1881.] NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 485 



interest in the society's welfare only by contributing to its funds 

 or collections ; man}^ who are active and successful workers ; many 

 who are distinguished by their attainments, and some who have 

 reached great eminence ; and it is reasonably supposable that 

 recruits are coming forward to fill vacancies as they occur in each 

 of these different kinds or classes of members. It has many 

 numerous and valuable collections in eveiy department, some of 

 them unsurpassed, which are continuously increasing ; and an 

 appropriate library, the best of the kind in the country, for the 

 steady growth of which permanent provision has been made. It 

 owns the building it occupies, with land enough on which to 

 expand it to twice its present dimensions. It is free from debt, 

 and its current income has been in the past year equal to its 

 economical expenditure. 



The condition of the society, attained at the end of seventy 

 years' existence, without any pecuniary aid whatever from the 

 government of the State, justifies the policy which has guided the 

 management of its afiairs. There is nothing in its past history to 

 suggest that it should depart now from the general conservative 

 policy which has characterized almost every step of its progress 

 since 1812. Observance of this policy has brought it to its present 

 condition, in which there is nothing to warrant foreboding of 

 decadence, but much on which to found hope of continuous 

 progress. This condition is satisfactory, because at this time the 

 income is enough to meet all unavoidable expenses. Suggested 

 improvements in several directions are very desirable and 

 earnestly hoped for ; but they are of such a character that they 

 can wait until money is supplied for their realization without 

 absolutely arresting the progress of the institution. 

 Respectfully submitted. 



W. S. W. RUSCHENBERGER. 



REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY. 



The Recording Secretary respectfully' reports that during the 

 3^ear ending Nov. 30, 1881, fifteen members and six correspondents 

 have been elected. 



Resignations of membership have been received from Messrs. 

 J. Ward Atwood, H. Dumont Wagner, E. Egglesfield Griffith, 

 Henry Pemberton, Jr., and Wm. F. Sellers. 



