belong to the Academy, reported in favor of paying the delinquent taxes on library and furniture but against paying the tax on the so-called Academy lot on First Avenue. MARCH 7, among the donations was a striped bass taken outside the Golden Gate, presented by D. J. Staples. Mrs. J. G. Lemmon read a paper on “Pacific Coast Ferns.” Dr. Harkness described a new grape-root fungus. A paper by Ivan Petroff‘‘On Internal Water Communication in Alaska” was read. In the Board of Trustees, a proposition to employ a Mr. Clark to make a complete catalogue of the property of the Academy for $75 per month for three months was lost; and the director of the museum and curators asked to hand in lists of all the property in their respective departments. MARCH 21, Captain R. W. Simpson described his efforts to cultivate wild rice on this Coast. Dr. Harkness described a new earth fungus found by Mrs. Mary K. Curran in Golden Gate Park, which he named Octaviania. Dr. Behr read “Observations on a Species of Fungoid Growth on a Phylloxera-infested Grape Root.” Professor David- son stated that he had constructed two 25-feet pendulums, which he would hang in the Academy Hall, and with them illustrate the effect of the rotation of the earth. APRIL 4, Joseph D. Grant was elected a life member, and James V. Coleman, a resident member. Captain A. E. Bruno read a paper describing his adventures and researches in South Pacific Islands, particularly New Guinea. Dr. Harkness presented a list of 29 new species of California fungi, and particularly described one species infesting the oak trees in Golden Gate Park. Dr. Henry Gibbons exhibited a number of roses and called attention to the fact that the bushes had been infested with scaled bugs, and that he had entirely cured and cleaned them by applying a compound of petroleum and castor oil. A discussion ensued on the subject of the use of petroleum, in which Dr. Gibbons, Dr. Behr, Dr. Kellogg and Mr. Verder joined. APRIL 18, Dr. Behr read a paper “On the Scale Bug.” MAY 2, Charles F. Crocker and L. E. Blockman were elected resident members. The Alaska Commercial Company presented an outfit designed by the Swedish government for marine dredging. W. G. W. Harford read a paper “On Seals,” and Captain A. E. Bruno, a continuation of his paper on adventures and researches in South Pacific Islands, referring particularly to New Guinea. In the Board of Trustees, it was deemed necessary to advise the Pharmaceu- tical Society that when it used the Academy building there should always be at least 234 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 one professor or person in authority present. It was resolved that meetings of the Adelphic Society had best be held elsewhere. MAY 16, among the donations was a stone axe from the Tucson Mountains in Arizona, presented by E. T. Gerald. Professor Davidson said he had never seen a more perfect specimen. Mr. Redding said that, so far as he knew, that kind of stone axes was only found in Arizona and New Mexico. Professor Cox said that he had seen many of them in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Dr. Harkness reported that he had made an examination of what had been supposed to be showers of sulphur and found only pollen from a species of pine trees. Professor Davidson spoke at some length calling in question the correctness of W. H. Dall’s observations to the effect of the non-existence of the Japan Warm Current in Behring’s Straits. The brothers Krause of the Bremen Geographical Society, on their way to the Arctic, were introduced to the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, among bills acted was an old one of Spaulding & Barto, amounting to over $12.00 for printing the Proceedings of the Academy for 1875 and 1876. It appeared that the work had been done by order of the Council, without technical authority of the Trustees, and that it was understood to be “outlawed” by lapse of time; but by vote of Ashburner, McDonald and Redding, as against that of Gray, $4.00 of it was ordered paid. Dr. Behr was granted permission to deposit his private collection of Lepidoptera in the Academy building during the pleasure of the Trustees and on the condition of no responsibility on their part. JUNE 6, George C. Perkins and James G. Fair were elected life members. A large audience was present on account of a reception tendered by the Academy to Lieuten- ant R. M. Berry, Ensign H. M. Hunt, Col. W. H. Gilden, Asst. Surgeon Costello, Engineer A. V. Vane, and other officers of the U. S. Arctic Exploring Expedition ship Rodgers, as well as Capt. Howgate. C. W. Brooks opened the exercises by reading a paper “On Evidences regarding the Discovery of Wrangel Land and the Course pursued by the Exploring Ship Jeannette.””°* Professor Davidson read a paper by James Gamble, superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph Company, advocat- ing the use of 20-pound-per-mile steel wire for telegraphic communication between headquarters and sledge parties. In answer to an inquiry by the president, Lieutenant Berry said that he did not consider the claim of Captain Dollman to the discovery of Wrangel Land as well founded. He proceeded to express his thanks to the Academy for the assistance it had afforded him and the Naval Relief Board in making up their proposed route in the Arctic seas. As to Mr. Gamble’s proposition about the use of 20.2 This and other papers read at this meeting were published in the Daily Alta California and other San Francisco newspapers between June 7 and June 11, 1881. The articles were then extracted from the papers and published as a post-print booklet bearing the title, “Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences at its Regular Meeting held June 6th, 1881. Reception of Lieut. Robert M. Berry, U.S.N. commanding U. S. Steamer Rodgers of the Jeannette Search Expedition.” The post-print included at least one paper by C. W. Brooks even at an earlier meeting. The following papers are included in the post-print: (1) Introducto summary of the presentations [unsigned but likely a Daily Alta California reporter attending the meeting]; (2) Charles Wolcott Brooks, “Early Discoveries of Wrangel Island”; (3) an “Addenda” by George Davidson; extract of a paper by C. W. Brooks read at a previous meeting, “The Object of Arctic Explorations”; (4) ates te of the Rodgers,” an unsigned article, probabl i“ a reporter for the Daily Alta California, published first in the Daily Alta California on June 10, 1881; (5) extract ofa letter addressed to the Academy by Col. Charles S. Bulkley stating that he had observed an “almost constant northerly flow of water” in the Bering Strait, contradicting William Dall’s earlier observations relating to the Kuro Shiwo or Japanese warm current; (6) James Gamble on “The Telegraph in Arctic Regions” [first printed in the San Francisco Mining and Scientific Press on June 11, 1881]. CHAPTER XX: 1881 235 telegraphic wires, he would be happy to try them; but it was to be remembered that in extensive sledge journeys, weight was a matter of prime consideration, and Arctic sledges were generally overloaded with absolutely indispensable articles. He did not deem it necessary to say much in reference to the purposes of his journey, as that subject was already understood and had been explained as well as he could explain it; and as to the course he should pursue, he would have to be guided by circumstances as he might find them after reaching Wrangel Land. JUNE 20, a paper by C. D. Gibbes “On Extinct Animals” was read by J. P. Moore. Professor Davidson referred to the proposition of Mr. Gamble to use steel wire for telegraph communication between headquarters and exploring sledge parties in the Arctic regions, and said that Augus- tus Harding had suggested the use of aluminum wire instead of steel, as it had greater conductivity and was much lighter. He himself thought that fine silver wire might be used, as having still greater conductivity and being much stronger than aluminum. In the Board of Trustees, the matter of paying a part of Spaulding & Barto’s old bill for printing the Proceedings of the Academy for 1875 and 1876 was, on motion of McDonald, reconsidered on a showing that when the work was done the Trustees had declined to authorize it or assume responsibility, and had only informally said that when the Academy might find itself free from debt and with sufficient funds, it might consider the equities of the claim. The matter was then referred to R. C. Harrison for a legal opinion as to how payment might be made with safety to the interests of the Academy, when it should be deemed best to do so. JULY 18, John Richards was elected a resident member. Among the donations were several Shoshone arrow-heads and a number of tubers of a plant used as food by the Shoshone Indians, all from Humboldt River, Nevada. B. B. Redding called attention, in connection with the above, to a donation made at a previous meeting by J. A. Wellon of specimens, from the same locality, of the wood used by the Shoshone Indians to make arrows. Dr. Kellogg had examined the wood and said it was Tessaria borealis. Dr. C. C. Parry read a description of a new plant called Gilia Veatchii. Professor Davidson made remarks upon the comet. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary reported a credit balance of $900 in bank. JULY 29, a special meeting was held for the purpose of giving a reception to Lieutenant Schwatka, the Arctic explorer. That gentleman was introduced and read a paper on “Arctic Exploration,” in which he gave an account of his recent expedition to the polar regions. AUGUST 1, David Cahn was elected a life member, and Charles Nelson and Thomas P. H. Whitelaw, resident members. John Richards read a paper “On the Application of Standard Measures to Industrial Processes.”” AUGUST 15, B. B. Redding read a paper “On the Discovery of Nitrate in Nevada”; W. J. Fisher, a paper “On the Earthquakes of September and October 1880 at Uga[{m}or{ni! fotor{a}k?]’° Island, Alaska”; Dr. Stout, “On Artesian Wells”; and Henry D. Wolfe, “On Aleutian Family Names and their Ethnological Value.” SEPTEMBER 5, Alpheus Bull, Jr. was elected a life member, and Robert Caldwell and George H. Sanderson, resident members. Dr. Behr called ee in the Minute Books (Stated Meetings, Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890, p. 29) difficult to interpret: Pen or{ni} {ofor{a}k?]. The most likely extrapolations are Uganik Island, which is embedded along he north coast of Kodiak Id., or Ugamak Island, a small island off the southwest coast of Unima Telond which is centrally located in the Aleutian chain. 236 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 attention to the facility with which injurious insects could be introduced into the State and the necessity of care to prevent it. He had himself received specimens of insects from abroad, which were still alive although they had been several weeks on the way. J. P. Moore read a paper “On Parasitic Fungi.” SEPTEMBER 19, among the donations were plants used by the Shoshone Indians for making mats and ropes, presented by J. A. Palmer. A book on “Earthworms” by Dr. Gustav Eisen was presented. Dr. Behr read a paper “On Insecticides,” which elicited a discussion from J. P. Moore, Dr. Stout and G. P. Rixford on the subject of bisulphide of carbon and other washes. The chairman announced the death of James A. Garfield, president of the United States; and the Academy adjourned. In the Board of Trustees, a question had been raised as to a possible or shadowy claim of the Academy to a strip of ground, 40 feet wide, on the northeast side of their property on Market Street, embraced in one of the early conditional deeds of James Lick, and the expediency of arranging with the Society of California Pioneers to make a common thoroughfare out of it. R. C. Harrison reported verbally as to the interest of the Academy in it and presented an abstract of the title made by C. V. Gillespie. A letter from the Council was received recommend- ing Professor Davidson for superintendent of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. On motion of Ashburner the letter and recommendation were adopted, subscribed by the Trustees and forwarded to the Secretary of the Treasury at Washington. On motion of Madden, Spaulding & Barto’s bill for printing the Proceedings of 1875 and 1876 was approved and ordered paid, provided no interest was claimed; but, on motion of Gray, on account of the necessity of soon paying taxes, only $4.00 were ordered paid at that time. The secretary reported $1,577.65 to the Academy’s credit in the bank. OCTOBER 3, Frank S. Douty, Andrew J. Hatch, and William Robinson were elected resident members. B. B. Redding presented a hook and line used by the Shoshone Indians for catching trout, and described their use. C. W. Brooks gave a synopsis of the latest news from the Arctic. In the Board of Trustees, the use of the Hall was granted for monthly meetings of the Geographical Society of the Pacific, it to pay $7.50 per meeting for gas, janitor and incidental expenses. OCTOBER 17, R. E. C. Stearns read a paper on “Certain Aboriginal Relics from Napa County.” He also presented a section of yellow-pine bark, filled with acorns deposited in it by wood- peckers, and read a paper “On the Acorn-Storing Habits of the California Wood- pecker.” His remarks called out a discussion. Dr. Behr exhibited an insect found in the Lord of Lorne Mine, Nevada, in a stratum of stiff clay 700 feet from the mouth of the tunnel and 300 feet below the surface. It had been sent by J. T. McDougall, Superintendent of the mine, with a statement of the circumstances. Dr. Henry Gibbons remarked that he remembered when Dr. R. K. Nuttall sank a well at the corner of Montgomery and California Streets, an insect without eyes or wings was brought up from a depth of 60 feet. Dr. Kellogg described a plant presented by Professor Davidson and commonly called “turkey feed.” Dr. Gibbons said it afforded a cure for poison oak and its root a decoction valuable in cases of pulmonary consumption. A letter from Professor Davidson announced that on October 14 he had finished his first measurement of the Yolo baseline and expected to finish the second by Nov. 15. CHAPTER XX: 1881 237 Charles Crocker California Academy of Sciences Special Collections Mr. Brooks announced inquiries about a steamer being seen by natives at the mouth of the Lena [River], being the Jeannette, but he thought it improbable for it to have been there at the time.“”* NOVEMBER 7, Mrs. J.C. Campbell, Mrs. John H. Sargent (a previous member who had temporarily dropped out), and Thomas H. Buckingham were elected resident members. B. B. Redding, as president of the Board of Trustees, announced the receipt on November 7 from Charles Crocker of a donation of $20,000 in aid of scientific research under the auspices of the Academy. The donation consisted of twenty 6-per-cent bonds for $1,000 each, of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. In his letter, making the donation, Mr. Crocker said that he desired the money to be derived from these bonds at maturity, to “be again invested by you or your successors” in other safe and interest-bearing securities, so that the sum of twenty thousand dollars should be a permanent fund for the use of the Academy; and that the income from the fund should be annually expended “‘in assisting in their investigations, in Califor- nia, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona, such worthy and studious investigations and experiments, largely and necessarily excluded themselves from acquiring support through the ordinary avocations of current industrial life.” The Board of Trustees, Mr. Redding said, had made an appropriate reply, thanking Mr. Crocker for the donation and the high appreciation he had manifested of the benefits conferred upon society by scientific investigation. On motion, the Academy supplemented what the Trustees had done by adopting unanimously a series of resolutions, proposed by them, 20.4 In fact, there was some truth to the rumors because two boats of survivors of the Jeannette did make landfall on the delta of the Lena [in northern ae but not together. The one bearing Engineer George Wallace Melville and his party was to survive; the other, with Lieut. De Long, perished with the exception of William F. C. Nindemann, Quartermaster, and Louis Noros, who had been sent ahead by De Long to seek help from the first inhabitants they could find. 238 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 to the effect that the endowment should always be known and designated as the “Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund,” and that a special report of its use and condition should be made at each annual meeting. Dr. Henry Gibbons, referring to the donation, called attention to the fact that the arduous labor for thirty years, under great difficulties and discouragements, of many willing and enthusiastic men had built up an institution of which the Pacific Coast might well be proud; and it was in every respect worthy of the munificent gift so generously bestowed upon it. Consid- ering the circumstances and the very limited means at its command, it was wonderful what the Academy had accomplished. It had struggled long and hard against great disadvantages; but it had acquired a character which gave promise that it would make excellent use of Mr. Crocker’s endowment. J. P. Moore said that the world demanded of science practical results, and that the Academy had a valuable corps of hard workers, who would be greatly stimulated by the interest thus manifested in, and the substantial aid thus given to, scientific investigation. A paper from Professor David- son was read “On the Transit of Mercury.” R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On the Botanical of Physianthus albens, the Structure of its Flowers, and their Peculiarities as an Insect Trap.” Dr. Behr stated, in reference to Mr. Stearns’ paper, that several asclepiadeceous plants were known to play tricks on insects. Ceropegra caught them, like Physianthus, by a mechanical contrivance; other insectivorous plants in other ways. Stapella, an African plant, deceived them by smelling like rotten meat, so that flies would blow upon its flowers; and their offspring thus deposited would, of course, die of starvation. Dr. Gibbons said that he had long before made observations on plants similar to those described by Mr. Stearns and had noticed that as long as the insect struggled the plant held it fast; but, as soon as the insect became quiet, the plant released its grip. Dr. Behr read a paper “On the Part Played by Hawk Moths in the Economy of Nature.” NOVEMBER 21, Charles H. Bradford, John T. Doe, George Spaulding were elected life members. Among the donations were spiders found in the Keystone Mine in Amador County 800 feet below the surface. They were found by James F. Parks, superintendent of the Mine and presented by Captain James M. McDonald. Dr. Behr read a paper describing them. J.G. Lemmon read a paper “On Arizona Forest Trees.” DECEMBER 5, J. G. Lemmon read a paper on a new species of gentian, which he named Gentiana microcalyx, R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On the Growth of Certain California Forest Trees and Meteorological Data Suggested Thereby.” The paper evoked considerable discussion, particularly on the point, advanced in it, that some connection could be traced between the rings of growth and the character of the seasons in which they were produced. The discussion was participated in by Messrs. Davidson, Behr, Kellogg, Brooks, and Stearns. The death of Henry Chapman, curator of birds and mammals was announced, and a tribute of respect to his memory was read by the Secretary. Professor Davidson, Mr. Redding, Mr. Stearns, Dr. Kellogg, and Mr. Harford each spoke of the great merits of the deceased and the many obligations the Academy was under to him for valuable and gratuitous services. A series of resolutions were adopted by the Academy, which referred to Mr. Chapman CHAPTER XX: 1881 239 as “one of its most energetic and useful members, and one to whom it was indebted for a large amount of faithfully performed work.” DECEMBER 19, among the dona- tions was one from Commodore Thomas S. Phelps, consisting of a piece of canvas brought up on the anchor of the U. S. Ship Lackawanna in the early part of the year at the Island of Juan Fernandez, where it had been lying submerged for from 150 to 200 years. J. R. Clifford presented an insect pest, which infested artificial flowers and fancy featherwork in the manufacture of which paste had been employed. J. G. Lemmon read a paper, describing a new species of Ranunculus, which he named Ranunculus heterophyllus. He proceeded to say that he had been encouraged by Dr. Asa Gray to make descriptions of new species, even if all the literature upon the subject were not on hand or available. There were only ten libraries in the world where all the botanical works were to be found, and only one of these on this continent. We had only a nucleus of one here in California. He said he was therefore, on account of want of all the most recent publications, apt to make a mistake and name as new something that had already been described. It had been the custom of some Eastern men to describe all sorts of California plants from any kind of specimens, without ever having seen them grow, and take the chances as to their being new and the descriptions accurate; and they had not infrequently received credit which should have remained in California. Professor Davidson expressed a hope that all young investigators would go ahead without hesitation. “Get what literature you can; but, at all events, go on and describe your specimens.” Dr. Behr said that California botanists had been roughly handled by Eastern scientists for describing old things; that is, plants already described; but they did not take into consideration the fact of the want of scientific literature on the Pacific Coast. Professor Davidson resumed by saying that one member of the Academy had become involved in a controversy with Dr. Theodore Gill of the Smithsonian Institution on a similar subject. Dr. Gill had described certain species of Pacific Coast fish from dried-up specimens. Mr. Lockington had described the same species from fresh specimens; but Dr. Gill had considered his own descriptions as most accurate and had arraigned Mr. Lockington for describing, as new, old species and describing them inaccurately. Mr. Harford said that Dr. William O. Ayres, an able and efficient member of the Academy in its earliest years, had described new species of fish and Dr. Gill had attacked him in the same way; and the result was that Dr. Ayres, who disliked controversy, was so disgusted that he gave up the study of ichthyology. Mr. Harford went on to say that Professors Jordan and Gilbert had recently had occasion to make use of Dr. Ayres’ descriptions, as contained in early volumes of the Proceedings of the Academy, and with their help identified all but one of the species, showing that his work had been carefully and well done. A discussion then took place in reference to the skin of what was called an “albino” deer, which had been presented by D. M. White of Port Townsend, Washington. The skin was not entirely white, but had large white patches on it. The nominating committee presented a ticket for officers of 1882. In the Board of Trustees, Professor Davidson, as president of the Council, asked for an appropriation to print and publish a pamphlet from the correspondence and 240 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 resolutions in reference to the “Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund,” for distribu- tion to scientific societies corresponding with the Academy; and the Trustees author- ized the expenditure of $50 for that purpose. 241 Chapter X XI: Year 1882 his year the annual meeting was held JANUARY 2. Edgar Mills, Squire P. Dewey, J. D. Fry, G. M. Josselyn, and William S. Wood were elected life members, and C. Mitchell Grant, Isidor Cohn, Ignatius E. Thayer, John Dolbeer, A. Crawford, W. R. Bentley, Augustus E. Elliott, Hippolyte Dutard, and J. G. Harding, resident members. On recommendation of the Council, Charles Crocker was elected an honorary life member. Professor F. V. Hayden and Major J. W. Powell were elected honorary members. The officers declared elected for 1882 were Professor George Davidson for president; Justin P. Moore, first vice-president; H. H. Behr, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; B. B. Redding, George E. Gray, Thomas P. Madden, James M. McDonald, William Ashburner, Ralph C. Harrison and Robert E. C. Stearns, trustees. The treasurer reported a balance on hand of $91.07. The secretary reported the total membership as 284, of which 105 were life members and 179 resident members. The librarian reported an accession in the course of 1881 of 388 books. The president read his annual address on the condition and progress of the Academy, and included also extended remarks on the subject of “Science in the Public School System.” A report from the Council was read, which called specific attention to the fact that no publications of the Academy had been printed since 1876, owing to want of funds. A memorial addressed to Congress on the subject of Alaska and asking for appropriations to extend and continue the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Surveys in and through that Territory was presented. It appeared that the memorial had already been considered and approved by the Council and also by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Geographical Society of the Pacific. Professor Davidson said that the government surveys in Alaska had not, up to that time, been systematic for want of regular appropriations; and it was becoming more and more important to have accurate and full information regarding the navigable waters and topography of that region. On motion the memorial was approved and adopted as the act of the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, B. B. Redding, the president, presented an annual report. he said that two years ago the Academy owed $4,022.95 and last year, $2,955.47; but at that time all bills, including taxes, had been paid, and there was a balance of $91.17 in the treasury. The receipts during the past year had been $8,683.67, of which $3,306 was for life and resident membership dues, and $4,171.67 for rents. The expenditures for the year had been $8,542.60. The property of the Academy consisted of the lot 242 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 on Market Street, 80 feet front; a claim to a lot on First Avenue; one half interest as residuary beneficiary in the Lick estate, and the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund, besides its collections and library, including 132 volumes of unsold printed Proceedings. The use of the Academy Hall had been granted without charge for day meetings to the Ladies’ California Silk Culture Association, and, for small sums to cover expenses, to the Geographical Society of the Pacific, the Horticultural Society, and the College of Pharmacy. JANUARY 16, among the donations were Indian bones from the same cave near the McCloud River, in which Professor Cope had found the remains of the cave bear, the only remains of that animal ever found in this State. A specimen of amber was presented, found 35 feet below the surface in a well in Tulare County, donated by C. P. Converse of Visalia, and former Governor Purdy presented several specimens of silver ore from the Santa Teresa Mine. Dr. Kellogg described two new plants, Gilia secundina and Spomoca muricata. Dr. Harkness read a paper “On the Vegetable Cell and Some Facts pertaining to its Life History.” A discussion took place on the subject of the “Influence of North Winds,” in which Messrs. Harkness, Gibbes, and Gibbons participated. On JANUARY 28, in the Council, the director of the museum stated that books were missing from the library. He recommended restricting access to the library to members and that new keys should be made. A letter from the Geographical Society of Bremen was read in which the Academy was asked to acknowledge the truthfulness of Capt. E. Dollman’s statements as to the discovery of Wrangell Land. The letter drew attention to the fact that at the meeting of the Academy held June 6, 1881 (g.v.) doubts had been raised about Dollman’s statements. The letter argued that Lieut. Berry’s reports determining the position of the ( ? ) on the south side of Wrangell Land, visited by Dollman, proves Dolman’s [sic] original assertions that he was the first to land there. The society asked the Academy to declare that the report of Capt. Dollman was a truthful one and that the doubts expressed earlier were erroneous and without foundation. No immediate action was taken on this request, but the president was asked to e::amine the matter and report back to Council. FEBRUARY 6, W. G. W. Harford read a brief paper “On the Angel Fish” to the effect that specimens exhibited in the city as new were well known and fully described in the books. A paper by (Mrs.) Dr. Mary K. Curran was read “On Caenums of the Hare (Lepus Californicus).” From its meeting held on January 14, the Council reported the appointment of the following curators for the year: E. F. Lorquin, mammals and birds; Charles G. Yale, fishes; A. B. Stout, ethnology and osteology; Edward T. Cox, geology and palaeontology; Justin P. Moore, botany; H. H. Behr, entomology; Josiah Keep, conchology, and C. D. Gibbes, mineralogy. In the Board of Trustees, the officers of last year were reelected, with B. B. Redding as president. FEBRUARY 20, A. W. Manning, Isaac L. Requa, Walter E. Dean, A. K. P. Harmon, and John G. Kellogg were elected life members, and F. A. Hyde, Charles G. Hooker, Charles E. C. Apponyi, Henry Ferrer, and W. F. Nolte, resident members. An invitation was received from the Board of Trade to a lecture on the Nicaragua Canal by Mr. Menocal. Professor H. A. Ward of Rochester, New York, was introduced and CHAPTER XXI: 1882 243 spoke of his method of collecting specimens for casts, and announced the presence in the City of a large collection of his casts, which would shortly be exhibited to the Academy. The president announced the death of ex-Governor Purdy, who, though not a member, had made many donations to the Academy. MARCH 6, Professor Ward read a paper “On the Mammoth.” Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper prepared by himself and Professor Rising, “On the Formation of Metalliferous Veins,” and Professor Davidson, a paper entitled “Notes on the Temperature of Air and Water at the Golden Gate.” Professor Ward announced that his collection was on exhibition to members of the Academy and their friends at Mercantile Library Hall on Bush Street. The committee appointed to consider Capt. Dollman’s claims as the first to land on Wrangell Land reported that they now have the charts, received from Prof. Davidson, needed to examine the question of its supposed location. In the Board of Trustees, the sum of $821.50 was ordered paid to Spaulding & Barto in full on their old bill for printing the Proceedings of the Academy for 1875 and 1876. This was in addition to $400 paid on the bill September 20, 1881. The secretary reported a balance of $1,290.47 in banks. MARCH 18, a special joint meeting of Trustees and Council was held. Professor Davidson stated the object to be to obtain Ward’s Palaeontological Collection. He said it could be purchased for $18,000, and he hoped it would be. Messrs. McDonald, Moore, Gray, Hickox and Davidson were appointed a committee to report as to what could be done. At the regular meeting of the Academy held on MARCH 20, William T. Coleman and Henry T. Scott were elected life members, and Arthur A. Smith a resident member. A. W. Jackson, Jr. read a paper “On the General Principles of the Nomenclature of the Massive Crystalline Rocks.” A paper by Charles Froman of Virginia City, Nevada, was read “On the Increase of Temperature with Depth.” Mr. Harkness exhibited a new fungus, allied to the puff ball, found by Mrs. Mary K. Curran, which he had named Polyplorium Curranii. In the Board of Trustees, the treasurer was authorized to collect the semi-annual interest of $600 on the 20 Southern Pacific Railroad bonds constituting the “Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund.” At a joint meeting of Trustees and Council, held MARCH 25, McDonald reported that the Ward Collection could be purchased any time before March 31 for $16,000, and after that time for the same with current expenses added. At another joint meeting, held MARCH 29, at the suggestion of Davidson, he, Moore and Harkness were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions to purchase and maintain the Ward Collection as a part of the Academy. APRIL 3, John F. Boyd, Hermann Schussler, Daniel E. Hayes, John W. Ackerson, J. H. Goodman, Jacob Z. Davis, and W. S. Keyes were elected life members, and Thomas Brown, H. A. Ward, W. T. Reid, M. H. Hecht, and J. J. Rivers, resident members. Among the donations was a spindle-whorl, a small disklike perforated stone, found in the ruins of Troy and described as probably “used by the Trojan women as a votive-offering to Pallas Athene Ergane, the tutelary deity of sacred Ilion.” It was presented by Lloyd Tevis, with a letter from Professor Schliemann, the archaeologist, transmitting it to the donor. A communication was received from the 244 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Board of Supervisors, asking the Academy to make an investigation on the subject of sewer gas and to spread information by lectures and reports in reference to the condition of the City sewers, their engineering and what might be shown by micro- scopical and chemical examination. The supervisors added that the investigations suggested might have an important bearing upon the exceptionally high death rate; but, on account of the condition of the City finances, would have to be made without expense to the City. The matter was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Gray, Behr and Moore. The committee on the Ward Collection reported that they had consulted with a number of life members in reference to the matter and, among others, with Charles Crocker, who had already manifested munificent liberality to the Academy; that, upon the subject being mentioned, Mr. Crocker had said that he would propose to Governor Stanford that they two should purchase the entire Ward Collec- tion and present it to the Academy; that Governor Stanford, when spoken to, had promptly acceded to the proposition; that thereupon each of them drew a check for $8,000 and handed it to the committee, and the result was that the Academy had become the owner and possessor of the property. It was thereupon resolved that the collection should thenceforth be known as the “Crocker-Stanford Collection of Geology, Mineralogy and Natural History” and that, for the time, it should continue on public exhibition in Mercantile Library Hall. In the Board of Trustees, a bill for rent of the Academy building was presented by the executors of Henry M. Newhall, who had recently died, at the rate of $250 per month. It will be recollected that when the building was rented in 1874 Mr. Newhall stated that he would contribute $100 per month to the Academy, and it was done by allowing $100 off of each month’s rent. The matter was referred to the prudential committee of the Board. APRIL 8, at a special meeting of the Trustees, the prudential committee reported that an arrangement had been made with the executors of the Newhall estate for a verbal continuation of the lease of the Academy building at the rate of $150 per month. The Council recommended the payment from the “Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund” of monthly sums of $50 to Charles D. Gibbes for work on mine-petrography of the Pacific Coast. On motion of Madden, $40 per month to each from April | to October 1, 1882, was allowed. A notice was received from the Lick Trustees of the commencement of a friendly suit against the Academy for the purpose of settling and quieting the title to the 40-foot strip of ground adjoining on the northeast the Academy’s lot on Market Street, all the expenses of the suit to be at the expense of the Lick Trustees. APRIL 17, Dr. Harkness read a paper “On a New Bacterium found in the Waters of Mono Lake.” Dr. George M. Sternberg, U.S.A., addressed the Academy on the subject of microscopic objects. A. W. Jackson, Jr. described rock soap from Tres Pifios, San Benito County, giving its characteristic features. The committee appointed to collect subscriptions for the “Crocker-Stanford Collection” reported the receipt of various sums to defray the expenses of keeping the exhibition open; and, among other things, stated that Daniel Cook had offered to pay the rent of Mercantile Library Hall, where it was exhibited, for one year. Mr. Redding, on behalf of the Trustees, announced that the exhibition would be open to the public free on CHAPTER XXI: 1882 245 every Saturday afternoon and evening, and ten cents admission charged on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was also announced that a large archaeological collection had been presented to the Academy. Vice-president J. P. Moore announced that a large archaeological collection had just been presented to the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, various deeds from John H. Lick and others to the Academy were ordered on record or deposit in the Academy’s special deposit box in the vault of the Bank of California. They included deeds from John H. Lick, Samuel Lick, H. S. Lick, Sarah Helper, Jane A. Graham, Julia Anne Antrim, James W. Lick and Andrew J. Ely, as heirs of James Lick. The treasurer reported that he held $1,145 collected by Messrs. Harkness and Moore for maintenance of the Crocker-Stanford Collection and sub- scriptions for $2,595. The president reported that he had taken out a fire insurance policy of $12,000 on the collection at a premium of $150, the commission on which, $28, allowed Mr. Moore, was by him donated to the Academy. A catalogue of the property of the Academy was authorized to be made at an expense not to exceed $500. W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum, was made director of the Crocker-Stan- ford Collection also; and his salary fixed, during the pleasure of the Board at $1,000 per year, payable monthly, with an allowance of $240 per annum for two assistants to aid in the care of the museum and collection, — “said sum to include all cleaning expenses, etc. and no payments to be made in advance of services rendered.” May 1, Dr. Kellogg exhibited and described Mimulus alpestus. In the Board of Trustees, the Lick Trustees submitted accounts of their administration of the Lick Trust, which were pronounced to be in all respects satisfactory. The secretary reported the cash on hand as $520 from the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund, $2,375 from collections for maintenance of Crocker-Stanford Collection; $979.20 from admis- sions — total $3874.20. At the meeting of the Council held on MAy 13, J. J. Rivers was appointed curator of herpetology. MAY 15, Louis A. Garnett, Seth Cook, William J. Shaw, and Stanley Forbes were elected life members, and Henry A. Sonntag’'' a resident member. An audience of 120 members is said to have come to this regular meeting of the Academy, but no explanation is given for the larger than usual turnout. A letter from Professor Davidson was read, giving results of observations on the occultation of Jupiter on April 19 by Messrs. Lawson and Gilbert at the San Francisco observatory of the Coast Survey. Dr. George M. Sternberg read a paper on “Biology,” illustrating his remarks with enlarged photographs. The Council presented a series of resolutions, which were adopted, in tribute to the memory of Captain De Long and his associates of the Jeannette Exploring Expedition, who had perished in the Arctic seas.” In the Board of Trustees, the cash on hand counting all funds, was reported to be $4,826.66. MAY 29, in the Council, it was resolved to recommend to the Trustees that the Academy commence immediately publication of a proceedings for 1881-82 and that once the papers in arrears are printed, the Academy then issue monthly Bulletins. The publications committee was instructed to prepare the arrears papers for printing. JUNE 5, J. P. Moore read a paper by Dr. Arthur Krause of the Bremen 21.1 Spelt Sontagg in the handwritten Minute Books (vol. Stated Meetings Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890, p. 76). 21.2 De Long perished on the Lena Delta, northern Siberia, on October 30, 1881. For references see footnote 19.2. 246 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Geographical Society on his recent explorations in Alaska. He also described the characteristics of certain parasitic plants. Dr. C. C. Parry, by request, gave an account of a trip in Southern and Lower California, mentioning especially the most interesting plants he had met with. In the Board of Trustees, the cash on hand, counting all funds, was reported at $5,351.06. JUNE 19, Dr. Harkness presented specimens of red snow from the Sierra Nevada, the first ever brought to the Academy. He described the plant which caused the red color. He also called attention to the fact that what appeared to be a mountain beaver had been tracked near Blue Canon on the Central Pacific Railroad in the Sierra Nevada, and said that means had been taken to obtain a specimen. Dr. Behr thought from the description given that the animal was a new rodent. Dr. Behr also read a recipe for [treating] snake bite, sent him by Dr. Holford, government botanist of Australia. A discussion ensued on the subject of venomous reptiles. JULY 3, Dr. Kellogg exhibited a new and beautiful columbine from the Yosemite Valley, with a description of it by J. M. Hutchings. JULY 17, Horace Fletcher, A. H. Breckenfeldt and Frank P. Deering were elected resident members. C. W. Brooks, by request, described a cyclone he had witnessed, which called out a discussion on the subject of cyclonic storms, participated in by Messrs. Stout, Harkness, Brooks and Redding. Dr. Kellogg described a species of large-sized purple heather bell found in this State. He also gave an account of the manner in which Indians make water-tight baskets, with fast-colored patterns woven in, from a species of native grass, the colored parts being taken from the outer covering of a maidens-hair fern that grows at an altitude of from 5000 to 6000 feet and has a comparatively large leaf. Dr. George M. Sternberg presented and described a collection of fossil bones of the Quaternary period, which he obtained from an old lake basin between the Snake and Columbia Rivers in a stratified yellow sandy soil among dunes overlying basalt. In the Board of Trustees, it was found necessary to order that “the director of the museum or one of his assistants shall be present at all meetings (of the Pharmaceutical Society in the Academy Hall) to open and close the building and guard and protect the property of the Academy.” On motion of Gray, it was resolved “to procure plans for the erection of a one story and basement brick building, with truss roof, for immediate occupancy on the Academy lot on First Avenue.” JULY 20, at a joint meeting of Trustees and Council it was resolved to be inexpedient, on account of financial conditions, to invite the American Association for the Advancement of Science to meet in San Francisco in 1883. AUGUST 7, Mrs. E. B. Crocker of Sacramento, widow of Justice E. B. Crocker, by a letter dated August 4, donated to the Academy her collection of birds and mammals, together with the cases in which they were contained. They consisted of about 1,000 specimens of birds from all parts of the world and 100 mammals, all mounted, labeled, classified and arranged in their respective cases. She requested that they might be preserved in the same form and known as the “Collection presented by Mrs. E. B. Crocker of Sacramento.” It was resolved, in accordance with her request, that the collection, which was estimated to be worth $12,000, should be marked on each case CHAPTER XXI: 1882 247 “Collection donated by Mrs. E. B. Crocker of Sacramento, Cal,” and a letter of thanks returned to the donor. Dr. Harkness read a paper, prepared by himself and C. D. Gibbes, describing large and strange footprints found in the quarry of the State Prison at Carson, Nevada, and in connection with the paper in which some of the footprints were supposed to be those of primeval man, exhibited plaster casts, drawings and photographs of them.’'’ J. R. Scupham also read a paper describing the same footprints. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the Mechanics’ Institute of San Francisco had asked the privilege of exhibiting the Crocker-Stanford Collection in their pavilion as part of their Exposition; that the Academy had desired, if so exhibited, that it should be housed and protected in the pavilion for a period of four years, and that on a conference no satisfactory terms could be arranged; and it was therefore resolved that the offers made would not justify a removal of the Collection to the Mechanics’ Institute pavilion. AUGUST 21, the sudden death by apoplexy this day of Benjamin B. Redding, president of the Board of Trustees, was announced; and, on motion of Harkness, the Academy adjourned out of respect to the memory of the deceased. AUGUST 28, at a special meeting Messrs. Scupham, Gray and Harkness were appointed a committee to present appropriate resolutions in memory of B. B. Redding. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper on “The Carson Footprints,” embodying his observations from personal inspection of them.’ SEPTEMBER 4, Miss Nellie G. Sanborn and E. B. Rail were elected resident members. R. E. C. Stearns, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, read a memorial and presented resolutions in respect to the death of B. B. Redding.”'* They spoke of Mr. Redding’s life as one “of exceeding excellence and eminent usefulness” and said that “this generous nature, spotless character, public spirit, and distinguished and intelli- gent service, extending through many years, entitled him to be regarded as an illustrious citizen and a benefactor to be commemorated.” The resolutions were adopted as “the sentiment of the Academy.” C. D. Gibbes read a paper “On the Carson Footprints,” illustrated by stereopticon views, for the expense of which the Trustees 21.3 The discussion of the Carson Prison footprints continued well into 1883. Several papers were published, four of which, two by C. D. Gibbes, and one each by H. W. Harkness and Joseph LeConte were ae printed although they bear an imprint, “From the Proceedings of the California Academy of ciences.” The Academy did not publish any Proceedings volumes between 1877 and 1884, but individuals who presented papers at its meetings did pay to have their remarks issued as separates. The four papers read beac the Academy and then publishe privately are as follows: Harkness, Harvey Willson. 1882. Footprints found at the Carson State Prison. Pp. 1-7, 2 illus. (of footprints) (read Aug. 7, 1882); LeConte, Joseph. 1882. On certain remarkable tracks, found in the rocks of Carson quarry. 10 pp. (read Aug. 27, 1882); Gibbs Charles Drayton. 1882. Pre-historic foot-prints in the sandstone quarry of the Nevada State Prison. Pp. 1-8, 4 illus. (read Sept. 4, 1882); Gibbes, Charles Drayton. 1882. Fossil jaw of amammoth. Pp. 9-10, 1 illus. (read Oct. 2, 1882). 21.4 In a letter to William Dall dated Aug. 27, 1882, Robert Stearns laments the loss of Benjamin B. Redding (Redding was a trustee of both the Academy and the University of California; Stearns was at the time Secretary to the University’s Board of Regents), “The Univ’y. and Acad’y have met with a really great loss in the death of Mr. Redding, which occurred suddenly on Monday last—a most useful and estimable man. I hardly know where to look for one to take his place; and am sure we can’t find anybody who can fill it. So we go — these hopes discourage me — I had hoped to see the Acady, witha proper building, well equipped and efficiently manned, the endowment fixed before | kicked the bucket, but the way things work, the inertia that someone has to check or guard against is severe upon the persons to whom such work a duty falls — and so in the Univ’y, the environment has so many opposing elements that it wears a fellow to the bones to stand watch and want to thwart unfriendly movements.” (SIArchives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927}, Box 16, Folder 31.) 248 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 allowed a sum not exceeding $15. In the Board of Trustees, Charles F. Crocker was elected a trustee in place of Mr. Redding, deceased. George E. Gray was elected president of the Board, and Thomas P. Madden, president pro tem. On motion of R. C. Harrison it was resolved that the Academy should make no defense to the action to quiet title brought by the Lick Trustees in respect to the strip of ground, 40 feet wide, adjoining the Academy’s property on Market Street, inasmuch as it appeared to the satisfaction of the Board that, by his absolute conveyance to the Academy of the lot of 80 feet front, Mr. Lick intended that the Academy should retain no interest in the adjoining 40 feet. SEPTEMBER 18, Miss Isabel Downie, Robert Hawxhurst, James M. Kelley, Alfred Barstow, and John A. Paxton were elected resident mem- bers. E. F. Lorquin read a paper “On the Disappearance of the California Vulture.” A large collection of reptiles, fishes and crustacea, collected and arranged by W. N. Lockington, was donated by James M. McDonald, R. W. Simpson, Charles Crocker, J.G. Fair, B. B. Redding, J. H. Saunders, C. H. Hinton, J. D. Douty, and J.O’B. Gunn. OCTOBER 2, Dr. F. R. Waggoner, W. E. James, G. W. Brush, Joseph D. Redding, Dr. W. R. Cluness, Dr. David Wooster, and George Cadwalader were elected resident members. A. W. Jackson, Jr. read a paper on “The Glaucophane Rocks of California” and C. D. Gibbes, a paper on “The Fossil Jaw of a Mammoth from the Carson Quarry, Nevada.” C. W. Brooks exhibited a specimen of aerolite which had fallen beside Dwight Whiting, a member of the Academy while standing on the bank of the Wynootche River. A paper by Professor Davidson was read “On the Comet Now Visible.” His observations had been made from the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey station on Mount Tamalpais, Marin County. OCTOBER 16, E. F. Lorquin spoke of the “Hanging Nests of Birds,” and Dr. Behr of the “Work of Mason Bees.” Professor Joseph LeConte addressed the Academy on “The Life and Work of Charles Darwin.” Professor Davidson made remarks “On Comets” and read from a paper prepared by him some time previously on the subject. In the Board of Trustees, Dr. Kellogg was allowed his monthly payment of $40 for three months longer, commencing October 1. The “Voy Collection,” which had been exhibited at Mercantile Library Hall in connection with the Crocker-Stanford Collection, was ordered to be transferred to the Academy building. R. C. Harrison reported that he had filed a disclaimer for the Academy in the suit of the Lick Trustees to quiet their title to the strip of 40 feet of ground adjacent to the Academy’s lot on Market Street, and that a decree in favor of the Lick Trustees had been entered in the case. OCTOBER 24, in the Council, it was resolved that the papers submitted for publication by Keep, Harkness, LeConte, and Gibbes be given to the publications committee for publication in a Bulletin. OCTOBER 30, at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, it was resolved that the Crocker- Stanford Collection should be removed from the Mercantile Library Hall as soon as possible, for the reason that there were no satisfactory means of heating the apartment, and it was therefore an unfit place to keep the collection. It was also resolved that a committee, consisting of Messrs. Crocker, McDonald, and Madden, should search for new quarters for the occupancy of the Academy and its collections. The secretary reported the total cash on hand as $4,627.84. CHAPTER XXI: 1882 249 NOVEMBER 6, A. T. Hatch was elected a resident member. Dr. Kellogg stated that a specimen of pine had been handed him, the foliage of which had an acid taste like sorrel. He thought it was Pinus Douglasii. A discussion took place on the question of the poisonous qualities of certain leguminous plants. J. G. Lemmon spoke of a recent botanical trip of himself and wife to Arizona. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the sum of $3,415 had been contributed for maintenance of the Crocker-Stanford Collection, of which all but $195 had been paid in. Among the contributors were Daniel Cook, $750; Claus Spreckles, $500; Moses Hopkins, $250; Alaska Commercial Company, $200; and J. S. Doe, $200. NOVEMBER 20, among the donations were 18 specimens from the nitrate deposits of Peru, presented by Lucius H. Foote, U. S. Consul at Valparaiso, Chile. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On the History and Distribution of the Fresh Water Mussels, and the Identity of Certain Alleged Species.” Dr. Harkness submitted descriptions of 40 new species of fungi. In the Board of Trustees, the total cash on hand was reported to be $4,995.41. The College of Pharmacy, having been requested to remove its property as early as convenient, asked to be permitted to leave it in the building for some time longer; and its request was allowed on conditions. On motion of R. E. C. Stearns, the Council was requested to report the actual performance of duties by parties participating in the benefits of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund. DECEMBER 4, J.G. Lemmon presented a number of specimens of ore from Arizona and described the localities where collected. Dr. Harkness made remarks on the galls infesting the Quercus agrifolia. Dr. Behr made remarks on a wild potato found by J. G. Lemmon in Arizona. DECEMBER 18, Dr. Harkness read a paper describing 15 new species of fungi. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the influence of the upper currents of air on the local climate, and especially on rainfalls frequently coming from the northwest. Dr. Harkness exhibited the jaw of a mastodon found in a tunnel in Butte County, 700 feet below the surface and 500 feet in from the mouth of the tunnel. L. J. Sketchley read a paper “On Ostrich Farming in California.” The nominating committee presented a ticket for officers of 1883. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared a controversy had arisen between the secretary of the Board of Trustees and the recording secretary of the Academy as to who was the secretary to give legal notice of the election. Mr. Harrison expressed an opinion that the election notice should come from him. It had been usual for the recording secretary of the Academy to give it. This year a printed notice was given by both secretaries. 250 Chapter XXII: Year 1883 he annual meeting was held JANUARY 2. The president, having been absent, asked a month’s indulgence for his annual address. The recording secretary reported the total membership to be 306, and the average attendance at meetings during 1882 to have been 51. The director of the museum reported that the Academy received during the past year, including the Crocker-Stanford Collection, an addition of 10,967 specimens. J. P. Moore reported the donation of what was known as the Voy Ethnological and Palaeontological Collection by Irving M. Scott, Andrew Carrigan, William B. Hyde, Jr., J. OB. Gunn, Christian Froelich, Jr., R. H. Pease, Jr., A. Chabot, and W. B. Randol. On nomination of the Council, Dr. Gustav Eisen was elected an honorary life member. J. P. Moore, H. W. Harkness and A. Kellogg were appointed a committee to draft suitable resolutions of appreciation of the labors of Robert E. C. Stearns, who was about to leave for scientific work in the East." 22.1 Stearms had decided to leave California to take a position at the Smithsonian Institution as curator of conchology. Just when Robert Stearns first entered into negotiations with Spencer F. Baird, mostly through an intermediary, William H. Dall, regarding a curatorship, we do not know. We do know it had to be before March 17, 1881 because on that a Baird wrote to Dall, “Dear Mr. Dall, Did you write, as suggested to Mr. Stearns, to know how he took the idea of coming to Washington in charge of our collection of shells, and possibly bringing his own to be deposited, subject to the future negotiations for acquirin it.[italics ours, eds.] [ think I could arrange a payment of $1500 or even $1800 a year as curator . . .” (SI Archives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927}, Box 7.) It is clear from this and later correspondence that Baird was anxious to acquire the Stearns shell collection, and that he recognized the fact that he could not do so without Stearns accompanying it. On July 19th, 1881, Baird again wrote to Dall, “I did not before understand that Mr. Stearns had resigned for the purpose of taking charge of the collection of shells in the National Museum; but supposed it was from disisenaacen to continue in the service of the University of California. | also supposed that his coming to Washinton depended entirely upon his selling his collection; and at any rate that the main body of it at least should come to the National useum, and be still subject to his control. Of course, if the sale were made, and the collection transferred to the Museum, all the conditions made with Mr. Stearns would have been fulfilled. If his collection comes I will make some arrangement by which I will pay him at least $1200 a year. “Away from my records and memoranda, I am unable to speak positively in regard to engagements of this kind. Did I agree to appoint Mr. Stearns conchologist curator, expecting on the condition of the acquisition of his cabinet? | am of course perfectly willing to fulfil [sic] any promise that | have made conditionally or unconditionally. “In the reorganizing of the Museum for the fiscal year 1881 and 1882, I found it necessary to exercise a very rigid economy inorder to make both ends meet, and the margin for permanent additional employees is but small, — considerably less than I had supposed possible. . . . Acting under the impression that the Stearns’ call to Wesneten was on condition of his being accompanied by his collection of shells, and in the uncertainty as to whether this could be secured, I had not made any definite provision for him. . .” (SIArchives, RU 7073 {William H. Dall Papers, 1865-1927}, Box 7.) Although Stearns let it be known that he planned to leave California for the East, he does not seem to have taken any positive steps for several months. Indeed, on August 22, 1883, Stearns wrote to Baird, “I had a letter from Mr. Dall dated the 30th June in which he informed me that you intended to put my name on the roll of curators and allow me the usual monthly salary, the amt thereof to go on (—?—) athe collection, until I entered upon the regular duties of the curatorship . . . so that I supposed that the arrangement would commence with the new fiscal year July Ist and have been expecting a remittance accordingly. ‘* My health on the whole is better; our house has been placed in the hands of a real estate broker to sell, and we are praying for Spesuy foes fortune in the matter of a quick sale...” (SIArchives, RU 7002 {Spencer Fullerton Baird Collection, 1793-1923}, Box 33.) CHAPTER XXII: 1883 251 Gustavus Augustus Eisen (ca. 1910) (Photo by Dr. Peder S. Bruguiere, who taught Eisen photography) Courtesy Mrs. Ann-Lisa Maneskjéld-Lower, Altoona, Pennsylvania The annual election resulted in the choice of Professor George Davidson as president; Justin P. Moore, first vice-president; H. H. Behr, second vice-president; Samuel B. Christy, corresponding secretary; Charles G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; George E. Gray, Ralph C. Harrison, James M. McDonald, Robert W. Simpson, Thomas P. Madden, Charles F. Crocker, and Lewis Gerstle, trustees. Professor Davidson described the Transit of Venus, as observed by him in New Mexico; and J. P. Moore described the same Transit of Venus, as observed by him on Monte Diablo in California. In the Board of Trustees, the allowance to C. D. Gibbes from the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund was discontinued on request of the Council. The financial report showed the receipts from all sources for 1882 to have been $28,445.14, and the disbursements $25,707.04 leaving a balance of $2,738.10. Donations had been received during the year of $19,758.50 in cash and $12,300 in property (being $12,000 for the Mrs. E. B. Crocker Collection and $300 for the Voy Collection) making a total of $32,058.50. The Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund yielded $1,200 out of which had been paid the allowances to Dr. Kellogg and C. D. Gibbes and also certain expenses attending investigations of the “Carson Footprints.” JANUARY 15, J. G. Lemmon read a paper “On the Potato; Its Early History; its Properties, Uses, Degeneration and Restoration.” Professor Hitchcock,’ of Dart- 22.2 Charles H. Hitchcock, son of Edward Hitchcock, Sr., and New Hampshire state geologist, 1868-1878. 252 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 mouth College, was introduced and spoke of the “Northern Glacial Moraines.” In the Board of Trustees, George E. Gray was elected president; Thomas P. Madden, president pro tem, and C. W. Brooks, secretary. JANUARY 29, in the Council, president Davidson read a letter from Mr. Hamburger of Sacramento that called attention to bill no. 302 offered in the State Senate to publish the maps of the State Geological Survey. On Prof. Davidson’s recommendation the Council adopted a resolution to endorse the act. FEBRUARY 5, Francesco Lambertenghi (Italian consul), Dr. Paoli de Vecchi, S. B. Leavitt, and William R. Eckert” were elected resident members. W. J. Forsyth read a paper “On the Cinchona and the Method of its Cultivation as Conducted in the East Indies.” J. G. Lemmon read a continuation of his paper “On the Potato.” Interest in establishing a Microscopical Section of the Academy was expressed by some members. The Council announced the appointment as curators of E. F. Lorquin on birds and mammals; J. J. Rivers, radiates, reptiles and crustacea; C. G. Yale, fishes; A. B. Stout, ethnology and osteology; J. P. Moore and Mary K. Curran, botany; H. H. Behr, entomology; Josiah Keep, conchology; C. D. Gibbes and J. T. Evans, mineralogy; Edward Booth, geology and palaeontology. In the Board of Trustees, the committee on new quarters reported that they could find no satisfactory building available. The cash on hand was $3,439.50. FEBRUARY 19, Dr. F. V. Hopkins, Henry B. Osgood, Miss M. H. Jones, and Mrs. Donald McLennan were elected resident members. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper “On the Genesis of Metalliferous Veins.” A joint committee, chosen by members of the Board of Trustees, the Council, and the Academy at large, was appointed to consider the most expedient manner of obtaining a much needed permanent building for the use of the Academy and the proper display of the museum to the public. It was composed of James M. McDonald, Charles F. Crocker, Thomas P. Madden, Lewis Gerstle, George Davidson, Justin P. Moore, Charles G. Yale, H. H. Behr, H. W. Harkness, William A. Aldrich, William Norris, Frederick Gutzkow, Jacob Z. Davis, and Thomas Price. In the Board of Trustees, there was much discussion in reference to a new building and the unsatis- factory condition of Crocker-Stanford Collection. MARCH 5S, Gen. J. F. Houghton was elected a resident member. Mrs. J.G. Lemmon read a list of 36 ferns, mostly from Arizona, collected by her and presented to the Academy. A paper by C. L. Hooper of the U. S. Revenue Marine, on “Arctic Currents,” was read. In the Board of Trustees, on recommendation of the Council, Dr. Behr was allowed the use of the Academy Hall for one hour each Monday for instruction in botany to the senior class of the Pharmaceutical Society. It was announced that the settling of the main floor of the Academy building had been arrested by the owners. A communication was received from the secretary of the Society of California Pioneers in reference to giving of a portion of the Academy’s lot on Market Street, parallel to Market, and cutting the Academy lot into two parts. It was laid on the table for future consideration. MARCH 19, Richard Rising, E. J. 22.3 Spelt “Eckert” in the handwritten Minute Books (Stated Minutes, Dec. 1880-1890, for both Dec. 18, 1882 (p. 92) and Feb. 5, 1883 (p. 98). In the Membership Records book, someone pencilled in a change of spelling to “Eckart.” CHAPTER XXII: 1883 253 Charles F. Crocker California Academy of Sciences Special Collections James John Rivers E. O. Essig Portrait File California Academy of Sciences Special Collections 254 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Wilson, W. S. Campbell, and Rev. B. F. Rattray were elected resident members. Dr. Behr read a paper “On Remains of Elephants from Siberia.” Professor Davidson read a paper on the “Temperature of Sea Water of the Pacific and its Influence on Propagation of Oysters.” The president said the secretary, Mr. Yale, had prepared the proceedings of the Academy for some years back for publication;** and Dr. Kellogg exhibited a large number of sketches of California trees and other plants, prepared for photo-lithographing. He stated that his work was being done under the auspices of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund management. So far as Proceedings of the Academy were concerned, however, none were ever published for the ten years between 1876 and 1887, as has already been stated. APRIL 2, among the donations were the first ostrich eggs laid in California; also the lower jaw of an animal found in the sandstone quarry of the Nevada State Prison at Carson, which C. D. Gibbes pronounced to be from a specimen of Machairodus or saber-tooth tiger. Dr. Kellogg read a catalogue of plants donated by C. G. Pringle, Dr. Behr described a new flowering plant found near San Francisco, which he named Anemone Grayii. Col. John E. Gowan, a specialist in marine engineering, was introduced and described the method in which the Russian vessels, sunk at Sebastopol in the Crimean war, had been raised. Dr. Harkness read a paper, describing his “Homo Nevadensis,” which he claimed to be a new species of the genus Homo, whose footprints had been found at the State Prison quarry at Carson, Nevada. As these Carson footprints attracted great attention, and as the claim that some of them were human and proved the existence of man as early as the beginning of the Quaternary period became a subject of considerable discussion and caused not a little comment on the mistake made in reference to them, it is deemed proper to give the main facts in detail. About the middle of May 1882, W. J. Hanks, sheriff of Storey County, Nevada, while on a visit to the Crocker-Stanford Collection in San Francisco, called the attention of Charles D. Gibbes of the California Academy of Sciences to reports of footprints, both of men and animals, at the quarry of the State Prison at Carson, Ormsby County, Nevada. He suggested that they should be examined by scientific men, and said that he would make arrangements with his friend, William Garrard, the warden of the Nevada State Prison, for the entertainment and furnishing of all facilities for examination to any scientist who might be sent there for that purpose. On his return to Nevada, Mr. Hanks went to the State Prison quarry and on June 26 wrote to Mr. Gibbes that he had examined the footprints and found mastodon tracks 22 inches in diameter, “‘as plain as if made yesterday.” In speaking of the other footprints, he said “the man’s track is very plain, his track measures 22 inches in length. There are bird tracks, women’s tracks, and many other fossil remains. It is the most wonderful formation in the world.” Mr. Gibbes showed this letter to B. B. 22.4 Destined to become volume | of the Bulletin (Number | of volume | issued Feb. 29, 1884), a short lived serial publication of the Academy which was replaced by the Proceedings series when the latter was revived in 1887-88. Although Charles G. Yale Tally served as “editor” of the first number of volume one of the Bulletin, it was Mrs. Mary K. Curran who did the final editing and saw it through the press. Volume lof the Bulletin consisted of four parts or numbers, the last of which was issued on Jan. 2, 1885. Volume 2, numbers 5 through 8 (the last number published), covers the period Jan. 27, 1886 to the end of September, 1887. CHAPTER XXII: 1883 255 Redding who agreed to go with him and examine the footprints; and Mr. Gibbes then wrote to Mr. Garrard, who on July 2 answered, inviting Mr. Gibbes and Mr. Redding to come up and remain with him, while making their examinations, as guests of the State of Nevada, at the same time stating that he was expecting a visit from Professors Joseph LeConte and W. B. Rising of the University of California. Mr. Garrard, in his letter, said of the tracks that had been laid bare in the quarry: “well defined human footprints, 21 inches long, covered by 34 feet of sandstone, are found nowhere else that I know of.” On the receipt of this invitation, Mr. Gibbes again saw Mr. Redding, whose business engagements, however, prevented him from going to Nevada at that time; and Mr. Gibbes then spoke to Dr. Harkness and Mr. Scupham, who both agreed to go at once. They accordingly went to Carson, Dr. Harkness and Mr. Gibbes on July 20, and Mr. Scupham met them there the next day. Professors LeConte and Rising arrived on July 22. All these gentlemen, after remaining a couple of days and making a very careful examination of the tracks, left again; but Mr. Gibbes remained ten days, making drawings, photographs, measurements and casts. The Nevada State Prison is situated about a mile and a half east of Carson City, at the north end of a low ridge of sandstone, the termination of a short spur of Pine Nut Mountain, about three miles east of the edge of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and at an elevation of 4,490 feet above sea level. A portion of the sandstone ridge, of a area of about one and a half acres, had been quarried out to a depth of from 12 to 32 feet; and the floor of this excavated portion constituted the site upon which the prison buildings had been erected and the prison yard in which the tracks referred to were exposed. These tracks were described by Mr. Gibbes as consisting mainly of a mammoth track and six series of footprints shaped like those of moccasined or sandled human feet. The mammoth track, situated near the east wall of the yard, consisted of eight large, somewhat rounded footprints, 21 by 22 inches in diameter, with an average step 4-!