ii

t^^^r^--^

:L3L3

OF

COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY,

AT HARVARD COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
jFountictr fij prfbate suliscrfption, fn 1861.

The

gift of Vfu. (^ d^--jC iJrn^LbMuJju

No. ^^^f.

BULLETIN

OF THE

ESSEX INSTITUTE,

VOLUME XI.

1879.

SALEM, MASS.

PRINTED AT THE SALEM PRESS

1880.

CONTENTS.

Page.
A Catalojsrne of the Fishes of Essex County, including the Fauna

of Massachusetts Bay and the contiguous deep waters; by G.

Brown Goode and T. H. Bean, 1

Regular Meeting, Monday, January 6, 1879, . . . .89

Ornithological Explorations of the Lesser Antilles; by Frederick

A. Ober, 39

A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands, with annotations;

by Edgar A. Mearns {continued), 43

The Solar Eclipse of 1878; a lecture before the Institute, by

Winslovv Upton, 53

Notes on the native and extensively introduced woody Plants of

Essex County, Massachusetts; by John Robinson, ... 72

Meeting, Tuesday, January 21, 1879, 107

Meeting, Monday, February 3, 1879, 107

Meeting, Friday, February 28, 1879 107

A Paper upon the Old Merchants of Salem; by Nath'l Silsbee,

Notice of, 107

The Enharmonic- Key-board of Prof. Henry Ward Poole ; by Theo-
dore M. Osborne, 109

Meeting, Monday, April 7, 1879, 123

Meeting, Thursday, April 24, 1879, 123

Meeting, Monday, May 5, 1879, 123

Annual Meeting, Monday, May 19, 1819, 124

Retros|iect ot tlie Year, 124 ; members, 124; meetinprs, 126; lectures and
conceits, 127; excnrsions. 129; musenm. 129; hoiticultural exliibiton,
lao; landing of John Endicott, l:!l ; publications, 181; library, 132;
financial. 140; election ol" officers, 142.

Meeting, Monday, June 1, 1879, 143

Field Meeting at South Ptabody, Friday, June 20, 1879, . . 143
Remarks by the President. Uev. Georg:e F. Wright of Andover, James
11. Emerton, Rev. (J. C. Carpenter, and otiiers.

Field Meeting at Andover, Friday, June 27, 1879, . . . 145

The excursion. 14.5. Remarks of Hev. George F. Wright, Pi of. W. H.
>>'iles; a chapter of tlie lorthcoming history of Andover. bv Miss
Siirah L. Bailey, read by Rev. F. H. Johnson, 14(). Remarks by Mr.
Goldsmith of Andover, J. M. Emerton, Rev. Selah Merrill, Rev. E. S.
Atwood and G. W. W. Dove.

(iii)

{V CONTENTS.

Regular Meeting, Monday, July 7, 1879, 149

Memoir of Mr. James Upton, by Rev. R. C. Mills, read. Notice of, 149.
Remarks by Dr. G. A. Perkins and Mr. James Kimball, 150.

Field Meeting, Thursday, July 31, 1879, at Danvers, . . . 150
Excursion, 150. Remarks by the President, 151 ; Andrew Nichols, 152;
Dr. Calvin S. May. Rev. L. M. Livermore, J. H. Einerton, Dr. George
A. Perkins, Rev. \V. E. C. Wright, and Rev. F. Israel.

A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands, with annotations ;

by Edgar A. Mearns (continued), 154

Catalogue of books published by Essex Institute, . . . 168

Field Meeting at Bay View, Gloucester, Wednesday, August 27,

1879, 173

Excursion, 173; Cape Ann Granite Co., 175; remarks of Col. French,
177: Dr. Thomas Conaiit, 178; James Davis, 178; James H. Eiuerton,
179; Charles D. Drake, 179; A. Hyatt, 179; N. A. Hortou and others,
180.

Meeting, Monday, September 15, 1879, ....

James Samuelson, lecture on Darwinism, notice of, 181.
Meeting, Thursday, September 18, 1879, ....

James Samuelson, lecture on the Classification of Animals, notice of,
182.

Meeting, Monday, October 6, 1879,

Meeting, Monday, October 20, 1879,

William H. Tappan, lecture on Gold and Silver Mines and Mining,
notice of, 184.

Meeting, Monday, November 3, 1879,

Meeting, Monday, November 17, 1879

James H. Emerton, lecture an the Animals at the Bottom of Salem
Harbor, notice of, 185.

Meeting, Monday, December 1, 1879, .....

Meeting, Monday, December 15, 1879,

W. S. Nevius, lecture, An Account of a Visit to Pon-^ieii, notice of, 187
A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands, with annotations
by Edgar A. Meariis {continued), ^ ^ . , .

181
182

184
184

185
185

187
187

189

BULLET I N

OF THE

ESSEX: in^rsTiTTJTE.

Vol. 11. Salem, Jan., Feb., Mar., 1879. Nos. 1, 2, 3.

• •

A Catalogue of the Fishes of Essex Count]/, Massachu-
setts, i7iduding the fauna of Massachusetts Bay and
the contiguous deep waters.

By G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean.

PREFATORY NOTE.

The following catalogue has been prepared at the request of the
officers of the Ess x Institute as an aid to the arrangement and study
of the Institute collection^ of local species. It is believed to be com-
plete to the date of publication, and, through the courtesy of Prof.
Baird, includes the latest additions made to the fauna by the U. S.
Fish Commission in its explorations from the summer stations at
Gloucester (1878), Salem and Halifax (1877), Portland (1873), and
Eastport (1872).

The field is by no means an untrodden one, having been well trav-
ersed during the half-century past by Wheatland, Storer, Agassiz, and
Putnam. The improved methods of deep sea research and the zeal
of the Gloucester fishermen have, however, been instrumental in add-
ing many new species to the list. Too much cannot be said in com-
mendation of the captains and crews of the ofi'-shore fishing fleet, who
have talien an active part in the scientific exploration of the fishing
banks, and who have brought in during the past eight months several
thousand natural history specimens in alcohol, besides making impor-

iThe scientific collections of the Essex Institute are deposited in the museum
of the Peabody Academy of Science.

ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. XI 1

tant physical observations, aud recording many valuable observations
on the methods employed in the fisheries.

The latest list of the fishes of Massachusetts Bay is the one in
Storer's "History of the Fishes of Massachusetts," published in 1867.
In that work 134 species were enumerated, with a nominal list of 21
others in an appendix: of the 155 species mentioned, only 111 are
marine or brackish-water species known to occur north of Cape Cod;
99 of these are recognized as valid species in this catalogue, and it is
but justice to Dr. Slorer's accurate workmanship to say that only two
or three of those rejected are among the 134 which were described
and illustrated by him in the body of his book, viz. : Murcenoides ingens,
Murcenoides macrocephalus and Petromijzon nigricans. Several of his
species have, however, been identified with well known European
forms ; and the laws of priority have made necessary changes in the
nomenclature of several others.

We enumerate below 183 species, of which 163 inhabit salt or brack-
ish water, 20 fresh water. Of the marine species, 104 have actually
been recorded from Essex County, Massachusetts, or from localities
within ten miles of its shores, the aggregate for Essex County, includ-
ing the fresh water species, being 124: the number of marine species
from within the limits of Massachusetts Bay, that is, inside of a fine
from Cape Cod to Cape Ann, is 133 ; while 29 are from the deeper ofi"-
shore waters in the vicinity of Georges, Le Have, Browns and Sable
Island Banks. Out of the number recorded from Massachusetts Bay,
83 may be regarded as resident, or regularly to be expected ; 46 others
are known only as stragglers, and for knowledge of most of these
science is indebted to the vigilant ouUook kept by Capt. N. E Atwood
from his station on the tip end of Cape Cod. At the end of the paper
are given tabular lists showing the faunal relations of the species
which are enumerated in the catalogue.
Smithsonian Institution, March 1, 1879.

C AT ALOGMJE.

Class PISCJES.

Sub- class TEIiEOSXEI,

Order PEDICULATI. •

Family LOPHIID^.

1. Lophius piscatorius Linn. Goose-fish. LopMus america-
nus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 101, pi. xviii, fig. 2. A common
resident of the deep waters, often coming to the shores. The museum

of the Essex Institute has a specimen, about four inches in length,
taken on the banks of Newfoundland, in 1856, by L. J. Johnson. This
is probably the most northern recorded occurrence of the species in
the western Atlantic, excej)t an uncontirmed statement by Pennant of
its appearance in Hudson's Bay.

Order PLE C TO GN ATHI .

Sub-order GYMNODONTES.
Family ORTHAGORISCID^.

2. Mola rotunda Cuv. Sun-fish. Orthagoriscus mola Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 226, pi. xxxiv, fig. 2. Frequently seen on
warm summer days, floating on its side at the surface. An individual
four feet in length, was taken off Gloucester, July 31, 1860. The
Essex Institute has a specimen, stuffed, taken in Salem harbor in the
summer of 1863.

Family TETRODONTID^.

3. Cirrisomus turgidus {Mitch.) Jordan & Gilbert. Swell-
fish. Tetrodon turgidus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 223, pi.
xxxiii, fig. 5. The museum of the Essex Institute has a specimen
from Salem harbor, probably that recorded by Wheatland (Jour. Essex
Co. Nat. Hist. Soc, 1852, p. 124) as having been taken in 1848. The
species has also been found at Provincetown by Capt. N. E. Atwood.

Sub-order SCLEBODEBMA.
Family BALISTID^.

4. Balistes capriscus Linn. Dusky File-fish. Balistes full-
ginosus DeKay, Zool. N. Y. Fish., 1842, p. 339, pi. Ivii, fig. 188. This
species has several times been taken at Newport, R. I., and Wood's
Hole, Mass. In the Colonial Museum at Halifax is a specimen said to
have been taken on the coast of Nova Scotia. The species should be
looked for in Massachusetts Bay.

5. Alutera Schoepfii {Walb.) Goods & Bean. Orange File-
fish. Monacanthus aurantiacus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p.
9, pi. xxxiv, fig. 3. Ceratacanthus aurantiacus Gill. Alutera cuspi-
cauda DeKay. Aluteres cuspicauda Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p.
233, pi. XXXV, fig. 2. Seldom seen north of Cape Cod. A single indi-
vidual was taken at Forest River Lead Works, Salem, Aug. 9, 1845,
and is now in the museum of the Essex Institute. A. cuspicauda is
the young of this species.

6. Monacanthus setifer Bennett. Bennett's File-fish. Mona
canthus massachusettensis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 231, pi
xxiv, fig. 4. Monacanthus signifer Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p
232, pi. XXXV, fig. 1. Occasionally seen in summer in protected bays
Storer records specimens from Hingham, Lynn, Nahant, and Boston

Order LOPHOBRANCHII .

Sub-order SYNGNATHI.
Family HIPPOCAMPID^.

7. Hippocampus antiquorum Leach. Sea Horse. ? Hippo-
campus hudsonius Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 222, pi. xxxiii, fig.
4. Hippocampus antiquorum Goode, Bull. U. S. National Museum, i,
p. 45, 1878. A single individual was obtained on George's Banks in
1873, by a Portland mackerel schooner. This, or some nearly allied
species, has been seen in Massachusetts Bay.

Family SYNGNATHID^.

8. SiphonostomaPeckianuni (/Scorer) G^i7Z. Syngnathus Pecki-
anus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 218 (in part). Siphonostoma
Feckiana Gill, MSS. A specimen was taken in South Mill Pond,
Salem, in 1855 (Essex Institute collection).

9. Siphonostoraa fuscum (Storer) Jordan & Gilbert. Syngna-
thus Peckianus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 218 (in part), pi.
xxxiii, fig. 3. Specimens were seined by the U. S. Fish Commission,
near Beverly bridge, August, 1877.

Order HEMIBR ANCHII.
Family CENTRISCIDiE.

10. Centriscus scolopax Linii. Snipe Fish. Centriscus scolo-
pax Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 279. A single individual of this
European species was taken at Provincetown, in 1857, by Capt. N. E.
Atwood.

Family FISTULARIID^.

11. Fistularia serrata Cuv. Tobacco-pipe Fish. Fistularia
serrata Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 140, pi. xxv, fig. 1. A speci-
men of this species, taken at Rockport, Mass., Sept., 1865, is in the
collection of the Essex Institute.

Family GASTEROSTEIDJE.

12. Gasterosteus aculeatus Liiin. Two-spined Stickle-back.

Gasterosteus hiaculeatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 40, pi. viii,
figs. 2, 3; Putnam, Proc. Essex Institute, i, 1855, p. 148. A resident
species associated with those which follow.

13. Gasterosteus aculeatus, sub-species, trachurus. Gaste-
rosteus Wheatlandi Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., v, 1867, p. 4; and in
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 278. Specimens of this form taken
at Nahant, April 15, 1859, by R. H. Wheatland, M. D., are distinguished
by (1) absence of scales on the posterior part of the body, there being
six or eight on the anterior part, in front of the second dorsal spine ;
(2) the uncarinated tail; (*) its small size; and (4) its "short and
deep" appearance. None of these characters are of specific value in
this genus, the range of individual variation in form and squamation
being very wide.

14. Gasterosteus pungitius Linn. Many-spined Stickleback.
Gasterosteus DeKayi Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., i, 1855, p. 148; Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 43, pi. viii, fig. 5. Pygosteus occidentalis
Brevoort, in Gill's Catalogue of the Fishes of the Eastern Coast of
North America, 1861, p. 16. A resident species, associated with the
preceding and following species, but less abundant. The Essex
Institute Museum has specimens two and a half inches long from
Salem Mill Pond collected by F. W. Putnam.

15. Apeltes quadracus {Mitchill) Brevoort. Fouu-spined Stic-
kleback. Gasterosteus quadracus Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., 1855, p.
148; Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 41, pi. viii, fig. 4. A resident
species frequenting grassy bays and brackish water near the mouths
of streams. Many specimens from Salem and vicinity in the museum
of the Essex Institute.

Order TE LEO C EPH ALT.

Sub-order HETEROSOMATA.
Family SOLEID^.

16. Solea vulgaris Linn. English Sole. Solea vulgaris Giin-
ther. Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum, iv, 1862, p. 463.
Two individuals of this species were set free in Massachusetts Bay
in 1877, by the U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries.

17. Achirus lineatus Cuv. American Sole. Achirus mollis
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 206, pi. xxxii, fig. 1. Storer records
the capture of two specimens of this species in 1847, in Charles River,
near Boston, and of a single specimen in 1860, at Nahant, which

appears to be its northern limit. Captain Atwood found it abundant
at Provincetown, in 1856.

Family PLEURONECTID^.

18. Pleuronectes glaber (Storer) Gill. Smooth Flounder,
Fool-fish, Christmas Fish. Platessa glabra Storer, Hist. Fish.
Mass., 1867, p. 199, pi. xxxi, fig. 1. Euchalarodus Putnami Gill, Proc.
Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1864; Putnam, in Storer's Hist. Fish. Mass.,
1867, p. 279. Specimens from Salem Harbor, Nov. 15, 1872, are in the
Museum of the Peabody Acad, of Science, as well as several others
collected by Mr. Walker, bet^vveen 1868 and 1874. The Fish Commis-
sion obtained young specimens of about two and a half inches, at
Beverly bridge, in August, 1877. Others in the collection of the
Essex Institute were taken in Salem Harbor, Nov. 15, 1872, measuring
from three to four inches. The species appears in Salem Harbor in
abundance in late December and early January, coming u.p into
shallow water to spawn. Dr. Bean has demonstrated the fact, that
Euchalarodus Putnami Gill, is the male of this species. In every par-
ticular except in dentition this species exactly corresponds with Pleu-
ronecter passer and P. flesus of Europe.

19. Pseudopleiironectes americanus (Walb.) Gill. thxT-
nsH. Platessa plana Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 195, pi. xxx,
fig. 2. A very common resident species, occurring in winter and
summer on muddy bottoms in shoal water.

20. Limanda ferruginea (^Storer) Goode & Bean. Rusty Floun-
der. Platessa ferruginea Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 198, pi.
xxx, fig. 4. Platessa rostrata H. R. Storer, Boston Journ. Nat. Hist.
V, 1, 1857, p. 268, pi. viii, fig. 2. A common resident species inhab-
iting the deep waters of the bay in summer, and approaching the
shores in winter. H. R. Storer's species from Labrador is not
distinct from this.

21. Glyptocephalus cynoglossus (Linn.) Gill. Craig Floun-
der. Glyptocephalus cynoglossus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phil.,
1873, p. 361. Glyptocephalus acadianus Gill, 1. c. A common resident
species inhabiting the deepest part of the bay, but never discovered
until 1877, when the U. S. Fish Commission found them in great
abundance ofi' Salem.

22. Lophopsetta maculata (Mitch.) Gill. Spotted Sand
Flounder. Pleuronectes maculatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867,
p. 204, pi. xxxi, fig. 4. The Essex Institute museum has a specimen
from Salem Harbor, by S. L. Walker, in July, 1870, and several spec-
imens were obtained by the U. S. Fish Commission in 1878, in Glouces-
ter Harbor, and at Milk Island. Storer knew it only from Province-

town, where it was observed by Capt. Atwood and himself. The
species ranges north to Bucksport, Me.

23. Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabricms) Gill. Sand
Dab, Arctic Flounder. Flatessa dentatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass.,
1867, p. 197, pi. XXX, fig. 3. Hippoglossoides limandoides Goode &
Bean, Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, xvii, 1876, p. 39. A common species
in the deep waters of the bay, approaching the shores in winter.

24. Pseudorhombus dentatus (Linnceus) Gilnther. Common
Flounder. Flatessa oblonga Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 201,
pi. xxxi, fig. 2. Storer states that this species occurs as far up the
Cape as Wellfleet.

25. Pseudorhombus oblongus {Mitdiill) Gilnther. Four-
spotted Flounder, Flatessa quadrocellata Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass.,
1867, p. 203, pi. xxxi, fig. 3. A single individual was tal^en at the
month of Salem Harbor, by the U. S. Fish Commission.

26. Hippoglossus vulgaris Fleming. Halibut. Hippoglossus
vulgaris Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 192, pi. xxx, fig. 1. Once
very abundant in Massachusetts Bay, but now found chiefly at a depth
of 100-250 fathoms in the slopes of the outer banks where they are
sought by about thirty Gloucester fishing schooners. Individuals are
occasionally taken near the shore. In 1875, one weighing about 200
pounds was caught by a dory fisherman off' Half-way Rock, Salem
Harbor, and one still larger in Gloucester Harbor in August, 1878.

27. Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides {Walh.) Goode &
Bean. Turbot. Eeinhardtius hippoglossoides Gill, Cat. Fish. E. Coast,
N. America, 1861, p. 50; name of genus only. Flatysomatichthys pin-
giiis Bleeker, Verslagen en Mededelinger der Koninklijke Akademie
van Wetenschappen, Amsterdam, xiii, 1862, p. 426. Hippoglossus grcen-
landicus Gilnther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, p. 404. An arctic
species, frequently brought in by the halibut schooners. Its range
extends as far south as the gully between Le Have & Brown's Banks
and George's Banks.

Sub-order JVGULABES.
Family MACRURID^.

28. Macrurus Fabricii Sundeval. "Grenadier," "Rat-tail."
Macrurus rupestris Gilnther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, p. 390.
An arctic deep-sea species which ranges as far south as George's
Banks and is caught in great quantities on the trawl lines of the fisher-
men.

29. Macrurus Bairdii Goode & Bean. Baird's Grenadier.
Macrurus Bairdii Goode & Bean, Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, xiv, 1877,
pp. 471-473. A deep-sea species found in the deep waters of Massa-

chusetts Bay and the Gulf of Maine ; discovered by the U. S. Fish
Commission in 1877.

Family GADID^.

30. Gadus morrhua Linnaeus, Cod-fish. 3Iorrhua americanus
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 165, pi. xxvii, fig. 4. Very abun-
dant in the deeper waters off the coast of New England, and coming
up the shoals and near the shores to spawn from November, about
Cape Ann, to Februrary, on George's Banks.

31. Pollachius carbonarius {Linn.) Bon. Pollock. Merlan-
gus purpureus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 180, pi. xxvii, fig. 3.
An extremely abundant resident species which, but for foolish preju-
dice, would constitute an important food resource.

32. Microgadus tomcodus (IFa/fe.) Gill. Tom-cod, Frost-
fish. Morrhua pruinosa Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 179, pi.
xxvii, fig. 5. A resident species, entering brackish water; common
about the wharves and bridges in summer, and taken with nets and
hooks in winter in company with the smelt.

33. Melanogrammus segleflnus {Linn.) Gill. Haddock. Mor-
rhua ceglefinus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 177, pi. xxviii, fig. 1.
A common resident species.

34. Phycis tenuis {Mitch.) DeKay. Hake. Phycis americanus
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 187, pi. xxix, fig. 3. A common
resident species.

35. Phycis chuss (ira?6.) Gill. Phycis Jilamentosus Storer, Hist.
Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 189, pi. xxix, fig. 4. Less abundant than the
preceding, from which it it distinguished only by the greater size of
its scales.

36. Phycis Chesteri Goode & Bean. Long-finned Hake. Phy-
cis Chesteri Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., i, 1878, p. 256. A
graceful species discovered in 1878, by the U. S. Fish Commission in
the deep waters of the bay ; only a few specimens have been seen.

37. Phycis regius {Walh.) Jord. & Gilb. Spotted Hake. Phycis
regalis Giiuther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, p. 354. Urophycis regius
Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila. This species has been observed at
Halifax, N. S., and from southern New England. It may therefore
claim a place in the fauna of Massachusetts Bay.

38. Haloporphyrus viola Goode & Bean. Blue Hake. Ealo-
porphyrus viola Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., i, 1878, p. 257.
A species inhabiting the outer slopes of the off-shore banks, at a
depth of 200 fathoms or more, and frequently taken by the fishermen
on their trawl lines.

39. Ones (Rhinonemus) cimbrius {Linn.) Goode & Bean,

9

Gadiis cimhrius Linn., Syst. Nat. Onos cimhrhis Goode & Bean, Proc.
U. S. National Mus., 1878, p. 348. Motella caudacuta Storer, Hist.
Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 183, pi. xxix, fig. 1. A resident of the deep
waters of the bay where it occurs in considerable abundance. The
young fish swim at the surface and have been wrongfully identified
with the Mackerel Midge, Ciliata argentata, which is, at best, a doubt-
ful species, and perhaps the young of a species of Onos.

40. Brosmius brosme {Midler) White. Cusk. Brosmius fla-
vescens Storer (not Lesueur;, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 190, pi. xxix,
fig. 2. Brosmius hrosme Giinther, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus., iv, 1862,
p. 369. Brosmius flavescens of Lesuer was apparently founded upon a
deformed specimen. A common resident of the inshore fishing
grounds, where it occurs in great abundance, lurking among the
stones, but is soon caught up by the fishermen after the discovery of
a new bank.

Family MERLUCIID^.

41. Merlucius bilinearis {Mitch.) Gill. Whiting. Silver
Hake. Merlucius albidus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 185, pi.
xxviii, fig. 2. A frequent visitor to the shores, probably a resident of
the middle depths. Young were frequently trawled in deep water by
the U. S. Fish Commission. This species may easily be distinguished
from M. vulgaris of Europe by the greater number of rays in the first
dorsal (X-XI in 31. vulgaris, XII-XIII in M. bilinearis), and by the
larger size of the scales (L. lat. about 150 in M. vulgaris, 100-110 in
M. bilinearis). ■<

Family LYCODID^.

42. Lycodes Verrillii (?oo(7e tt- J5e«n. Verrill's Lycodes. Lyco-
des Verrillii Goode & Bean, Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, xvi, 1877, p. 474.
A common resident of the deep water of the bay, first discovered in
1877, by the U. S. Fish Commission, in the Gulf of Maine, attains the
length of seven inches or more.

43. Lycodes Vahlii Beinhardt. Vahi.'s Lycodes. Lycodes
Vahlii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, p. 319. This species
hitherto known only from Greenland, was taken by Capt. Z. Hawkins
and the crew of the schooner "Gwendolen," of Gloucester, at a depth
of 300 to 400 fathoms, in Lat. 42° 43' N, and between Long. 62° 20',
and 63° 20' W.

44. Lycodes paxillus Goode & Bean. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., ii,
1879. A single specimen was obtained by Captain Collins in the gully
between Le Have and Sable Island Banks.

45. Zoarces anguillaris (Pec^.) /Scorer. Mutton-fish. Zoarces

10

anguillaris Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 97, pi. xvii, fig. 4. A
common resident of deep water, frequently approaching the shore.
In the young a large black blotch, almost equal in diameter to the eye,
is found on the anterior part of the dorsal flu. This disappears with
age, sometimes before, sometimes after the fish has attained the
length of nine inches. No traces of this can be seen on the young of
the European Z. viviparus, so far as observed by us.

Sub-order ACANTHOPTERI.
Family CKYPTACANTHID^.

46. Cryptacanthodes maculatus Storer. Wry-mouth. Cryp-
tacanthodes maculatus Storer, Report, 1839, p. 28, Hist. Fish. Mass.,
1867, p. 34, pi. viii, fig. 6. Cryptacanthodes inornatus Gill. Proc. Acad.
Nat. Sci., Phila., 1863, p. 332. (Albino variety.) The following speci-
mens of this unusual species are known to us : (1) seven mentioned
in Storer's work, one from Nahant, one from Dorchester, one from
Provincetown, one from a beach in Nova Scotia, and three from Mas-
sachusetts Bay ; (2) one collected at Provincetown in 1867, by Captain
Atwood, and preserved by the Boston Society of Natural History;
(3) seven collected by the U. S. Fish Commission on the coast of
Massachusetts. Several specimens of this species have been taken
on the shores of Essex County, and of the four known individuals of
the albino form, described by Gill as C. inornatus, one was obtained
at Marblehead and one at Swampscott.

Family STICH^ID^.

47. Eumesogrammus subbifurcatus (Storer) Gill. Fholis
subbifurcatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 92. Storer records
the capture of a specimen at Nahant, in 1838. It has been taken by
the U. S. Fish Commission at Grand Manan and Halifax, and by Prof.
Verrill off" Anticosti.

48. Eumesogrammus unimaculatus {Beinhardt) Goode &
Bean. Stichceus unimaculatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iii, 1861
p. 283. A single specimen from the vicinity of Anticosti was sent to
the National Museum for identification by Mr. Whiteaves.

49. Leptoblennius serpentinus (Storer) Gill. Eel-blenny.
Blennius serpentinus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 91, pi. xvii, fig.
1. (Represents the dorsal as divided, which was accidental.) A com-
mon resident of the deep waters of the bay; a favorite food of the
Cod and Halibut.

50. Leptoclinus aeuleatus (Beinh.) Gill. Stichceus aculeatus
Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iii, 1861, p. 282. The U. S. Fish Com-

11

mission obtained several specimens of this arctic species, previously
known only from Greenland, in Massachusetts Bay, at depths of forty
to ninety fathoms.

Family XIPHIDIONTID^.

51. Mursenoides gunnellus {Linn.) Goode & Bean. Kock-eel.
Gunnellus mucronatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 18G7, p. 94, pi. xvii,
fig. 2. Common among the rocks near the line of the tide. The Es-
sex Institute has several specimens, the largest six inches long, from
Naugus Head, July, 18G2. 31. ingens H. R. Storer, and M. macroceph-
alus Girard, are not distinct from this species.

Family ANARRHICHADIDiE.

52. Anarrhichas lupus Linnceus. Wolf-fisii, Cat-fish. Anar-
rhichas vomerinns Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 99, pi. xviii, fig.
1. Frequent in the deep waters and approaching the shore, particularly
in winter.

53. Anarrhichas minor Olafsen. Spotted Cat-fish, Leopard-
fish. Anarrhichas minor Streenstrup, Vidensk. Meddel. Naturh. Fo-
ren. Kjobenhavn, 187G. This well marked species occurs both along
the shores and in the deep water. The Fish Commission has speci-
mens from off the mouth of Gloucester Harbor and from Eastport,
Maine.

54. Anarrhichas latifrons Streenstrup & Hallg. Blue Cat-
fish. Anarrhichas latifrons Streenstrup, op. cit. Lycichthys latifrons
Gill, in Baird's Annual Record of Science and Industry for 1876. A
resident of the deep waters in 200 to 400 fathoms on the off-shore
banks. Many specimens have been received from the halibut schoon-
ers.

Family BATRACHID^.

55. Batrachus tau Linnceus. Toad-fish, Batrachus tau Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 105, pi. xix, figs. 1 and 2. In the collec-
tion of the Boston Society of Natural History is a specimen. No. 494,
labelled "Massachusetts Bay." The Fish Commission has collected
no specimens north of Cape Cod.

Family CYCLOPTERIDiE.

56. Cyclopterus lumpus Linnaeus. Lump-fish. Lumpus anglo-
rum Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 208, pi. xxxii, fig. 2. Frequently
taken in winter ; the young are often seen swimming at the surface
in summer. A northern fish.

12

57. Eumicrotremus spinosus (Fabricius) Gill. Spiny Lump-
fish. Lumpus spinosits Storer, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1846, p. 230. Cy-
clopterus spinosus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iii, 1861, p. 157. Dis-
covered by tlie U. S. Fish Commission in the deep water of Massa-
chusetts Bay. Previously known only from Greenland.

Family LIPARIDID^.

58. Liparis vulgaris Fleming. Striped Lump-sucker. Liparis
vulgaris Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iii, 1861, p. 169; Putnam,
Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1874, p. 335. A resident of rocky bot-
toms among the roots of the kelp (Laminaria saccharina). Mr. J. H.
Sears was the first to discover this species in the vicinity of Salem,
or indeed in New England, collecting several specimens among the
kelp near Baker's Island, in six feet of water.

59. Liparis Montagui Donovan. Dark Lump-sucker. Liparis
Sp. allied to L. arctica Putnam, in Storer's Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p.
280. Liparis Montagui Putnam, Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1874,
p. 335. With the preceding species, but less frequent. Putnam, in
his papers quoted above, refers to specimens collected by Mr. Alexan-
der and himself at Salem and Nahant.

60. Liparis ranula Goode & Bean. Proc. U. S. National Mus., ii,
1879. A single specimen was trawled by the U. S. Fish Commission
off Chebucto Head, N. S., at a depth of fifty-two fathoms.

Family TRIGLID^.

61. Prionotus evolans {Linn.) Gill. Striped Sea-robin. Prio-
notus lineatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 16, pi. v, fig. 4. This
species is included with a query in a notice of several fishes of rare
occurrence, by Dr. Henry Wheatland, in the Journal of the Essex Co.
Natural History Society, 1852, p. 124. Its occurrence north of Cape
Cod is still unconfirmed.

62. Prionotus carolinus {Linn.) Cuv. & Val. Web-fingered
Sea-robin. Prionotus pahnipes Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 18,
pi. V, fig. 1. Storer records the capture of this species at Green
Island and Phillips' Point, Lynn. Specimens from Salem are in the
museum of the Essex Institute. We have examined the supposed
type of P. pilatus Storer, in the museum of the Boston Society of
Natural History. It appears to be identical with P. punctatus, but
the origin of the specimen is somewhat doubtful.

Family AGONIDiE.

63. Aspidophoroides monopterygius Block., Storer. Green-

13

LANDER. Aspidophoroides monopterygius Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst.,
i, 1855, p. 148; Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 32, pi. viii, fig. 1.
An arctic species, occurring in great abundance in the deeper parts of
the bay, and even as far south as Watch Hill, R. I. Storer had speci-
mens from the stomachs of haddock, taken in Massachusetts Bay.

Family COTTID^.

64. Cottus oetodecimspinosTis Mitchill. Sculpin, Toad-fish.
Acanthocottus virginianus Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., i, 1855, p. 148;
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 28, pi. iv, fig. 2. A common resi-
dent species.

65. Cottus scorpius Linn. Norway Sculpin. Cottus scorpius
Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, p. 158. In an unpublished memoir
Dr. Bean has demonstrated the occurrence of this species in Maine.

66. Cottus scorpius L. subsp. grcEnlandicus. "Daddy Scul-
PIN," "Grubby," Greknland Sculpin. Acanthocottus variabilis Put-
nam, Proc. Essex Inst., i, 1855, p. 148; Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867,
p. 26, pi iv, fig. 1. A very common resident of the bays, particularly
in winter.

67. Cottus seneus (Mitchill) Cuv. & Val. Pigmy Sculpix,
"Grubby." Cottus ceneus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc, N. Y.,
1815, p. 381 ; DeKay, Zool. N. Y., Fishes, 1842, p. 52. (Not figure.) A
common resident of shallow water. The Essex Institute has a speci-
men collected at Gloucester, May, 1859, by G H. Price, labelled " C.
Groenlandicus young," also from Salem, 1859, collected by Caleb Cooke.

68. Uranidea gracilis (Heckel) Gill. River Bull-head. Cot-
tus gracilis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 24, pi. iv, fig. 3. This
species occurs in the streams of eastern New England, and doubtless
in Essex County, though we have no record of its capture within its
limits.

69. Centridermichthys uncinatus {Beinh.) Giinther. Hook-
eared Sculpix. Centridermichthys uncinatus Giinther, Cat. Fish.
Brit. Mus., ii, 1860, p. 172. A species very abundant in the deepest
parts of the bay.

70. Triglops Pingelii Beinh. Mailed Sculpix. Triglops Pin-
gelii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 1860, p. 173. Triglops pleura-
stictus Cope. Occasionally taken in company with the preceding. An
arctic species.

Family HEMITRIPTERID^.

71. Hemitripterus americanus CGmel.) Storer. Sea-raven.
Hemitripterus acadianus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 35, pi. vii,
fig. 4. Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., i, 1855, p. 148. Common in deep

14

water approaching the shores. Putnam records it from deep water in
Salera Harbor.

Family SCORP^NID^.

72. Sebastes marinus (Linnaeus) Lutken. Red-fish, "Snapper."
iSebastes norvegicus Putnam, Proc. Essex, lust,, i, 1855, p. 148; Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 38, pi. vii, fig. 1. Common in summer in
the deeper parts of the bay, where it appears to breed. Approaches
the shore in winter. Putnam records it from Salem Harbor. Certain
Scandinavian naturalists recognize two North Atlantic species in this
genus, S. marinus (or norvegicus) and 8. viviparus. Those which have
come to our notice correspond most nearly with the former. The lat-
ter appears to be a dwarf form inhabiting some of the fiords of Nor-
way, and is considered by Collett and others to be a geographical race.

Family LABRID^.

73. Tautoga onitis {Linnczus) Gilnther. Tautog. Tautoga
americana Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 110, pi. xx, fig. 2. Abun-
dant in many localities, near rocky ledges and points.

74. Tautogolabrus adspersus {Walb.) Gill. Gunner, Perch.
Ctenolahrus ceruleus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 108, pi. xx, fig.
1. Common everywhere in shallow water and in harbors. Called
♦'Nipper" at Salem.

Family XIPHIID^.

75. Xiphias gladius Linnceus. Sword-fish. Xiphias gladius
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 71, pi. xiii, fig. 2. Abundant along
the coast in summer, occasionally coming near the shores.

Family TRICHIURID^.

76. Trichiurus lepturus Linn. Scabbard Fish. Trichiurus
lepturus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 69, pi. xii, fig. 1. Storer
records the capture of this species at Wellfleet, in the summer of
1845. A specimen labelled "Salem Harbor," is in the museum of the
Essex Institute. We are unable to learn the date of its capture.

Family SCOMBRID^.

77. Scomber scombrus Linn. Mackerel. Scomber vernalis
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 54, pi. xi, fig. 2; Putnam, Proc.
Essex Inst., 1856, i, p. 201. Visit the coast of New England yearly
in enormous schools, appearing in Massachusetts Bay in May, where,

15

after spawning, tliey remain until October or November,
are occasionally taken in the winter.

78. Scomber DeKayi Store7'. Chub-mackerel, " Thimble-eye."
Scomber DeKayi Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 52, pi. xi, fig. 1.
This species was once very abundant, especially from 1814 to 1825,
but appears now to have become extinct in our waters. Specimens
are much desired by naturalists. It is probably identical with one
of the European species, perhaps S. pneximatophorus.

79. Sardapelamys (Linu.) Otfy. Bonito. Pelamyssarda ^ior^r,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 63, pi. xi, fig. 5. A summer visitor about
Cape Cod, appearing in great schools in company with the Blue-fish.

80. Orcynus thynnus '{Linn.) Goode. Horse Mackerel.
Thynnus secundidorsalis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. Qo, pi. xii,
fig. 4. The Horse Mackerel, barracouta, or albicore is of late years a
common summer visitor. In 1878 Capt. Henry Webb killed thirty-
seven monsters of this species at his weir on Milk Island. A specimen,
now preserved in the Essex Institute, was stranded on the flats of
North River, Salem, Aug. 23, 1846. Its length was nine feet, six
inches. Another specimen, weighing 775 pounds, stranded on the
beach at Beverly, July 29, 1877.

81. Orcymis alliteratus (i?a/.) Gill. Little Tunny. Thynnus
thunnina GUnther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 1860, p. 364. This species
has lately made its appearance on our coast in summer. We are not
aware that any have yet been taken in Massachusetts Bay, but they
are certain to be found at no distant period.

82. Orcynus pelamys (Linn.) Pop?/. Oceanic Bonito. Thynmis
pelamys Giiuther, Cat. Fi;<h. Brit. Mus., ii, 1860, p. 364. Orcynus
pelamys Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. National Museum, 1878, p. 24.
A single individual of this European species was obtained at Province-
town in 1800, by Mr. J. H. Blake, and many have since been found to
visit the Vineyard Sound.

83. Orcynus alatunga {Linn.) Gill. Long-finned Tunny.
Thynnus alalonga Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 1860. p. 366.
A specimen was obtained by Capt. William Thompson, of the schooner
"Magic," of Gloucester, in the summer of 1878, on Bauquereau, on a
trawl, at a depth of 300 fathoms.

84. Orcynus argentivittatus {Cuv. & Val.) Goode. Frosted
Bonito. Thynnus argentivittatus Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, p.
366. Three or four specimens of a large Orcynus, received from the
New England coast, are provisionally referred to this species.

85. Cybium maculatum Cuv. Spanish Mackerel. Cybium
maculatiim Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 68, pi. xiii, fig. 1.
Storer records the capture of an individual of this species at Lynn,
July 24, 1841, and states that specimens were obtained at Province-

16

town in August, 1817, and by Captain Atwood. at Monhegan Island in
Maine.

Family CARANGID^.

86. Carangus hippos (Linn.) Gill. Crkvall^. Caranx defen-
sor DeKay, Zool. of N. Y. Fishes, 1835, p. 120, pi. xxiv, fig. 72.
Wheatland, Journ. Essex Co. Nat. Hist. Soc:, 1852, p. 124. A spec-
imen about eighteen inches in length was taken at Lynn Beach by
Joseph True and its stuffed skin is preserved by the Essex Institute.
This is the only instance of its occurrence north of Cape Cod.

87. Paratractuspisquetus (Cwy. and FaZ.) ^i"^^- Jack, Yellow
Crevall6. ? Caranx chrysos Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 75, pi.
xiv, fig. 3. This species, cited by Storer, 1. c, as C. chrysos, is, un-
doubtedly, P. pisquetus, judging from the forty-eight plates in the lat-
eral line. He had seen a single individual from one of the bridges
between Boston and Charlestown. Capt. Atwood found Storer's C.
chj-ysos occasionally at Provincetown. A single individual was taken
in a net off Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1878.

88. Argyriosna Yom.er (Linn.) Ciiv. & Val. Dollar-fish. Ar-
gyriosus unimaculatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 78, pi. xiv,
fig. 2. The Peabody Academy has specimens collected by A. F. Gray
at Danvers, Aug. 26, 1876, and in North River, Salem, 1876, by J. W.
Kingsley. The Fish Commission obtained several specimens from
Magnolia and Gloucester, in 1878, and the species has since been
obtained at Halifax, N. S., by Mr. J. Matthew Jones.

89. Seriola zonata {Mltchill) Cuv. arid Val. Banded Rudder-
fish. Seriola zonata Storer, Hist Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 79, pi. xv, fig.
5. Halatractus zonatus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1862, p.
442. Storer records two specimens taken in the harbor of Wellfleet,
one in August, 1844, and one in November, 1849. Capt. Atwood, in
1856, records its occasional occurrence at Provincetown. In the
museum of the Essex Institute are two specimens, one from Beverly,
taken by Samuel Porter, May 16, 1866; another from North River,
Salem, taken by S. F. Goldthwaite.

Family STROMATEID^.

90. Palinurichthys pereiformis (Mitch.) Gill. Rudder-fish.

Palinurus pereiformis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 74, pi. xiii,
fig. 3. The Rudder-fish may usually be found in summer under float-
ing spars at sea. The Essex Institute has a specimen from Salem,
Aug. 6, 1855.

91. Poronotus triacanthus (Peck) Gill. Butter-fish. Bhom-
bus triacanthus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1857, pi. xv, fig. 4. This

17

species is not unusual in summer, occurring even as far north as
Halifax, N. S. Specimens from Annapolis, N. S., and from Salem
Harbor, are in the Essex Institute collection. At Provincetown,
according to Capt. Atwood, it is very common, and is known as the
*' Sheepshead." Storer had it from Boston.

Family ZENIDJE.

92. Zenopsis oceUatus (Storer) Gill. Dory. Zeus ocellatus
Storer, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., vi, 1858, p. 385; Putnam in Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 279. Zenopsis ocellatus Gill., Proc. Acad.
Nat. Sci., Fhila., vi, p. 888. A single individual was obtained at
Provincetown, by Capt. N. E. Atwood, which is preserved in the col-
lection of the Boston Society of Natural History— the only specimen
of the species. For 92a see p. 31.

Family SCI^NID^.

93. Cynoscion regalis (Block.) Gill. Squeteague, Weak-fish.
Otolithus regalis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1857, p. 44, pi. ix, fig. 1.
This species rarely passes to the north of Cape Cod, but, in 1878, three
individuals were taken in the weir at Milk Island, Cape Ann.

94. Pogonias cromis (Linn.) Cuvier. Drum. Pogonias chromis
GUnther, Cat. Fishes E. Coast, N. A., ii, 1860, p. 270. One or two
individuals of this southern species have been observed at Province-
town.

95. Menticirrusnebulosus (xVzYc/i.) G'iZZ. King-fish. Umhrina
nebulosa Putnam, Proc. Essex lust., i, 1856, p. 201 ; Storer, Hist. Fish.
Mass., 1867, p. 46, pi. ix, fig. 4. Storer records four specimens, one
from a lobster pot at Boston Lighthouse, taken previous to 1833 ; one
from Lynn, 1840 ; and two from Provincetown, July, 1846 and Nov.,
1847, in mackerel nets. The Salem Collection includes two specimens :
one, eight inches loug, taken off Marblehead Light, Oct. 15, 1872, by
J. P. Haskell ; another, six and one-half inches long, taken at Spite
Bridge, Danvers, Oct. 28, 1874. No others are recorded from north
of Cape Cod.

Family SPARID^.

96. Stenotomus argyrops (Linn.) Gill. Scuppaug, Scup.
Pagrus argyrops Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., i, 1856, p. 201; Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 49, pi. x, fig. 3. This species, formerly,
rarely passed the boundary of Cape Cod; in 1878, however, thirty-
seven were taken at the Milk Island, Weirs, and they appear to be in-
creasing in abundance.

ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. XI 2

18

This species does not appear to be indigenous north of Cape Cod.
Storer gives the following account of its introduction: "Mr. James
Newcomb, fishmonger, in the Boston market, informs me that, in the
year 1831 or 1832, a smack-load of Scapaugs arrived in Boston Harbor.
A portion of them were purchased by subscription among the fishermen
in the market, and thrown into the harbor. The next season two
specimens were caught from our wharves; in the summer of 1835,
one individual was taken at Nahant, and was considered a very strange
fish, no specimen having been known to have been seen there before ;
in 1836, still another was captured at Nahant. As no specimen had
ever been taken so far north before, and as the few taken would lead
to the inference that those which had been transplanted from Buzzard's
Bay had not bred in the cold waters of this portion of Massachusetts
Bay, we are led to believe that the individuals taken immediately
around Boston, were of the number originally brought from the south.
In the year 1834 or 1835, Capt. Wm. Downes, of Holmes' Hole, car-
ried a smack-load of this species from Vineyard Sound and threw
them overboard in Plymouth Harbor." Op. cit., p. 51. Storer, writ-
ing in 1867, says, that "within a few years small numbers have ap-
peared north of Cape Cod and are yearly captured at Wellfleet and
Sandwich."

Judging from the rare occurrence of the species thus introduced,
it can hardly be considered to have become naturalized; the few
which have been taken were doubtless summer stragglers. In the
Boston Society's Museum is a specimen taken at Swampscott, June
29, 1860, by J. Phillips. In the Salem Museum is another taken in
Salem harbor, July 23, 1860, by C. A. Putnam. Scup become abun-
dant on the south side of Cape Cod, from the fifth to the twelfth of
May, which would allow ample time for the appearance of a part of
the school off the eastern coast of Massachusetts, as early as the dates
recorded.

Mr. Hinckley, Pres. of Phila., Wilm. & Bait. R. R., informs us that
in the winter of 1833 he found a dead scuppaug on the Cohasset shore ;
this was its first occurrence in that locality, and none of the fishermen
knew it.

In 1856, Capt. Atwood recorded the Scup as very rare at Province-
town.

Family CENTRARCHID^.

97. Lepiopomus auritus (Linn.) Eaf. Red-tailed Bream.

Pomotis appendix Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 14, pi. iii, fig. 4.
This species occurs in Wenham pond and other bodies of fresh water
in Essex County.

98. Eupomotis aureus (Walb.) Gill & Jordan. "Pumpkin

19

Seed." Pond-fish. Pomotis vulgaris Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867,
p. 12, pi. iii, fig. 1. This species abounds in the fresh water ponds.

99. Enneacanthus obesus (Baird) Gill. Spotted Sun-fish
Enneacanthus obesus Jordan, Man. Vertebrates, N. America, 1877, p
245. We notice in the collection of the Essex Institute several speci
mens of this little species from Wenham lake, Danvers and Beverly

100. Micropterus pallidus (i?«/.) Gill & Jordan. Black Bass.
Huro nigricans DeKay, Zool. of New York Fishes, p. 15, pi. Ixix
The Black Bass has been introduced from northern New York into
numerous ponds throughout the thickly settled portions of New Eng-
land. The allied species, Micropterus achigan, the Small-mouthed
Black Bass, has also been placed in the waters of Massachusetts, and
is probably found in Essex County.

Family SEREANID^.

101. Centropristris atrarius {Linn.) Bon. Black Sea-bass.
Centropristcs varius Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., 1855, p. U-i; Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 18G7, p. 10, pi. ii, fig. 4. Four individuals are re-
corded from north of Cape Cod; one from Nahant, July 1, 1846, Sto-
rer; one from Salem harbor. May 22, 1855, Putnam; one from Bev-
erly bar, June 20, 1860; and one from Salem, 1866, Wheatland; the
latter two in the museum of the Essex Institute.

Family PERCID^.

102. Perca fluviatilis Zr. Pond Perch. Perca flavescejis Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 4, pi. ii, fig. 1. Abundant everywhere in
ponds and streams.

Family ETHEOSTOMATID^.

103. Boloeosoma Olmstedi {Storer) Ag. Stoker's Darter.
Etheostoma Olmstedi Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 30, pi. iv, fig. 1.
Probably occurs in the small streams of the country.

104. Boleichthys fusiformis {Girard) Jordan. Red-sided
Darter. Boleichthys fusiformis Jordan, Manual Vertebrates, N. A.,
1876, p. 228. This species was described from Charles river. The
Essex Institute has specimens from a small brook of Melrose pond,
collected May 12, 1860 ; from Wenham lake and Newhall's crossing.

Family LABRACID^.

105. Roccus lineatus {Schn.) Gill. Striped Bass. Labrax lin-
eatus Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., i, 1855, p. 144. Storer, Hist. Fish.

20

Mass., 1867, p. 6, pi. i, fig. 4. This species is a common resident, pen-
etrating far up the larger rivers.

106. Morone americana ((rmeZ.) (ti7Z. White Perch. Lahrax
rufus Putnam, Proc. Essex Inst., 1, 1855, p. 144; Storer, Hist. Fish.
Mass., 1867, p. 9, pi. i, fig. 1. Common in brackish water, at the
mouths of rivers, and in ponds to which the sea has access, sometimes
becoming land-locked.

The Essex lusitute has specimens from Floating Bridge pond, Sa-
lem, and from Flax pond, Lynn.

Family POMATOMID^.

107. Pomatomus saltatrix {_Linn.) Gill. Blue-fish. Temno-
don saUator Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 81, pi. xv, fig. 1. The
Blue-fish is an abundant summer resident, appearing in May or June,
and departing in October. For a full account of their periods of ab-
sence from the coast, and abundance, see Professor Baird's essay on
the subject, in his first report as Commissioner of Fisheries.

Family PRIACANTHIDiE.

108. Pseudopriacantlms altus Gill. Big Eye. Priacanthus
alius Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1863, p. 332 ; Putnam in Storer's
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 278. A specimen of this species was taken
at Marblehead beach, Sept. 3, 1859, by Miss Mary Nichols, of Salem,
and is preserved in the museum of the Essex Institute.

Family AMMODYTID^.

109. Ammodytes americanus DeKay. Sand-eel, Lant. Am-
modytes americanus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 216, pi. xxxiii,
fig. 2. A common species, especially abundant about Cape Cod, bur-
rowing in the sand shoals. A favorite food of the cod and other pre-
daceous species.

110. Ammodytes dubius BMt. This species is inserted on the
authority of Dr. Giinther, who identified with it specimens from Bos-
ton, Mass.

Family ECHENEID^.

111. Echeneis naucrateoides {Zuieiv.) Gill. White-talled
Remora, "Sucker." Echends albicauda Wheatland, Proc. Essex Co.
Nat. Hist. Soc, 1852, p. 124; Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 210,
pi. xxxii, fig. 3. Wheatland refers to a specimen taken at Collins' cove,
Aug., 1850. Another was taken at the mouth of the Merrimac river,
June, 1870, Putnam.

21

112. Remoropsis brachyptera (Lowe) Gill. Swokd-fish
Sucker. Echeneis quatuordecemlaminatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass.,
1867, p. 212, pi. xxxii, fig. 4. A parasite of the sword-fish (Xiphias
gladius) and not iinfrequently accompanying that species into Massa-
chusetts Bay. We have seen specimens from Newfoundland.

113. Remora jaeobsea Lowe (Gill). A specimen labelled ''Eche-
neis remora," taken in Salem harbor, is in the museum of the Essex
Institute. It should be examined carefully before this species is per-
manently placed on the Massachusetts Bay list, though it is quite pos-
sible that an individual may have found its way to Salem, clinging to
the bottom of some vessel from a southern port.

Family ATHERINID^.

114. Chirostoma notatum (Mitch.) Gill. Silversides, Sand-
smelt. Atherina notata Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 87, pi. xvi,
fig. 1. Abundant in summer, in large schools in the shallow bays,
where they breed freely.

Family MUGILID^.

115. Mugil brasiliensis Agassiz. Striped Mullet. 3Iugil line-
atiis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 39, pi. xvi, fig. 4. Storer re-
cords the capture of a single individual at Provincetown in November,
1851.

Sub-order SYNENTOGNATHL
Family BELONID^.

