311 



glands, which emit a strong, musky odor during the rutting 

 season. 



Mr. Sprague called the attention of the Society to the 

 great and valuable work of Levaillant, on the Birds of 

 Africa, which had been received by the Society from the 

 widow of the late James Brown, in exchange for other 

 works bequeathed by him, of which duplicates were already 

 in the Library. 



The thanks of the Society were voted to Mrs. Brown 

 and her family, for their kindness in making this exchange. 



Mr. Sprague read a letter from Mr. E. Samuels, who is 

 now in California, making collections for the Society, con- 

 taining a list of specimens, principally of birds, reptiles, 

 and insects, which he had obtained in the short space of 

 time since his arrival. The prospect seems to be good for 

 his making a large and valuable addition to the Cabinet of 

 the Society. 



Mr. Whittemore stated that Mr. T. A. Conrad, of Phila- 

 delphia, was desirous of visiting the western parts of the 

 United States, for the study and collection of Shells. Mr. 

 Conrad would like aid or commissions from the North, 

 from gentlemen or societies. 



It was voted, that the Curator of Conchology, Mr. Whit- 

 temore, be a committee to correspond with Mr. Conrad, on 

 the part of the Society, upon the subject of his collections. 



February 6, 1856. 



The President in the Chair. 



The Secretary read a letter from Isaac Lea, Esq., of 

 Philadelphia, to the President. 



