203 

 Thursday, Aug. 7, 1862. 



Field Meeting at Rockport, The extension of railroad 

 •communication from Gloucester to Rockport, recently opened, 

 contributed, probably, to attract the large party who went 

 in the early train to visit the extreme settlement of Cape 

 Ann. Not only nearly all of those whose pleasant counte- 

 nances usually enliven these meetings were there, but many 

 were noticed ; visitors from places further away, devotees of 

 science, seeking much anticipated pleasures under the pat- 

 ronage of the only society that holds " field meetings," in 

 this region. 



The dispersion of the explorers was, of course, in many 

 directions, as usual. A part set out for Long Beach, a part 

 to Pigeon Cove. Some examined the shore, and some the 

 interior, or mused and studied among the memorials in the 

 old burial ground. But much the largest division turned 

 toward the great institution of Rockport — the granite quar- 

 ries. Here they rambled and enjoyed themselves ; ham- 

 mering out the curious crystals, or watching the varying 

 movements of the derrick, the steam-pump, or the powder- 

 blast. 



Reassembling at Johnson's Hall, the company disposed 

 of a plentiful repast, and at half past one o'clock, the formal 

 meeting was called to order by Vice President A. C. Grood- 

 .«11 of the Historical Department. 



Records of preceding meeting were read. 



Donations were announced from the following : 



To the Cabinets — from Richard Phillips Jr. of Topsfield ; 

 . James B. Cnrwen; David Thomson; George F. Flint of 

 North Reading ; Mrs. I. Ward ; William H. Foster ; W. G. 

 Webb ; Dudley Weeks ; Reuben W. Ropes of New York. 



