MARIA MITCHELL. 109 



The 2)ossibilities for the observer are the discovery of 

 new satellites if the satellites are thrown from the ring 

 and if the processes continue to go on. 



If, as is supposed, the dusky ring tends toward the 

 ball, do the moons lessen in their time of revolution? 

 Are the processes of throwing off and falling back still 

 going on ? 



Cosmical changes are so slow that we do not expect to 

 meet them in one lifetime. It is the comparison of the 

 records of different ages which shows the order of law. 



A general discussion of subjects suggested by the 

 paper followed, and was participated in by Miss Whit- 

 ney, Professor Dwight, and Doctor Warring. 



Dr. W. G. Stevenson exhibited to the society a speci- 

 men of 



Cyclopterus lumpus — (Linn.) — lump-stoker ; sea-owl. 



[Syn. — Lumpus anglorum (DeKay)]. 



This species is found in the North iVtlantic, and is 

 common on the coasts of America and Europe. 



This specimen is specially interesting, because it was 

 taken in the Hudson River at this city, and is the first 

 reported specimen found in fresh water or inland rivers. 



JANUARY 30, 1884 — TWENTIETH STATED MEETING. 



Prof. W. B. Dwight, chairman, presiding ; twenty-one 

 members and guests present. 

 The following pax^ers were read : 



61 



