ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS 141 



In considering tlae question, Which has been the shifting element, the land 

 or the sea? the evidence indicates a change in the elevation of the land. If 

 the sealevel had varied, one should find some uniformity in terrace levels at 

 particular stages. Such uniformitj^ does not exist. In summing up the con- 

 clusions the writer feels justified in stating that there has been differential 

 uplift of the land in Porto Rico in recent time, with a maximum change of 

 200 feet. 



PRESENTATION OF PAPERS 



After the completion of the symposium^ the hour for adjournment not 

 having arrived, the reading of papers was resumed with the presentation 

 of an interesting account of the great confusion prevailing in the nomen- 

 clature of the Proboscidea. As a result of this paper, it was voted by the 

 Society that the President should appoint a committee to consider the 

 generic nomenclature of the Proboscidea and other groups of mammals 

 and to report its recommendation at the next meeting. Doctor Matthew 

 was appointed chairman of this committee. 



GEXERIC NOMENCLATUBE OF THE PROBOSCIDEA 

 BY W. D. MATTHEW 



(Al)stract) 



The nomenclature of the extinct Proboscidea is in a state of fearful con- 

 fusion. Partial attempts to apply the rules of strict priority have* made matters 

 worse, and a consistent application of the rules will apparently result in setting 

 aside every one of the names in current use, but the proper substitute names 

 would require a whole series of arbitrary or questionable decisions. As it is 

 wholly improbable that such substitute names would be uniformly, or even 

 generallj^ accepted, and as the object of nomenclatorial procedure is to secure 

 uniformity, the writer proposes that certain of the current names be sub- 

 mitted as nomina conservanda to the committee of the International Zoological 

 Congress with the indorsement of the Paleontological Society. 



At 6 p. m. the Society adjourned. 



Tuesday evening the members and invited guests attended the annual 

 dinner of the Society at the University Club. 



Session of Wednesday, January 2 



Wednesday morning, at 10 o^clock, the Society met in general session, 

 with Vice-President Matthew in the chair. 



report of the auditing committee 



The only matter of business on hand was the report of the committee 

 to audit the accounts of the Treasurer. The committee attested to the 



