Joseph H. Abbot, of Beverly, offered a few remarks, 

 corroborative of the theory advanced by Dr. Perkins relat- 

 ing to the formation of thunder clouds, from personal ob- 

 servations. 



Rev. Mr. Spaulding, of Newburyport, said a few words, 

 expressive of his gratification at being present and of the 

 increasing popularity of the study of Nature. 



John I. Baker, of Beverly, welcomed the Institute, and 

 thanked them for holding a meeting in the town. 



C. M. Tracy, of Lynn, explained the plants which had 

 been collected during the day, interspersing his remarks 

 with many pleasant allusions, especially in respect to 

 the Laurel found in such profusion, as though "to the 

 Manor born," and thought that the reputation of Beverly 

 could well "rest upon her laurels." 



F. W. Putnam spoke of the nest of a Red-eyed Vireo, 

 which he had found on a small oak in a swamp. The 

 nest contained two eggs of the Cowbunting and none of 

 the Vireo, having evidently been deserted as soon as the 

 Cowbunting's eggs had been laid. 



Joseph D. Tncke of Beverly presented a Lieutenant's 

 commission given by Gov. Dudley of Massachusetts to 

 Thomas Whittridge of Beverly, April 2o, 1707. 



R. S. Rantoul read a few extracts from the memoir of 

 Thomas Maxwell, a Revolutionary hero. 



Rev. G. D. Wildes offered some reminiscences of the 

 brave young men who had achieved our National Inde- 

 pendence. 



The Secretary read the following communication:— 



"C. M. Tracy, of Lynn, one of our esteemed Members 

 and Curator of Botany, delivered on Saturday last the clos- 

 ing lecture of a course of ei<?ht on Botanv. This course 

 gave great satisfaction and was much admired by an ap- 

 preciative audience. Before separating a meeting was 

 called to order and Professor Crosby was invited to pre- 



