THE RETROSrECT OF THE YEAR. 141 



fret up in the gallery?" has been answered at least 5,000 

 times the past year. 



Thirty-three persons have joined the society during the 

 year, and seventeen members have died, viz. : 



Augustus S. Browne, George Roundy of Beverly, 



Rufus B. GifFord, John H. Silsbee, 



Nathaniel A. Horton, Frank Stone, 



Catherine K. Ireson, Stephen G. Wheatland, 



George R. Lord, Cyrus M. Tracy of Lynn, 



George B. Loring, James D. Waters, 



Martha A. Nichols, Charles Woodbury, 



George Peabody, Martha A. Willson, 

 John Webster. 



In the historical department the collections are contin- 

 ually increasing, and I can now only repeat in substance 

 what was said last year on this point. 



Additions to our building and funds are greatly needed 

 to make a proper display of the important donations to the 

 cabinets and to arrange and catalogue the manuscripts. 



It is desired that the members generally will help us at 

 least to increase our membership, which can be easily done 

 if the matter should be taken hold of earnestly. If, for 

 instance, every member should feel it incumbent on him- 

 self or herself to obtain for us two new members ni the 

 coming year, it would be a very great aid to us and help 

 to "bridge over" to the time, when it is hoped some one or 

 more of our friends will contribute a hundred thousand 

 dollars to the funds of the society. 



The Institute is also in need of more young persons, 

 of both sexes, for members, and especially those who 

 would be interested in our work and would aid us in ar- 

 ranging the various collections. Of course we want old 

 people too, but no society can long exist without the coop- 



