PART I.

BY PHILIP P. CARPENTER, B.A., PH.D.

_Corresponding Member of the Académies of Philadelphia and California, etc._

WARRINGTON, ENGLAND, May 4th, 1864.

The shells to be described in these papers were collected by Dr. J. G. Cooper, for the State Geological Survey of California. Being aware that I was engaged in preparing descriptions of the shells of the Smithsonian collections, to serve as a handbook on the Mollusca of the western coast, and also (at the present time), a “Supplementary Report on the present state of our knowledge of the Mollusca of the west coast of North America,” for the British Association; he has very obligingly transmitted to me such duplicates as could be spared from the State collection for identification.

CALLIOSTOMA SWAINSON, 1840.

_Calliostoma formosum_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 615 a.

C. t. subelevatá, brunnescens, fusco-purpureo nebulosa, anfr. vii. valde tumentibus, suturis impressis; carinis majoribus in spirâ duabus, gemmatis, interdum brunneo huc et illuc tinctis; serie granulorum minorum prope suturam; serie quartá minimorum inter duas carinas; lirulis basalibus circ. ix., fusco maculatis; interstitiis à lineis incrementi corrugatis; aperturá subquadratá. Long. 0.47, long. spir. 0.34, lat. 0.43, div. 68°.

_Hab._ San Pedro five; San Diego four dead on beach at low water—very rare. It is well distinguished by the two principal necklaces, with smaller rows intercalating. In coloring it resembles C. eximium Reeve, (versicolor Menke, Mazatlan Catal.), from the Gulf of California.

_Calliostoma splendens_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 530 a.

C. t. parvâ, latiore, tenuiore; exquisité rufo-castaneo et purpureo, interdum intensioribus, et livido, varie nebulosâ et punctatâ; anfractu primo nucleoso diaphano, granuloso, apice mamillato; dein iv. normalibus, subtabulatis; primo costibus spiralibus ii. acutis, valde expressis, alterâ parvâ suturali; anfr. penult. costis iii. quarum media extantior, superior subgranulosa; anfr. ult. aliis intercalantibus, supra peripheriam v. quarum tertia magis extans; interstitiis à lineis incrementi vix decussatis; costâ circa peripheriam angulatam conspicuâ; basi costulis rotundatis, haud extantibus, peripheriam et axim versus conspicuis, medio sæpe obsoletis; basi nitidâ, subplanatâ; aperturâ subquadratâ, intus carneo-nacreâ, valde splendente: operculo tenuissimo, levissimo, pallido, diaphano, concavo; anfr. circ. x. crebris, parum definitis.

Long. 0.23, long. spir. 0.15, lat. 0.24, div. 87°.

_Hab._ Monterey, 20 fms. dredged 2, dead; Santa Barbara, in roots of kelp growing in about 10 fms. 13, dredged in 16 fms. 2, dead; S. B. Island, 2, dead, on beach; Catalina Island, 30-40 fms. 2, alive; San Diego, 1, dead.

The specimens here described are probably mature, and are well marked in character. The painting is richly lustrous, of a fleshy nacre inside; outside, of a rich orange-chestnut or red, variously laid on a light ground, sometimes with streaks of nacreous purple, often with dots on the ribs. The operculum is extremely thin and transparent.

SOLARIELLA Searles Wood, 1843.

_Solariella peramabilis_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 1025.

S. t. tenuissimâ, elegantissime sculptâ, lividâ, rufo-fusco pallide maculatâ; anfr. nucl. ii. valde tumidis, lævibus, apice mamillato; dein anfr. norm. iv. tabulatis, suturis fere rectangulatis, supra spiram bi-seu tri-carinatis, carinulis aliis postea intercalantibus; totâ superficie elegantissime et creberrime radiatim lirulatâ, lirulis acutissimis, extantibus, supra carinas subgranulosis, interstitia anfr. primis fenestrantibus, postea decussantibus; basi valde rotundatâ; carinulis circ. v., anticâ granulosâ, sculptâ; umbilico maximo, anfractus intus monstrante, lineis spiralibus circ. iii. distantibus, et lirulis radiantibus à basi continuis, concinne ornato; aperturâ rotundatâ, à carinulis indentatâ, vix parieti attingente, intus iridescente, nacreâ: operculo tenuissimo, multispirali, anfr. circ. x., radiatim eleganter rugulosis.

Long. 0.38, long. spir. 0.19, lat. 0.42, div. 85°.

_Hab._ Catalina Island, 30-120 fms. 20, both alive and dead.

The name _Solariella_, given to a crag fossil (tertiary) species by Searles Wood, which he afterwards reunited to _Margarita_, is here used as a subgenus, in the author’s sense, for _Margaritæ_ with large crenated umbilicus. This is one of the many instances in which the North Pacific fauna carries out the ideas of the English crag. Unfortunately, the name appears in Add. Gen. I, 431, for a subgenus of _Monilea_, with which these shells have only a limited affinity; and, accordingly, the true _Solariellæ_ have been reconstituted as part of _Minolia_, A. Ad. That gentleman, however, fully accords with the present arrangement. The _Solariellæ_ are known from _Trochiscus_, and from all forms of _Solariadæ_, by the normal (not inverted) nuclear whirls; and from the Solarids, by the nacreous texture.

Dr. Cooper’s very lovely species of a very lovely group may possibly prove to be a variety of the Japanese “_Minolia aspecta_ A. Ad.” ms. in Mus. Cuming; but, until more specimens from each district have been compared, it is more prudent to keep them separate. It seems to have exhausted the powers of sculpture on its graceful habitation. Under the microscope, the sharp transverse lirulæ, mounting over the keels, dividing the interspaces, and even ascending the wide umbilicus, are eminently beautiful. Even the operculum is sculptured with delicate waved radiating lines. It has the aspect of an extremely thin _Torinia_, with a funnel-shaped umbilicus. This is not only bounded by a granular keel, but has three other distant spiral lines crossing the lirulæ. The radiating sculpture is more distant on the upper whirls, where first two, then three keels appear, fenestrated by the lirulæ, which afterwards become much closer, and are sometimes worn away behind the labrum.

MARGARITA Leach, 1819.

_Margarita acuticostata_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 354.

M. t. _M. lirulatæ_ simili; parvâ, tenui, albido-cinereâ, olivaceo-fusco varie maculatâ, seu punctulatâ; anfr. nucleosis ii. lævibus, tumidis, fuscis, apice mamillato; anfr. norm. iii. tumidis, tabulatis, suturis rectangulatis; carinis acutis in spirâ iii., quartâ peripheriali, æquidistantibus; interstitiis spiraliter striatis; in spirâ et circâ basim radiatim creberrime striulatis; basi subrotundatà, lirulis distantibus circ. ix. ornatâ; umbilico magno, infundibuliformi, vix angulato, intus interdum striis spiralibus paucis sculpto; aperturâ subrotundatâ, pariete parum attingente: operculo anfr. paucioribus, circ. vi. suturis subelevatis.

Long. 0.18, long. spir. 0.12, lat. 0.19, div. 87°.

_Hab._ Santa Barbara, in kelp-root, 2, dead; Catalina Island, 8-10 fms. 20, some alive; Monterey, 20 fms. 4, dead.

This shell might be taken for a delicate form of _Gibbula parcipicta_, which in painting it exactly resembles. It is known from the Vancouver _M. lirulata_ by the three sharp keels on the spire, between which there are no others intercalating, and by the details of sculpture. The patches of color are very variable, sometimes scarcely appearing; and are generally deeper tinted on the keels, giving a false appearance of granulation.

_Margarita salmonea_ Carp. (? var.) State Collection, Species 352.

M. t. inter _M. undulatæ_ et _M. pupillæ_ intermediâ; minore, spirâ satis elevatâ; anfr. nucl. iii. purpureis; dein iv. normalibus, colore salmoneo; liris spiralibus in spirâ viii., quarum ii. suturales, minimæ; suturis haud undulatis; interstitiis à lineis incrementi creberrimis, haud elevatis, sculptis; basi lirulis creberrimis, æqualibus, circ. xviii. ornatâ; aperturâ subquadratâ; umbilico minore, angulato: operculo tenuissimo, diaphano, anfr. circ. x. vix definitis.

Long. 0.22, long. spir. 0.14, lat. 0.22, div. 80°.

_Hab._ Monterey, 6-20 fms. 5, alive; Catalina Island, 30-40 fms. 2, alive.

This shell differs from the common _Margarita_ of the Vancouver district (_M. pupilla_ Gld. = _calliostoma_ A. Ad.), in its much deeper and salmon-tinted hue; its finer sculpture, absence of decussation, and want of distant liræ round the umbilicus. From the Norwegian specimens of _M. undulata_ it is known by the absence of sutural waves, and by the finer basal riblets, of which the interstices are minutely sculptured across. The operculum differs from both, in its great thinness and smoothness. Additional specimens may better display its true relations.[10]

LIOTIA GRAY, 1842.

_Liotia fenestrata_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 1006.

L. t. parvâ, primum subdiscoideâ, postea variante, albido-cinereâ; anfr. nucl. lævibus, planatis, apice depresso; anfr. norm. ii. et dimidio, convexis; clathris validis distantibus circ. xv. radiantibus, et vii. spiralibus, subæquantibus, conspicue fenestratâ; aperturâ circulari, sæpius plus minusve declivi, parieti vix attingente; umbilico maximo, anfractus monstrante; labio, regione umbilicari, sinuato.

Long. 0.09, long. spir. 0.04, lat. 0.12, div. 170°.

_Hab._ Catalina Island; beach to 40 fms. 20, dead.

This strongly sculptured species varies greatly (in the two specimens sent to the Smithsonian Institution), in the declivity of the mouth and consequent size of the umbilicus, where the labium is, as it were, scooped out.

_Liotia acuticostata_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 519 a.

L. t. parvâ, subglobosâ, albâ; anfr. nucl. ii. lævibus, apice satis extante; anfr. normalibus iii., carinis in spirâ maxime extantibus ii., anfr. ult. vi.; suturis subrectangulatis; aperturâ circulari; labro extus parum contracto; labio conspicuo; umbilico haud magno.

Long. 0.12, long. spir. 0.06, lat. 0.10, div. 95°.

_Hab._ Catalina Island, 10-20 fms. 4, alive; Monterey, 4, dead, dredged?

This pretty little Cyclostomoid species is easily recognized by the sharp revolving keels, and absence of radiating sculpture.

AMYCLA H. & A. Adams, 1858.

_Amycla undata_ Carp. n. sp. State Collection, Species 1067.

A. t. parvâ rufo-fuscâ, turritâ, epidermide tenui indutâ; marginibus spiræ subrectis; anfr. nucleosis iv. lævibus, tumidis, apice mamillato; anfr. normalibus v. valde tumidis, suturis impressis; costis radiantibus ix. valde tumidis, latis, antice et postice obsoletis; interstitiis undatis; liris spiralibus acutioribus, distantibus, costas superantibus, secundum interstitia eleganter undulatis, quarum vi.—viii. in spirâ monstrantur; aperturâ ovali, in canalem brevem rectam productâ, intus haud liratâ; labro acuto, labio acuto extanti ad suturam juncto; columellâ planatâ: operculo nassoideo. ?

Long. 0.44, long. spir. 0.20, lat. 0.20, div. 45°.

_Hab._ Catalina Island, not rare, 30-40 fm. 10, some alive.

The nuclear whirls in this shell resemble a minute _Paludina_. The only operculum in the specimens sent was broken in extraction, but appeared to be Nassoid. The sculpture consists of elongate knobs swelling in the middle; with spiral lines hanging as it were from pier to pier, as in a suspension bridge. The aperture is somewhat Columbelloid, the inner and outer lips joining at the suture; but neither are lirate within, although they have that appearance from the outside sculpture showing through.

[10] Specimens from Monterey, and one from the beach of the Farallone Islands, are intermediate between that described by Mr. Carpenter (Catalina Island specimen) and the northern _M. pupilla_. J. G. COOPER.

REGULAR MEETING, JULY 18TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Nine members present.

Donation to the Cabinet: Specimens of native Sulphur from San Buenaventura, by Mr. Spence.

Donations to the Library: Annual Report of Harvard College, Mass. Report of the Insane Asylum of California. Prospectus of the Santa Clara College. Proceedings of the Essex Institute, Vol. 4, No. 1. American Journal of Science and Arts, May, 1864. Public Documents from Senator Conness. Géographie Botanique Raisonée, by Alph. DeCandolle, from the author.

Dr. Cooper stated that he had lately learned from Mr. Gill, of the Smithsonian Museum, that the genus AYRESIA, lately described in these Proceedings, is identical with CHROMIS, of Cuvier, though not _Chromis_ of Richardson, with which Dr. C. had compared it. The name of the fish must therefore be changed to CHROMIS PUNCTIPINNIS, Cooper.

Col. Ransom presented, on behalf of Mr. John Wilson of this city, some Indian relics, from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, accompanied by a letter of which the following is an abstract:

The relics consist of part of a foot and hair from different mummies, a string of beads made of bone, with a few of blue stone, also part of a belt and tassel, and a piece of very strong cloth of vegetable material. These were found by Mr. Wilson in a cave situated on the western slope of a very high mountain of the Sierra Madre, which seems almost to hang over the ancient Pueblo of Chiricahui—a name signifying the Mountain of Bones. This Pueblo was occupied by the Spaniards soon after the conquest by Cortez; and from previous traditions it is supposed by the inhabitants that this cave, and another on the opposite side of the valley, had been used as a place of burial by the natives for several hundred years. It is supposed that no bodies have been deposited there for the past hundred and fifty years, and perhaps longer.

On visiting the cave, Mr. Wilson found an excavation in the floor made three or four years since by some persons digging for saltpetre-earth, partly filled in, but still several feet deep; and exposed at the sides of this pit were several rows of bodies placed in regular order one above another, in a remarkable state of preservation. They were in a compact position, the knees bent up to the chin, and the face drawn back close to the buttocks, then securely sewed up in the remarkably strong and well-woven cloth here presented, which, on all of the four or five bodies examined, showed the same degree of strength and perfection. Over this was another covering of palm-leaves also sewn closely together. The bodies were dried and shrunken, but retained their form and integuments. Under each body were two small sticks, on which the body was laid on its back, the feet towards the mouth of the cave.

The circumference of the cave was about a hundred feet, and the height above the floor, thirty or forty feet.

