ble, and is, by a standing arrangement, appropriated to the 

 support of the Society's Journal, to the increase of the 

 Library, and to the maintenance and improvement of the 

 Museum. This wise disposition of it, has been strictly ad- 

 hered to, except when necessity has compelled a diversion of a 

 part of it, as before noticed. It is essential to our prosperity 

 and good name, that this necessity should never again exist. 

 The only property of the Society, other than the above, is its 

 Library and Museum. 



In this connection, it is proper that I should announce to 

 you, that our Treasurer, Mr. John J. Dixvvell, declines a reelec- 

 tion. The Society is much indebted to him for the system- 

 atic and business-like manner, in which he has conducted 

 its financial affairs, and for the lucid statements of them, 

 which he has from time to time made. I only express the 

 sentiment of all the members, in bearing witness, to the abil- 

 ity and fidelity with which he has served us, and, in saying 

 that, we have received the intimation of his wish to retire, 

 with much regret. 



The meetings, during the year, have been held regularly, 

 and, in general, have been well attended. The amount of 

 original investigation, among us, has been as great as in any 

 former year, and the pages of the Journal, and the printed 

 record of the proceedings, give evidence of unabated interest, 

 both among members and correspondents. The Society ap- 

 pears to enjoy the favorable consideration of learned foreign 

 societies and naturalists, as is shown by the increase of their 

 communications with us. The history of the year, is, of 

 course, in these respects, very much like the history of every 

 past year ; but there are two events of su Jicient importance 

 to deserve particular notice. 



By a provision of the last will and testament of the late 

 John Parker, the Society has become the recipient of his 

 bounty, to the amount of ,$2000, which sum, in gratitude to 

 the donor, has been constituted a permanent fund, under the 



