USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1870-1874 > Part 12
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2. Indicate the manner in which coral reefs are built ; the climate in which coral animals live; and give some account of the extent of their labors.
ANS. The coral animals have had very much to do in the construction of the solid crust of the earth. They are very minute animals, not larger than the head of a pin. They live in the water, gathering their nourishment from the carbonate of lime dissolved in it. They live only where the water is warm and clear. They do not live below the depth of 100 feet, and usually select a depth of from 20 to 30 feet in which to build. They die and leave their skeletons below, and build on above. In this way they form reefs at a greater or less distance from the shore. When they are near the shore, they are called
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fringing reefs, and when at a distance, barrier reefs. As the bottom of the ocean subsides, they build on above, and these reefs often reach hundreds of feet below the surface of the water. They do not build above the surface of the water. There is a barrier reef of immense extent off the coast of Aus- tralia. The whole of Florida was made by these minute ani- mals, and there are many coral islands and atolls in the Pacific. A great part of the lime-stone rock was formed by these ani- mals. As they built so very slowly, it must have taken long ages for them to accomplish so much.
3. Describe the carboniferous age, indicating the material of coal and its formation, the geographical extent of the coal beds, the fossils found in them, and the possible scenery of this period.
ANS. The carboniferous age was an immensely long age, in which the greater part of the continents then above the surface of the water was covered with the most luxuriant vegetation. The climate was moist and warm. A great amount of carbonic acid gas that was so abundant in the atmosphere during the preceding ages, was in this age consumed by the rank vege- tation. This was the great coal-making age. Coal is formed by the decomposition of trees and plants. The abun- dant vegetation of this age was submerged beneath the water, where it decomposed slowly, being covered by detritus from the water. This detritus increased, and finally solidified into rock, subjecting the coal beneath to great pressure. Then this was raised to the surface, and covered by a new vegetable growth. There were very many of these alternate subsidences and elevations, and from the thickness of the beds of coal, and the strata between them, it is evident that long ages must have passed in the formation of the coal measures. The floor of the
36
coal-measures is limestone, and the period during which this was laid down is called the sub-carboniferous period. The rocks of the coal-measures abound in fossils, and it is from the nature of these fossils that their nearness to the coal is known. The Appalachian coal-field is the largest in extent. Pennsylvania contains more coal in proportion to its size than any other country. Coal is found in England, but mostly bituminous. The scenery of this age is supposed to be tame and monoto- nous, on account of the absence of high mountains and large rivers. But the vegetation was luxuriant and beautiful, and trees and plants grew to an immense size.
4. Mention the five groups into which the vegetable world is divided, and the mode of growth by which each group is marked.
ANS. The five groups into which the vegetable world is divided are the Amphigens, the lowest forms of vegetable life, including the seaweeds, mushrooms, and the scum-like growth found on stagnant water ; the Acrogens, so called because they increase from the top. An example of these is the tree-fern. The Gymnogens, so called because their seed are naked. The Cycads and Pines belong to this class. The Endogens, so called because they grow from accretions within. The grasses, rushes, lilies, and canes are examples of this order. The Exogens, which increase by additions made on the outside. These have a distinct pith and bark. The timber trees are examples of this class.
5. Say what you can about the developement of vegetable and animal life upon the earth, briefly stating the different theories on this subject.
ANS. After the Azoic age had passed, vegetable and animal life were introduced upon the earth in their lowest forms. As
37
time passed on, and the conditions became right, higher orders were introduced, each succeeding age being characterized by a higher order than the one preceding. Some think there was a total destruction of life, both vegetable and animal, at certain periods of the earth's history, and then other forms created. Others think there are no grounds for such an opinion, but believe that, when the conditions were right for life, there was a breathing of life into a few forms, or one form, and that these have been developing ever since, and likely to keep on develop- ing.
6. Mention the principal characteristics of the reptilian age.
ANS. The reptilian age receives its name from the fact that reptiles predominated over other animals in that age ; that is, they were the distinguishing features of that age. They were monstrous in size. There were the Saurians, Lizards and Batrachians. One Batrachian is mentioned that had a head something like that of a crocodile, teeth three inches long, body like that of an ox, and legs like those of a frog. Universal warmth prevailed.
