90 [September, 1S44. 



tent at least, a solution of the present aspect, if not of the very 

 existence of this notch. The numerous and extensive scars which 

 the mountain still bears, derived from that occurrence, with others 

 obviously produced by similar means, but of a more ancient date, 

 and not in the notch only, but also in the numerous recesses all 

 along this mountain chain, point significantly to the causes which, 

 through innumerable ages, have been operating upon the gradual 

 degradation of the softer portions of these elevated regions. The 

 notch is stated to be, at its highest part, about 2000 feet above the 

 level of tide water. For the first few miles the descent is very 

 rapid, and the head of the Saco is truly a mountain torrent. This 

 steep acclivity favors the rapid action of water in washing down 

 the looser portions of the rock formation — aided as it is by the al- 

 ternate wetting and drying of the rocks. 



The Chairman announced to the Society the decease, on 

 the 5th September last, of Miss Anna Maclure, at the resi- 

 dence of her brother Alexander Maclure, Esq., at New Har- 

 mony, Indiana. The zeal with which this lady, in common 

 with her brother, has ever promoted the objects and interests 

 of this Institution, will indissolubly connect her name with 

 its past and future history, as one of its earnest friends and 

 liberal benefactors. 



On motion of Professor Johnson, the letters of the late 

 Rev. Mr. Melsheimer, presented to the Academy this even- 

 ing, were referred to the Library Committee, with directions to 

 have them bound and placed in the Library. 



Meeting for Business, September 24, 1S44. 



Vice President Morton in the Chair. 



After some preparatory business, the Society went into an 



election for members and correspondents, with the following 



result : 



member. 



John Frost, L. L. D., of Philadelphia. 



correspondent. 



Lewis R. Gibbes, M. D., of Charleston, South Carolina. 



