132 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



supplied with the uniform system of labelling lately adopted, the Museum is in much 

 better order and in a much safer condition than it has been at any time since our removal 

 to this building. The Library has increased, and the lectures have proved a success, but 

 in our publications and in the interest of our meetings, we have sadly fallen off." 



The Custodian further remarked upon the great importance of the publications of the 

 Society as a means through which the researches of the members might be promptly 

 made known, and the fame which it has fairly won at home and abroad be sustained. 



In relation to the Museum, after mentioning its large collections, he expressed the view 

 that, with some exceptions, they embraced sufficient for all the purposes of the Society. 

 That its principal aim should not be to sustain a great museum or an industrial one, but 

 rather seek to maintain first, a popular educational one, in which all and none but the 

 characteristic forms of life and inorganic nature should be displayed, and second, a com- 

 plete local collection, restricted at widest to our New England flora and fauna. To effect 

 this, it was important that more skilled labor should be regularly employed, and a man of 

 broad scientific culture placed at the head of the Museum, with its interests alone in 

 charge. 



The Custodian then spoke of his endeavors to faithfully perform the duties of his office, 

 and expressed warmly his appreciation of the devotedness of those who had been engaged 

 to assist him in the various departments of the Society's operations. 



Upon motion of Mr. F. W. Putnam, who thought something more was due the retiring 

 Custodian than a simple vote of thanks for his services, it was unanimously voted that the 

 rules be suspended and Mr. Scudder be made a Life Member of the Society. 



The Treasurer's report showed, including all sources of income available for general pur- 

 poses, a balance of receipts over expenditures, of $ 160.49. 



The Prize Committee reported through Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, that only one essay had 

 been offered in competition for this year's prize, and this was not deemed worthy of it. 

 They announced for the subject of the prize for 1872, "The Darwinian question ; its bear- 

 ings on the development of animal life." 



Letters from the President, Dr. Jeffries Wyman, at this time in Europe, positively declin- 

 ing to be a candidate for the office so long held by him, had been received. The Nomina- 

 ting Committee however, thinking that he might be induced again to accept the position, 

 asked further time for consideration before any action was taken in electing a President. 

 They also asked further time before presenting names for the Committees on the depart- 

 ments of Mammals and Comparative Anatomy, as the Council had, but a few hours before 

 the meeting, divided the department of Comparative Anatomy, which before embraced 

 Mammals, into two departments. They likewise asked further time before nominating the 

 Committee for the department of Microscopy. 



The list of officers proposed by them was then presented, the Rev. Joshua A. Swan 

 being named as the successor to Mr. S. H. Scudder, for the positions of Custodian, Librarian 

 and Recording Secretary. A strong objection was made to the nominee for the former 

 office, many present favoring the election of Mr. Alpheus Hyatt. A prolonged and very 

 earnest discussion followed, the whole policy of the Society and the comparative merits of 

 the two persons mentioned for the position being ably presented. Those who participated 

 in the discussion were N. S. Shaler, J. B. S. Jackson, J. C. White, E. S. Morse. R. C. 



