217 



Aim. A locality exceedingly rich in the various objects 

 which contribute to the enjoyment of the lovers of natural 

 history. The "weather was charming, and a large number 

 availed themselves of the opportunity to join the excursion 

 party, delighted ^^'ith the l)eautiful scenery spread before 

 them on the route. The proximity to Essex woods invited 

 many to bear their ste])s thitherward, lured by the cool 

 shade, the pleasant road, the multitude of flowers and the 

 sylvan mosses. Many species of the crv})togams engaged 

 the attention, and the beauty of the ferns spreading their 

 delicate fronds profusely aljout was very attractive. Blos- 

 soms of various kinds of shrul)s rewarded the patient toil 

 of some, others were laden with Swamp fi()^\'ers of various 

 kinds. 



The sea-shore and the breezes from tlie ocean lured away 

 many, including the ladies, Avho explored the ledges, cavern- 

 ous apertures and rare curiosities with Avhicli the shores of 

 Manchester abound. Some were entered by the more ad- 

 venturous of the party, who had temporary amphil)ious 

 tastes or who sought to inquire into the origin or mode of 

 construction of these wave-beaten fissures. The grotesque 

 appearance of a very large and old juniper tree was particu- 

 larly attractive, spreading out like an umljrella in shape and 

 gnarled and twisted in limb and spray. The mineralogists 

 sought in vain for some trophy of their science, content xo 

 become interested in trap formations and ancient dikes and 

 porphyries instead. 



The High School of Manchester occupies a schoolhousc 

 conspicuously placed upon the brow of an elevation a little 

 way from the thickest settlement of the town. Like the 

 Temple of Learning those who aspire to tread its courts 

 must take several weary and upward steps. Once gained, 

 the eye is delighted, whether the mind be refreshed or not. 

 It is thought that there has been no lack of food for the 

 latter under the guidance of the teachers at that ])0st of duty 



ESSEX INST. PROCEED. VOL. ii. 28. 



