288 



ray promising to embody in a paper some observations 

 made by himself in the oil regions. 



An article upon the character and works of Carl Ritter 

 the German Geographer, was read in part by the secretary, 

 and commented on by Mr. von Steinwehr, who was himself 

 a student of Ritter. 



It was announced that Prof. Hall would, for the next 

 meeting, present some observations on the geology of Wis- 

 consin. 



The Institute then adjourned. 



December 21. 

 In the absence of the president, Mr. Carrol presided. 



Mr. Hough, proposed at the last meeting, was unanimously 

 elected. 



Under the head of communications, Prof. Hall presented 

 some remarks in regard to some points of interest in the 

 geology of Wisconsin. He illustrated his remarks by refer- 

 ence to a geological map of the region and by specimens 

 of various palseontological remains. He also described a 

 remarkable new genus of crinoidea, which he designated 

 Cheirocrinus, from its resemblance to a skeleton hand. The 

 character of the genus was illustrated by diagrams and 

 specimens of several species were exhibited. 



After Prof. Hall's communication, without further action, 

 the- Institute adjourned. 



January 9, 1861. 



The Institute met, and in the absence of the president, 

 Dr. Yanderpoel was made chairman, After reading the 

 minutes, the special order was announced to be the election 

 of officers for the ensuing year. 



On motion of Mr. Averill, the rules were suspended and 

 the election was held viva voce. 



Mr. Munsell moved that the officers of last year be all re- 

 elected. Carried unanimously. 



No further business being before the Institute, it ad- 

 journed for two weeks. 



