1138 Proceedings of Scientific Societies. (Dec. 1887 
Mr. Jas. Raymond stated that while sailing in a cat-boat, near 
the Long Island shore, a fish-hawk lit on the mast-head, where 
it remained some time, but finally flew to the mast of a schooner 
lying near by. These birds visit Staten Island in early spring, 
but are particularly numerous in late summer and autumn. They 
frequent the sea-shore and ponds, and many are shot while perch- 
ing on certain favorite dead trees, eating their prey. So far as 
known only one pair of these birds has attempted to nest on the 
island. The nest was in process of construction on June 14, 
1874, in a partly dead chestnut-tree on the meadows near Garret- 
son’s, but the birds were frightened away before completing it. 
If protected from persecution there is apparently no reason why 
they should not nest here as freely as they do along the coast of 
New Jersey. 
Mr. E. M. Eadie reported the capture of a walking-stick insect 
(Diapheromera femorata) at Old Place. It -is of quite rare occur- 
rence, only three other specimens having been collected by 
members of the Association on Staten Island within the past six’ 
years. 
Boston Society of Natural History.—The first general meet- 
ing for the season was held on Wednesday evening, November 2, 
1887. Prof. William M. Davis spoke of the “ Physical History 
of the Somerville (Mass.) Slates ;” Dr. W. G. Farlow discussed 
the “Conception of Species in Cryptogamic Botany ;” and Dr. 
J. Walter Fewkes described a “New Mode of Life among 
use.” 
Meduse. 
November 16.—The question of holding the general meetings 
once or twice a month was decided in favor of twice a month, 
Prof. A, Hyatt spoke of the values in classification of the stages 
of growth and decline, and propositions for a new nomenclature. 
Mr. S. H. Scudder described the means employed by the butter- 
flies of the genus Basilarchia for the perpetuation of the species. 
Prof. Wm. T. Sedgwick spoke of the new American Journal of 
Morphology and the “ Lake Laboratory of Biology at Milwaukee. 
sixteenth regular meeting was held on Saturday evening, De- 
cember 3, 1887, in the Assembly Hall of the Cosmos Club. 
The following communications were read: Mr. Charles Hallo 
Disappearance of the Cast Antlers of the Cervidæ ;” Dr. 
bald Smith, “Peptonizing Ferments among Bacteria; ae 
C. D. Walcott, “A Fossil Lingula preserving the Cast of m : 
Peduncle ;” Dr. Theo. Gill, “The Phylogeny of the Cetacea. 
