JUNE 7, 1901.] 
eatalog cards, each devoted to a single 
species, appears as a desirable method of 
putting such data into accessible form and 
keeping them in shape for frequent emenda- 
tion or addition. 
- Third, in the interest of a complete 
knowledge of the distribution of fresh-water 
organisms, the Commission plans the keep- 
ing of careful faunal records. It is proposed 
to appoint one or two investigators for each 
group, who shall undertake to enter and 
collate all faunal records of this group 
which may be sent them and conversely to 
furnish workers with information concern- 
ing the distribution of such organisms. 
This plan will ultimately yield data for 
the discussion of the geographical distribu- 
tion of fresh-water genera and species. It 
will also enable the elimination of such 
data as are common, leaving for publication 
by the student those facts which are im- 
portant for one reason or another. 
Fourth, the Commission is of the opinion 
that an occasional summary of progress in 
the field of limnology will serve to keep 
students in touch with the subject by giv- 
ing them knowledge of the work of the 
world in general. This is that subdivision 
of the field which stands first in the out- 
line given above. It has been covered suf- 
ficiently for the present by the summary 
and review printed in the Zransactions of 
the American Microscopical Society, Vol. XX., 
bringing the subject up to January, 1899. 
Fifth, the Commission would most 
strongly advise that individual work should 
be limited to a single body of water or to a 
definite problem studied with reference to 
a series of such water bodies. The results 
will be most useful for all purposes when 
they bear upon the thorough treatment of 
a single phase of the subject rather than 
more indefinitely upon a wider field. 
There is naturally involved in the effort 
to carry out such plans as have been out- 
lined some expenditure of money, even if 
SCIENCE. 
899 
the services of various investigators are 
freely and gratuitously placed at the dis- 
posal of the Commission. Accordingly, an 
appeal is made herewith to the generosity 
of those interested in the movement and in 
the development of biological study in our 
country for contributions, large or small,: 
for the prosecution of this work. 
In conclusion, all students interested in 
this subject are invited to participate in 
the work. Itis by general and generous 
cooperation that success will be attained. 
The student who is working alone cannot 
advance far, unless brought in touch with 
others in the same field. It may be noted 
that the opportunity is peculiarly advan- 
tageous for those teachers in smaller col- 
leges who can make use of a corps, even of 
untrained assistants, in the collection of 
various datat We feel it a-privilege to in- 
vite kindly criticism of this report and sug- 
gestions as to the best means for carrying 
out the aims in view and for securing the 
cooperation of the largest number of work- 
ers. : 
(Signed ) A. E. Biren, Chairman. 
C..H. EreenMAnn, 
~ CC. A. Kororp, 
G. C. WHIPPLE, 
H. B. Warp, Secretary. 
NORTH CAROLINA SECTION OF THE AMER- 
ICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. 
Tue regular meeting of the North Caro- 
lina Section of the American Chemical So- 
ciety was held in the State chemist’s ‘office, 
Agricultural Building, Raleigh, on April 
27, 1901, at 11 A. M., with Professor Kil- 
gore inthe chair. Twenty-seven members 
and visitors were present. 
The annual election of officers for the 
ensuing year were: 
W.A. Withers, President ; W, J. Martin, 
Jr., Vice-President ; C. B. Williams, Secre- 
tary-Treasurer ; Charles Baskerville, Repre- 
sentative in Council of the American Chem- 
