112 L5NN.EAN OPERATIOXS. 



be gratified to learn what their successors are accomplishing and how 

 industriously they are engaged in advancing the interests of the Institu- 

 tion. Although yet in its infancy, the Linnsean Association has done 

 much. The members deserve much credit for their industry and zeal; 

 to their enterprise we are indebted for many valuable improvements ; 

 and from the activity and energy they have already displayed, still 

 greater results may be expected. 



The Linnsean Association was organized in June, 1844. Its prima- 

 ry object was the cultivation of the study of Natural Science in the \n- 

 stitution, by fostering among its members a spirit of investigation and a 

 love for the works of Nature. The Association immediately divided it- 

 self into different sections, each section directing its attention to some 

 particular branch of study or department of inquiiy. Among the sub- 

 jects designated are Zoology, Entomology, Ornithology, Conchology, 

 Mineralogy, Botany, Numismatology, Chemistry and Antiquities. Ef- 

 forts were at once put forth for the formation of a Museum, and through 

 the active exertions of the members and the liberality of kind friends 

 quite a handsome collection has already been secured. So rapidly did 

 the Cabinet increase that in a short time the room occupied for the pur- 

 pose was found inadequate to contain all the articles, and hence a little 

 more than a year ago, the Association engaged in the project of erecting 

 a large and commodious Hall for the reception of the valuable collection 

 of minerals, shells, birds, quadrupeds, reptiles, insects, coins, fossils, 

 medals, &c. &c. The members industriously set themselves to work 

 to procure subscriptions, and soon their success was such as to justify 

 the commencement of the building. The corner-stone was laid last 

 August with appropriate ceremonies ; the edifice now stands under roof,' 

 and when finished, it will be an ornament to the College, and an endur- 

 ing monument of the zeal and perseverance of the students of 1845-46, 

 who projected the enterprise. The exercises, connected with the dedi- 

 cation of the Hall, will take place, sometime, during the approaching 

 summer, on which occasion Doctor Morris, of Baltimore, is expected 

 to deliver an address. 



Soon after the organization of the Society it was found necessary to 

 have some permanent record to facilitate its operations, and accordingly 

 the Journal was commenced. It has already reached its third volume, 

 and has thus far not only served as a valuable source of information on 

 many branches of study in which the members are interested, but it has 

 likewise proved a vehicle of pleasant communication with those wlio 

 once sojourned in the College. 



The efforts of the Association have also been directed to the im- 



