On 
6 
map, but as both are merely meant to’ resolution: 
indicate in a general way what is de- 
sirable, these discrepancies can be read- 
ily harmonized when exact boundaries, 
in accordance with careful surveys, have 
been determined. 
Of special concern to the Natural 
Science Association are those areas 
within which are included many of our 
most striking natural or most interest- 
ing historical features. The former 
will probably be retained anyway, in 
any system which may be adopted, be- 
cause they appeal to even the most 
superficial observer, irrespective of 
local interests, but the latter must look 
for protecticn to those who are specially 
alive to their importance for purely 
sentimental reasons and from feelings 
of local pride. 
Amongst these historical features may 
be mentioned the Billepp Hceuse at Tot- 
tenville and the old British forts on the 
Low and Herpich properties at New 
Brighton and on Richmond Hill. It is 
certainly our special privilege to call 
attention to the advisability of having 
these included within any park system 
which the authorities may finaily decide 
upon and to endeavor to arouse a general 
public sentiment in favor of this par- 
ticular phase of the movement. 
It may be remembered that our former 
president, Mr. Walter C. Kerr, made an 
urgent and eloquent appeal for public 
parks at our meeting of June Sth, 1895, 
and his address on the subject was 
printed in our Proceedings of that date. 
A committee was appointed and ccn- 
siderable work was done in the directicn 
of arousing public interest in the mat- 
ter. Shortly after this, however, the 
Chamber of Commerce was organized 
and Mr. Kerr suggested that it would 
be the proper body to take general 
charge of the matter. In accordance 
with this suggestion, on Nov. 14, 1896, 
the Association adopted the following 
“‘ Resolved: that this Association ex- 
press its approval of the resolution sub- 
stantially as printed in the notice of the 
meeting dated Nov. 12th, 1896, of the 
Chamber of Commerce, and that it ten- 
der its co-operation in the furtherance 
of the desired end.’’ 
It is therefore not only proper that 
we should assist this latest movement in 
any way which we may, but we are al- 
ready pledged to do so. 
Incidentally it may be remarked that. 
our secretary is president of the Rich- 
mond County Park Commission, which 
is engaged in laying out Silver Lake 
Park, and Mr. Kerr is one of the Com- 
missioners, while on the Park Commit- 
tee of the Chamber of Commerce our 
Association is represented by Mr. Wm. — 
T. Davis, Mr. John M. Carrere, Mr. 
E. J. Wheeler and Mr. A. K. Johnston, 
besides, 
Mr. Louis L. Tribus. 
The paper was discussed and the 
following resolutions were adopted : 
Resolved: that this Association re- 
news it’s tender of co-operation of No- 
vember 14th, -1895, with the Staten 
Island Chamber of Commerce, in con- 
nection with the effort to secure a park 
system for Staten Island, and, 
Resolved: that this Association re- 
quest the Chamber of Commerce to make 
special effort tohave the Billopp House 
at Tottenville and the old British forts 
atNew Brighton and Richmond included 
in the suggested park system, and, 
Resolved: that the president appoint 
a committee of three members to sign 
and transmit a copy of these resolutions 
to the Chamber of Commerce, or to at- 
tend any meeting of the Chamber. 
which may be called to discuss park 
matters, and present the same in 
person. 
The president appointed Mr. John 
DeMorgan, Mr. Fred. F. Hunt and 
Mr. Geo. S. Humphrey as such com- 
mittee. 
Mr. Sanderson Smith read an article 
on the Billopp House and its preposed 
as ex-ofilcio members, Hon. _ 
Geo. Cromwell, Dr. Arthur Hollick and — 
. 