116. Belone longirostris (Mitch.) Gill. Belone truncata Sto-
rer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 18G7, p. 136, pi. xxiv, fig. 3. Occasionally as-
cending rivers far above tide water.

Family SCOMBRESOCID^.

117. Scombresox saurus (Walh.) Flem. "Bill-fish," Skip-
jack. Scomberesox storeri Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 137, pi.
xxiv, fig. 4. Schools of this remarkable species are occasionally seen
in the autumn. The Essex Institute has specimens collected in Mas-
sachusetts Bay, Oct., 1855, by C. F. Bobbins, and J. Chad wick. Capt.
Hurlbert has seen them as far north as Monhegan Island, Maine.
Putnam has recorded the occurrence of Hemirhamphus sp. in Danvers
Mill Pond.

Sub-order HAPLOML
Family CYPRINODONTIDiE.

118. Hydrargyra majalis (Walh.) Val. Banded Mummichog,
"Bass Fry," "Yellow Tail." Hydrargyra Jlavula Storer, Hist. Fish.

22

Mass., 1867, p. 131, pi. xxiii, fig. 5, male; fig. 6, female. Common in
brackish water. The Essex Institute has specimens one-fourth to
one-third of an inch in length, collected in South Mill Pond, June 19,
1859, by R. H. Wheatland.

119. Fundulus pisculentus {Mitch.) Cuv. & Val.. Minnow,
MuMMiCHOG, "Cobbler." Fundulus pisculentus Storer, Hist. Fish.
Mass., 1867, p. 128, pi. xxiii, fig. 3, male; fig, 4, female. Common
everywhere in brackish water.

120. Fundulus nigrofasciatus (Zes.) Cuv. & Val. Ficndulus
nigrofasciatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 129, pi. xxiii, fig. 1.
Storer records this species from fresh ponds, Cambridge. It has not
been studied by us.

121. Fundulus multifasciatus {Les.) Cuv. & Val. Barred Min-
now. Fundulus multifasciatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p.
130, pi. xxiii, fig. 2. Storer speaks of having specimens from Con-
cord and Lowell. A specimen from "Wenham lake in the museum of
the Essex Institute agrees with his description. The species has not
been studied by us.

Family ESOCID^.

122. Esox reticulatus Les. Pickerel, "Federation Pike."
Fsox reticulatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 133, pi. xxiv, fig. 2.
Common everywhere in ponds and large streams.

123. Esox americanus Gmelin. Brook Pickerel. Esox orna-
tus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 135, pi. xxiv, fig. 2. Not un-
common in the brooks and ponds. The Essex Institute has specimens
from Wenham lake.

Sub-order ISOSPONDYLI.
Family CHAULIODONTID^.

124. Chauliodus Sloanei Schneider. Chauliodus. Chauliodus
Sloanei Giiuther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., p. 392. A specimen of this spe-
cies was taken from the stomach of a cod-fish on George's banks by
a Gloucester fisherman and presented to the Essex Institute, June 3,
1874, by Procter Brothers, of Gloucester.

Family SCOPELID^.

125. Scopelus gemmifer Goode & Bean. Scopelus gemmifer
Goode & Bean, MS.

126. Scopelus speculiger Goode & Bean. Scopelus speculiger
Goode & Bean, MS. Specimens of the two undescribed species named
above were brought in by several vessels of the Gloucester halibut
fleet.

23

127. Scopelus Humboldtii. Dr. Storer mentions eight speci-
mens irlentified by him with this species, one from Nahant and nine
from Provincetowu.

Family STOMIATID^.

128. EcMostoma barbatum Lowe. A single individual of this
species was received recently from one of the Gloucester fleet. It
differs somewhat from Dr. Giinther's, but agrees with Lowe's descrip-
tion. E. barbatum has been recorded only from Madeira.

129. Malacosteus niger Ayres. Malacosteus niger Ayres, Bost.
Jour. Nat. Hist., 1849, p. 53; Giiuther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., v., 1864,
p. 428. A single specimen eight and one-half inches long is known.
This was the type of Dr. Ayres' description ; it was picked up at sea
in lat. 42 degrees N., and long. 50 degrees W.

Family MICROSTOMID^.

130. Argentina syrtensium Goode & Bean. Western Argen-
tine. Argentina syrtensium Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., i,
1878, p. 261. A single individual was taken from the stomach of a hali-
but on LeHave bank, in September, 1878.

131. Osmerus mordax (Mitch.) Gill. Smelt. Osmerus virides-
cens Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 149, pi. xxiv, fig. 4. Abundant
in the fall and winter, entering brackish water for the purpose of
spawning. This species is well separated from 0. eperlanus by its
smaller scales. Mallotus villosus has not been recorded south of Hali-
fax, N. S.

Family SALMONID^.

132. Salmo salar Linn. Salmon. Salmo salar Storer, Hist.
1867, p. 142, pi. XXV, fig. 2. At one time abundant in the rivers of
Massachusetts and now being restored artificially. Enters the rivers
in midsummer and spawns in November. Salmo salar subsp. sebago^
the Land-locked Salmon, has been extensively introduced into the
waters of the State.

133. Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill) Gill & Jordan. Speckled
Trout. Salmo fontinalis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 144, pi.
XXV, fig. 3. A resident of the brooks, some individuals entering the
sea in summer.

Family ALEPIDOSAURID^.

134. Alepidosanrus ferox Lowe. Lancet-mouth. Alepido-
sauriis ferox Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., v, 1864, p. 421. Many

24

specimens are taken by the cod and halibut schooners on George's
and other fishing banks at the depth of 80 to 400 fathoms.

Family ALEPOCEPHALID^.

135. Alepocephalus Bairdii Goode & Bean. Proc. U. S. National
Museum, ii, 1879. Baird's Alepocephalus. A single specimen about
two feet long was taken by one of the Gloucester fishing vessels on
the ofi"-shore banks. Other genera of this family have recently been
described from the abyssal faunae of the mid-Atlantic and Pacific.
The genus Alepocephalus has heretofore been known only from the
Mediterranean.

Family CLUPEID^.

136. Clupea harengus Linncens. Herring. Clupea elongata
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 152, pi. xxvi, fig. 1. The herring
schools make their appearance in October and November. They
spawn near the shores in November and December and on George's
banks later in the winter.

137. Alosa sapidissima (Wilson) Storer. Shad. Alosa prces-
tabilis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 154, pi. xxvi, fig. 2. Shad
enter the rivers in May in large schools for the purpose of spawning.
They are often taken at sea in the fall. The Essex Institute has a
specimen from Salem harbor.

138. Pomolobus vernalis {Mitch.) Goode & Bean. Alewife.
Alosa tyrannns Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., p. 156, pi. xxvi, fig. 3. Po-
molobus psendoharengus Gill (in part). The ale wives enter the rivers
with the shad in spring. They frequent the coasts in large schools in
summer, and some of them perhaps spawn at sea.

139. Pomolobus sestivaHs {Mitch.) Goode & Bean. Blue Back,
Kyack. Alosa cyanonoton Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., p. 161, pi. xxvii,
fig. 1. Pomolobus psendoharengus Gill (in part). This species, which
much resembles the preceding, from which it may be distinguished by
its smaller eyes, lower fins, and black lining of the abdominal cavity,
does not make its appearance until late spring and early summer.

140. Pomolobus mediocris {Mitch.) Gill. Hickory Shad.
Alosa lineata Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867. p. 162, pi. xxvii, fig. 2.
Capt. Atwood and Dr. Storer speak of this fish as abundant at Prov-
incetown, and it doubtless occurs at the Essex County side of the bay.
It is easily distinguished from the common alewife by its projecting
under jaw.

141. Brevoortia tyrannus {Latrobe) Goode. Menhaden, Pogy.
Alosa menhaden Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 158, pi. xxvi, fig. 4.
A common summer visitor, appearing in enormous schools in May and

25

departing in October and early November. Immense quantities are
seined for the oil and guano factories on the coast of Maine and at
Provincetown. The Essex Institute has specimens of young, three
and one-half inches long, taken at Spite bridge, Danvers, Oct. 28,
1874, interesting from the fact that few young of this species have
been observed north of Cape Cod.

Family ENGRAULIDID^.

142. Engraulis vittatus (3IUchill) Baird & Girard. Anchovy.
EngrauUs vittatus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 163, pi. xxvii, fig.
3. Storer records the capture of a single specimen at Provincetown,
in November, 1852.

Sub-order EVENTOGNATHL
Family CATOSTOMIDiE.

143. Catostomus teres (Mitch.) Les. Sucker. Catostomus
bostoniensis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 124, pi. xxii, fig. 3.
Very common in all fresh waters of Massachusetts.

144. Erimyzon sucetta (Les.) Jordan. Chub-sucker. Ca-
tostomus gibbosus Storer, Hist. Fish. 1367, p. 124, pi. xxii, fig. 4. Com-
mon in fresh water; the Essex Institute has specimens from Miles
river, Wenham.

Family CYPRINID^.

145. Carassius auratus (Linn.) Bleeker. Gold-fish. Cypri-
nus auratus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 115, pi. xxi, fig. 1.
This species was introduced many years ago from China. Storer,
writing in 1867, remarked "It thrives in quite a number of ponds in
the neighborhood of Boston, connected with country seats, bearing
well the rigors of our winter, and breeding freely." The Essex Insti-
tute has specimens from a pond in Salem.

146. Luxilus cornutus (Mitch.) Jordan. Eed-fix. Hypsolepis
cornutus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 118, pi. xxi, fig. 3. Com-
mon in streams; the Essex Institute has specimens from Wenham
lake, and from the Merrimac river at Andover.

147. Notemigonus chrysoleucus (Mitch.) Jordan. Shiner.
Leucosomus americanus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 117, pi. xxi,
fig. 2. Very common in ponds throughout New England. The Es-
sex Institute has specimens from Wenham lake.

148. Semotilus buUaris (Eaf.) Jordan. Roach, "Dace."
Chilonemus pulchellus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 120, pi. xxii,

26

fig. 2. Not uncommon in fresh water. The Essex Institute has speci-
mens from Wenham lake.

149. Rhinichthys atronasus {Mitch.) Ag. Black-nosed Dace.
Argyreus atronasus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 122, pi. xxi, fig.
4. Common in brooklets everywhere in Massachusetts. The Essex
Institute has specimens from Groveland.

Order NEMATO GN ATHI.

Family SILURID^.

150. Amiurus catus {Linn.) Gill. "Bull- head," Horned Pout.
Pimelodus atrarius Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 118, pi. xx, fig.
3. Common in quiet ponds everywhere.

Order APODES.
Family CONGRID^.

151. Conger vidgaris Cuv. Conger Eel. Conger eels and
their curious transparent young — "phantom fish" — are occasionally
seen. The museum of the Essex Institute has a specimen of the lar-
val form of the so-called Leptocephalus, collected at Nahant beach,
July 22, 1858, by Caleb Cooke.

Family ANGUILLID^.

152. Anguilla vulgaris Turton. Eel. Anguilla hostoniensis
Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 214, pi. xxxiii, fig. 1. Eels are
common in both fresh and salt water. They are supposed to descend
to the sea in the fall for the purpose of spawning.

Family NEMICHTHYIDJE.

153. Nemichthys scolopaceus Puchardson. Snipe-eel. Ne-
michthys scolopaceus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., viii, 1870, p. 21.
Two specimens of this remarkable eel-like fish have been obtained
from the stomachs of fishes on George's banks.

Family SYNAPHOBRANCHID^.

154. Synaphobranclms pinnatus {Gronow) Giinther. Twin-
GiLLED Eel. Synaphohranchiis pinnatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit.
Mus., viii, 1870, p. 23. A common resident of the deep waters of the
oflf-shore banks in 200 to 300 fathoms, where individuals are often
taken on the fishermen's trawl-lines.

27

Family SACCOPHARYNGIDJE.

155. Saccopharynx flagellum Mitchill. Gulper. Saccopha-
rijnx flagellum Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Museum, viii, 1870, p. 22. A
deep-sea fish. MitchiU's specimen was taken in latitude 52 degrees
N. ; long. 30 degrees W.

Family SIMENCHELYID^.

156. Simenchelys parasiticus Gill. MS. Pug-nosed Eel.

Several specimens of an undescribed eel-like fish were obtained on
the halibut trawls, on the oflF-shore banks. This strange form has
much of the physiognomy of a Carapus (Gymnotiis), and has a short,
blunt snout, but is a true Apodal and has an eel-like tail. The bran-
chial apertures are short longitudinal slits on each side of the throat
below the pectorals, which are well developed; the dorsal commences
about a head's length behind the pectorals ; the anal considerably in
advance of the second half of the total length. The skin has scales
like those of Anguilla, linear, scattered, and disposed at right angles
to each other. The head is very short ; the preraaxillaries and maxll-
laries of each side consolidated into a single piece and separated from
that of the opposite side by the ethmoid, and provided with lamelli-
form posterior margin and an expanded antero-terminal process;
mandible very deep; teeth blunt, uniserial; the operculum sabre-
shaped. The type appears to belong to the suborder of Enchely-
cephali. The single species (Simenchelys ixirasilicus) is dark brown
colored in life, and individuals have been found burrowing into the
flesh of the halibut.

Sub-class Oa]¥Oii>x:a.
Super-order Clioiidrostei.

Order GLANIOSTOMI.

Family ACIPENSERID^.

157. Acipenser oxyrhynchus Mitchill. Sharp-nosed Stur-
geon. Acipenser oxyrhynchus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 237,

.pi. XXXV, fig. 4. Ascending rivers and not unusual along the shores.
The Essex Institute has a stufied specimen from the Merrimac, at
Lawrence, collected by C. K. Stevens.

158. Acipenser brevirostris Xes?<e?(r. Blunt-nosed Sturgeon.
Acipenser hrevirostrum DeKay, Zool. of N. Y., 1842, p. 345. This short-
nosed form of the coast sturgeon is represented in the museum of the
Essex Institute by a stuffed skin obtained at Rockport, by J. N. Martin.

28

Sub-class £i.ASMOBRA:nrciii:i.

Super-order Holoceptiali.
Order HOLOCEPHALI.

Family CHIM^RID^.

159. Chimsera plumbea Gill. Brown Chimera. Chimcera
plumhea Gill, Bull. Phil. Soc, Washiugton, 1877. Very common in the
deep water on the outer edges of banks north of George's Banks, and
often brought in by the Gloucester halibut schooners.

Super-order Plagiostomi.

Order RAI-aE.

Sub-order SAB CUBA:

Family TORPEDINIDiE.

160. Torpedo occidentalis Storer. Cramp-fish. Torpedo
occidentaUs Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, pi. 271, pi. xxxix, fig. 5.
This species is rarely taken north of Cape Cod. Three or four indi-
viduals have been seen in summer on the south side of Cape Ann. One
was taken near Lanesville, in 1878.

Family RAIAID^.

161. Kaia granulata GUI. MS. A remarkable species with
back and ventral surface covered with minute sharp granular ossifica-
tions obtained by Capt. Joseph W. Collins on Le Have Bank. A spe-
cies of the same type as B. kevis, and having 30-31 teeth on each side ;
the back granulated and slate-colored; the ventrals distinguished by
reticulate markings, and the claspers slender and scarcely expanded.

162. Baia erinacea 3IUchill. Clear-xosed Skate. Baia dia-
plianes Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1367, p. 264, pi. 39, fig, 1. Abundant
in the waters of Massachusetts bay at a depth in summer of twenty-
five or thirty fathoms.

163. Haia radiata Donovan. Not uncommon in company with
the preceding.

164. Haia eglanteria Lacepede. Occasionally captured in com-
pany with the preceding ; a more southern species.

165. Kaia Isevis MitcMll. Barn-door Skate. Baia loivis Storer,
Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 266, pi. xxxix, fig. 2. Frequently taken in
deep water.

29

166. Eaia ocellata MitcMll. Spotted Skate. Two or three
individuals were collected by the U. S. Fish Commission in 1878.
This species is very abundant in shallow water at Portland, Me.

Family TRYGONID^.

167. Trygon centrura {Mitch.) Gill. Stingaree. Pastinaca has-
lata Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 268, pi. xxxiv, fig. 3. This
species has not been observed north of Cape Cod, but we are in-
formed by Capt. R. H. Hurlbert, of Gloucester, an accurate observer,
that they are sometimes taken on the George's Banks.

Order SQUALL
Family LAMNID^.

168. Lamna cornubica {Gmel.) Flem. Porbeagle, Mackerel
Shark. Lamna cornubica Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., viii, 1870,
p. 389. A young individual, agreeing with the description of this
species by European authors, was taken off Gloucester, in Oct., 1878.

169. Carcharodon Atwoodi {Storer) Gill. Man-eater Shark.
Carcharias Atwoodi Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 246, pi. xxxvi,
fig. 4. The type of this species was obtained at Provincetown. One
or two instances of its capture in Massachusetts Bay are on record.

Family CETORHINIDiE.

170. Cetorhinus maximus (Linn.) Blainv. Bone Shark,
Gurry Shark. Selachus maximus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p.
253, pi. xxxvii, fig. 3. This gigantic shark is sometimes encountered
by the Gloucester fishermen. Prof. Verrill has recorded^ the occur-
rence in the summer of 1870, at Eastport, Me., of three specimens
twenty-five to thirty feet in length, and one previously taken in 1868,
which measured thirty-five feet. Mitchill writing in 1814, spoke of its
occasional occurrence at Provincetown. Storer mentions a specimen
measuring thirty feet and three inches, harpooned in Provincetown
Harbor, in 1839.

Family ODONTASPIDID^.

171. Eugomphodus littoralis {Mitchill) Gill. Sand Shark.
Carcharias griseus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 241, pi. xxxvi,
fig. 1. Capt. Atwood records this species as very abundant at Prov-
incetown, in 1856, and it doubtless is found in other parts of the bay.

2 Bulletin Essex Institute, III, p. 6.

30

* Family ALOPECIIDiE.

172. Alopias vulpes {Linn.) Bon, Swingle-tail, Thrasher
Shark. Carcharias vulpes Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 245, pi.
xxxvi, fig. 3. Several "Swingle-tails," have been taken within the
past ten years, between Boston and Gloucester.

Family SPHYRXID^.

173. Sphyrna zygaena (Linn.) Mull. & Henle. Hammer-head
Shark. Zygaena malleus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 262, pi.
xxxviii, fig. 3. According to Captain Atwood, the hammer-head is
"seldom seen" at Provincetown.

174. Eulamia obscura (LeSueur). Dusky Shark. A "blue
shark" is recognized by the fishermen of Massachusetts Bay, which
is probably either this species or F. Milherti.

Family GALEOEHINIDiE.

175. "Prionodon lamia" Putnam. Bull. Essex Inst., vi, 1874,
p. 72. This species, was provisionally identified by Prof. Putnam
from a tooth obtained on St. Peter's Bank belonging to a fish esti-
mated to have been at least thirteen feet in length.

176. Mustelus canis {Mitch.) DeKay. Smooth Dog-fish. Mns-
telus canis Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 251, pi. xxxvii, figs. 2, 2a.
This species is not unusual about Provincetown in summer, and is
occasionally taken in other parts of the bay. The Essex Institute
has young specimens taken ofi" the Central wharf, Salem, in 1856.

Family SPINACID^.

177. Squalus acanthias Linn. Dog-fish. Acanthias ameri-
canus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 256, pi. xxxviii, fig. 1, la.
Common everywhere in summer, coming up on the fishing grounds in
immense schools and very annoying to fishermen.

178. Centroscylliiun Fabricii {Rein.) Mull. & Henle. Green-
land Dog-fish. Centroscylliuni fabricii, Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit.
Mus., viii, 1870, p. 425. Common on the off-shore banks in company
with Centroscymnus.

179. Centroscymnus coelolepis Socage & Capello. Black
Dog-fish. Centrophorus coelolepis Giinther, Catalogue Fish. Brit.
Mus., viii, 1870, p. 423. This species is abundant on the off-shore
banks, at the depth of 200 fathoms and more. It is ovoviviparous
like Squalus.

31

Family ECHINORHINID^.

180. Echinorhinus spinosus {Gmel.") Blainville. Spinous
Shark. Echinorhinus spinosus Giiuther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., viii,
1870, p. 428. A single specimen of this species, the first seen in Amer-
ica, drifted ashore at Provincetown in December, 1878.

Family SCYMNID^.

181. Somniosus microcephalus (Bloch.) Gill, Sleeper Shark.
Scymnus hrevipinna Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 259, pi. xxxviii,
fig. 2. Scymnus hrevipinna was described by Lesueur in 1818 from a
stuffed specimen he saw at Marbiehead. Storer mentions a specimen
he saw at Marbiehead. Storer mentions a specimen taken ofi" Port-
land, Me., in 1846, and one at Nahant, as well as three at Province-
town, in 1848-9.

Class MARSIPOBRAllCIIII.

Order H YP E R O AR T I A.

Family PETROMYZONTID^.

182. Petromyzon marinus Linn. Lamprey Eel. Fetromyzon
americanus Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, p. 275, pi. xxxviii, fig. 4.
Occasionally seen, especially in the rivers. The Essex Institute has
a specimen found clinging to a pollock in Salem market. May 25, 1858,
and also young individuals from Beverly.

Order HYPE ROTRE T A.

Family MYXINID^.

183, Myxine glutinosa Linn. , Hag, Slime-fish. Myxine gluti-
nosa Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., viii, p. 510. Occasionally taken
in deep water clinging to dead fish. The Fish Commission obtained
specimens in the trawl, at 175 fathoms, forty-two miles east of Cape
Ann. It was also dredged by Packard and Cooke in the "Bache," in
1873.

ADDENDUIM.

92a. Lampris guttata Behz. Mr. J. Matthew Jones informs us
of the capture of this European species near Sable Island, N. S.

32

FATJNAL TABLES

The following species are known to occur in Massachusetts Bay as
permanent residents or regular visitants. Those which are found
near the shores and on the ordinary fishing grounds, sixty-nine in
number, are mentioned in ordinary type ; those which occur in the
deeper parts of the Bay and are not ordinarily seen, eighteen in num-

of which only a few specimens have been taken and whose occurrence
must be regarded as accidental. Of these there are forty-six species
in all, and they are enclosed in brackets.

Melanogrammus aegleflnus.

Phycis tenuis.

Phycis chuss.

Phycis Chesteri.

[Phycis regius.]

Onos {Hhinonemus} cimbrius.

Brosmius brosme.

Merlucius vulgaris.

Lycodes Verrillii.

Zoarces anguillaris.

Cryptacanthodes maculatus.

[Euraesogrammus subbifurca-

tus.]
Leptohlennius serpentinus.
Leptoclinus aculeattcs.
Mursenoides guunellus.
Anarrhichas lupus.
Anarrhichas minor.
[Batrachus tau.]
Cyclopterus lumpus.
Eumicrotremus spinosus.
Liparis vulgaris.
Liparis Montagui.
[Prionotus evolans.]
[Prionotus caroliuus.]
Aspidoplioroides monopterygius.
Cottus octodecemspinosus.
Cottus scorpius groenlandicus.
Cottus seneus.
Centridermichthys uncinatus.

1.

Lophius piscatorius.

33.

2.

Mola rotunda.

34.

3.

[Cirrisomus turgidus.]

35.

4.

[Balistes capriscus.]

36.

5.

[Alutera Schoepfli.]

37.

6.

[Monacanthus setifer.]

39.

7.

[Hippocampus antiquorum.]

40.

8.

Siphouostoma Peckianum.

41.

9.

Siphonostoma fuscum.

42.

10.

[Centriscus scolopax.]

45.

11.

[Fistularia serrata.]

46.

12.

Gasterosteus aculeatus.

47.

13.

[Gasterosteus trachurus.]

14.

Gasterosteus pungitius.

49.

15.

Apeltes quadracus.

50.

17.

[Achirus lineatus.]

51.

18.

Pleuronectes glaber.

52.

19.

Pseudopleuronectes ameri-

53.

canus.

55.

20.

Limanda ferruginea.

56.

21.

Glyptocephalus cynoglossus.

57.

22.

Lophopsetta maculata.

58.

23.

Hippoglossoides platessoides.

59.

24.

[Pseudorhombus dentatus.]

61.

25.

[Pseudorhombus oblongus.]

62.

26.

Hippoglossus vulgaris.

63.

29.

Macrurus Bairdii.

64.

30.

Gadus morrhua.

66.

31.

Pollachius carbonarius.

67.

32.

Microgadus tomcodus.

69.

33

70.

TrigJops Pingelii.

118.

71.

Hemitripterus americanus.

119.

72.

Sebastes marinus.

127.

73.

Tautoga americana.

131.

74.

Tautogolabrus adspersus.

132.

75.

Xiphias gladius.

133.

76.

[Tricliiurus lepturus.]

136.

77.

Scomber scorabrus.

137.

78.

[Scomber DeKayi.]

138.

79.

Sarda pelamys.

139.

80.

Orcynus thynnus.

140.

82.

[Orcynus pelamys.]

141.

85.

[Cybium maculatum.]

142.

86.

[Carangns liippos.]

151.

87.

[Paratractus pisquetus.]

152.

88.

[Argyriosus vomer.]

152.

89.

[Seriola zonata.]

157.

90.

Palinurichthys perciformis.

158.

91.

Poronotus triacantbus.

160.

92.

[Zenopsis ocellatus.]

162.

93.

[Cynoscion regalis.]

163.

94.

[Pogouias chromis.]

164.

95.

[Meuticirrus nebulosus.]

165.

96.

[Stenotomus argyrops.]

166.

101.

[Centropristis atrarius.]

168.

105.

Roccus liiieatus.

169.

lOG.

Morone americana.

170.

107.

Pomatomus saltatrix.

171.

108.

[Pseudopriacaiithus altiis.]

172.

109.

Ammodytes americanus.

173.

110.

[Ammodytes dubius.]

174.

111.

[Echeneis naucrateoides.]

176.

112.

Remoropsis brachyptera.

177.

113.

Remora jacobsea.

180.

lU.

Cliirostoma notatura.

181.

115.

[Mugil brasiliensis.]

182.

116.

Beloue longirostris.

183.

117.

Scomberesox scutellatus.

Hydrargyra majalis.
Fuudulus pisculentus.
[Scopelus Humboldtii?]
Osmerus mordax.
Sal mo salar.
Salveliuus fontinalis.
Clupea harengus.
Alosa sapidissima.
Pomolobus vernalis.
Pomolobus aestivalis.
Pomolobus mediocris.
Brevoortia tyrannus.
[Engraulis vittatus.]
Conger vulgaris.
Anguilla bostoniensis.
Auguilla vulgaris.
Acipeuser oxyrhynchus.
Acipenser brevirostris.
[Torpedo occidentalis.]
Raia erinacea.
Raia radiata.
[Raia eglanteria.]
Baia Icevis.
Raia ocellata.
[Lamna cornubica.]
[Carcharodou Atwoodi.]
[Cetorhlnus maximus.]
[^Eugomphodus littoralis.]
Alopias vulpes.
[Sphyrna zygajna.]
[Eulamia obscura.]
Mustelus canis.
Squalus americanus.
[Ecliiuorhinus spinosus.]
[Somniosus microcephalus.]
Petromyzon marinus.
Mi/xine glutinosa.

ESSEX INST. BULL.

34

The following list includes the species known to occur in the fresh
and brackish water of Essex County, thirtj^-seveu in number, seven-
teen of which, having already been mentioned as inhabitants of the
sea, are printed in italics.

€

Esox americanus.
Salmo salar.

Salrao salar sebago.
Salvelimis fontinalis.
Alosa sapidissima.
Pomolobiis vernalis.
Pomolohus (EStivalis?
Brevoortia tyrannus.
Catostomus teres.
Erimyzon sucetta.
Carassius auratus.
Luxilus cornutus.
Notemigonus chrysoleucus.
Semotilus bullaris.
Rhinichthys atronasus.
Amiurus catus.
Anguilla vulgaris,
Acipenser oxyrhynchus.
Acipenser brevirostris.

14.

Gasterosteus pungitius.

123.

15.

Apeltes quadracus.

182.

32.

Microgadus tomcodus.

132a.

68.

Uranidea gracilis. ,

133.

97.

Lepioporaus auritus.

137.

98.

Eupomotis aureus.

138.

99.

Euneacanthus obesus.

139.

100.

Micropterus pallidus.

141.

100a

,. Micropterus achigan?

143.

102.

Perca fluviatilis.

144.

103.

Boleosoma Olmstedi.

145.

104.

Boleichthys fusiformis.

146.

105.

Boccus Uneatus.

147.

106.

Morone americana.

148.

116.

Belone longirostris.

149.

118.

Hydrargyra majalis.

150.

119.

Fundulus pisculentus.

152.

120.

Fundulus nigrofasciatus.

157.

121.

Fundulus multifasciatus.

158.

122.

Esox reticulatus.

The following list of names, fifty-seven in number, represents the
fauna of the off-shore banks. Twenty-eight species, the names of
which are given in italics, have already been referred to as occurring
in Massachusetts Bay. Hippocampus antiquorum was obtained at the
surface. Try g on centrura is a southern straggler to the shoals of
George's Banks. The remaining twenty-seven species are found only
at sea, at depths of 80 to 400 or 500 fathoms, and in water colder than
38° F. Twenty-nine of the species included in this list have been
added to the fauna of New England and Nova Scotia within two years
by the labors of the U. S. Fish Commission.

1. Lophius x>iscatorius.

2. 3Iola rotunda.

7. Hippocampus antiquorum.

21. Glyptocephalus cynoglossus.

23. Hippoglossoides platessoides.

26. Hippoglossus vulgaris.

27. Platysomatichthys hippoglos-

soides.

28. Macrurus Fabricii.

29. Macrurus Bairdii.

30. Gadus morrhua.

31. Pollachius carhonarius.

35

34. Phycis chuss. 124.

38. Haloporphyrus viola. 125.

40. Brosmius hrosme. 126.

41. Merlucius hilinearis. 127.

42. Lycodes Verrillii. 128.

43. Lycodes Vahlii. 129.

44. Lycodes paxillus. 130.

52. Anarrhichas lupus. 134.

53. Anarrhichas minor, 135.

54. Anarrhichas latifrons. 136.
60. Liparis raniila. 153.

69. Centridermichthys uncinatus. 154.

70. Triglops Pingelii. 155.
72. Sebastes marinus. 156.

75. Xiphias gladius. 159.

76. Scomber scomhnts. 161.

83. Orcynus alatunga. 165.

84. Orcynus argentivittatus. 167.
90. Palinurichthys perciformis. 175.
92a. Lampris guttata. 177.

109. Ammodytes americanus. 178.

112. Bemoropsis brachyptera. 179.

117. Scombresox saurus. 181.

Chauliodus Sloanei.
Scopelus gemmifer.
Scopelus speculiger.
Scopelus Humboldtii?
Echiostoma barbatum.
Malacosteus niger.
Argentina syrtensium.
Alepidosaurus ferox.
Alepocephalus Bairdii.
Clupea harengus.
Nemichthys scolopaceus.
Synaphobranchus pinnatus.
Saccopliarynx flagellum.
Simeuchelys parasiticus.
Chiraa3ra plumbea.
Eaia granulata.
Baia Icevis.

Trygon centrura. (Georges.)
Prionodon lamia.
Squalus acanthias.
Centroscyllium Fabricii.
Centroscymnus coelolepis.
Sotnniosus microcephalus.

36

IISTDEX.

Note. — The references in this index are to the current numbers of
the species. The synonyms, as well as the accepted names, are
indexed, and there can be no trouble in making out the names em-
ployed by Storer and other early writers on the fishes of New Eng-
land.

Acanthias americanns, 178.
Acanthocottus variabilis, 66.
Acanthocottus virginianus, 64.
Achirus lineatus, 17.
Achirus mollis, 17.
Acipenser brevirostris, 158.
Acipenser bvevirostrum, 158.
Acipenser oxyrhynchus, 157.
Alepidosaurus fevox, 134.
Alepocephalas Bairdii, 135.
Alopias vulpes, 172.
Alosa cyanonoton, 139.
Alosa lineata. 110.
Alosa menhaden. 141.
Alosa prajstabilis, 137.
Alosa sapidissima, 137.
Alosa tyrannus, 138.
Alutera cuspicaiida, 5.
Alutera Schoepfii, 5.
Aliiteres cuspicauda, 5.
Amiurus catiis, 150.
Ammodytes americanns, 109.
Ammodytes dubiiis, 110.
Anarrhichas latifrons, 54.
Anarrhichas lupus, 52.
Anarrhichas minor. 53.
Anarrhichas vomerinus, 52.
Anguilla vulgaris, 152.
Apeltes quadracus, 15.
Argentina syrtensium, 130.
Argjn-eus atronasus, 149.
Argyriosus unimaculatus, 88.
Argyriosus vomer, 88.
Aspidophoroides monopterygius,
Atherina notata, 114.

Balistcs capriscus, 4.
Batrachus tau, .55.
Belone longirostris, 116.
Belone truncata, 116.
Blennius serpentinus, 49.
Boleichthys fusiformis, 104.
Boleosoma Olmstedi, 103.
Brevoortia tyrannus, 141.
Brevoortia menhaden, 141.
Brosmius brosme, 40.
Brosmius flavescens, 40.

Carangus chrysos, 87.
Carangus defensor, 86.
Carangus hippos, 86.
Carangus pisquetus, 87.
Carcharias vulpes, 172.
Carcharodon Atwoodi, 169.
Carassius auratus, 145.
Catostomus bostoniensis, 143.
Catostomus Conimersonii, 143.
Catostomus gibbosus, 144.

Catostomus teres, 143.
Centridermichthys uncinatus, 69.
Centriscus scolopax, 10.
Centrophorus coelolepis, 179.
Centropristris atrarius, 101.
Centropristris varius. 101.
Centroscyllium Fabricii, 178.
Centroscymnus coelolepis, 179.
Ceratacauthus aurantiacus, 5.
Cetorhinus maximus, 170.
Chauliodus Sloanei, 124.
Cirrisomus turgidus, 3.
Chilonemus pulchellus, 148.
Chimtera plumbea, 159.
Chirostoma notatum, 114.
Ciliata argentata, 39.
Clupea elongata, 136.
Clupea harengus, 136.
Conger vulgaris, 151.
Cottus aeneus, 67.
Cottus gracilis, 68.
Cottus groenlandicus, 66.
Cottus octodecemspinosus, 64.
Cottus scorpius, 65.
Cottus scorpius groenlandicus, 66.
Cryptacanthodes inornatus, 46.
Cryptacanthodes maculatus, 46.
Cybium niaculatum, 85.
Cyclopterus lumpus, 56.
Cyclopterus spinosus, 57.
Cynosciou regalis, 93.
Cyprinus auratus, 145.
Ctenolabrus ceruleus, 74.

Echeneis albicauda. 111.
Echeneis naucrateoides. 111.
Echeneis quatuordecemlamiuatus, 112.
Echeneis remora, 113.
Echinorhinus spinosus, ISO.
Echiostoma barbatum, 128.
Engraulis vittatus, 142.
Enneacanthus obesus, 99.
Erimyzon sucetta, 144.
Esox americanns, 123.
Esex reticulatus, 122.
Etheostoma Olmstedi, 103.
Euchalarodus Putnanii, 18.
Eugomphodus littoralis, 171.
Eulamia obscura. 174.
Eulamia IMilberti, 174.
Eumesogrammus subbifurcatus, 47.
Eumesogrammus unimaculatus, 48.
Eumicrotremus spinosus, 57.
Eupomotis aureus, 98.

Fistularia serrata, 11.
Fundulus nigrofasciatus, 120.
Fundulus pisculenlus, 119.

37

Gadus cimbrius, 39.
Gadus morihna, 30.
Gasterosteus aculeatus, 12.
Gasterosteus aculeatus trachurus, 13.
Gasterosteus biaciileatus, 12.
Gasterosteus DeKayi, 14.
Gasterosteus pungitius, U.
Gasterosteus quadracus, 15.
Gasterosteus Wheatlandi, 13.
Glyplocephalus acadianus, 21.
Glyptoeephalus cynoglossus, 21.
Gunnellus mucrouatus, 51.

Halatractus zonatus, 89.
Haloporphyrus viola, 38.
Heuiirhamphus, sp.. 117.
Heniitripterus acadianus. 71.
Hemitripterus americanus, 71.
Hippocampus antiquorum, 7.
Hippocampus hudsonius, 7.
Hippoglossoides limandoides, 20.
Hippoglossoides piatessoides. 21.
Hippoglossus grcBiilandicus, 27.
Hippoglossus vulgaris, 27.
Huro nigricans, 100.
Hydrargyra flavula, 118.
Hydrargyra majalis, 118.
Hypsolepis cornutus, 146.

Labrax lineatus, 105.
Labrax rufus, JOG.
Lamna cornubica, 168.
Lampris guttata, 92a (p. 31).
Lepioponius auritus, 97.
Leptoblennius serpcntinus, 49.
Leptoclinus aculeatus. 50.
Leucosomus americanus, 147.
Limanda I'errnginea, 20.
Liparis arctica, 59.
Liparis Montagui, 59.
Liparis ran u la, CO.
Liparis vulgaris, 58.
Lophius americanus, 1.
Lophius i)iscatorius, 1.
Lophopsetta maculata, 25.
Lumpus anglorum, 5(i.
Lumpus spinosus, .57.
Luxilus cornutus, 14G.
Lyciclitliys latifrons, 54.
Lycodes paxillus. 44.
Lycodes Vahlii, 4:3.
Lycodes Verrillii, 42.

INIacrurus Bairdii. 29.
Macrurus Fabricii, 28.
Macrurus rupestris, 28.
Malacosteus niger, 129.
JVlallotus villosus. 131.
Melanogrammus £eglefinus, 33.
JNIenticirrus nebulosus, 95.
Merlangus purpureus, 31.
Merlucius albidus, 41.
Merlucius bilinearis. 41.
Merlucius vulgaris, 41.
Microgadus tomcodus, 32.
Micropterus pallidus, 100.
Mola rotunda, 2.
Monacantiius aurantiacus, 5.
Monacanthus massachusettensis, 6.
Monacantiius setifer, 6.
Monacanthus signifer, 6.
Morone americana, 106.

Morrbua seglefinus, 33.
Morrhua americanus, 30.
Morrhua pruiuosa, 32.
Motella caudacuta, 39.
JMugil lirasiliensis, 115.
Mugil lineatus, 115.
MurjBiioides gunnellus, 51.
Murseuoides ingeus, 51.
Muraenoides niacrocephalus, 51.
Mustelus canis, 17(5.
Myxine glutinosa, 183.

Nemichthys scolopaceus, 153.
Isotemigonus chrysoleucus, 147.

Onos cimbrius, 39.
Orcynus alatuuga, 83.
Orcynus alliteratus, 81.
Orcynus argenlivittatus, 84.
Orcynus pelaniys, 82.
Orcynus thyiinus, 80.
Orthagoriscus mola, 2.
Osmerus eperlanus, 131.
Osmerus mordax, 130.
Osmerus viridescens, 131.
Otolitlius regalls, 93.

Pagrus argyrops, 96.

Palinurichtliys i>erciformi8, 90.

Palinurus perciformis, 90.

Parati-actus pisquetus, 87.

Pastinaca hastata, 167.

Pelaniys sarda, 79.

Perca ilavescens, 102.

Perca fluviatilis, 1U2.

Petromyzon americanus, 182.

Petromyzon niarinus, lfc2.

Pogonias chromis, 94.

Pholis subbifurcatus, 47.

Phycis americanus, 34.

Pliycis Cliesteri, 36.

Phycis chuss, 35.

Phycis filamentosiis, 35.

Phycis regalis, 37.

Phycis regius, 37.

Phycis tenuis, 34.

Pimelodus atrarius, 150.

Platessa dentata. 21.

Platessa lerruginea, 20.

Platessa glabra, 18.

Platessa oblonga, 22.

Platessa plana, 19.

Platessa quadrocellata, 25.

Platessa rostrata, 20.

Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides, 27.

Platysomaticlithys pinguis, 27.

Pleuronectes fleKis, 18.

Pleuronectes glaber, 18.

Pleuronectes maculatus, 25.

Pleuronectes passer, 18.

Poilachius carbonarius. 31.

Pomatomus saltatrix, 107.

Pumolobus aestivalis, 139.

Poniolobus mediocris, 140.

Pomolobus pseudoharengus, 138-139.

Poniolobus tyrannus, 138.

Pomolobus vernalis, 138.

Pomotis appendix, 97.

Pomotis vulgaris, 98.

Poronotus triacauthus, 91.

Priacanthus altus, 108.

Prionodou lamia, 175.

38

Prionotus carolinus. 61.
Prionotus evolans, 61,
Prionotus lineutus, 61.
Prionotus i)almi[jes, 62.
Prionotus i)ilatus, 62.
Pseudopleuronectes americanus, 19.
Pseudopriacanthus altus, 108.
Pseudorhombus dentatus, 22.
Pseudorhombus oblongus, 23.
Pygosteus occideutalis, 11.

Raia eglanteria, 164.
Raia erinacea, 162.
Raia granulata, 161.
Raia Insvis, 165.
Raia ocellata, 166.
Raia radiata, 1(53.
Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, 27.
Remora jacobsea, 113.
Remoropsis brachyptera, 112.
Rhinichthys atronasus, 149.
Rhinonemus cimbrius, 39.
Riiombus triacanthus, 91.
Roccus lineatus, 105.

Saccopharynx flagellum, 155.
Salmo fontinalis, 133.
Salmo salar, 132.
Salmo salar sebago, 132.
Salveliniis fontinalis, 133.
Sarda i)elamys. 79.
Scomber DuKayi, 78.
Scomberesox scutellatus, 117.
Scomberesox Storeri, 117.
Scomber i)neumatophorus, 78.
Scomber scombrus, 77.
Scomber vernalis, 77.
Scombresox saurus, 117.
Scopelus gemmit'er, 125.
Scopelus llumboldtii. 127.
Scopelus speculiger, 126.
Scymnus brevipinna, 181.
Sebastes marinus, 72.
Sebastes norvegicus, 72.
Sebastes viviparus, 72.

Selachus maximus, 170.
Semotilus bullaris, 148.
Seriola zonata, 89.
Simenchelys parasiticus, 156.
Siphonostoma fuscum, 9.
Siphonostoma Peckianum, 8.
Solea vulgaris, 16.
Somniosus raicrocephalus, 181.
Sphyrna zygsena, 173.
Squalus acantliias, 177.
Squalus americanus, 177.
Squalus vulgaris, 177.
Stenotomus argyrops, 96.
Stepiianolepis setifer, 6.
StichEeus aculeatus, .50.
Stichteus unimaculatus, 48.
Synaphobranchus pinnatus, 1.54.
Syugnathus Peckianus, 8 and 9.

Tautoga americana, 73.
Tautoga onitis, 73.
Tautogolabrus adspersus, 74.
Temnodon saltator, 107.
Tetrodon turgidus, 3.
Tliynnus alalonga, 83.
Thynnus argentivittatus, 84.
Thynnus pelamys, 82.
Thynnus secundidorsalis, 80.
Thynnus thunnina, 81.
Torpedo occidentalis, 160.
Triglops Pingelii, 70.
Triglops pleurostictus, 70.
Trygou centrura, 167.

Umbrina nebulosa, 95.
Urinidea gracilis, 68.
Urophycis regius, 37.

Xiphias gladius, 75.

Zenopsis ocellatus, 92.
Zeus ocellatus, 92.
Zoarces anguillaris, 45.
Zoarces viviparus, 45.
Zygasua malleus, 173.

39

Kegular Meeting, Monday, Jan. 6, 1879.

Meeting this evening. In the absence of the Presi-
dent, Dr. George A. Perkins was requested to preside.
The records of last meeting were read by the Secretary.
Donations and correspondence announced.

Mr. Frederick A. Ober, of Beverly, occupied the
evening with a paper on his ornithological explorations in
the Lesser Antilles. He gave a most interesting account
of his work on the Islands, and as a result of his explo-
rations discovered eighteen new variations and species of
birds. His remarks were illustrated with twent3^-three
photographic views, thrown on the screen by the kind-
ness of Mr. J. W. Moulton.

The following is an abstract of the paper ; —

Ornithological Explorations of the Lesser Antilles,

By Frederick A. Ober.

Leaving New York in December, 1876, I proceeded
to Martinique in the centre of the chain of the Lesser
Antilles; thence to Dominica, in lat. 15° north, to com-
mence my investigations into the fauna of the Caribbee
islands. The undertaking was under the auspices of the
Smithsonian Institution, and for the purpose of filling a
gap in the ornithological data of the West Indies.

Dominica, like all the islands, with few exceptions, of
the chain, is of volcanic origin and very mountainous.
It contains the highest mountain south of Jamaica (in the
Antilles), "Morne Diablotin" being above 5,000 feet in
height. As in the other islands, also, there are three

^40

different zones of vegetation and of animal life ; tliat of
the coast, that of the higher hills and midway the moun-
tains, and that of the mountain-tops. In the middle
zone, situated (at a rough estimate) between 1500 and
2500 feet altitude occur the greatest variety of forms,
both in vegetable and animal life. There the famous
high woods, containing trees of the greatest magnitude,
and tree ferns and tropical plants of every description,
give hiding place to many birds not found along the
coasts. Indeed, the coast fauna is very meagre, owing
to the scarcity of trees and the cultivation of the sugar
estates. Ascertaining that my best collecting ground
would, probably, be in that region, I repaired to a moun-
tain valley some 1500 feet above sea level, and took up
my residence with some families of mixed blood (Carib
and Creole) for above a month. Here I was very suc-
cessful, discovering seven species and varieties not here-
tofore known to science. This was only accomplished by
secluding myself in the mountains and in forests away
from the general routes of travel.

Thence I went over the mountains to the portion of the
island inhabited by the Caribs, of whom but a remnant
exist of all the many thousands found by Columbus in
his voyages.

I secured many photographs, a good vocabulary and
many notes regarding their early history and present con-
dition. The difference in speech between the men and
women, in the ancient tongue, is very noticeable. The
language spoken by them, now, is a perverted French ;
the patois or provincial, that form of speech used by the
ignorant. Here I procured the imperial parrot (^Chry-
sotis augiista), but not many other birds of note. The
specimens of this bird which I sent the National Musuem
were the first seen in America.

41

In Antigua, two degrees north of Dominica, I found
but few birds, but secured an owl which has since been
dechired a new species. In Barbuda, thirty miles north
of Antigua, I found excellent shooting at deer, wild
guinea fowls, doves, white-headed pigeons, etc., but no
new or rare birds. Antigua and Barbuda diifer from the
other islands of the group in being wholly, or in part, of
coral formation.

In St. Vincent, in lat. 13° north, I discovered, among
others, the fiimous "Sonffriere Bird," which had been an
object of interest to English naturalists for many years ;
since named, by Mr. Lawrence, the Myiadestes sibilans.
To procure this, I was obliged to camp in a cave for
nearly a week.

With the few Caribs residing in St. Vincent, who live
isolated from the whites, in the northern part of the
island, I remained a few weeks. Here, I obtained many
specimens of ancient implements and photographed some
curiously-incised rocks, supposed to have been used as
sacrificial stones by the Caribs. A carved wooden tor-
toise, which I found in a cave, exhibits excellent work-
manship, and may prove interesting.

In St. Vincent, I procured seven (7) new species, the
most interesting, perhaps, of any obtained.

In Grenada, in lat. 12 north, I discovered three (3)
new species. This island is the last of the chain, being
less than one hundred miles from Trinidad and seventy
miles from Tobago, the fauna of which latter islands is
essentially tropical, and different from that of the Antil-
lean chain. Grenada contains the last of the armadillos,
which once inhabited all these islands, and monkeys.

Tobago, which I investigated later, yielded manj^ inter-
esting species ; but, not forming one of the group known
as the Antilles, it does not come within the limits of this
paper.

42

The time occupied in the investigation was nearly two
years. The results, ornithologically, were (I am assured
by the officers of the Smithsonian Institution) of the
greatest value, as I had sent to the museum hundreds of
birds never before seen in the country and eighteen (18)
new species and varieties.

The following is a list of the new birds, as described
by Mr. Lawrence, the types of which are in our National
Museum : —

From Dominica.

Thryothorus rufescens.

Dendroeca plumbea.

Myiarchus Oberi.

Vireosylvia calidris (var. Dominicana).

Strix flammea (var. nigrescens).

Chaetura Dominicana.

Blacicus brunneicapillus.

From St. Vincent.
Turdus nigrirostris.
Myiadestes sibilans.
Thryothorus miisicus.
Certhiola atrata.
Certhiola saccharina.
Leucopeza Bishopi.
Calliste versicolor.

From Grenada.
Turdus caribboeus.
Thryothorus Grenadensis.
Quiscalus luminosus.

From Antigua.
Speotyto amaura.

Catalogues of each island have been prepared by Mr.
Lawrence from my notes, and are in course of publica-
tion.

At the close of the evening, on motion of Mr. Caleb
Cooke, a vote of thanks was unaminously passed to Mr.
Ober for the paper read.

A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands^ with
Annotations,

By Edgar A. Mearns.

[Continued from Vol. X, page 179.]

Family, SITTIDJS.

12. Sitta carolinensis, Gmelin. White-bellied Nuthatch.
Perhaps a resident species, though not found breeding just in this
neighborhood. Farther up the Hudson, at Catskill, they breed abun-
dantly. Their occurrence is somewhat irregular, lilje that of the
Brown Creeper and the Cedar Bird; but they are usually common
except during the breeding season, when they, seemingly, all with-
draw for a short time. It is a remarkable fact, that not a single
White-bellied Nuthatch was seen here, by any one, to my knowledge,
between August, 1872, and the following July. Mr. Erwin I. Shores
mentions a similar incident in the case of the Common Bluebird.*
He states that he "could not And it in 1872, "^ about Suffiekl, Conn.
Mr. W. C. Osboru discovered a nest of this Nuthatch, near Catskill,
N. Y., the entrance to which was through an aperture in a weather-
board, in the house of Mr. Frederic E. Church, the celebrated artist.

The Nuthatch is an eminently useful and industrious bird. He de-
votes his entire existence to the occupation of scrambling about upon
the tree-trunks, grubbing out insects from their hiding places under
the bark. At this commendable, but somewhat prosaic, employment
he spends his days ; and when night comes, he betakes himself to a
hole in some tree, where, weary with his day's toil, he sleeps the sleep
of the just till day-break; nor is our pretty friend addicted to the dis-
agreeable practice of early rising. He depends not upon craftiness
for his daily sustenance, but gets it by the sweat of his brow; there-
fore he indulges in a morning nap after the sun is up, and the noctur-
nal worm is permitted to crawl safely into its den. Doubtless this
interesting bird should command our highest respect, and our deepest
gratitude ; for his life is one of tireless industry and great usefulness.
Nor, indeed, should we question the personal motives which impel
him to the accomplishment of such important and valuable results.

iC. Hart Merriam, A Review of the Birds of Conn., p. 8, 1877.
2 Mr. Shores informs me that the date here given is incorrect; should read 1873

(43)

44

Though the Nuthatch does not possess the gift of song, still he is
well and favorably known to most persons who live in the country —
whose lines have fallen in pleasant places. He is found wherever
there are forests, and comes into our orchards and about our dwell-
ings. Moving steadily in any direction upon the tree-trunks and
branches, he searches the interstices of the bark, tapping hard upon
suspected spots with his bill. At frequent intervals he utters his
peculiar cry, a sort of nasal honk honk. When moving downward, he
always advances head first, and never in the opposite position, as the
Woodpeckers do. Sometimes his diet is slightly varied. He never
refuses raw meat; and when in Lewis County, N. Y., during the latter
part of December, 1877, I found him eating the beech-nuts, in com-
pany with the Red-headed Woodpeckers, and with evident enjoyment.
The stomachs of the specimens shot were found distended by those
nuts.

