Volume I is out of print, but the Academy intends to reprint it when a

sufficient number of copies have been ordered to refund the cost.

_The following Memoirs were also published by the Academy, in quarto, in 1867._

No. I. Catalogue of Pacific Coast Mosses, pp. 38, By LEO LESQUEREUX. No. II. Natural System of Volcanic Rocks, pp. 95, By F. BARON RICHTHOFEN, Dr. Phil.

ROOMS OF THE ACADEMY, 622 CLAY STREET, _San Francisco, June, 1868_.

The Academy, desirous of increasing its numbers, and thus adding to its means of scientific research and diffusion of knowledge, has this year altered its title to that of “CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES,” and invites all interested in the increase and spread of any branch of knowledge to join in its work. All gentlemen residing within one hundred and fifty miles of San Francisco are, by the new Constitution, eligible to resident membership, with all the privileges of those in the city, including free copies of the proceedings published after their election.

A copy of the new Constitution, Annual Address of the late President, Prof. J. D. Whitney, and list of members at the commencement of 1868, may be obtained free by addressing the Corresponding Secretary.

Meetings are now held on the first and third Mondays of each month, at the rooms of the Academy, where lectures are given, papers read and discussions held on scientific subjects. All desiring to become members may be introduced at the meetings on application to the officers and members.

Rooms open daily, from 12 to 1 o’clock, and the Librarian or other members are usually present.

OFFICERS:

_President_, JAMES BLAKE, M.D., F. R. C. S., 206 Bush Street. _Vice President_, JAMES G. COOPER, M.D., 652 Howard Street. _Secretary_, THEODORE BRADLEY, Principal Boys’ High School. _Corresponding Secretary_, HENRY N. BOLANDER, Principal Cosmopolitan School. _Treasurer,_ EDWARD BOSQUI, Publisher, 517 Clay Street. _Librarian_, A. KELLOGG, M.D., 622 Clay St., Academy’s Rooms. _Director of the Museum_, H. BLOOMER, cor. Montgomery and Jackson Streets.

CURATORS.

_General Zoology_, E.F. LORQUIN, 522 Pine Street. _Conchology_, W. G. W. HARFORD, 622 Clay Street. _Radiata_, J. B. TRASK, M.D., 206 Kearny Street. _Entomology_, R. H. STRETCH, Room 50, Montgomery Block. _Geology_, W. A. GOODYEAR, 615 Stockton Street.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES.

ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 5TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Twelve members present.

Ferdinand, Freiherr von Richthofen, was elected Corresponding Member.

The committee on the meteoric iron, presented to the city by General Carleton, reported that permission had been obtained by Professor Whitney to saw a piece from it for analysis, and for distribution to some of the most important collections in this country and in Europe. A piece will be forwarded to Professor Brush, of Yale College, for analysis, and a description of the mass published in the Proceedings of the Academy, as soon as the returns of the analysis have been received.

The Annual Reports of the officers of the Society for the past year (1862) were received, and the following is an abstract of their contents:

The Report of the Treasurer was read, and referred to the Finance Committee.

The Curator of Palæontology reported, that the number of specimens in the collection is 1,007, exclusive of numerous duplicates. They are principally from the cretaceous and tertiary formations of the Pacific coast. The collection has been rearranged in the course of the past year, and is now in as good condition as the accommodations of the Society will admit.

The Curator of Botany reported, that 2,160 specimens were added to the collection during the year 1862, making a total of 6,160 specimens in the Academy’s herbarium. About twenty new specimens have been described in the Proceedings during the past year, and specimens and drawings of all of them have been placed in the collection. The herbarium is in good condition.

The Curator of Entomology made a verbal report, to the effect that the collections in his department, although small, are in good order; but that few additions had been made during the year.

In the Zoological department, the Curator stated, that a few valuable additions had been made to the collection during the year 1862; but that much difficulty was experienced in arranging them, from the limited space and means of the Academy. The alcoholic specimens have not been rearranged during the year; some are in bad condition. All has been done which could be, towards preserving the specimens in this department, with the means at the command of the Curator.

In the absence of the Curator of Conchology (Dr. Trask) it was stated, that the collection of shells had been arranged, and labeled, and placed in cases during the year; the accommodations of the Academy, however, do not admit of their being displayed.

The Curator of Mineralogy (Mr. Hanks) has removed from the city since the last annual meeting; but previous to removing, he had made considerable progress in rearranging and labeling the collection of minerals and ores, and it is now in better order than it has ever before been.

The Librarian reported that valuable additions had been made to the Library during the past year; chiefly through the instrumentality of the Smithsonian Institution. The books are in good order; but many of them need binding, and the want of room renders it impossible to place them where they can be easily got at by the members.

The committee on nominations reported the following list of officers for the year 1863, which was duly elected:

PRESIDENT.

COL. L. RANSOM.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

J. N. ECKEL, M.D., J. B. TRASK, M.D.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

W. O. AYRES, M.D.

RECORDING SECRETARY.

Prof. W. H. BREWER.

LIBRARIAN.

Prof. J. D. WHITNEY.

TREASURER.

WILLIAM HEFFLEY.

CURATORS.

G. F. MOORE Of Mineralogy. W. M. GABB Palæontology. A. KELLOGG, M.D. Botany. J. G. COOPER, M.D. Zoology. J. B. TRASK, M.D. Conchology. H. BEHR, M.D. Entomology.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

By Dr. Cooper—Specimens of _Purpura septentrionalis_, from San Francisco, and others from Oakland, of larger size—the latter not being natives of this Bay, but brought from Shoalwater Bay, W. T., in cargoes of oysters.

By Mr. Bloomer—A collection of specimens of wood.

Dr. Cooper exhibited a specimen of coral, of the genus _Porites_, probably an undescribed species. This mass of coral was drawn up by a fisherman, from a depth of four fathoms, at the Farallones, and deposited in the office of the Geological Survey by Mr. Lawson, of the Coast Survey. The same species had been previously obtained by Dr. Cooper in the Bay of Monterey, but it had never been found so far north before.

REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 19TH, 1863.

Vice President, Dr. Trask, in the Chair.

Present, eleven members.

Dr. W. W. Hays, U. S. A., and Mr. William Ashburner were elected Resident Members.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

A miscellaneous collection of plants, consisting of from two hundred to three hundred species, from the Pacific slope, by H. G. Bloomer; specimens of a _Yucca_, and of _Larrea Mexicana_, from Kern river, by J. E. Clayton.

Mr. Bolander presented the following paper:

Description of a New Species of Melica.

BY H. N. BOLANDER.

MELICA L.

_M. stricta_ Bolander.

Spikelets very large, secund, horizontal, four to six-flowered; flowers stipitate, upper ones imperfect and abortive, slightly tinged with purple.

Glumes equal, oblong, membranaceous, five-nerved; nerves evanescent at about three-quarters the length of the glumes; scarious margined and pointed, nearly the length (one-half inch) of the flowers.

Paleæ very unequal, chartaceous; lower oblong, seven-nerved, all except the middle one evanescent at about two-thirds the length of the palea; scabrous, largely scarious margined and pointed; upper palea spathulate, bicarinate, ciliate, one-third shorter than the lower.

Ovary obovate, contracted near the truncated apex, sessile, smooth; styles terminal, divergent; stigmas plumose; pilis fasciculate, minutely serrate; squammulæ very small, connate, entire; stamens three; caryopsis?

Root perennial; culms upright, terate, striate, one and one-half feet high, very brittle; sheaths striate, scabrous; ligula exserted, lacerated; leaves narrow, one-sixteenth to two-sixteenths of an inch wide, acuminate, outside and margins scabrous, (four to seven inches long) striately nerved, upright, nearly appressed.

Raceme upright, rather simple; branchlets smooth, appressed, few-flowered; pedicels pubescent at the angle.

Collected by Mr. George W. Dunn, at Silver City, Nevada Territory.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 2D, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, fourteen members.

Prof. P. P. Carpenter, of Manchester, England, was elected a Corresponding Member.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

Three jars of reptiles and fishes, collected by Mr. J. Xantus, in Lower California, and mostly near Cape St. Lucas, were presented by Mr. Samuel Hubbard.

Donations to the Library:

Volumes 1-27 of the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, by H. G. Bloomer. Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, for October, November, and December, 1862, from the Society. Descriptions of shells collected in the Rocky Mountains in 1860 by Dr. J. G. Cooper, by T. Bland and J. G. Cooper.

The Publishing Committee laid volume two of the Proceedings of the Academy, for the years 1858-62, upon the table: it was ordered by the Academy that one hundred copies be sold to the members at one dollar per copy, and that fifty copies be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for foreign distribution.

Professor Whitney read the following communication:

On the Inaccuracy of the Eighth Census, so far as it Relates to the Metallic and Mineral Statistics of the United States.

BY J. D. WHITNEY.

It has, for a long time, been a subject of regret, that our United States Census returns are so imperfect; and that, in all that relates to mining and metallurgy, they are especially and extraordinarily unreliable. Mr. Kennedy’s “Preliminary Report on the Eighth Census,” (1860), recently issued, is at hand, and some remarks may here be made in reference to what appears in it, which is connected with our mineral interests. It will soon appear, from an examination of this public document, that the same unfortunate ignorance in regard to one of the most important of the sources of our national wealth, which has characterized previous Census Reports, still prevails among our officials at Washington; and that all which Mr. Kennedy’s Report contains must be taken with many grains of allowance. It is certainly the duty of those who are better posted to give notice of these deficiencies, and to call public attention to them again and again, in the hope that something may be done, hereafter, to make this department of the Government less ridiculous in the eyes of those who are acquainted with such matters, and less liable to mislead those who look on a Census Report as something to be blindly quoted, and relied on as a document which must necessarily be correct.

The only metals in regard to which anything is stated in Mr. Kennedy’s report are iron, nickel, lead, zinc, and copper; thus omitting gold, silver, and quicksilver, of each of which we are large producers. Of the mineral productions, coal is the only one noticed.

The first metal mentioned in the text accompanying the tables compiled from the Census returns is iron, and the quantity of pig iron produced in 1860 is given at 884,474 tuns, valued at $19,487,790, and this is stated to be an increase in the value returned by the Census of 1850, of 44·4 per cent.

Here the question arises, how far are these figures to be relied on as accurate? This can only be decided by comparison with returns known to be approximately accurate, and of these we have none later than the year 1856, in which year the make of pig iron was ascertained, by the Iron-Makers’ Association, to be 812,917 tuns. Either the Census returns of 1860 are too low, as they were in 1850, or else the increase in this branch of our industry has been very slight since 1849, when the make of iron was ascertained by the Pennsylvania Iron-Masters to be 800,000 tuns. On the other hand, assuming the Census returns of 1860 to be correct, there is no ground for making the statement, as is done by Mr. Kennedy, that there has been an increase of 44·4 per cent. in the value of the iron produced in 1860 over that of 1850; it is evident that the increase has been very slight, since 1846 or 1847 even, in which years the make of this metal, on reliable authority, reached nearly 800,000 tuns.

But what shall we say of Mr. Kennedy’s method of arriving at the production of iron, as related to the amount of population in the United States, or the number of pounds produced per head? To obtain this, he adds together the amount of pig iron and the amount of bar and other wrought iron produced, and thus obtains a result of 92 pounds of iron produced for each inhabitant of the United States; which, as he says, “speaks volumes for the progress of the nation in all its industrial and material interests.” It speaks a volume or two for his own ignorance of the elements of metallurgy; since, as everybody, except the Superintendent of the United States Census, knows, the bar and rolled iron is nearly all converted from the pig, and only a small proportion made direct from the ore; so that his method of computation is as near correct as it would be, for instance, to estimate the amount of beef consumed per head in San Francisco, by adding the weight of all the cattle slaughtered in the city to that of the beef produced by said slaughtering. As, in 1856, only 28,433 tuns of bar iron were made directly from the ore, to 812,917 of pig produced; so, allowing that 28,000 tuns were made direct in 1860, the amount, per head, of all the iron made in that year would be 65 pounds, instead of 92, as Mr. Kennedy calculates.[1] Taking the population of the United States at 23,000,000, in 1850, and the make of iron at 800,000 tuns, as given by the returns of the Commission of the Iron-Masters of Pennsylvania, the amount produced, per head, in that year, would be 78 pounds; so that all Mr. Kennedy’s glorification goes for naught, unless we admit that his returns for 1860 are wrong.

In regard to the statistics of the other metals mentioned in the Census Report, it may be said, with truth, that they are very defective. No mention is made of gold, silver, or mercury, the value of the first-named of which produced in this country is nearly double that of all the other metals. Under zinc, there is no mention made of New Jersey, the great zinc-producing State. The yield of lead in the Mississippi Valley is put down at considerably less than its real amount.

But the most important remark to be made, in this connection, is in reference to the mode of reporting the results adopted by Mr. Kennedy. Instead of giving the amount of _metal_ produced, the number of tuns of _ore_ is stated, and no clue given to the yield of the ore. This is something as an assessor’s report would be, which should give the valuation of the individuals he might be called on to appraise, in _pieces of money_, leaving it uncertain whether five cent or twenty dollar pieces were intended.

The table given by Mr. Kennedy does not state what amounts of each metal are produced; and, if we attempt to arrive at them by examining the columns of values, it is found to be impossible to decide whether these values are those of the ore as mined before being smelted, or of the metals produced from them. In short, the whole matter is left in such obscurity, that it is much to be wished that the table could be expunged from the Report, as it can only serve to mislead and confuse those who resort to Government documents for information in regard to our metallic and mineral productions.

[1] In point of fact, the amount of bar iron made in the bloomery furnaces direct from the ore is growing less every year, and must be now reduced to a very small figure.

Dr. Cooper remarked that, since the publication of his paper on Californian Mollusca, read before the Academy November 3d, 1862, (see Proceedings, vol. II, p. 202) he finds the generic name STRATEGUS preoccupied, and he now proposes, in its place, the name NAVARCHUS.

Professor Whitney exhibited a magnificent specimen of auriferous quartz, in which the gold was associated with _Mispickel_, (Arsenical Pyrites.) The weight of the mass was about five pounds, and the value of the gold estimated at $1,500. It was obtained from the celebrated “Fellows Lode,” on the Middle Yuba, in Sierra County. It is stated, on what is believed to be reliable authority, that from $200,000 to $250,000 has been taken from an excavation on the lode only ten feet long and four feet wide, by crushing in hand-mortars. The occurrence of gold in connection with mispickel, in the California mines, seems to be rare, at least in the southern counties. In the specimen presented, the gold formed a coherent, sponge-like mass, when the mispickel was dissolved.

Baron Richthofen remarked, that gold occurs associated with mispickel in Silesia.

Mr. R. L. Harris made some remarks on the comparative friction of car-wheels, on an iron track, when rolling and sliding, as shown by experiments made on the street-railroad in Washington street. Here the greatest grade is five hundred and twenty-eight feet per mile, or one in ten, and it is found that, on a wet day, if the wheels are stopped by the brakes, they will slide on the track; while, if the brakes are not put down so hard but that the wheels can revolve, the car is entirely under control. This is not the popular opinion, and the authorities generally state, that the sliding friction is the greatest; but experience shows, that the friction is really greatest when the sliding and rolling motions are combined.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 16TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Fourteen members present.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

From J. E. Clayton, Esq., a set of ores from the Russ District, California.

Donations to the Library:

Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London for the year 1857: from Dr. Cooper. Astronomical and Meteorological Observations, made at the U. S. Naval Observatory during the year 1861: from the U. S. Naval Observatory.

Dr. Kellogg read the following paper:

Description of two New Species of Plants from Nevada Territory.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

APLOPAPPUS Cass.

_A. Nevadensis_ Kellogg. [FIG. 1.]

Suffrutescent, caudex branching, branches three to four inches in height, somewhat ascending; rigid, striate, scabrous throughout. Heads solitary and terminal, homochromous and many-flowered. Leaves alternate, crowded near the base, oblanceolate, very acute, quite entire, three-nerved; the reticulate veins and nerves prominent, sub-petiolate (half to one inch in length, by about one-fourth in breadth); the lowermost leaves more distinctly petiolate, spatulate, obtuse, or sub-acute; upper cauline leaves few or solitary, lanceolate, very acute or acuminate, three-nerved.

Involucre campanulate, the greenish somewhat foliaceous scales rigid, many-nerved, (chiefly three to five) margins scarious, cleft-ciliate, or somewhat fimbriate, oblanceolate, acute, in three series, often one or two bractoid scales at the base.

Receptacle flat, alveolate; alveoli toothed, naked. Rays (about eight) orange-yellow, oblong-oval, two or three-toothed, pistillate, fertile, tube slender, about as long as the achenia, or one-third to half the length of the ligule.

Disk corolla cylindrical, slightly expanding, five-toothed, erect, glabrous. The achenia (about twenty, including the ray) angular, oblong, somewhat compressed; base cuneate, satiny appressed pubescent (with white hairs); pappus of unequal capillary scabrous bristles, rigid and fragile, or deciduous.

Appendages of the style much longer than the stigmatic portion, lance-subulate, hispid, much exsert, erect-spreading.

This plant was brought from Nevada Territory by Mr. Herbert C. Dorr.

MIRABILIS L.

_M. Californica_ Gray, Var. _villosa_ Kellogg.

Stem about a foot in height, somewhat ascending, flexuous, divaricately branching, nodose, internodes slightly curved; minutely villous throughout. Leaves rounded-cordate, obtuse, entire, three to five-nerved; the uppermost ovate-cordate, petioles short, (one-fourth to one-sixth the length of the lamina).

Flowers pedicellate, in loose terminal dichotomous panicles, with a solitary flower in the axils; perigonium pink, pedicels recurved in fruit.

This plant, from the interior—Devil’s Gate and Carson River—differs much from the plate of the coast plant of the Mexican Boundary Report. It is not at all “glabrous,” nor are the flowers “sub-sessile;” the pairs of leaves are remote, with a much more open and spreading aspect; the flowers are pentandrous and deciduous.

Mr. Harris exhibited a section of a pile, from a wharf at Rincon Point, which fell a few days since, having been destroyed by the boring of the _Teredo_, (properly a _Xylotrya_.) The material of the pile is Oregon pine; it had been in the water less than six years, but is now completely perforated in all directions. The subject of the best means of protection for piles, against attacks of the _Teredo_, was discussed at some length by various members.

Dr. Ayres stated that, as yet, no reliable preventive had been discovered, except that of sheathing the pile with metal. Several years ago the same subject came before the Academy, and Drs. Ayres and Trask were appointed a Committee to investigate the subject. All external applications which have been proposed fail in practice, from the wearing away of the surface by the waves, and they are but little better than the natural bark. It has not appeared that the saving in time was equal to the expense incurred by thus protecting the piles. At Boston, where there are two species destructive of timber, they find no preventive, short of sheathing the piles with copper.

In the French works on this subject, it has been stated that the bark affords no protection; but, on the contrary, aids the young animals in introducing themselves into the wood. This has not been found to be the case in this bay, where the bark does, on the contrary, assist in preserving the timber.

The fact was also stated, by one of the members, that the piles of the wharfs in the southern part of the city suffer much from attacks of the _Teredo_; while those of the northern portion are comparatively exempt. The fact was mentioned, that piles have been entirely destroyed here in six months from the time they were placed in the water.

Prof. Brewer made some remarks on the method of calculating altitudes by observation with a single barometer. He gave an account of the methods adopted by the Geological Survey for computation, in cases where there was no station barometer nearer than the bay, or the valley of the Sacramento.

Dr. Trask mentioned that the weight of the Honcut meteoric iron presented by him to the Academy, at the meeting of March 17th, 1862, was six ounces, one hundred and twenty-eight grains, troy.

Professor Whitney called attention to the curious errors in a paper published in Petermann’s Mittheilungen, 1861, page 133, which purports to be a translation into German of a portion of a work published by Mr. J. Xantus, describing his journey in Lower California. He describes a quicksilver mine of great importance as being worked at Marques; but the description which he gives of it shows that it is the New Almaden mine which, in reality, he visited, and which, by some confusion of his notes, he has located in Lower, instead of Upper California. No mercury mine is worked on the California peninsula, so far as can be ascertained. It is evident that Mr. Xantus’s notice of rich gold, lead and copper mines on the peninsula must be taken with many grains of allowance.

On motion of Dr. Ayres, it was ordered, that twenty-five copies of the second volume of the Proceedings be placed at the disposal of the Publishing Committee for distribution to learned societies, public libraries, and distinguished scientific men in the Atlantic States.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 2D, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, fifteen members.

Dr. J. P. Kirtland, of Cleveland, Ohio, was elected a corresponding member.

Donations to the Cabinet.

By Mr. Rowlandson, specimen of the wool of the Alpacca and Vicuña, brought from Peru by Capt. Bissell, of the United States sloop-of-war _Cyane_.

Donations to the Library.

The American Journal of Science, for January, 1863, from the editors.

Mr. Gabb communicated two papers by Mr. Rémond, containing descriptions of new fossils from California.

Description of two New Species of Bivalve Shells, from the Tertiaries of Contra Costa County.

BY AUGUSTE RÉMOND.

CARDIUM Brug.

_C. Gabbii_ Rémond.

Shell cordate, ventricose, nearly equilateral; posterior side truncated, direct; anterior side slightly depressed; height and length nearly equal. Umbones very prominent; beaks incurved, approximate; lunule well marked, carinated; surface even, with fine imbricated lines of growth. Hinge (of the left valve) comparatively narrow; anterior fosset small, shallow, triangular; cartilage pit large, deep, long; lateral teeth heavy, thick, prominent.

Locality: vicinity of Kirker’s Pass, south of New York (of the Pacific) Plain from a late tertiary deposit.

The _C. Gabbii_ will easily be distinguished from any other species yet discovered, from its heavy hinge and enormous lateral teeth. I take great pleasure in dedicating this beautiful fossil to Mr. W. M. Gabb, to whom I am indebted for repeated assistance in my palæontological studies.

This species occurs in shelly sands, together with _Tapes regularis_ Gabb and _Murex ponderosus_ Gabb, two other extinct species. The specimens are in the collection of Mr. W. M. Gabb and my own.

OSTREA L.

_O. Bourgeoisii_ Rémond.

The description is from two lower valves, from the collections of Mr. l’Abbé Bourgeois (Pont-Levoy, France) and Mr. Pioche, (San Francisco.)

Shell sub-oval, higher than long, strongly contracted near the cardinal area, sub-rounded on the ventral margin; inferior valve comparatively thin, convex, irregular exteriorly, with remote, somewhat rugose, plaits of growth. Ligament fosset long, profound, minutely wrinkled and finely striated, oblique and turned downwards; muscular impression very large, oblique, and sub-central, somewhat prominent.

Locality: vicinity of Kirker’s Pass, from a late tertiary bed.

I dedicate this new species to Mr. Bourgeois, Professor of Natural History at the School of Pont-Levoy, (Loir-et-Cher, France) who was my first teacher in geology.

Description of two Species of Scutella.

BY AUGUSTE RÉMOND.

SCUTELLA Lam.

_S. Gibbsii_ Rémond.

Disk oblong-sub-oval, rounded before and truncated behind, posteriorly convex above, slightly depressed in front; inferior surface flat, somewhat concave about the mouth. Apex about midway between the center and posterior margin; ambulacral star non-symmetrical; petals unequal, open at their extremities. Anterior petal straight, longer than the others; the lateral ones nearly straight, diverging from the apex with an angle of about eighty degrees; posterior petals very short, sub-oval, having the anterior side most curved. Four rows of pores in each petal; the inner pores transverse, the outer ones pointed obliquely inwards. Mouth posteriorly sub-central; anal-aperture small, submarginal. Ambulacral furrows double, nearly symmetrical, slightly ramified. Each ambulacral and inter-ambulacral space is occupied by two rows of irregular plates, either pentagonal or hexagonal. Tubercles numerous, crowded in the ambulacral furrows, but much worn off in the specimens examined.

Locality: Kern Lake, Buena Vista County.

The specimens described are in the collection of the Academy; they were found by Dr. Gibbs, to whom the species is dedicated.

Obs.—This species, considered by Mr. Gabb as of probably miocene age, is closely allied to the _S. striatula_, which is found living on the Californian coast, and occurs fossil in the _faluns_ (miocene formation) of Bordeaux, France; but it differs from it in the outlines and the size of the shell, the former being comparatively small and longer than broad, while the latter is broader than long. Besides, the apex of the _S. Gibbsii_ is situated more posteriorly, and the lateral petals, in the _S. striatula_, diverge from the apex, with an angle of from one hundred and ten to one hundred and fifteen degrees; this latter has also its ambulacral furrows more ramified at their extremities.

_S. interlineata_ W. P. Blake.

Disk sub-circular, broad, upper surface convex towards the middle, depressed on the margins, plane beneath; apex central; ambulacral star symmetrical; petals long, equal, closed at their extremities, nearly reaching from the apex to the margin of the shell, terminated by five or six irregular hexagonal plates. The petals are longitudinally divided into four rows, which are connected by numerous and regular transverse lines of pores. Mouth central; anus submarginal; ambulacral furrows symmetrical, not much ramified. Inter-ambulacral areas occupied by two rows of pentagonal plates, convex, of equal length, increasing in size until they unite with the ambulacral plates; hexagonal from that point and decreasing towards the margin.

Two sorts of appendages; spinous processes numerous and crowded, above and beneath. Spines of the superior surface short, striated, pyriform, irregularly pentagonal or hexagonal; inferior spines slender, comparatively long, dentaliform, striated longitudinally, tubular and round.

Obs.—Water-worn fragments of this fine fossil occur in abundance on the beach, between Merced Lake and the Pacific, south of Point Lobos, in San Francisco County. It was made known to science by Mr. W. P. Blake, Geologist of the Railroad Survey, who found it in 1853, among the shingles thrown up by the surf, and first described by Mr. W. Stimpson. At that time the locality whence the scutellæ were derived had not been discovered, so that the specimens obtained being imperfect, no complete description could be made; this is the reason why I offer a new and complete description of the _Scutella interlineata_, from specimens procured _in situ_. As was suggested by Mr. W. P. Blake, the rocks bearing these fossils are found a few miles southward, north of the boundary line between San Mateo and San Francisco Counties, where the scutellæ stick out from conglomeratic sandstones, which Mr. Gabb considers as belonging to the _pliocene_ or _post-pliocene_ formation; we find them in a fine state of preservation, with their spines retained.

The _S. interlineata_ is figured in the Railroad Reports; see vol. V, Geological Report, plate IV, fig. 30; and for Mr. Blake’s remarks and Mr. Stimpson’s description, the same Report, chap. XII, p. 153.

Dr. J. Blake made some remarks on specimens, presented by him, of infusoria, found in the sand-hills, south of Point Lobos, and which form a kind of concretions, fixing the sand in its place.

Dr. Ayres made the following remarks in relation to the genus NOTORHYNCHUS:

This genus was defined by me in 1855 (Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci., vol. I, p. 72) to include a species occurring in the Bay of San Francisco. In 1858 Girard refers to the species (P. R. R. Rep., vol. X, p. 367) under the generic name HEPTANCHUS, of which he considers NOTORHYNCHUS a synonym. In 1861, Mr. Gill refers it to Rafinesque’s genus HEPTRANCHIAS. (Annals of the Lyc. Nat. Hist., N. Y., vol. VIII, Dec.) In a more recent paper (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phil., Oct., 1862) Mr. Gill restores my species to the name under which it was originally described. He says: “This generic name of NOTORHYNCHUS was proposed by Dr. Ayres under a misapprehension.” My “misapprehension” was that I regarded the species as the type of a new genus; a conclusion at which Mr. Gill himself has, after several changes, also arrived. He gives as a synonym of NOTORHYNCHUS only “HEPTANCHUS, Sp. Müller and Henle, Gray, Girard, Gill,” whereas it is necessary to include also “HEPTRANCHIAS, Gill,” as above indicated.

I may remark that the description given by Mr. Gill of the teeth of _Notorhynchus maculatus_, (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phil., Oct., 1862, p. 495) will not bear examination. It represents the individual specimen on which it was founded; but the species is quite common here, and I find that the number and the forms of the teeth vary so much, that my original description, which Mr. Gill says is “equally applicable to any species of the family,” is fully as close as nature will allow us to draw. I am at a loss to understand how it is possible for him to refer the jaws of a shark, collected at a point so far removed from us as Nisqually, to my species, when my description is so extremely indefinite.

Professor Whitney gave an account of an interesting collection of Japanese minerals and fossils, in the possession of J. H. Van Reed, Esq., of this city.

This collection comprises over one thousand specimens of rocks, ores, fossils, and miscellaneous objects of natural history. It is supposed that they are chiefly of Japanese origin; but, as there is among them a fragment of a Dutch tobacco-pipe, carefully labeled, there may be other objects in the collection from foreign countries. The articles are all labeled, in the Japanese language: they are carefully fastened to the cases in which they are arranged, with exquisite Japanese neatness. The small crystals are inclosed in glass receptacles, having nearly the form of two large watch-crystals, attached to each other by the edges.

In the general character of the specimens in this collection, a singular resemblance was noticed to the productions of California, especially in the fossils and silicified woods, of which latter there are a number of beautiful specimens. There are several bivalve shells of pliocene or miocene tertiary age, and some casts of gasteropods, exquisitely formed in chalcedony. A number of sharks’ teeth, of the genus _Lamna_, were also noticed. Among the fossils is a single shell of palæozoic age, a _Spirifer_; it is not impossible, however, that this may have been carried from China to Japan; at all events, a _Spirifer_ from that country resembling this, and of Devonian age, has been described in the Proceedings of the Geological Society of London.

There are quite a number of specimens of copper ore in the collection; they are all of the common yellow sulphuret, (chalcopyrite) except one or two of erubescite. This would indicate that the principal ore of this metal in Japan, as in other countries, is the sulphuret of copper and iron.

Native gold in quartz is also present in the collection; but no ores of silver were noticed, except one specimen of steel-grained galena, which is probably argentiferous. There are several specimens of realgar. Among the other minerals noticed were: calcite, adularia, chalybite, in the form of _flos ferri_, garnets, small crystals of pyroxene, crystals of mica, pectolite, and another zeolitic mineral resembling Thomsonite, as also native sulphur, obsidian, and a variety of volcanic rocks and lavas.

The collection is quite interesting, and would be more so if the labels could be read. The principal inference to be drawn from it, is the predominance of volcanic formations, and of the later tertiary strata, in the region in which this collection was made.

Dr. Ayres called attention to a remarkable turtle, in the possession of Mr. Van Reed, known as the “Sacred Turtle” of the Japanese. It is a species of Emys, closely allied to _E. terrapin_. Its marked peculiarity is, that its back is covered by a growth of _conferva_, which is often several inches long, and which gives the animal its sacred character among the Japanese, who believe this growth to be _hair_. The species is allied to _C. rivularis_; but the cells are more elongated. Dr. Ayres stated that he had observed a growth of _conferva_ on various aquatic and amphibious animals in New England, and that, in these, it was always attended by disease, with more or less ulcerated at the roots. He was satisfied that this was always the case with fishes exhibiting this growth. The turtle in question, however, does not show any evidence of disease.

Dr. Ayres made some further remarks on the similarity of the fishes of Mr. Van Reed’s collection to species found in California.

Mr. Gabb noticed a resemblance in the fossils to those of this State.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 16TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Nine members present.

The attention of the Academy was called to the fact that the names of Dr. W. Newcomb, of Oakland, and of Mr. H. C. Bennett, of Columbia, both Corresponding Members of several years’ standing, had been omitted from the published list.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

Specimen of tree cotton, from near Mazatlan, Mexico; presented by Dr. Trask.

Donations to the Library:

Alternate generation of Annelids, by A. Agassiz. Proceedings of the Boston Natural History Society, vol. IX, sheets 1 and 2. Report of the Trustees of the State Lunatic Asylum for 1862.

Dr. Kellogg read the following paper:

Description of two New Species of Collomia from Nevada Territory.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

COLLOMIA Nutt.

_C. tinctoria_ Kellogg. [FIG. 2.]

Stem erect, slender, one to three inches in height (often so minute as to appear almost stemless) villous and pulvurently viscid glandular throughout. Leaves opposite, lower pair oblong-spatulate obtuse, lamina slightly decurrent down the petioles; those above, lanceolate, petiolate, acute, or acuminate, mucronate, one-nerved, quite entire.

The minute yellow flowers crowded at the summit in pairs, from the axils of the much abbreviated branchlets, short, pedicellate; and with the long, narrowly lanceolate, acuminate, bractoid leaves aggregated into a somewhat dense, subsessile head. Calyx obconic, membranaceously diaphanous at the base; segments green, cup prismatic (or pentangular); also with five prominent processes, or folds, at the clefts, the semi-lanced segments acute, or acuminate, subulate pointed, three-nerved.

The filiform flowers twice the length of the calyx, border spreading, tube contracted below, stamens equal, or sub-equal, inserted into the throat; capsule obovate, emarginate.

A very diminutive species from the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, found by Mr. Herbert C. Dorr. The plant yields a beautiful yellow dye, hence the specific name.

_C. micrantha_ Kellogg. [FIG. 3.]

Plant upright, simple, or branching above; somewhat viscid-pubescent.

Lower leaves opposite, ovate, obtuse, petioles very short; middle cauline leaves ovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, corneously mucronate, sessile or subsessile, three to seven-nerved; upper leaves mostly alternate, all somewhat silky, viscid-pubescent. Flowers pedicellate, axillary and terminal in a condensed, sub-cymose head; calyx lobes sub-equal, linear-lanceolate, often sub-spatulate, acute, corneously mucronate, three-nerved, ciliate, cleft to the middle (membranous between the segments as in _Gillia_).

Flowers filiform, very minute, one-third to one-half longer than the calyx; border blue, throat slightly swelled, stamens included, three long and two short, style simple, stigma undivided, about as long as the tube. Capsule oval, compressed (?), about three-seeded, seeds oblong, cuneate, flattened.

A plant four to six inches in height, found by Mr. G. W. Dunn, in the vicinity of Silver City, Nevada Territory. In one of the specimens the first pair of leaves appears to manifest a serrate tendency.

Dr. Trask stated, that the tree cotton presented by him was said to be the produce of a shrub from four to fifteen feet high. It is described as growing in a pod like a banana, the shrub forming a high chaparral. The staple is long and fine; but nothing is known of its commercial value.

Dr. Behr remarked that it closely resembled species of BOMBAX and ERIODENDRON, abundant in South America and the East Indies, but not there considered as of value as a substitute for cotton.

Dr. Trask made some remarks in regard to certain species of CONFERVA, which appear to be sensitive, like the species of SCHRANKIA.

Prof. Brewer stated that he had recently received a communication from Professor Planchon, of South France, in regard to suitable forage plants for dry regions. In that country the _Medicago sativa_, or Lucerne, was considered the most valuable, and next to it the Sainfoin.

REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, ten members; and Mr. W. S. Moses, by invitation.

Donations to the Library:

Chart of the oscillations of the Sacramento River, by T. M. Logan, M.D. Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, for September, 1862. Journal of the Boston Natural History Society, volume VII, Nos. 2 and 3.

Dr. Kellogg read the following paper:

Description of a New Genus and Species of Plant from Nevada Territory.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

PTEROSTEPHANUS Kellogg.

Involucre obconically-companulate; scales loosely imbricated in about two to three series; the exterior unequal, calyculate, suborbicular, oval, or oblong, obtuse; the inner series (of about eight) sub-equal, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse; scarious margins entire; (a broad, diffusely green line marks the centre). Receptacle naked, alveolate, alveoli, toothed. Achenia (mature wanting), oblong, sub-cuneate, or sub-obovate, somewhat compressed (?), slightly contracted at the crown, smooth, sub-pubescent above, on a short stipe. Pappus double; the exterior coroniform, persistent—a hyaline crateriform cup, with an even but minutely crenulate edge; interior of five (white) plumose, glabrous bristles, gradually dilating towards the base.

Californian herbs, with runcinately, pinnatifid, radical leaves, and numerous naked scapes, bearing solitary, tigulate, yellow flowers; closely allied to _Malacothrix_ and _Calycoseris_, but with a plumose pappus.

_P. runcinatus_ Kellogg. [FIG. 4.]

Acaulescent, several naked scapes, two to four inches high, sub-glabrous, (rarely a few scattering glandular hairs); leaves radical, runcinately pinnatifid, lobes spinulose, frosty, or sub-wooly, pubescent, three to seven-nerved, short petioles winged, dilated at the base; rosulate, from a simple perennial somewhat fusiform root.

Professor Whitney exhibited a new mass of meteoric iron, found near La Paz, on the Colorado River, in New Mexico, by Hermann Ehrenberg, Esq. A description and analysis will be furnished at a future meeting.

REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 20TH, 1863.

Vice President, Dr. Trask, in the Chair.

Present, seven members.

Philip Lutley Sclater, Esq., of London, England, was elected a Corresponding Member.

Donations to the Cabinet:

Three species of Reptiles from San Mateo, and one from Marin County, collected and presented by Mr. Bolander.

Dr. Cooper communicated the following description of a new Californian Mollusc, discovered by Rev. Joseph Rowell, at Marysville, in the waters of Feather River.

GUNDLACHIA Pfeiffer.

_G. Californica_ Rowell. [FIG. 5.]

Shell with the aperture sub-oval, obliquely expanded towards the left, posteriorly ronaded, and wider anteriorly. Internal shelf reaching forward about one-fifth the length of the shell, its margin slightly concave and oblique.

Dorsal surface convex, becoming somewhat keel-shaped towards the apex, which is strongly and obliquely deflected so as to make the right border nearly a straight line, while the expansion on the left projects nearly as far back as the apex, at an obtuse angle. Structure corneous, with strong concentric lines of growth, and faint radiating striæ. Color dark brown, opaque; inner surface shining and purplish, the plate white towards the edge, and in some specimens showing a thickened, white semicircle continuous with its margin across the arch of the shell.

Length about sixteen one-hundredths, breadth eight one-hundredths, and height six one-hundredths of an English inch.

More than fifty specimens were found on water plants in clear stagnant ponds, two or more often sticking on the back of a larger one.

The discovery of this little shell in California is of great interest, the only species hitherto known being found in Cuba. The generic characters of this shell are strictly parallel with that species, while those mentioned as specific easily distinguish it. The Cuban shell is more elongated, regularly oval, the apex projecting considerably beyond the margin of the aperture, which is not obliquely expanded posteriorly. Its size is about one-fifth larger than that of ours. According to Bourguignat, the young shell is a simple obtuse cone, with a semicircular aperture formed by the edge of the shelf, and the thickened dorsal margin; but as it grows, the animal changes the form of the aperture until the opening beneath the shelf becomes like the small end of a broad funnel, which in some of our specimens is still shown by the white semicircular ring.

The shell much resembles that of the marine _Crypta_ (_Crepidula_), and also _Navicella_ of tropical estuaries; but the animal is quite different in the Cuban species, and will undoubtedly prove so in the Californian.

