when removed from the •• struggle for existence" against more 

 hardy rivals. 



Mr. Riley said that the interesting facts cited seemed to point 

 to a common origin in the past for the oak and chestnut. 



Dr. Engelmann remarked that the oak and chestnut of the 

 Tertiaiy appear to be as distinct as they are to-day. 



Afril 3, 1876. 



Chas. V. Riley, President, in the chair. 



Thirteen members present. 



Prof. Potter, chairman of the Committee on Mound Explora- 

 tion, made a partial report, as follows : 



The committee have examined and made a survey of five groups of 

 mounds. Two hundred specimens of pottery have been obtained, of which 

 one hundred and twenty-six are quite perfect, the remaining specimens 

 being in a fair condition, and may be wholly or in part restored. The col- 

 lection also embraces the skulls of twenty individuals, of which number 

 one is complete, seven nearly so, the remaining twelve being in fragments 

 of sufficient size to be of value. They have also obtained the leg and arm 

 bones, and in some cases the vertebrae and other small bones, representing 

 twelve individuals. 



The committee have expended for labor, transportation, etc., the sum 

 of $88, an amount which exceeds the appropriation granted by the Acade- 

 my by the sum of $28.05. 



On motion of Judge Holmes, tiie thanks of the Academy were 

 tendered the committee, and an appropriation of $28.05 was voted 

 to cover the deficiency. 



On motion of Dr. Briggs, a further appropriation of $50 was 

 placed at the disposal of the committee for the purpose of con- 

 tinuing the examination of mounds. 



The Corresponding Secretary made his usual report. 



A letter from Di". John J. R. Patrick, of Belleville, Ills., was 

 read, acknowledging his election as Corresponding Member. 



Several numbers of Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy 

 were placed before the Academy, with vol. i. of the Geological 

 Record, by Wm. Whitaker, being a catalogue of geological pub- 

 lications for the year 1874. 



