rp base a Rat, A Seat a parties te ob tesa r rey nortan eau Babi tratietate rath re Sebetiteteseiaiees Meiit ort Lint eas er bh Tae Spt ists , HR ect oan, SS Reh 4 Serta this ont Clann: Poot oa ten athe pete oa . A a areca ci ane A war rea ~ a puree sale ignss cheery fait ee Der ay Str roen eran chest Ml TE pls) 3) 44 a uh ven a * ‘ a var poets be yok saheninen SL a Pir Sak ile : CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN I89I BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE arY724 Anniversary mem wn 192 olin,anx Ol Cornell University ui rs of th i 0. | i | i | e B | | oston soc MUSEUM OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. ERECTED /863. ANNIVERSARY MEMOIRS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLISHED IN CELEBRATION OF THE fiftieth Anniversary of the Society’s foundation. 1830-1880 BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1880. 1 Fe ett- A \25520 PUBLISHING COMMITTEE. SamugEL H. ScuppeEr, Epwarp Burgess, SamugEL L. ABBOT, AtpHEus Hyatt, J. A. ALLEN. wae -H PRESS OF A. A. KINGMAN, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. BERKELEY ST. TABLE OF CONTENTS. SOCIETY ANNALS. List of the Present Officers of the Society. (1 page.) Prefatory Note, with extracts from the minutes of the annual meeting, May 5th, 1880. (8 pages.) Historical Sketch of the Boston Society of Natural History, with a notice of the Linnaean Society of New England which preceded it; including biographical notices of all the Socicty’s prominent past mem- bers, officers and benefactors. By Tuomas T. Bouvé. (250 pages, six floor plans, view of the Museum, and portraits of Benjamin D. Greene, George B. Emerson, Amos Binney, John C. Warren, Jeffries Wyman, Thomas T. Bouvé, Augustus A. Gould, D. Humphreys Storer and William J. Walker.) SCIENTIFIC PAPERS. N. 8. Suater. Propositions concerning the Classification of Lavas considered with reference to the Circumstances of their Extrusion. (15 pages.) , Atrpneus Hyarr. Genesis and Evolution of the species of Planorbis at Steinheim. (114 pages, ten plates on nine sheets, one plate of sections; map and two sections in text.) ‘Samuet H. Scuppur. The Devonian Insects of New Brunswick; witli a note on the Geological Re- lations of the Fossil Insects from the Devonian of New Brunswick, by Principal J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S., etc. (41 pages, one plate.) W.G. Farrow. The Gymnosporangia ( Cedar-apples) of the United States. (88 pages, two plates.) Taroporr Lyman. A new Structural Feature, hitherto unknown among Echinodermata, found in Deep-Sea Ophiurans. (12 pages, two plates.) W.K. Brooxs. Zhe Development of the Squid, Loligo Pealii Lesueur. (22 pages, three plates.) A. 8. Packarp, Jr. Zhe Anatomy, Histology and Embryology of Limulus Polyphemus. (45 pages, seven plates.) Epwarp Burezss. Contributions to the Anatomy of the Milk-Weed Butterfly, Danais Archippus Fabr. (16 pages, two plates; one cut in text.) Samvet F, Crarxe. The Development of a Double-headed Vertebrate. (6 pages, one plate.) Cuartes Sepewick Minor. Studies on the Tongue of Reptiles and Birds. (20 pages, one plate; six cuts in text.) Epwarp 8. Morsz. On the Identity of the Ascending Process of the Astragalus in Birds with the In- termedium. (10 pages, oné plate; twelve cuts in text.) Lucien Carr. The Crania of New England Indians. (10 pages, two plates.) Wutum James. The Feeling of Hffort. (82 pages.) LIST OF THE PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY. President. SamugeL H. ScuppDER. Vice-Presidents. JoHN CUMMINGS, FrepEerick W. PUTNAM. Custodian. AupHEUS HYATT. Honorary Secretary. SamuEL L. ABBOT. Secretary. Epwarp BuRGESS. Treasurer. CHARLES W. SCUDDER. Librarian. Epwarp BURGESS. Committees on Departments of the Museum. MINERALS. Tuomas T. Bouvs, R. H. Ricwarps, M. E. Wapsworrs. GEOLOGY. Wriuasm H. Nires, G. Frepreric WRIGHT, PALAEONTOLOGY. Tuomas T. Bouvi, N. S. Saarer. BOTANY. Joun CummMInes, Cuartes J. Sprague, J. Amory Lowe tt. MICROSCOPY. SamvuEL WELLS, R. C. Green trar, B. Joy Jurrrizs. COMPARATIVE ANATONY. Tomas Dwicut, W. F. Warrney. RADIATES, CRUSTACEANS AND WORMS. H. A. Hacen, ALEXANDER AGASSIZ. MOLLUSKS. Epwarp 8. Morse, J. Henry Biaxe. INSECTS. SamuEt H. Scupper, Epwarp Buresgss, A. S. Packarp, Jr. FISHES AND REPTILES. F. W. Pornam, TuroporE Lyman, S. W. Garman. BIRDS. J. A. ALLEN, SamvuEL Cazor. MAMMALS. J. A. ALLEN, EK. L. Marg, Guoreze L. Goopatz. ERRATA. In the table of contents: Fifth paragraph, for ten plates on nine sheets vead nine plates on eight sheets. In the Historical Sketch : Page 216, 22d line, read Charles W. Eliot. e 6th “ from bottom, for from all read from that of all. “ 217,12th “ after with insert the chief causes of. In Mr. Scudder’s memoir : Page 33, line 9 from the bottom, for confidentially read confidently. In Dr. Farlow’s memoir: Page 3, note 2, for Ustitaginées read Ustilaginées. “ 6, 9th line from top, for Huromyces read Hwuromyces. %,, TSth ee “« « hymeniferus read hymeniferous. “« 9, 5th “ ““ bottom, for varies read vary. “11,4th “ “ top, for Berke read Berk. “12,10ths “© “ « fig. 17 read fig. 16. “18, 12th“ “« “« « Gasperrini real Gasparrint. « 90, 6th & 10th lines froin top, for thuyotdes read thyoides. “© 21, 7th line from top, for gymnosporangium real Gymnosporangium. “24 13th“ «© & & luminata read luminatum. “ 81,10th“* “« “ % ftudercedes read tubercles. “ 31,23d « “ & & pseudoperidis read pseudoperidiis. 32,19th* “« “ before present insert the. 38, 9th “© “ © for FR. lacerta read QR. lacerata. Owing to the absence of the writer during the printing of this article a considerable put of the proof could not be submitted to him for revision. = . In Prof. Morse’s memoir: Page 7, 17th line from top, for fore read hind. In Prof. James’ memoir : Page 12, 10th line from bottom, for right read left. fe RE OeTh), Ste # “ left read right. « 30, 8th “ “ top, for work read no work. (v) PREFATORY NOTE. Tae Boston Socrety or Natura History, founded in 1830 by a few earnest men, has this year celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Its growth during this period has been so considerable, it has gained for itself so firm a hold upon the esteem of our citi- zens, and its relations to the higher education of the people have been so significant, that it has been thought fitting to signalize this anniversary by the issue of a special volume of scientific papers, preceded by a detailed history of the Society, the preparation of which was entrusted to the President. Included in the history will be found the proceedings of the jubilee meeting, held on the twenty-eighth of April last. At the annual meeting, held a few days later, the President, Thomas T. Bouvé, Esq., declined a reélection ; having been an officer of the Society for nearly forty and its President for ten years, no man living is so thoroughly identified as he with its life and interests during the most eventful period of its history; and it is therefore fitting that this statement should be followed by the tribute paid at the annual meeting to his untiring devotion to the interests of the Society, not only during his Presidency, but for nearly the whole period of its existence. Boston, Dec. 15, 1880. PUBLISHING COMMITTEE. Extract from the minutes of the Annual Meeting, May 5, 1880. Mr. S. H. Scudder, on assuming the presidential chair, discussed the mission of the So- ciety, closing his remarks with the following words: At a previous meeting I have already expressed my sincere regret that we can no longer be led in this work by the President whose devotion we have been only too pleased to acknowledge by our ballots for ten years past; but as long as his life is spared to us we shall have his sympathy and wise advice, (v) vi and we may be sure that in all the work the Society undertakes, it will have no stronger friend than he. Mr. John Cummings thereupon offered the following vote: — “Tn consideration of the fact that Mr. Bouvé has declined to be a candidate for the first office of this Society, the members desire to express their grateful acknowledgment of the long and valuable service he has rendered as President, and their cordial thanks for his arduous labors, unremitted devotion, prudent and successful administration ; nor can they part from him in this official capacity without the additional expression of their warm personal esteem.” No one ever associated with Mr. Bouvé, added Mr. Cummings, who did not feel himself drawn to him by the strongest and tenderest ties. In his own experience he had never met a man with so much devotion to any cause as Mr. Bouvé had shown for the welfare of the Society. Mr. Cummings’s remarks were warmly applauded and the motion was seconded by Prof. A. Hyatt, who said, in respect to Mr. Bouvé’s administration, that although from the first the present policy of the Society had met the severest criticism and sometimes disapproba- tion from the intimate friends and advisers of the President, he had yet been able to keep his judgment unwarped and to consider those ideas, which were new to hin, purely on their own merits. It is not too much to say that the Society’s aims, which we have heard so highly praised in this anniversary year, could not have been so developed without Mr. Bouvé’s constant support. The feelings expressed by Mr. Cummings will be echoed in the heart of every officer of the Society, for we have always found our President full of kindness and consideration, as well as just and sound in judgment. Mr. F. W. Putnam said he could not allow this opportunity to pass without a few words, which at best would be but a feeble expression of his feelings; for in addition to a long and cherished friendship that every year had strengthencd., his official ties to Mr. Bouvé were double, and both were broken by his resignation, since, as might not be remembered by all present, the President of the Society was ex-officio a member of the board of trus- tees of the Peabody Museum at Cambridge; and while, as Curator of that Museum, he welcomed his friend, the new President of the Society, he was very sorry to lose one who had been so long connected with the Museum and had ever been ready to give his kindly aid in furtherance of its objects. Prof. W. H. Niles spoke of the large amount of work in the care and arrangement of the collections which Mr. Bouvé had accomplished during the term of his presidency. Most of this has been done after the business duties of the day, and how frequently he has remained until called home by some one, none but his family know. When alterations in the building were going on, he habitually inspected the entire premises after all others had gone, to see that all was left in safety. The Society has steadily progressed in its usefulness and scientific position during the administration of Mr. Bouvé, and he vil now leaves the presidential chair with nothing to regret, and with the esteem and friend- ship of every member. Day by day, and year after year, he has brought here a large heart, full of geniality and goodness, and has been in himself a source of happiness to those who have known him as President. It would be a pleasure to reciprocate, in some small measure at least, his long-continued kindness, and this could be best done by each member’s trying to make the Society so pleasant for Mr. Bouvé, that, as a source of his future happiness, it should be second only to his home and his family. In conclusion, Mr. Niles said he did not doubt that each member present would like to express in some spe- cial way his personal respect and honor for him who was the dear friend of all and one of the best benefactors the Society ever had; and he hoped they might do so by rising as they voted for the adoption of the resolution proposed by Mr. Cummings. The Chair accordingly called for a standing vote and the resolution was unanimously adopted. 1830. ). ANNIVERSARY MEMOIRS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 1880, HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY; WITH A NOTICE OF THE LINNAAN SOCIETY, WHICH PRECEDED IT. By THOMAS T. BOUVE. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1880. TO CHARLES JAMES SPRAGUE and JAMES CLARKE WHITE, Companions with me for years in laborious work upon the collections of the Society, these pages are dedicated, with the great respect and kind regards of THe AUTHOR. Historica, Sxetcu or THE Boston Society or Natura History: wits a Notice OF THE Linnaan SocreTy, WHICH PRECEDED 1T. By Tuomas T. Bovuvé. No history of our Society can well be given without some brief account of the attempts previous to its formation to interest the public in the study of Natural History. Before any organized efforts were made to this end but few publications even had appeared on the subject, and these are cited from remarks made by Dr. A. A. Gould in a sketch of the Linnzan Society, which appeared in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History in 1863.1. The most valuable of them was one by the Rev. Manassah Cutler, entitled “Account of some of the Vegetable Productions naturally growing in this part of America, botanically arranged.” Another was a pamphlet published by the cele- brated Dr. Benj. Waterhouse, who seems to have brought with him from Holland “some general notions of Systematic Natural History.” The pamphlet was entitled, “Heads of a Course of Lectures on Natural History,’ Cambridge, 1810, in which he distributes the lower animals under the heads of Ornithology, Amphibiology, Ichthyology, Insects and Vermes; which latter he mentioned as “outskirts of Animated Nature extending to the confines of the vegetable world.” In a note he said he would “ extend, contract or omit parts of his programme to suit his audience.” As Dr. Gould quaintly remarks, it does not appear whether he ever had any audience at all. In addition to these publications some articles of a practical character were written by Prof. W. D. Peck, who occupied the Chair of Natural History at Harvard College from 1805 to 1822. They appeared in agricultural papers, and the most important of them purported to give a natural history of the slug worm and the canker worm. Dr. Gould, in referring to the Professor’s work at Cambridge, says, “He gave such instruction as was demanded, which was very little.” Harris’s Natural History of the Bible, Mather’s Magnalia, Thacher’s Dispensatory, with some treatises on the medicinal properties of herbs, and a few other papers of little importance, complete the publications referred to. THe LINNZAN SOCIETY. The time at length arrived for an organized effort to excite some interest on the part of the public in natural science, and the men were not wanting. On the 8th of December, 1814, there met at the house of Dr. Jacob Bigelow, a number of gentlemen, then prominent in the community, some of whom afterwards became eminent in their several professions, if not in natural science. They were, besides Dr. Bigelow, Wm. S. Shaw, Octavius Pickering, Dr. Walter Channing, Ezekiel D. Cushing, La Fayette Perkins, Dr. Geo. Hayward, Nathaniel Tucker, J. Freeman Dana, John W. Webster, and 1 Vol. 1x, 335. 4 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Dr. John Ware. Dr. Channing was chosen Chairman, and Dr. Bigelow Secretary, and a committee, composed of Dr. Bigelow, Mr. Pickering, and Dr. Hayward, was appointed to draft a Constitution for the Society, which they called the New England Society for the Promotion of Natural History. Two days after they met again by adjournment, and the Constitution reported by the Committee was read, discussed, and adopted. Among its provisions are some which may interest readers of the present day. The 1st article provides that the Society shall consist of Immediate, Associate, Honorary, and Corresponding Members. The 2d, that the officers shall consist of a President chosen from the Honorary or Immediate Members; Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Cabinet Keeper, who shall be chosen from the Immediate Members. The 11th, that there shall be a meeting once a week. The 12th, that any Immediate Member who shall unnecessarily be absent three times successively, shall forfeit his membership. The 14th, that all specimens placed in the Museum shall be the property of the Society, and that no others shall have a place, except by express vote. The 17th, that no person shall be chosen an Immediate Member except by unanimous vote of all present; other members may be elected by a two-thirds vote, but none without nomination at a previous meeting. The 18th, that there shall be a Standing Committee of five members, chosen annually, to provide a suitable room for the collection, employ one or more persons for service, and draw on the treasurer for payment of the expenses thereby incurred, under such restrictions as the Society may from time to time make. The 19th, that each Immediate Member shall pay $5 annually. The 20th, that every Immediate Member absent from a stated meeting without excuse, shall be fined fifty cents. . Such articles have been quoted of the Constitution adopted as tend to show the animus of the members. Who can say that they were not thoroughly in earnest ? In subsequent proceedings of the Society it appears that fines were collected, undoubt- edly for absence without excuse; but there is no recorded instance of a member forfeit- ing his membership by unnecessary absence. It is not easy to understand the principle or the policy which dictated the selection in all cases of persons on whom was conferred Honorary, Corresponding or Associate Mem- bership. In numerous cases individuals were elected to the former who cannot be sup- posed to have manifested much interest in natural science, and who too were residents of Boston. They were distinguished perhaps as Doctors of Divinity, or as Doctors of Medi- cine, but neither then nor afterwards were known as Naturalists. Among the Correspond- ing Members are found the names of several residing in the immediate vicinity of Boston as Cambridge and Charlestown; which seems singular, for the perils of a Piao across the Charles, which at an earlier date might have made these ports appear distant, ideas eg ade ; Boer Lo then as now uniting the populations. But From the ‘aout it seems ‘Hat phe aera = fon eee cat aap ea after the formation of the Society, was about 20; of fhe Ho, seca aa as nal ? ; onorary, 19; of the Corres- BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 5 ponding, 68, and of the Associate, 24. It is not clear what privileges these last had as members of the Society, except the implied one that they were not subject to assessment. In the list of the early Corresponding Members, it is pleasant to find the name of Dr. William J. Walker, to whose great bounty the Boston Society of Natural History is indebted for its present standing among the leading scientific societies of the world, if not for its very existence; for there is much reason for the opinion that had the Society con- tinued dependent on the voluntary labors of its members as would necessarily have been the case without his help, it would have met the fate of the majority of the societies of natural history, which have been formed under apparently favorable auspices, have flourished for a time, and then faded out of existence. But more of this when his large benefactions to the Boston Society of Natural History are mentioned in the course of this history. It may be a matter of interest to the reader to have presented here some of the names of members connected with the Society, particularly of such as afterwards distinguished themselves in their several callings, or at a subsequent period became active members of the Boston Society of Natural History. Among them may be found : — As Immediate Members : Dr. Jacob Bigelow.. Francis C. Gray. Dr. John Randall. Dr. Walter Channing. Dr. Ged. Hayward. Dr. John Ware. , Benj. A. Gould. Octavius Pickering. Dr. John W. Webster. As Honorary Members: Hon. John Davis. Rev. James Freeman. Rev. John Prince. Hon. John Lowell. Prof. Wm. D. Peck. Rev. J. Lathrop. Hon. Christopher Gore. Rev. Manassah Cutler. Rev. J. T. Kirkland. Dr. John Jeffries. Dr. John Warren. As Corresponding Members : Nathaniel Bowditch. Prof. Benj. Silliman. 