LV1I 



the head of the coffin and penetrated all along the spine, 

 and thence branched down the legs to the feet, being 

 thus nourished by the material of the bones. And there- 

 fore those who ate of that tree had been unwittingly 

 partaking of the very substance of the old Reformer. Nor 

 in all this is there anything abhorrent to a fine and merci- 

 ful sense. Nature destroys with sudden stroke, mostly, 

 all things that can feel. She saves pain, she shows no 

 malevolence, but only kindly transfers the life from one 

 form to another. 



Prof. A. Crosby, of Salem, gave some account of the 

 operations of the Portland Natural History Society. This 

 institution has excellent accommodations, and is about 

 commencing a system of Field Meetings, much on the 

 plan of our own. A curious feature at their rooms, is the 

 grand table, eleven feet long by six Avide, made of a single 

 plank from the "Big Tree" of California. Prof. C. also 

 spoke of the facilities afforded by these meetings for 

 educational purposes, and for acquaintance with things 

 around us which are too rarely seen in schools. 



E. N. Walton, of Salem, spoke in continuation of the 

 same subject. 



The Secretary read a letter from Rev. Charles Babbage, 

 chaplain in the army, in relation to Wenham Pond, giving 

 some curious anecdotes of that locality, and the former 

 residents thereabout. 



On motion of C. M. Tracy of Lynn, the thanks of the 

 Institute were voted to the Proprietors of the Rockville 

 Chapel for the use of their premises to-day ; also to the 

 friends in the village who have favored us with their 

 assistance and encouragement. 



Henry W. Peabody of Salem, nominated at a previous 

 meeting, was elected a resident member. 



The Institute then adjourned. 

 8 