Mr. Hanks mentioned that he had collected about two hundred specimens of minerals for the Academy in Owen’s Lake Valley, and that there were also some bones with them from a well thirty feet deep, presented by Mr. H. M. McCormick; all of which would be forwarded to San Francisco as soon as possible.

REGULAR MEETING, MAY 4TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, eleven members.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

A collection of pine cones, from H. G. Bloomer. A specimen of rock, containing cretaceous fossils, from the vicinity of Fort Tejon (?), by E. T. Schenck. Two specimens of _Monocentris Japonicus_ Cuv. from Dr. Ayres.

Donations to the Library:

Commercial Relations of the United States for the year ending Sept. 30th, 1861, from the Department of the Interior. Classification of the Coleoptera of North America, by John Le Conte, M.D., Part I. Smithsonian Instructions for collecting eggs and nests of North American birds. Smithsonian Directions for collecting, preserving, and transporting specimens of Natural History: the three last-named volumes were presented by Dr. Ayres.

Professor Whitney read the following communication in regard to the progress of the State Geological Survey of California.

The Act of the Legislature authorizing a geological survey of this State was approved April 21st, 1860; but operations were not commenced until about the first of December of that year, consequently the work has been in progress for a little more than two years.

The plan of the survey, according to the requirements of the act by which it was organized, demands “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.” Provision is also made for the collection of specimens in all departments of geology and natural history, which specimens are to be deposited “in such place as shall be hereafter provided for that purpose by the Legislature.”

The following persons have been employed on the survey since it was commenced: Professor W. H. Brewer, as Principal Assistant, and specially in charge of the department of Botany and Agricultural Geology. Professor Brewer, however, up to the present time, has been chiefly engaged in the geological field work of the Survey. Mr. William Ashburner was employed from the commencement of the work, up to the spring of 1862, in the field; and, for a considerable portion of the time, in examining the gold-quartz mines and machinery in the principal mining counties of the Sierra Nevada. Mr. A. Rémond served as volunteer, in the field work, during the season of 1862. Mr. W. M. Gabb took the place of Palæontologist to the Survey at the beginning of the year 1862, which position he still continues to hold. Mr. C. Averill was connected with the Survey from its commencement up to the month of February last, as Clerk, Commissary, and Barometrical Observer. Dr. J. G. Cooper has been in charge of the department of Zoology, and has been employed, at intervals, as the financial condition of the Survey permitted, since July 1st, 1861. In the topographical department, Mr. C. F. Hoffmann has been employed constantly since March, 1861; and Mr. V. Wackenreuder, at intervals, during the past year.

The uncertainty peculiar to all undertakings of this kind in the United States, arising from the necessity of appealing to each successive Legislature for the means of carrying on the work, and the disturbed state of the country during the whole time since we commenced operations, as also the unfortunate condition of the finances of the State, which has kept the treasury from one to two years behind in the payment of the legislative appropriations, have combined to render it difficult to arrange and carry out as systematic a plan for the conduct of the work as would, under more favorable circumstances, have been practicable.

Two ideas have, however, as far as possible, governed the survey in its operations: the first was, to make, as rapidly as could be done, a reconnoissance of the State, with the view of acquiring a knowledge of its general geological structure, the age of the various formations which occur in it, and as complete a general idea as possible of their range and extent, so that a foundation might be laid for the detailed work which would follow the preliminary examination; the second idea was, at the same time that the general examination was going on, to work up in detail certain more important districts, so that the public might have light on questions of economical interest, and at the same time be able to form an idea of what the work might be if ever carried to completion. Besides this, the natural history part of the survey was to be carried on, in connection with the geological work, as rapidly as possible, progress in all departments being necessarily proportioned to the varying amounts of the annual appropriations.

California is covered by a vast net-work of mountain ranges, separated by comparatively narrow valleys, with the exception of those of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, which do not, together, cover more than one-fifteenth of the area of the State. The remaining fourteen-fifteenths may be called mountainous, as the valleys include but a small portion of its surface. Into this mountainous region no accurate surveys have ever been carried; even the General Land Office work stops at the base of the mountains. A few ranch lines have been run among the moderately elevated portions of the Coast Ranges; but, as a general thing, the genuine Mexican grants were limited to the plains.

Without considerable topographical work in connection with the geological survey we should, then, be entirely unable to carry on our geological work with any pretense to accuracy, as we could neither locate our observations nor make our descriptions of the country intelligible. The authority for doing something for the increase of the geographical knowledge of the State is found in the clause of the act authorizing the survey, which requires “proper maps” to accompany the reports.

What has been done, up to the present time, in this department may be briefly recapitulated as follows:

A series of maps, forty-nine in number, has been compiled by Mr. Hoffmann from the original documents at the United States Surveyor-General’s Office; the scale of these is half an inch to the mile. They contain a compilation of nearly all that is known at that office in regard to the geography of the State. The maps, as thus blocked out, have been used by us in the field, by filling in the topography wherever our route has laid.

The maps which have been or are now being prepared for publication are:

1st. A map of the vicinity of the Bay of San Francisco, on a scale of half an inch to the mile, four feet by three; it extends from near Santa Cruz on the south to Napa on the north, and from the Pacific to Corral Hollow, east and west. The area of land which it covers is 4,248 square miles, which is just twice that of the State of Delaware, and only lacks two hundred square miles of equaling that of Connecticut. As near as can be ascertained, it contains one-third of the population of the State, and has about thirty inhabitants to the square mile—the average density of the population of California being but little over two to the square mile. This map, on which all the details of the topography are given, as minutely as the scale allows, is nearly completed, and will be soon ready for the engraver.

2d. A detailed map, on a scale of two inches to the mile, of the vicinity of Mount Diablo; this is about two and one-half by three feet in dimensions, and includes the most important coal mining district yet known to exist in the State. The map can be made ready for the engraver in a few days.

3d. A map of the Coast Ranges, from the Bay of Monterey south to Santa Barbara. It is about three feet by two and one-half in dimensions, is on a scale of six miles to the inch, and embraces about 16,000 square miles of territory. To complete it will require about another year’s work in the field with two sub-parties.

4th. Map of the Washoe silver-mining region—three and one-half by two and one-half feet in dimensions, on a scale of two inches to the mile—and extending over all the important mining ground of the district. This map is from an accurate trigonometrical survey by V. Wackenreuder; it is nearly completed.

5th. Map of the Comstock Lode, on a scale of four hundred feet to the inch, completed.

6th. Map of the central portion of the Sierra Nevada; scale not yet determined on. Extensive surveys have been made by Mr. Wackenreuder for this part of the work, and these will be continued during the present season.

Of the above mentioned maps, Nos. 1 and 2 will accompany the first volume of the Report. Nos. 4, 5, and probably 6, the second volume.

It is intended, if the survey is carried to completion, to construct a final map of the State on a scale of six miles to the inch, in nine sheets, each about three feet square.

In addition to the regular topographical work, an extensive series of barometrical observation has been made, for the determination of altitudes, some two hundred and fifty important points having been ascended and measured. The most interesting operation in this department was the determination of the height of Mount Shasta, which, by an elaborate series of observations, we found to be 14,440 feet above the sea level. This is the first of the lofty volcanic peaks of the Sierra Nevada which has been accurately measured.

In the department of geology proper, our explorations have extended over portions of forty of the forty-six counties into which the State is divided; and when it is remembered that the average size of a county is equal to half that of the State of Massachusetts, (California having just twenty-four times the area of that State,) some idea of the magnitude of our work may be obtained. The chain of the Sierra Nevada may be parallelized with that of the Alps for extent and average elevation; while the Coast Ranges are nearly as extensive as the Appalachian chain of mountains.

We have obtained a pretty clear idea of the general structure of the Coast Ranges from Los Angeles to Clear Lake; the vicinity of the Bay of San Francisco has been worked out in considerable detail, including all of San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin Counties, with portions of Santa Cruz, Solano, Napa, and Sonoma. Considerable field-work has been done in the Sierra Nevada, chiefly in the lower portion of the range between Mariposa and Shasta Counties. Our observations have also been extended to the Washoe Region, and we have received considerable collections of fossils from the Humboldt Mining District, (known by this name on the Pacific Coast, but designated on Warren’s Map as the “West Humboldt River Range,” and in longitude 180°) by which we have been able to fix the age of the formations in that region.

Mr. Gabb has been chiefly occupied, the past year, in figuring and describing the cretaceous fossils of the Coast Ranges and the foot-hills of the Sierra, of which he has nearly two hundred new species ready for publication. He has also described the triassic fossils, collected by the Survey at Washoe, and by Gorham Blake, Esq., in the Humboldt Range. The fossils older than the Trias have been referred to Mr. Meek for investigation. A portion of the fossil plants have been placed in the hands of Dr. J. S. Newberry for description.

It is to the department of General Geology that, up to the present time, by far the greater portion of our attention has been given, since the first thing required in a geological survey is a knowledge of the general geological structure of the State, the age of the various formations which occur in it, and their range and extent, or the position which they occupy on the surface, and their relations to each other. Each group of strata, thus determined by its lithological peculiarities, and by the fossils which it contains, is then to be laid down upon the map, in the position in which its outcrop occupies on the surface. The general character of the minerals and ores which occur in each formation or group of strata having been thus determined, the details of their mode of occurrence, their relative abundance, and the facilities which may exist in each separate district for making them economically available must, after the preliminary general work has been done, be the object of more special and detailed examinations. It is not, however, the business of a geological surveying corps to act, to any considerable extent, as a prospecting party; to do this, would require that we should confine our operations to a very limited area; the labors of the whole corps for an entire season would not suffice to thoroughly prospect more than a few hundred square miles in a very rich mineral region, and we should have often to engage in expensive mining operations to decide what was really of permanent value. It is our task, rather, to limit the field of research, and to show to others where their labors will be best bestowed, preventing foolish expenditures of time and money in searching for what our general geological investigations have determined not to exist in sufficient quantity, in certain formations, to be worth working. Especially in the first years of our work, in a State of such an immense area as California, our labors have more the character of a geological reconnoissance than of a detailed survey.

Already, however, during the progress of our work, a large amount of information has been collected in regard to the mode of occurrence and abundance of the useful ores and minerals of this State and the adjoining Territories. The principal deposits of coal have been carefully examined, and their geological position ascertained. Most of the important quartz mines of the State have been visited by Mr. Ashburner, and a large amount of information has been collected by him, preparatory to an elaborate investigation and report on this important branch of the industry of the Pacific Coast. Considerable work has been done, preliminary to a full report on the geology, mineralogy, and metallurgy of the Washoe region.

In the department of botany and agricultural geology, the work has thus far been chiefly confined to collecting the plants of the State.

Extensive duplicate suites have been preserved both for study and exchange, the specimens now collected amounting to not less than twelve thousand or fifteen thousand in number, and embracing probably half of all the species described from the State, besides many new and undescribed ones. The collections have been made by Professor Brewer while engaged in geological explorations, at a very trifling expenditure of time and money.

In the department of Agriculture proper, less has been done, owing to limited means. Partial preparation was made for investigating the subject of grape culture, and the production of wines; but discontinued from the same cause. Especial attention has been paid to our native forage plants, to aid in devising some means of arresting the rapid decrease of forage in this State, and correspondence entered into to obtain all possible information on this subject from other regions whose climates are similar to our own.

In the zoölogical department—in charge of Dr. J. G. Cooper, who has been employed about half the time since the Survey was commenced—the annexed table gives a succinct idea of what had been accomplished, up to the close of the year 1862, in the way of collecting.

f========+================================================= |Number of species in the collection. | +------------------------------------------- | |Of which there are new to California. | | +------------------------------------- | | |Believed to be new, or undescribed. | | | +----------------------------- Class. | | | |Other Californian species | | | |not yet collected. | | | | +----------------------- | | | | |Total number credited | | | | |to California. | | | | | +----------------- | | | | | |Of which there | | | | | |are found east | | | | | |the Mississippi. ---------+-----+-----+-------+-----+-----+----------------- Mammalia | 32 | 10 | 3 | 45 | 77 | 14 Birds | 170 | 28 | 4(?)| 150 | 320 | 141 Reptiles | 36 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 45 | 0 Fishes | 58 | 16 | 16 | 75 | 133 | 0 Mollusca | 335 | 123 | 123 | 65 | 400 | 0(?) ---------+-----+-----+-------+-----+-----+-----------------

Of Articulata and Radiata no statistics can be given for want of works especially devoted to the California species.

From this it appears that, notwithstanding the large collections made by Government expeditions and by individuals, during the last ten years, which have been elaborately described in the Pacific Railroad and Mexican Boundary Reports, the Smithsonian publications, and various other works, we have been able to add materially to the known Fauna of California, and of the country at large, even among the highest and best known classes.

Arrangements have been made for having the collections in natural history referred to the highest authorities in each branch, and portions of our materials have already been placed at the disposition of eminent men in Europe and the United States for examination and description.

Deferring the fitting up of a laboratory, and the engaging of a special assistant in the chemical department, until a suitable permanent place could be provided in the State Museum building, Mr. Ashburner went East in the spring of 1862 and commenced the examination of some of the ores and minerals of the State in the laboratory of the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College, under the direction of Professor Brush, who has charge of the metallurgical department of that institution. The reduction of the appropriation to fifteen thousand (15,000) dollars for the year, made it necessary to suspend this work soon after it was commenced, in order that the whole force of the Survey might be concentrated on the field operations.

A small sum has been allowed to Mr. F. H. Storer, of Boston, for a chemical investigation of the bituminous substances found in different parts of the State. His researches will probably be embodied in the first or second volume of the annual reports. Qualitative examinations, as well as a few quantitative ones, have been made at the office of the Survey, of specimens which have been collected. A considerable number of coals have been analyzed. Information in regard to ores and minerals has been given to a large number of persons who have applied for the same by letter or otherwise, as will always be done when practicable.

If the survey is continued, it will be necessary to fit up a complete laboratory, in which the important questions constantly arising, both in regard to the composition and metallurgic treatment of our ores, may be carefully and systematically investigated.

No provision has yet been made by the Legislature for the arrangement and exhibition of the collections made by the Survey. These are already quite extensive, embracing many thousand specimens of rocks, fossils, minerals, ores, all of which are of importance in illustrating the Natural History, the geological structure and the mineral resources of the State. Such as have not been required for study remain packed in boxes, and are stored at the office of the Survey in Montgomery Block, San Francisco.

Of course it is highly desirable that a permanent, fire-proof building should be provided for the State collections, the proper disposition of which is a subject of great interest, not only as connected with the welfare and progress of the survey, but as influencing the educational and material progress of the State.

The only official step thus far taken in this matter is the appointment, by the last Legislature, of the State Geologist, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the State Surveyor-General as a Board of Commissioners “to report to the Legislature, on or before the second Monday of December, 1863, upon the feasibility of establishing a State University, embracing an Agricultural College, a School of Mines, and a Museum, _including the geological collections of the State_.”

A considerable number of specimens, some of them of value, have been already given to the State by individuals; and there can be no doubt that many interesting and valuable articles would be contributed, provided it were demonstrated that they would be properly exhibited, and well taken care of. It is believed, that when the State Museum is once established, and a suitable building provided, the value and importance of it to the people will soon be made so clear, that it will be sustained and fostered by the Legislature.

By the terms of the Act of the Legislature authorizing a Geological Survey of the State of California, it was made the duty of the State Geologist to present to the Governor, to be laid before the Legislature, as near as may be to the beginning of each session, a “Report of Progress,” in which the operations of the Survey during the preceding year should be set forth, and its more important practical results made public. He is also required to communicate an account of the expenditures, and to furnish estimates for the continuance of the Survey.

By an Act of the Legislature of 1862, however, the State Geologist was authorized to combine his first and second annual reports into one volume, to be printed during the winter of 1862 and 1863, and an appropriation of $3,000 was made to pay the expenses of printing, engraving, etc., while the size, form, and style of the report, and the place of printing, were left to the discretion of the State Geologist, under the advice and with the approval of the Governor.

According to this, there is a report now due the State; but, as no part of the appropriation of last year for the continuance of the Survey has been yet received, or is likely to be, for months to come, and as the appropriation for printing is in the same condition, the work has been necessarily delayed. As it is presumed that the amount due the Survey from last year will be available some time next winter, it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in issuing the first volume; and, if the Legislature takes the necessary steps early in the session, two, or perhaps three, volumes can be published in 1864. It is intended that they shall be of royal octavo size, in the best style of typography, and illustrated with maps, sections, plates of fossils, etc. The maps will be engraved on copper and printed from transfers, in order the original plates may be preserved, to be used, after necessary corrections and revisions, in the final report, or otherwise, as may be found desirable. The maps will be sold separately, with or without the geological coloring, as desired. The first volume will be chiefly devoted to the geology of the Coast Ranges; the second to that of the Sierra Nevada and the mining districts of the eastern slope. If my plans are not thwarted by the Legislature, both these volumes will be issued together next year, and will form a “Report of a Geological Reconnoissance of the State of California.” By the law, as it now stands, the publications of the Survey are required to be copy-righted, and sold for the benefit of the Common School Fund; hence, it has been impossible to communicate to the public, from time to time, through the medium of the Academy’s publications, the results which have been obtained. It is proper to say, in this connection, that the extent of territory to be examined, the complexity of the phenomena, and the bearing which our investigations will have on important questions of economical interest, make it eminently proper that there should not be an undue haste exhibited, on the part of the Survey, to place its results before the world. We can only hope to influence the mining public, in this State, by degrees; and it is necessary, first of all, that it should be made clearly to appear, with the lapse of time, that our statements are to be relied on as closely approximating to the truth.

Professor Whitney communicated the following letter from Professor Brush, giving the results of a chemical investigation of the meteoric iron presented to the city of San Francisco, by General Carleton:

SHEFFIELD LABORATORY OF YALE COLLEGE, NEW HAVEN, March 30th, 1863.

_Professor J. D. Whitney, State Geologist, San Francisco, Cal._

DEAR SIR:—I have examined the specimen of meteoric iron from Tucson, which you sent me for analysis, and herewith communicate to you my results.

The density of the mass is 7.29. When a fragment of it is placed in a solution of neutral sulphate of copper, it quickly becomes coated with metallic copper, proving the iron to be “active.” An inspection of the specimen with a lens showed it to be dotted with little cavities, which on the fresh fracture were lined with a white silicious mineral, giving the surface a porphyritic, or pseudo-porphyritic, appearance.

When a fragment was attacked with an acid, a portion of the iron was dissolved, leaving the silicious mineral projecting from the surface of the specimen; and with a magnifier, black particles of Schreibersite could be seen. After complete solution of the iron, a careful microscopic examination was made of the insoluble residue. With a magnifying power of 25 diameters, it appeared to consist chiefly of two substances: one a milk-white to transparent mineral, having a fused, rounded surface, occurring in little globules, or elongated, rounded particles; while the other constituent was black and angular, and attractable by the magnet. The first named substance, when observed with a magnifying power of 100 diameters, proved to contain minute specks of the black mineral disseminated through it; some of the silicious fragments were translucent and of a milk-white color, and others colorless and transparent; a large number, however, were transparent at one end, shading into milk-white at the other, thus seeming to indicate that the transparent and translucent portions were not two distinct minerals. A blowpipe examination of the silicious mineral showed it to have characters very much resembling _olivine_. The black mineral proved to be _Schreibersite_. A minute trace of chromium was also observed in the insoluble residue.

The qualitative analysis of the portion soluble in nitric acid indicated the presence of iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, phosphorus, lime, and magnesia with unweighable traces of chlorine, sulphur, and alumina. For the quantitative examination of the meteorite a fragment weighing 4.3767 grammes was treated with nitro-chlorohydric acid (aqua regia), and after solution of the iron the whole was evaporated; on approaching dryness, gelatinous silica separated, showing that the silicate had been partially, at least, decomposed by the acid. After heating until the silica was rendered insoluble, it was repeatedly treated with acid and evaporated, so as to insure the oxydation of all the Schreibersite, and finally the soluble part was taken up with chlorohydric acid, and on dilution separated by filtration from the silica and insoluble residue.

The filtrate, or _soluble_ part, was accurately measured and divided into four portions for analysis—two portions were used for the determination of the iron, nickel, cobalt, phosphorus, and alkaline earths; a third portion was employed to estimate the copper, and the fourth portion was reserved to answer in case of accident.

Two methods were used for the separation of the iron from the nickel and cobalt—one by precipitation of the iron as basic acetate, and the other by precipitation with carbonate of baryta in the presence of an excess of chloride of ammonium; but in neither case was the separation perfected on the first precipitation, and traces of nickel remained with the iron even after the second precipitation. The nickel and cobalt were separated by means of nitrite of potash, and the cobalt was subsequently converted into sulphate and as such weighed. The lime and magnesia were separated by oxalate of ammonia, care being taken to redissolve and reprecipitate the lime to insure its being free from traces of magnesia. On spectroscopic examination of the precipitate, it proved to be lime, free from other alkaline earths.

The precipitate of iron, after being weighed, was fused with carbonate of soda; the product of the fusion was dissolved in chlorohydric acid, and the phosphoric acid precipitated with molybdate of ammonia. This phospho-molybdic precipitate was dissolved in ammonia to free it from possible traces of silica and other impurities, and the phosphoric acid precipitated from this solution by an ammoniacal mixture of sulphate of magnesia and chloride of ammonium.

The copper was precipitated as sulphide by sulphuretted hydrogen gas, redissolved in nitric acid, and determined as oxyd.

The _insoluble residue_, containing free silica and undecomposed silicate, was perfectly white, and free from all traces of Schreibersite. It weighed 0.1855 grm. equal to 4.24 per cent. of the specimen analyzed. It was fused with carbonate of soda, and the silica and bases determined in the usual manner. It contained 0.159 grm. silica; 0.0054 protoxyd of iron, with a minute trace of alumina; 0.0028 lime, and 0.0168 magnesia.

The soluble and insoluble portions gave in the analysis the following per centage composition:

Considering the silica to exist as olivine.

Iron 81.56 79.44 Nickel 9.17 9.17 Cobalt 0.44 0.44 Copper 0.08 0.08 Phosphorus 0.49 0.49 Silica 3.63 } Combined with 2.73 } Protoxyd of Iron with } Protoxyd of Iron, } 10.07 trace of Alumina 0.12 } making Olivine } Lime 1.16 } Magnesia 2.43 } Chlorine, } Sulphur, } minute traces traces Chromium, } ----- ----- 99.08 99.69

If the silica found in this analysis be considered to exist in combination with lime, magnesia, and iron, in the proportions to form olivine, it will be necessary to deduct 2.12 per cent. from the amount of metallic iron (equal to 2.73 per cent. of protoxyd of iron), in order to give the silicate the olivine formula, (3 R O, Si O₃). Admitting this to be the correct view, the mass analyzed contains 10.07 per cent. of olivine, and by the addition of the oxygen of the protoxyd of iron the analysis adds up 99.69 instead of 99.08.

The variable composition of Schreibersite in different specimens of meteoric iron, and the peculiar character of the insoluble residue of this meteorite, together with the small amount of material in my possession, rendered it impracticable to determine the exact amount of this substance contained in the specimen.

The composition of this meteorite corresponds very closely with another meteoric-iron from Tucson, discovered by Mr. Bartlett, and described by Prof. J. Lawrence Smith, in the _American Journal of Science_, vol. XIX, page 161. Dr. Smith’s analysis gives Iron 85.54, Nickel 8.55, Cobalt 0.61, Copper 0.03, Phosphorus 0.12, Chromic-oxyd 0.21, Magnesia 2.04, Silica 3.02, Alumina, trace = 100.18. He considers it to correspond to Nickeliferous Iron 93.81, Chrome Iron 0.41, Schreibersite 0.84, Olivine 5.06 = 100.18. By an evident inadvertence Dr. Smith adds the magnesia and silica together, and gives the sum as olivine; these substances are obviously not in the proportions to form the silicate 3 R O, Si O₃, and if we consider the silicate to be olivine, we must reckon the excess of silica as combined with protoxyd of iron. To do this, we must deduct 2.78 from the amount of metallic iron (equal to 2.58 protoxyd of iron), necessary to be combined with the silica and magnesia to give the olivine formula. The amount of olivine contained in the Bartlett meteoric-iron will then be 8.64 per cent. Thus the two masses of iron will be seen to agree very nearly in composition, the only trifling difference being, that Dr. Smith has determined quantitatively the small amount of chromium contained in the Bartlett meteorite, while I have found a little lime and traces of sulphur and chlorine in the specimen you sent to me. The specific gravity I have stated to be 7.39; this was taken on about 12.5 grammes of the iron, and probably is somewhat higher than the portion which I analyzed, as the two surfaces of the larger mass had been rubbed down, and as thus a considerable portion of the exposed silicate would be mechanically removed, it would make the density correspondingly higher.

I regret that I had not more of this interesting meteorite at my command, in order to have determined more definitely and satisfactorily the character of the insoluble residue. I shall be glad to make a further investigation of this point if you will supply me with more material.

Very respectfully yours,

GEO. J. BRUSH.

After reading the above letter, Professor Whitney added some remarks on the form and locality of the meteoric iron analyzed by Professor Brush, stating the circumstances under which it came in possession of the city of San Francisco.

On the twenty-fourth of November, 1862, the Board of Supervisors of this city received, through Mayor Teschemacher, a letter from General George Wright, commanding the Department of the Pacific, stating that he had received a mass of meteoric iron from General Carleton, commanding the “Column from California,” and which mass he, in accordance with General Carleton’s request, placed at the disposal of the city authorities.

General Carleton’s letter is here appended:

HEAD QUARTERS COLUMN FROM CALIFORNIA, Tucson, Arizona, June 30th, 1862.

_TO GENERAL GEORGE WRIGHT, U. S. Army, Commander Dep. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal._

MY DEAR GENERAL:—Soon after my arrival at this place I sent by a train to Fort Yuma, to be shipped to your address at San Francisco, a very large and beautiful AEROLITE, which I found here and which I had heard and read of for many years. In _Bartlett’s Explorations_, vol. 2, page 297, it is described as follows: “In the afternoon,” July 18th, 1853, “I called to take leave of General Blanco, and at the same time examine a remarkable _meteorite_, which is used for an anvil in a blacksmith’s shop. This mass resembles native iron, and weighs about six hundred pounds. Its greatest length is five feet. Its exterior is quite smooth, while the lower part which projects from the larger leg is very jagged and rough. It was found about twenty miles distant on the road towards Tubac and about eight miles from the road.”

I desire that you present this aerolite to the City of San Francisco, to be placed upon the PLAZA, there to remain for the inspection of the people and for examination by the youth of the city forever. It will be a durable memento of the march of the _Column from California_.

I am, General, sincerely and respectfully,

Your friend and servant,

JAMES H. CARLETON, _Brigadier General U. S. A._

Soon after this mass of meteoric iron came into the possession of the city, I obtained permission from the Board of Supervisors to have sawn from it a small piece for analysis and for distribution to a few of the principal public institutions in this country and Europe having collections of aerolites; this has been done, and also a fine photograph of it taken by Mr. C. E. Watkins, of which copies will be forwarded, with the specimens of the mass itself, as convenient opportunity offers.

The piece intended for analytical examination was sent to Professor Brush of Yale College, and a letter has just been received from him giving the results, which will be found in the preceding pages, and which may appropriately be followed by a few remarks on the size and general appearance of the mass, with such other facts in regard to it as may be of general interest.

The weight of the mass of which the analysis is given above was six hundred and thirty-two pounds, when it arrived in this city, and about two pounds have been since cut from it.

Its shape is irregular, but in general it is that of a flattened elongated slab, having a length of four feet one inch and an average breadth of about eighteen inches; its thickness is irregular, varying from two to five inches. It has evidently been long used as an anvil, having been partly buried in the ground in an upright position, having a flat face of about four inches square on the top, with two holes drilled in the projecting edge for adding to the convenience of its use as a blacksmith’s anvil.

The mass is now placed in the Mayor’s office, it having been deemed inadvisable to expose it on the Plaza, as desired by the donor, on account of its liability to rust in the damp atmosphere of San Francisco, and the difficulty of securing it from injury by careless or mischievous handling.

Professor Brush remarks that “the composition of this meteorite corresponds very closely with that of _another_ meteoric iron from Tucson” discovered by Mr. Bartlett and analyzed by Professor J. Lawrence Smith. A comparison of the analyses of Professors Brush and Smith and a reference to Mr. Bartlett’s work seem to render it highly probable, to say the least, that the two analyses were of pieces cut from the same mass.

In this connection I will add to General Carleton’s quotation from Mr. Bartlett’s book a few lines which complete what is said in regard to the meteorites seen by him at Tucson. Mr. Bartlett adds, after stating that the mass was found about twenty miles distant towards Tubac and about eight miles from the road, “where we were told are many larger masses. The annexed drawing gives the appearance of this singular mass. There is another large mass within the garrison grounds, of which I did not take a sketch. With much labor Dr. Webb broke off a fragment of this meteorite, for the purpose of analysis.”

The wood cut which Mr. Bartlett gives of the meteoric iron, which he notices as having been used as an anvil, shows at once, as does also the description, that, contrary to General Carleton’s idea, this mass and the one which is now in San Francisco, are not the same. The mass figured by Mr. Bartlett is of a very peculiar shape, well adapting it to use as a common blacksmith’s anvil, as it has a broad, flat top, and is supported by two legs.

In the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is reasonable to suppose that the mass forwarded by General Carleton is the one spoken of by Mr. Bartlett as “another larger mass,” and of which no drawing was made; while, on the other hand, a piece was taken for analysis. This piece is almost certainly the one analyzed by Dr. Smith, and hence the close agreement in the two analyses—this chemist, however, not having apparently made so complete a separation of the nickel as Prof. Brush has done. Still it is possible, of course, that different portions of the mass may differ slightly in composition.

Dr. Blake read the following paper:

Infusoria from the Moving Sands in the Neighborhood of San Francisco.

BY JAMES BLAKE, M.D., F.R.C.S.

The infusoria to which I would call the attention of the Society, were collected from the sands in the neighborhood of Point Lobos. These sands form a moving surface, which in dry weather is drifted by the prevailing winds from the shore of the ocean landwards, and are entirely devoid of any signs of vegetation for some distance from the shore. On walking over these sands when a strong north-west wind was blowing, a wind that does not bring up any fresh sand from the ocean beach at that part of the sand field, I noticed a number of small sized bodies projecting above the surface of the sand as it was being carried onwards by the wind. A closer examination showed that these bodies were formed of particles of sand, agglutinated together by some substance which rendered them almost black, and where dried possessing considerable tenacity. Some of these bodies projected as much as an inch and a half above the surface of the sand, with which however they all remained connected, forming generally small ridges. On examining a portion of this agglutinated sand under the microscope, the water with which I had moistened it was found to be full of infusoria, which commenced moving about as soon as the sand was moistened, although it had been quite dry for some days before being examined. These infusoria probably belong to the genus Monas, but they are so extremely minute that it was impossible to resolve them; they were, in fact, the smallest living infusoria I had ever examined. With a quarter-inch object glass of Powell and Lelands, they appeared as small globular moving bodies, although occasionally a movement would present one of them with apparently a narrow edge. Nothing much more definite could be made out with the microscope of my friend, Dr. Trask, when using an eighth object glass of Smith and Beck, as they could not be resolved into any form sufficiently definite to classify them. They appeared mostly as globular bodies moving about slowly, and presenting sometimes a longer axis, one end being larger than the other, and offering the appearance as if there was a semi-transparent mass attached to the larger end. The size was estimated at from a fifteenth to the twenty-thousandth of an inch. After a careful examination I was unable to detect any vegetable or organic nucleus which might have served as a nidus for these masses of infusoria. They would seem to become developed in the pure sand, or at least in the sand as it was blown up from the beach, after the salt had been washed out of it by the rain. [I would remark that it had been raining some days before I collected them.] Subsequent researches have shown that these infusoria are very generally diffused through the sands that form our drifting sand-hills around the city; and on examining some sand taken at a depth of fourteen feet from the surface, where the hills were being cut through, I found it full of well developed infusoria on placing it under the microscope a few minutes after it had been collected, so that there can be no doubt but that these infusoria were present in the sand at the time it was collected, where they had probably been in a torpid state for ages. It is possible that they might have been carried there by the infiltrating water during the rains; but I am inclined to think that they had been torpid there, as the circumstances in which they were placed were not favorable for propagation except by fission, a process that cannot be carried on indefinitely, even in these lower organisms. In fact, these infusoria, taken from the deep sands, copulated most extensively the moment they were placed in water. I am not aware that analogous observations have been made as to the office of these lower infusoria in fixing the moving sands, and thus initiating that series of changes by which they eventually become clothed with verdure; the first germs of organic life being generally supposed to be established by the lower vegetable organisms.

Dr. Kellogg presented the following paper:

Description of Two New Species of Plants.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

CONYZA Less.

_C. salicena_ Kellogg. [FIG. 6.]

Stem fruticose, erect, three to four feet in height; branches subglabrous or slightly puberulent, angular; leaves lanceolate, short petiolate, cuneate, base entire, triplinerved, apex acute with few remote teeth on the upper third, lamina fleshy, varnished, subglabrous, minute glands scattering, slightly puberulent chiefly beneath (two to three inches in length, about half an inch in breadth), panicle subcorymbose; heads pedicellate, mostly subtended by linear nerved bracts; involucral scales ovate-oblong, sub-acute, scarious, margins irregularly cut-toothed or somewhat erose, cut-ciliate; achenia pubescent; pappus equal, white, scabrous; florets, teeth villous on the tips and back, tube short; anthers not caudate; receptacle convex, naked, punctate.

This plant is closely allied to the South American _C. triplinerva_, but differs in the shrubby character of the stem—the leaves also are not “ovate-lanceolate,” but lanceolate, and somewhat glandular, and like the branches puberulent—the heads are subtended by bracts, the involucral scales are not “linear lanceolate,” but ovate-oblong and sub-acute, etc. The white pappus is not short, but equal if not longer than the florets—the achenia are not “glabrous,” etc. Found at Clayton, Contra Costa County.

COLLINSIA Nutt.

_C. divaricata_ Kellogg. [FIG. 7.]

Stem erect, divaricately branching, one to three inches high, pubescent, interspersed with a few short glandular hairs. Cotyledons oval or oblong obtuse, entire, petioles as long as the lamina; middle cauline leaves on shorter petioles, ciliate at the base or subsessile, ovate or oblong sub-acute, entire at the base, coarsely three to five-toothed, nerves obsolete, all pubescent above, glabrous below; superior pairs, sessile, lanceolate, acute, entire.

Flowers small, axillary, and solitary on long divaricate ascending peduncles, articulated at the base by a swelled joint, purplish pink alike throughout, twice the length of the calyx, upper lobes broadest, margins crenulate, saccate base of the tube much compressed above, glabrous within, throat constricted, the external expansion purple spotted above, filaments hirsute, stigma minutely bilobed. The obconical expanding calyx narrowed and slightly depressed above at the base, and correspondingly swelled below, segments ovate acute, fleshy, glabrous; margins minutely ciliate, somewhat unequal, or three larger and two smaller; capsule globose, pink and purple spotted above, seeded. Flowering in March and April.

This very minute species—often barely an inch or more in height—had hitherto escaped our observation, until little friend George Bloomer discovered it, while on a trip with us to the hills in this vicinity. The whole plant at length often assumes a scarlet or purplish hue. It certainly is not the _C. violacea_ of D. C. and appears quite as distinct as any species known to us.

Mr. Bolander made some remarks on the peculiar growth of _Carex decidua_, in Marin County, not on the borders of the creeks, but in the middle of them. He also spoke of _Hierochloa fragrans_ R. S., as a remarkably fragrant plant, and as furnishing beautiful grass for lawns.

REGULAR MEETING, MAY 18TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Nine members present.

Messrs. W. S. Sullivant, and Leo Lesquereux, of Columbus, Ohio, were elected Corresponding Members, and Rev. T. Starr King a Resident Member.

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows:

Specimens of copper ore from the Mammoth Lode, Del Norte County, by Dr. Trask.

REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 1ST, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Ten members present, and Dr. Hillebrand, of Honolulu, by invitation.

Dr. Kellogg presented the following paper:

Description of a New Species of Hosackia.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

HOSACKIA Dougl.

_H. argentea_ Kellogg. [FIG. 8.]

Appressed satiny pubescent throughout, prostrate, much branching from a perennial crown.

Leaves short, very densely set or crowded along the lower stem, leaflets three, very small, rounded, and scarcely mucronate; the upper leaves larger, leaflets four (only one of the lower pair developed), obovate obtuse, very abruptly mucronate-acute; stipules red, minute and gland-like, glabrous. Peduncles twice the length of the leaves; umbels six to ten-flowered, bract of a single sessile obovate leaf (a few separate pink glands or embryoid stipules often present).

Flowers orange yellow throughout; keel obtuse, wings and banner equal; teeth of the calyx about one-third its length, acuminate, embryo legume terete, appressed pubescent, two-seeded; mature fruit unknown.

From Kern River, pendent from rocky cliffs. The Society is indebted to Mrs. Hutchings for this new and very beautiful species.

Dr. Ayres presented a paper by Dr. T. M. Logan, of Sacramento, on the Physics, Hygiene, and Thermology of the Sacramento River, which was read and referred to the Publishing Committee.

REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 15TH, 1863.

Dr. Ayres in the Chair.

Six members present.

Donations to the Cabinet:

Insects from seeds imported from Germany, by Mr. Bevans; plants from Sonoma, by Dr. Behr.

Donations to the Library:

Annual Report of the Trustees of the Museum of Comparative Zoology for 1862. American Journal of Science for May, 1863, from the Editor.

Dr. Kellogg read the following paper:

Description of a New Species of Mentzelia.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

MENTZELIA L.

_M. pectinata_ Kellogg. [FIG. 9.]

Rough, with a white minutely-barbed pubescence throughout; stem four to six inches high; simple, or slightly branched at the summit; greenish, or a little blanched at the base; leaves pinnatifid, lower petiolate, the upper sessile, three-nerved; flowers of a shining golden color, with a lustrous metallic hue, shading from a deep, vivid orange to a burnt carmine center; stamens very numerous, all filiform, scarcely half the length of the petals; anthers white; style longer, spirally twisted above at the divisible portion; petals five, spreading, obcordate or obovate cuneate at the base. Flowers from three-fourths to one inch in diameter, clustered at the summit by the short branches; short pedicellate (the uppermost often sessile or sub-sessile); two or three linear-subulate bracts above the pedicel at the base of the capsule; capsule thickened upwards from a sharp base; calyx segments lance-subulate acute.

Root ligneous.

Found by Mrs. Hutchings on the mountains above Visalia.

REGULAR MEETING, JULY 6TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Twelve members present.

Professor George Thurber, of New York City, and F. W. Putnam, Esq., of Cambridge, Mass., were elected Corresponding Members.

