1869.] ^" [Dubois. 



Our own assays for many years, have proved a deficiency in the French 

 coins, averaging about one thovisandth. 



The apology of the "Moniteur " has no just foundation. Both at this 

 Mint, and at San Francisco, the gold coins are kept close to the mark, 

 scarcely varying the tenth of a thousandth ; as is proved by annual 

 assays, and by foreign reports. British coinage is equally exact. 



This fact affords an argument against the project of International 

 Coinage. If we work to 900, and France to 899 or less, and both pass 

 alike, the difference is against us. 



We have a letter from a gentleman of South Carolina, an extract from 

 which may lead to philosophical reflections, and therefore be in place : 



" Our State, poor as it is, is full of coin. Planters will have nothing to 

 do with securities. They can't spend money on negroes — they have land 

 enough — and so they get gold, and bury it. I know of more than one 

 who has over 30,000 dollars in gold, and of one who has 80,000 dollars. 



"Even the 5 cent nickel is hoarded to an enormous extent. We have 

 sent great quantities into the interior, but in travelling in the country 

 you will never meet with them. I am told they are regarded as of full 

 silver value." 



Herewith is shown to the Society, a specimen of silver ore from the 

 White Pine Region of Nevada, which is now drawing so much attention. 

 This new mining district is in Lander county, in the mountain range, east 

 of the Reese River district. 



This specimen is from the "Black Spider Mine," and is a silicious 

 gangue containing sulphides of copper and antimony, with rich seams of 

 chloride of silver. It came marked "$10,000 per ton," and Mr. Eck- 

 feldt's assay found it to contain half that proportion ; or as we prefer to 

 say in such cases, $2.50 per pound ; inasmuch as such ores are not found 

 by the ton ; and it is desirable to avoid the grandiloquence which favors 

 deception. 



Mr. P. W. Slieafer communicated tlirough the Secretary 

 some boring records from the Anthracite Basins. 



The Committee on the disposal of the Hall reported, and 

 on motion of Dr. Le Conte, the subject was postponed. 



The Publication Committee requested instructions as to the 

 disposal of ninety pages of new matter, with several wood 

 cuts and two more plates inserted by Prof. Cope in the me- 

 moir now going through the press, explaining that the origi- 

 nal estimate of cost would probably cover the expense of the 

 new matter. On motion of Dr. Le Conte the subject was re- 

 ferred to the original Committee. 



Pending nominations, Nos. 622 to 626 were read. 



And the Society was adjourned. 



