137 



The variety of diatoms thus obtained is very great, opening a 

 vast field for the student in this department of Natural History ; 

 Mr. Samuels thought that fossil echinoderms in this way would 

 yield many interesting fossil forms. The contents of the intes- 

 tines thus far have been composed of about one hsiM foraminiferay 

 the residue of diatoms, spicules and gemmules of sponges, frag- 

 ments of algce, and sand. 



Mr. E. S. Wheeler, of Berlin, Mass., presented the nest, 

 four eggs, and the male and female bird of Henslow's 

 bunting [Ammodromus Henslowi, Aud.), obtained in that 

 town. The birds are not common, but are occasionally 

 heard about meadows, which they frequent ; their num- 

 ber has increased within a few years. The thanks of the 

 Society were voted for this valuable donation. 



The Corresponding Secretary read the following let- 

 ters which he had recently received, viz : — 



From the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, May 3, 1859, and 

 the Geological Society, Dublin, May 31, 1859, acknowledging 

 the receipt of the publications of the Society ; Geological Survey 

 of India, presenting its Memoirs and asking an exchange ; and 

 from Charles M. Tuttle, June 3, and F. V. Hayden, June 8, 

 accepting membership. 



Messrs. Cornelius Cowing and Frank P. Nash, of 

 Boston, were chosen Resident Members. 



Julp 20, 1859. 



The President in the Chair. 



The President gave an account of his recent voyage 

 to the Rio de la Plata and the Uruguay, of his crossing 

 the Pampas and the Andes to Valparaiso, and of his 

 return on the Pacific to Panama. 



