1852.] 217 



volumes of periodicals bound in that time, the number on our shelves at present 

 exceeds 15,000. 



Nearly all the additions in the six years above referred to, have been gifts 

 from individuals or Societies, or in exchange for our own publications, very 

 little money having been expended. 



The rich and costly collection which surrounds us, like that in our noble 

 Museum, affording instruction and delight not to ourselves alone, but to nume- 

 rous inquirers after knowledge beyond our own limits, is therefore made up 

 almost entirely of spontaneous offerings, prompted by disinterested generosity 

 or a love for science. Let us not lose sight of this fact ; it cannot be too often 

 referred to, or too strongly impressed upon us. Every means in our power should 

 be employed to protect such valuable trusts from abuse and loss. The plausible 

 pretender to science, the inconsiderate idler and the pilferer, should find no 

 encouragement within these walls. 



The present accommodations for the books have become too limited to admit 

 of their proper arrangement, or of easy access to them. For the last few 

 months inconvenience has been experienced to an annoying extent from some 

 of the cases being crowded to excess. Many plans have been suggested with 

 a view to remedy this evil, all of which, however, were of too temporary a 

 character to admit of adoption. 



It is now, however, proposed to remove to the Hall above, as soon as appro- 

 priate places can be prepared for them, the entire collections in Mineralogy, 

 Conchology, Herpetology, &c., at present contained in the basement apartment 

 adjoining the Library, and to convert the latter into a library room. The area 

 of this apartment is nearly equal to that now occupied for library purposes, and 

 may be estimated to be sufficient to accommodate at least 10,000 additional 

 volumes. The basement of the building would then, with the exception of one 

 room, (which must be retained for the reception and unpacking of parcels, boxes, 

 &c.,) be occupied by the library, and the great advantage gained, which has 

 been so long desired, of keeping it isolated or distinct from the Museum. 



The statement above presented is in every respect gratifying, and the Society 

 may be congratulated, as on every occasion like the present for the last few 

 years, on the rapid and steady advancement in this department the most 

 important, perhaps, in the Institution affording the best evidence of the favor 

 in which the latter is everywhere held, and the unceasing liberality of its 

 friends and supporters. The Academy of Natural Sciences may justly boast 

 that in this age of progress it has not been left behind. It is, and has been, 

 since its origin, with few exceptions, progressive ; partly owing, doubtless, to 

 its intrinsic merit, but mainly to a succession of advantageous circumstances 

 operating in its favor. Its benefactors have been open-handed to an extent 

 heretofore unknown in institutions of this nature in our country. The names 

 of Maclure and Wilson, especially, will never be mentioned without regard and 

 admiration. Through their instrumentality, in a great measure, the Institution 

 now rests upon a firm and solid basis ; its endurance will depend not merely 

 upon the intelligence, zeal and industry of those who succeed us here, but also 

 upon a proper appreciation by them of the true and legitimate objects of its 

 founders. No misgivings, however, need be entertained on this head. At no 

 period in its history have the prospects been more encouraging than at present, 

 of its high scientific reputation being fully maintained, and of its utility and 

 advantages to the community being generally recognised as a great centre for 

 the increase of knowledge. 



Wm. S. Zantzinger, Librarian. 



Hall of tht Academy^ Dec. 28, 1852. 



The Annual Report of the Treasurer was read and referred to the 

 Auditors. 



