20 THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 



A paper describing the persecutions the Episcopalians 

 underwent from the Puritans was followed by another pa- 

 per called "A Defence of the Puritans." A discussion 

 usually follows the reading of the papers and often new 

 light is thrown upon a subject in that way. 



Chronologically speaking, the class has not made much 

 progress, as the field of interesting material concerning 

 the very early days has not yet been exhausted. The last 

 paper was upon John Woodbury. 



Several gentlemen, members of the Institute, have ver}^ 

 kindly consented to address the class from time to time, 

 at Plummer Hall, and there have been given many not only 

 delightful, but also very instructive afternoon talks on 

 subjects bearing upon the work the class has been doing. 

 Mr. Rantoul gave the first informal talk on " Life Among 

 the Early Planters," which was most interesting. He was 

 followed by Rev. E. B. Willson, with a charming sketch 

 of " Life Among the Early Ministers." Next Mr. Sidney 

 Perley gave a very instructive and interesting talk upon 

 the "Interpretation of old Colonial Manuscripts," illus- 

 trated by blackboard drawings. Mr. Ezra D. Hines took 

 the class one afternoon, in imagination, upon his pictur- 

 esque and attractive ramble over "An Historic Highway." 

 Jan. 1, Mr. Henry M. Brooks read a most delightful 

 })aper, entitled " Old Schools." At the close of this paper, 

 in celebration of the day, a bowl of " Literary Salad, " 

 containing quotations from the papers which the members 

 of the class had written, was passed around. Each per- 

 son took a lettuce leaf with quotation attached and was 

 requested to bring to the next meeting the name of the 

 author. 



Soon after this meeting, Hon. Alden P. White gave, 

 with blackboard illustrations, his most charming and fas- 

 cinating " Evolution of Essex County." 



One afternoon Mr. Frank Cousins took the class upon 



