94 



due mainly to the fact that we have in this region a mingling of 

 the typical Californian species with those of the Northwest. 



Nearly all of the local species are confined to the coastal 

 region. Some of these, such as Phms Torreyana, Abies veniista 

 and Ciiprcssiis macrocarpa are extremely local. This peculiar 

 distribution along the coast is of great interest and suggests a 

 field for investigation which is full of possibilities. Mr. Abrams 

 was of the opinion that present climatic conditions together with 

 the broken and unconnected mountains were no doubt largely 

 responsible for the present status of distribution. He suggested 

 that the great changes in land areas to which this region has 

 been subjected during very recent geological time must have had 

 much to do with shaping the destiny of the flora. 



Edward W, Berry, 



Secretary. 

 Tuesday, April ii, 1905 



The meeting was held at the American Museum of Natural 

 History, President Rusby in the chair and twenty-two additional 

 members present. Miss Mary Price and Dr. Grace E. Cooley, 

 both of the Newark High School, were elected to membership. 

 The paper of the evening was on "Some Edible Seaweeds" by 

 Professor H. M. Richards. 



After reference to the indirect importance of plankton organ- 

 isms as a source of food for animal life in the sea, the speaker 

 referred to those forms of algae which are used directly by man 

 as food-stuffs. They were grouped roughly under four heads : 

 blue-green, grass-green, brown, and red algae. 



In the first group, specimens were shown of a form, which is 

 according to good authority Nostoc couiniune jJagellifornic . This 

 becomes highly gelatinous when soaked in warm water and is 

 used as a thickening or sauce. It is much prized by the Chinese. 

 A Japanese form, " Su-zen-ji-nori," of more doubtful nature, but 

 probably an AplianotJicce, was also shown. 



Among the grass-green forms, mention was made of various 

 species of Ulva and EnterovwrpJia, which in dried form go under 

 the name of " laver " in the liritish isles and " ao-nori " among 

 the Japanese, Among the brown forms, only one of the Fucaceae 



