REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 



The papers presented at the general meetings and sec- 

 tion meetings were very much enjoyed by the members 



and visiting friends. As nearly as could be calculated 

 there were from 150 to 200 Academy members present 

 and possibly as many visitors. The total attendance at 

 the section meetings Friday afternoon was about 

 but this number was much increased by visitors at the 

 general meetings. There were 73 papers presented in 

 the 7 section meetings and 3 General Sessions. The 

 Academy was welcomed by Mayor Earle E. Kelly on 

 Thurday evening in a very cordial addi\ 



On Saturday, May 3rd, many members and friends 

 met at the High School to. participate in the field trips. 

 One group visited the Elgin Watch factory and were 

 shown through the various departments and had the de- 

 tails of making a million watches a year explained. After 

 the tour of inspection the Watch Company's Astro- 

 nomical Observatory was visited where it was learned 

 how accurate time is obtained from the stars every night. 



A second group, led by Dr. M. M. Leighton and Dr. 

 Paul MacClintock, visited interesting regions of glacial 

 deposits near Elgin. 



The third group, led by Dr. H. C. Cowles, made a study 

 of plants and trees in Trout Park. The White Cedar 

 swamp was of especial interest, since it is a relic of the 

 glacial age and has no counterpart elsewhere in the 

 state. 



All these groups met at noon in Trout Park where 

 they were served a bountiful complimentary luncheon by 

 the Illinois Xature Study Society of Elgin. This cour- 

 tesy was much appreciated by the members. 



In the afternoon the Geology group continued its ex- 

 ploration of the glaciated regions, and the Botany group 

 visited Hill's famous Evergreen Nursery at Dundee. 



Concerning the Elgin meeting as a whole, many of the 

 members voiced the opinion that it was a gratifying suc- 

 cess, and that it was one of the best the Academy had 

 ever held. 



C. Frank PHiprs. 



Secretary. 



