ga Proceedings of Scientific Societies. [June, 
ground puppies, to include the large hell-bender of the western 
waters; the mud pup or water-lizard of the northern lakes, or 
Menobranchus; the congo eel or ground puppy (Siren and Amphi- ` 
uma) of the southern rice-fields, etc., as well as the smaller kinds 
found in damp places under stones and logs. A series of the 
frogs will also be acceptable. 
All these animals should be suitably boxed and transmitted, as 
far as possible, alive; or, if dead, packed in ice, so as to insure 
their coming in good condition. The serpents require no special 
precautions in the way of packing; if of nearly the same size 
several may be sent together. If the disproportion be very great, 
there is, however, danger that the larger may devour the smaller. 
No rattlesnakes, copperheads or moccasins should be transmitted. 
The turtles should be wrapped or sewed up in some kind of cloth, 
so as to prevent friction. They should not be sent loose with the 
softer objects. Serpents require no moisture; frogs and salaman- 
ders should be packed with wet moss. Among the turtles should 
be included the soft-shell species, the true terrapins, the land tor- 
toises, etc. Single specimens of any living reptiles, as well as 
larger numbers, including duplicates, will always be gladly re- 
ceived, and due acknowledgment made for the same. The largest 
procurable representatives of each species is desirable. Trans- 
missions may be made by any express company, freight to be 
paid in Washington. Address the Smithsonian Institution. 
— Prof. Semper during his late visit to the United States gave 
us the following recipe for a writing fluid for labels for 
alcoholic specimens. Use India ink dissolved in strong acetic 
acid; write and let it dry. It will stand for years. 
PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 
APPALACHIAN Mountain Crus, Bosron.—March 13. Prof. 
Edward S. Morse gave an account of a mountain excursion in 
Japan, adding incidentally much information in regard to the 
manners and customs of the people of that country. The recital 
was listened to with close attention, and Prof. Morse then 
answered many questions propounded by those present. A re- 
cess was taken to permit the club to reorganize as an incorporated 
body. Prof. Niles was chosen temporary clerk, and the necessary 
steps were taken to perfect the organization upon its new basis. 
A series of by-laws was adopted, differing in no essential sense 
from the old constitution, and the old board Of officers were re- 
elected without change. 
