Storer.] 318 [November 6, 



The conclusions to whicli we necessarilj' come concerning tlie 

 specific relations of these animals, gives additional interest to the 

 question of* the range of our bison in ancient times. In Europe, re- 

 mains of an aurochs, described by Bojanus as a distinct species, were 

 found in connection with those of the extinct mammoth, but recent 

 observers question the specific difference. In our coimtry, the species 

 of bison found associated with the extinct mastodon has been con- 

 sidered by Dr. Leidy as distinct from the living one. 



Professor Agnssiz also brought to the notice of the Soci- 

 ety the discovery of a Cetacean, new to America. Tlie skull 

 was exhibited, and its peculiar features pointed out. It was 

 obtained on the coast of N'antucket by Messrs. H. M. and 

 S. C. Martin of Roxbury. It belonged to the genus Mesop- 

 lodon, as characterized by Gervais, and ought to be separated 

 from the fossil Ziphhis^ described by Cuvier. Professor 

 Agassiz, however, questioned whether Mesopilodon was not 

 identical with Delphinorhynchtis^ previously described by 

 De Blainville. The specimen found at Nantucket measured 

 sixteen feet in length. 



Dr. D. Humphreys Storer placed upon the table a copy of 

 his final " Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts," and as a 

 long period had elapsed since the paper was commenced, he 

 felt that justice to himself demanded an explanation. 



In 1837, Mr. George B. Emerson, then President of this Society, 

 was exceedingly anxious that a zoological survey of the State should 

 be made. No difficulty existed in obtaining the services of those 

 who Avere interested in the mammalia, birds, insects and mollusca; 

 but no member of the Society had studied Ichthyology or Herpetology. 

 At the earnest request of Mr. Emerson, I was induced to undertake 

 the duty of studying our fishes and reptiles. The task was an ardu- 

 ous one. I did not know of, nor could I learn that, an Ichthyologist 

 resided in the United States. I could, therefore, refer to no one for 

 advice or aid. I began the study alone, and in a little more than a 

 year after my appointment as one of the Commissioners on the Sur- 

 vey, presented my report, which included every species at that time 

 known to be found in our Avaters. 



No figures accompanied this report, and in 1841 I was requested by 

 a vote of the American Academy, to prepare a report which should 

 be illustrated by plates. I at once commenced the work, redescribed 



