The United States Government, through the Forestry Division of the Agricultural Department, solicits the assistance of volunteer observers belonging to the Agassiz Association. The chief of the Division of Forestry, in consultation with the President of the A. A., is preparing a special "schedule of phenological observations" for the A. A. This is a very simple series of questions, in spite of its long name. One object of this series of observations is to determine the effect of climate upon the growth of plants. Among the facts to be noted are the dates of the appearance of first leaf, first flower, and first fruit. Nothing is required that can not be accurately and easily done by an intelligent boy or girl of twelve years of age. It is earnestly desired by the Department that as many as possible of our members undertake this work, in the interest of science, and for the practical results of the information sought. All who are willing to try, will kindly send their addresses, at once, to "The Chief of the Division of Forestry, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C." The complete schedule of observations desired will then be sent to them, and they can begin at once. THE IOWA CONVENTION. The following programme has been prepared for our next General Convention to be held at Davenport, Iowa, in August: WEDNESDAY, August 25:--9 A.M. Reception of the National delegates, and visit to the Academy of Sciences.--2 P.M. Opening of Convention, 1. Prayer. 2. Address of welcome by Senator James Wilson of Iowa. 3. Response by the President of the A. A. 4. Reading of papers.--7 P.M. Reception and banquet, with toasts and responses. THURSDAY, August 26:--9 A.M. 1. Question Box. 2. Visit to the Government Island.--2 P.M. 1. Working Session. 2. Address by the President of the A. A.--7 P.M. Lecture, by Prof. T. H. McBride, of the Iowa State University. FRIDAY, August 27:--Steam-boat excursion down the Mississippi. PROF. CROSBY'S CLASS IN MINERALOGY. BOSTON, MASS. The class now includes 122 _bona fide_ correspondents. The great majority have very greatly and agreeably surprised me by the excellence of their work. I have been especially delighted by the success of the chemical experiments. I was in doubt at first as to the propriety of introducing these; but I should never hesitate again. The success of the class is so much beyond my expectations that I am fully reconciled to the time and labor it has cost me. W. O. CROSBY. HONORABLE MENTION. MR. PAUL L. SMITH, President of Chapter 653, of La Porte, Ind., goes fifty-nine miles, on the first Saturday of every month, to preside at the meetings of his Chapter. And yet some doubt whether Natural History can awaken the interest of the young! THE A. A. BY THE SEA.