45 



riorida reefs, dnriug such a period of iutense cold for a tropical cli- 

 mate (where the mean of wiuter temperature is 60°), to the death of 

 fishes and other marine animals bj^ local earthquakes and volcanic 

 eruptions, and thought a much greater devastation was wrought by 

 the former cause. 



He was accompanied by Prof. II. H. Goodell of the State Agricultu- 

 ral College, and with his aid had made very large collections, especi- 

 ally of crustaceans, worms, and corals. While at Ft. Jefferson they had 

 enjoyed the hospitality of Colonel Charles Hamilton, during the war 

 in command of the Florida coast, who had done much for the success 

 of the trip; to Colonel Gibson, U. S. A., Commandant of the Fort, and 

 to many of the officers and men they were much indebted for various 

 specimens and the use of boats and aid in dredging, &c. While at 

 Key West they were under constant obligations to M. A. Allen, Esq., 

 for aid in furtherance of their explorations ; so that a large and valu- 

 able collection was made in departments in which the Museum of the 

 PeabodyAcademy had been hitherto sadly deficient. 



Dr. Packard's remarks elicited several interesting queries, after 

 which, Mr. C. H. Higbee being called upon by the Chair, alluded 

 briefly to the subject of horticulture, and suggested the proprietj- of 

 taking into consideration the expediency of having the rooms opened 

 at stated intervals for the exhibition of fruits, flowers, and vegeta- 

 bles, as was the practice some years since, during the coming season, 

 and the necessity of making early arrangements for the same, if 

 deemed advisable. Many new varieties, especially of flowers, have 

 been recently introduced into our gardens, and with a corresponding 

 eflbrt displays can be made that would compare favorably if not sur- 

 passing those of former years. The horticultural department, the past 

 few years, has been in a quiescent condition ; he perceived an awaken- 

 ing interest in its behalf and hoped that exhibitions now contemplated 

 would be held at least monthly during the season, commencing with 

 that of the rose and strawberry in the latter part of June. He then 

 exhibited some crocuses, and a coliseum ivy growing in combination 

 self-watering pots, and described the construction of these pots which 

 were invented by Benj. W. Putnam of Jamaica Plains, and are well 

 adapted for growing bulbous and other plants that require much 

 water. 



EEGULAE, MEETING, MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1870. 

 The President in the chair. 



The Secretary reported the following correspondence. 

 Acad. Wissenschaften, Munchen, Feb. 18; Charles H. Bell, Exeter, X. H., March 

 8; "W.B.Brown, Marblehead, March 18; Boston Public Library, Boston, March 10; 



