J 2 IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



*J. L. TiLTON—" Erosion by Middle River for November, 1S91." "A Three- 

 legged Snow-bird;" exhibition of specimen. 



S. Calvin— "Distinction Between Acervularia Davidsonii and A. Profunda." 



S. E. Meek—" Fish Fauna of Arkansas and Iowa compared." 



fT. H. McBride— "Slime Moulds." 



C. P. Gillette — " How the Female of Cacaecia Semiferana Protects Her Eg^ 

 ■Clusters." 



Synopsis of the more important items of business transacted at the 

 annual meetings, 1S90-91: 



A Committee of Iowa Fauna was appointed, which consists of the 

 following Fellows: C. C. Nutting, J. E. Todd, F. M. Witter, 

 Heroert Osborn. 



A Committee on Iowa Flora, which consists of L. H. Pammel, J. E. 

 Todd, E. D. W. Holway. 



Steps were taken toward the organization and encouragement of 

 local auxiliary societies. 



The constitution was amended in such manner as to provide for 

 three classes of members as given in the amended constitution 

 printed herewith, also changing the time of annual meeting so as to 

 take advantage of the gathering of the State Teacher's Association. 



The Executive Commiteee was authorized to see to obtaining a 

 place of deposit for the exchanges and other property belonging to 

 the Academy and to prepare articles of incorporation. 



*Prof. J. L. Tilton, of Simpson College, presented by title a paper stating the meas- 

 urement of the material transported by Middle River, Warren county, during Novem- 

 ber, 1891, and the consequent erosion by the river. He also presented for examination 

 a three-legged snow-bird (Jimco hyemalis). The specimen is of special interest, since 

 deformities, though common in domesticated animals, are rarely found in wild ani- 

 mals. The third leg was of the size of the other two legs but apparently useless. It 

 was situated on the dorsal side of the sacrum. 



+ SLIME-MOULDS.— (Prof. T. H. McBride)— Upon invitation. Prof. McBride" ad- 

 dressed the Academy briefly upon the subject of Slime-moulds, discussing their nature, 

 habits, habitat and distribution. About sixty species are now known to occur in the 

 State, although but little attention has been paid so far to their collection or to the 

 investigation of this most interesting group. For the elucidation of the problems set 

 by the Myxomycetes, the co-operation of the largest possible .number of careful ob- 

 servers are absolutely essential. The forms they assume are varied, but extremely 

 interesting and beautiful, and it is hoped the number of Iowa observers may contin- 

 ually increase. Prof. McBride promises all possible assistance to any who may wish 

 to engage in the investigation of these remarkable organisms. Whether plants or 

 animals, need not concern us at all. Botanists have so far studied the Slime-moulds 

 and to botanists they will doubtless be relegated for all time to come. 