7. Tell how chalk was formed, giving some idea of the extent of this formation and of its progress at the present time.
ANS. Chalk was formed by the shells of minute animals called Foraminifera. It is carbonate of lime, and was deposited in water. It is much looser in its structure than marble and other forms of limestone. In this country we have the rocks of the cretaceous formation, but the chalk is left out. The famous Dover cliffs are of this formation. Chalk is abundant in Europe and England, and is now in process of formation between Newfoundland and Ireland.
8. Describe fully a Glacier, and indicate the extent of the reign of ice in the Glacial period.
38
ANS. A Glacier is a river of ice. It bends to accommodate itself to elevations and depressions in its course. It carries along its sides stones, rocks, boulders, and whatever obstructs its course. These are called lateral moraines. When two glaciers unite, they form what is called a medial moraine. They make in their course, grooves, scratches, roundings, etc., on the sides of the mountains, and on the rocks which they rub against. They leave, where they terminate, heaps of stones and boulders, and other debris, which they have brought along in their course, and this forms what is called the terminal moraine. A glacier terminates farther up sometimes than at others, according to the temperature, and this causes heaps of debris to be scattered here and there in various places. A stream issues from the end of a glacier, carrying with it much of the crushed and ground material. Both glaciers and ice- bergs had much to do in fitting the earth for the habitation of man. At the time when glaciers and icebergs prevailed it is supposed that the surface of the earth was raised far above its present elevation, and universal cold prevailed, as warmth had done before. The progress of glaciers and icebergs can be traced, and it is found that they came from the north toward the equator in the northern hemisphere, and from the south toward the equator in the southern. Their extent was almost continent wide, though they did not reach quite to the equator.
9. What are the various theories about the origin of man ?
ANS. Some people, taking the Bible as the basis of their argument, believe that God created man in his own image, "a little lower than the angels." That man differs from the lower animals, not in degree only, but in kind. Others, as Mr. Dar- win and Mr. Huxley, think that man is only the highest of the order of animals. That he had his origin in a monkey, or some
39
still lower animal. That he has been developing through long ages, and will go on developing into something still higher.
10. What changes are going on at the present time on the earth ?
ANS. The changes that are now going on are not so vast and noticeable as they were in the past geologic ages, but still there are everywhere changes taking place. There are subsidences and elevations in the Scandinavian Peninsula, the northern part is rising and the southern part sinking. Water by its denuding influence is tending to level the elevations of land and make them encroach upon the water. This influence is counteracted in such a manner that the continents remain about the same from century to century. The coral animals are still at work' and rock is in process of formation. The process of weathering and disintegration is also going on.
41 EXHIBITION
OF THE
PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL,
Wednesday, February 11, 1874.
CHORUS : "Oh, my Native Land is Fair," F. Abt.
COMPOSITION : " The Present Age," ALICE A. LANMAN.
DECLAMATION : " The Retort,"' HENRY C. THOMAS.
FRENCH COMPOSITION : "La vue de ma fenetre," CLARA M. HADAWAY.
COMPOSITION : " Christmas,". MABEL PEMBER.
PIANO DUET : "Revue Melodique de Don Giovanni," Mozart. SARAH A. HAYDEN. W. HARRY DANFORTH.
COMPOSITION : " The Poet at Home," JERUSIIA H. BRADFORD.
TRIO: "The Heaving Billow," Verdi.
HANNAH W. DOTEN, ABBIE I. BARTLETT, JERUSHA H. BRADFORD.
COMPOSITION : "The Good Old Times," EMILY L. RYDER.
GERMAN DIALOGUE. Kotzebue.
LIZZIE HARRIS, GEORGE E. BENSON,
NELLIE H. NICKERSON, HARRY W. CHURCHILL, RUTH G. SHAW, W. HARRY DANFORTH, RUSSELL WHITMAN.
MARY A. CORNISII,
COMPOSITION : " True Politeness," . EDITH A. ANDREWS.
