i^ West American Scientist. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Vienna, Austria, Aiioust 19. 1886. 

 We had here a very hot and dry summer, from which we are 

 only relieved since a few days by rain and cooler weather. M. L. 



Carrizo Springs, Texas, Nov. 13, 1886. 

 I send you by to-day's mail a package of arrow heeds, most of 

 which 1 have picked up since returning- from your country a 

 month ago There are also some bits of gum from the mesquite 

 tree, the principal timber tree of this country. It makes an ex- 

 cellent article of mucilage, for which it is used to some extent 

 here. A. K. Melton. 



Encinitas, Cal., Nov. 18, 1886. 

 I find your little scientific publication quite interesting. Can 

 you not give us an article on the clams of our coast, varieties, 

 habits, where may be found, etc.? Also tell an enquirer what 

 makes the humming sound of the telegraph wire. 



A Reader Who Pays. 



PROCEEDJNGS OE SOCIETIES. 



San Francisco Microscopical Society.— October 16, 1886. 

 The annual reception was noted for the brilliant display of instru- 

 ments and objects by the many enterprising members. 



October 27, 1886. Numerous additions to the library were re- 

 ceived. Anew ' Zeiss' microscope was exhibited bv the president. 



San Diego Society of Natural History. — November, 1886. 

 The annual meeting was made memorable by the donation by 

 Henry Hemphill of 1000 species of shells to the museum. The 

 election of officers occurred wiih the following results: President, 

 G. W. Barnes, M. D.; Vice-President, D. Cleveland; Rec Sec, 

 J. C. Sprigg, Jr.; Cor. Sec. Rosa Smith; Treasurer, Theo. Fint- 

 zelberg ; Curator, C. R. Orcutt ; Librarian, Miss S. Church ; 

 Board of Directors, Dr. G. W Barnes, E. W. Morse, J. G. Cap- 

 ron, D. Cleveland; Geo. Puteibaugh. 



No recent announcement has given more pleasure to the lovers 

 of high and pure literature, than that which promised the early 

 appearance of Scribner's Magazine, an entirely new illustrated 

 monthly. The famous monthly which bore the Scribner's name 

 was a proof of their nice discernment and tact, and that they 

 know exactly how to produce periodicals of the highest standard 

 in letters and art, and at the same time achieve enormous sales. 



