854 



The differences between Bryttus and Pomotis were then 

 pointed out. 



The chairman exhibited a section of wood of the Bahn of 

 Gilead tvee,(Populus candicans) presented by Mr. James Kim- 

 ball. It was interesting as being taken from a tree, the age of 

 which was known, and, consequently, the rapidity of its growth 

 could be ascertained by means other than its annular rings, 

 which were also well defined . Suggestions were then made as 

 to the importance of collecting specimens of the various woods 

 growing in our vicinity or elsewhere. The Institute has in 

 its cabinets a collection of woods from the Philippine Islands, 

 numbering nearly three hundred different varieties. Why 

 not attempt a similar collection of our native woods ? It can 

 be easly effected if only two or three persons make the begin- 

 ning. A commencement once made, its future progress will 

 be successful. 



The Institute adjourned. 



Thursday, March 10, 1859. 



Meeting this evening at 7^ o'clock Vice President John 

 L. Russell in the chair. In the absence of the Secretary, 

 Dr. R. H. Wheatland was chosen Secretary ^ro ^ew. Dona- 

 tions were announced as follows: — 



To the Library — From Thomas Trask ; George Andrews ; 

 Miss Ellen M. Fogg ; Jona. Cleaves ; Geo. F. Read ; Ameri- 

 can Antiquarian Society; S. Augustus Nelson, of Georgetown; 

 James Upton; Mass. Hist. Society; John B. Batchelder; 

 James Chamberlain ; John Ropes. 



To the Cabinets — From Samuel Preston, of Danvers; Mrs. 

 Chas. Mugford ; Jos. True ; Amos Henfield ; John Ropes; F. 

 W. Putnam; C. Girard, of Washington, D. C; Smithsoni- 

 an Institution ; Charles H. Price. 



