378 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF [1886. 



modifications 2| by 3i inches, 18 inches long; specimens of 

 Vanadinite, Wulfenite, and Descloizite, from Arizona ; emerald 

 and Hiddenite from North Carolina. The Tourmalines, Rutiles 

 and Molybdenites, already well illustrated, have received rich 

 addition. 



A number of new species, not before represented in the collec- 

 tion, have been obtained together with many varieties from new 

 localities. 



All the income of the fund has been expended on the collec- 

 tion, except a balance in hand of $513.54, applicable to the pur- 

 chase of new specimens and of books. As the cases are now 

 paid for and no other expense anticipated, the entire income can 

 be used for the purchase of additional specimens and books, 

 which will unless some unforeseen accident occui's always keep 

 the collection up to a high standard of importance. From a 

 scientific point of view it is one of the best public collections in 



our country. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Jacob Binder, 

 Curator. 



REPORT OF THE RECORDER OF THE BIOLOGICAL 

 AND MICROSCOPICAL SECTION. 



During the year the Section held fourteen meetings, with an 

 average attendance of twelve persons. 



At these meetings a great variety of objects was shown. 

 Especial notice should be made of the observations on embry- 

 ology at various meetings by Messrs. Sharp, Wingate and Ryder ; 

 upon the fungi, by Dr. Rex, and upon the different methods 

 of mounting, by Drs. Hall and Brinton. 



The following are some of the more important events occurring 

 during the year : 



December 21, 1885. Lecture by Dr. Thomas Taylor, of the 

 Agricultural Department, Washington, upon " The Work and 

 Results in the Investigation of Butter and other Fats." 



February 1, 1886. Communication by Mr. H. Wingate, upon 

 " The So-Called Visual Organs of the Amphioxus." 



February 15, 1886. Communication by Dr. M. B. Hartzell, 

 upon "Glycerine as a Mounting Fluid." 



