164 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
of the species exhibited a remarkable resemblance to some found in the United 
States. Yet this resemblance was not between species of groups peculiar to 
the eastern sides of both continents, if any such exist, nor between those found 
on either margin of the Pacific Ocean, but was found in species belonging to 
cosmopolitan genera, and the parallelism was between those of Japan and those 
of the Atlantic States. He had previously shown, in comparing the Coleoptera 
of Western America with those of Europe, that where parallelism existed it was 
also in genera of similarly wide distribution. 
He also called attention to a very remarkable species of Carabus in the same 
collection, which imitates, by its slender form and long narrow thorax, the genus 
Damaster from the same region, and seems to connect the latter with the ordinary 
Carabus, just as Damaster connects Carabus with Cychrus. While possessing 
this remarkable form of body, however, the elytra are destitute of the apical 
prolongation seen in Damaster, and the sculpture is that of certain Carabi, con- 
sisting of approximate punctures, with three faint ranges of chain-like elevations. 
On leave granted, the Committee appointed to confer with Dr. Hayes 
in regard to his proposed Arctic Exploration, presented a Report as 
follows : 
That the exploration contemplated by Dr. Hayes appears to deserve the en- 
couragement of all individuals or societies who possess an interest in the 
advancement of science, and especially of those who cultivate the various 
branches of Natural History, for the following reasons : 
1st. The interesting problem of the existence of an open Polar Sea cannot 
as yet be considered as satisfactorily solved ; as is made manifest by the 
doubts recently expressed by a distinguished geographer, in a memoir read 
before the Royal Geographical Society of London. Yet this problem is so 
intimately connected with theories of climate, not only in that region, but 
over a very large partion of the Northern Hemisphere, that its definite 
solution must be considered as of the utmost importance to the study of 
geography ; and it is not impossible that its investigation may lead to valuable 
results of a more commercial nature. It seems probable, therefore, that this 
subject will attract the attention of other nations, who are engaged in an 
honorable rivalry with us in promoting the knowledge of the surface of the 
earth, and it is highly desirable that the credit of furnishing the definite 
solution should belong to the nation to whose energy and enterprise the 
interesting results already obtained are due. 
2d. The natural history of this extensive region remains, as yet, almost 
entirely unknown ; while, from the peculiarities of its climate, and its 
proximity to the land of the Eastern Hemisphere, it seems certain that much 
valuable information as to the habits of animals and plants, and the connec- 
tion of our Faunas and Floras, both ancient and modern, with those of Europe 
and Asia, may be gained by such an exploration as is here contemplated. 
3d. The excessive difficulties and hardships of such an exploration, serve 
to deter any but the most adventurous spirits from undertaking it ; while the 
peculiar circumstances under which both the instruments of observation and 
the observers themselves are placed, render a frequent repetition of the 
observations necessary to produce confidence in the results. Every encourage- 
ment should therefore be extended to all who are willing to undertake the 
arduous task, and capable of properly meeting its unusual responsibilities. 
The Committee therefore recommend to the Academy the adoption of the 
following resolutions : 
Resolved, That the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, having full 
confidence in the energy, ^prudence and scientific capacity of Dr. Hayes, 
recommends the Arctic expedition projected by him to the favorable considera- 
tion of all who are in a position to assist him in his enterprise, believing 
that its success will contribute largely to the advancement of science and to 
the honor of our country. 
[July, 
