512 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP [1898. 



REPORT ON THE WM. S. VAUX COLLECTIONS. 



The Curator of the William S. Vaux Collection begs leave to 

 report that since November 30th, 1896 he has added to it by pur- 

 chase one hundred and twenty-five specimens. Although the 

 number is not as large as in former years, yet the quality of the spec- 

 imens is better, a number of them being species new to the collec- 

 tion including several extra fine large crystals. 



As reported by the Curators several fine new cases were pur- 

 chased during 1897 for the display of the various large specimens 

 which had formerly been exposed. 



The collection now numbers 8,091 specimens all in good order 

 with the exception of two marcasites which have decomposed. 



There have been no additions to the Archaeological Collection 

 since my last report though it continues to attract much attention 



from visitors. 



Wm. W. Jefferis, 



Curator. 



REPORT OF THE BIOLOGICAL AND MICROSCOPICAL 



SECTION. 



The Section has held ten meetings during the year. The new 

 room upon the second floor has been partially furnished and the 

 collections placed therein. It is expected that upon the completion 

 of anticipated improvements the accommodations for biological 

 investigations may be made of permanent value to the members and 

 increase the interest of the stated meetings. 



During the year numerous communications have been made, of 

 which the following were presented at the meetings of the Academy: — 



" On the Structure of Diatoms," by Mr. F. J. Keeley. 



"Observations on Errant Frustules of Eunotia major," and 

 " Conjugation of Closterium acerosum," by Mr. T. Chalkley Palmer. 



"New Species of Diatoms," by Mr. Charles S. Boyer. 



" On Isthemia nervosa in Hudson Strait," by Mr. John A. Shulze. 



" Old and New Microscopes and Methods of Preparation," by Dr. 

 J. Chestou Morris. 



Other communications of interest were made by Dr. Morris, Mr. 

 Holman and Mr. Woolman. 



