208 The American Geologist April, isgo 
of each sharp, carniated rib. It is assumed that the smooth 
edges of the costse in the specimen described by Meek and 
Worthen were due to weathering. The same smooth condition 
of the costse obtains over part of the surface in the specimen be- 
fore me. Moreover it is hardly conceivable that two species 
should occur at the same horizon differing from each other in 
nothing but the presence or absence of costae crenulations. If, 
however, it should be proved on farther investigation that the 
surface of the specimenusedby Meek and Worthen was intact, 
then the differences in the two forms may be recognized by 
calling the one represented by the subject of this note Conu- 
laria missouriensis, var, hersmani. 
THE SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL 
CONGRESS IN PHILADELPHIA. 
By Persifor Frazer, Philadelphia. 
It is well known to the readers of the Geologist how the 
congress at its last session in London decided to postpone its 
meeting in Vienna until after the session in the United States. 
At the time this decision was taken nothing had been said 
about a quadricentennial world's fair to be held in this coun- 
try, so that when this question arose it became necessary to 
consult the bureau or governing body of the Congress in order 
to ascertain whether or not it was the desire of the foreign 
members to postpone the session which ought to be held in 
1891 until 1892, and in order to give the visiting European 
geologists an opportunity to see this fair and to attend the 
Congress at the cost of one journey across the Atlantic. 
The following responses were received from influential mem- 
bers of the Bureau constituting in the aggregate more than a 
majority of that bod}-. 
These answers are condensed from letters covering in some 
cases four and five pages each. 
Prof. Joseph Prestwich, president of the Congress, has taken steps to 
ascertain the opinion of the officers of the Congress and will commu- 
nicate more definitely later. 
Dr. J. W. Hulke and Mr. W. Topley. Have consulted most of the 
English members and find the general opinion to be against any such 
postponement for two reasons: (1) It is undesirable to make any 
alteration in the date of the meeting unless absolutely necessary (as 
