In conclusion, it may be remarked that the marine infusorial rocks of the Pacific coast, and especially of California, are of great extent and importance. They occur in the Coast Ranges, from Clear Lake to Los Angeles. They are of no little economical, as well as scientific, interest; since, as I conceive, the existence of bituminous materials in this State, in all their forms, from the most liquid to the most dense, is due to the presence of infusoria—the proofs of which statement I will, at some future time, endeavor to set before the Academy.
[30] They are also frequently called “magnesia,” and have been repeatedly stated by “assayers” in San Francisco to be made up of that earth.
[31] See Monatsbericht der Kön. Preuss. Akad. zu Berlin, 1866, page 158.
Dr. Kellogg read a paper on “Fungi,” in which he gave a full account of their nature, distribution, and uses.
Mr. Lorquin exhibited two ducks, and made some remarks in regard to them. One of them he considered a hybrid between the Pintail and the Mallard, and the other between the Pintail and the Teal.
Mr. Falkenau gave an account of the chemical reactions of the red matter exhibited by Dr. Behr to the Academy, at the meeting of January 7th. The quantity was too small for a satisfactory result.
Dr. Stivers made some remarks on the Nereocystes Lütkeana, one of the Algæ, and remarkable for its absorptive power.
Regular Meeting, February 18th, 1867.
President in the Chair.