ANNIVERSARY MEMOIRS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLISHED IN CELEBRATION OF THE fiftictl) anniber^arp of tl)c ^ocietr'is foundation. 1830-1880 BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1880. MUSEUM OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. ERECTED 1863. ANNIVERSARY MEMOIRS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLISHED IN CELEBRATION OF THE ififtietl) amtiterisarp of tl^e ^ocietv'^ fountjatiott. 1830-1880 BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1880. PUBLISHING COMMITTEE. Samuel H. Scudder, Edwaed Burgess, Samuel L. Abbot, Alpheus Hyatt, J. A. Allen. PRESrt OF A. A. KINGMAN. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. BERKELEY ST. TABLE OF CONTENTS. SOCIETY ANNALS. List of the Present Officers of the Society. (1 -page.) Prefatory Note, with extracts from the minutes of the annua] meeting, May 5th, 1880. (3 pages.) Historical Sketch of the Boston Society of Natural History, with a notice of the Linnaean Society of New England which preceded it ; including biographical notices of all the Society's prominent past mem- bers, officers and benefactors. By Thomas T. Boute. (250 pages, six floor plans, view of the Museum, and portraits of Benjamin D. Greene, George B. Emerson, Amos Bmney, John C Warren, Jeffries Wyman, Thomas T. Bouve, Augustus A. Gould, D. Humphreys Storer and William J. Walker.) SCIENTIFIC PAPERS. N. S. Shalek. Pro2)ositions concerning the Classification of Lavas considered with reference to the Circumstances of their Extrusion. (15 pages.) Alpheus Hyatt. Genesis and Evolution of the species of Planorhis at Steinheim. (114 pages, ten plates on nine sheets, one plate of sections ; map and two sections in text.) Samuel H. Scuddee. The Devonian Insects of New Brunswick; with a note on the Geological Re- lations of the Fossil Insects from the Devonian of New Brunsxoich., by Principal J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S., etc. (41 pages, one plate.) W. G. Farlow. Tlie Gymtiosporangia (Cedar-apples) of the United States. (38 pages, two plates.) Theodoee Ltman. a new Structured Feature, hitherto unknown among Echinodm-mata, found in Deep-Sea Ophiurans. (12 pages, two plates.) W. K. Bkooks. The Development of the Squid, Loligo Pealii Lesueiir. (22 pages, three jilates.) A. S. Packard, Jr. The Anatomy, Histology and Embryology of Limidus Polyp>henius. (45 pages, seven plates.) Edward Burgess. Contributions to the Anatomy of the 3Iilk- Weed Butterfly, Danais Archippus Fabr. (16 pages, two plates; one cut in text.) Samuel F. Clarke. The Development of a Double-headed Vertebrate. (6 pages, one plate.) Charles Sedgwick Minot. Studies on the Tongue of Reptiles and Birds. (20 pages, one plate ; six cuts in text.) Edward S. Morse. On the Identity of the Ascending Process of the Astragalus in Birds with the In- termedium. (10 pages, one plate ; twelve cuts in text.) Lucien Carr. The Crania of New England Indians. (10 pages, two plates.) William James. The Feeling of Effort. (32 pages.) LIST OF TEE PRESENT OFFICERS OF TEE SOCIETY. President. Samuel H. Scudder. Vice-Presidents. John Cummings, Frederick W. Putnam. Custodian. Alpheus Hyatt. Honorary Secretary. Samuel L. Abbot. Secretary. Edward Burgess. Treasurer. Charles W. Scudder. Librarian. Edward Burgess. Committees on Departments of the Museum. MIIfERALS. RADIATES, CRUSTACEANS AND WORMS. Thomas T. Bouve, H. A. Hagen, R. H. Richards, Alexander Agassiz. M. E. Wadsworth. MOLLUSKS. oBOLoar. Edward S. Morse, William H. Niles, J. Hexry Blake. G. Frederic Wright, INSECTS. PALAEONTOLOOT. SaMUEL H. ScUDDER, Thomas T. Bouve, Edward ISurgess, K S. Shaler. a. S. Packard, Jr. botany. fishes and reptiles. John Cummings, F. W. Putnam, Charles J. Sprague, Theodore Lyman, J. Amort Lowell. S. W. Gasman. MICROSCOPT. BIRDS. Samuel Wells, * j. a. Allen, R. C. Greenlfaf, Samuel Cabot. B. Jot Jeffries. MAMMALS. COMPARATIi'^B ANATOMY. J. A. AlLEN, Thomas Dwight, E. L. Mark, W. F. Whitnet. George L. Goodale. ERRATA. In the table of contents : Fifth paragraph, for ten plates on nine sheets read nine p'atcs on seudoperidiis. "32,19th" " " h&iore present \nse\% the. " 33, 9th " " " for R. laccrta read E. lacerata. Owing to the absence of the writer during the printing of this article a considerable p;irt of the jiroof could not be submitted to him for revision. In Prof Morse's memoir : Page 7, 17lh line from top, for fore read hi/id. In Prof. Ja)nes' memoir : Page 12, lOtli line from bottom, for riyht read left. " " 9th " " " " left read right. " 30, 8tli " " top, for work read no work. expressed my sincere regret that we can no longer be led in this work by the President whose devotion we have been only too pleased to acknowledge by our ballots for ten years past ; but as long as his life is spared to us we shall have his sympathy and wise advice, (V) R. C. GeEENLFAP, BAJlUJSl^ KyjijiKji. B. Jot Jeffries. mammals, compahativb ajtatomy. J- -A.. Allen, Thomas Dwight, E. L. Mark, W. F. Whitney. Geoegk L. Goodale. PREFATORY NOTE. The Boston Society of Natural Histokt, founded in 1830 by a few earnest men, has this year celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Its growth during this period has been so considerable, it has gained for itself so firm a hold upon the esteem of our citi- zens, and its relations to the higher education of the people have been so significant, that it has been thought fitting to signalize this anniversary by the issue of a special volume of scientific papers, preceded by a detailed history of the Society, the preparation of which was entrusted to the President. Included in the history will be found the proceedings of the jubilee meeting, held on the twenty-eighth of April last. At the annual meeting, held a few days later, the President, Thomas T. Bouv^, Esq., declined a reelection ; having been an officer of the Society for nearly forty and its President for ten years, no man living is so thoroughly identified as he with its life and interests during the most eventful period of its history; and it is therefore fitting that this statement should be followed by the tribute paid at the annual meeting to his untiring devotion to the interests of the Society, not only during his Presidency, but for nearly the whole period of its existence. Boston, Dec. 15, 1880. Publishing Committee. Extract from the minutes of the Annual Meeting, May 5, 1880. Mr. S. H. Scudder, on assuming the presidential chair, discussed the mission of the So- ciety, closing his remarks with the following words : At a previous meeting I have already expressed my sincere regret that we can no longer be led in this work by the President whose devotion we have been only too pleased to acknowledge by our ballots for ten years past ; but as long as his life is spared to us we shall have his sympathy and wise advice, (V) VI and we may be sure that in all the work the Society undertakes, it will have no stronger friend than he. Mr. John Cummings thereupon offered the following vote : — " In consideration of the fact that Mr. Bouve has declined to be a candidate for the first office of this Society, the members desire to express their grateful acknowledgment of the long and valuable service he has rendered as President, and their cordial thanks for his arduous labors, unremitted devotion, prudent and successful administration; nor can they part from him in this official capacity without the additional expression of their warm personal esteem." No one ever associated with Mr. Bouve, added Mr. Cummings, who did not feel himself drawn to hmi by the strongest and tenderest ties. In his own experience he had never met a man with so much devotion to any cause as Mr. Bouve had shown for the welfare of the Society. Mr. Cummings's remarks were warmly applauded and the motion was seconded by Prof A. Hyatt, who said, in respect to Mr. Bouve's administration, that although from the first the present policy of the Society had met the severest criticism and sometimes disapproba- tion from the intimate friends and advisers of the President, he had yet been able to keep his judgment unwarped and to consider those ideas, which were new to him, purely on their own merits. It is not too much to say that the Society's aims, which we have heard so highly praised in this anniversary year, could not have been so developed without Mr. Bouve's constant support. The feelings expressed by Mr. Cummings will be echoed in the heart of every officer of the Society, for we have always found our President full of kindness and consideration, as well as just and sound in judgment. Mr. F. W. Putnam said he could not allow this opportunity to pass without a few words, which at best would be but a feeble expression of his feelings ; for in addition to a long and cherished friendship that every year had strengthened, his official ties to Mr. Bouve were double, and both were bi^oken by his resignation, since, as might not be remembered by all present, the President of the Society was ex-officio a member of the board of trus- tees of the Peabody Museum at Cambridge ; and while, as Curator of that Museum, he welcomed his friend, the new President of the Society, he was veiy sorry to lose one who had been so long connected with the Museum and had ever been ready to give his kindly aid in furtherance of its objects. Prof W. H. Niles spoke of the large amount of work in the care and arrangement of the collections which Mr. Bouve had accomplished during the term of his presidency. Most of this has been done after the business duties of the day, and how frequently he has remained until called home by some one, none but his family know. When alterations in the building were going on, he habitually inspected the entire premises after all othei-s had gone, to see that all was left in safety. The Society has steadily progressed in its usefulness and scientific position during the administration of Mr. Bouve, and he Vll now leaves the presidential chair with nothing to regret, and with the esteem and friend- ship of every member. Day by day, and year after year, he has brought here a large heart, full of geniality and goodness, and has been in himself a source of happiness to those who have known him as President. It would be a pleasure to reciprocate, in some small measure at least, his long-continued kindness, and this could be best done by each member's trying to make the Society so pleasant for Mr. Bouve, that, as a source of his future happiness, it should be second only to his home and his family. In conclusion, Mr. Niles said he did not doubt that each member present would like to express in some spe- cial way his personal respect and honor for him who was the dear friend of all and one of the best benefactors the Society ever had ; and he hoped they might do so by rising as they voted for the adoption of the resolution proposed by Mr. Cummings. The Chair accordingly called for a standing vote and the resolution was unanimously adopted. 1830. ANNIVERSAKY MEMOIRS Of THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 1880. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY; WITH A NOTICE OF THE LINN^AN SOCIETY, WHICH PKECEDED IT. By THOMAS T. BOUVE. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1880. CHARLES JAMES SPllAGUE imd JAMES CLARKE WHITE, Companions witli mc for years in laborious work \i|iiin tlie colloetions of tlie Society, these ji'igt's are dedicated, witli the great resjiect ami kind regards of The Autiiue. HisTOEicAL Sketch of the Boston Society of Natural History : with a Notice OF the Linn^an Society, which preceded it. By Thomas T. Bouve. No history of our Society can well be given without some brief account of the attempts previous to its formation to interest the public in the study of Natural History. Before any organized efforts were made to this end but few publications even had appeared on the subject, and these are cited from remarks made by Dr. A. A. Gould in a sketch of the Linnajan Society, which appeared in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History in 1863.^ The most valuable of them was one by the Rev. Manassah Cutler, entitled "Account of some of the Vegetable Productions naturally growing in this part of America, botanically arranged." Another was a pamphlet published by the cele- brated Dr. Benj. Waterhouse, who seems to have brought with him from Holland "some general notions of Systematic Natural History." The pamphlet was entitled, "Heads of a Course of Lectures on Natural History," Cambridge, 1810, in which he distributes the lower animals under the heads of Ornithology, Ampbibiology, Ichthyology, Insects and Vermes ; which latter he mentioned as " outskirts of Animated Nature extending to the confines of the vegetable world." In a note he said he would " extend, contract or omit parts of his programme to suit his audience." As Dr. Gould quaintly remarks, it does not appear whether he ever had any audience at all. In addition to these publications some articles of a practical character were written by Prof. W. D. Peck, who occupied the Chair of Natural History at Harvard College from 1805 to 1822. They appeared in agricultural papers, and the most important of them purported to give a natural history of the slug worm and the canker worm. Dr. Gould, in referring to the Professor's work at Cambridge, says, " He gave such instruction as was demanded, which was very little." Harris's Natural History of the Bible, Mather's Magnalia, Thacher's Dispensatory, with some treatises on the medicinal properties of herbs, and a few other papers of little importance, complete the publications referred to. The Linn^an Society. The time at length arrived for an organized eflFort to excite some interest on the part of the public in natural science, and the men were not wanting. On the 8th of December, 1814, there met at the house of Dr. Jacob Bigelow, a number of gentlemen, then prominent in the community, some of whom afterwards became eminent in their several professions, if not in natural science. They were, besides Dr. Bigelow, Wm. S. Shaw, Octavius Pickering, Dr. Walter Channing, Ezekiel D. Cushing, La Fayette Perkins, Dr. Geo. Hayward, Nathaniel Tucker, J. Freeman Dana, John W. Webster, and 1 Vol. IX, 335. 4 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Dr. John Ware. Dr. Channing was chosen Chairman, and Dr. Bigelow Secretary, and a committee, composed of Dr. Bigelow, Mr. Pickering, and Dr. Hayward, was appointed to draft a Constitution for the Society, which they called the Ncav England Society for the Promotion of Natural History. Two days after they met again by adjournment, and the Constitution reported by the Committee was read, discussed, and adopted. Among its provisions are some which may interest readers of the present day. The 1st article provides that the Society shall consist of Immediate, Associate, Honorary, and Corresponding Members. The 2d, that the officers shall consist of a President chosen from the Honorary or Immediate Members; Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Cabinet Keeper, who shall be chosen from the Immediate Members. The 11th, that there shall be a meeting once a week. The 12tli, that any Immediate Member who shall unnecessarily be absent three times successively, shall forfeit his membership. The 14th, that all specimens placed in the Museum shall be the property of the Society, and that no others shall have a place, except by express vote. The 17th, that no person shall be chosen an Immediate Member except by unanimous vote of all present ; other members may be elected by a two-thirds vote, but none without nomination at a previous meeting. The 18th, that there shall be a Standing Committee of five members, chosen annually, to provide a suitable room for the collection, employ one or more persons for service, and draw on the treasurer for payment of the expenses thereby incurred, under such restrictions as the Society may from time to time make. The 19th, that each Immediate Member shall pay $5 annually. The 20th, that every Immediate Member absent from a stated meeting without excuse, shall be fined fifty cents. Such articles have been quoted of the Constitution adopted as tend to show the animus of the members. Who can say that they were not thoroughly in earnest ? In subsequent proceedings of the Society it aj^pears that fines were collected, undoubt- edly for absence without excuse ; but there is no recorded instance of a member forfeit- ing his membership by unnecessary absence. It is not easy to understand the principle or the policy which dictated the selection in all cases of persons on whom was conferred Honorary, Corresponding or Associate Mem- bership. In numerous cases individuals were elected to the former who cannot be sup- posed to have manifested much interest in natural science, and who too were residents of Boston. They were distinguished perhaps as Doctors of Divinity, or as Doctors of Medi- cine, but neither then nor afterwards were known as Naturalists. Among the Correspond- ing Members are found the names of several residing in the immediate vicinity of Boston, as Cambridge and Charlestown; which seems singular, for the perils of a ferriage across the Charles, which at an earlier date might have made these ports appear distant, were no longer to be incurred ; good bridges then as now uniting the populations. But this is not all, some of the Corresponding Members were citizens of Boston itself. From the records it seems that the number of Immediate Members at first, or soon after the formation of the Society, was about 20; of the Honorary, 19; of the Corres- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. ponding, 68, and of the Associate, 24. It is not clear what privileges these last had as members of the Society, except the implied one that they were not subject to assessment. In the list of the early Corresponding Members, it is pleasant to find the name of Dr. William J. Walker, to whose great bounty the Boston Society of Natural History is indebted for its present standing among the leading scientific societies of the world, if not for its very existence ; for there is much reason for the opinion that had the Society con- tinued dependent on the voluntary labors of its members as would necessarily have been the case without his help, it would have met the fate of the majority of the societies of natural history, which have been formed under apparently favorable auspices, have flourished for a time, and then faded out of existence. But more of this when his large benefactions to the Boston Society of Natural History are mentioned in the course of this history. It may be a matter of interest to the reader to have presented here some of the names of members connected with the Society, particularly of such as afterwards distinguished themselves in their several callings, or at a subsequent period became active members of the Boston Society of Natural History. Among them may be found : — As Immediate Members : Dr. Jacob Bigelow. Dr. Walter Charming. Benj. A. Gould. As Honorary Members : Hon. John Davis. Hon. John Lowell. Hon. Christopher Gore. Dr. John Jeffries. As Corresponding Members : Nathaniel Bowditch. Josiah Quincy. Dr. W. J. Walker. As Associate Members : Jose|3h Tilden. Dr. J. C. WaiTen. Dr. James Jackson. Francis C. Gray. Dr. Geo. Hayward. Octavius Pickering. Rev. James Freeman. Prof. Wm. D. Peck. Rev. Manassah Cutler. Dr. John Warren. Prof Benj. Silliman. Robert Hare. Prof Parker Cleaveland. Benjamin Pierce. Rev. Wm. Ellery Channing. Wm. Minot. Richard Sullivan. Francis Boott. Dr. John Randall. Dr. John Ware. Dr. John W. Webster. Rev. John Prince. Rev. J. Lathrop. Rev. J. T. Kirkland. S. G. Perkins. Dr. E. Hale. Thomas H. Perkins. Dr. Geo. C. Shattuck. Rev. Edward Everett. Nathan Hale. The first officers elected were John Davis, LL.D., President. Wm. S. Shaw, Yice-President. Jacob Bigelow, Corresponding Secretary. George Hayward, Recording Secretary. Octavius Pickering, Treasurer. John W. Webster, Cabinet-Keeper. On December 29th, in accordance with a vote previously passed, the several members having specimens to present to the Society towards the formation of a musemn brought them forward, and it is recorded that a considerable collection was made. 6 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At a meeting held January 14tli it appears that much dissatisfaction was expressed at the name of the Society, and it was therefore voted that each member should propose in writing at the next meeting such name as he judged the most suitable. When the Society again met, on the 21st of January, 1815, the members, after due consideration, unani- mously Voted, That the Society shall be called the Linnnean Society of New England. • To understand the spirit and do justice to the labors of the active members of this Society, let us look a little into their proceedings of the first year. February 4th it was voted that each member shall, if possible, prepare some animal in the covarse of the week and present it to the Society at the next meeting. In the record of a following meeting it is stated that a considerable number of animals were presented to the Society, all of which had been prepared by the members in the course of the week. Whether these animals were of the dimensions of elephants or mice is not stated. At the same meeting the Recording Secretary was requested to draw up some popular directions for the preservation of specimens in Natural History, to be given to masters of vessels and others, and to report at the next meeting ; and at the next meeting a circular letter was presented containing such directions. This was ordered to be printed. The subjects brought before the members did not always pertain to natural history. At a meeting on March 4th a paper by the Hon. John Lowell was read, " On the.-resemblance between certain customs of the modern Italians and ancient Romans." It was voted to copy it into the common place book of the Society. Besides the weekly meeting it was decided to hold once a quarter a general meeting, to which should be invited the Honorary, Corresponding and Associate Members, and at each such quarterly meeting a paper by some person appointed at the preceding meeting should be read on some subject connected with the pursuits of the Society. The first of these quarterly meetings was held on the 21st of June, and Judge Davis delivered what the record of that date states to have been " an elegant address on the advantages of natural history and the objects of the institution." At the regular meeting held a few days afterwards, Dr. Randall, as the text expresses it, was unanimously chosen to perform at the next quarterly meeting. It was also voted that on the next Wednesday, the 28th of June, the day appointed by the Constitution for the Annual Meeting, the Society should dine together at Richards' in Brookline. In accordance with this vote, the Immediate Members met at Brookline and after trans- acting the business of electing officers for the year, they dined together, the record states, in company with the Hon. John Lowell and Hon. Josiah Quincy. This combination of scientific pursuits with feasting is not mentioned as a peculiarity of the members of this pioneer society, and even in later days it has not been found disagreeable or unprofitable. In some degree these Annual Meetings partook of the character of what has been more recently called in some of our societies "Field Days", for they were held at some selected place in the country, and a portion of the day was employed in obtaining specimens. Thus, at the first meeting, it is mentioned that " after diuner the members divided them- selves into several parties for the purpose of making an excursion in search of specimens BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 7 in the several branches of natural history." Towards evening it is further said : "they returned to town after having passed a delightful day." Presentations of objects of natural history are frequently mentioned as having been made to the Society during the year, and sometimes those of other character, as for instance a likeness of Mr. Roscoe, of Liverpool, presented by Mr. Francis Boott. In June, the Society was the recipient of two living tigers, presented by Capt. Stewart, of the United States frigate Constitution. Whether it was more fortunate in receiving or losing them, it is now impossible to say ; certain it is, they were by some means lost, and a Mr. Savage was held accountable ; for in February, 1818, the record states that " a settlement was effected with Mr. Savage for the loss of the Brazilian tigers, which were presented to the Society by Capt. Stewart of the Navy," and it subsequently appears that the treasurer was authorized to pay out of the money received from Mr. Savage, rent due by the Society. At the second Quarterly Meeting of the year, held in September, Dr. Randall read an interesting paper on the history and medical properties of the native plant Triosteum perfoliatum. In October, the Museum was arranged into several departments, and members were allotted to fake charge of them, as follows : First division of Minerals. . Dr. , Randall. Amphibia . Mr. Gould. Second " ii. (t . Dr, , Channing. First division of Insects . Mr. Pickering. Third " <( (( . Mr , Dana, Sen. Second " " (I . Mr. Dana, Jr. Plants . . • •* . Mr, , Tucker. Third " (( • Mr. Cod man. Mammalia • . Dr, , Bigelow. Shells . , , . Mr. Gray. Birds . . . Dr. Gushing. Zoophytes, &c. • . Dr. Hayward. Fishes . . Dr, , Ware. In November, a paper was read by Dr. Goodwin of Sandwich, on tadpoles found there In December, Dr. Channing was requested to make up, from the duplicates, a box of minerals, and send to France, for exchange, and the Vice President was requested to use his exertions to procure a moose for the Society. Professor Cleaveland of Bowdoia College, a distinguished mineralogist, had been invited to deliver the quarterly address in December, but unable to visit Boston, was obliged to decline, and no address was delivered. It has been thought well in view of the lesson to be derived from the experience of this Society, to give at some length an account of the proceedings of this first year of its existence with the intention of being more brief in mention of subsequent proceedmgs. Enough is known of the character and ability of the members of the Society, and enough has been shown of their devoted zeal in its service, to satisfy all that if ultimate success did not crown their efforts, the fault was not so much in them, as in the fact, that more was undertaken for accomplishment through voluntary labor, than can ever be expected from men however zealous, who are engaged in professional or business life. The second year of the Linnagan Society was marked by the same manifestation of zeal on the part of the members as was shown during the first. From the assessment of the members enough was raised to pay for some professional labor, and an artist, so called, was hired, who probably could mount specimens ; as in January, a committee was appointed to 8 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE procure animals, that he might find employment in preparing them. In February the room in which the cabinet was kept being unsatisfactory, one was hired over Boylston Hall, where the collection was placed, and where meetings were subsequently held. The Musemn of the Society was opened to the public every Saturday afternoon. In all the months of this year valuable donations of specimens were received. Among others specified may be mentioned a living bear, presented by Commodore Chauncy of the navy; a miscellaneous collection of objects of natural history from Bowdoiu College; a valuable collection of birds from Africa; besides cases of insects, handsome miaerals and beautiful shells and corals, from other donors. The meetings were well attended, and there appeared throughout the year no loss of interest on the part of the members. The annual meeting was held at Fresh Pond Hotel, Cambridge, and the attendance was general on the part of the members. Judge Davis presided, and the day being pleasant, all found great enjoyment in excursions and in amusements until dinner, which they partook of together, returning to town in the evening. In August Dr. Bigelow gave an interesting account of an expedition, undertaken by himself, and the other members of the Society, for the purpose of visiting the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Being equipped, as he states, with proper instruments, the height of the mountains was ascertained more accurately than it ever had been. His estimate of the height is not mentioned. Particular attention, the record states, was given to the mineral, animal, and vegetable specimens that were found in the mountains, and the whole paper abounded with curious facts and ingenious observations. All who in subsequent years had the pleasure of intercourse with Dr. Bigelow, need not be assured of the interesting character of the paper presented by him to those who were favored by hearing it. It would, imdoubtedly, be read with great interest now, notwithstanding the general knowledge prevailing relative to the region mentioned. The Society increased in numbers during the year, and there appeared no loss of interest on the part of the members. Save a few lines found in the report of one of the meetings in September, everything denoted great prosperity. But these few lines are enough to suggest to those of a later day, conversant with the history of natural history societies, the probable decay at a not distant time, of that zeal and interest so marked at this period. They may be found in the report of a committee appointed to obtain from the Legislature an act of incorporation. This report declares it inexpedient to petition at present, provided our expenses can be defrayed vmtil we are united with the Athenaeum. This is the first expression in the records implying what, alas, the history of most natural history societies shows to be inevitable when sustained only by the voluntary labors and assessments of members, and dependent on the uncertain contributions of friends ; lack of adequate means for the care and pres6rvation of the rapidly augmenting collections and consequent disaffection. We shall later see, that notwithstanding the strenuous exertions of the members, and abundant success in collecting specimens, an increasing uneasiness manifested in a disposition to unite with another society and thus sacrifice its own identity ; or, failing this, to dispose of its collections in a way that would not have been considered for a moment at an earlier period. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 9 The time, however, has not arrived to dwell upon anything not agreeable in the record of , the devoted workers of the Society. The Recording Secretary appears to have been quite elated at the progress made, for he writes in October : The zeal and activity of the members seem to he unabated, and if the collection continues to increase for a few years in the same proportion, it will surpass every establishment of the kind in the United States, and almost rival those of Europe. The close of the year shows no less activity. In December a valuable paper was read by Dr. John Ware. Large and valuable specimens were set up under the superintendence of the committees, and arrangements were made, as the record states, for labelling all the birds, beasts and fishes belonging to the cabinet. A committee was also appointed to see what could be done in relation to furnishing permanent apartments for the collection of the Society, which implies, probably, that.it had increased to a size rendering more room necessary for its accommodation. 1817. Judging by the records of this year's doings alone, it might be thought that all was well with the Society, and that its continued existence and progress were secure. Donations continued to pour in, many of a very valuable character. Among them may be noticed a fine American elk, which is mentioned as one of the most interesting and valuable animals which our country affords. There seems certainly to have been no fears of calamity, for in the early part of the year a fine specimen of a female moose, from Maine, was purchased, and the hope is expressed that another year a male may be obtained, together with a reindeer, which the Secretary states will make complete the collection of the deer of the United States. Arrangements were also made with Capt. Waterman to procure specimens of natural history from the coast of Africa. The annual meeting was held at Brookline, where the memljers, as usual, sat down to dinner. Valuable papers were presented, one on the mineralogy and geology of Cambridge and its vicinity, by Mr. S. L. Dana, Jr., containing, it is stated, " unquestionably more accurate information on the subjects upon which it treats than has ever before been communicated;" one on the luminous appearance of the sea, translated from the Transactions of the Swedi-sh Academy by Judge Davis ; and one on the medical properties of Phytolacca decandra, by Dr. Hayward. It is distinctly mentioned by the Secretary, in June, that the usual business of collecting and preserving specimens had been regularly attended to. On the 18th of June, Dr. Channing delivered an address. At a previous meeting of the Society it had been voted to call a public meeting of the members, each of whom should have the privilege of inviting others to be present on this occasion, which was made one of great interest, many of the leading men of the state and city being present. Among them, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Council, members of the Senate, and many ladies. The whole company were surprised at the size of the collection, and highly pleased with its general order and neatness. At twelve o'clock the address was given, which was upon the importance of literature and science, particularly to the people of New England. The claims of the Society to the patronage of the public were urged with great force and ingenuity. A sketch of the progress of the institution from its first foundation was given, and statements made showing the rapid growth of the cabinet. 10 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The interest excited by this meeting gave the Society reason to believe that the importance of its work was fiilly appreciated, and that the public already felt disposed to protect and patronize it. It is sad to think how soon the hopes excited by the feeling manifested at this meeting were doomed to fode away. Soon after this meeting, wonderful stories were circulated concerning a strange marine animal, said to have been seen in the harbor of Gloucester, and a special meeting of the Society was called for the purpose of taking measures to obtain information. Judge Davis, Dr. Bigelow, and Mr. Gray, were constituted a committee to write to, and have depositions taken of, all who had seen the animal. The committee reported, in September, that they had no doubt of the existence of an animal of extraordinary appearance and enormous dimensions, as there were many credible witnesses. They expressed the hope of getting more information soon. In October, a very full report was made upon what was now designated as the sea serpent, and an account Avas also given of a small one, probably, the record says, of a " spawn," that had been taken at the water's edge. The committee were of the opinion that these animals were of a genus wholly unknown to naturalists, and they designated them under the name of Scoliophis, from the singular curvatures of the spine, by which they possessed a vertical motion. To this they added the specific name Atlanticus.-' It is a subject of great regret, the Secretary Avrote, that all the efforts that were made to take the great serpent proved wholly ineffectual, notwithstanding the zeal and activity of his pursuers. 1818. We have thus far traced the history of this Society from its formation, have dwelt upon the evidences of its rapid progress, and have had brought before us accounts of its great acquisitions, through which it had become possessed of a collection which, in the language of its Secretary, seemed likely to surpass any one of lilce character in this country and even rival the great collections of Europe. Henceforth we shall find evidence of declining vigor on the part of the Society as such, notwithstanding great struggles on the part of many of its members to sustain it and give it renewed activity ; we shall see the interest in its meetings rapidly wane, and its valuable cabinet becoming ruined for the want of proper care ; we shall see that even the hope for continued existence is giving place to utter despair, fox^eboding dissolution. In January a committee was appointed to make propositions to the trustees of the Athenffivun for a union of the two institutions, and if this could not be effected, to report what measures should be taken for the preservation of the cabinet. Meetings were held in the succeeding months, but not with so much regularity as here- tofore. At one of the meetings a valuable paper was read by Dr. J. W. Webster on the mineralogical character of the Island of St. Nicholas, which he had lately visited. This seems to have been the only paper brought forward during the year. The Immediate Members made an excursion up the Middlesex Canal, upon invitation of Mr. J. L. Sulli- van, and they dined together at Woburn, — their last dinner as a society. ' Report of a Committee of the LinnEcan Society of New 52 pp. See remarks by Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Proc. Best. England relative to a large marine animal, supposed to be a Soc. Nat. Hist., IX, 245. Serpent, seen near Cape Ann, Mass. Boston, 1817. 8vo. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. H 1819. During this year the meetings were not held with any regularity. Attempts were made to take charge of and preserve the specimens, but without success, and the members had the mortification of seeing a museum going to decay that had cost them so much labor and expense ; but it seemed inevitable. They were mostly engaged in profes- sional pursuits, and of course could not give their personal services to the preservation of the collection ; and the funds of the society were not sufficient to hire any one perma- nently. 1820. Things remained in this condition until March, 1820, when a meeting was called for the purpose of considering the expediency of disposing of the collection. It was then voted, that if one hundred dollars per year could be obtained for ten years, the members would renew their efforts to preserve the institution. In April it was reported that enough had been subscribed, and more, for the preser- vation of the collection. This seemed for a time to revive hope and inspire interest. Amendments were made to the Constitution, and a committee was appointed to attend to the preservation of the collection. A number of new members were elected. In May, committees were chosen to examine and report upon the state of. each depart- ment of the collection, and they were expected to attend at the hall of the museum every Saturday, from 3 to 6 o'clock. A committee was also appointed to petition the legisla- ture for an act of incorporation ; evidence certainly of renewed hope. The Society became incorporated, and the first meeting under the act was held in June. Dr. Jacob Bigolow was elected President. In August a specimen of a seal and several minei'als were presented, and in October there were many minerals added to the collection. In December a movement was made towards the formation of a library, and in the following March (1821) rules and regula- tions were adopted for it. Notwithstanding, however, these signs of activity on the part of the Society, the records afford sufficient evidence of declining interest. The meetings were not well attended. Immediate Members resigned as such, and were made Associate Mem- bers, mainly for the reason that they could not attend to the duties of the former. 1822. In the early part of this year there yet appeared no evidence of yielding to the inevitable, and specimens, among them the bones of a camel, were received for the cab- inet with satisfaction and thanks. In August, however, we find that a committee had been appointed to consider upon the future disposal of the cabinet, which reported : " That it appears, by the resignation and non-attendance of members; that it has become burdensome to individuals of the Society to support its meetings and collections as they have hitherto done ; that it is expedient, therefore, to suspend its meetings and give up the room of the Society, and place the collection, or such part of it as can be preserved, in some place where it will occasion no farther expense to the Society or its contributors ; that a committee be appointed to remove it from its present location and place it in the hands of any other person or persons who will afford suitable rooms for its reception, the preference being always given to a scientific corporate body ; that the present funds of the Society be devoted to removing, securing and enlarging the collection, at the discretion of the committee." This committee was made permanent, with directions to appoint a Secretary, and to call a meeting of the Society on the application of three members. 12 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The expression that the funds of the Society be devoted to enlarging as well as securing the collection denotes the existence of a vague hope at least of renovation. The election of officers was made, as in former years. 1823. In March of this year a meeting was called by the Society, and the committee appointed in August of the previous year relative to the collection reported, that they had offered the whole of it to the Boston Athenajum, upon condition that suitable rooms should be provided for its reception and preservation, but that the Trustees had declined to accept it ; that they had subsequently offered it to the Corporation of Harvard College or to the Board of Visitors of the Massachusetts Professorship of Natural History, who jointly accepted the offer, agreeing to erect a building for the collection and to grant to the mem- bers of the Society free access to the collection and to the Botanic Garden. This report after consideration was acted upon by a vote that the conditions on which the Corporation of Harvard College and the Board of Visitors of the Massachusetts Professorship of Natui'al History, propose to accejat the cabinet of this Society, be acceded to ; and the committee were requested to make the transfer. This was done, and the balance of cash in the hands of the Treasurer, $264.29, was also included in the transfer. A vote was finally passed that all subscriptions and assessments not collected be can- celled. Thus came to an end the Linna?an Society so far as exertion for the furtherance of the objects of its existence was concerned. It 3'et remained a corporate body, and years after, upon the formation of the Boston Society of Natural History, it was once more called together by its Secretary for the purpose of recovering if possible from Harvard College such part of the collection as yet remained worth removing, in order to present it to the new society. This reclamation was made on the ground that the College had failed entirely to comply with the conditions made at the time of the transfer ; no building having been erected, and proper care not having been given for its preservation as a collection for promoting the study of natural history. In the sketch which follows of the doings of the Boston Society of Natural History, it will be found that very little of the really extensive and valuable collection of the Linntean Society came into its possess- ion, though all that remained of it was given up by the College. It had gone to ruin for want of care, as hundreds of earlier collections had before it, and as hundreds will hereafter, if the views which the history of the Linnajan Society are calculated to incul- cate do not prevail in their aims and purposes. That these views may be presented and dwelt upon has been the motive of giving so full an account of the doings of this Society, as its experience so well illustrates their truth. As stated in an earlier page, if success did not crown the efforts made by the members to build up a permanent institution, the fault was not so much in them, as in the fact that they undertook more than it was possible for men engaged in professional or business life to accomplish, however zealous and devoted they might be. The views referred to and which it is thought desirable to inculcate, may be given in a few paragraphs. They are not new, for the same ideas may be found expressed in an address delivered before the Linncean Society of London, in 1867, by its President, George Bentham, F.R.S., and also in an article by Dr. II. A. Hagen, louljlished in the American Naturalist (Volume x, pp. 80 and 135). They are as follows: BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 13 No society organized for the pursuit of the study of natural history should undertake to form a large liuiseum, unless it is endowed with means fully adequate for the constant care and preservation of its collections, either through support of the government, or from funded property that will yield income sufficient for such purpose. Large collections require enormous expense for preservation from destructive agencies, in the necessary supplies of jars, bottles, alcohol, and other articles absolutely required for use ; and .for the payment of competent curators ; as experience demonstrates that none others than those who are paid for their services can be relied on to permanently do the work, without which, sooner or later, all there is destructible in a collection will certainly go to ruin. In the early period of an institution founded by voluntary effort and designed to be so sustained, the members, zealous and active, may for a time, and while the collection is not great, manage to arrange the specimens received, and keep them from destruction by care, but as the museum increases, this becomes onerous to them, and finally impossible. Its impending destruction discourages the members, and the society itself, unable to bear the necessary expense of preserving what they look upon as an important element of existence, is finally dissolved. A society of natural history not supported by government, and inadequately endowed, should never undertake to make more than a very limited collection of specimens, and these should be confined to such as illustrate the natural history of the immediate neighborhood, with perhaps a few others, typical specimens only, of forms found in distant regions. Where more than this is attempted by any society, continued existence and progress can only be predicted in case it possesses ample means to employ steadily a sufficient number of capable men to take charge of its museum, and exert a careful watchfulness over the specimens. No society can long exist that depends upon voluntary continuous labor on the part of its members, or on the voluntary subscriptions of its friends. Nor is the collection of an immense number of specimens in every department of natr ural history a desirable thing for the general student. It is far more important that there shall be an epitome collection so arranged as to give elementary instruction to visitors who seek knowledge and to whom a great multitude of specimens might be confusing. Of course there is no objection to the largest collection of known s^iecies where there are abundant means to obtain and care for them, but an arrangement of such should always be preceded by a proper synoptical series ; the latter for the instruction of the general student, the former for the use of advanced naturalists who need such collections for comparison. A large collection has the effect of attracting great attention, and the wondering thousands who are drawn by its exhibition to visit it daily or weekly, enjoy an innocent pleasure that is well worth providing for in all large communities, especially as the influence may often go far beyond gratifying curiosity. The collection of species local to the neighborhood, should perhaps be the aim of every society, as a knowledge of all the forms of life met in our daily walks is very desirable. Perhaps the experience of no society better illustrates the truth of some of these remarks than that of the LinnaBan Society. It was formed by men of more than ordinary ability, and in a community ready and willing to aid it by voluntary contributions. Its members were hard workers, and freely gave much time to its interests. But it had no funded 14 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE wealth and could not look to government for support. It flourished greatly for a consid- erable period and only showed signs of weakness when its rapidly increasing collections, garnered from every quarter of the globe, called for continuous labor and large expendi- ture of money. Engaged as the members were in professional or business occupations, they could not give the former, and they became tired of soliciting subscriptions to meet the latter. The result was inevitable. The Boston Society of Natural History. In passing from the consideration of the doings, the experience and the dissolution of the Linncean Society to a review of the history of the Boston Society of Natural History, the question naturally arises in the mind whether the new Society started under any better auspices, financially or otherwise, than the old, and if not, whether its aims and objects were so different as to render it less liable to ultimately meet with the same fate. A careful reading of its records fails to show that pecuniarily it was any better provided with means in the early period of its existence, or that its aims and objects or its proposed methods of action were in the least different ■ from those of its unfortunate predecessor. This is especially noticeable, as among its earliest members are found the names of several who had been active in the LinnfBan Society. As will be seen further on, the Society was at first dependent entirely on the annual assessment of its members ; yet it proceeded at once to collect specimens for its museum without discrimination, thus involving itself in the same kind of expenditure for their arrangement and preservation. That it finally succeeded in establishing itself on a firm foundation will be seen to have been the result of fortunate circumstances that could not have been foreseen, much less depended upon, and without which success would probably have been impossible. The first meeting of such persons as favored the formation of a new society was held at the house of Dr. Walter Channing, Fel)ruary 9th, 1830. Dr. Channing was made Chairman, and Mr. Simon E. Greene, Secretary. A committee was appointed to recommend at a future day such measures as it should judge advisable for the formation of the Society, and for creating an interest on the part of the public in its objects. Dr. George Hayward, Dr. John Ware, Mr. Edward Brooks, Dr. Amos Binney and Mr. Geo. B. Emerson, composed the committee. It does not appear whether other persons were present than the seven named, as the number that met is not mentioned. Of those whose names appear, three were active members of the Linnoean Society, viz. : Dr. Walter Channing, Dr. Hayward, and Dr. Ware. There were two other original members of the new Society who had been active in the Linnsean, viz. : John Davis, LL.D., and Mr. Henry Codman. At a meeting subsequently held, the date of which is not given, the committee made a report, which was adopted and a vote was passed, " That a Society on the plan proposed, be now formed," and this was followed by the appointment of a committee to wait upon persons favorable to the objects of the Society and obtain their signatures ; with authority to call another meetmg as soon as a sufficient number had subsci'ibed. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 15 Such a meeting was called together on the 28th of April, and was held at the room of the Trustees of the Athena?um at 7 1-2 o'clock P. M. Dr. Channing Avas chosen Moderator, and Theopliihis Parsons, Secretary. The names of the subscribers were read, and a sketch of rules and bj-laws for the government of the Society presented for con- sideration. It was then Voted, That the name of the Society shall be The Boston Society of Natural History. Then followed discussion on the rules proposed, and finally a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and code of by-laws and to report at the next meeting. Dr. Binney, Dr. Hayward and Simon E. Greene were made this committee. Thus was formed this Society, destined to become one of the leading institutions of the kind in the world, into whose museum thousands would gather weekly for observation and instruction, and whose publications would be known and valued in every civilized community. The next meeting, was held on May 6th, and the constitution and by-laws which had been proposed, after due consideration and with some amendments, were adopted. An adjournment for one week followed. On reassembling at the appointed time the members proceeded to vote for officers and the following named persons were chosen to fill the positions designated : Thomas Nutt;ill, President. Geo. Hayward, First Vice-President. John Ware, Second Vice-President. Gamaliel Bradford, Corresfonding Secretary. Theophihis Parsons, Recording Secretary. Simon E. Greene, Treasurer. Setb Bass, Librarian. Cdeatoes : Francis C. Gray, Edward Brooks, Amos Binney, Jr., Geo. B. Emerson, Walter Channing, Benj. D. Greene. Joseph W. McKean, Francis Alger, A committee was then appointed to make enquiries relative to the collection of the late Linnaean Society, which had been presented to Harvard College upon certain conditions which had not been complied with, and to learn whether the whole or any part of it could be obtained for the cabinet of this Society. No farther meeting is recorded until August 9, though the adopted by-laws required that one should be held on the first Thursday of every month. At this meeting it was announced that Dr. Nuttall had declined to accept the office of President, whereupon the members present proceeded to fill the vacancy, and Benj. D. Greene was unanimously elected. Thvis was completed the organization of the Society, and we find that the Council, now composed of all the officers, proceeded at once to take active nieasures for the furtherance of its objects. The next day after the election of Mr. Greene, it held a meeting and appointed a committee to arrange for a course of lectures, to designate the lecturers, and to decide upon their compensation ; also one to procure rooms for the use of the Society. At the next meeting of the CouncU a week later, the committee on lectures reported in favor of a course of sixteen to be given besides an introductory lecture, and that tickets of admission be put at .$3 each, 16 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE $5 for a gentleman and lady, and |2 for each person additional. The subjects proposed and the number of lectures to be devoted to each wei'e as follows : Two on a general account of the Mineral Kingdom and Geology, particularly as connected with animal and vegetable remains ; four on Anatomy and Physiology of the Vegetable Kingdom, with general account of the characters, relations, and uses of plants and their distribution ; two on Anatomy and Physiology of the Animal Kingdom, and of the principles upon which its scientific arrangement is founded, etc. ; two on the Mammalia ; two on birds ; one on Reptiles and Fishes ; two on Insects ; one on Invertebrate Animals. Subsequently the Committee I'eported that they had decided upon the compensation for the lectures, and fixed it at $20 for each. The persons selected to deliver the lectures, and who accepted the invitations, were Dr. George Hayward, Mr. Thos. Nuttall, Dr. Gam- aliel Bradford, Dr. John Ware, Dr. Walter Channing, Dr. J. V. C. Smith and Dr. D. Hum- phreys Storer. The introductory lecture was free to the public. This course of lectures was commenced on the third Tuesday of October, and they were continued weekly. Where they were delivered, and by whom the introductory one was given, does not appear in the records. These lectures yielded a net profit of $174.58. Besides this course, there was another given under the aus^^ices of the Society, before the close of the lecture season, by Mr. Nuttall, on Botany. This yielded |170, $100 of which was paid the lecturer and $5.50 for expenses; the balance, $64.50 going into the treasury. It will be recollected that in the sketch given of the closing proceedings of the Lin- nasan Society, it was stated that as the Trustees of Harvard College had failed to comply with the conditions binding upon them in accepting the collection of that Society, re- clamation had been made with the purpose of presenting whatever might yet be of value to the Boston Society of Natural History. This had been done at the instance of several members of the latter society who had likewise been membei's of the former, and who reasonably felt aggrieved at the want of care shown for the collection by its possessors. One of these. Dr. Hale, remarked that " he felt it to be his duty as an officer of the Linnasan Society, to express the opinion that something effec- tual should be done ; that he would take the opportunity to again assert that Harvard University had forfeited all her right to the possession of the cabinet of the Linncean Society. The members of that Society were not so faithless to the cause they had espoused as to desert it. When few in numbers and burdened with heavy assessments, they had i-eliuquished their rich collection to the Corporation of said University, that body having passed at a formal meetmg a vote to erect a suitable building to preserve the collection, for the benefit of students in natural history. That agreement had not been complied with, no Imilding had been erected, and the specimens were scarcely to be found. Justice to the members of the Linna^an Society compelled him to make these observations." It seems now but right to give here the remarlvs of one whose statement can be taken as authentic concerning the whole matter, as it furnishes more succinctly than anything else found, a fiUl justification of the course taken in presenting the valuable collections of the Linnajan Society to the College. Provision was made as far as was possible for its preservation, in BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 17 placing it where it was thought it would be of great service to students in Natural History. The resvilt of the application which was made to obtain for the Society whatever might be left of value may be given in the few words taken from the record of the Annual Meeting of the Society in May, 1832, which are as follows : " In the course of the year, an order was obtained from the President of Harvard College for the surrender of such articles as might remain of the old Linnaean Society, in pursuance of which a quantity of refuse matter was sent to the Society's room, but nothing of any considerable value was obtained." Early action was taken to render the monthly meetings interesting, first, by referring specimens presented to such Curators as were the most interested in the department to which they belonged, to report upon at the next meeting. This added much interest to the proceedings, and led to better attendance. At that time, so little was known of many of the objects now familiar to all in the collections of natural history, that many which would now be received without remark, because of their well known character, excited not only much interest, but considerable discussion. It was at a time when a convoluted mass of chalcedony might have been seen in the Boston Museum, labelled petrified kidney, when at the store of a dealer in curiosities, within a stone's throw of the hall of the Society, fossil corals were exposed for sale as petrified flagroot, when Ammonites upon being discovered in the rocks were heralded in the papers as coiled snakes, sometimes mentioned as being as large as cart-wheels, and exciting wonder in proportion to their size. The writer well remembers receiving notice of a remarkable " petrified bug " in a museum at New Orleans, and upon its being procured and sent to him, finding it to be an excellent specimen of a Trilobite, originally, no doubt from the Trenton limestone of New York. Soon after the organization of the Society a room was hired for its use in the Athenaeum building in Pearl street. Here its collections were deposited and here the meetings, after the first two, were held until more suitable accommodations were obtained three years afterwards. The early meetings took place in the evening, but subsequently for several years in the afternoon, sometimes at 3 and sometimes at 3^ o'clock. They were held once a month until August, 1833, but after this time twice a month. In January, 1831, measures were taken to procure an act of incorporation for the Society, and in the same month, in view of the great lack of books on Natural History, it was Voted — That this Society considers a library of works essential to its success ; and funds were appropriated to purchase the best elementary books m the different branches of natural history. A Committee of the Council was also appointed at this time to apply to the Governor and his Council requesting that the gentleman making a Geological Survey of the State might furnish the Society with a suite of geological specimens. No further reference is made to this matter, and the request does not appear to have been fiivorably considered, as no such collection ever became the property of the Society. The State Collection itself, was, how- ever, deposited for several years in the Society's rooms. A singular provision to obtain information was made in February, 1831, bj^ a vote passed, which was in substance as follows : 18 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE That a blank book be provided and placed on the table in which may be written queries on subjects of natural history by any rfiember and such answers as may be given ; unless the latter may be of considerable length, when they may be put on file. March 18, 1831. A special meeting of the Society was held to accept the Act of Incor- poration, and to organize under it, which was done. The Constitution and By-laws were re-adopted, the only change made being that of providing that the Annual Meetings of the Society be held on the first Wednesday of May each year, and that stated meetings be held on the first Wednesday of every month. The same officers were elected the preceding year, excepting that Dr. Storer was chosen to fill the place of Theophilus Parsons who had resigned, and J. S. Copley Greene was chosen Curator in the place of B. D. Greene elected President. May 4, 1831. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution as re-adopted in March, the first Annual Meeting, so called, of the Society, was held on this day. As an account of the receipts and expenditures during the period from its organization to this time may interest the present generation of members, the items are recorded and given iu full. Receipts: Admission of 75 Members $375.00 Tickets sold for Lectures 600.22 $975.22 ExPENDiTTTEES : Compensation of Lectures 340.00 Fuel, Lights, Advertising and Printing Tickets for Lectures 86.20 Kent of Society Rooms 125.00 Fuel and attendance Society Rooms 7.00 Cabinets 1170, and Chairs $14.77 184.77 Other small bills ' 57.67 $800.64 Leaving at disposal of the Society $1 74.58 The Society proceeded to the choice of officers for the year, and the following named gentlemen were elected : Dr. Benj. D. Greene, President. Dr. George Hayward, First Yice-President. Dr. John Ware, Second Vice-President. Dr. Gamaliel Bradford, Corresponding Secretary. Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Recording Secretary. Simon E. Greene, Treasurer. Dr. Seth Bass, Librarian. CURATOKS : Francis C. Gray, Dr. Josejih W. McKean, Dr. Joshua B. Flint, Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., Rev. J. S. Copley Greene, Dr. Augustus A. Gould. George B. Emerson, Francis Alger, To avoid frequent repetition the names of those elected each year will not be mentioned hereafter, except in a summary of the past officers of the Society at the end of this BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 19 sketch. The election at this time being the first under the act of incorporation, this list of those chosen is given in full. A letter was received at this time from Professor Edward Hitchcock, then engaged in making a Geological Survey of the State, requesting the aid of members of the Society in furnishing lists of the animals of Massachusetts, to be published with his report. The following were appointed by the Council to serve as requested : Thos. Nuttall and Simon E. Greene, on Ornithology; Drs. John Ware and Joshua B. Flint, Mammalia; Dr. J. V. C. Smith, on Ichthyology ; Drs. Bass, Storer, and Binney, on MoUusca ; Drs. Harris and Gould on Entomology ; Dr. B. D. Greene, on Zoophytes. They were to submit their reports to the Society. In July, 1831, the Committee on lectures reported that it was expedient to have fifteen, and the following gentlemen were invited to deliver them : Dr. George Hayward, the 2d, 3d and 4th, on the natural history of man ; Dr. Joshua B. Flint, the 5th and 6th, on quadrupeds; Simon E. Greene, the 7th and 8th, on birds; Dr. McKean, the 9th and 10th on reptiles; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, the 11th and 12th, on shells; Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the loth, 14th and 15th, on insects. Mr. Francis C. Gray was afterwards appointed to give the introductory one. This course of lectures was given the ensuing season, but no record is found of the result. That it was pecuniarily unsuccessful is, however, clear from a statement made when the question of another series came up in the following February, to the purport that the failure was disheartening. In February, 1832, a proposal was received from Mr. Savage of the Savings Bank, for leasing a room in the building to be erected for that institution on Tremont street. This led to the appointment of a committee to confer with him, and finally to an arrangement by which the hall of the third story was engaged for the use of the Society. In Febrviary also, the committee on lectures reported that a course for the next season was absolutely necessary for the prosperity of the Society. They advised that seventeen should be given, and that Mr. Edward Everett be asked to deliver the introductory one ; that the price of tickets should be $2 for the single one, and $1 for each additional ; that the lecturers be requested to deliver them gratuitously ; and that the whole arrangement for the course be to the important one of increasing the finances of the Society. The committee were instructed to engage Temple Hall for the lectures, and to make all necessary arrangements for their delivery. At a subsequent meeting of the Society, doubts were expressed relative to the success financially, of the proposed course for 1832-33, and apparently to ensure this it was voted to put the tickets at $1. Whatever the effect of this reduction may have been, it is certain, from the Treasurer's report of the next year, that financially, the course was an exceedingly successful one, as it yielded a net profit of $720 to the Society. In March of this year, the committee on publication reported that it was expedient to publish a Journal, but nothing appears to have been done towards carrying the recommendation into effect, until sometime after. The report of the committee shows, however, the feeling at this period relative to such publication. There seems to have 20 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE been for a considerable time an arrangement with the proprietors of Silliman's Journal, by which some of the papers read before the Society and some of its proceedings appeared in that periodical. At the annual meeting of May, 1832, the report upon the collection in the different departments stated that donations were withheld from the Society awaiting its having proper accommodations for their preservation and exhibition. At the election of officers the following changes were made : Dr. John Ware was chosen first Vice President, in place of Dr. Geoi'ge Hayward, resigned ; Mr. Francis C. Gray was chosen second Vice President, in place of Dr. John Ware. Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., was chosen Treasin-er, in place of Mr. Simon E. Greene, resigned ; Mr. Charles Amory was chosen Librarian, in place of Dr. Seth Bass, resigned. Dr. Winslow Lewis, Messrs. Wil- liam B. Fowle, Clement Durgin, Dr. George W. Otis, were chosen Curators, inplace of Mr. F. C. Gray, Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., Rev. J. S. Copley Greene, and Dr. Joshua B. Flint. As in the sketch of the Linnaean Society the earlier proceedings were more fully described, so in the account of this Society they are given in greater detail than will be possible to accord to the subsequent records, consistently with proper limits. It has seemed well to dwell somewhat at length uj^on early transactions, in order that the reader may better luiderstand the character and scope of the work undertaken by the first members, and the better appreciate their earnestness and devotion. To do full justice to their merits, it would be necessary to understand the great difficulty of procuring any information upon many of the objects sent to the Society. It was sometimes impossible to make out their character, and often found indispensable to await the reception of works on natural history before any adequate idea could be expressed concerning them. Mr. Samuel H. Scudder, in a brief sketch of the history of the Society, given some years since, quotes what seems particularly appropriate to repeat here. One of the original members recalling, in after years, the success of their undertaking, wrote thus of the difficulties encountered : " At the time of the establishment of the Society there was not, I believe, in New England an institution devoted to the study of natural history. There was not a college in New England, excepting Yale, where philosophical geology of the modern school was taught. There was not a work extant by a New England author which presumed to grasp the geological structure of any portion of our territory of greater extent than a county. There was not in existence a bare catalogue, to say nothing of a general history, of the animals of Massachusetts, of any class. There was not within our borders a single museum of natural history founded according to the requirements and based upon the system of modern science, nor a single journal advocating exclusively its interests. " We were dependent chiefly upon books and authors foreign to New England for our knowledge of our own zoology. There was no one among us who had anything like a general knowledge of the birds which fly about us, of the fishes which fill our waters, or of the lower tribes of animals that swarm both in air and in sea. " Some few individuals there were, distinguished by high attainments in particular branches, and who formed honorable exceptions to the indifference which prevailed ; but BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 21 there was no concentration of opinions or of knowledge, and no means of knowing how much or how little was known. The laborer in natural history worked alone, without aid or encouragement from others engaged in the same pursuits, and without the approbation of the public mind, which regarded them as busy triflers." In August of this year Dr. Martin Gay reported in reference to some objects which he had been requested to give an account of, that it was impossible to do so, because of the want of necessary books. In October the Council held a meeting for the especial object of arranging the Hall, which the Society was to occupy, for the Cabinet. In December, recognizing the importance of a permanent fund, it was voted in Council assembled — That all money received from Patrons and Life Members should be invested in bank stock for the purpose of creating one. Probably the most important event of the year was the election to membership of Mr. Ambrose S. Courtis, whose subsequent benefactions were a great aid to the Society when, by reason of increased expenditure it had become considerably in debt, and when its efficiency • seemed likely to be much impaired, to say the lea:st, for the want of means to carry on its work. In March, 1833, the hall engaged for the Society over the Savings Bank in Tremont Street, being represented as ready or nearly ready for occupancy, a committee was appointed to remove articles to it, and in May following this committee reported that the cabinet had been transferred and would be arranged as soon as circumstances would admit. It was announced at the same time that the Historical Society had voted to deposit its collection of Natural History in the cabinet of this Society. Arrangements were made early in the year for a course of lectures in the winter of 1833 and 1834, and the committee having this business in charge, reported that Audubon would deliver the introductory one, that the Rev. Dr. Greenwood would give two ; Dr. Harris, three ; Dr. Gould, one ; Dr. Otis, one ; F. C. Gray, one ; and Dr. C. T. Jack- son, two. It was subsequently stated that as Mr. Gray had declined to serve. Dr. Bradford had been substituted in his place, and that he would give two lectures. The committee considered it expedient to pay $15 for each lecture. Dr. J. V. C. Smith, an active member of the Society, who had devoted much time to the study of fishes, and had made quite a large collection of them, offered to sell all that he possessed at a very low price, and a committee appointed for the purpose of considering the subject, having reported in favor of securing them for the cabinet, they were purchased for the smn of $100. The collection was contained mainly in 141 glass vessels, many having several specimens, and was generally in good condition. Besides the contents of the bottles, there were several dried preparations. At the Annual election of officers in May, Mr. Chas. K. Dillaway was chosen Librarian in place of Mr. Charles Amory, resigned, and Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Curator, in 2:>lace of Mr. Clement Durgin, resigned. The president, B. D. Greene, at one of the meetings of the Council of the Society this year, expressed a strong desire that a fund of $5000 might be raised, the mterest of 22 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE which should be devoted to paying the rent bills incurred by the Society. He wished that we might feel independent, and thought with such provision against indebtedness there would need be no doubt of success. He then pledged himself ready to furnish $500 for this object. Mr. Charles Amory likewise pledged himself to raise $400. Noth- ing further seems to have been done towards the creation of such fund. Pending the arrangement of the cabinet in the new hall, and the necessary prepar- ation for its use, meetings were not held in June or July of this year. The first meeting in the new hall was held on Aug. 7. The cabinet of the Society, increased by the collection purchased of Dr. J. V. C. Smith, had been fully arranged during the summer months. The magnificent collection of shells belonging to Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., and of minerals belonging to Dr. Chas. T. Jackson had also been deposited with the cabinet of the Society, and put on exhibition. Surrounded by such evidences of prosperity, the members might well feel gratified at what had been accomplished in the past, and reasonably hopeful for the future. They were rejoiced too, by the accession of a large number of specimens to the several departments of the Museum, that had long awaited a fitting place for their reception. Before adjourning, it was voted that hereafter meetings be held twice, instead of once a month, as heretofore. Accordingly on the 21st of August the second meeting for the month was held, and a large number of members were present. At this meeting an address was delivered before the Society by the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, commem- orative of the opening of their new hall. This very admirable address was published in full in the first volume of the Journal of the Society. As the first paragraph undoubt- edly expresses fully the feeling pervading the minds of all the members, it is quoted here. " With good cause, gentlemen, may we congratulate each other at this meeting, on our condition and prospects as a Society. This spacious and delightfully situated apartment ; these neat and well contrived cases and tables, already exhibiting treasures, the lustre of which is more pleasant to the eyes of science than the shining of silver and gold ; this convenient furniture ; these ample accommodations — are all indubitable evidences of our improved, established, and promising state. Everything wears a congratulatory aspect. Our countenances are full of animation. Even the mute representatives from the several kingdoms of Nature, which here in new order surround us, seem to participate in our pleasure, and, rejoicing in their deliverance from the damp and obscure region in which they have been hidden, to bid us welcome to upper air, and the comforts of our present abode." Another quotation from the address of Dr. Greenwood will find an appropriate place in this history, before its conclusion. It may be well to note, as showing the comprehensive ideas relative to the work of the Society, that a committee at this meeting was appointed at Dr. J. V. C. Smith's desire, to consult with him upon the expediency of forming a zoological garden. Nothing of course could come from this under the circumstances of the pex-iod, and the consimi- mation of such a wish seems now but a remote possibility of the future. Action was taken at a meeting of the council in October of this year, which shows that as yet the public were not admitted to view the Society's treasures, as a record BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 23 states that a vote was passed to allow those who purchased tickets to the lectures the privilege of visiting the Society's cabinet one day each week. Eai-ly this year a committee was appointed to inspect the rock specimens and minerals collected by Dr. Hitchcock in making the survey of the State, and, if thought best, to petition the Legislature to allow them to be deposited with the collection of the Society. This was done, and for many years following the whole State collection arranged in proper order was on exhibition with that of the Society. 1834. In February, a very triumphant vindication, ])y the Rev. John Bachman, of the accuracy of the observations and truthfulness of the statements of the honored and beloved Audubon, written against attacks made upon his veracity which appeared in Loudon's Magazine, was read before the Society, and subsequently published in the first volume of the Journal. It excited great interest at the time and was regarded as fully conclusive. At the annual meeting in May, the Curators reported that the collection contained of Mammalia, 14 perfect ligamentary skeletons, .34 crania, 15 pairs horns and many teeth ; of lieiJtiles, 16 Chelonia, 60 Opliidia, 52 Saurians ; of Birds, 40 species ; of Corals, 30 species ; of Fishes, about 100 species, well preserved ; of Insects, about 4000 species, of which 2000 were numbered per catalogue; of Shells, 1600 to 2000 species; of Plants, aljout 800 specimens, nearly all from the neighborhood. Of the Insects it stated that the collection would soon surpass all in America. Before the election of officers, an alteration in the Constitution and By-laws proposed at a previous meeting was made, by which the office of Cabinet Keeper was created. His duties Avere defined to l^e the general charge of the rooms of the Society, that the contents be kept in the best order, that he should select a competent person as a porter, who should be under his immediate control, nnd that when convenient he should attend personally at the rooms upon days of public exhibition. Upon balloting, Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood was chosen Second Vice-President in place of Francis C. Gray, resigned ; Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., Corresponding Secretary, in place of Dr. Gamaliel Bradford ; Epes S. Dixvvell, Treasurer, in place of Dr. A. Binney, Jr. ; Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, Curator, in place of Francis Alger, resigned ; Estes Howe, Cabinet Keeper. In October, the committee on lectures for the season reported that Professor Hitchcock of Amherst, Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, and Dr. Flint, had been chosen to deliver them, and they advised that $20 be paid for each lecture. This jjrogramme was probal)ly carried out as there is no mention to the contrary. In November, Dr. Ware suggested applying to the Legislature for a grant in aid of the objects of the Society, and a committee was appointed to ask it. The result of this was a subsidy of three hundred dollars per annum, for five years, granted by the State, payment of which commenced in 1845. 1835. At the first meeting of the Society in January, the members were cheered by the announcement that one of their number who was in Europe, Mr. Ambrose S. Courtis, had provided in a will made by him that the Society should receive certain sums for specific purposes amounting in all to f 15,000, and that to ensure the reception of a part of it soon, he had forwarded an order for the immediate jiayment of $2000. This amount was received by the Society. It is painful to add, considering the Society's financial condition, that this whole sum was lost by the failure of a bank in which it was deposited. There were conditions annexed to the benefaction of Mr. Courtis, which were not entirely 24 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE satisfactory, and a committee was appointed to correspond with him and suggest some modification of them. Up to this time the meetings of the Council had not been lield reguhirly, but only as occasion seemed to require. It was now, January 7tli, voted that they be holden twice eacli montli, immediately after the regular meetings of the Society. At the annual meeting in May, it was reported that besides the ^2000 cash befoi'e mentioned, a note payable in five years for a like amount had been received from Mr. Courtis. It was also reported that the usual success did not attend the lectures of the last season, the expenses having exceeded the receipts, $177.05. The first ^'■annual" so called, issued by the Society, embracing the address delivered by the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, upon opening of the new hall ; Remarks in defence of the Author of the Birds of America, by the Rev. John Bachman ; Description of a Gibbon, hy Winslow Lewis, M. D. ; Cicin- delae of Massachusetts, by Augustus A. Gould, M. D. ; and observations on a shell in the cabinet of the Society, supposed to be identical with the Murex aruanus of Linnaeus, by Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., was reported to have paid for itself the first year. These papers compose part first of the first volume of the Journal of the Society. At this meeting the Annual Address was delivered by Dr. Walter Channing. It is thus spoken of in the record. " Dr. Channing laid the Society under great obligation by an exceedingly well-timed and interesting address. The objects and progress of the Society, its wants, its claims upon the members and the community at large, the reasons why it should live and flourish ; all these considerations were dwelt upon with an earnestness and enthusiasm which couhl not l)ut produce a corresponding impulse in the minds of his hearers." The thanks of the Society were voted to Dr. Channing, and he was requested to deposit a copy of his discourse with its papers, for the use of the members. In a revision of the proceedings of the Society published some years later than this period, the statement is distinctly ninde that this address of Dr. Channing, Avhicli was highly conunended by those who heard it, was printed, but a copy has been sought in vain. Unfortunately the manuscript itself cannot be found in the archives of the Society, which is the more to be regretted as it is supposed to have embraced matter con- nected with its early history, that would have been interesting to present in these pages. The only changes made in the officers this year were as follows : Dr. N. B. ShurtlefF was chosen Cabinet Keeper, in place of Estes Howe, resigned ; Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, Mr. J. E. Teschcmacher, and Dr. Martin Gay, were elected Curators in place of Mr. William B. Fowle, Dr. George W. Otis and Dr. Joseph W. McKean. In June of this year the curators agreed among themselves to each take charge of sep- arate divisions of the cabinet. The curatorships were not assigned to sj^ecial departments until three years later. A solar microscope was received this year from Europe, the gift of Mr. Ambrose S. Courtis, who purchased it for presentation to the Society. This was put on exhibition for its benefit, the members only being admitted gratis. In October the exhibition having ceased to be remunerative was closed. In August, the committee on lectures reported that they BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 25 had been disappointed in every way, and had not been able to obtain a single lecturer. At a subsequent meeting, Dr. Gould expressed his unwillingness that the lectures should be entirely omitted, and offered himself to give a course on Botany in the Spring. The offer was accepted and a committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements. 1836. In April of this year, considerable discussion took place relative to the means of paying the debts of the Society, and it was imanimously voted at a CouncU Meeting to expend the money received from the State towards this end. At a meeting this month it was announced that no one had accepted an invitation to deliver the annual address, and it was therefore voted to omit it and have the report of the Curators substituted. The Annual Meeting was held May 4, the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood in the chair. From the Treasurer's report at this time, the liabilities of the Society were shown to be $1476.76 with a cash balance of only $56.69 in his hands, aud but $£27 due it from members, much of which might not be realized. The Courtis Fund was stated to be intact and amounting to $2057, invested in Fulton and Granite Bank stocks. The oflBcers of the previous year were re-elected, with the following exceptions : Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood was chosen first Vice President, in j^lace of Dr. John Ware, re- signed ; Dr. Walter Channing, second Vice President, in place of Rev. F. W. P. Green- wood ; Dr. Martin Gay, Recording Secretary, in place of Dr. D. Humphreys Storer ; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Curator, in place of Dr. Martin Gay. The thanks of the Society were presented to Dr. Storer, the late Secretary, for the great zeal, accuracy and fidelity which he had manifested in its behalf since the establishment of the insti- tution. The Cabinet of the Society had been enriched by the addition of the skeleton of an elephant that had died in a menagerie. The bones were stored and bleached in the house of Mr. James Blake, and a vote of thanks was passed to him for his great kindness in allowing this, and for the care sho\vn by bun in their preservatiou. To the skill and labor of Dr. ShurtlefF the Society was indebted for putting them together and forming the perfect skeleton. The Committee on lectures reported in August that it was not expedient to have a course of lectures durmg the coming season. At a meeting held Dec. 7, Mr. Epes S. Dixwell resigned the ofl&ce of Treasurer, and Mr. Ezra Weston was elected to fill the vacancy thus created. 1837. The Legislature of the State was invited to visit the rooms of the Society. In February of this year, a letter having been written to the Legislature recommending a re-survey of the State, and that a collection of the plants and animals should be made under the charge of the Boston Society of Natural History, a Committee was appointed by the Society to meet a Committee of the House, to whose consideration the subject had been given. In April, the Legislature authorised the Geological Survey by Prof. Hitchcock, and the following persons were commissioned subsequently to report upon the Botany and Zoology of the State : George B. Emerson, President Boston Society of Natural History Chester Dewey, Professor of Botany in the Berkshire Medical Institute ; Ebenezer Emmons, M. D., Professor of Natural History in Williams College ; Rev. William B. 0. Peabody,. of 26 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Springfield ; Thaddeus W. Harris, M. D., Librarian Harvard University ; D. H. Storer, M. D., Curator of Boston Society of Natural History ; Augustus A. Gould, M. D., Curator of Boston Society of Natural History. These gentlemen met, and it was arranged among them that Professor Emmons should undertake to report upon Mammalia ; Rev. Mr. Peabody, upon the Birds ; Dr. Storer, upon Fishes and Eeptiles ; Dr. Harris upon Insects , Dr. Gould, upon Mollusca, Crusta- cea, and Radiata ; Professor Dewey, upon the Herbaceous Plants ; and Mr. Emerson upon the Trees and Shrubs. The Reports presented to the Legislature were published in 1839-1846. It will be remembered that in January, 1835, the announcement was made to the members that Mr. Ambrose S. Courtis had provided in a will that the Society should receive certain sums for specific purposes, amounting to fl5,000, and that prepayment had been directed by him of $2,000 of that amount. A copy of the will had been forwarded by him for examination by the Society, and a committee on its part had been appointed to suggest some modifications of its provisions. It is not known whether the matter received his attention. Possibly his change of residence from place to place delayed the reception by him of the communication of the committee until increasing illness prevented consideration of it. Intelligence of his death was received a few months after. What is known of this early benefactor of the Society is but meagre. It will however be read with grateful interest, Mr. Ambrose Stacy Courtis, for that was his full name, was born in Mai'blehead, Mass., on March 1, 1798. He received only a common school education, but early acquired a taste for literature and science, which often manifested itself in his subsequent life. Upon leaving school he entered a country store of his native place, and there was ac- customed to devote all the spare time he had to classical and scientific studies. He afterwards came to Boston, and entered into partnership with Mr. Samuel Johnson, the firm being Johnson & Courtis. The business was that of wholesale dry goods. While actively engaged in that occupation, he kept up his interest in other pursuits, devoting much spare time, as when at Marblehead, in reading works upon his favorite pursuits. He accumulated property, but his health became impaired. In 1834, he retired from the firm of which he was a member, and travelled in Europe, hoping to regain his strength. In this he was disappointed, and he finally died in Greece, August 27, 1836. His remains were brought home and buried at Mount Auburn. On a tablet in the vestibule of the Museiun, may be found the following inscription : TO AMBROSE S. COURTIS MERCHANT OF BOSTON WHOSE GENEKOUS BEQUEST IN 1838 "WAS FOR TWENTY-FIVE TEARS ITS CHIEF SUPPORT THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION APEIL 28 1880 GRATEFULLY INSCRIBES THIS TABLET BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 27 There seems to have been some anxiety on the part of the Society relative to the will of Mr. Courtis. In February of this year, at a meeting of the Council, extracts were read and considered, and finally a committee was appointed to take charge of the matter with power to take legal measures if necessary to protect the Society's interests. At the Annual Meeting in May, the Rev. Hubbard Winslow delivered an address on the relation of natural science to revealed religion, which was subsequently published by the Society. It is spoken of in the records as an ingenious, eloquent and fervid address. The Treasurer's report at this meeting shows the Society had on hand but $180.17, whilst it owed a note for $677 with 10 months interest. No money had been expended on the library during the year, and the need of a fund for the purchase of books which were indispensable for progress was strongly felt. Dr. Storer reported upon the state of the collections, giving a very elaborate account of the condition of every department, with notice of the many valuable additions made to it during the year. The most important acquisition was that of the great collection of insects purchased of Professor Hentz, the entomologist, then residing in Florence, Alabama. This was the fruit of seventeen years labor in this field of study, and was inidoubtedly one of the best collections extant. Professor Hentz was very desirous that the whole collection should be possessed by some society of similar character to our own, rather than that it should be sold abroad. He had previously offered it to Harvard College, together with his ento- mological books, for $1600, but the oflFer had been declined. Professor T. W. Harris then Curator of the Entomological department of the Society, interested himself in obtainino- subscriptions in its behalf, and after much exertion, obtained in this way enouo-h to secure the collection, and also such portion of the library of Professor Hentz as was most needed for our Society. The insects alone cost $550, the books $200, and other incidental expenses, $39, making in all $789. The principal donors to the fund were Dr. B. D. Greene, Dr. James Jackson, Dr. George C. Shattuck, Hon. Francis C. Gray, Hon. Jonathan Phillips, Dr. John Randall the Hon. David Henshaw and an anonymous person who gave $250 of the amount. The collection contained, by the count of Dr. Harris after arrival, 14,126 specimens, of which 12,811 were American, and 1315 foreign. There had been much delay in responses to the application for subscriptions, and Dr. Harris was annoyed in consequence. In mentioning the great accession to the cabinet at the annual meeting, he expresses himself thus : " I congratulate the society in the acquisition it has received, and although the tediously protracted negotiation has caused me much anxiety and vexation and the small and lingering success which has attended my efforts in your behalf has subjected me to severe mortification and disappointment, I cannot but feel happy at the result. It is my hope that we shall have here in entomology, as well as in other depart- ments, a standard collection, rich in genera and species, as complete as possible in the productions of our own country, arranged and with the names affixed to every described species. Our museum then will be useful, not only to ourselves, but to all others who may wish to refer to well authenticated specimens, to remove their doubts or confirm their conjectures." 28 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The reception and the magnitude of this collection has been particularly dwelt upon, because of what will follow in due time respecting its fate. It is necessary that there should be a proper appreciation of the value of this as well as of other important collections subsequently allowed to perish, in order that lessons may be derived from experience such as it is so well calculated to teach. Previous to the election of officers, the highly respected aiid much beloved President, Benjamin D. Greene, tendered his resignation, greatly to the regret of all. The following changes were made : Mr. George B. Emerson was chosen President, in the place of Dr. B. D. Greene, resigned ; Dr. Amos Binney, 2d Vice President, in place of Dr. Walter Channing, resigned ; Mr. Epes S. Dixwell, Corresponding Secretary, in place of Dr. Amos Binney ; Dr. T. M. Brewer, Cabinet Keeper, in place of Dr. N. B. ShurtlefF; Dr. N. B. Shurtleflf, Curator, in place of Mr. George B. Emerson. In August of this year, Louis Agassiz was elected an Honorary Member, and in November, Jeffries Wyman was elected a resident member of the Society. These admissions are particularly mentioned, because of the great influence these gentlemen afterwards exerted upon its weltare. As showing the financial trouble of the Society, it may be mentioned that at a meeting of the Council in November, it was reported that the rent of the hall, 1 150, was due in two days, and that there were only |50 on hand to meet the call. It was voted that the treasurer make the best arrangement in his power with Mr. Savage, respecting it. The Committee to whom the subject of lectures was intrusted, reported that several members of the Society had pledged themselves to bring forward at times such exercises upon the subject of natural history as they thought would be interesting to the public, and recommended that the members should have the privilege of attending these, and of introducing members of their' families and strangers who might be in the city. The recommendation was adopted. This seems to have led not exactly to what was suggested, but to the admission of ladies of the members' families and such others as the)' chose to invite, to the regular meetings ; for at the next one, held Dec. 20, the record states that the occasion being the first on which ladies had been invited, the President, Mr. Emerson, addressed the Society upon the subject of this invitation. He explained the objects of the Society somewhat at length, and said much to interest the audience in the study of natural history. He spoke of the many pleasures and benefits to be derived from some knowledge of Nature as shown in her works and operations, and concluded with some account of the advantage we have over the ancients in our more extended knowledge of these subjects. The admission of ladies seems to have had for a time considerable influence upon the attendance, as the number of membei's reported as present at this and succeeding meetings was much larger than had been usual. There was a gradual falling off how- ever, but how soon ladies ceased to attend is not mentioned in the reports of subsequent meetino's. 1838. In January, the Coimcil voted : That notice be given by written card posted up in the State House, that the Musemn will be open every Wednesday, between 12 and 2 BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 29 o'clock, for visits from the public, and that the members of the Legislature be invited to examine it at those times. By the advice of the Council, an alteration was made in the By-laws by which each Curator should have his particular department allotted him at the time of his election ; he to have the privilege of selecting from among the members of the Society a person to assist him in arranging and labelling the specimens. The Annual Address was delivered this year by Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, and was a very interesting and lucid discourse upon the various influences of the study of Natural History ol Man, both in an individual and a social capacity. At the election of officers the following changes were made : Dr. Augustus A. Gould was chosen Recording Secretary in place of Dr. Martin Gay; Dr. Jeffi'ies Wyman, Cabinet Keeper, in place of Dr. Thos. M. Brewer. The Curators were for the first time elected for special departments ; the following were chosen : Dr. N. B. ShurtlefF, for Comparative Anatomy; Dr. Thos. M. Brewer, Birds..; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Reptiles and Fish ; Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, Insects ; Mr. J. E. Tesch- emacher. Botany ; Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Mineralogy and Geology, State Collection ; Dr. Martin Gay, Mineralogy and Geology, Society's Collection. 18.39. In January, 1839, the Legislature was formally invited to visit the collection during the hours when it was open to the public. Since occupying the hall in Tremont street, the libi'ary of the Society had been placed in cases much needed for portions of the cabinet, and the librarian having made a ^proposition to receive it into his room in Tremont Row, where the books could be kept together, and where access could be had to them at all times, and at all hours of every day ; it was voted to accept the offer of the librarian, and that unoccupied cases in the attic over the hall be made use of by him for the reception of the books in his room. The necessity for more room for the increasing collection had become so great, that many claims were at once presented by the curators of several departments for the space about to be vacated by removal of the library, and it became necessary to appoint a committee with power to assign it as they thought expedient. At the Annual Meeting this year, the Treasurer reported receipts amounting to |1337.18, and payments ,f 1167.51, leaving on hand |169.67, with debts outstanding to the amount of $1001.96. The Report on the Cabinet stated that out of one hundred and twenty species of Massachusetts Fishes ninety were in the collection, and of the Reptiles every described species ; all in good condition. The Annual Address was delivered by Rev. John L. Rus- sell, on the pursuit and delight of the Study of Nature. At the election the changes made in the officers were as follows : Dr. Jeffries Wjonan, chosen Recording Secretary, in place of Dr. Augustus A. Gould ; Mr. John James Dixwell, Treasurer, in place of Mr. Ezra Weston ; Dr. Samuel Cabot, Jr., Cabinet Keeper in place of Dr. JeflTries Wyman ; Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Curator of Mammals, in place of Dr. Winslow Lewis ; Mr. Thomas J. Whittemore, Curator of Mollusks (office not previously filled). 30 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE In June, at a meeting of the Council, it was voted that the Committee to whom was referred the affairs relating to the will of the late Ambrose S. Courtis, be authorized to complete the negotiations with the heirs of said Courtis on such terms as they may deem expedient, arid to receive all money accruing therefrom, to be deposited in some bank for safe keeping. Before the close of the year, a settlement was made with the heirs of Mr. Courtis, by which they were to be released from all obligations, upon the payment of 1 10,250. For some reason not given, $10,000 were finally received. In October, Dr. Samuel Cabot resigned the office of Cabinet Keeper, and Mr. William I. Bowditch was elected to the position, but as he preferred a month later to have another substituted in his place. Dr. Samuel L. Abbot was chosen to succeed him. In November, a report was made upon the disposition of the money from the Courtis bequest, and the members, feeling now that they could reasonably expend some- thing towards meeting wants long felt : Voted, to jirocure such books as were most needed for the library. They also appointed a committee to make an estimate of the cost of mounting the Birds of Massachusetts in first rate order. In December, the librarian proposed that the meetings through the winter should be held once a week at his room opposite the hall, provided he should be made a life member, and the expenses of the lights and fuel be paid for by the Society. This offer was accepted, and the meetings were accordingly held there. It is pleasant to notice in looking over the proceedings of the Society, that it was enabled sometimes to aid others in scientific measures to serve the public, as it has often done in more recent periods. At one time we find Prof Hitchcock appealing to it for information concerning soils ; at another the specimens of the Cabinet were solicited by Prof Silliman for use in illustrating his great course of lectures before the Lowell Insti- tute. It is unnecessary to add that these calls were cheerfully met. 1840. In February, of this year, the Society was saddened by the death of one of its original founders and most interested members, Mr. Simon E. Greene. This gentleman was a business man of great activity. In early years he was an officer in one of the city banks, but afterwards, and imtil the close of his life, was a broker in whom the utmost confidence was placed. All of his contemporaries represent him as a man high minded and honorable in all his dealings, and of much public spirit. He was a nephew of Gen. Simon Elliott, and from him derived his name. In the formation of the Society he was not only one of the original members, but was the secretary of the first meeting of gentlemen favorable to the formation of a society for the study of natural history, which was held at Dr. Walter Chamiing's house. He was afterwards appointed, with Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., to call upon such persons as it was 'thought would like to be associated in the project and obtain their signatures. At the first election of officers for the new Society, Mr. Greene was chosen Treasurer, which office he held for two years, when he resigned, receiving the thanks of the Society for the services rendered by him. At a meeting held February 12, the President feelingly alluded to the loss the Society had sustained, stating that Mr. Greene had a great love for the study of nature, more partic- ularly for the departments of Ornithology and Botany ; tliat he had ever shown himself BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 31 one of the firmest friends of the Society, ready to assist and co-operate with others in times of need, and on all occasions manifesting a strong interest in its prosperity and usefulness. The following resolutions, offered by the President, were unanimously adopted : " Resolved, that in the death of our late valued and honored associate, Simon Elliott Greene, we, members of this Society, feel that we have lost a firm, liberal, and enlight- ened friend. " That we cherish fondly in our hearts the memory of his many virtues as a generous friend, an honorable merchant, a perfectly upright and honest man ; and that while we mourn over our loss, we deeply sympathize with those whose bereavement, from their nearer connection with our friend, is still more heavy than ours." Mr. Greene, though bearing the same family name, was not connected by ties of relationship with the President. His means were limited, but he manifested his continued interest in the Society by a bequest of five hundred dollars in money, a fine collection of about twelve hundred species of shells, and several works on natural history. In April of this year the meetings were resumed in the hall of the Society, and were continued weekly, as through the winter, until the Annual Meeting in May, after which they were held twice a month. At the Annual Meeting held May 6, Dr. C. T. Jackson, who presented the Reports of the Curators, after referring to the additions made to the Cabinet during the year, made some pleasant remarks relative to the Society, of which a few lines may be appropriately quoted : " We have now shown to the world that a Society of Natural History can be supported in Boston, and trust that the time is not far distant when the public generally will feel that the establishment of such a Society has contributed not a little to the general weal. Our hall is already crowded with visitors at such times as we throw open the doors for general admission, and there cannot be a doubt respecting the beneficial influence which is exerted by this institution upon the minds of its young visitors. Many a student in science will look back with gratitude to those objects in your collection that first attracted his attention to the delightful walks of Natural History." The only change made in the officers of the Society at the election was in Mr. Marshall S. Scudder being chosen Curator of Birds, in place of Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, who I'esigned. The Curatorships of Comparative Anatomy and Mammals were united at this time, and Dr. Nathaniel B. Shurtleff', who had held that of the former, was chosen to fill that of the combined departments. Dr. Jeffries Wyman, who had been Curator of Mammals, retired. Let us now review briefly the history of the Society during the first ten years of its existence, touching upon some general points not hitherto presented. It will be well to do this at the close of each decade, as thus perhaps a better idea may be conveyed, not only of the progress of the institution during each period in material prosperity, but of the change in thought relative to its proper mission as an educational institution, and the means necessary for the accomplishment of its aims and purposes. 32 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Some statements have been made in the notices of the Annual Meetings, of the Treasurer's reports showing excess of expenditure over receipts, and the fact of an accu- mulating debt which threatened seriously the welfare of the Society, notwithstanding the annual subsidy of $300 received from the State, and which was granted for five years. The Treasurer's Report for the year ending May, 1840, will show the financial condition of the Society, at the end of the ten years of its existence. Its receipts for the year were as follows : From the previous treasurer .... Dividend on one share Granite Bank stock Annual and last grant from the State . Annual assessments and entrance fees . Borrowed from the Courtis Fund in order to pay off the Society indebtedness of Payments as follows : — Notes held against the Society and interest Rent and taxes due for rooms prior to the past year Amounts due incurred jsrior to year . Whole debt paid Books added to library Rent and taxes of Society's apartments Printing and advertising Miscellaneous expenses of cabinet Current expenses of the cabinet . Entomological cabinet .... Care and attendance on the room, fuel, &c, Expense altering shell-cabinet Commissions collecting fees, &c. . Cash balance in treasury $150 00 18 GO 300 00 504 00 800 00 $1,772 00 $767 17 271 96 51 25 $25 72 280 51 32 77 10 00 89 42 50 00 90 47 63 00 27 05 1,090 38 ■ 668 94 $1,759 32 12 68 $1,772 00 This account has been given in full, in order to exhibit more clearly the economy exer- cised in managing the affairs of the Society, necessary if the Society was to be saved from the burden of a debt that could not be borne, yet destructive afterwards to portions of the collection of very great value, from that want of expenditure requisite to the proper care and preservation of perishable objects. The Society had struggled with debt during the greater part of its existence, and was for the first time free from its harrassing claims. This, however, was only brought about by borrowing from the fund which it desired to hold sacred for special purposes ; that received from the heirs of Ambrose S. Courtis, $10,000. The claim that "we had now shown to the world that a Society of Natural History could be supported in Boston," having the aims and objects of the one existing, and relying on voluntary labor and BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 33 voluntary contributions for the furtherance of its objects, is not sustained by the condition of affliirs at this time, for it may well be asked how long the Society could have gone on with an increasing debt consequent upon increasing expenditure not to be avoided, if the bequest of Mr. Courtis had not relieved it from embarrassment ; especially when it will be seen that with the additional means thus acquired, the best portion of its rich collections went to ruin for want of that necessary care which only paid service can be relied upon to render, and which could not be afforded. The income from the Courtis fund was a great help, and a great encouragement. It enabled the Society to go on with its work in a manner that secured for it public appro- bation, of great service to it later when its increasing collections called for more room for their exhibition, and made an appeal for help necessary. It was not enough to enable it to adequately protect its perishable treasures. A much larger income was indispensable, but experience had not yet demonstrated this fully. Sometime during this year, though no record is made of it, the Council agreed to appropriate the income of the Courtis Fund one-third to the Library, one-third to publi- cations, and one-third to the Cabinet. It may be interesting to the members of the present time to know something of the attendance of members in the early days of its activity. The following table will show the highest and lowest number present, together with the average attendance each year. w s = a MS t- be lla 1-} Qtta i 1831 . . 22 . . . 7 . . .. 18 1836 1832 . . 26 . . . 11 . . . 17 1837 1833 . . 26 . . . 8 . . . 13 1838 1834 . . 45 . . . 10 . . . 26 1839 1835 . . 70 . . . 6 . . . 21 1840 ^5 rt'i . . 50 . . . 40 . . . 40 . . . 35 . . 61 . £ga lis- 6 6 8 9 8 © a tiCCJ 14 12 19 14 12 An increasing interest seems to have been felt in the meetings during the year ending May, 1834, as the average attendance is shown to be double that of the one previous. This was due in part at least to the removal of the Cabinet to the new hall in Tremont Street, over the Savings Bank, where subsequently the meetings were mostly held. The average afterwards fell off and became small in the years ending in May, 1836 and 1837, when it again increased considerably, as during the year ending May, 1838, there was an attendance of over 50 per cent, more than during the two previous years. This is likely to have been the temporary effect of ladies being permitted to accompany the members. There is no record of this permission being withdrawn, and the probability is that too few continued to feel such interest as to lead to the custom of their attend- ance becoming permanent. In the years following nothing is said of their presence and the average number of members at the meetings again fell off. Respecting the increase of the Cabinet up to this period it may be said that there were but few meetings held when specimens were not brought forward and presented. Some- times these donations were of great value, and deserve special mention. 