12 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, 



By reference to the subscription list it appears that out of a regular 

 membership numbering 244 names, only thirty-ejght (less than one-sixth) 

 have subscribed anything ; the total of subscriptions inside the Acad- 

 emy has been seventy copies, less than one-fourteenth of the published 

 edition. 



It is apparent from previous experience that if each member of the 

 Academy would subscribe for only a single copy, the publication could 

 be continued without difficulty, and enlarged in direct proportion to the 

 growth of the Academy. But in view of the apparent indifference of 

 actiial members, the paramount importance of continuing the publica- 

 tion, on which it is safe to say the future standing and usefulness of the 

 Academy largely depends, suggests the advisability of placing this work 

 on an independent basis, either by securing a publication fund, procuring 

 the necessary type, or any other means that may secure its perma- 

 nence. The burden which has heretofore rested on one not the most 

 able to bear it, and whose scientific labors might be more profitably 

 directed in original researches, urgently calls for some definite and 

 effectual action by all the well-wishers of the Academy. 



A doubt at one time expressed that sufficient appropriate material 

 would be available to keep up the publication to a proper scientific 

 standard, has not been realized ; on the contrary it has been found 

 necessary to condense the papers presented in order to include them in the 

 current volume, and some desirable communications liave been deferred. 

 The proper gauge of the scientific value of the publication thus far 

 issued, is found in the prompt response by way of exchanges with old 

 established kindred associations, of which the report of the Correspond- 

 ing Secretary affords full details. It is not too much to say that every 

 single volume issued brings back in return ten times its pecuniary value, 

 besides making accessible for the first time in the history of Davenport 

 a really desirable library of scientific reference. Furthermore, these 

 accessions will continue in an increasing ratio, just as long as we show 

 our vitality by keeping up the publication, which as the natural result of 

 experience will doubtless show a steady improvement to meet the just 

 demands of a progressive age and country. 



Respectfully submitted. 



C. C. Parry, 



R. J. Farquiiarson, 



J. Duncan Putnam, 



W. H. Pratt, 



W. II. Barris, 



January 1, lS79f„ Committee. 



[The substance of the reports of the Recording and Corresponding Secretaries, and of the 

 Librarian, having been included in the President's Address, they are here omitted. 1 



The reports were received and ordered filed. 



