72 Cincinnati Society of Natural History. 



From Dr. J. H. Hunt, a cop}' of KoUiker's " Microscopical An- 

 atomy." 



From Mr. D. L. James, specimens of a Lichen — Lecidea albocce- 

 rulea — found on the surface of the rocks. 



From Mr H. B. Stowe, of the Adams Express Companj^ two unique 

 specimens of decorated modern Indian potter\', from New Mexico. 



From Mr. George Currie, four specimens of mastodon bones. 



From Paul F. Mohr, one specimen of the "Hellbender" — 3Ieno- 

 pome allegheniensis. 



From Dr. W. A. Dunn, several human bones, from a mound near the 

 ihouth of the Great Miami. The bones are encrusted, in part, with 

 carbonate of lime. 



Tuesday Evening, June 1, 1880. 



Dr. "R. M. Byrnes, President, in the chair. Present, about twenty 

 members. 



Dr. W. A. Dunn read a \evy instructive essay upon the proper method 

 of examining and excavating mounds, so as to readily distinguish 

 intrusive burials from original interments. 



Mr. L. S. Cotton made a few remarks upon the same subject, and 

 suggested, that in excavating a mound, it would be well to la}- it off 

 in sections, and commence at one side and completely excavate each 

 section, before commencing work upon the adjoining one. 



Mr. Davis L. James read a ver^'^ interesting letter from Joseph F. 

 James, a corresponding member of the Society-, relating his travels in 

 the great Colorado Desert. He described the bari'enness of the 

 alkaline plains, the scouring effect of wind-driven sand, and the ter- 

 rific character of the rain storms, which seldom occur, but when they 

 do come, the water is poured down instead of falling in drops. He 

 also described the scanty- vegetation which, being a good botanist, he 

 is so well able to do, and furnished the names of the few plants to be 

 found in that arid region. A few drawings which he had made of the 

 fossil shells found on the desert plains were also shown to the 

 audience. 



Prof. A. G. Wetherb}- described the lithological character of the 

 Trenton Group about Lexington and the High Bridge in Kentuck}^ 

 He estimated the thickness of the Trenton limestone exposed at 

 High Bridge, and b}^ the railroad cuts within nine miles of that place, 

 at not less than five hundred feet. He exhibited some specimens of 

 Orthis tricenaria, 0. i^ectinella. Hyhocrinus tumidus, Amygdalocys- 

 tites Jlorealis, Glyptocrinus prisciis, Blastoidocrinus car char ioidens, a 



