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circumstances. Tlie beginning once made, all will follow easily, for 

 when viewed with method, each division and sub-division is complete 

 in itself and leads gradually to others more extensive. 



Some of our members will attain an eminence and be recognized 

 bevond our little circle ; some will build up a leputation that will ex- 

 tend over the American scientific world and reach transatlantic centres ; 

 but the greater number of us must rest content with a local record, and 

 be satisfied that our mite, when added to that of others, will be made of 

 some value. We are only amateurs and the work presented is emi- 

 nently suited for such. There are large fields and small fields ; some, 

 where members have already worked and prepared the way, others, for 

 those more ambitious, where little or nothing has been done. For 

 those who cannot take long walks or have not time to make large col- 

 lections, there are subjects that may be studied in an occasional spare 

 hour, and which may even be studied by the roadside in the daily walks 

 to your office. It is always beneficial to make a retrospect of one's 

 work, to consider the advance made and compare it with what there 

 remains to do, and on the present occasion it may not be inopportune 

 to glance over our work to see what has been accomplished, and ascer- 

 tain what remains for new workers to begin upon. 



Before entering the domain of the lower animals, a subject pre- 

 sents itself which has not yet received our atterxtion, but which would 

 furnish a very appropriate paper for one of our meetings. It is not 

 very many years since where we now live was the home of "the native 

 Indian, and a paper on this subject with some historical facts of local 

 interest would prove both attractive and instructive. The remnant of 

 the once numerous tribe that frequented this district is gathered in a 

 few scattered settlements, and as each succeeding year comes and goes 

 the opi)ortunities of acquiring a knowledge of their natural habits and 

 customs becomes less, and with them will pass away innumeiable 

 legends and stores of Indian lore which can never again be obtained. 



Beginning at the head of the animal series the class Mammalia is 

 the first to receive our attention. This comprises all that are popularly 

 known as animals. Strange to say, this important division has received 

 very little attention. A paper on the deer has been brought before 

 you, and one on the otter will be presented this winter ; beyond this, 



