110 



and value to Mineralogists and Geologists, particularly in this 

 country. 



Dr. Gould remarked briefly on a late publication, by Pro- 

 fessor Gray, of the Scientific Correspondence of Cadwalla- 

 der Colden, with Gronovius, Collinson, Linnaeus and others. 



Dr. Wyman exhibited the anal pouches of the skunk, 

 {Mephitis Americana,) in which is secreted the offensive 

 fluid which the animal ejects as a means of defence. 



They consist of two glandular sacs of an oval shape, about three 

 quarters of an inch in diameter, covered with a muscular envelope, 

 and opening into the rectum, quite near to the anus, by two papillae. 

 These last, when not protruded, are surrounded by a fold of mucous 

 membrane, and very nearly concealed by it. The fluid is ejected 

 by the contractions of the muscular covering. A small band passes 

 from each sac to the ischium, which rotates these bodies on them- 

 selves, and serves to bring their orifices to the anus. The fluid is 

 a peculiar secretion like that of the Civet, and not the urine, as is 

 commonly thought. The common opinion, that the animal scat- 

 ters it with its tail is erroneous. The fluid is limited in quantity ; 

 and, having been discharged, the animal is harmless until the sacs 

 are again filled by gradual secretion. 



Dr. C. T. Jackson read a detailed notice of pamphlets 

 sent to the Society by M. Elie de Beaumont, containing his 

 instructions to the Geologists of the French Voyage of Dis- 

 covery in the North of Europe, and an Abstract of the Re- 

 sults of the Expedition. He also remarked upon a pamph- 

 let entitled, " Remarks on the Anthracites of the Alps by 

 Alphonse Favre, Jan. 21, 1841." 



ADDITIONS TO THE CAEINET. 



A letter was read from Dr. F. W. Cragin, dated Paramaribo, 

 February 3, 1843, announcing his having sent to the Society 12 

 jars of reptiles and other specimens. 



On motion of Dr. Binney, the thanks of the Society were voted 

 to Dr. Cragin for this renewed instance of his friendliness and libe- 

 rality. The articles sent were committed to Drs. J. Wyman, 



