THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. t)5 



in Salem, where he died Jan. 22, 1885. Admitted to 

 membershiip Feb. 20, 1871. 



Field Meetings have been attended with more than 

 usual interest. 



The first on Wednesday June 18, 1884, atTopsfield, in 

 commemoration of a meeting held for the completion of 

 the organization of the Essex County Natural History So- 

 ciety, fifty years ago, in that town ; its location in the ge- 

 ographical centre of the county, before the introduction 

 of railroads, was considered a very suita})le and convenient 

 place for the holding of conventions and other gatherings, 

 possessing a general county interest. The morning was 

 passed at the residence of Mr. Thomas W. Peirce, whose 

 extensive grounds, fine gardens and conservatories were 

 opened to the visitors. The afternoon session in the Town 

 Hall was largely attended ; the speakers were the Presi- 

 dent and Messrs. E. S. Morse, John Robinson, B. F. Mc- 

 Daniel, S. P. Fowler and J. J. H. Gregory. The progress 

 made in Zoology, Botany, Geology and the kindred 

 branches of science since 1834, especially with reference to 

 the increasing attention devoted to these studies, in this 

 county was fully discussed. Mr. Fowler, who was present 

 at the meeting fifty years since, gave an account of the 

 gathering and spoke of those who were present, all of 

 whom, with a few exceptions, have passed away. 



Second Meeting at Annisquam, Gloucester, Wednes- 

 day, July 16, 1884. The morning was spent at the sea- 

 side Laboratory of Prof. Alphcus Hyatt in observing the 

 work of the students, also in visiting the beaches and other 

 objects of interest. At the afternoon session remarks were 

 oftered by the president, ^Messrs. Kingsley and Hyatt of 

 the Lal)oratory giving a full account of the meth(jds of 

 instruction. Mr. James S. Jewett, Hon. Jonas H. French 



K.SSKX INST. BULLKTIN, VOL. XVII 9 



