I 



156 DAVENTORT ACADEMY OF XAXrRAL SCIENCES. 



self, about *70 made up by private contribution has been expended 

 for hired help in opening the mounds; the results have been highly 

 satisfactory and this important work should be continued, and if pos- 

 sible, better provided for by some regular appropi'iations. The time 

 is rapidly passing during which the opportunity for such researches 

 in this vicinity will remain. 



We have also received, as the product of the persistent enthusiasm 

 of Capt. W. P. Hall, about 1,100 ancient stone and flint implements, 

 and 150 vessels of ancient pottery, the latter having been exhumed 

 by his own hands from the mounds and ancient burial places of the 

 lower Mississippi Valley. 



Our collection of mound relics now consists of the four inscribed 

 ta])lets, 32 mound-builders' pipes, 25 copper axes, 300 copper beads, 

 14 copper awls, and a great number and variety of other relics from 

 the mounds of this region, constituting the most extensive, rare and 

 unique collection of its kind in this country, and probably in the 

 world. 



Besides these, this department contains 225 vessels of ancient pot- 

 tery, over 1,000 stone implements, and 10,000 of flint, also about an 

 equal number of broken ones and fragments worth preserving. 



In the department of Natural History, except in Entomology, Bot- 

 any and Conchology, we are deficient in workers, and in especial 

 want of an expert taxidermist, and much that might readily be, and 

 would be obtained, is lost to us for want of means of preserving spec- 

 imens in a proper manner. 



In Geology and Paleontology, under the especial attention of Prof. 

 Barris, good progress has been made during the year in local investi- 

 gation and discovery of new species, and preparation of material for 

 papers for publication whenever the opportunity for publishing is pre- 

 sented. 



The collections have also been enriched by additions by him and 

 other contribvitors. 



In Mineralogy some valuable contributions to the museum have 

 been received, and this department of the exhibit is now a very at- 

 tractive one. 



Tiie collection of historical relics is constantly increasing, as the 

 possessors of such objects throughout the community gradually come 

 to realize the greatly enhanced value of these articles when collect- 

 ed together in a suitable place and accessible to the public. 



The Library is steadily increasing by exchange and contributions, 



