192 Proceedings of Societies. 
ner. * * * Next to the objects themselves, I regard variation 
as the most instructive and important part of the study of conch- 
ology.’’ 
NOTES. 
T. S. Brandegee and Walter E. Bryant, of the California Acad- 
emy of Sciences, have gone to Lower California intending to make 
field studies and collections in botany and zoology, with San José 
del Cabo as their base of operations. 
The veteran naturalist, Dr. Edward Palmer, has gone in the inter- 
est of the U. S. Agr. Dept. to explore Carmen Island in the Gulf of 
California, and other places difficult of access about its shores. 
PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. August 4, 1890. President Harkness in 
the chair. 
Mrs. R, S. Eigenmann called attention toa shark presented by Capt. T. D. Shid. 
It is a species seldom found on the Pacific coast of America, 
Mr. Walter E, Bryant exhibited skins of several species of Tamias, and made a 
few remarks on their geographical distribution. 
Dr. Gustav Eisen gave a highly interesting and alarming description of the de- 
struction and waste of many of the grandest Sequoias, or Big Trees, in certain lo- 
_ calities of the Sierra Nevada, pointing out the importance and necessity of imme- 
diate action on the part of the California Academy of Sciences in petitioning the 
Government at Washington to permanently protect these forests. 
W.S. Chapman, J. R. Scupham and Gustav Eisen were appointed a Committee 
_ to draft resolutions to be immediately presented to the Government. 
August 18, 1890, President Harkness in the chair, 
Mrs. R. S. Eigenmann read a paper urging the establishment of a marine labora- 
tory on the coast of California. 
A paper written by Dr. Edward Palmer on the Customs of the Coyotero Apaches, 
was read. 
Dr. Gustav Eisen read the memorial prepared by the Committee on the Preserva- 
tion of the Big Trees, and it was approved by the Academy. 
