xxvu 



ledg-e of g-lacial conditions, and which are now reg:arded as valuable and 

 maj' in time become exceedingly valuable in g^eological records. 



We have found new plants and insects that never before were found, 

 not merely on Staten Island, but anywhere in the world. We have 

 found some causes for various scientific phenomena, which are of 

 interest and may be valuable; and we have preserved the flora and 

 fauna of this locality in such a manner as will possess the greatest in- 

 terest when the hand of civilization has done her work by sweeping 

 from the face of this region all that nature intended it to hold. 



Many have an impression that the making of such collections is 

 merely a gratification of curiosity — a desire to collect and see things 

 stand in cases. This is a very poor comprehension of what such col- 

 lections stand for. Long years hence, centuries, perhaps tens of 

 centuries, there will be races of which we have never heard, who will 

 place a proper value upon the diligence and care which a few men gave 

 to the proper preservation of the history of the rocks, the woods and 

 the fields, and from these records, made in material and in print, de- 

 ductions will be drawn that will be of the greatest value and most 

 intense interest to those who are called upon to solve problems in which 

 all these things are testimony, sometimes proof. 



It is therefore with great pleasure that I speak for this Association of 

 Arts and Sciences, evolved from the old Natural Science Association; to 

 commend to your best consideration and support the perpetuation of 

 this activity throughout the many years during which its opportunity 

 can yet be effective. 



When all of the field work shall have been done, it will remain only 

 to preserve and guard the records. There is room for at least another 

 twenty-five years of endeavor, and I take pride in delivering to those 

 who follow, the keeping of the records, the motives, and the sentiment 

 of the past. 



