An increasing need is felt of providing for the occasional 

 publication of more extensive research papers and it is prob- 

 able, that such a series may be initiated in the coming year. 



Public Instruction 



As a part of the work of this department a number of lec- 

 tures were given during the winter and spring to the general 

 public. These free lectures have undoubtedly been of service 

 to the community and have helped the Museum. It has long 

 been a part of my plan, however, to provide organized courses 

 of lectures on topics of general interest and the inauguration 

 of a University Extension movement in the city seemed to 

 afford an opportunity of undertaking such work. I therefore 

 accepted an invitation to give such a course on Organic Evolu- 

 tion and Kindred Biological Problems on condition that it 

 be given in the Museum. In this way better orgainzed work 

 has been possible than heretofore. 



The equipment for public instruction has been improved by 

 the purchase of additional lantern slides and the public read- 

 ing room which will be provided in the new building will 

 greatly increase the educational possibilities of the Museum. 



The Natural History Society 



The Natural History Society is an important medium for 

 the educational work of the Museum. It is at present working 

 exclusively on birds but at some future time sections may be 

 formed for the study of trees or other subjects. Members 

 of the society are the chief contributors to the bird records of 

 the Museum and the meetings of the society, together with the 

 seasonal exhibit of local birds in the Museum, afford every 

 opportunity for popular instruction regarding our bird life. 



The Director is making special efforts to interest the gen- 

 eral public, and especially teachers, in our local birds and is 



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