160 



The Chairman gave a description of a salamander 

 which had been left by some one upon the stand. In 

 answer to questions he explained that it was not poison- 

 ous, and indeed could not be made to bite. He then 

 traced the distinctions between the salamander and the 

 toad and frog, and between various varieties of sala- 

 manders common to this vicinity, giving -an account of 

 their development and habits. 



Dr. Bolles called attention to a new work undertaken 

 by the Institute, in the forming of a museum representing 

 the history of various manufactures, and said the Insti- 

 tute would be glad to receive contributions. The inten- 

 tion is to make a collection of pottery, types of different 

 kinds of stone, china and earthenware ; articles for kind- 

 ling fire, — antique specimens of matches, tinder boxes, 

 etc. ; old paper, — writing and printing. Articles which 

 possessors might deem worthless would perhaps be of 

 service in making a link of great value. 



On motion of Dr. Bolles it was 



Voted, That the thanks of the Essex Institute be ten- 

 dered to Messrs. John Price, Lewis N. Tappan, J. W. 

 Merrill, and Cheever, and the ladies of the town who had 

 so kindly aided in the arrangements of the day. Also to 

 the town authorities for the use of this hall. 



Regular Meeting, Monday, October 5, 1874. 



Tins evening was appropriated to the commemoration 

 of the first centennial of the revolution — the one hun- 

 dredth anniversary of the meeting, in Salem, of that 