Sometimes, during storms, in winter, the trees become so thickly
coated with ice, that the Woodpeckers and creeping birds, since na-
ture has neglected to supply them with adjustable ice-spurs suitable
for such emergencies, are unable to climb upon the icy trees, and,
consequently, are obliged to desist from their usual avocations, and
betake themselves to other situations in quest of food. On such occa-
sions the Nuthatches seem to be particularly distressed, flying about
uttering loud cries, and alighting freely upon the roofs of buildings.
Both this species and the Red-bellied Nuthatch have a loud, coarse
rattle as the mating season approaches^ which is seldom heard at
other times.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eight specimens : length,
6-07; stretch, 11-03; wing, 3-48; tail, 1-92; culmen, -76; gape, -90;
tarsus, -70.

13. Sitta canadensis, Linne. Red-bellied Nuthatch. The
movements of this species are extremely uncertain; but it may be set
down as an irregular winter resident, and an occasional visitant at
other seasons, except during the period of its nidification. Generally
abundant during its autumnal migration. At times it is gregarious ;
and this is especially the case in the fall.

Late in summer the Red-bellied Nuthatches arrive in large flocks,
some seasons, while in others they are not seen at all, or only occa-
sional individuals. These migrating flocks appear late in August, and
a few are sometimes observed by the first of that mouth. They
remain with us for a period varying from a few days to several weeks.
In 1874, they were very numerous from August 25 to September 23.
They search the tree trunks for their insect prey, in large, straggling
bands, uttering a note somewhat resembling the cry of the other
species {S. carolinensis) ; but it is pitched much higher, and varied

45

by low, lisping, wiry notes, which are only audible at a sh:>rt distance.
They are partial to the groves of red cedar, but are frequently found,
in flocks, in the deciduous woods ; there they are generally attended
by numbers of small flycatching birds, chiefly of the genera Vireo and
Empidonax, which follow, apparently for the purpose of capturing the
insects which are roused from the bark. They are of irregular occur-
rence throughout winter. Were very abundant in March, 187-i, when
large flocks were seen amongst the pine trees, along the Hudson,
chasing each other through the forest with loud, rattling cries, and
rollicking together in a most joyous and itncreeper-like manner.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of nine specimens : length,
4-62; stretch, 8-22; wing, 2-6fi; tail, 2-58.

Family, CERTHIID^.

14. Certhia familiaris, Linne. Brown Cueeper. An abundant,
but somewhat irregular winter resident, and indeed is found com-
monly throughout the year, except during the nestling period, during
which none have been observed, though it remains till late in May.
The Creeper is partial, in winter, to the evergreens, as indeed are
most of our small wintering birds. It possesses, besides the usual
prolonged, wheezy note of which the species is by no means chary,
a variety of feeble, chirping utterances, resembling those of the
Golden-crested Kinglet. The Creeper is usually a tame bird, paying
less heed to its admirers than to tlie capture of insects that infest the
bark of trees; that being the main purpose of its life. With that
object In view, it alights at the base of a tree and begins to ascend in
a spiral; in this manner it advances till the trunk and principal
branches have been explored, when, having reached the top, it spreads
its wings and with a pretty, sweeping movement, attaches itself to the
extreme base of another tree, when the same performance is repeated.
Thus the Creeper has many nps and downs in its life, though, on the
whole, its is a monotonous career of labor; but in spite of this the
bird is interesting, and its habits have a certain fascination. Its
sombre colors serve an excellent purpose for concealment, matching
so well those of the trees upon which it lives as to make it very
inconspicuous.

Its long, slender, curved bill seems ill adapted as a means of musi-
cal expression; and indeed I never suspected it of possessing such
attributes, until I one day discovered that it was the author of a very
pleasant song. This happened on April 1, 1878, when I heard a sweet
warble, moderately loud, that puzzled me as to its authorship, until I
at length saw the bird singing, quite close to me, as it clung to the
side of a tree. Like the Nuthatches and Titmice, it is fond of raw

46

meat, and may be attracted to houses by suspending a scrap of pork
from the balcony.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eighteen specimens : length,
5*66; stretch, 7-98; wing, 2-56; tail, 2-65; culmen, '63; tarsus, •53.

Family, TROGLODYTIDiE.

15. Troglodytes domestieus, Bartram. House Wren. A sum-
mer resident ; abundant. Like the Bluebirds, they like to build in the
fruit cans that I have placed in appropriate places for their use. As
many as twelve pairs have nestled upon the place at once. Nothing
could present a greater contrast than the habits of these birds during
the breeding season and afterwards. Having successfully completed
the business of rearing several broods of young, they lose, simulta-
neously, their delicious song and the pert, saucy familiarity which
characterizes their actions during their stay in close proximity to
man ; retiring with their families to the remotest wastes, they spend
the residue of the season amongst the broken rocks, covered thickly
with bushes and matted vines, seldom appearing in view, but con-
stantly announcing their whereabouts by a sharply enunciated, seem-
ingly discontented or anxious chirp.

These Wrens arrive from the South late in April (28, 1873 ; May 7,
1874; 6, 1875; April 29, 1876; May 9, 1877; April 30, 1878; 29, 1879),
and remain till the middle of October (16th, 1876).

Dimensions. — Average measurements of seven specimens : length,
5-00; stretch, 6*61; wing, 1-97; tail, 1-71; bill from nostril, -36; tar-
sus, '&Q.

16. Anorthura troglodytes, var. hyemalis, {Wilsoii). Win-
ter Wren. A winter resident; very abundant during its autumnal
migration; generally quite common all winter, but somewhat irregu-
lar; arrives the first of October (4, 1874; September 29, 1876; exceed-
ingly abundant October 8), and departs the last of April (27, 1874; 30,
1875; May 1, 1876). Mr. E. P. Bicknell informs me that he has ob-
served it, as far south as Riverdale, on May 4, 1877.

These active, sprightly little birds are fond of searching amongst
broken rocks, brush-heaps, and rubbish generally; but it is their
greatest delight to run about under ice, after the water has settled
away ; creeping into every nook and crevice in search of food, they
sometimes remain out of sight for many minutes together. They are
often found on the marshes, amongst the cat-tails, and frequenting
the piles of debris that the tides have floated upon their edges ; here,
skulking out of sight, but close to the observer, and always emitting
a sharp cliirp, they would exhaust the patience of the mildest collector
extant, who would shoot one for his cabinet.

47

Dimensions. — Average measurements of seven specimens : length,
4-06; stretch, 6-15: wing, 1-89; tail, 1-24; bill from nostril, 35; tar-
sus, -73.

17. Telmatodytes palustris (Bartram). Long-billed Marsh
Wren. A common summer resident; breeds in the marshes border-
ing the Hudson. Arrives about the middle of May (21, 1875 ; 18, 1876 ;
21, 1877; 4, 1878), and remains till October (1, 1874; September 28,
1876; 23, 1878). This species has the habit of singing at niglit, when
the moon is bright. Its eggs, six to eight in number, are deposited
about the first of June. They are of a deep mahogany color ; some-
times a light colored egg is found in the same clutch. The nest is
spherical, with a round orifice for entrance at the side. It is attached
to the reeds of the salt marshes, and is constructed partly of these
same flags ("cat-tail," Typlia latifolia, Linn.), and partly of the marsh
grasses ; the interior lined with the down of the flag. The eggs are
kept covered till the full complement has been laid ; possibly as a pro-
tection against snakes. They breed at least twice in a season, occu-
pying a fresh nest each time. I examined several nests, on Consook
Island, which contained fresh eggs, as late as July 20, 1878. These
■were probably third broods. The House AVrens left our piazza with
their third brood August 15.

The Marsh Wrens live in colonies, and are as attractive, merry little
birds as you could wish to see ; scolding hard when their retreats are
invaded, but singing a joyous, happy refrain the moment you pass on.
Even when scolding most irately, you may hear them, between times,
trying to swallow the gurgling notes that seem to well forth sponta-
neously and against their wills. There are few sounds so cheerful
and pleasant to hear as the jingling melody produced by a colony of
Marsh Wrens left in quiet ( ?) possession of their oozy territory, after
such a disturbance.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of seven specimens : length,
5-20; stretch, 6-52; wing, 1-95; tail, 1-68; bill from nostril, -42; tar-
sus, -81.

Family, ALANDIDJE.

18. Eremophila alpestris, (Fors^er). Horned Lark. Mr. Jas.
S. Buchanan, of Newburgh, informs me that this species often occurs
about Cornwall and Newburgh. None of the other collectors have
met with it in the Highlands, as most of the region is uusuited to its
wants.

Family, MOTACILLIDJE3.

19. Anthus ludovicianus, (Gmelin). American Pipit; Tit-
lark. Occasionally seen during its migrations. Messrs. William K.

48

Lute, and Thos. W. Wilson, found large flocks on the salt meadows
connecting Constitution Island with the east shore, in October, 1875.
I saw a large flock, at Fort Miller, Washington Couut}^, N. Y., on
November 9, 1876.

Dimensions. — Length, 6-38; stretch, 10-25; wing, 3-50; tail, 2-69;
culmen, -47; tarsus, -81.

Family, SYLVICOLID^.

20. Mniotilta varia, (Linne). Black and White Creeping War-
bler. A common summer resident; breeds; particularly numerous
during the spring migrations. Arrives the first of May (8, 1873 ; 4,
1874; April 30, 1875; May 3, 1876; April 30, 1877; 26, 1878; 26, 1879),
and remains till October (14th, 1876).

The Black and White Creepers are interesting little birds, that
spend the greater part of their time in creeping upon the trunks and
branches of trees, somewhat after the fashion of the Brown Creeper.
When first arrived, in spring, they sing a feeble refrain ; but, a little
later, when the full tide of migration has set in from the South, the
Creepers may be seen perched upon the highest tree-tops, singing a
very sweet little ditty, almost exactly like the song of the Redstart
(^Setophaga ruticilla). After this matin performance they drop down
upon the tree-trunks, and creep about them in spirals in search of
insects, uttering a low, inward note ; hopping out to the extremity of
a branch, they will amuse themselves with flying out in short curves
after insects. They sometimes inhabit swampy thickets, doubtless
attracted thither by the abundance of insects ; their presence there
may be detected by the utterance of certain harsh, screeching notes
that are peculiar to itself.

Their nest is placed upon the ground ; generally sheltered, by a pro-
jecting rock, or stump. A pair once nestled close to my house. The
nest, built upon a bed of leaves, sheltered by a jutting rock, was
composed of strips of grape-vine bark, stems of plants, and grasses,
loosely felted. The parents were very gentle, and seemed to appre-
hend from my frequent visits no greater misfortune than a temporary
separation from their little ones. The young were five in number. I
watched them developing until their parents taught them, first, to
climb upon a neighboring grape-vine, and afterwards to attempt short
flights from branch to branch ; soon they were strong enough to leave
their natal spot, and rambled through the woods together, — a happy,
rollicking, unbroken little family.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of sixteen specimens : length,
5-30; stretch, 8-54; wing, 2-73; tail, 2-02; bill from nostril, -37; gape,
•60; tarsus, '67; middle toe, -50; its claw, '18.

49

21. Parula americana, {Linni). Blue Yellow-backed War-
bler. Exceedingly numerous during migrations ; a few breed. I
have never discovered its nest, but am indebted to Mr. W. C. Osborn
for a very young bird, shot near his residence, on the opposite bank
of the Hudson, in Putnam county, where its nest was previously dis-
covered, as recorded by DeKay in the Zoology of New York, Part II,
p. 97. Giraud also observes : ^ "I am informed that its nest has been
found at the Catskill Mountains."

It arrives early in May (12, 1874; 12, 1875; 5, 1876; 11, 1877; April
27, 1878; May 8, 1879), remaining till October (8, 1874; 8, 1876). I
have heard quite a varied and pleasing song from this little bird; but
succeeded by a rapid succession of harsh, filing notes.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of seventeen specimens:
length, 4-73; stretch, 7-54 ; wing, 2-40; tail, 1-76; bill from nostril,
•32; gape, -54; tarsus, -QS; middle toe, -40; its claw, -16.

22. Helmitherus vermivorus, (G^wie^uO- Worm-eating War-
bler. A rather common summer resident; breeds. Arrives about
the middle of May (15, 1875; 9, 1876; 11, 1878; 8, 1879), and remains
through the summer.

There is a singularity about every attitude and movement of this
bird, that at once attracts attention. Chiefly seen upon the ground,
scratching amongst the leaves, and uttering a sharp chirp at intervals,
it suddenly surprises you by flying high up among the branches in
pursuit of a moth; then it alights upon a branch, and makes quite a
successful attempt at a song; later, you may see it climbing upon the
body of a tree, apparently as much at home as a Nuthatch would be ;
it even pauses occasionally to utter a few feeble notes of a song. It
is sometimes found in the open woods, on its first arrival from the
South ; but later, when it has settled to its summer quarters, it is
seldom seen outside of its favorite swampy thickets, where it breeds
and passes the summer. Wet places, grown up to huckleberries, —
just such spots as delight the Woodcock — are its usual resorts. Its
note is sharp and metallic ; and the bird is shy and difficult to capture.

Diwensio/is.-^ Average measurements of ten specimens: length,
5-51; stretch, 8-75; wing, 2-78; tail, 2-05; bill from nostril, '39; gape,
•64; tarsus, '70; middle toe, '50; its claw, '18.

23. Helminthophaga pinus, (Linne). Blue-winged Yellow
Warbler. A summer resident; breeds. I found a nest, built in a
tussock of grass, on Constitution Island, in the Hudson River. I saw
another set of eggs, taken in a similar situation and said to be those
of a ''yellow bird," which agree very well with the eggs in my collec-
tion; but they maybe those of the Nashville Warbler (JET. ruficapilla) .

3 Birds of Long Island, p. 60, 1844.
ESSEX INST. BULL. XI 4

50

It arrives about the middle of May (12, 1875; 17, 1877), and spends
the summer. John Burroughs mentions'* the occurrence of this spe-
cies at Highland Falls, and Giraud observes:^ "the present species
has been shot during summer on the Catskill Mountains, and it is not
improbable that it breeds there ; it has been shot in Rockland County,
and other parts of the State of New York, but seems to be nowhere
abundant." At Riverdale, on the Hudson, Mr. E. P. Bicknell says ^ it
is " common during the summer, and regularly breeding." Dr. A. K.
Fisher has taken its eggs at Sing Sing, N. Y. It thus appears that
the species is a summer resident along the Hudson, as far as Catskill.
Dimensions. — Measurements of male: length, 4-85; stretch, 7-30;
wing, 2-46; tail, 1-90; bill from nostril, -35; tarsus, -66. Female:
length, 4-80; stretch, 7-24; wing, 2-25.; tail, 1-77; bill from nostril,
•35; gape, '55; tarsus, '68; middle toe, '38; its claw, -15.

24. Helminthophaga chrysoptera, (Linne). Blue Golden-
winged Warbler. A summer resident. Arrives from the South
early in May (12, 1875; 10, 1878; 15, 1879). This species is a regular
spring migrant; and doubtless passes considerably farther to the
northward. The insect-like notes of this bird, once heard, are not
apt to be forgotten ; both it, and the preceding, are usually found in
swampy thickets.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of five specimens : length,
5-10; stretch, 8*05; wing, 2-46; tail, 1*94; bill from nostril, -34; gape,
•57; tarsus, -70; middle toe, -42; its claw, '16.

25. Helminthophaga ruficap ilia, (TFiYson). Nashville War-
bler. A very common spring and fall migrant, and rare summer resi-
dent. Arrives early in May (11, 1874; 11, 1875; 6, 1876; 13, 1877;
10, 1878; 8, 1879), departing late in September (21, 1874; 20, 1875; 16,
1876). In spring it is very abundant in fruit orchards, flitting among
the blossoms ; but in autumn, when it is abundant from the first to the
twentieth of September, it is usually seen skipping about in the tree
tops; in summer it retreats to swampy wildernesses, there to breed.
I have not discovered its nest; but Dr. Clinton L. Bagg has taken its
eggs at Poughkeepsie, on the Hudson.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of sixteen specimens : length,
4-77; stretch, 7-45; wing, 233; tail, 1-81; bill from nostril, -28; gape,
•48; tarsus, -67.

26. Helminthophaga celata, (Say). Orange-crowned War-
bler. A rare migrant. "On May 13, 1875, I shot a beautiful male of
this rare species, as it was skipping among the apple blossoms, close

* Wake-Robin, p. 22, 1871.

6 Birds of Long Island, p. 67, 1844.

6 Bull. Nutt. Oru. Club, Vol. Ill, p. 130, 1878.

51

to my house, in company with a little band of Warblers which may
have belonged to the same species."^ Mr. E. P. Bickuell observes:^
"A female was taken [at Riverdale, on the Hudson] on October 9,
1876, and a second specimen seen on the 29th of the same month.
The former bird was shot while gleaning among the withering blos-
soms of a patch of golden-rods (Solidago), while the latter was hop-
ping about in a clump of leafless briers and shrubbery quite unsuspi-
ciously, allowing an approach of a few feet."

Dmensions.— Measurements of No. 667 ^, Highland Falls, N. Y.,
May 13, 1875, E. A. M. : length, 469; stretch, 7-25; wing, 2-22; tail,
1-85; bill from nostril, -30; tarsus, -69.

27. Helminthophaga peregrina, (Wilson). Tennessee War-
bler. A rather rare migrant; sometimes abundant in autumn. In
spring a few are seen, generally in company with H. rujicapilla, dis-
porting themselves among the fruit blossoms. In autumn they are
sometimes found abundantly, along the river banks, in the willow
trees. I found large flocks in the willow swamps, on lona Island,
and on Consook Island, in September, 1876.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of four specimens : length,
5-00; stretch, 7-68; wing, 2-63; tail, 1-69; bill from nostril, -32; tar-
sus, -65.

28. DendroBca sestiva, (-BoddcerO- Yellow Warbler ; Summer
Yellowbird. a summer resident; not very abundant ; breeds. Ar-
rives early in May (12, 1875; 12, 1876; 17, 1877; 9, 1878), and remains
till autumn (September 3, 1874).

Dimensions. — Average measurements of seven specimens : length,
5-10; stretch, 7-78; wing, 2-40; tail, 1-89; bill from nostril, -33; tar-
sus, -74.

29. Dendroeca virens, (Gmelin). Black-throated Green War-
bler. A summer resident ; very abundant during its migrations ; a
few remain and breed. Arrives early in May (16, 1874; 11, 1875; 1,
1876; 12, 1877; 9, 1878; 7, 1879), and departs late in October (21,
1874; 28, 1876). It is found everywhere, in all kinds of woods; but
it is especially numerous in hemlocks growing among deciduous
trees. It is seen, in large companies, clinging to the tips of the
branches, exhibiting a fluttering of wings and incessant activity. Its
attitudes and notes remind one of the Titmice ; but it possesses a very
pleasant song, besides. Not rare in summer.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of twenty-six specimens :
length, 5-10; stretch, 7-72; wing, 2-46; tail, 1-99; bill from nostril,
•25; gape, -55; tarsus, 68; middle toe, '40; its claw, -16.

■> Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol, HI, p. 46, 1878.
8 Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. IV, p. 61, 1879.

52

30. DendrcBca cserulescens, {Linne). Black-throated Blue
Warbler. Ad exceedingly common spring and fall migrant ; not seen
in summer. Arrives early in May, and remains till late in the month
(May 7 to 22, 1875; 9 to 23, 1876; 12 to 18, 1877; 4 to 18, 1878; 7,
1879); in autumn it appears early in September (11, 1876; 24, 1877;
23, 1878), and departs in October (5, 1874; 17, 1876). The males
arrive from the South before the females. The latter do not make
their appearance in considerable numbers for several days after. This
beautiful species possesses the flycatching habits of the Blackburnian
Warbler {D. blackburyiice) , flying in sliort curves after insects, often
alighting upon the sides of trees, and equally at home upon the
ground or in the highest tree-top.

On the 15th of October, 1876, vre were visited by a heavy fall of
snow, which, at that early season, must have been as unwelcome to
the birds as it was unexpected by ourselves. The apple trees, loaded
with their beautiful fruit and dark green leaves, were bent low down
under a weight of snow, while the foliage on the mountains, still
glowing in all the beautiful tints of autumn, blended its gorgeous
hues with the burdening snow flakes. Several of our summer War-
blers were still present; and, among them, this species and the Black-
throated Green; both of these came close about the house, and
endeavored to enter at the windows : a common habit with the
Yellow-rump {D. coronata).

Dimensions. — Average measurements of twenty-eight specimens :
length, 5-28; stretch, 7-96; wing, 2-52; tail, 2-06; bill from nostril,
•29; gape, -55; tarsus, -74; middle toe, "45; its claw, '17.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

CHRONOLOGICAL
HISTORY OF FLA.NTS.

LITTLE, BROWN & COMPANY

PUBLISH THIS day:

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF PLANTS.

Man's Record of his own existence, as illustrated through
their names, uses, and companionship. By Charles
PiCKKKiNG, M. D., author of "Races of Man."

This work, to the preparation of which the last sixteen years of
Dr. Pickering's life were devoted, forms the last of his contributions
to Natural Science.

1200 pages. 4to. Cloth, $15.00; half mor., 18.00.

BULLETIN

ESSEX IIsrSTITTJTE.

Vol. 11. Salem, Apr., May, June, 1879. Nos. 4, 5, 6.

The Solar Udijpse of 1878; a lecture hefore the Institute,

By Winslow Upton,
Assistant at Harvard College Observatory.

Ladies and Gentlemen: — A well known astronomer,
who devotes much of his time to studying the appear-
ance of the sun, recently remarked that in his opinion the
sun was the most important sul)ject for scientific study.
Its position as the centre and controlling power of so
many celestial bodies places it at the centre also of astro-
nomical science, while its intimate connection with life
upon the earth renders especially iuiportant any knowl-
edge that we ma}^ acquire of its physical constitution.
The great interest taken in this study during the last
twenty years has added much to our knowledge, and it is
a singular fact that this advance has been largely due to
observations made during eclipses of the sun, when that
bod}^ has been wholl}^ concealed from view. Thus, the
spectroscopic discoveries made in the eclipse of 1868 and
immediately after, greatly modified the prevailing theo-
ries of its constitution. The mere passage of the moon

ESSEX INST. BULL. XI 5 (53)

J^- U./^j<j

54

between the earth and the sun not only produces a scene
of gorgeous beauty, but also enables us to study the im-
mediate vicinity of the sun unhindered by the glare of
sunlight. To take advantage of this, expeditions are
organized and carefully equipped to make the desired
observations. The questions naturally arise, what are
the objects of these observations, how are they made,
and what are the results obtained. These we shall en-
deavor to consider, especially as illustrated by the Total
Eclipse of last summer.

We can show by the map the path of the eclipse.
Beginning in Siberia it crossed Behring's Straits, and
proceeded through Alaska and British America to the
United States, which it crossed in a southeasterly direc-
tion from Washington Territory to Texas. The moon's
shadow finally left the earth in the ocean. It will be seen
that the path was not through a populous country, being
almost directly over the extent of the Rocky Mountains.
Denver is the only large town in the path. But as the
country traversed is so lofty, the observations were made
under peculiarly favorable atmospheric conditions. No
observations were made north of the United States as
far as known. Within the United States it was considered
neither safe nor expedient to send parties north of the
Union Pacific E. R., but the surveying party of Prof.
Hay den, which was near the Yellowstone Park, made
observations there. At the stations of the U. P. R. R.
within the line of totality were several well equipped par-
ties ; in Colorado there were a great many. Three of the
highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains had parties on their
summits. In Texas several parties were located.

The width of the path was about 116 miles ; the dura-
tion of totality less than three minutes. In an eclipse,
the width of the shadow and the duration of the total

55

phase depend upon the relative size of the sun and moon.
The duration of totality is simply the time occupied by
the moon in passing over the excess of its own apparent
diameter over that of the sun. As the sun and moon
have nearly the same apparent diameter, the total phase
can never occupy but a few minutes ; in the most favor-
able case, when the sun is forthest away and the moon
nearest to the earth, the duration of totality is less than
eisfht minutes. The ii'reatest width of the shadow is 160
miles.

The establishing of a temporary observatory for observ-
ing an eclipse is a work of much labor. Of course, if a
person wishes simply to examine the general appearance
of the spectacle with a portal)le telescope, it will not take
him long to get ready. But if an extensive series of
observations has been planned, the preparations will be
of corresponding extent. The instruments will include
telescopes of various kinds, some of which must be
mounted with great firmness ; others, such as meridian
instruments, in a particular position to be determined by
observations of the stars. If spectroscopes are to be
used, they must be properly adjusted. If photographic
work is attempted, the 2:)reparations become still more
complicated, for to secure the best results the instrument
must move by clock work to correspond with the motion
of the sun. It requires, too, a great deal of ingenuity
to utilize the rough means at the disposal of a scientific
party in the field. The man who can make boards, spikes
and dirt answer the purpose of stone and mortar, or who
can fit instruments together without either tools or mate-
rials for his work, is a valuable member of the party.
The best equipped party near Denver, that of Prof.
Young of Princeton, made an astronomical camp for
their observations, and their instruments shared the rough

56

luxuries of camp life. A magnificent telescope, which
at home would be securely mounted on a pier of masonry
and shielded by a revolving dome, was here perched upon
a wooden framework which was sunk several feet into
the o^round and filled with sand to secure orreater steadi-
ness. It was, however, the proud possessor of a house
which could be rolled over it for its protection, while its
less fortunate companions were summarily taken off their
mountings and carried to a place of shelter when the
daily thunder storms were seen approaching. The party
sent out by the U. S. government in charge of Prof.
Stone of the Cincinnati Observafory, to which I was
attached, located upon a ranch on the plains east of Den-
ver. We were fortunate in finding a cattle shed, which
we transformed into a temporary observatory. In this
lonely spot, for the nearest village consisted of a railroad
shed and a dug-out, we were obliged to adapt ourselves to
a variety of situations. We were masons, carpenters,
architects. We were survej'ors, electricians, chronome-
ter repairers. On the day of the eclipse, seated upon
empty boxes with recording implements and spare eye-
pieces on a neighboring plank, we made our observations
as comfortably as one could wish.

The observations connected with an eclipse begin seve-
ral days before the expected event. For besides the
adjusting of instruments and practice in using them, it
is necessary to determine the geographical position of
the observing station and the errors of the time-pieces
used. For one use of eclipses is to correct the places
of the moon given in the lunar tables. It is a mistake to
suppose, as many do, that the motions of the heavenly
bodies are so well determined that an eclipse can be pre-
dicted with absolute certainty for a century in advance.
As Prof. Newcomb has remarked, "it is an extraordinary

57 .

intellectual feat that the path of an eclipse can be marked
out at all before the event is to occur." A slight error in
the position of the moon would cause a large difference
in the path of the shadow on the earth. "In point of
f\ict, the time of the late eclipse as predicted was nearly
half a minute in error, while the actunl path of the shadow
was some ten miles from the predicted one." In order to
obtain the errors of the eclipse calculations, it is custom-
ary for the observers to note the time when the moon
first notches the limb of the sun, the duration of totality
and the time of last contact. When these are collected
together from the different stations of observation, they
are used to correct the lunar tables. That this may be
done, the errors of the chronometers used and the lati-
tude and longitude of each station must be known. Ob-
servations for time and latitude are usually made with
a sextant as is done at sea, or still better by a portable
transit instrument such as surveying parties or watch-
makers use. If a place whose latitude and longitude are
known is near l)y, the position of the observing station
may be referred to it by the methods used in surveying.
If there is telegraphic connection with a place whose
position is known, clock signals may be sent from one to
the other, and the difference in time which is the same as
diflerence in longitude be easily determined. At all the
eclipse stations connected Avith the Western Union tele-
graph lines, the clock signals from Washington were
received on several days, which was of great advantage.
Some of the observers made extensive observations
during the partial phase, by measuring the angle which
the line joining the cusps makes with the apparent path
of the sun from east to west, which can also be used for
correcting the moon's place. A series of photographs is
sometimes taken for the same purpose. As it takes about

58

an hour for the moon to advance over the sun till it com-
pletely conceals it, — time which is of little use for other
purposes, — there is an excellent opportunity for such
observations. This is one use of eclipses. Formerly it
was considered the only scientific way to observe the
phenomenon. Dr. Bowditch, who observed the eclipse
of 1806 in Salem, devotes his report entirely to the cor-
rections to the moon's place determined by his own and
others' observations. He simply mentions the fact that
a luminous appearance surrounded the moon, as had
been noted in previous eclipses.

But this "luminous appearance" is now the most inter-
esting object of an eclipse, and the invention of new in-
struments unknown to the great mathematician makes it
possible to study it with success. The special features
of the total phase of an eclipse, I need not remind you,
are the corona or halo of light surrounding the eclipsed
sun and the solar prominences which seem to be clinging
to the limb of the moon. Upon the blackboard is a rep-
resentation of the corona as it appeared in a telescope of
5 J inches aperture. The northern and southern portions
were separated into distinct beams of light, curving on
each side from the north and south line ; the eastern and
western portions were radiated in structure, but not
divided into distinct beams. There was one beam on the
western portion which seemed to cross the radiated struc-
ture curving towards the south. The star d Coronas
shone brightly through the corona.

The solar prominences were not conspicuous in this
eclipse. In the eclipses of 1860 and 1870 they were
very abundant. In 1860 the largest one was found to be
nearly 100,000 miles high or one-ninth of the sun's diam-
eter. In that eclipse, it was proved that they belonged
to the sun and not to the moon, as the latter passed over

59

them in its advance. Tn the eclipse of 1868, the spectro-
scope showed that the solar prominences are immense
masses of gaseous matter at a high temperature thrown
up from the sun, hydrogen being the leading component.
A few days after the eclipse, two different observers suc-
ceeded in obtaining their spectra in full sunlight, and now
not only can their spectra be obtained on a clear day, but
the prominences themselves are made visible.

[A spectroscope was here exhibited and its construc-
tion explained.]

Solid bodies, if sufficiently heated, give a continuous
spectrum, that is a band of light with colors varying from
red on one end to violet on the other. Gases give not
continuous spectra, but bright lines peculiar to each gas,
whose positions for many substances have been carefully
mapped for reference. The sun gives a continuous spec-
trum crossed by dark lines, several thousand of which
have been observed. It was discovered long ago that
some of the dark lines corresponded in position with the
bright lines of certain gases, which led to the conjecture
that there Avas some connection between them. But in
1859, the famous Kirchoff found that by passing the light
from incandescent lime, which gives a continuous spec-
trum, though the sodium flame, which gives a bright
yellow line, he obtained the continuous spectrum with a
dark line in place of the bright one. He also found that
by using the solar spectrum combined with that of the
sodium flame, a conspicuous dark line in the yellow of
the solar spectrum could be made bright or dark by vary-
ing the intensity of the sunlight. He thus established
the fact that the dark lines in the sun indicate the pres-
ence of gaseous substances surrounding a glowing body
probably solid ; at least it gives a continuous spectrum
like a heated solid. He soon found that the bright lines

60

of the gas of iron, over 400 in number, had their coun-
terpart in dark solar lines, and from that time the pres-
ence of various other substances in a gaseous state has
been detected. The method of using the spectroscope is
simply to examine the spectrum of any substance and
compare it with known spectra.

The truth of the theory that the- sun is a vast globe
probably solid at an immense heat, surrounded by a gas-
eous layer, has received wonderful confirmation in recent
eclipses. If the dark lines in the solar spectrum are
merely the bright lines of certain gaseous substances
made dark by the presence of the glowing body behind
them, it must follow that just before totality, when the
moon has wholly concealed the body of the sun but not
the gaseous layer, the dark lines should become bright.
The reversal of the lines, looked for without success in
1869, was seen in 1870 by Prof. Young, who thus de-
scribes the phenomenon : —

"Very soon as the crescent grew narrower, ....
the dark lines of the spectrum and the spectrum itself
faded away ; until all at once, as suddenly as a bursting
rocket shoots out its stars, the whole field of view was
filled with bright lines more numerous than one could
count. The phenomenon was so sudden, so unexpected,
and so wonderfully beautiful as to force an involuntary
exclamation. Gently and 3'et very rapidly they faded
away, until within about two seconds, as nearly as I can
estimate, they had vanished." This phenomenon has
been seen by many observers in recent eclipses.

As the solar prominences can now be examined upon
any clear day, they receive less attention during eclipses
than the corona, which in the present state of science is
only visible at such times. The coronse of difierent
eclipses are so dissimilar in appearance, and the results

61

of different observations are so discordant, that the phe-
nomenon is still a great mystery. Accordingly at the last
eclipse it was studied in every way that human ingenuity
could devise. Some observers simply examined it with
the nake4 eye, estimating its shape, structure, and extent.
Some used telescopes of varying size for the same pur-
pose. Others confined their attention to particular por-
tions only. The resources of the physical laboratory
were brought into full use. Its light was examined with
spectroscopes and polariscopes. Mr. Edison invented a
special instrument called a tasimeter to measure its heat ;
it was successful in showing the presence of heat, but
being adjusted too delicately, since the inventor did not
know how much heat to expect, the index was thrown
beyond the limits of the measuring scale, so that the
amount of heat was not determined. The best photo-
graphic skill was also employed, and the corona w^hich
was first photographed in 1869 was again successfully
photographed, the times of exposure varying from two to
one hundred and sixty seconds. The camera was also
used in combination with the spectroscope and polari-
scope, and Dr. Draper succeeded in photographing the
spectrum of the corona, which had never been done
before.

The polariscope enables us to determine at least par-
tially whether the corona shines w^ith its own or with
reflected light. The explanation of the phenomenon of
polarization is briefly this : We can imagine that through
a beam of light coming directly to the eye, planes are
jDassed in every direction, the beam of light being the
common axis for all the planes. If however the light
does not come directly to the eye, but is reflected from
some surface, it is no longer possible to pass planes in
every direction through the reflected beam ; for the vibra-

62

tions are now confined to one plane, that passing through
the source of light, the reflecting surfoce and the eye.
This is termed the plane of polarization, though the vi-
brations themselves are at right angles to this plane.
While the eye cannot of itself detect this change in the
light, there are certain substances which make it appa-
rent. Thus the Nicol prism, which consists of two prisms
of Iceland spar cemented together by Canada balsam, will
allow light to pass through it in one plane only. If now
it is true that the vibrations in a reflected beam of light
are confined to one plane, when this plane coincides with
the plane in the Nicol prism in which light can pass,
light should be seen ; but if the prism is turned so that
its plane does not coincide with the plane of polarization,
darkness should be the result. And this is found to be
the case, or would be if the polarization were complete.
There are more delicate instruments than the Nicol prism,
e. ^., the Savart polariscope which will show polarization
if it exists in only four or five per cent, in the light exam-
ined. Polarization is not found in direct light, but is
found in reflected light. The light of the moon is polar-
ized ; the light of the sky is polarized by reflection from
the atmosphere, the plane of polarization passing through
the sun, the part of the sky examined and the eye.
Polarization may also be caused by the light passing
through certain crystals, as the Nicol prism, which we
have just stated will confine the vibrations to one plane.
In this case, the plane of polarization passes through the
polarizing crystal and beyond, to the source of the light.
In examining the corona with the polariscope, the obser-
vation consists in rotating the instrument and if polariza-
tion is found, noting the position of the plane of polari-
zation. If the plane passes through the sun, the part of
the corona examined and the eye, it indicates reflected

63

sunlight in the corona ; if it passes beyond the sun but
not through it, it shows that the polarization is caused by
light passing through the corona, which must, then, con-
tain substances capable of producing the phenomenon,
unless polarization can be produced in other ways than
those now known. Most of the polariscopic observations
of the corona show reflected light.

Besides these that have been mentioned there are other
minor sul)jects of study in an eclipse, such as the changes
in temperature, the changes in the color of the sky and
earth, the shadow as it sweeps over the earth with a veloc-
ity of half a mile each second, the effect of darkness upon
living creatures — and we must not forget the search for
new planets near the sun, which, as we shall see later,
will render the eclipse of 1878 especially memorable.

The day of the eclipse was favorable at all the observ-
ing stations. To those in Colorado the clear weather
was a glad surprise, for there had been no day for two
weeks in which the eclipse could have been successfully
observed. The preliminary observations and adjustments
had in consequence been but partially made. The ob-
servers on the summit of Pike's Peak were obliged to
abandon some of their plans, as there was not time to
adjust the instruments. At our station, we worked in
the early morning hours till daylight and to a late hour
in the evening following the eclipse to complete the aux-
iliary observations. As the day advanced the linal prep-
arations were completed, and in the early afternoon, a
few moments before the predicted time, the expectant
observers took their appointed stations. No one would
have imagined that a wonderful event was at hand. No
trace of the moon could be seen. The face of Nature
bore its accustomed aspect. But almost upon the ex-
pected moment, a little notch upon the sun's western limb

64

announced the approach of the moon. The eclipse had
begun. Eapidly advancing, the moon seemed to hold the
sun with iron grasp and to consume its light, the weaker
victorious over the stronger. The effect upon the earth,
scarcely perceptible till the sun w^as half hidden, from
that time grew rapidly more apparent. Darkness seemed
approaching, heralded not by the soothing twilight of the
restful night but by a cheerless gloom. A sense of awe
filled the soul. Men, with countenances changed to an
ashen hue, spoke in whispers. The crescent of light
became smaller and smaller, and soon the swift shadow
was seen sweeping over the lofty mountains. The thin
crescent faded away, and the dark moon was seen sur-
rounded by a crown of unequalled glory, to whose beauty
the stars bore silent witness. It lingered for awhile —
and was gone. For a sudden burst of li2:ht marked the
returning day. It seemed as if the Creator had once
more spoken the words "Let there be light," for there
was light. The rapid shadow sped away in its flight.
The moon hastened to undo the work it had so recently
wrought. The sun regained its power, the stronger vic-
torious over the weaker. Nature once more assumed her
wonted aspect. The eclipse was over.

[The remainder of the lecture was illustrated by a
series of lantern views projected upon the screen by Mr.
Leonard Waldo of Cambridge. First were given views
of the recent eclipse as it appeared to the naked eye and
as seen through telescopes by difierent observers.]

It is singular that the corona should appear so differ-
ently to different observers, even if they are at the same
station and view it under similar conditions. But since
this is an evident fact, it is natural to suppose that a more
accurate representation of the corona may be obtained by
photography. But there are several difficulties to be

65

encountered. One is in the proper time to expose the
plate. When a photographer is taking a picture of a
room he exposes his plate several minutes ; if he is pho-
tographing a landscape scene in bright sunlight, a few
seconds he finds to be sufficient. For the sun, the short-
est exposure possible is required. The best photograph
of the sun yet obtained was made with an exposure of
3(jVo of a second. In an eclipse, since the brightness is
much greater close to the sun than farther away from it,
a short exposure of a second or two will give the solar
prominences but no corona, while a long exposure will
represent more of the corona but the inner portions will
be overexposed and therefore lose their details. This is
illustrated by two views, one of the eclipse of 1860, in
which the plate was exposed two seconds, and which shows
the prominences only, and the other Dr. Draper's photo-
graph of the last eclipse made with an exposure of 160
seconds. It was hoped by so long an exposure that the
coronal streamers might be photographed, which has
never yet been done. Indeed, from their absence on the
photographs it has been argued that they are unreal. The
picture does not show them, but it exhibits in the extreme
portions traces of a radiated structure.

Another reason why reliance cannot bq placed upon
photographs alone is that all rays of light are not chemi-
cally active. It was shown very graphically by Prof.
Osbun a few evenings ago that the actinic rays — those
that are chemically active in developing the picture — are
confined to the blue and violet and ultra-violet portions
of the spectrum, the last named not being visible to the
eye. Red and yellow rays afiect the eye but not the sen-
sitized plate. Hence a photograph does not give a per-
fect representation, since it may omit peculiarities which
the eye discerns or add others invisible to the eye. (A

66

person sitting for a photograph shows unconscions knowl-
edge of this fact, since he always expects the portrait to
omit defects which belong of course to the red end of the
spectrum and to bring out actinic beauties which n > mor-
tal eye can see.) It requires also much skill to photo-
graph the corona. This was successfully accomplished
for the first time in 1869, the photograph then obtained
comparing Avell with the more recent ones. It is custom-
ary to obtain a series of photographs with difierent times
of exposure, each of which will bear witness to a portion
of the corona. [Illustrated by a photograph taken in
Prof. Young's party, and by Mr. Whipple's photograph
of the corona in the 1869 eclipse.]

It is interesting to compare the varied appearances of
the corona in different eclipses. In the recent eclipse it
was more elongated than usual, or at least the coronal
streamers were on this occasion noticed to extend further
from the sun than previously. The general outline was
also quite irregular, though in this respect it was not
unlike many others.

[A series of views was here shown representing the
corona as seen in nine of the total eclipses that have been
observed during this century.]

While the corona is still a very mysterious appearance,
yet the result of observations made in past years has
tended to establish the truth of certain theories with
regard to it. It belongs to the sun, and not to the moon.
It is not caused by our own atmosphere, as some have
thought, considering it to be a mere optical illusion. It is
undoubtedly true that its appearance is much modified by
local influences, but from the summit of Pike's Peak,
where the disturbing eflTects of the atmosphere were less
than at other stations, it was seen in greater extent than
elsewhere. Its presence surrounding the sun, when the

67

moon is absent, ma}^ be inferred from the foct that when
either of the phmets Venus or Mercury is about to cross
the sun, it can be seen before touching the disk — a dark
body on the coronal background. In eclipses also, a few
minutes before or after the total phase, the whole outline
of the moon can be seen. It is impossible to believe
that the moon could have an atmosphere of sufficient size
and density to cause the phenomena witnessed in the
corona, and 3^et this atmosphere not be apparent in many
other ways.

The examination of the corona by instrumental means
strengthens the belief in its solar origin, at least in the
solar origin of the portions nearest the sun. The obser-
vations with the polariscope in different eclipses have been
quite conflicting. In some, no traces of polarization
could be found, in others they were ver}^ marked, while
the direction of the plane of polarization varied. A dis-
cussion made previous to the last eclipse by an English
astronomer showed that the greater part of the observa-
tions might be harmonized on the supposition that the
corona contained reflected sunlight, which might be caused
by meteoric or other matter in the vicinity of the sun.
The observations made last summer for the most part con-
firm this opinion. But there are certain observations in
several of the eclipses which indicate that part of its light
comes through certain substances and not by reflection,
since the plane of polarization did not pass through the
sun but tangent to it. This discordance in the polaris-
copic observations has not yet been explained.

Let us examine the testimony of the spectroscope.

[Upon the screen were shown the spectrum of the
sun, the solar spectrum together Avith that of iron show-
ing the coincidences of sixty-five of the bright lines in
the spectrum of iron with dark lines in the solar spec-

68

trum, and the spectra of the sun, chromosphere, solar
prominences and corona as seen in the eclipse of 1869.]

The spectrum of the chromosphere, the gaseous hiyer
in which the solar prominences originate, contained the
four h} drogen lines with several others not determined.
In the spectrum of the prominences were found, besides
these, four others, three of which were also found in the
corona ; of these two were rather faint, and have not
generally been seen. The third, which is called the
"1474" line, from its position on the standard scale, is
considered the characteristic line of the coronal spectrum ;
it indicates the presence of an unknown gaseous substance
which is also found in the sun, and probably thrown up
from it into the corona. In the corona have also been
seen the continuous spectrum, which would indicate in-
candescent solid or liquid matter, and the spectrum of
sunlight with its dark lines, which w^ould agree with the
polariscope in indicating reflected sunlight.

Upon the testimony of the spectroscope, then, the
corona is of a very complex nature, for it shines with its
own light, shines with reflected sunlight, and contains an
unknown gaseous substance found also in the sun. But
the corona does not exhibit the same spectra in different
eclipses. In the last eclipse the change was especially
marked. The 1474 line was very faint — some observers
failed entirely to see it — while the continuous spectrum
was the marked feature, the dark solar lines being also
seen. This noticeable change in the spectrum, particu-
larly the unusual faintness of the 1474 line, points to a
connection between the sun and the corona which is one
of the most important results of the recent observations.
The sun has been for some time past in a state of unusual
quiescence ; the spots and prominences are few, the chro-
mosphere low. That at this time the corona should show

69

the least trace of the solar "1474 matter" it has ever
exhibited since the spectroscope discovered its presence,
is a proof that it, too, follows the periodicity characteris-
tic of the sun. In a few years the sun spots wall again
become numerous, for their period is known ; if the
corona should then, as is confidently expected, exhibit
the characteristics so marked in 1869 and 1870, when the
sun was in great activity, the proof wall be still more
complete.

It is remarkable that while the 1878 corona contained
less of the solar matter than formerly, it was more ex-
tended and exhibited more plainly the evidences of re-
flected light. The advocates of the view that it is mainly
caused by reflection from meteoric substances in the vicin-
ity of the sun find in this circumstance an argument for
their theory ; and some who before have believed that the
inner corona was solar and the outer atmospheric in ori-
gin have changed to the meteoric theory. The sketch
made by Prof. Abbe on the slope of Pike's Peak shows
in a very striking way the extent of the corona as seen
in high altitudes without telescopic aid. The observer
has advanced the theory that the long bands of light are
the £:rand meteor streams which the earth meets in Augfust
and November, the tapering of the bands being due to
perspective. No other person, as far as known (for but
few of the reports of the last eclipse have yet been pub-
lished) has been so definite in designating the position of
the meteoric bodies reflecting the coronal light, but the
belief that this is the explanation of at least that portion
of the corona farthest removed from the sun has been
strengthened by the recent observations.

It has been customary for some observers to spend the
time of totality in the search for new^ planets near the
sun. To facilitate the work, a chart of stars is made

ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. XI 6

70

beforehand and the observer hunts systematically for ob-
jects not on the map. In the last eclipse several distin-
guished astronomers engaged in this work, two of whom
report success for the first time in the history of eclipse
observations. Each of them found two objects not on
the chart, which therefore cannot be stars, for no stars
except those on the chart exist in that part of the sky
as bright as the new objects are described to be. The
positions given by the two observers, Prof. Watson and
Mr. Swift, unfortunately do not agree, and consequently
there Avere four new objects seen, unless one of the ob-
servers in the hurry of the moment made a mistake in
his record. This is a point which no one can settle.
The new objects cannot be asteroids, for they are so
bright that they would have been discovered long ago if
that were the case. It has been suggested that they may
be comets, but the discoverers are positive in their de-
scriptions and would not be likely to be deceived, since
they are experienced observers. It is generally conceded
that one or more new planets moving about the sun within
the orbit of Mercury has been discovered, and the search
for new planets will receive much attention in future
eclipses.

[The concluding illustration represented the progress
of an eclipse, the sun being gradually concealed by the
advancing moon, and the corona bursting forth at the
moment of totality.]

We may sum up briefly the scientific results of the last
eclipse, as far as they can now be given.

1. The discovery of one or more intra-Mercurial
planets.^

1 Since the above was written, a valuable discussion of the subject of the exist-
ence of intra-Mercurial planets has been published by Dr. Peters of Hamilton Col-
lege, New York. It presents in a masterly way the negative side of the question,
showing that the supposed observations of such bodies that have been made dur-

71

2. The proof that the corona follows the same law of
periodicity which affects the sun.

3. An advance in instrumental means of studying
eclipses, shown by the invention of the tasimeter, and
the successful photographing of the coronal spectrum.

4. The accumulation of more facts, which will have
their value in combining the observations of different
eclipses.

We may feel sure that future observations will throw
more light upon the unsolved problems suggested by the
phenomena of an eclipse. The sole object of these ob-
servations is to add to our knowledge of this wonderful
universe, — a universe which in its grandest or in its
humblest appearances speaks its Creator's praise.

ing this century are unreliable, while the great mass of testimony is opposed to
their existence. The objects seen by Prof. Watson in the last eclipse are explained
to be certain known stars which would coincide with the observed positions if we
admit an error in the observations — an error which is claimed to be witliin the lim-
its of accuracy possible under the conditions of observation. This criticism,
which is sustained by good arguments, coupled with the mass of negative evi-
dence, places the subject once more in a doubtful position. But it is certain that
the interest excited by the supposed discoveries will make the search for new
planets a prominent part of future eclipse observations.

Notes on the Native and extensively introduced Woody
Plants of Essex County^ Massachusetts}

By John Robinson.

PREFACE.

The following notes on the woody plants of Essex County have
been collected for the purpose of giving what is known of the trees
and shrubs which are natives of the soil, and those which have been
extensively introduced. It is not possible to bring together here all
the information which might be collected, but it is certain that suffi-
cient will be found to show thoroughly the nature of the species,
their hardiness, and the size they attain within our county's limits.
The principal facts are taken from the extensive notes made by Mr.
John H. Sears of Danvers, and the observations made since by Mr.
Sears and the present writer while botanizing in various parts of the
county. Besides, the work of the older botanists has been examined,
and references will be found to Dr. Chas. Pickering, William Oakes,
Rev. J. L. Russell, S. P. Fowler, and others. The writer desires to
express his thanks to the many persons who, more or less interested
in the subject, in various parts of the county, have so uniformly shown
their kindness by adding much valuable information, w^hich has been
incorporated in the notes. Almost every species referred to in these
pages is represented in the Essex County Botanical Collection in the
Museum of the Peabody Academy of Science, at Salem, where besides
the dried specimens of leaves, flowers, and fruit of the plants, there
is also a very complete collection of the wood arranged to show its
transverse and vertical section, and the bark of each species. This
collection is the result of a systematic attempt to illustrate the woody
plants of Essex County, and was gathered chiefly by Mr. Sears.
Should it chance that any one reading these pages can add any infor-
mation to that already collected, the writer would esteem it a great
favor that it should be communicated to him.

1 Names of species in tliis type: Tilia Americana, L., indicate plants which are
natives of Essex County; in this type: Magnolia acuminata, L., plants which are
natives of North America, usually within the scope of Gray's Botany, (i.e., east of
the Mississipjn and north of Nirginia), and introduced into Esse.x County; in this
type: Berberis vulgaris L., plants which are fiom foreign countries, usually
natives of Europe, introduced into Essex County.

(72)

73

RANUNCULACEJE.

(CROWFOOT Family.)

Clematis Virginiana, Z. (Common Virgin's Bower.) Avery
pretty climber, seldom forming stems of much size. It is quite abun-
dant uear Salem, and is frequently met with in cultivation, where it
makes with its flowers in August, and later with its feathery fruit, a
very attractive trellis plant. Many other species of this beautiful
genus are found in our gardens. The C. [Atragane] verticillaris, D. C,
which grows near Mt. Wachuset, is probably not a native of this
county.

MAGNOLIACE^.

(MAGNOLIA Family.)

Magnolia glauca, L. (Small Magnolia. Sweet Bay.) This
beautiful plant, 8o far north of its central habitat, has given the name
to the summer resort near which the magnolia swamp is situated in
Gloucester, and the original locality is so widely known that the
plants are fast being removed (often very carelessly) for cultivation.
The young buds are so quickly taken off by the venders of the flowers
that it is almost impossible to find a perfect specimen. Fortunately,
however, there are one or two other swamps in which the M. glauca
grows, not so easy of access, extending towards the town of Essex,
where this rare plant is likely to remain undisturbed for a while
longer. It is not known by whom it was first detected here, but it
probably has been familiar to the residents of the vicinity for a cen-
tury.^

Magnolia acuminata^ L. (Cucumber Tree.) Frequent in culti-
vation, easily enduring the winters except in very exposed places.
One tree of this species upon the estate of Gen. Loring in Beverly
almost rivals more southern specimens by its fine growth.