8. G. Perkins. Josiah Quincy. Robert. Hare. Dr. E. Hale. Dr. W. J. Walker. Prof. Parker Cleaveland. Thomas H. Perkins. Benjamin Pierce. As Associate Members : Joseph Tilden. Rev. Wm. Ellery Channing. Dr. Geo. C. Shattuck. Dr. J. C. Warren. Wn. Minot. Rey. Edward Everett. Dr. James Jackson. Richard Sullivan. Nathan Hale. Francis Boott. The first officers elected were John Davis, LL.D., President. Wn. S. Shaw, Vice-President. Jacob Bigelow, Corresponding Secretary. George Hayward, Recording Secretary. Octavius Pickering, Treasurer. John W. Webster, Cabinet-Keeper. On December 29th, in accordance with a vote previously passed, the several members having specimens to present to the Society towards the formation of a museum brought them forward, and it is recorded that a considerable collection was made. 6 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At a meeting held January 14th it appears that much dissatisfaction was expressed at the name of the Society, and it was therefore voted that each member should propose in writing at the next meeting such name as he judged the most suitable. When the Society again met, on the 21st of January, 1815, the members, after due consideration, unani- mously Voted, That the Society shall be called the Linnean Society of New England. To understand the spirit and do justice to the labors of the active members of this Society, let us look a little into their proceedings of the first year. February 4th it was voted that each member shall, if possible, prepare some animal in the course of the week and present it to the Society at the next meeting. In the record of a following meeting it is stated that a considerable number of animals were presented to the Society, all of which had been prepared by the members in the course of the week. Whether these animals were of the dimensions of elephants or mice is not stated. At the same meeting the Recording Secretary was requested to draw up some popular directions for the preservation of specimens in Natural History, to be given to masters of vessels and others, and to report at the next meeting; and at the next meeting a circular letter was presented containing such directions. This was ordered to be printed. The subjects brought before the members did not always pertain to natural history. At a meeting on March 4th a paper by the Hon. John Lowell was read, “On the resemblance between certain customs of the modern Italians and ancient Romans.” It was voted to copy it into the common place book of the Society. Besides the weekly meeting it was decided to hold once a quarter a general meeting, to which should be invited the Honorary, Corresponding and Associate Members, and at each such quarterly meeting a paper by some person appointed at the preceding meeting should be read on some subject connected with the pursuits of the Society. The first of. these quarterly meetings was held on the 21st of June, and Judge Davis delivered what the record of that date states to have been “an elegant address on the advantages of natural history and the objects of the institution.” At the regular meeting held a few days afterwards, Dr. Randall, as the text expresses it, was unanimously chosen to perform at the -next quarterly meeting. It was also voted that on the next Wednesday, the 28th of June, the day appointed by the Constitution for the Annual Meeting, the Society should dine together at Richards’ in Brookline. In accordance with this vote, the Immediate Members met at Brookline and after trans- acting the business of electing officers for the year, they dined together, the record states, in company with the Hon. John Lowell and Hon. Josiah Quincy. This combination of scientific pursuits with feasting is not mentioned as a peculiarity of the members of this pioneer society, and even in later days it has not been found disagreeable or unprofitable. In some degree these Annual Meetings partook of the character of what has been more recently called in some of our societies “Field Days”’, for they were held at some selected place in the country, and a portion of the day was employed in obtaining specimens. Thus, at the first meeting, it is mentioned that “after dinner the members divided them- selves into several parties for the purpose of making an excursion in search of specimens BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 7 in the several branches of natural history.” Towards evening it is further said: “they returned to town after having passed a delightful day.” Presentations of objects of natural history are frequently mentioned as having been made to the Society during the year, and sometimes those of other character, as for instance a likeness of Mr. Roscoe, of Liverpool, presented by Mr. Francis Boott. In June, the Society was the recipient of two living tigers, presented by Capt. Stewart, of the United States frigate Constitution. Whether it was more fortunate in receiving or losing them, it is now impossible to say; certain it is, they were by some means lost, and a Mr. Savage was held accountable; for in February, 1818, the record states that “a settlement was effected with Mr. Savage for the loss of the Brazilian tigers, which were presented to the Society by Capt. Stewart of the Navy,” and it subsequently appears that the treasurer was authorized to pay out of the money received from Mr. Savage, rent due by the Society. At the second Quarterly Meeting of the year, held in September, Dr. Randall read an interesting paper on the history and medical properties of the native plant Triosteum perfoliatum. In October, the Museum was arranged into several departments, and members were allotted to take charge of them, as follows: 2First division of Minerals. . Dr. Randall. Amphibia. . ‘ . Mr. Gould. Second “ « . Dr. Channing. First division of Insects . Mr. Pickering. “Third ct & . Mr. Dana, Sen. Second “ « a . Mr. Dana, Jr. ‘Plants. . . . . Mr. Tucker. Third “ “ « - Mr. Codman. ~Mammalia . . : . Dr. Bigelow. Shells . 2. . Mr. Gray. ~pirds . ; ‘ : . Dr. Cushing. Zoophytes, &e. : . Dr. Hayward. Fishes . ‘ ‘ F . Dr. Ware. In November, a paper was read by Dr. Goodwin of Sandwich, on tadpoles found there In December, Dr. Channing was requested to make up, from the duplicates, a box of minerals, and send to France, for exchange, and the Vice President was requested to use his exertions to procure a moose for the Society. Professor Cleaveland of Bowdoin College, a distinguished mineralogist, had been invited to deliver the quarterly address in December, but unable to visit Boston, was obliged to decline, and no address was delivered. It has been thought well in view of the lesson to be derived from the experience of this Society, to give at some length an account of the proceedings of this first year of its existence with the intention of being more brief in mention of subsequent proceedings. Enough is known of the character and ability of the members of the Society, and enough has been shown of their devoted zeal in its service, to satisfy all that if ultimate success did not crown their efforts, the fault was not so much in them, as in the fact, that more was undertaken for accomplishment through voluntary labor, than can ever be expected from men however zealous, who are engaged in professional or business life. The second year of the Linnzwan Society was marked by the same manifestation of zeal on the part of the members as was shown during the first. From the assessment of the members enough was raised to pay for some professional labor, and an artist, so called, was hired, who probably could mount specimens; as in January,a committee was appointed to 8 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE procure animals, that he might find employment in preparing them. In February the room in which the cabinet was kept being unsatisfactory, one was hired over Boylston Hall, where the collection was placed, and where meetings were subsequently held. The Museum of the Society was opened to the public every Saturday afternoon. In all the months of this year valuable donations of specimens were received. Among others specified may be mentioned a living bear, presented by Commodore Chauncy of the navy; a miscellaneous collection of objects of natural history from Bowdoin College; a valuable collection of birds from Africa; besides cases of insects, handsome minerals and beautiful shells and corals, from other donors. The meetings were well attended, and there appeared throughout the year no loss of interest on the part of the members. The annual meeting was held at Fresh Pond Hotel, Cambridge, and the attendance was general on the part of the members. Judge Davis presided, and the day being pleasant, all found great enjoyment in excursions and in amusements until dinner, which they partook of together, returning to town in the evening. In August Dr. Bigelow gave an interesting account of an expedition, undertaken by himself, and the other members of the Society, for the purpose of visiting the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Being equipped, as he states, with proper instruments, the height of the mountains was ascertained more accurately than it ever had been. His estimate of the height is not mentioned. Particular attention, the record states, was given to the mineral, animal, and vegetable specimens that were found in the mountains, and the whole paper abounded with curious facts and ingenious observations. All who in subsequent years had the pleasure of intercourse with Dr. Bigelow, need not be assured of the interesting character of the paper presented by him to those who were favored by hearing it. It would, undoubtedly, be read with great interest now, notwithstanding the general knowledge prevailing relative to the region mentioned. The Society increased in numbers during the year, and there appeared no loss of interest on the partof the members. Save a few lines found in the report of one of the meetings in September, everything denoted great prosperity. But these few lines are enough to suggest to those of a later day, conversant with the history of natural history societies, the probable decay at a not distant time, of that zeal and interest so marked at this period. They may be found in the report of a committee appointed to obtain from the Legislature an act of incorporation. This report declares it inexpedient to petition at present, provided our expenses can be defrayed until we are united with the Athenzwum. This is the first expression in the records implying what, alas, the history of most natural history societies shows to be inevitable when sustained only by the voluntary labors and assessments of members, and dependent on the uncertain contributions of friends; lack of adequate means for the care and preservation of the rapidly augmenting collections and consequent disaffection. We ne aes see, that notwithstanding the strenuous exertions of the cious and abundant success in collecting speci i i i : . disposition to unite with Bee acer ead RS cee oa Stee ie 8 own identity ; or, failing this, to dispose of its collections in a way that would not have been considered for a moment at an earlier period. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 9 The time, however, has not arrived to dwell upon anything not agreeable in the record of the devoted workers of the Society. The Recording Secretary appears to have been quite elated at the progress made, for he writes in October: The zeal and activity of the members seem to be unabated, and if the collection continues to increase for a few years in the same proportion, it will surpass every establishment of the kind in the United States, and almost rival those of Europe. The close of the year shows no less activity. In December a valuable paper was read by Dr. John Ware. Large and valuable specimens were set up under the superintendence of the committees, and arrangements were made, as the record states, for labelling all the birds, beasts and fishes belonging to the cabinet. A committee was also appointed to see what could be done in relation to furnishing permanent apartments for the collection of the Society, which implies, probably, that it had increased to a size rendering more room necessary for its accommodation. 1817. Judging by the records of this year’s doings alone, it might be thought that all was well with the Society, and that its continued existence and progress were secure. Donations continued to pour in, many of a very valuable character. Among them may be noticed a fine American elk, which is mentioned as one of the most interesting and valuable animals which our country affords. There seems certainly to have been no fears of calamity, for in the early part of the year a fine specimen of a female moose, from Maine, was purchased, and the hope is expressed that another year a male may be obtained, together with a reindeer, which. the Secretary states will make complete the collection of the deer of the United States. Arrangements were also made with Capt. Waterman to procure specimens of natural history from the coast of Africa. The annual meeting was held at Brookline, where the members, as usual, sat down to dinner. Valuable papers were presented, one on the mineralogy and geology of Cambridge and its vicinity, by Mr. 8. L. Dana, Jr., containing, it is stated, “ unquestionably more accurate information.on the subjects upon which it treats than has ever before been communicated ;’ one on the luminous appearance of the sea, translated from the Transactions of the Swedish Academy by Judge Davis; and one on the medical properties of Phytolacca decandra, by Dr. Hayward. It is distinctly mentioned by the Secretary, in June, that the usual business of collecting and preserving specimens had been regularly attended to. On the 18th of June, Dr. Channing delivered an address. Ata previous meeting of the Society it had been voted to call a public meeting of the members, each of whom should have the privilege of inviting others to be present on this occasion, which was made one of great interest, many of the leading men of the state and city being present. Among them, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Council, members of the Senate, and many ladies. The whole company were surprised at the size of the collection, and highly pleased with its general order and neatness. At twelve o’clock the address was given, which was upon the importance of literature and science, particularly to the people of New England. The claims of the Society to the patronage of the public were urged with great force and ingenuity. A sketch of the progress of the institution from its first foundation was given, and statements made showing the rapid growth of the cabinet. 10 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The interest excited by this meeting gave the Society reason to believe that the importance of its work was fully appreciated, and that the public already felt disposed to protect and patronize it. It is sad to think how soon the hopes excited by the feeling manifested at this meeting were doomed to fade away. Soon after this meeting, wonderful stories were circulated concerning a strange marine animal, said to have been seen in the harbor of Gloucester, and a special meeting of the Society was called for the purpose of taking measures to obtain information. Judge Davis, Dr. Bigelow, and Mr. Gray, were constituted a committee to write to, and have depositions taken of, all who had seen the animal. The committee reported, in September, that they had no doubt of the existence of an animal of extraordinary appearance and enormous dimensions, as there were many credible witnesses. They expressed the hope of getting more information soon. In October, a very full report was made upon what was now designated as the sea serpent, and an account was also given of a small one, probably, the record says, of a “spawn,” that had been taken at the water’s edge. The committee were of the opinion that these animals were of a genus wholly unknown to naturalists, and they designated them under the name of Scoliophis, from the singular curvatures of the spine, by which they possessed a vertical motion. To this they added the specific name Atlanticus. It is a subject of great regret, the Secretary wrote, that all the efforts that were made to take the great serpent proved wholly ineffectual, notwithstanding the zeal and activity of his pursuers. 1818. We have thus a traced the history of this Society from its formation, have dwelt upon the evidences of its rapid progress, and have had brought before us accounts of its great acquisitions, through which it had become possessed of a collection which, in the language of its Secretary, seemed likely to surpass any one of like character in this country and even rival the great collections of Europe. Henceforth we shall find evidence of declining vigor on the part of the Society as such, notwithstanding great struggles on the part of many of its members to sustain it and give it renewed activity; we shall see the interest in its meetings rapidly wane, and its valuable cabinet becoming ruined for the want of proper care; we shall see that even the hope for continued existence is giving place to utter despair, foreboding dissolution. In January a committee was appointed to make propositions to the trustees of the Atheneum for a union of the two institutions, and if this could not be effected, to report what measures should be taken for the preservation of the cabinet. Meetings were held in the succeeding months, but not with so much regularity as_here- tofore. At one of the meetings a valuable paper was read by Dr. J. W. Webster on the mineralogical character of the Island of St. Nicholas, which he had lately visited. This seems to have been the only paper brought forward during the year. The Immediate Members made an excursion up the Middlesex Canal, upon invitation of Mr. J. L. Sulli- van, and they dined together at Woburn, — their last dinner as a society. ? Report of a Committee of the Linnwan Society of New 52 pp. See remarks by Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Proc. Bost. England relative to a large marine animal, supposed tobe a Soe. Nat. Hist., 1x, 245. Serpent, seen near Cape Ann, Mass. Boston, 1817. 8vo. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 11 1819. During this year the meetings were not held with any regularity. Attempts were made to take charge of and preserve the specimens, but without success, and the members had the mortification of seeing a museum going to decay that had cost them so much labor and expense; but it seemed inevitable. They were mostly engaged in profés- sional pursuits, and of course could not give their personal services to the preservation of the collection; and the funds of the society were not sufficient to hire any one perma- nently. 1820. Things remained in this condition until March, 1820, when a meeting was called for the purpose of considering the expediency of disposing of the collection. It was then voted, that if one hundred dollars per year could be obtained for ten years, the members would renew their efforts to preserve the institution. In April it was reported that enough had been subscribed, and more, for the preser- vation of the collection. This seemed for a time to revive hope and inspire interest. Amendments were made to the Constitution, and a committee was appointed to attend to the preservation of the collection. A number of new members were elected. In May, committees were chosen to examine and report upon the state of each depart- ment of the collection, and they were expected to attend at the hall of the museum every Saturday, from 3 to 6 o’clock. A committee was also appointed to petition the legisla- ture for an act of incorporation; evidence certainly of renewed hope. The Society became incorporated, and the first meeting under the act was held in June. Dr. Jacob Bigelow was elected President. In August a specimen of a seal and several minerals were presented, and in October there were many minerals added to the collection. In December a movement was made towards the formation of a library,.and in the following March (1821) rules and regula- tions were adopted for it. Notwithstanding, however, these signs of activity on the part of the Society, the records afford sufficient evidence of declining interest. The meetings were not well attended. Immediate Members resigned as such, and were made Associate Mem- bers, mainly for the reason that they could not attend to the duties of the former. 1822. In the early part of this year there yet appeared no evidence of yielding to the inevitable, and specimens, among them the bones of a camel, were received for the cab- inet with satisfaction and thanks. In August, however, we find that a committee had been appointed to consider upon the future disposal of the cabinet, which reported : “That it appears, by the resignation and non-attendance of members, that it has become burdensome to individuals of the Society. to support its meetings and collections as they have hitherto done; that it is expedient, therefore, to suspend its meetings and give up the room of the Society, and place the collection, or such part of it as can be preserved, in some place where it will occasion no further expense to the Society or its contributors ; that a committee be appointed to remove it from its present location and place it in the hands of any other person or persons who will afford suitable rooms for its reception, the preference being always given to a scientific corporate body; that the present funds of the Society be devoted to removing, securing and enlarging the collection, at the discretion of the committee.” ; This committee was made permanent, with directions to appoint a Secretary, and to call a meeting of the Society on the application of three members. 12 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The expression that the funds of the Society be devoted to enlarging as well as securing the collection denotes the existence of a vague hope at least of renovation. The election of officers was made, as in former years. 