212 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



that would yield five hundred dollars. As more than the necessary number of names had 

 already been secured, preparation was made for the issue of such a vokmie. Subseqiiently 

 the President was solicited to write for the same volume a sketch of the history of the 

 Society, from its foundation to the close of the fiftieth year of its existence. This, after 

 much hesitation, he consented to do, recognizing the importance of having such a sketch 

 prepared, whilst yet some of the fotmders of the Society were alive and able to give 

 information concerning their early brother members, and fearing that otherwise it would 

 be left undone. 



The committee appointed to take measures fur the celebration of the semi-centennial 

 anniversary were faithful to their trust, taking active measures to ensure success. It soon 

 became manifest that the occasion was to be one of great interest, all persons addressed 

 being found ready to cooperate with the committee in currying out their plans. Cheer- 

 fully His Excellency Governor Long, His Honor Mayor Prince, President Eliot of Harvard 

 University, Dr. Samuel Eliot, Superintendent of the Public Schools, Mr. Agassiz, Direc- 

 tor of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Rev. Robert C. Waterston, responded 

 to calls upon them to take part in the proceedings. The committee's labors were mul- 

 tifarious ; they had printed for use at the meeting and for distribution, an introduction to 

 the General Guide to the Museum then in preparation by Prof Hyatt ; they had moved the 

 elephant from his elevated position, and other large animals from their, accustomed places, 

 and had erected aci-oss the north portion of the main hall a platform to accommodate the 

 speakers and distinguished visitors. This was carpeted and furnished with chairs, the rest 

 of the hall having settees over the floor. 



At the general meeting of the Society, April 21st, the Nominating Committee having 

 reported a list of officers for election at the annual meeting, to take place on the 5th of 

 May, in which Mr. Bouve's name was mentioned for President, he addressed the meeting, 

 referi'iug to his having consented four years previously, at the kind solicitation of mem- 

 bers, to withdraw his resignation then tendered, stating that there were several reasons 

 why he should decline re-election at the present time, and urging that the Society would 

 not ask him to reconsider his determination. 



Mr. Scudder expressed the hope that the President's withdrawal was not imperative, 

 and dwelt upon the work done under his administration, which had resulted in the final 

 crystallization of the policy of the Society. 



Remarks were also made by Mr. Hyatt, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Nathan Appleton, ex- 

 pressive of regret at the contemplated action of the President. He, however, warmly 

 thanking the speakers for their kind expressions, reiterated his resolve to resign. It was 

 therefore voted to recommit the report to the nominating committee for reconsideration. 

 This being done they withdrew, and after consultation re-entered the meeting, and pre- 

 sented an amended report, nominating for President in the place of Mr. Bouve, Samuel 

 H. Scudder. The report was then accepted. 



At this meeting the models of the sun and the earth were presented to the Society by 

 the Boston Scientific Society. These consist of a gilt ball representing the sun, three 

 inches in diameter, and a white plate on which is a black spot three one-hundredths of 

 an inch in diameter, Avhich sjanbolizes the earth. These were jjlaced one on the centre of 

 each arch at the side of the stairs in the main hall of entrance to the Museum. They 



