XXX Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



have reason to congratulate ourselves upon the season's work. Notwith- 

 standing losses by death and resignations, the list of active members shows 

 a net gain of six for the year. The average attendance at meetings has 

 been good, though somewhat less than in 1901. 



The number of publications has been above the average, and their char- 

 acter has been equal to any in the past. 



The financial condition of the Academy is good. All the notes issued in 

 payment of the Yandell collection have been met at maturity. There re- 

 mains but one, to be paid in 1904. Collections have been prompt, and the 

 number of uncollected dues has been decreased. 



The Library has been thoroughly sorted and catalogued. 



I regret to report the death of one member, Hon. Henry Hitchcock, for 

 many years associated with this society, whose loss is a grievous one and 

 much to be deplored. 



The records of the Academy tell us that its history has been similar to 

 that of other scientific institutions. The same difficulties have been en- 

 countered and overcome, and the same obstacles present themselves to bar 

 active progress. The work of the Academy is not as thoroughly appreci- 

 ated by our fellow-citizens as it should be. We have reached a period 

 where it is necesf*ary to go forward, or we will inevitably go backward. 

 The time is soon coming, if not already at hand, when we shall be obliged 

 to seek new quarters. The pressing need of the Academy is a home of its 

 own. The advantages of quarters under our own control are so evident as 

 to make discussion unnecessary. We have no place for our valuable and 

 growing library. Its uses are therefore much curtailed. We have the 

 nucleus of an excellent museum, but it is packed in boxes and stored in 

 various parts of the city. The beautiful collection of butterflies, presented 

 by Mrs. Bouton a year ago, is scarcely known to our members. All of our 

 property is exposed to the danger of loss by fire. 



We need a home of our own to give us a dignified standing in this com- 

 munity; to compel our people to recognize fully the invaluable service 

 rendered so freely and unselfishly to the scientific world. It should no 

 longer be said that the St. Louis Academy of Science is better known abroad 

 than in its own city. I therefore call upon every member of this society to 

 take this need seriously to himself. In due season Volume XII of Trans- 

 actions will be mailed to you, and will serve as excellent material for 

 missionary work. 



The following table contains details of interest: — 



Academy membership at date — January 1, 1903 293 



Elections for year 1902 19 



Losses for the year 13 



By death 1 



Kesignations 12 



Net gain for the year . . 6 



The active members are classified as follows : — 



Patron 1 



Resident 222 



Non-resident 70 