1823. In March of this year a meeting was called by the Society, and the committee appointed in August of the previous year relative to the collection reported, that they had offered the whole of it to the Boston Athenzeum, upon condition that suitable rooms should be provided for its reception and preservation, but that the Trustees had declined to accept it; that they had subsequently offered it to the Corporation of Harvard College or to the Board of Visitors of the Massachusetts Professorship of Natural History, who jointly accepted the offer, agreeing to erect a building for the collection and to grant to the mem- bers of the Society free access to the collection and to the Botanic Garden. This report after consideration was acted upon by a vote that the conditions on which the Corporation of Harvard College and the Board of Visitors of the Massachusetts Professorship of Natural History, propose to accept the cabinet of this Society, be acceded to; and the committee were requested to make the transfer. This was done, and the balance of cash in the hands of the Treasurer, $264.29, was also included in the transfer. A vote was finally passed that all subscriptions and assessments not collected be can- celled. Thus came to an end the Linnzan Society so far as exertion for the furtherance of the objects of its existence was concerned. It yet remained a corporate body, and years after, upon the formation of the Boston Society of Natural History, it was once more called together by its Secretary for the purpose of recovering if possible from Harvard College such part of the collection as yet remained worth removing, in order to present it to the new society. This reclamation was made on the ground that the College had failed entirely to comply with the conditions made at the time of the transfer; no building having been erected, and proper care not having been given for its preservation as a collection for promoting the study of natural history. In the sketch which follows of the doings of the Boston Society of Natural History, it will be found that very little of the really extensive and valuable collection of the Linnzan Society came into its possess- ion, though all that remained of it was given up by the College. It had gone to ruin for want of care, as hundreds of earlier collections had before it, and as hundreds will hereafter, if the views which the history of the Linnean Society are calculated to incul- cate do not prevail in their aims and purposes. That these views may be presented and dwelt upon has been the motive of giving so full an account of the doings of this Society, as its experience so well illustrates their truth. As stated in an earlier page, if success did not crown the efforts made by the members to build up a permanent institution, the fault was not so much in them, as in the fact that they undertook more than it was possible for men engaged in professional or business life to accomplish, however zealous and devoted they might be. The views referred to and which it is thought desirable to inculcate, may be given in a few paragraphs. They are not new, for the same ideas may be found expressed in an address delivered before the Linnean Society of London, in 1867, by its President, George Bentham, F.R.S., and also in an article by Dr. H. A. IIagen, published in the American Naturalist (Volume x, pp. 80 and 135). They are as follows: BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 13 No society organized for the pursuit of the study of natural history should undertake to form a large museum, unless it is endowed with means fully adequate for the constant care and preservation of its collections, either through support of the government, or from funded property that will yield income sufficient for such purpose. Large collections require enormous expense for preservation from destructive agencies, in the necessary supplies of jars, bottles, alcohol, and other articles absolutely required for use; and for the payment of competent curators; as experience demonstrates that none others than those who are paid for their services can be relied on to permanently do the work, without which, sooner or later, all there is destructible in a collection will certainly go to ruin. In the early period of an institution founded by voluntary effort and designed to be so sustained, the members, zealous and active, may for a time, and while the collection is not great, manage to arrange the specimens received, and keep them from destruction by care, but as the museum increases, this becomes onerous to them, and finally impossible. Its impending destruction discourages the members, and the society itself, unable to bear the necessary expense of preserving what they look upon as an important element of existence, is finally dissolved. A society of natural history not supported by government, and inadequately endowed, should never undertake to make more than a very limited collection of specimens, and these should be confined to such as illustrate the natural history of the immediate neighborhood, with perhaps a few others, typical specimens only, of forms found in distant regions. Where more than this is attempted by any society, continued existence and progress can only be predicted in case it possesses ample means to employ steadily ‘a sufficient number of capable- men to take charge of its museum, and exert a _ careful watchfulness over the specimens. No society can long exist that depends upon voluntary continuous labor on the part of its members, or on the voluntary subscriptions of its friends. Nor is the collection of an immense number of specimens in every department of nat- ural history a desirable thing for the general student. It is far more important that there shall be an epitome collection so arranged as to give elementary instruction to visitors who seek knowledge and to whom a great multitude of specimens might be confusing. Of course there is no objection to the largest collection of known species where there are abundant means to obtain and care for them, but an arrangement of such should always be preceded by a proper synoptical series; the latter for the instruction of the general student, the former for the use of advanced naturalists who need such collections for comparison. A large collection has the effect of attracting great attention, and the wondering thousands who are drawn by its exhibition to visit it daily or weekly, enjoy an innocent pleasure that is well worth providing for in all large communities, especially as the influence may often go far beyond gratifying curiosity. The collection of species local to the neighborhood, should perhaps be the aim of every society, as a knowledge of all the forms of life met in our daily walks is very desirable. Perhaps the experience of no society better illustrates the truth of some of these remarks than that of the Linnean Society. It was formed by men of more than ordinary ability, and in a community ready and willing to aid it by voluntary contributions. Its members were hard workers, and freely gave much time to its interests. But it had no funded 14 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE wealth and could not look to government for support. It flourished greatly for a consid- erable period and only showed signs of weakness when its rapidly increasing collections, garnered from every quarter of the globe, called for continuous labor and large expendi- ture of money. Engaged as the members were in professional or business occupations, they could not give the former, and they became tired of soliciting subscriptions to meet the latter. The result was inevitable. Tue Boston Soctety or NAturaAL History. In passing from the consideration of the doings, the experience and the dissolution of the Linnzean Society to a review of the history of the Boston Society of Natural History, the question naturally arises in the mind whether the new Society started under any better auspices, financially or otherwise, than the old, and if not, whether its aims and objects were so different as to render it less liable to ultimately meet with the same fate. A careful reading of its records fails to show that pecuniarily it was any better provided with means in the early period of its existence, or that its aims and objects or its proposed methods of action were in the least different from those of its unfortunate predecessor. This is especially noticeable, as among its earliest members are found the names of several who had been active in the Linnzean Society. As will be seen further on, the Society was at first dependent entirely on the annual assessment of its members; yet it proceeded at once to collect specimens for its museum without discrimination, thus involving itself in the same kind of expenditure for their arrangement and preservation. That it finally succeeded in establishing itself on a firm foundation will be seen to have been the result of fortunate circumstances that could not have been foreseen, much less depended upon, and without which success would probably have been impossible. The first meeting of such persons as favored the formation of a new society was held at the house of Dr. Walter Channing, February 9th, 1830. Dr. Channing was made Chairman, and Mr. Simon E. Greene, Secretary. A committee was appointed to recommend at a future day such measures as it should judge advisable for the formation of the Society, and for creating an interest on the part of the public in its objects. Dr. George Hayward, Dr. John Ware, Mr. Edward Brooks, Dr. Amos Binney and Mr. Geo. B. Emerson, composed the committee. It does not appear whether other persons were present than the seven named, as the number that met is not mentioned. Of those whose names appear, three were active members of the Linnwan Society, viz.: Dr. Walter Channing, Dr. Hayward, and Dr. Ware. There were two other original members of the new Society who had been active in the Linnwxan, viz.: John Davis, LL.D., and Mr. Henry Codman. Atameeting subsequently held, the date of which is not given, the committee made a report, which was adopted and a vote was passed, “That a Society on the plan proposed, be now formed,” and this was followed by the appointment of a committee to wait upon persons favorable to the objects of the Society and obtain their signatures ; with authority to call another meeting as soon as a sufficient number had subscribed. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 15 Such a meeting was called together on the 28th of April, and was held at the room of the Trustees of the Atheneum at 7 1-2 o'clock P. M. Dr. Channing was chosen Moderator, and Theophilus Parsons, Secretary. The names of the subscribers were read, anda sketch of rules and by-laws for the government of the Society presented for con- sideration. It was then Voted, That the name of the Society shall be The Boston Society of Natural History. Then followed discussion on the rules proposed, and finally a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and code of by-laws and to report at the next meeting. Dr. Binney, Dr. Hayward and Simon E. Greene were made this committee. Thus was formed this Society, destined to become one of the leading institutions of the kind in the world, into whose museum thousands would gather weekly for observation and instruction, and whose publications would be known and valued in every civilized community. The next meeting was held on May 6th, and the constitution and by-laws which had been proposed, after due consideration and with some amendments, were adopted. An adjournment for one week followed. On reassembling at the apnointed time the members proceeded to vote for officers and the following named persons were chosen to fill the positions designated : Thomas Nuttall, President. Geo. Hayward, First Vice-President. John Ware, Second Vice-President. Gamaliel Bradford, Corresponding Secretary. Theophilus Parsons, Recording Secretary. Simon E. Greene, Treasurer. Seth Bass, Librarian. CURATORS: Francis C. Gray, Edward Brooks, Amos Binney, Jr., Geo. B. Emerson, Walter Channing, Benj. D. Greene. Joseph W. McKean, Francis Alger, A committee was then appointed to make enquiries relative to the collection of the late Linnean Society, which had been presented to Harvard College upon certain conditions which had not beer complied with, and to learn whether the whole or any part of it could be obtained for the cabinet of this Society. No farther meeting is recorded until August 9, though the adopted by-laws required that one should be held on the first Thursday of every month. At this meeting it was announced that Dr. Nuttall had declined to accept the office of President, whereupon the members present proceeded to fill the vacancy, and Benj. D. Greene was unanimously elected. Thus was completed the organization of the Society, and we find that the Council, now composed of all the officers, proceeded at once to take active measures for the furtherance of its objects. The next day after the election of Mr. Greene, it held a meeting and appointed a committee to arrange for a course of lectures, to designate the lecturers, and to decide upon their compensation ; also one to procure rooms for the use of the Society. At the next meeting of the Council a week later, the committee on lectures reported in favor of a course of sixteen to be given besides an introductory lecture, and that tickets of admission be put at $3 each, 16 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE $5 for a gentleman and lady, and $2 for each person additional. The subjects proposed and the number of lectures to be devoted to each were as follows: Two on a general account of the Mineral Kingdom and Geology, particularly as connected with animal and vegetable remains; four on Anatomy and Physiology of the Vegetable Kingdom, with general account of the characters, relations, and uses of plants and their distribution ; two on Anatomy and Physiology of the Animal Kingdom, and of the principles upon which its scientific arrangement is founded, etc.; two on the Mammalia; two on birds; one on Reptiles and Fishes; two on Insects; one on Invertebrate Animals. Subsequently the Committee reported that they had decided upon the compensation for the lectures, and fixed it at $20 for each. The persons selected to deliver the lectures, and who accepted the invitations, were Dr. George Hayward, Mr. Thos. Nuttall, Dr. Gam- aliel Bradford, Dr. John Ware, Dr. Walter Channing, Dr. J. V. C. Smith and Dr. D. Hum- phreys Storer. The introductory lecture was free to the public. This course of lectures was commenced on the third Tuesday of October, and they were continued weekly. Where they were delivered, and by whom the introductory one was given, does not appear in the records. These lectures yielded a net profit of $174.58. Besides this course, there was another given under the auspices of the Society, before the close of the lecture season, by Mr. Nuttall, on Botany. This yielded $170, $100 of which was paid the lecturer and $5.50 for expenses; the balance, $64.50 going into the treasury. It will be recollected that in the sketch given of the closing proceedings of the Lin- nan Society, it was stated that as the Trustees of Harvard College had failed to comply with the conditions binding upon them in accepting the collection of that Society, re- clamation had been made with the purpose of presenting whatever might yet be of value to the Boston Society of Natural History. This had been done at the instance of several members of the latter society who had likewise been members of the former, and who reasonably felt aggrieved at the want of care shown for the collection by its possessors. One of these, Dr. Hale, remarked that “he felt it to be his duty as an officer of the Linnean Society, to express the opinion that something effec- tual should be done; that he would take the opportunity to again assert that Harvard University had forfeited all her right to the ,possession of the cabinet of the Linnean Society. The members of that Society were not so faithless to the cause they had espoused as to desert it. When few in numbers and burdened with heavy assessments, they had relinquished their rich collection to the Corporation of said University, that body having passed at a formal meeting a vote to erect a suitable building to preserve the collection, for the benefit of students in natural history. That agreement had not been complied with, no building had been erected, and the specimens were scarcely to be found. Justice to the members of the Linnean Society compelled him to make these observations.” It seems now but right to give here the remarks of one whose statement can be taken as authentic concernine the whole matter, as it furnishes more succinctly than anything else found, i full justification of the course taken in presenting the valuable collections of the Linnean Society to the College. Provision was made as far as was possible for its preservation, in BOSTON g@@PETY OF #ATURAL HISTORY. 17 placing it where it was thought it woul be of great service to students in Natural History. r The result of the application which was made to obtain for the Society whatever might be left of value may be given in the few words taken from the record of the Annual Meeting of the Society in May, 1832, which are as follows: “In the course of the year, an order was o¥tained from the President of Harvard College for the surrender of such articles a8 wight remain of the old Linnwan Society, in pursuance of which a quantity of refuse. meiter was sent to the Society’s room, but nothing of any considerable value was objipined.” “ Barly action was taken to render the monthly meetings interesting, first, by referring speimens presented to such Curators as were the most interested in the department to which they belonged, to report upon at the next meeting. This added much interest ,0 the proceedings, and led to better attendance. At that time, so little was known of ey of the objects now familiar to all in the collections of natural history, that many hich would now be received without remark, because of their well known character, excited not only much interest, but considerable discussion. It was at a time when a convoluted mass of chalcedony might have been seen in the Boston Museum, labelled petrified kidney, when at the store of a dealer in curiosities, within a stone’s throw of the hall of the Society, fossil corals were exposed for sale as petrified flagroot, when Ammonites ‘upon being discovered in the rocks were heralded in the papers as coiled snakes, ‘sometimes mentioned as being as large as cart-wheels, and exciting wonder in proportion ‘to their size. The writer well remembers receiving notice of a remarkable “ petrified “bug” in a museum at New Orleans, and upon its being procured and sent to him, finding it to be an excellent specimen of a Trilobite, originally, no doubt from the Trenton limestone of New York. Soon after the organization of the Society a room was hired for its use in the Athenzum building in Pearl street. Here its collections were deposited and here the meetings, after the first two, were held until more suitable accommodations were obtained three years afterwards. The early meetings took place in the evening, but subsequently for several years in the afternoon, sometimes at 3 and sometimes at 34 o'clock. They were held once a month until August, 1833, but after this time twice a month. In January, 1831, measures were taken to procure an act of incorporation for the Society, and in the same month, in view of the great lack of books on Natural History, it was Voted—That this Society considers a library of works essential to its success ; and funds were appropriated to purchase the best elementary books in the different branches of natural history. A Committee of the Council was also appointed at this time to apply to the Governor and his Council requesting that the gentleman making a Geological Survey of the State might furnish the Society with a suite of geological specimens. No further reference is made to this matter, and the request does not appear to have been favorably considered, as no such collection ever became the property of the Society. The State Collection itself, was, how- ever, deposited for several years in the Society’s rooms. A singular provision to obtain information was made in February, 1831, by a vote passed, which was in substance as follows: oo as 18 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE That a blank book be provided and placed on the table in which may be written queries on subjects of natural history by any member and such answers as may be given; unless the latter may be of considerable length, when they may he put on file. March 18, 1831. A special meeting of the Society was held to aceept the Act of Incor- poration, and to organize under it, which was done. The Constitution and By-laws were re-adopted, the only change made being that of providing that the Anmeal Meetings of the Society be held on the first Wednesday of May each year, and that stated meetings be held on the first Wednesday of every month. The same officers were elected the j~eceding year, excepting that Dr. Storer was chosen to fill the place of Theophilus Parsons Wio had resigned, and J. 8. Copley Greene was chosen Curator in the place of B. D. Greene elerted President. May 4, 1831. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution as re-adopted h March, the first Annual Meeting, so called, of the Society, was held on this day. As an. account of the receipts and expenditures during the period from its organization to this time may interest the present generation of members, the items are recorded and given in full. ReEceErrts: Admission of 75 Members . 3 s 5 ‘ 3 . $375.00 Tickets sold for Lectures . . i . ‘ 3 - 600.22 $975.22 EXPENDITURES: Compensation of Lectures . . . . : : 340.00 Fuel, Lights, Advertising and Printing Tickets for Lectures 86.20 Rent of Society Rooms ; F , : ‘ . 125.00 Fuel and attendance Society Rooms . é ‘ : : 7.00 Cabinets $170, and Chairs $14.77 : ‘ ‘ ‘ . 184.77 Other small bills . j . . ; F ‘ . - 57.67 $800.64 Leaving at disposal of the Society . . : : : : $174.58 The Society proceeded to the choice of officers for the year, and the following named gentlemen were elected : Dr. Benj. D. Greene, President. Dr. George Hayward, First Vice-President. Dr. John Ware, Second Vice-President. Dr. Gamaliel Bradford, Corresponding Secretary. Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Recording Secretary. Simon E. Greene, Treasurer. Dr. Seth Bass, Librarian. Curators : Francis C. Gray, Dr. Joseph W. McKean, Dr, Joshua B. Flint, Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., Rev. J. 8. Copley Greene, Dr. Augustus A. Gould. George B. Emerson, Francis Alger, To avoid frequent repetition the names of those elected each year will not be mentioned hereafter, except in a summary of the past officers of the Society at the end of this BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 19 sketch. The election at this time being the first under the act of incorporation, this list of those chosen is given in full. A letter was received at this time from Professor Edward Hitchcock, then engaged in making a Geological Survey of the State, requesting the aid of members of the Society in furnishing lists of the animals of Massachusetts, to be published with his report. The following were appointed by the Council to serve as requested: Thos. Nuttall and Simon E. Greene, on Ornithology ; Drs. John Ware and Joshua B. Flint, Mammalia; Dr. J. V. C. Smith, on Ichthyology; Drs. Bass, Storer, and Binney, on Mollusca; Drs. Harris and Gould on Entomology; Dr. B. D. Greene, on Zoophytes. They were to submit their reports to the Society. In July, 1831, the Committee on lectures reported that it was expedient to have fifteen, and the following gentlemen were invited to deliver them: Dr. George Hayward, the 2d, 3d and 4th, on the natural history of man; Dr. Joshua B. Flint, the 5th and 6th, on quadrupeds; Simon E. Greene, the 7th and 8th, on birds; Dr. McKean, the 9th and 10th on reptiles; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, the 11th and 12th, on shells; Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the 13th, 14th and 15th, on insects. Mr. Francis C. Gray was afterwards appointed to give the introductory one. . This course of lectures was given the ensuing season, but no record is found of the result. That it was pecuniarily unsuccessful is, however, clear from a statement made when the question of another series came up in the following February, to the purport that the failure was disheartening. In February, 1832, a proposal was received from Mr. Savage of the Savings Bank, for leasing a room in the building to be erected for that institution on Tremont street. This led to the appointment of a committee to confer with him, and finally to an arrangement by which the hall of the third story was engaged for the use of the Society. In February also, the committee on lectures reported that a course for the next season was absolutely necessary for the prosperity of the Society. They advised that seventeen should be given, and that Mr. Edward Everett be asked to deliver the introductory one ; that the price of tickets should be $2 for the single one, and $1 for each additional ; that the lecturers be requested to deliver them gratuitously; and that the whole arrangement for the course be to the important one of increasing the finances of the Society. The committee were instructed to engage Temple Hall for the lectures, and to make all necessary arrangements for their delivery. At a subsequent meeting of the Society, doubts were expressed relative to the success financially, of the proposed course for 1832-33, and apparently to ensure this it was voted to put the tickets at $1. Whatever the effect of this reduction may have been, it is certain, from the Treasurer’s report of the next year, that financially, the course was an exceedingly successful one, as it yielded a net profit of $720 to the Society. In March of this year, the committee on publication reported that it was expedient, to publish a Journal, but nothing appears to have been done towards carrying the recommendation into effect, until sometime after. The report of the committee shows, however, the feeling at this period relative to such publication. There seems to have 20 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE been for a considerable time an arrangement with the proprietors of Silliman’s Journal, by which some of the papers read before the Society and some of its proceedings appeared in that periodical. a At the annual meeting of May, 1832, the report upon the collection in the different departments stated that donations were withheld from the Society awaiting its having proper accommodations for their preservation and exhibition. At the election of officers the following changes were made: Dr. John Ware was chosen first Vice President, in place of Dr. George Hayward, resigned; Mr. Francis C. Gray was chosen second Vice President, in place of Dr. John Ware. Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., was chosen Treasurer, in place of Mr. Simon E. Greene, resigned; Mr. Charles Amory was chosen Librarian, in place of Dr. Seth Bass, resigned. Dr. Winslow Lewis, Messrs. Wil- liam B. Fowle, Clement Durgin, Dr. George W. Otis, were chosen Curators, inplace of Mr. F. C. Gray, Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., Rev. J. 8. Copley Greene, and Dr. Joshua B. Flint. As in the sketch of the Linnean Society the earlier proceedings were more fully described, so in the account of this Society they are given in greater detail than will be possible to accord to the subsequent records, consistently with proper limits. It has seemed well to dwell somewhat at length upon early transactions, in order that the reader may better understand the character and scope of the work undertaken by the first members, and the better appreciate their earnestness and devotion. To do full justice to their merits, it would be necessary to understand the great difficulty of procurmg any information upon many of the objects sent to the Society. It was sometimes impossible to make out their character, and often found indispensable to await the reception of works on natural history before any adequate idea could be expressed concerning them. Mr. Samuel H. Scudder, in a brief sketch of the history of the Society, given some years since, quotes what seems particularly appropriate to repeat here. One of the original members recalling, in after years, the success of their undertaking, wrote thus of the difficulties encountered : “At the time of the establishment of the Society there was not, I believe, in New England an institution devoted to the study of natural history. There was not a college in New England, excepting Yale, where philosophical geology of the modern school was taught. There was not a work extant by a New England author which presumed to grasp the geological structure of any portion of our territory of greater extent than a county. There was not in existence a bare catalogue, to say nothing of a general history, of the animals of Massachusetts, of any class. There was not within our borders a single museum of natural history founded according to the requirements and based upon the system of modern science, nor a single journal advocating exclusively its interests. “ We were dependent chiefly upon books and authors foreign to New England for our knowledge of our own zoology. There was no one among us who had anything like a general knowledge of the birds which fly about us, of the fishes which fill our waters, or of the lower tribes of animals that swarm both in air and in sea. “Some few individuals there were, distinguished by high attainments in particular branches, and who formed honorable exceptions to the indifference which prevailed ; but BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. a1 there was no concentration of opinions or of knowledge, and no means of knowing how much or how little was known. The laborer in natural history worked alone, without aid or encouragement from others engaged in the same pursuits, and without the approbation of the public mind, which regarded them as busy triflers.” In August of this year Dr. Martin Gay reported in reference to some objects which he had been requested to give an account of, that it was impossible to do so, because of the want of necessary books. In October the Council held a meeting for the especial object of arranging the Hall, which the Society was to occupy, for the Cabinet. In December, recognizing the importance of a permanent fund, it was voted in Council assembled—That all money received from Patrons and Life Members should be invested in bank stock for the purpose of creating one. Probably the most important event of the year was the election to membership of Mr. Ambrose 8. Courtis, whose subsequent benefactions were a great aid to the Society when, by reason of increased expenditure it had become considerably in debt, and when its efficiency seemed likely to be much impaired, to say the least, for the want of means to carry on its work. In March, 1833, the hall engaged for the Society over the Savings Bank in Tremont Street, being represented as ready or nearly ready for occupancy, a committee was appointed to remove articles to it, and in May following this committee reported that the cabinet had been transferred and would be arranged as soon as circumstances would admit. It was announced at the same time that the Historical Society had voted to deposit its collection of Natural History in the cabinet of this Society. Arrangements were made early in the year for a course of lectures in the winter of 1833 and 1834, and the committee having this business in charge, reported that Audubon would deliver the introductory one, that the Rev. Dr. Greenwood would give two ; Dr. Harris, three; Dr. Gould, one; Dr. Otis, one; F. C. Gray, one; and Dr. C. T. Jack- son, two. It was subsequently stated that as Mr. Gray had declined to serve, Dr. Bradford had been substituted in his place, and that he would give two lectures. The committee considered it expedient to pay $15 for each lecture. Dr. J. V. C. Smith, an active member of the Society, who had devoted much time to the study of fishes, and had made quite a large collection of them, offered to sell all that he possessed at a very low price, and a committee appointed for the purpose of considering the subject, having reported in favor of securing them for the cabinet, they were purchased for the sum of $100. The collection was contained mainly in 141 glass vessels, many having several specimens, and was generally in good condition. Besides the contents of the bottles, there were several dried preparations. At the Annual election of officers in May, Mr. Chas. K. Dillaway was chosen Librarian in place of Mr. Charles Amory, resigned, and Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Curator, in place of Mr. Clement Durgin, resigned. The president, B. D. Greene, at one of the meetings of the Council of the Society this year, expressed a strong desire that a fund of $5000 might be raised, the interest of 22 | HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE which should be devoted to paying the rent bills incurred by the Society. He wished that we might feel independent, and thought with such provision against indebtedness there would need be no doubt of success. He then pledged himself ready to furnish $500 for this object. Mr. Charles Amory likewise pledged himself to raise $400. Noth- ing further seems to have been done towards the creation of such fund. Pending the arrangement of the cabinet in the new hall, and the necessary prepar- ation for its use, meetings were not held in June or July of this year. The first meeting in the new hall was held on Aug. 7. The cabinet of the Society, increased by the collection purchased of Dr. J. V. C. Smith, had been fully arranged during the summer months. The magnificent collection of shells belonging to Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., and of minerals belonging to Dr. Chas. T. Jackson had also been deposited with the cabinet of the Society, and put on exhibition. Surrounded by such evidences of prosperity, the members might well feel gratified at what had been accomplished in the past, and reasonably hopeful for the future. They were rejoiced too, by the accession of a large number of specimens to the several departments of the Museum, that had long awaited a fitting place for their reception. Before adjourning, it was voted that hereafter meetings be held twice, instead of once a month, as heretofore. Accordingly on the 21st of August the second meeting for the month was held, and a large number of members were present. At this meeting an address was delivered before the Society by the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, commem- orative of the opening of their new hall. This very admirable address was published in full in the first volume of the Journal of the Society. As the first paragraph undoubt- edly expresses fully the feeling pervading the minds of all the members, it is quoted here. “With good cause, gentlemen, may we congratulate each other at this meeting, on our condition and prospects as a Society. This spacious and delightfully situated apartment; these neat and well contrived cases and tables, already exhibiting treasures, the lustre of which is more pleasant to the eyes of science than the shining of silver and gold; this convenient furniture; these ample accommodations—are all indubitable evidences of our improved, established, and promising state. Everything wears a congratulatory aspect. Our countenances are full of animation. Even the mute representatives from the several kingdoms of Nature, which here in new order surround us, seem to participate in our pleasure, and, rejoicing in their deliverance from the damp and obscure region in which they have been hidden, to bid us welcome to upper air, and the comforts of our present abode.” Another quotation from the address of Dr. Greenwood will find an appropriate place in this history, before its conclusion. It may be well to note, as showing the comprehensive ideas relative to the work of the Society, that a committee at this meeting was appointed at Dr. J. V. C. Smith’s desire, to consult with him upon the expediency of forming a zoological garden. Nothing of course could come from this under the cireumstances of the period, and the consum- mation of such a wish seems now but a remote possibility of the future. Action was taken at a meeting of the council in October of this year, which shows that as yet the public were not admitted to view the Society’s treasures, as a record BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 23 states that a vote was passed to allow those who purchased tickets to the lectures the privilege of visiting the Society’s cabinet one day each week. Early this year a committee was appointed to inspect the rock specimens and minerals collected by Dr. Hitchcock in making the survey of the State, and, if thought best, to petition the Legislature to allow them to be deposited with the collection of the Society. This was done, and for many years following the whole State collection arranged in proper order was on exhibition with that of the Society. 1834. In February, a very triumphant vindication, by the Rev. John Bachman, of the accuracy of the observations and truthfulness of the statements of the honored and beloved Audubon, written against attacks made upon his veracity which appeared in Loudon’s Magazine, was read before the Society, and subsequently published in the first volume of the Journal. It excited great interest at the time and was regarded as fully conclusive. At the annual meeting in May, the Curators reported that the collection contained of Mammalia, 14 perfect ligamentary skeletons, 34 crania, 15 pairs horns and many teeth ; of Reptiles, 16 Chelonia, 60 Ophidia, 52 Saurians; of Birds, 40 species; of Corals, 30 species; of Fishes, about 100 species, well preserved; of Insects, about 4000 species, of which 2000 were numbered per catalogue ; of Shells, 1600 to 2000 species; of Plants, about 800 specimens, nearly all from the neighborhood. Of the Insects it stated that the collection would soon surpass all in America. Before the election of officers, an alteration in the Constitution and By-laws proposed at a previous meeting was made, by which the office of Cabinet Keeper was created. His duties were defined to be the general charge of the rooms of the Society, that the contents be kept in the best order, that he should select a competent person as a porter, who should be under his immediate control, and that when convenient he should attend personally at the rooms upon days of public exhibition. Upon balloting, Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood was chosen Second Vice-President in place of Francis C. Gray, resigned; Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., Corresponding Secretary, in place of Dr. Gamaliel Bradford; Epes 8. Dixwell, Treasurer, in place of Dr. A. Binney, Jr.; Dr. J. B. 8S. Jackson, Curator, in place of Francis Alger, resigned ; Estes Howe, Cabinet Keeper. In October, the committee on lectures for the season reported that Professor Hitchcock of Amherst, Rev. F. W. 2. Greenwood, and Dr. Flint, had been chosen to deliver them, and they advised that $20 be paid for each lecture. This programme was probably carried out as there is no mention to the contrary. In November, Dr. Ware suggested applying to the Legislature for a grant in aid of the objects of the Society, and a committee was appointed to ask it. The result of this was a subsidy of three hundred dollars per annum, for five years, granted by the State, payment of which commenced in 1845. 1835. At the first meeting of the Society m January, the members were cheered by the announcement that one of their number who was in Europe, Mr. Ambrose §S. Courtis, had provided in a will made by him that the Society should receive certain sums for specific purposes amounting in all to $15,000, and that to ensure the reception of a part of it soon, he had forwarded an order for the immediate payment of $2000. This amount was received by the Society. It is painful to add, considering the Society’s financial condition, that this whole sum was lost by the failure of a bank in which it was deposited. There were conditions annexed to the benefaction of Mr. Courtis, which were not entirely 24 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE satisfactory, and a committee was appointed to correspond with him and suggest some modification of them. Up to this time the meetings of the Council had not been held regularly, but only as occasion seemed to require. It was now, January 7th, voted that they be holden twice each month, immediately after the regular meetings of the Society. At the annual meeting in May, it was reported that besides the $2000 cash before mentioned, a note payable in five years for a like amount had been received from Mr. Courtis, It was also reported that the usual success did not attend the lectures of the last season, the expenses having exceeded the receipts, $177.05. The first ‘‘annwal” so called, issued by the Society, embracing the address delivered by the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, upon opening of the new hall; Remarks in defence of the Author of the Birds of America, by the Rev. John Bachman; Description of a Gibbon, by Winslow Lewis, M. D.; Cicin- delae of Massachusetts, by Augustus A. Gould, M. D.; and observations on a shell in the cabinet of the Society, supposed to be identical with the Murex aruanus of Linnaeus, by Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., was reported to have paid for itself the first year. These papers compose part first of the first volume of the Journal of the Society. At this meeting the Annual Address was delivered by Dr. Walter Channing. It is thus spoken of in the record. “Dr. Channing laid the Society under great obligation by an exceedingly well-timed and interesting address. The objects and progress of the Society, its wants, its claims upon the members and the community at large, the reasons why it should live and flourish; all these considerations were dwelt upon with an earnestness and enthusiasm which could not but produce a corresponding impulse in the minds of his hearers.” The thanks of the Society were voted to Dr. Channing, and he was requested to deposit a copy of his discourse with its papers, for the use of the members. In a revision of the proceedings of the Society published some years later than this period, the statement is distinctly made that this address of Dr. Channing, which was highly commended by those who heard it, was printed, but a copy has been sought in vain. Unfortunately the manuscript itself cannot be found in the archives of the Society, which is the more to be regretted as it is supposed to have embraced matter con- nected with its early history, that would have been interesting to present in these pages. The only changes made in the officers this year were as follows: Dr. N. B. Shurtleff was chosen Cabinet Keeper, in place of Estes Howe, resigned; Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, Mr. J. E. Teschemacher, and Dr. Martin Gay, were elected Curators in place of Mr. William B. Fowle, Dr. George W. Otis and Dr. Joseph W. McKean. In June of this year the curators agreed among themselves to each take charge of sep- arate divisions of the cabinet. The curatorships were not assigned to special departments until three years later. A solar microscope was received this year from Europe, the gift of Mr. Ambrose §. Courtis, who purchased it for presentation to the Society. This was put on exhibition for its benefit, the members only being admitted eratis. In October the exhibition having ceased to be remunerative was closed, In August, the committee on lectures reported that they BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 25 had been disappointed in every way, and had not been able to ‘obtain a single lecturer. At a subsequent meeting, Dr. Gould expressed his unwillingness that the lectures should be entirely omitted, and offered himself to give a course on Botany in the Spring. The offer was accepted and a committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements. 