242 



the day ; that is, they yielded no light. This partial illumina- 

 tion, however, soon gave place to the most charming diffusion of 

 light along the whole length of the body, and the latter condition 

 was preserved unbroken until the light of day broke the charm, 

 and these fairy little creatures were transformed into mere worms. 

 It is said that the light in the female is most brilliant in the 

 season when the sexes are destined to meet. In some species 

 the light is emitted only during the period for propagation. • 



The Curator of Crustacea and Radiata asked to be 

 excused from the care of the Crustacea, or to have the 

 department divided. He thought there was sufficient 

 labor for two curators, and he could properly take charge 

 of the Radiata only. The subject was referred to a com- 

 mittee, consisting of Messrs. Abbot, Gould, and Whit- 

 temore. 



James H. Slawson, of Houghton, Michigan, was elected 

 a Corresponding Member. 



Messrs. Chas. V. Bemis, M. D., of Medford, and Oliver 

 W. Peabody, of Boston, were elected Resident Members. 



August 5, 1857. 

 Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



A communication was read from the Georgic Associa- 

 tion of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., requesting dona- 

 tions of Publications, Specimens, &c. Referred to the 

 Publishing Committee. 



Mr. W. G. Dix, by invitation, read a paper upon Ecua- 

 dor and its natural productions. 



Dr. Head, of the U. S. Army, exhibited a large Hair- 

 ball, so called, six inches in diameter, taken from the 



