^^ [ASSEMBLT 



M. Frye alluded to the criticisms passed by many of the most 

 respectable public papers upon this elegant work of Mr. Durant. 

 From Noah's Times and Messenger we read the following just 

 remarks : 



" JJ great Work: — Amidst the numerous productions of the" 

 American press, we are som-etimes startled hy a great and unex- 

 pected work, which develops new evidence of American skilly, 

 science and enterprise. Audubon's great work on the ornitholo- 

 gy of our country, surprised all Europe. Wilson's w^ork on the 

 same subject — a most graceful, agreeable and authentic research, 

 ranks among the iirst of our standard' works. We have now 

 another splendid issue in quarto form, published by Putnamy 

 entitled Algse and Corallines of the Bay and Harbor of New- 

 York, illustrated with natural types ; by C. F. Durant. 



" We have seen frequent specimens of corralines from rocks, 

 bays and harbors, beautifully drciwu ; but never before have we 

 met with the originals, in all their natural beauty and delicacy, 

 in a work scientifically illustrated. We have long known Mr, 

 Durant as an enterprising and intelligent citizen, of indomitable 

 perseverance. How he is to be repaid for the co&t we know not. 

 One hundred dollars a volume must be the price, and two hun- 

 dred copies must be sold, before the contingent expenses are 

 paid. But what is that sum to oar numerous wealthy patrons of 

 art and genius." 



Mr. Frye exhibited some alges as sensitive leaves, which being 

 laid on the palm of the hand, curl and move. Also one leaf 

 pressed upon a piece of glass. This specimen is attached by 

 means of its own gluten, which is colorless and perfectly trans- 

 parent. Mr Frye thinks this gluten is of unusual hardness, and 

 well adapted to the uniting of delicate parts of wood, &c. He 

 proposes to test it in the construction of violins, &c. Mr. F. ex- 

 hibited the hind foot of a grisly bear, killed near Sacramento 

 recently, whose weight was eighteen hundred pounds. 



Gail Borden, Jr., of Texas, who receives a council medal from 

 the crystal palace, and a gold medal from the American Institute, 

 requested the Club to try some of his meat biscuit in soup and 



