ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY 



Report of the President 



Evidence is not lacking of vigor of interest and ac- 

 tivity in our membership. Indeed, I am convinced 

 that this Society is possessed of a vitality which prom- 

 ises well for the future. Our members are individually 

 interested in some phase of fern study or observation, 

 many of them keenly, actively, and fruitfully. Doubt- 

 less it remains for many of us to discover the advantages 

 which may be given or received through an association 

 of more than a quarter of a thousand men and women 

 scattered over our own and other countries, and I 

 believe that we would do well in developing the fraternal 

 spirit to a greater degree. At another time* I took 

 occasion to offer some suggestions which, if acted upon, 

 would in my opinion render membership more enjoy- 

 able and profitable. I venture to hope that those 

 suggestions may still have value. 



Doubtless, the most tangible evidence of the Society's 

 activity is to be found in its Journal. This evidence 

 is very real, and is a good demonstration of what can 

 be done when there are those who are sufficiently inter- 

 ested and competent to put themselves to a specific 

 task. The present arrangement providing for a " Busi- 

 ness Manager" seems as effective as it is desirable. We 

 are fortunate in having among our members those 

 who, in addition to already exacting demands upon 

 them, are willing to devote the necessary time and 

 energy to the production of a periodical which so credit- 

 ably reflects what the Society stands for. ' These gen- 

 tlemen merit the commendation and co-operation which 



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