Mr. Wilson and his companions “came to the very decided conclusion,” that the floor of the cave, for a depth of twenty feet or more, was formed of bodies similarly arranged in layers which had been placed there from time to time, as they died, and covered with earth and pebbles from the sides of the mountains. There can be no doubt that a thorough exploration of these relics would reveal very much of the lost history of the Indian tribes of Mexico, and richly reward the labors of the antiquarian. The excellent material of the cloth in which the bodies were sewn up, surpassing in texture and strength anything now manufactured in Mexico, is worthy of investigation, as it may still be found valuable for making bags, sails, etc. There was no sign of any embalming substance by which the bodies and cloth could have been preserved, and the only explanation suggested by Mr. Wilson is that it is due to the dryness of the atmosphere, and the saltpetre contained in the earth. He also suggested that the fibres of the cloth may have been derived from the “Maguey,” (Agave Americana) or some allied plant.

Dr. Cooper remarked that the condition of the foot was very similar to those of the Indian Mummy presented to the Academy by Dr. J. B. Stout, January 21st, 1856, and which had been dried by the action of the air, while protected from the weather by a cedar canoe inverted over another containing the body. That was in the moist climate of Shoalwater Bay, north of the Columbia river, and Dr. Cooper who was present at the time the body was removed by Capt. Russell in 1854, was a witness of the fact that no preservatives had been found with it. He also stated that the Indians of the vicinity could not tell how long it had been there, though certainly not a hundred years.

REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 1ST, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

Donations to the Cabinet: A box of fossils from Eureka, Humboldt Bay, by Dr. Chamberlin. Fossils from Catalina Island, by Mr. J. E. Clayton.

Donations to the Library: Silliman’s Journal for July, 1864, by the Editors. A Description of Adiantum Jordani, C. Muell of Halle, by R. Jordan, of Halle, Prussia.

REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 15TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Three members present. Mr. Miller as a visitor.

Donations to the Cabinet: California Mosses, lichens and liver-mosses, by Mr. H. N. Bolander.

REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 1864.

Vice-President, Dr. Eckel in the Chair.

Nine members present. Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., Dr. Eichler, and Mr. Ehrenberg as visitors.

Donations to the Cabinet: A specimen of a wild cherry from Catalina Island, by Mr. J. E. Clayton. A collection of plants from Washoe, by Mr. Bloomer.

Prof. B. Silliman remarked that in his recent visit to Arizona, east of the Mohave, he had seen what he presumed were the morains of former glaciers on the eastern flanks of some of the mountain ranges. They consist of rudely stratified materials both angular and round, mingled confusedly together and forming terrace-like spurs or embankments radiating outwards from the curved range and appearing to have been left there by glaciers, though no glacial polishing and scratching of the rocks could be seen as in the Sierra Nevada opposite Mono Lake and elsewhere. These evidences of glaciers in Arizona were nearly under the 35th parallel of latitude, and he believed that no evidence of glacial action had before been observed on the Pacific slope at a point so far south.

Prof. W. P. Blake observed that this was certainly the first observation upon glacial phenomena in Arizona, and that he had noted evidences of former glaciers in the Sierra Nevada, as far south as the Tejon Pass, lat. 35°, where there were large blocks of granite deposited for miles beyond the opening of the valley.

Prof. Silliman described the peculiar character of the outcrops of the veins in the regions of the El Dorado Cañon. He found that nearly all vestiges of the sulphurets were removed from the outcrops, while they abounded below. The outcrops gave little indication of the metal-bearing character of the veins. He had observed as he believed, at least three distinct periods of volcanic activity in that region of the Colorado and Mohave, two of which periods were sub-aqueous, and the last sub-aerial. The lava-streams generally appeared to have been poured out after the face of the country had already assumed its present form. The volcanic outflows though extensive had not materially modified the topography of the country.

Mr. Ehrenberg stated that the copper ores in the vicinity of La Paz, and Mineral City, Arizona, were generally argentiferous, sometimes giving results by assay as high as $200 per ton. The ores beyond that district did not appear to contain much. The quicksilver ore at the Eugenie vein contained both silver and copper.

Doctor Behr presented the following paper:

Notes on Californian Satyrides.

BY HERMAN BEHR, M. D.

CHIONOBAS NEVADENSIS. Boisduval, _in litteris_.

A few specimens of this new and as yet undescribed _Chionobas_, were caught by Mr. Lorquin, the discoverer of the species, and named by Dr. Boisduval. Not possessing a single specimen of this rare species, I am not able to give a diagnosis, and have only an indistinct recollection, that the species bore most resemblance to the _Gerontogeic_, Ch. Tarpeja, a Siberian species that has also been found on the summit of the Appenines, in Italy, but that in size it is superior to any _Chionobas_ known to me.

SATYRUS STHENELE Boisd.

Is rather common near San Francisco, where it is found in June. Only one generation annually.

SATYRUS SYLVESTRIS Edwards.

Edwards’ description shows very clearly the marks by which _S. Sylvestris_ can be recognized from _S. Sthenele_. This species is found on grassy hills thinly covered with live-oak, where its habits show a very marked difference from those of its relations, by preferring the underside of oak branches to any other seat, while _Sthenele_ and _Boopis_ almost exclusively settle on the ground.

SATYRUS BOOPIS Behr.

Sthenele similis at limbus non tesselatus, sed linea transversa distincte partitus et fœminæ ocelli alarum superiorum in fascia dilutiori positi. Alae subtusdimidiatæ pars radicalis brunnea, marginalis grisea, marginem versus brunnescens. Utraque marmorata, halone ocellorum in alis anticis solo excepto dilutiori et concolori.

This _Satyrus_ is the biggest of our Californian species, the male being nearly double the size of the female of _S. Sylvestris_. I find this _Satyrus_ in July in Contra Costa, on the hills as well as on the plains. In regard to the diagnosis of these three closely allied species, I would mention, that the presence or absence of one or two more or less distinct eye-marks, on the upper or under side near the anal angle of the hind wings, is of no diagnostic importance.

S. ARIANE Boisd.

I confess I can not find any constant mark of difference between this species and _S. Alope_, _Nephele_, and _Pegala_, however different at first glance their forms may appear. I am very much inclined to consider them local aberrations of one far spread species, that gradually slopes from _S. Pegala_ Fabr., through _S. Ariane_ Boisd. to _S. Nephele_ and _S. Alope_ Fabr., in a similar way as the Gerontogeic _P. Egeria_ L. looks very different from its African form _P. Xiphia_ Fabr., with which, nevertheless, it is insensibly united by its intermediate form _P. Meone_.

All my Californian specimens agree perfectly with Dr. Boisduval’s diagnosis of _S. Ariane_; with the exception of one that approaches to _S. Pegala_, by its having only one eye-mark on the upper side of the anterior wings, but differs by the entire absence of the wide rusty band on the same. The specimen was among several undoubted _S. Ariane_, caught near Mono Lake, by Prof. Brewer, of the State Geological Survey. Besides the above mentioned locality, I received specimens from San Diego and Santa Cruz. Near San Francisco the species is wanting.

As to _S. Sthenele_ and _S. Sylvestris_, I entertain no doubts regarding their rights as distinct species, but _S. Boopis_ being only distinguished by the absence of the series of eyes on the under side of the hind wings from _S. Nephele_, may, perhaps, prove a local variety or aberration of that most polymorphous and far spread species _S. Alope_. In the mean time, until the connecting forms are found, I consider it to be specifically distinct.

COENONYMPHA Hubner.

_C. Galactina_. Boisd.

I consider this species as identical with _C. Californica_ Dbld. At least I find in a long series of specimens, no point where _Californica_ ends and _Galactina_ begins. _C. Galactina_, according to Boisduval, exists also in Kamtschatka. In California it is one of the commonest species of Diurnals, and is found in the most different localities, in several generations throughout the year. There exists a second _Cœnonympha_ in some sequestered valleys of the Northern Sierra, that approaches in its coloration, the European _C. Pamphilas_. I have only seen one pair of this species, and not possessing it, I can not give a diagnosis. It may be that it is identical with _C. Inornata_, Edw., or _C. Ochracea_, Edw., or some other Northern species.

Extratropical America is not rich in _Satyrides_, if compared to the same latitudes in Europe or Asia, and California is especially poor.

EUROPE. CALIFORNIA.

_Arge_, —— _Erebia_, —— _Chionobas_, _Chionabas_, _Satyrus_, _Satyrus_, _Pararga_, —— _Epinephele_, —— _Cœnonympha_, _Cœnonympha_.

There are seven European genera, each of them represented by a whole series of species connecting different types. In California there are only three of which none is known to contain more than four species.

The Atlantic States add some tropical genera to the three genera already obtained in California, viz.: _Neonympha_ Hubner, _Hyphthima_ Hubner, _Debis_ Dbld., and _Calisto_ Hubner. The genus _Calisto_ seems to be confined to subtropical North America; the genus _Neonympha_ spreads in numerous species through the tropics of America, and trespasses only in a few species the _Cancer_; _Hyphthima_ is found in many species in the tropics of the Old World, and it is a very curious circumstance, that one species of this essentially Gerontogeic genus should be found in the Southern States. But the two American species of the genus _Debis_, are even more interesting, for all other species of this genus, are confined to the Indian Archipelago.

The metamorphoses of the _Satyrides_, are only with difficulty to be investigated.

They feed as far as they are known, on Monocotyledoneous plants, the extra-tropical ones, with one exception perhaps, exclusively on Graminaceous plants. The Caterpillars shun the sunlight and hide themselves in the grass. Some of them bury themselves in the daytime in the ground and feed only at night. The tropical species feeding on Scitaminaceous, Aroideous plants, palms, and arborescent grasses, sport the shady thickets of tropical forests, in whose twilight depths, most of the species are also found in their imago state. Other ones like some of the _Morphonides_, and even some _Nymphalides_ of the tropics, spend their days hidden under the luxuriant foliage of primeval forests and begin their flight only after sunset.

In a most interesting treatise on the characteristics of the insect fauna of the “White Mountains,” by Samuel H. Scudder, (Boston Journal, Vol. VII, Part IV), I find the description of the Caterpillar of _Chionobas Semidea_, Edw., with a notice that it was found on Lichen. This would prove a most remarkable exception, as all the other _Satyrides_ feed on Monocotyledoneous plants. Nevertheless, larvæ of Artic types are generally polyphagous, and adapted to some degree, to accommodate themselves to circumstances, and so I would not entertain any doubts about the feeding plant of the _Chionobas_, if it were not for the circumstance that Mr. Scudder confesses that he did not succeed in bringing the Caterpillar, with Lichen, to perfection. Perhaps the Caterpillar fed on grass, or perhaps some _Carex_, and was only, by some accident, compelled to crawl to the lichen-covered stone, where that gentleman found it. I hope to hear very soon about this most interesting object, for I consider the discovery of the metamorphoses of one insect, a more valuable fact than the diagnoses of ten new species, of which we do not know more than the external appearance.

Prof. Wm. P. Blake presented the following papers:

Note on a large lump of Gold found on the Middle fork of the American River.

BY PROF. WM. P. BLAKE.

In July last, a mass of gold nearly free from quartz, was taken out of a placer on the Middle Fork of the American River, about two miles above Michegan Bluffs. It weighed, as taken out, 187 ounces troy, and sold for $17.50 per ounce, netting the finder $3,272.50. In melting, a loss of six ounces was experienced. There was a further loss to the purchaser, from the poor quality of the gold, the assay return of which I have not yet been able to obtain. The ordinary gold of the claim is worth $17.50. It is a singular fact, often remarked by dealers, that the large lumps of gold are almost always poorer in quality than the smaller ordinary grains from the same placers.

Note on the Fossil remains of the Horse and Elephant, mingled, at Mare Island, San Francisco Bay.

BY PROF. WM. P. BLAKE.

The entire lower jaw and teeth of a horse, the fragments of which I exhibit to the Academy, were taken by me from the face of the shore cliff of Mare Island, together with broken pieces of bones of other large quadrupeds. The teeth of an _Elephas_ had been found in the same place, a few weeks before, by Mr. Brown, the Naval Engineer, by whom my attention was directed to the place. The fossils occur in a stiff sandy loam, which rests on the eroded surface of the Tertiary or Cretaceous beds below. Near the surface is a layer of oyster shells, apparently an upraised bed, most of the shells being entire. The fact that the Horse and Elephant roamed together over our hills and plains, at the dawn of, or before the human period, is certainly not without interest.

Ammonites or Ceratites from Oregon Bar, Middle Fork of the American River.

BY PROF. WM. P. BLAKE.

The specimen which I exhibit to the Society this evening, is from the collection of J. J. Spear, of this city. It was kindly loaned to me by that gentleman for examination. Not wishing to risk the specimen, by sending it to a paleontologist at the East, I had it photographed, and sent a copy to F. B. Meek, Esq., of Washington. It is not possible to determine from the specimen, whether these fossils are new or not, or even, whether they are _Ammonites_ or _Ceratites_. They appear to be not unlike the fossils described by Dr. Trask, under the name of _A. Chiceonsis_, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Cal.; but it is not safe to identify them, without the septæ can be clearly made out.

There are several casts in an argillaceous, somewhat micaceous slate. This locality is about 15 miles from Coloma. It is not certain, whether the specimen was taken from the slates in place, or broken from a loose mass.

Mr. Moore presented the following paper:

On Brushite, a new mineral occurring in Phosphatic Guano.

BY GIDEON E. MOORE, PH. B.

In the spring of the present year, I received through the kindness of Wm. E. Brown, Esq., of Mare Island, in this State, a specimen of a mineral discovered by him in a cargo of phosphatic guano, at Camden, N. J. The locality from which it was derived, is not known, and though letters of enquiry have been sent to the parties to whom the cargo was originally consigned, no reply has been received up to this date. The texture and appearance of the guano would, however, point to some one of the Caribbean Islands, and more particularly, to the Island of Sombrero, as its probable source. It is very probable that the mineral may be recognized among the crystallized products occurring in other guano deposits.

In the specimen in my possession, the mineral occurs filling seams in the guano, varying from ⅛ to ¼ of an inch in width. The matrix itself is of the variety known as rock guano. It possesses an oolitic structure and a brownish white color, interspersed with small spots of pure white.

The mineral is in the form of small but very perfect and brilliant crystals with a cleavage in the direction of their greatest length, nearly equal to that of selenite; the laminæ, being also slightly flexible, as in the case of the latter species. Hardness, 2.25 (Moh’s scale). Specific gravity, 2.208, (mean of two determinations). Color, yellowish white. Transparent. Lustre, vitreous splendent, inclining to pearly on the cleavage faces.