/ feet long, and a straddle of from 12 to 16 inches, apparently made by a mammoth or mastodon. A line of eighteen smaller footprints, 4 by 3-'4 inches in size, shaped something like a dog’s track and supposed to have been made by a hyena or some animal like it, crossed the line of the large tracks. The first series of the footprints, resembling human ones, situated near the southeast corner of the yard, consisted of twenty-seven footprints disposed in three lines. The first and principal line was straight and regular, the footprints being 19 inches in length by 8 inches wide at the ball of the foot and 6 inches at the heel. The step was about 27 inches, and the straddle 18 inches. The second line seemed to be a return of the first. The footprints of the third line were of the same character but considerably smaller and crowded together; and near these last mentioned footprints but apart from all the other tracks were indications of a large animal lying down or wallowing. Between the second and third of the above mentioned lines were five footprints of some large animal, about 8 inches in diameter; and running from the first to the third line was a line of smaller footprints, about 5 inches in diameter, apparently made by some feline animal. The second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth series were all near the southwest corner of the prison yard. They were all of footprints similar to those of the first and 256 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 f 0 He es i OF: d 2 SEL yvryaet Felely ‘yn / -prints in the Sandstone Quarry of wy of Sciences; privately printed]) yr £00. i ‘4 i iid Y ( ft vic sors ji ut i i it ae /, rab al i a He s oo bf ; Hit 4 ‘ yt etal) He ee fh, ii ‘UPPER FLOOR. ra Mammoth tracks. the Nevada State Prison. 8 pp., 4 figs. [From the Proceedings of the C alifornia Acaden Woodcut engravings prepared from photographs showing the positions of some of the footprints discovered in the sandstone quarry of Nevada State Prison, Carson City. (From C. D. Gibbes. 1882. Pre-historic Foot CHAPTER XXII: 1883 257 second lines of the first series. No. 2 consisted of 13 prints straight and regular; No. 3 of 15 prints, rather irregular; No. 4 of 14 prints going parallel to No. 2 and crossing No. 3; No. 5 of 44 prints, extending 112 feet to the west wall of the yard, and No. 6 of 15 prints, crossing No. 5, near the wall. In addition to these, there were numerous tracks of large wading birds with three toes 5 inches long, having a step of from 23 to 24 inches, crossing portions of series |, 2, 3 and 4, and a few deer tracks. All the tracks had apparently bee made in a soft clay or mud deposit from three to five inches deep, sufficiently consistent to retain the impressions, which afterwards hardened and were subsequently covered with other deposits, but too soft to preserve impressions of nails or claws. The almost immediate results of the examination of these tracks by the gentlemen above named were the four papers read before the Academy as already mentioned under their proper dates — the first by Dr. Harkness on August 7, the second by J. R. Scupham on the same day, the third by Professor LeConte on August 27, and the fourth by C. D. Gibbes on September 4, 1882.” Dr. Harkness, who read the first paper, showed that the deposit in which the footprints appeared were of the lower Quaternary period and of fresh water origin, and he pronounced the six series above described to be “the tracks of men,” and that they wore sandals. He said that no single impression furnished conclusive evidence of the sandal; but that when studied as a whole we can determine with a good deal of exactness the actual length and breadth of the sandal, which we find to be eighteen and one half inches in length, eight inches (wide) at the ball of the foot, while the heel is six inches in breadth.” He gave the breadth of the straddle as eighteen inches “tas measured from the center of the sandal of one foot to the center of the corresponding one,” meaning the transverse distance from the middle of the center line of one foot to the center line of the other. He noticed, as the main objections to the claim that the footprints were those of men, the colossal size of the sandal, and the width of the straddle which was “so marked as to cause a suspicion that they were those of an animal other than of man.” He argued that the sandal was made of wood, gouged out with an obsidian or flint chisel, and having a raised border, through holes in which it was tied to the foot, and for these reasons was necessarily large. As to its length, he said he had a diagram of a shoe worn by a man, six feet in height, then living in an adjoining county, which was but one half inch shorter than the sandal in question. In reference to the straddle, he would only say that, “in walking in muddy slippery places, we all walk with our feet further separated,” and that “by using such an unwieldy foot gear as we have described, such a position of the feet would be almost a necessity.” After Dr. Harkness had finished, Mr. Scupham read a paper upon the same subject, in which he seems to have confined himself chiefly to a description of what he had seen; but he intimated that, if the footprints were human, the individual who made one the tracks was probably dragging a heavy weight for the reason that the toes were so far out and the step was so short and irregular. Professor Joseph LeConte, who read the next paper on August 27, devoted his first 22.5 See footnote 21.3. 258 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 attention to the deposit and determined it to be either of the Quaternary or Upper Pliocene period. As to the so-called mammoth or mastodon tracks, he said they were “undoubtedly those of an elephant”; but as to the “supposed human tracks” he was not so certain. He said that no one who saw them could “fail to be struck with their remarkable general resemblance, both in their form and in their apparent singleness of each impression, to human tracks.” But their size was far too great for any human foot, and the form, he thought too much curved, and added, “if human, it is more like the jaunty step of the parlor than the careless tread of the forest.” On the subject of size, he continued that it was, however, not necessary to suppose the foot bare. There may have been a foot covering, and this would at once explain the absence of toe marks. Major Garrard’s original suggestion was that the foot was moccasined; but this still leaves the great size unexplained. The acute suggestion of Dr. Harkness is more plausible. He supposes that the foot sole was protected by a large sandal of wood. He finds evidence of this in certain flat spaces at the toe and along the sides of some few of the tracks. But in most cases, especially where the track is deep, nothing of the kind is seen; the bottom is round, more like the impression of a moccasin than a sandal. It is well known that the Mexican Indians now wear a sandal of thick leather or rawhide, called “huaraché,’ and that it is often made much larger than the foot. If we regard the tracks as human, the best suggestion I can make is that the foot was protected by a huaraché, which at first was stiff enough to make a flat track, but becoming soft by wetting would soon make a round track like a moccasin. I say, the best suggestion I can make; but even so, the prodigious size of the tracks can hardly be explained. He, however, found the most serious difficulty in the straddle. After remarking that “the necessary conditions of steady and effective walking in a biped is that the feet should barely pass each other without touching,” he continued: with broad sandals on, of course, the foot-centers would be more separated; but only by the width of the sandal. Perhaps in boggy ground, with sandals encumbered with mud, the separation of the foot-centers would be still greater, viz: the width of the mud encumbered sandal. But making every allowance of this kind, still the straddle is inexplicable. He then turned to the quadrupedal theory, and said he had little or no better success than with the bipedal theory. On this view, the tracks were made by a large, clumsy-footed planti-grade animal, each track being a double track of the two feet on one side — the one foot partly or wholly treading out the track of the other. This would account for the irregularity in the shape of the tracks of the same series, and especially for the wide straddle. But, if it be asked what animal, on this view, made the tracks, I must confess I do not know. The two animals, which came into my mind while looking at the tracks, were the bear and the extinct gigantic ground-sloth, the My/odon — perhaps more likely the latter. He, however, could not find any toe marks or claw marks, and he looked in vain for any certain indications of double tracks. An he ended his remarks on these human-looking tracks with the words: In conclusion, then, the one strong argument for the bipedal theory is the apparent singleness of the tracks and the absence of the toe-marks, while the one strong argument for the quadrupedal theory is the wide space between the right and the left series of tracks. To this may perhaps be added, also the size and shape. It seems to me that CHAPTER XXII: 1883 259. inductive caution requires that the judicious mind should hold itself in suspense awaiting more evidence. Meanwhile, however, my own mind inclines strongly to the latter theory. On the other hand, C. D. Gibbes, who read his paper on September 4, 1882, and who spent ten days in his examinations, measurements, drawings and descriptions, was very positive that the disputed tracks were human. It is true that in his printed paper, he sometimes put an interrogation mark after the word “human"; but he believed and argued that they were human. He said: When we tread in these gigantic foot prints, made by a race of men that passed away many thousand years ago, it tells a story of the ancient life of man written on the sands of time, that makes it difficult to overcome the fact that they are of human origin. In reference to one series of the tracks, called by him the third series, where the toes were turned out more than usual and the stepping was irregular, he said that it was the one the Mr. Scupham thought might have been made by a man dragging a heavy weight; “but,” continued Mr. Gibbes, “if he had been, his own track would have been obliterated, and another trail left in its place. May it have been a woman with a heavy burden as the squaws carry now?” Mr. Gibbes further said: With regard to the size of the foot prints, presuming they are of human origin (of which there can scarcely be a doubt) they were not made by any person of an ordinary size; for would any common man take such long steps in mud? Why should there not have been a large race of man in the old world, as well as animals of enormous size?” And again: In conclusion, as doubts have been expressed as to the human origin of these foot prints, particularly by those who have not seen them, thinking perhaps that they were made by a bear or some unknown animal, I would say that both in Texas and in this country, have I trailed not only animals, but the Indian or the war path, for miles at a time. And that many frontiersmen of great experience in tracking Indians, and also bear and other game, have witnessed these foot prints, and all give their judgment without question in favor of their human origin. Subsequently on October 2, 1882, Mr. Gibbes read a paper on the “Fossil Jaw of a Mammoth” found in the Carson State Prison yard, which he took to be a portion of the lower jaw, with part of a tooth attached, of an Elephas Americanus or Elephas intermedius, and also a paper on a “New Discovery of Fossil Bird Tracks,” found at the same place, which had four toes, the middle one of which measured five inches and the hind one two inches, with a foot spread of nine inches, and a step of from 21 to 23 inches. No further paper upon the “Carson Foot-prints” was presented to the Academy, although there was more or less talk upon the subject, until this meeting of APRIL 2, 1883, when Dr. Harkness read his paper, as above stated, on his “Homo Nevadensis”’, in which he seems to have reiterated his former opinion as to the human origin of the disputed footprints and thought himself justified in regarding them as proofs of a new species of the genus Homo, to which he gave the specific name of Nevadensis. This paper, though read to the Academy, was not published; nor was that of Mr. Scupham; but all the others mentioned above were printed as loose sheets of Proceedings of the Academy; and it is from them that the account here given is made up. It may be added that at the end of the printed copy of Professor LeConte’s paper, there was an “Addendum,” subsequently written, in which he spoke of an article, published by 260 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Professor Edward D. Cope, and a letter written to him by Professor Marsh of Yale University, in which the deposits of the Carson quarry were pronounced to belong to the Equus Beds, belonging to the Upper Pliocene or early Quaternary period. He also, at that later writing, substantially indicated what is now accepted as the solution of the questions involved by giving the opinion of Professor Marsh in the following language: “From deposits of this age three species of gigantic ground sloths are known, viz: two species of Morotherium and one species of Mylodon. It is not at all improbable, as suggested by Marsh in his letter, that the supposed human tracks were made by one of these. The size, the stride, the curve, and the straddle, all agree with this supposition.” APRIL 16, Melville Attwood, Mrs. F. S. Vaslit, and H. G. Parker were elected resident members. Professor Davidson spoke of the unusually favorable conditions under which the Transit of Venus observations had been made on the Pacific Coast. MAY 7, E. L. G. Steele, Rev. Edward L. Greene, William McM. Woodworth, J. A. Richardson, Samuel J. Clarke, August Liliencranz, and Walter M. Wolfe were elected resident members. Among the donations were 71 Arizona plants, including seven new species, from Mr. Lemmon, and land snails and 10 birds, two of which are new, from Mr. Belding. Prof. Davidson deposited with the Academy 13 photographs of the Transit of Venus taken at Cerro Roblero Stateion, New Mexico. The committee on the contemplated departure of Robert E. C. Stearns, who was about to proceed to the East to be attached to the conchological department of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, presented a series of resolution, which were adopted, giving expres- sion to the high appreciation entertained by the Academy of the great service Mr. Stearns had rendered it and wishing him God speed in his new sphere.””° A. W. Jackson, Jr., read a paper “On the Structure and Genesis of the Bassick Ore Deposits, Custer County, Colorado.” MAy 21, J.G. Lemmon presented 97 different species of Arizona plants; and Ivan Petroff read a paper on “Alaskan Boars.” The president called attention to the gift of an eight-inch refracting telescope by A. Chabot for the benefit of the school children of Oakland, Alameda County. JUNE 4, Chancellor Hartson was elected a resident member. R. E. C. Stearns read a paper “On the Molluscan Fauna of the Colorado Desert and Regions East Thereof.” A discussion ensued on the fresh-water and salt-water shells of the Colorado Desert. Dr. Harkness spoke of the havoc caused by the sycamore tree pest, then more general than it had been for some years. Professor Davidson read a paper “On D’ Arrest’s Comet.” Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Lemmon presented 96 plants from the Huachuca Mountains in Arizona with descriptive lists. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that there was a balance of over $800 in the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund; and $40 per month from it was ordered paid to Mrs. Mary K. Curran for botanical work on the herbarium. The Council, at its meeting on June 2, took note that Mrs. Curran “had for many months given her whole time to the proper arrangement and classifi- cation of the botanical collections of [the] Academy, and travels at her own expense to different parts of the country to fill wants in the collection, etc. From knowledge 22.6 Also reported in the San Francisco Mining and Scientific Press for May 12, 1883, p. 329, col. 4. CHAPTER XXII: 1883 261 Mary Katharine Layne (Curran) (Brandegee) Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation Carnegie-Mellon University of her successful labors on this special unit, the Council unanimously recommends this action.” JUNE 18, Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks on the “Meteorology of this Coast,” and Dr. Harkness described a fungus attacking the leaves of cherry and apricot trees. JULY 2, among the donations were: from John Barker of Summer, Kern County, 573 fossil sharks’ teeth and other fossils from 200 feet above the bed of Kern River; and from Frank Bell three fossil teeth of a horse from the State Prison quarry at Carson, Nevada; also the rib of some large animal found there, and the cast of another foot print uncovered ten feet below the surface. J. P. Moore donated 18 bound books of reference. Professor W. P. Blake read a paper “On Remains of the Megatherium found in Honduras.” In a discussion which followed, in reference to the Carson footprints, Professor Blake expressed an opinion that they were not made by a giant, sloth. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the balance of cash on hand was $3,010.78, including $775.85 in the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund and $658.88 in the Crocker-Stanford Collection maintenance fund. JULY 16, among the donations was a fine specimen of shad from the Columbia River, presented by Dwight Whiting, who said that thousands of them were “being caught and thrown away by salmon fishers because of their abundance.” Professor Pierre J. C. Jannsen, director of the National Observatory at Meudon, France, and Professor Etienne L. Trouvelot, for many years astronomer at Harvard University but then detailed by the French government on the French Solar Eclipse Expedition, of which Professor Jannsen was the chief, were introduced to and welcomed by the Academy. Professor Jannsen returned thanks, speaking in French. Professor Trouvelot spoke in English in refer- 262 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ence to the solar protuberances and corona and also of the “red star, of 4 and 4-!4 magnitude, three degrees north and three degrees east of the sun at time of solar eclipse.” Professor W. P. Blake read a paper on the fossil remains of the “G/yptodon in Honduras.” Dr. Kellogg spoke of a specimen of pine, presented by Thomas Holt as “black pine from Redwoods towards San Jose, Cal.” and said it was a variety of Pinus Jeffreyii. Miss Rosa Smith of San Diego addressed the Academy on the “orb weaver,” a small species of spider, named after her, by the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, Zilla Rosa. Dr. Henry Gibbons gave illustrations of the remarkable inge- nuity of the common house spider. In the Board of Trustees, Professor Davidson, as chairman of the Council, asked the Board to pay the expenses of himself, Professor William P. Blake and C. D. Gibbes to the Carson State Prison quarry to examine and report upon some new fossil foot prints recently uncovered, as well as to reexamine the old ones. He said that Professor Blake agreed to make a full report to the Academy. C. F. Crocker offered to furnish railroad tickets at half rates; whereupon it was ordered that the Academy pay the necessary expenses. H. E. Mathews, secretary of the Lick Trustees, reported the cash surplus at that date of the Lick estate over specific gifts to be $171,185.42, and that all the unsold property was yielding adequate rentals, the former estimate of $66,000 being considerably exceeded. AUGUST 6, L. Heinze and John Barker were elected resident members. Among the donations was a large collection of casts, fossils, and sandstone specimens of foot prints from the Carson quarry, presented by Frank Bell, William Garrard, Professor Davidson and C. D. Gibbes; also serpentine from St. George’s Reef, Crescent City Lighthouse rock, from Captain A. H. Payson, U.S.A., anda cube of Oregon sandstone from the beach north of Port Orford, said to be one of the finest building stones found on the Pacific Coast. Dr. Harkness read a new paper entitled “Remarks on Footprints of Homo Nevadensis at Carson.” C. D. Gibbes made a new report on the same subject, and Professor Davidson read a report purporting to be made on behalf of the committee appointed by the Trustees to examine the locality. None of these papers was published. In the Board of Trustees, Professor Davidson asked for $76.62 for the expenses of himself and party out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation fund; and it was so ordered against the objections of Captain McDonald, who insisted upon a strict construction of the express purposes for which that fund had been given to the Academy and contended that nor part of it should be used except for those express purposes. AUGUST 20, Dr. Harkness presented fresh-water sponges from a small lake at the summit of the Sierra Nevada. A paper by Captain C. L. Hooper on “Arctic Summer” was read, and also a letter from William R. Bentley, describing perpetually frozen ground in a shaft 108 feet deep, in Idaho. SEPTEMBER 3, among the donations were 151 freshwater land and fossil shells by F. A. Sampson. Dr. Behr read a paper on “Organic Underground Life.” SEPTEMBER 17, Miss Rosa Smith, William H. Matthews, and W. W. Elliott were elected resident members. General J. F. Houghton read a paper on the “King Fish” or spat, Lampris guttatus,’ found in Monterey Bay. Professor Davidson called attention to a controversy going on in the American 22.7 Incorrectly shown as “grettatus” in the handwritten minutes (Minute Books, p. 117) for this date. CHAPTER XXII: 1883 263 Association’ * in reference to glaciers, and referred to papers read in the Academy, showing the action of glaciers (q.v.) on this coast. OCTOBER 1, Professor Davidson spoke on “Earthquake Waves and the Means of Recording Them.” Dr. Harkness called attention to the fact that a paper had been read in the Academy on August 6, purporting to be a report of a committee appointed to examine the Carson footprints, and asked the secretary who appointed that commit- tee. The secretary answered that he had no knowledge of any such committee. Professor Davidson then stated that no committee had been appointed by the Acad- emy, but that he and another member had been requested by the Trustees to go to Carson and investigate certain new tracks, and they had invited Professor Blake to accompany them. OCTOBER 15, in the Board of Trustees, it appeared that there was some talk of procuring a new lot and building for the Academy as indicated by a formal offer by C. G. Hooker to sell a Jot on the east side of Van Ness Avenue between Fulton and Grove streets at the rate of $300 a front foot. OCTOBER 27, at a meeting of the Building Committee, there was more talk about selling the Market Street property and purchasing a new lot for the Academy. Dr. Davis submitted a plan for buying a lot on the northwest corner of McAllister and Larkin, for about $50,000. Dr. Harkness, who seemed favorable to selling the Market Street lot, also said that San Francisco Park Commissioner Pixley had assured him that a location for a building might be obtained in the Park itself. Following further discussion, a vote to recom- mend to the Trustees the selling the Market Street property resulted in 5 ayes and 5 noes, and the motion was defeated. This was followed by a vote on Mr. Bowman’s proposal to recommend that the Board of Trustees lease the Market Street property for a term of 20 years. The motion passed by a vote of 8 ayes and 2 abstentions. NOVEMBER 5, N. W. Tallant, Lewis B. Harris, and William Zimmerman were elected resident members. Among the donations: a container of snakes from Isthmus Darien, Panama, from Mr. Wasserman, 13 bird skins from Point Barrow, Alaska, from A. C. Dark, and from Mr. Lemmon, 35 specimens of the Polemonium family of plants of which seven are new. Dr. Steneker read a paper on the Steller sea cows, found on Behring and Copper Islands. The species was said to be extinct, no living specimen having existed for sixty years. Mrs. Mary K. Curran read a paper “On a Hybrid Oak near Folsom, Quercus Kelloggii and Quercus Wislizenii.” Professor Davidson read papers on “Solar Eclipse of October 30",” “Notes on Appearance of Saturn,” “A Brilliant Meteor,” and “ Trouvelot’s Red Star.” In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the resolution, which had been adopted September 4, 1882, declining to make any defense to the suit of the Lick Trustees to quiet title to the strip of 40 feet of ground adjoining the Academy’s lot on Market Street, and disclaiming any interest therein had gone too far, inasmuch as the Academy did have a very consid- erable interest in it as one of the residuary beneficiaries of the Lick estate, of which that lot was a part. The former resolution, therefore, was rescinded and a new resolution adopted, setting forth the interest of the Academy as above indicated, which was ordered to be transmitted to the Lick Trustees. NOVEMBER 19, W. F. Goad 22.8 American Association for the Advancement of Science. 264 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 was elected a resident member. Mary K. Curran donated three volumes of “Genera Plantarum” by G. Bentham and J. D. Hooker. Mrs. J. G. Lemmon read a paper entitled “Field Notes on Arizona Plants,” and E. J. Molera, a paper “On the Aztec Calendar Stone.”””” DECEMBER 3, Dr. Behr read a paper on “Evolution.” Professor Davidson read a paper on the “New Bogoslov Volcano.” He also spoke of the Pons-Brooke comet, and said it had been visible to the naked eye on December |. He likewise spoke of the shadows and bright portions of Saturn’s rings, and, on request explained, as far as he knew, the progress of the telescope for the Lick observatory. In the Board of Trustees, R. C. Harrison reported that the Lick Trustees did not desire any appeal from the decision and decree of the Superior court construing the Lick Deed of Trust and requested all parties interested to file papers expressly waiving their right of appeal so that final settlement of the Trust might thereby be expedited. A resolution was adopted to authorize the waiver of all right to appeal, if, and after, all other parties filed such waiver. The secretary reported that the maintenance fund to defray the expenses of the Crocker-Stanford Collection, which seems to have been still kept on exhibition, was overdrawn $302.20. DECEMBER 17, Professor Davidson gave an explanation of the method of determining the difference of declination between the Pons-Brooke comet and any star. A discussion took place as to the causes of the “red sunsets.” The nominating committee presented a ticket for officers of 1884. In the Board of Trustees, C. D. Gibbes reported that 5400 persons had visited the Crocker- Stanford Collection during the past year. The sum of $100 was ordered paid the secretary for services rendered. 22.9 Because the Academy had suspended publication of its Proceedings series, Molera published his remarks in a privately printed paper, printed in San Francisco in late 1883 (15 pp» 1 pl.). On Nov. 27, Molera gave the same paper at a meeting of the Geographical Society of the Pacific. 265 Chapter XXIII: Years 1884-1885 1884 t the annual meeting of 1884, held JANUARY 7, Joseph Pescia was elected a . resident member. The various officers presented their annual reports, showing the condition of the Academy and its progress during the past year. The following were declared elected officers for 1884: Professor George Davidson, president; H. W. Harkness, first vice-president; H. H. Behr, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, corresponding secretary; C. G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; Carlos Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; Charles F. Crocker, George E. Gray, Ralph C. Harrison, R. W. Simpson, Thomas P. Madden, James M. McDonald, and Louis Gerstle, trustees. Professor Davidson read a paper on “Astronomical Research.” On nomination of the Council, Dr. Harvey W. Harkness and Charles G. Yale were elected honorary life members. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared from the annual report that “every obligation had been audited and promptly paid, and no debt of any kind existed against the Academy. The income from the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund is being expended in original research, in accordance with the intention of the donor and the suggestion of the Council of the Academy. During the year, the Trustees have had constantly in view the question of the disposal by lease or sale of the Market Street lot. Negotiations are still pending; but as yet no definite conclusions have been reached.” The report further stated that the First Avenue lot had been fenced in, but was still vacant. It spoke of the various collections and said that the expenses of the Crocker-Stanford Collection for the year had been $2,066.15, exhausting the fund raised from special maintenance and also $408.17, drawn from the fund of the Academy. The total receipts for the year had been $7,056.07, which added to $2,829.17, on hand at the beginning of the year, made a total of $9,685.24. The disbursement had been $8,253.52, leaving on hand $1,631.72. Thanks were tendered R. C. Harrison for gratuitous services in legal proceedings in reference to the Lick Trust. The taxes paid during the year amounted in all to $2,032.83. JANUARY 21, J. Carlos Mexia, Dr. S. M. Mouser, Dr. W. F. Smith, H. R. Taylor, and Philip Labadie~'' were elected resident members. Among the donations were a collection of 20 species of spiders, eight of which were new, from Prof. G. W. Peck of Milwaukee, and a large collection of curios from the Solomon and New Hebrides 23.1 J, Labadie in the handwritten minutes for Jan. 21, 1884 (p. 126 of the Minute Books). 266 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Islands, from Capt. Tierney of the whaler Rainbow. E. J. Molera read a paper “On the Storage of Electricity.” The Council announced the appointment for the year of Messrs. Davidson, Yale and Behr as publication committee, and the following curators: E. F. Lorquin of birds and mammals; J. J. Rivers, radiates, reptiles and crustacea; Miss Rosa Smith, fishes; Dr. A. B. Stout, ethnology and osteology; E. L. Greene and Mary K. Curran, botany; H. H. Behr, entomology; Josiah Keep, conchol- ogy; J. T. Evans and W. M. Wolfe, mineralogy; Melville Attwood, geology and palaeontology. In the Board of Trustees, George E. Gray, was elected president; Thomas P. Madden, president pro tem, and C. W. Brooks appointed secretary. FEBRUARY 4, among the donations were specimens of “flukes,” Distoma hypa- ticum, found in the livers of sheep in Humboldt County, where many hundreds of sheep had been killed by them. Dr. Behr gave a sketch of the life history of Distoma hypaticum. Dr. Henry Gibbons spoke of the phenomena of “Red skies.” On motion of Dr. Gibbons, a resolution was adopted recommending Professor Davidson to the Governor for reappointment as one of the Regents of the University of California. Seven papers were submitted for publication in a special “Bulletin” of the Academy. They were by Dr. Asa Gray, Miss Rosa Smith, Drs. Behr and Kellogg, Mrs. Mary K. Curran, Dr. H. W. Harkness, T. H. Evans, and Professor Davidson respectively. FEBRUARY 18, William M. Lent was elected a life member, and P. S. Buckminster, G. A. Moore, and Holger Berkedel resident members. J. T. Evans read a description of the new mineral colemanite. E. L. Greene read an obituary notice of the late Dr. Engelmann. Mr. C. W. Brooks read an extract from the last number of Nature describing some of the phenomena attending the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in the Edward Lee Greene Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley CHAPTER XXIII:1884-1885 267 East Indies. In the Board of Trustees, $125 were appropriated to pay for printing a special Bulletin at the request of the Council. MARCH 3, Dr. Behr submitted a paper entitled “A Classification of Plants, Founded on Evolution.” A paper by C. Burckhalter and C. B. Hill was read, describing the transit of the fourth satellite of Jupiter on February 20, and the phenomena connected therewith. In the Board of Trustees, W. B. Farwell of the Society of California Pioneers attended and called for a positive answer regarding a proposition to square the end of the Academy’s lot on Market Street. He announced that the Pioneers, jointly with J. C. Flood, the owner of the adjoining property on the south corner of Market and Fourth Streets, had purchased from the Lick Trustees, for $41,000 a strip of land, adjacent to the Pioneers’ lot and running from Fourth Street to the Academy’s lot, to be kept open as a court for the purpose of giving light and access to the buildings proposed to be erected on each side of it. The matter was referred to the prudential committee, consisting of Messrs. McDonald, Crocker and Gerstle, to consider and report. MARCH 17, the publication was announced of Bulletin No. 1, the first regular publication of the Academy since 1876.~** It consisted of 59 pages. The secretary stated that Mrs. Curran had prepared the manuscripts and oversaw their publication. On motion of Dr. Stout, a vote of thanks was extended Mrs. Curran for her volunteer efforts. A discussion took place on the subject of artesian wells and natural gas. APRIL 7, E. L. Greene read “Botanical Notes of a Trip in San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties.” A letter was read from William Carter of North Vallejo, Solano County, stating that his grain fields had been attacked by the Hessian fly. Dr. Harkness explained the progress of growth of the fly, and exhibited under the microscope its eggs and larvae. He also exhibited galls from an oak tree in Yosemite valley and described the life history of the cynips found in them. APRIL 21, A. D. Wilder, W. H. Smyth, Frederick H. Jenssen,”*” Dr. J. M. Selfridge, and William Freeborn were elected resident members. Dr. Behr read a paper on “Classification of Insects.” Dr. Harkness presented a species of truffle found at Santa Cruz and a species found by J. J. Rivers near Duncan’s Mills in Sonoma County. MaAy 5, Edward Probert was elected a resident member. Dr. Behr read a paper on the “Germ Theory of Disease.” Dr. Harkness did not exactly agree with Dr. Behr in his conclusions on the germ theory; and a discussion ensued between those gentlemen on the subject. Professor Davidson made remarks about a recent trip by him to the City of Mexico. Two days earlier, in the Council, long-time member Amos Bowman was ordered dropped from membership for non-payment of dues. C. D. Gibbes was appointed assistant curator of mineralogy. In the Board of Trustees, a new policy of fire insurance for $12,000 on the Crocker-Stanford Collection was ordered to be taken out at a premium of $150. Col. Abraham Andrews, in answer to a letter by him, asking for an exhibit for the World’s Fair at New Orleans, was informed that the Academy, 23.2 The date of this issue of the Bulletin is recorded as Feb. 29, 1884; part 2, Jan. 31, 1885; part 3, Feb. 28, 1885; part 4, pages 179-234, Aug. 29, pages 235-255, Oct. 13, pages 256-271, Nov. 19, 272-282, Dec. 14, pages 283-336, Dec. 15, pages 337-357, Dec. 31 (although the issue date printed on page 337 says January 6, 1886), 1885, and pages 358-372, Jan. 26, 1886. The volume was closed on January 31, 1886. 