M. macrophylla, M. umbrella, and M. conspicua ( Yulan of the Chi-
nese), are occasionally met with in cultivation, requiring some protec-
tion during winter when planted in exposed places.

Liriodendron tulipifera, L. (Tulip Tree.) A native of southern
New England and westward. A tree commonly cultivated, but

2 Dr. Henry Wheatland kindly furnishes the following note : —
"^Rev. Manaseeh Cutler, LL.D., of Hamilton, was the person who first brought
to public notice the magnolia locality in Gloucester and Manchester; or at least
tradition says so. In a notice of a field meeting of the Institute at Manchester in
I806, Rev. J. L. Russell says, ' It was a source of no ordinary pleasure to be able
to stand on the most northern limit of this fine and ornamental tree, probably near
the very spot where its fragrant blossoms attracted the notice of the Rev. l>r.
Manasseh Cutler many years since.' Proc. E. I., Vol. II, p. 34."

74

here never reaching the magnificent proportions to which it grows
in the west. It is a clean and liandsome shade tree.

BERBEBIDACE-aS.
(BARBERRY Family.)

Berberis vulgaris, L. (Common Barberry.) Few persons fa-
miliar with the barberry know that it has been introduced from Europe,
yet such is the case, and aside from the eastern portion of the New
England states it is a comparatively rare shrub. The fruit is much
used when preserved as a dinner sauce, and the plants if properly
pruned form a very beautiful hedge.

Dr. William Mack, of Salem, who has given much attention to the
introduction of shrubs and trees in this vicinity, and who has experi-
mented to a considerable extent with our American species, considers
the barberry to be one of the best of hedge plants. He has found
those raised from seeds to succeed the best; they should when two
years old be planted out in a double row, the plants being one foot
apart, those of one row coming opposite the spaces of the other.
After a few year's growth the pruning should be commenced. The
hedge thus treated by Dr. Mack became in ten years a solid mass six
feet high and three or four feet wide. When growing in hedges the
barberry seldom produces fruit.

CISTACE^.

(ROCK-ROSE Family.)

Helianthemum Canadense, 3Iichx. (Frost-weed.) A little
plant flowering in August and September, resembling somewhat the
small Evening Primrose.

Hudsonia tomentosa, Nutt. (Hudsonia.) A curious little plant
growing in sandy places, resembling in appearance a Heath. Abun-
dant at Ipswich, Plum Island, and Nahant.

Lechea tenuifolia, L. thymifolia, Piirsh., L. major, 3Iichx.,
and L. minor, Lam., are homely weeds growing in sand or poor soil.

The plants of this family have somewhat woody stems.

MALVACE^.

(MALLOW Family.)

Althcea officinalis, L., is found on salt marshes, and is reported at
Salisbury by Mrs. Downs.

Hibiscus moscheutos, L., was found at Swampscott fifty years
ago by the late Dr. Chas. Pickering, the place where it then grew is
now occupied by summer boarding-houses.

75

Hibiscus Syriacus, L. (Common Alth^a.) Always cultivated.
It is sometimes fouud to spread by seeds almost as though it were
wild.

TILIACE^.

(LINDEN Family.)
Tilia Americana, L. (American Linden. Basswood.) A fine
shade tree scattered through the county, seldom more than a few
trees being seen together. It is subject to the "attacks of insects, the
leaves by mid-summer often being quite unsightly, owing to their
almost skeletonized appearance. Mr. J. H. Sears, of Danvers, to
whom the writer will frequently have occasion to refer in these notes,
gives the following measurements of a Basswood which, in 1867, grew
in Danvers, beside a never-failing spring.

Circumference 12 feet 3 inches at 1 foot from gi-ound

«' 10 " 6 " " 5 feet " ''

Height 50 feet.

Another before the farm house of Mr. Nathaniel Boardman was

in 1875,

Circumference 12 feet 10 inches at 1 foot from ground.

« 9 " 0 '• " 5 feet " "

Height 45 feet.

The wood is chiefly used in carriage and cabinet work.

Tilia Europ.ea. (European Linden.) Much used as a street
shade tree, represented in the county by some very fine specimens.
The leaves are smaller than those of the American Linden, and the
time of flowering somewhat earlier.

Six European Lindens in Beverly, in 1876, measured as follows,
commencing with one opposite the southeast corner of number 82
Cabot St.

No. 1. Circumference 9 feet 8 niches at 1 foot from gro

9 "

9

" 6 feet

No. 2.

9 "

8

" 1 foot

8 "

11 "

" 6 feet

No. 3.

9 "

1 "

" 1 foot

8 '•

6 "

" 6 feet

No. 4.

10 "

6^ «'

" 1 foot

9 "

0 "

" 6 feet

No. 5.

11 "

6^ '^

" 1 foot

9 "

5 "

" 6 feet

No. 6.

10 "

9^ -

" 1 foot

8 "

8 ''

" 6 feet

ind.

Height about 70 feet.

RUTACEiB.

(RUE Family.)
Zantlioxylum Americaniim, Mill. (Northern Prickly Ash. Tooth-

76

ACHE Tree.) This plant, although a northern shrub, does not, it is
probable, orow naturally within the county limits. There are in
Boxford. Danvers, and Georgetown several localities for Prickly Ash.
Mrs. W. S. Horner kindly furnishes the following information: "The
Prickly Ash was brought from Topsfield in 1835 and planted in several
places in this vicinity, by Mr. Andrew Horner, who held its medicinal
properties in much esteem. The plant is growing in several places
here as a shrub from six to twelve feet high, perhaps under better
conditions it might grow larger." It would be interesting to know
when and by whom it was introduced into Topsfield.

AlLANTHUS GLANDULOSUS. (TrEE OF HeaVEN. CHINESE SUMACH.)

A native of China, introduced into this country in 1784, at Philadel-
phia. This very handsome tree was extensively planted as a shade
tree in our cities, but the offensive odor of the starainate flowers
made it unpopular, and it was found that the pollen and fallen flowers
injured the water collected from the roofs of houses near which the
trees were planted.

This tree is well adapted for planting in sandy soil, as for instance
that of Plum Island. The Russian government use it on the steppes,
where it has been remarkably successful. The wood is handsome,
excellent for furniture, somewhat resembling oak. This tree is very
easy of propagation, for, besides being raised from seeds, every bit of
root when cut in pieces will form a bud. For a shade tree this
suckering is objectionable. A very full account of the Ailanthus will
be found in the Twenty-fifth Annual Report of the Secretary of the
Board of Agriculture of Mass., by Prof. C. S. Sargent, from which
this brief account is taken.

ANACARDIACEJB.

(CASHEW Family.)

Rhus typhina, L. (Staghorn Sumach.) Quite common in
various parts of the county. A tree in the garden of Mr. Joel Kim-
ball in Beverly, measured in 1878, 25 feet in height, with a diameter
of 10 inches.

Rhus glabra, L. (Smooth Sumach.) Abundant, particularly in
Wenham, Ipswich, and Hamilton.

Rhus copallina, L. (Dwarf Sumach.) In similar localities to
the last.

Rhus venenata, D C. (Poison Sumach.) Poison Dogwood is
an unfortunate name to give to this plant, although it is the one by
which it is most generally known. The Dogwoods all have large
panicles of white flowers and are harmless to handle, while the poison
Sumach has inconspicuous flowers.

77

The Poison Sumach grows to considerable size in the county; one
tree in Hamilton has a head some 15 feet in diameter, with a trunk
branching near the ground into several divisions.

Khus Toxicodendron, L. (Poison Ivy.) This very common
poisonous plant will be found at one time in the form of a very deli-
cate vine, and at another a stout, coarse-leaved shrub supporting
itself against a wall or tree. One form has been called R. radicans,
but the intermediate forms so connect it with the first that it
has been considered only a variety of strong growth. These two
last species of Rhus are the only plants poisonous to the touch grow-
ing in the county. Neither have attractive flowers or fruit. It is
only the showy leaves of R. venenata in autumn that would ever lead a
person to handle the plant through any attraction of its own Con-
sidering the abundance of these species, and the frequency with which
they must be touched, even roughly handled by many persons, par-
ticularly by children, it is a wonder that their poisonous eftects are
not more often seen.

If any one suspects that either of these plants have come in contact
with the person, let the part so touched be washed with a strong,
coarse soap. If the eruption makes its appearance, apply water, as
hot as can be borne, to the afiected part ; this will benumb the little
nerves which are irritated and dull the pain. If a disagreeable
swelling is caused by being poisoned, seek the advice of the best
neighboring regular physician. Some persons may handle these
plants with impunity, others are so sensitive that their near presence
to the plant without contact with their person is sufticient to cause a
swelling of the face. Many other plants are charged with being the
cause of poisonings. It is probable that all such charges are erro-
neous, and that unconsciously one of the two poisonous sumachs have
been handled or brushed against. In collecting other plants the wide-
spreading roots of one of them may have been met with. This has
proved to be the explanation of several cases of mysterious plant
poisoning.

Rhus Cotinus (Smoke Tkee.) is very common in cultivation. ^

VITACE-^.

(VINE Family.)

Vitis Labrusca, L. (Northern Fox Grape.) Very common.
Fruit ripening during the latter part of August or first of September.
A white fruited variety with paler green leaves has been found in
Danvers by Mr. Sears. This species, "Improved by cultivation has
given rise to the Isabella, Catawba, Concord, and other varieties."
Gray.

78

Vitis sestivalis, Michx. (Summer Grape.) Not so common as
as last. Found on Cape Ann, as is also

Vitis cordifolia, Michx. (Wjnter or Frost Grape), which
has been found in Essex.

Ampelopsis quinquefolia, 3Iichx. (Virginian Creeper.) This
beautiful climber in our northern latitude takes the place of the Eng-
lish Ivy (Hedera helix) as a wall plant. It is very abundant wild,
and much in use in cultivation.

The beautiful, closely clinging Ampelopsis Vetchii is now being
introduced as a wall climber with great success near Boston, where it
proves perfectly hardy.

RHAMNACEJS.
(BUCKTHORN Family.)

Rhamnus catiiarticus, L. (Common Buckthorn.) This has
always been extensively used for hedges, and where plants have been
allowed to grow up singly, the seeds produced are widely distributed,
and small plants are abundant.

Ceanothus Americanus, L. (New Jersey Tea.) A low shrub
with very pretty white flowers in July. Common in Beverly, George-
town, etc. "The leaves were used for tea during the American
Revolution, and the manufacture has been recently revived in Penn-
sylvania." Gray.

CELASTRACEJE.

(STAFF TREE Family.)

Celastrus scandens, L. (Roxbury Waxwork. Climbing
Bitter-sw^eet.) Common in Salem, Beverly, Middleton, etc. This
species is an excellent one for arches or trellis work when a plant
that will bear pruning is desired. The scarlet fruit remains in the
open pod after the leaves have fallen, often through the entire winter.

Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq. (Burning Bush. Spindle Tree.)
A native of New York state. Often cultivated here. .

SAPINDACE^.

(SOAPBERRY Family.)

iEscuLUS Hippocastanum, L. (Horse-chestnut.) This valuable
and extensively planted shade tree was introduced from Europe during
the last century. "It is a native of Asia, and was carried tp France
in 1615 from Constantinople. The fruit is in Germany boiled and used
to fatten cattle and fowls. The name horse-chestnut is derived from
the fact that in Turkey and Germany it is employed in veterinary

79

medicine." Emerson. A tree in the writer's garden, fifty years old,
measured, Sept., 1878,

Circumference 8 feet 1 inch, 1 foot from gi-ound.

" 6 " 10 inches, 6 feet " "

Height about 60 feet.

The Red Horse-chestnut and perhaps one or two others are met
with in cultivation.

Acer Pennsylvanicum, L. (Striped Maple.) In some towns
this shrub or tree is called Moose-wood, a name applied to Dirca
palustris and also to Viburnam lantanoides in other places. This is a
good illustration of the danger of using the common names of plants
when accuracy is desired, and the importance of a botanical name
which is accepted everywhere for a species. The Striped Maple is
often met with in Essex Woods, Rockport, Swampscott, Andover,
Georgetown, etc. The trunk occasionally reaches a diameter of six
inches, in specimens planted out, one of which may be seen in Har-
mony Grove Cemetery in Salem, another on the grounds of G. A.
Tapley, Esq., Danvers. The leaves sometimes are found to measure
8 by 10 inches.

Acer sjncatum, Lam. (Mountain Maple.) Although at the "White
Mountains, and elsewhere, this species is found in company with the
Striped Maple, yet it has not been authentically reported within our
county limits. It is rarely seen even in cultivation, under which
treatment it makes a very pretty shrub.

Acer saccharinum, Wang. (Sugar Maple. Rock Maple.)
Nearly all of the old and large specimens of this tree have been
destroyed, so that the native growth is chiefly suckers from the old
stumps. Trees of this species are occasionally seen with a trunk
eighteen inches in diameter. Planted out, the Sugar Maple is a most
beautiful shade tree, although rather dense for city streets. Little
or no sugar is made from the maple in this county, both on account
of the scarcity of large trees and the unfavorable conditions of the
climate.

The variety nigrum {A. nigrum, Mich.) is seen now and then in
cultivation where it becomes a flue tree.

Acer dasycarpum, Ehrhart. (White Maple. Silver Maple.)
This tree, common iu cultivation, grows naturally along the Ipswich
River and elsewhere in the northwestern part of the county, where
many fine specimens are found. One tree in Topsfield measured by
Mr. Sears and the writer, May, 1875, was eight feet in circumference
four feet from the ground. Many others of similar size are to be met
with.

Acer rubrum, L. (Red Maple. Swamp Maple.) This species

80

is very abumlant in nearly all parts of the county. The leaves vary
greatly in size and shape, and the fruit varies in size, position of the
keys as regards each other, and their color. In Gray's Manual this
maple is spoken of as "a small tree," which is evidently an accidental
mistake, as it often grows to great size. Two trees growing in
" Blind- HoleSwamp," Danvers, in 18G5, measured by Mr. Sears, were,

(1) Circun>ference 8 feet 6 inches at 1 foot from ground.

" 7 " 5 " " 6 feet " "

90 " high, 24 feet to first limb.

(2) " 8 " 0 inches at 2^ feet from ground,
u 7 " 5 " " 6 " " "

Height 50 ft., spread of branches 50 ft. in diameter.

In Ipswich, near the homestead of Mrs. Warner, on the bank of the

river, is a remarkably fine old Red Maple, which measured, in 1875, as

follows : —

Circumference 13 feet 9 inches at 1 foot from ground,
u 14 u 2 " "5 feet " "

Just above, the trunk divides into sixteen limbs; the height is
about 55 feet, and the spreading branches make their greatest diameter
74 feet.

Mrs. Horner sends the measurements of a Red Maple lately felled
near Gage's ferry, Bradford, 1876.

Circumference 26 feet at 4 feet from the ground, one branch circum-
ference 12^ feet. Mrs. Horner states that there are several other
large Red Maples left in this region.

Acer Pseudo-Platanus (Sycamoke Maple), Acer platanoides
(Austrian Maple.) European trees which are frequent in cultivation,
where they often rival the native species in the strength and rapidity
of their growth.

. Negundo aceroides, Moench. (Ash-leaved Maple. Box-Ei,der.)
This is the Acer negundo, L., a northern plant extending into Penn-
sylvania. It is cultivated in this vicinity, and it has occasionally been
found escaped. A variegated leaved form is also found in cultivation.

LEGUMINOSiEJ.

(PULSE Family.)

Genista tinctoria, X. (Woad-Waxen, Dyer's Weed.) Intro-
duced early from Europe, this plant has become most thoroughly
established in the county. The masses of its gorgeous yellpw flowers
in July, make the otherwise barren hills in the vicinity of Salem a
magnificent sight. At one point in the Salem Great Pastures scarcely
anything but this plant can be seen for miles around. A near relative
of this plant, Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom), runs wild in Virginia.

81

Bohinia pseudacacia, L. (Common Locust.) The Locust is a
native of Pennsj'lvania and westward. It lias so long been cultivated
in this vicinity that it has in many places the appearance of being a
native of the county.

Owing to the attacks of borers, the Locust trees planted singly
along walls or scattered through a field are liable to be broken by
high winds, and consequently the tree is less frequently met with than
formerly. According to Emerson the pests which attack the various
species of Robinia are less troublesome among trees planted in groves.
Hon. Benj. Perley Poore, at Newbury, has succeeded with the Locust
cultivated in this manner admirably, and it is to be regretted that the
planting of so valuable a tree should be discontinued.

Mr. Sears states that the fallen leaves are considered as more of an
improvement to the land than those of any other tree, a fact corrobo-
rated by Mr. Poore's experience. Mr. Sears gives the measurements
of several Locusts as follows. One on the Gardner farm near Salem
being 12 feet in circumference. Three trees on the Pedrick estate,
Danvers, measured respectively, 6, 7, and 8 feet in circumference, and
were from 50 to 80 feet high.

Bobinia viscosa, Vent. (Clammy Locust.) A smaller tree than
the last, with the inodorous flowers in shorter and more compact
clusters. A native of Virginia, and it is frequent in cultivation,
spreading extensively by suckers.

Robinia hispida, L. (Rose Acacia.) Also from Virginia. It is
occasionally found as a garden plant, where it is a small shrub.

Wistaria friitescens, D C, from West Virginia, etc., is occasionally
cultivated.

SoPHORA Japonica, of Japan, is hardy in the county, and is now
and then cultivated.

Cladrastis tinctoria, Raf. (Yellow Wood), the Virgilia lutea,
Michx. f., from Kentucky, is also hardy, but requires a sheltered place.

Cercis Canadensis, L. (Red-bud), of New York State, is a quite
hardy and handsome shrub or tree in cultivation.

Gleditschia triacanthos, L. (Three-thorned Acacia. Honey-
Locust.) This tree, very common in the vicinity of Salem, is a
handsome, rapidly growing shade tree, yet, if persistently pruned
when small, it will form an admirable hedge. Trees of this species
are not uncommon from 18 inches to 2 feet in diameter, and from 50
to 60 feet high. This species is a native of Pennsylvania.

ROSA.CEJE.

(ROSE Family.)
Prunus Americana, Marshall. (Wild Yellow, or Red Plum.)
Specimens of the flowers of this tree, collected by AVilliam Oakes in

82

the county, are in the herbarmm of the Peabody Academy of Science.
It is a small, thorny tree.

Prunus maritima, Wang. (Beach Plum.) This shrub is very
abundant at Plum Island, and also along the stone walls at the road-
side for some distance into the interior of the county. It is said that
the farmers going to the island for "thatch" (Spartina stricta), collect
plums and eating them on their way home, throw the stones by the
wall, thus establishing the species in the interior towns.

Prunus spinosa, L. (Sloe. Black Thorn.) Reported as intro-
duced in one or two instances.

Prunus pumila, X. (Dwarf Cherry.) Reported from Andover,
by Mrs. A. S. Downs and Rev. H. P. Nichols. It was also collected
at Lynn, by Dr. Chas. Pickering, about 1823.

Prunus Pennsylvanica, L. (Wild Red Cherry.) This is a
very small tree, quite common in the county.

Prunus Virginiana, L. (Choke Cherry.) A tall shrub, very
common in all parts.

Prunus serotina, Ehrhart. (Wild Black Cherry.) The late Dr.
Chas. Pickering did not consider this tree to be a native of Essex
County, but that it was introduced at an early date by the colonists.
The Black Cherry is now very abundant along walls, in fields, and
by streams. The trees of this species attain considerable size ; one
in Boxford measured by Mr. Sears, in 1875, was,

Circumference 10 feet at 2| feet from ground.

U 8 U U Q U

Height about 60 feet.

Another, measured in 1879, was 8 feet in circumference 4 feet from
the ground. The wood of this tree is very valuable, and it is unfortu-
nate that the tree should meet with so much abuse on acconnt of its
being the favorite of the caterpillars.

P. (Amygdalus) nana (Flowering Almond), P. (A.) Persica
(Peach), P. armeniaca (Apricot), and P. domestica (Garden
Cherry), are all common in cultivation, mostly having been intro-
duced at an early date.

Spiroea opulifoUa,. L. (Nine-Bark.) Probably not a native of
the county, although common in cultivation. Mr. C. E. Faxon has
found this species undoubtedly indigenous at Blue Hill, Milton, Mass.

Spiraea salicifolia, L. (Meadow Sweet), forms quite a stem at
times, as does

Spiraea tomentosa, L. (Hardback.) Both are very common.
Other foreign shrubby species are met with in cultivation.

Potentilla fruticosa, L. (Shrubby Cinque-foil.) In Ipswich
this remarkable Potentilla is quite common, and it is found in a few

83

other places Rockport, J/r. Frank Lufkin; Georgetown, Mrs. Horner.
The stems are sometimes half an inch in diameter, the plants often
being three or four feet high.

Rubus odoratus, L. (Purple Flowering Raspberry.) Many
persons suppose that because this plant is so common in old gardens
that it is not a native shrub, yet it was known to Higginson, who
mentions it as growing near Salem, in a locality without doubt still in
existence. This species is not uncommon in various parts of the
county.

Rubus triflorus, Bichardson. (Dwarf Raspberry.) Danvers,
probably in other localities. It is a vine of little consequence, without
prickles. The stems are of annual growth.

Rubus strigosus, Mkhx. (Wild Red Raspberry.) Very com-
mon. The fruit much marketed.

Rubus occidentalis, L. (Thimbleberry.) Not so common as
last, the fruit less esteemed.

Rubus villosus, Ait. (High Blackberry.) Very abundant, the
fruit much in demand. This species varies much. A small form with
berries of a poorer quality is found in Danvers, and other forms
almost connect it, as Gray states, with

Rubus Canadensis, L. (Low Blackberry, Dewberry), which
is quite connnon in all parts, with a delicious berry preferable to that
of It. villosus.

Rubus hispidus, i. (Running Sw^amp-Blackberry.) Although
this does not always grow in swamps, yet it is sometimes found there.
The fruit is of no value, and the vines are very troublesome to pedes-
trians.

Rosa Carolina, L. (Swamp Rose.) Very common in Beverly,
Gloucester, etc,

Rosa lucida, Ehrhart. (Common Wild Rose.) This varies
much in the color of the flowers. Very common in all parts.

Rosa rubiginosa, L. (Sweet Brier.) Escaped from old gardens
and become thoroughly naturalized. It is difiicult to distinguish this
species from

Rosa micrantha, Smith. (Small Sweet Brier), which is now
and then found.

Rosa cinnamomea (Cinnamon Rose). Common in old gardens,
and sometimes found escaped. Many foreign roses are of course
hardy in gardens. Those of the Hybrid-perpetual varieties require
protection during winter.

Crat^gus Oxycantha, L. (English Hawthorne.) Some fine
trees of this species, according to Tracy, are found in Saugus, where
they have made themselves quite at home. This tree is often met
with in cultivation.

84

Crataegus eoecinea, L. (Scarlet-fruited Thorn.) Quite
common in Ipswich, Topsfield, etc. Mr. Sears mentions one in
Danvers, with a trunk 17 inches in circumference and 18 feet high.

Crataegus tomentosa, L. (Black or Pear Thorn.) In simi-
lar localities to last. It varies much.

Pyrus Malus, L. (Apple.) Introduced ver.y early from Europe.
Oftentimes the apple is found in the woods and fields, long distances
from farms, where seedlings have chanced to spring up. The fruit of
these sometimes is of a very pleasant flavor. Old trees are often seen
7 to 10 feet in circumference.

Pyrus communis, L. (Pear.) Among the earliest fruits intro-
duced by the colonists was the Pear. Mr. Robert Manning in an
article entitled " Notes on Ancient Pear Trees," in the Proceedings of
the American Pomological Society, 1875, states, that the celebrated
"Endicott Pear Tree" was thought to have been planted in 1630,
having been brought from England in the Arabella, or some other
vessel, in June of that year. Gov. Endicott's farm was granted in
1G32, so that the trees imported may have been first placed in the
Governor's Salem garden. The "Endicott Pear Tree" is now not
much more than sucker growth from the original tree.

The Orange Pear Tree in the garden of Capt. Chas. H. Allen, on
Hardy St., Salem, is in much better condition. It is supposed to have
been planted about 1640. In 1875 it was 9 feet 5 inches in circumfer-
ence at the smallest part between the roots and the branches, and in
1862 bore thirteen and a half bushels of pears. Other old pear trees
are to be found, but not so venerable as these.

Pyrus arbutifolia, L. (Choke-berry.) Common throughout
the county.

Pyrus Americana, D C. (American Mountain-Ash.) It is
probable that this species w^as once to be found indigenous in the
county, where it is now seen in cultivation with the

Pyrus aucuparia, Gcetn. (European Mountain Ash.) The
fruit of these trees being eagerly sought by birds, the seeds are
widely distributed, and the young trees are found almost anywhere.
The European Mountain-Ash seldom forms a handsome tree, the
foliage is sparse, and the smaller limbs are easily broken by the weight
of the heavy fruit. It is very common in cultivktion.

Amelancliier Canadensis, Torr. & Gray. (Shad-blossom.
June-behry.) This very interesting shrub is quite common in moist
land in all parts of the county.

Var. Botryapium (Pyrus Botryapium, Willd.), is the larger
growing form, with smooth leaves and longer petals. A tree of this
variety in Danvers, Mr. Sears measured in 1875, was 8 feet in cir-
cumference below the seven branches into which the trunk soon

85

divided. Three of these branches were 18 inches iu circumference,
the tree was 28 feet high. In May, the whole is a magnificent mass
of white, flowers.

Var. oblongifolia is smaller, with shorter petals, and leaves
downy beneath.

The fruit of the Amelanchier is ripe the last of June or early in
July. It is sweet and excellent, and if it were not that birds appre-
ciate this fact as well as man, it might be a valuable market berry.
It is now often seen on sale among the blueberries in the first of the
season.

The wood of this tree has a speckled appearance, and is very pretty.
Darlington says that the fruit may be improved by long cultivation,
and Emerson considers it an experiment well worth trying, to ascer-
tain how far it might be improved.

Cydonia vulgaris (Common Quince), and Cydonia Japonica
(Japan Quince, Pyrus Japonica), are extensively cultivated, the
latter for ornament, the former for the fruit.

CALYCANTHACEJE.

(CALYCANTHUS Family.)

Calycanthus florichis, L. (Carolina Allspice.) A native of
Virginia southward, with very fragrant, strawberry-scented flowers.
It is often cultivated.

SAXIFRAGACE^.

(SAXIFRAGE Family.)

Ribes hirtelluin, Miclix. (Wild Gooseberry.) Quite common.

Ribes floridum, L. (Wild Black Currant.) Not so common
as the last. (Ipswich, Oakes in herb. P. A. S.)

Ribes rubrum, L. (Red Currant.) Cultivated everywhere.
Although our American plant is " seemingly not distinct from the
garden Red Currant of Europe" Gray. It is probable that all the
specimens found growing wild in this region have originated from
garden plants, as the localities for the truly native specimens are much
farther north.

Ribes Grossularia (Garden Gooseberry.) Much cultivated,
as is the

Ribes nigrum (Garden Black Currant.) It is probable that
these European species have been transported by birds or other
agencies to distant localities, as they are often found escaped.

Bihes mirev7n, Pursh. (Missouri Currant.) Much cultivated for
its early spicy, fragrant yellow flowers.

ESSEX INST, bulletin. XI 7

86

Philadelphus grandijloms (Large-Flowered Mock-Orange),
from Virginia, and

Philadelphus coronarius (Common Mock-orange), from
Japan, are frequent in old gardens. Tliey are improperly called
" Syringa," the botanical name for the Lilac.

HAMAMELACEJE.

(WITCH-HAZEL Family.)

Hamamelis Virginica, L. (Witch-hazel.) Very common in
most parts of the county, often growing 25 feet high, with a trunk
4-6 inches in diameter.

LYTHRACE^.

(LOOSESTRIFE Family.)

Nessea verticillata, H. B. K. (Swamp Loosestrife.) Common
along the borders of streams and ponds. It sometimes has a stem
the size of the fore finger, and is interesting botanically on account
of the spongy bark which is found on all the stems which dip into the
water, a feature possessed in common with other plants inhabiting
similar situations.

CACTfACEiE].
(CACTUS Family.)

Opuntia vulgaris, Mill. (Prickly Pear.) This plant grows
naturally from Nantucket southward. Mr. Hugh Wilson found plants
of it at Kernwood, Salem (probably escaped), some years ago, and on
the land of Mr. Graves in North Keadiug, on a sandy bank of the
Ipswich River, just beyond the Middleton line, is a fine patch of this
plant which has increased rapidly from plants placed there many
years since.

CORNACE^.

(DOGWOOD Family.)

Cornus florida, L. (Flowering Dogwood.) This is in the
flowering season a very beautiful and conspicuous tree. It grows
from 10-20 feet high, with a trunk some 3-5 inches in diameter. It is
found abundant in parts of Wenham Swamp, where it was noticed by
Dr. Chas. Pickering in 1824, and also in Essex, Boxford, etc. These
are about the most northerly localities for this species.

Cornus circinata, UHer. (Round-leaved Cornel.) "Lynn,
Saugus, Swampscott," Tracy. "Audover," Mrs. Downs, Bev. H. P.
Nichols. Boxford, Beverly, etc. A low tree, or tall shrub.

87

Cornus sericea, L. (Silky Cornel.) " Wenham Swamp, 1821,"
Dr. Charles Pickering. Georgetown, etc. A shrub.

Corniis stolonifera, Michx. (Red-osier Dogw^ood.) George-
town, Mrs. Horner, and various other parts of the county. A tall
shrub.

Cornus paniculata, L'Her. By^eld and Danvers, J. H. Sears,
Wenham, etc. A tall shrub.

Cornus alternifolia, L. This is the most tree like of our native
species, often of quite striking form, growing 20 feet high, with a
trunk 6 inches in diameter. These are the true Dogwoods, having
handsome, cymose flowers, and must not be confounded with the
wrongly called "Poison Dogwood," which is not a Dogwood at all,
but a Sumach, with unattractive green flowers. The little "Bunch-
berry" (Cornus Canadensis) is also very abundant in our woods.

Nyssa multiflora, Wang. (Tupelo.) An irregular tree, with a
beautiful shining green foliage, turning a deep red in autumn. Com-
mon in various parts of the county, and often growing 50-60 feet high.
One curious tree in Danvers, measured by Mr. Sears, was 6 feet in
circumference near the ground, dividing at about 13 feet above into
three branches, two of which grew erect to the height of some 70 feet,
the third pushing out at a right angle, the end nearly touching the
ground.

CAPRIFOLIACEJS.

(HONEYSUCKLE Family.)

Symphoricarpus racemosus, INIichx. (Snowberry.) A native of
Vermont and Pennsylvania. Common in cultivation, and often escap-
ing from old gardens.

Lonicera sempervirens, Ait. Ipswich, 3Irs. 31. W. Kimball,
Topsfleld, J. H. Sears, Salem Great Pastures, G. D. Fhippen, Marble-
head, Hev. J. L. Bussell. This seems to be a native plant.

Lonicera grata, Ait., from New York state, is also cultivated.

Lonicera eiliata, Mulil. A pretty little shrub, flowering in May.
Not rare in our woods.

Diervilla triflda, Mxnch. A low bush of somewhat variable
habit. Common along roadsides.

Sambucus Canadensis, L. (Common Elder.) Very abundant
in most towns, often reaching considerable size.

Sambucus pubens, Miclix. (Red-beuried Elder.) This also
grows quite large. It is found at Essex, Rockport, Andover, " Salem,
1840," J. L. Bussell. Rather scarce here, it being a more northern
plant.

Triosteum perfoliatum, and Linnsea borealis, but hardly
coming under the head "shrubby," are both found in the county.

88

Viburnum Lentago, (Sheep-berry.) Found in most parts
of the county.

Viburnum nudum, L. Essex, Danvers, etc.

Viburnum dentatum, L. Wenham, Beverly, Essex, George-
town, etc. Common.

Viburnum aeerifolium, L, Smaller than the preceding, and
less common. In the older woods.

Viburnum Opulus, L. (Cranberry Tree.) This shrub, al-
though very abundant to the north, is quite rare in the county, except
in a cultivated state, where, in the ordinary form or in the changed
condition, under the name of "Snowball Tree," it is common. The
only native locality yet noticed, is that in the deep Wenham Swamp,
where there are several large plants.

Virburnum lantanoides, il/ic/ix. (Hobble-bush.) The flowers
of this species much resemble those of the last, except perhaps that
they are larger. The shrub is more straggling, however, and it is
more abundant, growing in nearly all the old deep woods of the
county, from Rockport to the Merrimac River.

RUBIACEiE.

(MADDER Family.)

Cephalanthus occidentalis, L. (Button-bush.) A dense,
irregular shrub. Common in all wet places, and often having a very
stout central trunk.

COMPOSIT.a3.

Iva frutescens, L. (Marsh Elder.) Common near the salt
marshes. It often has a stem half an inch or more in diameter.

ERICACEiE.

(HEATH Family.)

Gaylussacia dumosa, T. & G. Var. hirtella. Gloucester
3Irs. Kettel. Rare.

Gaylussacia frondosa, T. & G. (Dangleberry.) "Lynn,''
Tracy, Gloucester (Magnolia Swamp). Scarce.

Gaylussacia resinosa, T. & G. (Common Huckleberry.) It
is common everywhere, and has the best fruit of any of this family.

Vaccinium Oxy coccus, L. (Small Cranberry.) Although
this species has been often reported as being found within the county,
yet the writer has not seen authentic specimens.

Vaccinium macrocarpon, Ait. (Large Cranberry.) Common
in low ground throughout. Particularly fine in the hollows of Plumb
Island.

89

Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea, L. (Cowberry.) First noticed by
Oakes & Osgood, at Danvers, about 1820, where is the only locality
yet found in the state. Fortunately the place is not generally known,
and this rare plant is not likely to be exterminated at present.

Vaccinium Pennsylvanicum, Lam. (Dwarf Blueberry.)
The commonest and earliest of this genus.

Vaccinium vacillans, Solander. Smaller than the last. Quite
common on dry hills.

Vaccinium corymbosum, L. (Swamp or High Blueberry.)
Very abundant in all low lauds. It is a variable plant, often growing
to considerable size, with a trunk 2 inches in diameter.

Chiogenes hispidula, T. & G. (Creeping Snowberry.)
Georgetown, Mrs. Horner, Essex Woods, etc. Scarce.

Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Spreng. (Bearberry.) Danvers,
Peabody, Gloucester, etc. A variety having red flowers is found in
Boxford by Mrs. Horner.

Epigsea repens, L. (May Flower. Trailing Arbutus.) Glou-
cester, Topsfleld, Boxford, " Salisbury," J. G. 1\liiUier, Lawrence,
Miss Cabot. Scarce. In localities once yielding abundance of flowers
it is fast being exterminated by over-zealous collectors.

Gaultheria procumbens, i. (Checkerberry.) Very common
everywhere.

Leucothoe racemosa, Gray. Dr. Chas. Pickering remembered
having collected this plant somewhere in the county, about 1824, but
it was very scarce.

Cassandra calyculata, Don. Common around the borders of
ponds.

Andromeda polifolia, L. This beautiful little plant is very
scarce, the localities in AVenham and Danvers being the only ones
well known.

Andromeda ligustrina, Muhl. A shrub of considerable size,
resembling a High Blueberry. Common along roadsides and in the
woods.

Clethra alnifolia, L. Very abundant. When in flower a most
fragrant plant.

Calluna. vulgaris, Salish. (Common Heath.) The well-known
locality at Tewksbury is quite near Essex County, but it has been
since found in Andover. It hardly seems possible that this can be
other than an introduced plant.

Kalmia latifolia, L. (Mountain Laurel.) Abundant from
Gloucester northwestward, and along the Merrimac River. The
flowers vary much in color, from white to deep pink. A variety
having double flowers was collected in Gloucester, by Mr. G. D.
Phippen.

90

Kalmia angustifolia, L. (Lambkill, Sheep Laurel.) Common
in pastures.

Kalmia glaiica, Ait. Mr. S. P. FoTvler states that he found this
species at Wenham, growing with the Andromeda polifolia; aud Dr.
Chas. Pickering collected it, he thought in Gloucester, about 1845,
but it has not been seen of late.

Azalea viseosa, L. (Swamp Pink.) Common in wet places.
Var. glauca, with the under sides of the leaves white ; grows near
Wenham Pond.

Azalea nudiflora, L. (Purple Azalea.) Reported from one or
two localities, but not represented in the Essex County collection at
the Peabody Academy of Science.

Rhodora Canadensis, X. This beautiful plant is to be found in
nearly every part of the county, sometimes growing six feet high.

Ledum latifolium. Ait. Dr. Chas. Pickering collected this
species in the county, about 1824.

[Moneses unijaora, four species of Pyrola, and the two species
of Chimaphila, are found in the county.]

AQUIFOLIACE^.

(HOLLY Family.)

Ilex opaca, Ait. (American Holly.) This plant, so abundant
on Cape Cod, is found on Cape Ann in one locality where there are a
few trees in an out-of-the-way place, whether introduced by man or
by other means, it is not known. Specimens have been communicated
from this locality, by Mr. Frank Lufkin, of Pigeon Cove.

Ilex verticillata, Gray. (Black Alder.) The beautiful scarlet
berries of this species make it very attractive in the fall, along road-
sides, where it is common.

Ilex laevigata, Gray. This resembles the last, but is not so
abundant.

Ilex glabra. Gray. (Inkberry.) The fruit of this species is
black. It is found in the Wenham and Magnolia swamps.

Nemopanthes Canadensis, D C. (Mountain Holly.) Found
in various moist localities throughout the county, forming at times a
tree of considerable size.

BIGNONIACEJS.

(BIGXOXIA Family.)

Tecoma radicans, and the CataJpa bignonioides, natives westward,
are always found in cultivation in the older towns.

91

SOLANACE^.

(NIGHTSHADE Family.)

SoLANUM Dulcamara, L. (Bitter-sweet), and better known here
as nightshade, often forms quite a shrub. The plant is not poison-
ous to handle, as many persons suppose, but the fruit may be poison-
ous to eat.

Lycium vulgare, Dunal. (Matrimony Vine.) Much cultivated
in old gardens, and often found escaped along walls.

OLEACE^.

(OLIVE Family.)

Syringa vulgaris, L. (Lilac), always found in old gardens, now
and then escapes, and is seen in quite out-of-the-way places.

Ligustrum vulgare, L. (Privet. Prim.) Thoroughly natural-
ized in Danvers, Beverly, etc., sometimes growing 20 feet high.

Chionanthus Virginica, L. (Fringe Tree.) A native of Pennsyl-
vania. It is often seen in cultivation.

Fraxinus Americana, L. (White Ash.) This valuable tree is
abundant in all parts of the county, but rather as a roadside tree than
in groves of any extent. Old trees attain great size. Mr. ^ars
gives the measurements of several, among which one in Danvers was
in 1864:, 12 feet in circumference. Go feet high, with a spread of
branches GO feet in diameter. Five others in Danvers were from 7 to
9 feet in circumference three feet from the ground, and from 60 to 75
feet high.

Two noble specimens of this species were felled on Essex street,
Salem, a few years since, leaving stumps over three feet in diameter,
and sound to the heart.

The largest specimen noticed, measured by Mr. C. Cooke and the
writer, in 1876, on Cabot St., Beverly, was,

Cu:cumference 11 feet 6 inches, 1 foot from ground.

" 8 " 7^ " 6 feet •« "

Height about SO feet.

Fraxinus pubescens, Lam. (Red Ash.) Frequently seen in
various parts of the county, but seldom attaining great size.

Fraxinus sambucifolia, Lam. (Black Ash.) Growing in low
lands, mostly with other trees, where they often reach a height of 60
feet, with a diameter of 12 to 18 inches at the but.

LAURACEJE.

(LAUREL Family.)
Sassafras officinale, Nees. The Sassafras is by no means a

92

common tree in Essex Countj% yet there are several fine specimens to
be found, and 3'oung trees are frequently met with. Mr. Sears noticed
one tree in Beverly 5 feet 4 inches in circumference three feet from
the ground, with a height of about 50 to 60 feet, and another in
Danvers was 5 feet 6 inches at one foot from the ground, and about
60 feet high.

The largest specimen, however, yet noticed in the county, is the old
tree fast going to decay, at Manchester, in a field quite near the town,
•which, in 1875, measured,

Circumferences feet 10 inches, 2 feet from the ground.

6 " 10 " 6 " " " "
Height about 40 feet.

Lindera Benzoin, Meisner. (Spice-bush.) A shrub of consid-
erable size, frequently found in damp woods.

THYMELEACEiE.

(MEZEREUM Family.)

Daphne Mezereum was found, evidently escaped, perhaps from
seeds carried by birds, in Ipswich, by Dr. Palmer, in 1870, and later
in Salem, by Henry Patch. The same thing occurred at Portland,
where Dr. Wm. Wood found the plant in quite a remote situation.

Dirca palustris is probably not a native of the county, but common
farther northward. It is occasionally met with in cultivation.

URTICACE^.

(NETTLE Family.)

Ulmus fulva, Michx. (Slippery Elm.) Georgetown (Mrs.
Horner), Wenham, Boxford. This tree is comparatively rare in the
county, but still is found growing to considerable size, seldom, how-
ever, over a foot in diameter, or over 35 feet high.

Ulmus Americana, L. (White Elm.) Although the Connecticut
Valley is the region where this species arrives at its greatest perfec-
tion, yet Essex County can boast of many magnificent specimens of
this noble Elm, which, planted as a shade tree, in proper situations,
has no equal. It is greatly to be regretted that the largest of these
trees seem to be dying out, and few are likely to replace them in the
next generation.

In form, the county Elms vary as in other localities, in regard to
shape, having the "Oak," "Vase," and intermediate- forms. Mr.
Sears gives the measurements of several, among which one in Lynn is,

Circumference 11 feet 4 inches, 1 foot from ground.
" 10 " 5 feet " "

93

Five very erect limbs rise to the height of perhaps 80 feet where
they spread suddenly forming a flat top with a pendant border. The
Elm before the residence of Mr. John Hale, in Boxford, planted in the
year 1745, measured in 18G0, was,

Circumference 19 feet, 1 foot from the ground.

13 " 5 feet " " "
Diameter of the spread of the branches, 100 feet.

In 1865 the tree known as the Zadoc Wilkins Elm, in Danvers,

measured,

Circumference 16 feet 6 inches, 1 foot from ground.
'• 13 " 6 " 4 feet "

u 10 .i 8 u 6 u .. .c

Spread, diameter 68 feet. Height 80 feet.

The same tree in 1875, measured,

Circumference 17 feet 0 inches, 1 foot from ground.
" 13 '• 3 " 4 feet "

Spread and height about the same.

The fine Elm in Peabody, on the old Eudicott estate, measured by
the writer in 1875 (May), was.

Circumference 20 feet 1 inch, 2 feet from ground.

" 17 " 2 inches 6 '< " "

•where the trunk was the least size.

At 15 feet from the ground the trunk divided into sixteen branches,
which were quite erect, forming a fine head 80 or 90 feet high.

The Woodbury Elms at North Beverly, were in 1875 respectively, 12
feet 10 inches and U feet 8 inches at 6 feet above the ground. Another
old tree at the corner of Cabot and Balch Sts., felled in 1878, measured
in 1875, 16 feet 4 inches at 6 feet. Mr. W. P. Upham kindly furnishes
the following notes on the Boxford Elms. The Hubbard Elm in
Boxford, undoubtedly the largest in the county, measured in 1858,
was 16 feet 8^ inches in circumference at 6 feet from the ground. The
same tree measured in 1877, was 17 feet 10^ inches at the same place.

The Hale Elm, previously mentioned, also in Boxford, measured in
1877, was 12 feet 8 inches at 6 feet from the ground, and is without
exception the most graceful tree to be found in the county. The
diameter of its spread is 107 feet 6 inches. Many of the branches
drop to within a few feet of the ground.

Ulmus campestris. (European Elm), and perhaps others are now
and then met with under cultivation.

Celtis occidentalis, L. (Nettle Tree, Hackberry.) Fine
specimens of the flowers, leaves, and fruit of this tree are in the
herbarium of the Peabody Academy of Science, collected in Ipswich,

94

by the late Mr. "Wm. Oakes. Mr. S. P. Fowler states that a tree some
10 inches in diameter formerly stood in Topsfield. The only localities
we now know for this rare tree are at the summit of one of the dunes
at Plumb Island, where there are several trees apparently some forty
years old, yet scarcely fifteen feet high, most of them being much
smaller, with a diameter of three inches at the but'; and the fine speci-
mens between Salem and Lynn. Among the trees in the last named
locality, one specimen is

Circumfereuce 4 feet 1 inch, at 1 foot from the groiiiid.

" 3 " 3 inches, at 3 feet from the ground.

Height, 20 feet.

Two others are nearly as large.

MoRus Alba, il/. rubra, and M. nigra, are to be found cultivated,
some of them occasionally reaching large size.

PLATANACEja.

(PLANE TREE Family.)

Platamis occidentalism L. (Buttonwood.) It is difficult to say
whether this tree is a true native of the county or not, but, judging
from the situation of some old trees, it seems very probable that it
may be. There are few trees of this species which now have other
than a rough and straggling appearance, as they seldom recover from
the efl'ect of a severe season before another shock returns them to
their former forlorn condition. The trees in cultivation often are
found of great size, varying from 10 to 18 feet in circumference, and
often 75 feet high.

JUGLANDACE^.

(WALNUT Family.)
Juglans cinerea, L. (Butternut.) This is a tree of rapid
growth, but short lived. It is abundant in Danvers, Topsfield, and
the towns in that region. When growing with other trees it often
reaches a height of 60 feet, but alone, as it is usually seen, it rarely
exceeds 40 feet. Trees rather more than twenty years old are often
4 feet in circumference 6 inches from the ground. Several specimens
measured by Mr. Sears in Topsfield were 8 and 9 feet in circumfereuce,
while an old tree felled in Danvers measured, in 1873, where it was

cut oflT,

Circumference 12 feet 6 inches

" 10 " 5 " 4feetahove.

This tree was, however, unsound. The fruit of the Butternut when
properly dried has a most excellent flavor.

Juglans nigra, L. (Black Walnut.) A native farther west, but
probably introduced here, although Mr. J. C. Peabody, of Newbury-

95

port, has communicated specimens of the nuts from trees growing in
his neighborhood which he is confident are natives.

The fine old tree felled on the Treadwell Estate, Salem, in 1877, was
10 feet 4 inches in circumference at 1 foot from the ground, and about
70 feet high. The tree was about 74 years old. A section from the
but of this tree is in the collection of the Academy at Salem.

JuGLANS REGiA, L. (ENGLISH Walnut.) This tree is cultivated
to a limited extent in Salem, and, according to Tracy it was planted
by the early settlers at Saugus, where it now grows wild.

Carya alba, Nutt. (Shag-bark Hickory.) A stately tree, com-
mon in most parts of the county. The finest specimens, however, we
have noticed, being along the Merrimac Valley. Mr. Sears, in 1873,
measured several trees on the land of Mr. Augustus Fowler, of
Danvers, that had been growing for forty-nine years, they averaged,

Circumference 4 feet 6 inches, 1 foot from gi-ouud.

a 2 " 2 •' 6 feet " "

height about 50 feet.

Four others twenty-eight years old in 1875, averaged 3 feet in cir-
cumference at 1 foot from the ground. Several trees measured by
Mr. Sears and the writer, in Topsfield, were 7 and 8 feet in circum-
ference and from 60 to 70 feet high. One at Boxford was,

Circumference 8 feet 4 inches, 1 foot from ground.

" 6 •' 3 " 4^ feet *' "

Spread 53 feet in diameter.
Height about 80 feet.

A fine specimen of this tree on the neck of land between the Mer-
rimac and Shawsheen rivers, measured by Mr. N. Ropes and the
writer in 1875, was, ,

Circumference 8 feet 9 inches, 1 foot from ground.

" 6 " 9^ " 6 feet " "

Height about 75 feet.

Many fine trees of this species are to be found in pastures spared
for the shade which they afl"ord to cattle. The fruit is the best and
sweetest Hickory of the markets.

Carya tomentosa, Kutt. (White-heart Hickory.)' This is
a comparatively rare tree, the least abundant of the genus. Danvers
(J. H. Sears).

Carya porcina, I^utt. (Pig-nut Hickory.) The large trees of
this species are fast being felled, although many are yet to be found
of considerable size. The tree is abundant in all parts of the county.

Carya amara, Nutt. (Bitter-nut Hickory.) Often found 2
feet or even more in diameter, and in Boxford and Topsfield, where
the tree is very abundant, there is found considerable variation in the
foliage of diflereut specimens. The hickories are among the cleanest

96

of all our trees, and are certainly valuable, as they flourish luxuriantly
in our climate.

CUPULIFER^.

(OAK Family.)

Quercus alba, L. (White Oak.) The demand for ship timber
has caused most of the large trees of this species to be felled, and it
can only be said that the trees of younger growth are abundant.

A large healthy tree growing in a damp pasture in the rear of the
Pingree Estate, in Topsfleld, measured by Mr. Sears and the writer in

1875, was,

Circumference 19 feet 7 inches, 1 foot from the ground.
" 16 " 3 " 3 feet " " ''

" 12 " 11 " 5 " " '< "

The spread averaged about 75 feet in diameter. Two trees on the
Burley Farm, Danvers, measured by Mr. Sears, were,

(1) Circumference 19 feet 0 inches, ground measure.

" 13 " 6 " at 6 feet above.

Height 70 feet. Spread 80 feet.

(2) Circumference 17 feet 10 inches at ground.

" 12 " 0 " at 5 feet above.

Height 80 feet. Spread 80 feet.

Five large White Oaks on land belonging to the late Francis Curtis,
of Boxford, were measured in 1875 by Mr. Sears and the writer.
Taking the most easterly tree as number one, passing towards the
west, and counting the one higher on the hillside to the north as
number five, they measured as follows,

(1) Circumference 11 feet 10 inches, 1 foot from ground.
I " 10 •' 1 inch 6 feet " "

* Spread 65 feet. Height 60 feet.

(2) Circumference 12 feet 6 inches, 1 foot from ground.

•' 11 " 2 " 6 feet " "

(Tree partly dead.)

(3) Circumference 14 feet 4 inches, 1 foot from ground.

'* 11 " linch 5 feet <' "

Spread 80 feet. Height 65 feet.

(4) Circumference 13 feet 0 inches, 1 foot from ground.

11 '• 4 -' 5 feet " "
10 " 11 «' 7 " " "
Height 60 feet. Spread 60 feet.

(5) Circumference 15 feet 3 inches, 1 foot from ground.

" 10 " 11 " 5 feet " •'

Height (top gone) 50 feet. Spread 85 feet.

In Danvers, on a lot from which the wood was cut in 1828, is a
White Oak, which in 18G0 measured 3 feet 1 inch at the ground. The
same tree in 1867, was 3 feet 7 inches, and in 1875, 4 feet 2 inches and
30 feet high.

