202 



the transformations of the latter creatures very happily,, 

 and also alluded to the large variety of spiders that had 

 been found, representing a highly interesting, but poorly 

 understood class of animals. 



GEORGE D. PHIPPEN of Salem, had found a specimen of 

 the common Red Clover ( Trifolium pratense) which, by 

 some obscure process of nature, had produced its flowers of 

 nearly a pure white. This was made the basis of remarks 

 on hybridization and the origin of varieties among plants. . 



Mr. BANCROFT had often heard of an animal called the 

 " Hair Snake" found in stagnant water, and said to origi- 

 nate from the hair ol animals. He would like to have in- 

 formation about this creature, which he had often seen. 



Mr. PUTNAM said, in reply, that this was one of the idle 

 stories used by those who knew nothing of science, to ex- 

 plain facts without the trouble of observation. The truth 

 was, a real hair could never become a living animal under 

 any circumstances. The Gordius, or Hair Snake, is a true 

 and legitimate creature, with a regular progressive devel- 

 opment and the condition in which it so resembles a hair, is 

 one of its stages. It bears considerable affinity to the tape- 

 worm and others belonging to that class. 



T. M. STIMPSON of South Danvers, made a few remarks 

 upon this meeting at the Bowlders ; expressing much inter- 

 est in the suggestions of Mr. Hyatt on the subject of glacial 

 action, <fcc., and concluded in offering a vote of thanks to 

 Mr. H. for his instructive and interesting remarks ; unani- 

 mously adopted. 



On Motion of Rev. C. C. Bearnan, voted that the thanks 

 of the Institute be tendered to the proprietors of the Chapel, 

 and to Mr. Joel F. Needham and others for civilities and 

 attention. Adjourned. 