23.3 Shown as Jennsen in the handwritten minutes for April 21, 1884 (p. 133 of the Minute Books), but Jenssen on the announcement of his death, April 18, 1887 (p. 230 of the Minute Books). 268 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 though it wished success to the Fair, had no means or material suitable for exhibition. MAY 19, Joseph D. Redding read a paper on the “Fish Interests of California.” R. E. C. Stearns made verbal remarks on edible shellfish of the Pacific Coast. Captain Simpson spoke of their destructiveness to fish. JUNE 2, A. G. Bell" of Washington gave a brief description of a “System of Visible Speech,” invented by him for teaching deaf persons. Dr. Behr exhibited grape leaves with Phylloxera in the “gall form,” the first time it had been presented to the Academy. JUNE 16, E. L. Greene described a new plant, which he named Crockeria in honor of Charles Crocker, the donor of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund. Dr. Behr described the habits of the army worm and the vine moth, giving suggestions as to remedies. Professor C. A. White of the U. S. Geological Survey was called on and gave an account of the biological work being done by the survey. JULY 7, A. Pierce was elected a life member, and Richard H. Sinton, a resident member. Dr. Henry Gibbons made remarks upon the poisonous qualities attributed to tin when acted on by the acids of fruits and vegetables. He exhibited samples of pure tin and tin adulterated with lead, such as is used for making fruit cans. J. T. Evans stated that he had made some examinations and found lead salts in cases of asparagus, evidently from the lead mixed with the tin to cheapen it. Dr. Gibbons called attention to the recurrence of the phenomena of red sunsets. JULY 21, Dr. Behr stated that he had received from Baron Koels a curious web from New Mexico. It was a product of a colony of butterflies, which protected them from rain and wet weather. He thought the caterpillars belonged to the Lepidoptera family. Frederick Gutzkow spoke on the subject of poisoning by canned fruits. He had looked it up and found there had been extensive researches in respect to alloys of tin and lead—one by Professor Hull in America, others by Professor Weber under the auspices of the German government. These researches proved that the danger was insignificant and overestimated. They agreed that a slight addition of tin to lead overcomes the poisonous qualities. There would be in a tin can a very insignificant amount of lead. Professor Weber found the remarkable fact that if the lead was in a solution of tin and lead, it was precipitated by the alloy itself. He did not think there would be any danger at all from the minute quantity of lead. The subject of poisoning from ice-cream was also described briefly. In the Board of Trustees, a letter was received from W. B. Farwell, stating that he was authorized by J. C. Flood to offer $200,000 in cash for the Academy’s Market Street lot. The matter was referred to the prudential committee. AUGUST 4, the subject of poisoning by canned fruits again came up for discussion. Mr. Gutzkow reiterated his previous statement that thorough, careful and scientific investigation had proved that there was no danger in using lead with tin for fruit cans. Descriptive notes of the volcano of Bogoslov in Behring’s Sea by Lieutenant Doty of the U. S. Revenue Marine, were read and photographs exhibited showing views of the new island formed during the recent eruptions. Professor Davidson described a recent brief visit to the Grand Canon of the Colorado River. Frederick Gutzkow 23.4 Recorded as A. M. Bell in the handwritten minutes (p. 136 of the Minute Books). CHAPTER XXIII:1884-1885 269 described the method of retorting quicksilver in vacuo. AUGUST 18, among the donations was a “Boa imperator,” presented by Captain William Lund of the brig “Dora.” A letter was read from W. C. Chapin in reference to the sinking of a deep well in the Forty-mile Desert, White Plains, Nevada, where specimens of wood had been brought up from a depth of 1615 feet, the stratum or piece of wood pierced being 9 feet thick. Professor Davidson gave the results of a computation of the occultation of Venus by the moon. Charles W. Brooks was requested to find out from Mr. Lorquin if it were really true that sixty small snakes were taken from the specimen of Boa imperator, presented by Captain Lund, when it was being prepared by the taxidermist. Captain Lund described briefly the Tres Marias Islands in the Pacific Ocean about 60 miles off San Blas. In the Board of Trustees, the prudential committee, consisting of Messrs. McDonald, Crocker and Gerstle reported that “at present it is not advisable to sell the Academy’s Market Street lot.” The report was approved and adopted, and Mr. Flood’s offer of $200,000 cash for it declined. SEPTEMBER 1, Joseph Durbrow was elected a resident member. A paper giving an account of the first ascent of the volcano Makushin on the Island of Unalaska in the Aleutian chain was read; also a paper by C. W. Brooks on “Arctic Drift and Ocean Currents.””*° SEPTEMBER 15, among the donations was a cast of a fragment of the lower jaw of a mammoth, found at the Carson, Nevada, State Prison quarry, presented by C. D. Gibbes. A letter was read from Lieutenant Doty, describing the old and new volcanic islands of Bogoslov in Behring’s Sea. In the Board of Trustees, an invitation was received from the Society of California Pioneers asking members of the Academy to attend the laying of the corner stone of the new Pioneer Building on Fourth Street. OCTOBER 6, among the donations were a plant and seeds of Chenepodium Quinoa, presented by William N. Meeks. Dr. Stout made remarks in reference to the plant, describing its uses in Peru, where it was cultivated as a food plant. He said that Mr. Meeks, having described its uses in Peru, where it is cultivated as a food plant, had raised some of the grain in this State and was desirous of seeing it cultivated on a large scale in California. Professor Davidson submitted by title several papers on astronomical subjects. He read papers on “Partial Solar Eclipse, October 18, 1884.” “Volcanic Activity of Four Islands, Behring’s Sea,” and “The Comet Wolf.” A. W. Jackson, Jr. of the University of California gave the morphology of the new mineral, “Colemanite.”” OCTOBER 20, Dr. Behr addressed the Academy on the habits of a beetle, called Tigiodera croza, which always follows locust and grasshopper pests. The specimens shown had been brought from the Gila Desert by Mrs. Curran. Professor Davidson exhibited the Foucault pendulum in illustration of the rotation of the earth. J. Z. Davis asked if notice had been given the Board of Trustees to remove the Crocker-Stanford Collection from Mercantile Library Hall. The question was prompted by the general understanding that the managers of the Mercantile Library Association desired the use of their hall for other purposes; and in view of the 23.5 Brooks’ extended remarks on studies of Arctic drift and currents were privately printed i in 1884 (Geo. Spaulding & Co., San Francisco, printers) in a pamphlet of 18 pages bearing the title, “Arctic Drift and Ocean Currents, Illustrated by the Dory on an Ice-Floe offthe Coast of Greenland of Relics from the American Arctic Steamer ‘Jeannette.” 270 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 necessary removal of the Crocker-Stanford Collection, there was a question where it should be removed to and what should be done with it. Dr. Harkness protested against any proposition to remove it to the Academy building on California and Dupont Streets, and advocated hiring a safe place to store it. Mr. Davis offered a resolution that the collection be boxed up and stored. Mr. Harford thought the resolution out of order for the reason that the matter was in the exclusive jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Harkness thought the Trustees would desire to have an expression of opinion from the Academy. A general discussion ensued; and it was finally deter- mined, on motion of Mr. Molera, to appoint a committee of three to confer with the Trustees on the subject. Messrs. Molera, Harkness and Behr were appointed such committee. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that on October 15 a notice had been served upon the Academy by the Mercantile Library Association to raise the rent of Mercantile Library Hall from $60 to $500 per month, payable in advance, commenc- ing with the next month. Ata special meeting of the Trustees on OCTOBER 22, Messrs. Molera, Harkness and Behr appeared before the Board and expressed an opinion that it was inexpedient to move the collection to the Academy building. The result was a discussion, and finally a reference of the subject to the prudential committee; but it seemed evident that the Trustees did not see so much objection as the committee did to storing the collection in the Academy building, objectionable in many respects as it was. NOVEMBER 3, Dr. Harkness referred to remarks made by him at the previous meeting in regard to the removal of the Crocker-Stanford Collection from Mercantile Library Hall. He said that he had regarded the matter as a case of urgency, and that he did not intend to reflect in any manner upon the Board of Trustees. Mr. Molera, who appears to have been a trustee of the Mercantile Library Association, said that there had been a discussion among the Library Trustees as to the lease to the Academy of their Hall; that a suggestion had been made that the Academy could not be required to move as it had at least a verbal lease; that the notice to raise the rent had been served only as a legal measure and under an apprehension that litigation might arise, and that the Library Trustees had no desire to incommode the Academy or give it trouble. And he added that a communication had been received from the Academy Trustees that the Crocker-Stanford Collection would be packed up, removed and stored. C. W. Brooks then stated that he was the person who had made the suggestion about the Academy’s verbal lease, and that he had based it upon the fact that there was an understanding with the Mercantile Library Association that the Academy should have thirty days after notice to remove. Professor Davidson said that, in conjunction with president Gray of the Board of Trustees, he had shown the notice to raise the rent to R. C. Harrison for his legal opinion, and was informed by him that it was strictly legal and business-like. Mr. Harford stated that the Crocker-Stanford Collection had already been almost all removed to the Academy building and was being stored there. In the Board of Trustees, the prudential committee reported that the entire collection had been removed except the mammoth, Megatherium, Glypto- don, and a few other large pieces, which were being taken down and would be CHAPTER XXIII:1884-1885 271 removed as soon as possible. NOVEMBER 17, John Birmingham’’° and George P. Reynolds were elected resident members. Dr. Behr read a short paper by W. H. Dick, a student of the Pharmaceutical College, “On the Medicinal Effects of the Volatile Oil of Oregon Cedar.” Mr. Harford announced the death of Dr. Henry Gibbons, Sr. one of the charter members of the Academy; and on motion Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Harkness were appointed a committee to draft appropriate resolutions of respect to his memory. In the Board of Trustees, Mr. Harford reported the complete removal of the Crocker-Stanford Collection from Mercantile Library Hall to the Academy building, where it was stored in the basement, and that the possession of the Hall had been surrendered on November 10. As there appeared to be still some question as to who should give notice of the annual election, it was ordered that two notices should be published, one by the secretary of the Board of Trustees and one by the secretary of the Academy. DECEMBER 1, Dr. Kellogg read an obituary notice of Dr. Henry Gibbons, Sr., one of the original founders of the Academy, who had died on November 6, 1884 at the age of 75 years. He compared his death to the setting of the sun amid celestial twylight splendors, prophetic of another dawn. He spoke of his unfaltering zeal for the cause of science and the welfare of the Academy, and his attendance, fidelity and appre- ciative support of the institution, through good and through evil report for two generations. He also spoke of his services in reference to many other public institu- tions; his ability as a lecturer, debater and public speaker, and the facility with which he wielded the pen. A series of resolutions were then adopted in recognition of the services of Dr. Gibbons as those of one, who, by his devotion to science for many years and his communications to the Academy since its organization, had contributed largely to its present position and influence. Professor Davidson then gave the result of recent observations on the planet Saturn. He said that recent reports had asserted the disappearance of the Enke division of the ring; but he had within a week seen it distinctly on three successive nights. He also communicated the observations of Captain Hague of the Alaska Commercial Company; who had witnessed an eruption of the volcano Kigamilgach on the southernmost of the Four Islands in Behring’s Sea, Lat. 52°45'N., Long. 170°00'W. He also exhibited the rupture of short glass tubes by passing a heated wire through them — a phenomenenon called to his attention by Mr. Cheever. He said he had no theory to advance upon the subject; but he thought that a slight scratch was made on the inner surface of the glass and that when the next change of temperature took place, the unequal tension was relieved and the rupture took place, somewhat as in a Rupert drop; and the quicker the change of temperature the more likely the rupture to occur. DECEMBER 15, Professor Davidson read a note concerning astronomical errors due to local deflection of the plumb line. The nominating committee presented a ticket for officers of 1885. 23.6 Birmingham in the handwritten minutes (pp. 146 and 151 of the Minute Books), but Bermingham in the later-assembled Membership Records Book. ote CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 1885 The annual meeting of 1885 was held JANUARY 5. Professor Pier Andrea Saccardo of Padua, Italy, was elected an honorary member, and J. H. Smythe, a resident member. On nomination of the Council, Mrs. Mary K. Curran and E. F. Lorquin were elected honorary life members. The various officers presented their annual reports. The officers declared elected for the year were: Professor George Davidson, presi- dent; H. W. Harkness, first vice-president; H. H. Behr, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, corresponding secretary; C. G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; C. Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford , director of the museum; George E. Gray, Thomas P. Madden, R. C. Harrison, J. M. McDonald, L. Gerstle, C. F. Crocker and R. W. Simpson, trustees. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the receipts of 1884 had been $7,046.62, which added to $1,631.72, balance from the year before, made $8,678.44. The disbursements had been $8,210.95, leaving on hand $468.49. The maintenance of the Crocker-Stanford Collection had cost the Academy $2,301.04, including $436.26, the cost of removal. The total cost of maintenance since its acquisition in 1882 had been $6,124.24 of which $23,415.10 had been raised by subscription. JANUARY 19, William Churchill addressed the Academy on the “Eth- nology of the Polynesian Archipelago as Illustrated by the Native Language and Religion.” In the Board of Trustees, George E. Gray was elected president; Thomas P. Madden, president pro tem, and C. W. Brooks appointed secretary. FEBRUARY 2, John W. Hendrie was elected a life member, and Granville W. Stewart, Edgar L. Allen, and Henry F. Lorquin,”’ resident members. William Churchill’’* read a paper on “Certain Data Leading to the Belief of the Subsidence of a Continent in the Pacific Ocean.” C. W. Brooks asked about volcanic action in the South Pacific, and Mr. Churchill gave a general description so far as volcanic activity was concerned. Dr. Harkness asked about the method of “swarming” or moving off of a portion of the younger population from one island to another or others, which was described. Mr. Churchill also, by request, described the sculptured stone-work on Easter Island. In the Board of Trustees, allowances were made out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund during the pleasure of the Board, of $40 per month of Mrs. Curran and $40 per month to Dr. Kellogg, and a gross sum of $100 to Edward L. Greene for valuable services rendered. FEBRUARY 16, apart from routine matters, Dr. Harkness described the method of development of galls, particularly oak galls, and said that the season had arrived, for those who wished, to collect them. MARCH 2, Timothy Hopkins and Joseph P. Hale were elected life members, and Dr. William P. Gibbons, who had previously dropped out for the second time, a resident member. Capt. Wm. Churchill read a paper entitled “An Introduction to the Study of the Present Inhabitants of the Islands of the Intra-Tropical Pacific.” In the 23.7 Son of Ernest F. Lorquin, Academy curator or mammals and birds, and grandson of the distinguished lepidopterist Pierre J. M. Lorquin (see footnote 4.11). 23.8 Reported as vin Thos. Churchill in the Minute Books for Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890 (p. 160), but later references in those Minute Books are to Capt. Wm. Churchill (p. 162, 197, 198, 205, et seq). CHAPTER XXIII:1884-1885 273 Board of Trustees, the prudential committee reported in substance that they had been wrestling with the San Francisco Gas Company to obtain a reduction on a gas bill for $21.60 charged for the use of gas in Mercantile Library Hall from November 8 to November 12, 1884. Considering that all but a few boxes of the Crocker-Stanford Collection had been moved from Mercantile Library Hall before November 8 and that the Hall had been surrendered on November 10, the bill appeared at least strange; but the Gas Company insisted on its “bond.” On motion, the matter was turned over to the secretary to try his hand at the business and settle on the best terms he could. MARCH 16, Josiah Keep exhibited specimens of Eastern oysters, Ostrea virginiana, spawned in the Bay of San Francisco and therefore native of California, and also, specimens of Modiola hancata and Modiola formicata, both of which had been introduced accidentally from Eastern waters by being mixed with imported “seed oysters.” Capt. Churchill spoke of his travels in the Amazon region of South America. APRIL 6, among the donations, 140 samples of California woods. Professor Davidson stated that it was the general opinion of astronomers with whom he had talked in the Eastern states that the limit of proper size for telescopes, designed for observations of precision, had been reached, and described the difficulties to be overcome with glasses of any large telescopes. But these large objectives, he said, had great value in the light-collecting power and therefore exhibited details of objects where smaller ones would fail. APRIL 20, Josiah P. Stanford and John W. Taylor were elected resident members. Among the donations were two bottles containing two different varieties of truffles, one from Sonoma and the other from Marin County. Dr. Harkness described the occurrence of truffles, and the method adopted in finding them. Professor Davidson called attention to a new system of telegraphy, invented by J. C. Ludwig of San Francisco, which Messrs. Hewston and Garnett were about to introduce to the Ocean-cable companies of the East. Gen. John Hewston read a paper describing the electrical apparatus and the new system of telegraphing. Profes- sor Davidson also, by means of large drawings, described the details of the apparatus and its mode of operation. In the Board of Trustees, a salary of $40 per month during the pleasure of the Board was ordered paid to W. Churchill for services in indexing the library of the Academy. The policy of insurance of the Crocker-Stanford Collec- tion against fire was ordered renewed. MAY 4, a note on a remarkable meteor observed on April 19 by C. B. Hill was submitted by Professor Davidson, who also read a note on previous displays of meteors. Dr. Harkness submitted a section of wood found at a depth of 1615 feet in an artesian well at White Plains, Nevada. In the Board of Trustees, the prudential committee reported that Bulletins | and II of the Academy had been printed and published, and recommended the printing of Bulletin Ill. The Forestry Committee was allowed the use of the Academy Hall for its meetings during the pleasure of the Board. MAY 18, Dr. William P. Gibbons read a paper “On Viviparous Fishes.” He also read” a letter from Professor Louis Agassiz, written February 27, 1854, on the same subject. JUNE 1, a paper was read by Professor Davidson on the “Transit of Jupiter’s IV Satellite,” giving results of observations by C. Burckhalter of Oakland. 274 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 Dr. Behr spoke on the subject of the Phylloxera and the Hessian fly. Capt. Churchill read a note concerning “A Small Magnetic Island in the Feejee Group.” JUNE 15, Charles Goodall was elected a life member, and Arthur Brown, Gerritt L. Lansing, Edmond Carey, Edgar J. Bowen, and Thomas H. Caswell, resident members. Edward L. Greene read a “Sketch of the Botany of Guadalupe Island.” Professor Davidson communicated the observations of himself, C. B. Hill and C. Burckhalter on the Dark Transit of Jupiter’s IV Satellite on June 7. JULY 6, a report by C. D. Gibbes was read, giving an account of a deposit of fossil bones found on Putah Creek in Yolo County. A paper entitled “Notes on Mount Pit” by Arthur B. Emmons was read. In the Board of Trustees, it was ordered that the expenses of C. D. Gibbes on his trip to Putah Creek in the interests of the Academy should be paid out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund. JULY 20, Josiah Keep read “Notes Concerning the Shells of Monterey Bay.” A discussion ensued in reference to the influence of the ocean currents on the fauna of the sea coast. In the Board of Trustees, the City and County personal property tax against the Academy, amounting to $35.71 was ordered paid. AuGusT 3, A. W. Rose, Jr. was elected a life member, and H. C. Nash, a resident member. Edward L. Greene read “Observations on Cedros Island.” In the Board of Trustees, it was resolved that the prudential committee should inquire into the current disbursements of the Academy and report as to what retrenchment could be made. AUGUST 17, Mrs. Mary K. Curran read “Botanical Notes of a Trip to Southern California.” Resolutions of respect to the memory of Charles Wolcott Brooks, secretary of the Board of Trustees, who had died on August 16, were adopted. In the Board of Trustees, William M. Noyes was appointed secretary pro tem in place of C. W. Brooks, deceased. AUGUST 29, at a joint meeting of the Trustees and Council, it was resolved to apply to the Lick Trustees for a loan of $5,000 to defray expenses and publish Proceedings of the Academy. SEPTEMBER 7, Clark W. Crocker, Thomas L. Casey, and Howard R. Johnson were elected resident members. Professor Davidson read a paper on “Volcanic Activity in the United States.” Dr. Harkness described the result of volcanic activity supposed to have occurred in 1851 at Louisa Lake in Sierra County. Professor Davidson spoke of the question of a quarantine station in the Bay of San Francisco and suggested a point south of Hunter’s Point on the west side of the Bay and at the edge of deep water. In the Board of Trustees, a resolution was adopted to borrow $5,000 from the Lick Trustees and give the note of the Academy therefor with interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum. SEPTEMBER 21, a paper by J. G. Cooper was read by title'° “On Fossil and Subfossil Land Shells of the United States, with Notes on Living 23.9 The handwritten minutes for May 18", 1885, inscribed in the Minute Books for Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890, 3 167, state, “He [Dr. W. P. Gibbons] also presented [italics ours {Eds.}] to the Academy a letter from rof. Agassiz .. .” Hittell interprets this to mean “read a letter;” we suspect that Gibbons actually gave the Academy the letter that he had received from Agassiz years earlier when the matter of priority for the discovery of viviparity in perch fishes first surfaced (see p. 28 and index). This letter, and the one received earlier from Spencer Fullerton Baird (see also p. 28) were decisive in the decision to initiate a formal publication, the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, the first part of which appeared in September of 1854. 23.10 The reading of papers by title as a means of informing members of papers that had been submitted for publication or had been recently published in an Academy publication seems to have been initiated at this meeting. Beginning in 1894, the reading of papers by title was reserved for the December meetings. CHAPTER XXIII:1884-1885 2S Species.” Professor Davidson described the position of the new star in the nebula of Andromeda. OCTOBER 5, Professor Davidson presented a note on “The New Star in Andromeda.” Dr. Harkness called attention to an edible fungus, Bolitus, found in abundance at Berkeley in Alameda County and neighboring localities. He also described and illustrated with the microscope a new fungus affecting oak trees near Menlo Park in San Mateo County. OCTOBER 19, Charles Burckhalter was elected a resident member. Dr. Harkness read a paper on “Edible Fungi of California.” Dr. Behr spoke of the cultivation of semi-tropical fruits in California, speaking particu- larly of the fig and the means by which it was propagated. ZZ Charles Burckhalter, ca. 1875 Courtesy of Dr. Carter Roberts (USGS) and the Chabot Observatory Archives NOVEMBER 2, among the donations was a piece of driftwood from Cape Lisburne on the northwest coast of Alaska, 200 miles north of Behring’s Strait. Professor Davidson gave the authority of H. D. Wolff, who was stationed at Cape Lisburne, that for a whole year there was a current past the Cape towards the north and northeast. It was supposed that the driftwood had come through Behring’s Strait in a branch of the Kuro Sina. W. Churchill exhibited a chart of the world on a new plan and described the manner of sailing on great circles. Mrs. Curran read “Botanical Notes,” and Dr. Harkness read “Notes on the Fungi of the Pacific Coast.” In the Board of Trustees, authority was given the Council to contract with Cunningham, Curtis & Selch for binding 200 quarto volumes and 300 octavo volumes more or less at 89 cents for quartos and 64-!/ cents for octavos, the whole amount not to exceed $500. NOVEMBER 16, Nathaniel Keith was elected a resident member. Lieutenant Thomas L. Casey read the introduction to a paper on “New Species and Genera of California 276 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 Coleoptera.” Professor Davidson read a letter from Stedman Forney of the Geodetic Survey on a petrified whale found near the head-waters of Cafada Diablo [Devils Canyon] on Big Creek, about 18 miles [closer to 23 miles {Eds.}] south of Point Sur in Monterey County, at an altitude of 3,300 feet above sea level and 3 miles distant from the ocean. The remains measured 32 feet in length and the bones, particularly of the vertebra and head were in a perfect state of preservation. Professor Davidson also spoke of observations on, and read a paper on Saturn. In the Board of Trustees, permission was given to the Ladies Silk Culture Society of California to hold their day meetings in the Academy Hall. DECEMBER 7, a paper by C. Burckhalter was read, entitled “Observations on Nova Andromeda on December 5, 1885.” In the Board of Trustees, a communication from Miss C. J. Flood, in reference to a party wall between her lot and the Academy lot on Market Street, was referred to a special committee consisting of Messrs. Gray, Harrison and McDonald. DECEMBER 21, Professor Davidson read a paper on ““Com- parison of the Temperature of the Air and Water near the Golden Gate and their Relations to the Periods of Fog.” A communication was read from the secretary of the Elizabeth Thompson Science Fund, calling attention to the existence of a fund at Stamford, Connecticut, “for the establishment of scientific research in its broadest sense.” The nominating committee reported a ticket for officers of 1886. In the Board of Trustees, the president reported having borrowed $2,500 from the Lick Trustees on December | 1, and given the note of the Academy for the amount with interest at the rate of 5-'4 per cent per annum. W. Churchill was engaged one month longer for indexing the library. Chapter XXIV: Years 1886-1887 1886 he Academy met in annual session on JANUARY 4, 1886. Professor Edward S. . Holden, Edward S. Clark, and Lucius H. Foote were elected resident members. A paper by Thomas L. Casey on “Revision of the California Species of Lithocaris and Allied Genera,” was read by title. Professor Davidson read notes on “The Earthquake of December 30, 1885” and “Occultation of the Companion of M Geminorum by Saturn on January 9.” The recording secretary reported a total membership of 313, 22 having been added during the year. The various officers presented by the nominating committee, consisted of the names of the officers of the previous year renominated; but an antagonism had for some time been growing between Professor Davidson and Dr. Harkness, which to a considerable extent involved their friends. It manifested itself at this election by running of an opposition ticket on which Justin P. Moore and John T. Evans were nominated for first and second vice-presidents instead of Dr. Harkness and Dr. Behr. The result was the election, as declared, of Professor George Davidson for president; Justin P. Moore, first vice-president; John T. Evans, second vice-president; S. B. Christy, correspond- ing secretary; C. G. Yale, recording secretary; Elisha Brooks, treasurer; C. Troyer, librarian; W. G. W. Harford, director of the museum; George E. Gray, Thomas P. Madden, Charles F. Crocker, Ralph C. Harrison, Louis Gerstle, Robert W. Simpson and James M. McDonald, trustees. In the Board of Trustees, E. L. Greene was ordered paid $200 out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation fund for services rendered. It appeared from the annual report that the receipts for 1885, including the balance on hand and the $2,500 borrowed from the Lick Trustees had been $8,444.42, of which $7,534.74 had been disbursed, leaving on hand a balance of $904.68. In addition to this there was an unexpended balance of $351.02 in the Crocker Scientific Investi- gation Fund. In reference to the loan from the Lick Trustees, the Board declared that the money was borrowed “in deference to the Council and must not be then as a precedent by their successors. The policy and precedents of the Board heretofore have been, “pay as you go,” and that system should be rigidly adhered to for all time.” The proposition of Miss Cora J. Flood to build a party wall, partly on the condition that the Academy would repay to her half the cost when it should have use for the wall. JANUARY 18, among the donations were specimens of nummultic limestone and syenite from temples of Lower Egypt. Dr. Harkness, in connection with them, spoke 278 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 of the geologic features of the Nile Valley and the method of construction of the pyramids, which he had assured himself were of natural rock. Dr. Behr read a paper “On the so-called Carnivorous Plants.” In the Board of Trustees, William M. Noyes resigned as secretary pro tem. George E. Gray was elected president; Thomas P. Madden, president pro tem, and William Churchill appointed secretary. The bonds of the treasurer, librarian, and director of the museum were fixed at $1,000 each. The formal party-wall agreement with Miss Flood was presented, approved, and ordered executed. FEBRUARY |, a paper from Dr. Willis E. Everette of Vancouver, Washington, was read, describing the flora, fauna and Insectivora of the Yukon River in Alaska and British North America. A report from the Council announced the appointment of J. T. Evans, J. P. Moore, C. G. Yale and E. L. Greene as publication committee and the following curators: E. L. Greene and Mary K. Curran, botany; H. H. Behr and E. S. Clark, entomology; Josiah Keep, conchology; A. W. Jackson, Jr. and C. D. Gibbes, mineralogy; Melville Attwood, geology; A. B. Stout, ethnology and paleontology; J. J. Rivers, ichthyology, radiates and reptiles; E. F. Lorquin, ornithology. Professor Davidson read a paper upon an observation of Saturn on January 25, in which he verified his previous determinations of the Encke division and saw the inner edge of the B ring projected on the body of the planet. Dr. Harkness called attention to what he claimed to be errors in the descriptions of fungi in the paper by Dr. W. E. Everette, read at the previous meeting, on the flora and fauna of the Yukon River. He said the descriptions were incorrect and misleading. Dr. Behr asked to be excused from serving as curator of entomology while the Academy occupied the building it was then in, as he was removing his own collection to preserve it from damage. In the Board of Trustees, payments were ordered to be made, out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund of $30 per month to C. D. Gibbes; of $40 per month to Mrs. Curran and Dr. Kellogg respectively, and $1 per day to a person employed to poison the herbarium. FEBRUARY 15, Dr. Stout inquired as to what was being done by the building committee. Professor Davidson as president stated that the whole matter rested with the Board of Trustees, and that it was deemed best to await the settlement of the Lick Trust. He them made remarks upon the occultation of the Hyades, observed on February 12. Charles Troyer called attention to the use of benzole in killing insects for cabinet specimens, and said it appeared to be more rapid and effective than either cyanide of potassium or chloroform. Mr. Harford reported that the herbarium had been completely protected against insects by being thoroughly poisoned. Professor Davidson spoke of a slight protuberance on Saturn just south of the planet’s equatorial belt. He announced the publication of Bulletin IV of the Academy. MARCH 1, Dr. Behr described the grain pest, Collandra granaria, and exhibited specimens of it found in wheat lying in a San Francisco warehouse. MARCH 15, Carlton H. Clark, William Churchill, Miss M. S. Haggin, George A. Johnson, and J. W. Anderson were elected resident members. Professor Davidson read papers on “The Annular Solar Eclipse of March 5, 1886” and “the Secular Variation of the CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 279 Magnetic Declination at San Francisco.” Lieutenant John C. Cantwell read a paper on the “Exploration of the Koowak River, Alaska.” APRIL 5, John W. Twigg was elected a resident member. