THE NAUTILUS. 95 



who invited several of bis brother conchologists to meet at his board 

 to discuss the outlook. 



As some readers are not aware of the circumstances, it may be well 

 to state that the Association was originated in 1-S90, for the purpose 

 of encouraging and advancing conchological study in America by 

 concerted effort and mutual assistance. It rapidly attained a much 

 larger membership than its originators had anticipated ; and the cor- 

 respondence of the President and other officers became so large as to 

 be a serious burden. Moreover, the original articles or " constitu- 

 tion " stated that there were to be no membership dues, so that the 

 expense to the officers named for postage, etc., was not inconsider- 

 able. 



Although the pages of the NAUTILUS were freely used for Associa- 

 tion communications, it was found necessary to print lists of the 

 members, their addresses and specialties, for general use. This 

 expense was met by the officers on the first occasion, and the second 

 list was printed by generous subscriptions from various members 

 throughout the country. 



These conditions, together with business engagements and ill 

 health which prevented the first President of the Association from 

 continuing to give his time in the generous measure required, led 

 to the present inactive condition of the Association. 



So much for the past. With these conditions in view, it was the un- 

 animous judgment of the assembled conchologists that "Rule 3" of 

 the former by-laws should be stricken out, and an annual member- 

 ship fee of (say) $1.00 be fixed, to defray expenses of the Association, 

 such as postage, printing of Reports, to contain lists of members, 

 Treasurers' statements, and information useful to the membership at 

 large. 



Should this meet with the approval of the members, it will be 

 necessary to elect a Treasurer, not originally provided for by the 

 rules. It is believed that these modifications, by providing ample 

 means for communication between members, will lead to a renewed 

 and healthy growth of the Association. 



All members of the Association are requested to consider the con- 

 ditions above set forth, and freely submit their views thereon to the 

 Secretary, (Charles W. Johnson, Wagner Free Institute of Science, 

 Philadelphia), who will report the same at a meeting of the Associa- 

 tion to be held at the call of the officers, date to be announced here- 

 after, to pass upon these amendments to the Rules. It is desired 



