The New York Herald Newspaper, August 23, 1850, Page 7

eee The Grand Fancy Dress Ball at Saratega, ? &ec., &e., &e. Unrrep Srares beta August 20, 1350. ‘atoga, Cos- tumes, $c. ‘This has been a singular day in Saratoga. There has sprung up within the last forty-eight hours, a dieposition to throw cold water on the approaching festivity, I mean, of course, the fancy dress ball which is to take place to-morrow evening. But, notwithstanding all, { think we shall have a grand affair. The truth is, that the names on the mana gerial list are sufficient guarantees that the ball will possess the main requisite—respectability. Many costumes have already been selected, and there cannot be a doubt that the ball will tura out good one. The Messrs. Marvin have done all in their power to make things cgreeable. They have improved their arrangements for lighting up the grounds around the hotel, and the arrange- ments for supper are all that could be desired. ‘Within the last half day, a great many small bills of the following description have been circulated. You will perceive that they announce an enter- taipment, which is to come off at the same time as the grand ball. But here is a copy of the bill:— Fancy Ball Concert, at Saracco’s Room, at Mr. Wal- . ton’s building. opposite the American Hotel, Saratoga, on Wednesday evening, August 2lst, 1850, at 100’elock. Mr. Saraceo, being on the eve of leaving Saratoge for New York, seizes this opportunity of thanking his pupils and the public in general, for their constant Support, and hopes they will honor this his farewell Bollconcert by their presence. Mr. Saracco begs to say, that on this occasion he will have the pleasure of ing to the public the choicest music, performed by artists of tho first reputation, well known in Ame- fea and in entire Europe. Programme--1. Overture of the Opera La Dame Blanche, by Boieldieu. 2. Tip Top Polka, by Mare 3. Loreley Rein Klange Walts by Strauss. 4. Saratoga Schottisch, composed expressly by Mr. Bandini. 5 Solo on the Horn, bythe celebrated Mr Kiefer. 6, Emilien Polka, by Kulmer, 7. Bedford Walts, by Strauss. 8. Ferdinand Qaadrille, Dy Strauss. 9. Elene Schottisch, by Volkart. 10. Grand Concert on the Flute, by the celebrated Mr. Aceasto. 11. German Cotillon. Ladies and gentle- men may attend in fancy. ball costume, or not, as they please ‘Tickets one dollar each. Now, Suracco, who is generally popular, has many special friends in Saratoga. Most of the good dancers here are his pear nd it is more than hinted ill be concert, little orchestre of nine instruments, decidedly the best in town. Well, we shall see what a day may bring forth. THE FANCY DRESS BALL. Auoust 21, 1850. The grand day has arrived. The ball takes place to-night, and Saratoga is like the vicinity of a swarming hive of bees. The costumers’ rooms are crowded ; the hair dressers have more orders than they can possibly attend to. The grounds at the United States Hotel are magnificently adorned, as usual, and all things betoken a good time. The weather is delightful, warm and pleasant. I send you the following memoranda of costumes. There may be some alterations, those I shall cor- rect hereafter. I have already sent a list of the managers, they are all te wear blue badges; the directors to wear scarlet badges. COSTUMES ENGAGED. Miss M. Rebinson, Baltimore, Marian, in the Wife; white silk dress, crape overskirt, trimmed with flowers open worked hat. Handsome eis. of Maryland, as Blue Silk Polka. a Allen, New York, De Maprau; black and orange. . Mr. of New York, black and scarlet, richly tri with silver. Mr. beat of nee | Brigand; royal purple velvet, trimmed with blue and silver. Mr, Wood, of New York. magnifieent Spanish noble- ¥. KH jard, of Baltimore, as Don Cxsar de Bazan; green silk velvet. tat % Livingston, of New York, Rob Roy; plaid, e. Masters Graham, of New York, one Turkish costume, ene Spanish page; Mise Graham as Amens. Children of David Graham . Waddell, of New York, 1st as a Man-of-wars Man, v7 York, as « Pirate; a most of New York. as e Man-of-wars Man. Man. . Morrison, Mr. Cutting, as » Man-et-wars Mr. Lioyd, of Maryland. do Mr. . of New York, do, Mr. Kent, do. | ~4 i = ‘Shi! lo. Mr. Fowler, Bleecker street, New York, do. Mr RB. W. James, of New York, do. Dir. J.B. James, of New York, do. Mr. A. 8. Ridgley. of New York, do. Mr. A. Lioyd, of Buitimore, do. Mr. K oapp, of New York, as an Al Mr. Barclay, of New York, as Hamlet. Master Duncan, as # Spanish Ball Fighter. Mr. Duncan, as Master Walter in the Hunchdac Miss Jackson, from Virginia, Bohemian Peasant Mins KE. Allen, of New York, Spanish Peasant. Miss J. Allen, do. Turkish Peasant. Miss Whitney, of New York. as a Haldee; a magaifi- t seariet jacket and white silk skirt, embroidered wi n cyt District Attorney, of Baltimere, court suit, English modern style. rim Pantaine, 5 of Rexas as Enchantress; black gauze mined with hier eT careun of Liabems, cs Night; black ince, by Soe pink. gold tiesue, searfand tarbsn, 7" * Jerson, as « Tar! yo York, as Helen of Jerusalom. Mr Key, magnificent Greek costume. Tie. Andersen, os Obes boo 2d; red velvet. Mre Oakley, as Non Mr. Parish, a @ North 8. Allen Smith. Albany erican Indian. rth American [ Gen. Auhley, of 88 Louis, Herotne of Niow; bodice and double skirt, white setin’ trimmed with white pearls, polgnard in her belt: Pearls im ber hair. f J, ¥. Purdy, of New Yat; coe'te8 Marchiouons of ths time of ‘Louie he the other as ise Peasant; both dresses rieb. C. Cabell, of Richmond, Va, as Lucia di Lammer' costume, made by Mrs. Hortense, at Mre Gil rte ise Sylvia Livingston, of New York, as # Peasant foo Misees Lawrence of New Rn Fag Girls. tat weir, Jobn Jobuson, of New York, as Platol, in Henry Vv 1 Mr. Jobn KR. Millott, of New York, as Bardolph, in Mery ly. Unireo States Horst, SanaTooa Sruwes, August 19, 1850 Fire at Saratoga—Laws to Prevent Gambling— No Reigning Belles— Affairs wm General. We had a fire here om Saturday right, which ecnsumed a cabinet shop and upholstery establish- ment, on one of the back streets. Fortunately, the oilding was isolated, and the fire did mot extend beyond the house in which it originated. Some of our New York firemen were on the spot, and were most active in the endeavor, though « vain inet noved to be, to save prope ‘The loss was about ¥ 600. There wes abou 200 insural ‘he report which | mentioned in my , about The $500,000, is confirmed, although it is said the