212 

 Mr. VEKRILL replied, and some discussion ensued. 



Rev. JOSEPH B. FELT of Salem, then read an historical 

 sketch o( Rockport, including notices of prominent families, 

 statistics of industry, and many other matters of local inter- 

 est. (Printed in Hist. Coll. of Inst. vol iv, p. 1(32. 



Rev. C. C. BEAMAN of Salem, thought all present had 

 deeply enjoyed this excursion. He, too, delighted in this 

 free view of the ocean, so grand and elevating, and so well 

 calculated to awaken every sublime emotion of the human 

 soul. 



Mr. A. HYATT of Cambridge, gave a brief exposition of 

 the theory of the Drift Formation, as now generally received, 

 and also explained, at some length, the peculiar action of 

 waves and oceanic currents in forming pits, ridges, and other 

 inequalities in the sand. 



Rev. G. S. WEAVER oi Lawrence, bore testimony to the 

 extreme pleasantness of this occasion. He wished he could 

 have the opportunity, now and then, of enjoying such a 

 season, near home. If the Institute would arrange for. an 

 early visit to Lawrence, he could assure them of a most 

 hearty welcome. 



It was then on motion oi THOMAS M. STIMPSON, Esq., of 

 South Danvers, (who supported the motion with agreeable 

 remarks.) 



Resolved, That the thanks of the Members of the Essex 

 Institute be tendered to those ladies and gentlemen of 

 Rockport, who have so kindly given their time and services 

 in aid of the objects of the Society ; to those by whose liber- 

 ality the use of the Hall has been granted for our meetings ; 

 and to all others who have contributed to render our visit 

 one of pleasure. Adjourned. 



