\V. H. PRATT. president's ANNUAL ADDRESS. 157 



with very few additions by purchase, and has thus far grown some- 

 what beyond our expectations. It now contains 2, GOO volumes, over 

 1,000 of which are bound, and many of them very valuable works; al- 

 so over 500 pamphlets; all this exclusive of duplicates. In addition 

 to these there are on deposit belong-ing; to several members, 900 vol- 

 umes, making 4,000 volumes and pamphlets available for the use of 

 members, exclusive of about 1,000 city dailies and other newspapers. 

 At the very beginning of the year, the second part of Vol. II, of our 

 proceedings was completed and a portion of the copies have been dis- 

 tributed, thus keeping good and increasing our list of exchanges in 

 this country and in Europe. 



MEMBERSHIP. 



As shown by the Secretary's report, the increase in number of 

 members has been greater during the past ^^ear than for several pre- 

 vious vears, and we now number KJl regular members, and 63 life 

 members. 



And I might mention here that the number of visitors during the 

 past year, actually counted, including members, is 8282. 



THE FINANCES 



of the Academy as shown by the Treasurer's report are considerably 

 improved within the past year and may be considered in a healthy 

 condition. 



While we are not yet out of debt, the amount has nevertheless 

 been diminished since the last annual report by $505. TG, leaving still 

 due #1,467.49; and the progress made is a hopeful indication that ere 

 long it will be entirely extinguished, and the Academy will be free 

 to devote its entire income, after the payment of current expenses, to 

 the necessary improvements in the l)uilding, and to the requirements 

 for making and properly preserving the Natural History collections 

 which are simply awaiting such provision. 



We have, during the year just past, lived Mathin our income, and 

 all the cash contributions received, including Life Membership fees, 

 have been devoted to the liquidation of a portion of our indebted- 

 ness. This, I think, shows that all funds have been carefully and 

 economically applied. 



It will probably not be many years before it will be found advis- 

 able to increase the amount of the annual dues of members, as the 

 present unparalleled small fee of $2.00 per annum is quite dispropor- 

 tionate to the magnitude of the Museum and Library, and to the val- 

 ue of the privileges of membership. 



