IOI4 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



George Otis Mitchell read a paper on Our Moderu Conception of Matter 

 aud Force. 



Aunotincement was made of a recent discovery on Alcatraz Island of a 

 fossil, the existence of which disproves the idea that the San Francisco 

 sandstones are pre-cretaceons. The cast of the fossil was found by Cap- 

 tain A. W. Vogdes and it may be referred to the genus Venericardia, a 

 genus which ranges from the cretaceous to the tertiary formation. This 

 discovery, with that by Major Elliott of an Inoceramus, named by Gabb 

 after its discoverer, clearly indicates that the San Francisco sandstones 

 probably belong to the cretaceous period. 



Louis A. Eobertson read a poem on evolution. 



The committee appointed to draft appropriate resolutions on the dis- 

 missal of Prof. Davidson from the Coast Survey presented its report, 

 which was received and placed on file. 



September 2, 1895. — Stated Meeting. 



The President in the chair. 



Donations to the Museum were reported from L. Belding, Mrs. C. W. 

 Geiser, Henry Helfrich, John M. Curtis and C. E. Hayes. 



Additions to the Library: 



From correspondents 117 



By purchase 299 



By donation 26 



Leverett M. Loomis read a paper entitled "Aerial Voyagers." 

 Amendments to Article III of the Constitution, proposed by the Trus- 

 tees, were read and adopted. 



September 16, 1895.— Stated Meeting. 



The President in the chair. 



Donations to the Museum were reported from Henry Hemphill. 



Additions to the Herbarium: 



216 specimens of Hawaiian plants, presented by the Botanical Club. 



37 specimens from Ojai Valley, Cal., presented by F. W. Hubby. 

 . 75 species from W. G. Wright, in exchange. 



72 specimens from the herbarium of the University of Minnesota, in 

 exchange. 



Prof. William E. Eitter read a paper on the Zoological Station of Naples 

 and what it has done for the promotion of biological science. 



President Harkness reported that the Council had decided to report 