1836. In April of this year, considerable discussion took place relative to the means of paying the debts of the Society, and it was unanimously voted at a Council Meeting to expend the money received from the State towards this end. At a meeting this month it was announced that no one had accepted an invitation to deliver the annual address, and it was therefore voted to omit it and have the report of the Curators substituted. The Annual Meeting was held May 4, the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood in the chair. From the Treasurer’s report at this time, the liabilities of the Society were shown to be $1476.76 with a cash balance of only $56.69 in his hands, and but $527 due it from members, much of which might not be realized. The Courtis Fund was stated to be intact and amounting to $2057, invested in Fulton and Granite Bank stocks. The officers of the previous year were re-elected, with the following exceptions: Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood was chosen first Vice President, in place of Dr. John Ware, re- signed; Dr. Walter Channing, second Vice President, in place of Rev. F. W. P. Green- wood; Dr. Martin Gay, Recording Secretary, in place of Dr. D. Humphreys Storer ; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Curator, in place of Dr. Martin Gay. The thanks of the Society were presented to Dr. Storer, the late Secretary, for the great zeal, accuracy and fidelity which he had manifested in its behalf since the establishment of the insti- tution. The Cabinet of the Society had been enriched by the addition of the skeleton of an elephant that had died in a menagerie. The bones were stored and bleached in the house of Mr. James Blake, and a vote of thanks was passed to him for his great kindness in allowing this, and for the care shown by him in their preservation. To the skill and labor of Dr. Shurtleff the Society was indebted for putting them together and forming the perfect skeleton. The Committee on lectures reported in August that it was not expedient to have a course of lectures during the coming season. At a meeting held Dec. 7, Mr. Epes S. Dixwell resigned the office of Treasurer, and Mr. Ezra Weston was elected to fill the vacancy thus created. 1837. The Legislature of the State was invited to visit the rooms of the Society. In February of this year, a letter having been written to the Legislature recommending a re-survey of the State, and that a collection of the plants and animals should be made under the charge of the Boston Society of Natural History, a Committee was appointed by the Society to meet a Committee of the House, to whose consideration the subject had been given. In April, the Legislature authorised the Geological Survey by Prof. Hitchcock, and the following persons were commissioned subsequently to report upon the Botany and Zoology of the State: George B. Emerson, President Boston Society of Natural History Chester Dewey, Professor of Botany in the Berkshire Medical Institute ; Ebenezer Emmons, M. D., Professor of Natural History in Williams College ; Rev. William B. O. Peabody, of 26 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Springfield; Thaddeus W. Harris, M. D., Librarian Harvard University ; D. H. Storer, M. D., Curator of Boston Society of Natural History; Augustus A. Gould, M. D., Curator of Boston Society of Natural History. These gentlemen met, and it was arranged among them that Professor Emmons should undertake to report upon Mammalia; Rev. Mr. Peabody, upon the Birds; Dr. Storer, upon Fishes and Reptiles; Dr. Harris upon Insects, Dr. Gould, upon Mollusca, Crusta- cea, and Radiata; Professor Dewey, upon the Herbaceous Plants; and Mr. Emerson upon the Trees and Shrubs. The Reports presented to the Legislature were published in 1839-1846. It will be remembered that in January, 1835, the announcement was made to the members that Mr. Ambrose S. Courtis had provided in a will that the Society should receive certain sums for specific purposes, amounting to $15,000, and that prepayment had been directed by him of $2,000 of that amount. A copy of the will had been forwarded by him for examination by the Society, and a committee on its part had been appointed to suggest some modifications of its provisions. It is not known whether the matter received his attention. Possibly his change of residence from place to place delayed the reception by him of the communication of the committee until increasing illness prevented consideration of it. Intelligence of his death was received a few months after. What is known of this early benefactor of the Society is but meagre. It will however be read with grateful interest, Mr. Ambrose Stacy Courtis, for that was his full name, was born in Marblehead, Mass., on March 1, 1798. He received only a common school education, but early acquired a taste for literature and science, which often manifested itself in his subsequent life. Upon leaving school he entered a country store of his native place, and there was ac- customed to devote all the spare time he had to classical and scientific studies. He afterwards came to Boston, and entered into partnership with Mr. Samuel Johnson, the firm being Johnson & Courtis. The business was that of wholesale dry goods. While actively engaged in that occupation, he kept up his interest in other pursuits, devoting much spare time, as when at Marblehead, in reading works upon his favorite pursuits. He accumulated property, but his health became impaired. In 1834, he retired from the firm of which he was a member, and travelled in Europe, hoping to regain his strength. In this he was disappointed, and he finally died in Greece, August 27, 1836. His remains were brought home and buried at Mount Auburn. On a tablet in the vestibule of the Museum, may be found the following inscription : TO AMBROSE S. COURTIS MERCHANT OF BOSTON WHOSE GENEROUS BEQUEST IN 1888 WAS FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS ITS CHIEF SUPPORT THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION APRIL 28 1880 GRATEFULLY INSCRIBES THIS TABLET BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 27 There seems to have been some anxiety on the part of the Society relative to the will -of Mr. Courtis. In February of this year, ata meeting of the Council, extracts were read and considered, and finally a committee was appointed to take charge of the matter with power to take legal measures if necessary to protect the Society’s interests. At the Annual Meeting in May, the Rev. Hubbard Winslow delivered an address on the relation of natural science to revealed religion, which was subsequently published by the Society. It is spoken of in the records as an ingenious, eloquent and fervid address. The Treasurer’s report at this meeting shows the Society had on hand but $180.17, whilst it owed a note for $677 with 10 months interest. No money had been expended on the library during the year, and the need of a fund for the purchase of books which were indispensable for progress was strongly felt. Dr. Storer reported upon the state of the collections, giving a very elaborate account of the condition of every department, with notice of the many valuable additions made to it during the year. The most important acquisition was that of the great collection of insects purchased of Professor Hentz, the entomologist, then residing in Florence, Alabama. This was the fruit of seventeen years labor in this field of study, and was undoubtedly one of the best collections extant. Professor Hentz was very desirous that the whole collection should be possessed by some society of similar character to our own, rather than that it should be sold abroad. He had previously offered it to Harvard College, together with his ento- mological books, for $1600, but the offer had been declined. Professor T. W. Harris, then Curator of the Entomological department of the Society, interested himself in obtaining subscriptions in its behalf, and after much exertion, obtained in this way enough to secure the collection, and also such portion of the library of Professor Hentz as was most needed for our Society. The insects alone cost $550, the books $200, and other incidental expenses, $39, making in all $789. The principal donors to the fund were Dr. B. D. Greene, Dr. James Jackson, Dr. George C. Shattuck, Hon. Francis C. Gray, Hon. Jonathan Phillips, Dr. John Randall, the Hon. David Henshaw and an anonymous person who gave $250 of the amount. The collection contained, by the count of Dr. Harris after arrival, 14,126 specimens, of which 12,811 were American, and 1315 foreign. There had been much delay in responses to the application for subscriptions, and Dr. Harris was annoyed in consequence. In mentioning the great accession to the cabinet at the annual meeting, he expresses himself thus: “I congratulate the society in the acquisition it has received, and although the tediously protracted negotiation has caused me much anxiety and vexation, and the small and lingering success which has attended my efforts in your behalf has subjected me to severe mortification and disappointment, I cannot but feel happy at the result. It is my hope that we shall have here in entomology, as well as in other depart- ments, a standard collection, rich in genera and species, as complete as possible in the productions of our own country, arranged and with the names affixed to every described species. Our museum then will be useful, not only to ourselves, but to all others who may wish to refer to well authenticated specimens, to remove their doubts or confirm their conjectures.” 28 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The reception and the magnitude of this collection has been particularly dwelt upon, because of what will follow in due time respecting its fate. It is necessary that there should be a proper appreciation of the value of this as well as of other important collections subsequently allowed to perish, in order that lessons may be derived from experience such as it is so well calculated to teach. Previous to the election of officers, the highly respected and much beloved President, Benjamin D. Greene, tendered his resignation, greatly to the regret of all. The following changes were made: Mr. George B. Emerson was chosen President, in the place of Dr. B. D. Greene, resigned ; Dr. Amos Binney, 2d Vice President, in place of Dr. Walter Channing, resigned; Mr. Epes S. Dixwell, Corresponding Secretary, in place of Dr. Amos Bmney; Dr. T. M. Brewer, Cabinet Keeper, in place of Dr. N. B. Shurtleff; Dr. N. B. Shurtleff, Curator, in place of Mr. George B. Emerson. In August of this year, Louis Agassiz was elected an Honorary Member, and in November, Jeffries Wyman was elected a resident member of the Society. These admissions are particularly mentioned, because of the great influence these -gentlemen afterwards exerted upon its welfare. As showing the financial trouble of the Society, it may be mentioned that at a meeting of the Council in November, it was reported that the rent of the hall, $150, was due in two days, and that there were only $50 on hand to meet the call. It was voted that the treasurer make the best arrangement in his power with Mr. Savage, respecting it. The Committee to whom the subject of lectures was intrusted, reported that several members of the Society had pledged themselves to bring forward at times such exercises upon the subject of natural history as they thought would be interesting to the public, and recommended that the members should have the privilege of attending these, and of introducing members of their families and strangers who might be in the city. The recommendation was adopted. This seems to have led not exactly to what was suggested, but to the admission of ladies of the members’ families and such others as they chose to invite, to the regular meetings ; for at the next one, held Dec. 20, the record states that the occasion being the first on which ladies had been invited, the President, Mr. Emerson, addressed the Society upon the subject of this invitation. He explained the objects of the Society somewhat at length, and said much to interest the audience in the study of natural history. He spoke of the many pleasures and benefits to be derived from some knowledge of Nature as shown in her works and operations, and concluded with some account of the advantage we have over the ancients in our more extended knowledge of these subjects. The admission of ladies seems to have had for a time considerable influence upon the attendance, as the number of members reported as present at this and succeeding meetings was much larger than had been usual. There was a gradual falling off how- ever, but how soon ladies ceased to attend is not mentioned in the reports of subsequent meetings. 1838. In January, the Council voted: That notice be given by written card posted up in the State House, that the Museum will be open every Wednesday, between 12 and 2 BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 29 o’clock, for visits from the public, and that the members of the Legislature be invited to examine it at those times. | By the advice of the Council, an alteration was made in the By-laws by which each Curator should have his particular department allotted him at the time of his election ; he to have the privilege of selecting from among the members of the Society a person to assist him in arranging and labelling the specimens. The Annual Address was delivered this year by Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, and was a very interesting and lucid discourse upon the various influences of the study of Natural History of Man, both in an individual and a social capacity. At the election of officers the following changes were made: Dr. Augustus A. Gould was chosen Recording Secretary in place of Dr. Martin Gay; Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Cabinet Keeper, in place of Dr. Thos. M. Brewer. The Curators were for the first time elected for special departments ; the following were chosen : Dr. N. B. Shurtleff, for Comparative Anatomy; Dr. Thos. M. Brewer, Birds; Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Reptiles and Fish; Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, Insects; Mr. J. E. Tesch- emacher, Botany; Dr. Chas. T. Jackson, Mineralogy and Geology, State Collection ; Dr. Martin Gay, Mineralogy and Geology, Society’s Collection. 1839. In January, 1839, the Legislature was formally invited to visit the collection during the hours when it was open to the public. Since occupying the hall in Tremont street, the library of the Society had been placed in cases much needed for portions of the cabinet, and the librarian having made a proposition to receive it into his room in Tremont Row, where the books could be kept together, and where access could be had to them at all times, and at all hours of every day; it was voted to accept the offer of the librarian, and that unoccupied cases in the attic over the hall be made use of by him for the reception of the books in his room. The necessity for more room for the increasing collection had become so great, that many claims were at once presented by the curators of several departments for the space about to be vacated by removal of the library, and-it became necessary to appoint a committee with power to assign it as they thought expedient. At the Annual Meeting this year, the Treasurer reported receipts amounting to $1337.18, and payments $1167.51, leaving on hand $169.67, with debts outstanding to the amount of $1001.96. The Report on the Cabinet stated that out of one hundred and twenty species of Massachusetts Fishes ninety were in the collection, and of the Reptiles every described species ; all in good condition. The Annual Address was delivered by Rev. John L. Rus- sell, on the pursuit and delight of the Study of Nature. At the election the changes made in the officers were as follows: Dr. Jeffries Wyman, chosen Recording Secretary, in place of Dr. Augustus A. Gould; Mr. John James Dixwell, Treasurer, in place of Mr. Ezra Weston ; Dr. Samuel Cabot, Jr., Cabinet Keeper in place of Dr. Jeffries Wyman ; Dr. Jeffries Wyman, Curator of Mammals, in place of Dr. Winslow Lewis; Mr. Thomas J. Whittemore, Curator of Mollusks (office not previously filled). 30 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE In June, at a meeting of the Council, it was voted that the Committee to whom was referred the affairs relating to the will of the late Ambrose S. Courtis, be authorized to complete the negotiations with the heirs of said Courtis on such terms as they may deem expedient, and to receive all money accruing therefrom, to be deposited in some bank for safe keeping. Before the close of the year, a settlement was made with the heirs of Mr. Courtis, by which they were to be released from all obligations, upon the payment of $10,250. For some reason not given, $10,000 were finally received. In October, Dr. Samuel Cabot resigned the office of Cabinet Keeper, and Mr. William I. Bowditch was elected to the position, but as he preferred a month later to have another substituted in his place, Dr. Samuel L. Abbot was chosen to succeed him. In November, a report was made upon the disposition of the money from the Courtis bequest, and the members, feeling now that they could reasonably expend some- thing towards meeting wants long felt: Voted, to procure such books as were most needed for the library. They also appointed a committee to make an estimate of the cost of mounting the Birds of Massachusetts in first rate order. In December, the librarian proposed that the meetings’ through the winter should be held once a week at his room opposite the hall, provided he should be made a life member, and the expenses of the lights and fuel be paid for by the Society. This offer was accepted, and the meetings were accordingly held there. It is pleasant to notice in looking over the proceedings of the Society, that it was enabled sometimes to aid others in scientific measures to serve the public, as it has often done in more recent periods. At one time we find Prof. Hitchcock appealing to it for information concerning soils; at another the specimens of the Cabinet were solicited by Prof. Silliman for use in illustrating his great course of lectures before the Lowell Insti- tute. It is unnecessary to add that these calls were cheerfully met. 1840. In February, of this year, the Society was saddened by the death of one of its original founders and most interested members, Mr. Simon E. Greene. This gentleman was a business man of great activity. In early years he was an officer in one of the city banks, but afterwards, and until the close of his life, was a broker in whom the utmost confidence was placed. All of his contemporaries represent him as a man high minded and honorable in all his dealings, and of much public spirit. He was a nephew of Gen. Simon Elliott, and from him derived his name. In the formation of the Society he was not only one of the original members, but was the secretary of the first meeting of gentlemen favorable to the formation of a society for the study of natural history, which was held at Dr. Walter Channing’s house. He was afterwards appointed, with Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., to call upon such persons as it was thought would like to be associated in the project and obtain their signatures. At the first election of officers for the new Society, Mr. Greene was chosen Treasurer, which office he held for two years, when he resigned, receiving the thanks of the Society for the services rendered by him. Ata meeting held February 12, the President feelingly alluded to the loss the Society had sustained, stating that Mr. Greene had a great love for the study of nature, more partic- ularly for the departments of Ornithology and Botany; that he had ever shown himself BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 831 one of the firmest friends of the Society, ready to assist and co-operate with others in times of need, and on all occasions manifesting a strong interest in its prosperity and usefulness. The following resolutions, offered by the President, were unanimously adopted : “ Resolved, that in the death of our late valued and honored associate, Simon Elliott Greene, we, members of this Society, feel that we have lost a firm, liberal, and enlight- ened friend. “That we cherish fondly in our hearts the memory of his many virtues as a generous friend, an honorable merchant, a perfectly upright and honest man; and that while we mourn over our loss, we deeply sympathize with those whose bereavement, from their nearer connection with our friend, is still more heavy than ours..’ Mr. Greene, though bearing the same family name, was not connected by ties of relationship with the President. His means were limited, but he manifested his continued interest in the Society by a bequest of five hundred dollars in money, a fine collection of about twelve hundred species of shells, and several works on natural history. In April of this year the meetings were resumed in the hall of the Society, and were continued weekly, as through the winter, until the Annual Meeting in May, after which they were held twice a month. At the Annual Meeting held May 6, Dr. C. T. Jackson, who presented the Reports of the Curators, after referring to the additions made to the Cabinet during the year, made some pleasant remarks relative to the Society, of which a few lines may be appropriately quoted: “We have now shown to the world that a Society of Natural History can be supported in Boston, and trust that the time is not far distant when the public generally will feel that the establishment of such a Society has contributed not a little to the general weal. Our hall is already crowded with visitors at such times as we throw open the doors for general admission, and there cannot be a doubt respecting the beneficial influence which is exerted by this institution upon the minds of its young visitors. Many a student in science will look back with gratitude to those objects in your collection that first attracted his attention to the delightful walks of Natural History.” The only change made in the officers of the Society at the election was in Mr. Marshall S. Scudder being chosen Curator of Birds, in place of Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, who resigned. The Curatorships of Comparative Anatomy and Mammals were united at this time, and Dr. Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, who had held that of the former, was chosen to fill that of the combined departments. Dr. Jeffries Wyman, who had been Curator of Mammals, retired. Let us now review briefly the history of the Society during the first ten years of its existence, touching upon some general points not hitherto presented. It will be well to do this at the close of each decade, as thus perhaps a better idea may be conveyed, not only of the progress of the institution during each period in material prosperity, but of the change in thought relative to its proper mission as an educational institution, and the means necessary for the accomplishment of its aims and purposes. 32 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Some statements have been made in the notices of the Annual Meetings, of the Treasurer’s reports showing excess of expenditure over receipts, and the fact of an accu- mulating debt which threatened seriously the welfare of the Society, notwithstanding the annual subsidy of $300 received from the State, and which was granted for five years. The Treasurer’s Report for the year ending May, 1840, will show the financial condition of the Society, at the end of the ten years of its existence. Its receipts for the year were as follows: From the previous treasurer ; ‘ : é : : - $150 00 Dividend on one share Granite Bank stock é ; : ‘ : 18 00 Annual and last grant from the State . F : : ; ‘ ; 800 00 Annual assessments and entrance fees. . F * ‘ ‘ ‘i 504 00 Borrowed from the Courtis Fund in order to pay off indebtedness of the Society . . 3 ‘ , “ : : ; ‘i . 800 00 ————— $1,772 00 Payments as follows : — Notes held against the Society and interest . e 4 : . $767 17 Rent and taxes due for rooms prior to the past year . ‘ ; ‘ 271 96 Amounts due incurred prior to year. ‘ . j : : ‘ 51 25 Whole debt paid . : : - : : : ; : - 1,090 38 Books added to library : ar, : ‘ i i ‘ . $25 72 Rent and taxes of Society’s apartments. = oe : : - 280 51 Printing and advertising. : : 5 ‘ ‘ i é . 32 77 Miscellaneous expenses of cabinet : 3 ‘ ; ‘ ‘ : 10 00 Current expenses of the cabinet . ‘ : . ‘ ‘ ; ‘ 89 42 Entomological cabinet . ‘ ‘ : ‘ ‘ ‘ , : : 50 00 Care and attendance on the room, fuel, &e. ‘ : i ‘ ‘ 90 47 Expense altering shell-cabinet . : . : ‘ : . ai 63 00 Commissions collecting fees, &e. . : ; : ‘ 5‘ ‘ : 27 05 668 94 $1,759 32 Cash balance in treasury . $ ; : ; i ‘ 4 ‘ 12 68 $1,772 00 This account has been given in full, in order to exhibit more clearly the economy exer- cised in managifig the affairs of the Society, necessary if the Society was to be saved from the burden of a debt that could not be borne, yet destructive afterwards to portions of the collection of very great value, from that want of expenditure requisite to the proper care and preservation of perishable objects. The Society had struggled with debt during the greater part of its existencé, and was for the first time free from its harrassing claims. This, however, was only brought about by borrowing from the fund which it desired to hold sacred for special purposes; that received from the heirs of Ambrose 8. Courtis, $10,000. The claim that “we had now shown to the world that a Society of Natural History could be supported in Boston,” having the aims and objects of the one existing, and relying on voluntary labor and BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 33 voluntary contributions for the furtherance of its objects, is not sustained by the condition of affairs at this time, for it may well be asked how long the Society could have gone on with an increasing debt consequent upon increasing expenditure not to be avoided, if the bequest of Mr. Courtis had not relieved it from embarrassment; especially when it will be seen that with the additional means thus acquired, the best portion of its rich collections went to ruin for want of that necessary care which only paid service can be relied upon to render, and which could not be afforded. The income from the Courtis fund was a great help, and a great encouragement. It enabled the Society to go on with its work in a manner that secured for it public appro- bation, of great service to it later when its increasing collections called for more room for their exhibition, and made an appeal for help necessary. It was not enough to enable it to adequately protect its perishable treasures. A much larger income was indispensable, but experience had not yet demonstrated this fully. Sometime during this year, though no record is made of it, the Council agreed to appropriate the income of the Courtis Fund one-third to the Library, one-third to publi- cations, and one-third to the Cabinet. It may be interesting to the members of the present time to know something of the attendance of members in the early days of its activity. _ The following table will show the highest and lowest number present, together with the average attendance each year. . bf f a) . w , bad gad ee nes eae ed Hi GRO : wi ae 3 : Bip ER OE : ep GRE 8 ida ia ee 18 1886. . . 50. eee 1a dn ee ee dg oe 1837. . . 40 eka 1888. . . 26 Baw a 1B 1888. . . 40 See 2 iit. 2 B 10. . . 26 1889. . . 86 Gig: wc te 1835. . . 70 6... 2 1840. . . 61 Gy 4p 12 An increasing interest seems to have been felt in the meetings during the year ending May, 1834, as the average attendance is shown to be double that of the one previous. This was due in part at least to the removal of the Cabinet to the new hall in Tremont Street, over the Savings Bank, where subsequently the meetings were mostly held. The average afterwards fell off and became small in the years ending in May, 1836 and 1837, when it again increased considerably, as during the year ending May, 1838, there was an attendance of over 50 per cent. more than during the two previous years. This is likely to have been the temporary effect of ladies being permitted to accompany the members. There is no record of this permission bemg withdrawn, and the probability is that too few continued to feel such interest as to lead to the custom of their attend- ance becoming permanent. In the years following nothing is said of their presence and the average number of members at the meetings again fell off. Respecting the increase of the Cabinet up to this period it may be said that there were but few meetings held when specimens were not brought forward and presented. Some- times these donations were of great value, and deserve special mention. 34 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE At one meeting, Park Benjamin presented ninety-two beautifully preserved bird-skins and a box of insects, from Demerara. Joseph Coolidge, forty-five bird-skins, with corals and other objects from Bombay. John James Dixwell, one hundred and thirty-three specimens of bird-skins, in perfect order, with many fishes, from the vicinity of Calcutta. J. N. Reynolds, a magnificent collection of between four and five hundred bird-skins ; a largé collection of botanical specimens; boxes of minerals, organic remains, and of insects; a large and valuable collection of shells; skulls, fruits, and fishes, all from South America, the Islands of the Pacific, and the South Shetland Islands. Dr. James Jackson, a valuable Herbarium. Mr. J. 8. Copley Greene, also, a valuable Herbarium. Dr. F. W. Cragin, of Surinam, magnificent donations of zoological and botanical speci- mens. Dr. D. Humphreys Storer was continually bringing forward specimens for the cabinet. At one time he presented seventy specimens all carefully put up by him, in glass bottles and labelled. To his generosity mainly was due the fact, that out of one hundred and twenty species of Massachusetts fishes then known, ninety were in the collection, and every described reptile of the State, with one exception. Alas, that through the want of proper care in after years, nearly all these should have been destroyed! Of this more will be said hereafter. It would require pages to specify all the donors who enriched the cabinet by their contributions; suffice it, therefore, to mention the names of some who were particular benefactors in this way, viz., Doctors Augustus A. Gould, Amos Binney, Jr., Winslow Lewis, John Flint, B. D. Greene, C. T. Jackson, J. V. C. Smith, G. C. Shattuck; Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood; Messrs. Joseph P. Couthouy, William B. Fowle, Estes Howe, Edward Tuckerman, Jr., Simon E. Greene ; Commodore Downes, of the United States Navy; Messrs. George W. Pratt, George James Sprague, J. W. Mighels, H. T. Parker, and C. J. F. Binney. It is impossible to state the number of specimens in all the departments of the cabinet. There were of fishes three hundred and forty-four species, of which there were, as has before been stated, ninety of Massachusetts waters alone, out of one hundred and twenty known. Of birds, there were of mounted specimens about seventy-five, and of bird-skins not mounted, about four hundred. There had been a much larger number of the latter, but the collection had suffered from the attacks of insects. Of Reptiles no statement can be made excepting that already given, that the collection contained every known Massachusetts species excepting one, and that had only once been found within our limits. In the Mazological department there were 23 specimens. In that of Comparative Anatomy many, but the number is not given. Of Mollusks there were over 3000 species in the collection, but whether these embraced the private collection of Dr. Amos Binney, is not certain. At this time he had already proffered to give the whole of his to the Society, provided other gentlemen having collections would allow a committee to select from those species not possessed by him or the Society. This was complied with afterwards, so that all in the cabinet at the time soon became the property of the Society, with a great number in addition. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 35 The Entomological department was very rich, embracing as it did the great collection purchased of Hentz, but the whole number of species and specimens cannot be stated. Of the Herbarium there is no mention of the magnitude at this time, but it contained the valualle donations of plants made by Dr. Jas. Jackson and by J. 8. Copley Greene. Already the collections of the Society were beyond the ability of the curators to find proper space for in the exhibition cases, and it was necessary to put away many in drawers out of view. The Library as well as the Cabinet had constantly received donations during the ten years past, but as yet was very deficient in works necessary for students in every department. It consisted at this time of 660 volumes, besides numerous pamphlets. But little money had been expended for books, as the financial condition of the Society had not warranted it. The largest donors to this department were Judge Davis, who in 1837 presented a great number of valuable works; and Col. Thomas H. Perkins, who in the last year of the decade presented a magnificent copy of Audubon’s work on the birds of America. Other donors to the library of valuable books were Drs. D. H. Storer, John Ware, Amos Binney, Jr., Joseph W. McKean, B. D. Greene, and Messrs. E. Tucker- man, Jr., Edward Warren, Henry Codman, Isaac McLellan, John Lowell, Jr., and Joseph Coolidge. « Addresses were delivered before the Society at its annual meetings, first in 1835, and afterwards in 1837, 1838, 1839, and 1840, as already mentioned. Several of these were published. At this time the first two volumes of the Journal of the Society and the contents of a large portion of the third had been published. All the papers were communications that had been made at meetings of the Society, and were of such character as to establish for it a high scientific reputation, both at home and abroad. It served greatly towards obtaining the works of foreign societies through exchange. Communications of important character were made at almost all the meetings, and often interesting discussions followed concerning the matter presented in them. The members who took the most conspicuous part in the proceedings during the first five years, were Dr. C. T. Jackson, Dr. D. H. Storer, Dr. A. A. Gould, Mr. George B. Emerson, Mr. C. C. Emerson, Mr. Epes 8. Dixwell, Dr. J. V. C. Smith, Dr. J. B.S. Jackson, Dr. Walter Chan- ning, and Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood, though many others participated. During the later five years may be mentioned as the most frequent contributors to the interest of the meetings by their communications, Drs. C. T. Jackson, Augustus A. Gould, D. Humphreys Storer, Thomas M. Brewer, Martin Gay, Thaddeus W. Harris, Amos Binney, Rev. F. W. P. Green- wood, Professors Jeffries Wyman and C. B. Adams, and Messrs. J. E. Teschemacher, Edward Tuckerman, Jr., George B. Emerson and Epes 8. Dixwell. The Council of the Society, consisting under the Constitution of the officers elected by it, and whose duty it was to control the expenditure of the money, select lecturers and decide upon the subjects to be treated upon by them; designate what books should be purchased for the library ; nominate Honorary and Corresponding Members ; attend to the publication, of the Journal; and to transact any other business not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws; met in the early days only as specially called together, but | subsequently, after the regular meetings of the Society. 36 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE For the furtherance of its objects, Committees were annually chosen on the Finances, on Lectures, on Publications, and on Honorary and Corresponding Members. Those who were active on these Committees previous to this period were Drs. Harris, Binney, Gould, C. T. Jackson, Lewis, Storer,the Rev. Mr. Greenwood, and Messrs. Emerson, Dillaway, J. J. Dixwell, Epes S. Dixwell, and 8. E. Greene. Decapve II. May, 1840-May, 1850. We now enter upon the second decade of the existence of the Society, with the grati- fying fact of its freedom from debt, and its possession of a funded property sufficient at least with due economy to sustain its life and enable it to do much in furtherance of its objects ; but not enough to furnish the means necessary for the proper care and preserva- tion of its increasing collections, as will be seen hereafter. At the first meeting after the annual one, there came to hand a large donation of very valuable specimens from Dr. Thomas 8. Savage, a missionary at Cape Palmas, West Africa, mostly of just the character which afterwards suffered greatly from lack of care, viz., insects aud reptiles. In June of this year, an official communication was received from the heirs of Mr. Simon E. Greene, announcing the bequest before mentioned, of five hundred dollars, and of some works on natural history. In November, the lease of the hall occupied by the Society was renewed for three years, and also an arrangement similar to that of the previous year was made with the Librariaa, by which the meetings through the winter were held at his room in Tremont Row, in the evenings, once a week until Dec. 30th, and twice a month afterwards. The Society had again an opportunity of making a part of its Cabinet serviceable to the public otherwise than by exhibition within its own halls, by granting permission to Prof. Wyman to use specimens from it, in illustrating his course of lectures before the Lowell Institute on Comparative Anatomy, given this season. 1841. Early this year, the usual invitation was extended to the Legislature to visit the Museum. On such occasions the Curators made it their business to be present, in order that such visits might be the more agreeable and instructive. An attempt to render the meetings more interesting was made at this time by forming committees on the several departments of natural history, who should be held responsible for the presentation of communications. As showing a strong feeling against the absorption of the Courtis Fund in the expendi- tures of the Society, action taken in February of this year is noticed. It will be remem- bered that in order to liquidate outstanding debts before the last annual meeting, a sum of eight hundred dollars had been borrowed from this fund, and four notes of two hundred dollars each, on interest, liad been given by the Treasurer to the Trustees of that fund. The Society now voted to apply the five hundred dollars, received by the bequest of Mr. Simon E. Greene, and the proceeds of a sale to be made of the one share yet held of the Granite Bank stock. to pay the first three notes; and that the fourth note should be paid out of any surplus in the hands of the Treasurer, during the current year. For the first time in the ‘history of the Society, we find the Council ippropriating any amount of money for the use of the several departments of the Museum. The income from the Courtis Fund now enabled the Curators to expend something, though little, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 37 towards the purchase and preservation. of specimens. We accordingly learn that $50 were appropriated for the department of Ornithology, $30 for that of Comparative Anat- omy, and $25 for that of Botany. Moderate sums have ever since been asked for by the Curators, as required in the several departments, and these have been granted when the state of the finances would justify the expenditure. It will be remembered that Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., had proffered his whole collection of shells to the society, upon the condition that other gentlemen possessing cabinets should open them to a committee, who should be allowed to select from them such species as would serve towards completing the collection of the Society. At the annual meeting in May of this year, the Curator of the Conchological department reported that from the cabinets of Messrs. Dixwell, Greenwood, Emerson, Storer, Emmons and Warren, about six hundred species had been selected, most of which were new to the collection. He also reported that by the bequest of the late Simon E. Greene, his entire collection of about 1200 species had come into the Society’s possession. The Curator, after referring to the accession of Dr. Binney’s collection and that of Mr. Simon E. Greene, with the additions made from compliance with the conditions of Dr. Binney’s gift, and by the donations received from various other parties, spoke of the cabinet of shells as standing foremost of all the public collections of the New World. By the reports of the other Curators for the year, it appeared that the donations to their depart- ments had not been very important, except to that of Entomology. The additions to the Library were numerous and valuable, some being received from the bequest of Mr. Simon E. Greene and others from purchase by means of the money received from the Courtis fund. The Treasurer reported the entire receipts for the year $1837.41; the entire expendi- tures $1715.52; leaving a cash balance of $122.09 applicable to the purposes for which the income of the Courtis Fund had been specially appropriated, viz., the increase of the cabinet, the increase of the library and the publication of the Society’s Journal. After the reading of the several reports, the President congratulated the Society on the evidence furnished by them of its prosperous condition. He remarked that “the constant circulation of the volumes proves the usefulness of the library and the increasing taste for study and investigation on those subjects for the pursuit of which we are associated. The state of the treasury shows the gratifying fact that the Society is out of debt and with a considerable income annually applicable to its purposes. During the past year there have been twenty-five meetings, at which seventy-five reports, written and oral, were made, including the whole range of subjects embraced by the Society. Besides these, twelve other written communications of interest, with letters received, have occupied the time of the meetings, and afforded us the gratification of reflecting that we have not been quite idle in the work we have undertaken to do.” The following changes took place among the officers of the Society — Rev. Dr. Green- wood having declined to serve longer on account of ill health, Dr. Amos Binney, Jr., was elected First Vice-President in his place, and Dr. Charles T. Jackson succeeded Dr. Binney as Second Vice-President; Dr. Frederick A. Eddy was chosen Recording Secre- tary; Dr. A. A. Gould, Curator of Conchology ; Thomas Bulfinch, Curator of Mineralogy and Geology (State Collection); 8. L. Abbot, Jr., Curator of Ornithology, and Thomas T. Bouvé, Cabinet Keeper. 38 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Society then listened to an interesting and instructive address from Mr. Tesche- macher upon the progress of Natural Science. This was subsequently published. Nothing of unusual interest occurred during the summer and fall months. When the season became too cold for meetings in the hall, the members met by invitation at the President’s house in the evening, until February ; after which they assembled at the room of the Librarian, 7} Tremont Row, until spring. 