[1 ] 



12 



Among the interesting facts arrived at by the author, are the discovery 

 of an extensive stratum of Fossil Infusoria near Tampa Bay, Florida — 

 the existence of Infusorise in the rice fields of the south, and the demon- 

 stration of the cosmopolite character of many microscopic objects hitherto 

 believed to exist only in Europe. 



Another paper by the same author, but presented to the Institution by 

 Professor Eache, Superintendent of the U. S. Coast Survey, has reference to 

 a microscopic examination of soundings along the eastern coast of the 

 United States. Samples of all the materials brought up by the sounding 

 apparatus of the coast survey having been carefully preserved by Professor 

 Bache in bottles, and so arranged as to present as it were, the surface ge- 

 ology of Ihs bottom of the sea within a certain distance from the shore. 

 Specimens of these were given to Professor Bailey for microscopic exami- 

 nation and the results are presented in this paper. It exhibits the fact of 

 a high development of minute organic forms, mainly of Polythalamia, in 

 all deep soundings, varying from fifty-one to ninety fixthoms occurring in 

 an abundance similar to that in which analogous fossil forms are found in 

 the marls under the city of Charleston. It also shows that each locality 

 has its predominant species, by means of which alone the region whence 

 they wei'e taken may be indicated. Many of the conclusions derived are 

 of much interest to the mariner, the geologist and the naturalist.- The 

 j)aper closes with.a biiel' description of the genera and species referred to, 

 embracing several that are new, the whole accompanied by numerous 

 figures. 



In connection with the foregoing may be mentioned a paper by Mr. 

 Charles Girard, entitled " A Mono'graph of the Fresh water ^Cotto'ids of 

 North America," which has l)een accepted, and will soon be published. 

 The species of fish called Cottus gobio, was supposed to be common to 

 Europe and America, and thus to form an exception to a general rule in 

 regard to the fresh water species of the two continents. It has been dis- 

 covered by Mr. Girard and others, that the European species as described 

 by Linnceus, is really composed of several, and that while none of these 

 are found in North America, we have actually a number of species pecu- 

 liar to this country. The memoir contains elaborate descriptions of the 

 known species as well as of several new ones, together with copious notes 

 on their scientific history, their geographical distribution, affinities with 

 each other and with foreign species, anatomical structure, &c. — the v.diole 

 illustrated by appropriate figures. It is worthy of remark, that most of 

 the hitherto undescribed species presented in this memoir v.-ere collected 

 by Professor Baird, and now form a part of the Smithsonian collection. 



Another memoir now in course of preparation, is one which will, of 

 itself occupy a considerable portion of one of the quarto volumes of the 

 Smithsonian contri[)utions. It aftords an interesting illustration of the 

 working of the plan of organization in the way of eliciting important 

 scientific knowledge which would not otherwise be produced, or if pro- 

 duced, could not be given to the world through any other channel. 



This memoir consists of a description of the marine plants or Algfe, 

 which are fi)und along the eastern and southern coasts of the United States, 

 and which are deserving of attention, not only on account of their beauty, 

 variety and the illustrations they present of the growth and development 

 of vegeta!)!e forms, but also on account of their economical value with 

 reference to agriculture and the chemical arts. This volurae is in the 



