VI PREFACE. 



I'rof. R. E. Call and Mr. H. A. Pilsbry jointly contribute a paper entitled "On 

 /yrg/t/o/sis — a New Genus of Fresh-water Rissoidre, with Descriptions of New 

 Species." Professor Call also contributes an illustrated paper on "Certain Recent 

 and Quaternary Fresh-water Mollusca," and Mr. Pilsbry another on local mollusca. 

 These papers are the results of original research, and add new and important facts 

 to the interesting science of conchology. 



In presenting this sketch of the scientific progress of the Academy, mention 

 should be made of the formation in this city of two chapters of the Agassiz Asso- 

 ciation of America, with the purpose in view of engaging in the study of the nat- 

 ural sciences. This Association is to hold a national convention in this city during 

 the coming summer. Another organization has been established here, known as the 

 "Humboldt Society," which seeks to unite philosophical speculations with scien- 

 tific investigations. All these societies hold their meetings in the Academy build- 

 ing. It is an interesting circumstance that the membership of these organizations 

 is made up wholly of young men and women, largely students in our public schools, 

 and from these sources, in the near future, the Davenport Academy is encouraged 

 to expect valuable additions to its own membership. 



The Publication Committee desires to express its obligations to Mr. C. E. Put- 

 nam for his valuable assistance in preparing the synopsis of proceedings for publica- 

 tion; and also to Mr. C. D. Glass, of the publishing house of Glass & Axtman, for 

 his efficient aid in proof-reading, and for his excellent work in the printing of this 

 volume. 



Davenport, Iowa, March 22, 1886. 



