ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 11 



* 



Ml matters in the way of expenditures have been carefully 

 scrutinized, and the greatest economy maintained in all matters 

 pertaining to the expenses of the Society. It will be observed 

 that we have considerably reduced during the year the amount 

 of cash on hand. Some purchases and expenditures connected 

 with the alteration of the building in which we meet seemed una- 

 voidable, and we feel certain that the improvements made as the 

 result of this expenditure will be justified by the members of the 

 Academy. 



It is with a degree of great satisfaction that we are able to re- 

 port to the Academy that we have taken possession of the munifi- 

 cent donation of land on Market street, in this city, from Mr. 

 James Lick, he having given us the title, absolute in fee, to the 

 same, which had heretofore been conditionally deeded by him 

 with such restrictions as left -grave doubts in our minds as to 

 whether the gift would ever be of any practical utility to the 

 Academy. The amount of rents per annum derived from the 

 property at the time we received the same, were about $2,300. 

 These have been increased nearly 100 percent., and we feel jus- 

 tified in the expectation that this property, for the coming year, 

 will produce us gross about $5,000; and from the most reliable 

 information, taken in connection with the provisions in our 

 favor in the last deed of trust as executed by Mr. Lick, we are 

 warranted in the belief that this princely gift will enable the 

 Academy to erect on the ground, within a few years, one of the 

 most magnificent temples of science on the face of the globe. 



It has been a matter of regret that we had not/ a more exten- 

 sive fund to draw from for purposes of publication, and that so 

 important a branch has been unavoidably curtailed for want of 

 sufficient funds to justify publications which we have been com- 

 pelled to omit. As the report of the Treasurer shows, a large 

 number of members have defaulted in their dues. Had those 

 payments been made, it would have materially assisted our pub- 

 lication fund. 



It is but justice to Mr. H. M. Nevvhall to say, that his liberal 

 donation during the past year of $1,200, to be applied on the 

 rent, has been of great assistance to us, and we feel he deserves 

 the thanks and gratitude of the entire Academy. 



To the Trustees I return my sincere thanks for their prompt 

 attendance on all the regular and many special meetings during 



