Sioux City Academy of Science and Letters. 



INTRODUCTION 



BY THE EDITOR. 



Two years ago it was determined by the Sioux City 

 Academy of Science and Letters to publish its first 

 volume of proceedings with some of the papers which 

 had been read at its meetings. But at once the ques- 

 tion of finances became the important one. With a 

 comparatively small membership and low dues our reg- 

 ular income did not much exceed our necessary current 

 expenses. But as it was known that the Academy desired 

 to publish its first book, financial help was offered us 

 both by our members and friends, and the first volume 

 was given to the public. Its reception by our local 

 friends, and other scientific societies with whom we 

 have exchanged, was very cordial, and we received many 

 compliments from the press in all parts of the country. 

 One of the comments most valued by the members of 

 the Academy was that our work was so largely local. 

 We have studied and written upon the subjects that 

 were nearest to us; those that we were best acquainted 

 with. In this, our second volume, w^e have endeavored 

 to follow the same course, believing that every such 

 society can do its best and most useful work on sub- 

 jects in its own locality. 



When the first volume was published, the members 

 of the Academy hoped to be able to follow it up with 

 succeeding numbers at intervals of two years. As with 

 the first volume, the question of finances was the most 

 important and hardest to be overcome, so it was with 

 this, the second. But here again our way has been made 

 smooth for us. A kind friend said to us: "Go ahead 

 with the book and I will see to it that the money will 

 be ready when it is needed." This kind friend is Mrs. 