Donations to the Library were received as follows:

Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia for October-December, 1862. Transactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis, Vol. II, No. 1. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, Mass. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, Vol. IX, Signatures 11 and 12.

Dr. Kellogg read the following paper:

Description of Three New Plants.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

LINUM L.

_L. trisepalum_ Kellogg. [FIG. 10.]

Stem suffruticose; base flexuous, smooth, cinnamon brown, numerously branched above; branches green, slender, erect, subsimple, stellate pubescent from minute scabrous elevations, and also simply short pubescent; plant sub-triangular throughout. Leaves erect, sub-appressed, small, linear, obtuse, slightly narrowed at the base into a very short petiole, alternate. Flowers small, yellow, in sub-terminal racemoid panicles; pedicels as long, or twice the length of the flowers; calyx bi-bracteate (appendaged?); bracts minute (about half the length of the sepals), linear, foliaceous (rudimentary sepals); proper sepals three, nerveless, ovate, acute (or sub-acute), imbricated margins glabrous, as long as the capsule. Petals obovate, sub-cuneate, scarcely twice the length of the sepals; stamens ten (yellow), shorter than the calyx; styles one, short; stigmas three, or united the entire length; capsule spheroid obtuse, sub-triangular, three-valved, each valve two-seeded, false dissepiment incomplete.

A small shrubby species, six inches to [Transcriber’s Note: the second measurement was omitted] in height, found by Mr. Bolander on the White Hills back of Oakland.

P.S.—From the ripe fruit since obtained, the capsule is more ovate; separating invariably into three valves, only two to three ovules attaining to maturity; the seeds black, sub-compressed ovate, plano-convex or with two plain sides, the third convex, surface rough.

_L. decurrens_ Kellogg. [FIG. 11.]

Stem annual, smooth, somewhat erect, sparingly branched, four to six inches of their summits racemed (the simple branches but slightly diverging from a vertical direction) much decurrent, from one to two feet in height. Leaves alternate, narrowly lanceolate, one-nerved, sharply acuminate (the lower-most leaves unknown). Flowers secund, large purplish blue, unilateral on long much decurrent pedicels, expansion of the pedicel above the articulation at the base of the calyx quadrangular; sepals five, ovate-oblong acute, margins scarious, seven-nerved, rather more than half the length of the capsule. Petals obovate, cuneate, claw short emarginate or crenate at the apex, marked by about five deeper blue veins. Styles five, free to the base, stigmas capitate. Stamens five, short; anthers oblong, white. Capsule ovate, very abruptly short pointed, completely ten-celled. Seeds oblong, hilum slightly narrowed.

Found by Mrs. Thayer on the head waters of Feather River.

SILENE L.

_S. Dorrii_ Kellogg. [FIG. 12.]

Stem simple or dichotomous above, minutely velvety glandular pubescent throughout, upper and cauline leaves lanceolate, acute or acuminate, sessile or sub-sessile, opposite, erect, slightly cilliate at base (radical leaves unknown). Flowers white, very small, sub-solitary on long peduncles; calyx tubular-campanulate, at length inflated, teeth short, acute (tipped with purple), tube ten-nerved; petals not crowned, minute border sub-two-lobed, lamina expanded, claws long and very slender; stamens ten, longer, at length shorter, filaments glabrous, anthers sagittate; styles two to three, separate, recoiled; stigmatose along the entire inner face. Ovary somewhat globose, apex slightly contracted; compressed seeds granular, stipe of the capsule very short.

A plant about three to five inches in height.

Collected by Mr. Herbert C. Dorr in Nevada Territory.

Dr. James Blake read a paper on the gradual elevation of the land in the environs of San Francisco.

On the Gradual Elevation of the Land in the Environs of San Francisco.

BY JAMES BLAKE, M.D., F.R.C.S.

The gradual elevation and depression of large portions of the earth’s surface has, within the last few years, been attracting considerable attention from geologists. It is a vast geological process of which we are the actual spectators, offering us the most imposing terrestrial phenomenon of which we can be cognizant, and at the same time affording us some tangible idea of the vast periods that have been required for bringing the surface of the earth to its present shape. It is the general opinion of geologists that the western shore of our continent is gradually rising. This has been proved to be the case as regards the southern portion of the continent; but the following facts, observed in the neighborhood of this city, afford undoubted evidence that at least this portion of the northern continent is being gradually elevated above the level of the ocean.

On the northern bank of Lobos Creek, a small stream running from Mountain Lake to the ocean, muscle shells and rolled pebbles are found at an elevation of from eighty to one hundred feet above the present level of the ocean, and probably at the distance of half a mile from the present beach. These shells and pebbles are exactly analogous to those now being deposited at the mouth of the creek, and were undoubtedly placed there when the spots at which they are found formed the beach of the ocean. The surface of the country is so much covered by drifting sands, that it is only in spots that these shore remains show themselves. The deposits first seen contain remains of shells considerably weathered—lower down the creek, shells and larger pebbles are seen; still lower down I found the same materials mixed with smaller pebbles, and at an elevation of about fifty feet small bands of black peat earth were found interstratified with the sand and gravel. These small bands of vegetable earth were evidently formed near the level of the ocean by the waves throwing up a barrier of sand which dammed up the waters of the creek, so as to form a pond in which a layer of vegetable matter was deposited. This process is going on at the present time, a dam having been thrown up by the heavy storms of the winter of 1861-1862.

Another evidence of the recent elevation of the country is seen near the western end of the Puerta Suelo, at a distance of about eight miles from the city. Here there is a depression in the hills, extending from the bay to the ocean, and forming a narrow neck to the peninsula on which San Francisco stands. Even at present, the distance from the waters of the bay to the ocean is not more than two or three miles at this point, and it is evident that at no very distant period this depression formed a channel of communication between them. Near the western end of this former channel, and at about a mile inland from the present sea beach, the skeleton of the head of a whale is found on the surface of the ground. The specimen measures about six feet across, and must have belonged to an animal fifty or sixty feet long. The bones, which are not at all mineralised, are in a good state of preservation. At the time they were carried there, there must have been eight or ten feet of water over the surface, and as the place is at present from ten to fifteen feet above the level of the ocean, a rise of twenty-five or thirty feet must have taken place at this spot since the animal was washed there.

Another locality at which evidence of the gradual elevation of the land can be obtained is found to the west of Black Point, where abundant remains of our present bay shells are found at a considerable elevation above the level of the sea; and, were not the surface of the country, particularly the lower levels, so completely covered in by the drifting sands, no doubt many analogous deposits could be found. To the south and west of the Mission, and in all the lower levels between there and the range of hills overlooking the Puerta Suelo, the surface is covered by these recent post tertiary deposits, through which the older rocks protrude in many places as isolated masses, the recent argillaceous sandstone being deposited in nearly horizontal strata around their base. These sandstones have given rise, by their decomposition, to the extensive surfaces of yellow sandy loam seen between the Mission and the Ocean House. I think the highest of these beds does not attain a greater elevation than one hundred feet above the present level of the ocean.

More recent evidence of the gradual elevation of the land is furnished by the holes made by the marine worms in the rocks on the shores of the bay, many of these holes being found at elevations which the highest tides do not at present reach.

On the age of these deposits it is useless at present to speculate. All that we know for certain is, that geologically speaking, they are recent; but whether it is five hundred, or five thousand, or fifty thousand years since the present site of Mountain Lake was on a level with the ocean, our present data do not enable us to form an opinion. All that the facts prove is that this portion of the continent is being gradually raised en masse.

From observations I have made on the main range of the Sierra, I am inclined to think that this process of gradual elevation is not confined to the land bordering the sea coast, but extends far into the interior. The undisturbed position of the post tertiary strata on the western slope of the Sierra, would indicate that the same process of gradual elevation must have been going on for hundreds of thousands of years, so that the original beach of the earlier post tertiary ocean is now at an elevation of four or five thousand feet above the present level of the sea. Should subsequent observations confirm the truth of this supposition, this country would afford a 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. It is desirable that some means should be taken to ascertain and record accurately the present relative level of the sea and land, as, after a few years, such a determination might furnish some very useful geological data. I have no doubt that it will be found that every shock of an earthquake is accompanied by an elevation of the land.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 6th, 1863.

REGULAR MEETING, JULY 20TH, 1863.

Dr. Ayres in the Chair.

Twelve members present.

J. B. Bayerque, Esq., was elected a Life Member.

Donation to the Cabinet: A number of birds and quadrupeds were deposited by Mr. W. W. Holder.

Donations to the Library:

Ascent of Pike’s Peak by Dr. C. C. Parry. Biennial Report of the Chicago Historical Society to the Governor of Illinois.

The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Samuel H. Scudder, Esq., to Dr. Behr, from which the following extracts are taken:

“Through the kindness of Mr. Edwards, I have had the opportunity of looking at your two recent papers on _Argynnides_ and on _Danais_, and have been much interested therein. Reading the latter article, I instantly had recalled to me some statements in regard to localization of the species at the Sandwich Islands by the sons of one or two American missionaries long resident there—gentlemen in every way to be depended on for common accuracy—by those statements I was led to an opposite conclusion from yours in regard to the means by which it was introduced; and since I have read your paper I have met with Dr. Gulick, for some time a missionary at Ascension Island, one of the Micronesian group, now in America for his health, from whom I have received some additional facts. They all concur in stating that this butterfly was formerly wanting at the Sandwich Islands, and spread over the Islands just as fast as did the milk-weed upon which they feed—the two keeping pace with one another. Dr. Gulick makes some more definite statements; he says that a gentleman in Hawaii sent him on Ascension Island (2,000 or 3,000 miles distant) a large box of plants under glass; that when they reached Ascension Island he found among them the milk-weed, which was set out with others; in five or six weeks they reached maturity, and then they discovered upon them the larvæ of _Danais_ which nearly destroyed them—the natives have never before seen them and the butterfly was altogether unknown, indeed, no such large and showy butterfly exists there. Subsequently and purposely, as an experiment, he took some seeds to the opposite side of the Island, twenty-five miles distant, and sowed them, and was absent some four or five months; when he returned the larvæ were there. A gentleman and the natives had been put upon the watch by him for the butterflies but none had been seen, and these larvæ changing produced the first they had any of them seen.

“It seems to me that the appearance of the larvæ on the transported plant in its early growth leaves but little room to doubt that the eggs of the insect were transported also in the Wardian case.”

Prof. Whitney read the following notice of the large mass of meteoric iron now in this city, on its way to the Smithsonian Institution:

By a singular coincidence, we have now the pleasure of seeing in this city the two great masses of meteoric iron which have been so often spoken of as being at Tucson, in Arizona, one of which was brought here and presented to the city by General Carleton, in November last, a notice of which, with an analysis, has already appeared in our proceedings. This mass may properly be designated as the “Carleton (Tucson) Meteoric Iron,” while the one which is destined for the Smithsonian Institution may be called the “Ainsa (Tucson) Meteoric Iron,” as it has been rendered accessible for scientific investigation by Mr. Jesus M. Ainsa, as will be seen by the following memorandum of the circumstance kindly furnished by his brother, Mr. James M. Ainsa:

“This aerolite was first discovered by the early Jesuit Missionaries in the mountains called the ‘Sierra de la Madera,’ near Tucson.

“In 1735, El Capitan de las Provincias del Occidente, Don Juan Bautista Anza, induced by the accounts of the science-loving Jesuits, ordered the aerolite to be removed from the mountains, with the intention of sending it to Spain. However, through the want of wagon roads and the proper means of conveyance at that time, to take it to San Blas, then the nearest port of entry, the attempt was entirely abandoned.

“The aerolite was left at Tucson, where it continued to attract the attention of the scientific men who visited that country for more than a hundred years. Since the acquisition of Arizona by the United States, greater notice has been taken of this aerolite, it having been mentioned several times in the official reports of the Government agents.

“By a singular coincidence, Augustin Ainsa, the great-grandson of Don Juan Bautista Anza, undertook, in 1860, to transport the aerolite and present it to the Smithsonian Institution. With great difficulty it was brought as far as the Yñigo hacienda, where it remained until May, 1863, when Jesus M. Ainsa, in his late visit to Sonora, brought it to this city, with the intention of forwarding it to the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, where it will soon be sent.”

At present the mass in question lies upon the steps of the Custom House, where it has been most admirably photographed by Mr. Watkins.[2]

It was said by Mr. Ainsa to weigh 1,600 pounds.

The shape of this meteoric mass is very peculiar; and, at first, it would hardly be recognized as the identical specimen figured by Mr. Bartlett at Tucson, especially as this gentleman estimated its weight at 600 pounds only. Instead of being, as Mr. Bartlett supposed, a mass supported on two legs, it is, in reality, a ring of metal, of very irregular dimensions, of which about one-quarter was buried in the ground, in order to support it in a convenient position for use as an anvil, when it was seen by him at Tucson.

The dimensions of this ring are as follows:

Greatest exterior diameter 49 inches. Least exterior diameter 38 ” Greatest width of central opening 26½ ” Least width of central opening 23 ” Greatest thickness at right angles to plane of ring 10 ” Width of thickest part of the ring 17½ ” Width of narrowest part 2¾ ”

The weight of the mass corresponds, taking the specific gravity at 7.2, with a circle-ring, having an average width of one foot, and a thickness of a small fraction less than eight inches—the diameter of the circle represented by the exterior of the ring being assumed as four feet.

On examining with a magnifying glass a fractured surface of the mass, it was seen at once to be different in composition from the Carleton Meteoric Iron, and my conjecture that Prof. Smith was mistaken in supposing that he analyzed a fragment from the mass figured by Mr. Bartlett, was confirmed.[3] It is now almost certain that Messrs. Brush and Smith did analyze fragments of the same meteoric iron.

The Ainsa Meteoric Iron contains a large per centage of a white—almost transparent—silicious mineral, having a vitreous lustre, which may be olivine; but the amount seems larger than that in the Carleton mass. The Smithsonian Institution will undoubtedly cause a chemical investigation to be made of this superb meteoric mass, and it will be interesting to compare its composition with that of the Carleton meteorite, as the two were found so near each other that they may be supposed to have formed portions of the same body, and to have fallen at the same time.

The photograph was taken by Mr. Watkins, at my request, partly to be sent abroad as a specimen of the high degree of perfection which has been attained by this gentleman in this department of art, and partly that an exact representation might be secured of this very remarkable body, in case it should be lost or captured on its way to Washington.

In concluding this notice, the following statement is given of all that is known of the size and position of the masses of meteoric iron which have been noticed by various travelers in Arizona and the adjacent portions of Mexico and New Mexico.

_In the Madera range_, “Sierra de la Madera,” between Tucson and Tubac, “enormous masses of pure iron, some of which were transported to Tucson, and for many years were to be seen in the Plaza of that Presidio.” Francisco Velasco, in W. F. Nye’s Translation of his work on Sonora, p. 146, published at San Francisco in 1861.—Two of these masses have been brought to this city, the one weighing 1,600, the other 632 pounds; the question arises, how many more are left in the Sierra Madera? To this, no answer can be given at present.

“At the _Hacienda de Concepcion_, on the road from Chihuahua to Rio Florida,” a mass of meteoric iron estimated to weigh 3,853 lbs.—Bartlett. The exact locality of this hacienda I have not been able to ascertain.

“_Ninety miles north-west of Santa Rosa_,” supposed to be the Santa Rosa in the province of Coahuila, in Mexico, lat. 28°, long. 101° 30’; Ass’t A. Schott, of the Mexican Boundary Survey, reports a large number of masses of meteoric iron; see page 34, Part II, of Major Emory’s Report. This statement needs confirmation.

“_Sancha Estate, some fifty or sixty miles from Santa Rosa, in the north of Coahuila._” This is the locality of the mass of meteoric iron, weighing 252 pounds, and now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, figured, described and analyzed by Professor Smith; see Smithsonian Report for 1855, p. 154, and Silliman’s Journal, (2) XIX, 160. Professor Smith says, “various accounts were given of the precise locality, but none seemed very satisfactory.” It is not unlikely that this mass is from the same locality mentioned by Mr. Schott.

“_Near the South-western edge of the Balson de Mapimi, on the route to the Mines of Parral_, there is a meteorite, near the road, of not less than a ton weight;” on the authority of Mr. Weidner, of the mines of Freiberg, as stated by Professor Smith (Smithsonian Report for 1855, page 155), Mapimi is in lon. 103° 30’; lat. 25° 45’ nearly.

“_At the Hacienda of Venagas_, there was (1827) a piece of iron that would make a cylinder, one yard in length, with a diameter of ten inches. It was said to have been brought from the mountains near the Hacienda.” Professor Smith, on the authority of Dr. Berlandier (Smithsonian Report for 1855, p. 155), makes the above statement; the exact locality of the Hacienda I have been unable to ascertain; it is probably nearly in lat. 24°, lon. 101°.

_La Paz, New Mexico_, near the Colorado River, about lat. 33° 30’. A mass of meteoric iron, weighing 10 pounds, was brought from that locality, in 1862, by Mr. H. Ehrenberg.

A number of other localities of meteoric iron might be added from more southern and central portions of Mexico; but as that is a region to which the attention of Californian explorers and capitalists has not yet been much directed, it will not be necessary to cite them here. It is hoped that the circulation of the above list may be the means of procuring further information in regard to the masses of iron noticed; and that, possibly, more of them may be brought to San Francisco.

[2] The mass was shipped on the Panama steamer, which sailed from San Francisco on the 3d of August.

[3] See page 34, of this volume.

REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 3D, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, eleven members.

F. M. Spence, of Victoria, V. I., was elected a Corresponding Member.

Donations to the Cabinet:

Two species of grasses collected in Mariposa County, by Mr. Rowlandson.

Donations to the Library:

The following foreign journals and scientific works were received through the Smithsonian Institution:

Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vol. i, Nos. 6 and 7 (1859), 8-19 (1860), 20-31 (1861), Vol. ii, Nos. 1-12 (1862); List of the Fellows for 1861 and 1862; Der Zoologische Garten, Nos. 1-12, 1862; Bulletins de l’Académie Royale de Belgique, Tomes ix-xii, 1860, 1861; Mémoires de l’Académie de Dijon (2) ix, x, 1861; Annuaire de l’Académie Royale de Belgique, Anneés 27 et 28; Mémoires de la Société Impériale de Sciences Naturelles de Cherbourg, Tome viii, 1861; Sitzungsberichte der k. bayr. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu München, 1861, ii, Heft 1-3, 1862, i, Heft 1-4 1862, ii, 1; Abhandlungen der Math. Physik. Classe der k. bayr. Akademie der Wissenschaften, Band ix, Abtheilung 2, München, 1862; Annalen der Königl. Sternwarte bei München, Band xi, 1862; Nachträge zu Maly’s Enumeratio plantarum phanerogamicarum imperii Austriaci universi, von Aug. Neilreich, Wien 1861; Verhandlungen der k. k. zool.-bot. Gesellschaft in Wien, 1861, Bd xi; Jahrbuch der k. k. geolog. Reichsanstalt 1861 and 1862, Band xii; Untersuchungen über die Dichten und Brechungs-exponente, von Dr. Ad. Weiss und Ed. Weiss; Geognostische Beschreibung der preuss. Oberlausitz, von E. F. Glocker, Görlitz, 1857; Abhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft zu Görlitz, Band ii, 1860; Mémoires de l’Académie Impériale de St. Petersburg, Tome iii, No. 12, iv, Nos. 1-9; Schriften der k. phys.-ökon. Gesellschaft zu Königsberg, Jahrgang 1, Heft 2 (1861), ii, 2, 1862; Die Culturpflanzen Norwegens, von Dr. P. C. Schübler, Christiana, 1862; Meteorologische Beobachtungen des Observatoriums zu Christiana i and ii, 1862; Beskrivelse over Lophogaster typicus, von Dr. M. Sars, Christiana, 1862; Geologiske undersögelser af Dr. Theodor Kierulf, Christiana, 1862; Zwei Karten zur geognostischen Beschreibung der preuss. Oberlausitz, von E. P. Glocker; Mittheilungen der Naturf. Gesellschaft in Bern, 1858, Nos. 408-423, 1859, 424-439, 1860, 440-468; Verhandlungen der Schweizerischen Naturf. Gesellschaft, 43te Versammlung, Bern, 1859; Correspondenzblatt des Naturf. Vereins zu Riga, 12ter Iahrgang, 1862; Bericht über die Thätigkeit der St. Gallischen Naturwissens. Gesellschaft, 1858-1860; Atti della Società elvetica delle Scienze Naturali riunita in Lugano, 1860, 44th Session; Verhandelingen van het Bataviaasch Genootschap, Part xxvii, 1860, xxviii, 1860; Tijdschrift voor indische Taal-Land-en Volkenkunde, Deel vi, 2-7, vii, 1-6, viii, 1-6, ix, 1-6, x, 1-6 (1860); Studien aux der Natur, von Dr. Ad. Weiss und J. G. Weiss; Fluorescenz der Farbenstoffe, von Dr. Ad. Weiss.

Mr. Gabb presented the following paper by Mr. Rémond:

Description of Four New Species of Echinodermata, from the Tertiaries of Contra Costa County.

BY AUGUSTE RÉMOND.

ASTRODAPSIS Conrad.

_A. Whitneyi_ Rémond.

Disk circular, or sub-pentagonal, slightly notched at the extremity of the ambulacra.

Apex central and elevated; edge depressed.

Ambulacral star symmetrical, prominent near the apex; petals equal, reaching to the margin of the disk.

Interambulacral spaces much depressed near the edge.

Lower surface slightly and gradually concave; furrows well marked and straight.

Mouth central, circular; anal aperture small, sub-marginal.

Papillary tubercles somewhat remote, smaller above than beneath, situated in wide and shallow cells; miliary tubercles very numerous and crowded, both on the superior and inferior surfaces.

Greatest diameter 1.8 inches Smallest diameter 1.65 ” Height 0.3 ”

Locality: Kirker’s Pass formations. Found in lower pliocene beds.

The genus astrodapsis, to which I have referred the above species, was indicated by Mr. Conrad, in the Pacific Railroad Reports, Vol. VII, Palæontological Report, page 196, without any generic description.

The genus is closely allied to clypeaster, but differs from it in having the petals of the ambulacral star extending to the edge of the disk, opened at the extremity, and in the margin of the disk being slightly notched at the extremity of each petal. The inter-ambulacral spaces are depressed. On the under surface there is a deep groove corresponding to each petal.

My collection, and that of the State Geological Survey.

_A. tumidus_ Rémond.

Disk rounded sub-pentagonal, thick, rounded on the edge, very slightly notched at the end of the ambulacral areas.

Apex small, central, depressed.

Ambulacral petals symmetrical, very prominent, reaching to the margin, longitudinally grooved by a median line. The outer pores of the petals abruptly depressed on each side.

Inferior surface slightly concave.

Mouth central, small, rounded.

Ambulacral furrows straight, well marked.

Anus small, sub-marginal.

Papillary tubercles numerous, especially in the ambulacral areas, and in the center beneath, not prominent, situated in comparatively deep and sub-angular cavities.

Greatest diameter 1.34 inches. Shortest diameter 1.26 ” Height 0.34 ”

Locality: Kirker’s Pass formations; occurs as the preceding species; also two miles west of Walnut Creek House.

From the collections of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, of the State Geological Survey, and my own.

ECHINARACHNIUS van Phels.

_E. Brewerianus_ Rém.

Disk small, oval-elongated, broader behind, rather thin.

Upper surface slightly convex; margin rounded.

Apex posteriorly sub-central.

Petals close, nearly symmetrical, the anterior and posterior ones the longest, as wide as or even wider than the inter-ambulacral spaces; ambulacral areas composed of very narrow plates, widening on the margin.

Inferior surface plane.

Ambulacral furrows not visible in the specimens examined.

Mouth small, central.

Anus very small, sub-marginal.

Papillary tubercles numerous, rounded, somewhat prominent, more crowded beneath than above.

Length 1.22 inches. Width 1.06 ” Height 0.30 ”

Locality: Two miles east of Walnut Creek House; from miocene beds.

Collection of the State Geological Survey, and mine.

This species is dedicated to Prof. W. H. Brewer, Botanist to the Survey.

CLYPEASTER Lamark.

_C. Gabbii_ Rém.

Disk rather small, comparatively thick, varying from circular to sub-pentagonal and irregular sub-oval.

Apex nearly central, sub-elevated; margin rounded; genital apparatus sub-angular.

Ambulacral star almost symmetrical; petals about equal in length, elongated, open at their extremities.

Inferior surface flat near the edge, and gently concave in the center.

Mouth depressed, sub-central.

Ambulacral furrows straight, slightly marked.

Anal aperture very small, marginal.

Tubercles of the upper surface numerous, especially in the ambulacra, round and prominent.

Greatest diameter 1.16 inches. Smallest diameter 1.10 ” Height 0.28 ”

Locality: The C. Gabbii occurs abundantly on the eastern shore of San Pablo Bay, south of Mare Island, in soft sand-stones of miocene age.

Collections of the State Geological Survey, and Academy of Natural Sciences; also Mr. Gabb’s, Mr. F. L. A. Pioche’s, and mine.

Dr. Kellogg read the following paper:

Description of a New Species of Allium.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

ALLIUM L.

_Allium parvum_ Kellogg. [FIG. 13.]

Scape short, naked, narrowly ancipital; leaves two, long linear-lanceolate, acute, apex recurved, plain above, much attenuated towards the subterranean base, which is somewhat canaliculate; lamina from five to ten-nerved, margins remotely subscabrulose; flowers pale, purplish, about eight; umbel convex, pedicels triangular, thickening upwards, about as long as the flowers, nerves of the sepals distinctly purple to the tips; three outer sepals longer and broader, erect, entire, oblong, somewhat obtuse, carinate; the three inner linear-lanceolate sub-acute; genitals included, inner stamens slightly longer, anthers pale, blueish, filaments simple, expanded at the base; style equal, stigma acute, simple (or obsoletely lobed); capsule in outline obcordateley trigastric, embryo granular (mature fruit not observed), appears to be somewhat substipitate, as seen in the figure, the three cells somewhat grooved on the back; spathe persistent, two-parted, ovate, sub-acute, about eleven-nerved, hyaline, and lilac purple; bulb ovate, oblong, externally loosely coated with light-colored, smooth-nerved membranaceous tunics. The scape is often found only an inch above ground, as in the recent specimens from Mount Davidson by Mr. Herbert C. Dorr. The leaves are two to three times the length of the scape. Our figure is from a cultivated specimen furnished by Mr. H. G. Bloomer, from bulbs sent us some years since by Mr. Andrew A. Veatch, from Washoe. This is the largest form of it we have yet seen. The bulbs, however, under culture, are often three or four times the size here represented. It has none of the garlic odor so common in this genus.

REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 17TH, 1863.

Dr. Trask in the Chair.

Present, eleven members.

Donations to the Cabinet:

Three boxes of ores from various localities, presented by Dr. Trask. Mr. Lorquin presented a number of land shells collected on the Philippine Islands by Mr. Lorquin, senior. A box of shells from the Smithsonian Institution.

Donations to the Library:

Verslagen en Mededeelingen der Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen; Afdeeling Naturkunde, Parts 10-14, 1860-1862; Same, Afdeeling Letterkunde, Parts 5-6, 1860-1862; Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen te Amsterdam, 1859, 1860, 1861; Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vol. iii, Nos. 1-4, Jan. to April, 1863; Nachrichten von der Georg-Augusts-Universität und der Königl. Gesells. der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen, 1862, Nr. 1-27.

The above were received through the Smithsonian Institution.

Dr. Cooper read the following paper:

On New or Rare Mollusca Inhabiting the Coast of California.—No. II.

BY J. G. COOPER, M.D.

The following species were collected while exploring for the State Geological Survey, along the main land and islands bordering Santa Barbara channel, in May, June, and July last. Besides those described as new, I obtained additional specimens of some of those described in 1862, confirming the specific characters then given, and to some extent establishing the generic more accurately.

Careful notes and drawings from living specimens furnish the basis of most of the descriptions, together with examination of the specimens in alcohol.

With regard to localities, it must be noticed that “Santa Barbara” and “Santa Barbara Island” are very distinct both in local characteristics and the groups of animals inhabiting them. The island is about seventy-five miles from the town, and thirty-five from the nearest main land. Catalina Island is twenty-four miles from the main land, and very different in its molluscous animals from both the main land and the other islands, being the richest locality on our shores.

I have not been able to compare these species with those from South America described by D’Orbigny and others; but, like our other littoral mollusca, they are probably distinct. I have, however, found the pelagic species _Ommastrephes giganteus_ D’Orb in large numbers, and “hundreds” of a species of _Argonauta_ washed ashore last spring as far north as Santa Cruz Island, as I was informed by Dr. Shaw, who presented specimens to the State collection.

APLYSIA Linn.

_A. californica_ Cooper. State Collection, species 1045.

Form and external appearance as usual in the genus. Length fifteen inches, breadth five, height about the same. Color pale gray or greenish, becoming purplish on the side, folds of mantle with scattered white specks, from which an irregular network of brown lines extends over the rest of the body, interspersed with large brown blotches. Inner surface of mantle varied with alternating painted bars of white and dark brown interlocking together. Sole of foot black. Eyes very minute and black.

_Shell_ contained in the substance of the mantle cartilaginous, translucent, trapezoidal or hatchet-shaped, margins rounded, slightly convex above, the nucleus or centre in old specimens distant from the posterior end or apex. Faint radiating lines diverging from the nucleus, crossed by an irregular network of darker lines, all ending abruptly at some distance from the margin, which has thus a wide, nearly transparent border. An accessory plate arises on the inner surface from the nucleus, spatulate in form and slightly raised.

The two younger specimens have the clear border and accessory plate less developed, and very young ones do not probably show these characters at all, but resemble the typical _Aplysia_ in the form of the shell. On this account I am unwilling to constitute it a new genus, but propose to call it a sub-genus under the name of NEAPLYSIA.

There was no appearance of a multiplication of shells, said to occur in old specimens of _Aplysia_. Not having any full description of the internal anatomy of _Aplysia_, I cannot at present determine whether there are many other differences in structure.

The stomach was full of large fragments of _Algæ_. I found three specimens only, on the beach at San Pedro, July 25th, just after a heavy blow which occurred at the lowest summer tides. Kept in water for some time, they were very slow and uninteresting in movements, showing no evidence of any means of defence except the exudation of a beautiful purple fluid from the mantle when handled. This fluid, common to the Aplysiæ, though formerly supposed to be poisonous and indelible, possesses no such properties, though it may be a defence against marine animals which attack them.

The figure, taken from a tracing of the shell, and electrotyped by Dr. A. Kellogg, represent the inner surface of the most developed specimen, of the natural size.

NAVARCHUS, Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Ap. 1863.

_N. inermis_ Cooper.

Syn. _Strategus inermis_ Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. II, 1862, p. 202.

One small specimen, dredged among seaweeds in ten fathoms, near the eastern shore of the “Isthmus,” Catalina Island, shows no variation from those obtained at San Diego.

DORIS, Linn.

_D. albopunctata_ Cooper. State Coll. Species 1000.

Form ovate, pointed behind, flattened, surface shining, minutely rugose. Tentacles club-shaped, retractile, branchial plume, 6-8 parted, bipinnately divided, situated near the posterior extremity. Color yellow or orange brown, dorsal surface thickly speckled with small white dots, each forming a slightly raised papilla. Beneath paler.

Dredged from a rocky bottom in twenty fathoms, a mile from the shore at Santa Barbara. Also found on rocks at low water mark near the north-west end of Catalina Island.

Length about one inch, breadth one-third of an inch.

_Doris montereyensis_ Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. II, 1862, p. 204.

Found at Santa Barbara Island on rocks at low water, differing from the original specimens only in larger size and deeper color. The tentacles are club-shaped, the branchial 7-8 parted, bipinnate and from one opening.

_Doris sanguinea_ Cooper, loc. cit. (_Asteronotus._)

Four specimens found with the last, differ from the type only in having the black spots very small. The tentacles are acute, cylindro-conic, retractile into a cavity bordered by a toothed membrane. The branchiæ form an erect chimney-shaped expansion. I cannot discover the stellate valvular structure of the branchial opening, which characterises the genus _Asteronotus_, in these specimens.

_Doris Sandiegensis_ Cooper, loc. cit.

Two found with the last agree exactly with specimens from San Diego. The tentacles are conical and acute. The branchial orifice does not present the peculiar characters of _Actinocyclus_. Although all these species differ to some extent, they have no characters to distinguish them generically from the typical _Doris_, unless anatomical or microscopical examination should reveal them, or the characters of that genus should be more closely limited.

TRIOPA Johnston, 1838.

_T. catalinæ_ Cooper. State coll. species, 1002.

Form much elongated, narrow, dorsal surface flat, becoming spatulate posteriously. Head expanded laterally and flattened, wider than the body, ornamented with 14 ciliæ, equally distributed around its margin, so as to form nearly a circle. Tentacles long, conical, retractile. Three pairs of short ciliæ at equal distances apart between the tentacles and middle of the body, connected by the sharp edges of the dorsal surface. Branchial plume five parted, bipinnately divided, expanding to nearly twice the width of the body, situated a little behind the middle of the body. Two short ciliæ close together on the medium line, a little behind the branchiæ. Length 1.50, breadth 0.25 inch. Color yellowish, speckled with white, filaments vermilion red.

Four specimens found on sea weed among rocks at low water near north end of Catalina Island, June 16th.

DENDRONOTUS Alder and Hancock, 1845.

_D. iris_ Cooper. State coll. species 959.

Pale purple, varying to orange red, foot narrowly edged with white, tentacles with white tips and a subterminal orange ring, branchial processes purple, the smaller ones sometimes olive near the base. Length of largest specimens 3, breadth 0.50 inch.

Several found on the beach at Santa Barbara, May 5th, having been washed ashore by an unusually heavy sea, occurring at a very low stage of the tide. One, also, dredged on seaweed, from a depth of 28 fathoms, two miles off shore.

This species seems more variable in color than the other _nudibranchiata_ of this coast, but I saw no reason for considering them of more than one species. Those washed ashore being somewhat injured, although still alive, I made no drawing of them, and the more perfect one dredged was too small for this purpose.

In the “Mollusca and Shells,” of the U. S. Exploring Expedition under Commodore Wilkes, Dr. Gould mentions a species of Dendronotus collected at Puget Sound, but does not name it or give any clue to its characters, except that the _branchiæ_ have white tips, unlike our specimens. It is very probable, however, that it belongs to the same species, as so many of the Mollusca of this coast have an equally wide range.

ÆOLIS Cuvier, 1798.

_Æ. barbarensis_ Cooper. State coll. species 978.

Rose-red, longer tentacles tipped with yellow, branchial ciliæ simple, in six longitudinal rows, all short, the middle rows longest and tipped with blue, anterior tentacles two, above the mouth, dorsal tentacles club-shaped, a white streak extending from the median line between them to the mouth. Length nearly an inch.

One specimen dredged on a rocky bottom, in a depth of 16 fathoms, a mile from the shore at Santa Barbara.

Although small, its characters are too different from those of our other species, when of the same size, to allow us to consider it the young of any of them.

FLABELLINA Cuvier, 1830.

_F. opalescens_ Cooper.

_Syn._ Æolis, (Flabellina?) opalescens, Cooper—Proc. Cal. Acad. II, 1862, p. 205.

This species, dredged from the same locality as the last, presented exactly the same characters as the original specimens from San Diego. I also found a few of them on the rocky shore of Santa Barbara Island, differing only in having the branchial olive, tipped with white.

PHIDANIA Gray, 1850.

_P. iodinea_, Cooper—_Syn._ Æolis (Phidania?), iodinea, Cooper, loc. cit. sup.

I found one of this species on the beach at Santa Barbara, agreeing exactly with those from San Diego.

CHIORÆRA Gould, 1855.

_C. leonina_ (?) Gould—Molluscs and Shells, U. S. Expl. Exped.

Wholly translucent, pale yellow, the variations marked only by a darker shade. Form of head nearly conical, the apex anterior, forming an angular roof above the oral opening. Bronchial processes five on each side, larger than represented in Gould’s figure, imbricated and decumbent. Length 2.75, height 1 inch. Otherwise as in the description and figure of Gould’s specimen.

A single specimen dredged in 20 fathoms off Santa Barbara, May 15th, differs in the points above mentioned from the northern animal, but being much smaller, the differences may arise from immaturity, and I have therefore preferred to retain the same name for it.

The single specimen which formed the type of the genus was dredged in Puget Sound, was over five inches long and of various bright colors, the head subglobose, higher than oral opening, branchiæ in six pairs, comparatively smaller and erect, all of which differences may have arisen from more perfect development, and from having been observed under more favorable conditions.

From its rarity on our southern coast we may expect to find it more abundant northward.

Dr. Kellogg read a paper describing a new species of ALSINE, collected by Mr. Bolander, in the swamp near Mission and Howard and Seventh and Eighth Streets, San Francisco.

Description of a New Species of Alsine.

BY A. KELLOGG, M.D.

ALSINE Wahlenb.

_A. palustre_ Kellogg.

Plant slender, somewhat decumbent at the base, simple or slightly branching at the summit, glabrous, sulcate on opposite sides of the stem, sub-flexuous, six inches to a foot in height. Leaves lance-linear, acute, mucronate, glabrous, margins scabrous, sub-connate and slightly sheathing at the membranous base, shorter than the internodes (half to more than an inch in length). Peduncles slightly compressed, axillary, solitary, long, naked. Sepals ovate-lanceolate, acute or subacute, one to three-nerved, green with scarious margins, about half the length of the petals. Petals white, oblanceolate, obtuse, entire. Stamens ten, subequal, short. Styles three; stigmas deeply biparted.

A plant very abundant in swamps in this vicinity, known to us for the last ten years, but as we find no description which we recognize, we conclude it must be unknown. Blossoming in July and August. Specimens by Mr. Bolander.

REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 7th, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, seven members.

Donations to Cabinet:

Fishes, crustacea, and shells from the Sandwich Islands, by Andrew Garrett, Esq.

Donations to the Library:

Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, Vol. ix, sigs. 13 and 14, May and June, 1863. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for April and May, 1863. Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vol. 3, No. 5, May, 1863. Silliman’s Journal, July, 1863.

Professor Whitney presented the following paper by Dr. J. G. Cooper:

On a New Genus of Terrestrial Mollusca Inhabiting California.

BY J. G. COOPER, M.D.

BINNEYA Cooper.[4]

_Generic characters._—General form of animal like _Limax_, with a shell resembling that of _Omalonyx_ or _Lamellaria_.

Body about three times as long as shell, semicylindrical, obtuse in front, forming an acute angle behind; foot extending the whole length, somewhat distinct anteriorly, and carinate behind. Mantle shield-like, covering the back anterior to the shell for about one-fourth its length, not reflected over the shell. Eye-peduncles moderate, slender, two short acute tentacles in front of head. Lingual teeth resembling those of Helix in form and arrangement.

