328 General Notes. [ May, 
The centrum is represented by a cortical ossification of the 
chorda dorsalis on each side, while a large crescent-shaped ossifi- 
cation of the sheath alternates with the neural arches on the 
inferior side. This body is called the zztercentrum by Prof. Cope. 
The basioccipital and parasphenoid bones are ossified, and the 
former bears a cup-shaped articulation for the first vertebra, and is 
fissured for the chorda. The only species is the 7: insignis. 
The other genus is Rhachitomus. Here the centrum is replaced 
by the large intercentrum, and the neurapophyses bear part of the 
the ossification of the intercentra. The typical species was 
probably larger than the Æmpedocles alatus, and has been named 
Rhachitomus valens. 
More than twenty species of this fauna have been determined 
by Prof. Cope, and mostly described in a paper read before the 
American Philosophical Society on March 5th. 
GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVELS. 
THE GEOGRAPHICAL WORK OF THE YEAR.—In his annual presi- 
dential address before the American Geographical Society, Feb. 
27th, Judge Daly, reviewed the geographical work of the year. 
He first drew attention to the confirmation by the English Arctic 
Expedition of the discovery by Dr. E. Bessels of the junction of 
two important tides in the larger part of Smith’s Sound, creating 
the impression that a new type of tide has been ascertained, oc- 
curring every eight hours. After detailing Dr. Schliemann’s dis- 
coveries, and the different national surveys, he alluded at some 
length to the topographical survey of New York. In pursuance 
of the recommendation of the society, an act was passed and an 
appropriation of $20,000 was voted fòr beginning the work. The 
general secretary of the society, James T. Gardner, was appointed 
director, and the work has now been in progress two years under 
his charge. The triangulation has been carried through the east- 
ern-central part of the State, extending from the Hudson river to 
Utica, over an area of about 3,000 squaré miles, including parts 
of eleven counties. The work is of the highest order of accuracy. 
Every city, village and hamlet is thus located with absolute pre- 
cision. A map has just been published, accompanying the report 
of the director. A comparison of this with the former maps 
shows that on the old map of this part of the State, the cities and 
villages are often misplaced more than a mile. The survey has 
not found a single town where it was represented to be on the old 
maps. During the coming season, the triangulation would be ex- 
tended across the entire State. 
Lieutenant Wyse, of the French navy, who conducted the oe 
_ pedition for ascertaining a route for a canal across the Isthmus 0f 
-= Darien, completed his reconnoissance during the year and has 
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