118 



Among these hills are many secluded recesses and 

 shady nooks, the homes of some of our choicest floral 

 gems — here the botanist and zoologist can each find speci- 

 mens of interest in their respective lines of investigation. 



To the older members of the Institute this locality has 

 a peculiar interest. The late Dr. Andrew Nichols, one 

 of the founders and the first president of the Natural 

 History Society, and a zealous student of nature, was 

 wont to ramble over these hills and dales, in quest of his 

 favorite objects for study and investigation, and became 

 very conversant with the many curious and interesting 

 forms there found. He contributed largely to the success 

 of the early field meetings, pointing out interesting local- 

 ities during the ramble, and communicating freely the 

 results of his observations at the afternoon session. No 

 object was too insignificant to his finely cultivated eye, 

 no fact too small to escape in its meaning and instruction 

 his noble and loving heart, but with a true and humble 

 faith he saw beneficence and wisdom in them all. He 

 passed away on the 31st of March, 1853, as the little 

 Draba vcrna, a plant which he detected many years pre- 

 vious in this vicinity, on some rocks moistened by the 

 later snows of spring, was opening its tiny petals to an- 

 other vernal season. 



The party from Salem left that place in a special train 

 at 9 A. M. Soon after arrival, being reinforced by mem- 

 bers and friends from other towns, they divided into sev- 

 eral groups. Some spent the forenoon in wandering 

 about the fields and among the pine groves in the midst 

 of which "Ship Rock" is situated, some went to the 

 vicinity of Bartholomew's Pond and were successful in 

 collecting many choice specimens in botany and zoology, 

 whilst others took different directions as inclination 

 prompted. 