COMPOSITION : "The Marseillaise Hymn," . MARY L. WESTON.
SOLO AND CHORUS : "La Marseillaise,". Rouget de Lisle.
MARY L. WESTON.
COMPOSITION : "A Leaf from My Grandfather's Papers,". . MARIANNA HEDGE. POEM: "Camping Out," MYLES S. WESTON.
DECLAMATION : " A Flying Visit,". Hood.
CHARLES GOODSPEED.
COMPOSITION : "What Next ?" NELLIE L. CHURCHILL.
PIANO SOLO: "Vien qua Dorina Bella," Von Weber.
ALICE H. BROWN.
6
4
42
COMPOSITION : "Little by Little the Bird Builds her Nest,". . NELLIE WHITING. FRENCH DIALOGUE: "Le Vainqueur," Marie Curo.
ELLA M. COLLINGWOOD, CHARLES A. STRONG,
ADDIE M. FINNEY,
CHARLES H. HAYDEN,
REBECCA J. CHURCHILL, FREDERICK THOMAS,
SARAH A. HAYDEN,
GEORGE L. CALLOWAY.
COMPOSITION : "Plymouth in 1632," SUSIE F. CHURCHILL.
PIANO SOLO: Barcarolle from "Les Vepres Siciliennes," Verdi.
SARAH A. HAYDEN.
COMPOSITION : "Interviews with the Peasant Poet,". EMILY G. HOYT.
POEM: "Evening Visit to the Cottage by the Sea," . CHARLES GOODSPEED.
CHORUS : "The Wind Whispers Low," Weber.
COMPOSITION : " A Visit to Hiram Powers,". LIZZIE A. WOOD.
SOLO: "Thy Flowery Banks, O Lovely River," Meyerbeer.
MARY L. WESTON.
COMPOSITION: "The Past and Future of the Colored Race, ... WM. A. JOHNSON.
ENGLISH DIALOGUE: From " Uncle Tom's Cabin,". Mrs. Stowe.
Miss Ophelia. . MABEL PEMBER. St. Clair. . CHIARLES S. DAVIS.
Topsy. . ELLA M. COLLINGWOOD. Eva .. . JENNIE H. PATY.
Rosa. . MARION COLLINGWOOD.
COMPOSITION : " A Harbor Sail,". LULIE F. BARNES.
PIANO SOLO: " La Souree Galop," Spindler.
N. REEVES JACKSON.
COMPOSITION : "The Question of the Hour," .MARION COLLINGWOOD. POEM: " The Class of '74,". HENRY W. BARNES
CHORUS: "Ye Guardian Spirits,". Masaniello.
COMPOSITION : "True Heroism," and Valedictory. . CLARA F. ROBINSON.
PARTING HYMN.
Words by Miss J. H. Bradford. Music by Ed. L Robbins.
Four years have passed on wings of time. How fast their fleeting moments went; We east one lingering look behind, And wish our school-days still unspent. We look upon the past short years
With hearts that now are filled with pain, For memories throng our saddened souls Of joys that may not come again.
We look into the coming years : The future no one can foretell ; We halt upon the threshold still, Before we breathe the last farewell. But, class mates, let us look above, Where earth's farewells are heard no more ; There we shall meet, no more to part, On yonder fair and radiant shore.
Presentation of Diplomas.
43
GRADUATING CLASS.
Edith A. Andrews, Jerusha H. Bradford,
Lulie F. Barnes,
Nellie L. Churchill,
Susie F. Churchill,
Marion Collingwood,
Marianna Hedge, Emily G. Hoyt, Alice A. Lanman.
Mabel Pember,
Clara F. Robinson,
Emily L. Ryder, Mary L. Weston, Nellie Whiting, Lizzie A. Wood. Henry W. Barnes, Charles Goodspeed, William A. Johnson, Myles S. Weston.
one prospergens
ANNUAL REPORT -
OF THE
SELECTMEN
OF THE
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH,
FOR THE
Financial Year ending Jan. 1, 1874.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
PLYMOUTH, MASS.
