414 TRANSACTIONS OP THE 



buildings. Numerous accessions have been made to their 

 list of resident members; and an evident increased inte- 

 rest in the objects which principally engage the attention 

 of the society, has been excited in our citizens generally. 

 By reference to the volume now completed, very flattering 

 evidence will be perceived of the activity and zeal, as 

 well as the increased numbers of our scientific collabo- 

 rators ; in addition to which it is no more than justice to 

 specify the very liberal aid in scientific contributions and 

 donations for which the society have been indebted, dur- 

 ing the last year, to the enlarged views of their fellow 

 associate, James Dickson, Esq., to whose public spirit is, 

 in no small degree, due the present flattering condition, 

 as well as the cheering prospect of the future success and 

 permanency of this institution. 

 August 1835. 



Fossil Corn? [Zea Maize.) 



We insert the following letter which has just been 

 received from Dr Johnston of Louisville, Kentucky, with- 

 out further comment at present, than merely observing 

 that we place entire confidence in the author's statements, 

 whose observations were made on the spot. Specimens 

 of the substance in question, have been placed in the 

 cabinet of the Geological Society of Pennsylvania, and 

 in the private collections of Messrs Taylor, Harlan and 

 Wetheriil. It is the intention of Mr W. to analyze these 

 grains, which appear in some instances to display, when 

 fractured, a shining surface. Exposed to the blow pipe, 

 they are reduced to a fine white ash, and yield neither 

 smoke nor flame. The grains represent the true Indian 

 variety of corn. 



