14 



est in connection with the existing glaciers of the Alps, but is ex- 

 tremely instructive in a geological point of view, inasmuch as a careful 

 study of the geological action of the glaciers of the present time gives 

 us the key by which to unlock a volume which has been a long time 

 closed ; enables us to restore a picture which has long since vanished ; 

 to see the world at a time when not only the whole northern part of 

 Europe, but also of America, was covered with vast fields of ice, 

 which grinding along, over the tops of the highest hills, gave the 

 finishing touches to the surface geology, and left their history plainly 

 recorded upon the solid rocks in the shape of a polishing and furrow- 

 ing of the hardest materials, and show us also that nature uses the 

 same means now to accomplish her results as she did ages upon ages 

 ago, long before man had appeared upon the scene. 



On motion of Mr. W. P. Upham the thanks of the Institute were 

 tendered to Mr. Vose for his interesting communication. 



Monday, April 13, 1868. — Eegular Meeting. 

 Vice President Goodell in the chair. 



Mr. F. W. Putnam appointed Secretary pro tem. 



Donations and correspondence announced. 



Mr. Horace Mann delivered the sixth lecture of his course. Sub- 

 iect : the structure of the flower and the various methods of fertili- 

 zation, especially that of the orchids by insects. 



Monday, April 20, 1868. — Regular Meeting. 

 Vice President Goodell in the chair. 



Mr. P. W. Putnam appointed Secretary pro tem. 



Correspondence and donations announced. 



Mr. Putnam stated that the collection of Fossils received from 

 Prof. James Hall, in exchange, was quite valuable, the specimens 

 having been identified and named by Prof. Hall. 



Mr. Putnam read a letter from Mr. S. Jillson, giving an account 

 of the nest containing the white eggs of the Tawny Thrush presented 

 at the last meeting. The nest was found in June, 1867, and the bird 

 was seen, leaving no doubt as to the species. Mr. Jillson also wrote 

 that he had found pure white eggs of the Blue Bird. 



Mr. Benj. S. Dodge presented a stone implement found in Rowley. 

 This implement combined characters of the axe and gouge with a 

 groove for a withe by which a handle was probably attached. In this 

 connection Mr. Putnam alluded to the diflerent forms of stone imple- 

 ments that had been found in New England, and stated that he was 

 having drawings of the various kinds in the collection made for the 



