1889] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 2S1 
F. Peters; On Cretaceous Flora of North America/ J. S. 
Newberry; Spectrum Photography in the Ultra- Violet,' Romyn 
Hitchcock, introduced by A. Hall; The Plane of Demarcation 
between the Cambrian and Precambrian Rocks,' C. D. Wal 
cott, introduced by R. Pumpelly ; Report of the American 
Eclipse FZxpedition to Japan, 1887,' D. P. Todd, presented by 
Boston Society of Natural History, Jan. 2, 1889. — 
Rev. John J. Gulick of Japan read a paper on "Lessons in 
the Theory of Diversrent Evolution, Drawn from the Distribu- 
tion of the Land Shells of the Sandwich Islands." Dr. Gulick 
illustrated his talk with specimens of shells from the island of 
Oahu, and drew several conclusions therefrom. He showed 
varieties to be but incipient species, and species but special 
varieties, and stated that divergent evolution does not neces- 
sarily depend upon environment. He ilso stated that areas of 
distribution vary directly as the power of migration, and in 
closely allied groups the degree of divergence is measured by 
the geographical separation. At the close of this paper, Dr. 
Gulick's ideas were discussed by the members of the society. 
Professor Hyatt speaking at some length. Dr. D. F. Lincoln 
then described the " Surface Geology of the Middlesex Fells," 
illustrating his talk with map drawings and specimens of rocks 
from the region, after which Mr. j. Walter Fewkes spoke 
shortly of the significance of the so-called "Fossil Palms" 
and similar rock formations of the Bermuda Islands. Feb. 21, 
1889. — Last November, in connection with work on the Bos- 
ton, Revere Beach & Lynn railroad, some Indian graves were 
discovered near Wmthrop Centre, and Prof. F. W. Putnam 
gave the results of his discoveries in the place. He showed 
lantern views of seven skeletons which were unearthed, together 
with pictures of weapons, pottery, and shell beads found in the 
graves. All of the skeletons were found within a small area, 
and all of them buried in the same positions, their faces toward 
the cast. In all the graves many shells were present. 
Mr. H. G. Woodward gave a general description of the 
geology of Brighton, and the surrounding vicinity, and showed 
specimens of rocks illustrating the geological peculiarities of 
the place. 
