33^ ROCHESTER ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. [Jan. I4, 



Mhieralogy. Our local rocks yield a larger number of minerals, 

 and crystallized forms, than is generally known. Some one should 

 make an interesting paper on the subject. 



Geology. A large and interesting field opens before us in this 

 department of science. There are many topics for special study : the 

 strata, the rocks, the fossils, the past and present forces and agencies. 

 The physiographic features and processes are specially interesting. 



Meteorology. The observation and collection of meteorological 

 data is done by the local weather bureau of the government, but 

 this is not published in generalized form convenient for the public. 

 The cyclonic storms and other atmospheric changes are remarkably 

 interesting phenomena, and the science of meteorology will grow in 

 importance and popularity. 



Beyond the local field the Society has the same opportunity and 

 privilege of ranging over the whole universe of mind and matter that 

 any society or individual possesses. Certainly there is no lack of 

 " worlds to conquer " and opportunity to employ all the energy and 

 money that the Academy will own. 



Collections. 



As the Academy has no home or permanent place of its own for 

 housing of collections there is less encouragement to this work. But 

 those collections already owned should be conserved and the making 

 of new ones is advised. Without a building a society often finds its 

 collections or museum a real burden. We are fortunate in being able 

 to deposit our collections at the University, where they are in con- 

 stant use and safe from fire. Such material can be better cared for by 

 a college or other endowed institution with fire-proof buildings and 

 permanent corps of men professionally engaged in scientific work. 

 The Academy should encourage its members to make local collections, 

 but with the intention of depositing them in the college museums, 

 where they will receive proper care in suitable relationship and 

 environment. 



The making of local natural history collections is a pro})er func- 

 tion of the local scientific society, as is the publication of the results 

 of their study. The care of the collections is a proper function of the 

 local college. The use of the collections should be the privilege of 

 any interested person. 