34 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At one meeting, Park Benjamin presented ninety-two beautifully preserved bird-skins and a box of insects, from Demerara. Joseph Coolidge, forty-five bird-skins, with corals and other objects from Bombay. John James Dixwell, one hundred and thirty-three specimens of bird-skins, in perfect order, with many fishes, from the vicinity of Calcutta. J. N. Reynolds, a magnificent collection of between four and five hundred bird-skins ; a large collection of botanical specimens ; boxes of minerals, organic remains, and of insects ; a large and valuable collection of shells ; skulls, fruits, and fishes, all from South America, the Islands of the Pacific, and the South Shetland Islands. Dr. James Jackson, a valuable Herbarium. Mr. J. S. Copley Greene, also, a valuable Herbarium. Dr. F. W. Cragin, of Surinam, magnificent donations of zoological and botanical speci- mens. Dr. D. Humphreys Storer was continually bringing forward specimens for the cabinet. At one time he presented seventy specimens all carefully put up by him, in glass bottles and labehed. To his generosity mainly was due the foct, that out of one hundred and twenty species of Massachusetts fishes then known, ninety were in the collection, and every described reptile of the State, with one exception. Alas, that through the want of proper care in after years, nearly all these should have been destroyed ! Of this more will be said hereafter. It would require pages to specify all the donors who enriched the cabinet by their contributions ; suffice it, therefore, to mention the names of some who were particular benefiictors in this way, viz., Doctors Augustus A. Gould, Amos Binney, Jr., Winslow Lewis, John Flint, B. D. Greene, C. T. Jackson, J. V. C. Smith , G. C. Shattuck; Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood ; Messrs. Joseph P. Couthouy, William B. Fowle, Estes Howe, Edward Tuck erman, Jr., Simon E. Greene; Commodore Downes, of the United States Navy; Mes,srs. George W. Pratt, George James Sprague, J. W. Mighels, H. T. Parker, and C. J. F. Binney. It is impossible to state the number of specimens in all the departments of the cabinet. There were of fishes three hundred and forty-four species, of which there were, as has before been stated, ninety of Massachusetts waters alone, out of one hundred and twenty known. Of birds, there were of mounted specimens about seventy-five, and ol bird-skins not mounted, about four hundred. There had been a much larger number ol the latter, but the collection had suffered from the attacks of insects. Of Reptiles no statement can be made excepting that already given, that the collection contained every kno^vn Massachusetts species excepting one, and that had only once been found w^thin our limits. In the Mazological department there were 23 specimens. In that of Comparative Anatomy many, but the number is not given. Of MoUusks there were over 3000 species in the collection, but whether these embraced the private collection of Dr. Amos Binney, is not certain. At this time he had already proffered to give the whole of his to the Society, provided other gentlemen having collections would allow a committee to select from those species not possessed by him or the Society. This was complied with afterwards, so that all in the cabinet at the time soon became the property of the Society, with a great nimiber in addition. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 35 The Entomological department was very rich, embracing as it did the great collection purchased of Hentz, but the whole number of species and specimens cannot be stated. Of the Herbarium there is no mention of the magnitude at this time, but it contained the valuable donations of plants made by Dr. Jas. Jackson and by J. S. Copley Greene. Already the collections of the Society were beyond the alnlity of the curators to find proper space for in the exhibition cases, and it was necessary to put away many in drawers out of view. The Library as well as the Cabinet had constantly received donations during the ten years past, but as yet was very deficient in works necessary for students in every department. It consisted at this time of 660 volumes, besides numerous pamphlets. But little money had been expended for books, as the financial condition of the Society had not warranted it. The largest donors to this department were Judge Davis, who in 1837 presented a great number of valuable works; and Col. Thomas H. Perkins, who in the last year of the decade presented a magnificent copy of Audubon's work on the birds of America. Other donors to the lil)rary of valuable books were Drs. D. H. Storer, John Ware, Amos Binney, Jr., Joseph W. McKean, B. D. Greene, and Messrs. E. Tucker- man, Jr., Edward Warren, Henry Codman, Isaac McLellan, John Lowell, Jr., and Joseph Coolidge. Addresses were delivered before the Society at its annual meetings, first in 1835, and afterwards in 1837, 1838, 1839, and 1840, as already mentioned. Several of these were published. At this time the first two volumes Of the Journal of the Society and the contents of a large portion of the third had been published. All the papers were communications that had been made at meetings of the Society, and were of such character as to establish for it a high scientific reputation, both at home and abroad. It served greatly towards obtaining the works of foreiti-n societies tlirouo-h exchano-e. Communications of important character were made at almost all the meetings, and often interesting discussions followed concerning the matter presented in them. The members who took the most conspicuous part in the proceedings during the first five years, were Dr. C. T. Jackson, Dr. D. H. Storer, Dr. A. A. Gould, Mr. George B. Emerson, Mr. C. C. Emerson, Mr. Epes S. Dixwell, Dr. J. V. C. Smith, Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, Dr. Walter Chan- ning. and Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, though many others participated. During the later five years may he mentioned as the most frequent contributors to the interest of the meetings by their communications, Drs. C. T. Jackson, Augustus A. Gould, D. Humphreys Storer, Thomas M. Brewer, Martin Gay, Thaddeus W. Harris, Amos Binney, Rev. F. W. P. Green- wood, Professors Jeffries Wyman and C. B. Adams, and Messrs. J. E. Teschemacher, Edward Tuckerman, Jr., George B. Emerson and Epes S. Dixwell. The Council of the Society, consisting under the Constitution of the officers elected by it, and whose duty it was to control the expenditure of the money, select lecturers and decide upon the subjects to be treated upon Ijy them ; designate what books should be purcliased for the library ; nominate Honorary and Corresponding Memljers ; attend to the publication of the Journal; and to transact any other business not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws; met in the early days only as specially called together, but subsequently, after the regular meetings of the Society. 36 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE For the furtherance of its objects, Committees were annually chosen on the Finances, on Lectures, on Publications, and on Honorary and Corresponding Members. Those who were active on these Committees previous to this period were Drs. Harris, Binney, Gould, C. T. Jackson, Lewis, Storer,the Rev. Mr. Greenwood, and Messrs. Emerson, Dillaway, J. J. Dixwell, Epes S. Dixwell, and S. E. Greene. Decade H. May, 1840-May, 1850. We now enter upon the second decade of the existence of the Society, with the grati- fying fact of its freedom from debt, and its possession of a funded property sufficient at least with due economy to sustain its life and enable it to do much in furtherance of its objects ; but not enough to furnish the means necessary for the proper care and preserva- tion of its increasing collections, as will be seen hereafter. At the first meeting after the annual one, there came to hand a large donation of very valuable specimens from Dr. Thomas S. Savage, a missionary at Cape Palmas, West Africa, mostly of just the character which afterwards suffered greatly from lack of care, viz., insects aud reptiles. In June of this year, an official communication was received from the heirs of Mr. Simon E. Greene, announcing the bequest before mentioned, of five hundred dollars, and of some works on natural history. In November, the lease of the hall occupied by the Society was renewed for three years, and also an arrangement similar to that of the previous year was made with the Librarian, by which the meetings through the winter were held at his room in Tremont Row, in the evenings, once a week until Dec. 30th, and twice a month afterwards. The Society had again an opportunity of making a part of its Cabinet serviceable to the public otherwise than by e.\hi1)ition within its own halls, by granting permission to Prof. Wyman to use specimens from it, in illustrating his course of lectures before the Lowell Institute on Comparative Anatomy, given this season. 1841. Early this year, the usual invitation was extended to the Legislature to visit the Museum. On such occasions the Curators made it their business to l^e present, in order that such visits might be the more agreeable and instructive. An attempt to render the meetings more interesting was made at this time by forming committees on the several departments of natural history, who should be held responsible for the presentation of communications. As showing a strong feeling against the absorption of the Courtis Fund in the expendi- tures of the Society, action taken in February of this year is noticed. It will be remem- bered that in order to liquidate outstanding debts before the last aimual meeting, a sum of eight hundred dollars had been borrowed from this fund, and four notes of two hundred dollars each, on interest, liad been given by the Treasurer to the Trustees of that fund. The Society now voted to apply the five hundred dollars, received by the bequest of Mr. Simon E. Greene, and tlie proceeds of a sale to be made of the one share yet held of the Granite Bank stock, to pay the first three notes ; and that the fourth note should be paid out of any surplus in the hands of the Treasurer, during the current year. For the first time in the history of the Society, we find the Council appropriating any amount of money for the use of the several departments of the Museum. The income from the Courtis Fund now enabled the Curators to expend something, though little, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 37 towards the purchase and preservation of specimens. We accordingly learn that were appropriated for the department of Ornithology, |30 for that of Comparative Anat- omy, and f 25 for that of Botany. Moderate sums have ever since been asked for by the Curators, as required in the several departments, and these have been granted when the state of the finances would justify the expenditui-e. It will be remembered that Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., had jjroffered his whole collection of shells to the society, upon the condition that other gentlemen possessing cabinets should open them to a committee, who should be allowed to select from them such species as would serve towards completing the collection of the Society. At the annual meeting in May of this year, the Curator of the Conchological department reported that from the cabinets of Messrs. Dixwell, Greenwood, Emerson, Storer, Emmons and Warren, about six hundred species had been selected, most of which were new to the collection. He also reported that by the bequest of the late Simon E. Greene, his entire collection of aljout 1200 species had come into the Society's possession. The Curator, after referring to the accession of Dr. Binney's collection and that of Mr. Simon E. Greene, with the additions made from compliance Avith the conditions of Dr. Binney's gift, and by the donations received from various other parties, spoke of the cabinet of shells as standing foremost of all the public collections of the New World. By the reports of the other Curators for the year, it appeared that the donations to their depart- ments had not been very importaiTt, except to that of Entomology. The additions to the Library were numerous and valuable, some being received from the bequest of Mr. Simon E. Greene and others from purchase by means of the money received from the Courtis fund. The Treasurer reported the entire receipts for the year f 1837.41 ; the entire expendi- tures $1715.32; leaving a cash balance of $122.09 applicable to the purposes for which the income of the Courtis Fund had been specially appropriated, viz., the increase of the cabinet, the increase of the library and the publication of the Society's Journal. After the reading of the several reports, the President congratulated the Society on the evidence furnished by them of its prosperous condition. He remarked that " the constant circulation of the volumes proves the usefulness of the library and the increasing taste for study and investigation on those subjects for the pursuit of which we are associated. The state of the treasury shows the gratifying fact that the Society is out of debt and with a considerable income annually applicable to its purposes. During the past year there have been twenty-five meetings, at which seventy-five reports, written and oral, were made, including the whole range of subjects embraced by the Society. Besides these, twelve other written communications of interest, with letters received, have occupied the time of the meetings, and aflForded us the gratification of reflecting that we have not been quite idle in the work we have undertaken to do." The following changes took place among the officers of the Society — Rev. Dr. Green- wood having declined to serve longer on account of ill health. Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., was elected First Vice-President in his place, and Dr. Charles T. Jackson succeeded Dr. Binney as Second Vice-President ; Dr. Frederick A. Eddy was chosen Recording Secre- tary ; Dr. A. A. Gould, Curator of Conchology ; Thomas Bulfinch, Curator of Mineralogy and Geology (State Collection) ; S. L. Abbot, Jr., Curator of Ornithology, and Thomas T. Bouve, Cabinet Keeper. 38 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Society then listened to an interesting and instructive address from Mr. Tesche- maclier upon the pi'ogress of Natural Science. This was subsequently published. Nothing of unusual interest occurred during the sumuier and foil months. When the season became too cold for meetings in the hall, the members met by invitation at the President's house in the evening, until February ; after which they assembled at the room of the Librarian, 7^ Tremont Eow, until spring. 1842. In April of this year a committee was chosen to make arrangements for the reception of the Association of American Geologists and Naturalists in the hall of the Society, where their approaching meetings were to be held by invitation of the Society. These meetings, the first in Boston, took place during the week commencing April 25th and ending on Saturday the 30th. The most eminent scientific men of the country were present, including Profs. William B. and Henry D. Rogers, Dr. Samuel G. Morton, Prof. Hitchcock, Prof Benjamin Silliman, Dr. James D. Dana and Prof. Locke. Mr. Lj-ell the distinguished geologist, afterwards Sir Charles Lyell, was also present. The meetings were of great scientific interest and importance, and several of the members, also members of the Association, took an active part in the proceedings and discussions, among others Dr. C. T. Jackson and Capt. Joseph P. Couthouy. The Association before adjourning passed a vote of thanks to the Boston Society of Natural History for the use of the hall, and for the kind attention shown by its individual members. Previous to and in anticipation of the meeting of the Association, the Society had voted to hold a special meeting on the 27th of the month, in order to invite the members of that body to hear the Annual Address which was to be delivered by one of their number. Dr. Samuel G. Morton, the celebrated ethnologist. This meeting so held, was largely attended by the members of the Society and by those of the Association. The President first gave a brief history of the doings of the Society the past j^ear. This was followed by the address, which was upon the distinctive characteristics of the aboriginal race of America, and was extremely interesting and instructive. It was published by the Society in its Journal, Vol. IV, p. 190, and in pamphlet, Svo., 1842. The yearly reports of the Curators were not always ef such character as to give partic- ular information concerning the extent of the collections, sometimes being limited to a statement of donations received, with remarks upon condition, etc. When presented in detail, it seems well to embody their substance here, in order that comparisons may be made hereafter if desirable. Some of the reports made at the annual meeting in May, 1842, are therefore dwelt upon at length. They were all quite encouraging. In the Ichthj'ological department the whole number of species was given as 450, of which 390 were from the Western Hemisphere, and 60 from the Eastern. Of the Massa- chusetts species alone, there were now 108, an increase of 7 during the year. Of the mineral Cabinet it was stated by the Curator that he had rearranged the collec- tion, and that there were 610 specimens on the shelves, which probably comprised all worthy of exhibition. The Curator of Entomology reported the enriching of this department by the addition of eighty species of African beetles presented by Rev. Dr. Savage. The Curator of Conchology reported the continued prosperity of the department under his charge. During no former year had a greater amount of labor been bestowed upon BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL PIISTORY. 39 it, or more important accessions made. Six hundred and fifty species had been added and entered in the catalogue, and nearly a thousand names had been ascertained, and the labels applied. There were now in all 3900 species, not including duplicates, all of which had come into the possession of the Society by donation. Of the wiiole number, 1722 species had been contributed by Dr. Binney, 1197 by Captain Joseph P. Couthouy, 104 by Commodore Downes of the Navy, 95 by Mr. Dixwell, 54 by Mr. George B. Emerson, 85 by Mr. T. J. Whittemore, 43 by Mr. George Brown, 44 by the Rev. Dr. Greenwood, 29 by Mr. John Warren, 33 by Mr. Stephen Emmons, 41 by Dr. Storer, 155 by Dr. Gould, and nuiny had come from the bequest of Simon E. Greene. The want of room and the want of hooks on the subject were complained of, the members being almost wholly dependent upon the splendid library of Dr. Binney for information. This, however, was liberally open to the use of all who sought knowledge. The Curator of the State Collection of Geology reported the addition to it of 1100 specimens collected by Professor Hitchcock on his resurvey of the State, making, with the previous collection, 2646, besides the series of soils numbering 227. The Curator of Botany reported the addition of 1194 species, mostly foreign, to the department under his charge. No account of the whole collection was given. The Curator of Ornitholog}' reported the whole number of birds in the collection as 540, very few being duplicates; 120 of these were mounted, of which 100, including 75 species, were of Massachusetts. Forty-three specimens were received during the year, the donors being Capt. Joseph P. Couthouy, Judge Amos of Bengal, Messrs. Teschemacher, H. Bryant, Lewis Ashmun, Charles Mayo, and Dr. J. P. Kirtland. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy reported some additions to his department, but stated that the large skeletons were in bad condition from exposure to dust. The Librarian reported the condition of the library as pi'osperous ; 140 volumes, including 38 pamphlets, having been added during the year, presented by various indi- viduals. The Treasurer reported the whole receipts during the year, including balance at com- mencement, $1350.29; whole amount expended, $1213.36, leaving a balance of $136.93. The changes among the officers this year were, that Dr. Martin Gay was chosen Curator of Minerals, Mr. T. T. Bouve of Geology, Mr. T. Bulfinch, Recording Secretary, and Dr. Henry Bryant, Cabinet Keejjer. In May of this year the Diploma now in use by the Society was first adopted. In June, it is recorded that Dr. Jeffi-ies Wyniaii was made a delegate to represent the Society at a meeting of the British Association, soon to be held at Manchester, England. In September, there appears to have been some apprehension as to the safety of por- tions of the collection, as Dr. Wyman was requested to devote such of his leisure as he could command for the ensuing year, to its preservation and increase, and $200 were appropriated for the purpose. In December, the Council of the Society having learned " that a proposal had been made to take from their authors the notes, journals, and observations made by some of the corps of the late Exploring Expedition, and to place them in the hands of others for publication," and recognizing the injustice of such pi'oceeding as well as the many other objections thereto, thought fit to remonstrate against it, which they emphatically did, by 40 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE passing votes expressive of their views on the subject, copies of which were sent to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, and to Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, the representative of this district in Confess. 184-3. In the early part of this year ten members of the Society subscribed to Audu- bon's work on the Quadrupeds of the United States for presentation to the Society. They were George B. Emerson, N. I. Bowditcli, Amos Binney, Jr., George C. Shattuck, Jr., J. Amory Lowell, George Parkman, William Sturgis, F. C. Gray, John James Dixwell and Amos A. Lawrence. On May 3d, in the absence of many memljei's who were attending the meeting of the Association of Geologists and Naturalists at Albany, it was voted to postpone the business of this meeting, the annual one, to the 17th iust. On that date, therefore, it was trans- acted. The Curators' reports were generally very gratifying. Dr. Cragin of Surinam had again enriched the cabinet by donations to the several departments of Comparative Anatomy, Horpetology, Ornithology, and Ichthyology, and as usual in former yeai's fre- quent contributions to them all had been made by the members. The Curator of Ornithology mentioned that the collection had increased during the year to 7-j3 specimens mounted and unmounted, of which 172, comprising 131 species, were natives of Massachusetts. The Curator of the department of Geology as disconnected with that of Mineralogy, made his first report. The whole collection was stated to consist of about 1000 specimens, 40U of which had been received by donations during the year, 200 of these being Silurian, 50 Carboniferous, 25 New Red Sandstone, nearly 500 Tertiary and 50 of unstratified rocks, lavas, etc. The remainder were undetermined. It should be borne in mind that this department of Geology embraced the fossils of the several formations at this time, that of Palaeontology not being made a separate one until years later. The Librarian stated the increase of books during the year to have been 105 volumes and 55 pamphlets, making the whole collection 1071 volumes and 250 pamphlets, inde- pendent of the publications of the Society. The Treasurer reported expenditures exceeding receipts in the general account showing a deficit of |258.45, but of the Courtis Fund income he reported excess of receipts over expenditures $308.53. The annual address was delivered by Dr. Jeffries Wyman, and was a learned and inter- esting discourse on the progress of science during the past year. Mr. George B. Emerson, who had served the Society with great fidelity as President for six years, having declined a re-election. Dr. Amos Binney Avas unanimously elected in his place. The Corresponding Secretary who had likewise held this ofl&ce for six years, also resigned, and Dr. A. A. Gould was elected to fill the vacancy. Dr. Charles T. Jackson was chosen First Vice-President, and Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Second Vice-President. Other changes were in Jeffries Wyman being elected Curator of Reptiles and Fishes, and A. E. Belknap, Curator of Conchology. On the 2d day of August of this year, there passed from earth one of the best of men ; one whom all who knew, loved and revered. This man was the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood. It is a joy to dwell on such a character, and it was a privilege of the early members of the Society to have associated with them one so much loved and respected, BOSTdJ^r SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 41 and whose tastes led to his zealous cooperation with them in advancing its interests until health and strengthi^ao longer pei'mitted active exertion. Dr. Greenwood wa^ not one of the original members of the Society, but he was early connected with it add ever afterwards participated largely in its work. He became second Vice President in 1834 and first Vice President in 18-36, holding the latter position until May 1841, when by reason of failing health he resigned. As Vice President he was frequently called upon to preside at the meetings of the Society, and he often by commu- nications or otherwise, took j^art in the proceedings. In 1833 he delivered an address be- fore it upon the opening of its new hall in Tremont street. This was published in the Journal of the Society and formed its first article. This address has been before referred to ; but some remarks in it bearing upon the importance of a collection of local species merit attention. He said : "It shoiild be our object to attend particularly to the formation or completion of such collections as may give a good idea of the natural features of our own country and of our own section of our country. If I were traveling in Spain or Per- sia, I should desire especially to examine some depository of the natural productions of Spain or Persia. If I were traveling in our western states I should prefer seeing a mu- seum well stocked with their own curiosities to one well stocked with all curiosities but their own. And so, too, I pi'esume a traveler in New England will first of all desire to see those objects which illustrate the natural history of New England. For our own in- struction and gratification, indeed, and for the advancement of natural science amongst us, we shall gladly collect from every quarter and every coast and corner of the globe ; from eveiy sea and lake and river, whatever can be furnished for our purposes ; and yet, for our sakes too, we shall least of all choose to be ignorant of the beings and things with whicli Providence has surrounded our own dwellings, of the plants which spring from our native soil, the birds which fly in our own heavens, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of our own seas." We pass on to the Annual meeting of 1844, which was held on the 1st of May. The President in presenting the reports of the Curators for the year took occasion to make some remarks upon the early history, progress and present condition of the Society, and then forcil^ly stating the pressing want of larger accommodations for the collections and for the library, ap23ealed to the public for aid in supplying them. The Reports then given, though generally satisfactory as to the condition of the speci- mens in the several departments, presented exceptions which were but too suggestive of what would inevitably follow under the system of reliance wholly upon voluntary care and labor. The Curator of Entomology reported that the collection had been infested to an alarm- ing extent by Anthreni, and great injury done ; that in order to better preserve the speci- mens he had been obliged to take a portion of them into his own keeping away from the Hall, and resort to active measures to destroy the pest that was making such ravages. Nothing, he said, but the utmost vigilance on his part enabled him to keep the collection from destruction, and he urged that provision should be made for such glazed cases as woiild effectually exclude the enemy. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy repoi'ted that by subjecting the specimens under his care to over 180" of heat in the steam oven of the Society, they had been freed from insects, and by the free use of poisonous washes future ravages prevented. 42 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Curator of Ornithology likewise reported that specimens in his department had been attacked, but that by baking those infected, the collection was now in good condition. Thus it will be perceived that in three of the important departments of the Museum the collections had been seriously attacked and much injury done. Up to this period no harm had come to the Ichthyological collection, which the Curator reported in good order. The only reports that specified to what extent the collection had been increased, were those of Ornithology and Geology. The mounted birds were given as 233, of which 195, comprising 151 species, are found in Massachusetts. Of unmounted skins the number given was 592, making in all 825 specimens. The niunber of specimens in the Geological Collection was given as upwards of 1000, of which about one half were Tertiary, the remainder being of the older formations. Quite a number of these were yet undetermined, and the Curator stated would have to remain so, until the Library should be better furnished with works on the subject of Palaeontology. The most important addition to the Cabinet of the Society, during the year, was that made to the department of Herpetology by Dr. Cragin of Surinam. From him twenty- three jars were received, containing nearly one hundred specimens of Saurian, Ophidian, and Batrachian reptiles, all in an excellent state of pi'eservation. The Curator deplored the necessity of storing these out of sight for want of room to put them on exhibition. The officers elected were the same as chosen the year previous, except that Dr. A. A. Gould was made Curator of Conchology ; Dr. S. Cabot, Jr., of Ornithology ; and Dr. H. J. Bigelow, Cabinet Keeper. The Annual Address was delivered by Professor Asa Gray, and gave an account of the recent progress and present state of Vegetable Physiology. It was exceedingly inter- esting and instructive, and was listened to by a numerous and highly cultivated audience with marked attention. In June of this year, the first notice was taken of the bad condition of the Button- woods in New England, which had always been, until within a short time, one of our healthiest and most beautiful trees. At the suggestion of Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, the Rev. John L. Russell was appointed a Committee to investigate the cause of the injury to them. Mr. Russell, whose attention had already been given to the subject, commiinicated the result of his observations at a meeting in August. His views appear in the Proceed- ings of the Society of that date. He ascribed the evil to the young wood being winter- killed, remarking that well ripened wood was always essential to vigorous health in peren- nial vegetation, and that for several years no such young wood had been seen. He thought that the great vigor in the larger limbs would eventually enable the trees to survive until favorable circumstances facilitated the ripening of the young wood, though doubtless some would perish. The views then given of the cause of the trouble have been sustained by experience, and are here briefly expressed because the subject has by no means lost its interest in the minds of those who admire stately and vigorous growth, such as was exhibited in the Buttonwoods of our neighborhood forty years ago. 1845. As showing the means sometimes adopted to obtain specimens for its collections, it may be mentioned that early this year the Society appropriated $25, and various mem- bers individually subscribed a considerable amount in aid of an expedition to Florida, for such a purpose, to be undertaken by Mr. John Bartlett. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 43 It had been for some time apparent that the accommodations afforded by the Hall oj the Society were entirely inadequate for the proper care and arrangement of the increas- ing collections. At the Annual Meeting in May, several of the Curators complained bitterly of this, and it became manifest to all that some measures should be adopted towards obtaining more room to meet this requirement. The Curator of Ornithology stated that less than one third of the specimens in his department were mounted, for the want of room to place them in, that the cases in which the unmounted specimens were placed were so accessible to moths and other destru.ctive insects that the collection had suffered considei'ably, and there was consequently not much encouragement for hun or others to make exertion for its increase, until assured that the labor would not be thrown away. Others of the Curators expressed themselves in like manner. In the President's review of the doings of the Society during the past year, he likewise remarked upon the necessity for more room, saying that the time had now come when the crowded state of the collections and limited accommodations for meetings made it neces- sary to take earnest measux'es for the erection of a suitable Ijuilding for the Society. The 23resent is a pi'opitious time, he said, to commence an energetic movement for the accomplishment of this great object. The members all feeling the necessity for decisive action, it was Voted : That in the opinion of this Society, the time has now arrived when a strenuous effort should be made to raise sufficient funds to ensure the prosperity and permanence of the institution. ^ Voted : That a Committee be appointed to act personally or through others, to be selec- ted by them, to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a building for the use of this Society. Drs. Amos Binney, Jr., C. T. Jackson, D. H. Storer, and A. A. Gould, were elected to compose this Committee. The Curators' Reports did not mention generally the extent to which the collections had increased. That of the Treasurer showed, independently of the Courtis fund, an excess of expenditure over the income of $142.88, which added to excess of former years, |327.22, made an amount of debt due to the Courtis fund of |470.10. The income from the Courtis fund showed a balance of cash on hand of |421.88, with $470.10 due from the General Fund. The understanding that the income from this fund should be equally divided between the Library, Publication expenses and the Cabinet, had not been complied with, in fact it seldom if ever was ; the general expenses of the Society being too great to admit of such compliance. The publications, moreover, fre- quently required too much to allow the others a fair share. During this year they had over 1-300 of the $618.06 received, whilst the Library had obtained only $28.55, and the Cabinet nothing. Among the pleasant events of the year just closed, may be mentioned two of consid- erable importance ; one was the bequest of $2000 from a gentleman then recently de- ceased, John Parker, Esq., a merchant of the city, and the other a donation of more than fifty volumes to the Library by Dr. Francis Boott of London. 44 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE One means of obtaining many books much wanted by the Society has not been yet referred to. At the time of the generous donation of the great work of Audubon, by Col. Thos. H. Perkins, there was already a copy in the library which had been acquired through the subscription of a number of the members. After the reception of the last cojiy, the consent of the donors of the first was asked and readily obtained, to its disposal by the Society in exchange for other works. A Committee was therefore appointed by the Council to effect such exchange. Messrs. Little & Brown, who had always manifested a very friendly feeling in behalf of the Society, purchased the woi-k, agreeing to allow |62-5.00, and to deliver in return for it such books as might be ordered from time to time through the Committee. As the works received in exchange were to be such as related to Ornithology only, it was several years before the negotiation was completed ; the Committee for this purpose meanwhile being annually reappointed. Mr. John James Dixwell, who had served the Society as its Treasurer for six years, re- signed at this meeting, and a vote was passed expressing sincere regret at his retirement, and thanks for the acceptable manner with which he had filled the ofiice for so long a period. Patrick T. Jackson, Jr., Esq., was chosen to succeed him. The only other change among the officers was that Edward Tuckerman, Esq. succeeded Dr. A. A. Gould as Cu- rator of Conchology. The Annual Address was by Prof. Charles Brooks, and was entitled "The history of Philosophical Zoology from the earliest times to the present day." In July of this year the Society had again the gratification of serving the cause of Science by a loan of several of its specimens from the collection of the Radiata to Dr. Dana, who was preparing his great work on the Corals of the U. S. Exploring Expe- dition. In this year, too, the Society was enabled, by the publication of a report made by Prof. Jeflh'ies Wyman at one of its meetings upon what purported to be the skeleton of a Sea Serpent, to do great service to the community by saving it from continued deception. There had been placed on exhibition in New York some fossil remains, consisting of a great number of vertebrae arranged in such a way as to give them the appearance of having belonged to a single individual. These, with what purported to be the head, measured in length about one hundred and fourteen feet. There were also teeth, ribs and paddles. The character of the remains was not understood by the exhibitor, Dr. Koch, and no obstacle was put in the way of as thorough an examination as could be made without separating the parts which had been, to a greater or less degree, ce- mented together. The name of Hydrarchus SWlmani had been given to this so-called sea-serpent, and its exhibition of course attracted large crowds of visitors. The full descrip- tion of the bones, as read by Dr. Wyman, may be found in the published proceedings of the Society. Suffice it here to state that the vertebrae were shown to belong, not to one individual, but probably to many of different ages, that so far as they could be studied they did not present any of the characters of an ophidian reptile ; and that some at least of what purported to be bones, or portions of the bones of the paddles, were not bones at all, but casts of the cavities of a camerated shell. The teeth Dr. Wyman claimed to be those, not of a reptile, but of a warm blooded mammiferous animal, prob- ably a Cetacean. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 45 This report did honor to the Society, and added much to the reputation of Dr. Wyman. It soon became well known that the bones were not those of a Eeptile, but of a Cetacean belonging to a genus to which Prof Owen had given the name of Zeuglodon. They were found in the Tertiary deposits of Alabama and belonged undoubtedly to many individuals. Vertebrae and other bones of this animal may be now seen in the collection of the So- ciety. It may be well to state, as the annual reports of the Curators do not always give par- ticulars desired relative to the collections, that during this year the Museum was visited by Prof Lewis R. Gibbes of South Carolina, and that he carefully studied the Crustaceans in its cabinet and made a full catalogue of them. This represents that there were 58 gen- era and 91 species, some of them rare and until recently undescribed. 1846. But little happened during this year that would interest the general reader. From the reports of the Curators it appeared that a gratifying increase was made to the several departments of the Museum, and from that of the Librarian that there had been added 143 volumes to the Library, mostly obtained by purchase. No very considerable donations were mentioned. Great complaints of lack of room for useful exhibition of the specimens in the Museum were made. The Treasurer reported a balance in his hands belonging to general fund of $20.72 and a balance of income from permanent fund of $148.01. The permanent fund now amounted to $12,000. The only change in officers was the election of Dr. John Bacon, Jr., to succeed Edward Tuckerman, Esq., as Curator of Conchology. 1847. The advent of Agassiz among us, was, as Mr. George B. Emerson afterwards char- acterized it, a most important event to all engaged in the study of natural history in our country. It was not alone that he possessed information most desirable for our education in science, and great ability to impart it, but largely because of a personal influence that he extended over all who came in contact with him. His noble mien, his personal beauty, his genial manner and expressive features, the earnestness with which he spoke when- ever he sought to interest others in the pursuits he loved ; all conspired to impress every one who approached him not only with admiration for himself, but with the great im- portance of the science he taught. It is to show what were the feelings of the members of the Society regarding him and his teaching, that this notice of him is given in this place, together with the action of the Society at a meeting held Feb. 3, 1847. He had but recently arrived, and had just completed his first course of lectures before the Lowell Institute. At the meeting referred to, Dr. D. Hmuphreys Storer submitted the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : " Resolved, That this Society present to Professor Agassiz their heartfelt thanks for the gratification and instruction received by its members during his late course of lectures on the Plan of Creation. " They would assure him that his lectures have given an impetus to the study of natural history such as has never before been felt in this community ; and which, while they have excited the curiosity and called forth the admiration of the public, have more than realized the most sanguine expectations of this Scientific Society. 46 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE " While as a body we would thus tender our acknowledgement to the liberal naturalist and enlightened philosopher, we beg him to accept our individual esteem and friendship." These resolutions not only received the signatures of all present, but of the members generally, who subsequently visited the library, all gladly availing themselves of the op- portunity to sign them. In March of this year the Society received the sad intelligence of the death of its hi^,]jy respected President, Dr. Amos Binney. A special meeting was called on the 24th of this month to take such action as the feelings of the members should dictate. After remarks by the Vice President, Dr. C. T. Jackson, upon the melancholy event that had brought the members together. Dr. Storer moved the following resolution : — " Resolved, That the unexpected tidings of the death of our much valued friend, Amos Binney, Esq., late President of this Society, fills us with inexpressible sorrow. To us, we feel that his loss is irreparable. The founder of this Society, he was ever its steady, devo- ted, true friend ; constantly evincing his interest by suggesting new plans for its advance- ment ; constantly proving his sincerity by his endeavors to perfect them. To his encour- agement, decision and perseverance we owe, in no slight degree, our present prosperous condition. With full hearts, we would acknowledge our obligations, while we gratefully cherish his memory." Prof. Asa Gray offered the following resolution : — " Resolved, That the Council be requested to prepare, or cause to be prepared by such members of the Society as they may designate for that purpose, a sketch of the life, the scientific labors and the services of our late lamented President, to be read before the So- ciety and published in its Journal, or in such other manner as the Society may direct." These resolutions were unanimously adopted. At a subsequent meeting of the Council Dr. Augustus A. Gould was appointed to pre- pare the memoir asked for. This was done, being made introductory, however, to the pub- lication of Dr. Binney's work on the Terrestrial MoUusks of the United States. From this memoir are taken many tacts here presented concerning the subject of it. Dr. Binney was born in Boston, October 18th, 1803. He received his early education at the Dei'by Academy in Hingham, and afterwards entered Brown University, from which he graduated jn 1821. Svibsequently he studied medicine with Dr. George C. Shattuck of this city, and attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College. At this time his health failed and he was obliged in consequence to give up his studies, and by the advice of his medical friends to travel extensively over this country and Euroj^e. Whilst abroad he visited England, France, Italy and Germany, giving his attention to the hospitals and to the great collec- tions of science and art. In December, 1825, he returned home much improved in liealth. He_ again devoted himself to professional study, and took the Degi-ee of Doctor in Medi- cine at Harvard University in 1826. The practice of his profession, however, he did not find congenial to his tastes, and thinking it would not be so favorable for his health as mer- cantile pursuits, he abandoned it, and engaged in trade and subsequently in mining opera- tions. While so employed he never lost his interest in scientific studies, which indeed ab- sorbed a large part of the leisure time that could be spared from business. After suf- fering from some vicissitudes of fortune, and having finally obtained a competence, he BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 47 ..determined to devote his life especially to science and art, intending " after his own family " to make the Boston Society of Natural History and the Boston Athenaeum, the objects of his solicitude and bounty. His anticipations were not realized. His health again declined, and encouraged by his former experience he sought to regain it by a sea voy- age and a sojourn in Europe. His intentions were, if health permitted, to make himself acquainted with the scientific collections of the old world, and to select while there, a fine library of such scientific works as would be of service not only to himself but to -""^hers engaged in like pursuits. He left home in October, 1846, was not unproved by tht voy- age, and after suffering much from disease both in France and Italy, finally died at Rome, February 18, 1847. His remains, in obedience to his wishes, were brought home for burial at Mount Auburn. As the memoir states, " Dr. Binney in pei'son was above the middle stature, erect, robust and well formed. His complexion was dark, with very dark hair and eyes. His features were full and well formed. His dress was scrupulously neat, his manners were dignified and bespoke the gentleman. His voice was deep toned, full and melodious, and his enunciation was remarkably distinct. In his opinions he was decided but not obstinate. He was elegant and refined in his tastes, and passionately fond of the fine arts. He was most happy in his domestic relations, an excellent father, unspeakably anxious to train up his children, both by example and precept, in all their duties to God and Man." An extract from his Journal quoted in the Memoir expresses well his feelings relating to his children. " May they," he wrote, '' especially imbibe principles of honor and religion, and may it be their high aim to acquire and deserve the name of the Christian gentleman. May it be said of my house, not that all the sons were brave and the daughters virtuous, but that all the sons were upright and honorable, and all the daughters good." The part taken by Dr. Binney in the formation of the Society, and his active zeal for its interests manifested ever afterwards, have been shown but inadequately in the pages of this history. To do full justice to the memory of all to whom it owed its origin, and who nurtured it in its infancy, Avould require volumes where but brief chapters can be given. He was, as has been stated, of that small number of persons who first met at the house of Dr. Walter Chauning on February 9, 1830, to consider the question of formino- a Society of Natural History. He felt a great interest in the Journal of the Society and contributed several papers which appeared in its columns. To the Museum he presented specimens of great value, not only for his favorite department of Conchology, but for any of them as opportunity fiivored. It will be boi-ne in mind by readers, that he offered upon condition that other gentlemen opened their cabinets to a committee of the Society to select from them species not in his own, his whole collection of more than twelve hundred. The condition havino- been complied with, the Society was enriched through his generosity to the extent of about two thousand species. The first large donation of fossils and of minerals was made by him and the number of specimens aggregated about five hundred. Of mounted Amer- ican birds he also presented many. He had a large and valuable library of books on sci- entific subjects, and these were always at the service of all who required them for investi- gation. 48 HISTORICAL SIvETOII OF THE Up to the time when again forced by disease to relinquish his labors, he continued to manifest the same zeal in behalf of the Society as had always been shown by him from its formation. His last work for it was in a strenuous effort to obtain subscriptions from the public that would enable it to possess a building suitable for its increasing collections, and he had well nigh succeeded before incapacitated from further exertion. The Society could have met, apparently, no greater loss than that incurred by the death of Dr. Binney. This was felt deeply by its members, as his intentions to devote time and means largely to its service were well known to them. But they did not mourn his loss merely as that of one from whom, had he lived, the Society might have received continued benefits, but because they felt in common with all who knew him intimately, that a helpful companion, a good citizen, and an upright man had passed away, one possessing all the traits that constitute the character which he praved might be the high aim of his children to acquire, that of a Christian gentleman. In April, Dr. Samuel Cabot, in behalf of a Committee to whom had been allotted the duty of seeking for the Society a suitable edifice for its purposes, reported that the build- ino- in Mason Street known as the Massachusetts Medical College was for sale at a reason- able price, and that after a thorough examination, they judged it capable of being adapted perfectly to the wants of the Society. They therefore recommended its purchase, and that the necessary alterations be made. After some discussion a vote passed unanimously that the Committee have authority to purchase the property and make the proposed alterations. The Annual Meeting was held on the first Wednesday of May and the reports of the Curators were presented, but on motion being made, the reading of them was postponed until the next meeting, when the annual address would be delivered. The officei's of the Society were elected, John Collins Warren, M. D., being chosen President. The only other change from those of the previous year, was that Dr. S. Kneeland, Jr., was made cabinet keeper. The reports of the Curators were read at the next meeting. The specimens of the sev- eral departments, excepting that of Entomology, of which no report was made, were rep- resented to be now in safe condition, though not much increased in nimiber. Those of the Ornithological department were two-thirds of them stowed away carefully in the garret, sealed up, for want of more suitable accommodations. To preserve them from the Der- mestes, which had attacked them seriously in spite of previous precautions, they had been immersed in corrosive sublimate. Twenty-seven or twenty-eight specimens had been re- ceived from that indefatigable friend of the Society, Dr. Cragin of Surinam. As was remarked at the meeting, it must not be inferred from the reports of the Cura- tors, that there was any less interest felt in the collections than formerly. It had been necessary to refuse specimens for want of room to accommodate them and it had not been possible to arrange properly those already belonging to the Society. The Vice President, Dr. Storer, made some very appropriate remarks upon the late President, Dr. Binney, and addressing his successor, warmly welcomed him to the seat he was now occupying, pledging the hearty co-operation of his brother members and himself in aiding him to advance the interests of the Society. O^ ??i <'zJ 6^ iyyi^7^-^ c 'V ThfiMtotifePantk^CoSlilremiiiiSLBoirun, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 49 The President, Dr. Warren, expressed the gratification felt by him at the honor con- ferred in his election, and at the kind welcome given him. An address by Dr. Augustus A. Gould, followed, and was principally upon the life, character and labors of the late President, Amos Binney. He closed by congratulating tlie Society upon tiie prospect that the next annual meeting would be held in a new edi- fice, more suitable for its purposes. From the Treasurer's report for the year it was shown that the wlaole receipts on gen- eral account had been f 499.22, and the expenditures $499.26, leaving a balance due the Treasurer of four cents. The Courtis fund account exhibited receipts including balance of previous year, $555.51, and expenditures $358.26, showing a balance on hand of $197.25. There was a special meeting, later in Maj^, at the house of the President, to take fur- ther measures relative to the proposed new building. It would seem from the action taken that the purchase had not been consummated, probably awaiting the subscription of a sufficient amount to warrant it, as votes were passed directing the Treasurer to collect the moneys already subscribed for tlie purpose ; that the Building Committee be requested to continue their efforts to increase the subscription ; and that they be authorized to conclude the purchase of the Medical College. From the subsequent records of the year there is little or nothing to be learned of fur- ther action relative to the acquisition of the building it was proposed to purchase ; yet be- fore its close it had come into the possession of the Society, and such alterations had been made as were necessary to adapt it for the use of the museum and library. 1848. On the fifth of January, 1848, the Society met in the new building, and a large number of members were present. The President congratulated the Society on the agreeable circumstances under which the first meeting of the year was held ; sjDoke of the difficulties under which it had laljored from restricted accommodations and narrow means ; and ended with expressing the hope, that with increased means of usefulness, it would not permit the achievements of its maturity to contrast unfavorably with those of its youth. The movement inaugurated by the late President to raise an amount of money by an ajipeal to the public sufficient to enable the Society to possess a building of its own, had been quite successful, the sum of $28,660 having been contributed for the purpose by eighty-six individuals. The following resolutions were introduced by Dr. Storer at this meeting : — "Mesolved, That the heartfelt thanks of this Society be presented to those gentlemen whose munificence has enabled us to call this temple our own. "Resolved, That we will endeavor to prove our sense of obligation by a renewed de- votion to the cause of science. "Resolved, That we deeply feel the kindness and liberality of George M. Dexter and Edward C. Cabot, Esqs., in advising and aiding in the architectural arrangements of our building ; and most especially do we feel indebted to N. B. Shurtleff', M.D., for the skill he Tias exhibited in adapting, and the zeal and fidelity with which he has for months su- perintended the advancing work." At the next meeting, held January 19th, a vote was passed thanking Dr. Storer, Dr. Cabot and their associates for the earnestness and perseverance shown by them in raising 50 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE funds towards the purchase of the neAV building and its adaptation to the use of the Soci- ety, and at a meeting in February a special vote of tlianks to Dr. Shurtlefi was passed for the great care taken, for the time given, and for the taste and skill exhibited by him in providing for the accommodation of the Society and its collections. At the annual meeting in May the Treasurer reported that the whole amount received From general sources was $1288.96 From Courtis fund 1103.56 From subscribers to building ........ 26999.70 Total received $29392.27 That the whole amount expended was For general purposes ......... $1300.35 From Courtis fund 450.73 Towards new building 20000.00 For rej)airs and alterations 7257.63 Total expended $29008.71 Leaving a balance of cash ....... $383.56 There yet remained due, — On the building $3000.00 Interest 425.00 To architects and others 1295.00 $4720.00 Towards liquidation of this, subscribers to the building yet owe . 1720.00 Leaving an amount to be provided for of $3000.00 The Librarian reported that during the year there had been received 120 volumes, and 102 pamphlets and parts of volumes, most of them donations. Of the works received, twelve volumes had been selected from the library of the late Hon. Judge Davis, in accordance with a provision in his will; Audubon's Quadrupeds of America had been pre- sented by subscribers to that Avork ; and other valuable publications had been the gift of Alcide D'Orbigny, and Drs. Kneeland, ShurtlefF and Bacon. The whole number of vol- umes in the library now numbered 1260, and of pamphlets and parts of volumes there were 120. The Curator of Mineralogy reported that of the specimens in his department eight hundred only were thought worthy of a place on the shelves of the new building, where they had been deposited and classified. Mr. Francis Alger had presented eighty valuable specimens to the collection, and others, costing fifty dollars, had been procured by sub- scription. The Curator of Ornithology reported that there had been presented eighty birds by various persons during the year, and that he was ready to give from his own collection one hundred more, as soon as funds -could be had to mount them. A valuable collection of eggs had been received. The donors to this department during the year, were Major Townsend, Messrs. G. M. Dexter, E. C. Cabot, W. Sohier, Bobbins and Ogden, and Drs. ShurtlefF, Read, Abbot and Bethune. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 51 The Curator of Ichthyology reported that the collection of this department was not in good condition, owing to the losses produced by the ravages of insects and the means used to eradicate them. To Capt. N. E. Atwood the Society was indebted for several fine speciinens, two of which were of genera new to the waters of Massachusetts. The Reports upon other departments were too meagre of information to call for notice here. The same board of officers was elected, except that Dr. S. L. Abbot was chosen Record- ing Secretary, Waldo I. Burnett Curator of Entomology, W. 0. A3'res of Ichthyology, Dr. Jeffries Wyman of Herpetology, and Dr. Wm. Reed of Conchology. The annual address was delivered by Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, and was a very inter- esting historical sketch of the origin and growth of the Society up to that period. Dr. Storer availed himself of the opportunity to acknowledge the indebtedness of the Society to its numerous friends and benefactors, who at all times had been ready with a liberal hand to supply its wants and promote its interests, until by a crowning act of mu- nificence it had been furnished with a building in every respect suited to its wants. He urged with great earnestness upon the members the duty of making redoubled efforts in the cause of science. This address, of which the record gives the above account, was listened to with gi^eat attention by a crowded audience. The thanks of the Society were voted to Dr. Storer for it, and he was asked to furnish a copy for publication. It is to be regretted that he neither did this nor preserved the original manuscript, as there was undoubted!}^ much in it of historical value. From the time that the Society took possession of its new apartments there was an increased interest shown on the part of the members, both in attendance upon its meetino-s and in work upon the collections. The room of meeting, that of the Library,^ was a cosy one, and in the afternoons some of the Curators were generally to be found there engaged in the examination and study of specimens, or arranging them on tablets. Here the Cu- rator of Botany might often, for years, have been found at work upon tlie Herbarium, and the Curator of Geology, then embracing Palaeontology, striving in vain perhaps to obtain some knowledge of fossils, of which little could be learned, for want of the necessary books. 1849. At the annual meeting this year, the figures given, showing the extent of the collections, are repeated here. Several of the Curators as usual, omit a statement. The department of Mineralogy had been increased by the addition of 542 sjoecimens, mak- ing the whole number now about 1450. Of those received, about 200 had been presented by Francis Alger, the remainder by several donors. The collection of insects was reported as containing 14,000 specimens comprising about 4,000 species. J. M. Bethune, Esq., had presented 540 species from the vicinity of Boston, and Dr. T. W. Harris G70 species. Great pains had been taken to exclude Dermestes and Anthreni, and to repair the ravages already made by them. The collection of birds had been increased by several donations, and now numbered somewhat over a thousand specimens, effect- ually secured against the attacks of insects. The department of Ichthyology had received donations from Dr. D. Humphreys ' The use of the Library room was soraelimes granted to Desor was thus permitted to occupy it two eveniniis in a members of the Society who wished to lecture. Mr. week, for a course delivered by him in the fall of 1848. 52 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Storer, Mrs. Binney, Dr. H. B. Storer and others. The collection contained 360 species, all reported in good condition. The Library now contained 1320 volumes, and 213 pamphlets. The Treasurer's account showed a balance of cash in his hands of |124.98, and an amount of $1100 due from subscribers to the Building, not paid. There was yet due by the Society on account of the Building, debts to the amount of about $4500. The changes among the officers this year, Avere in C. C. Sheafe being chosen Cabinet Keeper ; Francis Alger being made Curator of Mineralogy, and Dr. S. Kneeland, Jr., of Comparative Anatomy. This year a proposition was made by an Association called "A Republican Institution " to deposit the books possessed by it in our library, and to grant for the use of the Society one half of a fund belonging to the Institution, of over $2500, for the purchase of such works upon Natural History as the Society might select, with the understanding that the other half should be expended upon works of History, Biography, Geography, Politics and Finance ; and that the whole, together with other books now owned by them, should be placed in our library on deposit ; provided that the members of the Association should have the same privileges in the use of the Society's library, as the members of the So- ciety. This proposition was accepted, and the sum of $1300 was placed in the hands of the Treasurer for purchase of books on natural history. Another event very gratifying to the members occurred this year. This was the mu- nificent donation of two thousand dollars, made by Mr. Jonathan Phillips of Boston. By this most timely and helpful act, the Treasurer was enabled to pay the debts of the So- ciety, and to have the satisfaction of reporting it free from all encumbrances. Most heartily the Council passed a vote of thanks, which was conveyed to Mr. Phillips in a letter signed by the President and Secretary of the Society. 1850. In the early part of this year the Society was called upon to mourn the loss of one of the original members of the Society, Dr. Martin Gay. He was a man of learning, and ardently devoted to science and art ; of strict integrity, and of singular purity of life and thought. Perha|3s the writer of these pages can give no better idea of him than by repeating from the records of the Society, the words in which he gave utterance to his feelings upon the announcement of the sad event. "'With Dr. Gay I was indeed most intimate, and I express, therefore, what I know, when I claim for him a degree of virtue, a nobleness of purpose, an exaltation of character, far beyond what is generally found in man. Conscientious to a great degree, every deed per- formed by him, every judgment given, first received the sanction of the highest senti- ments of his soul ; and, long as I have known him, I never heard him express an impure thought. Loving God, and loving man, his desire was to enlarge his own being that he might the better serve both. Too great by nature and culture to confine his regard to those of a class, or a sect, all who sought his friendship and were worthy, found in him ready sympathy. The bickerings and the jealousies that trouble smaller men, never reached him ; Imt yet he was always ready to advocate manfully the cause that appeared to him just. Without guile, transparent to all whose motives were kindred to his own, he inspired and enjoyed the confidence of the community. His attainments were of a high order. Love of the beautiful in nature and art, and in spirit, was a ruling trait of his BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 53 character. A fine scene, a good painting, or a noble action, would alike kindle his enthu- siastic admiration. In truth we have lost from amongst us a presence which sanctified communion by its purity ; a wisdom which was more than that of this world ; and a lov- ing soul which we trust has found acceptance in the land of the pure and the holy. God help us, that we may be as ready as was our lirother, to l)id adieu to present scenes of action, when we are summoned hence to be no moi'e here forever." All that was thus expressed before the Society of the character of Dr. Gay was recog- nized as being true of him by his associates in the medical profession, and in other Societies of which he was a member ; and by a large number of friends, among whom he was respected and beloved. Dr. Gay was born in Boston, Feb. 16, 1803, and received his education at Harvard College, being a member of the class of 182-3. His attainments as a chemist were of a high order. Judge Shaw, in a tribute to his memory before the Academy of Arts and Sciences, of which he was a valued member, spoke of him as an adept in medical jurisprudence, and as having a peculiar faculty of rendering scientific principles and processes intelligible to a jury. From annual reports of the Curators of the Museum, May 1, 1850, and of the other officers of the Society, may be learned, so far as these give particulars, statements of the conditions of the several departments, and what progress had been made during the two decades now passed in the history of the Society. Unfortunately they are too brief to be entireW satisfactory. The Ornithological department is mentioned as in good condition, free from insects, and as improved by the substitution of many good, in place of bad specimens. The whole number reported in the Cabinet was given as 1207. In the Geological department but little change was reported as having occurred through the year. It may be stated, therefore, that the collection at this time consisted of about 1000 specimens desirable for exhibition, and about 500 duplicates. The Curator of Ichthyology reported the collection in his de- partment to be in good condition, but gave no figures. As there were reported at the previous annual meeting, 360 species, and a large number of donations had been received during the year, there were probably about 400 species. The Curator of Entomology reported that there had been no material increase in his department, and stated that he thought it more an object to take care of and to system- atically arrange what specimens were already in the Cabinet, than to add to their number. It may be presumed from this that there were about as many specimens in the Cabinet as mentioned the previous year, viz : 14,000, comprising about 4000 species. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy reported many valualjle additions, among others the entire skeleton of the Manatee, then the only one in the country ; with the stuffed skin also. This had been obtained and presented by the President. A fine skeleton of a male moose had likewise been presented by him and had been beautifully mounted by Dr. Shurt- leffi The number of specimens was not reported in this department, and as this had been the case for several years, no statement as to how many there were can be made. The Curator of Mineralogy reported the accession of about 100 specimens to his de- partment during the year, but made no mention of the entire number belono-ino- to it. Adding those received since the previous annual meeting to those then reported in the 54 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Cabinet, and we have about 1550 specimens as comprising the whole collection at this time. The Curator of Herpetology made no report beyond stating that the collection Avas in about the same condition as it had been for some time. The number of specimens cannot be stated, as the reports for several jarevious years are too meagre in detail. It will be remembered,*liowever, that every species of reptile belonging to Massachusetts, with pos- sibly one exception, was reported in a previous year as in this department, in good con- dition. The Librarian reported the whole number of books in the Library as 3500, including about 300 deposited, these being the property of "A Republican Institution." The Treasurer reported a balance due him on general account of $746.19. ' This occurred from causes not likely to happen again, arising from the removal, such as adding iron shutters to the building. As there was a balance at the same time to the credit of the Courtis fund account of $983.88, the Society could not be regarded as in debt. The Treasurer was afterwards authorised to pay himself out of the income of that fund. Mr. J. Elliot Cabot was chosen Corresponding Secretary at this meeting, and Dr. N. B. Shurtleff, Treasurer. The other officers were re-elected for the ensuing year. Notwithstanding the favorable character of the Reports of the Curators at the annual meeting, upon the condition of the collections under their charge, there must have been indications of evil ; as at the meeting of the Council held after that of the Society, a Committee of three was appointed to check the ravages of insects, with powder to notify the various Curators of their presence in the specimens under their charge, and if need be to adopt measures themselves to free the cases from them. This implies not only the opinion that harm w\as likely to result from insects, but some question whether the Cu- rators could be relied upon to free the collections from them. The annual address was not delivered until June 5. It was by the Rev. Zadock Thomp- son, of Burlington, ^^ermont, upon the natural history of that state, and was a very in- teresting and instructive discourse. There were some facts mentioned by Mr. Teschemacher at the annual meeting which, considering the great excitement following the recent discovery of gold in California and the consequent results, were certainly surprising. These were, that in a work printed in London in 1818, Phillips' Lectures on Mineralogy, it is distinctly stated that gold is found in large lumps deposited a few inches below the surface of the soil throughout an exten- sive district Ijorderiug on the sea ; that Mr. Ellis, thirty years ago (about 1820) obtained from this region a mass of native gold mixed with quartz ; and that in 1839 Mr. Alfred Robinson sent to Boston from California $10,000 worth of gold in large lumps. It seems strange in view of such evidence of the existence of gold in large quantities in the soil of California, that no action Avas taken to obtain it. and that the finding of it by Mr. Sutter in 1847 should have been regarded as a new disco veiy. Phillips probably had learned from Spanish priests what he stated. In November Mr. Wm. Read, who had served the Society for over two years as Curator of Couchology, resigned, and in December Mr. William Stimpson was elected to this office. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 55 In reaching the end of the second decade of the existence of the Society, some men- tion will now be made of what has not been before presented, respecting the attendance of members at the meetings. In the year ending Ma}^, 1841, the average number was about 11. For the 3^ear 1842, 12, for the year 1843, 10, for the year 1844, 11, for the year 1845, 11, for the year 1846, 9, for the year 1847, 11, for the year 1848, 18, for the year 1849, 18, for the year 1850, 25. It should be borne in mind that meetings were held then in the summer months as well as at other seasons of the year, when very many of the members would be liliely to be away from the city. The average attendance from this cause, was unavoidably less than it would have been if meetings had been omitted in the hot season. There were, however, very rarely more than ffom fifteen to twenty present until the building in Mason street was occupied by the Society. The average attendance then increased very much, as the figures show, and during the last year mentioned it had more than doubled that of any one of the first seven, and it was not uncommon to have present over thirty members. This increased attendance arose largely from the interest added to the proceedings by the presence of such distinguished men as Agassiz, Desor, Wm. B. Rogers and others, who took an active part in them. Those whose names appear the most frequently as making communications at the meetings during the first five years of the decade are Drs. Gould, Storer, Wyman, Cabot, S. L. Abbot, C. T. Jackson, J. B. S. Jackson, Binney, and Messrs. Teschemacher, Emerson and Bouve ; during the last five years Drs. Gould, Wyman, C. T. Jackson, Storer, Kneeland, J. B. S. Jackson, Burnett, Bacon and Cabot ; Profs. Agassiz and Rogers; Messrs. Teschemacher, Desor, J. D. Whitnej', Ayres, Alger and Bouve. Addresses were made at the Annual Meetings of 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1847, 1848, and 1850. Donations were made to the several departments frequently, but to less extent than during the first ten years. The collection of Herpstology was enriched by many speci- mens from Dr. F. W. Cragin of Surinam ; that of Ornithology by many from Dr. Cragin also, and by some from Dr. G. A. Bithune ; that of Entomology by insects from Dr. Sav- age of Cape Palmas ; that of Mineralogy by about 200 fine specimens from Francis Alger ; that of Comparative Anatomy by many anatomical preparations from Dr. Jeffries Wyman ; and that of Icthyology by fishes from J. G. Anthony of Cincinnati, Dr. F. W. Cragin of Surinam, and Capt. N. E. Atwood of Provincetown. The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions presented many shells and plants, and Dr. Morton, Rev. Mr. Bachman, Mr. Audubon and many others, presented books. The increase of the Library during the ten years had been from about 600 volumes to U23 wards of 3000. The financial condition of the Society was not much better than at the commencement of the decade. The income derived from assessments and from the funded property had sufficed for its ordinary expenditures, and there remained a small balance of cash in the Treasury. Yet its means remained far from adequate to provide for the necessary care and preservation of its collections. 56 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE In 1841, the Society commenced i^ublishing its Pi'oceedings, and the first two volumes with a large part of the third, had been issued before the annual meeting of 1850. The Journal of the Society was issued with some degree of regularity, gaining for it much reputation both at home and abroad, by the character of its articles. At the time of the annual meeting in 1850, five volumes had been published, all of them containing papers of great value, many of them elaborate treatises upon the natural pro- ductions of our own State, of which may be mentioned those on the Fishes and Reptiles of Massachusetts, by Dr. Storer ; on the Lichens of New England, by Edward Tucker- man, Jr.; on the Mosses of Massachusetts, by John Lewis Russell ; on the Shells of Mass- achusetts, by Dr. Augustus A. Gould and by Joseph P. Couthouy ; and on the Coleop- tera of Maine and Massachusetts, by Dr. J. W. Randall. The members of the Standing Committees of the Council during the ten years past, should be mentioned here, as on them devolved a great part of the business of the So- ciety other than that performed in the Museum. They were the Presidents, Geo. B. Emerson and Amos Binney, Jr.; the Librarian, Charles K. Dillaway ; the Treasurers, John Jas. Dixwell and Patrick T. Jackson, Jr.; with Drs. Harris, Storer, Gould, Bacon, Kneeland, Abbot, Cabot, Wyman, Shurtleflf, and Messrs. Epes S. Dixwell and Thos. Bulfinch. Dr. Storer served on two of these Committees, viz., those of Publication and the Lib- rary during the whole period, and several of the others a great part of the time. Decade III. Mat 1850 - May 1860. 1850. In June, a letter was received from the President of the Society, stating that he had procured through the American Minister at the Court of St. James, a donation from the Hon. East India Company of a complete suite of casts from the fossils of the Him- alaya Mountains. These were received in the following November, and were placed in the Cabinet of the Society. There were in all forty-one specimens, mostly of Mam- malia. The collection was found to be peculiarly rich in Pachydermata, especially mastodons and elephants. Of reptiles there were casts of several bones of a gigantic turtle. Upon motion made, the thanks of the Society were passed to the Hon. East India Company for the very valuable donation made by them, and also to the Hon. Abbot Lawrence, and to Sir John Richardson, for their kind offices in aiding the President to secure it. . 1851. In January of this year, two very remarkable Indian children, a boy and a girl, dwarfs, were exhibited in Boston and other cities of the United States, under the name of the Aztec children. They were quite small, of nearly the same size, and having much vivacity, drew the attention of crowds to visit them. As it was claimed that they belonged to a race of similar beings found in Central America, they became objects of scientific examination. Dr. J. Mason Warren, after studying their characteristics, read a paper in which Avere presented his conclusions respecting them, viz.: 1. That these children are possessed of a very low degree of mental and physical organization, but are not idiots of the lowest grade. 2. That they probably originated from parents belonging to some of the mixed Indian tribes. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 57 3. That they do not belong to a race of dwarfs, because history teaches the truth of the doctrine of Geoffroy St. Hilaire, that dwarfs cannot perpetuate their kind. These children were subsequently brought before the Society, and being placed upon the table, the members sitting around, amused all by their interesting and lively move- ments. There was nothing disagreeable in their appearance or manners. The views of Dr. Warren were fully corroborated l)y a letter received from Mr. E. G. Squier, respecting their origin. At the annual meeting the usual reports were made, the several departments being rep- resented as in good condition. That of Ornithology had received valuable donations from Mrs. G. H. Shaw, Dr. Henry Bryant, Mr. J. C. Leighton, Mr. Theodore Lyman and others ; that of Geology from the Hon. East India Co., Dr. C. T. Ja?.kson, Messrs. Moses H. Per- ley and Alexander Vatiemare ; that of Ichthyology from Mr. Horatio R. Storer, Dr. Henry Bryant, and Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr. The Report upon the department of Comparative Anatomy was unusually full, embrac- ing what had not before been presented for several years. From it is learned that there were in the collection at this time, 73 complete skeletons, 17 human skulls, and 143 of animals, including birds ; 85 jars of specimens in alcohol ; and 25 stuffed skins. The Treasurer reported the total receipts during year, $2218.59, expenditures, 11714.54, leaving a balance of $504.05 in his hands. The Librarian reported the addition to the library of 353 volumes, and 130 pam- phlets, and that the whole number of volumes in the Library was 2569, including 59 copies of the Society's Journal, and 28 of the Proceedings ; unbound volumes 1280, including 80 Legislative reports on the natural history of the State; and about 500 pamphlets or parts of volumes. The number of volumes in circulation during the year was 506. The only change made at the annual election, was in the choice of Horatio R. Storer as Curator of Herpetology in place of Prof. Jeffries Wyman. 1852. The Reports of the Curators at the annual meeting in 1852, were brief, and excepting that upon the Crustacea and Radiata, presented but little of interest. The collec- tion of that department was represented to have suffered very seriously from the attacks of insects. Almost all the specimens of Crustacea had been mutilated, limbs detached, and in some cases lost. Many very valuable species had been entirely destroyed. Of the Radi- ata the soft parts had been comj^letely consumed. The Treasurer reported a balance of $754.56 in his hands. The Librai'ian, alluding to the fact that the Smithsonian Institution at Washington had made such arrangements as to enable the Society hereafter to transmit abroad, and to receive from foreign Societies, publications at little expense, recommended a more liberal exchange of our Journal and Proceedings, for the works of such Societies. Before the election of officers, final action had been taken upon a proposed amendment to the Constitution, by which the number of Curators was no longer limited. In July of the previous year. Dr. Thomas M. Brewer had been placed in charge of the nests and eggs of birds, and Mr. W. 0. Ayres of the Crustacea and Radiata of the Society, and at this election these gentlemen were made Cui'ators of the two departments respect- ively. 58 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE There had been in Feb. 1841, a department estabUshed, embracing the collections of Crustacea and Radiata, and] Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., had had charge of it for several months, when it appears to have been discontinued. Other changes at the election were as follows : Mr. Charles Stodder succeeded Mr. Chas. C. Sheafe as Cabinet keeper. Mr. Charles J. Sprague was chosen Ciu-ator of Botany in place of Mr. Jas. E. Teschemacher, and Dr. Silas Durkee, who had been the previous July elected Curator of Ichthyology in room of Mr. W. O. Ayres, was rechosen for this position. At a meeting of the Council in November of this year. Dr. Storer, as a Sub-committee of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement, chosen to aid Dr. C. E. Brown-Sequard in his arrangements for delivering a course of lectures on Physiology, submitted a proposition that the Society Ije advised to allow the use of the library room for siach lectures. He spoke of the high scientific character of Dr. Brown-Sequard and hoped that favoi'able action might be taken upon the proposition. Dr. Storer mentioned that the lectures would be il- lustrated by vivisections, and that these being very repugnant to his feelings he could not witness them, but yet on account of the addition to human knowledge which might result, he should favor the proposed action of the Council. Strong opposition was manifested by a number of the members of the Council, particularly Dr. Kneeland, Mr. Bouve, Mr. Dill- away and Dr. Abbot. The subject was finally disposed of by a vote declining to lay the matter before the Society, on the ground that there was a restriction in the deed of their estate forbidding the use of their building for anatomical purposes. 1853. In February of this year the Society took action in favor of the pi'osecution of a geological survey of Oregon and Nebraska, by passing strong resolutions and transmit- ting them to Congress, recommending the necessary appropriations. At the annual meeting the Curator of Botany reported great improvement in the collec- tion during the year. The previous May only a small proportion of the specimens had been systematically arranged. Large bundles of jjlants from France, Italy, the Vosges mountains, the Cape of Good Hope, Florida and Kentucky, Avere in the same condition as when received. These had all been examined and provided with sheets of paper during the year. There had also been valuable donations, one from the Historical Society, of a large num- ber of plants procured many years ago by the Hon. Thos. H. Perkins. A package of New England plants collected by the late William Oakes, particularly rich in White Mountain specimens, had been purchased by the Society. The Curator had obtained over a hundred specimens of plants growing in the Botanic Garden, Cambridge, through the kindness of Prof Gray, many of them being new and unpublished species from Texas and New Mex- ico. The entire Herbarium had been revised and sheets provided for all the plants. The genera had been placed in manilla paper and arranged upon the shelves according to End- licher's Genera Plantarum. The Herbarium contained representatives of 1300 genera and five or six thousand species. The Curator remarked that not Ijeing able himself to collect specimens away from the immediate neighborhood, he would be glad to receive the assist- ance of those who could, particularly in obtaining New England species. The report of the Curator of Botany was noticeable as showing an immense amount of BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 59 work done in one year upon the Herbarium ; work, too, that was not only desirable in order to make the collection useful, but absolutely necessary to prevent its destruction. It was the first of a series of years during which Mr. Charles J. Sprague devoted almost all his leisure afternoons and holidays to bringing order out of disorder, with the view of making available many thousand species before inaccessible to examination, and of pre- serving the plants and increasing the collection. The report of the Treasurer exhiljited a balance of $1102. G9 in his hands, including that belonging to the Courtis fund. Upon the election of officers Dr. J. B. S. Jackson was chosen Curator of Crustacea and Radiata, in place of Mr. W. O. Ayres, and Mr. T. J. Whittemore, Curator of Conchology? in ])lace of Mr. William Stimpson. At this meeting a motion was made by Mr. Bouve and adopted, that a committee be ap- pointed to take measures, if decided expedient by them, for the purchase of the collec- tion of Ornithichnites, so called, belonging to the estate of the late Mr. Marsh, of Green- field. The committee, consisting of Mr. James M. Barnard, Mr. Francis Alger, Dr. Brewer and Mr. Bouve, feeling the great importance of securing for the Society the collection soon to be disposed of at auction, obtained by subscription a considerable sum towards its purchase, and detailed two of their number, Mr. Alger and Mr. Bouve, to be present at the sale. They attended and bought a large part of the whole for about $1400. Thus the Society became the possessor of several of the large and valuable slabs covered with footprints, which now adorn the entrance hall of the Museum, and of many other specimens contained in the Cabinet. One of these, Prof. Hitchcock of Amherst College pronounced the best and largest slab of fossil footprints ever found, or that in his opinion ever would be found. 'I'he President had prepared an address for the annual meeting, but was prevented by ill health from delivering it. It was, however, suljsequently printed and distributed. In it was given an account of the early efforts made in Boston to encourage the study of nat- ural history, which finally culminated in the formation of the Boston Society of Natural History. As there had been no j^revious annual address since 1850, a statement was ap- pended giving an account of the proceedings of the Society during the three years since that date. In November, by invitation, President Hitchcock of Amherst College addressed the Society, giving some of the results of his examinations in the Connecticut Valley. His remarks were replete with interest and instruction, and were followed by some on the same subject by Prof. Henry D. Rogers. The views presented may be found in the pub- lished Proceedings. In December of this year, the death of Mr. James E. Teschemacher, long an active and very useful member of the Society, was announced, and the President was requested to draw up such resolutions in reference to this event, as should be judged proper by him. In accordance with this request, he presented at the next succeeding meeting, a notice of his life and writings, much of which is given here as follows : " Our Society has experienced a great loss in the death of Mr. Teschemacher, one of its most valuable members, and we must turn aside a moment from the path of science to pay a tribute to his memory. This gentleman, who joined our Society in the year 1835, and has since that time been an able associate in our labors, and a large contributor to 60 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE the advancement of science in our country, has suddenly terminated his mortal career at the age of sixty-three, from a disease of the heart." These remarks were followed by resolutions, one of which expresses " That a record be made in our transactions of the high estimation in which we hold the private qualities and scientific labors of Mr. Teschemacher, as manifested in his excellent papers on bot- any, mineralogy, some departments of geology, and particularly in his al^le and practical investigations of the carboniferous formations. We also regard his productions in the composition and improvement of soils, as a valual)le and permanent contribution to the agriculture of the country." A brief notice of Mr. Teschemacher was then read, and is here given. " James Engelbert Teschemacher, of Hanoverian extraction on the paternal side, was born in Nottingham, England, on the 11th of June, 1790. At the age of fourteen he commenced his commercial career in a mercantile foreign house of eminence in London, where he evinced application and business talents of a high order ; and aniid the extensive transactions of mercantile life, in wliich during a long series of years, he was engaged, his fine comprehensive mind ever remained unshackled by any of the less elevating habits sometimes contracted in commercial pursuits. At an eai'ly period of his life he imbibed a taste for studying out of Nature's beautiful book, thus acquiring that purity and love of truth, so constantly pervading all his thoughts and writings. In the year 1830, Mr. Teschemacher accepted the offer of a partnership in a house of considerable standing in Havana, and proceeded to Cuba with highly advantageous prospects, but these faded on his approach, and he returned to England. After a short time, he made up his mind to repair to the United States with his family, reaching New York Feb. 7, 1832. He finally settled in Boston, where during the space of twenty-two years he was unre- mitting in his exertions for his family. Of his untiring zeal and devotion to science, we need not sjseak ; his hours of leisure, it may naturally be inferred, were few, but those few were emploj^ed (apparently as a recreation) in the severe branches of study which frequently form the labor of a life, even with those who make science their occupation. Truly may he be said to have improved the talents committed to his charge." To what was said of Mr. Teschemacher at the meeting, may be added that he was engaged daily in active business through all the years of his connection with the Society, but yet found time to do considerable work for it while Curator of Botany. In order to secure time for this, he was accustomed to visit the rooms of the Society, after an early breakfast, and stay until business required his presence perhaps an hour later. The pub- lished Proceedings of the Society attest to his interest in the meetings, and the character of the communications made by him to the value of his observations, and to the extent of his scientific knowledge. He was an excellent mineralogist, a good botanist, and a very accurate observer in both fields. One could not very well be a more careful and painstaking investigator. Had he been able to devote more time to scientific pursuits, he would undoubtedly have accomplished much more than he did in this direction, as he lacked neitlier ability, industry nor perseverance. Besides papers to be found in the printed Proceedings of the Society and in its Journal, several addresses by him were published. One before the Society at its annual meeting in 1841, one before the Horticultural Society, and one before the Harvard Natural Hist- ory Society. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 61 1854. A vote passed by the Society in Mai'ch of this year, shows that the members were already indulging the hope of yet better accommodations than those of the struc- ture so recently purchased and adapted for their use. A thousand dollars having been received from the estate of the late Hon. Thos. H. Perkins, subscribed by him towards the building now occupied by the Society, but not so appropriated, it was ordered that this sum be invested by the Treasurer as a commencement of a fund to be called the Building Fund, and that the income from it be annually added to the principal. The Society had an opportunity at this time to perform a graceful act in helping their unfortunate brethren of the Portland Society of Natural History, which had lately lost the whole of its valuable collection by fire. A vote was passed, that a complete set of the Journal of the Society be presented to the Portland Society, and another, that a series of duplicate shells belonging to this Society, be presented to the Portland Society, whenever they are prepared to select and receive them. It is sad to know that by a second great fire a few years afterwards, the recipients of these donations again lost their entire collection. At the annual meeting the Reports of the Curators were quite satisfactory, though the donations through the year were not numerous. The Botanical department had received some additions of value from Prof. Asa Gray, Mr. B. F. Kendall and the Curator. These, with others obtained by exchange, had added about 800 specimens to the collection. The department of Oology was reported as now having about 240 specimens of eggs, belonging to 165 species. The department. of Geology had been enriched by the splendid collection of the Foot^ marks of Animals upon the Red Sandstone of the Connecticut Valley, obtained by purchase, and by the donation to it of a series of Silurian fossils. The Curator of Herpetology reported that this department now contained about 480 specimens, of which 50 were Chelonians, 227 Serpents, 122 Saurians, and 81 Batrachians. The Librarian reported a considerable increase of bound volumes and pamphlets. Among the most valuable works presented to the Society was the splendid one by Geoffroy St. Hilaire and Cuvier, entitled " Histoire NatureUe des Mammiferes," three volumes finely bound, from the Hon. Francis C. Gray. Upon the election of officers for the ensuing year, Dr. Samuel L. Abbot was chosen Cor- responding Secretary in place of Mr. J. Elliot Cabot; Dr. Benj. S. Shaw, Recording Sec- retary, in place of Dr. Samuel L. Abbot ; Dr. Henry Bryant, Curator of Ornithology, in place of Dr. Samuel Cabot, Jr.; Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Curator of Herpetology, in place of Dr. Horatio R. Storer. This year the Society lost one of its most useful and active members, and science one of its most ardent votaries, in the death of Dr. Waldo Irving Buiniett. To characterize his ability as wonderful, and his achievements as extraordinary, is to speak moderately of one who in the short life allotted him had manifested such knowledge, and accomplished so much in scientific research. To express all concerning him that his memory deserves, would require too mucli space for this volume ; but the reader who may desire to leai-n more than is here presented, will find a full and delightful tribute to his worth and ser- 62 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE vices, pi-epared at the request of the Society, by Dr. Jeffries Wjanau, and published in the fifth volume of its Proceedings. What follows is but a brief abstract of this paper. Waldo Irving Burnett was born in Southboro', Mass., July 12, 1S28. He early mani- fested a strong love of study, and became so much absorbed in that of insect life as to cause a fear on the part of his father, who was a distinguished physician, that his health would suffer, and he was therefore subjected to some restraint. The passion for investiga- tion was, however, too strong to be more than temporarily checked. His mental activity was remarkable, enabling him to master all the studies of the academy where he was placed, with ease. In mathematics he became so efficient as to lead the teacher to confess that he was no longer able to instruct him. Later he became familiar with the French, Spanish and German languages, and had made progress in the Swedish. At sixteen years of age he manifested a strong inclination to learn the nature of things, and became interested in all that claimed to give an explanation of the phenomena wit- nessed about him. He had, 3'oung as he was, commenced the study of medicine with his father, accompanying him on professional visits and being present at examinations of bod- ies after death. His father died when he was of the age mentioned, and he afterwards studied with Dr. Joseph Sargent of Worcester, in the Tremont Medical School of Boston, and in the Massachusetts General Hospital. He did not receive a collegiate education. In 1849, at the age of twenty-one, he graduated in medicine, and soon after visited Europe, where he spent mucli of his tinie in attention to natural history and microscopic observations. There the symptoms of disease manifested themselves, and he returned to the United States with the hope that the climate of the more southern portion would be beneficial. For several years he was obliged by increasing illness to pass his winters in the South, but wherever he was he kept incessantly at work, accomplishing more than it would be possible for many well men to do, in investigation with the microscope ; in wri- ting- the results of his investigations ; and in giving lectures on microscopic anatomy. While a medical student he became an active member of our Society, and soon after Cu- rator of Entomology. He also was admitted at the early age of twenty -three to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His communications to different scientific bodies and journals, considering the circum- stances of his waning health and frequent travel, were astonishingl}^ numerous and mani- fested a deo-ree of activity, mental and bodily, that few could exert. Many of these com- munications may be found in the Journal and in the Proceedings of the Society. To a speculative and inquiring mind like that of Dr. Burnett's, tliere would of necessity arise questions of perplexing character involved in the problem of life, and doubts did arise of a disturbing nature, which however, were afterwards replaced by a settled and firm conviction, that if there was much to live for, and no man valued life more, there was still more to die for. He passed away on July I, shortly before he completed his twenty- sixth year. Resolutions, expressive of the great loss the Society had sustained by his death, and of condolence with his family, were passed by the Society. At a meeting of the Council in November, the Cabinet keeper exhilnted several cases of insects destroyed by the pests that finally caused the great loss of nearly all the valua- ble collection. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 63 1855. In the doings of the annnal meeting this year, we find some evidence to show that the lack of proper accommodation for specimens was already felt in the building so joyously taken possession of scarcely eight years before. It was not entirely from want of sufficient room, but partly from the fact that there was more need of air and sunlight for the best good of the Museum. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy mentioned that the collections in his department had been injured by dampness in the cases. This evil he ascribed to the external circumstances of the building, for which there seemed no remedy so long as it should be screened from the light and heat of the sun, and from free ventila- tion. The Curator of Ornithology reported some donations to his department, the principal of which were 41 specimens from Dr. F. J. Bumstead, 11 from Mr. C. J. F. Binney, 10 from Mr. E. Samuels and 8 from Mr. Thure Kumlein. He mentioned that he had commenced a catalogue of the specimens, but from the limited number of the books of I'eference feared he would not be able to perfect it. The Curator of Oology reported that the collection now contained 209 ascertained spe- cies, 16 of which had been added during the year. The Curator of Botany stated that the collection under his charge was in excellent con- dition and that several hundred species of native and foreign plants had been added to the collection during the year, some of the most valuable of which came from I. A. Lapham, Esq., of Wisconsin, and from Prof Gray. Several of the Curators made no reports. The Librarian gave the whole number of books now possessed by the Society, as about 3500. He complained that books were frequently taken away from the library in his absence, sometimes without entering them in the record book, and though these were generally returned, there had been some loss. He did not know where to look for the property. He also stated that since the erection of the new theatre next to our building, the room had become dark and damp, uncomfortable to those occupying it, and injurious to the books. He thought if there was no prospect of having a new building, the inter- ests of the Society would require better accommodations for its books, and for those using them. Some alterations were subsequently made by placing windows where none were before, which considerably improved the room. The Treasurer reported receipts from all sources, $1,950.39; expenditures $1,6oL;. 18, leaving a cash balance in his hands of $298.21. At the election of officers. Dr. Jeffries Wyman was chosen Curator of Comparative An- atomy and Mammals, in place of Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr.; Dr. J. P. Reynolds, Curator of Crustacea and Radiata, in place of Dr. J. B. S. Jackson; Dr. J. Nelson Borland, Cura- tor of Herpetology, in place of Dr. Jeffries Wyman; and Dr. H. K. Oliver, Jr., Curator of Entomology, in place of Dr. Waldo I. Burnett, deceased. At a meeting of the Council there was an appropriation made of $100 for a Card Cata- logue of the books and pamphlets, none having been provided previously. In the death of Mr. James Brown, which occurred in March of this year, the So- ciety lost one of its best friends and patrons, one to wliose memory is due some notice of his life and character. He was born in Acton, Mass., in 1800, and when a young man was poor, but highly respected for his industry and fidelity. He began business as a pub- 64 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE lisher of books iu Cambridge, but not long afterwards became an active partner in the firm of Little & Brown, in Boston, a house which soon became well known all over the country for its publications, and for its high character. The business was very successful, and by it Mr. Brown became possessed of considerable wealtli, through which he was enabled to gratify his taste, and to contribute much to the weltlxre of others. He keenly enjoyed the beautiful in Nature, and became much interested in the study of Ornithology, in which department of natural history he possessed a valuable library. He bequeathed to the Society this library, or the most valuable part of it, and through this bequest it became the owner of the works most wanted, which could not otherwise pei'haps, have been obtained, their cost being probably not less than $2000. Mr. Dil- laway, the librarian, made some remarks when announcing this valuable accession to the library, and of which part are here given. He said, " This is not the first time we have been indebted to the liberality of Mr. Brown. On many occasions his purse and his influence have been freely offei-ed in aid of our efibrts for the promotion of natural sci- ence. In the list of our patrons, numbering eighty of the most liberal and public spirited citizens of Boston, his name now stands among the first. As my acquaintance with him has been a long one, commencing at a time when his whole property could not have purchased one of the volumes he has bequeathed to us — when industry, integrity and a generous heart were all his capital, and reaching to a period when he was able and willing to give his thousands to the promotion of literary, scientific and charitable objects, I may be permitted to express a belief that Boston has lost a citizen of whom she had good reason to be proud, and our Society a valued friend, whose memory we shall ever hold in honor." The Society appointed a committee to prepare resolutions suitable for the occasion, which were presented and adopted at a subsequent meeting. A vote of thanks was also passed to Mrs. Brown, for her generous donation of a portrait of the distinguished Nat- uralist, Thos. Nuttall. 1856. In February of this year, it was announced that the Society had lost by death, two of its oldest and most highly esteemed members, Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris of Cam- bridge, and the Rev. Zadock Thompson of Burlington, Vt. Their services to the Society and to science generally merit notice in these pages, and this wU be given by reporting the action taken at the meetings following the announcement. Prof. Jeffries Wyman, in behalf of a Committee appointed to prepare resolutions expressive of the loss the Society had sustained in the death of their late member, Dr. Thaddeus William Harris of Cambridge, offered the following, which were unanimously adopted : — " Jiesolvcd, That the members of the Boston Society of Natural History have learned with deep regret, the death of their late associate. Dr. Thaddeus William Harris. That in his death, the Society has lost one of its earliest and most respected members, science a faithful and zealous student as well as a conscientious observer, the results of whose labors have eminently contributed to the extension of the knowledge of natm'al history ; and have reflected dignity and honor upon American science. "Resolved, That the members of this Society sympathize with his fiimily in the loss they have sustained in his death." BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 65 Prof. Wyman in presenting the resolutions, referred to Dr. Harris's wide reputation as a naturalist at home and abroad, and to his scieutiiic labors. He spoke of his reseai'ches as chiefly confined to entomology, though he had an extensive knowledge of other departments of natural history, especially botany. As an entomologist he ranked among those, comparatively few in number, who with a strong knowledge of classification, combined the faculty of correctly observing and accurately recording the habits of insects. His very valuable report to the Legislature of Massachusetts on Insects injuri- ous to Vegetation, is an admirable testimonial of his industry and patience, his powers of observation, and his happy manner of portraying the sul)ject of his thoughts. At the time of his death he was engaged in an investigation of the origin of some of the culti- vated plants, and their subsequent distribution by human agency over the world. In relation to the Eev. Zadock Thompson, Prof Wm. B. Kogers addressed the meeting, speaking of him as a thorough and persevering worker in geology, and as possessing a large amount of accurate practical knowledge on the subject. Dr. Samuel Kneeland read a sketch of Mr. Thompson's life, of which the following is an abstract. He was born in Bridgewater, Vt., in 1796, and at an earlj^ period showed a strong propensity for observing facts in natural science, and for mathematical applications. He graduated at the University of Vermont in 1823, and afterwards was occasionally occupied as a teacher. His chief labors were those of independent investigations into the resources of his native state. He wrote the History of Vermont, and thereby became extensively and honorably known. In 1853 he was apjiointed State Naturalist, making it his duty to study its physical geography, geology, mineralogy, botany and zoology. On this work he entered with zeal, and had far advanced towards its completion, when his labors were closed by death. Mr. Thompson delivered the annual address before the Boston Society of Natural History, in June, 1850, on the Geology of Vermont. He made several communications to the Society, and through his instrumentality many specimens were added to the Cab- inet. In view of these facts it seemed proper that the Society should take special notice of his death. Dr. Kneeland, therefore after his remarks, moved the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted : " Resolved : That in the death of the Rev. Zadock Thompson, the Boston Society of Natural History has lost a valued friend, a distinguished member, and a sincere and truth- ful co-worker in the various departments of natural science." It is certainly not a little singular that the next event to be dwelt upon here is the death of the venerable President of the Society, which occurred on the 4th of May. Upon the 5th, a special meeting of the Society was called to take measures appropriate to the occasion, and a committee was appointed to prepare resolutions. It was also voted to attend the funeral of the late President, and to meet at the rooms of the Society for that purpose, on the morning of the 7th inst. At the annual meeting. May 7th, Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Vice-President, in the Chair, Dr. D. H. Storer, on behalf of the committee appointed to prejDare a series of resolutions expressive of the deep sense of regret which the Society experienced in its recent bereave- ment, read the following report, which together with the resolutions, was adopted. 66 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Mr. President and Gentlemen : — We are again called upon to mourn ; we meet here to sympathize in our common sorrow. Science has lost a true friend ; her votaries, we would reverently bow to the stroke, while we deeply feel and gratefully acknowledge the goodness which so long averted the blow. He, Avho for the nine years has presided over this institution with paternal solicitude — who has performed every duty devolving upon him with the greatest cheerfulness, with unsurpassed fidelity — who with the enthusiasm of youth, would not allow the most inclement night of the last most inclement season to prevent his attendance at your meetings — but who was ever here to encourage you by his presence to increased exertion — has accomplished his work. He has left us forever. He needs no fulsome eulogy. His claims upon the respectful and lasting remembrance of his professional brethren have already, elsewhere, been most eloquently joortrayed. The debt we owe his memory can never be repaid ; but, as naturalists, that debt we should recognize. Upon the death of Dr. Amos Binney, our much loved President, Dr. Warren was se- lected to succeed him. From the day of his appointment his interest never flagged, but increased with his advancing years. His first great desire was to see our valuable collection displayed in a more safe and commodious building — to accomplish which his efforts were indefatigable. A large por- tion of the means required to purchase our present accommodations, was procured di- rectly by him, and but for the influence he was enabled to exert in his social relations, we could hardly have succeeded in our attempt. Dr. Warren's labors were principally directed to the great object of exciting and keep- ing alive a taste for natural history, by constantly presenting its wonders to such minds as he thought susceptible of being thus influenced. He delighted to gather ai^ound him those whose tastes were congenial — to enjoy with such the beauties of his country seat — to extend its hospitalities. How many of us have been made the happier by his yearly festival ! He has, however, done more than this. Three years since he prepared an address, which was published, presenting a historj^ of the Society from its foundation. He became exceedingly interested in palaeontology — he exerted himself to assist in procuring the matrnificent slabs, containino; the ornithichnites from the Connecticut River, which orna- ment our vestibule. He also made a most valuable private collection of these footprints, and two years ago described some of the most striking of them in a small volume, with the title, " Remarks on some Fossil Impressions in the Sandstone Rocks of Connecticut River." At a great expense he pui'chased the most perfect skeleton of the Mastodon giganteus now known to exist; and his elaborate work upon that subject will ever re- main a moirument to his zeal, his industry, his munificence. Just previous to his decease, he had prepared a paper on the animal of the Argonauta, all the available species of which genus he had collected, described and figured. This memoir he had completed, the last page of manuscript having been corrected by him within a week of his death. This Avas his last labor — his dying legacy to science. Let us cherish his memory ; and upon this occasion, upon this altar, renew our devotion. J^Li (s\ Wa. a^//^^-g4i OFANAT'JJ.: BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 67 In compliance with the duty devolving upon us, we would present the following reso- lutions : Besolved, That in the sudden bereavement which has befallen our Society, we would not suppress the grief so deeply felt. For the long-continued, unwearied interest mani- fested by our late President in our prosperity ; for the readiness, the liberality with which he seconded every effort for our advancement ; for the uniform courtesy with which he presided over our assemblages, and the kind-heartedness often evinced there ; for his anxious desire to see around him a band of brothers engaged in the same ennobling pur- suits, actuated by the same spirit, aiming at the same end, we shall ever with gratitude remember him. ' Resolved, That some member of the Society be appointed to prepare a biographical sketch of our late President, to be presented to the Society at a future meeting. Resolved, That our deep sympathy be extended to his afflicted family. Prof. Jeffries Wyman was chosen in conformity with the recommendation of the com- mittee, to prepare a biographical memoir of the late President. The Society then ad- journed, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. Dr. Wyman, in accordance with the wishes of the Society, prepared a very full biographical memoir of Dr. Warren, which was read by him at the meeting of Dec. 17, and which may be found in the published Proceedings, Volume VI. A list of Dr. Warren's scientific writings is appended. At the adjourned annual meeting held May 21st, the Curator of Ornithology called at- tention to a mao-nificent donation of birds from the Government Museum of Natural His- tory, at Victoria. Among them were one hundred species or more, not previously in the Museum. Other valuable donations had also been received from Dr. Samuel Kueeland, Jr., Mr. Geo. S. Shaw of Cambridge, and Mr. E. Samuels. The Botanical department had received from Prof. Asa Gray several hundred South European plants. The Geological Cabinet had been the recipient of a fine series of Eocene shells from the Paris basin, presented by Geo. B. Emerson, Esq. