REPORT 



OF THK 



SECKETAfiT AND LIBRAEIAN, 



FOR THE YEAR 1885. 



Ill presenting to the Society tliis annual rei)ort as Secretary, I 

 rely upon the knowledge and daily observation of its active 

 members as a snpplement to the following snggestious, concern- 

 ing the extent and character of the duties attaching to the office 

 as matters of ordinary routine. 



It will not be unreasonable if we assume that, in general, the 

 Secretary's routine is necessarily extended in like i)roportion 

 with the liroadening scope, and increasing variety, of the work 

 carried on in all departments, — otherwise the neglect would make 

 itself promptly known in vai-ious ways, that seem thus far to have 

 }>een fairly well avoided. 



The Constitution and By Laws set forth the outlines, and also 

 some specific features, of duties to be performed in matters of 

 record, correspondence, and notification, and in the audit and 

 examination of liills contracted. No essential matters of this 

 descrii)tion, it is believed, have suffered from neglect during the 

 year, or now remain seriously in arrears. Yet it is to l)e said that 

 certain matters, whicli have not come into existence all at once, 

 but have grown up l)y degrees, and now appear in the character 

 of important requirements, are at i)resent unfinished, though in a 

 hopeful stage of advancement. 



Of these, one which may be mentioned relates to the List of 

 Annual and Life Members ; forming a part of the Society's 

 annual publications. The Secretary assumes a duty not defined 

 or directly suggested ])y the By Laws (unless under his general 

 responsibility for whatever is pu))lished), in i)ursuing from time to 



