10 



jjlants; by stndyiiii:; tlu' j)r(i})erties ol plants injurious or fatal to man or beast, as 

 the stagger-weed. 



2. It strives to increase the happiness, safety and productive capacity of 

 society by investigating food adulteration, drainage, water supply, sanitary ques- 

 tions; by investigating the effects of mineral and vegetable poisons upon man and 

 animals; by studying the diseases of animals: by invi'stigating general econom- 

 ical and social problems. 



3. It studies the question of the protection of forms of life beneficial to man, 

 such as forests, native birds, game and tishes. 



In general, we may remark, the reputation of a State is a matter of itecuniary 

 as well as sentimental importance. While it is true that the work of the Academy 

 is widely known and its worth acknowledged, while the same is true for other edu- 

 cational forces in the State, yet when all is said, we must confess that we occupy 

 too low a position in tlie estimation of the scientific world, lower we believe, than 

 our merit as a State deserves. On the other hand, if the State Legislature should 

 cordially recognize the work being done, should encourage investigation along all 

 lines by the method here suggested, as it can at so slight an expense, that act alone 

 of enlightened and far-seeing policy would greatly improve our reputation; it 

 would tend to give tone and character to the State; it would make the strong 

 workers within its borders more i)atriolic; they would not be so ready when oppor- 

 tunity ofi'ers to change their residence to some more appreciative community; it 

 would do much to attract from without first-class ability to assist in making Indi- 

 ana in every I'cspcct what her fertility and natural resources intended she should 

 be — a leader among the States of the Union. 



New York, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas and 

 the National Government, together with the foremost foreign States and nations, 

 are more or less committed to the policy advocated. Its results in Indiana can 

 not be different from those achieved elsewhere. lis adoption can only inure to 

 the great and lasting benefit of Indiana and all her people. 



The amount annually needed to pul)lish in a proper manner, illustrate and 

 di6tril)ute the proceedings of the Society will not exceed $2,000. The Academy 

 does not ask a direct ap})ro]iriati(>M of money, Ijut an annual [lublication of its 

 proceedings. 



As shown by its constitution, tlic objcct> of the Academy "shall be scientific 

 researcli and the diflnsion of knowledge concci'ning the various departments of 

 science." 