When heated in a closed tube before the blowpipe, it whitens and gives off water, at an incipient red heat. In the platina forceps, it fuses with intumescence, at about 2. of Von Kobbell’s scale, tinging the flame with the peculiar green characteristic of phosphoric acid. The button formed by fusion, crystallizes on cooling, showing numerous brilliant facets. Readily soluble, even in coarse crystals, in dilute nitric and hydrochloric acids.

A qualitative analysis, revealed the presence of Lime, Phosphoric acid, and water, with barely discernable traces of Magnesia and Alumina.

The quantity of mineral at my disposal was very small, scarcely exceeding one gramme in weight. In each of the following analyses, the water was determined in 0.2 grammes, the remaining 0.3 grammes being employed in the determination of the Lime and Phosphoric acid. The results were as follows:

1. 2.

Lime 32.65 32.73 Phosphoric acid 41.50 41.32 Water 26.33 26.40 ------ ------ 100.48 100.45

These figures agree exactly with the composition of the neutral tri-basic phosphate of lime (2 CaO., H O, P O₅), with the addition of four equivalents of water of crystallization, (2 CaO, H O, P O₅ + 4 aq.) viz.:

2 CaO 56.26 = 32.59 P O₅ 71.36 = 41.34 H O 9.00 } = 26.07 4 Aq 36.00 } ------ ------ 172.62 100.00

In the polarizing microscope, the mineral shows a vivid succession of colors. A sample has been sent to Prof. J. D. Dana, who has kindly undertaken the study of its crystallographic characters, and I hope, in a short time, to be able to communicate the results of his investigations to the Academy.

It is with very great pleasure, that I dedicate this species to Prof. Geo. J. Brush, of Yale College, to whose unwearied zeal and efficient labors, American Mineralogy stands so deeply indebted.

REGULAR MEETING, SEPT. 19TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Seven members present.

Prof. Rudolpho H. Philippi, of Santiago, was duly elected an honorary member, and Mr. W. B. Ewer, of this city, a resident member of the Academy.

Donations to the Cabinet: A box of shells, containing 120 species, from Panama, by the Smithsonian Institution. Another box, marked C. S. L., containing 86 species of shells.

Donations to the Library: Smithsonian Contribution to Knowledge, Vol 13. Nachrichten von der Georg-Augusts-Universität of Göttingen, Nos. 1 and 2, 1863. Verhandlungen der R. R. Zoologisch-botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien. Jahrgang 1863 Hefte I, II, III, IV von Bd. XIII. Verhandlungen des Natur’h Vereins der Preuss. Rheinlande und Westphalens 20str. Jahrgang, Bog. 1-10 und Bog. 11-43, 1863. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vol 5, 1863. Glossaria Linguarum Brasiliensium, von Dr. C. F. Phil. von Martius, Erlangen 1863. Monographie der Oestriden von F. Brauer, 3 vol. Ofversicht of R. Vetenskaps-Akademiens Förhandlingar. Stockholm, 1860, 1861, 1862. Sitzungsberichte der K. Bavarian Acad. der Wissenschaften zu München 1863, Hefte I, II, III, und doppelheft IV, 1863. Rede von J. Freiherrn von Liebig 1865. Proceedings of the Royal Horticult. Society, 1863. Hypsometrie von Mähren und östr. Schlesien, von Carl Koristka Brün, 1863. Abhandlungen der Math-phys. classe der K. Bayer. Acad. der Vissenschaften Abtheil. 111, Bd. 9, 1863. Von dem Rechts Zustande unter den Ureinwohnern Brasiliens von Dr. von Martius. Jahrbuch der Geol. Reichsanstalt, Bd. 13, Nm. 2, 3, 4, 1863. Eilfter Jahres-Bericht des Wiener Vereins, 1861. Zwölfter Jahres-Bericht des Wiener Vereins, 1862. Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps Académiens Förhandlingar, Bd. 3, 1859, Bd. 3, 1860, Bd. 4, 1861. Nederlandsch. Meteorol. Yaarboek, 1862. Annals of the Lyceum of Nat. History of New York, Vol. 7, 1862, Vol. 8, part I, 1863. Der Zoolog. Garten Frankfurt, Jahrg. 4, Nrs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Jahrg. 5, Nr. 1. Bericht über einige im Niederen Gesenke und im Hartzgebirge ausgeführte Höhenmessungen, Wien, 1861. Das Geograph. System der Winde von Dr. M. H. F. Prestel Emden, 1863. Mémoires de l’Acad. Imp. des Sciences de St. Petersbourg, VII Série, Tome 4, No. 10 et 11, Tome 4, feuilles 26 à 36, Tome 5, feuilles 1 à 8.

Dr. Winslow, a former member of the Academy, was introduced by Mr. Boynton, and made some interesting remarks upon his travels in South America.

REGULAR MEETING, OCT. 3D, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Eight members present.

Mr. Hinsmann and Baron Thurlow as visitors.

Donations to the Library: A supplement to the Terrestrial air-breathing Mollusks of the U. S., by W. G. Binney.

Prof. Brewer gave an account of recent explorations in the Sierra Nevada, by the party connected with the State Geological Survey. The exploration extended from Kern River to the Yosemite Valley, and was peculiarly rich in scientific results. The crest of the chain is very high; along the whole of this distance, the high peaks, rising to above 13,000 feet, the culmination being between the sources of the Kern and Kings Rivers, where there are a number of peaks over 14,000 feet, and one about 15,000 feet in height. Along the whole of this, there are abundant traces of glaciers, some of the morains of which are truly gigantic, far surpassing anything else of the kind yet found in the State. The cañons of all the principal streams are very deep and abrupt.

The Big Trees or Sequoias, were found over a large area, extending perhaps 25 miles along the western slope, along the tributaries of the San Joaquin, Kings, Kaweah, Tule and Kern Rivers. The amount of snow in this part of the sierras, is apparently very much less than usually occurs.

Prof. Wm. P. Blake, read the following:

Note on the discovery of Fossils in the Auriferous Slate formation of the Mariposa Estate, California, and the probable geological age.

BY PROF. WM. P. BLAKE.

During a recent visit to the Mariposa Estate, Mariposa County, my attention was called to some organic remains in the slates, near Bear Valley, by Miss Errington, a lady who takes an enthusiastic interest in the sciences of geology and mineralogy, and has for some time past, been seeking for fossils in the gold formation of that neighborhood. One of the specimens was the cast of a bivalve shell, and appeared to me to be a _Plagiostoma_. On further search, we found other specimens, some of which much resemble _Inoceramus_, to which I am inclined to refer them. Certain long tubular cavities in the slates, marked with heavy lines, and slightly converging, seemed to be casts of long, nearly cylindrical shells, possibly _Nerinæa_. These forms would indicate a Jurassic or Cretaceous age for the formation. I propose to submit these specimens to a competent Palæontologist, at the East, for examination, and to dedicate one of the species, if new, to Miss Errington.

REGULAR MEETING, OCT. 17TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Seven members present.

Donations to the Cabinet; A fossil tooth of Elephant, and several fossil teeth of Horse, from Wellington’s Station, on the road from Carson Valley to Aurora, by Mr. Clayton. Specimens of silver ore from the Osceola Lode, Montgomery District, 60 miles S.E. of Aurora, and specimens of silver ore from Bear Mountain, Calaveras County, by Mr. Clayton.

Donations to the Library: Fragmenta Phytographiæ Australis, Vols. 1, 2, 3, and part of Vol. 4. Transactions of the Philosophical Society of Victoria, Vols 1 to 5. The plants indigenous to the Colony of Victoria, Vol. 1. All donated by Dr. Ferdinand Mueller, Director of the Botanical Garden at Melbourne.

Mr. Clayton made the following remarks in regard to his donations above mentioned:

The teeth were found near Walkers River, about one mile below the residence of Mr. G. E. Wellington, on the Carson River and Aurora Road. This river cuts through a high range of hills immediately west of Wellington’s, and enters a large basin or valley, which is some thirty miles long, from north to south, by twenty miles wide, from west to east. After passing through this valley to the eastward, the river enters another cañon of considerable extent, and then empties into Walkers Lake, in the southwest portion of the great basin.

The banks of the river are formed of gravel, sand, and clay cement, containing soda and calcareous matter, which forms a white crust on the surface of the stones and pebbles. The cement bluffs along the river, are from 6 or 8 to 20 feet high, and are cut out by changes in the channel during high water.

In one of these recent cuttings, the large tooth was found, with part of the upper jaw and other portions of the skeleton. There has been no excavation made, as yet, to uncover other portions of the skeleton, but Mr. Wellington has promised to have it done, and to secure as much of the skeleton as possible, for the Society’s collections.

The small teeth were found about five feet below the surface in the solid cement, by some parties that were digging a grave. Quite a number of teeth were found, but with the exception of the two just presented to the Society, they were not preserved.

REGULAR MEETING, NOV. 21ST, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Seven members present.

Rev. Horatio Stebbins was duly elected a resident member, Mr. Edward Bosqui a life member, and Mr. G. E. Wellington, of Nevada, a corresponding member, of the Academy.

Donations to the Cabinet: Specimens of Corals from the Hiton group of Islands, also a photograph of a Fungus [Agaricus], from the Society Islands, by Mr. Hubbard, on behalf of Mr. Andrew Garrett. Two specimens of Inoceramus, from Seattle, Puget Sound, by Mr. Hubbard.

Mr. Gabb presented the following papers:

Notes on some Fossils from the Gold Bearing Slates of Mariposa, with description of some new species.

BY WM. M. GABB.

Through the kindness of Miss Errington, of Bear Valley, Mariposa County, I have had the opportunity of examining a series of fossils, discovered by that lady on the Mariposa Estate. The shells appear to be of Jurassic age. The genera so far recognized, are Belemnites, Nucula or Leda, Lima, Pecten, and Pholadomya. The following are sufficiently perfect for description. Fuller descriptions and figures will be published hereafter in the Geological Report of the State.

LIMA, Brug.

_L. Erringtoni_ G. Shell very oblique, sides subparallel; beaks small; anterior end prominently rounded, sloping with a broad curve below to the base; posterior side nearly straight, continuing upwards in a long narrow ear; anterior ear obsolete (?).

Surface marked by strong concentric undulations, crossed on the upper and posterior portions by fine radiating lines.

Length, 2.25 inches; width, 1 inch.

The specimens are all very much compressed, and may be somewhat distorted in form, though the outlines are very nearly uniform in all of the specimens.

PHOLADOMYA, Sow.

_P. orbiculata_ G. Compressed, sub-circular; beaks rather prominent, nearly central; anterior end and base regularly rounded; posterior end slightly produced, more prominent below than above. Surface ornamented by concentric ribs, irregular in size, crossed by undulating, radiating lines on the anterior half of the shell. These lines become gradually obsolete and disappear on or about the middle of all of the specimens, although more perfect examples might show them continuing further.

Height, from a slightly distorted specimen, 1.1 inch; width, 1.3 inch.

Like the preceding species, all of the specimens have suffered considerably by compression; and had we perfect specimens, the shell would be found to be quite convex.

BELEMNITES.

_B. Pacificus_ G. Long, slender, tapering very gradually and with a slight convexity to the tip. Section, sub-elliptical; alveolus deep and narrow.

A specimen 3 inches long, measures .35 in. in diameter in the middle. One cast has been found with a diameter of .9 inch at the broadest part.

I first discovered this species, as imperfect casts, in the slates near Spanish Flat, El Dorado County. Since then, numerous fragments and casts have been found at Mariposa, by Mr. C. R. King and Miss Errington.

Communication on the San Luis Obispo Quicksilver Fossils.

BY WM. M. GABB.

Mr. Attwood has recently presented to the collection of the State Geological Survey, a series of Fossils collected by himself, in the formation in which the San Luis Obispo cinnabar deposits occur.

Through the kindness of Prof. B. Silliman, Jr. I have had the opportunity of examining another small collection, made by that gentleman, at the same locality. I consider the result of sufficient interest to warrant a special communication on the subject.

The Fossils, though few in number of species, point unequivocally to the Miocene formation, the species being among the most familiar forms in the middle deposit of that formation in California.

They were: Dosinia ponderosa, Saxidomus aratus, Conus ravus = _C. Californicus_ Reeve, Turritella Ocoyana Con., Natica, probably N. Recluziana, Pecten Pabloensis Con., Pallium Estrellanum Con., Carcharodon rectus Agas. a Balanus and one or two small shells too imperfect for determination.

Mr. Moore presented on behalf of Prof. Dana, the following paper:

On the Crystallization of Brushite.

BY JAMES D. DANA, L.L.D., PROFESSOR OF MINERALOGY IN YALE COLLEGE.

The specimens of the mineral Brushite, which I have had under crystallographic examination, were received from Mr. G. E. Moore, the discoverer of the species.

The crystals are slender prisms, not over a third of an inch in length. A common form (containing all the observed planes), is shown in the annexed figure. The prisms are monoclinic, and are often flattened, parallel to the clinodiagonal, as here represented.

Cleavage is perfect, parallel of the clinodiagonal section, or the plane _iì_; also distinct parallel to the line _cl_, as apparent often in the cross fractures of the crystals, and by occasional striæ. This plane of cleavage may be taken as the basal plane _O_.

The planes _I_ and l are brilliant, especially the former. The oblique plane situated on the back side in the figure, and which may be called _r_, is quite rough, owing to the oscillatory combination between two hemi-octahedral planes. In many of the crystals, only the right one of the two planes _I_ is present, and also only the left one of the two planes l. The prisms frequently terminate above in an irregular edge, made by the meeting of the one, or two, planes _I_, and the rough plane _r_, and this edge is sometimes cut off, more or less deeply, by a single oblique plane, which is one of the planes l.

According to measurements with the reflective goniometer;

_I_ : _I_ = 142° 26’ _I_ : _iì_ = 108° 47’ l : _iì_ = 101° 40’ I : l = 156° 20’ (approximately.)

The inclination of the I on l could not be accurately measured, on account of the minuteness of the planes in the crystals, in which both planes occur, and the want of perfection in the reflection. The angle obtained for l:_iì_ would give, for l:l, 156° 40’.

By measurement with a goniometer attached to a compound microscope, the plane angle between the lines of cross cleavage, or _cl_, and the edge _I_:_I_ (which equals the inclination of _O_ on the orthodiagonal section, or a plane _ii_) was found to be 117-117½°; and that between edge _I_:_I_ and edge l:l (which equals _ii_ on l_i_, both unobserved planes) 95°-95½°: whence _O_:l_i_ would equal approximately 147° 30’. The inclination of the rough plane _r_ on the edge l:l is about 110°, but varies much.

