RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS. 77 



as yet have attempted little, tliere might not be founded schools of instruc- 

 tion, where especially tlie younger members might regularly secure such 

 practical instruction from the lips of the living teacher as shall qualify 

 them for efficient, practical work. In each Section might be found some 

 one willing in this quiet way to further the interests of the Academy. 



I would emphasize the recommendation of the Curator that especial 

 attention be directed to the collection and study of the fishes and rep- 

 tiles found in our vicinity. This department is full of interest, and to 

 work it up faithfully would add greatly to the reputation of the Academy. 



It is hoped that the present season may witness a further and fuller 

 exploration of the mounds in our vicinity. Much of the interest awak- 

 ened in the publication of our Proceedings is traceable to the fact that it 

 abounds in illustration of these relics of the past. Men who are not par- 

 ticularly drawn out or interested in scientific studies and details, readily 

 recognize the importance of such collection, and are ready to contribute 

 to it. We have but to look around our cabinet, and in the array of stone 

 implements deposited or given to the Academy, realize that the popular 

 lieart and hand has nobly responded to this department of our work. 

 We are masters of the situation. There remains much land to be pos- 

 sessed. 



The year just closed is, in many respects, the most auspicious year in 

 our history. The publication of our Proceedings has given us a position 

 we must not forfeit. Already three papers have been presented as mate- 

 rial for the commencement of a new volume. They will rank favorably 

 with papers published by any similar society. They present facts new to 

 science, and most worthy a place in the archives of any of our sister 

 societies. The same reasons exist for publication as before. There is 

 the inherent value of the papers themselves. We have no right to hoaj-d 

 np such facts ; we have no right to shut them up within the four walls of 

 this society. It is our duty to disseminate the knowledge and light we 

 gather to add to the wealth and stimulate other and distant workers in 

 the various departments of science. That this is expected of us is fully 

 proved by the pleas that come up from so many quarters for what we 

 have already done. The wants of the Academy can alone be met by full 

 publication. No society can work independently of others. Without 

 their aid we may be toiling and plodding on problems which they solved 

 years ago. With each fact new to science our own horizon expands. 

 Facilities are offered by exchanges, enabling us to compare our best work 

 with others— to do honest, permanent work. 



I remind you that the returns already made are full of promise. We 

 have even now the first fruits — the earnest of a full rich harvest. 



The election of officers for the ensuing year was then hekl, 

 with the following result : 



President — Rev. S. S. Hunting. 

 Yice- President — Dr. C. H. Preston. 

 Recording Secretary — Dr. C. C. Parry. 



