105 



men or two of the Azalea viscosa ; though a few others may have 

 been passed on the route. Very fine specimens of Poi/onia ophioglos- 

 soides, remarkable for its delicate and peculiar fragrance were col- 

 lected, also an Orchis or two, alike denizens of the bog. 



Numerous blossoms of the starry Hypoxis twinkled low among the 

 thin shrubbery ; interesting to the botanist, but to the superficial ob- 

 server scarce distinguishable from a Potentilla or Ranunculus, genera 

 peculiarly abundant at this time. In the low lands where the party, 

 including several ladies, all damped their feet, were fine plants of Geum 

 rivale and Saxifrag a Fennsylvanica just passing out of flower; also the 

 obtrusive Green Hellebore with its large plaited leaves and abundant 

 green flowers. To a majority of our party the most novel plant seen 

 was a brilliant patch of CastiUcia coccinea or painted cup, though 

 not considered uncommon is yet rare in the vicinity of Salem. 



The great heat of the day, and the hour high noon, rather deadened 

 the usual and peculiar zeal of collectors. The last object of interest 

 remembered being the Betula lenta, or black birch tree, whose 

 branches overhung the river's bank. A hasty glance at the grounds 

 of the residents as we listlessly passed to the shaded seats and wel- 

 come tables, provided upon the Common, demonstrated a refined 

 taste. Among the trees and shrubs were noticed the Magnolia tripe- 

 tala and other rare shrubs and plants. 



As there was no opportunity given the botanical party to report, 

 and as the collected flowers before the meeting closed had become 

 limp and undistinguishable, we must guess at what they might have 

 said. 



The meeting then took a recess to enable the members and their 

 friends to visit the building. 



Bradford Academy is the oldest seminary for young ladies in the 

 State. Founded in 1803, and incorporated in 180-t, it has been in oper- 

 ation ever since. A new building has just been erected for the use 

 of the school, bringing the boarding and school departments under 

 the same roof. This new building is delightfully situated in the cen- 

 tre of an area of about twelve acres of land. The location is elevated 

 and commands a large extent of country on every side, giving fresh 

 invigorating air, with unsurpassed beauty of prospect. The health- 

 fulness of this location has been abundantly proved during the past 

 years of the school. The structure is in the form of a cross, four 

 stories high, and is built of brick, with underpinnings and facings of 

 granite. Corridors run through the building from east to west, a dis- 

 tance of two huudred and sixteen feet, aflbrding delightful and health- 

 ful promenades Avhen inclement weather forbids exercise out of doors. 

 A parlor and two bedrooms constitute a suite of rooms for four pu- 



EssEX Inst. Bulletin. ii 14 