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper “On the Post-Ter- tiary Elevation of the Sierra Nevada, as Shown by the River Beds.” In the Board of Trustees, fire insurance was ordered taken out for $12,000 on the museum collections and library of the Academy; and a bill of Spaulding & Co., amounting to $627.10 for printing Bulletin 1V was ordered paid. APRIL 19, Professor Davidson read a “Note on Transits of the II and III Satellites of Jupiter, Davidson Observatory, March 20, 1886.” MAy 3, Professor Davidson read a paper “On Early Voyages of Discovery and Exploration of the Northwest Coast of North America.” MAY 17, among the donations was a specimen of the dressed hair of a chief’s head, supposed to be from the Solomon Islands. Capt. W. Churchill gave an account of the manner of dressing the hair in the South Pacific Islands, and expressed an opinion that the hair in question came from the New Hebrides rather than from the Solomon Islands. Dr. Behr read a paper “On Acapulco.” Professor E. S. Holden presented publications of the Washburn Observatory, and described the system adopted in making star maps. JUNE 7, among the donations were a bow, arrows and spears from the New Hebrides Islands, presented by R. W. Simpson. W. Churchill described them and the method of using them in the South Seas. In the Board of Trustees, $1,030 were ordered paid for binding books. JUNE 21, E. L. Greene read a paper for Mrs. Curran entitled “‘a Botanical Excursion in Marin County.” Dr. Harkness spoke of the “Animal and Vegetable Life Found in the Waters of Mono Lake,” and exhibited various specimens of them. Professor Holden spoke of the progress of the Lick Observatory, and particularly with reference to the construction of the great dome and mounting of the telescope. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary was directed to prepare as many books as could be bound for $50, and to see that the necessary corrections should be made in certain of the books already accepted from the binders. JULY 6, at a meeting of the Trustees, 30 volumes of quartos and 36 octavos were ordered bound; and Bulletin V of the Academy ordered published at a cost not to exceed $300. For the lack of a quorum of members, no meetings of the Academy were held in July. AUGUST 2, Lieut. Glassford of the U.S. Signal Service read a paper on “Storm Types of the Pacific Coast.” AUGUST 16, Lieutenant W. A. Glassford, B. H. Pendle- ton, Miss Gertrude Stanford, and S. E. Dutton were elected resident members. Dr. Behr spoke about “The Arian Races.” In the Board of Trustees, James M. McDonald made an address on what he called, “Continuing in the Book-Binding Business,” and, as a result, it was resolved that not more than $100 should for the present be expended in binding. SEPTEMBER 6, Professor Joseph LeConte lectured “On the General Causes of Earthquakes with Special Reference to the Recent One at Charleston, South Carolina.” In the Board of Trustees, the prudential committee, consisting of J. M. McDonald, C. F. Crocker and L. Gerstle, presented a report on the condition of the collections of the Academy and of the Academy building. They said that the Crocker-Stanford Collection was in general in reasonably good condition as stored 280 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 in the building; but that the perishable portions of it were exposed to dampness and mould. They quoted Mr. Lorquin, curator of birds and mammals, as saying about the same thing in reference to the Mrs. E. B. Crocker Collection and advising that it should be removed to a place where it could be kept perfectly dry. As to the Academy building, the old First Congregational Church, it had been built in 1853 of brick made with salt water, which had been so poorly burned and were so soft that they absorbed moisture like a sponge and did not dry out from one rainy season to another. The site of the building was a steep hillside rising rapidly as it ran back to the west — the grade of California Street, its northern boundary line, being 75 feet in the block of 412-4 feet. A deep excavation had therefore been necessary for the foundation of the structure, and into this excavation the water from the hill continually seeped, keeping the foundation walls constantly soaked. In the meanwhile, the metal roof had rusted and rotted away; and a new roof was necessary, or other quarters, before it rained again. The report continued in the following language: “Considering that this Acad- emy has occupied this building since A.D. 1874 to this year of Grace 1886, and had paid to the proprietors about $20,000 in rents, it discourages the hope that adequate attention and expenditure will be bestowed to properly and decently secure and protect this Academy and its valuable collection.” And in conclusion it said: “Part of the duty imposed on this committee was ‘to place the blame where it belongs,’ we therefore report that the blame should rightfully be placed on the Academy at large, and not upon the Board of Trustees.” SEPTEMBER 20, Professor George C. Comstock read a paper on “The Provisional Value of the Latitude of the Lick Observatory.” A paper by Professor George C. Becker “On the Washoe Rocks” was also read. OCTOBER 4, Dr. Harkness called attention to a fungus, rare in this State, which he exhibited. He also exhibited under the microscope the larvae of the caddice fly, attached to leaves in a peculiar manner. Capt. W. Churchill made remarks “On Correspondence Recently Noted Between Melanesia and the Northwest Coast of North America.” Professor Davidson also spoke of correspondence in the matter of labrets worn by some natives of the Northwest Coast of America and by natives of the South Pacific Islands. He then described the remarkable submarine valleys in the ocean bed off Point Delgado and Cape Mendocino. Justin P. Moore tendered his resignation of the office of first vice-president, which was accepted. A communica- tion was received from R. Ellsworth Call, professor of zoology in the University of Missouri,’ commending the recent publications of the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, $350 were authorized to be expended for printing Bulletin VII. OCTOBER 18, two neuropterous insects were presented by Dr. Behr, the same which appear at the beginning of the rainy season and at certain periods before rains. Their natural history was discussed by Messrs. Behr, Holden, Evans, Wm. P. Gibbons, and Mrs. Curran. A paper on “North American Coleoptera” by J. T. Evans was read by title. Professor Davidson read a paper entitled “The Land Falls of Cabrillo and Farrelo, 1542-1543”; another on “The Determination of the Standard Geodetic Data for the 24.1 As recorded in the Minute Books for Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890 (p. 205), but at the time Missouri State University. Call also published on Quaternary geology and stratigraphy, and invertebrate paleontology. CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 281 Computation of Geographical Position on the Pacific Coast”; and one, by title, on “Early Spanish Voyages on the Coast of California.” W. A. Goodyear read a paper on “Earthquakes in Salvador.” Dr. Harkness exhibited under the microscope two new species of fungi described by himself, a new Utsilago and a Pestalozzia. The Council reported the appointment of Thomas Price as first vice-president in place of J. P. Moore, resigned. NOVEMBER 1, Dr. Behr read a paper on “Prehistoric Inscriptions on Easter Island.” In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that a new arrangement had been made with the owners of the Academy building to repair the same and make it fit for occupation; and a new lease of it had been executed as of date of October 1, 1886. An expenditure of $270 additional was authorized for the printing and publication of Bulletin V1. NOVEMBER 15, Professor Holden read a paper on “The Distribution of the Stars in the Northern and Southern Skies.” William Ashburner described a visit to the establishment of Alvan Clarke and an examination of the Lick telescope glass, through which he looked at various stars. Professor Davidson read a note “On the Occultation of Aldebaran, observed by Davidson, Hill and Burckhalter, November 12, 1886.” In the Board of Trustees, a purchase of books from Dr. Stout was authorized to the extent of $50. DECEMBER 6, among the donations was an axe, made of jade and used by the natives of Alaska in making their canoes, presented by William Clarke. Professor Davidson spoke of it as a very fine specimen and described the method adopted by the indians in fashioning it. S. B. Christy read a paper on “Rustless Iron,” being a description of the Bowers-Barff process of working iron. Professor Davidson stated that on November 14 and 15 he had watched for “November Meteors,” but saw none. In the Board of Trustees, an additional loan of $2,500 from the Lick Trustees was authorized and the giving of the Academy’s note, drawing interest at 5-'4 per cent per annum, therefor. DECEMBER 20, a communication was received from C. Burckhalter, giving observations at the Chabot Observatory in Oakland of the new star that had appeared last year in the nebula of Andromeda. The president announced the death of Dr. Isaac Lea, the eminent conchologist of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and an honorary member of the Academy. Messrs. Harford and Behr were appointed a committee to prepare appropriate resolutions of respect to his memory. The matter of choosing officers to conduct the approaching election came up, and the strain between what were commonly known as the Davidson party on the one side and the Harkness party on the other side, which had shown itself at the last election, again manifested itself. Each party nominated candidates and a spirited contest took place even as to officers of election. It was very plain that there was going to be what may be called a bitter contest as to who should be officers of the Academy for 1887. When the nominating committee, which had been appointed by the incumbent officers, reported a ticket for 1887, they renominated the old officers and, in view of an evident desire on the part of many members for a change of administration, thought proper in their report to say: Should there even be a radical difference of opinion as to the future governing policy of the Academy, we would, while cheerfully conceding the honest zeal and good-will of all our fellow workers, respectfully suggest that the present officers, tried and true 282 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 as well as ripe in experience, are the most suitable to carry out the purposes of our organization, more especially at this time in view of the now proximate distribution of the Lick estate. Within one year at furthest this expectation is likely to be realized; and legal questions, some of a grave and intricate character, will come up for definite settlement; and, in this connection, it is well to bear in mind how many promising inheritances have been seriously impaired or even entirely wrecked by post-obits and anticipations of income. ‘Make haste slowly’ applies as well to scientific effort as to ordinary commercial transactions, and we should ask on all hands a kind, patient and generous criticism of affairs in which no personal interests are at stake, but only a friendly rivalry in unselfish devotion to the advancement of science. 1887 The annual election of 1887, held JANUARY 3, was a hotly contested one. The regular ticket, presented by the nominating committee, and consisting of the names of the old officers and known as the Davidson ticket, was opposed by a ticket of nearly all new names known as the Harkness ticket. The result was the election of the opposition ticket and the choice of the following officers for 1887: Dr. Harvey W. Harkness, president; H. H. Behr, first vice-president; George Hewston, second vice-president; H. Ferrer, corresponding secretary; C. G. Yale, recording secretary; John Dolbeer, treasurer; C. Troyer, librarian; J. G. Cooper , director of the museum; Harvey Willson Harkness Courtesy California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 283 Charles F. Crocker, Thomas P. Madden, James M. McDonald, E. L. G. Steele, S. W. Holladay, D. E. Hayes, and E. J. Molera, trustees. At the annual meeting, held on the evening of the same day, the old officers presented their reports on the condition of the Academy and its departments and the progress made during the past year. The new officers were declared elected. JANUARY 17, Dr. C. Max Richter, Charles H. Hinton, N. W. Spaulding, and William G. Badger were elected resident members. Dr. Harkness, the new president, delivered an inaugural address. The secretary called attention to the fact that Elisha Brooks, the retiring treasurer, had served the Academy in that office for nineteen consecutive years, gratuitously collecting and disbursing funds without mistakes or errors, and suggested that a vote of thanks of the Academy should be tendered him; and on motion such thanks were presented. Edward L. Greene read a paper on “Botanical Exploration on the Island of Santa Cruz.” Dr. Behr reada paper “On Certain Changes in the Flora and Fauna of California, Which Have Taken Place Since 1850.” In the Board of Trustees, the annual report of the Old Board, a majority of which had been displaced at the recent election, gave strong expression against the supposed policy of the new regime, characterizing it as “discounting the future and cashing expectations” and pronouncing it “ill-advised and productive of loss and of positive danger.” In reference to the financial condition of the Academy, it said that the receipts during 1886, including $5,000 borrowed money and amount on hand at the beginning of the year, had been $10,806.56, and the disbursements $8,912.60, leaving a balance of $1,893.96 in the general fund. In the special Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund, the receipts, including balance on hand, had been $1551.02, and the disbursements $990, leaving a balance of $561.02, which added to the general fund balance made a total of $2,454.98 cash on hand. The only outstanding bills were the notes to the Lick Trustees for $5,000, a bill for binding books, and a bill for printing papers of the Academy. In the matter of organizing the new Board, the presidency was offered to Charles F. Crocker; but he declined; and it seems that Thomas P. Madden was elected president and E. L. G. Steele president pro tem. The bond of the treasurer was fixed at $2,000, and those of the librarian and director of the museum at $1,000 each. FEBRUARY 7, a letter was received from Professor Davidson in reference to a fossil elephant tusk, presented some two years before by Captain James McKenna, which had been left at the Merchants’ Exchange since then, to the effect that it had been recently delivered to the Academy. Dr. C. M. Richter read a paper “On Ocean Currents and their Influence on the Climate of California,” and Dr. Harkness a paper “On a New Species of Fungus.” Dr. Behr read an obituary notice of Dr. Isaac Lea of Philadelphia, the first honorary member of the Academy, elected in July, 1853. The Council announced the appointment of H. W. Harkness, E. L. Greene, C. G. Yale, George Hewston, and J. G. Cooper as publication committee, and the following curators: Mary K. Curran and E. L. Greene, botany; David Wooster, ethnology and osteology; E. F. Lorquin, mammals and birds; Rosa Smith and H. F. Lorquin, fishes, reptiles and radiates; E. S. Clark and John Hewston Jr., geology and palaeontology; Melville Attwood and C. D. Gibbes, mineralogy. The Council also reported that it 284 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 had adopted a resolution that papers to be read before the Academy should be submitted to the president on the Thursday preceding the meeting, and that papers read should be handed to the secretary to be submitted to the publication committee. In the Board of Trustees, it was resolved that a box for the keeping of important documents should be rented of the Safe Deposit Company at a cost of $15 per year. Frank H. Vaslit and C. D. Haines were employed for such services as might be required of them by the Council and Trustees at a salary of $40 per month each. Thomas P. Madden resigned as a member of the Board and George C. Perkins was elected in his place. FEBRUARY 21, Walter E. Bryant was elected a resident member. Dr. Behr read a paper “On the Power of Adaptation of Insects.” Dr. Harkness spoke of the fungoid growths affecting sycamore trees. He said that every season, when the leaves attained the size of a quarter of a dollar, they were apt to become blighted, sometimes being fresh and green in the evening and next morning withered. He had observed the same thing in the East and had been told by Professor Gray that the sycamore trees of Massachusetts had been affected in the same manner for thirty years. He further said that he had made careful observations and determined the cause to be a minute fungus, which he had named Glaesporium platoni. In former years, the sycamore had been well-shaped trees; but now they were generally scrawny and unsightly, with few straight limbs. This he attributed to the fungus. Dr. C. M. Richter read a supplement to his previous paper “On Ocean Currents” and answered certain criticisms upon the statements in that paper made by Professor Davidson, as published by the newspaper reports of a meeting of the Geographical Society, of which he was president. A discussion followed in which an unidentified non-member said that he Frank S. Vaslit California Academy of Sciences Special Collections CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 285 George C. Perkins California Academy of Sciences Special Collections Walter E. Bryant California Academy of Sciences Special Collections 286 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 had lived in the vicinity of Behring’s Straits for some six years making observations for the Smithsonian Institution, and that he could corroborate Professor Davidson’s views on the subject of the currents. In the Board of Trustees, an organization was effected by the election of E. L. G. Steele as president, and S. W. Holladay as president pro tem. MARCH 7, Dr. Frederick V. Hopkins was elected a resident member. A paper by Mary K. Curran on “The Lichens of this Vicinity” was read and a collection of lichens exhibited in connection with the paper. Dr. C. C. Parry read a paper “On the Pacific Coast Alders.” In the Board of Trustees, the subject of a new building on the Academy’s Market Street lot was discussed by S. W. Holladay and others. MARCH 21, Professor F. L. Clarke lectured on recent eruptions of Mauna Loa and Kilauea on the Island of Hawaii, exhibiting photographs of the localities taken before, during, and after the eruptions. Three papers were read by title: one “On the West Coast Pulmonata, Fossil and Living” by J. C. Cooper, one on “Occultation of Stars by the Dark Limb of the Moon” by George Davidson, and one, a “Continuation of Catalogue of Pacific Coast Fungi,” by H. W. Harkness. Dr. Harkness also addressed the Academy on the “Geology of Egypt.” Charles G. Yale presented his resignation as recording secretary, which was accepted. Charles Troyer presented his resignation as librarian, which was not accepted. APRIL 4, the death on March 31 of Dr. Albert Kellogg, the last surviving charter member of the Academy, was announced. Out of respect for Dr. Kellogg, the meeting adjourned. In the Board of Trustees, Professor Davidson represented the destitute condition of C. D. Gibbes, and on motion of C. F. Crocker, the sum of $40 was ordered to be paid to him at once out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund. It was also ordered that $40 due to Dr. Kellogg should be paid to his representative, W. G. W. Harford. APRIL 18, Dr. Carl von Hoffman was elected a resident member. Professor F. L. Clarke lectured again on volcanic eruptions in the Island of Hawaii, and he stated that the map used in illustration of his remarks was the first of a series made by him by order of King Kalikana. Dr. Hewston read a paper on the “Formation, Life, and Uses of Sponges.” Dr. Behr read a memorial paper on Dr. Kellogg, from which it appeared that the deceased was born in Connecticut in 1813; that he had traveled much in his younger years in the Southern and Western States for the benefit of his health, which was infirm, and that it was in the course of those travels that he became interested in botany. He came to California in 1849; settled first at Sacramento, and in a few years afterwards moved to San Francisco, where he had always since lived. He was one of the proposers and founders of the Academy and the last survivor of the original seven. His guileless simplicity and honesty, continued the memorial, as well as his enthusiasm for science made him beloved by all; and in all the relations of life his conduct was beyond praise. Those who knew him in early days remember well his filial devotion to his aged mother; and all who had the pleasure to be in daily intercourse with him praise, with one, his kindness, his patience, and his forbearance. Resolutions of respect to his memory were adopted and spread upon the minutes. The death of Dr. Frederick H. Jenssen was also announced and Dr. Behr presented a memorial notice of him. In the Board of Trustees, insurance of the Academy’s CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 287 property for another year was ordered. A sum of $40 per month during the pleasure of the Board was ordered paid to Walter E. Bryant for ornithological work. Frank H. Vaslit was appointed secretary of the Board without increase of the salary of $40 per month, previously allowed him. MAy 2, Curry W. Tjader was elected a resident member. For the first time, biweekly reports on new donations to the library were recorded in the minutes as follows: Publications received, 175; from correspondents, 140; by donation, 29; by purchase, 6.°"” E. L. Greene read a continuation of a previous paper “On the Botany of Santa Cruz Island.” Dr. Hewston read a paper on “Glass Sponges,” illustrated by drawings on the screen. He also announced the death of William Ashburner and presented resolutions of respect to his memory, which were adopted. The Council announced the election of William F. Smith as recording secretary of the Academy in place of C. G. Yale, resigned. In the Board of Trustees, the Council announced the adoption of a resolution that its members deemed it expedient that steps should be taken “for the improvement of our lot on Market Street by building for the use of the Academy and for the purposes of revenue.” MAY 16, Walter E. Bryant read a paper “On the Birds of California,” illustrated by plates thrown on the screen. Adley H. Cummins” read a paper on the “Evolution of Figures,” illustrated by many plates of letters and numerals. Dr. Behr described parasitic worms infesting the sticklebacks in Lake Merced. The president announced the death of William O. Ayres, one of the early members of the Academy and noted as an ichthyologist. On motion, Dr. William P. Gibbons, and Dr. Stout were appointed a committee to draw proper resolutions of respect to his memory. JUNE 6, Adley H. Cummins“? and Samuel C. Passavant were elected resident members.”** Dr. Hark- ness read a paper on “Vinous Fungus,” illustrated by plates drawn by Dr. Gustav Eisen and thrown on the screen. On motion of Dr. George Hewston, a resolution was adopted calling for a special executive meeting of the members of the Academy “for 242 For those interested in tracing the growth of an institutional library as a partial reflection of the influence of the institution among its peers and the scientific community, details of biweekly library accessions, and thus library growth, for the period for the period 1887 to 1894 were published in the Academy Proceedings, reports on the regular bivedily meetings (see Proc. Calif: Acad. Sci. ser. 2, vol. 3 et Seq.). The impact of the residue of the James Lick endowment not otherwise committed to the new Academy building following settlement of the estate in 1887 and of the Amariah Pierce bequest (g.v.) in 1895 for the purchase of books, is readily apparent in the increase in funds available for library purchases: 1887 — 2303 total item accessions: 56 by purchase, 1632 from “correspondents” (including exchanges), unrecorded balance, incidental donations; 1888 — 2348: 57, 1970; 1889 — 1898: 252, 1598; 1890 — 2603: 371, 2057; 1891 — 1986: 782, 1719; 1892 — 3732: 1876, 1720; 1893 — 2937: 977, 1860; 1894 — 1841: 274, 1411. 24.3 On this date, recorded in the Minute Books (Dec. 1880-Dec.1890, p. 233) as Adley D. Cummins, then Adley J. Cummins (p. 234, June 6), Adley D. Cummins (p. 240, July 18), Adley H. Cummins (p. 243, Sept. 5; 299, Aug. 5, 1889, et seg.), but Adley H. Cummings (memorial on death, see Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 1890-92, ser. 2, vol. 3, p. 353). 24.4 With respect to the election of new members at this meeting, the following wryly humorous item appeared in the Daily Alta California on June 7, the day after the Redden nesting, Local newspapers frequently sent reporters to cover the meetings, and their stories were published usually a day or two later. From the report as filed: Following the reading of a paper on fungi, Dr. Harkness resumed his chair [as pendent “Without wasting any time the announcement was made that at an executive meeting of the oard it was decided to made a radical change in the method of electing new members. The old way was to appoint tellers to carry round the ballot-box and then to transport it to the President. The new way was to place the instrument of torture on the small desk in front orthe speaker’s chair and to compel each member to pass in solemn march before the throne. When directly in front of the President the member must bow and carry his right hand in the direction of the ballot-box. Upon receiving an approving nod from the President and two minke from the Secretary the member could grasp a ball and gently deposit it. (footnote continued next page) 288 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: 1853-1906 the purpose of considering the propriety of authorizing the Board of Trustees to borrow money from the Lick Trust for the purpose of the erection of a building for the Academy and the improvement of the Market Street property.” The committee on the death of Dr. William O. Ayres presented a series of resolutions, which were adopted. They spoke of Dr. Ayres as “a scholar, possessing analytic powers of mind in an eminent degree.” They characterized his scientific work as “a compendium of original research, which was received as authority by kindred institutions and has stood to this day the test of rigid criticism.” They also spoke of the man himself and the “high social virtues which adorned his character.” JUNE 16, the Academy met in special executive session for the purpose of considering the advisability of building on the Market Street lot. Dr. George Hewston, Frederick Gutzkow and John R. Scupham were appointed a committee to draw up resolutions expressive of the sense of the Academy of the subject. They presented for adoption three short resolutions: First, that the Market Street property should be improved as soon as possible; Second, that the Trustees be requested to borrow the money necessary to accomplish that object from the Lick Trust; and, Third, that a committee of seven be appointed as a committee of conference with the Board of Trustees to consider ways and means to accomplish the desired object. As soon as these resolutions were reported, Dr. Stout made a motion to adjourn, which was lost. He then made a motion to strike out the first two resolutions, which was declared lost. A division being called for, nine voted in favor of the motion and thirty-two against it. The resolutions were then adopted; and a committee of seven, in accordance with the third resolution, appointed, consisting of O. C. Pratt, A. S. Hallidie, George T. Marye, Jr., N. W. Spaulding, A. K. P. Harmon, Jacob Z. Davis, and William S. Chapman. JUNE 20, Hans C. Behr and L. M. F. Wanzer were elected resident members. The library reported 63 new publications, 51 from correspondents, 10 by donation, and two by purchase. A paper by Dr. Gustav Eisen was read “On Sutroa, a Genus of Oligochaetae.” Dr. C. C. Parry read a paper on California manzanita, Arctostafphyla. Walter E. Bryant read a paper on the “Nest and Eggs of the Evening Grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertina.” JULY 18, Hasbrouck Davis and George G. Blanchard were elected resident members.”*” Dr. Hewston read a paper by Mary K. 24.4 (continued) “The first name to be subjected to this ordeal was George J. [sic; A] Specht, whose application for resident membership was approved by Messers. E. J. Molera and Hermann Schussler. The long line was formed and the box passed to the Chair by Mr. Troyon [sic; Troyer], one of the paid officials. Mr. Specht was rejected. “The next candidate for trial by white and black ball practice was Adley H. Cummins, whose command of living and dead lingos is practically unlimited. This gentleman had the good luck to be nominated by a lady and as the sex ran the society’s election last year, he was accepted. “The third candidate was Captain George Ainsworth, who is good enough to be one of the Regents of the State University, but who was rejected without ceremony. The last applicant who knocked at the doors of the Academy was S. D. [sic; C] Passavant. He slipped in, and this order of business was over. “The following names were then submitted: Daniel Sutter [but Suter in the Minute Books, p. 234], Hasbrook [sic; Hasbrouck] Davis, George T. [sic; G] Blanchard and Frank H. Vaslitt [sic; Vaslit][also listed in the Minute Books among the new nominees was Bernard Bienenfeld, whom our reporter seems to have overlooked]. Their turn will come at the next meeting. They were all well recommended, but the fatal pase may be waiting to consign them to outer darkness, where there is wailing and gnashing of molars rejected.” 24.5 For some unstated reasons, the nomination of Frank H. Vaslit, destined to become one of the most active members of the Academy during the last decade of the century, was rejected. Vaslit was subsequently elected to resident membership on Feb, 17, 1890 and honorary life member on Jan. 6, 1896.. He served as secretary to the Board of Trustees, and did field work in Baja California with Dr. Gustav Eisen in 1894. CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 289 Curran on “A Botanical Trip in Siskiyou County.” W. E. Bryant read a paper “Ona New Subspecies of Petrel from Guadalupe Island.” AUGUST 1, Dr. B. B. Brewer was elected a resident member. Professor F. L. Clarke read a paper “The Bavispe Earthquake,” illustrated with diagrams. A paper by Walter E. Bryant was read on “Unusual Nesting Sites.” It was at this meeting that Theodore H. and Mrs. Hittell’*° were nominated for Academy membership. AUGUST 15, James De Fremery was elected a resident member. Dr. Brooks O. Baker read a paper on the “Customs and Religious Observances of the Hawaiians”; Dr. Behr, a paper on “Geographical Distribution of Insects,” and Dr. Hewston made remarks on dredging being done in San Francisco Bay. In the Board of Trustees, where there had been no meeting since May 2, S. W. Holladay called attention to the fact that the Society of California Pioneers and Miss Cora J. Flood, in dedicating “Pioneer Court,” a private way-between their lots and running 40 feet wide from Fourth Street, ran back only 194 feet; and that the one foot, at the rear of the rear of the court and adjoining the side of the Academy’s lot, had been built up by the Pioneers with a brick wall one foot thick and ten feet high, so as to exclude the Academy from any use of the court, except such as it might derive from the light and air above the brick wall. The sum of $400 was appropriated for printing Bulletin VII, and $150 for printing Part I of Volume II of what were called Memoirs of the Academy. SEPTEMBER 5, Theodore H. Hittell**® and Robert Simson were elected resident members. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper entitled “Flora of the Coast Islands of California to Recent Changes in Physical Geography,” and Adley H. Cummins, a paper on “Truly Dead Languages.” The president announced the death of Professor Spencer F. Baird of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, and Professor LeConte and Dr. Behr were appointed a committee to draw appropriate resolutions. In the Board of Trustees, plans for an Academy building on the Market Street lot were submitted by Mr. Osborn. SEPTEMBER 19, Professor William Nussbaum read a paper on “Heredity.” Professor Joseph LeConte presented resolutions of respect to the memory of Professor Spencer F. Baird, which were adopted and a copy ordered sent to the family. OCTOBER 3, Dr. Behr made remarks on the natural history of the mud-wasp. OCTOBER 17, Dr. Hewston read a paper on “Protozoa,” illustrated with drawings on the screen. OCTOBER 28, at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco were about to appropriate the lot on First Avenue near Point Lobos Avenue, dedicated and named on the City Map of Outside Lands by the words “Academy of Sciences,” to school purposes. On motion of Mr. Hays, a preamble and resolution were adopted, declaring that the lot had been reserved and dedicated as the Academy’s lot, and that it had been and was claimed as such by the Academy, and directing the president and prudential committee of the Board to appear before the Supervisors, remonstrate against the diversion of the lot from the uses of the Academy, and take all lawful steps necessary to secure the same for the use of the Academy. The prudential committee 24.6 Both Theodore and Mrs. Hittell were nominated together, but only Theodore H. Hittell was elected to membership on Sept. 5. Although not mentioned in the minutes, it was probably realized that Mrs. Hittell was already a member, having been elected nearly 8 years earlier, on Nov. 3, 1879 290 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 was also empowered to procure an abstract of title to the Market Street lot. NOVEMBER 7, Frank H. Cushing delivered a lecture on ethnology and particularly as connected with his life among the Zuni, or Pueblo Indians, in New Mexico. In the Board of Trustees, Mr. Holladay announced that Mrs. A. M. Parrott, the owner of property on Market Street next south of the Academy’s lot declined having a party wall between her property and that of the Academy. Mr. Holladay also spoke in reference to the title of the Academy to the First Avenue lot and claimed that the reserving of it and marking it “Academy of Sciences” on the Outside Land Map of the City was a valid reservation an dedication of it to the “California Academy of Sciences.” He also reported that the party wall between the Academy and the Pioneers at the rear of their lots had, with the excavation for it, cost the Pioneers nearly $10,000, one half of which would have to be paid by the Academy when it came to use the wall. Frank H. Vaslit, secretary of the Board, on account of ill health, was granted one month’s leave of absence, with salary paid in advance. NOVEMBER 21, Professor E. S. Holden read a paper on “California Earthquakes.” NOVEMBER 30, a special meeting was held at which Frank H. Cushing delivered a lecture on the “Discovered Ruins of the City of Los Muertos, Arizona.” DECEMBER 5, a continuation of Walter E. Bryant’s paper on “Unusual Nesting Sites” was read by Dr. Hewston. Professor George C. Edwards lectured on “The Problem of Lights,” illustrated with drawings on the screen. In the Board of Trustees, $350 were appropriated for printing Volume I, Second Series, of the Proceedings of the Academy, the first publication of its Proceedings since 1876. A sum not exceeding $200 was allowed to defray the expenses of Walter E. Bryant and party to go to Lower Edward S. Holden Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley CHAPTER XXIV: 1886-1887 291 California and collect scientific specimens and matters of scientific interest for the Academy. DECEMBER 19, Walter E. Bryant read a paper on “Birds and Eggs from the Farallones Islands,” illustrated on the screen. The nominating committee pre- sented a ticket for officers of 1888. Dr. Stout called up the subject of the appropriation of the First Avenue lot by the Board of Supervisors for school purposes and characterized it as a “confiscation” of the property of the Academy. Mr. Holladay explained the situation and in substance gave notice that the “last say” had not yet been said. In the Board of Trustees, Mr. Holladay offered resolutions, which were adopted, to the effect that the Academy reiterated its previous acceptance of, and thereby specifically accepted, the dedication to it of the First Avenue lot; that no charge should ever be made for admission to the museum of the Academy to be erected on it, and that a copy of the resolution should be sent to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. 