76 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



far greater facilities and spaces are afforded, so that whether we regard 

 the wants of the cabinet or library, we are led in but one direction, and 

 to but one result. We need a fire-proof building, which will not only 

 preserve what we have in possession and in prospect, but become a per- 

 manent place of deposit for valuable libraries and cabinets scattered 

 over the State, and which, even now, await our action. 



The report of the Corresponding Secretary is suggestive of patient, 

 quiet, persistent work. This post, whatever it may have been in past 

 years, is now no sinecure. An immense amount of correspondence, 

 foreign and domestic, now devolves on this officer. The number of let- 

 ters written, though for the past three months averaging eighty per 

 month, is no measure of head and brain work required for such a task. 

 It could only be wro:ight by one whose heart is in his work, to which he 

 is devoting the best energies of his life. 



I suggest, with reference to the offices so far considered, that there be 

 as little change as possible in the status of the present occupants. When 

 men are well qualified for their respective positions, either by the posses- 

 sion of thorough scientific acquirements or acknowledged business hab- 

 its, it is not wisdom to change. With the offices of President and Vice 

 President it is different. More and greater good may, and no doubt wilb 

 accrue by change, bringing with it new accessions of interest and strength. 



The report of the Publication Committee furnishes us with a full his- 

 tory of the Women's Centennial Association, their exposures, tempta- 

 tions, trials, battles, victory — of which victory they wear the crown ; we 

 reap the more substantial benefits. It contains, in addition, a complete 

 account of the preparation of manuscripts, illustrations, publication and 

 distribution of the Proceedings of the Academy to individuals as well as 

 societies, the returns they have brought us, and the arrangement of the 

 whole is so complete, that the merest item of detail can be turned to at 

 once. Whatever disposition may be made of the paper, it deserves a 

 prominent place in the archives of the Academy, not only valuable to us, 

 but to those who come after us. The cost of publication and distribution 

 up to date has been $1082.87, the whole of which has been paid, with a 

 small balance in our favor. By way of exchange for 92 numbers of the 

 Proceedings, there have been received 120 complete volumes, 3-57 pam- 

 phlets, at a rough valuation worth over $300. In addition, I may note 

 that among the works already received are many that it is simply impos- 

 sible to purchase. 



In May last a new feature was introduced into the Academy— the 

 organization of Sections. One of these was the Biological Section. 

 There may be much in the nature of the subject, but more in the qualifi- 

 cations of the parties composing it, that has given it marked prominence. 

 Not only has it been fully attended, but the interest has kept up since its 

 organization. Many causes may liave combined to interfere with the 

 work of the other Sections. Whether they can be removed remains to be 

 seen. Workers are comparatively few and limited as to the necessary 

 knowledge with which to work to advantage. 



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



