71 



natural science probably greater than that of any other 

 man ; he was the originator of the present system of 

 magnetic observations, and first drew attention to iso- 

 thermal lines, classifying countries by their climates ; he 

 collected an astonishing amount of facts in natural 

 science, which have served as inexhaustible supplies for 

 subsequent observers. 



Mr. J. Hale Abbot alluded to the general literary cul- 

 ture, and to the remarkably well-balanced mind of 

 Humboldt. Most men, eminent in science, he said, are 

 one-sided in their mental constitution, but Humboldt 

 cultivated his faculties in all directions, and the marks 

 of a refined taste in literature, as well as of scientific cul- 

 ture, appear in all his writings. Hence the accuracy of 

 his judgment, the trustworthiness of his conclusions on 

 scientific questions, and the general unhesitating ac- 

 ceptance of his well-matured opinions. 



Mr. Abbot presented the following resolutions, which 

 were unanimously adopted : — 



Resolved: That the members of the Boston Society of Natural 

 History have learned with profound grief the death of the illus- 

 trious Naturalist and Philosopher — Alexander Von Humboldt* 



Resolved: That we cherish a high sense of the preeminent 

 amount and value of the services rendered by him to the cause of 

 science, during a long life actively devoted to the extension and 

 diffusion of knowledge of the phenomena and laws of nature. 



Resolved: That, in token of our condolence, these resolutions 

 be transmitted to the family of the deceased. 



The Secretary made a communication from U. A, 

 Boyden, Esq. of Boston, requesting the Society to con* 

 sider the expediency of examining the so-called "ice 

 stratum " in Brandon, Vermont, which has recently been 

 referred to in the newspapers. In excavating a well, on 

 a tolerably level plain, at a depth of fifteen feet through 

 sand and gravel, the workmen came to a layer of frozen 



