118 MlNUTfiS 05" MfeETllJGS. 



livid purple, and the other a rich lemon yellow, the latter 

 must be either a diil'erent species or variety. The former 

 is said to be the only species which will ripen its fruit in a 

 green-house — hence I infer that my specimen is a mere 

 variety. 



Cleveland, November 21, 1856. 



The Academy met pursuant to adjournment, and in the 

 absence of President Kirtland, Dr. Atkinson occujjied the 

 chair. 



Mr. Palmar exhibited a collection of Saurians, including 

 specimens of the egg, young and teeth of the adult Cayman 

 or South American Alligator. Also, a large collection of 

 fishes — among them, a specimen of the Dorado, with jaws 

 and teeth of the adult. This animal I'eeds principally upon 

 the flying fish, so abundant in the tropical seas. There 

 were also two species of cartilaginous fishes, allied to the 

 sturgeon, (Acipenser,) having large plate-like scales, 

 spined at the extremity, the head covered with a solid 

 plate, extending beyond the pectoral fins, the latter armed 

 with a thick and heavy bony spine, articulated at its base; 

 the first spine of the dorsal fin being similarly armed. 

 The animals have a strong general resemblance to the 

 Ptericythys of the old red sandstone, but are, of course, 

 widely separated from them. Mr. Palmer read a very 

 interesting paper upon the habits of several of these lizards 

 and fishes, and their distribution in Paraguay. 



After observations by several members, the meeting 

 adjourned until Friday evening, December 12. ^ 



John Kirkpatrick, Sechj pro tern. 



Cleveland, November 28, 1856. 



On Friday evening, 28th inst., a very interesting meeting 

 of the Academy of Science was held in the Cleveland 

 Medical College, Dr. T. Garlick occupying the chair. 