97

In company with Mr. "Wra. Merrill and Mr. W. P. Conant, two trees
of this species growing upon moist, loamy soil at West Newbury, on
land of Mr. Sawyer, measured,

(1) Circumference 15 feet 10 inches, 2 feet from ground.

u 11 a 9 n Q « u «

Spread 84 feet.

(2) Circumference IG feet 1 inch, 2^ " " '*

. 11 " 8 inches, 6 " " "

Quercus bicolor, Willd. (Swamp White Oak.) Abundant on
wet land in all parts of the county.

Emerson mentions one on the land of Mr. Jaquith, of Newbury,
which in 1839 measured 12 feet 1 inch in circumference at 4 feet from
the ground. One measured by Mr. Merrill and the writer on the
Sawyer place, was 11 feet 7 inches at 3 feet from the ground, and one
in W^enham Swamp near the Ipswich River, measured in 1876, was 8
feet 4 inche's at G feet from the ground. The leaves of this species
vary much in shape, cutting, and regarding the tomentura on the
underside. Dr. Chas Pickering informed the writer that the frame of
the old Pickering mansion in Salem, was hewn from Swamp White
Oal^, Avhich then (1650) grew in the vicinity.

Quercus Prinus, L. (Chestnut Oak.) This species is rare in
the county, only yet having been reported in Georgetown, Mrs.
Horner, and Boxford. It is probable all the trees yet noticed should
be referred to the variety acuminata, Michx. (Q. Castanea, Muhl.)
There are some quite interesting forms of this species growing in the
county, which require more careful observation in their various stages
of growth. The largest tree yet noticed was but 5 inches in diameter
4 feet from the ground.

Quercus prinoides, Willd. (Chinquapin Oak.) Common in
Topstield, Boxford, etc., but not seen in the southern or eastern parts
of the county. This species is never more than a tall shrub.

Quercus ilicifolia, IFa 71^. (Bear Oak. Scrub Oak.) Common
on poor soil, in Lynnfleld, Danvers, Topsfield, and that neighbor-
hood, and to be found in many other parts of the county. Although
this is rarely more than a shrub it sometimes takes the tree form,
growing 20 feet high, with a trunk 4 inches in diameter. The fruit
varies considerably in appearance, suggesting the idea of hybrids.
The late Dr. Bobbins describes a hybrid between this species and the
Black Oak, which lie found at Northbridge, Mass. The leaves also
vary much in shape and cutting.

Quercus coccinea, Wang. (Scarlet Oak.) Abundant, but
rarely growing to the size of the Yellow-barked or Black Oak.

Var. tinctoria (Q. tinctoria, Bartram), which is found sometimes 3
feet in diameter and 70 feet high. Q. coccinea has the most beautiful

98

leaves as regards cutting, of any of our Oaks. In the last edition of
Emerson's "Trees of Massachusetts," it is impossible to distinguish
two plates, one of which is marked Q. coccinea, the other Q. rubra. It
is undoubted!}^ an accidental mistake.

Quercus rubra, L. (Red Oak.) This species is common
throughout the count}^ often growing to great size. It is easily-
distinguished from the other Oaks by the large acorns. A Red Oak
in Manchester measured, in 1875 by Mr. N. Ropes and the writer,

was,

Circumference 11 feet 11| inches, 1 foot from the ground.
" 9^7 u 6 feet " -

One at Swampscott was 11 feet 9 inches at 1 foot from the ground.

On the Sawyer place, previously referred to, in 1877 Mr. Wm.

Merrill and the wa'iter measured one huge Red Oak which had been

felled. At the place where it was cut it was,

•

Circumference 23 feet 10 inches

" 16 '< 4 »« 2 feet above.

" 11 " 4 " 5 " "

" 12 " 10 " 13 " "

Another still flourishing, was, •

Circumference 15 feet 2 inches, 2 feet from ground.
12 - 4 " 5 " " "

The Pin-Oak (Q. Palustris) has not yet been noticed, but still ought
to be found.

Castanea vesca, L. (Chestnut.) The Chestnut is found from
Lynn to the Merrimac Valley, but, except under cultivation, is rarely
seen in the eastern portion of the county. Undoubtedly the finest
trees are those of the Burley woods in Danvers, some of which must
be upwards of one hundred years old. Among these Mr. Sears
measured two which were,

(1) Circumference 11 feet 0 inches at the ground.

" 8 " 0 '' <' 5 feet above.

Height 90 feet.

(2) Circumference 10 feet 7 inches at the ground.

" G " 7 " " 6 feet above.

.< G •' 5 " " 15 " "

Height 85 feet.

The Chestnut is one of the easiest trees to cultivate among our
native species, and of very rapid growth under favorable circum-
stances. Hon. Benj. Perley Poore has, at "Indian Hill," his summer
residence, a fine row of Chestnuts which he planted in 1848. Sept.,
1877, he politely gave the writer an opportunity to measure them, as

99

well as other trees wliicli he has from time to time planted for experi-
mental purposes. Five of the trees measured as follows,

(1) Circumference 7 feet 4 inches, 2 feet from ground.

"

5 '

.i 7 .

6

(2)

It

6 '
5 '

' 9
;. 5 i

' 2
' 6

(3)

((

7 '
5 '

'5 " 2

;< 7 .. 6

W

u

5 '
5 '

' 10

' 1

' 2
< 6

(5)

7 '
5 '

. 1 <

;. g i

' 2
6

The averaj^e height of the trees was perhaps 40 feet.

Fagus ferruginea. Ait. (Beech.) This tree is not very common
throughout the count}^, but here and there forms quite large groves,
noticeable in the Chebacco Pond region at Hamilton, where are several
such. In the vicinity of Danvers, the Beech seldom is found more than
15 or 20 inches in diameter, but in Andover and along the Merrimac,
much larger trees are often seen. Two such near the Shawsheen
River at Sutton's Mills are over 8 feet in circumference.

Corylus Americana, Walt. (Wild Hazel-nut.) Abundant
along roadsides, forming a shrub 5 or 6 feet high. The nuts are
seldom seen in the market, although very good. *

Corylus rostrata. Ait. (Beaked Hazel-nut.) Not so common
as the last species, but resembling it closely. It is found at Wenham,
Topsfleld, Danvers, Gloucester, etc.

Ostrya Virginioa, Willd. (Hop-Hornbeam.) Common in va-
rious parts of the county, but rarely growing in groves. The tree
somewhat resembles the Elm, and seldom reaches a diameter of more
than 1 foot. Mr. Sears found three in Wenham, of which two were
4i feet in circumference at 5 feet from the ground, and the third was
9 feet at 5 feet, and 10 feet at 7 feet above the ground, where it
branches.

Carpinus Americana, Michx. (American Hornbeam. Blue
Beech.) Not so common as the last, but found from Danvers to the
Merrimac Valley. The bark resembles that of the Beech, and the
wood has a very close grain. This tree is seldom found over G inches
in diameter.

MYRACACE^.

(SWEET GALE Family.)

Myrica Gale, L. (Sweet Gale.) A low shrub with fragrant
leaves, common along streams and around ponds.

Myrica cerifera, L. (Bayberky.) Equally common, but found
upon hillsides in pasture laud rather than in wet places.

100

Comptonia asplenifolia, Ait. (Sweet Fern.) A low shrub
common in all parts.

BETULACE^.

(BIRCH Family.)

Betula lenta, L. (Sweet or Black Birch.) A tree growing to
considerable size, and found in many parts of the county abundantly.
Tracey speaks of it as being rare in Lynn.

Betula lutea, 3Iichx. f. (Yellow Birch.) Also a common tree
and occasionally reaching greater size than the last. Mr. Sears
measured several fine specimens of this species in the Essex woods,
which were more than 8 feet in circumference, and over 60 feet high.

Betula alba, var. populifolia, Spach. (American White Birch.)
This tree rarely attains great size. One on Winter St., Salem, being
5 feet in circumference 3 feet from the ground, is the largest noticed.
The White Birch frequently springs up in great numbers after a hill-
side has been cleared of other trees, and also along roadsides, where
the young trees are exceedingly graceful.

Betula papyracea, Ait. (Paper or Canoe Birch.) There are
a few fine specimens of this species on the northwest shore of Wen-
ham Pond, a few in Salem pastures, and others scattered through the
southern and eastern portions of the county, but only through Box-
ford and the Valley of the Merrimac are they frequently met with.
Mr. Sears measured a fine tree in Danvers, which was,

Circumference 8 feet 0 inches at the ground.
•' 5 " 6 " " 6 feet above.

Height about 55 feet.

Betula nigra, L. (Red or River Birch.) The only localities
for this Birch seem to be in the northwestern part of the county.
Emerson speaks of it as growing " along the Spicket River and in the
neighboring swamps of Methuen." It also abounds at the junction of
the Shawsheen and Merrimac rivers, where the trees overhang the
water. Many are 12 to 18 inches in diameter.

Betula pumila, L. (Low Birch.) Reported at North Andover
(Proc. Essex Inst., Vol. II, p. 402) ; also at Rockport. No specimens
have been preserved, and the fact of its being an Essex County
plant is doubted.

Alnus incana, TT7?ZcZ. (Speckled Alder.) Common in lowland,
forming in some cases almost a tree. A group of them stood on a
swampy piece of laud in North Beverly a few years since, many speci-
mens of which were 25 feet high, with a diameter of 5 inches at the
butt.

Alnus serrulata. Ait. (Common Alder.) Abundant as a shrub
in all low grounds.

101

SALICACE^.

(WILLOW Family.)

Salix Candida, Willd, (Hoary Willow.) This species, which
so far has only been observed in a bog at Boxford, was first detected
by the writer, Aug., 1875. The plants are abundant (both sexes),
extending over a mile of land. This is probabl}" the first New
England locality noticed.

Salix tristis, Ait. (Dwarf Gray Willow.) Lynnfield, Middle-
ton, Ipswich (Oakes), etc. Mr. Oakes also found the var. micro-
phylla at Ipswich.

Salix humilis, Marshall. (Prairie Willow.) Quite common in
dry places. Nearly all the species of low-growing willows occasion-
ally are found to have cones at the terminations of some of their
branches. Tliese are the result of a sting by a fly, which causes the
twig to become aborted and the leaves to appear only as scales,
forming a persistent cone, which, by those persons unacquainted with
the fact, is supposed to be a natural production of the plant.

Salix discolor, 3IuhL (Glaucus or Pussy Willow), (includ-
ing also S. eriocephala, Michx.) This is one of the earliest flowering
willows, and is very common in all places. The largest specimen of
this species met with is in a yard In West Peabody, near the New-
buryport turnpike. The tree is about 30 feet high, and 5 feet in
circumference near the ground.

Salix sericea, Marshall. (Silky Willow), (including S. grisea,
Willd.) Along streams, Topsfield, etc. Not very common. A shrub
6 to 10 feet high.

Salix petiolaris, Smith. Topsfield, J. H. Sears, Andover, Middle-
ton, etc. Not uncommon.

Salix purpurea, L. (Purple Willow.) Introduced at Salem,
Newburyport, Lynn, and other places. A shrub or low tree.

Salix viminalis, L. (Basket Osie;r.) Also introduced at Dayvers
and Salem, besides other places.

Salix cordata, Muhl. (Heart-leaved Willow.) Quite common
in low lands.

Salix livida, 3IuhL, var. occidentalis. (Golden Willow.)
Common on dry land. A low shrub.

Salix lucida, Muhl. (Shining Willow.) Along streams and by
ponds. This grows to be a large shrub.

Salix nigra, Marshall., var. falcata. (Black Willow.) Che-
bacco Pond, Topsfield along the Ipswich River, etc. This forms a
tree 25 feet high, and from 4 to 6 inches in diameter at the but.

Salix fragilis, L. (Brittle Willow.) This includes several
varieties, and so closely resembles the White Willow that it is

ESSEX INST. BULLTIN. XI 8

102

difficult to determine specimens. It is, as the next, an introduced
species, but growing in a few places only in the county,

Salix alba, L. (White Willow.) This is by far the most abun-
dant of the introduced Willows, as it is also the largest. It has
been so extensively propagated by cuttings, that for miles one may
search and find among hundreds of trees, only the male form. They
are cut frequently, and are of exceedingly rapid growth. Three trees
on the land of Mr. Aug. Fowler, of Dauvers, measured by Mr. Sears,
were as follows,

(1) Circumference 18 feet 10 inches, 1 foot from ground.

13 •' 3 " 6 feet " "
Spread 90 feet. Height 35 feet.

(2) Circumference 15 feet 0 inches, 1 foot from ground.

" 12 " 10 " 6 feet " "

(3) " 14 " 3 " Ifoot " "
" 15 " 3 " 4 feet "

.< 16 " 10 '' ' 6 " " "

A tree in Wenham by the saw-mill of Mr. John Dodge, planted in
1786, was measured in 1873, as follows,

Circumference 18 feet 10 inches, 1 foot from ground.
" 17 " 3 " 5 feet "

When growing naturally this species forms a fine tree, a noticeable
specimen being the one on the Salem and Boston turnpike, near the
Swampscott road.

Salix Babylonica, Toiirn. (Weeping Willow.) Extensively
planted as an ornamental tree. Only the fertile plant has been in-
troduced, as it is stated the male plant is not so drooping, hence less
graceful.

Salix myrtilloides, L. A very small shrub, growing in bogs at
Danvers, J. 11. Sears, Boxford, Hamilton, Essex, Topsflcld. Oakes.
liather rare.

Emerson does not mention this or the first species in his "Trees and
Shrubs of Massachusetts," and in the second edition omits S. virainalis
and S. purpurea.

Populus tremuloides, Michx. (American Aspen.) Very
abundant in Wenham, Hamilton, Topsfield, Danvers, Lynnfield, etc.,
but somewhat less so in the other parts of the county. It seldom
attains any great size.

Populus grandidentata, Michx. (Large-toothed Aspen.) In
similar situations to the last, but of larger growth. The largest tree
of this species noticed here, is on one of the islands in Wenham
Swamp, which measured by Mr. Sears and the writer, in 1875, was.
Circumference 7 feet 10 inches at the ground.

" 5 " at 5 feet above.

Height about 70 feet.

103

Popiilus halsamifera, L., var. candicans. (Balm of Gilead.) Not
a native of the county, but very extensively introduced. It is a tree
of rapid growth. A fine specimen at the foot of Daniels St., Salem,
planted about the year 1790, measured in 1875, was 13 feet in circum-
ference 4 feet from the ground. Another beside it was nearly as
large. Their height was about 70 feet.

PopuLus DiLATATA, AU. (LoMBARDY PoPLAR.) Introduced early
as an ornamental tree along old roads, vyrhere the ruins of many are
now to be seen.

Fopulus alba, L. (Silver-leaved Poplar.) Also introduced as
an ornamental and shade tree. There are many to be found in the
cities and old towns, 10 or 12 feet in circumference.

CONIFERJS.

(PINE Family.)

Pinus rigida, Mill. (Pitch Pine.) One of our commonest
forest trees, growing in all parts of the county. Very few trees are
to be found of large size, and as a general thing they are of slow
growth. Mr. Sears measured several trees of this species in Beverly,
which were G feet in circumference at the ground, one being,

Circumference 6 feet 10 inches, 2 feet from ground.

" 6 " at 5 feet above.

Height 80 feet.

Pinus resinosa, AU. (Red Pixe.) On the land of Mr. John
Dwinnell, of Boxford, is undoubtedly the finest grove of Red Pines
to be seen in this part of the state. There are perhaps eighty trees,
most of them nearly 90 feet high, the largest 7 feet in circumference.
They are on the southern slope of a hill which borders on a swamp,
and as the forests around them have been cut away it is to be feared
that this little grove will be injured by exposure to the severe winds.
In the vicinity are to be found a few small trees, seedlings from the
older ones in the grove. Only a very few Red Pines are reported in
any other part of the county. Georgetown, Mrs. Horner, West New-
bury, Wm. Merrill. Two trees at Peabody, Mr. Brown, one tree at
Andover, Prof. Goldsmith.

Pinus Strobus, L. (White Pine.) The White Pine may be
considered as the forest tree of Essex County, so greatly does it
predominate over other species.

Mr. Sears was informed by old residents of Boxford, that eighty years
ago the woods of that town consisted chiefly of Hickories and Oaks,
where now the Pine is the only tree. From the statements of various
persons it would appear that the pines in the region of Beverly were
now growing at a faster rate than those near Danvers and Topsfleld,
owing perhaps to the exhaustion of the proper elements in the soil of

104

the last naraed places. On land in Georgetown known as " the ridges,"
are some of the largest pines now remaining in perfection.
One measured by Mr. Sears in 1860, was,

Circumference 14 feet 6 inches, 1 foot from ground.
" 14 "0 "6 feet " "

The first limb branched at 40 feet from the ground. The top of the
tree had been broken off. In the same region Mr. Sears measured
seven trees, which averaged 12 feet in circumference at 2 feet from
the ground. In 1850 there were growing in "Blind Hole," Danvers,
many White Pines over 8 feet in circumference, and in 1858, one, since
felled, measured above the root,

Circumference 16 feet 3 inches.

" 15 << 7 '< 4 feet above.

The first limb was at 30 feet from the ground, the tree being nearly
120 feet high. The "Preston Pine" at Danvers, is 10 feet 4 inches at
2 feet from the ground, and seeming not much less at 40 feet above.
It is about 90 feet high.

A grove of pines at Hamilton, measured by Mr. James Bartlett and
the writer in 1875, averaged 6 feet in circumference at 5 feet above
the ground.

A huge tree with a double top, in Boxford, measured by Mr. Sears
and the writer, in 1875, was 13 feet in circumference at the ground, 11
feet 6 inches at 6 feet above. Height about 80 feet. Spread from east
to west 88 feet.

PiNus Sylvestris (Scotch Pine) and Pinus Austriaca (Austrian
Pine) are extensively planted as ornamental trees. The foi-mer has
been noticed to spread from seeds, to a limited extent, in Danvers.

Abies nigra, Poir. (Black Spruce.) This is a rather scarce
tree in most parts of the county, but in the region of Essex, Hamilton,
and Ipswich, it is more abundant. In "Pine Swamp," are some
hundreds of these trees, many of which are nearly 4 feet in circum-
ference 2 feet from the ground. The largest Black Spruce is an old
tree over 8 feet in circumference, on high land in Hamilton, where it
evidently has been allowed to remain as a boundary tree.

Abies alba, Michx. (White Spruce), only appears as a cultivated
tree.

Abies Canadensis, Michx. (Hemlock-Spruce.) This most
graceful evergreen is quite abundant in many parts of the county. In
Wenham Swamp are several trees over 8 feet in circumference, and a
large tree in Boxford, with its lower branches nearly touching the
ground, measured by Mr. Sears and the writer in 1876, was.

Circumference 11 feet 9 inches at the ground.
" 8 " 9 '• "Sleet above.

" 8 " 8 " "6 " "

Height about 70 feiet.

105

Abies excelsa (Norway Spruce), is very extensively cultivated,
and occasionally Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir), is used as an
ornamental tree, but the latter does not flourish well planted singly.

Larix Americana, Michx. (American Larch. Hackmatack.)
The Larch was formerly much more abundant than now, and the
present generation of trees of this species seem to be quite unhealthy.
In Pine and Wenhara Swamps and the regions adjoining are still
many trees, but few of them, however, exceed 1 foot in diameter, or
a height of 40 feet. Mr. Sears measured, in 1850, several trees in
Wenham Swamp, which were 8 feet 6 inches in circumference, and
about 70 feet high. Dr. Charles Pickering remembered a tree of this
species standing in the town swamp at Wenham in 1823, which was
about 4 feet in diameter.

Larix Europ^ea. (European Larch), grows much better than
the American tree when planted out. The '* Larch Row" in AVenham,
planted by Timothy Pickering about 1802, being the centre from which
has been distributed the numerous trees of this species to be seen in
Wenham and the adjoining towns. Several of the old Pickering
Larches, measured in 1876, averaged G feet in circumference 5 feet
from the ground.

Thuja occidentnlis, L. (American Arbor Vit.e.) Common in
Maine and Kew Hampshire, where it is called White Cedar. It is
seen here only as a cultivated tree, in which condition it is abundant.

Cupressus thyoides, L. (White Cedar.) Abundant in swamps
in many parts of the county, where it is often met with growing to
great size. One old tree in Manchester measured in 1875, was.

Circumference 8 feet 8 inches, 2 feet from ground.

u 7 u 7 u 7 .< .«

Mr. Sears measured four trees in Boxford, which were respectively,
10 feet 2 inches, 10 feet 3 inches, 11 feet, and 12 feet 5 inches, at 5 feet
from the ground. Their height was about 60 feet.

Juniperus communis, L. (Common Juniper.) A much de-
tested low evergreen, forming circular patches in pastures, often 30
to 50 feet in diameter. ]\Ir. C. M. Tracy speaks of one in Lynn
which he judged to be 200 feet across.

Juniperus Virginiana, L. (Red Cedar.) Common on dry
hills. On Manchester shore close to the salt water, grows an old Red
Cedar, which, measured by Mr. Nath. Ropes and the writer in 1875,

was,

Circumference 7 feet 7 inches at the ground.
" 7 '• 5 " " 6 feet above.

Height 12 to 14 feet. Spread 17 feet 8 inches.
Ground to branches 9 feet.

This curious tree is said to have been estimated bv Prof. Agassiz as

106

a thousand years old. It is the subject of a fine painting by J. G.
Ennekiug. Other trees on the Beverly shore are quite large. Oue
measured by Mr. C. Cooke and the writer, was 7 feet 1 inch at 2 feet
from the ground. As a general thing the trees of this species are
rarely over 1 foot in diameter, and 30 feet high.

Taxusbaccata, i^., var. Canadensis. (American Yew. Ground
Hemlock.) This pretty, low evergreen is found in the deep, damp
woods at Manchester, Rockport, Essex, Georgetown, and other
places. The English Yew is rarely cultivated. Salem, Mr. C. M.
Bidiardson, as an ornamental tree.

Many other Conifers are met with in cultivation, but none are
sufficiently common to require their mention in this enumeration of
county plants. Perhaps an exception should be made in the case of,

Taxodium distichum, Richard. (Bald Cypress.) This tree is quite
hardy in the county. A specimen on the Derby Estate in Salem,
measuring in 1877,

Circiimference 10 feet 11 inches at ground.

8 " 9 " " "
Height 40 feet.

There is another, not so large, in a garden on Broad St., Salem.

SMILACE-ai.

(SMIL AX Family.)

Smilax rotundifolia, L. (Common Greenbrier.) Among the
monocotyledons, this seems almost the only one to mention as a
woody plant. It is common in all parts of the county, where its
prickly stem is too well known to need farther notice here.

GRAMINE^.

(GRASS Family.)

Phragmites communis, Trin. (Reed.) It would hardly be
right to omit this plant from our list, for, although not producing a
wood which lasts beyond one season, yet the annual stem of the Reed
is quite as large as many of the stems produced by exogenous peren-
nials here noticed. This grass grows in Topsfield, and was probably
introduced by early settlers for the sake of the stems, which were
used in carpet and other looms, w^hich were then common.

The Phragmites is a most elegant plant, growing often 10 feet high,
with a handsome panicle of flowers.

107

Tuesday, January 21, 1879.

Meeting this day at noon. The President in the
chair.

Rev. Albinus Fiiniey Frost, of Salem, elected a resi-
dent member.

• Monday, February 3, 1879.

Regular Meeting this evening.

Mr. Theodore M. Osborne, of Peabody, read an in-
teresting and instructive paper "On Perfect Harmony in
Music, and the Enharmonic Keyboard of Prof. Henry
Ward Poole," including a sketch of the History of the
Musical Scale, and illustrating the subject by diagrams
and also by voices and piano.

Abstract of the paper will be printed in the next num-
ber of the Bulletin.

Friday, February 28, 1879.

Meeting this evening. Henry L. Williams, Esq.,
in the chair.

Hon. Nathaniel Silsbee read an exceedingly interest-
ing paper, upon the Old Merchants of Salem, and their
ancient voyages to "the farthest point ef the rich east."
His paper was made up largel}^ of extracts from the
autobiography of his father, the late U. S. Senator
Silsbee, interwoven with incidents and anecdotes in the
reader's own experience, and replete with valuable lessons
and precepts for the young men of the rising generation
to consider and copy. The author of the autobiography
CHou. Nathaniel Silsbee) began his nautical education as

108

a clerk with Nathaniel Bowditch and Richard Cleveland.
He passed twenty years of his life in the councils of the
State and Nation, ten of which were in the IT. S. Congress.
Born in Salem, January 14, 1773, he w\as educated under
the charge of Rev. Dr. Manasseh Cutler, — died at Salem,
14 July, 1850. The hall was filled with a large audience,
whose interest the speaker held from the beginning to
the end of his communication.

Monday, March, 3, 1879.

Meeting this evening, and the Rev. De Witt S. Clarke
and Mr. H. Bissell both of Salem were elected resident
members.

Monday, March 17, 1879.

At the meeting this evening, Mr. J. H. Emerton, of
Salem, gave an account of the artificial hatching of cod
fish, and, by drawings on the black board, explained the
various apparatus used for this purpose, l)y the U. S.
Fish Commission at their station in Gloucester the past
summer.

Mr. Raymond L. Newcomb, of Salem, read a paper on
Halibut fishing on the Banks of Newfoundland. The
method of fishing, making of trawls, kinds of bait used,
the perils of the fishermen, and other matters pertaining
to the subject were fully explained and discussed.

c ^

o n

< >

BULLETIN

OF THE

ESSEX I3SrSTITTJTE

Vol. 11. Salem, July, Aug., Sept., 1879. Nos. 7, 8, 9.

The Enharmonic Key-board of Prof . Henry Ward Poole,

By Theodore M. Osborne.

It has long been the great problem of musical theorists
to devise a keyed instrument which shall be capable of
modulations into different keys, and at the same time be
justly intoned for both major and minor intervals in each
key, without being too complicated for the actual perfor-
mance of ordinary music. The kej'board to be described
in this paper is oflered as one of the solutions of that
problem. Before entering upon the details of its con-
struction, it is necessary briefly to review the modern
physical theory of harmony.

The principle of simf)le ratios, as it has been called,
which has proved to be the key of theoretical harmony,
was known in its application to the ancients, who deter-
mined the relative lengths of the parts of a stretched
string sounding the different tones of the scale. But the
explanation and the development of this principle could
not possibly be made before the discovery of the wave

ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. XI 9 (109)

110

theoiy of sound. AYhen once that theory has been ac-
cepted, it needs nothing more than inspection of diagrams
to see that the waves produced by the sound-vibrations of
two simple musical tones interfere less and reinforce each
other more exactly in proportion to the simplicity of the
ratio between their respective number of vibrations in a
given time ; and the investigation, partly physical and
partly physiological, of the relations of the more complex
musical tones and their effect upon the ear and the mind
leads to the same general result, that the only case in
which two tones can be simultaneously heard by the ear
without mutual disturbance is when the vibration-numbers
of those tones bear to each other certain very simple
ratios. By the vibration number of a tone is meant the
number of vibrations in a unit of time necessary to pro-
duce that tone.

The simplest ratios are of course those expressed by
the smallest numbers. The simplest ratios from 1 to 2
are, therefore, in their order,

1 9 345576787989. pfp
-•-> -^J ^? U? 31 45 45 b"? '55 55 65 "55 7'5 7' *^«-'-'*

These ratios do not include all possible, nor even all
actual relations ; but they embrace all the so-called con-
sonant intervals and several of the so-called dissonant
intervals. An attempt has been made to show that these
intervals are pleasing exactly in proportion to the small-
ness of the numbers expressing the ratios. This theory
has not been maintained, probably because of the working
of some physiological principles together with the physi-
cal.

The relation 2 : 1 is the ratio between the vibration-
number of any tone and that* of its octave ; and the
problem of temperament is practically confined to the
limits of an octave, because the key-board of any octave

Ill

in an instrument must be precise!}^ similar in arrangement
to that of every other octave of the same instrument.

In a paper read before the Essex Institute on the even-
ing of the 3d of February last, a brief histor}^ of the
development of the modern scale was given, which it is
not necessary to repeat here, as the fjicts in relation to it
are to be found in the works of Helmholtz, Sedley Tay-
lor, and other writers on sound. It is enough to say here
that the ordinary scale of harmony, the diatonic major
scale, is now recos^uized as containino: a series of tones
whose viln-ation-numbers bear the following ratios to that
of the lowest, beginning with the lowest itself;

1> ¥> I"? f? #1 "I? "V"' 2.

It is to be remarked that a scale is merely a systemati-
cally arranged group of related tones, and there is no one
scale which includes all related tones in common use.
The diatonic major scale includes most of the simple
relations of tones, and is therefore the most common in
use. An analysis of this scale will show the simplicity
of its composition.

In all harmony, some one tone is selected as a basis, to
which all the other tones of the harmony are related.
But when this tone, which is called the key-note, has
been selected, there are in reality used as the base or
foundation of harmonies made up from tones related to
that key-note, three tones ; the key-note itself, one whose
vibration number is f that of the key-note, and one to
which the key-note itself bears the relation f , and which
is therefore § of the key-note in its vibration number.
The interval indicated by the ratio f is called a fifth, be-
cause it is fifth in order in the diatonic scale. In every
key, then, there are used as the foundation of harmonies
belonging to that key, the fifth above, which is called the
dominant, the fifth below, called the subdomiuant, and

112

the key-note or tonic. Octaves of these tones are re-
garded m harmony as identical.

Every tone of the diatonic scale is related very simply
to one of the three fundamental tones of its key, and is
commonly sounded together with that fundamental tone.
Remembering that the dominant is represented by f or its
octave, and the subdominant by J or its octave, the scale
may be thus analyzed :

1 = tonic.

f r= I dominant.

^ = ^ tonic.

I = subdominant.

§ ^ dominant.

1 = 1 subdominant.
\^- = ^ dominant.

2 = tonic.

The interval indicated by the ratio | is called a third,
and it appears that the diatonic major scale is wholly
made up of thirds and fifths. Prof. Poole has suggested
that those tones of the scale deduced from fifths be indi-
cated by Roman capital letters, and those deduced from
thirds by Roman lower case letters. That is, the diato-
nic major scale may be written, in the key of C, for
instance :

CDeFGabC

1 f f I f f ¥- 2

Without carrying the development of the scale farther
at this point, it is time to answ^er the question. What is
the difficulty in constructing a key-board by w^hich the
simple diatonic scale may be justly intoned ? Briefly put,
the difficulty is this.

From the principle of related fundamental tones already
referred to springs that of modulation, or the change

113

from one key-note to another. The natural interval of
modulation is always a fifth. Now the fifth, the third,
and the octave are incommensurable. To quote from
Mr. Ellis' translation of Helmholtz's work : "It is impos-
sible to form octaves by just 5ths or just 3ds or of both
combined, or to form just 3ds by just 5ths, because it is
impossible by multiplying any one of the numbers f or
I by two, or either by itself or one by the other any
number of times, to produce the same result as by multi-
plying any other of those numbers by itself any number
of times."

Whenever, therefore, by successive modulations through
fifths and transpositions through octaves we arrive at a
key-note called by the same name as one of the tones of
the diatonic scale deduced from thirds, it will not have
the same number of vibrations as that tone. In other
words, E, A, and B, the key-notes, are not identical with
e, a, and b, the tones of the diatonic scale in C. The
proportional difference between any key-note and the
corresponding third denoted by the same letter is con-
stant, depending upon what may be called the incommen-
surable element between f, |, and 2. Suppose the vibra-
tion number of C to be 1, the vibration number of E,
deduced by fifths and octaves, is

fXfX^XfXfX^ = fi;
the vibration number of e = | = f f .

Since A bears the same relation to F which E bears to
C, and a is the third of F,

A = 1^ a, and similarly

B = 1^ b,
and in general the vibration number of any key-note is
greater than that of the third denoted by the correspond-
ing lower case letter by ^V of the latter. This difference
is called the comma of Pythagoras.

114

Another complexity resulting from modulation is the
introduction of new tones. Modulating iuto the key of
G, the diatonic scale in that key is

GAbCDef=fG

3 27159 9 5 45 6

1 f I I f t ¥- 2
Here fir is a tone new to the diatonic scale in C. By
successive modulations of fifths upward a key-note Ft^
may be obtained, a comma greater than f#. Every suc-
cessive modulation, then, necessitates an addition to the
scale.

Another new series of tones is demanded by the nature
of the relation between the three allied fundamental tones
in any key. The dominant is so called because whenever
chords are sounded based upon it, the ear demands a
return to the tonic harmony ; its sounding, as it were,
commands the tonic to be sounded. Hence those tones
in the dominant chord which most distinctly convey this
impression of return to the tonic are most important,
being most characteristic of the dominant harmony. It
w^as long ago asserted theoretically and has since been
confirmed by experiment that a tone whose vibration num-
ber bears a ratio of l to that of the dominant is a most
important element of the dominant harmony. For in-
stance, a tone so related to G, the dominant of C, when
broug^ht within the octave, would have a vibration number
H of the tonic, which does not correspond with any tone
of the diatonic scale. Prof. Poole has suggested that
tones in this series should be designated by Gothic capi-
tals. The interval is called the prime seventh, or domi-
nant seventh, and the prime seventh of G would be F.

So far only the major mode of the diatonic scale has
been referred to. There is another mode of using the
tones of a scale to make harmonies, called the minor

115

mode, because the third, sixth, and seventh are smaller
intervals than in the ordinary mode of the scale, the
major.

For convenience, an arbitrary number of vibrations may
be assumed for the tonic, and the other tones of the dia-
tonic scale calculated accordingly. 48 is a convenient
number for this purpose. The scale in C may be thus
represented :

CDeFGabC
48 54 60 64 72 80 90 96
Suppose the scale to. begin with the a below C :
a b C D e F G a
40 45 48 54 60 64 72 80
These vibration numbers show the following ratios to
the first :

1 £6.27:3.8.9.9
^ 8 5 ;iO 2 5 5 ^»

which are all simple except that belonging to D. If d
the major third be used in this scale instead of D the
key-note, there results a scale :

a b C d e F G a

19 6 4 3 8 9 9

■•■ 8 5" 3 2- 5- -5 ^

This is the pure minor scale, differing from the major
scale in the ratios of the third, sixth, and seventh. The
minor scales commonly taught are combinations of major
and minor intervals, especially by substituting the major
for the minor seventh.

So far, no new tones are needed for harmonies in the
minor mode, as a complete key-board for major harmo-
nies supposes both thirds and key-notes in each letter.
But the same principle of related chords applies to the
minor mode as to the major ; if a is the tonic, e is the
dominant and d the subdominant.

Prof. Poole's method of notation shows very clearly

116

the differences between the major and minor modes. It
will be seen at a glance that in the major mode the tonic,
second, fourth, and fifth are key-notes, the third, sixth,
and seventh thirds. In the minor mode of the same scale
the tonic, second, fourth, and fifth are thirds, the third,
sixth, and seventh key-notes. Moreover, in the major
mode, the tonic, dominant and subdominant are all key-
notes ; in the minor mode they are all thirds.

To return to the related harmonies of the minor mode,
there is this peculiarity in the dominant harmony, that
the third is not the minor, but the major, third. To play
an instrument correctly in the minor mode, then, there
must be a series of major thirds to thirds, which does not
belong in the simple diatonic scale of harmony. For in-
stance, in the scale of which a is the tonic, there must be
a tone g^ which is the major third of e, the dominant of
a, and has the ratio V" to a, with a vibration number 75
when that of a is 40. This g^ might be regarded as the
major seventh employed in the ordinary minor scale.
Since every tone of the diatonic major scale deduced from
thirds is in turn the dominant minor, there must be an
additional tone for every tone of the diatonic scale de-
duced from thirds. This series Prof. Poole proposes to
designate by an Italic lower case letter.

Digitals representing these four series of tones are
essential to a complete key-board justly intoned. The
word "digital" is used instead of the common word
"key," as less liable to confusion with other terms. To
be sure, the possible refinements of harmony do not stop
here. In the dominant minor harmony, for instance, the
prime seventh with the ratio J might be used instead of
the minor seventh with the ratio | ; or it might be conve-
nient to have a series of minor thirds from key-notes,
for use in sudden changes from major to minor chords ;

Keyof
A

a'a

/J

A -

-pv

D

D

a*

h

G-

—

d*

e

1 1

G

n

B'

t

c

r

\

a

c

ir»

Y

F

r>l>

B

1

E —

^iethod of placing Digitals on Kei/hoai^d.

The HEucTYPEPRnniKoCo 220 DeyokshirpSt Bostor

ENHARMONIC .K.EYBOARD

ONE OCTAVE.

The HEiJor^PE PRmtrnGCo 220 Doto«3H[Re St Boeron

117

or there might be a series of prime elevenths or thir-
teenths, the latter of which are sometimes heard in unac-
companied part-songs ; but such possible refinements may
for the present be very well dispensed with. If a key-
board can be devised which shall contain these four prin-
cipal series in perfect intonation, the problem will be
practically settled. These series, to recapitulate, are as
follows :

1. Key-notes, deduced from perfect fifths, denoted by
a Koman capital, or in musical notation by a note of a
red color, as suggested by Prof. Poole. On the key-
board, a white digital may be used.

2. Major thirds from key-notes, denoted by a Roman
lower case letter, or by a note of a yellow color, or a
black digital.

3. Prime sevenths from key-notes, denoted by a Gothic
capital, or by a note or digital of a blue color.

4. Major thirds from the tones of series 2, denoted by
an Italic lower case letter, or by a note or digital of an
orange color.

The distinctive colors, red, yellow, blue, and orange,
were selected by Prof. Poole on account of an analogy
between the relative number of vibrations producing those
colors, and the relative number of vibrations producing
the third, the fifth, etc. Black and white were adopted
for the digitals because of the convenience of ebony and
ivory as materials. The use of the colored notation in
writing chords exhibits in a very curious and remarkable
way the most important principles of harmony ; but to
the discussion of this very interesting subject the present
paper cannot be extended. In order to have all these
four series complete in all the keys from C[y to F:ff, there
are required sixty-two notes to the octave. The only
method of bringing this great number of digitals within

118

the width determined upon for an octave, about six and
one-half inches, and at the same time making them suffi-
ciently large for practical use, is by extending the key-
board in two directions. The method by which Prof.
Poole has done this is as follows :

All modulations of key are made by progressing from
front to back of the key-board as the modulations are
upward, and from back to front for the reverse. All
scales in the same key progress from left to right upward,
as in the ordinary pianoforte.

The accompanying diagram (No. 1), giving the method
of placing the digitals for the scale in the key of C, will
explain the matter.

Dotted lines represent the horizontal lines of scales in
the keys of E[^, B[j, F, C, G, D, and A.

There are in each octave of the diatonic major scale in
any key :

(1.) Four key-notes, each related to four keys, in-
cluding its own. Thus C is the second of B[^, the fifth
of F, the fourth of G, and the first or tonic of its own
scale. It should therefore be found in the lines of those
four keys. Similarly D is related to C, G, D, and A ; F
to E[^, Bt,, F, and C ; G to F, C, G, and D. These four
key-notes, then, take the positions given them on the
diagram.

(2.) Three major thirds from key-notes, each related
to three keys. Thus b is the third of G, the sixth of D,
and the seventh of C. Similarly, e is related to C, G,
and F ; a to B|^, F, and C. These three thirds, therefore,
take the positions given them on the diagram.

(3.) One prime seventh related to one key-note and
to be found only in the line of that key-note.

(4.) Three tones of series 4, each bearing the ratio |-
to a tone of series 2. Since for every tone of series 2

119

there is another of the same series bearino- to it the
ratio f , each tone of series 4 will bear to some tone of
series 2 the ratio ||, and will therefore serve as a leading
note in melody to the latter tone of series 2 ; and it is
more 'convenient to consider each tone of series 4 as con-
nected with that tone of series 2 to which it bears the
ratio y|. For instance, gt=. is the major third of e ; it is
also the leading note of a, and is considered as connected
with a.

Each digital of the fourth series is therefore placed
immediately before that of the second series to which it
has the relation f|. As the lower third of the length of
each digital of the second series is immediately preceded
by a prime seventh, it saves space to extend the digitals
of the fourth series only to two-thirds of the length of
those of the "second series. The disfitals of the fourth

o

series, then, are disposed as in the diagram.

The relative width of the various digitals is to some
degree a matter of convenience, but that adopted by Prof.
Poole has some practical advantages which wall appear
w^hen w^e consider the completed key-board.

There are in the horizontal line of any key ten digitals ;
four of series 1, three of series 2, one of series 3, and
two of series 4. The octave is divided into twenty-four
spaces, and of these, three are given to each key-note and
two to each of the other dio^itals. It has been found most
convenient to elevate the digitals of the second and third
series half an inch above those of the first, and to elevate
those of the fourth series one-fourth of an inch above
those of the first. All the digitals of each series are in
the same plane, but the whole key -board is inclined
slightly upward towards the back. Accompanying are
a plan and section of an octave of the full key-board.
This diagram gives all keys perfect from C[^ to F:fs. Blue

120

is represented by horizontal hatching, orange by a dotted
surface, black and white by their own colors.

The symmetrical arrangement of this key-board is per-
ceptible at a glance. Among the most important charac-
teristics of its arrangement are the following :

All the digitals in any key in either the major or minor
mode are to be found in the same horizontal line, drawn
through the second quarter, downward, of the key-note,
except the fourth of the minor mode, which is only one
space below such a line.

The digitals in any key are arranged precisely the same
as in every other key, so that the fingering is the same
for all keys.

In modulation in the regular progression by fifths, the
horizontal line of the new key is always only one space
up or down.

All four of the notes of the diflferent series represented
by difiereut forms of the same letter, as e, e, E, and E,
are in the same vertical line.

In this key-board, there need be no temperament or
approximation, but provision is made for just intonation
in every key used. If, however, it should be thought
desirable, for the sake of economizing space or expense,
to reduce the number of strings or resonators, a consid-
erable saving may be made by an almost inappreciable
temperament, which the construction of the key-board
renders very easy.

Suppose that C makes 256 vibrations in a second ; a
number not exactly corresponding with the normal pitch,
but convenient because a better multiple. Then tuning
downward by fifths seven times,

Cb = 479Mi^.

Tuning upward, G = 384 and b = 480.

C^ is therefore less than b by ^jff^ of a vibration in

121

480, or l3y less than i\ of a comma. If this error be
imagined to be divided up into eight equal parts in tuning
the successive fifths the amount of -temperament in one
fifth would be about ^V of a comma. This is far within
the limits within which vibrations are said to draiv into
harmony. As a matter of practical tuning it is not to be
taken into account at all. The best tuner would be as
likely to come out with his C^, a little sharp of b as a little
flat. This equalization is very useful because it gives the
tuner a check by which to test the correctness of his key-
notes both up and down. For if C[j = b, then by similar
reasoning, D|^ = css, E\y = ds=, F = e^, F[, = e, G^, =
f J:, A|^ = g:^, B|^ = ass ; which gives a test for the key-
notes C[,, D[j, etc., and also saves the strings or resonators
for b, crfi, etc., as they may be made to sound the same
strings or resonators as C[,, D\y, etc.

Again, since D\) = C:js, and c = if Dh' ^^^^ ^t= = H ^ffj
then c = 5ss, d = ex, e[, = dst, f = e==, g =/x, a = gXy
a^ = ^si, h\y = ait; thus saving extra sound producers
for eight tones of series 4 in every octave.

By this practically inappreciable temperament the num-
ber of sound producers is reduced to forty-six in the
octave.

The method of tuning the key-board is first to tune the
key-notes by fifths ; then a major third from each key-
note, and a major third from each of the last-named series.
The prime sevenths, though not familiar to most tuners,
are very easily tuned, especially when the third is sounded
with its tonic.

There have been other key-boards invented with the
same purpose as Prof. Poole's, and it is proper to say a
few words in regard to his labors in the cause of just
intonation.

In an article published in the "American Journal of

122

Science and Arts," Vol. 9, in 1850, Prof. Poole enounced
*A theory of perfect intonation in music, with a descrip-
tion of an organ made to obtain this result which had just
then been completed.' The organ was provided with
pedals and mechanism by which the larger number of
pipes necessary for perfect tuning could be played by the
common key-board.

In that article it was maintained that Hhe prime seventh
with the ratio 4 : 7 was harmonious, admissible, and used
in music,' although this so far as he had seen was asserted
for the first time. The Jahrbuch of Liebig and Kopp, in
a discriminating review of Prof. Poole's article, specified
this declaration.

In the same journal for July, 1867, Prof. Poole pub-
lished an article on "Perfect Harmony in Music," contain-
ing a description of a new '' Enharmonic key-board,"
which was substantially the same as that of which a
drawing is given in this paper, though some improve-
ments and simplifications have since been made in its
details.

In the same journal for May, 1878, an article by Prof.
Poole appeared on "Just intonation in music."

The necessity of just intonation for instruction in har-
mony and vocalization is now fully recognized, and it is
to be hoped that those interested in the progress of musi-
cal science will interest themselves in the manufacture
and introduction of these perfected instruments.

123

Monday, April 7, 1879.
Meeting this evening. Tlie President in the chair.
Records read. Donations and correspondence announced.

Mr. John Robinson presented in the name of Mrs.
Samuel Johnson, President of the Salem Female Employ-
ment Society (lately dissolved), the records, work and
accomit books of the Society.

Mr. Robinson read a paper prepared by Mrs. Johnson,
giving a historical sketch of said society, its formation,
its objects and its work, and what it has accomplished.

The paper was referred to the committee on publica-
tions, and a vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Johnson
for the papers, records and account books of the Society
and the written statement of its doings.

The time of the arrival and the habits of some of the
early spring birds were discussed by Messrs. William G.
Barton, Fielder Israel, John Robinson, Caleb Cooke and
others.

Thursday, April 24, 1879.
At a meeting of the Institute this afternoon, adjourned
from Monday, the 21st inst., Messrs. T. F. Hunt, Fielder
Israel and Daniel B. Hagar were appointed on the com-
mittee to report a list of candidates for the various ojE-
cers and committees to be elected at the annual meeting.

Monday, May 5, 1879.
iig this evenino
was elected a resident member.

At the meeting this evening Mrs. Daniel C. Manning

124

Monday, May 19, 1879.

Annual Meeting this evening. Ttie President in
the chair. Records read. The annual reports of the
Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Curators and Standing
Committees were read and accepted, and from them the
accompanying

RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR

has been compiled, presenting the work of the Institute,
in the various departments, since the last annual meeting.

Members. — Changes occur in the list of associates by
the addition of new names, and the withdrawel of some
by resignation, removal from the county or vicinity, or by
death. Twelve resident members have died, and we have
received information that five of our correspondents have
passed away in a serene old age.

Gurdon Saltonstall, son of Henry and Georgiana C.
(Silsbee) Saltonstall, formerly of Salem, born Aug. 15,
1856 ; died at Pan, France, May 21, 1878.

Daniel F. 8taten, the well known gas-fitter and plumber
of Salem, died at his residence in Beverly Aug. 3, 1878,
aged 41 years, 6 months, and 24 days.

Joseph Gilbert Waters, son of Capt. Joseph and Mrs.
Mary (Dean) Waters of Salem, where he was born July
5, 1796; a Judge of the Salem Police Court for nearly
forty years ; died July 12, 1878.

George Perkins, son of Aaron and Susan (Wardwell)
Perkins, for many years book-keeper in Mercantile Na-
tional Bank of Salem, died Dec. 9, 1878, aged 40 years,
4 months, and 28 days.

William B» Parker, son of William B. and Abigail

125

(Watson) Parker, merchant of Salem, died Dec. 24,
1878, aged 77 years, 9 months and 7 days.

Adelaide Martha (Udmands) Putnam^ daughter of
William Murray and Martha Adams (Tapley) Edmands
of Charlestown, died in Cambridge March 10, 1879, aged
40 years.

David Roberts, son of Samuel and Martha (Stone)
Roberts, born in Hamilton April 5, 1804, lawyer in Salem
and ex-mayor of the city; died March 19, 1879.

James Hill, for the past twenty-five years town clerk
of Beverly, died March 24, 1879, aged 62 years.

Ej^liraim Broion, son of Ephraim and Rachel (BuiFum)
Brown, Register of Deeds for Essex many years, died
March 30, 1879, aged 59 years, 8 months and 16 days.

James Upton, merchant of Salem, son of Robert and
Lucy (Doyle) Upton, died March 30, 1879, aged ^^^ years.

Andrew J. Tliomj^son, son of Levi B. and Mehitable
(Brown) Thompson, physician in Salem, born at Guilford,
N. S., July 23, 1833 ; died April 26, 1879.

Henry J. Cross, City Treasurer of Salem, son of Par-
ker and Mary R. (Clark) Cross, born in Marblehead,
died May 15, 1879, aged 55 years, 10 months.

Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution,
Washington City, and for over half a century one of the
foremost men of Science in the United States ; born at
Albany, Dec. 17, 1797 ; d. at Washington, May 13, 1878.

John Wingate Thornton, a member of the Suffolk Bar,
and an historical writer of wide reputation, died at Oak
Hill, Me., June 6, 1878; son of James B. and Elizabeth
(Gookin) Thornton; born at Saco, Me., Aug. 12, 1818.

Richard Manning Hodges, son of Gamaliel and Sarah
(Williams) Hodges; born at Salem, Aug. 5, 1794; min-
ister of Bridgewater, 1821-33 ; removed to Cambridge,
1834, where he resided until his death, Aug. 10, 1878.

ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. XI 10

126

Neliemiah Adams ^ son of Nehemiah Adams of Salem,
bom at Salem, Feb. 19, 1806 ; for forty-four years pastor
of the Union Church, Boston ; died Oct. 6, 1878.

E. R, Beadle, a prominent Presbyterian pastor and
scientist in Philadelphia ; died Jan. 19, 1879.

Meetings. — During the summer four Field Meetings
have been held within the limits of this county. First,
at the Centennial Grove, Essex, on June 24th, 1878.
Messrs. J. H. Emerton, J. H. Huntington, John Robin-
son, C. C. Beaman, and E. S. Parker took part in the
exercises of the occasion. Second, at Juniper Point,
Salem, on July 10th. The morning was spent along the
Salem and Beverly shores and in visiting the zoological
laboratory of Mr. Emerton, and at the afternoon session
the President and Mr. G. D. Phippen spoke of the his-
torical associations of the place, and Messrs. J. H. Emer-
ton and J. S. Kingsley of some of the forms of the loAver
orders of marine animal life. Third, at West Newbury.
The party took the cars of the E. R. R. to Newburyport,
thence by carriages to the place of meeting. During the
ride a pleasant call was made at the hospitable mansion of
Major B. Perley Poore, where an opportunity was afforded
to examine his very extensive and fine collection of an-
tique relics and other memorials of the olden times. At
the afternoon session Mr. Haydn Brown of West Newbury
gave an interesting sketch of the introduction of the man-
ufacture of combs in that town, and Messrs. James Par-
ton, J. H. Emerton, Luther Dame, Michael A. Dougherty,
and Horace Brown were the speakers. Fourth, at Ips-
wich, October 4th. Plum Island was visited during the
morning, and at the afternoon session the President and
Messrs. I. J. Osbun, Charles Derby, and others were the
speakers.

