302 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



partment of natural science — geology, mineralogy, palaeontology, 

 ornithology, archaeology, conchology, entomology and botany. 



Among the extensive collections are a series of fossils from the Rock- 

 ford shales of this state, comprising about 30 species and between two 

 and three hundred specimens, all of which have been properly labeled 

 and are on our shelves. 



Another and most remarkable addition has been made by Prof. 

 Shimek of Iowa City, comprising many species of sea urchins, basket 

 fish, serpent stones, crabs and corals from the Atlantic and Pacific 

 coasts, and land and water shells from Tennessee, all in excellent con- 

 dition, identified and labeled by the giver, who has made special 

 study of the objects presented. The Academy is most fortunate in 

 securing such a donation. 



Mr. Wickham of Iowa City has generously furnished to the Acad- 

 emy the first installment of a series of specimens in entomology to 

 supply deficiencies, and perfect our already extensive collection, in 

 that department. 



Mr. Williams of St. Louis has favored us with over a hundred 

 botanical slides, supplying a want much felt in the Academy. 



We notice in the next place the opportunities for the Academy to 

 afford instruction have, the last year, been unusually favorable. 

 Specialists have taken occasion frequently to visit us for study in their 

 several departments. The archeological department has been in espe- 

 cial favor. A new impulse has been given to the study by the inser- 

 tion in our primary geographies of one or two chapters on the Mound 

 Builders. Hence teachers have not only come from a distance to 

 acquaint themselves with the works of an ancient race now passed 

 away, but during the past year whole schools, accompanied by their 

 teachers, have frequently visited the Academy. 



Is anything being done to awaken an interest in the community in 

 behalf of the Academy ? Before answering this question let me say the 

 great work, the legitimate work of this Academy, has been and is now 

 being realized in its publications. They stand as the cause, aim and 

 end of its existence. In our non-apprec!ation of this fact we may ig- 

 nore it, but our ignoring does not change it. The frequent applica- 

 tions of scientists for the special papers published in our fifth volume, 

 to aid them in completing their work, and the frequent enquiries as to 

 when the sixth volume will be ready for distribution, made by leading 

 societies of Europe and of this country, show their appreciation of 

 the work. 



And now for the practical question, ''What are we doing now to 

 incite a popular interest in the Academy? " The curator has adopted 

 the expedient of accompanying each visitor through the museum and 

 explaining to him the several objects of interest claiming his attention. 

 The success of this direct personal effort is evinced not only in the 

 increasing number of visitors but in their uniform expressions of appreci- 

 ation of that which they see and hear. The teaching function of the 

 institution is thus made prominent, and is extended most freely to all 



