304 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



the exception of some additions to the library, remain as at 

 date of last annual report. 



The Trustees regret that they have not yet been in a po- 

 sition to pat in execution a proper plan for the better pres- 

 ervation and care of its large museum; the difficulties have 

 been grave, and in view of many legal doubts, they have 

 felt themselves warranted in proceeding with care before 

 incurring serious liability. 



Through the careful investigations we have made of the 

 legal conditions surrounding our property and bequests, we 

 are gradually eliminating doubtful questions, and shall feel 

 that we have left to our successors in office much valuable 

 information, which will simplify their labors materially. 



REPORT OF THE PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE. 



The Prudential Committee of the Board of Trustees, in 

 view of the importance of the affairs intrusted to them by 

 the By-Laws of this Academy, considers it to be its duty to 

 give a resume and account of its acts during its term of 

 office to this Board of Trustees. 



Two very important matters have been the main object of 

 its care, viz. : 1st. The improvement of the valuable lot on 

 Market street, given by the late James Lick to this Academy, 

 with the view to provide a home for the Academy and at 

 the same time derive a permanent revenue; 2d. The settle- 

 ment of all differences between this Academy and the Board 

 of Supervisors in regard to the lot on First Avenue near 

 Point Lobos Avenue. 



Soon after the organization of this committee its chair- 

 man gave notice and afterwards moved that this Academy 

 proceed at once to build a suitable building on its lot on 

 Market street. The Council of this Academy soon after 

 transmitted to this Board of Trustees a communication to 

 the same effect, and, finally, the Academy at large, at a 

 special meeting, called for the purpose, passed resolutions 

 in favor of erecting, as soon as possible, a proper building 



