248 



Prof. Hall remarked in illustration of this paper, that 

 previous to this time no traces of the Permian system had 

 been found in the geological formations of the United States. 

 The proofs of such fossils in the formations of North Carolina 

 has usually been deemed insufficient. It seems, therefore, 

 from these facts that Nebraska territory furnishes the first 

 distinctly recognized Permian fossils on our continent. 



Mr. Gavit called attention to the fact that, in the last 

 number of Silliman's Journal, Prof. Swallow makes a simi- 

 lar announcement as to the identity of certain fossils of 

 Nebraska with those recognized as Permian. 



Prof. Hall was requested to examine the collection re- 

 cently received by the State Geological Cabinet from Sir 

 Roderick I. Murchison, and to report the character and 

 value of such donations to the Institute. 



Adjourned. 



March 16, 1858. 

 The president, John V. L. Pruyn, in the chair. 



Mr. Hickcox presented a report from the committee to 

 whom were referred the resolutions in regard to memorial- 

 izing Congress for the establishment of a medal depart- 

 ment. The committee had corresponded with Mr. Streeter, 

 the secretary of the Maryland Historical Society, and had 

 received a copy of the memorial presented by them to 

 Congress, asking for the establishment of a medal depart- 

 ment in the mint at Philadelphia. The committee recom- 

 mended that a similar memorial be used by the Institute. 



A memorial was accordingly ordered to be prepared, and 

 after being signed by the proper officers, to be transmitted 

 to Congress. 



Dr. Hough then read a statement in regard to the speci- 

 mens of premium woolen cloths, in the library of the In- 

 stitute. The premiums were awarded by a committee of 

 the Society of Arts (since merged in this society), under 

 an act passed April 8, 1808, entitled an "Act to encourage 

 the manufacture of woolen cloths, &c." About $10,000 



