72 
Bulletin Wisconsin Natural History Society [Vol. 11, No. 3 
Most of the nebulae are thought to be composed of small stars. The 
spiral nebulae are perhaps the beginnings of solar systems like our own. 
The polar caps of Mars are probably due to the effects of freezing. 
Climate of Mars is arid. The so-called “canals” seem to be observable 
only with instruments of medium power, and disappear when telescopes of 
the highest power are used. One explanation as to the cause of the appear- 
ance of canals, is that the polar snows melt and cause vegetation to spring 
up quickly in great abundance. Mars is cooling off; but has not reached 
the present stage of the earth’s physical condition, consequently organic 
evolution has not progressed so far on its surface. 
Jupiter: Its surface cannot be seen because of the thick envelope of 
clouds, which give to it its peculiar appearance. 
Saturn : Rings of Saturn not solid or gaseous, but are composed of small 
stones. 
Halley’s Comet is of peculiar interest at present. The earth has just 
passed through the tail of this comet. 
The far side of the moon has never been seen; presumably has about the 
same appearance as the near side. The parts which have been thought to 
be seas are now regarded only as depressions. The moon has no atmos- 
phere, no winds, frost, rain, nor erosion. 
At the conclusion of the lecture, Professor Comstock was given a vote 
of thanks by the Society. 
A short recess followed, after which the Society took up matters of 
business. The names of Dr. Wm. S. Marshall, Department of Zoology, 
University of Wisconsin, and Mr. Ethan A. Cleasby, Portage, Wis., were 
presented for corresponding membership and were referred to the Board 
of Directors for action. 
The secretary then read letters in reference to the question of seal kill- 
ing, whereupon a discussion of this subject took place. 
Mr. Allen reported on the progress of the committee on state game 
legislation; and requested the Society to secure a number of copies of the 
bill providing for the establishment of a state conservation commission 
through the consolidation of several departments. Mr. Russel was tem- 
porarily appointed on the above committee, to act during Mr. Allen’s 
intended absence from the city. 
On motion of Mr. Allen, the Society passed resolutions commending the 
work of the Wisconsin Fish and Game Protective and Propagation League; 
and directed the secretary to write to the president of this League, rela- 
tive to the same. 
The meeting then adjourned. 
Milwaukee, Wis., March 13, 1913. 
Meeting of the combined sections. 
President Barth in the chair. Five persons present. Minutes of last 
regular meeting read and approved. 
The chair announced the coming joint meeting of the Wisconsin Acad- 
emy of Sciences, Arts and Letters; the Wisconsin Archeological Society; 
