Synopsis of proceedings. 217 



and polishing fossil and mineralogical specimens might also in the 

 same way be a matter of benefit to the museum and help to pay ex- 

 penses. 



More museum space is certainly already needed, but it is probably 

 better for the present to devote any means we may be able to com- 

 mand to what is by far the most important work for the Academy — 

 that of archiiiological exploration, which has been the foundation of 

 tvhatever success we have achieved. 



We have been more favorably located for this research than any 

 other society in America. We have availed ourselves partially — only 

 pai'tially — of the grand opportunity, and this only through the active 

 interest of a very few individuals, and by so doing have acquired a 

 reputation far beyond our expectations, if not beyond our deserts. This 

 reputation abroad is shared, and some of its benefits received, by all our 

 citizens. Let us hope that it may not be forfeited by a want of action 

 in the immediate future. With the aid of Mr. Gass, who, though re- 

 moved to some distance, would still find time to assist us in the work 

 he so loves, with his experience in the work and his knowledge of the 

 localities, and his acquaintance and influence with the people, we 

 could accomplish as much with $100 as a distant institution can with 

 $500. 



The mounds are being rapidly destroyed and thousands of valuable 

 relics exhumed and carried to the eastern States and foreign countries 

 every year, and soon these remains of the work of a laborious race 

 will have forever vanished from sight, and almost from memory, save 

 what knowledge of them may be stored up in the collections made by 

 those who have appreciated the importance of the work before it is 

 too late. 



The noted arch;^ologist, Dr. Phene', when examining our museum a 

 few weeks since, remarked that the value of the wonderful collection 

 was vastly enhanced by the fact that the relics were found here, and 

 that such objects should always be preserved in the district to which 

 they belonged. Now, shall they be kept here and the good work con- 

 tinued? 



Collections in natural history and other departments may be as suc- 

 cessfully prosecuted, perhaps, in the coming years as now, but in the 

 archreological work a small amount norv will be worth more than ten 

 times as much a few years hence, when the harvest is past. No other 

 matter is, in my opinion, of so pressing importance to our Academy as 

 this, and according to our faithfulness in it we stand or fall. At the 

 same time it is reasonably to be hoped that the year has come during 

 which we shall add considerably to our collection of the local fauna, 

 which is a positive duty which the Academy owes to science and to 

 the community by which it is sustained in its work, if it is so sustained. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



W. H. Prai r, Cnrdtor. 



