It is very possible that the low water of Feb. ist, 1855, here recorded, 

 may not be the lowest ever reached by the river, but from my knowledge 

 of the stream, extending through thirty-seven years, I am quite sure that 

 it must be within a few inches of the minimum at that point. 



The flood of 1844, therefore, which registered over 41 feet above low 

 water mark at St. Louis, reached not quite 31 feet at Jefferson City. This 

 proves that a very large percentage of the water of that season came from 

 streams emptying lower down; either the Osage and Gasconade, or the 

 Upper Mississippi and its tributaries. 



In connection with this subject, I desire to recall attention to the idea, 

 prevalent among the early settlers of this State, that the "June rise" in 

 the Missouri is caused by the melted snow on the elevated plains and in 

 the mountains about its source. This theory is now supposed to be ex- 

 ploded ; and in the sense that the melted snow constitutes the water of 

 the June floods, it doubtless is not true. But in the broader sense that the 

 snow water causes these floods, I submit that this theory maj^be strictly 

 correct. The large volume of cold water flowing into a lower latitude with 

 higher temperature may so chill the atmosphere as, in connection with 

 other meteorological conditions, to produce excessive rains, whose added 

 waters make up the June floods. Observations upon the Missouri and 

 the Lower Mississippi have satisfied me that this may be the true theory, 

 and in fact it has long been a current one among the inhabitants of the 

 low countries between here and the Gulf, Avhere heavy rains are always 

 expected in connection with the summer floods. 



Jane 3, 1878. 



The President in the chair. Thirteen members present. 



In behalf of Mr. Geo. W. Lettermann, the Secretary presented 

 to the Academy 20 different varieties of birds-eggs, collected from 

 St. Louis Co. 



Dr. Engelmann made a few remarks on the temperatiue of 

 May. 



The temperature of May last was more than 63°, which is 3 degrees 

 below the average. Only three May months out of forty-two have been 

 cooler, but frosts have occurred here, and no extreme temperatures. Vege- 

 tation has not been injuriously retarded, cool May weather having less 

 effect in this regard than cool April weather. 



Mr. Nipher presented a rain-chart of the State, and made a 

 few remarks upon the May rainfall. 



Jno. G. Kelley was elected to associate membership. 