very heavy betting only amounted toa burlesque. Be this es it may, the authorities and other per- sous of influence here have determined to procure the passage of new laws, or the enforcement of those already ia existence, so as to break up 100 ane ttin future. They wisely conc thet it will injure the place if allowed to eontinw he Messrs. Ma have already begun to de- eotate their ground Wednerday night. Ru ate making preparations ona large scale, ball prom) to be another magnificent afiar. Liblee, the pri of hair-dressera came up yester- be b=] has already received numerous orders Te tre to be two dinner parties atthe lake, \o- dey. If they produce anything worthy of note, [shall inform Teuppose, aware thata dey at Sera! d complete without a visit to the lake ie ine!vde the programme. ( the peculiarities of the season here this sume en absence of the belle eystem at the hotels. f tefore, cach hoaer has had ite reigning belie, Toure coniforiib ehewle have @ rel. A grest Jents at the United cr; Hon. Dawid Graham w York; Hon. Frank Granger, © Woathary and two jut; 3 , U.S. ‘two sisters, end Mr Lambath New Orleans; Mr. Lamar, of ‘etmore and fete, Mr tome, Mrs. W. C. H. Waddell { F and Mrs. Belden, She; f Esq, and Dr. Bedford and family, of New York; Miss Pickering, Miss wihies, Col. Chotard and family, Dr. van and fa We of Miss.; John R. Thompson and lady, of N. J.; Hon. F. 8. Ly on and two daughters, of Alabama; and distinguished party of Cubans. Unitep Srates Hore, } Saratooa Srrines, August 17, 1850 Amusements— Mr. Deinpster’s Concert— Panorama of Amsterdam—Vanderlyn’s Portrait of Gen. Taylor—The Ball on Friday evening— Pic-nic— Game of Brag, Sc., §e. There is, as yet, no falling off in numbers here. The hotels are still full, and like to eontinue so for aweek to come. Among the modes pursued by the élite to kill time, are attendance at concerts, visits to the panorama, balls, pic-nics, &c. Mr, Dempster, the vocalist, gave] @ concert at Congress Hall, last evening, which was attended by a large and respectable audience. In fact, the room was filled, and a number of extra seats were introduced, after the singing commenced, to ac- commodate those who came late. Mr. D. was in good voice, and gave a most acceptable entertain- ment. l went, yesterday, with a party to visit the pano- rama of ite ey of. Pelnt atig Mo, by Burford, and exhibited by him in Loudon with great suc- cess. The painting is now in the possession of Mr. Vanderlyn, who is exhibiting it. The paintia: ranks high as a work of art, and the contemplatio: of the picture affords most agreeable pastime for an hour or two. Mr. Vanderlyn has just completed a half length portrait of Gen. Taylor, and is now ubout commencing the full length painting of the late President, which the Common Council of New York have employed him to paint for the Governor’s room in the City Hall. Mr. Taggart, a young ar- tist of great promise, is at work on several picture in the same room with Mr. V. We had a magnificent ball at the United States, on Friday evening. It was attended by the best company intown. The ladi ere not dressed in gaudy style, though many rich dresses were in the room. The dancing eontinued till past one o’clock, and all went off well. While this ball was pro- gress 4 at the States, there was a very pretty * hop”? going on at Union Hall. B There was a pic-nic atthe Lake yesterday, given by aclub of gentlemen. The table was set under the trees, and about forty-five persons dined at it. Among the ladies Epa were Mrs. Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Jacob Little, of New York. In the course of the afternoon a slight misunder- standing arose between two gentlemen. Politics and champagne caused the disagreement, which, however, was soon healed, and pic-nic woun up with a dance in the hotel. Since I have been here, I have received a com- Munication setting forth that, a few days ago, a ome of brag was played on which there was ,000 at stake. ‘he loser, it is said, compro- mised by paying $4,000. I give you the rumor. What the facts connected with the transaction were, I do not at present give, except that the bet- at ting is said to have commenced $1,000, then 000, and so ‘one up to plus $5,000, plus $5,000: rs till the 08 85 iS wed most active preparations are making for the fancy ball. Ocgax Hovsz, Newrort, August 20, 1850. The Fashionables—Mr. Clay in Church—Mr. Clay is Bathing—The Fine Arts. T arrived last Saturday at this celebrated resort, where beauty and fashion annually congregate, and found, tomy disappointment, all the public houses literally jammed. Although we telegraphed the “‘ Ocean” from the Astor House, on our arrival we were sent adrift upon the uncertain voyage of steering for some other haven of repose, which we found, after being rejected at several points of the compass, at the Park House, and there domiciled for two nights and a day, then transferred ourselves and baggage to this, our destination, which now feeds and lodges absut 300 visiters. This is about the height of the season ; conse- quently great preparations are making for fua and frolic by the dulcineas and dandies, the beaux and belles, the old and young— all, yea, all is expecta- tion, exe itement, emulation and envy. Last Sun- day there was a partial cessation of hostilities, and the example of this church-going community was followed by the visiters, who, whether distin} guished by the world’s favor or not, turned out en masse. Mr. Clay attended Dr. Charles, while ‘Trinity was filled wich a charming y. TI is the oldest church in the city, having ow A erect- ed about 1730. It is very antiquated, and has aa aristocratic appearance, whether you look at it when it is empty, or filled. The organ was pre- rented in F and is still surmounted with the crown of King Geo il. Some of the tomb- stones are so defi by time, as scarcely to be le- ry ay —— ron saa, 4 decipher in ol - rted ye life, -» With some aiffie The Shernova was devoted to rides in ry. the country, the sea shore, sea house, &c., which aflorded « beautifal and picturesqe “tide as is a ride.” The whole island seems completely di- vested of timber—the few trees that ure standing are of 4 stunted growth ; coal is universally used— even all the fences are made of stone. l observe amongst the di visitors at the Ocean House, Major Heustey, and the Hon. Mr. Gwin, U. 8. Senator, both from Califoraia. ‘The latter gentlemen had his charming