184 



Mr. Du Bols laid upon the table, for the inspection of mem- 

 bers, sundry articles of interest, recently added to the Mint 

 Cabinet. 



1. The itzebue, silver coin of Japan; of which there is no mention 

 in print, as it differs much from the itzebue formerly described by 

 Dutch traders. It is 991 thousandths fine (no doubt regarded there 

 as absolutely fine), and worth 88 cents of our money. Since the 

 treaty with Japan, a number of these have appeared at San Francisco, 

 whence this piece came. The opening of trade with that country, 

 will make it important to know the value of Japanese money. 



2. Medal, presented by the merchants of Boston to Com. Perry, 

 who concluded the treaty with Japan. Engraved by Mitchell, and 

 struck at the mint. 



3. 20 shilling piece of James I., and six-pence of Elizabeth; re- 

 markable only as being part of the contents of an earthen pot, lately 

 dug up at Richmond's island, mouth of the Saco river. State of Maine. 

 According to the published accounts, the treasure was buried there, 

 apparently, about 1630 to 1640. 



4. Gold in quartz, from Australia; precisely similar in character 

 to the auriferous matrix in California, Georgia and elsewhere. 



Mr. Trego made some observations upon the remarkable si- 

 milarity between the specimens of auriferous quartz from Aus- 

 tralia and those from the gold-bearing regions of the United 

 States. 



Mr. Peale spoke of the superior execution of the medal pre- 

 sented to Com. Perry, and attributed high credit to the artist 

 for the execution of the head; — excepting, however, from his 

 commendation the lettering of the medal. 



Dr. Hallowell oifered, for the Transactions, a comtnunication 

 "On a New Genus of the Bonedoe," which was referred to a 

 Committee consisting of Dr. Bridges, Dr. Hays and Dr. Leidy. 



The Committee on the sale of the Hall reported that the ar- 

 ticle of agreement with the Government of the United States, 

 presented at last meeting, was duly executed on Saturday, 22d 

 ultimo. 



On motion of Mr. Justice, it was resolved that the Board of 

 Officers and Council be instructed to inquire into the expedi- 

 ency of purchasing a Microscope, for the use of the Society. 



