Chemistry and Physics, 895 
made to obtain perfectly preserved specimens of the genus, 
and with such success that the reticulate structure mentioned 
in the original description was found to be formed of a hori- 
spiculz resting on, or one against the other. The spicule 
differ in size; some are filiform while others are stronger and 
more prominent, and all appear to be replaced by pyrite as in 
the Devonian specimens studied by Principal Dawson and Pro- 
fessor Whitfield. Through the kindness of Professor Whit- 
field I have had the opportunity of examining the specimens 
referred to by him, and now have little doubt but that the 
Utica slate form belongs ey the same class, although probably 
differing generically from the Devonian species, — is an earlier 
representative of this interesting group of sponge 
Cyathophycus, reticulatus presents a beautiful appearance mr , 
a large number of specimens are flattened out on a sla 
dark slate. Each individual lays free from its cate and 
the striking resemblance to Huplectella is seen at a glance, 
although the convex summit of the latter genus is absent and 
the margin curves over and downward on the inside to a consid- 
erable distance at least, how far is yet unknown. The cylin- 
drical forms vary in length from 10 to 850, and the spheroidal 
species, C. subsphericus, from 3 to 60™™ in diameter, each species 
preserving the rounded rim of the circular aperture at the 
summit. 
SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 
I. (CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS. 
International Congress of Electricians. (Letter from Pro- 
eesos G. F. Barker, of the United States Delegation, dated Paris, 
Oct. 1st, 1881.) —My duties here as Commissioner, as Del egate, 
and no a member of the Jury, have been, and still are, so 
oe that 1 have been obliged to forego letter writing almost 
ely. I have tried too, to put together some points of interest 
for abet readers of the J ournal, but have thus far been quite unable 
to complete anything. 
The Exhibition as a whole has been a decided success. It has 
2 
Seacishe i 3 Norwegian, 11 Dutch, 5 Danish, and 2 Japanese. Of 
decided’ receive So there are more in the United States section 
