1891.) Proceedings of Scientific Societies. "593 
. These smaller images must have been the personal or household 
gods which we find so often referred to; while for the public worship 
doubtless a larger idol was set up. 
A thorough exploration of the ‘‘ high places” of Palestine, which 
abound, would no doubt prove of great importance, and add largely 
to our knowledge of the religion and ancient customs of the early 
inhabitants of the land. — HENRY GILLMAN, Jerusalem, Palestine, 
April 16th, 1891. 
The Mika Operation.—The rite known as the Mika Operation, 
performed by the natives of Australia, is supposed by most observers 
to be for the purpose of limiting the population. Mr. R. Ethridge, 
however, agrees with Mr. J. Frazer that the custom is a remnant of a 
forgotten religious ceremony. (Proc. Linnean Society of New South 
Wales, Vol. V., pp. 255-258.) 
PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 
Boston Society of Natural Histary.—April 15th—Dr. R. R. 
Andrews read a paper on “The Development of the Enamel of the 
Teeth,” illustrated by the stereopticon. The annual meeting of the 
society was held on Wednesday evening, May 6th, at 734 o’clock. 
Business: The curator, secretary, and treasurer read their annual 
reports. The directors of the Natural History Gardens and Aquaria 
presented their first report. Officers for 1891~'92 were elected. Dr. 
C.-S. Minot spoke on the ‘‘ Evolution of the Head.” 
May 2oth.—Business: Election of a councillor for one year. Prof. 
DA W. Q. Crosby read a paper on the ‘ Geology of Hingham.” : 
_ G.H. Barton described a ‘ Glacial Pot-Hole at Pearl Hill, Fitchburg, 
Massachusetts.” —J. WALTER FEWKES, Secretary. 
Biological Society of Washington.—May 2.—The following 
~ Communications were read: Dr. Theodore Gill—‘ On the Classifica- 
tion of the Apodal Fishes.” Mr. B. T. Galloway—“ Recent Progress 
in the Study of-Plant Diseases.” Dr. Frank Baker—‘‘ Notes on 
= Dwarfs.” Mr. Charles Hallock—“‘ Distribution of Fishes by Under- 
: 8round Water-Courses.’’ Mr. F. C. Test—‘‘ Notes on the Dentition 
of Desmognathus. ”’ Mr. J. M. Holzinger—" Incentives to Natural 
Histor y Work.” 
