196 [ DECEMBER, 
Dr. H. K. Kane announced that a new American Expedition was 
about to proceed to the Arctic Regions in search of Sir John Franklin. 
Dr. Kane made some remarks explanatory of the geography of the 
region, and the plan of the proposed search. 
“The Secretary then read a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, 
addressed to Dr. Kane, assigning to him the conduct of the Expedition. 
The following Resolutions were then offered and unanimously adopted. 
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to confer with Dr. E. K. 
Kane, Commander of the projected Arctic Exploring Expedition, and 
communicate whatever information there may be in the possession of the 
Academy, relating to the collectionand preservation of objects of Natural 
History and to procure such instruments and apparatus as may be neces- 
sary for this purpose, and for his use. 
Committee :—Dr. Ruschenberger, Dr. Fisher, Mr. W. 8S. Vaux, Dr. 
Bridges and Mr. Cassin. 
December 14th. 
Vice President BripGes in the Chair. 
Letters were read 
From the Secretary of the Trustees of the New York State Library, 
dated eae Dec. 6th, 1852, acknowledging the receipt of the Pro- 
ceedings, vol. 6, No. 5. 
From Dr. H. W. Kennedy, of Buchs Ayres, dated Dec. 4th, 1852, 
acknowledging the receipt of bis notice of election as a correspondent. 
From the Right Rev. Alonzo Potter, dated Dec. 7th, 1852, acknow- 
ledging the receipt of his notice of election as a Correspondent. 
Mr. Conrad presented a paper intended for publication in the Journal, 
entitled “‘ Descriptions of New Fossil Shells of the United States ;” 
which was referred to Dr. Ruschenberger, Dr. Leidy and Mr. Phillips. 
Mr. Conrad presented a second paper intended for publication in the 
Proceedings, entitled ‘“‘ Remarks on the Tertiary Strata of St. Domingo, 
and of Vicksburg, Miss.” Referred to the above Committee. 
Dr. Woodhouse presented a paper, intended for publication in the 
Proceedings, describing a new bird, of the genus Struthus (Boib.) 
Referred to Dr. Heerman, Mr. Cassin and Dr. Wilson. 
On leave granted, Dr. Ruschenberger, on behalf of the Committee 
appointed at the last meeting, on the subject of the proposed American 
Arctic Expedition, presented the following Preamble and Resolutions, 
which were adopted : 
Every manifestation of disposition in the officers of the National and State 
governments, to encourage the pursuit of truth, by affording facilities to men 
devoted to scientific investigations, is pleasing to the members of the Academy 
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Aware of the important influence of Sci- 
entific researches on the prosperity and happiness of the people, they are gra- 
tified to observe that the recent report of the Hon. John P. Kennedy, on “the 
condition of the navy, is in tone and spirit cheering to those who are seeking to 
