626 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



To these seven gentlemen we have entrusted the collection and disburse- 

 ment of onr funds. All of them are actively engaged in business, and it 

 often happens that, in attending the meetings of the board, their business 

 has suffered; yet the society has no cause for complaint that its interests 

 have suffered from neglect. With a true appreciation of the needs of the 

 Academy, they have ever been ready to respond to the request, from the 

 Council, for funds needful for the prosecution of our work. 



The Council have ever been prompt to answer all calls upon them in the 

 furtherance of the varied work of the society; and it is pleasant to observe 

 how quietly and harmoniously the two bodies have worked together for 

 the best results. The progress of the life of the institution has been vin- 

 broken; mainly owing to the fact that its officers have ever been in ac- 

 cord. Such harmonious action of the governing boards is all the more 

 gratifying to those who look back, with a full recollection, to the discus- 

 sions and misunderstandings of a few years since. With a due regard to 

 the past and a hopeful outlook toward the future, all have worked together 

 unselfishly and harmoniously for the best interests of all. 



The Academy has grown bj' the most natural development, and what 

 the present is beginning to realize is but the fulfillment of the dreams and 

 hopes of the more distant past. It is to the President of the society a 

 matter not only of satisfaction, but of grateful acknowledgment, that the 

 kindly fellowship existing between the two boards of guardians, becomes 

 more and more apparent as time progresses. 



In his inaugural address, which the President presented to the society 

 after his entrance upon his official duties, m 1887, he used the following 

 words with reference to the peculiar circumstances of the moment: 



"The life and usefulness of a scientific society depends upon the activity 

 of its members, and its publications." 



That the members of the society have been fully aware of the necessity 

 for constant and unremitting work, the years which have intervened since- 

 those words were written will bear witness; as manifested in renewed ac- 

 tivity in the various departments of scientific work, as well as in the 

 volume of our publications. 



Increasing interest in the Museum is shown by a marked increase in 

 the number of visitors during the past year. This fact alone is a source 

 of gratification to the members; for it is proven that, as a means of edu- 

 cation, the museum is not only useful but economical. 



The belief in its importance in the education of the pupils in our 

 public schools has been fully realized in the past; and it should be the 

 duty and the pleasure of our members to assist the young in every man- 

 ner possible in their endeavor to acquire information within the precincts 

 of our Academy. 



The Trustees, at an early day, made provision for the young and for the 

 laborer, by granting free access to the museum, not only upon week days^ 