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy mentioned several valuable donations from Dr. J. V. C. Smith, Geo. B. Emerson, Esq., and Dr. S. Kueeland, Jr. He called attention to the fact that specimens under his charge were injured from year to year, in consequence of the increased dampness and other unsuitable conditions of the building. The Librarian reported that a card catalogue had been prepared for the use of the Library. The officers for the ensuing year were then elected, with the exception of the President. Dr. John Bacon was chosen Curator of Mineralogy, in place of Mr. Francis Alger ; Dr. Samuel Kueeland, Jr., Curator of Ichthyology, in place of Dr. Silas Durkee ; and Dr. Silas Durkee, Curator of Entomology, in place of Dr. H. K. Oliver, Jr. A Committee consisting of Dr. A. A. Gould, Prof. Jeffries Wyman, Dr. Samuel Cabot, Dr. N. B. Shurtleff, and Mr. C. J. Sprague were appointed to nominate a candidate for the office of President. This committee at the next meeting were further instructed to report the names of two or more persons as candidates. At a meeting held on the 18th of June, the Committee on nomination made a report which is not given in the records. 68 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE » The Society proceeded to vote, and upon collecting the ballots it was found that Prof. Jeffries Wyman was unanimously elected President. With his usual modesty he hesitated to accept the position tendered, doubting his al^ility to serve the Society satisfactorily as President. This led to an emphatic expression of feeling on the part of the members in favor of his accepting the office. He still hesitated, and finally begged the Society to give him time for consideration, which was granted. At the next meeting, July 2d, Prof Wyman announced his acceptance of the office of President, and entered upon its duties. The first and the only excursion that the Society ever made as such, took place this year. A committee was appointed to consider the sul:)ject of summer excursions, of which Mr. Bouv6 was chainnan. In Ijehalf of the committee he reported in favor of the plan, and proposed that the first one should be made to Ilingham and the neighboring country. It was voted to assemble on board the Hingham Steamboat at 9 A. M., on Wednesday, July 23d, and it was understood that the Committee w^ould make arrangements for proper conveyances at Hingham when the company should arrive. Accordingly the Society met on board the boat at the time appointed. The day was beautiful and everything conspired to make it an agreeable and instructive one to the members. Upon landing at Hingham they wei'e conveyed to Nantasket Beach in carriages, stopping on the way to examine a colony of night herons in the woods, and many trunks of submerged trees buried in salt water peat, which had become exposed by excavations. This gave vise to much conversation upon the breaking away of the barrier which had formerly kept the ocean back from this tract of land, and the consequent des- truction of the forest. The next interesting locality was the site of an Indian cemetery near Nastasket Beach. Here tlie President, who had previously with his brother and iVIr. Francis Boyd, had an opportunity of examining some of the graves, gave an account of what had been found there, which was quite interesting. Mr. Boyd, who resided near, invited the members to his house, where he showed them such relics as were in his pos- session from the cemetery, and also regaled them with a generous entertainment. After riding on the beach, the carriages were sent round to the Cohasset shore, and the mem- bers, wandering along the margin of the sea and climbing over the rocks, collected such specimens of shells, fish and marine plants as they met with, listening meanwhile to the remarks of such as were conversant with the objects found. Dr. David F. Weinland par- ticularly called attention to the ovaries of the w^hiting, in which were eggs in process of embryonic development. Upon again resuming seats in the carriages, a pleasant drive along the ridge road fol- lowed, with a stop to view the great trap dyke which there protrudes through the granite rock. Here remarks were made upon the dyke and the enclosing rock, by Dr. Jackson, Mr. Alger and Mr. Bouve. After a further very interesting drive, the company arrived at the house of Mr. Bouve at about 3 P. M., where they examined his mineralogical cabinet, listening to some expla- nations respecting the specimens, made by Dr. C. T. Jackson and himself Dinner followed ; this having been partaken of with much hilarity, the members sep- arated, some going into the woods to collect specimens, while the larger portion assem- bled under a grove near the house to listen to some scientific remarks upon what had been -seen during the morning, and other matters. This proved to be a very interesting gath- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 69 ering. Pi'of. Wyman gave an account of the horse shoe (Limulus), and the way in which it casts its shell. Mr. Francis Alger spoke upon the great Beryl formation in Grafton, N. H., and Dr. Jackson, upon the geology of the hill where the Beryls are found. Dr. Jackson then gave an account of trap dykes, as illustrated by what had been seen by them in the course of the excursion on the coast. Dr. Weinland gave an account of the reproduction of parasitic animals, and Mr. Charles J. Sprague exhibited and talked upon a j^arasitic fungus growing upon the body of a beetle. Informal, but interesting and instructive conversation followed. The members then passed votes of thanks to those who had been instrumental in enabling them to pass the day so agreeably, and proceeded to take cars for Boston from the station only a few hun- dred feet distant. Of course it has not been possible to make any reference to the many valuable pajiers brought forward and read at the meetings of the Society. To have mentioned even briefly the most important of them would have required that volumes should have been devoted to this historical sketch, where only pages are given. Moreover these may all be found in the Journal, or the printed Proceedings of the Society. When, however, an important discovery is mentioned as having been made in our immediate neighborhood, it seems well not to omit notice of it. Of this character certainly was the discovery of Trilobites in the slates of Braintree, scarcely a dozen miles from Boston. This was announced by Prof Wm. B. Koo-ers, in August of this year, and specimens were exhibited. This afforded the first satisfactory evidence yet presented of the geological age of the stratified rocks of eastern Massachu- setts. A letter was received in November from Mrs. M. A. Binney, tendering a portion of the library of the late Dr. Amos Binney for deposit with the books of the Society, upon cer- tain conditions not objectionalsle. It was voted to receive them, and present the thanks of the Society to Mrs. Binney for the kind interest manifested by her in making the pro- posal. The number of works thus deposited were 353, and the number of volumes, includ- ing pamphlets, 1145. This accession to the library was of very great service to the mem- bers, the works deposited being many of them of great value for investigation, and not otherwise to be had by them. 1857. Early this year the Society lost from among its corresponding members no less than three, distinguished for their scientific attainments, viz.: Prof J. W. Bailey, of West Point ; William C. Redfield of New York, and Prof. Michael Tuomey of Alabama. Reso- lutions expressive of the great loss that science had sustained by their death, were passed by the Society, introduced by remarks concerning their lives and labors. From Prof. Bailey a bequest was received of great value, consisting of his microscopic collection, and of a collection of Algae, with a great deal of material for microscopic research. Also a great many works upon microscopy, botany and histology. These embraced Ehren- berg's Mikrogeologie, Lindley and Hutton's Fossil Flora, and others of great value. The bequest was upon the condition that the collection slioidd be kept in cases by them- selves, and that the sons of Prof Bailey should have such access to them for study or examination, as might be consistent with the rules of the Society. At the annual meeting, the reports of the Treasurer, Librarian and Curators were pre- sented, and the substance of them is here briefly given. 70 "■ HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Report of the Treasurer was very unsatisfactory, showing an amount due him of $1726, largely arising from the fact that collections from members of the annual assessments had not been made, as they should have been. The Trustees of the Courtis fund held about $400, which would lessen the indebtedness to $1326, and it was thought that $!J00 might be realized from members who owed much more than this, but some of whom had not been called upon for several years. This would still leave an amount due the Treasurer of |436. The Auditing Committee expressed the opinion that much money was lost to the Society by lack of promptness and want of system in collecting, and strongly advised that all the members should be annually called upon during some one month, for their assessments. They suggested too the importance of the utmost econ- omy in expenditure, considering the unsatisfactory financial position of the Society. The Librarian's report was more exhilarating, stating as it did, that not less than 1500 volumes had been added to the collection during the year. Of these over 1000 had been deposited by the widow of the late Dr. Amos Binney, in accordance with what she believed to be his wish, viz.: for the use of members of the Society and others, who may resort to its library for scientific investigations, and to be subject to the same regulations as are the books of the Society. This collection is very rich in scientific works, and there is scarcely a department of science not represented. The Library had also received, as before mentioned, through the bequest of the late Prof. J. W. Bailey, in addition to his valuable microscopical collection, a very valuable library of microscopic and botanical works, numbering in all eighty-four volumes, and one hundred and fifty pamphlets. The whole number of books in possession of the Society including those deposited, was stated as follows : Bound Vols. Pamphlets and Parts. Belonging to the Society, not including the bequest of Prof. Bailey, 3,000 300 Bequest of Prof. Bailey, 84 150 Deposited by "A Republican Institution," 767 Deposited by Mrs. Bmney, 1012 Total, 4863 ■ 450 The Curator of Mineralogy reported his department as indebted to Dr. S. Kneeland, Jr., Mr. N. H. Bishop, Mr. Wm. Haley, and Rev. S. Adams for specimens received from them during the year. The Curator of Geology reported the additions to the collection under his charge as few and of little value, compared with those received in previous years. The Curator of Entomology, in referring to the destruction in past years of specimens in the collection, stated that there yet remained many uninjured, and entitled to care and attention. These had been subjected to a heat of about 200 degrees, and the drawers containing them had had a constant supply of camphor. Specimens of value had been received from Mr. Samuels, collected by him in Califor- nia and one beautiful Neuropterous insect was presented by Mr. Solomon Adams, of Lu- nenburg, found in Winter street, Boston. The Curator of Herpetology reported the collection under his charge as in good order, and that some valuable additions had been made to it, principally through the serv- ices of Mr. Samuels in California. From him between two and three hundred speci- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. • 71 mens had been received, many of which were new to our Cabinet. To Mr. Kennicott, one of our Corresponding Memljers in Illinois, the Society was also indebted for a consid- erable niunber of valuable specimens. The Curator of Oology reported that the collection of eggs had received many ad- ditions during the year from Mr. E. Samuels, obtained in California. No report from the Curator of Ornithology was made. Two specimens of South Amer- ican birds had been presented to the collection by Mr. N. H. Bishop. The Curator of Crustacea and Radiata reported that his department was indebted to Mr. Thos. Tallant of^ Concord, for some corals from California; Capt. Geo. E. Tyler for one large specimen ; Capt. J. P. Couthouy for corals from the wreck of a Spanish vessel sunk off the Island of Magdalena ; Capt. N. E. Atwood for Corals and a starfish ; and to Dr. J. T. Parkinson for a crustacean from St. Simon's Island, Georgia. The Curator of Ichthyology reported the collection of his department as in fair con- dition, and that the Society was indebted to Dr. A. G. Hamlin of Bangor, Dr. S. Knee- land, Jr., Mrs. Geo. S. Hillard, Dr. S. Darkee, Rev. J. P. Robinson, Dr. D. H. Storer, and to himself, for specimens received during the year. The Curator of Conchology reported the following donations : A collection of land and fresh water shells from Dr. James Lewis of Mohawk, N. Y. A box of land and fresh water shells from R. Kennicott, Illinois, some marine shells from Capt. N. E. Atwood, and a small collection of shells from John Jas. Dixwell. The Curator of Botany reported that but little damage had been done to the herba- rium during the year, and that the plants were generally in good condition. At the election of officers for the year, Capt. N. E. Atwood was chosen Curator of Ich- thyology in place of Dr. Samuel Kneeland Jr. ; Theodore Lyman, Curator of Crustacea and Radiata in place of Dr. John P. Reynolds, and John Green, Curator of Comjjarative Anatomy in place of Dr. Jeffries Wyman, elected President the previous June. The reception of the splendid bequest of Prof Bailey seemed to inspire some of the members with a desire for microscopic research, and in June a Section for the special purpose was formed, called the Section of Microscopy. This, all members of the So- ciety interested in the object, were invited to join. It was provided that a Curator of the department should be chosen yearly at the annual meeting, whose duty it should be to take charge of all specimens belonging to it, and to preside at its meetings. It was also further provided that at the first regular meeting of the Society each month, the presid- ing officer shall call for microsco^^ical papers, remarks or exhibitions, and that these shall be in order during the continuance of the meeting, excepting that no business matter properly belonging to the annual meeting of the Society shall be superseded. The pro- ceedings of this department were to be published in the Jovirnal and Proceedings of the Society, subject to the decision of the Publishing Committee. At the first meeting in June, Dr. Silas Dui'kee was elected Curator of the new depart- ment of Microscopy. Mr. Charles J. Sprague announced the donation by Dr. Benjamin D. Greene, the first President of the Society, of his large and valuable Hei'barium. This was stated to be particularly rich in specimens collected by the various exploring expeditions, both of Europe and this country. In September of this year, the department of Crustacea and Radiata was divided, 72 • HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Mr. Theodore Lvman who had been its Curator, becoming Curator of Radiata ; and Dr. H. E. Storer, Curator of Crustacea. 1858. April. Tlie President stated that a considerable sum of money had been sub- scribed for the purchase and stocking of an Ac[uarium, and that it would be advisable to appoint a Committee to attend to the matter. Accordingly Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr., Mr. L. B. Stone, and Mr. Theodore Lyman were chosen for this purpose. From the record of the annual meeting in May, the following is presented : The Report of the Auditing Committee upon the finances, exhibited a balance due the Treasurer of $2074.25. To meet this tliere were available assets consisting of uncol- lected bills in the hands of the Collector, and a sum in the Treasurer's hands belonging to the Building fund, $1,306.00, leaving the Society in debt $768.25, and this providing that all the uncollected debts should be paid in full. The Librarian reported that since the last annual meeting there had been added to the Library, seventy-four bound volumes, and one hundred and five pamphlets or parts of volumes, exclusive of those deposited by " A Republican Listitution," of which there had been forty-three bound volumes. To Dr. Benjamin D. Greene the Society was indebted for some of the most A'aluable works that had been presented. The Librarian in pre- senting his report took occasion to remark upon the small sum used for the purchase of books, stating it to be far short of what the reasonable wants of the Curators required. He strongly recommended that one-third of the income of the Courtis fund should be, as formerly, appropriated strictly for the increase of the library. The Curator of Mineralogy, reported that his department had received donations during the year from Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr., Dr. Henry Bryant, Mr. Thos. J. Whittemore, Mr. R. H. Eddy and Mr. S. M. Major. Those from Dr. Knee- land were numerous, comprising an extensive series of minerals from the Lake Superior region. That of Mr. Eddy consisted of a considerable supply of native borate of lime from South America, valuable for exchanges, etc. The Curator of Geology reported that there had been Ijut few additions to the collec- tion under his charge during the year. The large collection belonging to the State, illus- trative of its geology, and which had been for many years under the charge of the Society, had been removed to the State House. This enabled him to place in sight all the specimens in the department of sufficient interest for exhibition, a considerable number having been previously kept in drawers for want of room in the cases. The Curator of Botany reported that extensive additions had been made to the Her- barium during the year. By the donations of Dr. Benj. D. Greene, and the bequest of the late Prof Bailey, the number of specimens had been increased ten-fold. Dr. Greene's collection had been incorporated with our own, and the two united form one of the rich- est, most extensive and most valuable herbariums in tlie country. The bequest of Prof Bailey had made our collection of Algae the most complete of any. The Curator expressed his intention to give particidar attention to the plants received, to take meas- ures for their preservation by poisoning every specimen, and to arrange them according to their genera and species. When this work w'as completed, he proposed to make a de- tailed report on the whole herbarium of the Society. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATITRAL HISTORY. 73 The Curator of Conchology reported that but few additions had been made to the col- lection of shells. He complained of want of case-room to arrange species now ready for exhibition. The Curator of Herpetology reported the condition of the collection good, and stated that the most important additions to it had been some specimens from Lake Superior, pre- sented by Dr. S. Kneeland, Jr. The Curator of Radiata reported that the collection had been increased during the year by donations from Dr. A. A. Goidd, Prof Agassiz and Capt. N. E. Atwood. He remarked that when he took charge of it the previous year, he found it in a state of con- fusion and disorder, but that now it was properly arranged, and the specimens mostly labelled. The collection embraced about one hundred species of Polypi, representing thirty-nine genera, and about eighty-nine species of Echinodermata, representing about forty genera. Besides these there Avere a few Medusae in alcohol. The Report upon the Entomological department was brief, being limited to a statement of the means used to prevent injury to the specimens, by baking, and the free use of camphor. The Curator of the Microscopical section dwelt at some length upon the great value of the collection, and stated that from the duplicate material belonging to it, specimens had been furnished to a large number of scientific persons in diffei'ent parts of the country, ■who had applied for them. No reports were made by the Curators of the departments of Ichthyology and Crus- tacea, by reason of absence from the city. At the choice of officers, the only changes made were in the election of Amos Binney as Treasurer in the place of Dr. Nathaniel B. ShurtlefF, Alexander E. R. Agassiz, Curator of Entomology, in place of Dr. Silas Durkee, who had been made Curator of the depart- ment of Microscopy, and Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr., Curator, of Ichthyology instead of Capt. N. E. Atwood. In July the death of Dr. James Deane of Greenfield, a Corresponding Member, was announced. He had manifested great interest in the Society, and to him it was indebted for much advice and assistance in procuring the magnificent slabs with impres- sions of the foot marks of animals, which have since found place in the entrance hall of the Museum. A full sketch of the life and labors of Dr. Deane, read at a meeting of the Society, July 7, 1858, by the writer of these pages, may be found in the sixth voliune ol the Proceedings. For the first time the Society took a recess in the summer. The members voted July 7 to have no meeting until the first Wednesday in September. In September the death of another of the Corresponding Members was announced, that of Dr. Francis W. Cragin, of Surinam. He well merits notice here, as having been for many years one of the Society's generous benefixctors, from whom were received large numbers of donations, of great zojlogical and anatomical interest. It will be borne in mind that as early as 1855, complaint was made that owing to want of sunlight and proper ventilation, the collection of the department of Comparative Anat- omy was suffering injury from the dampness of the cases in which the specimens 74 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE were contained. The trouble was increasing, and subsequently the Curators of several of the departments reported injury from the same cause to the collections under their charge. The erection in 1853 of the Boston Theatre, a large building adjoining the Museum, which cut oS" its light and air, had produced a change, rendering the latter far less suit- able for the requirements of the Society than when it was first occupied. Moreover, with the ever increasing collections of the several departments it had become too small for the proper exhibition of its cabinet. As early as 1857, Mr. Jas. M. Barnard had suggested that in view of the necessities of the Society, and of the opportunity of purchasing at a low price a good site for a new building, some action should be taken to secuie land for the purpose. Ihe unsatisfactory condition of business affairs at that period, however, precluded any action. 1859. Early this year Mr. Wm. E. Baker of Boston presented a j^lan for the accom- modation of the several institutions of art and science of the city in a large building, which he called the Conservatory of Art and Science, to be erected on the new land then being formed by the State on the Baciv Bay. There was certainly much in the project to commend it to the serious attention of the institutions referred to, but it did not meet with full approval. The zeal and public spirit manifested by Mr. Baker deserved the grat- itude of all interested. The presentation of the plan proposed had the good effect to call attention to the necessity of some action in favor of securing early a grant of land from the State for the Society, and accordingly a committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. Cabot, Prof Rogers, and Messrs. Barnard, Bouve and Whittemore, to act in connection with committees of other institutions in petitioning the Legislature for sufficient territory to meet the requirements of all. This was done, but the lateness of the season prevented action during the session. The annual meeting was held on May 4. The Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Amos Binney, was very gratifying. An arrangement had been made with the former Treasurer, by which the amount shown by the accounts as due to him was liquidated without fidl paj'ment in money. The income of the Society had been from all sources $1986, anl the expenditures, $949.04, leaving in the Treasurer's hands, $1036.96. Deducting from this amount a small debt, $89.70, and there was shown as available assets, $947.26. Besides this cash balance, the Society held ten shares of stock in the Bank of North America, at the market price, $1035. The Librarian reported that there had been seventy-five volumes, and one hundred and twenty-six pamphlets and parts of volumes added during the year, of which thirty-seven had been deposited by " A Republican Institution ; " six hundred and eighty-nine volumes had been borrowed from the library. The Curator of Mineralogy reported that only few donations had been made to the col- lection during the year. These were chiefly from Dr. C. T. Jackson and Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr. He stated that valuable accessions might be expected when the Society could provide adequate accommodations for their arrangement and exhibition. The Curator of Geology reported the condition of the collection good, but that there bad been few specimens presented to it. A series of thirty-six vertebrae, twenty- six fragments of ribs and other bones of the Zeuglodon from the eocene deposits of Ala- bama, had been deposited by Mr. C. S. Hale of Burlington, N. J. These, and many other BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 75 fossils from the same locality in the possession of that gentleman, would undoubtedly become the property of the Society, it being his expressed intention to provide that this should be the case. The Curator of Entomology reported upon the great accession to the department in Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris's collection of insects. The native specimens in this, he mentioned, had a peculiar value, for they included many typical species described by himself. Say, and other naturalists, and because of the completeness of the collection. It was stated to contain 4838 specimens of 2241 species of Coleoptera, 181 specimens of 76 species of Orthoptera, 620 specimens of about 300 species of Hemiptera, 267 specimens of 146 species of Neuroptera, 1125 specimens of 602 species of Hymenoptera, 1931 speci- mens of 900 species of Lepidoptera, 796 specimens of 395 species of Diptera. In all 9758 specimens of 4660 species, besides quite a number not yet classified. The general collec- tion was stated to be in good condition. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy, Dr. J. C. White, reported that the department contained at this time the following specmiens : crania 257, skeletons 88, memljra disjecta 172, wet preparations 123, skins 43, dried preparations 10. Total 693. Many of these were packed away and could not be put upon exhibition for want of room. The additions during the year had been few, but were valuable. Donations had been made by Drs. Kneeland, J. Mason Warren, E. S. Holden, J. C. Warren, Mr. C. B. Fessenden and Mr. J. C. Reinhardt. Dr. White stated that upon taking charge of the department he found the specimens almost without exception covered more or less with fungoid growths, the mycelium of which penetrates and destroys the organic parts of the bones. The ligamen- tous skeletons had also been injured by the ravages of Dermestes. The growth of these fungi, of which three species had been detected by him, was caused by the dampness and want of light and ventilation, unavoidable in the building. Dr. White hoped that he had prevented further injury by carefully brushing the specimens and thoroughly washing them with an acid solution of corrosive sublimate, strychnia and camphor. He had also taken the precaution to place in each compartment dishes of chloride of calcium to absorb the dampness. The Curator of Microscopy reported that such had been the drafts upon the crude material belonging to the collection received from Dr. Bailey that he thought the time had arrived when the kindness of the Society must be limited so far as related to donations from it. What remained he thought would be wanted by the active members of the Society in coming years for study. He advised, therefore, that there should be no farther disposal of it, except when required for special and important microscopic researches. Of the other departments nothing was stated important to present here. The changes made in the officers at the election were as follows: Samuel H. Scudder was chosen Curator of Entomology in place of Alexander E. R. Agassiz ; F. W. Putnam was chosen Curator of Ichthyology in place of Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr.; Albert Ordway was chos:n Curator of Crustacea in place of Dr. H. R. Storer. In November, a plan having been proposed for a large building to accommodate both the Horticultural Society and the Society of Natural History, a petition was presented to the legislature asking the grant of one of the squares of land on the Back Bay for its erec- tion, and another for the use of the contemplated Institute of Technology. Great efforts 76 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF. THE were made by Prof. Rogers, Messrs. Emerson, Ross, Waterston and Binney in behalf of the project through addresses before the Committees of both branches of the Legislature. Considerable opposition however on the part of many Senators prevented fovorable action at that time, though it did not cause defeat. The petition was finally referred to the next General Court. 1860. To awaken interest in the work of the Society, and to justify its claims in the minds of the public, it was thought best to have an address delivered at the time of the annual me;ting in May, and Prof Rogers was invited to prepare one for the occasion. It was read before a very large audience at the new hall of tlie Mechanic's Charitable Associa- tion in Bedford Street. The record states that he " delivered a most eloquent and pertinent address on the progress of natural science for the last thirty years, dating from 1830, the year in -which the Society was organized. A large, highly intelligent and enthusiastic audience honored the occasion with their presence, and the Society had great reason to be proud of this successful and brilliant revival of their annual address." The Reports of the Treasurer, Librarian, and Curators at the annual meeting, furnish information which is presented as follows : The Treasurer exhibited an account showing receipts for the year, including the balance on hand at its commencement, and also the proceeds of sales of bank stock held by the Society to be $3559.13 ; and expenditures, including an amount paid to Dr. N. B. Shurt- leff, the former Treasurer, in settlement, $3,399.48, showing a balance of $159.65 on hand in cash, and no debt. The Society having disposed of its bank stock, held at this time no other property available for its future requirements. The Librarian reported the accession to the library of 540 volumes and pamphlets during the year; about 300 volumes of these were very valuable works on entomology, from the library of the late Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, which were purchased by J. P. Cush- ing, Esq., of Watertown, and generously presented by him to the Society. There was nothing in the reports of the Curators of Mineralogy, Geology, Herpetology, Oology or Microscopy, calling for notice here, and none was made upon Ornithology. The Curator of Entomology mentioned but few additions, but stated that much work had been done by him towards checicing the further ravages of destructive insects. The Curator of Radiata stated that the department had been indebted to Di's. Bryant and Winslow for several additions to it. The Curator of Ichthyology reported an accession of about 200 specimens. The donors had been Dr. Henry Bryant, who presented a very valuable collection from the Bahamas, Dr. C. F. Winslow, a valuable collection from the Island of Maui, and the Museum of Com- parative Zoology. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy, Dr. James C. White, reported as might have been expected, considering his indefatigable labor upon the collection of his department, that this was now in good condition and systematically arranged. He stated that the means adopted by him mentioned in the report of the previous year, to free the specimens from the ravages of insects, had been completely successful, and that even the growth of the destructive fungi had been prevented by the applications made. Every S23ecimen too. had been numbered, and had had attached to it a label giving its name, locality and donor. A new catalogue had also been prepared for the whole collection. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 77 During the year 275 specimens had been added to the cabinet, many of which were quite valuable. Of these may be mentioned a large collection of mammalian skulls and skeletons presented by Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr.; and the lower jaws of an immense sperm whale from F. W. Choate, Esq. Tlie Curator of Conchology reported that little or no progress had been made in his department for want of room to arrange specimens. The collection was stated to com- prise about 4000 species. It had had donations as follows : from Dr. Aug. A. Gould, 37 species from Cumana and Hayti, new to the cabinet ; from Dr. J. Lewis, a collection of shells from the Mohawk valley and neighboring lakes; from Dr. Simon ShurtlefF, 23 species, many of which were new to the cabinet; and from Dr. C. F. Winslow, specimens from the Hawaiian Islands. The Curator of Crustacea reported that the cabinet of his department was generally in good condition, but that many of the dried specimens had suffered from the ravages of insects. He had arranged, labelled and catalogued about half the collection, and hoped soon to finish the work upon it. He complained seriously of tlie lack of room to properly dis- play the specimens, and also that a considerable numl^er were comparatively worthless because their localities were unknown. The donations had been numerous. Dr. Henry Bryant had presented a large collection from the Bahamas ; Prof Agassiz also a large col- lection from the Hawaiian Islands, and the Essex Institute many specimens from our coast. In all, there had been added during the year 366 specimens, comprising 78 species and 55 genera. The Curator of Botany reported that the Herbarium was in good condition. A series of valuable Swiss plants collected by Mr. Godet, and another of southern plants collected by Prof Gibbes in the Carolinas were presented by himself. At the election of officers the following changes took place : Dr. Augustus A. Gould was elected second Vice-President in room of Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, resigned ; Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, Curator of Microscopy, in room of Dr. Silas Durkee, resigned ; Mr. A. T. Lyman, Curator of Conchology, in room of Mr. Thomas J. Whittemore, resigned; and Dr. Samuel A. Green, Curator of Herpetology, in room of Dr. J. N. Borland, resigned. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers for their long and efficient services. Those of one of them call for particular mention. Dr. D. Humphreys Stohek. Whatever reason there may be generally for hesitating in writing freely of the services of the living and yet active members of the community, there are none that should pre- vent full expression here of such as were rendered to the Society by Dr. D. Humphreys Storer during the first thirty years of its existence. Those for the Museum were invalua- ble, and it is due to him to make such mention of them while treating of the period of his labors, as will in some des-ree serve to do wdiat the visible result of his own work as exhib- ited in the magnificent collection made by him of the Fi.shes of Massachusetts would have done much laetter, had this not been destroyed. This collection, obtained through arduous effort, put up by his own hands and presented by him to the Society, was allowed to go to ruin, through causes, perhaps unavoidable at the time, but not therefore the less to be deplored. It was made by Dr. Storer when preparing his valuable report on the Fishes 78 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE of Massachusetts, published by order of the Legislature of the State in 1839, and at the same time in the Boston Journal of Natural History. It embraced, as has been before stated, ninety out of the one hundred and twenty then known species of the coast, a large number of which were type specimens, and from which the descriptions of the species were drawn. When engaged in collecting and in seeking information con- cerning them, he visited the market daily and examined all that were to be seen there. He made the acquaintance of those engaged in selling fish and through them with the fishermen themselves, often going to their boats and interesting them in his work, so that many were led to aid him by bringing for his use every species that came into their pos- session. His ever genial manner served to make him very popular among them, and he thus became a welcome visitor whom they were ready to serve with alacrity. On obtain- ing any specimens wanted he conveyed them home, or to the rooms of the Society, where they were studied for description and prepared for preservation. For the greater part of two seasons, that is, during the spring, summer and autumn months, when the temperature of the weather would allow of work in unheated rooms, he, in company Avith Dr. Augustus A. Gould, might be found busily engaged on specimens of their respective departments, from five o'clock in the early morning until their breakfast time. Mr. Teschemacher, who had the care of the herbarium at this period, generally joined them previous to their depar- ture, having breakfasted before leaving home. He worked until his business engagements called him away, perhaps an hour later. These glimpses of the doings of some of the ear- lier workers are not unworthy of contemplation by those who occupy their places and who would do justice to their memory. Dr. Storer's labor on fishes and reptiles was often of a very disagreeable character, the specimens received requiring transfer and preparation, being often in a condition far from pleasant to work upon. Alas, that a great part of this labor should have resulted, so far as the Museum is concerned, in scarcely more than the valuable lesson it, with other experience, has taught ; that the voluntary work of Curators cannot be relied upon alone, to preserve collections that are subject to ruin with- out constant supervision and care. In subsequent years nearly all the work of Dr. Stor- er's hands was allowed to perish. The Society will not have done its duty until it has replaced all the species obtained by him of the fishes of Massachusetts waters, every one being labelled as a substitute for the original presented by him. It is pleasant to know that this is recognized as a duty, and as one likely to be accomplished. Mention has been made of aid afforded Dr. Storer by fishermen, at the time he was engaged in collecting specimens. To two of these he was very much indebted, not only for many of the species described by him, but for a great deal of information con- cerning them. He would feel it an injustice not to have their names recorded with his, in any description given of the work done by him. These men were Capt. Blanch- ard of Lynn and Capt. N. E. Atwood of Provincetown. The latter, particularly, furnished many species that could not otherwise have been procured, and which were of invaluable service. Indirectl}^ Dr. Storer did much for the Society in introducing to it Capt. Atwood. He became a Corresponding Member and ever after manifested great interest in its proceed- ings. When in the city, he has attended the meetings, and often addressed them, giving always a vast deal of information concerning fishes, their habits and the methods adopted for their capture, not possessed by any other man. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 79 Dr. Storer's services whilst an active member of the Society were by no means limited to his labors for the Museum ; on the contrary, few, if any, were more earnest in devotion to its general welfare. Was tiiere money wanted for any special purpose, what he could spare was freely given. Was an appeal to be made for help from others, he was never backward in taking steps towards rendering it eftective. The part he took in the meetings was a prominent one, and the communications made by him were often of great value. No one can look over the records of the Society with- out recognizing the importance of the work performed by him in building up the institu- tion he loved so well. There was one trait manifested by him when an active member that will not be forgotten whilst yet members who were associated with him live, and that was a disposition to encourage young and deserving members to take part in the pro- ceedings. Dr. Storer, though not strictly speaking one of the original members of the Society, may well be considered such, as he became an associate with them immediately after its formation, and in September of the same year was elected Recording Secretary, which office he held until May, 1836. He was a Curator before there were special departments of the Museum from 1836 to 1838, afterwards of the department of Reptiles and Fishes from 1838 to 1843. Elected Vice-President in 1843, he remained in this position until 1860, when he resigned. He thus held office for the long period of thirty years, with honor to himself and with great advantage to the Society. Of Dr. Storer's life and work otherwise than as connected with the Society the following is presented : Dr. Storer was born in Portland, Maine, March 26th, 1804. He was educated at Bowdoin College ; graduated there in 1822 and had the degree of LL.D. conferred upon him by that institution in 1876. His scientific tastes led him to associate himself, as has been mentioned, with the Boston Society of Natural History soon after its formation, but the particular attention he subsequently gave to ichthyology was entirely the result of fortui- tous circumstances. When Dr. Hitchcock was authorized to re-survey the State in 1837, he expressed a strong desire that there should also be made a more full examination of its Natural History. A committee of the Legislature therefore met the one on the part of the Society in conference, the result of which was that George B. Emerson, President of the Boston Society of Natural History, Chester Dewey, Professor of Botany in the Berk- shire Medical Institution, Ebenezer Emmons, M. D., Professor of Natural History in Williams College, Rev. William B. 0. Peabody of Springfield, T. W. Harris, M. D., Librarian of Harvard University, D. Humphreys Storer, M. D., and A. A. Gould, M. D., of Boston, Curators in the Boston Society of Natural History, were commissioned to take charge of the Botanical and Zoological survey.' These gentlemen met and agreed among themselves as to the part they should respectively take in the work. Prof Emmons undertook to report upon the Mammals, Dr. Storer upon the Fishes and Reptiles, Mr. Peabody upon the Birds, Dr. Harris upon the Insects, Dr. Gould upon the Mollusks, etc. The division was unquestionably a wise one, but it required of Dr. Storer a scientific report within a year on a subject of which neither he nor any one else in the community knew anything beyond what was known to the fish dealer and the cook. Laughingly he has since remarked that he could scarcely at the time have told a flounder from any other 80 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE flat fish. This was not all. There was not in New England an ichthyologist with whom he could consult, and scarcely a book that would aid him in his investigations. Sufficiently discouraging all this, but Dr. Storer did not despair. If he knew but little of ichthyology, he had a scientific mind, sharply observant, quickly perceptive and nicely discriminating. Moreover he was indefatigable in performing whatever he undertook, never relaxing in his work until it was done and well done. The Commissioners came to an understanding that they all should endeavor as far as possible to extend the boundaries of knowledge in each department, and not confine themselves to merely presenting catalogues of species. It was soon perceived that the work expected of them could not possibly be done within the allotted time, and leave was asked and obtained to defer the reports until a later period. Before another year, however, had elapsed, several were ready, and we can only wonder. in looking over the volumes produced, that so much could have been accomplished within so limited a period. The result of Dr. Storer's labor was what Dr. DeKay described as a " masterly report " on the Fishes of Massachusetts. This was published by an order of the Legislature in August, 1839, and also appeared in the Boston Journal of Natural History at the same time. Previous to this, Dr. Storer had presented some papers before the So- ciety on fishes, which had also appeared in the Journal. In April, 1845, he communicated to the meeting of the American naturalists at New Haven, a very valuable paper called " A Synopsis of the Fishes of North America." This was published in the Memoirs of the American Academy. Sul)sequently there appeared in the same Memoirs what Dr. Storer termed his final report on the fishes of Massachusetts, the species being all illustrated by fine engravings, and this was also published in a separate volume. The third decade of the existence of the Society having now passed, some mention will be made of what has not been referred to during the period. The Journal of the Society had been published from time to time, but not quite with the regularity that distinguished its earlier issues. Volume VI and part of Volume ^"11 had appeared with many articles of great value. The Proceedings appeared more frequently. A part of Volume III, and Volumes IV, V, and VI, and a considerable portion of Volume VII had been printed and circulated. The scientific character of both series had been well sustained, and had helped much to extend the reputation of the Society abroad. The average attendance on the meetings each year may be seen by the following table : For the year ending? May 1851 '23 For the year ending May 1856 20 a "u 1S.52 16 " " 1857 26 " 1853 14 " " 1858 28 « » 18.54 17 " " 1859 80 1855 17 " " I860 30 Those who took a prominent part at the meeetings of the Society during the first five years of the ten, by presenting communications, participating in the discussions, or other- wise, were Dr. Charles T. Jackson, Count Desor, Dr. Wyman, Dr. Biu-nett, Dr. Gould, Dr. Durkee, Mr. W. 0. Ayres, Dr. Cabot, Mr. William Stimpson, Dr. J. C. Warren, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr., Dr. A. A. Hayes, Prof William B. Rogers, Mr. Teschemacher, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, Dr. D. H. Storer, Dr. H. R. Storer, Mr. Charles J. Sprague, Mr. Wells, Prof. Henry D. Rogers, Dr. J. Mason Warren and Mr. Thomas T. Bouve. MetropoiiiMiBililjslitDg Mngravma coUewTorE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 81 Those who were prominently tictive during the last five years of the ten were Dr. C. T. Jackson, Prof. William B. Rogers, Dr. A. A. Hayes, Mr. Charles J. Sprague, Dr. Thomas M.. Brewer, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Jr., Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Professor Agassiz, Dr. Gould, Dr. J. C. White, Dr. Henry Bryant, Dr. Samuel L. Abbot, Dr. J. N. Boriand, Mr. J. Whit- temore. Dr. Silas Durkee, Dr. John Bacon, Jr., Mr. Charles Stodder, Mr. Theodore Lyman, Dr. B. J. Jeffries, Dr. C. F. Winslow, Mr. Samuel H. Scudder, Dr. Samuel Cabot, Dr. D. H. Storer, Dr. Charles Pickering, Mr. John Green, Dr. D. F. Weinland, Capt. N. E. At- wood, Mr. Nathaniel H. Bishop, Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, Prof. H. D. Rogers, Mr. J. M. Bar- nard, Prof Theophilus Parsons and Mr. Thomas T. Bouve. Tlie financial condition of the Society at the close of the decade differed but little from that at the commencement. There had been during the ten years, periods of considerable indebtedness, but the economical course of the government had prevented its increase, and at the annual meeting, as stated in the Treasurer's report, there was a small balance in the Treasury. The Library had increased from about 3500 volumes reported ns in the possession of the Society in 1850, to nearly 5003, including 1012 deposited by Mrs. Binney, and 7G7 depos- ited by " A Republican Institution". Besides these there were 681 pamphlets, or pai'ts of volumes. The number of Resident Members of the Society at tliis time were about 206, exclusive of Life Members, of whom there were 18. The Standing Conmiittees of tlie Council, througli which much of the important business of tlie Society was transacted, had faithfully attended to the duties assigned them. The members of each during the decade were as follows : On the Library : Drs. A. A. Gould, S. Kneeland, Jr., Henry Bryant, and D. Hum- phreys Storer, and Messrs. C. K. Dillaway and Charles J. Sprague. On Finance : Dr. N. B. Shurtleff, Messrs. J. J. Dixwell, Thos. Bulfinch, P. T. Jackson, Amos Binney, C. C. Sheafe, Jas. M. Barnard, Thos. T. Bouve, and George B. Emerson. On the Libi-ary : Drs. A. A. Gould, D. Humphreys Storer, S. Kneeland, Jr., John Bacon, S. Cabot, Jr., Henry Bryant, and Messrs. C. K. Dillaway and Chas. J. Sprague. On Publications: Drs. I). Humphreys Storer, Jeffries W^anan, Samuel Kneeland, Jr., Samuel L. Abbot, Samuel Cabot, Jr.,Benj. S. Shaw, and Mr. C. K. Dillaway. Decade IV. Mat, 1860-Mat, 1870. Soon after the annual meeting, Mr. Arthur T. Ljanan, who had been elected Curator of Conchology, resigned, and in June Mr. Nathan Farrand was elected his successor. In October of this year the Society was notified that the late Jonathan Phillips had made to it the magnificent bequest of f 10,000. It will be remembered that in the latter part of 1849, when the Society was suffering from debt, this gentleman manifested his interest in its welfare by a timely donation of f 2,000, which relieved it from all liability. The exertions of the members of the Society towards accomplishing the objects in view, viz., that of securing land from the State on which to build, and help from the public to enable the Society to erect a structure suitable for its wants, were constant. In December a Committee was appointed by the Council, consisting of Prof Rogers, Dr. A. 82 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE A. Gould and Mr. Amos Biniiey, to jjrepare a pamphlet .setting forth the claims and wants of the Society. This was published and distributed among the members of both houses of the Legislature. In December also it was voted by the Coimcil that a course of lectures be given during the winter by members of the Society, free to the public, and Profs. Eogers and Wyman, with Dr. Gould, were appointed to prepare a plan of such a course, with full powers to make all the necessary arrangements. 1861. The most important event of the year to the Society', and one of the most important in its history, was the munificent donation by Dr. William J. Walker of his estate in Bulfinch Street. As this act Avas the first of a series of great donations on the part of Dr. Walker to the Society, it may be well to state what is known that led to such manifestation of interest in its welfare. For some time previous to the event mentioned Dr. Walker had boarded in the same house at Cambridge with the President of the Society, Prof Wyman. and an intimacy had arisen between them which led the former to regard with attention whatever the latter was particularly engaged in. Noticing among the documents brought home and laid upon the table of their common sitting room by Prof. Wyman, some of the publica- tions of the Society, Dr. Walker laecame interested in their perusal and finally in the work of the Society itself. This led to many conversations between them respecting the aims and obiects in view, which resulted in the donation mentioned, and eventually in Dr. Walker becoming the great benefactor of the Society. In announcing the pleasing event Prof Wyman made the following remarks, which are worthy of mention here : " I have great pleasure in stating that since our last meeting, Dr. William J. Walker has presented, and by the necessary legal process has conveyed to this Society, the estate recently occupied by him in tliis city. The property has been placed in the hands of trustees, to be devoted, under wise and libei'al conditions, in such a manner as they may deem most expedient, for the promotion of our best interests and of the study of natural history. This is the largest gift that we have received from a single individual. Under any circumstances it would be munificent. Now it is both munificent and timely. It is all the more gratifying inasmuch as it was wholly unsolicited. It naturally follows, from the emotions which this beneficence calls forth, that we should rejoice at being the recipients of such a gift, and, in accej^ting it, should express our gratitude and sense of deep obliga- tion. But we must not rest here ; there are other considerations to which we must allow a place at this time. " Standing before a connnunity identified with the study of natural history and the dif- fusion of a knowledge of it, we liave been liberally endowed in this and other ways. I believe that with our very inadequate means, we have done much to justify our benefac- tors and the public in their encouragement of us. But ever}' benefaction has imposed, and every new one will impose, additional and more exacting obligations. Societies are often charged, and it is to be feared too often justly, as less faithful to their trust than individuals. We n.ust have care that such a charge may not apply to us. In accepting the gift now offered us, we bind ourselves, though tacitly yet firmly, to fulfil all the obli- gations which belong to it, implied no less than direct. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 83 "We have recently set fortli our claims upon the comniuulty for patronage. It should be remembered that the public, though it does not formally set forth its claims upon us, has them, and with a deeper interest in the study of nature than has been known before, judges us with a severer scrutiny and by a higher standard than at any previous period. So long as we make our collections useful and our studies conducive to the public good, and thus show ourselves faithful to our trusts, we are justified in the belief that we may confidently expect to receive hereafter, as we have received already, every necessary sup- port and encouragement." Professors W. B. Rogers and Agassiz congratulated the Society upon the addition to their means at such an opportune moment, and Dr. Augustus A. Gould offered the fol- lowing resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : " liesolved, That the Society accepts with gratitude the donation of Dr. Wm. J. Walker on the terms stipulated. " Refiolved, That the accession of so munificent a smn to our funds at a moment when further expansion with our actual resources must have been very limited, greatly encourages us to new and more efficient exertion. '' Resolved, That it shall be our diligent care that the avails from the donation shall be applied prudently and 2)ractically towards the cultivation and diflFusion of useful knowl- edge ; sjaecially aiming to modify the direction of our endeavors, as the spirit of the age may from time to time indicate." The conditions upon which this donation was made have always been sacredly regarded by the Society. During the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1860-61, strenuous efforts were made by several members of the Society, and of the Institute of Technology, to obtain the grant of land wanted for the use of each, particularly by Prof Wm. B. Rogers and Mr. M. D. Ross, which were finally successful, the grant of one square, so called, having been made on certain conditions which seemed objectionable at first, but which turned out to be of no detriment. Of this " square " one third was to be for the use of the Boston Society of Natural History, the other two-thirds for the Mass. Institute of Technology. In March, it having been intimated that possibly the city might be willing to buy the building of the Society in Mason Street, for the enlargement of the Normal School House near to it, a committee consisting of Mr. Bouve, Mr. Binney, the Treasurer, and Dr. Kneeland was appointed to confer with the City Government on the subject. In April, the Treasurer with such other members as saw fit to join him, were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for a building fund, and in the same month a Building Committee was appointed consisting of President Wyman, Mr. Binney, Pro- fessor Rogers, Dr. Jeffries and Mr. Bouve, to consider and propose a course of pro- ceedings in relation to the new hall, accompanied by such general plan of grounds and buildings as they might deem expedient, and to report from time to time to the Soci- ety, making no engagements without further authority. The reports of the Curators at the annual meeting in May present but little of interest. Generally, complaint was made of want of room for the proper display of speci- mens, and the expectation expressed that when this lack should be supplied there would be a much greater disposition manifested to make donations. The Curator of Geology 84 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE reported that liis department was 1)etter circumstanced tlian the others so for as the collec- tion belonging to the Society was concerned, inasmuch as by the removal ol' that belong- ing to the State, ample space was now aftorded for the reception of specimens and their display. The Conchological department had received between four hundred and live hundred specimens, many of them species new to the collection, the donors being the Smithsonian Institution, Mr. E. R. Mayo, Dr. A. A. Gould and Mr. H. Davis. The Mineralogical department had received but few donations, but two of these were quite valuable, one being a large mass of amethystine quartz fi'om Salto, Uruguay, the other a large geode of the same from Uruguay, both the gift of R. B. Forbes; Esq. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy reported that by the precautionary measures adopted, the collection had been kept in good order, and that donations of considerable value had been received, principally from Dr. Henry Bryant and Mr. Du Chaillu. The Treasurer's report was exhilarating. He congratulated the Society upon a state of financial prosperity unprecedented in its history. It had received during the year the leg- acy of the late Jonathan Phillips of $10,000, a donation of an estate from Dr. Wm. J. Walker valued at |30,000 and the grant of land from the State for the erection of a new structure. The Librarian reported the number of volumes now in the Library as exceeding 5000. At the election of officers the only change made was in substituting Dr. Francis H. Brown Curator of Herpetology for Dr. Samuel A. Green, who had tendered his resignation. A special meeting of the Society was called in Jidy to consider upon accepting the offer of |28,000 which has been made on the part of the city for the building of the Society in Mason street. It was voted to accept that price, and a committee consisting of Professor Rogers and Mr. Bouve was appointed to complete the sale. This was subsequently done and the Society received the amount mentioned. In August Mr. Amos Binney resigned the position of Treasurer of the Society through a letter to the President, in order that he might accept a commission in the militai-y ser- vice of the United States. Mr. Thomas T. Bouve was unanimously elected Treasurer in his place. After the sale of the building in Mason Street had been consvunmated, it was determined on the part of the Society to temporarily occupy the Bulfinch estate for the storage of its collection and for meetings, until a new museum should be erected for its use. Accord- ingly the house was prepared for the reception of the collection and for the accommoda- tion of the meetings, the parlors on the lower story being fitted up for the latter purpose, and occupied at the same time as a liln-ary. All this being accomplished, the Society in August left the home it had occupied for thirteen years, and where its growth had been such as to render more extensive apartments necessary for its expanding wants. Not without kindly thoughts of many pleasing and instructive hours passed in the cosy meeting room of the Society, was the old building left for new quarters. Here, with the lilu-ary arranged in the cases around and a large table serviceable for multif irious purposes, might have been seen almost every afternoon several of the Curators at work upon speci- mens or investigating their character ; here too, for several of the later years might have BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 85 been heard at the meethigs as able scientific discussions as any hall ever echoed to, for it was here that Agassiz, William B. Rogers and Henry D. Rogers made their power felt in warm though most friendly conflict of opinion, exciting tlie intense interest of all who had the good fortune to be present. Dr. Kneeland made a proposal to.the Society to occupy with his family some rooms in the Bulfinch St. house, and thereby ensure the greater safety of the buildings and contents, on certain conditions. These were acceded to and Dr. Kneeland and family subsequently occupied the premises. The Building Committee promptly and industriously devoted themselves to the work put into their hands. They studied the wants and requirements of the Society, conferred among themselves as they met from time to time, as to the interior arrangements suitable for the accommodation of the several departments, and subsequently consulted with archi- tects respecting the exterior, and the cost of building. In the meantime one of their num- ber, Mr. Amos Binney, having entered the Army, Dr. Jas. C. White was substituted in his place, and the committee subsequently now consisted of the President, Dr. Jeffries Wy- man. Prof. Wm. B. Rogers, Dr. Jas. C. White, Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, and Mr. Thomas T. Bouve. They frequently met for consultation at the house of Professor Rogers, where they examined plans submitted to them and then discussed their merits. After two or three months of close attention to the subject, and after considering fully several plans brought before them, they finally reported to the Society in November, as their choice after mature and long deliberation, one offered by Mr. Jonathan Preston. Dr. White explained the details of the plan and presented estimates of the cost, showing that a hand- some building could be erected, and such portions finished as would serve the immediate wants of the Cabinet and Library for about $62,000. The Report was quite satisfactory and the Society voted that the plan be accepted "as at once graceful and ample in its pro- portions and well adapted for all the purposes which the Society has in view." The Building Committee was requested to have detailed specifications prepared, in order to obtain positive estimates of the cost of finishing such portion of the building as was referred to in the report, and it was empowered to make arrangements for the con- struction, if such estimate should show that the cost would not exceed the available fund increased by further contributions. The Society also voted that the Building Committee be authorized to take such steps as they judged proper to raise an additional amount towards paying for the new structure, and also to add to the committee Geo. B. Emerson, Esq., and Rev. R. C. Waterston. In November of this year, a fire occurred in Boston, by which a menagerie of wild animals was destroyed, the poor beasts being suffocated in their cages. The skins were greatly damaged by fire and water, but the bodies were generally not much injured. Through the exertions of Dr. White, the Curator of Comparative Anatomy, he obtained for his department the animals, and they were dissected, part of them at the Medical College, and the rest at the private dissecting room of the President at Cambridge. Dr. White in making a report of the matter, stated " that the Society may consider itself fortunate in having secured so valuable an acquisition to its already extensive osteological collection. Such an opportunity will probably never occur again. It raises this depart- ment of the Cabinet far above any in the country in importance, and will enable us to 86 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE grace our new halls with an almost perfect collection of skeletons of the large cats of the old and the new w^orlds." The specimens obtained were, one fine male lion from Delagoe Bay, Africa ; a very large lioness, mate of above ; lioness from Cape of Good Hope, presented to Prof. Wyman ; one male jaguar; female of same, presented to Prof Agassiz; young Bengal tiger, female; hunting leopard, female, from Asia ; young leopard, male, from Asia ; cougar, male, from South America; ocelot, female, from Central America; civet cat, female, Asia; spotted or laughing hyena, male. Cape of Good Hope ; jackal, Cape of Good Hope, presented to Prof Wyman ; young black bear ; two raccoons, male and female ; llama, female, from South America ; American opossum ; peccary, female, Brazil ; three monkeys, one baboon, domestic goat, skull of gnu ; eagle and various other birds. 1S62. In January of this year, the Boston Marine Society presented to the Society a valuable collection of objects in natural history, and of sj^ecimens of the workmanship of diflForent East India and Pacific nations, such as models of canoes and junks, war clubs and insignia of office, cutting weapons, bows and arrows, quivers and paddles, native cloth and tanned skins, etc., etc. The presentation of so many objects of art, led the Council to recommend the establish- ment of a department of Ethnology, and in accordance with this suggestion, the Society formed such a department and elected Dr. Charles Pickering its Curator. In March of tliis year. Dr. Kneeland entered the Medical Corps of the Army, and at his request a vote was passed that his fiimily be allowed stUl to occupy rooms in the build- ing as a residence. Dr. Kneeland was the third officer of the Society that the war had called into active service. The Building Committee, now having in charge not only the construction of the pro- posed new edifice, but the raising of additional means to meet the cost, omitted no effort to accomplish the objects in view. They exhibited puljlicly the plan of the structure, with detailed specifications prepared bj- Mr. Preston, and invited proposals from mechanics for the execution of the work. No less than sixty-four were presented and considered, but not until subscriptions had been received sufficient to cover the entire estimated cost, was any contract made involving expenditure. To obtain subscribers they took most efficient measures. They met together, they discussed plans, they consulted with others interested, they decided what persons should be appealed to, and finally distributed among themselves the names of such as each one would undertake to solicit, so that there miglit be no con- flicting action. On account of the very great service rendered by Mr. M. D. Ross, for the Society at this time, it is proper to state that though not upon the committee he offered his valuable aid in furtherance of its objects, met with them, gave good advice, and finally took an active part in appealing to such parties for money as he thought he could best influence. To aid the committee in their work they issued a circular prepared by Drs. Jef- fries and White giving the reasons for the appeal made to the public, accompanied by lith- ographic views of the exterior of the proposed building, as well as some representation of the plan for its interior arrangement. While thus engaged in 2oreliminary movements towards personal appeals, what was their joy and how great their encouragement, to have the announcement made to them, as was done by President Wyman, that a gentleman. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. ' 87 whose name was to remain for awhile unknown, had oflered towards the Building Fund, the munificent sum of ^20.000, provided a like sum should be secured by subscription from other parties ! This enabled the Committee to head the subscription papers quite eftectively, and no doubt had great influence in securing signatures to them. The success which followed soon justified active measures for the construction, and contracts for the execution of the work, and for delivery of material, such as stone, bricks, &c., immediatel}' followed. In May it was found that f 2U,000 had been subscribed, and Professor Wyman was requested to communicate the fact to the gentleman who had made the offer alluded to. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Professor Wyman mentioned that he was none other than Dr. Wm. J. Walker, to whom the Society was indebted for the house it occupied, and stated that he was ready to pay over the f 20,000 at once. At the meeting of the Society, June 4, the President announced the reception of the $20,000 from Dr. Walker, and besides other appropriate action the following resolutions were passed : " Resolved : That the Society hereby tender to Dr. Walker their most grateful acknowl- edgement for the renewed and munificent proof of his interest in their prosperity, and for the occasion and the incentive which it had afforded to other friends of the Society to con- tribute an equal aggregate amount. " Resolved : That in view of this and the previous benefactions, by which Dr. Walker has marked his appreciation of our scientific labors and aspirations, we feel that to his liberality, chiefly, we are indebted for the enlarged opportunities of usefulness now so brightly opening before us, and that, in offering him the homage of our grateful hearts, we have no need to assure him of the enduring honor which will associate his name with the future successes and the whole history of the Society." While yet engaged in getting subscriptions, the committee kept busily at work upon matters pertaining to the building, and as soon as it became clear that means enough would be secured to meet the cost, they made contracts for the principal part of the work, includ- ing the filling in of the land. From the estimates made of the probable cost of the building completed, it appeared that not less than $87,000 would be required exclusive of cases, but that by leaving unfinished certain portions not needed lor early occupancy, about $80,000 woidd suffice. It was therefore voted not to exceed $80,000 upon the building, exclusive of cases and furniture. It has been thought well to give somewhat in detail the action of the Buildino- Com- mittee in the preliminary stejos taken to erect the grand structure since occupied by the Society, and in obtaining the necessary means to accomplish its completion. To do any- thing like justice to the devoted service of a most faithful and industrious committee would require a much fuller record of their doings than can be given here. The result of their endeavors to ei'ect a building satisfactory to the Society will be stated further on. Notice must now be taken of other matters of interest concerning the Society that transpired dur- ing the year. The Keports of the Treasurer, Librarian and Curators were presented as usual at the annual meeting, and were, considering circumstances, satisfactory. The department of Comparative Anatomy had been enriched by the addition before mentioned of a valuable 88 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE collection of the skeletons of animals suffocated at the fire in Portland Street, by the osteo. logical collection of the late Dr. Lane, by a series of crania from Dr. Henry Bryant, and by a skull and nearly a perfect skeleton of a gorilla presented by Dr. Otis of the Navy. The department of Geology had also been enriched by the addition of sj)ecimens show- ing tracks of animals, purchased from Mr. Field of Greenfield. The Curator of Ethnology, the department of which had been recently formed, acknowl- edged the reception of the various objects of art and manufacture presented to the Society by the Boston Marine Society, as before mentioned. At the election of officers, Mr. S. H. Scudder was chosen Recording Secretary in place of Dr. Samuel Kneeland, who had entered the service of the United States as surgeon in the army. The office of Curator of Crustacea, made vacant by the resignation of M;-. Albert Ord- way, who had also entered the army of the United States, was not filled. This year, so full of events gratifying to the members and cheering to their hopes for the future, did not pass without one that caused sadness in the hearts of all, but more par- ticularly to such as had been associated in the work of the Society in its earlier years. Reference is here made to the death of Dr. Benjamin D. Greene, which took place on the 14th of October, and which was announced to the Society on the 15th. Dr. Bexjamin D. Greene. When the good and the wise participate in the formation and in the work of an institu- tion, they leave an impress upon its character not to be effaced, whilst the memory of their deeds is yet fresh in the minds of those who succeed them ; and as what tliey were, and what they accomplished is not only a delight to contemplate but an inspiration to endeavor, it becomes a sacred duty to extend and perpetuate a knowledge of their worth and labors. It was the good fortune of the Society to have associated among its members at the period of its origin and in its subsequent history, some of the noblest and purest minded men that the community has produced. This is not expressed without due consideration, and will not be questioned when the names of Dr. B. D. Greene, Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, Dr. John Ware, Dr. J. B. S. Jackson and Dr. Jeffries Wyman are recalled to mind as active workers, to say nothing of many others whose attainments and deeds justly earned for them the esteem and regard of all who knew them. Among those mentioned, none enjoyed the resj)ect and love of contemporaries more than the honored Fii'st President of the Society, Dr. Benjamin D. Greene, and a knowledge of his virtues is only necessary to cause his memory to be revered by all who come after, as long as the Society shall exist. It is to impart this knowledge that the following account of him is given. Dr. Greene was born in Demarara, in 179-3, during a temporary sojourn of his parents there. In 1812 he graduated at Harvard College in the same class with Charles G. Loring, Peleg Sprague, Henry Ware and others who became well known to public fame in later days. After leaving Cambridge he studied law at Litchfield, Conn., where was then a well- known law school, and was later admitted a memljer of the Boston bar. His subsequent career cannot be better given than by quoting the words of a near and dear friend and TheKeltotxpePimtingCoiaiTiHnontSiJni'"".- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 89 connection, Mrs. Robert C. Waterston, sister of Mrs. Greene, embodied in a letter respecting him. Tlicy were as follows : " Dr. Greene's studies at Litclifield were rather to acquire a general knowledge of law than from an intention to pursue it as a profession, and his tastes for natural history, especially botany, led him to turn his attention to medicine. To pur- sue this study he went abi-oad and was a student in London, but more especially in Edin- burgh, where he passed several years. Here he formed the acquaintance of men who were afterwards widely known in their different departments. Among them was William J. Hooker, afterwards Sir William Hooker, with whom a friendship arose which continued through life. The intimacy was renewed on Mr. Greene's various visits to England and Scotland ; and always maintained by correspondence and the interchange of botanical books and information, as well as by mutual expressions of lasting affection. " Mr. Greene's botanical studies greatly interested him both in Europe and America. Forgetful of time and even of hunger, he would go out in the country in the morning and not return until night, coming back laden with botanical boxes filled with specimens, and then spend half the night in laying each in its separate papers with the careful and tender touch peculiar to his hand. " Thus besides acquiring two professions, he gained a reputation as a botanist in the front rank of that department of natural histor}-. Added to these attainments he had com- mand of several modern languages. He knew much and said little. Constitutionally reserved and silent, it was impossible for him to impart what he had acquired. '• Ouce only I heard him express a regret that fluency of speech or Avritiug had been denied to him. Few knew how richly his mind was stored on almost every subject. His taste for the fine arts made him a just judge of both music and painting. Of pictures he had a great love and knowledge. His ample fortune was the means, not only of adorn- ing his own house with works of the old masters, and those of a more modern school, but also of encouraging and aiding many struggling workers in various departments of ' man's endless toil and endeavor,' who but for him had been ' desolate and oppressed.' His library was well chosen and filled, and there he loved to abide — and when at last he passed on to wider regions of knowledge, the works on natural histpry as well as his Herbarium were at his request transferred to the Boston Society of Natural History. Mr. Greene's life was one quite aside from the hurry and self-assertion of American careers. He possessed many qualities, which, had he practised the profession of medicine, would have made him an able and certainly a beloved physician. His was the magnetic touch of a born healer, and the strength and tenderness of his presence in the sick room was of itself a restorative power. I knew well that character whose 'still waters ran deep.' His low voice was seldom raised except to rebuke wrong, but the flash of his wrath was all the more startling, because it so seldom fell from the calm and quiet sky of his serene days. After he left us in 18C2, I arranged at my sister's request a simple monument to be placed over his resting place at Mount Auburn. An ivy plant climbs over the tablet and half hides a cross on its summit, typifying that sincere faith and reverence which lay in his soul, seldom outwardly revealed. To please a wish of my own heart there was cut on- the marble the grass which was named for Mr. Greene, by Thos. Nuttall, when he dis- covered it on the Western plains, the Greenia Arkansia." To this beautiful and just tribute of one who knew more of Dr. Greene in his domestic life, than any other who has written 90 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE of him, it may seem unnecessary to add anything tonching his private character and its influence. Yet the subject is too interesting not to dwell upon, especially as there are words of Dr. Asa Gray, not in print, concerning Dr. Greene, which should not be omitted here. In referring to a brief notice written by himself of Dr. Greene, published in the Proceedings of the American Acadeni}^ of Arts and Sciences, and in which remarks were made upon liis well known generosity in placing the results of his observations and his collections in the hands of those who could make the best use of them for the advance- ment of science, he says that the notice given " does not make enough of the liberality, the winsomeness and the very quiet generosity of Mr. Greene, which made itself felt in a most spontaneous, unobtrusive way, as if it were something in the atmosphere, a delicate, grateful, subtle aroma, rather than anything consciously put forth." Most fitting words these will be judged by all who had the pleasure of personal intercourse with the subject of them. Of Dr. Greene as a botanist it may be said that he stood deservedly high in the estima- tion of those who knew him best in this relation. He collected extensively the plants of our country, and studied them carefully, so that his knowledge of them was thorough. Dr. Gray, in writing of him, states that after he ceased to collect, from failing health, he still showed a real interest in his plants and from time to time " verbally gave me critical, remarks such as would only be made by a keen and accurate observer." Of Dr. Greene's botanical work less can be said than might be expected concerning the knowledge he possessed on the subject, and his desire that others should profit by his ac- quirements. No doubt this was largely due to that want of fluency in expressing what he knew either in writing or by speech, to which he himself feelingly alluded. Dr. Gray, who knew more discriminately what he accomphshed in his favorite pursuit, said that his retir- ing, contemplative, unambitious disposition rendered him averse to the toils, and wholly indifferent to the fiime of authorship ; that his services to science were in his helpfulness to others, by making botanical collections, and by forming a library of botanical works ; the plants and the books being always at the disposal of those who needed them for scientific research. The action of the Society upon the death of Dr. Greene is presented as follows : On the loth day of October, as before mentioned, the Rev. Mr. Waterston announced to the Society the death of the First President of the Society, Dr. B. D. Greene. He spoke of the high personal character and the attainments of the deceased, and of the great interest he had ever felt in the welfare of the Society. Remarks were also made by the President, Jeffi-ies Wyman, and by Professor Agassiz and Dr. Pickering, expressive of their great respect for his memory. Upon motion made by Mr. Waterston, a committee was appointed to take such action as seemed proper in view of the sad event, consisting of Dr. Gould, Professor Rogers, Professor Agassiz and Mr. Waterston. At the next meeting of the Society, held Nov. 5th, Dr. Gould made a brief address, giv- ing an account of Dr. Greene's participation in the formation of the Society and in the pro- ceedings of its early days, after which Professor Rogers followed, dwelling more at length upon some points of interest in the life and character of the deceased. '• It is not often," he said, " that the possessor of a liberal fortune is found giving his heart and time to the labor of scientific studies which, however ennobling and replete with the finest of enjoyments, have as we know, nothing in sympathy with the luxurious ease and brilliant excitements of what is called societv." BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 91 " Such tastes and labors as marked the life of our late colleague are the exception, and we are therefore especially called on to honor the memory of him wiio furnished so beauti- ful an example. But qualities still more rare characterized the pursuits and conversation of Dr. Greane. No one could fail to remark his sin2:ular freedom from the ambitious impulses which, whilst they stimulate the labors of men of science, so often dim their aspi- rations for what is true and beneficent. With him the love of knowledge was a sufficient incentive and adequate reward. Delighted to store his mind Avith tlie beautiful truths gathered from the ample sources around him, and ever ready to help others devoting them- selves to kindred branches of inquiry, and indeed to any scientific pursuits, his singular modesty sln-ank from the least public exhibition of his various knowledge, and in the eyes of those who knew his solid and diversified culture, gave to his social character its most peculiar and winning charm." Professor Rogers closed by olFering the following resolutions : '• Besolced, That while it is the duty of the Societj' to hold in grateful recollection all who at an}- time have participated in the labors or helped to enlarge its means of scientific use- fulness, it is under especial obligations to honor the memory of the founders and early patrons of the Society, whose earnest zeal gave the first strong impulse to the pursuit of natural history in the community, and whose liberal contributions and fostering care laid the foundation for those labors which have won for the Society an honorable place in the history of scientific investigation. " Resolved, That the Society, while deeply regretting the loss which it has sustained in the death of its latij associate, Dr. Benj. D Greene, has a sad pleasure in placing on record an expression of its grateful and enduring reverence for his memory as one of the most zealous of its founders and its first acting President, and as one of the most liberal of the patrons and co-workers of the Society. ^^ Resolved, That in expressing our sense of the great value of the services of our late asso- ciate in this Society, and of his work as a cultivator and promoter of natural science, we would dwell with affectionate interest on the gentle graces of character for which he was remarkable, and especially on the shrinking modesty and reserve which veiled so beauti- fully the knowledge and culture they were unable to conceal." Nov. 19th. 1862, by vote of the Society, the names of all persons who had contributed one hundred dollars or upwards towards the erection of the new building, were entered in tlie records as Patrons. 1863. In April of this year there arrived from London casts from the bones of the Megatherium in possession of the British Museum, pi'esented by Joshua Bates, Esq. These were subsequently mounted by Mr. George Sceva, under the direction of Dr. James C. White. The huge animal form thus reconstructed has since been one of the most striking; features of our main hall. At the annual meeting in May it was announced that the Society had been the recipient of a bequest of $9,000 from our late associate and first President, Dr. Benjamin D. Greene. The Treasurer's Report showed receipts of $72,507.76, and expenditures $61,224.31, leaving in his hands $11,283.45. Of the receipts $46,267 had been paid in especially for building purposes, and of the expenditures $58,685.75 had been paid towards the new building. 92 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Report of the Librarian mentions the mnnificent bequest of the library of Dr. Greene, comprising 1,500 volumes or parts, many of which were costly illustrated works, mostly upon botany. This was the largest addition ever made to the Library at any one time. The Curators had but little to report except that the collections were safely housed, awaiting accommodations for exhibition in the new l)uilding. At the election of officers for the ensuing year, Mr. William T. Brigham was chosen Curator of Mineralogy in place of Dr. John Bacon, and Mr. Thomas T. Bouve was chosen Curator of Geology and Paleontology instead of Curator of Geology alone, which office he had previously held, the two being combined in one department. The Building Committee had continued to act vigorously in the lousiness of construction and finish. Already the structure was approaching completion, and cj^uestions concerning ornamentation, railing for balconies, tiling, heating apparatus, library and other cases, had recently occuj^ied their attention. In October the annouiicement was made of the sudden death of Dr. George Hayward, one of the members of the Linnaean Society, and subsequently one of the founders and orig- inal members of the Boston Society of Natural History. He was First Vice-President frcm May, 1830 to May, 1832. October 21st Mr. Alpheus Hyatt was elected Curator of Conchology. On the 4th of November, the President of the Society reported on behalf of the Build- ing Committee that the new building was nearly ready for occupancy and that the Library room was quite so. It was therefore voted — That the Library be moved forthwith and that the next meeting of the Society be held at the new building, if gas is previously introduced into it. It was also voted — That the Curators be authorized to remove their collections as soon as convenient. In accordance with the vote, and gas having been in the meantime carried into the library room, the Society on the 18th of November for the first time, met in their new and capacious building, 79 members being present. The library had already, since the previous meeting, been removed to the room, and now oc- cupied the shelves of the cases. In November of this year, another of the founders of the Society passed away, Mr. Francis Alger. At the meeting held Dec. 2d, Mr. T. T. Bouve remarked that before proceeding to busi- ness it seemed meet that tlie members of the Society should express their apj)reciation of the loss it had sustained in the death of their friend and associate, Mr. Francis Alger. " Public spirited, he alwa3-s felt a strong interest in all institutions designed for the wel- fiire of the people, and often gave of his means for their endowment. Es25ecially was he interested in the promulgation of knowledge relating to his favorite branch of science, that of mineralogy. To further this he Avas always ready to give specimens, inviting ihose interested in the study to select from his duialicates." " But a few days since he suggested to me his intention to send some very large speci- mens of Ijeryl and other minerals to adorn our grounds, and such was his interest in the Society that I cannot but think his large collection would have come into our possession at an early day, if his sudden departure had not prevented the fruition of his wishes." BOSTON SOCIETY" OF NATURAL HISTORY. 93 At the request of the Society, Dr. Chas. T. Jackson prepared a notice of Mr. Alger for the Proceedings, a considerable portion of which will be presented here. " Our late associate, Francis Alger, son of Cyrus Alger, was born in Bridgewater, in this State, March 8th, 1807. In youth he was not studious, and had only a common school edu- cation. His taste for study commenced in 1824, when his attention was first drawn to the science of mineralogy. To his love for that science he attributed his after progress in general learning and scientific attainments. One branch of natural history leads to another, and Mr. Alger soon found himself engaged in the study of shells and plants, first the fossils and then their analogues in the living world. His library shows how exten- sively he studied in the various branches of natural history ; but it was to his first love, mineralogy, that he devoted his chief attention." Having occasion to accompany his father on an excursion for business purposes to Nova Scotia, Mr. Alger collected minerals from near Digby Neck, and in the trap rocks of Gran- ville, a list of which he published in the Boston Journal of Philosophj^ and Arts, upon his return home. He also published a brief description of Nova Scotia minerals in the Amer- ican Journal of Arts and Sciences. In 1827, Mr. Alger and Dr. Chas. T. Jackson made a full exploration of Nova Scotia, and collected a lai'ge number of minerals, the species of which they described by a joint essay in the 14tli and lOth volumes of the American Journal of Science, extra copies being freely distributed gratuitously to scientific men. In 1829, Mr. Alger and Dr. Jackson again visited Nova Scotia, and making many new discoveries, prepared a revised memoir for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Jackson in his notice went on to say, referring to their work together : " In the second joint excursion a schooner was chartered for the voyage, and served as a home along the wild coasts of Nova Scotia. Though Mr. Alger was always very sea sick when in the rough waters of the Bay of Fundy, he bore the affliction with great patience, and when on shore worked with the most enthusiastic zeal in exj^loring for min- erals. It was a great pleasure to witness his joy when a new crystal oven in the trap rocks, or brilliantly studded agate ball was broken open, disclosing to view the ' flowers of the mineral kingdom.' He fairly danced with delight, and thought no labor too severe, when such rewards were to be won. His part in the Memoir was fairly borne, the work of Avriting the descriptions being carefully and equally divided. Soon after its publica- tion, Mr. Alger was elected a Fellow of the American Academy, and took an active intei"- est in the meetings, occasionally communicating some of his scientific observations. . . " Having become interested in the iron and zinc mines of Sussex Co., New Jersey, he made that locality, before well known to the scientific world, still more famous for its rare and unique minerals, and spread them broadcast over the mineralogical world. He often made excursions into the state of New Hampshire, and purchased some of the intei-- esting mines more for the sake of obtaining specimens of the minei'als they jJi'oduced than from any hope of pecuniary gain. He would never sell any mine without reserving the right to all the fine specimens of crystals that should be got out in mining. Fmding that he could not extract and bring lioiiie to his cabinet a large beryl of five tons weight which exists in Grafton, N. H., he purchased the hill, had the crystal uncovered of rock, and considered it ar- in his cabinet and one of his specimens. 94 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE " His ze.al, instead of cooling off, seemed constantly to be inflamed, and I nevei- knew the time when his eyes wonld not sparkle at the sight of a new or beantiful mineral. In New York he met a young man who had a guard-chain made up of fine crystals of gold, every one of them far better than could he found in the cabinets of Europe. He at once bought the chain at a high price, and had the crystals carefully removed and added to his cabinet." In 1S49 Mr. Alger received the honorarv degree of A. M. from Harvard University. Of Mr. Alger's personal character we know that he was a kind hearted man, a firm friend and worthy Christian. He was always disposed to apologize for the short-comings and flxults of others, and he never spoke a hard word except of those whom lie considered irre- claimably vicious, and such men he loathed and did not like even to name. Francis Alger's career in this world is now ended. He died in the field of his pul:)lic duty. He was en- gaged in the city of Washington in perfecting, shrapnel to be employed in restoring the . union of our divided States. Exposure to cold and wet weather, with fatigue and neg- lect of proper personal care of himself, brought on a sudden attack of congestion of the lungs which terminated in typhoid pneumonia, of which he died on the 27th of November, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. Mr. Alger's scientific writings were mostly essays upon minerals puljlished in the Ameri- can Journal of Science and Arts, in the Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and in the Journal and Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. His most important work was what he modestly entitled "Alger's Phillips's Mineralogy." It was an edition of Phillips's Mineralogy increased by Mr. Alger's additions more than one half, the result of his labor for many years. The Society passed the following resolutions : " Resolved, That the Boston Society of Natural Histor}' has learned, with profound sor- row, the death of their late associate and friend, Francis Alger, one of the founders of the Society and for years an efficient Curator in the department of Mineralogy. " Hesohed, That this Society recognizes in Mr. Alger a true lover of science, an active and earnest collaborator, animated with a kindly spirit, calculated to win the friendship of all who knew him, and to excite an interest in the branches of science to which he was devoted." On December 2d, Mr. A. S. Packard, Jr., was elected Curator of Crustacea. 1864. The new year opened auspiciously for the Society, and yet there were sufficient reasons for anxiety concerning the future. Dazzled liy the success which had followed their endeavors to secure for themselves a structure adequate to the requirements of a great institution, they but imperfectly realized the enormous expenses that necessarily attend such work as that to which they were now pledged. There was imminent danger that the income derivable from all sources at command would fall fiir short of the amount required to accomplish what was now expected of tliem. The following extracts from the rfecords of the first meeting of the Society held January IGtli, will show what reasons the members had for new joy and congratulation : " Mr. T. T. Bouve arose to speak of the financial condition of the Society and its enlarged needs in the new building, showing that the capital which liad hitherto barely sujiported the Society, would now be manifestly insufficient for its maintenance. He then read a BOSTON SOCIETY OF XATUKAL HISTORY. 95 letter recently received from Dr. William J. Walker, to whom the Society was already so largely indebted, Avherein he promised to give $20,000 more on condition that others would subscribe a like amount, the whole to be funded and used by the Society as a working cap- ital. In conclusion Mr. Bouve urged very strongly that every member should give his direct personal effort toward the raising of the sum requisite to secure so generous a donation." Rev. Mr. Waterston thought "the time auspicious for the endeavor, since the Society, within the means given for the object, has erected a handsome and spacious edifice, an orna- ment to the city, and most suitable for its wants. We have done all we proposed to do in the outset and have not overburdened ourselves with debt by overstepping the limits of the fund set apart for this special purpose, and now in order to secure a working capital which shall forever place in security our valuable collections, enable us to make a j^roper exhibition of these to the public, and put us upon a proper basis as an active, progressive Society, we call upon the public to subscribe for this object, $20,000 ; failing to secure which, we have barely enough to maintain the building in proper repair, leaving out of consideration our necessities for the proper exhibition and ultimate security of our cabinet, and for the publication of our Proceedings and Memoirs." Others spoke earnestly upon the matter, urging prompt action, and finally a Committee of Subscription was appointed, consisting of Prof Jeffries Wyman, Dr. A. A. Gould, Dr. C. T. Jackson, Prof WilHam B. Rogers, Rev. R. C. Waterston, Dr. Samuel Cabot, F. W. Lin- coln, Dr. Henry Bryant, Dr. Charles Ware, Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, George B. Emerson, Thomas T. Bouve,"Dr. S. L. Abbot, M. D. Ross, R. C. Greenleaf, J. D. Philbrick, Edward Pickering, N. L. Hooper, Lemuel Shaw, C. J. Sprague, Charles C. Sheafe, J. D. Kidder, Thomas Gaflfield, M. S. Scudder, and Dr. J. C. White. This committee issued a circular setting forth the need of a Avorking fund to carry on efficiently the objects of the Society, and mentioning the munificent offer of Dr. William J. Walker to give $20,000 towards this, if a like sum should be obtained by subscription. To fiicilitate obtaining signatures for $100, an alteration Avas made in the By-laws by which the payment of this sum would be requisite to constitute any one a life member, and it Avas understood that all parties subscribing that amount tOAvards the Avorking fund should be made life members. In April, Mr. Bouve announced the death of Dr. EdAvard Hitchcock of Amherst, an honorary member, and subsequently made a short address upon his character, ending with a presentation of the following resolution : " Resolved, That the members of the Boston Society of Natural History recognize in the death of their late distinguished associate. Dr. EdAvard Hitchcock, the loss to themselves, and to the public, of a man of comprehensive ability, of untiring devotion to the cause of science, and of great private worth." A fcAV days previous to the annual meeting of this a' ear, died one Avho had been the first of the Second Vice-Presidents of the Society at the time of its foundation. Dr. John Ware. He was the son of the Rev. Henry Ware, for thirty-five years Professor of Theology at Harvard University, and Avas l^orn at Hingham, Mass., Dec. 19th, 1795. He graduated at Harvard in 1813, and received the degree of M. D. in 1816. In 1817 he removed to Bos- ton, Avhere by steady devotion to his profession, he gradually built up an extensive practice. 96 HISTORICAL SIvETCH OF THE In 1832 he was appointed adjunct Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in Harvard University, and succeeded Dr. James Jackson in 1836, holding the chair until 1858. He was President of the Mass. Medical Society from 1848 to 1852. Dr. Ware was one of a family distinguished for the talents of its members. His father and several brothers were eminent as preachers and theological writers ; one, William, was tlie author of the widely known classical novels of "Zenobia" and '' Aurelian ;" and Henry possessed a fine poetical talent. More than one of the brothers achieved great success in the practice of medicine. Dr. Ware's contributions to the literature of his profession were numerous and very able ; and some of them exercised a great influence, especially the essays on delirium tremens ami on croup. He was a most careful observer, a mature thinker, and very thorough as a teacher. His great liberality and candor Avere as marked as his ability ; and his gentle and lovable nature rounded oft' a character which was aj^preciated as it deserved to be, by all who had the good fortune to be cared for professionally by him, or to enjoy his friendly intercourse. As a 2Dhysician, he was wholly devoted and faithful, as he was in all other relations of life. Dr. Ware died in Boston on the 29th of April, 18G4, in the seventieth year of his age. At the annual meeting in May, the Treasurer, before presenting his report, announced the agreeable intelligence that the subscriptions to the working fund had reached the re- quix-ed sum of $20,000, and that consequently the $40,000 was secured. His report stated that the receipts for the year amounted to $24,955.90, which added to the balance of last year, made $36,239.35; the exjoenditures had been $32,121.16, leaving a cash balance of $4,118.19. Of the $24,955.90 received, $7,700 were from subscriptions already paid on the working fund. Of the $32,121.16 paid $27,773.07 had been on the new buildiug. The Librarian, Mr. Chas. K. Dillaway, after serving the Society for the long period of thirty-one years, having been elected in 1833, in tendering his thirty-first and final report, resigned the position so long and fiiithfully held, much to the regret of the members, to whom he was endeared by long and intimate association. The record of the meeting states that in presenting the report, Mr. Dillaway gave an interesting account of the pro- gress of the Society in every department during his connection with it. The Library, he said, at the time of his first annual report contained about 200 volumes ; now we have over 6000 of great value. In 1833 we had published nothing and had no exchanges; now our Journal and Proceedings go to every kindred Society in America and Europe. Since the last annual meeting there had been received fi'om donations 915 volumes and 559 pam- phlets and parts of volumes, including the munificent bequest of the late Dr. Greene ; from exchanges 40 volumes and 197 j^ai'ts of volumes, making with some from other sources an addition of 970 volumes and 778 parts of volumes. Since our removal to this building every book has been numbered, labelled, catalogued and jilaced upon the shelves, for a great part of which labor the Society was under obligations to Mr. Samuel H. Scudder. The warm thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. Dillaway for his long and efficient services, and he was requested by unanimous vote to make use of the rooms of the Society for private instruction as heretofore. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 97 The Curators having now placed their collections in the new building were enabled generally to report upon their magnitude and condition. It will be well to jDresent here, now that the Society starts upon a new era of activity, the substance of what was stated respecting the cabinet. The Curator of Oi'nithology reported the collection of birds, notwithstanding the time it was stored in Bulfinch Street, to be in as good order as when it was taken from the old building in Mason Street; that several large additions had been made to it since entering the new building, principally by the Smithsonian Institution and by himself; and that the whole number of mounted birds is now more than twenty-five hundred. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy rejaorted that the collection of his department had all been removed in good condition, and that the skeletons and parts of skeletons had been arranged in the places allotted to them ; that the skins not in the hands of the taxi- dermist, for want of money, were in the cellar exposed to injury from insects. The collec- tion was briefly described as follows : Mammals: skeletons, mounted 73, unmounted 25; parts of skeletons, 107; skulls, 279 ; teeth, 93. Birds : skeletons, 25 ; parts of skeletons, 56 ; skulls, 87. Reptiles : skeletons, 13 ; parts of skeletons, 8 ; skulls. 21. Fish : skeletons, ; parts of skeletons, 57 ; skulls, 21. Alcoholic specimens, 100 ; horns, 50 ; miscellaneous, 25 ; skins not estimated. During the past year the large collection of mammalian skeletons which came into the possession of the Society at the burning of the Menagerie in 1861, had been mounted in a very correct and beautiful manner by Mr. George Sceva. Several valuable donations had been received, the principal donors being Dr. Henry Bryant, Mr. George Sceva, Mr. C. J. Sprague, Dr. Borland, Mr. W. H. Dall, Dr. B. Joy Jeffries and Mr. J. M. Barnard. The Curator of Herpetology reported that there were in the collection representatives of 500 species. During the winter and spring much work was done in arranging them and in placing a certain number of each species in fresh bottles and clean alcohol. Some speci- mens had become worthless and were thrown away. The reptiles of Massachusetts were tolerably well represented, but many common species were lacking which the Curator hoped to obtain before the next annual meetiuin;. The Curator of Ichthyology reported that the fishes had not been materially injured by their storage in Bulfinch Street. He stated, however, that when they were carried there from Mason Street the poor specimens thrown away left a deficiency in Massachusetts fishes which he expected might be supplied during the season. This is the first indication given of the fote of the magnificent collection of Massachusetts fishes, largely type specimens, collected by Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, and presented by him to the Society. The want of jars and alcohol was strongly lu'ged to the attention of the Society. The collection was stated to consist of 280 species, 800 specimens from North America ; 80 species, 250 specimens from the West Indies and Bermuda ; 45 species, 62 specimens from the fresh waters of South America; 8 species, 9 specimens from Africa ; 14 species, 16 specimens from Europe; 115 species, 197 specimens from the Hawaiian Islands; 60 species, 236 specimens of duplicates for exchange ; 25 species, 200 specimens dry, from various localities. In all 627 species, and 1770 specimens. 98 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Curator of Crustacea reported that the collection had been removed without serious injury. The additions during the year were a few native forms, presented by Mr. W. II. Dall of Medfoixl. The collection contains 122 species of alcoholic specimens, 198 species of dry specimens. The Curator of Oology reported that the original collections of the Society had been increased by the local collections of Mr. Thoreau of Concord and Mr. W. H. Henck of Dedham. The number of specimens belonging to the department was not reported. The Curator of Conchology reported considerable donations of shells from Dr. Gould, Dr. Gundlach of Cuba, and Mr. J. M. Bai'nard, together about 500 species, but made no mention of the number in the cabinet. The Curator of Botany reported an immense amount of work done l)y him in arranging the plants of the collection in the most scientific manner, and in thoroughly protecting them by means of poison from the attacks of insects. There were many packages still unarranged, but which had been carefully examined. A collection of dried plants had been commenced, and the Curator had incorporated his own private specimens with those of the Society. The number of seed vessels and fruits he reported as 230. The Cui'ator of Mineralogy reported the safe removal of specimens in his department, and their favorable arrangement for exhilaition. He mentions the donation by Dr. Charles T. Jackson of a portion of his private collection which had been for a long time stored in the apartments of the Society. The Curator of Microscopy reported the safe deposit of the collection of this depart- ment, embracino- the mnfjuificent e;ift of Prof Bailev, in the room allotted to it. The Curator of Ethnology made a full report upon the collection of this department. It embraced stone implements of the aboriginal inhabitants of New England, collected by the late Mr. Thoreau ; hat, bows, models of paddles and canoes of the Chinnook or mari- time tribes around Puget Sound ; hat, dress, models of canoes, and other articles from Russian America ; pottery from Central America or Peru ; sharks' teeth swords, war implements of the Kingsmill Coral Islands ; articles from the Hawaiian Islands, some of them now unknown on those islands ; stone adzes from the Hervey Islands ; war club from the Samoan Islands ; articles from New Zealand ; clubs, female dress and bark cloth from the Feejee Mauds ; implements from various other localities; Hindoo idol, African krisses, Egyptian relics, Roman lamp, &c. The office of Cabinet Keeper was abolished at this time and that of Custodian created. The duties of this officer were defined as follows : The Custodian was to be a person of acknowledged scientific attainments. He was to have general charge of the building and its contents, have free access to the collections at all times, and act in concert with the Curators, to whom he should bear the relation of advisor and assistant. In case of absence or neglect of Curators, he was to act in their stead and perform their duties. He was required to prepare and read at the annual meet- ing a report of the state of the museum, compiled from the special reports of the Curators. He was to keep a Donation Book and record the names of donors, and perform such other duties as might be prescribed by the Council, and mutually agreed upon. At the election of officers which followed the reports of the Curators, S. H. Scudder was chosen Recording Secretary, Librarian and Custodian, and A. E. Verrill Curator of Radiata in place of Theodore Lyman who had engaged in the service of the United States. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 99 It was voted by the Council at a meeting held on May 4th that the new building should be known as the " Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History." On May 27th the Council directed that the Museum be open to the puljlic on Wednes- days and Saturdays, and that it also be open to the members and patrons, or to such as have tickets, on Thursdays. The Committee of Arrangements for the dedication of the Museum announced that those only would be admitted to the ceremonies who presented tickets, which had been distributed to all the members and patrons. Dedication of the Museum. This notable event in the history of the Society took place on the afternoon of June 3d, the ceremonies being in the main hall of the Museum. At about 4 o'clock tlie Presi- dent invited the Rev. Dr. Hill of Harvard University, to offer prayer. After this service the President made some remarks appropriate to the occasion, expres- sive of gratitude felt for the liberality of the Commonwealth and the munificence of indi- viduals, which had resulted in placing the Society in the high position it now occupied. He then introduced Prof Wm. B. Rogers, who gave a brief history of the movements made by the Society, which had resulted in its possession of the beautiful edifice to which the audience were now welcomed. He alluded to the fact that even whilst the flames of civil war were lighting up the country, the legislature of the State made the grant of land the Society asked for, adding that for this gift it was as much indebted to Governor Andrew as to any other man. Prof Rogers then spoke of the progress of the Society and of the means it would now afibrd the student in scientific pursuits. He regarded the interest shown in the Society during these years of war as evidence of the desire of the community for truth, ending by gratefully referring to those who were struggling through conflict for peace, without which many of the blessings we enjoy would vanish like smoke. His Honor the Mayor, F. W. Lincoln,.Jr., next addressed the assembly, and in the name of the citizens of Boston bade the members God speed in all their honorable efforts. Rev. Dr. Waterston followed, giving a very interesting address upon the importance of such an institution as that of the Boston Society of Natural History. Its objects, like those of the Public Library and the Institute of Technology, were important for the higher educa- tion of the community. All citizens might take an interest in it with great advantage to themselves, for it furnishes the means of enlarging their sphere of knowledge. He thought its success should be viewed with reverent gratitude, since all who participated in its ben- efits would find an increased enjoyment. Lieutenant Lutke of the Russian Navy, aide-de-camp of the Grand Duke Constantine, who had been invited to be present, made a few remarks expressive of his high gratifica- tion in being able to participate in the ceremonies of the dedication. After further remarks by Professor Rogers upon the taste displayed by the architect in the construction of the building, and the conscientious devotion constantly manifested by him while erecting it, the audience was invited by the President to remain and examine the collections. 