i6i 



Prior to 1872, his works, "Fireside Science,''' and 

 " Chemistry of the Farm and Sea," were issued and ex- 

 tensivety read, contributing to increase his literary repu- 

 tation, and in 1883, his book entitled, " Whence, What, 

 Where?" proved to be the most popular of all his publi- 

 cations, with immense sales. His interest in the diffusion 

 of useful knowledge caused him to found a public library 

 in his native town of Merrimae. Besides his scientific, 

 agricultural and literary pursuits, he held very important 

 official positions, having been from 1873 to 1878, Presi- 

 dent of the Vermont State Railroad, and from 1873 to 

 his death, a Director of the Boston and Maine Railroad. 



James E. Gale, of Haverhill, died Aug. 20, 1888,. 

 aged 56 years. He became a member in 1855. 



William Merrill, of Haverhill, died Sept. 7, 1888, 

 aged 76 years. He joined the Society from Andover, in 

 1865. 



Edmund Gage, of Haverhill, died Dec. 6, 1888, aged 

 86 yrs., 6 mos., 26 days. He had been a member about 

 fifteen years. 



Addison Gilbert, of Gloucester, died July 2, 1888, 

 at the age of 79 years, having been a member since 1872. 

 Although not a farmer, he took great pleasure in culti- 

 vating fruits, flowers and vegetables in his garden. At 

 the time of his death he was President of the City 

 National Bank and the Cape Ann Savings Bank, and 

 under the Town Government he served many years on 

 its Board of Selectmen, most of the time chairman. He 

 had, during his life, accumulated a large property, and 

 left for the benefit of his native city, Gloucester, nearly 

 #200,000 to found a free hospital and an Aged Couples' 

 Home, and for other charitable and like institutions in 

 the city. 



Francis M. Loring, of Gloucester, died Aug. 17,1888, 

 aged 77 years. He was born in Boston, Aug. 27, 1811, and 

 went to Gloucester forty-five years ago, as a journeyman 

 tinsmith. Afterwards he was in business, winning 



