396 



collected by Mr. Samuels, and forwarded by the Smith- 

 sonian Institution, accompanied by a catalogue by Prof. 

 Baird. 



After some remarks by the chairman upon the advan- 

 tages and feasibility of summer excursions into the 

 country and to the seashore, for the study and collection 

 of objects of natural history, it was voted that a com- 

 mittee be appointed to take into consideration the sub- 

 ject of such excursions ; and Messrs. Bouve, Binney, 

 and Brewer were chosen this committee. 



The hour appointed for the choice of a President 

 having arrived, Messrs. Ellis and Binney were appointed 

 a committee to collect and count the votes, and after 

 the first ballot, Professor Jeffries Wyman was declared 

 unanimously elected. 



Prof. Wyman hesitated in accepting the office thus 

 tendered to him, expressing great diffidence in his ability 

 to serve the Society acceptably in the capacity of Presi- 

 dent, at the same time signifying his willingness to 

 promote its welfare in any way that lay in his power. 

 He thought he could do this better in his private 

 capacity than as its presiding officer. 



Several gentlemen having urged in the most emphatic 

 manner the acceptance of the office so cordially oifered 

 him. Prof. Wyman begged the Society would allow him 

 time for consideration on the subject. 



Mr. Benjamin J. Jeffi-ies was elected a Resident 

 Member. 



