SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS. 227 



A paper by W. A. Chapman, of Okolona, Arkansas, entitled "An 

 Ancient Mine in Arkansas," was read and referred to the Publication 

 Committee. 



J. E. Lindsey elected to regular membership. 



July 9, 1886. — Adjourned Meeting. 



Vice-President C. E, Harrison in the chair; eleven members and one 

 visitor present. 



Dr. Parry presented a paper on "Harfordia; A New Genus of Eri- 

 ogonea; from Lower California. " Received and referred to Publica- 

 tion Committee. 



Mr. Fawcett, of the British Museum, being present, was introduced 

 by Dr. Parry and invited to participate in the deliberations of the even- 

 ing. Mr. Fawcett expressed great pleasure in being able to attend a 

 meeting of the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, and espe- 

 cially in hearing the paper of Dr. Parry, which he regarded as a very 

 valuable contribution to botanical knowledge. He then proceeded to 

 give, in response to inquiry, a very interesting sketch of the British 

 Museum — its origin, gradual growth, present dimensions, character of 

 buildings, management, means of support, etc. Mentioned that one 

 special feature of the management was the fostering of special collec- 

 tions in local societies, great attention being given to illustrating local 

 Mora and fauna and local archaeology ; also to forestry. x\ttention had 

 been forced to the latter by the great destruction of forests and conse- 

 quent change of climate in some parts of the British Empire, notably 

 in India, where the Forest Department is very strict and requires that 

 wherever a tree is cut down another shall be planted in its place. 



Mr. Pratt then read a paper on "Aerial Navigation," which was fol- 

 lowed by a general discussion. 



August 10, /886. — Trustees' Meeting. 



President C. E. Putnam in the chair; eight members present. 



Mr. Pratt called the attention of the Trustees to the desirability of 

 prosecuting more actively the work of mound exploration, and, after 

 considerable discussion as to ways and means, a resolution was adopted 

 providing for the appointment of a committee of three to solicit sub- 

 scriptions for the work. Messrs. G. P. McClelland, E. P. Lynch, and 

 James Thompson were appointed such committee. 



On motion, the Treasurer was instructed to reimburse the Curator 

 for expenses connected with his trip to the Marshalltown bed of 

 Crinoids. 



