Plans for the Future 117 



Dovetailed into our Museum activities will be much exploration 

 work which in many departments is at present incomplete. This 

 work will be entrusted to competent members of our Staff. The 

 reader may remember that the first scientific survey of the State of 

 Massachusetts was undertaken in 1837 at the instigation of Mr. 

 George B. Emerson — then President of our Society — and of his 

 colleagues. At the request of Governor Everett, endorsed by both 

 houses of the Legislature, this survey was carried out under the 

 direction of Mr. Emerson, but, as has been said, a great deal of ex- 

 ploration work remains to be done throughout New England. 



We venture to believe that there are few ways in which a man may con- 

 fer such lasting benefits and such happiness on so large a number of people 

 as in providing facdities for an understanding of the wonderful ways of 

 Nature. 



