10 BULLETIN OF THE ESSEX INSTITUTE. 



Lowell, of Boston, George E. Pearson, Hon. Stephen H. 

 Phillips, Rev. A. H. Quint, D.D., of Boston, Arthur S. 

 Rogers, A. A. Sawyer, Michael W. Shepard, Geo. F. 

 Sibley, James J. Storrow, of Boston, Francis Tucker- 

 man, Mrs. Mary A. Turner, of Marblehead, Miss Anna 

 E. Ticknor, of Boston, Chas. P. Trumbull, of Beverly, 

 William L. Vinal. 



From various causes there have been a number of 

 withdrawals of members the past year. Some from 

 pecuniary reasons, some by removal from town ; some 

 have left us on account of the historical societies formed 

 in their own towns which, naturally enough, they wish to 

 encourage, rather than the Institute ; others for decline 

 in interest in historical matters ; others perhaps have be- 

 come more interested in the bicycle, which seems to affect 

 almost every kind of business. All these, together with 

 the deaths named, have somewhat reduced our member- 

 ship. It will be necessary for us to be continually re- 

 cruiting to make up such losses, to which we are always 

 liable. 



I would recommend that a committee be appointed, 

 of perhaps three persons, to be called a "Committee on 

 Membership," to take charge of this matter, and advise 

 with the Secretary from time to time as to the best course 

 to be pursued to keep our numbers as large as possible. 



In conclusion, I have only to sa}', that the Society has 

 been unfortunate the past year in having so much sick- 

 ness among its assistants ; but through the active per- 

 sonal attention of its President, the work has gone on 

 remarkably well, and now all that is really needed is the 

 room and funds necessary to greatly increase its useful- 

 ness. 



Which is respectfully submitted, 



IIenrv M. Brooks, 



Secretary. 



