SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 37 



The acceptance of the trust on behalf of the Zoological Society 

 was made by Professor Henry Fairfield Osborn, Chairman of the 

 Executive Committee and Vice-President of the Society, as fol- 

 lows : 



Commissioner Willcox and Gentlemen : 



The Aquarium has always been a very popular institution with 

 the people of this city. It will be the chief aim of the Zoological 

 Society to make it even more so. We have chosen as director Mr. 

 Charles H. Townsend, widely known for his services in the 

 United States Fish Commission ; and the fact that a man of his 

 character and scientific reputation accepts this position signalizes 

 our determination to increase not only the attractiveness but the 

 educational value of the Aquarium to the masses of the people 

 who visit it. It is a legitimate use of municipal funds to bring the 

 beauties and adaptations of nature within reach of those who have 

 not the means or opportunity of going to nature. Mr. Townsend 

 will have full authority here ; but we are fortunate in associating 

 with him as an advisory board a number of experts in marine life, 

 including Professor Charles L. Bristol, of the New York Univer- 

 sity ; Dr. Alfred G. Mayer, of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and 

 Sciences; Professor Bashford Dean, of Columbia University; 

 R. M. Shurtlefif, and William E. Damon. These are men who 

 have, like the Director, traveled far and wide, and whose knowl- 

 edge of the sea life has been by direct experience and observation. 

 The Society did not seek the care of this Aquarium ; Park Com- 

 missioner Willcox was the first to suggest it. But we appreciate 

 this transfer as a sign of approval on the part of the City of our 

 management of the Zoological Park. We consider it a public 

 trust and W'ill endeavor in every way to promote the best interests 

 of the City. Mr. Willcox and Mr. Madison Grant, our Secretary, 

 are to be chiefly credited with the preparation of the formal details 

 of agreement. What is needed for the future success of this insti- 

 tution is the spirit of good citizenship, in the co-operation of the 

 Society with the City, and of pride in giving this great City of 

 New York the same eminence in science and education as that 

 which it now enjoys in commerce. 



A very careful agreement was drawn up between the City and 

 the Society, defining the relations and providing for the absolute 

 control and management of the Aquarmm by the Society, and for 

 the adequate support of the institution itself and for the exten- 

 sion of the collections bv the Citv. 



