American Fisheries Society 29 



It is unfortunate that the earlier records have disappeared, and to 

 guard against further losses it is recommended that the Secretary be 

 authorized to have a set of the reports suitably bound so far as they 

 can be secured, and that subsequent Secretaries, who shall be cus- 

 todians of the records, be held accountable for them. Contributions of 

 reports prior to 1895 v^'ould be welcomed should the Society care to 

 take action on this suggestion. 



In concluding this report it may be said in view of the scarcity of 

 the early reports, a card index embracing the history of the connection 

 with Society of both past and present members would be a most 

 valuable adjunct to the records. The careful compilation of such an 

 index covering the entire period of the Society's existence would 

 probably cost from $25 to $50. Respectfully submitted, 



Ward T. Bower, 

 Washington, D. C, September 26, 1910. Assistant Secretary. 



President : That part of the report relative to the death 

 of members during the past year will be referred to the 

 Resolutions Committee, which has not yet been appointed. 

 The committee will be asked to present suitable resolutions. 



In connection with the mortality list there were two 

 members with whom I had a long and intimate acquaintance 

 and whose death was to me a deep and personal loss. I 

 refer to the late Secretary, Mr. Peabody, and Mr. J. Frank 

 Ellis, with whom I was associated in the United States Fish 

 Commission nearly thirty years ago. 



Referring to that part of the report about the absence of 

 the Secretary, I would say that we were somewhat handi- 

 capped this year. Our Secretary died, as you know, and 

 the Assistant Secretary, who was in Alaska, placed matters 

 in the hands of Dr. Smith, who in turn was called to Europe. 

 A large part of the Secretary's duties during the summer 

 therefore devolved upon myself although I had very able 

 assistance in the person of Miss Ethel M. Smith, in the office 

 of the Bureau of Fisheries at Washington. 



Do you care to take any action on the recommendations 

 with regard to the seal and certificate of membership? 

 Some members would think a great deal of a certificate 

 showing their membership in the Society. 



Mr. Meehan : Would it not be advisable to turn all 

 these matters over to the Resolutions Committee? I think 



