Chapter V: Part I: , p. 1-96, for 1863, printed in April to December, 1863 (5)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Descriptions of New Californian Plants—No. I.

BY PROF. ASA GRAY.

STREPTANTHUS Nutt.

_S. Breweri_, n. sp. [§ Euclisia.]

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

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

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

_S. hispidus_, n. sp. (§ Euclisia.)

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

Mt. Diablo, dry places near summit.

This ranks next to _S. heterophyllus_.

VIOLA L.

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

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

ARENARIA L.

_A. brevifolia_ Nutt.? _var. Californica_.

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

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

CALANDRINIA H. B. & K.

_C. Menziesii_, Hook.

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

_C. Menziesii, var. macrocarpa._

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

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

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

LINUM L.

_L. Breweri_, n. sp.

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

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

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

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

TRIFOLIUM, L.

_T. bifidum_, n. sp.

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

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

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

ASTRAGALUS L.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A most distinct and striking new species.

_A. Breweri_, n. sp.

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

Fields in Sonoma Valley, April. Common.

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

Descriptions of New Species of Fishes—No. II.

BY ANDREW GARRETT, OF HONOLULU, SANDWICH ISLANDS.

CHEILODACTYLUS Lacep. 1803.

_C. vittatus_ Garrett.

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

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

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

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

Length, 7 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

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

APOGON Lacep. 1802.

_A. maculiferus_, Garrett.

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

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

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

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

Length, 5½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

Vernacular, “Upapalu.”

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

SCORPÆNA Artedi, (L.)

_S. parvipinnis_, Garrett.

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

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

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

Length, 4 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

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

CRENILABRUS, Cuv.

_C. modestus_, Garrett.

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

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

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

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

Length, 18 inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

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

CHIRONECTES Cuv. 1817.

_C. niger_, Garrett.

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

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

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

Length, 3½ inches.

Habitat, Sandwich Islands.

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

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

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

BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.

MYXODES Cuvier, 1817.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GILLICHTYHS, n. g.[8]

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

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

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

Preoperculum covered by the skin of the head.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PTEROPLATEA Müller and Henle, 1837.

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

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

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

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

Both surfaces are nearly flat.

Proportional measurements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Present twelve members, four visitors.

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

Donations to the Library:

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

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

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

Committees of Finance and of Publication were then elected.

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

Descriptions of Nine New Species of Helix Inhabiting California.

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

HELIX L.

_Helix Hillebrandi_ Newc.

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

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

_Hab._ Tuolumne County, California.

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

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

_Helix Tryoni_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1098.

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

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

_Var. b_, anfr. superiores undis transversis albis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_Hab._ Ins. “San Clemente,” Cal.

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

_Hab._ San Clemente Island, Cal. Abundant.

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

_Helix rufocincta_ Newc. State Collection, Species 624.

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

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

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

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

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

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

_Helix Gabbii_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1097.

H. testa sub-obtecte umbilicata, tenuis, pallide cornea,
depresso-orbicularis, fusco obscure zonata; anfr. 5
convexis ultimus descendens; sutura bene impressa; apertura
sub-orbiculari; labro albo non calloso, reflexo.

Diam. maj. 0.40, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.20 pol.

_Hab._ Insul. “San Clemente,” Cal.

Shell with umbilicus partially covered, thin, pale corneous,
depressly orbicular, with an indistinct brown band; whorls
5 convex, the last descending; lip white, not thickened,
reflected.

I have seen but a solitary specimen of this species. The size
corresponds nearly with _H. facta_, but the thinness of the
shell, the color, the more rounded whorls, the deeper suture,
and the thin, white, reflected lip, sufficiently characterize
this as a distinct species.

_Helix facta_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1099.

H. testa obtecte rimata, depresso-orbiculari, solida,
compacta, glabra, albida, fusco-rubro uni-zonata; anfr. 5 ad
5½ convexiusculi, ultimus descendens; sutura modice impressa;
apertura ovalis; labro crasso, reflexo, flavido.

Diam. maj. 0.42, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.22 pol.

_Hab._ Insul. “Santa Barbara,” et “San Nicolas.”

