292 proceedings: biological society 



The second paper was by J. N. Rose: Botanical explorations in South 

 America. Dr. Rose spoke concerning a botanical exploration on the 

 western coast of South America, which he made during the summer 

 and fall of 1914. He stated that when he took up the study of the 

 Cactaceae for the Carnegie Institution of Washington, it was with the 

 understanding that it should embrace not only herbarium and green- 

 house studies, but extensive field work in all the great cactus deserts of 

 the two Americas. His going to the west coast was therefore simply 

 part of a large scheme for botanical exploration. He further stated 

 that plans had been made for similar field work in the deserts of the 

 east side of South America during the coming summer. He gave de- 

 tailed accounts of his work in the deserts of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, 

 and the peculiar Cacti which he found, described particularly the cli- 

 matic conditions in those countries, and told of the remarkable crescent- 

 shaped sand dunes of southern Peru. On this trip Dr. Rose collected 

 more than a thousand numbers, obtaining not only herbarium and 

 formalin specimens, but also living material. His collection of living 

 plants, which was very large, has been sent to the New York Botani- 

 cal Garden. Dr. Rose's communication was illustrated by maps of 

 the regions traversed, by apparatus used in collecting specimens, and 

 by preserved specimens. The paper was discussed by Messrs. Hitch- 

 cock, Vaughan, Goldman and Townsend. 



The 536th meeting of the Society was held at the Cosmos Club, 

 Saturday, February 20, 1915, at 8 p.m., with President Bartsch in the 

 chair and 65 persons present. 



Dr. Charles Monroe Mansfield, of the Bureau of Animal Industry, 

 was elected to active membership. 



Under the heading of Brief Notes, Gen. T. A. Wilcox made obser- 

 vations and inquiries concerning the color of the eyes of certain turtles. 

 His remarks were discussed by W. P. Hay. Dr. L. 0. Howard de- 

 scribed the successful campaign carried on against mosquitoes in New 

 Jersey. 



Under the heading Exhibition of Specimens, Wm. Palmer exhibited 

 the tip of the tongue of a sulphurbottom whale and considered the 

 probable utihty of its peculiar shape. Messrs. Bartsch, Hay, and 

 Lyon took part in the discussion. 



The regular program consisted of an illustrated lecture by H. C 

 Oberholser entitled: A naturalist in Nevada. Mr. Oberholser gave 

 an account of a biological survey of parts of Nevada made by himself 

 and others some years ago, and described the geologic, geographic, and 

 climatic characters of the route traversed by his party. He mentioned 

 in particular the plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles observed and 

 collected by the expedition, and pointed out how they were influenced 

 in kind and numbers by the unusual geographic and climatic conditions 

 found in Nevada. He showed many excellent views of the country 

 and of the animals and plants encountered. 



Mr. Oberholser's paper was discussed by Messrs. Hay, Bartsch, 

 Bailey, Lyon, Goldman, Wetmore, and Wm. Palmer. 



]M. W. Lyon, Jr., Recording Secretary. 



