FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 39 



delphis), one quite young. When these had been properly examined 

 from a scientific point of view, the proposition was made that the 

 younger one be converted into steaks. A number of pieces were cut 

 from the middle of the back, and in a few moments the most promis- 

 ing of them were broiling in fine style before the fire. When they 

 came upon the table they had the appearance of small tenderloin 

 steaks, such as one may have served up in any well regulated restau- 

 rant, and the best bull ever bred could have no spot in him more 

 tender than were these same small steaks. But the flavor! Some 

 one has said that the odor of a rose is not to be described. So with 

 the flavor of this porpoise. If I say I was reminded of liver, you will 

 cry out that it was coarse ; if I say there seemed to be something in it 

 akin to juicy duck, you will suspect rankness; while if I affirm that 

 there was a suspicion of delicate fish, your thought will be on blubber. 

 But even as in order to know the delicacy of a rose it is necessary to 

 smell one, so if you would know how the flavor of a porpoise steak 

 can combine harmoniously that of a liver, a canvasback and a king- 

 fish, you must eat one. 



There are several morals which might be drawn from this simple 

 and affecting tale, but perhaps the most important are these : (i) Take 

 your steak from a young porpoise and (2) have it properly cooked. 



If all young porpoises are as palatable as this dolphin of the an- 

 cients, it is a pity that so much succulence should waste itself upon 

 the waves, and never a morsel come to relieve our menu. The golden 

 age of gastronomy was long ago, and in that time kings and other 

 great persons looked upon porpoise as a delicacy of delicacies. May 

 we not hope that some day our menus may again be enlivened by 

 some such phrase as " Marsouin ati Connnissaire des Peches" or "Dau- 

 phin brasille aux Esquimeaux du pole arcti'qtte?" 



Washington, June 8. F- W. TrUE. 



The President : Under the instructions of the Executive Com- 

 mittee, the secretary has written to the private secretary of the 

 President to ascertain if it will be convenient for the President 

 to receive the members of the Society to-morrow morning. An 

 answer has not yet been received, but the Society will be in- 

 formed of the result to-morrow morning. 



It was then proposed and carried to let the reading of papers 

 be continued until Wednesay morning. The Society then ad- 

 journed until II A. M. Wednesday. 



