f 



151 



From its 3'oung shoots, a thick milky fluid exudes, which is, in 

 effect Caoutchouc or india-rubber. Similar to its congeners, its 

 bark affords a strong fibre of a flaxy character. Mr. R. also 

 showed by several diagrams, the singular characteristics of the 

 fruit, which was an orange only in aspect ; and from the nettles 

 on one side to the bread fruits on the other, traced the gradua- 

 tions of structure of seed vessels, which resulted in its peculiar 

 form. The Institute now adjourned. 



Monday^ January 14, 1856. 



Evening meeting. Rev. John L. Russell. Vice President, 

 in the chair. 



Record and list of donations to Cabinet and Library read. 

 Letters concerning the Institute read by the Secretary. Some 

 documents pertaining to the history of Salem, being the original 

 subscription papers for paving the Main street between 

 Britton's corner and West's corner in 1773, lately presented by 

 Dr. John S. Appleton, of Boston, were exhibited ; and some 

 extracts from the Town Records having reference to the 

 subject were read by the Secretary. Some instructive conver- 

 sation ensued, relative to the location of the "corners" specified, 

 and to the change of names as well as change of aspect which a 

 few years produce. 



The following paper, presented by Rev. A. P. Chute, of 

 Lynnfield, on newly discovered minerals, was then read : 



The specimens of minerals submitted to me, and found 

 within the limits of this city, prove to be of an interesting 

 character. The azure blue mineral I have no hesitation in 

 pronouncing Cancrinite — a rare mineral in New England. 

 Indeed, I know of but one other locality and that is of recent 

 discovery. It is at Litchfield, Me., on or near the Kennebec 

 river. Specimens from that locality were analyzed a few years 

 ago, by Br. C. T. Jackson. Though I have had no opportunity 



