4 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



times subdivided, there is work which we ought to do. Nature's 

 voices call to us on every hand — unheeded. Those who listen, she 

 makes immortal, as the bearers of good gifts. If the Academy 

 had but a score of earnest workers, I have faith to believe it would 

 not long lack support and appreciation. But a score of persons 

 who can and will devote their whole time to natural science, is 

 more than can be expected in a city of twenty-five thousand ; 

 simply because the born scientist is seldom born rich, and the child 

 of affluence seldom combines aptitude, industry, and brains. There 

 are many, however, who could and would be science-workers, in 

 the intervals of other employ, if they could only be led to make the 

 start. To such let me say : the Academy would be rich could it 

 claim but a tithe of your wasted hours. Young ladies with not 

 much to do but dress, make a study of some insect, or bird, or 

 flower ! Young men with part of each day unemployed, make some 

 of your social calls on the denizens of the woods or of the micro- 

 scopic world. Learn to observe, to interpret, and to describe ! 



It is a reproach to our city that we have not yet developed one 

 skilled taxidermist. Such an one would be an invaluable aid to 

 our growing museum. Will not some one resolve to thus earn the 

 thanks of all who may visit the Academy in the future.'' Three or 

 four earnest toilers have, thus far, done the work which makes 

 our collection commendable as it is. From day to day and from 

 month to month, new material has been added and has taken shape 

 in the beautiful new cases as you see them ; but it has not pre- 

 sented and arranged itself. Work, hard work, and unceasing 

 care have been required and will continue to be required, or the 

 Academy will cease to prosper. One of our two mainstays in the 

 past has been called from earth, and the other is no longer able to 

 make a free gift of his talent and time. I hope and trust that mem- 

 bers and citizens will see the necessity, and come at once to the res- 

 cue. It is imperative that we enable our faithful Curator to continue 

 the work that enlists his heart, the institution to retain its most 

 essential officer. 



With a debt, on building and cases, of some $1600, and with an- 

 nual receipts scarcely sufficient for current expenses, the work of 

 Curator must go undone or be paid for by extra means. I trust I 

 shall be pardoned for presenting this subject thus plainly and ur- 

 gently, for it is one of vital importance. If we can tide safely over 

 the present really perilous juncture, the Academy will go on with 



