Dec, 1901.] Meeting of the Biological Club. 155 



enters on an elaborate extended research witKout the expectation 

 that such results as he may obtain, especially such as are novel 

 and important to the growth of science, shall at some time be 

 given a public hearing and a permanent record in the annals of 

 science. However much this ambition may be overworked and 

 abused, it must be considered the logical and legitimate outcome 

 of research, valuable as an incentive to work, essential to the 

 progress of science. 



The output of scientific laboratories is always pressing hard 

 upon the organs of publication, and though we have numerous 

 periodicals open to all, many society proceedings and transactions 

 devoted to their membership, university bulletins intended pri- 

 marily for the staff and students of each institution, still adequate 

 publication facilities are often wanting. Especially is this true 

 regarding the suitable illustration of papers which depend largely 

 on plates or drawings for the elucidation of the text. Our own 

 modest effort in The Nati-ralist is an attempt to meet one 

 phase of this demand, but you all appreciate, I think, that it is 

 insufficient for the needs of our own institution. Some of the 

 more extended papers resulting from the work of either students 

 or faculty must suffer oblivion, delay or inadequate presentation. 

 Evidently a publication fund is one of our pressing needs. 



Opportunities for research have been much increased within 

 recent years, and now it is possible for one to look forward with 

 some assurance to a career in research pure and simple if that is 

 his desire. As many of those present doubtless anticipate such 

 career, it may not be amiss to mention some of the opportunities 

 that now present. Positions in connection with universities and 

 colleges now as for a long time past offer some of the most avail- 

 able openings. Fellowships, and positions as assistants with 

 comparatively light duties with expectation that the holder will 

 devote himself to investigation that will advance his branch of 

 science are offered in many places and their value is shown by 

 the numerous candidates for each position. Many government 

 positions in Department of Agriculture, Geological vSurvey and 

 Fish Commission demand a high degree of training and offer 

 exceptional opportunities for research. 



The first few years following graduation are golden days of 

 opportunity in the way of research. For the majority, perhaps, 

 these are the days when the greatest amount of original study 

 may be possible and under conditions favoring the greatest 

 productivity. As time passes and duties and responsibilities 

 increase the opportunity for uninterrupted work grows less and 

 less. Of course original work should follow necessary prepara- 

 tion but can not be postponed indefinitely, in hopes of a more 

 favorable season, if the individual hopes to accomplish anything 

 of value in his chosen science. Too early publication how^ever is 



