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DAVEXPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



"I would suggest whether in each of the Sections, especially in those 

 that as yet have attempted little, there might not be founded schools 

 of instruction, where especially the younger members might regular- 

 ly' secure such practical instruction from the lips of the living teacher 

 as shall qualifj^ them for efficient, practical work. In each section 

 might be found some one willing in this quiet way to further the in- 

 terests of the Academy." 



This is a subject which now it seems to me demands our most se- 

 rious attention, and should be delayed no longer. Whatever can be 

 done in this direction can be effected without interfering with the 

 other necessary work of the Academy, and would probably aid in 

 such other work, especially that of the section itself. One good be- 

 ginning Avas made — Dr. Parry's class in Botany — and its success 

 while continued is certainly very encouraging for future efforts. 



Our experience has abundantly shown that the chief element of 

 success is irork. 



Work outside in collecting and exploring, and also in securing the 

 necessary pecuniary aid. Woi'l: in the building, cleaning up speci- 

 mens, restoring those that are broken; classifying, comparing, study- 

 mg, arranging, labeling and registering. Work at the microscope, 

 irork at the steel plate, vork at the ])roof sheet; indefatigable, per- 

 sistent labor, in spite of daily cares constantly pressing; undeterred 

 by physical weakness and poor health; undismayed ])y any little dis- 

 affections; unoffended at any difference of opinion as to the policy to 

 be pursued; always keeping in view the grand object of "the increase 

 and diffusion of knowledge," and the promotion of the interests of 

 the Academy as a means to that end. 



This, seconded and made practicable and successful by the far- 

 sighted liberality of })u})lic, spirited citizens aiul distant friends, in re- 

 sponding^to appeals for the aid and support without which such "an 

 enterprise must ultimately succumb; has enabled us to escape the 

 fate of most'similar enterprises. 



And we feel that all this labor has not been in vain; that some- 

 thing has been accomplished well worth all the effort and sacrifice 

 which it has cost, and that our (;herished institution is deeply rooted 

 in the hearts of the community, and in the favorable estimation of 

 the world, and that we may well feel encouraged with the certain 

 prospect of its continued and increasing prosperity and usefulness. 



