178 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



the level. "The lofty column on Bunker Hill, which carries the history of 

 those times down to future ages, was designed no less to perpetuate the 

 memory of the martyr Warren, who, on that spot poured out his blood in 

 the cause of liberty, than the rememljrance of the event, which will live 

 long after that pillar of granite shall have crumbled into ruin." It was in- 

 deed a fitting tribute to his memory, that the corner stone upon which 

 rests that immense structure should have been tried by the square and 

 adjusted by the level and plumb of LaFayette — that brother whose un- 

 selfish patriotism and exalted benevolence made him the confidential 

 friend of our Washington. 



With such precedents as these it does not seem strange or inappro- 

 priate that the institution here represented should frequently be called to 

 perform work like that of to-day. If it be asked why preference is shown 

 to the Masonic organization in the rendering of such service, the answer 

 may be found, perhaps, in the fact that the custom has long been estab- 

 lished — reaching back to a period when other kindred societies, some of 

 which are now most honorable and influential, were not in existence. 



We are here to-day clothed in white gloves and aprons, the insignia of 

 Free and Accepted Masons, to place in the north-east corner of the 

 ground plan the first stone upon which is to be built a super-structure to 

 be dedicated to the promotion of science. The corner stone has its 

 casket, the depository of the evidence of the condition of the people, re- 

 ligious and political, and of the history of the times when it was laid. 



Dr. C. C. Parry then read the following : 



ODE. 



On Laying the Corner-Stone of the Davenport Academy of Natural 

 Sciences, October 4th, 1877. 



BY C. C. PARRY. 



In ocean's depths, long ages past, 



A floor of solid rock was laid. 

 From which, in later times recast, 



A fitting corner-stone is made. 



This block, transformed by human art. 

 We now would lay with rev'rent hand, 



Where it may needful strength impart. 

 On which our temple wall may stand. 



Within its massive bed we place 



Some tokens of the present age. 

 In which the future man may trace 



The brightening light on Science page. 



Above this corner-stone we aim 



To rear no monumental fane, ; 



Which shall, in solemn tones proclaim 



That human works and hopes are vain. 



