clxxii 



Belgium entirely groundless, even if the ravages of the potato-bug had 

 been great in any locality the last season (which they have not), and is 

 a matter of no apprehension or comment at the present time in this 

 country. 



Mr. Riley remarked that every one of the opinions expressed 

 by our worthy Mayor is diametrically opposed to the facts, and 

 the letter goes to show, what is too evident in so many other di- 

 rections, that one may be a good politician and yet have no real 

 acquaintance with the condition of the agriculture of the country. 

 Mr. Riley gave an extended history of the Colorado Potato-beetle, 

 and concluded by expressing the opinion that the course being 

 pursued by some of the European authorities, in prohibiting traf- 

 fic in American potatoes, was not the wisest. The only way that 

 the insect could be carried over in potatoes was by being secreted 

 in earth or haulm ; and while there is a bare possibility of its 

 chance transmission in this manner, there is little probability 

 of it ; and all danger will be removed if the exporters are directed 

 to see that the tubers are free of earth, and to use no haulm in 

 packing. If it ever gets to Europe at all, he believed it would 

 travel in the manner already indicated. 



Mr. Todd offered the following resolutions, which were unani- 

 mously adopted : 



Resolved, That, in the judgment of the Academy of Science of St. 

 Louis, the highest economical interests of the State demand the continu- 

 ance of the offices of State Geologist and Entomologist, and it respectfully 

 protests against any change of them, and most emphatically against their 

 abolishment; and prays that the General Assembly of the State of Mis- 

 souri sustain them with its usual necessary appropriations. 



Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent by the Secretary to the 

 President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, certified to under 

 the common seal of the Academy. 



Resolved, That there accompany said resolution the signatures of such 

 members of the Academy as can be conveniently obtained. 



Antonio del Castillo and Mariano Barcena, of the city of Mex- 

 ico, were elected Corresponding Members. 



March 16, 1875. 

 Dr. Geo. Engelmann, Vice President, in the chair. 

 Fourteen members present. 



