MRS. M. L. D. PUTNAM. PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS. 103 



the number of visitors. The total number of visitors (includino- 

 members and employes) from July 3()th to Jan. oth was 3,1 •">••, in- 

 dicating- about 7,000 for the year. 



Supplementing the scientific work of the Academy are its Bi- 

 ological, Geological and Archaeological Sections. The first two 

 have been very quiet during the year, but are in constant expecta- 

 tion of resuming their accustomed vitality. The Archaeological 

 Section has been more active, and has held a nuiidx'r of interesting 

 meetings. 



Complementing the scientific objects of the Academy is the work 

 of the Historical Section. Much activity and enthusiasm has been 

 manifested by a few members, and although but two regular meet- 

 ings have been held, much important work has been accomplished, 

 and many valual)le donations received. A series of meetings of 

 the old settlers held at the Academy during the year, at which a 

 large number of letters giving interesting narratives of early days 

 were presented, is worthy of special mention. 



The Corresponding Secretary rejjorts 575 letters received and 

 454 written, all of which have been filed or copied and recorded. 

 While most of the letters have been acknowledgments of publica- 

 tions, sent and received, many others have been filled with, scien- 

 tific information of much interest and value. A copy of the report 

 of the last annual meeting has been sent to all corresponding mem- 

 bers, and to most of the donors to the Library and Museum. A 

 total of 758 publications of all issues have been distributed. All 

 donations and exchanges for the Library have been received, re- 

 corded and stamped by the Corresponding Secretary, the whole 

 number of pieces amounting to 2,818. During a portion of the 

 year these were promptly acknowledged, but the want of funds for 

 postage has forced a curtailment of expenses. A list of ail letters 

 received and written since the foundation of the Academv (2752 

 received, 1685 written), was commenced, and, with the assistance 

 of Miss Mary A. Finley, of Champaign, 111., is nearly comj)leted. 



During the year, 13 regular, 29 corresponding and one honorary 

 member have been elected, making the present num])er of members 

 enrolled, as follows : 95 regular members in good standing, 58 

 life members, 243 corresponding and 7 honorary members. 



We mourn the loss of two of our most worthy life mendiers — 

 B. B. Woodward and John C. Putnam, and one corresponding- 

 member, Dr. Asa Fitch, — wlio have died during the vear. 



