American Fisheries Society. 15 
Motion seconded and carried. 
The chair appointed Mr. Boardman of Rhode Island, Mr. 
Evans of Pennslyvania, Mr. Carter of Vermont, as members of 
the committee on resolutions. 
The secretary then submitted the following correspondence 
to the society: 
Washington, D. C., June 4, 1904. 
Mr. George F. Peabody, Appleton, Wisconsin: 
Dear Mr. Peabody:—I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of the first with reference to the meeting of the American 
Fisheries Society at Atlantic City on the 26th, 27th and 28th. Noth- 
ing would give me greater pleasure than to read a paper as de- 
scribed, but I am afraid that even if this subject had not been 
thrashed threadbare by the newspapers and magazines, I would not 
have the time to do so. I have already prepared and have published 
in the souvenir guide of the Government Board, a very complete 
description of the exhibit and its objects, so that I am afraid that I 
should simply have to read what the members of the society have 
seen in half a dozen places already. 
Do not put me down for the paper, but if I can attend and have 
the time I shall be very glad to help you out. I am sending you 
under separate cover a copy of the guide referred to. 
Am very anxious to attend the meeting at Atlantic City, as I 
enjoy the meetings greatly, but my position here is a peculiar one. 
I am employed in the Smithsonian Institution and have charge of 
the Fish Commission exhibit at St. Louis, Missouri. Consequently, 
as I am obliged to be in St. Louis a certain limited extent of time I 
do not absent myself from this office unless it is absolutely neces- 
sary during the present year. Very sincerely, 
W. DE C. RAVENEL, Corresponding Secretary. 
Toronto, June 6, 1904. 
George F.. Peabody, Esq., Appleton, Wisconsin: 
Dear Sir:—I have your letter of the 2nd, suggesting that I pre- 
pare a paper for the next meeting of the Society. I have just re- 
turned to the office after a rather severe illness of one month, and I 
have not much energy for anything of the kind; but I am picking up, 
and perhaps I will in the course of a day or two feel like writing 
something. In that case I will let you know. The Association meets 
at a period of the year when I am sojourning with my family in the 