1842. In April of this year a committee was chosen to make arrangements for the reception of the Association of American Geologists and Naturalists in the hall of the Society, where their approaching meetings were to be held by invitation of the Society. These meetings, the first in Boston, took place during the week commencing April 25th and ending on Saturday the 30th. The most eminent scientific men of the country were present, including Profs. William B. and Henry D. Rogers, Dr. Samuel G. Morton, Prof. Hitchcock, Prof. Benjamin Silliman, Dr. James D. Dana and Prof. Locke. Mr. Lyell the distinguished geologist, afterwards Sir Charles Lyell, was also present. The meetings were of great scientific interest and importance, and several of the members, also members of the Association, took an active part in the proceedings and discussions, among others Dr. C. T. Jackson and Capt. Joseph P. Couthouy. The Association before adjourning passed a vote of thanks to the Boston Society of Natural History for the use of the hall, and for the kind attention shown by its individual members. Previous to and in anticipation of the meeting of the Association, the Society had voted to hold a special meeting on the 27th of the month, in order to invite the members of that body to hear the Annual Address which was to be delivered by one of their number, Dr. Samuel G. Morton, the celebrated ethnologist. This meeting so held, was largely attended by the members of the Society and by those of the Association. The President first gave a brief history of the doings of the Society the past year. This was followed by the address, which was upon the distinctive characteristics of the aboriginal race of America, and was extremely interesting and instructive. It was published by the Society in its Journal, Vol. IV, p. 190, and in pamphlet, 8vo., 1842. The yearly reports of the Curators were not always ef such character as to give partic- ular information concerning the extent of the collections, sometimes being limited to a statement of donations received, with remarks upon condition, etc. When presented in detail, it seems well to embody their substance here, in order that comparisons may be made hereafter if desirable. Some of the reports made at the annual meeting in May, 1842, are therefore dwelt upon at length. They were all quite encouraging. In the Ichthyological department the whole number of species was given as 450, of which 390 were from the Western Hemisphere, and 60 from the Eastern. Of the Massa- chusetts specics alone, there were now 108, an increase of 7 during the year. Of the mineral Cabinet it was stated by the Curator that he had rearranged the collec- tion, and that there were 610 specimens on the shelves, which probably comprised all worthy of exhibition. The Curator of Entomology reported the enriching of this department by the addition of eighty species of African beetles presented by Rev. Dr. Savage. The Curator of Conchology reported the continued prosperity of the department under his charge. During no former year had a greater amount of labor been bestowed upon BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 39 it, or more important accessions made. Six hundred and fifty species had been added and entered in the catalogue, and nearly a thousand names had been ascertained, and the labels applicd. -There were now in all 3900 species, not including duplicates, all of which had come into the possession of the Society by donation. Of the whole number, 1722 species had been contributed by Dr. Binney, 1197 by Captain Joseph P. Couthouy, 104 by Commodore Downes of the Navy, 95 by Mr. Dixwell, 54 by Mr. George B. Emerson, 85 by Mr. T. J. Whittemore, 43 by Mr. George Brown, 44 by the Rev. Dr. Greenwood, 29 by Mr. John Warren, 33 by Mr. Stephen Emmons, 41 by Dr. Storer, 155 by Dr. Gould, and many had come from the bequest of Simon E. Greene. The want of room and the want of books on the subject were complained of, the members being almost wholly dependent upon the splendid library of Dr. Binney for information. This, however, was liberally open to the use of all who sought knowledge. The Curator of the State Collection of Geology reported the addition to it of 1100 specimens collected by Professor Hitchcock on his resurvey of the State, making, with the previous collection, 2646, besides the series of soils numbering 227. The Curator of Botany reported the addition of 1194 species, mostly foreign, to the department under his charge. No account of the whole collection was given. The Curator of Ornithology reported the whole number of birds in the collection as 540, very few being duplicates; 120 of these were mounted, of which 106, including 75 species, were of Massachusetts. Forty-three specimens were received during the year, the donors being Capt. Joseph P. Couthouy, Judge Amos of Bengal, Messrs. Teschemacher, H. Bryant, Lewis Ashmun, Charles Mayo, and Dr. J. P. Kirtland. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy reported some additions to his department, but stated that the large skeletons were in bad condition from exposure to dust. The Librarian reported the condition of the library as prosperous; 140 volumes, including 38 pamphlets, having been added during the year, presented by various indi- viduals. The Treasurer reported the whole receipts during the year, including balance at com- mencement, $1550.29; whole amount expended, $1213.56, leaving a balance of $136.93. The changes among the officers this year were, that Dr. Martin Gay was chosen Curator of Minerals, Mr. T. T. Bouvé of Geology, Mr. T. Bulfinch, Recording Secretary, and Dr. Henry Bryant, Cabinet Keeper. In May of this year the Diploma now in use by the Society was first adopted. In June, it is recorded that Dr. Jeffries Wyman was made a delegate to represent the Society at a meeting of the British Association, soon to be held at Manchester, England. In September, there appears to have been some apprehension as to the safety of por- tions of the collection, as Dr. Wyman was requested to devote such of his leisure as he could command for the ensuing year, to its preservation and increase, and $200 were appropriated for the purpose. In December, the Council of the Society having learned “that a proposal had been made to take from their authors the notes, journals, and observations made by some of the corps of the late Exploring Expedition, and to place them in the hands of others for publication,” and recognizing the injustice of such proceeding as well as the many other objections thereto, thought fit to remonstrate against it, which they emphatically did, by 40 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE passing votes expressive of their views on the subject, copies of which were sent to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, and to Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, the representative of this district in Congress. 1843. In the early part of this year ten members of the Society subscribed to Audu- bon’s work on the Quadrupeds of the United States for presentation to the Society. They were George B. Emerson, N. I. Bowditch, Amos Binney, Jr., George C. Shattuck, Jr., J. Amory Lowell, George Parkman, William Sturgis, F. C. Gray, John James Dixwell and Amos A. Lawrence. On May 3d, in the absence of many members who were attending the meeting of the Association of Geologists and Naturalists at Albany, it was voted to postpone the business of this meeting, the annual one, to the 17th inst. On that date, therefore, it was trans- acted. The Curators’ reports were generally very gratifying. Dr. Cragin of Surinam had again enriched the cabinet by donations to the several departments of Comparative Anatomy, Herpetology, Ornithology, and Ichthyology, and as usual in former years fre- quent contributions to them all had been made by the members. The Curator of Ornithology mentioned that the collection had increased during the year to 753 specimens mounted and unmounted, of which 172, comprising 131 species, were natives of Massachusetts. The Curator of the department of Geology as disconnected with that of Mineralogy, made his first report. The whole collection was stated to consist of about 1000 specimens, 400 of which had been received by donations during the year, 200 of these being Silurian, 50 Carboniferous, 25 New Red Sandstone, nearly 500 Tertiary and 50 of unstratified rocks, lavas, etc. The remainder were undetermined. It should be borne in mind that this department of Geology embraced the fossils of the several formations at this time, that of Palaeontology not being made a separate one until years later. The Librarian stated the increase of books during the year to have been 105 volumes and 55 pamphlets, making the whole collection 1071 volumes and 250 pamphlets, inde- pendent of the publications of the Society. The Treasurer reported expenditures exceeding receipts in the general account showing a deficit of $258.45, but of the Courtis Fund income he reported excess of receipts over expenditures $303.53. The annual address was delivered by Dr. Jeffries Wyman, and was a learned and inter- esting discourse on the progress of science during the past year. Mr. George B. Emerson, who had served the Society with great fidelity as President for six years, having declined a re-election, Dr. Amos Binney was unanimously elected in his place. The Corresponding Secretary who had likewise held this office for six years, also resigned, and Dr. A. A. Gould was elected to fill the vacancy. Dr. Charles T. Jackson was chosen First Vice-President, and Dr. D. Humphreys Storer, Second Vice-President. Other changes were in Jeffries Wyman being elected Curator of Reptiles and Fishes, and A. E. Belknap, Curator of Conchology. On the 2d day of August of this year, there passed from earth one of the best of men; one whom all who knew, loved and revered. This man was the Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood. It is a joy to dwell on such a character, and it was a privilege of the early members of the Society to have associated with them one so much loved and respected, BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 4] and whose tastes led to his zealous codperation with them in advancing its interests until health and strength no longer permitted active exertion. Dr. Greenwood was not one of the original members of the Society, but he was early connected with it and ever afterwards participated largely in its work. He became second Vice President in 1834 and first Vice President in 1836, holding the latter position until May 1841, when by reason of failing health he resigned. As Vice President he was frequently called upon to preside at the meetings of the Society, and he often by commu- nications or otherwise, took part in the proceedings. In 1833 he delivered an address be- fore it upon the opening of its new hall in Tremont street. This was published in the Journal of the Society and formed its first article. This address has been before referred to; but some remarks in it bearing upon the importance of a collection of local species merit attention. He said: “It should be our object to attend particularly to the formation or completion of such collections as may give a good idea of the natural features of our own country and of our own section of our country. If I were traveling in Spain or Per- sia, I should desire especially to examine some depository of the natural productions of Spain or Persia. If I were traveling in our western states I should prefer seeing a mu- seum well stocked with their own curiosities to one well stocked with all curiosities but their own. And so, too, I presume a traveler in New England will first of all desire to see those objects which illustrate the natural history of New England. For our own in- struction and gratification, indeed, and for the advancement of natural science amongst us, we shall gladly collect from every quarter and every coast and corner of the globe ; from every sea and lake and river, whatever can be furnished for our purposes; and yet, for our sakes too, we shall least of all choose to be ignorant of the beings and things with which Providence has surrounded our own dwellings, of the plants which spring from our native soil, the birds which fly in our own heavens, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of our own seas.” We pass on to the Annual meeting of 1844, which was held on the Ist of May. The President in presenting the reports of the Curators for the year took occasion to make some remarks upon the early history, progress and present condition of the Society, and then forcibly stating the pressing want of larger accommodations for the collections and for the library, appealed to the public for aid in supplying them. The Reports then given, though generally satisfactory as to the condition of the speci- mens in the several departments, presented exceptions which were but too suggestive of what would inevitably follow under the system of reliance wholly upon voluntary care and labor. The Curator of Entomology reported that the collection had been infested to an alarm- ing extent by Anthreni, and great injury done ; that in order to better preserve the speci- mens he had been obliged to take a portion of them into his own keeping away from the Hall, and resort to active measures to destroy the pest that was making such ravages. Nothing, he said, but the utmost vigilance on his part enabled him to keep the collection from destruction, and he urged that provision should be made for such glazed cases as would effectually exclude the enemy. The Curator of Comparative Anatomy reported that by subjecting the specimens under his care to over 180° of heat in the steam oven of the Society, they had been freed from insects, and by the free use of poisonous washes future ravages prevented. 42 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE The Curator of Ornithology likewise reported that specimens in his department had been attacked, but that by baking those infected, the collection was now in good condition. Thus it will be perceived that in three of the important departments of the Museum the collections had been seriously attacked and much injury done. Up to this period no harm had come to the Ichthyological collection, which the Curator reported in good order. The only reports that specified to what extent the collection had been increased, were those of Ornithology and Geology. The mounted birds were given as 233, of which 195, comprising 151 species, are found in Massachusetts. Of unmounted skins the number given was 592, making in all 825 specimens. The number of specimens in the Geological Collection was given as upwards of 1000, of which about one half were Tertiary, the remainder being of the older formations. Quite a number of these were yet undetermined, and the Curator stated would have to remain so, until the Library should be better furnished with works on the subject of Palaeontology. The most important addition to the Cabinet of the Society, during the year, was that made to the department of Herpetology by Dr. Cragin of Surinam. From him twenty- three jars were received, containing nearly one hundred specimens of Saurian, Ophidian, and Batrachian reptiles, all in an excellent state of preservation. The Curator deplored the necessity of storing these out of sight for want of room to put them on exhibition. The officers elected were the same as chosen the year previous, except that Dr. A. A. Gould was made Curator of Conchology; Dr. 8. Cabot, Jr., of Ornithology ; and Dr. H. J. Bigelow, Cabinet Keeper. The Annual Address was delivered by Professor Asa Gray, and gave an account of the recent progress and present state of Vegetable Physiology. It was exceedingly inter- esting and instructive, and was listened to by a numerous and highly cultivated audience with marked attention. In June of this year, the first notice was taken of the bad condition of the Button- woods in New England, which had always been, until within a short time, one of our healthiest and most beautiful trees. At the suggestion of Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, the Rev. John L. Russell was appointed a Committee to investigate the cause of the injury to them. Mr. Russell, whose attention had already been given to the subject, communicated the result of his observations at a meeting in August. His views appear in the Proceed- ings of the Society of that date. He ascribed the evil to the young wood being winter- killed, remarking that well ripened wood was always essential to vigorous health in peren- nial vegetation, and that for several years no xuch young wood had been seen. He thought that the great vigor in the larger limbs would eventually enable the trees to survive until favorable circumstances facilitated the ripening of the young wood, though doubtless some would perish. The views then given of the cause of the trouble have been sustained by experience, and are here briefly expressed because the subject has by no means lost its interest in the minds of those who admire stately and vigorous growth, such as was exhibited in the Buttonwoods of our neighborhood forty years ago. 1845. As showing the means sometimes adopted to obtain specimens for its collections, it may be mentioned that early this year the Society appropriated $25, and various mem- bers individually subscribed a considerable amount in aid of an expedition to Florida, for such a purpose, to be undertaken by Mr. John Bartlett. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 43 It had been for some time apparent that the accommodations afforded by the Hall of the Society were entirely inadequate for the proper care and arrangement of the increas- ing collections. At the Annual Meeting in May, several of the Curators complained bitterly of this, and it became manifest to all that some measures should be adopted towards obtaining more room to meet this requirement. The Curator of Ornithology stated that less than one third of the specimens in his department were mounted, for the want of room to place them in, that the cases in which the unmounted specimens were placed were so accessible to moths and other destructive insects that the collection had suffered considerably, and there was consequently not much encouragement for him or others to make exertion for its increase, until assured that the labor would not be thrown away. Others of the Curators expressed themselves in like manner. In the President’s review of the doings of the Society during the past year, he likewise remarked upon the necessity for more room, saying that the time had now come when the crowded state of the collections and limited accommodations for meetings made it neces- sary to take earnest measures for the erection of a suitable building for the Society. The present is a propitious time, he said, to commence an energetic movement for the accomplishment of this great object. The members all feeling the necessity for decisive action, it was Voted: That in the opinion of this Society, the time has now arrived when a strenuous effort should be made to raise sufficient funds to ensure the prosperity and permanence of the institution. Voted: That a Committee be appointed to act personally or through others, to be selec- ted by them, to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a building for the use of this Society. Drs. Amos Binney, Jr., C. T. Jackson, D. H. Storer, and A. A. Gould, were elected to compose this Committee. The Curators’ Reports did not mention generally the extent to which the collections had increased. That of the Treasurer showed, independently of the Courtis fund, an excess of expenditure over the income of $142.88, which added to excess of former years, $327.22, made an amount of debt due to the Courtis fund of $470.10. The income from the Courtis fund showed a balance of cash on hand of $421.88, with $470.10 due from the General Fund. The understanding that the income from this fund should be equally divided between the Library, Publication expenses and the Cabinet, had not been complied with, in fact it seldom if ever was; the general expenses of the Society being too great to admit of such compliance. The publications, moreover, fre- quently required too much to allow the others a fair share. Durmg this year they had over $300 of the $618.66 received, whilst the Library had obtained only $28.55, and the Cabinet nothing. Among the pleasant events of the year just closed, may be mentioned two of consid- erable importance; one was the bequest of $2000 from a gentleman then recently de- ceased, John Parker, Esq., a merchant of the city, and the other a donation of more than fifty volumes to the Library by Dr. Francis Boott of London. 