1894,] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. ` 367 
The Biological Society of Washington.—Feb. 10.—The fol- 
lowing communications were read: Dr. C. Hart Merriam, A Remark- 
able New Rabbit from Mexico; Dr. C. W. Stiles, A Parasite of Man 
New to the American Fauna. 
February 24.—The following communications were read: Mr. M. 
B. Waite, The Structure and Method of Opening of the Anthers of 
the Pomee; Mr. B. T. Galloway, The Winter Coloration of Evergreen 
Leaves; Mr. L. O. Howard, Further Notes on Spider Bites. 
FREDERIC A. Lucas, Secretary. 
SCIENTIFIC NEWS. 
From the Annual Report of the Essex Institute for 1893, wé learn 
the following facts. The library has increased during the year by the 
addition of 3,317 volumes, 8,348 serials, and 7,416 pamphlets. These 
include the library of the late Dr. Henry Wheatland and the foreign 
` exchanges of the Peabody Academy of Science, the libraries of the — 
two institutions being now united. The total investments of the 
Institute now amount to $100,188.44, and the membership amounts to 
325. : 
Giovanni Passerini, Professor of Botany in the University of Parma 
and well known for his studies on Aphides, died April 17, 1893. 
Francis P. Pascoe, an English Coleopterist, died at) Brighton, Eng- 
land, June 20, 1893, in his 80th year. 
Dr. Robert Ritter von Schaub, who has studied the anatomy of the 
Mites, died in Vienna, Oct. 21, 1893. 
Dr. A. K. Edward Baldamus, the ornithologist, died in Wolfenbiit- 
_ tel; Brunswick, Oct. 30, 1893, aged 81. 
Robert Bentley, the botanist, died January, 1894. He was born at 
Hitchin, Herts, March 25,1821. For many years he was professor of 
botany in the London Institution and examiner in botany to the Royal 
College of Veterinary Surgeons of England; lecturer on botany at 
at the medical colleges of the London, Middlesex and St. Mary’s 