127

Regular 3Ieetings, twenty-five, iisiuiUy on the first and
third Monday eveninofs of each month. The folio wins:
commnnications received and lectures delivered may be
specified: — "Notes on Pacific Coast Crustacea," by W.
N. Lockington ; "List of the Birds of the Hudson High-
lands, with annotations," by Edgar A. Mearns ; "An Ac-
count of the Flora of the Sandwich Islands," by Charles
Derby; "Remarks on the Subject of Heredity," by Al-
pheus Hyatt ; "A Catalogue of the Fishes of Essex
County, Massachusetts, including the Fauna of Massa-
chusetts Bay," by G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H.
Bean ; "Ornithological Explorations of the Lesser An-
tilles," by Frederick A. Ober ; "Notes on the native and
extensively introduced woody plants of Essex County,
Mass.," by John Robinson; "The artificial hatching of
Cod Fish," by J. H. Emerton ; "Halibut fishing on the
banks of Newfoundland," by Raymond L. Newcomb ;
"On Perfect Harmony in Music," by Theodore M. Os-
borne ; "On the old merchants of Salem," by N. Silsbee.

Lectures and Concerts. — A course of eight lectures
under the direction of the Lecture Committee were as
follows: 1st, Monday, Oct. 28, by Samuel Johnson of
North Andover, "On Florence." 2d, Monday, Nov. 11,
1878, by S. G. W. Benjamin of New York, "Sculpture."
3d, Monday, Dec. 9, by G. L. Vose of Bowdoin College,
"The Light-house System of the United States." 4th,
Monday, Dec. 23, by W. R. Ware of Boston, "Architec-
ture." 5th, Monday, Jan. 27, by Winslow Upton of
Salem, "The Solar Eclipse of 1878." 6th, Monday, Feb.
17, by J. W. Symonds of Portland, Me., "Nathaniel
Hawthorne;" 7th, Monday, March 10, by I. J. Osbun of
Salem, "The Electric Light." 8th, Monday, March 24,
by W. W. Thomas of Portland, "A Ramble in Norway."

128

A course of free scientific lectures (eight in number)
during the months of January and February, usually on
Tuesday afternoons : two "On Plant Life," by Mr. John
Robinson of Salem ; two "On the Simplest Animals," by
Mr. James H. Emerton of Salem ; two "On the Human
Body," by Charles S. Minot of Boston ; two "On Heat,"
by N. D. C. Hodges of Salem. These lectures Avere free
to those persons who made personal application for tic-
kets, and were delivered under the auspices of the Insti-
tute and Peabody Academy of Science.

The following, in addition to the lectures above men-
tioned, have been delivered in the rooms of the Institute :
Tuesday afternoon and evening. May 22, lectures by Rev.
E. C. BoUes of this city, "On the Phonograph," and an
exhibition of the same ; Monday, May 27, lecture by Capt.
E. A. Pitman, jr., of Marblehead, "On the Marshall Isl-
ands;" Friday, Oct. 25, first of a series of eight lectures
by Luigi Monti, continued on successive Friday evenings,
"On the principal men who contributed to the Indepen-
dence of Italy;" Friday, Dec. 13, lecture by Luigi
Monti, "On German and Italian Music;" Wednesday,
Feb. 12, Lecture by Rev. W. C. Wood "On Socrates;"
Friday, Feb. 14, illustrated lecture, "New York to Ven-
ice," by Gen. M. Y. Agramonti;" Wednesday, Feb. 19,
lecture by Rev. W. C. Wood, "Joan of Arc;" Friday,
Feb. 21, and the five following Fridays, Shakspeare read-
ings, by George Riddle: Wednesday, Feb. 26, lecture by
Rev. W. C. Wood, "The North American Indians;"
Wednesday, March 19, lecture by A. Young, "The Comic
and Tragic Aspects of Life;" Friday, April 4, miscella-
neous readings by George Riddle.

Under the personal direction of the Secretary five con-
certs have been given, with much credit to the society as
musical performances. 1st, Monday, Nov. 25, by Mrs.

129

Julia H. West and others ; 2d, Monday, Dec. 30, Cecilia
Quartette, Miss Abbie Whinery, Mrs. J. W. Weston,
Mrs. H. E. Sawyer, Mrs. Jennie Noyes, J. W. Preston,
pianist. 3d, Monday, Jan. 13, by B. J. Lang, Wulf
Fries, and C. N. Allen. 4th, Monday, Jan. 27, by Salem
Schubert Club. 5th, Monday, Feb. 10, by William S.
Fenollosa, Miss Clara Emilio, Mrs. C. H. Fowler, and
others.

Excursions. — Three very pleasant excursions, under
the direction of the Secretary, have been made during the
past season. 1st, to Newport, R. I., visited the Redwood
Library, the Torpedo station at Goat Island, and other
objects of interest in this old historic town, now a well
known sea-side resort. 2d, iSIonday, July 22, to Mon-
treal and Quebec via Plymouth, N. H., and Lake Mem-
phremagog ; returned the following Saturday. 3d, Tues-
day, Sept. 3, to the White INIountains, via Concord,
Centre Harbor, and Plymouth, thence by stage up the
valley of the Pemigewasset to the Profile House, thence
to the Fabyan, where a meeting was held. Prof. J. H.
Huntington, wiio had spent a winter on Mount Washing-
ton connected with the U. S. Sio:nal Station, srave a
graphic description of the duties of this service, and Mr.
George D. Phippen spoke of the flora of the mountains.
Returned on Saturday by w^ay of Conway, Portsmouth,
and Newburyport.

Museum. — The specimens of Natural History, includ-
ing those in Ethnology and Archaeology, which have been
given during the year, are on deposit with the trustees of
the Peabody Academy of Science, in accordance with
previous arrangements. These have been reported at
our meetings, and have been duly acknowledged. The

130

following may be specified : from J. L. Story, Ebeu
Stanwood, and Alburn AndreAvs of Essex, Prof. J. H.
Hmitington, Dr. S. A. Green of Boston, Miss Caroline
Follansbee, Henry Wheatland, George D. Putnam, Miss
Caroline R. Derby, F. Hubon, W. F. Nichols, E. S.
Atwood, Miss Pavel. In addition to the above several
interesting specimens of an historical character have been
arranged in the rooms, received from the estate of Wm.
Wallis, Miss I. G. Whipple, C. T. Brooks of Newport,
P. I., T. F. Hunt, Mrs. M. G. Farmer of Newport, A.
G. Browne, W. Savory, F. Israel, W. H. Pichardson,
James Kimball, G. E. Wiggin of Peabody, Moses S.
Prime, George B. Foster, J. Henry Stickney of Balti-
more, John T. Clark of Boston, E. P. Spencer, G. B.
Loring, Salem Mercantile National Bank, Miss Sarah
Swan, James A. Emmerton, N. A. Horton, William
Fabens of Marblehead, Henry M. Batchelder, David Pul-
sifer of Boston, John Pobinson, Henry M. Brooks, Miss
M. E. Briggs, Charles T. Perkins. Several portraits
have been added to the series : one of Daniel Webster
by Mrs. Anna C. Warren of Boston, one of Mrs. Lois
Orne by Mrs. Susan B. Cabot, one of A. L. Forestier by
Miss Ellen G. Derby of Boston, one of Alfred Poore by
himself, portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Fitch, painted
by Copley, and of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Derby, painted by
Charles Osgood, from Miss Caroline P. Derby.

Horticultural Exhibition, at the rooms of the In-
stitute, the past autumn, opened on Tuesday evening,
Sept. 10, and closed on the following Friday. There was
a fine display of fruit, flowers, pot plants and some vege-
tables. Mr. John Pobinson exhibited a good collection
of ferns and succulent plants, including many rare and
interesting varieties ; Mr. G. W. Creesy many pot plants,

131

showing the different varieties of coleiis ; Mr. J. W.
Manning, of the Reading nurseries, fine specimens of
hardy pines, junipers, arbor vit^, etc. ; Messrs. A. H.
Dunhip and Son, seed dealers in Nashua, N. H., an ele-
gant display of annuals ; Charles A. Putnam, a stand of
very fine seedling gladiolus. There was also a fine show
of flowers and bouquets from other persons.

The display of fruit was very good. Mr. Charles A.
Ropes of Salem had the largest collection, showing sixty-
eight varieties ; Hon. Haydn Brown of West Newbury a
fine show of apples ; G. D. Walton of Peabody, C. M.
Richardson, Joseph A. Goldthwaite, George Baker, AYil-
liam Mack, and others were contributors.

This exhibition was under the supervision of Mr. H.
W. Putnam, the curator of the department.

Landing of John Endicott. — The Fifth Half-century
of the Landing of John Endicott was commemorated on
the 18th day of last September. The commemorative
exercises have been printed in full in the Historical
Collections of the Institute. The oration by Hon. W.
C. Endicott, poems by Rev. C. T. Brooks and W. W.
Story, all born in Salem and educated in her schools.
Gov. A. H. Rice, Hon. R. C. Winthrop, Hon. Marshall
P. Wilder, Dean Stanley, and other distinguished men
were the guests of the society and took part in the post
prandial exercises of the day.

Publications have been issued as heretofore, — the
Bulletin, vol. 10, and the Historical Collections,
vol. XV, have been published and distributed. The ex-
change list with few exceptions continues the same as last
year.

132

Library. — The additions to the Library for the year
May, 1878 — May, 1879, have been as follows : —

By Donation.

Folios, 6

Quartos, 25

Octavos, 313

Duodecimos, 83

Sexdecimos, 21

Total of bound volumes, 448

Pamphlets and Serials 2,488

Total of Donations, 2,936

By Exchange.

Quartos, 5

Octavos, 89

Duodecimos, 3

Total of bound volumes 97

Pamphlets and Serials, 1,237

Total of Exchanges 1,334

» By Purchase.

Octavos, 6

Duodecimos, 2

Sexdecimos, 13

Total of Purchases, 21

Total of Donations, 2,936

Total of Exchanges, • . . . 1,334

Total by Purchase 21

Total of Additions 4,291

Of the total number of pamphlets and serials, 1,664
were pamphlets, and 2,061 were serials.

The donations to the Library for the year have been
received from one hundred and thirty-nine individuals
and twenty-two societies and departments of the General
and State Governments.

The exchanges from three individuals, one hundred and
thirty-one societies and incorporate institutions, of which
seventy-seven are foreign ; also from editors and pub-
lishers.

133

Donations or exchanges have been received from the
following : —

Vols. Pam.

Ainsworth, Mrs. C. C, . 30

Allen, Miss Marian, . . ^ 26

Alnwick, Eng. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, ... 1

American Association Advancement of Science, . . 1
Amsterdam, Koninklijk Zoologisch Genootschap, "Natura

Artis Magistra," 1

Anagnos, M., Boston, Mass., 1

Andrews, Mrs. Kuth, 2

Arms, George A., Greenfield, Mass., .... 1

Atwood, Rev. E. S., 1-

Baldwin, Miss Caroline, 2

Baltimore, Maryland Historical Society, .... 2

Baltimore, Md., Peabody Institute, 1

Bamberg, Naturforschende Gesellscliaft, .... 1

Bancroft, C. F. P., Andover, Mass., .... 7

Barton, J. W., 17

Barton, William G., 8

Batavia, Natuurkundige in Nederlandsch India, ... 1

Bemis, Luke, West Chester, Penn., 68

Berlin, Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde, . . 1

Berlin, Zeitschrift fiir die gesammten Naturwissenschaften, 1

Bern, Naturforschende Gesellschaft, 1

Boardman, Samuel L., Augusta, Me., .... 9 6

Bolles, Rev. E. C, Newspapers, 7 107

Bologna, Reale Academia delle Scieuze, .... 1

Boothby, Josiah, London, Eng., 1

Bordeaux, Societe Linneenne, . ^ 5

Boston, Amateur Scientific Society, 9

Boston, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, . . 2

Boston, Athenseum Library, 1

Boston, City of, 3

Boston, Appalachian Mountain Club, 1

Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital, ... 1

Boston, Massachusetts Historical Society, .... 3

Boston, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, . . 4

Boston, Massachusetts Medical Society, .... 1

Boston, New England Historic and Genealogical Society, 5

Boston, Overseers of the Poor, 1

Boston, Public Library, 8

Boston, Society of Natural History, 18

134

Vols. Pam.

Braunschweig, Archiv der Anthropologie, .... 2

Bremen, Naturwissenschaftlichen Verein, ... 3

Brinley, Francis, Newport, R. I., 1

Brock, R. A., Richmond, Va., . . . Newspapers. 6

Brown, Horace, 2

Bruxelles, Society Beige de Microscopie, ... 11

Bruxelles, Societe Entomologique, 6

Buenos Aires, Sociedad Cietitiflca Argentina, ... 5
Burch and Curtis, Canandaigua, N, Y., . . . .3

Caen, Academie Royale des Sciences, Arts, et Belles-Lettres 1

Cambridge, Harvard College Library, 1

Cambridge, Museum of Comparative Zoology, ..27

-Cambridge, Nuttall Ornithological Club, .... 4

Canada Geological Survey, 1

Carpenter, Rev* C. C, South Peabody, Mass., ... 3

Chemnitz, Naturwissenschaftliche Gesellschaft, . . 1

Cherbourg, Societe Imperiale des Sciences Naturelles, . 1

Chicago Historical Society, 19 102

Chicago, University of, 1

Cincinnati, Society of Natural History, .... 3
Cobb, Charles H., Baltimore, Md., . . . . .2

Cogswell, William, 1 1

Colby University, Waterville, Me., ..... 1

Cole, Miss Caroline J., 1

Cole, Mrs. N. D., . . . . . Newspapers. 11 47

Contoocook, New Hampshire Antiquarian Society, . . 6

Cooke, Caleb, 1 1

Corey, D. P., Maiden, Mass., 1

Cram, George W., 3

Crosby, Mrs. M. K., 34

Crosse et Fischer, . . . * 3

Currier, W. H. B., Salisbury, Mass., .... 1

Curwen, James B., 23

Cutter, A., Charlestown, Mass., 1

Danzig, Naturforschende Gesellschaft, .... 1

Darmstadt, Verein fiir Erdkunde, 1

De Costa, B. F., New York, N. Y., 1

Derby, Charles, 1 22

Dresden, Afrikanischen Gesellschaft, 3

Dresden, Naturwissenschaftliche Gesellschaft "Isis," . 2

Dresden, Verein fiir Erdkunde, 2

Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, 2 22

Emdera, Naturforschende Gesellschaft, .... 1

135

Emery, Samuel,

Emmertou, James A., Newspapers

Erlaugen, Physikaliscb-medicinische Societiit,
Falmouth, Eng., Royal Cornwall Polytechuic Society,

Farmer, Mrs. M. G., Newport, R. I.,

Fielden, Frauk A.,

Fiske, Mrs. J. H., Newspapers

Florence, Instituto di Studi Superior!,

Fogg, Miss Ellen M.,

Folger, W. C, Nantucket, Mass., ....

Folsom, C. F., Boston, Mass.,

Foote, Caleb,

Foote and Horton, Newspapers

Foster, W. E., Providence, R. I., ....

Frankfurt, Zoologische Gesellschaft, ....

Freiburg, Naturforschende Gesellschaft,
Frothiugham, Isaac H., Brooklyn, N. Y.,

Galloupe, Isaac F., Lynn, Mass.,

Gates, Beman, Marietta, Ohio,

Geneve, Societe de Physique et d'Histoire Naturelle, .
Giessen, Oberhessische Gesellschaft fiir Natur und Heil

kiinde,

Goodell, A. C, Jr.,

Gottiugen, Konigliche Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften,

Gray, Horace, Boston, Mass.,

Green, S. A., Boston, Mass.,

Hamburg, Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein,

Hannover, Naturhistorische Gesellschaft,

Harlem, Bureau Scientiflque Central NSerlandais,

Hart, Charles H., Philadelphia, Penn., ....

Hartranft, John, Harrisburg, Penn.,

Hassom, John T., Boston, Mass.,

Higbee, Charles H.,

Hill, B. D., Peabody, Mass.,

Hill, W. M.,

Hitchcock, Edward, Amherst, Mass.,

Hodges, Mrs. John,

Hodges, N. D. C, . . .

Hofiman, Mrs. Eliza A.,

Hoffman, W. J., Washington, D. C,

Holmes, John C, Detroit, Mich.,

Houghton, J. C, Lynn, Mass., .

Howell, E., Liverpool, Eng.,

Vols. Pam.
1

16
1

1

26

I
123

7

10

36 101

1

1

4 124
2
2
2

1

1

1

10

139

19

2

1

136

Vols. Pam.

Howgate, H. W., Washington, D. C, . . . . 2

Hunt, T. F., . 21 43

Illinois State Board of Agriculture, .... 11

India Geological Survey, 6

Israel, Rev. Fielder, 13 693

Jenison, O. A., Lansing, Mich., 1 1

Jewett & Co., Boston, Mass., 1

Kidder, Frederic, Boston, Mass., 1

Kimball, Edward P., Ipswich, Mass., .... 1

Kimball, James, Newspapers, 53 14

Kingsley, J. S., 1

Kjobenhavn, Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskab, . 3

Kjobenhavn, Societe Royale des Antiquaires du Nord, . 2
Konigsberg, Konigliche Physikalisch-Okonomische Gesell-

schaft, 3

Knox, John Jay, Washington, D. C, I

Lansing, Michigan Agricultural College Library, . . 1

Lapham, W. P., Augusta, Me., 1

Lausanne, Society Vaudoise des Sciences Naturelles, . 2

Lee, Francis H., 1 11

Lee, Henry, Boston, Mass., 1

Leeds, Philosophical and Literary Society, ... 1

Leiden, Acaderaia Lugduno-Batava, .... 1
Le Mans, Societe d'Agriculture, Sciences et Arts de la

Sarthe, 4

Lisbonne, Academia Real das Sciencias, .... 28

Liverpool, Literary and Philosophical Society, ... 2

Long Island Historical Society, 1

Loring, George B., 1

Lyon, Academic Imperiale des Sciences, Belles-Lettres et

Arts, 2

Lyon, Societe d'Agriculture, d'Histoire Naturelle et des

Arts Utiles, 1

Mack, Miss Esther C, 4

Mack, William, Newspapers, 5 71

Madison, Wisconsin State Historical Society, ... 1

Manning, Francis H., Boston, Mass., .... 8

Manning, Richard C, Newspapers.

Manning, Robert, • Newspapers, 10

Marsh, O. C, New Haven, Conn., 2

Marshall, John W., Rockport, Mass., .... 1

May, C. S., Danvers, Mass., ' 1

Mexico, Museo Nacional, 4

137

Vols. Pam.

Milwaukie, "Wis. Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, . 1

Mihvaukie, AYisconsin Naturhistorischen Verein, . 1

Minneapolis, Minnesota Historical Society, ... 1

Missouri, State University Library, .... 3 18

Montpelier, Vermont Historical Society, .... 1 1

Morse, E. S., 1

Miinchen, Koaiglich Bayerischen Akademie der Wissen-

schaften, 6

Napoli, Accademia delle Scienze Fisiche e Matematiche, . 4

Nashville, Tenn., Fisk University, 1

Neubrandenburg, Verein der Freuude der Naturgeschichte, 1

Nevins, Winfield S., 2 16

Newark, New Jersey Historical Society, .... 2

New Haven, Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1

New Haven, Yale College Library, 3

New York Academy of Science, 4

New York American Geographical Society, ... 2 3

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, . . 4

New York Historical Society, 2

New York Mercantile Library Association, ... 1

New York Microscopical Society, 1

Nichols, The Misses, 9 2

Norfolk, John R., 4

Nourse, Miss Dorcas C, 2 3

Nuruberg, Naturhistorische Gesellschaft, .... 1

Oliver, Henry K., 7

Oneida, Historical Society, 3

Orange, N. J., N. E. Society, 1

Osgood, Charles S., 1

Otis, George A., Boston, Mass., 8 7

Palfray, Charles W., 85

Paris, Institut Historique, 5

Paris, Societe d'Acclimatation, 18

Paris, Societe d'Anthropologie, 3

Peabody, Mass., Peabody Institute, 1

Peirce, H. Bi, Boston, Mass., 6

Pennypacker, S. W., Philadelphia, 1

Perkins, A. C, Exeter, N. H., 3

Perkins, Henry, Philadelphia, . . . . . .1 19

Perley, Jonathan, 2

Pickering, Miss Mary O., 29

Philadelphia, American Philosophical Society, . . 2

Philadelphia, Library Company, 2

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Historical Society, . . 4

138

Vols. Pam.

Ponsonby & Murphy, Dublin, Ireland, 2

Pool, Wellington, Wenham, Mass., 2

Poole, W. F., Chicago, 111., ....... 6

Poore, Alfred, ' . . 2

Princeton, N. J., E. M. Museum of Geology and Archaeology, 1

Proutty, Phineas, Geneva, N. Y., 1

Providence, R. I., Nicholson File Co., . ... 1

Providence, Rhode Island Historical Society, . . 14

Pulsifer, R. M., Boston, Mass., 1

Putnam, Rev. A. P., Brooklyn, N. Y., . . . . 1

Putnam, F. W., 11

Putnam, H. W., 6 20

Quebec, Literary and Historical Society, .... 1 7

Quint, Rev. A. H., New Bedford, Mass., .... 1

Rantoul, R. S., 5

Regensburg, Zoologisch-Mineralogischer Verein, . . 1

Reid, M. C, Hudson, Ohio, 1

Riga, Naturforschender Verein, . . . . . 2

Robinson, John, 1

Ropes, Miss S. P., Cincinnati, Ohio, .... 2

Ropes, Rev. W. L., Andover, Mass., 1

Salem, City of, . . . 1

Salem, Essex Agricultural Society, 1

Salem, Ladies' Centennial Committee, .... 6

Salem, Mercantile Bank, 4

San Francisco, California Academy of Science, ..11

San Francisco, Mercantile Library Association, ... 1

Savannah, Georgia Historical Society, .... 11

Secomb, D. F., Concord, N. H., 1 17

S'Gravenhage, Nederlandsche Entomologische Vereeniging, . 2

Smith, Charles C, Boston, Mass., 1

Smith, Miss Susan A., Pembroke, Mass., ... 2

Spoflbrd, A. R., Washington, D. C, 1

Steiger, E., New York, N. Y., 1 10

St. Gallen, St. Gallische Gessellschaft, .... 1

Stilson, Arthur C, Ottumwa, Iowa, .... 1

Stone, Benj. W., 1

Stone, Miss Mary H., 7

Story, Miss E. A., 2

St. Petersbourg, Academic Imperiale des Sciences, . 30

St. Petersburg, Imperial Botanical Garden, ... 8

St. Petersbourg, Societe Entomologique de Russie, . 1 8

Sutton, W., 6

Sydney, Royal Society of New South Wales, ... 23

139

Vols. Pam.

Tasmania, Government of, 1

Tasmania, Royal Society, 1

Taunton Public Library, 2

Taunton, Somersetshire Archaeological and Natural History

Society, 1

Taylor Bros., 5

Thayer, Oliver, 1

Thornton, George, Boston, Mass., 11

Topeka, Kansas Academy of Science, 1

Topeka, Kansas Historical Society, 19 13

Toronto, Canadian Institute, 1

Troy Orphan Asylum, 1

Tucker, Jonathan, Estate of the late, 19

Upham, Wm. P., 76

Urbano, O., Central Ohio Scientific Association, . . 1

U. S. Bureau of Education, 1 1

U. S. Dept. of Interior, 54: 1

U. S. Engineer Dept., 2

U. S. Naval Observatory, 6 1

U. S. Patent Office, 60

U. S. Treasury Dept., ]

Virginia, Fish and Game Protective Association, . . 1

Walcott, Chas. H., Concord, Mass., 1

Walter, Joseph R., Wilmington, Del., . Newspapers, 1

Ward, Miss Julia, South Hadley, ..... . . 1

Ware, Tileston & Co., Boston, Mass., .... 8

Washington, Smithsonian Institution, 4

Waters, Henry F., 94

Waters, J. Linton, 106

Weteijschappen, Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten, . 4

Wien, K. K. Zoologisch-botanische Gesellschaft, . . 1

Wien, Verein zur Verbreitung Naturvvissenschaftlicher

Keuntuisse, ......... 1

Wiesbaden, Verein fiir Naturkunde, .... 2

Wilder, M. P., Dorchester, Mass., ..... 1

Williams, James, Columbus, Ohio, 1

Willson, Rev. E. B., 59

Wilmington, Delaware Historical Society, ... 1

Winthrop, Robert C, Boston, Mass., 1 2

Worcester, American Antiquarian Society, ... 2.

Worcester, Society of Antiquity, 1

Wiirzburg, Physikalisch-medicinische Gesellschaft, . 2

Zurich, Naturforschende Gesellschaft, .... 8

140

The following have been received from editors or pub-
lishers : —

American Bookseller.

American Journal of Science and

Arts.
American Naturalist.
Beverl5s N. J., Banner.
Boston Herald.
Canadian Naturalist.
Cape Ann Bulletin.
Dexter Smith's Paper.
European Mail.
Forest and Stream.
Francis' Catalogue.
Gardener's Monthly.
Guruey's Weekly.
Hardwicke's Science Gossip.
Historical Magazine.
Lawrence American.
Lynn Reporter.

Nation.

Naturalists' Leisure Hour and

Monthly Bulletin.
Nature.

Our Dumb Animals.
Peabody Press.
Peabody Reporter.
Quaritch's Catalogue.
Sailor's Magazine and Seamen's

Friend.
Salem Gazette.
Salem Observer.
Salem Post.
Salem Register.
Tlie Librarian.
Turner's Public Spirit.
Vox Humana.
Zoologischer Anzeiger.

Financial. — The Treasurer's Report exhibits a state-
ment of the receipts and expenditures during the past
3'ear.

DEBITS.

General Account.

Salaries, $1,855.68; Coal, $105.00; Gas, $94.41, .... $2,05509

Lectures and Concerts, $639.86; Publications, $1,328.58, . 1,968 44

Express and Postage, $47.93; Insurance, $40.00, ... 87 93

Excursions and Field Meetings, $5,464.42; Stationery, $21.95, 5,486 37

Eudicott Celebration, $1,034.00; Sundries, $126.69, . . . 1,160 69

$10,758 52

Balance in hands of Treasurer, 254 76

Historical.
Books, $9.28; Binding, $75-00, 84 28

Natural History and Horticulture.
Exhibition 22 41

Ditmore Fund.
F. J. Perkins, 93 22

$11,213 19

141

CREDITS.

By Balance of 1878 accounts,

$146 98

General Account.

Dividends Webster Bank

Assessments, $1,031.00; Publications, $617.64,
Sundries, $336.93; Life Membership, $30.00, .
Excursions, etc., $5,9-26.08; Lectures and Concerts, $793
Subscriptions on Endicott Celebration, $1,034.00,
Refunded Bank Tax, $9.71; Salem Savings Bank, $522.6:

Ladies^ Fair Fund.
Coupons City of Chicago Bonds, ....

$30 00

1,648 64

366 93

6,719 87

1,034 00

532 32

10,331 76

70 00

Historical.
Dividends Naurakeag National Bank,
Dividends Michigan Central R. R., . . .

Natural History and Horticulture.

Dividends P. S. & P. R. R.,

Exhibition,

Davis Fund.
Coupons Chicago, Burlington and Missouri R. R., .
Coupon Dixon & Peoria R. R.,

Ditmore Fund.

Coupons Old Colony R. R., 7s,
Coupons Old Colony R. R., 68,
Interest Five Cents Savings Bank,

Derby Fund.

Rent of Land,

16 00

20 00

36 00

12 00

36 45

48 45

140 00

240 00

380 00

70 00

60 00

40 00

170 00

30 00

$11,213 19

Mr. John Robinson exhibited two fine specimens of the
flowers of the Phyllo-cactus crenatus and gave an account
of this and several allied species.

The committee on nominations reported the following
list of officers for the year ensuing.

Voted, To proceed to the choice of officers and a nomi-
nating committee was appointed to receive, assort, and
count the votes.

The following were elected : —

ESSEX INST. BULL.

XI

11

142

PRESIDENT:

HENRY WHEATLAND.

VICE-PRESIDENTS :
Abner C. Goodell, Jr., William Sutton,

Frederick W. Putna:m, Daniel B. Hagar.

SECRETARY : TREASURER :

George M. Whipple. George D. Phippen.

AUDITOR: LIBRARIAN:

Richard C. Manning. William P. Upham.

CURATORS :

Bi'sfor?/— James Kimball.
Ifa7mscr/pfs— William P. Upham.
ArchcEology—FKlE,T>ERlCS. W. Putxa:si.
Numis7natics—MA.TT:HEW A. Stickxey.
■Geology— Isaac J. Osbfn.

Botany— George D. Phippen.
Zoology— BmvARD S. Morse.
Horticulture— Hes-ry W. Putnam.
Music— Josb.ua Phippen, Jr.
Painting ^ Sculpture— T. F. Hunt.

Technology— FT)V^ts C. Bolles.

COMMITTEES :

Finajice:

The President, Chairman ex off.

Jas. Kimball. Jas. O. Safford. Henry M. Brooks. Geo. R. EiiMERTON.

The Treasurer, ex off.

Library .-

Charles W. Palfray. George F. Flint. Henry F. King.

William Neilson. James A. Emmerton.

The Librarian, ex off.

Publication .-

Edward S. Atwood. Abner C. Goodell, Jr. Edtyin C. Bolles.

James Kimball. T. F. Hunt.

Lecture .•

William D. Northend. Frederick W. Putnam. Amos H. Johnson.

Arthur L. Huntington. Fielder Israel.

Field Meeting:
The Secretary, Chairman ex off.
George A. Perkins, Salem. George D. Phippen, Salem.

George Cogswell, Bradford. Lewis N. Tappan, Manchester.

Francis H. Appleton, Peabody. James H. Emerton, Salem.

Nathaniel A. Horton, Salem. Eben N. Walton, Salem.

143

Monday, Juxe 6, 1879.

Regular Meeting this evening. The President in
the chair. Records read. Donations and correspondence
announced.

The President referred to two valuable donations to
the library since the last meeting. "The Whitney Gene-
alogy" in three very handsome quarto volumes, and the
"Chronological History of Plants," by Charles Pickering,
both being works of more than ordinary interest, elegantly
printed, and of great value as works of reference. The
Whitney Genealogy is a fine specimen of book making
as regards typography and binding. Five hundred were
printed in quarto form and ten in folio, all for presenta-
tion. Mr. S. Whitney Phoenix, of Xew York city, is the
compiler of the work, and donor.

Voted, That the thanks of the Institute be tendered to
the donors of the above named works.

Friday, June 20, 1879.

The first Field Meeting this day at Ship Rock, South
Peabody. The place for the rendezvous at Rockville
chapel, under the charge of Rev. C. C. Carpenter.

In the forenoon, one party under the guidance of Mr.
James H. Emerton visited Bartholomew's Pond, another
party under the direction of Mr. John Brown, 2nd, went
to Ship Rock, the stone quarries, and the adjacent points
of interest. Lunch was served in the chapel at 1.30 p. m.,
and at 3 p. m. the afternoon session was held, the Presi-
dent in the chair. Records of preceding meeting read.

144

In opening the meeting the Presidext spoke of former
meetings held in this place, of Ship Rock, of the geologi-
cal features of the vicinity, of the various persons, who,
in times past had devoted much time to the study of the
natural history of Peabody, alluded to the plan suggested
by Mr. Wilson Fla^g, of appropriating a tract of land
about Bartholomew's Pond for a public park, the charac-
teristic features of the place being admirably adapted for
this purpose, contiguous to the cities of Salem and Lynn
and the town of Peabody.

Rev. George F. Wright, of Andover, said that he had
been always interested in the famous boulder. Ship Rock,
and had been with the party who had visited it this day.
He gave a very clear and interesting statement of the
geological character of the region, and explained the
action of ice and water during the glacial period, showing
why Ship Rock had probably lodged in its present posi-
tion, and stating other theories in regard to the ice
period.

Mr. James H. Emerton spoke of the flowers and
plants that had been gathered during the morning's
ramble, and the subject was continued by Dr. George
A. Perkins, of Salem.

Rev. C. C. Carpenter, of South Peabody, remarked
on the historical and genealogical character of this neigh-
borhood, speaking of the old families, the old houses, and
the peculiarities of the people. Mr. Carpenter brought
to the meeting some very interesting books and historical
documents for the inspection of those present. Among
them was a large quarto volume in Latin, entitled "Trac-
tatus Morales de virtutibus," by William, Archbishop of

145

Lyons (1272), and printed in Cologne, 1479. The book
is in black-letter, illuminated in red throughout, by hand.

Mr. Samuel Browx, of Eockville, gave some account
of the quarry business of the town and spoke of some of
the old families alluded to by the previous speaker.

Rev. Messrs. Israel and Hosmer, of Salem, remarked
briefly on the pleasure and profit they had derived from
the day, and of the good influence of such meetings.

On motion of Rev. F. Israel : —

Resolved, That the cordial thanks of the Essex Institute
are tendered to Rev. C. C. Carpenter, Mr. John Brown,
2nd, and other gentlemen of South Peabody, for the use
of Rockville chapel, and for their kind attentions and
civilities, thereby adding much to the pleasure and interest
of this meeting. Also to the officers of the Eastern
Railroad for courtesies received.

Friday, June 27, 1879.

The second Field Meeting of the season was held this
day at Andover. The weather was fine, the party num-
bered over eighty, and left Salem by special train over
the Eastern Railroad at 8.30 a. m., arriving at 10. The
place of meeting was the Free Congregational Church,
where the party was met by Rev. G. F. Wright and Rev.
F. H. Johnson, and other persons interested in the meet-
ing. A large portion of the party, under the direction
of Mr. Wright, visited Indian Ridge. This moraine has
been made an especial study by Mr. Wright, who has
published several papers on the moraines of the county,

146

which are of much value to the student of geology, and the
morning with him was most interesting. Prospect Hill,
Sunset Rock, the Shausheen River, were also visited.
The library room (Brechen Hall) and the flax mills were
open to the visitors, and the fine collection of antiquities
belonging to Rev. Selah IMerrill, were seen by several of
the party, the owner explaining the various specimens.
Lunch at 1.30, and the afternoon session in the church
at 3 p. M. President in the chair. Records read.

The President referred to former field meetings held
in Andover and spoke of the objects of the Institute,
especially to the forming of a collection of books and
pamphlets of every description relating to the county, as
written by natives and residents of the county.

Rev. George F. Wright gave a full account of the
Indian Ridge which had been visited during the morning.
Mr. W. also referred to the ice period, and described the
surface geology of the region about Andover.

Prof. WiLJuiAM H. NiLES, continuing the subject, gave
an account of observations made by himself among the
glaciers of the Alps. He fully endorsed the theory
advanced by Mr. Wright in regard to the Incian Ridge,
and spoke in the highest terms of Mr. Wright's published
paper on the ridge and the geology of the vicinity, illus-
trating his remarks by drawings on the blackboard.

Rev. Francis H. Johnson, of Andover, placed on the
table for exhibition, a very curious old powder-horn
loaned for this o'ccasion. Mr. Johnson read a statement
regarding the horn which was given to one of the early
Andover families by some Acadians who lived in the

147

town years ago. He also read a chapter from the forth-
coming history of Audover by Miss Sarah L. Bailey, upon
the early manufacture of gunpowder in Andover, and
added to it a few valuable remarks of his own. It
appears that the slow progress of Washington in the
siege of Boston, a hundred 3^ears ago, was largely owing
to a lack of powder ; some being brought with ox teams
from as far as Ticonderoga. The General Court of Mass.
urged Judge Phillips (who was a member, and was also
at the same time engaged in founding Phillips' Academy)
to undertake the business of manufacturing powder for
the army. They agreed to furnish him with sulphur and
saltpetre, and he was to deliver powder at eight pence
per pound. Mr. Phillips hastened home and set his
neighbors to work erecting a building for the purpose, on
the site (it is supposed) of the Marland Mills. Miss
Bailey presents conclusive evidence that powder was
manufactured at Andover, for use in the Revolutionary
war, sometime before the Stoughton powder mill was
available. In a short time more than a thousand pounds
per week were turned out. But it appears also that some
of the powder was not good. This is shown in a caustic
letter of Gen. Washington, and from the action of the
General Court in returning that of poor quality for
remanufacture, and in sending a French expert to impart
knowledge upon the subject to the Andover manufac-
turers.

Another interesting point brought out in Miss Bailey's
accurate, racy, and painstaking history is, that when Mr.
Chandler, the foreman of the powder mills was drafted
for service in the army besieging Boston, Mr. Phillips
successfully petitioned to have his help exempted from
military service, on the ground that their places could not
well be supplied, and that their occupation was already

148

one of extreme hazard, and of imperative necessity to
the public service. The mill was blown up once with a
loss of three lives. The state bore half the expense of
rebuilding, and promised to do the same again in case of
further accident.

Mr. Johnson read another short sketch, concerning the
Acadian refugees (from whose history Loiigfellow drew
the incidents of Evangeline) , thirteen of whom were for
some time in Andover under the care of Mr. Stephen
Abbot's grandfather. The interesting powder-horn in
his possession was afterwards sent to them as a memento
of his kindness.

Mr. Goldsmith, of Andover, principal of the Punchard
High School, described the various flowers found during
the morning, and spoke of the general objects of the
meeting. He proposed that a portion of Indian Kidge be
reserved forever as a Public Park, and that the trees and
natural growth be carefully preserved and guarded against
the woodman's axe.

Mr. J. H. Emerton, of Salem, described several
insects brought to the table.

Rev. Selah Merrill, of Andover, spoke of his unique
collection of antiques brought by him from Syria, and
gave an account of the slab of cuneiform inscriptions in
the Theological Library.

Mr. G. W. W. Dove, of Andover, gave an account of
the flax mills under his charge, and described the process
of cultivatino^ and the manufacture of flax and a brief
historical sketch of the introduction of the manufacture
in Andover.

149

Rev. E. S. Atwood, of Salem, spoke of the interest
he felt in the work of the cla}^ and said that the objects
of the Institute were such as should commend the society
to every person in the county. He referred to the curious
and interesting specimens that he had examined in Mr.
Merrill's house and advised all to visit the collection.

On motion of Mr. Atwood : —

Resolved, That the hearty thanks of the Essex Institute
are hereby presented to Rev. Messrs. Wright and John-
son, and to Messrs. Dove, Goldsmith, and Prof. W. H.
Niles and others, for their arduous and successful efforts
in making and carrying out the arrangements for the
Andover Meeting.

Monday, July 7, 1879.

RegulaPw Meeting of the Society this evening. The
President in the chair. Records read. Correspondence
and donations announced.

C. A. Lawrence, of Beverly, and Rebecca Archer, of
Salem, were elected members.

The President referred to the late James Upton,
Esq., for many years an officer of the Institute, and one
who largely promoted its objects and its usefulness. He
introduced Rev. R. C. Mills, D. D., a life-long friend and
the pastor of the church that Mr. Upton attended, who
read an appropriate memoir of the deceased, briefly
sketchuig the genealogy of the family and speaking of
his life and works ; his connection with the Institute as a
member and officer; his devotion to the church, of which
he was a consistent member ; his eminent business quali-

150

ties during a long and busy term of years as a merchant
of Salem.

Dr. George A. Perkins spoke of his intimate rela-
tions with Mr. Upton, and heartily endorsed the remarks
of Mr. Mills. He moved that the communication be
referred to the publication committee, with a request that
the same be printed in the Historical Collections of
the Institute.

Mr. James Kimball read a paper on the "Early Man-
ufacture of Glass in Salem," claiming, in contradiction to
certain published statements, that Essex County, and in
part Salem, established the first glass factory and manu-
factured the first glass in New England. Referred to the
Committee on Publications.

Thursday, July 31, 1879.

Third Field Meeting, the present season, near the
asylum station, Danvers. The members from Salem left
at 9.25, A. M., from the E. R. R. station, and were joined
at the grounds by many others, who came in private car-
riages from various places. On arrival all repaired to
Oak grove and deposited the baskets. Through the
courtesy of Dr. Calvin S. May, the superintendent, the
party visited many of the principal rooms of the asylum ;
afterwards, separating into small groups, went in pursuit
of their respective specialities.

On the 25th of April, 1873, an act to establish a Hos-
pital for the Insane in the northeastern part of the com-
monwealth was approved. A commission was appointed,
who selected as a site this hill and the adjoining lands

151

known as Hathorne or Prospect Hill, belonging to Fran-
cis Dodge and others, containing 197-28 acres. Before
grading the elevation was 257 feet above mean high tide,
being the highest land in the vicinity. The land was
purchased by the commonwealth and grading was com-
menced May 4, 1874. May 17, 1877, an act authorizing
the appointment of Trustees for the State Lunatic Hos-
pital, Dan vers, was approved, and on the 25th of the fol-
lowing October the property was transferred to them by
the commissioners.

The noon collation was spread in the grove. The after-
noon session was held at 3, p. m., in Hathorne Hall, Asy-
lum Building. The President in the chair. Records
read, correspondence and donations announced.

The President, in his opening remarks, referred to
this place as historic ground ; many distinguished names
being associated with the history of this vicinity. The
name of this hall is suggestive of the fact that a large
tract of land, including this elevation, was granted to
Major William Hathorne at the beginning of the Colonial
government, and was retained in his possession many
years. He came over in the Arabella with Winthrop and
settled in Salem in 1636 or the year following, having
had tendered to him grants of land if he would remove
hither. He was a very prominent man in the colony,
holding important positions, commissioner, speaker of
the House of Representatives, counsel in cases before the
courts, judge on the bench, soldier commanding important
and difficult expeditions, and in many other cases. He
died in 1681. This name appears to have been as promi-
nent in the civil history of that early period as it has been
in the elegant literature of the present, by the writings

152 ,

of a lineal descendant, in the sixth generation — Nathaniel
Hawthorne.

Mr. Andrew Nichols, of Danvers, was then called
upon, who gave an extended notice of the ownership of
this property, from the first grant to Major Hathorne,
interspersed with some pleasing historical allusions, and
said that the hill had passed through the hands of ten dif-
ferent owners. It remained in the Hathorne family for
twenty-five years, in the Rea family for eighty years, in
the Prince family for forty-four years, in the Dodge fam-
ily for thirty-four years, leaving but fifty-four years for
the other owners out of 237 years of ownership.

Dr. Calvin S. May, the Superintendent of the Hospi-
tal, gave a description of the building, the method of
heating and ventilation, spoke of the patients under his
charge and the usual plan of the Institution, its manage-
ment and its objects. The building was opened for the
reception of patients May 13, 1878 ; 806 patients have
been received since the opening, and at the present time
there are 512 inmates for treatment.

Rev. L. M. LiVERMORE, of Danvers, spoke of the
pleasure he had received in attending this meeting and
alluded very pleasantly to the various plants collected
during the forenoon ramble.

Mr. James H. Emerton gave a graphic description of
the pitcher plant {Sarracenia purpurea) , and the sun
dew (Drosera rotundifoUa) , which were placed upon the
table.

Dr. George A. Perkins gave an account of a recent
visit to the coal region of Pennsj^lvania, and exhibited

153

some fine specimens of fossil ferns and wood wliich he
had collected.

Kev. W. E. C. Wright, of Danvers, spoke of the
interest in the objects of the meeting, and in his remarks
on the geology of this region referred to the ice period
and the glacial marks perceptible on the hills of Danvers
and vicinity.

Kev. Fielder Israel, of Salem, said that he had been
impressed during the progress of the meeting by the
thought that the Essex Institute was holding an educa-
tional and a scientific meeting within the walls of an asy-
lum, and that quite a number of the inmates were present
and appeared to be interested in listening to the proceed-
ings. In closing his remarks he offered the following
resolution, which was unanimously adopted : —

Resolved^ That the cordial thanks of the Essex Insti-
tute are hereby tendered to Mr. Andrew Nichols, to Dr.
Calvin S. May, to Charles P. Preston, and other citizens
of Danvers for the kind welcome given to the Institute,
and the generous provision made for the accommodation
of the meeting.

A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands, with
Annotations.

By Edgar A. Mearns.

[Continued from page 52.]

31. Dendroeca ooerulea, (^Wilson), Ccerulean Warbler. A
rare migraut. "I secured a fine male of this beautiful species, near
my residence, May 17, 1875." ^ Mr. H. G. Fowler records ^ a female
taken in central New York, May 27, 1876. ^

32. Dendroeca coronata, (I/m?ie). Yellow-rumped Warbler.
An excessively abundant spring and fall migrant, and occasional win-
ter resident. Arrives near the middle of April (17, 1876), remaining
till late in May (28, 1874 ; 23, 1875 ; 23, 1876 ; 20, 1877) ; in autumn it
arrives late in September (28, 1875; 23, 1876), remaining till the first
of December, or later, according to the severity of the weather.
Throughout the winter of 1877-78 it remained in considerable num-
bers in the Highlands. It seemed quite contented so long as the
ground was bare ; but after a snow-storm flew restlessly about, seek-
ing with great avidity any bare spot of ground. It was often ob-
served flying about in orchards ; but inhabited chiefly bushy places,
and cedar groves near the Hudson. Its food consisted mainly of
cedar berries. Its spring moult takes place about the first of April.

I give the following extract from my journal :

"April 25, 1878. While hunting in the rain, the clouds suddenly
shone out bright — a purely April phenomenon — and then the birds
began to sing. Even the Yellow-rumps produced a very pleasant
warble, which, taken up by one after another of the flock by which I
was surrounded, produced a very pleasing medley of music."

Dimensions. — Average measurements of twenty-four specimens:

1 Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. Ill, p. 46, 1878.

2 Complete List Bivds Cayuga, Seneca, and Wayne counties, Daily Advertiser,
Auburn, N. Y., Aug. 14, 1877.

3As this article is going through the press, I have received, through the kindness
of Mr. S. F. Rathburn, his "Revised List of Birds of Central New York," where I
find, in addition, the following: "Not an uncommon summer resident. Observed
rarely previous to 1876. Arrives about the second week in May. Taken by Mr. E.
R. Richardson, jr., of Auburn, N. Y., May 8th, 1878. Departs in September."

(154)

155

length, 5-65; stretch, 9-01; wing, 2-85; tail, 2-25; bill from nostril,
•29; gape, -51; tarsus, -71.

33. Dendroeca blackburnise, ((xme^^7^). Blackburnian War-
bler. Very common during migrations ; not seen in summer. Ar-
rives from the South before the middle of May (10, 1875 ; 9, 1876 ; 15,
1877; 7,1878; 14,1879), and, like the Bay-breasted and Black-poll
(D. D. castanea and striata), passes rapidly through before the first of
June; seen as late as May 28 (1876). In autumn it appears in Sep-
tember (20, 1875), and passes southward before the middle of October.
It favors us. In the spring, with a very sweet song; is found in all
kinds of woods, but, like D. virens, is partial to the hemlocks. It is
seen actively searching for insects among the branches, sometimes
following them to the ground, where it often spends considerable
time. It is gentle and unsuspicious ; when it flies towards the obser-
ver, thus exposing the glowing orange-red color of its breast, it
resembles a moving ball of fire.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of thirty-one specimens :
length, 5-25; stretch, 8-12; wing, 2*71; tail, 1-96; bill from nostril,
•31; gape, -55; tarsus, '72; middle toe, -39; its claw, -17.

34. DendrcEca striata, (i^orsfer). Black-poll Warbler. Com-
mon during spring and fall migrations. Arrives about the middle of
May (20, 1874; 23, 1876; 19, 1877; 9, 1878; 14, 1879), remaining till
about the first of June (May 29, 1874 ; 28, 1876 ; 28, 1877) ; in the fall
it reaches us early in September (10, 1874; 9, 1876), remaining till
late in October (16, 1874; 14, 1876).

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eighteen specimens : length,
5-56; stretch, 8-90; wing, 2-92; tail, 2-05; bill from nostril, -30; gape,
•55; tarsus, -75; middle toe, -45; its claw, •17.

35. Dendroeca castanea, (iriVson). Bay-breasted Warbler.
A regular and abundant spring and fall migrant. It passes rapidly
through, between the middle and last of May (19 to 29, 1874; 16 to 28,
1876'; 18 to 26, 1877; 22, 1878; 14, 1879); returning in autumn it
passes us during the last half of September and the first days of Octo-
ber (September 19, 1875; October 3, 1876). The autumnal plumaged
birds are generally indistinguishable from the preceding (D. striata),
when seen in the tree-tops ; but I have never seen any specimens that
were doubtful upon careful examination. The darker legs of this
species may, I think, be taken as diagnostic, and they are otherwise
distinguished by the colors of the throat, sides of the breast, and
under tail-coverts. Its habits are very similar to those of the Black-
poll. It is usually seen in the tree-tops, where its movements are
rather heavy, and slow. It seems to be especially fond of bathing in
the brooks. Both sexes possess a very sprightly song.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of twenty-four specimens :

156

length, 5-63; stretch, 8-94; wing, 2-95; tail, 2-12; bill from nostril,
•30; tarsus, -72.

36. Dendroecapennsylvanica, (Zui^e). Chestnut- sidkd War-
bler. A summer resident; breeds abundantly. Arrives earlj' in May
(11, 1874; 12, 1875; 9, 1876; 15, 1877; 3, 1878; 7, 1879), and departs
late in September (30, 1876).

The Chestnut-sided Warbler is the only species of its genus that
breeds abundantly with us. Its nest is placed in the fork of a low
bush; and its eggs, four in number, are deposited about the last of
May, or early in June. I have found the female sitting as early as
May 26th (1877). It possesses a song of considerable power and
sweetness; utters a sharp Isip while gleaning among the branches.
The young birds follow the parents, and usually frequent damp thick-
ets. They are quite gentle, coming close up to the observer, and
uttering a low squealing note, as if demanding food. The parent sits
very closely upon its nest; if disturbed, it refuses to remove farther
than a few feet, there remaining quite silent, except a soft, pleading
note, occasionally repeated.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of sixteen specimens : length,
5-14; stretch, 7*80; wing, 2-45; tail, 2-00; bill from nostril, -29; gape,
•52; tarsus, -72; middle toe, -38; its claw, -17.

37. Dendroeca maculosa, (Gmelin^. Black- and- yellow War-
bler. A common spring and fall migrant. Arrives the second week
in May (15, 1874; 11, 1875; 16, 1876; 14, 1877; 8, 1878; 8,1879), re-
maining till late in the month (May 22, 1875 ; 28, 1876 ; 25, 1878) ; in
autumn it arrives in September (11, 1876; 6, 1879), and departs in
October (5, 1876). This beautiful species is partial to the hemlock-
trees, where it feeds in company with the Black-throated Green War-
bler; but it is found in all kinds of woods. It frequently descends to
the ground ; sometimes inhabits low bushes.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of nineteen specimens : length,
5-12; stretch, 7*67; wing, 2-30; tail, 2-00; bill from nostril, -30; gape,
•53; tarsus, -74; middle toe, -38; its claw, "17.

38. Dendroeca tigrina, (Gmelin). Cape May Warbler. A
rather rare migrant. Mr. Wm. K. Lente took a male, at Cold Springy
on the Hudson, May 20, 1875. Mr. Wm. C. Osborn took a female, at
Garrisons, on the Hudson, May 15, 1876. Mr. Chas. Simpson found it
abundant at Peekskill, during the spring of 1877, when he procured a
number of adult specimens. In this locality, the Cape May Warbler
is seldom seen in spring. A fine male was shot, by Mr. Wm. C. Os-
born, near his residence, on the opposite side of the Hudson, on May
14, 1878 ; but in autumn it is generally seen in September, on its way
to the South. I have observed it from September 8th (1876) to the
20th (1875). It is seen in the tree-tops, where its movements appeared

157

to me to be very slow and deliberate ; and it is generally mute, though
on one occasion my attention was attracted to a bird that produced
a remarkable jingling noise in a cedar-tree, and proved, on being shot,
to be a young male of the present species.

