liv Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



a recent study of the poplars of North America, and exhib- 

 ited specimens of the several recognized species. Specimens 

 were also exhibited of an apparently undescribed poplar from 

 the mountains of northern Mexico, which he proposed to 

 characterize shortly; and, for comparison, specimens of the 

 two other species of poplar known to occur in Mexico, and of 

 the European allies of the supposed new species, were laid 

 before the Academy. 



In accordance with a recommendation of the Council, the 

 following resolutions were adopted by the Academy, and a 

 copy thereof ordered transmitted to the secretary of the Joint 

 Commission of the Scientific Societies of Washington: — 



Whereas, The work of the Department of Agriculture in the discovery, 

 exploration, development, conservation, and proper utilization of the 

 resources of our country, is of the utmost importance; and whereas the 

 Department's capacity for originating, procuring, and disseminating knowl- 

 edge of vital importance to farming and other interests, though already 

 large, is capable of much extension in the future; and whereas the results 

 accomplished through the system now in existence have been exceedingly 

 great, and the one thing above all others necessary to increase the effici- 

 ency of this organization is a permanent policy with regard to its work 

 and personnel: — 



Resolved, That the Academy of Science of St. Louis heartily approves 

 the proposition to create the office of "Director-in-Chief of Scientific 

 Divisions in the Department of Agriculture," to be filled by a broadly 

 educated and experienced scientific administrative officer, holding office 

 during good behavior; 



Resolved, That the plan of having a permanent officer in charge of the 

 scientific and technical work, under the executive head of a Department, 

 represents a distinct advance in good government and is therefore not only 

 of national importance, but certain to have a beneficial effect upon the 

 scientific standing of Government work in all its relations. 



April 6, 1896. 



President Gray in the chair, forty persons present. 



Professor C. R. Sanger spoke on the commercial synthesis 

 of acetylene, illustrating the flame procurable from this gas 

 when burned with a proper proportion of air. Professor 

 Sanger further presented the results of a preliminary biologi- 

 cal and chemical examination into the ice supply of St. Louis, 

 and exhibited a device for melting ice in such examinations 



