INTRODUCTION. 



It is the aim of this guide to reach especially members of the 

 Association present at the Boston meeting, who may desire to visit 

 localities not included in the general excursions offered by the hosts 

 of the occasion. It is not intended, therefore, to be complete for 

 the region ; but gives as it were sample cases which are likely to be 

 of interest to visitors. The literature appended, with one excep- 

 tion, contains only papers which are recent and easily accessible. 

 In the case of Palaeontology, however, the list is probably fairly 

 complete. Geologists from the interior cannot fail to be struck 

 with the marine action exhibited ; and those acquainted mainly with 

 fossiliferous rocks of simple structure will appreciate the change 

 to a district composed largely of igneous types, with sediments of 

 complex history. Biologists also will appreciate the opportunity 

 for studying the local marine fauna and flora in their various phases. 

 Most of the localities listed are within a short distance of Boston, 

 and may be visited in a portion of a day. A few others have been 

 noted, because their interest entitles them to recognition, and 

 because some may desire to see them. 



To all those who have aided in making the guide we offer our 

 thanks, appreciating the fact that the time has been short in which 

 to write the notes presented here, and that it had to be taken from 

 other important duties. In some instances, small fragments of 

 material have been contributed by others than the authors of the 

 articles, and these are acknowledged in each case. The illustrations 

 have been selected, not so much to illustrate the text as to call 



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