Shell entirely external, ear-shaped, nearly flat, about one-third as long as the animal, which it does not half cover when retracted. Spire flattened, forming two horizontal volutions, last whorl enormously expanded and slightly arched. Columella distinct, entire, hiding the interior of the convolutions.

_Binneya notabilis_ Cooper. State Coll. Species 988.

_Specific characters._—Animal dark lead-colored, with black reticulations, and a wide brown stripe along the median line, extending from the mantle to the front of head, about one-fourth of the total length.

Shell with a pale brown, smooth and shining epidermis, extending beyond the margin, translucent when young, becoming thickened by an opaque white deposit on the interior when old. First whorl or nucleus ornamented with about thirty delicate parallel revolving ribs, not concealed by the epidermis, and ending abruptly at the commencement of the transverse lines of growth in the body whorl.

Length 0.46, breadth 0.34, height 0.12 inch.

This genus resembles _Limax_ in its shield-like mantle, but in the more essential characters of the lingual teeth, appears to belong undoubtedly to the _Helicidæ_. It approaches nearest to the subfamily _Vitrininæ_, in having the mantle in front of the shell, approaching nearest to the _Daudebardia_ of Europe; but differs in the form and opacity of the shell, which resembles some of the _Succininæ_, especially _Omalonyx_ of South America, etc. It differs from these very much in the form of the animal, and the shell being wholly external, forming one of those connecting links which make it difficult or impossible to divide the _Helicidæ_ into distinct groups.

_Habitat._ So far this animal has been found only in Santa Barbara Island, one of the group within this State. It there inhabits but one station, so far as I could discover after very careful search. That is the head of a ravine facing the south-east and about two hundred and fifty feet above the sea. During the wet season there may be a little water springing from this place, but for at least five months it is not even damp, while the remainder of the island is entirely destitute of water. Myriads of _Helix kelletii_ and two other species (probably new) inhabit it, but during the dry season retire into a torpid æstivation, not disturbed by the fogs and mists of summer. The _Binneya_, the rarest of all, and not protected from drought by its shell, burrows down to the under surface of thick succulent roots, and contracting to about twice the size of its shell, covers the rest of its body with a white mucous secretion, which appears to be impervious to the moisture within, and dries into a tough leathery shell.[5] When moistened for a few hours, the animal separates the edge of this box from that of its true shell, and becomes active.

The figures [Fig. 15] represent three positions of the shell, the animal æstivating and also crawling.

I found but three alive, and eighteen dead shells.

[4] To all those who have seen the splendid works on the “Terrestrial Mollusks of the United States,” by the late Dr. Amos Binney, so ably continued by his son W. G. Binney, the appropriateness of the name will be at once evident.

[5] In this it resembles the _Testacellæ_ of Europe, which are otherwise very different.

Dr. Trask presented, in the name of Mr. Garrett, the following paper:

Descriptions of New Species of Fishes.

BY ANDREW GARRETT, OF HONOLULU, S. I.

JULIS Cuv.

_Julis ornatissimus_ Garrett.

D. 9-13; A. 2-13; V. 1-5; P. 12; C. 2, 1, 6, 6, 1, 2.

The body of this _Julis_ is rich green, which gradually passes into light blue on the breast and belly. The scales on the green ground are margined with vermillion red, and there is a slight tinge of the latter color on the abdominal scales. Four alternate oblique light red and blue vittæ pass from the middle of the gill-opening, and gradually fade away beneath the anterior portion of the abdomen. The head, which is emerald green, is ornamented with vermillion red stripes, which have their margins shaded off with brilliant blue. The stripes are disposed as follows: one traverses the upper line of profile, two extend from the upper lip to the eye, one follows the lower line of the head, passing up the hinder margin of the gill covers; two horizontal ones on the cheek, and, posteriously to the eye they assume reticulations. Irides golden yellow, with shades of light red; cornea dusky green. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are carmine red, margined with pale blue. The former with a basal row of large spots, and an intramarginal band, dark green. Two similar bands mark the outer half of the anal fin, and spots of the same color may be observed on the caudal. The ventrals are pale, straw-yellow, with blue, anterior margins. Pectorals have a pale, yellow tinge at their base.

The greatest depth of the body, as compared to the entire length of the fish, is about one to four. The scales are rather large. The head constitutes a little less than a fourth of the total length. In addition to the usual teeth which characterize the genus, we observe a spiniform tooth projecting obliquely forward from the posterior portion of the branches of the upper jaw. The caudal fin is posteriorly rounded off, and the ventrals are long and pointed.

Length, 4½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—We have observed only a single example of this very rare and beautiful fish, which was captured at the island of Hawaii in 1856. Its peculiar markings will readily distinguish it from any of the numerous species inhabiting our coasts. In shape and markings of the head it resembles _Julis pæcila_, figured in the Zoology of the Voyage of the “Blossom,” but the colors of the body and fins are widely different.

CHIRONECTES Cuv.

_Chironectes rubro-fuscus_ Garrett.

D. 3-13; A. 9; V. 6; P. 11; C. 9.

A single example of this species now before me has been preserved in spirits several years. It is in fine condition, though the colors are much faded. The general shape is oblong-oval, and much compressed. The thickness at the base of the head enters about five and a half times in the total length. The whole surface is covered with crowded minute hispid asperities, and very small, remote, cutaneous, tuft-like appendages. The head, as viewed in profile, is irregularly rounded, the chin forming the anterior end, being slightly in advance of the mouth. The eyes are exceedingly small, elliptically oval in shape, their greatest diameter being only three-twentieths of an inch. Their distance from the margin of the upper jaw is five times their own length. The mouth is vertical. On the top of the snout, midway between the eyes and the end of the upper jaw, is a long setaceous appendage, articulated to a tubercle, and tufted at the end. On the cranium there are two stout, curved processes, which project posteriorly, the hind one the largest, and both enveloped in the integuments. The dorsal fin takes its origin at a point corresponding to the middle of the total length of the fish, caudal exclusive. Its height equals the length of its own base. The caudal trunk and fin are slightly oblique to the horizontal axis of the body. The anal fin is small and rounded off along its outer margin. The rays in all the fins have their ends slightly prolonged in little fleshy points. The color, as noted from the living fish, is dark red, with irregular, cloud-like markings and spots, dusky gray. Everywhere maculated with small, irregular, dusky spots, which are the most numerous on the belly. A few deep black maculations on the vertical fins and scattering ones on the body. The interior of the mouth and tongue are mottled with red and white. Irides pale flesh color; cornea black. The smooth inner surfaces of the pectoral and ventral fins are intensely red.

Length, 8½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—This fine large species is very rare. As compared with the _C. leprosus_ from the same location, it is much larger, more compressed, the eyes much smaller and the ground color is quite different. In the _leporina_ the eyes are less than twice their own diameter distant from the anterior margin of the upper jaw. In our fish they are five diameters distant from the same point.

CHÆTODON L.

_Chætodon multicinctus_ Garrett.

D. 13-24; A. 3-19; V. 1-5; P. 14; C. 3, 1, 8, 7, 1, 2.

Form oval. The head enters about four and a half times in the total length. The upper line of profile from the snout to the dorsal fin is nearly straight, rising at an angle of 60°. The snout is short. The eye is large, circular, its diameter one-third of the length of the head, and placed just midway between the opercular corner and the end of the snout. The preopercular margin exhibits a few small dentations. The scales are moderate size.

The dorsal and anal fins are posteriorly rounded off. The hinder margin of the caudal is truncate. The anterior soft ray of the ventrals is slightly prolonged beyond the margin of the fin.

Color creamy-yellow. The sides are marked with five vertical, yellowish-brown, diffuse stripes, the two anterior ones terminate on the side of the belly, and the others at the base of the anal fin. There is a slight indication of a sixth one along the basal half of the soft portion of the dorsal fin. Each scale is marked with a faint, yellowish-brown dot. A yellow line starts from a point above the base of the ventral, follows the line of the belly, and unites with a black one which traverses the anal fin. A blue black spot in front of the dorsal fin gradually passes into the ocular fascia, the latter being brown above and yellow beneath the eye. Irides chrome-yellow. Upper lip brown. A vertical black stripe, shaded off anteriorly with vermillion, marks the middle of the caudal trunk. The dorsal spines and filaments are orange-yellow, the inter-radial membrane is colorless. The soft portion of the dorsal and anal are ochre-yellow along their middle-third, the former with a broad yellow and the latter with a pale greenish margin. The two colors on either fin separated by a narrow black and white line. The caudal is colorless, with a basal vertical luniform bar, its convex margin anterior. The ventrals are whitish, and the pectorals colorless.

Length, 3½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—Two examples of this species were procured in Honolulu market.

OPHISURUS Lac.

_Ophisurus Californiensis_ Garrett.

This _Ophisurus_ is more robust than usual in species of this genus. The head is large, swollen beneath, and comprises about one-twelfth of the entire length. The depth, taken at the origin of the anal fin, enters about twenty-eight times in the total length, or twice in the length of the head. The pectorals are large, elliptical in shape, their tips reaching posteriorly nearly as far as the origin of the dorsal fin. The dorsal and anal fins are well developed, the latter passing over a base considerably more than half the length of the fish.

The color in spirits is brown, paler on the lower half of the head, and cinereous along the throat and belly. A dorsal row of large, roundish, brownish-black spots extends from the occipital region to the end of the tail; the spots being intersected by the fin, and the two anterior ones are saddle shaped. A second row, disposed alternately to the first, occupies the upper half of the flanks. The head is irregularly maculated, the spots becoming paler beneath. The fins are light, brownish-grey; the dorsal and anal with a narrow darker margin, which is articulated with dark brown.

Length, 19½ inches.

Habitat, Lower California.

REMARKS.—The specimen described above, was captured at Margarita Bay, by Mr. White, of the whaler Rambler, to whom I am indebted for a valuable collection of objects of natural history.

Dr. Ayres remarked that he had recently received from Tomales Bay specimens of an ichthyic type, new to this coast, and probably new to science. The species is closely allied to _Scomberesox_, though the jaws are but moderately elongated. It is judged worthy of record, even previous to any description, since no fish of that group has hitherto been found in the waters of California. The specimens exhibited to the Academy were from five to eight inches in length. He also gave notice of the acquisition of a specimen of Thrasher, taken in the Bay of San Francisco. The species is a very close representative of the Atlantic form _Alopias vulpes_, differing, however, in the proportions of the dorsal and anal fins, and in the position of the branchial apertures; the tail constitutes decidedly more than half of the entire length. The specimen is about five feet in length.

Dr. Ayres presented a specimen of Barnacles, found floating at sea in lat. 33° 8´ N., lon. 129° 35´ W., by Capt. Geo. Goodrum of San Francisco. They were of the _Anatifa_ type, but exhibited the remarkable feature of being attached, not to some extraneous substance, as a fragment of wreck, for instance, but to a spherical, fleshy receptacle, apparently a portion of their own system. This receptacle was of a light, yellowish color, about the size of a small orange, which it somewhat resembled in aspect. To it were attached, by the usual flexible pedicles, about a dozen Barnacles, allied to _Anatifa_, as above indicated, but differing from it in the breadth of the dorsal plate, and in the projection of a strong keel at the base of both dorsal and lateral plates. When this specimen was procured, myriads like it covered the sea for miles in the track of the vessel. Barnacles aggregated in this manner of growth do not appear to have been hitherto reported.

REGULAR MEETING, October 5th, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Seven members present.

A donation to the cabinet of several species of fishes from the Sandwich Islands was received from Mr. Andrew Garrett.

Donation to the Library:

Fragmenta Phytographiæ Australiæ, by Ferdinand Mueller, Vol. III, from the author.

Mr. Bolander stated that he had recently collected two grasses believed not to have been before found on this coast, though common in the Atlantic States, viz.: _Paspalum distichum_ (L.) along the shores of Clear Lake, covering large patches of ground, and _Leersia oryzoides_ (Swartz), along Cache Creek, of much larger size than he had met with in the East. He believed _Gastridium australe_, which covers almost every dry hill in the interior, to be indigenous.

Dr. Behr made some remarks on the date of introduction of some foreign plants, now becoming very common in this vicinity, which he intends to make the subject of a future article.

REGULAR MEETING, October 19th, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Six members present.

Dr. Ferdinand Mueller was elected an Honorary member. Frederick Wideman, of Sinaloa, Alex. Drauphing of San Sebastian, and S. W. Morrell, of Mazatlan, were elected Corresponding members.

Dr. Cooper exhibited specimens of _Lagomys princeps_, the “Little Chief Hare,” from the summits of the Sierra Nevada. He remarked that this rare animal lived about the limits of perpetual snow, and was so rarely seen that residents for several years near its resorts had never seen it. He found it quite common in a very limited district, though difficult to obtain, from its extreme shyness. Though before found in the Rocky Mountains near South Pass, and Salt Lake, where it is called “Coney,” this was the first record of its occurrence so far to the west and south.

REGULAR MEETING, November 2d, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Twelve members present.

Mr. W. G. Binney, of Burlington, N. J., George N. Lawrence, of New York, and William Cooper, of New York, were elected Corresponding members.

Mr. Lorquin presented two species of California Jays for the Cabinet.

Donations to the Library:

Annuaire de l’Académie Royale de Belgique, 1863. Bulletin de l’Académie Royale de Belgique, tomes XIII, XIV. On time boundaries in Geological History, by James D. Dana. On the higher subdivision in the classification of Mammals, by James D. Dana. On Cephalization, and on Megasthenes, and Microsthenes in classification, by James D. Dana. Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Dublin, sessions of 1860-62. Memoir on California Mosses by Leo Lesquereux.

Dr. Cooper presented the following paper:

On new Genera and Species of California Fishes—No. I.

BY J. G. COOPER, M.D.

The fishes described in the following articles were collected by me for the State Geological Survey, along the Southern Coast of this State and among the adjoining islands. While it is possible that some of them may have been described in works not now accessible to us, the probabilities are entirely in favor of their being new, as we have very recent lists of all the species described as inhabitants of this Coast since the report on fishes collected by the Pacific Rail Road Surveys.

For much information and assistance in their determination, I am indebted to Dr. W. O. Ayres, and also to Dr. George Hewston, for the use of books not contained in any public library in the city.

The outline illustrations, reduced from accurate measurements, were electrotyped and presented by our industrious collaborator, Dr. Kellogg.

The colors described are in all cases those of the living fish.

DEKAYA, n. g.[6]

_Generic characters._—General shape elongated and fusiform, head small and short, premaxillaries slightly protractile, eye large, situated above the level of mouth, profile moderately sloping, snout broad and obtuse.

Preoperculum serrated behind, operculum with one obtuse spine; branchiostegal rays five on each side. Opercular openings connected below.

Front rows of teeth on premaxillaries small, conical, acute, and slightly recurved; those of upper jaw largest, their size decreasing from the middle towards each angle, where there are one or two large canines; those below hidden by the upper jaw. Behind this row in both jaws, a band of velvet teeth in about six irregular rows near the symphysis, but ending entirely near the middle of each ramus. Tongue and vomer toothless. Pharyngeal bones and branchial arches densely crowded with large velvet teeth.

Infraorbital bone short, curving up under posterior border of orbit, and not connected with the operculum.

Nostrils double, anterior opening smaller, lips rather thick and fleshy.

Scales small, numerous, oblong, subquadrangular, finely pectinated, covering the whole body and head as far as front of orbit, but leaving a bare space around the eye.

Fins scaleless, as well as caudal rays. Dorsal and anal fins very long at base; spinous rays few. Lateral line normal.

DEKAYA ANOMALA, Cooper, n. sp., State coll. No. 618. [FIG. 17.]

_Specific characters._—Length of head contained five times in total length. Distance from end of snout to orbit one-third the length of head, and greater than width of orbit. Height of head just behind orbit about equal to distance from tip of snout to edge of preoperculum; breadth one-third to one-half of its length. Skin on occiput elevated from the bone by a thick layer of fat, not by any bony expansions.

Height of pectoral fin less than length of head; its width about one-third of its height, middle rays longest.

Dorsal arising above pectoral joint, its length one-third that of the fish; first spine one-ninth the length of the fin; the other spines lengthening to the commencement of the soft portion, of which the longest ray is one-fifth the length of the fin, and the last ray one-fifteenth; the entire fin having a gradually arching outline.

Caudal moderately broad, deeply forked, and acutely pointed; the upper lobe slightly the largest.

Anal similar in form to dorsal, arising opposite its eighth soft ray and prolonged a little farther back. It is three-fifths as long as dorsal, its height about one-fourth its length, the first (spinous) ray and the last each half as long as the longest.

Ventrals four-fifths the height of pectorals, arising immediately behind them; their width one-third of their length.

D. VII, 23-2, C 3-1-6-6-1-3, A I-2-21-2, P 6-1-11, V, I-1-1-3. Scales 175, 13/32-10/10.

_Colors._—Pale silvery brown, white below; an obscure row of brown spots and mottlings on sides; fins and tail olive near base; iris dark brown and gilt.

_Remarks._—This fish seems to be a very aberrant form of the Percoid family, having many of the characters of other orders. Its general form and dentition are those of some Sciaenoids, while its entire dorsal, opercular armature and only five branchiostegals separate it both from them and the Percoids. The very long anal is another character found in few if any members of these families. I can find nothing in the pharyngeal bones to indicate its affinities, these being closely like those of both the above families as shown in _Seriphus politus_ and _Paralabrax clathratus_, which on comparison have them almost exactly similar.

The genus _Heterognathodon_, of Bleeker, has several of the most peculiar characters of this one; but not having a full description of it, I cannot compare them. There are generic differences at least, and the habitat is widely different, being the East Indies. Richardson places it with other aberrant genera in the family _Theraponidae_—(_Datninae_, of Swainson,) which is probably a mixture of several.

The outline figure represents the fish one-third the natural size; 22 inches.

This fish is caught rather plentifully in autumn at Catalina Island, where I obtained the one here described, in October, 1861. During my late visit there, in June and July, none would bite, and I have not yet obtained any duplicates. It is called by the very vague name of “White-fish.”

The figure being made from a skin may be a little inaccurate in proportions; but I hope to be able to present a better one in the Report of the Geological Survey.

This white-fish is not remarkable for excellence as food.

AYRESIA, n. g.[7]

_Generic characters._—Form elongated, suboval; the outline more curved above than below. Scales large, finely pectinated, completely covering the body and head, except in front of orbit; smaller on head, and becoming very small where they extend over parts of the fins and tail.

Teeth numerous, acute, entire, the anterior row largest; those below larger than above, and flattened posteriorly. A few smaller ones crowded behind these near symphysis. Pharyngeals villiform.

Premaxillars protractile, the upper arched, twice as high as wide, the lower shutting within it.

Preoperculum entire, a very small obtuse spine at angle of operculum.

Pectorals rather long and pointed. Caudal deeply forked, the lobes acute. Dorsal long, anal moderate.

Differs from _Pomacentrus_ (Lacepede) chiefly in a more arched dorsal outline, armed operculum and unarmed preoperculum, pointed fins and tail, proportions of fins.

The dorsal outline appears to become much more convex with age, chiefly from deposit of fat on the occiput, as is the case in some Labroids, as for instance, _L. pulcher_ (Ayres) and _Julis modestus_ (Girard), the latter also growing higher in proportion to its length throughout. The dotted line represents the dorsal outline of a specimen one-fourth larger than that figured, but otherwise closely like it.

AYRESIA PUNCTIPINNIS, Cooper, n. sp., State coll. No. 596. [FIG. 18.]

_Specific characters._—Head forming less than a fourth of total length (0.18), eyes less than one-third the length of head, and less than its own diameter from end of snout, height of head behind orbit about equal to its length. Greatest thickness of body about one-eighth of total length.

Height of pectoral equal to one-fourth the distance from snout to fork of tail (0.21). Dorsal commencing above pectoral joint, its spinous portion nearly one-third of its total length, and one-sixth of its height, the first spine shortest. Soft rays becoming three times as high, forming an obtuse point behind; the last ray about as long as the spines (the first dorsal spine should be one-fourth longer than in the figure). Caudal peduncle slightly contracted, shorter than caudal rays. Fork of tail extending half-way to its base, the upper lobe longest, being one-fifth of the total length. Anal commencing beneath the tenth dorsal spine, and ending a little anterior to end of soft dorsal, its base less than one-sixth of total length (0.17).

Br. V-V D.XIII, 6-1-6, C. 3-1-6 6-1-3, A.II-11, V. I-8, P-19. Scales 30 3/8 4/9 3/3 lat. line ant. 19.

_Color._—Bluish or greenish-black; sides, paler, sometimes coppery, fins smoky, the dorsal and caudal spotted with black, iris bronzed brown. Beneath whitish in young, all the hues darker in the old fish. Some are also spotted on the body posteriorly.

In the winter of 1861-2, I caught several in San Diego Bay, which bit freely at the usual baits. I did not hear any peculiar name applied, but they are confounded with “Perch,” which they little resemble. Also found at San Pedro.

A larger one, taken in a net at Santa Barbara Island, in May, 1863, has the different characters supposed to indicate an older fish, and is much fatter; its head is also shorter in proportion, but as I find a similar difference in specimens of _Girella nigricans_ Ayres, as well as in the Labroids before mentioned, I must consider these as sexual differences, or in part depending on age and condition. They do not differ more than some specimens of _Embiotoca jacksoni_ from each other, and agree closely in the number of spines and rays of their fins.

ORCYNUS, Cuvier, 1819.

ORCYNUS PACIFICUS, Cooper, n. sp., State collection, species 1033. [FIG. 19.]

_Specific characters._—General profile elliptical, height of body nearly one-quarter its length, breadth about half the height.

Head laterally compressed, somewhat flattened on top, the nose horizontally rounded, but laterally pointed. Base of tail vertically compressed, one-third broader than it is high. Head half the length of body, its height behind orbit equal to half its length. Diameter of orbit one-sixth the length of head, its form obliquely oval. Jaws equal, gape of mouth one-third the length of head.

Pectoral fin, arising at middle of vertical of side, nearly half the total length, its width at base one-eighth of its length, but suddenly narrowing to one-fifteenth, which width it retains nearly to the end, its outer third curving gradually downward, and becoming pointed. First dorsal commencing directly above pectoral, its length nearly one-fourth of total length, and its height in front two-fifths of its length. Spines rapidly decreasing in length from the first to the eighth, the next six about equal, and a third of the first, the last one very short. Second dorsal immediately behind the first and a little higher, triangular, nearly one-third higher than long, its base lengthened posteriorly, and one-third the length of the first dorsal. Finlets eight above and eight below, acutely triangular, those near the middle a little larger.

Caudal large, its lobes equal, their length three times their width, and one-third that of the pectoral; posterior outline arcuately concave, with slightly widened lobes near the middle.

Anal opposite end of second dorsal, similar to it in form, but smaller, and about twice as high as long, its position half way between the ventrals and caudal. Its first spine is only about one-third as long as the second, which is two-thirds the height of fin; both concealed by the skin.

Ventrals arising opposite second dorsal spine, about twice as high as wide, their inner margin with a small pointed lobe.

Cartilaginous ridge on side of caudal peduncle moderate, highest anteriorly, its length half that of caudal lobe. Two slight oblique ridges behind the median ridge.

Lateral line imperceptible in front of fourth dorsal spine, parallel with outline of back. No scales on head. Thoracic corselet of very large consolidated scales above pectoral, bordered by six rows of large distinct scales, which grow smaller from before backwards. Scales underneath ventrals and around other fins, similarly consolidated, and depressed under pectoral and ventral. Rest of scales nearly uniform in size.

Teeth numerous, very small, in one row, the palatine dense and velvety. Rays of second dorsal and anal fins nearly hidden by adipose skin.

Br. VI-VI D.XIV-12-|-8, P 32, V, I-8 A.II-8,-|-8 C.11-1-6-6-1-12.

_Colors._—Above blackish, sides steel-blue, below silvery white, fins smoky, iris brown, finlets yellow edged with blue.

The largest I saw measured thirty-three inches to fork of tail, and weighed twenty-five pounds.

Numerous in summer among the islands off the southern coast of this State, and is said to occur as far north as San Luis Obispo. It affords excellent sport, being caught by trolling while sailing very rapidly, biting voraciously at a white rag. It is in my opinion the best fish for the table that is caught on this coast, but it is said to be sometimes poisonous.

It belongs to the typical _Orcynus_ of Cuvier, distinguished from _Thynnus_, by the very long pectoral, eight pairs of finlets, small corselet, etc. The type of _Orcynus_ (Scomber alatunga, Linn., or O. alalonga, Duhamel), is called “Ala longa” (Long-wing) in the Mediterranean and resembles this species closely, but is figured as less high and with a smaller pectoral fin.

This species is one of several confounded by sailors under the Spanish names of Albicore and Bonito. The English name Tunny is applied to an allied species on the coast of Europe, the _Thynnus vulgaris_, Cuv., and to its near representative the _T. secundi-dorsalis_, Storer, of the eastern American coast. These, however, are evidently of a different genus, and as _Thynnus_ is preoccupied in insects, the name _Orcynus_, applied by Gill to the same type, may perhaps be retained, although _founded on a mistake_. _O. coretta_, Cuv. and Val., probably represents our species in the Gulf of Mexico.

[6] Named in memory of the distinguished author of the Zoological portions of the “Natural History of New York,” Dr. James E. Dekay.

[7] The name of Dr. W. O. Ayres, is well known in connection with Ichthyology, especially that of California.

REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 16TH, 1863.

Dr. Kellogg in the Chair.

Six members present.

Dr. Cooper read a letter from Mr. A. S. Taylor, now of Santa Barbara, complaining that his name had been omitted from the list of corresponding members, though he was elected several years since. It was resolved that his name be restored, having been omitted on account of his new address being unknown to the Secretary.

Mr. Bolander read the following article:

Enumeration of Shrubs and Trees growing in the vicinity of the mouth of San Francisco Bay.

BY HENRY N. BOLANDER.

The territory in question is divided naturally into three parts:

1. The northern part of the peninsula of San Francisco, with an undulating and hilly surface, consists of drifting sand, with a small per centage of humus mingled with it.

2. The Oakland Hills, running N. 54° W. mag., from the Bay of San Pablo to San Leandro, a distance of twenty-three miles, with the adjacent slopes and valleys. Heavy clayey soil predominates; but where shrubs and trees grow it is mostly a loose, light, and slightly sandy soil.

3. That part of Marin County between San Rafael, the head of Tomales Bay and Bolinas Bay, forming a triangle, with a hilly surface, the ridges running N. 54° W. mag. Soil a heavy clay, in the valleys and on bare hills; or a light, slightly sandy loam among shrubs and trees.

In all parts a metamorphic sand-stone underlies the soil.

_Berberis (Mahonia) Aquifolium_ Pursh.

A low evergreen shrub, three to four feet high, not gregarious; in clay soil on the hill sides; rare.

_Dendromecon rigidum_ Benth.

A shrub with slender upright branchlets, four to six feet high, rare; on white sand-stone, Oakland hills, third range eastward, not gregarious.

_Rhus diversiloba_ Torr. and Gray. POISON OAK.

Everywhere, deciduous, exceedingly variable, three to eight feet high.

_Negundo Aceroides_ Mœnch. BOX-ELDER.

A medium sized tree, twenty to thirty feet high; common among the Oakland hills, on banks of creeks.

_Acer macrophyllum_ Pursh. LARGE-LEAVED MAPLE.

Common on the banks of Walnut Creek, N.W. of Mount Diablo; fifty to seventy feet high, and two to five feet in diameter, in light sandy soil.

_Æsculus Californica_ Nutt. HORSE-CHESTNUT.

Mostly a shrub, seldom a medium sized tree, largest on the banks of creeks and moist hill sides; grows commonly in groups. Common.

_Euonymus Occidentalis_ Nutt. SPINDLE-TREE.

A shrub seven to fifteen feet high, with slender upright branches; in swampy places, near the head of Tomales Bay; rare.

_Frangula Californica_ Gray. CALIFORNIA BUCKTHORN.

Very common, variable, four to ten feet high; evergreen, gregarious, in clayey soil.

_Ceanothus thyrsiflorus_ Esch. CALIFORNIA LILAC.

Very common, and variable in size, sometimes handsome trees; exceedingly gregarious, forming dense chaparral, on the northern and eastern slopes of hills and mountains; evergreen. Much cultivated on account of the profusion of its fragrant flowers, and the various shapes that may be given it by trimming.

_Ceanothus rigidus_ Nutt.

Low, straggling, four to six feet high, less gregarious than the former; on the white sand-stone hills, east of Oakland.

_Ceanothus ——._

A small shrub, three to four feet high, with very small glandular leaves; mostly single or in groups, on Mount Tamal Pais at 2,700 feet elevation.

_Lupinus albifrons_ Benth. SILVER-LEAVED LUPINE.

Very common in almost pure sandy soil, oblong in outline, two to six feet high; growing mostly single, evergreen.

_Lupinus macrocarpus_ Hook. and Arn. YELLOW LUPINE.

Large, spreading, oval in outline, evergreen, with large fragrant flowers; gregarious in moist gravelly places along the shore of the bay, and in depressions, or banks of runs, where the soil partakes of a clayey nature.

_Pickeringia montana_ Nutt.

Large, spreading, four to seven feet high; evergreen, and gregarious on the Oakland white sand-stone hills.

_Cerasus Ilicifolia_ Nutt. CALIFORNIA CHERRY, or PLUM.

A small tree, eight to fifteen feet high, with thick, shining, spinously serrate, evergreen leaves; fruit of a yellowish pink color, with a thin pulpy external portion. Hill sides on the peninsula of San Francisco, growing mostly in groups; rare.

_Cerasus serotina_ Ehrh. BLACK WILD-CHERRY.

A group of three or four small trees, eight to twelve feet high, near a road in the Oakland hills. Undoubtedly introduced from the Atlantic States.

_Cerasus emarginata?_ Dougl.

A small shrub, three to four feet high, with very slender reddish and white dotted branchlets, and deciduous leaves; rare. Tamal Pais, 2,700 feet elevation.

_Nuttallia Cerasiformis_ Torr. and Gray.

Oblong in outline, four to six feet high, deciduous; common on the northern slopes of hills, in clayey soil. Along the bay and Oakland hills.

_Spiræa Opulifolia_ Linn. NINE-BARK.

Large, spreading, eight to fifteen feet high; common on the banks of creeks among the Oakland hills.

_Spiraea Ariæfolia_ Smith.

Common on banks of creeks and northern slopes of hills, Oakland.

_Cercocarpus parvifolius_ Nutt.

Rare, on the hills in Marin County. Its spirally-tailed seeds give the shrub an appearance as if in full blossom.

_Adenostema fasciculata_ Hook. and Arn.

Oblong in outline, four to five feet high; very gregarious, forming extensive dense chaparral on the southern and western slopes of the Oakland bills; evergreen.

_Rubus Nutkanus_ Lindl. THIMBLE-BERRY. _Rubus velutinus_ Hook. and Arn. _Rubus macropetalus_ Dougl. BLACKBERRY.

Northern slopes of hills, Oakland and Marin County.

_Rosa blanda_ Ait. WILD ROSE.

Very common on the banks of creeks, forming thickets. Oakland hills and Walnut Creek.

_Rosa gymnocarpa_ Nutt.

Hill sides, Oakland. A small but beautiful species, rather rare.

_Photinia Arbutifolia_ Lindl.

A handsome evergreen tree of medium size, in sandy soil. Common everywhere in the vicinity of water and springs.

_Amelanchier Canadensis. Var. Alnifolia_ Torr. and Gray. SERVICE-BERRY.

Northern slopes, four to twelve feet high; in clayey soil, at Mission Dolores and Oakland hills.

_Ribes divaricatum_ Dougl. BLACK GOOSEBERRY. _Ribes glutinosum_ Benth. RED GOOSEBERRY. _Ribes malvaceum_ Smith. BLACK CURRANT.

Banks of creeks and northern slopes.

_Whipplea modesta_ Torr.

In loose, light soil, in the Redwoods; one to two feet high, rare.

_Cornus pubescens_ Nutt. SOFT-LEAVED DOGWOOD.

Large, spreading, ten to fifteen feet high. Banks of creeks, Oakland hills.

_Lonicera involucrata_ Banks. TWIN-BERRY.

Large, with slender upright branches, ten to fifteen feet high. Borders of creeks and swamps, Bay of San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County.

_Lonicera Californica_ Torr. and Gray; _et var. hispidula_. HONEYSUCKLE.

Slender, climbing; borders of streams. _L. hispidula_, on the out-croppings of white sand-stone, Oakland hills.

_Symphoricarpus racemosus_ Michx. SNOW-BERRY.

Forming thickets in depressions on the Oakland hills, at 2,000 feet elevation, and along streams in the valleys. Clay soil—three to four feet high.

_Sambucus glauca_ Nutt. ELDER. _Sambucus pubens_ Michx. RED-BERRIED ELDER.

Dry hill sides and borders of wet places. _S. glauca_, often tree-like and twenty feet high. Oakland, Marin County.

_Aplopappus Laricifolius_ Gray.

A low fastigiate-branched shrub, one to three feet high; very common in drift-sand on the peninsula of San Francisco.

_Linosyris ——?_

A beautiful little shrub, three to five feet high, with upright branches and long linear leaves, densely set. Branchlets and leaves covered by a resinous exudation. In glades on the northern slopes of Tamal Pais, 1,500 to 2,000 feet elevation.

_Grindelia ——?_

A low shrub, two to six feet high, bordering the channels in the salt marshes at Oakland and San Rafael.

_Baccharis consanguinea_ D. C.

_B. pilularis D. C. et B. glomeruliflora Hooker_, seem to be identical. It is an exceedingly varying shrub; on sandy soil, low, creeping, with numerous fastigiate branchlets, the flowers mostly pistillate, and the heads less crowded; on clayey soil, especially on the banks of creeks, it is often fifteen feet high, quite tree-like, oblong in outline, the flowers mostly staminate, and the heads very much crowded. All forms are subject to excrescences, but especially those growing in a sandy soil. Evergreen.

_Bahia Artemisiæfolia_ Less.

Ovate in outline, two to three feet high, evergreen; common on northern slopes, shores of the bay, and Oakland hills.

_Artemisia filifolia_ Torr. WORMWOOD.

Large root-stocks with numerous slender branches, three to four feet high. Occupying almost invariably the southern slopes in common with Diplacus glutinosus. Both plants, on account of the leaden color of their leaves and branches, give the southern slopes that barren appearance, contrasting so strongly with the vegetation of the northern slopes.

_Artemisia pachystachya_ D. C.

Sandy soil, three to four feet high. Peninsula of San Francisco.

_Vaccinium ovatum_ Pursh. EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY.

A beautiful shrub, five to ten feet high, with slender upright branches; berries delicious. In light sandy soil, on the eastern slopes of Oakland hills.

_Arbutus Menziesii_ Pursh. Madroña.

Evergreen, twenty to thirty feet high, on the northern and eastern slopes of the Oakland hills, but more common and generally larger and finer on the hill sides near San Rafael.

_Arctostaphylos tomentosa_ Dougl. Mansañita.

Low, straggling, evergreen, and gregarious on the out-croppings of white sandstone in the Oakland hills.

_Arctostaphylos pungens_ H. B. K. Mansañita.

Obovate in outline, ten to fifteen feet high; scattered.

_Gaultheria Shallon_ Pursh. MARIS. SALLAL.

Low, creeping, evergreen, covering large tracts of land among the hills of Marin County. Berries eatable.

_Azalea occidentalis_ Torr. and Gray.

On the banks of creeks in Marin County. Quite common; five to twelve feet high.

_Diplacus glutinosus_ Nutt.

Southern and western slopes. Resinous, eight feet high; common.

_Sphacele calycina_ Benth.

Mostly gregarious, five to eight feet high. Near the coast, Marin County; eastern slopes near San Mateo.

_Eriodiction Californicum_ Benth.

Very glutinous, two to four feet high—evergreen. Dry hill sides, Tamal Pais.

_Solanum umbelliferum_ Esch.

A slender evergreen shrub, two to four feet high on the bluffs of the bay.

_Fraxinus Oregana_ Nutt. OREGON ASH.

On the banks of creeks, Marin County; twenty to thirty feet high.

_Oreodaphne Californica_ Nées. SPICE BUSH, MOUNTAIN LAUREL, BALM OF HEAVEN.

Often a large tree in moist localities, forty to fifty feet high, sometimes three to six feet in diameter; used for ship-building.

_Dirca palustris_ Linn. LEATHERWOOD.

Very common on the eastern slopes of the Oakland hills, where its flowers make it very conspicuous in spring; two to four feet high.

_Croton (Hendecandra) procumbens_ Hook and Arn.

A very low shrub, common on the peninsula of San Francisco, in almost pure sandy soil.

_Garrya elliptica_ Lindl.

Mostly a shrub with slender branches, but sometimes a small-sized tree; evergreen, gregarious, in sandy soil in this city, and on the eastern slope of the Oakland hills.

_Platanus racemosa_ Nutt. SYCAMORE.

Banks of San Leandro Creek, Oakland hills.

_Alnus viridis_ D. C.

A large tree on the banks of creeks, Oakland hills.

_Myrica Californica_ Cham. and Schl. WAX MYRTLE.

Mostly a medium sized tree, in moist localities and on the eastern slopes of Oakland hills.

_Juglans rupestris_ Engelm. Var. _major_ Torr. WALNUT.

A beautiful large tree, forty to sixty feet high and two to four feet in diameter, with rather smooth bark and dense, graceful foliage; it may well vie with its Eastern congeners. Banks of Walnut Creek east of the Oakland hills.

_Castanea chrysophylla_ Dougl. CALIFORNIA CHINQUAPIN.

A low, straggling evergreen and gregarious shrub, occurring only on the outcroppings of the white sandstone in the Oakland hills.

_Quercus densiflora_ Hook and Arn.

Tamal Pais and Redwoods of Marin County.

_Quercus agrifolia_ Nées. LIVE OAK.

A shrub as well as a large tree; everywhere in moderately moist situations.

_Quercus tinctoria var. Californica_ Torr. BLACK OAK.

Hill sides, Marin County.

_Quercus lobata_ Nées. WHITE OAK.

Hill sides Marin County and banks of Walnut Creek.

_Quercus acutidens?_ Torr. SCRUB OAK.

Evergreen; forming dense chaparral on Tamal Pais.

_Corylus rostrata_ Ait. BEAKED HAZELNUT.

Very common on the eastern slopes of the Oakland Hills. A shrub four to six feet high.

_Salix_ (four species.) WILLOW.

Wet grounds everywhere, six to twenty feet high.

_Populus tremuloides_ Michx. ASPEN.

A medium sized tree on the banks of Walnut Creek.

_Torreya Californica_ Torr. CALIFORNIA NUTMEG TREE.

A large tree with long spreading branches, and rather smooth bark. Wood valuable; rare, on banks of Papermill Creek, Marin County.

_Sequoia sempervirens_ Endl. REDWOOD.

A very large tree, forming small groves on the northern slopes of hills in Marin County, and on the eastern slopes of the Oakland hills.

