10 



the able Superintendent of Schools in this city, on the " School Houses 

 of the olden time." 



Rev. John Fiske was the earliest teacher. He was born in 1701, and 

 removed to America in 1037, and resided at Salem three years, per- 

 forming the double office of preacher and tutor. Among his pupils 

 was the famous Sir George Downing. After giving an account of Mr. 

 IMske and his descendants, Dr. W. mentioned the other succeeding 

 teachers in the early years, Edward Norris, Daniel Epes, Samuel 

 Whitman, John Nutting, Peter Frye, William Walter, Nathan Goodale, 

 John Watson, Isaac Hooker, Edward Lang, and others. In this con- 

 nection allusion was made to two of the old school mistresses, who 

 kept private schools for a long period, Mrs. Susanna Babbidge, and 

 Miss Mehitable Higginson. 



The first provision made for female teachers in Salem, was in 1764. 

 In 1793 girls were first admitted to the Grammar schools, though un- 

 der very unfavorable conditions. In '827 the first permanent arrange- 

 ment was made for female education, by the establishment of two 

 female Grammar schools, one in the eastern and the other in the west- 

 ern section. From that time the new system became more fully de- 

 veloped. In 1845 the High school was organized and became one of 

 our highest and most valuable seminaries. A particular account was 

 given of the origin of the Normal school in Salem, dedicated in Sept., 

 1854. The union of the High and Classical schools in the new build- 

 ing in Broad street extended the advantages of a good classical edu- 

 cation, which under the old system was very imperfect. The city is 

 much indebted to the late Hon. S. C. Phillips for awakened zeal in 

 these matters which still continues with unabated vigor. 



On motion of Mr. E. S. MORSE, this paper was referred to the pub- 

 lication committee. Remarks were made by Mr. KIMBALL, Superin- 

 tendent of Schools, and others. 



Mr. W. P. UPHAM read a copy of the earliest reference on the town 

 records to a free school, viz. : Sept. 30, 1644. Also a deed by John 

 Cross of Ipswich, dated Dec. 6, 1650, giving ten shillings a year for- 

 ever, for a free school in Ipswich, and binding his farm therefore. 



Mr. KIMBAU, referred to the origin of free schools in Dorchester. 



William H. Hull, of Salem, was elected a Resident Member. 



MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1868. Regular Meeting. 

 Vice President GOODELL in the chair. 



Correspondence and donations announced. 



Among the donations particularly noticed were specimens of the 

 Black Rat. taken at Hancock, N. H., presented by Mr. BENJ. GOODIICE 

 of that place. This rat, once better known than the brown rat, is 

 rapidly diminishing since the introduction into its haunts of the latter 

 species. Its original locality is not well known. According to some 

 authors it was brought to this continent about the year 1544, and 

 spread to such a degree as to have been apparently more abundant 

 here than in the old world. Other authors have insisted that the spe- 

 cies originally came from America, but of this there is much doubt. 



Another addition to the Museum deserving of special notice is a 



