Ill 



sage of the spinal marrow, in the vertebrce, is exceedingly small, an 

 unaccountable feature in a skeleton, which in all other respects, de- 

 monstrates great physical strength as one of its most remarkable 

 characteristics. 



The portion of sternum belonged most probably to the largest of 

 the three individuals; the animal being apparently less than the 

 Megatherium and larger than the Megaton yx. 



Dr. Harlan proposes to name this animal "Orycterotherium 

 Missouriense." 



Professor Henry, of Princeton, gave a verbal account of a 

 series of experiments he had made on Magnetic Distribution, 

 and which he intended to present as the fifth number of his 

 contributions. A full account of these experiments will be 

 given hereafter. 



Professor Henry also gave an account of some observations 

 he had made on the effects of a thunder storm which visited 

 Princeton on the evening of the 14th of July, 1841. 



Storms of this kind, he said, are not very frequent at Princeton : 

 but two severe ones have passed immediately over the place within the 

 last nine years, and the lightning has struck but twice in the village, 

 during the same time. It is thought by some of the inhabitants, that 

 damage by lightning was more frequent some years ago than it has 

 been lately ; and the idea has been suggested that the water of the 

 canal, which passes to the south of this place, may have had some 

 effect in determining the course of the cloud. Be this as it may; the 

 thunder storm generally comes from the south-west, and before it 

 reaches the village it usually divides into two parts, one of which 

 passes along the edge of Rocky Hill, and the other along the valley 

 of Stonybrook, so that the principal part of the storm seldom passes 

 immediately over the village; and when it does thus pass it is general- 

 ly at a great elevation, and the thunder is not so loud as that which 

 the observer has been in the habit of hearing at the north. In connection 

 with this remark, Prof. Henry mentioned, that he has several times 

 observed the lightning assume a beautiful violet colour, similar to that 

 of the vapour of iodine, and this was particularly the case during a 

 storm which occurred on the 12th of April, 1840. On this occasion, 

 although the cloud and the flashes appeared directly over head, yet 

 the sound of the thunder seemed to come from a distance. The pe- 

 culiar colour may, perhaps, receive a sufficient explanation, by refer- 



