MUSEUMS OF NATURAL HISTORY. 51 



In all about four hundred separate plants were shown to the close of 

 July. The exliibit was discontinued in July^ but in September was 

 opened again with various compositae, as asters and golden rod, together 

 with gentian and witch hazel, and as winter came on with cryptogams, 

 as toadstools, lichens and mosses. Pupils in the high school have coop- 

 erated in the work by preparing lists to show the dates of the appear- 

 ance of different blossoms. Corrected lists are published in the annual 

 report and in time these will add materially to our knowledge of the 

 flora of the region. There is also printed in the report a classified list 

 of flowering plants and ferns growing on the museum grounds. Plans 

 are under way for an exhaustive study and complete herbarium of the 

 flora of Forest Park. 



In planning lectures and exhibits, the museum officials are on the 

 alert to take advantage of any special interest in the minds of people. 

 Some years ago when there was much discussion of the value of mush- 

 rooms and the importance of care in collecting them, there were placed 

 on special tables with careful descriptions many of the most common 

 and important species. The exhibit of birds and plants appeal to an 

 innate interest, easily aroused and maintained. Evidences are many 

 that these various activities and influences of the museum are in a quiet 

 but effective way developing in the community a spirit of S3anpathy, 

 power of observation and a delight in the wonderful treasures of na- 

 ture. 



A city of the wealth and population of Springfield is certainly for- 

 tunate in the possession of a museum of natural history of such excel- 

 lence and of collections so extensive and of such value for exhibition 

 purposes and for study. These things have been made possible by the 

 fine public spirit that characterizes the community. The City Library 

 Association, including the Library, Art Museum and Museum of Nat- 

 ural History, constitutes a rallying point for the various interests in 

 matters literary, artistic and scientific. Much of the efficiency and 

 influence of the association is the result of the untiring and unselfish 

 devotion and labors of the late Eev. Dr. William Eice, librarian from 

 1861 to 1897. Such is the confidence of the people in the work 

 of the institution that the city makes each year a generous grant 

 of money to meet the running expenses of the three departments of 

 literature, art and science. In land, buildings, books and collections 

 the total value of the property is nearly, if not over, $600,000, most of 

 which has been the gift of public-spirited citizens. On account of the 

 simplicity of the museum building and the excellent work done on the 

 cases, and care taken in the installation of the collections, this depart- 

 ment of the association is conducted at a minimum expense. The total 

 annual appropriation to cover salaries, repairs, cleaning and lighting is 

 $1,200, and this amount is rarely exceeded. Yet the museum is em- 