_Pinus insignis_ Dougl.

A small tree ten to fifteen feet high, on the outcroppings of white sandstone in the Oakland hills, third ridge eastward; rare.

_Pinus contorta_ Dougl.

A medium sized tree, ovate in outline. Hills of Marin County; rare.

_Abies Douglasii_ Lindl. OREGON PINE.

A very large tree, yielding excellent timber. Grows with S. sempervirens in small groves on the northern slopes of hills, Marin County.

_Cupressus Mac-Nabiana?_ Murray. CEDAR.

A spreading shrub, eight to twelve feet high, on Tamal Pais; rare.

Dr. Behr presented the following article:

On Californian Lepidoptera—No. III.

BY H. BEHR, M. D.

The following species of butterflies were mostly collected by the members of the State Geological Survey, among the higher regions of the Sierra Nevada; but some of them are from other portions of California.

DANAIS, Latr.

1. _Danais Archippus_, Cramer.

This species was found everywhere, both on the plains and at the highest elevations, up to the limits of Lepidopterous life, 10,500 feet above the level of the sea. The specimens caught in the Sierra were in a poor condition, and differed remarkably in habits from those found near San Francisco Bay. Like most Danaids, ours is rather a lazy and heavy butterfly, gifted it is true with great power of flight, which is shown not by swiftness, but by perseverance. It is however quite easily caught. But according to the statement of Mr. Hoffman, of the Geological Survey, this same Danais was on the mountain summits so restless and active that although very common, only two specimens could be obtained.

We consider these specimens as something like “enfans perdus,” of an otherwise respectable family, led away by an innate desire to strive against the current. Thus they struggle against the mountain breeze until finally they reach the bleak heights of the Sierra, where such tropical forms contrast strikingly with the alpine flora.

ARGYNNIS, Fabr.

2. _Argynnis montivaga_, Behr, n. sp. [Argynnis, No. 4. Proc. Cal. Acad. II, 1862, p. 174.]

If, as I strongly suspect, this species is still undescribed, I propose for it the above name. It is not found near this bay, but seems to be widely spread through the Sierra from whence I have specimens collected at different localities. Those obtained by the Geological Survey are from an elevation of 10,500 feet.

3. _Argynnis rupestris_, Behr, n. sp. [No. 6 of former article.]

To the diagnosis formerly given I add the following character:

Margo anterior alarum anteriorum subtus quam disco pallidior.

The saturated coloration of the radical half of the hind wings, is not always equal in its extent beyond the middle macular fascia, so that the diagnosis of No. 9 is in some respects near enough to cause confusion, if it were not that in No. 9 the anterior margin of the forewings is always decidedly darker than the disk, furnishing a good diagnostic character. In general aspect they differ enough to be recognized at the first glance, but it is very difficult to describe the other differences.

The name I propose for No. 6, is derived from its inhabiting the steep rocky declivities characterizing the lower part of the Sierra. The specimens were collected by Prof. Brewer at a moderate elevation above the sea.

4. _Argynnis monticola_, Behr, n. sp. [No. 8 of the former article.]

This species was found in Yosemite Valley and some other localities, being apparently not rare.

5. _Argynnis Antithore_, Boisd.

One specimen only from Yosemite Valley.

MELITÆA, Fabr.

It will be necessary to give a monograph of this genus before we go on with the enumeration of the mountain species.

We have in California _eleven_ well-marked species, a number far exceeding those of the Atlantic Slope, and about equal to those of the whole of Europe. In the “Synopsis of North American Lepidoptera,” written for the Smithsonian Institution by John G. Morris, I find only two Californian species mentioned and described, viz.: _M. Editha_ and _M. Palla_, the “_M. Zerene_” of the same work being without doubt an Argynnis. In a catalogue published by the same author in 1860, I find besides those just mentioned another, viz; _M. Chalcedon_.

Dr. Boisduval names several Melitæa in his letters to me, but gives no diagnosis.

Our Californian Melitæa belong to four types.

TYPE I. The first is that of _M. Tharos_, represented by four distinct species in California. This type is peculiar to the American Continent, occurring also in the Atlantic States, and in the tropics.

TYPE II. That of _M. Athalia_, represented by _M. Palla_, and several others. It is also abundantly represented in Europe, but seems to be wanting in the Atlantic States.

TYPE III. That of _M. Phaeton_, corresponding exactly to the European, _M. Maturna_, _M. Artemis_, etc., is represented in California by _M. Editha_, _M. Chalcedon_, and others.

TYPE IV. That of _M. Leanira_ is numerous in the tropics of America but seems to be wanting everywhere else except in California.

MELITÆA, Type I.

1. _M. montana_, Behr. Syn? _M. Pyrrha_, Doubleday.

Alae supra aurantiacae, nigro clathratae, inter secundam et tertiam fasciam nigram magis dilutae; posticae inter primam et secundam fasciam, serie punctorum nigrorum signatae, fascia prima ab angulo anteriori interrupta, et costam versus quintam tantum denuo cursum ad angulum posteriorem recipiente.

Alae anticae subtus aurantiacae, disco fere concolori, nec maculis pallidiouibus nec fasciis obscurioribus bene distinctis, apicem versus flavidae, maculls fasciisque fuscis, et prope angulum posteriorem macula nigra signatae. Alae posticae flavidae signaturis plus minus obscurioribus, in morem Argynnidum undulatis, serie punctorum brunneorum inter primam et secundam fasciam ut supra pertranseunte. Insuper inter costam quintam et sextam exstat lunula submarginalis pallidior, interdum candida pruinaque argentea induta, quam umbra amplectitur obscurior. Altera umbra a margine anteriori prope apicem extenditur.

This species is very variable as to the markings of the underside of the hind wings. Two specimens, which I received through the kindness of Mr. Lorquin, have scarcely any markings there. These were collected in the neighborhood of Los Angeles. The others, received from the gentlemen of the survey, were mostly collected at the headwaters of Tuolumne River, but some from Yosemite Valley.

2. _M. collina_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae omnes supra fulvae, nigro clathratae, posticae inter fasciam primam et secundam serie punctorum nigrorum instructae.

Alae anticae subtus fulvae apicem versus gilvescentes, ubique signaturis fuscis, marginemque versus aliquot maculis nigris obsitae.

Alae posticae subtus gilvae, hinc pruina argentea indutae, signaturis fuscis in morem Argynnidum undulatis, binis semper per umbram quandam connexis, hinc et illinc confluentibus, serie punctorum nigrorum halone amplexorum ut supra inter fasciam primam et secundam pertranseunte. Lunula submarginalis inter costam quintam et sextam major quam reliquae lunulae submarginales, et umbra brunnea amplexa.

This species is not rare in the vicinity of San Francisco, and the hills of Contra Costa, especially on the grassy valleys, along creeks, and on hillsides with a varied vegetation of herbaceous plants. There must be many generations of these annually, for the perfect insect is found from spring to autumn.

3. _M. campestris_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae supra nigrae fasciis macularibus ochraceis et aurantiacis alternantibus. Series punctorum nigrorum in alis posticis in fascia aurantiaca submarginali.

Alae anticae subtus aurantiacae apicem versus luteae. Macula disci et fascia intermedia infracta luteae, haec intus nigro marginata. Alae posticae subtus luteae, linea transversa undulata divisae; A radice usque ad lineam transversam brunneo signatae et prope mediam lineam transversam umbra obscura indutae; quae umbra extenditur usque ad seriem punctorum. Lunula inter quintam costam et sextam candida, aucta et umbra amplexa.

This species is very common in different localities, especially on marshy places, where Hemizonia abounds. Seems to be peculiar to the lower regions, and produces several annual generations.

4. _M. pratensis_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae supra nigrae fasciis macularibus fulvis instructae. Maculae fasciae submarginalis alarum posticarum singulae singula puncta nigra gerentes.

Alae anticae subtus ochraceae maculis pallidioribus hinc et illinc signatae. Marginem versus posticam extant aliquot maculae nigrae. Alae posticae subtus hepaticae lineis undulatis, maculis, umbris serieque punctorum cunctis aeque brunneis instructae. Lunula submarginalis vix pallidior et umbra amplectente tantum e reliqua ala discerni potest.

This species is found on grassy hillsides and is common enough in some localities near San Francisco. Several generations are found from spring to the beginning of the rainy season.

Before I had a sufficient series of these nearly allied species in my possession, I considered them local varieties of one single species. Afterwards I had an idea that two of them, _M. collina_ and _pratensis_ might be seasonal varieties or alternating generations, like for instance _Arachnia Prorsa_, whose vernal generation _A. Levana_ was for a long time considered another species. But according to my observations continued through several years, these species are not confined to certain seasons, but are to be found throughout the dry season. If they were alternating generations of the same insect the different forms would be found only at certain seasons; but such is not the case.

_M. montana_ is very variable but never approaches to the characters of the other three species. The rest are as constant as a species can be, and in a long series of duplicates from different localities I do not find anything like an intermediate form.

The four species of this type agree in the following points:

1. A row of dots between the first and second transverse lines of the hindwings, in the space that represents in these species the submarginal fascia. This row is clearly visible on both sides.

2. The marginal lunula between the fifth and sixth vein is perceptibly augmented on both sides, and on the other side is frequently of lighter color and always surrounded by a deeper shade.

The most positive characters distinguishing the species is found on the disc of the underside of forewings.

1. _M. montana_, has the disc uniform fulvous the markings of the upper-side shining through the coloration of the disc.

2. _M. collina_, has the disc orange color; markings very perceptible and towards the exterior margin bordered by a series of black spots.

3. _M. campestris_, has the disc with a yellow spot between the first and second primary costa, and is bordered towards the exterior margin by an angular row of yellow spots, which are themselves bordered at the inner side by deep black.

4. _M. pratensis_, has the disc ochre yellow with irregularly diluted spots and some black marks near the _posterior_ margin.

There are plenty of other points of difference, as may be seen by comparing the diagnoses. But for recognition of any of the species it is sufficient to examine the disc. The other differences are difficult to describe, as all those who know by their own experience the difficulties of analyzing the complicated markings of the underside of the hindwings in this group will testify. As to the larval state of these insects nothing is known, and this want of facts regarding their metamorphosis, is the more to be lamented as the natural affinities of this type are by no means very clear or simple. It seems to constitute a kind of intermediate group between the true _Melitæae_ and the Arctic type of _Argynnides_. The eyes are more prominent than in the typical species of Melitæa, and I find a similar conformation of the head in _M. Tharos_ from the Atlantic States. At the same time the underside of the hindwings of all these species does not represent the well-defined alternate bands of the typical _Melitæae_, but the intricate undulations and undefined lights and shadows of the underside of the Arctic type of _Argynnis_. In fact _M. montana_ approaches in this respect very closely to _A. Aphirape_.

TYPE II.

This type corresponds to the European type of _M. Athalia_, and even in the differential characters of the four species known to me there is a striking parallelism to those of four European species, so that each of them looks as if it was the transposition of a foreign species separated by a peculiarly Californian character, afterwards to be pointed out, from its European congener, and separated amongst themselves by the very same characters that separate the four European parallel species from each other. Their analogies are as follows:

_California._ _Europe._

M. PALLA, M. DICTYNNA, M. WHITNEYI, M. ATHALIA, M. GABBII, M. PARTHENIE, M. HOFFMANNI, M. ASTERIA.

The Californians differ from their European analogues in the orange color that fills the space between the margin and the marginal line on the underside. In the European species this space always has the same pale tint that forms the ground color.

Then the two waving lines that inclose the submarginal band on the underside of the hind wings, are not entirely filled by the orange or fulvous spots as in the European, but have an empty space between the first and second, and the second and third veins.

1. _Melitæa Palla_, Boisd.

Alae maris supra fulvae nigro clathratae, feminae nigrae nonnullis fasciis macularibus gilvis instructae.

Alae posticae subtus gilvae lineis nigris et maculis aurantiacis ordinariis instructae, necnon serie lunularum fasciae submarginalis fulvarum a vena tertia inchoantium usque ad ultimam decurrentium. _Quaeque lunula continet ocellum._

I repeat the diagnosis for the purpose of adding a character that has been hitherto overlooked but is essential for separating this species from the following. It is the eye-spot contained in each of the orange-colored spots of the submarginal band. It is true that these spots are not in every specimen equally visible, and often require the help of the glass to make them visible, but still they are never wanting as in the following species.

_M. Palla_ is the only one of this type found in the vicinity of San Francisco, where it is rather common. Nevertheless I have not yet succeeded in finding the caterpillar, but have heard from our celebrated entomologist, Mr. Lorquin, that he has raised this butterfly from a caterpillar found on a species of _Plantago_.

2. _Melitæa Whitneyi_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae maris supra rubricantes nigro clathratae feminae, fere eædem, colore tantum dilutiori hinc et illinc paululum alternantes.

Alae posticae subtus iis _M. Pallae_ similes sed _lunulae fasciae submarginalis ocellis omnino destitutae_.

At the first look the difference between this species and _M. Palla_ is striking enough, for the coloration of the upperside is quite different and the reticulate black marking runs in much thinner lines and is more regular than in _M. Palla_, where towards the margin the black markings unite more or less and cover the ground color. The striking alteration in the colors of the upper side in the series of _M. Palla_ does not exist here and the female is sometimes quite like the male. Sometimes the ground color alternates transversely with a slightly diluted tint, and for the female this character would be sufficient. But both sexes differ in the constant absence of the eye-spots of the submarginal band.

I received this species from the headwaters of the Tuolumne River where it was collected during the stay of the State Geological Survey in the elevated and uninhabited regions. I take this opportunity of showing my respect for Prof. Whitney and the other members of that learned party, to all of whom I am under obligations for the kindness with which, under all kinds of hardships, they collected materials for a Fauna of our Californian Lepidoptera.

3. _M. Gabbii_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae maris supra ut in _M. Palla_, feminae fasciis transversis alternantibus luteis et fulvis totae nigro clathratae.

Alae inferiores ut in _M. Palla_, sed maculae radicales candidae pruinaque argentea renitentes ita ut fascia intermedia lunulaeque marginales. Fasciae, maculae, et margo aurantiacae ordinariae. Fasciae submarginalis spatium, quae non occupatur lunulis aurantiacis, sulphureum.

I received this species from the mountains near Los Angeles and have seen a series of specimens constantly showing the same characters. This description I made from a pair kindly communicated to me by Mr. Lorquin.

4. _M. Hoffmanni_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae et maris et feminae a radice usque ad medium nigrae hinc et illinc maculis luteis fulvisque obsitae, a media ala luteae marginem versus fulvescentes plus minus nigro clathratae.

Alae inferiores subtus ut in _M. Palla_, sed fascia submarginalis inter lineas undulatas nigras, non lunulis sed punctis omnino rotundis constituta.

This species is less rare than the two preceding. Nevertheless it has not yet been found near San Francisco and seems peculiar to the higher regions of California.

MELITÆA, Type III.

Of this type, we know already as many Californian as European species, but except _M. Phaeton_, I do not know any Eastern representative of this type. The most robust and gaily colored species belong to this type and it is one of the most predominant of the diurnal types in California, not only from the number of its species but also of its individuals.

1. _Melitæa Chalcedon_, Doubleday.

This showy species is very common around the Bay of San Francisco. The caterpillar is somewhat of the coloration of that of _Vanessa Antiopa_, but short and thick like all the _Melitæa_ caterpillars and beset with short fleshy thorns. The dorsal row of spines is brick red and so is the lateral stripe above the feet. All other parts, both of the body and spines, are black, which tint, being thickly sprinkled with white dots has a bluish luster like the same tint in the caterpillar of _V. Antiopa_.

Most commonly this caterpillar is found on _Scrophularia_, but I have found it also on _Diplacus glutinosus_ and on a _Lonicera_, related to _L. Caprifolium_. The chrysalis is white with black and yellow dots. The butterfly is developed towards the end of April and is found until the end of June. There exists only one generation. The caterpillars grow very slowly through the summer. They are social and weave a kind of nest, in which they also hibernate. In spring their growth is quick enough, but they seem to be subject to much disease, and even in their natural state are frequently found half dried up. The butterfly also is often caught with crippled wings.

2. _M. Cooperi_, Behr, n. sp.

Alae supra ut _M. Chalcedontis_, subtus inferiores sulphureae fasciis et maculis ordinariis fuscis, maculis fasciae submarginalis _fuscis concoloribus, neque ullo halone cicumdatae_.

This species is very similar to _M. Chalcedon_, but the want of the yellowish halo around the lunulae of the brown band on the underside, is a very positive diagnostic character. The brown color of the bands also is always of the same somber hue as that of the underside of the forewings, and never of the fiery brick red that colors this fascia on the underside of _M. Chalcedon_, forming a perceptible contrast to the somber coloring of the underside of the forewings, which is the same in _M. Chalcedon_ and _M. Cooperi_. With all these well-marked differences, the two species look so much alike, that it would have been a long time before _M. Cooperi_ would have been recognized as a distinct species, if it had not been for the striking difference of its caterpillar, which was discovered by Mr. Lorquin near Clear Lake on a species of _Scrophularia_. This caterpillar is much more elongated than that of _Chalcedon_. It is nearly of the shape and coloration of that of the European _M. Artemis_, brimstone yellow, with a dorsal and a lateral black stripe. We were quite justified in expecting from such a caterpillar something strikingly different from the very common type of _Chalcedon_. But to our surprise our chrysalids gave us a series of crippled butterflies, which could scarcely be distinguished from _M. Chalcedon_. Since that time I have received a well-developed specimen through the kindness of Baron Koels, who caught it with several other insects on an excursion to Mount Tamal Pais.

It is pretty certain that _M. Cooperi_ will be found in many other localities, as it is only its similarity to our most common vernal butterfly, the _M. Chalcedon_, that makes it escape our attention.

3. _M. Quino_, Behr, n. sp.

_M. Chalcedonti_ similis sed antennae clava discolor, fusca nec concolor antennae reliquae aurantiacae.

Alae supra ut in _M. Chalcedonte_ sed series macularum submarginalium in anticis rubra et marginalium in posticis flava rubro tincta. Series quarta in anticis bifida, fere tota rubra, tertia in posticis omnino rubra.

Alae inferiores subtus ut in _M. Chalcedonte_ sed fascia flava prope radicem in maculas sex dissecta maculaque flava discalis puncto ejusdem coloris extus aucta.

_Melitæa Quino_ may at once be distinguished by the entirely different and much gayer coloration of the upper side, which much more resembles that of _M. Anicia_ than _M. Chalcedon_. To the latter species it comes the nearest in the peculiar shape of the wings, so characteristically different in the two sexes. In _M. Anicia_ this difference exists but not to the same degree. The yellow part of the underside of the hindwings is much paler than in _M. Chalcedon_ and _M. Anicia_. The yellow radical band is dissolved into six distinct but nearly connected maculae. In _M. Chalcedon_ the band is not interrupted and only the sixth macula is separated, making part of the yellow coloration of the anal side of the wing. From _M. Anicia_ it differs besides, in the underside of the forewings being nearly all of a reddish-brown color with scarcely any indication of the markings of the upperside, closely resembling _M. Chalcedon_. From both species _M. Quino_ differs in the coloration of the club of the antenna.

This species I received from Dr. Cooper, formerly of the State Geological Survey, who collected several specimens near San Diego. I have called it Quino in remembrance of the California Pioneer, Padre Quino, the first European that ever succeeded in erecting a permanent settlement in California, and at the same time contributed very considerably by his learned writings to a more exact knowledge of these then scarcely discovered regions.

4. _M. Anicia_, Doubleday.

This species seems to be restricted to the eastern and more elevated part of the State. Most of my specimens are from Mariposa.

5. _M. nubigena_, Behr, n. sp.

_M. Aniciae_ similis sed antennarum clava nigrescens, et subtus in alis posticis fasciae pallidae intermediae bipartitae pars exterior aurantiaca, ut fascia lunularum quae sequitur eam.

This species was caught in considerable numbers by Mr. Hoffman at the headwaters of the Tuolumne River and beyond, up to elevations of 11,500 feet. It evidently stands in the same relation to _M. Anicia_ as in Europe _M. Merope_ does to _M. Artemis_. I am not certain if _M. nubigena_ is to be considered an alpine variety of _M. Anicia_ or an independent species, nor as far as I know is the question yet decided as to the right to distinction of _M. Merope_, a long-known alpine insect of Europe. Nevertheless, considering the different coloration of the antenna club, I am very much inclined to think _M. nubigena_ more than a mere alpine variety.

6. _M. Editha_, Boisd.

This species is found in different localities near San Francisco and Contra Costa. Nevertheless, it is much rarer than _M. Chalcedon_ and of a more restless disposition. It makes its appearance before _M. Chalcedon_ and is one of our first vernal butterflies. About the caterpillar I have not yet succeeded in ascertaining anything.

MELITÆA, Type IV.

Of this type only one Californian species is yet known, but there may be perhaps some other species in the southern parts of the State, as the subtropical territory of New Mexico seems rather to abound in this type.

1. _M. Leanira_, Boisd. (In litteris.)

Antennae totae fulvae.

Alae supra nigrae, fasciis macularibus duabus et radicem versus maculis tribus quadrangularibus omnibus gilvescentibus instructae. Alae anticae prope marginem anticam, apicem versus et ad marginem externam mediam, e nigro rubescentes.

Alae anticae subtus rubrae iisdem maculis ut supra ornatae. Fascia macularis externa extus nigro marginata. Alae posticae subtus gilvescentes nigro venosae, et nigro marginatae, radicem versus nigro signatae; supra medium fascia nigra instructae, catenam moniliformem continente punctorum gilvorum.

Limbus ubique et supra et subtus nigro alboque variegatus.

_M. Leanira_ is so distinct from all other _Melitæae_, that it is impossible to make any error in reference to its diagnosis. It is found in June and July in valleys of the Contra Costa hills, where I collected it myself. I received other specimens from Yosemite Valley. I have not succeeded in finding the caterpillar.

I have to add a few observations regarding the geographical distribution of the genus _Melitæa_ in general and of its different types separately.

The genus _Melitæa_ spreads from the Arctic zone to the tropic of Cancer and some mountain species even farther. Unlike the genus _Argynnis_ in its geographical distribution _Melitæa_ has no Antarctic species. It has its center of abundance in the temperate zone and decreases towards the tropics as well as the arctic zone. According to that peculiarity of the western slope of continents by which the temperate zone is more developed in extent and quality, than in the eastern slopes, the greatest number of species are found in Europe and on our coast. Eastern Asia has very few species, but the genus is better represented on the Atlantic side of this continent, where however, it appears in the aberrant forms of _M. Tharos_, _M. Pyrrha_, etc, whose real nature seems still doubtful and which are at least intermediate between _Argynnis_ and _Melitæa_.

The genuine type is very uniform, and therefore the diagnosis of the Californian as well as the European species is enveloped in many difficulties, so that even in regard to many European species known and described for more than a century, the limits of the species are frequently more or less doubtful and nearly every Catalogue gives the series of closely allied species in a different form.

California possesses two types wanting to the European Fauna; Europe one type wanting to California. To us the type of _M. Cinxia_ is wanting, to Europe that most characteristic form of _M. Leanira_, which is a very natural transition to the genus _Synchloe_. The other wanting to the old world is that of _M. Pyrrha_, an osculant form peculiar to the new world where it extends nearly as far as the equator.

As regards the development of the genus in size and brilliancy of color, the Californians have a decided advantage. The giants of the genus are all Californian and the coloration more bright and more distinct than the somber hues of their less-developed European allies.

Like the Argynnides the Melitæae are essentially local. There is no Amphigeic species, and even the Polar species (which in Argynnis are sometimes Amphigeic) are always different in this genus, never occurring both in Europe and America. In the same way the Atlantic and Pacific species seem always to differ.

These butterflies not having a very powerful flight are generally confined to circumscribed localities, in which they are generally plentiful and easily collected. Their caterpillars are frequently social like those of the _Vanessæ_, preferring the family of Scrophalarineous plants, (_Scrophularia_ in California, _Linaria_ and _Veronica_ in Europe), but inclined more to polyphagy than the Argynnides, in their predilection for the Violarineae. Besides the Scrophalarineae the _Melitæae_ live on _Plantago_, _Lonicera_, _Scabiosa_, and some even are found on shrubby trees of _Salix_, _Populus_, and _Fagus_.

Dr. Cooper presented a continuation of his descriptions of fishes:

On new Genera and Species of Californian Fishes—No. II.

BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.

EXOCŒTUS, ARTEDI.

E. CALIFORNICUS, Cooper, Californian Flying-Fish, State collection, species 1012. [FIG. 20.]

_Specific characters._—Height of body one eighth of its length from tip of nose to fork of tail, length of head almost one fifth of the same (0·19). Width of forehead in front of eyes more than five eighths the length of head (0·69); diameter of eye less than one third of same length (0·30). Scale between eyes equilateral, and a little less than half of the width of head. No granulated area in front of orbit, and but a very narrow one behind it. Preoperculum rounded rectangular. Pectoral fin extending to halfway between end of dorsal and base of caudal, 0·60 of total length. Ventrals inserted nearer operculum than base of caudal, and extending to middle of anal. Dorsal commencing over 36th scale and extending to 48th.

D. 12, P. 14, V. 6, A. 10, C. 3-1-4-5-1-6. Scales 58-7/1.

_Colors._—Steel-blue, fins smoky, below silvery, iris gilt.

_General form_ much elongated, subcylindrical. Top of head perfectly flat, its width equal to its depth. Anterior half of body nearly as broad as high, compressed above. Posterior half compressed laterally, tapering to tail, the caudal peduncle three times as high as it is broad. A slight ridge along insertion of dorsal. Lateral line prominent, running close to insertion of ventrals. Proportions of fins to total length, as follows:

Length of dorsal 0·11 Height of ventrals 0·23 Length of anal 0·07 Length of caudal, upper lobe 0·15 Length of caudal, lower lobe 0·22 Height of pectoral 0·60

Length of specimen fifteen inches, the figure representing it half the natural size. One specimen obtained at Catalina Island.

REMARKS.—In the preceding diagnosis I have followed the arrangement of specific characters adopted by Gill in his description of two new species of _Exocœtus_ from the Pacific Coast of Central America. (Proc. Acad. Phil., June, 1863, p. 167.) By comparison it will be seen that our species is very distinct.

This large species of Flying-Fish is found in great numbers during the summer south of Point Conception, and some wander as far north as Santa Cruz at least. They can only be taken when they happen to alight on board of a vessel or in gill-nets, which I was not provided with during my late voyage among the islands. Their flight is rarely higher than ten feet above the water, but sometimes extends nearly a quarter of a mile.

UROLOPHUS, Müller and Henle.

UROLOPHUS HALLERI, Cooper, State collection, species 522. [FIG. 21.]

_Specific characters._—Disk suborbicular, obtusely pointed in front, and with the pectoral fins rounded behind. Length anterior to anus a little greater than that of the tail behind it. Posterior outline of ventral fins projecting a little behind that of disk. Claspers as long as ventrals and projecting entirely behind them. Tail 0·47 of total length, gradually tapering from a cylindrical base to the spine, thence becoming flattened laterally expanding into a fin, which commences opposite the base of spine below, and ends opposite to its end above, broadest near its end, where its width is 0·10 the length of tail. Spiracles a little larger than orbits and farther apart, the distance between them equal to that from snout to orbits. Ventrals forming nearly equilateral triangles, their basal length one fifth that of head and body. Caudal spine arising at 0·48 of the length of tail, and not quite one third as long. Female more elongated than male but tail and spine shorter; the ventrals a fourth longer and more acute.

_Colors._—Reddish speckled with yellow, below white. In some specimens the dark and light colors above are about equally distributed, the spots having a somewhat marbled arrangement. In others the light spots are very few and widely separated. Popular name “Round Stingray.” The figure is half the natural size. The dots show the principal outlines of the cartilaginous skeleton.

REMARKS.—While this fish has the nearly orbicular outline of _Urotrygon_ (_mundus_), Gill, from Panama (Proc. Phil. Acad., June, 1863, p. 173), it differs generically in having obtusely triangular teeth (equilateral), tail shorter than body, spine nearest to its base, smooth skin, etc.

It differs from _Urolophus_, as described by Richardson, in the upper velum of mouth being entire, and in having about twenty small tubercles on the surface of lower velum. These however can scarcely be considered generic differences.

Found abundantly in muddy creeks at San Pedro and San Diego, those from the former place being more uniform in color.

While I was at San Diego the little son of Major G. O. Haller, U. S. A. was wounded in the foot, probably by one of these fish, while wading along a muddy shore of the bay. The wound was very painful for some hours, though small. Another large rhomboidal species also abundant there but apparently still undescribed, inflicts very severe and dangerous wounds, of which I may have more to say hereafter.

This fish has great muscular power and can dart very rapidly through the water by lateral vibrations of its tail, at the same time quickly flapping the edge of its disk, to keep its level in the water and to regulate its direction.

It frequently buries itself slightly under the mud, and if disturbed obscures the water by stirring the mud, vanishing in the cloud thus raised to hide itself again. It will allow a boat to pass over its place of concealment, and may, if detected, be easily killed by a blow with the end of an oar. Many are also caught in the seines of the fishermen.

Their food consists of small mollusca, crustacea and such other animals, alive or dead, as they can obtain.

REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, ten members.

Donations to Cabinet:

Rock Salt, from the Upper Colorado River, by F. Ailing. Wood, from near Carson City.

Dr. Cooper stated that he had received a communication from Mr. P. P. Carpenter, of England, offering to describe any new species of shells from the collections of the State Geological Survey or of the Academy, and to publish the descriptions in its proceedings. The Society accepted the proposition.

Two new sheets of the Proceedings were laid upon the table.

REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 21ST, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, seven members.

Messrs. Royal Fisk and R. L. D’Aumaile were elected resident members.

ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 4TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Fifteen members present.

E. Mathewson, Esq., of Martinez, was elected resident member.

The following is an abstract of the Annual Reports of the officers of the Society, for the past year (1863):

The Financial Report of the Trustees was received and accepted. During the year, $815.35 have been received from various sources, besides the balance on hand from 1862, of $141.22; $903.75 expended; and $52.82 remains in the hands of the Treasurer.

The Librarian (Prof. Whitney) reported verbally, that about fifty volumes have been added to the Library, mostly the publications of other Societies; that some sets of Journals have been rendered complete, by his own donations, and that the volumes of the “American Journal of Science” have been bound.

The Curator of Mineralogy (Mr. Moore) reports, that the collection is in nearly the same condition that it was at the commencement of the last year, that but few additions have been made, and that the work of cataloguing and classifying the specimens is in progress.

The Curator of Palæontology (Mr. Gabb) made no report.

The Curator of Botany (Dr. Kellogg) reports, that some additions have been made; that the collections are not in good condition for want of suitable cases, and recommends that new cases be procured, and that a suite of the specimens described by members of the Society be sent East, for comparison with specimens in those herbariums to which we have no access.

The Curator of Zoology (Dr. Cooper) made a verbal report, that he has been absent the most of the year, and that the collection has not materially changed since the last report, with the exception of an interesting collection of Birds deposited by Mr. Holder.

The Curator of Conchology (Dr. Trask) reported verbally, that about three hundred species of shells have been added to the collection during the year. Also, that he had received from Mr. Andrew Garrett, a collection of one hundred and fifteen species of Hawaiian Fishes, for the Museum.

The Curator of Entomology (Dr. Behr) reported verbally, that there have been no contributions, but that he will contribute from his own collection, and other persons have expressed their desire to do likewise, when the Society shall possess the means of accommodating and preserving the specimens.

The officers of the preceding year were reëlected, with the exception of Treasurer—S. Hubbard being elected in the place of Wm. Heffley, resigned.

The following resolution, prepared by Dr. Ayres, was unanimously adopted:

_Resolved_, That hereafter the Proceedings of the Academy be distributed gratuitously only to resident members and to such Societies and individuals as the Academy shall direct; and that the price of subscription to others be regulated by the Publishing Committee.

The Society authorized the publication of the following Constitutional amendments, adopted at the annual meeting, January 6th, 1862, the publication of which was accidentally omitted in the Proceedings of that year:

Amendment to Art. II, Sec. 4—That the Membership Fee, to be paid by an applicant for Resident membership, shall be two dollars, etc.—the remainder of the section remaining as before.

Amendment to Art. III, Sec. 2—This Association shall hold meetings on the First and Third Monday evenings of each month, for the investigation of Natural History, etc.—the remainder of the section remaining as before.

Dr. Ayres read extracts from letters containing inquiries in regard to the first volume of the Proceedings of the Society, which terminated abruptly, and was never finished. The supply has long been exhausted, and the republication has been frequently discussed; but as yet this is beyond the means of the Society.

Prof. Brewer communicated the following paper by Prof. Gray, giving the first installment of a series of descriptions of new plants from the botanical collections made by himself, while engaged in the State Geological Survey. These are a portion of the new species collected previous to 1863. The remainder will be described in future papers, along with those from the collection made after that time.

Descriptions of New Californian Plants—No. I.

BY PROF. ASA GRAY.

STREPTANTHUS Nutt.

_S. Breweri_, n. sp. [§ Euclisia.]

Wholly glabrous and glaucous, annual, branched from near the base; cauline leaves (except the lowest) strongly cordate-clasping, with a closed sinus, entire or denticulate, the uppermost sagittate; flowers purple, on very short ascending pedicels, the lowest often leafy-bracted; the buds often a quarter of an inch long, obtuse, or barely acute; the sepals with scarious but blunt recurved tips; siliques narrowly linear, ascending or erect, straight or slightly incurved (1½-2½ inches long, less than a line wide,) compressed but torulose, the nerve of the valves obscure; seeds wholly marginless.

This most resembles _S. tortuosus Kellogg_ (which is S. _cordatus Torr._, in _Bot. Pacif. R. R. Whipple’s Rep._ but evidently not of _Nuttall_), from which the above character indicates the differences.

There are three forms in the collection: 1. A dwarf state, in flower only, from Mt. Shasta, at an altitude of 8,000 feet. 2. A very glaucous form, with more numerous and rather smaller flowers, and with fruit, from the top of a dry mountain of the Mt. Diablo Range, near head of Arroyo del Puerto, at an altitude of 3,200 feet. 3. Another, in flower and fruit, with more naked and virgate branches, a foot or two in height, from San Carlos Mountain, near New Idria, 5,000 feet altitude. This is remarkable for having the calyx hoary-downy, but the plant is otherwise glabrous and glaucous.

_S. hispidus_, n. sp. (§ Euclisia.)

Very dwarf, (2-3 inches high, from an annual root,) hispid throughout, even to the siliques; leaves cuneate or obovate-oblong, coarsely toothed or incised, the cauline-sessile but hardly at all clasping; raceme short and loosely flowered; pedicels spreading or at length recurved in flower (which is red or red-violet) but the linear compressed siliques (1½ inch long, a line wide,) are erect; stigma almost sessile; immature seeds winged.

Mt. Diablo, dry places near summit.

This ranks next to _S. heterophyllus_.

VIOLA L.

_V. ocellata_, Torr. and Gray, _var._

Glabrous, smaller; leaves somewhat thickish; peduncles elongated. Very curious and distinct. From Tamalpais.

ARENARIA L.

_A. brevifolia_ Nutt.? _var. Californica_.

Much branched or diffuse, cymosely many-flowered; petals and sepals somewhat narrower.

Leaves as in Nuttall’s plant, thickish, plane, mostly obtuse and spreading. Valves of the capsule entire. Filaments opposite and twice the length of the sepals, more dilated and glandular at the base. Seeds minute, minutely muricate, turgid. The fruit and seed are known only from Frémont’s specimens communicated to Dr. Torrey (No. 284 of Coll. 1846,) from California, a taller and less diffuse form than that now collected by Prof. Brewer, and more like Nuttall’s, from Tatnall County, Georgia. But my original specimen of the latter little-known plant is too incomplete to make certain the identity; and the two are widely sundered in geographical station. Still no adequate characters yet appear to distinguish specifically. Prof. Brewer collected his plant April 18th, in the valleys among high ridges in Sonoma, where it abounded.

CALANDRINIA H. B. & K.

_C. Menziesii_, Hook.

In various forms in southern California. Capsule slightly if at all exceeding the calyx; seeds rather turgid, shining; petals mostly much exceeding the calyx.

_C. Menziesii, var. macrocarpa._

Stems and racemes at length more elongated and loosely-leaved; pedicels in fruit much spreading or recurved; capsule ovoid-fusiform, projecting beyond the calyx; seeds smaller, compressed and opaque.

Dry hills of the Santa Inez mountains, near Santa Barbara.

Perhaps a distinct species, but I want to see it confirmed by other specimens.

LINUM L.

_L. Breweri_, n. sp.

Annual; glabrous; stem very small, not striate, with few flowers crowded at the apex; leaves filiform, smooth, alternate and opposite; stipules conspicuously glandular; pedicels shorter than the calyx; sepals oblong-ovate, acute, one-nerved, margin not scarious, glandular, less than half as long as the bright yellow, obovate-oblong petals; anthers elongated-oblong; sterile filaments almost wanting; styles three, distinct; stigma somewhat acutely pointed.

Dry hill sides of the Diablo Range, near Marsh’s Ranch, May 29th.

Plant barely two to three inches high, “but seen in the valley larger, with many flowers, not yet expanded.”

This, like _L. Californicum_, appears to be uniformly tri-carpellary; flowers about the size of those of that species, and the anthers elongated-oblong; but the leaves narrower; the stigmas not at all capitate or enlarged, but minute and acute; fruit not seen.

TRIFOLIUM, L.

_T. bifidum_, n. sp.

Somewhat villose or glabrous; stems from small (annual?) root, slender, spreading; stipules ovate-lanceolate, setaceously-acuminate, entire; leaflets linear-cuneate, lateral ones rarely dentate, bifid or incised at the apex with a mucronate point between the lobes; peduncles twice or three times as long as the leaves; heads naked, six to twelve flowered, or more; flowers pedicelled, at length reflexed; calyx five-parted, dentate, subulate-setaceous, somewhat hirsute, and nearly equal to the persistent, rose-colored scarious corolla.

Near Marsh’s Ranch, between Monte Diablo and the San Joaquin, among grass in a ravine near the water, May 29th.

Stems six to sixteen inches long. Heads and flowers about the size of those of the small form of _T. gracilentum_, to which species it is allied. Ovary two-ovulate, seeds single.

ASTRAGALUS L.

_A. curtipes_, n. sp. (§ Phaca, *Inflati.)

Minutely canescent, at length glabrate, a foot high; stipules connate, opposite the leaf; leaflets twelve to sixteen pairs narrowly oblong, retuse petiolulate, glabrous above; raceme in fruit short; calyx-teeth slender, subulate, slightly shorter than the campanulate tube; legume membranaceous, inflated, glabrate (1½ inches long,) semi-ovoid, (the ventral suture nearly straight, the dorsal very gibbous,) scarcely acute at either end, jointed to a rigid stipe, which does not exceed the tube of the calyx.