PLYMOUTH: AVERY & DOTEN, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, CORNER OF COURT AND NORTII STREETS. 1874.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN
OF THE
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH,
FOR THE
Financial Year ending Jan. 1, 1874.
PLYMOUTH: AVERY & DOTEN, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, CORNER OF COURT AND NORTH STREETS. 1874.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
100
₡2-1874
Report of the Selectmen.
The Selectmen respectfully submit the following report for the year eighteen hundred and seventy-three.
The Treasurer's books have been examined, and are found correctly kept, and all payments properly vouched.
The treasury is charged for the year with :-
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1873. $3,436 49
School fund from the State. 317 39
Dog fund from the County
335 78
School books sold.
708 62
Militia reimbursements from the State
262 90
Taxes of 1868 4 49
48 63
Taxes of 1870
317 55
Taxes of 1871 589 07
Taxes of 1872
7,742 15
Taxes of 1873
53,248 22
Almshouse reimbursements 898 39
Water rents
7,381 74
Land rent.
3 50
Inland fisheries
3 00
Circus licenses.
100 00
Cash from loans of Plymouth National Bank
11,000 00
Interest on taxes
296 04
Dividend from Old Colony Bank.
450 00
Amount carried forward $87,143 96
Taxes of 1869
4
Amount brought forward. $87,143 96
Agawam and Half-way Pond fishery. 281 85
Cash from 1st Parish, on Burial Hill account 108 75
Fresh Brook fishery
20 00
Rebate of interest. 10 46
Stove sold .. 6 50
Training Green account, interest 184 77
Vine Hills Cemetery, sale of lots
500 75
Road department reimbursements
580 61
State aid reimbursements.
3,889 00
National Bank tax from the State
3,313 95
Corporation tax from the State
5,117 93
$101,158 53
The treasury is credited for the year with payments as fol-
lows :-
State tax.
$6,165 00
County tax.
4,588 76
National Bank tax of non-residents
4,970 52
Schools 17,201 04
Almshouse 6,191 81
Insane Poor
1,425 56
Roads 8,997 97
New Roads. 308 82
Town Debt.
4,741 66
Contingent.
5,016 00
Water Works and Scrip
12,017 03
Fire Department .. 2,995 31
Assessors 988 89
Abatement . 903 90
Herring money .
735 25
Discounts
52 11
Amount carried forward
$77,299 63
5
Amount brought forward $77,299 63
Allowance to Widows. 156 00
Sexton. 125 00
Lighting streets 782 75
Burial Hill 103 76
State aid. 3,828 04
Vine Hills Cemetery 417 27
Collector of taxes 450 00
Watch and Police. 838 75
B. L. Battles on note.
100 00
Treasurer's salary. 500 00
Water Scrip Sinking fund
1,500 00
Notes paid Plymouth National Bank 11,000 00
Cash on hand.
4,057 33
$101,158 53
The undrawn balances of the several appropriations are as follows :-
Almshouse.
$1,128 48
Insane Poor
151 61
Abatements
452 40
Fire Department. 868 96
Lighting streets.
43 20
Widows. 192 01
Fresh Brook .. 41 72
Vine Hills Cemetery.
214 40
Collector of taxes
4 59
Watch and Police.
661 25
New Roads.
331 48
Town Debt. 2,034 55
Training Green 569 60
$6,694 25
6
The expenditures in excess of appropriations are as follows : Schools $535 72
Assessors 73 86
Contingent 185 10
Burial Hill
28 93
Herring money 44 26
Roads .
1,006 61
Water Works.
5,790 82
$7,665 30
TOWN DEBT.
In stating the indebtedness of the town in former reports, it has been the practice to state that portion which was provided for separately, as temporary loan, leaving that only to be stated as town debt which was to be met from future taxation. The distinction is an important one, but the classification of partic- ular notes in accordance with it has been sometimes arbitrary ; and it is thought that the exact condition of the town may be more clearly understood and some confusion avoided by stating the entire indebtedness together. Aside from the water debt the town owes as follows :-
Notes to the State of Massachusetts. $26,724 65
Notes to Plymouth Savings Bank 15,000 00
Note to Henry Sherman .. 1,250 00
Note to Reuben Sherman 1,600 00
Note to B. L. Battles 100 00
$44,674 65
7
The assets to meet this are :-
Uncollected taxes. $12,860 55
Due from State for State aid. 5,986 05
Cash on hand.
