A NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY, 13 



gaged in training the man who is now fitted to render this ser- 

 vice and stands ready to do so. 



In the second place, a full recognition of material obliga- 

 tion and the taking-up of just such practical problems as this 

 will not hinder, but will pave the way for, the more extended 

 investigation of the natural history of our State that we all 

 hope to see accomplished. It is, I am convinced, the part of 

 wisdom to begin our Natural History Survey of Michigan with 

 this great and pressing problem; but no one could think for a 

 moment that it should end there. Here, as elsewhere, means 

 are certain to be forthcoming as it becomes evident that they 

 are deserved, and I believe that we may to-day begin to plan 

 for just such a comprehensive biological survey of the State as 

 would satisfy the most extended and exacting scientific require- 

 ments, assured that in due time we shall have full means for 

 its accomplishment. 



I should hardly think of attempting off-hand to draw up 

 a requisition or to unfold a comprehensive plan for such a sur- 

 vey. But there are certain principles, or facts, that through 

 their inherent reasonableness must, I think, command general 

 assent and upon which we may proceed until we can see 

 further. 



First, there ought to be within the State a collection of 

 books of such extent that the literature of any branch of nat- 

 ural history may be within the reach of specialists, without 

 the necessity of borrowing or undertaking long and expensive 

 journeys. Such collections of books are a necessity, and the 

 development of scientific work in Michigan will be advanced 

 or hindered according as they are or are not provided. We can 

 not have these books in a day; but we can and ought to make 

 their necessity known, and to use every legitimate means to 

 secure them. The State of Minnesota, in connection with its 

 Natural History Survey, appropriates year after year what 

 would seem to us a munificent sum for the purchase of books 

 that go into the University library and there become perman- 

 ently available for purposes of research. 



