1878. | Scientific News. 413 
as they please. Objects : Natural History, Health and Scenery. 
Full instructions in Field Geology, Zoology, Botany. The two 
previous trips have been eminently successful, forty species of 
animals new to science having been obtained. For account of the 
last see Harper's Magazine for March. Tuition, $15.00. Board, 
$1.00 per day (average). Total expenses about $70. Eastern 
students join at Morristown. Address, Prof. D. S. Jordan, A. W. 
Brayton, C. H. Gilbert, Directors, Irvington, Ind. 
— Judging by its bulletin for 1877 the Minnesota Academy 
of Natural Sciences is in a very flourishing state. Following the 
address of the President, Hon. R. J. Baldwin, is an essay on the 
Mycological. flora of Minnesota, by Dr. A. E. Johnson, compris- 
ing 100 pages; a report on ornithology, by P. L. Hatch, M.D.; 
an article on Tornadoes and Cyclones, by Gen. T. L. Rosser, and 
the report of the Curator, A. F. Elliott. 
— Prof. C. V. Riley, chief of the U. S. Entomological Com- 
mission has been appointed Entomologist to the Department of 
_Agriculture. The fitness of the selection is manifest, and new 
energy and scientific activity will be infused into this important 
branch of applied science. 
— Arrivals at the Philadelphia Zodlogical Garden: 1 ruffed 
grouse (Bonasa umbellus), purchased ; 8 garter snakes eee sir- 
talis); 2 water snakes (77 vopidonotus sipedon), presented ; om- 
mon bitem (Botaurus minor), presented; 1 red fox (Pubes ful- 
vus), presented ; I rufous rat-kangaroo (Hypsipr ymnus rufescens), 
born in the Garden ; 1 gray fox (Vulpes virginianus), presented ; 
2 horned toads (Ehrynosoma cornutum), presented; I cat bir 
(Mimus carolinensis); 1 robin (Turdus migratorius); 1 kingfisher 
(Ceryle alcyon), presented ; I p -billed Grebe (Podilymbus podi- 
ceps), purchased; 1 pinche monkey (Midas ædipus), presented ; 
giganteus), born in the Garden; 2 S Celt Sa ial ae 
niger), purchased.—Arthur E. Brown, Gard. S 
— The Smithsonian Institution is at oe engaged in the 
preparation, for exhibition in the National Museum, of a series 
of plaster casts of American reptiles taken from the living or re- 
cently dead specimens, and carefully colored from nature. 
this Pe Ses it respectfully invites contributions of the following 
objec 
ira Specimens of any of the turtles and terrapins found in 
your vicinity, with information as to whether the collection em- 
braces all the species known; and, if not, whether others may be 
looked for hereafter 
Second. The largest pooma specimens of serpents, with the _ 
exception of the poisonous kinds (such as rattlesnakes, copper- 
heads, and moccasins), in reference to the transmission of which, 
further and special correspondence is requeste 2 
Third. The various kinds of salamanders, “water-lizards, or 
