Brewer.] 248 [January 20, 



midst of his transcendent usefulness, can only be received as 

 one of those inscrutable deprivations which, while we must 

 accept them in humble faith, we cannot but deplore. 



While we mourn the loss sustained ahke by science and 

 by friendship in his early death, let us who are still 

 among the living not lose sight of the great lessons tnught 

 by his valuable hfe. We can now see what may be accom- 

 plished by one man of true science in a brief lifetime. That 

 noble collection in Philadelphia derives its unapproached 

 value from its perfect arrangement and classification, the 

 results of his unwearied diligence and unequalled knowledge. 

 Let us receive with grateful memories the example taught 

 us in his private life, and ever cherish the virtues of kind- 

 ness, friendship and justice, that so adorned his character. 

 It should ever be the especial aim of all who study the 

 works of nature not to forget to emulate also these attributes 

 of their divine Author. 



"Naturalists of all climes should work out their mission in 

 harmony and fellowship. It is often not so, — would that all 

 like Hartlaub cultivated and understood, as well as science, 

 kindness, friendship, justice." May these noble sentiments, 

 the closing words of Mr. Cassin's greatest work, and which 

 so well set forth the moral standard of his own life, become 

 the motto of every true lover of nature, and student of 

 science ! 



On behalf of the author, the Secretary read the following 

 additional notes as an appendix to Mr. J. A. Allen's paper on 

 the Reptiles and Batrachians of Massachusetts, presented at 

 the meeting of December 2, 1868. 



Sphargis coriacea Merr. Mr. E. S. Morse of the Peabody 

 Academy of Science, informs me that a specimen of this species was 

 captured near Portland, Me., in 1866. The specimen, which was 

 of very larg« size, was examined and carefully drawn by Mr. Morse. 



