378 [AuaustT, 
3. Portions of three teeth, and fragments of two tympanic bones of a species 
of spermaceti whale, from the sands of Ashley River. The best preserved por- 
tion of a tooth in its perfect condition appears to have been about five inches in 
length, and at its middle it measures four and three-quarter inches in circumfer- 
ence. For the species the name Physeter antiquus is proposed. 
4, Quite lately I received from Prof. Holmes fragments of both sides of alower 
jaw, two teeth, and a portion of a rib of a cetacean, from the miocene formation 
of Virginia. The species belonged to the family Delphinide, and probably ap- 
pertains to a new genus. The more perfect of the two teeth appears to have 
been about five inches in length, and it is curved conical. The fang is quadrate 
and hollowed. and the surface of the tooth, nearly to the end of the crown, which 
appears not to have been covered with enamel, is annularly and longitudinally 
corrugated. The greatest circumference of this tooth is three inches in length, 
and nearly straight. For the animal I propose the name of Orycterocetus quadra- 
tides. 
August 9th. 
Vice-President BripGes in the Chair. 
_A letter was read from Samuel V. Merrick, Esq., acknowledging the 
receipt of his notice of election as a Member. 
Also a letter from James M. Hamilton, Hsq., dated New York, Aug. 
6, 1853, addressed to Mr. R. H. Peterson, in relation to the Hamilton 
Lands. Referred to the Committee on the subject. 
Mr. Charles Girard made a communication, on behalf of Prof. Baird and 
himself, upona species of frog, and another of toad, which they had recently de- 
scribed from specimens in the Herpetological Collections of the U. 8. Explor- 
ing Expedition. Both of the species were obtained in Oregon, the frog on Puget 
Sound, and the toad on Columbia River. He characterised them as follows : 
Rana PRETIOSA, B. and G.—Ground color above reddish-brown, blotched with 
‘black. A deep brown vitta extending from the eye to the shoulder in passing over 
the tympanum, and below which is a yellowish one passing over the angle of 
the mouth. Beneath dull greenish-yellow. Vomerine teeth disposed in two 
roundish groups, between the inner nostrils. ‘T’ympanum very distinct, rather 
small. Feet underneath granulated. Fingers slender and tapering. Toes webbed 
to their tip. A small and flattened horny processus at the base of the inner toe, 
and a minute conical metatarsal tubercle situated between the fourth and fifth 
toes. Skin finely granular on the anterior portion of the back, more coarsely 
posteriorly, and also on the sides of the abdomen. Two dorsal series of pores, 
one on each side of the back, but not very conspicuous. 
Obs.—Is distinguished from R. auvrora in having proportionally much shorter 
leys, especially the hind ones; also by the palmation or the toes, the membrane 
of which extends to their very tip, whilst in R. aurora the tip of the tees extends 
beyond their membrane. The granulation of the body and inferior surface of the 
feet is another feature by which both species differ. 
Buro couumsrensis, B. and G.—Ground color light greenish, with large and 
irregular black blotches and reddish dots: a dorsa] white vitta; an oblique black 
patch under the eye. Beneath of a soiled yellow, maculated. First finger equal 
to the second in length. Upper surface of head without elevated ridges and 
grooves; Skin in this region rather thin, and firmly adhering to the skull. Pa- 
rotids oblong, quite small. Tympanum small, very distinct. Toes webbed to 
nearly their tip. Two large metatarsal tubercles. A membranous ridge along 
the inner edge of the tarsus. Skin glandulous. 
Obs.—May be distinguished from B. Joreas by the relative size of the first 
