JOURNAL 



OP THE 



ESSEX COUNTY CTATimAI. HISTOJnT SOCIETTT. 



VOL. I. JUNE, 1839, No. 2. 



PREFATORY REMARKS. 



It may be expected on the commencement of a 2d number of 

 our Journal, that some brief account be given of the state and 

 progress of the cc ESSEX COUNTY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY," 

 since the issue of the first, containing its anniversary address, 

 etc. At that time, (June 15, 1836,) the Society was considered 

 in a prosperous condition. Its intentions since, as ever, have 

 been to promote the Natural History of the County. 



Our County Geology and Mineralogy have, thus, been exam- 

 ined and specimens collected. A valuable group of native birds 

 has been provided for its Ornithology. The Conchology of our 

 ocean shores has been regarded. Nor has our Botany been 

 overlooked. Beautifully dried Plants, both of the Phaneroga- 

 mous and Cryptogamous orders, and also prepared fruits and 

 seeds will be found in their proper compartments. Attention to 

 the Mammalia, Reptilia and Fishes, as also to Comparative 

 Anatomy has been on the increase. Some rare and valuable 

 works have been added to the Library. Rich donations, have 

 been made by Correspondents, in foreign specimens. The 

 Floral Exhibitions have maintained their usual and proper posi- 



