and preparation of the Fifieth Anniversary volume of the Transactions has 

 constituted a very important feature of the work of the Executive 

 Secretary. Preliminary to this undertaking much careful consideration 

 was given to the desirability of resuming the practice in effect prior to 1914 

 of publishing the Transactions in one volume instead of quarterly issues. 

 One volume seemed desirable both upon the grounds of economy and con- 

 venience. Investigation showed that it could be issued cheaper than the 

 quarterlies, notwithstanding its inadmissibility at the low second class 

 mail rate. Also it appeared that there was dissatisfaction with the 

 quarterlies because of the greater chance of their becoming misplaced and 

 causing incomplete sets. So with the approval of officers of the Society one 

 volume was decided ui)on. This course has met with hearty endorsement. 



Bids were solicited for printing, and the offer of the W. F. Roberts 

 Company, Washington, D. C, was accepted, this firm's quotation of $3.45 

 per page plus certain extras being lowest. The volume aggregates 446 

 pages and contains the business proceedings and 34 papers. With the 

 exception of the slightly larger 1910 issue, this volume is much larger than 

 any other. The total cost of printing the edition of 750 copies was $1,991.15, 

 or about $2.65 per copy. It was decided to sell copies for $3.00 each, 

 postage included. 



AU of the back numbers of the Transactions are now in the custody of 

 the Executive Secretary. Since the last meeting those in the possession of 

 Dr. C. H. Townsend, former corresponding secretary, and Dr. Raymond C 

 Osburn, former executive secretary, have been received. There are 

 approximately 3,300 copies on hand, including the quarterlies for the six 

 years of their publication. Back numbers for 25 years are available for 

 sale. This is not for the last 25 years, as there are no copies for 1899, 

 1903, and 1905. Since the last meeting, Transactions to the value of about 

 $200 have been sold. 



At the last annual meeting the Treasurer pointed out the urgent need 

 of increased revenue, and showed that the Society could not, as things 

 were going, continue to meet its obligations without increasing the dues 

 or taking other appropriate action. While his report indicated an apparent 

 balance of about $260 on the right side of the ledger, as a matter of fact 

 the Society was then in a state of deficiency as bills for printing the 

 previous year's Transactions had not been paid. All of this was known 

 when the Fiftieth Anniversary volume was issued, but as was pointed out 

 by certain members of the Society, the printed Transactions constitute 

 the permanent record of real work and reflect the Society's standing and 

 importance, therefore they did not deem it expedient to curtail or delay 

 the issuance of a volume in keeping with the objects and purposes of the 

 organization. Publication of the Anniversary number of the Transactions 

 was accordingly undertaken in the knowledge that a deficit would be 

 created. Inasmuch as practically the entire current fund was absorbed in 

 the payment of back bills and running expenses other than printing the 

 Fiftieth Anniversary volume, it was decided, with the approval of officers 

 of the Society, to borrow about $2,000 from the Permanent Fund to pay 

 for this volume, with the distinct understanding that the Fund would be 

 reimbursed, with interest at 4 per cent per annum. The Permanent Fund 

 has been drawing interest at 4 per cent, and as reimbursement is to be 



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