Dry hill sides, San Luis Obispo. Corolla not seen.

_A. oxyphysus_, n. sp. (§ Phaca, *Inflati.)

Tall, very softly canescen-villous; stipules small, scarious, distinct; leaflets 8-11 pairs, oblong; peduncles much surpassing the leaf; raceme elongated; bracts small and subulate; teeth of the silky calyx subulate, half the length of the cylindraceous tube; corolla white or greenish; legume obovate-acuminate, the base attenuate into a recurved stipe which somewhat exceeds the calyx.

Monte Diablo Range, near Arroyo Puerto, on dry hills.

A most distinct and striking new species.

_A. Breweri_, n. sp.

Allied to _A. tener_ Gray, Rev. Astrag. (_Phaca astragalina, var._? Hook. and Arn., and probably _A. hypoglottis, var. strigosa_, Kellogg,) but more branched from the annual root, and with broader leaflets, (4-5 pairs, oblong-obcordate); head 5-7 flowered, compact; immature legume globose-ovate, silky-canescent, not stipulate, erect, six-ovulate, one-celled, the dorsal suture slightly intruded.

Fields in Sonoma Valley, April. Common.

Dr. Ayres read letters from Mr. A. Garrett, and presented the following paper:

Descriptions of New Species of Fishes—No. II.

BY ANDREW GARRETT, OF HONOLULU, SANDWICH ISLANDS.

CHEILODACTYLUS Lacep. 1803.

_C. vittatus_ Garrett.

B. 6; D. 17-30; A. 3-8; V. 1-5; P. 8-6; C. 5, 1, 7, 6, 1, 4.

The height of the body is a trifle less than one-third of the total length. The upper profile rises in a convex line from the snout to the occipital region, whence it suddenly ascends in a nearly vertical curve, giving that portion of the fish a strongly gibbous appearance. The body rapidly tapers posteriorly, though preserving a slightly convex outline. The head enters nearly four and a half times in the entire length. The eyes are large, sub-circular in shape, even with the line of profile, and their greatest diameter is nearly one-third the length of the head. They are placed nearer the origin of the lateral line than the end of the snout. The small maxillary bone extends as far back as the anterior margin of the eye.

The dorsal fin takes its origin immediately above the posterior limb of the orbit and terminates within one diameter of the eye of the caudal fin. Its three anterior rays are very small, and the fourth, which is the tallest, is one-third as long as the base of the whole fin, or equal to two-thirds the height of the body. Posteriorly the spiny rays rapidly diminish in altitude so that the last one is shorter than the succeeding soft rays. The soft portion of the fin is comparatively low, gently convex along its upper edge, and is equally as long as the spiny part. The anal fin is small, being inserted just in advance of the middle of the soft portion of the dorsal. Its extreme margin is slightly concave and the rays rapidly diminish in length posteriorly. The ventrals when laid back reach as far as the anal fin. The second simple pectoral ray extends as far back as the vent. The caudal, which is deeply forked, has its lobes rounded off.

Color greyish-silvery, and ornamented with five oblique blackish-brown bands which are disposed as follows: one extends from the snout to the preopercular margin, the second starts from the eye and terminates on the pectoral base, the third, which passes over the occipital region, extends below the pectoral axilla; the fourth, which is much broader, starts from the origin of the dorsal fin, curves downward and backward, becoming wider in its descent, and passes beneath the abdomen; the fifth one commences on the upper anterior half of the spiny dorsal, extending along the back to near the termination of that fin. Three irregular, pale spots may be observed in the dorsal band, and three large blackish-brown spots on the caudal trunk. The opercular flap and snout tinged with orange-red. The interorbital space is marked with two transverse brownish-red bands. Irides yellowish-silvery. That portion of the dorsal fin anterior to the fifth band is white, the remainder, together with the anal and caudal, light-yellowish, the latter tipped with blackish-brown. The pectorals are orange-red, and the ventrals are deep blackish-brown.

Length, 7 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—An extremely rare fish, of which the solitary specimen now before me is the only example that has come to my notice. It is the more interesting in a geographical point of view, as being the only species—as near as I can ascertain—recorded from the Polynesian Seas. Sir John Richardson, in his interesting “Notices of Australian Fish,” published in the “Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London,” describes, and gives a list of thirteen species. Nine of those occur in the Australian Seas, one from China and Japan, two from the Cape of Good Hope, and one from Tristan d’Acunha. In the number and arrangement of the fasciae, our fish closely resembles the _C. gibbosus_, Sol., (_Chætodon_) from Van Diemen’s Land. The latter species is less gibbous, the eyes smaller, the soft portion of the dorsal fin shorter, and the caudal forks are more pointed than in the _C. vittatus_.

APOGON Lacep. 1802.

_A. maculiferus_, Garrett.

B. 7; D. 7-1-9; A. 2-8 V. 1-5; P. 13; C. 4, 1, 8, 7, 1, 3.

The upper profile of the head is slightly concave; otherwise the general shape of the fish closely resembles the _Apogon fraenatus_, Val. The greatest depth of the body, taken at the commencement of the anterior dorsal fin, equals the length of the head, or two-sevenths of the entire length of the fish. The eye is large, sub-circular in shape, even with the upper line of profile, and its diameter nearly one-third as long as the head. The upper jaw is slightly the longest, and the hinder termination of the maxillary is on a line with the posterior border of the pupil. The margin of the preopercle is finely and regularly dentated, and its anterior crest or ridge exhibits but few irregular teeth. The lateral line may be traced over twenty-four scales.

The first and second dorsal fin are of equal length along their base, both being higher than long, and the altitude of the latter, which exceeds that of the former, is, as compared to the entire length of the fish, one to five. The anal fin is inserted a trifle more posterior than the fin above. The large ventrals, when laid back, cover the vent with their tips. The caudal is sub-bifurcate.

Color brilliant silvery, with an iridescent reflection in which carnation predominates. The upper two-thirds of the body is ornamented with longitudinal rows of small olivaceous spots, one on each scale, and those above the lateral line more or less coalescing, forming broken bands. The head, which is more or less tinged with diluted carmine-red, is marked by a diffuse olivaceous band, which extends from the end of the snout, passing through the eye and terminating on the opercle. Irides silvery white; cornea black. The membranes of all the fins are tinged with orange-yellow, and their rays are red.

Length, 5½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

Vernacular, “Upapalu.”

REMARKS.—The longitudinal series of maculations will readily determine this species. Under the lens the spots assume the appearance of clusters of minute dots, some of which have blue central points.

SCORPÆNA Artedi, (L.)

_S. parvipinnis_, Garrett.

D. 13·10; A. 3-5; V. 1-5; P. 7-9; C. 5, 1, 6, 5, 1, 3.

In this species the upper and lower outlines are quite similar, being gently arched. The greatest depth of the body falls slightly short of one-third of the total length, and the greatest thickness at the base of the head, is a little more than two-thirds of the above mentioned depth. The head constitutes just one-third of the whole fish. The eye is large, circular, its diameter being nearly one-fourth of the length of the head. Four spines may be seen along the upper edge of the orbit, and the same number on each side of the occipital region and nape, the posterior one the larger. Two intraorbital spines, one on the nasal bone, and a longitudinal row of four along the supratympanic region. Two on the opercle, the lower one long and projecting posterior to the margin of that bone. A stout one may be observed on the humeral region, one on the infra-orbital, three on the margin of the preopercle, and a longitudinal row of irregularly disposed ones along the cheek. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper, and the tip of the maxillary extends as far back as the hinder border of the eye. Fine scales envelop the basal portions of all the fins except the ventrals, and cover all parts of the head except the jaws and the lower half of the maxillary bone. Minute filaments are observed on all parts of the fish, being more numerous on the upper anterior third of the body. The dorsal and anal fins are small, the former commencing above the origin of the latter line. The spiny portion of the dorsal is very low, gently arched, and constitutes nearly two-thirds of the fin. The soft portion of the anal fin is very narrow and rounded off.

The head and anterior half of the body is greyish, passing into light carnation beneath, and obscurely clouded with dusky. The posterior half of the body is dusky black, which fades into pink beneath, maculated with small darker spots. Caudal trunk, pink. Two large dusky black spots on the anterior dorsal region. Irides greenish-yellow. Fins pinky-red, the spiny dorsal mottled with dusky, and the other fins dotted with pinky-brown, and a bar of the same color on the caudal base.

Length, 4 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—The scaly head, small dorsal and anal fin will readily distinguish this beautiful species.

CRENILABRUS, Cuv.

_C. modestus_, Garrett.

B. 6; D. 12-10; A. 3-12; V. 1-5; P. 17; C. 2, 1, 6, 6, 1, 2.

The greatest depth, which occurs beneath the origin of the dorsal fin, is about one-fourth of the total length, and the greatest thickness is just half of the above mentioned depth. The head, which comprises a little more than one-fourth of the whole fish, presents a slight concave depression above the eyes. The preopercular serrations are very small. The eyes are sub-circular, their greatest diameter entering nearly six times in the length of the head, and twice in advance of their own orbit. The hinder tip of the maxillary reaches a vertical, passing through the center of the eye. Twelve longitudinal rows of scales may be enumerated between the lateral line and the vent, ten rows on the side of the caudal trunk, and the median longitudinal row on the body contains thirty scales. The lateral line, which passes over thirty-three scales, consists of slightly branched tubes.

The dorsal fin extends over a base equal to half the length of the fish, caudal fin excluded. Its soft portion falls slightly short of one-third of the whole fin. The anal fin, which is nearly half as long as the dorsal, has its hinder termination slightly more posterior. The acuminately pointed ventrals, when closely appressed to the abdomen nearly reach the anal fin. The large caudal has its posterior upper and lower angles considerably prolonged and pointed.

Color purplish-brown, passing into bluish grey beneath, and obsoletely lineated longitudinally with darker. A large oblong pale diffuse spot beneath the posterior end of the dorsal fin, which is directed obliquely downward and forward. Irides silvery, tinged with yellow. The dorsal fin is pale greyish, marked anteriorly with a large diffuse blue-black spot, its soft portion being tinged with reddish and margined above with yellow. The anal, ventrals and caudal are bluish-grey, the former posteriorly tinged with faded red and edged with yellow. Pectorals nearly colorless.

Length, 18 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—We have obtained only two individuals of this large species, both of which were exposed for sale in the Honolulu fish-market. The colors, which are no doubt considerably changed, were taken from the dead fish.

CHIRONECTES Cuv. 1817.

_C. niger_, Garrett.

D. 3-12; A. 6; V. 5; P. 10; C. 1, 7. 1.

The head constitutes about one-third of the total length, caudal excluded. The eyes are elliptically-oval, and inserted just once their greatest diameter distant from the margin of the upper jaw. The skin is covered with fine closely set prickly asperities, which gives it a velvety appearance. The general outline is ovate, and the greatest thickness equals one-sixth of the entire length. A range of conspicuous pores commences on the upper part of the gill covers, curving downward and upward to the symphysis of the lower jaw. Another row follows the margin of the upper jaw, passing over the snout, where it branches off posteriorly, curving over the eye and disappearing on the posterior portion of the body. Each pore is encircled with brush-like appendages, which gives them a tufted appearance. The dorsal fin extends over a base equal to one-third the length of the fish. Its upper margin is arched, and its height as compared to length is as one to two. The height and length of the anal fin are about equal.

Color deep black and obsoletely maculated with rather small roundish darker spots. On the basal portion of the dorsal and anal fins may be observed two large ocellations, with deep black pupils and paler areolae. Very minute opaque white points may also be seen scattered along the lower parts. Eyes blackish.

Length, 3½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

REMARKS.—This species possesses the nasal tufted bristle and two horn-like processes that we observe in all the species inhabiting these seas. When handled it emits a most disagreeable odor.

Dr. J. G. Cooper presented the following paper:

On New Genera and Species of Californian Fishes—No. III.

BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.

MYXODES Cuvier, 1817.

_M. elegans_, Cooper, State Collection, No. 707. [FIG. 23.]

_Specific characters._—Form elongated, high and narrow, the head wider than the thickest part of body. Length of snout equal to diameter of eye, lower jaw very slightly longest. Total length a little more than four and a half times that of head, which is equal to the greatest height of body. Head moderately arched, rounded above, the width between eyes a little less than the width of orbit. Orbit circular, contained four and a half times in length of head. Anterior lobe of dorsal commencing just behind head, triangular, one-twentieth of the length of fin, equal to the middle lobe in height; middle lobe gradually arched, its spines more slender than those of the first lobe; posterior lobe with soft rays only, about equal to the first, in size and form, extending nearly to the tail. Caudal fin quadrangular, its end obtusely truncate, nearly twice as long as wide. Anal commencing opposite seventeenth dorsal spine, nearly straight, its height one-fifth its length, and ending a little anterior to end of dorsal. Ventrals narrow, the middle ray longest. Pectorals arising opposite third dorsal spine, nearly as wide as long.

D. V-xxvii to xxx-8; C. 5-5; A. 26 to 28; V. 3; P. 11.

Scales in about 250 rows along middle of side, in 18/50-18/18 vertical rows along lateral line. Proportional measurements:

Length of largest specimen, 4 in. 100. Length of head .20 Height of pectoral .15 Length of dorsal .72 Length of caudal .12 Length of anal .44 Height of ventral .09 Height of body .22 Width of body .08

_Colors._—Exceedingly variable, but the general pattern, as preserved in alcohol, consists of a series of vertical bands, alternating with spots of various shapes and sizes, and often densely mottled with dark and light blotches distributed regularly, but not describable. The fins have alternating bands, and in all the specimens the membrane between the third and fourth dorsal spine is as clear as glass, as if intended to be seen through, but probably shines in the water as a sort of signal. When fresh the colors of those from San Diego were as follows: 1st, dark brown, a purple lateral stripe, sides with dark and light brown bars, having silvery blotches between them; below yellowish, top and sides of head blotched with yellow, a bright red ring with a green centre near pectorals, and another near caudal. Dorsal with alternating bars of olive and yellow; pectoral yellow at base, its rays reddish, barred with purple, ventrals and anal smoky.

Another was striped and cross-barred with brown, and mingled with this pattern were blotches of olive-brown, yellowish and purple, but no rings. Fins marked like the body, but paler.

It is possible that the rings observed in the first one, and not seen in any other, were caused by the growth of vegetable parasites, which are often found on fish of similar habits.

REMARKS.—This is the first instance of a _Myxodes_ being found on our coast north of the equator, though a nearly allied genus, the _Heterostichus_, has been long known. I was in some doubt whether to refer the fish to _Myxodes_ on account of the meagre descriptions of the genus accessible, but having sent a copy of the outline to Mr. Gill, I have been confirmed in the correctness of the diagnosis. The following are some of the most important generic characters not shown in the outline of our species:

Branchiæ VI-VI, the apertures freely connected below. Teeth uniserial in each jaw, those of lower jaw largest, some of those along sides larger than the rest. No teeth on vomer. Scales minute, entire, cycloid, closely adherent—none on head or fins.

The two-lobed form of the spinous dorsal does not apparently exist in some of the species. Suspecting that some of the other characters will be found sufficient to distinguish it, I propose for it provisionally the name GIBBONSIA, in honor of Dr. W. P. Gibbons, of Alameda County, whose descriptions of our viviparous fishes, published in 1854, by the Academy, have only of late been awarded the credit they deserve.

These beautiful little fish are found at low water in holes among rocks along our coast south of Point Conception, and at the adjoining islands. Their varied and elegant coloration would make them beautiful objects for a marine aquarium, but I had nothing suitable for the purpose, in which I could keep them alive long enough to study their habits.

I obtained three at Pt. Loma, San Diego, three at Catalina I., and two at Santa Barbara I., all manifestly of the same species, though differing individually in color, as above mentioned. They have no popular name.

GILLICHTYHS, n. g.[8]

_Generic characters._—Form moderately elongated, laterally compressed. Head depressed, broader than body, forming more than one-fourth of total length. Eyes small, situated far forward, and obliquely turned upward. Mouth moderate, its gape extending to the vertical of the posterior rim of orbit, but the angle of lower jaw half way to branchial aperture. Upper maxillaries extending back the same distance, thence prolonged by a cartilaginous expansion which reaches as far back as the opercular opening, and being there connected to an expansion of the skin of the lower jaw, forms a channel running back from the mouth and as long as the gape of the mouth itself. This channel is entirely free from the side of head, but only slightly movable forwards, so that it cannot serve to widen the mouth when opened.

Premaxillaries not protractile, movable at their symphysis, and only half as long as maxillaries, with which they are connected by a thin membrane, ending below orbit.

Villiform teeth on premaxillaries throughout, also on lower maxillaries to angle of mouth, and on pharyngeals; none on upper maxillaries, vomer or palate. A minute nasal aperture close behind maxillary and another opening just in front of anterior rim of orbit.

Preoperculum covered by the skin of the head.

Branchiæ four, all double, and free, opercular apertures small, as wide as base of pectorals, and separated by the whole width of the base of head.

Tongue broad and thick. Air-bladder small, liver very large and alimentary canal short.

Scales small, cycloid and thin, imbedded in the skin so as to be scarcely perceptible anterior to dorsal fin, or on back. None on ventral surface.

No lateral line perceptible. Dorsal fins two, situated far back, and rather large. Caudal small, obtusely rounded. Anal opposite to second dorsal. Ventrals united into a funnel-shaped disk opposite base of pectorals. Pectorals large and rounded. Fin rays all soft, dividing into three or four branches toward their ends. A small “_papilla genitalis_” in front of anal fin.

Whole fish covered with thick mucous secretion. Skin of head rather loose and soft, and perfectly smooth.

GILLICHTHYS MIRABILIS Cooper, State Coll. No. 627. [FIG. 24.]

_Specific characters._ Scales along middle of side, about 90 in 27 rows.

D. 6-13; C. 13-13; A. 11; V. 6 + 6; P. 20.

Length of largest specimen obtained, 5¼ inches 100. Distance from snout to orbit .06 Length of orbit .03 Snout to end of maxillary process .26 Snout to opercular aperture .27 Snout to first dorsal fin .36 Length of base of dorsal fin .15 Height of dorsal fin .10 From first to second dorsal .03 Length of base of second dorsal .19 Height of second dorsal .10 Length of caudal .16 Width of caudal .12 From caudal to second dorsal and anal .10 Length of base of anal .12 Height of anal .06 From ventral to anal .26 Height of ventral anteriorly .02 Height of ventral posteriorly .08 Height of pectoral .14 Width of base of pectoral .08 Lower jaw to ventrals .27 Width of head between orbits .02 Width of head at opercula .15 Height of head at opercula .16 Width of body at first dorsal .12 Height of body at first dorsal .18 Width of caudal at base .02 Height of caudal at base .09 Distance between ends of maxillary processes .58

_Colors._—When alive mottled with light and dark olive, paler below, sides of head reddish. In alcohol black, pale below, and scales below middle of sides finely punctate each with 8-10 dots, only visible under a microscope.

_Hab._—I found these remarkable fish only in San Diego Bay, and in but one station, which was among seaweed growing on small stones at the wharf of Newtown the military post, in November, 1861. They were left by the receding of the tide, and must have been out of the water from three to six hours daily, though kept moist by the seaweed. The four obtained were all females containing large masses of ova, and may have come to the spot in order to deposit them.

I could not obtain a glass vessel suitable for an aquarium, so as to keep them alive and observe their habits. The use of the strange maxillary processes or channels is obscure, nothing analogous being known in other fishes, the nearest approach to them being apparently the lengthened maxillaries of some _Salmonidæ_ and _Clupeidæ_, fish of entirely different habits and affinities, this one being evidently one of the _Gobidæ_. The stomach contained small crabs, apparently swallowed whole.

PTEROPLATEA Müller and Henle, 1837.

_P. marmorata_, Cooper, State Collection, Species 674. [FIG. 25.]

_Specific characters._—Outline of disk rhomboidal, the anterior borders forming an obtuse angle in front, nearly straight in their course to the lateral angles, which are sub-acute; the posterior borders rounded.

Ventrals small, oblong, obtuse-angled, projecting a little behind the disk. Tail nearly twice the length of ventrals, slender and pointed, flattened laterally behind the spine, and bordered by a very narrow membrane, commencing opposite the end of the spine below, and ending a little farther back above.

Spine arising at a point one-third the length of the tail from its base, one-sixteenth of its length, and less than a fourth as wide as it is long.

Both surfaces are nearly flat.

Proportional measurements:

Total length of specimen, 9½ in. 100. From median line to tip of pectoral .80 From anterior angle to eyes .13 From anterior angle to ventrals .70 Antero-posterior length of ventrals .10 Length of claspers .04 Length of tail beyond ventrals .25 Length of caudal spine .04 Distance between eyes .15

_Colors._—Thickly marbled with blackish and grayish mottlings equal in size; ventrals and tail with a few scattered white spots; below, white. It is probable that the colors are variable, as in the allied _Urolophus_.

I was doubtful at first whether to consider this fish a _Pteroplatea_, as that genus is described by Richardson as having the mouth curved, and the dental plate extending to its corners, also the teeth lobed. These characters, however, may change with its growth, this being evidently a young specimen. Mr. Gill, of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., to whom I sent a figure of it, agrees with me in referring it to this genus.

Compared with the _P. Maclura_ (Lesueur), of the Atlantic coast, described and figured by Dekay in the Nat. History of New York, this species is less wide in proportion to its length, the difference being as 10 to 16. There is also some difference in the markings. The _P. Maclura_ is said to attain the enormous width of 18 feet.

I found but one specimen of this fish at San Diego, where it was caught in a seine. I have also seen one, when the steamer was lying at anchor, at San Pedro, swimming near the surface of the water, apparently supporting itself by flapping its wing-like expansions, while it progressed slowly by lateral motions of its tail.

NOTE.—By an oversight of the printer, the proper references to the figures on page 110 were left out. The reader will however understand from the descriptions that the right hand figure is the _Myxodes_ (Fig. 23), and the others the _Gillichthys_ (Fig. 24).

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE.—This oversight has been addressed! Illustrations were relabelled correctly and placed next to the text describing them.

[8] Named in honor of Mr. THEODORE GILL, of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C., the author of various learned treatises on fishes; ICHTHYS, from the Greek for fish.

REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Present twelve members, four visitors.

Donations to the Cabinet: Cone of _Pinus pinea_ from the south of Europe, by Mr. Grosseillier. Bottle of Scorpions and other insects, by Mr. Dawson. Jar of fruits, and cloth made by the natives of Hilukukaki Island, by Capt. J. B. Edwards: A jar of alcoholic specimens from Rio Janeiro, one from Panama, and one from Acapulco, by S. Hubbard. A specimen of _Phasma_ from Manzanillo, Mex., by Col. Heintzelman. A specimen of _Gordius_ from this vicinity, by Mr. Keith. A box of cretaceous and tertiary fossils from the Atlantic States, by the Smithsonian Institution.

Donations to the Library:

Correspondenzblatt des Naturforschenden Vereins zu Riga, 13ter Jahrgang; Riga 1863. Verhandlungen der K. K. zoologisch-botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien, Band XII, Heft 1, 2, 3, 4, Wien 1862. Personen-Orts-und Sach-Register der Sitzungsberichte und Abhandlungen der Wiener K. K., Zool. bot. Gesellschaft, Wien 1862. Oversigt over det Kongelige danske Videnskabernes Selskabs Forhandlinger Aaret 1861; 8vo. Kiöbenhavn. Der Zoologische Garten, IV Jahrgang, Nr. 1-6, 1863, 8vo. Frankfurt a M. Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society, Vol. III, Nos. 6, 7, June and July, 1863. Schriften der Königlichen physikalish-ökomischen Gesellschaft zu Königsberg, IIIter Jahrgang, Abtheilungen 1, 2, 4to, 1862-3. Abhandlungen der K. K. geologischen Reichsanstalt, Band I-III & IV, 1-2, 3-4, 4to, Wien 1855-6. Jahrbuch der K. K. Reichsanstalt, Band XII 3, 4; XIII, 1, 8vo. Wien 1862-3. General-Register der ersten zehn Bände des Jahrbuchs der K. K. geol. Reichsanstalt, 8vo. Wien 1863. Considerations on the phenomena attending the fall of Meteorites on the earth, by W. Haidinger, (from the Philosophical Magazine for Nov. and Dec., 1861.) Seven papers on natural History, by George V. Frauenfeld, extracted from the Verhandlungen der K. K. Zool. bot. Gesellschaft in Wien. Also three papers by Messrs. Böck, Brunner, V. Wattenwyl, and Doleschall, from the same journal, together with the seven papers mentioned above, presented by G. Ritter V. Frauenfeld.

Prof. Whitney remarked that these donations were of great value, especially those relating to the Geological Survey of Austria, obtained through Baron von Richthofen. On motion, the special thanks of the Academy were tendered to him and to the “K. K. Geologischen Reichsanstalt” for the donation.

Sheet seven of the Proceedings of this Academy, pps. 97-112, was received from the printer.

Committees of Finance and of Publication were then elected.

Dr. Cooper, on behalf of Dr. Newcomb, corresponding member, presented the following paper on new Californian Helices, all of which, except the first species, were discovered by Dr. Cooper, while connected with the State Geological Survey.

Descriptions of Nine New Species of Helix Inhabiting California.

BY W. NEWCOMB, M.D., OF OAKLAND, CAL.

HELIX L.

_Helix Hillebrandi_ Newc.

H. testa supra planulata, luteo-cornea, sub-carinata, fasciis albis bi-cingulata, sub-lente crebre granulata, hirsuta; anfractibus 6 undique minute striatis, striis oblique transversis; anfr. ultimo descendente; umbilico late-aperto; apertura lunari-ovale; peristomate tenuo, albo, reflexo, prope umbilicam expanso.

Lat. maj. 0.9, min. 0.8 pol. Alt. 0.35 pol.

_Hab._ Tuolumne County, California.

Shell sub-planulate above, yellowish horn color, sub-carinate, under the glass thickly granulate, hairy(?); whorls 6 very finely striate, striæ obliquely transverse; the last whorl descending; umbilicus broadly open; aperture lunate oval; lip thin, white and reflected, near the umbilicus expanded.

REMARKS.—But one recent specimen, with a number in a fossil state, were collected by M. Voy and kindly placed in my hands. The granulated surface is confined to the epidermis, and the summit of many of the granules is marked with a cicatrix indicating a hirsute character. The nearest allied species is _H. Dupetit-Thouarsi_, from which it differs in its more depressed form and surface structure. It is dedicated to Wm. Hillebrand, M.D., of Honolulu, a well-known naturalist.

_Helix Tryoni_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1098.

H. testa solida, depresso-globosa, anguste obtecte umbilicata, supra cæruleo-cinerea, infra sordido-alba, spira sub-turbinata; anfr. 6 convexi, ultimus descendens; striæ sub-lente numerosæ insculptæ circum-volutæ; apertura sub-rotundata; columella callosa, obsolete unidentata; peristoma vix reflexum, introrsum callosum.

Diam. maj. 1, min. 0.88 pol. Alt. 0.75 pol.

_Var. b_, anfr. superiores undis transversis albis.

_Hab._ Insulis “Santa Barbara,” et “San Nicolas,” Cal.

Shell solid, depressly globose, umbilicus narrow and covered, above of an ashy sky-blue, below of a dirty white; spire sub-turbinate; suture well impressed, whorls 6 convex; numerous microscopical striæ, sculptured and revolving with the whorls; aperture rounded; columella callous, obsoletely one (sometimes two) toothed; lip scarcely reflected, thickened within; _var. b_, superior whorls with white transverse undulating lines.

_Hab._ Santa Barbara, and San Nicolas Islands, Cal.[9]

This species was found in great abundance alive. The animal is of a deep smoky hue, almost black, with _sometimes_ the terminal half-inch of the foot of a dirty white. It is dedicated to a distinguished American Conchologist.

_Helix crebri-striata_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1036.

H. testa obtecte vel aperte umbilicata, turbine-depresse-globosa, translucido-cornea; anfr. 5 convexiusculi, ultimo descendente; apice sub-mamillato; sutura bene impressa; striæ transversæ valde et creberrime insignæ, striæ longitudinis microscopice incisæ; apertura sub-rotunda; peris. diverso (tenue, acute, sub-reflexo, vel crasso intus calloso) approximato cum callo profuso conjuncto, vel sine callo; prope umbilicam expanso.

Diam. maj. 0.92, min. 0-75 pol. Alt. 0-55 ad 0-80 pol.

_Hab._ Ins. “San Clemente,” Cal.

Shell with a covered or open umbilicus, turbinately depressly globose, whorls 5 a little convex, the last descending; suture well impressed; transverse striæ well and densely shown, longitudinal striæ fine and impressed; aperture rounded; peristome various (thin, acute, a little reflected, or heavy, with an interior thickening) approximate, with (or without) a profuse callus connecting the outer and inner lips; near the umbilicus the columellar lip expands so as to partially cover the perforation.

_Hab._ San Clemente Island, Cal. Abundant.

This shell, so difficult to describe, owing to its variable characters in different specimens, makes the nearest approach to _H. Kelletii_ Forbes, from which it may readily be distinguished by its sculpture and other characters. In size and the elevation of the spire, it is one of the most variable of the California species of Helix. Distinguished from _H. intercisa_ W. G. Binney, by its not being _solid_, having the umbilicus partially or completely _open_, and from the figure referred to, in being more depressly trochiform in shape. The locality of _H. intercisa_ is given as “Oregon Territory.” The shell varies in some minor particulars, as in the want of a rufous apex, and its not being of the same color; in other respects it seems to be a closely allied species.

_Helix rufocincta_ Newc. State Collection, Species 624.

H. testa depresso-globosa, cornea, rufo-unifasciata, umbilicata, sub-lente decussata-striata; anfr. 6 ultimus non descendens; apertura sub-rotundo, labio reflexo, albo; sutura impressa; columella non callosa.

Diam. maj. 0.70, min. 0.60 pol. Alt. 0.40 pol.

_Hab._ San Diego, et Insula “Santa Catalina,” Cal.

Shell depressly globose, horny, red-banded, umbilicate, under the lens decussately striate; whorls 6, the last not descending; aperture sub-rotund; lip white, reflected; suture impressed; columella not callous.

The adult of this species is allied in outline to _H. Pytyonesica_ Pfr., but is less elevated, and bears in other respects no especial relation to that species. The size varies considerably, and the umbilicus in some specimens is nearly closed, while in the typical specimens it is quite open.

But one dead specimen was found at San Diego; but on Catalina Island it was more common, 19 adult and mostly living specimens occurring, æstivating on the under surface of stones, in June.

_Helix Gabbii_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1097.

H. testa sub-obtecte umbilicata, tenuis, pallide cornea, depresso-orbicularis, fusco obscure zonata; anfr. 5 convexis ultimus descendens; sutura bene impressa; apertura sub-orbiculari; labro albo non calloso, reflexo.

Diam. maj. 0.40, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.20 pol.

_Hab._ Insul. “San Clemente,” Cal.

Shell with umbilicus partially covered, thin, pale corneous, depressly orbicular, with an indistinct brown band; whorls 5 convex, the last descending; lip white, not thickened, reflected.

I have seen but a solitary specimen of this species. The size corresponds nearly with _H. facta_, but the thinness of the shell, the color, the more rounded whorls, the deeper suture, and the thin, white, reflected lip, sufficiently characterize this as a distinct species.

_Helix facta_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1099.

H. testa obtecte rimata, depresso-orbiculari, solida, compacta, glabra, albida, fusco-rubro uni-zonata; anfr. 5 ad 5½ convexiusculi, ultimus descendens; sutura modice impressa; apertura ovalis; labro crasso, reflexo, flavido.

Diam. maj. 0.42, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.22 pol.

_Hab._ Insul. “Santa Barbara,” et “San Nicolas.”

Shell with perforation covered, depressed orbicular, solid, _compact_, smooth, whitish, zoned with a brownish red band; whorls 5 to 5½ somewhat convex, the last descending; suture slightly impressed; aperture oval; lip thick, reflected, yellowish.

A sub-fossil variety measures 0.60 by 0.32 inches. Very numerous on Santa Barbara Island; less so on San Nicolas.

This species differs so essentially from the ordinary type of California Helices as to suggest a tropical region as its original habitat. One character in common with many of our species may be noticed, viz.: the colored band cutting the body whorl, inclosed between two faint light colored cinctures.

The shell has a little the aspect of _H. Rothi_ Pfr., from the Island of Syra, but is smaller, less elevated, and with a thick reflected yellow lip.

_Helix Whitneyi_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1112.

H. testa corneo-fumosa, sub-planulata, polita umbilico perspectivo; sutura bene impressa; apertura lunaris; labro simplici; anfr. 4.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.10 pol.

_Hab._ prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., in montibus “Sierra Nevada,” elevatione 6100 ped. Angl.

Shell smoky horn color, nearly flat above, smooth, with a perspective umbilicus; suture well impressed; aperture lunate; lip simple; whorls four.

In the umbilicus resembling _H. striatella_ Anthony, with a smooth surface and a dull, smoky hue. Only three specimens were found, under damp logs and bark along a mountain stream, together with _H. Breweri_, and _chersina_.

_H. Breweri_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1113.

H. testa discoidea, pallide-cornea, nitida, lucida; sutura sub-canaliculata, late umbilicata; anfr. 5. apertura lunaris; labro tenue simplici.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt 0.10 pol.

_Hab._ prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., et montibus septentrionalibus.

Shell discoidal, pale corneous, shining, transparent, suture slightly channelled, broadly umbilicate; whorls 5; aperture lunate; lip thin, simple.

This shell may be compared with _H. arborea_ Say, from which it differs by its less elevation, more polished and lighter colored surface, and more open umbilicus. Eight specimens found; one from Northern California, by Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Duranti_ Newc. State Collection, Species 987.

H. testa depressa, discoidea, pallide-cornea sub-lente minutissime striata, opaca, late et perspective umbilicata; anfr. 4. ultimus declivis non descendens; sutura linearis; apertura rotundata-lunaris; peristomate simplici, approximato.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.07 pol.

_Hab_. “Santa Barbara Island.”

Shell depressed, discoidal, pale corneous, under the lens minutely striated, opaque, broadly and perspectively umbilicated; whorls 4, the last shelving but not descending (at the aperture); suture linear; aperture rounded, lunate, lip simple, the external and internal approximating.

This pretty little planorboid Helix bears a striking resemblance to _Planorbis albus_ Müller, (_hirsutus_ Gould,) especially in its upper aspect. Beneath, the whorls are less distinctly shown than in the _Planorbis_. I take pleasure in dedicating this species to Professor Henry Durant, of the College of California.

In addition to the above, the State Collection contains the following species of Californian Helices:

_Helix arrosa_ Gould, sps. 858, common near mouth of S. F. Bay. Also a yellow variety from Santa Cruz, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix Californiensis_ Lea, (?) sps. 969, or a var. of _H. nickliniana Lea_? J. G. Cooper.

_Helix Carpenteri_ Newc., sps. 1136, a broken dead shell, from the head of San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Gabb.

_Helix Columbiana_ Lea, sps. 901, near San Francisco.

_Helix chersina_ Say, sps. 1125, found near Lake Taho; very large. J. G. C.

_Helix Dupetithouarsi_ Desh. sps. 492, from Point Cypress, Monterey. J. G. C.

_Helix exarata_ Pfeiffer, sps. 920. Mt. Diablo, Prof. Brewer; Santa Cruz, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix fidelis_ Gray, sps. 1135, Humboldt Bay, and mountains near lat. 42°. Prof. Brewer. A black variety; Dr. Frick.

_Helix infumata_ Gould, sps. 880, near Ballenas Bay, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix Kellettii_ Forbes, sps. 856, San Diego, and Catalina Island; the latter a very fine variety. J. G. Cooper.

_Helix loricata_ Gould, sps. 880, near Oakland, Dr. Newcomb.

_Helix Newberryana_ W. G. Binney, sps. 881, Temescal mountains, near Los Angeles, Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Nickliniana_ Lea, sps. 912, near S. F. Bay; common. J. G. C.

_Helix sportella_ Gould, sps. 899, near San Francisco. J. G. C.

_Helix mormonum_ Pfeiffer; San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Gabb; north to Mount Shasta, Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Traskii_ Newc., sps. 863, from mountains near Santa Barbara, Prof. Brewer. May be a variety of _H. Dupetithouarsi_.

_Helix tudiculata_ Binney, sps. 768, near San Diego and San Pedro. J. G. C.

_Helix Vancouverensis_ Lea, sps. 1093, Straits of Fuca, Mr. Gabb. Perhaps extends south to Humboldt Bay.

[9] This is the “_H. Kelletii_” mentioned on page 63 of this volume.—J. G. C.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 1ST, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

Donation to the Cabinet: A collection of dried plants from Arizona, by Mr. Spence.

Prof. Brewer presented the following papers:

Description of a New Species of Virgularia from the Coast of California.

BY WM. M. GABB.

VIRGULARIA LAM.

_V. gracilis_ Gabb.

Polypidom long and very slender. Decorticated stem circular or elliptical in section, smooth on the surface. Polypiferous lobes, slender, exsert, lunate, acute at the tips and broad at the base; arranged obliquely and alternately on the antero-lateral face of the stem. These lobes occupy the upper half of the polypidom; retaining their full size to the extreme apex, but diminishing below, so that on the middle of the stem they are exceedingly minute; and an inch or two below, are only represented by a slight ridge on the sheath, in which are two or three cells. The lower fourth of the sheath is dilated to about three times the thickness of the rest of the stem.

Length 19 inches; diameter of the naked stem .03 in.; smallest diameter of stem, with the sheath, .04; diameter of expanded base .13 in.; length of largest lobes .15 in.

Locality, Bay of Monterey, 20 fms. Collected by Dr. J. G. Cooper, of the State Geological Survey.

This species can be at once distinguished from _V. elongata_, G. (Proc. Cal. A. N. S., vol. 2, p. 167) by its more slender form, its proportionally large polypiferous lobes, its cylindrical stem, without any grooves, and by the comparatively smaller portion of the stem bearing the lobes.

Notice of Plants found Growing in Hot Springs in California.

BY PROF. WM. H. BREWER, OF THE STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

More than two years ago I laid before this Society some facts in regard to the growth of plants in the thermal waters of this State. Since that time we have more observations, and some of the facts are worthy of record, although the fact is not new that plants will grow in hot water.

At the Geysers in Lake County, there are numerous hot springs and steam jets, in and around which there is an abundant growth of a low form of vegetation (_Nostoc_?) growing on the soil and covering it with a bright green coating. In some of the warm springs and streams it accumulates in considerable quantities in the water. The highest temperature of water observed at the time of our visit, in 1861, was 207° F.; the water of many of the springs boiling violently at temperatures ranging from 196° to that stated. This vegetable flourished in waters of the temperature of 200° F., but was most abundant where the temperature ranged from 125° to 140° F. It coated the soil around the steam jets, where it would be alternately exposed to the jets of steam issuing at a higher temperature than that of boiling water, and of the cooler air.

