200 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



merits, and every effort should be used to encourage the growth of that 

 fund, by sacredly preserving it, that it may yield interest, which, it is 

 hoped, will in time pay the running and working expenses of the 

 Academy. "To him that hath shall be given," and a growing endow- 

 ment fund will draw and increase to itself. 



The increase in membership during the past year has not been very 

 great, and, as we rely upon the annual dues to pay the running ex- 

 penses of the Academy, the membership should be increased, the best 

 means of doing this being to give such interest to the Academy pro- 

 ceedings as will create a desire on the part of intelligent people to join 

 in its work. 



The greatest need of the Academy at this time seems to be active 

 workers. We have in the past been greatly blessed by having an 

 efficient corps of laborers, whose work is shown in every department; 

 but we need new material to add to and fill the ranks as the older 

 members are compelled, from any cause, to cease their labors. To this 

 end we should present every inducement and encouragement to scien- 

 tific study, and offer every facility possible for that purpose, by having 

 the museum and library in as good working condition as possible, and 

 by our meetings and publications interest the people in science. 



During the past year we have been called upon to mourn the loss of 

 two members, death having taken from us Dr. R. J. Farquharson and 

 Dr. George Englemann. 



A resolution of thanks was received from the Agassiz Chapter for 

 the free use of rooms and accommodations for their meetings. 



THE STANDING COMMITTEES 



were then announced, as follows : 



Finance — \N. H. Fluke, G. P. McClelland, Rev. A. M. Judy, H. C. 

 Fulton. 



Publication — Mrs. M. L. D. Putnam, Prof. W. H. Barris, Dr. C. 

 C. Parry, James Thompson, Dr. C. H. Preston. 



Museum— W. H. Pratt, William Riepe, Prof. D. S. Sheldon, Prof. 

 W. H. Barris, Capt. W. P. Hall, E. P. Lynch, Miss Julia Sanders. 



The following paper was presented by title, and referred to the Pub- 

 lication Committee: "Discovery of the Oldest Historical and Astro- 

 nomical Inscriptions of North America," written in the year 2400 B.C., 

 by G. Seyffarth, Ph. and Th. D. 



On motion of Dr. Preston, the following resolutions were adopted 

 without dissent, as stating more fully the sentiments of the Academy in 

 regard to the attack of Mr. Henshaw : 



