O. MISCELLANEOUS. 663 



advancement of some branch of physical research. The first 

 report of results achieved through this bequest was recently 

 made to the Academy by its President, Professor Joseph Hen- 

 ry. The committee had decided that in view of the great in- 

 terest that Professor Bache had throughout his life manifest- 

 ed in terrestrial magnetism, it would be highly proper to 

 further this science by gradually extending over the country 

 the magnetic survey which, during his own lifetime, he had 

 carried out in the Middle States. In the execution of this 

 design they had been so fortunate as to secure, at small ex- 

 pense, the services of Dr.Hilgard, of St. Louis, by whom, in 

 1872, chiefly in the season most favorable for traveling, quite 

 a large number of stations were occupied for the determination 

 of the magnetic elements. These stations are mostly in the 

 Southern States; and it is the intention of the committee to 

 extend the work annually, northward and westward, as the 

 income from the fund may allow. 



GIFT OF LAND TO THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



The Academy of Sciences of San Francisco has lately been 

 the recipient of a donation from Mr. James Lick, of that city, 

 which may or may not be of future moment. This consists 

 of a lot of land on Market Street, east of St. Ignatius College, 

 measuring 80 by 275 feet. The present is, however, coupled 

 with the condition that the Academy shall w^ithin three years 

 secure the funds necessary to erect thereon a substantial 

 three-story building, faced with granite, without encumbrance 

 of debt, and to be devoted exclusively to the objects for 

 which the societies were organized. This is to be of classical 

 architecture, and decorated with emblems of science. No 

 part of the building is to be in any Avay used for political or 

 religious purposes. 



The plan of the building contemplates a library, museum, 

 and lecture -room. The value of the lot is estimated at 

 $150,000. It is stated that this same lot was previously pre- 

 sented to a beneficent institution with similar conditions, 

 which it was imable to comply with, and the gift lapsed to 

 the owner. We hope the Academy of Sciences may obtain 

 the means of securing this property, although it is to be re- 

 gretted that they will not be permitted, as was the case with 

 the Academy of Sciences of Chicago, to devote the lower 



