Trans. N.Y. Ac. Sci. 102 May 19, 
re-discovered even quite recently. The locality of the rosso antico, 
used in Rome by the Etruscans, before the time of the Romans, was 
still unknown to us. This material was used for a great number of 
purposes, commonly as mouldings, as we now use wood. Another 
unknown locality, though probably in Belgium, was that of the 
black marble, zero antico, of the Egyptians. The Romans scoured 
the world for black marbles. The best collection of specimens of fine 
marbles could now be made, not by going to the marble-quarries but 
to the crumbling monuments of Rome. A collection of a thousand 
specimens, all different, had been made by anarchitect of Rome. No- 
where else now did such a variety exist. 
The white marbles are also now growing into greater favor for many 
purposes. It was exceedingly important that the vast variety of 
building materials now brought into New York City should be thor- 
oughly investigated. 
Mr. ELLIOTT remarked that he had seen some small pieces of 
statuary, made from the Pittsford marble. The material was very 
beautiful and translucent. 
The PRESIDENT observed that really good statuary marble was ex- 
ceedingly rare. For the Pentelican marble of the ancients we have 
yet no substitute. The material of the layer of statuary marble of 
West Rutland was very beautiful but rather tender. At Pittsford, 
also, an exceedingly interesting variety was found, white, strong, and 
of excellent quality. Other varieties of cloudy, blue, dove-colored, 
and banded marbles had been recently discovered, which were very 
beautiful. 
May 19, 1884. 
LECTURE EVENING. 
The President, Dr. J. S. Newberry, in the Chair. 
A large audience occupied the East Hall. 
Prof. H. Carvitt Lewis, of Philadelphia, Pa., delivered a 
lecture, illustrated by drawings and. lantern-views, on the subject of 
THE GLACIAL EPOCH IN NORTH AMERICA. 
May 26, 1884. 
SECTION OF BIOLOGY. 
The President, Dr. J. S. Newperry, in the Chair. 
Sixty-three persons were present, 