The results of calculation, taking as data the above mentioned angles _I_:_I_ and l:_ii_, along with the inclination of _O_ to _ii_ = 117° 15’, and that of the edge l:l (or l_ì_) to _ii_ = 95° 15’ are as follows:

C (= O : _iì_) = 117° 15’ and 62° 45’

_a_ (vert. axis) : _O_ (clinodiag.) : _c_ = 0.5396 : 1 : 2.614

l : l = 156° 46’ -l : -l (unobserved planes) = 164° 22’

The species is related in form to Vivianite, in which

_a_ : _b_ : 2_c_ = 1.0792 : 1 : 2.614.

The crystals of the two species are also alike in the perfect and pearly clinodiagonal cleavage.

On new Californian Marine Shells. No. II.

BY PHILIP P. CARPENTER, PH. D., OF WARRINGTON, ENGLAND.

Genus COLLONIA, _Gray_, 1852.

This genus was established (in English) by Dr. Gray, for Turbinate shells having an “operculum circular, with many gradually enlarged whirls, with a convex external rib and central pit.” The type (still appearing as such in the B. M. Col.) is a smooth fossil from Grignon, = Delphinula marginata, Lam., with a keeled and crenated umbilicus, like Phillippia. Another (African) shell is joined to the diagnosis, with the following brief description: “C. striata, _Gray_. Shell red, white marbled, striated.” It is quoted by Phillippi, Handb. Conch. p. 206, who assigns as a type T. sanguineus, _Linn._ For this species and its congeners, we now propose a subgenus LEPTONYX, as they do not agree with the type. The genus was reconstituted by Messrs. Adams, Gen. i. 396 for shells with “imperforate axis and contracted aperture:” the description of the operculum being copied from Gray. The type is now “C. marginata, _Nutt._” pl. 44, f. 2, the operculum of which is figured as with _few_ whirls. The same description and figure are given in Chenu, Manuel i. 348, f. 2560. The error seems to have arisen thus. Mr. H. Adams (who acted for the ‘firm’ during his brother’s long absence in Japan,) probably took Gray’s C. marginata to be the ‘Turbo marginatus, Nutt.’ of Reeve, and from this species as type, described the genus to be imperforate, etc. Unfortunately, Dr. Gray did not observe the error, which had arisen from confounding two different shells called marginatus; and in his guide to Mollusca (in loco) he adopts the description of Messrs. Adams; so that Collonia, _Gray_, (hodie) = Collonia, _Add._, but not Collonia, _Gray_, (olim). Of the species arranged by Mr. H. Adams under Collonia, some may belong to the original genus: some are included under Cynisca, _A. Ad._; and one (Turbo phasianella, _C. B. Ad._) appears to be Eucosmia. They appear in the Br. Mus. Col. distributed between Gibbula and Photinula. The true Turbo marginatus of Nutt. is the ordinary black Californian Chlorostoma, like mœstus, and well named from its frilled margin near the suture. But the label having become affixed to the T. marginatus _Rve._ (which must stand as Reeve’s species and not Nuttall’s) the Californian shell was left without name, and was described by Mr. A. Adams as Chl. funebrale, under which name it must stand as Nuttal’s prior name was (unfortunately) in MS. only. The name Collonia marginata must stand for the original fossil of Lamarck. It is probable that Reeve’s shell belongs to another group; else it must, according to the usual custom of honoring error, be called C. Reevei. For the Californian species, which are imperforate and have a thin, smooth operculum, Mr. A. Adams and I propose to form a subgenus _Leptonyx_; a diagnosis of which will appear in the next paper, after the foreign species have been examined. The following are the Californian forms.

_Leptonyx sanguineus_, Linn.

H. t. parvâ, solidâ, rubrâ, anfr. V. subtumentibus, suturis plus minusve impressis; costulis spiralibus plus minusve rotundatis cinctâ, quarum iv.-viii. in spirâ monstrantur; aperturâ subcirculari; columellâ t. adolescente foveâ basali et dente ut in ‘Modulo’ munitâ; adultâ, callositate tenui labiali, foveam tegente, obscure bidentatâ; labio tenui, continuo; umbilico nullo.

_Hab_. Mediterranean, _Phillippi_, _Hanley_. Japan, _A. Adams_. Monterey, _Jewett_, _Taylor_, _Cooper_. Neeah Bay, W.T., _Swan_.

= Turbo sanguineus, Ln. Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, p. 1235:—Phil. Moll. Sic. in loco: Hanl. Ips. Lin. Conch, in loco.

= T. Belliæi, Michaud in Mus. Paris: teste Hanl.

Non “Turbo sanguineus, Linn.” Rve. Conch. Ic. sp. 55: = T. coccineus, _Desh._ = Globulus roseus, Chem. teste Rve. Nec (Gibbula) sanguinea, _Risso_.

Reeve says of his shell. “I am not quite sure that this is the T. sanguineus of Linnæus, but _have every reason_ to believe it is.” That is, every reason except the one only convincing proof, which was so easy to a London naturalist, an inspection of the original type in the Linnæan Collection. A mere glance at this would have exposed his error. Reeve’s shell is whitish, with blood-red spots, and is probably a S. African species. Whether Linnæus described from Mediterranean or Japanese specimens, cannot be told from his rubbed shells; nor as yet have sufficiently perfect specimens been compared from the two oceans; but no character has been observed by which they can be separated. The great author obtained his Algerine and his Philippine shells from the Swedish consuls; and Japanese species may have been mixed with the latter. It is very rare in the Mediterranean; common in Japan; common also at Vancouver; but rare further south. It is, we believe, the only Californian shell described by the father of modern Natural History. The specimens vary very greatly in strength of sculpture. There is also a purple variety.

_Leptonyx_ (_sanguineus_, var.) _purpureum_.

H. t. ‘H. sanguineo’ simili, sed purpureo fuscâ; lirulis spiralibus crebioribus, interstitiis parvis, labio obsoleto.

_Hab._ Sta. Cruz, _Rowell_. Monterey, _Cooper_. Neeah Bay, _Swan_.

_Leptonyx bacula_, Carp.

L. t. “L. sanguineo, jun.” simili; sed rufocinereâ, sculpturâ obsoletâ; anfr. iv. planatis, suturis vix distinctis, marginibus spiræ valde excurvatis; lirulis obsoletis latioribus, et circa basim striis crebris, vix sculptâ; apertura rotundatâ, declivi; columellâ vix callosâ.

Long. 0.08, long. spir. 0.06; lat. 0.14.

_Hab._ Catalina Is., dead on beach; _Cooper_, No. 1056.

This unpretending little shell resembles on the back one of the small Helicinæ. It differs from L. sanguineus in its small size, ashy color, flattened sutures, and nearly obsolete sculpture. A groove in the somewhat callous columella, continued slightly round the labrum, seems intended for the broad-margined operculum of the genus.

ANNUAL MEETING, JAN. 9TH, 1865.

President, Col. Ransom, in the chair.

Twelve members present.

Theodore Bloomer was elected a resident member.

The Annual reports of the officers were received, as follows:

The report of the Treasurer was referred to the Finance Committee. The reports of the Curators were received and accepted.

The Committee on nominations reported the following list of officers for the year 1865, 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.

T. H. BLOOMER.

LIBRARIAN.

PROF. J. D. WHITNEY.

TREASURER.

SAMUEL HUBBARD.

CURATORS.

_Mineralogy_ G. E. MOORE _Palæontology_ WM. M. GABB _Botany_ H. N. BOLANDER _Zoology_ E. F. LORQUIN _Conchology_ R. E. C. STEARNS _Entomology_ DR. H. BEHR

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows: from Dr. C. T. Jackson, specimen of Corundum and Margarite.

Mr. Gabb presented, on behalf of the authors, the following papers:

On Californian Lepidoptera.

BY HERMAN BEHR, M. D.

ERYCINIDÆ

NEMEOBIUS Boisd.

_N. Dumeti_ Behr.

Alæ supra nigræ, fasciis duabus albis signatæ, altera medias per alas transgrediente, altera per spatium inter fasciam mediam et marginem, utraque hinc interrupta vel macalari. Alæ anteriores a radice ad fasciam mediam fulvæ, maculis quatuor quadrangularibus nigro marginatis signatæ.

Alæ subtus grisescentes, marginem versus dilutiores. Anteriores a radice ad fasciam mediam fulvæ, ceterum ut supra signatæ, posteriores fascias demonstrant ut supra, sed confluentes, et hinc coufusas.

This species is found in some parts of California, and always in localities that are covered by the peculiar vegetation called Chaparral.

_N Virgulti_, Behr.

Alæ supra nigræ, fulvo mixtæ, fasciis duabus signatæ, altera medias per alas transgrediente, colore fulvo fere ubique obducta, altera per spatium inter fasciam mediam et marginem ad punctorum alborum seriem reducta.

Alæ anteriores usque ad marginem fere fulvæ, fascia intermedia maculisque disci albis, nigro marginatis. Margo alarum anteriorum, alæque posteriores totæ grisescentes punctis maculisque albis, nigro marginatis variegatæ.

This species was found near Los Angeles, by Mr. Lorquin, who gave me several specimens. In the male the black color is more predominating, in the female the fulvous coloration.

For the sake of completing this series of diagnoses, I give here the description of a third species, that I received, by the kindness of Dr. Dinklage, from the Sierra Madre, in the neighborhood of Mazatlan. I think it indispensable to give the marks of this closely allied Nemeobius, as I am of the opinion that thus errors will most effectually be avoided.

_N. Mejicanus_, Behr.

Alæ supra fulvæ, marginem versus brunneæ, fasciis maculisque ordinariis omnibus albis nigro marginatis instructæ. Subtus alæ anteriores fulvæ, apice et margine grisescentes, fasciis et maculis ut supra. Alæ posteriores grisescentes, macalis albis et nigro marginatis et confluentibus cum colore universali irregulariter variegatæ.

The most positive and striking points of difference would be thus:

1. _N. Dumeti._ Fore wings alone show a fulvous coloration on the upperside. Bands and spots perfectly white.

2. _N. Mejicanus._ All wings are occupied with it, till beyond the second band, where the brownish coloration of the margin begins. Bands and spots perfectly white.

3. _N. Virgulti._ Extension of the fulvous as in the preceding, but all the space more or less occupied by black. Middle band nearly altogether fulvous, other bands and spots white.

As much as we know, the type of this genus _N. Lucina_ L, was the only species known heretofore, and it is another proof of the various repetition of types on occidental coasts, that we have to add three Pacific representatives of a genus first discerned in a single European species.

The group of the _Erycinides_ belongs essentially to tropical America. The beforementioned _Nemeobius Lucina_ is the only European representative of this numerous and polymorphous group. Besides this, there exist some few Asiatic members of this family, very aberrant in their type, scarcely known and insufficiently examined, so that possibly they may belong somewhere else. In America the tropical genera _Nymphidia_ and _Lemonias_, extend beyond the Cancer on the Atlantic side; but on the Pacific side reappears the European genus _Nemeobius_, extending into the Tropics, and seems to find here its very centre.

Description of New Species of Land Shells.

BY W. NEWCOMB, M.D.

_Helix Blakeana_, Newc.

Hel. testa unicolor flavido-alba, rotundato, semi-globosa, nitida, translucida; umbilico amplo, profundo et parum obtecto; apice obtuso; anfractibus sex, convexis, tribus superioribus sub-planis, reliquiis rapide accrescentibus, ultimo inflato; sutura bene impressa; aperturâ rotundato-lunare; peristomate tenue, ex panso-reflexo cum columellâ sub-late dilatatâ, non adnatâ.

Alt. ·7 pol., Diam maj. 1·1 pol., min. 1· pol.

Hab. Insula Niphon—Japan, (teste Blake).

Shell uniformly yellowish white, rounded, half globular, shining, translucent; umbilicus large, deep and slightly covered; apex obtuse; whorls six, convex, the three first nearly on the same plane, the balance rapidly increasing, the last swollen; suture well marked; aperture roundly lunar; lip thin, flatly reflected, at the columella broadly dilated but not adherent.

NOTE.—In general form and color, this species makes a nearer approach to _H. candida_, Moricand, than to any species with which I am acquainted. It varies in the less elevation, in the form of the spire, and in some other respects. Professor Blake had remarkable facilities for collecting in Japan, but unfortunately the mice proved so destructive to his terrestrial shells, as to leave him but few specimens as the result of his labor.

_Helix declivis_, Newc.

Hel. testa perspectivo-umbilicata, lenticulare, oblique striata, tenue, pallide-cornea; anfr. IV, planulatis, ultimo declivi, in medio sub-carinato; sutura sub-canuliculata; peris. fragile, simplici: apertura obliquo-sub-rotundata.

Alt. ·1 pol., Diam. maj. ·3 pol., min. ·2 pol.

Hab. Insula Niphon, (Japan).

Shell perspectively umbilicate, lenticular, obliquely striate, thin, pale horn color; whorls four, planulate, the last shelving down to the centre, which is obscurely keeled; suture channelled; lip fragile, simple; aperture oblique, almost round.

REMARKS.—Bears some resemblance to _H. ruderata_, Stud., a species common in Europe, from which it may readily be distinguished by comparison.

NOTE.—The Japanese species herein described, were collected by Professor Blake, in the interior of the Island of Niphon, out of the range permitted to foreign travel.

The Professor, who was employed by the Japanese Government as a special geologist, had the privilege of penetrating districts not before visited by any scientific or mercantile foreigner. The following species of Helices were also among those collected:

_Helix peliomphala_, Pfr., (Mon. Hel. viv. Vol. 4, Sp. 1764). _H. quesita_, Deshayes, (Reeve’s Mon. fig. 1355). _H. Perryi_, Jay, (Perry’s Exped. Vol. 2, page 294, Plate 5, fig. 7, 8, 9). _H. Simoda_, Jay, (do. fig. 1 to 6).

Some doubt may exist as to the _H. quesita_ being identical with _H. Perryi_. But one specimen was preserved, and this fully agrees with the description and figure of the first named, but the locality for the species is given as the “_Moluccas_.”

It also agrees (except in colour) with Dr. Jay’s description, and also in the very poor figures illustrating the species of _H. Perryi_. The only question in my mind is one regarding locality.

_Helix Cronkhitei_, Newc.