and magni- heent lady with him. Monday was cold—old Boreas came freighted with chilly salt eproy, and very litte was done ia the way of amusement or bathing. To-day there is a more genial atinoephere, although the rolling of the carringes, hacks, d&c., kick upa tremendous dost. In the morning Twent with several ladies and gentlemen to the beach, and saw numbers of — ere By i Clay ae bey ge them, take a bath; it was the most am grotesque scene Lever saw. ave Mr. Clay a hearty shake of the hand afterwards, when be remarked that sea bathing was @ great luxury. After dinner I accompamed Senator Gwin, aig enstony Doe- tor ‘Sche nebly, Mre Gwin, several other ludies, to the studio of Miss stewart, the daughter ut the celebrated artist of that name, whose pic- tures have a fame that Americans may be 4 of. The object of our visit was to see a full agi likeness of Washington, which she copied from the celebrated original painting of her father, and which for years has decorated the State House ller picture is considered a perfect Segmorreotene, and this beautiful “work of her hands,” whieh she labored at for six ry Mo not ouly raptorously adaired, but bought by Major Hieasiey for $700, and which he intends to present to Cali- fornia. But my paper is out, and I must say good bye. ‘The Crops. The Planter's (Muss ) Advocate, of the Ist inst., says the crops in that vicinity are suffering for ‘Went of rain. The Natchitoches Chronicle, of the 34 saye— The planters have been in great alarm, during the Tast bor oar because reports have been prevalent had ‘Seprared ip the cotton fields of Tapes Inf it was said that some Whole Relds bad Ir ot) teen destroyed within a few miles of that town; but, on investigation, it is diseovered that it is only the ress worm that has created se much alarm; they ve dowe no injury, they never do much, and where the eae and hot have not been quite enough uted, they area blessing, as they dest the gtass that would otherwise rojare the erop. "% is very possible, perhaps even probable, that the Teal @imon pure May appear in the course of the fall, but he has not certainly yet made his Appear ance on the stage; when he comes, it will be ime enrvgh to go inte fits. We make the wing extract frome letter ia the Galveston 4, dated Larisea, Chervkee » Texas, Joly 2h—In my, Setar, thromgh ties of Montgomery, Waiker, Houston, Andersen, aid Cherokee, Lam pleased to inform you that T have found the crops generally in « 4 floutishing comlition, dee the feartul fureto- ding indulged in by the pl a the early part of the seuron. Lo ¢ the lite and aa fevorable epring is back ward. the Weather, for the post six weeks ot two months, | has been enoventiy favorable, eud the farmers have od improvement of it, end HW have the realizing on abundant reward for theit usty. Corn and cotton both look ure generally very clearol weed * Continue in aboutthe right qaan- hd at proper iptervels. A letter fica Sam Augustine (Texas), rays the vt worn has appeared im that resioo, and is ma gient ravages, laying whole Heids bare. | The Alexerdiix (14) Repudlican says that the Waite weather ie bi ‘ng out the crops finely. the army w A yours Fehie get. bes quite « good buchaens in Ver. mont oDd Marssebmeetts by eollveting monsy for a ehweb. 0 be Lut mm Cimeinnatt Ihe started for | Coneda steer having stolen & bore Q9d Wagon, ehien be id ie Boston, ® b The Prefesver eteced by SCLEN.C EN AMERICA: ire been, ‘exes! made in the Obser- Vi store By hihabel? aud hin assistant, who were not CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION |-""Specimens of the en vings, exceuted by the FoR THE ADVASCEBENT OF SCIENCE. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. The Volcanoes of Central America, &o,, &e,, &e. Our New Haven Correspondenee. New Haven, August 21, 1850. Thoughts on the Benefits Resulting from the Arts and Sciences—Thard Day of the Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. . The learned body now assembled at the Ameri- can Association in New Haven, are doing much for the advancement of science; and, it I may judge from the commanications which they are daily making at the College, will continue to de- velope many yet hidden divinities and geniuses of the human mind. Perhaps there is no species of history that se evidently shows a superior destiny ruling over human affairs as that of the invention and improvement of arts and seiences, and of which man is pardonably apt to be most vain. It has been truly said, “ the production of an art was an instant of pleasure—a union between idea and character, between body and spirit.” Though we race with reverence the inventions of the human mind to the simple principle of its observing and describing understanding, I deem it a difficult joint to determine whut the arts and sciences have contributed towards the happiness of mankind, or how far they have increased it. Ido not think the uestion is to be answered by a single affirmative or negative, since in this, as in every sping else, all depends on the use made of what has been invent- ed. That there are finer and more artificial im- plements in the world, so that more is done with less exertion, and consequently much human labor is spared where it can be dispensed with, admits ot no question. It is equally incontestible that every art and science kuits a new bond of society, of that mutual want without which men of art can- not live. But, on the other hand, whether this in- crease of want extends the narrow circle of human happiness; whether art be capable of actually add- ing anything to nature, or whether nature 1s uot rather debilitated and depressed by it; whether the talents of art and science have not excited propen- sities in the human breast which render the at- tainment of man’s highest blessing—contentment —much more rare and dithcult, are questions that luminous history, the daughter of time, alone can solve. Men of genius are ebliged to leave to dis- % fate the effects and uses of their discoveries. ‘he inventor of puportes little thought what de- struction, both of the political and physical powers of man, would ensue from explosion of his ** black dast;” still less could he see how the bene- ficient ceeds of a new and different constitution now germinate in this land, made free by the use of the sume material. ‘ THIRD DAY. The Scientific Association met in general assem- bly this morning at the usual hour—Professor Bache in the chair. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read, and also the minutes of the standing committee, who suggested a further sub- division of the sections, in consequence of the number of papers which are to be read. They also recommended that the afternoon meetio confined to the reading of papers, discussion being omitted. Adopted. The Presipext announced that the standing committee had nominated Professor Louis Agassiz, of Harvard, as President of the association for the nextyear. The nomination having been unani- mously confirmed, and received by the meeti with Sey Professor soe briefly ret thanke for the distinguished ir conferred upon him. ‘The election of several gentlemen as members of the association was confirmed. An invitation from Mr. Miller, of New Haven, was received, ok apm g the pleasure of the com- pany of the members of the association on Friday evening. Accepted. Mr. eter invited the members of the asso- ciation to view his hail of paintings in this city. — Professor Si.tatan, Sen’r, paid a high compli- ment to Mr. Brewster as an artist, and a man of genius and enterprise. He also described some of the hist | paintings that are to be seen in Mr. Brewster's hall.. The invitation was accepted, and the members agreed to visit the hall between eight and nine to-morrew morning. it was d and carried that the afternoon eesion commence at 24 o’elock, instead of Bo . The Taxasuaxe announced that he received abou last year, besides $50 from the Smithsonian 3 and that, dedueting all ex , there is @ balance of $61 in han. exclusive of about $50 received at the present assembly. He would mention, in order to stimulate the members, that out of 600 i rs not more than 260 their subscriptions. At the request of the Trea- surer, and en the nomination of the President, Pro fessors Silliman, Jr. and Hoeford, were inted auditors of his accounts. The ineeting thea ad- journed into three seetions. In the seetion of physics and euashoenntins, Pro- fessor Henry pretided, and Professors ._ B. Rogers and acted as Secretaries. The first communication was on a new method of ob- serving and recording astronomical Right Ascer- sions und North Polar distances, by Professor O. M. Mitchell, of Cincinnati, and well known amongst the scientific men of New York. Prot, Mrrcna.t remarked, that at the last annual meeting ot the association, he had given some out- line of plans which he had contrived for observing and recording astronomical observations, by the use of the electro-magnet and other auaili ap porutus. He now proposed to confine himself al- most entirely to the examination of the resulta rae | obtained by the new machinery, in = je state, jer’s web, which was so etrepged as to unite the metallic lever to the = dulum of the clock, by means of which the clock is made to record its beats, had never been changed, and throughout this time nota solitary second of the clock had ever been lost threugh 4 failure in the formation of the circuit by which the electrte currenttis transmitted. He then explained the three prime adjustments of the revolving disc, on w! the time aad ob- tervations are recorded. Ia the course of his re- marks, he had been led to notice the fact that the nmanute interval of me between the forming of « metallic cireuit, which an electric currentis trenemitied throngh an electro-magnet, aad the response of the magnet, is not only appreciable, but variable, and depends on « variety of condiuons. This interval he denominated armature time. To give increased accuracy to his observations of right wscension, he had found it necessary to measure this armature time, and to determine ite variations. This bad been readily accomplished by means de- ecribed, and it bed b found that the armature time of bis record: ns varied, from most inappreciable quantity, up to three, or even four, hundredths of @ second of time during the same night After a few other explanations, the Professor proceeded to give an account of his new declina- on machinery, He had abandoned the use ofa divided citele of zenith, or horizontal, ports ia the dete rmination of north polar distence. By the new inethod be measured directly the diameters of the crreles desorbed by the cireumpolar etars around the pole, when this diameter did not exer d 25 deg or 30 deg of are. These stare being well deter nrined, they beewme standards for the reference of these objects mote remote from the pole. ‘ A comparivon was instuuted between the Ameri- eon obferes tions of ”. D. and thone made at the Keysl Oneervatory, Greenwich, England, in 140, in the following particulars :— 1 The relenve accuracy of the observations on aringle wire. 2 The number of observations which can be teken im & given time by the new and old mm thods Ht wae found by atended comparison of ob reivations on meny objects, such os ihe diameter of the eon, the NPD. of the north wer, and the ine tervals ty declination of many standard stare, that in every compationn the sew roeasures had the 3 advanty jn ec coraey over the old. wh bis fret exivted, it was also shown that while Greepwieh recorded a single observation, the new met ten tines It hed bee recorded cbse that, by the new i would enable the observer to record wnber. wnd by on exemination of the tions, during 1840, at Greenwich, thod, the observer at Cinein nati hed b to aceotaplish a greater number of observations ina ricgle month then had been wade ina yerr at the al Observatory. recy was accvunted for hy more per- z w inetheds of Teading pr, while the greater vee from the ineiple of seperition new apparatus, were exhibited to the Association. The next communication was on the laws of perfect musical Sroaatne and their application to the church by Mr. W. H. Poole, which was read and enlarged upon by Professor Henry D. Ro- gers, of Boston. IGE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN—WHY IT DISAPPEARS ALL AT ONCE. Professor OtmstTep said—I have been informed by persons who have lived at Plattsburg and other pluces on Lake Champlain, that a singular fact is observed there on the Lae 1" of ice in the epong, usually in the month of May. It is that the ice «il disappears at once. On rising in the morning, for example, the lake is entirely clear of ice, although the previous evening it was seen completely bridged over. Being requested to ex- plain the fact, 1 was led, on reflection, to ascribe it to the absorption of water by the ice, until