44 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE One means of obtaining many books much wanted by the Society has not been yet referred to. Atthe time of the generous donation of the great work of Audubon, by Col. Thos. H. Perkins, there was already a copy in the library which had been acquired through the subscription of a number of the members. After the reception of the last copy, the consent of the donors of the first was asked and readily obtained, to its disposal by the Society in exchange for other works. A Committee was therefore appointed by the Council to effect such exchange. Messrs. Little & Brown, who had always manifested a very friendly feeling in behalf of the Society, purchased the work, agreeing to allow $625.00, and to deliver in return for it such books as might be ordered from time to time through the Committee. As the works received in exchange were to be such as related to Ornithology only, it was several years before the negotiation was completed ; the Committee for this purpose meanwhile being annually reappointed. Mr. John James Dixwell, who had served the Society as its Treasurer for six years, re- signed at this meeting, and a vote was passed expressing sincere regret at his retirement, and thanks for the acceptable manner with which he had filled the office for so long a period. Patrick T. Jackson, Jr., Esq., was chosen to succeed him. The only other change among the officers was that Edward Tuckerman, Esq. succeeded Dr. A. A. Gould as Cu- rator of Conchology. The Annual Address was by Prof. Charles Brooks, and was entitled “The history of Philosophical Zoology from the earliest times to the present day.” In July of this year the Society had again the gratification of serving the cause of Science by a loan of several of its specimens from the collection of the Radiata to Dr. Dana, who was preparing his great work on the Corals of the U. 8. Exploring Expe- dition. In this year, too, the Society was enabled, by the publication of a report made by Prof. Jeffries Wyman at one of its meetings upon what purported to be the skeleton of a Sea Serpent, to do great service to the community by saving it from continued deception. There had been placed on exhibition in New York some fossil remains, consisting of a great number of vertebrae arranged in such a way as to give them the appearance of having belonged to a single individual. These, with what purported to be the head, measured in length about one hundred and fourteen feet. There were also teeth, ribs and paddles. The character of the remains was not understood by the exhibitor, Dr. Koch, and no obstacle was put in the way of as thorough an examination as could be made without separating the parts which had been, to a greater or less degree, ce- mented together. The name of Hydrarchus Sillimani had been given to this so-called sea-serpent, and its exhibition of course attracted large crowds of visitors. The full descrip- tion of the bones, as read by Dr. Wyman, may be found in the published proceedings of the Society. Suffice it here to state that the vertebrae were shown to belong, not to one individual, but probably to many of different ages, that so far as they could be studied they did not present any of the characters of an ophidian reptile; and that some at least of what purported to be bones, or portions of the bones of the paddles, were not bones at all, but casts of the cavities of a camerated shell. The teeth Dr. Wyman claimed to be those, not of a reptile, but of a warm blooded mammiferous animal, prob- ably a Cetacean. BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 45 This report did honor to the Society, and added much to the reputation of Dr. Wyman. It soon became well known that the bones were not those of a Reptile, but of a Cetacean belonging to a genus to which Prof. Owen had given the name of Zeuglodon. They were found in the Tertiary deposits of Alabama and belonged undoubtedly to many individuals. Vertebrae and other bones of this animal may be now seen in the collection of the So- ciety. It may be well to state, as the annual reports of the Curators do not always give par- ticulars desired relative to the collections, that during this year the Museum was visited by Prof. Lewis R. Gibbes of South Carolina, and that he carefully studied the Crustaceans in its cabinet and made a full catalogue of them. This represents that there were 58 gen- era and 91 species, some of them rare and until recently undescribed. 1846. But little happened during this year that would interest the general reader. From the reports of the Curators it appeared that a gratifying increase was made to the several departments of the Museum, and from that of the Librarian that there had been added 143 volumes to the Library, mostly obtained by purchase. No very considerable donations were mentioned. Great complaints of lack of room for useful exhibition of the specimens in the Museum were made. The Treasurer reported a balance in his hands belonging to general fund of $20.72 and a balance of income from permanent fund of $148.01. The permanent fund now amounted to $12,000. The only change in officers was the election of Dr. John Bacon, Jr., to sueceed Edward Tuckerman, Esq., as Curator of Conchology. 1847. The advent of Agassiz among us, was, as Mr. George B. Emerson afterwards char- acterized it, a most important event to all engaged in the study of natural history in our country. It was not alone that he possessed information most desirable for our education in science, and great ability to impart it, but largely because of a personal influence that he extended over all who came in contact with him. His noble mien, his personal beauty, his genial manner and expressive features, the earnestness with which he spoke when- ever he sought to interest others in the pursuits he loved; all conspired to impress every one who approached him not only with admiration for himself, but with the great im- portance of the science he taught. It is to show what were the feelings of the members of the Society regarding him and his teaching, that this notice of him is given in this place, together with the action of the Society at a meeting held Feb. 3, 1847. He had but recently arrived, and had just completed his first course of lectures before the Lowell Institute. At the meeting referred to, Dr. D. Humphreys Storer submitted the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : “ Resolved, That this Society present to Professor Agassiz their heartfelt thanks for the gratification and instruction received by its members during his late course of lectures on the Plan of Creation. “They would assure him that his lectures have given an impetus to the study of natural history such as has never before been felt in this community ; and which, while they have excited the curiosity and called forth the admiration of the public, have more than realized the most sanguine expectations of this Scientific Society. 46 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE “While as a body we would thus tender our acknowledgement to the liberal naturalist and enlightened philosopher, we beg him to accept our individual esteem and friendship.” These resolutions not only received the signatures of all present, but of the members generally, who subsequently visited the library, all gladly availing themselves of the op- portunity to sign them. In March of this year the Society received the sad intelligence of the death of its highly respected President, Dr. Amos Binney. A special meeting was called on the 24th of this month to take such action as the feelings of the members should dictate. After remarks by the Vice President, Dr. C. T. Jackson, upon the melancholy event that had brought the members together, Dr. Storer moved the following resolution :— “ Resolved, That the unexpected tidings of the death of our much valued friend, Amos Binney, Esq., late President of this Society, fills us with inexpressible sorrow. To us, we feel that his loss is irreparable. The founder of this Society, he was ever its steady, devo- ted, true friend; constantly evincing his interest by suggesting new plans for its advance- ment; constantly proving his sincerity by his endeavors to perfect them. To his encour- agement, decision and perseverance we owe, in no slight degree, our present prosperous condition. With full hearts, we would acknowledge our obligations, while we gratefully cherish his memory.” Prof. Asa Gray offered the following resolution :— “ Resolved, That the Council be requested to prepare, or cause to be prepared by such members of the Society as they may designate for that purpose, a sketch of the life, the scientific labors and the services of our late lamented President, to be read before the So- ciety and published in its Journal, or in such other manner as the Society.may direct.” These resolutions were unanimously adopted. At a subsequent meeting of the Council Dr. Augustus A. Gould was appointed to pre- pare the memoir asked for. This was done, being made introductory, however, to the pub- lication of Dr. Binney’s work on the Terrestrial Mollusks of the United States. From this memoir are taken many facts here presented concerning the subject of it. Dr. Binney was born in Boston, October 18th, 1803. He received his early education at the Derby Academy in Hingham, and afterwards entered brown University, from which he graduated jn 1821. Subsequently he studied medicine with Dr. George C. Shattuck of this city, and attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College. At this time his health failed and he was obliged in consequence to give up his studies, and by the advice of his medical friends to travel extensively over this country and Europe. Whilst abroad he visited England, France, Italy and Germany, giving his attention to the hospitals and to the great collec- tions of science and art. In December, 1825, he returned home much improved in health. He again devoted himself to professional study, and took the Degree of Doctor in Medi- cine at Harvard University in 1826. The practice of his profession, however, he did not find congenial to his tastes, and thinking it would not be so favorable for his health as mer- cantile pursuits, he abandoned it, and engaged in trade and subsequently in mining opera- tions. While so employed he never lost his interest in scientific studies, which indeed ab- sorbed a large part of the leisure time that could be spared from business. After suf fermg from some vicissitudes of fortune, and having finally obtained a competence, he BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. AT determined to devote his life especially to science and art, intending “ after his own family ”’ to make the Boston Society of Natural History and the Boston Athenaeum, the objects of his solicitude and bounty. His anticipations were not realized. His health again declined, and encouraged by his former experience he sought to regain it by a sea voy- age and a sojourn in Europe. His intentions were, if health permitted, to make himself acquainted with the scientific collections of the old world, and to select while there, a fine library of such scientific works as would be of service not only to himself but to others engaged in like pursuits. He left home in October, 1846, was not improved by the voy- age, and after suffermg much from disease both in France and Italy, finally died at Rome, February 18, 1847. His remains, in obedience to his wishes, were brought home for burial at Mount Auburn. As the memoir states, “Dr. Binney in person was above the middle stature, erect, robust and well formed. His complexion was dark, with very dark hair and eyes. His features were full and well formed. His dress was scrupulously neat, his manners were dignified and bespoke the gentleman. His voice was deep toned, full and melodious, and his enunciation was remarkably distinct. In his opinions he was decided but not obstinate. He was elegant and refined in his tastes, and passionately fond of the fine arts. He was most happy in his domestic relations, an excellent father, unspeakably anxious to train up his children, both by example and precept, in all their duties to God and Man.” An extract from his Journal quoted in the Memoir expresses well his feelings relating to his children. “May they,’ he wrote, “especially imbibe principles of honor and religion, and may it be their high aim to acquire and deserve the name of the Christian gentleman. May it be said of my house, not that all the sons were brave and the daughters virtuous, but that all the sons were upright and honorable, and all the daughters good.” The part taken by Dr. Binney in the formation of the Society, and his active zeal for its interests manifested ever afterwards, have been shown but imadequately in the pages of this history. To do full justice to the memory of all to whom it owed its origin, and who nurtured it in its infancy, would require volumes where but brief chapters can be given. He was, as has been stated, of that small number of persons who first met at the house of Dr. Walter Channing on February 9, 1830, to consider the question of forming a Society of Natural History. He felt a great interest in the Journal of the Society and contributed several papers which appeared in its columns. To the Museum he presented specimens of great value, not only for his favorite department of Conchology, but for any of them as opportunity favored. It will be borne in mind by readers, that he offered upon condition that other gentlemen opened their cabinets to a committee of the Society to select from them species not in his own, his whole collection of more than twelve hundred. The condition having been complied with, the Society was enriched through his generosity to the extent of about two thousand species. The first large donation of fossils and of minerals was made by him and the number of specimens aggregated about five hundred. Of mounted Amer- ican birds he also presented many. He had a large and valuable library of books on sci- entific subjects, and these were always at the service of all who required them for investi- gation. 48 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Up to the time when again forced by disease to relinquish his labors, he continued to manifest the same zeal in behalf of the Society as had always been shown by him from its formation. His last work for it was in a strenuous effort to obtain subscriptions from the public that would enable it to possess a building suitable for its increasing collections, and he had well nigh succeeded before incapacitated from further exertion. The Society could have met, apparently, no greater loss than that incurred by the death of Dr. Binney. This was felt deeply by its members, as his intentions to devote time and means largely to its service were well known to them. But they did not mourn his loss merely as that of one from whom, had he lived, the Society might have received continued benefits, but because they felt in common with all who knew him intimately, that a helpful companion, a good citizen, and an upright man had passed away, one possessing all the traits that constitute the character which he prayed might be the high aim of his children to acquire, that of a Christian gentleman. In April, Dr. Samuel Cabot, in behalf of a Committee to whom had been allotted the duty of seeking for the Society a suitable edifice for its purposes, reported that the build- ing in Mason Street known as the Massachusetts Medical College was for sale at a reason- able price, and that after a thorough examination, they judged it capable of being adapted perfectly to the wants of the Society. They therefore recommended its purchase, and that the necessary alterations be made. After some discussion a vote passed unanimously that the Committee have authority to purchase the property and make the proposed alterations. The Annual Meeting was held on the first Wednesday of May and the reports of the Curators were presented, but on motion being made, the reading of them was postponed until the next meeting, when the annual address would be delivered. The officers of the Society were elected, John Collins Warren, M. D., being chosen President. The only other change from those of the previous year, was that Dr. S. Kneeland, Jr., was made cabinet keeper. The reports of the Curators were read at the next meeting. The specimens of the sev- eral departments, excepting that of Entomology, of which no report was made, were rep- resented to be now in safe condition, though not much increased in number. Those of the Ornithological department were two-thirds of them stowed away carefully in the garret, sealed up, for want of more suitable accommodations. To preserve them from tie Der- mestes, which had attacked them seriously in spite of previous precautions, they had been immersed in corrosive sublimate. Twenty-seven or twenty-eight specimens had been re- ceived from that indefatigable friend of the Society, Dr. Cragin of Surinam. As was remarked at the meeting, it must not be inferred from the reports of the Cura- tors, that there was any less interest felt in the collections than formerly. It had been necessary to refuse specimens for want of room to accommodate them and it had not been possible to arrange properly those already belonging to the Society. The Vice President, Dr, Storer, made some very appropriate remarks upon the late President, Dr. Binney, and addressing his successor, warmly welcomed him to the seat he was now occupying, pledging the hearty co-operation of his brother members and himself in aiding him to advance the interests of the Society. il 19s HO tlre oe BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 49 The President, Dr. Warren, expressed the gratification felt by him at the honor con- ferred in his election, and-at the kind welcome given him. An address by Dr. Augustus A. Gould, followed, and was principally upon the life, character and labors of the late President, Amos Binney. He closed by congratulating the Society upon the prospect that the next annual meeting would be held in a new edi- fice, more suitable for its purposes. From the Treasurer’s report for the year it was shown that the whole receipts on gen- eral account had been $499.22, and the expenditures $499.26, leaving a balance due the Treasurer of four cents. The Courtis fund account exhibited receipts including balance of previous year, $555.51, and expenditures $358.26, showing a balance on hand of $197.25. There was a special meeting, later in May, at the house of the President, to take fur- ther measures relative to the proposed new building. It would seem from the action taken that the purchase had not been consummated, probably awaiting the subscription of a sufficient amount to warrant it, as votes were passed directing the Treasurer to collect the moneys already subscribed for the purpose; that the Building Committee be requested to continue their efforts to increase the subscription ; and that they be authorized to conclude the purchase of the Medical College. From the subsequent records of the year there is little or nothing to be learned of fur- ther action relative to the acquisition of the building it was proposed to purchase ; yet be- fore its close it had come into the possession of the Society, and such alterations had been made as were necessary to adapt it for the use of the museum and library. 1848. On the fifth of January, 1848, the Society met in the new building, and a large number of members were present. The President congratulated the Society on the agreeable circumstances under which the first meeting of the year was held; spoke of the difficulties under which it had labored from restricted accommodations and narrow means ; and ended with expressing the hope, that with increased means of usefulness, it would not permit the achievements of its maturity to contrast unfavorably with those of its youth. The movement inaugurated by the late President to raise an amount of money by an appeal to the public sufficient to enable the Society to possess a building of its own, had been quite successful, the sum of $28,660 having been contributed for the purpose by eighty-six individuals. The following resolutions were introduced by Dr. Storer at this meeting :— “Resolved, That the heartfelt thanks of this Society be presented to those gentlemen whose munificence has enabled us to call this temple our own. “Resolved, That we will endeavor to prove our sense of obligation by a renewed de- votion to the cause of science. “Resolved, That we deeply feel the kindness and liberality of George M. Dexter and Edward C. Cabot, Esqs., in advising and aiding in the architectural arrangements of our building ; and most especially do we feel indebted to N. B. Shurtleff, M.D., for the skill he has exhibited in adapting, and the zeal and fidelity with which he has for months su- perintended the advancing work.” At the next meeting, held January 19th, a vote was passed thanking Dr. Storer, Dr. Cabot and their associates for the earnestness and perseverance shown by them in raising 50 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE funds towards the purchase of the new building and its adaptation to the use of the Soci- ety, and at a meeting in February a special vote of thanks to Dr. Shurtleff was passed for the great care taken, for the time given, and for the taste and skill exhibited by him in providing for the accommodation of the Society and its collections. At the annual meeting in May the Treasurer reported that the whole amount received From general sources was : : : : : ; : J $1288.96 From Courtis fund . ; ‘ : ‘ ; : 5 ‘ : 1103.56 From subscribers to building . : . ; ‘4 ‘ ; : 26999.79 Total received ‘ ‘i ; : j 5; : A : ‘ $29392.27 That the whole amount expended was For general purposes 5 i ; ; 6 ; ‘i ‘ - $1300.35 From Courtis fund . ‘ , ‘ ; : ; : ‘ i 450.73 Towards new building. ‘i és és : ; : 5 ‘ 20000.00 For repairs and alterations i : ‘ ; é 4 5 7257.63 Totalexpended . ‘ ; ‘ : : é . . . $29008.71 Leaving a balance of cash . ‘ ; ; ‘ ; . $383.56 There yet remained due,— On the building : ; ‘ : : ; ‘ ‘ : ; $3000.00 Interest. . : : : ; : ‘ ‘ . ; : 425.00 To architects and others . é : ‘ : : : : i 1295.00 $4720.00 Towards liquidation of this, subscribers to the building yet owe . 1720.00 Leaving an amount to be provided for of . : ‘ ‘ ; $3000.00 The Librarian reported that during the year there had been received 120 volumes, and 102 pamphlets and parts of volumes, most of them donations. Of the works received, twelve volumes had been selected from the library of the late Hon. Judge Davis, in accordance with a provision in his will; Audubon’s Quadrupeds of America had been pre- sented by subscribers to that work; and other valuable publications had been the gift of Alcide D’Orbigny, and Drs. Kneeland, Shurtleff and Bacon. The whole number of vol- umes in the library now numbered 1260, and of pamphlets and parts of volumes there were 120. The Curator of Mineralogy reported that of the specimens in his department eight hundred only were thought worthy of a place on the shelves of the new building, where they had been deposited and classified. Mr. Francis Alger had presented eighty valuable specimens to the collection, and others, costing fifty dollars, had been procured by sub- scription. The Curator of Ornithology reported that there had been presented eighty birds by various persons during the year, and that he was ready to give from his own collection one hundred more, as soon as funds could be had to mount them.