14 



In Icthyology, we have at hand not only the fish of our great 

 inland seas, but the different varieties of the streams which flow into 

 the gulf of Mexico. 



In Botany, the extensive herbarium of the Academy, destroyed 

 in the great fire, the life work of Dr. SCAMMON, and also the collec- 

 tions of our first Vice-President, Professor BABCOCK, bear testimony 

 to the exuberant flora of prairie and forest about us. 



In Ornithology, in addition to the well known proximity of the 

 migratory lines of the vast flocks of waterfowl, as they pass to and 

 fro between their northern and their tropical homes, it may not be 

 generally known that we are located near the base of the triangular 

 forest area, extending from the southern line of our lake basin to a 

 point seventy or eighty miles to the north, which has furnished 

 some of the rarest specimens in this department found in our zone. 

 Indeed the birds of the arctic and tropical regions here meet. I 

 learn from our Secretary that the opportunities for collecting speci- 

 mens of Insect Life about our lake are equally good. 



THE ACADEMY AN EDUCATOR. 



Let it be borne in mind that our Academy is an educational 

 institution, in full sympathy with the schools and colleges about us, 

 and ever ready to aid in any investigations, or to distribute speci- 

 mens from our own collections. Did time permit, it would be stim- 

 ulating to effort to speak of many who are now valuable contributors 

 to scientific knowledge who received their first impulse or guidance 

 within its walls. Our primary object is to encourage thorough 

 scientific study. The Museum of mounted specimens delights the 

 popular eye, but this is not its chief value. Taken in connection 

 with the specimens unmounted and concealed from view, and the 

 Library, it furnishes to the student all appliances necessary for 

 accurate investigation. And it is this close observation and careful 

 comparison which is giving to the study of natural science its right- 

 ful place as a means of mental discipline. My friends, would not 

 this thorough study, were it the rule rather than, as oftentimes, the 

 exception, develop the unity and harmony between all departments 

 of truth ? Should we not hear less of the antagonism between 

 science and revealed religion, did the defenders of each thoroughly 

 investigate and fully comprehend the related truths ? 



