71 



RouNUY, of Beverly, lectured upon China and the Chinese ; his infor- 

 mation was obtained from personal observation and long study, having 

 passed more than twentj' years among that people. Seventh, Tuesdays 

 April 26, a poem by Rev. Jones Very, of Salem, " Settlement of Salem 

 by the Puritans," wa.s a happy selection, attbrding full scope for thought 

 and reflection, and abounding in materials which are full of interest. 

 His topics were the varied scenes which the early pioneers witnessed 

 — the leaving of the mother country for opinion sake — the voyage 

 across the Atlantic, the arrival on these shores, the laying out of the 

 settlement, the erection of dwellings, the gradual modificatiou of 

 public aflairs to conform to the growth of tlie people and the wants 

 of the times. 



These have usually been preceded by the performance of several 

 pieces of music, vocal and instrumental, by members of the musical 

 department, a practice as interesting as it is novel, and one which has 

 added greatly to the pleasantness of the evening. The thanks of the 

 Institute are due to the several lecturers, and also to those who took 

 part in the musical exercises, for their kindness in contributing so es- 

 sentially to the promotion of these objects of the Institute. 



Historical Department. — The last report of the Superintendent of 

 the Museum mentioned, that no arrangement existed for the coins and 

 medals and paper currency. These have since received attention. 

 The coins have been placed in a suitable cabinet and properly classi- 

 fied, with the exception of the ancient Greek and Roman coins. It is 

 hoped that, during the present year, a gallery case will be constructed 

 to contain the more attractive coins and medals. The paper money 

 has been placed in appropriate volumes, in such a manner that addi- 

 tions may be easily inserted. This collection has been greatly in- 

 creased within the past year. 



Natural History Department. — The specimens in this department 

 being deposited with the trustees of the Peabody Academy of Sci- 

 ence, renders a notice here unnecessary. The Superintendent of 

 the Museum will state in his report the condition of the department. 



Horticultural Department. — Considerable interest has been recently 

 awakened in horticulture, and several papers have been read on this 

 subject at the evening meetings. A desire has also been expressed to 

 revive the horticultural exhibitions, which in past years attracted so 

 much attention in this vicinity. This, it is earnestly hoped, will meet 

 with success. These exhibitions not only advance the cause of hor- 

 ticulture, but indirectly the general welfare of the Society — a num- 

 ber of persons are induced thereby to become interested, who would 

 not otherwise have their attention turned in this direction. 



The American Association for the Advancement of Science held in 

 August last its annual meeting in Salem, under the auspices of the 