In water of the temperatures of 100° to 125° there are filamentons algæ.

At the Little Geysers similar facts were observed.

In Plumas County, near Lassens Peak, there are three groups of hot springs, at all of which the same form of vegetation is abundant under similar conditions, especially around steam jets. Various gases, especially sulphohydric and sulphurous acids, accompanying the steam in all of these localities, and the soil is generally impregnated with various saline substances. All the specimens of the plants were unfortunately lost, so that no microscopic examination has been made, further than could be done on the spot with a pocket lens.

Near all of these springs, the _Panicum thermale_ Bolander, grows on the saline soils, sometimes where the soil is warm and the grass is subjected to steam; but its station appears to depend more upon the saline character of the soil than upon its temperature. It was frequently found on soil saturated with sulphates of soda, lime, etc., and having a strongly acid reaction.

None of these forms are universally found about all the hot springs of the State; many springs have been visited where neither of them occur, but where one is found the other is generally found also.

Dr. Cooper presented the following paper for Dr. Newcomb, corresponding member:

Description of a New Species of Pedicularia.

BY W. NEWCOMB, M. D.

PEDICULARIA SWAINSON.

_Pedicularia Californica_ Newc.

P. testa depresa-globosa, coccinea, minute transverse striata, supra rotundata, infra late aperta; labio expanso, semi-circulare; columella crassa, dilatata, intus recta; apertura elongato sub-ovata; extremitatibus effusis:

Long. 0.4 pol. Lat. 0.3 ” Alt. 0.25 ”

Hab. _California_.

Shell depressly globose, crimson colored, minutely transversely striated, above rounded, below broadly open; lip expanded, semicircular; columella thick, dilated within, straight; aperture elongately sub-ovate; extremities broadly notched.

The Genus Pedicularia was established by Swainson for the reception of a single species (_P. sicula_) of that author. During the past year another species has been added by that eminent Naturalist, G. P. Deshayes, of Paris.

In a work published, on the shells of the Isle of Bourbon, he describes a beautiful violet-colored species under the name of _P. elegantissima_. The California species (of which only one specimen has been obtained) can scarcely be surpassed in brilliancy by its Indian Ocean congener, although bearing the exquisite name of _elegantissima_.

For the specimen of the species here described, I am indebted to the extreme liberality of D. N. Robinson, Esq., of San Francisco, who obtained it from a coral growing on a monster crustacean of the genus _Echidnocerus_, which was taken in very deep water at the Farallones Islands.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15TH, 1864.

Vice-President Trask in the Chair.

Present thirteen members.

Messrs. A. Thyark and R. E. C. Stearns were elected resident members.

Donations to the Cabinet: Coral, from the Aitutaka Islands, by Capt. Edwards. Botanical specimens from the White Mountains, N. H., by Dr. Cooper.

Donations to the Library: Report of the Committee to prepare a plan for a State University. Journal of the Society of Arts and of the Institutions in Union, London, Eng. American Journal of Science and Arts for November, 1863.

Mr. W. P. Blake exhibited specimens of Coal, said to have been found on the mountains east of the Colorado River, about twenty-five miles from La Paz. He stated that it was of very good quality and seemed too brilliant for surface coal, but that this might perhaps be attributed to the dryness of the climate. He had, however, doubts as to the occurrence of coal associated with obsidian, as was stated to be the case with these specimens.

The publishing committee was authorized to furnish copies of the Proceedings for 1863 to certain libraries and journals in this State.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 7TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Present twelve members; also Messrs. Turnbull, Smith, Gardiner, and Burgner, by invitation.

Donation to the Cabinet: Stuffed skin of a large venomous Snake, from the Sierra Madre of Mexico, east of Mazatlan, presented by Mr. Burgner.

Donations to the Library: Pamphlets on the North American Helicidæ, by Thomas Bland, extracted from the Annals of the N. Y. Lyceum of Natural History. American Journal of Science and Arts for January, 1864. Boston Journal of Natural History, Vol. VII, No. 4.

Dr. Behr presented the following paper:

On Californian Lepidoptera. No. IV.

BY H. BEHR, M.D.

FAM. VANESSIDÆ.

GRAPTA.

_Grapta Comma_ Harris.

I possess but one specimen of this Grapta. It was collected by Dr. Hillebrand, in Yosemite Valley, during his late visit to California. It agrees in all essential points with two other specimens which I obtained through the kindness of Mr. W. H. Edwards, of New York. The California specimen differs by a somewhat lighter coloration on both sides, especially below where the ground color passes into a yellowish brown, while in the Eastern specimen it becomes a bluish gray. On the upper side, also, the bluish coloration of the edge of the angulated wings of the Eastern form is replaced by a yellowish tint.

I would be inclined to take _G. Comma_ for a local variety of _G. C-album_, were it not for the caterpillar, which, according to Mr. Harris, resembles that of _G. interrogationis_, and is entirely without that strangely dimidiate coloration so characteristic in _G. C-album_.

In _G. C-album_ I cannot find any difference between my Californian and European specimens. Our vernal generation is larger and somewhat lighter colored than any European specimens I have ever seen. The caterpillar has a curious dimidiate coloration, which I have never seen except in this species: the fore part being white, the abdominal part yellow. I found it on Urtica, but it will probably be found on other Urticaceous plants, herbaceous as well as arborescent. _G. C-album_ is not common in the immediate neighborhood of San Francisco, but it is rather abundant in woody and mountainous districts.

The Atlantic States are richer in species of this genus than either Europe or California, the two latter of which possess the same number of species.

Europe. California. Atlantic Slope.

_G. C-album._ _G. C-album._ _G. C-album._ _G. Triangulum._ _G. Comma._ _G. Comma._ —— —— _G. Faunus._ —— —— _G. Progne._ —— —— _G. interrogationis._

VANESSA Fabr.

_Vanessa Californica_ Boisd.

The caterpillar of this species feeds on Ceanothus, and lives socially like that of _V. Urticæ_ L., from which it differs very little. It is of a velvety black, and the spines which cover it are also black.

_V. Californica_ is remarkable from its being one of the few wandering Lepidoptera yet known. The first migration I observed was on November 15th, 1856, when numbers of this butterfly flew over San Francisco in a general direction of south-south-east. They flew singly, and never crowded into swarms. Most of these butterflies passed over our streets at too great a height to permit close inspection—a few alighting here and there on lamp-posts, sign-boards, or in the more rural parts, on flowers. It was from these that I obtained the specimens in my collection. They nearly all looked worn and shattered, and there were no fresh specimens among them: clearly indicating that they were not raised in the neighborhood of the city, but had come from distant parts. On the 18th some of the stragglers were still to be seen, but on the 19th they had all disappeared. The second migration took place last fall, but did not reach San Francisco. I received a series of specimens, caught by Dr. Cooper, on the road to Lake Taho. Others I received from Oregon, where they were collected by Mr. Gabb, during his geological examination of those northern regions. Neither Dr. Cooper nor Mr. Gabb observed any marked direction in the flight of these butterflies; they agree that the species was strikingly numerous. Mr. Gabb represents it as settling on the ground in dry arroyos, very shy, and when frightened, always returning to the same spot—a behavior which pretty nearly corresponds with that of the nearest relative, the European _V. Polychloros_. Both of these authorities prove merely an unusual number of this butterfly at an unusual time of the year. The description of the habits of the insect, as observed by Mr. Gabb in the Umpqua Valley, show clearly that there it felt at home. By comparing notes received from Mr. Johnson, of Marin County, I have come to the conclusion that the country to the northward, crowded with this Vanessa, must have sent at least one colony south; and I was told by the above-mentioned gentleman, the statement being confirmed by several intelligent farmers of the same neighborhood, that large numbers of a brown butterfly had come from San Quentin, and crossed over that part of the bay which stretches between San Rafael and Saucelito. About the same time, great numbers of the same insect were observed in Lagunita Valley, at the base of Tamal Pais, where the swarms gathered in a great crowd, and disappeared as suddenly as they came.

I trust that my loquacity in regard to the habits of this species will be pardoned. I consider the observation of facts touching the migration of animals, of the highest importance, and think it desirable that all observations on these points should be put on record: so that hereafter, when a sufficient number of instances may have been collected, conclusions may be drawn, and perhaps many hitherto inexplicable points in the geographical distribution of insects, and of organic life in general, may be explained.

This butterfly is rather rare in common years, and is, perhaps, notwithstanding its name, _V. Californica_, not exactly an indigenous species, at least not in the middle counties of our State. Unlike all other _Vanessidæ_ known to me, it has but one generation, at least in California, where the imago is always found late in the season. I do not venture to decide whether _V. Californica_ requires a longer time for development in the larva state than the other _Vanessidæ_, or whether it has its vernal generations somewhere else in adjacent countries. I have found but one colony of caterpillars. It was in July, and most of the individuals were nearly full grown; they were rather delicate, the majority died in the larva state, seven transformed about the end of the month, and a single chrysalis produced a crippled butterfly.

_Vanessa Milberti_ Godt.

This species is common in woody localities. The caterpillar is very much like that of _V. Californica_, and only a few individuals show a distinguishing mark in the shape of a longitudinal, lateral stripe of sulphur yellow. It feeds on _Urtica_.

_Vanessa Antiopa_ L.

There is nothing to add in regard to this long and well-known species. The caterpillar feeds here, as everywhere else, on willows.

The true Vanessæ have about the same geographical distribution as the Graptæ. They also have a predilection for Urticaceous plants. Only the most northern species is amphigeic.

Europe. California. Atlantic Slope.

_V. Antiopa._ _V. Antiopa._ _V. Antiopa._ _V. Urticæ._ _V. Milberti._ _V. Milberti._ _V. Polychloros._ _V. Californica._ _V. C-album._

There is a balance in favor of the Old World—the beautiful type of _V. Io_ not being represented on this continent—and also the type of _V. Polychloros_, containing a few species, as, for instance, _V. Xanthomelas_, that make it appear more numerous.

PYRAMEIS Hubn.

_Pyrameis Atalanta_ L.

Larva feeds on Urtica.

_Pyrameis Carye._

This species is by far the most common butterfly in California. The caterpillar is very variable in its coloration, and is so like that of _P. Atalanta_, in company with which it is frequently found, that I have never succeeded in finding any distinguishing characters. It feeds throughout the year on _Urtica_ and on several malvaceous plants, and has the habit of all its congeners, of hiding itself in a rolled up leaf.

_Pyrameis Cardui_ L.

This most cosmopolitan of all diurnals, affects here, in its larva state, several malvaceous plants, and also the genus _Gnaphalium_, and its relations; but the plant for which it shows the greatest predilection is _Silybum Marianum_, a plant which formerly did not exist here, and has only spread since 1852. It now forms thickets in the neighborhood of San Francisco, as well as near most of our inland towns, but has never spread to a great distance from settlements. _P. Cardui_ frequents the same localities, and I found the same species in Australia in the same relation to the same immigrated plant, _Silybum Marianum_. I know very well that _P. Cardui_ existed here, as well as in Australia, before the immigration of this Mediterranean plant; but still, it is a remarkable fact that this cosmopolitan butterfly, notwithstanding its ability to adapt itself to plants of the most different families, still clings with such tenacity to a cosmopolitan plant, to whose universal distribution it is perhaps much indebted for the wide range which it itself attains.

Next to the cosmopolitan character of this plant, _P. Cardui_ owes its great extent probably to its many generations and certain irregularities in the time of the appearance of the perfect insect; so that small colonies of the species are not so liable to be destroyed by inclemency of climate or exceptional atmospheric agencies; for a being that exists at the same time in the four stages of the egg, larva, chrysalis, and imago, has more chances of escaping cataclysms and deluge than others that are all at one time in the same stage of existence. The extent of the influence exerted by the number of generations, and the irregularity of period, can be very clearly recognized by the circumstance that species with one generation are always the most local; for instance, certain _Meliteæ_, _Argynnidæ_, _Theclæ_, most of _Sphingidæ_, etc.; that also the cosmopolitanism develops in proportion to the number of generations, and attains its maximum in certain _Vanessidæ_, _Danaidæ_, _Pyrameis_, etc.

_Pyrameis Hunteri_ Fab.

This species seems to have, in California, but one generation. It is not common. I have found it only in the latter part of the season, and have not yet succeeded in finding the caterpillar. The genus _Pyrameis_ has the widest range of all the genera of this family. It extends through all latitudes from the Arctic regions to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn. On the northern hemispheres it is best represented in California, which country possesses one peculiar species in addition to all three of Europe and the Eastern Slope of the United States.

California. Eastern Slope. Europe.

_P. Atalanta._ _P. Atalanta._ _P. Atalanta._ _P. Carye._ —— —— _P. Cardui._ _P. Cardui._ _P. Cardui._ _P. Hunteri._ _P. Hunteri._ ——

JUNONIA Hubn.

_Junonia Cænia_ Boisd. et Lee.

Several generations. Caterpillar not yet found in California. From this enumeration of California _Vanessidæ_ we find, 1st. That with the exception of _V. Californica_, there is not yet found any species of this group peculiar to our State, for even _P. Carye_ exists as well in Chili as here, and is also said to have been found in Brazil. This circumstance is more striking since our _Argynnidæ_ and _Meliteæ_ prove altogether local; none of them being identical with Eastern species, unless a _Melitæa_, of the type of _Mylitta_, should be found identical with a form found in Texas. 2. The genera of this group, north of the Tropic of Cancer, are essentially amphigeic, the European _Arachnia_ being almost the sole exception. But, as it were, to compensate this, the tropical amphigeic genus _Junonia_, wanting in Europe, extends, on our continent, to high latitudes. 3. As regards the number of specks, the genus _Grapta_ predominates at the Eastern Slope, _Vanessa_ in Europe, _Pyrameis_ in California, and our own _Junonia_ is counterbalanced in Europe by our _Arachnia_.

FAM. LIMENITIDÆ.

LIMENITIS Fabr.

_Limenitis Lorquini_ Boisd.

Like its congeners in other parts of the world, this species occurs in shady woods, or on the banks of arroyos. It is peculiar to California and Oregon.

_Limenitis Eulalia_ Doubleday.

In localities similar to the preceding species. These two species are, as yet, the only ones found in our State. They represent a peculiar type, forming, in their coloration, a transition from _Limenitis_ to the South American genus _Heterochroa_. Neither of these Californians have been found on the Eastern Slope. _L. Eulalia_ extends to Mexico.

The family _Apaturidæ_ as yet, has not been found in California.

Dr. Trask offered the following article:

Earthquakes in California During the Year 1863.

BY JOHN B. TRASK, M.D.

During the year 1863 we have had but five earthquakes, and as in former years they have been marked by no serious event, if we except the light degree of fright induced at the time among our people.

January 25th.—A severe shock was experienced at San Diego at 2h. 20m. M., which lasted five to eight seconds. There was no undulation in this case, it consisting of a series of sharp jars. It was preceded by a deep rumbling noise.

February 1st.—A very smart shock at the Mission San Juan, Monterey County, at 4h. 1m. P.M. This shock was felt at Gilroys at 4h. 15m. This town is twelve miles east of the former. At both places the shock was marked by the undulatory motion. It was not observed at Monterey, which is nearly twelve miles west of the Mission.

June——A smart shock at midnight at San Francisco.

August 1st.—Two light shocks at San Francisco, at 10h. 48m. P.M., and at 11h. 6m. P.M., another shock.

December 19th.—At 2h. 38m. P.M. a smart shock was felt throughout the city; directly afterwards another and more severe one occurred. The first was a short, sudden jar, while the second was undulatory. The accuracy of the telegraph operator at Santa Clara has enabled us to form a correct idea of the course of this shock, and to correct to some extent the popular errors relating to the direction of the seismic wave. His time was 2h. 44m. 31s., being within 29 seconds of true time, which would then be 2.45. This gives us only 6½ minutes difference in elapsed time, and gives for the direction of the wave an east course in place of north and south, as reported, which corresponds to our measured observations here. I take this opportunity of expressing the thanks of the Academy to this operator for his accuracy and kindness in furnishing us data in this and other phenomena of scientific and public interest.

February and March, 1864.

During the present year, 1864, we have had two smart earthquakes at the date of writing this report.

February 26th.—At San Francisco a light shock at 0h. 40m. M., and another at 2h. 10m. M. These were reported to me by persons who were up in the south and west parts of the city. At 5h. 47m. a very smart shock occurred, having three distinct vibrations, which induced many to rise somewhat earlier than was usual. This earthquake was preceded by a strong _electric storm_ (so called here), between this city and Visalia; the particulars of which have not as yet all come to hand. It was followed next day by one of those severe “northers” with which the people of this State are very familiar. Barometer very low. This fact is mentioned only on account of the unseasonable period at which the gale occurred.

This earthquake was felt more severe at San José and Santa Clara than at this place, and occurred at nearly the same hour.

March 5th.—A severe shock of earthquake at San Francisco at 8h. 49m. M. The first wave had a north and south direction and continued 1¾ seconds; nearly 1¾ seconds elapsed before the second shock, which was at 8h. 49m. 3s., and continued 1½ seconds. The second shock was rotatory; the pendulum swinging north and south from the first shock, began and continued to describe a short oval or nearly a circle from the effects of the second shock, and continued thus for more than half an hour, until stopped and brought to rest. Magnetism was not suspended in this earthquake, nor any other that has occurred since my instrument was suspended. These observations were made at the height of twenty feet four inches from the ground. The total of time included in the shock was nearly five seconds. The farthest point south to which I have been able to trace its effects is the Mission San Juan, and north to Sacramento, a distance inclusive of 177 miles. In an easterly direction we have not traced it east of Stockton, about 60 miles. It was felt at Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Gilroys, south of San Francisco, and at Santa Rosa and Petaluma to the north.

Since the above was in type, advices have been received from Visalia. At that locality the shock was very smart. The first shock took place at 8h. 45m. M., being four minutes earlier than that at San Francisco. This gives for the entire distance, north and south (over which the earthquake extended), 257 miles. This extent of latitude, and the almost simultaneous period of time at which it was observed along the entire line of distance so far as heard from, leads to the conclusion that its probable centre was south of San Francisco and nearly in the same longitude. From the violence of its action I feel inclined to the belief that its centre was in the neighborhood of San José, for all accounts agree in this one point, that more turbulence of the earth’s surface occurred in this region during its continuance than at any other place yet known. At Visalia the first shock was a mere tremor, but was followed by an undulatory movement when the second shock occurred, which was some three or four seconds later. This wave moved in an east and west direction at that place.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21ST, 1864.

Dr. Trask in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

Messrs. J. G. Kellogg and Jacob Deidesheimer were elected resident members.

Resolutions were passed in memory of the Rev. T. Starr King, late a member of the Academy, and a copy directed to be forwarded to the family of the deceased.

Donation to the Library: “Descriptions of New Species of Tropical American Birds,” by Geo. N. Lawrence, extracted from the Annals of the New York Lyceum, by the author.

A discussion was held on the popular error of supposing that thunder and lightning are very rare in California, several members stating from their experience that both are common in the higher and more mountainous portions, at all seasons of the year, though rare in the lower regions.

Dr. Behr stated that he had used the root of the _Aspidium argutum Kaulf._, successfully as an antidote for tape-worm since the year 1852, and with better results than attend the use of _A. filixmas_ of Europe.

REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 4TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Present, ten members.

Professor Whitney read a paper by Major Williamson, U. S. Engineer, giving the methods of determination and results of measurement by barometer of the depression of “Death Valley” below the level of the sea, made in 1860 by the Cal. and U. S. Boundary Commission. Death Valley was found to be the “sink” of the Armagoza River, which runs near the boundary, east of Owen’s Lake. The observations, are sufficient to show that the valley is from one hundred to two hundred feet lower than the level of the sea.

REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18TH, 1864.

Dr. Trask in the Chair.

Present, nine members.

W. S. Brigham and Horace Mann were elected corresponding members, being about to proceed to the Sandwich Islands to make a thorough scientific exploration, under the auspices of the Boston Society of Natural History.

The name of Mr. Louis Janin, elected in 1861 but accidentally omitted from the list of members, was directed to be published in the proceedings.

Donations to the Cabinet: About two hundred specimens of rocks and ores from Humboldt River District, by Mr. Highton.

Dr. Trask presented the following paper:

Earthquakes in California from 1800 to 1864.

BY JOHN B. TRASK.

As the subject of earthquakes for some years past has engrossed much of the attention of scientific observers, I have, at the request of several members of the Academy, made out a complete report upon the occurrence of those phenomena upon this coast, as far as personal observation is concerned, and also so far only as we have authentic records prior to the occupancy of the present State of California by the American Government.

The present paper contains, probably, all that can be verified, and places the subject in a form to which future reference may be made by other observers abroad; thus enabling them and ourselves also, to bring together the statistical facts which, it may be hoped, will help to form some rational theory in future years relating to the causal agency of those phenomena, as well as the physical laws governing their action.

In this paper I have reduced the periods of their occurrence for the thirteen years past to astronomical time, in all instances where the hour on which the shocks occurred have been known with certainty, and, without attempting to combat any theory that has been advanced, or the suggestion of another relating to their origin, their history has been left as a record of facts, which will become useful when others of like character accompany them. Our record, in this State alone has reached a little more than one-tenth of the number on which M. Mallet has founded his theory of their origin, and which were drawn from all parts of the world, and although this may seem a large proportion for this district of country alone since 1850, it is not to be presumed that a greater frequency of shocks have occurred here than elsewhere, but that the same attention has not been bestowed in recording their occurrence in other countries where they are known to be much more frequent and severe than upon our coast.

It might be asked why, if such unquestionable frequency occurs within the limits of this State we are not subject to momentary destruction from their effects; the answer to this is found in the preceding paragraph, from which cause it will be seen that our experience is more apparent than real, relatively, and farther still, we should find a much greater frequency of shocks, beyond all doubt, if the instruments for their registry in different parts of the State were more plentiful than at present.

There is no good reason for the supposition that we are in more danger from these phenomena than upon the Atlantic border, for the reason that we are so far removed from the centers of immediate and violent volcanic action, that it would require dangerous tension of the imagination to place California within the range of those physical causes which are so conducive to violent, repeated, and destructive earthquakes. This State cannot be considered more subject to earthquakes than it is to volcanoes, relatively, and this is said too in the face of our own records relating to the former. We need have little fear from these disturbances so long as we are so far removed on either hand from the great centers, and even from the terminal points of those centers of volcanic disturbance, from the action of which such disastrous consequences have, and will again follow to their immediate districts.

A moment’s consideration will convince the most sceptical of the prevailing fallacy relating to this subject. In the first place, we are situated between two great termini of active volcanic ranges, the nearest being Colima, 1,200 miles south, the other on the coast of Alaska, more than 1,300 miles to the north; the distance inclusive between the points being nearly or perhaps quite 2,600 miles, in which NO active volcanic vents abound, unless we make an exception of Mounts Hood and St. Helen in Oregon, of which the testimony is somewhat dubious, and the nearest of which is 700 miles. To the east there are no volcanoes for a distance of 2,500 miles, and to the west for a much greater distance than in either of the other directions. This, certainly, should be sufficient to palliate the fears of the timid, in some degree at least, and to silence in part also the sensational articles which appear from time to time in the press of this and the eastern States, as to California being an oven within the range of active volcanic action, and a volcanic country.

In preparing this paper I have endeavored to obtain, as far as possible, the most correct information relating to the history of these phenomena in former years. It is my desire also to correct some of the misrepresentations and statements current relating to the severity of earthquake shocks in this country during the earlier periods of its history.

I have at the present time some additional information relating to the great earthquake of 1812, which did not appear in my first paper on this subject, and which must now be placed on record. These facts relate more to the phenomena occurring during that year, rather than to the destruction of the missions, all of which will be found in their proper place below.

From careful inquiry of the early settlers and residents I cannot learn that any more than one earthquake has occurred which was in any considerable degree of a serious character, and but one which has caused the destruction of either life or property to any extent.

This earthquake occurred in the month of September, 1812, and destroyed the Mission San Juan Capistrano, in Los Angeles County, and the Mission Purissima (Viejo) in the County of Santa Barbara. The following is the history of that event as obtained from the older native inhabitants and foreign residents on the coast at that time.

The day was clear and uncommonly warm; it being Sunday the people had assembled at San Juan Capistrano for evening service. About half an hour after the opening of service, an unusual loud, but distant rushing sound was heard in the atmosphere to the east and also over the water, which resembled the sound of strong wind, but as it approached no perceptible breeze accompanied it. _The sea was smooth and the air was calm._ So distant and loud was this atmospheric sound that several left the building attracted by its noise.

Immediately following the sound, the first and heaviest shock of the earthquake occurred, which was sufficiently severe to prostrate the Mission Church of San Capistrano almost in a body, burying in its ruins the most of those who remained behind, after the first indication of its approach was heard.

The shock was very sudden and almost without warning, save from the rushing sound above noted, and to the severity of the first shock at that moment is to be attributed the loss of life that followed.

The number reported to have been killed outright, is variously estimated from thirty to forty-five (the largest number of persons agree on the smallest number of deaths given), but in the absence of records such statements should be received with many grains of allowance, where memory alone is the only means left, and the term of forty-three years has elapsed before the period at which this account was placed on paper. A considerable number are reported to have been badly injured.

There is a universal agreement on this point with those from whom these facts were derived, viz.: _that the first shock threw down the entire building, and that a large number of persons were in it at that moment_, and under the circumstances it would be most singular if no deaths were caused by such an event.

It is now nine years since the above facts were published, and in March, 1864, a writer to me unknown, corroborates this statement relating to that Mission in these words. “The church thrown down at San Juan Capistrano by an earthquake in 1812, was a well built-affair of stone and cement. The cupola or short steeple falling over the church completely destroying the building.”

The motion of the earth is described as having _lifted vertically_, attended by a rotatory movement. _No undulatory_ motion is described by any one. Dizziness and _nausea_ seized almost every person in the vicinity.

A heavy, loud, deep rumbling, accompanied the successive shocks that followed, which were five in number, all having the motion above described, though comparatively light in their effects to the first. The sounds attending the phenomena came apparently from the South and East.

In the valley of San Inez, to the south and west of Santa Barbara, the church now known as the “Mission Viejo” (La Purissima), was also completely destroyed. At this locality there were also a number of lives lost, but what number is as yet very uncertain. The distance between Capistrano and San Inez is about one hundred and seventy miles. The shock which destroyed this building occurred about one hour after the former, and the greater portion of the inhabitants had left the building but a few minutes before it fell, service having closed. The first shock felt here prostrated the building, as in the preceding case.

A Spanish ship which lay at anchor off San Buenaventura, thirty-eight miles from Santa Barbara, was much injured by the shock, and leaked to that extent, that it became necessary to beach her, and remove the most of her cargo.

The writer above quoted corroborates the fact of a ship having been in this vicinity at the time. The distance of this ship from Santa Barbara is nearly the same as in my original statement but in a different direction. From the circumstantial details of the writer as to the ship “Charan,” _alias_, “Thomas Newland,” I am inclined to the belief that his statements are more entitled to adoption than my own; I therefore present his statement also and leave the reader to adopt either, so far as regards the ship and her position. “At the same time a Boston ship the Thomas Newland, known before as the Charan, commanded by Capt. Isaac Whitmore, was lying off the anchorage not far from the Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County.”

It is an interesting fact, and at the same time somewhat remarkable, that the time which elapsed between the advent of the shocks at Capistrano and San Inez is widely variant from what we should look for, when the distance apart and velocity of motion in earthquakes are taken into consideration. If the velocity of the seismic wave in this earthquake was uniform with those of more recent times, it should have reached La Purissima in twenty-eight minutes and fifty seconds in lieu of an hour; but all due allowances must be made for a question of time in an event of this nature, and also for errors in memory of persons after the lapse of so many years.

The effect of this earthquake on the sea, in the Bay of Santa Barbara, is described as follows: “The sea was observed to recede from the shore during the continuance of the shocks, and left the latter dry for a considerable distance, when it returned in five or six heavy rollers, which overflowed the plain on which Santa Barbara is built. The inhabitants saw the recession of the sea, and being aware of the danger on its return, fled to the adjoining hills near the town to escape the probable deluge.”

The sea on its return flowed inland a little more than half a mile, and reached the lower part of the town, doing but little damage, destroying only three small adobe buildings.

Here again I take the liberty of quoting the late writer above noticed, in corroboration of its effects upon the sea. “The sea was seen to retire all at once, and to return in an immense wave, which came roaring and plunging back, over the beach. This wave penetrated the low lands and gulches a mile from the shore, forming one of the most terrific sights possible to conceive.”

Very little damage was done to the houses in town from the effects of the shocks, while the Mission at San Inez was prostrated almost instantly. There is no evidence that I can find, that this earthquake was felt in San Luis Obispo, though such has been the report.

In addition to my former paper I will now add some information relating to this and other earthquakes, touching more particularly a series continuing through a long period for such phenomena, but preceding the great event of September of that year.

So far as the archives of the old missions assist us, it is found that from the foundation of the first mission in 1769, up to the year 1800, a period of thirty-one years, not an entry was made of these phenomena. In the latter year an earthquake is recorded as occurring at San Juan Bautista, on the eleventh of October. On the eighteenth of the same month, at supper time another shock was felt, and another still at about eleven o’clock on the same night. From the records of the Presidio of San Francisco, we are able to glean the fact, that between the twenty-first of June and seventeenth of July, 1808, there occurred twenty-one shocks of earthquakes at this post.

I will here correct the popular error relating to this earthquake or series of earthquakes during that year. It is generally stated that this was contemporaneous with the earthquake which destroyed San Juan Capistrano and La Purissima; by reference to the dates it will be seen that the destruction of those missions did not occur until four years later.

The above are the only records of these phenomena that have as yet made their appearance in the archives of the province during the existence of the Mexican Government; and, from the fact that these archives are all in our possession, there is no hazard in stating that they constitute all, of which we have any positive knowledge. As they stand, they are a sufficient rebuke to the mendacity of sensational itemizers of the public press; they will find in those records, no basis on which to indite column articles of such doleful prophecies as the public of late have been surfeited with.

During a period of thirty-nine years the records of the country exhibit the fact, that there were but twenty-three days on which earthquakes occurred and were deemed worthy of record. If we compare these figures with those recorded from 1850 to the close of 1863, we shall find much more ground for prophecy during the latter period than for the eighty-two years of which records were kept on this coast previous to that time.

From the above extracts from the archives we are left to infer one of two facts; either that earthquakes were entirely unknown during the intervals of the record dates, or that they were of so trivial a character as not to merit the notice of the early padres during this time; the latter is the probability, for we can scarcely conceive that nothing of this nature had taken place. If, however, such be the fact, it cannot be looked upon in any other light than a manifest anomaly in the history of this or any other country.

It appears from all the testimony on the subject, that in May, 1812, the south part of the State was frequently agitated with shocks of greater or less severity, and their continuance was literally incessant for about four and one-half months. Their frequency was not less than one each day or two; four days seldom elapsing without a shock. As many as thirty shocks occurred in a single day on more than one occasion. So frequent were they, that the inhabitants abandoned their houses for the greater part of this period, and lived under trees, etc., and slept out of doors at Santa Barbara.

This period of time seems analogous in some respects to the year 1852, and was one of very marked severity on this coast, as was also the latter year; it was analogous to other periods of subterranean disturbance in other parts of the earth since the historic era began, and there is no good reason why we may not look for the recurrence of similar events in future time. But we must not lay too much stress on the destruction of the two mission churches in 1812, to guide us in an estimate of the force of this earthquake, for the construction of those buildings had but little relation to similar structures of modern date, either in strength or material.

From 1812 to 1850, the archives are silent on this subject. In the latter year our record began and has continued with little interruption to 1863, a period of thirteen years. Within that period there are but few earthquakes occurring north of the thirty-ninth parallel which have escaped notice and have not been made matter of record.

1850.

During this year the following earthquakes were recorded:

March 12th.—A light shock was felt in San José.

May 13th.—A light shock in San Francisco. An eruption of Mauna Loa, S. I., and shock same day.

June 28th.—A light shock in San Francisco.

August 4th.—A smart shock was felt in Stockton and Sacramento.

September 14th.—Smart shock at San Francisco and San José. Total number recorded in 1850, five.

1851.

May 15th.—Three severe shocks in San Francisco. During this earthquake windows were broken and buildings severely shaken. A large amount of merchandize was thrown down in a store on California Street. The shipping in the harbor rolled heavily. An eruption of Mauna Loa and shock in the Sandwich Islands same day.

May 17th.—A light shock in San Francisco.

May 28th.—A light shock on the Salinas.

June 13th.—A smart shock at San Francisco. This was felt at San Luis Obispo and San Fernando.

December 2d.—A shock at Downieville.

December 31st.—A smart shock at Downieville. Total recorded in 1851, six.

1852.

From the beginning of this year until the middle of its last quarter, no disturbances of the coast was noted until the month of November. In this month the southern portion of the State was violently disturbed.

November 26th.—The number of shocks on this day at San Simeon was eleven, and at Los Angeles and San Gabriel the same number. Nearly or quite the same number was also observed by parties having in charge a Government train in transit from Fort Yuma to San Diego.

This earthquake or the series was experienced over the entire country, east and south of Luis Obispo to San Diego and the Colorado River, covering a line of country about three hundred miles in extent.

From subsequent accounts we learn that it also reached as far as Guaymas, in the province of Sonora, Mexico.

For a period of six days subsequent to the twenty-sixth of November, the whole of this region to the Colorado, was convulsed, with slight intermissions. During this time a _mud volcano_ opened on the Colorado Desert, and another south of the river; one of these was visited by a portion of the United States command under Col. Hientzelman.

December 17th.—Two smart shocks at San Luis Obispo, which fractured the walls of two adobe buildings, and threw down a part of the wall of a house belonging to, and occupied by Don Jesus Pico and family.

During the months of November and December, the southern particularly, and middle portions of California were much disturbed; shocks were experienced in those sections for sixty-five days, with variable intermissions; they were noticed as far north as the thirty-seventh parallel, but generally light in their nature. The latest date of this series was to the fifth of January, 1853, on the valley of the San Joaquin.

The period of time inclusive between the sixteenth of November (the date of the terrible earthquake at Banda Neira in the Moluccas), and the twenty-sixth of January, 1853, must be regarded as one of the most remarkable and portentious periods of the earth’s history during modern times. For in that period a greater proportion of the earth’s surface was convulsed by subterranean forces than has been known for many scores of years, in the same length of time.

The area most severely affected by these phenomena is included between the parallels of forty degrees south latitude and thirty-seven degrees north latitude, and extending from one hundred and twenty degrees east to the forty-fifth degree west longitude, being nearly equal to three-fifths of the equatorial, and a little more than one-half the polar circumference of the earth.

At this time the coast of eastern Asia, the Islands of the South Indian Ocean, Singapore, the fated Moluccas, the east coast of China, the north, east, and south coasts of Australia, the coast of California, Mexico (west coast,) South America, with portions of the Atlantic coast of the United States south of the thirty-fourth parallel, north latitude, shared in the general disturbance which prevailed on our own shores during this time. With the twenty-sixth of January ceased the vibrations on this coast at that time, but we have positive intelligence that they continued much later on the east coast of China and Australia, in which countries they did not cease until the month of February. With these facts before us we cannot but believe the period included one of the most turbulent in the earth’s career during modern times.

1853.

Jan. 2d.—A shock of earthquake was felt in Mariposa; this was observed in San Francisco, Bodega, and at Shasta City.

Jan. 5th.—A shock at Corte Madeira.

Feb. 14th.—A light shock at San Luis Obispo.

March 1st.—A smart shock at San Francisco, which was felt at San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

April 24th.—A light shock at Humboldt Bay.

April 25th.—Three shocks in quick succession at Weaverville, Trinity County.

June 2d.—Two smart shocks on the plains of the San Joaquin.

July 12th.—A light shock at Yreka, Siskiyou County.

Sept. 3d.—Four shocks on the Salinas and San Joaquin Plains.

Oct. 23d.—Three heavy shocks at Humboldt Bay.

Oct. 25th.—A light shock at Humboldt Bay.

Nov. 16th.—A light shock at San José.

Nov. 21st.—A shock at San Francisco.

Dec. 11th.—A light shock at San Francisco and Mission Dolores.

Dec. 23d.—A light shock at Shasta.

Total in 1853, 15.

1854.

Jan. 3d.—Two smart shocks in Mariposa, felt also in Shasta.

March 2d.—A light shock at San Francisco.

March 20th.—A shock at Stockton.

April 29th.—A light shock at Santa Barbara.

May 23d.—A shock at Crescent City.

May 31st.—An earthquake at Santa Barbara at 5h. 10m. In this earthquake there were three distinct waves. The first was accompanied by profound rumbling; the second shock was preceded by a loud, rushing noise like the approach of a strong wind. About four or five seconds elapsed between each shock. The sea was much disturbed, and a heavy surf swell came in soon after the second shock passed. This surf-wave rolled inland some thirty feet beyond the old wreck at the embarcadero. I saw the effect of this wave in July following. The inhabitants were much frightened and left their beds for the open air. Very little damage was sustained.

June 26th.—Two light shocks in Placer County.

July 10th.—One shock at Georgetown.

July 14th.—A shock at Georgetown.

Sept. 14th.—A light shock at Nevada.

Oct. 21st.—A light shock at Monterey.

Oct. 26th.—A smart shock at San Francisco, near midnight. It was felt at Benicia. This shock was followed by a swell in the bay, as vessels at the wharfs swayed heavily on their hawsers.

Total in 1854, 12.

1855.

The following is the record of earthquakes for this year, in the State of California, with the date and hour of the day at which they were observed:

Jan. 13th, 18h. 30m.—A smart shock occurred at San Benito and San Miguel. It was felt at San Luis Obispo.

Jan. 24th, 22h.—A heavy shock of earthquake was felt at Downieville, which lasted seven seconds.

This earthquake was quite severe at Gibsonville on the north, at Forrest City, Minnesota, in Sierra County, and at Orleans Flat, Eureka, in Nevada County, at Georgetown and Nashville in El Dorado County on the south, and at Keystone Ranch, in Yuba County, on the west. The entire distance north and south affected was ninety-four miles, and in a westerly line, thirty miles. The shock was preceded by a deep rumbling, and the rushing sound of wind in the distance. It shook buildings severely. A large pinnacle of rocks on the summit of the Downieville Buttes was thrown down, and some of the large fragments reached the south branch of the North Yuba, at the base of the mountain.

Feb 5th, 22h.—A light shock was felt at Wolf Creek and the north-east part of Nevada County.

April 7th, 18h.—A light shock was felt at Gibb’s Ferry, Trinity County, and was experienced as far north as Callahan’s Ranch, at the head of Scott’s Valley, Siskiyou County.

June 25th, 14h.—A smart shock was felt at Santa Barbara, and extended northward as far as the valley of Santa Maria. This shock was cotemporaneous with one that occurred in Switzerland.

