148 Miscellanies^ 



MISCELLANIES. 



DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN. 



1. Abstract of the Proceedings of the JV. York Lyceum of Nat. Hist. 

 (Continued from vol. xix, p. 355 of this Journal.) 

 It maybe proper here to state, that although, owing to circumstan- 

 ces which have threatened the existence of the society, the Lyceum 

 has not published its annals since 1828, nor any abstract of its pro- 

 ceedings since 1830, its members have by no means relaxed from 

 their former exertions for the promotion of Natural History. The 

 Library and collections of the various departments, have been great- 

 ly augmented, as will be seen by the following abstracts. The col- 

 lection of minerals, from private donations and especially that of the 

 valuable cabinet of the late Dr. Mitchill, and from the replacement 

 of inferior by more perfect specimens, has been very greatly aug- 

 mented and improved. Ample matter has been collected for the fu- 

 ture numbers of the Annals, one of which, it is hoped, will soon ap- 

 pear. We may indeed affirm, that the Lyceum was never in a more 

 flourishing condition than at the present time. The rooms, situated 

 at the corner of White and Centre streets, are open daily from 12 

 o'clock until sun-set, where the librarian and keeper will be present 

 to welcome all visitors who are interested in the promotion of natu- 

 ral history. 



Abstract for 1831. 



January. — Dr. Dekay read a paper, entitled "Examination of the 

 facts and arguments by which it is attempted to be proved that Lava 

 has not been subjected to great elevations of temperature." In this 

 memoir, the author, avoiding any decided hypothesis, confines him- 

 self to the examination of the heat of volcanic lava, and endeavors 

 to show that the arguments by which the doctrine of low temperature 

 had been defended, were opposed by numerous facts; at the same 

 time, he explains, on different principles, the few facts by which the 

 idea of low temperature appears to be supported. 



Dr. Dekay read a paper on the propriety of preparing a Natural 

 History Catalogue of the region within thirty miles of the city of 

 New York. The subject was referred to a committee, upon whose 

 recommendation the following gentlemen were appointed to arrange 

 the catalogue. 