100 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The account thus given of an exceedingly interesting occasion is hirgely derived from the newspapers of the day, the records of the Society being meagre. In June of this year the Society lost one of the most promising of its younger mem- bers, Carleton Atvvood Shurtleff. He was particularly interested in entomology, and had recently prepared a paper upon the general plan of venation in the orders of insects, which was presented and read by Mr. S. H. Scudder at a meeting in September, accompanied by some remarks upon the scientific chai'acter and attainments of the deceased. The collec- tion of insects and plants made by Mr. Shurtleff, and his scientific papers, w'ere sent to the Society by the bereaved family, with the expressed wish that they should be regarded as a bequest from him who had manifested such an interest in its welfare. The collection consisted of a considerable number of native plants, over a hundred hotr ties of alcoholic specimens, mostly insects, quite a large number of dried chrysalids of insects, and a cabinet of dried insects containing about six thousand specimens Ijeautifully prepared, mostly from the vicinity, but including sevei'al hundred from China and Japan. At a special meeting on the 12th of August, it was announced that the twenty thou- sand dollars offered by Dr. Walker, towards a working fund for the Society, on condition that other individuals should subscribe a like amount, was secured, as one hundred and thirty-five persons had subscribed twenty thousand, seven hundred and five dollars. The income receivable from the amount given by Dr. Walker was subjected by him to certain conditions which are shown by the following extract from the agreement with him. '' The said aggregate sum of money (forty thousand seven hundred and five dollars), shall be invested and kept invested in some productive real estate, or if such cannot be con- veniently obtained, in mortgages, bonds, stocks, or other personal property, and shall form a permanent fund, the principal of which shall not be infringed upon under any circum- stances, but if through unavoidable casualties, or otherwise, any portion of said aggregate fund should be lost, the whole income of the remainder of said aggregate fund shall be ret;ained and added to said fund until said loss is fully made up ; all investments and changes of investments of said funds, are to be subject to the approval of the supervisors hereinafter named ; all deeds, certificates and evidences relating to said aggregate fund, are to be kept distinct from those of all other investments of said Society ; and the accounts of the principal thereof shall be kept separate from all other accounts of the Society. "John A. Andrew and Samuel K. Williams of said Boston, County of Suffolk, Jeffries Wyman of Cambridge, of the County of Middlesex, Thomas T. Bouve of the said Boston, and George A. Kettell of Chai'lestown, of said County of Middlesex, shall be the super- visors of the funds of the trust hereby erected ; and during their lives, the approval in writing of the major part of them, or of the major jiart of the survivors of them, or of their successors in the trust, shall be requisite to the v'alidity of any sale or investment of the trust property. " From one half of the income of the said aggregate fund representing the gift of the said William J. Walkei', there shall be annually offered two prizes for the best memoirs, and in the English language, on subjects proposed by a committee appointed by the Council of said Society, as follows : " First, for the best memoir presented, a prize of sixty dollars may be awarded. If, however, the memoir be one of marked merit, the amount awarded may be increased to one hundred dollars, at the discretion of the committee. _ BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 101 " Second, for the next best memoir, a prize not exceeding fifty dollars m.ay be awarded at the discretion of the committee ; but neither of the above prizes shall be awarded unless the memoirs presented shall be deemed of adequate merit. " Third, Grand Honorary Prize. The sum of two hundred dollars shall be set aside each year from the income of the trust fund representing the donation of the said William J. Walker, and shall with the accumulations therefrom, form a prize fund ; when said prize fund amounts to the sum of two thousand dollars, the Council of the Society may award and pay therefrom tlie sum of five hundred dollars for such scientific investigation, or dis- covery in natural history, as they may think deserving thereof; provided such investiga- tion or discovery shall have first been made known and published in the United States of America, and shall have been at the time of said award, made known and published at least one year ; if in consequence of the extraordinary merit of any such investigation or discovery, the Council of the Society shall see fit, they may award therefor the sum of one thousand dollars. " After the said prizes shall have been thus awarded, the residue of said fund shall be retained, and a certain portion of the income of the ti'ust fund, not exceeding two hundred dollars, shall be annually ap^jropriated by a vote of the Council of the Society, to the for- mation of a new prize fund of one thousand dollars, and when, and as often as said prize fund amounts to said sum, the Council of said Society may again award a prize therefrom in the manner above stated ; provided, however, that the said prize shall not be awarded oftener than once in five years ; and also, as said prize is to be awarded for merit solely, if no sufficiently meritorious investigation or discovery is brought to the notice of the Council, they may withhold said prize at their discretion, until an investigation or discov- ery of sufficient merit shall be published and made known. " After the above appropriations have been set aside from the annual increase of said trust fund, given by the said William J. Walker, the residue of said income is to be applied as follows : " First, to pay for procuring the necessary means for the preservation and exhibition of the specimens belonging to the cabinet of said Society, such as the purchase of alcohol and other antiseptics, jars, bottles, barrels, and the materials for the proper mounting, labelling and displaying of the specimens, but not to expenses in the nature of salaries or wages, or for labor, or instruction, or for cases or other furniture, nor for the purchase of specimens, but may be economically applied to the necessary repairs of the building in which the collections of the Society are preserved, and for gaslights and fuel. " Second, should the v.hole income of the fund not be required for the above named pur- poses, the balance thereof may be reserved and used for such purposes in future years, or added to the principal of the fund at the discretion of the Society." In November, the Curator of Entomology reported the collection of insects of the Society in a dangerous condition, requiring prompt and close attention whicli he could not give ; another evidence that without parties paid to constantly look after the collections, and ad- • equate means to provide all possible protection for the specimens, it was worse than useless to make them. In this case a paper was circulated for subscriptions among the officers of the Society that enough money might be realized to hire an assistant. 102 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE It will be remembered that a Section of Microscopy was founded in 1857, and that for sometime afterwards it showed signs of activity, which were manifested less and less until all mention of its existence ceased to be made in the records. In December of this year, in response to an invitation from the Curator of Microscopy, sixteen gentlemen interested in the revival of the Section, met and appointed a committee of reorganization. This com- mittee reported a series of rules for the government of the Section a fortnight later, which were adopted. Among them there was one providing that the meetings should take place on the second Wednesday of every month in the room of the department. 1865. At a meeting held on the 1-jth of February the Rev. Mr. Waterston addressed the meeting upon some of the educational instrumentalities which he thought within reach of the Society, ending with a motion : " That a committee of three be appointed to consider the subject of courses of lectures to the public school teachers of this vicinity with full powers to act." This motion was strongly seconded by Mr. John Cummings, and upon his suggestion a vote was passed that the committee be nominated by the chair. The Rev. Mr. Waterston, Dr. Augustus A. Gould and Dr. James C. White were made this committee. The action thus taken by the Society is well worthy especial notice for several reasons. ne is that it clearly shows to whom is due the first conception of a plan to impart instruction to the teachers of the public schools. To the Rev. Mr. Waterston unquestion- ably belongs that honor. Another is that it indicates the early interest felt in such teach- ing by the gentleman who seconded with much earnestness the original motion. Many years afterwards several courses of lectures to the teachers of the public schools were given under the auspices of the Society, the whole expenses of which were generously borne by the gentleman alluded to, Mr. John Cummings. Still another reason why this action merits attention is the surprising fact that there is not to be found in the subsequent records of the Society, or of the Council, one word im- plying that anvthing grew out of the proposition and motion of Mr. Waterston. It is hard to believe that this can be said relative to one of the most commendable acts the Society ever engaged in, and yet it is strictly true. Fortunately for the presentation of what followed, the Report of the Superintendent of Public Schools enables the writer to do that justice to the Society which its own records fail to do. John D. Philbrick was then the Superintendent, and his report of September, 1865, to the Board of School Committee, eml)races the following paragraphs : " During the past year, an event worthy of record, and highly gratifving to the friends of education, may be found in the foct that one of the most important and well endowed scientific institutions in this community, made arrangements for a series of lectures on dif- ferent branches of natural history, which were prepared expressly for the teachers of the public schools of Boston. " The large hall belonging to the Society of Natural History was thronged with earnest listeners. The lectures were amply illustrated by specimens and diagrams, and at the close of each lecture the rich and extensive cabinets of the Society were generously thrown open for the inspection of all present. At the introductory meeting, the teachers were addressed by His Excellency Governor Andrew, His Honor the Mayor, President Hill of Harvard University, George B. Emerson, LL.D., and other eminent friends of education. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 103 " Tlie lectures which followed in successive weeks were by Professor Wyman, President of the Society of Natural History, Professor Rogers, of the Institute of Technology, Dr. Augus- tus A. Gould, Rev. R. C. Waterston, D.D., and Professor Gray of Harvard University. They embraced branches of natural history of the deepest interest, and when it is remembered that here were assembled some six hundred teachers, having daily under their care more than twenty-seven thousand children, it may readily be believed that a fresh impulse must have been given, which could not fail to be beneficial and widely felt. Wholly aside from the valuable knowledge thus imparted and acquired, the memorable fact not to be over- looked or forgotten, is this, that one of the ablest bodies of scientific men in our commu- nity thus publicly extended the most courteous hospitalities to the teachers of the public schools, inviting them to meet, through successive weeks, at the spacious hall, arranging gratuitous lectures upon various branches of natural history, by men especially qualified to give valuable information, and to awaken interest among the teachers for whose particu- lar advantage they were given." At the close of the last lecture, the teachers unanimously passed resolutions expressive of their recognition of the generous action of the Society, thanking the lecturers wai-mly, and especially the Rev. R. C. Waterston, for the interest he had manifested in the success of the intellectual entertainments to which they had been invited. On the 5th day of April, 1865, the President announced the death of Dr. William J. Walker, which event took place at Newport, R. I., on the 2d inst. He remarked upon the great interest Dr. Walker had shown in our welfare, and offered the following resolution, which was passed unanimously : " Resolved, That the Boston Society of Natural History recognize in the death of Dr. William Johnson Walker the loss of their greatest benefactor, and in view of his munifi- cent gifts to this Society and his beneficent aid to the cause of education and science, we would ever hold his name in honorable and grateful remembrance." A motion was made at this meeting significant of the anxious feelings that pervaded the public mind at this important crisis in our country's experience. The rebel army under Lee had just been forced from Richmond and was being pursued by General Grant with all the forces at his disposal. Everybody was in hourly expectation of decisive news, and too much excited to calmly consider ordinary matters. Dr. Augustus A. Gould therefore moved : " That in view of the absorbing interests of the hour in national affairs, the Society adjourn, and hold an informal meeting for the expres- sion of sentiment." This -motion was passed, and the Society as such adjourned. An informal meeting then followed, and brief addresses were made on the subject that agitated all minds, by Drs. Wyman, Gould and Jeffries, Prof Chadbourne, and Messrs. Ross and Bouve. Of the great benefactor of the Society, concerning whom action was taken by it as mentioned above, the following notice is j^resented : Dr. William Johnson Walker. Dr. William Johnson Walker was born March loth, 1789, at Charlestown, Mass. His father. Major Timothy Walker, was a prominent citizen of the town, and came originally from Burlington, Mass., where he, as well as his wife, was born. 104 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Dr. Walker was the second son in a large family of children. He was educated in the public schools of Charlestown, prepared for college at Phillips Academy, and graduated at Harvard in the class of 1810. He studied medicine with Dr. (afterward Governor) John Brooks at Medford, giving particular attention to the branches of physiology and anatomy. While yet a student, he won the prize of the Boylstou Medical Committee at Harvard Col- lege for an essay on Hydrocephalus, in 1813. Graduating the same year at the Massachusetts Medical College, he sailed for France and entered the Paris hospitals, where he found unusual opportunities for study and prac- tice on account of the scarcity of French students, caused by the rigid conscriptions of Napoleon. He had the advantage of being under the instruction of many of the ablest French surgeons of the time, and subsequently was a pupil of Sir Astley Cooper in Lon- don, where he spent six months in the hospitals. Then, returning home, he entered upon the practice of his profession in Charlestown, and soon established his reputation as a very able practitioner. He was appointed physician to the Massachusetts State Prison and con- sulting surgeon to the Massachusetts General Hospital. He practised in Charlestown about thirty years, but finally withdrew from his profession, and moved to Boston. This course was looked upon by his numerous patients with the greatest disappointment and sorrow, as he had devoted himself to them with the utmost faithfulness and kindness, and was univer- sally beloved by all whom he had occasion to care for professionally, more especially by those who were poor and helpless. Although probably while he practised, he had no superior in surgery, yet he was among his contemporaries quite unpopular as a man, owing to his marked peculiarities. But with all this, he] was very kind toward young physicians, and was much consulted by them. He had an extensive experience as a medical instructor, and was very successful. His well known accurate knowledge of anatomy and careful investigation into the natural history of disease, caused him to be Avidely looked up to, and his j^upils were numerous. Upon removing to Boston, he interested himself in financial and business matters, espec- ially in manuflictures and railroads, and from his great shrewdness in investments, rather than in speculations, rapidly amassed a large fortune, which he no sooner obtained than he set himself to expend in the most enlightened and generous manner. He gave away during his lifetime very great sums to various of the educational institutions of his native State and at his death left still larger amounts for such noble purposes. He was a most munifi- cent friend to the Society of Natural History. The amounts of money which he gave out- right and willed to the Society are elsewhese summed up in detail, and it is only necessary here to say that without his magnificent generosity, the Society would have been to-day in far difterent circumstances from those in which it finds itself; owing as it does in great measure to him the buildinu; in which is its home. It can never fors:et its a:reat obliga- tions to him, and will hold his memory in grateful remembrance. Dr. Walker died in Newport, R. I., whither he had removed the latter part of his life, on the 2d of April, 1865. He had married in 1817, Eliza Hurd, daughter of Joseph Hurd of Charlestown. By her he had eight children, five of whom, with the widow, survived him. On the 15th day of April a special meeting of the Council was held for the purpose of healing a statement from the executors of the will of the late Dr. William J. Walker rela- (lrMt that Dr. Gould was a member of the medical profession, and that his time was of necessity chiefly devoted to this, while the scientific labors we have been considering were the yield of spare moments made useful. He was an active member of the medical societies of this city and of th.j State and held ofiices of trust in them. The Massachusetts Medical Society conferred on him the honors which it has to bestow upon its fellows. In 1855 he delivered the annual address, which was marked for the soundness of its views and the characteristic clearness and elegance with which they were presented He took for his text the advice of- Harvey to the Eoyal College of Physicians of London when he founded the annual oration which bears his name, and in which, among other things, he enjoins upon the orator " an exhortation to the members to study and search out the secrets of nature by the way of experiment." Dr. Gould was elected president of the Medical Society, and his term of office ended within a few months of his death. He was for several years one of the physicians of the Massachusetts General Hospital, was an efficient member of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement, where he often com- municated valuable observations, and took an active part in its discussions. He labored much and long in preparing the vital statistics of the State from the official returns. At one of the meetings of the National Academy of Sciences, of which he was a -mem- ber, he presented an important paper on the distribution of certain diseases, especially consumption, in reference to the hygienic choice of a location for the cure of invalid soldiers. As a citizen. Dr. Gould made a j^rinciple of going out of the ordinary routine of life to lend a helloing hand wherever it was desired, and he could. He served the public in many capacities ; in the religious society of which he was from early life a member, and in the public schools, where he took an active interest in all attempts to improve the ways and means of instruction. He from time to time gave puljlic lectures, and although in this capacity he could not be said to be brilliant or highly accomplished, yet his unostentatious manner and simplicity, his knowledge of his subject and hearty interest in it, always gained him attentive listeners, who went away instructed. In his temperament he was genial, and drew friends around him, retaining the old and attracting the new. He came to the social gathering with joyous face and kindly feelings. His love for natural scenery was genuine and hearty, and whatever personal enjoyment came from this source, it was always enhanced if others partook of it with him. There are too many naturalists who stand in the presence of nature all their days, but see her not. To them the world offers nothing but the fonns they would technically describe and arrange in their cabinets. Take away this object and all Ijecomes a waste, for they are neither warmed nor enlivened by the world around them. Not so with our associate ; no one toiled more industriously than he over individual forms and specific descriptions ; but all this aside, every aspect of nature touched him to the innermost. Those who have been intimate with hun know how his face would light up while in the presence of the least as weU as of the greatest natural objects! the flower of a day, or the sturdy tree 116 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE that had known its centuries of life, the quiet or the grander scenes of the world. His emotions were not those of an enthusiast, but rather came of a clear perception and calm contemplation of the things around him, and of his own responsive nature. His life, all too poorly and inadequately represented in this sketch, was throughout a consistent one, and to the end each day was full to the round. He was still endeavoring to improve what had been done before, and looking forward to the accomplishment of new and better ends, when suddenly it was closed. He had been less well than usual; on the afternoon of September 14th, 18G6, he manifested the usual symptoms of an attack of Asiatic cholera, soon after fell into a state of collapse, and on the following morning just before the dawn, he died. The office of Custodian, it will be remembered, was created in May 1864, and Mr. Sam- uel H. Scudder was elected to fill it. He held it one year only, when it became vacant and remained so until October 3d of this year, Dr. Packard performing its duties tempora- rily by appointment of the Council. The great importance of having the constant services of some able person who would at the same time perform the special duties appertaining to this office and also act as Librarian and Recording Secretary, led the Com- mittee on nominations to propose Mr. Scudder again to the Society for Custodian, and he was elected. An arrangement was then made by the Council with him, by which it was agreed that he should give his undivided attention to the wants of the Society through- out the year, excepting such time as might be allowed him for a vacation of from one to two months, and that he should perform all duties of Custodian, Librarian and Recording Secretary. The Society to provide permanent assistance in the Library department as heretofore, and also in the special manipulation of specunens which require immediate care for their preservation. Before the death of our lamented associate, Dr. Gould, there had been some negotiation with him for the purchase of his cabinet of shells, as he had expressed a willingness to part with it to the Society at a price much less than he would be willing to accept from any other party, as he desired it should finally have a place in the Museum. The only reason why the purchase had not been consummated was that Dr. Gould first wished to put it in good order, and to properly label all the specimens. This work he did not find leisure to do, and consequently much time of an able conchologist would be required to perform it. It was deemed therefore inexpedient to compete with others who oflered more than the Society could afford to pay. This was more to be regretted because of its having been the collection of one so much revered by the members, and because it contained many type specimens of species described by him. A large number of the species were, however, already in our cabinet. In November, the Society, upon motion of Dr. J. C. White, passed resolutions expressing appreciation of the value of the gift of Mr. Peabody to Harvard University for the founda- tion of a Museum and Professorship of American Archaeology and Ethnology, • and great pleasure in the recognition on his part of the relation of this Society to that impor- tant department of Science in the selection of its President for one of the Trustees of the munificent endowment made by him. By the terms of this donation, the President of the Society is, ex-officio, one of the Trustees. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 117 At the meeting of Nov. 2d, Mr. Thos. T. Bouve was elected Vice-President of the Soci- ety, to fill the vacancy made by the death of Dr. Gould. A Section of Entomology was formed at the meeting of Nov. 28th. Members of the Soci- ety only to be members of the section, the President of the Society to be ex-officio President of the section, and the Recording Secretary of the Society Recording Secretary of the section. The meetings to be held on the evening of the 4th Wednesday of each month. 1867. In January of this year, Palaentology, which had been combined with Geology, was raised to a separate department, and Thomas T. Bouve was made its Curator. Wm. T. Brigham was chosen Curator of Geology. Early in this year the Society was the recipient of a munificent bequest from Miss Sarah P. Pratt. This lady had long been interested in the study of conchology, and had made a large collection of shells obtained from every quarter of the globe, many of them beino- of rare species. The whole cabinet, consisting of more than 4000 specimens, was Ijequeathed to the Society, together with her library and works on conchology, and the sum of $10,000 to be held as a fund for the increase and maintenance of the department devoted to that science. As Avitli individuals, so with institutions, events often succeed each other of the most diverse character, those of a joyful foUoAving such as are painfid, and the reverse. Not a week had elapsed after the announcement of the bequest above-mentioned, when news was received of the death of one of the great benefactors of the Society, Dr. Henry Bryant. At a meeting held on the 20th of February, after some remarks by Mr. Bouve expressive of the feeling that pervaded and saddened all hearts, a committee consisting of Drs. S. L. Abbot and J. C. White, and J. E. Cabot, Esq., was appointed to prepare a notice of the professional and scientific life of the deceased. In behalf of this committee. Dr. S. L. Abbot subsequently read before the Society a very full and discriminating notice of Dr. Bryant, which appeared in Vol. XI of the published Proceedings, and from which the following brief abstract is given. Dr. Henry Bryant was born in Boston, May 12, 1820. He entered Harvard University in 1836, graduated in 1840, then studied medicine in the Tremont Medical School, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1843. He afterwards studied in Paris and subsequently joined the French army in Africa as a volunteer suro-eon, in which capacity he served during the winter campagn of 1846. He returned home in 1847 and commenced the practice of his profession. His Jiealth failing him he was oblio-ed to o-ive up practice, and he ever after devoted himself to the study of Ornithology, which had always been a favorite pursuit with him. The precarious state of his health compelled him to take a great deal of outdoor exercise, and his active, energetic temperament led him often to the most distant parts of the country for the purpose of collecting specimens of Orni- thology. He had a singular power of endurance, and invalid as he was, a most stoical indiflerence to considerations of personal comfort on these expeditions, whicli sometimes lasted for months, many of them being out of the country among the West India Islands. On the outbreak of the civil war, he offered himself as a candidate for the position of assistant surgeon in the regular army, and after a very severe examination was accepted but subsequently was appointed surgeon of the 20th regiment Massachusetts Volunteers' being promoted to be brigade surgeon, in September, 1861. He was afterwards Med- 118 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE ical Director in the army of General Shields, in the Shenandoah Valley. While engaged in this service he was severely hurt by his horse falling upon him, and confined to his bed for a portion of the many months during which he suffered from his injuries. Yet, although it was even thouglit for a while that he might have to undergo amputation of his foot, he continued on duty all the time, and in the midst of his sufferings oi-ganized the military hospitals at Winchester. In August, 1862, he took charge of the Cliffburn hos- pital near Washington, and in Decemljer, 1862, was ordered to assume the care and oper- ation of the Lincoln hospital, in Washington, which under his thorough and most excellent administration, was regarded as a model hospital. But close confinement and excessive mental labor broke down his health and strength, and he was eventually compelled in May, 1863, to resign his commission. His faithful service in his country's cause very nearly cost him his life, so utterly exhausted had he become by unremitting work. After the close of the war he went to Europe twice, and in December, 186G, visited Porto Rico. For some weeks he travelled about the Lsland, suffering extremely from ill health all the time, but working at his favorite pursuits unintermittingly, until the 1st of February, when he was taken vniii what proved to be his last violent attack of illness, while on an expedition in the countiy, and died the next day. Dr. Bryant was no common man. He was peculiar in certain ways, but much of this peculiarity arose undoubtedly from his ill health and bodily suffering. His thorough- ness, intellectual honesty, and faithfulness to duty were marked characteristics through his whole career. He was as true as steel, through and through genuine, and with far more kindliness and wider spnpathy than he ever liked to show. Dr. Bryant was elected a member of this Society in November, 1841. He served as Cabinet^keeper for a part of 1843, and took charge in 1855 of the Entomological collection for a time. From 1854 to the time of his death, he was Curator of Ornithology. He was a most munificent friend to the Museum of the Society, his donations embracing reptiles, fishes, crustaceous insects, minerals and birds. His most valuable gift was the magnificent Lafresnaye collection of birds, which amounted to nearly nine thousand fine specimens. Extensive pecuniary aid was also received from him whenever the purchase of collections was desirable for the museum. Dr. Bryant married in 1848, Miss Elizabeth B. Sohier, daughter of W. D. Sohier, Esq., of Boston. In March of this year Professor Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, expressed a strong desire that the Society should cooperate with that institution in extending the system of explorations undertaken by it, in return for Avhich the Society should receive the first choice among the duplicates of objects of natural history. He desired a yearly appropria- tion of $500. There was a unanimous wish on the part of the Council to act favorably upon the propo- sition which resulted in a vote : "That the sum of $500 l^e placed at the disposal of the Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the purpose mentioned, and that the Secretary intimate the desire of the Council to assist further at a future time." April. The necessity of refraining from any account of the scientific papers brought before the Society or of the discussions that took pla^e at the meetings, in order to con- fine this sketch within reasonable limits, has often prevented even a reference to much of BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 119 public interest. There was one subject, however, brought before the meeting of April 17th of this year, which is here mentioned, because there is yet quite as much diversity of opinion upon it as at that time, and some readers may be interested to learn where to look for the views of two distinguished members of the Society whose investigations led them to diametrically opposite conclusions. This subject was practically what was likely to be the result of the introduction here of the common house-sparrow of Europe. Dr. Charles Pickering ably presented his ideas on the question, maintaining that nothing but evil would follow their increase ; that its habits were of the most destructive character and that it had been the enemy of mankind for five thousand years. Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, on the other hand, at a subsequent meeting, defended the bird from the charges preferred against it, claimed that it had already accomplished much good in the destruction of insects, and cited the authority of many authors in proof of its great usefulness. The papers pre- sented were meagrely reported, but may be found in the eleventh volume of the Pro- ceedings. The establishment of the Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology at Cam- bridge through the munificence of George Peabody, Esq., gave rise to the question wdiether it was worth while for the Society to continue its department of Ethnology. After much consideration it was judged best to abolish it, and this was accordingly done by a vote of the Council. The collection was afterwards presented to the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology at Cambridge. Some of the rooms of the Museum which had remained unfinished were at this time prepared for use by laying the floors and building cases. The lecture room was also finished. Just before the annual meeting the Society was the recipient of a bequest from a former patron, Mr. Paschal P. Pope, of $20,000. This large sum was most gratefully received. Mr. Pope had been a successful merchant and had accumulated a large fortune, the greater portion of which he bequeathed to various public institutions. He had the reputation of being a highly honorable man, and died at an advanced age, much respected by all whs knew him. At the annual meeting, May 1st, the Custodian reported that there were now held every week meetings of the general Society, or of the sections of Entomology and Microscopy. There had been thirty-five meetings of the Society ; forty-four communications on various branches of natural history had been read ; forty-one Resident, seven Corresponding, and four Honorary Members elected. The first number of the Memoirs in quarto had been issued, and the first quarter of Volume XI of the Proceedings completed. The museum had been open one hundred and one days, with an average of three hundred and twelve visitors per diem. The Library had increased in size, mainly through the efforts made to effect exchanges for our publications by the Librarian when in Europe. It will perhaps surprise readers to learn that an amount equivalent to 400,000 octavo pages of the publications of the Society had been sent away during the year. The donations to the cabinet had been less numerous than usual. Including the bequest of Miss Pratt, there' had been added 20,202 specimens. Among these and worthy of mention, was a valuable collection of volcanic specimens from the Hawaiian Islands, pre sented by Mr. Wm. T. Brigham. 120 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Treasurer's report showed receipts from all sources, of $13,281.23, and expenditures of $11,022.93. There had been no essays offered in competition for the annual Walker prize. The changes in the officers at the election were in Alpheus Hyatt being chosen Curator of Palaeontology in place of Thomas T. Bouve ; J. Eliot Cabot, Curator of Ornithology, in place of Dr. Henry Bryant, deceased ; and Edward S. Morse, Curator of Conchology, in place of Alpheus Hyatt. At a meeting in June of this year, the death of Thomas Balfinch, long a member of the Society, and for six years its Recording Secretary, was announced by the Rev. R. C. Water- ston, with appropriate remarks upon his life and character. Mr. Bulfinch was deservedly held in great esteem by all the members of the Society. His faithful devotion to his duty, his genial manner, his loving and sympathetic nature, all conspired to endear him to them and to make his loss deeply felt, particularly to those with whom he was associated in the work of the Society in earlier years. On motion of Dr. C. T. Jackson, Mr. Waterston was requested to prepare a fitting trib- ute to the memory of the departed for the Proceedings, which he did by an exceedingly interesting sketch of his life and character, and which may be found in Volume XL The following is a brief abstract from this paper. Thomas Bulfinch was born July 14th, 1796, at Newton, Mass. He was the second son of Charles Bulfinch, whose reputation as an architect at that day stood among the highest in the profession. Graduating from Harvard University in 1814, he numbered among his classmates Prescott the historian, the Rev. Dr. Greenwood and the Rev. Dr. Lamson. After leaving college, Mr. Bulfinch was chosen usher in the Latin School. Here he remained fourteen months, when feeling no very strong inclination for either of the profes- sions, he entered upon the active duties of a business life. Two years were thus spent in Boston, when he was led to remove to Washington, where his father was engaged as archi- tect in the erection of the Capitol. Here he resided seven years, when in 1825 he returned to Boston, entering into a copartnership with his relative, Mr. Joseph Coolidge. This con- nection continued until 1832, when he was chosen to a responsible position iu the Mer- chant's Bank, which he held until his death, a period of thirty years. Devoted as he was to the duties devolving upon him as a man of business, he had tastes aside from this, yet more congenial to his nature, which he followed with quiet but persis- tent enthusiasm. Thus it was that he became an active member of the Society and its Recording Secretary. His mind balanced for a time between science and literature. There was that in both which awakened his admiration and exerted an attractive power. At length, literature gained the ascendancy, though science always continued to possess a peculiar charm. In 1855 he published the Age of Fable, in which he relates the stories of Mythology, Greek and Roman, in a way to render them attractive to the lovers of general literature. This was followed in 1858, by a volume on the Age of Chivalry, or the Legends of King Arthur, presenting in the same spirit pictures of a later age. In 1863 he pubhshed the Legends of Charlemagne, or the Romance of the Middle Ages. There were other works of less importance, all of which were the fruit of care, written in hours rescued from the pressure of active business. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 121 Mr. Bulfincli davoted much time to social intercourse among a circle of friends who highly appreciated his worth. Modest he was, but not morose, for a more genial and gen- erous nature could not be found. Keenly sensitive to the gentle sympathies of life, he truly lived in his affections, and never was he weary of extending kindness, not only to companions and friends who valued his friendship, but to the needy and tried, young or old, whoever they might be. Much more might be .said of Mr. Bulfinch, but it is not needed. His excellences were familiar to all. His quiet and respectful manner, his gentlemanly consideration, his conscientious fidelity, his love of learning, his Christian trust and faith ; these were an indispensable part of himself. Members of the Society and other visitors to the Library will recall with pleasure, not unmixed with sadness, a very agreeal^le young lady of great excellence who at this period and for several years was an assistant in the Library. Her beauty of 2:)erson, her vivacity, her pleasing address and manners, combined with her intelligence and readiness to meet all the requirements of her position, made her a general favorite. She was the daughter of the Rev. Mr. Blaikie, a Presbyterian clergyman of the city. She left the service of the Society because of her marriage, and soon after died, to the great grief of all who had been associated with her. It was quite apparent before the close of this year that further assistance than what had hitherto been employed was required in the Museum, if the collections were to be pre- served from ruin. It was therefore voted in Council to employ Mr. F. G. Sanborn as assistant in the Museum from the 1st of January, to act under the direction of the Cus- todian. Two courses of lectures were authorized by the Society for the winter of 1867-8. One given by Edward S. Morse, consisting of six on the natural history of the mollusca, or shell fish, on Saturday afternoons, commenced Dec. 7th, and continued weekly. The other by Horace Mann, consisting of eight, on structural botany, commenced March 7tli. The lecturers were paid $25 for each lecture, and an admission fee of |1 for the course was charged those who attended. The cost of giving these lectures exceeded the amount received from the sale of tickets, $114.37. 1868. From the Report of the Custodian, made at the annual meeting in May, we learn how much had been done during the year towards jjreparing unfinished portions of the building for use. Besides the lecture room, in which for the first time the annual meeting was held, the rear library room had been furnished for use and was now occuj^ied, two exhibition rooms fitted up, and new cases built for several of the departments. A printing ofiice had been prepared in the basement, and the Janitor's apartments remod- elled. There had been twenty general meetings of the Society, seven of the Section of Micro- scopy, and nine of that of Entomology. The average attendance at the general meet- ings was about forty, and at each of the sections about nine. There had been eighty-six communications made, of which fifty-six were at the general meetings of the Society, the others being at meetings of the Sections. One Honorary, two Corresponding, and forty Resident Members had been elected. 122 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE There had been issued of the publications of the Society, the second and third parts of the Memoirs, and the fourth and concluding part of the first volume was in press. The eleventh volume of the Proceedings had been completed, and a new edition of six signa- tures of the eighth volume printed. Great additions to the Museum had been made during the year, the most important being a very fine series of humming birds, embracing over 700 specimens, com- prising about 300 species, from Mrs. Henry Bryant; a large collection of eggs, number- ing 1500 specimens, comprising more than 350 species, from the same lady ; a collection of more than 2000 Guatemalan birds purchased ; a large donation of several thousand rock and fossil specimens from Dr. C. T. Jackson ; and a collection of skulls from Arizona) given by Dr. J. W. Merriam. The collections of the several departments were reported generally to be in good con- dition, though that of Entomology had suffered some injury from the ravages of Anthreni. These pests, had however, been entirely eradicated, and it was hoped that by constant vigi- lance they would be jn'evented from doing farther harm. Some remarks made by the Custodian before closing his report, are worthy of notice. He said, in referring to the growth of the Society : " The small collections received at first had a certain chai'm of novelty which attracted the lovers of nature, and were undoubtedly a principal means of sustaining the interest of its members ; but the times have greatly changed ; for while the number of members who give their personal attention to the care of the collections is scarcely greater than in former years, the collections have increased an hundred fold, and the ratio of increase does not seem to lessen. Now it is manifestly impossible for such a state of things to continue, if the Museum is to maintain an appearance creditable to the name and honor of the Society. On this account several years ago a regular Custodian was appointed ; for the same reason the Council found it necessary, within a few months, to engage the services of a regular assistant, whose labors have been already felt in every department. On similar grounds, I believe that in a short time, the services of many assistants will be indispensable ; indeed I am convinced that at least one or two more are needed at the present moment, and that from this time forward the greater part of the work of the Museum should be done by regular salai'ied assistants, under the direction of the officers." The report of the Treasurer showed, including all sources of income available for gen- eral purposes, an excess of expenditures over receipts of $208.05. Dr. J. C. White, notwithstanding urgent solicitation that he would continue to hold the position in which he had faithfully served the Society, positively declined reelection. He had been Curator of the department of Mannnals and Comparative Anatomy for nearly ten years, devoting a considerable portion of his time to laborious work upon the collec- tion, not a small part of which his wise and skilful management saved from destruction. He was, moreover, very efficient in obtaining specimens for the department, thus contrib- uting to its large increase. At the election, all the officers were re-chosen excepting Dr. White. No one was sub- stituted in his place. It may be remembered by the reader that in 1837 permission had been given to mem- bers to bring with them to the meetings ladies of their families and such others as they BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 123 might choose to invite, and that the temporary effect of this at least had been beneficial, leading to a better attendance on the part of the members themselves. As stated subse- quently, there is no record of the permission having been withdrawn, but as ladies ceased to attend, it is fair to presume they did so from lack of interest in the proceedings. Twenty years had elapsed, and again an effort was made to have their attendance. The Council at a meeting in June of this year voted : " That members have permission to invite ladies to attend the second meeting of each month." Previous to the summer recess the Lecture Committee of the Council reported in favor of having three courses of lectures during the next succeeding winter, one course of four by Dr. Jeffries on the anatomy of the eye, one by Mr. W. H. Niles, of ten or twelve on the Geological History of North America, and one by Mr. Wm. T. Brigham on some botanical subject. The report was accepted and adopted. In October Dr. Burt G. Wilder resigned his position as Curator of Herpetology, being about to remove from the State. November 18th, Dr. Chas. F. Folsom was elected Curator of Comparative Anatomy, and J. A. Allen Curator of Herpetology. In November the death of Mi-. Octavius Pickering, long a member of the Society and one of the founders of the Linnaean, was announced with appropriate remarks by the President. At the next meeting, the Society was called upon to deplore the loss of another member by the death of Mr. Horace Mann, the youngest ofl&cer in its service, Curator of Botany. The remarks upon the occasion by Mr. Wm. T. Brigham, his intimate friend, were very appropriate and the following particulars are abstracted from them. In his earliest youth Mr. Mann imbibed a love of nature from the teachings of his father, and in opposition to the advice of many of his friends who wished him to have a collegiate education, entered the school of Prof Agassiz as a student of zoology and geology. He was at the same time deeply interested in botany, and it was from this taste that his friend- ship with the speaker commenced. In company they visited the Hawaiian Islands and studied the peculiar flora of that group. Soon after his return -to Cambridge, Mr. Mann was appointed assistant to Dr. Gray, and subsequently instructor in botany in Harvard College. Besides the work of arranging the Thayer Herbarium, and of aiding Dr. Gray both in preparing material for his classes, and in revising proof for his two botanical man- uals, he worked steadily in spare hours, often late into the night, upon his Hawaiian col- lections, many thousand specimens of which were determined, labelled and distributed. His enumeration of Hawaiian plants, which has given him a good botanical reputation, was published by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of which body he was elected a fellow on the very evening of his death. As the result of these Hawaiian explorations, five new genera and sixty-seven new species were added to the flora. Early in October, Mr. Mann yielded to the solicitations of his friends, and resigned his college classes ; but the worst forms of pulmonary complaint had gone too for to be checked ; and although at times his recovery was hoped for, he continued to fail rapidly, and passed away on the evening of November 11th. 1869. Mr. Edward S. Morse, then residing in Salem, was engaged to work on the shells of the Pratt collection, for three alternate days of each week through the year, the other three days being devoted to work on the collections of the Peabody Academy. 124 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE A new arrangement was also made with the Custodian, by which he was to give his undivided attention to the duties of the position through the year, with the exception of five weeks between the first of May and the first of November, and three weeks betAveen the first of November and the first of May, he to have permanent assistance in the Library and Museum. Upon application to the City Government, two police officers were detailed for duty at the Museum on public days of exhibition. An idol obtained in purchasing other objects from Guatemala was, by vote of the Coun- cil, presented to the Peabody Museum. Authority was also obtained from the Marine Society by which the antiquities formerly given by that institution were transferred to the same Museum. The Trustees of the Society, after calling attention to the greatly increased expenses of the year, and mentioning the necessity arising therefrom to sell stocks to the amount of |4,000 to meet indebtedness, made a protest against such large expenditures. The Council voted that authors should be allowed twenty-five copies of their productions from the publications of the Society, free of expense. From the Eeport of the Custodian at the annual meeting in May, and doings of the Society for the year ending May, 1869, may be learned as usual much of interest. There had been twenty general meetings of the Society, ten of the Section of Entomology, and six of Microscopy. At the general meetings, the average attendance of members had been thirty-three, of the Section of Entomology twelve, and of that of Microscopy eight. The number of ladies who attended in response to the invitation of the Society, of course is not included. Very few, however, availed themselves of the opportunity offered. One hundred and five scientific commimications had been presented by forty-nine persons, of which the titles are given in the report. Five Corresponding and twenty-nine Resident Members had been elected during the year. There had been three courses of lectures given during the winter and spring ; the first by Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, consisted of four upon Optical Phenomena, the second by Mr. W. H. Niles, of twelve upon the Geological History of North America, and the third by Mr. Wm. T. Brigham, of twelve upon Plant Life. The first, not having been advertised and the subject being of limited interest, failed to draw many hearers, the second was attended by an average of sixty-six persons, the third by an audience averaging about ninety-nine per- sons. The last course was in the evening, which may in part accoimt for the greater attendance. The Custodian dwelt with satisfaction upon the large amount of the Society's publica- tions, as well he might if only their extent and value were considered, and the consequent cost ignored. When, however, it is learned that what was done in this way led to an excess of expenditures over receipts to the amount of thousands of dollars, and obliged the Trustees of the property of the Society to encroach largely upon its capital to meet this excess, one is inclined to judge there was little cause for exultation. A few years of such lavish expenditure could have had but one result. The issue from the press of the publications of the Society had been double that of any previous year, being not less than an equivalent of one thousand two lumd]-ed and twenty- nine octavo pages. The twelfth volume of Proceedings begun a year jjrevious, had BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY 125 reached the four hinulredth page. The annual report, the first issue of the publication called the " Annual," a physical map of North America, the fourth part of the Memoirs, and the first volume of the Occasional papers had all appeared, the latter containing the Entomological correspondence of the late Dr. T. W. Harris, embellished with steel plates and wood cuts. It will be remembered that in 1867, an appropriation of |500 was made by the Council towards the expenses of some explorations to be made under the auspices of the Smith- sonian Institution, with the understanding that the Society should receive the first choice among the duplicates of objects of Natural History collected by the explorers. Under this arrangement the Society received within the first year a series of birds from the Island of Socorro, the natural history of which had been explored by Col. Gra^'son. The specimens received were of peculiar interest, being nearly all new to science, and distinct from the species of the neighboring continent, or of islands nearer the coast. Only a portion of the sum appropriated having been called for, the Council again voted in 18G8, that 1 200 should be at the disposal of the Smithsonian Institution for further explorations by Col. Grayson in Central America, and $100 towards an expedition to be made by Prof. Sumichrast in Tehuantepec, the $300 being what remained unexjjended of the original aj^propriation. During the past year, after leaving the Island of Socorro, Col. Grayson had been study- ing the natural history of the Sierra Madre, from which, however, returns had not been made of objects obtained by him. A fine collection of birds had, nevertheless, been pre- sented to the Society, by Prof. Henry of the Smithsonian Institution, collected at Costa Rica. From the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, for the exploration of which by Prof Sumichrast the Society conti'ibuted f 100, news had been received of a veiy promising character. The Smithsonian Institution had already received specimens which had been distributed for identification. One of our own members, Mr. W. H. Dall, had been employed by the Society for sev- eral months selecting specimens from the Smithsonian duplicates, partly in return for the contributions made by the Society towards the explorations referred to, and partly as a donation from the Institution. Already many fossils and mollusks had been received by the Society, and a collection of the nests and eggs of birds was expected to arrive. The visitors to the Museum had exceeded thirty-six thousand. It had been open to the public one hundred and four days. In the department of Mammals and Comparative Anatomy, a movement had been made towards obtaining specimens of all our New England mammals, and to make room for them, the Ethnological collection was to be removed. A black bear and an antelope, one the donation of Mr. W. T. Adams, the other of the City, had ah'eady been received. The collection of birds had been increased by a donation of twenty-five specimens of the land species of Massachusetts, from Mr. L. L. Thaxter of Newton. Mrs. Bryant had again shown her interest in the Society by the gift of a large and valualde collection of unmounted birds from the West Indies and Central and North America, and from Pro- fessor Henry of the Smithsonian Institution, eighty specimens from Costa Rica had been received, all labelled by Mr. Lawrence. 126 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The collection of Nests and Eggs of birds had been entirely rearranged. A statement was made showing the collection at this time to consist of the eggs of seven hundred birds, of which four hundred were American. A large number of duplicates, valualde for ex- change, had been presented by Mrs. Bryant, and about two hundred and fifty nests and eggs by the Smithsonian Institution. The Curators of the departments of Reptiles and Fishes mentioned great deficiences in the representation of Massachusetts species, and in the latter the need of help in order to identify and label the specimens. The Entomological collection was stated to be in better condition than it had been a year previous, much attention having been given to its improvement and preservation. In referring to the condition of the department of Mollusks, the Custodian made some remarks of more than temporary value. With the exception, he stated, of work done by the last Curator, there is no evidence of any attention having been bestowed upon the specimens for fifteen years. It was now in a worse condition than it had been years before, showing that gratuitous aid had proved a fiiilure. The Curator's entire attention had been given to the Pratt collection, the arrangement of which would be comjjleted before other work was done in the department. Of the other collections nothing was said of sufficient importance to repeat here. The report of the Treasurer was startling. It showed an excess of expenditures over receipts of more than $6,000, and a diminution in the value of the Society's property of over $13,000. Much of this latter was accounted for by the reduction in the estimated value of the stocks which had been received under the Walker bequest, but it was only too evident that there had not been a due economy exercised in the administration of tlie business of the Society. Well might the Trustees protest as they did, and well it was, too, that the Council heeded their warning. The lesson taught was not lost upon the members, and finally led to measures tending to prevent, under any ordinary circumstances, more expense of means than income warranted. Among these was that of requiring from the Trustees at the commencement of each year an estimate of the probable receipts from the various sources tabulated, and also one showing what expenditures might be incurred in the different departments based upon such receipts ; there being a clear understanding that under no avoidable circumstances should there be expended more than the income. This met the hearty approval of all, and the policy adopted has been faithfully adhered to ever since. It was not, however, intended that the expenditure yet necessary in finishing the rooms of the Museum and in supplying cases should be paid for from the ordinary income. Whatever was done in this way it was expected would necessarily be paid for in part, at least, from the principal of the Society's propferty. At the meetings of the Coun- cil following the general meeting, there was much discussion concerning retrenchment, a strong disposition being manifested to reduce expenses within the pi'obable income. At a re2;ular meetino: in June the Rev. Robert C. Waterston reminded the members of the approaching centennial anniversary of tlie birthday of Humboldt, and suggested the public celebration of it by the Society. He remarked that it was wholly unnecessar}^ in such a presence to speak of Alexander Von Humboldt in order to impart information con- cerning one whose illustrious reputation in so many departments of knowledge had made his name familiar over the civilized world. Yet in view of what he had done for science BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 12Y by his explorations on this continent, it seemed particularly appropriate that a Society like this should do honor to his memory. He further remarked that there was one among the members, preeminent in science, who had been his pupil and his personal friend, Louis Agassiz, who was specially qualified to speak upon such an occasion. That to hear him menof science and letters from every part of the country would gladly assemble to hsten and to respond. Although the matter had not been apparently thought of by any of the members, all present heartily concurred in the sentiments expressed by Mr. Waterston, recognizing that in the Society thus paying a tribute of respectful homage to one of the noblest of men, it could not but do itself great honor. The proposal therefore met with a hearty response, and the following resolution, offered by Mr. Waterston, was unanimously adopted : " Resolved, That it is highly desirable that the Boston Society of Natural History should hold a public celebration of the centennial anniversary of the birth of Alexander Von Huml)oldt, and that a committee of five be appointed to consider the whole subject and empowered to make all arrangements." The President appointed on this committee the Rev. Robert C. Waterston, Dr. Samuel Kneeland and Mr. Samuel H. Scudder. To these were subsequently added the President, Jeffries Wyman, His Honor the Mayor, N. B. Shurtleff; and Col. T. W. Higginson. It is due to Mr. Waterston to state that a large part of the work attendant upon the celebration was done by him. That it might be a thorough success and redound to the credit of the Society and the community, he gave up his whole time to it, remain- ing in the city during the hot summer months, and exerting himself to the utmost that nothing might be left undone that would add to the interest of the occasion. He not only ai'ranged for the meeting at which the address was to be delivered, but for a reception in the evening, at which distinguished men should be invited to speak, and he induced the City Government to take part in it and to provide an entertainment at the expense of the City. The celebration which followed on the 14tli of September was in every respect a success, far exceeding the anticipations of all who had favored it. Probably nowhere throughout the civdized world was the day moi'e appropriately observed. The address by Agassiz was worthy of the man and the occasion. It was delivered at the Music Hall'- before an audience which filled every available place in it. Delegates from the leading literary and scientific societies of New England and representatives from the colleges of Yale, Bowdoin, Brown, Dartmouth and Harvard were present, as were likcAvise His Excellency the Governor of the Commonwealth, His Honor the Mayor of the City and members of both branches of the City Government. President Wyman presided at the meeting. The evening reception was at Horticultural Hall. A large and distinguished audience attended it, including invited guests from literary and scientific societies, members of the City Government, and many gentlemen interested in the cause of education from every part of the country. Interesting mementos of Humljoldt, including several portraits of bun, were placed upon the platform and about the hall. The Rev. Mr. Waterston pre- sided, and after welcoming the delegates from the different societies present and mak- ing some appropriate remarks, introduced successively the Rev. Frederick H. Hedge, Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Prof E. J. Young, all of whom made interesting addresses. Among the portraits exhibited, was one by Mr. Wight, painted at Berlin in 1852 from hfe, 128 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE when Humboldt was eighty-three years of age. It had been loaned to the committee for the occasion by the artist. The chairman, calUng attention to it, stated that an order had been given to the artist to execute an exact copy. • This would be unveiled, and if it was found in every respect satisfactory, he, the chairman, would take great pleasure in pre- senting it on this centennial anniversary to tlie Boston Society of Natural History. The covering was removed and the resemblance was found to be so perfect as to call forth spontaneous applause. A letter from the artist was read giving an account of his personal observation of Humboldt when he was engaged upon his portrait.- Accompanying it was an autograph note of Humboldt, which was also presented to the Boston Society of Natural History by the chairman. In behalf of the Society, Dr. Charles T. Jackson, Vice-Presi- ident, accepted the portrait and autograph with expressio n of thanks. He stated that Humboldt himself had declared that the original by Wight was the best ever painted of him. Dr. Jackson then gave some pleasant reminiscences of Humboldt, whom he had often met in Paris at Cuvier's lectures in 1833. He also made some intei'esting remarks upon his works and character. The chairman then called upon his Honor tlie Mayor, who, in responding briefly, said that the City Government, being desirous of expressing its respect for the memory of Alex- ander Von Humboldt, had passed resolutions and had made a generous appropriation. In behalf of both branches, he invited all present to partake of a collation prepared for them in the hall below. The company accepted the invitation and proceeded to the place assigned, where they enjoyed an excellent supper, during which at intervals the Ger- mania band added their enlivening music to the entertainment. After refreshment at the tables, a poem upon Humboldt, prepared for the occasion by Oli- ver Wendell Holmes, and another by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, were read. During the even- ino-, several communications from distinguished persons unable to be present, were pre- sented, one from the Hon. Theo. S. Fay, one from Prof William B. Rogers, one from the Rev. Noah Porter and one from John G. Whittier. The address by Agassiz, with a full account of the proceedings at the evening meeting, may be found in pamphlet form published by the Society. In October, Dr. C. F. Folsom resigned his position as Curator of Comparative Anatomy and Mammals. At a meeting of the Council, held Nov. ITth, it was voted that the net proceeds of the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of Humboldt, together with the money received from the sale of Prof Agassiz's address previous to Jan. 1, 1870, and the money subscribed at the solicitation of the Society's Committee, be given to the Trustees of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College, in trust, for the establishment of an endowment under the title of the " Humboldt Scholarship," the income of which should be solely applied, under the direction of the Faculty, toward the maintenance of one or more young and needy persons engaged in study at said Museum. The reception of the money, amounting to $7,040.66, was gratefully acknowledged by the Trustees of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, under the conditions expressed in the vote of the Council. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 129 Mention was made in giving an account of the proceedings at the evening reception on the day of the Humboldt celebration, of a fine portrait presented by the Rev. Mr. Waters- ton to the Society. Tiiis may now be seen in the Library of the Museum. The hearty thanks of the Society were passed to Mr. Watersto n not only for the val uable portrait and autograph, but for the unflagging energy with which he had labored for the success of the Humboldt celebration. Testimony was borne to the untiring zeal manifested by him in obtaining subscriptions for the fund, and in performing a large part of the work consequent upon the celebration. The Society also expressed its obligations to Prof. Agassiz for his able address, a copy of which was a^ked for publication. Thanks were also voted to the Orpheus Musical Association, and to Mr. Carl Zerrahn, for their wel- come aid in the performances of the occasion; also to Mr. J. H. Paine, who presided at the organ. 1870. On January 19th, Dr. Thomas Waterman was elected Curator of Comparative Anatomy and Mammals. At the meeting of April 20th, in view of contemplated changes in the administration of the Society, certain alterations were made in tlie Constitution and By-laws to go into effect on and after the annual meeting. The most important of these arose from the sub- stitution of Committees for Curators in the care of the Museum. The Constitution was made to express that the officers of the Society shall consist of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, a Libra- rian, a Custodian and a Committee of three on each' department of the Museum, etc., etc. The By-laws were so altered as to define that the Committees should he entrusted with the care of the Museum ; that they should be designated for particular departments at tlie time of their election, and consist of not more than three members, one of whom should be named by the nominating committee to act as chairman. The duties mentioned were such as the By-laws previously active expressed for those of the Curators. Annual meeting. The Custodian's report gave the following summary of the doings of the Society during the year : There had been eighteen general meetings, the average attendance at which had been thirty-two : eight of the section of Entomology, with an average attendance of eleven : and seven of the section of Microscopy, with an average attendance of nine. Forty-seven scientific communications had been made by twenty-five persons, all of which had been printed in full or by title in the Proceedings. One Honorary, three Corresponding and thirty-nine Resident Members had been elected. Three courses of evening lectures had been arranged for by the Council. One of twelve, entitled Sketches of Animal Life, by Mr. Edward S. Morse, delivered in the early part of the season, had an average audience of seventy-six persons ; the second, consisting also of twelve, given by Mr. William T. Brigham, entitled The Earth we live on, had an audience averaging ninety-eight persons ; the third, not concluded at the time of the annual meeting, consisted of four, entitled Familiar Talks about Insects, given by Mr. F. G. San- born. The average attendance at these was about sixty. Of the Publications it was stated that from economical considerations the issue of a large number of the Memoirs had been postponed. Of the Proceedings the twelfth volume had been printed, and a part of the thirteenth. The address of Prof. Agassiz at tlie recent cele- 130 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE bration of the Humboldt Centenary, with an account of the evening's festivities, forming an octavo pamphlet of one hundred and seven pages, had been also published and dis- tributed. The Custodian expressed strongly the feeling that a further postponement of activity in this direction could not fail to be disastrous. Yet there had been sent abroad of parts of Memoirs and of the Journal, of copies of Harris' Correspondence, of the Pro- ceedings, what was equivalent to about two hundred and sixty-five volumes of the Pro- ceedings, and over 200,000 octavo pages. Besides all this the Society had distributed in behalf of the Commonwealth, three hundred copies on the Report of the Invertebrates of Massachusetts, recently published by the State. The judicious action of the Legislature, the Custodian remarked, in placing its scien- tific publications where they will be of the greatest permanent benefit, merits the com- mendation of all who, like ourselves, are aiming at the widest diffusion of knowledge. An enumeration of the books in the Library had been recently made. They were counted as bound, whether containing more than one volume, as frequently the case, or not; and the parts had been estimated at their proper j^roportions of the volumes to which they belong, and the pamphlets counted separately. The enumeration therefore gave the number as proportionably smaller than previous estimates. There were I'ound to be 9396 volumes, and 2677 pamphlets. Of these volumes ten hundred and ten were of a general literary character, mostly deposited by "A Republican Institution"; eight hun- dred and six were botanical ; four hundred and fifty-three entomological ; four hundred and two geological and mineralogical ; five hundred and ten encyclopaedic ; six himdi-ed and thirteen upon vertebrates ; five hundred and thirty-six upon travels and local fauna, and forty-one hundred and seventy-three journals and publications of Societies. The Custodian announced the death of our esteemed coadjutor, Col. A. J. Grayson, to whose explorations it will be recollected the Society contributed in connection with the Smithsonian Institution. It had been the strong wish of l^oth parties interested, that he should visit the Sierra Madre of North Western Mexico, that he might make there a care- ful investigation of its fauna. He arranged to be there in June, that being considered the most favorable month for his purposes. Prior to that period he visited the Island of Isabella off the coast to study the habits of sea fowl during their breeding season, and there he contracted a malarious disease that led to his death in August. The amount contributed by the Society being unexpended, was returned by his wife to the Smithsonian Institution. By advice of Prof. Henrj^, this was transferred by vote of the Council to Prof Sumichrast, to be used in the explorations undertaken by him on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. An arrangement had been made by the Custodian with the Secretary of the Smith- sonian Institution, by which a large number of unassorted specimens of various character were sent to the Society with the understanding that they should be returned in oi'derly condition, compensation for the labor being made by a selection from the duplicates for the Cabinet. The number of visitors to the Museum during the year exceeded forty thousand. It was open to the public one hundred and four days. The largest nmnber present on any one day was seven hundred and eighty-one. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 131 Tlie Custodian reported the collections of the different departments of the Society to be in good condition. That of Mammals and Comparative Anatomy had received a stuffed specimen of the great Antarctic seal collected in the exploring expedition of Commodore Wilkes. A living ojjossum and its young had also been received from Dr. C. KoUock of South Carolina, and had been mounted in characteristic attitudes. Other interesting specimens had been received from the Union Street menagerie. In the Ornithological department, the mounted birds had had special attention, every si3ecimen having been taken down, thoroughly examined, and where necessary treated with benzine and other materials. The cases had all been made as nearly air tight as pos- sible and in fact every possible measure adopted to prevent the further ravages of insects. To accomplish this, four or five persons had worked continuously for two months. Dona- tions had been received from the Smithsonian Institution, F. E. Everett, S. Mixter, H. A. Purdie and others. Quite extensive additions had been made to the collection of nests and eggs, mostly in exchange. To Mr. B. P. Mann and Mr. S. Mixter, the department had been indebted for the presentation of many specimens. The Entomological collections were reported in better condition than at any time within ten years. Mrs. Stratton, Mr. H. Edwards and others, had presented many specimens, and there had been a valuable accession from Tehuantepec collected by Pi'ofessor Sumichrast. There had l^een considerable work done upon the Reptiles, and one hundred and fifteen specimens had been added to the collection. A marked deficiency of native species was mentioned, particularly of turtles. The Fishes, numbering three thousand eight hundred and ninety-six specunens, were reported in good order and mostly identified. Some work had been done by Mr. S. I. Smith upon the Crustacea, and the whole collec- tion placed in satisfactory condition. The Curator of Mollusks reported much progress in mounting the gasteropods of the Pratt collection, and mentioned that a valuable series of British shells had been received from the Smithsonian Institution, and many specimens from Mr. H. Edwards and others. The collection of Radiates had been greatly improved, and a large portion of the corals and sponges mounted in an erect position upon black tablets. The Botanical department had received an important addition in the herbarium of Hon. John Amory Lowell, containing many thousand species carefully labelled, mounted and catalogued. By the subscription of some gentlemen, a ring of the bark of a Redwood tree of Califor- nia had been purchased, measuring forty feet in circumference. This had been mounted under the direction of Mr. Brigham, the acting Curator, and now forms a conspicuous object in the entrance hall of the Museum. The arduous task of rearranging and labelling the entire Mineralogical collection had been completed by the Curator, and the whole was now in perfect order. The number of specimens was about 2800. Mr. S. H. Scudder, the Custodian, in presenting the annual report, took occasion, as this was to be the final one by him, to review somewhat at length the experience of the Society in the past, and to suggest considerations in relation to its future policy. He said that " while some collections need a good deal of revision and many are not yet entirely 132 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE supplied with the uniform .sj-stem of labelling lately adopted, the Museum is in much better order and in a much safer condition than it has been at any time since our removal to this building. The Library has increased, and the lectures have proved a success, but in our publications and in the interest of our meetings, we have sadly fallen off." The Custodian further remarked upon the great importance of the publications of the Society as a means through which the researches of the members might be promj^tly made known, and the fame which it has fairly won at home and abroad be sustained. In relation to the Museum, after mentioning its large collections, he expressed the view that, with some exceptions, they embraced sufficient for all the purposes of the Society. That its principal aim should not be to sustain a great museum or an industrial one, but rather seek to maintain first, a popular educational one, in which all and none but the characteristic forms of life and inorganic nature should be displayed, and second, a com- plete local collection, restricted at widest to our New England flora and fauna. To effect this, it was important that more skilled labor should be regularly employed, and a man of broad scientific culture placed at the head of the Museum, with its interests alone in charge. The Custodian then spoke of his endeavors to faithfully perform the duties of his office, and expressed warmly his appreciation of the devotedness of those who had been engaged to assist him in the various departments of the Society's operations. Upon motion of Mr. F. W. Putnam, who thought something more was due the retiring Custodian than a simple vote of thanks for his services, it was unanimously voted that the rules be suspended and Mr. Scudder be made a Life Member of the Society. The Treasurer's report showed, including all sources of income available for general pur- poses, a balance of recei^jts over expenditures, of |160.49. The Prize Committee reported through Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, that only one essay had been offered in competition for this year's prize, and this was not deemed worthy of it. They announced for the subject of the prize for 1872, "The Darwinian question ; its bear- ings on the development of animal life." Letters from the President, Dr. Jeffries Wyiuan, at this time in Europe, positively declin- ing to be a candidate for the office so long held by him, had been received. The Nomina- ting Cormnittee however, thinking that he might be induced again to accept the position, asked further time for consideration before any action was taken in electing a President. They also asked further time before presenting names for the Committees on the depart- ments of Mammals and Comparative Anatomy, as the Council had, but a few hours before the meeting, divided the department of Comparative Anatomy, which before embraced Mammals, into two departments. They liliewise asked further time before nominating the Committee for the dej^artment of Microscopy. The list of officers proposed by them was then presented, the Eev. Joshua A. Swan being named as the successor to Mr. S. H. Scudder, for the positions of Custodian, Librarian and Eecording Secretary. A strong objection was made to the nominee for the former office, many present favoring the election of Mr. Alpheus Hyatt. A prolonged and very earnest discussion followed, the whole policy of the Society and the comparative merits of the two persons mentioned for the position being ably presented. Those who participated in the discussion were N. S. Shaler, J. B. S. Jackson, J. C. White, E. S. Morse, R. C. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 133 Greonleaf, F. W. Putman, W. H. Niles, T. M. Brewer, W. T. Brigham, J. D. Runkle and Thomas T. Bouve. Upon balloting, it was found that Mr. Alpheus Hyatt was elected Custodian and Mr. Swan, Librarian and Recording Secretary, the majority of the members thus electing two officers to fill the three positions, instead of one as hitherto. One objec- tion to this was the largely increased expense thereby incurred, but the result was gener- ally satisfactory. The Committees chosen for the several departments wei'e as follows : On Birds. Thomas M. Brewer, M. D., Samuel Cabot, M. D., J. A. Allen. On Fishes and Reptiles. D. Humphreys Storer, M. D., F. W. Putnam, N. E. Atwood. On Insects. F. G. Sanborn, A. S. Packard, Jr., M. D., Edward Burgess. On Crustacea and Radiates. A. S. Packard, Jr., M. D., A. E. Verrill, Alexander Agassiz. On Mollusks. Edward S. Morse, John Cummings, Levi L. Thaxter. On Palaeontology. W. H. Niles, N. S. Shaler, Thomas T. Bouve. On Botany. William T. Brigham, Charles J. Sprague, J. Amory Lowell. On Minerals and Geology. Thomas T. Bouve, Charles T. Jackson, M. D., William T. Brigham. The election of Committees for the departments of Comparative Anatomy, Mammals and Microscopy was postponed to allow time for further consideration. The fourth decade of the existence of the Society was now completed. It had been a period of great events in its history. Its commencement found the country involved in a war which, by rapidly wasting its resources, threatened alike its material prosperity and its progress in art, science and literature. There was sadness in the hearts of men and an undefined dread of evil pervading their minds, tending to concentrate all thought upon the movements of armies and the tidings of conflict. Thank God, too, there was an unfalter- ing faith in the final success of the struggle for the nation's integrity, which kept alive hope and encouraged exertion for the advancement of all movements promising future good to the community. Thus was it that in the midst of a dreadful civil war the Society was enabled, through the untiring devotion of its own members and by the exertions, the contributions and bequests of many friends, to erect the fine structure that now adorns the city, and to place therein the great collections of natural history that now minister to the delight and the instruction of multitudes. In referring to the period of the civil war, it may not be amiss to state that besides the members of the Society mentioned as having resigned their official positions in it to enter the service of their country, there were several others who took an active part in the con- flict. Among them was one whose great interest in the welfiire of our institution for 134 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE many years as shown by his exertions in its behalf when in distant regions, entitles him to respectful notice in these pages. That he died by the hands of the enemy makes it all the more a duty to render a tribute to his memory. Joseph P. Couthouy was born in Boston, January 6, 1808. He was educated at one of the schools in the town, and when yet a lad, made a voyage in his father's ship. His tastes leading him to prefer a sea life, he applied himself to the calling he had chosen, and became, when old enough, the captain of a vessel. He early developed a love for science, and had progressed in his studies to such an extent that when the American Exploring Expedition was organized under command of Lieutenant Wilkes, he was appointed one of the scientific corps to accompany it, his spe- cialty being that of Conchology. The expedition sailed from Hampton Eoads, Aug. IStli, 1838, and, although the state of his health obliged him eventually to abandon his share of the enterprise at the Samoan Islands, yet he had already made very valuable collec- tions of shells and illustrated his numerous notes and descriptions concerning the many species obtained, with drawings and colorings which would have been of invaluable assist- ance to Dr. A. A. Gould, who subsequently published the elaborate report on the shells secured by the expedition, had not these papers been in some unexplained way lost or destroyed when the cases containing the specimens were unpacked after arrival. Captain Couthouy afterwards went to South America and the islands of the Pacific Ocean, making numberless valuable observations on the natural history of the countries which he visited. In the year 1854, he was engaged to take command of an expedition to the Bay of Cumana, for the purpose of exploring for the wreck of the Spanish man-of-war San Pedro, lost there nearly half a century previously, which was supposed to have had a great amount of treasure on board. After three years spent in an unsuccessful search for this, the vessel returned to the United States, and was lost in a violent snow storm on Cape Cod, the crew being saved with the greatest difficulty. When the war of the rebellion broke out. Captain Couthouy offered his services to the government. They were at once accepted, and he was placed in command of the U. S. barque " Kingfisher," in which he was actively engaged against the enemy. Being trans- ferred to the command of the U. S. steamer " Columbia," he joined the blockading squadron of the South Atlantic, and upon his vessel being wrecked in a storm at Mason- boro Inlet, he was captured and sent as a prisoner of war to Salisbury, where he remained three months. After being exchanged he was placed in command of the monitor "Osage" of the Mississippi river squadron under Admiral Porter, and subsequently, being transferred to the '' Chillicothe " of the same squadron, was ordered up the Red River. In this expe- dition he met his death. On the 3d of April his ship was engaged with a large body of rebel troops on the shore. Captain Couthouy was on deck directing the fire of his guns, when a rebel sharp-shooter on the bank fired at and mortally wounded him. He died the next day, universally regretted by officers and men, and by no one more than the Admiral, who, in a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, bore mtness to his zealous, patri- otic and estimable character. Captain Couthouy was a man of rare and vai'ied ability. He was a fine linguist, and spoke with great elegance the Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese languages. An BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 135 interesting example of the beauty of his pronunciation of the Spanish was given the writer by one of hi.s intimate friends. Being in Spain at the time of the Carlist wars, he was repeatedly under suspicion on the part of the officers of the government, who could not Ijelieve him to be a foreigner, the purity of his accent and thorough knowledge of the language leading them to think that he must necessarily be a native Spaniard. He had also in the coiu'se of his travels mastered more than one of the unwritten languages of the South Pacific Islands. He was described by intimate friends and associates as being a man of the utmost fasci- nation of manner, and one whose wide and varied information made him one of the most interesting of companions. Elected a member of the Society on the 6th of April, 1836, he was often before it while at home, at the meetings, with communications or remarks relating to facts of scientific interest whicli had come to his knowledge during his wide-spread investigations abroad. He also, from time to time, presented many specuuens to the Society. His memory should be held in tender -regard by the Society, for while, in former years, an active and valued associate, his death in battle in the service of his country added another to the list of those who have passed away, leaving, through faithful work in the cause of science, a lasting lustre on its roll of membership. Captain Couthouy married Miss Mary G. Wild of Boston. His wife died in 1857, and at the time of his death, in 1864, he had three daughters living. His only son had died previously. It having been necessary in quite a niunber of instances during the first half of this decade to record the fact of several of the officers having resigned or temporarily vacated their positions in order to engage in the military or naval service during the war for the suppression of the rebelUon, it is fitting that the part which was taken in the great conflict by members of the Society should be recognized ; and the following roll gives the names and branch of the service to which they belonged, of such as are, or have been, borne upon its list of membership. Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Surgeon 45tli Mass. Infantry, Brevet Lieut. Colonel. - Dr. Henry Bryant, Surgeon 20th 3Iass. Infantry, Brigade Surgeon U. S. Vols. Dr. Samuel A. Green, Asst. Surgeon 1st Mass. Infantry, Surgeon 24th Mass. Infantry. Dr. Burt G. Wilder, Asst. Surgeon 55th Mass. Infantry. Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, Sergeant 1st Corps Cadets M.V.M., Acting Assistant Surgeon U.SA. Dr. Francis H. Brown, Acting Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army, Private 12th unattached company Mass. Infimtry. Theodore Lyman, Colonel U. S. Vols., aide-de-camp to Major General Meade. Albert Ordway, Lieut. Colonel 24th Mass. Infantry. Brevet Brigadier General. Amos Binney, Major and Pajnnaster U. S. Vols. Dr. John Stearns, Surgeon 4th Mass. Heavy Artillery. Dr. Lucius M. Sargent, Jr., Surgeon 2d Mass. Infantry, afterwards Major 1st Mass. Cavalry. Killed in battle. Dr. Hall Curtis, Asst. Surgeon 24th Mass. Infantry, Surgeon 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery. Dr. Robert T. Edes, Passed Assistant Surgeon U. S. Navy. Dr. Z. Boylston Adams, Asst. Surgeon 7th Mass. Infantry, Surgeon 32d Mass. Infantry, afterwards Major 56th Mass. Infantry. Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., Asst. Surgeon 1st Maine Veteran Volunteer Infantry. 136 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Dr. Calvin G. Pnge, Surgeon 39t]i Mass. Infantry. Dr. Franklin Nic.ker.son, Acting Assistant Surgeon U. S. Navy. Dr. F. P. Sprague, Acting Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. Algernon Coolidgc, Acting Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. Edward Wigglesworth, Jr., Hospital Steward 45tli Mass. Infantry, Volunteer Surgeon. Dr. J. Collins Wan-en, Volunteer Surgeon U. S. Ai-my. Dr. Francis C. Ropes, Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. H. M. Saville, Surgeon 4tli Mass. Infantry. Dr. George Derby, Surgeon '23d Mass. Infantry, Brevet Lieut. Colonel. Dr. H. P. Bowditch, Major 54th Mass. Infantry, Captain 1st Mass. Cavalry, Major 5th Mass. Cavalry. Dr. John McLean Haywai'd, Surgeon l'2tli Mass. Infantry. Dr. C. F. Crehore, Asst. Surgeon 15th Mass. Infantry, Surgeon 37th Mass. Infantry, Medical Inspector on staff of Major General Sedgwick. Dr. Oliver F. Wadsworth, Asst. Surgeon 5th Mass. Cavalry, Brevet Captain U. S. Vols. Dr. Allston G. Bouve, Private 6th Mass. Infantry. Dr. John Homans, Assistant Surgeon U. S. Navy, Asst. Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. William Ingalls, Surgeon 5th and 59th regiments Mass. Infantry. Dr. William Henry Thayer, Surgeon 14th New Hampshire Infantry. Dr. John C. Dalton, Asst. Surgeon 7th New York V. M., Surgeon U. S. Vols. Dr. S. W. Langmaid, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. Charles W. Swan, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Aiiny. Dr. Samuel G. Webber, Asst. Surgeon U. S. Navy. Dr. Charles B. Porter, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. Frederick S. Ainsworth, Surgeon 22d Mass. Infantry. Dr. Thomas B. Hitchcock, Asst. Surgeon 42d Mass. Infantry. Dr. George J. Arnold, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Anny. Dr. Charles E. Hosmer, Private, Steward U. S. Navy, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Navy. Dr. John G. Park, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Navy. Dr. Charles Thacher Hubbard, Asst. Surgeon U. S. Navy. Dr. James E. Walker, Acting Asst. Surgeon U. S. Army. Dr. Henry G. Clark, Inspector-in-chief of the Sanitary Commission. Dr. J. Nelson Borland, Inspector of Hosj^itals for the Sanitary Commission. Dr. Samuel L. Abbot, " " Dr. Henry I. Bowditch, " " Surgeon to the Board of Enrolment in Boston durmg the war, and Volunteer Surgeon in the Army. Dr. Samuel Cabot, Jr., Inspector of Hospitals for the Sanitary Commission and Volunteer Surgeon. Dr. William Edward Coale, " " Dr. Calvin Ellis, " " and Volunteer Surgeon. Dr. Augustus A. Gould, " " Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, « « Dr. Francis Minot, " " Dr. Benjamin S. Shaw, " " Dr. Charles E. Ware, •' " Dr. Henry W. Williams, « « Dr. W. W. Morland, « « Dr. Winslow Lewis, " " Dr. Henry K. Oliver, « « Dr. D. D. Slade, " « Rev. Warren H. Cudworth, Chaplain 1st Mass. Infantry. T. Wentworth Higginson, Captain 51st Mass. Infantry, Colonel 33d U. S. Colored Troops (1st South Carolina Infantry). Francis A. Osborn, Colonel 24th Mass. Infantry, Brevet Brigadier General U. S. Vols. Joseph P. Couthouy, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant U. S. Navy. Killed in battle. Alpheus Hyatt, Jr., Captain 47th Mass. Infantiy. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURiVL HISTORY. 137 T. W. Clark, Colonel 29th Mass. Infantiy. Edward C. Cabot, Lieut. Colonel 44tli Mass. Infantry. Hiram S. Shurtleff, Captain 56th Mass. Infantry. Nathaniel S. Shaler, Captain 5th Kentucky Artillery. Nathaniel Bowditch, 1st Lieut. 1st Mass. Cavalry, A.A.G. U. S. Vols. Killed in battle. Charles W. Folsom, 1st Lieut, and Q.M. 20th Mass. Infantry. Huntington F. Wolcott, 2d Lieut. 2d Mass. Cavalry. Died in the service. Edward T. Bouve, 1st Lieut. 32d Mass. Infantry, Captain 4th Mass. Cavalry, Major 26th N. Y. Cavaky. Joseph H. Lathrop, Sergeant 43d Mass. Infantry, 1st Lieut, and Adjutant 4th Mass. Cavalry. John E. Alden, 2d Lieut. 1st unattached company Mass. Infantry. Nathan Appleton, 1st Lieut. 5th Battery Mass. Light Artillery, Capt. and A.D.C. U. S. Vols. Louis Cabot, 2d Lieut. 1st Mass. Cavalry, Capt. 2d Mass. Cavalry, Major 4th Mass. Cavalry. Fletcher M. Abbott, 1st Lieut. 2d Mass. Infantry. John Ritchie, 1st Lieut, and Q.M. 54th Mass. Infantry. William E. Endicott, 2d Lieut. 30th unattached comp.any Mass. Heavy Artillery. Lorin L. Dame, 1st Lieut. 15th Battery Mass. Light Artillery. Albert S. Bickmore, Private 44th Mass. Infantry. A. P. Cragin, Private in a Mass. Cavalry regiment. Killed in battle. John Jeffries, Jr., Major 1st Corps Cadets Mass. Volunteer Militia. George Brooks, Private 45th Mass. Volunteers. Died in the service at Newbern, N. C. Robert M. Cojjeland, 1st Lieut, and Q.M. 2d Mass. Infantry, Major and A.A.G. U. S. Vols. Alfred P. Rockwell, Captain 1st Battery Conn. Light Artillery, Colonel 6th Conn. Infantry, Brevet Brigadier General U. S. Vols. Ste]]hen M. Weld, Captain l.Sth Mass. Infantry, Colonel 56th Mass. Infantry, Brevet Bi-igadier General. E. R. Cogswell, Corporal 44tli Mass. Infantry. Jonathan Dorr, Private 44th Mass. Infantry. Nathaniel Willis Bumstead, Captain 45th Mass. Infantry. Carleton A. Shurtleff, Medical Cadet U. S. Army. Joseph T. Rothrock, Private 12th unattached company Mass. Infantry, Captain Pennsylvania Cavaby. Cojiley Amory, 1st Lieutenant 4th U. S. Cavahy. Rev. George H. Hepworth, Chaplain 47th Mass. Inf.antry. William EUery Copeland, Private 44th Mass. Infantry. Lewis W. Tappan, Jr., Captain 45th Mass. Infantry. The writer can scarcely hope, notwithstanding great care taken, that no errors will be found in this roll of honor. He would especially regret the omission of the name of a single member of the Society, who manfully went forward to serve the nation in its hour of peril. Early in the decade now passed was received the bequest of Mr. Jonathan Phillips of $10,000. This was followed by the grant of land from the State on which the Museum was afterwards erected. Then came the first of the series of donations from our great benefactor, Dr. William J. Walker, of his house in Bulfinch Street, followed by the second and third of $20,000 each, and finally by the great bequest from him which established the institution on such a firm foundation as to secure its perpetuity so long as wisdom shall prevail in its councils. The Society had also been the recipient during the decade of the bequests before men- tioned, from Paschal P. Pope, $20,000 ; Miss Sarah P. Pratt, $10,000, with a large collec- tion of shells; Dr. Benjamin D. Greene, $9,000, with a large library of valuable books; and Mr. Henry Harris, $5,000. It had likewise received for the establishment of a fund 138 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE for the Library, $5,000 in the name of Huntington Frothingham Wolcott, who died in the military service of the comitry in the war of the rebellion. Of the donations made towards building and other purposes in the early part of the decade, Mr. Nathaniel Thayer contributed |2,500, Mr. Thomas Lee $1,000, Mr. John L. Gardner |1,000, Dr. Benjamin D. Greene $1,000, Mr. Henry B. Rogers $1,000, and an anonymous friend $1,000. A considerable amount of the money subscribed towards the building and working funds was from donors of sums varying from $500 to $100 and less. Besides money, the Society received during the decade the magnificent donation of the Lafresnaye collection of birds from Dr. Henry Bryant. There was a very valuable donation made to the Society by Mr. James M. Barnard in 1864, notice of which has not been given. This consisted of a large collection of fossil echinoderms made by Dr. A. Krantz of Bonn, and was second in the counti-y only to that in the Museum of Comparative Zoiilogy in Cambridge, presenting as it did good types of nearly every group of the class. Mr. H. F. Wolcott mentioned above was a yoimg member of the Society whose great interest in it led to the endowment after his death of the fund referred to in his name by his father, Mr. J. Huntington Wolcott, as a memento of that interest, and as a recognition of what would have been pleasing to him if living. The fund is known as the Huntington Frothingham Wolcott Fund, and now amounts to over $6,000, the interest at first having been allowed to accumulate and having been added to the capital. It is held is trust, the income alone being available for the purchase of books ibr the Libraxy. The service of this fund to the Society has been very great, as without it, there woidd not have been means to supply works actually indispensable for the use of the members. Mr. Wolcott was born in Boston, February 4th, 1846, and died June 9th, 1865. In mentioning the bequests of Mr. Jonathan Phillips made during the decade, no such notice was given of this benefactor of the Society as seems fitting should appear concern- ing him. A few brief remarks are therefore added here. Hon. Jonathan Phillips was born in Boston, April 24th, 1778. He was the son of Lieutenant Governor William Phillips and was educated for mercantile life, but never engaged in much active business. Upon the death of his father in 1827 he became the possessor of a very large fortune, and the remainder of his life was mostly passed in liter- ary culture, travel, and in taking an active share in many of the benevolent and educa- tional movements of his day, all of which he generously aided. He was at one period a member of the Senate of Massachusetts, but his tastes and inclinations were such as to lead him to shrink from public life. For a number of years he held the oflBce of President of the Massachusetts Bank. He was an associate with Dr. William Ellery Channing, Eev. George Ripley, Dr. Charles Follen and many other prominent men, in the well-known Progress Club, and was a very intimate filend of Dr. Channing. Among many other bequests and donations he contributed $30,000 in aid of the Boston Public Library, first making a donation of $10,000 and afterwards bequeathing by will $20,000, the interest of which sums alone is available for use. He bequeathed liliewise the sum of $20,000 to the City in trust, the income of which is to be expended in adorning and embellishing the streets and public places. To this last-mentioned bequest, the City owes the statue of BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 139 Josiah Quincy in front of City Hall, that of John Winthrop in Scollay Square, and that of Samuel Adams on Washington Street. Mr. Phillips died in Boston on the 29th of July, 18G0, at the age of eighty-two years. Of the publications during the ten years, the seventh volume of the Journal and the last of the series, was completed in 1863. The Memoirs in quarto form which succeeded the Journal had been delivered to members in parts from 1863 ; the whole of the first volume being completed in 1869. Of the Proceedings the twelfth volume and part of the thirteenth had been issued. The members of the several standing committees of the Council during the decade were as follows : On PuUication. Drs. Jeffries Wyman, Augustus A. Gould, S. L. Abbot, Samuel Knee- land, Charles Pickerings and Messrs. S. H. Scudder, William T. Brigham and Charles J. Sprague. On the Library. Messrs. Charles K. Dillaway, Charles J. Sprague, S. H. Scudder, Hor- ace Mann, J. Elliot Cabot; and Drs. John Bacon and A. S. Packard, Jr. On Finance. Messrs. Thomas T. Bouve, James M. Barnard, Edward Pickermg and Amos Binney. The average attendance at the general meetings during the ten years was as follows : For the year 1860-61 37 For the year 1865-66 34 " " 1861-62 37 " " 1866-67 39 « " 1862-63 33 " " 1867-68 40 « " 1863-64 44 " " 1868-69 33 « 1864-65 33 " " 1869-70 32 The average attendance at the meetings of the Section of Microscopy after its for- mation was for the months December 1864 to May 1865, 9 ; for the year 1865-66, 9 ; 1866-67, 12 ; 1867-68, 12 ; 1868-69, 8; 1869-70, 9. The average attendance at the meetings of the Section of Entomology after its forma- tion was for the months November 1866 to May 1, 1867, 12 ; for the year 1867-68, 9 ; 1868-69, 12; 1869-70, 10. The members who took the most active part in the proceedings of the Society during the first five years of the decade were Drs. JeflTries Wyman, C. T. Jackson, B. Joy Jefii-ies, James C. White, Charles Pickering, Augustus A. Gould, Henry Bryant, Burt G. Wilder, C. F. Winslow, William Stimpson and Thomas M. Brewer ; Profs. Louis Agassiz, William B. Kogers and H. J. Clarke ; Messrs. S. H. Scudder, F. W. Putnam, Alexander Agassiz, A. E. Verrill, Horace Mann, C. J. Sprague, Charles Stodder and Thomas T. Bouve. Those who were most active during the last five years were Drs. Jeffries Wyman, C. T. Jackson, B. Joy JeflTries, James C. White, Charles Pickering, Hermann A. Hagen, J. B. S. Jackson, Thomas M. Brewer ; Messrs. S. H. Scudder, Charles Stodder, WUliam T. Brigham, E. C. Greenleaf, N. S. Shaler, Horace Mann, B. P. Mann, F. G. Sanborn, E. Bicknell, C. S. Minot and Thomas T. Bouve. Walker Frizes. In accordance with the provisions in an agreement made with Dr. William J. Walker by which the Walker Prize Fund was established, offers were made for the best and second best memoirs presented on subjects proposed by a Committee of the Council, as follows : Subject for 1865 : " Adduce and discuss the evidence of the coexistence of man and extinct animals, with the view of determining the limits of his antiquity. l^Q HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Subject for 1866 : "The fertilization of plants by the agency of insects, in reference both to cases where this agency is absolutely necessary, and where it is only accessory." No essays having been presented, or none deemed by the Council worthy of a prize, the same subjects were proposed again for the years 1867 and 1868, but still without bringing forth any response from writers. Other subjects were therefore proposed for the two sub- sequent years, viz : For 1869 : " On the range of arctic and alpine plants in Northern America, with an enumeration of species." For 1870 : "The reproduction and migration of Trichina spiralis." As with the case of previous subjects, neither of these last elicited any response, or any of sufficient merit in the estimation of the Council to call for an award. It will be seen later that those proposed for the immediately succeeding years were more successful in calling forth essays upon them. The property of the Society at the end of this decade, besides the building, and the col- lections and library which were of inestimable value, consisted of investments belonging to the various funds amounting in the aggregate to $186,898.20 ; this included, however, several bequests left under restrictions, a part of the income of which must be expended only for special purposes, and can never be available for general uses or expenses. The library at this time had nearly doubled in size during the ten years, and consisted of 9396 volumes, and 2677 pamphlets, as before stated. But if the members had cause to rejoice at the material prosperity of the institution, they too had often cause to lament the loss of faithful workers for its interests, many of whom had been companions in their labors. Among those taken hy death during the ten years wei'e Dr. B. D. Greene, Dr. Geo. Hayward, Mr. Francis Alger and Dr. Augustus A. Gould, all original members of the Society ; Dr. Wm. J. Walker, its great benefactor ; Dr. Henry Bryant, Mr. Octavius Pickerino-, Mr. Thomas Bulfinch, Mr. Horace Mann, Mr. Huntington Frothingham Wolcott, Mr. Carleton Atwood ShurtleflF and Capt. Joseph P. Couthouy. Decade V. May, 1870 — May, 1880. 1870. The fifth decade commences with the office of President vacant, by the resignation of Dr. Jeffries Wyman ; with Mr. Alpheus Hyatt, Custodian ; Rev. Joshua A. Swan, Recording Secretary and Librarian ; Dr. Samuel L. Abbot, Corresponding Secre- tary ; Mr. Edward Pickering, Treasurer ; Mr. F. G. Sanborn, Assistant in the Museum ; Miss Lillias Blaikie, Assistant in the Library, and Mr. George Coles, Janitor. It will be recollected that at the annual meeting the Committees for the several depart- ments of Comparative Anatomy, Mammals and Microscoj^y were not elected. At the first meeting succeeding, the following persons were chosen to these respectively : 3Iammals. J. A. Allen, Thomas Waterman, Jr., M.D., J. B. S. Jackson, M.D. Comjiarative Anatomy. Thomas Dwight, M.D., Jeftries Wyman, M.D., J. C. White, M.D. Microscoiyy ■ Edwin Bicknell, R. C. Greenleaf, B. Joy Jeffries, M.D. The following changes were made in the members of the Committees as elected at the annual meeting : J. A. Allen was transferred from the Committee on Ornithology to that BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 141 of Fishes and Reptiles, taking N. E. Atwood's place on the latter ; and J. Elliot Cabot was chosen one of the Committee on Ornithology. It was decided to change the Janitor's room from the north-west corner of the base- ment to the south-west corner, at an expense of $1500, it having been found that from lack of sunshine in the apartments, the health of members of his family had been seriously imjiaired. Under the new condition of affairs inaugurated by the election of Mr. Hyatt as Cus- todian, certain changes were desirable in the Regulations and By-Laws. The Librarian, besides such duties as defined hitherto, was given the sole direction of the Janitor so far as related to work expected of him in the delivery of jjublications, care of offi(;e, lecture room, &c. He was also to have sole charge of the assistants in the Library. The office hours were fixed at from 9 A. M., until the closing of the Library in the afternoon, ex- cept an intermission not exceeding two hours at noon. A vacation of two months was allowed him during the year. The Custodian, in addition to duties defined in By-laws, was to have the immediate charge of the Museum, and the sole direction of the assistants employed there. Also the sole direction of the Janitor, excepting in such duties as are mentioned in the authority given the Librarian over him. He was empowered to decide in all cases relative to the arrangemeiit, care or use of the collections not otherwise specially ^^rovided for, and his decision was to be binding, unless overruled by the Council. When any department suf- fered by neglect or other cause, he was authorized to take charge of it and report to the Council. He was required to prepare a report as early as possible on the state of the Mu- seum, and a plan for the definite arrangement of the collection, so as to best illustrate what the Society had in view by the formation of its Museum. He was required to give twenty- four hours each week at least, of undivided attention to the Museum; six hours each for four days, or eight hours each for three days. A vacation of two months was granted him. The Assistant in the Museum was authorized to act for the Custodian in his absence. A vacation of six weeks was allowed him, the time to be fixed by the Custodian. The Assistant in the Library was required to act for the Librarian in his absence. Her attendance was fixed at seven hours per day. She was to be allowed six weeks vacation during the year, the time to be appointed by the Librarian. It was understood that an appeal might be made to the Council on the part of any one employed who felt aggrieved. At a meeting of the Society on the 1st of June, a Committee was appointed, consisting of five members, to present a candidate for the office of President at the next meeting. Mr. Edward Pickering, Dr. C. F. Winslow, Mr. Chas. J. Sprague, Mr. R. C. Greenleaf and Mr. William H. Niles composed this Committee. At the next meeting, held on the 25th of June, Mr. Edward Pickering, the chairman, reported that the name that first suggested itself to the Committee was that of the First Vice-President, Dr. Charles T. Jackson, one of the earliest, most constant and devoted of the friends of the Society. Ui:)on his unwearying interest in its welfare, his liberal contri- butions to its treasures, his courtesy as a presiding officer, his well known scientific attain- ments, it was not necessary to enlarge. But the reception of the following letter pre- vented the Committee from offering his name as a candidate. 