OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 109 



Professor Peirce also presented the results of the working 

 of the Calculating Machine at the Dudley Observatory, for 

 the Nautical Almanac. The computations had been made 

 with reference to the tables of Mars. He also exhibited the 

 lead plates stamped by the machine, and explained its work- 

 ing. 



Dr. H. R. Storer read a paper, tending to show the rapid 

 diminution of the rate of increase in the number of births in 

 Europe and America, especially in Massachusetts. It was 

 remarked, that certain generally admitted facts had hitherto 

 been a problem to political economists. By a comparison of 

 extensive statistical tables Dr. Storer indicated the direct de- 

 pendence of this decrease, apparently, upon criminal causes. 

 The question would be elsewhere more fully and thoroughly 

 discussed. It was evident from a consideration of the data, 

 that the state of the case as respects Massachusetts was not 

 exceptional, but was merely here brought to light by means 

 of our more careful registration. 



Professor Parsons stated that a memorial would be pre- 

 sented to the Legislature of Massachusetts during the com- 

 ing session, asking for aid in publishing a new edition of 

 the late Dr. Harris's valuable work on Insects injurious to 

 Vegetation, and that it is desirable that the Academy should 

 add its influence to that of the Societies with which it origi- 

 nated. On his motion it was voted, that the President be 

 authorized to sign the memorial in behalf of the Academy. 



Professor Gray communicated three papers upon the Bot- 

 any of the United States North Pacific Exploring Expe- 

 dition under Captain John Rodgers (succeeding Captain 

 Ringgold), by permission of the commander of the Expe- 

 dition, viz. : — 



1. An Account of the new Phaenogamous Plants collected 

 by Charles Wright, the Botanist of the Expedition ; with a 

 notice of the Vegetation of Japan in its relations to that of 

 the Northern Temperate Zone generally. [Published in the 

 Memoirs of the Academy.] 



