1851.] 355 



Comparative Anatomy .In this department there have been presented and 

 deposited 43 crania of man, and other mammalia, 2 mounted skeletons, and 7 

 miscellaneous objects. In this collection are particularly worthy of notice, a 

 very perfect skeleton of a Narwhal with a tusk 8 feet in length, and four crania 

 of the polar bear, male and female, presented by Dr. E. K. Kane. 



The other skeleton presented is a remarkably fine one of a dog, articulated by 

 Mr. Robert Nash, and obtained from Dr. F. W. Lewis. 



Botany. 73 species of dried plants and fruits have been added to our collec- 

 tion, of which 64 species consist of fresh-water and marine algae, presented by 

 Mr. John Hooper, of New York. 



r alaontology . 380 species of fossils have been received, among which are 42 

 species of minute and rare Eocene tertiary British fossils, arranged upon tablets 

 accompanied by magnified views, prepared by the British Natural History 

 Society, presented by Dr. T. B. Wilson. Also, the specimens from which were 

 described the Crocodilus antiquus Leidy, and Balaena prisca Leidy, from the 

 Miocene tertiary of Virginia, presented by Mr. Robert E. Nash; and the original 

 specimens from which was described the Platygonus compressus Le Conte, pre- 

 sented by Dr. J. L. Le Conte. 



Mineralogy . 238 specimens of minerals have been presented. Among these 

 was a remarkably fine large group of crystals of quartz, from Cochin China, 

 presented by Dr. J, L. Burtt, and some fine specimens of Red Chabasie (Acadia- 

 lite), Stilbite, &c., from Nova Scotia, presented by our correspondent. J. L. 

 Chipman, Esq. The remainder were obtained principally from Dr. W. L. Sher- 

 man, U. S. N., and Mr. W. S. Vaux. 



As valuable additions to the Academy, for the use of its members, are two 

 excellent compound achromatic microscopes, one manufactured by Oberhaiiser, 

 and deposited by Dr. J. K. Mitchell ; the other manufactured by Pritchard, and 

 deposited by J. P. Wetherill, Esq. 



Considering the very great value of the property of the Academy we cannot take 

 too much care in its preservation, and without having the slightest wish that the 

 access of the members themselves, to the Museum and Library, should be re- 

 stricted, we think it would be of advantage if all were precluded from lending their 

 keys of entrance to the building to any other than members or correspondents, 

 excepting under such circumstances as a majority of the Curators and Librarian 

 may deem advisable. 



All of which is respectfully submitted by 



Joseph Leidy, 

 Chairman of Curators, 



The Annual Report of the Treasurer was read, and referred to the 

 Auditors. 



A note was read from Mr. Samuel Powel, declining a re-election as 

 Recording Secretary, in consequence of the necessity of his prolonged 

 absence from the city. 



The following Committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the 

 purpose of enlarging the Hall of the Academy, under the resolution 



46 