142 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Edward Pickering, Esq., Chairman of Committee of Nomination. Dear Sir : Having Ijeen informed that the Committee on the Nomination of President for the Boston Societj" of Natural Historv are disposed to ofier my name as a candidate for that office, I beg leave to say to the Committee, through you, that however highly I con- sider the honor, I cannot consent to become a candidate, since my health, whicli is often impaired, especially in the winter, might be inadequate to the very imjiortant duties and constant attention required of the first officer of the Society. So far as my health and ability will permit, I shall always be happy to labor for the interests of the Society, and whatever influence I can exert will Ijc in its favor. A younger man than myself I believe would he able to serve the Society much better than I can 'and my personal preference would be in favor of the promotion of the Second Vice-President, Mr. Thomas T. Bouve, to the Presidency of the Society. Most cordially thanking the Committee for their favorable consideration, I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, Charles T. Jackson. Under these circumstances the Committee proposed for the office of President of the Society the name of the Second Vice-President, Thomas T. Bouve. The report was accepted. Dr. C. P. Winslow moved that the Society proceed to ijallot for the candidate nominated. This led to considerable discussion, there being the feeling on the part of some present, that the proposed action was hasty, and that no harm could result from postponing the election to a future period. A ballot, however, was ordered by a large majority of the members, which resulted in the election of Mr. Thomas T. Bouve to the Presidency of the Society, there being but two dissenting votes. Early in this official year a letter was received from Prof. Rimkle of the Institute of Technology, expressing a desire for the cooperation of the Boston Society of Natural History with the Institute. This was warmly responded to by the Council, and the Px'esi- dent, Mr. Bouve, was requested to write an answer to Professor Runkle expressive of the readiness of the Society to meet his wishes, it being thought that an arrangement might be made which would be of service to both institutions in the furtherance of the purpose each had in view, to extend a knowledge of science in the community. A plan was subsequently adopted by which the Institute had permission to use the halls of the Museum and the collections for the instruction of its students, subject to such restrictions as the Council might impose for the preservation of the specimens, it being understood that the Society should be paid a certain sum therefor, and that the Institute should deposit the collections and charts of the late Prof. H. D. Rogers with the Society, grant the use of the Huntington Hall for lectures, if required, and contribute specimens of natural history towards an educational series. Under this arrangement. Dr. Samuel Kneeland delivered several lectures on Zoology in the lecture room of the Society the first year, and the Custodian delivered a course on Palaeontology. It is well, perhaps, before proceeding to detail fiu-ther the doings of the Society, to dwell at some length upon the necessity of a change in the management of its inter- ests, which had led primarily to the election of Mr. Hyatt as Custodian, and subsequently to the adoption of a more defined policy in its administration. It is manifestly unjust to BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 143 the memory of the many distinguished and devoted members of the Society who, from its earliest period to that now under consideration, were active in its affairs, to imply that no plan of organization, qr policy of administration had been acted upon. A common senti- ment influenced all of them, that of affording means by which a better knowledge of natural history might be attained by themselves and disseminated in the community, and to act upon this they deliberately planned for the accomplishment of their purposes and organized means for the object. They established a Museum, they founded a Library, they held meetings, gave lectures, and published scientific papers. Simply, they did not define their course of action or their arrangement of the Museum, as more advanced knowledge and experience suggested in 1870. What they did was in accordance with the best thought prevailing anywhere in relation to such institutions as that of the Society. If the several departments of the Museum they formed were not placed in such se- quence as to form together as now, the best means for the education of visitors, the collec- tions of each were arranged in thorough scientific order. The time had however come for a more definite statement of Avhat was proposed on the part of the Society, especially as views were held by some members tending to prevent such change in its polic}^ and in the arrangement of the collections as seemed desirable for its best good. The Custodian, Mr. Hyatt, was therefore required, as has been before mentioned, to prepare a report as early as possible, on the state of the Museum and a plan for its definite arrangement, so as to best illustrate what the Society had in view in its foundation. This he did soon after, and a vote was passed by the Council, adopting the proposed plan as a basis for action until the annual meeting in 1871. This plan was not limited in its application to the Museum. The paper presented by the Custodian and adojited by the Covuicil, was termed "Proposed Plan of Organization," and embraced views and suggestions concerning the meetings, the jJublications, and the library, as well as the Mviseum. The essential details of this plan may be found in the annual report for the year ending May, 1871, published in the fourteenth volume of the Proceedings. Here only such portions of it will be referred to as tended to excite opjDosi- tion and to lead to a conflict of oi^inion and action ujDon measures deemed essential to the interests of the Society. After stating that the Museum of the Society was intended especially for the instruction of teachers, general students and the public, and that therefore its collections should be arranged according to some easily understood and comprehensive plan, illustrating the general laws of natural science, the Custodian added, " All the different departments should be connected as closely as possible, and form together a series of lessons in the structure of the earth and its constituent parts, and in the organization of the plants and animals living upon its surf;ice." A clear understanding of the defective general character of the arrangement of the Museum, as judged in the light of present experience, is necessary in order that the reason for a radical change in the location of the several departments in the building, involviu"" large expenditure of time and money, may be manifest. As recently as when the new building of the Society was constructed, it is douljtful if in any of the great museums of the world, the importance was recognized of arranging the several departments in such relation to each other as would best serve educational inter- ests ; certain it is, that not a member of the Society gave a thought to it. Tlie only idea 144 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE that moved the minds of the Curators in selecting rooms for the collections was that of obtaining such as would meet the requirements of each department without reference to the rest. Thus it happened that those brought in contact had no relation to each other, and others closely allied by nature, were far remote in location. On the lower floor, where are two exhibition rooms, one was appropriated to Botany, the other to Geology, whilst the department of Minerals, which should have had a place with that of Geology, and immediately preceding it, was far away in another part of the building. To act upon the advanced views expressed by the Custodian upon the arrangement of the departments in consecutive series, a radical change was necessary, involving great ex- pense, particularly in the reconstruction of cases, so that there might be a proper adapta- tion of them to new uses. Perhaps it was fortunate that as constructed originally, none of them were fit for the purposes designed. They were, undoul)tedly, as suitable as those generally then found in Museums, but experience had taught the Curators that there was a necessity for much better, if the collections were to be saved from ruin. This fact made it easier to accomplish the radical change in arrangement desired on scientific considera- tions, as it was seen that the necessary expenditure would accomplish a double object. There was no intention to do all or much at once, towards effecting the change, but only to establish the policy of placing the collections in such consecutive order as suggested, and act upon it as time and means would allow. The President heartily approved of the change. He was strongly averse to encroaching on the principal of the property of the Society for any but the most weighty reasons, but he regarded the end to be attained as fully justifying the means, and he gave the policy of re-arrangement of the Museum all the individual and official influence he could bring to bear in its supjjort. Besides the re-arrangement of the several departments, the proposed plan contemplated the formation of separate New England collections in each, and an epitome collection of the organic sections of the Museum, containing the types of the vegetable and animal kino-doms, classified to show the approximations of the lower, and the great differences of the higher orders of each, with the zoological succession of the types of each. It will be seen in the remaining pages of this volume how steadily the policy was adhered to of effecting the object mentioned, and how gradually but surely the great work was accom- plished ; although not without opposition, and not without the manifestation of unpleasant feeling on the part of some who failed to recognize the wisdom of what was proposed. This was to be expected, even on the part of members devoted to the interest of the Society. Tlie Custodian indicated his appreciation of this in the following remarks upon the plan submitted. " The difficulties to be encountered in carrying out the details of any scheme, will be o-reat or small, precisely in proportion to the feeling which governs the officers entrusted with its execution. If a broad, catholic spirit of consideration for the interests of the Museum obtains, there need be no doubt of its ultimate success. On the other hand, if re'i-ard for the interests of any special departments is allowed to interfere with the uniform arrangements and proper scientific use of the whole Museum, no very beneficial results can be anticipated." The course pursued has, it is believed, received the commen- dation of all naturalists who have made themselves acquainted with it, and witnessed the results. BASEMEINT FLOOR. MUSEUM OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. FLOOR PLANS. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 145 » In October of this year, a large fin-back whale was exhibited in one of the docks of the harbor, exciting much interest in the community, and attracting a large con- course of visitoi's. The matter was brought before the Council by a motion being made that Dr. Thos. Dwight, Jr. and the Custodian be a committee to procure if possible the skeleton of this huge animal for the Museum. At the next meeting Dr. Dwight reported that the carcass had been presented to the Society by Mr. Harvey T. Litchfield, had been accepted by the committee, and had been towed to and stranded upon Spectacle Island. Upon the suggestion of Dr. Dwight, three hundred dollars were voted to cover expenses of transportation, cleaning, and delivering the skeleton at the Museum. This fine specimen now adorns the main hall of the Museum, being suspended from the roof of the building. Dr. Dwight gave a large part of a year of scientific labor in the preparation and final arrangement of the skeleton in the position it now occupies, and to him the Society is mainly indebted for such an important acquisition to its collection. The skeleton is undoubtedly the finest in the country, and its perfection is largely due to his personal care and watchfulness over the carcass until all the bones were safely removed. The lack of means at this time necessary to accomplish all the objects the Society had in view for the instruction of the public in science, weighed upon the m'inds of the active members, as indeed it has ever since. They were, therefore, much gratified to learn from the President that he had had an interview with Mr. John Amory Lowell, the Trustee of the Lowell Institute, who had kindly expressed a willingness to pi-ovide for several courses of lectures from the Lowell fund, to be given in our building under the auspices of the Society ; the lectures to be selected by the Council, and the subjects to be such as per- tained to natural history. In accordance with this fixvorable provision for continued instruction by lectures, seven courses were given during the season of 1870-71. The first six lectures were by the Rev. J. L. Russell, on Cryptogamic Botany, the second course of two lectures by Prof J. S. Newberry, on the Caiions of the Colorado and Ancient Civilization of America, the third course of six lectures by Dr. Thos. Dwight, Jr., on the Comparative Anat- omy of the Mannnalia, the fourth course of four lectures by Dr. P. P. Carpenter, on a General Sketch of Mollusca, the fifth course of two lectures was by the Rev. R. C. Water.'3ton, on some of the remarkable natural features of California ; the sixth course of twelve lectures by Prof W. H. Niles on the Principles of Geology, and the seventh course of six lectures by the Rev. E. C. Bolles, on the Revelations of the Microscope. These lectures were generally attended by large numbers and were of a very interesting and instructive character. In December, 1870, Miss Blaikie, whose services as assistant in the Library had been very valuable, and whose presence had always diffused cheerfulness, resigned on account of her approaching marriage. The tlianks of the Council were presented to her for the very efficient manner in which she had discharged the duties of her oflice. 1871. By vote of the Council in January of this year, as one of the precautions against fire, smoking in every part of the building was prohibited. On Feb. 7th, Mr. John Cum- mings presented to the Society five hundred dollars to be applied for educational lectures to teachers during the next winter, that of 1871-72. Mr. John Cummings, the President, Mr. Bouv^, the Custodian, Mr. Hyatt, and Mr. Wm. H. Niles, were appointed a Committee to employ the gift in accordance with the wishes of the donor. This was the first open 146 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE manifestation made by Mr. Cummings of his intention to afford an opportunity to the teachers of Boston to become acquainted with natural history. His mind had for some time dwelt upon a plan by which the public might possess a better scientific culture than hitherto, and thus share in its refining influences. The general lectures delivered each winter, though undoubtedly of great service to many, seemed to him to accomplish but inadequately the object he had in view. He finally came to the conclusion that by inter- esting the teachers in the several branches of science, and by affording them an oppor- tunity of receiving practical instruction, better and more lasting results might follow than from any other course. Possessing themselves a knowledge of botany, of mineralogy, or of any other branch, they could not fliil to exert a great influence upon the many thous- and minds that came under their instruction, in fovor of its study, and thus another gen- eration be led to show greater interest in pursuits of an elevating tendency. The mem- bers of the committee other than Mr. Cummings himself, feeling a great interest in the proposed plan, early issued a circular to the teachers, calling attention to the generous proposal made by him, and invited their co-operation. A committee on the part of the masters of the Grammar Schools was appointed to learn the feelings of the teachers gen- erally on the matter, and to report results. The circular referred to, after mentioning the proposal of the donor, stated that teachers of every grade were invited ; that the lectures would be given on Wednesday or Saturday afternoons, as the teachers might decide, com- mencing in October and continuing through the winter at the Museum of Natural History; that the earlier courses would be on Physical Geography, Botany and Geol- ogy, and that they would be given by Professors familiar with the object method of teach- ing and skillful in the use of chalk ; that it was designed that the lectures should be practical and familiar, questions and answers to be allowed, and the whole subject slowly developed ; that the Professors were anxious to know how large classes they could rely upon before leaving the Museum for summer work, and therefore asked all teachers who desired to avail themselves of the offer to sign the circular. It was o-ratifying to find that the movement excited great interest on the part of those to whom it was addressed, manifested by the prompt signing of the circular by upwards of seven hundred teachers. The great success which followed this preliminary action will be given in the account of proceedings hereafter. In March of this year, a bequest of one thousand dollars was received from the late Mr. Sidney Homer for the general purposes of the Society. The Council subsequently voted to appropriate the amount for New England mammals. The assistant in the Museum, Mr. Sanborn, was authorized to devote two mornings each week to giving instruction at the Bussey School of Agriculture, upon his consenting to have his salary reduced, and Mr. P. S. Sprague was employed to work in the collection of Insects. At the annual meeting in May, the Custodian read his report for the year. Much of it was devoted to general considerations concerning the objects of the policy of the Society which, having been referred to earlier, will not be dwelt upon liere. Of the meetings, it was stated that there had been eighteen of the Society, with an average attendance of forty- one persons, eight of the section of Microscopy with an average attendance of eleven, and BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 147 seven of the section of Entomolop^y with an average of ten. Thirty-seven written com- munications had been made by thirty-six persons. Of these, thirteen were presented in the section of Entomology and thirteen in the section of Microscopy. Of the publications, eleven signatures of the Proceedings, completing the thirteenth vol- ume, had been issued, and of the Memoirs, one paper. Historical Notes on the Earth- quakes of New England, by William T. Brigham, had appeared. The Library had received during the year by gift, pvu-chase or exchange, 215 volumes, 765 parts of volumes, 183 pamphlets and 22 maps and charts. The use of the Library had been extended to members of the Institute of Technology and to others pursuing some branch of natural science, who made application. Of the departments of the Museum, the Custodian reported as follows : That of Mineralogy had received a large accession by the purchase of a fine series of specimens, and by the presentation of several, and the reception of others by exchange. The whole collection was in perfect order, and every specimen labelled. The Geological collection was in good order, and fully arranged and labelled. There had been no important additions. The Palaeontological collection had had much work done upon it in identifying and labelling the specimens. The condition of the Botanical collection was stated to be good, being entirely free from insects. It contained about 25,000 specimens labelled and glued to papers, and many hundred duplicates for exchange. A considerable nnmber of plants from various expe- ditions yet required much study and work for their identification and arrangement. The department of Comparative Anatomy had been enriched by the important addition made to it of the skeleton of the whale before mentioned, of the reception and mounting of which the particulars have been given. The corals and the sponges of the Radiata had been rearranged by Mr. Sanborn, and placed on black tablets. The labelling was reported, however, as incorrect in many cases, and it was recommended that measures should be taken to secure the services of Prof A. E. Verrill for the naming of the species. Much work had been done on the Insects by Mr. P. S. Sprague, and it was stated that the cases recently procured would obviate all danger of future damage from moths and Anthreni. Valuable additions to the collection had been made by Messrs. Sanborn, Swan, Trouvelot, Sprague, Dickenson, Minot, and Scudder. The department of the Mollusca required much attention from able conchologists. The services of Dr. P. P. Carpenter were obtained for a short period on the general collection, and Mr. L. Lincoln Thaxter continued work on the New England collection. The collection of Fishes was in good order and Mr. Putnam had been engaged in label- ling the specimens, which work was reported as nearly completed. The Reptiles were stated to be in the same condition as the previous year. The col- lection was reported as small, and needing many additions. The department of Ornithology had received many valuable additions of fresh eggs of Arctic birds from the Smithsonian Institution, and some rare specimens of birds from Mr. Thure Kumlein. The Custodian had adopted many expedients to stop the ravages of the Anthreni, but 148 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE with only partial success. Constant work alone, he said was the most effectual. Every bird had been soaked in benzine or naptha. The great want was such cases as are the best adapted to keep out the pests that do the injury. Those in use were not tit by their construction to contain specimens liable to attack. The department of the Mammalia was reported as rapidly improving. The New Eng- land collection had received many ac<;essions obtained by expenditure of a portion of the bequest of Mr. Sidney Homer, the Council, as before stated, having appropriated the sum thus received for the purpose of adding to this collection. At the election of ofticers, Mr. R. C. Greenleaf was chosen Second Vice-President, and Mr. J. A. Allen one of the Committee on birds in place of Mr. J. Elliot Cabot, resigned. Walke7' Prizes. At a meeting of the Society in June, the President, Mr. Bouve, pre- sented the report of the committee on the Walker prizes. To Prof. Albert N. Prentiss of Ithaca, New York, the first prize of one hundred dollars was awarded, and to Mr. Daniel Milliken of Hamilton, Ohio, the second, of fifty dollars, for their competitive essays " On the mode of the Natural Distribution of Plants over the Surface of the Earth." In October, Mr. F. W. Putnam called the attention of the Society to the great loss the Chicago Academy of Science had suffered in the destruction by fire of tlieir valuable col- lections in the various departments of natural history and of archaeology, and offered a resolution of sympathy on the part of the Boston Society of Natural History, and the offer of such of our publications and dnplicate specimens as might be acceptable. This was ably seconded by Professor Agassiz, who mentioned that the Museum of Comparative Zoology had suffered greatly by the fire, as all of Count Pourtales' collections on the Deep Sea dredging expedition were deposited there. The resolve was unanimously passed. At a meeting of the Council it was voted that Miss Lucinda Foster be employed to suc- ceed Miss Blaikie as assistant in the Library. The death of the Reverend Joshua Augustus Swan, the Recording Secretary and Libra- rian of the Society, occurred on the 31st of October. At the meeting on November 1st, the President, Mr. Bouve, paid the following tribute to his memory : " I know not how to utter the deep grief I feel and which I know is shared by you all in the death of our dear companion, Mr. Swan, the Secretary of the Society. No one, I am sure, who has had the pleasure of personal intercourse with him, but will feel that he has lost a near and dear friend. To me his presence even has always seemed a benedic- tion. I do not think I ever was so much impressed by the personal character of any man with whom I have come in contact as with that of Mr. Swan. He seemed always over- flowing with love for, and a desire to aid, all about him. What might excite in other men feelings of bitterness or anger, moved him only to sorrow, and no one was more char- itable in his judgments of the acts of others. Truly we have lost from our circle a man devoid of guile, upright in conduct, lovable beyond expression, pure in heart and faithful in every duty. God grant that his family, so dear to him, may have strength to bear the loss that falls so much more heavily upon them than upon all others." The following resolution, with others offered by Prof J. D. Ruukle, was then unani- mously passed : BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 149 " Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Swan the Society recognizes the loss of not only a highly efficient officer and member, but of an associate greatly respected for his attain- ments as a scholar, admired for his noble qualities as a gentleman, and loved for his many virtues as a man and a Christian." Before the close of the year it hud become so evidently necessary to have cases of better construction for the birds than those in use/ and in furtherance of the plan of reorganization adopted, the Council voted that the entire income from the Bulfinch Street fund for one year, be expended in litting up cases in the ujiper gallery for that purpose. 1872. In February, Mr. Edward Burgess was elected Recording Secretary and Librarian of the Society in place of Rev. J. A. Swan, deceased. The necessity for the presence of police officers on pul^lic exhibition days to preserve order and to see that the specimens of tlie Society suffered no harm, was now so apparent that at the meeting on March 6th, the President was authorized to petition the City Gov- ernment to appoint such officers. At a meeting of the Section of Entomology, on the 27th of March, the death of an active member of that section, Mr. William Hales Dale, was feelingly referred to, and the following resolution unanimously passed : " Resolved, That in tlie death of our late associate, William Hales Dale, we mourn the loss of one whose many graces had endeared him to us, and whose researches in natural science, now abruptly arrested by this inscrutable dispensation, commanded our hifdiest respect." This gentleman bequeathed to the Section of Entomology his cabinet of insects, and five hundred dollars. The annual meeting of the Society was held on May 1st. From the report of the Treasurer it appeared that the receipts, including donations amounting to $1249.26, and a bequest of |500, exceeded the expenditures $3649. 89. The Custodian's report for the year embraced much matter of importance, but nothing more gratifying that what he expressed relative to the Teachers' School of Science, by which name he designated the school formed through the liberality of Mr. John Cum- mings. It will be recollected that this gentleman in the early part of the previous year presented to the Society $500 to be applied for educational lectures to teachers, to be given during the succeeding winter. This sum he afterwards increased to cover all expenses occurred in carrying out his design, so that instead of $500 he really paid $950 to the Society. The remarlcs upon the result are here given. " The Teachers' School of Science was conceived and has been carried into successful operation during the past winter, under the patronage of Mr. John Cummings, a well known member of the Society. Under the direction of the Committee in charge, courses of lessons have been given in Physical Geography, by Prof W. H. Niles ; on Mineraloo-y, by W. C. Greenough ; on Zoology, by the Custodian ; and one is now in progress by Dr. W. G. Farlow, of Cambridge, on Botany. " Prof Niles delivered the first six. He undertoolc to give the more general features of the earth's surfoce, and then to apply these general principles to the explanation of the physical characteristics of Massachusetts. The success of this course may be judo-ed by the average attendance, which was about six hundred teachers of all grades, and by the 150 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE fact that the methods of teaching geography in some of onr pubhc schools are now under- going a change in favor of the more natural method introduced by him. " The necessity of actually handling and dissecting specimens obliged the Committee, after consultation with the masters of the Public Schools, to confine the issue of tickets to about two for each school. This limited the average attendance at the succeeding lessons, six on mineralogy, eleven on zoology, and ten on botany, to about fifty-five. Specimens were distributed and studied at every lesson, and we know that in many instances the instruction was repeated at the schools. We have without doubt excited an interest in natural history, which must speedily effect a marked improvement in the system of public instruction. " The lectures of the first course by Professor Niles were given in the commodious hall of the Institute of Technology, the others in the lecture room of the Society. The mate- rials for the course of zoology were largely furnished by Prof. S. F. Baird, United States Commissioner of Fisheries, and those of the botanical course by Prof. Asa Gray, from the Botanic Garden at Cambridge. " The expenses of the Society in connection with these lectures wei'e but trifling, and it received donations incidental to their delivery of considerable value. Among these- were a full suite of the marine animals of Wood's Holl, a full and complete collection of the fauna of the southern coast of Massachusetts, and also a complete collection of the marine animals of the coast of Maine. These collections were purchased for the Teachers' School of Science by Mr. Cummings, but as the duplicates were sulficient for the distribution at the schools, a series from all of them was first selected for the Museum to be the property of the Society. Many of the species thus obtained were not before in the cabinet. The visit of the Custodian to Wood's Holl to procure the specimens required for the school, enabled him fortunately to procure a complete set of the skins of sharks, rays, skates and other large fishes, which were collected by the vessels and the men in the employ of the U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries." The Custodian, in addition to what has been given above, stated that at his solicitation Mr. Charles J. Sprague had generously given two hundred dollars towards preparing the skins mentioned above for the New England collection. The rearrangement of the Museum in accordance with the plan adopted by the Society, had been commenced by removing the birds to the upper gallery, where suitable cases had been prepared for their reception. As the experience of the Society may be of service to some who read these pages, the statement of the Custodian concerning these cases is given entire. " Extraordinary precautions were taken to render them absolutely insect tio-ht. The lumber was very carefully selected and kept heated while the work was going on. All joints were tongued, grooved and glued. The tops, bottoms and sides were built into the plastering, the sashes grooved and tongued and locked by wedge-shaped bolts. The latter were arranged so as to draw the sashes up tightly and firmly against the tongues at the top and bottom and completely close the fronts of each case. Morse's patent brackets were used to suspend the shelving, which hangs upon the wall and has no connection with the fronts. The success of these precautions is shown by the air tight condition of the cases. By suddenly opening or closing a sash, one can readily crush in or burst out the neighboring glass panes. The resistance of the air is so great that it has BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 151 to be overcome by a steady slow pressure. The plan was similar to one adopted in the Smithsonian Institution and was recommended by Professor Baird." The Custodian reported that the effort to free the Ornithological collection from the further ravages of Anthreni had been successful. Some of the birds had been so badly affected as to require their being operated upon over twenty-five times before they were entirely freed from the pests. In the Conchological department much work had been done by Dr. P. P. Carpenter, and by exchange with him a valuable collection of British shells had been procured for the Society. In the department of Entomology also much work had been done by Mr. Sprague in completing the general collection of Coleoptera placed in the rail cases of the upper gal- lery. The specimens of Coleoptera were mentioned as numbei'ing about 10,000, and are in the improved boxes adopted by the Council. The Mineralogical department had received by donation from Mr. F. Alger, the large specimens of beryl wliich have since occupied the window recesses in the hall of entrance to the Museum, exciting the interest of beholders. The Geological department had been enriched by the presentation on the part of the Technological Institute of the magnificent mass of hematite iron ore and jasper which may be seen with the beryls above mentioned in the hall of the Museum. From Mr. L. S. Burbank a series of specimens had been received illustrative of a paper by him upon the Eozoon canadense, from Dr. S. Kneeland some lavas, and from Mr. Thomas T. Bouve a set of polished marbles. The other collections were mentioned as in fair condition. Much work was constantly required upon many of them in consequence of defective cases. Of the publications two quarterly parts of the fourteenth volume of the Proceedings had been issued, and four articles of the Memoirs. The Library had received 424 volumes, 943 parts of volumes, 268 pamphlets and 32 maps and charts. There had been eighteen general meetings with an average attendance of thirty-two ^^er- sons, nine of the section of Microscopy with an avei'age of ten, and eight of the section of Entomology with an average of eleven. Six Corresponding and thirty-four Resident Mem- bers had been elected. There had been eighty-two communications, of which seventeen were before the Entomological section and twelve before the Microscopical section. Previous to the election of officers, the department of Geology and Minerals was divided, and at the election the following members were chosen on the respective committees: Geology ; William H. Niles, William T. Brigham and Thomas T. Bouv^ ; — Minerals ; Thomas T. Bouve, Charles T. Jackson, M. D., and L. S. Burbank. The only other change made at the election was in substituting Dr. Samuel Kneeland in place of Mr. J. A. Allen on the Committee for Fishes and Reptiles. Leave of absence was granted in June to the Custodian for one year, his salary to be relinquished until his return to the duties of his office. He wished to visit Europe and make himself acquainted with its museums and men of science. Walker Prizes. In June the Council awarded the first prize of one hundred dollars 152 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE to E. D. Cope, and the second of fifty dollars to Benjamin G. Ferris, for their competitive essays on "The Darwinian Question; its bearing on the Development of Animal Life." In August of this year, the Council passed votes implj-ing some action on the part of members not entirely satisfactory, and at the same time defining limits for the future, viz. : All donations shall be submitted to the Committees of departments, before final depo- sition. All work rooms in use by Committees are to be regarded as private and shall not be exposed to intrusion except by members of the Council. In September, Prof Shaler pi'oposed that notices of each meeting be mailed to mem- bers designating the subjects that would be brought before it, hoping this might lead to better attendance. Before this time simple notice of other meetings had been published in two daily pajaers. The suggestion of Prof Shaler was approved and adopted. In October, the Council, in view of the fact that the City Government did not furnish regularly such police officers as were necessary on public days, passed the following vote : " That in consequence of injuries done the Society's building and collection by visitors, the Museum will be closed to the public after October 19th, until measures can be taken to properly protect the property ; and the Secretary is instructed to advertise the same in six daily papers for one week." This determined action led to officers being furnished for a while satisfactory to the Society. During the summer of the year, there had been three field excursions of the members of the Entomological section, resulting in their obtaining a large collection of sjDCcimens. The places visited were first Mattapan and vicinity, second Peabody, and third, Waltham and Waverly. 1873. The Museum of the Society was closed to the public on the first day of March, because the police officers had ceased to attend. This led to an interview on the part of the President, with the Ma3'or and Chief of Police, resulting iu a promise on their part that officers should be present on public days. At the annual meeting in May, in the absence of the Custodian abroad, the Secre- tary, Mr. Burgess, presented the yearly Report upon the condition and operations of the Society. From this is given the following abstract. During the year, two Honorary, one Corresponding, and twenty Resident Members had been elected. There had been eighteen general meetings of the Society, six of the section of Ento- mology, and six of the section of Microscopy. The average attendance at the general meetings had been twenty-five, showing perhaps a diminished interest in them. There had been four courses of Lowell Lectures given under the dii'ection of the Society, and a fifth was in progress. The first was upon " The Principles of Zoology," by Prof Edward S. Morse, and had an average audience of sixty persons ; the second upon " Min- eralogy," by Mr. L. S. Burbank, and had an average audience of forty persons ; the third upon " Evenings with the Microscope," by the Rev. E. C. Bolles, and had an average audi, ence of two hundred and fifty, and the fourth on " Chemical and Physical Geology," by Prof. T. Sterry Hunt, and had an average attendance of one hundred and fifty. The fifth course by Mr. B. Waterhouse Hawkins, upon " Comparative Anatomy," so far as they had progressed, had had an average attendance of fifty. The Teachers' School of Science was necessarily susjoended, much to the regret of a great number who desired to avail themselves of its privileges. The publications had BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 153 been satisfixctory. Two numbers of the Memoirs and two parts of the Proceedmgs had been issued. The additions to the Library during the year had been 277 volumes, 852 parts of vol- umes, 189 pamphlets and 20 maps and charts. In the Museum the necessary alterations in the cases had progressed as fast as regard to financial considerations warranted. New and admirable ones for the reception of the valu- able Herbarium presented l^y John Amory Lowell, Esq., had been made and wei'e in use. The change in the location of the collections of the various departments so as to bring them in the designed relation to each other had proceeded steadily, and at this time the work was so far accomplished as to enable visitors to the galleries, by entering the first and passing round to the right, to study the zoological collection in order, beginning with the sponges and passing to the higher groups. A beginning had been made on a comprehensive system of labelling, a great step towards publishing a visitors' catalogue, so important as a means of instruction. Much work had been done on the collections during the year by Messrs. Eraerton and Sprague, the former having labelled over 2,000 bottles of Crustacea and many of New England worms and radiates, and the latter being engaged nearly all the year on insects. Dr. Carpenter had likewise done much in studying our MoUusca and in labelling them. They were sent to him at Montreal for identification. Valuable donations had been received from many parties, among them birds from the Smithsonian Institution, insects from Mr. Sanborn and Mr. Ernest Papendiek, a fine fossil tree from the Joggins Mine, Nova Scotia, presented by the Institute of Technology and a beautiful Japanese crystal globe by Mr. Thomas Gaffield. The collection of Minerals had been much enriched by a large and valuable addition made to it by purchase from Dr. Beadle of Philadelphia. The expense was but trifling to the Society, as two members paid a large sum towards the purchase, and considerable money was received from the sale of duplicates. The number of visitors to the Museum seemed steadily to increase, schools often coming with their teachers. It was open to the public daily during the Peace Jubilee, so called, when the City provided special police for its protection. The Treasurer's account for the year exhibited an excess of receipts over expenditiu-es of $1,342.98. The Society suffered a loss of $6,280 from the great fire of November, 1872, it having held stocks in insurance companies that became worthless. It was obliged to pay also assessments to the amount of $2,346, levied by the companies. The changes made in the officers at the election were as follows : John Cummings was chosen on the Committee of the department of Geology, from which William T. Brigham and Thomas T. Bouve resigned. J. Henry Blake was chosen on the Committee of Mol- lusks in place of John Cummings, transferred to Committee on Geology. Richard Bliss, Jr., was chosen on the Committee for Fishes and Reptiles in place of Dr. D. Humphreys Storer resigned. J. H. Emerton was chosen on the Committee for Mammals in place of Thomas Waterman, Jr., M. D., resigned. Samuel H. Scudder was chosen on the Committee for Insects in place of F. G. Sanborn. In June of this year the gallery was added, with the cases, to the rear library apartment. The want of more room for books had been long felt but was now indispensable. A case was also built for the reception of the moose which had been procured for the Society. 154 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At a meeting of the Council it was voted to present the specimens belonging to the Society which were formerly in the Ethnological department to the Peabody Museum. Walker Prizes. The first jDrize of sixty dollars was awarded in June to Dr. A. S. Pack- ard, Jr., for an essay by him on the subject proposed for this year " On the development and transformations of the common house-fly." The Grand Honorary Prize was awarded this year by the Council to Alexander Agassiz for his investigations in the Embryology, Geographical Distribution, and Natural History of the Echinoderms, and the sum of one thousand dollars, the highest amount the Council was authorized to grant, appropriated for the purpose. In November, Mr. William T. Brigham offered to present to the Society the casts of the busts of several naturalists, if it would pay the cost of transportation from Europe. The offer was accepted with thanks ; these busts, being those of Cuvier, A. L. de Jussieu, Adrian de Jussieu, Buffbn, Linnaeus, and Charles Girard, were subsequently received and now adorn the main hall of the Museum. A meeting of the Council was called by the President on December 15th. Upon assem- bling, he addressed the members, stating that in view of the great calamity that had befal- len the community and particularly upon all interested in scientific culture and progress, by the death of our distinguished member Louis Agassiz, he had thought it well that they should come together and take such immediate action in relation thereto, as might seem fitting upon the occasion. He then recommended as a manifestation of respect to the memory of our honored associate, that the usual second monthly meeting be omitted on the next Wednesday evening and that we communicate to the family of Professor Agassiz our wish to be present at his obsequies if this should be agreeable to them. The pro- posed action was taken. Louis Agassiz. 1874. The meeting of the Society on January 7th partook largely of a memorial char- acter, the proceedings generally relating to the death of our distinguished member. Prof. Louis Agassiz. After calling the members to order, President Bouve addressed them as follows : Since we last met an event has occurred that has brought deep sorrow to our hearts, and indeed moved with grief those of the whole community ; for whilst in the death of the great naturalist we have lost a distinguished Honorary Member, a pioneer in the paths we love to tread, one whose name deservedly ranks high among the most illustrious of those who have explored the world of matter and of life, the great body of the commim- ity has lost one whom it has long and justly regarded as pre-eminently the great teacher in science, the man of all men, who insj^ired the love of knowledge, and who was never weary in his efforts to impart the best he knew to every seeking soul. Truly all alike, learned or unlearned, high in attainments and position, or only humble seekers of truth, may well weep the loss of him, whose presence alone was to everybody an inspiration. To those of us who have been in any degree sharers in his labors, or companions in lit- erary or scientific circles, his loss is irreparable. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 155 The fine physical form, the countenance ever beaming with feeling and intelligence, the expressive utterances, and above all, that subtle influence which came from the whole being of the man, alas ! that these are now only matters of memory. But it is not for me to dwell upon the event I have alluded to. For a fit expression of the loss sustained by the Society, we have the privilege of looking to one whose valuable services to it in its earlier days we have not forgotten, and who was one of the first among scientific men to welcome to our shores and our companionship the great naturalist. I need not say I refer to our former President, Mr. George B. Emerson, whom I now have the pleasure to introduce to you. Upon the close of the President's remarks, Mr. George B. Emerson gave an interesting address, a large part of which is here presented. I thank you, Mr. President, for the great honor you do me by inviting me to say some- thing before, and in behalf of, your Society, in commemoration of the most distinguished naturalist that has appeared among us. You know how reluctantly I consented to speak, and I feel how inadequately I shall be able to represent the Society. Yet I cannot but admit that there is some apparent propriety in your request. I was one of those who formed this Society. All the others who first met, except one, are gone ; Dr. B. D. Greene, Dr. J. Ware, F. C. Gray and the rest. My old friend. Dr. Walter Channing, alone, in whose office most of the first meetings were held, is still living. Moreover, while I was in the seat you now occupy, it was agreed by my associates that it was very proper and desirable that a survey of the State, botanical and zoological, should be made, to complete that begun by Prof Hitchcock in Geology. At their request I presented to Gov. Everett a memorial suggesting this. Our suggestion was graciously received. Gov. Everett brought the subject before the Legislature, in which some friends of natural history in the House of Representatives had already been acting toward the same end ; an appropriation was made, and he was author- ized to appoint a commission for that purpose. On that commission four members of this Society were placed ; the reports of three of whom. Dr. Harris, Dr. Gould and Dr. Storer, have been, and still continue to be, considered of signal and permanent value, and Mr. Agassiz himself regarded them as among the best reports ever made. It has given and still gives me the greatest satisfaction to know that the Society has been continually going forward, and that it is now more prosperous than ever. A little more than twenty-seven years ago, as I was sitting in my study, a message came to me that two gentleman desired to see me. They wei'e immediately admitted, and Dr. Gould introduced me to Louis Agassiz. His noble presence, the genial expression of his face, his beaming eye and earnest, natural voice, at once gained me, and I responded cordially to his introduction. He said, " I have come to see you, because Dr. Gould tells me that you know the trees of Massachusetts ; I wish to be made acquainted with the Carya. I have found the leaves and fruit of several species in the Jura Mountains, where they were deposited when those mountains were formed ; but, since that time, none have been found living in Europe. I want to know them as they are now growing." I told him that I knew all the species found in New England, and should be glad to show them to him. "But I have," I said, " presently to begin my morning's work. If you will let me call on you immediately after dinner, I shall be ghid to take you to them." 156 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At the time fixed, I called on him at his lodgings and took him, in my chaise, first to Parker's Hill, where one species of hickory grew, then through Brookline, Brighton and Cambridge, where two others were found, and to Chelsea, where a fourth, and one that might be a variety, were growing. I pointed out the characteristics of each species in growth, branching, bark, fruit and leaves, and especially in the buds. He listened with the most captivating attention, and expressed surprise at my dwelling upon the pecidiari- ties of the buds. " I have never known the buds to be spoken of as characteristic," said he ; " that is new to me." We drove on to Chelsea Beach, which stretches off several miles, — apparently without end, — and, as the tide was very low, was then at least a quarter of a mile wide. He was charmed with everything, expressing his pleasure with all the earnestness of a happy child, hardly able to restrain himself in his admiration and delight. He told me that he had never before been on a sea-beach, but that he was familiar with the undulations and wave marks on the old beaches laid open in the Jura Mountains. I need not say what a pleasant drive this was. I had long felt great interest in various departments of Natural History, but had been so fully occupied with my own duties, as a teacher, that I had been able to indulge myself fully, and that for a small part of the year, in one only. Here was a companion who was intimately acquainted with all, and with the most distinguished men who had been advancing them, and who was ready and happy to communicate wealth of information upon every point I could ask about. The news of the death of Agassiz caused a throb of anguish in millions of hearts. Such a death is a loss to mankind. What death among kings or princes in the Old World, or among the aspirants for power, or the possessors of wealth, in the New, could produce such deep-felt regret ? He is gone. We shall see his benignant face and hear his winning voice no more ; but we have before us his example and his works. Let us dwell, for a few moments, on some features in his life and character, as an inspiration and a guide, especially to those who mean to devote their leisure, or their life, to natural history, or to the great work of teaching ! What a change has taken place, in the whole civilized world, and especially in this country, in men's estimation of the value and interest of these pursuits, since he began his studies. To whom is that change more due than to Agassiz ? He was endowed by nature with extraordinary gifts. His fascinating eye, his genial smile, his kindliness and ready sympathy, his generous earnestness, his simplicity and ab- sence of pretension, his transparent sincerity ; — these account for his natural eloquence and persuasiveness of speech, his influence as a man, and his attraction and power as a teacher. For the development and perfecting of many of his highest and most estimable qualities of mind and character, Mr. Agassiz was doubtless indebted to his noble mother, who, judging from every thing we can learn, was a very rare and remarkable woman. To the quiet, homely, household duties, for which the 'Swiss women are distinguished, she added unconsciously, very micommon mental endowments, which she wisely cultivated by extensive reading of the best authors, and by conversation with the most intelligent per- sons. Trained by such a mother, Agassiz grew up in the belief of a Creator, an mfinite and all-wise Intelligence, Author and Governor of all things. He was sincerely and humbly BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 157 religious. During his whole life, while exploring every secret of animal structure, he saw such wonderful consistency in every part, that he never for a moment doubted that all were parts of one vast plan, the work of one infinite, all-comprehending Thinker. He saw no place for accident, none for blind, unthinking, brute or vegetable selection. Though he was a man of the rarest intellect, he was never ashamed to look upwards and recognize an infinitely higher and more comprehensive Intellect above him. Atrassiz's mother-tono-ue was French, but both this and German were in common use in the Pays de Vaud. He lived, for years afterwards, in several parts of Germany, and thus attained, without special study, the rich language which we Americans have to give so much time to acquire ; and he lived, long, a studious and laborious life in Paris, where he became intimately acquainted with Cuvier and other distinguished naturalists, and per- fectly familiar with the French language in its best form. More than once, when he was putting his note-book into his pocket, he told me he knew not whether he had made his notes in German or in French. Agassiz's universality of study and thought suggest a precious lesson. It is never safe to give one's self entirely to one study or to one course of thought. The full powers of the mind cannot so be developed. Nature is infinite ; and a small part of one kingdom cannot be understood, however carefully studied, without some knowledge of the rest. Agassiz took a large, comprehensive view of the whole field of natural history ; his thorough education and intimate acquaintance with the works of the highest men in sev- eral walks. Von Martins, Cuvier, Humboldt, and others, made it possible for him to do it, and he then fixed on certain departments, and, for the time, he gave himself entirely to one. Whenever Mr. Agassiz undertook a special work, he prepared himself for it by a care- ful study of whatever had been done in that particular line by all others. He had seen, everywhere, indications of the action of ice. He determined to investigate. He began by reading all he could find upon the subject, and then set himself to observe, patiently and carefully, what was taking place in the glaciers themselves. He gave the leisure of several years to this examination, and then felt himself i-eady to observe the eflFects of similar action in former ages and distant regions. The opinions of such an observer, after such a preparation, cannot be without authority and value ; and it is not surprising that he should not himself have been willing to yield them to those of others who had never given the same study to the subject. His example as a teacher has been of inestimable value, as showing the importance of the best and largest possible preparation, teaching by things really existing and not by books, opening the eye to the richness and beauty of nature, showing that there is no spot, from the barren sea-beach to the top of the mountain, which does not present objects attractive to the youngest beginner, and worthy of, and rewarding, the careful considera- tion of the highest intellect. In 1855, with the aid of Mrs. Agassiz, who, from the beginning, did a great deal of the work, Mr. Agassiz opened a school for young ladies. For this he was, in all respects, admirably well qualified. The charm of his manner, his perfect simplicity, sincerity and warm-heartedness, attracted every pupil, and won her respect, love and admiration. He knew, almost instinctively, what we teachers have to learn by degrees, that we cannot 158 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE really attract, control and lead a child, and help to form his habits and character, without first loving him ; that nothing in the world is so powerful as real disinterested affection. He gave, himself, by lectures most carefully prepared, an hour's instruction, real instruc- tion, every day. All his pupils retain their respect and love for him, and some keep the notes they made of his talks, and read them with delight. The school was continued for sjeven years, with great success, attracting pupils from distant parts of the country. One of the secrets of his success as a teacher was, that he brought in nature to teach for him. The young ladies of a large school were amused at his simplicity in putting a grass- hopper into the hand of each, as he came into the hall ; but they were filled with surprise and delight, as he explained the structure of the insect before them, and a sigh of disap- pointment escaped from most of them when the lesson, of more than an hour, closed. He had opened their eyes to see the beauty of the wondei'ful make of one of the least of God's creatures. What a lesson was this to young women preparing to be teachers in the public schools of our Commonwealth, showing that in every field might be foimd objects to excite, and, well explained, to answer the questions, what ? and how ? and why ? which children will always be asking. He had all the elements necessary to an eloquent teacher : voice, look and manner, that instantly attracted attention ; an inexhaustible flow of language, always exjiressive of rich thoughts, strong common sense, a thorough knowledge of all the subjects on which he desired to speak, a sympathy with others so strong that it became magnetic, and a feeling of the value of what he had to say, which became and created enthusiasm. He thus held the attention of his audience, not only instructing and persuading them, but converting them into interested and admiring fellow students. The advent of Agassiz is to be considered a most important event in the Natural His- tory of the country. The example of his character, his disinterestedness, his consecration to science, his readiness to oblige even the hinublest and most modest, his superiority to self-interest, his sincerity and absence of all pretension, his enthusiasm in all that is noble — all these recommended not only him, but the science he professed. Never was a life more richly filled with study, work, thought ; and all was consecx'ated, not to the benefit of himself, but to the promotion of science for the good of his fellow creatures. For many years Mr. Agassiz has seemed to live only for the advancement of natural history, by the building up of his Museum, for which he had collected material, of the greatest possible diversity, which would, properly cared for and arranged, form a Museum superior in numbers and variety to any similar collection in the world. Shall this great work be allowed to fail ? Let every person who honors the name of Agassiz, say No ! Let every one who regrets that the great main support of the noble structure is taken away, resolve that it shall not fail, but that, so far as depends on him and what he can do, it shall go on and be built and filled, and stand firm, a glorious temijle of science forever. At the conclusion of Mr. Emerson's address Rev. Dr. R. C. Waterston in response to an invitation from the chair, spoke as follows of Pi'of Agassiz's connection with the Cen- tennial Anniversary of the birth of Humboldt : At a meeting of the Boston Society of Natural History, June, 1869, it was moved and voted that a celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the birtli of Alexander von BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 159 Humboldt, by this Society, was highly desii-able. It was also suggested that Professor Agas- siz be invited to deliver an address upon the occasion. The invitation was extended to Professor Agassiz and accepted. Various circumstances connected with that memorable occasion, at a time like the present, come to the mind with peculiar power. In Professor Agassiz's public address, his introductory remarks were, "I am invited to an unwonted task. Thus far I have appeared before the public only as a teacher of nat- ural history. To-day, for the first time in my life, I leave a field in which I am at home, to take upon myself the duties of a biographer." Thus this Society had the privilege of inviting Professor Agassiz to a duty (most nobly fulfilled), which without this invitation in all probability he would never have entered vipon. That being as he himself expressed it, the first time in his life he had undertaken such a task ; it was also, as we now know, destined to be the last. This event which, on every account, had great interest, for these rettsons possesses a solemn and sacred import. That anniversary we would keep in grateful remembrance, forming as it does, in connec- tion with many reminiscences, an added and, may we not say, an indissoluble tie between us and him. At the time when the invitation was extended to Prof Agassiz, he was overwhelmed with work ; while by previous labor, both body and mind had already been overtaxed. Under such circimistances, it would have appeared next to impossible for him to comply with the request of the Society, yet so desirous was he to meet their wishes that he under- took the task. On the 3d of July Prof. Agassiz wrote as follows : — "For weeks past I have intended every day to write to you, but the fact is that just now I have scarcely time to breathe, and with the sincere desire of accepting the invita- tion tendered to me through you, I have been trying to free myself in some degree of the tasks before me. It is not so easy to do this as it seems. " However, I write now to say that I will do my best so far as it depends upon me, to make the Anniversary of Humboldt worthy of his memory, and serviceable to science in the country. The task will be a difficult, and in some respects a painful, one to me, none the less because of my personal relations with him. But I will do my best, and I beg you to believe that the confidence placed in me by those who wish to make this occasion a marked day, has gratified and touched me deeply. " I wish you would express this sentimeiit in my behalf, and add that my great cause of hesitation has been the fear that I might not satisfy the expectations of those who have thus honored me. Believe me, " Ever truly yours, " Louis Agassiz." In a note dated July 21st, he says, "I have been completely prostrated this week." Yet notwithstanding this exhaustion (doubtless far beyond what was imagined by his most intimate friends, and, added to this, serious illness among the members of his own family, his son leaving for Europe, on account of his health, the very day upon which the address was delivered). Professor Agassiz most conscientiously devoted himself through the 160 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE sultriness of an intensely hot mid-summer, to the work of preparation. Few are prob- ably aware what a mind like his would, under such cix'cumstanoes, consider requisite. Nothing was to be taken for granted ; not even the memory of former investigations would be accepted without passing through the process of examination. Every step was to be measured, with critical exactness, through the long progress of Humboldt's scientific career. Is there not exemplified in this fact, one of the marked characteristics of Pi'of Agas- siz's mind ? Absolute thoroughness ; sifting every question and principle down to its first elements ; tracing every thought, from its earliest germ through each successive develop- ment, until the final result is reached. In order to secure freedom from all interruption during these researches, he asked for a room at the City Library, which was readily granted. Here he could gather about him papers and books, which during his absence would remain undisturbed. Mr. Winsor, the efficient and obliging Superintendent, tells me that for more than a month Prof. Agassiz passed at least three or four days of each week, from nine o'clock in the morning untU generally three o'clock in the afternoon, and that during this time he called for more than two hundred volumes in different languages, always desiring to read each work as it orig- inally came from the mind of the author. Thus every work which Alexander von Hum- boldt ever wrote passed under careful review; not only every volume, but every pam- phlet, with the exception of one, which could not be found in this country. On the 4th of September he wrote me, " I have only yesterday finished gathering my materials, and have not yet begun pre- paring my address." He adds — " My friends will never know what anxieties I have to go through on this occasion." Six days after this I received the following : — ''Nahant, Sept. 10th, 1869. "My Dear Sir: " I have succeeded this evening in bringing to a close my draft of an address ; not exactly as I would like to deliver it, but such as I may be compelled to read should the occurrences of the day unfit me for an extemporized discourse, which I believe might be more effective." It would thus appear that even after the address was written, he hoped to give, not what he had embodied in manuscript, but the result of which that would be the basis, in the form of an extemporized discourse, for which, as all know from his constant habit of speaking without notes, he possessed the very highest qualifications. However, to meet every contingency, he adds : — " As I go to-morrow to Cambridge, I will try to have my illegible manuscript set in type, that I may myself be able to read it. At the same time I shall see how my dia- grams are progressing, and if satisfactory, forward them at once to the Music Hall. " Very truly yours, " L. Agassiz." BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 161 On the 13th of September he wrote: — " Dear Sir : — " I hope I may have a proof of my address for your reporters by the time I reach Bos- ton to-morrow, which I shall hand to you. My diagrams went to the Music Hall Saturday afternoon, with the palm-branch worn on Humboldt's funeral. " The pen taken from his desk the day he died, and sent to me, I shall bring myself, fearing it might be lost if left with bulkier objects. Very truly yours, " L. Agassiz." Such were some of the preparatory labors connected with the address which was to be heard on that Centennial Anniversary by literary and scientific men from every part of the country. Seldom has there been an occasion in the history of New England, which has brought together so brilliant an assemblage of able scholars and prominent men in every department of thought. At the evening reception, Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in speaking of what he termed the "delightful address in praise of Humboldt," concentrated his estimate in this charac- teristic declaration, " our eminent professor never delivered a discourse more wise, more happy, or of more varied power." These words expressed the universal feeling. And the address, so cordially welcomed by those who heard it, was received when published with equal favor on both sides of the Atlantic. This very day, I was reading a letter by Sir John Herschel expressing his commen- dation ; and in the Life of Alexander von Humbolt, edited by Professor Karl Bruhns, director of the observatory at Leipzig, the address by Agassiz is referred to, both in the preface, and in the body of the book. In the latter, a lengthy extract is introduced. [See Vol. H, pp. 179, 180 and 181.] There were several occasions upon which Alexander von Humboldt extended such attention and kindness to Agassiz, at a time when encouragement was most needed, that it seems but an act of justice and gratitude to recall them here. The first was related by Agassiz some fifteen years ago, at a meeting of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, soon after Humboldt's death. " May I be permitted," he said, " to tell a circumstance personal to me ? I was only twenty-four years of age when in Paris, whither I had gone with means given me by a friend, but I was at last about to resign my studies from want of ability to meet my expenses. Professor Mitscherlich was then on a visit in Paris, and I had seen him in the morning, when he had asked me what was the cause of my depressed feelings, and I told him I had to go, for I had nothing left. The next morning as I was seated at breakfast, in front of the yard of the Hotel, where I lived, I saw the servant of Humboldt approach. He handed me a note, saying there was no answer and disappeared. I opened the note, and I see it now as distinctly as if I held the paper in my hand. It said : 'Mt Fpjend: — ' I hear that you intend leaving Paris in consequence of some embarrassments. This shall not be. I wish you to remain here as long as the object for which you came is not accomplished. I enclose you a check of £50. It is a loan which you may repay when you can.' " 162 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE That one act of Humboldt, at the turnhig point in the life of Agassiz, may have affected the whole course of his active career. If Sir Humphrey Davy could say " My best dis- covery was Michael Faraday," — what shall we say of this discriminating instance of gen- erous encouragement, which perhaps gave to us Agassiz as a man of science. In the address upon Humboldt, Agassiz speaks of his studies at Munich, whose Uni- versity had opened under the most brilliant auspices, and where nearly every professor was prominent in some department of science or literature. " These men," he says, " were not only our teachers but our friends. We were the companions of their walks and often present at their discussions." " My room," he adds, " was our meeting-place, bed- room, study, museum, library, lecture-room, fencing-room, all in one. Students and pro- fessors used to call it the little Academy." It was at this time that Humboldt was preparing for his Asiatic journey. Agassiz was anxious to accompany him, and asked that he might join the expedition as an assistant. This was the beginning of his personal acquaintanceship witli Humboldt. A graphic picture is presented of the student's life in Paris, in the days of Louis Phil- ippe, when Cuvier, just the age of Humboldt himself, was active and ardent in research, his salon frequented by statesmen, scholars and artists. Cuvier was then giving a course of lectures, in the College of France, on the History of Science. " Humboldt," says Agassiz, " attended these lectures regularly ; I had fre- quently the pleasure of sitting by his side, and being the recipient of his passing criti- cism." At this period, Humboldt had his Avorking-room at the Piue de la Harpe. "There," continues Agassiz, "it was my privilege to visit him frequently. There he gave me leave to come, to talk with him about my work, and consult him in my difficul- ties." At this time Agassiz was twenty-four years of age, and Humboldt sixty-two. " I had recently," says Agassiz, " taken my degree as Doctor of Medicine, and was struggling, not only for a scientific position, but for the means of existence also. I have said that he gave me permission to come as often as I pleased to his room, opening to me freely the inestimable advantages Avhich intercourse with such a man gave to a young investigator like myself But he did far more than this, occupied and surrounded as he was, he sought me out in my lodging." Here he gives a most interesting account of a visit from Humboldt, at Agassiz's narrow quarters, in the Hotel du Jardin des Plantes. After which is an invitation from Humboldt to meet him at the Palais Royal, — where they dine, — "a rare indulgence," says Agassiz, "for a young man, who could allow himself few luxuries." " Here," he adds, "for three hours, which passed like a dream, I had him all to myself How he examined me, and how much I learned in that short time ! How to work, what to do, and what to avoid ; how to live, how to distribute my time ; what methods of study to pursue ; these were the things of which he talked to me, on that delightful evening." When we reflect upon the extended reputation acquired by Agassiz before he left Europe ; of that visit to this country which led him gladly to adopt it as his home, and of the untiring zeal with which he devoted to it the best years of his life ; shall we not hold in grateful remembrance the man who gave to him, at the most critical moment, the cor- dial hand of friendship, and who by his cheering words, inspired fresh ardor, and a hope which no after trial could extinguish ? BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 163 It is more than a pleasant picture, it is a lesson for all time, and should awaken, through generations, the desire generously to encourage and wisely to aid. It was in this spirit that a " Humboldt Scholarship " became associated with the Hum- boldt Anniversary. Through personal solicitation on the part of the committee the sum of seven thousand dollars was subscribed to form a permanent fund, the income of which, under the direction of the Faculty, was to be solely applied to the aid of young and needy students, while pursuing their preparatory studies at the Museum 'of Comparative Zoology, in Cambridge. The founding of this scholarship was the voluntary proposition of this So- ciety as a token of sympathy and hearty good-will. The gratification of Professor Agassiz was at once expressed. In a note written July 3d, he says : " Your proposition to connect a scholarship with the Museum of Comparative Zoology, in commemoration of this occasion, has had great weight with me. I believe that such an arrangement will not only be an ever-returning memento of the solemnities of this 14tli of September, but, if properly conducted, will contribute to the real advancement of Natural History among us." The origin of this scholarship was by some misapprehended. It was supposed to have been suggested, directlj^ or indirectly, by Professor Agassiz. This" is an entire mistake. No one could feel more sensitive than he himself did upon this subject. His feelings are frankly expressed in a note which I received from him, after he had read a paragraph in the daily papers, referring this movement to him. " Mt Dear Sir : — " In a paper to-day, giving an account of the proposed celebration, ' a plan ' is alluded to ' of Mr. Agassiz for founding a Humboldt Scholarship in the institution of which he is the head.' " This is no doubt a simple error of the press, but I should be very sorry to have it stand. It would have been very ungracious in me, and would have shown, to say the least, a great want of delicacy, had I suggested an endowment for the Museimi in which I am personally interested. It was, as you know, a proposition made spontaneously, without any reference to me. And though I rejoice in it and feel doubly unwilling, on account of this offer, to shrink from the responsibility connected with the invitation of your com- mittee, yet the suggestion coming fi'om me, under the circumstances, instead of being appropriate, would be wholly unbecoming. You will excuse me for troubling you about this, but I am sure you will see that it places me in an awkward position." If in any mind there should exist even the shadow of a misapprehension upon this sub- ject, these words will serve to explain fully both the feelings of Prof Agassiz and the exact facts of the case. At the close of his public address of the 14th of September, he says : " I have appeared before you as the representative of the Boston Natural History So- ciety. It was their proposition to celebrate this memorable anniversary. I feel grateful for their invitation, for the honor they have done me. I feel still more grateful for the generous impulse which has prompted them to connect a Humboldt Scholarship, as a me- morial of this occasion, with the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge." 164 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Thus, Mr. President and gentlemen, while we cannot but deeply mourn the vast loss which this community and the whole country has sustained by this bereavement, we rejoice in that friendly relationship which so long existed between us, and are thankful that one of the last great public utterances of his life was given under the auspices of this Society. And now that his life, so beneficently crowded with activity and usefulness, has closed to us in this sphere of being, we are grateful that our mutual eflbrts established what will not only be a perpetual bond of union between this Society and the institution of which he was the honored head, l)ut which, we trust, through successive years, may prove a source of practical help and encouragement to numberless students, who, by their future efforts, may extend the boundaries of knowledge, thus aiding in the work of human progress, while they carry forward to yet further completion, those investigations and discoveries which, in our own day, have given immortality to the names of Humboldt and of Agassiz. There was much feeling manifested at this time concerning the safety of the Museum and collections, now of inestimable value. At a meeting of the Council, the Custodian brought up the question of prohibiting the use of workrooms after dark. This led to the appointment of a committee to take the whole subject of securing the building and con- tents against fire. At a subsequent meeting, the President, in Ijehalf of this committee of which he was chairman, rejDorted, recommending several changes' in regard to unsafe gas fixtures, and the erection of stand pipes for water. By vote, the committee was authorized to do all they deemed wise and necessary in the matter. In January, the President, Mr. Bouve, again brought before the Council the necessity of continued action in order to place the collections of the Museum in proper sequence, in accordance with the plan of arrangement which had been adopted. He thought that extensive changes were desirable at once. These would involve the fitting up of two gal- leries in the side rooms of the main hall for the reception of the Botanical collection, as well as the fitting up of the north rooms on the first floor for the Mineralogical and Geo- logical collections. To cai'ry out these changes would require an expenditure of about five thousand dollars. After discussion, a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Bouv6, Hyatt, Brigham, Cummings and Scudder, to consider the matter and report at the next meeting to be held a week later. When the Council again met, the President in behalf of the committee, presented plans and estimates relative to the proposed alterations. He stated, however, that the majority of the committee recommended that the Botanical collections be placed in the gallery on the north side of the main hall, rather than on the south side. To this, Mr. Brigham, in behalf of a minority of the committee, strongly remonstrated. A prolonged discussion followed. The Council, after mature deliberation, finally voted, with but one dissenting voice, to make the alterations as proposed by the majority of the committee, and full authority was given the President, Custodian and Treasurer to carry them out. The Council also voted that the southeast room in the base- ment be fitted up as a work room under the direction of the same parties. As indicative of thought given by members of the Society to matters aifecting the pub- lic interest not pertaining especially to its work, it may be stated that in February of this year, the Council passed a vote for presentation to the city authorities remonstrating BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 165 against licensing " Jourdain's Museum of Anatomy " so called, on the ground of its ten- dency to offend decency and jDublic morality, whilst subserving no good purpose. It being understood that persons were in the habit of entering the building during the evening hours for other purposes than that of working upon the collections, the Coun- cil voted in March : That after the closing of the building, no person shall be allowed to pass into it, except through the apartments of the Janitor. Some alterations were proposed and adopted in the Constitution and By-laws at this time, the most important of which was the addition to the latter of a section, providing that whenever any existing or anticipated vacancy in the list of officers was to be filled by election, a nominating committee should be appointed by the Society at a stated meeting to bring in at a subsequent meeting one or more nominations of persons to fill such vacancy. And providing also that no person should be elected to any office until his nomination had been under consideration by the Society at least two weeks. In April of this year, Mr. S. H. Scudder spoke of the great importance of a re-survey of the State of Massachusetts, topographical, geological and biological. It was the first in the Union to provide for a survey, but while almost all the principal States had now finished or begun a second one, no steps had been taken by Massachusetts in this direc- tion. The original svirvey was wonderfully well done, yet incomplete, and the advance of scientific knowledge since rendered a re-survey very desirable. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences had taken the matter into consideration and had appointed a committee to memorialize the Legislature on the subject. Prof. Niles, Mr. John Cummings and the President all addressed the meeting in favor of the project, and finally it was voted on motion of Mr. Putnam : That the President ap- point a committee including himself to petition the Legislature for a re-survey of the State. Messrs. Niles, Cummings, Putnam, Jeffries, Hyatt, and Morse with the President, were accordingly made this committee. In the following May Mr. S. H. Scudder reported that the subject of a re-survey of the State had duly come before the Legislature and had been referred to the Committee on Education with every prospect of a favorable report. He also referred to the question of a public park now agitated, thinking that the idea of the establishment of a zoological garden should be considered by the Society in connection with it. The annual meeting was held on May 6th, Vice-President R. C. Greenleaf in the Chair. The report of the Treasurer showed that the expenditures of the Society had exceeded its receipts $1874.12. Among the former, however, was included the sum of $1754.22 paid for insurance of property for five years. The alterations and improvements in the building indispensable for the safety of the collections, and to bring them into jjroper rela- tion to each other, had cost $3423.81. The report of the Custodian, Mr. Hyatt, who had retm-ned home and resumed the duties of his office, after appropriately referring to the decease of Prof Agassiz, gives a summary of the work of the year, from which the following is presented. Mr. Hyatt's visit to Europe afforded an opportunity to fill out the Palaeontological col- lection. A fair collection of species from Western Europe was needed in order that we should be able to compare them in a general way with their synchronous representatives in North America. To meet this want Mr. John Cummings generously furnished the 166 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE necessary means for tlieir purchase. By good fortune Mr. Hyatt was able to buy the very valuable collection of Oberlinanzrath Eser of Stuttgart. This was very rich in the fossils of the Tertiary, Secondary and Triassic periods, and also contained a foir representation of the Carboniferous, and some of the Devonian and Silurian types. All these had been selected with great care, and Herr Eser had expended the leisure hours of nearly forty years in accumulating them. Speaking of this collection, the Custodian remarked that the " unique specimens which it contains are both remarkable and numerous. Many of these were found during the building of the extensive fortifications at Ulm, and were selections from all the fossHs obtained, which were sent by the chief architect to Herr Eser. The most valuable single series consists of the two head pieces and detached bones of Belodon Campbelli, the only remains of this remarkable animal ever found. There are specimens of tertiary plants, which are of such delicacy that they are mounted like botanical specimens on paper." Besides the collection mentioned, Mr. Hyatt purchased also while abroad, through the generosity of Mr. Cummings, several large specimens for the Palaeontological department quite essential to it, among the species several Ichthyosauri and Teleosauri, and a magnifi- cent plate of the expanded species of the Pentacrinus Briarius. A splendid collection of Devonian fossils collected near Ithaca, New York, had also been added to the Palaeontological series, partly by donations of Mr. John Cummings and Mr. Thos. T. Bouve, and partly by purchase. The illness of Mr. Sprague had interrupted work in the Entomological department. It was reported by Mr. Emerton, free from destructive insects. Dr. Carpenter had continued work on the' Mollusca. To the Comparative Anatomy department a prepared skeleton of a horse mackerel had been added. Work on the Fishes had been begun by Mr. Putnam, Chairman of the Ichthyological Committee. The Ornithological collection had been frequently inspected through the year. It was reported as free from insects. Considerable work had been done in the Botanical depart- ment by Miss Carter, employed at the expense of Mr. John Cummings, to inspect and arrange the duplicates. During the year five Corresponding and thirty-one Resident Members had been elected. There had been seventeen general meetings of the Society, eight of the section of Ento- mology, and seven of the section of Microscopy. The plan of notifying each member by postal card of the general meetings and of the papers to be read at each, adopted in the autumn, had been attended with great success. The numbers present since Oct. 15th, have averaged sixty-four, whereas the average num- ber the previous year "Was but twenty-five. The greatest number of persons present at one meeting was one hundred and twenty-four, the largest Society meeting ever held in this building. Only one course of the Lowell Institute Lectures was given. This was by Dr. Thos. Dwight, Jr., upon living animal tissues. The disastrous effects of the great fire of November, 1872, had prevented the contin- uance of the lectures to teachers, so generously provided for hitherto by Mr. John Cum- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 167 Of publications, four articles in the Memoirs had appeared, and four parts of the Pro- ceedings. The library had received during the year three hundred and twenty-three vol- umes, eight hundred and thirty-three parts of volumes, one hundred and twenty-four pamphlets, and fort3'-nine maps and charts. Respecting the alterations that had been going on, the Custodian remarked that a con- siderable part of the year had been taken up in making them. There would undoubtedly be experienced some ditRculty in the arrangement of details in the separate collec- tions but the natural sequence of forms, whether mineralogical, geological, or zoolog- ical would be as fully aud better illustrated than it ever has been in any printed work embracing similar grounds, an achievement heretofore considered unattainable in Muse- ums of the size- of this. He deprecated having ascribed to himself the whole credit of the extraordinary success thus far obtained, mentioning that the President had urged the adoption of the plan of organization presented in the annual report of 1870-71, and had ever since given it his enei'getic support. At the election of officers for the year ensuing, Mr. Samuel H. Scudder was chosen First Vice-President, aud Mr. John Cummings Second Vice-President of the Society,' taking the positions hitherto held by Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, and Mr. Richard C. Greenleaf. T. Sterry Hunt and L. S. Burbank were chosen upon the Committee on Geology, from which John Cummings resigned ; R. H. Richards was chosen upon the Committee on Min- erals, in place of Dr. Charles T. Jackson ; John Cummings was chosen one of the Com- mittee on Botany in place of William T. Brigham. On motion of Dr. Kneeland the thanks of the Society were unanimously voted to the retiring Vice-President, Mr. Greenleaf, for his valuable services. The following resolu- tion presented by Mr. George Washington Warren was also unanimously passed : '■'Resolved, That this Society desires to place upon its records, its high a^^preciation of the eminent services rendered by Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, one of its Vice-Presidents, and of the high honor conferred upon the Society by his long association with it ; and it would respectfully tender to his afflicted fiimily its sincere condolence for the malady which has overtaken him, and has so abruptly terminated, for a season only, it is greatly to be hoped, his scientific researches, which have been of inestimable value to the public." It was voted that a copy of the resolution be sent to the family of Dr. Jackson. Six years have now jjassed since the above mentioned action was taken by the Society, and as the hope expressed of the renewal of scientific woi'k on the part of Dr. Jackson, has not been and is not likely to be realized,^ there can be no more fitting occasion to dwell upon his connection with, and his services to the Society. He was not, strictly speak- ing, one of its original members, but he, soon after its foundation, was acting among them, and in 1833 was elected to the office of Curator. To no man was the Society moi'e indebted for constant and active zeal in its welfare than to Dr. Charles T. Jackson during the first forty years of its existence. Others sur- passed him in laborious work on its collections when nearly all done upon them was by voluntary effort; others in exerting greater influence in the community for its advantage; but none in a constant manifestation of interest in its proceedings as shown by so long and uninterrupted a participation in them, and by the generous donation of a large por- ' Dr. Jackson died, after a long illness, on the 29th of August, 1880. 168 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE tion of his mineral collection. No man among the members perhaps manifested more genius for scientific work. Had the truly brilliant suggestions of his mind been always followed up by prompt endeavor to obtain practical results, he would have been recog- nized everywhere as a great discoverer and benefactor. This is not the place to discuss questions relative to his instrumentality in the introduction of ether as an anajsthetic agent. Suffice it here to express what is clearly true that the friends who knew him the most intimately and who were his constant companions, ever felt that much more was due to him than the world awarded. Whatever may be said, however, upon mooted points, all who were members of the Society in his days of activity will agree that he served it well and faithfully and that he richly earned its gratitude. Possessed of a good memory, and having a great fund of information upon almost all subjects that came up for discussion at the meetings, Dr. Jackson became much relied upon to take part when there was any lack of speakers, and thus often largely contributed to the interest of proceedings that might otherwise have been dull. Moreover, he frequently read papers of great value which appeared in the publications of the Society. In the Council meeting first held after the annual one of the Society, the usual commit- tees for the year were formed, and a new arrangement was made with the Custodian, by which it was understood that he should give all his time to the Society, excepting such as was required by him for his regular lectures, and be held responsible for the building and all the employees under his charge ; these to be considered his assistants and not those of the other officers or of members of the Council. The Custodian or the Museum assistant to be present during office hours. The Secretary to be present only when necessary, and the second assistant to be a general assistant under his charge. In furtherance of the plan still in progress to arrange the collections in consecutive order, the Council voted, upon representation of Mr. Bouve in behalf of the committee on alterations, that it was necessary to fit up the gallery on the south side of the building for the reception of Protozoans and Radiates. Walker Prizes. The subject proposed for the Walker annual prize for 1874 was ''The comparative structure of the limbs of birds and reptiles." No essay of siifficient merit for an award wiis presented. In June of this year, the subject of a Zoological Garden came before the Society and the Council. At a meeting of the former, it was voted, upon motion of Mr. G. Washing- ton Warren, that a committee be appointed by the Chair to urge, in the name of the Society, before the Park Commissioners and the City Council, the importance of providing for the establishment of a Zoological Garden and Aquarium in connection with one of the proposed public parks, and that said committee have power to call a special meeting of the Society whenever it may be thought expedient to consider such recommendation as the committee may suggest in relation to the subject. Whether this committee was appointed and if so what they did, is not reported in the records. The matter is quoted as indicating the readiness of the Society to cooperate with the City government in any movement that may be made towards the establishment of a Zoological Garden. v;, A/Va_aXaa_ BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 169 JEFFRIES WYMAN. Died 4th Sept., 1874. The wisest man could ask no more of Fate Than to be simple, modest, manly, true. Safe from the Many, honored by the Few; Nothing to court in World, or Church, or State, But inwardly in secret to be great ; To feel mysterious Nature ever new, To touch, if not to grasp, her endless clew. And learn by each discovery how to wait ; To widen knowledge and escape the praise ; Wisely to teach, because more wise to learn ; To toil for Science, not to draw men's gaze, But for her lore of self-denial stern ; That such a man could spring from our decays Fans the soul's nobler faith until it burn. Jajces Russell Lowell. The first meeting of the Society in the autumn was held on October 7th. There were one hundred and fourteen persons present, many of whom had come expressly to testify their great respect and regard for the memory of Dr. Jeffries Wyman, whose death had occurred on the fourth day of the previous month. The President addressed the members as follows : After our usual summer vacation we meet together with more than accustomed emotion ; for mixed with the joy of greeting one another after separation, there is a consciousness of irreparable loss that weighs heavily upon our spirits, a recognition that there have gone away from us a force and a virtue which have so long been a help and inspiration, that we cannot but feel a sense of bereavement such as no words of mine can adequately express. Sad indeed is it for us and for all, that such nobleness of nature, such wealth of acquired knowledge, such purity and simplicity of life, as were manifested in Jeffries Wymax, should pass from the world ; for rare, too rare, are to be found examples of such exalted character and attainments. To our Society Professor Wyman was a great benefactor ; not in the sense of a donor especially, but in the higher sense of one imparting to it such honorable fame as enhanced greatly respect for it, both at home and abroad. To him also was the Society mainly indebted for the interest shown in our work by the late Dr. Walker, aud which led directly to its large endowment with means of succc-^s. But pleasant as it would be for me, as a personal friend, to dwell upon the transcendent virtues of one whom I have always regarded with the highest respect and most affection- ate esteem, I feel it would be unbecoming to further occupy your time in view of those present, who have come here with their tributes of love to the memory of our dear departed friend. I therefoi-e close by inviting others to address you, first calling upon Dr. Asa Gray, who, from his great regard for Professor Wyman ^has kindly prepared a notice of his life and work to read on this occasion. 170 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Dr. Gray said : — When "vve think of the associate and friend whose death this Society now deplores, and remember how modest and retiring he was, how averse to hiudation and reticent of words, we feel it becoming to speak of him, now that he has gone, with mnch of the reserve which would be imposed upon us if he were living. Yet his own perfect truthful- ness and nice sense of justice, and the benefit to be derived from the contemplation of such a character by way of example, may be our warrant for reasonaljle freedom in the expression of our judgments and our sentiments, taking care to avoid all exaggeration. Appropriate and sincere eulogies and expressions of loss, both official and personal, have, however, already been pronounced or published ; and among them one from the governors of that institution to which, together witli our own Society, most of Professor Wyman's official life and services were devoted, — Avhich appears to me to delineate in the fewest words the truest outlines of his character. In it the President and Fellows of Har- vard University " recall with affectionate res23ect and admiration the sagacity, patience and rectitude which characterized all his scientific work, his clearness, accuracy and con- ciseness as a writer and teacher, and the industry and zeal with which he labored upon the two admirable collections which remain as monuments of his rare knowledge, naethod and skill. They commend to the young men of the University this signal example of a char- acter modest, tranquil, dignified and independent, and of a life simple, contented and hon- ored." What more can be or need be said ? It is left for me, in compliance -with your invita- tion, Mr. President, to say something of what he was to us, and has done for us, and to put upon record, for the use of those who come after us, some account of his uneventful life, some notice, however imperfect, of his work and his writings. I could not do this without the help of friends who knew him well in early life, and of some of you who are much more conversant than I am with most of his researches. Such aid, promptly ren- dered, has been thankfully accepted and freely used. Our associate's father, Dr. Rufus Wyman, — born in Woburn, graduated at Harvard Col- lege in 1799, and in the latter part of his life Physician to the McLean Asylum for the Insane, — was a man of marked ability and ingenuity. Called to the charge of this earli- est institution of the kind in New England at its beginning, he organized the plan of treatment and devised the excellent mechanical arrangements which have since been developed, and introduced into other establishm^ents of the kind. His mother was Ann Morrill, daughter of James Morrill, a Boston merchant. This name is continued, and is familiar to us, in that of our associate's elder brother. JefTries Wyman, the third son, derived his baptismal name from the distinguished Dr. John Jeffries, of Boston, under whom his father studied medicine. He was born on the 11th of August, 1814, at Chelmsford, a township of a few hundred inhabitants in Middlesex Co., Mass., not fiir from the present city of Lowell. As his father took up his residence at the McLean Asylum in 1818, when Jeffries was only four years old, he received the rudiments of his education at Charlestown, in a private school ; but after- wards went to the Academy at Chelmsford, and, in 1826, to Phillips Exeter Academy, where, under the instruction of Dr. Abbot, he was prepared for college. He entered BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 171 Harvard College in 1829, the year in whicli Josiah Quincy took the presidency, and was graduated in 1833, in a class of fifty-six, six of whom became professors in the University. He was not remarkaljle for general scholarship, but was fond of chemistry, and his prefer- ence for anatomical studies was already developed. Some of his class-mates remember the interest which was excited among them by a skeleton which he made of a mammoth bull-frog from Fresh Pond, probably one which is still preserved in his museum of com- parative anatomy. His skill and taste in drawing, which he turned to such excellent account in his investigations and in the lecture room, as well as his habit of close obser- vation of natural objects met with in his strolls, were manifested even in boyhood. An attack of pneumonia during his senior year in college caused much anxiety, and perhaps laid the foundation of the pulmonary affection which burdened and finally short- ened his life. To recover from the effects of the attack, and to guard against its return, he made in the winter of 1833-34, the first of those pilgrimages to the coast of the Southern States, which in later years were so often repeated. Returning with strength renewed in the course of the following sjsring, he began the study of medicine under Dr. John C. Dalton, who had succeeded to his father's practice at Chelmsford, but who soon removed to the adjacent and thriving town of Lowell. Here, and with his father at the McLean Asylum, and at the Medical College in Boston, he passed two years of profit- able study. At the commencement of the third year he was elected house-student in the Medical Department, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, — then inider the charge of Doctors James Jackson, John Ware and Walter Channing — a responsible position, not only most advantageous for the study of disease, but well adapted to sharpen a young man's power of observation. In 1837, after receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine, he cast about among the larger country towns for a field in which to practice his profession. Fortunately for science he found no opening to his mind ; so he took an office in Boston, on Washington Street, and accepted the honorable, but f;ir from lucrative post of Demonstrator of Anat^ omy under Dr. John C. Warren, the Hersey Professor. His means were very slender, and his life abstemious to the verge of privation ; for he was unwilling to burden his father, who, indeed, had done all he could in providing for the education of two sons. It may be interesting to know that, to eke out his subsistence, he became at this time a member of the Boston Fire Department, under an appointment of Samuel A. Eliot, Mayor, dated Sept. 1st, 1838. He was assigned to Engine No. 18. The rule was that the first-comer to the engine house should bear the lantern, and be absolved from other work. Wyman lived near by, and his promptitude generally saved him from all severer labor than that of enlightening his company. The turning point in his life, i. e., an opportunity which he coiild seize of devoting it to science, came when Mr. John A. Lowell ofl'ered him the curatorship of the Lowell Insti- tute, just brought into operation, and a course of lectures in it. He delivered his course of twelve lectures upon Comparative Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1840—41 ; and with the money earned by this first essay in instructing others, he went to Europe to seek further instruction for himself He reached Paris in May, 1841, and gave his time at once to Human Anatomy at the School of Medicine, aud Comparative Anatomy and Naf> ural History at the Garden of Plants, attending the lectures of Floiu-ens, Majendie, and 172 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Longet on Physiology, and of de Blainville, Isidore St. Hilaire, Valenciennes, Dumeril, and Milne-Edwards on Zoology and Comparative Anatomy. In the summer, when the lectures were over, he made a pedestrian jonrney along the banks of the Loire, and an- other along the Eliine, returning through Belgium, and by steamer to London. There, while engaged in the study of the Hunterian collections at the Royal College of Surgeons, he received information of the alarming illness of his father ; he immediately turned his face homeward, but on reaching Halifax he learned that his father was no more. He resumed his residence in Boston, and devoted himself mainly to scientific work, under circumstances of no small discouragement. But in 1843 the means of a modest professional livelihood came to him in the offer of the chair of Anatomy and Physiology in the medical department of Hampden-Sydney College, established at Richmond, Virginia. One advantage of this position was that it did not interrupt his residence in Boston excejit for the winter and spring ; and during these months the milder climate of Richmond was even then desirable. He discharged the duties of the chair most acceptably for five ses- sions, until, in 1847, he was appointed to succeed Dr. Warren as Hersey Professor of Anatomy in Harvard College, the Parkman jDrofessorship in the Medical School in Boston beuig filled by the present incumbent, Dr. Holmes. Thus commenced Prof Wyman's most useful and honorable connection as a teacher with the University, of which the Pres- ident and Fellows speak in the terms I have already recited. He began his work in Holden Chapel, the u^jper floor being the lecture-room, the lower containing the dissecting room and the anatomical museum of the College, with which he combined his own collec- tions and preparations, which from that time forward increased rapidly in number and value under his industrious and skillful hands. At length Boylston Hall was built for the anatomical and the chemical departments, and the museum, lecture and working-rooms were established commodiously in their present quarters ; and Prof. Wyman's department assumed the rank and the importance which it deserved. Both human and comparative anatomy were taught to special pupils, some of whom have proved themselves worthy of their honored master, while the annual courses of lectures and lessons on Anatomy, Phy- siology, and for a time the principles of Zoology, imparted highly viilued instruction to undergraduates and others. In the formation and perfecting of his museum — the first of the kind in the country, arranged upon a plan both physiological and morphological — no pains and labors were spared, and long and arduous journeys and voyages wei'e made to contribute to its riches. In the summer of 1849, — having replenished his frugal means with the proceeds of a second course of lectures before the Lowell Institute (viz:, upon Comparative Physiology, a good condensed short-hand report of which was published at the time), — he accompa- nied Captain Atwood of Provincetowm, in a small sloop, upon a fishing voyage high up the coast of Labrador; in the winter of 1852, going to Florida for his health", he began his fruitful series of explorations and collections in that interesting district. In 1854, accom- panied by his wife, he travelled extensively in Europe, and visited all the museums within his reach. In the spring of 1856, with his pupils. Green and Bancroft, as companions and assistants, he sailed to Surinam, penetrated far into the interior in canoes, made important researches upon the ground, and enriched his museum with some of its most interesting collections. These came near being too dearly bought, as he and his companions took the BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 173 fever of the country, from -vvhich he suffered severely, and recovered slowly. Again, in 1858-9, accepting the thoughtful and generous invitation of Capt. J. M. Forbes, he made a voyage to the La Plata, ascended the Uraguay and the Parana in a small iron steamer which Captain Forbes brought upon the deck of his vessel ; then, with his friend George Augustus Peabody as a companion, he crossed the pampas to Mendosa, and the Cordilleras to Santiago and Valparaiso, whence he came home by way of the Peruvian coast and the Isthmus. By such expeditions many of the choice materials of his museum and of his researches were gathered, at his own expense, to be carefully prepared and elaborated by his own unaided hands. A vast neighboring museum is a splendid example of what munificence, called forth by personal enthusiasm, may accomplish. In Dr. Wyman's we have an exam- ple of what one man may do unaided, with feeble health and feebler means, by persistent and well-directed industry, without eclat, and almost without observation. While we duly honor those who of their abundance cast their gifts into the treasury of science, let us not — now that he cannot be j^ained by our praise — forget to honor one who in silence and penury cast in more than they all. Of penury in a literal sense we may not speak ; for although Prof Wyman's salary, derived from the Hersey endowment, was slender indeed, he adapted his wants to his means, foregoing neither his independence nor his scientific work ; and I suppose no one ever heard him complain. In 1856 came unexpected and honorable aid from two old friends of his father who appreciated the son, and wished him to go on with his scientific work without distraction. One of them, the late Dr. William J. Walker, sent him ten thousand dollars outright ; the other, the late Thomas Lee, Avho had helped in his early education, supplemented the endowment of the Hersey professorship with an equal sum, stipulating that the income thereof should be paid to Prof Wyman during life, whether he held the chair or not. Seldom-, if ever, has a modei-ate sum produced a greater benefit. Throughout the later years of Prof Wyman's life a new museum has claimed his inter- est and care, and is indebted to him for much of its value and promise. In 186G, when failing strength demanded a respite from oral teaching, and required him to pass most of the season for it in a milder climate, he was named by the late George Peabody one of the seven trustees of the Museum and Professorship of American Archaeology and Eth- nology, which this philanthropist proceeded to found in Harvard University; and his associates called upon him to take charge of the establishment. For this he was pecu- liarly fitted by all his previous studies, and by his predilection for ethnological inquiries. These had already engaged his attention, and to this class of subjects he was thereafter mainly devoted, — with what sagacity, consummate skill, untiring diligence and success, his seven annual Reports — the last published just before he died, — his elaborate memoir on shell-heaps, now printing, and especially the Archaeological Museum in Boylston Hall, abundantly testify. If this museum be a worthy memorial of the founders liberality and foresight, it is no less a monument of Wyman's rare ability and devotion. Whenever the enduring building which is to receive it shall be erected, surely the name of its first cura- tor and organizer should be inscribed, along with that of the founder, over its portal. Of Prof Wyman's domestic life, let it here suffice to record, that in Dec, 1850, he married Adeline Wheelwright, who died in June 1855, leaving two daughters ; that in 174 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE August, 1861, he married Anna "Williams Whitney, who died in February, 1864, shortly after the birth of an only and a surviving son. Of his later days, of the slow, yet all too rapid progress of fatal pulmonary disease, it is needless to protract the story. Winter after winter, as he exchanged our bleak climate for that of Florida, we could only hope that he might return. Spring after spring he came back to us invigorated, thanks to the bland air and the open life in boat and tent, which acted like a charm; — thanks, too, to the watchful care of his attached friend, Mr. Peabody, his constant companion in Florida life. One winter was passed in Europe, partly in reference to the Archaeological Museum, partly in hope of better health ; but no benefit was received. The past winter in Florida produced the usual amelioration, and the amount of work which Dr. Wyman undertook and accomplished last summer might have tasked a robust man. There were important accessions to the archaeological collec- tions, upon which much labor, very trying to ordinarj^ patience, had to be expended. And in the last interview I had with him, he told me that he had gone through his own museum of comparative anatomy, which had somewhat suffered in consequence of the alterations in Boylston Hall, and had put the whole into perfect order. It was late in August when he left Cambridge for his usual visit to the White Mountain region, by which he avoided the autumnal catarrh ; and there, at Bethlehem, New Hampshire, on the 4th of September, a severe hemorrhage from the lungs suddenly closed his valuable life. Let us tiirn to his relations with this Society. He entered it in October, 18-37, just thirty-seven years ago, and shortly after he had taken his degree of Doctor in Medicine. He was Recording Secretary from 1839 to 1841 ; Curator of Ichthyology and Herpetol- ogy from 1841 to 1847, of Herpetology from 1847 to 1855, of Comparative Anatomy from 1865 to 1874. While in these latter years his duties may have been almost nominal, it should be remembered that in the earlier days a curator not only took charge of his portion of the Museum, but in a great degree created it. Then for fourteen years, from 1856 to 1870, he was the President of this Society, as assiduous in all its duties as he was wise in council ; and he resigned the chair which he so long adorned and dignified only when the increasing delicacy of his health, to which night-exposure was prejudicial, made it unsafe for him any longer to undertake its duties. The record shows that he has made here one hundred and five scientific communications, several of them very important papers, every one of some positive value ; for you all know that Prof Wyman never spoke or wrote except to a direct purpose, and because there was something which it was worth while to communicate. He bore his part also in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of which he was a Fellow from the year 1843, and for many years a Coun- cillor. To it he made a good number of communications ; among them one of the long- est and ablest of his memoirs. Dr. Gray then went on to give a brief account of Prof. Wyman's scientific work, as recorded in his published j^i^pers which have appeared in the Journal and Proceedings of this Society, in the Proceedings of the American Academy, in the Boston Medical Jour- nal, in Sillimau's Journal and in the Smithsonian Contributions. Of several of them he presented interesting analyses which may be found in the published records of the meet> ing. After notice of what he had done Dr. Gray continued his remarks as foUows : * BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATUEAL HISTORY. 175 The thought that fills our minds upon a survey even so incomplete as this is : How much he did, how well he did it all, and how simply and quietly ! We knew that our associate, though never hurried, was never idle, and that his great repose of manner covered a sustained energy ; but I suspect that none of us, without searching out and collecting his published papers, had adequately estimated their number and their value. There is nothing forth-putting about them, nothing adventitious, never even a phrase to herald a matter which he deemed important. His w'ork as a teacher was of the same equality. He w\as one of the best lecturers I ever heard, although, and partly because, he Avas the most unpretending. You never thought of the speaker, nor of the gifts and acquisitions which such clear exposition were calling forth, — only of what he was simply telling and showing you. Then to those who, like his pupils and friends, were in personal contact with him, there was tiie added cliarm of a most serene and sweet temper. He was truthful and conscientious to the very core. His perfect freedom, in lectures as well as in writing, and no less so in daily conversation, from all exaggeration, false perspective, and fixctitious adornment, "was the natural expres- sion of his innate modesty and refined taste, and also of his reverence for the exact truth. Respecting the views of Jefiries Wyman upon the subject that has most deeply moved the minds of profound thinkers in our day. Dr. Gray remarked : In these days it is sure to be asked how an anatomist, physiologist, and morphologist like Prof. Wyman regarded the most remarkable scientific movement of his time, the revival and apparent prevalence of doctrines of evolution. As might be expected, he was neither an advocate nor an opponent. Ha was not one of those persons who quickly make up their minds, and announce their opinions with a confidence inversely proportion- ate to their knowledge. He could consider long, and hold his judgment in suspense. And further on he adds : Upon one point Wyman was clear from the beginning. He did not wait until evolution- ary doctrines were about to preA'ail, before he judged thena to be essentially philosophical and healthful, " in accordance with the order of Nature, as commonly manifested in her works," and that they need not disturb the foundations of natural theology. Perhaps none of us can be trusted to judge of such a question impartially, upon the bare merits of the case; but Wyman's judgment was as free from bias as that of any one I ever knew. Not at all, however, in this case from indift'erence or unconcern. He was not only, philosophically, a convinced theist, in all hours and under all " variations of mood and tense," but personally a devout man, an habitual and reverent attendant upon Christian worship and ministrations. Those of us wdio attended his funeral must have felt the appropriateness for the occa- sion of the words which were there read from the Psalmist : — '* The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy-work. Lord, how manifold are thy works ! In wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches ; so is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both great and small beasts. