97 



Dr. J. K. Small presented the first paper on the scientific pro- 

 gram, on "Additions to the Flora of Florida." Specimens of 

 the surface soil and subsoil, herbarium and alcoholic specimens, 

 maps and photographs illustrated the paper. 



The second paper was by Dr. J. H. Barnhart, on "The Dating 

 of Botanical Publications." 



Dates of issue of publications have been of more or less inter- 

 est to bibliographers, but modern biological nomenclature, with 

 priority of publication as one of its fundamental principles, has 

 emphasized to a marked degree the importance of determining 

 accurately the exact time when novelties are placed before the 

 scientific public. 



The novice usually accepts without question the date printed 

 on a title-page. Soon, however, he discovers a book with a 

 clear, definite, unmistakable reference to one bearing a later date 

 — perhaps a year or two, possibly many years. Here, then, he 

 has evidence, amounting to convincing proof, that at least one 

 of the books he has been consulting is incorrectly dated ; but he 

 may find it difficult to determine which is wrong, and still more 

 difficult to replace the erroneous date by the correct one. Few 

 even of experienced botanists realize what a large percentage of 

 the literature of our science is labeled with misleading dates. 



The purpose of the paper was to call attention to some of the 

 causes of this state of affairs, to furnish examples of various classes 

 of erroneous dating, and to mention certain precautions the ob- 

 serv^ance of which will reduce the percentage of errors in the 

 citation of dates. 



Many publications were shown to illustrate the paper. 



C. Stuart Gager, 



Secretary. 



April io, 1906 



The meeting of April 10, 1906, was held at the American 

 Museum of Natural History, with President Rusby in the chair. 

 Ten persons were present. 



After the minutes of the previous meeting were read and ap- 

 proved, Dr. Murrill presented a report of progress from the com- 



