116 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



that had known its centuries of life, the quiet or the grander scenes of the world. His 

 emotions were not those of an enthusiast, but rather came of a clear perception and calm 

 contemplation of the things around him, and of his own responsive nature. 



His life, all too poorly and inadequately represented in this sketch, was throughout a 

 consistent one, and to the end each day was full to the round. He was still endeavoring 

 to improve what had been done before, and looking forward to the accomplishment of new 

 and better ends, when suddenly it was closed. He had been less well than usual; on the 

 afternoon of September 14th, 18G6, he manifested the usual symptoms of an attack of 

 Asiatic cholera, soon after fell into a state of collapse, and on the following morning just 

 before the dawn, he died. 



The office of Custodian, it will be remembered, was created in May 1864, and Mr. Sam- 

 uel H. Scudder was elected to fill it. He held it one year only, when it became vacant 

 and remained so until October 3d of this year, Dr. Packard performing its duties tempora- 

 rily by appointment of the Council. The great importance of having the constant 

 services of some able person who would at the same time perform the special duties 

 appertaining to this office and also act as Librarian and Recording Secretary, led the Com- 

 mittee on nominations to propose Mr. Scudder again to the Society for Custodian, and he 

 was elected. An arrangement was then made by the Council with him, by which it 

 was agreed that he should give his undivided attention to the wants of the Society through- 

 out the year, excepting such time as might be allowed him for a vacation of from one to 

 two months, and that he should perform all duties of Custodian, Librarian and Recording 

 Secretary. The Society to provide permanent assistance in the Library department as 

 heretofore, and also in the special manipulation of specunens which require immediate care 

 for their preservation. 



Before the death of our lamented associate, Dr. Gould, there had been some negotiation 

 with him for the purchase of his cabinet of shells, as he had expressed a willingness to 

 part with it to the Society at a price much less than he would be willing to accept from 

 any other party, as he desired it should finally have a place in the Museum. The only 

 reason why the purchase had not been consummated was that Dr. Gould first wished to put 

 it in good order, and to properly label all the specimens. This work he did not find leisure 

 to do, and consequently much time of an able conchologist would be required to perform 

 it. It was deemed therefore inexpedient to compete with others who oflered more than 

 the Society could afford to pay. This was more to be regretted because of its having been 

 the collection of one so much revered by the members, and because it contained many type 

 specimens of species described by him. A large number of the species were, however, 

 already in our cabinet. 



In November, the Society, upon motion of Dr. J. C. White, passed resolutions expressing 

 appreciation of the value of the gift of Mr. Peabody to Harvard University for the founda- 

 tion of a Museum and Professorship of American Archaeology and Ethnology, • and 

 great pleasure in the recognition on his part of the relation of this Society to that impor- 

 tant department of Science in the selection of its President for one of the Trustees of the 

 munificent endowment made by him. 



By the terms of this donation, the President of the Society is, ex-officio, one of the 

 Trustees. 