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created, and thou renewest the face of the earth." 176 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE These are the works which our associate loved to investigate, and this the spirit in which he contemplated them. Not less apposite were the Beatitudes that followed : — Blessed are the meeh; blessed are the peace-makers; blessed are the merciful; blessed are the jmre in heart. Those who knew him best, best know how well he exemplified them. Upon, the conclusion of the address of Dr. Gray, Mr. F. W. Putnam offered the following Kesolutions : — "Besolved, That in the death of Jeffries Wyman the Boston Society of Natural His- tory mourns the loss of a most honored member and efficient officer; one who was untir- ing in his labors for the Society during his long and active connection with it as Curator, Secretary and President ; and that, in his death. Science has lost a most thorough and careful investigator, and the cause of education and truth a most devoted and conscien- tious disciple. "Besolved, That as members of a Society who gave to Professor Wyman the highest honor and position we could bestow, we acknowledge our indebtedness to him for the thoughtfulness and care with which he guided our labors for so many years, and, while tilled with sorrow at our own loss, we ask the privilege, by transmission of these resolu- tions, of extending our sympathy to his bereaved family in their great trial." These resolutions were seconded by Dr. D. H. Storer, who said : — Mr. President, I most cordially second the adoption of the resolutions which have been presented. The scientific reputation of our departed friend was universally acknowledged, but the beauty of his life was equally worthy of admiration. I never knew a gentler purer, nobler spirit. As a brother I loved him, and I mourn him. The Resolutions were unanimously adopted. :hen read : Newport, Oct. 6, 1874. The following letter from Prof Rogers was then read To President Bouve, My dear friend: — I regret that it will not be in my power to attend the meeting of the Natural History Society to-morrow evening, as I should greatly desire to unite with you in an affectionate tribute to the memory of Prof Wyman, whose long services as President of the Society, and whose peculiar excellences as a student of nature must ever claim our regard and admiration. From my first acquaintance with him, while engaged in the delicate microscopic dissec- tions with which he illustrated the work of the late Dr. Amos Binney on Land-shells, until within a few years past, I have had frequent opportunities of marking his scientific progress ; and although but little acquainted with the inquiries to which he chiefly devoted himself. I have understood enough of his labors to appreciate his singular jjatience and accuracy as an observer, his ingenuity in devising experiments, and the caution and con- scientiousness with which he was accustomed to report the results of his investigations. These qualities, early recognized by his scientific co-workers abroad as well as at home, placed him in the front rank of the promotei's of the biological sciences. To these Intel- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 177 lectual gifts were added a modesty and self-forgetfulness which, while they were unfavor- able to the more popular recognition of his merits, have rendered his example preemi- nently worthy of imitation by all honest seekers after truth. Yours faithfully, William B. Rogers. In October the President received a letter from Miss Susan Wyman, Administratrix, stating that the will of her father, Dr. Jeffries Wyman, had an item reading : "I offer to the Boston Society of Natural History my collection of Comparative Anatomy, they paying therefor the sum of three thousand dollars." After considerable discussion it was voted to refer the matter to a committee appointed by the Chair. Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, Dr. T. M. Brewer, and Mr. Chas. J. Sprague, composed this committee. In November, the com- mittee on the bequest reported recommending the Council to accept the offer made in the will, and also, in consequence of the increased value of the collection, to pay $5000 instead of $3000. Much discussion followed, it being suggested that possibly there might be facts not yet before the Council concerning the later wishes of Dr. Wyman in regard to the disposal of the collection which might influence action. A decision upon the matter was therefore further postponed, and the President was requested to confer with Dr. Morrill Wyman, and to report the result to the Council two days later. This he did at a large meeting of that body, there being twenty-one members present. Much more discussion followed, some members thinking the expense too great for the Society to incur, others that the wish of the late President as expressed in the will should be respected even at some sacrifice. None objected to increasing the amount to $5000 provided the collection was received. It was finally voted to accept the offer made in the will, and also in consequence of the increased • value of the collection since the execution of that instrument, that $2000 additional be paid. Drs. Dwight and White were appointed a committee to take all nec- essary action to remove the collection and have cases prepared for its reception. 1875. The Report of the Custodian at the annual meeting m May, was as usual full of interest to the members. Respecting the work in the building for the protection of the collections yet in progress, he stated " that such as had been proposed to be done within the year has been completed. More than half the cases are now secured against the entrance of dust and insects, and the most valuable preparations can be safely trusted to their protection. If any member of the Society will take the trouble to walk through our rooms, he will easily satisfy himself of the necessity of these changes. The condition of the collections which still remain in the old cases, whose loose doors cannot be secured either against dust or insects, show this very plainly. The tables in the Palaeontological and Conchological collections, though but recently completed, are more or less disfigured by dust, and where more perishable specimens exist, as among birds and mammals, the amount of damage done will in a few years be irretrievable." Much work had been done upon the collections during the year. Mr. Emerton had been occupied in removing those of the Geological department, and also the sponges, corals and echinoderms. The minerals had been rearranged by the President, so as to make a most attractive dis- play in the newly furnished room at the right of the main entrance. In the gallery of this room he had placed a special collection of New England species. 178 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Eser Palaeontological collection, presented by Mr. John Cummings, had been thor- oughly revised by Mr. Crosby, and was being mounted for exhibition by Miss Carter, whose efficient services to the Society were due to the generosity of Mr. Cummings. Mr. Crosby had been also engaged upon the American fossils, and they were being mounted by Miss Washburn, for whose desirable assistance the Society had been likewise indebted to Mr. Cmiimings. During the summer of the past year, the Custodian, assisted by Mr. Rathbun, worked for the U. S. Fish Commissioners under the charge of Prof S. F. Baird, to whom the Society was indebted for the ample opportunities given the Custodian and his assistant for collect- ms- The valuable additions thus made to our New England collection had been revised and placed in complete order. The Custodian, in mentioning some work done in preparing models illustrating some of the living forms of the Mollusca, remarked that the experiment had shown the practicability of rendering our collections useful as a means of conveying accurate knowledge to gen- eral students, teachers and the public, and he strongly deplored the insufficiency of funds in every department of the Musevun, necessary to this being done, except in that of Con- chology, which the bequest of Miss Pratt provides for. The Teachers' School of Science had been resumed with good results, Mr. Cummings liberally furnishing the means. A course of about thirty lessons on Minerals had been given by Mr. L. S. Burbank of Lowell, and the usual plan of presenting specimens used at the lectures had been followed. In order to test the practical results of these gifts, enquiries were made which resulted in showing that in as many as fifty instances the spec- imens were being intelligently employed in the instruction of students of the teachers. The Society may therefore congratulate itself upon being the birthplace of the first practicable movement for introducing the study of the natural sciences into the public schools of Boston. The Botanical collection had received daily attention from Mr. Cummings, and had been much improved by his own work and that of Miss Carter. A beautiful as well as valu- able addition to this department had been made by Mr. Edward T. Bouve, consisting of the preparations of the leaves and stems of New England trees and shrubs pressed under panes of glass so that they can be readily studied without injury to the specimens. These were accompanied by other specimens of the wood and bark of each species. When com- pleted, as it will be as rapidly as possible, this collection will occupy a prominent place among the New England plants. Among the donations worthy of mention was one of birds, shells and insects, received as a bequest from the family of a deceased fellow-member, Mr. F. P. Atkinson. Although very young, Mr. Atkinson had already shown much interest in the study of natural hist- ory, and had attracted the friendly attention of many of the members of the Society, who deeply regretted his early death. The evening lectures given from the Lowell fund by the Trustee, Mr. John Amory Low- ell, consisted of four courses, and in all twenty lectures. Six were upon the " Chemistry of the Waters," by Dr. T. Sterry Hunt; six upon " Injurious Fungi," by Dr. W. G. Farlow ; six upon " American Archaeology," by Mr. F. W. Putnam ; and two upon the " Village Indians of New Mexico," by Mr. Ernest IngersoU. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTOEY. 179 There had been eighteen general meetings with an average attendance of fifty-four per- sons, five of the section of Microscopy witli an average attendance of eight persons and six of the section of Entomology, with an average of seven persons. On two occas- ions one hundred and fourteen persons had been present at the general meetings. One Honorary, four Corresponding and thirty-seven Resident Members, had been elected; seventy-five communications had been presented. Of the Publications, two quarterly parts each of volumes sixteen and seventeen of the Proceedings, and four articles of the Memoirs had been published. The additions to the Library had been 297 volumes, 820 parts of volumes, 261 pam- phlets, and 19 maps and charts. The Treasurer's Report showed an excess of receipts over ordinary expenditures of f 248.81. There had been besides extraordinary expenses, viz. : for alterations in Museum and cases, $10,689.01, and for the Wyman Collection, $5,000, making a total of $15,689.01. The .changes made in the officers, consisted in the resignations of William H. Niles from the Committee of Palaeontology, J. H. Emerton from the Committee on Mammals, A. S. Packard, Jr., and A. E. Verrill from the Committee on Radiates, Crustacea and Worms, and the election of Dr. H. A. Hagen on the last mentioned Committee. WalTcer Prizes. The subject proposed for competitive essays for this year was " Pro- tective coloration in any class or classes of animals." No article was presented in response, or none deemed worthy of a prize . In May, the Council of the Society, recognizing th e importance of the zoological and botanical observations made by the U. S. Signal Service Bureau, passed resolutions expressing its interest in the continuance of such observations and their extension, as being of great value, affording as they do, data for important generaHzations respecting not only the migrations of birds and the relation of their movements to atmospheric changes ; but also respecting the influence of great extremes of temperature, the lateness or forwardness of the season, etc., upon tlie development and maturation of useful and other plants and the increase or decrease of insect pests ; thus possessing not only scien- tific importance but as likely to lead to valuable practical results, especially in relation to aa'riculture. In view of these considerations and of the foct that such observations are beyond the power of private individuals to make, the Council deemed a special appropriation a wise expenditure of the public money. Resolutions expressing the above were transmitted to General Albert J. Meyer, Chief of the Signal Service Bureau. A little incident in May was too expressive of the feelings existing on the part of the members towards one of their number to be passed over without mention. Prof WUliam B. Rogers, who had not for a long period, by reason of illness, been able to attend the meetings of the .Society, was present, prepared to offer a communication. Upon the Presi- dent's introducing him with a few appropriate words of welcome, there immediately fol- lowed such hearty plaudits from all the members as could not fail to testify how great the respect and warm the love felt hy them for their distinguished associate. In October of this year, through the bequests of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Hale of Burling- ton, New Jersey, the Society came into the possession of a considerable collection of 180 mSTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Cretaceous and Tertiary fossils, including series of the Vertebrae of the Zeuglodon and of the Movsasanrus. Mr. Hale upon a visit to Boston, many years ago, visited the rooms of the Society, then in Mason street, and was so much gratified with what he saw of the arrangement of the cabinet, and of the care taken to exhibit the specimens to the best advantage, that he proffered to send bones of the Zeuglodon which he had obtained himself in Alabama, and place them in the Society's collection, intimating that they might afterwards be presented. They being received were properly placed for examination, duly labelled, and designated as deposited by him. These were the vertebrae mentioned as included in the bequest. The specimens received niunbered about two thousand, of which over one thousand wex'e catalogued and placed in the Cabinet. The others were put aside for exchange. Besides the fossils there were several books upon natural history received, also bequeathed to the Society. The painting of Prof Agassiz by Mrs. C. V. Hamilton, which has since been conspicuous among the portraits possessed by the Society, was purchased by the subscription of several of the members. 1876. The writer of these pages has not found it consistent with his feelings to often make personal reference to his own part in the proceedings of the Society. To avoid doing so altogether would be manifestly unjust to those who have been his supporters during his long service as chief executive officer, and to the reader who asks for truth and not its obscuration. An event occurred at the meeting prior to that of the annual elec- tion which can not be passed over in silence with due regard to others than himself, and it may be added with justice to his own feelings of gratitude for some of the happiest moments of his official life. He had determined to resign the position he held, really desiring relief from responsibility, and fully satisfied that the Society would sufier no det- riment from a change. To his surprise he was called upon at his house prior to the meet- ing by one of the most honored members, the President of another institution, who, speaking for himself and others, urged that the resignation should not be tendered. The writer had, however, too long considered the matter to readily yield, and went to the meeting firm in purpose to do as he had proposed. To his greater surprise he found there not only a very unusual number of members, but many who had not been in the habit of attending. What was read as a valedictory was listened to with great attention, after which a call to proceed to the business of the meeting was made. Instead of res- ponding to this call, one after another of those whom the writer most respected, addressed hun in such terms of affectionate remonstrance against his resignation, as to induce him not only to withdraw it, but to feel that henceforth what had been regarded as a burden would be a joy, that the performance of the duties of his office would be sweetened as never before by the recognition that the respect and regard which he felt towards all the members were fully reciprocated by them. The very laudatory remarks made by the Custodian upon this matter the writer cannot present here. He does not feel at liberty to refrain from giving one paragraph from his Report. " An event, which in its results was very satisfactory to the officers of this Society, occurred at the meeting when the President offered his resignation. I allude to the BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 181 approbation of the policy whicli had governed the Society during his presidency, expressed by many of our most influential members. The officers of the Society felt themselves to be identified with the President in this matter ; and consequently, the ovation which he received, and the absolutely unanimous vote of a large and select meeting of the Society, requesting him to withdraw his resignation, were peculiarly grateful to them." At the annual meeting in May, very important alterations were made, in the Constitu- tion and By-laws, which were primarily suggested by the desii-e on the part of many that women should be eligible as membei'S of the Society. Others objected to this, partly because of the necessity that sometimes arose to speak upon matters not appropriate to discuss in the presence of ladies. Indej^endently of considerations affecting the admission of women, a large number favored the creation of a new grade of members, to be known as Associate Members, who should be admitted to its meetings and take part in scientific discussions, but who should not be entitled to vote for the officers of the Society, or parti- cipate in its business management. All those hitherto known as Eesident Members to constitute a higher grade to be known as Corporate Members. New admissions to this grade only to be by election from Associate Members of at least a year's standing and who either wei'e professionally engaged in science, or had aided in its advancement. The views of those favoring an additional grade of members finally prevailed. They had been embodied in the proposed alterations to the Constitution, and the amendments had received the requisite three fourths vote of the members present at two consecutive meet- ings. They were finally adopted by a nearly unanimous vote. In the proposed alteration of the By-laws made, the article relating to the election of Corporate Member's had been made to express, by a vote of the Society at the previous meeting, that only male Associ- ate Members should be chosen. When final action was called for, Mr. Cummina-s moved that the word male be omitted. After much discussion the motion prevailed by a vote of forty-eight to twenty. The amendments to the By-laws were then adopted. Thus after much deliberation and warm discussion, the Society finally by decisive action ceased to make any sexual discrimination in the admission of members. At the election of officers no changes were made, all serving the previous year having been reelected. The report of the Custodian was as usual full of interest to the members. Of the Min- eralogical collection, it was said that accessions had been made by the purchase of some desirable specimens from the Jackson collection and that there were in all belonging to the department 3230 trays and single specimens on exhibition, 347 of which were in the New England collection. In referring to the Botanical collection, it was stated that the New England collection of specimens had been completed, poisoned and catalogued by Miss Carter, and that it contauied nearly every species found within the New England States, there being 1984, comprising 3227 specimens. Much work had also been done upon the general collection. The preparation of the leaves and stems of New England trees and shrubs had been jjlaced on exhibition by the donor, Mr. Edward T. Bouve, filling, with the accompanying wood sections and specimens of fruit, one entire gallery. With these had been placed a series of plates from the last edition of The Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts, presented by Mr. George B. Emerson, showing the natural colors of the leaves, flowers and fruit. 182 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Altogether, the Custodian remarked, this collection must be considered one of the most attractive and instructive in the Museum. The Bailey IVIicroscopical collection had had much labor devoted to it by Miss Wash- burn, who had spent the greater part of the winter in cataloguing it. Dr. Henry Codman had continued his work upon the Burnett collection of moimted parasites. In the Com- parative Anatomy department, Dr. Thomas Dwight had finished the incorporation of the Wyman Anatomical collection with that of the Society, and had prepared many sections showing the structure of bones for the cabinet. There had been an accession of the skeletons of a large sea-lion and of two fur seals, through the liberality of Captain Charles Bryant, the superintendent in charge of the Fur Seal Islands. A collection of sponges had been acquired by purchase and would form the beginning of a collection of Protozoa. Very valuable though small collections of Australian sponges had been received from Dr. W. G. Farlow and others, making the dried collection of these ani- mals the finest in this country. The collection of New England Fishes had been considerably enlarged through the fiicil- ities afforded the Custodian by the kindness of Prof S. F. Baird of the U. S. Fish Com- mission. In the department of Mollusca, considerable work had been done upon models by the assistants in the Museum, and Dr. Brooks had begun the preparation of an accompanying suite of anatomical preparations for each model. An important addition had been made in the shape of suites of models showing the principal stages in the development of the characteristic types of the Mollusca. Dr. P. P. Carpenter had continued the work of class- ifymg and labelling the shells. All the Annelids had been reviewed, sorted, and the Entozoa named by the Custodian. The Insects had received much attention from Mr. Henshaw, who reported that the en- tire collection was free from Anthreni. To the collection of the Mammalia, a fine Polar bear had been presented by Bishop Williams, the skin of a fine grayhound by Mr. Addison Child and a specimen of the celebrated breed of Ancon sheep by Mr. George William Bond. The Custodian mentioned that considerable assistance had been received during the year from the voluntary labors of Mr. Edward G. Gardner. During the year another room had been fitted up with improved cases for the reception of New England fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals, and much had been done in provid- ing for the protection of the Museum against fire. A large service pipe had been intro- duced, which would give an ample supply of water, and every workroom was provided with screw faucets. One large faucet with hose attached would be always ready in the cellar, and three sets of hose had been distributed about the building for use in any emergency in the work-rooms. On the roof two flxucets, one on each wing, had been placed, to which hose could be attached. Buckets of water, with a Johnson pump had also been placed in each workroom, and three patent gas machines in different parts of the l)uilding. The Cvistodian spoke of continued improvement in the condition and work of the Lab- oratory under the management of Mr. Crosby. There had been four female students, besides the usual number of students from the Technological Institute. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 183 The Teachers' School of Science had been carried on through the liberaUty of Mr. Cummings. The statement of the results is given almost verbatim from the Report of the Custodian as follows : Fourteen lectures or practical lessons in Lithology had been given by Mr. L. S. Burbank, during the winter, at which the average attendance had been about 90 out of 100 members. This was a remarkable fact, considering that the class inclu- ded a large number of the busiest teachers, the masters of the public schools of Boston and the vicinity. Each member of the class was provided with tools, consisting of a small hammer, magnet, file, streak stone of Arkansas quartzite, a bottle of dilute acid with rubber stopper aud glass rod, and the scale of hardness previously used in the Mineralog- ical class of the preceding whiter. All these were purchased by the members of the class except the scale of hardness, reserved for future use. One hundred sets of rock speci- mens were distributed gratis, affording each of the teachers a series. Most of these were large enough for cabinet specimens, and many of the sets had been placed in the collec- tions of the city schools, and used in the instruction of the pupils. The specimens were largely collected in Massachusetts. The course was supplemented by a series of excur- sions for field work in the vicinity of Boston. Of the Lowell free lectures given under the direction of the Society by the generosity of John Amory Lowell, Trustee, four courses were given during the winter. These courses consisted of six lectures, by Prof E. S. Morse, on six New England animals and their nearest allies ; six by Prof G. L. Goodale on Botany ; six by Prof T. Sterry Hunt on Ancient Rocks of North America ; and two by Mr. L. S. Burbank on Mineral Veins and Ores. The course on Botany was the best attended, the numbers present averaging 192. The additions to the Library during the year had been 327 volumes, 1108 parts of vol- umes, 217 pamphlets and 67 maps and charts. Of the Publications there had been issued two parts of each of the seventeenth and eighteenth volumes of the Proceedings, and three numbers of the Memoirs. A second volume of the Occasional papers had also been published, of 171 pages and 21 plates. The Rej)ort of the Treasurer exhibited an excess of expenditures over receipts of 1522.39. At the election of officers, L. F. de Pourtales was chosen on the Committee of Radiates, Crustacea and Worms, and Jules Marcou on the Committee of Palaeontology. Walker Prizes. The subject for which the annual prizes were offered for this year was " An original investigation of the structure, development, and mode of life of one or more of the fungi which injuriously attack useful plants, such as the potato, the onion, the cranberry, etc., to be prefaced by an exposition of our present knowledge of the struc- ture and development of the lower fungi." No essays were offered on this subject. At a meeting of the Council in May, a vote was passed, upon the motion of Prof. Shaler, that no existing Council shall formally or informally pledge any part of the Society's income for a future year. During the summer recess this year, there passed away by death one of the original founders of the Societv, Dr. Walter Channing. Dr. Channing was not only one of the original members of this Society, but he was also one of the founders of the Linnean Society which preceded it. He took an active part in the early formation of both. Upon the organization of the Boston Society of 184 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Natural History, he was elected one of its Curators, and subsequently became one of its second Vice-Presidents. He was born in Newport, R. I., on the 15th of April, 1786. The celebrated Dr. William Ellery Channing was his eldest brother, and Edward T. Channing, who long and ably fdled the chair of Rhetoric in Harvard College, was a yoiniger brother. Walter entered Harvard College in 1804, but did not graduate from there, a great rebellion among the students having led to liis leaving the institution and devoting himself to the study of medicine in Boston. He afterwards pursued this study with great zeal in the schools of Philadelphia, Edinburgh, and London. In 1812 he established him- self in the practice of his profession in Boston, and in the same year was apjiointed Lec- turer in Obstetrics at the Medical College. Three years later he became Professor there of that branch of medical practice, the duties of which position he performed for nearly forty years. In the practice of his ^^rofession Dr. Channing exhibited marked ability, especially in the department to which he gave particular attention. In the reform movements of his (lay he took great interest, and his pen and voice were very active in advocating them. In social life he was genial, and had the rare gift of being able at all times to interest lis- teners by the brilliancy of his conversation, enlivened as it ever was by ready wit. A characteristic anecdote is, that when asked by a stranger who wished to see his more eminent brother, if he was the Dr. Channing who preached, he replied, " No ! it is my bi'other who preaches ; I practice." Dr. Channing died in Brookline, Mass., on the 27th of July, 1876, at the age of 90 years. In October the attention of the Council being called to the flict that at the meetings of tlie section of Microscopj^ the attendance had become very small, a vote was passed to discontinue the notification of them. Edward Pickering. At the meeting, December 6th, President Bouve addressing the members, remarked ; " The Society is called to deplore the loss of a valuable member and officer in the death of our late Treasurer, Edward Pickering. Previously to our last meeting, Mr. Pickering had been ill for a day or two from a trouble in his throat affecting the vocal organs, and making it painful for him to converse freely, Ijut he kept about his usual occupations until a few hours before we met, when feeling unable to be with us, he sent to me his regular financial statement for presentation to the Council in the evening. The trouble with him seemed similar to that he had before experienced, and there appeared no reason to anticipate its sad result. " All, I am sure, were surprised and shocked to learn on the following Tuesday that he had passed away early that morning. Mr. Pickering, though not strictly speaking, a scien- tific man, was much interested in whatever conduced to the education of the community, and he consequently felt great interest in the well being of the Society. He became a member in 1860, since which, he has always been a regular attendant on our meetings, and I think, from his highly appreciative mind, enjoyed much the proceedings. In 1865, he was elected Treasurer of the Society and he became also ex-officio one of the Trustees, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 185 meeting the requirements of these positions with great devotion and efficiency. Our de- parted friend acquired the high respect of all who knew him, by his general intelligence, his marked integrity, and his faithfulness to all the duties of the various offices he was called upon to fill, and he won the love of all who knew him intimately by his kindly sympathy and his Christian gentleness." On motion of Messrs. Scudder and Hyatt, it was voted that the Secretary send a copy of Mr. Bouve's remarks to the family of Mr. Pickering, as an expression of the Society's re- spect and regard for him. In December a very fine cast from the bust of Prof Louis Agassiz, by Preston Powers, was presented to the Society by the Rev. R. C. Waterston . In Council a vote was passed allowing the use of the Laboratory of the Society to the Boston University for instruction in Zoology ; the lessons to be given by Mr. Hyatt, as Professor of the Technological Institute, or his assistant Mr . Crosby, and a suitable rent to be paid the Society. 1877. In January of this year, the death of Mr. F. B. Meek of Washington, a Corre- sponding Member, and one of the most eminent of Am erican palaeontologists, was an- nounced by the Secretary. At the next meeting the following resolutions were passed by the Society. " Resolved, That the members of the Society have heard with the deepest regret of the decease of one of the most highly esteemed of their Corresponding Members, Mr. F. B. Meek of Washington. Their admiration can add but little to his reputation, which is secured by the numerous works of which he has been the author. They feel, however, that a testimonial is due from them to the memory of a man whose knowledge of the whole field of American palaeontology was unsurpassed, and wliose life was a model of laborious special investigation and therefore unrewarded by public commendation. As students of natural history, they desire also to record their respect for a life of such modest simplicity and devotion to science for its own sake, that it merits, and will, it is hoped, receive the highest praise from the hands of Mr. Meek's fellow laborers. " Resolved, That this resolution be recorded in the Proceedings of this Society and that copies be forwarded to the friends of the deceased." At a meeting of the Society February 2d, Charles W. Scudder was elected Treasurer. In Council a vote was passed to procure a crayon of the late President, Dr. Jeffries Wyman, of life size, with a suitable frame. This was subsequently done, and the fine portrait obtained may now be seen in the Library room of the Museum. This body also upon hearing that another attempt was to be made to obtain a license for the exhibition of Jourdain's anatomical collection, again successfully remonstrated against one being granted, on the ground that it would be subversive of public morals. In March, the President announced the death of Mr. Edward Bicknell, the well-known Microscopist, and for several years a member of the Council of the Society. A petition having been presented to the Councd that the Museum of the Society should be opened to the public on Sundays, a committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration and to report upon the subject. This committee consisted of three, the President being of the number. At the next meeting, the committee reported adversely, on the ground mainly that the Society could not affin-d the additional expense that would be incurred by compliance. The report was approved unanimously. In March also of this year, Dr. B. Joy Jeffi-ies called the attention of the Society to the 186 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE necessity of action on the part of the United States Government to prevent accidents by reason of color blindness in the army, navy and merchant service, and the need of the State governments also taking measures to prevent casualties on the railroads from the same cause. Whilst the possible danger arising from color blindness had been mentioned before, this was the first time in this country that the necessity of control on the part of the authorities was brought forward and urged. The action of the government, State and National, and of the railroad corporations since, has proved Dr. Jeffries' position correct. In April, the Legislature of the State having authorized the licensing of such persons to shoot birds for scientific purposes as the Society might designate, a committee was ap- pointed, consisting of the Custodian, Mr. Hyatt, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer and Mr. J. A. Al- len, to issue certificates to such persons a3 they deemed, upon due enquiry, proper to receive such license. Many pei'sons desiring admission to the Museum on other days than public days, the Council voted to admit such as the Custodian judged proper, upon the payment of a small entrance fee, to cover such additional expense as might be incurred thereby. At the annual meeting in May, the reports of the Custodian, and of the Secretary, made in accordance with a new j^rovision in the By-laws, were presented. An abstract from these follows. During the year one additional room had been fitted up with new cases and brackets, for the reception especially of the birds and mammals of the systematic collection. For fur- ther protection against loss by fire, telegraphic communication had been established with the fire engine house on Dartmouth Street by which, in case of necessity, engines could be had for service at the building within a few minutes after giving an alarm. The Teacers' School of Science was continued, as in previous years, by the liberality of Mr. Cimimings. The only course of lessons given, was by Prof. Goodale of Harvard Col- lege, but this was a very comprehensive one, comprising twenty-one lectures on Morpho- logical, Physiological and Systematic Botany. The lessons were, as usual, illustrated by specimens which were distributed to the puj^ils. By the use of blank forms, which were given with the flowers, each teacher was enabled to analyse the specimens independently and recoi-d his observations, thus jireventing confusion and allowing the instructor to cover more ground than would otherwise have been possible. The analysis of the flowers for the determination of the peculiarities of the floral structure by each teacher, was regarded by Prof. Goodale as an important element in the instruction given. The attendance was large, averaging one hundred. In the Laboratory much work had been done of a satisfactory character. The collec- tions for the use of students had been largely increased, and it was hoped they might be made complete before another year. The room and the collections had been jirofitably used by students of the Institute of Technology and of the Boston University. The condition of the collections was reported to be good, and the progress made in arrangement, labelling, etc., quite satisfactory. In the Mineral department the only change made was by the adthtiou of new specimens, the greater portion of which had been presented by the President. In the Palaeontological department under the charge of Mr. Crosby, much had been done by Miss Carter and Miss Washburn, for whose very valuable services the So- ciety was indebted to the generosity of Mr. John Cummings. The former had mounted, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATUKAL HISTORY. 187 catalogued, labelled and placed on exhibition, all the fossils of the Triassic and the Cre- taceous periods, together with the larger part of the European Jurassic ; whilst the latter had re-arranged, catalogued, and re-labelled all the fossils from the Devonian to the Cre- taceous periods inclusive. A gi'eat amount of work too had been done in identifying the new specimens, the additions to the collection having been very numerous. The Jurassic, Triassic, and Carboniferous plants of North America had been tripled in number and value by accessions from the Rogers collection, and the Devonian and Cretaceous fossils much increased by additions from the Hale and Cleveland collections. The Botanical department, under the charge of Mr. Cummings, had received much at- tention, and great progress had been made in the revision of the general collection by Miss Carter. The collection of the department of Comparative Anatomy had had much labor bestowed upon it by Mr. Van Vleck. More work was necessary upon this collection than antici- pated, and there yet remained much to do before its arrangement would be completed. The cataloguing of the Microscopical collection had been finished by Miss Washburn early in the year. The whole was reported as consisting of 2606 slides and preparations ; of these, 567 were preparations of parasitic insects acquired by purchase from the Burnett estate ; 18o8 were received in the bequest of Professor Bailey, and consisted largely of for- aminiferae and diatoms; 135 were miscellaneous preparations of worms, Crustacea and emljryos of various kinds, prepared by Mr. J. H. Emerton when assistant in the Museum, and 113 were preparations of the anatomy and skeletons of sponges, prepared by Mr. Crosby and the Custodian. Besides these, there was rejiorted a great quantity of un- mounted material. Subsequently to the close of Miss Washburn's work, the collection was enriched by the presentation to it of 477 slides prepared by Mr. William Glen, for- merly of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge. These were purchased and given to the Society by Mr. R. C. Greenleaf and Dr. A. D. Sinclair. This collection was especially rich in sections of the spines of Echini and the tongues of Mollusks. Including this accession and some specimens of miscellaneous character presented by Messrs. E. Sam- uels, C. S. Busch and others, the Society collection was reported as containing, exclusive of duplicate material, 3356 slides and preparations. The collection of Corals and Echinoderms was rejoorted as undergoing revision by Mr. Van Vleck, who was likewise preparing the specimens for labelling. The Poriferae were receiving the same attention from the Custodian. In the MoUuscan department valuable work had been continued by Dr. W. K. Brooks upon the models of the animals, anatomical preparations of them, and in explanatory out- line drawings. He had also completed the re-arrangement of the shells. Much to the regret of the Society, Dr. Brooks removed to Baltimore, having been appointed assis- tant professor in the Johns Hopkins University. After his departure the work upon the collection of the MoUusca was continued under the direction of Mr. Van Vleck, who re- ported that about one third of the specimens on exhibition had been re-labelled by Miss Washburn. Dr. P. P. Carpenter of Montreal had continued the work of identification and had completed a large part of the terrestrial shells. In the Entomological department Mr. Henshaw had continued his valual)le labors. The New England collection of the Coleoptera had been completed, and the Neurop- tera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera re-arranged. Very important additions 188 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE to the collection of Coleoptera had been made from the collection of Mr. Sprague, the late assistant of the Museum. The Society was permitted, in accordance with the verbal request of Mr. Sprague, to select from the specimens left by him all that might be valuable to its collection, and thus additions were made to it of 600 species and 2000 specimens. A revision of all the New England collections at this time showed them to consist of Hymenoptera, 157 species; Lepidoptera, 711 species; Coleoptera, 1810 species; Orthop- tera, 59 species ; Neuroptera, 65 species. To Dr. Ilagen the Society was indebted for a revision and identification of all the Neu- roptera, and to Mr. Burgess for the revision and identification of the Dijitera of the Harris collection. The entire Harris collection had been transferred to the new style of boxes, and was considered safe from the ravages of Anthreni. It is due to Mr. Henshaw to state that he voluntai-ily gave professional labor in tlie department of Entomology, equal to about seven hours daily during the year, the means of the Society not enabling it to ade- quately compensate him for his services. The alcoholic collection of Reptiles had been sent to the Museum of Comparative Zool- ogy for identification by Mr. Garman, who had kindly consented to examine and name them. It was understood too, that under the instruction of Mr. Alexander Agassiz, the director, he Avould add such species from the duj^licates of the Museum as were needed in the collection of the Society. Mr. Garman had already been instrumental in increasing our collection of fishes in the same manner, and the Society had to some extent recipro- cated the favor by sparing specimens from its duplicates. The Custodian closed his remarks upon the collections of the Museum by stating that there was now a New England collection in every department, and that there was a great need of a new gallery around the main hall, which should be devoted exclusively to the New England departm ent, so that a visitor coidd see arranged in one continuous series all the natural products of New England. It is certainly a matter to be deeply regretted that the Society has not since been able to put uj) such a gallery as suggested by the Custodian. From the Secretary's Eeport, the following is given: to the Library there had been added of volumes, 357 ; parts of vohunes, 977 ; pamphlets, 188 ; maps, charts and pho- tographs, 98 ; making 1620 accessions in all. Nothing had been done in binding for want of the necessary means. The use of the Library seemed to be regularly increasing. Dur- ing the year 1019 books had been borrowed by 119 persons. The publications of the Society had been considerably less than during previous years. Two parts, concluding Vol. XVIII, of the Proceedings, had been issued, and the first part of Vol. XIX was in press. Of the Memoirs, the second part of Prof. Hyatt's Revision of North American Poriferae was in press. The meetings of the Society had been well attended, and the interest in the commun- ications presented well sustained. In consequence of the formation of the Boston Micro- scopical Society, the section of Microscopy had been given up. The section of Entomol- ogy had held monthly meetings, with a small but regular attendance. The Section of Botany formed within the year had held bi-monthly meetings, and these had been fairly attended. During the year four Corresponding Members, six Resident, under the old Constitution, and twenty-five Associate Members under the new Constitution, had been elected. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 189 Of the Lowell free courses of lectures, there had been given under the direction of the Society ; six on Comparative Embryology, by Dr. Chas. S. Minot ; four on North Amer- ican Archaeology and Ethnology, by F. W. Putnam; three by Maj. J. W. Powell on the Canons of the Colorado, Indian Life in the Rocky Mountains, and Indian Mythology ; six by Prof. N. S. Shaler, on the Geological jiroblems of Boston and its vicinity ; and five by S. H. Scudder on the Organization and Metamoi'phoses of Butterflies. The courses were very interesting and well attended. From the report of the Treasurer there was an excess of receipts over expenditures of $1081.12, the most of which, however, it was necessary to reserve for Prize pur- poses in accordance with the conditions of the Walker bequest. At the election of officers for the ensuing year the only changes made were as follows : In the department of Microscopy, Samuel Wells was chosen on the Committee, in place of Edwin Bicknell deceased, and in the department of Fishes and Reptiles, S. W. Garman was chosen in place of Richard Bliss, Jr. It is pleasant to observe the persistent efforts made to prevent the expenditures of the Society from exceeding its income. At the first meeting of the Council, after the annual meeting of the Society, the Trustees reported that after a careful examination of the invested funds, they estimated the income for the year then commencing, applicable to the general purposes of the Society, as not likely to exceed f 8500. " To all who are conversant with the state of afflxirs in the business world," they said, " the estimated reduc- tion from the income of the past year wiU not be surprising, though most unwelcome. Let us be thankful it is no larger, and by a wise and careful economy endeavor to dis- charge the manifest duty of keeping our expenditures within the limits of our income." The following appropriations were recommended : For salaries and wages, $6000 ; gas and fuel, $400; general expenses, $900 ; cabinet, $300; publications, $900. These appropriations allowed of no contingences, but it seemed impossible to lessen any of them. Walker Prizes. In October of this year the lirst prize of sixty dollars was awarded to Mr. C. Riley, for his essay upon the subject proposed for this year, viz. : A complete life history of the army worm, Leucania unipunctata, and its j^arasites. In November the Laboratory of the Museum was rented to the Technological Institute for a course of thirty lectures, upon the payment of ninety dollars. 1878. In March of tliis year occurred the death of Dr. Charles Pickering, a greatly re- spected member of the Society, whose interest in its proceedings had been for many years manifested by constant attendance at the meetings and often by talking part in them. A man of very remarkable scientific acquirements, and of personal character corresponding to his intellectual attainments, he merits more than a passing notice. De. Charles Pickering. Dr. Charles Pickering was born at Starucca, Susquehanna County. Pennsylvania, No- vember 10th, 1805. His father, Timothy Pickering, Jr., was born in Philadelphia, Octo- ber 1st, 1779, graduated at Harvard College, entered the navy, served creditably as mid- shipman under Decatur, and resigned in 1801. His grandfather was Colonel Timothy 190 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Pickering of the Revolutionary Army, a friend of AVashington, and a member of his Cab- inet. The Colonel had acquired lai'ge tracts of " wild land " in western Pennsylvania, and after retiring from the Cabinet, removed thither with his son, whose wife, Mrs. Lurena Pickering, subsequently became the mother of the subject of this notice and his brother Edward. In the year 1809, Timothy Pickering, Jr. died, and his father afterwards returned to Massachusetts, settling in Wenham, near Salem. He brought with him his son's wife and her two boys, and it was under his supervision and that of their mother, au admix-able woman, that they were brought up. Charles early showed a taste for natural history, roaming about the country in search of birds, eggs, insects, plants and quadrupeds, with specimens of which he would return from his excursions loaded. He entered Harvard College in 182-3, but did not graduate with his class, subsequently taking the degree of M. D. at the Medical School in 1826. His love for natural science increased with his years, and while living at Salem, he was asso- ciated with William Cakes in botanical investigation, and it is thought that the two fir.st explored the White Mountains together. He was elected a correspondent of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, November 28th, 1826, in the twenty-second year of his age; and the next year he removed to Philadelphia, and became a member of that Society. The scope of his various scientific attainments, even at that early period of his life, may be estimated from the fact that he served on the Zoological Committee for ten years (from December 25th, 1829); on the Botanical Committee for eight years, half this time as chairman ; on the Publication Com- mittee four years ; on the Library Committee a year ; as Librarian five years, and as Cu- rator for four years, discharging all the duties of these several positions with the utmost faithfulness and efficiency. He prepared a Catalogue of American Plants in the Academy's collection, in 18.34, and was intrusted with the transfer of the great collection of plants bequeathed to the Society by Von Schweinitz. His great services in collecting and arranging the extensive herbarium of the Society, merited and received its thanks, presented through a resolution unanimously passed on motion of Prof Henry D. Rogers. He also was made the recip- ient of the grateful thanks of the Society on motion of Dr. Samuel George Morton, for his services in selecting from Mr. Maclure's library the 2300 volumes designed for the Academy. He was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society, January loth, 1828, having previously (Oct. 19th, 1827), read before this Society his paper " On the Geograph- ical Distribution of Plants." He was a member of the Yale Natural History Society, and read, conjointly with James H. Dana, before that Society the " Description of a Crustaceous Animal, belonging to the genus Caligus, C. Americanus," published in Silliman's Journal, Vol. XXXVllI. He served as Recording Secretary of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, from February 1830, till September 1837. On the organization of the U. S. Exploring Expedition under Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, Dr. Pickering's reputation was such that he was at once selected as chief zoolo- gist, and placed on board the flagship Vincennes. The expedition sailed from Hampton Roads, Aug. 19th, 1838, and on its return reached Sandy Hook, June 10th, 1842. Dur- ing the four years' voyage, Dr. Pickering turned his attention to anthropology and to the BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. I9I study of the geological distribution of animals and plants ; especially to the latter, as affected by, or as evidence of, the operations, movements and diffusion of the races of man. To the collections and investigations of Dr. Pickering and Professor Dana, the scientific fame of the expedition is principally due. In October, 184.3, Dr. Pickering again went abroad, visiting during his tour Egypt, Arabia, India, and eastern Africa, more particularly for the purpose of verifyino- obser- vations made while with the Exploring Expedition. On his return he settled in Boston and occupied himself in preparing his •' Races of Man and their Geographical Distribu- tion," published in 1848, being Volume XI, of the Exploring Expedition. In 1850, appeared in the " Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal," his " Enumeration of the Ptaces of Man." In 1854, his work " The Geographical Distribution of Animals and Plants," was pub- lished. This work constituted Volume XV of the Exploring Expedition. The proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, contain the following articles by Dr. Pickering : Observations on the Egyptian Computation of Time, appearino- in October, 1849 ; on the Egyptian Astronomical Cycle, in May, 1850 ; on Sulphur Vapor, in December, 1856 ; on the Coptic Alphabet, in March, 1859 ; on the Geographical Distri- bution of Species, in March 1859, and December 1860; and on the Jewish Calendar, in October, 1864. In June, 1867, he prepared a paper " On the Gliddon Mummy case in the Museiun of the Smithsonian Institution," published in Volume XVI of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. In 1876, was published at Salem the " Geograjihical Distribution of Animals and Plants; Part II ; Plants in their Wild State." The great work of his life was " The Chronological History of Plants." This truly remarkable production, to which he had devoted sLxteen years of indomitable industry and laborious research, was going through the press at his own expense at the time of his death. While the form in which it is cast will prevent its use as a book for popular study, to the thorough student and teacher it must ever be unequalled as an exhaust- ive authority on the subjects of which it treats. Dr. Pickering was elected a member of the Boston Society of Natural History, March 3d, 1858. As a member, his attendance upon meetings was constant, and his communica- tions, whether elaborately written out, or merely remarks upon the subject at the time before the Society, were always indicative of thorough knowledge and acquaintance with the matter. The range of his general information was very extensive, and whether he was speaking of Feejean pottery, or rare botanical forms found in the mountains of New England ; of the character of the alluvial deposits of South American rivers, or the orio-in of the Esquunaux ; whatever he might have to say was interesting and instructive m a high degree. Most of the present members of the Society will recall his controversy with the late Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, relative to the introduction of the European spar- row, in which Dr. Pickering took very strong ground adversely to the naturalization of the bird, quoting a formidable array of authorities in support of his position, and predic- ting very undesirable results in case the proposed experiment should be attempted — and prove successful — as to the ability of the sparrow to exist in this climate. 192 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Dr. Pickering, while it could be truly said of him by one of his biographers, that there was probably not a more learned naturalist in the world, was yet one of the most modest of men. His simplicity of character, inflexible integrity, loyalty to truth, tranquillity of temper, and kindly though somewhat reserved disposition, were thoroughly consistent with his great and extremely accurate acquirements, and that love of knowledge which was his grand passion. The following extract from a biographical notice published with his " Chronological History of Plants," speaks thus of him : " We doubt if any one naturalist ever united in himself so far as he did, the qualities of an exact original observer on the most enlarged scale, and of an inquirer into all that had been learned before. His minute, laborious and extended explorations into all possible records of past ages, seemed of themselves more than enough for the work of a lifetime. * * * He not only visited every quarter of the earth, but went through the whole range of history, wherever it could bear upon his subject, in quest of anything that might help him better to understand " The Races of Man and their Geographical Distribution," '• The Geographical Distribution of Animals and Plants," and '• The Chronological History of Plants." Dr. Pickering married in 1851, Sarah S., daughter of the late Daniel Hammond, Esq. He died of pneumonia, in Boston, March ITth, 1878, leaving a widow but no children. In April the death of Prof C. F. Hartt, a highly valued Corresponding Member of the Society, was announced. As he was for some time an active member of the Society, it is due to the eminence attained by him as a scientific explorer and investigator, to give some account of the great work achieved by him in the short time of his active life. The sketch here presented is drawn entirely from an elaborate and excellent paper pre- pared by Mr. Richard Rathbun and published in the nineteenth volume of the Society's Proceedings. Professor Hartt was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, August 23d, 1840. He graduated from Acadia College in 1860. At an early age he manifested much interest in the study of natural history, and whilst in college labored zealously in exploring geologically the Province of Nova Scotia, in doing which he made large collec- tions. Subsequently he gave much attention to the study of the rocks in the vicinity of St. John, New Brunswick, and it was by his researches there that he first became exten- sively known to the scientific world. The discovery there of fossil insects in the Devon- ian shales, led to Professor Agassiz' knowledge of him, and to his being invited to become a student in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, where he passed much time during the succeeding four years, making great progress in science and preparing himself for future usefulness. During this period he made excursions to his native province and to Nova Scotia, making investigations of important character. To him, the scien- tific world is indebted for very much of the knowledge possessed by it of the ancient strata of New Brunswick. Mr. Hartt was appointed by Professor Agassiz one of the two geologists who accompanied the Thayer expedition to Brazil in 1865, and Tt was whilst en- gaged in this service, that he became so much interested in the geology of that empire as to lead to his extensive work there in after years. He made a second trip there in 1867. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 193 In 186S he was appointed Professor of Natural History in Vassar College, which position he soon resigned to take the head of the department of Geology in Cornell University, which he held until the time of his death. Whilst at Cornell, when not engaged in the duties of his position, he prepared his report as geologist of the Thayer expedition. This embraced so much of value upon the subject treated, as to lead to its being published in a volume by itself under the title of " The Ge- ology and the Physical Geography of Brazil." It formed a large octavo volume of over six hundred pages. In 1870, Prof. Hartt organized another expedition to Brazil, taking with him Prof. Prentice and eleven of the students of Cornell University. This party, after exploring in the vicinity of Para, proceeded to the Amazonas where were found the first Devonian fos- sils east of the Andes in South America. Prof. Hartt soon after made another trip to the Amazonas in company with Mr. O. A. Derby, with important results. He returned to Ithaca in 1872, where he I'emained from two to three years, giving such time as he could spare to studying up the material obtained in his Amazonian trips, aided by two assistants, Mr. 0. A. Derby and Mr. Richard Rathbun, and in preparing papers for publication. These appeared in various scientific journals. In 1875, the government of Brazil, appreciating the labors of Prof Hartt, invited him to submit a proposition for the systematic geological exploration of the Empire. He accordingly proceeded to Rio Janeiro, where he was received with great enthusiasm. The suggestions made in his proposition were not fully complied with from economical considerations, which is much to be regretted, considering his early death. In May, 1875, Prof. Hartt was made chief of a commission for the geological survey of Brazil with six assistants, among whom was Mr. Rathbun, also a member of the Boston Society of Natural History. The party was soon in the field, and its active work continued almost uninterruptedly until the close of 1877. The amount of Avork done during this period was immense, and the investigations made of the most unportant character. No wonder that the Emperor upon his return from a visit to the Museums of North America and the old world, should have expressed his astonishment when he found that the small party which he had left eighteen months before working hard among the rocks of a portion of the Empire, had created a large Museum containing the collections made, and having con- nected with it biological, chemical and photographic laboratories. This brief notice of Professor Hartt will be closed by a few words given in abstract from the paper alluded to, prepared by Mr. Rathbun. " In order to judge of the real character and value of his investigations, we must refer to his publications. These, however, give us but a glimpse of the vast store of knowledge he had accumulated. He has left a number of volumes in manuscript, which when pub- lished, will add greatly to his scientific standing, by making known to the world the vari- ety and excellence of the work he had accomplished. Judging from his brilliant begin- ning, we are confident in asserting that had he lived, he would have won for himself a place by the side of such investigators as De le Beche, Murchison, Logan and others, like whom, he was a pioneer in the special field of research he had entered." 194 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The reports of the Custodian, Secretary and Treasurer were looked forward to with much interest, the members generally realizing the difficulty of accomplishing the neces- sary work of the Society within the means at its .disposal, without incurring debt or lessen- ing its funded property. When listened to at the annual meeting, they gave great satis- faction, showing as they did much progress in several departments of the Museum, con- tinued growth of the Library, a fair amount of publication, and good attendance at the meetings. It will be borne in mind that the period was one of prolonged business depres- sion, rendering the income from the Society's funds quite uncertain, and that the Council at the beginning of the year had decided to limit the expenditures to the least possible sum consistent with the Society's future welfare. The Custodian commenced his report by deploring that this decision, though necessary, had prevented continued improvement in the cases, and thus arrested work, the accomplishment of which alone could render the collections secure from damage by dust and insects. From the remarks of the Custodian upon the state of the collections, the following is presented. The Minerals remained in the good condition of the previous years and had received val- uable accessions from the Pi'esident. The Palaeontological collections had had much labor bestowed upon them by Mr. Crosby, the assistant in the Museum, and by Miss Washburn and Miss Carter, who had aided him in mounting and labelling the specimens. The whole department was stated to be divided into sections according to locality, and collections of it arranged entirely to illustrate the stratigraphical relations of fossUs. There were of the North American col- lection on exhibition, 1040 genera embracing 2034 species, and 7834 specimens. These had been derived from the following sources : Mass. Institute of Technology, 2223 ; C. S. Hale collection, 1013; Cleveland collection, 627; various, 3971; making a total of 7834. The most valuable parts of this collection are specimens of Paradoxides from Braintree, embracing the original from the Jackson Cabinet ; a fine suite of Crinoids from Mr. J. M. Barnard ; the coal plants of the Sogers Cabinet; the fine animal impressions on stone from Turner's Falls ; the reptilian bones from the red sandstone of the Connecticut valley, presented by Prof W. B. Rogers, and the fossils from Attleboi'o, Mass. Of the Eser collection of European species, there were on exhibition 1306 genera, em- bracing 2563 species, and 8809 specimens. The Botanical department under the charge of Mr. John Cummings had been steadily progressing. Three-fifths of the flowering plants had been revised, and work had only been suspended awaiting the reception of a further number of the " Genera Plantarum." Miss Carter had been engaged much of the time in assorting, condensing and projoerly arranging duplicates. She had also sorted, mounted and labelled a large and valuable col- lection of lichens under the direction of Mr. C. J. Sprague, who reported that " this formed the Lichen-herbarium of Dr. Thomas Taylor, an Irish botanist, to whom Sir W. J. and Sir Joseph Hooker communicated the whole of their extensive collections of lichens gathered during many exploring expeditions. Dr. Taylor published descri2Dtions of these plants in the London Journal of Botany, 1844-46, and many of the specimens are 'the originals of the descriptions. Mr. John Amory Lowell purchased the collection of BOSTON SOCIETF OF NATURAL HISTORY. 195 Dr. Taylor's heirs, and afterwards presented it to the Society, with the rest of his herba- rium. The knowledge of the structure of lichens has advanced much since Dr. Taylor's day, and the nomenclature has undergone extensive changes, so this herbarium, though contain- ing over a thousand species, might have remained comparatively useless to the American student had it not been for the voluntary services of Prof. Edward T. Tuckerman. He examined and named very nearly the entire series, a work which no one else in this country could have done, and has given it an authentic value, otherwise unattainable. The decease of Dr. P. P. Carpenter of Montreal, to whom had been intrusted the work of naming the collections of shells, had prevented its final completion. Fortunately for the Society, not much remained undone. At the time of Dr. Carpenter's death, he had in his possession at Montreal a very large portion of the collection belonging to the Museum. The specimens were subsequently received in admirable condition, not one having been lost, and all had been unpacked and arranged in the cabinet by Mr. Van Vleck. Miss Washburn had been engaged in re-mounting, labelling and cataloguing them. The Systematic collection of Mollusca, consisting of 6.30 genera, represented by 2G00 species and 9000 specimens, had been completed by Mr. Van Vleck, and placed on exhibi- tion. The alcoholic collections of Reptiles and Batrachians had been in large part revised and named by Mr. Gai'man of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Considerable additions had been made to them by the kindness of Mr. Garman, who selected from the duplicates of the Museum by permission of Mr. Agassiz, the director, such specimens as were needed for the collection of the Society. The New England collection of birds had been much increased by donations from various parties, and by exchange. Eighty species had been added, some of which were of great rarity. The donors were Messrs. Weeks, E. A. & 0. Bangs, C. B. Corey, P. B Loring, W. B. Greene, H. D. Morse, Wm. Brewster, Arthur Smith, Geo. A. Boardman, and H. 0. Ryder. The Entomological collection had been enriched by valuable donations received from Mes.srs. Smith, Bryant, Thaxter and Mrs. Miiring. Mr. Henshaw's labors in this depart- ment had been continued. To the Anatomical collection a number of preparations had been added by the assis- tant, Mr. Van Vleck, and by Dr. Thomas, a student in the Museum. To the collection of Echinoderms had been added a suite of Ophiurans received from the Museum of Comparative Zoology. These having been identified and named by Mr. Theodore Lyman, the labelling may be relied upon as correct. Of the Laboratory, the remarks of the Custodian are presented in full, as they give briefly a good idea of the practical means taken to advance the knowledge of natural hist- ory in the community. "The work in this department has greatly increased. The educational collections, if they continue to be improved at the same rate, will, within a year or two, be entirely completed, with of course, the exception of those rarer preparations and specimens which never seem to be within the reach of moderate means. They embrace typical zoological, 196 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE palaeontological and geological collections, already sufficiently perfect for the ordinary purposes of general instruction. " The room and the collections have been used by the Institute of Technology for a class in Palaeontology ; by the Boston University for a class in Zoology and another in Botany ; and by the Teachers of Boston, for a class in Zoology. This last was composed of the teachers of natural history in the High Schools of Boston, and other teachers, numbering about thirty in all. " The lessons are necessarily given on Saturday, and are lunited to two hours, though the laboratory is open throughout the day for those who wish to remain. " This course was instituted in order to support the movement made by the School Com- mittee to introduce the teaching of Zoology into the High Schools. Miss Crocker, the supervisor having this branch under her charge, applied to the Custodian for assistance, and the Council of the Society assenting, the laboratory and its fiicilities were placed at her disposal. The course will not be finished until the spring of 1879, and will comprise nearly one himdred lessons, illustrated in the usual way by the study and dissection of specimens. The instruction so far, has consisted of a series of practical lessons, given by Messrs. Crosby and Van Vleck, inters^^ersed with lectures of a more general character, by the Custodian." The Teachers' School of Science was continued, as in previous years, through the liber- ality of Mr. John Cummings. One course of twenty lectures was given by Professor Goodale of Harvard University. The teachers were provided with printed synopses of the lectures as aids in taking notes, and with dried and named specimens of native plants. About one hundred and fifty sets of these were distributed during the course. The aver- age attendance was about one hundred and twenty. From the report of the Secretary, Mr. Edward Burgess, it was shown that the condition of the departments under his charge was satisfactory. Of the Library, he stated that the increase was very constant. The additions during the year had been in slight excess of the previous year, and were as follows : volumes 255, parts of volumes 966, pamphlets 236, maps and charts 1999. From lack of the necessary means, no binding had been done. Of the Publications, two parts of the Proceedings of the Society had been issued and a third was nearly ready. The second volume of the Memoirs had also been concluded. Of the meetings, there had been sixteen general ones of the Society, at which the aver- age attendance had been forty persons ; nine of the section of Entomology and eleven of the section of Botany, at each of which the average attendance had been about ten. Nearly forty papers read at these several meetings had been published. From lack of means, the Society was not enabled to give any public lectures during the winter. Of members, four Honorary, seven Coi'responding, and twenty-two Associate, had been elected during the year. The Report of the Treasurer showed an excess of receipts over expenditures of |1336.73, a considerable portion of which could only be used for specific purposes. The receipts available for general purposes had been $9098.75, and the expenditures for general purposes, $8903.82 ; leaving a balance of $191.93, showing that the Society BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 197 through great economy had succeeded m accom2Dlishing its purpose of limiting expen- diture within its income. At the election of officers for the ensuing year, Theodore Lyman ^Yas chosen on the Committee for Fishes and Reptiles in place of Dr. Samuel Kneeland, resigned, and Jules Marcou was left off the Committee on Palaeontology, by reason of prolonged absence ibroad. Previous to the adjournment of the annual meeting, Mr. Charles J. Sprague, in view of ■/he great aid given him by Prof Tuckerman, in enabling him to put on exhibition a very !onsiderable portion of the Cryptogamous plants of the Society, offered the following res- olution, which was passed unanimously: " That the thanks of the Society be conveyed to Prof Edward Tuckerman, for the v'oluntary, generous and invaluable service he has rendered it by elaborating and naming the Lichen herbarium of Dr. Thomas Taylor, now forming a part of its collection ; a service which no one in this country but he could have performed, and which gives to the lierbarium an authentic value it could not otherwise have possessed." At the Council meeting subsequent to that of the annual meeting of the Society, the Trustees reported that they had made an estimate of the probable income of the Society for the year entered upon, showing that not much over $9000 could be relied upon as wailable for general purposes. Considering, however, that there would be a call for the Dayinent of insurance on property for five years, amounting perhaps to one thousand lollars, they advised that appropriations be made to the extent of $9500 in order to cover :his item. The Society being at considerable expense of time and money in carrying out the inten- tion of the legislature of the State in giving it authority to designate persons who should have the right to kill birds for scientific purposes, voted to charge for the certificates so issued, the sum of two dollars each. Walker Prizes. The subject proposed for the Walker prizes was the same practically as that of 1876, two years before, and upon which no essay had been presented, viz : " An original investigation of the structure, development and mode of life of one or more of the fungi which injuriously affect useful plants." This second attempt to interest writers in treating upon this subject was not successful in eliciting essays, as none were presented. In August of this year, the Society lost a young member by death, to whom it seems fitting to pay a tribute of affectionate remembrance by a brief mention of his life, and of the interest manifested by him in natural history. Gurdon Saltonstall, the son of Henry and Georgiana C. Saltonstall, was born in Salem, on the 15th day of August, 1856, soon after which the family made Boston their winter residence. Being obliged, by trouble in his eyes, to leave school, and having at a very early age exhibited a strong inclination to acquaint himself with objects of natural history, he was led, in January 1871, when but fifteen years of age, to become a member of the So- ciety, in the work of which he was exceedingly interested, proffering his services in aid of the Custodian and the working members, and identifying himself with their labors in almost every department. In turn, he was aided by them in the acquisition of the knowl- edge he sought, and thus the association was of advantage to both himself and the Society. 198 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The summer of 1872 he passed at Eastport with the United States Fish Commission, studying and preparing specimens for the Society, and in a subsequent year he worked with this Commission at Noank, with Professor Hyatt. In 1873 he was able to return to school, where he rapidly and thoroughly mastered the necessaiy studies and entered Harvard College with honor in the Freshman class of 1874, in which he passed one year with great credit, taking high rank as a scholar and gaining the respect and affection of his associates and instructors. But early in his second year his health suddenly gave way and he was obliged to leave home. Passing part of one winter at Nassau, he sent valuable specimens and information to the Society, his association with which was always one of his greatest pleasures. In this association he exhibited such kindly and lovable traits of character as served to endear him to all the working members, and they sadly deplored the necessity of his leaving home for his health, and still more sadly learned of his early decease. He died at Pau in France on the 21st of May, 1878, beloved by all who knew him, and happy in the assurance of immortal life. At a meeting of the Society held Oct. 2d, Mr. Scudder, being in the Chair, alluded feel- ingly to the death of Prof. Henry, a distinguished Honorary Member, which had recently occurred, and at the close of his remarks introduced Dr. Asa Gray, who addressed the Society upon the life and character of " that eminent man whose death, full of years and honors, had been so sensibly felt throughout the country and the scientific world." Leaving to others the duty of portraying his great scientific services and researches, Dr. Gray gave a brief sketch of Prof. Henry's life, mentioning his birth at Albany, N. Y., near the close of the last century, his restricted oj)portunities for early education, his becoming a pupil at the Albany Academy, and afterwards receiving an appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at that institution. He then spoke of his brilliant dis- coveries in electricity and magnetism, which made his name prominent throughout the scientific world, and his acceptance in 1846, of the office of Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Referring to this, Dr. Gray remarked, that to the simple sense of duty which impelled Prof. Henry to interrupt a career of research of almost unequalled brilliancy, by an undertaking which was sure to absorb his best years in administrative and perplexing cares, was to be attributed the result that the noble bequest of Sniithson " for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men" was rescued from waste and misappro- priation. Dr. Gray insisted that the great benefits which the scientific world at large, and science in America especially, are receiving from the Institution, were mainly owing to the practical wisdom, the catholic spirit, and the just conception of the founder's intent, and the indomitable perseverance of its first Secretary and Manager. In concluding his remarks, of which this notice gives but a brief abstract, Dr. Gray spoke of " the serene simplicity and loftiness, as well as kindliness of spirit, shown by Prof. Henry, of his devo- tion to what he deemed his duty, often exhibited in the extreme patience with which he attended to the applications of projectors and crotchety discoverers who sought his advice." Much of the prominent influence which he wielded at Washington, was attrib- uted '• to his transparent and spotless character, the complete subjection of all consider- ations of personal advantage, or even of personal ambition, and the atmosphere of purity in which his official as well as ])rivate life ever moved, and upon which never fell even the shadow of a shade." BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 199 The fall and wintei' of this official year were characterized by a degree of work done in direct instruction by the Custodian, and other officers of the Society and assistants, so un- exampled in character as to call for special and full notice. The study of natvu-al history had been recently introduced into the public schools, and it was thought by those who had been instrumental in effecting this, particularly by Miss Lucretia Crocker, the supervisor of that department, that the teachers generally of the schools should have such instruction in the several branches, as could be well given under the auspices of the Society. An appeal to its officers was therefore made by Miss Crocker for assistance, and as this was urged as essential to success, the call was cheerfully re- sponded to. The opportunity of interesting the children of the public schools in natural history through lessons given to the great body of their teachers, seemed too much in the line of the Society work to be lost, and strenuous efforts were at once made to do all that was possible in furtherance of the object. The Council appointed the President, Mr. Bouve, Vice President, Mr. Cummings, and the Custodian. Mr. Hyatt, to take charge of the matter, giving them full authority to arrange for the lectures, obtain specimens for illustration and distribution, and to approve bills for such expenses as might necessarily be incurred, it being understood that, excepting the time and labor devoted to the object, the cost should be defrayed by subscription. The wonderful success that attended the movement will be presented in the annual report of the Custodian at the yearly meeting in May. Dr. J. B. S. Jackson'. 1870, January 15th. After calling the meeting of this date to order the President said: Since we last met, Death has once again entered our circle and borne from us one of the oldest and most highly respected of the active members of the Society, Dr. J. B. S. Jack- son. To those of you who have not been members for more than the last decade or two, there can be but little appreciation of the feeling experienced by those of us who were contemporary, or nearly so, with the founders and early members of the Society, when one of their number passes the limit that divides the seen from the unseen. Among these were men of noble characters and impulses, with whom to be associated was to be impressed with such sense of their great excellence and purity of purpose as no sul^sequent experience through life could obliterate. Claiming but little knowledge of natural his- tory, but strongly appreciating the importance of its study both for themselves and the community, they came together for mutual help in the acquisition of knowledge, and to combine their efforts for its dissemination, modestly expressing in the preface to the first number of the Journal " that having but small claims to the character of naturalists, they nevertheless are desirous of contributing something to the common stock of information." In the greater light of the present day, and reflecting upon the little aid attainable by them through books or collections, we may well exclaim, Noble men ! Simple seekers of truth, not only for your own good but for that of all others ; you grandly did your work ! And so they did. The many volumes of their papers and proceedings attest this : the State reports upon the geology ; the invetebrate animals ; the fishes ; the insects injuri- ous to vegetation ; the trees and shrubs of Massachusetts ; all by early members resident 200 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE or corresponding, speak unceasingly of the value of their labors. And the magnificent development of the Society until it has become what it now is, with its great collections and its wide felt influence, — how much of this is due to their early strivings who shall say ? Certainly all is but the fruition of their hopes and desires. Among these early members were Dr. Benjamin D. Greene, an accomplished botanist and the first President of the Society ; Dr. Augustus A. Gould, the author of the Report upon the Invertebrates of the State, and who became one of the most able naturalists of New England ; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, the author of the very valuable Report upon the Fishes of New England ; Dr. Amos Binney, an accomplished conchologist, afterwards President ; George B. Emerson., author of the great w^ork upon the Trees and Shrubs of the State, and who also subsequently became President of the Society ; Dr. Martin Gay, an able chemist ; Dr. Charles T. Jackson, well-known as an accomplished chemist, mineralo- gist and geologist ; Francis Alger, the author of a valuable work on mineralogy ; the Rev. Dr. F. W. P. Greenwood, who seemed more divine than human in the loveliness of his char- acter ; Dr. T. W. Harris, author of the Report on Insects injurious to Vegetation, and last o mention, though by no means the least in his influence upon the affairs of the Society and its character. Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, whose loss we now deplore. The particular investigations of Dr. Jackson were generally not of a nature to bring him prominently before the Society as an instructor in any branch of natural history, his labors being largely confined to a class of subjects more generally interesting to students in pathology. Yet the Journal of the Society presents to us several papers of great value to naturalists, and the Proceedings contain remarks made by him at various times embody- ing much useful information. Dr. Jackson was elected a member in the fall of 18-31, the Society having been incorpo- rated the previous February. In 1837 he read before the Society a paper which was published in the Journal, giving an anatomical description of the Gallapagos Tortoise, which was a valuable contribution. In 1842 the Journal gives an account read by him of the dissection of two adult drome- daries, male and female. In 184:5 there is in the Journal a paper upon the dissection of a spermaceti whale and three other Cetaceans. Of his remarks made from time to time upon scientific subjects and published in the Proceedings of the Society, may l^e found some of interesting character upon the teeth of Dcljjhbms glohicej^s., upon fossil bones of the Mastodon gir/anteus from Schooley's Moun- tain, N. J., and upon bones from Indian tumuli. As said before, Dr. Jackson's most important work was in pathology rather than natural history. He became Professor of Pathological Anatomy in the Medical School of Harvard University in 1847, and was ever after a most diligent laborer in its interests, investigat- mg with great patience and with keenness of observation arising from constant experi- ence, the morbid effects of disease upon the organs, and writing out fully and carefully the results of his examinations, wdaich have been of invaluable service in the cause of medical science. Much of his work for many years was in the building of the Cabinet of the Society of Medical Improvement and its arrangement for study, and in the care and arrangement of the Warren Museum. Of these two fine collections Dr. Jackson published BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 201 descriptive catalogues, containing much matter of groat interest to students in medicine and surgery. Others can write and speak more wisely and instructively of these great services than can the writer, who has only heen associated with him in the Society of Nat- ural History and as a personal friend. His work for the Society has been spoken of, but what he did for it in labor and through publications was but a small part of the aid he was able to i-ender. No member ever felt more interest in its welfare, and if this was not manifested to the same degree in actual devotion to work upon its collections and to investigations in natural history subjects, it was only because his valuable time was preoc- cupied by the duties owed to his official position. He was always in the habit of at- tending the meetings of the Society, and always exhibited a strong desire that they should be made as instructive as possible to younger members, to such particularly as were enter- ing the paths of science. He was ever urgent, too, that all the specimens of the collections of the Society should be so distinctively and fully arranged and labelled that all visitors might clearly understand their character and relations. He indeed sometimes felt impatient that this was not already accomplished, so important did he regard it as a means of educa- tion ; though he did not fail to recognize that with the means at the Society's disposal this work must necessarily be slow. He lived to see great progress towards the realization of his wishes in this respect, and if his life had been spared a year or two longer his fullest desire might have been satisfied. One marked peculiarity of Dr. Jackson was his great interest in the advancement of worthy members to positions of honor and usefulness in the Society. Entirely free from any ambitious desire for office himself, he wished to gratify the feelings of those whom he thought deserving and to whom position might be an inducement to exertion. It is pleas- ant to dwell upon the special characteristics that made our departed friend a useful mem- ber of the Society, but with what additional pleasure can we recall the traits that made him the delightful companion, the beloved friend, the dear husband and father ; that led all with whom he came closely in contact to regai'd him with affection and respect. Sim- ple, unostentatious, true in all the relations of life, honest in the expression of his convic- tions, and pure in heart, he lived amongst us a blessing to his friends and the community, and has passed away leaving only the most tender memories. May we be helped by his example to live and do our life's work so that it may be said of each of us when we like- wise depart, what may be truly said of him : Those who knew him the best loved him the most. At the close of the President's address. Dr. D. H. Storer said : Mr. President: — I rise merely to express my thanks for your faithful and most appro- priate remarks respecting our departed friend. I should have regretted not to have heard them. I rejoice that nothing ever occurred to alienate him from the Society — that he continued to feel the same interest, and to evince the same zeal in its prosperity as long as he was with us. Jackson and Wyman I always associated together — in my heart they were one — ever ftiithful and true. Again I thank you, Mr. President, for your heartfelt tribute. 202 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At the annual meeting the reports of the Custodian and Secretary were as usual interesting and gratifying. The Mineralogical cabinet was stated to be in good condition and order. The Geological collection had been undergoing re-arrangement, this being necessary by recent advances in science, especially in Lithology. The principal accession to this department consisted of a suite of 250 specimens of the rocks of New Hampshire, col- lected in the recent geological survey of that State, by Prof. C. H. Hitchcock. The revision of the Palaeontological collections had been finished. To the North American had been added forty specimens of Cambrian, Silurian and Devonian fossils, col- lected by Prof F. H. Bradley and given by Mr. John Cummings ; nearly 500 sub-carbon- iferous crinoids, obtained by exchange from Prof A. H. Worthen, State geologist of Illinois ; 125 specimens of Cretaceous fossils from Texas, obtained by purchase ; and 100 specimens of Cretaceous vertebrate remains from Kansas, purchased from the State geolo- gist, Prof B. F. Mudge. The New England collection had received twenty specimens of fossiliferous rock from the drift of Truro, Cape Cod, probably Eocene. The North American collection, with the accessions reported, consisted of: Genera. Species. Specimens Cambriau 112 214 645 Silurian 136 241 656 Devonian . 208 876 1127 Subcarboniferous 99 215 650 Carboniferous 79 288 1089 Triassic 35 29 51 Jurassic 5 5 40 Cretaceous . 90 177 883 Tertiary and Posi ^tertiary . . 306 548 3086 1070 2093 8227 The Triassic fishes and plants, and most of the foot-tracks, a good collection of Devo- nian bivalves, and several other small lots of fossils wanting identification, were not included. The South American collection, including the West Indian, was mentioned as insignif- icantly small, numbering but twenty-four genera, twenty-eight species, and one hundred and seventy specimens, all Tertiary, or Post-tertiary, excepting one Cretaceous. The Afri- can was said to be still more lacking, comprising only five genera, six species, and fourteen specimens, all Tertiary. The Asiatic collection, including specimens from the Malay Archipelago, Australia and Oceanica, had been mounted during the year. This was stated to contain many large specimens, chiefly casts of the Miocene Mammalia fi'om the Sivalik Hills, also Cretaceous fishes from Mt. Lebanon, casts of Carboniferous shells from Australia, and casts of the bones of the Dinornis and Palaeopteryx from New Zealand. The whole embraced 46 gen- era, 84 species, and 170 specimens. The principal work done on the European collection during the year had been to mount the Palaeozoic fossils. There had been an accession to these of 380 specimens, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 203 received from Mr. John Cummiugs in exchange. The European specimens at this time numbered 13,655. The aggregate of the several collections of the Department was as shown by the follow- ing table : Genera. Species. Specimens From North America 1070 2093 8227 " South America 24 28 170 " Africa . 5 6 14 " Asia and Australia . 46 84 170 " Euroise . 1631 3623 13655 2770 5834 22236 The Custodian in referring to the fact that the laborious work of the arrangement and cataloguing of the Palaeontological collections was finished, jvistly ascribed, not only the magnitude of these to the great liberality of Mr. John Cuinmings, but also their condition, which was attributable entirely to the valuable services of tlie two assistants employed by him. In the Botanical department, the work of sorting the duplicates and supplying the deficiencies in the general collection had steadily progressed under the direction of Mr. Cummings. The specimens of wood, fruit, etc., on exhibition had been catalogued, mounted on tablets, and labelled by Miss Carter. They numbered 2583 specimens, repre- senting 304 genera, and 492 species. To Mr. Clias.' J. Sprague this dej^artment was indebted for 250 specimens of dried plants from Florida, collected by Mr. A. H. Curtiss, and for 50 rare New England species, collected by Mr. C. J. Pringle, of Vermont. Mr. E. T. Bouve had continued his work on the trees and shrubs of New England, and added a number of species to the collection. In the Anatomical department, a new section had been established. In this sec- tion had been brought together preparations made by Mr. Van Vleck, exhibiting the general anatomy of the invertebrates and the typical forms of the different sub-divisions of the animal kingdom. The New England collection of Birds had been considerably increased through the exertions of Dr. Brewer, thirty to forty species having been added. The Entomological department had received several important donations, one from Mr. F. C. Bowditch, of useful insects of all orders ; another from Dr. C. S. Minot of his entire collection of insects, containing very desirable additions to the New England col- lection. A part also of a collection made by the late Mr. Gurdon Saltonstall had been received from his family, and several valuable specimens of which the Society stood in need from Mr. -Roland Thaxter. The remarks of the Custodian upoii the other collections do not call for repetition. In tlie Laboratory there had been much activity. The room and the collections had been used for the past year by a class in Zoology and Palaeontology from the Mass. Insti- tute of Technology ; one in Zoology, from Boston University ; and one in Zoology com- posed of the teachers of the Boston High Schools. This last class was particularly men- tioned in the report of the previous year. The course of instruction had been prolonged and was not yet quite finished. 204 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Reference was made on a preceding page to the great work accomplished, through the instrumentality of the Society, in direct instruction during the last autumn and winter months. The importance of what was done justifies the presentation of nearly the full statement of the Custodian, though it involves some repetition. '■^Teachers School of Science. The Teachers' School of Science has this year attained extraordinary size and importance. So sudden and unexpected was this development that for the last six months it has almost completely arrested all efficient work in other directions. The study of nature having been introduced in a definite form into the public schools, and the supei'visor of this department, Miss Lucretia Crocker, having assured us that our assistance would be of great benefit, and was in iact essential, it was determined to institute appropriate courses upon elementary Botany, Zoology, and Mineralogy, if the means of paying the expenses could be raised. Mrs. S. T. Hooper and Miss Crocker un- dertook and successfully completed this part of the work, and also a considerable amount of harassing clerical lal^or, which subsequently arose out of the success of their own exer- tions. Fortunately for their schemes these ladies met with substantial appreciation from Mrs. Augustus Hemenway, who both subscribed most liberally, and also encouraged them to accept the very considerable pecuniary responsibilities, which began to block their way at the very beginning of operations. In fact, without these assurances of further support and interest, we should not have dared to begin. " These obstacles arose from two causes, the number of applicants, and the necessity of providing identical specimens for all. The specimens and materials for two hundred, which was the maximum number anticipated at first, could have been readily furnished, but when the applicants reached six hundred, it became exceedingly questionable whether such a number could be provided for, and properly instructed by one person, all at the same time. Feeling, however, that the cause of science demanded that these difficulties should be met and supported, and relying on the hearty cooperation of Professor Goodale and the ladies mentioned above, the course was begun. " The association and sympathy of Mrs. Elizabeth Agassiz with the undertaking has been particularly gratifying, since Prof. Louis Agassiz was the first naturalist who ever taught a popular audience in this country with the specimens in hand. " The enterprise was in large part the work of women and affords pleasing evidence of the activity and usefulness of this new class of members in our Society. " The following is a list of the donors : Mrs. Augustus Hemenway . . . $1000.00 Mrs. Sarah S. Russell .... $50.00 Mrs. Qiirncy A. Shaw .... 500.00 Mrs. John E. Lodge .... 50.00 Mrs. John JNI. Forbes .... 100.00 Mrs. Richard C. Greenleaf . . . 50.00 Miss A. S. Hooper 100.00 Miss Anna C. Lowell .... 50.00 Mrs. H. P. Kidder 100.00 Mrs. E. W. Gurney .... 50.00 Miss M. A. Wales 50.00 "Smaller sums were contributed by Mrs. Elizabeth C. Agassiz, Mrs. Samuel Hooper, Miss S. Minns, Miss E. Mason, Miss M. C. Jackson, Miss Stone, Miss Abby W. May, Mrs. James Freeman Clarke, Miss Cora H. Clarke, Miss Lucretia Crocker, Mrs. Thomas Mack, Mrs. A. S. Farwell and others. " Many of these ladies were very active in securing the success of the course arid the Society thanks them and others ; especially Mrs. E. D. Cheney, Miss J. M. Arms, Miss C. J. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATUEAL HISTORY. 205 Ireland and Mrs. Samuel Wells for their personal efforts in behalf of the Teachers' School of Science. " The teachers themselves, at our solicitation, joined in making up the fund. The contri- butions from this source amounted to $789. " Notwithstanding this generous assistance, it would hardly have been possible to carry on the several courses without the friendly aid and direct assistance in various ways of the following institutions and persons. " The Institute of Technology, which most generously gave us the use of Huntington Hall, upon the payment of a merely nominal sum for cleaning and heatino-. " The Museum of Comparative Zoology, under the direction of Mr. Alexander Agassiz, which, thi'ough Count Pourtales, Dr. Hermann Hagen, and Mr. E. C. Hamlin, at various times assisted us by donations of specimens from the respective departments superintended by these gentlemen. " Mr. Henshaw, my right hand assistant in all the work of preparation and distribution, whose untiring energy contributed largely to secure the success of every lesson ; Miss Hintz, of the Normal School, who drew with remarkable skill the diagrams used in the Zoological course, and enabled the Custodian to illustrate fully all subjects ; Mr. Van Vleck for aid in the preparation of models ; Mr. L. S. Burbank ; Miss Nunn, Professor of Biology at Wellesley College ; Mr. Eobert McCarthy, of New York ; Captain Horsfidl, of Steamer Canopus ; Mr. Eugene G. Blackford, of New York ; and the proprietors of the Parker House and Young's Hotel, for donations of specimens and assistance in various ways. " Mr. E. G. Gardiner, Mr. E. A. W. Hammatt and Mr. G. H. Barton of the Institute of Technology, have also kindly assisted at the lectures in various capacities. To many of my own students, teachers and others I am also indebted for assistance. " Since the lectures were begun in 1871, they have been continued without interruption, except during the winter of 1872-73, under the patronage of Mr. John Cummino-s; and previous to this winter about 75,000 specimens of minerals, plants, and animals had been studied and distributed to teachers of the public schools. The applications for tickets rose during those years from an average of 55 to 166. " The number of recorded applications for the course now approaching completion is 616, or nearly four times as many as in previous years, and the number of specimens which will have been distributed during this winter alone cannot fall short of 100,000. " After an introductory lecture in which the Superintendent of the Public Schools, the President of the Society, and the Custodian delivered addresses appropriate to the occa- sion. Professor Goodale completed a course of six lessons on Botany in which he instructed the whole audience of five hundred with apparently as much readiness as if it had been but fifty. Mr. Jackson Dawson, Mr. Watson and " Mr. Greenleaf were of great assistance to Professor Goodale in the procuring of the vast number of live plants and the great amount of other material required for his lessons. Mr. Charles W. Spurr, 522 Harrison Avenue, Boston, prepared, for the purpose of illustrating the subject of wood sections, 500 packages of excellent specimens of the following woods : tulip-tree or whitewood, rose- wood, ash, oak, pine, mahogany, walnut, butternut, maple, cedar, birch, cherry, elm and holly. Many of these were in duplicate, exhibiting both plain and figured texture. The 206 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE gpecimens, more tlian ten thousand in all, were gratuitously presented to the class by Mr. Spurr. " The Custodian followed with twelve lessons on Zoology, which will be completed on the 10th of this month, and Mr. Burbank is to continue with five on Mineralogy. The average attendance on fair days, so for, has been about five hundred. " The course was supplemented by the publication of a series of small pamphlets, under the general title of Science Guides, which were intended to assist the teachers in the ap- plication of the knowledge imparted by the lectures. These are described in the Report of the Secretary. " Perhajjs the most gi-atifying and encouraging facts are derived from an exauiination of the statistics of the past seven years. Thus out of the 016 applicants of this winter, there are 155 who had attended at least one previous course,^ 119 who had attended two or more previous courses, and 44 who had attended all of the courses. Some of these last, I may add, are masters of public schools." The Secretary's report was interesting, as he compared the condition and the work of the departments under his charge during the ten years then closing. As in this volume it will be better to present such comparisons at the close of another year, they are here omitted. Of members, twenty-four Associate, five Corporate, and fourteen Corresponding had been elected. Of the meetings there had been sixteen of the general Society, seven of the section of Botany, and eight of the section of Entomology. The average atten- dance had Ijeen twenty-two at the general meetings, eight at the Botanical, and eleven at the Entomological. The meetings of the last had been unusually interesting. The history of the Botanical section begun, as stated by the Secretary, " under hopeful auspices three years ago, is far from satisfactory." " With so much popular interest in the study of Botany, the result was unexpected, and is to be regretted." The condition of the Library was stated to be good and its usefulness never to have been so great — 1169 books having been taken out by 123 persons. The vSociety was indebted to the Museo Civico of Genoa for a valuable and complete series of its publications ; to Prof. Joachim Barrande of Prague, for a set of his extensive works; and to Prof J. 0. Westwood of Oxford, for a number of his papers. The addi- tions to the Library are as follows: volumes, 252; parts of volumes, 1005 ; pamphlets, 214; maps and charts, 221; total, 1692. Of Publications, two numbers of the Memoirs, and three quarterly parts of the Pro- ceedino;s had been issued. A new volume of Occasional Papers, the third, had been put in press, and would soon be printed. Besides these, a series of Guides for Science Teaching had been prepared for use in the courses of lectures to the teachers, three of which had been published and distril)Uted, the cost being defrayed by sales. The three already issued were. About Peb- bles, by Prof Hyatt ; A few Common Plants, by Dr. Goodale ; and Commercial and other Sponges, by Prof Hj^att. These were to be followed by other numljers. The Secretary stated the exchange list as numbering 352 Societies or Journals, of which 50 were United States and Canadian. 1 It must be rcmeinbiTLMl that the higliest number of attendants at lessons reaclicl in previous years was 1(16. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 207 The Treasurer's account for the year showed that the income applicable for the general purposes of the Society had not come up to the estimate made at its commencement, and that the expenditures had been about three hundred dollars in excess of such income. As, however, insurance on the property had been paid for five years in advance, the spirit of the policy not to expend beyond the income had been adhered to. There had been an excess of all receipts over expenditures of $835.90, all of which and probably more* it would be necessary to reserve for prize and other special expenses in accordance with the conditions attached to the use of the Walker Fund. At the election of officers but few changes were made, and these only in the Com- mittees on the departments of the Museum. M. E. Wadsworth was chosen on the Min- eral Committee instead of L. S. Burbank, Rev. G. Frederick Wright on the Geological Committee instead of T. Sterry Hunt, W. F. Whitney, M. D., was added to the Com- mittee on Comparative Anatomy, C. 0. Whitman was chosen on the Committee of Mol- lu.sks, in place of L. Lincoln Thaxter, and E. L. Mark in place of Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, deceased. At the meeting of the Council following the general annual meeting of the Society, the trustees presented their estimate of the probable income of the Society, applicable for general purposes for the ensuing year, as $8538.16. Asa portion of the income for special uses, amounting to several hundred dollars, might be expended for general pur- poses, they recommended that $8800 be appropriated for expenditure, not well perceiving- how less could be used without detriment to the interests of the Society. Walker Prizes. The subject proposed for this year was " The structure, history, and development of some cryptogamous plant." One essay was presented, but it was not deemed worthy of a prize, and no award was therefore made. In October the Woman's Educational Association having requested the use of the lec- ture room of the Society for botanical lectures on Mondays and Fridays, the Council granted the request upon the condition that the expense of heating the room, and of the janitor's services, should be paid by the Association. The Council appointed at this time committees to act upon special matters as follows : On the grand Walker Prize, soon to be awarded. Professor Wm. B. Rogers, Professor Goodale, and Colonel Theodore Lyman ; on tablets to be placed in the entrance hall of the Museum, commemorative of its great benefactors. Rev. Robert C. Waterston, Edward Burgess, and Alpheu.s Hyatt. The Council also voted that the President appoint a committee to coi^sider and report upon a plan for the reception of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, that body having decided to meet in Boston the coming summer. Li November, the Council granted to Mr. L. S. Burbank permission to use the lecture room of the Society for a course of geological lectures, he paying oidy such expenses as uiight be incurred for janitor's services, etc. In December, a vote was passed by the Council authorizing the Committee on Publi- cation to attempt the publication of an illustrated quarto volume of the Memoirs as a part of the Society's celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary of its foundation, by soliciting svibscriptions for such memoirs at ten dollars per copy. The committee was also authorized to begin to prepare and arrjinge for the publication when five hundred dollars were subscribed. 208 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE In December, a petition to the Society having been presented for the formation of a section of Microscopy, signed by Messrs. S. P. Sharpies, Samuel Wells, R. R. Andrews, Edward Burgess, J. Frank Brown, David Hunt, Jr., Francis A. Osborn, R. C. Greenleaf, A. Hyatt, G. F. Waters, and W. F. Whitney, the consent of the Corporate Members was given at two meetings in accordance with the By-laws, and the section was thus formed. 1880. Walker Grand Honorary Prize. In January, the Committee on the award of the Walker Grand Honorary prize, having unanimously recommended Dr. Joseph Leidy, of Philadelphia, as eminently worthy to receive it, for his prolonged investigations and dis- covei'ies in Zoology and Palaeontology, as presented in publications made by him, it was voted by the Council that the grand prize be given to Dr. Leidy, and that in conse- quence of the extraordinary merit of his work that the sum awarded be one thousand dollars. In January, also, the Custodian reported to the Council that the Committee of the department of Comparative Anatomy objected to his proposed re-arrangement of the col- lection of that department, and asked that the question at issue might be referred to the next meeting for decision. Thus was brought before the Council the very important mat- ter of determining whether the collection of Comparative Anatomy, like the other collec- tions of the Society, should be arranged in subordination to the great plan proposed and adopted at the commencement of the decade for the whole museum, or if the collection of that department should remain an exception, not becoming a part of a series, the full completion of which was essential to illustrate in the best manner the general laws of science. At the next meeting of the Council, which was held January 21, there was a very full attendance, and a warm discussion took place upon the proposed action of the Custodian in which Dr. Dvvight, representing the Committee of the department of Compai'ative Anatomy, — Professors Hyatt and Shaler, Colonel Lyman and Messrs. Allen and Bouve took part. The great work that had been done by members of the committee upon the collection in past years, demanded that all said by them against a change should be thoughtfully and respectfully considered. There was therefore, no disposition to hasten a decision, and accordingly a vote was passed referring the matter to a connnittee of three to be appointed by the President. Colonel Theodore Lyman and Messrs. S. H. Scudder and Sam- uel Wells were named as this committee, and instructed to report at a meeting to be held a week later. Upon the Council again coming together a report was presented by the chairman of the committee favoring the proposed re-arrangement, whereupon Dr. Dwight said he would not further oppose the execution of the plan of the Custodian, though he personally believed the collections would be injured by the change. The Council then passed a vote with but one dissentient voice, approving the proposed action of the Custodian in carrying out the plan of 1870, with regard to the department of Comparative Anatomy. Thus was settled, not without much feeling, but amicably, a question, the decision of which in favor of the proposed change, was regarded by the great majority as most important for the welfare of the Society, whilst a number of members influential through eminent service in its behalf, thought the proposed action uncalled for and detrimental. