190 Miscellanies. 
The new chemical elementary substance, named Kreosote, re- 
markable for its antiseptic and solvent properties, was presented to 
the Lyceum by Dr. Feuchtwanger, who explained its origin and 
qualities. 
Sept. 29.—Some very large and beautiful specimens (principally 
crystallized) of carbonate of lime, quartz, pearl-spar, amethyst, &c. 
and lava, from different parts of Mexico, were presented by Mr. J. 
Ehlers of Zacatecas. 
Oct. 20.—Mr. Cooper presented a collection of the eggs of birds, 
breeding in this vicinity, with the nests of such as build nests. Also 
eggs of various species of Tortoises ; also a collection of Echinida, 
_ sixty five in number, comprising many different Genera and species, 
two of which he obtained in the waters of New York; also an ex- 
tensive series of corallines, asterie, and comatule, from various coun- 
tries, mostly named; also a collection of various shells, and other 
marine productions, fossils, &c.; and eighteen jars and bottles con- 
taining various quadrupeds and reptiles from this vicinity, preserved 
in spirits. 
Dr. Jay presented a Jarge fossil Pyrula from Florida, and several 
beautiful Echini, among which are two specimens of the singular Eehi- 
nus atratus from Sumatra. . 
Dr. Swift presented ripe capsules of Sesasum orientale, the Benne 
plant; the seeds were sown early in June, and the plants destroyed 
by frost on the night of Sept. 29th. 
J. W. Cooper deposited with the Lyceum a collection of about 
one hundred species of rare birds of our vicinity, well prepared and 
preserved in seven cases. 
Oct. 27.—The President laid before the Society, an order from 
the widow of the late Col. Gibbs, for the large mass of meteoric iron 
deposited with the Lyceum, by that gentleman about fourteen years 
- ago, which was accordingly ordered to be given up to Mr. C. 
Nov. 10.—Mr. Cooper offered a specimen of Pecten concentti- 
cus, from our waters, to which were adhering various individuals of 
Anomia Ephippium, Crepidula convexa and plana, all of which, 
from this circumstance had acquired the ribbed surface and scallop- 
ed edge of the Pecten. Such shells becoming detached, have give? 
rise to the establishment of supposed new species. 
The President, having announced the decease of the distinguished 
Naturalist, Thos. Say ; it was Resolved, That the Members of the 
