10 



its fertilizing powers, but it is too expensive for general use. The 

 best method at present known for generating it is by skilful com- 

 posting of manures, the different steps of which are detailed in the 

 Report on the Geology and Agriculture of Rhode Island. 



Dr. J. stated that Guano, a remarkable manure, found on the 

 islands near the coast of Peru, had been found by Mr. M. B. Wil- 

 liams to contain the usual amount of organic matters found in fer- 

 tile soils. 



A correspondent of the Journal of Commerce, under date of 

 Valparaiso (South America) April 2, 1842, thus speaks of this 

 article, known as bird lime. 



The Chincha Islands, from which the present exportations are 

 made, bid fair to become more valuable than all the gold and 

 silver mines on the coast, combined. They are said to be in- 

 exhaustible. That is doubtful, however, as the Huano is evi- 

 dently the deposite of the numerous water-fowl of the coast, 

 which has been probably accumulating ever since the flood, as 

 there are no rains, or none sufficient to wash it away, on the coast 

 of Peru. A French gentleman obtained the exclusive privilege of 

 exporting the article about the time I came to the coast, on the 

 payment to the Peruvian Government of $80,000. He introduced 

 it into England as an experiment — and was so successful as to have 

 cleared, it is said, within a few months, about $1,000,000. The 

 Government then interposed, and withdrew from the contract, and 

 entered into a new one with a company of merchants, by which it 

 secured to itself one-third of the profits, after the deduction there- 

 from of all expenses. I understand that it brings, in England, 

 about $120 per ton. It is embarked on board the ships with as 

 much facility, and with as little expense, as if it were sand from 

 the most convenient banks. Specimens of the Huano have recent- 

 ly been forwarded to the United States. 



Dr. Bacon made a report on the descriptions of new Elec- 

 tro-magnetic apparatus referred to him at the last meeting, 

 and exhibited some of the experiments which arc usually 

 performed with it. 



Mr. Bulfinch offered a report on some of the character- 

 istic fossils of the valley of the Ohio, presented to the Soci- 

 ety by Dr. Jarvis of Louisville, consisting of Madrepores, 

 Favosites, Turbinolia, Cyathophylla, &c. Report on file. 



Rev. Dr. Greenwood made a verbal report on the Catalogue 