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 209 It may be conceded that much worthy of consideration was said in support of their views, but it is believed that all students of nature will finally concur in the opinion that the decision made was a wise one. Dii. Thomas Mayo Brewer. At the general meeting of the Society on February the fourth, the President, Mr. T. T. Bouve said : Since we last met, the Society has lost one of its oldest and most valued members, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer. It grieved me as an old personal friend to learn when in a distant state, that the disease, by which as I knew before leaving home he was prostrated, had terminated fatally, and that I should not again receive his pleasant greeting on earth, or even have the sad satis- faction of being present at the funeral services following his departure. The long inter- course between us had always been of the most agreeable character, and I feel that I have reason to mourn that .it has so unexpectedly and mournfully terminated. This is not the place, however, for me to indulge in the expression of personal bereavement, but rather to dwell on the great loss the Society and community have met in the death of our beloved associate. Dr. Brewer was born in Boston, Nov. 21st, 1814:. He graduated at Harvard College in 1835, and in the Medical School in 1838. He labored in his profession for several years, but his tastes and inclinations were stronger for other pursuits. He was fond of literary labor, and, havmg strong political tendencies was early led to write for one of the lead- ing Whig papers of the pei'iod, the Boston Atlas, and at length to become one of its edi- tors, in which capacity he manifested marked ability both as a writer and close observer. Subsequently he became interested in the firm of Swan and Tileston, a publishing house which was afterwards changed to that of Brewer and Tileston. He retired from business in 1875 and then visited Europe, where he remained two years. He had become well known by his ornithological labors and received consequently very gratifying attention from many distinguished scientific men whilst abroad. In the cause of popular education he was very zealous, manifesting at all times great interest in the public schools of the city. He was long a member of the Boston School Committee, and served in this capacity with great devotedness. His last election to this ofiice was in 1879, for the term of three years. Dr. Brewer was elected a member of this Society October 7th, 1835, and soon became well known by his valuable contributions, mostly upon his favorite subject of ornithology. It is pleasant to recall the fact that his first communication to the Society was in defence of Nuttall and Audubon, the distinguished naturalists, the latter his warm personal friend, against some unjust attempts in a foreign magazine to detract from their well earned and deserved reputation. Not long after he presented a highly interesting paper upon the Birds of Massachusetts, in which he gave an account of over forty species not embraced in the State report of Dr. Hitchcock upon the Geology and Natural History of the State. From that early period, now nearly half a century since, he never ceased to manifest great interest in the welfare of the Society, by frequent communications and in such other ways as his health would admit. 210 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Apart from what he performed for the Society, he accomphshed much for scientific knowledge by contributions to several publications of great value, and by articles which he furnished for some of the popular magazines. As these remarks will be supplemented by particular mention of Dr. Bi-ewer's scientific writings in a sketch furnished by his friend Mr. J. A. Allen, it will not be necessary for me to make further reference to them, and I need only add that, had he lived free from the business cares that until recently absorbed most of his time, much more might have l^een looked for from him relative to the habits of birds, particularly of such as find a home permanently or temporarily in New England. We of the Society will greatly miss his efficient labors in striving to complete the collec- tion in the department of New England Ornithology, for the development of which he manifested much and increasing interest. In the death of Dr. Brewer our Society has lost a most valuable member, and the community, a good and wise citizen, one of whom it may l^e truly said : He was always faithful to the duties of every position in which he was placed, and ever ready to work where he recognized that his labors would promote the public welfare. The following notice of Dr. Brewer's scientific labors by Mr. J. A. Allen, was also con- tributed. The death of Dr. Brewer removes another of the older American ornithologists, of whom there now remain two only whose period of scientific activity extends back to the tune of Audubon and Nuttall. Dr. Brewer's first formal contribution to ornithology, enti- tled " Some additions to the Catalogue of the Birds of Massachusetts in Prof. Hitchcock's Report, etc.," was published in 1837, in the first volume of the "Journal" of this Society. These additions numbered forty-five species and increased by one-fourth the list of birds previously known as inhabitants of this State. Previously, however, he had furnished val- uable notes and rare specimens of birds to Audubon, who in his great work on North A.merican birds, makes frequent mention of his indebtedness to " his young friend, Mr. T. M. Brewer of Boston." In 1840, he became more generally known as an ornithologist through his edition of Wilson's " American Ornitholog_y," — the only American edition of Wilson's work, except Ord's, published prior to 1871. The " Brewer Edition," from its comparatively small cost, placed this delightful work within the reach of a wide circle of readers, to whom the more expensive original and Ord editions were inaccessible. It was enriched by the addition to the original text of the synonymy and critical commentary of Jardine's edition, and hy a very useful and carefully digested synopsis of all the birds at that time known as North American. In 1857 was published the first part of his " North American Oology," which forms part of volume IX of the "Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge." The full title of the work — " North American Oology ; being an account of the geographical distribution of the birds of North America during the breeding season, with figures and descriptions of their eggs" — indicates very fiiirly its scope and character, but in addition to the topics thus indicated, the work gives a pretty full ex]50sition of the breeding habits of the sjie- cies treated, so far as then known, and also full tables of synonymy. Owing to the great BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 211 cost of the illustrations, the work was not continued beyond the first part, which treats of the Birds of Prey, the Swifts, Swallows, Goatsuckers and Kingfishers. This work, until within the last year, was the only special treatise extant on the subject to which it relates, and will ever hold the place of a standard work. It is, moreover, a work which brought to its author great credit, and through which he became widely known as an ornithologist of high standing. In 1874 appeared " A History of North American Birds," under the joint authorship of S. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer, and R. Ridgvvay, in three quarto volumes devoted to the " Land Birds." To this work the whole of the biographical part, forming probably two-thirds of the letterpress, was contributed by Dr. Brewer, and throughout evinces his thorough familiarity with the literature of the subject, and shows the hand of the master in all that relates to his special department of a work which marks an era in the history of North American ornithology. Dr. Brewer's minor papers appeared at intervals throughout the long period of forty years, and embrace important contributions to our knowledge of American birds. He has left the manuscript for the completion of his share of the great work on North American birds already mentioned, the final i-evision of which he had just completed ; also material for the contemplated continuation of his "North American Oology." His collec- tion of eggs — the accumulation of a long series of years, — is doubtless one of the best private collections extant. Dr. Brewer liaving been engaged during the larger part of his life in absorbing profes- sional or commercial pursuits, his contributions to ornithology must have been largely the work of such limited tune as could be spared from his business engagements, and only within the last few years was he able to devote himself wholly to his lavorite studies. Al- though an authority of unsurpassed eminence in his special province, — that of North American Oology, — his labors were mainly restricted to this field, taken, however in its broader sense. Removed suddenly, apparently when there were years of activity and lei- sure before him for scientific research, his loss is one not easily replaced, nor its impor- tance readily appreciated except by those who knew him intimately and were tamiliar with his conscientious manner of investigation, his warm sympathy, and the thorough loyalty of his friendship. At a meeting of the Council on the 17th of March, the President called the attention of the members to the fact that the 28th of April would be the semi-centennial anniver- sary of the formation of the Society, suggesting that a puljlic celebration of the event should take place. After discussion it was unanimously voted, that the President should appoint a com- mittee, including himself as chairman, to arrange for a proper celebration, with full pow- ers to take such measures as they judged expedient. The committee as formed consisted of the President, Mr. John Cummings, Mr. S. H. Scudder, Mr. Charles W. Scudder, and Mr. Edward Burgess. It will be remembered that the Council in December had passed a vote in view of this year being the semi-centennial one of the foundation of the Society, that there should be published an illustrated quarto volume of its memoirs as a part of the Society's celebration of the event, if subscriptions could be obtained for copies 212 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE that would yield five hundred dollars. As more than the necessary number of names had already been secured, preparation was made for the issue of such a vokmie. Subseqiiently the President was solicited to write for the same volume a sketch of the history of the Society, from its foundation to the close of the fiftieth year of its existence. This, after much hesitation, he consented to do, recognizing the importance of having such a sketch prepared, whilst yet some of the fotmders of the Society were alive and able to give information concerning their early brother members, and fearing that otherwise it would be left undone. The committee appointed to take measures fur the celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary were faithful to their trust, taking active measures to ensure success. It soon became manifest that the occasion was to be one of great interest, all persons addressed being found ready to cooperate with the committee in currying out their plans. Cheer- fully His Excellency Governor Long, His Honor Mayor Prince, President Eliot of Harvard University, Dr. Samuel Eliot, Superintendent of the Public Schools, Mr. Agassiz, Direc- tor of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Rev. Robert C. Waterston, responded to calls upon them to take part in the proceedings. The committee's labors were mul- tifarious ; they had printed for use at the meeting and for distribution, an introduction to the General Guide to the Museum then in preparation by Prof Hyatt ; they had moved the elephant from his elevated position, and other large animals from their, accustomed places, and had erected aci-oss the north portion of the main hall a platform to accommodate the speakers and distinguished visitors. This was carpeted and furnished with chairs, the rest of the hall having settees over the floor. At the general meeting of the Society, April 21st, the Nominating Committee having reported a list of officers for election at the annual meeting, to take place on the 5th of May, in which Mr. Bouve's name was mentioned for President, he addressed the meeting, referi'iug to his having consented four years previously, at the kind solicitation of mem- bers, to withdraw his resignation then tendered, stating that there were several reasons why he should decline re-election at the present time, and urging that the Society would not ask him to reconsider his determination. Mr. Scudder expressed the hope that the President's withdrawal was not imperative, and dwelt upon the work done under his administration, which had resulted in the final crystallization of the policy of the Society. Remarks were also made by Mr. Hyatt, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Nathan Appleton, ex- pressive of regret at the contemplated action of the President. He, however, warmly thanking the speakers for their kind expressions, reiterated his resolve to resign. It was therefore voted to recommit the report to the nominating committee for reconsideration. This being done they withdrew, and after consultation re-entered the meeting, and pre- sented an amended report, nominating for President in the place of Mr. Bouve, Samuel H. Scudder. The report was then accepted. At this meeting the models of the sun and the earth were presented to the Society by the Boston Scientific Society. These consist of a gilt ball representing the sun, three inches in diameter, and a white plate on which is a black spot three one-hundredths of an inch in diameter, Avhich sjanbolizes the earth. These were jjlaced one on the centre of each arch at the side of the stairs in the main hall of entrance to the Museum. They r oy/zo ; / yj /^ Z6 1 7>-'.EfTi^t.-ivT"j-i''.i^jj.'^^rmo'icA3oam. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 213 represent approximately the proportionate size of the sun and the earth, and their dis- tance from each other rehitive to size. The proportionate scale of the models and their distance apart is about a foot to three milUons of miles, or about one inch to two hundred and fifty thousand miles. A vote was passed, that the President appoint at leisure a committee of three to con- sider the desirability of aholishing the Committees in the departments, and of devising a different jjlan for organizing the Council, and to propose the necessaiy change in the Con- stitution and By-Laws for this purpose. The President subsequently appointed as this connnittee, S. H. Scudder, Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, and Edward Burgess. The Semi-Centennial Celebration of the Foundation of the Society ; April 28. The anniversary day was pleasant and all things conspired to render the occasion inter- esting and joyous. The spacious platform which had been erected across the north portion of the main hall was occupied by the President, the speakers, the officers of the Society and a large number of ladies and gentlemen. A large audience, composed of members of the Society and very many prominent men and women of the city and State, filled the floor of the hall and such portions of the galleries as were convenient to use. Amongst the dis- tinguished persons present, were His Excellency Governor Long, President Eliot of Har- vard University, Prof. Asa Gray, the illustrious botanist, Alexander Agassiz, Director of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Count Louis Francois de Pourtales, Dr. Samuel Eliot, Superintendent of the Public Schools, Miss Lucretia Crocker, Supervisor of the Public Schools, Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Judge G. W. Warren, Prof F. W. Putnam, Rev. Robert C. Waterston and Mrs. Waterston, Hon. Josiah Quincy, Prof E. S. Morse, Colonel Theo- dore Lyman, Dr. J. C. White, Mr. Justin Winsor, Librarian at Harvard LTniversity, and Mr. John Cummings. At half past three, the time of commencement, the President, Thomas T. Bouve, after calling the assembly to order, began his address as follows : Members of the Society, my Associates in its service, my Companions for many years in its labors, its trials and its achievements : — I congratulate you. I think we have reason to congratulate each other that we come here surrounded by a host of symjjathizing friends ; and ladies and gentlemen, whose names we have not the honor of having recorded on our rolls as members, as a representative of the Society, I bid you a hearty welcome here to commemorate its formation and to rejoice in its success. With these very few words of greeting, for the time will admit of no more, I proceed at once to present what I have prepared for the occasion. It is an account of the doings of those who took an active part, before the Society was formed, in interesting the pulilic in natural history. I do this because their labors have not been duly appreciated, and because the lessons which their experience is designed to teach certainly require that we should take tune to do it. What I hold in my hand is intended as an introductory chapiter in the history of the Society of Natural History on which 1 am engaged, — a memorial volume to be issued this year. The President then proceeded to present the early steps taken to inculcate a love for the study of nature in this community, particularly dwelling upon the formation of the Lin- 214 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE naean Society, its history and its decline. He then gave a brief account of the movements made towards the formation of a new Society, which cuhninated in the existence of the Boston Society of Natural History. As neai'ly the whole address is embraced in the open- ing pages of this volume, no further mention of it is necessary here. At the close of the President's remarks a telegram was handed to him from Prof. Wil- liam B. Rogers dated Washington, D. C, expressing regret that he could not be present, and rejoicing in the prosperity of the Society. His Excellency Governor Long was then introduced.^ Address of Governor Long. When I was invited to be present at this interesting anniversary, thoroughly grateful for the courtesy, I felt at first that neither personally nor as an official of the State ought I to take any other part in it than that of a looker-on. But I remembered that the seeds of your noble institution, Mr. President, like those of so many of the best fruits of New Eng- land, were sown not altogether by the scientists nor by any one j^rofession, ))ut by common men who lifted up their eyes above the ordinary toil of life, and who for themselves and their fellow-men reached out to higher levels of knowledge and usefulness. I remembered too that your first great endowment came from a merchant — type of the unbroken line of the peerless merchants of Boston — who was little known among scientific scholars, yet contributed from the accumulations of his thrift to a higher culture than his own, and that this was only the beginning of a series of generous contributions from citizen after citizen, which culminated at last in ample revenues from your chief benefactor, who was not less distinguished for his wisdom in affairs than for his professional acquirements. And I re- membered more than all, that the Commonwealth, which from the days of her founders imtil now never yet has failed the cause of education among her children, had from the first been the steadfast friend of this Society, giving it incorporation, aiding it in its early years with a modest but saving annual subsidy, and, in 1861, making to it the munificent donation of land on which its foundations now rest secure, — a donation that came not only with the good will and the God-speed of the Commonwealth, but with all the sympathy and inspiration of the soul of Governor Andrew, wdio, next to his devotion to human rights and hate of human wrongs, cherished the love of that enlarging lear-ning which he knew is from the meanness of wrong to the nobility of right the slow but sure highway. And so as one of the many citizens of Massachusetts, and also as one in othcial station representing her, I am emboldened, at your request, Mr. President, to imite my voice in the acclaim that hails this fiftieth aimiversary of your existence. Memory and imagina- tion, — those exquisite poets of the human mind, — memory that looks tenderly back over the past, and imagination that idealizes and yet in all its mounting knows that it fixils to picture or connnand the future — are making this occasion not the mere boast of fifty years' success, but a tribute to what man has done, and a stimulus to what man j'et a thousand times more shall do in behalf of the happiness, the delight, the knowledge, the ennobliu"' of his fellow-men, unlocking from every nook and corner of the earth, and dis- plaving in every form and motion of life, the beneficence of God. What a stride from those first small days, — that parlor sofii that once held you all, — those modest rooms, to this splendid temple, which 1 trust is to be your permanent home, where sliall not only ii-ather your rare and beautiful collections, but cluster with them also the memories of tiie 1 The addresses at the Scnii-Centennial meeting as pre- taken from the reports made of them lor Ihe Boston D;iil_v sented, with the exception of that of Dr. Waterston, were Advertiser. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 215 zeal and devotion tliat have marked so many of your members. The birds of Bryant, the insects of Harris, the shells of Gould, the fossils from the Sivalik Hills, the contributions of a thousand helpful hands from every quarter of the globe suggest something more than their scientific value. For they are still alive with the generous love of science which prompted their bestowal, and which, clinging to them still like the scent to the vase, wreathes your walls, more beautifully than the chisel of the artist and in more enduring material, with the names and the features of those of whom I have spoken. Yes, and of Greene and Wyman and Jackson and Greenwood and Brewer and a hundred others. If fifty years have wrought all this from such a slender beginning, what shall not fifty years more achieve ? Everything, indeed, for science ; everything for the increase of human knowledge. But more than all else, speaking for that Commonwealth which means not a function of government, but means the common weal of the people and of all the people of Massachusetts, her humblest, her weakest, her most dependent, those who sadly and heavily bear the burdens, who hew the wood and draw the water, I love to think that your labors, much as they delight you, will still more bear fruit for them, and that you are fulfilling the time when the student of science, exulting in the treasures that come to his exploring, and touching at his fingers' ends the keys that turn every element of the physical world into an agency of usefulness, not only finds his own cup full, but is the ben- efactor of the whole human race, alleviating the weight of toil, shortening the hours of the drayage of labor, enlarging the capacities and material of a brighter, happier, more generous life for all alike, and letting every soul go freer and freer in its up-springing and response to God. The President next introduced Dr. Samuel Eliot, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. Address of Dr. Eliot. In opening his speech Dr. Eliot observed that he did not understand why he was called upon to represent the city of Boston in the absence of Mayor Prince. The only title, said he, which I can so much as unagine entitling me to speak in behalf of Boston, is that, to some extent, I am, for the time being, a representative of the public education of the city. Boston has no brighter jewel in her crown, Boston has had no higher function in all the long years of its past, than that which has made her the teacher and the mother of so many thousands of her children. Indeed, this education given in the public schools of various grades and names, and the work of such a Society as this, interests me very deeply. I think, as I stand here, of the scenes that I have looked upon in this and the adjoining building, where the teachers of our public schools have gone at the invitation of this Society, and, through individual genius and the contributions of the friends of this Society, have received lessons which they, in their turn, have given to their children. And when I think of all that this involves of nearness to nature, which forms so true an essential of education, and which, without such help as this Society has given, would be to-day little more than a name among our teachers and our pupils, I feel that I have the right, in behalf of the public schools of Boston and of the whole community, to thank the Society of Natural History for the help which they have given us. Nearness to nature, as I said, is one of the great essentials of education, but it has been one of the most diffi- 216 mSTORICAL SKETCH OF THE cult essentials to secure even in our comparatively late day. Anything that helps us to secure it ; anything that brings nature closer to the schools, and the schools closer to na- ture, is doing good far beyond the limit of the schools. Think, for a moment, of the homes from Avhich the pupils of our j^ublic schools come, of the absolute ignorance of nature, of all the beauties connected with her, or of the mysteries which extend so com- pletely over all. Think of the clouds that may hang heavily over house after house and tenement after tenement within the limits of our city, and think how grateful the people must be, that from this Society as its source, is flowing in streams through the schools sweet and healing water, and is now reaching these homes ; that there is no home now so far away but that nature is reaching it, and day by day will take possession of it. That is the inestimable service, Mr. President, which I am here to acknowledge, and I do it with a most glad and most grateful heart.' It is not merely of the lessons and teachers of which I have spoken. Here are these collections, whose founders are everywhere generously commended. If the doors are oj^en the light goes out throngh them and lights the earth, and we may be glad if we can even add a hundredth part to the radiance that is every- where spreading abroad from them. As gratitude, Mr. President, is always a lively sense of favors to come I want to express my gratitude for the help that is yet to be given by this Society to those who come after us, and the nfext half-century will be even more fruitr ful than the last half-century has been, in maintaining the highest interest in the schools and homes which Boston claims as her own. Address of President Eliot. President Charles Eliot, of Harvard University, upon being introduced to the audience said : This Society has two distinct objects — (1) the promotion of natural history by stimu- lating and aiding advanced study and original research, and (2) the enlightenment of the common people concerning animate and inanimate nature. What I have to say touches each of these two objects. It would carry us into a discussion too solemn for this occasion to attempt to state the primary reasons which should induce men to study nature devotedly, although no tangible benefits could ever flow from that study ; for I have never been able to find any better answer to the question — what is the chief end of studying nature — than the answer which the Westminster catechism gives to the question, what is the chief end of man — namely, " to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." I shall ask your attention to a proposition which contains only a secondary, thougli suffi- cient, reason for fostering the study of natural history — to the proposition that the human race has more and greater benefits to expect from the successful cultivation of the sciences which deal with living things than from all the other sciences put together. I by no means forget what mechanics and physics have brought to pass within a hundred years. They have already reduced the earth to one-tenth of its former size, as regards the car- riage of persons and goods, and for the transmission of thought, will, and fact, they bid fair to make the whole surface of the globe as one room. They have made it easy, on the one hand, to concentrate population in dense masses, and on the other to reach new soils and BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 217 shores, and to distribute to all countries the peculiar productions of each. These wonder- ful achievements of mechanics and physics, aided by chemistry, produce indirect effects upon the well-being of man, some good effects and some bad, with a probable preponder- ance of good; but their direct influence upon human character and happiness is not large. The reduction in size of our earth, our country, or our town, which railways, telegraphs and telephones have brought about is in itself no satisfaction. Rapid locomotion is not an object in itself Does the average man get any more happiness out of his little span than he did one hundred years ago ? or does he have a longer span ? And if he does, have the inventions of the past century in mechanics and physics been a direct cause of the im- provement ? The answers to these questions are not ready and clear. We hesitate to give an affirmative reply. The fact is, that mechanics and physics deal only indirectly with hinnan misery, — namely, climatic influences, not understood, and, therefore, not to be guarded against, violent and unpredictable extremes of heat or cold, wetness or dry- ness, ravages of noxious plants and animals, diseases both of men and of useful animals and untimely death. All these evils belong to the domain of natural history, and for ulti- mate deliverance from them we must look to the student of natural science. It is astonishing how little progress has been made by the race in discovering the means of overcoming these evils. Civilized society to-day would be almost as heljjless as Pharaoh was against the plagues which afflicted the Egyptians, — the river water suddenly^ made so foul that the fish in it died, frogs, lice, flies, a murrain upon cattle, boils, hail, locusts, dark fogs and the' di'ead pestilence which struck one race and spared another upon the same soil. These are evils which, for the most part, we find resistless to-day. Every now and then some city's water supply is rendered unfit for use by ai; extraordinary production of multitudinous little plants or animals ; the plant-louse destroys the vines in a wine-produc- ing country, and brings the whole population to want; j^leuro-pneumonia kills the cat- tle, now in this district, now in that ; an obscure fungus causes the potato to rot, and a sudden famine is the result ; the Colorado beetle, once a rarity in the collections of ento- mologists, swarms over a continent, devouring vast crops, and forcing the husbandman to abandon, for a time at least, the cultivation of various useful plants ; in some of the West- jern States the harvest depends, not so much on the foresight and skill of man as on the favorableness or unfavorableness of the season to the development of grasshoppers. In- deed, thus fiir, any single-minded and prolific worm is more than a match for man. Think, too, of the diseases which afflict humanity, and are the source of by far the greater part of the sufferings and sorrows of men ! There are the regular diseases to which we are so accustomed that we consider them normal phenomena, the new diseases, which appear or reappear at considerable intervals, and the occasional pestilences. Man is still so ignorant of the causes and sources of these various disorders, of the conditions which develop them, and of the means of eradicating and resisting them, that he is inclined to regai'd disease as a part of the order of nart,ure, over which he can win no control. But in view of all that science has accomplished within the lifetime of this Society, shall we not declare that this idea of nature and of man's relation to his environment is cow- ardly, stupid and ungrateful ? Can we not clearly foresee that by the patient, thorough, cumulative study of natural history in all its branches, men will gradually ari'ive at a knowledge of plants and animals, and of the favorable and unfavorable conditions of life 218 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE for all plants and animals, which will give them control over many evils which they now find wholly mysterious and irresistible ? I can only touch very briefly upon some of the grounds of this belief. The physician or surgeon of the last centuiy was hardly wiser than Hippocrates or more successful ; but any old physician or surgeon would tell us to-day that the means and methods of observation, diagnosis and treatment have wonderfully improved during his lifetime ; that many operations are now successfully performed which were formerly supposed to be impossible ; that the whole subject of preventive medicine and public hy- giene has been developed in his day ; and that he has seen the beginnings of the scien- tific "study of heredity, that most fruitful and promising field of scientific and philanthropic research. Thanks in part to the progress in physics and chemistry, natural history pos- sesses new and powerful implements of research, and new methods of inquiry which are of infinite promise. The morbid anatomist observes, not the gross external appearances, but the abnormal cellular changes which produce, or are, disease ; the physiologist studies the processes of living animals ; the chemist is constantly making natural organic products by artificial means ; the embryologist has become conversant with those slight differentia- tions in the egg which are the starting points of wide diversities ; substantial beginnings of weather knowledge appear ; the whole earth has been explored, and now for the first time the fauna of the ocean abysses is made known. Antiquity had its great students of nature, but they lacked the means of diffusing, pre- serving and accumulating their discoveries. The past four centuries have had abundant means of recording and transmitting from one genei-ation to another all the scientific truth which they became possessed^of. It is in this steady, patient and orderly accumulation of facts concerning living things that the hope of winning for man new jjowers over the gravest natural evils really lies. This Society has a part in making that pregnant record. There is another aspect of j^our work which seems to me very important. You propose to maintain for the public an exhibition of all forms of vegetable and animal life in their wondrous and endless variety. Hither people may come and see their fellow-beings in the widest and truest sense. Moi'alists tell us that the best development of an individual man is not to be reached through introspection, self-reference and an overweening anxiety about his own salvation. They say to every man — look out and not in. The same exhortation might well be addressed to the human race. Mankind needs to look out, and not in ; to realize that it is but one, though a noble one, among countless races and tribes of crea- tures which inhabit or have inhabited this atom of an earth, and that its welfare is not the sole end of creation, or the one absorbing interest of the Creator. A few years ago all men believed that the whole boundless universe centred upon man. That delusion has lost its hold, except perhaps within the well-protected domain of dogmatic theology. But there are stUl many people who cling to the kindred conceit that this earth, at least, was made for man. It is a belief which will not survive much acqvuxintance with the vast soli- tudes of the earth which teem with other life than man's — the everglades, the jungles, the mountains and seas. It is a belief which a thoughtful man or child will be apt to qual- ify or resign, as he studiously examines such a collection of natural history as this Society strives tq paaintain. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 219 Address of Mr. Alexander Agassiz. Mr. Alexander Agassiz was the next speaker. In the first part of his address he mentioned the difficulties through which the Society had passed. An interesting extract from his remarks is given below : The scientific man should be without nationality, ready to welcome progress from any quarter. Science is bound neither by country nor creed in its relation to new informa- tion. An important publication, a new line of research, a brilliant hypothesis, should ap- peal to us, not because it is American, German, French or English, nor because it is on the winning side in the questions of the day. It is, of course, natural that a country com- paratively young in scientific culture should turn to older institutions for its standards, should be constantly tempted to compare its own learned .societies and their doings with those of more ancient date and established influence. But while measuring our progress by theirs with honorable emulation, let us not make the mistake of also measuring our scientific men by a reflected light only, making our own recognition of them wait upon that from the other side of the water. Every nation should be proud of its great men, and may be excused for overrating them, but ij; should also add to an excusable national vanity an independence capable of recognizing, appreciating and sympathizing with the men who are raising the intellectual standard of their country to that of older ones. The pioneers of science in this country were neither remote imitators nor simply comment tators ; they have not only laid the foundations of natural science in this country, but they have extended its boundaries on many fields. Nor .should we assume that they had need of a kind word of recognition from the other institutions or individuals. Let me not, however, be understood for a moment as disparaging the intelligent criticism of press or colleagues at home or abroad. 1 only wish to distinguish between that and the noto- riety so easily gained by constant appeals to the public either in person or through scientific quacks. Since, however, the true investigator rarely has either the time or the disposition to be- come the expounder of his own work, it is not always possible for the public to draw the line between those who speak from their own knowledge and the scientific litterateur who forages in aiiy field where booty is to be gained. We have met to-day to honor the pio- neers of science in this country by a grateful recognition of what has been accomplished from the small beginnings of fifty years ago. Taking up some of the more prominent names of the early days of the Natural History Society we must award the highest place to men like Wyman, Harris, Bigelow, Gould, Storer and Binney, whose investigations have paved the way for their successors of the present day. They were men of no ordi- nary stamp. They were men who in any country would have been recognized as leaders in science, and whose fame will live when manv of us are forgotten. The speech closed with a high tribute to the late President Wyman. 220 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Address of Key. Robert C. Waterston'. On a semi-centennial celebration like this, while we have reason to congratulate the members of the Society of Natural History here assembled, on the great success which has crowned our past efforts, and on the cheering prospects of the future, which dawn before us like the morning of a yet brighter day, still we cannot but recall with feelings of sad- ness and solemnity the many who have labored with us in the earlier history of the Society, no longer here. Largely to their unwearied eiforts are we indebted for the prosperity we no^v enjoy. Constant inspiration comes to iis from the remembrance of their quickening zeal, their love of knowledge, and their generous desire to communicate to others, what they so profoundly valued themselves. How heartily do we wish they could be with us, on this eventful day. And yet, as we look around upon these walls, and gaze upon the life-like portraits of the past officers and benefactors of the Society, it seems as if, in very truth, they were actually here, participating with us in the privileges of this occasion. Before us, is our first President, Dr. B. D. Greene, with his calm expression of blended sweetness and power. A love of nature pervaded his life. Extensively on this con- tinent, in the tropics, and in most of th^ countries of Europe, he diligently pufsued his botanical researches. Blessed with ample means, he was able to make his investigations under every advantage. Years which might have been given to luxurious repose, were by him gladly devoted to earnest study. Thus did he acquire a knowledge seldom sur- passed, and while constantly consulted by younger botanists, never did he decline to impart from his abundant resources. We do not forget that his rare herbariiun, contain- ing the results of long personal industry, and the fruit of more than a quarter of a cent- ury of intercourse and exchange with Sir William Hooker and other distinguished botan- ists in every section of the globe, including plants gathered during the first Expedition of Sir John Franklin, constituting in all an invaluable collection for quality as well as quan- tity, we do not forget that this he presented to the Societj^, together with between one and two thousand volumes of botanical works from his library ; and that at the time of his death, he enriched the Society by a munificent bequest. And here by his side, is " the beloved physician," Dr. Augustus A. Gould, who from his large professional labors, could always find time for the benefit of this Society. In the department of conchology he was an acknowledged authority. The collections here bear testimony to his zeal. I well remember the interest he awakened by one of his lectures to teachers within these walls. Many of his hearers stopped and expressed their wish to visit in his company the sea-shore, that they might gather shells on the sands and listen to his instruction in the midst of Nature. He made arrangements with them on the spot, and within a week they went together to a neighboring beach, and there they passed such a day as they will never forget. And here is our friend Professor Jeffries Wyman, who shunned poj)ularity, rather than sought it, and who cared always to be and never to seem. His aim was ever Truth, simple, absolute Truth. Indefatigable in his researches, he would never abandon any investiga- tion until it was thoroughly completed, and would leave nothing for students who should come after, but astonishment at what he had accomplished. While engrossed in his studies BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 221 I doubt if he would have been disturbed though an armed force had cannonaded the build- ing. It was said of Constable the artist, that in the fields he would sit so calmly in his con- templation of the landscape, that the field-mice would creep into his pocket. I thhik they might have done the same with Professor Wyman, though I would not answer for it that they might not become, inider his hand, interesting specimens in Comparative Anatomy. Unassuming in manner, and with a mortal aversion to pretentious conceit, no man valued true merit more heartily than he did, or was more earnest to assist struggling endeavor. His name is now honored as widely as science is known. And here we look upon the face of Agassiz whose benignant smile is to-day, as it ever was, a benediction. How absolutely with him the man of science became the aclvuowl- edged Instructor. Whether in the halls of legislation or the popular assembly, or before a convention of teachers, or in his own private lecture-room, he was the Educator. He seemed born for this vocation. His gift of speech, his genial spirit, his sympathetic and magnetic power, made all listen with avidity. He knew not only how to gather, but how to impart. Whether he was discoursing upon glaciers or embryology, upon the structure of animal life, coral-reefs, star-fish, or an oyster, he was alilce able to arrest and rivet attention, leading the mind from point to point, wondering and delighted, until rising above the individual it grasped the universal, and seeing the hidden law, it recognized through that, the Divine Intelligence. With voice, manner, look, he held entranced the hearer, leading him onward from stage to stage in the line of progress. In all he did, he was preeminently the teacher of the individual, the community, the nation. "I have been," he said, " a Teacher ever since I was fifteen years of age. I am so now, and I hope I shall continue to be all my life." He did so continiie, and so he still is ; through the memory of his life, and through the words he has left us. he is emphatically the Educator ; kindling a desire for knowledge and the love of progress. The increasing interest in the study of natural history, seen everywhere, how much he did to awaken ! Wliile we look upon that countenance, do we not all recall those yvords of Longfellow, addressed to Agassiz on his fiftieth birthday, where Nature is represented as speaking : . " Come wander with me," she said, • " Into regions yet untrod ; And read, what is still unread, In the Manuscripts of God ! " " So he wandered away and away With Nature, the dear old Nurse, Who sang to him night and day The hymns of the Universe ! " And even thus, by night and by day, to every true-hearted Naturalist, Nature pours forth her celestial melodies : " And whenever the way seems long, And our hearts begin to fail, She will sing a more wonderful song, — Or tell a more marvellous tale ! " The members of this Society know full well the deep joy that is awakened through that harmony with Nature which comes from the study of her works. The vast collec- 222 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE tions of wonders treasured up within these walls, are infinitely more to the naturalist than curiosities. They are revelations of eternal laws. They are the condensed history of the ages. They converse, in a mysterious language, of things that were ; unfolding the marvellous processes that are ever going on in the hidden laboratories of the earth. According to our power of observation, the development of our faculties, the extent of our knowledge, and the elevation of our own nature, will be what we shall here find and enjoy. Such collections as are within these walls will help us to ascertain whether the works of the Almighty have a language which we can interpret. Here, according to our susceptibility, will a love of knowledge be stimulated, the intellectual energies quickened, and all that is best and noblest in our nature called into activity. Not as a place for idle amusement were these walls erected. Not to gratify a vague inquisitiveness were these collections gathered. Not for spinning the gossamer threads of fanciful speculation were these halls and lecture-rooms dedicated. But for the highest culture of which man is capable. For the acquirement of solid information. For the opportunity of studying results gained by scientific explorers all over the globe. We cannot personally accompany Sir Eilward Parry and Sir John Richardson to the Arctic regions, or with Humboldt climb Chimborazo, or penetrate the forests with Audu- bon, or sail in "Her Majesty's ship" the "Beagle" round the world, but we can come here and study the result of such labors. All that is of deepest interest between the equator and the two poles, is here brought together. In books of voyages and travels, in works upon botany, zoology, and palaeontology ; through specimens of rocks, ores, and fossils, gathered from every zone : what branch of the natural sciences may not here be inves- tigated ? Here is opportunity for observation and thought, analysis and comparison. Who will affirm that such an institution is not an essential part of our whole educational system, from the elementary School, up to the University ; yes, and onward through that continued education which shall extend to the utmost limit of life ? This educational principle was recognized from the very commencement of the Society, its avowed purpose being " the encouragement and promotion of the Science of Natural History," which it was distinctly stated, the friends of the Society not only desired for themselves, but that the interest might be extended far beyond their own circle. They were, however, few in number, and with limited means; a scanty library and a meagre collection, with as yet but feeble response from the public. This now pop- ulous city was then not much more than a village, and the very taste which the founders of this institution sought to direct and foster, had first to be created. We can hardly know how they surmounted the difficulties they had to overcome. Still they persevered until at length they became established in a building of more adequate accommodation in Mason Street. Through every stage, there was a recognition of the same educational principle, and, as their opportunities were enlarged, this purpose became more and more prominent. Not only scientific students and intelligent citizens availed themselves of its advantages, but often entire schools, with their teachers, visited the Museum for a day's study ; the curators and officers- of the Society giving explanations in their several departments, thus rendering the occasions of real service to both masters and pupils. As the collections accumulated, and the beneficial influence of the Society became more fully demonstrated, a larger field constantly opened ; and an appeal was at length made to the Commonwealth for an appropriation of land upon which a more suitable building BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 223 might be erected. The motive urged was, that the institution would thus be established " on a j^ermanent basis of augmented usefuhiess." It was declared that the result of its thirty years' efforts had been a rapid advancement of knowledge, with an almost uni- versal dissemination of a love for the natural sciences, that now there was a general recognition of its claims to an honorable rank in our system of public education, while it was acknowledged that its labors tended to promote both the intellectual and material prosperity of the Commonwealth. Thus while it was well understood that scientific men and professional students were to have every advantage within command of the Society, still it was also understood that the classification of all the collections, and their entire arrangement, was to be such that the public generally should have opportunity of gaining correct knowledge, and that such practical aid should be rendered to our schools, as might be invaluable in its results. My recollection of this Society goes back to the time when it had its rooms in the old AthenjBum in Pearl Street. The building in Mason Street I often frequented, and at the time when the plea was made for aid from the Commonwealth, I had the privilege of being one of the petitioners, and acted with the committee, addressing the members of the Legislature at the State House. I recall, as if it were yesterday, the interest of that time. I had just returned from Europe, and during, an absence of several years had enjoyed opportunities of observing the working of such institutions abroad, and feeling strongly that the educational principle was of the utmost importance, I dwelt upon it in my statements. That this view had weight with the members of the Legislature, I have reason to know, and upon this consideration the generous aid of the Commonwealth was granted. I well remember an address by Professor Agassiz, at that time, in the House of Repre- sentatives, on which occasion he dwelt upon the desirableness of training the young, fi-om their earliest years, to observe and study the works of God in Nature, urging this as among the best means of disciplining the intellectual powers, purifying the taste and ex- alting the character. He insisted that the study of the phenomena of nature was one of the most potent means of developing the human faculties, and that such education should be introduced into the schools as soon as practicable, and made an indispensable part of all education; he trusted that the tune when the importance of this view would be fully recognized was only so far remote as was necessary for the preparation of teachers capa- ble of properly imparting this instruction. The only difficulty, he added, is to find teachers equal to the task, and the task is no small one. The whole force of his aro-ument went to prove that an institution like this, to aid teachers in their preparation, was of inestimable importance. Here, as we may easily understand, those who have an aptitude for such studies, may find materials, examples, illustrations, suggestions, all brought to their hand arranged and classified. With such advantages the study of natural history may be interwoven with the whole system of education, and become one of its most essential features. After this building was completed, additional funds were requisite, to carry out the work contemplated. The Commonwealth had granted the land. The building was erected by generous contributions. Now, therefore, that forty thousand dollars in addition was to be given by its earnest friends, it was not simply to render it more attractive to citizens and strangers, but it was avowedly to make it " one of the first Educational Scientific Institutiom in the Country." 224 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE < This Society has not rested satisfied with making profession of this purpose. It has lived up to its profession and its purposes have been faithfully carried out. Every promise has been kept, and every reasonable anticipation realized. Portions who are not thoroughly acquainted with this Society, can hardly understand the amount of talent and labor which has been concentrated in this work. What self- sacrifice on the part of individuals, unremitting perseverance and toil have been necessary to complete every arrangement. No one knows better than yourself, Mr. President, that no money could pay for the thought and labor which has been freely rendered here by the officers and friends of this institution, while their love for the Society and the cause to which it is devoted, has been in their estimation an ample reward. After the dedication of the building, the work first inaugurated was a series of lectures and addresses in this hall to the Teachers of the Schools of Boston. Between six and seven hundred teachers availed themselves of the privilege. At the introductory meeting the Governor of the Commonwealth, John A. Andrew ; the Mayor of the City, F. W. Lin- coln ; the President of Harvard University, Thomas Hill ; the Secretary of the Board of Education, Joseph White; the Superintendent of Schools, John D. Philbrick ; and George B. Emerson, one of the earliest members of the Society, took part, making it a memorable occasion. After' this there were lectures on successive weeks by Professor Jeffries Wyman, Dr. Asa Gray, Dr. Augustus A. Gould, Professor W. B. Rogers and others. These lectures were amply illustrated, covering botany, conchology, and general zoology. The instructors of over thirty thousand children were, present. The ablest scientific men in the country on those days imparted freely of>their knowledge, suggesting the best means of con- veying instruction, and giving a fresh impulse to the educators assembled, who, on their part, warmly appreciated the interest thus shown, and hailed it as one of the new instru- mentalities for their improvement. This hope on their part has not been disappointed. The Society has been consistently faithful to its avowed purpose, and whenever their limited funds have been inadequate to meet the necessary expenditure, generous assistance has been liberally furnished by public-spirited friends. To render the collections of the Society more instructive, a careful rearrangement has been made throughout, involving immense labor. Thus through all the departments the educational requirements have been recognized, and the successive stages in the history of creation are visibly unfolded to the eye, exemplifying the actual results of scientific knowl- edge and principles. The hasty observer can have but a feeble conception of the sublime meanino- embodied in this careful and scholarly arrangement, but the more fully it is com- prehended the more profound will be the appreciation. Teachers and pupils may often be seen together, thoughtfully pursuing their investiga- tions from hall to hall. Some with artistic skill making drawings, others taking notes, and many more lost in astonishment, and filled with admiration and delight. But added to this, regular classes have been formed to whom systematic instruction has been given. The study of natural history having been definitely introduced into the pub- lic schools, a new zeal has been awakened among the teachers. With some teachers, additional knowledge is a necessity, while with all it is evidently a pleasure. The differ- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 225 ent branches are pursued under the guidance of able professors in connection with this Society. What is known as the " Teachers' School of Science " has acquired jjositive im- portance. Professor Hyatt, the Custodian, has been unceasing in his efforts, and has been gratified at the extraordinary success which has followed his labors. This special work has been going on for the last ten years, but never with such marked results as during the past year. The number of applicants for admission to these lectures has been four times larger than in any previous period. Over six hundred persons recorded their names as students, while the average attendance on each pleasant day was five hundred. There have been distributed among these students more than one hundred thousand speci- mens. Yes, duriug the present year there has actually been given away — not one thou- sand, or ten thousand, or fifty thousand, but — though one can hardly credit it — one hundred thousand specimens, all of which may be studied by the teachers at their homes, or used for illustration in their schools. We talk of the wonders of the telephone ; yet here is a still more felicitous method of coinnmnication ; six hundred intelligent teachers, going forth from this place to convey the knowledge gained to thirty thousand young people, full of life and eager to learn. Thus has this Society I:)ecome more emphatically than ever before — an educational power in the community. Still it would be unjust to infer, from the facts which have been considered, that the larger portion of the attention of this Society has been given to teaching even instructors. Accomplished naturalists, through its collections and its library, find ample material to extend their investigations. Many come here to test their theories, or more fully to establish their conclusions. Besides which, many of the members,- in the course of the year (on their individual account, and for professional purposes), visit distant parts of the country, or take even a wider circuit. They may be found along the whole coast of New England, searching her rocks and sands, or dredging in the deejD-sea, or exploring the Gulf-stream, or among the Florida reefs, or skirting the shores of the Great Lakes, or passing down the Valley of the Mississippi, or climbing the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, or descending the Western slope, or threading the Pacific Coast, or pen- etrating to Alaska, and China, and Japan. And when they return, they come to tell us of their experiences, bringing additions to our collections, and recounting in addresses and lectures the result of their scientific investigations. Has not one spoken of Iceland, and another of Labrador ? One of Lidian relics and Western mounds ? One of Colorado with its extensive parks and prolific mines of silver and gold ? One of the Calaveras and Mariposa groves with their colossal trees, the famous Sequoia glgantea, and the Yosemite Valley with its unequalled waterfalls and stupendous granite domes ? One of Alaska, and another of China and Japan ? It is certainly not claiming too much when we say that at the regular meetings of this Society one may hear as interesting and instructive accounts as can be found recorded in all literature. And thus to members, and to all who have the privilege of being present, "such opportunities are exceedingly attractive. These addresses and lectures are not the less entertaining because they are instructive. The stories of the Arabian Nights are not more wonderful than are often these narratives. Travellers' Stories they are, but none the less true because stranger than fiction. Sindbad the sailor saw no greater treasures than are those which at times are added to our collections. Some of these are as of yes- 226 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE terday, while others take the mind back to that early time " when the morning stars sang together and all the 8ons of God shouted for joy ! " Mr. President, I congratulate you on this interesting anniversary, and I am sure the members will unite with me in saying that the time of your official connection with this Society covers one of the brightest periods of its history. At the close of the address of the Rev. Mr. Waterston, the President, expressing the great satisfaction felt by the Society at such a large attendance on the part of its friends, invited all present, with the aid of the "Introduction to a General Guide to the Museum," which had been distributed among them, to look over the collections, either then or at a more convenient time. The lateness of the hour prevented more than a very cursory examination of tliem. In the evening a reception was given l)y the President, at his residence in Newbury Street, to the members of the Society and many ladies and gentlemen interested in its work. Thus the day was appropriately closed in the enjoyment of social intercourse, and all parted, feeling that the celebration of the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the founda- tion of the Society had been thoroughly successful. The annual meeting of the Society was held on the fifth day of May, Vice-President S. H. Scudder being in the Chair. After the reading of the records of previous meetings the report of the Custodian, of the Secretary and of the Treasurer were presented. From these, abstracts Avill be here given. The Custodian commenced by stating that in some respects the official year just closed was one of the most important in the history of the Society. It was marked not alone by being the termination of the first half century of its existence, but by the fact that the Museum had begun at last the career for which preparation had been making during the past ten years. Of the publications he remarked that they were very creditable, but that it should not be forgotten that paucity of resources had caused the frequent refusal of important papers ; that this was greatly to be deplored, since properly illustrated publication is often the only reward of scientific labor, and the prompt issue of memoirs is essential to the successful attainment of the chief object of all scientific associations that seek to encour- age the spirit of original research. The material results, as exhibited in the collections, the library, and the publications, were very valuable as credentials of a prudent and economical administration. The Soci- ety might rest well satisfied with the position which these had earned for it in the estima- tion of a community which rightfully demands such guarantees of the proper use of trust funds. These, however, were not the best fruits of its exertions. These seem to lie in the fact that the community is beginning dimly to comprehend that an institution of this kind creates an atmospliere around it which is beneficial to them and to their children, and also that it works directly for their intellectual improvement. The celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the Society was dwelt upon at some length by the Custodian, but as a full account of this has already been given it is not necessary to repeat his remarks. Much was said by him also relative to the resignation of the President which will be here omitted. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 227 The preparation of the general guide to the Museum, tlie numbering of the cases, the lettering of the rooms and galleries, and the construction of two new floor cases were mentioned as having been completed during the year. Synoptical collections for the departments of Mineralogy, Geology and Palaeontology had also been made and were or soon would be on exhibition. In the department of Geology much had been done by Mr. Crosby, assisted by Miss Carter. About 2500 specimens of roclis had been catalogued and nearly 2000 of these mounted and labelled. These included a collection of specimens illustrating a synopsis of tlie classification of rocks, a systematic or lithological collection, a collection illustrating structural geology, and one of historical geology. The important subject of dynamical geology, the Custodian stated, must remain unrep- resented until floor cases could be furnished. The lack of means at present prevents this from being done. The principal accession to the department of Geology consisted of four hundred specimens contributed by Mr. Crosby. The Palaeontological collection had been increased by a small but quite valuable series of Crinoids purchased by the Laboratory fund. The labelling and cataloguing of the Mollusca had been completed by Mr. Van "\^eck, assisted by Miss Washburn. To this department a very valuable addition had been made by the purchase of the Blaschka models. These were made of glass and represented very closely the living animal. There were 74 specimens in all, representing 17 genera and 44 species of the soft bodied Cephalopods and naked Gasteropoda. The Corals and the Echinoderms had been rearranged, mounted and labelled during the year, this work having also been done by Mr. Van Vleck, assisted by Miss Washburn. In the department- of Entomology, Mr. Henshaw had been engaged in selecting speci- mens for the formation of a synoptical collection representing the anatomy of insects, and considerable progress had been made by him in identifying and arranging the species of the general systematic collections. The department of Comparative Anatomy had been entirely rearranged so as to bring it into harmony with the rest of the collections of the Museum. In the wall cases of Room G, a synoptical collection had been placed illustrating the type characteristics and anatomical peculiarities of the different classes of Vertebrates. A similar collection of Invertebrates will occupy the two floor cases which had just been erected in the same room. The osteological portion of the collection in the main hall remained nearly as before, but the special homologies of the limbs and systems of organs, etc., among Vertebrates had been placed in Room F. To Dr. W. F. Whitney, the Society is indebted for the entire rearrangement of these last, and for much assistance in other portions of the work. The identification and labelling of the New England collection of fishes had been com- menced by Mr. Van Vleck. A large number of species obtained at Annisquam by the efforts of the Custodian, had been added to this collection. Of the Amphibia, 75 species had been identified, arranged and catalogued. Of the New England species, of which there are 25 in all, 23 were reported as in the collection. In referring to the department of Ornithology, the Custodian alluded to the death of the distinguished ornithologist. Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, and of the great service rendered by him to the Society in this department, whilst in charge of its general collection. To 228 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE his exertions also the Society owes its fine collection of eggs and nests, and also the New England collection of birds. This last he wonld have undoubtedly made complete had he lived a year or two longer. Some work had been done in arranging and labelling several of the groups of birds, by Mr. Henshaw, assisted by Miss "Washburn. The terse remarks made by the Custodian upon the mammals need no abbreviation or variation. They are therefore given verbatim : "The less said about the mammals the better. They are a disgrace to the institution, but there is no way of getting a respectable collection except by buying specimens, and this is impossible for us." In the department of Botany the Custodian stated that considerable progress had been made towards the formation of a synoptical collection of plants, so that each order and some of the sub-orders shall be represented by one species which will be mounted, framed, and appropriately labelled. Already ninety specimens, representing eighty-five orders and sub-orders had been finished. The arrangements of the general collection according to Bentham and Hooker's Genera Plantarum had progressed under the direction of Mr. Cummings, and much had been done towards supplying deficiencies in this collection. It had been the habit of the Custodian during the vacation period of the summer months to pass much time in dredging and fishing off the coast, with the purpose of ob- taining for the Society specimens necessary for the completion of the New England collec- tions, and in this work he had been aided by assistants in the Museum and others. Of the labors of the previous season he thus speaks : " The summer of 1879 was spent at Annis- quam by the Custodian and a party consisting of Mr. Van Vleck, Mr. E. G. Gardiner and Mr. E. R. Warren. The collecting was more successful than during the previous season, but still the need of a large boat and greater facilities is imperative." To supply this need, the Custodian intended to have another and more capacious boat ready for use before an- other summer. The Laboratory . In this department there had been much accomplished of satisfying character. Instruction had been given as usual to classes from the Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Besides these another class of twenty-six persons, all teachers except four, had entered upon a course which is to last for two win- ters, or about one hundred hours, two hours being devoted to it every Saturday morning. A small class of advanced students have been taking a course in biology, given by the assistant, Mr. Van Vleck. Teachers School of Science. It will be remembered that at the time of the last annual meeting of the Society, and when the report for the previous year was presented, the very successful course of lectures to the teachers then in progress was not quite com- pleted. Those given by the Custodian were soon after brought to a satisfiictory close, and a series of five on mineralogy followed, delivered by Mr. Burbank. These were very instructive, and the interest in them was shown by the average attendance being kept up to the last. A geological excursion by the lecturer and a part of the teachers was made to Marblehead after the course was finished. The report of the Secretary, Mr. Burgess, was very gratifying, giving as it did statistics showing much activity and progress in the several departments mentioned. Of members, twenty-six Associate had been elected during the year, but no Corporate, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 229 Corresponding or Honorary. Five Associate or Corporate members had resigned, and four had died. The whole number of Associate and Corporate members was stated to be 451. There had been an average attendance of thirty-nine persons at the sixteen general meetings of the Society. The largest number present at any one time was eighty-one, the smallest nineteen. Eight meetings of the section of Entomology had been held, the average attendance at which had been eight persons. The meetings of the botanical section had been given up in consequence of the non-attendance of a sufficient number of members to render them interesting. In December of the past year, by consent of the Society, the section of Microscopy was revived, and monthly meetings had since been held, though without a very promising attendance. Of the library, the Secretary stated that the additions to it during the year exceeded those of any other in the Society's history. These were summarized thus : 8vo. Iflo. Fo. Totals. Volumes 348 69 2 419 Parts of Volumes 947 156 170 1273 Pamijhlets 335 52 2 389 Maps and Charts . . . . • 99 In all 2180 Besides the constant use made of the books by members and others at the Library, there had been borrowed 1110 volumes during the year, by one hundred and twenty- three persons. Of the publications two parts of the twentieth volume of the Proceedings, and a thii'd article for the third volume of the Memoirs had been issued, the last being a revision of the Palaeozoic Cockroaches of the world, by Mr. Samuel H. Scudder, 113 pages, 5 plates. Of " Occasional Papers " a volume had been published, being the third of the series, con- taining Mr. W. 0. Crosby's contributions to the Geology of Eastern Massachusetts, 266 pages, with 5 plates and a colored map. In addition to these, No. 6 of the series of Guides for Science Teaching, by Professor Hyatt, had been printed, also a pamphlet introductory to the general guide to the Mu- seum, also by Professor Hyatt. Copies of this last publication were presented to the audience at the celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the Society. The Committee on Publications having suggested that a special volume should be pub- lished commemorative of the fiftieth anniversary of the Society, the Council voted that this should be done provided a sufficient number of subscribers could be obtained for such ' volume at the rate of ten dollars a copy, to justify the necessary expenditure. To ensure the success of this project the Rev. Robert C. Waterston, with characteristic generosity, had already given one hundred dollars. It was understood that the volume should contain a history of the Society, and a series of scientific papers, and be entitled '• Anniversary Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural History." Walker Prizes. Relative to the Walker Prizes, the Secretary stated thatTno essay had been presented on the subject proposed for 1880, viz. : " The evidences of the extension of the Tertiary deposits seaward along the coast of Massachusetts." 230 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP THE Mention was made of the award of the Grand Walker prize during the year to Dr. Leidy, but as this has been particularly related on a former page, no further statement is required here. The Treasurer's report showed that there had been an excess of expenditures over the receipts of $698.95. As, however, the payments included the flOOO awarded for the Grand Walker prize, and as such prize is only payable once in five years, the spirit of the determination that expenditures should be kept within the limits of receipts was not vio- lated. At the election, the officers chosen were as follows. The full list is here presented that it may be seen in whose hands the destiny of the Society was entrusted at the close of the fii'st half century of its existence, and at the commencement of a new era. president, Samuel H. Scuddee. nCE-PRESWEyTS, John Cummlngs, F. W. Putnam. CUSTODIAlf. Alphbus Hyatt. honorabt secretary, S. L. Abbot. secretary, Edwabd Burgess. treascrer, Chaeles W. Scuddee. LIBRABIAir, Edwaed Burgess. Committees on Departments of the Museum. illXERALS. RADIATES, CRUSTACEANS AND WORMS. Thomas T. Boute, H. A. Hagex, R. H. Richards, Alexander Agassiz, M. E. Wadsworth. L. F. Pouetale.s. oeolooy. mollusks. '• William H. Niles, ' Edward S. Morse, G. Frederic Weight, J. Henry Blake. L. S. Buebank. ^^.^^^^^ PALAEOyTOLOQY. SaMUEL H. ScUDDEE, Thoslas T. Bouve, Edwaed Buegess, N. S. Shalee. a. S. Packard, Jr. BOTANY. FISHES AND REPTILES. John Cummings, F. W. Putnam, Charles J. Sprague, Theodore Lyman, J. Amoey' Lowell. S. W. Gaeman. MICROSCOPY. BIRDS. Samuel Wells, J. A. Allen, R. C. Greenlfaf, Samuel Cabot. B. Joy Jeffries. COMPARATIVE ANATOMY. MAMMALS. J. A. Allen, Thomas Dwight, E. L. Mark, W. F. Whitney. Geoege L. Goodale. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 231 On the announcement of the ballot the President elect said, " that in occupying the position to which he had been called, he could only express the wish that the choice had fallen elsewhere, for he felt he owed the Society any service he might be able to render. Any one as long acquainted with its government as he had been, must be alive to the responsibilities of its highest office, but knowing the hearty support which would be given to one aiming to carry out the objects of our Society with singleness of purpose, he could not foster such misgivings as naturally arose in undertaking them." Mr. Scudder then sketched briefly the Society's work, more particularly dwelling upon its chief aim, popular instruction. The highly complimentary remarks towards the writer and compiler of this history which followed, not only made by Mr. Scudder but by many others, and the action taken by the Society, were of too personal a character to admit of his presenting them here. Nothing certainly could have been more grateful to his feel- ings than such a manifestation at the close of his long official life as President of the Society. The Standing Committees elected by the Council for the official year 1880-81 were as follows : Library, Edward Burgess, W. H. Niles, W. F. Whitne^^ Puhlkations, S. H. Scud- der, S. L. Abbot, Edward Burgess, Alpheus Hyatt, J. A. Allen. Museum, Alpheus Hyatt, S. H. Scudder, Thomas T. Bouve, John Cummings, Edward Burgess ; Walker prizes, William B. Rogers, Alexander Agassiz, F. W. Putnam. IlemhersMj}, S. H. Scudder, M. E. Wadsworth, B. Joy Jeffries, Edward Burgess, George L. Goodale. Lectures and meetings, S. H. Scudder, M. E. Wadsworth, Edward Burgess, F. W. Putnam, W. H. Niles. Bird cer- tificates, Edward Burgess, J. A. Allen. Trustees, Thomas T. Bouve, John Cummings, C. W. Scudder. The fifth decade had now passed. If it could be said of the fourth that it was a period of great events in the history of the Society, the same could be said of the fifth, thouo-h those of the latter were of a less striking character. During the fourth, large donations and bec^uests were made, enabling the Society to erect its magnificent museum and to take a position among the leading institutions of the kind in the world, publishing freely its Memoirs and Proceedings, and making exchanges with kindred societies, thus acquiring for itself respect at home and abroad. During the fifth, scarcely a donation or bequest of any amount was received, though the lack of means was felt in every department. This prevented such expansion of the work of the Society as was deemed desirable, and made it dependent on the individual contributions of its members, mainly upon one of them, to accomplish much that it was able to do. What particularly characterized the last decade was the great change effected in its plans and purposes, but more in its modes of action and in the arrangement of its collections ; not through revolution but by evolu- tion, the result of advanced views in relation to museums and teaching, growino- out of the experience of the Society itself and of kindred institutions at home and abroad. No longer would it suffice that great collections should be made in the diff'erent departments of natural history, however well arranged and labelled the specimens might be in each ; it was necessary that all should be subordinated to a comprehensive plan, so that they should bear a proper relation to each other, and, moreover, include synoptical series which should furnish to those seeking knowledge a key to the proper understanding of the whole. A further development of thought upon the Museum led to the formation of a 232 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE separate local New England collection in each dejiartment. Now to accomplish this, and to provide for the safety of the fast increasing collections, it was absolutely necessary not only to prepare rooms unfinished at the commencement of the decade, but to reconstruct all the cases first erected in the building because of their defective character, as has been mentioned on an earlier page. This change alone, with the necessary relabelling and other work upon the specimens, was the labor of years, but one of vast importance to the future influence of the Museiun as an educational instrumentality. This great work could not have been done in the thorough manner it was, had not the more important change been first made of placing at the head of the Museum a scientific man whose single duty it was to act as a Custodian, and to furnish him with paid assistants to work uj^on the collections. Fortunately for the Society, Mr. Alpheus Hyatt, a man of large natural endowments and of broad comprehensive views, was elected to this office. To him was due the conception of the plan finally carried out for the arrangement of the whole Mu- seum. It was the good fortune of the writer to be associated with him in this work and to give the influence of his official position as President of the Society in having it fully and faithfully done The financial resources of the Society were somewhat impaired during the decade by the fitting up of the rooms alluded to and the reconstruction of the cases. It also suf- fered by the great fire of 1872, having held a considerable amount of stock in insurance companies which became worthless, and by being called upon to pay assessments to mutual companies in which its propei'ty was insiu'ed. If thus for reasons not arising from any fault or bad management the income of the Society was lessened, the Council may well point with satisfaction to the fact, that the ordinary expenses were not allowed to exceed the income. To prevent this from being the case, however, much was left undone that ought to have been done, and it was only by the pecuniary aid of neighbors and friends that the Society was recently able to enclose the grounds about its Museum with a suitable curbing of stone, and properly grade them. The Society lost by death during these ten years, many of its most highly valued and honored members, Louis Agassiz, Dr. Jeffi'ies Wyman, Dr. Charles Pickering, Edward Pickering, Dr. John B. S. Jackson and Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, all of whom were conspic- uous in its annals. It lost, too, by removal, some who in the early part of the decade were prominent in its proceedings, one of whom was Dr. Sterry Hunt, the eminent geolo- gist, and another, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, who for many years was a very efficient officer and member, and often contributed specimens of considerable value to the collections. It may truly be said of the latter that during his long connection with the Society he sel- dom, if ever, left home without bringing back with him something for presentation. He was almost a constant attendant too upon the meetings, and frequently took an active part in them. The members of the Society who took the most prominent part in the proceedings at the general meetings and at those of the sections during the first five years of the decade were S. H. Scudder, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, Alpheus Hyatt, Dr. H. A. Hagen, F. W. Put- nam, N. S. Shaler, Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, Thomas T. Bouve, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Dr. Charles T. Jackson, W. H. Niles, E. S. Morse, Dr. Charles Pickering, Edwm Bicknell, F. G. Sanborn, Charles Stodder, Dr. Thomas Dwight, Jr., Dr. W. G. Farlow, Edward Burgess, R. C. Greenleaf, Prof C. H. Hitchcock, Dr. C. S. Minot, B. P. Mann, Rev. J. B. Perry, L. S70-71 18 meetings, an attendance of 71-72 18 (( a 72-73 18 (( it 73-74 16 CC a 74-75 18 u CC BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 233 S. Burbank and J. A. Allen. Tliose who took the most prominent part during the last five years were S. H. Scadder, Alpheus Hyatt, F. W. Putnam, M. E. Wadsworth, Edward Burgess, W. H. Niles, W. 0. Crosby, E. P. Austin, Dr. H. A. Hageu, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, Dr. W. G. Farlow, Dr. C. S. Minot, Thomas T. Bouve, Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, L. S. Burbank, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, Rev. George F. Wright, and Dr. G. L. Goodale. The average attendance each year during the decade at the general meetings was as follows : 40 1875-76 18 meetings, an attendance of 33 32 76-77 19 " " 33 26 77-78 16 " " 85 54 78-79 16 " « 31 57 79-80 16 « « 40 The average of all these is somewhat larger than during any previous ten years, being thirty-eight. That of the previous ten years was thirty-six. The great increase of attend- ance in the years 1873-74 and 1874-75 was due largely perhaps to the change made in giving notices of the meetings, the custom being first adopted in the fall of 1873 to desig- nate the subjects that were to be brought before them. The attendance at the meetings of the sections was as follows : Of Entomology, 1870-71 5 meetings, average attendance, 10 • 1875-76 4 meetings, average attendance, 8 71-72 7 " " "11 76-77 1 " "8 72-73 7 " " " 9 77-78 6 " " " 9 73_74 6 " " " 12 78-79 9 " " " 10 74-75 5 « " « 8 79-80 7 « " " 8 Of Microscopy, 1870-71 5 meetings, average attendance, 11 1873-74 I meeting, attendance, 12 71-72 5 " " " 12 7'1^75 2 meetings, average " 9 72-73 1 meeting, attendance, 12 The little interest manifested in this section led to its dissolution in 1875. Its revival was authorized by the Council in 1879, and one meeting followed with an attendance of nine persons ; it was the only one. Of Botany, section formed in 1876, 1876-77 8 meetings, average attendance, 27 1878-79 6 meetings, average attendance, 7 77-78 2 " " " 18 Interest in this section was shown as long as able botanists appeared to address the membei-s. As soon as this ceased to be the case the attendance fell off". The large and important part of the work of the Society done through the Committees of the Council makes it proper to give the names of all such members as have served upon these during the decade. They are as follows : On the Lihrarij. C. K. Dillaway, J. E. Cabot, Dr. T. M. Brewer, William T. Biigham, Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., Edward Burgess, William H. Niles, Samuel H. Scudder, Alpheus Hyatt, N. S. Shaler, J. A. Allen antJ S. W. Garman. On Walker Prizes. Dr. Jeffries Wyman, C. J. Sprague, Thomas T. Bouve, Dr. Asa Gray, Alexander Agassiz and William B. Rogers. 234 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE On Lectures. Thomas T. Bouve, Rev. Joshua A. Swan, John Cummings, John D. Runkle. Alpheus Hyatt, Edward Burgess, Dr. James C. White, F. W. Putnam, Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, M. E. Wadsworth and William H. Niles. On Publications. Thomas T. Bouvc, Dr. Samuel L. Abbot, Dr. Thomas Dwight, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., Rev. Joshua A. Swan, Edward Burgess, Samuel H. Scudder, J. A. Allen. Alpheus Hyatt and John D. Runkle. On the Fmance Committee and as Trustees. Charles J. Sprague, Thomas T. Bouve, Edward Pickering, John Cummings and Charles W. Scudder. On 3Ieetings. J. A. Allen, Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, Dr. H. A. Hagen, Edward Burgess, Dr. James C. White, N. S. Shaler, L. S. Burbank. , On Nominations for 3Iembership. Dr. S. L. Abbot, F. W. Putnam, Samuel H. Scudder, Dr. B. Joy Jeffries, Edward Burgess, Dr. Thomas Dwight, Samuel Wells, Alpheus Hyatt, Thomas T. Bouve. On the 3Iuseum. Alpheus Hyatt, Thomas T. Bouve, John Cummings, Samuel H. Scud- der, Edward Burgess and F. W. Putnam. The publications of the Society daring the decade were, the second volume of its Memoirs in quarto, 560 pages, containing twenty important papers read or presented at its meetaags, and three numbers of the third volume; a part of the 13th volume of the Proceedings of the Society, not issued at the time of the annual meeting in 1870, with six full volumes from the 14th to the 19th inclusive, and three parts of the 20th volume; two volumes of its Occasional Papers, one. The Spiders of the United States, a collection of the Arachnological writings of Nicholas Marcellus Hentz, M.D.; the other, Contribu- tions to the Geology of Eastern Massachusetts, by W. 0. Crosby ; six numbers of a series of Guides for Science Teaching ; also a pamphlet introductory to a general guide to the Museum to be hereafter published. The library had increased largely since 1870, when the whole number of its volumes was g'ven as 9396, and of pamphlets as 2677. The number of volumes at close of the decade, counting them as bound, whether containing more than one, as was often the case, or not, and estimating the unbound parts in proper proportion, was over 14,000, and that of the pamphlets including maps and charts, was but slightly short of 6000. Before proceeding to express such general views upon the Society, as press them- selves upon the mind after sketching its history, and in view of its present condition, it will not be amiss to refer to the original members yet living, after the lapse of half a century since they took part in its formation. Of these there are four, Theophilus Par- sons, Dr. Edward Reynolds, Dr. D. Humphreys Storer and Mr. George B. Emerson, all men who have distinguished themselves in their several walks of life, and whose associ- ation would have conferred honor upon any Society. Two of these. Dr. Storer and Mr. Emei'son, were active members during many years, and both of them held high offices in it. Of the former and of his services to the Society, a full notice has been given in these pages. It is a pleasant duty to present here some account of the latter. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 235 George B. Emerson. George B. Emerson was born at Wells, Maine, then a ^^fii't of Massachusetts, September 12th, 1797. His father was Dr. Emerson, a well known physician, and a man of culti- vation and taste. He graduated at Harvard in 1784, and was an excellent Latin scholar, besides being well read in history and English literature. His house was a favorite resort for the judges and lawyers who attended the sessions of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, held semi-annually at York and at Portland, and young Emerson thus early became acquainted with such men as Judge Jackson and the reporter, Dudley Atkins Tyng, gentlemen distinguished for their ability, as well as the refinement of their manners. Dr. Emerson was chairman of the School Committee, and always was particular to see that the master was a well educated man, and a proper person to have the charge of children. His sons were sent to school during the winter season, but kept at home during the summer, where the practical education that they received on their father's farm, both in the knowledge which it imparted of common ways of country life, and familiarity with common things, and in the information which they derived from acquaint- ance with the vegetable and animal life around them in the fields, woods, rivers and sea, is spoken of by the subject of this notice as being of the most valuable character. The father evidently evinced great good judgment in his management of the education of his boys. Young Emerson early familiarized himself with the trees, shrubs and plants of the neighborhood, reading eagerly all books on botany which came in his way, and learning what he could from his father relating to that science. He also was an interested reader of books of travel and poetry, and at the proper tune was led to the study of Latin and Greek, becoming familiar in certain ways with the classics before entering Dummer Acad- emy at Byfield, where he went to prepare for Harvard. He entered college in 1813, being in the class with Caleb Gushing, George Bancroft, S. J. May, Samuel E. Sewall, and other since well-known men. His experience in college was a pleasant and profitable one, varied as it so often was in the case of boys from the remote country districts, by occa- sional teaching of country schools during the long vacations. While at Harvard he very nearly lost his life by the experiment tried both by himself and his chum, of cutting down the term of sleep from the normal quantity to four hours a day ; devoting the time stolen from needed rest to over-study. A severe illness and long consequent sojourn at home were the price of this ill-considered action. He graduated in 1817, and after recovering from another severe illness, the result of overwork, accepted a position offered him of master of an excellent private school, at Lancaster, Mass. Here continuous trouljlc with his eyes, brought on by inattention to general health and too much study previously, was a great annoyance to him ; still his school was a great success, his ability as a teacher being fully exemplified. He continued at Lancaster for two years, and then accepted an invitation from President Kirkland to become a tutor in the mathematical department at Harvard. Here he was again thrown on terms of intimacy with some of his early college friends, Caleb Gushing, Edward Everett and others, besides meeting most agreeably George Ticknor, then a lecturer on French lit- 236 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE erature, Professor Farrar, Dr. Bowditch, the great mathematician, Rev. Mr. Norton and other prominent men of the time. A trip to the White Mounlains about this period, with a party of his college friends, is most delightfully described in his little volume of "Reminiscences." In 1820 was established in Boston the English Classical School, and Mr. Emerson was chosen its first principal. After a remarkably successful experience as teacher in this insti- tution, he in 1823 organized his celebrated school for young ladies, which was for many years regarded as unequalled in the educational advantages to be enjoyed by all who were in it as pupils. In the formation of the Boston Society of Natural History, Mr. Emerson took an active part, and in 1837 he was chosen President. At that time the scientific survey of the State was determined by the members to be of the utmost desirability, and Mr. Emerson was deputed to memorialize the State government upon the subject. This he did, laying his memorial before Governor Everett, by whom it was most cordially and graciously received. In due time the Governor informed Mr. Emerson that the legislature, both houses of which justly appreciated his memorial, had authorized the executive to appoint six proper persons to conduct the survey of the State, and had passed an appropriation to cover the expenses thereof; and he requested that Mr. Emerson should suggest the names of such scientific men as he thought competent for the work. The result was that the gentlemen appointed were almost entirely those named by him. The Govei'nor desired that he should hold himself responsible for all the reports presented ; but his friends in the Society, knowing his ability, were not satisfied except by his taking a more active part in the survey; and he eventually divided the botany with Dr. Dewey, the doctor taking all other plants and Mr. Emerson the trees and shrubs. The report which he subsequently made to the legislature was not only admirable in its scientific features, but was most charming from a literary point of view. It takes one out with the writer into the fields and woods, and makes the reader at once the interested student and the jjersonal friend, so to speak, of the tree or shrub which the writer may be describing at the time. This report was made up from the observations and study of nine successive years, nearly three months of each of which he gave to the work, visiting all parts of the State in its prose- cution. Mr. Emerson published, in 1875, a new edition of his Report on the Trees and Shrubs, superbly illustrated by colored plates, a full set of which, suitably framed, he presented to the Society to be placed in the collection of New England Trees and Shrubs, and which may now be seen in the botanical gallery devoted to that section. The well-known " Memorial of the American Institute of Instruction to the Massachu. setts Legislature," was prepared and placed in the hands of the Governor by the Presi. dent, Mr. Emerson ; and the result of this course was the formation of the Board of Edu- cation with Horace Mann, then President of the Senate, as its secretary. The cause of education took a new departure from this time forth, and the good effect of this action, in which Mr. Emerson was prominent, was inestimable. Mr. Emerson's zeal in the cause of good education sprang very largely from the affec- tion for the young, which has always during his lifetime kept pace with his great love of nature. The influence which he exerted among his pupils through this feeling of personal e . o. (/m^'?^ - TheSekotypei'riiitmg Cd ^lllieniwitSfJustiui BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 237 interest has been very warmly spoken of by many of them. His religious tendencies were very decided. He had wished in his boyhood to go to West Point, but his mothex''s earnest desire to the contrary had dissuaded him from this course, and his subsequent tastes led him to study with the intention of entering the ministry, for which profession he would seem to have been particularly fitted by nature. The young ladies of his school always looked to him as a friend and adviser, and have many of them alluded feelingly to the few earnest words spoken by him in the morning service as of more value to them than all the ordinary instruction in the school. Mr. Emerson's interest in the Society has always been very strong ; manifested to a greater or less degree by his presence at meetings and by occasional participation in the proceedings. His last prominent appearance befoi'e the Society was in 1874, when he de- livered the memorial address upon Louis Agassiz. The history of the Society has now been traced from its formation to its present proud position as one of the leading scientific institutions of the world. We have dwelt upon the reasons that endangered its continued success in the early period of its existence, and have witnessed the untiring devotion of its members, some of wliom gave voluntarily, years of life to its service. We have seen too that only by the large donations and bequests of its great benefactors did it escape the fate of the Linnaean Society which pre- ceded it, and of many other similar societies not sustained by government aid, and de- pending on the unpaid labor and contributions of their members. That these gifts were mainly due to a recognition of the disinterested devotion of the members of the Society to the work undertaken by them, and of the importance of that work as an educational and elevating influence in the community, is unquestionably true, markedly in the case of the largest benefactor of all. Dr. William J. Walker, who, through Dr. Jeffi'ies Wyman, for whom he had great regard, and others, made himself well acquainted with the leading members of the Society, and with their designs and purposes in the matter of educating the community in natural history, before making it the recipient of his bounty. It becomes the members of the Society, especially such as have been instrumental in shaping its destiny, to ask whether it has met the reasonable expectations of its founders. Have their hopes for its growth and its influence been fulfilled ? As an associate with the original members, and as having been acquainted to a considerable degree with their thoughts and feelings, the writer unhesitatingly answers Yes ! far beyond their most san- guine hopes and expectations. Not that they limited in their own minds the possibility of achievement, but they sinxply had no conception that in the lifetime of any of them the Society would have one of the best structures in the world for exhibition, with collections of great magnitude in all the departments of natural history, unequalled in arrangement for instruction ; or that it would carry on such educational work as has been done, and is now doing, through the Teachers' School of Science and other instrumentalities. Nor does it less become the members to ask, especially in view of the feet that for fur- ther progress in the work carried on by them they will yet be obliged to rely on addition By death. 248 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CONTENTS. Notice of the Linnaean Society, pp. 3-14. Early piiblicatious and instruction in natural history, 3. — Organization, Dec. 8, 1814, of the N. E. Society for the promotion of Natural History, 3. — Members and rules, 4. — Change of name in 1815 to Lin- naean Society of New England, 6. — Collection of specimens and addresses, 6. — Division of the Museum into departments, 7. — Sea-serpent Stories, 10. — Signs of dissolution, 10. — Attempts to unite with the Athenaeum, 12. — Decision to dispose of the collections, 12. — Lessons taught by the failure of the Lin- naean Society, 13. The Boston Society of Natural History, Decade I, Mat 1830 — Mat 1840, pp. 14—36. Formation of the new Society and election of officers, 14, — with Thomas Nuttall as President, who declined to serve, and Benjamin D. Greene is chosen, 14.— Lectures arranged, 15. — Attempt to recover the col- lections of the Linnaean Society, 16. — Character of the meetings, 17. — Quarters taken in Pearl Street, 17. — First Annual Meeting and reports, 18. — Geological survey of the State, 19. — Difficulties before the early students of natural history, 20. — Removal to Tremont Street, 21. — Attempts to raise a per- manent fund, 21. — Extent of collections, 23. — -Gift from Ambrose S. Courtis, 23. — Publication of a "Journal," 24. — Second Survey of the State, 25. — Death of Ambrose S. Courtis, his bequest and notice of his life, 26. — Purchase of the Ilentz Collection, 27. — Resignatiou of Mr. Greene and election of George B. Emerson, second President, 28. — Financial troubles, 28. — Annual Meeting for 1838-39, 29. — Settlement of the Courtis bequest, 30. — Aid given to naturalists, 30. — Death of Simon E. Greene, 30. — Annual meeting, 1840, 31. — Review of the decade, 31. Decade II, May 1840— Mat 1850, pp. 36-56. Bequest of Simon E. Greene, 36. — Annual meeting, 1841, 37. — Meeting of the American Association of Geologists and Naturalists, 38. — Annual reports for 1842, 38. — Adoption of a Diploma, 39. — Annual reports, 1843, 40. — Election of Dr. Amos Binney as third President, 40. — Death of the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, 40. — Annual meeting of 1844, 41, — and of 1845, 43. — Endeavors to raise funds for the Society, 48.— Bequest of John Parker, 33.— The " Sca-Sorpent " again, 44. — Annual reports 1846, 45. — Death of Dr. Amos Binney, 46. — Annual meeting, 1847, 48. — Election of Dr. J. C. Warren, fourth Pres- ident, 48. — Purchase of the Medical College and removal to Mason Street, 49. — Annu.al reports for 1848, 50, — and for 1849, 51. — Deposit in the Library of the books of "A Republican Institution," 52. — Donation of Jonathan Phillips, 52. — Death of Dr. Martin Gay, 52. — Annual reports for 1850, 58. — Early discoveries of gold in California, 54. — Review of the second decade, 55. Decade III, May 1850 — May 1860, pp. 56-81. Annual meetings 1851 and 1852, 57, — and of 1858, 58. — Purchase of the fossil foot-prints from the Con- necticut Valley, 59. — Death of James E. Tescheniacher, 59.— Annual meeting of 1854, 61. — Death of Dr. Waldo I. Burnett, 61. — Annual meeting of 1855, 63. — Death of James Brown, 63. — Death of Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, 64, — and of the Rev. Zadock Thompson, 65. — Annual meeting, 1856, 66. — Elec- tion of Dr. Jeffries Wyman, fifth President, 68.— First and only field meeting of the Society, 68. — De- posit fi-om Dr. Binney's Library, 69.— Deaths of Corresponding Members, J. W. Bailey, W. C. Redfield, and Michael Tuomey, 69. — ^ Annual meeting of 1857, 69. — Formation of a Section of Microscopy, and bequest of the collection of Prof. Bailey, 71. — Donation of the B. D. Greene Herbarium, 71. — Annual meeting, 1858, 72.— Deaths of Dr. James Deane and F. W. Cragin, 78.— Thoughts of a new building, 74._ Annual meeting 1859, 74,— and of 1860, 76.— Sketch of Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, 77.— Review of the third decade, 80. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 249 Decade IV, May 1860-May 1870, pp. 81-1.38. Bequest of Jonathan Phillips, 81. — Constant exertions for a grant of lanrl for a new building, 81. — First donation from Dr. William J. Walker, 82. — Grant of land to the Society and the Massachusetts Insti- tute of Technology, 83. — Annual meeting 18G1, 83. — Sale of building on Mason Street and temporary removal to Bulfinch Street, 84. — Plans for the new building, 85. — Large osteological additions, 85. — Gift of ethnological collections from the Boston Marine Society, 87. — Successful efforts of the Building Committee, subscriptions of $'20,000 obtained and the second gift from Dr. W. J. Walker, 87. — Con- tracts for the new Building, 87. — Annual reports for 1862, 87. — Death of Dr. B. D. Greene, 88. — Gift of the Megatherium c.ast, 91. — Annual meeting of 1863, 91. — Deaths of Dr. George Hayward and Francis Alger, 92. — First meeting in the new building, 92. — Financial shadows, 94. — New offer of $20,000 from Dr. Walker on condition of raising an equal amount, 95. — Death of Dr. Edward Hitch- cock, 95, — of Dr. John Ware, 95. — Resignation of Mr. Dillaway, the Librarian since 1833,96. — An- nual meeting 1864, 96. — Office of Custodian created, and election of S. II. Scudder, 97. — Dedication of the new Museum, 99. — Death of C. A. Shurtleff, 100. — Subscriptions to its Working Fund completed, 100. — Conditions as to use of the amount received from Dr. Walker, 100. — Establishment of Walker Prizes, 100. — Reorganization of a Section of Microscopy, 102. — First course of lectures to Teachers, 102.— Death of Dr. William J. Walker, and sketch of his life, 103.— Bequests of Dr. Walker, 105.— Annual meeting, 1865, 105. — Cost of the Museum, 106. — Ravages of insects, 106. — Gift of the Lafres- naye Collection of Birds by Dr. Henry Bryant, 108. — Attempt to make Dr. Wyrnan Director, 109. — Annual meeting, 1866, 109. — Establishment of the "Memoirs" as a new series of the "Journal," 109. — Death of Prof Henry D. Rogers, 111. — Death of Dr. Augustus A. Gould, 111. — The Custodianship, 116. — Formation of a Section of Entomology, 117. — Bequest of Miss S. P. Pratt, 117. — Death of Dr. Henry Bryant, 117. — Cooperation with explorations of the Smithsonian Institution, 118. — Discussion on the House Sparrow, 118.^ Abolition of the Department of Ethnology, 119. — Completion of some unfinished rooms, 119. — Bequest of Paschal P. Pope, 119. — Annu.il meeting, 1867, 119. — Death of Thomas Bulfinch, 120. — Public lectures, 121. — Annual meeting 186S, 121. — Admission of ladies to laeetings, 123. — Death of Horace Mann, 123. — Annual meeting 1869, 124. — Results of the Central American explorations, 125. — Excessive expenditures, 126. — Celebration of the centennial anniversary of Humboldt's birth, 127. — -Founding of a Humboldt Schnlarship in the Museum of Comparative Zool- ogy, 128. — Formation of Committees in charge of the diflTerent collections, 129. — Annual meeting 1S70, 129. — Resignation of Mr. Scudder from the Custodianship, etc., and of Professor Wyman from the Pres- idency, 132. — Election of Prof. A. Hyatt, Custodian, and Rev. J. A. Swan, Secretary and Librarian, 133. — Review of the fourth decade, 133. — Part taken by members of the Society in the war of the rebellion, 133.— Joseph P. Couthouy, 138. — Gift of the II. F. Wolcott Fund, 138. Decade V, Mat 1870-Mat 1880, pp. 140-243. Duties of the salaried officers, 141. — Election of Thomas T. Bouve, President, 142. — Plan for arranging the Museum proposed by Professor Hyatt, 143. — Skeleton of a Fin-back whale secured, 145. — Ar- rangement with the Trustee of the Lowell Institute for series of lectures under the Society's auspices, 145. — Establishment through John Cummings of the Teachers' School of Science, 145. — Bequest from Sidney Homer, 146. — Annual meeting 1871, 146. — Death of the Secretary, Rev. J. A. Swan, 148. — Election of Edward Burgess, Secretary and Librarian, 149. — Death of William H. Dale, and his bequest to the Section of Entomology, 149. — Annual meeting 1872, 149. — Annual meeting 1873, 152. — Award of the first Grand Walker Prize to Alexander Ag.assiz, 154. — -De.ath of Prof. Louis Agassiz, 154. — Precautions against fire, and progress of the re-arrangement of the Museum, 164. — At- tempt to induce the Legislature to authorize a new survey of the State, 165. — Annual meeting 1874, 1(55. — Gift of the Eser Paleontological Collection by Mr. John Cummings, 166. — Dr. Charles T. Jackson, 167. — Thovights of the establishment of a Zoological Garden and Aquarium, 160.— Death of Dr. Jeffries Wyman, 169. — Purchase of the Wyman Collection of Comparative Anatomy, 177. — Annual meeting, 1875, 177. — Bequest of the C. S. Ilale Collection of Fossils, 179. — President Bouve wishes to resign, but 250 HISTORICAL SIvETCH. is lead to reconsider it, 180. — Alterations in the Constitution, — Corporate and Associate membership, 181._ Annual meeting 1876, 181.— Death of Dr. Walter Channing, 183.— Death of Edward Pick- ering, 184. — Death of Prof. F. B. Meek, 185. — Consideration of opening the Museum on Sundays, 185. — Annual meeting 1877, ISfi.— Death of Dr. Cliarles Pickering, 189.— Death of Prof. C. F. Ilartt, 192.— Annual meeting 1878, 194. — Death of Guidon Saltonstall, 197. — Death of Prof. Joseph Henry, 198. — Remarkable work of the Teachers' School of Science, 199. — Death of Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, 199. — Annual meeting 1879, '202. — Teachers' School of Science, 204. — Vote to publish an Anniversary vol- ume, 207.— Award of tlie second Grand Walker Prize to Prof. Josej)!! Leidy, 208. — Discussion relating to the Collection of Comparative Anatomy, 208. — Death of Dr. T. M.. Brewer, 209. — Plans for a fiftieth anniversary celebration, 211. — Resignation of Mr. Bouve from the Presidency, 212. — Fiftieth anniver- sary celel)ration, April 28, 1880, 213. — Address of Mr. Bouve, 213, — of Governor Long, 214, — -of Dr. Samuel Eliot, 215,— of President Eliot, 21G,— of Mr. Alex. Agassiz, 219,— of Rev. R. C. Waterston, 220. — Close of the celebration, 226. — Annual meeting 1880, 226. — Election of officers, with Samuel H. Scudder as President, 230. — Review of the fifth decade, 231. — Original members yet living, 234. — Sketch of George B. Emerson, 235. — Present condition of the Society and the hopes of its founders, 237. — Statistics of the Library and Museum, 238.— Funded property, 239. — Present work, 240. — Inade- quacy of means, 241. — Aspirations, 242. — Wishes expressed in Dr. W. J. Walker's will, 243. List of past officers of tlie Society, 244. Contents, 248. List of portraits, 250. PORTRAITS IN THIS VOLUME. Benjamin D. Greene, M.D., First President of the Society. Ileliotype from a life-size crayon por- trait in the possession of the Society. Opposite page 89. Geoege B. Emeesox, LL.D., Second President. Ileliotype from .an enlarged photograjih. Opposite page 286. Amos Binnet, M.D., Third President. IIeliotyi)e from a portrait in oil in possession of the Society. Opposite page 49. John Collins Waeren, M.D., Fourth President. Steel engraving from a daguerreotyj>e by J. A. Whipple. 0])posite page 66. Jeffries Wyman, M.D., Fifth President. Heliotype from an enlarged photograph finished in crayon, in the jtossession of the Society. Opjjosite page 169. Thomas T. Bouve, Sixth President. Heliotype fi'om a crayon portrait in possession of his family. Opposite page 212. William J. Walkee, M.D. Heliotype from a cr.ayon in ]iossession of the Society. Opposite page 105. Augustus A. Gould, M.D. Engraving by H. Wright Smith, from a daguerreotype by Southwoith & Ilawes, originally published in the Annual of Scientific Discovery for 1861. Opposite page 112. D. HuMPHEEYS Stoeee, M.D. Steel engraving, prepared for the " Biographical Encyclopedia of Massachusetts of the Nineteenth Century," published in New York in 1879. Opposite page 80. 1830. ANNIVERSAEY MEMOIES OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OP NATURAL HISTOEY. 1880. PROPOSITIONS CONCERNING THE CLASSIFICATION OF LAVAS, CONSIDERED WITH REFERENCE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR EXTRUSION. BY N. S. SHALER. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1880. Propositions Concerning the Classification of Lavas, Considered with Reference io the Circumstance of their Extrusions. By N. S. Shaler. 1 HE lavas of the earth are not easily divided into distinct physical groups ; a division on the basis of their chemical history has not yet been satisfactorily made, even Eichtofen's ingenious classification, which at first was accepted with considerable confidence, and seemed to promise a basis for future enquiry, not appearing to satisfy the conditions in all the various regions where volcanic rocks of different ages are found. The question of the physical and chemical history of the various molten rocks is still so much open to debate that almost any suggestions which promise to aid our understanding may be deemed warranted. I therefore venture to present the folloAving considerations concerning the physical history of the known groups of lavas. In this paper I propose to limit my- self to the mechanical history of the formation and the extrusion of lavas, avoiding the field of chemical inquiries as far as it may be possible to do so. For convenience, I have arranged the following matter in the form of pi'opositions which are taken up in succession. I regret the appeai'ance of dogmatic assertion this form gives, and also regret that the limits of the paper, as well as my knowledge of the work of others, do not enable me to indicate the precise points in which the suggestions differ from those wliich have hitherto been made. Outflows of lava are pretty clearly divisible into three classes, viz : 1. Those of ordinary volcanos, characterized by the fact that the escape of gas under great pressure brings about the extrusion of the lava. 2. Massive outflows of lava flowing not from a cone, but from a fissure, and showing no trace of the gas action which is the most conspicuous featiu-e in true volcanic action. 