| 1887] ; Proceedings of Scientific Societies, 603 
nature are false, and showed the absurdity of the claim that 
lants have more “vitality” than`animals, and minerals more 
“vitality” than plants 
May 4, 1887 A meeting.—The annual reports of the 
following result: President, F. W. Putnam; Vice-Presidents, 
John Cummings, Geo. L. Goodale ; Curator, Alpheus Hyatt; 
Honorary teat y S. L. Abbot; Secretary and Librarian, 
Edward Burgess; Treasurer, Charles W. Scudder, and a board 
of twenty Councillors, The retiring president, Mr. S. H. Sc udder, 
then gave an interesting paper of his investigations of the distri- 
bution of the cabbage butterfly (Pieris rape) over America. 
Awhile ago he sent òut several hundred circulars to selected 
persons, and points requesting all available data regarding this 
pest, and the paper read was the outcome. Mr. Scudder found 
nothing earlier than the historic introduction near Quebec, but _ 
was of the opinion that there was some evidence of its later in- 
troduction at other points. A feature in the dissemination of the 
species was its more rapid advance along the line of railways. 
tural Science Association of Staten Island.—New Brigh- 
ton, April 9, 1887. —Steps were taken to form a local committee 
to represent the association in all matters that may arise a the 
meeting of the American Association in New York next 
August. Dr. N. L. Britton made remarks upon the fungi coed 
by the members of the association during the past two years, 
most of which had been named by Mr. J. B. Ellis. Ten printed 
lists of the fossils found in the drift of Staten Island, by L. P. 
Gratacap, were distributed. 
Indiana Academy of Science.—This society held its second 
field-meeting near. Waveland, Teen wth County, Ind., May 19 
and 20. er thirty members were present. 
Thursday, ioth, the aay was spent exploring the wild and 
rugged region along Sugar Creek, known as “ Shades of Death. š 
In the evening Prof. T. C. Mendenhall, of Rose Polytechnic In- 
stitute, Terre Haute, delivered an address on “ Weather Predic- 
tion.” 
Friday was devoted to an exploration of the valley of Clifty 
Creek wa Pine Hills. The evening session was occupied in 
discussing the natural history of the region visited, and some of 
e results are of value to science. 
” Ihe next mee will be held, the last week in December, at 
: es 
-Biological Society of Washington —April 16, 1887 ee a5 
 followi g communications were read: W. H. Dall, “Notes on 