292 Chapter XXV: Years 1888-1889 1888 JANUARY 3, 1888, the annual election resulted in the choice of the following officers: H. W. Harkness, president; H. H. Behr, first vice-president; George Hew- ston, second vice-president; Henry Ferrer, corresponding secretary; William F. Smith, recording secretary; I. E. Thayer, treasurer, C. Troyer, librarian; J. G. Cooper, director of the Museum; C. F. Crocker, D. E. Hayes, S. W. Holladay, George C. Perkins, Jacob Z. Davis, E. J. Molera, and E. L. G. Steele, trustees. The annual reports of officers were presented and flied. On nomination of the Council, Professor John LeConte and Professor Joseph LeConte were elected honorary life members. In accordance with the constitution, and to fill up the depleted list, the following were elected honorary members: Professor Alexander Agassiz, Joseph Leidy, S. P. Lan- gley, G. Brown Goode, Francis A. Walker, A. E. Verrill, W. K. Brooks, Mrs. E. B. Crocker, Edward D. Cope, A. S. Packard, C. V. Riley, George H. Horn, Clarence Dutton, Elliot Coues, Charles B. Cory, Alphonse de Candolle, H. B. Medlicott, James Hector, W. G. Farlow, E. T. Cresson, Joseph Lovering, Francois Crépin, Maurice Chaper, Théodore Lefevre, E. A. Regel, Henri de Saussure, D. C. Danielssen, G. O. Sars, and E. S. C. Cosson. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared from the annual report that the secretary of the Lick Trustees gave an estimate that the property coming to the Academy as residuary beneficiary of the Lick estate would amount to about $350,000. It further appeared that the resolution, adopted at the last meeting of the Board and purporting to be a formal acceptance by the Academy of the supposed dedication of the First Avenue lot, had been transmitted and delivered to the Mayor and Board of Supervi- sors of San Francisco on December 24, 1887. During the year 1887, no money had been borrowed. The receipts of that year, including the balance left over from 1886, were $11,103.44 and the expenditures $9,256.22, leaving a balance of cash in the general fund of $1,086.20 and in the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund of $761.02, or a total of $1,847.22. The prudential committee reported that the party wall between the Academy’s lot and the Flood building had been finished and the Academy’s share of the cost would be a little under $5,000, payable when the Academy would make use of it. A report of Messrs. Holladay and Molera on the First Avenue lot insisted that the Academy’s title to it was perfect. JANUARY 16, Dr. Behr read a paper on “The Names of Colors in Ancient CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 293 Languages,” illustrated on the blackboard. In the Board of Trustees, C. F. Crocker was reelected president; S. W. Holladay, president pro tem, and Charles Stephens appointed secretary, as well as assistant librarian of the Academy, at a salary of $40 per month during the pleasure of the Board. E. L. G. Steele offered a resolution that, “in view of the difficulties which have already arisen in regard to the lot on First Avenue, which is owned by this Academy, and to avoid the same in future, and also for the preservation of the museum of the Society and that it may be at once utilized for the public good,” the Board should immediately proceed to the erection of a building on it and borrow the money necessary therefor from the Lick Trustees. After some discussion the consideration of the resolution was postponed until the next meeting. Mr. Molera gave notice that at the same next meeting, he would introduce a resolution to build on the Market Street lot. FEBRUARY 6, among the donations to the cabinet were 1000 species of plants sent in exchange by honorary member Prof. R. A. Philippi, of Santiago, Chile. Frederick Gutzkow read a paper on “A New Method of Quantitative Determination of Bromine in Sea Water,” with illustrative experiments. Joseph D. Redding offered a preamble and resolution, which were adopted, asking for the establishment by the United States of a National Park in the vicinity of Mount Shasta and so as to include, and protect from pollution, the McCloud River, the natural spawning ground of California salmon.’ The president announced the death of Professor Asa Gray, the botanist; and Dr. Hewston, Dr. Behr and Mrs. Curran were appointed a committee to draw up appropriate resolutions. In the Board of Trustees, Jacob Z. Davis exhibited plans and drawings for the improvement of the Academy’s Market Street lot. Mr. Molera urged immediate action and introduced a resolution to that effect, and that a conference should be had with the Pioneers and Miss Flood for the purpose of acquiring the use of Pioneer Place for the proposed Academy building. An additional $10 per month was allowed Charles Stephens, the secretary, making his salary, as secretary and assistant librarian, $50 per month. FEBRUARY 20, Adley H. Cummins read a paper “On the Races of Man and their Limitations.” Dr. Hewston presented a resolution of respect to the memory of Professor Asa Gray, which was adopted, and also a 25-1 The full text of the resolution states: “Whereas the attention of the Government of the United States has been called to the advisability of establishing a National Park in the vicinity of Mount Shasta, Siskiyou County, California for the purpose of preserving the natural beauties, the game and the aspect of the country in their natural condition — “And whereas the McCloud River has its rise at the base of Mount Shasta and extends some fifty miles in a southerly direction, and empties into the Pitt, which empties into the Sacramento River — c ee whereas the said McCloud River is the natural spawning ground of the Pacific Coast Salmon in alifornia — “And whereas the said McCloud River will be in time polluted by the incursion of tourists and the establishment of sawmills etc. around its banks — “Now, therefore be it resolved by the Academy of Sciences of San Francisco: That it is the earnest wish of said Society that there shall be a National Park established around the base of Mount Shasta for the first named puss and furthermore, that said National Park shall extend in territory, so as to include the McCloud River, in order to hold the same inviolable forever for the purposes of pisiculture and fish industries of our State: — “And furthermore that this Society will cause a copy of this resolution to be forwarded to the Poupresstach representing California before a bill is introduced or passed establishing said Park.” (Minute Books, Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890, pp. 256-257. Fora biographical sketch of sometime musician/attorney Joseph D. Redding, son of Benjamin B. Redding Bix aS enée Renouf, “The Greatest Bohemian of All: Joseph D. Redding.” The Californians, 1983, 294 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Joseph Deighn Redding (early 1890s) Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley memorial. In the memorial it was said that Professor Asa Gray, as a scientist in his department, had few, if any, superiors. He was acknowledged as one of the most thorough botanists living. His industry in his work was unparalleled. He was unflinch- ing in the pursuit of truth. He was not a mere book or closet naturalist, but traveled and investigated the fields and collected, so far as was possible, the plants he described. He was one of the modern scientists who, like Huxley and Tyndall, did not entertain the idea, that, by popularizing his favorite branch of study, he in any wise detracted from the scientific character of his own reputation on the true value of his science. He was deeply impressed with the importance of the botany of the Pacific Coast and made three visits for the purpose of studying it. As a man, he was gentle, kind, cheerful and genial. His birth took place at Paris, Oneida County, New York on November 10, 1810; in 1842 he became professor in natural history in Harvard College, and his connection with that institution continued to the time of his death on January 30, 1888. in his seventy-eighth year. MARCH 5, Gilbert Palache was elected a life member. W. Lindgren of the U. S. Geological Survey read a paper on the “Topographical Features of Lower California.” Melville Attwood made remarks “On Determination of Form and Hardness of Crystals.” Ivan Petroff explained a map of Kodiak Island, which he presented to the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, $150, out of the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund, were ordered paid Dr. Cooper for work in collecting and classifying fossils. S. W. Holladay announced that the Board of Education, authorized by the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco, were about to build on the First Avenue lot; and, on CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 295 motion of Mr. Molera, it was resolved to send a protest to the Board of Education against the erection by them of any structure on the Academy lot or interference in any way with the rights of the Academy. MARCH 19, I. E. Thayer made remarks on the abundance of fish at the Island of Tahiti, a number of which and a few mollusks from there he donated. Dr. Hewston read a paper by Mrs. Curran on “Comparison of Flora of Chile and California.” In the Board of Trustees, a report of examination of the safe deposit box showed that in contained the twenty bonds of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for $20,000, constituting the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund; also the various deeds to the Academy, and the lease of the Academy building, dated October 1, 1886 for two years at $150 per month, with a privilege of 1, 2 or 3 years or fraction of a year more, if requested in writing; also an insurance policy on the museum, collections and library. A committee was appointed to arrange with the Lick Trustees as to loans for building purposes, and another to confer with the Society of California Pioneers in reference to the use of Pioneer Place. APRIL 2, Professor P. V. Veeder was introduced and delivered a lecture on “The Recent Changes in Japan.” The library reported receiving a large number of extremely valuable quarto volumes of the Geological Survey of India” as well as 24 decades of Natural History from Victoria, Australia. In the Board of Trustees, the committee, appointed to confer with the Pioneers in reference to the use of Pioneer Place, reported that the Pioneers were unwilling to grant the use of it except on condition that the Academy would extend the same through its lot. APRIL 16, Dr. Hewston presented a lamprey, Ammochaetus cibarius, found in the Bay of San Francisco, and called attention to the smallness of its size. He said it had been caught in a herring net and went on to observe that the fact of its capture suggested a very good reason for the serious diminution of the yield of fish in the Bay. While the Italians and particularly the Chinese were permitted to use nets, whose meshes were so fine as to catch so small an object, it was idle to charge the scarcity of our fish to the few seals that resorted to Seal Rocks, where they served to diversify and embellish one of our most attractive points of interest. Dr. Harkness exhibited pine branches attacked by a parasite, called Peridermium Harknessii. He said it attacked the inner bark and, by the irritation it produced, caused an enormous development and finally exhausted the tree and proved fatal. The so-called digger pines, Pinus Sabiniana, seemed to be suffering most severely and thousands of them were dying from its attacks. The death of Dr. Ferdinand F. von Richthofen, an honorary member of the Academy, was announced; and F. Gutzkow gave a sketch of scientific career and presented an appreciative tribute to his memory. The Librarian reported that the Academy had acquired by purchase De Candolle’s 23-volume Prodromus on plants as well as several valuable works on geology and fossils. In the Board of Trustees, C. F. Crocker, of the committee of conference with the Society of California Pioneers, reported that it was not practicable to make any arrangement for the use of Pioneer Place, and, on motion, it was resolved that it was expedient to proceed immediately to the erection of an Academy building. J. Z. Davis, of the committee to arrange for loans from the ?52 Palaeontologia Indica, a grand serial publication started in 1861 to report on the extraordinary fossil discoveries uncovered by Survey geologists and paleontologists. Publication continues to this day (1996). 296 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Lick Trust, reported that the funds needed for building could be obtained from the Lick Trustees; and, on motion, it was resolved that the president should borrow the necessary funds, say $200,000, for the purposes of building on the Market Street lot on the best possible terms. Trustee S. W. Holladay was appointed attorney for the Board in the matter of the building and he was requested to engage as coadjutors, if he desired, the firm of Mastick, Belcher & Mastick. It was resolved to invite numerous architects to submit plans for the proposed new building, with an understanding that none were to be paid for unless approved and accepted. APRIL 26, at a special meeting of the Trustees, it was resolved that certain directions in reference to the proposed building should be sent to the architects invited to compete in drawing plans. These were mainly that the building opposite Pioneer Place was to be set back from 4 to 6 feet and to have an open front towards it so as to afford an attractive appearance from Fourth Street. There was to be light secured for the building wherever it was possible to get it. There was to be an assembly room for at least 200 persons; and the building with extras was not to cost over $200,000. The plans were to be compared, and $300 paid for the one chosen as first; $200 for the second, and $100 for the third; and $100 might be given for a fourth, presenting desirable points not contained in the others. The plans thus chosen and paid for were to belong to the Academy; the others to be returned. The architect of the plan adopted was to be superintendent of the building; but the Academy reserved the right of modifying any plan, and in such case to select the superintending architect. May 7, Samuel L. Theller and Charles F. Sonne were elected resident members. Professor Joseph LeConte lectured on “The Most Probable View Regarding the Condition of the Interior of the Earth.” In the Board of Trustees, it was resolved to send more specific directions to architects in reference to the proposed new building, and asking their plans to be handed in by June 18. A sum of $200 was appropriated to publish Dr. Gustav Eisen’s Memoir with illustrations, and $60 per month allowed Mrs. Curran for her various services, including the editing of the Proceedings of the Academy, the additional $20 to be paid out of the general fund. MAy 21, Dr. Julius Koebig was elected a resident member. A paper by Dr. Gustav Eisen on “Antiquities of Guatemala” was read and illustrated on the screen. Dr. Behr spoke of insect pests, particularly the army worm. JUNE 4, Professor Josiah Keep read a paper on the “Measurement of Frustums of Cones and Cylinders.” Professor L. A. Lee described the work performed by the “Albatross” during its voyage through the Straits of Magellan and northward to San Francisco. In the Board of Trustees, S. W. Holladay was requested to defend the Academy’s title to the First Avenue lot. An allowance of $40 per month was authorized for petty expenses of the library. JUNE 18, W. T. Baggett was elected a resident member. The publication of the second bulletin of Proceedings of the Academy was announced. Frank H. Cushing addressed the Academy on “Evolution,” and also answered many questions asked in reference to his ethnological research in New Mexico and Arizona. In the Board of Trustees, the plans of architects for the new building were opened in the following order; W. F. Smith, 1; J. J. & T. D. Newsom, 2; Percy & Hamilton, 3; Salfield & Kohlberg, 4; J. CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 297 M. Curtis, 5. W. Patten asked for further time to complete his plans; but the Board declined to extend the time and returned his plans unopened. The plans retained were inspected and then left with the secretary to be kept strictly private. JULY 2, Dr. Behr read a paper on “Disproportional Multiplication of the Vanessa Californica.” Special notice was taken of a magnificant set of astronomical drawings by Prof. Trouvelot by an Academy member. JULY 16, Professor Ward described the museum at the Coronado Beach Hotel. AUGUST 6, a paper prepared by Professor E. S. Holden on “Volcanoes in the Moon” was read by Dr. Hewston. F. Gutzkow described the “Manufacture on this Coast of Magnesia from Sea Water.” In the Board of Trustees, Messrs. Davis and Holladay were appointed to act with the president in adjusting the shape of the rears of the Academy’s and Pioneers’ properties. Messrs. Davis, Molera and Harkness were appointed to consider the plans for the new Academy building. AUGUST 20, the president announced the death of Charles Crocker on August 14" at the Hotel del Monte, in Monterey Co., and made remarks upon his munificence to the Academy and the great interest he had always taken in its welfare. He also announced that the Board of Trustees and the Council, upon hearing of the death of Mr. Crocker, had appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the Academy at the loss it had sustained, which would be presented to the Academy for adoption. The resolutions, reported by Messrs. Hewston, Holladay, Perkins, Harkness and Ferrer, were then presented and adopted;””* and the Academy adjourned as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. SEPTEMBER 8, a paper by Professor E. S. Holden “On Earthquakes in California, Oregon, and Washington Territory” was read. In the Board of Trustees, on motion of J. Z. Davis, the five plans for the new Academy building were accepted, and premiums awarded as follows: to John M. Curtis, $300; William F. Smith, $200; Percy & Hamilton, $200; Salfield & Kohlberg, $100; John J. & Thomas D. Newson, $100, all the plans to be retained as the property of the Academy. At an adjourned meeting, on SEPTEMBER 11, Mr. Davis recommended J. M. Curtis as supervising architect of the new building; Messrs. Harkness and Molera recommended G. W. Percy. E. L. G. Steele resigned as a Trustee, and Irving M. Scott was elected in his place. It was determined that a supervising architect should then be elected, condi- tioned upon the Board being able to make satisfactory terms with him. G. W. Percy received four votes and J. M. Curtis two votes; and Percy was declared elected. It was also determined to rent a room near the property for use as a Board room during building operations. SEPTEMBER 17, Adley H. Cummins read a paper on “Compara- tive Mythology.” Dr. Hewston described a species of banana plant, very large and luxuriant but fruitless, growing in his front yard on Sutter near Polk Street in San Francisco. In the Board of Trustees, the employment of G. W. Percy as supervising architect was authorized, limiting his commissions to 2-!/ per cent of the cost of the work. In an adjourned meeting, on SEPTEMBER 24, J. Z. Davis tendered his resignation as a Trustee; but it was laid on the table. The employment of G. W. Percy as °5.3 The resolutions were published in the San Francisco Bulletin the next day (Aug. 21) 298 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 supervising architect was reported on a commission of 2-'4 per cent on the cost of the building while under his supervision. A Board room in the Flood Building adjoining the Academy lot was hired at $50 per month; and Trustee Molera was directed to prepare a document defining Mr. Percy’s duties and responsibilities as supervising architect. OCTOBER 1, a paper by Mary K. Curran “On Trees and Shrubs of the Sierra Nevada” was read. This was followed by an address by Dr. R. G. Eccles of New York. In Board of Trustees, a contract was signed with Mr. Percy defining his duties and responsibilities. OCTOBER 15, Dr. J. Koebig read a paper “On Modern Chemistry in Agriculture.” Theodore H. Hittell read a paper, entitled “Sutro’s New Water Power,” in which he described the method of collecting the sea water splashed above high water mark on the rocks at Point Lobos by the ocean surf, and thus filling a reservoir with a considerable head above ocean level. Dr. Harkness spoke of scientific researches at and about Lake Tahoe. In the Board of Trustees, OCTOBER 22, R. D. Clairmont was employed to prepare a financial statement of Academy business and open a series of regular account books. Mr. Molera reported a negotiation having in view the furnishing of rooms in the new building for the Supreme Court of California. The resignation of Jacob Z. Davis as a Trustee presented at a previous meeting was accepted, and John Taylor was elected in his place. NOVEMBER 5, a paper by T. S. Brandegee “On the Flora of Santa Barbara Islands” was read. In the Board of Trustees, Mr. Molera reported that the consent of Mrs. Abby M. Parrott for a conjoint lightwell between her property and that of the Academy could not be obtained. In the Board of Trustees, NOVEMBER 12, it appeared that the Society of California Pioneers were still not disposed to allow any use of Pioneer Place except on condition of extending it through the Academy’s lot. NOVEMBER 19, F. Gutzkow read a paper on “Magnesium Oxychloride or Sorel’s White Cement, and the Favorable Conditions for its Manufacture in California.” W. R. Bentley read a paper “On the Great Glacier of the Selkirks.” In the Board of Trustees, architect Percy, in speaking of material for building, said that sandstone afforded better resistance to fire than granite or marble though not equal to them in tensity under a crushing force. A new attempt was made to come to some agreement with the Pioneers and Miss Flood for the use of Pioneer Place. DECEMBER 3, among the donations were 121 specimens of birds from L. Belding. Professor Joseph LeConte read a paper on “The Structure of the Great Basin Region,” and J. R. Scupham, a paper on “Identification of Coal Seams.” Dr. Hewston described the progress of the new building on Market Street, then under way. In the Board of Trustees, it was resolved to offer $15,000 for the use of Pioneer Place. On DECEMBER 10, the Pioneers had a meeting on the subject, and there seemed a disposition manifested to grant the desired use for $30,000, when C. O’Connor, Miss Flood’s agent, objected to any such use except on condition of extending the Place through the Academy’s lot; and the Pioneers thereupon made such extension an indispensable condition of any grant of right of way or use. DECEMBER 17, Theodore H. Hittell read a paper, entitled “Change of Level of the Peninsula of San Francisco,” which was CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 299 based principally upon the finding of drift logs and bones of large marine animals eighty or more feet below the surface near the top of Mount Parnassus and about 700 feet above present sea level. Dr. William P. Gibbons read a paper “regarding the drawings of the late Dr. Albert Kellogg and his reasons for not leaving them to the Academy while the present administration was in power.” After a great many desultory remarks, it was, on motion, resolved that the paper was not in proper tone and should not be received by the Academy. The nominating committee reported further interviews with the Pioneers in reference to the use of Pioneer Place and also a correspondence between the Pioneers and Miss Flood with Mrs. A. M. Parrott, asking an interview with the object of extending Pioneer Place not only through the Academy lot but through her lot also; but Mrs. Parrott replied that she could not entertain any proposition for its extension through her property and that she thought an interview on the subject unnecessary. It was ordered that $5,000 should be borrowed from the Lick Trust to pay taxes and other current expenses. 1889 Annual meeting, JANUARY 7, 1889. The reports of officers were received and placed on file. As the result of the annual election, the following were declared officers for the year: H. W. Harkness, president; H. H. Behr, first vice-president; George Hewston, second vice-president; Frederick Gutzkow, corresponding secre- tary; J. R. Scupham, recording secretary; I. E. Thayer, treasurer; C. Troyer, librarian; J. G. Cooper, director of the Museum; C. F. Crocker, D. E. Hayes, S. W. Holladay, E. J. Molera, I. M. Scott, George C. Perkins, and John Taylor, trustees. In the Board of Trustees, the annual report detailed the resolution of the Board in the early part of 1888 to improve the Market Street lot by the erection on it of a building suitable for the uses of the Academy and for stores and rooms from which an income might be derived. It stated the negotiations that had been had with reference to acquiring the use of Pioneer Place, and their failure. The only proposition on which the use would be granted involved the necessity of substantially sacrificing all the rear portion of the Academy’s lot, leaving only a depth for its building of 145 feet, which would not be sufficient for the purposes designed. It had been determined not to make the sacrifice, and the plans adopted for building had accordingly been made to cover the whole lot and with a view of reaching the building from the Market Street entrance only. On this plan the work had commenced; the excavation of the lot had been finished; and it was expected that in a year the building would be ready for occupancy. As to the First Avenue lot, the Board of Education, notwithstanding the protests of the Academy, had proceeded to build on it, but this Board still considered the title of the Academy to it perfect and would assert its rights in proper time. A sum of $5,000 had been borrowed from the Lick Trustees, making the indebtedness to the Lick Trust $10,000. The new loan was made necessary by increased and unusual expenses in excavating the Market Street lot and paying for plans of building in addition to the 300 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ordinary current expenses of the Academy. In the meanwhile, it had been ascertained from private sources that the amount to be received as residuary beneficiary under the Lick Trust would considerably exceed all previous estimates, although no official information to that effect had as yet been received. It further appeared that the receipts for 1888, including the balance on hand and the $5,000 borrowed, had been $14,014.77 and the disbursements $11,078.71, leaving a balance of $2,936.06, of which $2,185.04 belonged to the general fund and $751.02 to the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund. JANUARY 21, the following papers were read by title: “New Species of California Mammals” by Dr. C. Hart Merriam; “Song Notes of Birds” by L. Belding; “‘Pet- rographical Notes on Baja California” by Waldemar Lundgren; “Review of Erythrin- inae” by C. H. and R. S. Eigenmann; “Botanical Notes” by Mary K. Curran; “Report upon a Collection of Birds from Lower California” by Walter E. Bryant. E. J. Molera read a paper “On the Late Total Eclipse of the Sun.” In the Board of Trustee, C. F. Crocker was elected president; S. W. Holladay, president pro tem, an Charles Stephens appointed secretary. The Council asked and obtained an appropriation of $700 to send W. E. Bryant and C. D. Haines to Magdalena Bay, Lower California, for three months to collect natural history specimens. It was resolved that the new Academy building should have a front on Pioneer Place, as if it were open, with a view to its use in case the right to use it should be acquired. FEBRUARY 4, Theodore H. Hittell read a paper, entitled “The Acorn and the Oak,” the purpose of which was to call attention to the continual change of inorganic into organic or so-called dead into living matter. In the Board of Trustees, a contract was made with George Goodman to do the concrete foundation work of the new Academy building for $3,244. James W. Duncan was appointed superintendent of construction ata salary of $150 per month, to commence when required by the architect. On motion of E. J. Molera, seconded by G. C. Perkins, it was resolved that a suit should be commenced against the City and County of San Francisco and the Board of Education for the First Avenue lot. At a special meeting of the Trustees, held FEBRUARY 11 at the architect’s office, it was resolved to build the rear wall of the Academy building, commencing on the Parrott line 30 feet from the extreme southerly end and running parallel to Market Street to the Pioneer building, leaving the rear triangle an open space. Mr. Molera moved that the Academy auditorium be placed next the eastern wall of the new building, which motion was negatived. Mr. Molera also moved that the classical style of architecture be adopted for the front of the building. Such was the direction of Mr. Lick on his first deed; and it was a direction which, if properly carried out,would have secured a handsome front. But Mr. Holladay moved to amend by adopting the “Modern Romanesque style of architecture”; and, on vote, the amendment carried 4 to 1, Mr. Molera voting in the negative. FEBRUARY 18, Dr. Hewston read a paper on “Crinoids or Sea Lillies.” MARCH 4, Townshend S. Brandegee, Waldemar Lindgren, Volney Rattan, James E. Mills, and Lyman Belding”’* were elected resident members. Among the donations was a specimen of limonite, presented by F. Gutzkow, from which he suggested a CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 301 Townshend Stith Brandegee Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation Carnegie-Mellon University theory of the origin of gold in our placer gravels; also an egg containing specimens of a fungus growth and of the Gordius or “hair snake,” presented by Pietro C. Rossi. The president announced the death of Seth Cook and Dr. Jules C. A. de Tavel. A paper by Professor Holden on “California Earthquakes in 1888” was read. Gen. L. H. Foote then presented the regular paper for the evening entitled ‘““Notes on Corea.” In the Board of Trustees, it was resolved that S. W. Holladay, assisted with such eminent counsel as he might deem necessary, should report whether the erection of the building as contemplated would jeopardize the title of the Academy to its share of the residue of the Lick estate, and if necessary, that a suit should be commenced against the Lick Trustees to determine the Academy’s status in the matter. MARCH 18, Dr. Behr read a paper “On the Names of Colors.” In the Board of Trustees, a bill of C. Duisenberg & Co. for 270 barrels of cement, amounting to $1,039.50, was ordered paid. The secretary thereupon reported that there was not enough cash on hand to cover that and other accounts due at the end of the month; and it was therefore ordered that $5,000 more be borrowed from the Lick Trust. APRIL 1, Dr. J. B. Trembly presented “Reports of the Meteorology of Oakland, 1881-1888.” F. Gutzkow addressed the Academy on “Water Motors and Water 25.4 Incorrectly recorded as Louis Belding in the handwritten minutes (Minute Books, Dec. 1880-Dec. 1890, p. 288). The published DE WapeReD account of the meeting contains even more inaccuracies, mentioning as newly elected members Mr. Townsend and S. Brandegie for Townshend S. Brandegee, Voluaz for Volney Rattan, and James E. Miller for James E. Mills; also Lucius S. Foote for Lucius H[arwood] Foote. 302 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Meters.” In the Board of Trustees, it was ordered that the Society of California Pioneers should be notified that the northwest wall of their building projected on the Academy’s lot and that they be requested to cut off the projection so as to conform to the line. A number of construction bills were ordered paid, and a number of reports made as to construction contracts. Specimens of stone for the front of the building were ordered to be submitted to Professor A. W. Jackson, Jr. and Professor Frederick Hesse of the University of California, for their opinion as to their value for building purposes. At a special meeting on APRIL 8, the Trustees ordered that specimens of Sespe, Niles Ventura, and Ione stone be referred to Professor Jackson to report upon their durability against disintegration by weather, he to receive $25 for each specimen reported on. It was announced that the projection of the wall of the Pioneer building was being cut away so as to conform to the line. It was ordered that the Board of Supervisors should be asked to allow proposed heavy granite columns on each side of the Market Street entrance of the Academy building to project | foot 9 inches on the sidewalk and the bases of the columns 2 feet 1-!4 inches. Judge A. L. Rhodes reported his legal opinion that the Academy’s right to one-half the residue of the Lick estate was absolute. Various contracts for building construction were awarded. APRIL 15, F. Gutzkow described some peculiar aluminum deposits; and a discussion followed on the qualities of aluminum. A paper by Professor G. M. Schaeberle on ‘“Bernard’s Comet” was read. The president announced the publication of Volume I, Second Series, of the Proceedings of the Academy. A resolution of thanks acknow- ledging the work of Mrs. Mary K. Curran as Proceedings editor passed unanimously. In the Board of Trustees, a communication from the Pioneers invited further nego- tiations in reference to the use of Pioneer Place. A few more construction contract were awarded. May 6, the plans of the Academy building in course of construction were exhibited and explained by Mr. S. W. Holladay. In the Board of Trustees, a list of all the construction contracts, with dates and amounts, was filed as follows: “1888, Nov. 19, Sibley, L. B. — excavating — $1,100; 1889, Feb. 4, Goodman, Geo. — concrete foun- dation — $3294; Ap. 2, McCarthy, Jno. — brick work — $3,884; Ap. 9, Healy, M. J. $ Co. — granite work — $17,200; Ap. 9, Fletcher, W. M.