45 



tion to tbe subject. I will suggest a few, which may answer 

 as a Avord to the wise. 



1st. lias the exemption of buildings from the effects of light- 

 ing rods been such as to justify the general confidence reposed 

 in them. 



2d. Have not single trees and groves afforded greater pro- 

 tection than the metal rod. 



3d. Whose constructed rods have apparently afforded the 

 greatest security. 



4th. Are some trees better conductors than others? as the 

 elm for instance than the pine, and therefore more efficient 

 protectors. 



5th. Is the amount and operations of the electric fluid con- 

 siderably affected by the growing and ripening harvest. 



And now, dear sir, if the subject of this letter, in your opin- 

 ion, accords with the various useful investigations in which that 

 body is wisely and successfully directing its inquiries, will you, 

 as its Secretary, communicate it to the Essex Institute, and 

 oblige one, who cannot but hold you in high estimation, when 

 I know the wise efforts you are making to widen the circle of 

 human knowledge. 



Very Respectfully, Yours, 



GARDNER B. PERRY. 



The usual vote of thanks from the Institute was tendered to 

 Mr. Hills, and to his pupils, for the use of the school room and 

 for their attentions during this meeting. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1856. 



Field Meeting at Lynnfield. A bright sunny day and 

 a numerous attendance. Parties detailed themselves into var- 

 ious explorations ; some stopping at Ship Rock and traversing 

 the intervening w^oods along the Railroad track ; others work- 

 ing their devious ways among tangled underbrush and thickets ; 

 picking here and there a bright autumn leaf discolored by some 

 parasitic fungus in scattered spottings over its surface ; making 

 conjectures on the probable amount of nutriment in the dry 



