YoJcanic Dust from Oinalia, Xeh. — -Todd. 295 
is one of the constitutionnl objects of this l)ody. It is time for 
effectiveness towards this object. The association has estab- 
lished its character for sound judgment, for good working organ- 
ization, and for representative public interest. Tt has earned its 
responsibility as tlie American tni.sfcf of inulcrfakuigs in science. 
■ -To give a stronger . . . impulse ... to scientific 
research"' is another declaration of what we ought to do. To this 
end larger endowments are necessary. And it will be strange if 
some clear-seeing man or woman does not put ten thousand 
dollars, or some multiple of 'it, into the charge of this body for 
some searching experimental inquiry now waiting for the material 
aid. The committee upon endowment is ready for consultation 
upon all required details. 
■ "To give . . more systematic direction to scientific re- 
search"' is likewise stated as one of our objects. To this intent 
the organization of sections affords opportunities not surpassed. 
The discussions upon scientific papers give rise to a concord of 
competent opinions as to the direction of immediate work. And 
arrangements providing in advance for the discussion of vital 
cpu'stions, as formally moved at the last meeting, will in one way 
or another point out to suitable persons such lines of labor as 
wiir indeed give systematic direction to research. 
In conclusion I may mention another, the most happy of the 
duties of the American Association. It is to give the hand of 
hospitable fellowship to the several societies who year by year 
gather with us upon the same ground. Comrades in labor and in 
refreshment, their efforts reinforce us. their faces brighten our 
way. May they join us more and more in the companionship 
that sweetens the severity of art. A meeting of good workers is 
a remembrance of pleasure, giving its zest to the aims of the 
year. 
VOLCANIC DUST FROM OMAHA, NEBRASKA.* 
By J. E. Todd, Vermillion, S Dak. 
This material was from a stratum of whitish aspect, about IS 
inches in thickness, found in the l)luffs facing the Missouri river 
about 7^ miles north of Omaha. It has the same general char- 
acteristics as the volcanic dust which has been found in <iuantity 
along the Republican, in southern \el)raska, also in Knox. Cnm- 
*Pro(ee(Unus of the Iowa Academy of Science, 1891. 
