SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 95 
After the lecture opportunity was given for all to examine a goodly 
number of skulls illustrating craniology and dentition of various 
mammals, 
On motion the meeting adjourned. 
Cc. A. WHITING, Secretary. 
2. Section of Astronomy. 
At the regular monthly meeting of the Astronomical Section, held 
May loth, 1905, Chairman Knight presided. 
The exercises of the evening, though not the result of a regularly 
devised program, were of interest and profit. Myr. Knight, as usual, 
presented a number of facts of current interest on astronomical ques- 
tions, especially such as were associated with the planet Mars, now at 
its most favorable position fer observation, being in opposition. He 
also gave some valuable information touching the structure and far 
reaching importance of the great solar telescope now being erected on 
Mount Wilson, and its bearing upon future investigation of the many 
problems connected with the central orb of our system. Mr. Knight’s 
remarks called attention to the comparative merits of reflecting anl 
refracting telescopes, which suggested the importance of knowing some 
of the fundamental principles of reflection and refraction. 
Mr. Dozier took up this phase of the subject and, by blackboard 
illustrations, made clear the theory of light motion through media of 
different densities. 
A ballot was then taken for the election of officers for the ensuing 
year, resulting in the re-election of the Chairman and Secretary who had 
served during the past year. 
MELVILLE DOZIER, Secretary. 
3. Section of Geology. 
May 22, 1905. 
The Geological Section met at the State Normal School Building at 
8 p. m. Chairman Geo. W. Parsons gave an interesting talk on the 
necessity of obtaining good roads, water and sign posts on the desert 
for the benefit of the mining districts. 
Remarks were made and the proposition was discussed by Professor 
Melville Dozier, Professor Chamberlin and Mr. G. Major Taber. 
The meeting then elected the following officers for the ensuing year: 
George W. Parsons, Chairman; G. Major Taber, Secretary. 
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. 
G. MAJOR TABER, Seeretary. 
4, Section of Botany. 
The Botanical Section met at the Wilcox Building May 25. 
Mr. Campbell-Johnston gave a history of the growth of the Santa 
Monica Experiment Station and a resume of the work that has been 
carried on there since it was first planted in 1888. 
Description was given of the various eucalyptus trees growing 
there. Their suitability to different conditions was discussed. 
The meeting then proceeded to the election of officers for the sue- 
ceeding term. A. Davidson, M. D., was re-elected chairman, and Theo- 
dore Payne, was elected secretary. 
C. RUSSELL, Secretary. 
