SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS. 279 



sound. These precious volumes, filled with living thought, flow in to 

 us from every portion of the habitable globe in exchange for our own 

 publications. Every book is a messenger of cheer to encourage and 

 sustain us; every book is an addition not only to the extent but to 

 the intrinsic value and usefulness of the whole collection. 



Fellow members, do we and do the citizens of this progressive city 

 appreciate the wondrous worth of these possessions? The responsibil- 

 ity of caring for and nourishing this magnificent trust, and the far- 

 reaching benefits, now and hereafter, which must accrue to the people 

 of this vicinity through the benign influence of this great scientific 

 library ? 



Our finances give evidence of prudent management. Expenses 

 have been less than for the preceding year. Our indebtedness has 

 been materially decreased while the income is practically unchanged. 

 No particular cause for discouragement here. The Academy, adapting 

 itself as always heretofore to its meager means, we have reason to hope 

 is moving slowly but surely toward a place of less restraint and greater 

 usefulness. 



Briefly summing up the doings and happenings which have occurred 

 since our last annual meeting, while both in and out of the Academy, 

 there is much to encourage this and similar institutions, there is, 

 withal, a tinge of sorrow. The vicissitudes of the unfolding year have 

 brought us many blessings, some poignant griefs. In common with 

 the whole world of science we mourn the loss of x^sa Gray and George 

 W. Tryon, whose names gave lustre to our roll of honorary members ; 

 of Professors W. D. Gunning and A. H. Worthen, both of whom lent 

 their aid and influence as corresponding members. So, too, we lament 

 the -going out of the venerable E. F. Squires, of the brilliant Richard 

 A. Proctor, and others who in the broad field of scientific research 

 have largely lent their lives to the service of mankind. But to us, 

 fellow members, the great leveler has dealt his severest blows. Within 

 our immediate roll of regular members John J. Dahms is no more, 

 while the list of life members is shorn of the honored names of George 

 H. French and William Renwick, both of whom will long be remem- 

 bered for their active interest and generous contributions in and to 

 the Academy work. 



When we look back upon the stricken roll of Academy builders, on 

 those strong pillars of support which have fallen, no wonder we turn 

 with hesitation, if not serious apprehension, towards the conflicts that 

 lie before. But these have left us legacies of accomplished work, 

 examples of noble, self-sacrificing devotion to the exacting aims and 

 objects of this society, and in no way can we do greater reverence to 

 their memories than by lending every effort to perpetuate and carry 

 forward the beneficent work so well begun. If we doubt our own 

 strength and ability we have but to turn to those bands of young stu- 

 dents, the local chapters of the Agassiz Association, to find abundant 

 hope for reinforcements. 



In now retiring from the honorable station wherein, by your com- 