its spe- cifie gravity exceeds that of the water, when it sinks to the botton. Although ice, on account of 1s crystaline structure, is lighter than water, yet the rolid matter iwelf is heavier than water, 60 that when the interstices are filled with this fluid, the mess has a specitic gravity exceeding that of the lauer. sponge, when fully saturated with water, wall sink in it; and if ice, in a porous state, be placed ia water, it will also sink. If the question be asked, why this fact is peculiar ro the ice of Lake Champlain, and why the same does not occur in other lakes which freeze over in the winter, the answer is, that on account of the se- vere climate of the north part ef Lake Champlain, the ice remains on the lake until the sun has ad- vanced very far northward, and the surrounding county bas become quite warm. By alternate freezing and thawing, the ice becomes granulated, and very porous, and, consequently, very absorb- ent of water. When’ this process has reached a certain point—that is the moment when the specific gravity of the ice, thus soaked with water, exceeds that of the medium itself—the whole sinks, and disappears at once. % Doctor Hane entirely dissented from the ex- planation given by Professor Olmsted. Profeseor Rogers dissented from the view expressed by Professor Olmsted, as to the density of ice, and maintained that the is no reason to doubt that pure homogeneou: eificaily lighter than water. The ide being able to enter between the molecules of solid is quite inadmissible. A volume of ice, in its pure crysialine state, when free trom bubbles, is no More porous than a crystal of quartz or cale- spar. In either case, the volume of the mass is to be regarded as made up of the material atoms, and of interstitial space, and the specific gravity of the solid includes the whole. These spaces between the molecules of a mass, if penetrable at all by the liquid, could not be penetrated without ao entire breaking down of the mass. This species of in- terstice, proper to the crystaline character of the mass, is not to be confounded with the pores or cavities in sponge, or other cellular bodies. Professor Henry D. Rogers followed, with a view to explain the apparent inconsistency; and the section soon after adjourued. 8 “4 SECTION OF GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY. In this section the following subjects were com- municated :— On the structure of the mouth in Crustacea, by Professor Louis Agassiz, Harvard. Notice of the discovery of a portion of the upper jaw of the Iguanadon, with teeth in their natural position, by Re@rnatp N. Mantett, London. On & new generic type in the class of worms, by Cuarces Girarp, Cambridge. On the connection of the deposits of common salt with climate. Professor Henny D. Rooxrxs, said there is an intimate connection between the present basins of salt ter and the existing distribution of the earth’s climates—a connexion which, fully estab- lished, promises to afford us, through a tracing of the distribution of the ancient saliferous deposits, much — into the climates of the earth in the pest periods. A sound theory teaches that the original source of the salt of the great ecean, end of all the salt lakes, was in the chlorides of the voleanic minerals and rocks of the earth’s crust. The action of the descending rain is to decompose these rocks, and to dis- solve and float away into the receptacle of the sea, the solluble salts which they contain. The feo gical revolutions shifting at successive times the waters of the ocean from their bed, have laid dry a portion of the sediments, leaving behind a part of the sea water to be rated, thus ings. nating the strata with its uline ingredients, Thus ite, however far we find, that all the marine de removed at present from any ocean, contain an a preciable quantity of sea salt. In those climac regions et the globe where the prevailing winds are excessively dry, and in those alone, do we find the inlend, ans, receptacles of water without outlets, and all these ae oe exception, of saline water; the reason of this The constant of the cir- has been bringing, into these basins fresh accessions of suline matter = the Sete the —— have berg at it Bo strong! impregna as to it or erystalize the salt w ir margins. Following up the same general fact of the incessant solution of the rocks, we behold in the great sea itself, a boson like the other alt ones, which has no outlet for its surplus supplies but back again by evapora- tion inte the atmosphere. Looking, then, at the primeval condition of an atmosphare of aqueous vapor just after the period when the earth’s general temperature was incompatible with this state of water, it was afresh ocean, and not a salt one. Profesor AGass1z, upon tne conclusion of Prof. ers’ obse' a high compliment on him, ond remarked the facts and views un- folded, did, as the author said, furnish a new means of interpreting the ancient climates of the globe. From the fossil fa go = soinal organic Temuins, geologiats have lon, It themselves: vided with wensitive Tedeuee ot the past tempers: tores of the earth at different periods, but never ua- til new had they been supplied with a hygrometer; this, Professor Rogers has furnished he other subjects were—on utricles, as the pri- mordial forms of all animal tissues, by Dr. W. J. Burnett, 3 On & mew type of scales in fishes, by Prof. Harvard; on the relation of the distribution of lice to the different fauna, by Dr, 'W. J. Burnett, Boston. This section adjourned at one o'clock. SECTION OF CHEMISTRY AND MINRARLOGY. The fonowing Pe re were read “ The Cause ‘ermentation,” by Dr. I. Erie, Yale Analytical Lab’y, which gave rise to some discussion, ia which Prof. Silliman, Jr, Prof. hove and Prof. took part “On Boostite of New Jersey,” by Henry Wurtz, New York. “On American ——, by Geo. J, Brash, Anal. Laberatory, Yale “On the Adalieration of Vermillion,” by H. the an of Cape w. P. maps eagty Sea cate crystal el ity, which were soln the ene une tric form And also stated, that he "” crystals might ould con native pseudomorphe, hoped Mr. B. tinue no research, as the results would be of great importance. “On some Saline Waters containing Baryla and Strontia,"’ by H. Hunt, Canade, Geological Com- miseiouer. Astociation to order, and tick, read the minutes of the last meeting, aud Pro- fessor Horreford read the arrangements of the standing committee. The thanks of the meeting were voted