30^ Proceed in(/s of J}idUnt<t Aeadcuii/ of Sciotee. 



MiNUTKS OF THE SpKING MEETING. 



Spencer, Indiana. 



The Spring Meeting of the Academy afforded its meml)er.s and friends 

 an opportunity to vi.sit the Hatwoods of Owen and Monroe Counties — one of 

 the most interesting regions of Indiana. Tlie Flatwoods district, tlie site 

 of a glacial lake, covers an area of ahout fifteen square miles southeast of 

 Spencer. A considerable portion of the region, including the McCormack's 

 Creek gorge, has been set aside as a State Park and placed under control 

 of the Department of Conservation. A hotel, three miles from Spencer, is 

 maintained on the reservation for the accommodation of visitors. 



Boone's Cave. Porter's Cave, and Cataract Falls of the Eel River are 

 other attractive points which may be reached from Spencer. Members of 

 the Academy who know the region and are trained in the various branches 

 of Held work acted as guides. 



The meeting was planned to cover three days. Thursday. Friday and 

 Saturday. May 13th. 14th and 15th. 



Good automobile roads into Spencer fr(»m all directions made it possible 

 for members and guests to attend the meeting by automobile. Others who 

 came by rail secured automobile service from the local garages. 



Thirty-two members and fifteen guests were in attendance at the meet- 

 ings and the trips. 



THURSDAY. MAY 13.— Members of the Academy and their friends met 

 on the courthouse square and at 1:30 P. M., the first party left for a half- 

 day trip by automobile to the Eel River Cataract, about thirteen miles 

 from Spencer. The heavy rains several days before the meetings made the 

 cataract particularly attractive and spectacular. From the cataract the 

 party went a-foot to the lower falls, a mile or more distant. 



The second party left the courthouse about three o'clock and explored 

 Green's Bluffs and the vicinity of Boone's Cave but the high water made a 

 trip into the cave impossible. 



Both parties returned in time for the informal luncheon served by the 

 members of the Ladies Aid of the Christian Church. Immediately after the 

 luncheon a short business session was held, and at its close the Academy 

 adjourned to the auditorium of the Owen County courthouse, where Colonel 

 Richard liieber. Director of the State Conservation Commission, gave an 

 address complimentary to the citizens of Spencer and vicinity, upon "Mak- 

 ing the Most of the Resources of the State". The auditorium was well 

 filled with an appreciative audience. 



FRIDAY. MAY 14tli. — Starting from Spencer at nine o'clock in the morn- 

 ing the entire day was spent in a stud.v of the Flatwoods and McCormack's 

 Creek gorge. The party was guided by members of the geological staff of 

 Indiana University wlio are well acquainted with the region. The botanical 

 and zoological interests were agreeably directed by Professors Mottier and 

 Scott. Tours to visit the diversified interests of McCormack's Creek gorge 

 were made before and after the sumptuous dinner served to about seventy 

 persons by the proprietor of the hotel in this State Park. 



