261 



from which they can be supplied, and even the number of the sheep 

 whose wool is there exposed to view. 



In connexion, with this part of the expose I ask particular attention 

 to this suite of specimens from the Manor of Obermylaw, near Rech- 

 enbach. It will be recollected that the principal objection to the 

 Saxo-merino sheep has heretofore been, that the staple is short, and 

 consequently that the clip must be light ; but these specimens, while 

 they exhibit the maximum fineness, have a staple so long as to ob- 

 viate entirely this objection. This variety of Saxon wool has not, 

 so far as I know and believe, been before brought to this country, nor 

 have the sheep from which it was taken, made their appearance in 

 the United States; but it must be borne in mind, that as they are only 

 a variety of the merino, the American planter and farmer may, by 

 proper care and attention, produce it here, or he may import these 

 very sheep, and by due management preserve the integrity of their 

 fleece. 



Upon the whole, therefore, I submit to you, gentlemen, that his 

 Majesty the king of Saxony has conferred a singular favour upon the 

 United States, in sending hither these specimens, and that he is en- 

 titled to the thanks of all good citizens who take an interest in this 

 important branch of industry. 



I am, gentlemen. 



Your obedient servant, 



P. A. BROWNE. 



Mr. Lea presented a paper " On the Fossil Footmarks of 

 the Red Sandstone, at Pottsville, Pennsylvania," which was 

 referred to a Committee consisting of Dr. Hays, Dr. Leidy, 

 and Dr. Ruschenberger. 



Dr. Leidy called the attention of the members to certain 

 mammalian remains belonging to the Society; — the principal 

 one being an almost entire scull of an animal allied to the 

 Peccary; but of a distinct genus. He also noticed one side of 

 the lower jaw of a fossil tiger, enveloped in oxide of iron, the 

 crowns of the canine and molar teeth being exposed. The 

 proportions of this jaw indicate an animal of greater size than 

 any specimen heretofore described, of the " fossil cave tiger," 

 which was the largest known animal of the genus Felis. For 

 this animal. Dr. Leidy proposes the name of " Felis airoxP 

 VOL. V. — 2 o 



