222 



wliicli had taken diiferent directions, met near the connnon 

 ])oint of destination, tlie effect was pleasing to the spectator 

 in the rear. The hot air, the scorching sunshine and the 

 ])anting pilgrims, rendered the occasion one not to be soon 

 forgotten, and many were the congratulations at the final 

 meeting on the high bluff of rocks, which was indicated 

 from afar b}'^ the signal staff on its summit. 



Our course, by the courtesy of several adepts in the knowl- 

 edge of rare spots, was to Pine Hill, commanding an extensive 

 view. We noticed many fine crustaceous lichens ; but want 

 of time, and lack of tools to collect, compelled us to have but 

 a scanty glance at them. It is singular how confined to 

 certain places are some of these plants, as for example, Par- 

 melia chrijsolenca^ abundant in some tracts near Salem and 

 very sparsely observable in otliers. It may be, that the geo- 

 logical character of the rock may have much to do with this, 

 a point Avorthy of study in relation to the species to be met 

 with in Essex County. The agile stej), the ease of motion 

 upon the looser fragments of debris over which we passed 

 showed how accustomed to such exercise, were our guides. 

 We were informed that occasionally the "Exploring Circle" 

 devoted a long, entire day to wide and extensive rambles in 

 quest of the remarkable boulders, so abundant in this section 

 of the county ; and that tl\ey possess many sketches and 

 drawings of curious shaped rocks, they have met with in the 

 woods, seldom visited or seen by anybody except those whom 

 chance or clearing oft"" the wood now and then, brings there. 

 Some of these remarkably poised fragments amidst the 

 wild, almost primitive scenery, transport one for the moment 

 to wild passes in mountain regions, forgetting how near lie 

 is to the ocean, whose roar could be heard above the mur- 

 mur of the forest in the autumn storm. 



Our course led us by the margin of Breed's Pond, skirting- 

 its tangled shores to the detriment of clothes unless of the 

 strongest texture, such indeed as is only fitted for such ser- 