Hel. testa aperta umbilicata, depressa, luteo-cornea sub-lente regulariter costulato-striata; spira depressa-convexa; sutura excavata; anfractibus quatuor, sub-cylindraceis; umbilica ampla, sub-perspectiva; apertura rotundata; peristomate simplici, acuto, marginibus conniventibus.

Alt. ·15 pol., Diam. maj. ·2 pol., min. ·15 pol.

Hab. Klamath Valley, Oregon, (Gabb).

Shell openly umbilicate, depressed, yellowish horn colour, under the glass regularly rib striated; spire depressed, a little convex; suture wide and deep; whorls four, rather cylindrical; umbilicus large, indistinctly perspective; aperture rounded; lip simple, acute, margins approximating.

REMARKS.—Mr. Bland may _possibly_ refer to this species as _H. striatella_, Anthony, which was obtained by Dr. Cooper on the Pacific side of the Rocky Mountains. (See addenda to “Remarks on Classification, etc.,” 1863). This species is certainly distinct from _striatella_, by its smaller size, rib-like costa, and almost channelled suture.

A few specimens were obtained by Mr. Gabb, of the State Geological Survey, in Klamath Valley, which were collected jointly by himself and Dr. Cronkhite, U. S. Army.

_Helix Rowelli_, Newc.

Hel. testa aperta-umbilicata, orbiculato depressa, alba, opaca, polita, minutissimo-oblique striata; anfractibus quatuor vel quinque convexis, ultimo magno antice deflexo; spira vix elevata, apice sub-mamillato; sutura modice impressa; apertura fere circulari; labro tenui, reflexiusculo, marginibus continuis ad juncturam; anfr. ultimo adnato.

Alt. ·4 pol., Diam. maj. ·6 pol., min. ·5 pol.

Hab. Arizona, (dicto Frick).

Shell with open umbilicus, orbicular, depressed, opaque white, polished, very finely obliquely striate; whorls four and a half, convex, the last large, anteriorly descending; spire but little elevated, at the apex projecting like a nipple; suture moderately marked; aperture truly circular; lip thin, slightly reflected, margins continued, adhering to the last whirl.

REMARKS.—This is another of the Cyclostomoid species of which _H. Carpenteri_, Newc., _H. Cærulano_, Muhl., and _H. Angasiana_, Pfr. form striking examples. Our species approaches nearer in lightness of substance and in its depressed form to Muhlfeldt’s shell, than to either the others.

I take pleasure in dedicating this species to the Rev. M. Rowell, of San Francisco.

_Succinea Japonica_, Newc.

S. testa ovato-conica, flavido-cornea, lævissima, striatula, nitida, pellucida; anfractibus III, nucleo sane mamillato, ultimo 4·5 longitudinis fere æquante; apertura elongato-ovali; peristomate simplici; columellâ regulariter arcuata ad juncturam labro superiorem acuto-angulata.

Long. ·55, Diam. ·35, Apert. long. ·4, lata. ·233 pol.

Hab. Japan, (Prof. Blake).

Shell ovately-conic, yellowish horn color, very smooth, finely striate, shining, pellucid; whirls three, nucleus truly mamillate, the last four-fifths of the entire length; aperture elongately ovate; lip simple; columella regularly arched; at the juncture of the lip above, acutely angular.

_Remarks on Helix Hillebrandi_, Newc.

At the time of publication of this species, but a single recent specimen had been obtained, and that was freed from the epidermis. The statement that the shell was _hirsute_, was founded upon the cicatrices observed upon the surface, Mr. Gabb, who has recently returned from a trip to Mariposa, was successful in finding a few specimens, by which the diagnosis may be enlarged, and conjecture resolved into certainty. The whole surface is covered with an epidermis, of a yellowish brown colour, thickly studded with slightly curved rigid hairs about one-twentieth of an inch in length. The animal is of a reddish brown color, with the tentacles of a smoky hue; tentacular sheaths darker than the body, which is small, slender, finely granulated and unusually long and tapering behind.

The shell bears the same relations to _H. Dupetit Thouarsi_, Deshayes, that _Helix infumata_, Gould, bear to _H. fidelis_, Gray. In the description of _infumata_, an important omission occurs, owing doubtless to the imperfect condition of the type specimen. In good specimens, all of the last whirl, except a circle round the umbilicus, is covered with _very short_ and thickly studded soft hairs, feeling harsh when dry, but velvety to the touch when moistened.

_Achatinella Alexandri_, Newc.

Ach. testa perforata, sinistrorsa, elongato sub-cylindracea, nitida, rufo-brunnea, nigro-elongato-venulato-inosculante picta; anfr. VI convexis, regulariter accrescentibus; apice obtusiusculo; sutura modice impressa, non emarginata; apertura parva, sub-ovata; labro acuto; columella alba breve, sub-recta, truncata, infra in plicam tortam terminante.

Long. ·6 pol., Diam. ·25 pol., Aper. long. ·2 pol. ·1 lata.

Hab. Insula Sandwich, (Maui).

Shell perforated, left handed, elongately sub-cylindrical, shining, reddish-brown, with painting of elongate, inosculating black veins; whirls six convex, regularly (but slowly) increasing; apex a little obtuse; suture moderately impressed, not emarginate; aperture small, sub-ovate; lip acute; columella white, short, almost straight, truncate, terminating by a twisted plait passing within.

This species is more cylindrical than any of its congeners, resembling most _A. Renyi_, Newc., which is longer, not umbilicate, more pointed at the apex, with a twisted, not truncate columella.

From _venusta_ and _citrina_, Mighels, it varies both in form and color. With some varieties of _picta_ it claims analogy only in the general plan of painting. Its striking characteristics are its blunt apex, slightly rounded whorls, small aperture, short and white columella, umbilicus, and general plan of coloring.

A few specimens were collected at an elevation of 7,500 feet, on West Maui, by the Rev. M. Alexander, to whom the species is dedicated.

Description of New Species of Marine Shells from the Coast of California.

BY WM. M. GABB.

The following are a few of the shells collected by Dr. J. G. Cooper, of the State Geological Survey, during his explorations along the coast of this State. The specimens are preserved in the collection of the Survey; most of them appear to be very rare in a living state, though I have encountered several of them in the later Tertiary deposits, especially in the Post Pliocene.

MUREX, Linn.

_S. G. Muricidea_, Swains.

M. BARBARENSIS, G.

M. t. unicolor, fusca; varicibus V-IX, haud magnis ad angulum auctis; varix ultima prælata; anfractu primo lævi, anfractibus V supra recte truncatis, infra parum convexis; tota superficie liris spiralibus et squamosis induta; apertura subelliptica, intus lactea; labio incrassato, polito; labro extante, tuberculis intus ornata; canali interdum recto, interdum recurvato.

Long. ·77, lat. ·46, long. aper. ·2, long. canal ·24.

Shell small, brown; whorl six, the first smooth, the remainder angulated, horizontally or a little concavely truncated above and very slightly convex below the angle; varices variable, from five to nine, usually about six or seven to a whorl, angular but not very prominent, except on the angle, where they are sometimes prolonged into long recurved processes, in other cases only making a prominent angular tubercle; the whole surface is covered with strong revolving ribs, crossed by fine squamose plates; aperture sub-elliptical, lips prominent, white within, the outer lip with five or six tubercles internally, last varix forming a broad lateral expansion to the lip; canal closed, straight, or more usually a little recurved.

Hab. Catalina Island, 40 fms., and Santa Barbara Channel, 20-30 fms. Dr. Cooper.

Nos. 515 b, c and d, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

PLEUROTOMA, Lam. 1799.

_Turris_, Bolt. 1798, not _Turris_, Hump, 1797.

S. Gen. _Surcula_, H. & A. Ad.

P. PERVERSA, G.

P. t. sinistra, unicolor, rufo-brunnea; sub-fusiformis; anfractibus XI vel XII lævibus rotundato-compressis; apertura angusta, labio tenui, acuto.

Long. 1·2, lat. ·35, long. aper. ·45.

Shell sinistral, elongate sub-fusiform, apex acute, sometimes slightly bent, nuclear whorls two, very convex, loosely twisted and white; whorls, eleven or twelve, slightly convex; color a light reddish brown, somewhat lighter on the middle of the whorl; aperture narrow, canal short, inner lip moderately encrusted with a white callus, brown on the outer margin; columella twisted; outer lip acute, sinus rounded, shallow, broad and adjoining the suture.

Hab. Catalina Island, 60 fms., Dr. Cooper. Also fossil, not rare, in the P. Pliocene at San Pedro. One specimen from that locality is two inches long.

No. 1020, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

P. (S.) CARPENTERIANA, G.

P. t. fusiformis; anfractibus VIII, prope suturam concavis; tota superficie confertim et spiralitur costulata; colore aurantiaco, lineis rufo-brunneis interruptis induta; apertura angusta; sinu postico lato, haud profundo.

Long. 2·, lat. ·7, long. aper. 1·1.

Fusiform, spire high, acute, whorls eight, slightly concave near the suture, convex below. Surface marked by numerous rounded revolving ribs, sometimes alternating in size, especially on the lower part of the body whorl. Color, orange with broken revolving bands of a bright reddish brown; these lines or bands usually occupy the larger ribs, and are more distant on the middle of the whorl and more closely placed above and below; they average about a tenth of an inch apart. Aperture narrow, growing proportionally broader in older shells; canal moderate, slightly twisted, inner lip lightly encrusted; outer lip acute, sinus broad and shallow.

Hab. A beach specimen retaining color, from San Diego, and a younger dead shell dredged from 120 fms. by Dr. Cooper. Also, two fossil specimens from P. Pliocene, Santa Barbara. The finest of these measures long. 3·, lat. 1·1; long. spir. 1·6.

Nos. 819 and 1021 Survey Moll.

CLATHURELLA, Carpenter.

_Defrancia_ Millet, non Müll.

C. CONSTRICTA, G.

C. t. albida, solida, lævis, sub-fusiformis; anfr. VII; regione infra-suturali haud constricta; apertura lata, labio parum incrassato, labro sub-acuto; sinu posteriore profundo, suturam attingente.

Shell white, solid, smooth, sub-fusiform; whorls seven, suddenly constricted at the upper portion, near the suture; suture impressed; body whorls rapidly expanded below the constriction; aperture wide, columellar lip encrusted; canal short; outer lip acute, prominent in the middle; posterior sinus deep, angular above and adjoining the suture.

Hab. Santa Catalina Island, 80 fms. Dr. Cooper.

No. 1055 Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

C. CRYSTALLINA, G.

C. t. parva, fusiformis; anfr. II lævibus; anfr. normalibus IV, supra oblique planulatis, infra, convexiusculis; superficie minutis et confertim concentricis costulis instructa, media parte sola excepta, in qua sunt III vel IV costæ moniliformes; apertura lata; labio parum incrassato; labro crasso, margine sub-acuto; sinu postico profundo lato; colore candidissimo, nitente.

Long. ·35, lat. ·13, long. aper. ·16.

Shell small, fusiform; nuclear whorls two, smooth, normal whorls four, obliquely truncated above, angulated, below the angle somewhat convex; surface marked by numerous small revolving ribs, except on the middle of the whorls, where they are larger, more distant and ornamented by small nodes; aperture rather broad; inner lip lightly encrusted; outer lip thickened behind, sub-acute on the margin; posterior sinus moderately deep, round and with a polished and thicked margin, placed close to the suture; canal very slightly twisted; color, a pure white, polished.

Hab. Catalina Island, 40 fms. Dr. Cooper.

No. 1052, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

DAPHNELLA, HINDS.

D. CLATHRATA, G.

D. t. parva, fusiformis, tenuis; anfr. III nucleosis, lævibus; anfr. normalibus III+ supra oblique truncatis; superficie confertim clathrata; striis radiantibus obsoletis circa basim; apertura magna; columella parum tortuosa; labio parum incrassato; labro acuto; sinu postico sub-profundo, supra acuto, ad suturam attingente; colore albido, sparsim brunueo punctato.

Long. ·37, lat. ·14, long. aper. ·22.

Shell small, fusiform, thin, aperture longer than the spire; nuclear whorls three, smooth; normal whorls three or more, obliquely truncated above, convex below, this truncation is partially obsolete on the last whorl; surface closely clathrate, except on the lower part of the last whorl where the radiating lines become obsolete; aperture large, columella somewhat twisted, slightly encrusted; outer lip thin, acute, posterior sinus moderately deep and narrow, adjoining the suture and angular at its upper corner; color, brownish white with minute brown spots sparsely scattered, usually placed on the larger of the revolving ribs.

Hab. Santa Catalina Island, 60 fms. Dr. Cooper.

This little shell looks not unlike the young of _Pleurotoma Carpenteriana_, _supra_, but on a critical comparison, shows several characters incompatible with such a reference; the strongest of these is the peculiar shape of the posterior sinus. In addition to this, the whorls of the present species are much more numerous in proportion to the size, the first six whorls of _P. Carpenteriana_ making a shell three or four times the diameter of this one.

No. 1053, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

MANGELIA, LEACH.

M. HEXAGONA, G.

M. t. parva, fusiformis, gracilis; apice sub-acuto; anfr. II lævibus; anfr. norma libus V, costis radiantibus VI acutis induta; tota superficie minute et confertim clathrata; colore albido, lineis rufo-brunneis spiralibus fasciato; apertura angusta; columella vix tortuosa, labro acuto; sinu postico lato, haud profundo.

Long. ·34, lat. ·1, long. aper. ·15.

Shells small, slender, fusiformis; spire sub-acute, nuclear whorls two, smooth, normal whorls five, slightly sub-angular and ornamented by six large acute radiating ribs with broad concave interspaces; besides these, the whole surface is cancellated by minute raised lines; color brownish white ornamented by a few reddish brown revolving bands, one much larger than the rest, in the middle of the whorl; aperture narrow, columella very slightly twisted; outer lip acute, sinus almost obsolete.

Hab. one specimen from Catalina Island, 40 fms., another from the beach at Monterey. Dr. Cooper.

No. 425, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

TURBONILLA, RISSO.

_Chemnitzia_, d’Orb.

T. GRACILLIMA, G.

C. t. elongata, gracili, albida vertice?; anfractibus XI(?) subplanatis; sutura impressa; costis radiantibus, circiter XXIII obtusis, sub-obliquis, ad basin evanidis; apertura sub-rotunda; columella incrassata.

Long. ·32?, lat. ·06, long aper. ·04.

Shell small, very slender, long, white; vertex broken; whorls eleven or more, flattened on the sides; suture strongly impressed; ribs about twenty-three, large, obtuse, running from the suture to the margin of the base; base convexly subtruncated, smooth; aperture subcircular; columella thick.

