352 



[December, 



The following reports were read and adopted 



LIBRARIAN'S REPORT 



For 1851. 



The rapid and steady progress which the Library has made during the past 

 few years, in the departments of Natural and Physical Science, and various 

 kindred subjects, has continued during the present year the number of additions 

 amounting to 2,262. 



The usual table, showing the increase under each head, is herewith submitted : 



Of the whole number, 42 have been contributed by authors ; 32 by editors ; 

 77 by Societies and Corporations ; 927 by Dr. Wilson,- 1,025 by Mr. Edward 

 Wilson ; 87 by other members and correspondents ; 7 by Departments of the 

 United States ; and 65 have been derived from miscellaneous sources ; 

 total 2,262. 



In addition to these, nearly 700 volumes, periodicals, &c., and pamphlets pre- 

 sented by Mr. Edward Wilson, are also in the Hall, but not yet recorded. The 

 entire number actually contributed this year, by this most zealous friend of our 

 Institution, will not fall far short of 1,700 of all descriptions. 



Although far distant from us, Mr. Wilson has manifested the liveliest interest 

 in the success and advancement of the Academy, and has exerted his industry, 

 and given his time and attention in searching out rare productions for its Library, 

 to an extent which entitle him to our warmest thanks. Many of these works 

 have been drawn from sources where they were nearly lost to science and the 

 world. 



For Dr. Wilson's contributions, numerous as ever, no additional commendation 

 is needed here ; his eulogy is already written on all around us. 



Upon reference to the table, it will be seen that the additions to the different 

 departments of Natural History form a large proportion of the whole number. 

 Those also from authors, editors, societies, and from our own members and cor- 

 respondents, are as numerous as usual. These latter have averaged, for succes- 



