The Xational Microscopiccd Congress. 6i 



central basin of the Gulf of Mexico having thus van- steep sides, while 

 the western and northern slopes are far more gradual. The north slope 

 oil Cuba is also quite abrupt, while the southern slope of the Florida 

 Reef into the trough of the Gulf Stream is comparatively gentle." 



This letter is accompanied by a preliminan,- report on the 

 Mollusca, obtained during the cruise of the Blake by Mr. W. H. 

 Dall. 



Some of the apparatus used on the Blake is described with 

 the aid of illustrations. Capt. Sigsbee"s water bottle for col- 

 lecting samples of sea water at various depths, is a ver}- inge- 

 nious arrangement, and it has worked well in practice. The 

 improved forms of dredge and trawl are also described. 



The wire rope used for dredging and other purposes has 

 proved ven,' satisfactory, and Prof. Agassiz now recommends it 

 for all future work of this character. 



THE NATIONAL MICROSCOPICAL CONGRESS. 



The first Congress of microscopists ever held m this countrA- 

 met last August, at Indianapolis, Indiana, at which time there 

 were over fifty delegates present. The comparativelv small 

 attendance was, in great part, owing to the slight reductions in 

 fare offered by the railroad companies, and to the delay in issu- 

 ing the final circular by the local committee. Fortv-nine 

 names were registered, however. 



Much interest was manifested by all who attended, and 

 many went with the understanding that there was to be a 

 permanent organization effected. Accordingly, a committee 

 of delegates was appointed to consider the proper course to 

 pursue in this matter, and on the last day of the meeting: a 

 provisional constitution was adopted, and the "American 

 Society of Microscopists " came into existence. How many 

 members of the Congress joined this society we do not know. 

 The meetings are to be held annually at such places as mav 

 be chosen each year ; the next one is to be at Bufi'alo. during 

 August, 1S79. 



The officers of the Society are the following : 



Dr. R. H. Ward, president : Dr. S. W. Dennis and C. M. 

 Vorce, vice-presidents ; Dr. Henry Jameson. Indianapolis, 

 Ind., secretary; and H. F. Atwood, treasurer. These officers. 



