14^ SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 



by a nimiber of eloquent editorial extracts, read by him, descriptive of 

 the exceeding excellence and world-wide importance of the congress. 

 Special reference was made to the work of the solar research committee, 

 which is composed of men most eminent in present astronomical investi- 

 gation, and which committee met to determine, among other things, the 

 true length of a wave of light and to build upon this unit a scientific 

 system of measurements. The speaker gave a most interesting account 

 of a great and notable banquet, at which were gathered over seven hun- 

 dred recognized scientists of various portions of the world, and at which 

 some of the most famous men of the world spoke in response xo toasts. 



He also made very complimentary reference to Japan's industry and 

 method of developing the animal life of the ocean, and of her remark- 

 able skill and economy in utilizing for valuable purposes the material 

 which Americans throw away as waste. 



In Mr. Baumgardt's description of the intensely interesting tests 

 being made of the comparative excellencies and efficiency of turbine and 

 gas engines at the fair, he expressed preference for the former in mat- 

 ters of power, economy of use, and readiness of adaptation. 



The meeting of the Section adjourned, conscious of having enjoyed 

 a profitable hour. MELVILLE DOZIEE, Secretary. 



3. Section of Geology. 



Meeting held at the State Normal School Building, November 28, 

 1904. Chairman Geo. W. Parsons introduced the speaker, Prof. W. L. 

 Watts, who gave a very interesting lecture on the Geology and Physical 

 Geography of Southern Mexico. In speaking of the general topography 

 of that country he stated that there are two ranges of Sierra Madre 

 mountains with a broad plateau between them. The central portion of 

 Southern Mexico consists of a network of mountains. Some of the 

 peaks are 17,500 feet above sea level. The Tropic of Cancer crosses the 

 center of that section, and below this the climate is warm, tropical fruit 

 being raised in abundance. The mountains are only in part of sedi- 

 mentary formation, the volcanic rocks covering wide areas. In the 

 more southern portion, wild rubber and cotton trees are abundant. 

 Remains of an old smelter built 100 years ago stand in a locality in 

 Oaxaca where suitable ores for treatment therein are not very evident. 

 Caves occur in northwest Oaxaca, and there are many mines which were 

 formerly worked at a profit. Farther east, near Pueblo, there is a 

 pyramid similar to those in Egypt. Professor Watts visited numerous 

 mines in several states of Mexico. The geology has been 'but little 

 studied, the field for exploration being most enticing. Some coal and oil 

 are found in Cretaceous rocks, but the coal is of poor quality. The City 

 of Mexico is now 'well sewered and healthy. Some Aztec relics in the 

 old temples were also described. 



Chairman Parsons then gave a brief description of what he observed 

 in his recent trip to the City of Mexico. Dr. Theo. B. Comstock also' 

 made a few remarks relating to the great backbone fault sj^stem extend- 

 ing from California, through Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, Professor 

 Watts having previously described its occurrence in Southern Durango. 



Some discussion followed in which ladies took part. 



G. MAJOR TAPER, Secretary. 



4. Section ojf Botany. 



At the meeting of the Botanical Section, held November 15, 1904, 

 Mr. Theodore Payne and Dr. Davidson presented papers on "The Desert 

 Flora of Thermal and Neighborhood." Specimens of the rarer species 

 were exhibited. COLTON RUSSELL, Secretary. 



