587, _Concord, N. H._ We think we have made more progress during the past year than in any other since our Chapter was formed. We have received many good specimens in exchange, among them some coal-fossils, in which we were greatly interested; a piece of iron ore from the Isle of Elba, and a quantity of shells from all points of the compass. So now our cabinet contains some 500 minerals, besides the shells and other curiosities. We have not read scientific books as much this winter as we did last year, but have given our time to practical work in botany and mineralogy. Five young ladies come in every Monday for the study of botany, taking up house-plants as a preparation for other work next summer. Also, we took advantage of Professor Crosby’s offer, and have much enjoyed the work in mineralogy under his direction. We found blow-pipe analysis very fascinating.—Lunette E. Lamprey, Sec. 590, _Pomfret Centre, Conn._ An average of four members of our Chapter have met once a week through the winter. We have carefully examined two herbariums collected by members, besides looking over nearly one hundred species of flowers and ferns sent to me from California. During the year we have examined 300 species of flowers and ferns growing in this vicinity. We have made one excursion this month, and we have upon our list since April 7, 1886, twenty-five plants. The first, Houstonia, was found on April 13. Our members are more enthusiastic than ever before, and we are looking forward to a very profitable season.—S. P. Oakes Marsh, Sec. 595, _Oneonta, N. Y._ One of our members is taking the course of lessons in mineralogy, and enjoys it very much. Another is making a collection of the violets, and writing out descriptions of all the plants she finds. When we go to the woods we always take a basket and stout knife; then when we find a plant which we do not know, and is not in bloom, we transplant it to our little wild garden; then when it blossoms, we analyze it: if it is pretty and desirable, we let it grow; if not, we pull it up; but when we meet it again, we know it.—Jessie E. Jenks, Sec. 600, _Galveston_ (_A_). Since date of last report (September 16, 1885), we have held fifteen meetings, at which were read six essays and eleven selected readings. There were reported seventy-six notes on natural objects, and specimens found, to the number of one hundred and fifty-one. Among the many curious notes reported was one on the nest of a mud-wasp, found within the rind of a ripe orange, the skin of which had burst from rapid growth. EXCHANGES. Galena, gold ore, silver ore, fluorspar, etc. I will hereafter give all inquirers for exchange my closest attention.—Ernest L. Roberts, Sec. 262, Denver, Col. Infusorial earth from Virginia for specimens from other States.—Chapter 248, 109 East Grace street, Richmond, Va. Minerals for same. Lists exchanged. Silicified wood a specialty.—Miss Allie Cole, Sec. Ch. 700, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.