The Corresponding Secretary read correspondence. 

 Mr. Nipher described a flash of lightning which took place be- 

 tween a cloud and the clear air around the cloud. 

 Adjourned. 



Jane 4, 1884. 



C. Shaler Smith in the chair. Present— Messrs. Smith, Ham- 

 bach, Tivy, Evers, Gray, Walker, and Nipher. 



Mr. Nipher read a paper on the " Mechanical Efficiency of a 

 Gramme Generator and Motor." The paper was discussed by 

 the members and referred to the Publication Committee. 



Adjourned. 



June 16, 1884. 



Dr. Sander in the chair. Present — Messrs. Sander, Engler, 

 Hambach, Spiegelhalter, Letterman, Wheeler, Pritchett, Gray, 

 and Tivy. 



Dr. Spiegelhalter presented a plant from Texas which is known 

 under the common name of ''loco" {Gen7is Astragalus)^ and 

 which has the reputation of poisoning hoi'ses and cattle. It is 

 much dreaded by the stockmen. Dr. Spiegelhalter also presented 

 specimens of rocks and plants from Career Co., Texas, covered 

 with a deposit of salt. 



A number of arrowheads found near Allenton, Mo., were 

 presented by Mr. Letterman. 



The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Pritchett and 

 vmanimously adopted : 



Resolved^ That, in the opinion of the Academy of Science of 

 St. Louis, the bill now before Congress which contemplates the 

 dismemberment of the Coast and Geodetic Survey and the dele- 

 gation of its work to the Navy Department and the U. S. Geolo- 

 gical Survey, would, if passed, prove fatal to the scientific work 

 of the Navy, and in the end would prove more costly to the Gov- 

 ernment. 



Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the repre- 

 sentatives of Missouri both in the Senate and House, and they be 

 requested to use their influence in the defeat of the bill. 