4,057 33
Water rents due, estimated. 1,500 00
$24,403 93
Less balance of the several appropriations 6,694 25
17,709 68
Leaving unprovided for
$26,964 97
STATE AID.
A full settlement has been made with the State of all State aid accounts from the first disbursements in 1861 to those of 1872 inclusive. Considerable discrepancy was found between the account as it stood upon the Treasurer's books and the ac- count at the Auditor's office. The latter was found to agree with the rolls returned and with the retained copies preserved. The discrepancies were principally in the earlier years, and seem to have arisen from a failure to separate the aid distribu- ted, for which there was no claim upon the State, from that which under the law was to be reimbursed by the State. The later laws contemplated no aid except that to be reimbursed ; and the differences since the statute of 1866, between the rolls and the Treasurer's book are mainly caused by orders drawn not paid when the year's accounts were closed. The larger dif- ference in 1866 and 1867 is explained by the change of the end of financial year from Feb. 1 to Jan. 1. The books for 1866 embraced the month of Jan. 1867, while those for 1867 em- braced but eleven months, but the rolls for both years were
8
made up to Jan. 1. In the final settlement there was disallowed from the amount returned upon the rolls for the eleven years the sum of $1,963.79, held by the Auditor to have been ille- gally or improperly paid. The following is a full statement of the amount distributed and returned, with the sums disallowed in each year :-
Charged on Treasurer's books.
Returned on rolls.
Disallowed
1861
$4,859 16
$4,266 74
$179 83
1862
13,186 04
12,705 65
142 09
1863
12,035 28
12,057 18
9/99
1864
.12,628 98
12,671 37
442 04
1865
7,834 44
6,840 08
365 67
1866
16,024 10
15,111 71
563 00
1867
6,652 00
7,353 00
181 44
1868
4,450 72
4,450 72
1869
4,352 53
4,352 62
16 93
1870
4,299 00
4,298 67
32 80
1871
3,744 00
3,846 00
30 00
1872
3,779 25
3,889 00
1873
3,828 04
3,720 00
Orders not paid
101 50
$97,775 04
$95,562 74
$1,963 79
Total discrepancies between books and rolls.
2,212 30
Total disallowances in final settlement ..
1,963 79
$4,176 09
Appropriations by the Town of $557.58 and other reimburse- ments of $155.85 had provided for $713.43, making the actual deficit in amount due from the State as heretofore reported, $3,462.66.
9
SCHOOLS. Cn.
Appropriation $15,500 00
Mass. School fund. 317 39
Dog fund from County 335 78
Books sold
708 62
Stove sold. 6 50
DR. $16,868 29
Balance overdrawn Jan. 1, 1873.
$202 97
Payments in 1873. 17,201 04
$17,404 01
Balance overdrawn $535.72
The deficiency in this department the school committee hope to meet without special appropriation, and believing that a less amount will be required for repairs the present year than during the last, and that some changes can be made to effect at least a temporary reduction of expenses, they ask for no increase of appropriation.
The same appropriation as last year, $15,500, is recommended.
POOR. CR.
Balance Jan. 1, 1873. $432 27
Appropriation . 6,000 00
Reimbursements 888. 39
DR.
$7,320 66
Paid in 1873 $6,191 81
Balance undrawn ... $1,128 85 An appropriation of $5,000 is recommended for this depart- ment.
10
INSANE POOR.
CR.
Balance undrawn Jan. 1, 1873 $577 17
Appropriation
1,000 00
$1,577 17
DR.
Paid in 1873.
$1,425 5G
Balance undrawn $151 61
- There are orders drawn not paid amounting to $325.50, and an appropriation of $1,500 will be necessary.
ROADS.
CR.
$8,000 00
Reimbursements. 583 34
$8,583 34
DR.
