272 



Dr. Gould mentioned, that recently Prof. Harvey had 

 stated, that he had found the coast of the United States to 

 be divided into three distinct regions, as exhibited by the 

 character of the Algge. Dr. Gould considered this a very 

 interesting fact, as it coincided with Lieut. Maury's views 

 in connection with the currents on the coast, and his own 

 observations of similar divisions in the Fauna. 



Dr. Kneeland read a paper on the Aztec skull recently 

 presented by Col. Gushing. 



His description of the specimen was prefaced by a synopsis of 

 the opinions of Ethnologists and the traditions as to the origin 

 of the race to which it belonged. From a careful comparison 

 with published descriptions he was satisfied that it belonged to 

 the Toltecan family. 



It very nearly resembled No. 18 of the Plates of Dr. Morton's 

 Crania Americana. The diameters which it was possible to take 

 with any accuracy are : — 



In connection with this subject Mr. Desor said that Mr. Foster 

 had recently ascertained that the copper tools found in the Ohio 

 mounds are made of the Lake Superior copper, an indication of 

 the degree of civilization of the builders. 



Dr. Jackson said that Dr. Locke, of Cincinnati, had made the 

 same observation. He did not himself regard the facts men- 

 tioned as indicating of necessity any higher degree of civilization 

 than exists among the Indians of the present day. It was well 

 known that particular articles were extensively circulated by 

 exchange among the old Indian tribes, and are found at great 

 distances from their primitive origin ; such, for instance, as the 

 arrow-heads of Maine, which are found in great numbers in 

 Massachusetts and New York. 



Dr. Cabot mentioned, as another illustration, that the obsidian 

 of the Mexican volcanoes is found in Yucatan, and also far to 

 the north, even in the Ohio mounds. 



Dr. Burnett exhibited specimens, and gave an account of a 