to the Mayer and Corporation of the city of Charleston, fer their liberality in publishiag the proceedings of the Aescciation, and their presentation of a vol ame of the seme. Piafessor Ovsstep then read his comnn: on the late periodical visitation of the A realie, of whieh the following is an abstr ‘The leeding object of this paper is 28 follows: — 1. To establ © fact that we hive just paesed thromgh an extroordinary period of Aurore, (to which Tintend to give the neme of V one,) #hich commenced in ISZ nnd cloved in 1818 2. To detenmice the charecreristicn by which there exhibttions of the Aurora differ trom the er dinery exhibitions of the exme phenomenva, aad to place on record ofall wad accurate description of f the mort remarkable, ae maverials of in futnre Visitation siablich, by an extensive collation of ob , the lawe of the Avrora Dorentia etermioe the oriyia of the Aurora, and to true canwes of the phen » period in the exhibitions of this period eiplays length of time, att period @alied a ‘* etly exeved the ordinary in eumber, in eplead-r, in peealiat eombinn- © of forme, aod in» progression which merks a aw Ne, aot end ¢ ef ihe Aurore Derealis, asd: termined | by an extensive induction of facts, chiefly gathered heii comprare to geeks - generally admuited to be the leading facts, or ws, and such as are deemed somewhat new, or least not universally received as established cee 1, That an Aurore of the first class usually com- mences near the end of the evening twilight, ia the form of a northern light, rerembling the dawn; that it usually arrives at its maximum at all places, however differing in jitude, at the same part of the night, namely from 10 to 11 o’clock, and more frequently a little before 11; and that Auroras of the highest order frequently continue all night, while those of an ordinary character commonly end before midnight. 2. That a great aurora is usually preceded a large bank, or cloud, of a peculiar vapor, diffe: in its nature from ordinary clouds, commonly exhi- biting a milky appearance, but sometimes a smoky hue, or the two mixed together ; and that the ex- tent and density of this auroral vapor, resting upon the northern horizon, forms the best prognostic we have of the nese intensity of the exhibition which is to follow, composing, as we believe, the material of which the successive forms of the au- rora are constituted. 3. That the auroral waves, when pecuariy grand, make their aypearance later than the streamers and* archer, and usually later than the corona, con- the Nautical Almanac. He com: that Congress had evinced a establish a Nautical Almanac, by small sum for its preparation, of whi (Lieut. rates: eules wee to be ee ; he felt that, while the work serve the preseat it should endeavor, also, to improve nisiocane of safe navigation—that his own labors should be turned to mann ageuanss $9 byw render the jictions the most valuable to the practical as- ——— that it should make worthy con- tributions to astronomical science the moat honorable ferm of acknowledgements to those upon whom they have uli now depended; ou it should add its eee =" 3 noble science was not neglect among us; and that it should promote ‘he pursuit of that sci- ence by encouraging, and i some tnued toa later hour of the night, appear at a lower level than the streamers, and roll upward, in the direction of the streamers, toward the point of general concourse. “ 4. That auroral exhibitions of the higher order are eommonly of great extent, spreading over no inconsiderable part of the earth’s surface, and reeching to a great, but variable, height. 5. That auroras of the first class have three dis- tinct forms of periodicity—a diurnal periodicity, commencing, arriving at the maximum, and end- ing at definite hours of the night, as already as- serted; an annual periodicity, rarely or never occurring in June, and the greatest number of the highest order clusteri ut November, these last bearing a striking resemblance to each other; and a secular periodicity the most remarkable o all, recurring in great series which we have deno- minated “ Auroral Visitations.” That the visita- tions most marked and best defined, occur at in- tervals of about 65 years, reconing fromthe middle of one period, to the middle of the next period and last from’20 to 22 years, making the interval from the end of one to the beginning of the next, about 45 years. 6. That, while the forms of the aurora usually appear to be under the control of magnetic forces, yet this is not always the case, since the arches do not Dane culminate in the magnetic meridian, nor do they alw place themselves at right angles to the meridian, nor does the effect on the needle correspond to the different states of intensity of the aurora. 7. That the aurora has remarkable geographical relations, belonging chiefly to the higher latitudes, and only in the great visitations descending below the latitude of 40 degrees, but descending lower on the western than on the eastern continent, and pre- veiling more in the northern than in the southern hemispheres. The foregoing seven propositions appear to em- brace the most important facts respecting auroral exhibitions, and are, therefore, deemed to be, in the present state of our knowledge, the laws of the aurora borealis. But we cannot rest satisfied to let this prsat visitation of the phenomenon—which, in its whole progress and duration, we have enjoyed fair opportunities tor obs :rving—pass by, without an efiort to assign its true origin, end to explain the causes of its myterious phenomena. After the nomena of thunder and lightning were first Pry by Franklin, to be caused by electricity, it was taken for granted, almost with- out discussion, that the aurora borealis is produced by the same agent; and this hypothesis has still very numerous adherents. e endeavor then, first, to show that the aurora berealis is not pro- duced by electricity :—1. That it is unsafe to pre- dicate an identity of origin, froma resemblance between the aurora and corre arances rad one tricity in ing through an exhausted tul that he Pen Sea itself is greatly overrated. 2. That such an origin is inconsistent with the great extent of the phenomenon. 3. That the electro- meters do not indicate the presence of electricity in any unusual degree, during an aurora. 