Rev. S. D. Simonds and Dr. J. Morrison were elected Resident Members, and Dr. W. P. Gibbons, of Alameda, a Corresponding Member.
Mr. Bolander presented a curiously fruited specimen of Quercus densiflora, the acorns being only about one-third of the ordinary diameter, although nearly the usual length, and having a peculiar constriction near the apex. It was collected by Mr. Wertheman, near Coarse Gold Gulch, Fresno County.
Mr. Stearns exhibited a specimen of an Astrophyton, caught in the Ochotsk Sea, off Cape Lepatka, Kamschatka, by the crew of the fishing brig Angenette.
Dr. H. Gibbons called the attention of the Academy to the near approach of the season during which we might look for the recurrence of the “meteoric shower,” which he witnessed in the year 1833.
Some remarks were made by Messrs. Gibbons, Keyes, Kellogg and others in reference to the phenomena of meteors, and considerable discussion followed as to the various ideas and theories advanced in regard to them by different authors.
Mr. Stearns exhibited several specimens of Acmæa asmi, Midd., collected by him at Baulines Bay; remarking that upon a recent trip to the locality named, he found this species exceedingly numerous, attached to Chlorostoma funebrale, A. Ad.; that he had not seen in a single instance this Acmæa upon the rocks. Mr. Stearns further submitted for the inspection of the Academy, a specimen of Haliotis Cracherodii, which he had collected alive last month, on the rocks near the outlet of Lobitas Creek into the ocean. The Haliotis had been attacked by a pholad, probably Navea Newcombii, and had defended itself by adding coating upon coating of nacre, as the Navea progressed, until a large knob or protuberance had been created in the interior of the shell. From a partial examination of the borer, a specimen of which he had dug out from another portion of the same Haliotis, he believed it to belong to the species recently described by Mr. Tryon, viz: Navea Newcombii.
Regular Meeting, November 19th, 1866.
President in the Chair.
Thirteen members present.