Stodder.] 134 [February 20, 



A gathering taken from a thick scum on the surface at the same 

 locality only yielded a small variety of species. Fraglllarla was the 

 most abundant. 



It is very remarkable that the mud furnishes several unquestionably 

 fresh water forms — Himantiilium and Eunotia — the presence of which 

 in such a locality is inexplicable. As already stated there is no current 

 to bring them there, and there are no fresh water streams entering 

 near the place. The only explanation that occurs is, that they may have 

 been brought by some stream entering at a distance, and then blown by 

 the winds upon the surface of the salt water. This is not very satis- 

 factory, but may do until something better is suggested. Will not the 

 composition of this mud serve as an explanation of the formation of 

 the great "infusorial deposits" in Virginia, California, and elsewhere. 

 We have a marine basin completely land-locked, except one narrow 

 channel at a distance, shallow, and free from currents, just the place 

 for a rapid and vigorous growth of diatoms. Here they tlourish and 

 decay, together with myriads of infusoria. The silicious shells of the 

 diatoms are deposited with the other organisms ; but while all the 

 others are undergoing decomposition and disappear, the silicious 

 diatom shells remain unaltered and accumulate century after century, 

 and must constitute the principal bulk of the deposit, until some phy- 

 sical change or convulsion of the earth's surface excludes the sea, and 

 puts a stop to the growth and accumulation. I hope to be able next 

 summer to explore this place more thoroughly, and to obtain more of 

 the living plants and specimens of the mud at various depths. 



February 20, 1867. 



Vice President, Mr, T. T. Bouve, in the chair. Twenty- 

 nine members present. 



The Vice President stated that a telegram had been re- 

 ceived the day previous, announcing the sudden death of Dr. 

 Henry Bryant at Areceibo, Porto Rico, on the 1st instant, 

 and said : — 



Before giving our attention to the scientific and business 

 matters which may come before us, it seems proper that Ave 

 should allow some expression to the feeling that pervades and 