3. Inclosed dykes, i. e., dykes whose fissures did not reach the surface, but stopped short of it within the rocks which they penetrate. Besides these we have in various dykes and volcanic chimneys, occasional relics of the old channels up which the lavas that were forced out in volcanic or marine eruptions found their way to the surface. It is often impossible to determine to which of these last named classes such ejections belong, but they are easily separable from the third group, i. e., that of enclosed dykes. 4 SHALER ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF LAVAS The Lavas of Ordinary Volcanos. The immediate problems connected with the formation and extrusion of the lavas from volcanic cones are perhaps on the Avhole less perplexing than those we shall have to consider in the other classes of volcanic outbreaks; nevertheless, we find ourselves at the very outset in the midst of a maze of discordant opinions. After carefully weighing the diverse facts and theories which have been accumulated about the problem as far as they are known to me, I am inclined to maintain the following propositions as sufficiently supported to be worthy of presentation. 1. The formation and ejection of the lavas of ordinary volcanos is due to the invasions of heat into sedimentary deposits ; invasions brought about by the deposition of sediments on the sea-floors, and the consequent vaporization of the Avaters and other volatilizable substances contained in the deeply-buried rocks, — which substances were deposited at the time the buried rocks were laid down. This proposition is supported by the following facts, viz. : In the first place, the active volcanos of the earth are limited to the vicinity of areas of sedimentation, and their activity ceases when in the course of geographical change, the seas leave their neighborhood. Several times in the discussion of this problem, the suggestion has been made that the water which contributes the larger part of the gases poured out by volcanos, penetrated from the surfiice through the rocks to the heated deep-lying beds, and being there vaporized was the source of the gases which propel the lavas and other substances from the volcanic vent. Although Daubree has shown, by some very interesting and singularly overlooked experiments, that water will penetrate rocks against a considerable gaseous pressure, this theory seems to me essentially untenable, inasmuch as the penetration of water through the rocks beneath the land must be even more energetic than through the rocks beneath the sea, for the reason that the hydrostatic column is higher beneath the land ; we are therefore driven to regard the water contained in the gases of the volcano as originating in the water that is imprisoned in the rocks by stratification. In the second place all the lavas that have been submitted to a careful microscopic study, show that the temperatures to which they have been subjected are not high enough to melt any other than the easily fusible rocks. This is proven by the numerous fragments of more refractory rocli;s which they frequently contain. This is evidence of a very fair kind, to show that lavas are not derived from great depths, and that they are formed from rocks which had previously been consolidated. That the ejection of the lavas from ordinary volcanos is due to the action of the gases, is pretty well proven by the fact that most volcanic eruptions are essentially explosions of gaseous substances. Inasmuch as these gases are diffused in the atmosphere, or precipitated as rain, they leave no distinct record of themselves, but there is no reason to doubt that the volume of gases which have been poured out, by such a volcano as ^tna for instance, must amount to many thousand times the mass of the cone that we find there. At the time of fullest activity, such craters are discharging gas with a greater speed than the gases of gunpowder are discharged from a cannon's mouth at the moment of explosion, for they sent their ejection higher than they could be sent by any artillery. In many volcanos this BY THE CONDITIONS OF THEIR EXTRUSION. 5 speed of ejection if continued for a month, would set free a mass of gas equal to the atmo- sphere covering over fifty thousand square miles of the earth's surface. The actual weight of gases thrown out in a month of the most vigorous eruption, must in many volcanos exceed one thousand million tons, or a weight greater than half a cubic mile of ordinary volcanic rocks, or a large fraction of the mass of such a cone as ^tna. This esti- mate, which being only approximative is not worth exhibiting in detail, makes it clear that the volume of the escaping gases and their power is sufficient to propel the lava from the depths where it is found to the surface. 2. The gases erupted from a volcanic cone, and to a certain extent the lavas, are prin- cipally derived from a great horizontal distance from the point of escape. This proposition seems to me to stand on a tolerably sure footing. It is clear that the gases which escape from an ordinary volcanic cone during its formation would, even in their solid form, occupy a much greater mass than the cone itself. Moreover, we know that these gases are mainly the gases of water, and that compact sedimentary I'ocks cannot contain more than about two or five per cent, of this fluid. To find a source for the water which escapes from a volcanic cone we must assume it to have been derived from a great horizontal area about the cone. Assuming that in the case of Vesuvius the stratified rocks whicli give rise to the gases are limited to a depth of one or two hundred thousand feet (a conclusion to which we are led by the relatively low temperature at which the lavas are extruded), then we must believe that a part of the supply of gas is derived from distances of hundreds of miles horizontally from the vent. K we reckon the average diameter of the crater in all its history, at one half a mile, which is probably much within the facts, and assume that the whole time iu which the crater has been discharging gases at a high pressure since its beginning to have amounted to an aggregate of only five years, pro- bably a very small estimate, then it would have discharged in vapor nuich more water than could be contained in the rocks over an area of something like forty thousand square miles. So if we assume that the gases of volcanic eruptions are principally of water, and that this water was contained in the rocks as it is ordinarily contained there, then we must admit that the feeding ground of a volcano extends over a very wide area. The attitude of the rocks about a volcano comes in to support this conclusion in a very striking way. While in certain cases there is a subsidence of the beds to be noticed very near the crater, the general level of the region about the crater, even the largest, has never shown any distinct evidence of subsidence. When we remember that the cones of a volcano are the seats of a very rapid erosion, owing to the high angles of the slopes, the incoherent nature of the materials, their generally low specific gravity, and the torrential rainfalls that accompany great eruptions, causing the cones to wear down at an average rate of many feet in a thousand years, and also take into account the vast bulk of the gaseous emanations, it' is clear that luiless the supply of ejected matter came from a great distance on either side of the volcano, we wovdd not find this absence of sinking about the cone. Moreover the well determined interaction between certain volcanos hundreds of miles away from each other, shows that the gases must have this horizontal 6 SHALER ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF LAVAS movement, else the eruptions of one volcano could not cause the others to become dormant. It does not seem to me necessary to assume that this horizontal movement of the gases takes place through rocks in a state of complete fusion. It is a well recognized fact that certain substances, iron for instance, are more permeable to gases when hi ghly heated than when cold, nor need we assume that the movement of the gases is very rapid ; it may be, and probably is, rather slow, otherwise the repetition of periods of rejiose and explosion could not well be explained. 3. The lavas of ordinary volcanos do not represent the melting of the whole section, where they originate, but only that part of the section which it is pos- sible to melt at low temperatures. This proposition is deduced from the fact that all our lavas are characterized by the large proportion of silex which they contain ; none of them save the basalts fall below fifty per cent, of silex, and most of them exceed this amoiint. Now at the low temperature at which all of our lavas were formed, it is pretty certain that the limestones and clay slates, or, indeed any other elements of our ordinary geological sections, except the sandstones and other very siliceous rocks, would not become melted, though they might slowly part with their vaporizable substances. The result would be that the production of lavas would depend in a large degree upon the existence, in the section through which the gases made their way to the vent, of siliceous deposits, which coidd become fused at temperatures as low as probably prevailed in the region whence they came. This will enable us to account for the invariably siliceous character of our lavas. At the same time, it suggests that in part, at least, the peculiarities of character of volcanos may be explained by the irregular distribution of fusible deposits in the earth's crust. It has long been observed that the quantity of lavas voided by volcanos varied greatly; those in the Eifel district being singularly wanting in lavas, while those in other regions, as for instance, in the Sandwich Islands, throw out great quantities of lava. The ashes, which are in good part, at least, the product of the friction of fragments of melted rock upon each other, the rapilli, volcanic bombs, etc., which vary in quantity with the amount of lava, will not be thrown out in large quantities when the molten rock does not abound. In this way we see that the height of a volcano or the mass of the cone is in no way a fair measure of the energy of the escape of gases ; the Eifel volcanos, such as Laacher See, with their low walls of debris reminding us in their form of the lunar volcanos, may have discharged gases in exceeding abundance, yet have produced little lava, possibly on account of the absence of siliceous materials in the section whence they are derived. It is easily seen that this view aids us in understanding the absence of subsidence in the foundations of the great volcanos, notwithstanding the vast ejection of fluid and solid mat- ter from their cones. Taking only the very siliceous deposits which do not usually form a large part of the section, the lava-making forces would not be likely to remove a consid- erable vertical thickness from the region just beneath the cone. 4. The conversion of solid rocks into lavas is in part at least due to the energy of the movement of the imprisoned gases. This seems to me to be fairly well shown by the phenomena of volcanic eruptions. Whenever a new volcano breaks out, or whenever a cone long in BY THE CONDITIONS OF THEIR EXTRUSION. 7 repose again becomes active, their immediate products, gases, are the first to be thro-nm out; only after a considerable time, do we have any outbreak of lava. This is essentially what we should expect on general mechanical grounds. The evidence of a relatively low temperature in the lavas shows us that the heat beneath volcanos is not nearly so great as it is in an ordinary blast furnace ; even if elevated to the temperature that man frequently produces in the arts, there would be nothing to keep many of the enclosed unmelted fragments from being completely fused by the action of their molten envelopes. The interaction of the gases which escape from volcanos in the full tide of eruption, is too complicated for understanding. It will be worth while, however, to consider some of their effects. In the first place it is clear that the great expansion that takes place in them must have an effect in lowering their temperature, and that of the substances through which they pass. It is not possible, however, to separate this action from the other effects, in the way of increased temperature which their evolution produces. The movement of the gases would tend to produce this increase of heat in either of two ways : by the direct mechanical effort of their friction ; or by the recombination near the mouth of the volcano of the gases which had been separated in the more remote regions whence the volcano draws its supplies of matter. I am inclined to give little value to this action. There is, however, a way in which the gases act to liquify the lava which is worthy of attention. When the pressure of the contained gases becomes very great, they must necessarily tend to squeeze the rock containing them out in the direction of least resistance. The softening that would give this liberty of movement, is most likely to occur in sandstones and other highly siliceous rocks, and it is in them that we find the largest proportion of water to be volatilized. At the time of their deposition our sand- stones often contain as much as one fifteenth of their bulk of water, whUe the other more compact rocks do not usually contain more than from one fiftieth to one hundredth of their bulk of that substance. The escape of gases from the other more refractory materials would, as far as it escaped, have to pass through the rigid framework of the rock. Experience in coal and other mines shows us pretty clearly that the densest of our rocks are somewhat permeable to gases, and that these gases, under the pressure of their gen- eration from chemical changes, will make their way out through the interstices of the par- ticles which compose the rock. In this way the gases of heated rocks, which are the more permeable to such substances by virtue of their heating, probably find their way towards the volcanic outlets. So we may reasonably assume that the gases which are the main spring of volcanic activity, pass towards the vent in either of two ways : by driving the rock before them when it is fluid enough to admit of it, and by interstitial movement when this is not possible. The Lavas of Massive Eruptions. I propose now to consider the outlines of the probable history of that class of eruptions commonly termed massive. It is only of late years that it has been made tolerably plain to us that extensive outflows of lava occasionally, though rarely, take place without passing through the craters of true volcanos. As yet we know but little of these extrusions; they seem to have been formed in only a few of the known volcanic districts of the globe. They have been observed in the Cordilleras of North and South America, in the Deccan, 8 SHALER ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF LAVAS and in Transylvania, and less certainly elsewhere. It seems to be pretty clearly made out that the escape of these lavas to the surface has been through a fissure of considerable extent, and not through the cones of ordinary volcanos. It is also probable that there has been no great uj^rush of gases at work in propelling these lavas. It is easily seen that these eruptions present a problem of no small difficulty to those who may hold the opinions concerning the origin of lavas which I have embodied in the preceding propositions. If lavas are produced in the essentially solid earth and extruded by the action of heat oper- ating through the motion of imprisoned gases, how is it that we have these very exten- sive outflows of lava taking place without the aid of any great amount of gas ? It seems to me that it is important that these difficulties should be met, and shall therefore present certain considerations which seem to me to offer a fair explanation of the means whereby such lavas come to the surface. 1. The massive lavas are only found in i-egions where volcanic activity and mountain- building forces exist m the same field. As the geographical distribution of volcanos has been a matter of the utmost conse- quence to the theories of their origin, we may faii-ly begin our study of this par- ticular sjjecies of volcanic activity by considering its distribution. It seems to me to be a fact of the utmost importance to us, that the massive lavas are entirely wanting in many regions characterized by intense volcanic activity, yet remote-from mountains which are the product of recent uplifts, and that such outflows are equally wanting in many great chains, where the mountain-building forces have been exercised witt ..the greatest energy. ■ •-• . In the whole of the Alpine district, where the most jntense disturbance of the crust can be seen, or the Appalachian axis, where throughout the whole of the recorded geological time the mountain-building forces have been in operation, these massive lavas are entirely wanting. It seems evident, therefore, that molten rock is not of constant occurrence on the deeper sections beneath the ground whereon our high mountains rest ; that its formation and extrusion probably depend upon the combination of mountain-building forces, and the ordinary volcanic conditions in the same territory. The only way in which these two classes of forces can combine to produce such lavas may be represented in the following proposition. 2. The lavas thrown out in massive eruptions have been slowly accumulated beneath the surface of the earth near the foci of ordinary volcanos, and owe their ejec- tion to the strong lateral pressure brought to bear upon them by the compressive movements caused by the mountain-building forces. There can be no doubt that at a certain depth beneath volcanic cones there is a great mass of lava more or less perfectly fluid, which may remain in this condition for geological periods, after the outbreaks of gases have ceased to take place. This lava parts with its heat with such slowness, that if the mass and the depth at which it lies are considerable, there is hardly any limit to the length of time during which it may remain molten. Now when the mountain-building forces bring very great pressure to bear upon such lavas, they will tend to yield to the strain more easily than the solid rocks, and will be forced up through the old rocks, or through the fissures BY THE CONDITIOXS OF THEIR EXTRUSION. 9 which would form in the movement of the superjacent beds. We see in all our great mountain systems evidences of a certain spewing out of the deeper lyino- beds. The well-recognized fan structure of the Alpine and other massifs, exhibit this. Even in the simpler monoclinal mountains, such as the Malvern Hills, on the line between Worcestershire and Herefordshire, we often have evidences of the forcing ujj of these lowest lying rocks, though they never, so far as is known to me, show the ejected rocks flowing in the fashion of lavas, except _ where there is reason to believe that these regions had formerly been the seat of true volcanic action. The Cordilleras of North and South America, the Deccan and the Transylvania district are all regions where this pressure could naturally come upon the reservoirs of lava through the action of the compressive mountain-building forces. On the other hand owing to the fact that volcanos are not not often associated with mountain chains, but are more commonly apart from such axes, we have few regions where mountain-building forces have been brought to bear upon volcanos, so we cannot properly be surprised at the rarity of the occurrence of massive lavas, if we put the interpretation on their origin which is here suggested. It seems to me pretty clear that there is no other power except this compressive action of the mountain-building forces which can be adduced to explain the outflow of lavas when they are not impelled up by the gases of ordinary eruptions. We see that in such eruptions from cones there is great difficulty in forcing the lava out. even by the aid of the most powerful uprush of gas ; now as in the massive eruptions the gaseous element of the eruption was evidently small in quantity, we must suppose that some other form of pressure had been brought to bear upon the lava, and this could not well be any other than that arising from the horizontal compression of the beds that comes about in mountain building. It should be remarked that in all ancient volcanic outbreaks we are more apt to have the compact and nearly horizontal lava streams preserved, than the steep and incoherent cones whence they came. No geological features are liable to such rapid eftacement as volcanic cones. The high angle of their slopes, the incoherent nature of the materials that compose them, and the shocks to which they are subjected, lead to their very rapid destruction ; so that the older the volcanic district, the more likely we are to mistake the ruins of a crater lava system for the evidences of a massive outbreak. This consideration should give us caution in the classification of lavas from this point of view. Inclosed Lavas. This third and last of the groups of lavas includes all dykes of whatever nature that have not been formed in the pipes through which volcano ejections have made their way to the surface, or in other words all lavas deposited in fissures, the upper ends of which were not open to the surface of the ground. In the immediate neighljorhood of volcanic cones these lavas have often been formed in a peculiar and local way as diversions from the main pipes of the volcano. These 1 would exclude from the general class of inclosed lavas, regarding them as mere parts of the true volcanic lavas. Thus limited, this class of lavas remains jjy far the most extensive group of volcanic products. In most of our older crystalline rocks this group of lavas is very numerously represented. We could name many sections having areas of from one hundred to five hundred thousand square 10 SHALER ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF LAVAS miles, where every square mile would give several examples of such injections. In the older rocks of New England these dykes generally exceed a dozen in number to the square mile, and often rise to hundreds in such areas. Yet there are considerable areas of Archaean rocks, where such injections are very rare. The results of my personal enquiries into the origin and distribution of dykes are briefly stated in the following propositions, viz : 1. Dykes or enclosed lavas are only formed when rocks have been buried by siib- sequent accumulation to considerable depths beneath the surface, metamorphosed during such burial, and also subjected to the action of mountain-lniilding forces. A glance at the section from the Atlantic Coast in North Carolina Avestward into the cen- tre of the Mississippi Valley, or from the Laurentian Hills southward to the Ohio, will show the peculiar differences in the frequency of their occurrence which may be traced in rocks of different ages. Whenever the section passes through the old Archaean rocks we find a very great abundance of dykes, the injections distinctly showing their igneous origin. When we pass al)ove the level of the Archaean and enter into the lowest Cambrian section these intrusions disapjiear, and veins, i. e., deposits formed by the filling of fissures through water action abound. I have never seen a single dyke in the Cambrian rocks of East Tennessee or Southwestern Virginia, though they are extremely effected Ijy mountain dislocations and cut by the deep* faults that traverse every part of our Eastern American rocks. There are some of these faults that give a vertical throw of over ten thousand feet, and must penetrate to very great depths in the crust, yet in no case have they afforded a passage to lavas. Within the limits of the State of Kentucky, an area of about 40,000 square miles, I am satisfied that there is not a trace of dyke injection, though vein stones with contents that require us to suppose that they have been deposited by heated waters abound there. 1 am not aware of the existence of a single dyke within a radius of two hundred and fifty miles from the city of Cincinnati, though the geology of this region is pretty well known to me. In all these regions where dykes abound, the metamorphic character of the rocks enables us to make sure that they have been subjected to extensive alteration from heat, and in most if not all cases this heat has been brought into the strata by the protective effect of thick sections, that rested on the surface at the time the dykes were formed, but have since been eroded. Moreover, in all cases the regions extensively traversed by dykes have been greatly disturbed by mountain-building forces. We search in vain for horizontally dis- posed rocks penetrated by dykes or for recent beds that are marked ))y such injections. 2. Dj'ke stones are injected into fissures formed by the rupture of beds through contractions due to metamorphosis, or to the contortion of beds, and their mate- rials represent the n.ore siliceous deposits of the subjacent rocks of the section. The formation of the fissures which give rise to veins and to dykes is clearly due to allied causes. Considered as fissures, they are all clearly to be put into the same class. They are both formed by strains in the rocks ; tiiej' both first exist as openings, into which their contents are brought either slowly by the action of water, or rapidly through the action of igneous forces. Although we never find gash veins, /. e., fissures that only have a limited extension downwards, filled by dyke stones, we find true fissures, or those BY THE CONDITIONS OF THEIR EXTRUSION. H with an indefinite do-svnward extension, filled either with vein or dyke stones, according to the conditions of the rocks in which they occur. It is perfectly clear that the fissures in which the vein stones occur often existed as gaping fissures before the deposits they hold were introduced into them, and we are justified in believing that the fissures con- taining the dyke stones were formed in the same way. As before remarked, vein stones are characteristic of the higher lying and less metamorphic rocks. Though they are found among the rocks containing dykes, they occur there, it seems to me, as deposits made at another period than that which gave birth to the dykes. There seems to me no good reason to suspect that the furrows containing dykes*have been to any extent riven by the injection of the dyke, as is assumed l)y many writers. It is likely that the inrushing of materials having the weight and lluidity that belonged to the molten lava would have exercised a certain rending effect upon the rocks in which the dyke was formed, but there are abundant reasons for disbelieving that the fissure itself could have been originally riven by the actual force of the injection. The hypothesis of the derivation of these lavas from the more siliceous beds of the subjacent section is a less easily demonstrable part of our proposition. It rests upon the following classes of evidence. In the dyke stones of any district we usually find a very decided difference in composition among the several classes of injections that are found there. In some cases, dykes of one well distinguished class can be found in one set of beds, and yet not appear in those of a lower kind. Tliis class of facts has not been made the subject of careful study by our geologists, yet from my own observation I am satisfied of the truth of this assertion. No one can observe with care the distribution of the dyke stones of New England without being convinced of the truth of this proposition. The rocks on the shores of Maine and Massachusetts give some distinct examples of this class of facts. The dykes of peculiar felsite porphyries of the Marblehead district ai-e not found below the level of the stratified deposits of this age ; i. e., they do not exist over the older parts of the field wherein they lie. The amygdaloids, with porphyry deposits contained in the beds, are not found beyond the area of the conglomerates of the Cambrian age. The great series of highly metamorphosed slates and shales like York Harbor and Bald Head on the coast of Maine, contain a wonderful set of melaphyre dykes which are not found in the subjacent grani- toid rocks, though there is good evidence that these underlying rocks have not been much changed since the series of slates were formed. Basalts, ejections of the general mas- sive character of those which make up the Palisades of the Hudson, and the extensive dykes of the Connecticut Valley, are not found beyond the limits of the rocks of Triassic age in those districts. Though the same general classes of basalts are found in other regions near by, they never take on the peculiar facies which they have in these districts. While many of these peculiarities in the distribution of injected rocks may be explained in other ways, I am strongly inclined to believe that they cannot generally be explained, save by the hypothesis that they are dependent on the peculiarities of the sec- tions in which they are found. That is to say, they are formed from the deeper lying highly metamorphosed rocks of each district, and carry the peculiar stamp which is thereby imposed upon them. I do not mean to deny that many of the dyke stones ]2 SHALER ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF LAVAS come from depths below the levels to which geological sections ever give us access. Nor do I mean to quei fig- 25, have even closer resemblances in outline than the original four varieties o? PL levis, and yet, on account of the absence of hybrids or intermediate forms, are unquestionably more easily distinguished from one another, than these four original varieties. The same observations apply to PL tenuis, fig. 4, and PL triquetrus, fig. 19 ; PL discoideus, fig. 5, and PL supremus, fig. 10 ; PL '''iisclukui^ fig- 6, PL supremus, var. turritus, fig. 11, PL triquetrus, var. turbinatus, fig. 20. 1 In justice to myself it ought to be remarked, that the fer by tracings, or otherwise. After all the Bgures of each method pursued in drawing the different figures on pi. 9, series had been made, they were arranged upon a dark was as follows: Each series was picked out without refer- brown tablet. I had but a slight suspicion even of the ence to the formations, merely to show the zoological rela- remarkable nature of the ontological relations here des- tions. After all were drawn with the camera- lucida, no cribed, until the final arrangement of the figures on the transfers were permitted, therefore the shells are all plate had to be considered and carefully studied, in order to reversed. This defect, however, was considered prcferrable show as many of the natural relations of the species and to the risk of errors sure to occur in any attempt at trans- series, as possible. OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. H Figs. 5-10 and 6-11-20, at first sight do not seem to be very close ; but if we remember that PI. discoideiis, fig. 5, and PI. "'cul'mdms^ fig- 6, often have no carinations on the lower side, and if we compare these and such forms as are figured on pi. 2, line c, fig. 1-6, with the sulcated forms of PI. stqjremus, the resemblances will be seen to be quite as close as in other representative forms. Here also thei'e can be no doubt of the absence of hybrids. PI. trochiformis, fig. 7, stands alone in spite of its general resemblance to clenuda- tus, fig. 24, because the similarities to the latter are not exhibited in the form and characteristics of the whorl itself, but are simply such as any spiral shell might have to any other allied form, with a similar spiral mode of growth. This tendency reaches a climax in both the second sub-series and the Fourth Series, and thus, though PL trochiformis and denudatus (trochiform variety, pi. 9, fig. 24), have very distinct whorls, the general outline of the whole shell in each is similar. This is especially the case when we compare an old or distorted PL trochiformis, pi. 2, line r, fig. 10, in which the last whorl is j^^rtly unwound, with cZemtrfo^i/s, in which the young whorls are also closely wound, and the last whorls only open. This peculiarity has a dis- tinct meaning from that of the representative characteristics described above, and will be discussed farther on. At present it will be better to concentrate attention upon the representative charac- teristics in the progressive series, (Second, Third, and Fourth Series). As has been said above, we can readily account for the production of representative forms on the lower lines, because these are really one and all but slightly different from the four original varie- ties of PL levis, and resemble each other necessarily on account of their close affinity, though not joined by hybrids. But how can we account for the fact that still more divergent forms, which follow and which have less affinity with PL levis, should resemble each other, species for species, with such remarkable closeness ? New modifications are introduced in these species, which are not present in the original species. These new characteristics consist of altei'ations in the forms of the whorls, and the advent of sulca- tions, accompanied by a more decidedly asymetrical mode of growth. These modifications could not have been inherited from PL levis, since they did not exist in that species, nor in the lower representative foi'ms, pi. 9, figs. 2-9-18. These considerations enable us to separate the representation in the parallel series into two kinds, that which occurs by the inheritance of a similar form and characteristics from the parent form, PL levis, and that which results from the introduction of new characteristics in each series, which are similar to those produced in corresponding forms in other series, and which could not have resulted from intercrossing of the different species in the separate series. Two of the progressive series, the Second and Third, present us no foi'ms strictly parallel or representative to PL tenuis, fig. 40. This can be readily explained by the fact that these series retain with great pertinacity the characteristics of the varieties of PL levis, from which they sprang. The Second Series remains smooth and devoid of sulcations, though the outer side of the whorl becomes angulated in PL crescens. The Third Series retains the gibbous form of the under side of the whorl, and does not flatten the whorls at all, as in PL tenuis. Nevertheless, the general tendency to increase the 12 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES asymmetry of the spiral, and to introduce decisive sulcations and carinations, finally asserts itself, and eventually produces representation. Thus, PI. supremus becomes very similar to some of the varieties of PI. discoideus, and PL 'discoiZus'i particularly to those forms which either retain or revert to the smooth character of the under side first observed in PL levis. This Third Series also fails in producing any modification comparable with PL irochiformis, fig. 7, for the same reason, because of the preponderance of its in- herited peculiarities. Thus, although the last whorl is very asymmetrical, and quite similar in shape to trochiformis, the young internal whorls are peculiar and always have an upper umbilicus, and are therefore enveloped by, rather than elevated above, the outer whorls. This condition is frequently excessive in PL levis, and is the natural result of the discoidal mode of growth during the early stages of the shell. ^ These facts, when viewed as a whole, show that the progressive series are all more or less parallel, and may be said in general terms to have the following succession of form, First, a universal tendency to increase the spiral ; equivalent to the deepening of the lower at the expense of the upper umbilicus, thus eventually producing more or less trochiform shells. Second, the forms are modified in the following succession in each of these series, starting from (1) the smooth forms, there occurs (2) a gradual increase in the flattening of the sides of the whorl, both above and below, accompanied by (3) the introduction of longitudinal sulcations and (4) carinations. There is, then, in spite of the diversity maintained by the differences, which have arisen in the original progenitors, and which continue to be inherited throughout all the members of each genetic series, certain uniform tendencies which have led to the genesis of certain similarities in the form and even in the minor characteristics of the species in different series. Farther than this, it may also be said that these uniform ten- dencies, as expressed in the spirality of the growth and the introduction of new character- sties, have a certain unifoiTn succession. The phenomena, therefore, indicate the action of some general cause which controls the tendency to variation first observed in the varieties of PL levis, and brings about a certain uniformity in the production of forms and representative characteristics m each progressive series. The First Series and its sub-series are also subject to the control of the same law so far as the tendency to increased spirality is concerned, but in other respects they deserve special consideration. The similarities of the lower representative forms, figs. 25, 21, 18, are evidently accounted for in somewhat the same way as those of the progressive, viz. : they are close to the point of origin. Unlike these, however, they are so nearly related, that the hybrids or intermediate forms are numerous. It will be observed that they possess the flat form of whorl also found in the Second Series. We are on this account able to compare figs. 25, 21, with 13, and PL cos- tatus, fig. 26, with PL creseens, fig. 14. The representation of PL major, fig. 27, and PL ''Timuu/j fig- 22, is also evidently due to the close affinity of the two, and the tendency of the whorls to become uncoiled and to degenerate in outline gener- ally, as may be seen by observing the ajjertures of the shells. Fig. 28, PL costatus 1 Tliere are, however, forms much more like trochiformis line 1, fig. 4-11, but of these no full grown ones seemed than fig. 11, see PL oxysiomus, var. rotundatiformis, pi. 3, any closer than the one figured. OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 13 var. distortus, and PI. *""«?«"* ■> fig- 23, can be explained in the same way. Var. denudatus, fig. 24, crowns one sub-series standing alone, as did also the remarkable PI. troehiformis, the latter as the extreme of the progressive series, and the former as the extreme of the retrogressive series. These sub-series are not all purely retrogressive. The second sub-series is almost wholly so, because it does not add a single new character to those observed in PI. "","m'r ? except the tendency to form a spiral. It goes steadily without a break, from the closest coiled, smooth, dLscoidal form of the latter, to the extreme spiral, trochiform, and partly uncoiled denudatus, and remains throughout diminutive in size, smooth and with a cylindrical and extremely embryonic form of the whorl. The first sub-series, however, while it agrees entirely with the second in the size and form of the whorl and shell, and the tendency to increased spirality, nevertheless adds a new characteristic, the enlarged transverse striations or ribs, and increases in size in some species, as in figs. 26 and 27. Thus only the second sub-series is almost entirely retrogressive, and yet both the first and second have diminutive shells, and the first has also disea.sed forms, which present a tendency to uncoil the shell. This last characteristic is only observable in isolated instances in the species of the purely progressive series. Thus it occurs as figured on pi. 8, line a, fig. 1, to an incomplete degree in the extreme old age of PI. Steinheimensis ; and for a similar reason in a very large PI. tenuis, pi. 1, line k, fig. 11 ; in PI. discoideus, in different degrees, pi. 1, line g, fig. 10 ; line i, fig. 6 ; as a pathological condition of the individual either due to wounds, disease or premature old age ; in PI. oxysiomus to a most extraordi- nary degree as figured by Sandberger, and to a less degree in figs. 7, 8, 9, line p, pi. 3. These instances, however, are very instructive, since in fig. 8, the scars of severe wounds are apparent on the shells, whereas figs. 7 and 10 exhibit no cicatrices, and are evidently the result of some weakness caused by disease in the animal ; in PL troehiformis, pi. 2, line r, fig. 10, and other specimens as previously described, it occurs as the result probably of some disease. PI. 8 is especially devoted to these senile and diseased speci- mens, which will be described more fidly further on. The uncoiling of the whorls must therefore be looked upon as a sign of weakness in the animal, and as the result of pathological conditions, whether these be normal as in the final retrograde transformations of advanced senility and disease of any kind affecting the adults and young ; or traumatic and abnormal as in the cases cited where wounds and other accidents may have caused disease in the animal, followed by a weak condition in which the usual increase of the shell by growth could not be maintained. Therefore there is the strongest reason for calling the second sub-series a purely retrogressive series, and the first partly retrogressive, since not only do they show retrogression by the size of the species, and their failure to produce comparable series of new and varied forms with newly introduced characteristics, but they show common variations, which can be compared with the patho- logical variations and metamorphoses of the shells of individuals of the progressive series. It will be observed by all who read this memoir attentively, and study the plates especially, that these uncoiled forms do not occur, except in the cylindi'ical whorled forms which are transitional from PL minutus to denudatus and distortus, and this cylindrical characteristic is decisively retrogressive. It can occur only in those individuals which do not inherit 14 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES the more flattened and more involute whorls of the full grown PI. ""l'^/^-', but retain throughout life with very slight changes, the cylindrical form of the very youngest stages of that shell. Like the uncoiling, it indicates the weakness of the animals, which fail in the power of growth and cannot continue even the normal rate of increase in the size of the shell which distinguished them in their later stages, and adult condi- tion. It is very evident, however, that all of these retrogressive characteristics cannot be con- sidered as pathological in exactly the same sense as the results of individual cases of disease among the progressive species. They here aflFect three entire series of forms which exhibit their impaired natural powers in various degrees, in one series as has been shown, mingled with the advent of new characteristics, and in another, the third sub- series, so completely subservient to these new characteristics, that the forms become representative, notwithstanding their derivation from PL '"feiS"' and decrease in size, with those of the progressive series. The gradations and the numbers, and perfectly normal aspect of these shells as regards their thickness, external markings and so on, as well as the increase in size noted in first sub-series show that we must look to some cause which has affected their entire develop- ment and lessened their powers of growth, finally leading through heredity to evidently normal and general distortion. The retrogressive sub-series of the First Series, furnish therefore, a very sharp contrast with the picture presented as a whole by the purely progressive series. In the Second, Third and Fourth Series, there is a purely progressive tendency towards increase in involution, in size, in spirality, and in the addition of new characteristics. In the retrogressive sub-series on the other hand, there is a progression in some respects, and a retrogression in others. The progressive characteristics are, however, but feebly manifested. Thus the decrease in size from PL levis to PL 7ninutus, fig. 18, is the most marked characteristic, and after that the increase in size is confined to the normal members of the costatus group, the finely costate and the coarsely costate shells, which are similar to fig. 26, and lines h and k, pi. 4. The distorted forms corresponding to these, figs. 22-24, 28, pi. 9, and lines d, e, f, g, k, pi. 4, are nearly all small, and these are more numerous in the first or costate sub-series, than the larger shells. In the third sub-series no increase in size can be truthfully pi'edicated, as may be seen on pi. 4, lines a, b, c, though in these forms as has been stated, there are carinations and sulcations, and slightly turbinate forms produced, which are decidedly progressive in these characteristics. These facts seem to show clearly that each sub-series has a history of its own in which both progressive and- retrogressive tendencies are active in different degrees. The tendency then to produce foi^ms steadily increasing in spirality, is the only progres- sive characteristic common to all the series shown in the table, and is evidently a prepo- tent characteristic of all the Steinheim species, as it is in fact of most of the divisions of the shell-bearing Lamellibranchiata, Gasteropoda, and Cephalopoda. Eliminating this characteristic and laying it aside for future consideration, let us now turn to the very evident selection which has been exercised between the retrogressive and progressive characteristics of the different series and sub-series. It has been shown, that OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 15 the retrogressive characteristics of the first and second sub-series could be compared with the pathological conditions, normal and abnormal, of occasional diseased and senile individuals of the progressive series, but that they were distinct as far as they showed that whole series were affected. They were therefore spoken of as the results of normal pathological conditions of the animal, which were inherited with ever increasing effect in successive species, occasioning distortions and retrograde metamorphoses, and finally leading to the extinction of the race. In the same words we can formulate the life history of a diseased individual, since, as has been shown, a similar series of changes are produced in the forms and characteristics of the diseased individuals of the progressive series, and that these, though in a more confined field, are identical in their results, leading also to the death of the individual. In the individual the effects are shown in the disturbance of the laws of growth producing abnormal or premature weakness ; or in the natural exhaustion of the powers of growth, causing senility. A wound and its results, whatever they may be, can unques- tionalily be so classified, since it is primarily a severe shock to the system, which lays additional burdens upon the powers of growth, and is usually followed, if severe, . by retrogressive metamorphoses, or premature old age.^ Senility and its accompanying metamorphoses also fall under the same law, though here there is no accident, and we must refer it to the action of well known physiological laws. Thus, when the powers of incremental growth during the life of any individual reach that point at which actual increase in the size of its organs is no longer perceptible, physiology teaches us, that the organs are maintained in size and the performance of their functions by an adequate supply of nutriment ; but that, after a time, the individual becomes unable to digest sufficient food to supply the waste occasioned by the performance of its functions. Then, that those peculiar transformations take place, consisting of the loss of functions and the gradual decrease in size and entire or partial absorption of parts and organs, which constitute what are called the retrograde metamorphoses of old age. Senility, therefore, simply expresses the normal wearing out of the powers of vitalized tissue to sustain itself against the perpetual friction with the disintegrating, wasting, and idtimately unfavorable effect of existing physical surroundings. When we compare these effects of unfavorable environment in producing distortions and decrease in size of the individual, with the corresponding distortions and decrease in size of the retrogressive sub-series, there is a certain similarity which leads to the supposition that the latter are also probably due to an unfavorable environment. In other words, that the continuous action of unfavorable environment upon a race, eventually produces variations in form and characteristics in the successive but genetically connected species, which show that their growth not only as individuals is interfered with, but that the distortions and retrogressive characteristics thus produced tend to be inherited, and affect the whole series of forms. We are justified, therefore, in assuming, that in all probability the sub-series were retrogressive, because the environment in the Steinheim lake was so unfavorable ; that the 1 The exceptions in which additional normal characteristics or abnormal ones are produced are very rare and can be disregarded. 16 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES physical causes represented by that term acted upon the organization of the animals unfavorably, occasioned a weak pathological condition leading to deterioration in size, and to the production of senile-like characteristics and deformities, and the final but gradual extinction of the diflFerent sub-species. In other publications I have used the term geratology, and shall employ that same term here to indicate such correspondences and such phenomena. Having met the question of the general retrogression in size and form, by the hypothesis of an unfavorable environment, the question naturally arises, how shall we account for the progression of the progressive series ? How then could this environment act upon such closely allied shells, in such an opposite way as to cause the decease of some races and be entirely healthy for others ? We habitually refer such questions among animals, and in man, to the innate strength or pliability of the constitution of the race or the individual, and account for the survival, growth, and development of races and individuals by this reference to their supposed ability either to resist change in their surroundings, or to become modified in accordance therewith. This principle is one of the best established results of paleontological research. It is founded primarily upon the perpetual dying out of races in geological times, simultaneously with the close of formations and the incoming of closely-allied, but modified forms in later formations. It is sustained by the existence of persistent types which resisted change to such a degree, that they are but slightly modified through long periods of geological time, although passing through revolutions in the environment which destroyed the larger proportion of their allied forms. It is sustained by the advent and comparatively short life of those forms, which suffer greater modifications in each successive foi-mation. Among living animals it is a matter of daily exjierience to find some races incapable of enduring variations m the surroundings, to which others readily accommodate themselves, and even thrive under. Precisely the same environment, therefore, may produce results diametrically opposed to each other, even upon different individuals of the same species or closely allied forms, provided there is anything in the constitution either directly acquired or inherited, which enables the organization of one to resist or fit itself to conditions which the other cannot healthfully endure. It being therefore a matter of fitness or unfitness of the organization, a question of inherited or acquired power and capacity, which we can refer to the constitution of individuals, species, or races, we must now inquire, whether there are any signs of greater sti-ength to encounter, or ability to accommodate themselves to change manifested in progressive series. The facts already stated show this. The individual shells are larger, steadily increase in size in the suc- cessive species of each series, and show distortion only in isolated individuals as the results of disease, or only in the very advanced age of others equally exceptional. This latter fact is very curious, and would be puzzling if I had not already been familiar with the extraordinary fact, that many animals have no old age ; e. g., Amoeba, most of the Insecta, and probably most of the Crustacea. Old age, in fact, being the result of an exhausted or outgrown organization, it can onlj' take place in animals which have complicated organs, and which also live so long, or use them so actively that they become worn out by perpetual effort to sustain the waste occasioned by their surroundings. The absence OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 17 of well-marked old age metamorphoses in most of these large shells, is therefore another sign of the innate strength of the progressive series. The progressive series are, therefore, not persistent but variable types, and consequently we can consider them as possessing a capacity of adjusting themselves to the changes in their environment, which affected the retrogressive series unfavorably. The reference of these matters to the organization itself as a primary standard is farther sustained by the behavior of each of these series. Thus each series is distinct from every other in the amount of change which it exhibits, and in the partly retrogressive series we see the contention of two opposing tendencies. The i-epresentative chai-acteristics, the sulcations and carinations, and increas- ing involution of the whorl, are equally with the increase in size and spirality, marks of strength. If so, the third sub-series exhibits most decidedly this battle of the tendencies, and assuredly the first sub-series, where the size is temporarily increased, is a still stronger instance of a similar kind. Here we appear to have a display of energy or force which probably did not arise in the retrogressive species themselves, but was inherited from PI. levls, and we see it in these races unsuccessfully resisting the deadly influences of the unfavorable environment. These races, therefore, present in this respect, as well as in their forms, changes which may be compared to those in the life of any individual of the progressive series, which passes through a full series of changes or metamorphoses ; that is, one which has not only a series of young and adult progressive changes, but also a series of retrogressive or old age changes. If we analyze the phenomena presented by such an individual, we find, first, that it is smooth, discoidal, and in a word similar to PL levis ; then that the whorl shows a flatten- ing taking place above and below, with an increase in the amount of involution, and in spirality ; then sulcations begin to appear, and longitudinal carinse, then as it passes its adult condition, and is affected by disease or by old age, there is a tendency to suppress the longitudinal carinations, and substitute more prominent costae or transverse lines of growth, to decrease in size, and destroy the spiral. All of these last are changes attribut- able to weakness in the organization of the animal. The prominence of the transverse costae is due to longer periods of rest in building up the shell, and the consequent accumu- lation of shelly secretions at intervals ; the decrease of the size in whorl self-evidently to the same cause, and this also accounts well for the loss of symmetry in the spiral, which can only be maintained by a constant increase in the building up of the shell. Here we perceive the same contest of tendencies. There is the inherited strength of the consti- tution building up the organization in size, and in all its progressive characteristics, and resisting functional waste. There is then, in all outgrown specimens, though to an unap- preciable degree in some, a retrogression, and in others a well marked retrogression, in which the functional waste overbalances the supply of nutriment, and the organization loses its progressive characteristics in a series of retrogressive changes. The contest is decided at last as it must always be, in fiivor of function, the representative of physical forces, which exhausts, conquers and kills by continuous friction. Thus, we can i-eadily understand that each of these series, whether progressive or retrogressive, can so far as its collective life is concerned, be compared in the closest manner with the life of an 18 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES individual, and similar correspondences be traced in both, and also that the tendencies exhibited are of two kinds in each, one towards a building up of the organization, and the other directly opposed to this. We cannot imderstand these remarkable concordances between the changes shown in the succession of the forms in allied or genetic series, and the metamorphoses of the indi- vidual, unless we can attribute them to a similar cause. The fact, that during the growth of the individual, the increase in bulk, and all increments, whatever be their nature, must be due to an excess in the supply of nutriment over and above what is needed to repair the waste of the body, alone shows that there is a force at work within the organiza- tion. The action of this innate power of the oi'ganism therefore is fundamental, and lies at the base of all changes whatever, except the strictl}' retrogressive, and it becomes evi- dent that the same force which causes growth also occasions all progressive changes. It is sometimes the case that, as in the third sub-series, the foi'ce described produces a series of progressive characteristics without increasing the size ; but this, and also the very frequent decrease in bulk of full grown animals when compared with their larval forms, as in many butterflies and moths, etc., and in some frogs, may be accounted for by the greater development of functional activity. The phenomenon is similar to the stunting of the growth of an animal by the too early and powerful use of its organs. The growth power is used up in the assimilation of the formative material for the new parts produced, and their functional waste is so great that there is no material for inci'ease in bulk. If we apply the presence of this unknown power or force within the animal to the explanation of the characteristics of the series, we are struck by the ease with which all the phenomena of parallelisms ai'e resolved. By reference to the laws of growth and development the naturalist is able to explain why it is that all the forms and modifica- tions on the progressive grades, show similarities to the metamorphoses of the growing individuals ; why all the forms of the descending grades compare so closely with the senile metamorphoses of the individual ; why it is that some series, like some individuals, have no perceptible and others have a very complete series of old age metamorphoses ; why all the forms and characteristics of the progressive series succeed each other in similar order in every series, occasioning the reproduction in each series of an independent but similar parallel series of forms and characteristics ; why it is that there is a similar succession in the development of the characteristics in each representative species ; why it is that differ- ent tendencies, one towards the production of progressive, and the other towards the production of retrogressive chai'acteristics, can appear in the retrogressive series in different combinations or quafitities according to the series ; why it is in fact that the whole series of modifications in the group and its series, can be apjjroximately com- pared with the life of one individual. The uniloi-mities of series of animals as com^^ared with each other then become like the uniformities observable in the growth of closely allied individuals, like their parallelisms in growth and in old age or disease, all due to the force of the inheritable constitution, enabling the animal to take advantage of favorable surroundings for a time, or to resist the effects of its unfavorable environment more or less successfully. In all cases the individuals and its series must change by growth along certain lines of modifiation, which it is but reasonable to suppose we shall some day be ■able to map out beforehand for a series of forms with the same precision that we can now forecast the metamorphoses of any given individual in a given species. OF PLANORBIS AT STETNHEIM. 19 The parallelisms of the species or forms in the different series are, however, produced by characteristics, which, as we have noted above, are not inherited from PI. levis, and could not have been inherited from any previously existent species, since they originate inde- pendently in the forms of each series. This condition of affairs casts doubt upon these unqualified statements of the paramount influence of the forces of growth as stated above, and leads to the following question : Are these parallelisms adaptations, and can they possibly be attributed to the direct action of the luiiform external environment upon the forms of the different series ? This can hardly be answered in the Steinheim locality, but still there are indications that here, as in other groups, these parallel characteristics are not due to similar inorganic influences. The lower forms probably arose in the First Period if my observations are correct, and only a part of them, the PI. irochiformis in the Fourth Series, the forms of the First Series and its three sub-series during the Second Period, in the pits, and those of PI. crescens in the Second Series were evolved, during the same time. It does not appear, then, that the inorganic influences, which were probably very dissimilar, if we can judge by the deposits, during these two periods, could have been the cause of the representation. Fortunately, how- ever, the phenomenon of representation is quite common in the animal kingdom, and we can look elsewhere for a solution of this question. I have described a large number of species of Ammonites, and in no case was it possible to attribute the independent production of similar forms in distinct series to the action of similar physical environment. On the contrary, the most remarkable eases of parallelism took place frequently in series occurring in different formations and distinct faunae, just as the remarkable parallelism of the Marsupials with the rest of Mammalia. The unquestionable case of the Marsupials of Australia, may serve as a means of estimating the effects of the environment. While this certainly cannot be said to determine either the growth of the individuals in parallel lines, or to be the cause of the production of the parallel forms, it may nevertheless be essential to the full exhibition of both phenomena. It must be remembered that in the Marsupials we have, probably, the lowest mammalian type, as well as the oldest, and the greater number of representative forms which we now find in Australia, are characteristic of the present period, and they are not found in the fossil European, nor in the existing or fossil American forms. There is, then, something peculiar in the environment in Australia, which makes it possible at least for these forms, which represent Eodentia, Carnivora, etc., to be produced there. It is evident that, if the land had already been possessed by these classes of typical mammals, or if they had not belonged to the base of the mammalian stock, no such expansions of the marsupial type would have been possible. It required these two elements ; the growth force of a basic mammalian type and room for it to grow and reproduce, or a free environment. This was the case also in the Steinheim lake. Pkmorbis levis is an immature or low form, the field into which it entered was free, and it developed all its latent growth force, in order to fill it with species. In the same way the Ammonites did not exhibit their greatest expansion until after the lowest competing type. Nautilus, having expended its growth force in the Carboniferous, began to die out. This hypothesis then would attempt to account for the production of so many similar forms in distinct series, simply by the fact, that the series had room to expand, or to grow 20 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES and reproduce to the fullest extent in this field ; that they did so in precise accordance with the laws of growth, and the succession of characteristics in the individual. This is very evident from the fact that Planorbis exhibits no such tendencies in other localities where it is surrounded by competing forms. It has become plain probably to the " begeis- terte Darwinianer " by this time, that this is in fact an application of the law of natui'al selection, but he will also see that it is accompanied by such impoi-tant modifications, that it is reconciled with the laws of growth. Thus it may be said that the struggle for exist- ence, and the survival of the fittest, is a secondary law grafted ujjon laws of growth, and governed by them in all its manifestations. The law of natural selection, as generally understood, assumes in the first place the existence of an animal type, of its descendants, and of a tendency to vari- ation (indefinite and unlimited) in every one and all of these descendants, from which (an indefinite and unlimited) selection may take place during the struggle for existence between competing forms, destroying the weak and pei'mitting only the strongest and fittest of these variations to survive. The truth is. as fiir as my studies have gone, that there is no such thing as indefinite or unlimited variations in any species. They may perhaps be considered innumerable, but they are not indefinite or unlimited. This obvious proposition, if admitted, leads at once to the question, what are the limits within which a species may vary ? Making s2Decial studies for this purpose among the Ammonites, the limits of variation in the species have been found to correspond to the growth changes in an individual. Some individuals may retain a portion or a large part of their earlier developed characteristics (not embryological), some may make considerable modifications in their hereditary adult characteristics, amounting even to new additions in many instances ; some may occupy the other extreme, and either as diseased individuals, or as individuals under circumstances very vuifavorable to normal growth, show premature senile and retrograde metamoi'phoses and distortions. This also is a picture of the grander variations of any large or small group of Ammonites, and of the present group of Planorbis. PI. levis may vary from the equiumbilicated discoidal form, to the unequiumbilicated form similar to PI. oxi/.stomus, or the more depressed whorls of PL 'X'.'is'% and each of the varieties may have minor sub-varieties founded upon innumerable minor differences in the spiral, more or less angular outer sides, and so on, but there is evidently a well defined law in their develojDment. The variations consist in the retention of the earlier or young form with no additional progressive characteristics, or if these are added they consist of modifications or exaggei*ations of some part, found more or less developed in other forms, whether these occur in the lakes of America or other continents. It has already been shown that the representative forms were divisible into two kinds. Those whose similarities could be accounted for, because they differ very slightly from PL levis, retaining in part its form and smooth whorls, and those subsequently prodviced which were new in the Steinheim lake, and, that the former, which are due to the reten- tion of ancestral characteristics, are replaced by the latter. Thus the equiumbilicated discoidal form is lost entirely in PL tenuis, PL iriquetrus, and PL crescens, except in the young of some specimens. In PL cUscoideus, it is not even found in the young which are as_ynnmetrical at all ages, except perhaps the young- OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 21 est zones of growth in the shell. This decrease is evidently brought about by the prepo- tency of the newly introduced tendency to ing-ease the spirality, and develop the square form of the whorl and the sulcations and carinations. The retrogressive series, as may be readily seen, have an increase in the adult retrogressive characteristics, which obeys the same law ; the farther removed the species is from the original form the less it is apparent, either in the young or in any of the adult forms. Thus, in following up the series we find, that in any one form during the adult stages the representative characteristics displace the ancestral characteristics in inverse proportion to the affinity of the forms in which they appear for the ancestral form. This law is applicable even to those resemblances occurring between the forms of the old and young, such as have been traced between the oldest and youngest stages of the individual among the Ammonites, by D'Orbigny and the author, and by many authors between Baculites and Orthoceras. These resemblances are accompanied in these cases, as in man, where there is considerable resemblance in the form of the body and the parts at the extremes of life, by entirely distinct structures, and are evidently due to the partial or entire absence of parts and organs. In the young this is found only before or during the stage of development in the parts ; in the old however, only after or during the stages of absorption of the parts. The retention of the cylindrical or semi- cylindrical whorl in the adult of denudatus and dlstortus, are precisely comparable with such geratologous characteristics. The extreme young are closely coiled and similar to the young of PI. levis, and the subsequent aspect of the shell is bi-ought about by retrogressive changes counteracting the normal tendency of the growth. They are not arrests of development, but geratologous metamorphoses. True arrests of devel- opment and reversions, if the latter can really be sejDarated from the former, are precisely the exceptions which are needed to show the iniiformity of the law under ordinary conditions, and its subordination to unfavorable or extraordinary external conditions. This law is equally applicable to the parallelisms of individuals of the same brood, same variety, species, genus, or family. The differences which appear in the individual adults, and which distinguish them at this stage from their own young, or their own embryos, are for the most part those which show their affinity to other individuals of the same brood, variety, species, genus, and family. These new or differential characteristics replace those of the earlier stages, which, as is well known, are inherited from ancestors, who, with the exception of animals having the larval stages much prolonged, have first acquired them during growth in their adult stages. In fact, one cannot understand such series as are here shown, or as may be constructed from a study of the affinities of animals, when arranged with a due regard to the embryology, geological surroundings in different formations and occurrence in time, and their adult characteristics, without assuming continuity of descent. This being granted, all observations show that one and the same general law covers all series, whether retrogressive or progressive, namely, that the representative characteristics of the individuals and their differences in structure at the adult stage are inversely proportional to their relative removal in time, and the surrounding conditions or environment, from the egg or from some assmned or observed parent type. 22 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES It is impossible to construct a series and begin to investigate the causes of the origin of tlie forms without assuming continuity of descent, and tlie action of time and clianged conditions in modifying the organization, as has been done by modern experimental zoologists. If this position is the true one, then similar physical causes acting through similar periods in time, upon the same or different genetic series of animals, ought to produce results or modifications in which not only the action of time and the environment upon the animal, but also the reaction of the laws of heredity and growth, would be distinctly manifested. This has seemed to me to be the case among the Steinheim series, and among the Ammonites, and to account for the sudden appearance of geratologous resemblances, arrests of development and reversions, all of wliich are pathological ; and due, like other pathological conditions, to unfavorable surroundings. There are two extreme classes of cases which might be considered exceptions to such a law, one class embraces what paleontologists call persistent types, and another those curious parasites, which like the Epizoa and others among Crustacea, or the parasitic Vermes lose in the adult a portion or nearly all of their typical characteristics. The persistent types are such animals and their fossils, as in Lingula, Nautilus ; Myrmecobius among mammals ; Ceratodus among fishes ; and a host of other forms, which exhibit at the present day very nearly the same forms as those of the same genus found in Paleozoic or Mesozoic time. Even if this statement be doubted, as it may reasonably be with regard at any rate to the Lingulte, as stated by Mr. Dall, and with the Nautili, there still remains the fact that these types are persistent, or do not present any modifications of their organization at all proportionate to the changes through which they passed. Paleontologists have noted these peculiar and remarkable instances, but failed to call attention to the fact that many groups present a greater or less number of species wliich can be classed in the same category with these more noted examples, and that, after all, this is not an uncommon phenomenon. Almost every group of Ammonites contains such species, and I have tried to show in previous publications that all of these persistent species or forms were among the lower, or earlier occurring, members, or more embryonic forms of the groups to which they belonged. When taken in conjunction with the fact that none of the extremely per- sistent forms exhibited geratologous transformations, these facts appeared to show that the reason why time and changing conditions had no more effect, was due to the enormous power of reaction in the organism itself, its growth force, which enabled it to withstand the action of the shifting environment, and to adjust itself to these changes without materially modifying its own organization. Such a case is also presented here, and it is PI. ^"/Jir, PI- oxystomiis, and PI. Stemheimensis which have the greatest range in time, and are found in all the formations. K it be true that growth force has anything to do with the life of a series, as it has to do with the life of an individual, then there ought to be some common ratio between the power of reproduction in the series and in the individual, and between the life power of these persistent types and the point at which they sprang from the ancestral tree. In fine, if growth force has any meaning at all, and has, as is here claimed, an influence upon the life of a series in the same way that gravitation acts upon the OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 23 heavenly bodies, determining the morphological cycle of their successive species, then types could only be persistent when they sprang from a point of origin near to the source of the whole group to which they belong. The instances of persistent types are all of this character, as far as I know them, and preeminently what Prof. Agassiz would call embryonic types, when comparing them with the higher organisms of their own group. The greatest contrast with these is afforded by the parasitic types, which vary from those which are in the fully adult condition, still recognizable as Vermes, Crustacea, Mollusca, etc., to those in which all the type characteristics are obliterated in the adults, but still preserved in the young, and finally to those in which the type is difficult to recognize at any period. Of the first classes there are many examples, of the second fewer, and of the third very few illustrations. A large portion of the Epizoa among Crustacea, Entoconcha among Mollusca, Lingua- tula among Arthropoda, are familiar illustrations of the second class ; while Gregarina and Taenia, may possibly belong to the last, to which some of the males of several genera of the Cirripedia make a near approach. It is difficult to escape from the conclusion, that the loss in the adults of the alimentary canal and other parts and organs, which are foimd in the young of the second class, must be attributed to the parisitic environment ; no other adequate cause whatever has as yet been presented, and the losses take place in those parts which are especially aftected, and become useless on account of the parasitic environment namely, the alimentary canal, limbs, the shell, etc. In these cases, we can only account for the second and third classes, by supposing that the differences arise from the greater or less completeness of the parasitic mode of living, which time and habit have increased, imtil the environment finally conquered the tendency of the growth, and of the laws of heredity to repeat in the young the inherited characteristics of the type. How fast, or how slowly this was accomplished in specific cases, is not the question, but simjily whether there were two opposing forces at w'ork, one represented by heredity and growth, and the other by physical causes or the environment, and I think this assumption is highly probable. With regard to the third class of cases, it would be difficult to determine whether they represented distinct types in the animal kingdom in some cases ; but the gradation which is presented in the males of Cryptophialus among Cirripedia, where the young are almost as degraded in organization as the adults, shows that the environment has acted either throughout a long time or quickly and effectually, so as to destroy the type characteristics even in the earlier stages. This would then be an extreme exhibition of the power possessed by physical causes to alter the primitive organization, and in fact I do not see how we can otherwise account for this result when we look at the results of modern research and the serious modifications produced by the experiments of Schmankewitch upon Artemia and Branchipus among Crustacea, of Carl Semper upon Lymneus among Mollusca, and of Siebold and others upon Batrachians. But although this power be granted in the abstract, and as a corollary of all the relations of animals to their environment, the fact remains that under all but the most extraordinary conditions, animals maintain their type characteristics. They show this by 24 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES growing through a series of stages in the young, which repeat more or less fully the adult characteristics inherited from their ancestors, and by producing series of new forms, more or less parallel with those of other congeneric series, which are also new, or in j)art the direct result of inheritance from the parental type form. Thus, although it may be said that the environment, which here consisted of an unoc- cupied field, or one which may at least be inferred to have been uniiivorable for the growth of other competing shells, was favorable to the fullest expansion of the tyj^e, nevertheless the precision with which the series were evolved, and their concordances cannot be explained by any hypothesis based solely upon these influences. Again, if this be doubted, and the uniform action of the uniform environment be assumed as possible, then how account for the manifest differences arising in the primary PI. levis, and becoming hereditary in the series. These characteristics are not representative, but essentially diflferential, in fact the only ones which in the lower forms indicate affinity, and enable us to begin to thread our way through the complicated labryinth of represen- tative characteristics. Thus, PI. 't"S"% PI- "'iZT, PI- '"'"S"', and PI. «"»/^«!;™«*, are all more or less distinct and possess certain differences which are subsequently increased in each of the progressive and in some, but not all of the retrogressive series. Thus, PI. Pf^^^' has the sub-acute outer side of the whorl less perceptible than in PI. parvus, but it is a distinction constant in the series. Reversions to PI. levis might of coiirse, and prol)ably would, occur, if we could know the facts by the actual experiment of hatching broods, but these would only add strength to the ^jresent prop- osition, since they would only be adults retaining the form of the young, which until a late stage, even in PI. crescens, is identical with PI. levis. PI. "''"tlvi""'^ lias the narrow umbilicus and gibbous whorls in the lower side of some varieties of PI. levis, and we have only to consult the plates to see how persistently this is maintained in PI. supremus. PI. •s''"'j^'j™™«'« has the foi-m of whorl of the more angular and flattened varieties of PI. levis, with a tendency to increase this to an excessive degree in PI. discoideus. But here a curious interference is observable. An apparently retrogressive or revers- ionary characteristic, the gibbous or rounded and smooth character of the under side of the whorls described in many of the PI. discoideus, a^apears, and is increased in the succes- sive forms causing so close a resemblance to PI. supremus, that a derivation of that form from these was actually traced out by Hilgendorf. I have shown, however, that this is probably erroneous, and that they are in distinct genetic series. All of the changes of form in the First Series as previously pointed out, are repre- sentative, so that the only characteristics which can be compared to the class now under discussion are the prominent costa?, and the small size of the whorls when considered as one series. Having now this peculiar category of characteristics before us, it is easy to see that they represent the essential differences of the series, and are quite distinct in their nature. They are permanent when once introduced, and essentially progressive, or rather cumu- lative, in each series, except where they are modified by the introduction of some pre- potent representative or reversionary characteristic, as in PI. (rochiformis.^ 1 Though even here they are present in the early stages of all forms with one e.xcepliou (the variety with rotundatus like young). OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 25 They arise as differences and remain differences, and have at no time any value as representative characteristics. They, however, appear in the same forms as the repre- sentative or parallel characteristics ; and the question now arises, can they also be reduced to the control of the same law of succession in the series and in the individual ? Evidently there is no such succession, for if we take an individual out of any of the series, and attempt to show this, we are met at once by the insuperable difficulty that there is nothing to compare it with in other series. These chai^acteristics, therefore, present themselves with remarkable clearness, as increasing by heredity throughout the series, or as in the case of the Fourth Series increasing only in a certain number of species, and bemg then partly superseded by an evidently prepotent tendency in the remainder of the species to revert to the rounded form of the whorl, or they are absent as in the geratologous series, the second sub-series. Here, I think we have the key. The geratologous series, if the comparisons made above are approximately correct, owes its purely retrogressive character to the disadvantageous nature of the surroundings, and ia these the differential characteristics are not developed, while in all others they are devel- oped in precise proportion to their rank as progressive series. Thus in the first sub- series, the fine crowded costal or the enlarged widely separated costas or size, form alone the progressive characters of the series. In the third sub-series, the development of the third carination is decidedly progressive, as is also the serial difference of the Second and Third Series, and even the Fourth as far as it goes. Not only do these differential characteristics as a whole progress, or increase, but they are progressive in the differences, which they present within each series. That is to say, that the gibbous underside of the whorl in PI. supremus is only a little more gibbous in PI. supremus than it is in PZ. °^*,t7^"^ The whorl oi PI.p^;^' is more angular in PI. crescens, the flattened lower side of PL stMemensis g^-^j ^^^^^^ in PI. tenuis and PI. discoid- eus, the costfe of PI. ^°i!^l't',Z are largest in var. major of the largest size. There is then uniformity in the way in which these differences of the series act, they are all progressive, but their progress in each series .consists alone in their increase in intensity of expression or size in each series. Thus their uniformities are in the strongest possible contrast to the uniformities of the representative characteristics. These do not agree with each other in the same series, but have their uniform- ities in the representative forms of different series, whereas the differential charac- teristics have all their uniformities in the same series, and do not agree with each other in different series. The increase of intensity in each series is, as above stated, directly proportional to the more or less progressive character of the series, being nothing in the exclusively geratologous series, and most intense in the most progressive or Fourth Series. If, therefore, the absence of the differential characteristics can be accounted for by the action of disadvantageous surroundings in the- second sub-series, it becomes evident that the existence and permanency of the same class of characteristics in other series must be due to the selective action of the same suri-oundings. This conclusion can be farther sustained by the great increase in size of the First Series, or most progressive or differential one, and the gradual decrease in size of each series towards the left of plate 9. Proportionate size and weight are acknowledged by physiologists as the most 26 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES reliable basis of estimating relative health of individuals, and, other things being equal, the favorable or unfavorable character of their surroundings. These facts and the peculiar reversions of PI. trochiformis in some of its characteristics, appear therefore to be perfectly well accounted for by Darwin's theory of natural selection. In no other way can we possibly account for the selection of but four out of the varieties of 1*1. levis, and the continuous propagation and increasing intensity of the differences which they exhibit. An examination also of the figures of the nearest allied forms of PI. levis, such as PL Steinlieimensis , will show any one how many variations are lost in each form or species of the series, and how few are contmued. This can only be accounted for upon the supposition that those which survived possessed in some way advantages indi- cated by their peculiar variations, which enabled them to propagate those variations, and suppressed their less fortunate neighbors. It is impossible to imagine any uniform inorganic cause acting upon the comparatively constant organization of PI. levis, and producing therefrom a number of radiating series, genetically distinct from each other, and with all the other marks of independent consti- tutional and hereditary traits above cited, unless we allow with Darwin a basis of original, constitutional differences indicated by the tendency of PL levis to vary. Then it is easy to see how the physical environment would cause a selection to take place in the differ- ential characteristics of the varieties, and how the same causes continued, would perma- nently fix the favorable differences in the race or series, causing it even to increase in intensity until another change, as in PL tmwormisi might cause selective alteration of the original differences, or even a reversion of these. All of these considerations when taken together appear to show that the following propositions may be considered as reasonable : (1.) The extraordinary modifications and series of shells found at Steinheim are in one way exceptional, and owe their existence to exceptional conditions. (2.) These conditions appear to be the isolation of the modified descendants of PL levis, due to the absence of competing types, and the character of the environment. (3.) This environment was suitable for the propagation and joerpetuation of the distinctive peculiarities of three series, and unfavorable in various degrees to those of the sub-series of the First Series. (4.) That while the perpetuation and survival of the differential characteristics can be thus accounted for, we must look to other causes for the production of the parallel forms and the regularity of succession of these forms, as shown in the arrangement in the different series, and in the development of the individual. (5.) That this cause lies in some law of growth and heredity which reacts against the tendency of the physical environment to j^roduce variations and differences, and produces parallelism in the development of different individuals of the same species, of difl"erent species in the same series, and in the succession of forms in the diff'erent series, and also limits the tendency to variation within definite boundaries in the species, espec- ially in PL levis. (6.) That while the influence of the environment must be admitted as paramount in exceptionable instances, it for the most part produces these exceptions in extreme cases of parasitism, and the Steinheim shells are not parasites, and cannot be assumed to have been OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 27 under similar influences in respect to the laws governing the size and genesis of the series, they ought, therefore, to come under the same laws as other forms occurring in other localities. (7.) That this appears to be the case except in so far as they are a very limited group, confined to a very limited field, a field free from competition, and extremely favor- able to their growth for that and other reasons. These conclusions being approximately arrived at our next inquiry is very naturally, what is this law of heredity and growth which maintains the type, causes parallelisms and constrains variation under ordinary conditions, but still, in certain cases, is forced to give way to physical influences. Ruling out the lost or transient forms which are not perpetuated we see that the funda- mental law here, as elsewhere, is that all the characteristics are inherited after they are once introduced. Our first inquiry, then, must be as to the mode in which they are inherited. Is there any law which embraces this class of phenomena in some general statement ? In former essays, especially written for this purpose, I have tried to show that there was such a general law which is so plain and simple that I have wondered that no authors have made it the basis of investigation except Prof Cope and myself. In every series of animals which I have studied the same fact appears, namely, that in a given number of generations inherited characteristics of every kind tend to appear in the descendants at earlier stages than that at which they first occurred in the ancestral forms. Whether characteristics are normal or abnormal, provided they are fixed in the race either by the action of natural selection or by the direct working of physical causes, they are inlierited according to this law. Though led to this discovery, if it is such, by close observation of small series of Ammonoid forms, I have since applied it, with greater or less success, to every series of animals which have come imder observation, and in fact it is a corollary of the doctrine of evolution. The law of Biogenesis which is now quite generally adopted in Europe, though long since used habitually by the students of Prof Agassiz^ in this country, and regarded by them as an essential basis of investigation, leads naturally to a search for some such uniformity in the inheritance of characteristics as that described above. How can an animal in its transient stages of growth resemble the permanent adult characteristics of ancestral forms without the action of some such law ? A negation is not proof, though so often regarded in that light, nor is it proof that in some individual cases a disease or characteristic is inherited later in the life of that particular individual. These instances, and they are not very frequent, are exceptions, and this investigation simply shows that the ordinary action of this law, which has been called the law of accelerated development or acceleration by Cope and myself, has been interfered with by the action of external causes. The only proof against it must be of such a character as that upon which it is founded, namely, the investigation and published description of some genetically connected series of closely allied species, which do not develop in accordance with or verify its provisions. ^ Prof. Agassiz did not give his law an evolutionary called " Hseckel's law" in Europe, application nor a name, Haeckel did both, and it is now 28 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES A general and confused conception exists that certain characteristics either appear "in utero", or tend to be inherited at earlier or later periods in the life of individual descendants, and, then becoming fixed in the organizations, are transmissible at correspondmg stages, and also, that in some way, some of these characteristics become fixed in embryo, and thereafter are invariable for that particular division of animals. The law of acceleration appears to me at present to show the manner in which characteristics, which are perpetuated, finally either disappear or become fixed in the young, or even in embryo. This conclusion may be followed out by any one who will arrange a series of animals or their shells, according to their adult affinities and their developmental characteristics. He will then see that adult characteristics which are introduced in ancestral forms, tend to reappear at earlier and earlier stages, as he travels along the series. Though it is perhaps impossible for us to trace any type back to its beginning, and thus substantiate this law for the truly embryonic characteristics, the conclusion is inevitable that if it is a true exjjression for the mode of inheritance of any series of animals, it was probably also true for their ancestors. Why, then, the invariability of the embryonic form and characteristics, as among the Ammonoids and Nautili ? The explanation appeal's to me to present no great difficulty. All perpetuated characteristics when crowded into the younger stages, and tending to appear at younger and younger periods, must either replace the original embryonic form and characteristics, or be crowded out by the constant incoming of new charactei'istics, which are continually being originated and tending like them to be inherited by the law of acceleration. Embryonic characteristics are subject to great variations, under the action of corre- S230nding changes in the environment. Witness the different degrees to which parasitism has encroached upon the type characteristics of the males of Cirripedia and of the Epizoa, shortening the periods during which the young show their typical Crustacean forms and characteristics, and the inference becomes almost irresistible, that Taenia has lost its original type characteristics at all stages of development by the same process. In what other way can we describe this as taking place, except by the law of acceleration, by the earlier and earlier inheritance in successive generations of difierential characteristics first introduced in the adult stages of their ancestors by the influence of the parasitic environment ? It is evident that suitability to the parasitic mode of life determined the selection of these crustacean forms, otherwise Ave cannot understand their being found in such habitats, or the pliability of their organization, or the fiict that their young are locomotive, and seek out the hosts in which we find them when full grown. In the same way we cannot understand the disappearance of perpetuated characteristics in the young except on the hypothesis that they have become useless and are absorbed to make room for the new ones which are inherited from later ancestors. They are met on the one side by the embryonic type characteristics, which are the last to give way even in the parasites, and on the other by the action of the law of acceleration, and they must disappear or become embryonic. But room for them in the embryonic stages does not appear to be found, except perhaps to a very limited degree. This we know from the OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 29 comparative uniformity of these stages wherever they have been observed, except in a few extreme cases above described, and their almost exact parallelism in different individ- uals of the same type, and by the observations of Barrande, Chalmas and the author among the embryos of fossil Trilobites, Ammonites and Nautili. Why, then, are these embryonic characteristics usually so invariable,^ and why do they resist even the efforts of the parasitic environment to crowd them out by the action of the same law of heredity by which they first became embryonic ? If they first became embryonic by the action of the law of acceleration upon'the adult characteristics of some ancestral form, all traces of which are now lost, why did they not in their turn disajjpear ? An answer to this in detail must be deferred to a paper I am now preparing, an abstract of which will, I hope, m due time appear in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. Here I shall try to show that this invariability rests not only upon the power of the earlier and more embryonic organisms to resist change produced by the environment, but also upon the greater protection from the working of physical causes afforded to the young during the earlier periods of its existence. The environment is more uniform as regards temperature, food, and so on, in the egg, than at any subsequent period. Starting with the common origin of the ovum, I think it can be shown that the uniformity of the environment of the earlier stages, whether held " in utero " or cast out to take care of itself, whether carried and protected in pouches or at the breast, is not assumed without a sufficient basis of evidence. If it be granted, that there is a growth force in organisms, which is the basis of all heredity, and which resists the working of physical surroundings, tending to preserve the type and sustain the uniformity of the organization, which limits variations and produces parallelisms, the conclusion becomes inevitable, as in the Steinheim shells and the persistent and embryonic types, that the nearer an animal is to the point of origm of its type the stronger or more potent will be all of its uniformities, and the less subject to variation from changes in the environment. If then we can join to this any general law of uniformity in the environment at early stages, we have two efficient causes working in unison to maintain the stability in geologic time, and the invariability in heredity of existing types, as shown by the characteristics of the embryo. Deferring the proofs of this position to a future opportunity, it only remains to add by way of caution, that I recognize in the term growth-force an expression of a purely physical cause, which is shown by the fact that organic forms can and do habitually grow in opposition to the forces of gravitation, as well as exist and perjDctuate themselves in spite of the action of physical forces of the environment, which even under the most favorable circumstances suffer them to exist but a very lunited time, killing them off in inverse proportion to the innate powers of resistance, or growth force, manifested by them. I do not pretend to assume that this force is antecedent, correlative, or consequent upon the production of organic matter, I simply assume its active existence, 1 Comparative invariability is here meant, for as I have more recent descendant forms. See also H. J. Clark, shown, Fossil Cephalopoda, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zooh, vol. "Mind in Nature," on the differences of the egg in different 3, there is considerable variability in the earlier stages of types, etc., and authors on the structure of the egg at early Silurian Goniatites, as compared with the same stages in stages. 30 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES and use the word force as all of us are obliged to do for a cause, which we can recognize, but cannot see. This battle of a force from within, against a force from without, is perhaps the strongest argument for natural selection which can be adduced. But it also shows that natural selection, even if it is as general as is claimed, is the expression for a series of results caused by the action and reaction of these forces, one upon the other. The views of Wagner upon the necessity of isolation for the production of new forms, have specially interested me in connection with the Steinheim shells, since they show cer- tainly the effects of isolation in an extreme case. Although the Steinheim basin is an evident exception, and although it is much more difl&cult to apply the law of isolation in ordinary cases, still Weissmann has shown us how this can be done, and how the pre- vention of indiscriminate crossing, "amixie," may be called in to assist isolation in the production of new forms. This view appears to me to receive the strongest possible con- firmation when applied to the differential characteristics of the Steinheim Series, since, as I have pointed out, the four species were selected from a number of varieties of PI. levis, after these had migrated into this isolated basin where their surroundings were favorable, and the field unoccupied. But the uniformities presented by these series appear to me to indicate the existence of other causes, which must be taken into account if the phenomena presented by them are to be fully and correctly explained. The law of acceleration in the inheritance of characteristics is very often difficult to recognize among shells, but not fortunately among the Steinheim species. The rounded whorl of PL steiJheimensis, bcgius to be confined to the early stages in the PI. Steinheimensis, and in those like figs. 4-19, line c, pi. 1, which have angvdar whorls in the full-grown, it is found at still younger stages, and finally disappears altogether in PI. discoideus, with some exceptions, and is replaced in the young by a form like that of PL tenuis, fig. 4. This form is again replaced in the young of the extreme forms of PL discoideus and PL trochiformis, by a more spiral form resembling the adult of PL elegans, the whorl has the same flat, angular upper side, and rounded lower side. The increasing spirality of the adults is carried back into the easy stages in the same way and at the same time as the other characteristics. In PL crescens, this acceleration is less noticeable than in other forms, but even here the inheritance of the acute, angular, outer side of the whorl takes place much eaiiier in P. crescens, fig. 15, than in the transition form, fig. 14. In the young of PL discoideus and trochiformis, all traceable derivation from PL Steinheimensis is lost, being crowded out by the angular sulcatus or elegans fonn. This also occurs in PL triquetrus var. turhinatus, fig. 20, when compared with true PL triquetrus, fig. 19 and P. minuius. The inheritance of striae in the first sub-series proceeds according to the same law, but the presence of numerous hybrids makes it difficult to follow it out. The small sac-like shell which occupies the apex, belongs to the later embryonic stages, and as such is present in nearly aU Gasteropoda, except such as retain a still earlier and flatter or more open form, and all the Ammonoids and Belemnoids, and, though absent in the Nautiloids, its former presence is indicated by a scar which occupies the apex of the whorl. I have not a sufficient acquaintance with the local peculiarities of the Planorbidge in other habitats to determine whether there is any general modification in all of the shells, OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 31 or even a majority of them, which may have been caused by the physical peculiarities of the environment, and which can be attributed solely to their action. The tendency to increase the spirality in each series at first sight appears to be a uniform result which might be attributable to the habitat alone. But, as has been shown, this is a general tendency expressed without regard to locality in nearly all series of the Mollusca, and shows very forcibly what the author means by the tendency of growth- force to reproduce under the most diverse circumstances similar forms in similar succession. The well-known researches of Mr. J. A. Allen ^ and other American naturalists among birds and mammals have shown that such general modification in the colors, bills, tail and wing feathers of birds, and iu the pelage and size of ears and feet in mammals, do take place in given localities, and are attributable probably to certain well defined local causes, such as humidity, temperature, etc. My own similar results obtained from the commercial forms of the keratose sponges,^ and Mr. Scudder's^ in the insects, also seem to show that there are such general effects on the organization which may be separated from other categories of characteristics. There is not the slightest reason for regarding any of the series, as purely scalariform and distorted, except the first and second sub-series. These also agree in form with the Planorbis found in the famous locality of Magnon, where the environment is evidently unfavorable to the race. To these instances I can happily add another of peculiar interest which occurs in a marl bed at Lawlor's Lake, near St. John, New Brunswick. My attention was first called to this locality by the kindness of Prof. E. S. Morse, who sent me a lot of shells collected there by Prof. C. F. Hartt, late Director of the Geological Survey of Brazil, whose untimely loss was regarded here, as well as in the country of his adojation, as a public misfortune. Since the receipt of these I have personally surveyed the locality in company with Mr. G. F. Matthews, a well known geologist of St. John, attached to the Canadian Survey. Residing several weeks in the vicinity, I gathered a large collection, which is now undergoing the process of sifting. The shells are all scalariform and distorted so as to resemble closely in form and aspect the third sub-series and the Magnon Planorbes, but they all belong to the genus Valvata (an unquestionable identification). It is also worthy of remark, that a true Planorbis is found abundantly side by side with the distorted Valvatae, so similar to PI. levis, that I think it may prove to be identical. This is also distorted but to a less degree. It would be premature to attempt to give a description of the probable condition of the lake when the distortions were produced in Valvata, but I hope to be able to present, in course of time, a joint memoir written by Mr. Matthews and myself It may be observed, however, that none of the distorted Valvata now exist in the lake itself, upon the banks of which, and in immediate contact with the water, lie the deposits of marl containing the extinct shells. In aU these instances of pure distortion, as well as in others observed by me in speci- 1 Bulletin Mus. Comp. Zool., Vol. 2. s Revision of Oedipodidse, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 2 North American Poriferse, Mem. Bost. See. Nat. Hist., Vol. 17, p. 482-83. Vol. 2, pt. 2, 1877. 32 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES mens of Planorbis from this vicinity, or from the West^ there is no difficulty in deter- mining that they are the result of the unusual and unfavorable conditions to which the individuals or races were exposed. They all show one thing, namely, a disturbance of the regular growth of the spiral, resulting in some extreme cases in the complete unroll- ing of the whorls. This enables us to separate them at once from such series as are presented in the third sub-series, and Second, Third, and Fourth Series on pi. 9, and adds considerably to the evidence here produced. This question undeservedly assumed great prominence in the discussion of the Steinheim shells, at the meeting of the Naturforschende Gesellschaft at Munich, several naturalists hastily adopting the view that most of these shells were distorted forms. I must also be permitted to point out another serious error which the retrogressive sub-series illustrate. Many investigators evidently picture a retrogressive series as a departure from the normal form of any group, which can only be represented by a line running backwards, so that to them the fan-shaped ari-angement of lines is not a true presentation of the affinities of any given number of series. They demand a series of radii emanating from a centre to all points of the periphery of a sphere. The utmost that can be granted to the graphic presentation of such an arrangement is a hemisphere of radiating lines. A centre of distribution being granted, that centre is a form or fixed point in geologic time, and from that we can only truthfully depart in lines of genetic descent, radiating in time upwards, or horizontally, perhaps, but never backwards. This common sense view of the relations of affinity and time is farther borne out by the fact, that in no case are retrogressive series actual returns of forms really identicalwith those previously existing, unless they are the direct descendants of those forms. The Baculite is not an Orthoceras, nor is Bactrites, though they are all wonderfully similar. The Epizoa are never Protozoa, nor is Entoconcha a worm. Nor are the distorted forms of Magnon,^ though Planorbes, identical with their distorted brethren of the Steinheim basin, though this is a case where identity could perhaps be found, if the environment was exactly similar, and they belonged to the same species. If the retrogressive sub-series can be represented by lines going backwards, where are the more ancient forms with which they are identical ? It cannot be claimed that the Magnon specimens should be graphically represented in this way, because they are sunilar to those of Steinheim ; for it is evident that they are simply parallel forms. As compared with the normal Planorbis, they can be more truthfully represented by the extreme lateral line of a fan-shaped arrangement of lines having a centre, in some existmg species of Planorbis. The habit of representing affinities by the sphere of radiating lines is in direct opposition to all that we know about genesis, growth, and development, retrogressive or progressive, and the relations of these phenomena to time and the surfaces upon which animals live. I may add, also, that it is rarely employed by any, but mere zoologists. ' U. S. Geol. anil Geo"-. Survey of Colorado, Dr. F. V. ^ M. Louis Pire. Planorbis complanatus (forme scalaire). Hayden, 1874. Report by Ernest Ingersoll, p. 402. Ann. Soc. Malacol. Brussels, vol. 6, 1871. OF PLANORBIS AT STEINHEIM. 33 II. Geology op Stein^heim. HeJ'ercnces THE COAfiS£ LfM£ST(yf£ oxrsTo^as i/M£srof^£ Pfr OEPosfrs or r£^n JAA/OS AMO £rM£STOW CLO/ST£f> PIT, A £AST f/T. B. urrtE fir. c. OLO f/r, o. ^j f/£W pir. c GEOLOGICAL MAP. The village of Steinheim in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, stands at the height of about 1867 Wg. feet above the level of the sea.-' It is not for from Heidenheim on the eastern slope of the elevated plateau forming the Wurtemburger Alb. This village, from which the formations described in the following pages acquire their name, and the village of Sontheim, are situated in a valley which is circular in form, surrounding a central hill ; Steinheim lying just to the north of this elevation, and Sontheim a short distance to the south. The valley externally, is surrounded by a circle of ridges more or less discon- tinuous where they have been cut through by the drainage of the surrounding highlands. The underlying formations of these ridges is the White or Upper Jura. Those of the central hill, where the overlying Tertiary limestones and sands have been removed by denudation, comprise representations of all the principal foi'mations from the Lias to the 1 Equal to about 1822.5 English feet, or about 555.5 metres. 34 HYATT ON THE TERTIARY SPECIES White Jura, A and li included. Prof. Quenstedt and Prof. Fraas have given minute descriptions of the geology, and the map accompanying the official report of the latter to the government of Wurtemburg, is here reproduced with certain essential changes in order to illustrate this description. Though differing with regard to the structure of the underlying portions of the central hill or Cloisterberg, these investigators and Prof. Sand- berger agree in considering the valley to be due primarily to a synclinal depression of the White or Upper Jura, which is the surface rock of the larger portion of the surrounding and more elevated parts of the Alb. According to this view then, we start in our history with a more or less closed kettle shaped valley in which the Tertiary rocks, clays and sands, which form the subject of this memoir, were deposited. These belong, according to all authorities, to the Miocene, and according to Sandberger to the upper part of that formation. SuiTovinding the entire edge or rim of the kettle is found a peculiar coarse breccia of the older or Jurassic rocks, cemented together by freshwater limestone. My visits to these rocks were directed wholly to the search for the beds described by Hilgendorf as contain- ing PI. aequiumbilicatus and its descendants, and therefore, the geological observations made were merely incidental. I first endeavored to find these rocks as directed by Hilgendorf on the west side of the basin, but did not succeed on account of the stormy weather and my uncertainty as to their exact position. Subsequently, and also in the face of a cold storm, I succeeded in finding two of the formations described by Fraas as occurr- ing upon the Burgstall south of Sontheim, or " Die Landzunge zwischen dem Stubenthal und Steinheimer Thai." Prof Fraas writes of this locality very fully, and the cursory observations made by me accord precisely with his descriptions. The Coarse Breccia lying externally, or next to the Jurassic rocks, I did not visit, but found the Coarse Fresh-water Limestone o