201 



and its probable connection with a stupendous system of 

 ancient glaciers. 



C. M. Tracy of Lynn, gave some description of the 

 plants gathered during the day. Among these were found 

 an Azalea, a Kalmia, several Silenes or Catch-flies, an Utri- 

 milaria, or Bladderwort, and some of the Cornels, with 

 many species of other kinds. By request he gave some ex- 

 position of the character and habits of that pest of the pas- 

 tures, the Woodwaxen. Among the Pea family, to which 

 this plant belongs, it presents an anomaly in its simple 

 leaves, the general tendency of all leguminous plants being 

 toward compound ones. The Woodwaxen ripens abund- 

 ant seeds, and spreads itself with great rapidity ; yet it has 

 never found congenial soil far beyond Eastern Massachu- 

 setts or, in fact, beyond Essex County. It is said to afford 

 a fine yellow dye, but it is doubtful if any such use has been 

 made of it in this region. Like all troublesome plants, it 

 is beset with methods for its extirpation ; plowing, mowing 

 at flowering time, and feeding down with sheep, being all 

 recommended. It never comes into cultivated lands, or 

 rarely, and therefore the operation of these means against it 

 has probably never been fully tested. 



Dr. George Osgood of Danvers, the veteran botanist of 

 tke Institute, followed in a course of remarks on the plants 

 found by him, evincing the unabated enthusiasm that al- 

 ways marks his botanical efforts. 



F. W. Putnam took the opportunity to speak of the col- 

 lection of insects and other small animals, made by a class 

 of his pupils in Salem. Moths and beetles, with a rare 

 iiragon-fly, appeared among the insects, and a variety of 

 snakes, toads and frogs, made up the set. Mr. P. explained 



ESSEX INST. PROCEED. VOL. ill. 26. 



