174 



It was thought advisable by several, who participated in remarks 

 Tvhich these notices of the Spring called forth, that they be 

 published in the proceedings as bearing on other and kindred 

 subjects. The Chair also showed how they might serve as the 

 basis of something like a special treatise on the plants existent 

 about Salem, and which by the inroads of civilization and the 

 laying out of new streets, were rapidly disappearing from our 

 flora. While engaged thus in the passing occurrences of to- 

 day, we are pleasantly reminded oftentimes of what interested 

 others of old, as may be shown in the following 



Memento of Olden Times. 



The following bill for fruit and other trees, was handed to 

 the Essex Institute, by N. Silsbee, Esq., and is illustrative of 

 the horticultural ideas of sixty years since : 



"Mr. Heisler's Bill and settlement for Trees. 

 1799. For Mr. Nathaniel Silsbee. 







Plums. 



No. 1 



— 2 



Semiana. 



2- 

 3- 



2 



-2 



Imperatrice. 

 Bonum Magnum. 



Peaches. 



4- 



-3 



Brattals White. 



5- 

 6- 



-3 

 ^3 



Early Purple. 

 Bed Magdalin. 



7- 



-3 



Noblesse. 



-8- 



— 3 

 12 

 12 



Apricots. 



Lombardy Poplar. 

 Poplar large leaf. 



45 Trees 2s — $15. 

 (Bated) Salem, April 9th, 1799. 

 Bec'd payment, 



(Signed) Benjamin Stevens." 



Twenty-four poplars for ornament, and poplars too ; while 

 at this day are twice the amount of kinds of all sorts of 