— carpenter work — $49,772; Ap. 9, Rix & Firth —constructional wroght iron work — $12,375; Ap. 9, O’Connell & Lewis — cast iron work — $18,900; Ap. 15, Ransom & Cushing — concrete work — $14,300; Apr 15, Duffy Bros. — plumbing, gas fitting and drain work — $15,326,” being altogether contracts to the amount of $169,151. Professor Jackson reported that Sespe freestone was decidedly superior to any of the Ione, Niles or Ventura stone submitted, and he was ordered paid for his opinion and expenses $187. The treasurer reported $4,413.07 on hand, and it was ordered that $10,000 more be borrowed from the Lick Trust. The sum of $1,064.96 was ordered paid to Spaulding & Co. for printing Volume I, Second Series, of Proceedings of the Academy, and Britton & Key, $100 for maps accompanying same. Frank H. Vaslit’s salary was raised to $50 per month. In the matter of the use of Pioneer Place, it appeared that in their recent commu- nication the Pioneers had said that the representatives of Miss Flood had changed CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 303 their mind in reference to the subject, and that the nght of user could then be obtained for $30,000, and that the Academy had adopted its plans and let its contracts without reference to the use of Pioneer Place, and it was not too late to change them. It also appeared that a wooden building and fence on Mrs. Parrott’s lot projected over the Academy’s lot, and her agent was disposed to claim the right of maintaining them as they were by prescription; but on second thought, it was agreed that the Academy might make them conform to the line, if it were done without expense to Mrs. Parrott. As to the Academy’s interest in the Lick estate and its ability to continue its building, it appeared that the Lick Trustees had applied to the court, in suits commenced against the only specific beneficiaries not yet paid, to be allowed and authorized to pay to the Academy and the Pioneer Society each $300,000 on the ground that they had on hand in addition to these sums ample funds to meet all the specific gifts. There was some discussion as to the publication of a new volume, entitled “West American Oaks” by Dr. Albert Kellogg. It was edited by Edward L. Greene and contained matter and particularly drawings, which seemed to have been prepared by Dr. Kellogg while in the employ of the Academy and was claimed to belong to the Academy. After Dr. Kellogg’s death, Dr. William P. Gibbons, E. L. Greene and a few others seem to have published the book as a work independent of the Academy, and Captain J. M. McDonald furnished the funds for it. Messrs. Molera and Percy were appointed a committee to decide upon the modeling of the embellishments of the new building, and Messrs. Holladay, Perkins and Harkness a committee to arrange for a formal laying of the corner stone. MAY 20, a large photograph of the moon was presented by the Lick Observatory. Dr. Behr read a paper on “The Duration of Individual Life in Insects.” In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the Board of Supervisors had granted the permission asked, allowing the bases of the granite columns at the entrance of the Academy building on Market Street to project 2 feet 1-'% inches on the sidewalk. The architect reported that W. B. Farwell had made a bid to furnish stone for the front of the building for $27,844 and O. E. Brady offered the same for $19,500; and it was ordered that Brady’s bid be accepted. JUNE 3, a paper by H. R. Taylor was read, entitled “Nesting Habits of Some of Our Raptores, with Notes on the California Condor.” W. E. Bryant made a report on his recent trip for the Academy to Lower California. In the Board of Trustees, $10,000 were ordered to be borrowed from the Lick Trust. A sum of $500 was paid to Judge A. L. Rhodes for his legal opinion on the right of the Academy to one-half the residue of the Lick estate. S. W. Holladay’s bill seems to have been the same, but he reduced it one-half, and $250 was ordered paid him for a similar opinion. The printing of the Proceedings of the Academy for the current year was authorized at a cost not to exceed $1,000. Further construction contracts for the Academy building were awarded to P. Azinar, for painting, $3,750; Will & Fink, for electric bills, $475; W. Croman, for tin and galvanized iron roof, $5,170; Winslow Brothers of Chicago, for ornamental iron work and electrotyping, $11,200. JUNE 17, W. E. Bryant read “Descriptions of the Nests and Eggs of Some Lower California Birds.” 304 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 JULY 1, W. E. Bryant read “A Description of Some New Mammals.” In the Board of Trustees, in addition to the $10,000 borrowed from the Lick Trust in June, it was ordered that $20,000 more be borrowed. Professor Davidson presented a petition, signed by himself and others, asking that the Grand Lodge of Masons should be invited to lay the corner stone of the Academy building. The president stated that the programme had already been made up for the ceremony of laying the corner stone; that it would take place on Friday, July 12, at 2 o’clock P.M. On the afternoon of JULY 12, accordingly, the Trustees, Council and other members of the Academy met at the building in course of construction and the corner stone, containing a copper box filled with appropriate documents and specimens of coins, was laid by H. W. Harkness as president of the Academy. JULY 15, E. J. Molera presented the silver trowel used in laying the corner stone of the new Academy building. T. S. Brandegee read the paper for the evening, “On Cirio,” a tree, and C. Troyer made remarks on Indian inscriptions on the rocks near Soda Springs in Placer County. The Board of Trustees resolved to sign a certificate to continue the existence of the Academy in accordance with recent amendments to the Civil Code of California in reference to such corporations. The Board then adjourned to JULY 17, when S. W. Holladay was directed to prepare a petition to the Superior Court, asking its permission for the Academy to execute a mortgage on its real estate to the Lick Trustees for an amount not exceeding $350,000. It was ordered that $1,000 be allowed Holladay on account of services as attorney. AUGUST 5, F. Gutzkow explained the working of a new water meter. Dr. Harkness presented specimens of Peronospora viticola and an undescribed Cladosporium from a wild vine, with remarks concerning them. The president announced the death of Adley H. Cummins, and S. W. Holladay and C. Troyer were appointed a committee to draft appropriate resolutions. The Board of Trustees ordered another $20,000 to be borrowed from the Lick Trust. AUGUST 19, F. Gutzkow addressed the Academy on “Aluminum and its Manufacture.” W. E. Bryant read a paper on “Amblystoma.” Among the donations was a valuable collection of shells by M. Maurice Chaper of Paris, France. In the Board of Trustees, a construction contract was ordered to be made with the California Marble and Building Stone Company for $25,000 and a mortgage to be executed to the Lick Trustees for a sum not exceeding $350,000, as allowed by judgment of Court. SEPTEMBER 2, Dr. George Vasey addressed the Academy on “Grasses.” In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that a mortgage to the Lick Trustees for $300,000, to secure all moneys borrowed or to be borrowed from them, had been executed, and the secretary was directed to deliver the same to the Lick Trustees; receive from them a check and certificates of deposit for $218,969.40, and hand them over to the treasurer. SEPTEMBER 16, F. Gutzkow read a paper “On the Hydrometallurgy of Silver.” In the Board of Trustees, the secretary reported that the mortgage business with the Lick Trustees had been completed; and that the Academy had received its four notes for $80,000, paid interest thereon $1,030.60, and received in check and certificates of deposit representing cash $218,969.40, making in all $300,000, the amount of the mortgage. The president reported that he CHAPTER XXV: 1888-1889 305 had endeavored to place $150,000 of the amount at interest in some commercial bank, but had found it impossible. He had therefore determined to place it with the Pacific Improvement Company, a corporation connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and accordingly loaned it on two notes, both dated September 10, 1889, one for $50,000 drawing interest at the rate of 3 per cent per annum and payable on demand, the other for $100,000 with 4 per cent per annum interest, payable in six months. The notes were signed by the Pacific Improvement Company by F. S. Doughty, secretary, and indorsed by Leland Stanford, Charles F. Crocker, C. P. Huntington by N. T. Huntington, his attorney in fact, and Mary P. B. Searles by H. J.S. Severance, her attorney in fact. The president’s action was approved. Mr. Molera gave notice that he would move to place a bronze statue of James Lick in an appropriate place on the front of the Academy building. OCTOBER 7, T. S. Brandegee spoke of the flora of Lower California and exhibited photographs of new species of cactus found there. In the Board of Trustees, an addition of $20 per month was ordered paid to W. E. Bryant, making his salary $60 per month. J. P. Bowen was appointed watchman of the new building at $7.50 per week. About $10,000 of construction bills were ordered paid. OCTOBER 21, the members of the Academy were invited to attend the launching of the U. S. war vessel “San Francisco” at the Union Iron Works. NOVEMBER 4, Francesco Lambertenghi, Consul General for Italy at San Francisco, donated a copy of his work entitled “El Diritto Comune,“ being a translation into Italian of Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.’s work “On the Common Law,” and made an address on the progress of Italian Law. T. S. Brandegee read a paper “On the Flora of Baja California.” A discussion followed on the nature and uses of Lower California orchilla as a dye. The Trustees awarded a contract for lathing and plastering to Charles Dunlop for $19,400, the lowest of four bids. NOVEMBER 18, among the donations were two living rattlesnakes by Dr. Behr. A paper by Dr. C. F. Millspaugh was read on Euphorbiacea collected in Lower California. Attention was called to the remarkable character of the collection. In the Board of Trustees, a report was presented that the concrete floors of the new Academy building had been tested and found in first-class condition. DECEMBER 2, Dr. Behr read a paper entitled “The Economy of Nature as Exemplified by Vegetable and Animal Parasites.” A collection of 425 specimens of about 200 species of beetles, mostly from the vicinity of Oakland, by F. C. Torrey, was among the donations received. The Trustees ordered $4,500 to be paid Miss Cora J. Flood for one half the cost of the party wall between the Academy and Flood buildings, which the Academy was not making use of. DECEMBER 16, many donations of plants, insects, reptiles, birds and eggs were received including more than 8000 insects from Lower California and 2000 species of plants, of which 1200 were from Europe and Algeria by E. Cosson.. W. E. Bryant read a paper, entitled “The Lower California Expedition of 1889,” illustrated by views on the screen. Dr. Behr read a continuation of his paper on “The Economy of Nature as Exemplified by Vegetable and Animal Parasites.” The nominating committee reported a ticket for officers of 1890, being a renomina- tion of the incumbents. Judge Currey presented an opposition ticket, different from 306 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 the other by proposing Professor Joseph LeConte for president instead of Dr. Harkness, and E. S. Clark for librarian instead of C. Troyer. He moved that the Academy should print the opposition ticket as well as the regular one. His motion was declared out of order for the reason that the expense of printing the opposition ticket could not be incurred without the consent of the Board of Trustees. He then moved that the Board of Trustees be requested to print both tickets; but on vote his motion was lost. 307 Chapter XX VI: Year 1890 t the annual meeting of 1890, held JANUARY 6, the usual reports of officers were read, accepted, and placed on file. That of the president of the Board of Trustees showed that the contracts for the new Academy building on Market Street amounted to $218,346, of which $117,045 had been paid, leaving a balance due of $101,301. These did not include contracts for an elevator or illumination. The annual election resulted in the choice of H. W. Harkness, president; H. H. Behr, first vice- president; George Hewston, second vice-president; Frederick Gutzkow, correspond- ing secretary; John R. Scupham, recording secretary; I. E. Thayer, treasurer; Charles Troyer, librarian; J. G. Cooper, director of the museum; Charles F. Crocker, D. E. Hayes, S. W. Holladay, George C. Perkins, E. J. Molera, Irving M. Scott, and John Taylor, trustees. In the Board of Trustees, it was reported that Miss Flood had been paid $4,500 for one half the party-wall between her building and the Academy building. It was also reported that a suit had been commenced against the City and County of San Francisco and the Board of Education for the First Avenue lot. JANUARY 20, Dr. Harkness spoke of the damage done to Eastern oysters planted in the Bay of San Francisco by whelks, which had to all appearance been introduced with the young oysters from the East. Dr. Behr spoke of fish found in artesian wells in Algeria, specimens of which had been donated by Maurice Chaper of Paris France. Dr. Gustav Eisen said that similar fish were found in artesian wells in Kern County. Dr. Behr presented specimens of diseased peach tree roots, and Dr. Harkness called attention to a recent report on the root-knot disease published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, in which it was claimed that the disease was the work of Anguillula. In a discussion which followed, this theory was disputed by Messrs. Harkness, Behr, and Eisen, who claimed that the Angui//ula did not produce the disease but only found in the diseased tissue a suitable nidus for its eggs. The new Board of Trustees organized with C. F. Crocker as president; E. J. Molera, president pro tem; and Charles Stephens, secretary. FEBRUARY 3, the minutes are silent on the evening’s events except for the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting and reports on donations to the cabinet and library. At an adjourned meeting of the Trustees, held FEBRUARY 5, it was announced that the Academy required the party-wall between it and the Flood building to be carried up ten feet higher than it had been carried by Miss Flood; and it was proposed that the Academy should build the addition, with Miss Flood’s consent and on the understanding that she would refund one half the expense, if she should use the additional wall. The Council asked that Frank H. Vaslit should be employed to do 308 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 clerical work under the direction of the president of the Academy, and that his salary should be increased to $60 per month, commencing February 1, 1890. A sum of $1,200 was appropriated for publication purposes. Clark P. Streetor was employed as a janitor at $40 per month in place of C. D. Haines, resigned. Frank H. Vaslit was employed as asked by the Council; and the salary of Charles Stephens, as secretary of the Board, was advanced to $30 per month. FEBRUARY 17, Frank H. Vaslit and James S. Bunnell were elected resident members. Dr. Behr read a paper on Am- blystoma, giving a detailed description of the peculiar metamorphosis in this and allied genera. In a discussion which followed, the question arose as to the difference between salmon and trout. Dr. Behr stated that the difference consisted as to one particular in the fact that the salmon leads a marine life in general, but spawns in fresh-water streams, while the trout lives and spawns in fresh-water streams, only exceptionally entering the sea. There was also a difference in the time of the spawning season of the two. This opinion was concurred in by Professor C. H. Townsend of the Fish Commissioner’s steamer A/batross, who added some observations on the tenacity of life in Menopoma an animal related to Amblystoma. |. E. Thayer read a paper on modern ship building, calling attention to the transition from iron to steel as a building material and to the increase of oil-tank steamers. Dr. Harkness identified and described different species of fungi in a collection donated to the Academy by Mr. Carl Precht. The president he called attention to the death of Ernest St. C. Cosson of Paris, France, a noted botanist and an honorary member of the Academy, and read a short sketch of his life and labors. On motion, T. S. Brandegee and T. H. Hittell were appointed a committee to prepare a proper memorial notice of the deceased. In the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Rosa Smith Eigenmann was, on recommendation of the Council, employed as a specialist in ichthyology at a salary of $60 per month. MARCH 3, a paper by W. J. Raymond, “Notes on Subalpine Mollusca of the Sierra Nevada,” was read by title. F. Gutzkow exhibited a specimen of Cordyceps; and Drs. Behr and Harkness made remarks upon its life history. Theodore H. Hittell, of the committee appointed for that purpose, presented and read a memorial notice of the noted botanist, Ernest St. C. Cosson of France, in which particular note was taken of his unfinished botanical explorations in Algiers and of his generous donations of publications and Algerian plants to the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, a contract was made with P. H. Jackson & Co. for Hyatt light and illuminating tile work at a cost of $9,240; and it was ordered that the entrance hall of the Academy building should be paved with encaustic tile. MARCH 17, Dr. Harkness read a paper on “The Nomenclature of Organic Life.” He also made remarks on Rhytisma arbuti, a fungus infesting the leaves of the madrofio, rendering the tree unsightly. A collection of 350 specimens of about 100 species of fish, including many types, was among the donations received. In the Board of Trustees, it was announced that Miss Flood consented to the addition of ten feet in height to the party-wall between her building and the Academy on the terms proposed by the Academy. Morton A. Edwards offered a medallion of the bust of James Lick for $150; and that sum was ordered paid him for it. CHAPTER XXVI: 1890 309 APRIL 7, Carl H. Eigenmann read a paper on “Some Features of the Fresh-Water Fauna of South America.” Dr. H. Carrington Bolton gave an account of a visit to a hill of sonorous sand in the Desert of Sinai. Professor Henry A. Ward, who had visited the same hill some thirty years previously, related his experiences during his journey, which was then more difficult, and corroborated Dr. Bolton’s report of the form of the hill and the sound produced by the movement of the sand. Professor Ward also described a recent voyage around South America and particularly his trip down the western side of the continent. From latitude 42° South, opposite the Island of Chiloe [Isla Grande de Chiloé, Chile, {Eds.}], there extends along the coast for more than a thousand miles an island passage, navigable for small vessels the entire distance but in places too tortuous and narrow for large ones. He represented the natives of the southwestern coast as a miserable, naked and degraded race and gave some amusing instances of their apparent indifference to cold. APRIL 21, several specimens of Coprinus were presented by Carl H. Clark. The largest were over six inches in breadth with a stripe an inch in diameter and sixteen inches in length. They were found growing under brandy casks in the storage cellar of Kohler’s Winery near Glen Ellen in Sonoma County. Dr. Harkness made remarks, explaining the place of the plant in classification. C. H. Eigenmann spoke of fishes collected near the mouth of the Sacramento River, and called especial attention to the young of the quinnat salmon, of which a number had been procured; also to the young of the smelt, Osmerus thaleichthys, and also to the large number of species of Scopelidae, recently added to the California fauna. Six new species had been found in the neighborhood of San Diego. All these possessed phosphorescent organs. They were all obtained from the stomachs of rock cod in stormy weather. It seemed that during calm weather they did not get within reach of the rock cod, probably on account of their living near the surface of the water. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary reported that the Lick Trustees would not for the present collect interest on the mortgage given them by the Academy. He also reported that $20,000 had been drawn from the $50,000 demand note given the Academy by the Pacific Improvement Company. The superintendent reported slowness in several departments of construction work. It was ordered that the corporate title “California Academy of Sciences” should be permanently in- scribed on the front of the new Academy building. May 5, Carl H. Eigenmann and Charles Fuchs were elected resident members. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the California Marble and Stone Company of California were remiss in sending marble. On motion of E. J. Molera, it was resolved, in deference to the wishes of James Lick, expressed in his deed of gift, and in order to afford a home, encourage and make a nucleus for the advancement of learning, that the Board of Trustees should let out the upper floor of the commercial portion of the Academy building at one-half the commercial schedule price, that might be established for the rent of rooms, to such scientific societies as should be deemed worthy of such favor, including the California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the California Camera Club, the Geographical Society of the Pacific, the Historical Society, the Medical Society, the 310 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Carl H. Eigenmann George Sprague Myers Portrait Collection, Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences Carl and Rosa Smith Eigenmann (first woman curator of fishes in the U.S.), circa 1922 in Santa Cruz, California George Sprague Myers Portrait Collection, Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences CHAPTER XXVI: 1890 311 Microscopical Society, and the Technical Society of the Pacific. MAY 19, Frederick Gutzkow stated that he had had occasion to examine deposits of so-called pyrolusite of manganese ore, found in various places within the limits of San Francisco. They consisted principally of psilomelane of “hard” ore of manganese, containing a notable quantity of barya and about 57 per cent peroxide of manganese. As the maximum percentage of psilomelane rarely exceeded 60 per cent, while the German pyrolusite assayed up into the nineties, it could readily be understood why shipments made from here to England, about twenty years previously, had to be discontinued. Examinations of specimens from other California localities seemed to show that most, if not all, California deposits of so-called pyrolusite, mentioned in various geological publica- tions, ought properly to be called deposits of psilomelane. C. H. Eigenmann spoke of the development of the membranes in the eggs of fishes. he said that the simplest form of them is a thin membrane traversed by fine canals. This membrane, the “zona radiata,” which is present in all fish eggs, is the only covering of those eggs that are lighter than water. Those eggs, that are heavier than water an would otherwise fall to the bottom and in many cases die in the mud, are provided with various contrivances to attach them to foreign substances as soon as deposited. In the herring, this contrivance consists of a membrane overlying the zona, which becomes very viscid when deposited and causes the egg to adhere to any substance with which it comes in contact. In the smelt, an outer membrane exists, which is attached to the zona only around the micropyle. At the time of spawning that membrane is partially stripped off and attaches itself to foreign substances, thus suspending the egg by the micropy- lar region. In the gobies, a network of threads, similarly attached to the zona, takes the place of the outer membrane in the smelt. In the stickel-backs, a number of mushroom-shaped processes attached to the outer membrane are viscid. There are in many eggs long threads attached to the zona, which twine about sea weeds and other substances and thus suspend the eggs. These threads vary greatly in different eggs. In Jsesthes, they are massed on one half the zona and form a cushion by which the eggs are attached. In the mud minnow, Fundulus the threads, which are numerous, are mere projections of an outer thin membrane. In Atherinopsis, they are fewer and have hollow bases into which fit projections of the zona. In the flying fish and gar fish, they fit into pockets of the zona. All the membranes and processes are, so to speak, products of the egg itself; and in those eggs, that are provided with processes, these are usually developed before the zona makes its appearance. In the yellow- perch, a thick covering overlies the zona. This differs from all other structures in fish eggs. It is the product of the granulosa cells, overlying the zona, and is not formed until the latter has almost attained its full thickness. These granulosa cells are modified in the region of the micropyle and one large cell usually acts as a plug to the micropyle in ovarian eggs. JUNE 2, T. S. Brandegee gave an account of a recent trip to Santa Catalina Island. He described briefly the climatic and topographical features of the Island and its most striking plants. He exhibited a photograph of the Bay of Avalon, which had become a place of summer resort. At the time of his visit there were about 12,000 sheep and 312 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 10,000 goats on the island. The goats were not valued but on the contrary were regarded as undesirable on account of their consuming pasture needed for the sheep; and for this reason visitors were allowed to amuse themselves hunting and shooting the goats. In the Board of Trustees, among bills ordered paid was one for $100 to Marion Wells for modelling. Lieutenant A. W. Grant declined pay for preparing specifications for an electric light plant, and a vote of thanks was tendered him. JUNE 16, Dr. H. Carrington Bolton, who had recently returned from a visit to the Hawaiian Islands, exhibited a quantity of sonorous sand, which he had collected there, and produced from it, in the presence of the Academy, the characteristic sound. Dr. Carl Lumholtz gave an account of his residence for two years among the cannibals of Australia. He said that the aborigines of that country were probably the lowest of the human species. In no respect in advance of the Stone Age, the cannibal instinct was strong within them. Having made himself acquainted with their language, he had lived among them subsisting upon such food as the natives used while moving about from place to place, as was their habit. The narrative was illustrated with numerous pictures. JULY 7, F. Gutzkow spoke of a diatomaceous earth found in Sonoma County. He said that the mineral, which was found in various places in California, consisted chiefly of silica and water, and was of considerable economic importance. It had been used for building purposes and to some extent as an absorbent for nitroglycerine in the manufacture of powder; but for the latter purpose the California product had unfortunately been found not well fitted. The presence in it of a small quantity of iron prevented its being used for making white glass; but he stated that he had devised a cheap and effective method of eliminating the iron, his method depending upon the volatility of ferric chloride. C. H. Eigenmann exhibited specimens of salmon, salmon-trout, and trout. He said that the individuals of species differ so much, according to the condition, the season, the bottom over which they live, and the sex, that it is sometimes almost impossible for any one, not an ichthyologist, to distinguish between species. This had caused much trouble between the Fish Commissioners and their deputies. Among the specimens exhibited were a large number of Lake Tahoe trout, Mr. Eigenmann having just returned from Tahoe and Donner Lakes and brought with him all the varieties of that species, which were to be procured at that time. He said that much diversity of opinion existed among the Tahoe fishermen as to the number of species of trout found in that region, all seeming to think that there were at least two and many placing the number as high as six, — namely: the big black trout, the red trout, the progy or pogy, the silver trout, the yellow-belly, and the brook trout. With the possible exception of the first named, which he did not see, he said that all the varieties had been conclusively shown to represent a single species, Salmo purpuratus henshawi. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary was directed to draw the $20,000 balance due on the $50,000 demand note given the Academy by the Pacific Improvement Company. It was decided to be inexpedient at that time to send a collecting expedition to Alaska as had been under contemplation. A contract made with the United Edison Manufacturing Company for furnishing the Academy build- CHAPTER XXVI: 1890 B13 ing with electrical apparatus for $4,500 was approved. JULY 21, G. P. Rixford presented specimens of marble from Inyo County and carbonate of soda from Soda Works at Owen’s Lake; and he described the process of the manufacture of the soda. I. E. Thayer announced the donation of five cases of coral, including 37 species,from the Navigator Islands, by Mr. Thomas C. Johnston. Dr. Bolton called attention to the coming meeting in Indianapolis of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and explained the aims and objects of the association. In the Board of Trustees, the resolution of May 5 in reference to renting rooms in the Academy building to certain learned societies was amended by rescinding the clause fixing the rates of rent for such societies “‘at one half of the commercial schedule price that might be established for the rooms of said building.” AUGUST 4, Robert Stevenson, Charles A. Keeler and W. W. Price were elected resident members. Dr. Gustav Eisen gave a description, alarming to lovers of our forests, of the waste and destruction by lumbermen of many of the grandest of the Big Trees, Sequoia gigantea, in various localities in the Sierra Nevada, and insisted upon the importance and necessity of immediate action in efforts to protect and preserve them. He recommended a petition of the Academy to the government at Washington. On motion a committee, consisting of William S. Chapman, John R. Scupham and Gustav Eisen, was appointed to formulate the proper action. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary was instructed to draw $20,000 on the $100,000 note given by the Pacific Improvement Company to the Academy. Th. sum of $1,000 was appropriated for binding about 1000 volumes of foreign journals and $50 for dust-proof cases for entomological specimens. Rents of rooms on the seventh floor of the Front Building of the Academy were fixed, ranging from $55 to $15 per month and amounting in all to $174, leaving one room unassigned. AUGUST 18, Mrs. Rosa S. Eigenmann read a paper entitled “The Establishment of a Marine Laboratory in California.” A paper by Dr. Edward Palmer was read, entitled “Customs of the Coyotero Apaches.” Dr. Gustav Eisen read, as a preliminary report of the committee on the preservation of the Big Trees, a memorial to Congress, asking for government action on the subject. In the Board of Trustee, at an adjourned meeting on AUGUST 19, the sum of $200 was appropriated for a trip of two months by Walter E. Bryant to Lower California for the purpose of collection birds and small mammals for the Academy. SEPTEMBER 1, Dr. Behr made remarks on the caprification of the fig and read a letter from George Roeding of Fresno, in which that gentleman gave an account of the artificial fertilization of the Smyrna fig on his ranch in Fresno County and the consequent production of perfect seeds and great improvement of the fruit. The pollen of the Capri fig was transferred to the cavity of the Smyrna fig by means of a toothpick. A paper by Frank J. Walker “On the Location and Area of the Sequoia Forests” was read; and it was ordered that copies of it and accompanying maps should be transmitted to the U. S. Secretary of the Interior and members of Congress. At the same time the report of the committee on the subject of preserving the Big Trees, consisting principally of the memorial previously prepared, was read and approved, 314 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Charles A. Keeler Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley William Wightman Price (1896) George Sprague Myers Portrait File Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences CHAPTER XXVI: 1890 315 and copies ordered to be transmitted with Mr. Walker’s paper and maps. S. W. Holladay read a memorial notice of Adley E. Cummins, deceased. Mr. Holladay also read a proposed amendment to the constitution, providing for a class of associate members and restricting the admission of voting members to scientists. The amend- ment was approved by the Academy and referred to the Council. The librarian reported that among the donations to the library was a complete set of the Zoological Record, presented by Mr. Prosper Huerne. The president announced the death of Academy member James Whartenby. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary was instructed to draw $15,000 on the $100,000 note held by the Academy against the Pacific Improvement Company. It was ordered that $1,050 should be expended for elevator apparatus; also that an artesian well be bored for water, and that arrangements should be made for necessary power and gas. SEPTEMBER 15, among the donations was.a specimen of wood compressed into the Consolidated Virginia Mine in Nevada, presented by A. K. P. Harmon. A paper by Mr. Theodore H. Hittell on “Indian Pictographs at Soda Springs, Placer County” was read, and photographs exhibited of some of the most striking inscriptions. A discussion ensued on the subject of Indian pictographs, participated in by Messrs. Eisen, Rixford and Troyer. On motion a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Eisen, Rixford, and Hittell, to take steps to interest the public in the preservation of these relics of the past. C. A. Keeler read notes and exhibited a map, showing the limited area as yet occupied on this coast by the English sparrow; and urged its extermination before it should be too late. He thought the best mode of procedure would be to appoint a few men to destroy them in every possible way. The bounty method, he said, had been found expensive and useless. A discussion on the subject ensued in which Drs. Eisen and Hewston participated; and the English Sparrow seemed to have no friend. In the Board of Trustees, $1,214 were appropriated for bookcases and cases for botanical specimens. It was ordered that wooden floors, instead of concrete, should be provided for the two upper galleries of the new Academy building. OCTOBER 6, the proposed amendment to the constitution in reference to associate membership, having been reported back from the Council, came up for action. E. J. Molera moved its indefinite postponement, which motion was lost; and the amend- ment was then passed for submission to vote at the next annual election. In the Board of Trustees, the secretary was instructed to draw $20,000 on the $100,000 note to the Academy of the Pacific Improvement Company. The use of the western storeroom of the Academy building was granted to the State Floral Society for three days, commencing November 5, free of rent. OCTOBER 20, C. A. Keeler read a paper “On the Geographical Distribution of Land Birds in California.” The president announced the death of Richard S. Floyd, president of the Lick Trustees, and a life member of the Academy; and, on motion, James T. Boyd, Thomas P. Madden and R. C. Harrison were appointed a committee to present appropriate resolution of respect to his memory. The president also announced that this was expected to be the last meeting in the old First Congregational Church building, and that there would be no meeting on the first Monday in November on account of moving to the new building on Market 316 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Street. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that the Front Building of the Academy on Market Street had been insured against fire for one year on a valuation of $75,000 for a premium of $500. The Council reported that the curatorship of fishes had been declared vacant from and after November |. S. W. Holladay reported that the Supreme Court of the State had decided in the case of Floyd N. Rankin, that the sum of $540,000 donated by James Lick for a School of Mechanic Arts, was not due to that institution until required to purchase a site and erect buildings; and that conse- quently no interest had accumulated or was accumulating on that sum; so that any interest received by the Lick estate on such as-yet-unused money would go into the residue of the Lick estate to be divided between the Academy and the Pioneer Society as residuary beneficiaries. It was resolved that Mr. Holladay should be paid $1,000 on account of legal services, on the understanding, however, that he would not accept a fee awarded to him in connection with other attorneys in the case by the court. On NOVEMBER 3, the Board instructed the secretary to draw $25,000 on the $100,000 note, held by the Academy against the Pacific Improvement Company; and it seems that under this and previous orders and drafts, the Pacific Improvement Company paid back to the Academy all the money, amounting to $150,000, which had been loaned to it, with the interest stipulated in its notes. NOVEMBER 17, on account of delays in getting the new building ready, the Academy met again in the old building. George M. Sternberg was elected a resident member. The committee on the death of Richard S. Floyd presented resolutions of respect to his memory. They spoke of his valuable services to science; his devoted, intelligent, untiring and successful efforts, as president of the Lick Trustees, to carry out the philanthropic wishes of Mr. Lick in the construction of the great telescope and the erection of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, and also his faithful and intelligent admini- stration of the Lick estate to which the Academy was so largely indebted for its excellent financial condition. the resolutions were adopted and ordered spread upon the minutes. W. B. Bryant described his recent trip in Lower California. In the Board of Trustees, it appeared that a boiler for elevator purposes had been placed in the basement of the new Academy building at a cost of $717, and the architect reported that the elevator would be ready to run by the middle of December. A brick store-room for the keeping of alcohol was also ordered constructed in the basement. S. W. Holladay was instructed to made arrangements to procure a further loan of $50,000 from the Lick Trustees on the mortgage already given, which provided for a loan of $350,000, of which only $300,000 had so far been borrowed. DECEMBER 1, Lieutenant John P. Finley of the U. S. Weather Bureau read a paper, also reported on in the local press, on “Cyclonic Development and Precipitation upon the Pacific Coast.” He said that California storms came from the Aleutian islands or the regions adjacent to Japan, the great breeding ground of North American tempests. In the Board of Trustees, bills to the amount of $21,153.56, including a tax bill for the year of $3,666.56, were audited and ordered paid. A further allowance of $600 was made for publications. It was ordered that the artesian well previously provided for should be bored in the triangular space at the rear of the Academy building. It was CHAPTER XXVI: 1890 317 further ordered, in accordance with arrangements made, that the further sum of $50,000 should be borrowed of the Lick Trustees pursuant to the permission pre- viously granted by the Court to borrow to the extent of $350,000. DECEMBER 15, the president announced the death of Dr. Henry Ferrer, a resident member, and Drs. C. M. Richter and E. S. Clark were appointed a committee to draft suitable resolutions. The death of Dr. J. B. Trembly, a resident member, was also announced, and J. R. Scupham and Arthur Brown were appointed a committee on memorial resolutions. The nominating committee, appointed as provided by the constitution, presented a ticket for officers of 1891. W. E. Bryant made remarks upon a kind of fire-sticks used by the Indians of the Cape region of Lower California. He also spoke of the peculiar tendency of the small skunk of that region, called there the “Zorrillo,”””' to be affected with rabies and in that condition to attack man. Forest fires, and cases of their originating spontaneously, were discussed at some length. The president an- nounced that the annual election and annual meeting for 1891 would be held on January 5 in the new building on Market Street, which, though not entirely finished, would then be occupied by the Academy. In the Board of Trustees, monthly salaries, amounting to $460, with various sundries, were ordered paid. As it appeared that the Academy building was nearly completed and the services of Superintendent Duncan were desired by the Mercantile Library Association on a new library building, an arrangement was authorized for a division of his time and services between the Academy and the new building. It was resolved that Charles D. Gibbes should be paid $25 per month from the Crocker Scientific Investigation Fund from January 1, 1891, until further order. 26.1 Little fox. 318 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 f - seaeateatt Serie pak PLLyEh Dag aneatemrt sg gas Neate sani CPITNGES erent pee manbulinte 1 The California Academy of Sciences (1891) Market Street entrance to its “Front” or commercial building. The Museum, the “Rear Building,” was located immediately behind the Front Building and connected to it via an enclosed bridge. California Academy of Sciences Special Collections B19 Chapter XX VII: Years 1891-1892 1891 The annual meeting for 1891 took place in the new Academy building on Market Street on JANUARY 5. The usual reports were received and placed on file. the new officers declared elected for the year were: H. W. Harkness, president; H. H. Behr, first vice-president; George Hewston, second vice-president; Frederick Gutzkow, corresponding secretary; John R. Scupham, recording secretary; Lucius H. Foote, treasurer; Carlos Troyer, librarian; J. G. Cooper, director of the museum; Charles F. Crocker, W. C. Burnett, E. J. Molera, John Taylor, D. E. Hayes, George C. Perkins, and Irving M. Scott, trustees. The amendment to the constitution, submitted to vote at the annual election, was declared adopted. It provided that “associate” members might be elected, while enjoying all the other rights and privileges of the Academy, should not be entitled to vote, and that the qualifications for resident and life members should be professional engagement in scientific work or contribution by their labor to the advancement of some branch of science. In the Board of Trustees, bills amounting to $19,939.95 were ordered paid, except one of $140.40 presented by the San Francisco Gas Company. It appeared that $50,000 had been borrowed from the Lick Trustees as ordered; but that a special new mortgage had to be given therefor. It was reported that an artesian well had been completed as directed and that it ran down to a depth of 192 4 feet. From the annual report of the Trustees it appeared’”' that the new building was ready for occupation, but not yet entirely finished. It was described as divided into two parts, separated by an open space 27 feet wide, the two buildings being connected by a covered passage-way on the first and second floors and an iron bridge on the sixth. The front or commercial building was arranged into two large stores and two smaller ones on the first floor on Market Street, the upper floors into sixty office rooms, all intended for rental. The construction was substantial and, though not absolutely fire-proof, was rendered so fire-resisting as possible by the use of metal lathing on all wood partitions or in walls around the stairways and elevator and an inch of mortar between double floors on each story. It was supposed, with its most approved plumbing appliances, independent gas fittings, electric wires for incandes- cent lighting, and all other conveniences found in modern office-building, to be of 27.1 A curious use of the past tense by Hittell inasmuch as he was on the scene at this time and had first-hand knowledge of the status of the construction work. 320 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 i H Ty UIT AG seer | NO eo meray comer pprerens re ore et ea vale a é — yl > 2 oe nemead APPENDIX I NATURAL SCIENCES. a CIRCULAR. 3 ' , is SAN FRANCISCO: = PRINTED FOR THE ACADEMY BY F. A. BONNARD, DISPATCH OFFICE, : CORNER OF LEIDESNORFF AND COMMERCIAL 8TREETS. 1853, APPENDIX I 545 Cal Bea Ey AR OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. Sir :— An Association has been formed in this city, under the above title, the objects of which as its name imports, are the collection of specimens and the investigation of all matters pertaining to Natural Science in the State of California and on the Pacific coast, and the adjacent island region. Its design embraces— 1. The collection of a Library of scientific works. 2. The collection of specimens of Geological formations, including quartz and associated rocks from the various quartz mines, with facts in relation to the same, the various fossils, ores and other minerals, soils, clay, &c., for examination and analysis. 3. The collection of Botanical specimens, embracing agricultural pro- ducts, the various plants, woods, flowers, seeds, fruits, &c., belonging to this department. 4. The collection of specimens in the Animal kingdom,—beasts, birds, fishes, shells, reptiles, insects, Kc. 5. Specimens of the productions of Art, by the native islanders and Indian tribes, illustrating their ingenuity, manners and customs. 6. Meteorological observations, embracing currents and tides, in ad- dition to the history of the weather. 7. Exchanges of specimens with other scientific associations and in- dividuals, throughout the world. S. Lectures and publications on scientific subjects. In these several departments, no portion of the world presents richer or more inviting field than that embraced in the region here designated ; heretofore but partially explored, and abounding in the inost diversified and interesting productions, it is reasonable that scien- tific men in other lands should direct their attention to California, and 546 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 4 claim of our citizens, a proper investigation of the ample field which Providence spreads out before us. Not only are the industrial and pecuniary interests of the State involved in our enterprize, but also the social and moral improvement of her people, and her reputation in the eyes of an expectant world. It is not to the few that we appeal for assistance ; but it is hoped and expected that every individual who desires to promote the interests of California, and the ‘cause of science, will contribute his aid, by forwarding specimens, and communicating facts in relation to the de- partments above defined. Every one has it in his power to do this, to a greater or less extent. Let no one then withhold his aid under the impression that what he may contribute will be of no consequence. A. single specimen may on examination be found to add anew and import- ant discovery to Natural Science. Appended to this, will be found directions for preparing and trans- mitting specimens and other matters, to which your particular attention is requested. By order of the Association, Respectfully, Yours, &c. W. P. GIBBONS, Cor. Secretary, 163 Clay Street. San Francrsco, June, 1853. APPENDIX I 547 [Nel kuwerroeNns FOR PREPARING AND TRANSMITTING SPECIMENS, Minerats.—Care should be taken to obtain the best specimens of a mineral or rock, that the locality will afford. They should be selected, if possible, from one to six pounds in weight, and where the same mineral exhibits different appearances, several speci- mens should be obtained. Two specimens of the same kind of minerals should always be packed. The label of each specimen should designate its locality, and any interesting fact which may exist in connection with its history should be noted. Each mineral, with its label, should be wrapped in paper. Small and delicate specimens, such as contain fine crystals, or a crystalline surface, should be wrapped in cotton wool, and laid in a pill box. If pasteboard boxes are not to be had, wrap them in several folds of paper. Minerals, after being protected in the manner here stated, should be carefully and closely stowed ina box, so that they may not rub against each other, and the lid nailed securely on, previous to being sent to their destination. Piants.—The collector of plants needs only a few quires of the coarsest brown paper, newspapers, &c. In travelling, as the specimens are gathered, they may be placed in a portfolio of this paper, or crown of the hat, until reaching home. Then spread them out carefully on paper, preserving the natural shape, place one upon the other with several sheets between each, (either loose, or better, stitched together, ) and place the pile between two boards, subject to pressure—if grasses, moderate. A ten box keeps them fresh for several days, and is useful for collecting Land Shells, a part of a botanist’s duty. Keep the papers dry by the sun, or a fire at night—change them often to keep the color and prevent mould. Some plants, especially those with compound leaves, may be scalded to prevent shedding—avoid immersing the blossoms. 548 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 6 Provide a plenty of ready made seed papers; they are useful for collecting mosses and minute plants, as weil as seeds. We fold a strip of paper triangularly, or as the American flag is folded, or as bovs fold their fourth of July paper crackers, i. e., turn the left corner to the right margin, fold again, still parallel with the right margin, thence left, and so again p: arallel with the left, and then right, and cut off diagon- ally for a lappet to tuck in. Nostring or paste is needed, and it is both secure and expeditious. The gardeners’ method may be adopted. Many seeds, fruits, and juicy plants, cannot be put in the herbarium; being irregular, they break smaller plants and cause mouldiness. Number them to correspond with their specimen, and wrap in a separate piece of paper, and keep them in the saddle-bags. To expedite labelling, have slips of cards with a string attached ; note the color of flowers, soil, lo- cality, i. ¢., woods, field or mountain, ‘wet or dry, date, annual, biennial, or perennial, &e., and tie the label to the specimen. It is desirable to have the whole plant, but if too large, and only sections be preserved, secure the top, fruit, and flower, centre, and es- peaally the root leaves, with a few from different parts of trees and shrubs, choose twigs if the flowers appear first, note the height, preserve also in due time the full grown leaf and fruit. Umbelliferous plants i. e., those like Fennel, Parsley, &c., and the great grass like genus Cavez, should be gathered when the seeds are fully grown, but before they are so ripe as to scatter ; it is well also to preserve them in blossom, for then the leaves are most perfect. Atsea be careful to avoid salt water; dry the papers at the galley, examine frequently, and brush off the mould with a feather. Collect everything you mect ; common weeds are the most interesting ; avoid, therefore, the usual error of searching for rare and beautiful plants ; note every use or fact, with the common names of each. When stems are thickly set with leaves some may be removed, so as to pre- serve and exhibit the remainder more perfect. A vertical section of the bark and cross section of the wood, froma moderate sized branch are of creat use, also thin sections of seed vessels. Roots and fruits should be preserved. Marine plants and aquatic vegetables of stagnant pools are carefully washed in fresh water, and partially dried by the application of spare paper before placing in the portfolio. Dissections are very useful to display the minute organs upon which generic distinctions depend, i. e., the calyx, corolla, stamens, immature capsular sections ; and in compound flowers, i. e., helianthus, or sun- flower, &c., the aigrette, chaff, seed, receptacle, &c.; lay them on slips of fine paper aninch wide by two long, smeared with fish glue or the white of an egg; they generally moisten it sufficiently by their juices, and by the drying process remain adherent. SHELts.— As soon after gathering as is possible, place the shells in a deep vessel and pour upon them boiling fresh water, taking care to cover them with it; let them remain until quite cold, then pick out the ani- mal with a sharp pointed instrument or hook, rinse in fresh water, dry with a soft towel and pack carefully in cotton, Care should be taken to preserve the operculum or lid of univalves, and pack it with the shell. The valves of bivalves should be brought together and a bit of thread passed round them ; care shonld be taken not to break the hinge, APPENDIX I 549 Iysecrs—Hard winged insects, such as beetles, are best killed and preserved hy putting them ina tin hox, which is to be immersed about half its depth in boiling water ; place them face to face and wrap a little tow around them. Other insects may be preserved by passing a pin through the back, and pinning thein in boxes made of soft wood or lined with cork ; throw a little powdered camphor or arsenic in the box, close it and pitch the seams. Moths and butterflies may be secured by taking a piece of stiff card or the like, from half to three quarters of an inch wide, and in length corresponding with the expansion of the wings of the specimen ; pass a pin through the card, equi-distant from the ends and sides, and then through the body of the insect into a piece of board, cork, &e., then carefully press down the card upon the insect, keeping the wings expanded. When in the field, insects after being secured may be stuck upon the hat. Fisnes.—Lay the fish, which should be fresh, on its side, and ent out the gills with a pair of scissors ; then fill up the cavity with tow, to pre- vent blood or moisture from flowing out. When this is done, with a damp sponge carefully wipe the sides of the fish, raise the fins, and gently extend them. Then cut two pieces of paper the shape of each fin, but a little larger; rub a solution of gum arabic on one of the pieces, then place it under the fin, and spread it out ; press the cor- responding piece on the top, where it will adhere, and drying in a few minutes, will keep the parts extended. Take a piece of thin silk, or gauze paper, and neatly cover one side of the fish. The natural gluten which covers the scales, will cause it to adhere firmly. It will present- ly dry and form a strong case, by which the scales will be preserved in their natural position, while you take off the skin. After the first coat is dry, you can apply one or two more, if necessary, using gum water to the papers. When they are thoroughly dry, turn the fish on a soft cloth, with the uncovered side upwards ; open it with sharp scissors, from the tail to near the nose, along the lateral line, cutting open the cheek to enable you to clean the fiesh from the cheek of the opposite side under the bone ; for unless this be done, and the cavity be filled with tow or cotton, it will inevitably shrink. To detatch the skin from the flesh, begin at the head and work downwards, using a sharp knife in clearing the flesh from the skin, cugkine off the fin-bone with scissors. Take away from the skin as much ggafter as possible, and dust it with powdered arsenic. Stuff the skin,to* bi proper dimensions, with tow or eotton, and sew up the opening fia needle and thread. In a few days it will dry, when the papers may be taken off by damping them with a sponge. Cover in tow and pack i in boxes. Serpents may be managed in the same wav, or preserved in spirits. Brrps.—In taking off the skins of birds, care slignit'be had to pre- vent their being soiled by blood or fat. Should it so soiled, elean the plumage with a sponge and warm water. The goner the animal is prepared after it is cold, the better. The ind showid he laid on a clean cloth, and the mouth opened and cleansed with tow, from all saliva or other matter that might soil the plumage ; it should then be filled with tow, and a little tow should be wrapped round the beak to prevent the escape of any moisture : then make an incision under the wing, longitu- dinally, sufficiently large to admit the passage of the bedy: then pull 550 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 8 the skin gently up, so as to admit the finger, or a small blunt instru- ment, to pass as far upas the back. Separate the wing by cutting through the bone which connects it with the body : continue the sep- aration of the skin towards the head and tail ; cut off the thighs, and as the body is removed, divide the tail from it ; then turn the skin over the body, separating the other thigh and wing as before directed : then, if the animal be large, take a piece of cord, about a yard long, one end of which make fast to a convenient place for suspension ; then with a noose fasten it round the body, so that it may be turned in any direction. Continue the operation, turning the skin over the neck and head, till the back part of the skull is laid bare ; remove the carcass entirely, by cutting it off close to the skull ; the brain must he removed through the opening. near the neck, by introducing a gouge or the handle of a spoon, or piece of bent wire ; cut away the tongue, and as much as possible of the flesh of the head and mouth ; remove the eyes whole by the inside ; for this purpose, break the small bones that sep- arate the top of the mouth from the eyes, then pressing the skin of the neck that lies over the eye, so as to force the globe inwards ; introduce the handle of a tea-spoon, by which it may be pulled away without bursting. Rub every part with dry arsenic ; hang it up for a few days to dry ; pack up the skins, smooth and flat on each other ; place them in boxes, with camphor, having the seams done over with pitch. Quaprupeps—are preserved as birds. Observe to make the opening in the belly, when skinning them. Lanetunc.—Great care should be taken to label all specimens of Natural History, being particular to give the locality in all cases. Dinections.—Address or: mark any boxes of specimens designed for the Academy, as follows:— “California Academy of Natural Sciences, care of Messrs. Adams & Co., San Francisco, California.” Boxes of specitnens may also be sent to Messrs. Adams & Co., New York City, who will forward them to the Academy. Letters may be addressed to ‘Dr. W. P. Gibbons, Corresponding Secretary of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, San Fran- cisco, California.” ty EANDR WS, WAL AND , ¢ Comsutree. AfKELLOGG, J, B. TRASK “Wi. SLOAT, APPENDIX J MINUTE BOOKS OF THE MEETINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 1853-1906 (Now kept in the Lucie Stern Rare Book Room, Library of the Academy) The manuscript minute books of most of the meetings of the California Academy of Sciences were saved from the fire that engulfed the Academy complex shortly after the earthquake of April 18, 1906. The Academy’s librarian, Mrs. Hyde, and Director, Mr. Loomis, were primarily responsible for rescuing these volumes. For the first few years of its existence, all business of the Academy was transacted during the regular weekly meetings of its members. Only later, in the late 1860s, did the Trustees and then the Council hold separate meetings, although both reported to the membership at regular member meetings, especially when they sought a broad consensus for actions planned to avoid unnecessary disagreements and possible member disap- proval at a later date. Minute Books of Member (Stated) Meetings Minute Book, Apr. 4", 1853 - Aug. 20", 1866 (tagged “Council”) Minute Book, March 1866 - Dec. 1867 Minute Book, Jan. 6", 1868 - Jan. 2", 1872 Stated Minutes, Jan. 1872 - July 1874 Stated Minutes, Aug. 1874 - Nov. 1880 Stated Minutes, Dec. 1880 - Dec. 1890 Stated Minutes, Jan. 1891 - Nov. 1904 Stated Minutes, Dec. 1904 - 1914 Regular Minutes, Nov. 1891 - Feb. 1894 and Rough Draft [Minutes], 1891-1904. Rough Draft [Minutes], Jan. 1857 - Nov. 1864 Miscellaneous (unbound), Minutes and Papers, 1877-1885 Minute Books of Meetings of the Council Jan. 1868 - Dec. 1870 Aug. 1874 - Nov. 1878 February 18, 1881 - November 24, 1883 January 3, 1884 - January 15, 1887 Jan. 1887 - Aug. 1890 Aug. 1890 - June 1903 July 1903 - May 1914 py CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 Minute Books of Meetings of the Board of Trustees June 1871 - April 1874 Sept. 12, 1874 - June 2, 1879 Minute Books of Committees and Sections Botanical Section Minutes, 1877 Publications Committee 1888 - 1904 1904 - 1917 Membership Record Book Compiled from primary and secondary sources during the late 1890s to 1914 and covering the period 1854-1914. APPENDIX K ~ Comparison of page | and plate 3 from original (1854) (see pages 554 and 556) and reprint (1873) (see pages 555 and 557) editions of Volume One of the PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES 355 554 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. SS VOL. 1. SAN FRANCISCO. 1854. Serr. 4th, 1854. | the market about the first of August, and con. De. A. Restacesn the where: tinues in season till nearly the close of February. erie | They are sold by the fishermen under the name of Blackfish. and are also not unfrequently calt- ‘ed Sheepshead.—Specimeus are often seen weizh- as paase ~ ying six to eight pounds. My description is on the Sacramento bottoms. which. instead of! taken from one sixteen and a half inches in length, weighing two pounds and a half. Mr. W. J. Steene, by the Ed. of the Pacific, presented a curious specimen of cabbage. grown a bead formed of leaves in the usual manner, has a globular head formed by an enlargement of Form very similar to that of Tautoga Amer?- | cana. Greatest depth one-fourth the total length. Length of the head. five inches and one-fourth. ae aes d nd ~ Forehead protuberant, especially in large indivi- r at ater “th 9 th rT) Yn 7 ye: > ~ . — . 2 . periectly sound, with a thin rind. abd of tae) duals, from au accumulation of fat immediately consistency- of the inner portion of a common above the eyes. cabbage stump. It has the shape and appear.| Lips thick. loose and fleshy. ance of a round, field turnip, except that it has perfectly formed cabbage leaves on its sides and top, occurring ai intervals. as on the ordinary the top of the main stock, five inches in diame i ter, and weighing some two pounds or more. — Teeth on the intermaxillaries and in the lower jaw alike—consisting externally of a single row, stout and conicle. of which the two anterior are | pairs are much larger than the others and pro- cabbage stock. ject forward ; within this external row is a band Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and speci-| of blunt. rounded teeth, not arranged in regular ce Ps | rows. scarcely projecting above the membranes. mens of a plant from the sea shore and salt! No teeth on the palatine bones or the vomer. marshes of the Bay of San Francisco, the Fran-| Teeth on the pharyngeals _ erely flat, tesrelated kenia grandzfolia. This plant is often coated | tubercles: on the inferior pharyngeal, a few of with crystals of salt. which has given it the the anterior ones are distinct, conicle. common name of Salt-weed. It isa low herb | , Edges of the operculum and preo reulum destitute of spines or serrations. Scales deeply very much branched, the limbs opposite, with | imbedded, not conspicious, elongated: subque- dense clusters of somewhat wedged-shaped leaves | drangular, covering the body, the operculum, folded back or rolled up ; within these, are un-| and the sub-operculum; extending but slightly bosomed small pink flowers—stamens usually 6. | 9" the verticle fins. i Pp ey ch eee rays of all the fins are enveloped in a peaks. thickened, partially opaque membrane. Dr. Ayres presented descriptions of the fol-| The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is four lowing species of fish, believed to be new : inches and four-tenths in length ; the spines are : oD . stout and strong. and one is continued by a fleshy Labrus pulcher, Ayres. This species, one of | prolongation one to two-fifths of an inch in ex- le finest of our fishes. makes its appearance in| tent; thus making the height of this portion APPENDIX K PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. [TAKEN FROM THE SOCIETY’S RECORDS. ] VOL. I. Sept. 4th, 1854. ‘Dr. A. KELLOGG in the Chair: Mr. W. J. Steene, by the Ed. of the Pacific, presented a curious specimen of cabbage, grown on the Sacramento bottoms, which, in- stead of a liead 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 diameter, 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 appearance of a round field turnip, except that it has perfectly formed cab- bage leaves on ite sides and top, occurring at intervals, as on the ordinary cabbaye stock. Dr. Kellogg exhibited a drawing and epeci- mens of a plant from the sea shore and «alt marshes of the Bay of San Francisco, the Frankenia grandifolia. This plant is often coated with crystals of salt, which has given it the common name of Salt-weed. It is alow herb very much branched, the limbs opposite, with dense clusters of somewhat wedyed- shaped leaves fulded back or rolled up; witb- in these, are unbosomed email pink flowers— stamens usually 6, pistils 3. Dr. Ayres presented descriptions of the fol- lowing species of fish, believed to be new: Labrus gulcher—Ayres. This species, one of the finest of onr fishes, makes ite appear- ance in the market about the first of August, Proc. Cat. AcaD. Nat. Sct., Vou. 1., Rerrrsr—2?2. SAN FRANCISCO. 1854. and continues in season till nearly the close of Febroary. They are sold by the fishermen under the name of Blackfish. and are also not unfreqnently called Sheepshead. Specimens are often seen weighing six to eight pounds. My description is taken from one sixteen and a half inches in Jength, weighing two pounds and a half. Form very similar to that of Tautoga Am- ericana. Greatest depth one-fourth the total length. Length of the head, five inches and one-fourth. Forebead protuberant, especially in large individuals, from an accumulation of fat immediately above the eyes. Lips thick, loose and flesby. Teeth on the intermaxillaries and in the low- er jaw alike—consisting externally of a single row. stout aud conical, of which the two an- terior pairs are mmncl larger than the others and project forward ; within tbis external row is a baud 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, tesselated tubercles; on the in- ferior pharyngeal, a few of the anterior ones are distiner. conical. Edges of the operculum and preoperculum destitute of spines or serrations. Sca/es deeply imbedded, not conspicnons. elongated snbqua- drangular, covering the body, the opercninm, and the snb-operculum ; extending but slightly on the vertical fins. The rays of all the fins are enveloped ina thickened, partially opaque membrane. The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is four inches and four-tenthe in length; the spines are stont and strong, and oue is continued by a fleshy prolongation one to two-fifths of an inch in extent ; thus making the height of this por- tion [P. 4] of the fin abont an inch and one- fourth. The membranous portion is two inches Nov., 1873. 555 556 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 ao AATYy . ' nq ' 2 aA rat eR Cow C2edvuand traok APPENDIX K 57 Cal Acad Nat.Sci. VOL.1.PL UL - -— _ + 1. PLAGIOSTOMA (Sow.) Pedroana TRASK. 2. iv annulatus > ou *) truncata “ CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 1853-1906 558 APPENDIX L SAMPLE MEMBER CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE ACADEMY DURING ITS EARLY YEARS (AWINOGII|\\ JO AUSIOAIUL) “BLIOJOIA JO WINLIEGIDH [PUOHRN ‘dxSOIRJ] BIBS SI ‘ASoUNOD) “Aueya199g Bul -puodsau0, ‘saiky da] [IAIQ WeIT]IA\ AQ PAUBIS seM JBOD dy] “S9DUDINS [eINJeN JO AWApeoY PIWIOJI]ED dU} Jo 19q -WO|\, AIPIOUO} UP SP UOI}DA[9 SIY SulouNouue ‘eIpeNSNY IUINOgIa\J “JO[JINJA] PUBUIPJA{ JSIULJOg dU} O} JUAS a}BOIfILI9D, (CRIME CVEV FELIG » ee fe Awe. CLL) ae a LY, SU JIU C4 BLE 1 OY Ye [OTE Wy a se Ef i LOUIS CASIJI/ 7 A, , aD 2 Es a GE , C 4 S Pa YL! Va - “40 yy bilyayy? bby WIDE Sl Tl JIA abl - vs ‘ LA “YW Wy Ga oy Ws - » 7 — o- : ene Aa APPENDIX L 559 Gaitecia den henge Nat sneak Seleurs > ae eae Gol, Mat te ae ~— iy LM the wasting yf the CabiferuaHealeny f- Vind. ci ld... La ~Yfn Soe Wad ¢ erled th Spersrrg. 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