Hab. Monterey; a single specimen. Dr. Cooper.

This shell can be readily distinguished by its extremely slender form and the strong, slightly oblique ribs.

CANCELLARIA, Lam.

S. Gen. _Narona_, H and A. Ad.

C. (N.) COOPERII, G.

C. t. subfusiformi; anfractibus II lævibus; anfr. VII sub-angulatis; regione infrasuturali excavata, angulo coronato; regione infra-angulari oblique costata; costis circiter XII; tota superficie concentrice et confertim lirata; colore luteo lineis fuscis regulariter et concentrice lirato; canali elongato; columella vix tortuosa; plicis II; umbilico nullo; labio parum incrassato; labro acuto.

Long. 2·4, lat. 1·05, long. aper. 1·25.

Broadly subfusiform, nuclear whorls two, smooth, round; normal whorls seven, subangulated, concavely excavated above the angle; angle acutely tuberculated; below the angle the surface is ornamented by about twelve slightly oblique ribs, each rib ending in a tubercle at the upper angle; the whole surface is ornamented, besides these ribs, by small, closely placed, revolving ribs; color yellowish brown crossed by about a dozen brown revolving bands; these bands usually cover the larger of the concentric ribs; canal elongate, columella but slightly twisted; umbilicus obsolete; inner lip but slightly encrusted, bearing two sharp oblique folds; outer lip acute, simple.

Hab. One beach specimen, San Diego; another inhabited by a crab, Monterey, 10 fms., and a fragment much larger than the others, Monterey, 16 fms. All collected by Dr. Cooper.

No. 463, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

CALLIOSTOMA, SWAINS.

_Zizyphinus_, Gray.

C. TRICOLOR, G.

C. t. conica, spira vix elevata; anfr. I nucleari, lævi; anfr. VI ad marginem truncatis, supra declivibus, infra planulatis; tota superficie confertim costata; costis minute granulatis; colore fulvo, lineis purpureis albo maculatis, spiraliter fasciato; apertura subquadrata, intus margaritacea; labio crasso, labro acuto; umbilico albo.

Long. ·45, lat. ·5, long. aper. ·19, lat. aper. ·24.

Shell conical, spire somewhat elevated, nuclear whorls smooth; other whorl sloping above, truncated on the margin, nearly flat below; surface marked by numerous, finely granulated, revolving ribs; color yellowish brown, banded by a variable number of spiral purple lines, interrupted by white spots; aperture subquadrate, nacreous within; inner lip heavy, outer lip and base acute, umbilicus white.

Hab. San Pedro, five alive on the sand shoal; and Half Moon Bay, beach; also San Diego. Dr. Cooper. Also fossil in the Post Pliocene, San Pedro.

No. 602, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

The brown lines are variable in number, the under side of one specimen showing two and of another six of these lines. The granulation of the ribs is arranged in the lines of growth.

N. Gen. PTYCHOSTYLIS, G.

Testa Calliostomati similis, conoidea; spira elevata; apertura subquadrata; columella antice truncata, plicis obliquis duabus induta, labro acuto, umbilico nullo.

Shell resembling Calliostoma, Swains, (_Zizyphinus_, Gray,) conical not umbilicate, internally pearly, spire moderately elevated; aperture subquadrate; columella bearing two oblique folds, the lower of which ends abruptly at the end of the columella; outer lip and base acute, smooth or internally striate; operculum unknown.

P. CAFFEA, G.

T. conoidea, tenui; spira elevata; anfr. I nucleari, lævi, anfr. V ad marginem subangulatis, supra recte declivis, ultimo infra sub-planato; sutura valde impressa; tota superficie concentrice tuberculato costata; costis circitur XVIII ad ult. anfr.; epidermide flavida; apertura oblique sub-quadrata, intus albida.

Long. ·55, lat. ·58, long. aper. ·26, lat. aper. ·28, ang. diverg. 58°.

Shell conical, thin; spire elevated; one nuclear whorl, smooth, five perfect whorls, subangulated at the margin, obliquely flat above; body whorl very slightly convex at the base; suture strongly impressed; surface marked by revolving tubercular ribs, about eighteen on the body whorl, one broad one on the margin and about eight or nine on the under side; these ribs are less numerous on the preceding volutions, only four can be counted on the upper side of the penultimate whorl; the tubercles are arranged so as to present an irregular quincunx; epidermis a rich coffee brown, darker between the tubercules than on their summits; aperture obliquely quadrangular, outer lip and base acute, internally pearly white, columella bearing two strong folds, the lower one of which borders the truncated end and terminates in a faint tubercular enlargement; behind the columella is a slight groove running from the base to the end of the upper columellar fold.

Hab. Monterey, 20 fms. Dr. Cooper. Also fossil, not rare, in the Post Pliocene of San Pedro and Santa Barbara, where some specimens have been found an inch in height.

No. 355, Mollusca, Survey Collection.

This shell appears to be allied to the genera _Calliostoma_ and _Thalotia_, from which it is separated by the peculiar mouth. In the absence of the operculum, it is impossible to define its position certainly.

EMARGINULA, Lam.

E. BELLA, G.

E. t. alba, oblongo-ovalis, subelevata, antice parum convexa, postice excavata, parte anteriori angustiori; apice excentrico, prominente, parum recurvato; sinu mediocri; costis radiantibus circiter XIX cum costis minoribus interstitialibus irregularitur alternantibus, per lineas concentricas clathratis.

Long. ·55, lat. ·36, alt. ·22.

Shell oblong oval, somewhat elevated, narrowest anteriorly; apex excentric, posterior, prominent and somewhat recurved; outline in front of the apex slightly convex, from the apex to the posterior margin slightly excavated, sides descending nearly straight; sinus moderate, variable, situated at the extremity of a strong rib; surface ornamented by about nineteen large radiating ribs, with smaller ones interposed, all crossed by moderately prominent concentric ridges; color white.

Locality Monterey, Dr. Cooper. “Two dredged dead.”

No. 466, Survey Mollusca.

GADINIA, Gray.

_S. Gen. Rowellia_, Cooper.

Animal tentaculis ultra testam porrectis, latis, compressis, margine anteriori rotundato, pectinato; pes mediocris, circularis.

Testa _Gadiniæ_ similis.

Animal with broad flat tentacles, rounded and pectinated in front, projecting beyond the shell; foot moderate, round. Shell as in _Gadinia_.

G. (R.) RADIATA, Cooper.

Animal album; testa sub-circularis; apex centralis; color albus vel ex albo virens; superficies XXX costis radiantibus dichotmis induta, per lineas concentricas cruciatis; intus alba vel livida, margine crenulato; fovea siphonalis bene impressa, margo prope extremam foveam parum incisus.

Long. ·90, lat. ·85, alt. ·45.

Animal white; shell sub-circular; apex central or sub-central; color white to greenish externally, internally white, livid or various shades of a light purple; surface marked by about thirty radiating and sometimes dichotomous ribs crossed by irregular concentric lines; internal margin crenulated, the teeth corresponding to the external ribs; muscular scar horseshoe-shaped with a little supplementary scar adjoining the left limb; siponal groove rather strongly impressed, producing a very faint emargination on the edge of the shell.

Localities, Farallone Islands, Half Moon Bay, New Year’s Point, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina Islands. Cooper and Rowell.

No. 826, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

TYLODINA, Raf.

? T. FUNGINA, G.

T. testa sub-elliptica, elevata; apice sub-centrali; epidermide rufo-brunnea, prope apicem lutea, ultra marginem testæ projecta; intus lutea, prope marginem cærulescens.

Long. 1·3, lat. 1·1, alt. ·5.

Animal unknown, shell sub-elliptical, elevated; apex sub-central, blunt; epidermis reddish brown, yellowish on and near the apex, projecting beyond the margin of the shell; color internally straw yellow, shading towards the margin into a bluish white.

The above measurements are approximate, making allowance for the epidermis which in the dry specimen is contracted and incurved around the margins to a width of about a tenth of an inch.

A single specimen, fresh, though without the animal, was found by Dr. Cooper on the shore of Santa Barbara Island.

No. 994, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

CIRCE, Schum.

S. G. _Lioconcha_, Morch.

C. (L.) NEWCOMBIANA, G.

C. t. tenui, trigono-ventricosa, polita, minute et concentrice striata; apicibus magnis, subcentralibus; lunula haud profunda, cordata, margine arata; colore gilvo, lineis angulatis, rufis pieto; intus pallida.

Long. 1·2, lat. 1·37, alt. ·45.

Shell thin, trigonally ventricose, polished, marked by minute concentric striæ; beaks large, subcentral; anterior end prominent, narrowly rounded, posterior a little the widest, base convex; lunule not excavated, bounded by an impressed line; color yellowish white, variously lined with brown angular lines; interior whitish; internal margin smooth; hinge teeth delicate.

Hab. two valves, Catalina Island, 120 fms. Dr. Cooper.

No. 1058, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

The relative length and width of the two specimens is different, the smaller specimen not being so convex at the base as the one measured.

YOLDIA.

Y. COOPERII, G.

Y. t. tenui, compressiuscula, valde inæquilaterali, antice angusta, postice expansa; umbonibus minutis, per positionem anteriorem excentricis; epidermide olivacea, nitida; concentrice et confertim lirata; liris minutis, sub lamellosis; intus lactea; cicatricibus muscularibus magnis.

Long. 1·25, lat. 2·6, alt. ·25.

Shell thin, somewhat compressed, very inequilateral, beaks placed about a third of the length from the anterior end, minute; anterior end narrow, sub-acuminate, posterior end broadly rounded; base most prominent just posterior to the middle of the shell; surface sculptured by numerous small concentric ribs, rarely dichotomous or anastomosing on the widest part of the shell; these ribs are flat and abruptly truncated on the side nearest the beak, giving the surface, under a glass, the appearance of an overlapping. Epidermis shining, olivaceous; internally a bluish white; muscular scars large, the anterior triangular, posterior a third the largest, broadly suboval.

A single fresh valve was found on the beach at Santa Cruz, Cal., by Dr. Cooper.

Earthquakes in California during 1864.

BY DR. JOHN B. TRASK.

FEB. 26TH, 0 h. 40 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At 5 h. 45 m. a smart shock, having three distinct vibrations. On the day previous, an “_Electric Storm_” prevailed between Visalia, Tulare Co., and Los Angeles, which was very violent in its effects on the telegraph lines.

On the 27th, a heavy “Norther” commenced and continued till the eve of the 28th. This earthquake was felt at San José, fifty miles south, at the same hour, and was marked by two very smart shocks following each other in quick succession.

MARCH 5TH, 8 h. 49 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco. The earthquake began at the above hour. The first wave was in a direction north and south, and lasted one and three-fourths seconds. Nearly one and a half seconds elapsed before the second shock, which occurred at forty-nine minutes, three seconds past eight o’clock, and had a duration of one and one-half seconds. The motion in this shock was rotatory.

Magnetism was _not_ suspended in this nor either of the other shocks, this year. The total length of time included in this earthquake, was nearly 5 seconds. These observations were made at the height of 20 feet 4 inches above the ground, but persons situated at a greater height felt the vibrations longer and more severely.

We have brief details of this earthquake from Santa Rosa, at the north, to Santa Cruz at the south, and from Stockton at the east, for which we acknowledge our obligations to the Telegraph Company. At Santa Rosa it occurred at 8 h. 50 m. the shock was light. At Petaluma 8 h. 50 m., also light. At Stockton _about_ 9 h., shock was severe. At Santa Clara 8 h. 40 m., the shocks were very severe. The church spires waved to and fro, and the earthquake is reported to have continued over two minutes, with light vibrations between the heavier waves. At Santa Cruz no time is given.

MARCH 10TH, 14 h. 8 m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco.

” ” 16 h. 30 m.—Another shock at San Francisco, marked by two distinct vibrations and lasting three and one-half seconds.

MARCH 20TH, 23 h. 45 m.—A light shock of earthquake having four distinct tremors, and occupying a little more than three seconds.

MARCH 22D, 13 h. 0 m.—A smart shock was felt at Stockton, causing some little commotion.

MAY 20TH, 18 h. 1 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At Stockton the shock was quite severe and occurred nine minutes later. At San José it also was very sharp. At Napa the earthquake, which was quite severe at this place, occurred at 18 h. 57 m. At Sacramento the shocks occurred at 18 h.: and was very severe. There were two distinct waves felt at this locality. This earthquake was felt as far north as Long Valley, in Mendocino County, and was followed by two loud reports like artillery, almost instantly.

JUNE 6TH, 11 h. 7 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco.

JUNE 22D, 20 h. 53 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of three distinct waves and a profound low rumbling sound. Each of the shocks were marked by a peculiar abruptness, like sudden sharp jolts. They were followed by a series of lessening tremors which gradually died away.

This earthquake was felt as far north as Healdsburg, (about 80 miles distant), at Napa, at Pacheco, at Stockton, and at San José, south of this city fifty-two miles, making a distance of one hundred and thirty-two miles, north and south, over which its influence was well marked.

JULY 5TH, 20 h. 3 m.—An earthquake at San Francisco, not severe; this consisted of four distinct vibrations occurring during a period of seven minutes. The second vibration and the longest lasted nineteen seconds. The shortest vibration was six seconds in length. The elapsed time between the waves varied from forty seconds to one and one-fourth minutes.

JULY 21ST, 2 h. 7 m.—A smart shock was felt at San Francisco.

” ” 22 h. 40 m. 38 s.—A very smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of two waves at four seconds apart. The direction of the motion was north thirteen degrees east. The displacement was one and a fourth inches, at twenty feet four inches from the ground. Pendulum suspension eighteen inches.

The earthquake was experienced at San José at the same hour, and consisted of four strong shocks. At Stockton the earthquake was severe, and took place twelve minutes later than at this city. The earthquake was felt at Los Angeles, but was not very heavy. No time is given from this latter locality.

JULY 25TH, 23 h. 56 m.—A shock of earthquake at Los Angeles.

AUG. 17TH, 22 h. 39 m.—A light shock of earthquake at Nevada and vicinity.

AUG. 18TH, 5 h. 18 m.—A very strong shock of earthquake was experienced at Grass Valley and Nevada, which threw down a wall of stone and brick in the well of Dr. Fellows. This earthquake was felt at Gibsonville at the north and at Marysville to the west; at the latter locality it was twelve minutes later than at Grass Valley.

SEPT. 6TH, 10 h. 3 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco.

