REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES. O 



It is confidently hoped that an edifice worthy of such an exhi- 

 bition will by that time be completed; so that, if not sooner, it 

 may then be fitly inaugurated. 



During the year the Institute, after long and patient delibera- 

 tion, adopted a new code of by-laws, Avhich seems to be well 

 adapted to its enlarged sphere of operations, tending to promote 

 harmony and efiiciency, and at the same 'time to aid the members 

 of the several standing committees in the discharge of the various 

 duties which this code imposes. 



The Board of Trustees refers with much pleasure and satisfac- 

 tion to the report of the Agricultural Committee and Polytechnic 

 Association. 



If the valuable information disseminated by them in their weekly 

 meetings were confined simply to their om'u members, it would 

 richly compensate for the eflbrts put into execution to sustain these 

 associations. But when it is remembered that their proceedings 

 are published weekly, and receive a large and wide circulation, it 

 is a matter of great congratulation that so many members of the 

 Institute are found who freely devote their time and efibrts to send 

 broadcast throughout our country so large an amount of valuable 

 and useful knowledge. 



The other active standing committees will report the results of 

 their operations, to which reference is made for a detailed view of 

 all movements of the Institute for the year now about closing. 

 As one evidence of its prosperity, it seems proper to state that 

 260 new members have been received since the last annutil report. 



The volume of Transactions for ^865 and '6 has been received, 

 and is ready for distribution to the members. It possesses the 

 same high character of its late predecessors. It is worthy of 

 recognition, that the last Legislature awarded to the Institute one 

 thousand volumes, which is a much greater number than any pre- 

 vious edition. 



The hope is indulged by the Trustees that the Institute will, at 

 no distant day, inaugurate a series of lectures of a high order on 

 scientific subjects for the benefit of the masses. Such a course 

 will doubtless exert an influence of incalculable interest, and is 

 recommended to the serious consideration of the Institute for its 

 adoption. 



In the progress of events, the time seems to have arrived when 

 our Institute should vigorously strive to accomplish larger results 

 than have heretofore been arrived at. Desirino- encouraofemeut 



