ANNUAL REPORTS. 33 



conclude that the letter has been lost in the mails, and 

 write again. 



These annual reports should never be hastily pre- 

 pared, nor deferred until the latest possible moment. 

 Each chapter has, once a year, a fair chance to set forth 

 its work and its results. A careless secretary may injure 

 the standing of an excellent chapter. Most of the reports 

 sent us are admirable, and show conscientious prepara- 

 tion. 



In response to numerous inquiries as to the nature of 

 the reports desired, we will say: 



First, we wish some kind of report from every chapter. 

 Even if you send only six words on a postal card, it will 

 suffice to advise the Association of your existence and 

 address. If you can say only, "Chapter 993 still lives!" 

 that is infinitely better than no report. Even if you 

 should be obliged to report, "Chapter Blank is dead," the 

 communication of the intelligence, unfortunate as it 

 would be, would save the rest of us much uncertainty, 

 confusion, labor, and expense. 



Second, the annual report should contain a complete 

 list of all changes in membership that may have occurred 

 since your latest report. 



Third, the annual report should give a brief summary 

 of the year's work, number of meetings held, excursions 

 made, entertainments given, special plans executed. 



Fourth, the annual report should contain a brief ac- 

 count of the most interesting facts learned during the 

 year by the personal observation of the chapter or any 

 of its members. This is the point most frequently over- 

 looked, yet it is second to none in importance. No society 

 can work faithfully for a year without learning some- 

 thing which has interested its members, and which must, 

 therefore, prove of interest to the Association at large- We 



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