4. That these exhibitions are scarcely knowao in the equa- torial regions, where electricity is most abundant, and prevail most in the polar where thun- der and lightning are unknown. . That this cause is incompetent to account for the aurora va- por, the material of the aurora itself. 6. That the motione of the auroral vapor, in its corruscations, are too rapid to be caused by electrical attractions and repulsions, but not ently rapid for the electric fluid itself. Finally. That electricity is inadequate to account for the pendicity of the auro- ra, if not entirely inconsistent with the secular periodicity. i M But magnetism has more claims than elasticity to be considered as the true cause of the aurora bores since it is acknowledged that the forms and positions which the streamers, the arches, and corona, assume, are intimately related to ‘tism, and that the netic needle itself con! and establishes this relation. But this proves merely that the matter of the aurora has magnetie properties, but decides nothing with re- ct to the origin of the aurora, which is the prin- I thing to be accounted for; while magnetism, like electricity, is inadequate to account for the extent, for the light, for the motions, for the mate- rial, a ly for the periodi ay of Hoanrets. Tiseatis with the attempts which have been made to account for the , or to explain the phenomenon of the aurora, either electricity or magnetism, or from any other cause of a terris- tiel nature, we next look for source to the planetary spaces, and arrive at the conclus.on that the origin is cosmical. The phenomena of the aurora belong, indeed, tothe atmosphere, since they are ailected by the earth’s diurnal rotation; but the source of the matter of which the meteor is composed, we hold ed from regions above the atmosphere. ‘tion we deem of much importance in investigating @ true theory of the avrora, name- ly, that the exhihitions are al pheric, while the source or origin is cosmicel e, therefore, inquire first at what a in the atmosphere the annual exhibitions take place? We conclude that while some of the forms of the meteor, ns the corona, are unsuitable for this inveati- gation, being merely the effect of perepective, yet at there are other forme, which may be used for peas no less than a common cloud, as the upper ine of a well defined arch, or some single irag- ment of an auroral cleud, unconnected with other parte of the exhibition, and of a form so peculiar as to arrest the attention of observers at some dis tance from each other. From an extensive com- parieon of data, we arrive at the conclusion that the height of the wurora is very variable, some- times reaching an elevation of at least 166 miles, and at other times rising but a little above the region of the clouds; still we attempt to prove that the tes- timony of Farquarson, that auroras are sometimes seen below the clouds, is not conclusive; nor that of ay te oy and others, who have a» serted that, in the Polar seas, auroras sometimes appear between the spectator and the icebergs, at a little distance. It is required of a theory that it be a legitimate deduction of well established traths, and it is re- wired of a hypothesis that it explain the leading facts, and that it be not inconsistent with any known fects. An explanation which uniies the characters of both—which is, at once, an infe- rence from acknowledged trutha, and which affords an adequate solution of the leading phenomena, while it is not inconsistent with any known facts, although it may not be ready to account for them, —such an explanation is deemed liarly worthy of until a beter cen eepeeee. To conformity with theee principles we endeavor tiret to infer the coemeial origin of the aurora borealis frora known facts; sneer. oe investigate, as far as we can, the nature of the body or bodies from which the material of the ourora is derived; and idly, we spvly the thing thus formed, to the general facts or lawe of the phenomena. In the firet place, we ergue the coemical origina of the aurora; 1. from the extent of the exhibitions, which is greater than could arige from any terres al eMenations oF etmorpheric precipitations; 2. from the velocity of the motions, whieh are ¢ great for any terrestial forces; 3. from the oecur- renee of the different mioger aurora, (the be- ginning, meximum ond end.) et the same hour of the night im places diflering widely in longitude; which indicntes that successive portions of the earths’ surface, in the dia fotation, come woder the orig of the aurora ‘3 which indicates the earth sy tive weyele aly the wecular, which of which the auroral body end the h return to the same relative porition in the heavens, while the very exist eee of such a secular perordictty takes the phe- remenen ovt of the pal estrial, and places if wibin the pele of aet al co teee. nsicting of exe Mictreneprreot, Magnetie ine t comirg oceesionally inte the centr: tion. In conclusion, we cnlenvor to s'v comee bere ned and proved tO exist, is le 10 8 for the leading facte of the cases, ne the greet extent nnd velocity, the geographies! postion, the magortic relations, and tue perindiel- ty +, in regard to the minor facts, it is incon- nent” Lengh it my oot be re dy im ncre, measure com- pensating, some of those luborers in this field, who, though eminently worthy of their hire, have as yet borne the heat and burden of the day, without any other reward than our gratitude for the honor the! bave conferred upon the ce and that good bame which is better tha’ . He that it belonged to his office to advance that which is, and always has beru, the principal ty ly astronomy ; und thatis, 1 the language of to supply precepts by which the movements of the heavenly bodies, as they appear to us from the earth, can be calculated. Ali else that we can learn of the heavenly bodies—for example, their fen: or the nature of (heir surtaces—is not, indeed, unworthy ef attention, but does not em- brace the purely astronomical st. Whether the mountains of the moon are tormed in one way or another is of no more concera to the astrenomer than is a knowledge of the mountains of the earth to one who is not an astrosomer Whether the surface of Jupiter exhibits darker bands, or appears equally illuminated througt *ngages as little his curiosity, and even the noons themselves interest him only by their motions. The problem that has been, and is to be solved by eon fh is to acquire such a knowledge of the motiens of the heavenly bodies as to be al. » give a satisfactory account of them at all