the phenomena of alternate generation. (See Journal, vol. 

 vii., part iv.) 



A valuable donation of objects of Natural History, and 

 sj)ecimens of the manufactures of the East Indian and Pacific 

 nations, was presented by the Boston Marine Society. 

 It comprised between fifty and sixty birds, mostly East 

 Indian and African, many of them rare, and new to the So- 

 ciety's collection — jaws, teeth, horns, skulls, reptiles, fishes, 

 shells, and several botanical specimens. Also a large collec- 

 tion of the handicraft of savage and semi-civilized nations — 

 such as models of canoes and junks from China, Malacca, 

 Burmah, the Pacific Islands, and the ISTorth-west Coast ; war 

 clubs and insignia of office ; Malay, African, and Pacific 

 Island cutting weapons, spears, bows and arrows, quivers, 

 and paddles ; native cloth and tanned skins ; head-dresses, 

 and other articles of wearing apparel ; gourds, bags, cups, 

 l^ipes, fans, and ornaments ; a Feejee Island pillow of wood, 

 and miscellaneous articles too numerous to mention. 



The following resolutions were adopted : — 



Resolved, That the thanks of the Boston Society of Natural History 

 be given to the Boston Marine Society for the very valuable collec- 

 tion of birds, and other objects of Natural History, articles of East 

 India manufacture, &c., presented January 15, 1862. 



Resolved, That the Members of the Boston Marine Society be in- 

 vited to visit the rooms of the Boston Society of Natural History, in 

 the present, or new building, whenever it may suit their convenience. 



Resolved, That the Boston Marine Society are entitled to the 

 thanks of this Society, and of the community, for their efforts to pro- 

 cure, through the instrumentality of their organization, objects of 

 natural science and curious specimens of human art from all parts of 

 the world, and that they be earnestly requested to continue these 

 efforts, in all the commercial enterprises in which they may be inter- 

 ested, — that Boston may be second to no other city in the country 

 for its collection of objects of nature and art, gratuitously opened to 

 public inspection. 



Messrs. Philip R. Uhler, of Baltimore, and Joseph A. Clay, 

 of Philadelphia, were elected Corresponding Members. 



