[VoL, Iv. Proceedings of Socteties. 195 
fore, very natural that mistakes and misinterpretations should 
occur frequently. The botanical part of the Century Dictionary 
is largely a compilation of words and definitions without due 
criticism. 
In reference to the reviews of this book which have appeared 
in the Botanical Gazette and in the Bulletin of the Torrey 
Botanical Club, one of two conclusions appears inevitable. 
Kither the writers are themselves ignorant of modern botany, or 
they have followed the common and reprehensible practice of 
reviewing a book without having read it. The latter is the 
_ probable and more charitable conclusion. 
In contrast to these complimentary reviews of the book in 
question, we can only say it would have been much more 
beneficial to the study of botany in this country if the book had 
never been printed. THEO. HOLM. 
PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
CaLIFoRNIA ACADEMY oF ScrencES. Jay 7, 7593. Presi- 
dent Harkness in the chair. 
Donations to the museum were reported from S. J. Holmes 
and W. ly. Watts. 
The Librarian reported 236 additions to the library. 
Dr. George H. Horn, the well-known entomologist, was 
introduced by the President. 
Walter E. Bryant read a paper on the “ Variations of the 
Bill of the California Jay.”’ 
William L. Watts read a paper entitled “ Notes on Quick- 
silver Deposits in California.” 
June 5, 1893. President Harkness in the chair. 
Donations to the museum were reported from W. W. Price, 
Mrs. R. M. Austin, W. L. Watts, Gustav Eisen, Mrs. Geo, 
Buttner, Mrs. C. A. Boland, Charles Fuchs, Frank E. Harris, 
F. W. Gill. 
The Librarian reported 352 additions to the library. 
Dr. Gustav Eisen read a paper on “ Recent Investigations on 
the Pollination of the Fig.”’ 
