238 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



To this the writer also responds unhesitatingly in the affirmative, sustained by the grat- 

 ifying fact that among the nearest representatives of the great donors may be found those 

 best pleased with all the Society has done. 



For the better understanding, on the part of the members of future generations, of the 

 condition of the affairs of the Society at the present period, it may not be amiss to state 

 concisely what are its possessions, just what it is now doing, with what means, its present 

 needs, and what are the hopes and the aspirations of those who are now its active mem- 

 bers. First then as to its possessions. It owns the building known as the Museum, its 

 cases, furniture, library and the collections contained therein, free from all incumbrance. 

 The value of the building with cases may be estimated at the cost, $150,334.86, as it cer- 

 tainly could not be erected at the present time without a larger expenditure. The money 

 value of the library and collections cannot be given. The former embraces as before 

 stated, over 14,000 volumes and nearly 6000 pamphlets. 



The collections may be said to be of inestimable worth not only to the Society, but to 

 the community, for a considerable portion of unique and type specimens in the several de- 

 partments could never be replaced. There is not on the part of the public an adequate 

 conception of the extent of these collections and of the great importance that they should 

 be properly cared for, scientifically arranged and fully labelled in order that they may con- 

 tinue in all the future to serve as they now do, to help in the education of those who seek 

 to know something of the works of the Great Creator of all things, and who are not able 

 to attend the scientific schools where this knowledge is specifically taught. The following 

 statement will show the magnitude of the cabinet at this period. 



Mineralogical Collection. Unmounted, North America . 800 specimens. 



General collection . . . 5,660 specimens. New England '200 



New England collection . 679 Anatomical Collection. 



Total .... 6,339 Skeletons, preparations and other 



Geological Collection. specimens . 4,153 specimens. 



Catalogued and on exhibition . 3,265 specimens. Microscopical Collection. 



Others yet uncatalosrued . . 1.700 " ., ,, , 



J _J Bailey collection . . . 1,839 specimens. 



Total. . . . . 4,965 " Burnett " 566 



The New England rocks are all included in the R - c - Greenleaf and Dr. A. U. Sinclair 

 1700 yet uncatalogued, and they amount, in round 

 numbers, to 1500 specimens. Rogers collection . 275 



Received from Messrs. A. Hyatt and 

 Palaeontological Collection. ^y_ Q. O sby 114 " 



Europe 13,691 specimens. Received from Mr. E. Samuels 24 



North America, exclusive of New " " others . . 62 " 



England .... 7,678 



South America. -. . . 170 " Total - 3 ' 360 



Asia and Australia . . . 170 " Sponi/es. 



Africa 14 " 



New England 550 " ^ g enera ^ collection not yet in a condition to deter- 



mine number and species ; also a large collection 



Mounted and arranged . . 22,273 " of New England specimens not yet examined. 



