Chapter IV: Part I: , p. 1-96, for 1863, printed in April to December, 1863 (4)

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

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

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

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

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

ORCYNUS, Cuvier, 1819.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 16TH, 1863.

Dr. Kellogg in the Chair.

Six members present.

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

Mr. Bolander read the following article:

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

BY HENRY N. BOLANDER.

The territory in question is divided naturally into three parts:

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

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

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

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

_Berberis (Mahonia) Aquifolium_ Pursh.

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

_Dendromecon rigidum_ Benth.

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

_Rhus diversiloba_ Torr. and Gray. POISON OAK.

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

_Negundo Aceroides_ Mœnch. BOX-ELDER.

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

_Acer macrophyllum_ Pursh. LARGE-LEAVED MAPLE.

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

_Æsculus Californica_ Nutt. HORSE-CHESTNUT.

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

_Euonymus Occidentalis_ Nutt. SPINDLE-TREE.

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

_Frangula Californica_ Gray. CALIFORNIA BUCKTHORN.

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

_Ceanothus thyrsiflorus_ Esch. CALIFORNIA LILAC.

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

_Ceanothus rigidus_ Nutt.

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

_Ceanothus ——._

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

_Lupinus albifrons_ Benth. SILVER-LEAVED LUPINE.

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

_Lupinus macrocarpus_ Hook. and Arn. YELLOW LUPINE.

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

_Pickeringia montana_ Nutt.

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

_Cerasus Ilicifolia_ Nutt. CALIFORNIA CHERRY, or PLUM.

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

_Cerasus serotina_ Ehrh. BLACK WILD-CHERRY.

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

_Cerasus emarginata?_ Dougl.

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

_Nuttallia Cerasiformis_ Torr. and Gray.

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

_Spiræa Opulifolia_ Linn. NINE-BARK.

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

_Spiraea Ariæfolia_ Smith.

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

_Cercocarpus parvifolius_ Nutt.

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

_Adenostema fasciculata_ Hook. and Arn.

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

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

Northern slopes of hills, Oakland and Marin County.

_Rosa blanda_ Ait. WILD ROSE.

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

_Rosa gymnocarpa_ Nutt.

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

_Photinia Arbutifolia_ Lindl.

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

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

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

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

Banks of creeks and northern slopes.

_Whipplea modesta_ Torr.

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

_Cornus pubescens_ Nutt. SOFT-LEAVED DOGWOOD.

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

_Lonicera involucrata_ Banks. TWIN-BERRY.

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

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

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

_Symphoricarpus racemosus_ Michx. SNOW-BERRY.

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

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

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

_Aplopappus Laricifolius_ Gray.

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

_Linosyris ——?_

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

_Grindelia ——?_

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

_Baccharis consanguinea_ D. C.

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

_Bahia Artemisiæfolia_ Less.

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

_Artemisia filifolia_ Torr. WORMWOOD.

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

_Artemisia pachystachya_ D. C.

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

_Vaccinium ovatum_ Pursh. EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY.

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

_Arbutus Menziesii_ Pursh. Madroña.

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

_Arctostaphylos tomentosa_ Dougl. Mansañita.

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

_Arctostaphylos pungens_ H. B. K. Mansañita.

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

_Gaultheria Shallon_ Pursh. MARIS. SALLAL.

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

_Azalea occidentalis_ Torr. and Gray.

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

_Diplacus glutinosus_ Nutt.

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

_Sphacele calycina_ Benth.

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

_Eriodiction Californicum_ Benth.

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

_Solanum umbelliferum_ Esch.

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

_Fraxinus Oregana_ Nutt. OREGON ASH.

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

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

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

_Dirca palustris_ Linn. LEATHERWOOD.

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

_Croton (Hendecandra) procumbens_ Hook and Arn.

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

_Garrya elliptica_ Lindl.

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

_Platanus racemosa_ Nutt. SYCAMORE.

Banks of San Leandro Creek, Oakland hills.

_Alnus viridis_ D. C.

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

_Myrica Californica_ Cham. and Schl. WAX MYRTLE.

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

_Juglans rupestris_ Engelm. Var. _major_ Torr. WALNUT.

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

_Castanea chrysophylla_ Dougl. CALIFORNIA CHINQUAPIN.

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

_Quercus densiflora_ Hook and Arn.

Tamal Pais and Redwoods of Marin County.

_Quercus agrifolia_ Nées. LIVE OAK.

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

_Quercus tinctoria var. Californica_ Torr. BLACK OAK.

Hill sides, Marin County.

_Quercus lobata_ Nées. WHITE OAK.

Hill sides Marin County and banks of Walnut Creek.

_Quercus acutidens?_ Torr. SCRUB OAK.

Evergreen; forming dense chaparral on Tamal Pais.

_Corylus rostrata_ Ait. BEAKED HAZELNUT.

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

_Salix_ (four species.) WILLOW.

Wet grounds everywhere, six to twenty feet high.

_Populus tremuloides_ Michx. ASPEN.

A medium sized tree on the banks of Walnut Creek.

_Torreya Californica_ Torr. CALIFORNIA NUTMEG TREE.

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

_Sequoia sempervirens_ Endl. REDWOOD.

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

_Pinus insignis_ Dougl.

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

_Pinus contorta_ Dougl.

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

_Abies Douglasii_ Lindl. OREGON PINE.

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

_Cupressus Mac-Nabiana?_ Murray. CEDAR.

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

Dr. Behr presented the following article:

On Californian Lepidoptera—No. III.

BY H. BEHR, M. D.

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

DANAIS, Latr.

1. _Danais Archippus_, Cramer.

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

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

ARGYNNIS, Fabr.

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

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

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

To the diagnosis formerly given I add the following character:

Margo anterior alarum anteriorum subtus quam disco pallidior.

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

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

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

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

5. _Argynnis Antithore_, Boisd.

One specimen only from Yosemite Valley.

MELITÆA, Fabr.

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

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

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

Our Californian Melitæa belong to four types.

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

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

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

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

MELITÆA, Type I.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TYPE II.

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

_California._ _Europe._

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

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

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

1. _Melitæa Palla_, Boisd.

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

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

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

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

2. _Melitæa Whitneyi_, Behr, n. sp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MELITÆA, Type III.

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

1. _Melitæa Chalcedon_, Doubleday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. _M. Anicia_, Doubleday.

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

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

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

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

6. _M. Editha_, Boisd.

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

MELITÆA, Type IV.

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

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

Antennae totae fulvae.

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

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

Limbus ubique et supra et subtus nigro alboque variegatus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.

EXOCŒTUS, ARTEDI.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UROLOPHUS, Müller and Henle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 7TH, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, ten members.

Donations to Cabinet:

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

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

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

REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 21ST, 1863.

President in the Chair.

Present, seven members.

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

]

ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 4TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Fifteen members present.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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