THE NAUTILUS. 95 
who invited several of his brother conchologists to meet at his board 
to discuss the outlook. 
As some readers are not aware of the circumstances, it may be well 
to state that the Association was originated in 1890, for the purpose 
of encouraging and advancing conchological study in America by 
concerted effort and mutual assistance. It rapidly attained a much 
larger membership than its originators had anticipated ; and the cor- 
respondence of the President and other officers became so large as to 
be a serious burden. Moreover, the original articles or “ constitu- 
tion” stated that there were to be no membership dues, so that the 
expense to the officers named for postage, ete., was not inconsider- 
able. 
Although the pages of the Nauriius were freely used for Associa- 
tion communications, it was found necessary to print lists of the 
members, their addresses and specialties, for general use. This 
expense was met by the officers on the first occasion, and the second 
list was printed by generous subscriptions from various members 
throughout the country. 
These conditions, together with business engagements and ill 
health which prevented the first President of the Association from 
continuing to give his time in the generous measure required, led 
to the present inactive condition of the Association. 
So much for the past. With these conditions in view, it was the un- 
animous judgment of the assembled conchologists that “ Rule 3” of 
the former by-laws should be stricken out, and an annual member- 
ship fee of (say) $1.00 be fixed, to defray expenses of the Association, 
such as postage, printing of Reports, to contain lists of members, 
Treasurers’ statements, and information useful to the membership at 
large. 
Should this meet with the approval of the members, it will be 
necessary to elect a Treasurer, not originally provided for by the 
rules. It is believed that these modifications, by providing ample 
means for communication between members, will lead to a renewed 
and healthy growth of the Association. 
All members of the Association are requested to consider the con- 
ditions above set forth, and freely submit their views thereon to the 
Secretary, (Charles W. Johnson, Wagner Free Institute of Science, 
Philadelphia), who will report the same at a meeting of the Associa- 
tion to be held at the call of the officers, date to be announced here- 
after, to pass upon these amendments to the Rules. It is desired 
