THE HENRY SHAW SCHOOL OF BOTANY. 



INAUGUEAL EXERCISES. 



IN MEMORIAL HALL, NOVEMBER 6, 1885. 



Prayer having been offered by the Rev. James G. Mer- 

 rill, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, the follow- 

 ing Historical Statement was made by the Chancellor of 

 the University: — 



This evening, Washington University inaugurates a new 

 Department of scientific work. In some respects the en- 

 terprise is particularly worthy of note. 



Heretofore, from the very beginning, every step in our 

 progress has been taken, as it were, in the dark, as when 

 one puts his foot forward not knowing whether it will be 

 upon firm ground or in vacancy, with reasonable fear that 

 each step might be the last. As one Department after an- 

 other has developed itself, we have been building upon 

 hope, with only that assurance of success which earnest faith 

 and endeavor always inspire. Looking back through all 

 these years of trial and difficulty, we may well be surprised 

 at the steadfastness of purpose and munificent generosity 

 of those who have worked with us, so many of whom have 

 passed away, but of whom some of the most faithful are 

 yet left, while younger men are rising up, from time to 

 time, worthily to fill the vacant places. 



To-day, we have met to inaugurate a new enterprise in 



one of the highest departments of scientific culture, not 



only with ample endowment for the present, but with wise 



provision, if we know how to do our work faithfully and 



well, for future development and growth. 



[59] 



