168 [May, 1842. 



written communications. 



Letters were read 



From Mr. William Vaughan, dated London, March 5, 

 1842, stating that he had transmitted a parcel to the Academy, 

 from the Linnean Society of London : 



From M. de Longchamps, dated Liege, April 1 5th, 1841, in 

 relation to the books presented this evening; and also express- 

 ing a wish to obtain Part. I. of Vol. VIII. of the Journal of the 

 Academy. A list was likewise given of various insects and 

 animals, which he was desirous of exchanging for similar ob- 

 jects of this country : 



And from George R. Gliddon,Esq. dated New York, April 

 24, 1842, stating that he has presented to the Academy a col- 

 lection of Geological and other specimens from Egypt : and 

 also acknowledging the receipt of his notice of the election as 

 Correspondent of the Academy. 



VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



Dr. Chaloner stated, that he had been informed by a gen- 

 tleman from Washington county, Pennsylvania, who had re- 

 cently returned from Central America, and had there met 

 with Messrs. Stevens and Catherwood, that these latter had 

 discovered the remains of another city, covering an area of 

 about six miles square. 



The ruins were in a good state of preservation ; and some 

 specimens of sculpture brought thence by him, evince marks 

 of much skill and beauty. 



The beam of wood referred to in Stevens's Central America, 

 and found in the ruins of Uxmal, was stated to be well pre- 

 served. The tree from which the wood is derived, is called 

 by the natives Zapadillo. It is more durable than live oak 

 or red cedar, sinks in water, and when polished, resembles 

 Partridge wood,' but is darker and harder. 



