410 [October, 



titled " Indications of five species, with two new genera of extinct 

 Fishes." Referred to Mr. Cassin, Dr. Le Conte and Dr. Henderson. 



Mr. Cassin announced that M. Duchaillu was about to return to 

 Western Africa, for the purpose exclusively of geographical explora- 

 tion, and the collection of objects of Natural History. Arrangements 

 have been made to secure, for the cabinet of this Society, the collections 

 of Birds especially, and also of some other objects. Mr. Cassin ex- 

 plained the general design of the Expedition, which was to pass from 

 Cape Lopez, 1 S. latitude, towards the supposed source of the Congo 

 river, with the intention of attempting to reach its source. 



M. Duchaillu has already penetrated farther into the interior of this 

 part of Africa than any other white man. The coast is unknown farther 

 inland than from twenty to twenty-five miles, except to slavers, there 

 having been no exploration of that part of Africa. M. Duchaillu had 

 been on the Rivers Moonda and Mouni, had traced the latter to its 

 source, and had ascertained the existence of high mountains, probably 

 a continuation or spur of the Atlas range, and much further south than 

 is to be found in any published maps. 



Another fact ascertained by him, is the existence of a very populous 

 nation, of marked negro character, known as the Powein Nation, which 

 he estimates at from five to seven millions. Their country extends 

 across from the sources of the Moonda, probably to the sources of the 

 Nile, and the nation is probably that mentioned by Bruce, as occasional- 

 ly descending the Nile. It is a warlike and cannibal nation, engaged 

 in agriculture, not wandering, resembling in this respect the Ashantees 

 and Dahomeys. It displays the highest degree of civilization yet ob- 

 served among the true negroes, presenting an analogy to the Feejees, 

 among the Oceanic nations. M. Duchaillu possesses peculiar advantages 

 as an explorer. He has lived long in the country, is entirely acclimated, 

 speaks well two of the languages, and understands thoroughly the negro 

 character. He proposes to proceed merely with convoys of natives 

 from each tribe successively to the next. 



At the suggestion of Dr. Leidy, a Committee was appointed to so- 

 licit contributions from the Members of the Academy, to aid the Expe- 

 dition. 



October 30th. 



Vice President Bridges in the Chair. 



The Committees on Mr. Ashmead's paper, read 9th inst., and on 

 Dr. Leidy's, read 16th inst., severally reported in favor of publication 

 in the Proceedings. 



Catalogue of Marine Alg^e, discovered at Beesley's Point during the past summer, 



with some remarks thereon. 



By Samuel Ashmead. 



Beesley's Point is situated in Cape May County, N. J., on the southern side of 

 the Great Egg-Harbor Bay, about three miles from the ocean. The bay is about 

 four miles in length, with an average breadth of two miles, when it connects 

 with the inlet at the Beach. The water (with the exception of the channels) is 