Balance overdrawn, Jan. 1, 1873.
$591 98
Paid in 1873. 8,997 97
$9,589 9%
Balance overdrawn $1,006 61
There are orders drawn not paid, $324.76.
The unusual expenses of this department for the year have been snow bills amounting to $1,500, and the re-building of the bridge at Cobb's valley. The latter was a matter not con- templated when the estimates for the year were made. It was supposed that it would be sufficient to relay the wooden cover- ing, but upon removing the old bridge it was found that the abutments must be rebuilt, and it was decided to make the
Appropriation
11
bridge wholly of stone, that it might be permanent, and admit of such further improvement in the grade as the constant and rapid increase of travel should justify. The expense of the work proved much greater than was anticipated, amounting to $798, and further outlay is necessary to support the causeway leading to the bridge. Some difficulty was encountered with one of the land owners, in relation to alleged damage occasioned by the alteration, and the matter is not yet adjusted. The Selectmen do not regard the claim made a just one legally, or equitably, but they have made every effort to avoid litigation.
Vernon street has been newly graded at a larger expense than. would be justified for ordinary repairs, and if the work which was more properly the working of a new road, were charged to that account, the appropriation for repairs would not be over- drawn. The grading was made necessary by the building upon the street, as, if delayed until abuttors had adjusted their build- ings to the old grade, the change which must be made sooner or later would be attended with greatly increased cost.
If no heavy snow falls to consume the appropriation, it is believed that the same amount appropriated last year will provide for the deficiency existing, and leave as large a sum to be expended in actual repairs as has been used the last year. It is desirable to make improvements in the condition of the roads faster than this will allow, but in view of the large outlay called for in so many directions, the Board do not see their way clear to recommend a larger sum, unless it shall be rendered necessary by large snow-bills yet to accrue.
12
NEW ROADS.
Cn.
$640 30
Balance undrawn Jan. 1, 1873
DR. -
Paid in 1873.
308 82
Balance undrawn $331 48
There are orders not paid amounting to $200, and awards, upon which orders have not been drawn, sufficient to exhaust the appropriation. Lothrop street has been worked during the year, at a cost of $200 for grading and $210 for land damages.
The County Commissioners have laid out a highway to Manomet by the way of Rocky Hill, and widened and straight- ened the road from Manomet meeting-house to a point near the store of Stephen Holmes. The land damages, amounting to. about $1,200, are paid by the county, but the construction is required of the Town. The same authority has widened Market street, and awarded land damages, amounting to $580, to be paid by the Town, and have laid out a town way, on petition of Otis E. Nichols et als, at Manomet, in which land damages are awarded $25, and the construction is estimated at $300, - both to be paid by the Town. A way has also been laid from Court street to the new Seaside station, the construction of which is estimated at $100, one-half of which will be paid by Plymouth.
The Selectmen have laid out a town way from Samoset street. to Summer street, in which the land damage awarded is $500, and the cost of construction is estimated from $1,500 to $2,000. This street is laid out in the belief that a favorable opportunity is presented for obtaining a good and much needed communi- cation between the upper portion of Summer street and the north part of the town, and at an expense not greater than the
·
13
value of the improvement. If the laying out is accepted by the Town, the Selectmen recommend that only so much of the way be worked the present year as shall fix the rights of parties, that those desiring to build, or sell lots for building, upon the proposed way, may proceed with certainty in regard to the location and grade of the same; and the large cut which constitutes the largest element of cost in the proposed working be delayed till another year, when it is hoped the extraordinary demands upon the Town may be less than the present year.
The Selectmen have heard the parties petitioning for the laying out of a town way from the Cliff neighborhood to the Sandwich road, and for the extension of Water street to the depot. Upon the first the Selectmen are satisfied that the way ought to be assumed by the Town, and that the expense would not be disproportioned to the benefits secured; and a survey has been made with a view to a formal laying out, but final action has not yet been taken. The extension of Water street is a much graver matter. The demand for the extension is more general than for any like measure upon which the Select- men have been called to act, but the consequences involved are also more serious.
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