16 



minute forms of living animals and plants, sections of the spines of 

 sea urchins, skin of the shark, scales of the flounder, etc., were placed 

 under some dozen microscopes in charge of Mr. Edwin Bicknell, for 

 the purpose of illustrating some points in the anatomical structui'e 

 peculiar to these lower forms of animal life. Many of the above 

 preparations were beautifully executed by Mr. Bicknell, who has ac- 

 quired a well deserved reputation as a skilful preparator of slides 

 for microscopical investigations. 



There was also on the tables a Wardian case belonging to Mr. 

 John Robinson, containing a beautiful collection of growing ferns 

 and other plants, which attracted much attention and added greatly 

 to the interest of the exhibition. 



After a sufficient time had been appropriated for the examination of 

 the various specimens, the collation was announced, and while the 

 company were paying their attention to this portion of the entertain- 

 ment, the tables, aquaria, and microscopes were removed to the lower 

 hall, "where those who desired could devote more time to farther in- 

 vestigations. 



Monday, May 11, 1868. — Regular Meeting. 

 Vice President Goodell in the chair. 



c Correspondence and donations announced. 



A communication was read from Mr. John H. Sears, of Danvers, 

 on the return of the Birds. 



Mr. D. B. Hagar made some interesting remarks on ventilation, 

 which he designated familiar talk. He proposed three questions : — 

 first, what is bad air? second, where is bad air? third, how to get 

 rid of bad air? The last is the most important practically, and vari- 

 ous methods were suggested. The subject was illustrated by several 

 very simple and appropriate experiments. 



Discussion followed, participated in by Messrs. Kimball, Hagar, 

 and GooDELL. 



A vote of thanks was passed, with the request that Mr. Hagar 

 would give these remarks in a lecture, the next season, with such ad- 

 ditions as may be suggested. 



Edward Lane, S. Augusta Brown, and Laura S. Spiller, of Salem, 

 were elected Resident Members. 



Wednesday, May 13, 18*68. — Annual Meeting. 

 Vice President Goodell in the chair. 



Records of the last annual and regular meetings read. 

 The Annual Repoits of several of the officers were read and ac- 

 cepted. 



