432 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1879. 



REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT FOR THE YEAR 

 ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 1879. 



The history of the Academy for the year ending Nov. 30, 1879, 

 is not very remarkable. It may be briefly stated. 



The Academy offered, Feb. 1879, to receive on deposit the col- 

 lections made by the second geological survey of the State of 

 Pennsylvania; and asked the Legislature to appropriate money 

 towards enlargement of the building for the purpose of affording 

 ample space for the display of a distinct collection of specimens 

 illustrative of all departments of the natural history of Pennsyl- 

 vania, including those of the geological surveys. It is believed 

 that a separate museum of the kind proposed would be attractive 

 and interesting to visitors generally, as well as instructive. It 

 would ultimately become an objective representation of all the 

 natural resources of the State, and possibly suggestive of new 

 applications of them in the industrial arts, and at the same time 

 tend to enhance in public estimation the value of the study of the 

 natural sciences. 



All the members of the Legislature were invited to visit the 

 institution in the evening of April 25th. Several of those who 

 were present at this reception expressed opinions favorable to 

 granting the petition of the Academy; but the Legislature finally 

 adjourned without acting upon it. 



A proposition to amend the by-laws, made May 6th, was unani- 

 mously rejected Oct. 28th. 



Experience has demonstrated that the ordinary income of the 

 Society is very much less than the amount of its necessary ex- 

 penses. After due consideration of the subject by the council it 

 was proposed to ask contributions from members and others 

 towards the creation of a maintenance or working fund of sufficient 

 amount to supply at least current deficiencies. 



A committee of forty members was appointed, Sept. 16th, by 

 the President, under authority of the Academy, to solicit contri- 

 butions. The committee met, organized, and issued a circular in 



