1898.] MINUTES. 7 



The only conclusion possible is that the observers do not see the 

 same object, partly because the aurora is too low down and partly 

 because there are optical illusions due to alignment. We are view- 

 ing a luminous sheet which is folded and refolded. We are also 

 viewing a great collection of bright beams and bright pencils of 

 light parallel to each other like the trees in a forest. Every slight 

 change in the position of the observer alters the collective appear- 

 ance of the pencils and the folds. The only method of determining 

 parallaxes with any- confidence consists in requiring two or more 

 observers to start at the same point, fixing their attention upon one 

 feature ; separate to a short distance in opposite directions and re- 

 turn until they have satisfied themselves that the illusions due to 

 perspective and alignment are not sufficient to nullify the influence 

 of parallax. 



Stated Meeting^ January 21^ 1898. 



Vice-President Sellers in the Chair. 



Present, l-i members. 



Mr. Alden Sampson, a neAvly elected member, was pre- 

 sented to the Chair and took his seat. 



Acknowledgments of election to membership Ave re received 

 from Eichard Olney, William H. Dall, Leroj^ W. McCa3\ 



Mr. Rosengarten read an obituary notice of the late Treas- 

 urer, J. Sergeant Price, Esq. 



Dr. Hays was elected Librarian for the ensuing year. 



The appointment of the Standing Committees Avas referred 

 to the President. 



The following papers were presented : 



For the Transactions : 



Posthumous papers of the late Dr. Harrison Allen on 



" The Glossophagin^e ' ' and on 



" The Skull and Teeth of the Ectophylla alba." ; 



For the Proceedings : 



" Specializations in the Lepidopterous Wing — Pieri- 

 Nymphalidae," by Mr. A. R. Grote. 