Shell with perforation covered, depressed orbicular, solid,
_compact_, smooth, whitish, zoned with a brownish red band;
whorls 5 to 5½ somewhat convex, the last descending; suture
slightly impressed; aperture oval; lip thick, reflected,
yellowish.

A sub-fossil variety measures 0.60 by 0.32 inches. Very
numerous on Santa Barbara Island; less so on San Nicolas.

This species differs so essentially from the ordinary type
of California Helices as to suggest a tropical region as its
original habitat. One character in common with many of our
species may be noticed, viz.: the colored band cutting the body
whorl, inclosed between two faint light colored cinctures.

The shell has a little the aspect of _H. Rothi_ Pfr., from the
Island of Syra, but is smaller, less elevated, and with a thick
reflected yellow lip.

_Helix Whitneyi_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1112.

H. testa corneo-fumosa, sub-planulata, polita umbilico
perspectivo; sutura bene impressa; apertura lunaris; labro
simplici; anfr. 4.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.10 pol.

_Hab._ prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., in montibus “Sierra Nevada,”
elevatione 6100 ped. Angl.

Shell smoky horn color, nearly flat above, smooth, with a
perspective umbilicus; suture well impressed; aperture lunate;
lip simple; whorls four.

In the umbilicus resembling _H. striatella_ Anthony, with a
smooth surface and a dull, smoky hue. Only three specimens
were found, under damp logs and bark along a mountain stream,
together with _H. Breweri_, and _chersina_.

_H. Breweri_ Newc. State Collection, Species 1113.

H. testa discoidea, pallide-cornea, nitida, lucida; sutura
sub-canaliculata, late umbilicata; anfr. 5. apertura lunaris;
labro tenue simplici.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt 0.10 pol.

_Hab._ prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., et montibus septentrionalibus.

Shell discoidal, pale corneous, shining, transparent, suture
slightly channelled, broadly umbilicate; whorls 5; aperture
lunate; lip thin, simple.

This shell may be compared with _H. arborea_ Say, from which
it differs by its less elevation, more polished and lighter
colored surface, and more open umbilicus. Eight specimens
found; one from Northern California, by Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Duranti_ Newc. State Collection, Species 987.

H. testa depressa, discoidea, pallide-cornea sub-lente
minutissime striata, opaca, late et perspective umbilicata;
anfr. 4. ultimus declivis non descendens; sutura linearis;
apertura rotundata-lunaris; peristomate simplici, approximato.

Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.07 pol.

_Hab_. “Santa Barbara Island.”

Shell depressed, discoidal, pale corneous, under the lens
minutely striated, opaque, broadly and perspectively
umbilicated; whorls 4, the last shelving but not descending (at
the aperture); suture linear; aperture rounded, lunate, lip
simple, the external and internal approximating.

This pretty little planorboid Helix bears a striking
resemblance to _Planorbis albus_ Müller, (_hirsutus_ Gould,)
especially in its upper aspect. Beneath, the whorls are less
distinctly shown than in the _Planorbis_. I take pleasure in
dedicating this species to Professor Henry Durant, of the
College of California.

In addition to the above, the State Collection contains the
following species of Californian Helices:

_Helix arrosa_ Gould, sps. 858, common near mouth of S. F. Bay.
Also a yellow variety from Santa Cruz, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix Californiensis_ Lea, (?) sps. 969, or a var. of _H.
nickliniana Lea_? J. G. Cooper.

_Helix Carpenteri_ Newc., sps. 1136, a broken dead shell, from
the head of San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Gabb.

_Helix Columbiana_ Lea, sps. 901, near San Francisco.

_Helix chersina_ Say, sps. 1125, found near Lake Taho; very
large. J. G. C.

_Helix Dupetithouarsi_ Desh. sps. 492, from Point Cypress,
Monterey. J. G. C.

_Helix exarata_ Pfeiffer, sps. 920. Mt. Diablo, Prof. Brewer;
Santa Cruz, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix fidelis_ Gray, sps. 1135, Humboldt Bay, and mountains
near lat. 42°. Prof. Brewer. A black variety; Dr. Frick.

