IO 
fourteen inches. The rock contains a large amount of organic 
matter, and has a distinct petroleum odor when first broken. 
When by means of chisels driven into the upper seam, a 
slab is raised, the Goniatites appear on the lower side of the 
raised portion. The fossil can rarely be obtained free from the 
rock, because the upper side of the shell is usually broken, having 
been more exposed than the lower which was imbedded in the 
soft sea bottom. 
Several varieties of goniatites, orthoceras, gomphoceras, and 
evroceras, together with other genera contained in the formation 
were described. 
JUNE 18, 1897. 
TWELFTH REGULAR MEETING. 
The president, CHARLES W. Harcirv, in the chair. 
About thirty persons present. ; 
For the geological section Prof. J. D. Wilson reported that 
meetings were being held regularly the first Friday of each 
month, at which time papers are read and reports on local work 
given. 
For the botanical section Mrs. L. L. Goodrich reported that 
a herbarium is being prepared for the academy. Two new plants 
have been discovered, one of which, a violet, is new to the state. 
For the zoological section Mr. H. W. Britcher reported that 
our local insects and reptiles are being classified at present. Also 
that classified lists of shells and birds are being made in those 
departments. 
SEPTEMBER 17, 1897. 
THIRTEENTH REGULAR MEETING. 
The president, Dr. C. W. Harcirv, in the chair. 
Twenty-five persons present. 
