257 



being of the usual appearance ; each shaft seems to divide into 

 several of these hair-like appendages. Something of the kind 

 is seen in the Bohemian Chatterer or Wax-Wing, in which some 

 of the secondary and tertial quill feathers end in small, oblong, 

 flat appendages, in color and substance resembling red sealing- 

 wax ; these also are merely expanded, horny prolongations of 

 the shafts of the ordinary feathers. The hairy crest of the 

 Supercilious Ani bears some resemblance to the appendage on 

 the breast of the Wild Turkey, only it is much more silky and 

 finer, and is directly continuous with ordinary feather structure, 

 while the appendage of the Turkey is bristly in its whole ex- 

 tent, showing a complete transition of feathers into hairs. 



Dr. Durkee was appointed to take charge, temporarily, 

 of the Entomological Cabinet. 



Mr. Samuel W. Chamberlain was chosen a Resident 

 Member. 



October 17, 1855. 



The President in the Chair. 



An extract was read from a letter of Dr. A. S. Baldwin, 

 of Jacksonville, Florida, addressed to the President, in- 

 forming him that he was engaged in making a collection of 

 the Fresh Water Shells of East Florida, for the Society. 



A letter was read from Mr. Francis H. Storer, tendering 

 his resignation of the office of Assistant Curator of Min- 

 eralogy. 



The resignation of Mr. Storer was accepted, and Drs. 

 Abbot and Kneeland were appointed a committee to 

 nominate a candidate in his place. 



PROCEEDINGS B. S. N. H. VOL. V. 17 DECEMBER, 1855. 



