73 



able features of a single dorsal fin, and seven bran- 

 chial apertures. But in JVotidanus the teeth of both 

 jaws are represented as similar in form, and the muz- 

 zle pointed, the existence of spiracles being asserted 

 by the one author and denied by the other. We 

 have also in our fish the tail almost as much elonga- 

 ted as in Alapias. It seems therefore to represent a 

 new generic division, for which we propose the name 

 Notoryschus. — Ayres. 



Dorsal fin single. Branchial apertures seven on 

 each side. Spiracles tivo. JYostrils double, subter- 

 minal. Snout broad, depressed. Tail much elon- 

 gated, with the fin beneath. Teeth in several rows ; 

 those of the lower jaw flattened, arched, serrated ; 

 those of the upper jaw of diverse forms, the middle 

 ones slender, the outer ones approximating those of 

 the lower jaw inform. 



JV. maculatus is apparently not uncommon 

 in the Bay of San Francisco, at certain seasons 

 of the year ; we have not yet the means of ascertain- 

 ing its migrations. It is taken, during the summer, 

 by the Chinese fishermen, at their station below 

 Riucon Point, in no small quantities. But as sharks 

 rank high with them in the scale of edible fishes, we 

 have never been able to obtain from them a complete 

 specimen. We have repeatedly watched their nets 

 as they brought them on shore, but unfortunately at 

 those times none of these fishes were taken, though 

 the remains on the beach showed that numbers had 

 recently been caught. The specimen described is the 

 only complete one yet seen. It was obtained through 

 the kindness of Dr. Lauszweert. It is twenty-three 

 inches in length ; but the remains of those taken by 

 the Chinamen indicate that the species attains a 

 length of at least six or seven feet. The develope- 

 ment of the tail, as well as of the mouth and teeth, 

 render it probable that this shark is one of great ra- 

 pacity and quickness of motion. 



N. B.- -Since the above description was printed, 

 the jaws of a specimen caught in Santa Barbara 

 Channel, were received from Mr. J. M. Alden, of the 

 U. S. schooner Ewing. The fish was 5 ft. in length. 



Sax Francisco, Oct. 15, 1855. 

 1 CoL L. Ransom in the chair. 



Donations to the Cabinet. 



From Dr. J. G Cooper, specimens of recent lignite, 

 and petrified wood, from the tertiary sandstone of 

 the coast of Washington Territory; a cone of Abies 

 Menziesii, "Black Spruce of Oregon ; and specimens 

 of the genera, Patella, Helix, Melania, Littorina. 

 Purpura, Venus. Cytherea, Cardium, Tel/ina, My- 

 tilus. and Anatifu, from Shoalwater Bay. 



Dr. Cooper also exhibited a very interesting series 

 of plants from W. T. 



From Mr. J. Palache, the nest of a Tarantula, and 

 two fossil teeth, from Murphy's, Calaveras Co. 



From Lieut. \V. P. Trowbridge, specimens of the 

 genera Sciurus, JVeotoma, Mus, & Sore.v, and a 

 species ot Hawk, from Astoria, O.T.; he also exhibited 

 a specimen of Aplodontia hporina from Astoria, one 

 of l'/ia/arrocoraa- resplendent from Cape Disappoint- 

 ment, and one of Putorius ermineus from Cape 

 Fhttery. 



From Dr. J. N. Hume, a valuable suite of Mincra- 

 logical and (geological specimens from Wisconsin 

 Hill, Placer Co., and Kureka, Sierra Co. 



Dr. D. H. Storer, of Boston, presented a copy of 

 his History of the Fishes of Massachusetts, so far as 

 yet published. 



San Francisco, Oct. 22, 1855. 



Dr. A. Randall, President, in the chair. 



Mr JamesPalache, ofMurphy's, Calaveras Co., Cal. 

 and Dr. James G. Cooper of New York, weie elected 

 Corresponding Members. 



Donations to the Cabinet. 



From Col L. Ransom, a large number of Geologi- 

 cal and Mineralogical specimens, found chiefly in the 

 vicinity of Monte Diabolo. 



From Dr. J. G. Cooper, a species of Helix from 

 Washington Territory. 



From Dr. Randall, a fine specimen of crystallized 

 Sulphuret of Iron imbedded in Talcose Slate, from a 

 ledge near Placerville, through which a quartz lead 

 passes. 



From Mr. J. F. Pinkham, specimens of crystallized 

 hornblende, found near the highest summit of the 

 Santa Cruz Mts ; also Sulphuret of Lead from near 

 Sanja '"ruz. 



From Mr. McDonald, of the head of Napa Valley, 

 specimens of Travertine and crystallized deposits 

 from the '-Geysers." 



From Judge Bailey, a nest of Hirundo americana 

 with eggs and young, found on a ledge upon the 

 coast of San Francisco Bay. 



From Dr. Lanszweert, a specimen of Pyrocephalus 

 rubineus, Boddaert; also, of Planorbis opercularis. 

 Gould, from San Mateo Creek ; also, of Pollicipes 

 rubra, Leach, from San Francisco Bay. 



Dr. Lanszweert presented the following analysis 

 of a deposit from an artesian well in Santa Clara 

 valley, -'resembling a white efflorescent salt": 



No perceptible odor ; 



Taste saltish. 



Mixed with distilled water, boiled and filtered, 

 chemical reactions show the presence of 



Carbonate of Magnesia 3.742 grains. 



Muriate of Soda 37.240 " 



Carbonate of Soda 12.364 '' 



Sulphate of Lime 7.129 " 



Carbonate of Lime 4.123 " 



Silicia 128 47G " 



Organic detritus 58.02t5 " 



Quantity used . ..250.000 grains. 



San Francisco, Oct. 29. 1855. 

 Col. L. Ransom in the chair. 



Donations to the Cat/tint. 

 From Capt. Worth, geological specimens from 

 Matsmai, (Japan,) also specimens of Wild Cotton, 

 and the prepared fibres of a species of grass, admira- 

 bly adapted to the manufacture of cordage, from the 

 Ladroae Islands. The thanks of the Academy were 

 voted fur the donation. 



