10 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [oot. 15, 
The paper was as follows: 
New York, Sept. 25th, 1888. 
To the New York Academy of Sciences : 
The undersigned would respectfully announce to the Academy 
that they have further pursued the investigation already reported, 
on the subject of the sonorous sand found on singing beaches 
and deserts, and have determined the true cause of the sonorous 
property to be connected with thin pellicles or films of air, or 
of gases thence derived, deposited and condensed upon the sur- 
face of the sand-grains during gradual evaporation, after 
wetting by the sea, lakes, or rains. By virtue of these films, the 
sand-grains become separated by elastic cushions of condensed 
gases, capable of considerable vibration, whose thickness we 
have approximately determined. he extent of the vibration, 
and the amount and tone of the sound thereby produced, after 
any quick disturbance of the sand, we also find to be largely 
dependent upon the forms, structures, and surfaces of the sand- 
grains, and especially upon their purity or freedom from fine 
silt or dust. 
The conveyance of the silt of rivers and seas, and its deposit, 
we find to be also connected with its support by attached con- 
densed gas films, and with their removal. 
The full statement of our observations and views is reserved 
for a future communication. 
Very respectfully submitted, 
H. CARRINGTON BOLTON, 
ALEXIS A. JULIEN. 
The reading of the paper was then resumed an1 completed by 
Dr. JULIEN. 
Specimens of the sand were then exhibited and tested before 
the audience. A package filled at Rockaway Beach, four years 
before, gave sounds distinctly heard through the room, upon 
being strongly and quickly shaken. A jar of sand, also from 
Rockaway, filled and closed on September 5th, 1883, was opened 
for the first time, and uttered a distinct high note when rnbbed 
between the hands. Dr. Boniton had stated, before testing 
these samples, that it was entirely doubtful whether they had 
