RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS. 119 



W. J. Skinner made a motion tliat an amendment to the By- 

 Laws be proposed at the next meeting, requiring that all names 

 proposed for regular membership be accompanied by the regular 

 initiation fee of $5. 



The following paper was read by title and referred to the 

 Publication Committee : Botanical Features of the Desert Re- 

 gion of South-eastern California, hj/ Dr. G. C. Parry. 



April 9th, 1875. — Trustees' Meeting. 



Rev. S. S. Hunting, President, in the chair. 



Six members present. 



An oifer from the Eclectic Club, of Davenport, to give a 

 dramatic entertainment for the benefit of the Academy was 

 accepted, and a Committee of Arrangements, consisting of Dr. 

 C. H. Preston, Dr. C. C . Parry, Clarence Lindley, and Chester 

 Pratt, was appointed, with authority to make all necessary 

 arrangements. 



It was also voted, that if convenient to the performers, the 

 play entitled " Fate" be given at the Burtis Opera House on 

 Monday, the 16th inst. 



April ISth, 1877. — Historical Section. 



J. A, Crandall in the chair. 



Ten members present. 



Quite a number of donations were reported, among them the 

 first Directory of the City of Davenport in 1855 ; Eastman's 

 History of the State of Kew York, 1831, from Mr. Pratt; also 

 a piece of wood from Commodore Perry's flag-ship, " Law- 

 rence," and one from the celebrated frigate, "Constitution;" 

 an old table-fork of Queen Elizabeth's time, together with a 

 curious old china pitcher and cup, etc. 



Several contemplated papers, relating to various subjects con- 

 cerning the history of this vicinity were reported, and a general 

 informal discussion was had. Great regret was expressed by the 

 members present that so many valuable historical documents be- 

 longing to the Scott County Pioneer Society had been destroyed 

 in the late fire in Eldrids-e & Brother's office. 



