247 



particularly of a bound volume of the Salem Courier for 

 the year 1829 ; the gift of Mr. WilHam B. Brown. 



Some native plants gathered on the 13th of January lasty 

 from our pastures, were exhibited in full blossom by George 

 D, Phippen. Of these, were roots and plants of the liver- 

 wort (^Hepatica triloba), which opened its first flowers on 

 the eleventh day after date and the blood root (^Sanguina- 

 ria Canadensis') which expanded its flowers on the sixteenth 

 day after gathering. Many of the vernal beauties of our 

 fields and woods may be thus l)rought forward in the gener- 

 al atmosphere of the parlor. The remainder of the evening's 

 session was occupied with a pleasant conversational discus- 

 sion about marine and fresh water aquaria, suggested by a 

 Circular of Samuel Tufts jr., of Lynn, and read to the meet- 

 ing by H. Wheatland. The uses, to which, such apparatus 

 could be applied in studying the habits of aquatic animals, 

 insects and plants, and the best modes of constructing them 

 and how to stock them so as to secure health and active 

 life, came under consideration. 



A small aquarium, made with a glass-dish employed hj 

 George D. Phippen, afforded him much recreation and in- 

 struction. He alluded to his pleasure in visiting the sea- 

 shore in quest of specimens and his success in keeping them 

 alive. 



Gilbert L. Streeter also related a similar experience of his 

 own ; even the watching the motions and usual habits of a 

 species of crab, and its moulting, were subjects of instruc- 

 tive interest. 



After the election of several new members the Institute 

 adjourned. 



TJmrsday, March 11, 1858. 



Evening meeting at 7 1-2 o'clock, George D. Phippen in 

 the chair. 



