294 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



Of periodicals received regularly there are ii weekly, 17 month- 

 ly, I bi-monthly, and 4 quarterly. Of many of these the Academy 

 is in possession of full files. 



The Library now contains — bound volumes, 1,920; unbound vol- 

 umes, pamphlets, and miscellaneous papers, 22,558. 



With the bare mention of thousands of pamphlets, many of them 

 containing the results of original investigations in every department 

 of natural science, and at times accompanied by the most costly illus- 

 trations, we are confronted with the practical question of their pres- 

 ervation. It comes up as one of our greatest needs. They call for a 

 wise discrimination and division, binding those that are the most im- 

 portant and procuring for others cases in which they may be properly 

 classified and labeled, for protection and ready reference. 



The reading table is furnished with the new publications as they are 

 daily received ; and the books already on the shelves are consulted 

 almost daily by persons seeking information on some of the subjects 

 contained in them, every facility being afforded those who choose to 

 avail themselves of the opportunity during the hours the Academy is 

 open to visitors. 



The cataloguing of the Library by subjects, commenced some time 

 ago, though progressing slowly, is receiving daily attention as far as 

 our limited force will admit. 



With the daily accessions to the Library emphasis is given to the 

 recognized value of the publications of the Academy by the frequent 

 requests coming from new organizations in this country and the older 

 institutions abroad, proffering their own issues in exchange for ours. 



January 7, 1891. C. E. Harrison, Librarian. 



curator's report. . 



The Curator's report showed valuable additions to the Museum in 

 its several departments. No mound explorations had been made dur- 

 ing the year. In closing, Curator Barris said : 



We have come to a point in our history where the further accumu- 

 lation of new materials is not so important as the utilization of what 

 we already have in abundance — the arrangement, classification, and 

 systematic cataloguing, especially of our geological and mineral treas- 

 ures, so as to do credit to an academy of science. In urging this I am 

 but giving expression to the cherished hope of your first curator, and 

 none more than himself would rejoice at its realization. 



report of the publication committee. 



The committee reported Part 1 of Volume V. printed and ready for 

 distribution. Fewer scientific papers than usual had been presented 

 for publication in the past year, chiefly because of the lack of funds on 