_Helix infumata_ Gould, sps. 880, near Ballenas Bay, Mr. Rowell.

_Helix Kellettii_ Forbes, sps. 856, San Diego, and Catalina
Island; the latter a very fine variety. J. G. Cooper.

_Helix loricata_ Gould, sps. 880, near Oakland, Dr. Newcomb.

_Helix Newberryana_ W. G. Binney, sps. 881, Temescal mountains,
near Los Angeles, Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Nickliniana_ Lea, sps. 912, near S. F. Bay; common. J.
G. C.

_Helix sportella_ Gould, sps. 899, near San Francisco. J. G. C.

_Helix mormonum_ Pfeiffer; San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Gabb; north
to Mount Shasta, Prof. Brewer.

_Helix Traskii_ Newc., sps. 863, from mountains near Santa
Barbara, Prof. Brewer. May be a variety of _H. Dupetithouarsi_.

_Helix tudiculata_ Binney, sps. 768, near San Diego and San
Pedro. J. G. C.

_Helix Vancouverensis_ Lea, sps. 1093, Straits of Fuca, Mr.
Gabb. Perhaps extends south to Humboldt Bay.

[9] This is the “_H. Kelletii_” mentioned on page 63 of this
volume.—J. G. C.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 1ST, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Eleven members present.

Donation to the Cabinet: A collection of dried plants from Arizona, by Mr. Spence.

Prof. Brewer presented the following papers:

Description of a New Species of Virgularia from the Coast of California.

BY WM. M. GABB.

VIRGULARIA LAM.

_V. gracilis_ Gabb.

Polypidom long and very slender. Decorticated stem circular
or elliptical in section, smooth on the surface. Polypiferous
lobes, slender, exsert, lunate, acute at the tips and broad
at the base; arranged obliquely and alternately on the
antero-lateral face of the stem. These lobes occupy the upper
half of the polypidom; retaining their full size to the extreme
apex, but diminishing below, so that on the middle of the stem
they are exceedingly minute; and an inch or two below, are only
represented by a slight ridge on the sheath, in which are two
or three cells. The lower fourth of the sheath is dilated to
about three times the thickness of the rest of the stem.

Length 19 inches; diameter of the naked stem .03 in.; smallest
diameter of stem, with the sheath, .04; diameter of expanded
base .13 in.; length of largest lobes .15 in.

Locality, Bay of Monterey, 20 fms. Collected by Dr. J. G.
Cooper, of the State Geological Survey.

This species can be at once distinguished from _V. elongata_,
G. (Proc. Cal. A. N. S., vol. 2, p. 167) by its more slender
form, its proportionally large polypiferous lobes, its
cylindrical stem, without any grooves, and by the comparatively
smaller portion of the stem bearing the lobes.

Notice of Plants found Growing in Hot Springs in California.

BY PROF. WM. H. BREWER, OF THE STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

More than two years ago I laid before this Society some facts
in regard to the growth of plants in the thermal waters of this
State. Since that time we have more observations, and some of
the facts are worthy of record, although the fact is not new
that plants will grow in hot water.

At the Geysers in Lake County, there are numerous hot springs
and steam jets, in and around which there is an abundant growth
of a low form of vegetation (_Nostoc_?) growing on the soil and
covering it with a bright green coating. In some of the warm
springs and streams it accumulates in considerable quantities
in the water. The highest temperature of water observed at the
time of our visit, in 1861, was 207° F.; the water of many of
the springs boiling violently at temperatures ranging from
196° to that stated. This vegetable flourished in waters of
the temperature of 200° F., but was most abundant where the
temperature ranged from 125° to 140° F. It coated the soil
around the steam jets, where it would be alternately exposed to
the jets of steam issuing at a higher temperature than that of
boiling water, and of the cooler air.

In water of the temperatures of 100° to 125° there are
filamentons algæ.

At the Little Geysers similar facts were observed.

