150 



the liogs of themselves assume a protective color. It is noticeable 

 that hogs which have lived for generations in the piny woods are of 

 a reddish hue, corresponding exactly with the color of the fallen pine 

 leaves, so that it is almost impossible to detect one at a little distance 

 when it is lying upon a bed formed of them. 



This instance, together with the fact that the black hoof is a safe- 

 guard against the poisonous effects of the paint root, seems a conclu- 

 sive argument in favor of the theory that the Florida hogs have made 

 a slight advance towards forming a new variety or species. 



But I look upon it in another way, and see in these instances but 

 illustrations of a law in nature which grants to nearly all animals the 

 power of assuming protective colors, under certain circumstances, 

 but in a limited degree. This is to be seen in many cases among ani- 

 mals, the most familiar of Avhich is that of the northern hare {Lcpus 

 Americanus), which in autumn puts off its brown summer dress and 

 takes on one of the color of the snow, among which it has to live 

 throughout the winter. The hogs of Florida return to the mixed 

 colors in sections where the paint root does not grow and where no 

 pains are taken to select black ones, or where their food and surround- 

 ings are varied. There are apparently few or no analogous instances 

 to the black hoofs being a protection against poison, yet I will ven- 

 ture to say that did we understand the entire economy of nature, we 

 should find many similar ones. 



Quarterly Meeting, Wednesday, August 14, 1872. 



The meetino: was held at 3 p. m. The President in 

 the ehair. 



Stephen P. Driver of Salem and Charles F. Crocker 

 of Lawrence were elected resident members. 



Regular Meeting, Monday, October 21, 1872. 



First evening meeting, present season, connncnccd at 

 7 30 p. m\ The President in tlie chair. Records read. 



