SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 37 
The acceptance of the trust on behalf of the Zoological Society 
was made by Professor Henry Fairfield Osborn, Chairman of the 
Executive Committee and Vice-President of the Society, as fol- 
lows: 
Commissioner Willcox and Gentlemen: 
The Aquarium has always been a very popular institution with 
the people of this city. It will be the chief aim of the Zoological 
Society to make it even more so. We have chosen as director Mr. 
Charles H. Townsend, widely known for his services in the 
United States Fish Commission; and the fact that a man of his 
character and scientific reputation accepts this position signalizes 
our determination to increase not only the attractiveness but the 
educational value of the Aquarium to the masses of the people 
who visit it. It is a legitimate use of municipal funds to bring the 
beauties and adaptations of nature within reach of those who have 
not the means or opportunity of going to nature. Mr. Townsend 
will have full authority here; but we are fortunate in associating 
with him as an advisory board a number of experts in marine life, 
including Professor Charles L. Bristol, of the New York Univer- 
sity; Dr. Alfred G. Mayer, of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and 
Sciences; Professor Bashford Dean, of Columbia University; 
R. M. Shurtleff, and William E. Damon. These are men who 
have, like the Director, traveled far and wide, and whose knowl- 
edge of the sea life has been by direct experience and observation. 
The Society did not seek the care of this Aquarium; Park Com- 
missioner Willcox was the first to suggest it. But we appreciate 
this transfer as a sign of approval on the part of the City of our 
management of the Zoological Park. We consider it a public 
trust and will-endeavor in every way to promote the best interests 
of the City. Mr. Willcox and Mr. Madison Grant, our Secretary, 
are to be chiefly credited with the preparation of the formal details 
of agreement. What is needed for the future success of this insti- 
tution is the spirit of good citizenship, in the co-operation of the 
Society with the City, and of pride in giving this great City of 
New York the same eminence in science and education as that 
which it now enjoys in commerce. 
A very careful agreement was drawn up between the City and 
the Society, defining the relations and providing for the absolute 
control and management of the Aquarium by the Society, and for 
the adequate support of the institution itself and for the exten- 
sion of the collections by the City. 
