205 



bitterness of the bark that it abounds in tannin and might 

 be rendered serviceable by the tanner. It is designated by 

 the botanists, Quercus chinquapin and fignfes of leaves and 

 acorns ma}^ be found in Miclianx's splendid work on the 

 American Forest trees in plate XI. 



Dr. Geo. Osgood, one of the earlier botanists of Panvers 

 described the native habits of several flowers and plants he 

 had collected this forenoon, and enlogised the science which 

 had been the constant sonrce of health, pleasure and instruc- 

 tion through many years. Dr. O's familiarity v.ith the best 

 places to find choice n.ative plants rendered his remarks val- 

 uable. 



Hon. B. F. Mudge of Lynn, spoke at considerable length 

 regarding the boulders, erratics, and other loose stones no- 

 ticed this day ; also spoke of the scarcity of distinctive min- 

 erals in this region ; explaining in a plausible theory the 

 origin of the numerous " meres " or ponds so called, found 

 in the bosom of our hills or between ridges of gravel and 

 drift which traverse Essex County. 



Mr. F. W. Putnam described the characteristic distinc- 

 tions between allied families of the frogs — citing the Hyla 

 versicolor and the Hylodes Pickeringii, which had liecn cap- 

 tured this morning. 



Mr. E. Gay denoted by some remarks his detection of va- 

 rieties of Arum triphyllum 



Mr. C. M. Tracy being noticed by the Chair as present at 

 the meeting, kindly explained the origin and pursuits of a 

 local exploring circle in West Lynn, whose object was to de- 

 scribe and illustrate the geological features of that vicinity. 

 He showed several drawings of large rocks, and from his 

 statements it appeared that many singular and peculiar ob- 

 jects had been found in the woods which they had from year 

 to year traversed. Mr. T. in coming to the meeting through 

 the woods and on foot, had noticed a species of Prmms which 

 seemed to him unusual and which he presented for consider- 



