205 



of the party that had made the examination. He then - 

 exhibited engravings of somewhat similar dwellings of an 

 ancient race in France, and gave an account of several 

 recent investigations in archaeology, both in this country 

 and in Europe. 



Mr. ALFRED OSGOOD of Newburyport, gave an account 

 of the alleged lead or silver mines in the vicinity of New- 

 buryport. He leaned to the opinion that the accounts 

 were exaggerated ; that the ore found was simply float 

 ore, brought thither by glacial action, and that it was 

 doubtful if there were a vein or mine in the place. He, 

 however, thought that a scientific examination ought to 

 be made to ascertain the fact, and suggested that a party 

 should be detailed from the Institute to make a thorough 

 examination. 



Mr. KNOWLTON, of Rockport, differed from Mr. Osgood 

 as to the ore being deposited by glacial action, and was 

 inclined to believe it a genuine vein. 



Mr. F. W. PUTNAM suggested that the difference of 

 opinion on this subject indicated the importance of a 

 thorough scientific survey of the state, and he thought 

 that the Institute ought to take some action favoring a 

 survey, and present its views to the Legislature, which 

 would soon receive a report from the Board of Education 

 in relation to the subject. 



Hon. GEORGE B. LORING expressed himself in favor of 

 such action, and presented many forcible arguments in 

 furtherance of such a course. He spoke of the practical 

 value of a thorough understanding of the natural re- 

 sources of a state. The work of agriculture cannot be 



