314 



By an unforeseen coincidence, the Field Meeting and its after- 

 noon session occurred on the anniversary of the building 

 of the church, a fact that excited some remark. Many of 

 the citizens of Essex were present. The company was wel- 

 comed to the town by Hon. David Choate, of Essex. He 

 remarked that a stranger visiting a place would see more 

 sights of interest than the native of that place. Certain de- 

 viations ])y;tlie magnetic needle in the course of four or five 

 rods, to a very considerable degree, seemed to him to indi- 

 cate some bed of magnetic iron ore which had not been found 

 as yet, but which might be conjccturedly considered as 

 among indications of metals in the town, and beds of metal- 

 lic paint were well known to exist, the same being some oxyde 

 of iron probably. There were other points of interest, which 

 a survey of the town might bring to light, and which might 

 repay the search. At any future time, he would be most 

 happy to act as a guide to any one in quest of the produc- 

 tions of Essex, and trusted that its fields and woods, its rock 

 and hills might be explored. Mr. Choate was followed by 

 the Reverend John Prince, of Essex. He renewed the wel- 

 come to the Institute and trusted that its visits to day would 

 not be barren of incident or interest. Mr. P. confined his 

 remarks, however, to the historical incidents of the town, 

 alluding only to certain scenery to be found contiguous, of 

 a peculiar character, in the way of natural phenomena. 



The chair expressed the thanks of the company for the 

 cordial welcome. He alluded to the fact, that Essex woods 

 constituted some of the most attractive grounds for the natu- 

 ralist and especially to the lover of fine and rare flowers. 

 He regretted the absence of some, who usually graced our 

 meetings with their presence, and called for the reading of 

 the records of the preceding meeting, which was accordingly 

 done by the Secretary, after which, donations were announc- 

 ed as follows : 



To the Library — from Charles W. Upham; G. F. Che- 