In Plumas County, near Lassens Peak, there are three groups
of hot springs, at all of which the same form of vegetation
is abundant under similar conditions, especially around steam
jets. Various gases, especially sulphohydric and sulphurous
acids, accompanying the steam in all of these localities,
and the soil is generally impregnated with various saline
substances. All the specimens of the plants were unfortunately
lost, so that no microscopic examination has been made, further
than could be done on the spot with a pocket lens.

Near all of these springs, the _Panicum thermale_ Bolander,
grows on the saline soils, sometimes where the soil is warm
and the grass is subjected to steam; but its station appears
to depend more upon the saline character of the soil than upon
its temperature. It was frequently found on soil saturated
with sulphates of soda, lime, etc., and having a strongly acid
reaction.

None of these forms are universally found about all the hot
springs of the State; many springs have been visited where
neither of them occur, but where one is found the other is
generally found also.

Dr. Cooper presented the following paper for Dr. Newcomb, corresponding member:

Description of a New Species of Pedicularia.

BY W. NEWCOMB, M. D.

PEDICULARIA SWAINSON.

_Pedicularia Californica_ Newc.

P. testa depresa-globosa, coccinea, minute transverse
striata, supra rotundata, infra late aperta; labio expanso,
semi-circulare; columella crassa, dilatata, intus recta;
apertura elongato sub-ovata; extremitatibus effusis:

Long. 0.4 pol.
Lat. 0.3 ”
Alt. 0.25 ”

Hab. _California_.

Shell depressly globose, crimson colored, minutely transversely
striated, above rounded, below broadly open; lip expanded,
semicircular; columella thick, dilated within, straight;
aperture elongately sub-ovate; extremities broadly notched.

The Genus Pedicularia was established by Swainson for the
reception of a single species (_P. sicula_) of that author.
During the past year another species has been added by that
eminent Naturalist, G. P. Deshayes, of Paris.

In a work published, on the shells of the Isle of Bourbon, he
describes a beautiful violet-colored species under the name
of _P. elegantissima_. The California species (of which only
one specimen has been obtained) can scarcely be surpassed in
brilliancy by its Indian Ocean congener, although bearing the
exquisite name of _elegantissima_.

For the specimen of the species here described, I am indebted
to the extreme liberality of D. N. Robinson, Esq., of San
Francisco, who obtained it from a coral growing on a monster
crustacean of the genus _Echidnocerus_, which was taken in very
deep water at the Farallones Islands.

REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15TH, 1864.

Vice-President Trask in the Chair.

Present thirteen members.

Messrs. A. Thyark and R. E. C. Stearns were elected resident members.

Donations to the Cabinet: Coral, from the Aitutaka Islands, by Capt. Edwards. Botanical specimens from the White Mountains, N. H., by Dr. Cooper.

Donations to the Library: Report of the Committee to prepare a plan for a State University. Journal of the Society of Arts and of the Institutions in Union, London, Eng. American Journal of Science and Arts for November, 1863.

Mr. W. P. Blake exhibited specimens of Coal, said to have been found on the mountains east of the Colorado River, about twenty-five miles from La Paz. He stated that it was of very good quality and seemed too brilliant for surface coal, but that this might perhaps be attributed to the dryness of the climate. He had, however, doubts as to the occurrence of coal associated with obsidian, as was stated to be the case with these specimens.

The publishing committee was authorized to furnish copies of the Proceedings for 1863 to certain libraries and journals in this State.

REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 7TH, 1864.

President in the Chair.

Present twelve members; also Messrs. Turnbull, Smith, Gardiner, and Burgner, by invitation.

Donation to the Cabinet: Stuffed skin of a large venomous Snake, from the Sierra Madre of Mexico, east of Mazatlan, presented by Mr. Burgner.

Donations to the Library: Pamphlets on the North American Helicidæ, by Thomas Bland, extracted from the Annals of the N. Y. Lyceum of Natural History. American Journal of Science and Arts for January, 1864. Boston Journal of Natural History, Vol. VII, No. 4.

Dr. Behr presented the following paper:

On Californian Lepidoptera. No. IV.

BY H. BEHR, M.D.

FAM. VANESSIDÆ.

GRAPTA.

_Grapta Comma_ Harris.