tines. Lieutenant Davis then said he had procured the veration of Pro- feesor Pence, of Cambridge, to whose talents he paid a high compliment, and ulso that of several others of scientific eminence “ Suggestions on Changes of Level in North America, during the Drift Period,” by Professor C. B. Adams, of Amherst Col is not the design of this c the glacial theory of drift; object requires that this theory should be assumed as a fact, and used as a point of departure. The objections to the glacial theory lie against the origin of the required lacial sheet rather than agamst the dynamics of fe theory ; while the objections to the other theo- ties lie against their dynamics with @ serious if not witha I force. The suggestion, therefore, of a possible cause of a vast glacial sheet, 5,006 feet thick, may not be useless, even if somewhat im- probable. The hypothesis is this, that the glacial sheet was produced by « great elevation of land in the northern regions above the present level. Be- sides the direct refrigerating intluence of elevation, the flow of the tropical waters into the North At- lantic may have been essentially diminished the contraction of the area of the ocean. TI! contraction must have been much greater, if, as is highly propable, the similar eievation of Northern Europe was synchronous with that of North Ame- rica. Whether or not elevation can account pe the orgie of the glacial sheet, ee is direct evi- lence of a greater elevation than the present during the drift oe in the continuation of the drift striae beneath the sea level, for it is well known that laciers cannot advance intothe sea. Unfortunate- ly, the impossibility of following the striw excludes us from the knowledge of the most important faet— the greatest depth at which stria exist. The pas- wage, of drift materials across basins which ate now filled with water, suggests the same coaclusion. Such of the right materials of Cape Cod, Nan- tucket, and Island, as could not have been taken from the mainland by marine must have been carried by glacial agency, and eonse- quently the pe Na basins must have been above the sea level. The passage of the glacial sheet, across the basin of Lake Superior, presents some difficulties, which ate dimini the theory of elevation. The bottom of this basia is now, at least, one hundred and sixty-five feet be- neath the sea level. Without elevation drainage eh er been impossible. ; psi it fo ascertain approximate! amount of submergence which closed teeyhacieh period. Submergence to « depth of not less than two thousand feet below the present level effected the dissolution of the glaciers and iatroduced the pleistocene period. tes 1. The —— proof of such submergence is the pycoeet existence of altered drift at a corresponding elevation. 2. Special proof is found in the existence of osars at great elevations. A semicircular one, well char- acterized, occurs in the town of Peru, Vermont, at an elevation between one and an thousand feet. 3. Other epecial proof may found in the lines of ancient sea margins, which are much more rare poe ngs fluviatile eregee _ “a i date. Ly margin was found by President Hiteheoek in Pel- ham, Massachusetts, at an elevation of one thou- sand two hundred feet. 4. The most forcible argument is derived from the existence of regular sira‘itied deposits of fine = clay at the summit level of longitudinal valleys. Professor Henry D. Ki of Boston, thea om his cbeervatione on the coal formation of the nited States, and especially in Pennsylvania. 1 cannot gees in this commaupic: line of the Professor's tons. This was followed by views on the mode pecgeed in the coast vey, for charts of currents, v Profeesor A. D. Bache, Supermtendant of the 8. Coast Survey On the velocity of the galvanic current in the telegraph wires, by Dr. B. A. Gould, of Cambridge. follow e the views of Professor W. i3. Rogens upon t iflerent measures of mechanical wer. He referred to the writings of the late Pro- eso Robinson, of Edinburgh,w had firet ret in a cle tl origin of the tly understood, weasures are € nti co [ocident. Prof. R. then proceeded to explaia the views which, in accord: with Prof, Kobiagon’s exposition, he has long bee maintain end teach. He illust between the two modes of measur! exemple of an @ cappon ball geneous Wax or wood, pa With a double velocity, = ple height, sad « cannon uble ae against « wax or Ww , Will penetrate toa quad 5 In both cuses it ts to be considered tet the ae, mo with 4 double velocity, will require the re- sit to be continued for a double that it may be brought to reet. double velocity, and « double space described musi he cases the work a mete into the epace of the vel Professor HX , referring to the use of the term power, in mechanical ioquiri a shot witha r Thas, ia ot prodact of the Vv fon eo w En, They of po “This a8 & distinet entity, maes, and capahle were, of be: seed over to another. ‘Thus, a body in motte striking a body at rest, and © ng iLto movers said to rans fer ite motion to the other But a# power and motion ve matter, it tre but conditions of a sophical to speek of th body to another, I brought inte play by the ay nother, and motion eed by the mutual repulmon of the proxi- motion mate parte; bot on this case the di d of the etriking bedy, and the acquited motion of that previously quicecent, are bat the results of this mutual repole end the meving body eanaot be considered a8 transferring either motion or power to the other. On Tuesday evening the society were invited to the house of Provesror Saletury, where they were hoepitably enterteined. The fidies contributed their fait eh ‘ nviviclagd hasey seeae, tending to ut a 6 sible, a atill more friendly the members of this fom g The extraordinary expe Herald, ia pobliehing yesterday's proceedings of the American Association beld in this city ap to tix o'clock, which amounted to nearly four closely priated columns of areport, ond whieh conld got have been reecived at the office in New York tilt part midvight, hee created very general surprise here, aed mony have expressed their admiration of the admirable eyetem of mensgement which muet be observed in the establishme.t to accom plish sech a feat. FVENING SESSION, At half- pest seven o'clock yesterday evening, a bighly important and imterestiag communication on the voleanos of Central America, with observations on the grogrephies! and topogrephical features of Niwertgna, wee goede ty ‘ “Py = oe