138 



modes of taking it ; beside some remarks oi» tlie artificial 

 propagation of fresh water kinds, particularly the trout {Salmo 

 fwilmalis), were made the topic of some valuable and inter- 

 esting remarks by Capt. Nathaniel E. Atwood, of Province- 

 town, he being present by invitation and having consented to 

 address the meeting. 



On motion of John H. Stone, it was unanimously 

 Voted, That the thanks of the Essex Institute be presented 

 to Capt. Atwood for the instructive and interesting lecture, 

 with which he has favored us this evening. 

 After which it was voted to adjourn. 



Friday, April 10, 185T. 



Meeting this evening at half past seven o'clock. Rev. J. L. 

 R-ussell in the chair. 



Records of preceding meeting read. 



Donations to the Library announced, from L. A. H. Latour, 

 of Montreal, C. E. ; J. Linton Waters, of Chicago, 111. ; 

 James Kimball ; George Higginson, of Boston ; H. M. Brooks, 

 James Manning ; Samuel G. Drake, of Boston ; Messrs. 

 Hickling, Swan and Brewer, of Boston. 



Donations to the Cabinets from Edwin Upton, S. B. But- 

 trick, James Manning, J. H. Leavitt, H. F. Shepard, John 

 Hays, George A. Perkins, Moses Farmer, M. G. Tenney. 



Letters were read from John L. Hickcox of the New 

 York State Libi^ary, Trustees of Boston Public Library. 



The chair offered some interesting remarks upon the natural 

 history of the Draba verna; specimens of which, in flower, 

 were on the table. They Avere collected by Mr. Slreeter, a few 

 days previous, near the Emerson farm in South Danvers, near 

 Tapley's Brook. This little plant is the first harbinger of 

 our spring in Essex County. It opens its tiny spike of whitish 

 blossoms, before any other vernal bud dares to unfold itself in 

 the warm sun's rays. On an almost bare rock, in company 

 with a dull green moss {Bartramia fontana) and a few 