July 10th, 9h. 30m.—A light shock was felt in Georgetown, El Dorado County, which lasted about four seconds.

July 10th, 20h. 15m.—A severe shock at Los Angeles, which did considerable damage.

There were four distinct shocks during the earthquake, with a period of about two or three seconds elapsing between each vibration. During their continuance the ground opened in several places, in fissures of one or two inches, the marks of which remained for several days afterwards. There were some twenty-six buildings in the city more or less injured, which I personally examined, and among them the church, the west wall of which was split from top to bottom in two places, the fissures being from one to two and a half inches in breadth, running entirely through. The east wall split at a slight angle from the perpendicular, and had but one fissure. The walls of the Star Hotel were split in several places, and on the west side there appears to have been a decided horizontal motion, as the wall was displaced on that side horizontally to the depth of about one inch, and some eight or nine feet in length. The amount of displacement decreased from the west end of the building towards the center. It is a fact worthy of note, that none of the _thin_ adobe walls of the buildings suffered injury, while most of the _thick_-walled buildings were injured to a greater or less extent.

During the earthquake, many articles were thrown down; those that were standing on shelves against the east end of the buildings were thrown westward on to the floor, and those on the opposite end of the buildings were thrown back in an inclined position against the walls. These features were noticed in the drug stores of Doctors Winston and Hope, situated on the main street, and a short distance west of the church.

The meteorological condition of the atmosphere was rather unusual, and is described as follows: The day was unusually warm and sultry, attended with a little rain, (the latter very unusual) and a sudden change of temperature to unpleasant coldness. At Point San Juan there was observed considerable commotion in the water, attended with a strong rushing sound, and two unusually heavy surf swells, immediately _following the last shock_.

This shock was felt distinctly at the saw-mill, some eight miles east of San Bernardino, about seventy miles east of Los Angeles, and at Santa Barbara, about one hundred miles in a westerly direction.

Aug 12th, 9h. 30m.—A light shock of an earthquake was felt at Georgetown, which lasted about three seconds. The vibration apparently came from the north. Between this date and the tenth July there were four other light shocks, the dates of which are not recorded.

Oct. 21st, 19h. 45m.—A smart shock of an earthquake was felt in San Francisco. The buildings situated over the water were violently shaken. There was much commotion in the water of the harbor a few minutes preceding the shock, which caused several vessels to heave heavily at their hawsers and cables.

Oct 27th, 15h.—A light shock was felt in the valley of Clear Lake. On the same day a shock was felt at Downieville, which lasted about five seconds. At Goodyear’s Bar it was more severe than at the preceding locality.

Dec. 5th, 11h. 20m.—The shock of an earthquake was felt at Humboldt Bay, which lasted about three seconds. There were two vibrations, the last being the most severe.

Dec. 11th, 4h.—A shock was felt in San Francisco and at the Mission Dolores; at the latter place it is represented as being quite severe.

The whole number of which I have a record for 1855, amounts to twelve only; but there may be others which have escaped my notice on account of absence from the city.

The following table will show the number of shocks for each year, and each month of the year, for six years from 1850 to 1855, inclusive.

----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------- | | | | | | |No. for | | | | | | |each |1850 |1851 |1852 |1853 |1854 |1855 |month | | | | | | |in six | | | | | | |years. ----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------- January, | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 February, | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2 March, | 1 | — | — | 1 | 2 | — | 4 April, | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 May, | 1 | 3 | — | — | 2 | — | 6 June, | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 July, | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 August, | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 September, | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | 3 October, | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 November, | — | — | 11 | 2 | — | — | 13 December, | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | — | 2 | 8 ----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------- Total each year,| 5 | 6 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 11 |= 59 ----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------

From the above it will be seen that of the total number of shocks in six years in this State, forty-eight have occurred during the spring, summer, and autumn months, and eleven during the winter months.

Of the total number noted, twenty-seven have occurred from San Luis Obispo south, and of the thirty-two remaining, nine have been felt in San Francisco at the same time they were observed at San Luis Obispo, while the remaining twenty-three were felt at San Francisco and north of that point.

Notwithstanding we have had, what may, perhaps, be considered a frequency in the recurrence of these phenomena, still there are but a _very few_ of the total number that would merit a moment’s consideration south of the twenty-fifth parallel of north latitude, for there they would be regarded as minor affairs entirely.

From all the facts in our possession relating to the phenomena on our coast, it appears that the greatest preponderance in action and severity of effects, is exerted, for the most part, south of Point Conception, for, from this place, east, south and north, to near the Colorado, the most conclusive evidence exists of very recent volcanic action having been exerted on rather an extensive scale, and is also still persistent in several localities within the area named, though in a minor degree.

It would be interesting to examine the changes of level that have evidently taken place in this State within the last five years; but as more extended observations would greatly assist us in forming conclusions on this subject, I will defer that portion until a future day.

1856.

At the close of 1855, I presented to the Academy a statement of the occurrence of earthquakes in this State for that year and a term of years preceding.

During the year just passed, I have kept a careful record of these phenomena, which have been noticed in this city, and other parts of the State, and which will be found below, with their date, and the hour of the day on which they took place; they comprise all that have occurred, with perhaps two exceptions, the dates for which were so obscure as to render it impossible to determine with accuracy the precise period of their occurrence. So far as I am informed, those shocks that have taken place in this State during the past year have not been marked with more severity than has been usual in years preceding, frequently amounting to a slight tremor, and at other times to more distinct movements; three only have possessed sufficient intensity as to command general attention during the busy hours of day.

Very few have been noticed by persons who were standing upon the earth at the period of their occurrence. By far the greater proportion were observed in high situations from the ground, and in the more retired parts of the city, or on the alluvial covering of the country to the west and south.

The total number for the past year is sixteen, and of this number thirteen were observed between sunset and sunrise.

By reference to the statistics below, it will be seen that even mountain districts, where during the day there is much less of turmoil and noise arising from business than in the populous city, that of all those noticed, none have been of sufficient intensity to attract the attention of the inhabitants during the hours of daylight. These facts, though few in themselves, are of importance, to disabuse the public mind in relation to the danger to be apprehended from the occurrence of these phenomena. The character which we sustain both at home and abroad, as being in constant danger of being swallowed up by these occurrences, and that our country is but a bed of latent volcanoes ready to burst forth at any moment, spreading devastation over the land, is one of the greatest fallacies that ever obtained possession of the human brain. Our State is as primitive as Massachusetts or New Hampshire, and the dangers that surround us from the sources above mentioned, are equally great as in the States just named.

We should remember that when speaking of California as a State, that we include a line of territory equaling that of the seaboard lying between Cape Hatteras on the south and the British Possessions on the north, and including eleven of the seaboard States of the Union; and when we place our comparative estimates on this basis in matters of this character, it will become at once evident that the danger of annihilation from the causes under consideration, are not of that magnitude which at first sight would appear.

Along the coast of Mexico and Central America, to the south of California from all the records that are obtainable here there appears to have been a much greater exemption from those phenomena than has been usual in former years; this seems to have been the fact, also, throughout the Pacific, Oceanic, and most of the Continental Islands along the coast of China, while to the north and north-west, beyond the fifty-fifth parallel, both volcanic and earthquake phenomena appear to have been greater than usual. This has been observable, for the most part, in the neighborhood of the Aleutian Archipelago, along the north-east coast of Japan, and in the British and Russian Possessions of North America on the Pacific, and islands of the Ochotsk Sea.

It would be interesting to know more of the predominance of these phenomena in those regions, and such information could be easily obtained from the commanders of the whaling fleet, if the proper measures were adopted to secure it.

Below will be found some interesting matter upon this subject, which took place during the past year near the Straits of Ourinach.

The earthquakes which have occurred in this State during 1856, and the period of their occurrence, is as follows:

January 2d, 10h. 15m.—This morning, a smart shock of an earthquake was felt in San Francisco. The motion of the earth was undulatory, and came apparently from the northward. A pendulum indicated a motion of about five and a half inches.

January 21st, 16h.—Quite a smart shock occurred; it was quite sharp in the south-west part of the city.

January 28th, 3h.—At the town of Petaluma, Sonoma County, a shock of an earthquake occurred. It was sufficiently heavy to awake persons from their sleep.

January 29th, 0h. 45m.—A slight shock was felt in San Francisco. It was observed also at the Mission Dolores. There were three distinct tremors, with short intervals elapsing between. The motion was apparently from the westward.

February 15th, 5h. 25m.—A severe shock of an earthquake was felt in San Francisco, the duration of which was about eight seconds. Persons sleeping were aroused, and many persons left their beds and sought the street. There were two distinct shocks, the second very light and scarcely perceptible. The motion was _undulatory_ and _vertical_, and at the end of the first shock a very strong, profound jar, with which it ceased.

The upper part of a building on Battery Street, for seventy feet in length, was thrown down, the whole of which was above the cornice, very thin, and the mortar with which it was constructed had not become hardened, being easily removed by the fingers—it more resembled wet sand than a firm mortar.

There appears to have been but little difference in the sensation of persons situated either in upper or basement stories.

It was preceded by a deep, heavy rumbling, and the motion apparently came from the north-west. A distinct shock was felt at eight minutes past two o’clock the same morning, by persons who were awake and up at the time.

The rotatory movement was shown in the fact that small square bottles and boxes that stood upon a line, were moved from their position horizontally, describing an arc of thirty degrees and upwards, as shown by the dust upon the shelves on which they stood.

The first wave came with a force sufficient to project small articles three or four feet on the floor, from shelves on which they were placed; they were apparently all thrown in the same direction. Several clocks were stopped at precisely 5 hours 25 minutes.

All the cracks in walls and ceilings had a direction nearly north-west and south-east, and most of them had the appearance of having been produced at the moment of elevation.

The earthquake was felt heavily at Monterey, at five hours twenty minutes; it was also felt at Bodega, but no time is given.

The vessels on the coast, and ranging from San Pedro on the south to Southern Oregon, and at distances varying from eight to one hundred miles from land, did not experience any shock. They were twenty-two in number.

Up to the present date the most northern point of which we have any record of its having been felt, is at Santa Rosa, which is fifty-three miles north of San Francisco, and at Monterey, ninety miles south of the latter place; to the east of this city we have no record beyond Stockton. This would give for its length one hundred and forty-three miles, and its breadth sixty-six miles.

Inquiry was made through the State line Telegraph at El Dorado, Nevada, Downieville, Placerville, Marysville, Sacramento, Stockton, and San José; it was not felt in any of the localities named, excepting the two last, and at Stockton it was quite light.

If the time as given at Monterey was the same as at this city (San Francisco), the velocity of the earth-wave must have been much slower than that of the great earthquake at Simoda.

March 24th, 22h. 20m.—A slight shock was felt at Canal Gulch, Siskiyou County, also at Yreka. The motion is described as being horizontal.

March 31st, 13h. 25m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco. It consisted of three light but distinct tremors.

April 6th, 23h. 30m.—A smart shock was felt at Los Angeles and the Monte, people were aroused from their beds.

May 10th, 21h. 10m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco. The shock was accompanied by a loud report, like the discharge of a cannon; people mistook it for the signal gun of the mail steamer. This was felt at Monterey, and in Contra Costa County.

May 2d, 0h. 10m.—A severe shock was felt at Los Angeles. It caused much trembling among the buildings, and considerable alarm among the people, many leaving their beds. The shock was preceded by two loud reports like the blasting of rock; it apparently came from the north-west; no damage was done.

August 2d, 5h. 20m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco. It was sufficiently strong to awaken persons in bed; it was evidently more severe in Stockton.

August 27th, 21h. 15m.—An earthquake was felt at Mission San Juan, Monterey County. There were two distinct shocks with short intervals elapsing, the second being the heaviest. The motion is described as undulatory and coming from the west. It was felt at Monterey and at Santa Cruz.

September 6th, 3h.—A smart shock felt at Santa Cruz. It created considerable consternation and many persons left their beds.

September 20th, 23h. 30m.—A very severe shock was felt in different parts of San Diego County, and at that town. At Santa Isabel the ceilings of the dwellings were shaken down; the cattle stampeded and ran bellowing in all directions, and the Indians seemed equally terrified. The walls of the adobe buildings were many of them cracked. The motion is described as oscillatory. A light shock occurred on the following Monday morning.

November 12th, 4h.—A smart shock occurred at Humboldt Bay. Another shock was reported but no date given.

From the record before us it will be seen that of fifteen, the total number of earthquakes recorded during 1856, seven have been felt in San Francisco in common with other parts of the State; seven have occurred south of this locality that were not observed here, and four north of it. Of the seven shocks noticed here five only were not observed in any adjacent district, and may be considered as strictly local. The periods of the year at which the shocks have occurred, are as follows: During the winter months, five; during the autumn, three; during the spring and summer, six. None have taken place between the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.

We have records of considerable and violent volcanic phenomena throughout the northern seas, and islands both to the east and west of Alaska. The Russian frigate _Dwina_, while lying at Shuam Shu, brings intelligence of the outburst of a volcano in that vicinity about the twenty-second of June, and on the twenty-fifth of the same month passed through fields of floating pumice; the latitude by observation being fifty degrees fifty-three minutes, and longitude one hundred and fifty-eight degrees thirty-two minutes east, per chronometer.

An interesting account of a submarine volcano was reported by the Captain of the bark _Alice Frazer_, in latitude fifty-four degrees thirty-six minutes, longitude one hundred and thirty-five degrees west, which is as follows: A portion of the whaling fleet, four in number, were running through the Straits of Ourinack, on the twenty-sixth of July last; while passing the straits a submarine volcano burst out, sending a column of water several hundred feet upward; immediately following this, immense masses of lava were projected into the air, and the sea for miles and for days afterward, was covered with floating fragments of pumice. The ships _Scotland_ and _Enterprise_ were nearer the volcano than the ships _Frazer_ and _Wm. Thomson_; on the decks of the two former considerable pumice, lava, and ashes fell. There were seven vessels in the straits at the time of the occurrence, three of which names I could not learn.

The outburst was accompanied with violent shocks of earthquake. It is the opinion of Captain Newell, of the _Alice Frazer_, that considerable shoaling has been the result of this submarine action.

ON THE DIRECTION AND VELOCITY OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN CALIFORNIA, JANUARY 9, 1857—BY DR. JOHN B. TRASK.

The earthquake which occurred in various parts of this State, on the morning of the ninth January last excited at the time considerable attention. This arose from two causes. First, from the varied reports that appeared on the following day through the press of the city, detailing its occurrence in remote mountain towns, and for which there was no foundation. Secondly, from the great extent over which the commotion was felt, as was subsequently proved.

Immediately following the occurrence of the phenomenon, letters were addressed to all the principal towns between Mariposa and Downieville, east of the valleys, for the purpose of learning how far the shocks may have extended eastward of this city. These letters were forwarded by the Pacific Express Company to their agents, and through them answers were returned in every case but two through the same source. From the facts thus obtained, it was found that in no locality east of the foothills, _was any shock felt on that day or night_.

Another report, equally unfounded, reached us on the arrival of the steamer from the southern coast, to the effect that several houses had been demolished in San Diego from its violence, while the facts in the case are _that the steamer left that port twenty-four hours before the shock occurred there_.

This earthquake, or more properly speaking the series of shocks that began on the night of the eighth in this city, and which continued in the south part of the State during the following day and night of the ninth, was probably the most extensive of any on record on this portion of the Pacific coast, excepting, perhaps, that of the wave of the Simoda earthquake in December, 1854. The linear distance over which we are able to trace its course, amounts to six hundred and two miles, and its breadth, so far as now ascertained, is two hundred and ninety miles. It has all the appearance of having been the terminal movement of some more violent commotion at a distance from our coast.

From the best evidence obtainable at present, it seems to have had its origin to the west and traveled in an easterly direction. This is conclusively proved from the fact that it was felt earlier at San Francisco than at any other locality east of this city within the State. We have no record as yet of its occurrence along the coast of Mexico or of Oregon.

I have been able to determine with considerable accuracy the period of time at which the shock between eight and nine o’clock on the morning of the ninth took place, at four localities east of the City of San Francisco, in this State; as the shock at that hour seems to have been more generally noticed than those which either preceded or followed it here or elsewhere, though at this city it was much less marked than the shocks at 1h. 33m., 4h. 15m., and 7h., these three latter occurring at those hours of the morning when most persons are sleeping. The shock at 7h., produced a circular motion in the pendulum, the diameter of which was about five inches. The oscillations of the pendulum in all the others were in an easterly and westerly direction.

The precise period of time at which the shock took place at San Francisco, between eight and nine o’clock, is determined by the stopping of a time-piece belonging to J. W. Tucker, whose rate of error was three seconds fast. The time at San Diego was furnished by Mr. Cassidy, of the army, and that of the Tejon Reserve is by persons at that post. To private gentlemen at Sacramento and Stockton we are indebted for the time at those places. The accompanying table of latitudes and longitudes of localities named, gives the hour at which the shock took place at each; the difference or elapsed time, from which the velocity was deduced, are the mean times corrected for the places named, the time as given above being taken as the standard at San Francisco.

It is proper to state that three minutes four seconds, was the greatest error in time found, and the least was twenty-two seconds:

--------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+---------- LOCALITY. | Lat. | Lon. | Time of | Elapsed | Velocity. | | | shock. | Time. | --------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+---------- | ° ´ | ° ´ | h. m. s. | m. s. | miles. San Francisco | 37 48 | 122 25 | 8 13 30 | 0 00 | 0 0 Sacramento | 38 32 | 121 23 | 8 20 00 | 7 30 | 6 6 Stockton | 37 52 | 121 34 | 8 23 00 | 9 30 | 6 5 Tejon | 35 00 | 118 46 | 8 45 00 | 32 30 | 6 0 San Diego | 32 42 | 117 13 | 8 50 00 | 36 30 | 7 0 --------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+----------

The velocity is given in miles per minute, and by dividing the sum of the same by their number, it will be found that the movement of the wave at that time averages a fraction over 6.2 miles per minute.

The results obtained from the above data approximate closely the deductions of Prof. Bache on the wave which reached our shores and resulting from the earthquake at Simoda on the twenty-third December, 1854, and which will be found in a paper read by that gentleman at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, during the early part of last year.

From the facts before us, there can be but little doubt of the direction of the commotion, and that it proceeded from the west, or a little south of that point. The motion of the earth, as described at the different localities at which it was felt, with the motion of the pendulum—which was slightly south of a west line—leads to that conclusion. Time is an important element in aiding us to form correct conclusions regarding these phenomena, and it is to be hoped that our friends in different parts of the State, in reporting the same, will be precise in this particular. Of the incidents attending the shocks, many and varied reports have reached us; it seems to have acted with greater violence in the vicinity of the Tejon Reserve and upper Tulare County than at any other place. It is most remarkable that so small an amount of intensity of force was manifested when the area over which it extended is taken into consideration.

The effects were felt in San Francisco several hours before they are reported to have been observed at any other place north or south. They began here at twenty minutes past eleven, on the night of the eighth, and continued till thirteen minutes past eight the following morning—six shocks occurring in the interval; while to the south, the first shock noticed at the Tejon, was at six hours thirty minutes, on the ninth. In Los Angeles they continued at long intervals through the day until twenty-three hours thirty minutes of the same date. I have learned from persons who were present in Los Angeles at this time, and also at the shock of the fourteenth July, 1855, that the severity of the latter exceeded that of the ninth January last past.

1857.

During the past year there has been rather a frequency in the occurrence of the phenomena of earthquakes; and, with the exception of two, there have been none that were particularly remarkable either for extent of surface affected or severity of action. In one, that of the ninth of January, the greatest extent of surface, and greatest intensity of action was manifest. Its principal force seems to have been expended in the more southerly portions of our State, and in the immediate vicinity of those volcanic (?) vents found at different localities upon the Colorado Desert. It is manifest, however, that this shock and those which preceded it on the night of the eighth, had their origin to the west of our coast, as the times of occurrence of the shock at different localities most fully prove. This matter was fully discussed in my previous paper, “On the direction and velocity of the earthquake of January 9th, 1857,” read before this Society March 30th, which will be found in their proceedings.

The other shock of greatest extent, on the second of September, extended over an area of about two hundred miles, but was marked by no particular severity or injury, except that of fright to those who experienced it.

The whole number that can be authenticated as occurring during 1857, amounts to seventeen, being greater than the number recorded in 1853 and 1856; and it would seem probable from our records that this number is the maximum to which we shall probably be subjected in this State.

From the Sandwich Islands we have no news of earthquakes save one, which is here inserted: “A very severe shock of earthquake was felt at Kawaihae, Hawaii, on the twenty-fourth of February, the most severe that the residents there have had for many years.”

The arrival of the whaling fleet from the Northern seas brings no intelligence of the occurrence of these phenomena, as was the case of the preceding year; hence, the presumption is, that subterranean action has not been violent in those distant regions during the year just passed.

On the coast of Mexico, and inclusive between the twenty-fifth and thirty-second parallels, we have received intelligence of the occurrence of one earthquake, which appears to have been felt on both shores of the Gulf of California for a distance of nearly two hundred miles, both north and south. We have no records south of that point.

The shocks which we can authenticate within the limits of our own State, are as follows:

January 9th.—This shock was felt from Sacramento to the southern boundary of the State. It was preceded by three smart shocks the night and morning previous. At Santa Barbara water was thrown over the surface from a shoal well, seven feet deep, the water in which was less than three feet in depth.

January 18th, 9h.—A light shock at Martinez and Benicia.

January 20th, 8h. 30m.—A smart shock was felt at Santa Cruz and Mission San Juan.

January 21st, 23h.—On the evening of this day a smart shock was felt at Mariposa. The wave and sound seemed to travel from north-west to south-east. It was accompanied with a report like that of a distant gun.

February 5th, 7h.—A smart shock was felt in San Francisco, which shook the buildings that are situated on made-ground very severely, while those situated on firmer bottoms were affected. This shock was felt at Oakland and Stockton, but was not felt at San José or Sacramento, as reported at the time.

March 14th, 15h.—A severe shock was felt at Santa Barbara and Montecito. It was momentary in duration, attended with a loud report.

March 23d, 12h. 27m.—A light shock in San Francisco.

May 3d, 22h.—A smart shock at Los Angeles and the Monte.

May 23d.—A light shock at Los Angeles; a report also that a severe shock had been felt at Fort Tejon.

June 14th.—A shock was felt at Humboldt Bay. On the same day several severe shocks were experienced at the Penal Island (Carmen), Gulf of California, and which extended almost ninety miles north and south of the island.

August 8th, 11h.—A smart shock was felt at Rabbit Creek, Sierra County.

August 29.—A severe shock at the Tejon Reserve. No time is given.

September 2d, 19h. 45m.—A light shock at San Francisco. This shock was felt at Sacramento, Marysville, Nevada, San Juan, Downieville, and Camptonville.

September 14th, 2 P.M.—A light shock in San Francisco.

October 19th, 18h. 30m.—A severe shock of an earthquake in San Francisco.

October 20th, 12h. 8m., 12h. 35m., and 13h. 15m.—Three other shocks occurred; the last was equally severe with that of January 9th, at 8 A.M. People were much frightened, and left their beds. The shock was felt at San José, but not at Oakland.

November 8th, 8h. 45m.—A shock at San Francisco, which was felt at Oakland and Bodega. December 23d, 7h.—A light shock at San Francisco.

Of the whole number which have occurred during the year, two only have been felt at San Francisco that were not experienced at other localities, and four others have occurred which have been felt in common at other portions of the State—thus making about one-third of the whole number that were in common here and elsewhere.

Eight of the aggregate have occurred between the summer and winter solstices.

Seven have occurred during the spring and summer months, and ten during the winter and autumn.

Eight have occurred between the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.

1858.

During the past year we have had occasion to note the occurrence of eight shocks of earthquake in this State. This number is one-half less than that in 1857, and one-third less the number in 1856. The shocks, with one exception, have been unmarked by anything like violence, being little else than mere vibrations or tremors, not noticeable by the great majority of the people. They are as follows:

February 10th.—A smart shock at Kanaka Flat, Sierra County. No time noted.

February 15th, 4h. 20m.—A light shock in San Francisco. Was observed in the County of San Mateo ten miles south of the city.

August 19th, 22h. 10m.—A light shock in San Francisco. The motion was east to west, and was undulatory.

September 2d.—A smart shock at Santa Barbara, no time given.

September 3d, 0h. 40m.—A smart shock in San José. This shock was felt at Santa Cruz, twenty-five miles west, and was evidently more marked in strength at that locality. No damage.

September 12th, 19h. 40m.—A smart shock at San Francisco. The motion was from north to south. There were two vibrations with undulatory movements lasting about fifteen seconds.

September 26th, 1h. 26m.—A light shock at San Francisco.

November 26th, 0h. 24m.—A heavy shock at San Francisco. This shock was by far the heaviest during the year, it awoke most people from slumber and created no little alarm; persons left their beds and sought cooler situations with less attire than is usually worn. The iron pillars in the second story of the custom house have separated from the ceiling above about half an inch, and are supposed to have settled from the effects of the shock; I much doubt the alleged cause of this displacement, as the pillars below present no indication of similar disturbance. This shock was felt at Oakland ten miles east of the city, but was not felt at Stockton, Sacramento, nor Marysville. It was evidently confined to an area of ten or twelve miles.

1859.

January 25th, 20h. 20m.—A heavy shock of earthquake was felt in Trinity and Shasta counties. It was felt at Weaverville, Shasta, and Horsetown.

April 4th, 13h.—Quite a severe shock was felt at San José. There were several vibrations, apparently from north to south.

August 10th, 22h. 35m.—A smart shock was felt in this city (San Francisco).

September 26th, 6h. 10m.—A smart shock at San Francisco.

October 5th, 13h. 18m.—A very smart shock at San Francisco.

November 27th, 19h. 15m.—A light shock at San Francisco.

December 1st, 0h. 50m.—A smart shock at San Francisco. Felt at Oakland and Benicia.

December 1st, 14h. 10m.—Several successive shocks were felt at San Bernardino; several of them were quite heavy, causing much alarm. No damage was done.

Whole number of shocks during this year was eight.

1860.

During the year last past this portion of the Pacific coast has been but little disturbed by earthquakes. There have been but three during this period that can be well authenticated, and one, viz.: December 21st, whose character is somewhat doubtful.

The shocks that have occurred are as follows:

March 27th.—A severe shock was experienced at Los Angeles and vicinity, which was not productive of any damage to person or property. No time is given in the account.

March 15th, 11h.—A violent shock was experienced at Sacramento; the wave passed through the counties of Placer, Nevada, El Dorado and Plumas. At Iowa Hill the church bells were rung, also at Sacramento. At the latter place and at Forest City, clocks, in many of the buildings, were stopped. This earthquake extended to the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada. At Carson City it occurred at 10h. 45m. and very violent; goods were shaken off the shelves in many of the stores, and a general panic and stampede prevailed.

November 12th.—A smart shock was felt at Humboldt Bay and its vicinity, but no damage was done.

December 21st, 6h. 30m.—At San Francisco a series of light vibrations of the earth occurred, which continued with but two remissions for the space of half an hour. These vibrations were not perceptible to persons in the building otherwise than by mercurial column, which was equal to seven inches of the barometer, and was the mercury gauge of an air pump that had remained stationary at twenty-four inches for the space of four hours. At this time the column in the gauge began to show much disturbance by oscillating up and down in a very rapid manner without any apparent cause; the stop screws (Faraday’s) were all tried at the moment and found perfectly tight as they had remained for hours previous.

The oscillations were watched carefully by Mr. J. Roach and myself for half an hour, at which time they ceased. The maximum of the mercury column was a fraction over an inch, which was attained through vibrations of one-fourth to one-eighth of an inch rapidly repeated and continuous, and as gradually, through a series of lighter vibrations, the displacement would diminish and the column subside to its former level; this was three times repeated, the column at no time being at rest. The period of time occupied by the column in reaching its maximum of disturbance each time was from eight to twelve minutes. There was no apparent cause for this disturbance, unless it be attributable to a series of light vibrations of the earth occurring in a vertical direction, and to that cause I am disposed to assign it.

The passing of carriages on the street did not affect these vibrations of the column, for they continued in the same manner when those vehicles were not passing. While the oscillations were going on, I took a sledge and struck some half a dozen blows on an anvil block in the workshop, which did not make any perceptible difference in the movements of the column; after it had come to rest, the same experiment was repeated, but the column did not in any manner react to the concussion thus produced.

1861.

During 1861 there has been but one earthquake recorded in the State.

July 4th, 16h. 11m.—A severe shock of earthquake occurred at San Francisco. It consisted of three distinct waves following each other in very rapid succession. Its effects to the east of the city in the San Ramon Valley were more severe. Near the house of Mr. Larabie it opened a large fissure in the earth. In the vicinity of Mr. Porter’s it opened a new spring of water, and a small running stream was also caused near Mr. Hunt’s. For several days after, light shocks were repeated at intervals.

1862.

September 29th, 15h. 5m.—A very smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco. This was felt at Petaluma.

December 23d, 20h. 19m.—A smart shock at San Francisco.

1863.

During the year 1863 we have had five earthquakes, and unmarked by any serious event.

January 25th, 2h. 20m.—A severe shock was experienced at San Diego, continuing from five to eight seconds. There was no undulation in this instance, the shock consisting of a series of sharp jars. It was preceded by a profound rumbling sound.

February 1st, 16h. 1m.—A very smart shock at the Mission San Juan, Monterey County. At Gilroys the shock was felt (or another) fifteen minutes later. The latter town is near twelve miles east of the Mission. At both localities the motion was undulatory. The shock was not felt at Monterey, twelve miles west of San Juan.

June.—A smart shock at San Francisco.

July 15th, 10h. 19m.—A smart shock at San Francisco.

August 1st, 11h. 6m.—Two light shocks at San Francisco about one hour apart.

December 19th, 12h. 38m.—A very smart shock was felt throughout the city; directly afterwards another and more severe one occurred. The first was a sharp, sudden jar, the second undulatory. The accuracy of the telegraph operator at Santa Clara enables us to form a correct idea of the course of this wave. His time was 14h. 44m. 31s., and within twenty-nine seconds of true time. The elapsed time is 7m. 31s., and gives for the direction of the seismic wave a course north and south (in lieu of east and west in my first notice which was thus in error.) I take this opportunity to express the thanks of the Academy to this operator for his accuracy and kindness in furnishing us dates in this and other phenomena of scientific and public interest.

The figures derived from our statistics furnish us the following interesting results as to the frequency of shocks in one season of the year more than in another. The tables below furnish the details.

It is found from these figures that during the thirteen years ending December, 1863:

_First._ The number of days on which earthquakes have occurred, is one hundred and ten.

_Second._ The month in which the greatest number have occurred is January, being sixteen; and the months in which the least number have occurred, is April and February, the sum of each being six.

_Third._ The winter months have given the largest number in the aggregate, the sum being thirty-four. The summer months the smallest number; their sum being twenty-three. The spring months have given twenty-four, and the autumn months twenty-nine.

_Fourth._ The number of shocks between the equinoxes foot up thus. Between the autumnal and vernal equinoxes the sum is sixty-four; between the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the sum fifty-two.

_Fifth._ The number of shocks that have taken place between the solstices stand thus. From the winter to the summer solstice the sum is fifty-four. From the summer to the winter solstice, the sum is fifty-nine.

TABLE 1.—_Giving the number of shocks in each month of the year, for thirteen years._

-------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ TABLE. |1850|1851|1852|1853|1854|1855|1856|1857| -------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ Jan. | | | | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | Feb. | | | | 1 | | 1 | 1 | 1 | March | 1 | | | 1 | 2 | | 2 | 2 | April | | | | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | May | 1 | 3 | | | 2 | | 2 | 2 | June | 1 | 1 | | 1 | 1 | 1 | | 1 | July | | | | 1 | 1 | 2 | | | August | 1 | | | | | 1 | 2 | 2 | Sept. | 1 | | | 1 | 1 | | 2 | 2 | October| | | | 2 | 2 | 2 | | 1 | Nov. | | | 1 | 2 | | | 1 | 1 | Dec. | | 2 | 1 | 1 | | 2 | | 1 | +----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ Total. | 5 | 6 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 16 | 17 | -------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+

-------+----+----+----+----+----+----+------ TABLE. |1858|1859|1860|1861|1862|1863|Total. -------+----+----+----+----+----+----+------ Jan. | | 1 | 1 | | | 1 | 16 Feb. | 1 | | | | | 1 | 6 March | | | 1 | | | | 8 April | | 1 | | | | | 6 May | | | | | | | 10 June | | | | | | 1 | 7 July | | | | 1 | | 1 | 7 August | 1 | 1 | | | | 1 | 9 Sept. | 4 | 1 | | | 1 | | 13 October| | 1 | | | | | 8 Nov. | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | | 8 Dec. | | 2 | 1 | | 1 | 1 | 12 -------+----+----+----+----+----+----+------ Total. | 7 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 111 -------+----+----+----+----+----+----+------

TABLE 2.—_Number of shocks occurring between the dates of the equinoxes and solstices, for thirteen years._

-------+---------------+---------------+--------------+------------- | Sept. 20th to | March 20th to | Dec. 21st to | June 21st to TABLE. | March 20th. | Sept. 20th. | June 21st. | Dec. 21st. -------+---------------+---------------+--------------+------------- 1850 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 1851 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 1 1852 | 2 | | | 2 1853 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 7 1854 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 1855 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 8 1856 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 1857 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 1858 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 1859 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 6 1860 | 4 | | 3 | 1 1861 | | 1 | | 1 1862 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 1863 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 -------+---------------+---------------+--------------+------------- Total | 64 | 52 | 54 | 60 -------+---------------+---------------+--------------+-------------

I regret that my records of the occurrence of earthquakes upon the east coast of the United States is not more complete than it is, and also that it does not extend through an equivalent period of time as our own, from 1850 to date; but I have no authentic records of their occurrence on the other side later than 1854; my business at that time, and the subsequent period that has elapsed, being such that I was not able to maintain their continuation. In order to prove the statement made on a preceding page correct as to our relative immunity on this coast over equal extent of territory, I here subjoin the totals on both coasts during that period of time. This statement will also include those shocks which were matters of record belonging to the West India Islands, and which properly belong to the eastern-coast series.

The figures relating to this matter, stands thus:

In California during 1850, five shocks; 1851, six shocks; 1852, two shocks; 1853, thirteen shocks; 1854, eleven shocks. Total, thirty-seven shocks.

In United States, east coast. 1850, three shocks; 1851, seven shocks; 1852, ten shocks; 1853, thirteen shocks; 1854, eleven shocks. Total, forty-four shocks.

Balance against east coast, seven shocks.

West India Islands. 1852, seven shocks; 1853, three shocks; 1854, one shock. Total, eleven shocks.

These inclusive with the continental series foot up eighteen days on which shocks occurred in excess of this coast during the same period of time, and thus shows a margin of greater frequency of little more than thirty per cent.

ERRATUM.

Page 131, line 16 from bottom, for “an oven” read “or even.”

REGULAR MEETING, MAY 2D, 1864.

Dr. Trask in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

Donations to the Cabinet: Specimens of dried plants, the types of species lately described in these proceedings by Prof. Gray.

Mr. Brewer presented for Mr. Gabb the following paper:

On Cretaceous Fossils from Sahuaripa Valley, State of Sonora, Mexico, discovered by August Rémond

BY W. M. GABB.

Mr. Rémond announced in a letter to me, the discovery of fossiliferous rocks about a league and a half east of Arivechi, Sahuaripa Valley, Sonora, Mexico. The fossils occur in a clay slate, and are in a fine state of preservation. He says: “The shales rest on sandstones, barren of fossils; feldspathic porphyries protrude through them, but no alteration of the beds were observed at the points of contact. Even the lamination of the fossiliferous strata has not been disturbed, and shells are found but a few millimetres from the porphyry.” He adds that the fossil bearing strata may attain a thickness of four or five hundred feet. The shales are overlaid by thick strata of compact blueish limestone. The strata dip to the south-east with an inclination of from thirty to fifty degrees, and form the first range of foot-bills of the Sierra Madre.

I have identified the following species on a hasty examination, proving conclusively the cretaceous age of the formation. It is an interesting fact, that the fossils indicate a closer relationship to the eastern deposits than to those of California.

Turritella seriatim-granulata Roem. Cardium Tippanum? Con. Chemnitzia (?) gloriosa Roem. Trigonia Evansii? Meek. Neithea quadricostata Sow. Exogyra Texana Roem. Turbinolia Texana Con.

REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Fourteen members present.

Rev. Mr. Neri, of Santa Clara, was elected a corresponding member.

Donations to the Cabinet: Volcanic cement, from Sierra County, containing fossil wood; also a magnesian mineral, from a cavity in a quartz vein near Nebraska, Sierra County. Mr. Clayton stated that when found it was gelatinous, semi-transparent, and mixed with loose quartz crystals; but on drying it shrank greatly in bulk and became fibrous, like fine Asbestos. The miners say that it is not uncommon in that locality.

Seeds of a large Melon Cactus, from the Colorado deserts; also seeds of a fine nutritious “bunch grass,” from the dry foot hills near Fresno river, by Mr. J. E. Clayton.

Mr. Brewer stated that he had obtained further information regarding the coal brought before the Academy Feb. 15th, by Prof. Blake. On the authority of J. Ross Browne and another gentleman, he had learned that no coal occurs in the locality near the Colorado River then mentioned, and that the specimens were English coal carried up the river by speculators for the purpose of swindling the public by selling stock in a fictitious coal mine.

REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 6TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Nine members present.

Donations to the Cabinet: A piece of sandstone resembling in shape a human foot, by Mr. Ed. Webber.

Donations to the Library: American Journal of Science and Arts for March, 1864, from the editors. Observations on the Genus Unio, by Isaac Lea, L.L.D., Vol. 10. How to collect and observe Insects, by H. S. Packard, Jr. Plants of Buffalo, N. Y. and its vicinity, by G. W. Clinton. Bulletin of the Museum of Zoölogy of Cambridge, Mass. pp. 29—60. Report of contributions to the Pennsylvania Relief Association for East Tennessee. Proc. of the Acad. Natural Sciences of Philadelphia from October to December, 1863, and January and February, 1864. Contributions to the Physics, etc. of the Sacramento River, by Thos. W. Logan, M.D., extracted from the Pacific Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 7, 1864,—from the author.

REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 20TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

C. W. M. Smith and Dr. McClure, of Redwood City, were elected resident members.

Donations to the Cabinet: A large crab, from the west coast of Mexico, by G. O. Haller, through Dr. Cooper.

Donations to the Library: Report of the Smithsonian Institution for 1862.

ADJOURNED MEETING, JULY 11TH, 1864.

Dr. Trask in the Chair.

Seven members present.

The following paper was received from the author, in accordance with the proposition accepted by the Academy Dec. 7th, 1863.

Descriptions of New Marine Shells from the Coast of California.