238 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



To this the writer also responds unhesitatingly in the affirmative, sustained by the grat- 

 ifying fact that among the nearest representatives of the great donors may be found those 

 best pleased with all the Society has done. 



For the better understanding, on the part of the members of future generations, of the 

 condition of the affairs of the Society at the present period, it may not be amiss to state 

 concisely what are its possessions, just what it is now doing, with what means, its present 

 needs, and what are the hopes and the aspirations of those who are now its active mem- 

 bers. First then as to its possessions. It- owns the building known as the Museum, its 

 cases, fui'uiture, library and the collections contained therein, free from all incumbrance. 

 The value of the building with cases may be estimated at the cost, |150,334.86, as it cer- 

 tainly could not be erected at the present time without a larger expenditure. The money 

 value of the library and collections cannot be given. The former embraces as before 

 stated, over 14,000 volumes and nearly 6000 pamphlets. 



The collections may be said to be of inestimaljle worth not only to the Society, but to 

 the community, for a considerable portion of unique and type spechnens in the several de- 

 partments could never be replaced. There is not on the part of the public an adequate 

 conception of the extent of these collections and of the great importance that they should 

 be properly cared for, scientifically arranged and fully labelled in order that they may con- 

 tinue in all the future to serve as they now do, to help in the education of those who seek 

 to know something of the works of the Great Creator of all things, and who are not able 

 to attend the scientific schools where this knowledge is specifically taught. The following 

 statement will show the magnitude of the cabinet at this period. 



3Iineralogical Collection. 

 General collection . . . 5,660 sjjeciraens. 



New England collection . . 679 " 



Total . 



6,339 



Geological Collection. 



Catalogued and on exliibition . 3,265 specimens. 



Others yet iracatalogued . 



1.700 



Total 4,965 



The New England rocks are all included in the 

 1700 yet uncatalogued, and they amount, in round 

 numbers, to 1500 specimens. 



Palaeontological Collection. 



Europe 13,691 specimens. 



North America, exclusive of New 



England .... 7,678 



Sou til America . ... 170 " 



Asia and Australia . . . 170 " 



Africa 14 " 



New England . . ' . . 550 



Mounted and arranged 



22,273 



Unmounted, North America . 800 specimens. 



New England . 200 « 



Anatomical Collection. 



Skeletons, preparations and other 

 specimens .... 4,153 specimens. 



Microscopical Collection. 



Bailey collection . . . 1,839 specimens. 



Burnett " . . . . 566 " 

 R. C. Greenleaf and Dr. A. D. Sinclair 



collection .... 480 " 



Rogers collection . . . 275 " 

 Received fi-om ]Messrs. A. Hyatt and 



W.O.Crosby .• . . 114 



Received from IMr. E. Samuels 24 " 



" others . . 62 " 



Total 3,360 



Sponges. 



A general collection not yet in a condition to deter- 

 mine number and species ; also a large collection 

 of New England specimens not yet examined. 



