246 DAVKNPORT ACADKMY OF NATURAI, SCIENCES. 



The Curator called attention to some interesting peculiarities in sev- 

 eral of the Flathead skulls from the Arkansas mounds received during 

 the past month. In one of them is found a large "Inca bone," formed 

 by the presence of a horizontal occipital suture in addition to those 

 usually present; and in another the ear openings are nearly closed by 

 the hones growing into them. He also exhibited a number of "ossicles," 

 minute bones of the internal structure of the ear, which had been ex- 

 tracted in cleaning out the earth which filled the cavities. 



The "honey-dew," which has been observed in such remarkable pro- 

 fusion this year, and the various opinions regarding the origin and 

 nature of the substance, came up for discussion. The observations of 

 several members strongly supported the theory that it is produced by 

 the "bark-louse," Pulvinaria itinumerahilis, these insects being present 

 in unprecedented numbers.* 



Jime 28, 1884. — Regular Meeting. 



President Fulton in the chair; six members present. 

 Reports of officers were presented. 

 Mr. M. M. Knapp was elected to regular membership. 

 Donations were reported from Mrs. Col. Latham, Mrs. A. C Willis, 

 Rev. J. Gass, and Capt. W. P. Hall. 



August 2g, 1884. — Regular Meetinc;. 



President Fulton in the chair; seven members present. 



Attention was called to an article by Henry W. Henshaw, published 

 in the second annual report of the Bureau of Ethnology, entitled 

 "Animal Carvings from Mounds in the Mississippi Valley," wherein the 

 authenticity of the inscribed tablets and elephant pipes is assailed, 

 and the honesty of the discoverers called in question. After consider- 

 able discussion, the jjaper of Mr. Henshaw was referred to a special 

 committee, consisting of H. C. Fulton, Dr. C. H. Preston, and James 

 Thompson, to consider the same and report thereon. 



The Academy then adjourned to meet on Saturday evening, August 

 30th, for the reception of Prof WiUiam H. Holmes, of Washington, I). 

 C, who was in the city and desired to select specimens of our pottery 

 for illustration. 



*This conclusion was reached, after an elaborate discussion, by the late J. Duncan 

 Putnam, in a paper upon "Pulvinaria Innumerabilis," |)ul)lishetl in the Proceedings, 

 Vol. II., p. 325. 



