Kansas University Weekly.
303
Oratorical Contest.
The local contest will occur January 24. All those, intending to enter should at once give their names to the executive committee, Mr. W. C. Atchison, and W. H. Mason, or to the President.
Four copies of each oration, without the name of the writer, must be handed to some officer of the Association on or before January 17.
L. N. FLINT, President.
ACADEMY OF SCIENCE.
Proceedings of the Annual Meeting.
The Kansas Academy of Science met at Snow hall January 2. Only routine business was transacted at the first metting. In the evening the retiring president, Mr. Warren Knaus, of McPherson, delivered an address. He gave a systematic review of the scientific papers presented to the academy since its organization. A very favorable impression was thus obtained of the sum total of scientific work that has been done by members of the academy.
At the morning session today a number of interesting papers were presented on general topics. Prof. D. E. Lantz, of Manhattan, gave a paper on the frosted poor-will, adopting a view that it is only a variety of Nuttall's poor-will. The principal evidence adduced was an observation of both forms in the same nest of young birds.
Prof. E. B. Kneer, of Atchison, gave a description of the nearest approach yet obtained to practical photography in colors.
Mr. A. J. Smith, of Emporia, described and exhibited an ingenious and simple clinometer devised and constructed by himself.
Prof. Miller, of the University, presented a resume of the several theories of the orgin of the so-called lunar volcanoes, and added one of his own which seemed to be more plausible. Prof. Miller seemed to hold that in all probability the formations on the moon's surface have resulted from various causes, chief of which might be called the "moon-spot" theory.
An interesting account by Prof. Blake of his
experiments on telephonic communications with light-ships was read, in his absence, by Prof. Dunstan. Photographs of the special forms of apparatus devised were exhibited.
Prof. Franklin exhibited specimens of argon and helium prepared by himself and showed their spectra, prefacing this by a brief account of their discovery.
Just before the close of the session A. H. Thompson read short sketches of the lives of Prof.D.H.Robinson,Prof.Robt.Hay and F. B.Ashton three members of the academy who have died since the last meeting. The following resolutions were adopted :
WHEREAS, In the dispensation of an All Wise Providence our brothers and co-workers, David H. Robinson, Robert Hay and F.B. Ashton have been removed from our midst by death, therefore be it
Resolved, That we place on record an expression of our great love and the sincere regret at their untimely decease.
Resolved, Also, that we express our appreciation of their worth and our high estimate of their accomplishments and work in their chosen fields of service.
Resolved, Also, that we extend to the bereaved families in their hour of sorrow and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to them.
A. H. THOMPSON,
F. H. SNOW,
E. B. KNEER.
In the afternoon papers on geological subjects of much interest were presented and at 5:30 Prof. Sayre gave an address on Serum Therapy.
At the afternoon session of the Kansas Academy of Science January 3 the following papers were read: "Experiments in Rainmaking," Prof. T. H. Dinsmore; "A Polish Glacial Rock Near Topeka," J. T. Lovewell; "Cone in Cone Structure," H. J. Harnly; "Closing of Michigan Glacical Lakes," B. B. Smyth; "The Flint Hills, an Object Lesson in Physiography," E. Haworth; "Horsebacks in Coals of Cherokee and Crawford Counties," W. R. Crane; "Salt Beds of Kansas," M. Z. Kirk, read by E. Haworth; "Irrigation in Cheyenne county," W. N. Logan; "Water Storage in the Dakota Formation in