xlvi 



ber of the Transactions. This leaves a balance in the treasury 

 of $261.18. 



Mr. F. M. Crunden, Librarian, reported the following addi- 

 tions to the library: Volumes, 318 ; pamphlets, and parts of vol- 

 umes, 836 ; sheets, maps, etc., 186. 



The President, Dr. George Engelmann, then made his Annual 

 Address, as follow^s : 

 Gentlemen of the Academy : 



The expectation expressed at the last annual meeting, that soon we 

 would be able to meet in our own Hall, has not been realized. Its happy 

 fulfilment has been delayed for causes not under the control of your 

 officers or your committee. But it is understood that the authorities of 

 Washington University have declined other offers for the disposition of 

 the old Mary Institute property on Lucas place, and that the ofler they 

 made to us a year ago is still open to us. 



We ought to be able to avail ourselves soon of this advantageous oppor- 

 tunity to acquire a home — a home without which we will continue to linger 

 along in the present unsatisfactory manner. 



But it will be necessary to raise not only the $25,000 asked for the pro- 

 perty, but also to raise a fund of the same amount, part of which to enable 

 us to put the building in a proper condition for our purposes, erect cases 

 for our specimens and for our library, bind our thousands of scattered 

 volumes, and thus make them accessible to the members and to students 

 generally. Another and greater part might be put aside as a permanent 

 fund, from the interest of which the current expenses of the Institution for 

 Curator, Janitor, light, fuel, repairs and other smaller items would have 

 to be met, as our regular income from the contribution of members will be 

 needed for the publication of our Transactions. 



Does the large, wealthy and progressive city of St. Louis contain 

 appreciation of scientific pursuits and necessities, combined with public 

 spirit, enough to raise such a comparatively small sum ? 



It is believed that the first $25,000 necessary for the purchase of the 

 property are almost ready, but that they have been subscribed only condi- 

 tionally, and will not be available unless the second equal and absolutely 

 necessary sum can be brought together. 



Every day's experience shows how intimately science is connected with 

 practical life and how necessary one is to the other. In the New England 

 States this has long since led to great results. Qiiite lately the great 

 commercial metropolis of our Atlantic border has awakened to the same 

 conviction, and while years ago New Yorkers almost ignored the obscure 

 existence of their New York Lyceum, they have at present one of the best 

 endowed and splendid institutions of Natural History, fostered both by 

 city and State in the most liberal manner. Can not, will not the commer- 

 cial metropolis of the Mississippi valley imitate such a noble example.? It 

 seems that the returning general prosperity of the country should enable 



