Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. 9 



numbei" of members (144) were in arrears for dues. The Treasurer 

 furnished a list of these members and letters were at once sent out 

 over the signature of the President stating the situation and asking for 

 prompt settlement. As a result about 25 members have paid, leaving 

 more than 100 yet to be heard from. Delivery of Transactions was 

 withheld from 17 members who were in arrears for three years or more 

 and their attention called to it in special letters. The names of such 

 members are dropped if payment is not made promptly. 



The Treasurer's report will comment more in detail in regard to 

 the financial situation of the Society. I wish to go on record, however, 

 as of the opinion that while at present we are about $2,000 behind, 

 considering about $1,400 which remains to be replaced in the Permanent 

 Fund, the Society is solvent. But the situation is serious if members 

 do not pay their dues. This is our only source of revenue other than 

 the comparatively small sum derived each year from the sale of Trans- 

 actions. I strongly urge that every member pay his dues promptly. 

 This will enable the Society to get on its feet financially and meet all 

 future obligations. 



Dr. H. M. Smith was appointed by President Leach to represent the 

 American Fisheries Society at the exercises commemorating the 100th 

 anniversary of the birth of Spencer Fullerton Baird, celebrated on Febru- 

 ary 3, 1923. Professor Baird, who was a noted man of the highest 

 scientific attainments, was the creator and first head of the United 

 States Fish Commission, and a prime mover in the establishment of the 

 systematic study and development of the fishery resources of this 

 i-ountry. 



After careful consideration by the President and other members, it 

 was decided that the financial status of the Society would not permit 

 the ofl'ering of any prizes for papers contributed this year. In fact it 

 seemed to be the opinion that prizes should not be again offered until 

 all debts of the Society were paid off and the Permanent Fund fully 

 restored, all income from that fund in the meantime to be applied to the 

 reduction of the debt. Thereafter the Society should adopt the policy 

 of not offering annual prizes which amount to more than the total in- 

 come from the Permanent Fund in any one year. 



Under date of July 30, the President issued a circular letter of 

 information in regard to plans for the St. Louis meeting and urging 

 attendance of all members possible. 



Since the last meeting 11 members have died and there have been a 

 iew resignations. A number have also been dropped for non-payment 

 of dues and other reasons. The present membership of the Society is 

 as follows: Honorary, 63; corresponding, 12; patrons, 53; active, 576; 

 total 704. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Ward T. Bower, 



Executive Secretary. 