Dimensions. — Measurements of No. 1,275 ^, Consook Island, Hud-
son River, September 8, 1876: length, 5-20; stretch, 8-31; wing, 2-69;
tail, 2 00-, bill from nostril, -30; tartans, -75.

39. Dendroeca discolor, ( Fiei7ZaO Prairie Warbler. A rare
summer resident: breeds. I found a nest of this small "Warbler, on
June 23, 1877. One day, returning from a long tramp, I discovered
the nest as I neared home, but not until after I had shot both of the
parents ; then, too late, I regretted the act, for I was shown their
beautiful nest, placed on the low limb of an apple tree beside a cow
stable, close to the road-side. The young were full-fledged, and flew
away when the nest was approached. The person who showed me
the nest seemed grieved at the death of the old birds ; remarking that
his fiimily had been greatly entertained by the sprightly manners and
sweet song of the little birds, which had delighted them since the
commencement of summer; and he left the place with a kind wish
that the young orphans might thrive, which he afterwards told me he
believed was the case. I brought the nest away, together with the
old birds; the first and only ones I have ever seen. The nest was an
elegant and somewhat bulky structure ; felted of cows' hair, strips of
bark, and feathers.

Dimensions. — Measurements of No. 1,479 J*, June 23, 1877, Highland
Falls, N. Y. : length, 4:-88: stretch, 7-15; wing, 2-19; tail, 1-95; bill
from nostril, -28 ; gape, -50 ; tarsus, -67 ; middle toe, -38 ; its claw, -15.

40. Dendroeca palmarum, {Gmelin). Yellow Red poll War-
bler. A common spring and autumn migrant. Arrives about the
middle of April, remaining till the second week in May (April 14 to
25, 1874; 30 to May 8, 1875; 14 to May 8, 1876; 16 to May 5, 1877; 20
to April 27, 1878 ; 11, 1879). In autumn I have found it from Septem-
ber 20 (1879) to October 24 (1876). It arrives, in company with Z>.
pinns, long before the other Warblers, excepting only D. coronata.
Both species are eminently terrestrial in their habits, and are first
seen hopping upon lawns and grassy banks, accompanying the various
sorts of Sparrows ; later, they are found inhabiting damp, bushy places,
beside ponds and streams. The Red-poll's tail executes a perpetual
lateral vibratory movement, which is as characteristic as is the tilting
motion of the Siuri ; this motion is often accompanied by a feeble chip,
the only note I have heard it utter.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of nineteen specimens : length,
5-43; stretch, 8-38; wing, 2-61; tail, 2-10; bill from nostril, -31; gape,
•56; tarsus, -77; middle toe and claw, "67.

ESSEX INST, bulletin. XI 12

158

41. Dendroeca pinus, (Wilson). Pine-creeping Warbler. A
rather rare migrant ; not seen during the breeding season. Arrives
about the middle of April (May 3, 1875; April 11, 1876; 16, 1877; 15,
1878). Usually appears upon the lawns about the middle of April,
associating with D. palmarnm, and seems, in its habits, quite as ter-
restrial. It is then (according to my observations) quite mute ; does
not vibrate its tail like the Yellow Red-poll; but, like that species, its
movements are very graceful. Later in the spring it appears in the
woods, among the branches, where its movements are slow and delib-
erate ; but, on one occasion, I saw a male darting with considerable
celerity, in the top of a birch-tree. I have only seen it in summer on
a single occasion, late in August.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of four specimens : length,
5-52; stretch, 8-91; wing, 2-81; tail, 2-25; bill from nostril, -33; tar-
sus, -70.

42. Siurus auric apillus, {Linne). Golden-crowned Accentor ;
Oven Bird. A common summer resident; breeds abundantly. Ar-
rives early in May (8, 1874; 10, 1875; 5, 1876; 7, 1877; April 26, 1878;
May 3, 1879), remaining till October (16, 1874; 16, 1876). Its eggs
are laid the last of May or earlj'^ in June. I found a nest containing
five eggs on May 30, 1877. Its habit of building a covered nest, and
of hovering high above the trees, just before night-fall, and pouring
out its delightful song as it descends through the air, serve to attract
more general attention and recognition than most of our shy and soli-
tary species do. During the day it utters a loud chant ; always monot-
onous, and sometimes positively disagreeable to the weary listener.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of fourteen specimens : length,
6*17; stretch, 9*63; wing, 3*00; tail, 2-15; bill from nostril, -35; gape,
.61 ; tarsus, -91.

43. Siurus nsevius, (Boddaert). Aquatic Accentor; Water
Wagtail. A somewhat common spring and fall migrant. Arrives
later than S. motaciUa (May 5, 1876; 15, 1877; April 26, 1878), remain-
ing till about the first of June (May 29, 1877; 24, 1878). Seen in
autumn from August 31st to September 16th (1876). The present
species ranges much farther to the North than S. motacilla, and rarely,
if ever, breeds in this latitude. Still there may be exceptional cases,
as there are collectors lower down the Hudson, who assert that they
have discovered its nest. Indeed Dr. Coues states^ that he has him-
self found it, at Washington, D. C, spending the summer, "under cir-
cumstances that leave no doubt of its breeding."

The " Small-billed Water Thrush," as this species is familiarly
known, is found skulking among the weeds and debris, found on the

*Bds. Colo. Val., Vol. I, p. 304, 1878.

159

muddy margins of ponds, ditches, and the river, while the Large-
billed Accentor (S. motacilla) is seldom seen in such situations, but
evinces a decided preference for clear mountain streams, with pebbly-
bottoms ; neither is it ordinarily seen skulking under cover. The
note of the Aquatic Accentor is a metallic chick^ resembling the com-
mon note of the larger species ; but it is rather disposed to silence
during its brief stay with us. I have never heard its song, which is
said to be remarkably fine. This species shares the habit of tilting
its body as it moves about, practiced by the two other species of its
genus.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eight specimens : length,
6-04; stretch, 9-52; wing, 2-99; tail, 2-11; bill from nostril, -40; gape,
•67; tarsus, Si; middle toe, -oo; its claw, -14.

44. Siurus motacilla, (F/ei7Zo«)- Large-billed Accentor. A
common summer resident; breeds. Arrives in April (15, 1874; 30,
1875; 20, 1876; 23, 1877; 19, 1878; 26, 1879); departs early in autumn.

The Large-billed Water Thrush is a charmingly interesting friend
of the out-of-doors-naturalist. It is very abundant with us from the
time of its arrival, early in April, until late in summer. It sometimes
appears here before the winter's snows are past, but even under such
conditions it seems to be quite contented, and is in full song. Its
song is quite unique ; being loud, clear, and unsurpassinglj'^ sweet.
Frequenting, as it does, the darkly shaded forest streams, that abound
in water-falls and cascades, rushing over broken masses of rock, and
mossy fallen logs that collect and detain the debris ; seen in such cool
and delightful situations, its song becomes associated in one's mind
with its surroundings and accessories. Indeed, its notes cannot be
dissociated from the sound of gurgling, rushing waters, and those
sights and sensations which impress one so agreeably when in the
woods. Even a casual allusion to this little bird recalls, to the mind
of the collector, a bright picture of clear mountain streams, with their
falls and eddies, their dams of rocks and fallen tree-trunks, their level
stretches flowing over bright, pebbly bottoms, with mossy banks and
rocky ferneries, and their darting minnows and dace; for only in such
wild localities is the Water Wagtail at home. There you will see it
sitting upon the stones, close beside the foaming water, expressing its
pleasure at its surroundings by constantly repeating, in a complacent
tone, its single chick. It runs about (never hopping) over the stones
and moss, gleaning along the sandy margin of the stream. Occasion-
ally you may see it alight upon the witch-hazel, or alder bushes, that
border the water, running dexterously along their branches. It always
accompanies every employment with a Sandpiper-like, tilting motion
of its body. Now it starts off in pursuit of one of its fellows. They
fly through the forest with astonishing velocity, uttering a sharp

160

twittering note, that sounds like the noise produced by striking two
pebbles rapidly together. As they emerge higher up the stream, the
chase is relinquished for the time, and you are surprised as they fly
past to hear the clear notes of its song uttered as distinctly in mid-air
as when perched; then the chase is renewed, but as they fly back
again, one of the birds rises high up in the air above its pursuer, and
then flutters slowly downward, pouring out its sweet song as it de-
scends, mingling its cadence with the sound of the brook — the whole
efi'ect in perfect harmony with the spirit of the place. These perfor-
mances take place oftenest early in the morning, about sunrise. At
that time its song is loudest and sweetest. The performer is usually
stationed upon some lofty tree-top.

The Louisiana Water Thrush builds its nest upon the ground, usu-
ally in a bank at the side of a stream. It is placed upon a bed of
leaves, and is always protected by a projecting bank, rock or root.
There the eggs are deposited quite early in the season, and when,
by due process of incubation, they have been metamorphosed into
little birds, the first sound that greets the young ears of the nestlings
is the voice of the brook, their first sight that of dancing, sparkling
waters, whose murmur drowns the rustle in the tree-tops. What
wonder that when, reared by its gentle parents' fostering care, it
reaches maturity, it should still cling to the memories and associations
so early ingrafted, never caring to wander far from the music of its
native waters.

We had no reliable account of the nidiflcation of the Large-billed
Accentor until Mr. Ernest IngersoU gave a description of a nest with
four fresh eggs, taken in June, 1873, at Franklin Station, New London
County, Conn., and fully identified by the capture of the female par-
ent.^ The nest "was rather loosely and carelessly constructed of fine
grass and some little dead fibrous moss ; but beneath, a few, and about
the outside, particularly in front, many dead leaves were put, as a
sort of breastwork to decrease the size of the entrance and more
thoroughly conceal the sitting bird. It was underneath the edge of a
perpendicular bank eight or ten feet from the water." The eggs,
"lustrous white, were more or less profusely spotted all over with
dots and specks, and some obscure zlgzaggings, of two tints of red-
dish-brown, with numerous faint points and touches of lilac and very
pale underlying red." Dr. Coues gives ("Birds of the *North west,"
p. 73, 1874) the following notice: "The Large-billed Water Thrush
has been found breeding on the Wachita River, where the nest and
eggs were secured by Mr. J. H. Clark, and at Kiowa Agency, where
Dr. Palmer also procured them. The one of these two nests in the

* See American Naturalist, Vol. VIII, p. 238.

161

best condition was built upon a layer of leaves, apparentlj^ upon the
ground, composed otherwise entirely of rootlets and fine grasses.
The other contained five eggs ; they are more globular than apy of
those of S. novehoracensis I have seen, but not otherwise different;
and other sets would probably not be distinguishable. The roundest
one of them measures only 069 by 0-59."

These nests remained unique until Mr. William Brewster "had the
good fortune to secure two fully identified nests of this species in
Knox County, Indiana," in the spring of 1878.^ "The first, taken with
the female parent May 6, contained six eggs, which had been incu-
bated a few days. The locality was the edge of a lonely forest pool
in the depths of a cypress swamp near White River. A large tree
had fallen into the shallow water, and the earth adhering to the roots
formed a nearly vertical but somewhat irregular wall about six feet in
height and ten or twelve in breadth. Near the upper edge of this, in
a cavity among the finer roots, was placed the nest, which, but for the
situation and the peculiar character of its composition, would have
been exceedingl}'^ conspicuous. The nest, which is before me, is
exceedingly large and bulky, measuring externally 3-50 inches in
diameter, by 8 inches in length, and 3*50 inches in depth. Its outer
wall, a solid mass of soggy dead leaves plastered tightly together by
the mud adhering to their surfaces, rises in the form of a rounded
parapet, the outer edge of which was nicely graduated to conform to
the edge of the earthy bank in which it was placed. In one corner
of this mass, and well back, is the nest proper, a neatly rounded,
cup-shaped hollow, measuring 2-50 inches in diameter by 2-50 inches
in depth. This inner nest is composed of small twigs and green
mosses, with a lining of dry grasses and a few hairs of squirrels or
other mammals arranged circularly. The eggs found in this nest are
of a rounded-oval shape and possess a high polish. Their ground-
color is white with a fleshy tint. About the greater ends are numer-
ous large but exceedingly regular blotches of dark umber with fainter
sub-markings of pale lavender, while over the remainder of their
surface are thickly sprinkled dottings of reddish-brown. But slight
variation of marking occurs, and that mainly with regard to the
relative size of the blothes upon the greater ends. They measure, re-
spectively, -75 X -63, -78 X '64, -75 X '63, '76 X '62, -76 X '62, -75 X -61."

Mr. Brewster then gives a pleasant description of the second nest,
taken May 8, on the opposite side of the same pond, in a precisely
similar situation, where his previous experience enabled him to find
it directly. In shape it was nearly square, "measuring externally

6 See Bulletin of the Xuttall Ornithological Chib, Yol. Ill, Xo. 3, pp. 133 to 135,
July, 1878. •

162

6-50 inches in diameter by 3-54 inches in depth. The inner nest
measures 2-73 inches in diameter by 2o0 inches in depth, and is lined
with dry grasses, leaf-stems, and a few white hairs. The eggs were
four in number and perfectly fresh. They agree closely in shape with
those of the first set, and have an equally high polish, but are some-
what more heavily and handsomelj'^ marked. The color is creamy-
white with heavy blotches of umber-brown generally distributed, but
occurring most thickly at the greater ends; fine dottings of lighter
brown, and a few spots of pale lavender, fill in the intermediate
spaces. They measure, respectively, -Tl X '60, '71 X '60, -72 X -60,
•72 X '61. In each of these two sets the eggs show unusually little
variation inter se." On May 12, a third nest was found by Mr.
Robert Ridgway, on the shore of an isolated little woodland pond,
which contained five young birds, well feathered and nearly able to
fl3^ The site, in this instance, was at the foot of a huge stump, the
nest being placed in a cavity in the rotten wood. Still another nest
was found by Mr. Brewster, April 29, under the bank of White River,
among the earth and roots, and well sheltered by the projection of
the bank above. The female was sitting upon the empty nest, and
was shot as she flew from it.

In "The Oologist" (Vol. IV, No. 2, pp. 10, 11, April, 187,8), Mr.
Adolphe B. Covert describes its nest and eggs as follows: "On the
7th of June I found the nest to contain five eggs, and shot the parent
bird, which proved to be the Large-billed species. The nest was
built on the ground, at the base of a large black ash, partially under
and against a large root, which formed an arch over half of the nest.
It was composed of a layer of dead leaves, moss, fine roots,, and dried
grasses, compactly and rather smoothly finished, and lined with fine
grass and some cows' hair. The eggs were five in number, white (of
a roseate tinge before blown), thickly spotted with small reddish-
brown spots ; they measure about -78 by -59 inch." I am unable so
much as to guess where this nest was discovered, since the author
neglects to give any locality.

As the above comprises all that is at present known concerning the
nidification of this bird,^ it will not seem out of place to give, in this
connection, the results of my own observations on the nestling of
this Accentor at Highland Falls, where, as stated at the commence-
ment, it is a common summer resident. I remember quite well the
first nest that I discovered — a number of years ago. As I was return-
ing home through the woods one evening, I stopped to drink, hunter
fashion, from a cold spring that bursts from the side of a ravine, close

' Besides the above, I am informed that a«notice of its breeding appeared in
Forest and Stream, sometime during the past year.

163

to a large brook. I was about to drink, when a bird flew right in my
face, startling me greatly; but soon I heard the accustomed chick,
uttered in a loud, complaining tone, and then I saw the bird tilting
up and down upon a stone in the middle of the brook. The nest was
placed at the side of the spring just above the water, occupying the
cavity whence a round stone had been dislodged. It contained four
eggs ; having embryos considerably advanced. The nest was loosely
constructed of strips of bark, grasses, stems of plants, and leaves.
A nest was also found in this same spot on a succeeding season, from
which five fresh eggs were taken. The eggs of the first set are before
me, and are as described by Mr. Brewster, except that the markings
are aggregated at the larger ends ; the darkest arranged in a circle
near that extremity. This nest was found May 31. In 1877, I found
as many as six young Water Thrushes in a nest that was built in a
pile of debris that was lodged in some bushes that grew on a little
island in the midst of a large stream. This nest was very artfully
concealed, and I had searched for it unsuccessfully ever since the
middle of May. The parents always seemed greatly distressed when-
evei I approached the nest, and always tried to lead me away from it.
I should not have discovered it had not the young ones betrayed its
presence by their chirping. They left the nest about June 10. On
May 7, 1878, I shot a female containing an egg of full size in her
oviduct. On the 15th, after a long search and several previous
failures, I found a newly finished nest. So carefully was it concealed,
that I looked directly into it before making its discovery. By the
21st five eggs were laid, but neither of the parents would approach it.
On the 22nd six eggs had been deposited, and I nearly succeeded in
capturing the sitting bird; but it slipped away just as I was going to
put my hand over it, and ran down the bed of the brook to the large
stream, where it remained silent till nearly approached, when it flew
into a tree opposite, where it bowed and chipped in a low tone till
shot. The nest was placed under the bank of a smaller stream, tribu-
tary to a large brook. Its position was such, that only accident, or
the most careful search, could discover it. The projecting branches
of a laurel-bush still further aided its concealment. The nest presents
'the following dimensions: internal diameter, 2*95 inches; internal
depth, 1-25 inches. The six eggs measure, respectively, •75X*62;
•79X-r)5; •77X-64; •7oX-63; -75X63; -74X62. This nest and
the others resemble so closely, in composition, those already de-
scribed by Mr. Brewster, that a detailed description is unnecessary ;
their form and materials difi"er slightly, according to situation. On
May 23, 1878, I took five slightly incubated eggs from a nest that was
placed under some brush and roots, in the bank of a small stream
that flows into the Buttermilk Falls brook. One of these eggs is in

164

the hands of Mr. Ernest IngersoU for illustration of his work on the
"Nests and Eggs of American Birds," his original set having been
placed where it was not available for the purpose. The remaining
four measure, respectively, -79 X '65 ; -80 X -65 ; -80 X '64 ; -80 X -65.
The nest presents an internal diameter of 2-70 inches; internal depth,
1-40 inches. In this set the eggs are as described by Mr. Brewster,
but the markings form a distinct circle about the larger end. In the
'preceding set the markings are more uniformly distributed, but are
most distinct at the great end. May 27, 1879, another nest was found,
which contained five young birds nearly full-fledged. Visiting it a
few days later, I found the old birds present, but the young had left
the nest, but, though not seen, were still in the neighborhood, as was
plainly indicated by the actions of the parents, which manifested the
utmost concern at my presence ; fluttering, and dragging themselves
over the leaves with wings extended in a seemingly helpless fashion,
they endeavored to lead me away from the spot. This nest was built
far under the jutting margin of the stream; also tributary to a larger
one. It was only discovered by my having actually placed my hand
upon the young birds while exploring in search of the nest.

Of the six nests above enumerated, three were found under the
projecting margins of small brooks, near their anastomoses with
larger streams, two at the side of a spring close to a large brook,
and one on an island in the middle of a large stream. It would seem,
from the circumstance that the Water Thrush usually builds away
from the large stream, that its sagacity leads it to select for its
nesting site a position less liable to endanger the lives of its progeny
by subsequent accidents of storm and flood. The Accentor sometimes
builds very early. I am confident that the eggs taken by myself do
not represent the earliest period of its nestling, since I have shot
specimens containing full-sized ova in their oviducts as early as
May 1st.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of twenty-two specimens:
length, 6-28; stretch, 10-45; wing, 3-23; tail, 2 14; bill from nostril,
•39; gape, -70; tarsus, -91; middle toe, -58; its claw, -17.

45. Geothlypis trichas, {Linne). Maryland Yellow-throat.
A common summer resident; breeds. Arrives early in May (11, 1874;
10, 1875; 8, 1876; 8, 1877; 4, 1878; 8, 1879), and remains till the middle
of October.

The Yellow-throat deposits its eggs late in May. I found two
nests, each containing four eggs, as early as May 24, 1878. The nest
is generally placed among thick bushes — frequently in a small cedar
— , or suspended in a tussock of rank grass ; in form it is deep, and
purse-shaped. One found in a wet meadow, was built over a little
stream, or watercourse, being suspended to the interlaced grasses

165

which were brought from either side of the ditch and fastened
together. Could this artifice have been resorted to as a means of
protection against the attacks of predatorj' animals ? The nest was
deep, and more compactlj' felted than is common. Its nest is very
commonly suspended to the rushes of the marshes that border the
Hudson.

The ^Maryland Yellow-throat delights to inhabit wet meadows and
swampy thickets, in which it moves restlessly about, uttering a sharp
chick, and numerous chattering notes. In spring, after the pairing
season, the various mated couples ramble through the thickets and
rank grass, constantlj'^ reminding their partners of their whereabouts
by a sharp, clicking call-note. Its song is loud and sweet. You may
often see it upon a rail-fence singing, in very much the same attitude
as that assumed by the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) ; at other
times it chooses for a rostrum the highest tree-top. Just before
night-fall it may be seen flying up in the air, singing as it goes, writh-
ing its body as does the Yellow-breasted Chat {Icteria virens) ; then it
suddenly drops to the ground.

Dimensions — Average measurements of eighteen specimens : length,
5-33; stretch, 7-20; wing, 2-17; tail, 2*05; bill from nostril, -31; gape,
•58; tarsus, -80; middle toe, -50; its claw, -20.

46. Geothlypis Philadelphia, {Wilson). Mourning Ground
Warbler. A rare migrant. Arrives about the middle of May (13,
1878), departing before June (May 26, 1876). Prof. James M. De
Garmo showed me a specimen taken at Rhinebeck on the Hudson. It
has also been taken by the collectors lower down the river, and Mr.
George N. Lawrence includes it in his list of the birds of the vicinity
of New York.*^ Mr. George Welch met with these birds in the Adi-
rondacks, in June, 1870, where they seemed rather abundant, and
were evidently breeding. Mr. John Burroughs found its nest at the
head-waters of the Delaware River, at Roxbury, Delaware County,
N. Y. ; has frequently observed tins Warbler in that section. "About
the head of the Neversink and Esopus, in the northern part of Ulster
County, New York, they are the prevailing Warbler, and their song
may be heard all day long." Dr. C. Hart Merriam some years since
described its nestling, as observed at Locust Grove, Lewis County,
N. Y., in the "American Naturalist"; he farther adds :^ "Large num-
bers of them breed regularly, in suitable localities, in Lewis and Her-
kimer Counties, in northern New York."

Dimensions. — Measurements of No. 1,000, ^ ad., May 26, 1876, High-
land Falls, N. Y., E. A. M. : length, 5-63 ; stretch, 8-13 ; wing, 2-56 ; tail,

?Aiin. Lye. Nat. Hist., Vol. VIII, p. 283, April, 186G.
9 Trans. Conn. Acad., Vol. YI, p. 23, 1877.

166

2-13; culmen, 39; bill from nostril, -32; gape, 57; tarsus, -78; middle
toe, -53 ; its claw, -18.

47. Icteria virens, (Linne.) Yellow-breasted Chat. A com-
mon summer resident, breeding plentifully. Arrives before the middle
of May (24, 1873; 12, 1874; 1, 1875 [Frederic S. Osborn], 9 [Mearns] ;
3, 187G; 7, 1877; 7, 1878; 7, 1879), and spends the summer.

The Yellow-breasted Chat is sure to attract attention by the singu-
larity of its habits and voice. Several pairs of Chats always nestle
in some bushy fields in the neighborhood of my house, where they
keep up an incessant clatter during the early part of the season. I
have sometimes heard it at intervals during the night. It is quite
shy, and by a judicious use of its remarkable ventriloquial powers can
generally manage to keep out of harm's way. Among other equally
rifliculous performances, it has the habit of flying up in the air, with
its legs dangling, then allowing itself to drop nearly to the ground.
Its eggs, four in number — sometimes five — are deposited about the
first of June (found two nests June 1st and 3rd, 1873, each contain-
ing four eggs), in a nest built in a thicket. Mr. Peter de Nottbeck
showed me specimens shot as far up the Hudson as Fishkill Landing,
where he has also procured specimens of the Hooded Warbler {Myio-
dioctes mitratus) and Worra-eatiug Warbler (Ilehnitherus vermivorus).

Dimensions. — Average measurements of nine specimens : length,
7-44; stretch, 9-98; wing, 3-00; tail, 3-07; bill from nostril, -41 ; gape,
•78; tarsus, 1-02; middle toe, -64; its claw, -24.

48. Myiodioctes mitratus, (Gmdin). Hooded Warbler. A
very common summer resident; breeds abundantly. Arrives before
the middle of May (11, 1875; 8, 1876; 15, 1877; 4, 1878; 12, 1879);
remains till about the middle of September (5 and 8, 1874).

The Hooded Warbler is one of our most abundant summer War-
blers. It is a very attractive species, both on account of its brilliant
plumage and its delicious song. It is found in solitary woodlands,
where it may be easily traced by its loud notes, which continue
throughout the summer. It builds its nest in the crotch of some low
bush, very often that of a laurel (^Kalmia) ; it is a neat, well-felted
structure, which bears some resemblance to that of the Indigo Bird
(^Cyanosjnza cyaned). Its eggs (first brood) are laid about the last of
May (26, 1877). Four is the usual complement, although five are
occasionally deposited. Owing to its situation, the nest is not easily
discovered, unless by watching the parents during its construction;
nevertheless I have taken no less than three, each containing four
fresh eggs, during a single walk. Its eggs are white (possessing a
beautiful glow of pink before their contents are extracted), with more
or less heavy spotting of red, chiefly about their larger ends. Some-
times sets are found which are nearly immaculate, while others are

167

quite heavily marked about the greater end with purplish-red. Four
sets of eggs, taken here, have an average of -71 X '53 of an inch :
extremes, -67 X "52, and -74 X 'oo. The common note of the Hooded
Warbler is a sharp, metallic chick; it possesses, besides, a song of
remarkable beauty.

Recent investigations are disclosing the fact that this beautiful
species has a more extensive range in this State, and to the eastward,
than was formerly supposed. Giraud says :^° "With us [on Long Isl-
and], the Hooded Flycatching Warbler is not abundant It is

generally met with in low situations ; feeds on winged insects ; and
its note is loud, lively and agreeable." De Kay observes:" '-This
well marked but rare species in this State, was shot in Westchester
county, about the middle of May." Mr. George N. Lawrence states : ^^
"This beautiful species is not abundant [in the vicinity of New York],
but several times in the month of July I have observed it in swampy
situations, on the top of the Palisades, in the vicinity of Fort Lee,
where it was breeding." Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell finds it breeding
commonly, at Riverdale, on the Hudson. ^^ Dr. A. K. Fisher mentions
seeing a specimen at Sing Sing, on the Hudson, as late as September
19, 1878, though I think this was the only occasion on which he has
found it there, although the Kentucky Warbler {Oporornis formosus)
breeds plentifully. Mr. John Burroughs informs me that he does not
find it at Esopus, on the Hudson ; but Mr, Peter de Nottbeck has
taken it in the Fishkill Mountains and vicinity. In his recent " Re-
vised List of Birds of Central New York," p. 1-1, April, 1879, Mr.
Frank R. Rathbun gives this species as "common in dense forests
with a heavy undergrowth. Sixty-six specimens of this species taken
during the months of Jul}', August, and September 1878. Nest found
July 25, 1878, containing three young and one egg. Northern Cayuga
and North Eastern Wayne Counties, N. Y." Messrs. Rathbun and F.
S. Wright further remark (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. IV, No. 2, p.
117, April, 1879) that they "observed this Warbler [same locality] as
late as September 20, when a few cold breezes from the lake [Ontario]
drove them southward." Dr. C. Hart Merriam observes :^^ "On the
9th of September last (1878), at Lowville, an adult male of this species
was killed by a cat and brought, while still warm, to Mr. Romeyn B.
Hough, who now has the specimen. So far north of its known range
it can hardly be considered more than a straggler." In speaking of
this species in connection with several others, Mr. H. A. Purdie

"Bds. Long Island, p. 48, 1844.

" Zoology of New York, Part II, p. 107, 1844.

12 Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist., Vol. VIII, pp. 284, 285, April, 1866.

13 See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. Ill, No. 3, p. 130, July, 1878.

"BuU. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. IV, No. 1, p. 7, January, 1879.

168

remarks :^^ they "are not rare at Saybrook, Conn., but breed there
regularly in more or less numbers, and probably occur all along the
Sound shore west of the mouth of the Connecticut River." Mr.
Erwiu I. Shores shot a male of this species, at Suffield, Conn., near
the Massachusetts border, but in the Connecticut Valley, July 8, 1875,
as recorded by Mr. Purdie, in the Nuttall Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 1, p.
21, January, 1877.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of thirty-nine specimens:
length, 5-67; stretch, 8-25; wing, 2-58; tail, 2-30; bill from nostril,
•31; gape, -58; tarsus, -77; middle toe, -44; its claw, -19.

[To he continued.']

Catalogue of Boohs jyuhlished hy the Essex Institute,

Journal of the Essex County Natural History Society. 1 vol.

8vo. 1836-1852. pp. 135, $0 50

Proceedings and Communications. 6 vols. 8 vo. 1848-1868.

The series, — In numbers, 18 00

Bound in cloth, 24 00

[These volumes contain a large number of descriptions and figures
of new species, especially of Corals, Insects, and Polyzoa; and many
valuable papers on Natural History. The first three volumes also
contain many important Historical papers. In addition to the papers
on special subjects the volumes contain the proceedings of the meet-
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Bulletin. 10 vols. 8vo. 1869-1878, . . . ! . 10 00
Subscription per annum, 1 50

The Bulletin, issued quarterly, a continuation of the ^'■Proceed-
ings of the Essex Institute" contains an account of the Regular and
Field Meetings of the Society, and papers of scientific value.

The volume for 1879 contains : The Fishes of Essex County, by G.
B. Goode and T. H. Bean, of the U. S. Fish Commission; A paper
on the Solar Eclipse of 1878, by Mr. Winslow Upton, of the Harvard
Observatory; The Trees and Shrubs of Essex County, by Mr. John
Robinson ; and other valuable and interesting articles.

15 Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. I, No. 3, p. 73, September, 1876.

169

Historical Collections. First series, vols. 1-8, small 4to. ; second
series, 8vo., vols. 9-15, $io 00

Historical Collections, issued quarterly, at three dollars a j^ear,
containing papers of Historical, Genealogical, and Biographical in-
terest, will be found valuable to students in these departments, and
also to persons interested in local history.

In the fifteen volumes already published will be found, among other
articles, memoirs of the following persons : Daniel A. White, George
A. Ward, Daniel P. King, Francis Peabody, Asahel Huntington, John
Lewis Russell, Benjamin F. Browne, John C. Lee : Genealogies of the
Gould's, Chipman's, Browne's, Pope's, Fiske's, Ropes', Hutchinson's,
Beckett's, Higginson's, and others: Papers on the early commerce of
Salem, Salem Witchcraft, various Anniversary Addresses, the Siege
of Boston, Town Records of Salem, etc.

The Weal-Reaf. Published for Institute Fair in 1860. Small
4to. pp. 56,

To-Day. Published for the Institute and Oratorio Fair in 1870
pp.38, .. ,

Allen, J. A. Foray of a Colony of Formica Sanguinea upor

a Colony of Black Ants. 1868,*

Allen, J. A. List of Birds near Sautarera Brazils,
Allen, J. A. Birds of Massachusetts, ....
Allen, J. F. Victoria Regia, or the Great Water Lily of

America. Royal folio, six colored plates, 185-lr, .
Allen, S. M. Ancient and Modern theories of Light, Heat

and Color,*

BaikD and Ridgway. New forms of American Birds,
Balch, D. M. On the Sodalite at Salem. 1864,* .
Balcii, D. M. Analysis of Grapes. 1865,*
Briggs, G. W. Memoir of D. A. AYhite. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1864
Carpenter, P. Generic affinities of New England Chitons,
Chipman, R. M. The Chipmau Lineage, particularly as in

Essex County, Mass. pp. 59. Salem, 1872,*
Cole, T. List of Infusorial Objects, found in the neighbor

hood of Salem, Mass. pp. 18. 1853,*
Coues, Elliott. List of the Birds of New England, with

critical notes. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1868,* ....
CouES, Elliott. Myology of the Ornithorhynchus.*
Dall, W. H. Notes on an examination of four species of

Chitons,*

Derby, Perley. Hutchinson Family. 1 vol. 8vo. 1870,'

Eagleston, J. H. Early California Voyages,*

Endicott, C. M. Account of Leslie's Retreat. Pamphlet, 8vo

1856,*

$0 30

50

10
10
25

10 00

10
10
10

10
30
05

50

60

75

05

2 00

10

25

170

Endicott, C. M. Account of the Piracy of the Ship Friendship

of Salem, in 1831. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1858,* .... 15
Endicott, C. M. History of Salem and Danvers Aqueduct.

pp. 16. I860,* 15

Endicott, W. C. Address at the Commemoration of the Land-
ing of Endicott, Sept., 1878, 30

English High School, Salem, Catalogue, Keunion, etc.,

6 plates. 1857, 50

Essex Institute. Historical notice of, with the Constitution,
By-Laws, and lists of the Officers and Members. Pamphlet,

8vo. ]866,* 25

Eewkes, J. W. On the Myology of Tachyglossa hystrix,* . 35

First Church in Salem, 1634. pp. 29 1 cut, .... 10

Fitts, J. A. History of Thomas' Farmers' Almanac,* . . 20
Fowler, S. P. Account of the Life, Character, etc., of Rev.
Samuel Parris, and of his connection with the Witchcraft

Delusion of 1692. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1857,* .... 15
Gill, T. Prodrome of a Monograph of the Pinnipedes (seals).

1866,* 25

Gill, T. Primary subdivisions of the Cetaceans,* . . 25

GooDE & Bean. A List of the Fishes of Essex County, Mass.,* 30

GooDELL, A. C, Jr. Centennial Address, Oct. 5, 1874,* . 30

Gould, B. A. Ancestry of Zaccheus Gould of Topsfleld,* . 1 00
Harris, T. W. Remarks on Scarabseus Goliatus, and other

African Beetles allied to it,* 10

Herrick, Harrold. Birds of Grand Menau. pp. 16,* . 15

Hyatt, A. Observations on Fresh-water Polyzoa. pp. 103,

9 plates, and 25 cuts, 8vo. 1868,* 2 50

Kimball's Journey to the West in 1817. Pamphlet, 8vo.,* . 15

Kimball, James. Destruction of Tea in Boston Harbor,* . 30

Kimball, James. Journal of Rev. Daniel Shute,* . . 15

Kimball, James. Exploration of Merrimac River, with a map,

1638,* 35

Kimball, James. Orderly Book of Crafts' Regiment of Artil-
lery, June, 1777, to Dec, 1778,* ...... 50

LocKiNGTON, Wm. M. Notcs ou Pacific Coast Crustacea,* . 10

Lord, Otis P. Memoir of Asahel Huntington,* ... 25

Mann, Horace. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands,* . . 50

McIlwraith, T. List of Birds of Hamilton, Canada West.

Pamphlet, 8vo. 1868,* 15

Mearns, Edgar A. Birds of Hudson Highlands,* part 1, 15

u u u .. u 2, 10

Nelson, E. W. Birds of Southern Illinois,* .... 35

Nelson, E. W. Birds of Northeastern Illinois,* ... 25
Norton, C. Description of Mexican Ants, ....

171

Old Houses of Salem, Mass. Four Heliotypes, ... 15
Ordway. An Invention for preserving trees from the ravages

of the Canker Worm,* 05

Packard, A. S., Jr. Salt AVater Insects,* .... 15

Peabody, Alfred. Early California Voyages,* ... 25

Perkins, A. T. Notice of the Perkins' Arms in England,* . 20

Perkins, G. A. Record of the Perkins of Ipswich. 1872,* . 15
Perkins, G. A. The name of Perkins as found on the Essex

County Records,* 15

Plummer Hall, dedication of. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1857, . . 30
Preble, George Henry. The First Cruise of the United

States' Frigate Essex. Pamphlet, 8vo.,* . . . . 1 00
Putnam's and Packard's Notes on Humble Bees, etc. Wild

Bees of Nevs^ England, their Parasites, etc., with a plate.

Pamphlet, 8vo. 1865,* 75

Ridgway, R. Birds of Colorado,* 15

Ridgway, R. Notes on the Bird Fauna of the Salt Lake

Valley,* 10

Robinson, John. Ferns of Essex County,* .... 10

Robinson, John. Addenda to Ferns of Essex County,* . 05
Robinson, John. The Pine, its Life and Importance in Essex

County,* 15

Robinson, John. The Trees and Shrubs of Essex County, 35

Cloth, ... 60
Salem, Mass. Commemorative Exercises at the Fifth Half-
Century of the Landing of Endicott.* Paper, . . . 2 00

Cloth, . . . 2 50

Half Turkey, . . 3 25

Salem, Town Records of. 1634 to 1659. Bvo. 1868,* . . 2 00

Shurtleff, C. a. Report on the Army Worm. 1862,* . 10

Sketch of the Founders of Salem and the First Church,* . 15
Spaulding, S. J. Memoir of Henry Coit Perkins, of Newbury-

port. 1873,* 25

Story, W. W. Ode on the Fifth Half-Century on the Landing

of Endicott,* 50

Streeter, G. L. Account of the Newspapers and other

Periodicals published in Salem. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1856,* . 15

Trippe, T. M. Birds of Minnesota,* 25

True, N. T. Geographical Names of the Algonian Language,* 10
Upham, C. W. Memoir of Francis Peabody. Pamphlet, 8vo.

1869,* 30

Upham, C. W. Memoir of D. P. King. Pamphlet, 8vo. 1869,* 30
Upham, W. P. Memoir of Gen. John Glover, of Marblehead.

Pamphlet, 8vo. 1863,* 1 00

Upham, W. P. Papers relating to the Rev. Samuel Skelton,* 10

172

Upiiam, W. p. Letters during the occupation of Boston by

the British. 1775-6,* 50

Upton, Winslow. Lecture on the Eclipse of 1878, . . 15
Verkill, a. E. Catalogue of Birds found at Norway, Maine, 20
Weinland, D. F. Egg Tooth of Snakes and Lizards. Pam-
phlet, 8vo. with a plate, 1857,* 15

Wheatland, H. Notice of the Pope Family. Pamphlet, 8vo.

1867,* 25

White, D. A. Covenant of the First Church. Pamphlet, 8vo.

1856,* 10

White, D. A. New England Congregationalism. 1 vol. 8vo.

1861, 1 00

Wilder, B. G. Researches and Experiments on Spider's silk.

1866. Cuts,* 50

WiLLSON, E. B. Memoir Rev. J. L. Russell,* ... 15

WiLLSON, E. B. Memorial of J. C. Lee,* .... 25

Wood, Horatio C. Phalange£B of United States. 1868. Cuts

of most of the species,* 1 50

Wright, Geo. F. Indian Ridge and its Continuations,* . 10

The Art Department of the Institute has issued a series of over one
hundred photographs, showing the principal places and objects of
historical interest in and near Salem, Public Buildings, Streets, Old
Houses, Churches, Documents relating to the Witchcraft Trials, etc.

These views are cabinet size. Price 30 cents each, or $3.00 per
dozen. A full list of views will be furnished on application.

Salem, Historical Sketch of, by Charles S. Osgood and Henry M.
Batchelder. An octavo volume of about three hundred pages, with
heliotype illustrations, among which are portraits of Salem merchants,
and prominent men. The book is largely devoted to the early com-
merce of Salem. It is printed on heavy tinted paper, and handsomely
bound in cloth. Price $3.00.

Any book or pamphlet on this list sent postpaid on receipt of price.
A discount to Booksellers, Historical Societies, and Libraries.

Address GEORGE M. WHIPPLE, Secretary,

Salem, Mass.
Salem, September 1, 1879.

* Extra copies from the Proceedings and Historical Collectious and Bulletin.

BULLETIN

OF THE

Vol. n. Salem, Oct., Nov., Dec, 1879. Nos. 10, 11, 12.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1879. A Day with Col. French.

The Field Meeting, this day, was held at "Rock Lawn,"
the name given to the fine estate of Col. Jonas H. French
at Bay View, Gloucester. From one hundred and eighty
to two hundred persons went down in the train from
Salem, and at the meeting there were about five hundred
present, the Cape Ann Scientific and Literary Associa-
tion uniting with the members of tlie Institute and their
friends from Salem and its neighborhood. The passages,
going and returning, both on the cars and by stage
and barge from the depot in Gloucester to Bay View,
were not devoid of interest; the waves rolled in before
the east wind, and it was interesting to watch the line of
white foam, in the distance, as the sea rolled over hidden
breakers along the shore ; the old houses to be seen, here
and there, along the Annisquam road, were indicative
of an old and interesting settlement, which, though des-
titute of the appliances of affluence, were nevertheless
marked by all the comfort and contentment which an old
fashioned fishing community is capable of producing.
Here and there, women were noticed attending to their
garden patches, weeding their flowers, gathering apples,

ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. XI 13 (173)

174

and, in at least one case, attaching to a long pole, what
might pass as the "old oaken bucket" that was to draw
water from the well near by. Rocks are plentifully scat-
tered all over the cape, and the huge boulders and pro-
jecting ledges indicated a section prolific in sienitic granite.

Col. French's estate is spacious and elegant. He threw
open his house to the visitors, his extensive hnvns were
at their disposal, and his hospitality was unbounded.
Col. French's house and that of Gen. Butler are in one
lawn enclosure. Both houses are built of stone, but Col.
French has obviously made far the greater outlay in im-
provements upon his estate, and appears to be permanently
identified by association, residence, and business with this
part of the city upon Cape Ann.

A visit was made to the stone-works and granite quar-
ries, and Col. French and those holding responsible posi-
tions at the works were attentive in showing the visitors
the many interesting things that are to be seen. In the
sheds along the road and upon the pier built with the
debris of the quarries, the finishing and ornamenting of
:the stone are carried on, by the usual process of the stone
cutters, with mallet and chisel. The work now in pro-
gress is for the Boston Post Office extension. The quarry,
from which the granite (or sienite, more properly) is
taken, is about half of a mile from the road, and the party
were conveyed thither on the open platform cars used
in transporting the stone, the same being pushed over
the ascending grade by the locomotive employed at the
works. The company comprised three train loads. Here
in the quarries the process of drilling was going on by
large numbers of men, and in one place was noticed the
tireless and rapid working of the Ingersol steam drill,
boring with great rapidity into the solid rock. The stone
was lifted from the quarries by large derricks operated by

175

a stationary steam engine. Some of the party descended
the steep and precipitous stairs almost to the bottom of
the quarry to inspect the rift made in the solid ledge by
the great blast recently made under the supervision of the
foreman, J. Henry Jones, by which a mass of rock weigh-
ing by actual computation 40,000 tons had been rent
asunder and lifted from its solid foundation. This was
accomplished by the drilling of twenty holes, each eight
feet ill depth, and the use of 425 pounds of powder. The
fissure made is two hundred feet in length and eighty-five
wide at the widest part, and enabled Mr. Jones to get a
bottom to the solid mass from which to work upon.

Two blasts by the electric process were made while the
company were present, each moving a huge rock and sep-
arating it from the ledge without any destructive crash or
fall. Upon the wharf and at points near the road and
about the quarries, are piles of block paving stones, used
extensively in the cities, and in some places in the neigh-
borhood for mortar-wall foundations, for which it seems
to.be well adapted.

The company, that operates these quarries, is the Cape
Ann Granite Company. It owns a hirge tract of land,
extending back from the water across Washington street
and up the hill about one mile, covering an area of 175
or 200 acres. The present proprietors purchased the land
in 1869, and began work in April of the same year. The
company employs from 300 to 600 men according to the
state of business. It owns several tenement houses, which
are rented to the workmen having families, and a large
boarding house, where those without families are boarded.
A store, post office and telegraph office are managed by
the company. The extended pier, from which vessels are
loaded, was made of refuse granite. A railway was laid
in 1870 from the end of this wharf up the hill, and has

176

branches extending to all the quarries. A large locomo-
tive and a train of flat cars do the transporting.

The largest single piece of granite ever quarried here
was the base of the Scott monument at Washington, cut
in 1873. It was 28 feet 2 inches in length, 18 feet 5 in-
ches in width, 3 feet 2f inches in thickness, and contained
1659 cubit feet. The weight before finishing was 150}
tons; after finishing, 119 tons. The granite for the Post
Office and Sub-Treasury in Boston was all quarried here.
Bay View granite was also used in the construction, among
other buildings, of the Patent Office and the Scott monu-
ment at Washington, the Danvers Insane Asylum, the
Military Academy at West Point and the New York and
Brooklyn bridge.

Upon returning to Rock Lawn, the party proceeded,
under the escort of the Gloucester Cornet Band, to Davis
Neck, where under a pavilion were well spread tables
furnished by our host, beautifully decorated with pot
plants, flowers and ferns. The baskets brought by the
ladies seemed to be an unnecessary appendage. After
partaking of the refreshments, the tent was prepared for
the afternoon session. Davis Neck is a point of land pro-
jecting from the estate, and is connected with the main
land by a hard sand beach, -which is covered by water at
high tide, and is "navigable" for teams and foot passengers
at other times. The point therefore possesses the duplex
character of an island and a peninsula according to the
state of the tide. Both from this point, and the more
elevated ground on which the residence stands, a fine view
of the northern shore may be had, including the hills
of Ipswich and Rowley, the mouths of the rivers bearing
their names, Plum Island, the low and long lines of sandy
beach beyond, stretching away very dimly in the distance,
and the broad and capacious intervening bay. There is a

177

life-saving-station on this Point, and the house was opened
for the inspection of the visitors. It contains bunks and
bedding in the attic, and stove and cooking utensils for
the accommodation of the men stationed there. In the
main part is the long life-boat provided with oars attached
to the boat by cordage. There are coils of rope, and a
mortar with a ball and other appliances for the throwing
of lines to shipwrecked people needing succor. During
the winter seven or eight men are stationed here, but at
this time there was only one. During the five years
since the station has been established, nine or ten persons
have been rescued from wrecks.

The afternoon session was called to order at 3 p. m.
The President in the chair. The records of the preceding
meeting were read by the Secretary. The President
in his introductory remarks alluded to the eleven field
meetings^ previously held in the different precincts of old
Gloucester, and spoke of the pleasure he felt in holding
this meeting jointly with the Cape Ann Scientific and
Literary Association. After remarking upon the gener-
ous hospitality of Col. French, he introduced him to the
audience.

Col. French, in a very pleasant manner, welcomed the
members of the two societies to "Rock Lawn," and was

1 The time when and the place where these meetings were held :—

1. Monday, July 16. 18(50. West Gloucester, under an apple tree in front of a
farmer's house, near Richardson Hall.

2. Fri<lay, July 12, 18(il. Kettle Cove, in the woods near by.

3. Thursday, Augu^t 7, 1862. Johnson's Hall, Rockport.

4. Friday, August 7, 1863. Universalist Church. Rockport.

5. Wednesday, August 10, 1864. Town Hall, Gloucester.

6. Friday, September 14, 1866. Independent Christian Church, Gloucester.

7. Thursday, August 26, 18G9. Pavilion Grounds, Pigeon Cove.

8. Thursday, June 29, 1871. Baptist Church, East Gloucester.

9. Thursday, August 8. 1872. Universalist Church, Annisquam.

10. Tluirsday, August 6, 1874. Town Hall, Rockport.

11. Wednesday, July 18, 1877. Congregationalist Church, Lanesville.

178

pleased to have so many of them present, and while
admitting that he was no scientist, he expressed his readi-
ness always to aid them, fully recognizing the worthy
objects of their respective organizations. Regarding the
quarries visited, he humorously remarked, the most that
he could do was to explain how the stone was taken out,
and to say that "it was for sale at very low prices." He
paid, however, an incidental tribute to science, saying
that he found they could get the stone out more economi-
cally by bringing to bear upon the process the best
knowledge and the best machinery.

Dr. Thomas Con ant. President of the Cape Ann Sci-
entific and Literary Association, followed in some remarks
in an humorous strain, concerning the natural habits of
the clam. He made reference to several Indian relics,
which were exhibited to the audience, and gave a brief
history of the society, which was formed five years ago
this autumn, has one hundred and sixty to one hundred
and seventy members, averages thirty at its regular meet-
ings and from fifty to one hundred at its field meetings.
An interest in scientific subjects was stimulated at the
meetings ; also by classes which meet weekly. A mu-
seum has been commenced with some excellent specimens,
some of which were presented by the United States Fish
Commission. He thanked the host for the bountiful man-
ner in which he had brought together the two societies,
one the oldest and the other perhaps the youngest in the
county, to discuss scientific subjects.

James Davis, Judge of the Gloucester Police Court,
spoke of the rocks and ledges and how much they added
to the material prosperity of the place. He endorsed the
objects of the meeting and paid a deserved compliment
to the host on this occasion.

179

Mr. James H. Emerton said that he had found very
few specimens in his special line of investigation, a large
portion of the tinae having been spent among the quarries.
He spoke of the work of the sister society of the Cape
as most commendable, and hoped that the fishermen would
be requested to collect specimens during their various
fishing trips for the cabinets of the society.

Charles D. Drake, Chief Justice of the Court of
Claims at Washington, made a speech that was well sea-
soned with humor, expressing admiration for the spirit of
this institution in collecting the varied specimens, but
saying that he knew nothing about science. Alluding to
his friend, Hon. Wm. S. Messervy of Salem, who sat
near, he recalled the time when, forty-five years ago, they
began life together in St. Louis, and when they made
whig speeches there at a later period. He was impressed
with the attendance of so large and intelligent a gathering,
and had been surprised to notice so many people listening
attentively to the various speakers of the afternoon. After
drawing a comparison between this and similar gatherings
at the west, he closed by saying that, in his judgment, the
people of the New England States were the most intelli-
gent, most favored, and most happy of any on the face of
the earth.

Prof. A. Hyatt, of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory, spoke of the work of that Society, of the Essex In-
stitute, of the Cape Ann Society and similar associations,
as most worthy to be pursued, and that the future results
for good could not be fully realized by those persons now
engaged therein ; he said, he thought it not inappropriate
to call attention to the fiict that societies are liable to lose
sight of the object that lies before them — these organiza-

180

tions being the key-note of the new movement in education.
We can do all we set out to do, if we keep the object held
up to view ; for, by constantly living up to the ideal, every
obstacle clears before our pathway.

Dr. Addison Davis of Gloucester spoke briefly. Mr.
Charles H. Sargent of Lanesville exhibited and re-
marked about an Indian stone pestle and other relics.
Hon. Wm. S. Messervy of Salem alluded briefly to
Judge Drake, and among other things said, that forty
years ago it took him four months to go from Salem to
Santa Fe in New Mexico, while now the distance could
be accomplished in about a week.

