2.5 



will be exhibited and illustrated — also, various plates and engravings, 

 including some of the plates of Mr. Audubon's Birds of America. 



Ladies and Gentlemen, vrho feel an interest in the objects of the So- 

 ciety, are respectfully invited to attend. 



Per order of the Curators. J. M. Ives, Secretary. 



April 11, 1834." 



I was not present at this meeting, but according to the 

 records this programme was carried out. 



In looking around I find that of those Avho were then men- 

 tioned as being present, only two or three are with us this day, 

 — their places have been filled bj others — some who were then 

 the most active and energetic, and who contributed much to 

 the promotion of these measures, have been called to their final 

 resting place — others have removed to distant sections of the 

 Union or to foreign climes — whilst others have, in consequence 

 of age or other infirmities, been prevented from participating in 

 these pursuits. 



At this time, permit me to recall to your recollection a few of 

 these early pioneers in the cause of science, — to Avhom we are 

 so much indebted for what we now have and enjoy, — particu- 

 larly of those who were instrumental in organizing that 

 Institution, which in 1848 was united with the Essex Historical 

 Society, under the name of the Essex Institute. 



The first in order of time is Benjamin Hale Ives. It 

 was in consequence of a communication from his pen, under the 

 signature of Elah, in the Salem Gazette, of Tuesday, Feb. 1, 

 1831, that first called public attention to the subject of organ- 

 izing a County Natural History Society ; other communications 

 appeared occasionally, several of which were attributed to him, 

 advocating the importance of Institutions of this character and 

 the desirableness of encouraging a taste for the study of the 

 natural sciences. 



Mr. Ives was an enthusiastic naturalist, his attention was 

 mainly directed to the study of Insects, — though he by no 

 means neglected the collateral branches. If his life had been 

 spared, he would have become very distinguished in this favorite 

 pursuit, to which he devoted much of his leisure from the 

 more arduous duties of business. He was only permitted to 



ESSEX INST. PROCEED. VOL. ii. 4. 