SEPT. 20TH, 11 h. 0 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San José; it was observed at the Mission Dolores.

SEPT. 27TH, 10 h. 32 m.—A heavy shock at Mission San Juan, Monterey Co.

OCT. 6TH, 21 h. 9 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco.

OCT. 14TH, 1 h. 8 m.—Two heavy shocks of earthquake were felt at Mission San Juan, and another severe shock at 10 h. 25 m., the movement was from west to east.

DEC. 11TH, 20 h. 52 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco. This shock was felt at San José at 20 h. 51 m., and was evidently more severe there than at San Francisco.

During 1864, we have had twenty-one days on which earthquakes have occurred, and of at number there have been two days, (March 10th and July 21st) in which more than one shock has taken place within the twenty-four hours of each day.

The _British Colonist_, of Victoria, Vancouver Island, furnishes the following statement:

From a gentleman who has resided on Vancouver Island for 15 years, we learn that slight earthquakes have occurred annually, with one or two exceptions, during the entire period. Only on one occasion (1858) does he remember experiencing a shock at all approaching in severity that of Saturday morning, October 29th 1864. The oscillation, as on this last occasion, has almost invariably been from west to east: and he accounts for this, by supposing that the internal convulsion of the earth beneath, has to find vent in the crater of Mount Baker, situated to the east of us. This volcano has not had any visible eruption for several years. On the last occasion, it sent up a dense volume of smoke, and occasionally a bright flame was seen to issue from the fiery furnace. Another old resident informs us, that the appearance of the summit of Mount Baker has undergone a material change within late years, giving room for the conjecture that large portions have crumbled away and descended into the yawning abyss of the crater which lies between the two highest peaks.

Relating to earthquakes at San Francisco and its immediate vicinity, we have an item of interesting information relating to their effects at the Farrallones Islands, situated some fifteen miles to the west of the city. It appears, upon the testimony of the lighthouse-keeper at these Islands, and who has resided there for several years, (seven or eight), that but _two_ of the whole number occurring at this city, have been felt at the Islands, and of these he made an official record. The first was the shock of Dec. 23d, 1862, and that of June 22d, 1864.

From 1857 to date, we have seven years, during which time twenty-five shocks have been authenticated at San Francisco, while two only of the number have been felt at the above locality west of the city.

REGULAR MEETING, JAN. 16TH, 1865.

Dr. Kellogg in the chair.

Twelve members present.

Mr. Melville Attwood was elected a resident member.

A communication was read from Rev. J. M. Neri, acknowledging his election; also one from M. Le Normand.

REGULAR MEETING, FEB. 6TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Fourteen members present.

Mr. Charles F. Hoffman was elected a resident member.

Prof. J. D. Dana, of Yale College, was elected a Corresponding member.

Prof. W. P. Blake communicated the following:

New Mineral Oil Regions in the Tulare Valley.

BY WILLIAM P. BLAKE.

Recent examinations of prospecting parties, have added largely to the well-known oil-bearing portions of the State. A district some sixty miles in length, on the inner slopes of the Coast mountains, towards the Tulare Valley, has been found to abound in oil springs, or indications of oil. Oil exudes from the surface in large quantities, and collects rapidly in small pits sunk by prospectors. The soil about these pits is very black and saturated with oil. The gases escaping from this soil are inflammable, and many of the prospectors have been startled to see flames spreading over the ground, beyond their camp fires. In digging pits about these springs, large quantities of bones of various kinds have been thrown out, and all are wonderfully well preserved. These bones appear chiefly those of the horse, deer, and elk, though there are many others which I have not been able to recognize. The teeth of the horse, sent to me, are of unusual size, and induce the question, whether they are not of greater antiquity than the present race of horses. I am assured that the variety of bones and teeth of many kinds is very great.

The oil found gives an excellent article for lubricating purposes, and must be very similar to the oil found near Zanesville, Ohio, according to the descriptions given of the latter.

Note upon the occurrence of Sphene in the Granite of the Sierra Nevada.

BY WILLIAM P. BLAKE.

Sphene, in small hair-brown or amber-colored crystals, appears to be abundantly distributed in the granite of the Sierra Nevada. It may be found at the sources of the American River, in the exposures of granite about Slippery Ford, and other points, and upon the Mokelumne River, further south. The crystals are seldom more than the thirty second part of an inch in diameter, and are not conspicuous, but may be found in almost any specimen of the rocks.

It appears, that this mineral is also of common occurrence in the granite of the British Islands. In a report to the British Association, (1863) upon the composition of the granite of Donegal, it is stated, that the rock contains, almost universally, small crystals of sphene, in some varieties so abundantly, as to induce the authors of the Report to term it “sphene granite.” It is also observed that this mineral has long been known to exist in the granite of parts of Scotland, and in that of Galway.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 20TH, 1865.

Dr. Kellogg in the chair.

Ten members present.

Discussion as to various matters pertaining to Natural History.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 6TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Twelve members present.

William Hillebrand, M. D., of Honolulu, S. I., was elected a corresponding member.

Donations to the Cabinet: Dr. Behr, in behalf of Mr. Smith, presented a curiously formed chicken, having four legs.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Twelve members present.

Mr. Otto Schmidt and Dr. E. Cohn were elected resident members.

Donations to the Library: Descriptions of new species of Birds; presented by the author, Mr. George N. Lawrence. Catalogue of the College of California, 1864-5; Proceedings of the Essex Institute, Vol. 4, No. 4; Supplementary Catalogue of the Library Company at Philadelphia; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for September and October, 1864.

Dr. Behr read the following letters from Major Preiss, of Mazatlan, as to the efficacy of the _Euphorbia prostrata_, as a remedy for the bite of the rattlesnake and venomous insects:

Euphorbia Prostrata as a remedy for the bite of venomous animals.

BY MAJOR EDWARD PREISS.

Mazatlan, January 7th, 1865.

...I send you herewith a sample of Gollindrinera, (Spanish,) _Euphorbia prostrata_, (Linn.) It is found growing in the territories of New Mexico and Arizona, in the United States, and the provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa, in Mexico. In Jalisco this plant is more scarce, and occurs mostly in a poor condition.

It thrives in hard, sandy or stony soil, and therefore is most frequently found on roadsides, in the streets of villages and in house-yards. In Mazatlan I found a plant with branches, measuring two feet.

It is a remedy against the bites of snakes and other venomous animals.

During my voyage in New Mexico, I camped on the 5th of June, 1864, at noon, between Cubera and Pawate, near a waterhole. A Pueblo-Indian approached me, and entered into a conversation. He could read and write Spanish, and was very well versed on the map of the country. Noticing a snake in the waterhole, I asked him whether there were many rattlesnakes in those parts, to which he gave an affirmative answer. On questioning him whether Indians frequently died from snake-bites, he answered: “No, as they have an antidote against the poison.” At my request, accompanied by a gift of some cigarritos, he brought me a plant, which he gathered from the roadside, and which he called “Gollindrinera.” He told me that nobody ever died, not even from the bite of a rattlesnake, if this plant was applied in time. At the same time he told how it was used.

In Mexico I also found the country people well acquainted with the property of this plant. They apply it when their domestic animals are injured by venomous amphibia or insects.

The branches and roots of this plant contain a quantity of a milky sap. This is obtained by pounding and squeezing the plant, and is given to the patient in doses of about one drachm. The remaining fibres of the pressed-out plant are externally applied on the wound. The dose is repeated every hour,—or in aggravated cases, every half hour,—until the patient feels relieved; which will occur in a few hours. The external application must be frequently renewed.

I ascertained from reliable authority, that two dogs, being bitten by rattlesnakes, were cured, one after four, and the other after six repetitions of the dose. The poultice was frequently changed. Both dogs were perfectly restored within twenty-four hours.

Tepic, March 28th, 1865.

...Myself and companion arrived on the 14th of March, 1865, at 3 o’clock P. M., at San Blas. In the evening, our faces, necks and hands were badly bitten by myriads of sandflies. The sting of these flies is exceedingly painful, and the effects of them last for several days. Every person visiting San Blas will not easily forget these insects; each sting produces a reddish swelling, which hardens after awhile, and sometimes remains for eight days and more. We left San Blas on the 15th of March, at 1.30 A. M., and arrived at 5 P. M. at Tepic. The fly-bites were excruciatingly painful. On the 16th we used liquid ammoniac to allay our suffering, but without result. In the forenoon of the 17th I found two small Gollindrinera plants in the streets of Tepic; I pulled it, roots and all, from the ground, broke them into several parts, and rubbed the milky juice over my sores. In half an hour all the pain had left. Not being able to find any more of the plants, my companion had to suffer for several days longer; which proves, however, that my relief from the tormenting pain was directly to be credited to the medical virtue of the Gollindrinera.

During my lengthened stay among the natives of Australia, I observed that no black man ever died from the bite of a venomous reptile,—excepting always the dead-adder, (bothrops)—while a white man seldom escaped death. The remedy of the blacks is very simple, consisting merely in sucking out the wound, and in keeping awake the patient for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The dead adder (bothrops) of Australia is probably the most poisonous reptile. A black man, if bitten by this snake, will be abandoned to death by his friends, they being sure that help is out of the question. I witnessed once the death of a victim of the dead-adder.

I read in an Australian paper, that a white boy, who was bitten in the finger by a dead-adder, had so much presence of mind, as to chop it off with his pocket-knife. The finger had afterwards to be regularly amputated, but the boy’s life was saved.

An interesting discussion occurred as to the characteristics of various species of trees.

REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 3D, 1865.

President in the chair.

Nine members present.

Donations to the Library: Col. Ransom presented a bound copy of Vols. I and II of the Society’s Proceedings.

Dr. Kellogg exhibited from the Academy’s herbarium, accompanied by a drawing and description, a new species of _Pentachæta_, very abundant on the dry hills of Marin County—_Pentachæta purpurea_ of Kellogg.

REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17TH, 1865.

Dr. Behr in the chair.

Seven members present.

Mr. Stearns made some remarks, and offered an appropriate resolution on the death of President Lincoln, which was ordered to be spread upon the Minutes, after which the meeting adjourned.

REGULAR MEETING, MAY 1ST, 1865.

President in the chair.

Ten members present: Messrs. Kennicott, Dall and other gentlemen connected with the Russian American Telegraph Expedition as visitors.

Donations to the Cabinet: Specimens of native copper and native silver from the Copper Falls Mine, Keewenaw Point, Lake Superior, presented by Mr. Stearns.

Donations to the Library: Four volumes of the Congressional Globe: Finance Report, 1864; Report on the Foreign and Domestic Commerce of the United States; Patent Office Report, (Agriculture,) 1863; from the Hon. John Conness. Embryology of the Star Fish, by Alexander Agassiz, presented by the author; Annual Report of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge; Proceedings of the Essex Institute, Vol. III, 1860-63; Silliman’s Journal for March, 1865; Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The following was received from Prof. W. H. Brewer, in reference to the occurrence of fossils in the auriferous slates of California:

Occurrence of Fossils in the Auriferous Slates of California.

BY PROF. W. H. BREWER.

I find in published _Proceedings of the Academy_, just received, that some remarks I made at the meeting of October 3d, 1864, were not published, that I wish recorded.

In the discussion on the occurrence of fossils in the auriferous rocks of California, I stated that fossils had been found by the Geological Survey, in the rocks associated with gold, along a line nearly 300 miles in length, extending from Pitt River to the Mariposa Estate; that the associated rocks of similar age, bearing gold, had been traced upwards of 550 miles in the Sierra Nevadas, and that _Jurassic_ fossils had been found in the “auriferous slates,” along a belt of 200 miles of this distance, and that both _Jurassic_ and _Triassic_ fossils had been found in considerable numbers near and in Genesee Valley, Plumas Co.

REGULAR MEETING, MAY 15TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Eight members present.

Mr. John Klippart, of Columbus, Ohio, was elected a corresponding member.

Dr. Kellogg called the attention of the Academy to the _Œnotheræ graciliflora_, with a variety of the same. Mr. Bolander made some remarks upon the isolated position of the Red-woods upon the hills back of Oakland.

REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 5TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Eleven members present. Dr. C. T. Jackson, R. Kennicott, and W. H. Dall, visitors.

Donations to the Cabinet: Marine shells from the neighborhood of Hong Kong, by Mr. Stearns.

Donations to the Library: Notes on the habits of some species of Humble Bees, and the Humble Bees of New England, by F. W. Putnam and A. S. Packard, Jr., presented by the authors; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for November and December, 1864.

Messrs. Kennicott and Dall made some remarks on the workings of the Essex Institute.

Dr. Jackson spoke of the progress and condition of the Boston Society of Natural History.

Dr. Jackson also mentioned the discovery by him, in the Mammoth Mining District, near Austin, Nevada, of Tungstate of manganese and Tungstate of lime.

REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Nine members present.

Donations to the Cabinet: Specimen of coral from the Farallone Islands, by Mr. Hubbard; Specimens of silver and copper ores and cinnibar from Mexico, by the Editor of _La Voz de Mejico_; Skull of the Sea-otter, (dug out of the sand near the Cliff House,) by Mr. Daniel E. Webb; Fibrous bark from China, by Mr. C. A. McNulty.

Donations to the Library: Notes on the Genus Gundlachia and of the fossil crab of Gay Head, by Dr. Wm. Stimpson; Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences for January, February and March, 1865; Silliman’s Journal, May, 1865; Annual Report of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge; Report of the ninth census Of the U.S.

Mr. Hubbard presented the following paper from Mr. W. H. Pease, of Honolulu:

On the existence of an Atoll near the west coast of America, and proof of its elevation.

BY W. HARPER PEASE, OF HONOLULU, H. I.

Having read an interesting paper by Dr. Blake, in a late number of the _Proceedings California Academy_, on the proofs of a recent elevation of the coast of California, it occurred to me that I had in my note book, information unpublished on the same subject. As it lies within the field occupied by your Academy, I furnish it herewith for publication. My information was gathered from a Journal kept by Lieut. Griswold,[11] (a young gentleman of scientific taste, and a close and accurate observer,) during a cruise off the west coast of Mexico, in search of guano. Among the islands visited, was “Clipperton Rock,” which is the locality I refer to.

Before giving any extract, I will state what was known of the island.

It is situated in Lat. 10° 17’ N., Long. 109° 19’ W., and was discovered by Capt. Clipperton, in 1705. He appears to have sighted only the tall volcanic rock, which stands near the south end of the island, and passed on without learning of the existence of the island. It appears not to have been noticed again for more than a century, so that its position, and even its existence was doubted.

