On the Rhus Glabrum and Sambucus Canadensis. 45 



I have examined in a similar manner the juice of the poke- 

 berry, (Phytolacca decandra,) but without the same interesting 

 result. I hope, however, soon to be able to exhibit a method 

 of employing it with advantage in the manufacture of the pig- 

 ment termed lake. 



Note on the Organic Remains, termed Bilobites, from the 

 Catskill Mountains. By J. E. Dekay, M. D. Read Oc- 

 tober 13, 1823. 



The science of Oryctology, which formerly was confined to 

 a bare indication of such fossils, as, from the singularity of 

 their form, attracted the attention of the curious, has now be- 

 come an interesting branch of knowledge. The importance 

 of these medals of nature in aiding the geological inquirer, is 

 obvious. The recent observations of Humboldt* have given 

 additional interest to this subject. He has endeavoured to de- 

 termine, with more precision, the proofs afforded by the pre- 

 sence or absence of certain remains, and by establishing in a 

 more positive manner the value of zoological characters in iden- 

 tifying particular strata, has exhibited in a clearer point of 

 view their utility, as connected with the science of geology. It 

 is not the object of the present communication to examine these 

 interesting connexions, but simply to indicate the existence of 

 several apparently new and undescribed organic relics. 



Among the numerous fossils in the cabinet of the Lyceum, 

 several are labelled under the name of Bilobite. They were 

 collected and presented by our corresponding member, Mr. 

 Pierce, and are said to be found in the Totoway mountain in 

 New-Jersey, and at Cairo in the Catskills. 



* Essai Geognostique sur le Gisspment des Roches dans les deux hemis- 

 pheres. Paris, 1823. 



