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ANNUAL RE10RT 



structure, instinct and function; and how this specialization for 

 different functions has been made persistent, and from a remote 

 origin transmitted from one generation to another through an ano- 

 malous agency. 



"Every receptive soul is filled with reverence and awe when 

 brought into the presence of stupendous manifestations of power. 

 I have stood upon the shore of the ocean in the mountain gorge 

 and on the Table Bock; I have seen the rising sun reflected from 

 the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, and have found myself say- 

 ing, "How wonderful are thy works?" and yet, I could not help 

 adding: "However, I find everything very like what I had ex- 

 pected." I have looked upon the revelations of the telescope, and 

 have followed the astronomer as he spoke with familiarity of the 

 millions of miles measuring the inter-stellar space, and with mathe- 

 matical accuracy computed the times and seasons in the great de- 

 sign of planetary revolutions; and I have tried to lift up my 

 thoughts to the contemplation of "The Great Designer," whose 

 ways are past finding out. If it be true that the mind is thus 

 filled with admiration and reverence in the presence of the im- 

 mense and imposing, what shall be the emotion of the receptive 

 soul when the transcedent grandeur of the minute is disclosed? I 

 have looked upon the revelations of the microscope, and the blood 

 has stopped in its customary courses, and with blanched cheek and 

 downcast eyes, I could but say: "Put off thy shoes from off thy 

 feet." Yerily our thoughts should be humbled and our emotions 

 sublimated, whether we contemplate the handiwork of omnipotent 

 power and the sway of immutable law in the creation and ordering 

 of the eccentric solar system, or whether we recognize the presence 

 of that same power and that same law, differentially manifested in 

 the unfolding of insect life, and in determining the differentiating 

 conditions, which with marvelous and delicate precision, establish 

 and perpetuate form, function and instinct. 



"From the drift of a star to the drift of a soul, 



The world is all miracle under control; 



Tne butterfly's wing and man's reverent awe, 



Alike wear the chain of inscrutable law; 



A law that allures us, but ever eludep, 



That bafflles our groping, but never deludes; 



We never can hold it; it holds us secure; 



And the wisest in reading shall longest endure; 



A faith-bow of promise, a promise replete — 



Forever fulfilling, but never complete; 



We chase where it beckons, and gather the gold, 



And lo, on before us, new treasures unfold ! " 



It was moved by Mr. Grimes that a vote of thanks be tendered 

 Prof. McLain for his very instructive lecture. 



Seconded and carried unanimously. 



After some music by the young ladies an adjournment was taken 

 until Friday morning at 9 o'clock. 



