165 



Cyclops, in which were seen a few small oil globules. No con- 

 fervoid, or other vegetable remains were found. 



If the specimen of water sent by Mr. Foster, is a fair sample 

 of the contents of his well, it can hardly be considered suf- 

 ficiently pure for culinary purposes. 



Dr. Gould, in the absence of Dr. Hayes, read the follow- 

 ing " Report on a Specimen of Fossilized Egg, from the 

 Guano Islands, off the coast of Peru, by Dr. Augustus A. 

 Hayes : "— 



The specimen which is the subject of this report, was referred 

 to Prof. Jeffries Wyman, who had it divided, partly by saw, and 

 partly by fracture. Finding that its further examination belonged 

 to chemical inquiry, he kindly placed it in my hands for exami- 

 nation and description. 



The form of the original mass was ovoid, the circular outline 

 having been reduced by compression, about one third. Ex- 

 ternally rough, from adhesions, there were smooth parts, from 

 which a thin layer could be removed, which, when cleaned, had 

 the organized structure of egg shell, although partly changed in 

 chemical composition. In the examination of one half of the 

 specimen, fragments of shell were found, crushed into the min- 

 eral occupying the cavity. The color of the mass was nankin- 

 yellow externally, deep yellow and reddish brown within. The 

 compact parts scratched calcareous spar, its general hardness 

 fully equalling that of this mineral. The fracture of the mass 

 exhibited a crystalline structure, most remarkable near the centre, 

 where the yelk may have decomposed. The crystals, in no case 

 distinct, presented an aggregate of flat, plumose prisms, radiating 

 from centres ; these have a marked pearly, or satin-like lustre, 

 and readily divide along natural joints. 



The odor of the mineral is the same as that of guano, while 

 its taste is saline, leaving a pungent impression. Soluble in water, 

 excepting some sand, lime soap, and remains of shell ; the solu- 

 tion is light yellow in color, and gives, by appropriate tests, the 

 reactions of sulphuric acid, ammonia, and potash, being slightly 

 acid. 



The chemical analysis of the most pure parts of the crystal- 



