160 



three in number, on the west side of the Sliawsheen, and the longest one 

 and a half miles long. To the north they disappear before reaching a 

 I'idge rising between them and the Merrimac. But I have found the be- 

 ginning of a ridge, overlooked heretofore, which starts behind a ledge 

 and connects itself circuitously with the main mass. It commences at 

 J. Tuck's in the "West Centre District, pursues a slightly undulating 

 course for 275 rods several degrees east of south, all of the way a per- 

 fect ridge ; then it turns easterly and may be traced with slight inter- 

 ruptions past C. Shattuck's in West Andover, to join Indian Ridge 

 near its southern termination. Moraine terraces are abundant be- 

 tween the Catholic cemetery and Pomp's Pond, also on the west side 

 of the Shawsheen, south of the ridges. There is evidence to show 

 that Plaggett's Pond formerly discharged itself by a stream joining 

 the Shawsheen near Ballardvale. 



Mr. Geo. D. Phippen, of Salem, gave an interesting description of 

 various plants collected during the forenoon, and closed by a happy 

 comparison of the classification of plants as described by the writers 

 of olden times, as trees, shrubs, etc., with that of the present time, 

 which the use of the microscope had indicated. 



Rev. C. R. Palmer, of Salem, made a pleasant little speech, giving 

 some personal reminiscences of Andover, while he was fitting for col- 

 lege and preparing for the ministry. He spoke particularly of the 

 pleasant and instructive walks of the town, as conducive to the health 

 of the students. 



Mr. F. G. Sanborn, of Andover, gave a brief notice of the insect 

 fauna of Andover. 



Prof. D. Crosby, of Dartmouth College, after a few general re- 

 marks, spoke of the importance of the work of the Essex Institute 

 and its publications, especially the "American Naturalist," — which he 

 said he had read with deep interest ; the conductors of it had shown 

 not only the possession of valuable knowledge, but a happy faculty 

 in imparting their knowledge to others. He believed this publication 

 would exert a powerful influence for good, and hoped it would be lib- 

 erally sustained. 



Prof. A. Crosby, of Salem, in response to a call from the chairman, 

 said he did not claim to be a son of Andover, but might claim another 

 relationship, as both his grandfathers were natives, and descendants 

 of some of the early settlers of the town. More than a third of a cen- 

 tury ago he had taught a Sabbath School class in the old church, 

 while a student in the Seminary. He considered all education useful, 

 and knowledge could and should be acquired from the study of nature 

 as well as from books ; and claimed that the Normal Schools in Mas- 

 sachusetts had been instrumental in developing this idea. 