N. A. HoRTON of the Salem Gazette being called upon,
gave a brief resume of the doings and objects of the
Essex Institute, and in conclusion said : Many years ago
enterprising men from Salem sailed over this broad ocean,
and brought home wealth from distant lauds. They used
this wealth in educating their children, and thus gave to
Salem no inconsiderable degree of culture. A taste for
knowledge and for Natural History grew out of this, and,
from small beginnings, this Essex Institute was formed.
Beyond the^circumstances of its early formation, it is not
a purely local Salem Society, but an Essex County Insti-
tution, seeking to preserve for the benefit of the people
all the facts pertaining to the civil and natural history of
the county, and to promote the difi*usion of knowledge
among the people. That is the object of the field meet-
ings. Of the many that have been held, it has, perhaps,
never been the fortune of the Society to receive such
hospitality as has been shown to-day by the proprieter of
this place. He ofi'ered a vote of thanks to Col. French
for these attentions, and also to those employed in difier-

181

ent positions by the Cape Ann Granite Company (Messrs.
Henry C. Bennett, George W. Quinn and Scott Webber) ,
as well as to the Gloucester Society for the courtesies
which had caused the day to pass so pleasantly. The
resolntion was adopted and the meeting adjourned. After
the exercises at the tent, many of the party adjourned
to the house, where there was some fine sino^insf and
piano playing by Miss Ita Welsh of Boston, Miss Cham-
berlain, daughter of warden Chamberlain of Concord and
Mr. Wm. Teel of Cambridge.

Regular Meeting, Monday, September 15, 1879.

Meeting this evening at 7.30 o'clock. The President
in the chair. Records read. Donations and correspon-

dence announced.

Sidney Perley of Boxford was duly elected a member.

Mr. James Samuelson of Liverpool, England, occu-
pied the hour with an instructive lecture on

Darivinism.
He began by referring to the changes, which have
taken place, in the method of teaching natural science
during the last fifty years, and in speaking of the exten-
sion of nature-study, he drew the attention of his hearers
to the admirable arrangements for imparting such instruc-
tion in our common schools, some of which he has visited.
After touching upon the direct influences of natural study
on astronomy, geography and physics, he treated of the
beginning of life in the globe and the doctrine of spon-
taneous generation, which he said is abandoned by the

182

leading men of science. He then went on to speak of
the present aspect of animated nature, and of the various
theories which have been broached to account for the pro-
duction of new species, referring more particularly to
those of Lamarck, the author of the "Vestiges of Crea-
tion," and those of Darwin and Wallace. His observations
on the theory, or as he called it the "hypothesis" of nat-
ural selection, were illustrated by some very beautiful
examples of foreign and indigenous animals, such as birds,
insects, etc., and he was aided in this portion of his ad-
dress by some beautiful objects from the museum. After
explaining the various phenomena which accompany the
survival of the fittest forms of life, Mr. Samuelson dealt
very freely with the theological aspect of the question,
noticing the views of atheists, agnostics and reconciliators.
He then reviewed briefly the conceptions of the Deity in
relation to nature which have been formed from the ear-
liest ages, and read extracts from the works of Darwin
and Wallace, to show that they believe implicitly in the
supervision and directing agency of an allwise Provi-
dence. Kingsley, too, was quoted by him, to show that
the anthropomorphic views of the Deity are fading away,
and the lecturer concluded with a warm recommendation
to his hearers to study nature conscientiously and ear-
nestly, as calculated to impart higher and nobler views of
the divine nature.

Thursday, September 18, 1879.

]Mr. Samuelson gave his second lecture this evening.
The subject : —

The Classification of Animals,

After briefly recapitulating the chief points in the the-
ory of natural selection, he proceeded to show that the

183 .

standard of classificatiou is "species," and then explained,
witli the aid of the blackboard, how new species are sup-
posed to be produced. Aids to classification next occupied
his attention, and some of the chief facts of palaeontology
and embryology were referred to, in order to show that
no system can be complete without the study of those
branches of natural history. He then showed typical
examples of the great subdivision of the animal kingdom,
some of the specimens being from the museum ; and by
means of numerous diagrams he pointed out the various
features of the animal kingdom which play a part in clas-
sification, exhibiting the "archetypes" of the vertebrates
and invertebrates. Mr. Samuelson finally drew a com-
parison between the changes that have taken place in the
natural world, in history, and in society, and showed that
the whole plan and execution of the phenomena of the
universe are clearly under the guidance of one Perfect
Intelligence.

At the close of the lecture, Rev. E. C. Bolles spoke
of the pleasure he had derived from the interesting and
instructive lectures, and submitted the following : —

Resolved, That the hearty thanks of the Essex Institute
are tendered to James Samuelson of Liverpool, England,
for the two very instructive lectures delivered by him
before this Society on this and the preceding Monday

Mr. D. B. Hagar in seconding the resolution, spoke of
the lecture given before the scholars of the State Normal
School, who derived much information on an important
topic. The resolution was then unanimously adopted.

Mr. Samuelson gracefully responded, hoping that he
should at some future time have the pleasure of revisiting
this city.

184

Monday, October 6, 1879.

Regular Meeting this evening at 7.30 o'clock. Pres-
ident in the chair. Records read.

James Devereux Waters was elected a member.

Monday, October 20, 1879.

Regular Meeting this eveninof. President in the
chair. Records read. Donations and correspondence
announced.

Mr. William H. Tappan of Manchester read an inter-
esting paper on

Gold and Silver Mines and Mining.
He spoke of the early discoveries of gold in various coun-
tries, described and compared the various mining processes
adopted at different periods. The principal part of the
paper was devoted to the mines and mining of California,
describing the habits of those who were pioneers in the
early period of the gold excitement, the manner then
adopted in procuring the precious metal, and tracing the
gradual changes that have from time to time been adopted,
not only in the mode of living, hal)its, etc., of the miners,
bnt in the new and improved processes of working the
mines and in smelting the ore.

At the adjournment of the meeting held on Tuesday,
October 21, at noon, Mr. Theodore M. Osborn of Peabody
was elected a member ; and Mr. James Samnelson of
Liverpool, England, a corresponding member.

185

Monday, November 3, 1879.

Regular Meeting this evening at 7.30 p. m. Ad-
journed to the following day at 4 p. m.

Horace C. Burnham, Willard H. Brown, Ellen Buffing-
ton Kehew, all of Salem, were elected members.

Monday, November 17, 1879.

Regular Meeting this evening at 7.30 o'clock. The
President in the chair. Records read. Donations and
correspondence announced.

Mary H. Plummer of Salem was elected a member.

Mr. J. H. Emerton read a very interesting paper on
The Animals of the Bottom of Salem Harbor.

He showed a map of the neighborhood of Salem from
Swampscott to Manchester, and explained the character
of the shores and of the bottom in different parts of the
harbor, and then described some of the most common
animals living at various depths, beginning with those
between tides. Here are found many species which
prefer to be exposed to the air part of the time. The
barnacles swim about when they are young, and attach
themselves to everything up to high water mark. The
common clams live buried in mud, which is uncovered at
every tide. Several snails, although they crawl about
freel}^ live out of water part of the time, among stones
between tides. The mussels cover the posts of wharves
and bridges almost up to high tide, and cover the entire
bottom in some places, as Beverly bar.

186

Just below low water live a great variety of animals,
among them the common crabs and lobsters, the sea-
anemones and many species of hydroids which cover the
stones like sea-weeds. On muddy bottoms the eel-grass
shelters a lars^e number of animals. The bottom of the
harbor down to a depth of four or five fathoms is soft
mud, like that found in coves and docks, becoming grad-
ually cleaner as the depth increases. In this mud live
several species of worms and mollusks. To get at them
the mud is put in a sieve and water poured on, until the
finer part is washed through and the animals left on the
sieve. On this shallow bottom, where there are shells or
stones enough to hold it, grows the laminaria or devil's
apron, and among its roots live the long-armed star fishes
and several other shallow water animals. Beyond the
mud a large part of the harbor is rocky, with here and
there small stones and gravel. The common animals here
are the sea-eggs (^Echini), chitons, several species of
shrimp, the thick-armed sea-anemone and the red Lopho-
thuria. Beyond the islands a softer bottom is found in
the channels, and here live Terebratulina, several species
of sponges and star fishes not found in shallower water.
This bottom becomes hardened in some places into irregu-
lar lumps, filled with the tubes of worms and other
animals.

The apparatus used for dredging the past summer was
exhibited and explained. The specimens were most of
them too small to be shown at the meeting, but all are
arranged at the museum, where they can be seen by
visitors.

187

Monday, December 1, 1879.

Meeting this evening adjourned to the following day,
Tuesday, at noon.

Moses W. Putnam of Danvers was elected a member.

Monday, December 15, 1879.

Regular Meeting this evening. The President in
the chair. Records read. Donations and correspondence
announced.

Ellen Osborne Proctor of Peabody was elected a mem-
ber.

WiNFiELD S. Nevins occupied the evening in giving
All Account of a Visit to Pompeii,

The speaker, in opening, referred briefly to the natural
beauties of the vicinity of Vesuvius and Pompeii ; also
to the Museo Borhonico in Naples, wdiere are stored so
many of the relics of ruined Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The journey to the former city was described and then
the ruins themselves. The city was spoken of as being
somewhat larger than the settled portion of Salem, less
than one-half of which has yet been unearthed ; with
narrow streets, low houses, the ceilings fallen in, and the
upper stories gone. The Forum, Temple of Jupiter and
other monuments of Pompeian glory were described.
The widest streets of the city are scarcely twenty feet in
width, and some but two and a half yards from w^all to
wall. They are paved with polygonal blocks of lava, in
which time and traffic have made but little impression.

188

Among the numerous points of interest none was more
remarkable than the bakery, where not long ago the ex-
cavators discovered in an oven eighty-one loaves of bread,
whole and hard though somewhat blackened. Bill boards
were used extensively in ancient Pompeii, not only to
announce amusements but to proclaim candidates for office,
advertise lost goods and the like. The Pompeian dwell-
inofs were next described and some of the customs of the
people. Art, the speaker thought, never attaiued a high
standard in the cit}^ though there were very many art
works of one kind and another. The ruins of the two the-
atres and the amphitheatre w^ere described, and the account
of Pompeii closed with a description of an imaginary fune-
ral conducted after the custom of those days. Mt, Vesu-
vius was then sketched together with some of the more
important of tho numerous eruptions which have occurred
during the Christian era. The eruption of a. d. 79 was
probably the most destructive. It is not believed that a
particle of lava flowed from the volcano at this time, but
that Pompeii was buried with hot ashes and scoricne, and
Herculaneum with substantially the same material though
it was often mixed with vapor forming a soft running mud
which eventually hardened. The eruption of 1631 was
also very destructive, many thousand lives being lost.
During this eruption a stone weighing twenty-five tons
was thrown five miles. The eruption of 1794 was also
very destructive. Two days after the lava from this
eruption reached the ocean, the water one hundred yards
from shore was so hot that boats could not float in it, be-
cause the pitch in their seams would nit It at once. The
temperature of lava often exceeds 2000° F. Mr. Nevins
closed with an account of the experience of himself and
tNvo friends in ascending the cone of Vesuvius to the cra-
ter, during a stormy day in the spring of 1878.

A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands, icitJi
Annotations.

By Edg\r a. Mearns.

[Continued from page 168 ]

49. Myiodioctes canadensis, (/vi«»e). Canadian Flycatchixg
Wahuleu. Very common during its migrations. Arrives about the
middle of May (16, 187G; 18, 1877; 10, 1878; 12, 1879), remaining till
about June 1 (May 28, 1876; 25, 1877; 25, 1878; 27, 1879). In autumn
seen as early as September 9 (1876). It is found in humid places, and
has a loud, pleasant song.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of nineteen specimens : length,
5-61; stretch, 8-05; wing, 2-o3; tail. 223; bill from nostril, -31; gape,
•58; tarsus, -75; middle toe. 20; its claw, -18.

50. Myiodioctes pusillus, {Wilson). Wilson's Grken Black-
CAPPKD Flycatchixg \yARBLKK. A Very rare migrant. Arrives
about the middle of May (12, 1875; 17, 1877; 17, 1879). The few I
have seen, were found in dense, tangled thickets. Its note is a sharp
chip. Mr. Thomas \V. Wilson took a tine male May 16, 1876, at Cold
Spring, ou the Hudson.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of two adult males : length,
5-00; stretch, 6-97; wing, 2-21; tail, 203; bill from nostrii, -25; gape,
•48; tarsus, ^70; middle toe, ^44; its claw, •IS. Female, No. 1,916,
Highland Falls, N. Y., May 17, 1879: length, 4-90; stretch, 6^75;
wing, 2-10; tail, 2-00; bill from nostril, -24; gape, ^48; tarsus, -70;
middle toe, ^44; its claw, •IS.

51. Setophaga ruticilla, (Linne). American Redstart. A
common summer resident; breeds abundantly. Arrives early in May
(8, 1873; 9, 1874; 11, 1875; 5, 1876; 9, 1877; April 27, 1878; May 3,
1879), remaining until late in September (30, 1873; October 4, 1876;
September 23, 1878). Its sweet song, and the peculiar habit of
spreading its tail and wings so as to expose their bright orange-red
color, make the Redstart generally well known.

Dimensions — Average measurements of sixteen specimens : length,
5^41; stretch, 7-88; wing, 2-57; tail, 227; bill from nostril, ^27; gape,
•51; tarsus, -(j(j\ middle toe, -39; its claw, •le.

Family, TANAGRID^.

52. Pyranga rubra, {Linne). Scarlet Tanager. A common
summer resident; breeds abundantly. Arrives about the second week

ESSEX iNST. bulletin. XI 14 (189)

190

in May (9, 1872; 13, 1873; 9, 1874; 14, 1875; 12, 1876: 15, 1877; 3,
1878; 8, 1879), remaining till October (3, 1874; 8, 1876; 4, 1878).
This gorgeously plumaged species is numerous in summer. It com-
mences to incubate its eggs early in June ; took nests containing the
full complement of eggs June 4 and 6, 1877.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of forty-three specimens:
length, 7-25; stretch, 11-85; wing, 3*74; tail, 2-69; bill from nostril,
•46; gape, -76; tarsus, -77; middle toe, -52; its claw, -25.

Family, HIRUNDINIDJES.

53. Hirundo erythrogastra, Boddaert. American Barn Swal-
low. An abundant summer resident; breeds. Arrives in April (27,
1872; 29, 1873; 25, 1874; 30, 1875; 30, 1876; 23, 1877; 23, 1878; 22,
1879), remaining until some time in September (19, 1874; 12, 1876; 6,
1879). It begins to build the last of May, and its eggs are deposited
early in June.

I recently had an opportunity of observing the actions of the Swal-
lows when congregated preparatory to taking their departure to the
South, and overtaken by a severe and protracted rain-storm. The
locality was a secluded pond, where no buildings atforded them pro-
tection, even at night. It was the third day of the storm, and nearly
evening, when I visited the spot. The Swallows were sitting in cir-
cular lines upon some pryamidal shaped rocks out in the water, where
they spent most of the time, their dripping rows making a very pitiful
spectacle. At times a small band would rise with great exertion and
attempt to fly to the shore, where they alighted upon the nearest
object in utter exhaustion ; some of them upon the stones at my very
feet. I splashed a large stone into the water close to one of the
rocks, when a number of frightened ones flew up, and were obliged to
struggle hard to reach the shore, owing to the severe wind that pre-
vailed. Their flight was very labored and irregular, and broken by
frequent unsuccessful attempts to execute those graceful evolutions
which they accomplish with such admirable dexterity and ease at
other times ; they flew so slowly that they might easily have been
overtaken and captured. Besides the present species, there were,
also, numbers of Bank Swallows {Cotyle riparia^, which seemed even
more distressed than were the Barn Swallows. It was a sad sight, to
see the poor little brown and blue-backed fellows, panting upon the
ground after their desparate elfort, so reduced by hunger, fatigue and
long-continued exposure to the storm. I wished, in vain, that I might
relieve their distress; but Nature — more potent than man — came to
their aid : the following day broke clear as a bell, and the sun rose
warm and bright; and when I visited the pond at sunrise, the Swal-
lows were seen busily engaged in procuring food, and appearing as
happy as ever.

191

Giraiid gives the following:^ ''Early in the spring swallows are
sometimes so benumbed as to be almost in a lifeless state. This is
readily accounted for by the cold storms that set in after their arrival,
which also cut off their insect food — at such times they have been
found so much exhausted as to be unable to rise, and in some in-
stances have been observed lying dead about the fields." This ac-
count brings to mind a circumstance related to me by my father:
Many years ago, during a severely unseasonable storm in the spring,
numbers of Swallows perished in this region, either through cold or
starvation, and were found lying dead upon the barn floors in rows.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eighteen specimens : length,
6-95; stretch, 12-85; wing, 4 G7 ; tail, 3 30 ; bill from nostril, -2-1; gape,
•58; tarsus, -45; middle toe, -40; its claw, •21.

54. Tachycineta bicolor, {VieiUot). White-bellikd Swallow.
A summer resident; breeds; abundant during its migrations. Arrives
early in April (May 2, 1874; April 30, 1875; 21, 1876, 17, de Nottbeck,
at Fishliill ; 25, 1877 [shot at Fairfield, Connecticut, on the 7th] ; 20,
1878; 22, 1879), remaining till autumn. It breeds in holes, in trees
standing in the water, at the borders of ponds and streams.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of fifteen specimens : length,
5-90; stretch, 12-60; wing, 4-70; tail, 2-35; bill from nostril, -22; tar-
sus, -45.

55. Petrochelidon lunifrons, {Say). Eave Swallow; Cliff
Swallow. A common summer resident; breeds. Arrives in April
(May 22, 1874; April 30, 1875; May 2, 1876; 21, 1877; 9, 1878; April 16,
1879), and spends the summer, departing in September (10, 1876).

This bird of remarkable history breeds in large colonies. It com-
mences nidification early in June. It formerly nested in large commu-
nities upon the stone buildings of the West Point Military Academy.

Giraud gives the following account (''The Birds of Long Island,"
p. 38, 1844) of this species: "The appearance of this Swallow in the
lower parts of the State of New York is quite recent. The first that
I have known to have been observed in this vicinity, was shot at Man-
hattanville, in 1842, by Mr. Lawrence. In the month of June of the
present year, a few specimens were seen in the suburbs of Brooklyn
by Mr. Brasher, and in the latter part of August I met it at Gravesend.
Previous to this year, I have no knowledge of its occurring on Long
Island; but I should not be surprised if even in a few years it were
found quite common. On Long Island I am not aware that the Cliff
Swallow has been known to breed ; but Mr. Bell has informed me that
he found its nest near his residence in Rockland County, in the month
of May last — and according to his observations, it had not visited his
section previous to the present year."

1 Birds of Long Island, p. 36, 1844.

192

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eleven specimens: length,
6-01; stretch, 12-43; wing, 4-34; tail, 201; gape, -02; tarsus, -50;
middle toe, -53; its claw, -25,

56. Cotyle riparia, {Linne). Bank Swallow; Sand Martin.
A common summer resident; breeds. The Bank Swallow makes its
appearance here with less regularity than the other Swallows. I have
not observed it before May (22, 1874; 27, 1875 [at Niagara Falls] ; 21,
1877). It remains till about the first of September (August 27, 1877).
It is somewhat local in its habitat in summer. In the month of
August immense numbers are found, crowding the telegraph wires
along the railroad, where it crosses Constitution Island; it associates
with the other species of Swallows, which are then so abundant there
that I once brought down no less than three represented genera of
Swallows 'at a single discharge of my gun.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of nine specimens: length,
5-20; stretch, 10-85; wing, 3-95; tail, 2 00; bill from nostril, -18; gape,
•52; tarsus, -45; middle toe, -30; its claw, -21 ; outer toe, -26; its claw,
•14.

57. Stelgidopteryx serripennis, (^?<cZM6on). Rough-wingkd
Swallow. A rare summer resident; breeds. As already noted, in
the "Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club," Vol. Ill, No. I, p.
46, January, 1878, I captured a female of this Carolinian species, sit-
ting upon its four fresh eggs, in May, 1874. The nest was built in a
bank, beside a pond ; during its construction the birds were often
seen to alight close together, on a board-fence, from which they de-
scended after the rough materials of which the nest was composed,—
hay and feathers. The eggs were pure white; one of them measures
•80 X -53 of an inch.

I saw what I thought to be a bird of this species when in company
with Mr. C. H. Eagle, on July 4, 1878, near the Cadet camp at West
Point. On July 24, 1879, I saw several Rough winged Swallows upon
the telegraph wires, near Constitution Island, and shot one fine speci-
men.

Z>/me?isions.— Measurements of No. 1,967, $, July 24, 1879, E. A.
M. : length, 5-62; stretch, 1210; wing, 4-12; tail, 2-05; bill from nos-
tril, -17; gape, -oo\ tarsus, -43; middle toe, 39; its claw, -17; outer
toe, -25; its claw, -12.

58. Progne subis, {Linne). Purple Martin. A summer resi-
dent. It formerly bred abundantly in nearly all of the river towns
along the Hudson : but it is now much less numerous than it formerly
was, having been driven away by those detestable pests — the Euro-
pean Sparrows. I have rarely met with it during its migrations, and
have not been able to procure a single specimen. At Highland Falls,
I have only seen it on the following occasions : April 9, 1873, and May

193

26, 1874. I observed a large colony of them at Newburgh, and an-
other at Poughkeepsie, several years ago; but I am informed that
their numbers have decreased very much in both cities since the Spar-
rows became numerous.

Family, AMPELID-SI.

59. Ampelis garrulus, Linne. Bohf.miax Waxwing. A rare
winter visitant. Dr. F. D. Lente has a very handsome specimen in
his collection, which was shot near his residence at Cold Spring,
on the Hudson, several years ago, as I have previously recorded, in
the "Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club," Vol. Ill, No. 1, p-
46, January, 1878.^ His son, Wm. K. Lente, informed me that he shot
at several Bohemian Waxwings that were in an evergreen tree, close
to their house. This occurred several years after the first specimen
was taken.

This nomadic species is of exceedingly rare occurrence as far south
as this latitude, in the Atlantic States. Audubon furnishes the earli-
est record of its occurence, which reads as follows : ^ *' In the autumn
of 1832, whilst rambling near Boston, my sons saw a pair, which they
pursued more than an hour, but without success. The most southern
locality in which I have known it to be procured, is the neighborhood
of Philadelphia, where, as well as on Long Island, several were shot
in 1830^ and 1832." Since that time there have been a few recorded
instances of its capture in Southern New England, including Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut. DeKay, in treating of this species, re-
marks:* "The specimen from which our figure was taken, was shot
in the autumn of 1835, in the neigliborhood of this city [Albany?] "

Dr. Charles C. Abbott, in his "Catalogue of Vertebrate Animals of
New Jersey," (p. 774),^ gives the following notice: "A northern spe-
cies, that is occasionally shot as far south as New Jersey. The author
has seen two specimens, one shot in Cape May County, the other in
Morris County."

60. Ampelis cedrorum, (Vieillot). Cedak Bird; Carolina
Waxwing; Cherry Bird. A common, gregarious species; resident,
breeding abundantly. This strikingly handsome bird is numerous
with us throughout the year; but it is somewhat locally dispersed, and

2 Dr. Lente has supiDlied me with the following particulars: "The Bohemian
Chatterer referred to was found dead, in Genl. Morris's grounds [Cold Spring], by
Mr. Wm. Paulding. I cannot give the j'ear. F. D. Lente."

30rnithological Biography, Vol. IV, p. 463, 1838.

■iNot 1831, as incorrectly stated by Dr. Coues, in Birds of the Colorado Valley,
Part First, p. 4G5, 1878.

5 Zoology of New York, Part IL Plate 26, fig. 57. 1844.

6 Published in Cook's Geology of Ncav Jersey, 1868.

194

most particularly so iu winter. Then I liave noticed that large flocks
will occupy a very limited area of country, perhaps remaining there
for several weeks at a time ; and then all suddenly disappear from the
place, after wiiich no more Waxwings may be seen for a long period,
at that particular spot. These erratic movements are doubtless due,
in some cases, to the exhaustion of its food supply ; but iu general
they must be attributed to a roving and eccentric disposition, such
as characterizes its distinguished cousin, the Bohemian Waxwing. As
has been observed in other wandering species, there is also an ele-
ment of uncertainty with regard to its season of reproduction. It
commonly begins to build its nest early in June (I found two nests,
each containing five eggs, on June 12 and 18, 1878), but I have a rec-
ord of taking its fresh eggs as late as September 11 (1871).

In winter, the Cedar-birds subsist in great measure upon berries,
and principally those of the red cedar {Junipenis virginiana) . From
this circumstance, they have acquired their most familiar name of
Cedar-birds. In my neighborhood, they get most of their food among
the cedars and sumachs, down by the river; but there are some tall
maple-trees in front of my house, which seem to possess peculiarly
strong attractions for them, so that, as soon as their crops have been
comfortably filled, the whole flock flies up to these trees to spend the
Interval between meals. They are extremely fond of drinking, and
bathing, often descending to the gutters upon the roof for the pur-
pose. During rainy days they do not seek any protection from the
wet, but sit quietly, most of the time, with top-knots flattened, look-
ing just a trifle depressed in spirits, as well as literally crest-fallen.
They rid their silky plumage of rain-drops by occasional, vigorous
shakes ; and sometimes a restless individual will fly out in a circle,
for exercise or diversion, returning again to the same twig which it
left. A flock that is thus quietly settled can be conveniently exam-
ined, and a careful inspection will show that, although the birds form
a somewhat compact group, there is a division, more or less distinct,
into separate couples — the birds sitting in twos. This distribution,
in pairs, is most apparent upon the border of the flock, where their
numbers are least. I have repeatedly selected a couple, and shot both
birds at once : they invariably proved to be of opposite sexes. As
this occurred in winter, I infer, either that the species is in the habit
of mating at a very early season, or, else, that their connubial attach-
ment is of long duration. I append the following note from my jour-
nal: "March 24, 1879. A flock of Cedar-birds remained in the trees
about the house all of to-day. I observed that they separated into
pairs; and they are probably mated already. Two would separate
themselves from the mass of their brethren, and edge towards each
other, making alternate advances, and, at last, applying their bills
tosrether, doubtless as a means of caressing."

195

We are especially indebted to the Cedar birds for the part that they
have taken in destroying the insect-pest, which for several years past
has carried such wide-spread havoc among the elra-trees of this
region.^ During the summer months every tree of this genus ( Ulmus)
bears the evidence of ravages committed by this noxious insect,
whose devastating action is evidenced by the blighted foliage. Early
in the season, in some cases, the trees are completely denuded of their
leaves, which reappear again, late in autumn, just before the frosts
come to destroy them a second time. Energetic measures have been
adopted for the preservation of those trees which are desired for
shade, or ornamental purposes ; and various devices have been resorted
to, to destroy this troublesome insect. None of these efforts have,
however, been crowned with a large measure of success. The Cedar-
birds have accomplished far more towards its extirpation than have
all other causes combined. Frequenting the elms where this insect
abounds the Waxwings devour immense numbers, not only of the
winged insect, but also of the larvai. They capture the adult insects
upon the wing, in the manner of the Flycatchers, and eagerl}' search
the trunk and brandies for their crawling larvas, which are swallowed
with the greatest avidity.

In the Nuttall Bulletin (Vol. Ill, No. 2, pp. 70 and 71, April, 1878),
I have described certain minor variations in color, and in the orna-
mentation of the wings and tail, in high conditions of this species.
They have attracted the attention of various writers (especially Baird,
Coues and Brewster), who have described the usual differences.
These consist, in the presence or absence of yellow or white spots
upon the extremity of the remiges, and in the distribution of the red
wax-like appendages which adorn the tips of the quills. The yellow
or white spots on the remiges, when present, are confined to the pri-
mary quills. They are only present in a few cases, and are usually of
small size, though occasionally as distinct as are those of the rec-
trices. They may be entirely white, entirely yellow, or a mixture of
both colors. In the latter case, there is either a proximal band of
white, succeeded by a yellow one that blends with the first; or they
may be as described by Mr. Brewster,** "tipped broadly with white,
and in the centre of each white spot a smaller one of yellow." I have
recently seen several examples having distinct yellow tips to a few
primary quills. The red horny appendages, which are usually con-
fined to the tips of the secondary remiges, have also been found upon

^An entomological frieml, to whom I sent some of the animals in question, in-
forms me that it is Diahrotica (Galleruca) calniariensis; but, here, we call them
"elm-flies."

8 Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. Ill, No. 2, p. 64, April, 1878.

196

several primaries, each of the rectrices, and, in one specimen, upon
the longest feather of the lower tail-coverts. Mr. George N. Law-
rence also states : ^ " I have noticed some peculiarities in color of the
wax-like appendages on the wings; in a specimen, presented by Mr.
Chas. Galbraitli, they are of a light pink, the plumage is as usual
except that tlie ends of the tail-feathers are very pale; another in Mr.
Bell's possession had these appendages yellow." These are the vari-
ations from the type. In young birds, the yellow band at the extrem-
ity of the tail is reduced to a mere trace. In certain stages, only the
distal border is yellow, the rest of the band being white. One speci-
men (No. 1,843, ? ad., April 2, 1879, Highland Falls, N. Y., E. A. M.)
has the tail very slightly bordered with red, at the extremity, beyond
the yellow band.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of sixty-three specimens:
length, 7-19; stretch, 11-77; wing, 3-70; tail, 2-37; culmen, -41; bill
from nostril, -20; gape, -71; tarsus, -66; middle toe, -59; its claw, -25.

Family, VIREONID^.

61. Vireo olivaceus, {Linne). Red-eyed Vireo. An abundant
summer resident; breeds. Arrives from the South in May (18, 1873;
12, 1874; 20, 1875; 16, 1876; 16, 1877; 4, 1878; 10, 1879), staying until
October (8, 1874; 4, 1876).

Four species of this genus pass the summer in the Highlands, and
breed. All of them build pendulous nests, attached by the brim to
the fork of a bush or tree ; but none are so abundant, or so universally
recognized and admired, as are the Red-eyed Vireos. Soon after their
arrival from the South, they commence nesting. I have noted in my
journal the discovery of freshly-completed nests, on May 22, 1877; 24,
1878: also of complete suites of eggs, taken June 2, 1876; May 29,
1877; 28, 1878. Their nests are very neat structures, composed of
various pliable materials compactly woven together, and lined inside
with fibres of inner bark. Pieces of paper are frequently pasted all
over the outer surface, making a very enduring wall. Vireos' nests
are favorite receptacles for the parasitical eggs of the Cowbird (Molo-
thrus ater). Their loud song and confiding manners make the Red-
eyes very agreeable inhabitimts of our groves and orchards, and serve
to reveal their presence to persons not initiated into the mysteries of
ornithological science.

Dnnensions.— Average measurements of eighteen specimens : length,
6-23; stretch, 1017; wing, 3-20; tail, 2-20; culmen, -52; gape, -75;
tarsus, -70; middle toe, -40; its claw, -20.

62. Vireo gilvus, (T7ei7/oO. Waubling Viueo. A summer resi-

9 Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist., Vol. VIII, p. 285, April, 18G6.

197

dent; breeds; very much less numerous than the preceding species.
Arrives early in May (20, 1S75; 7, 187G ; 9, 1877; 9, 1878; 8, 1879),
and remains till autumn.

Dimensions — Average measurements of six specimens : length, 580;
stretch, 9-07; wing, 2-85: tail, 2U; culmon, -46; bill from nostril,
■30; gape, -68; tarsus, -72.

63. Vireo philadelphicus, {Cassin). Buothekly-love Virko;
riiiLADKi.piiiA GiJEKNLET. Ill tlic "Bulletin of the Kuttall Ornitho-
logical Club," Vol. Ill, No. 1, p. 40, January, 1878, I recorded the cap-
ture of the first Brotherly-love Greenlet in this State as follows: ''I
have a single male specimen of this scarce species in my collection,
taken near here. It was shot by my friend, Mr. AVilliam K. Lente, at
Cold Spring, as it hopped about in a tree-top, September 24, 1875.
This example exhibits the intensity of yellow color on the under parts
which characterizes the mitumnal phimage." Mr. Frank R. Kathbun,
in his "Revised List of Birds of Central New York," p. IG, April 17th,
1879, states that it is '-found regularly in the Spring migrations." The
species was not mentioned in the original " Rathbun-Fowler List,"
published in the "Auburn Daily Advertiser" of August 14, 1877.
From information lately received, I am able to predict that additional
captures, in other parts of New York, will be recorded ere long.

Dimensions. — Measurements of my specimen : [length, 475; stretch,
7-G2. W. K. Lente] wing, 2 52; tail, 1-93; culmeu, -39; bill from nos-
tril, -28; gape, -57; tarsus, -05.

64. Vireo flavifrons, VieiUot. Yellow-thkoated Vireo; Yel-
LOW-Tiiiu)ATEi) Gkkenlet. A summcr resident; breeds. Most nu-
merous during the spring and fall migrations. Arrives early in May
(15, 1874; IG, 1875; 8, 187G ; 12, 1877; April 27, 1878, W. C. Osborn),
remaining till about the first of October (September 19, 1874).

The Yellow-throated Vireo is a noisy, chattering species, capable of
producing a very fair musical entertainment when so disposed. Its
nest, very similar to that of olivaceus, is built the last of May, or early
in June. I caught a male bird, sitting upon two fresh eggs, as early
as May 25 (1874). In the spring, when this pretty species is abundant,
it passes through in straggling bands of some size.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of twelve specimens : length,
5-95; stretch, 9-78; wing, 3 05: tail, 210; bill from nostril, -36; gape,
•72; tarsus, 7G ; middle toe, -47; its claw, -20.

65. Vireo solitarius, (TFz'Zso/i)- Solitary Vireo; Blue-headed
Virko. A common spring and fall migrant. Arrives about the first
of May (9, 187G; April 23, 1877; May 13, 1878; 8, 1879), and passes
through before June (seen May 24, 187G; 18, 1877). In autumn, it
passes through during September and the first part of October. It is
frequently seen associated in good-sized flocks. I have seen a splen-

198

did exhibition of courage on the part of this plucky little bird, wlien
disabled by a wound. It flew at me, when I attempted to catch it, and
used botli beak and claws with all its might.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of fourteen specimens : length,
0-61; stretch, 9 42; wing, 2-9G; tail, 2-15; culmen, -41; bill from nos-
tril. "28; gape, -04; tarsus, -73; middle toe, -44; its claw, -21.

66. Vireo noveboracensis, (Gmelin). White-eyed Vikeo;
"Politician." An abundant summer resident; breeds. Arrives early
in May (14, 1875; 17, 1876; 21, 1877; 4, 1878; 12, 1879), and remains
till autumn.

This handsome species is an inhabitant of swampy thickets. For a
very pleasant and amusing account of its habits, I would refer the
reader to John Burroughs' cliapter on "The Return of the Birds,"' '°
which he wrote when residing in the Highlands. The name of "Poli-
tician," given above, was first used by Wilson, who says : '^ Outwardly
its nest "is constructed of various light materials, bits of rotten
wood, fibres of dry stalks of weeds, pieces of paper, commonly news-
papers, an article almost always found about its nest, so that some of
my friends have given it the name of the Politician." I have observed
the habit of using newspapers for the construction of nests, in the
Red-eyed Vireo; but, in this region, the White-eyed Vireo usually
repairs to remote swamps to breed, where newspaper literature is
rarely encountered. It displays a high degree of architectural skill,
however, in all cases. I have found a nest, in which the eggs were
already being incubated, as early as May 28 (1877). The male sings a
sweet, and curious song, while his mate is sitting upon her eggs ; and
he displays great uneasiness whenever the nest is approached. The
female, like the rest of the Vireos, is a very close sitter, and I have
taken her ofi" the nest, before she could be induced to leave it. On
such occasions she is very pugnacious ; and, on being released, instead
of making good her escape, she comes back and scolds one most vig-
orously, in a tone resembling that of an irate Catbird. I have visited
its nest in the evening, and found the mother sleeping soundly, breath-
ing hard, and with her head tucked under the feathers. The nest is
fastened to a forked branch, within a few feet of the ground; com-
monly a laurel (Kalmia) is selected.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of five specimens : length, 5-27 ;
stretch, 7-85; wing, 2-37; tail, l'9r); culmen, -42; bill from nostril,
•29; gape, 65; tarsus, 70; middle toe, -62; its claw, -18.

Family, LANIIDJE.

67. Lanius borealis, VieiUot. Great Northern Shrike; Butch-
er-bird. A winter visitant; occasionally somewhat numerous. It

10 Wake-Robin, Chapter 1, 1871.

n American Ornithology, Vol. II, p. 166, 1810.

199

appears from the North about the first of Xovember (16, 1874; 9, 1878
[W. C. Osborii]), and retires about the first of April (March 31, 1873,
28, 1877). I have witnessed manj^ deeds of daring on the part of this
remarkably handsome, though bloodthirsty bird; but its temerity and
rapacious exploits have been so often described, that I will only men-
tion one occurrence — the last noted in my journal: "When walking
upon the Railroad, near Garrisons, I started a Snowbird (Jiinco liyema-
lis) from the track, a few paces in advance. A Shrike instantly dashed
down from the ledge above in hot pursuit. The Snowbird made every
effort to escape, doubling and twisting, and crying most piteously as
it endeavored to elude its adversary by dashing into a clump of hem-
locks that seemed to ofl'er protection ; but the Butcher-bird followed
closely all of its windings, till at last the terrified creature flew on top
of the ledge, followed closely by its enemy. I did not witness the
result, but have no doubt that it ended in a tragedy." Such incidents
are familiar to all who have made the Shrike's acquaintance ; and, very
likely, it was on just such an occasion that the reader was first intro-
duced to this fierce little butcher, w^ho is so devoid of fear of man,
when in quest of game.

Dimensions.— X\e\'f\ge measurements of three females : lengtli, 10-07 ;
stretch, 14-05; wing, 4-41; tail, 3-43; culmen, -71; bill from nostril,
•55; gape, MO: tarsus, 1-03; middle toe, -61; its claw, -28.

Family, FRINGILLIDJE.

68. Pinicola enucleator, var. canadensis, (Brisson). Pine
Ghosbkak. An irregular winter visitant ; sometimes abundant.

This beautiful species w^anders southward at irregular intervals,
and only visits us during the coldest winter w^eather. It usually ap-
pears in large flocks, which are composed principally of females and
young birds. The red males are seldom seen. I first saw the Pine
Grosbeak on November 22, 1874, when a large flock alighted upon a
Norw^ay spruce {Abies excelsa) before my house, and commenced to
feed upon the seeds of the cones. All were adult males, and presented
a very beautiful appearance. The species was not again met with
until the first of December, w^hen large numbers were present. It
continued to be plentiful until the following March; and some stayed
as late as March 25. The males in red plumage were not more than
two per cent, of any of the numerous flocks that I examined during
the winter, with the single exception of the one first seen, which, sin-
gularly enough, was composed entirely of old males.

During the winter of 1875-76, Pine Grosbeaks were seen twice. I
saw two flying over lona Island, on December 11, 1875; and, on Janu-
ary 12, 1876, I shot three specimens from a small flock found feeding
upon sumach berries and seeds of hemlock spruce {Abies canadensis) y
near Fort Montgomery.

200

I next came across them on the morning of November 29, 1878.
A flock was found in an orchard feeding- upon seeds of apples, both
on the trees and upon the ground. My gardener, near whose house
they were, informed me that they had spent several days there, pre-
vious to my arrival at home. I first heard their call-note, and, on
looking about, saw them gleaning upon the ground close at hand.
When shot at, they uttered a mournful cry, and, sometimes, while
feeding, a high note resembling that of the Purple Finch {CariJodacus
pupureiis). This flock stayed in the orchard until I left home, on
December 2. They were very quiet, gentle in their manners, and so
unobtrusive, that they might easily have been passed by without no-
tice. When rudely frightened, they would fly to the nearest tree, and
there sit motionless for a short time; then they dropped silently to
the ground, and resumed their avocations in silence. These birds
seemed contented, and not in the least restless. I encountered several
other flocks during my brief stay; and nothing was more remarkable
than the amount of silence they preserved, considering the large pre-
ponderance of females present. Some were so tame that they could
have been readily captured by means of a noose or hand-net. No
adult males were seen, though I secured an immature specimen that
was about one-half red ; another example was in the dullest plumage,
so that, before skinning, I supposed it to be a female, but a careful
dissection showed that it was masculine. Some were moulting their
tail-feathers. Several specimens taken had a few of the outer rec-
trices only an inch or two long; these were always the outer ones,
and only on one side.

I saw a Pine Grosbeak in the Central Park, New York City, on
December 20, 1878.

Dr. Clinton L. Bagg saw five Grosbeaks, among them a fine red
male, near West Point, N. Y., on December 29, 1878; they were pick-
ing at some decayed apples by the wayside. We saw several females,
near the same place, on the following day.

The Pine Grosbeak's song is one of the finest, but I have only been
privileged to listen to it on a single occasion — in March, 1875. The
weather at the time was intensely cold. The preceding winter had
been one of unusual severity; and the ice was still many inches thick
upon the Hudson. The Purple Finches, though present, seldom felt
inclined to sing; and the few hardy Song Sparrows that had braved
the winter were ensconced in cosy nooks among the flags, behind
some sheltering ledge of rock, where, onl}^ on the warmest days, they
made abortive attempts at a song. These were the only performers
except an occasional Red Crossbill ; and bird music was rare indeed.
It was one frosty morning, as I was following the course of a stream
that flowed at the bottom of a deep ravine, that I heard, most unex-
pectedly, a new song. It proceeded from far up the glen. The notes

201

were loud, rich and sweet. I listened to them with a thrill of delight
and wonder, and then pressed loi'ward to identify the new vocalist.
Soon I discovered perched upon the top of a tall hemlock, a beautiful
red Pine Grosbeak — the author of one of the most delicious songs
that I have ever heard. Its carmine or rose-colored plumage, and its
mellow notes, were a feast alike to the eye and ear; and, though I may
never hear the Pine Grosbeak sing again, I shall ever cherish towards
it feelings of admiration and gratitude for the revelation of beauty
and melody which I so keenly appreciated on that occasion. We can-
not but wish that this Grosbeak was a more frequent sojourner with
us; for its bright hues would add life and color to our sombre winter
scenery, and its tine song would aftbrd us much enjoyment.

Except the Ked Crossbill {Loxia cnrvirostra, var. americana), there
are no birds so gentle as the present species. They appear to be
utterly devoid of fear of man. If their ranks are thinned by the gun-
ner, the survivors will rarely be driven away, but come close up to
the hunter and hop from branch to branch in his vicinity, scrutinizing
him closely and uttering a reproachful note like that of the Fox
Sparrow {Passerrella ilinca) ; they often fly down to inspect the dead
bodies of their comrades lying upon the ground. Their flight is
floating and graceful. They eat seeds of coniferous trees, and of
various weeds that grow in pastures or by the wayside. They search
in orchards for decayed apples, and eagerly extract the seeds; but
the seeds of maple, and berries of red cedar, are their staple articles
of food. They also eat other kinds of berries and buds. Wherever
there is a supply of good water they congregate ; for they are extrava-
gantly fond of bathing.

Wilson had a Grosbeak that was procured in the Highlands, upon
which he made the following interesting observations:'^ "I have
kept one of these Pine Grosbeaks, a male, for mure than half a year.
In the month of August those parts of the plumage which were red
became of a greenish yellow, and continue so still. In May and June
its song, though not so loud as some birds of its size, was extremely
clear, mellow and sweet. It would wai*ble out this for a whole morn-
ing together, and acquired several of the notes of a Ked-bird {L.
carclinalis), that hung near it. It is exceedingly tame and familiar,
and when it wants food or water utters a continual melancholy and
anxious note. It was caught in winter near the North river, thirty or
forty miles above New York."

Since AVilson's time, the Pine Grosbeak has been found in the
Hudson Valley by various writers — among them Giraud, DeKay and
Lawrence. The former author wrote:'-' "In the autumn of 1827,

12 American Ornithology, V^ol. I, p. 82, ItOS.

13 Birds of Long Iblantl, p. 120, 1844.

202

large flocks of Pine Grosbeaks visited Long Island, Hoboken, and va-
rious places in the lower parts of New Jersey and New York. Since
tliat period until tlie present year, I have not seen or heard of its
occurring on Long Island. In the interval, a few have been observed
in Rockland County, in which section, as with us, it was quite common
during the month of January of the present year [1844] .... Al-
though large numbers were during the winter observed in the vicinity
of New York, very few adults were procured."

Dimensions. — Average measurements of sixty-two specimens: —
length, 9-08; stretch, 13-90; wing, 4-36; tail, 3G7; culmen, -54; bill
from nostril, -43; gape, -60; tarsus, -88; middle toe, -63; its claw, -35.

69. Carpodacus purpureus, (6T»ie/in). Puiiplk Finch. A per-
manent resident; breeds. Though not very numerous in summer, a
few commonly nest near my house, building in the tops of tall cedars
or Norway spruces. Mr. William K. Lente found its nest at Cold
Spring, in 1874. Mr. R. F. Pearsall found a nest at Bayside, Long
Island, on June 15, 1878; he thinks that it is "the most southern point
at which the species has been found breeding.'"^

These handsome birds are generally abundant in winter. Their
song, which is loud and sweet, is indulged in by both sexes through-
out the autumn and winter, as well as during the love season. Fe-
males are heard to sing, in winter, as commonly as the males. Adult
males, in winter, are sometimes very scarce, thougii the opposite sex
is well represented ; this is frequently as marked as was the case with
the Pine Grosbeak and Lesser Redpoll, in the early part of the winter
of 1874-75. They are gregarious, often assembling in very large
flocks. On some occasions they are quite wild, and, on being ap-
proached, all rise at once on wing with a loud, rushing noise, accom-
panied by certain peculiar wild notes, which produces quite a startling
efi'ect. They feed upon seeds of the iron-wood (Ostrt/a virginira), and
red cedar berries. When feeding in flocks, the rustle of their wings
is constant, and their united cliirping produces a singular effect.
Their whirring flight and chattering notes remind one of the flight
of flocks of House Sparrows. .1 have found immense flocks in March,
eating the seeds of hemlock spruce (Ahies canadensis).

The great bulk of this species passes north during the spring mi-
gration. As usual in general migrations, the males precede their
partners by several days. At that season they often frequent ploughed
fields, in company with the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Indigo
Birds, where they do some damage by picking up the newly-sown
grain. Like the Blue Jay and some other birds, they appear to be
unusually lively during a rain-storm ; and, in winter, at the commence-
ment of a snow-storm, they sometimes hie to the loftiest tree-top,

"See Bulletin of the Xuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. IV. p. 122. April, 1879.

203

and begin to sing, as if from pleasure or excitement. Thej- destroy
young buds, and, together with the Rose- breasted Grosbeak, eat large
quantities of the stamens and petals of cherry and apple blossoms.
In April, blossoms of the maple are eaten. Females in high condition,
like those of the Pine Grosbeak, sometimes have a distinct red suflu-
sion over the plumage.

In his "Revised List of Birds of Central New York," Mr. Rathbun
gives, concerning this species, the following : " An abundant summer
resident. Arrives in March —March 9, 1878. Common the second
week in April. Breeds. ])eparts in October." I think that it will in
time be found there, at least occasionally, in winter; for I saw a few
at Locust Grove, in Lewis County, N. Y., during the last of December
and tirst of January, 1877-78.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of thirty-eight specimens:
length, 6-22; stretch, 10-16; wing, 3-24; tail, 229; culmen, -40; gape,
•b^\ tarsus, -68; middle toe, -58; its claw, -19.

70. Loxia leucoptera, ihwlin. AVihtk-winged Ckossbill. An
occasional visitor from the North.

Early in the winter of 1874-75, these birds appeared sparingly near
Cold Spring, where Mr. William K Lente saw them first, in the early
part of December, soon after the Pine Grosbeaks became numerous.
Mr. Frederic S. Osboru found them quite common during the winter,
at Garrisons; the earliest record of its occurrence noted in his journal
being December 28, 1874. I did not meet with any belore January 14,
1875, when I found an immense flock near Fort Montgomery, in a
dark grove of hemlocks. They were in company, but not mixing,
with flocks of Red Crossbills {Loxia curvirostra, var. americana).
As they flew from tree to tree, they uttered a loud, rattling cry; and
they were fur shyer than the Common Crossbill. After this the spe-
cies was frequently seen in difterent-sized flocks, and remained until
March 10, when they were in full song. Their flight is strong and
swift; and they are so active and noisy, that a flock of a dozen
makes a tree appear as if filled with them. In spite of an apparently
malformed bill, their song is one of remarkable beauty.

Wilson found a few White-winged Crossbills in the great pine for-
ests of Pennsylvania; and Bonaparte, in his "American Ornithology"
(Vol. II, p. 276, 1828), furnishes the following: "During four years
it had escaped my careful attention, and now writing (in the first
week of November, 1827) they are so abundant, that 1 am able to
shoot every day great numbers out of flocks that are continually
alighting in a copse of Jersey scrub-pine {Pinus inops), even opposite
my window." Giraud observes:^' "In this locality [Long Island]

15 Birds of Long Island, p. 131, 1844.

204

this species is not as frequently observed as the preceding [L. airvi-
rosfj'Cf, var. americaucQ, in the general habits of which it resembles.
Like the former, it prefers the northern part of the continent, and
only resorts to our milder climate when driven by severe weather."

Dimensions. — Average measurements of ten specimens: length,
6-05; stretch, 1018; wing, 3-27; tail, 2-41; culmen, -02; tarsus, -61.

71. Loxia curvirostra, var. americana, ( Wilson}. Amkuican
Rkd Ciiossnirj.. An occasional visitor, usually in winter; sometimes
abundant.

Red Crossbills were extremely common during the winter of 1874-5.
They were first seen in December, by my friend, the late Frederic S.
Osborn. I found three birds feeding on the seeds of pitch pines' cones
(Pinus riijida) on January 11. After that they were seen commonly,
and continued to be abundant until the 10th of April, at which time
they were singing very sweetly. The Red Crossbills are surprisingly
gentle, not in the least objecting to being approached to within a few
feet. I used frequently to visit a certain dense grove of hemlocks
(Abies canadensis), that was constantly inhabited by large flocks of
Crossbills of both species, for the purpose of watching their singular
habits. The White-wings were somewhat shy and suspicious, and
extremely restless, constantly flying from the top of one tree to that
of another, and keeping up an incessant rattling cry; but the Red
Crossbills were found in larger numbers frequenting the lower droop-
ing branches, to which they clung in every variety of posture, glean-
ing bu>ily the while, seldom roving about, and inclined to be noisy
and chattering, though their notes are very unlike those of the other
species, and more nearly resemble those of the European Sparrow.
Their dexterity in extracting the seeds from cones is quite remarkable,
and the shower of refuse materials sent down from a tree-top, is, of
itself, sufficient to apprise one of their presence.

The nest of this Crossbill was found at Riverdale, N. Y., by Mr.
Bicknell, and contained three eggs on April 80, 1875.^^ Riverdale is
on the Hudson River, sixteen miles north of New York Bay. For a
very interesting account of the Red Crossbill at Riverdale, see Mr.
Eugene P. Bicknell's article, in the "Nuttall Club Bulletin" for Janu-
ary, 1880, pp. 7 to 11.

I saw a large flock of Crossbills at Fort Miller. Washington County,
N. Y., on February 27, 1877.

Dimensions. — Average measurements of eighteen specimens : length,
6-19; stretch, 10-72; wing, 340; tail, 2-13; culmen, -GG ; tarsus, •G2.

16 American Naturalist, Vol. X, No. 4, p. 237, April, 187G.
[ To be continued. '\

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