158 PAVENPOKT Ar-ADKMV OF XATfRAI. SflENCES. 



It will probably also be exj^edient, as soon as the debt is entirely 

 paid to raise the fee of Life Membership to double its ])resent amount. 



SPECIAL XEEDS. 



Amfmg the immediate needs of the Academy, I would mention 

 that of the contemplated permanent cabinet cases, and as, through 

 the liberality of Mr. J. ]). Putnam, his magnificent entomological col- 

 lection is now placed at th*^ ilisposal of thn Academy under suitable 

 conditions, it is of the highest importance that the proj»er cases for 

 that collection should be provided first of all, and without delay. 



We need a permanently established publication fund, the im])ort- 

 ance of which has been well set forth in the report of that committee. 



We need a book fund, for the occasional purchase of an important 

 work which cannot be otherwise obtained; and for binding many vol- 

 umes and charts which can scarcely be well preserved or convenient- 

 ly used unbound. 



Also a special apprcjpriation, or provision in some way. for a fund 

 for the prosecution of mound explorations, that the burden of this im- 

 portant work, which has contributed so largely to our success, may 

 not fall almost wholly u2)on one member, with only such aid as may 

 be obtained by special solicitation. 



I am strongly inclined to the opinion that the financial ability of 

 our officers and members, with the devotion to the cause which has 

 been manifested and the experience already gained, should ere long 

 secure the adoption of some plan by which these objects shall be ac- 

 complished. 



In the first Presidential valedictory — by Dr. Parr}- in IStJit — are 

 some remarks to which, from our present stand-point of an experi- 

 ence of thirteen years, it is rather interesting to refer. He says: 

 *'The particular need of such an institution, especially in its early sta- 

 ges of growth, is a iK-rmanent loration^ where its objects can be 

 properlv displayed, and affording room for necessary enlargement. 

 We have a name, and a good one; we want a local habitation and 

 irhere shall we find it V 



That question, as you all know, has been answered Ijy the munifi- 

 cence of a wealthy lady among us, Mrs. P. V, Newcomb, the "Dav- 

 enport Peal^ody," whose advent the Dr. probably hojied for only in 

 a more distant future; and the location being thus determined, the 

 Doctor's further suggestion of "the plan of life membership, as the 

 most feasible", was carried into effect, and a building well suited to 

 its purposes was erected. This building, with the addition of the 