The only published account of its having been visited since, are those by Capt. Benj. Morrell[12] and Sir Edward Belcher.[13] The former called there during a sealing voyage, in 1825, and gives a meagre account of it in a few lines, remarking, that “it produces a little shrubbery and some coarse grass, among which, I think, fresh water might be found by digging. Among the few vegetable productions of this island, we found a plant resembling sarsaparilla, which badly poisoned several of the crew who handled it.”

Sir Edward Belcher, during his surveying expedition, wishing to verify the existence and position of the island, searched and found it. He did not land, but gives the result of his examination from the mast-head. With other remarks, he states that “it is a coral lagoon island, three miles long N. and S., and the same E. and W. There are two entrances, both on the weather side, which at high-water may be safe, but at the moment we passed, the surf was too heavy and the reflux showed the rocks bare. On the beach several large trees were observed, but no living trees were seen.” (May 8, 1839.)

Lieutenant Griswold notes in his journal, as follows: “On the 6th of August, 1861, we lay on our oars, just outside the breakers on the N. E. side. At half past six we were ashore, shooting in on a high roller, which left us high and dry upon the beach, with a hole stove in our bow. The beach was covered with drift wood, and while the crew were collecting it, I started to examine the island.

“Upon every side it is girdled by a broad barrier of coral, about fifteen feet above the level of the ocean. There is no entrance to the lagoon, neither does it communicate with the ocean by subterranean passages, as the water inside is _fresh_ and _potable_. It is slightly brackish, but will appease thirst. The ‘ROCK’ is a ragged pile of volcanic formation, on the south end of the island, gray and splashed over with the deposit of the birds. It is cracked and split in every possible direction, here and there shooting into tottering pinnacles. As you wander through the caverns and clefts, with which it is perforated, there is an incessant splashing and dropping of water. On the very topmost pinnacle, which I reached after a hard climb, I found a little basin containing a couple of buckets full. The caverns were dreary looking places, dark and wet, and echoing to the hoarse cries of the sea-birds. The rock, on its sides, is rounded and smoothed by the action of the waves, at some long past time, and in many places ‘_the walls are crusted with coral_.’

“The highest pinnacle of the rock is about 120 feet high, and it covers, I should think, about two acres. It stands on the edge of the lagoon, or rather within it, being connected with the coral barrier only by a narrow isthmus of coral clinker. Between this rock and the sea, however, the barrier, instead of being as elsewhere, a solid platform of coral, is only a heap of fragments, piled in winrows by the waves, 250 or 300 yards in width. The lagoon is a quiet fresh water pond, two miles long and about one broad, with a long spit of mud running out into the middle of it, but elsewhere of a light green color, which seemed to indicate a considerable depth. Its shores are abrupt, the coral platform in most places projecting out over water of a considerable depth. I did not find the least sign of vegetable life upon the island.

“The only plant[14] seen, grew in considerable quantities in the lagoon, which I pulled out of the water, where it was growing. There is nothing but a coral platform, coral clinker and coral sand. We found nothing to detain us and left the island on the afternoon of the day on which we landed.”

Mr. Darwin, on his remarks on the geographical distribution of reef-building corals, states that he could find no evidence of their living on or near the west coast of America, and consequently discredits the statement made by Sir Edward Belcher; for after examining a Ms. chart of Clipperton Rock, at the Admiralty Office, drawn by Sir Edward, came to the conclusion that it was more of the shape of a crater. The Island is, however, a true Atoll and has been elevated at least 100 feet.

It must have been closed since 1839, and the freshening of the water has probably been caused by rain.

We may also add, that it stands within the limits of reef building corals, as deduced by Mr. Dana, from tables of the temperature of the sea, and consequently is confirmatory of his opinion.

We might add other facts in support of Mr. Dana’s theory, but from other parts of the Pacific.

[11] Lieut. Griswold was killed at the head of his regiment, gallantly leading them into action, at the battle of Antietam.

[12] A narrative of four voyages to the South Seas, &c., by Capt. Benj. Morrell. N. Y., 1832, page 219.

[13] Narrative of a voyage round the world in H. M. S. _Sulphur_, by Capt. Sir Edward Belcher. London, 1843. Vol. II, page 219.

[14] Specimens of the plant referred to by Mr. Pease, were received by the Academy.

Discussion as to the adaptation of certain semi-tropical plants to the climate of California.

REGULAR MEETING, JULY 3, 1865.

President in the chair.

Eight members present. Prof. John Torrey, R. Kennicott W. H. Dall, Horace Mann, and Capt. Wright, visitors.

Donations to the Cabinet: A collection of Rocky Mountain plants, by Mr. Bolander.

General discussion as to the motions of the Flying-fish.

Remarks by Mr. Kennicott and Dr. Behr upon the relation of the Esquimaux to the North American Indians. Dr. Behr stated that the Esquimaux could be considered only as a kind of Indians, their language being of the same structure, and their different habits were owing to physical influences. He further stated, that the Esquimaux lived formerly farther south. Mr. Kennicott remarked, that from his observations and information derived from Madam Roshkin and from St. Zagoshins’ Report, he believed the natives, for some hundreds of miles up the Kvichpak or Yonkon River, were Esquimaux rather than Indians.

Dr. Torrey stated, that he found on a trip to the Yosemite Valley, a plant that he described twenty years ago, and which he had not since seen in the collections examined by him. He named the plant, finding it to be a new genus _Kelloggia_; the plant is quite common in the valley and vicinity, and belongs to the family of Rubiaceæ; the aspect of the plant is, in regard to its ramification, much like that of a _Galium_, while its leaves and their arrangement resemble an _Epilobium_. It was first discovered by some member of Com. Wilke’s Expedition, somewhere along or near the Sacramento River.

Dr. Torrey also stated that he found _Sarcodes Sanguinea_, (Torrey), the Snow-plant of the Californians, to be apparently indifferent as to what plant it fixes itself or derives its nourishment from; he found its fibre penetrating into the root of a _Rumex_, and not as has been supposed into the roots of _Sequoia gigantea_. He also spoke of the great beauty and fragrance of the California White Lily, (_Lilium Washingtonianum_,) and of its being quite common in the vicinity of the Yosemite Valley. Its habits are much like that of the common white lily, (_Lilium candidum_).

This evening, at 7 o’clock, a magnificent rainbow was observed, the colors of which were unusually vivid.

REGULAR MEETING, JULY 17TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Ten members present.

REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 7TH, 1865.

President in the chair.

Nine members present: Dr. C. T. Jackson, visitor.

Donations to the Cabinet: Three boxes of shells; Duplicate fossils of the U. S. Exploring Expedition; Types of Dana’s Geology; Fossils from the Upper Missouri; Miscellaneous fossils of the United States, received from the Smithsonian Institution; Trachytic porphyry from the “Basalt” Cliff, three miles from the Big Tree Grove, Calaveras, presented by Dr. Jackson.

Donations to the Library: Annual Report of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge, 1864; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for January, February and March, 1865; Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, June-September, 1864; Review of American Birds, by Prof. S. F. Baird; Proceedings of Albany Institute; The Law of Increase and the Structure of Man, by F. A. Liharyik; Oration and Poem delivered at the Commencement of the College of California; Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society of London; Meteorological Results, Toronto, 1860-2; Magnetical Abstracts, Toronto, 1854-60, 1856-62.

Dr. Ayres remarked the appearance of a species of Barracouta, (_Sphyrena Argentea_,) on the coast of California, off Point Conception.

Dr. C. T. Jackson read the following paper, relative to the Big Trees of Calaveras County.

MEASUREMENTS OF THE HEIGHT AND CIRCUMFERENCE OF TWENTY-FIVE OF THE “BIG TREES,” (_SEQUOIA GIGANTEA_,) IN CALAVERAS COUNTY, BY DR. CHARLES T. JACKSON AND MR. JOSEPH B. MEADER, AUGUST 2D AND 3D, 1865.

Instruments made use of:—

1. Sir H. Douglass’ Reflecting Semicircle; (Cary). 2. A Reflecting Level; made by J. H. Temple, of Boston. 3. A common Measuring Tape.

The horizontal point was fixed upon each tree, and the angle measured by the Reflecting Semicircle, and protracted by it.

The circumference of the trees was measured above the swell of the roots, about six feet, where the stem takes its proper form.

Several measurements, originally made with too high an angle, were taken over again with a longer base, so as to avoid the error of refraction in the glasses of the mirrors.

We trust, therefore, that the following measurements will be found to be correct.

====================================+=========+========= | HEIGHT. | CIRCUM. NAME OF TREE. | | | Feet. | Feet. ------------------------------------+---------+--------- Arbor Vitæ Queen | 258 | 31 Pride of the Forest | 260 | 50 Andrew Johnson | 273 | 32 Bay State | 280 | 48 Edward Everett | 265 | 46 Henry W. Beecher | 291 | 45 William C. Bryant | 305 | 49 Abraham Lincoln | 281 | 44 Mother of the Forest[15] | 305 | 63 Daniel Webster | 270 | 49 General Jackson | 320 | 42 General Scott | 327 | 45 General Washington | 284 | 52 Beauty of the Forest | 258 | — Two Sentinels | 315 | — Old Kentucky | 277 | 45 Mother and Son | 269 | 64 T. Starr King | 366 | 50 Trinity | 308 | 48 Salem Witch | 310 | — Henry Clay | 241 | 44 Empire State | 275 | 50 Vermont | 259 | 44 Granite State | 286 | 50 John Torrey, (Nobis) | — | 50 | | (All the above-named trees are the _Sequoia Gigantea_.) | | A Sugar Pine, (_P. Lambertiana_) | 165 | — A Yellow Pine, (_P. Engelmann_) | 232 | 27 Another of same species | 220 | 19 ====================================+=========+=========

[15] Bark off Mother of the Forest to the height of 121 feet.

The stump of the “Original Big Tree” measured in six diameters, gives for mean, 23 ft. 1⅓ in., diameter inside of the bark,—which was two feet thick.

REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 21ST, 1865.

Mr. Fisk in the chair.

Nine members present.

Donations to the Cabinet: Specimen of Chromic Iron, from Tuolumne County, by Mr. Hanks.

Mr. Bolander submitted a paper on the Grasses of Arizona, with the following remarks:

The following List of Grasses, accompanied by the very judicious and practical observations of the Corresponding Member of our Natural History Society, Mr. C. J. Croft, of the 1st Cavalry California Volunteers, was received by mail from Fort Goodwin, Arizona Territory, some little time since. From the same intelligent source, we have, from time to time, received many valuable specimens, preserved with uncommon care, and reaching us in a state quite unusual, even from localities far more favorably situated. We are very hopeful, we shall shortly be placed in possession of specimens of the seed of the _White Layia Mexicana_, for ornamental culture, as also of a species of native Potato, from the same indefatigable individual, who has also furnished us with a very interesting account of numerous species of the Cactus family, of that District.

The Grasses of Arizona.

BY C. J. CROFT, U. S. A.

The grasses of this Territory, principally consist of four varieties:

No. 1. (_Pleuraphis Jamesii_, Torr.,) is the lowland Grama which grows in great profusion along the valley of the Gila, and constitutes the principal feed for our animals, which do quite well upon it, moderately worked.

No. 2. (_Aristida purpurea_, Nutt.) The highland Grama, growing upon the sand “mesas,” or highlands, seems to differ but little, if any, from that found in some portions of California.

No. 3. (_Muhlenbergia pungeus_, Thurb.) Black Grama, or, “Grama China,” as vulgarly called by the natives, is the most valuable as feed; upon it animals will fatten. It grows on the highlands in sandy arid soil. I have never met any of this variety in the valley of the Colorado, and but very little in the territory of New Mexico. At this post we have had as many as 700 animals, and the scarcity of forage required us to herd our stock upon this grass during the winter. We were often obliged to make rapid and distant marches in pursuit of Indians, over a country almost impassable, yet our horses stood it well, fed only upon this grass. Our cavalry here had no grain during the entire winter. This Grama, like the other species, grows in bunches several feet apart, and the lower stalks are green during the winter season.

No. 4. (_Sporobolus airoides_, Trin.) This grows in the valleys. A great portion of the Gila Valley is covered with it. Animals eat it readily when green; it is however a powerful diuretic. As a winter grass it is of no account.

Besides these four enumerated grasses, the letter contained three others from the same locality:

1. _Panicum capillare_, L.

2. _Tricuspis pulchella_, Kunth.

3. _A Poa_, much of the habitat of _Poa sudetica_. Vivid green; leaves plane, rather large; spikelets four-flowered, oval; lower glume one, and the upper three nerved; lower palea distinctly three-nerved, scabrous on the Red nerve. The nerves of the glumes, as well as of the lower palea, are of a vivid green color, and exceedingly prominent. The whole aspect of the plant sent, would rather suggest that it is not indigenous to that section of the country.

REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 4TH, 1865.

Mr. Minns in the Chair.

Eight members present.

Donations to the Library: A paper on the origin and formation of Prairies, by Leo Lesquereux; Report of the Vancouver Island Exploration, 1864; Review of American Birds, by Prof. S. F. Baird; Silliman’s Journal for July; Proceedings of the Essex Institute, January, February and March, 1865; Illustrated Catalogue of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge; The Naturalists’ Directory, Part I.

Dr. Ayres presented the following paper from Prof. W. P. Blake:

Note on the abundance of Iron Ore in Northern Arizona.

BY WM. P. BLAKE.

In 1863 I observed an iron formation of considerable extent and interest upon and near the William’s Fork of the Colorado, near its mouth. The ore is chiefly the micaceous variety of Hematite, or “specular iron,” and occurs in thick beds and in thin sheets, in a ferruginous limestone or dolomite, evidently metamorphic, and tilted up at a high angle.

It forms a belt of peculiar appearance, that may be traced by the eye for miles across the country, in a direction a few degrees south of west. This rock and iron ore is inter-stratified with chloritic and talcose slates and granite, and the series also bears copper ores and gold.

From the collections made by Lieut. Whipple’s party, in 1853, in the mountains north, it would appear, that similar rocks exist in the Cerbat and Aquarius Mountains, the extreme geological antiquity of which, was commented on by me in the Pacific R. R. Reports, Vol. III, p. 59. It is possible that this ferriferous formation is connected with the extensive iron formation of the coast of Mexico, south of Acapulco, described by Mr. Manross, (Am. Journ. Sci., XXXIX, 358,) and it may be of pre-Silurian date.

Descriptions of New Marine Shells from the Coast of California.